James Merrick jury trial scheduled for June; charges include death of teen pedestrian

James Merrick, charged with the death of a teen pedestrian was arraigned on information for jury trial this morning.

For the jury trial, Merrick is charged with five felonies. Count 1 Murder. Count 2 Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Count 3 DUI causing injury with prior conviction (2015). Count 4 DUI with blood alcohol 0.08% causing injury. Count 5 Hit and run resulting in serious injury or death.


Trial confirmation is June 1. Jury trial scheduled June 12.

Previous post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/02/james-merrick-held-to-answer-on-all.html?m=1

It is not all internet, massive outage on certain services in the East Coast

https://www.google.com/amp/bgr.com/2017/02/28/internet-outage-amazon-web-services/amp/

EPD officers Mefta and Linfoot "talked down a woman intent on suicide with a gun"

Eureka Police Chief Andy Mills tweeted that Officers Mefta and Stephen Linfoot "talked down woman intent on suicide with gun."

Humboldt County vs Magney, case complete, remittitur issued today

http://appellatecases.courtinfo.ca.gov/search/case/dockets.cfm?dist=1&doc_id=2117606&doc_no=A145981

A remittitur was issued today in the Humboldt County vs Magney case. The case is now complete.

I have contacted Mrs. Magney's attorney, Ms. Allison Jackson for comment. She confirmed this means the case is final.

In case, you are not familiar with the case, google it and see the national embarassment that Humboldt County, County Counsel and Adult Protective Services bought on themselves.

I was the first to cover this case and extensively.

CHP and HCSO checking out report of stolen vehicle from Idaho on 101 North

CHP  stopped a vehicle north bound 101, Crannel road off ramp;  vehicle reported stolen out of Idaho. CHP calling for assistance. HCSO responded. Two occupants in vehicle.

"The reason I agreed with Chief Mills was because the police don't differentiate between who they protect"

Myles Cochrane, who hosts Humboldt Last Week, had a segment in today's podcast on the boycott called by EPD Chief Andy Mills.

That segment starts at the 7:34 mark. I appreciate Myles giving me the opportunity to express why I supported Chief Andy Mills.

Myles did a great job of including the remarks from the answers I sent him.

Here are the two questions he asked me and my complete answers:

Question 1:

After the Siren’s Song Tavern in Eureka allowed a promoter to book a show featuring a band named Millions of Dead Cops, why do you agree with the Eureka Police Chief’s decision to call for a boycott of the venue entirely?

My answer:

Boycotting businesses is not new. People do it for different reasons. The reason I agreed with Chief Mills was because the police don't differentiate between who they protect. I have lived and travelled all over the world. We are lucky to have EPD. I feel that as a local business, especially in Old Town, Siren Song showed disrespect for EPD, the public as well as insensitivity to the fact that recently we read daily headlines about some cop being killed in the line of duty. We boycott for less, speech. Siren Song, in my opinion, by action said fuck you to cops.

Siren Song chose to make money off a sensational name and band without considering who it may impact, it is my right as well as anyone else's to boycott them.

EPD vehicle abatement team tows 35 motor homes, clears out a dozen illegal campers

Chief Andrew Mills tweeted this photo and information:

Cleared out a dozen illegal campers towing 35' motor homes. #vehicleabatent https://t.co/OW2r3lhXt4

15,000 bail for Perez; no bail for Ramirez, HCSO investigating

On Thursday, February 23, 2017 at about 1448 hours, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Bowie Road, Loleta for a report of possible shots fired. The female juvenile victim reported two male suspects only known as Tim and Spookie fired shots towards her and 4 of her friends. The victim was able to provide a vehicle description associated with the suspects. Victims and her friends were uninjured.

June trial date set for Jon Goldberg in the 2016 case resulting from Tim Smith's death

A hearing to set future dates in the 2016 case and a motion for discovery was scheduled this morning for Jon Goldberg in Courtroom 5.

