American Guard texts security that their hours are changing, staff and Board unaware of potential change mentioned by Sheriff Honsal

Once again, you heard it here first.

This morning, I heard these two Courthouse security guards talking about some changes. I also heard them talking to County staff. I waited until there was no one around to find out more details.

Two weeks ago, Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal spoke to head of security, who I spoke to this morning.  Sheriff Honsal said he was thinking of changing hours for the security guards. HCSO oversees Courthouse security.

Nothing came of it until today when American Guard sent a text to head of security at this site saying effective 3/2/26, security hours are going to be cut and the new hours are 7:30 to 5:15 with a mandated hour lunch. American Guard does not even pay the security guards what they get from the County and courts. It is a reduced rate with two of the three guards making minimum wage. Prior hours were 7 to 5 and anyone could come into the building; not just certain County employees. 

HCSO, certain County and court employees, Supervisorsand  judges already have access via the secure basement entrance on I street.

A separate source said  employees will get key cards with these change in hours,; unclear whether only those who used to come in at 7 a.m.

The staff member did not know anything about this and is going to follow up because this has to go through the Board be approved, changes need to be posted and the County needs to send out press releases.

Sheriff Honsal is out of the office today. I know HCSO PIO is in training and not back until tomorrow. I have cced Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kelly Neel, Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell and Humboldt County CAO Elishia Hayes asking for comment.

Supervisor Bushnell was the first to respond, "Good morning, John. I have not heard of the changes , but would expect if something is to change it will come back to the board for discussion."

There is no point in contacting American Guard until I hear from Sheriff Honsal.

Bad Boy Ruben Ramirez gets cuffed and hauled back into jail yesterday in his 2026 case

 

I covered Ruben Ramirez from 2022 to 2024. He is now 21 and was arrested again in January 2026 by the Fortuna Police Department. He was released on O.R.

No DUI charges filed from that arrest but yesterday he had an arraignment for his probation violation. On 2/6, Humboldt County Probation filed the petition.

Ramirez was remanded into custody in court yesterday. Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge John Feeney granted the People's request for remand; no bail status remains; Public Defender's office appointed. Another OR bail hearing on 2/26; VOP hearing on 3/18.

This week, we have two Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judges; Judge Feeney and Judge Christopher Wilson filling in and they are more than familiar with repeat offenders but also have been Humboldt judges for years. They know all the defense tricks and Humboldt criminals. Judge Feeney has been denying a lot of OR and supervised release which is a postive development for public safety. I was telling a few people who work in the courts yesterday. It takes a lot to piss off Judge Feeney and try his patience. 

All these wannabe bad boys of Humboldt need to take their time in the Humboldt Hilton reflect on their behavior in custody,  look at their case realistically and take a plea deal; if offered. Red states don't coddle criminals and they don't allow criminals and defense attorneys to drag out cases for years.

Of course California Public Defenders Association opposes Senate Bill 1373 which is needed to stop the misuse of pre trial mental health diversion

 

(Senator Grove: Facebook)

Of course California Public Defenders Association opposes Senate Bill 1373 spearheaded  by state Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and which has bipartisan support and calls for more stringent limits to revise the ill intended consequences of pre trial mental health diversion created by Assembly Bill 1810 in 2018. 

Senator Grove has been quoted in media coverage SB 1373 today saying a well-intended reform has given criminals a “get out of jail free card” to wipe their records clean. This was according to the California Post.

SB 1373 would require that a defendant’s mental disorder be diagnosed within five years of the charged offense. 

It would also expand the list of disqualifying crimes to include attempted murder, kidnapping, carjacking and human trafficking, and it would bar diversion for defendants with two prior felony convictions or a prior strike under California’s Three Strikes law.

Assemblymember Maggy Krell, a Democrat and former Sacramento County district attorney supports the bill.

