Woman leaves note for CHP after signing her speeding ticket

Her attitude did not sit well with people. You can read the CHP Facebook post below but for comments you have to go to the CHP page.

Reckless driver from Sacramento arrested by Fortuna PD using "stop sticks"

On July 30, 2019 at about 10:19 pm Fortuna Police Officer observed a subject driving a black colored 2012 Dodge Challenger eastbound in the 1100 block of Main Street accelerating as it turned southbound onto 12th Street, losing control of the rear of the vehicle, swerving back and forth on the roadway, turning and continuing eastbound on Main street, driving recklessly.

Response by Sondra Kirtley, owner of Scrapper's Edge, averted bigger fire at DA Victim Witness Office

(Humboldt Bay Fire)

The DA's Victim Witness Office has been temporarily relocated to the fourth floor of the Courthouse.

Is Sheriff Honsal holding the trophy in advance saying HCSO is going to win?

Townhouse Motel attorney asks for paperwork which her clients already have

Candice Knight was in court on July 29 with her attorney Mr. Michael Acosta. Magan Natha and his son Alpesh Natha were not in court. They are the petitioner's in Candace Knight vs Eureka Townhouse Hospitality. Natha's attorney appeared via court call.

City of Eureka takes on the Coast Guard

The Annual Coast Guard/City of Eureka Softball Game is being held at Kennedy Field
on Saturday, August 3rd at 10 AM with a barbeque after the game. The public  is invited to the game and barbeque.

Following the game, the Sequoia Zoo will host Coast Guard families for a visit and ice-cream provided by Eureka Main Street. Coast Guard Humboldt Bay will hold a “Open House” at the Samoa Coast Guard HQ on August 10th from 10 AM to 3 PM. A proclamation will be presented at the August 6th Council meeting.

Twice convicted sex offender's sentencing delayed

Sentencing for convicted sex offender Justin Strauhal was scheduled for July 31. His plea on May 10 is his second conviction and it was for a 16 year prison sentence. Strauhal waived his right to appeal.

Since he did not enter an Arbuckle waiver, his sentencing was continued to August 12.

Another change, another continuance in Cy Vandermeer's case at defense request

Preliminary hearing was scheduled for burglary suspect on July 31. Once again, change in dates at request of defense. Setting of preliminary hearing is on September 10.

We got a lot of talkers in Humboldt, a few doers

Humboldt is a tale of two cities. The "postives" vs the "negatives" henceforth known as the "negs." The "talkers" vs the "doers."

It is the same in many places in the U. S. but Humboldt has a plague; an epidemic of the "negs."

43 cases and thanks to CA laws, Jerry Warren victimizes local businesses and wastes law enforcement time

Jerry Warren, perfect example of Prop 47 and the consequences. The police cannot change the law, the courts are also bound to a certain extent by legislation. Meanwhile businesses and citizens pay the price.

Steve Johnson of Loleta identified as deceased in SR 36 collision

Facial injuries to driver after propane tank explosion on 9675 Dyerville loop road

Helicopter en route. Fruitland Ridge and CAL Fire responding.

Hazardous condition. Propane tank explosion. Facial injuries to truck driver. Tank explosion. 9675 Dyerville loop Road

(I am adding information live via scanner)

3:55 p.m. CALFire did confirm the incident and address but no one is on scene yet.

4 p.m. Helicopter 102 from CALFire is enroute from Kneeland. ETA 15 minutes

4:05 p.m. Burns to face, airway intact. Cancelling helcopter. Transport by ground ambulance

Took two EPD cars to respond to an errant logging truck and the driver

2:48 Eureka Police Department get a call that a logging truck heading north on Broadway "was unable to maintain weight."  By 2:56, EPD Sgt. Crinch and two officers had cleared the scene,warned the driver, who was pulled over on 5th street by Super 8 and Marcelli's.. I took the photo as the remaining EPD car was leaving the scene.

Caltrans donates to local high school graduates

(Dallas Daynara, Graduate McKinleyville High School, McKinleyville, Humboldt County)

Caltrans has awarded two $1,500 scholarships to local high school graduates as part of its 2019 Scholarship Program, thanks to the generosity of its district employees and support from the California Transportation Foundation.

Another traffic collison, another swift response by Eureka Police Department

Stephen Noble arrested for violation of probation, drug and firearm charges

On 7/29/19 at 11:03 am, Officers with the Arcata Police Department conducted an enforcement bicycle stop on the 1700 block of Alliance Road.

Jane Doe's foster mom sobbed and siblings wiped tears as Seng Yang sentenced 161 years to life

Seng Yang was sentenced to 161 years to life this morning. He will serve each sentence consecutively.  Count 14 was dismissed by the People in the interest of justice.

