My readers knew Rick Toledo's court date was 4/20 on March 8

 

I am very grateful to those who chose to read my work and follow me. My readers knew Rick Toledo's court date was 4/20 on March 8. I also have been checking to see if charges are being filed. 

Until they are, I don't need to do an entire post like LOCO and TS weeks later to repeat old information and paragraphs of nothing concrete. Saying charges will be filed is wasting Humboldt County DA Stacey Eads' time when there are several daily arrests and other matters needing her attention. 

Toledo's case maybe of interest to Cal Poly Humboldt activists. Most of Humboldt knows there are more serious cases and defendants. How many more articles will LOCO and TS milk about spoiled privileged, clueless students who protest about every cause du jour instead of tackling real issues affecting the people in Humboldt?

Sage who now works for LOCO instead of TS told me he likes working for a hedge fund. There are other local media who get grants.  Still they whine about money. 

I do what I do and try and earn money in a county which has made it very difficult for me to earn anything.

My reporting should be monetized but it isn't and will never be in Humboldt County because the good ole boys and gals in charge for decades and their nepo progeny are not interested in quality journalism, truth or independent reporting. 

Failure belongs to the petty, small minded denizens of Humboldt County in charge and those who enable them. Their "legacy" is the loss of timber, fishing, every industry that tries to employ people privately and the abandoned storefronts and crime. I consider it a blessing that these losers don't have anything to do with me because destruction is their record. Those who do support me, thank you for the sacrifice and investment.

If you own a property that pays TOT in Eureka, you might want to check out this agenda item before next Tuesday's meeting

 

On the Tuesday, April 7 Eureka City Council meeting is the introduction of an ordinance regarding the Transient Occupancy Tax commonly known as TOT.  The agenda summary has generalities with no specifics and is not helpful to those who own properties and pay TOT in Eureka. The bill is online under the agenda item and too lengthy to post but if you are a business owner, I would reach out to the City of Eureka before the meeting or call them with questions.

Resignation, barred from judicial office and public censure for former Orange County Superior Court judge

 

Orange Superior Court former judge Israel Claustro was issued a public censure  by the California Commission on Judicial Performance.

He entered into a stipulation with the CJP. "A public censure and 

bar is the strongest sanction the commission may impose on a judge who has resigned from judicial office. "

Just like former Humboldt Superior Court judge Gregory Kreis, Claustro is barred from future judicial service.

Of course all these actions by the CJP mean nothing because Kreis is currently practicing law as an attorney. The California  State Bar thinks it is okay for Kreis to do so despite the CJP decision and Kreis being overwhelmingly rejected by the voters.

The CJP and California State Bar stood idly by while Kreis chose to take issue with my factual reporting and opinion of him based on covering Humboldt Superior Court for 12 years. 

An opinion corroborated by court records and other attorneys and the public. In fact, I have it in writing. An attorney gave me after the fact. Most of the local media also did nothing. 

Except in rare cases involving judges that the CJP takes on and it isn't easy; judges do not hold their own accountable. If a lawsuit involves a judge or an attorney; there should be a separate, independent process and not in the court where that judge or attorney practices.

I still get emails and people contact me about Kreis when he was a judge and expressing dismay about him being an attorney.

Claustro resigned in January after agreeing to plead guilty to federal charges.

Documents about Claustro included below. 

We have a Texas judge who made a fool of himself online and is now threatening an attorney for correctly calling out the judge's behavior towards court staff.

There need to be exceptions to every kind of absolute immunity whether it is law enforcement, government or judicial immunity.

You won't see any protests in Humboldt or the nation against these abuses of power. 

Justice isn't blind; it is two tiered. And if you dispute that, I got a bridge to sell you.

EPD needs your help with burglary at Sangha Tattoo Studio yesterday

 

Eureka Police Department released these photos and some initial information looking for the public's assistance with a burglary at the Sangha Tattoo Studio yesterday.

With assistance from Pennsylvania, MCSO arrests 38 year old Christopher Sironi for sex crimes involving a minor

 

Mendocino County Sheriff just issued a press release with details about the investigation and arrest of 38 year old Christopher Sironi for sending explicit photographs to a minor and arranging a meeting with a minor to engage in lewd or lascivious behavior. MCSO had assistance from Pennsylvania.

