Improper political activity demeaning the judicial office and improper social media conduct leads to discipline of Sonoma County Judge James Bertoli

 

(Photo: Sonoma County Bar Association)

Sonoma Superior Court Judge James Bertoli will retire on January 5, 2025 according to a few media reports. This development was after Judge Bertoli was admonished by the Commision on Judicial Performance. Judge Bertoli waived his right to formal proceedings and review by the Supreme Court.

I am familiar with Judge Bertoli's name  because he was formerly assigned to the family law case for Gregory Kreis and Brenda Elvine. I noticed another judge's name in the court minutes for the case. Cases sometimes get reassigned to different judges. I check the CJP website when I can and today I saw Judge Bertoli's name which is the most recent entry. CJP is one of the few investigative agencies in California that gives me hope.

Judge Bertoli was also represented by the same attorney who was the lawyer for former Humboldt Superior Court judge Gregory Kreis when the CJP filed formal proceedings against him. 

The press release on Judge Bertoli got some regional coverage but not the national headlines and articles the Kreis notice of formal proceedings and resignation did.  Readers should read the detailed complaint on Judge Bertoli and if you did not read the Kreis complaint and CJP decision and order, you should and compare. 

"The Commission on Judicial Performance, established in 1960, is the independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges, pursuant to article VI, section 18 of the California Constitution."

"The commission’s mandate is to protect the public, enforce rigorous standards of judicial conduct and maintain public confidence in the integrity and independence of the judicial system." CJP website

The CJP website has more information on filing a complaint and the process.

Former Humboldt Deputy DA, US veteran, now top lawyer in LA makes national headlines for the third time since May

 

(print image provided by Allan Dollison)

(Online images from Daily Journal site)

Former Humboldt Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison now practices in LA County.

I reported in May that Mr. Dollison was recognized for one of the top 100 jury verdicts in Los Angeles. I reported in September that Retired Supreme Court Justice Breyer responding to a question by former Humboldt Deputy DA Allan Dollison on Supreme Court, presidential immunity and the Constitution.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/09/retired-supreme-court-justice-breyer.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/05/allan-dollison-recognized-for-one-of.html?m=1

Just yesterday, Mr. Dollison was published in print and online in the Daily Journal and California lawyer. As a veteran, Mr. Dollison wrote that "The military is not authorized to conduct 'mass deportations'."

Eureka Housing for All website can't be reached, Citizens for a Better Eureka website works

I wanted to check something and this is the message I get for Eureka Housing for All website. I have contacted spokesperson Gail Rymer. Even with it being Thanksgiving and a holiday weekend, Ms. Rymer got back to me Friday morning and confirmed "We have taken down the site."

The Citizens for a Better Eureka website works.

Sheriff Honsal, Undersheriff Braud and HCSO are grateful for new deputies and correctional officers

 

(Photo courtesy HCSO)

In a Facebok post today, Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal, Undersheriff JD Braud and HCSO express gratitude and welcome new hires.

"We are thankful for our new hires! ✨

Please join us in welcoming Correctional Deputies Michael Acevedo, Travis Bartley, and Joshua Blevins, as well as Deputy Sheriff Jereme Mullen to the team. We're excited to have these dedicated deputies on board as we continue striving for a safe and protected community!"

Happy Thanksgiving, Humboldt County! 🍂

#humboldtsheriff #thanksgiving #newhires #welcome #serveandprotect

For some families like the Carters, this holiday maybe bittersweet

 

The last post I did on Mark and Sheri Carter family case was in May. They had come to an agreement about their divorce case. On November 7, their divorce became final. 

Today, maybe bittersweet for some people and some families like the Carters. The Carter divorce became final earlier this month. I chose to do this post today because there are many others who may not have a safe, warm place today or a gathering or for reasons may be alone. Thank you to those kind people today who are inviting others to their table, opening their hearts and homes and to those who sent a text or called someone to remind them they are not alone.

Even before I went to their house for Thanksgiving and after I stopped, Virginia Bass and Matthew Owen checked on me for a while. Things may have changed in the last few years between us but whenever I do see Virginia, she is always kind and I am always happy to see her. I will text her but I want to thank her in a public way because with everything we all have been through this year, reminders of kindness and gratitude are important even if relationships have changed. There are some other people I have reached out to but Virginia was always more than a politician or my Supervisor. She is one of the few people in the 20 years I know who does genuinely care about this community.

