$200 million in cuts to state court system

(California Chief Justice)

"At this point in time, funding that may be available for backlog has yet to be allocated.  When more information is available, an update will be provided," Humboldt Superior Court CEO Kim Bartleson told me.

No new cases, data released shows 82 of the 133 local cases were through contact with a known case

No additional cases of COVID-19 were reported today. Humboldt County’s case count remains at 133.

Petition filed to have convicted sexual batterer declared a sexually violent predator

Ralph Horn had a probable cause hearing scheduled on June 30 on a petition to have him committed as a sexually violent predator. It was continued to July 6 since Horn wants to be personally present.

"I haven't been allowed to speak since I got here. I will speak if I want to."

Jennifer Chilson's attorney, Deputy Conflict Counsel R.J. Leohner declared doubt this morning. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees appeared on the case for the People.

Sean Thomas Avery booked on assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, kidnapping and other charges

On 06/28/2020 at about 2:30 pm, officers of the Eureka Police Department responded to the 1500 block of 3rd Street for a reported vandalism to a vehicle call for service.

Coronavirus impact on courts and uncertainty of co- defendant's trial leads to another continuance for Catherine Fode

Setting of Catherine Fode's sentencing was scheduled for June 30; it was continued to August 17.

Time estimate for Antone Aubrey's jury trial is 6 to 8 weeks

Further trial confirmation was scheduled for Antone Aubrey on June 30. Jury trial ischeduled for July 13 confirmed. Trial assignment is on July 10.

Maybe if Humboldt Judges made kidnapping suspect Chai Her face consequences, he would not keep breaking the law

Chai Her was arrested yesterday by EPD on a
new charge for PC 29800 (a) 1, possession of a firearm by a felon. He was also booked on his 2019 case. No bail.

Each local Superior Court in California is implementing safety measures to ensure safety of jurors

Normally around nine million Californians are summoned to jury service each year—but not this year.

Four additional COVID 19 cases reported today

Humboldt County’s total COVID-19 case count now stands at 133, after four additional cases were reported today.

What is a citizen's personnel compliant?

Someone decided that 5th and H counter at post office is their personal brochure and form display.

The link to the official form was provided to me from HCSO PIO Samantha Karges . HCSO did not put the forms at the post office.
Our complaint forms are available for download here: humboldtsheriff.org/transparency

Humboldt GOP headquarters finally getting windows replaced from February vandalism

Humboldt GOP headquarters is finally getting the windows replaced that were allegedly vandalized by Michael Valls on February 8.

John Schutt, local GOP chair told me, "I believe we are going to keep the windows boarded through the election."

"I am declaring a conflict"

(Acosta)

(Carroll)

Setting of preliminary hearing and confirmation of discovery was scheduled for local attorney Michael Acosta and Sarah Carroll's case. It was continued to July 2 for confirmation of counsel.

When you are a convicted felon, take the plea deal for three cases, instead of trying to posture on Zoom

At trial confirmation on from June 22 for convicted felon Robert Cullen, a further trial confirmation was scheduled for this morning.

Jury trial for Patrick Mctigue rescheduled for November

Trial confirmation was scheduled this morning for former Humboldt County Building and Planner Patrick McTigue.

In a 5-4 ruling, Supreme Court rules Louisiana abortion statute is unconstitutional

In a 5-4 ruling today, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing a concurring opinion, the Supreme Court blocked a Louisiana abortion law.

 The law barred doctors from performing the procedure unless they had admitting privileges at a nearby hospital.

Emergency resolution asks Orange County BOS to remove John Wayne's name, statue from the international airport

This week, an emergency resolution was passed condemning film legend John Wayne’s “racist and bigoted statements” made in a 1971 interview with Playboy asking the Orange County Board of Supervisors to remove his name, statue and other likenesses from the international airport.

Mandatory bar closures for some counties including Los Angeles and Fresno

The California Department of Public Health and California Governor Gavin Newsom today released guidance on the closure of bars for counties on the County Monitoring List. The Department recommends that counties on the County Monitoring List for three or more consecutive days, but less than 14 days, close bars through local health officer order (or do not allow for the opening if bars have not yet been allowed to open in the county). Counties which have been on the list for 14 days or more are required to immediately close bars.

MCSO compliance check results in two registered sex offenders on CDCR parole being out of compliance

On 06-22-2020, Detectives with the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office assisted by the Mendocino County Office of Adult Probation initiated a compliance check of registered sex offenders pursuant to section 290 of the California Penal Code.