The motion for discovery was granted. In the 2016 case, Goldberg is charged with the death of Tim Smith. Trial date is now June 13.

Previous post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/01/next-court-date-for-jon-goldberg.html?m=1

Trial date for alleged child molestation suspect Mario Alexander vacated

Mario Alexander had trial confirmation scheduled on February 14. His trial was scheduled to start on February 27. That trial date has been vacated.

The defense requested a motion to continue, it was granted. Alexander entered a time waiver.  No new trial date has been scheduled, yet.


Previous posts:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/01/alexander-told-his-stepdaughter-that-if.html?m=1

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/01/her-daughter-said-that-mr-mario-stuck.html?m=1

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/11/preliminary-hearing-for-man-with-27.html?m=1

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/10/bail-reduction-and-release-denied-for.html?m=1

Supervisor Ryan Sundberg being interviewed for Coastal Commission seat today

Supervisor Bohn quoted in LA Times on Humboldt cannabis program ; California official says canbabis tax being paid in cash not safe

Humboldt County Supervisor Rex Bohn quoted in LA Times article on cannabis. Link to full article below.

http://www.latimes.com/politics/essential/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updates-cities-counties-experiencing-problems-1487808132-htmlstory.html

Supervisor Bohn's remarks:

Humboldt County has issued dozens of growing permits and is processing more than 1,000 applications that have been filed, according to county Supervisor Rex Bohn.

"We’ve made some mistakes," Bohn told a legislative panel. "We are inundated. We are bringing in people left and right to implement this. We want to get a control on it. We want to get it out of the shadows."

Humboldt already has a tracking system that from farm to sale.

Robert Bergeson sentenced to 1 year in jail, 100 hours of community service and 4 years of supervised probation

Sentencing is scheduled in Courtroom 1 today, February 22, for Robert Bergeson.

Bergeson was sentenced to one year in jail, 100 hours of community service, and four years supervised probation.

He was taken into custody today, despiteca request to Judge John Feeney to delay his jail committment to June.

"You are getting charged with first degree murder. I cannot lose you. You need to speak up."

The preliminary hearing for Maxx Robison continued this morning.

People made a motion to exclude all potential witnesses; in the morning they were not sure whether they would call Robison's girlfriend after a jail call they were going to play in court. So, she was instructed and she left the courtroom for today's hearing.

Cross examination of Calvin Aubrey concluded.

EPD Detective John Gordon, the lead investigator in this case and EPD officer Dustin Nantz testified.

The quote above is from a 15 minute phone call from the jail between Robison and his girlfriend Autumn McClellan, exact date not told in court, "within a day or two of arrest" which was at 7:41 a.m. on June 30, 2016.

In that same call, Robison was surprised to hear he had shot someone; he said his intention was just to shoot at the car of the man who allegedly threatened him first and shot first.

The shot first was corroborated by Aubrey's testimony.

Robison expressed surprise when his girlfriend told him he was being charged with shooting a woman in the car. He said he had no idea.

At least three times in the jail call, he said (slightly different wording each time but same sentiment), "I guess I will be here the rest of my life."

He repeated twice he is not a snitch when Autumn begged him to tell the police and his attorney who was with him that night and what happened.

He admits he shot at the car but not to being aware someone was in the car.

With the exception of special allegations for Count 2, Robison was held to answer on all charges and special allegations.

Arraignment on information is March 8 at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 3.

There were some arguments made by Ms. Jennifer Dixon before Judge Reinholtsen's ruling, which included reducing Count 1 to second degree murder and bringing up premeditation and intent in respect to other counts.

Judge Reinholtsen said that for preliminary hearing, the Court did not decide on degree of murder and that other counts were held to answer based on evidence required for preliminary hearing purposes.

One of the alleged victims, Elisha Mansell refuses to testify this morning at Maxx Robison prelim

Maxx Robison, a suspect in the McCullens motel shooting that resulted in the death of Rhianna McKenzie, had his preliminary scheduled this morning at 9:45.