If you wish to comment on the Humboldt Superior Court budget, you have two weeks to submit written comments

In accordance with California Rule of Court 10.620, the Superior Court of California, County of Humboldt published its proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025.

Written comments are due by December 10, 2024 to Court Executive Office, Attn: Tara Howard, 825 Fifth Street, Eureka CA 95501.

Bench warrant issued for Jean Mazzoti in Wallace & Hinz lawsuit

The latest update in the Wallace and Hinz lawsuit against Joe and Jean Mazzotti is that a bench warrant was issued for Jean Mazzotti on 11/25/24. 

At the 7/22/24 hearing, there was no appearance by Jean Mazzotti and a $5,000 civil bench warrant was issued. The order was prepared by Ms. Heather Burke. She is the attorney for Wallace and Hinz.

Once again, Deputy DA Whitney Timm delivers for the victims and the People; Gary Campbell found guilty on all 5 counts in less than a day

 

Jury verdict in convicted rapist and molestor Gary Campbell's trial for 2024 and 2022 case started yesterday. Those cases were consolidated. Guilty on all 5 counts.

Yesterday afternoon, juror # 9 was replaced in the afternoon, alternate # 4  is replacement. Today, shortly after 1 p.m. jury had a verdict. I heard Count 1 guilty, then Count 2 guilty at 1:30. 

Jurors just left at 1:40. No one waited to talk to attorneys. Campbell has two 2023 cases trailing.

Judge Kaleb Cockrum presided over the trial. Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor. Deputy Conflict Counsel David Nims is Campbell's attorney.

I asked in 2022 if this case against Deputy Cumbow and HCSO had any merit; it settled and was dismissed with prejudice

 

In 2022, I reported on a lawsuit filed by Cole Hess against HCSO Deputy Nathan Cumbow and the Humboldt County Sheriff's office.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/04/anyone-can-file-lawsuit-is-there-merit.html?m=1

Nothing but continuances and case management conferences kept being scheduled for two years  There was a hearing scheduled on 11/22/24. When I checked the case today for an update, I saw the case settled & was dismissed on 10/11/24.

Ms. Heidi Holmquist Wells of the Zwerdling Law Firm represented Hess. Mr. Nicholas Kloeppel was the attorney for the County of Humboldt. 

Steven Edwards was charged with sexual abuse, he entered a plea and was placed on probation, his other 2024 case was dismissed

 

Steven Edwards was arrested in July 2024 for lewd acts with a minor. The DA charged him with PC 288.5 (a) continuous sexual abuse. On 9/20, he entered a plea. Edwards had another 2024 case which was dismissed. On 11/22, Edwards was sentenced by Judge Kelly Neel. 

City of Eureka gets an extension of 30 days to respond in appeal filed by Citizens for a Better Eureka

 

I last reported on this on November 6.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/11/citizens-for-better-eureka-filed.html?m=1

City of Eureka and Citizens for a Better Eureka stipulated to an extension of time. The City of Eureka now has until 1/6/25 to file a response.

Kudos to Supervisor Arroyo, Judges Neel and Steward and Queer Humboldt this informational event about legal name changes

 

I am not posting the location of this December 5 event for the safety and privacy of those attending.

There is a flyer circulating and if you are a non binary or trans Humboldt resident interested in this December 5 workshop contact Queer Humboldt. 

After I did this post on my blog, two days later, Queer Humboldt posted the flyer and information on Facebook so I have added the information which includes the location. The workshop presentation will be by Legal Services of Northern California.

Former Grind Cafe location to reopen with Familia coffee employee taking over, another coffee shop to open at 2nd and I in building owned by Travis Schneider

 

(Former location of Grind )

The best news is going out in the field and talking to people, especially when it comes to local news.

The former location of the Grind on 5th and I will be another coffee shop run by former Familia coffee employee Bo. The equipment from that location was purchased by Anisa (not sure of the spelling of her name) for a coffee shop at 2nd and I in a building owned by Travis Schneider. I have made a couple of calls and will update the post if necessary.

In my previous coverage about the Grind closing at 5th and I moving to the Courthouse, I had mentioned that a local coffee shop owner was interested in the former Grind location. There was more than one person interested. That negotiation with Kool Beanz owners did not work out and Bo ended up being the one to get the locaton.

In 2022, I did this post. Since then, I have spoken to Rick Gaube who owns Dominos in Eureka. He was planning to open a second location in Myrtletown. I did get an update for him today but nothing to report; yet. Like any business owner knows, plans change, require flexibility and there can be delays beyond one's control. Rick has a few options he is considering.

