Among the daily DUI arrests, yesterday Arcata High athletic director was arrested yesterday by CHP

 

Received this tip about an hour and half ago. Just saw the email.

"I wanted to pass along a local story tip.

The Humboldt County booking sheet shows that the Arcata High School athletic director was booked for DUI. It also shows that his long time girlfriend was booked for public intoxication.

Because of his position with the school, I thought this might be something worth looking into and reporting. "

With no names or dates provided, I was able to look up the arrest of Dusel. I have no idea who his girlfriend is and am waiting to see if I get a response.

Matthew Elliot Dusel was arrested by CHP yesterday for a DUI and blood alcohol level above the legal limit.

I am still waiting on the DA to file charges for several arrests, including DUIs from January 2026. All these people posted bond. 

There are a lot of DUI arrests in Humboldt daily. There are even more criminal arrests daily. Call it a hunch but this tip seems personal. 

I did look up the arrest because of Dusel's position but in the future, if I get vague tips where I am supposed to look up every single DUI arrest and figure out a name, it will be deleted regardless of what the position. I am not a free research source or going to follow up on anonymous submissions that are vague.

If charges are filed, I will contact Arcata High. 

It isn't over until Judge Canning says so; assuming Anil Dwivedi will follow through and sign the settlement of 4 lawsuits

It isn't over until the papers are signed, the settlement is filed and then a dismissal is signed by Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning.

Will Anil Dwivedi keep his word or back out again?

I have been the only one still reporting  on the original lawsuit filed against Dwivedi, owner of Hillsdale Apartments in Eureka and the only one to report on the three lawsuits.

On 7/17/26, CV2502045 Amber Kirst vs Dwivedi Tower LLC, CV2502322 Cayman McFarland vs Dwivedi Tower LLC, CV2502425 Chris Kirsch vs Dwivedi LLC were all scheduled for a dismissal hearing.

Mr. Patrik Griego, senior partner at Janssen Malloy, represents all the plaintiffs in this case and the original lawsuit filed by Hillsdale Apartment residents Don Swall, Vanessa Vachon. Rachel Nankervis was added later as a plaintiff to the original lawsuit.

He requested that the dismissal hearings in the three cases be continued since they are part of a class action and will need court approval. Mr. Griego's request was granted by Judge Canning. Next court date is 11/13/26.

The 9/17 and 9/20 dates in CV2500398 Don Swall Vanessa Vachon and Rachel Nankervis vs Dwivedi were vacated. There is still no ruling in the contempt motion filed against Dwivedi in that case which was taken under submission. Settlement in that case and the three other cases are awaiting signatures. A Case Management Conference is scheduled for 10/12/26.

It is very rare for attorneys; especially Humboldt attorneys to take on cases representing fixed income and working but struggling tenants against landlords. Janssen Malloy needs to be commended for taking that risk. They were threatened by defamation by Dhillon Law Group.

Mr. Shawn Coles of the Dhillon Law Firm represents Dwivedi and Dwivedi LLC.

I have included screenshots of two recent posts. I am not going to link all the posts on all the 4 lawsuits I have covered for months and over two years. 

**This is a note since there are constantly new readers**

You can search all posts and prior coverage for free on the blog or Google, contact me and be ready to pay for one of the convenient options and support independent reporting that my advertisers, subscribers and contributors have for years.

They do not ask but get customized benefits because I am grateful for their support. 

I offer scoops, exclusives, court documents, chronological coverage of every hearing and 12 plus years of experience covering local courts; more nationally. Details that are not just dates or a list of hearings. I have moved to a live and individual customized update for readers who support my work for months now. No one covers court or provides the details I do nationally. 

With the Humboldt Superior Court online portal where basic information is supposed to be available as well as my regional and national content,  more changes are on the way about free Humboldt court content.

