Weeds, overgrown grass, foxtails are the culprit in lawsuit filed against the City of Eureka by Ranjit Marcu

Ranjit Marcu  is a real Estate Broker and has legal document service that several lawyers had never heard off. The last time I walked by the 5th street location where this legal services office was, it seems Marcu has moved and I confirmed it with others who have dealt with her.

The google reviews for Marcu and Associates are dismal and reminded me of my interaction with Marcu years ago. Or you can just see the way Marcu filled the small claims form. I have seen Joe Schmo with no legal background do better. Writing by hand would make it easier to read or typing on a separate attachment.

Marcu filed a small claims lawsuit against the City of Eureka on 2/18/26 asking for $1,208.18. I did not see a proof of service yet. A hearing is scheduled on 4/24/26.

Marcu alleges that Marcu's dog "inhaled a foxtail through her nose while at the City of Eureka's Del Norte Dog Park." Overgrown weeds, grass and foxtails caused her dog's injuries requiring emergency surgery.

Most likely, Humboldt Superior Court Commissioner Sarah Kaber will hear arguments in this case. Could be another judge. 

This lawsuit falls in the Delman Smith, Laila Khaleeli category of lawsuits and if you read me regularly; you know what I think.

Google overview will give you a basic idea of California law and Marcu's chances.

There is a declaration and claims I will add later. Photos of vegetation with no time stamp or where it is; an exhibit with a sign of the Del Norte Dog Park and a phone number to call with improvement ideas and photo of a no smoking sign. I am not sure what that has to do with her dog being injured. A photo of sign about no unleashed dogs and dog park rules including one saying owners are legally responsible for the behavior of their dogs at all times. Text messages which do not help Marcu's case.

In small claims case, parties represent themselves. 

Every hearing with the Sunshine Massage pimping and pandering suspects, it is wondering deal or no deal?

 

Since their arrest in 2023, I have been the only regularly reporting on Sunshine Massage pimping and pandering suspects and Xiao Wang's cases.

There has been talk of resolution and yet the plea deal never happens. Today, since this morning, I saw both of them waiting on the second floor of the courthouse. Their attorney, Kevin Cole in discussions with Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris.

A Mandarin interpreter was present today. Wang.

There was a plea. Details and court minutes will be added tomorrow. Jail time and fines for labor violations are part of the plea deal. I am doing live coverage from courtrooms this week and there is no rush to update cases being continued and minor updates.

It is a good thing local attorney Joanne Carter clarified a few remarks in the Durand and Willis case this morning or on paper, she would have been a no show

 

(morning court minutes)

(afternoon court minutes)

The preliminary hearing for Danielle Durand and Deunn Willis was scheduled this morning. Willis' attorney, Mr. Kreis had filed a  motion to compel discovery. Durand's attorney is Ms. Joanne Carter.

It was put over to Courtroom 4 this afternoon and then continued to 3/10 for setting of preliminary hearing and the motion to compel discovery.

This is one of the cases full of drama and there are a lot of people at the courthouse today who have nothing better to do than focus on me instead of conducting themselves properly in a court of law and facing the reality why their family members or friends are in court.

I had to find a space to post the initial update, one of the family members in this case said, "you are that reporter guy." Fortunately, we were in court and he left me alone.

Another sex offender's parents are here. I have no idea why. His case is not on calendar.

Ms. Carter asked Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel to put certain remarks on record. I saw Ms. Carter this morning in the second floor and was confused why the court minutes from this morning said she was not present. She admitted she was not inside the courtroom and explained why. So, the court reporter was correct technically. 

What is at issue is why Ms. Carter was not in the courtroom.Nothing was done that affected Durand's rights. 

If Ms. Carter not said what she did on record, paper would have shown her as a no show. Court minutes are the final say but they are not always accurate. 

Deputy District Attorney Matt Dobie was there this morning. This afternoon it was Deputy DA Trent Timm. Deputy DA Roger Rees, the prosecutor on this case, is currently busy with the Destinee Rhamy jury trial.

Mr. Kreis was present in court this morning. I took screenshots from this morning's court minutes.

Ms. Carter said she was waiting outside Courtroom 3 because of a jury proceeding. Ms. Carter said the case was called without her being notified. Also, I checked the bailiff did call all parties for the case but since the second floor was packed; maybe Ms. Carter did not hear?

Mr. Kreis was initially unavailable due to a jury trial. That case resolved and he was available. 

By the time, Mr. Kreis' availability changed, Mr. Timm had "called off 7 witnesses; which included two civilians."

Part of this is because the the inmates are running the asylum in Humboldt Superior Court. Last minute plea deals and trial resolutions because inmates and their attorneys know how to work the system. If there is an offer and you are dragging it out for hours on the day of your preliminary hearing or jury trial and you are in custody or have not entered a time waiver; there needs to be a deadline or the time waiver pulled. Not all cases and othera sit around all day for mostly repeat offenders and defendants with molestation and sex abuse cases.