What is so special about Eric Thompson that his mugshot was released?

What is so special about Eric Thompson that his mugshot was released? Since the Ninth Circuit ruling, there are no photos with other press releases and my request for booking photos for alleged molestor Markus Evans and repeat, dangerous offender James Leach was denied. Evans was a request to HCSO and Leach to EPD and these are only two examples.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/10/first-hcso-now-epd.html?m=1

I don't want HCSO PIO Meghan Ruiz to answer the question, I want Sheriff William Honsal and whoever at the County that is releasing selective mugshots to respond. I am also still waiting on the HCSO policy on criteria for release of booking photos.

More booking photos were released by HCSO for two fencing theft suspects on 11/27/24 so I sent an email to HCSO PIO Ruiz asking for clarification.

Anthony Hamilton pleads guilty to manslaughter and resolves case for killing Jennika Suazo

 

On 11/22/24, Anthony Hamilton entered plea for a stipulation to 11 year upper term which will be served concurrently with Hamilton's life sentence out of Del Norte County. I confirmed this with Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees.

Hamilton pleaded guilty to manslaughter which is an added Count 2. Hamilton was originally charged with the murder of Jennika Suazo. Deputy Conflict RJ Leohner is Hamilton's attorney. Sentencing is on 12/20.

I already reported about the plea. There has been no other media in the courtroom for the last three hearings.  There are a lot of details in previous coverage since September 2024 that will give readers more information and context to the plea.

CA Governor Gavin Newsom and former Humboldt Auditor-Controller Karen Paz Dominguez both make it on November FPPC agenda for proposed penalties

 

California Governor Gavin Newsom's agenda item is under Behested Payment. Proposed penalty $13,000. Newsom agreed to pay the fine.

There was another violation in 2018 by Newsom. The only coverage I could find of the 2024 violation was by the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Times.

Former Humboldt Auditor-Controller Karen Paz Dominguez agenda items under Campaign Later Filer. Proposed penalties $17,000.

I already got comments from the FPPC and Ms. Paz Dominguez for the October post. I doubt either will have any additional comment while the case is still open.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/10/fppc-case-against-former-humboldt.html?m=1

Supervisor Natalie Arroyo may have been in Pasadena but her thoughts were with her Humboldt constituents during last week's storm

 

Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo posted these photos and captions on her Supervisor Facebook page yesterday.

"California State Association of Counties policy sessions and connecting with my colleagues around the state. The time to talk w/ county folks in other places and hear their approaches to shared challenges is the most valuable aspect. More highlights to come... I do feel very torn being here while Humboldt is going through the ringer but I am determined to make the most of the experience!"

"Moments with the @latinosupervisors at the CA State Association of Counties annual meeting. It was a pleasure to welcome several newly elected supervisors and to hear from the incredible director of @chirla_org ❤️👏🏼"

I did this post on the 2024 CSAC conference on November 17

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/11/instead-of-csac-policy-reports-i-want.html?m=1

Alleged molestor charged with 25 felonies including possession of over 600 images of child pornography forfeits bond and is in custody on a no bail status

 

Alleged molestor and child pornography suspect Joseph Shinn has retained Mr. Michael Robinson. Shinn was remanded into custody on 11/18 and his arraignment scheduled for that day was continued by defense to 11/20. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees was in court for the People on 11/18.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer was in court on 11/20 when Shinn was arraigned on the amended complaint and his bail bond was forfeited. 

Shinn is in custody on a no bail status, charged with 25 felonies including possession of over 600 images of child pornography. Preliminary hearing is currently scheduled on 12/10. Unless Shinn decides to waive preliminary hearing or take an early plea; I am sure the hearing will continued due to the volume of discovery and ongoing investigation. 

From the complaint which lists merged cases, it looks like the charges in this one case cover the October and November arrests.

Ryan Ray resolves DUI case before trial and is placed on probation for three years

 

On 11/20, at trial confirmation, Ryan Ray entered a plea in his DUI case and resolved his case before his jury trial which was scheduled for 12/2. Ray pleaded guilty to Count 1 misdemeanor DUI. Count 2 blood alcohol charge was dismissed. Judge Lawrence Killoran placed Ray on three years probation. Ray was also sentenced to 4 days in jail which was covered by the exact number of custody credits.

