POTUS has asked lawyers to clarify two conflicting Court rulings today to see how the administration can legally fund SNAP

 

Judge Canning is giving repeat offender who went on a rampage causing damage and endangering the public a chance he does not deserve with the propsed resolution

 

(Photo I took the day Brooks was arrested)

Scott Brooks who drove the wrong way on Eureka streets, tried to enter the Courthouse via the basement entrance, did hit and run property damage to several vehicles, has 5 open cases and prior convictions had a contested hearing scheduled on 10/27 which was continued to today. His case is also on for change of plea today to Count 4. 

Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning found Brooks eligible for mental health diversion except for Count 4 since driving under the influence offense is not eligible for that offense. Judge Canning's granting of petition for mental health diversion was contingent upon Brooks pleading guilty to Count 4, driving under the influence of drugs. In court minutes for 10/27/25, there is no mention whether that includes the special allegation for Count 4, refusal to take a chemical test but in 10/31/25 minutes, it says special allegation was dismissed with Counts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6,7, 8,9, 10 and 11.

Jury trial scheduled for 11/3 was vacated.

Mental health diversion granted in both cases. Sentencing is on 11/7. Diversion review hearing on 12/1/25; Final diversion review hearing on 5/3/27.

This morning, the FBI "thwarted a potential terrorist attack" and arrested several people in Michigan."

 

FBI agents were in Dearborn and Inkster, Michigan this morning. Court documents are sealed. Early a.m. no media outlet covering this has any other information.

By afternoon, some major outlets had more information but it varied. I will wait for an official press release.

So where are the "No Kings protesters" and the local churches, Elks, Rotarians, MIA as usual in responding to the crisis created by greed and power impacting millions on Nov 1

Everyone has an opinion about who caused the November 1 shutdown. Instead of yelling at HCSO online, most of the online commenters which definitely include "No Kings protesters" and so called "Christians," you cannot fix or take care of an indefinite crisis but you can help just one or two people you know individually and directly. You don't even have to do it for a week or month; do it for a day. 

Former HCSO Lt. Sam Williams lost his criminal case, lost his appeal and petition for review was denied by the California Supreme Court

 

On August 8, I did a post that former HCSO Lt. Sam Williams lost his appeal of 2023 Humboldt criminal case. Judge Timothy Canning presided over the case. Judgement is affirmed.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/08/former-hcso-lt-sam-williams-loses.html?m=1

Today, a remittitur was issued.

Since my last post petition for review was denied by the California Supreme Court.

I regularly covered the case, the trial and the appeal and linked previous coverage several times. Search the blog for all prior coverage if you are not a regular reader. Advertisers, subscribers and donors can contact me if they need assistance with links and customized, personal emails.

Bruce Snow arrested for probation violations and vandalism by EPD which included incidents where he allegedly shattered the front doors of EPD and HBF

(EPD : Photo: John Chiv)

(HBF Photo: John Chiv)

(Wells Fargo Eureka branch)

Bruce William Snow arrested by Eureka Police Department today for multiple probations violations and vandalism charges after EPD responded overnight and early morning to "to a series of ten vandalism incidents across the north end of the city. An individual was reported to be shattering multiple glass doors at several businesses, including the front doors of the Eureka Police Department Headquarters and the Humboldt Bay Fire Headquarters."

Snow's bail is $250,000 All these costs that businesses and agencies  have to put up & probably another Humboldt defendant that will get mental health diversion.

To the person who gave me incorrect information about Gregory Kreis, regardless of how I feel about him, you were wrong; what you tried to do to him and me was dirty and thankfully I did my due diligence

Humboldt County Sheriff PIO Erin Inskip sent me the following in an email. 

"Hi John,

Former Humboldt County Superior Court judge Gregory Kreis not representing HCSO employees in Skelly hearings. 

Sincerely,

Erin Inskip"

Last week, I was told by someone at the courthouse that former Humboldt Superior Court judge Gregory Kreis is now representing HCSO employees in Skelly hearings. Earlier this week, I asked this person if they had direct information and they said no. They said they would ask around. I asked for evidence.

