'Busy, but relatively safe' holiday reported

Violence and alcohol-related arrests were reportedly down over the Labor Day weekend from previous years in Glenn County.

"It was very busy, but relatively safe," said California Highway Patrol Officer Rodney Pozzi said.

There were no fatalities or reports of major incidents of violence between Friday and Monday afternoon, authorities said.

Several alcohol-related arrests were made in Glenn County, including four for driving under the influence, which was a slight increase over last year. Four others were arrested for alcohol-related issues while partying on the Sacramento River, according to booking reports.

State wide the CHP reported a total of 15 roadway fatalities, more than double last years numbers, despite a planned crackdown that put more officers on patrol during peak traffic hours.

A sharp increase in river activities kept local authorities busy throughout the holiday weekend, but authorities described the calls for services as "routine."

Authorities reported a handful of fights on "Beercan Beach."

Amit Sarkaria , 19, of Chico, was arrested at 4 p.m. by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wardens on suspicion of public fighting and battery on a custodial officer.

Four women were also arrested after they reportedly took a small off-road vehicle from state park wardens. Their names were not available, but authorities said all four were taken to the Butte County Jail.

"One difference this year is that a lot more people are grateful to have (rescue personnel) out here," sheriff's Deputy Sean Williams said. "We're getting a lot more 'thank yous.'"

More than 15,000 people flooded into the Sacramento River near Hamilton City on Saturday alone, State Parks Ranger Gary Lumbley said.

"That was a lot more than in previous years, but not bad," Lumbley said.

Sheriff Larry Jones credited good planning and coordination on the part of all agencies involved for the safe weekend. Jones also praised several volunteers who stayed and helped pick up the massive amounts of de-flated innertubes, crushed beer cans and empty kegs from the park and river areas.

Contact Rob Parsons at 934-6800 or rparsons@tcnpress.com.