Alleged molestor who told a 12 year old he wanted to "caress your hot body" held to answer on 10 out of 11 charges

 

After several continuances in his 2021 case, alleged molestor Manuel Garcia Avalos finally had his preliminary hearing on 2/26 which was continued for the second day on 2/27. There are three alleged victims. Two Jane Does, DA Investigator Ryan Hill and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies testified.

Retired Judge John Feeney held Avalos to answer to 10 counts and a special allegation. No holding order for Count 6.  Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor for the case. Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian is Avalos' attorney.  Arraignment on information is on 3/12.

Coley agrees to take antipsychotic medication and maximum confinement at State Hospital is 50 years to life

 

On, 2/27, at convicted murderer Jasen Coley's placement hearing, he agreed to take antipsychotic medication as part of his treatment. Coley is going to the State Hospital instead of prison and the maximum time of confinement is 50 years to life. This is after Judge Gregory Kreis' ruling that Coley is not guilty by reason of insanity.

First Humboldt GOP endorsed Kreis, now last minute spoiler candidate Jessica Watson

 

Last week, I reported incumbent Judge Gregory Kreis was endorsed by the Humboldt GOP. When he was appointed in 2017  he was a Democrat. In my many posts on Kreis, I have mentioned his conservative endorsers Rex Bohn, Rory Hanson, Billy Honsal and others. You can check out the FPPC filings which I have been regularly posting on for months for other names who gave him money.

The last minute spoiler aka write in candidate Deputy DA Jessica Watson already shares some common contacts with Kreis such as former DA Paul Gallegos and now she has another thing in common with him. The Humboldt GOP has also endorsed her. I was not aware that she was conservative or Republican. Did she have a sudden conversion like Kreis? Both have neglected to include this GOP endorsement on their websites. So what else are they leaving out?

The Humboldt GOP are clueless, have achieved nothing, have a track record of endorsing losing candidates for years and did they even bother to research Kreis and Watson? Watson went to Iowa in 2008 and wasn't she in an ad for former President Obama?

Watson does have a colleague at the DA's office who is open about being conservative. I won't say who that is but if you read my blog regularly, it isn't that hard to figure out. I mentioned in my post about Watson's court record and about her being second chair in the Josiah Lawson case for optics. The lead prosecutor was Roger Rees. 

Why isn't  Watson upfront about being married to a white, retired CHP officer? Watson touts being an African American attorney now yet is a part of the criminal justice system that disproportionately incarcerates and treats people of color differently on a regular basis. This is based on my court coverage of 10 years and seeing who gets OR and, supervised release and the disparity of verdicts and sentences. All which can be verified by court records. I haven't seen anyone in the DA's office bring that up. 

I have seen Humboldt Superior Candidate Ms. Van Dyke  provide statistics relevant to race and bring a motion to court. I covered and wrote about the case in 2021 which was before this election and I wrote about that particular case again in December 2023 in a post about another ruling by Kreis reversed on appeal in another case. That ruling involved another defendant.

I have seen Ms. Andrea Sullivan, a private defense attorney take cases with diverse clients. I also covered these cases.

Mr. Rees has been the lead counsel on many cases with Watson. Anyone can be an attorney for certain amount of years. The DAs office has a lot of inexperienced attorneys and investigators who have big egos, are unprofessional and that is is reflected in the losses that only get reported on this blog. Do you want to continue good ole boys and gals getting a slap on the wrist for five DUIs and other equally bs sentences and these people are represented by many of Kreis' endorsers. They are just protecting their meal ticket and don't care about justice. If one of the four experienced Humboldt Deputy DAs left in that office were running instead of Watson, at least they know the law and have a record of their experience.

I broke the news she was running and then did a post on her court record. Obviously voters are paying attention. I have read many comments by OK on Reddit. In a forum where facts are rare, OK and a few others stand out because they are well informed from a variety of sources and they use information that can be verified.

I agree with this Reddit post and all the comments so far but did you vote?

 

(from someone who says they were family frienfs with Kreis)

Did you vote? Did you mail in your ballot? If you plan to vote on Election Day, then make sure you follow through. It is actual votes that will bring new leadership. 

