$680, 815 for the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation on Humboldt BOS agenda and more lawsuits against the County I covered

 

Besides more lawsuits under closed session on the April 28, 2026 agenda that I have covered; the only item I wanted to point out was $680, 815 for the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation.

Yes, I see it says "in an amount not to exceed."

The other local media and their bot agenda summary can focus on the snoozefest of the appointments to Great Redwood Trail Agency Board and they can ignore asking any real questions about the renegotiation of the County lease in Ferndale with the Humboldt County Fair Association.

Blake Reagan charged in DUI case, arraignment is in August

 

Local muralist and painter Blake Allan Reagan was arrested on  1/8/26 by CHP for DUI.  Charges were finally filed on 4/21. A letter has been sent to a Loleta address informing Reagan arraignment is scheduled for 8/17. The complaint filed by Humboldt County Deputy DA Dave Watson charges Reagan with Count 1 VC23152 (a) DUI as a misdemeanor and Count 2 VC23222(a) possession of an open container which is an infraction.

EPD looking for robbery suspect who robbed local business then fled towards Grant Elementary, EPD did safety sweep of campus and lifted lockdown

Eureka Police Department didn't name the business but Handee Market is on that block.

Guess who's back and out of retirement? Russ Clanton

 

I have been adding updates to forcible rape and domestic violence suspect Tristan Alvarez-Gamboa's case. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/10/27-year-old-tristan-alvarez-gamboa.html?m=1#more

After several continuances by defense, today a date for preliminary hearing was finally scheduled for 6/17. That would normally be another update just added to the other minor ones in the October 2025 post. The defense declaring a conflict after 6 months and Conflict Counsel being relieved; also not a big deal.

The new post is because Mr. Russ Clanton has been retained by Alvarez-Gamboa. Is this an exception to retirement or is he back in business?

With the amount of what is almost daily arrests for alleged rapists, molestors and other predatory crimes in Humboldt County as well as repeat offenders; public defenders are declaring conflicts more often.

Mr. Neal Sanders is retired. Mr. Michael Robinson is busy and semi-retired. Ms. Andrea Sullivan is busy and practicing in Southern California. These three attorneys are in demand. They take cases others are reluctant to and they deliver results. So will Mr. Clanton be taking on more cases and reviving his contacts particularly in the local Mexican and Latino community?

Timothy Long known to HCSO for years arrested for kidnapping, violation of a court order and probation violation

 

Timothy Long who HCSO arrested yesterday was detained in the recent HCSO Hoopa patrol press release. I covered him in 2025, 2019 and have that old booking photo.

San Francisco firm and a landlord with money are no match for local law firm Janssen Malloy who took on 4 tenant lawsuits that no one else would in Humboldt

 

(Photo: John Chiv)

There are four lawsuits filed against Dwivedi LLC by current and former tenants of Hillsdale Apartments. Only I have covered all four and only I regularly covered the original lawsuit.

The tenants are represented by Janssen Malloy's senior partner, Mr. Patrik Griego.

Dwivedi LLC and Anil Dwivedi are represented by the Dhillon Law Group in San Francisco. 

The original lawsuit is close to a settlement; discussions are ongoing. Three lawsuits filed after that have settled and dismissal hearings are scheduled.

It is very rare for tenants to prevail against landlords; especially in Humboldt Superior Court. 

The chances are less if you happen to be low income or struggling to get by. Local lawyers will not take on the landlords; Legal Services of Northern California rarely takes on cases and while LSNC in Humboldt initially sent a letter on behalf of the tenants in the original Hillsdale lawsuit; it was Janssen Malloy that took on all four cases. 

I have only seen one other case where it was in favor of the tenant and that was when Mr. Gregory Holtz was at LSNC.

The settlements in these cases by Janssen Malloy are a win. I have written about Janssen Malloy before they advertised with me and after they advertised with me which is only recently. Like any other attorney, my coverage varies and depends on the case and outcome. 

Thank you to my regular and informed readers for these comments. 

If you do not read my blog regularly or follow me on other platforms which most of my readers do; I have provided links to all prior coverage with this post and it includes court documents. Due to the daily increase in volume of Humboldt Superior Court cases and constant Humboldt challenges; my covering other news, including national; I have changed what I provide and the content of posts differs depending on my time. For convenience and individualized benefits, you can subscribe or contribute to my independent reporting and unique court coverage.

Incorrect dates about when the next hearing is makes a difference when people affected by this case have to travel hours to the Courthouse

 

Another incorrect date and error from Lost Coast Outpost. The most recent error by LOCO is in the William Warren and Tselin Lincoln case from yesterday.