It did get started this morning and continued this afternoon in Courtroom 3. Judge Dale Reinholtsen presiding.

Robison's grandmother, Barbara Berry,  who he was living with at the time of the alleged incident, testified today. She identified photos and a series of 911 calls she made the early morning of June 29/30.

These calls were played in court.

At one point, Berry broke down during her testimony , while identifying a photo of her home. She asked if she could have a minute.

Disinvited from CPAC, loses book deal, Breitbart considering saying bye bye; MILO gets his comeuppance

Rarely do most people on the left, the moderate and the right agree but the news that Milo Yiannopaulus' fake gay conservative persona and fifteen minutes of fame is crumbling will be great news to many; it was to me.

Milo got put in his place on Bill Maher's show by Larry Wilmore, Conservative Political Action Conference disinvited him, Simon and Schuster cancelled his book deal, and according to Drudge Report, Breitbart might be letting him go soon.

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/trump-cpac-milo-yiannopoulos-tape-235204

http://www.mediaite.com/online/breaking-simon-schuster-cancels-publication-of-milo-yiannopouloss-book/

http://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/2017/02/20/breitbart-news-may-boot-milo-yiannopoulos-over-sex-comments.html

In the past two weeks, I commented on him on Breitbart, on Drudge and ABC News. I debated with people who defended him.

Siren Song hosts a band called Millions of Dead Cops

Chief Andy Mills:

"Sirens Song hosts band Millions of Dead Cops. What if they said Millions of Dead...whatever. Repugnant. Boycott Sirens Song. Vote w your Dollars   This has No place in a civil society."

My comments:

Will we see the outrage from the local left and NCJ and LOCO as we did about the Mateel and homophobic rap?

The so called tolerant left has no problem with hate or violence unless it is against police, conservatives, Trump voters and anyone they disagree with; disgusting!

I received threats, of course anonymously. There is no complete anonymity in cyber space. All such messages can be saved, as well.

Rental inspection program proposed in Eureka will create more homeless; non profits and government haven't a clue how to fix problems

The Westside Community Building Initiative has good intentions but as every government rule, not one rule fits all.

Registration and a business license fee of $100 is being proposed for rental properties, according to a KIEM article.

So far tenants aren't thrilled because they know this fee will most likely be passed on by a rent increase.

Judge grants a limited gag order in the Maxx Robison case

The Public Defender wants a gag order in the Maxx Robison case. The DA's office feels differently.

The Judge granted a limited gag order.
Preliminary hearing records will be sealed as well.

The preliminary is still scheduled for February 21st at 9:45.

Read Deputy DA   Carolyn Schaffer's response to me below, which was in response to a post I did.

Brian Swan is a free man now, just days before his jury trial because the alleged victim is MIA

Today, at trial assignment, instead of confirmation for jury trial, Brian Swan got a dismissal.

Why?

I contacted DA Maggie Fleming, she responded, "In spite of significant efforts over a very long period of time the victim could not be located. We had to dismiss with the understanding we can refile if we locate the victim."

So HSU criminal justice dialogues is all for inmate art, even if the artists include convicted and suspected child molestors?

A concerned citizen and regular reader sent me this flyer. The person was recently made aware of this art show, "The outside looking in and the inside looking out",which will be on display at Health Sport in Arcata and Synapsis Art Gallery in Eureka on March 4.

It is presented by HSU Criminal Justice Dialogues.

Maybe it is time that the local press got together and got a lawyer against the Humboldt court rules

Media access in local courts is restricted more in Humboldt than other places in California.

There are these special Humboldt creations such as interventions, which are in closed courtrooms, in Humboldt.

Another example is when visiting judges try and question if a public defender should be appointed and ask about income, they get told by certain public defenders, "that is not how it is done here."

When you see the same person in for the nth time, a generation of repeat offenders in the system and rude first time able bodied defendants feeling entitled to a lawyer and an attitude, regularly, why should taxpayers pay for these bad choices?

