Dec 18, 2024

Twitter aka X is having a meltdown because Newsom declared state of emergency in response to bird flu while ignoring relevant information

 



Read more at :

https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/12/18/governor-newsom-takes-proactive-action-to-strengthen-robust-state-response-to-bird-flu/

CBS and other informational tweets are lost among Twitter meltdown from people who do not live in California.

"Following an investigation by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and rapid disease detection by California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System (CAHFS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in three (3) new poultry flocks, one backyard flock in Kern County, one commercial flock in Stanislaus County, and one commercial flock in Tulare County. Movement restrictions have been placed in the following nine (9) California counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Marin, Merced, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare."

Cause of Circle Drive fire still under investigation; estimated loss $60,000

(Photo: Humboldt Bay Fire)

(Humboldt Bay Fire)

At approximately 9:08 am on Tuesday December 17th  Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) was dispatched to a reported structure fire on the 1800 block of Circle Dr. 

Special Master Dustin Owens to copy cell phone extraction data and provide to defense in suspended attorney Victor Campos' case

 


Suspended attorney Victor Campos and co-defendant Kyle Cross have Readiness Conference scheduled for 1/8/25 and jury trial on 1/21/25. There is already a motion to continue filed for 1/8/25.

There was a hearing scheduled on 12/17 only in Campos' case on evidence review by local attorney Mr. Dustin Owens who is the Special Master in Campos' case. 

One Fortuna bad boy gets 15 years, the other 9 years and 8 months but they won't be serving that time in custody

Finally on 12/16/24, Miguel Moreno and Ruben Ramirez were sentenced. Now this is the press release the DA should have issued instead of the one on Jesus Loza Zamacona. This case is more relevant to local readers.  So why wasn't there a press release? Both got probation. Moreno got sentencedto more time than Ramirez but both had execution of sentence suspended and were placed on probation by Retired Judge Christopher Wilson.

The link below was the lastpost I did before this one. It has links to all my coverage this case. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/11/acting-out-like-bad-boys-in-custody-is.html?m=1

Timothy Micheal Johnson arrested by CHP for attempted murder and resisting arrest

60 year old Timothy Micheal Johnson was arrested yesterday evening by CHP for PC664/187(a) attempted murder and  PC 148(a) resisting arrest. He was booked on a no bail hold status.

I have reached out to Humboldt CHP PIO Paul Craft for more information and to ask whether a press release will be issued. He is looking into my inquiry and I will update the post.


Ten film and television projects to generate $509 million revenue for California and create 3,583 cast and crew jobs

California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office just issued a release that “Imperfect Women,” “Bad Monkey” and eight other film and television projects  have been awarded $108.6 million in tax credits to film in California. Together, these productions are expected to generate $509 million in qualified California expenditures, support local businesses and create 3,583 cast and crew jobs.

Dec 17, 2024

Federal goverment to pay at $116 million, the largest settlement in federal prison history, to sexual abuse survivors of the former women's prison in Dublin, California

 



The settlement got national coverage.

DA's press release on convicted felon does not include his lengthy criminal record and all his cases



I have been covering  Jesus Loza Zamacona for months. Mr. David Nims was his attorney before Ms. Rebecca Linkous. CR2300870, CR2302914, CR2302663, CR2203217 and CR2301760 are all his open cases. Ms. Linkous had filed a Romero motion which was originally scheduled for yesterday. The sentencing and ruling motion was continued by Judge Lawrwnce Killoran to 12/17. The Romero motion was granted. In 2302914, Loza Zamacona was ordered to stay away from Jane Doe.

I covered the verdict live on November 15 in the lead case for which he was sentenced today. Attorneys were working on a global resolution of his other 4 cases. Five open cases and he was  sentenced to 6 years in prison. After you add up custody credits, how much time will he actually serve? 

$563, 250 in penalties after Cal/OSHA cites Harbor Animal Services Center in San Pedro for overcrowding, employee injuries and other violations

(Image: Google)

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has issued $563,250 in penalties to Harbor Animal Services Center, based in San Pedro, California, for failing to evaluate and correct overcrowding at their animal shelter, which resulted in animal attacks and bites on employees. An employee was mauled on May 31, 2024, due to the employer’s willful violations of safety regulations.

EPD searching Tacoma at Harris and N last night, accident or probation search?

 

(Photo: Jesse Smith)

(Photo: Jesse Smith)

Jesse Smith sent me a message yesterday at 11:21 p.m. with photos. "N & Harris. I'm not sure what happened. Someone said it was an accident. No ambulance, just the two EPD cars. It almost looked like they were searching it too, the Tacoma. "

I have contacted EPD PIO Laura Montagna for more information. "It was a traffic collision,  the driver swerved to miss hitting a racoon that ran in front of him. He was not injured and not under the influence. He hit a vehicle."