Not even 7 a.m. on Monday and EPD has to arrest someone

6:50 a.m. in the morning, EPD had a guy cuffed, he was on the grass. They searched him and this photo was  right before they drove off with him. I walked up after he had been detained.

According to EPD Crime Analyst Brittany Powell, "It was a officer-initiated field interview.  The person contacted and arrested was 27 year old Jeffery Chandler.  Arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia."

26,000 pounds of cocaine seized by U. S. Coast Guard despite smugglers trying to dump it into waters of Southern California

Yesterday, the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast offloaded more than 26,000 pounds of  cocaine worth  more than $350 million.

Ryan Heather Hutson arrested for a DUI

Ryan Heather Hutson, was arrested by CHP for a DUI and released 4 hours later on OR. She has freelanced for Kym Kemp. According to her Linkedin profile, she has worked for alaw firm and one local attorney, Alirose boutique and is currently  self employed.

She also has a 2012 arrest for possession of marijuana for sale. This was a result of an arrest warrant from the California Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. Humboldt County Drug Task Force and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office assisted the DOJ.

Brett Mehrtens booked on domestic violence, meth, heroin and firearm charges

Brett Mehrtens posted bail and was released from custody.

Covington student's $250 million lawsuit against Washington Post dismissed by federal judge

Today, a federal judge dismissed the $250 million lawsuit against the Washington Post filed by Covington Catholic student Nick Sandmann

Linked below are two articles. Lawsuits by Sandmann's against NBC and CNN are still pending.

Preliminary hearing for Jason Barnes continued

Intervention was scheduled for homicide suspect Jason Barnes on July 25. Preliminary hearing scheduled for July 29. Defense request for continuance was granted.

Another victory for Deputy Public Defender Rosemary Deck vs the People

Deputy Public Defender Rosemary Deck scores another win. This case was originally charged with corporal injury to a spouse/cohabitant as a felony. After the preliminary hearing, it was reduced to a misdemeanor. The jury found the defendant not guilty.

Cutten Elementary gets a makeover thanks to Recology

Recology is one of the largest sponsors of RCRC. In 2007, they established a volunteer program through which the company and employees give back to the communities they operate in; tomorrow Humboldt is going to be the recipient of this endeavor.

Last year he entered a plea, yesterday Brett Visser was arrested again

Brett Darrel Visser arrested on a warrant by HCSO yesterday for VC14601.2 (a), driving with a suspended license, a misdemeanor. He was released on OR.

Attempted murder suspect Matthew Ramsey also charged with assault

Attempted murder suspect Matthew Ramsey is scheduled to be arraigned on information on 7/29. An additional count of assault with a firearm has been added to Ramsey's charges. Both counts have special allegations. See complaint below.

If they dont care about their paying customers and tourists, how do they treat their employees?

I have known Magan Natha since 2003 and our paths crossed again recently. He seems different.  Magan Natha is the owner of the Townhouse motel, Quality Inn and Super 8.

When I first heard about the labor judgement against Magan Natha, I did not know what to think.

Townhouse Motel appeals 156,626.91 judgement from State Labor Commission

So far in the court system, Magan Natha, the owner of Townhouse Motel, Quality Inn and Super 8 has one case in his favor; one against him.  The third case isn't looking good for him.

Lot of changes in Maziar Eshghipour's case today

Setting for Maziar Eshghipour's preliminary hearing and motion to file third amended complaint was scheduled for this morning.

The next court date is 8/29 for setting of preliminary hearing, change of plea and arraignment on the third amended complaint.

Both defense and prosecution agree more investigation is needed in Gary Cudney's case

Trial confirmation was scheduled for Gary Cudney this morning. Jury trial scheduled for August 5 was vacated. A continuance was agreed upon by both prosecution and defense stating more investigation is neccessary.

Cudney is charged with the death of Dwight Davis aka Dirty Dave.

Does the continuance mean a potential resolution in Aaron Hungerford's case?

Trial confirmation for Aaron Hungerford  scheduled for this morning was continued by stipulation to 8/8. Jury trial is scheduled for August 26.

All charges have been reduced to misdemeanors.

ILS system down at the airport

Instrument landing system has been down for a week. I  spoke with Mr. Cody Roggatz, Director of Aviation. This is due to FAA updates to the system. After checks, ILS should be back online on Monday. The only impacts have been weather related, said Mr. Roggatz.

Patrick McTigue arraignment for jury trial continued for confirmation of counsel

I already reported that former Humboldt County Building and Planning Department employee Patrick McTigue has been charged with 15 counts for his jury trial. His arraignment this morning was continued to August 6 for confirmation of counsel.

Previous post:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/07/da-charges-patrick-mctigue-with-15.html?m=1

Santa Rosa Diocese priest stole more than $95,000 from various parishes

Oscar Alejandro Diaz Canchola has been suspended from priestly ministry and his future is uncertain, according to Bishop Robert Vasa, Diocese of Santa Rosa. St. Bernards and Sacred Heart Church are a part of the same Diocese.