James Leach arrested again, the gun violence restraining order is meaningless and the courts and DA have yet to terminate his diversion which has been a failure and should never have been given to this repeat offender

 

James Albert Leach who I have covered for years and written about his multiple arrests was granted 

Leach was arrested again yesterday by Eureka Police Department for PC 1203.2(a)(2) probation violation, PC 148 (a)(1) resisting arrest, PC 415 (2) disturbing the peace and PC 647 (f) public intoxication,  

He was released by the jail on O.R. These are all misdemeanor charges. 

Eureka Police Department did their job and have repeatedly arrested Leach. EPD got a gun violence restraining order. Leach threatened local attorney Allison Jackson, broke into the house of Allison Arkley Holland and Jeff Holland. Yet, this repeat offender was given diversion and then a plea deal. Leach has been arrested multiple since then and yet he is out on the streets.

Leach looks nothing like his previous booking photo which I cannot post due to the Ninth Circuit ruling and getting Humboldt law enforcement to release booking photos for a repeat offender who is a danger to public safety is a waste of my time.

Most of my readers are familiar with Leach, the posts I have done over the years and most know they can access prior coverage through the search feature on the blog.

Alleged molestor Trinidad Gomez' jury trial is scheduled for next Monday, this reader's tip is very timely and concerning

 

I have been the only one to cover alleged molestor Trinidad Gomez's arrest and case. I have been adding updates to the original post. That post has details about Gomez' arrest, the complaint, bail and updates on hearings in his case. Gomez is on a no bail status. His jury trial is scheduled for 4/6 last time I checked.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/07/trinidad-gomez-arrested-by-hcso-forlewd.html?m=1#more

On 3/31, I received this email. I recognized the name.

"Hello, 

You're already covering this case (thank you for continuing to update the page regularly) and I'm sure it'll come up in trial, but I just wanted to add some context for your reporting. Maybe you already know. 

Trinidad Gomez was a custodian at McKinleyville Middle School. He's being charged with lewd acts with a minor under the age of 14. I left Humboldt over a decade ago, so you'll have to confirm with someone local if he was still working there, but my guess is that he was during the alleged incident. Anyone who went to public school in McKinleyville during the 2010s will be familiar with who he is. 

Please keep my identity anonymous. "

Internet searches for payroll are never current. The alleged incidents for this HCSO arrest took place between 2020 and 2024. Regardless of whether Gomez is working at Mckinleyville Union Elementary now, he did at some point. This arrest may cover alleged incidents from 2020 to 2024 but there could be other potential victims.

Courts and Humboldt County were closed on 3/31. Despite this being another day that I am trying to take off to rest; this is an alleged crime involving children and that is important and a priority.

I have contacted one of the Mckinleyville Union School Board Members, Thomas Chavez who I know from previous community and business dealings. There is no email on the website for MUSD Suprintendent Julie Giannini-Previde and I asked Thomas to  forward my inquiry to her. 

He did so and provided me the email for Ms. Giannini-Previde. I thank Thomas for his prompt initial response. The District is looking into my inquiry. I will update when I hear from the MUSD.

I did hear from someone who confirmed Gomez worked for MUSD with specifics. I am waiting to hear back before I share the response. The person is an adult now and not harmed in any way by Gomez. The person gave specific details. That message will encourage others to step forward. I did get permission but there are some details I cannot share as it will identify the person 

4:43 p.m.:

"Yes, he did in fact work for MUSD for several years as a janitor and would do repairs at Morris Elementary. I went to Morris from 1st-5th from (years redacted to protect tipster's identity) and he was a heavy presence at the school. He acted very nice and friendly with everyone. I remember him always being at the front gate to greet students as they came onto campus in the morning. He had a girlfriend who also worked at the school and they seemed very cute together and happy. He was also very close with my uncle who worked at (details redacted to protect uncle's identity but specifics were provided) who has also supported Gomez through out the years and even (another detail redacted to protect the tipster and family)