Sebastion Hockett was arrested in March 2023 for sex crimes involving a minor; he has yet to have his preliminary hearing and he has been in custody for almost two years

 

(2023 booking photo I requested)

Sebastion Hockett was arrested in March 2023. His preliminary hearing has been continued several times and the next date is 1/8/25. Hockett is on a no bail status and has been in jail since his arrest.

There is no guarantee it will proceed on January 8. Just based on the court cases I am following, the preliminary hearing calendar that day is jam packed.

Hockett is just one of the many cases I regularly follow from arrest to conclusion. This is one of many cases where there are numerous continuances  or resetting of dates and nothing significant happening. As I have explained several times, minor updates are added to previous posts. Those do not warrant new posts and are a waste of time for my regular readers, subscribers and advertisers who are loyal and have invested in this blog over the years.

Destinee Rhamy, Joseph Larue are just two examples of where the other local media posted on scanner or initial headlines and then never follow up. Frederick Breckenridge and Joseph Shinn are two recent examples of cases only I have reported on which are newsworthy but require a lot of time and effort.

The detailed court coverage with court records and minutes and hours in a courtroom is time consuming and I do this is in addition to new cases and other news and I don't have sales reps or corporate resources. There are benefits to being a regular reader, subscriber or advertiser. One of those perks is one on one updates and customized responses. That is how it works with every service and business.

There are many reasons for constant continuances and the constant court backlog which I have written about previously and often.

Curent Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel and the current Humboldt Superior Court administration are doing their best to tackle the calendar with short staffing and challenges in a rural community. Some of the changes they have implemented will take time. The California Judicial Council and certain Humboldt County Board of Supervisors can take actions to improve this situation and assist the current Humboldt Superior Court judges, administration, public defenders and private attorneys. 

They won't. The CA Judicial Council and certain Humboldt County Supervisors ignore good advice and have done nothing for the decade I have covered local courts and politics. After 20 years of living in Humboldt, I know how local "power" and "good ole boys and gals" operate. Nothing will change unless there is a major change in local and state leadership and career politicians. New local Supervisors and new department heads cannot fix every issue caused by years of entrenched systems and nepotism and leadership failure in Humboldt and California by both political parties.

Sergio Madrone was arrested for sodomy with a minor and defense wants a pre plea diversion?

In September, 35 year old Sergio Madrone was arrested by Eureka Police Department for PC 286(b)(1) sodomy with a minor. Madrone's preliminary hearing was originally scheduled for yesterday. It was continued to 1/22/25 by defense for setting of prelim and receipt of PC1001.20 report.

Man who was previously arrested for being a fugitive from justice identified as decedent at Blue Lake power plant

 

In 2021, Jason Quinton Miller who had a warrant from Oklahoma was arrested by HCSO for being fugitive from justice.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2021/11/another-criminal-who-came-to-humboldt.html?m=1#more

This morning HCSO identified Miller as the man who died in Blue Lake at a power plant.

Took a jury two hours to find convicted felon Morgan Dunn guilty of 9 counts in his latest case

 

Today, at 2:10 p.m., the jury in convicted felon Morgan Dunn's 2023 case started deliberations. At 4:14 p.m., they had a verdict. I just happened to hear about it while checking and working on other cases. 

Dunn was found guilty on all 9 counts. Four convictions for PC 29800 (a) (1) felon in possession of a firearm and five for PC 30305 (a) (1) felon in possession of ammunition. 

I did not cover the trial and have not covered any of Dunn's cases. He had four cases on calendar today CR1505473, CR1803326, CR1505239 and CR2300341. 42 year old Dunn has been in custody since September 4 when he was booked on a bench warrant.

Alleged sex trafficker and molestor Darin Ward held to answer to all 14 counts and special allegations

 

Alleged sex trafficker Darin Ward's preliminary hearing finally concluded today. He was held to answer on all 14 counts and special allegations.Judge Timothy Canning denied the defense 17 (b) motions. Arraignment on information is on 12/4.

Deputy Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Mr. Ken Bareilles is Ward's attorney.

If you followed my coverage of the case including the detailed posts on the preliminary hearing, the only ones surprised by today's ruling and probably still in denial are Ward, his family and Mr. Bareilles. 

Another juvenile suspect arrested by EPD after investigation at Eureka High School

Eureka Police Department issued a press release at 3:09 p.m. today about a juvenile suspect arrest today for criminal threats resulting from a report and investigation at Eureka High School on Monday.

