Nov 3, 2026

HCSO investigating gunfire at Harwill Court residence

On November 3, 2026, at 2:36 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting gunfire in the area of 18th Street in Eureka.

Laura Montagna and EPD provide CIT training for 34 Humboldt law enforcement, tribal safety personnel, healthcare providers and mental health professionals

 


This press release was issued yesterday by NAMI Humboldt and Laura Montagna. I received it last night and decided to publish it today when there was a chance more people would read the information. 

"A successful multi-agency Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training has been completed in Humboldt County, bringing together 34 law enforcement officers, tribal public safety personnel, healthcare providers, and mental health professionals from across the region. The 40-hour training was coordinated by Laura Montagna on behalf of NAMI Humboldt and Eureka Police Department.

Nov 2, 2026

Ninth Circuit ruling lifts restrictions on Trump administration regarding ballots from suspected noncitizens

 





Then this update. 


Melody Cote sues Humboldt Restaurants, Inc

 




Melody L Cote sued Humboldt Restaurants, Inc. The original complaint was filed 5/5/26 and a First Amended Complaint on 6/24/26. This was a PAGA lawsuit.

An answer was filed by Humboldt Restaurants, Inc. on 10/19/26. A report on joint status was filed on 10/27/26.

Melody Kate is represented by Mr. Kane Moon.Humboldt Restaurants, Inc. by Ms. Daniella M. Crisanti.

A google search showed Humboldt Restaurants, Inc in Crescent City. Dun and Bradstreet lists Heather Jared as owner and Judy Davis as Branch Manager. California Secretary of State has different information for owner. There are no names in the complaint or answer so I could not check today.

The parties stipulated to "arbitration, dismiss class claims and stay the action" in the October 2027 filing. 

Today, there was a Case Management Conference scheduled but the clerk in Courtroom 4 has not updated the case today or added court minutes; yet. Maybe the minutes will have more information about the parties for Humboldt Restaurant Inc.

The parties requested the CMC be vacated and a post arbitration status conference be scheduled.

Interim Auditor-Controller Mychal Evenson received the County Financial Transactions Reporting Award at the state's 81st Annual County Auditor's Conference last week

 


Interim Auditor-Controller Mychal Evenson received the County Financial Transactions Reporting Award at the state's 81st Annual County Auditor's Conference last week. Photo by Tehama County Auditor-Controller Krista Peterson.

County of Humboldt issued a press release ijust now.

Humboldt DA charges convicted felon Sarah Ballou with five felonies in Patriot Gas Station incident



Convicted felon Sarah Crispino Ballou akaSarah A C Ballou has been charged by the Humboldt DA with five felonies. Count 1 has two special allegations. Alleged victim in Count 1 is clerk Abdul Rehman. The alleged crimes took place at the Patriot Gas Station.

Arraignment is this afternoon. 

1:35 p.m. Arraignment was just completed. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Heather Durand said no bail hold remains until OR bail hearing on 11/4; preliminary hearing is on 11/13. Deputy DA Rebecca Buckley-Stein appeared on the case for the People. Deputy Conflict Counsel Zach Curtis accepted appointment on behalf of his office.

Unlike the bun on top of her head in her booking photo, Ballou now has a shaved head.

Given who hangs out in the alley and around Mother Bernard House, now I am curious if something happened or is this just careless littering?

 



When I was walking to the Courthouse this morning on 4th, saw several papers between L and K street. Thought someone dropped court papers. Turns out they are blank forms for incident report from Mother Bernard House which is near 4th and L.

Did not hear any sirens or see an ambulance except on Halloween on 4th street in that area. Given who hangs out in the alley and around Mother Bernard House, now I am curious if something happened or is this just careless littering? 

Keillan McElroy arrested for two sex crimes involving a minor

21 year old Keillan James McElroy was arrested by Arcata Police Department yesterday for PC 647.6(a)(1) annoy or molest a child under 18 and PC 288.4(a)(1) arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes. He was released on O.R.


Nov 1, 2026

Lori Mansell, the narcissist from Virginia calling out local narcissist Jenna Moore

 





Lori Mansell, the narcissist from Virginia calling out local narcissist Jenna Moore. 

After what Jenna Moore did to me, going out and attacking me with irrelevant information which had nothing to do with what I report but when you are short of facts; you sink to homophobic, transphobic and ad hominem insults.

No idea who Juliana Gafni is and Lori crediting some rando when the Miranda's Rescue investigation search warrants were reported live while they were happening including the first one by me when HCSO was on their way to Shannon Miranda's property and all the local coverage; no one else should be taking credit.




Inside Edition has aired nothing. A freelancer who submitted once to HBO has yet to put out the so called documentary. California AG Rob Bonta is too busy suing the Trump administration and sending out 10 press releases every day about how great he is so Jennifer Raymond's complaint is not even a blip on his radar. 

