2020 failed Eureka Council candidate Tamar Shirley is suing Humboldt Judge April Van Dyke

2020 failed Eureka Council Ward candidate Tamar Shirley who went MIA after qualification. He has filed a lawsuit against Humboldt Superior Court Judge April Van Dyke alleging civil rights violation, violation of due process, violation of equal protection, acts outside judicial capacity, declaratory and injunctive relief

There is a hearing on a request for demurrer with prejudice scheduled with Justice Pollak via Zoom today. All Humboldt Superior Judges recused themselves.

Ms. Sharon Nagle is representing Judge Van Dyke. Shirley is pro per. He did not file opposition to demurrer as of 2/11. Civil court minutes take a while.

Shirley is not only stupid but he is clueless that you can't sue judge. Especially, if you just don't like the ruling. 

Most of the points I was going to make are listed in court documents filed on behalf of Judge Van Dyke. The California Commission on Judicial Performance would laugh if Shirley even bothered to contact them. Only in Humboldt is there this kind of nonsense allowed to waste court time. 

Shirley has not listed his middle name & I am not wasting time I dont have looking through every one of 36 searches to list every conviction or outcome in Humboldt Superior Court but most of the cases have a D and the same middle name Demetrious Dewayne & I checked the address in the civil lawsuit against other court documents.

Court documents will be added later. 

False imprisonment suspect Eric Nelson was arrested last November by EPD; today for HCSO

 

HCSO just issued a press release about two false imprisonment suspects. I  reported about 19 year old Eric Nelson's arrest by EPD last year for criminal threats and violation of a court order.

After what Jane Doe endured, Arda Kizilay better not get probation

 

Yesterday, I did an all day, live coverage of the plea deal of convicted sexual batterer and sex offender Arda Kizilay. It took all day because two Turkish interpreters had to translate everything. 

After my post yesterday, the victim in this case emailed and thanked me. No other media was in court yesterday or followed up on Kizilay after the arrest.

Court minutes, what Kizilay pleaded to and other details including sentencing date are in yesterday's post. Links to previous coverage are in yesterday's post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/plea-deal-or-not-lot-of-twist-and-turns.html?m=1

I explained that I would do a separate post on the plea because the details in court are not in the minutes. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Killoran went over the plea meticulously. The factual basis was stated in court which explains for the first time what happened and what led to Kizilay's arrest and confirmed my research that Kizilay worked for Door Dash. 

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor. Ms. Kathleen Bryson is Kizilay's attorney. Kizilay, mostly looked resigned and defeated. When Ms. Schaffer was stating the factual basis which is a summary of probable cause, hearing what Jane Doe endured was difficult enough but Kizilay interrupted at one point, "no, no" and Ms. Bryson had to hush him and explain. So, he does understand English and was able to talk to the victim but taxpayers needed to pay for two interpreters who will also assist with a pre-sentence report and sentencing. I heard him speak; he understands and can communicate in English enough where no translation is needed.

**This is court coverage and court record of facts about a convicted sexual batterer and sex offender and includes graphic language. If you chose to continue to read beyond this point, that is your choice. **

"Work until you no longer have to introduce yourself"

 

When someone asks, are you John Chiv? And especially at the courthouse, it can be good or...so I am hesitant before I answer. Penni Renner Richardson, it was one of your friends. When she said that, I was relieved. I do appreciate when I meet my readers and get to know you in person. Many of you share my posts, you read them and have been loyal for years. Thank you.

What catches me off guard is at a restaurant, taking a cab, speaking with customer service and someone says, I know who you are. I read your blog, your Facebook page.

Yurok Tribe applies for CA Tribal Police Pilot Program

Just got a tip from a valid source. Yurok Tribe has applied for the California Tribal Police Pilot Program. According to my source, Yurok Tribe is the only local tribe who applied by the initial deadline.

I spoke with Yurok Tribe Police Greg O'Rourke. He told me that he cannot confirm whether other tribes have applied since he does not have access to that information which only the selection committee would know. Chief O'Rourke said the California Department of Justice has extended the deadline for applications.

Plea deal or not, lot of twist and turns since yesterday in sexual battery suspect Arda Kizilay case

 

**I would have had a current photo for you today and still may in the future. A lot happening in this case minute by minute. **

This is a screenshot and cropped email without email addresses I sent yesterday to Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Manager Scott Anderson, Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer and Ms. Kathleen Bryson.

The only issues I have had with a media request have been with Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum. It wasn't always that way. Regular readers who follow me, the community, those who work at the Courthouse and law enforcement know, have privately spoken to me and they have their own concerns about Judge Cockrum. I have already stated on my blog with numerous examples of cases, apellate rulings why someone should run against him but I have my doubts that he will have an opponent. The community and law enforcement deserve better.

