Opening brief was due yesterday in former HCSO Lt. Sam Williams appeal of his criminal case

 

I covered both former HCSO Lt. Sam Williams criminal case as well as reported on his appeal with exclusive coverage after Williams was sentenced. Williams was very vocal about the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office and the Humboldt County Sheriff's office.

Williams resigned from HCSO in May 2024 and does not live in California anymore.

I have been so busy these last few months that I have not had a chance to post on his appeal. William is the apellant. Opening brief was due yesterday. I have reached out to Williams counsel, Mr. Micah Reyner. 

The DA's detailed press release may not appease critics but law abiding citizens already knew that the EPD OIS shooting of well known suspect Matthew Williams was legally justified

(Williams)

The Humboldt County District Attorney issued a lengthy press release a few minutes ago about the officer involved shooting incident of Matthew Williams. The DA investigation concluded the concluded the shooting was legally justified. 

You can read the press release on the County website.

https://humboldtgov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5694

These are good officers who I have seen in the field for years and testify in court. Many people in the community also know these officers, their service and dedication to the community. These officers regularly protect the community and that day they did their job against a well known suspect with prior arrests, warrants and a lengthy record in the local court system who was high on meth. I did some exclusive real time reporting on the case. 

"Brevity is the soul of wit; in the Nylander case brevity is the key to success and gratitude by overworked local judges, court staff and local media for two attorneys who respect other people's time."

In the Nylander vs Nylander saga which also involves Redwood Meat Co, the family owned business, there have been some developments since my last post on this case. 

Page 3 of the stipulation between State of California and Providence contains the most important fact

 

 

I have done several posts on the State of California lawsuit against vs Providence. On October 21, the State of California filed a stipulation and order modifying briefing schedule and resetting the hearing for the State's motion for a preliminary injunction.

"A Yes vote on Measure F would prevent an Old Town Ghost Town"

 

Measure F just issued a lengthy press release.  Former failed Eureka City Council candidate Joe Bonino and local real estate owner and developer Kelly Martin are some of the new names with quotes in this recent press release.

Judge Canning's order is a good reminder that in the courts, Measure F and affiliates have lost "bigly", in a week voters will deliver another final verdict on Munson, Costantine et al's efforts to Make Eureka Great Again

 

I have done many posts on Measure F from different perspectives. I have been the only one to regularly follow the four lawsuits filed by Citizens for a Better Eureka against the City of Eureka and the one lawsuit filed by Eureka Housing for All against the City of Eureka with court documents, updates and status of appeal.

The last post I did was in September reporting that Eureka Housing for All lost their appeal. Today, I checked that case and there was an order filed on September 20, 2024 signed by Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning. I could have added it to the September 12 post but since Measure F is on the ballot, I thought it might be informative for those who have voted and those who will still vote to go through the history of the various factions versus City of Eureka.

"No one should be denied employment simply because of who they are or who they love"

Today, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in McMahon v. World Vision, Inc. which Bonta's press release describes as "pushing back on an effort to undermine civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in the workplace."

Patrik Griego a no show in court in former court reporter lawsuit against County of Humboldt

 

Former court report Kay Gibbs sued the County of Humboldt. She is being represented by Mr. Patrick Griego. Liebert Cassidy Whitmore's Mr. Michael Youril s appeared via Zoom for the County.

On 10/25, the County's demurrer was continued by the court to 11/1 because Mr. Griego was a no show and there were no updates on why he was not in court. There is also a case management scheduled on 11/19. 

What is your choice to warm up on this cold morning, chilaquiles, oatmeal or Mimosa Monday at Aroma's Cafe?

 

(Marisol and Adela)

I was the first one to write about Aroma's Cafe, located at 1651 Myrtle Avenue in November 2023. I hadn't been to Aroma's for a while so stopped in briefly this morning to say hello to co-owners Marisol and Adela. This is a locally owned business with food made fresh on the premises.

