Nov 30, 2023

Frequently arrested Jason Balke who I covered since 2014, arrested again today

 


Frequently arrested Jason Balke was arrested again today by HCSO deputies. I have covered him since 2014.

Matthew Williams, a suspect well known to LE was involved in OIS shooting near Ingomar Club and library

 


(Matthew Williams )

The suspect in the OIS shooting  that had a loaded firearm in the incident this Sunday near the Ingomar Club and the Humboldt library is well known to law enforcement. His name is Matthew Williams. I won't link the previous 2021 post about the suspect but the least EPD could do is release is where they are in their investigation. I assume 5 days later, all eye witnesses to the incident have been interviewed. EPD issued a press release on on 12/1 and confirmed the suspect is Matthew Williams.  

With 8 days left, Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson is the only BOS incumbent running unopposed

 


I just did my regular election update on Nov 27. Checked in with the Humboldt elections office today about new candidates.

With 8 days left for the nomination period and declaration of candidacy, Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson is running unopposed, Yurok Tribe Vice Chairman Frankie Myers is the latest to announce his candidacy for Assemblymember District 2. Jolian Kanges, one of the two challengers running against U.S. Representative Jared Huffman submitted the last of his signatures.

With the District 2 Assemblymember seat, there seems to be an announcement every few days.

Still no resolution but defense puts offer on record in Northern California Pet Supply and Grooming co-owner Jennifer Wrask's case

 



Ray Madrone held to answer for assault, cocaine preliminary hearing continued by DA due to witness unavailability

 

(Madrone)


 (MartinezGutierrez)

In September, EPD arrested 22 year old Ray Madrone on a Ramey warrant. His co-defendant, Carlos Ariel MartinezGutierrez was also arrested on 9/27.

Sean Allman no show in court, three year restraining order requested by salon employee granted

On 11/17, Allman was a no show in civil restraining order case filed against him by salon employees. Commisioner Fran Greenleaf granted Mariah Leann Garlinghouse request and the TRO is now a permanent one for 3 years.

Fortuna neigbor restraining order against Deputy DA also denied

 


I previously reported  that Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers request for a restraining order against her neighbors  Jason Paines and Deven Thompson was denied by Judge Timothy Canning. 

Thompson filed a request against Myers, her boyfriend Alexander Santiago and Myers' parents. In my last post, I told Deven it was a big mistake to ignore Judge Kelly Neel's advice. The headline of my last post proved correct. On 11/1 Deven's request for restraining order was also denied by Judge Timothy Canning . On 11/21/13 judgement of dismissal entered.

Nov 29, 2023

Regardless of my differences with Sheriff Honsal, I did not do the Matilton story

 

I also received an email from Quentin Matilton is the brother of Eric Matilton. I don't know if someone leaked it to LOCO first so they could run with a "news story"  or the Matiltons are still sending it to other media. I responded once, did not get what I asked for, responded again and doubt I will get any documentation or what I asked for. I specifically asked for emails and communications and evidence of what they claimed.

Regardless of my differences with Sheriff William Honsal, which was not always the case, I sent him an email.  Others are free to chose what they publish, I need some evidence of the claims made by the Matiltons and alleged refusals by Sheriff Honsal which were not provided. Would LOCO have done this for anyone or do they pick and chose what tribal members and community members they listen to? That is a rhetorical question.

"Today, as I passed by the Auditor Controller's office, the door is covered and taped up with a big asbestos sign"

 

"You don't know what you are doing. You have messed up" defendant tells former attorney

 

(Brinson)

This morning while waiting Courtroom 2 to open, I heard a man tell Mr. Tim Gray, " You don't know what you are doing. You have messed up." I later saw Edward Brinson talking with his new court appointed attorney, Ms. Andrea Sullivan. 

Jail staff on mandatory overtime, 5 correctional officers gone to EPD

 


Jail staff on mandatory overtime, 5 correctional officers gone to EPD. County and courts have been short staffed for years. 

City of Eureka files a demurrer, notices two settlement conferences in 5 lawsuits filed by CBE or EHA

 


The latest update in the lawsuits filed against City of Eureka by  Eureka Housing For All and Citizens for a Better Eureka are listed case by case in this post. 

