Anticipated litigation against County of Humboldt from the CA Judicial Council and Humboldt Superior Court

 

On February 25, I was the first and only one; again; to report on proposed changes with Courthouse security. At the March 3, Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting, under closed session is anticipated litigation against the County. A San Francisco firm representing the California Judicial Council and Humboldt Superior Court has sent a letter to the Sheriff, County Counsel and Board of Supervisors. I have added  documents to the post you can read yourself.

The letter states, "Last week the Court informed the Judicial Council that the Sheriff has begun preparing plans to 1) remove Weapons Screening stations from the 1st Floor and relocate the stations to the 2nd Floor of the building, and 2) to remove bailiffs from certain Courtrooms to perform Weapons Screening Services in lieu of attending court and performing bailiff functions there.

Both proposed measures raise challenging legal issues."

The first time changes were proposed, I informed the public. The second time I did the same. Aside from legal challenges, these proposed changes are cumbersome, will add to stress and frustration and endanger the public.

Reed Smith LLP letter identifies the same concerns I have. 

The tools that pose as local media never challenge those in power. They provide the spin the County wants instead of speaking up for the public. For all the money and resources and staff the rest of the local media has compared to me; just in the last week what have they informed you about that significantly impacts your life and takes on those in power?

The County Board of Supervisors refuse to take a pay cut, adjust expenses of their sycophants, refuse to look at the cost of retired annuitants and extra help at the HCSO as well as other departments instead expect the public to pay for their incompetence and failure to properly budget. 

Humboldt judges have to move courtrooms if they are calling a different calendar because the bailiffs don't like transporting inmates to certain courtrooms. Who is paying the salary of anyone employed by the County including the Supervisors? This happened recently when Judge April Van Dyke was calling a calendar in Courtroom 5 which is Judge Lawrence Killoran's courtroom. He was calling the mental health calendar.

47 year old Nicholas Lund arrested on Ramey warrant for possession of child pornography

 

47 year old Nicholas Jacob Lund was arrested yesterday by HCSO on a Ramey warrant and booked for two counts of PC 311.11 (a) possession of child pornography. Lund posted bond.

His Facebook profile is either restricted or scrubbed. Same with instagram. The profile photo matches the booking photo but it has children in the background. Since he posted bond, it could take months to know if charges will be filed.

Here is a copy of the email about Chief Stephens that City of Eureka claims does not exist and it needs to be investigated by Destinee Rhamy's attorney

This is the email City of Eureka told me does not exist. My source had told me Monday Oct. 20th 10:26 a.m. complaint about Police Chief Stephensemailed to council and city attorney.

When I followed up with my source saying City of Eureka says records do not exist, my source speculated, "unless they stripped it from the servers." I am not suggesting the City of Eureka did that but they seem to have lied to me about the no records exist. 

Earlier today, I did these two posts. City of Eureka responded to me faster than ever saying no records exist. The time line I gave the City of Eureka for the email complaint was" October 1, 2025 to February 26, 2026." I did not tell them I had a screenshot of the email and the exact time and who it was sent to on purpose.

Last month, I did these two posts on another PRA and another no records exist response and then ultimately, EPD Chief Stephens said, "It is still an ongoing and active investigation and we will not be making any other comments at this time.  Thank you!"

This is the second time in two months, the City of Eureka claims records do not exist, it involves EPD and the criminal justice system.

I do not like Destinee Rhamy. But I do believe in constitutional rights, due process.

Make note that this was sent to Sacramento Bee, Lost Coast Outpost in October 2025 and there was no reporting or follow up. 

The Grand Jury was cced on this email. The Eureka City Council was cced on this email.

I don't ever want to hear a word dismissing me or my being a journalist from the cowardly haters of Humboldt. 

Resentencing hearing and defense motion to strike enhancements requested by defense in two of convicted murderer Ryan Tanner's cases

 

There was a resentencing hearing scheduled in two of convicted murderer Ryan Tanner's cases this morning. There is also a defense motion to dismiss enhancements.

