(Photos: John Chiv)
I could hear the fire alarm from the Courthouse blocks away in Old Town. 1:13 HCSO Sgt. Josh Comer just said, "all clear, false alarm."
Posted on Facebook first. Blog is usually a few minutes later or last.
Jan 29, 2026
Freshwater school on lockdown
This alert was sent out to parents at 12:17 p.m. about Freshwater School being on lockdown. HCSO PIO Erin Inskip confirmed the school is on lockdown and deputies are still on scene checking the area.
12:49 p.m. All clear message sent to parents. HCSO PIO Erin Inskip told me, "The units have cleared the scene, and school lockdown has been lifted. The noise heard was likely related to construction at a nearby residence."
This week PG & E is making updates to the natural gas system, information released includes what areas and where traffic will be affected
PG&E kicked off a gas safety project in Eureka this week. PG & E spokesperson Megan McFarland just sent out information with details.
No one trusts what happens in a secret criminal proceeding."
Tyler Robinson's defense team wants to block still photographers, tv cameras & mics from the courtroom, now they are objecting to the video of Charlie Kirk being shot for the February 3 hearing.
The entire world saw that video many times. The defense's argument about Robinson's right to a fair trial is what they say for everything forgetting Mrs. Kirk, Charlie's children, the prosecutor, the media and public also have rights in this country.
The Utah media motion filed January 16 makes excellent points about access & "No one trusts what happens in a secret criminal proceeding."
I have included the Utah news media opposition filed on January 16.
Jan 28, 2026
Dr. Frank Fisher not held to assault charge, held to answer on other counts, DA explains why Count 23 was charged as assault
On January 26, I did a post on the two day preliminary hearing for Rio Dell Dr. Frank Fisher. That post has details, charges, background and court minutes from both days.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/preliminary-hearing-for-dr-frank-fisher.html?m=1
I spoke with Humboldt Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees after the hearing.
If you read the previous post, you will see the attorneys waived his preliminary hearing for certain counts and was held to answer.
After the stipulation, "We pared the charges down 11 counts from the 22," said Mr. Rees."Some of same victims were included in more than one count."
"The assault charge was a novel legal theory. He forced an employee to take Adderall because she wasnt working fast enough and had to take it in front of him. He did no examination nor did he check her blood pressure," said Mr. Rees.
"Judge Cockrum felt there were issues & was not ready to hold Dr. Fisher to answer for that charge for the preliminary hearing, " said Mr. Rees.
I also reached out to Mr. Patrik Griego who represents Dr. Fisher. He is still considering if he wants to comment now or wait until later. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum gave a lengthy, detailed ruling on the record. Mr. Griego has ordered a transcript and said he would rather wait and let Judge Cockrum's words be included in a response.
Humboldt DA opposes mental health diversion for convicted felon Shaine Haugen who has two 2025 cases
(Photo: John Chiv)
Convicted felon Shaine Haugen has two 2025 cases. One is for 7 charges including burglary and vandalism at Cal Poly Humboldt. He was out of custody on bail when he picked up that case. The other case is from when he disrupted the Arcata City Council meeting and the 6 charges include battery on Arcata City Manager Merrit Perry.
Ms. Kathleen Bryson substituted in as Haugen's attorney in October 2025. On 1/27/26, defense petition for mental health diversion was continued to 2/23 petition after opposition from the Humboldt County District Attorney. Preliminary hearing is scheduled for 3/11.
I reported in September 2025 when Haugen was arrested that he has a family law case in Humboldt Superior Court which was transferred from Michigan.
Zephyr Hospitality filed bankruptcy last year; Zephyr is also being sued by the City of Eureka
In 2024, I did a post about Zephyr Hospitality and Nicole Fryer acquire Humboldt Bay Social Club and Social Spas.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/08/zephyr-hospitality-and-nicole-fryer.html?m=1
On the February 3, 2026 Eureka City Council meeting agenda under closed session is an existing 2025 lawsuit filed in Humboldt Superior Court.
City of Eureka is suing Zephyr Hospitality LLC and Does 1-10.
Zephyr Hospitality LLC filed for Chapter bankruptcy on December 23, 2025.
Access is denied in e court and no information is available.
County wide bulletin issued by HCSO for assault suspect Phillip Donahue
County wide bulletin issued by HCSO for assault suspect Phillip Donahue.
Judge Timothy Canning issues an order to show cause because Uonan's attorney Cyndy Day Wilson and Michelle Hill's attorney both are a no show in court and failed to file a case management statement
On 1/23/26, there was a case management conference scheduled in the 2023 civil lawsuit filed by Michelle Hill vs Uonan Uonan.
