No real news on LOCO for 4 days, then another predictable move

Four days of no news on LOCO, except auto feeds, other site links and an occasional fluff piece.

The City of Eureka does not track or require building owners to get fire insurance; you can have an expired license and still get a permit

How does a developer/businessman with an expired/inactive license work  on properties in the City of Eureka? Even get appointed to the City's Economic Development Commission. Ask local developer Kelly Martin

There was no insurance on the building owned by Kelly Martin that burned down June 3 2016 displacing residents and businesses

There has been no updates or any leads in both these fires on Fourth Street.

This year on June 20,2017, there was another fire on Fourth Street in Eureka.

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2017/06/multi-alarm-fire-at-4th-and-in-eureka.html?m=1

CA Attorney General and 18 others ask Congress to pass legislation protecting transgender service members

Attorney Generals  from 18 states and the District of Columbia have asked Congress to pass legislation prohibiting discrimination against transgender service members serving in the military.

"Nobody saw what happened, only sounds of thuds heard, no voices to identify parties"

A motion to set aside Count 1 for Mario Nunez, one of three remaining suspects, is scheduled for July 31.

Visiting Judge Robert Crone had read the attorneys' pleadings. The preliminary transcript had not been provided to him so with agreement, he will rule on the 995 motion this Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Count 1 murder with special allegation that he was an active gang participant at the time and the murder was committed to further activities of the criminal street gang.

The oral arguments were excellent by both attorneys. 

"I told my kids to go in the front room and lay on the floor, which is the only somewhat safe place in the house, then I called the Sheriff. "

"A plea to the community:
I normally wouldn't post something like this, but I feel like I'm out of options.

CA law mandates mental health help for victims of sexual abuse under 14 years old

Summary of two laws by Association of Deputy District Attorneys:

New law provides young sexual abuse victims with mental health help

California law now mandates mental health help for young victims of sexual abuse.

"I'm considering relocating to the Eureka area to live in my van to save money. '

From Humboldt Craigslist:

"I'm considering relocating to the Eureka area to live in my van to save money."

California Deputy Attorney General arrested for alleged possession of child porn

Raymond Liddy, a California deputy attorney general arrested for alleged possession of child porn. He was released on bond and is under house arrest.

Panhandler spits on mall security, EPD responds twice to Third Street in Old Town, all in the last two hours,

From Operation Safe Streets:  (15 minutes ago)

Eureka Police are headed to the south entrance of the Bayshore Mall for a report of panhandler who spit on Mall Security after being asked to leave the property.

Humboldt CHP and APD PIOs and leaders could learn from Sheriff Honsal, Chief Watson and Captain Stephens

I would like to thank Sheriff William Honsal, EPD Chief Steve Watson and EPD Captain Brian Stephens for their accessibility, help and fairness to all media.

And for prompt responses, weekdays, weekends and holidays. They are also very open to criticism or complaint and don't act out and shut you out.

"Media would not be successful without tips from the public"

Gene Bass , Kate Newton are two longtime Humboldt County residents, who work tirelessly, daily, to bring the public information and resources, without public credit.

Bill Meagher's family invites community to two celebration of life events

"We are very sad to have had to say farewell to this wonderful man and father. 
There are two Celebration of Life Events organized. The first is on Friday August 4, 2017 at 6pm at Gobles Mortuary, 560 12th St, Fortuna, CA 95540.
The second is at the Myers Flat Saloon on Tuesday 08/08/17 starting at 7pm."

Lack of affordable housing and the most expensive state to live: California

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-you-need-to-earn-to-rent-apartment-us-2017-6

This is who Moonbeam who misled the public again on Prop 57 thinks is nonviolent

http://www.sacbee.com/opinion/op-ed/soapbox/article164063172.html

Seven police officers, four EPD vehicles, searching a man's car in Old Town

HCSO requests APD assistance to Mad River , Code 3

HCSO requested APD assistance, Code 3 to Mad River.

Update: Both, APD Chief Tom Chapman and HCSO Lt. Dennis Young got back to me today, July 31. There was no log of this call.

EPD out by juvenile hall, hospitals

EPD is near the area by juvenile hall / hospitals.  Juvenile escaped. Units have been unable to locate, so far.
EPD chased subject to a house near Omey Dental.

 Lost sight of juvenile at that location. Officer thought juvenile went into house but was not found.  All units have cleared the call.

Rotary, Rotaract, Keep Eureka Beautiful, community members gather for Humboldt County Library clean up

About 30 people from three area Eureka Rotary clubs, Rotaract, Keep Eureka Beautiful, community members as well as two members of the homeless community showed up at the Humboldt County library cleanup this morning which started at 9 a.m.

Third annual Wildberries Marketplace Humboldt Bay Marathon takes place August 13th

The 3^rd Annual Wildberries Marketplace Humboldt Bay Marathon, Half Marathon and Marina Mile will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2017 starting at 7 AM. 

What could stop a CA developer building 4,400 needed homes, take a guess?

