Hunt Ranch and public works foreman donate to Bushnell, Kreis gives his campaign $5,325

 

Hunt Ranch and a Public Works foreman are among the large donors to incumbent Second District Michelle Bushnell's campaign. Why is someone from San Anselmo donating $1497.80 to a Humboldt County Supervisor?

Convicted identity theft felons get mandatory supervision

 

Melissa Sherrill and her co-defendant Jermey Harris were sentenced on 1/17/24. Both resolved their cases with pleas on 12/19/2023.

Eureka one of 7 communities recently added to the prohousing designation

Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the cities of Eureka, Healdsburg, Mountain View, Petaluma, San Luis Obispo, Santa Monica, and the County of Tulare, have earned the Prohousing designation by cutting red tape and speeding up housing approvals. Today’s announcement brings the total number of California’s Prohousing communities to 37.   

Is the former EPD officer investigated for failing to investigate sexual abuse of a minor now working for the DA's office?

 

I did this post in December 2023. In that post, I said that one of the EPD officers who was leaving was Tim Marsolan and that he was going over to the DAs office.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/12/epd-hcso-lose-more-experienced-staff-to.html?m=1#more

The January 16, 2024 OIR report presented to the City of Eureka involved several cases including one case about an officer who the OIR report says resigned during the investigation for alleged failure to investigate sexual abuse of a minor. EPD sustained the allegations, according to the OIR report.

Given the cases I cover in court and being the only who regularly reports on arrests and sits through hours of hearings involving defendants accused and convicted of crimes against women and children, I was curious about the identity of this officer. That information is protected but I sent an email to EPD Chief Brian Stephens asking if he confirm or deny whether the officer in Case #23-03 is Marsolan.

If it is, that is shocking to me. Marsolan was recognized by CASA. Marsolan was EPD's School Resource Officer. He has always been professional and polite in my dealings with him. I have seen him testify in court. If it is him, how would District Attorney Stacey Eads feel about him working at the DA's office? I cced her on my email to EPD Chief Brian Stephens but will wait for his response before any follow up with her. 

I did not add Marsolan's photo yesterday but it is now  1/31/24 and more than 24 hours since I emailed Chief Stephens. If it isn't Marsolan, the denial would have been swift. Chief Stephens could not even respond with no comment? Or provide a reason why he cannot respond? The silence in itself is an answer. Chief Stephens did get back to me on 2/1 in the afternoon. "Good Afternoon John, The information presented by the OIR group in the COPP Board meeting is what can be shared with the public.  The names of the involved employees cannot be released as they are protected as a part of their personnel record.  If a case meets the requirements for public release under state law then it will released."

"KGB" released from jail; "Chicago John" stuck in custody until source of bail is addressed and if he can post bond

(Uonan)

(Machado)

On 1/25, human trafficking and money laundering suspects Uonan Uonan aka "Chicago John" and Nicholas Machado aka "KGB" had OR/bail hearings. Source of bail was scheduled for Uonan.

Preliminary hearing scheduled for 2/1 was vacated for both defendants and rescheduled for 3/26. Uonan's source of bail hearing is also calendared for 3/26. You can look at the court minutes below but according to court minutes for Uonan bail is set at $300,000 subject to the PC 1275.1 hearing and he is not to be released until that bail issue is heard. Machado was granted supervised release over the People's objection.

HCSO needs your help locating two men reported missing by their families

(Martin)

On 1/31, HCSO released updates on both men. 

Michael James Martin has been located safe in Eureka, CA, by the Eureka Police Department. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the public for their assistance. 

Missing Person Mark Burleigh was released from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility in October 2017.  The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office had been made aware that Mark after his release from jail had been in contact with a friend.  The last known contact with Mark was in October of 2017.

Sierra Club, several Humboldt Democrats, Mike McGuire endorse Chris Rogers for Assembly

The first post I did on Chris Roger's candidacy in November 2023. It includes other candidates running for Assemblymember, District 2. The press release today is about new endorsements.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/11/mendocino-county-supervisor-ted.html?m=1

Rory Kalin's attorneys move for a new trial against Luke Brownfield, Marek Reavis and PD's office

 

(Reavis photo: John Chiv)

Co-defendant Humboldt Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis who is on the ballot for the March 5, 2024 election may have settled his lawsuit right before election. A request for dismissal regarding has been filed by former Deputy Public Defender Rory Kalin's attorneys which I previously reported. If Kreis thinks that he is now out of the spotlight; he is mistaken. More eyes are on him, Humboldt Superior Court, Mendocino Judge Ann Moorman, the Commission on Judicial Performance. 