I cover Utah Courts and Utah judges don't allow criminals to dictate their time or courts. Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Neel is making some pro active changes including pre trial conferences with attorneys and even in the way she dealt with the Durand and Willis case.

This is just one example of the chaos and stress that is the working environment daily on the second floor. There is always a backlog. Every time it seems like you are caught up, the repeat offenders resurface and it is a direct result of the failed policies of the Democrats and California Governor Gavin Newsom's bad policies and decisions to close prisons and reducing crimes to misdemeanors and failed diversion programs.

Some family law hearings, the mental health calendar, Wellness court, drug court should all be over Zoom. And that would alleviate 90% of the drama, congestion and people who act out on the second floor of the Humboldt County Courthouse. 

People rest, Dr. Mark Super testifies and defense case starts with homicide suspect Destinee Rhamy taking the stand

 

Yesterday, the People finished presenting their evidence in the Destinee Rhamy homicide trial. Forensic pathologist, Dr. Mark Super was one of the witnesses who testified for the People. It has been a while I have seen Dr. Super testify at a trial in Humboldt.

Rhamy took the stand yesterday. I have included court minutes from yesterday. If you are a new reader or someone who has not checked my blog in the last couple of days; you should read my related posts about this case involving the City of Eureka and Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens.

Convicted sex offender Scott Price arrested by EPD for failure to register and attempted petty theft

Scott Price was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday for PC 290.011(a) failure to register as a sex offender, PC664/488 attempted petty theft and  PC 666.1 petty theft with a prior. 

It took a Humboldt jury less than a hour for a $1,750,000 verdict which is the exact amount of damages the plaintiff's lawyer presented during closing argument

 

On February 13, I did a post about LA lawyer Mr. Russell Frandsen getting  $1,750,000 in Humboldt Superior Court. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/la-lawyer-gets-approximately-1750000.html?m=1

Mr. Frandsen represented plaintiff Monica Kamin.

"The jurors began deliberation around 11:00 AM. They had reached a verdict before noon. After the trial, we had conversations with several jurors." Mr. Frandsen told me.

"In the jury room, the jurors reviewed all the judge's jury instructions. Then they reviewed the exhibits. I had displayed the exhibits on a screen with a projector, pointing out the very text messages that supported Monica Kamin's claims, including the text messages quoted in the trial memorandum. One of the jurors was an accountant. She said she wanted to check the numbers that I had presented during closing argument. She checked the numbers and came up with the exact amount that I had indicated to the jurors should be the damages. After the jurors had reviewed the jury instructions and exhibits, and had confirmed the amount of the damages, they were ready to deliver their verdict. "

I do have the trial memorandum. However, the February 9, 2026  court document in the last post will be sufficient for most readers.

Plea deal for repeat offender James LaBranche includes dismissal of attempted murder charge, cap on jail time and probation

 

On 2/27, James LaBranche entered a conditional plea for probation and 180 days jail cap. He pleaded guilty to Count 2 and Count 3 and admitted special allegations. Count 1 attempted murder was dismissed. Sentencing is on 3/24.

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward took the plea. Deputy District Attorney Victoria Reierstad was present for the People. Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo for LaBranche.

Instead of spending time texting me, Ryan Burns should explain to the public why LOCO ignored an email about Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens for four months that is relevant to a current jury trial

 

I have helped a lot of local media. Eventually, those who are fake in this town expose themselves. 

Ryan Burns has not texted me before, except once for an article. If Lost Coast Outpost or any other media does not want to be called out; stop making errors; give credit to who reports first instead of only patting each other in your little clique on the back and don't ignore valid news tips. 

I do use my name. I will say the same to your face unlike those who gossip behind my back and are two faced and cowards.

Instead of spending time texting me, Ryan Burns should explain to the public why LOCO ignored an email about Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens for four months that is relevant to a current jury trial.

Just as they are hours and days behind reporting on press releases and news, Ryan Burns is also days behind on my Sage post.

3/3/26:  BTW Ryan, Sage was at the courthouse this afternoon for a case and I was there covering several. He said hi. I said hi. Sage does not need you or any of the other decades old media who have gone after me before the blog and after to meddle in what is none of your business.

What is with Eureka repeat offenders driving the wrong way on I street under the influence of drugs and near the Courthouse?

 

30 year old Travis Joe Evans was arrested by Eureka Police Department for driving under the influence of drugs, probation violation and 7 other charges.

Scott Brooks who I reported on in 2024 live and the conclusion of his case in October 2025 was also driving under the influence of drugs.

