Open Door made the right decision, Robert is a reporter, LOCO as usual posted clickbait, activist drivel

If you did not read the clickbait that Lost Coast Outpost wrote today that I am responding to; you are not losing out on anything and you won't have agita. It is 9 days after a well balanced article by Times Standard's Robert Schaulis which was not written like the activist drivel in LOCO. 

This is from LOCO:

"Signed by employees, patients, parents, medical providers, councilmembers and community members. The Outpost has reviewed signatures attached to the letter, but has published a version excluding individual names as per a request by Queer Humboldt, who said some that signed are afraid of retaliation."

The only one capitulating is LOCO who gave in to Lark Doolan's request from Queer Humboldt not to publish any names.

The irony of Doolan attacking Open Door when President and CEO Tory Starr correctly provided a valid reason to stop accepting new patients under 19 for gender affirming care or risk losing federal funding and Doolan then asking LOCO not put their names is typical of the self absorbed, selfish and cowardly far left.

If you can't stand by your words and use your name, then don't say them and don't attack others. 

Unless they are minors, the adults should reveal who they are; especially the Councilmembers.

In this rural area, Open Door provides an option for adults who need gender affirming care and others who need health services and cannot afford other options. Doolan and those who signed the letter are selfish and do not give a damn.

If Doolan and all others feel so strongly, let them put their money where their mouth is and go to D.C. and lobby to get the laws changed. That requires guts and dedication which these letter writers lack. 

Completely clueless, performative activists such as Doolan get away with their 15 seconds of attention when many Democrats and even adults in the trans community with common sense agree with the GOP about women's sports and no gender affirming care for minors struggling with gender identity.

It is tough enough as an adult to deal with the complexities and society if you are transgender. Minors should not be making life altering decisions.

One of the reasons you have President Donald Trump and a backlash is because of people like Doolan who force their opinions and agenda.

Doolan was not at Stonewall. Doolan did not change minds about gay or transgender rights in a hostile environment. Doolan has not lived during a time where you risked basic survival for being who you are. I have. I have always used my name. I have always put in time advocating for laws and rights for others and at a time when that was risky. That includes the present.

Doolan and all who signed that letter sit here in Humboldt where there is zero risk and decide to create a situation that will worsen life for the transgender community.

The far left could not let it be where employment, housing discrimination and other rights were achieved by gay or transgender community members who respect other's beliefs and opinion and did not feel the need to force others about anything. The pronouns on every bio, the alphabet acronym which seems to keep expanding, the denial about women's sports and pushing gender affirming care for minors struggling with gender identity, the threatening of allies like Open Door by the far left is responsible for the recent erosion of women's, gay and transgender rights.

It is because of people like Doolan that transgender adults who go to renew their passports and other federal documents now suffer. 

This post will piss off some in Humboldt.  Those people are already hateful and have attacked me. They know nothing about me. They have never supported me. They have done nothing to improve the lives of this community except to lecture, attack with their myopic views because they feel they know better and think they are above others.

They are turning off independents who are switching to the GOP and progressives who are switching to independent by their tactics and actions.

Did Doolan or the people who signed this letter bother to contact Lambda Legal? That wouldn't have resulted in Doolan's 15 seconds of fame. The people who signed this letter want to play the victim. The far left isn't about solutions but constant performative outrage.

LA Times provided more relevant information than Daily Journal on this important CA Supreme Court ruling

(Daily Journal)

(LA Times)

They made other rulings which they need to clarify for local Superior Courts such as funding. What the California Supreme Court ruling does not address is the shortage of court reporters and why.

Some letters read at Daryl Jones hearing today, others rejected

**The photo is one I took at the preliminary hearing**

Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 read letters on Day 2 of the hearing today on defense request for mental health diversion for Daryl Jones. Other letters were accepted by Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel. Some letters by parents were rejected. The doctor who evaluated Jones is on the stand testifying which will resume after the mid-afternoon break.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the case. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell is Jones' attorney.

Ms. Joanne Carter has been here at every hearing. There are 10 people here in person.

I covered the preliminary hearing in detail. I have included court documents in previous coverage. The only new information is the doctor's testimony. 

Judge Neel took the matter under submission. Ruling is scheduled for 8/21.

After dragging things out for weeks, James Atkins agrees to what DA offered before court trial on bifurcated issues

After dragging things out for weeks, James Atkins agreed to what DA offered before court trial today on bifurcated issues and trial setting for Count 2.

