"This case is not about what Gregory Kreis currently earns exactly what he earns a judge."

 

I was the only one to cover former judge, now defense attorney Gregory Kreis before he was ousted by the voters and the Commission on Judicial Performance went public on what I reported in real time. I have been the only one to cover his family law case with Brenda Elvine.

E court in Humboldt only listed taken under submission since May but I was told Sonoma Superior Court Judge Shelly Averill who has been assigned to this case heard closing arguments on 7/12. You can read written closing arguments and other documents filed July 17 and July 20 yourself.

This is one quote from Brenda Elvine's attorney.

"This case is not about what Gregory Kreis currently earns exactly what he earns a judge. It is about whether Brenda, his wife of 30 years who supported Gregory through law school, multiple attempts at the bar exam, his rise as an attorney, and ultimately his judicial career should lose the support awarded her after less than two years because Gregory voluntarily left the bench under circumstances of his own making." 

There are other court documents which are public record that I have not posted about Kreis or Elvine because they have personal and financial information including what Kreis alleges is his income and expenses. I see when he is at court, what cases he is appointed on and retained as can others who regularly work at Humboldt Superior Court.

It is common knowledge by now that Gregory Kreis is now married to Tanya Ellis who works at Humboldt Superior Court. I have no clue if she goes by Tanya Kreis informally now or formerly but her state bar profile lists Ellis as her last name.

The letter mentioned in the Mr. Kelly Walsh's closing brief was published by me, it is was on the list of exhibits and Mr. Walsh saying local media when locals and those California and national readers who follow me regularly know exactly who published it and first is well known.

I no longer include links to all previous posts and have explained why many times. Every post can be accessed for free via the search feature or the blog. Most people read me daily and for convenience, there are paid, customized options. I have included two relevant screenshots pertinent to the closing argument for Kreis.

Those supposed to protect the innocent and Tristan Mitchell's "alleged" victims failed them, I hope this case exposes every single one of them

 

I report on many arrests first and follow cases regularly. Alleged molestor Tristan Mitchell is one of those cases.

Today, I received an email about Mitchell. I am not going to share all of it for privacy and the case has yet to go to preliminary hearing. Some of this information may come out in court. At the last hearing, the DA was asked to provide foster care documents to defense. I hope it does because it is time that the systems supposed to protect the innocent are exposed for the failure they are.

I have worked for CWS, I have had reports ignored by CWS where I suspected alleged abuse. I have exposed local law enforcement, the courts and even the DA's office when appropriate. This is not the first tip or email I have received about other local media ignoring someone. It won't be the last.

In this case, it was the Times Standard and local news. In other instances, it has been TS and certain local media I call out regularly.

I got permission and will share some parts for now. Does' sister has shared some information about Doe 1 that is confidential. 

This is not in chronological order. There is a lot more that I may or may not share in the future.

"Hello John, 

My name is redacted for privacy. (Doe 1 and 2’s) sister. 

First off, I wanted to say thank you for putting the story out there. 

As hard as it was to read some of that stuff.. it needs to be said."

"I wanted to add, I reported Tristan Mitchell to CWS over 20+ times.

It was his friends like name redacted for a few reasons (Social worker) that kept him safe and under the radar. It was also The local Adoption Agency in eureka that refused to listen to allegations and report to CWS as well. 

The only ones who did take the time to listen was Shar-lo Kelly the Humboldt private investigator and the foster care Ombudsman of California. 

I wanted to directly reach out and thank you for posting 💜

I think the part that makes me sick, I emailed the time standard, and the local news with IN DETAIL things way before Tristan was even arrested or charged etc.. they did nothing. He sat in the comfortability of his own home, getting children from out of county (Shasta country Social services to be exact)."

"I can’t tell you how many people I reached out to about Tristan and none of them would listen."

Sharon Wolff's tribute to her mom Barbara

 

(Photo submitted by Sharon)

I do not publish obituaries but I have made exceptions for families I have known for years if they send a submission.

Sharon Wolff just sent me this obituary "for my mom, Barbara L. Bareuther (Keller) who passed away recently at Timber Ridge.  The funeral home in charge is Ayers but there are no services planned."

I just spoke with Sharon to offer my condolences. In addition to the loss of her mom, Sharon has chosen to share some of the difficulties she had to deal with in the obituary. What she told me will remain private conversations. I did cover the court case and who the local attorney was but this is Sharon's tribute to her mom and out of respect to Sharon and her wishes; this post will focus on Barbara's life.