Senior Deputy DA Whitney Timm vs former DA Paul Gallegos in alleged molestor Christopher Griffin's trial

 

Questioning of individual jurors was completed and yesterday jury selection started for the 30 year old Christopher Griffin's 2025 case. There were motions in limine filed by defense regarding pornography found on Griffin's computer and Jane Doe's statement.

Griffin is charged with two felonies and each count has a special allegation. He is in custody.

Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson has been assigned to this trial. Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor. Former Humboldt County DA and defense attorney Paul Gallegos is Griffin's attorney. Defense investigator is Adam Jager.

This is a case I looked into once I saw Ms. Timm was in trial. I also had an off record conversation with a friend of the family who I just happened to see on an errand and the case came up.

CVS now offer pet medication and home delivery

 

Hope they added extra staff. In the last few years, short staffing has led to many frustrated customers and issues. I prefer the locally owned pharmacy I go to now. 

Alexander Hecht arrested for forcible rape, oral copulation with a minor, indecent exposure, elder abuse, domestic violence and assault

40 year old Alexander Blair Hecht was arrested by Arcata Police Department yesterday for PC 287(a) oral copulation with a minor and PC 261(a)(2) forcible rape, PC 314 (1) indecent exposure, PC 368 (b)(1) elder abuse, PC 273.5(a) domestic violence and PC 220(a) assault with intent to commit a felony. He posted bond.

He has a conviction in a 2017 traffic case.

This alleged molestor is in custody with no bail thanks to Deputy DA Whitney Timm, Roger Rees and HCSO Sgt.Steele

 

Humboldt Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is currently in trial for another molestation case. I checked 37 year old alleged molestor Shadoe Randazzo's 2026 case to see why he was booked into custody.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees appeared on the case for the People at a 7/17 OR bail review hearing. I have included the first amended complaint. The charges are the same ones which are in the July 18 post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/shadoe-forrest-randazzo-booked-into.html?m=1

Mr. Rees requested remand. Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel granted the People's request for no bail. HCSO Sgt. Shane Steele testified at the OR bail hearing. Randazzo's supervised release was terminated.

Preliminary hearing in this case is on 

 7/24. Deputy Conflict Counsel David Nims is Randazzo's attorney.

Randazzo has a previous conviction in a 2009 case for  petty theft. Per PC 1203.425 DOJ relief was granted in that case on 2/15/26.

Google search shows Randazzo as an employee of Northern Realms Trading Cards. I don't know if that information is current. The same zoom info also lists this information. 

Seamus Clancy resolves his molestation case the day his jury trial would have started

 

I have been adding updates to this post on alleged molestor Seamus Clancy's case.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/11/20-year-old-seamus-clancy-arrested-by.html?m=1#more

Today, his jury trial was scheduled to start. Instead Clancy entered a plea taken by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran. He has to register as a sex offender, he waived his right to appeal and pre sentence credits.

Clancy pleaded guilty to Count 4 PC 288.3 (a) contacting a minor to commit a felony, Count 5 PC 288.4 (b) arrange to meet a minor for lewd conduct and Count 6 PC 261 5(c) statutory rape. This is a conditional plea with a stipulation of upper term of 6 years, 2 months in prison and aggravating terms. The other counts were dismissed. 

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor. Ms. Andrea Sullivan is Clancy's attorney.

Sentencing is on 8/13/26.

Yesterday, the FDA apologized to Taylor Farms; unfortumately the damage cannot be undone

 

Yesterday, Taylor Farms posted this update. This is a farm in California. The company voluntarily recalled the product. Taco Bell got roasted online.

The FDA's oopsie had consequences for the business. An apology won't fix the damage done.