Since my last visit, they have added mimosas and beer options, more vegetarian and breakfast options including oatmeal which was perfect to warm up on a cold Humbodt morning. For those who prefer and can relax and do brunch, today would be a good day to try out Mimosa Monday.

If you did not read my three previous posts, links are included below.

Judge Feeney denied remand for repeat offender Ryan Helmer who picked up new charges in 2024, has multiple failures to appear and prior convictions

 

(2023 booking photo)

I first covered grand theft suspect Ryan Helmer when he was arrested in December 2023. He had 4 cases prior to the December 2023 arrest with multiple failures to appear and at least three prior convictions and an unsuccessful DEJ. More details in previous coverage. I havebeen following his 2023 case which was his fifth and he has now picked up a sixth case in 2024.

HCSO releases details about attempted robbery at Mckinleyville Ace and robbery at Smug's Pizza in Mckinleyville

 

Humboldt County Sheriff issued two press releases this morning about resulting from two incidents in Mckinleyville last week. One was for attempted robbery suspect, Michael Armas. The other was about a robbery suspect who fled the scene. 

Alleged sex trafficker's parents and another supporter MIA in court at the never ending preliminary hearing

 

I already knew the Darin Ward preliminary hearing would not conclude on 10/25. It has been continued until 11/8 where Judge Timothy Canning will review a recording in camera which is a thumb drive provided by defense which was not transcribed by 10/25 and the usual excuses. Court minutes have a few more details on the thumb drive. 

Cross examination, again was repeat of what I have already covered and a waste of time like everything Ward and defense have done. Judge Canning's ruling is inevitable.

Ward's parents were not inside or outside court; neither was another woman who sat with them. There was one woman who has attended some of the days of this never ending preliminary hearing, two Victim Witness Advocates and myself.

Convicted child molestor claims a firearm was stolen from him but cannot provide proof

 

Convicted child molestor Jonathan Pulse was finally sentenced on October 25. Pulse claims a firearm was stolen from him but could not provide a number for a police report. Judge Steven Steward sentenced him to 12 years in prison which was the stipulated plea agreement; Pulse already has 588 days custody credits from the local jail.

More details on the plea and his case are in previous coverage.

Peter Thompson held to answer for child abduction, HCSO Det. Vickman and Yurok Tribal Police Chief testified at preliminary hearing

(Screenshot PC 278 from Shouse Law)

Peter Thompson had his preliminary hearing on 10/23. Retired Judge John Feeney held Thompson to answer to PC 278 child abduction.

Before the preliminary hearing, in my coverage I had reported on two of Thompson's  family law cases. One of them was with Cindy Colegrove. Court minutes show she was present at the hearing with another family member. 

People's witnesses included HCSO Det. Danielle Vickman, HCSO Deputy Bradford Anderson and Yurok Tribal Police Chief Gregory O'Rourke.

Arraignment on information is on 11/6.

One of Sunshine Massage pimping and pandering suspects negotiating resolution and applying for citizenship

 

(Wang)

(Li)

**I got these booking photos before the 9th Circuit ruling**

I have been the only one regularly following Sunshine Massage owner Rongqiu Li and alleged cohort and co-defendant Xiao Chun Wang's court cases since their arrest. Since their arraignment, they have failed to appear for court, their lawyer was a no show, they have not had their preliminary hearing yet and in my recent posts, I already reported the possibility of a resolution for Wang. 

There was yet another continuance on October 22. Status of preliminary hearing was continued by stipulation to 12/10/24.  Wang is applying for citizen and once again possible resolution was mentioned. The 11/7 date was vacated.

Rongqiu Li was is charged with PC 243.4(e)(1) domestic battery, LC 3700.5(a) failure to have worker compensation coverage , PC 315 maintaining a brothel, PC 182(a)(1) conspiracy to commit a felony, PC 266i (a)(1) pandering and PC 266 h (a) pimping.

