Persian restaurant in Thousand Oaks thanks firefighters with lunch

Sadaf, a Persian restaurant in Thousand Oaks, served lunch today to firefighters from multiple stations battling the Easy Fire.

How do you feel about sex offenders and molestors being employed and receiving state benefits?

I reached out to EPD and DHHS on specific questions about sex offenders. Listed below is information from EPD Crime Analyst Brittany Powell and  the information sheet above is from DHHS Social Services Branch Director Kelly Hampton.

Are you aware of rules sex offenders have to follow on Halloween?

Today is Halloween. Are you aware of a California law known as  Operation Boo?

Gabriel Owen of Rio Dell found guilty of sodomy , sexual penetration by force and firearm charges

Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced that today a jury found 38-year-old Gabriel Lee Owen of Rio Dell guilty of one count of sodomy by force, two counts of sexual penetration by force, one count of sexual battery, four counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Patricio Segura's jury trial could be rescheduled due to issues with interpreters

Trial confirmation for alleged molestor Patricio Segura was scheduled for October 31. The hearing had been continued twice and was continued again to trial assignment tomorrow morning. Jury trial for November 4.

Alleged victim is his stepdaughter. According to testimony during the preliminary hearing, Segura's wife walked into her kitchen to find Segura sitting in a chair and Jane Doe was on her knees performing oral sex on him.

Defense makes a 22 year offer in alleged molestor Michael Franco's case

Defense today made a 22 year offer to settle alleged molestor Michael Franco's 2018 case. There wasn't a court hearing but Franco's attorney, Mr. Russ Clanton said that to Deputy District Attorney Stacey Eads while we were waiting for another case to be called in Courtroom 2 this morning.

Franco already has a prior conviction for lewd and lascivious act with a minor.

Order ! Order!

                         

(Photo: Christine Tyson)

"It is a small area. People talk about a lot of things. "

Ray Christie's jury trial started this morning with attorneys discussing motions on limine with Judge Christopher Wilson.

56 year old arrested on meth charges believed to be one of the key suppliers in Hoopa Valley

On October 31st, 2019, at approximately 8:45 a.m., special agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, served a search warrant at a residence located in the 5100 block of Meyers Avenue, Eureka. 

Timber Heritage Speeder working with Wahlund Construction to make room for train wheels

Former Eureka Councilmember Marian Brady told me Timber Heritage Speeder is working with Wahlund Construction. They are currently working "where the rails and pavement meet on 1st Street in Eureka. The Speeder cuts into the fresh, hot paving to make room beside the rails for the train wheels."

She said, "Hopefully the City of Eureka will cut room along the existing rail from C St. to the Bayshore Mall."

California student ID cards list phone sex line instead of suicide hotline

Victorian on fire on 8th and I

Reader said  "smoke smells horrible." Saw a huge column of smoke. It is a two story Victorian.

PG & E and Humboldt Bay Fire on scene.  Address is 916 8th Street, according to Sebastian Morgan. It was on his mail routeand vacant for many years. It is next to a property owned by Floyd Squires, he said. According to   him, next to a "well known drug house."

Senator McGuire's bill would require telecommunication providers to have backup systems during PSPS

As the Kincade Fire burns in Sonoma County forcing the largest evacuation ever in the county during one of the biggest Public Safety Power Shutoffs in California history, the cell towers residents have come to rely on have gone dark.

Despite issues with discovery, Connor Whited preliminary confirmed

Intervention was scheduled on this afternoon for Connor Whited. Preliminary hearing scheduled for November 4 was confirmed despite issues with discovery.

I checked with EPD and Keiling's toxicology results are not back, yet.

Whited is charged with the murder of Brett Keiling and a special allegation that he used a deadly weapon; a club.

Drone videos, local media coverage, the Constitution mentioned in defense motion for Ray Christie's jury trial

Ray Christie's jury trial is scheduled to start on October 31. Here are excerpts from one defense motion in limine and a defense exhibit.

Aaron Hungerford violated SWAP will probation and courts make him stick to the consequences?

Aaron Hungerford was arraigned for his recent DUI arrest on 10/29. Bail was set at 10,000. There is an OR/bail hearing today.

Zachary Harrison sentencing continued to November 18

Zachary Harrison's sentencing  scheduled on October 30 was vacated. On 10/28, the defense requested a continuance until November 18.