Turns out that whoever spread this rumor is spreading incorrect information about Mr. Kreis and the person who told me this information from a third party is someone who has no credibility with me now.

My opinion of Mr. Kreis is well known to local readers and the regional and national readers who follow my blog regularly. However, it is not okay to lie about someone, especially when it affects their livelihood. I have faced that and regardless of how I personally feel about Mr. Kreis; this was wrong. Rumors and gossip are believed about people which is a bigger problem and in a small county, that has a big impact on making a living.

Not only does this person have zero credibility with me but they are aware of the history between me and Mr. Kreis and my coverage of Mr. Kreis. I would not put it past the third party or the person who told this  at the Courthouse to plant information to try and get me in trouble. There is no confidentiality for lying. If you try to use my blog or me or try and get me in trouble, there is no confidentiality. 

Months ago, a local businessman who has access to the courthouse, business and political insiders warned me that people were plotting to feed me incorrect information via "tips" in an effort to silence me and shut my blog down. Their Humboldt blacklisting and financial retaliation hasn't worked and they are used to bullying people and it working. Even if that person had not told me this, I am careful. There are many in who Humboldt have used me and tried to use me; my kindness; my strength and integrity to pursue truth. The people who do this are cowards who cannot bring about the change they want and have agendas. I jave helped many people, taken risks to bring forward valid news and not one of you stood by me when I needed support.

Something told me that this "tip" smelled worse than low tide in Eureka.

I sent an initial CPRA request to confirm whether this information was correct to the County and I want to thank the County and HCSO for their quick response.

This is the second bs tip I have received this week which wasted my time. The other one I will do a post but it can wait. One of the reasons I followed up on this "tip" was because I have a formal complaint against a HCSO deputy and any attorneys representing HCSO in a small county and against someone who regularly covers Humboldt Superior Court is relevant.

After wasting a year of Humboldt's time, convicted felon and fugitive Joseph Larue agrees to a plea deal

 

Convicted felon and fugitive Joseph Larue's cases were on calendar today. In CR2403294, instead of setting of preliminary hearing, defense continued the hearing to tomorrow for change of plea. CR2403293 and CR2500184 are both extradition cases and they are trailing. Larue filed a writ of habeas corpus in April CR2500790. Obviously, that ploy did not work.

Ms. Rebecca Linkous is Larue's current attorney. Humboldt Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris appeared on the case today for the People. 

CHP issues initial information about yesterday's crash yesterday’s crash on US-101 southbound near Metropolitan which resulted in one fatality

On October 28, 2025, at approximately 1409 hours, CHP Humboldt Communications Center (HCC) received a call of a vehicle fire and a head-on traffic crash on US-101 Southbound near Metropolitan Road. Emergency personnel arrived on scene and located a 2012 BMW engulfed in flames.

Jury fee deposited by plaintiffs in first lawsuit by current Hillsdale tenants against Dwivedi Tower LLC

 

In the very first lawsuit filed by Hillsdale Apartments against Dwivedi Tower, LLC by current tenants Don Swall and Vanessa Vachon, Janssen Malloy's Mr. Patrik Griego  filed a notice of advanced jury fees on October 14 and a motion to compel discovery was filed by Janssen Malloy on October 29.There is a Case Management Conference in the Swall and Vachon lawsuit on 12/8/25. Ms. Krista Baughman of The Dhillon Law Group is representing Dwivedi Tower LLC and Mr. Anil Dwivedi in the Swall and Vachon lawsuit.

There are two other lawsuits filed against Dwivedi Tower LLC by former tenants, Amber Kirst and Cayman McFarland.  The name is mispelled in e court and the documents scanned in are incorrect and completely different parties. I let one of the other courtroom clerks know just now and have informed Humboldt court admin and Mr. Griego know. In the two other lawsuits, Kirst has a Case Management Conference on 3/20/26; in the McFarland lawsuit on 4/20/26. There are no filings from Dwivedi yet in the two latest lawsuits and no attorney listed in those two cases.

