I reported on attempted murder Dustarta Serene Sanchez's arrest by EPD last week. The DA filed a complaint today which was her must go date. Alleged victim is John Doe. A handgun is the weapon used in the alleged crimes. She is on a no bail status. Public Defender's Office appointed; criminal protective order served, OR bail hearing on 11/13; preliminary hearing on 11/20.
I had two separate conversations just while I was out and about with Ward 1 Eureka Councilmember Leslie Castellano and then unexpectedly saw Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery a few minutes ago. Both of them have been working on a presentation that will be on the first meeting in December about tenant protections.
The City of Eureka efforts towards housing are commendable but I know from talking to various people daily that the need for people who are without a roof over their head has quadrupled. It is due to several reasons including the Humboldt declining economy and local slumlords and greedy landlords. This includes working people just being outpriced by traveling nurses or generational progeny living off daddy's properties and landlords who retaliate against tenants who speak up about habitability.
One major change that needs to happen is the attitude of certain employees of City of Eureka Building, more help and citations from City of Eureka Code Enforcement and Legal Services of Northern California doing more than discouraging people from going to court. Most Humboldt judges have been and are very pro landlord. But we have some new judges and a new Commissioner who is fair and doesn't rule predictably.
Laws don't do any good when money and greed dictate what happens in courts.
Just received this from Sharon Wolff. I have emailed the CAO's office. And one of my specific questions was, "Are Sheriff Honsal and DHHS Director Connie Beck or any department heads taking a pay cut ?"
I have added her statement to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and the letter she received.
Sharon clarified, "I am not a management employee – I am a confidential employee."
I have known Sharon for years, I previously worked at CWS, I know her from the Rio Dell Times and a court case I covered. I do know other County employees like Donna Becker before I started reporting.
The BOS has money for their raises and to pay the law firm of Liebert, Cassidy Whitmore but not their employees. This law firm threatened me over my coverage of Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell.
Sharon's email:
"The Humboldt County BOS meeting this morning included public comments from many long time county staffers who recently received letters notifying them of changes in their classification resulting in a loss of pay and benefits (aka demotion). This is a county wide initiative being done quietly by Human Resources – most if not all county departments are being impacted but HR has not provided any lists of impacted departments and staff so far. I would encourage you to review the video and all public comments – including right before they go into closed session about employment issues. We are in the middle of a years’ long staffing crisis and county staff members are covering multiple positions now due to the high vacancy rate because all of the state and federal mandates remain. This would seem to be a bad choice of timing for “unit modification” efforts that results in taking away pay and benefits to the mid-level staff simply because we are an unrepresented group. We have been told by county HR that there are no appeal rights or ability to fight this which is why they can do this. It is purely up to the BOS at this point but it will impact all county services to some degree."
Sharon's statement to the Humboldt BOS:
Good morning, Chair and Supervisors. My name is Sharon Wolff. I’ve worked for Humboldt County for 26 years, currently I am your legislative analyst in DHHS. I took time off today to speak as an individual.
Last week, a number of my coworkers and I received letters moving our positions out of the Management and Confidential group and into AFSCME. The letter calls it a unit modification, but when it takes away your pay and benefits, it’s a demotion. I’m the most senior person in DHHS affected.
For many of us it means a frozen salary — no step increases or cost-of-living adjustments until the new range catches up — and the loss of administrative leave, vacation conversion, and other benefits.
This comes in the middle of a long-term staffing crisis. You froze hiring in May 2023. As of January, the County’s vacancy rate was nearly 17 percent. The mandates haven’t gone away, so the remaining staff cover the gaps. I’m learning to process timecards along with my own work. I have been working on CARE Court implementation to help fill in the staffing gaps. Some of my coworkers were told they’re losing M&C status because they’re still doing work “substantially similar” to their old jobs — work they’re doing because we can’t fill the vacancies. They’re being penalized for covering for the freeze.
At last Thursday’s HR meeting, many questions went unanswered. We were told this is happening because it can — as an unrepresented group, we have no formal right to appeal the unit decision.
The letters also say this Board has already approved a grace period for some of our benefits. That means some of this has already come before you, but affected employees were never told when, or what was approved.
These designations were the County’s choice years ago, and changing them now is a choice, too. Many of us are the senior staff working out H.R. 1 implementation and how to minimize the harm to our community. These letters sucked the oxygen out of the room for all county employees — not just those who got one.
I understand the deficit. But there’s a better way. I’m asking you to:
First, grandfather current employees — move positions to AFSCME when they become vacant. You get the savings over time without driving out experienced staff during a hiring freeze.
Secondly, direct HR to communicate with the affected employees including how many positions are involved, the effective dates, and when this Board acted on the grace period.
Thank you.
3:57 p.m. update: County of Humboldt Public Information Manager Cati Gallardo sent me this response. "Hi John,This matter will be considered in open session by the Board of Supervisors at a future meeting. Since the County of Humboldt’s labor negotiations are ongoing, we must maintain the confidentiality of that process. For that reason, we are unable to provide further comment at this time."