The intention to move for new trial is against co-defendants County of Humboldt Public Defender's office, Public Defender Luke Brownfield and former Public Defender Marek Reavis. The County has hired Sacramento firm Angelo, Kilday and Kilduff.

33 years as a judicial officer does not mean you are above the law, SD judge stipulates to severe public censure by CJP

 

(San Diego Judge Howard Shore)

"Judge Shore's conduct constituted, at a minimum, persistent failure to perfonn judicial duties and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute."-California Commission on Judicial Performance

All the good ole boy endorsements and all the dirty stleath tactics can't change what voters know about Humco's little Napolean

 

(Kreis)

(comments on RHBB regarding Kreis' latest endorsements press release)

Kreis sent out a press release about some endorsements today and it backfired. 

If you want to know who the good ole boys, establishment and local conservatives support, check Kreis, Bushnell, Rex's recent 460 forms

 

If you want to know who the good ole boys, establishment and conservatives support, follow the election dollars.

It isnt the City of Eureka, it isn't COVID, there are numerous reasons your business could close and scapegoating to gain public sympathy is wrong

 

I just saw this sign yesterday. I reached out to Eureka Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach, Public Works Project Manager Kelly Allen, Eureka Assistant City Manager Pam Powell and Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery. I asked any of them to respond.

"The owners are concerned about the bulbout that is going to be constructed at the corner which will be the same type of bulbout that is being constructed up and down 6th and 7th, and H and I Streets. This will not cause them to close their business, and patrons will have access at all hours," said Mr. Slattery. "Our staff have emailed and spoken with Kevin multiple times. The contractor and staff have set up a meeting with him for Monday to assuage any of his concerns." 

Let's see if these signs are taken down after this post or Monday after Kevin meets with the contractor and City of Eureka staff.

Alleged victim in Brandon Widmark case"shot self with .22 caliber rifle"

 

(Brandon Widmark)

The Widmark brothers, Brandon and Jesse, have two 2023 cases as co-defendants. They were held to answer to charges in both cases. Next court date for those two cases is 2/1.Brandon has a 2022 assault case.  That preliminary hearing was scheduled for today. 

Convicted criminal Adam Smith arrested on drug and firearm charges

 

(Adam Smith)

Adam Dale Smith was arrested yesterday by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force and booked for violation of PC 29180(g) possession of a firearm without a serial number, PC 33215 possession of a short-barreled rifle , PC 30605 possession of an assault weapon, HS 11351 possession of a controlled substance for sale and  HS 11370.1(a) possession of a controlled substance while armed. Smith posted bond.

Smith's prior court record includes a conviction in a 2018 drug case. One of his three previous cases resulted in acquittal.

(Noah Smith)

Also arrested Noah Smith who is Adam's son.Noah was booked for violation of PC 30605 possession of an assault weapon, HS 11350 possession of a controlled substance and HS11370.1(a) possession of a controlled substance while armed.

No Gordon at tonight's KMUD forum

 

Rex like his buddy Kreis appeared on Zoom from his office. It was Gerald McGuire vs Rex Bohn. No Gordon at tonight's KMUD forum. I checked with Lauren Schmitt and she said, "Unfortunately, he called in sick a few hours prior."

Baykeeper, Eureka Councilmember donate to Wilson; Bushnell gets another $,1500 from Garberville couple

 

More paperwork was filed by certain candidates well before the required deadline of the 25th. I just checked this evening. While it does take election staff a day or two to upload redacted forms, some candidates and their campaigns are on top of it.

HCSO Lt. trial continued after confidential in camera hearing, transcript ordered sealed

 

Yesterday, at trial confirmation for HCSO Lt. Sam Williams, defense motion to continue jury trial was granted by Judge Kaleb Cockrum. 

An in camera hearing was held in confidential setting and the transcript was ordered sealed by pending further order of the court

Did Kreis just admit he is being investigated? Did Kreis use his chambers for campaign related activities?

 

I want to thank KMUD and particularly Lauren Schmitt on the meet the candidate coverage as well as election forums. These forums posted online allow access to any voter at any time. Lauren did a very job moderating and I liked the format with a brief rebuttal.