I have been the only one following sexual battery suspect Arda Kizilay's case and with exclusive details. Kizilay is not allowed to work at Door Dash until this case concludes.

This morning at 9:40 p.m. I saw Kizilay sitting by himself at in jeans and a green shirt.

The preliminary hearing was assigned to Judge Timothy Canning. Ms. Bryson made oral motion to disqualify Judge Canning at 10:40 p.m. and the case got sent to Courtroom 5.

In May 2025, after I called him out about his ruling in the Richard Stobaugh case. RHBB commenters spoke up for me in Ryan Hutson's post about his ruling. Judge Cockrum then reversed his ruling. He isnt even the judge hearing the prelim in the Kizilay case.

At 10:57 a.m. Ms Bryson told Judge Killoran that an offer has been made. I left the courtroom because turkish interpreters are on zoom, Ms. Schaffer left shortly after. Ms Bryson is having ta confidential discussion about the offer to Kizilay. 

There is no other media here.

12:09 p.m. Judge Kaleb Cockrum was walking out at the same time as me  just now from the Courthouse & he told me "denied without prejudice, just means I can bring it up to the assigned judge." Judge Cockrum also informed attorneys, I can "bring it up again."

While I appreciate that, Humboldt has no current protocol to address the court. If that is what Humboldt wants to do in the future, in Utah, they have "media intervenors" who are attorneys who appear pro bono for any journalist. We don't in Humboldt. 

Judge Cockrum could have not denied the request, instead just told court staff and left the order blank and assigned judge will rule after discussing with attorneys. 

1:40 p.m. Attorneys in intervention with Judge Killoran.

3 p.m.: Kizilay entered a plea to Count 2 felony sexual battery. Count 1 was dismissed. Sentencing on March 30. Eureka Police Department Officer Koa Mihalov was in court. 

I will be doing a separate post on the plea because the details in court are not in the minutes. Judge Killoran went over the plea meticulously. The factual basis was stated in court which explains for the first time what happened and what led to Kizilay's arrest and confirmed my research that Kizilay worked for Door Dash. This is court coverage of a convicted sexual batterer and sex offender and includes graphic language. At least Jane Doe is spared the ordeal of a trial. No other media was in court.

CHP investigating crash that resulted in vehicle going down embankment into the Eel River

"On February 17 at about 11:26 a.m., personnel from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a traffic crash on State Route 162 near mile marker 10.8. A vehicle was reported to have left the roadway, went down an embankment, and entered the Eel River.  Emergency rescue teams searched the water while officers checked the surrounding area. However, unsafe weather, high water levels, and poor water visibility made conditions too dangerous for search teams to continue in the river. Search and Rescue personnel will resume operations when it is safe to do so. The CHP is working closely with Caltrans, Laytonville Fire Department, CAL FIRE, and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate ongoing search efforts. This crash is still under investigation." --Garberville CHP Officer Giselle Moore.

"CHP is closing SR-299 from the Blue Lake Scales to Mile Post Marker 33 due to snow, falling trees and power lines, and disabled vehicles."

CHP Humboldt Public Information,  Recruitment and Court Liaison Officer Jason Esselman just released this statement, "The weather is continuing to beat SR-299. CHP is closing SR-299 from the Blue Lake Scales to Mile Post Marker 33 due to snow, falling trees and power lines, and disabled vehicles. We urge the motoring public to avoid the area and we will provide updates as the situation changes. Thanks for your cooperation and assistance."

9:53 update: "Cal Trans and PG&E have worked diligently to reopen the road for both directions. We encourage drivers to be cautious in the area."

Failed judicial candidate, Texas defense attorney's t shirt during jury selection causes mistrial in nine defendant case

 

None of the coverage today included MarQuetta "Marq" Clayton's failed candidacy. I researched her.

Clayton who was a 2024 candidate for judge is now representing Maricela Rueda, one of nine defendants charged in connection with the ambush shooting of a police officer at a Texas U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center.

The articles on the mistrial declared today by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman are all over the place with some differences but what is common in all coverage is that a mistrial was declared.

Judge Pittman halted jury selection after noticing Clayton's t-shirt which featured civil rights icons. Different articles name different leaders and activists.

"I don’t know why in the world you would think that’s appropriate,” Judge Pittman told Clayton.

Ericka Rosas not held to answer to attempted murder; now charged with assault, battery and hit and run

On January 10, I reported about the arrest "of Ericka Marie Rosas was booked into the Humboldt County jail yesterday an arrest warrant for PC 664/187(a) attempted murder and PC 245(a)(1) assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm."

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/second-arrest-booked-into-jail-for.html?m=1

The alleged victim is Jacob Paul Swagert, who according to the information is either an ex or former boo and is unclear if they share achild the way it is worded. Rosas' choice of weapon:a vehicle.

Rosas' booking photo looks nothing like her Facebook profile (s). 