We have public defenders, asking for gag orders like Halloween candy. A visiting judge asked if the media had a lawyer representing them at the Jon Goldberg arraignment.

Maybe we should get one. More local media is covering courts now and the local protocols need an overhaul.

Mea Culpa. It's not the DA but the Public Defender that wants the gag order, now that makes sense

A little confusion on who requested the gag order in the Robison case.


I got some of my information on that gag order in the Robison hearing post from a source in the courtroom, present for the hearing. Not blaming my source; I usually double check. Been recovering from major surgery so took a bit of short cut today but that is not an excuse.

Lesson learned.

Joshua Wentworth arested on tip by HCSO assisted by CHP and TRD

On Wednesday, February 15th, 2017, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) received a tip regarding the whereabouts of fugitive Joshua Wentworth. At approximately 1015 hours, Deputies from the HCSO Trinity River Division (TRD), assisted by Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) followed up on the tip at a motel in the 39000 block of State Highway 96 in Willow Creek. 

My hunch paid off; Jon Goldberg's new case prelim continued due to People introducing a last minute witness and recording

My hunch about Jon Goldberg's 2017 case preliminary proved to be correct.

The preliminary was continued until March 8 at 9:45 a.m.

The DA's office brought forth a 15 minute recording in court today from a witness named Freida Smith.

With this new discovery, Goldberg's attorney asked for time to review it.

That request was granted.

Humboldt courts are already limited with media access; now the DA wants a gag order in McMullens motel shooting? What are the DA and EPD afraid of?

A hearing was held this morning for Maxx Robison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 21.

Tomorrow at 2 p.m., in Courtroom 5, there will be a ruling on the proposed gag order.

Will my hunch about Jon Goldberg's preliminary hearing this morning be confirmed?

A preliminary hearing for a new case against Jon Goldberg was scheduled for February 16 in Courtroom 2.

As of lunchtime on February 15, Public Defender Casey Russo had not filed the demurrer he said he would in the new case.

I will not in court this morning for this preliminary because there is a good chance, defense will ask for more time or a continuance.

16 year old on meth takes hatchet to door, EPD finds him in basement of Arkley home

The Arkley home in Eureka was broken into by a 16 year old kid on meth last night. He took a hatchet to their door. EPD caught him in the basement.

Fortunately, no one was hurt.

The home is closely guarded and watched.

EPD was there within minutes.

This information and photos were just given to me directly from the Arkley family.

update: Juvenile suspect is 14.

(As clearly stated in several places on the home page all material on this blog is copyrighted. This especially applies to this post).

Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm's recent win reclaims him orginal title as "hotshot deputy da"

The title of the post is a remark made to me after I posted on this case:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/08/dda-trent-timm-scores-another-win-this.html?m=1


Today, Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced that yesterday a jury found 46-year-old Sharon Patrice Erickson of McKinleyville guilty of felony transportation of heroin. 

While the Kitchen and Tsarnas family grieve, waiting for the preliminary, Marci Kitchen jet sets off to Mexico again

While Joe and Jevin Kitchen as well as other  Kitchen family friends and the Tsarnas family and friends grieve over their loss, waiting for the preliminary hearing  yet to be held for Marci Kitchen, which keeps getting continued by the defense, Marci Kitchen decided to take yet another recent trip to Mexico.

Clearly, she does not care that she was spotted the last time, word is that she did return.

Jail let man with $50,000 bail, an arrest warrant free on OR, minutes before he would have paid bail

Yesterday, at 4:45 p.m. a friend of Jacob Stefek, a man charged with four felony charges and an warrant was getting ready to pay a local bail company $5,000 towards a $50,000 bail

Instead, the jail let the guy go on OR.

Manila homicide suspects cases joined; motion for discovery granted

Win for People today in the Manila homicide case. All five suspects will be tried at  one preliminary hearing. Two day estimate.

Three defendants withdrew the motion for discovery since they received some right before case was called in court.

All charges were dismissed after preliminary hearing against Colt and Broc Tuel

Colt and Broc Tuel finally had their preliminary hearing last week.