If you read my court coverage regularly, you have seen me speak against mental health diversion, especially repeat offenders, who show no remorse or change in behavior. I have been threatened and harassed by people who got a slap on the wrist and overwhelmingly, it is clients from the Humboldt County Public Defender's Office and several from one particular Deputy Public Defender. I have called out Humboldt Judge Kaleb Cockrum in two specific cases. The Deputy DA and law enforcement in one of those cases not only believed me and the DA got the police reports I had, tried to help me and agreed with me about the defendant; but they acknowledged the law was an issue. Judges have discretion. A different judge may have made a different ruling. 

This deputy public defender does not know me. Has never spoken with me. He has never risked his life or been targeted like I have on a daily basis. He is the typical far left die hard believer who cannot see past his bubble of misguided beliefs that have real consequences for public safety. Glaring at me every time I am at the Courthouse is not going to change that coddling criminals does not work. Giving a pass when there is no remorse, no change in behavior, no responsibility is stupid and dangerous for public safety.

The same week I wrote about an encounter on 4th street and having to call EPD that resonated with thousands of Eurekans; this deputy Public Defender's client who should have never been granted mental health diversion tried to intimidate me again and have a friend who was driving me ram me with her car. Right in front of the Public Defender's Office on a weekend. Fortunately, I have quick reflexes. This fool needs to look in the mirror instead of blaming everyone else. California's mental health diversion is a disaster.

Mental health diversion is not the only abuse in the California criminal justice system. So is not guilty by reason of insanity as used in California. 

 

Judge Wilson temporarily revokes Kimberly Felder's release from the State Hospital

 

No other media covered the defense petition for outpatient treatment in Kimberly Felder's 2017 case. It was granted by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning last year.

Felder was convicted of attempted murder of her own daughter and sent to the State Hospital

I noticed a hearing on today's calendar which was not a review hearing date. Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Chris Wilson has been in Courtroom 4 this week which is assigned to Judge Canning.

Today, Judge Wilson made an interim order to revoke Felder's release from the State Hospital until Judge Canning can hear arguments from counsel.  See court minutes for more details.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for this case. Deputy Public Defender Ehvan Schectman is now handling the case for his office.

Next court date is on 3/11/26.

Let's hope Judge Canning reconsiders his decision to release Felder from the State Hospital. After covering hearings on the release of several sexually violent predators and the dismal failure of the State Hospital to monitor them; I don't believe any report and the State Hospital's credibility is worse than a non functioning toilet.

I am not linking all my posts on this case from 2017. They can be accessed for free via the search feature on the blog. Advertisers, subscribers and contributers can contact me for the benefits of supporting independent reporting and a customized request for this or any other case.

Judge Graf denies defense request to disqualify Utah County prosecutors in the Tyler Robinson murder case

 

(Judge Graf: this photo is from Utah State Court website)

Utah Fourth District Judge Tony Graf was scheduled to give a ruling today on the defense request in murder suspect Tyler Robinson case to disqualify the Utah County Prosecutor's Office and eletronic media access.

Since Robinson's arrest, I have covered this case with detailed information not provided in other reporting from the Utah County Prosecutor's office as well as live court coverage of every hearing.

I already posted live on other platforms.

With the exception of defense attorney Ms. Nester who is in another trial, all other attorneys in court today for Tyler Robinson. 89% discovery provided.

Defense request to disqualify Utah County prosecutors from the Tyler Robinson case denied by Judge Graf.

Judge Graf is reading his ruling regarding disqualification. The judge is reading and reiterating many of the prosecution's arguments which, if you read the documents, were well presented. Tyler is not in court, in person today.

Judge Graf was very clear May preliminary hearing in Tyler Robinson hearing will proceed. Next court hearing on 3/13, could take up to 3 hours & then 4/17 all day hearing. These involve media access & other issues of what documents media and public can see. These other rulings are of interest mostly to media and I may not cover them live.

Attorney names for both teams are in all past coverage. Links have been provided. I covered this hearing live while also covering Humboldt courts which keep me busy, all day, daily.