Rosas was arraigned on 1/13; Conflict Counsel's office was appointed. OR and supervised release was denied on 1/15 by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence  Killoran. The preliminary hearing was continued three times. At the last continuance,  Deputy Conflict Counsel David Nims requested release and it was granted by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum, On 2/3, after the preliminary hearing, Judge Cockrum did not hold Rosas to answer to the attempted murder charge. He did to assault with a deadly weapon and found probable cause for battery as well as hit and run with property damage. Judge Cockrum denied Mr. Nims' request to reduce to a misdemeanor. Court minutes do not indicate what charge. I am not going to assume Count 2.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees was the prosecutor for the preliminary hearing. Other Deputy DAs have appeared on the case. At the conclusion of the hearing, Mr. Rees said that Deputy DA Brandon Boozari is taking over the case as prosecutor.

I have included the court minutes, complaint and information so you can see the change in charges.

Rosas was supposed to be arraigned this afternoon. She failed to appear in court, bench warrant was issued for $45,000 & held until 2/24. 

Driver at fault in Broadway and Wabash fatal collision

EPD issued a press release about Friday's fatal collision at the intersection of Broadway and Wabash. Driver at fault. Dog is alive and with associates of the pedestrian who was killed. 

Another entitled, careless driver causing a fatality instead of stopping for a pedestrian who was clearly in the crosswalk.

Chino Hills, a Patel, Royal Inn motel, "hub for prostitution and drug activities"

 

"Varsha Patel, 57, of Chino Hills, California, was sentenced on Feb. 4, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to five years of probation, forfeiture of the Royal Inn motel, forfeiture of $744,000, and a $5,000 fine. Patel previously pleaded guilty to Using a Facility of Interstate Commerce in Aid of Racketeering Enterprises."

Sage Alexander is leaving Times Standard and is headed to Lost Coast Outpost

Sage Alexander is leaving Times Standard and is headed to Lost Coast Outpost. He isn't the only former TS staffer to head to LOCO. Ryan Burns did the same with a stop at the North Coast Journal.

We will follow the evidence and meticulously build the case. We thank our federal partners for their dogged pursuit of human traffickers.”

Last Thursday's Department of Justice press release on Prophetess Kathleen Klein was reported by CBS News and some local Fox news stations the same day. Fox News posted about it this morning.

HCSO assisted Hoopa Tribal Police on a call about an armed robbery at Coast Central Credit Union

(CCCU website)

HCSO assisted Hoopa Tribal Police yesterday last night on a call regarding "an armed robbery that occurred at the Coast Central Credit Union located at 12700 State Highway 96 in Hoopa." Surveillance is being collected & reviewed, no suspect in custody. HCSO just issued a press release with initial details.

HCSO arrests Felix Arbaugh for attempted murder

 

20 year old Felix Yancy Arbaugh was arrested by HCSO yesterday for PC 664/187(a) attempted murder.  reached out to HCSO for more information.

11:03: A press release will be issued in a few minutes which I will add to the post. 11:05 Alleged victim is Arbaugh's 47 year old uncle.

Redwood High School students disciplined for homophobic slur after photo circulated on social media

 

(KSEE)

CBS47 and KSEE24 reported this initially. It was then picked up by some other California media such as the San Francisco Chronicle. The New York Post did a summary which I have included in the post.

"A group of California high schoolers has reportedly been disciplined after they lined up on the bleachers last week wearing shirts that spelled out a homophobic slur — a shocking act that has rocked the district. The students had letters on their tees for a senior class photo inside the gym and had initially posed for a picture that spelled out, “Always Legit, Class of 2026,” Visalia Unified School District spokesperson Cristina Gutierrez told the San Francisco Chronicle. The 10 troublemakers from Redwood High School, located southeast of Fresno, including several student government leaders, smiled with their arms wrapped around one another and posed for a photo with white T-shirts that spelled out “F—-t,” according to an image obtained by YourCentralValley.com.

But they pulled off the disturbing stunt afterward, using the “6” for the “g” in the slur.

School officials caught wind of the slur after the students’ photo started circulating on social media. "

Not only does LA Judge Robert Draper plan to run for re-election but he intends to have his day in court against the CJP

 

On February 4, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Robert Draper's attorneys filed an answer to the formal charges against him by the California Commission on Judicial Performance.

These are two excerpts from Page 1 and 2. I guess we have the answer why he is running for re-election.

"I now have the privilege of standing for one last 6-year term, and I intend to do so, because I have not been able to complete the changes in how our Court operates that I believe are necessary to effectively serve the people of Los Angeles County.  

"I appreciate the opportunity to file this Answer under oath and look forward to a public proceeding out of the darkness with room for all to attend who wish to do so in which the truth can be publicly determined and made known."

I have included pages 1, 2, 11 and the proof of service. You can read the entire document on the CJP website.