Missing person found deceased in Garberville

On 10-22-2019, members of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Division and Search and Rescue Posse conducted a search of an area near the 3000 block of Sawmill Rd., in Garberville.

City of Eureka to apply for a grant to get a generator for warming center for future PSPS

Just ran into City of Eureka's Miles Slattery. He told me that the City of Eureka is applying for a grant to get a generator that could be used to power a City of Eureka facility holding upto 2,400 people. It would be used as a warming center and charging facility for future PSPS.

PG & E says equipment may have caused recent fires in Bay Area and Sonoma

(Kincade Fire)

Listed below are two articles. One stating despite the recent power shutoffs, PG&E's power lines and equipment may have started two recent fires in the Bay Area and the Kincade Fire.

"This line, in conjunction with Humboldt Bay Power Plant, will enable bulk of Humboldt County to remain energized."

"The scope of the October 29 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) has changed in Humboldt County. Due to improved weather conditions and decreasing winds in the area, a transmission line serving Humboldt County scheduled to be taken out of service is no longer part of the planned PSPS. "

Some fool was flying a drone affecting fire fighting efforts in Whale Gulch

There is a fire in Whale Gulch. They just dispatched fixed-wing and air helicopter. Received a report there is a drone flying in the area of the fire so so they've grounded the air tankers until there's no drone in the area.

5:38 Drone has been grounded

Power will remain on tonight

"P G & E has advised that due to diminished weather conditions, Humboldt County is no longer in the scope for a Public Safety Power Shut off tonight and power will remain on. "

Will the 5:30 briefing by PG & E "be subject to change", so far daily patterns indicate yes

Around 4:45 ,p.m. First District Supervisor Rex Bohn posted: "Hey looks like we have dodged an incident.  Hearing that tonight’s incident with weather patterns changing favorably in our favor is not going to happen.  And nothing on horizon for next 3-5 days.  Wait Wait Wait. 'Subject to Change'"

PG & E customers vent frustrations on the company's Facebook page

DUI, wilful disobedience of a court order and resisting an officer only some of Rob Christensen's record

Robert Christensen was arrested for a DUI on October 10, 2019. He is out of custody andno charges filed for that arrest, yet.

Christensen has quite the record in Humboldt Superior Court. See below. I only listed charges for two of his September 2019 cases.0

PG & E finally clarifies Humboldt is in both zones and now it is 7 p.m., maybe

12:58 p.m. update from EPD Chief Steve Watson:

"I’m listening in to the 12:30 PM PG&E PSPS phone conference now. HUMBOLDT is now in both Time Periods 4 and 6 (4 is a south sliver of the county—Alderpoint, Miranda, Blocksburg; 6 is the majority of the rest of north HUMBOLDT).  They are watching Time Period 6 most closely as the weather is trending downward. "

The official word is still hope for the best,prepare for the worst

From First District Supervisor Rex Bohn:

"This was this AM we are 4   6 is not us.  They are saying if winds exceed the limits here we go if not we are good.  Plan to err on the side of caution hope for the best. Pray for those in danger or have experienced losses. This is the in the hands of the WEATHER."

Thank those businesses who are staying open by supporting them today

Some businesses are not staying open today due to the PSPS. Others are like Advanced Cellular whether there is power or not.

Some businesses like Dollar Store and Grocery Outlet are open until power is shut off.

Scrapper's Edge , Cafe Nooner, Pho Thien Long are all open.

County says Humboldt will lose power today, PG & E unable to provide ETA

"PG&E advises that ALL customers in Humboldt County will lose power again today, Tuesday, October 29th, due to extreme weather conditions in parts of Humboldt County and surrounding counties that will cause dangerous conditions for power transmission lines."

"Because we have the food and because my crew needs to work," Sixth and E to open today

Owner and Chef Christine Silva kept Humboldt Soup Company open during the last PSPS and today Sixth and E will be open.

"Such uncertainty. So much conflict as to the balance of safety and sanity; risk and acceptable losses... During all this I've been paying close attention to the wind and been driven by two factors.
The safety of my food: Please be assured that for 3 days with the aid of generators and freezers our ingredients and food has been closely monitored and has remained at safe temperatures."