It is a special set before Humboldt Presiding Judge Kelly Neel. Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm appeared on the case for the People.

His current attorney is Gregory Kreis. 

Matter under submission. Written ruling.

Sale of a home led to speculation that EPD Chief Stephens maybe retiring; he responded, "I have no plans to retire in the foreseeable future."

 

I got this message with the image above.

"Stephen's girlfriend Danah Palmers house pending sale?  He lives with her, is he retiring?"

I sent another PRA to City of Eureka asking about retirement or resignation and a separate email to Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens about this sale. I did this before this post.

Chief Stephens responded promptly. "Good Morning John, We rent, We don’t own a home. I have no plans to retire in the foreseeable future. Have a good day! Godspeed." 

Chief Stephens' response matches with the owner of that house not being him or his partner.

I still want City of Eureka to respond given my other PRA. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/submitted-pra-about-tip-claiming-there.html?m=1

The City of Eureka responded to me at 11:59 saying, "No records exist."

I have written about Chief Stephens and his partner before in 2023. I spoke to Chief Stephens about the former post in 2024 after former EPD Chief Todd Jarvis spoke with me privately as a friend of Chief Stephens. Reporting and investigating what others ignore puts me in an awkward, difficult position often but that does not change the facts. Nor should it deter a real reporter from covering anyone.This is a small county and all public figures are under scrutiny. That is local or national. 

I have had lies written about me, often anonymously and gossip spread to financially destroy me and my reputation. Not a single lawyer, First Amendment group or this community has stood up for me in public or helped me. Except for Ms. Heidi Holmquist Wells. That took guts. I am not rehashing that again. And Deputy DA Roger Rees did as a part of his job addressing a motion but I am still grateful to both Ms. Wells and Mr. Rees.

I get targeted for having the gall to report and not be a PR tool for those in power and call out the criminals, trolls and exposing what needs to be covered in Humboldt.

What I reported in 2023 and now was correct. You can read the rest of the post if you want or not. There were reasons for me to report it then and check into it now. I appreciate Chief Stephens' response. The sale of the house alone isn't the reason I reached out to Chief Stephens. I have done a second PRA and earlier post. Also contacting Chief directly puts the kibosh to any speculation.

"She was a EPD trainee dispatcher, married to Eureka Firefighter Joel DeVries, when she had an on duty affair with FTO Brian Stephens,  Joel caught them in the act at his home (not unlike the former Sheriff Lt case), brian's been dating her for years, but only recently publicly acknowledged the relationship after his divorce finally happened."

If you didn't read the related post below, you should.

Many experienced and good officers did leave EPD when Brian Stephens was promoted. It is a fact. Told to me personally and my own observations about where people went and when. There is stuff in the 2023 about City Eureka Manager Miles Slattery and it is relevant. I am not typing all that again. I also mentioned the affair and it was other sources who told me that and it corroborates the source who is quoted in this article.

In the December 2023 post, I wrote, "Firearms and finding another man in bed and threats have been allegedly made in at least one other situation where the two men were both first responders and at least one allegedly had gun. But only one person mentioned that to me and no one else had heard about it so did it happen? I finally got confirmation from other sources and the details match my orginal source. All the sources said that one of the parties was EPD Assistant Chief Brian Stephens (soon to be EPD Police Chief) and "years ago he cheated on his wife with a dispatcher who was married to a fireman and that set back the relationship between the two departments for years." Allegedly, Stephens pulled a gun on the fireman. I say allegedly because while the affair has been mentioned by various sources; there are different versions circulating at EPD about Stephens allegedly pulling a gun on the fireman. Depending on who you talk the basics about the affair are the same but not everyone was at EPD when this supposedly happened while others were so was this alleged gun pointing by Stephens truth or embellishment? 

If the affair allegation isn't true, then Asst. Chief Stephens and Humboldt Bay Fire can put out a written statement and refute it on record."

No one contacted me then.

