"For too long, judges have been forced to set aside their common sense and experience when determining whether a defendant poses a danger to the community. Judges frequently say their ‘hands were tied’ in these decisions. Tragically, in multiple cases across the state, individuals granted diversion despite clear risks have gone on to commit homicides—outcomes that underscore the urgent need for reform.”

 

The California District Attorneys Association issued this statement today. I have reported on this legislation and will add links in a couple of minutes.

CDAA statement:

Two measures supported by the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA)—AB 46 (Nguyen) and SB 1373 (Grove)—have passed out of the Senate this week, advancing efforts to strengthen and clarify California’s mental health diversion law.

CDAA thanks Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen and Senator Sharon Grove for their leadership in authoring these bills, and Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho for sponsoring AB 46.

AB 46 (Nguyen) passed the Senate on May 27 with unanimous support and now returns to the Assembly for concurrence. The bill restores judicial discretion, allowing judges to rely on their experience and judgment when evaluating a defendant’s dangerousness, and brings a common-sense approach back to mental health diversion decisions.

SB 1373 (Grove) passed the Senate on May 28 and now moves to the Assembly for consideration. The legislation strengthens public safety safeguards by requiring recent, documented clinical evidence and clarifies the public safety standard.

Mental health diversion plays an important role in California’s criminal justice system by promoting treatment, reducing recidivism, and connecting individuals to critical services. However, implementation of Penal Code section 1001.36 has exposed structural gaps, allowing diversion to be applied beyond its intended scope—including in cases involving serious violence, repeat felony offenders, and diagnoses that are outdated or insufficiently related to the charged conduct.

CDAA Chief Executive Officer Greg Totten stated: “For too long, judges have been forced to set aside their common sense and experience when determining whether a defendant poses a danger to the community. Judges frequently say their ‘hands were tied’ in these decisions. Tragically, in multiple cases across the state, individuals granted diversion despite clear risks have gone on to commit homicides—outcomes that underscore the urgent need for reform.”

Caltrans confirms David Orluck works at the Eureka District Office

 

Today, Steve Nelson who is Chief, Public Information and Legislative Affairs for Caltrans District 3 confirmed my reporting that David Orluck works for Caltrans in Eureka.

"Hi John. Yes, David Orluck is a Caltrans environmental scientist out of the District 1 office in Eureka. District 1 is part of the Caltrans North Region that includes District 2 (Redding) and District 3 (Marysville)."

People want jurors to hear from expert witness on Child Abuse Accomodation Syndrome and barriers to disclosure in Trinidad Gomez jury trial

At 10:40 a.m. today, I went to Courtroom 2 to see what was happening in alleged molestor Trinidad Gomez' jury trial. I was only there for a few minutes but long enough to hear key details of Ms. Timm's argument and get this exclusive which is crucial to this case.

There were no jurors in the courtroom. No one in the audience. Just the court bailiff, court clerk, court reporter, Humboldt Superior Court Retired Judge John Feeney, Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm, Deputy Conflict Counsel Owen Tipps and Gomez.

Ms. Timm was telling Judge Feeney why she wanted to call an expert witness. If you have followed me from the beginning or even read some of coverage on molestation and sex abuse cases, you know Dr. Anthony Urquiza. He has testified in several  cases about Child Abuse Accomodation Syndrome and barriers to disclosure. I checked his Linkedin page and while his titles vary, he is still at UC Davis.

Ms. Timm spoke about grooming and coercion which she said are issues in this case. She spoke about Jane Doe's credibility and that based on defense's cross examination of Jane Doe, it is important for jurors to understand why after the molestation Jane Doe had contact with Gomez. How Gomez did "nice things" for Jane Doe and gave her gifts. Ms. Timm said defense is going to argue these inconsistencies and tje People have the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Dr. Urquiza was not available so the trial has been continued until tomorrow.

