Former Old Town Coffee Chocolates owners request default judgement; court documents show attempt to resolve before filing lawsuit

 

This morning, there is the first hearing in a 2025 lawsuit filed on 12/3/25 by Cathy Kunkler and Gail Mentink against Amanda Slinkard. 

All parties are pro per. I have court documents which include the original complaint, first amended complaint, loan documents, text messages and emails showing the attempts at communication which no media has provided.

Before I add them, some which I may or may not, before the hearing has concluded or court minutes are available; as you can see there have been issues with proof of service and rejection of documents by the clerk. Humboldt Superipr Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning may feel differently and cut pro per parties some slack or give them guidance.

This morning is the second request for a default judgement by Gail and Cathy. I briefly spoke with them just now and will be contacting them later. I did not see Slinkard in the courtroom.

I am not going to add all the pages of the court documents but enough for you to see how Slinkard has treated Gail and Cathy. No one has included the actual court documents nor do they do for most cases. 

Most locals are familiar with the details and history of why this lawsuit was filed on December 3, 2025. No one is shocked.

Cathy Kunkler and Gail Mentink owners of Old Town Coffee and Chocolates were in business for 20 years. The Old Town Eureka location was the original and Henderson Center location came years later. Both Kunkler and Mentink are well respected and liked in the community.  They are among the few people I have known since I moved here 22 years ago.

They retired sold the business to Amanda Slinkard in 2022. I reported on it on October 28, 2022 and mentioned that Slinkard formerly owned Sassafras, another business in Eureka that is closed.

The businesses were never the same under Slinkard's ownership and closed this May. This Friday, when I walked past the Eureka Old Town location, there was a sign saying, "coming back soon."

Stu’s Brews will be opening a second location at the former Henderson Center Old Town Coffee and Chocolates.

Laurie Barnwell PRA about Mercer Fraser; you won't see that on Rex Bohn's Facebook page

 

I have been covering these two related lawsuits since 2025 and was the first one to report on both. Brandon Barnwell is one of the parties and his family took on Mercer Fraser in the original lawsuit I reported on in 2025.

I noticed this PRA by Lauri Barnwell.

There was an exparte hearing on in the lawsuit the California Department of Forestry filed against Chalk Mountain and Mercer Fraser. The court minutes are in draft form and not complete as of the end of day on 5/29. I checked several times on 5/28 and 5/29. There is still a court date listed in ecourt but based on what I heard in the courtroom, I am waiting for the clerk to update the minutes before I add future dates.

Most of my readers read me daily and have read these posts and know the relevance of the PRA.

If you haven't, you can google or search my blog for details and court records.

If you do not want to because you are lazy and refuse to pay me for a convenient summary, you can just look at the PRA. That alone should be sufficient.

This information from the PRA about Mercer Fraser is not something you will find on First District Supervisor Rex Bohn's Facebook page where he constantly sings the praises of Justin Zabel and Mercer Fraser. 

I don't have a problem with the May 23 donation by Mercer Fraser because it honors veterans but Rex only gives shout out to certain people. There are many who do good in Humboldt and quietly without recognition. 

The problem is that certain people get these "recognitions" from elected officials and other local "media." They are not held accountable when necessary or written about unless I call the other local media out who then do a token follow up and a sloppy, inconsequential "write up" after I took the risk and wrath.

I do my job and I pay the price every day.

Mercer Fraser and the Barnwell family are opponents in one lawsuit and the PRA is relevant not just to the lawsuit but it is Humboldt County in a nutshell.

One set of rules for the good ole boys and gals and another for the rest of us. Selective hate, selective enforcement and selective targeting and selective protection.

Humboldt County has received two PRA requests recently about murder suspects arrested in Humboldt and extradited to other jurisdictions; why do they flee to Humboldt County is the real story TMZ or some crime show should investigate

 

Last week, I wrote about a request TMZ submitted to HCSO regarding Gabriella Gonzalez.

HCSO received another request from David Yupa recently, two years later after William Rickman was booked into the Humboldt County jail and extradited to Washington. 

This is the screenshot from 2022.

Richard Pomrehn and Stephen Kimberling testify in Kyra Kelly's criminal case; the civil lawsuits involving Pomrehn family, Big Oil and Tire and HCSO are scheduled for July

 

I did three posts on Kyra Kelly in April 2026. No one else has reported on her various lawsuits.