Two tweets in the last hour about arrests in Southern California for attacks on law enforcement and federal agents

 

Two tweets in the last hour about arrests in Southern California for attacks on law enforcement and federal agents.

FBI Los Angeles had more information about the LA arrests.

"Beginning tomorrow, attorneys for the California Department of Justice, Oregon Department of Justice, and Portland City Attorney’s Office will present evidence and argue in court that the federalization and deployment of the Oregon National Guard and the cross-state deployment of the California National Guard to Portland violates the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is ultra vires, and should be permanently enjoined."

 

California Attorney General Rob Bonta just issued a statement on the eve of trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon in Oregon v. Trump. "Beginning tomorrow, attorneys for the California Department of Justice, Oregon Department of Justice, and Portland City Attorney’s Office will present evidence and argue in court that the federalization and deployment of the Oregon National Guard and the cross-state deployment of the California National Guard to Portland violates the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is ultra vires, and should be permanently enjoined."

“California has created a tax system that punishes economic freedom. We will not tolerate California over-taxing revenue earned in Florida."

 

 Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier takes the "Newsom regime" to the Supreme Court.

37 lbs of meth, 29 lbs of cocaine, 10.9 lbs of fentanyl seized during a traffic stop in Fallbrook, California

 

Yesterday, U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks posted this tweet.

"A simple traffic stop on Interstate-15 in Fallbrook, CA, turned into a major drug seizure. 

A K-9 alert led USBP and San Diego County Sheriff's Department to a hidden stash packed into the rocker panels of a sedan. 

Drugs seized: 

🚫37 lbs. of Meth 

🚫29 lbs. of Cocaine 

🚫10.9 lbs. of Fentanyl 

The driver, a U.S. citizen, is now in custody facing state charges for possession of a controlled substance."

4th and S accident collision, EPD and HBF on scene

 

4th and S accident. Eureka Police trying to get the cars moved out of the road. Just saw an officer speak with the driver of the first vehicle. 2:36 third EPD vehicle pulled up as well as Humboldt Bay Fire. No ambulance on scene. 2:41 Officer Koa Mihalov is speaking with another driver. The Yurok housing on the corner across the street just offered EPD their surveillance. HBF left.

Just another day in Eureka with EPD keeping the public safe

 

Posted this on Facebook as it was happening. At 11:32, saw the red car turn  into this parking lot and the EPD patrol vehicle followed. Not going to a do a follow up unless necessary. Could just be a routine traffic stop.

CA's 45th lawsuit against Trump administration is about SNAP

I posted a summary of CA AG Bonta's press release as soon as it was issued on Facebook and other platforms.

After a press conference this morning, CA AG Rob Bonta issued a press release & statement. Here is a headline & summary.

Jesus Martinez arrested by EPD for kidnapping, false imprisonment and domestic violence; Sarah Sweet arrested by HCSO for domestic violence

 

Jesus Ramirez Martinez was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday for PC 207(a) kidnapping, PC 236 false imprisonment and PC 273.5(a) domestic violence.

Sarah Ann Sweet was arrested this morning by Humboldt County Sheriff's Office for PC 273.5(a)

"This defendant allegedly engaged in acts of extreme cruelty by exploiting a child, abusing animals, and threatening violence — his conduct reflects the depravity of ‘764"; Porterville's Tony Long now faces federal and California charges

 

(Tulare County Sherrif's Office)

The FBI Office of Public Affairs issued a press release on a six count indictment against Tony Christopher Long, also known as Inactive, Inactivee0, and inactivecvx, 19, of Porterville, California, charging him with animal crushing (two counts), sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor, cyberstalking, and transmitting an interstate threat. Long is currently in state custody on related charges.

Tyler Robinson in person waiver hearing for Thursday cancelled at request of counsel; will be rescheduled for a date in January

 

Per Utah State Courts, "The hearing for Tyler Robinson on Thursday, 10/30, has been cancelled at the request of counsel. It will be rescheduled for a date in January." 

The 10/30/25 hearing was an in person waiver hearing. 

 There is a hearing scheduled later today for a ruling by Utah Fourth District Judge Tony Graf on defense request that I reported on last week. Robinson will appear virtually from jail, but his camera will be turned off. 

