The Cottonwood Militia

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The Cottonwood Militia, also known as the Cottonwood Minutemen and  California State Militia Alpha Company, a paramilitary group based in Shasta County, California, has emerged as a significant player in the socio-political landscape of Shasta and the surrounding counties. 

The Cottonwood Militia emerged as a controversial group founded by Paul “Woody” Clendenen in the wake of President Barack Obama’s election in 2008. In the eyes of the residents who joined Clendenen at the time, their liberties appeared to be under siege, fueled by a troubling blend of fear-mongering tactics and right-wing political propaganda that permeated the community. 

Clendenen quickly became the charismatic figurehead of this militia, passionately mobilizing individuals who felt an urgent need to defend themselves against what they perceived as encroaching government overreach. Under his leadership, the Cottonwood Militia has organized extensive training exercises, amassing thousands of recruits who share a misguided common belief in their cause. Their gatherings often revolve around rigorous training in the use of firearms, but they also delve into fervent discussions about constitutional rights, which frequently lack factual foundations, substantiated evidence, or judicial context. Instead, these discussions tend to promote a divisive and hateful ideology reminiscent of the rhetoric often associated with Donald Trump. By relying heavily on fear-mongering and extremist narratives, the militia fosters a deceptive sense of unity among its members, creating an environment that thrives on hate, violence, mistrust, and animosity toward perceived threats. 

The militia's ideology is heavily influenced by MAGA, Donald Trump, and the State of Jefferson movement, which advocates for the secession of Northern California and Southern Oregon from their respective states to form a new state. The State of Jefferson movement is characterized by agrarianism, conservative values, and a strong emphasis on individual liberties. The Cottonwood Militia has positioned itself as a defender of these values, often framing its activities as necessary for protecting local communities against government overreach. They claim they are patriots. However, Shasta Exposed, as well as military experts and academic scholars, believe they are the farthest thing from patriots.  

Clendenen serves as the commander of the Cottonwood Militia, and his leadership has been instrumental in shaping the group's direction and activities. Clendenen's propaganda and rhetoric often emphasize a distrust of government and a belief in the necessity of armed self-defense. Other notable members include local figures who have expressed support for the militia's activities, such as former Shasta County Supervisors Patrick Jones and Supervisor Chris Kelstrom, who NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for their tacit endorsement of the militia's presence and activities in the community. Additional members to note are: Randy Hubbard, Todd Hambly, John Laws, Ralph Powers, and the infamous hard-right extremist Carlos "blood in the streets" Zapata.

The militia's membership is diverse, comprising individuals from various backgrounds who share a common belief in the need for self-defense and preparedness. In an interview, Clendenen mentioned that the militia consists of men who have served in different military branches, with some having experience working for private military security firms. Clendenen said these men help lead training sessions for militia members. However, this diversity also raises concerns about the potential for radicalization, as the militia's activities attract individuals with extremist views. The militia also has a history of targeting, radicalizing, and grooming children for their extremist cause. 

The relationship between the Cottonwood Militia and the Proud Boys is more complex than it may seem at first glance. This connection dates back to the founding of the militia. 

In June of 2016, Ralph Powers attended the speech given by Trump at the Redding Airport. Powers had his picture taken with far-right extremist Joe Biggs at the event. Biggs is a leader of the Proud Boys. Biggs was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role in the 2021 U.S. Capitol Attack. Trump pardoned him upon returning to office. 

In May 2021, Zapata and two of his associates were involved in an attack on a resident of Redding who was exercising his First Amendment right to freedom of speech and expression on social media. At Zapata's indictment, a demonstration, organized with Clendenen's assistance, was attended by the Proud Boys to show their support. As the arraignment went on inside the courtroom, members of the Cottonwood Militia and the Proud Boys engaged in conversation and laughter outside the Shasta County Superior Courthouse. Later that day, Zapata referred to the Proud Boys as "good men" on social media. 