This evening both incumbent Humboldt Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis and his challenger former Deputy Conflict Counsel and attorney Ms. April Van Dyke were asked questions submitted prior to the forum. If you did not watch it live, you can via this link: https://fb.watch/pMjlKs5tMU/?mibextid=Nif5oz

I also don't feel like transcribing Kreis' bs and by accessing the link, you will support KMUD.

There is so much I could say but my regular readers and others specifically following coverage about Kreis all over the state and California and the hundreds of defendants and families whose lives have been ruined by Kreis must be 🙄.

Kreis appears to be sitting in his office at the courthouse with his campaign sign.

According to rules of ethics for judicial candidates posted below,  should Kreis be doing a campaign event from chambers and having a campaign sign in his chambers?

Jasen Coley is going to the State Hospital instead of prison

 

Jasen Coley is going to the State Hospital instead of prison. Judge Gregory Kreis ruled that Coley is not guilty by reason of insanity. With three doctors opining the same; this ruling was expected. Victim impact statements were made in court.Placement hearing is on 2/13.

BOS continue hearing on Valadao subdivision to January 26

 

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors today continued the hearing on the appeal for the Valadao Subdivision, Planned Development, Conditional Use Permit and Parking and Solar Shading exception to a special meeting of Friday Jan. 26, 2024 at 11 am. The hearing will be held at the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Chambers, Humboldt County Courthouse, 825 Fifth Street, Eureka, CA and virtually via Zoom on the county's meeting agenda web page.

Questions regarding this matter can be directed to Steven Lazar, Senior Planner at (707) 268-3741 or via email at slazar@co.humboldt.ca.us.

"Chicago John" and "KGB" to be arraigned this afternoon

 

Arraignment for "Chicago John" and ""KGB was scheduled for this afternoon. One proceeded; one was continued until tomorrow. 

Hey John, one of the two deputies involved in the OIS yesterday is Deputy Waxler."

 

Someone recognized law enforcement from the photos posted online about the 14th and Union incident yesterday. "Hey John, one of the two deputies involved in the OIS yesterday is Deputy Waxler." The source added, "I believe that is him." The photo online is clear but not a close up. The source is in the know and clarified the initial statement  with, "It was definitely two HCSO deputies. The source added, "From the look on Waxler's face, I am fairly certain he was the other but I cant say 100%." The other shooter was HCSO Deputy Colton Ross. 

There are two Waxlers who currently work at HCSO.

Michaela Louv arrested by EPD early a.m. on warrant for violation of court order and elder abuse

 

Michaela Nicole Louv was booked into jail early a.m. by EPD on an arrest warrant for two counts of PC 166(a)(4) violation of a court order and PC 368(b)(1) elder abuse. 

Allen, how many different ways can Judge Illman tell you stop wasting his time and ours?

 

I had stopped following Allen McCloskey's lawsuit against HCSO and DHHS for ICWA violations, malicious prosecution and other causes of actions in federal court after Judge Robert M. Illman found Humboldt County's motion to dismiss as moot.

Allen sends me the above image with nothing else. His emails are nonsensical but this one literally had nothing else. I looked up his case. If you want to know if anything happened after November 2023, get PACER and look it up.

Redwood trees and a trampoline are involved in a lawsuit filed by Roy Gomez against Alison and Brian Trout

 

When I reported on Rogelio Roy Gomez running against Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson in December, I mentioned that no court case had been filed about Gomez's claim against Eureka Councilmember Leslie Castellano.

On December, I saw Gomez's name on the court calendar. Gomez and Ms. Cyndy Day-Wilson had hearing on a motion to consolidate in a lawsuit against Alison Trout, Brian Trout and Does 1 -10. The lawsuit alleges property damage to timber, trespass, private nuisance and injunctive relief.

According to the 1/19 court minutes, there is a case management conference scheduled on 2/16. Mr. Paul Hagen is representing the defendants.

How can you have a conflict of interest when your business has a suspended license?

 

Hostages safe but 14th street incident ends with OIS involving the suspect

 

EPD posted another update on Facebook at 1:05 a.m. on 1/23. "The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) has completed their investigation and all roadways have been opened." 

6: 10 p.m. EPD is still processing the scene. EPD PIO Laura Montagna had told me there will be an update later tonight and a press release will be issued on 1/23. That will be added to this post.

NorCal SBDC receives $350,000 grant from Wells Fargo

(Kristin Johnson )

NorCal Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will receive a $350,000 grant from Wells Fargo and launch their 2nd year of partnership with the Inclusivity Project.