At the last minute on the day his trial was supposed to start, Troy Friedman pleads guilty to an added count

On the day, forcible rape suspect Troy Friedman's trial was supposed to start, late yesterday afternoon he pleaded guilty to an added count 2 false imprisonment. Count 1, the forcible rape charge was dismissed. 

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum took the plea. Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm is the prosecutor. Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin is Friedman's attorney.

Court minutes do not list a sentencing date; list a P.O. report  and "two years probation with jail term open." Jane Doe was present via Zoom. Victim Witness Advocate read a statement.

I reached out to Ms. Timm for clarification. "Hi John, He will be sentenced March 23rd. The plea was for felony 236 for probation, but additional jail time is open to the court."

Sentencing is on 3/23/26.

I did have permission from her months ago to put this on the blog but waited for since a jury trial was scheduled. Friedman has now entered a plea. He is Humboldt Superior Court clerk Bonnie Jennings' ex. She told me that when she knew him, there was nothing to indicate he is capable of such behavior.

After 5 days of deliberation and readback of testimony, verdict in Richard Sanderson trial

(I will have a better booking photo Thursday)

Verdict in Richard Lyle Sanderson aka Dick aka Ricky Lyie's assault, false imprisonment and domestic violence  case. Court minutes cover sheet is up but details on verdict not up yet but they will be added to the system.

On, at 2/19 9:17 a.m. jury started deliberation, came back with a verdict on 2/23 in the afternoon. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steward changed Sanderson's custody status to no bail.

Court trial on circumstances and aggravation is on 3/13; sentencing on 3/18/26.

Sanderson has another case in which he is charged with possession of meth which is trailing. Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin is Sanderson's attorney.

Since the assigned prosecutor Deputy District Attorney Brandon Boozari is still out of the office; Deputy DA Trent Timm has been appearing on the case.

This is a previous post I did on the trial.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/humboldt-juror-in-richard-sanderson.html?m=1

Sacramento Sheriff's blunt truth about California unleashing child molestors and predators into communities

 

Sacramento Sheriff Jim Cooper accurately calls out the failure of California to protect the public; especially from sexual predators.

"The people of Sacramento, and every parent across California, deserve answers.

The California Parole Board has granted parole to David Allen Funston, a serial child molester who used candy and toys to lure children seven years old and younger.

He was convicted of 16 counts of kidnapping and child molestation. Multiple young children were victimized, some as young as four years old. He was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison, along with three additional consecutive sentences of 25 years to life. A judge described him as “the monster parents fear the most.”

Yet today, the parole board has determined he is suitable for release. How do they explain that to those children and their parents? How do they tell families that a predator of this nature is “no longer a risk”?

Under California’s Elderly Parole Program, inmates over 50 are eligible for parole. He is 64. Age does not erase predatory behavior. It does not undo grooming. It does not restore stolen childhoods. Childhood sexual predators do not suddenly become safe because they turned 50; they cannot be rehabilitated.

Most states exclude heinous crimes like this from elderly parole. California does not.

Today, a survivor bravely spoke about what this decision means. Detective Rodriguez, who worked this case, knows firsthand what this man was capable of and how he was caught.

The Elderly Parole Program was meant for those who no longer pose a danger. In cases like this, it fails. Our number one responsibility is to protect children. That should never be controversial or partisan.

Protecting children is not rhetoric. It is common sense. Protect children first. Always."

Former Weott Community Services District employee's jury trial and resolution delayed; since assigned DA is out of the office

Jury trial was scheduled today for former employee of Weott Community Services District Julie Santibanez's embezzlement and identity theft case.

Deputy Public Defender Ryan McClurg requested a continuance which was granted by Humboldt Judge Steven Steward. There is a resolution but the assigned Deputy DA for this case, Mr. Brandon Boozari, is out of the office today due to illness. Change of plea and setting of jury trial is scheduled for 3/5/26.