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward presided over Atkin's trial. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the case. Mr. Anthony Tall is Atkin's attorney.

An unexpted encounter that turned into an opportunity for healing

"Be kind and soft-hearted, forgiving each other just as God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

A few minutes ago, I heard my name and turned around and saw Jody Honsal.

I did not know what to expect. I am not going to share what Jody and I talked about which I promised her. The chat ended up being about many things and a positive conversation.

I want to thank Jody for saying hello. 

In-N-Out sued for religious discrimination and wrongful termination

Arianna Rodriguez, a former In-N-Out cook in Long Beach, California is suing for religious discrimination and wrongful termination. In the lawsuit, Rodriguez alleges she was fired on July 3, 2026 after a new manager at that location in October 2025 refused her requests to have Sundays off for church. 

Prior to this new manager, Rodriguez had a schedule accommodating her Sunday church attendance for years without issue.

After she reporting perceived unequal treatment and an incident involving food waste on June 24, she was suspended, investigated, and fired.

Rodriguez is seeking unspecified damages, unpaid wages, and reinstatement to her job. 

The few media outlets that have reported on this lawsuit provide no details about attorneys or the Superior Court where it was filed which I do in my court coverage. They also do not provide court documents.

I tried to look for the lawsuit.

EPD is investigating this comment left on Janelle Jackson's campaign page

 

This is why I abhor Facebook. They allow these anon cowards to spew hate and filth. I debated whether to post these screenshots. 

I wanted to know if Janelle had filed a police report. I reached out to her. She said yes and that Eureka Police Department is investigating.

These three candidates by their actions and character are the positive change in Eureka needs

 

Anyone who has been involved or observed Eureka politics for the last two decades knows it can get nasty and bitter. Majority of it is due to the money and supporters of the candidates but individuals are free to make their own decisions.

I have known Janelle for years. I have spoken with Jason often. Due to our busy schedules, we have not met yet in person. I have seen Audra and had the chance to speak with her.

All these candidates never bad mouthed their opponents. I am not going to share all the details of our conversations but their choice to campaign on their strengths is refreshing and positive. Jason has shared posts about the two other challengers and he shared my post about Eureka Councilmember Renee DeLoach.

Knowing how the good ole boys and gals of Humboldt regardless of their claimed and perceived political affiliation operate, I don't need a 460 to know who is backing what candidate and if pressure is being applied. I don't need the candidates to tell me. Those of you with the "money" and "power" have screwed Eureka and Humboldt for decades and you don't suffer the consequences of your self centered actions. Donate and back who you want but keep your failed ideas and tactics to yourself. 

These three candidates are the change Eureka needs. New ideas, new leadership for the people.

Jorden Sterling aka Jorden Place and his boo are now suing Humboldt Superior Court, Humboldt DA and HCSO

 

Those who read me regularly, especially my court coverage need no introduction to the attention seeking duo Jorden Sterling aka Jorden J. Place and his boo Courtney Zanone.

In addition to clogging the Humboldt Superior Court system and wasting time on every motion they can file in every one of Jordo's criminal cases scheduled this Monday; Jorden has family law cases in Humboldt and Shasta Counties. Now Jordo and Courtney have filed two civil lawsuits and between them are suing the Humboldt County District Attorney, Humboldt County Sheriff and Humboldt Superior Court. Jorden is also suing Pacific Towing and Elyssa Zuniga. All these were filed on 8/7/26 Friday.  A Case Management Conference is scheduled on 2/1/27 in these cases.

A quick look at the civil lawsuits filed by Jordo against Humboldt DA, HCSO show that it involves his family law case. The case against Pacific Towing according to Jordo's filings is about the "towing, impoundment, continued possession, and proposed lien sale of a 2006 Ford Mustang."

Jorden Sterling aka Jorden Place has an open family law case with Zuniga.

Jorden's name is spelled so many different ways in e court but just a search for Jorden Sterling results in 41 cases  in the Humboldt Superior Court. His name change should never have been granted with the amount of open court cases he has in Humboldt.

Courtney is another one with multiple names in the system. According to her own filing, she has a Medford, Oregon address. Jordo also has a Medford, Oregon address in the civil lawsuit listed in the BOS agenda.

I looked at the complaints in e court. Not wasting time adding the documents. Lets see what happens. The complaint against Humboldt Superior Court is not in e court, yet.

