DOJ sues Los Angeles stating "Sanctuary City Laws are illegal"

 

Hershey Law's Johnny Rundell wins 27.5 million verdict against Dignity Health in a retaliation lawsuit filed by a nursing officer who raised patient concerns

 

Mr. Johnny Rundell of the LA law firm Hershey Law Firm was co-counsel for a 27.5 million employment verdict in Los Angeles. The other attorney is Mr. David deRubertis who is also one of the top  employment attorneys in California.

The plaintiff in the case is Nancy Valla who was the former nursing chief  officer at St. Mary's Medical Center. In her lawsuit, Ms.Valla claimed that the parent company Dignity Health unlawfully retaliated against her for raising safety concerns and failed to accommodate her disability in violation of California law.

I reached out to Mr. Rundell for comment. 

"Mr. Chiv: We are thrilled with this outcome for Nancy Valla, who courageously stood up for patient safety.  This $27.5 million verdict represents not only justice for Ms. Valla personally, but also reinforces the critical protections that California law provides against retaliation for raising legitimate safety concerns. It was truly a team effort and would not have been possible without Brennan Hershey and David deRubertis as well as all the other team members. Ultimately, this case serves as a powerful reminder that healthcare institutions must prioritize both patient safety and employee rights, and that those who speak up for what's right deserve protection under the law."

Los Angeles is competitive and it is a testament to Mr. Rundell that his fellow lawyers in Los Angeles reached out to me this morning to congratulate him on his victory.

Mr. Rundell represents former Deputy Public Defender Rory Kalin who sued Gregory Kreis who ended up settling with Kalin. Mendocino Judge Ann Moorman ruling for Kreis' co-defendants Humboldt County Public Defender Luke Brownfield and former Public Defender Marek Reavis is under appeal.

FBI offering $20,000 reward for information on "El Cholo" aka Manuel Virgen-Galvan, a suspect in the murder of 14 year old in California in 2005

 

Kudos to Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris for putting facts out during an active situation and first responders in Idaho under sniper fire

"We now have two deaths. We have an unknown amount of casualties," Kootenai County Sheriff Robert Norris said during a press conference. "We still have civilians that are coming off of that mountain."

Sheriff Norris did not confirm that the two deaths were firefighters and those posting  which includes mainstream media; many who have not even cited official sources; are not helping but hindering law enforcement while an active shooter is out there.

In a life & death situation involving first responders, responsible reporters listen to @dbongino @KristiNoem and Sheriff Norris & you can scoop without jeopardizing lives by providing other vital information.

7:21 p.m.:

7:45 p.m.:

20 year old Wess Roley identified as suspect.

Is Ryan Sundberg no longer at Cher-Ae-Heights casino?

Former Humboldt County Fifth District Supervisor Ryan Sunderberg is still on the website as a member of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board with his term ending on September 30 2027.  The website on that bio still lists him as General Manager of Cher-Ae-Heights Casino.

I was told by sources that Ryan Sundberg was no longer at the Cher-ae-Heights Casino; this has been "in the works since February" and that Sundberg has another position.

Blaine Becksted arrested by HCSO for attempted murder, criminal threats, child endangerment, shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle and burglary

Blaine Nathan Becksted was arrested yesterday by HCSO for PC 664/187 (a) attempted murder, PC 422 criminal threats, PC 273a(a) child endangerment, PC 246 shooting at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle and PC459/461(a) burglary.

He has convictions in a 2022 and 2021 traffic case.

7/2/25: Charges filed today. Complaint was filed by Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees. After arraignment, I saw Becksted being taken back to jail at 2:08 p.m. in a wheelchair. Alleged victims are Aaron Douglas Becksted and Heather Guiol Becksted and minor John Doe.

Mr. Rees appeared on the case at arraignment. Conflict Counsel's office appointed by Retired Judge Christopher Wilson. Mr. Rees requested no bail and that request was granted. OR bail on 7/7; preliminary hearing on 7/15. 

This is the third time I have covered EPD's arrest of Michael Chaudier for failure to register as a sex offender

 

Michael John Chaudier was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday for PC 290.011(a), failure to register as a sex offender. 

I have reported on two previous arrests for Michael John Chaudier for failure to register as a sex offender. He knows nothing will happen to him in Humboldt. In other parts of California, there are consequences for these convicted sex offenders.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/03/second-arrest-for-convicted-sex.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2019/01/michael-john-chaudier-arrested-for.html?m=1#more

If I reported on every repeat offender I see arrested again on the daily jail log, I would have no time to report other news.

Washington Post reporter arrested for possesion of child pornography including videos on his work laptop

(This photo is from the bio on The Washington Post website)

Thomas LeGro appeared before a U.S. District Court judge today. He has a bail hearing next wek.