I have seen Dr. Urqiza testify many times. While his testimony will be tailored to the specifics of this trial; there are some basics that will be covered in his testimony.

Court minutes for yesterday aren't up, they were after this post as well as today's minutes.

Court minutes from yesterday have Jane Doe's mother's full name so starting at 1:41 p.m. on the second page when HJ was sworn in and started testimony has been cropped. There is nothing significant on the second page and the third page just has admonishments and when jurors were asked to return. Including the mother's first name does not identify Jane Doe.

By now who Jane Doe's mother is and her identity is known in the community. The pages with the first name are about text mesages between HJ and Gomez is referred to as "Daddy."

Court minutes from 5/28 have been added to the post.

More than one person has shared with me that Gomez was at Central Station. Another reader shared details with me about Gomez and HJ. For that person's protection and to keep the source confidential, I am not sharing those details. There are other reasons I am not going to mention at this time. I appreciate the respectful readers who value my coverage and whose helpful information corroborates my observations about this case, Gomez, HJ and others.

There is another exclusive about Gomez. Stay tuned. Information has been provided to the DA, I have not had a chance to check if the investigation is ongoing and who knows and I do not want to state the allegations until and if charges are filed.

Opening statements today in James Atkins attempted murder trial

 

Jury sworn yesterday in attempted murder James Atkins' trial. Opening statements today.

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward is the trial judge. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor. Los Angeles attorney Anthony Tall is Atkins' attorney.

I did see Eureka Police Officers today outside Courtroom 3 including Officer Nick Jones. Will look at court minutes tomorrow.

7th continuance or will convicted molestor Michael Conlee be sentenced today?

 

Convicted molestor Michael Conlee's sentencing has been continued six times. Today, it could be the 7th continuance or he could be sentenced by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum.

I have already covered the charges, the plea, the stipulation about the sentence. Court minutes added later will suffice. I don't want to sit in a courtroom and see a convicted molestor  get a slap on the wrist for what he did to Jane Doe who is seven years old.

Humboldt Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor on this case. Humboldt Deputy Conflict Counsel R.J. Leohner is Conlee's attorney.

After hearing update:

Continued to 6/25 by defense. See court minutes. If Conlee is in treatment, Judge Cockrum intends to grant probation.

Why is the defense wasting taxpayer dollars when Daryl Jones has already been evaluated by two doctors and criminal proceedings were reinstated?

 

This morning, there is trial setting and hearing on the defense's request for  mental health diversion in terroristic and criminal threat suspect  Daryl Jones' case.

Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell filed the requrst on 5/13. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is currently in trial and has been very busy. Either no opposition was filed by the DA's office or it has not been entered in e court. I checked every day and yesterday at 11 a.m.; 1:57 p.m. and 2:37 p.m.

If the DA does not oppose the mental health diversion, the process will be faster; if the DA opposes mental health diversion, there are extra steps.

In my May 15 post, I wrote, "Ms. O'Connell said that Dr. Lamers indicated Jones had a cognitive disability and she "was not sure" why Dr. Lamers was not doing  a psychiatric evaluation himself. Ms. O' Connell asked for a referral to Redwood Regional Center to see if Jones is eligible for their services.

Judge Tsenin ordered that Dr. Lamers to evaluate Jones for competency as well as cognitive disability. A referral was also made to Redwood Regional Center. Receipt of reports on June 25."

In my July 8 post, there was another report and this one from Dr. Loya This hearing had been scheduled on 6/25 and continued by defense. Criminal proceedings were reinstated on July 8.

Why is the defense wasting taxpayer dollars when Daryl Jones has already been evaluated by two doctors and criminal proceedings were reinstated?

The alleged victims in this case may not want a plea but it is better than mental health diversion. 

It is a complete failure and even if you just read my blog or Facebook page, there are enough examples.

I have not decided whether I will go to the hearing today. Most likely, I will check court minutes. There is nothing significant happening today. 