Jeff Leonard's page has 1 follower, no likes no comments since July 19

 

Checked this page now. Last post 4 days ago. July 19 was the first post. Not one like, not one comment and only 1 follower.

Damn! At least Anil Dwivedi's wife Jarka and another family member liked his posts. I am not giving credit to Dwivedi because his 565 followers show 1 name but Jeff is a former Eureka City Councilmember and he grew up in Eureka unlike Dwivedi.

I don't live in Ward 5 anymore and cannot vote for Renee but she is the only Eureka City Councilmember I like, speak to and contact with my concerns as a resident.

His new AI flyer looks like recycled content from other Better for Eureka groups. Proven commitment to Eureka? Lol.

Two EPD vehicles on 5th street

 

3:45 Eureka Police Department traffic stop. 3:47 One of the officers speaking with the driver. 3:49 p.m. One officer on phone. The other still speaking with the driver.

Dr. Mark Lamers is an expert witness in alleged molestor Christopher Griffin's trial

 

Currently, the People are presenting evidence in alleged molestor Christopher Griffin's jury trial.

This is the previous post I did on the case.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/senior-deputy-da-whitney-timm-vs-former.html?m=1

Christopher Griffin is in custody. He is charged with PC 288.5 (a) continuous sexual abuse of a child and PC 289 (a) (1) (a) sexual penetration by a foreign object. Both counts have a special allegation that Christopher Griffin committed the crime against more than one victim.

Jane Doe files request for default in lawsuit against Humboldt Sawmill, Humboldt Redwood et al

 

This is an update on a civil lawsuit and an arrest only I have reported on and there have been two developments since my last update.

Ms. Heidi Wells who represents Jane Doe filed a request for default on 7/14. On 7/20, there was a previously scheduled Case Management Conference which was continued at the request of Zwerdling Law Firm to 11/16. While I was not present in the courtroom and court minutes do not state the reason; at least one of those reasons I guess would be since Ms. Wells could not be present that day.

Details and court documents are in the two previous posts.

Anil Dwivedi isn't elected yet but he does know how to talk like a politician

(screenshot: Lost Coast Outpost)

(screenshot : Lost Coast Outpost)

If Kim Bergel wants to win re-election; it is up to her. There is enough information out there on both her current challengers. Casey Dresser getting an endorser from Cornelius Loewenstein is an automatic no for me. As it will be for many people.

Anil Dwivedi is a smooth talker and can be charming when he wants. One plus he has over Dresser and Kim Bergel is that Anil is fluent in politispeak.

I am not going to include links to the court documents and the many posts I have done on the four lawsuits filed by Hillsdale Apartments tenants against Dwivedi but they have court documents. Dwivedi's first excuse for the original lawsuit was I didn't know. I made a mistake. Then it was the Housing Authority told me to and this was when the lawsuits were nearing settlement the first time.

Dwivedi told me he had banned Lost Coast Outpost's Ryan Burns from his buildings when Ryan Burns was covering the original lawsuit but now Dwivedi is running for office so he is fine with talking to Ryan.

Usually, I do not believe anonymous commenters but I do believe this LOCO commenter because this sounds more like the Anil I know than his polished response about CSET. When I covered the Old Town incident live, I mentioned Dwivedi owned Eureka Central Residence. This commenter also has specific details about where a reporter and photographer from other local media were located which matches my own observations that day covering the incident. 

I was a tenant at Hillsdale Apartments when some of the lawsuits were filed. I moved because I found a more affordable place.

Anil makes it sound like he knew about Uplift on his own. He had no tenants from Uplift until I told him about the program. He may now have tenants from Uplift and if he does, it is because just like Eureka Central Residence, Uplift tenants, until they are self sufficient, can have rent subsidized and that is guaranteed money.

LOCO commenters on the website and LOCO Facebook page are spot on in their assessment. Many readers know how to do an internet search. Dwivedi is a realtor. Besides his two Eureka properties, readers can look up his Redway and LA background.

Who wins in the local November elections, depends on who shows up and who votes. The incumbents on Eureka City Council up for re-election should not take voters for granted. Dwivedi could be elected because online comments do not equal votes. Only people who live in Eureka can vote for the mayor of Eureka.

Any guesses who came up with his slogan and campaign material?

Mrs. Barnum, two unplanned conversations and the power of faith

This morning I was very sad to hear about the late Mrs. Pat Barnum. 