Joseph Bjorklund Gates of Eureka found not guilty by Mendocino jury

A Mendocino County Superior Court jury returned from deliberations Wednesday and found Joseph Bjorklund Gates of Eureka not guilty of an assault with a deadly weapon (knife) on his father in late June 2017. The alleged incident occurred in the Laytonville area of Mendocino County.

Eddy Alexander visits Eureka

City of Eureka's Director of Development Services Rob Holmlund has been out and about in town this week and in meetings with representatives of Eddy Alexander, the marketing firm hired by the City of Eureka for promotion.

Clayton Lasinski jury trial scheduled for January 13

Trial setting for assault suspect Clayton Lasinski was scheduled this morning. Trial confirmation is on 12/10. Jury trial is on January 13.

Shots fired report on Reasor Road

HCSO responding to report of shots fired on Reasor Road in mckinleyville. Op 66 is underway which is a mass stakeout. Law enforcement is looking for blue Chevy Cavalier.

Defense to withdraw their motion to compel discovery in Sean Allman's case

Sean Allman, the suspect charged with threatening members of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California has a hearing scheduled this morning for motion to compel discovery. Defense has received that information and Allman's attorney, Mr. Ben Okin told me he is withdrawing that motion.

Defense expert reports and 28 gigabytes of evidence in Ulisses Rodriguez's case impact when trial will proceed

Dates were set in murder suspect Ulisses Rodriguez's case this morning, however there is still a possibility that could change.

Joshua Spaulding, the victim in the Matthew Ramsey case, arrested for the second time

Joshua Thomas Spaulding was arrested yesterday at 6:18 p.m. for child endangerment yesterday by Arcata Police Department. Spaulding is the alleged victim in attempted murder suspect Matthew Ramsey's case.

"As of today I no longer work at North Coast News. "

Six hours ago, former KAEF news director Scott Rates posted on Facebook. "As of today I no longer work at North Coast News. "

Cy Vandermeer's preliminary hearing for burglary case confirmed for next week

Intervention was held for Cy Vandermeer's burglary case this afternoon.  Preliminary hearing for July 31 was confirmed, "for now."

Time estimate is one hour.

How many resources and time by law enforcement is spent on repeat offenders?

(Nathan LaCount)

The District Attorney Office sent out three press releases today asking for the public's help in locating three people. I am personally aware of Nathan LaCount having cases since at least 2010. Melissa LaCount is also a repeat offender. 

Rich Ames, Hannah Joy, Brian St. Clair and Thomas Handwerker make the cut for new cannabis committee

Board of Supervisors were discussing appointments of members at large and alternates for the new Cannabis micro grants and loan advisory committeewhen I stopped by briefly at today's Board of Supervisor's meeting. I was there for the vote.

Jorden Sterling is already in prison so why is on for arraignment on new charges?

Jorden Sterling took a plea and is currently at San Quentin prison. He has not been transported back to the Humboldt County jail.

Three vehicle crash on 5th Street near Courthouse

Four Eureka police officers officers on scene. Officers interviewing people involved and one eyewitness. Cars have been moved out of 5th street. Officer Soltow handling the investigation. Officer Swanson assisting. No injuries. Humboldt Bay Fire arrived at 10:06 to assist with cleanup. EPD did an excellent job of securing the scene, having the cars moved out of the roadway and getting traffic moving again.

Sherrie Bazan arrested on meth and child endangerment knew murder suspect Daniella Moore

This is a link to one of Sherrie Bazan's facebook profiles.
https://www.facebook.com/sherrie.alfaro
The post on murder suspect Daniella Moore is from that page.

Sherrie Bazan arrested for child endangerment, meth, transportation of drugs

Sherrie Rosalee Bazan posted bail and is out of custody.

"Skunk" to be arraigned later today

"Skunk" aka Kirstie Wright is being arraigned this afternoon on one misdemeanor charge of PC 594.2 (a), possesion of tools with intent to commit vandalism or graffitti. So far, no probation violation has been filed.

Afternoon update:

"Skunk" was in court sitting with a "whatever" attitude until her case was called. Deputy Public Defender entered not guilty pleas on her behald. Time was not waived.

Man upset at family court proccedings makes threat of violence in courthouse

A man upset with a ruling made by Judge Gregory Elvine-Kreis in family court walked out of court on the 2nd floor and made a threat saying something similar to him shooting every one and being out of here in 24 hours.

Second continuance for murder suspect Ulisses Rodriguez's trial setting

Trial setting for murder suspect Ulisses Rodriguez was scheduled this morning. Defense asked setting be continued to July 24 to check witness availability. That request was granted by Visiting Judge Marjorie Carter, despite People's objection.