Mr. Rees has a dark day tomorrow in his current jury trial so he may request a continuance.

I have provided links to all 24 posts I have done on this case. This is number 25.

8:45 Everyone waiting on Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O Connell, Daryl Jones' attorney. 8:57 I was correct, the matter is being continued. I was also correct that Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees has been busy.

9:12 Just setting dates turned into more, both attorneys left the courtroom. Two Humboldt Superior Court judges have recused themselves. The People are filing paperwork to disqualify Judge Neel because she has a child attending one of the schools involved. Setting is on June 2.

A 5 minute hearing turned into 45 minutes. First, we waited for Ms. O'Conell. Mr. Rees is currently in a jury trial for James Atkins, Retired Judge John Feeney is currently presiding over the Trinidad Gomez trial, Ms. Joanne Carter who represents an alleged victim and had other court cases to go to has been there on time and for every hearing. Unlike other media, I cover at least 20 cases a day and with defendants who have 4 or 5 cases and follow up on civil cases and court minutes, it is 40 hours a day. That time is not compensated hourly, by a steady government paycheck or most of Humboldt. I cover other California counties and other states and if you have read my blog for 12 plus years or a few years; this is Humboldt specific.

When Ms. O'Connell arrived, Judge Feeney said that the request for mental health diversion had to be addressed before trial setting.

Mr. Rees asked that the matter be put over two weeks because he has been busy in trial and while the DA's office received the petition on May 14, a day after it was filed; there were other reasons such as the "doctor's availability."

Ms. O' Connell had scheduling requests. There was back and forth about the time estimate; alleged victims and community members may testify or address the Court.

Humboldt Superior Court Operations Manager Scott Anderson went to check on dates. Ms. O'Connell left to go address another case in Courtroom 3 and saying she would be back shortly turned into several minutes. Finally, she came back. Two potential dates were suggested and the case would be in front of Judge Neel on those days. Then Mr. Rees put hisstepped out for a few minutes, put his concerns about conflict of interest by Judge Neel and that the matter be continued for People to file paperwork. Even if dates are set on June 2, there is no guarantee because both attorneys indicated if doctors are not available, there will be a motion to continue. Like I said before the hearing, waste of time.

Repeat offender Henry Zaragoza has picked up new 2026 cases, booked on bench warrant for 2024 case

Henry Dylan Zaragoza is someone I have covered. The jail log lists being booked on an arrest warrant for a 2026 case and a bench warrant for one 2024 case.

The charges on the jail log are not a complete list of charges. The probation violation for the 2024 case is correct. Zaragoza has two 2026 cases. The arrest is from one of the 2026 cases. Arraignment is scheduled on all cases this afternoon. 

I will add charges for the 2026 cases and since his case is on tomorrow afternoon, I will do one update.

These are just two screenshots of my coverage of Zaragoza. In my last post, I had checked and he had not been arrested on his warrant.

A violation of probation was filed by Probation on 5/19/26 in the 2024 case. Count 5 probation violation has been added to the 2024 case. No court date yet.

Are the other court cases involving Jane Doe's mother HJ relevant? She testified today; Jane Doe yesterday

I posted on Facebook earlier today, this summary on alleged molestor Trinidad Gomez' case. Humboldt County DA Investigator Ryan Hill testified this morning in Trinidad Gomez' jury trial. 

Unfortunately, due to unexpected delays, I was not in the courtroom yesterday or today but HJ, Jane Doe's mother testified today. If you read Ms. Timm's opening statement, you know there are issues with HJ as a witness. What impact, if any, will that have on the jury and a verdict? That is an answer we will know when this case concludes.

Jane Doe testified yesterday.

This is a link to yesterday's post on trial and relevant to this post today.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/05/children-do-not-get-to-pick-adults.html?m=1

A search for HJ comes up with four cases in Humboldt Superior Court. Normally, I would post court documents. I can but will not because HJ's name would identify Jane Doe.