EPD introduces new assistant PIO Rachel Sollom

 

(EPD Commander LaFrance, new assistant PIO Rachel Sollom and EPD Chief Brian Stephens)

On Monday, March 2, at 11 the Eureka Police Department is holding a press briefing at EPD headquarters.

EPD introduced the new Assistant Public Information Officer and reviewed media communication procedures. She formerly worked in EPD dispatch and records.

On her very first day of being introduced to the media, she is working on a press release on a pursuit. Her hours will allow coverage on Fridays.

When the invite was sent out last week, EPD PIO Laura Montagna summarized what would be presented at the briefing.

During this session, EPD will provide a brief overview of how information is shared during active and developing incidents, what details can be released, what limitations exist, and how EPD works to balance transparency with legal, investigative, and public safety considerations.EPD will also outline best practices for media inquiries, response timelines, and points of contact to ensure clear and accurate communication.

All local media except the two TV stations are here in person. Kym Kemp was on Zoom. Veonna King from KRCR contacted EPD as we all were exiting the building.

This was a good idea and helpful.

Newsom announces new funding for homeless, mental health funding and CARE court

(Posted at 10:46 a.m.)

On Monday, March 2 at 10 a.m., California Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary of the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency Kim Johnson, local and state leaders are announcing new funding for communities across the state to address homelessness and mental health and stronger accountability measures for counties administering CARE Court.

I am not posting the entire press release from Newsom's office. Of the 10 counties listed as CARE Champions, Humboldt is number on the list.

Bomb threat call or what are deputies checking?

 

Walked into the Humboldt County Courthouse 4 minutes ago, see two HCSO deputies with gloves on checking bathrooms and every office. They were also checking outside the building. Deputies did not tell me anything; security did not tell me anything but I found out that they are checking for bombs and an alleged threat.

Building was not evacuated. The deputies are back to their regular stations.

Contacted HCSO PIO and will update.  There is an EPD press briefing this morning so I will update here when I can.

Alleged sex trafficker Darin Ward is broke; after two private attorneys, Public Defender's Office appointed days before jury trial

 

Alleged sex trafficker first hired local attorney, Mr. Ken Bareilles. Then a Redding lawyer, Mr. Nathan Dondi. After wasting months in continuances, on 2/27/26, there was a motion to withdraw as attorney by Mr. Dondi which was granted by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward. Ward cannot pay for an attorney.

The Public Defender's Office was appointed. For now, Readiness Conference scheduled for 3/10/26 and jury trial for 3/23/26 remain but I am sure they will change since the PD's office still has to get discovery.

Ward is in custody on a no bail status.

**I have done many posts on this 2024 case. I no longer link previous posts for every case. You can access them for free on the blog or pay and subscribe for conveniences provided at no cost for 12 years. The screenshots are not in chronological order. They are some three posts to give new readers an idea of the case.**

Perjury, welfare fraud and possession of meth charges get you OR and misdemeanors in Humboldt

Joylyn Dione Heiser was arrested yesterday on a warrant by Arcata Police Department and booked for PC 118(a) perjury by false affidavit, WI10980(c)(2) welfare fraud and HS11377(a) possession of methamphetamine. On the jail log, these are all listed as misdemeanor charges. The Welfare and Institutions code is a felony so I don't know if this is a mistake on the warrant, Arcata Police Department or the correctional officer who did the booking or the Humboldt County DA's office chose to charge it as a misdemeanor. Heiser was released on O.R.

Following the prosecution of misdemeanors in California is a waste of time, especially in a case that no one is particularly interested in; there isn't a shortage of criminal cases in Humboldt. 

Two arrested by HCSO for criminal threats; one is a repeat offender who I reported on in 2018 and has prior convictions

 

HCSO arrested two people for PC 422 (a) criminal threats.

Thomas Earl Shriver was arrested at 8 p.m. on a Ramey warrant. When I reported on Shriver in 2018, he already had two prior convictions.

Lawrence Bradley Rhodes today at 12:45 a.m.

Candidate Jason McCutcheon's comment on public safety is what I am looking for in Ward 1 and a Eureka Councilmember; Victor Garcia, if you plan to run, you are already two steps behind

 

I did this post on McCutcheon. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/leslie-castellano-eureka-city.html?m=1

He left a comment on the post I did today and I was the first to report on the anticipated litigation from the California Judicial Council and Humboldt Superior Court against County of Humboldt.

From Jason McCutcheon's comment, I am looking forward to speaking with him more. This is what I am looking for in a Eureka City Councilmember; especially one representing the ward I live in; so Victor Garcia, if you are planning on running, first step is to file paperwork to see if you even qualify. Second, I have been blunt how I feel about public safety and lack of action from the current ECC, Mayor and Eureka City Manager. That is an important factor in my vote.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/anticipated-litigation-against-county.html?m=1

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.