The Dodgers and the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control are teaming up this weekend an inviting fans to chose their own MVP aka Most Valuable Pet at a special adoption event at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgets, LA Department of Animal Care and Control and pet brand Tavo are waiving all adoption fees, including spay/neuter services, vaccinations and microchipping.
In my November 17 post on Cass Bell, I questioned whether the DA would file charges against him for the November 3 arrest.
I am in the process of verifying tips. I have emailed Humboldt District Attorney Stacey Eads about one tip, "I have now heard from two sources that charges will not be filed. Can you please tell me if you or the charging deputy have made a decision or is it still pending and being reviewed?"
The third tip in the process of being verified and it is about Bell's bail bond.
2:16 p.m. : I just spoke with the Chief DA Investigator Kyla Baxley and the case is still being reviewed. DA Eads also confirmed pending.
Until the DA makes a decision; I do not want to post name of alleged victim/other party involved or details.
Violent criminals and repeat offenders are being arrested every day. HCSO is down with Vinelink.
Tried to resolve this informally and brought it to the attention of jail administration.
Correctional Captain Duane Christian responded to me since I followed up with him earlier this morning. " I haven’t got any update, but will follow up today. In the meantime just so you are aware when vine is down they send us a temporary procedure to follow for notifications until it is back up."
While I appreciate Captain Christian, it does not absolve County IT who are repeatedly slow in fixing things even when notified. Humboldt Court admin and IT take care of stuff right away.
It is not HCSO's fault but the incompetent County IT who cannot seem to resolve any technical issues for days and the Humboldt County CAO's office and Board of Supervisors who do not take infrastructure seriously or invest in public safety and newer equipment. County leadership and management is like the broken elevator in the Courthouse; constantly not working.
It is not my job to keep an eye on these failures. County management and Board of Supervisors get paid a lot of money.
If you are a victim and not notified of the release, take it up with the County leadership and Vinelink.
We need a Humboldt and California DOGE for all government and start with the bloated management.
Victor Anakin Phetsomphou booked into the Humboldt County jail on an arrest warrant yesterday. The burglary charge lists an arrest warrant. I did some research this morning and that is for an Arcata case.
The rest of the charges are a Ramey warrant. He posted bond. Phetsophou was allegedly peeping into the Cal Poly Humboldt dorms. He also allegedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of two female students.
Phetsomphou was arrested by Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department for PC 185 wearing a mask or disguise, PC 647(a) lewd conduct in public, PC 647(j)(1) criminal invasion of privacy, PC 314(1) indecent exposure and PC459/461(a) burglary.
Clayton Lloyd Miller who I also covered previously was arrested by HCSO on new charges according to the jail log and booked for PC 646.9(a) stalking, two charges of PC 594(b)(1) vandalism, VC 2800.4 evading an officer, PC 273.5(a) domestic violence, PC 243(e)(1) domestic battery, VC 12500(a) driving without a license, VC 10851(a) vehicle theft, PC1203.2(a) probation violation, PC 422 criminal threats, PC 236 false imprisonment and PC 245(a)(1) assault with a deadly weapon.
Miller's previous criminal cases are closed. In his October 31, 2023 case, he was represented by Ms. Andrea Sullivan, entered a plea on 1/16/24 and was sentenced to one year, 4 months by Humboldt Superior Judge Kaleb Cockrum. Different Deputy District Attorneys appeared on the case. The day he was sentenced, Deputy DA Trent Timm was in court for the People.
HCSO issued a press release at 10:07 a.m. with this booking photo.
Repeat offender and convicted felon Ivan Martinez Chavarin was arrested by Eureka Police Department yesterday for PC 422 criminal threats.
I have been covering Chavarin since 2015.
The U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California issued a press release with details about nine defendants indicted "on multiple charges arising from armed burglaries of marijuana grow facilities that resulted in the death" of Oakland Police Officer Tuan Le.
Yesterday, alleged molestor Derek Barnett's preliminary hearing continued by stipulation for setting on 12/23 for "collateral issues." Barnett is charged with three felony sex crimes involving a minor.