All charges were dismissed after preliminary hearing.

Broc and Colt Tuel charged in Humboldt Hill shooting scheduled for preliminary hearing on February 6

Broc and Colt Tuel , who are charged in a Humboldt Hill shooting,  are out of custody, have yet to have a preliminary hearing.

Setting was scheduled for the morning in Courtroom 5, got rescheduled for the afternoon.

Intervention is on February 2 at 9:45 and preliminary hearing is on February 6 on 9:45.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/07/another-disposition-and-reset-hearing.html?m=1

Federal disaster declared for CA counties due to 2016 storm makes this Humboldt's first federal disaster declaration since 2006

The following mail from Humboldt County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services was sent to Humboldt County Supervisors, various City managers and appropriate Humboldt County staff at 6:50 p.m. this evening



Subject:        FW: Governor Brown Issues Statement on FEMA Approval of Oroville Spillway and January Storm Presidential Disaster Declaration Requests

Great news – a federal disaster has been declared for California counties impacted by storms January 3-12, including Humboldt. This is the first federal disaster declaration for Humboldt County since 2006. I will notify the OA list tomorrow, when FEMA releases the declaration, and send additional info as it is available. FEMA and Cal OES will schedule an Applicants Briefing for all jurisdictions and public entities with eligible damages and response expenses in Humboldt County, TBA.

James Merrick held to answer on all charges, case to proceed to jury trial

Judge John Feeney held Merrick to answer on all charges, after today's preliminary hearing. Arraignment on information for jury trial is February 28.

Deputy District Attorney Brie Bennett is prosecuting the case. Merrick tried to dismiss his attorney, Conflict Counsel. That Marsden motion was denied by the Judge.

James Merrick, is charged in the 2016 case with murder, two DUI counts and hit and run in the death of a teen pedestrian in Mckinleyville.

Merrick had plead guilty last April to a misdemeanor DUI. That 2015 case for probation revocation is also scheduled today, decision will be made after the jury trial for the 2016 case and the outcome.

Advance planning and full staffing allows DA Maggie Fleming to keep office running smoothly

Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming knew Deputy District Attorney David Christensen was leaving for another job, closer to his family in California.

She was interviewing potential candidates and today a press release announced the appointment of DDA Tobias Hasler.

While Mr. Hasler is handling a misdemeanor caseload, Mr. Christiansen's felony cases could be taken over by other attorneys, since DA Fleming has a full staff.

This is not what DA Fleming told me, it is just common sense and observation from being at the courthouse regularly.

From Perilous Plunge to historic dedication of Sequoia Hose Co, #6, Virginia and Rex keeping busy

Deputies arrest registered sex offender Delbert Alford for being on school grounds and various alleged parole violations

On 02-10-2017 at approximately 7:45 A.M., Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a reported suspicious adult male in the parking lot of the Round Valley High School in Covelo, California.

School officials reported the adult male was seen walking barefoot in the school parking lot.

When Deputies were responding, they were notified that Round Valley Tribal Police officers had located an adult male matching the description provided by the school officials in the area of the Round Valley Airport. Tribal Police Officers identified the person and awaited for Deputies to arrive at the scene.

The person was identified as Delbert Alford who was determined to be a registered sex offender who was on active CDC Parole from the Ukiah area.

Jury trial for Konnor Wright and Benjamin Heidmann continued again, will we ever know if Crazy White Boys allegations are true?

Heidmann

Wright

Benjamin Heidmann and Konnor Wright have a jury trial scheduled to begin on April 14.

February 10 was trial confirmation. There was also a motion scheduled for the same time.

The motion was by the Public Defender for Heidmann asking for additional time to contact an expert.  The co-defendant Wright agreed to the continuance.
The jury trial now set for 5/8.

Count 1: attempted, willful deliberate, premeditated murder with a special allegation that they "personally used firearms"; rifles, causing this to be a serious and violent felony.