Dec 16, 2024

Ruling next month whether hate crime suspect Daniel Epperson will be granted mental health diversion

 






Lee and Joshua Ulansey are the alleged victims in hate crime suspect Daniel Epperson's 2024 criminal case. In my regular coverage since I first reported and broke the story about Epperson's arrest, I also posted exclusive information which was the graphic, anti semitic texts Epperson sent the Ulanseys. 

On 12/13/25, the People and defense submitted on the petition on mental health diversion. Judge Lawrence Killoran took the matter under submission. Ruling is scheduled for 1/15/25. Eppetson has a 2023 VOP case which is trailing.

Public Defender appears at Christopher Kinnamon's hearing; Judge Kaleb Cockrum denies supervised release

 


The only reason I covered Christopher Kinnamon was because I was in the courtroom twice when his case was called. I covered his December 4, 2024 arrest because he had just been given a plea deal and sentenced on 8/16/24. Gregory Kreis was Kreis' attorney and Retired Judge Ksenia Tsenin was the judge who took the plea and sentenced him in August 2024.

On December 13, I was curious whether he faced any consequences. Gregory Kreis is not listed as his attorney in the 12/10/24 minutes when OR bail and confirmation of counsel was scheduled. The Public Defender's office is listed as representing Kinnamon in the 12/10 court minutes. Judge Kaleb Cockrum denied supervised release.

Patrik Griego takes over case filed against Royal Inn by maintenance worker, lawsuit settles in less than a month

 



On, 12/10/24 there was a settlement conference scheduled in Noah Sidoff vs SNPM Hotels LLC (Royal Inn). I checked e court a few times last week and no court minutes for 12/10/24 were available. With the latest development in the case, I don't have time to keep checking when and if court minutes may or may not be added.

All that kept happening in this case for a while was trial dates being scheduled then vacated. That happened again with the dates scheduled in April 2025.

Mr. Patrik Griego substituted in as attorney on 11/19/24. I have added a 12/11 minute order that the case settled. There is a dismissal hearing scheduled for 2/7/25.

Sidoff has had a few attorneys before Mr. Griego including Michael Acosta In another case I covered which involved the Townhouse Motel, once again Acosta was the former attorney. When Mr. David Nims, who used to work at Mr. Griego's law firm and is currently a Deputy Conflict Counsel, took over the case; it resolved.

A little Calvin and Hobbes humor for every defense attorney trying to resolve the case or help their client get treatment

 

(Image: Calvin and Hobbes comic strip)


Every defense lawyer in Humboldt going through this with repeat, criminal offenders before a plea or those defendants they are trying to help get treatment instead of jail or prison time. The same fools who then waste more time requesting Marsden hearings.

Search the posts on convicted felon Devon Demontigny, repeat offender Tavin Evans who has 43 cases in the local court system, Todd Craven and Richard Deans as only 4 examples from the 10 years I have covered Humboldt Superior Court. 

Dec 15, 2024

Andrea Cannizzaro suing Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension for being "attacked and violently assaulted" at YMCA Camp Ravencliff

 

(Facebook)

On 12/9/24, a case management conference was scheduled in a lawsuit filed by Andrea Cannizzaro against the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension. That hearing was continued by Judge Timothy Canning to 4/11/25.

The complaint alleges that on 6/16/2022 at the YMCA Camp Ravencliff in Redway, Cannizaro was "attacked and violently assaulted". Cannizaro was working as a camp counselor, a male counselor Doe 1 asked one of his campets Doe 2 "to sneak into Andrea's cabin" and hit her as hard as he could while Cannizaro was sleeping. She suffered a concussion "includibg traumatic brain injury."

Lawsuit filed against UPS Center in Eureka; allegations are from 2023 and involve sports cards

Got a very respectful email late evening on December 10. I am not including the part with the telephone number provided in the email for verification. Especially, since it is not the same number that is on the court paperwork.

Fortuna's band, The Critics to record a 4 song demo to submit to music producers; they won two awards for Heart of Gold video

 

(Photo: Courtesy The Critics)

The last post I did on The Critics, a local band from Fortuna, was in May about the premiere of their latest music video. I have been reporting on the band since 2022.

Recently, I heard some news about their plans and reached out to The Critics Band Manager, Regina Fuller. 

"Newsworthy" have you contacted lawyer? That would be my first question to you







Dec 14, 2024

Good Samaritans Barrett Thomas and off duty volunteer firefighter Abram Hill's actions save 4 year old and others in Rattlesnake Creek crash

 


On December 13, 2024, at 4:37 pm, Humboldt Communications Center (CHP Dispatch) received 9-1-1 calls for a multi-vehicle crash, where both vehicles were upside down in Rattlesnake Creek. 

