Today, there was a case management conference scheduled in a lawsuit filed by Evolution Hospitality, LLC against The Benbow Inn, Inc for breach of written contract.
A cross complaint was filed in January 2025.
Evolution claims it is owed $398, 714.28 and details of what else is requested is in court documents provided. Evolution is represented by two attorneys from the Los Angeles firm Saul Ewing LLP.
Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) has been awarded more than $43.5 million to help construct a new Sempervirens (SV) psychiatric health facility after county staff submitted a grant application that was approved by the state.
Since my last post on the lawsuit filed by Don Swall and Vanessa Vachon, two tenants of the Hillsdale Apartments in Eureka, the latest development that a stipulation and order was filed by Vachon and Swall on 5/9. They are represented by Ms. Meagan Yarnall and Mr. Jeff Slack. The document was entered late Friday or this morning because I check the case daily.
There is no document in e court and the file is with Judge Timothy Canning. I will be updating the post but I am covering court and other live news right now.
I have been checking the case regularly. I figured with no response to the First amended complaint and no ruling on the preliminary injunction as of 5/9/25.
If you have followed my exclusive and regular coverage of this lawsuit, this latest filing should come as no surprise. The images of recent posts should give you an idea.
No other media is here. I got to briefly say hi to Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal, Undersheriff J.D. Braud and other HCSO top brass. Sheriff Honsal opened his remarks by noting this is National Police week. He spoke about the thin blue line.
Brent Holdridge, another criminal I have covered since 2017 when he was arrested at the Bear River Casino.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/02/brent-holdridge-arrested-for-probation.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/12/2013-arrested-2014-arrested-again-two.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/12/brent-holdridge-was-having-good-time-at.html?m=1
I was in court when Zoe Elizabeth McMillanBourne aka Eldo Kaleidoscope Barger aka Jet Kaulitz was scheduled to be arraigned on two counts. Count 1 PC 245 (a) (1) assault with a deadly weapon; a knife. Count 2 Resisting/obstructing Eureka Police Officer M. Shaw. The alleged victim is Hannah Elizabeth McMillan.
This individual presents as female with hair dyed pink and blue. Spoke in court with a British accent. Rambled on about illegal residence and royal courts.
Humboldt Presiding Judge Kelly Neel tried to determine this person's identity with as much sensitivity one can in a formal court proceeding and asked, "Were you ever known as Zoe Elizabeth?" It was difficult because the individual was rambling and creating a scene in a courtroom which was thankfully not full of people on a Friday afternoon and mostly court and DA staff. Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm appeared on the case for the People.
Judge Neel appointed the Public Defender's office; set bail at $35,000 and declared doubt. Dr. Mark Lamer's report is due on 6/10.
This is the kind of case some MAGA will use for their anti trans agenda without bothering to read details. The same is true for some others in the LGBTQ community and "allies" who will react to the headline instead of focusing that I did this post so this individual gets the help needed.
Even if the doctor's evaluation confirms this individual is not competent to stand trial, I doubt that the true reason for any mental health issues and this individual's behavior in court will be revealed in court proceedings due to privacy issues. The California State Hospital has not helped most of the individuals they send back to Humboldt Superior Court because I end up covering them again or a new arrest.
I did a google search on the McMillans and am going to wait and see what happens at the next court date.
People these days do not read information. They react with their biases & agenda. Social media can be a great tool for live reporting & reaching people but the downfall is lazy people wanting their spin validated instead of facts
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I just happened to be in the courtroom on May 9 when Erik Neal was arraigned on his latest case. This 2025 case was filed on 5/9 by the DA's officer and charges Neal with one count PC 243 (c) (1) battery with injury on a custodial officer. This alleged act took place while Neal was in custody in the Humboldt County jail.
On 5/10/25 Arcata Police Officers responded to the 4900 block of Valley West Blvd. for the report of a male brandishing a shotgun. Officers located the male, who was identified as Glen Halis SHAFER and was determined to be a convicted felon. Officers located three firearms, including a shotgun and two rifles near where Shafer was detained.
Shafer was arrested for PC 29800(a)- Felon in Possession of a Firearm and an outstanding felony warrant for PC 3455(a)- Revocation of Post Release Community Supervision.
A search warrant was obtained and served at Shafer's residence for additional evidence.
I covered Nick Martinez's case. In August 2024, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison for possession of child pornography. He was arrested yesterday by Humboldt Probation Officer Graney and booked for PC 1203.2(a)(4) probation violation.
If you are not a regular reader, links have been provided for previous coverage.
This is Humboldt County. Nothing will happen. Martinez will get a slap on the wrist and he will be back on the streets.
On April 28, I reported on a 2022 lawsuit Jeff Lewis filed a lawsuit against United Indian Health Services, Inc. That is a civil unlimited employment case alleging wrongful termination. Lewis worked as a drug and alcohol counselor for UIHS at the Potawot Health Clinic in Arcata.
Lewis is represented by Mr. Benjamin K. Karpilow and Mr.Lewis Brown, attorneys with Meechan, Rosenthal & Karpilow law firm from Santa Rosa. UIHS, Inc. by Ms. Brittany S. Greenhill, an attorney with Gordon & Rees Scully Mansukhani which is a law firm in San Francisco.
After doubt was declared on 4/24 in one of terroristic and criminal threats suspect Daryl Jones' case, the DA filed another case with two counts of PC 422 criminal threats against Jones. The law enforcement agency is California Highway Patrol. Alleged victim in this case is Raquel Ortega.
He was arraigned on 4/29/25 and criminal proceedings were suspended in that case and next court date is 5/15 when Dr. Mark Lamers' report is due in both cases.
Thanks to Humboldt Presiding Judge Kelly Neel and Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm, my faith in the criminal justice system and local courts is restored. It is time for Judge Neel to be back hearing cases in criminal court.
Today is one of those days when I remember why I do the blog, why I like being in court doing live coverage. Today, I can momentarily forget the challenges and hardship of doing this blog for 11 years and focus on the positive.
On December 13, 2024, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office asked the public's help in locating a third suspect "Michael Cady, 34, of McKinleyville. Cady was involved in a robbery and attempted homicide that took place on April 13 in Fortuna."
Cady was booked into the Humboldt County jail on his arrest warrant on May 6. Cady was supposed to be arraigned yesterday but both Conflict Counsel and Public Defender's office had a conflict so Judge Kelly Neel continued the arraignment to this afternoon so the CAO could see if a private attorney was available. Ms. Rebecca Linkous accepted court appointment today represent Cady. Judge Neel entered not guilty pleas yesterday to preserve Cady's right to a speedy trial. Bail was set by Judge Neel at $750,000. Preliminary hearing is on 5/20.
HCSO Deputy Hal Esget is one of the many law enforcement members who is an asset to Humboldt County. Glad to see the HCSO press release just issued recognize him for his efforts in obtaining K-9 program funds.