Incorrect dates about when the next hearing is makes a difference when people affected by this case have to travel hours to the Humboldt County Courthouse. Errors and misinformation mean extra work for others including attorneys, PIOs and me. Mistakes that actually affect other people's time and cost money.

This is LOCO's error. A non existent hearing on 6/3. Parties do not meet at a court hearing; it is not a barbeque or a potluck.  They attend or come to a court hearing and it is under stressful and sad circumstances. The error still there as of 8:40 a.m. this morning. 

These are court minutes from yesterday.  They are also included my update from yesterday's hearing to the previous post on this case. I had the correct date on my Facebook news page which fortunately the families affected by this case checked since I posted it yesterday morning. I already reported about the motion to continue days ago.

This isn't the first error by LOCO or Sage who made such mistakes at the Times Standard and now at LOCO. I saw Sage talking to a DA Victim Witness Advocate and someone else outside Courtroom 5. He was in court and other than mostly regurgitating what has been previously reported; his brief  coverage from the courtroom yesterday didn't get the most important fact correct. I even offered one of the computers to him yesterday since access was limited or unavailable while I still needed to use the computer. If you are only covering one case; at least get that right.

I cover a lot of cases under challenges no other local media faces. The other local media don't get called out for their mistakes. I will continue to point this hypocrisy out until certain locals, Humboldt insiders who I expose, disgruntled petty harassers with an agenda and Humboldt advertisers who should give a damn about standards selectively impede me from doing my job; only target me and continue to cost me money and time. Instead of hiring more people and trying to do random coverage all over the place with errors ; LOCO and certain other local media should focus on accuracy. 

LOCO's owners clearly don't care about accuracy or standards and seem to have a lot of money to throw away and obviously don't care about putting out a quality product.

This County is so cheap that it did not support the Eureka Reporter and with a few exceptions, it does not support my work. People want good reporting as long as I pay for it and they wanted Eureka Reporter as long as the Arkleys funded the newspaper. The problem is with the majority of Humboldt that people want and expect a lot; for free.

Majority of Humboldt is lazy, like their egos stroked and consider fluff  "news. "Most Humboldt liberals and conservatives don't want to pay people what they are worth. The lack of opportunities and jobs here combined with the same selfish people who won't step down for decades and keep moving from one position to another such as Gregg Foster and Rex Bohn and others in every industry from local media, elected officials and businesses is why Humboldt will always remain the way it is; stagnant, broke and dependent on grants with no change for decades.

The only ones worth spending my time to get them the recognition they deserve are lawyers including several in Humboldt which includes my advertisers.  

Steve Lee charged with 7 felonies, his bail hearing continued an extra day at court's discretion

 

I reported on Steve Lee's arrest. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/steve-lee-arrested-for-domestic.html?m=1

He was on the must go list for yesterday. I checked e court yesterday afternoon right before the deadline of 2 p.m. for late arraignment and charges were not in e court even though it was electronically filed at 1:57  p.m. At 2:25 p.m. still not in e court. Attempts to check with the Humboldt County DA's front office staff all day were unsuccessful due to the phone system which was giving a different message or kept ringing with no answer.

Lee was arraigned yesterday. Lee is charged with 7 felonies. There are three Jane Does listed in the complaint.

Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for this case. The Public Defender's office was appointed by Judge Kelly Neel. Lee is on no bail status. OR bail was set for 4/27 at the court's discretion. Preliminary hearing is on 5/1.

There is additional information I researched but want to do more verification.

My prediction about the "Carpathian" motion and protective order and what it is about

 

I reported on March 19 about the criminal protective order filed by the Humboldt County DA in convicted child molestor, sex offender and former Humboldt Superior Court clerk John Beideman aka "Carpathian" 's 2017 case.

Beideman was sentenced in December 2018 to a 16 year prison sentence as a part of a plea deal. When I did my last post on Beideman in October 2020,  he was housed at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville.

I checked yesterday and he is still housed at the same facility. He is expected to be paroled in August 2026.

The victim was Beideman's step daughter. In 2018, she was 17 years old. Jane Doe is an adult now.

At the last hearing, Humboldt County Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm appeared on the case for the People. The Public Defender's Office was appointed to represent Beideman since his former attorney, Russ Clanyon, has retired. The Public Defender's Office was told to contact Beideman and his appearance was ordered by Zoom for the 4/23 hearing.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/da-files-criminal-protective-order-in.html?m=1

If you did not read my extensive coverage of the 2017 case, the link to the March 19 post will get you caught up. I provided some other links in that March 2026 post. All other posts can be accessed via the search feature on the blog for free or conveniently through a paid subscription and other options for financial investment and contribution.