Wang is charged with LC 3700.5(a) failure to have worker compensation coverage, PC 315 maintaining a brothel, PC 182(a)(1) conspiracy to commit a felony, PC 266i(a)(1) pandering, and PC 266 h(a) pimping.

Anyone with experience with these types of cases or watching SVU can guess why Wang is applying for citizenship and why the possible resolution keeps getting postponed. The question is will Li be held accountable and will Wang face any consequences?

Judgement was granted against David and Jackie Klem for $10,000 in Lots for Tots lawsuit

 

I did a post on October 18 about a small claims case small claims case that Gross Family LLC filed against David and Jackie Klem. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/10/lots-for-tots-sued-for-unpaid-utilities.html?m=1

Judgement was granted against the Klems for $10,000. This post has the claim, court minutes and judgement.

The Grind Cafe has a ribbon cutting on the 5th, after streamlining some issues for a day, the cafe will reopen tomorrow

 

The Grind Cafe on the third floor had their soft opening on October 15. The cafe was closed last Friday due to an unexpected staff change. The cafe will be reopen Monday October 28 with a new employee.

I followed up with owner Gabrielle Long. Despite being busy juggling four businesses, she got back to me yesterday.

A soft opening allows a business identify and fix any issues, train and try out staff for the best and in this case test and adjust menu.

"This is why we did a soft opening to streamline issues," Long told me."We will cut the ribbon on the 5th and should have all the kinks worked out by then."

Chloe who I mentioned in my last post is still there. Dominick is the new cook.

Request for warrant for local attorney Callie Buck, case also has overdue payment

 

Local attorney Callie Buck had a commit to jail date on 10/19. I confirmed with jail that she was not booked on that date. A declaration and request for warant was filed on 10/23 and payment plan is due. 

I saw Buck at the courthouse yesterday. It was hectic, she was with a client and I was busy with other cases as I have been all week so I told her I needed to email her about something . My schedule worked in her favor. This is her response.

"Im aware. And tried to take care of it the day i saw you and was told i had to wait for warrent to be isssued so Monday i will be taking care of it. Thank you for reaching out."

On 10/29, I checked e court in the afternoon and no warrant had been issued. Around the same time, at 1:07 p.m. HCSO PIO Meghan Ruiz also responded to my inquiry from last week about a warrant and if Buck was on SWAP, "I just had this checked for most updated information—she does not have a warrant and is not on SWAP."

At 4 p.m on 10/29, Buck was booked into jail and then released. This commitment is for the same case with the original commit to jail date of 10/19.

Most of my regular readers followed my coverage of Buck's cases. In September, she resolved three of her criminal cases. In August, I reported the civil lawsuit against her was dismissed.

Red Lion and Royal Inn owner may soon own Days Inn in Eureka, Royal Inn almost full with County clients

 

(Photo taken by me in 2022, I did not take a current photo yesterday as several residents were outside and some are currently in drug court programs)

The owners of the Royal Inn on 5th street in Eureka also own the Red Lion Hotel on 4th street in Eureka. Royal Inn is almost at full capacity with several people housed by the County including people in programs supervised by drug court. New Life Discovery based in Redding specializes in community support for housing transition. The organizatio  is faith based and provides services to individuals just out of incarceration or residential treatment.  experiencing homelessness.

I received a tip yesterday that the owners are in the process of buying the Days Inn Eureka. Later, the same source said the owners are leasing some rooms at the Days Inn.

This is not the only post I have done on the Royal Inn but it is the last one and relevant to this post. That post has some links but not links to the lawsuit I have been covering about Royal Inn that has only been covered by me.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2023/09/royal-inn-to-open-soon-owners-inform.html?m=1

Another family law court mediator is leaving

 

Yesterday, I received a tip as I was leaving the courthouse that one of the family law court mediators Susan Badra is leaving. Her last day is November 1. She endorsed former judge Gregory Kreis who resigned as a part of a deal with the Commission on Judicial Performance. The CJP 

At least one attorney who works in dependency and family law had not heard the news. My source said due to this staffing issue, it already has and will impact future scheduling in family law.