The "collateral issues" as referenced in the court minutes are the possibility of the FBI taking over the case.
Humboldt Superior Court Judge April Van Dyke made a disclosure. Prior to being elected as a judge, she worked for Humboldt Conflict Counsel.
Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm appeared on the case for the People. Conflict Counsel's office is representing Barnett.
I reported on Barnett's arrest last December and have been adding updates to that original post.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/12/derek-barnett-arrested-for-three-felony.html?m=1#more
I just did a post two days ago on murder suspect Tyler Robinson's review hearing scheduled today.
I am covering it live. I checked with Utah State Courts about the screenshots included.
Court is in closed session for Tyler Robinson's hearing right now while Utah Fourth District Judge Tony Graf hears from counsel about what should be sealed.
Present for the prosecution in court today are Utah County Attorney Mr. Chad Grunander, Mr. Christopher Ballard, Utah County Attorney General Counsel and Chief of Staff and Utah County Attorneys General Crimes Division Chief Ryan McBride and Utah County Deputy Attorney Lauren Hunt. Ms. Kathryn Nester, Mr. Richard Novak and Ms. Staci Visser for the defense.
Robinson's father, mother and brother are in court today.
Judge Graf gave an overview about how today's hearing will proceed. Courtroom closed while Judge Graf hears from attorneys. When hearing resumes, arguments on motions which is open to media and public. Judge Graf will take a brief recess and issue rulings.
Defense request to allow Robinson's family members to stay was denied. Mr. Novak who made the request could not state case law to Judge Graf and said, "it was the Court's decision."
Mr. Ballard told Judge Graf he was concerned about family members being allowed in the closed courtroom when security measures were being discussed.
Oct 24, 2025 closed hearing audio and transcript, state's motion to clarify gag order & request about media being granted limited party status to be discussed today.
This photo of Robinson with his lead attorney, Ms. Nester is courtesy the Salt Lake Tribune, the designated media outlet for stills. KSL Utah is livestreaming the hearing on You Tube.
11:01 Robinson talking with defense team.
11:03: Robinson smiled. Ms. Visser says, "It is kinda wierd." Could only pick up audio sometimes before hearing and when their mics caught these exchanges so I have no idea what that was in reference to but they knew there would be cameras and people in the courtroom and that Robinson would be the focus.
11:05: Court officially in session.
1:35: Court is still closed.
1:22 Court reopened. Waiting on Judge Graf. Defense obviously read feedback and observations.
1:42 p.m. Judge Graf enters courtroom. In session. Discussion about violation of standard decorum of proceeding. KSL camera relocated away from defense table. Defense request to terminate broadcast denied.
1:57 p.m.: A moment of levity when Judge Graf says "looking for my noted but they have disappeared." Laughter in the courtroom.
Mrs Erika Kirk designated as victim representative by Judge Graf at her request and presented by Utah County Attorney prosecutors. in court today. Defense did not object.
Utah County Attorney Mr. Chad Grunander told Judge Graf that "we don't have an alleged victim; we have a victim" referring to Charlie Kirk's murder & saying why case law supports the use of victim instead of alleged victim. He also said, "we have an alleged perpetrator."
Preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson set for May 18, 19 & 21st although dates maybe changed. Ms. Nester is in trial February and March 2026 and one member of the defense team was not in court today.
Discovery in Tyler Robinson case so far is state receiving 13,900 files; 300 duplicates & 7,951 files have been provided to defense. Mr. Grunander said discovery would be "ongoing."
Judge Graf clarified gag order in Tyler Robinson case as requested by the State; oral ruling on two other motions on 12/29. Jan 16 date remains but Jan 30 rescheduled for Feb 3.
Defense has filed a request to disqualify the Utah County Prosecutor's Office from trying the case and arguments will be held at a future hearing.
While the clerk was checking schedules; Judge Graf said that he currently has 1,409 cases assigned to him.
Kudos to Deseret News, Salt Lake Tribune, KSL & other media outlets for standing up for media access today. Mr. David Reymann & Mr. Michael Judd, two of the three lawyers in court for media, articulated good points.