The Humboldt County Crisis Negotiating Team who are responsible for saving the woman's life today in Old Town included Cal Poly Humboldt Lt. and Assistant CNT team leader Janelle Jackson, CNT Assistant team leader and HCSO Det. Julian Aguilera, EPD MIST Officer Jayme Clark and several others who don't get the recognition they deserve

 

This is the post I did earlier with live coverage.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/epd-investigation-results-in-e-street.html?m=1

The Humboldt County Crisis Negotiating Team who are responsible for saving the woman's life today in Old Town included Cal Poly Humboldt Lt. and Assistant CNT team leader Janelle Jackson, CNT Assistant team leader and HCSO Det. Julian Aguilera, EPD MIST Officer Jayme Clark, CNT negotiator Sydney Arnold and several CARE team members. Officer Clark and a CARE team member came in on their days off.

I included this in my earlier post but I want to recognize all of them in this separate post as well as EPD Commander Wayne Rabang, EPD Sgt. Raymond Nunez and every single EPD officer on scene.

Our law enforcement does not get the recognition they deserve. This is just one of many positive outcomes in the field daily. I have known many of the law enforcement members for years.

Eureka Police Department issued a press release on 7/20/26 at 12:26 p.m. which I have added to this post.

18 year old Damian Bradfield arrested by HCSO in attempted homicide investigation

HCSO statement lists 18 year old Damian Bradfield. 

The booking log has a Dameon Mason Bradfield booked on a Ramey warrant for PC 664/187 (a) attempted murder, PC 245 (a) (2) PC 25850(a), PC 29800(a)(1) and PC 25800 at that time. He was booked on a no bail status unless that changes at arraignment. 

People have aliases. I have sent an inquiry to HCSO PIO Erin Inskip.

Thank you HCSO for this statement on Facebook.

I corrected two typos in the HCSO statement below because unlike the ungrateful keyboard warriors berating HCSO on Facebook, I understand what it is like getting information out live and multi tasking. There will always be those in Humboldt ingrates lashing out because they are stuck behind a keyboard, drunk, hopped up on pills or miserable for various other reasons. They contribute nothing to society except getting angry and criticizing law enforcement and media for their poor choices instead of fixing their problems.

Today at 11:52 AM, the Humboldt County sheriffs office emergency communication center received a 911 call reporting a shooting had  just occurred on Reasor Road in Mckinleyville.  It was reported that a male subject had been shot.  Deputies arrived on scene and located a 25-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound to the leg.  The suspect was observed getting into a white vehicle and fled the scene.  Several witnesses were contacted, and the suspect was identified as Damian Bradfield, 18 years old. At 1547 hours The suspect was subsequently located in the 1700 block of Stromberg, Arcata.  Bradfield surrendered without incident at that location.  Bradfield  was subsequently transported and booked into Humboldt County Jail.  More information will be released on 7/20/26.

A third judge had to clue in Jorden Sterling about the law

 

(previous booking photo from my 2019 coverage but he looks the same in 2026)

I just did a post on Jorden Sterling on July 14 and those interested in him are familiar with the cases and the ongoing dressing down he has already received from two judges: Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson and Colusa Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Thompson. He didn't learn his lesson. Add a third judge who had to clue in pro per Jordo whose pretend lawyer tantrums are annoying asf.

Add a third judge who had to explain the law to Jordo. This happens at every hearing because Jordo and his sidekick, Courtney have no clue but are under the delusion they know "the law."

One of Jordo's cases, CR2602497, which was one for preliminary hearing on 7/17.

Mama Melissa Sterling, Jordo and his boo Courtney showed up at 8:30 for a 10:15 hearing. Of course Courtney had to address me. "Here is my best friend."  I told her to keep walking. Thankfully, she left me alone without he usual theatrics. As usual, Jordo filed a last minute motion to disqualify Judge Kaleb Cockrum. Why he would do that when Judge Cockrum refused to remand him is something only Jordo's pea sized brain knows.

The preliminary hearing was continued to 7/20 by Deputy DA Jessica Watson due to officer unavailability. 

When the Humboldt BOS return from their two week taxpayer vacation, maybe they can address this eyesore?

 

There is no Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting this Tuesday, July 21.  NACo conference was the reason when I searched online.