I often call out Humboldt generational families. When I do that, it does not include certain families who have been here for generations and contributed to this community without wanting any recognition. Families whose children and grand children have built on the legacy, never forgotten about hard work and success. People who are kind and lift others up and do not judge them.

Many of you know how and why I started this blog  and the focus on court coverage. KHSU interviewed me and Mad River Union had a column. Very grateful to both those media sources.

I knew Mrs. Barnum from church and my involvement in the business community. I no longer go to that church. There are very few people I do see; some through work and others in the community who, like Mrs. Barnum, did not judge or abandon me for leaving. They understood. 

The Barnums are private. I am not going to share my conversation today with some of the Barnum family members. But I will share part of my day because I want to honor Mrs. Barnum.

Mrs. Barnum and members of the family don't seek recognition for good deeds. I doubt many at the local Catholic churches know of Mrs. Barnum's generosity. Whenever I saw her at church or out in the community, she genuinely made time for me. Mrs. Barnum never asked me for anything. There was nothing to gain from her being friendly and kind to me. 

Today, in addition to praying for Mrs. Barnum and her family, I did something on the spur of the moment. I walked to St. Bernard Catholic Church. I did not go inside. When you enter a house of worship, there are protocols. Even though I no longer go to that church, it would be disrespectful for me to go and go through the motions. 

Just going there after years was a decision I did not make lightly. I did so because of Mrs. Barnum. Despite all the hurt, pain and betrayal I have experienced by the church, many Catholics and the hate, bitterness and betrayal in Humboldt; there are people like Mrs. Barnum who saw me, who knew why I was there and why I left. When I left, they knew I was still the same person of strength and faith. 

What happened today is not just because of Mrs. Barnum. It is a part of a bigger decision and a journey. Why I was there, God knows, even before I prayed.

Those close to Mrs. Barnum rejoice for her because she is blessed and in the company of her husband with God.

Earlier this week, I had a very spiritual conversation with someone. He knows who he is and this post will make sense to him in a different way than others.

The third unplanned conversation is one of many I have daily. I am sharing this one because out there is someone who needs to read these words.

Later today, I met Houston. If you saw him walking on the street, most of you would notice he has tatoos. Some of you may notice he has some difficulty walking. What you won't know is that Houston served our country for many years. He was a combat engineer in Afghanistan; he used to disarm devices; he is a Purple Heart recepient. Houston was medically discharged. Houston's battles were not over. He fought PTSD; he had to teach himself to walk. Soon, he will be starting his own business. I would not have known had I not asked and it was Houston's choice to share. I am not naming the business or using Houston's last name for his privacy. 

I have these daily, unexpected conversations all the time. 

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

1 year probation for Michael Nilsson in Cal Poly Humboldt case

 

Michael Nilsson resolved two cases today. Instead of a preliminary hearing, he entered a plea in his Cal Poly Humboldt case and he was sentenced in CR2601598 by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran to 1 year probation. 16 days in jail were covered by custody credits. He also entered a plea in CR2600278, the APD case.

You can look up the previous posts  with the screenshots provided which include charges and details for both cases from arrest to conclusion. I have provided court minutes for  CR2601598.

Agustin Vazquez-Castillo arrested by EPD after investigation into male attempting to befriend EHS students online with intent to engage in potential criminal behavior

Eureka Police Department arrested Agustin Vazquez-Castillo yesterday for an investigation that started last October. 

Vazquez-Castillo doesn't show on the jail log booking report for yesterday's arrest. There are arrests late a.m posted.

I reached out to EPD Police Operations Analyst Rachel Sollom for more information on when he was booked.

She responded,"I checked our documents and it shows it would have been after midnight on the 23rd. I’m unsure why the jail log wouldn’t show that."

Whatever the reason the booking photo or information does not show up on Vinelink.

This vital information is available to the public only because of EPD being pro active.  Thank you to EPD.

Vinelink finally had information and booking photo after the post. Vazquez-Castillo posted bond.

Another delay in healing for Trevor's family

Convicted murderer Jake Combs was scheduled to be sentenced on 7/31. He waived preliminary hearing in his 2025 case on July 15. Arraignment on information is scheduled tomorrow in the 2025 case. I just noticed a motion to continue filed by the defense in the 2022 homicide case  for tomorrow. Both cases are on calendar. I will do an update tomorrow and add it to this post.

7/24/26: Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer appeared on the case for the People since Senior Deputy DA Whitney Timm is in trial.  I walked in to the courtroom as the date was being called. The motion to continue  in the 2022 case was continued by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran to 7/28 to be heard by Judge Kaleb Cockrum.