8:15 a.m Even before the hearing with the motion not visible yet in e court, my guess is that the step daughter requested this due to the release or it is a new protective order based on his release. Beideman was obsessed with her.

Beideman filed three petitions in 2018 against the Humboldt jail; all were denied.

8:38 a.m. No other media here. I don't see either Ms. Timm or Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer here or DA Stacey Eads. I saw Deputy DA Victoria Reierstad go in with several files. I see several deputy public defenders and private attorneys. Most likely, there will be a continuance.

Update after hearing: I was correct. Continuance requested by defense was granted; no objection by the People. Hearing now scheduled for 5/8. Ms. Reierstad appeared on the case for the People, Deputy Public Defender Adrian Kamada told Judge Lawrence Killoran he believes the Court does not have jurisdiction and needs more information from the DA. 

Does the Humboldt County Public Defender's Office not have access to google? I am being sarcastic. Some Humboldt don't get sarcasm. Others don't read or skim what they want. Does the PD think that a busy Humboldt County DA's office would file a criminal protective order if there wasn't a reason or they had not been contacted?

I know the PD's office has legal books and have the proposed criminal protective order. Here is a free screenshot for Mr. Kamada, a former Humboldt Deputy DA.

I have done two posts on this criminal protective order. Future updates will be added to this post, unless there is a reason for a new post.

After my last post, Times Standard and Lost Coast Outpost showed up to check the case in e court after my post.

Freddy Alvarez arrested by EPD on street gang related charges

**Even though I cannot post the booking photo until there is a conviction, readers can compare this Facebook profile to the mugshots they know how to find online.**

Freddy Oscar Alvarez was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday and booked for PC 182(a)(1) and criminal conspiracy PC 186.22(a) active participation in a criminal street gang.

I have contacted both EPD PIOS Rachel Sollom and Laura Montagna as well as EPD Commander Leonard LaFrance for more information, including if a press release will be issued.

No previous record that shows up in the public access portion of Humboldt Superior Court system.

Evrn if a press release will be issued, it will be after this post and I requested an answer to specific questions.

Even if a press release is issued, one of the questions I requested be answered specifically is "are there any more arrests expected or made with this arrest."

Ms. Sollom responded and is checking with derectives about what can be released.

Commander LaFrance is in a meeting but said a second arrest was made. The second arrest is a juvenile suspect whose charges include violating probation.

EPD press release issued at 11:38 has been added to the post.

San Francisco's Daniel Barber arrested for making violent death threats against ICE agents

 **This post is about an arrest by Homeland Security. Some of the language is graphic but it is part of evidence and an official press release**

Even before I read the press release or any details about the arrest, I thought, bet you he is from California. Daniel learned what FAFO means and that words on the internet have consequences.

Homeland Security press release posted below.

Russell Albers conditional guilty plea for two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, withdrawl of NGRI plea and max sentence of 148 years to life

 

(2022 booking photo)

I did a Facebook post yesterday on the plea. On 4/20 double homicide suspect Russell Albers asked for yet another continuance to discuss the people's offer with family.

After endless continuances including day to day recently, there was a plea. This afternoon, a plea was entered. Sentencing is on 7/16.

I have been adding updates to my January 10, 2024 post.

Humboldt Superior Presiding Judge Kelly Neel has been meeting with Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers and Deputy Conflict Counsel David Nims regularly for months; recently day by day. I covered all those hearings; some in person. No other media has been reporting on the case. If you haven't, you should atleast read the January 10 post to get an idea of the time put in to resolve this case and prepare for a trial.

I have included the court minutes which have some more details. Albers entered a conditional plea to two counts of murder and attempted murder. Maximum sentence is 148 years to life.

Not guilty by reason of insanity plea is withdrawn. 10 counts dismissed. Special allegations for the murder count were dismissed. Special allegations for attempted murder were amended. Albers stipulated to aggravating circumstances.

This is a 2022 case and I am not adding links to all previous coverage. They can be accessed via the search feature on the blog. The three screenshots are of previous posts and there are  updates added to each post.

What is Kyle Zoellner up to these days? Partly filing two drama filled small claim cases and wasting court time and resources

 

(Facebook photo posted January 13)

What is Kyle Zoellner up to these days? According to a February post on Facebook, an instructor for CPR.

