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. From the perspective of the residents who supported Clendenen at that time, their freedoms seemed to be threatened, driven by a concerning mix of fear-driven strategies and right-leaning political messaging that saturated 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 meetings typically focus on intensive practice with firearms, but they also engage in passionate conversations regarding constitutional rights that often lack factual support, credible evidence, or legal context. Rather, these conversations usually perpetuate a divisive and hostile ideology similar to the rhetoric commonly linked to 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 beliefs are significantly shaped by MAGA, Donald Trump, and the State of Jefferson movement, which promotes the division of Northern California and Southern Oregon from their current states to establish a new one. This movement is defined by agrarian principles, conservative ideologies, and a strong focus on personal freedoms. The Cottonwood Militia has branded itself as a guardian of these principles, frequently portraying its actions as essential for safeguarding local communities from government intrusion. They assert that they are patriots. Nevertheless, Shasta Exposed, along with military specialists and academic researchers, a that they represent the opposite of true patriotism.

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 communication and persuasive language frequently highlight a skepticism towards government and an assertion of the importance of self-defense through armed means. Several prominent local individuals have shown their backing for the militia's actions, including former Shasta County Supervisors Patrick Jones and Chris Kelstrom, who SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for their indirect support of the militia's existence and actions within the community. Other individuals worth mentioning are: Randy Hubbard, Todd Hambly, John Laws, Ralph Powers, and the notorious far-right radical 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 a discussion, Clendenen stated that the militia is made up of individuals who have served in various military branches, with some having prior experience in private military security companies. Clendenen noted that these individuals assist in conducting training sessions for militia members. Nevertheless, this also prompts worries regarding the possibility of radicalization, as the militia's actions draw in individuals with extremist ideologies. The militia is also known for its history of identifying, indoctrinating, and recruiting children for its extremist agenda.

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 2016, Ralph Powers was present at the speech delivered by Trump at Redding Airport. At the event, Powers took a photo with Joe Biggs, a far-right extremist. Biggs is recognized as a leader of the Proud Boys. He was convicted of seditious conspiracy and received a 17-year prison sentence for his involvement in the 2021 U.S. Capitol Attack. Upon returning to office, Trump issued a pardon for him.

In May 2021, Zapata and two associates attacked a Redding resident exercising free speech on social media. A demonstration in support of Zapata was organized by Clendenen and attended by the Proud Boys. Outside the courthouse during the arraignment, members of the Proud Boys and Cottonwood Militia chatted and laughed. Later, 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.
• The organizers of the recall initiative, associated with the militia, aimed to showcase their initiative as a model for other groups across the country, potentially inspiring similar movements in various areas.

The Cottonwood Militia has been linked to several incidents of violence, intimidation, and harassment, raising alarms about its impact on community safety. The former Shasta County Board of Supervisors faced backlash from numerous residents, especially members of militias, for failing to take action against the state regarding the emergency pandemic mandates enforced by Governor Gavin Newsom in the spring of 2020. Supervisors Rickert, Baugh, and Moty faced persistent death threats and various forms of harassment consistently, and they were continuously labeled 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 negative response involved intimidation and threats from members of the community, especially individuals associated with 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. County CEO Pontes issued a statement claiming that Supervisor Patrick Jones attempted to blackmail him by threatening to disclose his criminal past, which consists of a felony theft charge from nearly thirty years ago, in an effort to compel Pontes to step down. Pontes had revealed this information before he was employed by the county. To be clear, Patrick Jones was intentionally placed on the Board of Supervisors by the Cottonwood militia because of his unwavering loyalty and cooperative relationship with this radical militia organization.

Another incident involved a clash between militia members and local law enforcement during a regular traffic stop involving an unrelated individual. The militia members, convinced that the police were exceeding their authority, intervened and tried to impose their own interpretation of law enforcement. This incident underscored the militia's readiness to confront established authority and their inclination towards violence.

These events are not singular; they reflect a larger trend of behavior among militia groups across the United States, where armed altercations with law enforcement and community members have become more frequent. The actions of the Cottonwood Militia contribute to an atmosphere of fear and division within the community, eroding social unity and trust.

The existence of the Cottonwood Militia represents a serious threat to both community security and democratic principles in Shasta County. The militia's activities create an environment of fear and intimidation, particularly for marginalized individuals who may feel targeted by the militia's language and actions. The visibility of armed individuals in public areas has discouraged community involvement and participation, as residents feel unsafe voicing their opinions or engaging in civic activities. Residents are expressing their worries about the dangers of placing bumper stickers on their vehicles or yard signs on their properties, fearing backlash from right-wing extremists in the area.

Furthermore, the militia's challenge to recognized authority undermines the rule of law and democratic governance. The Cottonwood Militia greatly exceeded their authority by acting as a policing entity during a peaceful protest commemorating George Floyd. Their actions infringed upon the rights protected by law, yet law officials in Shasta County did not hold them accountable. This inaction is particularly alarming considering that many militia members confessed to carrying loaded firearms. By establishing itself as an alternative authority, the Cottonwood Militia diminishes trust in local law enforcement and governmental institutions. This degradation of trust can result in a disintegration of social order, as individuals may feel compelled to take matters into their own hands rather than depending on established legal systems.

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!