If something happens and HJ is identified by someone else or there is a valid reason; that is not a decision for today.

HJ has a open family law case which was filed by Gomez. A civil harassment petition filed by Gomez against HJ which is closed. Another family law case with a middle name and the other party being RS and I cannot verify if this is HJ. The fourth is a collections case involving HJ with a judgement against her.

The family law case and the civil harassment petition filed by Gomez was dismissed due to lack of prosecution and no appearances in one of those cases by either party. Since the civil harassment petition was not prosecuted, who knows if the allegations are true or false. Even if the defense brings those up in this case; there has to be evidence to corroborate.

What Gomez alleged maybe relevant in the future. 

Judge Neel shared a CA Supreme Court decision about the constitutionality of pretrial detention

 

Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel just sent this email to me and included the ruling. 

The document is lengthy. It is available online. And hopefully soon on the Humboldt court website. For those who want the cliff notes version, see pages I have included in this post.

Judge Neel's email:

"Good evening,

I just wanted to share a CA Supreme Court decision that has been issued as it relates to the constitutionality of pretrial detention (keeping someone in custody prior while awaiting trial).  I don’t know who else might be interested, but feel free to pass along.  I’m reaching out because it’s a really important case that was just handed down and your communities of readers might be interested.

My guess is that community members will be interested, and I wanted to put a link to it on our website, but I haven’t had a chance to get that done. "

"California will not allow our elections to be commandeered by political intimidation, abuse of power, or chaotic interference from extremists chasing conspiracy theories. This law protects voters, election workers, and the integrity of the democratic process from election-deniers who want to undermine democracy.”

 

This afternoon,  California Governor Gavin Newsom joined by members of the California Legislature announced new efforts "to safeguard California’s elections from potential interference as threats from federal officials grow."

At 3:42 p.m. Newsom's press office issued a press release. Here are some key details.

"California will not allow our elections to be commandeered by political intimidation, abuse of power, or chaotic interference from extremists chasing conspiracy theories. This law protects voters, election workers, and the integrity of the democratic process from election-deniers who want to undermine democracy.”

"Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Senate Bill 73 (Cervantes and Umberg), legislation strengthening California’s existing election safeguards in response to growing threats of election interference and intimidation, including efforts by allies of President Donald Trump to undermine confidence in elections and disrupt lawful election administration."

Senate Bill 73:

• Prohibiting any person from providing unauthorized access, disruption, modification, or seizure of voter rolls, voter lists, or certified voting technology to law enforcement agents — including federal agents — absent a court order or investigation into specific violations of California election law.
• Restricting peace officers from interfering with election administration or disrupting election workers carrying out their duties, except in urgent public safety emergencies.
• Requiring the California Department of Justice to issue guidance to county election officials on how to respond to requests from law enforcement seeking access to areas where ballots are cast, processed, or handled.
• Increasing protections against illegal removal or seizure of voted ballots and establishing criminal penalties for knowingly taking ballots from election officials.

The legislation also makes it a crime — punishable by a $1,000 fine, imprisonment for up to three years, or by both — for a person to knowingly take a package containing voted ballots from the custody of elections officials.

Austin Medeiros was sentenced again; the details can wait

 

Sentencing was scheduled for Austin Medeiros this morning. He was fingerprinted in court today. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum made findings and orders. 

There is a court trial on 11/30. Medeiros' transport to prison is stayed until writ issues are addressed.

Court minutes included.

Hearing on County of Humboldt's motion to dismiss Ray Christie's federal lawsuit delayed for two months

 

I wrote in my April 10, 2026 post, " "I have been the only one regularly reporting on rancher Ray Christie's federal lawsuit against County of Humboldt, former HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes, former Humboldt Deputy DA Adrian Kamada, Sheriff Honsal. I have had many exclusives regarding this lawsuit and reporting information first. "

That post has links to my coverage on the federal lawsuit. There was a hearing scheduled on 6/3/26 on the County of Humboldt's motion to dismiss. It was rescheduled on 5/22.