"This anonymous mailer is not from my campaign, I don't condone such tactics in a race which should be decided on the merits of each candidate and the choice made by each voter."

 

Someone found this anonymous mailer

 tossed "out in the wild" and passed it on to a supporter of Ms. April Van Dyke. I contacted her. 

"This anonymous mailer is not from my campaign, I don't condone such tactics in a race which should be decided on the merits of each candidate and the choice made by each voter," said Ms. Van Dyke.

The anonymous mailer specifically highlights Count 14 of the CJP proceedings. As I have written many times, Humboldt Judge Gregory Kreis has alienated many people who have appeared before him in court as well as many who work in some capacity at the Courthouse have reason to send something like this out so it could be any of those people. 

(first page of Count 14 from the Commission on Judicial Performance notice of formal proceedings against Kreis)

It could also be a last minute dirty Salzman like tactic from people supporting Kreis who have pulled nonsense like this before. Or write in candidate Watson supporter?

It is unclear  how many people received this crudely manufactured "mailer."

Whoever did this is a coward. Put your name instead of hiding and do not use this election and race for your selfish purposes. Kreis has destroyed many lives.  You are no better than him by being sleazy and doing a stleath attack. You also gave him another opportunity to play victim instead of having to face reality and take responsibilty. 

This photo of Kreis' sign is one I took a few days before. I have seen this sign outside 1553 Myrtle Avenue for at least a month. I don't know if the person owning or renting that place put it there or it was placed by someone on the Kreis campaign. I have seen other conservative candidate signs  in that location during previous elections. A month ago, when I first saw that sign, it wasn't even visible if you drove by or walked by because it wasn't upright then. A few days ago it was further into the ground like this which could be due to the weather. Several people walk by, ride their bikes, take their dogs for a walk on the sidewalk overun with this unkempt growth.

Maybe these two signs are a harbinger for Kreis?

It is interesting there was this thread on Reddit about the mailer half an hour after my post. No disgruntled dad is sitting on their computer monitoring my blog. People read me regularly and daily but the timing is suspicious. Lawyers do, county workers do, certain court staff do, trolls threatened by Ms. Van Dyke and my blog do have a lot of time.

Based on the some comments on Reddit and that postage was paid, someone is deliberately making an attempt to mislead and lie. I predicted dirty tactics the last week of the election and  anonymous smears are typical Humboldt insiders who are gutless cowards reacting desperately. They are scared and attacking just as I said they would.

A disgruntled dad would haven't money to throw away after Kreis ruined his life. Someone connected to the courthouse or someone indulging in dirty tactics would. 

College Cove will be temporarily closed for trail restoration

(Image from visitredwoods.com)

In the interest of public safety and resource protection, College Cove will be closed to access and use on March 7th-12th, March 21st-26th, April 4th-9th, and April 18th-23rd, 2024. This closure is necessary for public safety while crews work on trail restoration. The temporary closure order will apply to the parking area and trail within the unit.

Yurok Tribe is the latest endorsement for April Van Dyke

 

Last Friday I did this post. I hinted at a tip about an important endorsement for Humboldt Superior Court Judge candidate April Van Dyke. I contacted her to confirm that the Yurok Tribe has endorsed her. Yurok Tribe Vice Chair and candidate for California State Assembly District 2 Frankie Myers had already endorsed Ms. Van Dyke.

When her campaign will issue a press release,  I will add to the post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-list-of-endorsements-for-april-van.html?m=1

City of Eureka filed statement of Non Opposition to Wiyot Tribe motion to dismiss today, CBE filed their opposition to the motion

 

The City of Eureka filed a Statement of Non-Opposition to the Wiyot Tribe’s Motion to Dismiss today. The City of Eureka also received Citizens for a Better Eureka's Opposition to the Motion, filed today. Both filings confirmed by City of Eureka attorney Autumn Luna. As previously reported, the hearing on the Wiyot Tribe's motion to dismiss is scheduled for 3/11.