As for the watch; no one has appointed Lori as an investigator and she is not law enforcement. So unless she has proof how Shannon Miranda paid for the watch; she needs to get off her savior complex because I guarantee you this information is in Shannon's binders or passed on to his lawyer.

This is not defending Shannon Miranda or his supporters but Lori doesn't want any criticism of her and her enablers; yet she feels she can attack me and others;  post whatever she wants about Shannon's supporters and anyone else and that she should get a pass.




The CAD incident report lists what was claimed by one person. When and if HCSO files any official report and if the Humboldt County DA charges Shannon; this maybe relevant. All it is now is some unnamed person who made allegations. Given your bias Lori, how do we know this CAD report is authentic or complete?


Another nothingburger. Shannon wants to be present at his rescue facility. There is nothing that shows anything is wrong. 

Lori, Shannon or Jenna could investigate you and ask why a woman from Virginia keeps meddling in Humboldt County business? Maybe they haven't because no one gives a damn about your daily claims? Anyone can create a Facebook page. Outside your circle of the anti Shannon Miranda obsessed; your page is of no interest to the sane or people who have lives nor have you earned any credibility. All you do is scream the sky is falling with every post and play the victim.

Lori, you are not a journalist, lawyer or law enforcement. On your page you are doling out  advice and making claims when charges will be filed like you are some expert or have some inside information from HCSO. 

You expect people to believe that even if someone from HCSO was going to talk about a high profile Humboldt investigation that some random woman from Virginia would have the exclusive scoop?

You do have a lot of time on your hands. You cannot even obsess about someone in Virginia. What is your agenda? 

Whether Jennifer Raymond, Jenna Moore or you and your ilk have compromised or tainted the investigation or a jury pool cannot be determined when the investigation is not complete and Shannon has not been charged with anything.  

Lori and several of you anti Shannon Miranda continue to seek attention with your narcissism and savior complex. Hopefully HCSO is building a case and will submit a report. Unlike you narcissists, that will actually help animals.

Lori, I have a suggestion for your next post. What have you contributed to pet food? Have you helped  with vet bills? What efforts have you done towards spay and neuter? How many animals have you adopted or helped find a safe home?

What have you done to help animals Lori?  Your full time job seems to be obsessing about Shannon Miranda.

Put your money where you mouth is go or go back to Virginia and help your Governor with her spin on restoring jury and voter rights for a dog who had been dead for 5 years who she made into a felon.
 

Instead of yet another continuance, murder suspect Travis Watson needs to stop taking up a jail bed and take the plea deal offered

 


I have covered murder suspect Travis Watson since his arrest, provide information on his Humboldt Superior court cases, reported on his preliminary hearing and added updates to the previous post until this post on the 10/27 hearing

On 10/27, at the Readiness Conference in his 2026 case, there was no resolution. Humboldt County Senior Deputy DA Roger Rees requested dark days;  Deputy Conflict Counsel Owen Tipps said he will object due to his schedule and Mr. Tipps said he would request a continuance due to possible resolution, Watson entered a limited time waiver. Readiness Conference is on 11/5; jury trial on 11/9. DV review hearing in Watson's 2025 case is trailing.

I already wrote this in another case. The public defenders need to stop clogging jail space and dragging out plea deals and their clients need to face reality that more time does not mean a better plea deal. 

Watson is a repeat offender with a rap sheet, failures to appear and two current cases in which he is charged with violent crimes. 

Fails to show up for court, fails to provide proof of treatment, Judge Killoran showed Hillary Haskins there are consequences

 




Assault suspect Hillary Haskins has 2025 case with four 2024 cases trailing.

Alleged victim is Natalie Irene Harpe. Mr. Patrik Griego is Harpe's attorney. 

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran was the judge who presided over the preliminary hearing.

On 10/27/26, Haskins was not in court when the case was called at 8:45 a.m. when case called. She showedup at 9:15 after defense asked to pass the case so they could contact her. The DA's office recently received medical records. Defense requested a continuance for the jury trial scheduled 11/2. Deputy DA and Mr. Griego objected to the continuance. Judge Killoran said the Court previously requested proof of ongoing treatment and defense request was denied. 

11/2/26: Haskins and Deputy Conflict Counsel Owen Tipps lose again. This time before Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel. Readiness Conference on 11/12; jury trial 11/16.





Oct 31, 2026

Suspect vehicle in this morning's shooting stolen from Eureka and abandoned in McKinleyville

 



On 10/31/26, around 9 a.m. Humboldt County Sheriff's Office provided photos and this initial information on Facebook.

Cannot wait for the arrest to see which repeat offender is involved.

"HCSO Investigating Early Morning Shooting in Eureka

On October 31, 2026, at approximately 5:50 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the 500 block of Higgins Street in Eureka.

One caller reported seeing a white sedan with a red top traveling eastbound on Higgins Street shortly after the shots were fired.

