Eureka Police Department issued this press release about repeat offender Austin Porter. His 2018 booking photo can be published.
The amount of EPD resources wasted on another repeat criminal and drug addict who refuses to change thanks to useless Gavin Newsom and soft on crime Democrats.
Yesterday, I did this post on Rocket Dog Rescue suing Shannon Miranda. I was the first to report and I included the complaint and photos of the three dogs.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/rocket-dog-rescue-sues-shannon-miranda.html?m=1
Mr. Paul Nathan responded to my inquiry just now. I really appreciate him including the complaint, even though I have it from e court.
For some reason his last name is always misspelled in the jail log. Former Security National employee, former Humboldt Planning Commission member and former County Assessment Appeals Board member Brian Mitchell is consistently arrested for drugs. The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office needs to stop dismissing cases and giving plea deals to repeat drug offenders.
Brian Mitchel as listed in the jail log was arrested yesterday by HCSO for PC 1203.2(a)(2) probation violation, HS 11395(b)(1) treatment mandated felony. The code is for possession of specific hard drugs if the offender has two or more prior convictions for specified drug-related offenses and HS 11364(a) possession of drug paraphernalia.
California laws are dumb created by legislators who are anti public safety and enabling criminals. Waste of law enforcement time arresting these repeat offenders. More waste of my time covering these repeat offenders. I am documenting this arrest so there is a record if the DA gives another plea or dismisses the case; again.
I have been adding minor daily updates to the July 26 post on alleged molestor Christopher Griffin's case.
Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson has been assigned to this trial. Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor. Former Humboldt County DA and defense attorney Paul Gallegos is Griffin's attorney.
Yesterday, Mr. Gallegos made a motion for acquittal for Count 2. First, Mr. Gallegos requested a break to get the motion. Then, he was informed by Judge Wilson that the witness transcript attached to the motion was incorrect.
Ms. Timm had the correct transcript, reviewed it and was prepared to argue. That is because not only is she a competent attorney; she is the best attorney at the Humboldt County DA's office because she can argue on the fly and win. I have seen her do it many times.
Mr. Gallegos provided the correct transcript to Judge Wilson.
After arguments, Judge Wilson denied the defense motion.
Today's court minutes were not available when I checked but I did not see the Courtroom 3 jury today. The Courtroom was closed. Finalizing of jury instructions was mentioned yesterday.
With the Humboldt online portal and regular readers knowing that I don't do a new post for minor updates but follow every hearing, if you didn't check the previous posts today; you don't know Ms. Rebecca Linkous requested a continuance to research conflicts or defense motion to dismiss in one of Clayton Miller's cases was taken off calendar and trial dates were set.
Updates on every single case daily and notifications are provided to those who pay, invest and appreciate that I follow 30, 40 Humboldt cases in addition to other news. People outside Humboldt following me for one case are grateful in more than just words. After 12 plus years of free and changes like the portal being one of my many contributions, Humboldt you get what you pay for including convenience.
First, the Humboldt County DA did not arraign Paul Clements on the rape by fraud arrest and he was released from custody. Still no charges filed when I checked today.
Today, Visiting Retired Judge Ksenia Tsenin granted the defense Serna motion in Clements' drug case filed by Humboldt Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner despite Deputy DA Alison Herson objection. Case dismissed.
You heard it here first.
Rocket Dog Rescue filed a lawsuit against Shannon Miranda. There is a Case Management Conference on 1/25/27. Read the complaint and court documents included for details and allegations.
I emailed Ms. Allison Jackson. Mr. Paul Nathan who represents Rocket Dog Rescue has no email. I also could not find one on the California State Bar site. Attempts to call his office resulted in my call being disconnected. I tried again later and reached the office, got Mr. Nathan's email and am waiting on a response.
I did hear from Ms. Jackson briefly. She is unavailable and not in the office today but at the time I spoke to her, she had not seen the complaint I mentioned and therefore had nothing to say.
On June 27, I reported she is providing consultation to Shannon Miranda and Miranda's Rescue.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/06/never-have-i-seen-in-30-years-of.html?m=1
I did briefly speak with Shannon. He has not seen any complaint, was not aware what I was talking about and cannot comment on something he has not seen.
While there is a summons and notice of inclusion and Case Management Conference in Humboldt e court , there is no proof of service. I have been checking every day on any potential charges from the HCSO investigation or any other case being filed. Today while doing my daily diligence I saw this lawsuit.