More details in the press release issued today by the United States Attorney's Office District of Columbia.

Four years in jail for SoCal healthcare clinic operator prosecuted by CA DOJ for Medi-Cal fraud which resulted in a loss of over $20 million

 

Sentencing minutes from Orange County Superior Court for Oscar B. Abrons III. Four years in jail. Abrons stipulated the loss to Medi' Cal was more than $20 million. Abron’s co-conspirators, Steven Derrick Fleming and Mohamed Waddah El-Nachef, were previously sentenced. Fleming was sentenced to five years in state prison, and El-Nachef was sentenced to a five-year local custody sentence and surrendered his medical license. The prosecution of these individuals was carried out by the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA).

More details in press release issued by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

I asked this question on X. 

Four years in jail for SoCal healthcare clinic operator prosecuted by CA DOJ for Medi-Cal fraud which resulted in a loss of over $20 million@AGRobBonta win for CA what is missing from your press release is how much of this was due to @GOP @DOGE @POTUS calling out fraud in benefits. Locally, Humboldt DA has been prosecuting such cases before recent headlines. 

CA GOP has been raising concerns about fraud &  benefit fraud since 2020.

Humboldt County Elections Office seeking voter input on second draft of Election Administration Plan

(Photo from Facebook page when he ran for election)

One of the best decisions voters made is to elect Humboldt County Clerk, Recorder Registrar of Voters Juan Cervantes. Regardless of politics, county officials, business members and community complement him on his fairness and professionalism and I agree.

Two of the County departments that are well run, helpful and have knowledgeable shout are Elections and the Assessor's office. This has been my experience and it has only improved after the last election and current department heads.

You can read CA AG's statement, President Trump Truth Social post or Grok's summary on SCOTUS ruling about birthright citizenship or read the actual document

 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement this morning on the U.S. Supreme ruling and President Trump's executive order on birthright  citizenship. 

You can read Bonta's statement, Trump's Truth Social post and Grok's summary or go read the actual ruling.  Grok's summary is the best because instead of focusing an  mentioning birthright citizenship, it accurately summarizes the ruling  limiting nationwide injunctions.

At 10:31, California Gavin Newsom issued a brief statement.

Nicholas Sarkozy arrested by HCSO for criminal threats, false imprisonment, domestic violence, dissauding or intimidating a witness or victim and probation violation

 

Nicholas Alexander Sarkozy was arrested by HCSO yesterday PC 136.1(a)(1)dissuading or intimidating a witness or victim, PC 236 false imprisonment, PC 422(a) criminal threats PC 273.5(a) corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant commonly known as domestic violence and PC 1203.2(a) probation violation. 

EPD arrests Brian Keith Baldwin for forcible rape

 

44 year old Eureka Police Department arrested Brian Keith Baldwin yesterday for PC 261(a)(2) forcible rape.

He has 34 cases in the Humboldt Superior Court majority of them criminal. That does not include this recent arrest.

I checked Facebook, the booking photo and did a google search. I am not going to add any additional information yet.

Want to meet the judge who ordered Trump to return control of CA guard to Newsom?

 

U. S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer granted California Governor's Gavin Newsom's temporary restraining order in the lawsuit against the Trump administration about the National Guard. Judge Breyer is one of the panelists at this July event in San Francisco.

Event details and registration:

July 16, 2025

5:00 - 6:00 p.m., Reception to follow

Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse

Thelton E. Henderson Ceremonial Courtroom, 19th Floor

450 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102

1.0 hours. Please check https://northerndistrictpracticeprogram.org/ the week before attending the session for written resources; hard copy materials will not be provided.

Free for judges, court staff, AUSAs, AFPDs, current CJA panel attorneys, law clerks, and students.

$35 General Admission for everyone else.

Seating is limited, register early. If you have questions, please email executivedirector@northerndistrictpracticeprogram.org.

Kidnapping, domestic violence and criminal threats suspect Jose Cruz does not testify at his trial but his mother does; then defense questions Jane Doe

 

Kidnapping, domestic violence and criminal threats suspect Jose Junior Cruz aka Jose Cruz jury trial for two 2023 cases which were consolidated is almost over.

Cruz did not testify but on 6/24, Cruz' mother testified and then defense called Jane Doe to testify. On 6/25, Judge Kaleb Cockrum, Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers and Deputy Conflict Counsel R.J. Leohner went over jury instructions and Ms. Myers gave her closing argument.

After defense closing on 6/26 and People's rebuttal argument, jury deliberations started around 2 p.m. 

I want to thank Humboldt Superior Court clerk Bonnie Jennings. She is one of two current clerks who consistently gets the court minutes done by the deadline required regardless of a busy courtroom calendar and being in trial.