I remember one weekend my little sister and I went to Morris to go play on the playground and burn off some steam. Our (family member's location redacted to protect identity) from morris and it was completely normal at the time for us to go over there by ourselves and play. I remember seeing Gomez on a ladder on the Morris building towards the front office at the time. He called my sister and I over. We approached him and he that he was thirsty and if he could come across the street for some water at (family members location redacted). My (family member) wasn’t home for some reason and I felt extremely uncomfortable with the request. I remember looking at my little sister, grabbing her hand, and told her to run with me back to our (family member's location redacted). I remember us laughing together and were looking out (detail redacted)and he was standing across the street looking trying to see us. I remember us talking about how weird it was that he wouldn’t have brought his own water or just drink out of the water fountain as there were several at the school. When we told my (family member) about it he was very happy that we did what we did. “He should get his own damn water why is he asking my little girls to come in (location redacted) when I’m not here.” From then on I felt extremely uncomfortable around him and would avoid him at school. Even with the encouragement from my (family member) to “be nice to Gomez and say hi back.” I just felt like something wasn’t right, I’m so glad that I listened to my instincts that day. I hope this is an appropriate avenue to give you this information and to illustrate his history with trying to gain access to children at the time.

Over the past twenty six-ish years my (redacted) has worked with Gomez in different positions in MUSD beginning at Morris School in the early (years redacted) and they were really good friends. Throughout the years my (family member) was a huge support for Gomez and Alejandra his wife (and was the girlfriend that I mentioned previously who worked at Morris Elementary school with him for several years.) 

(I have redacted a few sentences and locations because it would identify the tipster and the family. Some of the redactions are also a request from the tipster)

But during that time Gomez beat on Alejandra and the abuse got so bad that my (family member) had him kicked out and stopped associating with him. My (family member) says he’s a bad man. My (family member) completely took Alejandra’s side and has supported them as much as he can post Gomez living there.

I had no idea about my (family member) cutting ties with Gomez post abusing his wife and possibly children until about 30 minutes ago. But I’m extremely proud of my (family member) for helping Alejandra and the kids and making sure that Gomez was not allowed to be on (redacted).

The other local media may cover the case or the trial now that they see the community response but they were MIA until it benefits them. I cover these arrests and cases before information comes out because every single survivor matters. 

I have paid a very high price for exposing the darkness in Humboldt and every single person who has betrayed me, tried to silence me, harm me and made me struggle financially and in other ways; if you think there is a difference between the evil I report and you; then you are deluded and you do not believe in good, God or have a moral compass.

On 4/1/26, I received this response from Ms. . Giannini-Previde. "Yes, Trinidad Gomez was employed by the District until November 30, 2021. The District never received any formal complaints against him. The District takes any concerns about potential harm to students seriously. If anyone has a complaint or concern regarding interactions with this or any other staff member, I encourage them to bring the concerns to me so I can investigate and take action."

Two years probation and clarity needed regarding jail sentence for convicted sexual batterer Arda Kizilay

 

I reported on convicted sexual batterer Arda Kizilay's plea on February 18. There are exclusive details in my February 19 post about what Jane Doe endured and my observation in court which indicates Kizilay lives "far away". I have also provided links to previous coverage. As usual, I was the first to report on his arrest and then regularly follow the case through the court process.

Kizilay resolved his case before the preliminary hearing. The court minutes say 364 days in jail with credits for 17 days and two years probation. Jail says his release date is 9/19.

I have taken time off this week and courts are closed tomorrow but I will follow up on the jail sentence when I have time.

At least, Jane Doe got to see Kizilay cuffed in court and remanded into custody.

I have included court minutes from sentencing today by Judge Lawrence Killoran. Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for this case. Ms. Kathleen Bryson is Kizilay's attorney.

If you want to join Nicole's pity party; your choice. If you want to feed her need for attention and enable her; your choice. What Nicole does not get to do is avoid paying her bills or dictate coverage because it is inconvenient to her

Nicole Fryer, owner of Humboldt Bay Social posted this on Facebook an hour ago.