DHS calls out Newsom's pardon of a convicted attempted murderer who is illegal; to be fair Gav's and Dems soft on crime laws give a pass to all CA criminals

Department of Homeland Security, those of us who live in CA see this insanity practiced everyday with no consequences for criminals or a slap on the wrist thanks to CA Dems soft on crime enabling policies. Illegal  or legal; a convicted criminal is a danger to the public. This is not a defense of Gavin Newsom. Just facts that CA needs tough law and order legislation.

Governor Gavin Newsom's Press Office shared this on X. So San Diego Diocese filed bankruptcy in response to sex abuse lawsuits is the one asked for a pardon for an illegal convicted criminal

Jury selection started late this morning in Destinee Rhamy's 2023 homicide case

 

Several trials are scheduled to start today and I was at the courthouse this morning checking on the three I have covered regularly. No other media has covered the other two cases and no other media has regularly followed homicide suspect Destinee Rhamy's case. 

Ms. Andrea Sullivan was appointed to represent Rhamy. It was good to see her back in Humboldt County this morning. Ms. Sullivan represents clients all over California and recently had a trial conclude in Riverside County.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for this case.

The trial had been assigned to Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge John Feeney. Jury selection is taking place in Courtroom 5 which was closed this morning except to attorneys and Rhamy so I didn't get a chance to confirm if it is still Judge Feeney. He was in Courtroom 2 last week and  is still in that courtroom this week. E court said Judge Lawrence Killoran. This afternoon I checked and the trial judge for Rhamy is Judge Killoran.

I have linked previous coverage in this post including two previous Marsden motions Rhamy tried and were denied. I only include this because Rhamy is now all chummy with Ms. Sullivan this morning. My trial coverage will only include posts on the trial.

Mr. Rees and Ms. Sullivan went in 9:56 a.m. with Rhamy who is out of custody. Rhamy had a younger woman waiting with her before the courtroom opened who left and said, "see you later."

Also sitting outside the courtroom were Victim Witness Advocate MH with the mother of Holland Renee Elbik. Jury selection was delayed until 11, since they were waiting on three or four jurors who were on their way to the Courthouse. The jurors started coming up to the second floor and entered the courtroom at 11:08 including a local civil lawyer and a Humboldt Superior clerk supervisor. This supervisor is a experienced clerk who is still doing her work each day before jury selection and until the trial in Courtroom 5 starts each day.  

Just to address any gossip or rumors because I know the second floor well; I will disclose this since there were other people around who can vouch. I talk to attorneys and I talk to court staff all the time. At one point this morning, Ms. Sullivan was using the court computer and she was with Rhamy so I did not go in the room. When I saw Ms. Sullivan go into Courtroom 5, I went to use the computer and Rhamy said, "Andrea is logged in." I told Rhamy that Ms. Sullivan was in the courtroom and then Rhamy left. 

Elbik's mother heard me talking to people. She asked, if I was John Chiv. I said yes. She told me, " I read your blog" and said others follow my coverage and thanked me which was very kind considering this is a difficult time for her. Survivors, victims, even defendants and their families follow my coverage. "If it wasn't for you; I would not have information" is what I hear all the time. It is for these readers that I put up with the hatred, nastiness, unwarranted attacks and hours of uncompensated work.

I told Elbik's mother I was sorry to meet her under these circumstances and I would talk to her after the trial.

Nothing I said to Rhamy or the victim's mother has anything to do with the case. Potential jurors who know me say hi. I explain that other than pleasantries, why we should talk after they are excused or after the trial.

I should not have to explain myself after 12 years but this is Humboldt and anyone who has followed my coverage regularly or has been on the second floor of the Humboldt courthouse knows fiction is truer than the lies and smears spread in that toxic building and not just about me.

Is Curt Davis still in Eureka, Pasadena or ?

