John Chiv: Third loss for Griego, once again Judge McElfresh rules in favor of County in lawsuit filed by former court reporter

Mar 15, 2025

Third loss for Griego, once again Judge McElfresh rules in favor of County in lawsuit filed by former court reporter

Last April, I reported that Kay Gibbs, former court reporter who worked for Humboldt Superior Court for 40 years is suing the County.

Del Norte Superior Judge Darren McElfresh was assigned to the case. Mr. Patrik Griego represents Gibbs. Mr. Griego told me he is doing this pro bono.

The County of Humboldt is County is represented by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, a Fresno law firm.

Judge McElfresh's latest ruling filed 3/11/25 was served on the parties on 3/13/25 according to e court. This is the third loss for Mr. Griego.

Janssen Malloy is not going to be happy with this post. Nor is Mr. Patrik Griego. Or all the buddy buddy lawyers and court insiders. I am simply reporting on Judge McElfresh's ruling.

I wrote this on another post about another local lawyer but have had added some more. The reason this blog rankles the court insiders, Humboldt Superior Court and some local lawyers is because the public is informed of losses, of lawyers who are good and others who do not like my factual coverage because their record of losses is revealed. No lawyer wins every case. When you are paying someone money; you deserve to know what your options are. Google and search Janssen Malloy on my blog. In a small county, for a long time, certain people were used to ruling the roost. The other media doesn't cover most court cases, does not cover court regularly or reveal connections that are relevant. Certain members of the local legal community were used to ruling the roost and getting their way. My honest coverage is inconvenient to them. Secure and good lawyers who I have reported sometimes disagree with me but they are respectful and say what they want to directly to me. They also are too busy making money, in demand and defending their clients. Secure and good lawyers appreciate honest coverage because they know that is why the community trusts me.

I just noticed the last page of the ruling is missing. I will add it Monday. That missing page has one of the most crucial sentences and sums up Judge McElfresh's ruling.

I like Kay. Very hardworking and one of the nicest, most professional court reporters. I also know that in the court system; money matters. If you can afford a lawyer and the time to drag out the process; you have a better chance. Kay is fortunate that she has a local lawyer willing to do this pro bono. The court system is so broken and in a small, rural county, options for assistance or legal assistance are non-existent.