Eureka Housing For All claimed City of Eureka was given "incorrect guidance" by the City Attorney. I reported on that, asked for comment. City of Eureka didn't even bother sending me the demurrer where the City claim's EHA petitioner's demand is "built on a convoluted interpretation of the law" and must be dismissed with prejudice.

Defense 995 granted, no LWOP or death penalty for murder suspect Jasen Coley

 


Defense 995 motion granted. Murder suspect Jasen Coley no longer faces the possibility of life without parole or the death penalty, if convicted.

Defense is prepared to waive jury for the insanity phase of the jury trial. Defense would like intervention before jury trial. 

Nov 28, 2023

Manzanilla Kitchen food truck in Myrtletown two days this week

 



Since the LOCO Fish Company truck disappeared from the parking lot where John's cigars and other business are located, a few other food trucks are testing this spot. The Manzanilla Kitchen food truck is here today and they are coming back on Thursday. They will be at this spot more often next week. 

One fatality, others injured north of Lostman Creek

 



On November 27, 2023, at approximately 0825 hours, CHP Humboldt Communications Center received a report of a head on vehicle crash on US 101, north of Lostman Creek, between a semi truck/trailer and a passenger vehicle.

HCSO unable to locate armed subject at Mckinleyville High

 

HCSO posted this on Facebook and Twitter half an hour ago. According to posts on social media and on the HCSO Facebook page, families and staff were notified and the high school was on lockdown was lifted after an hour. HCSO Lt. Josh McCall's issued a press release later with more details which include that while campuses were being cleared, law enforcement received additional information that the armed male had not entered the high school as initially reported. 

11/29: Once again, families of students at Mckinleyville High and other schools got got a text and notification that there was an armed suspect on campus.  Schools were briefly placed on lockdown. Law enforcement responded, repeat of yesterday. Lockdown lifted. HCSO press release added to the post.

Felony warrant suspect arrested for possession of meth, firearm and probation violation

On 11/27/2023, at about 8:00 am, Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 2300 block of First Street in McKinleyville for the report of wanted person seen in the area.

Nov 27, 2023

Fortuna attorney arrested for allegedly attacking hubby with knife, bow and arrow and disconnecting a phone line


Fortuna attorney Callie Rose Buck was arrested by HCSO on November 25 for PC 591 maliciously disconnecting a telephone, cable, or electrical line, PC 417(a)(1) brandishing a deadly weapon in a fight and  PC243 (e) (1) domestic battery. She posted bond.

According to a tip, the weapons allegedly brandished were a knife, bow and arrow and the alleged victim is her husband/partner.

Shanty's Stacie Nunes arrested for DUI and no proof of insurance

 


Stacie Nunes arrested 11/19 for VC 23152 (a) DUI, VC23152 (b) DUI with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher and VC 16028 (a) no proof of insurance. EPD has the location of Nunes arrest as the 1100 block of California.

Nunes is listed as one the Shanty bar managers in a google search. Correct spelling of Shanty's owner's first name is Lynn. I contacted the City of Eureka Finance Department. Stacie Nunes is not listed as owner or co-owner of The Shanty. Lynn Sandstrom is listed as the owner of The Shanty. So either the tipster is incorrect or The Shanty needs to update their information with the City of Eureka.

This tip was emailed to me this morning, a few minutes ago. "On 11/19, Stacie Nunes - longtime bar manager and somewhat recent co-owner of the Shanty - was arrested. She's even more well-connected than either Mark or Talvi - and her fellow Shanty co-owner Lynne Sandstrom is even more connected."

Whistleblower, if you read my blog regularly you wouldnt ask the question and no one can bully me into not reporting valid news

 

"As a judge, I will strive for thoughtful justice in the community I call home."

 


"As a judge, I will strive for thoughtful justice in the community I call home."

I have covered Ms. Van Dyke when she was Humboldt Deputy Conflict Counsel. I also provided imformation in March 5, 2024 election posts when I reported her as a candidate for Humboldt judge.