Matthew Adams arrested by MCSO for two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a minor

On 11-17-2024 at approximately 4:01 P.M., Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to contact an adult female, regarding a possible sexual assault committed against her two daughters.

Humboldt County Job Market closed for remainder of today

11/22 update: Humboldt Job Market still closed.

"Judge Flaum has given more than half of his life to the judiciary. He has served the justice system with a grace and collegiality that has earned him the unanimous respect and admiration of his colleagues, and he is altogether deserving of the highest honor bestowed upon an Article III federal judge."

 

(Judge Joel M. Flaum)

Chief Justice John Roberts, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, federal judges and his colleagues laud Judge Joel M. Flaum who is the 2024 recipient of the Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award.

DA investigating suicide attempt by inmate Michael Garcia

At 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, Michael Garcia, age 47, of Bakersfield, was found in his jail cell by correctional deputies following an apparent suicide attempt. Rescue efforts were initiated and performed by deputies until Emergency Medical Services arrived. Garcia was transported by paramedics to the hospital for treatment. Garcia is currently in critical condition.

Hardworking City of Eureka crew cleaning up damage from last night on 5th street

 

Took these photos an hour ago.

Humboldt County Counsel to lose yet another attorney and this departure is a big loss for the County, the courts and taxpayers

 

I have written about several Humboldt Deputy County Counsel leaving recently. Add one more to the list. This is someone who has saved the County money and been successful in representing the County.

In July, I wrote about former Deputy County Counsel Vince Uberti leaving. In September, another Deputy County Counsel left. The Department is short staffed and due to hiring freezes, the burden of the work increases on the few attorneys and legal staff. The Board of Supervisors keep hiring outside Counsel which costs taxpayer money. This is not to say all Supervisors are on board with that solution. 

Another continuance in Widmark brother trial, 827 petition filed for Jesse Widmark has been MIA since February

 

(Jesse Widmark)

(Brandon Widmark)

Today, Brandon and Jesse Widmark had trial confirmation scheduled in their cases for the jury trial scheduled on 12/6.. Ms. Andrea Sullivan represents Jesse Widmark. Ms. Rebecca Linkous is Brandon Widmark's attorney.

Ms. Sullivan filed a 827 petition in February which I reported on in my June post. There had been no communication from Humboldt Superior Court in June. Today, it seems the petition got lost in the clerks office and  she requested a continuance. 827 petition is a request for access to confidential information from a juvenile case. Judge Steven Steward asked Ms. Sullivan to file a written motion.

Readiness conference is scheduled for 12/5; jury trial on 12/16.

Floyd Squires sued by Eureka Capital Group LLC

 

There is an ex parte hearing scheduled this afternoon in a civil unlimited case under the real property category. Floyd Squires and Community Loan Service LLC are being sued by Eureka Capital Group LLC for wrongful foreclosure and quiet title. 

The ex parte request has been denied twice by Judge Timothy Canning. No one showed up for the 10/14/24 hearing. At the 11/19 hearing, the Squires are not listed nor is any attorney representing them. There is a case management conference scheduled for 12/23/24.

You can read the complaint and court minutes from hearings for more details. 

Humboldt Bay Fire Station #3 gets first major renovation since the 1950s

Humboldt Bay Fire Station #3, located at 2905 Ocean Avenue in Eureka, is set to undergo a significant remodel of its living quarters, beginning today. During this renovation, the engine company typically stationed at Fire Station #3 will temporarily relocate to Humboldt Bay Fire Station #1, located at 533 C Street. 

No bail status for alleged molestor arrested again this month by DA Investigator Ryan Hill for even more serious sex crimes involving a minor

Joseph Raymond Shinn was arrested again by DA Investigator Ryan Hill yesterday afternoon on a Ramey warrant and booked for PC 288.7(a) oral copulation with a minor, PC 311.3 (a) sexual exploitation of a child, PC 311.11(c)(1) possession of child porn involving sadism or masochism, PC 311.4 (a) employment of a minor for pornography and PC266 (j) transport a minor for lewd purposes or child prostitution. He is on no bail status unless that is changed by the court.

I did a post on October 7 about 46 year old Shinn's arrest by DA Investigator Ryan Hill for PC 288.2(a)(1) sending harmful material to seduce a minor, PC 288.3(a) contacting a minor for sexual purposes and PC 288.4(b) arranging to meet a minor for lewd purposes.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/10/another-arrest-by-da-investigator-ryan.html?m=1

Shinn has an arraignment scheduled tomorrow for a 2024 case. I will update this post.