Both Uonan's attorney, Ms. Cyndy Day-Wilson and Hill's attorney Mr. Marco Rodriguez were a no show.
Humboldt Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning issued an order to show cause regarding both attorneys' failure to appear and failure to file a case management statement.
I have covered both the civil lawsuit as well as Uonan's 2024 criminal case in which he is charged with human trafficking and money laundering. Settlement discussions have been ongoing for months.
I have just been adding updates to the previous posts because nothing significant is happening other than substitution of attorneys for both parties and now they don't even show up for court.
Another Case Management Conference is scheduled for 4/24/26.
La Costa Canyon high school teacher arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material
California Attorney General Rob Bonta's Office just issued a statement about the arrest of a La Costa Canyon high school teacher in Carlsbad for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) after an investigation determined he attempted to purchase CSAM on the internet. Special Agents conducted subsequent searches of electronic devices in his control which further confirmed his possession and attempted possession of CSAM.
Jan 27, 2026
Domingo Santos is deceased and "lacks standing" and that was the first point made by Ray Christie's attorney in a 2025 case
On 1/26/26 in the afternoon, there was an ex-parte hearing in a 2025 case Domingo Santos vs Ray Christie.
Mr. Dustin Owens represents Christie. Mr. Ryan Mayberry of the Rothbard Law Group located in Santa Clara represents Domingo Santos. Local attorney Randall Davis was added as co-counsel for Santos in October 2025.
On 1/23/26, Mr. Owens filed an ex-parte application for stay execution of judgement; to quash service of summons and to set aside default and default of judgement. You can
The first point Mr. Owens makes on the cover page is Santos is deceased and lacks standing to pursue this unlawful detainer action. Another point is that the service of summons was defective. You can read the entire court document yourself for more details. I have alsp included the court minutes.
That was the first thing that I thought even before I checked court documents in this case.
Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner Sarah Kaber granted the motion to stay "pending further order and a hearing on the motion to quash/set aside" which is scheduled for 3/2/26.
Ray Christie had to make a payment of $19, 940.20 by 9 a.m. today. He had to pay this amount while the stay is pending.
In 2023 and 2024, I reported on a lawsuit filed by one of Santos' son and his step daughter against a Ming Tree associate which settled and then a dismissal was filed.
LA judge investigated by CJP and facing potential discipline wants to run for re-election?
On January 21, I did a post on Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert S. Draper who was investigated by the California Commission on Judicial Performance and formal proceedings were filed against him this month.
(Los Angeles County Election Office)
Judge Draper filed a declaration of intent yesterday. If he is serious about running for re-election, any challenger against him has free opposition research from the CJP notice of formal proceedings.
Regarding that, stay tuned for a follow up post if there is related news.
Based on a preliminary review, CBP releases report about Alex Pretti, autopsy to be conducted by Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office
Thank you to CBS News for sharing the text of the report provided to Congress by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol's Office of Professional Responsibility which is based on a preliminary review.
Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel filed her candidate intention statement yesterday
Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel filed her candidate intention statement yesterday. She is one of three incumbents up for reelection this year.
Garberville CHP releases information about yesterday's crash on 101 that resulted in the death of the driver
Garberville CHP released the following information about yesterday's crash on 101 that resulted in the death of the driver.
On the day of his jury trial, Johnnie Acosta resolves latest case
Yesterday, domestic violence suspect's jury trial was scheduled to begin; instead Acosta resolved his case.
Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm made an initial offer of open plea to Counts and 3. The final result was Acosta pleading guilty to Count 2, and dismissal of Counts 1 and 3. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo is Acosta's attorney.
Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kelly Neel took the plea. Sentencing is scheduled for 3/13.
Very few details released in today's shooting in Arizona involving a suspect and alleged asault on federal officer
Posted on Facebook at approximately 11:30 p.m. today.
A suspect is in critical condition after a shooting involving a US Border Patrol agent in Arivaca, Arizona near the US-Mexico border.
The FBI said this was "an alleged assault on a federal officer" and the person was taken into custody. The suspect was taken to the hospital.
FBI added, This remains an ongoing investigation. No further information will be provided."
The FBI requested the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s help to lead the use-of-force investigation involving the agent and is conducting a parallel investigation.
We ask the community to remain patient and understanding as this investigation moves forward,” Pima County Sheriff’s Department. “PCSD will thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident, however, these investigations are complex and require time.
Later today, more details were released. The suspect is 34 year old Patrick Gary Schlegel of Sahuarita, Arizona. Agents were trying to arrest him for alleged human trafficking, he fled and then shot at agebts.
Schlegel has a significant criminal history including an active federal arrest warrant issued last year by the U.S. Marshal Service for "escape related to a previous federal alien smuggling conviction.
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