I was the only one to cover former judge, now defense attorney Gregory Kreis before he was ousted by the voters and the Commission on Judicial Performance went public on what I reported in real time. I have been the only one to cover his family law case with Brenda Elvine.
E court in Humboldt only listed taken under submission since May but I was told Sonoma Superior Court Judge Shelly Averill who has been assigned to this case heard closing arguments on 7/12. You can read written closing arguments and other documents filed July 17 and July 20 yourself.
This is one quote from Brenda Elvine's attorney.
"This case is not about what Gregory Kreis currently earns exactly what he earns a judge. It is about whether Brenda, his wife of 30 years who supported Gregory through law school, multiple attempts at the bar exam, his rise as an attorney, and ultimately his judicial career should lose the support awarded her after less than two years because Gregory voluntarily left the bench under circumstances of his own making."
There are other court documents which are public record that I have not posted about Kreis or Elvine because they have personal and financial information including what Kreis alleges is his income and expenses. I see when he is at court, what cases he is appointed on and retained as can others who regularly work at Humboldt Superior Court.
It is common knowledge by now that Gregory Kreis is now married to Tanya Ellis who works at Humboldt Superior Court. I have no clue if she goes by Tanya Kreis informally now or formerly but her state bar profile lists Ellis as her last name.
The letter mentioned in the Mr. Kelly Walsh's closing brief was published by me, it is was on the list of exhibits and Mr. Walsh saying local media when locals and those California and national readers who follow me regularly know exactly who published it and first is well known.
I no longer include links to all previous posts and have explained why many times. Every post can be accessed for free via the search feature or the blog. Most people read me daily and for convenience, there are paid, customized options. I have included two relevant screenshots pertinent to the closing argument for Kreis.
I report on many arrests first and follow cases regularly. Alleged molestor Tristan Mitchell is one of those cases.
Today, I received an email about Mitchell. I am not going to share all of it for privacy and the case has yet to go to preliminary hearing. Some of this information may come out in court. At the last hearing, the DA was asked to provide foster care documents to defense. I hope it does because it is time that the systems supposed to protect the innocent are exposed for the failure they are.
I have worked for CWS, I have had reports ignored by CWS where I suspected alleged abuse. I have exposed local law enforcement, the courts and even the DA's office when appropriate. This is not the first tip or email I have received about other local media ignoring someone. It won't be the last.
In this case, it was the Times Standard and local news. In other instances, it has been TS and certain local media I call out regularly.
I got permission and will share some parts for now. Does' sister has shared some information about Doe 1 that is confidential.
This is not in chronological order. There is a lot more that I may or may not share in the future.
"Hello John,
My name is redacted for privacy. (Doe 1 and 2’s) sister.
First off, I wanted to say thank you for putting the story out there.
As hard as it was to read some of that stuff.. it needs to be said."
"I wanted to add, I reported Tristan Mitchell to CWS over 20+ times.
I do not publish obituaries but I have made exceptions for families I have known for years if they send a submission.
Sharon Wolff just sent me this obituary "for my mom, Barbara L. Bareuther (Keller) who passed away recently at Timber Ridge. The funeral home in charge is Ayers but there are no services planned."
I just spoke with Sharon to offer my condolences. In addition to the loss of her mom, Sharon has chosen to share some of the difficulties she had to deal with in the obituary. What she told me will remain private conversations. I did cover the court case and who the local attorney was but this is Sharon's tribute to her mom and out of respect to Sharon and her wishes; this post will focus on Barbara's life.
Checked this page now. Last post 4 days ago. July 19 was the first post. Not one like, not one comment and only 1 follower.
Damn! At least Anil Dwivedi's wife Jarka and another family member liked his posts. I am not giving credit to Dwivedi because his 565 followers show 1 name but Jeff is a former Eureka City Councilmember and he grew up in Eureka unlike Dwivedi.
I don't live in Ward 5 anymore and cannot vote for Renee but she is the only Eureka City Councilmember I like, speak to and contact with my concerns as a resident.
His new AI flyer looks like recycled content from other Better for Eureka groups. Proven commitment to Eureka? Lol.
3:45 Eureka Police Department traffic stop. 3:47 One of the officers speaking with the driver. 3:49 p.m. One officer on phone. The other still speaking with the driver.
Currently, the People are presenting evidence in alleged molestor Christopher Griffin's jury trial.