The victim, loved ones of Charlie Kirk, media & public also have rights. The defendant does not get to run roughshod over others' rights.
Defense should have prepped their client how to act in a courtroom. Ms. Staci Visser, whether there are cameras or not; blaming the media for how you & your client behave in the courtroom is deflection. Act professional. Smirking, smiling, when you know there are media and public in the courtroom was your choice. Your own bio states you have experience only in family law. This is a criminal case. Maybe take notes from Ms. Nester who conducted herself professionally, aware of the media and others.
This is a high profile case with a lot of interest. Media coverage is the only way most people will know what is happening. The public does not have five hours to sit around or attend hearings.
Clearly, you read or were given feedback because both Robinson and your demeanor when court resumed in the afternoon was different.
I didn't see Robinson with shackles on the livestream. There was brief audio in the beginning of the defense attorneys talking but then it was muted. That was an "inadvertent" mistake as articulated by one of the media lawyers. Part of it was because court didnt start on time and was late. That happened in the morning and it happened when the court reopened after being closed in the afternoon. No one could see the defense's notes. We saw both the defense and prosecution's laptops on a table and just seeing normal equipment is not affecting your client's right to have a fair trial.
Asking the judge to terminate the broadcast was out of line. Not all reporters or interested parties can be there in person.
Ms. Visser you are just whining. From the beginning, the defense wanted to curb and deny access to media and the public. Your remarks about media were very disparaging. There have been no leaks.
If you can dish it out Ms. Visser; then you can take valid criticism and observations. You remind me of a couple of Humboldt defense attorneys who blame everyone else but themselves and their client.
In the United States, most court proceedings are open to the public. Factual observations are reporting.
I have to give a shout out to those Humboldt Superior Court where I have covered courts daily for 12 years including high profile cases that received international publicity. I have also covered court in LA, other California courts, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
Many Humboldt defense lawyers prep their clients, especially when there is media coverage. There are a few Humboldt defense lawyers and public defenders like you who try and obstruct media and the First Amendment. Our local judges who are very specific and clear in their media requests and court orders. When media walk into a Humboldt courtroom; we know what we are allowed to do and what is prohibited.
While it is not completely avoidable, Humboldt lawyers turn off their mics when court is not in officially in session and they know if they talk in front of media; that could be reported. Fr. Eric's local homicide case was one court case which made international news. So did other high profile cases. Do your voir dire. In those cases, jurors were picked. They did the U.S. justice system proud.
As Robinson's defense team, you should advocate for a fair trial but muzzling media and dictating what should be written and that Robinson deserves some special accomodation about closed courtrooms and without media having a chance to weigh in is not how it works in the United States.
There are many aspects of covering courts in Utah and other states I like better than Humboldt. I am very impressed with Utah State Courts; especially administration when it comes to media and covering hearings remotely.
However, today's hearing made me appreciate California and our local Humboldt judges. Media has evolved to include new media. Our judges are aware and keep that in mind when granting or denying a request.
As of this morning, the Humboldt County DA had not charged Sparrow Albritton for her October arrest by Fortuna Police Department for statutory rape. She posted bond.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/10/sparrow-renee-albritton-arrested-by.html?m=1
Yesterday, while out of custody, Albritton was arrested by CHP for VC 23152 (a) DUI, VC 23152 (b) blood alcohol level above legal limit and PC 273a (b) child endangerment. She was released on OR.
Eureka Police Department just issued two press releases. One on a 22 year old Logan Juchtzer who was arrested for felony evading and the other on a hit and run suspect.
I did these two previous posts. Once the hearing was vacated, it was obvious there was a deal in place.
Today, the California Commission on Judicial Performance issued a press release and a decision. Terms of the stipulation include than agreement that former Justice Murray will not serve in a judicial capacity in the future.
You can read the decision on the CJP website.
The following is from the press release.
