Feb 28, 2021

Suspicious nature and timing of three fires leads to EPD detaining one suspect


On 02/28/2021 at 6:08 am. Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Harris St. Humboldt Bay Fire responded with 3 Engines, 1 Truck and 1 Battalion Chief. The first arriving engine reported two vehicles fully involved in the carport of an occupied apartment complex. 

Feb 27, 2021

Vandalism at Mantova's Two Street Music

 





Anthony Mantova, owner of Mantova's Two Street Music, in Old Town just sent me these pictures and information about the alleged suspect.

“We believe in the right of individuals and organizations to peacefully express their views, independent of the degree to which the perspectives of those hosting meetings and events at our hotels align with ours.”

 

(Hyatt statement )

#boycottHyatt started trending on Twitter because Hyatt Recency in Orlando is hosting the 2021 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) conference.

Some CPAC attendees were also pissed at the hotel chain because they did not want to wear masks.

Feb 26, 2021

"My case against the County is over and the DCA ruled in the County’s favor 3-0. "

 




DA concludes EPD OIS of Karl Sieger was legally justified


DA Maggie Fleming has completed her review of the investigation regarding the Eureka Police Department (EPD) Officer involved shooting of 51-year-old John Karl Sieger on July 23, 2020. 

Defense motion to dismiss denied in Ray Christie's case

Ruling on the defense motion to dismiss in Ray Christie's case was denied by Judge Christopher Wilson. 

Mr. John Cogorno, one of Christie's attorneys, said the ruling will be appealed via writ to the First District Court of Appeal. 

"The records Mr. Phillis is requesting are official records and are therefore not public records as defined by Government Code Section 6252(e). "

Manny Machado, County public information specialist, Fourth District Supervisor Virginia Bass responded to me right after the first Tim Phillis post to acknowledge my email. County Clerk, Recorder and Registrar of voters Kelly Sanders sent me a response.

Sabrina Ivon is suing Sinclair in Humboldt Superior Court

 

r.

Sabrina Ivon's Linkedin profile in a google search  lists Bonten Media, former owner of KAEF in Eureka as an employer. Who she currently works for could not be verified as her Linkedin profile just displays ABC Fox in Arcata.

French's explosive behavior and ongoing threat to small community results in denial of mental health diversion

 


I just did a post two days ago on Richard French so today's post is going to be on the ruling by Judge Christopher Wilson. 

Jeff Tsarnas' jury trial is in queue

 


At trial assignment today, Jeff Tsarnas' jury trial for hit and run, the Michael Flowers jury trial  was number 1 to go out and is scheduled to start March 1; Jason Barnes is trailing Flowers and that is being called now and Tsarnas is trailing Barnes.

Six motels in Humboldt identified for transient release of Joshua Cooley

 


Sexually violent predator Joshua Cooley had a placement hearing this morning.

I too would like to hear the County's response to Tim Phillis' questions about PRA requests

Tim Phillis, who I spoke to years ago, was involved in litigation with the County. I just sent him an email asking if that litigation is ongoing.

Feb 25, 2021

EPD says KFC is no reason to ignore traffic laws

 


"We know it’s pretty exciting when new businesses come to town but please follow the KFC drive through traffic control in place. If the designated line is full please try your visit another time. Do not block any lanes of Broadway. Thank you!"-- EPD

"Transgender rights are human rights"


In the Senate, 60 votes are needed to bypass a filibuster. The 224-206 vote in the House included three Republicans.

"This is the first positive case of an inmate discovered in the facility that was not already known at the time of booking." 

 


HCSO PIO Samantha Karges and Humboldt Superior Court CEO Kim Bartleson both responded promptly to an earlier post which was published minutes ago. Please click on the link provided for context and background if you did not read that related post.

The response from Ms. Karges on behalf of HCSO is in italics.

Hi John,

Thanks for sending along your questions. Here’s what we are able to share with you regarding your inquiry:

On February 20, 2021, Humboldt County Correctional Facility staff were notified that a female inmate within the facility had tested positive for COVID-19 as part of routine testing in preparation for extradition out of state.

Dylan Anderson arrested for attempted robbery of gas station on Broadway


On February 25, 2021, at about 5:00 a.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to a gas station on the 1000 block of Broadway for the report of an attempted robbery that had just occurred.

Female inmate tests positive for COVID, were the steps taken sufficient to protect jail and court staff?

 


I received one tip this morning about COVID concerns in the female dorm at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. Allegedly, the female inmates are in and out of the jail daily and frequently. Later, I received more information from other sources. 