Humboldt may have power until 7 a.m but could be earlier or later, says PG & E

From PG & E, as of 8 p.m, sent out around 10 p.m.

Airbnb, Verizon offer free services and resources to relief workers and fire evacuees

(ABC7)

Airbnb, VCA Animal Hospital, Verizon are just some of the businesses offering free services or resources to relief workets and evacuees.

If you missed the last press release on the Courts, here is a reminder

The PG&E public safety power shutdown that has affected Humboldt County (and many others), is expected to continue for the next several days and will continue to limit Court services to the public (as follows):

After this third shutoff, we get a break , at least for the first week of November

At today's PG & E press briefing, not a whole lot of new information or anything specific to Humboldt. Key points : weather event starts tomorrow around 8 am in Sacramento/Shasta area, all clear between 4 a.m and 10 a.m depending on the area for most counties and that includes Humboldt. Gusty winds Tuesday night. Winds weaker for this event than the PSPS we just went though but it is drier. According to weather forecasts right now,  no PSPS at least for first week of November.

What will Patricio Segura's final fate be?

Further trial confirmation was scheduled for alleged molestor Patricio Segura on October 28. It was continued by the Court to 10/31. Jury trial is still scheduled for November 4.

EPD dispatched 399 calls, officers responded to 327 incidents during second PSPS

EPD Chief Steve Watson shared patrol statistics about the second power shutoff:

Who should we believe? PG & E or the County alert?

Just got off the phone with PG & E's Deanna Contreras who told me there will be the usual daily briefing today. When asked if there is a definite power shutoff tomorrow, she responded, " I never said that." In other words, stay tuned, as usual for 5:30 where we may or may not get a specific answer.

PG & E power shutoff one of the reasons Sean Allman's preliminary hearing was rescheduled

Sean Allman had intervention scheduled on October 28. Preliminary hearing scheduled for October 30 was continued. Allman was arrested for threatening members of Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.

Advanced Cellular in Eureka has battery chargers, Wells Fargo is open

It's not just the charger or any other accessory. This is a local business that exemplifies customer service every day.

Scrapper's Edge is open. Wells Fargo is open.

Trying to get confirmation if the County will open the library as a resource center

Trying to get confirmation if County will open the library as a community resource center for charging. 9:32 am: County said yes, slight delay in getting things set up.

City of Eureka has the Muni open since yesterday and will keep it open as needed.

PG & E wrapping up line inspections, will Humboldt have power soon?

First District Supervisor Rex Bohm said that" PGE is wrapping up the last of the line inspections This AM and says ready to throw switch if they get an all clear. Let’s hope soon."

Next potential PSPS shorter, no fourth PSPS cheduled

Next potential power shutoff will start around 8 a.m. on October 29, end around 10 a.m. on October 30. After that no fourth PSPS currently scheduled according to PG & E media briefing.

No restoration times given for Humboldt.  A press release was issued at 12:44 p.m. Some customers had service restored by 10 p.m. PG & E will begin restoration for others starting daylight on Oct 28.

P G & E estimates the  third power shutoff to start around 4 30 a m on October 29 and an all clear at noon on Wednesday, October 3, according to a County alert. Times could change.

Structure fire on Arcata Plaza

There is a working structure fire on the Arcata Plaza, not sure what building yet, several fire departments being called.

4:42 Fortuna Fire District engine just drove past Eureka City Hall.

Some portions of Humboldt County given all clear, but third shutoff possible Tuesday

County:

P G & E notified that portions of Humboldt County have been given the All Clear for the weather event and will begin the restoration process as soon as conditions allow. No further details or time estimates were provided.  P G & E also notified that another weather event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29 at 6 a m which will also result in a P S P S. Power may still be restored, but it may be turned off again a short time later. Updates will be provided as available. Please note, this information is being provided by P G & E and is subject to change.


PG & E:
PG and E also sent out a press release about a potential third shutoff starting Tuesday.

Fire out of Covelo, wind gusts preventing airctaft from flying over

Fire out of Covelo is currently at approx 6.7 acres. Wind gusts of around 80 miles an hour are preventing aircraft from flying over.

Governor Newsom declares a statewide emergency

Today, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a statewide emergency due to the effects of unprecedented high-wind events which have resulted in fires and evacuations across the state.