Count 2 assault with a semi-automatic firearm, also a felony.

Count 3 Shooting at an inhabited dwelling. If they are convicted of this charge, there is minimal jail time.

The special allegation in Count 3 only applies to Heidmann, that he wore a body vest in the commission of the offense alleged in Count 3.

Alleged victim is Daniel Anthony Siegl.

Previous post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/08/jury-trial-scheduled-for-benjamin.html?m=1

California Judicial Branch discusses budget woes

Failing revenue from penalties is one reason.


http://courthousenews.com/california-judicial-branch-scrambles-for-budget-dollars/

You heard it here first; Sheriff Michael Downey to retire May 6

Humboldt County Sheriff Michael Downey to retire May 6, 2017.

Just spoke with Sheriff Mike Downey. "It has been my pleasure to serve the citizens of Humboldt County as Sheriff and as a member of the Humboldt County Sheriff's office. I look forward to the future and feel the office will run extremely well after my depature."

Supervisor Rex Bohn told me, "I supported Mike when he first ran. He has always been one of my supporters. I think Mike has represented the people of Humboldt County very well and he has set up the office for the future with great leadership and department."

Supervisor Bohn commended Sheriff Downey on his implementation of Measure Z. "I fully expect him to recommend Undersheriff Billy Honsal to serve out the remainder of his term and I support that decision."

David Marcus hired as Public Defender for Humboldt County, he fills in Kevin Robinson's position

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday appointed David Marcus to the position of Public Defender. Marcus replaces Kevin Robinson, who retired from the county in December.

HCSO seeks your help with Trinity River Division Most Wanted

Sweet spot suspect Bryan Ross Main's jury trial scheduled for April 3

Bryan Ross Main was arraigned on information today at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 2.

He plead not guilty. Trial confirmation is March 22.  Jury trial is scheduled for April 3.

After the preliminary, he was held to answer to all charges. Jury trial charges are the same.

Main was arrested for an alleged incident at the Sweet Spot in Mckinleyville involving a female minor. Main allegedly told law enforcement that he had touched the young woman on the "butt" and felt a "rush" while doing so.


Previous post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/01/suspect-on-sweet-spot-incident-held-to.html?m=1

Well deserved recognition by the California Sexual Assault Investigators Association for DA Investigator Kyla Baxley

District Attorney Maggie Fleming is pleased to announce that the California Sexual Assault Investigators Association (CSAIA) has chosen District Attorney Investigator Kyla Baxley to receive its “Investigator of the Year” Award.

Jury trial for Kirby Bay scheduled for June 19

The case for Kirby Bay which includes alleged stalking and criminal threats continues.

There have been continuations, delays, twists and turns.

June 19 is the scheduled jury trial.

Previous post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/10/kirby-bay-warrant-surender-off-calendar.html?m=1

EPD investigates two deaths, including one of a 16 year old found at a Broadway hotel

    

On February 8, 2017, at about 12:56 a.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to a hotel room on the 3500 block of Broadway for the report of a disturbance.  Officers made entry into the room and found an unconscious female.  Lifesaving efforts were immediately initiated by police, fire, and ambulance personnel, but were unsuccessful.  The female, age 16 from Eureka, was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Her identity is being withheld until next of kin is notified.

Fire at Broadway and McCullens current scene through photos; 101 closed in both directions

Reader who took these photos said 101 closed both directions traffic detoured up Herrick thru Pine Hill.

At 8:16, EPD Captain Steve Watson tweeted:

N/B lanes of 101/Broadway are being opened now to two-way split traffic thru Eureka. Drive SLOWLY & carefully. https://t.co/5uZKkFf8OL

James Merrick preliminary hearing continued until February 14

James Merrick had a preliminary hearing scheduled on February 7. It was continued to February 14.

Merrick is charged with murder, hit and run and two DUI charges causing injury to teenage pedestrian on December 14.