"The Commission on Judicial Performance has issued a decision and order imposing a public censure and bar upon Justice William J. Murray, Jr. (Ret.) of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, pursuant to stipulation. The decision and order resolved the pending formal proceedings involving former Justice Murray. Former Justice Murray stipulated to imposition of a public censure and bar, which prohibits former Justice Murray from serving in any judicial capacity. A public censure and bar is the most severe form of discipline that the commission can issue to a retired judicial officer. The commission issued a public censure and bar to former Justice Murray for engaging in a pervasive pattern of neglect and chronic decisional delay spanning ten years. Former Justice Murray failed to promptly author opinions in 132 cases for at least three years. As detailed in the commission’s decision and order, former Justice Murray’s decisional delay caused actual prejudice to litigants in seven separate matters. "
Former Humboldt Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis also settled with the CJP who imposed a public censure and bar on him. Kreis' deal included "an irrevocable resignation from office" and an agreement that he would "not seek or hold judicial office, accept a position or an assignment as a judicial officer, subordinate judicial officer, or judge pro tem with any court in the State of California, or accept a reference of work from any California state court."
Former Compton Councilmember pleads guilty to federal criminal charges. Bribes, weed, evading federal taxes.
I was the first one to report on both these Humboldt County Supervisors being investigated.
I have been very fair in my coverage of the incident that led to Humboldt County Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell being censured.
My defense of due process for her certainly did not make my life easy but that is the daily life of doing investigative, watchdog journalism in a small, rural County where the entrenched "powers" that "run this place" are allergic to truth. I don't expect any thanks from the employees or the County because most people in Humboldt are ungrateful despite the benefits of my reporting.
First District Supervisor Rex Bohn ran to another publication and outed who filed a complaint against him. Will any action be taken against him? Is Liebert, Cassidy, Whitmore going to be sending an email to Rex?
I haven't mentioned this in my previous coverage of the Bushnell and Bohn investigations but the County is aware of a legal threat made against me by Liebert, Cassidy and Whitmore. I shared it with more than one lawyer.
I posted records legitimately obtained from a PRA about Supervisor Bushnell.
There were several witnesses to the incident Supervisor Bushnell has publicly acknowledged. Without revealing my confidential sources, people heard the exchange and were upset and fearful for the County employees involved.
Sources described it as "road rage" but in the County offices. Sources mentioned that Supervisor Bushnell said something to the effect of loyalty to her versus the County. Sources said it was worse than what has been released publicly. These sources like and respect Supervisor Bushnell but if they feel this way; then the fear the employees involved in the interaction is something Supervisor Bushnell should consider and decide if she wishes to say more or make amends privately.
I have attempted to meet with or talk to Supervisor Bushnell a few times before this post but that has not occurred.
I received two very abusive messages after this post, on Facebook from two inconsequential losers who had nothing to say but attack me. They are blocked.
Supervisor Bushnell had left a message from me late evening. I emailed her early a.m. and she said she does not have anything to say.
Carrie Lynn Grant was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for embezzling over $1.6 million dollars from a Northern California charity organization that provides educational materials and programs to prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
HCSO issued a press release about the December 9 arrest of 37-year-old Kevin Charles Astry for P.C. 314(1) indecent exposure, P.C. 243(b) battery on peace officer / emergency personnel and P.C. 69(a) obstruct/resist executive officer.
On 12/8/25 about Salinas' Donald Ramirez pleaded guilty to attempted enticement and coercion of a minor and to distribution of child pornography. Ramirez is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The Department of Homeland Security is investigating. Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and The U.S. District Attorney's Office of Northern California are prosecuting this case.
Humboldt Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning granted the defense petition and Kimberly Felder will be transfered from the State Hospital for outpatient treatment. Many public defenders have appeared on Felder's case; most recent it is Deputy Public Defender Ehvan Schectman.
This is the second court case I have covered where the Humboldt Public Defender's Office has been able to have a defendant released for outpatient treatment. The first was Eva who was represented by Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo. The second one is Felder. Both involved the defendant's children. Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for both cases.
Felder's is a 2017 case. I am not including links to all my previous coverage anymore. The November 25 post has a few links to prior coverage. I have included court minutes from 12/9/25.
If Felder relapses, violates the terms of her release in any way, that is not on Judge Canning but the State Hospital and the Public Defender's Office. Based on the California State Hospital's monitoring and recommendations of sexually violent predators and the defendants they send back to Humboldt County in criminal cases; I have zero confidence in what they say. I am not covering the future review hearings unless there is a reason.
