$150,000 damage to home on the 3400 block of Edgewood Road

On March 31st, 2019 at 3:01P.M. Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a fire in a home on the 3400 Block of Edgewood Road with four fire engines, one fire truck, two chief officers, one Public Information Officer, and two Fire Support personnel.

Mantova's Two Street Music owner gets spit in the face and told, "You gonna die"

Anthony Mantova, owner of Mantova's Two Street Music asked a woman to leave his store.

" Around 1 p.m. today, I was spit in the face by bum trash.  As soon as I told her to put the wooden maraca down.  She immediately got angry and started saying I was gonna die . She yelled out, YOU GONNA DIE!!  And spit direct in my face! I will be pressing charges, hopefully an arrest will result. "

Anthony Mantova sent me two videos. I have  posted both on my Facebook page.

Why has County Counsel Jeffrey Blanck been missing since the Magney settlement?

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by someone asking me if County Counsel Jeffrey Blanck was still employed with the County. A week later, I had another person ask me to check and see if Blanck was on leave or terminated because there was talk that he is not going to be around for long. I do know he is not in the office. He wasn't at the last board meeting.

All this talk has been since the County settled for a million with Judith Magney.

I reached out to a couple of Supervisors and asked them if Blanck had been terminated. First District Supervisor Rex Bohn told me on March 29, 2019 that Blanck has not been terminated.

Previous post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/03/county-of-humboldt-settles-with-judith.html?m=1

It was the North Coast Journal's Thad Greenson that claimed there was "unequivocal physical evidence" in the Lawson case

The same Thad Greenson who printed incorrect information about what jurors were told in the Gary Lee Bullock jury trial. A case that he covered once; for minutes.

Richard Ehle says he was misquoted about "unequivocal physical evidence" in the Lawson case

The Humboldt County District Attorney offers the following response to the recent press release by Charmaine Lawson:

Decision on Seng Yang's jury trial continued for two weeks

Seng Yang, the man charged with forcible rape of his own daughter and forcing her to participate in filming pornography, has his jury trial scheduled for April 8. Yang's case was continued to trial assignment on April 12.

As mentioned in previous posts, Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads is the prosecutor on the Yang case. She will be starting the Chad Smith jury trial once the Cory Fisher case concludes.

Judge Christopher Wilson mentioned PC 1050 (g) (2). See link below for more information.

Jurors for Chad Smith's jury trial will start filling out hardship questionnaires next week

Alleged molestor Chad Smith's jury trial was scheduled to start April 2. His jury trial will "trail" the Cory Fisher case until April 8. Jurors will start filling out hardship questionnaires next week.

Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads is the prosecutor for the Smith case. Ms. Andrea Sullivan was court appointed to represent Smith.

HCSO investigating incident in Hoopa involving a 57 year old male with multiple gunshot wounds

On March 28, 2019, at about 10:11 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on Pine Creek Road near Soctish Creek in Hoopa for the report of a gunshot victim.

Cory Fisher takes the stand this morning

Cory Fisher took the stand this moning. What the impact did his testimony have on the jury? That will be revealed when there is a verdict.

This morning, Deputy Conflict Counsel David Lee was more effective than Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads. 

Anthony "I burnt that motherfucker's place down" Domenico lost his appeal

Anthony Domenico, who was sentenced to 9 years in prison last year,for arson and assault with a deadly weapon, lost his appeal.

Local businesses in Old Town getting "tagged" with hydrochloric acid

Local businesses in Old Town getting "tagged" with hydrochloric acid. One of them was Humboldt Herbals. The business has to replace the window.

Not all businesses have surveilance cameras so if anyone has footage or information,call Eureka Police Department.

Solana County coroner identified Mary Hadley as the woman who died in a motorcycle crash

The Solano County coroner's office has identified a woman who died in a motorcycle crash involving an allegedly impaired driver in Fairfield Wednesday night as Mary Hadley, 55, of Eureka.

Judge Wilson grants DA's motion to consolidate two of Richard Dean's cases

Motion to consolidate murder suspect Richard Dean's cases was decided this morning. Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin opposed the motion to consolidate the three cases.