The 2026 National Association of Counties  Annual Conference & Exposition is taking place from July 17 to July 20, 2026 in Orleans Parish/New Orleans, Louisiana.

The BOS is not meeting the following Tuesday, July 28 because the Board is on break. That is the reason online.

I guess the BOS need another week off from a paid taxpayer vacation stuffing their faces with beignets, jambalaya, gumbo and "working" so hard schmoozing. Nice perks along with a $100,000 salary.

When they finally return to work, maybe they could do something about this eyesore on 5th street across from the Courthouse. If they expect property owners to do maintainence; they can start by cleaning up their own backyard, front yard and across the yard. Maybe one of Rex's good ole buddies could send employees to power wash the disgusting steps of the Humboldt Courthouse.  Money wouldn't be an issue if the BOS had their priorities in order.

EPD investigation results in E street and F blocked with CSET, EPD vehicles and crime scene tape

CSET and EPD and crime scene tapes on E between 4th and 5th. Humboldt Bay Fire parked on Charlie Moon Alley between North Coast Dance with the trunk of that white vehicle closer to E. 

EPD Sgt. Raymond Nunez and Commander Wayne Rabang on scene. Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery just using ATM walked by me at 10:20. This is being updated live. HCSO on scene.

10:28 City  Ambulance is on scene now. There are two white cars they are searching.

10:42 Sgt. Nunez just walked by. He is going to let Commander Rabang know I am here. 

10:54 Times Standard Robert Schaulis just walked up. Sgt. Nunez said EPD called at 9.a.m. welfare check turned into suicidal, crisis team negotiating, trying to talk her down. The two vehicles are not associated.

Person on top of building 4th and E.

Eureka Police did not identify the person or the building  but you can see her on the top of the building on Eureka Central Residence.

While Sgt. Nunez was telling what he could, he had just told a guy not to walk in the alley. The guy turns around and attempts to go through minutes later.

11:45 This is not through official sources but I was at Starbucks on 5th street and heard a neighbor said they called the police. The woman is known to employees of nearby businesses and there have been issues with her at these businesses.

People walking by are filming and photographing the woman in Old Town so her identity is known whether I or other media post it or not. This isn't a minor or sexual assault incident where identity needs to be protected.

Some of us are busy reporting live with facts that EPD can release. Unlike the peanut gallery and Humboldt commenters online on other sites which are regularly short on original, live content despite the resources and funds they have; who don't seem to have a job other than to virtue signal; some of us actually have been working for hours to provide information on scene and live. This minority online who complain all the time and have plenty to say about everyone else and Humboldt do absolutely nothing to change or improve anything but sit behind a keyboard. Most of them are anonymous with multiple email accounts.

What these self absorbed complainers, groupies and other local "media" do not realize is that there are family members who are concerned about who is on top the building because several people live there. They cannot get information from EPD but media can and this allays their fears. It may also help a family member or friend get in touch with EPD who can talk to this woman. I was the only one on F street when a couple frantically was trying to find out if this was their cousin.

12:20 The woman is sitting there and has not moved for the past 20 minutes. Keeps looking down at something in her hand. 

1:10  The woman is standing up now and talking into a device/cell phone.

The owner of Eureka Central Residence where this Old Town incident is happening for over 4 hours is Anil Dwivedi of Dwivedi LLC. I have been regularly covering 4 lawsuits regarding another property he owns at 1140 E street, Hillsdale Apartments.

1:42 Exclusive. 

EPD just took the woman into a patrol car. I confirmed with EPD Commander Wayne Rabang for evaluation. The Humboldt County Crisis Negotiating Team included Cal Poly Humboldt Lt. and Assistant CNT team leader Janelle Jackson, CNET Assistant team leader and HCSO Det. Julian Aguilera, EPD MIST Officer Clark, Sydney Arnold and several CARE team members. Officer Jayme Clark and the CARE team member came in on their days off. The woman was a tenant who had access to the roof which was not locked. EPD Police Analyst Rachell Sollom will issue a press release once Commander Rabang briefs her.