Day 2 of the Humboldt Courthouse makeover continues...The Board of Supervisors finish a short meeting and then have the day off tomorrow, the government life for electeds subsidized by Humboldt County taxpayers.
Posted this on Facebook and other platforms earlier.
Exclusive and breaking news since the decision and order isn't even on the California Commission on Judicial Performance site yet. Incumbent LA Judge Robert Draper who decides to fight the CJP in court, lost his election and now was removed by the CJP this morning.
I posted this around the same time as the LA Daily Journal.
I am not adding over 70 pages of the decision and order. I have included some of the pages and two remarks. These don't include all the racist, sexist remarks and behavior. Touching an attorney's hair, telling secretaries, "You better be able to fuck better than you can type." It was Moonbeam that appointed him. Moonbeam also appointed Gregory Kreis, also investigated by the CJP and no longer a judge and can never seek judicial office in California.
Draper intends to ask for a review from the California Supreme Court.
Full text of Valerie's comment:
"Good word. Last year I spent 3 months in Humboldt County jail and actually yesterday marks one year of successfully completing my probation. But this isn't about me, I spent all 90 days incarcerated with this individual. She is not somebody that we can help because she does not think that she has any issues. She is in complete dilute denial of being mentally ill. While she is stabilized in the jail she is continuously given chances to stabilize and do well in programs and whatnot, which she's capable of doing. She maintained this air of superiority: she's not a criminal, she's not mentally ill, and she shouldn't be in there. Once she's stabilized they can let her out again. She could maybe go into a program again and maybe do well for a while but it won't last. The woman has to have the worst case of borderline personality disorder with some schizoaffective traits that I have ever seen in my life. Zero accountability and no acknowledgement of needing to get better. Two weeks prior to her second-to-last incarceration, LOL, she tried to hit me with her car in the alley by my house and I let the police know. She said I was working for Gregory Christ and plotting against her. We happen to have shared the same attorney, I think, for a little bit but she is so deranged. I really think the only thing that will improve her is to remove her from this county and away from all of her triggers."
Michael Meiser, 40, of Lancaster, and a former LASD deputy was sentenced to 5 ½ years in federal prison for possessing more than one pound of heroin – hidden inside Pringles potato chips cans – that he admitted to attempting to smuggle inside a county jail in the Santa Clarita Valley.
U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California released details.
Today was the first hearing, a Case Management Conference in a lawsuit filed by Sunbelt Rentals against Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation.
Sunbelt Rentals is represented by Palm Desert attorney Mr. John Guerrini. An entry of default filed on 10/13/26.
Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation's response was a cross complaint filed on 11/5/26 and they represented by local Mitchell Law Firm.
Sunbelt requested a 90 day continuance of the CMC to 2/8/27.
Attorneys have access to the documents online or the file. For everyone else,I have included some of the pertinent pages of the complaint and some exhibits by SunBelt.
Mechanics lien keyword in SunBelt's complaint. Cal Poly Humboldt Foundation breach of express contractual indemnity.
The real story is that can Sunbelt get a fair shake in uber progressive Humboldt where Cal Poly Humboldt has liberal politicians, the good ole boy left and the greedy right salivate over that Cal Poly Humboldt money, the rabid Cal Poly "students", "activists who will attack this post and descend on anyone who appreciates me reporting on a valid lawsuit as well as the liberal local media who will either ignore this or their "court coverage" will be a spin and fluff PR piece in favor of Cal Poly Humboldt.
On Friday, California Gavin Newsom's Press Office included this appointment. Other than giving the appointment to someone who worked for him, Gav who luvs criminals and his press office left out Ballard's criminal record.
Humboldt Superior Court Heather Durand asked Deputy Trent Timm and Aunna Bollman's attorney, Ken Bareilles, to approach the bench. Despite this being Bollman's 14th criminal case, 4 restraining orders with a 5th request pending and Bollman screwing up her mental health diversion and a chance already given by Humboldt Superior Court Steven Steward; Judge Durand's solution was to put over Bollman's OR bail hearing for the third time to 11/13.
"Defendant or defense counsel will check with WellPath if she can take her a long acting injection of antipsychotic medication. She will remain on no bail hold pending Friday's hearing."
Responding to City of Eureka's Lisa Sharkey, Judge Durand said there is a possibility Bollman could be released. "We will discuss it further Friday. Her use of alcohol, cannabis needs to be closely monitored along with her anti psychotic medication."
Power in rest of the Courthouse except 5th floor. Employees were sent home.
10:41 a.m. power expected back by 3:15 p.m.
11:55 a.m. power restored.
Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has launched an investigation after officials discovered a discrepancy in their post-election checks changing the current unofficial outcome of one of the state House races.
He did this after a memory card was discovered containing several hundred uncounted 2026 Election Day votes from Seminole County voters.