In addition to the screenshots, here are links to the three posts. They contain charges and details from the criminal case, court documents and details on related civil cases involving Brandon and Richard Pomrehn, Big Oil and Tire and Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/13-cases-pattern-of-loss-is-kyra-kelly.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/once-again-both-lawsuits-on-humboldt.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/04/what-do-slander-pra-ramey-warrants.html?m=1

On 5/29/26, Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward held Kelly to answer as charged. Thankfully, Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm is the prosecutor who handled the preliminary hearing for the People. My two other choices; Senior Deputy District Attorneys Whitney Timm and Roger Rees are in trial.

Deputy Public Defender Emery Welton is Kelly's attorney. Why is it that he is the deputy public defender for so many problematic, "cray cray" defendants; especially the women whose cases I cover? 

People's witnesses included Richard Pomrehn and Stephen Kimberling.

There is a Faretta hearing on 6/1. "A Faretta motion is a formal request by a criminal defendant to the judge, asking to waive their right to legal counsel and represent themselves at trial. Also known as going pro per or pro se, this right is grounded in the U.S. Constitution's Sixth Amendment--Google"

On 6/12, Kelly will be arraigned on information in the criminal case. Unless there is a significant development, those updates will be added here.

There are three different dates in July for the three civil lawsuits. Unless there is a significant development, those updates will be added here.

Possible conservatorship for Josalyn Spagel

 

I was the first to report on Josalyn Spagel's arrest and the only one to cover her case and every hearing. By now, even new readers know I add minor updates to certain posts and you have a complete and chronological timeline to follow.

On 5/28, after Dr.Mark  Lamer's report, Spagel was found not competent by Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson. There is a review hearing on 6/23/26 for receipt of public guardian report to see if Spagel is eligible for a Lanterman-Petris-Short Conservatorship.

Lanterman-Petris-Short Conservatorshipis a legal arrangement in California where a court appoints a conservator to make medical, residential, and treatment decisions for an adult with a severe mental illness or chronic alcoholism.

Deputy DA Andrew Truitt appeared on the case for the People. Weaverville attorney Ms. Kristiana Wright is Spagel's attorney.

Three more local businesses

Three more well known local businesses will be making the same announcements as City Cab and Humboldt Towing. At least, one of those businesses this summer.

Until the owners make it public, I cannot tell you who they are. When they make it official, I will remind you where you heard it first. Getting scoops and exclusives is discretion, respect and timing. The real story is that the complete failure of those who have been in charge of Humboldt to allow more loss of jobs. What we need is an environment where private industry and entrepreneurship flourishes on talent and hard work. It is the employees that are impacted the most and in a small County, we all know them.

Small claims case filed against former Deputy DA and current Humboldt Deputy Counsel dismissed

 

In March, I did a post on this lawsuit filed by a Sacramento couple. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-humboldt-small-claims-lawsuit-filed.html?m=1

The defendant is former Humboldt Deputy DA Victoria Reierstad who now works at Humboldt County Counsel handling juvenile cases.

A request to dismiss with prejudice was requested by Alyssa Wilson on 5/11 and granted on 5/13/26. I have included the court document filed by the Wilsons. 

The small claims hearing for May 29 was vacated. E court did not list the case was settled. 

Two more lawsuits, County of Humboldt won't win

 

I did many exclusives on HCSO, County of Humboldt vs Humboldt Superior Court and in some instances, Humboldt Sheriff William Honsal did not respond to me.

In April 2024, I was the first one to report on a lawsuit filed by former court reporter Kay Gibbs. No one has covered that lawsuit. I did several posts on that case and my last post was on March 2025.

Regulars who read me daily and often have seen every post. You can search the blog for free. Or you can use one of the paid options for convenience.

Why is Security National or Rob Arkley interested in Ray Christie's land in Arcata?

 

I was the first to report on Security National's community and housing development and the last to provide an update.

Have not heard from Security National since 2024 about my inquiry. So, they are not going to be contacted by me again.

I recently learned that Land X realtor Nathan Baxley, who is also a Battalion Chief with Humboldt Bay Fire, inquired about purchasing land belonging to Ray Christie in Arcata for Rob Arkley.  Nathan Baxley is a realtor doing a job and I am not going to put him in the position for answering for SN/Rob Arkley.

I did reach out to Ray Christie and he confirmed he was contacted by Land X about his property and he said Rob Arkley.

It could be someone from SN who contacted Land X but my source told me Rob Arkley. Same difference. Last I heard Ray Christie had not sold his land to Rob Arkley or Security National. 