Combs was arraigned in the 2025 case. Readiness Conference is on 9/2/26; jury trial on 9/14.

Ms. Schaffer was speaking with Katrina Earley and three others outside Courtroom 5 at 9:32 a.m. 

7/28/26: Motion to continue continued to 7/29 by Court.

As I reported twice already, Anil Dwivedi is running for Eureka mayor

It is official. I already reported on Anil Dwivedi running for Mayor. Per City of Eureka Assisant City Manager Pam Powell, he has qualified to run for Mayor. I have regularly reported on the 4 pending lawsuits against him as a landlord.

These are just two of the several posts on Dwivedi.

I can no longer find Dwivedi Facebook page.

I posted yesterday on Casey Dresser who is also running for Mayor of Eureka.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/casey-dresser-files-501-to-run-as.html?m=1

So far, the choices for Eureka Mayor are incumbent Kim Bergel, Casey Dresser who is friends with Cornelius; someone locals are familiar with and that is a negative for Dresser or Dwivedi who has 4 pending lawsuits filed against him by tenants of Hillsdale Apartments which have yet to be settled.

Casey Nagy arrested by EPD for probation violation and possession of a stolen vehicle

On July 21, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to the 200 block of Grant Street for a report of a male attempting to gain access to a vehicle using a coat hanger. 

EPD temporarily suspends new alarm registrations

Eureka Police Department (EPD) is transitioning its alarm billing and registration program to an internally managed process.

Caltrans employee David Orluck booked into jail yesterday on a warrant, hours before his arraignment

 

Caltrans employee David Orluck is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon. I was just going to do an update on arraignment and add it to the previous post but he was booked into the jail yesterday on an arrest warrant issued in his 2026 case on 7/16. Orluck posted bond.

I will add an update about today's hearing but whether arraignment is on today is ? This date was given to me previously by the DA's office. Orluck's arraignment is not on the online court calendar or e court. Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Operations Manager Scott Anderson told me the arraignment date is scheduled by the DA. 

I checked with the DA's office this morning. Still told 1:30 this afternoon. Case still not on calendar. Deputy DA Jessica Watson didn't have the file, the case is not on her list. I have already made two trips to the Courthouse today and the third trip at 3:45 p.m. finally listed an arraignment date of 9/16/26.

41 year old Orluck's booking photo looks nothing like his Instagram profile photo.

I have now received two tips that Orluck is no longer a Caltrans employee. The second tip went into more detail. 

The first tip was on July 16. "I have reason to believe David Orluck no longer works for Caltrans (a recent change)."

The second tip I just received and the details make it more credible and worth the follow up.

"Hey David was fired from CalTrans because the victim filed an intake workplace violence report against him.  Apparently he was sending threatening texts while on the clock.  He was a probationary employee so he was an at-will employee.  Check with the CalTrans to confirm."

I have contacted Caltrans to confirm Orluck is no longer an employee. I doubt I will get further details but I asked.

Caltrans PIO Myles Cochrane is looking into my inquiry. "John,

The individual is no longer working with Caltrans. Beyond that, we can’t comment on personnel information."

Mercer Fraser gets a lesson from Allison Jackson about First Amendment, prior restraint, contempt in latest filing

 

This afternoon 7/22/26, I was surprised to see an ex-parte hearing scheduled in Goat Rock Ranch vs Chalk Mountain Ranch.

I have been covering this lawsuit and the related lawsuit filed by California Department of Forestry.

Attorneys for Goat Rock Ranch and Mercer Fraser filed a request for the ex parte hearing.

I will let you read the declaration and opposition filed Ms. Allison Jackson, attorney for Chalk Mountain and Brandon Barnwell.

Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning rejected Mercer Fraser's attempt. Said speech is constitutionally protected and the right to discuss and petition to agencies is absolutely protected.

Casey Dresser files 501 to run as Eureka Mayor

 

501 filed by Casey Dresser for Mayor today. Uploaded to the City of Eureka website around 3:57 p.m today. I did post previously twice that a candidate would run for Eureka Mayor as an independent.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/anil-dwivedi-of-dwivedi-llc-with-4.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/first-week-when-city-of-eureka.html?m=1

I had to crop the photo because of the youth pictured. One source said he is friends with Cornelius and said he was going to run. The profile also liked my post. I got an email from Casey Dresser confirming it is him.

This Facebook post by Casey Dresser has been deleted or restricted.

Dresser has a conviction in a 2024 traffic case for speeding.