I already wrote about two Deputy County Counsel leaving and right now they are short staffed with four people who have left. I have written about several Humboldt court staff leaving or retiring so there is consistently staff shortage. 

Sign holders for Yes on F were there on 4th and H when I took this photo, gone two hours later?

 

I saw them around noon, took this photo at 1 p.m. By 3 p.m. they were gone? Maybe to another location? When I first saw them, no one acknowledged them. When I took the photo, one car honked. 

I am not going to share Yes on F internal polling feedback or what I think the election results will be regarding Yes on F mainly because some people on both sides of the issue are realistic while others on both sides from the Humboldt cabal and their sycophants are in a bubble. The first few election reports will confirm which group is correct.

Judge Steven Steward visits Third Grade Class at Lafayette Elementary School in Eureka to talk about the Judicial Branch

Photo I took of Judge Steven Steward and Judge Timothy Canning at the reception after his enrobing ceremony. Do not copyrighted photo without permission and credit)

I was waiting for the official press release from Humboldt Superior Court but I had already heard about Judge Steven Steward visiting with students from local schools for a while. In a few weeks, Commissioner Sarah Kaber will be part of this Judges in the Classroom program which is supported by California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s Power of Democracy Civic Learning Initiative.  

Convicted child pornographer has to register as a sex offender but plea deal gets him 1 year probation and he is out on the streets

 

A Ramey warrant was issued by HCSO for Corey Moore in January 2024. He was arrested the next day by Arcata Police Department. I have been following his case and you can read the previous post for details. Since I request booking photos, I actually have an older one to use because with the Ninth Circuit ruling, getting booking photos now is a futile effort and waste of time to request.

On 10/15,  instead of going ahead with his preliminary hearing scheduled Moore entered a guilty plea but to the lesser charge of PC 311.11 possession of child pornography as a misdemeanor and was sentenced  by Judge Lawrence Killoran to 1 year probation, 21 days in jail but credit given for time served and has to register as a sex offender.

Former Yurok Tribe Executive Director Javier Kinney resolves DUI case, pleads guilty to one DUI count and is placed on probation

 

Yesterday's trial confirmation and 10/28 jury trial dates for former Yurok Tribe Executive Director and current Carbon Project Manager Javier Ishi Kinney were vacated. 

When I checked on his case yesterday, I saw that Kinney resolved his case with a change of plea on 8/22 and he was sentenced the same day by Judge Kaleb Cockrum.

Kinney pleaded guilty to Count 1, Count 2 was dismissed, he was placed on 3 years probation and sentenced to jail for 2 days with credit given for time served. More details in court minutes.

Alleged sex trafficker's hearing continued for the nth time, cross examination was useless and backfired on Ward

 

**This post contains some sensitive content from testimony in a court case about alleged sex trafficking of minors. This case is the definition of public safety and keeping the community informed. The booking photo was released before the 9th circuit ruling**

Darin Ward's preliminary hearing proceeded this morning and at noon, once again, as expected, it was continued to September 25. 

Before the cross examination of HCSO Det. Brian Buihner resumed, Deputy District Carolyn Schaffer told Judge Timothy Canning that more discovery was provided yesterday to Mr. Ken Bareilles and more forensic download will be provided in the future. "It will take two days to copy due to the volume of data and law enforcement has to review it."

The cross examination was a waste of time just as I predicted with defense  questions about testimony already heard. If anything, it backfired on Ward with more vulgar quotes revealed today. I will give only one example.

EPD arrests juvenile for criminal threats, this incident not associated with similar recent threats

 

On Saturday, October 19, 2024 at approximately 11:19 a.m., an employee at Eureka High School located a message written on a wall threatening a school shooting for Sunday, October 20. As homecoming events were planned at the school that day, Patrol Officers, Criminal Investigations Unit Detectives, and the School Resource Officer immediately began investigating.  