Courtney makes a point to say something to me every time she sees me at the Courthouse, outside the Courthouse or near the Courthouse and roll her eyes. That hasn't impressed anyone and if she tries those antics during jury selection and a jury trial, Jordo and Courtney will find out exactly how much they don't know about the law. 

Jordo is pro per in his criminal cases and already lost at one preliminary hearing. Ms. Andrea Sullivan is representing his mother Melissa Sterling. Ms. Sullivan wasn't there to help out at that hearing.

I am not linking all the posts I have done on Jorden and Melissa Sterling case and Jordo's Humboldt case featuring sidekick Courtney. They can be accessed for free via the search feature on the blog.

I have included the screenshot of one post I did in which I reported "Jorden Matthew Jay Sterling filed a petition in March 2026 for name change and his new proposed name is Jorden J. Place."

Courtney, it looked like you do not have a record in Humboldt Superior Court yet, except for this case where the complaining party failed to show up at the hearing. You did not win that case. I would have to check the case again but if I remember the court minutes currently, you were also a no show. It was dismissed due to lack of prosecution.

Found this in a simple google search. From Rogue Valley Times in Oregon. The same name as your August 6, 2026 filing.

I looked up that name in Humboldt Superior Court and look what I found.

 

Humboldt judges need to stop allowing this misuse and disrespect of court resources which too many pro per litigants abuse. California is lax but not like Oregon. Jordo and Courtney need to look up vexatious litigant. 

Based on the defendants originally from Oregon I have dealt with and covered in the Humboldt Superior Court system who always seem to be involved in family law cases; Courtney's behavior makes sense.

Do either Jordo or Courtney have a job? Are they mooching off the system? They seem to be filing court documents what seems like every day. Courtney and Jorden both have fee waivers listed in the two civil lawsuits I checked so far. She is pro per. 

All thes civil and criminal lawsuits, all the court hearings on all these motions filed by Jorden in just the criminal case, the cost to Humboldt Superior Court, Humboldt County DA and whatever lawyer the County of Humboldt hires for HCSO or Humboldt County Counsel on these civil lawsuits will cost the taxpayers.

8/10/26: I will add a more detailed update on all of Jorden's criminal cases from today to this post when I have time. One of Jordo's criminal cases will proceed to jury trial before the co-defendant case with his mother. All cases from today are on tomorrow .

Jonathan Marcks Jr charged with attempted murder and assault, defense waives OR bail hearing

 

Yesterday Jonathan Eisenhard Marcks, Jr was arraigned on the complaint filed by the DA in the morning charging him with Count 1 attempted murder and Count 2 assault of Joshua Mottern. The weapon used was a knife.

 Count 1 has two special allegations PC 12022.7 (a) great bodily injury and PC 192.7 (c) (23) personally used deadly weapon to inflict of great bodily injury. Count 2 special allegation

Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson set bail at $75,000. Deputy DA Brandon Boozari appeared on the case for the People. Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner for his office. Defense waived OR bail hearing without prejudice. Preliminary hearing is on 8/19.

I have included the charges and complaint.

18 years in federal prison for Concord man for violent extortion scheme and shooting at federal officers

 

The U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California issued a press release today with details.

Was Logan Brewer-Hearst sentenced today?

 

On 7/7/26, Logan Brewer Hearst entered a plea in his drug and firearm case before Humboldt Superior Court Judge April Van Dyke.Sentencing was scheduled for 8/7.

Today, if Brewer Hearst was sentenced in Courtroom 7 or the hearing was continued, you will have to wait until next week or whenever court minutes are available. I waited at the Courthouse for over an hour, went back twice. All other criminal courtroom clerks got their minutes done by the end of the day, even the clerk in Courtroom 2 which was the last courtroom open past 4 p.m. I will add any update including the sentence to this post. I am not doing multiple posts and another new post on one of the many Humboldt criminals and this is a repeat offender with a drug case. There are zero or minimal consequences in Humboldt, especially in drug cases.

I have covered Brewer Hearst for years and this is his most recent case. He refuses to change his ways despite multiple chances.

8/10/26: Still no minutes. I found out it was continued. No date in e court.

I already reported on these qualifications individually but here is the official list

 

I already reported on all these candidates individually as they qualified for Eureka City Council but this is the official list as of 4:01 today.

Ward 5 deadline is extended until August 12 since current Ward 5 Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach is not running for re-election.

Exclusive: Eureka Councilmember Contreras-DeLoach explains why she is not seeking a second term for Eureka City Council

 

I was the first and only one to report that Eureka Councilmember Ward 5 Renee Contreras DeLoach is not running for re-election.