Melissa Dale Parker arrested by APD is known to law enforcement with over 20 criminal and traffic cases and has a few aliases

(2020 booking photo)

41-year-old Eureka resident Melissa Dale Parker was arrested this morning by Arcata Police Department after they responded to a burglary in progress call. The other two male suspects fled the scene.

Parker was booked and lodged at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on felony burglary and misdemeanor resistance charges, as well as an active warrant for felony assault.

Parker has several aliases. The complaint is from her 2025 case  for PC 245 (a) (4) assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury. The arrest warrant in that case was issued on 1/14/25. No date set as of 12:37 p.m. in that case.

Not counting her family support cases and ignoring the duplicates in Humboldt Superior Court, if you include her 2025 case, she has at least 23 cases in the system. I am not listing tje outcome of every case but there are convictions and dismissals.

Supreme Court in a 6-3 rules in favor of South Carolina in Planned Parenthood lawsuit

 

The Supreme Court in a 6-3 ruled in favor of South Carolina saying Planned Parenthood cannot sue the state for termination of Medicaid funding for providing abortion services.

In Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, the majority did not agree with Planned Parenthood's and individual plaintiff's  claim that that individual Medicaid patients can sue or have right to pick a medical provider. 

The coverage on this issue depends on the "mainstream media" you read and the bias of that msm outlet.

I added California Attorney General Rob Bonta's statement issued at 4:50 p.m. today. "Patients Should Choose Trusted Medical Providers, Not Politicians."

Michael Offutt arrested again yesterday by HCSO on Ramey warrant for arson; this is 10 days after his arrest on Elmwood

 

Michael Anthony Offutt recently arrested on June 15 in the Mckinleyville Elwood was arrested again yesterday by HCSO Deputy Jonathan Eckert on a Ramey warrant for PC 451(c) arson.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/06/three-arrests-in-elmwood-this-morning.html?m=1#more

HCSO updated Citizen RIMS provides detailed officer-citizens interactions; direct service requests to be available soon

 

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has launched a comprehensive update to its Citizen RIMS platform, developed in partnership with Sun Ridge Systems. This modernized system transforms how community members access public safety information, delivering improved functionality and deeper transparency in law enforcement operations.

Power out 11th and E, Hillsdale within a minute of alert

10:45 p.m. on 6/25/25 PG&E alert. Investigating potential outage near 1140 E ST. 

Power went off 10:46 p.m. in my apartment. I The power is out in the entire building at 1140 E, Hillsdale between C and E and Clark and E.

PG & E says they will have power back on by 1:15 a.m.

1:14 alert said power will not be restored until 6:30 a.m.

2:46  a.m power back.

Visiting Judge Tsenin grants Arda Kizilay release from jail

No other media was in court for sexual battery suspect Arda Kizilay's OR bail hearing. His brother was in court. Retired Visiting Judge Ksenia Tsenin just granted him supervised release. Kizilay was served with a protective order and ordered to stay away a 100 yards from Jane Doe and her residence. 

He is not allowed to work as a Door Dash delivery driver or any other delivery jobs at residences until the outcome of this case.

Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm was in court for arraignment and today at the OR bail hearing on this case. Ms. Kathleen Bryson was court appointed at arraignment to represent Kizilay. Through the Turkish interpreter Armen Ozan who appeared via Zoom, Kizilay told Judge Tsenin he will do whatever his attorney says. This was in response to whether he would waive time. He did.

The 7/3 date was vacated. Pre trial and confirmation of preliminary hearing and status of interpreters on 9/8; preliminary hearing on 9/22.

I am going to see if EPD will release his booking photo now that he is out of custody or give permission to HCSO to release it. They have that discretion even with the Ninth Circuit ruling for public safety. EPD has agreed to release the photo.

On 6/26/25, Kizilay was released to Probation.

Humboldt County DA's office scores a win hiring Matt Dobie as the newest prosecutor

 

I did post in November 2024 about former Humboldt Superior Court clerk Matt Dobie. I was waiting to see who would be smart enough locally to hire Matt. This Monday was Matt's first day as a Deputy District Attorney. He will be handling misdemeanor cases. Took this photo of him just now on the third floor.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/11/one-of-nicest-most-hard-working.html?m=1

Hung jury, then most charges dismissed and two years probation for assault with a deadly weapon for Cody Cooper

 

Cody Cooper was sentenced by Judge Kaleb Cockrum this morning to two years probation with credit given for time served. On June 3, there was a hung jury in Cooper's attempted murder and assault case. Dates were set for retrial but Cooper resolved his case on 6/6 with defense filing a request for change of plea the day before.

Cooper pleaded guilty to Count 2 PC 246 (a) 1, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. Count 1, 3, 4 & 5 were dismissed by the People.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the case. Deputy Public Defender Ryan McClurg is Cooper's attorney.