I just confirmed with Larson LLP partner, Mr. Rick Richmond, who represents Christie that U.S. District Court Judge Noel Wise "recently moved the hearing date on the County’s motion to dismiss the case from June 3 to August 5."

Mr. Richmond's associates on this case are Ms. Caroline Glennie-Smith who worked with him on Christie's 2018 criminal case. Ms. Donna Sotera Zamora-Stevens joined the team for the federal lawsuit.

Deputy County Counsel Joel Campbell-Blair and Destinee Valeska are both working on this lawsuit.

For all the claims by other local media of court coverage which recently seem to be more frequent but still random; the selective coverage continues. As usual, calling out the powers is MIA. They copy and follow up on several of my posts days, weeks and months later but crickets on Christie. The other local media had no problem splashing Ray's mugshot and using the 2018 raid as clickbait.

I was the first to report on his plea and again, the only one to do an update that his request to expunge the criminal conviction was granted.

Judge Killoran remanded Vincent Nelson; Judge Neel granted him supervised release two days later

 

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran granted Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees' request for remand on 5/20/26.

As I reported in the May 21 post, a search for Nelson in Humboldt Superior Court comes up with 25 results.

Two days later on 5/22/26, Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel granted Nelson supervised release. The 6/2 date for preliminary hearing in one 2026 case and trial setting remained as set on 5/22.

Before changes were implemented and that was when Retired Humboldt Judge Marilyn Miles,  Judge John Feeney and others were on the bench, court cases were calendared in a way that they stayed in one courtroom and a particular judge unless there was a recusal or disqualification.

This current Humboldt court system is not in the interest of public safety or efficiency.

"Through increased patrol activity, strategic enforcement, and continued community engagement, HCSO will continue working to deter criminal activity, hold offenders accountable, and keep Humboldt County communities safe."

Over the course of a single 12-hour shift, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) proactively conducted enforcement operations throughout Humboldt County, resulting in multiple arrests related to outstanding warrants, narcotics offenses, and other criminal activity. These actions reflect HCSO’s ongoing commitment to proactive policing strategies aimed at improving public safety and addressing crime in our communities.

After the County of Humboldt's failed attempt to remove Judge Canning, County Counsel files a demurrer and motion to dismiss Redwood Oil lawsuit

 

I just did a post on Redwood Oil's lawsuit against the County of Humboldt on May 18.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/05/petty-county-of-humboldt-threatening-me.html?m=1#more

That post has screenshots to all prior coverage on this lawsuit and if you did not read the posts, use the search feature or Google to access them. I reported on this lawsuit first and for weeks. 

The 5/18 court minutes are still not in e court and I have checked daily including this morning. A demurrer filed by the County of Humboldt on 5/15/26 and scheduled for 6/12 was entered in e court today. The County asks the demurrer be granted and to "dismiss the petition with prejudice."

I have included the demurrer, mainly for the legal eagles and civil lawyers who follow and read my blog. Unlike Humboldt County Counsel, the civil lawyers in California and Humboldt I like and respect file court documents that are not a snoozefest and predictable.

Only a despicable coward would misuse a comment section and spew vitriol for a biased agenda and do it on a post about an alleged molestation victim

I have no idea who Jolene Hassenfritz is and why someone from Iowa is commenting on my Facebook page on this case but she clearly cannot read nor grasp that the list of witnesses I included do not mean today. I am not even going to address her inaccuracy about time nor do I owe her any explaination. There are a lot of angry people who think they can be abusive and lash out. I don't care whether you are from Humboldt or Timbuktu, take your disrespectful drama elsewhere where there is no moderation and you think you can make up your own reality and facts.

Did a google search. Are you the Jolene from Iowa or Petrolia or one of the many addresses in Humboldt? Your Facebook profile lists Iowa. Are you the Jolene Hassenfritz associated with the Silas F. Morrison Family Trust? That would explain your entitled, rude arrogance.