This is her website

https://www.april4judge.com/

Nov 26, 2023

Suspect in OIS shooting had loaded firearm, there is body cam footage

 

(Photo: John Chiv)

EPD released more details about this morning's OIS shooting.

EPD and Humboldt Fire near Humboldt library to shots fired call

 

(Photo: John Chiv)

(Photo: John Chiv)

Eureka Police Department and Humboldt Bay Fire are near the Humboldt Library. A few readers have contacted me for more details. This is an active scene and I will let EPD do their job first and update more later as official information is released.

It was law enforcement responding to a shots fired call. As for other details including initial accounts of potential suspects or any associatedvehicle, I am going to wait because the investigation is ongoing.

This is an officer involved shooting and crime scene area is closed to the public for the remainder of the day.

11 a.m: A HCSO vehicle with HCSO Deputy Frankie Rojas is at the library. Crime scene tape around the library. Public should stay away from the secured area.

11:14a.m : EPD Assistant Chief Brian Stephens told me, "No information will be released at the scene. All releases at this time will be through social media. Thanks for your understanding."

Nov 25, 2023

EPD arrests two people for grand theft

(Severns)

The arrests were at two different times by two different officers. EPD Crime Analyst Katie Hill confirmed the two arrests are not connected to the same incident/complaint.

Edmund Eugene Severns is a name you may recognize if you check the Humboldt booking log. Severns was arrested yesterday by Eureka Police Department for PC 487 (a) grand theft.

(Murry)

Dalia Denise Murry was arrested on a warrant for  PC 487(a) grand theft today. This was a felony charge and she was released on O.R. 

Janell January booked and released on money laundering and welfare fraud charges


Janell Joyce January was booked into the Humboldt County jail yesterday on an arrest warrant for PC 186.10(a) money laundering and WI 10980(c)(2) welfare fraud. January was released; the jail log lists case closed as a reason. January was ordered released by the court.

Nov 24, 2023

AT & T outage disrupting HCSO and other emergency phone lines


I put in the courthouse address and a couple of addresses in Eureka and the same message displays on AT & T site.

AT & T site confirms outage. HCSO just issued a press release. The same information is on HCSO Facebook and Twitter account. EPD Dispatch Center also provided a cell phone number to call and number to text. Our local agencies got this out quickly. Our dispatchers are the best every day.

At 4:34 p.m. EPD updated service had been restoref. At 5:46 HCSO issued an update that service had been restored.

Nov 22, 2023

Floyd's by the Sea promoting select menus while waiting for their food trailer


(Taco burger and fried avocado wedges)


The owner of Floyd's by the Sea food truck is going door to door to area hotels and local businesses promoting their Door Dash delivery and menu with select items.

At one place, had they been open today, the door to door marketing would have resulted in instant orders.

https://www.floydsbts.com/

Former court bailiff arrested for DUI resolves case for reckless driving, with BAC charge dismissed and one year probation

 


Former court bailiff Jared Collings was arrested by CHP in July. He resolved his DUI case on 11/17 by pleading pleaded guilty to lesser charge of  VC23103 reckless driving, The blood alcohol count was dismissed by the People.

Collings was sentenced by Judge Lawrence Killoran to 1 year probation and 4 days in jail but with custody credit will not serve any additional time in jail.

Nov 21, 2023

HCSO releases details on attempted murder suspect I posted about this weekend

 




Another ex boyfriend arrested for allegedly pouring accelerant and attempting to ignite the substance before fleeing.

Eureka Housing For All sponsors sent a letter saying the Eureka City Attorney gave "incorrect guidance" to.the Council about the March ballot

A letter sent today to the Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel and City Council from the sponsors of the Housing for All and Downtown Vitality Initiative requesting the initiative be put on the March 5, 2024 ballot. 

The letter claims the Eureka City Attorney provided "inaccurate guidance" to the Eureka City Council when asked if the measure could be put on the March ballot and recently issued a correction.

Former Subway and Harbour Coffee location on Myrtle being renovated by new owners

 

(temporary logo, I will update with a new sign)

I had reported in September and October that Harbour Coffee was closing and new owners were taking over. This is the old Subway location on 1651 Myrtle. The new owners are renovating  Aroma's Coffee and as I reported previously, they are two local women.