Dennis Mayo was arraigned on 11/4 in his misdemeanor DUI case. He has retained Mr. Patrik Griego which was a smart decision. When I spoke him earlier this year; I told him that would be a wise choice.
Trial confirmation is on 2/17/27; jury trial on 2/22/27.
I have know Dennis for years. He is one of the few people in Humboldt who has not changed how he treats me after I started reporting.
I covered convicted molestor and sex offender Savador Gomez's case since his arrest. I have been adding updates to the July 8, 2025 post.
On 11/3/26, Gomez entered a conditional plea to Count 1 PC 289 (a) (1) (c) forcible sexual penetration by a foreign object for an 10 year upper term in prison, admitted to aggravating factors, that the victim was vulnerable and he took advantage of a position of trust and has to register as a sex offender. Counts 2, 3, 4, 5 and special allegations for Count 1 and 2 dismissed by the People.
The DA added additional counts for the jury trial but with the dismissals, they are moot. Gomez is ineligible for probation. He would be a fool to withdraw this plea deal.
Sometimes there are other reasons such as Adrian Kamada who is gone from the DA's office or Ian Harris who briefly came back from medical leave and is gone. Joel Buckingham and Luke Bernthal are two prosecutors who were an asset to the Humboldt County DA's office.
I overheard something few days ago which makes me think Deputy DA Dave Watson is leaving or will be gone soon. He has been at the office for barely over a year.
Cases of repeat offenders are being lost because the experienced prosecutors are already overburdened and they are being assigned to certain prosecutors who cannot even win against pro per defendants.
Management skills are important for a DA. You rarely see DA Stacey Eads on the floor. She should not run for another term. First, the office went over budget. Prosecutors and investigators are leaving. Then there is the issue of how money is handled. More than one source has confirmed this including someone no longer working in the courts. Several office positions in the DA's office are classified as admin analysts at $35 an hour. Still the Humboldt County DA is behind discovery and subpoenas. Prosecutors and investigators are needed to win a case. Office positions and Victim Witness Advocates are not a neccessity except in child abuse cases.
There are tons of examples of victims and families finding out through my reporting about court cases and court dates. If the CAO's office and the useless Board of Supervisors were paying attention, all these admin analyst positions would be reevaluated. It should also be done for HCSO, DHHS and other departments. I should get the salaries for the invompetents who do not watch out for the taxpayers.
Your average person has to cut expenses, go without and doesn't get paid extra due to a title. If the County is over budget, the fault is because there is no oversight.
This is a result of California special interest women groups who need to be pacified in PC California. All non profits and living off grants and they should contribute to the DA's budget if they have demands.
In addition to an increasing workload due to Humboldt criminals on steroids and repeat offenders including failed CARE Court and mental health diversion where no one has time to breathe; being short staffed does not help. The slack is being picked up by Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm, Senior Deputy DA Roger Rees and Deputy DA Trent Timm. If these three left the Humboldt County DA's office; Humboldt victims and the public are screwed.
Anyone who works at 825 Fifth Street and the local legal community knows that the 4th floor is very women centered to the point that testosterone is a negative. White men are a minority. Investigators and prosecutors are the only male employees.
I am all for equal rights but it applies to all individuals. Women, LGBTQ and people of color employees to the point where merit is not a consideration is wrong.
At the Humboldt Public Defender's Office it is the opposite problem. We have one woman attorney. There were two briefly but women end up leaving. It has been that way since I have covered Humboldt courts.
DEI is a problem in Humboldt, in California and in courts all over the state and at every level of government. The good ole male clique and mentality in the very liberal Humboldt PD's office not limited to this county.
Democrats talk a lot about equality and fairness. Their actions say the opposite.
We will find out this Tuesday if Rex continues to represent the County of Humboldt on RCRC and other regional appointments.
Item on Nov 10 Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Agenda from Clerk of the Board
Appointment of the 2027 Delegate and Alternate to Rural County Representatives of California Board of Directors, Golden State Finance Authority and Golden State Connect Authority.
From Staff Report:
Currently, Supervisor Bohn is Humboldt County’s delegate on the RCRC, GSFA and the GSCA Board of Directors and also serves as theRCRC’s representative on the National Association of Counties Western Interstate Region Board of Directors. Supervisor Wilson is the current alternate on the RCRC, GSFA and GSCA.
Besides schmoozing on taxpayer dime which is what Rex does and promoting his buddies, why should Rex remain the delegate instead of another Humboldt County Supervisor? Health care is dismal in Humboldt to retain private employees, roads are a mess, there is no economy or future. A Humboldt Supervisor who knows not to continually insert foot in mouth should represent Humboldt. Let's see how many sycophants dump Rex once he is no longer useful.
25 year old Satwinder Singh booked into jail on a Ramey warrant yesterday for PC 664/187(a) attempted murder, PC 646.9(a) stalking and PC 451(b) arson.
He has three traffic cases in Humboldt Superior Court with two convictions. He also has a divorce case in Humboldt.