Yes, Rex elections are important. So is your silence as Kreis' endorser and ignoring a voter

 

To remind those who have not been following all the posts I did on Kreis about just one point. Rex has endorsed Kreis. Rex endorsed the only Humboldt judge who released a grand jury report prior to the election. Rex, Billy and others used the courts and the county power to get rid of former auditor controller Karen Paz Dominguez because they did not want to be held accountable or have someone in that position who provide public transparency. 

I don't see any other local media calling Rex out on his lack of transparency and ignoring a question from a voter. The same media who were shills for the good ole boys and gals smearing Paz Dominguez.

For 10 years these are few of the reasons I have continued to do this blog

(shared this comment on Facebook)

(shared this comment on Facebook)

To my advertisers, donors, supporters and readers. Thank you for believing in me and for your support of integrity, truth and decency. This blog is the voice of the people. Supporting this blog is your chance to take away the control of the few who think they own this county. 

The good ole boys and gals are still trying to run people out of town and destroy anyone that stands in their way. Their continued silence, arrogance, lack of apology and lack of remorse speaks volumes. 

This was three counts in a thirty plus page complaint. Compare that to 19 counts detailing charges in the notice of formal proceedings against Humboldt Judge Gregory Kreis

 

This was three counts in a thirty plus page complaint. Compare that to 19 counts detailing charges in the notice of formal proceedings against  Humboldt Judge Gregory Kreis. He filed his answer. The Commission on Judicial Performance can file an amended complaint, discipline him or make a decision. Kreis can drag that process out and take many risks including more complaints being filed against him. The primary election is next Tuesday. Hopefully, the voters will fire Kreis. Regardless of the outcome of the March 5 primary, Kreis cannot be an effective judge because his own actions, especially since the notice of formal proceedings by the CJP, have opened the eyes of more people.  Even if he makes it to a runoff and takes the CJP notice to a hearing, he is delusional thinking he can hold on to the $260,000 salary he desperately needs. I have been in Kreis' courtroom where he told defendants to consider a plea given the evidence against them. Maybe Kreis should take his own advice.

Carter divorce gets nasty and personal with allegations including improper use of business funds and who gets control of businesses

 

(Mark and Sherri Carter promo image from The Bourbon Road)

Getting divorced is not news or I would have reported on the Gregg Foster and Emily Jacobs case.

Mark and Sherri Carter's divorce case has information that impacts the community, their customers and other businesses. Sheri Carter is represented by Ms. Deborah Bull of Santa Rosa. Mark Carter by local family law attorney and Judge Gregory Kreis endorser Mr. Rory Hanson. 

Sherri Carter is asking for temporary emergency control of Carter Co LLC and Kentucky Spirit Bottling LLC. Sheri Carter accuses Mark Carter of draining mone from their corporate accounts without notice or consent, demanding arbitration in Kentucky in an attempt to dissolve or sell "the businesses outside of the divorce process" and transferring $382,000 into a personal account.

Mark Carter claims Sherri Carter utilizes company credit cards for personal expenses and withdraws large amounts of corporate funds without his approval.

Judge Moorman denies Kalin motion for new trial

 

Hearing on a motion for a new trial was held this morning against Public Defender Luke Brownfield and former Public Defender Marek Reavis. This is the lawsuit filed by former Deputy Public Defender Rory Kalin. Co-defendant Judge Gregory Kreis settled. I reported on the motion for new trial on January 29, 2024 and did other recent posts with court documents on the motion for new trial that detail the arguments by both sides.

Mendocino Judge Ann Moorman denied the motion for new trial because the plaintiff, Kalin, did not present "sufficient evidence to grant a new trial." 

The denial doesn't mean this is over. I am pretty sure Kalin can appeal. That was confirmed by lawyers who have experience winning major civil cases all over California and are also familiar with Humboldt Superior Court.

Kalin's lawyers are busy with other cases but I reached out to them. Mr. Johnny Rundell who is a partner at Hershey Law got back to me the morning of 2/27. " We intend to file an appeal on Mr. Kalin's behalf."