Previous post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/12/james-merrick-charged-with-hit-and-run.html?m=1

Michael Dwayne Stone arrested for attempted homicide in Mckinleyville

On Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at about 1150am, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies along with the California Highway Patrol Officers responded to the 1600 block of Woody Road in Mckinleyville for a report of an erratic driver. While deputies were enroute they received information of shots fired. Once deputies arrived on scene the suspect associated with the shooting was inside his residence.     

Law enforcement attempted verbal contact with the suspect, however he refused to comply. A negotiator with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. The negotiator was eventually able to make contact with the suspect via phone. The negotiator was soon able to convince the suspect to come outside unarmed and he was taken into custody without incident.         

Kade Chandler's preliminary hearing for alleged gross vehicular manslaughter continued yet again

Kade Chandler's fourth day preliminary hearing scheduled yesterday for February 6 got continued to March 28.

Chandler is charged with Count 1 gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, alleged victim Kendra Lewis;Count 2 gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated; alleged victim Savannah Kindred and a special allegation of great bodily injury to Bradley 
Thueumler.

Previous post (with complete coverage):

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/01/fourth-day-of-kade-chandlers.html?m=1

Guy that law enforcement is looking for is Shawn Hof Jr; the canine should get the $20,000 reward

Remember this guy?

Oct 11, 2016

$20,000 reward if your information leads to arrest and conviction of Shawn Hof Jr.

.Reward Raised to $20,000 for Information Leading to the Arrest and Conviction of Shawn Eugene Hof Jr., Suspected of Attempting to Shoot a CDFW Wildlife Officer

The California Wildlife Officers Foundation, California Waterfowl Association, The Humane Society of the United States and the Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust, The Sportfishing Alliance, The Nature Conservancy and private donors have increased the reward for information that leads to the capture, arrest, and conviction of Shawn Eugene Hof, Jr. to up to $20,000.

"Come on down; stay right there; the dog will find you, he will bite you", suspect near Bear River Casino gets warning

Two suspects are being sought, one in a standoff in Ferndale.

HCSO and Fortuna police responded.

Police on North Coast News at field near Bear River Casino using bull horn told suspect to "come on down;  stay right there; the dog will find you, he will bite you."

CA Supreme Court to decide whether emails/texts on private devices regarding government business are covered by Public Records Act

California Supreme Court to decide whether emails and texts on private devices are covered by the California Public Records Act.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-emails-court-20170202-story.html

Excerpt:

During a hearing last month, the California Supreme Court appeared ready to rule that government business conducted on private telephones and computers must be made public.

The quandary expressed by justices was how to fashion a rule to protect the privacy of government employees and still ensure that public business was open to inspection

Starting Monday more changes in Humboldt Superior Court; Judges change court and assignments

Effective Monday, February 6, Humboldt County Superlior Court Presiding Judge Joyce Hinrichs will move to Courtroom 7 hearing juvenile cases.

Assistant Presiding Judge Christopher Wilson will move to Courtroom 5 and hear criminal cases.

Judge Dale Reinholtsen will move to Courtroom 3 and return to hearing criminal cases.

Judge Timothy Cissna will hear civil cases.

"I'm strapped, I'm strapped"; Best Western employee told law enforcement about Lasinski pointing a gun at him

Two maintenance men tried to help CHP Officer Brent Walker when he was pursuing Clayton Lasinski after Lasinski fled running from Officer Walker despite commands to stop and taser warnings.

The new details at Lasinski's preliminary hearing were some specifics about interactions law enforcement had with Lasinski on December 6 and what led to EPD officers opening fire; how Lasinski got into the red Mazda at Sole Savers. One new detail was Lasinski allegegly pointing a firearm at a civilian in a truck after his Mazda stalled. That man seeing police chasing Lasinski sped away.

EPD officers Stephen Linfoot and Dustin Nantz told EPD Senior Detective John Gordon they were "fearful" for their lives as the reason for discharging their weapons at Lasinski.

Most of the preliminary hearing had details already covered in the EPD press conference.