Pacific Legal Foundation files lawsuit alleging California’s mandatory participation in Section 8 violates Fourth Amendment

Pacific Legal Foundation issued a press release this Friday after the lawsuit was filed.

"A California property owner filed a Fourth Amendment lawsuit today challenging California’s mandate that all property owners participate in the Section 8 Housing Program. Thomas Manning argues that this mandate violates property owners’ constitutional rights by forcing them to submit to warrantless searches of their property in order to participate in the rental market.

“California is using civil rights laws to dragoon property owners into surrendering their own rights — like the right to be secure against warrantless searches,” said Austin Waisanen, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. “But no state can force residents to surrender their constitutional rights merely because they participate in the rental market. This lawsuit aims to hold California accountable for trying.”

In 2019, the State of California amended its Fair Employment and Housing Act to prohibit landlords from declining an otherwise qualified potential renter’s application because they use Section 8 housing vouchers — effectively, requiring participation in the Section 8 program. To participate, however, landlords must grant the local housing authority, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Comptroller General “full and free access” to the assisted rental unit and to their own facilities, equipment, and records containing information related to the unit. Recurring inspections are conducted without a warrant, probable cause, or opportunity for pre-compliance review.

Thomas Manning, a Sacramento-based property manager and the founder of Tower Bridge Property Management, filed a federal lawsuit to challenge the amended law. Manning argues that, by mandating participation in Section 8, California effectively compels landlords to participate in a federal program that Congress designed to be voluntary. He argues that this also violates the Fourth Amendment by subjecting landlords to warrantless, suspicionless searches. His lawsuit asks the court to strike down the participation requirement and protect Californians’ constitutional rights.

Pacific Legal Foundation represents Manning free of charge. The case is Thomas Manning v. Kevin Kish."

Thanks to two local civil attorneys, nitrous oxide lawsuit involving convicted felon Maria Cuevas results in a chunk of change for victims in criminal case

 

I was in the courtroom when the motion was granted for the good faith settlement for most defendants in this nitrous oxide case for more than one hearing extensively. As with most Humboldt court coverage I have done regularly over 12 plus years; I was the first to report on both cases.

These two posts are sufficient for new readers and anyone who does not read me regularly. I covered convicted felon Maria Cuevas' criminal and civil case. To access all posts, use the search feature on the blog or Google. Photos of the accident scene are in previous coverage.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/06/good-faith-settlements-reached-with.html

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/this-lawsuit-involves-stateforward.html?m=1

There are court documents, court minutes and attorneys for parties listed. For regular readers, the names which are important include Jessica Sprague represented by Janssen Malloy's William Stein and local attorney Ms. Jennifer Dixon represented by Ms. Heidi Wells.

Usually settlements are confidential. In this case, the amounts are in the pleadings which I have included. Sprague got $733, 333.34; Ms. Dixon 266,666.66.

As previously reported, Cuevas has still not settled. The Australian Company was able to assert jurisdiction but that is being appealed. I have included that document as well.

It was extremely difficult to get computer access last week. Let's see how the online portal works starting next week. There are more documents. Subscribers, contributors and advertisers will get more exclusive content first, then I will add to this post.

I did pass this development and information to some regional and national media mentioning that this was positive California and Humboldt news they could cover. We have good local lawyers and they deserve recognition.

Shadoe Forrest Randazzo booked into jail for alleged molestation and possession of child pornography

Shadoe Forrest Randazzo was booked into the Humboldt County jail yesterday on a 2026 case for PC 288.5(a) continuous sexual abuse of a child, PC 288.4(a)(1) arranging a meeting with a minor with the intent of engaging in sexual conduct, PC 288.2(a)(1) lewd or lascivious act with a child and PC 311.1(a)(1) possession of child pornography.

Records show a previous jail booking in March 2026.