Multiple law enforcement units and search warrant served at Grover Beach cannabis business

(KSBY)

KSBY reports that a search warrant was served this morning at 805 Beach Breaks, a Grover Beach cannabis business. The investigation is expected to continue for hours. No other details have been released.

Fortuna PD arrest Jeremiah Fletcher of Eureka on four felony warrants related to meth

In the early morning hours of 03-27-2019, officers were advised by a vigilant citizen of ​subject possibly sleeping at the wheel in the 2300 Block of Hillside Drive.

"Hopefully this matter will continue over Mr. Yang's objection. This situation is what I tried to prevent months and months ago."

At trial confirmation for alleged molestor Seng Yang, Deputy Public Defender Luke Brownfield confirmed the jury trial scheduled for April.8.

"I expect to begin the matter of Chad Smith and will be conferring with Mr. Smith's counsel Friday," said Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads. "I expect to conclude the Fisher matter next Tuesday.  I am requesting this matter trail the Chad Smith case.

Rex Bohn kickoff for 2020 campaign will be this Friday at Redwood Fields

Rex Bohn, 1st District incumbent supervisor and well-known charity auctioneer has announced his intention to campaign for re-election to the First District Supervisorial seat, The election is March 3, next year.

No report from Dr. Ramirez yet and another continuance for Gearold Sotolongo

Receipt of Dr's Ramirez's report was scheduled on March 7 in Gearold Sotolongo's murder case. Criminal proceedings have been suspended. No report was received. Hearing continued to 3/27. Still no report,the hearing was continued again to 4/3.

Lorna Leen was released from custody today

Lorna Leen is no longer in custody. Judge Gregory Elvine-Kreis dismissed the murder charge against Leen this morning. If you missed the earlier posts, including comment from Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo, those links are provided below.

If the District Attorney refiles charges, I will do an update.

Alleged molestor James Hearn's preliminary continued at defense request

Intervention was scheduled for alleged molestor James Hearn this afternoon. Defense requested a continuance Preliminary hearing for April 2 was vacated.

Intervention is scheduled for April 30. Preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 8.

Quentin Williams who has previously testified for the DA provides testimony today about inmates trying to set Cory Fisher up after his arrest

Inmate Quentin Williams, just like Bobby Ganfield talked about the risks of testifying for a correctional officer. He mentioned he had met Angela Fisher at Winco after Fisher was arrested.

Jeremy Notman guilty of arson of an inhabited structure and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia

Today a jury found 42-year-old Jeremy Notman guilty of arson of an inhabited structure and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.

"Because I don't think anyone should be wrongfully accused."

Inmate Bobby Lee Ganfield testified this afternoon saying James Doe #1, James Doe #2 and Matthew Fockaert had a scheme to make money and sue the County. Cory Fisher's arrest provided an opportunity.

Ganfield said he was a registered sex offender himself and would never set someone up. He said he had known Fisher for several years since "I am always here" (at the jail) and said Fisher never did anything inappropriate.

Angela Fisher basically called her own son a liar

Cory Fisher's former co-worker and former correctional officer Nicholas Adrian briefly testified today about the June 25, 2017 incident.
He is not in contact with Fisher anymore.

APD has established 24 hour tip line for David Josiah Lawson

The Arcata Police Department has established a 24-hour tip line for any member of the public to call and provide information on the murder of David Josiah Lawson. Josiah Lawson, a Humboldt State University student, was killed at a house party in the 1100 block of Spear Avenue on April 15, 2017. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at (707)825-2590.  Callers may remain anonymous if they choose.

Defense has subpoenaed records from Redwood Memorial Hospital in Jeff Tsarnas' hit and run case

A hearing was scheduled this morning in Jeff Tsarnas' hit and run case for sanctions regarding discovery. It was continued to April 3. The District Attorney's office filed an opposition to the motion to compel pre-trial discovery.

Defense has subpoenaed records from Redwood Memorial Hospital. Mr. Neal Sanders is representing Tsarnas.