Former Eureka Police Chief Todd Jarvis approached me personally saying Chief Stephens was hurt when I published the 2023 article. He didn't say it was not factual. He personally asked me to speak to Chief Stephens. I told him I would think about it. In December 2024 when I  was covering a live arrest; I did speak to Chief Stephens. However, since then I found out more information from more sources and I am not going to apologize for facts or investigating news and exposing those who are needed in a small County . Those in Humboldt who are butt hurt over my reporting need to look in the mirror. They would have no issue if I reported about Biden or Trump or whatever suits their agendas and bubbles. 

I was the first to RSVP for a press briefing this Monday about EPD's Assistant PIO. My recent coverage better not impact my attending that briefing. 

Will Slattery run Lost Coast Outpost again to detract from my two PRAs as he does with some tidbit no one is interested in when he needs a spin and they do his bidding instead of investigating Eureka City Hall or Stephens or other news they ignore. I challenge LOCO groupies and Humboldt insiders who fund and read the Patrick Cleary owned rag to find me one example of anything negative about Slattery. Loser Cleary couldn't be elected and he has no business owning any media because it will never be unbiased news and does not hold good ole Humboldt boys and gals accountable.

If the local media owners and publishers had any cajones, they don't; they would look into the symbiotic relationships in this town that affects and destroys many lives.

Related post on Brian Stephens:

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/12/epd-hcso-lose-more-experienced-staff-to.html?m=1#more

Submitted a PRA about a tip claiming there was a City of Eureka investigation into EPD Chief Stephens about the Elbik murder case which is currently in trial

I am currently covering the jury trial for homicide suspect Destinee Rhamy.

The victim in that case is Holland Renee Elbik.

I received a tip "that there was a City Hall investigation launched about Brian in regards to his conduct during the Elbik murder case investigation from emailed complaint back in Oct'25, have you heard anything?  Might be worth a FOIA"

The arresting agency is Eureka Police Department and Brian refers to current EPD Chief Brian Stephens.

I did send a PRA to the City of Eureka before publishing this post.

The City of Eureka responded to me at 11:56 saying, "No records exist."

I am glad I have the City of Eureka response in writing. Stay tuned.

New charges filed by Placer County DA against serial child molestor David Funston who was granted early parole

 

On Monday, I did a post on the California Parole Board 's decision to granted parole to David Allen Funston, a serial child molester. 

There was outrage from the public, law enforcement Republican elected officials and national headlines.

The Placer County District Attorney has filed new charges against Funston.

I have included a statement released today by the Placer County DA.

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against David Allen Funston, age 64, for violating Penal Code section 288(a), lewd and lascivious acts upon a child. A no-bail warrant was issued, and the defendant is now in custody in the Placer County jail. 

The charges stem from the sexual assault of a young child in Roseville in 1996. At the time of the original investigation and prosecution, the defendant was convicted in Sacramento County and sentenced to three life terms in prison for his crimes. In the interest of justice, and because these life sentences ensured the defendant would be removed from society, the Placer County District Attorney’s Office did not pursue a separate prosecution at that time. 

However, due to recent developments under California’s elder parole program, the defendant has been released from CDCR, effectively overturning the permanence of the prior life sentences. As the interests of justice have changed with recent legislation and parole board decisions, our community safety is no longer assured. The Placer County District Attorney’s Office has refiled the 1996 charges within the statute of limitations to hold the defendant accountable for the crimes he committed in Placer County.  

“To be clear, this individual was previously sentenced to multiple life terms for extremely heinous crimes,” said Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire. “However, subsequent changes in state law and recent parole board failures have altered the practical effect of those life sentences for the victims and communities at large. When changes in the law put our communities at risk, it is our duty to re-evaluate those cases and act accordingly. David Allen Funston committed very real crimes against a Placer County child, and the statute of limitations allows us to hold him accountable for those crimes.” 

The defendant is scheduled to be arraigned early next week in the Placer County Superior Court. 