Not long before Zapata's arraignment, a BLM poster that was displayed in the window of Wild Oak, a gift shop located in downtown Red Bluff and a two-minute walk from Zapata's Palomino Room, was vandalized with a sticker that read "State of Jefferson Proud Boys."

Read the Southern Poverty Law Center's information on the Proud Boys here.

Here is a quick breakdown of some other unsettling and disturbing events and behaviors:

• Militia members repeatedly show up at Shasta County Board of Supervisor meetings, with the intent to instill fear and apprehension among residents and opposition. 
• During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the militia distributed posters threatening resistance to business closures.
• Members were reported to be making threatening statements against local government officials and the media, and have used online platforms to target elected leaders and those they perceived as "snitches" reporting on businesses violating COVID-19 restrictions.
• One member, Carlos Zapata, reportedly warned at a supervisor's meeting that it wouldn't be peaceful for much longer if pandemic restrictions weren't lifted, saying "Good citizens are going to turn into real concerned and revolutionary citizens real soon."
• In May 2021, an incident at a restaurant involved Carlos Zapata and a Black Lives Matter activist. Zapata allegedly threw a drink at the activist, and two associates of Zapata allegedly assaulted the activist, causing a black eye, according to police and those involved.
• Some militia members, including founder Woody Clendenen, attended peaceful George Floyd protests carrying concealed firearms, which reportedly unnerved participants.
• The militia fervently supported a recall initiative targeting Shasta County supervisors who had endorsed pandemic health orders, seeking to overturn their decisions and restore what THEY viewed as personal freedoms in the community. Their views were not based on medicine or science.
• Leaders of the recall movement, with whom the militia was associated, went to lengths to portray their initiative as a model for other groups across the country, potentially inspiring similar actions elsewhere. 

The Cottonwood Militia has been linked to several incidents of violence, intimidation, and harassment, raising alarms about its impact on community safety. The previous Shasta County Board of Supervisors were criticized by many residents, particularly militia members, for not going to war with the state over the emergency pandemic mandates imposed by Governor Gavin Newsom in the spring of 2020. Supervisors Rickert, Baugh, and Moty were subjected to unrelenting death threats and other forms of abuse regularly and were repeatedly referred to as "communists" during county meetings. 

Dr. Karen Ramstrom, former Health Officer for Shasta County, faced backlash for enforcing COVID-19 health guidelines (her job!). This backlash included harassment and threats from community members, particularly those in the Cottonwood Militia (See the video of Carlos Zapata). The Cottonwood Militia did not believe COVID-19 posed a serious threat and viewed health restrictions as infringements on their freedoms. And Ramstrom was not the only County Health Official who was targeted. County CEO Matt Pontes and County Counsel Rubin Cruse were also targets. In fact, County CEO Pontes released a statement alleging that he faced blackmail from Supervisor Patrick Jones, who tried to force Pontes to resign by threatening to reveal his criminal history, which includes a charge of felony theft from almost thirty years ago. Pontes had disclosed this prior to being hired by the county. To clarify, Patrick Jones was deliberately installed on the Board of Supervisors by the Cottonwood militia due to his steadfast allegiance and active partnership with this extremist militia group.  

Another incident involved a confrontation between militia members and local law enforcement during a routine traffic stop of a random person. Militia members, believing that the police were overstepping their authority, intervened and attempted to assert their own version of law enforcement. This incident highlighted the militia's willingness to challenge established authority and their propensity for violence. 

These incidents are not isolated; they reflect a broader pattern of behavior among militia groups across the United States, where armed confrontations with law enforcement and community members have become increasingly common. The Cottonwood Militia's actions contribute to a climate of fear and division within the community, undermining social cohesion and trust.

The existence of the Cottonwood Militia poses a significant threat to both community safety and democratic values in Shasta County. The militia's activities foster an environment of fear and intimidation, particularly for marginalized groups who may feel targeted by the militia's rhetoric and actions. The presence of armed individuals in public spaces has deterred community engagement and participation, as residents feel unsafe expressing their views or participating in civic activities. Residents are voicing their concerns about the risks of displaying bumper stickers on their cars or yard signs on their front lawns, fearing retaliation from right-wing extremists in the county. 