CDCR to halt transfer of inmates after postive tests for COVID 19, public defender wants inmates released early

If you are wondering how this affects Humboldt, inmates are transported from Humboldt to San Quentin; then other facilities. The Humboldt jail so far, has not reported any inmate or staff being positive for COVID 19.

Gunman drives SUV into Walmart distribution Center in Red Bluff

(Photo: Redding Searchlight)

According to the Sacramento Bee, two people were killed and at least four others were wounded after a gunman drove his SUV into a Red Bluff Walmart distribution center. The gunman then opened fire on workers during a shift change.

I covered the 25th anniversary of Stonewall in New York; the 50th in Eureka

Tomorrow, will mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall. I covered the 25th anniversary in New York as press and was in the VIP area in front of the stage and got to me leaders of National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Marchers walked past EPD headquarters, no disruption, no confrontation

According to a Facebook post, a march for LGBTQ/BLM solidarity is happening at 3 p.m. starting at 7th and C. Volunteers are to gather at 2:45.

2:44: I see four people so far. 2:46 p.m. A couple more people arriving.

3:02 p.m.: Photo above is of the group at 3 p.m. A leader is giving instructions.

"we are everywhere like water whether it is the pigs or pigs without paychecks we will end you and your terror. "

"These murders across the country by white supremacists. So vile! 6 hangings across the country! So horrendous to take the worst things in history and repeat them!

Christina Higgins arrested 4 months ago,arrrested again, been covering her since 2014

(Feb 2020 booking photo)

Christina Ann Higgins arrested by Fortuna Police for felony PC 273 (a), child abuse/endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of PC 273 (d), yesterday. 
The jail booking lists the PC 273 (d) with the abbreviation, parent receiving multiple pay. Bail is $55,000.

Junkie picking up needles cusses me out and tells me he is doing a service

(Same sharpie container, same location in a post I did months ago)

High as a kite, he had been screaming all night. I ignored him until a few minutes ago. Finally looked out my window, told him to shut up and interrupted him getting his fix.

Two additional COVID 19 cases confirmed today

Humboldt County’s COVID-19 case count rose to 129, as two additional cases were reported today.

Pamela Millsap held to answer on all charges

Judge Kaleb Cockrum gave a lengthy explaination about his ruling. Bail remain as set. Arraignment on information is on July 9.

"The fact that a Judge struggles with a case has no bearing to those involved," said Judge Cockrum.

"It started with a burrito wrapped in a refridgerator and ends in a horrible tragedy."

CAST interview not played, 911 call played, Jane Doe tells dispatch her brother was shot in the hip

Day 3 of murder suspect Pamela Millsap's preliminary hearing on June 26 started with the DA's objection to Jane Doe's CAST interview being played sustained.  As I wrote last night, Judge Kaleb Cockrum said it would not augment anything that had not already been covered by Det. Corrie Watson's testimony.

Will judicial intervention today result in a plea for Antone Aubrey?

Judicial intervention with Judge Timothy Canning was scheduled on June 26 for murder suspect Antone Aubrey's case.

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking applicants for lawyer representatives

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California is currently seeking applicants to serve as Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representatives.

HCSO Lt. Peter Cress' new position includes PRAs, overseeing training and citizen complaints

Please join us in welcoming our new Professional Standards Lieutenant Peter Cress. Lt. Cress was recently promoted from Patrol Sergeant of HCSO’s North Area of Command.

Sherae O'Shaughnessy pleads guilty and has moved to Oregon

Trial setting/possible change of plea for Sherae O' Shaughnessy was scheduled for July 7. Instead she was on the on calendar this morning for deferred entry of judgement and entry of plea.

O'Shaughnessy was charged with battery committed against a spouse. She pleaded guilty.

Defense still wants Joshua Cooley placed in Humboldt

Placement hearing for sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley was scheduled this morning. It was continued to July 17.

The Subaru dealership doesn't even know it was my call to dispatch that ended up recovering three tablets that were stolen

EPD officers responding to a call I made to dispatch on June 10 on another matter ended up checking on an alarm going off nearby at the Subaru dealership on 5th and O. It had been going off and no call had come in for several minutes

Had I not called, they wouldn't have been in the vicinity and recovered three stolen tablets right away.

Does Pamela Millsap want to end up like David Kobak? She should take the plea

Deputy Conflict Counsel April Van Dyke is doing a great job. This despite the fact that Millsap refused to waive time. Ms. Van Dyke is doing a preliminary hearing with four serious charges during the challenges of a pandemic and Ms. Van Dyke has been in court every day with several cases just as involved and time consuming.

Judge Cockrum denies setting request, preliminary hearing for Kevin Carns reset for August

Kidnapping and assault suspect Kevin Carns preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 7. It was rescheduled to today.