Sohum upskirting dude provided proof of completion required as part of his plea

Review of counseling was scheduled for Sohum upskirting dude, David Nunez, this morning. His attorney, Mr. Neal Sanders provided proof of completion.

Another continuance requested by defense in Maxx Robison's case

Trial confirmation for murder suspect Maxx Robison scheduled this morning was continued because defense filed a motion to continue. Hearing on that motion and trial confirmation is scheduled for April 2. Jury trial is scheduled for April 8.

"Remember that day? I am so surprised you were so physical in the rec yard."

HCSO Staff Lt. Jason Benge was still on the stand this morning for the Cory Fisher jury trial. He was being cross examined by Deputy Conflict Counsel David Lee about cell checks, data, control booth.

"We are obviously very pleased with the ruling today. Ms. Leen should never have been charged in this case."

(Leen)

"We are obviously very pleased with the ruling today.  Ms. Leen should never have been charged in this case," said Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo.

Three DA investigators in the hallway? Just arrested a guy who had a warrant, showed up for court and was taken into custody

I was outside Courtroom 1. Could not figure out why three DA investigators were just hanging out. They got a warrant, he showed up for court and was taken into custody because he allegedly violated his restraining order.

He saw bailiffs and tried to exit in the opposite direction, did not work for him out for him today. Inmate is Timothy Ziegler.

Cory Fisher case wrapping up, case may go to the jury next Tuesday

I was covering another case this morning. The jury trial for that case is "trailing" Cory Fisher.

Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads said she expects the case to be given to the jury next Tuesday.

Murder charge dismissed against Lorna Leen

Judge Gregory Elvine-Kreis gave a detailed explaination why he found insufficient evidence to hold Lorna Leen to answer to the charge of murder.

He dismissed the complaint and ordered Leen be discharged.

High risk parolee, peeping Tom, convicted sex offender Charles Flinn released on parole last year back in jail

Charles Steven Flinn was arrested and booked for violation of parole yesterday. He entered a plea last December and was released on post release supervision.

Brandon Brocious' lung, esophagus were punctured; the knife hit his spine

Sgt  Shawn Sopoaga took the stand after Jane Doe this afternoon at Lorna Leen's preliminary hearing.

Aaron Hungerford's preliminary rescheduled and set for May 2

Preliminary hearing was scheduled on March 26 for Aaron Hungerford. Rescheduled and set for May 2 since no courtroom and no Judge was available today. Time estimate is an hour and a half.

"I hugged Brandon and ran. I wanted to tell my dad before I got arrested. Because I had a juvenile warrant."

Jane Doe started her testimony by saying that she forgot to mention yesterday that she saw Lorna Leen at some point during the day. She could not recall when "but we asked her where Chris was."

After using drugs, Jane Doe, Brandon Brocious and Christopher Sterling ended up in the middle of the cemetery. "Chris saw my friend Lily and went to look for her." Brocious and Jane Doe saw Leen sitting on a bench and went over to her.

The Lily part was irrelevant because her name never came up again and she was not present when the alleged argument and stabbing occurred.

Sterling-Craft had dropped off his backpack before he went to look for Lily. While he was gone, Brocious picked up Sterling-Craft's backpack. "He had one strap over his shoulder."

"I remember Chris telling Brandon to give him his backpack. Brandon said, not until you give  (Jane Doe mentioned her name) her phone."

Jane Doe said she and Sterling,-Craft had a conversation about Leen and Sterling-Craft's belongings.

"Me and Chris were talking. Do you really want your mom to be cold at night because you won't give me my phone? We argued about it."

"Please don't give Court attitude; it won't work in here"

Right in the middle of the preliminary hearing for Lorna Leen, the court is on a five minute break.

After Judge Elvine-Kreis admonished her, "Please don't give Court attitude; it won't work in here", Jane Doe ran out of the courtroom saying, "I want to go home."

Lila Ortega does not show up for court, bench warrant issued

Pre trial was scheduled today for Lila Ortega's case. She is charged with DUI and possession of meth. She did not show up for court. Bench warrant issued for $5,000.