Starbucks donated perishables to Humboldt OES

"Humboldt County OES would like to thank Starbucks for donating their perishable goods to the EOC and our first responders to help our crews make it through these long shifts!

That act of kindness is so appreciated!"

Fire in Cold Creek compost facility contained at this time

Mendocino Sheriff:


"We obtained an update from @calfire that there is a fire in Potter Valley at the Cold Creek compost facility. At this time it is contained to the facility and not spreading, however crews are on scene watching curently to mitigate possible spread."

PG & E briefing right now says 9 p.m. start time today, all clear 4 p.m tomorrow for Humboldt

"This is a dynamic event. "

Caveat by PG and E times at briefing are dependent on weather. They acknowledged times have changed a few times today. Weather system moving slower than expected.

These times are from PG & E briefing happening now.

Humboldt start 9 p.m. tonight. Deenergizing takes two to three hours from the start time.All clear at 4 p.m. tomorrow. Restoration of services can take longer.

You can watch the Facebook live on their page.
https://www.facebook.com/pacificgasandelectric/videos/764232180686735/

Eureka's request for a Community Resource Center ignored by PG & E

Yesterday, when I called the 24 hour media hotline to ask if a Community Resource Center would be open in Eureka, I was told to call customer service. They won't even tell the City of Eureka if one will be open. PG & E's 3:24 p.m. update today says 8 p.m. for Humboldt.

There is still no community resource center listed for Eureka in that latest update. The City of Eureka arranged for the Muni to be open for Eureka residents.

Tweaker tresspassing on private property tells me "Go fuck yourself" while placing a sharps container on meters

Tweakers hanging around gas stations, private property, apartment complexes have an entitled attitude and think they can shoot up wherever they want and do whatever they want. They have set up this sharps container on top of the PG and E meters in a residential neighborhood. You can chase them away, you can clean up the property but they just come back.

They open the locked gate and walk up to the PG & E meters, threaten me and my neighbors on a daily basis so they can smoke, shoot up and yell. This is the all over Eureka.

I am not calling EPD because they have plenty to deal with the PSPS and more pressing calls. I am not calling EPD because the tweaker yelled his obscenities and left . In the past two weeks, I have had to call EPD at least four times.

Had a woman in the middle of the night lecture me on her "right" to camp out, smoke and have a fight on private property.  It is her choice to own a property, pay rent, get a job, volunteer, be productive, go to a shelter instead of being high all day. She doesn't have to work; the rest of us and we have bills.

Power shutoff now to start at 2 p.m.

3:24 PG and E update:

8 p.m. for Humboldt

2 p.m update:

PG&E  power shut down time has now changed to 7pm tonight due to changing weather patterns and is subject to change.

Airport to remain operational during power outage

The Department of Aviation has announced that the Eureka-Arcata Airport terminal and infrastructure has back up generator power in place and will be operational during the outage. 

During the PSPS, the blog is not my priority; gratitude and appreciation are my plans

Something to remember is that not everyone has access to cable or the internet or time to read every update because they work two jobs or work and go to college. Just last evening, I was giving information about courts, the PSPS to people at stores, getting food. It was the same last time.

Like all of you, I will be without power. During the power outage with limited options to charge devices, the blog is not my priority.

I will post when I can. I plan to turn off my phone or have it on limited mode to conserve power.

Humboldt County customers to lose power starting 5 p.m. today

According to First District Supervisor Rex Bohn, "looks like closer to 5 PM thru 8 PM remember these are rolling shutdowns. More than one plug to pull."

County alert:

"P G & E advises that all customers in Humboldt County will lose power beginning at 5 p m today due to extreme weather conditions in parts of Humboldt County and surrounding counties that will cause dangerous conditions for power transmission lines."

Humboldt Soup Company to stay open tomorrow

Humboldt Soup Company located at 1019 Myrtle Avenue will be open tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The owners opted to invest in a generator and keep one of their three restaurants open. This is smart business.

Madrone's Pizza and Gallagher's will be open.

Aaron Hungerford back in jail

Aaron Hungerford booked in on a fresh arrests for a new DUI charges. Hungerford was booked at 3:42 a.m. Hungerford was serving his jail sentence from a plea in August on SWAP. With the new charges, he violated SWAP and is now serving the rest of the sentence in jail until January 19.

If he receives additional jail time and if new charges will be filed is up to the DA and probation.