Excerpt:

" The development would overlook a railway that drops riders into the heart of San Francisco in 15 minutes, reducing the need for cars and cutting the greenhouse gas emissions that come from them."

http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-small-city-controls-big-housing-project-20170728-story,amp.html

Will the defense try yet a nth continuation or will the David Viveiros case finally go to trial?

David Viveiros is charged with ten counts. The charges are  sex/sodomy, oral copulation/penetration and aggravated sexual assault of a minor.

Local resident and business owner Bill Meagher passed away

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Well known to area locals, local Myers Flat resident and business owner Bill Meagher has passed away.

Vegetation fire near Shamus T Bones, Hikshari trail

"John Chiv doesn't sugar coat the facts, he just reports them. This has made him unpopular, but a true journalist isn't running a popularity contest."

On a regular basis, I was blessed to have community members and readers  like Kate Newton speak up for me, online, in person and I appreciate all of you.

EPD and APD have two detained at gunpoint on 4th and 101

"Arcata PD and Eureka PD have two at gunpoint at 4th Street and 101 in Eureka" according to North Coast News.

Surfside Burger Shack new owners knew Chad Smith was being investigated before any media coverage

When the initial story came out about Chad Smith's alleged sexual abuse case, the new owners of Surfside Burger Shack made a big deal about some media (me and Times Standard) referring to Smith as the former owner. It was only in the initial post, not any subsequent posts.

"There were over 80 stream diversions, and over 30 dead deer at this site."

According to Lt. Mike Fridley, "there were over 80 stream diversions, and over 30 dead deer at this site."

Four police cars, four EPD officers, two suspects on 4th and I

Chad Smith held to answer on all charges for alleged sexual abuse of two minor victims; arraignment scheduled for August 10

Chad Smith held to answer on all charges. Arraignment on information on August 10 at 8:30 a.m.

Evidence seized in Chad Smith case included picture captioned "Key to Kitten hotel"

Day 2 of Chad Smith's preliminary hearing started with his wife Amy Smith briefly resuming the stand.

Other witnesses this morning called by the People included EPD Detective Amber
Cosetti.

"I don't care anymore. I don't know why I protected him. He fucking raped me."

The last witness on day 1 of Chad Smith's preliminary hearing on alleged sexual abuse was his wife Amy Smith. Chad and Amy Smith also have a family law case for divorce and custody of a minor child.

"He raped me. He was my friend's step dad."

Jane Doe #2 was the second witness on Day 1 of Chad Smith's preliminary hearing on alleged sexual abuse. She did not look at him, either, except to identify him.

When asked, how she knew Smith, Jane Doe #2 said, "He raped me. He was my friend's step dad."

Smith went into the kitchen, came back with "a box of saran wrap", wrapped his penis and took his pants off. "He put me on top of him and put his penis in me."

The man that Jane Doe #1 first met six years ago, when she was about 9 years old, her step dad, is the same man that today that showed no emotion and stared at her in court as she testified about the graphic details of alleged sexual acts he made her perform.

Jane Doe testified that the first time Chad Smith "touched her inappropriately", she was 10 years old.

Hearing for Kimberly Felder to be served with a protective order continued to September 5

A hearing this morning to decide whether Kimberly Felder should be served with a CLETS order was scheduled this morning in Courtroom Five. It was continued to September 5, same day as Dr Renouf's status of report is scheduled.

Matthew Steele plead to "possession of matter depicting minor engaging in sexual conduct"

A pre plea report hearing was scheduled today for Matthew Steele in Courtroom 5.

Steele plead today as charged in the complaint. He will have to seek treatment and register. The plea was for probation.

Clutching a teddy bear, Chad Smith's step daughter testifies about alleged sexual abuse over years, at home, at his business, in area hotels

Clutching a teddy bear, Chad Smith's stepdaughter ( who looks a lot younger than her present age of fifteen years) walked into the courtroom, accompanied by a DA Victim Witness Representative and DA Investigator Kyla Baxley.

Jane Doe #1 was very calm, called the defendant "Mr. Smith" and did not look at him except to identify him in court. Smith just stared at her throughout her testimony.

Chad Smith's teen step daughter first witness to testify in his alleged sexual abuse case involving two minor victims

Chad Smith's preliminary hearing on alleged sexual abuse of two minor victims was continued by stipulation to today July 27.

It finally got going around 10:40 a.m. and is expected to continue all day. The first witness to testify was Jane Doe #1, Smith's stepdaughter, who is still on the stand.

After lunch, Jane Doe 2 testified and then Chad Smith's wife Amy, mother of Jane Doe testified.

The preliminary continues tomorrow at 9 a.m.

EPD arrests two near Third and I, one yells " Fuck you" to police officer

On my way from courthouse, saw EPD arrest two men at the corner of Third and I. Both were taken into custody.

One yelled "Fuck you" as he was being cuffed. Two police cars on scene. Three officers.

Yet another continuance requested by defense in Sohum upskirting case

Trial setting was scheduled for July 26 for David Nunez at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 5.

At defense request, it was continued to August 23.