Ewa Misztal hearing continued to mid April

Ewa Misztal's evidentiary hearing and status of inpatient/outpatient program continued to 4/18. Attorneys presented argument. Judge Christopher Wilson wanted more time to review before making a ruling.

Local activist and failed political candidate Erik Rydberg booked into the jail yesterday

Erik Rydberg was arrested by Arcata Police Department yesterday and booked into the jail  for public intoxication. He was released 7 hours later.

Tomorrow, there is no testimony; jurors for the Cory Fisher trial will tour the jail

HCSO Staff Lt. Jason Benge testified all afternoon for the Cory Fisher jury trial. Besides identifying photos, he answered questions about protocol, procedures and duties of Correctional Deputy Level 1 and 2.

Tomorrow, there will be no testimony. Jurors, split into three different groups will tour the correctional facility.

Missing cell phone, missing meth, drug use and a love triangle is the gist of Jane Doe's testimony at Lorna Leen's preliminary

(Leen)

Jane Doe was the People's first witness to testify today for Lorna Leen's preliminary hearing. She is 15 years old. The victim Brandon Brocious was 16 years old.

Before she testified, Judge Elvine-Kreis addressed the courtroom saying, "No emotional outbursts. This is a courtroom. If anyone does not comply, they will be asked to leave the courtroom."

There have been no outbursts. The only one acting out has been Jane Doe. She was not in the courtroom when the Judge gave the admonishment.

In between snapping at the Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees and coping an attitude with the Judge, Jane Doe identified Leen and testified about the events of August 9, 2017 at the Oceanview cemetery. She changed what she said during her testimony saying something completely different. This was during direct examination.

Michael Avenatti charged with alleged extortion and bank fraud

Michael Avenatti was arrested andposted bond. He faces charges in one federal case for allegedly trying to extort up to $25 million from Nike by threatening to reveal negative publicity.

Judge Moorman has made a decision about the Lorna Leen preliminary

Mendocino County Judge Ann Moorman has issued a ruling on whether Judge Gregory Elvine-Kreis can preside over the Lorna Leen hearing.  Judge Moorman denied the People's motion to disqualify Judge Elvine-Kreis.

"For some boys sexually abused by another male," peer ridicule, homophobia, fear of being labeled gay hinders disclosure of sexual abuse

Dr. Anthony Urquiza from UC Davis was the People's second witness today. He testified about Child Abuse Accomodation Syndrome and barriers to disclosure. He is a psychologist, a professor at the Department of Pediatrics and the Director of the  CAARE Center  a child abuse treatment program.

John Doe #2 declined to press charges three times against Cory Fisher and did not reveal any sexual abuse to Officer McElroy

Former EPD Officer Ryan McElroy was the first People's witness today at Cory Fisher jury trial.
He gave a basic summary of the June 25, 2017  incident and the physical altercation between John Doe #2 and Cory Fisher. Officer McElroy testified that when he first responded to the incident on the 3200 block of Central Avenue, John Doe and Fisher refused to press charges.

Motions regarding discovery and return of property scheduled in Ray Christie's case for April 9

Fortuna stabbing suspect Derek Johnson booked into the Humboldt jail

Derek Ray Johnson was booked into the Humboldt County Jail on Friday on a bench warrant issued for attempted murder and parole violation charges. This no bail warrant was issued for Johnson in February 2019.

$150,000 worth of damage to residence on 3400 block of Pine Street

On March 24th, 2019 at 7:02P.M. Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a fire in a home on the 3400 Block of Pine St with three fire engines, one fire truck, two chief officers, and one Public Information Officer.

Electrical malfunction cause of fire on 1400 block of B street

On March 24th, 2019 at 1:51P.M., Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a fire in the attic of a home on the 1400 Block of B St. with three fire engines, one fire truck, two chief officers, and one Public Information Officer.

Improperly disposed of linseed oil-covered rags preliminary cause of 18th street structure fire

On March 24th, 2019 at 12:04 P.M., Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a fire in the garage of a home on the 1900 block of 18th St with three fire engines, one fire truck, two chief officers, and one Public Information Officer.