When you know Whitney Timm is the prosecutor, you take a plea for less time in prison

 

Forcible rape, forcible oral copulation and domestic violence suspect Brandon Shorey  and his attorney, Deputy Public Defender David Nims resolved his case on 2/21 at trial confirmation. When you have Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm prosecuting the case and are held to answer to all charges at the preliminary hearing and she has a motion to introduce evidence of sexual conduct before the jury trial; Shorey and Nims saw the writing on the wall.

Shorey's other case for assault was dismissed. Count 1, forcible rape and Count 2 forcible oral copulation was dismissed. Shorey entered a conditional plea for a 5 year prison sentence and pleaded guilty to Count 3 corporal Injury to spouse or cohabitant and an added count 4 PC 243.4 (a) sexual battery and added special allegation PC12022 (b) (1) using a deadly or dangerous weapon in the commission of a felony.

The 2/26 date was vacated. Sentencing is on 4/9. 

In 2023, I wrote about Kreis forcing a veteran to fight his incorrect ruling which was one of several cases reversed on appeal

Is scandal ridden Gregory J. Kreis going to call this veteran and California  First District Apellate Justices liars too?

Alleged molestor Benjamin Pesch gets probation and has to register as a sex offender for lifetime

 

Alleged molestor Benjamin Pesch comes from a well known local family. On 2/24/24, Pesch was finally sentenced.

Caught in a lie about when he was served, ex wife calls him a pathological liar, Kreis' answer is just as I predicted

 

(yesterday's post on my blog)

I see Kreis filed his answer. He needed an extra week for this pathetic response? I already predicted what he would say.  He wants voters to believe all these people who don't know each other have grudges and they are all lying. Just believe him and the parasites endorsing him, his co-defendants, those who party with him and those who profit from being in his inner sanctum.

I have provided real time coverage of some of the incidents mentioned and provided court records and other records countering Kreis'claims. I covered the Sai Rose and Ben Erickson cases on my blog.

Kreis has already been caught in a lie about when he was served with the CJ notice. I am not rehashing the hundreds of posts I have done. If you want to read his answer, go to the CJP website. There are many people I have talked to, who have seen him in court, I have seen him in court and people have seen him around town with his boo Tanya Ellis. I don't believe Kreis. Let's see what happens at the hearing.  

10 years of covering Humboldt courts, there were so many people who wrote to me and have written to me about Kreis. If I had to go verify and investigate all those tips, I'd be doing that 24/7 for months. All of them had the option to file a complaint with the CJP. All of you can chose to speak up or not; I cannot share what you sent to me in confidence unless you give me permission. People also need provide evidence. If you care about this community; you need to go on record now. 

Kreis is tone deaf. He can't even generate more than a couple of comments online and the majority of them are calling his bluff. Humboldt's wannabe Napolean, mini Trump and his enablers know his goose is cooked and they are already trying the election is stolen lie and failing.

The voters need to kick this lazy, immoral joke to the curb. If he wants to continue dragging out the CJP process, he can do so without the taxpayers footing his $260,000 salary. Out of all the judges, Kreis does the least work. 

Let's see how many people stand by him or jump off the Humboldt Titanic to save themselves. Or they can all try and cover for each other and see how that works out.

The list of endorsements for April Van Dyke grows and her endorsers are not a bunch of Humboldt court insiders

 

I have a tip about an important local endorsement for Humboldt Superior Court candidate April Van Dyke. I will add it to this post. This evening, her campaign issued a press release about another endorsement from Her Bold Move. 

On February 17, I reported Congressman Mike Thompson and Yurok Tribe Vice Chair and candidate for California State Assembly District 2 Frankie Myers endorsed Ms. Van Dyke.

On February 20, I reported Eureka Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez endorsed her. LA attorney and former Humboldt County Deputy DA has endorsed her. Former Deputy Conflict Counsel Leslie Keig, her former boss at Humboldt Conflict Counsel and het colleagues have endorsed her. The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee has endorsed her. 

For a complete list of endorsements and more information on Ms. Van Dyke, go to https://www.april4judge.com/ 

Kreis biggest donor to his campaign is himself; Rex gets $ from Security National and other good ole boys

 

In the latest FPPC filing, scandal ridden incumbent Gregory Kreis had to loan his campaign a significant amount of money, the other donors are three of his endorsers and one retired attorney. Given that he has been here longer than his challenger and his position, his abililty to fundraise is pathetic.