Moreover, the militia's challenge to established authority undermines the rule of law and democratic governance. The Cottonwood Militia grossly overstepped their authority when they chose to act as a policing agent at a peaceful protest honoring George Floyd. Their actions violated the rights enshrined in the law, yet Shasta County law officials failed to hold them accountable. This negligence is especially concerning given that many militia members admitted to carrying loaded weapons. By positioning itself as an alternative source of authority, the Cottonwood Militia erodes trust in local law enforcement and government institutions. This erosion of trust can lead to a breakdown in social order, as individuals may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands rather than relying on established legal frameworks.

The militia's extremist ideologies also pose a danger to democratic principles. By promoting a worldview that is fundamentally anti-government and exclusionary, the Cottonwood Militia undermines the values of inclusivity and cooperation that are essential for a functioning democracy. The group's activities polarize communities, creating divisions that hinder constructive dialogue and collaboration. Furthermore, the presence of far-right militia members within the local government (Kelstrom in particular) poses a significant threat to the fundamental principle of governance, which is meant to reflect the will of the people. This situation can lead to a troubling conflict between the collective interests of the community and the personal or political agendas of these individuals. Such a dynamic not only undermines democratic values but also jeopardizes the integrity of decision-making processes that should prioritize the needs and desires of the populace over individual ambitions. Throughout numerous instances, the Shasta County Board of Supervisors has made decisions that raise eyebrows and spark concern. Their votes often seem to serve their own interests and align closely with the desires of the Cottonwood militia, rather than addressing the needs and welfare of the community they are meant to represent. This pattern of behavior is unacceptable.

What is even more troubling is the alarming involvement of local law enforcement with the Cottonwood Militia. This disturbing alliance complicates efforts to hold militia members accountable for their unlawful actions, creating fear and mistrust in the community. Redding Guns LLC is owned by Tyler Thompson, a lieutenant in the Shasta County Sheriff’s Department, and was once managed by former District 4 County Supervisor Patrick Jones. In 2021, an ANewsCafe article reported unsettling information about law enforcement:

• Connections to Extremist Groups: Reports indicate that a lieutenant in the sheriff's department owns a gun shop selling merchandise associated with far-right movements like the Cottonwood Militia, the State of Jefferson, and the Proud Boys, suggesting potential biases and affiliations with extremist ideologies. Former District 4 County Supervisor Patrick Jones was the manager at the time he served on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors. 
• Racist Behavior: A deputy was cited for posting openly racist material online, raising concerns about the attitudes and beliefs held by some officers within the department.
• Favoritism: There apparently is a perceived bias favoring white individuals with connections to law enforcement and the Cottonwood Militia over minorities, exemplified by the handling of Nathan Pinkney's case. The Redding Police Department reportedly issued a press release that mischaracterized events and defended the actions of officers involved in the assault against Pinkney. Pinkney was assaulted by Carlos Zapata. 
• Delayed Accountability: While a man involved in another altercation was quickly arrested, it took the Shasta County District Attorney over 50 days to charge Pinkney's attackers, which raises questions about the consistency and fairness in law enforcement responses.

If you have followed along to this point, we trust that you now grasp the serious implications of the Cottonwood Militia as a perilous force within Shasta County. This group must not only be subjected to stringent restrictions but also held accountable for any actions and behaviors that infringe upon the law. No one is above the law—this principle applies equally to the members of the Cottonwood Militia and their cadre of aggressive overlords. Shasta County must ensure that these extremists are never again permitted to strongarm, coerce, or intimidate local government officials, safeguarding our community from their overreach and protecting the rule of law that binds us all.

Knowledge is power! And the power is in your VOTE!

In 2026 and every election after, vote out all elected officials with connections or allegiance to the Cottonwood Militia!