Ok, since inquiring minds want to know… here it is…

As you’re reacting to sensational headlines, I’m living this in real time. 

When I took this on, it wasn’t  funded. It was a distressed property with debt already attached to it. I had to keep alive in real time.

No safety net. No bailout. Just me figuring it out.

I tried to secure funding the right way. Nothing came through.

So I made a hard call and took on high risk financing to keep the doors open and people employed.

And let’s be clear about the numbers.

Those are inflated MCA payback totals, not what actually hit the business.

And they pull money daily. Not monthly. Daily.

Working capital was being drained every single day.

At the same time, I lost real income managing short term rentals for Oyster Beach when the county shut that down.

That income didn’t slow down. It stopped.

I was also dealing with real property issues

Leaking Hangar roof

Electrical problems that cost over $7,500 in generators, gas and an electrical contractor. 

Ongoing infrastructure issues

The property passed inspection in July 2024. The electrical issues came up after that.

This wasn’t someone just deciding not to pay rent.

This was me trying to keep a business alive with limited options and real obstacles.

And still I showed up.

As for the article, I didn’t participate. That was intentional.

The narrative was already being laid down.

I asked for a short delay so it could be accurate. Loco published anyway.

Deadlines don’t excuse incomplete reporting. 

Call it what you want.

Just don’t call it complete, or thorough, or professional journalism. 

HBSC is open

I’m operating

And I’m not going anywhere

No membership required. Just good vibes.

#judgementoverknowledge #hbsc #realrecognizereal #iykyk

Hundreds of people do business in Humboldt County. Some never end up in the news because there is no reason. Others do not end up in the news because this is a small County with selective enforcement. Some end up in the news and are smart enough to stay quiet. Most of who those who end up in a lawsuit have the brains to listen to a lawyer or have the common sense to stay quiet.

Nicole Fryer thought this Facebook post would help her?

Nicole Fryer called Lost Coast Outpost out so this isn't my fight. LOCO can respond to it; if they wish. My opinion of LOCO and their so called "journalism" is well known. 

I reported on the City of Eureka lawsuit involving Nicole before LOCO. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/i-have-been-reporting-on-zephyr-lawauit.html?m=1

Unlike LOCO, I consistently report on many lawsuits to inform the community whether it is about child molestors or businesses that are being sued. 

I already expressed my opinion on LOCO following up on this one lawsuit days later and selectively singling out Fryer as LOCO often does. When LOCO actually risks and takes on powers to be in this town; I will check to see if pigs are flying.

I am surprised by Michaele Whiteley's comment on this FB post. She certainly has received a lot of free publicity from LOCO. Again, I could care less about LOCO but it is telling of Michaele Whitley.

I have removed Humboldt Bay Social from my feed because Facebook's annoying algorithm interrupted my peaceful day off.

Nicole sent me an email with a similar request . It either got accidentally deleted or I cannot find the email address it was sent from and I did the obvious searches. I ignored it because I reported  on the lawsuit from court records. Unlike Nicole's desperate spin, court records are not biased. Those who still support her or think she knows journalism and didn't bother to read the information are the problem in Humboldt.

If Nicole had provided a statement to me instead of trying to tell me what to do or deter me from covering valid news; I would have printed it whether I believed it or not.

Journalism is not defined because a biased party with egg on their face finds it inconvenient. That is a major problem in Humboldt. Just as Humboldt's addiction to Facebook and drama. I temporarily deleted my FB news page and it was so peaceful. I cover news that is not Humboldt focused and I post on other platforms. My crankiness is directly related to being on Facebook and how much time I spend at Humboldt Superior Court. 

If Nicole did not want to be a part of the news, she could have released a simple statement at any time saying that she did not want to comment on ongoing litigation. She could have put something on Facebook before the City of Eureka filed anything in court. I did a post when Nicole first bought Humboldt Bay Social. Never heard from her. No thank you. Not very professional of Nicole. 

Nicole screwed up and expects reporters to jump at her command and dictate what and when reporters should do their job?