Dec 13, 2024

It is hardly a scoop when it is on the agenda


Support all our local, small businesses but especially those brave enough to support my independent reporting which so many of you tell me you appreciate. It is a choice to do this blog and January 2025 will  be the 11th year. There are many ways to help people, use the same skills and options that are financially better for me as well as healthier for me. 



It is a choice to do this blog full time and in Humboldt. Appreciation does not pay bills. Other local media have resources and funders who don't want independent reporting. The other media constantly ask you for money. How much original content are they putting out daily? CALMatters columns, jail log, you can access directly. In 10 years, I have done a few reminders on rare occasions giving many options to support this blog. Over those 10 years, I know who has been consistently there for me. And, I will be there for them. 

Remember the businesses you go to and ask for donations. Remember who was there for you when you needed help. Winter in Humboldt can be tough for businesses. Every little bit of support matters.  If you want a business, a service, news and information, then support what and who you say you value.

PG&E Meteorologist Evan Duffey, “Strong winds will arrive in the northern part of PG&E’s service area Friday with the central and southern regions seeing adverse weather follow on Friday night and Saturday."

PG&E has positioned crews and resources across its service area to support the safe and swift response repair to damage and restore power outages that may result from the forecasted heavy rain and strong winds that will impact much of Northern California beginning today and through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued advisories, watches, and warnings throughout portions of the territory; these can be viewed on the PG&E Weather Map.

Will Logan Brewer-Hearst be granted supervised release today?

 


On 12/12, preliminary hearing was scheduled in Logan-Brewer Hearst's 2024 criminal case. On 12/9, Ms. Andrea Sullivan had filed a substitution of attorney in this case.

Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm appeared on the case for the People. Ms. Sullivan's request for supervised release referral granted and the preliminary hearing was continued to 1/23/25, the same day as his traffic case.

There was an OR bail today in the 2024 criminal case. Judge Kaleb Cockrum denied supervised release. Bail in the 2024 case is $145,000.

With the outcome of today's hearing, the hearing on custody status in Brewer-Hearst's juvenile case on 12/17 is moot. In the juvenile case, he is not allowed to post bail. Ms. Jennifer Dixon represents Brewer-Hearst in the juvenile case. The traffic case still shows a pay or appear date for 12/23/24.

Senator Mike McGuire 9th annual Food Drive raises $56,000 and 45,019 pounds of food for Food for People

 

(Photo of Food for People's Carly Robbins and Senator Mike McGuire from his Facebook page)

Senate Leader Mike McGuire’s 9th annual Humboldt Holiday Food Drive yet again smashed all records yesterday, bringing in a whopping 45,019 pounds of food and just over $56,000 to support the life-changing work of Food for People, Humboldt County’s food bank.

If this case goes to trial, the more interesting information will be about Michael Cady's codefendants, Christopher Overholt and Jackson Parrott

 

(Cady)

HCSO issued an update today to a November 13 press release asking for the public's help in locating suspect Michael Cady. 

I received an email about the second suspect Christopher Overholt on 11/29/24 that I did follow up on but chose not to publish at that time because claims and information could not be substantiated, including claims about an unnamed DA Investigator and U.S. Marshall. I may in the future if it is relevant.

I have been covering convicted felon Jackson Parrott cases. Readiness Conference isscheduled on 12/20/24 in CR2403119C; jury trial on 1/6/25. Parrott's attorney is Ms. Andrea Sulivan.

Today is Judge Hinrich's last day at Humboldt Superior Court; official retirement date is in January 2025

 


I have written a few times and months ago that Humboldt Superior Court Judge Joyce Hinrichs would be retiring at the end of the year. 

Judge Hinrichs was elected in November 2008 and was sworn in on January 2, 2009. The position Judge Hinrichs filled was after Judge J. Michael Brown retired.

Today is Judge Hinrich's last day at Humboldt Superior Court. Her official retirement date is 1/9/25. In an email to judges and court staff, Judge Hinrichs told staff that she will most likely be back as a Visiting Judge.

At the court staff holiday luncheon today, I wad told Judge Hinrichs got a standing ovation.

I had mentioned previously that Judge Hinrichs told people in the legal community that in exchange for retiring and early, she wanted a say in who would get her seat on the bench. Commissioner Sarah Kaber and Ms. Jennifer Dixon were names mentioned to me months ago.

Dec 12, 2024

After 18 years, Brian Gerving leaves the City of Eureka for PG & E; Eureka has a new director and the first woman to lead Public Works

 

(Linkedin)

This post was originally going to be just about the combined years of experience and knowledge Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery, City of Eureka Assistant Manager and Clerk Pam Powell and Brian Gerving who is now the former City of Eureka Public Works Director offer Eureka residents. Brian is now the Regional Senior Manager for PG &E's Humboldt Division. 

