Crime · Napa, CA
A Napa County jury on Oct. 22 convicted 34-year-old Napa resident Amador Solano Ortiz of sexual assault during a June 20, 2024 home invasion, along with first-degree burglary, false imprisonment, making a criminal threat, and several misdemeanor counts. Prosecutors said Solano entered the victim's home, pulled back a shower curtain, and sexually assaulted her before she fought him off; he was arrested less than half an hour later on the Napa River Trail carrying her belongings. During questioning, Solano admitted attempting to break into two other Napa homes. He is held without bail in Napa County jail with sentencing scheduled for Nov. 17. In a separate pending case, Solano faces 15 felony charges including allegations of lewd acts with a minor; he pleaded not guilty and no trial date has been set.
Transportation · Napa County
A recently released Solano-Napa North Bay Passenger Rail Feasibility Study estimates that launching passenger rail service between Napa and the Vallejo Ferry Terminal would cost $2 billion to $3.5 billion in 2050 dollars. Annual operating costs are projected at $43 million to $47 million, though consultants note these figures are preliminary and may be lower in today's currency due to inflation adjustments. The proposed service aims for a 30-minute travel time between the two locations, requiring significant track upgrades from current safe speeds of 18 mph to 79 mph. Proponents argue that improving bus service and encouraging dense development along the corridor are necessary first steps to build ridership.
Crime · Napa, CA
Derek Scott Harper, a Napa State Hospital employee, was arraigned Oct. 19 in Napa County Superior Court on felony domestic violence and gun charges. Police allege Harper threatened his former girlfriend and co-worker, who worked at the same mental health facility, with a firearm and knife following their breakup in August. Officers seized multiple loaded weapons and suspected psilocybin mushrooms during a search of Harper's Napa apartment. Harper pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled for a court appearance on Nov. 2.
Crime · Benicia, CA
A former fifth-grade teacher at Robert Semple Elementary School in Benicia was convicted Oct. 22 on 11 felony counts of child sex abuse involving female students, the Solano County District Attorney's Office said Friday. Matthew Shelton, 44, taught at the school from 2015 to 2022 and had previously faced similar accusations in Napa in 2007 before being acquitted by a Napa County jury. The Benicia Unified School District faces civil lawsuits alleging negligence in hiring Shelton despite his prior record. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 16.