Deputies responded to the area and discovered that a residence and a vehicle had been struck by gunfire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating this incident and working to identify those responsible."

HCSO added this photo.

HCSO update:

The suspect vehicle involved in this morning’s shooting on Higgins Street in Eureka was located abandoned in McKinleyville this afternoon. Deputies determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen from Eureka earlier today. The vehicle was towed and secured to preserve potential evidence located inside.

11/1/26: I reached out to HCSO Lt. Jesse Taylor to see if there was any new information and if the suspect is a repeat offender. 

He responded, "At this point, it is still an active investigation, and we will not be releasing information. No arrests have been made, and deputies are working on leads. "

HCSO press release (issued 11/2/26):

On October 31, 2026, at approximately 5:50 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the 500 block of Higgins Street in Eureka.

Deputies responded to the area and discovered that a residence and a vehicle had been struck by gunfire. Witnesses reported seeing a white sedan with a red top traveling eastbound on Higgins Street immediately after the shots were fired. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Later that afternoon, at approximately 1:35 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 2200 block of McKinleyville Avenue in McKinleyville following a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies located a white and red 2016 Kia Soul that had been reported stolen from Eureka earlier that morning. The vehicle also matched the description provided by witnesses and is believed to have been used in the drive-by shooting.



Oct 30, 2026

Arrested today, posts bond, goes home to find search warrant being served

 


(Photo submitted by regular reader)

35 year old Thomas Michael Burch was arrested on drug charges at 6:41 a.m.. He posted bail a couple of hours ago, went back to his house in Arcata to discover a search warrant being served. This is across the street from Murphy's. He is detained right now. 

7:08 p.m. APD is still at Burch's residence.

7:31 p.m. Rearrested and booked for HS 11360 (a)(2), HS 11359(a) and  HS 11378.

Virginia restored voting and jury service rights to a dog who died 5 years ago

 


Fox News shared this letter sent from a constituent to Virginia Delegate Tom Garrett about his Biscuit Rigsby, his beagle hound mix who died five years ago. 

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger restored voting and jury service rights to Biscuit. The pet's owner declined to be identified to avoid political backlash, confirmed the letter's authenticity to Fox News Digital and told Garrett in a statement that the pup was a "good dog and is greatly missed. To my knowledge, she was never convicted of a felony, nor did she ever show any interest in voting."

This is a constant problem with Eureka and why the current Eureka City Council needs a change on November 3

 


Here I am away from the Courthouse today trying to promote a new, local business and as I am wrapping up, this guy walks by and says, "their food sure isn't free. " This is the problem with Eureka and why Eureka City Council needs a change on Nov 3. I am trying to make a living, just like the owner of the  business,  but this guy who is healthy enough to yell, walk all over town being disruptive, a nuisance sneaks up from where most of these people hang out in Old Town and wants something for free. I told him to go get a job and his response was to cuss at me and throw a drink most people cannot afford which he probably bought with food stamps or change given to him by Eureka enablers. This guy isn't homeless or mentally ill. I recognize him. He is one of the many chronic bums that hangs out all day wanting free stuff because in California, accountability is a myth.

Fresh, authentic Mediterranean food across from Stu's Brew in Eureka

 




I am here at Mama's Mediterranean Cusine on 4th Street, a block from the Co-op a, across from Stu's Brews. Steve Goria, the owner who is doing a soft opening. With the code so you can look up the menu and phone number so you can order takeout. If you want fresh food, this is the place. I tried the pita, hummus, tabbouleh, sample of chicken curry bowl. They also have gyros and kebab burger. Soon, they will have specials and items only for catering menu. Mention my name, get 10% off.

Convicted sex offender arrested by EPD again, released on streets by the jail on OR

 




Convicted sex offender Robert Munts was arrested yet again yesterday by Eureka Police Department for PC 240 assault, PC 242 battery, PC 368(b)(1) elder abuse and PC 647 (f) public intoxication. He was released on O.R.

Read my October 8 post which has all my coverage on this repeat offender who keeps being released back on the streets thanks to the enabling public defenders, lax California Democrat laws and most Humboldt judges who seem unwilling to keep these repeat offenders accountable. He is a criminal, he is a nuisance and the jail released him. Munts knows how to work the system.

He was arrested hours after his release today again by EPD for PC 148 (a) resisting arrest, PC 415 (2) disturbing the peace and public intoxication.

Convicted felon arrested by HCSO for attempted murder

Convicted felon Sarah Crispino Ballou arrested yesterday by HCSO on a Ramey warrant for PC 664/187(a) attempted murder, PC 664/211 attempted robbery and PC 29800(a)(1) felon in possession of a firearm.

HCSO issued a press release on October 28. Ballou is from Oregon, was arrested and booked in Mendocino jail two days ago. Now she is at the Humboldt jail.