Three hour time estimate, three expert witnesses for Brian Fiore's evidentiary hearing

A 2016 case, Brian Fiore vs Humboldt County District Attorney was scheduled for a pre trial and evidentiary hearing on May 5. That date had been vacated and reset for today. It was stated last time, the hearing was unlikely to proceed today.

TS, different reporter, same issue with getting names wrong

Just today, twice you screwed up Dr. Jennifer Wilson's name. It is not Christina Wilson. There is a local attorney, Christina Allbright who had nothing to do with any of the cases you wrote about and screwed up Dr. Wilson's name.

Five new COVID 19 cases, four through contact with known case

Five additional cases of COVID-19 were reported today. Humboldt County’s total case count now stands at 127.

911 call will not be played on You Tube until it is edited to redact minor victim's names

The second day of Pamela Millsap's preliminary hearing continued with EPD Det. Corrie Watson on the stand being cross examined.

Plea "likely" in Robert Fregoso's three cases including the one with his mother from 2019?

Setting of preliminary hearing for Robert Fregoso and Rita Pimentel as well as two other cases for Fregoso were on calendar on this morning.

Protective order signed by Judge, competency hearing for Ryan Tanner set in July

I was going to just add the date to the recent post on the contested competency hearing for murder suspect Ryan Tanner  but am doing a brief post today because of the protective order filed by the DA's office and signed by Judge Timothy Canning. Deputy DA Whitney Timm said it was to "get psychological issues answered."

Mr. Russ Clanton stipulated to the order so the defense can provide proprietary materials to the DA about Tanner.

"I would like to discharge my attorney, Mr. McLaughlin and represent myself"

Never a dull moment with Richard French.
The issue of his competency to stand trial keeps getting continued. Today, he said, ""I would like to discharge my attorney, Mr. McLaughlin and represent myself."

Paid staff member of Fortuna Fire arrested for domestic violence

Kyle Kertscher, a paid staff member and Fire Captain for Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department was arrested yesterday by Fortuna Police Department. Jail log only shows domestic violence charge, however he has two other charges which are false imprisonment and rape by force/violence/duress.

David Anderson still charged with human sex trafficking of a minor for jury trial

Arraignment on information for convicted human trafficker David Anderson was completed this morning.

Nine additional COVID 19 cases confirmed today "primarily reflect contacts with previously reported cases"

Humboldt County’s COVID-19 case count rose to 122, as nine additional cases were reported today. This marks the largest single-day increase in cases since April 2, when nine cases were also reported.

Pamela Millsap's 10 year old daughter saw her brother get shot

Murder suspect Pamela Millsap's preliminary hearing started this afternoon and will continue tommorow afternoon. Millsap waived her right to a continuous hearing.

Several bench warrants recalled, People still have an offer and Chai Her wants more time ?

Kidnapping suspect Chai Her had his preliminary hearing scheduled today. Based on lack of courtroom availability, time being waived and defense request to continue the hearing,  date was reset to September 29.

Stay away order, treatment and consequences; a plea deal with benefit to both parties

Yesterday, before her preliminary hearing had concluded, a plea deal was reached in Jacquelyn Bradley's case. She was charged in this case with one count of first degree burglary. That count was dismissed this morning.

Stephen Long arrested for yesterday's bank robbery and parole violation

Based on the investigation into the June 23, 2020 bank robbery on 5th Street, Stephen David Long (70 of Eureka) was identified as the suspect.  On June 24, 2020, at about 9:00 a.m., detectives located Long at a hotel on the 200 block of 5th Street in Eureka.

"I am more than competent to stand trial", Richard French goes off on a rant in court and hearing on competency is continued to tomorrow

Receipt of Dr. Wilson's report was scheduled for assault Richard French this morning.

The "I didn't do it" defense isn't original but in this case it was funny

Court appearances and hearings with frequently arrested Shannon Tobin are always entertaining.

Damien Carlson screwed up a previous plea deal by picking this new assault case

Preliminary hearing was scheduled this morning for assault suspect Damien Carlson. A previous package deal offer has to be renegotiated since Carlson picked up new charges while in custody.

Defense witnesses have concerns traveling during shelter in place so Sean Allman jury trial date will be reset

Defense motion to continue was granted this morning in Sean Allman's case by Judge Timothy Canning since the People had no objection.

Fire alarms went off, Courthouse being evacuated

About 7:56 a.m. alarms went off in the Courthouse and no one seems to know if this is a fire drill or real but employees are exiting the Courthouse. Not everyone had exited the building a few minutes ago.