If I am fed up of seeing their names; if you are fed up of seeing their names; imagine how local law enforcement feel. Eureka Police Department and Humboldt County Sheriff's Office are the most affected by this crisis created by California soft on crime policies if you pay attention to the arrests on the daily jail log.
I picked Austin Porter from all the repeat offenders from yesterday's arrests. EPD had a lot of them. I did a post on Porter in 2018. He was booked for vehicle burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of heroin, and probation violation. Probation was contacted and authorized a hold in 2018. Yet, Porter is back on the streets again. Arrested last night by EPD with Kianna Marie Harris for PC 182(a)(1) criminal conspiracy and PC 459.5 shoplifting.
Today, the FBI and DOJ announced the extradition of Victoria Eduardovna Dubranova, who has been federally charged with participating in two Russia-backed criminal groups that conducted dozens of cyberattacks around the world, including attacks against U.S. critical infrastructure.
After several continuances, mostly from defense and just one from the District Attorney's office, John Provolt's alleged molestation preliminary hearing finally proceeded today and is still going on.
There are two people with Provolt; three people with the Victim Witness Advocate Caitlyn LaHaie.
HCSO Deputy Gabriel Delgado was the first People's witness. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward is listening right now to Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer question HCSO Det. Brian Buihner.
Provolt is represented by Mr. Christian R. Jensen. Defense did not present any witnesses or evidence.
Provolt was held to answer as charged. Arraignment on information is on 1/6/26.
It isn't official until paperwork is filed. I have contacted Eureka Assistant City Manager Pam Powell about Daniel Smith and she has not received any completed paperwork from him as of 4:40 p.m. today.
So far Smith has a Facebook page and there was a reference at Eureka City Council town hall that he is running for the 5th Ward. I just did a post on December 5 and as of that date, no one had submitted paperwork for Eureka City Council positions for June 2026.
He served on the Civil Grand Jury and wrote a book. That's nice. It tells me nothing about his policies or ideas on why he is qualified to be on Eureka City Council.His behavior at the Eureka City Council meeting is a turnoff and should be for any voter with a brain. Even if he files paperwork, let's see his fundraising capabilities and if he gets support.
Current Eureka Councilmember for Ward 5 is Renee Contreras-DeLoach. I reached out to her.
"At this time I have no comment about running for re-election. I am focused on serving the 5th Ward constituents and as most people, preparing for the holidays."
I am in Councilmember DeLoach's Ward. I have dealt with her as a member of the press and constituent. She doesn't allow Eureka Manager Miles Slattery to control her and that for me is a plus.
Media allowed in person for Tyler Robinson's 12/11 court hearing. Rules include that Robinson is not to be shown in shackles and can only be shown while seated. No videos or photos of Robinson's family.
This hearing was scheduled after my live coverage of the last hearing.
Chantachone John Phounleuth was arrested yesterday by HCSO for PC 243 (e) (1) domestic battery, which is a misdemeanor in California.
A reader sent me the following email on 12/9/25. The reader's identity is confidential.
"Dear Mr Chiv,
There seems to be a connection between the MMA article featured in the Times Standard and today's "Booked" column on the Lost Coast Outpost website. While I am sure you have already noticed this, I felt I should bring it to your attention in case other matters were keeping you busy.
Both mention people named Chantachone Phounleuth. I have no idea if they are the same person, but as there is an uneasy connection between athletes and domestic violence, I felt there might be some newsworthiness involved."
The reader is obviously referring to the coverage I did on Cass Bell's most recent arrest. So far, the Humboldt County DA has not filed any charges and as I explained in my last post about Bell's latest arrest; I doubt the DA will.
Citing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, U.S.. District Judge Paul Engelmayer ordered that grand jury documents related to the prosecution of Ghislaine Maxwell be unsealed.
Based on the deadline of the Act, the Justice Department needs to provide Epstein-related records to the public in a searchable format by Dec. 19.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon has opened an investigation into the Colorado prison system to determine if prisoners' constitutional rights have been violated.
