Robert Doran's lawsuit against City of Eureka filed in April, has dismissal hearing scheduled in 10 days

 

I did this post in April 2026. Of course, the other local media did not cover the lawsuit.

"On April 2, 2026, a lawsuit was filed by California StatePolytechnic University vs City of Eureka.

The complaint lists recovery of worker's compensation insurance benefits for "injuries suffered by Robert Doran."

California State Polytechnic University and Doran are represented by Mr. Mark Susson of Newport Beach Susson Law firm. 

A case management conference is scheduled for 9/28/26.

I only know one Robert "Bob" Doran in Humboldt."

On 9/28/26, Mr. Sussonsaid there maybe a  possible dismissal and asked for a continuance. Dismissal hearing scheduled for 10/16.

Did Mercer Fraser mislead Judge Canning? Will Judge Canning change his ruling on the preliminary injunction?

 

On September 10, Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning denied the preliminary injunction by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

In a related case, Goat Rock Ranch vs Chalk Mountain Ranch, On 9/18/26, at a Case Management Conference Harland Law Partner Ms.Allison Jackson, attorney for attorney for Chalk Mountain and Brandon Barnwell said she would file a supplemental pleading. Case Management Conference was continued to 11/2/26.

There is a typo on the first page about the CMC being continued to September 17. Not a big deal. Only attorneys and who work in the court system understand.

I did not include the google maps exhibits included in Ms. Jackson's pleadings. Mark Benzinger is Mercer Fraser's VP.

Ms. Jackson states Benzinger was not forthright in his declaration to Judge Canning in the declaration he submitted. Ms.Jackson says Paragraph 41 in Benzinger's declaration was false and misleading.

This relates to the preliminary injunction.

 Mercer Fraser and Goat Rock Ranch are represented byGoat Rock Ranch LLC and Mercer Fraser are represented by Mr. Mark Harrison and Mr. Adam Guernsey  from the Sacramento law firm Harrison, Temblador, Hungerford and Guernsey, LLP. 

Demurrer in this case is still under submission. 

If you have not been following this case regularly, the two screenshots of recent posts will get you caught up. With 40 to 50 Humboldt criminal cases to check daily, 10 civil cases and other news, you can for free read the blog regularly or access previous coverage via the search feature on this site or pay for customized, convenient options.

Paul Gallegos screwing around has f'ed up justice for an innocent child

 

Since the local 2025 civil case Issac "Finn" DeLoach vs Alice Helen Abler had been moved to federal court, I was not adding updates. Saw the local case on calendar on 9/21/26 listed Status Conference-District Court.

Kelly Walsh specially appeared for Paul Gallegos who is representing Issac DeLoach and Renee Contreras-DeLoach. He told Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning the federal case had been dismissed and requested a continuance to file an amended complaint. Nick Kloeppel represents Eureka City Schools, Alice Abler and Elizabeth Rice objected due to statutory filing deadlines. Judge Canning asked plaintiff file a motion to request filing of an amended complaint. Status conference is scheduled for 1/29/27.

Based on my own experience as a juror in an alleged molestation trial Paul Gallegos prosecuted which was before I reported on local courts; he was a disaster and incompetent as a,DA. All he does now as a criminal defense attorney is continue cases and I watch him in court and collect a paycheck. He has no clue what he is doing in this civil case.

I live in Eureka. I lived in Councilmember DeLoach's neighborhood. I have met Issac. He is the sweetest child.  Councilmrmber DeLoach found this information out through my post.

It isn't the only time this has happened and I can name at least one specific defendant where family members were frustrated in getting information or what was happening with the case. It is a case I covered.

After all the wins, Janssen Malloy got for Redwood Oil, they go hire a Gold River attorney

 

After all the wins, Janssen Malloy got for Redwood Oil, the company decided to Derek K. Ulmer, Partner and managing attorney of the Civil Litigation practice at Goyette, Ruano and Ulmer.