At the last hearing, the DA's office amended their original complaint.

Armed robbery in progress at the Loleta Market

Update:

Deputies contacted the employee at the Loleta Market who stated there was no robbery.  We received the original call from another party, who we are currently looking for.  

Today Ewa Misztal entered a "dual plea"; this morning it was "not guilty by reason of insanity"

A trial setting was scheduled this morning for Ewa Misztal in Courtroom 2. Instead, Misztal entered a dual plea.

Today, Misztal entered her "additional plea" of not  guilty by insanity. Two doctors were appointed, Dr. Soper and Dr. Chamberlain; prosecution has a right to request third doctor, if neccessary.

Hezekiah Allen says California is growing too much pot and licensed growers "are going to have to scale back"

"Some marijuana growers will stay in the black market and continue to illegally send cannabis to other states, which is also not allowed under federal law, said Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers’ Assn."

James Merrick jury trial in which he is charged with murder of teen pedestrian scheduled for November 12

James Merrick had a trial setting scheduled for today, July 26. Merrick is charged with the murder of a teen pedestrian in Mckinleyville, two DUI charges and a charge of hit and run.

Trial confirmation is October 19. Jury trial is November 12.

Rajean Achane arrested again on charges of stolen property; flees again from EPD

Unrelated to the, "pipe bomb" scare near Del Norte last night, but around the same time, EPD was on foot chase pursuing a male suspect.

EPD Crime Analyst Brittany Powell confirmed "Rajean Achane was arrested for possession of stolen property and vehicle theft in relation to the foot pursuit call."

Motion to continue Kade Chandler's jury trial for alleged gross vehicular manslaughter denied

Judge John Feeney denied the defense motion to continue the jury trial for Kade Chandler. That was his tentative decision and his final decision. Judge Feeney found "no good cause to continue."

Not going to go into details of the oral arguments presented by attorneys in this post, unless the issue comes up again.

Former Miss Hoopa's jury trial for alleged sexual abuse of a female minor scheduled for late November

Depending on expert witness availability, there may again be a change of dates but for now, Kayla Brown's jury trial scheduled for November 27 at 9:15. Trial confirmation is November 15 at 8:30.

Brown is charged with charged with four counts of alleged abuse including abnormal sexual interest in children. Victim is a female minor.

Humboldt Fire near Woodley Island

Reader sent in these photos a few minutes ago.

"Humboldt Fire  between bridges by Woodley island, as I drove by couple firemen came outta the shrubbery"

It was a transient encampment fire.

HCSO Bomb Squad detonated a device near Eureka High last night, media release to have more information later today

Shortly before 11 p.m. yesterday Humboldt County Sheriff's Bomb Squad detonated what was reported as a pipe bomb on Del Norte Street near Eureka High school.  Both ends of the Del Norte Street hill were blocked off to traffic.

HCSO Lt. Mike Fridley said a press release will be out later today.

Michael Eshghipour charged with insurance fraud, fraudulent alteration and use of altered medical credential and practicing without certification

Michael Eshghipour charged with four counts. Count 1: Insurance Fraud; Count 2:
Fraudulent Alteration of a Medical Credential; Count 3 Fraudulent Use of an Altered Medical Credential and Practicing Medicine without Certification.

Special membership meeting called by Fortuna Fire in response to "media attack"?

"The Fortuna Fire administrative Secretary sent out a department wide text message this morning calling for a special membership meeting to show support for their embattled fire chief for the negative he is getting"

Traffic sign on Third and I vandalized and burned; no one calls EPD, Fire or City for hours?

Why is California so expensive? This article scratches the surface but ignores the real reasons

i

https://www.google.com/amp/www.ocregister.com/2017/05/14/housing-shortage-does-california-have-a-crisis-problem/amp/

Carjacking suspect who allegedly held a woman at gunpoint sought by HCSO

On 07-24-17 at about 0755 hrs a woman from out of state was parked along the Avenue of the Giants near the Immortal Tree.  She was approached by a bald White Male Adult who pulled her out of the vehicle at gunpoint. 

Felony charges filed against Eel River Valley Dental's Michael Eshghipour

District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced today that her office has filed felony charges against Mazair Eshghipour, also known as Michael Eshghipour, related to Eel River Valley Dental, the dentistry practice he purchased and operated in Fortuna between 2014 and 2016.

Facebook worker living in garage few miles from Zuckerberg's Palo Alto house asks if his boss will visit him as a part his "hopes and challenges" U.S. tour

(Photo credit-The Guardian)

Excerpt:

"As the Facebook CEO travels across the US to ‘learn about people’s hopes and challenges’, the cafeteria workers at his company struggle to make ends meet."

https://amp.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/24/facebook-cafeteria-workers-wages-zuckerberg-challenges

James Boatsman booked for alleged possession and transportation of heroin and alleged possession of a loaded firearm

The Humboldt County Drug Task Force in conjunction with Eureka Police Department's Problem Oriented Policing Unit secured a Humboldt County Superior Court search warrant for 23 year old James Boatsman, his vehicle and his residence.