If Nicole has made arrangements with the City of Eureka or anyone else she owes money to; then she had a choice to say so; her ego that inquiring minds were sitting around wondering about someone most people in Humboldt have never heard of before news was published about this lawsuit is her hubris.

According to Nicole's own Facebook post, she took on a distressed property. Now she cannot pay her rent and bills. But it isn't her fault. Instead of looking that she maybe the problem, she is whining and blaming everyone else. 

Lot of people face challenges. Not because they made make poor decisions like Nicole but because life isn't fair. They pull themselves up by their bootstraps with no support.

If you want to join Nicole's pity party; your choice. If you want to feed her need for attention and enable her; your choice. What Nicole does not get to do is avoid paying her bills or dictate coverage because it is inconvenient to her.

CA AG Bonta warns public of fake court notice scam

California AG Bonta just sent out a statement about a court notice scam which alleges you owe money for a traffic or toll ticket and demand immediate payment.

Anthony Horst arrested for criminal threats; Donovan Larimore arrested for false imprisonment and domestic violence

Anthony Milo Horst was arrested yesterday by HCSO for PC 422 (a) criminal threats. Donovan Lee Larimore arrested by Arcata Police Department yesterday for PC 236 false imprisonment and PC 273.5(a) domestic violence.

Tuesday is yet another County and Court holiday

 

Finally finished all my updates from last week. If you want the current information and exclusive information on Georgi Tonev, Josalyn Spagel, Andrew Tuttle, Daniel Fidler, Tavin Evans, Analia Martinez and others check the previous posts. Betwen the repeat offenders, new arrests, cases being continued four, five, six times in a week and all these attorney conflicts; not every case gets a new post. 

Few cases from Friday were continued to Monday.

First Humboldt crime Truth Social style post was funnier; hard to be witty when you spend your weekend updating SSDD

 

What I wrote on 7/21/2025:

What is going on with you "boys" and in some cases, "gals?" Those of you at the too clean Humboldt Hilton with three hots and a cot you losers don't deserve. You are really putting a damper on the Humboldt fog. Law enforcement, attorneys, correctional deputies, court staff and law abiding public and I are on one team. Make Eureka Safe Again. Crescent City, San Francisco, Oregon are really not sending us their best. It is summertime.  We are tired of seeing your mugshot, fed up of seeing you out on the street, not interested in your sob story for the 10th time about how you will change. Put on some "big boy" and "big girl" pants, enough of this arson, robbery, vandalism DEI.  We need a break from your crime. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

If only Humboldt law enforcement, attorneys, correctional deputies, court staff and law abiding public could address Humboldt criminals "Truth Social" style. Since they can't or won't, I will as the local reporter and blogger regularly covering court and crime.

I was going to do one for the family law litigants but they have no sense of humor.

I have earned the right after what reporting truth, especially about courts, has cost me personally, financially and done to my health.

The post I did on July 21, 2025 still applies today, except things have gotten worse.

What is going on with you Humboldt repeat offenders? Those of you with constant visits to the Humboldt Hilton. Conflicts of interests, multiple continuances in a week have overloaded the Humboldt court system. There are no beds for the new Humboldt man buns and gals with shaved heads. Slap on the wrist plea deals for four or five cases?! Even San Francisco's mayor, a moderate Democrat is trying hard! Fix your crime issue or expect a visit from Tom Homan. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

I admit, the first one was funnier. I am also exhausted and ready now to start my staycation. 

Child pornography suspect Alias Hensel faces federal charges; Humboldt case will be dismissed

 

I have been adding updates to child pornography suspect Alias Hensel's 2025 case to the November 2025 post. It includes the 8 felonies he is charged with in the Humboldt case and all developments until this new post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/11/alias-hensel-arrested-for-sending.html?m=1#more

On 3/26/26, setting of preliminary hearing/change of plea was continued by the Humboldt County DA to 4/17/26. After Hensel is arraigned on the federal indictment; the Humboldt case will be dismissed.

Future updates until the dismissal of the Humboldt Superior Court case will be added to this post.