In August, Hungerford resolved three of his 2019 cases with a plea. In the DUI case, Hungerford pleaded guilty and got probation with the standard terms. In the suspended license case, he pleaded to the charge as an infraction. In the domestic violence case, he only pleaded guilty to Count 2, vandalism. He did not get probation in that case but a 90 day jail sentence which is SWAP eligible. Hungerford was not be required to take domestic violence classes because he agreed to the jail sentence.

PG & E live PSPS update: we are not making the decision until 8 a.m. tomorrow

PG and E's PSPS update about an hour ago on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/pacificgasandelectric/videos/1345243925656235/

Sons of Italy Chicken and Polenta dinner cancelled due to PG and E PSPS

The Sons of Italy Chicken and Polenta dinner scheduled for October 27 has been cancelled due to the PSPS. A full refund will be given to those who have purchased tickets.

Just like last time, public not allowed on 2nd and 3rd floor of the Courthouse during PSPS

Please be advised that if the PG&E public safety power shutdown occurs, limited Court services can be provided to the public on Monday, October 28, 2019, as follows:< /div>

Eureka City Hall open for business, PGE charging station in Rohner's Park

Eureka City Hall will be open for business Monday. They were during the last shutoff too.
Starting Sunday, charging stations will be available at the Eureka Muni from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

PG and E plans to open resource centers, no information yet on where in Eureka.

According to the City of Fortuna  PG&E will be setting up a Kiosk outside the Fireman’s Pavilion in Fortuna’s Rohner Park as early as this evening. There will be charging stations for the public as well as information.

Will Eureka get any of the $75 million funding for power shutoffs?

I have reached out to Eureka City Manager Greg Sparks and City Clerk Pam Powell to see if Eureka will apply for funding.

Mr. Sparks responded, "Yes, it would be our intention to take advantage of any funding that could help mitigate the costs of these power shutdowns."

PG & E confirms power shutoff, outage could last 4 days

I just spoke with First District Supervisor Rex Bohn. Reliable sources say power off at 7 p.m. tomorrow, back sometime Monday.

1:58 PG & E update: service impact starting Saturday between 6 and 10 p.m. and lasting until midday Monday.

Convicted sex offender Randy Knopf finally gets to face some jail time

Berkeley protestor arrested at Humboldt Redwood Company settles her jury trial for an infraction

Isabel Xochitl Osheroff, 24, of Berkeley, CA was one of the protestors arrested by HCSO in June for tresspassing on Humboldt Redwood Company property.

Defense disqualifies Judge Timothy Canning for Ray Christie's jury trial

Jury trial for Ray Christie scheduled to start October 28 is now scheduled for October 31.

Defense wants to exclude Dare's prior conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence and substance abuse

On October 23, Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer  filed a motion to amend the complaint for alleged molestor Mark Dare to add a special allegation of the "one strike law." See yesterday's post linked below for more details. That motion was granted today by Judge Gregory Elvine-Kreis. He said the age of the victims was known facts and this was an issue for sentencing.

Local government and courts meeting to discuss plan for second "possible" PSPS shutoff

I am not going to post every PG and E update or other update on scope or a potential loss of power.

I checked with City of Eureka this morning and the Humboldt Superior Court. Meetings are being held this morning to discuss the plan and shutoff.

Electric incident filed with CPUC in the area of Kincade Fire

Yesterday by 3 p.m., PG&E had conducted a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and turned off the power for safety to approximately 27,837 customers in Sonoma County, including Geyserville and the surrounding area.

2,188 customers in Humboldt will lose power starting Saturday

Humboldt County OES update:

The latest information from PG&E is that all of Humboldt County is now in scope for this PSPS power outage.

Woman who allegedly broke into EPD officer's house may be placed in the community during competency restoration

Report from Dr. Wilson was scheduled today for Jacquelyn Bradley, the woman who allegedly broke into EPD officer Eddie Wilson's house. She has two other cases. At the last hearing, her attorney Andrea Sullivan, declared "doubt" about Bradley's mental competence to stand trial. Criminal proceedings were suspended. Bradley is in custody.

Jury trial date to be rescheduled for attempted murder suspect Danny Waters

At trial confirmation this morning for attempted murder suspect Danny Waters,  jury trial scheduled for October 28 was vacated. Trial setting is on November 7.