Former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, his romantic partner and employee indicted for sex trafficking and interstate prostitution

 

A 16-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Central Islip charging former Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (Abercrombie) Chief Executive Officer Michael Jeffries, along with Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, with sex trafficking and engaging in interstate prostitution. 

Purple sex toys, thongs, bras, Sexy Flexy van at alleged sex trafficker's residence; asking minors to send him naked pictures and giving them vape pens and alcohol and child pornography is just some of the testimony in two days of a continuing preliminary hearing

 

**This post contains some sensitive content from testimony in a court case about alleged sex trafficking of minors. This case is the definition of public safety and keeping the community informed. The booking photo was released before the 9th circuit ruling**

I covered preliminary hearing for alleged sex trafficker Darin Ward which took several days. There are 14 counts and 8 Does with additional charges anticipated and more alleged victims. 

Lisa Maria Adams arrested for witness tampering and stalking

 

46 year old Lisa Maria Adams was arrested by HCSO at 2:50 a.m. today for PC 136.1(a)(1) dissuading or intimidating a witness or victim from testifying more commonly known as witness tampering and PC 646.9 (a) stalking. Bail is $25,000.

Adams was arraigned on 10/23; Conflict Counsel was appointed. OR bail on 10/25; Preliminary hearing is on 11/1.

The DA charged Adams with a felony in Count 1 PC 422 criminal threats and a misdemeanor in Count 2 PC 653 m (a) annoying phone calls.

Fugitive Tyler Thomas Burrow arrested today in Oregon

(Josephine County booking log)

A reader sent me this tip a few minutes ago. I verified the inmate booking log information myself. Burrow has a 10/21/24 court date. Burrow's name will be familiar to people because of Bailey Blunt.

I have contacted HCSO but it is a weekend. On Monday 10/21/24, HCSO PIO Meghan Ruiz responded to me and said HCSO will get back to me.

I did my own follow up. The fugitive warrant is from Trinity County. Burrow has to deal with his Oregon charges and his Trinity County charges first. The warrant from Humboldt is a misdemeanor warrant.

In addition to a restraining order, Roy Gomez has to pay Paul Hagen $25,160 in attorney fees

At the October 16 hearing on attorney fees in Brian Trout vs Roy Gomez, Commissioner Sarah Kaber ordered Gomez to pay $25,160 in attorney fees.

6,493 vote by mail ballots and 156 people voted in person as of this morning in Humboldt

 

I contacted Humboldt County Clerk, Recorder andd Registrar of Voters Juan Cervantes to see how many ballots had been turned in so far for the November 5 election. 

"Per your request here is an update of our ballots received so far. We’ve received 6,493 Vote-By-Mail ballots as of this morning. We’ve also had a 156 people vote in person at our office."

Make that 6,494 VBM ballots. I mailed mine yesterday.

Lots for Tots sued for "unpaid utilities, unpaid property taxes, unpaid insurance of a commercial rental."

 

Received an email from a regular reader this morning who has requested anonymity.

"The real reason Lots 4 Tots Plus the Clothing Closet moved into a new building is because they were evicted out of their old building. They are in court this morning being sued by Gross Family, Inc.  Gross Family v. Dave and Jackie Klem. They have owned the local business for 30+ years. They were evicted for not paying their rent."

I did check the court calendar and there is a small claims case listed this morning, Gross Family LLC vs David Klem. I did check on the case with the Humboldt Superior court clerk's office who said the case is not an unlawful detainer but small claims for "unpaid utilities, unpaid property taxes, unpaid insurance of a commercial rental." 

CHP arrests former captain "on suspicion of workers’ compensation insurance fraud"

This is not a former Humboldt CHP employee. Former CHP Captain Matthew Stover worked for CHP for 22 years.

"I had already expected that I would not receive the booking photos but I do appreciate that a policy further clarifying the criteria is being developed by HCSO.".