The next court hearings are scheduled for January 16 and 30, 2026 ( at 1 p.m. Utah time). The October 30 hearing was cancelled and rescheduled due to discovery.

Update (12:13 CA time, 1:13 Utah time)

Judge Graf addressed 4 motions at today's hearings which just concluded.

Defense motion to strike Utah Sheriff response granted. Defense motion for Tyler Robinson to appear in civilian clothing for pre trial hearings granted. Defense motion to appear without restraints denied. Media is prohibited from recording or taking photographs of Robinson in restraints or him entering or exiting the courtroom. This is a live summary.

More details from today's hearing:

Utah County Attorney Mr. Chad Grunander and Mr. Christopher Ballard, Utah County Attorney General Counsel and Chief of Staff appeared for the prosecution team. Ms. Kathryn Nester and two others for the defense. All of them appeared remotely. Robinson was present remotely from the Utah County jail but the camera was turned off.

"Can you hear me?" Judge Graf asked Robinson.

"Yes, I can," he responded.

Judge Graf mentioned the closed hearing that took place last Friday. He said the courtroom was closed due to court security protocols.

Judge Graf then went over the motions he was going to issue rulings on today. The first was defense's opposition against the joint response filed by the Utah County Attorney's Office and the Utah County Sheriff's Office. The second motion was defense's request for Robinson to appear in civilian clothing and without any physical restraints. The third was a motion for hearings to be held remotely. Judge Graf said that there was a stipulation regarding the state request and the state should file a separate motion. The fourth was a request to limit media and electronic coverage. Judge Graf said both the People and the defense must file separate motions.

Another judge appointed by former California Governor Jerry Brown. Another judge in a rural, small county. Another presiding judge who reached a deal with the California Commission on Judicial Performance which resulted in public censure

 

(Heryford)

Another judge appointed by former California Governor Jerry Brown. Another judge in a rural, small county. Another presiding judge. Another judge appointed around the same time; a year later;  than former Humboldt Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis who also stipulated, had to resign, was publicly censured and agreed never to seek judicial office in California.

Trinity County Superior Court Judge Eric Heryford was appointed in 2018. The California Commission on Judicial Performance issued a press release and decision on October 21, 2025 about a stipulation Heryford agreed to which resulted in a public censure.

48 local court cases, three convictions for petty theft and Judge Cockrum wants to give Quentin Bell probation

On 10/24, preliminary hearing was scheduled in Bell's latest case for PC 666.1,  felony petty theft because he has two prior convictions for the same charge. Instead Bell entered a plea. 

Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum already indicated probation so sentencing scheduled for 11/19 should be no surprise.

Another criminal Judge Cockrum can release on the streets who doesn't affect his life but is free to prey on the public and clog up the court system with frivolous lawsuits. Search Henry Zaragoza, Sean Lundy and Analia Martinez on my blog as only three other examples about Judge Cockrum. I am not even adding the example of his initial denial of my media request in sexually violent Richard Stobaugh's case because of my factual coverage and standing up for the public. Judge Cockrum changed his mind later. Whether that was due to my calling him out and another local media outlet covering the denial and the online comments by readers who follow my court coverage and appreciate my reporting; you decide.

3 years probation, 90 days in jail, one case dismissed for a 20 year oldwith 5 prior convictions, two 2024 court cases, arrested for the third time by EPD in less than a year who failed to appear in court

 

On 10/24,  20 year old Henry Zaragoza was sentenced in his 2024 case by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum to 90 days in jail with two days credit and 3 years probation. Commit to jail date is 12/6/25.

I already reported that another 2024 case had been dismissed with a Harvey reservation and disposal of firearm. 

This is for a 20 year old with 5 prior convictions, two 2024 court cases, arrested for the third time by EPD in less than a year for false imprisonment, criminal threats, domestic violence and child abuse. He failed to appear in court last year after posting bond. Zaragoza has a previous DUI conviction.