This is the previous post I did on the case.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/senior-deputy-da-whitney-timm-vs-former.html?m=1
Christopher Griffin is in custody. He is charged with PC 288.5 (a) continuous sexual abuse of a child and PC 289 (a) (1) (a) sexual penetration by a foreign object. Both counts have a special allegation that Christopher Griffin committed the crime against more than one victim.
This is an update on a civil lawsuit and an arrest only I have reported on and there have been two developments since my last update.
Ms. Heidi Wells who represents Jane Doe filed a request for default on 7/14. On 7/20, there was a previously scheduled Case Management Conference which was continued at the request of Zwerdling Law Firm to 11/16. While I was not present in the courtroom and court minutes do not state the reason; at least one of those reasons I guess would be since Ms. Wells could not be present that day.
Details and court documents are in the two previous posts.
This morning I was very sad to hear about the late Mrs. Pat Barnum.
I often call out Humboldt generational families. When I do that, it does not include certain families who have been here for generations and contributed to this community without wanting any recognition. Families whose children and grand children have built on the legacy, never forgotten about hard work and success. People who are kind and lift others up and do not judge them.
Many of you know how and why I started this blog and the focus on court coverage. KHSU interviewed me and Mad River Union had a column. Very grateful to both those media sources.
I knew Mrs. Barnum from church and my involvement in the business community. I no longer go to that church. There are very few people I do see; some through work and others in the community who, like Mrs. Barnum, did not judge or abandon me for leaving. They understood.
The Barnums are private. I am not going to share my conversation today with some of the Barnum family members. But I will share part of my day because I want to honor Mrs. Barnum.
Mrs. Barnum and members of the family don't seek recognition for good deeds. I doubt many at the local Catholic churches know of Mrs. Barnum's generosity. Whenever I saw her at church or out in the community, she genuinely made time for me. Mrs. Barnum never asked me for anything. There was nothing to gain from her being friendly and kind to me.
Today, in addition to praying for Mrs. Barnum and her family, I did something on the spur of the moment. I walked to St. Bernard Catholic Church. I did not go inside. When you enter a house of worship, there are protocols. Even though I no longer go to that church, it would be disrespectful for me to go and go through the motions.
Just going there after years was a decision I did not make lightly. I did so because of Mrs. Barnum. Despite all the hurt, pain and betrayal I have experienced by the church, many Catholics and the hate, bitterness and betrayal in Humboldt; there are people like Mrs. Barnum who saw me, who knew why I was there and why I left. When I left, they knew I was still the same person of strength and faith.
What happened today is not just because of Mrs. Barnum. It is a part of a bigger decision and a journey. Why I was there, God knows, even before I prayed.
Those close to Mrs. Barnum rejoice for her because she is blessed and in the company of her husband with God.
Earlier this week, I had a very spiritual conversation with someone. He knows who he is and this post will make sense to him in a different way than others.
The third unplanned conversation is one of many I have daily. I am sharing this one because out there is someone who needs to read these words.
Later today, I met Houston. If you saw him walking on the street, most of you would notice he has tatoos. Some of you may notice he has some difficulty walking. What you won't know is that Houston served our country for many years. He was a combat engineer in Afghanistan; he used to disarm devices; he is a Purple Heart recepient. Houston was medically discharged. Houston's battles were not over. He fought PTSD; he had to teach himself to walk. Soon, he will be starting his own business. I would not have known had I not asked and it was Houston's choice to share. I am not naming the business or using Houston's last name for his privacy.
I have these daily, unexpected conversations all the time.
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
Michael Nilsson resolved two cases today. Instead of a preliminary hearing, he entered a plea in his Cal Poly Humboldt case and he was sentenced in CR2601598 by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran to 1 year probation. 16 days in jail were covered by custody credits. He also entered a plea in CR2600278, the APD case.
You can look up the previous posts with the screenshots provided which include charges and details for both cases from arrest to conclusion. I have provided court minutes for CR2601598.
Eureka Police Department arrested Agustin Vazquez-Castillo yesterday for an investigation that started last October.
Vazquez-Castillo doesn't show on the jail log booking report for yesterday's arrest. There are arrests late a.m posted.
I reached out to EPD Police Operations Analyst Rachel Sollom for more information on when he was booked.
She responded,"I checked our documents and it shows it would have been after midnight on the 23rd. I’m unsure why the jail log wouldn’t show that."
Whatever the reason the booking photo or information does not show up on Vinelink.
This vital information is available to the public only because of EPD being pro active. Thank you to EPD.
Vinelink finally had information and booking photo after the post. Vazquez-Castillo posted bond.