Every single name on First District Supervisor Rex Bohn's list is generational good ole boy and gals. Rexy is all about keeping and allowing a few to control, dictate and have a chokehold whether it is growers, realtors, ranchers, insurance or any other business.

Rex's latest filings include Cassandra Doss, wife of failed 5th District candidate, realtor and rancher Larry Doss. Good ole boys and gals Jeff Pauli, Debbie Provolt and Security National's Tim Callison. The Catholics who support Rex and are listed on his FPPC filings are Humboldt Pharisees.

Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell is the same as Rex. He donated to her. It is clear whose interests Bushnell will serve, if she is relected. How convenient that all these people donations are just days before the primary.

"I think it is absolutely a miscarriage of justice for your client " to attempt to run out the clock "on conditions set by me"

 

I already did a detailed post last week on the People's motion to recommit convicted upskirter, sex offender and former court mediator Joseph Hall to jail. No other media was there last week and no other media was there today. 

In a letter, Kreis' ex wife of 30 years calls him a pathological liar, talks about discovering his affair, calls him a predator, corroborates drug use and says he has used the anti-semitic slur before with a Sacramento Jewish lawyer

 

Brenda Elvine was married to Gregory Kreis for 30 + years. In a letter attached to the motion for new trial by former Deputy Public Defender Rory Kalin's lawyers as Exhibit G, she says "Greg is a pathological liar who was living a double life. " Brenda Elvine's letter says Kreis demanded sexual favors from women he supervised at the Public Defender's office. She talks about an incident at a bar where Kreis sat in a friend's wheelchair and pretended to be disabled.

Cisco Lassiter is a private investigator who works for defense attorneys and public defenders. And those people include Kreis' enablers and endorsers. Lassiters' livelihood in a small county is dependent on these attorneys and certainly on the Presiding Judge of Humboldt Superior Court, the position Kreis currently holds. That is the only reason some people have endorsed him. How do you say no to someone who controls your paycheck? Aren't a couple others who were considering endorsing him relieved they waited? 

Brenda Elvine names Tanya Ellis and her affair with Kreis. Ellis is the attorney for Humboldt Superior Court self help and deals with family law cases. Kreis was assigned to family law court and currently to the Courtroom hearing juvenile cases. Brenda Elvine discovered a love letter from Ellis to Kreis. Brenda Elvine calls Kreis a predator, says he uses drugs and has used cocaine and she names the court clerk who was fired for telling the truth about Kreis' dalliance with Ellis.  I called Kreiscand Ellis out on this for 4 years and repeatedly before the CJP press release and notice of formal proceedings against Kreis. Both Ellis and Kreis had plenty of opportunities to come clean.

I had left court clerk Lois Casacca's name out until it appeared in court records because of the ongoing investigation but everyone at the courthouse knew who I was talking about in my posts. For Casacca, I also did it to protect her from more retaliation. Lois did settle. In the past 4 years, I told more than a few people that Tanya is stupid if she thinks Kreis will remain faithful to her and not dump her when he is done using her like he did his ex-wife. Once a cheater; always a cheater. Kreis is living at Tanya's house after he sold his house and boat. I wrote about this, their vacations, their living together before February 2024. His campaign records, her property records were provided in the post. I also have divorce records confirming they live together.

Kreis judged others and made rulings in family law cases based on who the attorney was and I have written about at least two cases; how other judges had to fix Kreis ' mistakes and many of his cases overturned on appeals. Personally and professionally, Kreis is a disaster and unfit to be a judge.

Kreis' buddy and lawyer in the Kalin lawsuit, Mr. Patrik Griego was dismissive in court about Kreis' cocaine use. This was when I first reported in July 2023 about Joann Carter's deposition that she had observed Kreis using cocaine. That has been corroborated in the CJP notice of formal proceedings and in Brenda Elvine's letter. Joanne Carter is also the attorney and friend Kreis exposed his penis to which mentioned in the CJP proceedings and again in Brenda Elvine's letter. I have written about the special deals Janssen Malloy got for their clients.  Griego still works there. David Nims used to and Kreis' favor is mentioned in the CJP proceedings. 