Clayton Lasinski held to answer on all counts after preliminary except no holding order for Count 8

Clayton Lasinski, the man who led EPD through a chase during rush hour and was ultimately arrested after being shot in an officer involved shooting had his preliminary hearing this morning.

Two CHP officers and the lead investigator from EPD testified.

"I'm strapped; I'm strapped" is what Lasinski allegedly yelled at one Best Western employee. EPD officers Stephen Linfoot and Dustin Nantz told EPD Senior Detective John Gordon they were "fearful" for their lives as the reason for discharging their weapons at Lasinski.

Before cross examination of two witnesses, Lasunski appeared to share information and frustration with his attorney, Mr. Greg Elvine Kreis, who patiently seemed to listen and be explaining something to him.

Arraignment on February 16 in Courtroom 2.

Held to answer on all counts (except 8) and all special allegations.

Stephen Kullmann is the new Harbor Commissoner filling Mike Wilson's vacant seat

Stephen Kullmann is the new Harbor Commissioner to replace the seat left vacant by Mike Wilson. David Narum dropped out
It was a choice between Casey Allen and Kullman.

Clayton Lasinski preliminary continued until tomorrow morning due to courtroom availability

Clayton Lasinki's preliminary hearing was scheduled this morning at 9:45 a.m. in Courtroom 4.

Due to courtroom availability, it was continued to tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7.

He is charged with 15 counts.

Deputy District Attorney Luke Bernthal is prosecuting the case. Conflict Counsel's Mr. Greg Elvine-Kreis has been appointed to represent Lasinski.

Previous posts:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/01/pitchess-motion-scheduled-this-morning.html?m=1

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/12/clayton-lasinski-preliminary-hearing.html?m=1

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2016/12/clayton-lee-lasinski-suspect-in.html?m=1

Preliminary for two suspects vacated in Tyson Claros homicide case; joinder motion continued

Tyson Claros 

An interventon hearing and decision about the People's request to join the cases of all  five suspects in the Tyson Claros case was scheduled in Courtroom 5 this morning.

Long discussion but sum of it is February 6 preliminary for Thompson and Valenzuela vacated. Setting for those two on February 15 plus joinder motion for all 5 continued.

Defense attorneys at a previous hearing brought up the Aranda-Bruton rule.

Jon Goldberg to be arraigned again on Counts 2 and 3 again, that were not held after preliminary

Jon Goldberg is being arraigned again.


Counts 1 and 2 against Rachel Goldberg. Count 2 is concealing a firearm in public. Alleged victim not listed in complaint.

Counts 2 and 3 Tim Smith's preliminary hearing were not held to answer.

Count 3 is the same charge against Rachel Goldberg Tim Smith in the preliminary.

Goldberg's attorney Mr. Casey Russo from the Publuc Defender's office plans to file  written demurrer on that Count.

Not guilty pleas entered. No time waiver. Preliminary on February 16.

Mark Wheetley, new City Manager for Fortuna

Acvording to Supervisor Rex Bohn,  "Mark Wheetley just announced as the New City Manager for Fortuna". This was at the "Fortuna Chamber Annual State of the City Address Breakfast."

Victor Becerra arrested for sleeping in a vehicle reported stolen earlier

On January 31, 2017 at about 11:28 p.m., an officer with the Eureka Police Department located a stolen vehicle parked in an alley near Del Norte and C Streets.  The vehicle, a 2013 Subaru, had been reported stolen earlier that day at about 2:30 a.m. from the 2100 block of Everding.  

Officers found Victor Becerra, 20 of Eureka, sleeping in the driver's seat of the parked Subaru.  Becarra was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for possession of a stolen vehicle.  

The victim was notified and responded to the scene to retrieve the vehicle.  No damage to the vehicle was reported.    

EPD responds to call about stolen car, Wabash and B, catches perp, books him, returns car to owner, all in minutes

EPD responded to a call about a stolen car, Wabash and B. Already got the alleged perp, in custody. Car returned to owner.