According to the sources, "a female inmate tested positive for COVID after being in the dorms for two days. The correctional deputies assigned to that female dorm are still working but are not allowed to interact with other employees and are to take their breaks away from everyone else."

Motion to consolidate may end up resulting in case being dismissed against one homicide suspect

 

(Hutson)

(Pease)

There was on the record discussion, off the record discussion and then on record discussion, again.

Things are uncertain if just one or both defendants' preliminary hearing in the Bailey Perry homicide case is rescheduled. The March 1 court date was not vacated. On that day, the case maybe dismissed against one of the suspects.

Arrested for criminal conspiracy and released on OR



Jacob JohnPaul Knipschertcostello was arrested by HCSO yesterday for HS11359(b) possession of marijuana for sale, HS11360(a) possession of marijuana to sell or transport and PC182(A)(1)  criminal conspiracy which us felony. He was released on OR. 

Feb 24, 2021

Traffic cones overnight herald KFC for lunch tomorrow

 


KFC in Eureka was slated to open sometime between the end of February and early March.

A reader whose previous tips have always been accurate was given information from someone who is an employee at the local KFC. 

Caltrans District 1 new traffic light is good news for pedestrians and nearby businesses


Caltrans District 1 new traffic light at 4th and L is good news for pedestrians and nearby businesses.

For those who walk or tourists from Carter House who prefer to walk a couple of blocks to restaurants, barbers and other businesses on 5th street, this is safe and convenient. 

"This is an easy case to deny mental health diversion"


Ruling regarding Richard French's mental health diversion was continued until this morning. 

Kevin Carns released from custody

 


Kevin Carns was released from custody yesterday. On December 3, Carns was sentenced for assault with intent to commit rape. The victim was his wife's best friend.

Feb 23, 2021

City of Arcata residents have two options from green waste drop-off


Eligible City of Arcata residents may resume green waste drop-off at the Wes Green Company, located at 6360 West End Road, effective immediately. 

DHHS Director Connie Beck will testify at senate hearing on homelessness crisis during the pandemic

Five Senate committees are coming together tomorrow (Wednesday) for a critical hearing on the homelessness crisis during the pandemic. Senator McGuire will be leading the discussion.

Guidelines for indoor worship include PCR test for performers

A 33rd Humboldt County resident has died with COVID-19, and 12 new cases of the virus were reported today. The total number of county residents who have tested positive now stands at 3,136.

Newsom's EDD debacle continues to worsen


Third doctor maybe appointed to evaluate murder suspect Daniella Moore

 


Setting of preliminary hearing scheduled for murder suspect Daniella Moore this morning. She has a probation violation case trailing the 2019 homicide case. 

Not even 10 a.m. and EPD is busy as usual while Target lets maskless bums scream at shoppers

Three EPD police cars in the parking lot near the gas station on 4th and V. A woman standing near a nice car, another person inside. Traffic stop, probation check, just another typical day for EPD.

Meanwhile at the entrance of Target one man maskless and smoking a joint is yelling and harassing shoppers. Two other men dressed in black, high on whatever, not wearing masks are ranting outside the doors of the store. One throws his dirty belongings into a shopping cart. Target greeters let him walk around screaming and whipe he is at the cash register, he pulls his dirty t-shirt over his face. They provide masks, why not give him one. Gas stations do a better job of enforcing people wearing some kind of facial covering.

HCSO releases more details about Jessie Hawk's arrest

 

(Hawk)

Yesterday, I did a post on Jessie Kate Hawk's arrest. Today, HCSO issued a press release with more details.

Feb 22, 2021

HCSO and EPD are investigating possible explosive device at local attorney Eddie Schrock's office





"I met with Mauricio Johnson in Utah.  Based upon the limited information that is available to me at this time I can say many of the statements being made about my client; his family; and his relationship to the Moon family are inaccurate."

 

(Sullivan-photo copyrighted as all material on this blog)

The family of 18-year-old murder suspect Mauricio Eduardo Johnson has retained Ms. Andrea Sullivan.

Since this post was published, I have added the complaint. As of 1 p.m., no arraignment date has been scheduled in Humboldt.

Request for dismissal of Squires case and small claims judgement appeal scheduled today


(photo from 2017)

In 2017, Ron Kuhnel and some neighbors sued Floyd and Betty Squires. I did two posts but did not follow any of the court cases against Squires in the last few years. 

Zoom issues delay testimony of first expert witness in Fiore evidentiary hearing

 



 (2012 booking photo)

An evidentiary hearing on Brian Fiore's  writ of habeas corpus was scheduled today. Before it started, Judge Christopher Wilson told Fiore his attorney Russ Clanton wanted to talk to him.