How many of you recognize every single name of arrests yesterday during HCSO saturated enforcement operation?

 

HCSO issued a press release an hour ago on "a saturated enforcement operation in the Hoopa Valley and carried the operations to Blue Lake." 

This was based on a request from the Hoopa Tribe for crime suppression activity on February 25, 2026.

As you read the names of the arrests with arrest warrants, bench warrants and failures to appear; anyone who follows court and crime regularly or checks the daily jail log will recognize these repeat offenders.

This press release shows the failure of California and Humboldt leadership to address the attitude and prevalance of drugs and the consequences of soft on crime California laws.

Rest of Destinee Rhamy jurors excused early because a juror is sick

 

I just did a very detailed post on homicide suspect Destinee Rhamy's case on Monday. That post has all previous coverage on the case.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/jury-selection-started-late-this.html?m=1

This is my second post on the trial with some key observations and information. I have included court minutes from yesterday. 

On 2/24, jury was sworn around 3:30 p.m. From what I saw, two male alternates and one female alternate and 6 women, 6 men? It is very crowded at the courthouse, I am busy and I got a quick look. Yesterday, there were four people sitting on one side of the courtroom and two family members for the victim, Holland Renee Elbik, sitting on the other side with Victim Witness Advocate MH.

Since my last post, the criminal clerk supervisor and local civil attorney, Randall Davis  criminal were both excused.

On 2/25, Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees and Ms. Andrea Sullivan gave opening statements. Today, the rest of the jury was excused early morning and shortly after court was in session because a juror is sick.

Attorneys met with Judge Killoran later today informal discussions about jury instructions. Rhamy waived her presence for these discussions.

CA AG Bonta and Shasta County DA reach settlement with Redding Property Management Company for violating Tenant Protection Act

 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, in partnership with Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett, announced a settlement with a Redding property management company, Property Upsurge, and its property-owning affiliates. The settlement resolves allegations that Property Upsurge, which manages approximately 1,300 rental units across Northern California, improperly issued eviction notices, imposed rent increases above what state law allows, and charged higher rents to tenants using Section 8 vouchers, among other egregious conduct in violation of California law. As part of the settlement, Property Upsurge must pay $550,000 to tenants and provide an additional $200,000 in debt relief, pay $50,000 in civil penalties, and take specific actions to ensure compliance with injunctive terms. 

After intervention, attempted murder suspect James LaBranche's case is scheduled for a change of plea on the same day as the preliminary hearing

 

Attempted murder and criminal threats suspect James LaBranche already has a conviction for domestic violence.

Yesterday, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward met with Deputy District Attorney Victoria Reierstad and Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo. Tomorrow a preliminary hearing was previously scheduled; now a change of plea has been entered.

I reported previously that at his bail hearing on 1/15, alleged victim Jane Doe asked for the criminal protective order to be modified to peaceful contact so a potential resolution is not a shocker.

I am not doing another new post on this case tomorrow so whatever happens; I will add an update to this post.

Thank you Judge Steward for not allowing yet another needless continuance for "Chicago John" and "KGB"'s criminal case

 

Human trafficking and money laundering suspects Uonan Uonan aka "Chicago John" and Nicholas Machado and "KGB"'s Humboldt Superior Court 2024 criminal case has been dragging on with needless continuances and the same reasons for years.

All three incumbent Humboldt Superior Court judges are guaranteed re-election since no challenger filed paperwork by the deadline

 

I knew this but I wanted to confirm with Humboldt County elections before sharing this with readers.

It is too late for any challenger and all three incumbent Humboldt Superior Court judges who are running for re-election will serve another term. As I have reported several times; those judges are Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel; Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning and Judge Kaleb Cockrum.

This was confirmed by Humboldt County Office of Elections Administrative Analyst II, Christina Strevey.

"John,

It is too late for anyone to challenge the incumbent judges who have filed. Candidates for three superior court judge seats had from January 26th to February 4th to file a Judicial Declaration of Intent. If the Incumbent judges had not filed theirs, that period would have extended until February 9th for any candidate except the incumbents.