Substitution of attorney was filed 9/16/26. On 8/14/26, Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Judge Timothy Canning took under subnission the demurrer filed by the County of Humboldt. No ruling when I checked last and I check this case regularly.

Settlement reached in lawsuit filed by Yurok Indian Housing Authority against County of Humboldt

 

I reported on this case in 2024. There are court documents and details in that original post and updates in both posts with the timeline picking up in this post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/07/yurok-indian-housing-authority-sues.html?m=1#more

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/yurok-indian-housing-authority-lawsuit.html?m=1

Ms. Cyndy Day-Wilson represents Yurok Indian Housing Authority. Deputy County Counsel Joel Campbell-Blair is handling this case the County of Humboldt.

On 9/18/26, attorneys informed Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning the case had settled. Dismissal hearing is scheduled for 10/23/26.

Encarnacion Julian Kendric Miranda arrested by CHP for DUI

Encarnacion Julian Kendric Miranda was arrested by CHP yesterday for VC23152 (a) DUI and VC23152 (b) driving with a blood alcohol above the legal limit. Released on O.R.

Repeat offender Marion Miller found guilty on all charges except attempted murder in 2024 case

 

These are my posts on repeat offender Marion Miller since 2022. I  covered his recent jury trial in his 2024 case.

Humboldt Superior Court Retired Judge Christopher Wilson presided over the trial. Senior Deputy DA Roger Rees was the prosecutor for the trial. Ms. Rebecca Linkous was court appointed to represent Miller.

The jury started deliberations on 9/30 at 4:27 p.m. They had a verdict on 10/1 at 3:14 p.m. Miller was found guilty on all charges except attempted murder. Sentencing is on 11/3.

Friends of Oakland Animal Services explains why they are not suing Shannon Miranda

 

Text from FOAS website:

Both Friends of Oakland Animal Services and Oakland Animal Services have fully supported the ongoing investigation into Miranda’s Rescue from the beginning, providing investigators with all available records and evidence. We remain dedicated to seeking justice for the dogs we sent to Miranda’s Rescue. They had names, lives, and people who loved them. They mattered. We continue to grieve their loss.

Shannon's hubby Jim is not on the 2026 cast list for North Coast Dance "Nutcracker"

 

Shannon's hubby Jim is not on the 2026 cast list for North Coast Dance "Nutcracker".

Former San Jose Police Department employee sentenced to 5 years in prison for possession of child pornography

Former San Jose Police Department employee Denis Shevchenko was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila to five years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. He has to pay $47,000 in restitution to the victims. 

The U.S. Attorney's Office of Northern California released details today.

Alessandra Russo was arrested by CHP in January for driving under combined influence of drugs and alcohol, charges were filed 10 months later by DA

 

Alessandra Nicole Russo was arrested by CHP on January 9, 2026 for VC 23152(g) DUI with a combination of drugs and alcohol. She was released on O.R.

Russo has a prior conviction in 2022 traffic case for VC22349 (a) exceeding speed limit and the law enforcement agency was CHP in that case.

Charges were finally filed by the Humboldt County Deputy DA Dave Watson on 9/14/26. Count 1 VC23152 (g) DUI under combined influence of drug and alcohol. Arraignment is scheduled for 11/6/26. 

Swear in of Humboldt's newest judge slightly delayed

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Heather Durand's swearing in ceremony was supposed to start at 3 p.m. There is still a preliminary hearing going on in Courtroom 1. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Cockrum said the preliminary hearing will conclude at 3 p.m. The courtroom will then be closed and reopen. There are already over a 100 people here including Humboldt County Counsel, Deputy County Coynsel, former Humboldt DA Maggie Fleming, several attorneys, prosecutors and public defenders. There were people on Zoom. Overflow crowd could watch via livestream in the jury services room. Judge Durand gave a very personal speech about her journey from a 18 year old to today.

Former Old Town Coffee Chocolates owners get judgement against Amanda Slinkard

 

Since my last post on the lawsuit filed by Cathy Kunkler and Gail Mentink against Amanda Slinkard, there have been some developments. A default judgement was entered, a writ of execution was issued and today's dismissal hearing is off calendar. There is an order of examination hearing scheduled for 10/30.