The land belonging to Ray Christie that is of interest to SN/Rob Arkley is near this housing project. SN has not updated their website about this project.

Knowing the family that owns the business, knowing the employees and only using them when I needed a cab, this makes me sad

 

Knowing the family that owns the business, knowing the employees and hearing only positive from them; this makes me sad. I only used them when I needed a cab. Humboldt needs more local businesses like City Cab. I reached out to Catherine.

Josue Diego Aguilar Garcia resolves case, pleads guilty to assault, attempted murder charge dismissed

 

No one else reported and followed this court case. As you can see from the screenshot, I added updates until today's plea. HCSO press release is in that post.

Today, Josue Diego Aguilar Garcia entered a plea to Count 2 assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury on Lee Kelly Long and special allegation that he personally inflicted great bodily injury upon Long. Count 1 was dismissed by the People.

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum took the plea. Deputy DA Candace Myers is the prosecutor. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo is Garcia's attorney. Sentencing is on 6/3.

Of all days for Humboldt court to have "communication" issues, Friday is the worst

On a Friday, with several criminal and civil cases I am following, there have been tech issues. Looks like e court is fixed for staff but public computers were still iffy all afternoon. Computer freezes, won't shut down and the screen just spins with a black screen.

Court Tech  is aware. County of Humboldt IT issues happen on Fridays, the weekends and Monday. This is rare for courts which are on a separate system.

I still managed to check most of the cases from today but had to be at the Courthouse until they closed. I have posted on some cases. Others will be updated over the weekend. Minor updates such as continuances are added to the previous post I did on the case.

Rosalyn Klock sentenced in two criminal cases today

 

Today, Rosalyn Klock was sentenced today to in two cases by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward.

In CR2601648 to 93 days in jail which are covered by custody credits, probation was denied, Klock had entered a guilty plea to Count 1, possession of meth.

In CR2600624B, also to 93 days in jail which are covered by custody credits and two years probation. She had entered a guilty plea to Count 2 maintaining a place for selling or using meth and fentanyl. There is a review hearing on 7/9/26 about determination if Klock is eligible for treatment program. 

Deputy District Attorney Brandon Boozari is the prosecutor for both cases. Gregory Kreis is Klock's attorney.

I have covered Klock since 2021. You can look up the previous posts via screenshots provided.

Bigfoot Motel TRO granted against "ex employee" Tiffany Hinning

(Humboldt Superior Court search results for all the lawsuits when I typed in the name Moriah Wilson)

On 5/4/26, Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner Sarah Kaber granted a temporary workplace restraining order requested by Bigfoot Motel against  "ex employee" Tiffany Hinning. The request was made by "Manager 2" Moriah Wilson. 

A hearing on this restraining order was scheduled on 5/22. It was continued to this morning by Commissioner Kaber. See court minutes for 5/22 which have been provided.

Moriah Wilson is a protected party in another case I covered about restraining order. No one else has covered this arrest or court case.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/adam-walter-arrested-by-apd-for-lewd-or.html?m=1#more

Commissioner Kaber took the matter under submission and will issue a written ruling so there is no urgency.

Moriah Wilson stated in court there are criminal charges pending for an incident at the Bigfoot Motel. Commissioner Kaber advised Wilson of her rights against self incrimination.

There are no criminal cases filed recently against Moriah Wilson or Tiffany Henning.

Compared to Moriah Wilson, Tiffany Henning has three cases in Humboldt Superior Court. Two are petitions for civil harassment restraining orders. One against Moriah Wilson and one against Felipe Rivas.

Tiffany Henning also had her TRO granted against Moriah Wilson by Commissioner Kaber.  Felipe Rivas is an ex-co worker. There are people in common in all three cases. There is a hearing on both cases filed by Tiffany Henning on 6/5/26. 

More Humboldt drama making its way to Humboldt courts.

The reason for quotation marks will be obvious  when you read the court documents.

"For too long, judges have been forced to set aside their common sense and experience when determining whether a defendant poses a danger to the community. Judges frequently say their ‘hands were tied’ in these decisions. Tragically, in multiple cases across the state, individuals granted diversion despite clear risks have gone on to commit homicides—outcomes that underscore the urgent need for reform.”

 

The California District Attorneys Association issued this statement today. I have reported on this legislation and will add links in a couple of minutes.

CDAA statement:

Two measures supported by the California District Attorneys Association (CDAA)—AB 46 (Nguyen) and SB 1373 (Grove)—have passed out of the Senate this week, advancing efforts to strengthen and clarify California’s mental health diversion law.