Besides granting repeat offenders mental health diversion who have multiple cases and who have no remorse for their behavior, this is just one example of the joke of a sentence by Judge Kaleb Cockrum and the Humboldt courts where justice for victims dependson what judge gets the final say. It is also ridiculous that the Humboldt County DA agreed to this plea. For all the grumpies at the Courthouse  who don't like facts; I am not your PR person. News is not about your feelings or being popular. Make decisions in the interest of public safety. It isn't as if most of you thank me when the coverage is positive or have invested in the ridiculous time I spend covering local courts when there is plenty of other news and as the years go by, even the local readers are fed up of the Humboldt court issues I vent about. My priority are my advertisers and readers; not entrenched systems, local cliques and egos with tunnel vision who cannot handle valid criticism.

Judge Cockrum is up for re-election next year. If he runs unopposed; nothing will change. I hope someone has the guts to stand up and run against him. As evident in the last judicial election; a "sitting judge" can be defeated with the right opponent. The problem is that many potential candidates who could win won't run because they don't want to offend or get grief from their peers; they are making too much money in private practice or they have young children.

All those "No King" protesters don't show up or speak up on local issues where they can actually make a difference about local "kings" and "queens" because that would actually require guts.

More Humboldt judges should handle continuances and mental health diversions like Judge Steward; Scott Brooks with 5 open cases and prior convictions is just one example

 

Reckless driving is just one of Scott Risling Brooks' five open cases. The other 4 are trailing. Drug charges and probation violations in his open cases; previous conviction for insurance fraud and prior probation violations.

Deputy Conflict Counsel R.J. Leohner is Brook's attorney. Several Huumboldt County Deputy District Attorneys have appeared on Brook's case. 

At the 10/22, Readiness Conference, it was Deputy DA Candace Myers. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward continued the Readiness Conference to 10/27 with a hearing on the petition on mental health diversion. As previously reported,  Brooks is at Archway Recovery Services,. Defense oral motion to continue was jury trial denied and there is a contested hearing on the mental health diversion.

More Humboldt judges should rule like Judge Steward and deny continuances. More judges should also handle mental health diversion like Judge Steward taking each case individually and weighing public safety. I have not had a chance yet to update Judge Steward's remarks in the Aunna Bollman case from 8/27 or his tentative ruling from 10/24 due to the many reasons I have explained several times over the years. Just the constant multiple continuances with repeat offenders with several cases like Brooks happening on a daily basis create a backlog where it is impossible to catch up for attorneys, law enforcement and even with working 24/7, I cannot keep up because there are new criminals clogging the system every day. I also do other news and national news.

Exxon Mobil sues CA over two disclosure bills claiming infringement on free speech and that CA intention is to shame large companies

 

Exxon Mobil filed a complaint yesterday in the California U.S. Eastern District Court asking for an injunction against two California disclosure laws to prevent them going into effect in 2026.

The company says these laws infringe upon  free speech rights by forcing Exxon Mobil to agree that large companies are to blame for climate change. The lawsuit claims the intention is to shame certain companies.

The two bills are California Senate Bill 253 and Senate Bill 261.

Humboldt County and BOS have ignored Harland Law Firm's Allison Jackson to their detriment in the past; based on this letter, let's see what transparency is provided and if other local media have the guts to do investigative journalism and get answers to the public

 

I check the Board of Supervisors Agenda every week. I saw an item #3 under closed session and checked the attachment. This item involves Humboldt Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell.

Harland Law Firm hand delivered this letter on October 2, 2025 to Elishia Hayes, Humboldt County Administrative Officer;  Scott A. Miles - Interim Humboldt County Counsel and Zachary O'Hanen, Humboldt County Director of Human Resources.

Long before I did this blog and years before Harland Law Firm was one of my advertisers, I was active in the political and business community. I paid attention to issues I now investigate as media. The exemplary work Harland Law Firm has done for taxpayers of this County in the clients they chose to represent does not get enough attention. Humboldt County has ignored Harland Law Firm, specifically Ms. Allison Jackson, to their detriment in the past. 

I doubt Ms. Jackson or anyone from the County will comment on ongoing litigation. I did send an initial email this weekend to Ms. Jackson, the County and Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell.