Judge Canning holds Daryl Jones to answer 31 out of 35 counts

 

(Judge Timothy Canning)

(Jones and his attorney Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney O'Connell: photo by John Chiv)

(Deputy DA Roger Rees: photo by John Chiv)

Closing arguments and a ruling by Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning terroristic and criminal threat suspect  Daryl Jones' case was continued to this morning by defense.

I did detailed coverage of the preliminary hearing which was done over several days. Anyone who read the detailed preliminary hearing coverage has an idea of the basic arguments by prosecution and defense.

"Based on evidence Court heard," over several days of preliminary hearing, "we are asking to hold defendant as charged."

Jones has two cases; CR2500921 and CR2500835.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees went over each count and what he was asking in a holding order with some clarifications. 

Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell submitted on certain counts and then made her arguments regarding other counts.

In rebuttal, Mr. Rees said, "Calls ceased when Mr. Jones was in custody."

There are 35 counts. Some counts Jones was held to answer to PC 422 criminal threats; others as attempted criminal threats. Arraignment on information is March 24.

Summary is Jones was held to answer to all counts except Count 17, Count 22, Count 23 and Count 26. Not held to answer to two counts in CR2500921 but Judge Canning stated on record why people can proceed to file for jury trial on those two counts and some of the counts that he was not held to answer in CR2500835.

I will see what is in the court minutes before I add anymore information. When court minutes are available, I will add them.

Jones should try and work out a plea with the DA's office before he is arraigned assuming the People are willing to consider that possibility.

Jurors in Destinee Rhamy's case not deliberating for a day and a half

 

The jurors in Destinee Rhamy's homicide case for the death of Holland Renee Elbik started their deliberations on 3/6/26 at 1:51 p.m. They asked for readback of Lauren Lukens and Zachary Hood's testimony.

Shortly after 3 p.m., they got coffee in the deliberation room and I saw the Courtroom 5 bailiff take headphones.

On 3/9, jury went into deliberations around 9:30. Court reporter Lori Rock headed to the jury room at 9:41 p.m. for readback. Saw the court reporter head back to her office at 11 a.m. Jurors left for lunch at 12:05 p.m. Came back and resumed deliberations at 1:30 p.m.

This break has to do with a juror who had a medical appointment and rather than pick an alternate and restart deliberations; this was the decision.

Rhamy is charged in Count 1 with PC 192 (a) voluntary manslaughter. Count 1 special allegation is PC 12022 (b) (1) use of a deadly weapon; a knife. Count 2 is PC 245 (a) (1) assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. Count 2 special allegation PC 12022.7 (a) infliction of  great bodily injury.

Jurors' verdict form included lesser charge for the Count 2 assault charge.

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran presided over the trial. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor. Ms. Andrea Sullivan is Rhamy's attorney.

First Mitsubishi, now Yamaha says sayonara to CA and relocates to the East Coast

After 50 years, Yamaha says sayonara to California and will relocate to Georgia starting in 2026 with the move complete by 2028. In 2019, Mitsubishi Motors left California for Tennessee.

County of Humboldt files motion to dismiss federal lawsuit filed by Ray Christie

 

(Larson LLP)

On December 2, 2025, I reported in Ray Christie's federal lawsuit against the County of Humboldt, former HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes, former Humboldt Deputy DA Adrian Kamada, Sheriff Honsal. I did another post on December 8 and then on December 16. When I did that last post, Humboldt Deputy County Counsel Joel Campbell-Blair was representing three of the four defendants.

Larson LLP partner, Mr. Rick Richmond, is representing Christie. The case has been assigned to Judge Noel Wise at the San Jose location. 

There was a hearing scheduled today about Alternative Dispute Resolution according to PACER. A hearing on 6/3/26 is scheduled for the County of Humboldt's motion to dismiss. That information online is not always up to date. 

I have the County of Humboldt's motion to dismiss. Don't know yet if I will add it or wait until Mr. Richmond files a response. There is a lot happening right now and sometimes it is better for readers to wait. Some attorneys are better at writing motions and being clear. The County's 15 page motion fails. Between incredulity and laughter, I will have to look at it on a day that isn't hectic and busy aĺl day long.

I reported in June 2020 that former Deputy DA Adrian Kamada was no longer employed by the Humboldt County DA. I could not get former DA Maggie Fleming to confirm what is stated in the County's motion on p. 3 that Kamada was "allegedly fired from the District Attorney’s Office in 2020 for “violating office policy and procedure.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/06/adrian-kamada-gone-from-d-as-office.html?m=1

Kamada is claiming absolute prosecutorial immunity.

Readers who have followed my blog for years know I often report in real time information no one else has or covers about the Courthouse and the most obvious example was my coverage of Gregory Kreis corroborated later by the Commission on Judicial Performance.

I covered Christie's 2018 criminal case regularly and reported a lot of information so I can evaluate the County's motion on my own.

Locals are familiar with Christie, the 2018 case, the other cases only I have covered as well as this case. I have provided links to previous coverage for new, regional and national readers. 

For those who prefer cliff notes, this is the first paragraph from Larson LLP on the lawsuit.

"Law firm Larson LLP announced today it has sued Humboldt County and three officials in San Francisco federal court on behalf of a northern California cattle rancher, alleging they violated his civil rights when they raided his home and properties, improperly tampered with evidence, and pursued criminal charges against him that were later dismissed but that continue to harm his reputation and ability to conduct business."

Deliberate editorial choice or do other local media not know Eureka City Councilmembers?

 

(Took this screenshot at 12:04 p.m. today)

I find it hard to believe that not a single regular commenter on RHBB noticed the resemblance between local artist Kati Texas and Eureka City Councilmember Kati Moulton. This is the same person.

 

I know some of those usernames and they chose silence. Does Ryan Hutson not know Councilmember Moulton? Same question for Kym Kemp.

I had quite a few people ask me this question. Deliberate editorial choice or do local media not know Eureka City Councilmembers?

Councilmember Moulton is free to do what she wants during her free time but this same  local media outlet and Ryan chose to report on Humboldt Deputy DA Roger Rees who is open about supporting President Trump and being Republican. He was exercising his Free Amendment rights on his own time. Councilmember Moulton is definitively not conservative.

If other local media do not want to be called out on their errors; stop making them and stop misleading the public by leaving relevant facts out. And I don't care what the other media or their groupies think. My job is difficult daily because of this kind of bs. 

KINS gets funded and they stroke egos. They do not represent or speak for the average conservative and moderate. 

The conservatives with money in this town could not even come up with one candidate for 4th or 5th District Supervisor.

Another error by Ryan is about Cal Poly protestor Richard Toledo's bond. The bail is $25,000. He owes the bail bond company $2,500 not $2,000 as reported by Ryan and RHBB. I also posted the court date Toledo was given which is in my post from yesterday. That could change and I will do updates as information comes in.

Eureka City School District sued by plaintiff, claiming she was intoxicated, became ill, other students took explicit photos of plaintiff shared them online; lawsuit further alleges not a single staff member checked on the plaintiff or the locker room where alleged incident took place

This morning, there was a Case Management Conference in C.M.C vs Eureka City School District. The civil lawsuit was filed on March 15, 2024. Ms. Heidi Holmquist Wells represents the plaintiff. Mr. Nicholas Kloeppel is the attorney for Eureka City School District.

The previous hearing was on 11/10/25. Both parties filed case management conference statements; Eureka City School Districts on February 19 and and plaintiff on February 23 2026. Both were in agreement that a further CMC should be scheduled in 90 to 120 days. Today, on behalf of the plaintiff, Ms. Wells requested another CMC in 90 days which is scheduled for 6/8/26.

I have included the complaint and other court documents now which have details. The plaintiff was a minor at the time of the incident

**The identity of the plaintiff is protected in court documents but it is a sensitive issue. It is your choice to read after this disclaimer** 

When I report on  cases, it is my own observations daily and research and a hunch on what cases to check.

The original lawsuit filed by Hillsdale tenants is close to settlement

 

I am not linking all the posts I have done on the four lawsuits filed against Dwivedi LLC. One of these two screenshots is the last post I did and the other is just one of the many over the last few months.

The one that has received the most coverage is the original lawsuit filed by Hillsdale tenants Don Swall and Vanessa Vachon. A third plaintiff, Raechel Nankervis was added to the lawsuit. Mr. Patrik Griego, senior partner at Janssen Malloy is representing the Hillsdale tenants.

Today, there was a case management conference scheduled. I contacted Mr. Griego after the hearing, "We informed the court that the matter is almost settled and asked for another CMC on 4/10 at 8:30."

Our local law enforcement & HCSO work hard to fix issues not created by them

Our local law enforcement & HCSO work hard to fix issues not created by them. Vinelink is constantly down for agencies in CA. If you are going to make money; provide a service that isn't constantly offline

I am tired of bothering HCCF admin to fix an ongoing issue.

Appriss Insights, an Equifax company  operates Vinelink, a notification system to notify custody status changes. I don't know about other states but it is constantly offline for LE agencies in CA. Do they provide the same shitty service to retailers & others who use them?

Since I posted, another agency is offline.

HCSO arrests Stephen Rhall for indecent exposure; Briyan Marquardt for lewd act with a minor by force or fear

 

Stephen Karl Rhall was arrested yesterday by HCSO on a Ramey warrant for PC 314 (1) indecent exposure.

Briyan Lee Marquardt was arrested yesterday by HCSO on a Ramey warrant for PC PC 288(b)(1) lewd act with a minor by force or fear. He has a 2017 and 2015 conviction for DUI and family law cases which are of no interest unless they are relevant to the criminal arrest.

Cal Poly Humboldt protestor Richard Toledo posts bail

 

Cal Poly Humboldt protestor Richard Toledo Jr finally posted bail today through Bill Davidson bail bonds. Hopefully, he abides by the terms of the restraining order in the civil lawsuit. 

His Linkedin profile lists him as an instructional student assistant at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Obviously information being circulated on social media by his "supporters" is incorrect; if he was being held without bail; he could not post bond unless a judge changes the no bail status in a court hearing. 

The DA has the report and it is under review. Since Toledo bailed out, the DA has more time to decide whether to file charges.

Toledo's court date is April 20 which is what he was given when released from custody. His bail was $25,000 and he owes the bail bond company $2,500 to post bond. The court date could change and I will update this post with any changes.

This is the post I did on 3/6 about his arrest and the Cal Poly Humboldt lawsuit.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/since-this-is-california-and-then-you.html?m=1

Lamplighter deaths make the California Post

 

Posted today.

Details in the post below.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/03/no-carbon-monoxide-detectors-in-room-at.html?m=1

I called Dennis Mayo who not only took my call but was very forthright with me

 

(MCSD)

I have known Dennis Mayo since I moved to Eureka. He has been the same with me even when others have changed and I called him before doing this post.

The first thing Dennis did was ask me how I was doing.

I did not post about it right away because I do not want anything to jeopardize Dennis' case; if charges are filed. I don't have to explain how busy I am daily and why to people paying attention. What gets posted has to be prioritized sometimes due to circumstances that are not my fault.

Unlike many who get DUIs, Dennis took responsibility right away. "I take this very seriously," he told me.

Dennis is in the process of consulting with lawyers. I know who he will most likely hire; if charges are filed. The report could also be rejected and all this could take months. I am still checking on misdemeanor DUI arrests from July 2025.

I am not going to put all the details Dennis told me because that would not be fair to him; if charges are filed. That does not mean he said anything incriminating. I just stopped him because he  trusts me and I don't want him to say anything and allow the usual process to take place. The DA has not even filed charges and I am not working for the DA or CHP or anyone else.

If those details come out in court or I can release them at a later date; I will. I have contacted CHP to see what they can release.

What I will share is that he was at John Corbett's services earlier. He and others went to the Sea Grill aterwards. Local attorney Beorn Zepp was there. Dennis spoke with Joan and Paul Gallegos.

Dennis was arrested on March 6 by CHP, booked on two misdemeanor DUI charges; VC24152 (a) driving under the influence and VC23152(b) blood alcohol content above the legal limit. He was released on O.R. 

In addition to being on the McKinleyville Community Services District Board, he is also a past member of the Humboldt County Planning Commission, serves on the Association of California Water Agencies statewide Board and the ACWA Region 1 Board, he is a lobbyist for the California Commercial Beach Fisherman's Association, and a founding member of the Humboldt Open Door Clinic. Dennis is a local organic rancher and horse breeder and is active in the Pony Express Days, McKinleyville Rodeo Association and California State Grange.

The other local media who ignored DUIs by repeat offenders like Eureka Natural Foods Rick Littlefield are selective in what and who they chose to report on and the community members calling out selective "reporting" are correct.

Joy Hostler arrested for the 5th time; keeps getting released and was granted diversion despite multiple violations of court orders and other serious crimes

 

Joy Hostler was arrested on April 12, 2025 by HCSO for elder abuse. While out of custody, she was arrested again by Hoopa Tribal Police for violation of a court order. 

8/4/25: Two days before court hearings in her current elder abuse case and violation of court order case, Hostler was arrested again by HCSO for  PC368(c) elder abuse PC273.6(a) violation of a protective order, PC594(b)(2)(a) vandalism and PC 243 (e) (1) domestic battery.

Despite three arrests, she was given treatment and tribal diversion. Not even a month later, she was arrested again.

11/20/25: Another case of a repeat offender who failed diversion. Back in custody in less than a month.

Hostler was arrested by HCSO for PC 273.6(a) violating a protective order.

This morning, March 8, Hostler was arrested again by HCSO for two violations of protective orders.

Her attorney is Gregory Kreis.

It is bad enough that Humboldt Superior Court keep releasing criminals despite multiple arrests; the judges further endanger the community by giving diversion to criminals who violate protective orders.