As of February 9th the regular filing period rules become effect for the rest of the filing documents. Since the incumbents did file, they had until March 6th to file nomination papers and the their Declaration of Candidacy, but as you noted have already done so."

DHS told secretaries of state that no federal immigration agents will be at polling locations in November

 

(This 2024 photo of Honey was taken by Mark Scolforo / AP and has been published on various sites )

Heather Honey, DHS' deputy assistant secretary for election integrity, told secretaries of state today that federal immigration agents will not be stationed at polling locations during the November midterm elections. This has been confirmed by Democrat and Republican election officials.

Registered sex offender wants to represent District 7 on Fresno City Council

I looked up information on Megan's Law and am using that photo instead of the touched up, posed photo on this registered sex offender's campaign website.

Rene Campos wants to represent District 7 on Fresno City Council. Campos was charged with being in possession of child pornography. Acvording to Campos and some other California media reports, that was in 2018 and the same reports claim he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge.

Fresno County Clerk and Registrar of Voters James Kus said that state law does not prevent Campos from running for office.

I am not going into details of California election code but even certain felony convictions do not disqualify someone from running from office. I do recall a conversation with Humboldt County Clerk, Recorder and Registrar of Voters Juan Cervantes that only certain felony convictions prohibit someone from running for office.

Tanner is HCSO bound from Ferndale PD

 

(Photo of Tanner Gardner with Ferndale Police Chief Ron Sligh courtesy Ferndale PD)

"Former Ferndale Police Officer Tanner Gardner stopped by the office today.  Tanner recently started the field training program with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department after serving the Ferndale community for several years.  Ferndale Police Chief Ron Sligh presented Tanner with a plaque and thanked him for his dedication to the community and wished him luck in his current endeavor with HCSO." Ferndale PD.

Word is that the Newsom's appointment to Humboldt Superior Court Department 6 is local

 

Maybe this gif is what I should email to the Governor's Press Office next time.

I am not sure why the California Governor Newsom's Office of Judicial Appointments is taking so long to announce who will be temporarily appointed to Humboldt Superior Court Department 6.

I have been the only one following, reporting on potential candidates and developments for months and years now.

I did receive one response last June from Izzy Gardon who is Director of Communications for Governor Newsom last. He said a formal announcement would be made and applications were being reviewed.

I followed up last month with the Governor's Press Office as Mr. Gardon suggested.

Word is that they are close to a decision, the candidate is local and background checks have been done. Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner Sarah Kaber is one of the names that keeps coming up in informal conversations. If it is Commissioner Kaber, they would have to find someone to take that position.

Yesterday, I saw someone with Risa Waddell on the second floor. She is one of the Humboldt Superior Court judicial secretaries. It could be a regional judge filling in this week.

I only got a quick look but if it is who I think it is;  that would be a good choice for the new Department 6 judge. When I first wrote about Retired Judge Joyce Hinrichs leaving early, I mentioned she wanted input in who got to fill her seat. That is another reason who I saw got me curious.

Humboldt DA concludes OIS of Nicholas Anderson was legally justified

 

"District Attorney Stacey Eads has completed her review of the investigation, which includes extensive video surveillance as well as body worn camera footage, regarding the June 5, 2025, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Officer-involved shooting of 29-year-old Nicholas David Anderson of Simi Valley, California. A Humboldt County Critical Incident Response Team, including members from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office, Eureka Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Arcata Police Department, Fortuna Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and California Highway Patrol, conducted the investigation.  Additionally, the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office and the California Department of Justice- Bureau of Forensic Services, contributed to the investigation." -- From first page

"District Attorney Stacey Eads has concluded the shooting was legally justified, in that the actions of Cpl. Anderson complied with California Penal Code Section 835a.   Mr. Anderson’s family has been notified of her findings and legal determination. " Conclusion.

The full press release is lengthy. You can read it at:

https://humboldtgov.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/6164