CDAA thanks Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen and Senator Sharon Grove for their leadership in authoring these bills, and Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho for sponsoring AB 46.

AB 46 (Nguyen) passed the Senate on May 27 with unanimous support and now returns to the Assembly for concurrence. The bill restores judicial discretion, allowing judges to rely on their experience and judgment when evaluating a defendant’s dangerousness, and brings a common-sense approach back to mental health diversion decisions.

SB 1373 (Grove) passed the Senate on May 28 and now moves to the Assembly for consideration. The legislation strengthens public safety safeguards by requiring recent, documented clinical evidence and clarifies the public safety standard.

Mental health diversion plays an important role in California’s criminal justice system by promoting treatment, reducing recidivism, and connecting individuals to critical services. However, implementation of Penal Code section 1001.36 has exposed structural gaps, allowing diversion to be applied beyond its intended scope—including in cases involving serious violence, repeat felony offenders, and diagnoses that are outdated or insufficiently related to the charged conduct.

CDAA Chief Executive Officer Greg Totten stated: “For too long, judges have been forced to set aside their common sense and experience when determining whether a defendant poses a danger to the community. Judges frequently say their ‘hands were tied’ in these decisions. Tragically, in multiple cases across the state, individuals granted diversion despite clear risks have gone on to commit homicides—outcomes that underscore the urgent need for reform.”

Caltrans confirms David Orluck works at the Eureka District Office

 

Today, Steve Nelson who is Chief, Public Information and Legislative Affairs for Caltrans District 3 confirmed my reporting that David Orluck works for Caltrans in Eureka.

"Hi John. Yes, David Orluck is a Caltrans environmental scientist out of the District 1 office in Eureka. District 1 is part of the Caltrans North Region that includes District 2 (Redding) and District 3 (Marysville)."

People want jurors to hear from expert witness on Child Abuse Accomodation Syndrome and barriers to disclosure in Trinidad Gomez jury trial

At 10:40 a.m. today, I went to Courtroom 2 to see what was happening in alleged molestor Trinidad Gomez' jury trial. I was only there for a few minutes but long enough to hear key details of Ms. Timm's argument and get this exclusive which is crucial to this case.

There were no jurors in the courtroom. No one in the audience. Just the court bailiff, court clerk, court reporter, Humboldt Superior Court Retired Judge John Feeney, Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm, Deputy Conflict Counsel Owen Tipps and Gomez.

Ms. Timm was telling Judge Feeney why she wanted to call an expert witness. If you have followed me from the beginning or even read some of coverage on molestation and sex abuse cases, you know Dr. Anthony Urquiza. He has testified in several  cases about Child Abuse Accomodation Syndrome and barriers to disclosure. I checked his Linkedin page and while his titles vary, he is still at UC Davis.

Ms. Timm spoke about grooming and coercion which she said are issues in this case. She spoke about Jane Doe's credibility and that based on defense's cross examination of Jane Doe, it is important for jurors to understand why after the molestation Jane Doe had contact with Gomez. How Gomez did "nice things" for Jane Doe and gave her gifts. Ms. Timm said defense is going to argue these inconsistencies and tje People have the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Dr. Urquiza was not available so the trial has been continued until tomorrow.

I have seen Dr. Urqiza testify many times. While his testimony will be tailored to the specifics of this trial; there are some basics that will be covered in his testimony.

Court minutes for yesterday aren't up, they were after this post as well as today's minutes.

Court minutes from yesterday have Jane Doe's mother's full name so starting at 1:41 p.m. on the second page when HJ was sworn in and started testimony has been cropped. There is nothing significant on the second page and the third page just has admonishments and when jurors were asked to return. Including the mother's first name does not identify Jane Doe.

By now who Jane Doe's mother is and her identity is known in the community. The pages with the first name are about text mesages between HJ and Gomez is referred to as "Daddy."

Court minutes from 5/28 have been added to the post.

More than one person has shared with me that Gomez was at Central Station. Another reader shared details with me about Gomez and HJ. For that person's protection and to keep the source confidential, I am not sharing those details. There are other reasons I am not going to mention at this time. I appreciate the respectful readers who value my coverage and whose helpful information corroborates my observations about this case, Gomez, HJ and others.

There is another exclusive about Gomez. Stay tuned. Information has been provided to the DA, I have not had a chance to check if the investigation is ongoing and who knows and I do not want to state the allegations until and if charges are filed.