 

HCSO responded to my two remaining requests for booking photos. I had already expected that I would not receive the booking photos but I do appreciate that a policy further clarifying the criteria is being developed by HCSO. 

I hope EPD is taking notes. Instead of passing the buck to HCSO like they did for my last request, they need to develop a policy once and for all and decide whether they want to issue their own booking photos or like every other agency have HCSO handle those requests. If EPD's response to the Houston vs Maricopa County ruling is to chicken out and have HCSO do extra work, then HCSO should get extra funds and a staff member to handle those additional requests. The County can work the funding out with the City of Eureka.

Brian Gerving led the City of Eureka Shakeout drill

Passed by while City of Eureka was participating in the Great Shakeout Drill about 15 minutes ago.

"First I want to thank the DA’s office for providing support to my son and our family throughout this process. For the last three years our family has been on an emotional roller coaster preparing our child to testify against the man who sexually abused him."

(Google AI overview)

I met the mother of the victims in the Kevin Dikes case one day while covering the case. We were waiting until the case concluded so I could offer the opportunity to be heard on the ordeal her family has been through.

After the plea deal, I reached out to her this morning. She provided me this statement.

"First I want to thank the DA’s office for providing support to my son and our family throughout this process. For the last three years our family has been on an emotional roller coaster preparing our child to testify against the man who sexually abused him. He has had to meet weekly with a therapist to help him forget the horrible things that Mr. Dikes did to him, and then he had to prepare to remember every detail so that he could testify in a jury trial. With request after request from Mr. Dikes to delay the case, we have had to rearrange our life plans on numerous occasions, which has been a huge burden on our child and our extended family. I am glad that Mr. Dikes has taken this deal, sparing my son from having to ever see him again. And I am appalled that the defense team tried to isolate my son from his family and force him into the same room to testify in front of Mr. Dikes without either parent by his side." 

Convicted child molestor Kevin Dikes waives right to appeal, could be screened to see if he meets sexually violent predator requirements

 

This week started out with a defense motion to continue being denied for Kevin Dikes 2021 jury trial on 10/14/24 by Judge Steven Steward.

On the third day of his trial in his 2021 case, before jury selection had even started, on 10/16/24 Dikes resolved his 2021 case and the charges he pleaded guilty to make him a convicted child molestor. Dikes was advised that he maybe screened to see if he meets requirements for a sexually violent predator. Dikes waived his right to appeal. Sentencing is on 11/13. His 2023 case was dismissed on 10/16/24. Details of plea and court minutes from this week are included in the post.

Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor for this case. Ms. Rebecca Linkous is Dikes' attorney. 

Peter Thompson custody status changed to no bail

 

Peter Thompson had an OR bail hearing on 10/15. Visiting Judge Richard Kalustian denied release on OR and denied supervised release without prejudice.

Deputy Public Defender David Celli requested bail reduction. Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm argued for no bail and that request was granted by Judge Kalustian. Having watched Mr. Timm in court for years, especially when it comes to arguments on bail, it was fortunate that he appeared on this case. 

HCSO looking for domestic violence suspect Joseph Larue

(HCSO :Larue )

On Tuesday, October 15 at about 4 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded to the report of a domestic disturbance with possible shots fired at an apartment complex on Orchard Lane in Redway. 

FPPC case against former Humboldt auditor-controller still open "until it reaches its final adjudication."

 

(Facebook: Karen Paz Dominguez)

Did a post on September 13 with this brief response from former auditor-controller Karen Paz Dominguez about this FPPC agenda item. "The FPPC and I are in active negotiations. To maintain the good-faith tone of those negotiations, I am not making public comments at this time."

 

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco sued by man arrested at Donald Trump's Coachella event for alleged defamation

 

(KESQ)

(KESQ)

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco sued by man arrested at Donald Trump's Coachella event for alleged defamation. Vem Miller is a Trump supporter. 

KESQ posted a tweet from Miller, response from Bianco and a statement from Riverside County Sheriff's office. You can pick from a variety of coverage, just some examples posted below.