First week when City of Eureka candidates coukd drop off nomination papers has been 💤

 

Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel running for re-election is not news. July 13 was the first day for City of Eureka candidates  could submit the nomination papers. As, of 3:32 p.m. Mayor Bergel is the only one to submit signatures to City of Eureka Assistant Manager and Clerk Pam Powell. 

Former Eureka City Councilmember Jeff Leonard has  not filed any paperwork so his announcement and intention to run for Ward 5 means bupkis. I was told by someone plans to challenge Bergel and will run as an independent. This is the first time this person has given me a tip so I have no idea how credible it is; usually I hear from people involved in the business and political community who have provided me credible tips in the past. 

No one has heard of this mystery candidate for Mayor which usually means it is a Daniel Smith type that no one takes seriously or has any real support or endorsement. 

501 forms from Audra Sisson, Victor Garcia and Jason McCutcheon, all candidates for Ward 1, who have announced intentions means nothing.

This case presents an important question of first impression under California law: is the necessity defense available in cases in which the defendant breaks the law to rescue an animal from suffering?”

 

People in the legal community need no introduction to the Daily Journal. In the past, I have highlighted some opinions and columns from attorney Allan Dollison who is well known in Humboldt.

My Miranda's Rescue investigation resulted in someone sending me an opinion by staff writer John Roemer published in the Daily Journal mentioned in the screenshot.

At the end of the article, the editor has this footnote.

AI overview of the op-ed is " CA Supreme Court case People v. Hsiung. Case concerns trespassing to save distressed poultry using necessity defense. Court must rule if necessity defense applies to rescue animals from suffering."

Daily Journal has a paywall. I am making an exception and reprinting the entire opinion. The staff writer's bias and activism is obvious and while he is entitled to his opinion; when the State of California and the Attorney General side with animal activists just as they have in the Miranda's Rescue investigation; when they embolden animal activist lawyers such as the Ryther Law Group; justice is not blind and it is one sided. 

If you did not read this related post; you should.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/one-guess-on-who-may-have-threatened.html?m=1

Jennifer Raymond and Jenna Moore have admitted to trespassing on Shannon Miranda's property.  

If California writers and lawyers want to be activists they can; they do not get to use journalism and the courts to skirt the law for their misguided agenda. California one party rule and wokeness has permeated and compromised every level of government, the media and the courts.

The California Supreme Court does need to protect animals from suffering. They can start by sending a message to zealots that the court system is not here to side with their opinions, interpretations and that laws apply to everyone.

If these animal activists feel they are being ignored by law enforcement, welcome to reality. Who gets prosecuted, what calls get responded to is life. Should I call  Eureka Police Department or Humboldt County Sheriff every time I see an animal hoarder? To me 7 dogs including puppies barking in a van on a hot Humboldt day without the windows open because some old lady thinks she is "saving them" when they look exhausted and are suffering from heat exhausation is animal cruelty. People who do not bathe, brush and keep animals clean are cruel. Homeless men kicking their dogs, dragging them on the streets, not allowing the dog to pee or take a shit and dragging the animal because they need to get over to get their drug fix on 3rd or 4th and 5th street in Eureka and the animal finally loses control and defecates. Then the animal is yelled at by the miscreant and dragged away is animal abuse.

I doubt the Ryther Law Group would represent me pro bono. I have not seen Jennifer Raymond or Jenna Moore rescue any of these helpless animals.

It did not take long for one of the deranged animal activist stalkers after this post to misuse my email, title it donation which was deceptive and go off on an angry, abusive  rant because they cannot stand being exposed. The woman is not Jenna Moore or Jennifer Raymond. Proving my point that hatred and silencing anyone who stands in their way is their agenda. Another entitled, woke white activist who thinks she can attack without consequences and is above the law. It was in my spam folder. I recognized the name. The email is now in the trash bin where it belongs. 

At least, some animal activists in LA are calling out animal abuse on Skid row.