Two extensions to allow St. Joe's to respond to complaint filed by State of California

In my October post on the lawsuit filed by State of California vs St. Joseph Health Northern California, LLC, I reported that a stipulation and and order was signed by Judge Timothy Canning stating that the hearing on the motion for preliminary injunction and all briefing deadlines will be taken off calendar.

Since that post, the State of California filed two more documents on 11/27/24 and 12/4/24. Both are stipulations to continue the date to allow St. Joseph's to respond to the complaint filed by the State of California. The second extension and deadline was December 9, 2024. If St. Joseph's did file a response, it has not been entered into e court as of 10 a.m. this morning.

Gregory Kreis did not get the prior restraint he was seeking in his small claims case against me and my blog

Gregory Kreis filed a small claims lawsuit against me earlier this year. That hearing took place on 11/8/24. Retired Judge Ksenia Tsenin was assigned to the case. According to Humboldt Superior administration, this was an assignment from the Judicial Council. The entire Humboldt bench does not and cannot hear any case involving Kreis for obvious reasons and a Visiting Judge has to be assigned to every case involving him including cases he is appointed or retained as a lawyer. This costs extra.

Since I am also one of the parties, that is an additional reason for the Humboldt bench to recuse themselves and even without the CA Judicial Council, our current bench members are ethical and would recuse themselves. Which is unfortunate because we have good, fair judges on the current bench. 

Dec 11, 2024

First, Jason Belt's request to terminate restraining order denied in one case, now he loses his lawyer in another lawsuit

 


For those of you still interested in the one open lawsuit Jason Belt is involved in here is an update. On 12/6/24 in CV2300545 Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance Company vs Jason Belt & Cory Burrill, the Readiness Conference scheduled on that day as well as the Court trial for 12/9/24 was continued by the Court. Belt's attorney withdrew as counsel. He has yet to reyain a lawyer. Court trial was rescheduled for 7/14/25. In his other case, CV2300846, Darwin Mazur has a restraining order granted against Belt. I already reported that in that case, Belt's request to terminate the restraining order was denied.

Twice, Patrik Griego has lost against the County in lawsuit filed by former court reporter

 




I have not seen Patrik Griego for weeks. Usually I see him around the Courthouse, outside his law firm on 5th street and occasionally in court.

Mr. Griego is representing former Humboldt Superior Court reporter Kay Gibbs in a lawsuit against the County. Mr. Griego was a no show at one court hearing recently. Del Norte Superior Judge Darren McElfresh already ruled in favor of the County and his recent tentative ruling issued on December 5 on the County's demurrer to Gibbs' second amended complaint, once again favors the County. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore's Mr. Michael Youril is representing the County of Humboldt.

I like Kay but Mr. Griego has failed to deliver for her repeatedly. Civil lawyers who read this blog will definitively give me feedback. The County rarely wins lawsuits; they settle most of the time. Reading Judge McElfresh's rulings on this case, did Mr. Griego just give Kay false hope?

Aaron Hooven has been arrested multiple times in 2024, is a repeat offender, how many pleas does he get before it is time to put him in prison so the public is safe for a few years?

(June 2024 booking photo)



Aaron Chris Hooven was arrested by HCSO yesterday for PC 273.6 (a) violation of a court order and PC 1203.2(a) probation violation. The jail log says these are new charges. Based on how defendants are treated in Humboldt for violating court orders repeatedly, Hooven will face no consequences.

In a 2024 court case for PC 273.6 (a), the criminal protective order was modified on 9/12/24. Hooven was out of custody on supervised release.

I have covered Hooven before since 2018. Look at the number of previous posts. I will keep an eye on his 2024 cases to see what happens but do not expect hearing by hearing coverage or updates on every single case. There are too many repeat offenders and the number of new arrests keeps increasing.

Advertisers, donors and subscribers can contact me on any case for customized one on one updates, summary or responses including Hooven. Those are the perks of supporting independent, original reporting and valuing hard work.

Unlike mainstream California media, even if I had not done this post, my readers could research or google this information and do a better job of informing the public about the lawsuit filed by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Maryanne Gilliard

 



Unlike mainstream Californiamedia, even if I had not done this post, my readers could research or google this information and do a better job of informing the public about the lawsuit filed by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Maryanne Gilliard. 

I don't expect much from CALMatters or the other publications such as the Orange County Register or U.S. News World and Report but the Daily Journal that is supposed to be this big to do in the legal community could do better than sloppy, lazy so called "reporting."