Renee just sent me this statement. I wish her peace and healing.

"First, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to continuing to serve in some other capacity when the time is right. Next, I want to say that I will not be seeking a second term. I have received health news that changed my perspective on the right path forward for myself and my family. 

I am grateful for the broad base of support from people across the political spectrum. I believe that means I was doing this job right, not perfectly, but right because I was trying every day to put my community first. I’m glad that right, left and center felt free to call me, ask for help or even complain. I appreciate how often I’ve heard something along the lines of “I don’t agree with some of your views but I know you care about us”. That warms my heart!

I avoided the camera and news, which was a source of continual tension between my job as a public figure and my deeply held religious beliefs. I believe charity and service ought to be quiet and if you only serve to impress others, you’re doing it for the wrong reason. However, I have been very busy behind the scenes throughout my term. 

I have appreciated working with members of our local tribes and all the members of our various religious organizations. I thank you for your continuous and generous actions on behalf of everyone! May the Creator bless your every step taken on behalf of His children. 

My gratitude to the many businesses in Eureka who take a risk and work to build this community and economy without whom there would be no money to do a single thing at the City. We owe you our thanks and our respect. 

I want to thank our Fire Department, CSET, all our First Responders and their families who are willing to bear the trauma themselves to rescue  those in desperate need of them. You are heroes. 

Lastly, it’s important that you know goodness and kindness are happening around your city quietly, but continuously. In a time where so many are losing hope, it’s critical that you know that every day people are out there trying to make life better or kinder in their own small ways. There are many that serve out of love, not self promotion, they give and smile without cameras rolling. Left, right, center, Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Atheist- none of this matters when we are serving and loving one another. And the good people who call this area home have far more in common than not. 

All my best,

Renée"

Elvecio Machado arrested by HCSO for several charges after an investigation into illegal cannabis cultivation in Willow Creek

 

(Photo: HCSO)

54 year old Elvecio Pinheiro Machado posted bail.

CA AG Rob Bonta files felony charges against a certified nursing assistant for the alleged sexual abuse of an 86-year-old resident at Concord facility

 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta provided details about "the arrest and filing of felony charges against a certified nursing assistant for the alleged sexual abuse of an 86-year-old resident with diminished capacity at Concord Post Acute, a skilled nursing facility in Concord. 

“Caregivers are entrusted with attending to and caring for people in a vulnerable, and often, incapacitated state,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Sexual abuse is absolutely intolerable and sexually abusing a compromised individual while in a position of power over them is all the more deplorable. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to fight against any form of sexual misconduct and elder abuse.”

The Division of Medi-Cal Fraud & Elder Abuse (DMFEA) received a referral from the California Department of Public Health regarding the inappropriate contact at Concord Post Acute. A felony complaint has been filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court, charging the nursing assistant with a lewd act by a caretaker upon a dependent adult. DMFEA is a division within the California Department of Justice whose mission is to protect the public and the state’s Medi-Cal program from those who defraud taxpayers and divert state health care resources. The investigation was made possible through the collaboration of government agencies and those who reported incidences of Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse. If you suspect Medi-Cal fraud or elder abuse, please report it at https://oag.ca.gov/dmfea/reporting."

 

Convicted felon Troy Spencer sentenced to 8 years, 4 months in prison

On July 6, 2026, following a two-week trial, a Humboldt County jury returned guilty verdicts of all charges brought against 49-year-old Troy Spencer of Myers Flat including first-degree residential burglary, criminal threats, possession of an assault weapon, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Additionally, the jury found two sentencing enhancements alleging he used an assault weapon in the commission of a felony and committed a residential burglary while out on bail to be true, thereby exposing him to a potential maximum of 13 years 8 months in prison under the law. Today, the Honorable Judge Kaleb V. Cockrum sentenced Spencer to serve 8 years, 4 months in prison.  

Forcible rape suspect resolves case with guilty plea to assault; rape charge dismissed

 

I have been adding updates to my March 7, 2026 post on forcible rape suspect Levi Jones' case.

Today, instead of his preliminary hearing, he entered a guilty plea taken by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward to Count 3 assault likely to produce great boldily injury. Count 1 & 2 dismissed which includes the rape charge. The plea is conditional for drug court terms, jail time with a day suspended for structured release into a treatment program.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell is Jones' attorney.

Sentencing is on 8/27.