After several warnings and issuing a citywide tactical alert for Los Angeles, there were several arrests today by LAPD and more are expected

 

A candidate from the local left who is already being selective about access and treating all fairly

Victor Garcia chose who he sent his press release to; Victor you are a month behind my reporting that you planned to run. Does not bode well that as a potential candidate, you do not treat all local media sources fairly. Those who support you are aware who I am.

Victor still has not filed any paperwork with the City of Eureka so his campaign announcement is meaningless.

Victor, we already have enough activists on Eureka City Council. What we need is people who know how to run a business, can budget and increase opportunities for private industry.

3/30/26: Looks like calling out potential Eureka Ward 1 candidate Victor Garcia twice worked. He finally filed paperwork with the City of Eureka. 

This post is for the survivors, the families, the lawyers and law enforcement

 

Christopher Diven's father in law thanked me again for the updates on the case. Two other local media covered the preliminary hearing. So did I while covering 20 to 30 defendants with multiple cases daily. He contacted me twice because  he is not local and I have covered Diven regularly and for years. 

Many people contact me whether other media covers a random hearing or any case because I have been there for years and continue to be the one to inform and help. You don't hear about all the people I help at the courthouse, even on a busy day or respond to, in addition to the content I provide. As exhausted as I am, what makes it worthwhile is the survivors, the families who rely on my consistent, detailed coverage. Lawyers, law enforcement, others at the courthouse follow me to see what is going on. These are the people who never demand anything for me and appreciate me. The people who support me personally, financially or both; even those who give what they can once; could contact me but they are the ones who give me space and ask for nothing.

After I finish another weekend of updates and new posts, I am taking some time for me next week. When and how long, no one needs to know. Whatever and whenever that time is, I may or may not do minimal posts, you may not see a difference in my daily content.

If I don't respond to tips, if you have to wait for some update, that is just how it will be. Taking an entire day off has not happened in 22 years. I am going to try. It won't be enough. As long as I am in Humboldt, it is never a day off completely but it will be a break from the toxic den of evil at 825 5th street and around that building.

For all those who aren't loyal, take me for granted; don't worry. The time I take off will still have sloppy local error filled clickbait from other local media. Pigs might fly and the other local media may even apologize for their error. Link for related reference.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/getting-arrested-for-dui-near-epd.html?m=1

A Humboldt small claims lawsuit filed by Sacramento couple mentions habitability issues; $6,806, Complete Property Management and a defendant with the same name as a Humboldt Deputy DA

 

I noticed a small claims hearing on calendar this morning with the name exactly the same as Humbolt Deputy DA Victoria Reierstad. I was not in the courtroom today so I cannot confirm if this case involves Ms . Reierstad. I did not see her on the second floor at all today. It is not a common name.

Michael Taney is an attorney at Humboldt Superior Court. He is listed on this case as pro tem judge. Humboldt Commissioner Sarah Kaber usually hears small claims cases.

"A pro tem judge (pro tempore) is a temporary judge—often a qualified attorney or retired judge—appointed to act in place of a regular judge who is absent, disqualified, or when a court vacancy exists. They handle cases, such as small claims, with the same authority as a regular judge. " Legal Information Institute

The case was filed on December 5, 2025. There was one hearing on 3/13/26. The parties did not stipulate to Mr. Taney hearing the matter. It was continued to today. E court lists that at the request of Ms. Reierstad, the small claims hearing was continued to 4/24/26.

I have included court documents which include the claim filed by plaintiffs and the 3/13 court minutes. Between the 3/13/26 court minutes which do not list Complete Property Management properly with other parties; the omission of Complete Property Management in e court under parties and no idea if Alyssa and Samuel Wilson filed out the small claims form properly; I will have to wait, clarify and update, if neccessary the role of parties. 

The dispute is about $6,806, a Humboldt property rental and habitability issues which the Sacramento couple claimed was sustained by "Humboldt County Building Department."

If the Wilsons provided any evidence, it was not in e court. I do not know this Sacramento couple but just based on the filing, I can sense drama from them and I am not buying the " poor me victim" routine.

I have only had one interaction with Ms. Munger and she is very professional. If this is Deputy DA Reierstad, I have had interactions with her. She is professional and kind.