You are the second person from a certain area who has been vile and abusive to me and the third person from Southern Humboldt recently. And the second person to go off on me on an alleged molestation case.

Only a despicable coward would misuse a comment section and spew vitriol for a biased agenda and do it on a post about an alleged molestation victim.

Same applies to Tracey Zeimetz. I am too busy to babysit and moderate comments from deluded women who defend an alleged molestor with their unsubstantiated opinions. You have other options where you can show your lack of character. 

In my google search, the Catholic Church comes up in connection with both of you.

There was only one woman and one man in the courtroom this morning. Both were not sitting with the Victim Witness Representative. Yet, two women who I have never seen on my page before show up with their fangs out attacking me online?

McGwire Applewhite took my comment for others to mean I was addressing him and the woman he was with yesterday. What he refused to reveal is that he knows Jolene. Birds of a feather flock together. And McGwire decided to waste time when I could be working because he like Jolene is selfish and self absorbed. Anyone with Facebook can verify who knows who. How many profiles do you have Jolene?

His or anyone's else's lack of reading comprehension and clueless interpretation is not my problem. This case has attracted some rude, clueless, angry people including the two from the Mckinleyville who refuse to reveal whatever their issues are and why they are in court. They can take a hike with the rest of the haters. Whatever your issues are and whatever your interest is in Gomez or this case is not my problem. Some court cases are full of drama. People who think having a Facebook account gets them to dictate what can be reported and misdirect anger are a dime a dozen in Humboldt. This case has drawn the Jerry Springer crowd of Humboldt. Instead of pontificating on Facebook and showing up in court for one case, all you privileged, white angry people have been MIA for years while I cover alleged abusers and convicted predators in Humboldt who drain court resources, the prosecutors and law enforcement and and victimize this community.

My regular readers are smart. They check on me  on days like today. They know why there are these constant attacks and hate. 

"Children do not get to pick the adults around them." Jane Doe's mother dated Gomez, she knew about his sexual fantasies about her daughter; she did not report him to police

 

Alleged molestor Trinidad Gomez' jury trial started today.  

Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timn is the prosecutor for this case. Deputy Conflict Counsel Owen Tipps is Gomez' attorney. Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge John Feeney is presiding over the trial.

11:48: Ms. Timm finished her opening statement. Defense reserved opening statement. First People's witness is HCSO Deputy Megan Hwang who just started testimony and is the People's first witness.

No media here. I have a list of witnesses who all may or may not testify in this trial because I was in the courtroom today and took notes before Ms. Timm's opening statement.

Humboldt County DA Investigator Chelsea Brewer; Investigator Paul Morris (last name was hard to read), Chantel Harris, Child Welfare Services and Karen Sargent, CWS.

This is a case involving alleged sex crimes and  molestation of a minor victim. Court testimony will include language and graphic details. It is your choice to read beyond this point.

Mental health diversion or jury trial

James Atkins another case I have followed regularly since the arrest. Mental health diversion will be addressed first at 11, then depending on outcome, if jury trial proceeds, it has been assigned to Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward.

I just met and introduced myself to Mr. Anthony Tall, Atkins attorney. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for this case.

12:10 update: Case is proceeding to trial. Judge Steward denied the motion for mental health diversion. The treatment plan was one of the reasons but Mr. Tall also filed this pre trial diversion the day the jury trial was scheduled to begin.

As I previously reported, Mr. Tall is from Los Angeles but he also practices in other California counties and other states. If you read all my prior coverage on this case, you know Mr. Tall inherited this case later.

Jury selection started this afternoon. Court minutes included have information on Judge Steward's ruling on bifurcation; dark days for the trial and Mr. Rees providing a report to Mr.Tall about a potential People's witness in the jail who may testify against Atkins and concern about potential retaliation.