Mike Lindell and My Pillow sued for defamation and profiting from lies about the 2020 election

 


Dominion has sued Mike Lindell and My Pillow for 1.3. billion alleging defamation and profiting from lies about the 2020 election. The 115 page complaint asks for compensatory and punitive damages and attorney fees and costs.

Jessie Hawk arrested, again on a Ramey warrant on drug charges

(previous booking photo)


Feb 21, 2021

"That means a recreational cannabis grower is going to get a vaccination before my 72-year-old husband, my friends fighting cancer, or a person suffering from severe autoimmune disorders." 


In the last few days, regional and national articles have been written about medical cannabis industry workers  able to get the COVID-19 vaccine in California before teachers, school bus drivers and grocery store workers.

Humboldt resident Allison Jackson told me, "Did you know that in this county recreational cannabis workers take precedence as food and agriculture workers to leapfrog over 70-year-olds and cancer patients to get the COVID-19 vaccination first? That means a recreational cannabis grower is going to get a vaccination before my 72-year-old husband, my friends fighting cancer, or a person suffering from severe autoimmune disorders.  You simply can't make this stuff up and the board needs to call someone onto the carpet about this. If Dr. Hoffman  thinks it's a good idea how dare he?"

1.7 million signatures and Newsom criticized for "behested payents"


The Recall Gavin 2020 campaign has collected more than 1.72 million signatures and will continue collecting signatures until March 17 the deadline to qualify for the ballot.

In a Facebook post, Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Neill criticized Newsom for "behested payments." 

Feb 20, 2021

Will Rory Kalin get fair coverage and a trial in Humboldt County?

 


The Rory Kalin lawsuits are not just about an incident. They are about truth. In any court case, the facts and all the truth do not come out.

In court, there are rules, there is evidence. Justice depends on rulings a Judge makes. Justice being blind is nice ideal; it is not reality. The Kalin lawsuits are in the initial phase. His attorney, Mr. Jonathan Hornberger spoke about personal history and made claims about alleged collusion.

That personal history is relevant. Especially in this lawsuit because it involves a Judge, two public defenders and all their connections in a small, rural County where silencing the truth is just business as usual.

This lawsuit is more than a local Judge hanging out with local Public Defenders. It is what affects people's lives and justice in Humboldt on a regular basis. In court when you listen to this case, in media when you read about this case, regular readers know where to go for the inside scoop and relevant information about Humboldt; especially the courts.

It involves taking a closer look at the first lawsuit by Kalin and "defendant Elvine-Kreis."

Kent Sawatzky has threatened litigation because he cannot see every Board member during meetings

 


Pissed that he cannot rant in person and take up every bit of the three minutes he is allowed for public comment, Humboldt resident loony toon Kent Sawatzky has sent a cease and desist letter to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.

Feb 19, 2021

COVID restrictions continue to delay jury trials

 


Convicted felon Robert Cullen had his jury trial scheduled for February 22. That date was vacated today and dates were reset.

"I am inclined to deny it on all grounds"

Demurrers in one lawsuits filed by former Deputy Public Defender Rory Kalin and case management in another lawsuit were scheduled this afternoon.

Mendocino County Judge Ann Moorman has been assigned to both cases. She heard arguments and made some rulings today.

David Anderson pleads to 4 felonies and potential 5 year prison term

 


Twice, previously, I was the first to report on a potential plea for convicted human trafficker David Anderson. Today, the case finally resolved.

Once again, they forgot to turn on livestream and they don't care

 


Status of motion for new trial and setting of sentencing for convicted molestor Mark Dare was scheduled on February 19.

What happened? Who knows? They forgot to turn on the livestream. There were members of the public and people who testified in the case who were interested in the outcome and asked me how and if they could watch livestream.

Feb 18, 2021

Maybe Jonathan Palmer can hire Andrew Stunich as his lawyer?

 


I have been busy this week, as you can tell from my court coverage or would have posted information on this arrest earlier, including the fact that Jonathan Palmer isn't just some guy. He should have known better. Palmer owns North Coast Legal Support LLC. 

Initial witness statements in 5th and S collision were inaccurate



After interviewing additional witnesses and obtaining surveillance video from nearby businesses, the Eureka Police Department is issuing an investigative update to the vehicle versus pedestrian collision that occurred on February 16, 2021 at 5th and S Streets. 

Markis Shirley adds $750,000 to bail, picks up another case and screws up resolution for his co-defendants


Besides holding up a package disposition for his two co-defendants and a continuance to their preliminary hearing, frequently arrested and convicted felon Markis Shirley got arraigned on a new case and added $750,000 to his bail amount.