CA State Bar issues a security alert about a phishing scam

 

"This Iranian is lucky — not because we caught him, but because the loaded 9mm pistol he had hidden in his pants when we cuffed him didn’t go off."

 

Sexual battery suspect Arda Kizilay was delivering alcohol, court has appointed private defense attorney Kathleen Bryson to represent him

 

After the recent arrest of sexual battery and burglary suspect Arda Kizilay by Eureka Police Department, a press release was issued by EPD PIO Laura Montagna stating the delivery service was for alcohol.

I have reported on Kizilay's charges and arraignment. Retired Visiting Judge Ksenia Tsenin apppointed private defense attorney Ms. Kathleen Bryson to represent Kizilay. Bail remains at $90,000. He has an OR bail hearing tomorrow. 

Anyone else besides these 3 potentials want to apply for Retired Judge Hinrichs' seat? Is Deputy DA Jessica Watson looking for another job?

 

I received two tips days and weeks ago. For one tip, I tried to confirm and reach the Governor's Judicial Appointments Secretary and the Governor's Press Office; specifically the media contact listed for judicial appointments.

Today, I sent them both this email. 

"Currently, Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Joyce Hinrichs position is vacant. Retired Humboldt judges and Visiting judges have been filling in for months. I know you may not comment on ongoing surveys and appointments but I have a tip that three potential candidates from Humboldt: Commissioner Sarah Kaber, Deputy DA Jessica Watson and a Humboldt Deputy County Counsel were being considered to be appointed to that seat. I also heard the Judicial Appointments office is "not happy" with either candidate."

My media inquiry was forwarded to California Governor's Press Office. Izzy Gardon, Director of Communications responded, "Our office is reviewing applications to fill this vacancy. We will make a formal announcement when a candidate is selected. I’ll let you know if we have anything further to add."

I reported on surveys being done to get feedback about Commissioner Kaber, Ms. Watson and a Humboldt County Deputy Counsel as potential candidates  months ago as well as news about Judge Hinrichs wanting a say in who replaces her years ago. I have included two screenshots from my previous coverage.

I was also asked if Ms. Watson maybe looking for a job. This from people being called about her for a reference. If she isn't looking for a job, why are people being called?

Since this post was published, one name is receiving further inquiry by the Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission.

Of all three potential candidates so far, I had said months ago that Commissioner Kaber would be the best choice.

"The Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE) assists the governor in the judicial selection process. Appointed by the State Bar Board of Trustees, JNE is charged with thoroughly investigating and evaluating candidates under consideration for appointment by the governor to California judgeships. The commission cannot nominate or appoint judges, but helps promote a California judiciary of quality and integrity by providing independent, comprehensive, accurate, and fair evaluations of candidates nominated for judicial appointment."

"Pursuant to Government Code Section 12011.5, the governor must submit the names of all judicial candidates to the commission for review. JNE has 90 days, operating independently of the Board of Trustees, to complete its evaluation. JNE conducts its work under a strict code of confidentiality called for by law and by the Rules of the State Bar."- State Bar of California

DA charges Jonathan Brisco with criminal threats, false imprisonment, oral copulation with a minor and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger

 

On June 20, I was at Studio 6 in Eureka when alleged molestor, criminal threats and false imprisonment suspect Jonathan Brisco was arrested and taken to jail.

Eureka Police Department booked Brisco for Brisco was booked for five charges: PC 422 criminal threats, PC 236 false imprisonment, PC 207 (a) kidnapping, PC 287 (c) (1) oral copulation with a minor and PC 21310 carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. Bail at booking $75,000.

The DA's office has charged him with four counts: PC 422 criminal threats, PC 236 false imprisonment, PC 287 (c) (1) oral copulation with a minor and PC 21310 carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. 

He was arraigned this afternoon. Public Defender's office appointed. OR bail on 6/26; preliminary hearing on 7/3. Retired Visiting Judge Ksenia Tsenin kept bail at $75,000. Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Buckley-Stein appeared on the case at arraignment.

In the age of misinformation & people viewing "news" with bias, even the "reporting" pro Guevara does not dispute he is from Salvador

 

In the age of misinformation & people viewing "news" with bias, even the "reporting" pro Guevara does not dispute he is from Salvador. The left only fights for 1st amendment when there is an agenda. Local reporters who are U.S. citizens & their rights get no support from these so called First Amendment non profit organizations  & Society of Professional Journalists unless it is going to make headlines for an agenda. That is my own recent experience. The right also has their spin.

People today have a lot of access to information online can verify and dispute "reports" with video evidence or being at the scene. Trust in the comunity and in journalists is earned by an individual. "Establishment" reporters being exposed  is good for a free press.