The Cottonwood Militia

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The Cottonwood Militia: Reported Activities and Public Debate in Shasta County

The Cottonwood Militia, also known as the California State Militia Alpha Company, has garnered significant attention as a politically active group in Shasta County, California. While the organization publicly identifies itself as a defender of constitutional rights and community preparedness, various journalists and commentators have characterized the group as controversial and connected to broader far-right networks and tensions surrounding local governance (Kallepalli, 2025; Schwaller, 2023).

Origins and Leadership

The group is widely reported to have been founded by Paul “Woody” Clendenen, a Cottonwood business owner. According to media reports, the organization emerged around the time of President Barack Obama’s 2008 election, a period associated with heightened concerns among some rural residents about federal authority (Schwaller, 2023).

Clendenen has been recognized as the group’s leader and public spokesperson, promoting themes of self-reliance and skepticism of government oversight (Kallepalli, 2025). Reports indicate that the group has engaged in firearms training, communications exercises, and emergency-preparedness activities, often framed by supporters as civic-defense efforts (Kallepalli, 2025).

According to A News Café (2023), early meetings reportedly drew large attendance from individuals concerned about perceived threats to civil liberties. Media coverage has also documented a shift in rhetoric over time toward themes aligned with national anti-government movements (Schwaller, 2023).

Ideology and Political Influence

The group’s views have been described by analysts as overlapping with themes from the Make America Great Again movement and the State of Jefferson political effort advocating for regional autonomy (Pogue, 2022). These perspectives emphasize gun rights, local authority, and distrust of centralized government.

Clendenen and supporters have described their mission as patriotic and protective of constitutional freedoms. However, journalists have noted that some public messaging associated with the group has mirrored election skepticism, pandemic-policy opposition, and narratives common to far-right media ecosystems (Kallepalli, 2025; Anguiano, 2022; Abramsky, 2023).

Media reports have also identified informal alignment between some of the group’s supporters and Red, White & Blueprint — a local political media initiative backing recall efforts and conservative county leadership (Abramsky, 2023; Hosseini, 2025). Based on reporting, some analysts have argued that such alliances contributed to shifts in Shasta County politics (Huseman, 2024).

Public Incidents and Local Tension

News coverage has documented a number of contentious public moments associated with individuals identified as connected to the militia. During COVID-19 public-health debates, armed attendees appeared at county meetings to protest mandates, drawing national media attention (Wilson, 2022).

A widely circulated speech by Marine veteran Carlos Zapata, who has been publicly linked to the group, warned of potential unrest if restrictions continued (Wilson, 2022). In 2021, Zapata and two others faced misdemeanor assault charges related to an altercation involving activist Nathan Pinkney; reporting noted the presence of individuals associated with far-right groups at related demonstrations (Branson-Potts & Chabria, 2021; Schwaller, 2023).

Images of individuals wearing tactical gear at local events have been interpreted by some residents and advocacy groups as intimidating, though supporters have argued such presence reflects lawful self-defense culture (Kallepalli, 2025; Steiner, 2023).

Reported Links to Local Officials and Law Enforcement

Some community members and media outlets have raised concerns about potential overlap between militia supporters and local officials. While allegations of tacit support have circulated, no criminal wrongdoing has been established or substantiated by formal findings (Schwaller, 2023).

Additional reporting has examined business relationships involving a sheriff’s lieutenant and imagery associated with the militia and State of Jefferson movement, prompting debate over perceived boundaries between law enforcement and politically active citizen groups (Schwaller, 2021). Press coverage also highlighted community concern regarding prosecution timelines in a high-profile incident involving Zapata (Branson-Potts & Chanria, 2021; Schwaller, 2023).

Broader Democratic Considerations

Scholars and journalists studying militia movements argue that distrust in government institutions can foster parallel authority structures and heightened civic polarization (Anguiano, 2022; Huseman, 2024). Analysts have expressed concern that intimidating rhetoric and armed attendance at meetings may discourage community participation (Kallepalli, 2025; Abramsky, 2023).

CalMatters (2024) has described Shasta County as a focal point for escalating political tension, where misinformation and fear may erode public trust in democratic processes.

Conclusion

The Cottonwood Militia remains a subject of significant public debate in Shasta County. Supporters frame the organization as a constitutional-rights group focused on preparedness and civic duty. Critics, including journalists and scholars, contend that its activities reflect broader national-political polarization and raise concerns about the potential influence of heavily armed activist groups in local governance (Kallepalli, 2025; Schwaller, 2023).

Understanding the group’s role in the region requires continued attention to verified facts, constitutional protections, and respectful civil discourse.