Today's arguments in Georgi Tonev's sentencing hearing would make an excellent episode of a crime show

(Andrea Sullivan and Georgi Tonev: John Chiv)

No other media or any member of the community was at Georgi Tonev's sentencing hearing this morning which was continued to October 15. Deputy Rebecca Buckley-Stein and Ms. Andrea Sullivan presented arguments. I have been the only one to cover this regularly. My coverage of this case has been critical of HCSO and the Humboldt County DA's office based on court records and court testimony. Usually, I do not do posts on continuances, I will on today's hearings. I wish I could have videotaped today's proceeding. It would have made for an excellent episode of a crime show. 

Deputy DA Rebecca Buckley-Stein wants Georgi Tonev to go to prison. Ms. Sullivan was blunt in her response to Ms. Stein's argument, objecting at one point to hearsay, "This is getting too much." Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward agreed. As for the prison sentence, Ms. Sullivan said, "This is illegal." 

People in the cannabis industry who have been arrested, those who have had to go through licensing in Humboldt will be interested in some of today's remarks by DA which were never part of official court record or testimony.

Took this photo of Georgi Tonev and Ms. Sullivan after the hearing.

Attorneys have to file briefs by October 12. Judge Steward will issue his ruling on October 15. PC 1170 (h) was mentioned today in court.

More details from the courtroom are included for those who want to read more and have follow my regular coverage of cases.

"I think Eureka residents and business owners deserve to come first in our community."

(Janelle and Marley)

Ran into Ward 3 candidate Janelle Jackson getting coffee.

Ward 3 candidate Janelle Jackson wears many hats: Cal Poly Police Lt, Humboldt Crisis Negotiating Team Leader, College of Redwoods Police Academy Instructor. She has 25 years of law enforcement experience and is currently working on her Masters in Clinical counseling. All this  and still finds time to campaign and walk door to door.

People including me who know Janelle know her views on a variety of topics and her supporters come from all backgrounds including political parties.

"I support law enforcement, I support our LGBTQ community, support ethnic diverse communities, support housing first but also programs for those who need them to be successful, I believe in enforcing laws and accountability."

For more information:

https://www.janellejacksonward3.com/

Human trafficker sentenced to eight years in federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to commit humant trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion

Human trafficker Michael Simon was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to eight years in federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to commit humant trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion on the Oakland Blade.

Details are in the press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office of Northern California issued a few minutes ago.

Miranda's Rescue CUP suspended effective today

Miranda's Rescue CUP suspended effective today.

This letter is from Mr. John Ford, Director of Humboldt County Planning and Building. You heard it here first. 

I got some information about the kennels and a building directly from a source this morning. I was waiting for the letter from Mr. Ford for the official requirements and measurements.

After Miranda's Rescue conditional use was reinstated, Shannon Miranda tore down an old office he has had for 25 years according to this source. The source believed it was on an unpermitted parcel. "The kennels need to be put up 6 foot up in the air which is impossible," said my source. "Right now they are on ground."

I have contacted Ms. Allison Jackson.

Aunna Bollman charged with two felonies in 13th criminal case

 

The Humboldt County DA's office had to waste time filing charges in the 13th criminal case for Aunna Bollman who should never have been released into the comunity or granted mental health diversion so she could be arraigned this afternoon by her must go date. She is charged with two felonies, Count 1 VC 2800.2 (a) evading an officer and Count 2 PC 422 criminal threats. Alleged victim for Count 2 is Ricardo Cedillo.

Arraignment is this afternoon. More details from arraignment will be added to the post  later. She was represented by Gregory Kreis in her 12 criminal cases so arraignment is just a confirmation.

At arraignment, Kreis who represented was appointed by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran. Bail in this case set at $25,000. Bollman requested a Marsden motion.

Pre trial on 10/5; Marsden motion 10/13 and preliminary hearing on 10/14. Her previous 12 cases set to coincide.