I spoke with co-owner Marisol who is from McKinleyville and her business partner is from Hydesville. She has been in Humboldt for 20 years and has extensive experience in coffee and the restaurant business. Right now, the cafe is expected to open in two to three weeks. They will feature locally roasted coffee, chai from local business and the food will include several grab and go items and Mexican items such as tacos, burritos, chilaquiles and tamales. After speaking with Marisol and the vision for the business, I have a better understanding of why the business is starting out with a fresh concept and new staff. I am saving some details I learned today for their opening.

Ms. Johnson, you should ask the casinos, the County and the good ole boys this question

 



I received this email a few minutes ago. It was forwarded to me, Kym Kemp and Hank Sims of Lost Coast Outpost. The original email was sent at 7:25 a.m. to Ryan Burns and other LOCO staffers. Even though media email addresses are on all our sites, Ms. Johnson's email is not and I am printing the text of her email.

Ms. Johnson, you should ask the casinos, the County and the good ole boys who fund LOCO, KINS, North Coast Journal, Times Standard this question next time they want your money, your business or your vote. These sources exist and ignore the people because they can. 

Nov 20, 2023

PG&E awards grants to two Humboldt County organizations and one grant to Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California in Lake County

PG&E recently awarded major grants to three North Coast organizations – two in Humboldt County and one in Lake County.

Collision near Laytonville results in car engulfed in flames and fatality

 

On November 18, 2023, at approximately 0115 hours, a 2020 Cadillac Escalade, was traveling northbound on US-101 north of Steele Lane, in the vicinity of Laytonville, CA.  

Mendocino County Supervisor Ted Williams also filed papers for Assemblymember District 2

 

(Ted Williams)

(Chris Rogers)

In addition to 22 year old Arcata Margarita Fedorova, last week Healdsburg Mayor Ariel Kelley, Mendocino County Supervisor Ted Williams and Santa Rosa Council member Chris Rogers filed paperwork to run for Assemblymember, District 2. Today Rusty Hicks, chair of the California Democratic Party joined the growing list of candidates. 

Statement from Councilmember Chris Roger's campaign is included in the post.

Nov 19, 2023

Defense files 995 motion to dismiss "lying in wait" special circumstance in homicide case

 


Tomorrow morning, there is trial confirmation  scheduled in murder suspect Jasen Coley's case. Jury trial is currently scheduled for 12/11. With Coley's additional NGI plea and doctor evaluations, I doubt the hearing will proceed in December.

Another factor that will impact the trial is that defense has filed a 995 motion on 11/14 and a copy was served that day and provided to the DA's office.

Hearing for the 995 motion is scheduled for 11/29 so Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers has ample time to file a wriiten response before the hearing. In my last post, I wrote about the new charge filed by the DA after the preliminary hearing. That additional special allegation is PC 190.2 (a) murder by "intentionally killing the victim by means of lying in wait". This is a special circumstance murder charge that can result in life in prison or no possibility of parole or the death penalty if Coley is convicted.

Mr. Michael Robinson is asking to strike the special circumstance. I covered the preliminary hearing and that post is very detailed. 

I can see why the DA added that charge after the preliminary hearing; even if a Judge does not grant the 995 motion, can it be proved beyond a reasonable doubt at trial? The doctors haven't even done their evaluations and even if those reports are ready next week, they have to be presented at trial.

If you have information about gunshots this morning near 10th and G, contact APD

On 11/19/2023 at about 0115 hours, Officers with the Arcata Police Department were dispatched to the 1000 block of G Street on the report of numerous gunshots heard in the area.

Nicole Stockhoff arrested for conspiracy, carjacking and robbery




Nicole Jean Stockhoff arrested by HCSO today for PC 182(a)(1) conspiracy, PC 215(a) carjacking and PC 211 robbery.

Ryan Smith booked for attempted murder and criminal threats

 


Ryan Thomas Smith was arrested yesterday on a Ramey warrant by Fortuna Police Department for PC664/187(a) attempted murder and PC 422(a) criminal threats.