Brenda Elvine says that she has heard Greg use the term "Jew boy" and believes he was joking but that Kreis has used that term before and while she does not believe that Kreis is anti semitic, she raises doubt if she still believes that about Kreis. 

Kreis makes more than the $180,00 Brenda Elvine incorrectly states in her letter. When Kreis was appointed in 2017 by former Governor Jerry Brown, the press release stated, "The compensation for this position is $191,612." According to a source who would know the court salaries, he currently makes $260,000.

Kreis defenders can deflect by saying one disgruntled employee, an ex wife but it is several people and corroborating facts. Kreis did play a role in getting Lois fired. FACT. I know this directly. He is having an affair with Ellis. FACT. His womanizing and "Brenda finally getting tired of him" is talk in legal circles and was directly said to me. Kreis has had rulings overturned on appeal. FACT. He partied as a judge with people who appear in court with him. FACT. He has been recused on so many cases by defense attorneys and public defenders FACT.

Kreis wants people to believe him with no evidence. Opinions about Kreis from people who have not seen him in court as a judge and knew him 30 years ago or self serving people and other endorsers who gain to profit from his position are irrelevant and misleading. His lame excuse that everyone else lying is projection. Kreis has been caught in a lie after lie from his sordid affair to falsely claiming when he was served with the CJP notice of proceedings. He was exposed with a court proof of service. I am not going to go into all other examples I have provided with court documents and coverage for years.

Brian Taylor arrested by Hoopa PD for false imprisonment and domestic battery

 

Brian Douglas Taylor was arrested yesterday by the Hoopa Tribal Police for PC 236 false imprisonment and PC 243(e)(1) domestic battery.

"To be unequivocally clear, I have not suffered a stroke. The nature of my facial paralysis makes it impossible for me to take a photo where it is not obvious, nor would I want to."

Please find April’s response to rumors that she is a stroke victim.  These rumors have been posted in the comments sections of various news outlets. “I am addressing you not just as a candidate but as someone who is committed to bringing equality, inclusion, and honesty to the bench in Humboldt County. My decision to enter this election was driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on our community. 

Eric Kirk and G. Mario Fernandez are April Van Dyke's latest endorsers

 

(from April4judge website)

Local attorney Eric Kirk and Eureka Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez are the latest to endorse Humboldt Superior Court candidate April Van Dyke. 

Her campaign latest FPPC filings show that LA attorney Allan Dollison and retired former Deputy Conflict Counsel Leslie Keig are among the new donations to her campaign. Yurok Tribe attorney Amber Miller and Yurok Tribe attorney and former Public Defender Rosemary Deck have also given money to Ms. Van Dyke. Ms Deck has also endorsed her.

Instead of LOCO or Kreis' attorney, I contacted the CJP

(LOCO claim today)

There have been crickets on LOCO since they did their late and perfunctory post on the CJP proceedings. They were incorrect and did not verify what Gregory Kreis said at his campaign event. Based on Kreis' attorney's remarks to media since the Commission on Judicial Performance notice of formal proceedings made national and international headlines; I'd rather confirm this extension from a trusted source. 

Kreis' attorney is playing favorites and only speaking to LOCO because LOCO will not ask any follow up questions readers want to know. LOCO also  got the most money in ad dollars from Kreis. Why not issue a statement to all media or a statement on his website about this extension?

I have emailed CJP's Director and Chief Counsel Mr. Gregory Dresser and CJP's Sonya Smith. Ms. Smith and I have spoken and both of them were interviewed by other media.

I heard back from Mr. Dresser, "Dear Mr. Chiv:

Yes, Judge Kreis requested and received an extension to February 29, 2024, to submit his response to the notice of formal proceedings."

EPD loses another employee, this time to Arcata Fire

Eureka Police Department analyst Katie Hill resigned and has accepted a position as the new Business Manager at Arcata Fire. I received this tip and it was confirmed by the Feb 13, 2024 Arcata Fire agenda.