 

I was the first one to report last June that former City of Eureka deputy attorney Curt Davis was terminated. I am not going to link all the posts I have done on him including the last on January 16, 2026 where he was a no show again for a hearing, did not bother to file a response and was sanctioned $650 by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning.

Davis started his own law firm in Eureka working with his brother. I don't see him at the Courthouse often but that applies to several local attorneys. 

I check the State of California website often; for various reasons. Checked his profile and his Linkedin profile. He is not on the Pasadena law firm Domb & Rauchwerger website but it is on his Linkedin and California bar profile. Whether he is on contract with them or employed there; I will find out this week or eventually. Couldn't pull up his Eureka Curtis Davis Law PC website. 

Smartest decision made by City of Eureka was to hire Greg Holtz

 

(Photo: Greg Holtz Law

If you read me regularly, you may have noticed a familiar name in lawsuits filed by the City of Eureka. Mr. Greg Holtz, previously of Legal Services of Northern California, has his own law firm has contracted with the City of Eureka. This can be a plus for the City if the Council and City Manager use him wisely and don't eff up the one smart decision they have made recently. I got to briefly chat with him on Friday while he was waiting for Courtroom 4 to open.

Third case filed for Victor Phetsomphou; this one for indecent exposure

 

The Humboldt County DA filed charges in a 2026 case for Victor Anakin Phetsomphou. The charges were filed 2/11; an arrest warrant was issued on 2/19. Arraignment is on 3/11 when Phtemsomphou's two other cases are scheduled for preliminary hearing.

This is for Cal Poly Humboldt arrest and Phetsomphou is charged with PC 314 (1) indecent exposure.

This is how busy it has been with Humboldt courts that I have been checking regularly about  charges for Phetsomphou for the December 2025 arrest but had to wait to post this because the arraignment isn't until March.

I already reported on two other cases he had. In addition to the daily 20 plus cases, multiple continuances, repeat offenders, waiting on minutes for days because court staff is also impacted, the DA's office has to wait on arrest warrants, reports and I have 20 cases on an average to follow up daily while doing other news and national coverage.

The useless California and Humboldt elected officials know this situation is out of control. They don't care how this affects others despite being repeatedly told but neither do the people who refuse to speak up for those who inform and protect you. Especially those with money and power in Humboldt. The few who try are ignored by the same officials.

It is the elected officials' fault and they  continue to be the useless, selfish leeches collecting paychecks instead of improving the situation. Every single one of them would be fired in private industry.

Convicted molestor and Navajo Nation member sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison and 15 years of supervised release

 

30 year old Arizona resident and a Navajo Nation member Avery Billy, was sentenced this week to 188 months in prison after which he will be on 180 months of supervised release for the sexual abuse of two young girls who lived on Navajo nation. The victims were in first grade when Billy started abusing them.

Max Aylward arrested by EPD for indecent exposure, resisting arrest and being drunk in public

 

Max Trenton Aylward was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday for PC 314 (1) indecent exposure, PC 148(a)(1) resisting arrest and PC 647 (f) drunk in public.

These are all misdemeanors. Unless this happened near a school or there is any other reason, this is just one of hundreds of cases that will go nowhere. Based on 12 years of covering Humboldt courts, there are going to be no consequences.

33 year old San Francisco man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for production, distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material

 

33 year old Henry Muller has been in custody since his arrest in 2023. The U.S. Attorney's Office of Northern District California issued a press release this evening about Muller being sentenced on February 12, 2026 to 20 Years in federal prison for production, distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material. In addition to the prison term, Judge Edward Chen sentenced Muller to a 15-year period of supervised release which will start after his term of imprisonment.

Muller's prosecution was a result of an investigation by the FBI and San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

APD arrests Kason Severe for probation violation, firearm and drug charges

Arcata Police Department arrested repeat offender Kason Severe yesterday. APD received a tip Severe was attempting to sell an illegal firearm on Snapchat and was in possession of controlled substances.