I saw Zoellner's name as the plaintiff in a small claims case. The defendant Victoria Barron filed a cross claim. You can read Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner Sarah Kaber's ruling. I have also included both their claims.

While looking up court documents for the 2026 small claims case, I found another small claims case  Zoellner filed in 2024 against Door Dash. He ended up dismissing the case before the hearing.

If you are from Humboldt, you are familiar with Zoellner. If you are not, google him or search my blog. 

I have included court documents for both cases if you want to read them. Zoellner wasted a lot of court time and resources; for what? Drama and inability to resolve issues like an adult. Many cases in Humboldt Superior Court but especially in civil, small claims and family law are full of drama and a waste of time and caused by the inability of people to act like adults. 

Jon Goldberg resentenced, now convicted of voluntary manslaughter with a determinate sentence of 21 years

 

Yesterday, Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel issued her ruling in convicted murderer Jon Goldberg's case.  

Former Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming is handling special cases for the Humboldt DA's office. Goldberg is one of them. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo is Goldberg's attorney.

Goldberg was originally sentenced 15 years to life for the second degree murder of Tim Smith. Goldberg lost his appeal. His petition for rehearing was denied. His petition for review was denied in the Supreme Court. Goldberg's habeas petition was denied in 2022 by U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer. The screenshots above are the two most recent posts on Goldberg's 2021 case. All other posts can be accessed via the search feature on the blog for free or you can contact me for more convenient and paid options.

I have included the court minutes and ruling for the lawyers. For those who are not lawyers, I have also included an overview of some of the differences between indeterminate vs determinate sentence. 

I checked the CDCR information including the information on Goldberg,' parole. Check it yourself. In my opinion, I dont think the ruling is a win for the DA or defense. Goldberg wasted a lot of time and taxpayer dollars on this resentencing. It isn't going to make much of a difference on when he is released.

Custody credits will cover most of convicted sex offender and felon Andrew Tuttle's three year prison sentence

 

I reported on convicted sex offender and felon Andrew Tuttle's plea on 3/26/26. That update and others on Tuttle's 2026 and 2023 case were added to the January 23, 2026 post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/convicted-sex-offender-and-felon-andrew.html?m=1#more

Today, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward sentenced Tuttle in the 2026 to three years in prison. He already has 180 days custody credits from Humboldt jail. With more custody credits in prison; he will be back on the streets earlier than expected. As previously reported, time on two counts is to be served concurrently. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees appeared on the case for the People. Deputy Conflict Counsel Zach Curtis is Tuttle's attorney.

The 2023 case was dismissed by the People. There is a Prohibited Person report scheduled for 5/22. It happens often after a sentence. I have no reason to cover this case. 

DA charges in Michael Nilsson in Cal Poly Humboldt case and APD case both include being under the influence of a controlled substance; alleged CPH victim is male student

Two days ago, I was the first to report on Michael Nilsson's arrest.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/michael-nilsson-arrested-by-cal-poly.html?m=1

Before the Cal Poly Humboldt press release, I included exclusive information posted that the alleged victim is a current Cal Poly Humboldt student and Nilsson's criminal history and convictions from Humboldt Superior Court as well as an open 2026 case for an Arcata Police Department arrest for petty theft from CVS, public intoxication and resisting an officer.

The Humboldt County District Attorney filed charges today for the Cal Poly Humboldt police arrest. The alleged victim is a male student, Mario Alberto Villasenor l. Nilsson is charged in both cases with being under the influence of toluene. 

Nilsson is being arraigned on both cases this afternoon. In the 2026 case, bail is $25,000; Public Defender's office appointed Judge Kelly Neel. OR bail on 4/24; preliminary hearing on 5/1. APD case trailing; bail $10,000.

Callie Buck has a new case filed in 2026 for petty theft from Fortuna Liquors

 

I have covered former local attorney Callie Buck since 2024. Initially she was respectful, as her own behavior resulted in a downward spiral, a conviction, multiple arrests; as is the case with many in Humboldt; Buck was abusive and engaged in other behaviors towards me instead of looking in the mirror and taking responsibility.

Buck is ineligible to practice law in California.

On 4/17, due to the power outage arraignment in her 2026 case was continued to 4/30 and 5/1. Same dates in her 2025 and 2024 violation of probation cases.

The charge in the 2026 case is for petty theft from Fortuna Liquors.

I have included screenshots of all my prior posts on Buck with this post for new readers. In the future, you will access all posts via the search feature on the blog.

FBI and DOJ 11 count indictment against Southern Poverty Law Center

 

I have included just four pages of the indictment.

SPLC is denying the allegations.