This is not the first time I have written about such an example. Defendants with more arrests and violations have been granted diversion.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/of-course-california-public-defenders.html?m=1

I reported about this legislation which is a step in the right direction but will not prevent all the misuse or adequately protect the public.

Sacramento County Sheriff and Calaveras County Sheriff joint operationis one of the largest meth seizures in U.S. history

 

Operation Trash Panda, a joint effort by the by the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office and Calaveras County Sheriffs Office is one of the largest meth seizures in U.S. history.

8 suspects arrested on state and federal charges including one on the National Terrorist Watch List. 2,700 pounds of meth, 1900  marijuana plants and over 100 lbs processed marijuana, 12 firearms and over 1000 rounds of ammunition were seized.

20 year old Felix Arbaugh held to answer on all charges including attempted murder of his uncle

 

I added arraignment and OR bail hearing updates to my February 17 post about 20 year old attempted murder suspect Felix Arbaugh's case. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/02/hcso-arrests-felix-arbaugh-for.html?m=1#more

His preliminary hearing started on 3/3/26 and concluded on 3/4/26. 

A month later after her DUI arrest, Caidence Ellebrecht picks up another CHP case

On January 18, 2026, I reported that 19 year old Caidence Ellebrecht was arrested by CHP  for VC23152 (a) DUI and VC 23152(b) blood alcohol above legal limit. She was released on O.R. The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office has not filed charges for that arrest.

With DUI cases, it could be months before charges are filed, rejected or dismissed. However, the last time I checked on the CHP case; no report had been provided to the DA.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/among-usual-humboldt-arrests-for.html?m=1

To all her family members and others who went off on Facebook on me for reporting news; you should have spent your time keeping on eye on Caidence.

She has picked up another case and e court lists her as pro per. This is also a CHP case filed 2/24/26 with one count which is a traffic infraction VC4000 (a) (1) vehicle registration. The date of violation is 1/30/26 and it haw expired registration tags. Caidence has a Mckinleyville address and the incident was in Bayside according to citation. There is a hearing on 4/26/26.

I know some in Humboldt are used to the other local media ignoring news based on who you are, your connections which is exactly why my reporting is neccessary. No one is or should be above the law.

FYI , I do know the name of the Ferndale family member flatbed truck accident which was never released and charges have not been filed. So, there is no reason for me to tell anyone. Justice in Humboldt is not just two tiered. It is a joke who gets charged; who faces consequences and who Humboldt defends.

No, I am not going to tell you. I risk plenty every day taking on the powers to be in Humboldt and reporting what other media ignores. I don't make the money I should. I don't get funding to grow my business or pay for lawyers to address the threats, lies and retaliation for reporting. Despite this, I provide information. 

The elected officials are gutless; many in law enforcement on the top are cowards and the ones making money who try and bully me into silence or gossip and lie about me have no morals despite many being church goers. The other local "media" is shameless in who and what they cover and who and what they ignore. 

Crime and prosecution in Humboldt is disproportionate because of selective enforcement and accountability. If it wasn't for CHP, there would be less arrests of anyone who is Humboldt "connected."

Former Weott CSD employee gets a slap on the wrist with a grand theft plea which could later be expunged

I recently reported that former employee of Weott Community Services District Julie Santibanez's embezzlement and identity theft case was delayed because the assigned attorney was out of the office. I am now doing a post on the plea. No other local media has covered this case since I first reported on it in 2023. 

I will not be doing a separate or new post when she is sentenced. Court minutes and information will be added to this post.

On 3/5/26, Santibanez entered a guilty plea which was taken by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum to Ct 3 PC 487 (a) grand theft as a felony. Deputy DA Brandon Boozari dismised Count 2 and 3. There are more details in the court minuted including 48 hours community service and the DA is not opposed to a 17 (b) request by Deputy Public Defender Ryan McClurg which reduces the charge to a misdemeanor.

Another slap on the wrist in Humboldt County. With a misdemeanor; the case can be expunged which then shows your conviction as a dismissal.

San Diego Sheriff deputies arrest Catholic bishop charged with embezzlement and money laundering as he attempts to flee the country

 

California bishop, 60 year old,  Emanuel Shaleta who allegedly took more than a dozen trips to a Mexican brothel known for human trafficking and misused parish funds was arrested at San Diego International Airport by the San Diego Sheriff deputies while trying to flee the country.

Shaleta was arrested for eight counts of 508 PC – Embezzlement, eight counts of 186.10(a) PC – Money Laundering, and one count of 186.11(a)(1) PC – Aggravated White Collar Crime Enhancement.

He is in the San Diego Central jail unless he can post bail which is. $125,000