One perv molested victims at Betty Chinn Center, now another alleged molestation case involves Arcata House

 

First, a disgusting perv molested a victim at the Betty Chinn Center. Now, another sicko is charged with molesting a very young girl and some of the incidents in the complaint are alleged to have taken place at the Arcata House.

Multiple fatalities in yesterday's crash on Metropolitan Road

 

CHP issued an update on 2/5.

David Kvamme arrested by State Parks for indecent exposure, assault and battery

 

David Torstein Kvamme was arrested yesterday by State Parks and Recreation and booked for 14CCR4310, 14CCR4451(a), PC602(m) criminal trespassing , PC 240 assault, PC 242 battery and PC 314(1) indecent exposure. The first two charges are Title 14 California Code of Regulations.

Kvamme has one 2011 case in e court with a conviction for petty theft and two counts dismissed with a Harvey waiver.

Expect continuances and delays in court this morning and week due to shortage of court reporters

 

Was checking on court cases this morning, overheard Humboldt Superior Court Scott Anderson telling Judge Steve Steward that there are only three court reporters today and by Wednesday only two reporters would be there so certain hearings to be continued today unless "courtrooms can be combined". What Scott means is calendars combined.

No bail for two DTF arrests, one suspect booked for human labor trafficking, money laundering and criminal profiteering

(Uonan)

56 year old Uonan Uonan aka "Chicago John" was arrested by Humboldt County Drug Task Force on January 19 an arrest warrant and booked into the Humboldt County jail for PC 30600(a) this California Penal Code prohibits  manufacturing, distributing, transporting, importing, selling or giving away assault weapons, PC 29180(g) possession of a firearm without a serial number, PC 30605(a) possession of an assault weapon, HS 11366.5(a) maintaining a drug storage facility, PC 186.10(a) money laundering, PC 182(a)(1)conspiracy to commit a felony , HS 11359(a)(3) possession of marijuana for sale without a license but one definition includes selling to a minor, PC 487(a) grand theft, PC 236.1(b) human labor trafficking for purposes of pimping, child pornography, or extortion and PC 186.2(a) criminal profiteering. Uonan is still in custody and booked on a no bail status. Arresting officer on the jail log is HCDTF's Alan Aubochon.

I did see the arrest on yesterday's jail log but there is some incorrect information that needs to be verified with court records.  The jail log has a typo for one of the charges.  Uonan is charged with  PC 186. 2. (a). I want to see how the name is listed in the court system if a warrant has been entered. It was not as of 1/22. On 1/23, I checked with the DA's office. The report is being reviewed. Both Uonan and Machado are on the must go list for 1/23 so they need to be arraigned by this afternoon or they will be released from custody.

Convicted felon Disiree George arrested for assault, criminal threats

 

If you check the daily jail log, you may recognize the name of this convicted felon or from her sharing her drug court experience 5 years ago.

Nunes charged with three DUI charges, including high BAC and no proof of insurance

 

Stacie Nunes was arrested by EPD in November on DUI charges. The DA charged Nunes on all three counts she was booked for which were 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. Nunes is also charged with a special allegation that her BAC was 0.15 percent or more.

Arraignment is on 2/6.

Blue Lake Rancheria employee appointed as Senior Advisor for Offshore Wind by Newsom

(Photo: Department of Energy)

Ms. Jana Ganion is the Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs at the Blue Lake Rancheria. California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed her Senior Advisor for Offshore Wind.

Right before jury trial, alleged domestic violence case dismissed by DA

 

On 1/17, trial confirmation was scheduled for alleged domestic violence suspect Thomas Lema. Instead the case was dismissed by the DA. Jury trial was scheduled for 1/22. 

Request for dismissal against Kreis filed by Kalin's attorneys

Finally, the 12/20/23 court minutes in former Deputy Public Defender Rory Kalin's lawsuit against Humboldt Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis and current Public Defender Luke Brownfield and former public defender Marek Reavis were updated almost a month later after I contacted Humboldt Superior Court administration. They have been added and updated in the December 21 post.

The two orders of dismissal; one for judgement of dismissal for current Public Defender Luke Brownfield and former public defender Marek Reavis and the other request for dismissal Humboldt Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis are included in this post. E court says  partial dismissal against Kreis. However that filing was incorrect with the wrong case number. A new filing on 1/18 dismissing the case corrected that error. The 2/2/24 date says dismissed.