The investigation into Rex alleges improper conduct involving the Tobacco Retail License Ordinance

 

After multiple delays to my November 4 PRA request about the County of Humboldt's investigation into First District Supervisor Rex Bohn, here is what I got on December 1, 2025 at 5:37 p.m.

I see after Liebert Cassidy Whitmore's screw up last time worsened by emails from the County, this time, they included this disclaimer. I am going through the documents and updating the post now. I appreciate Humboldt County Public Information Specialist Cati Gallardo whose job isn't easy.

This is the first document.

"Hi Rex, The Committee established under the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct and Ethics and Rules of the Board of Supervisors received a formal complaint alleging improper behavior by you. The alleged improper conduct was related to an  on June 24th, 2025 involving the Tobacco Retail License Ordinance. After receiving the formal complaint, the committee met and determined that the allegations should be examined through an impartial third-party investigation. There is nothing further for you to do currently and you will be contacted for an interview when deemed necessary by the third-party investigator."

The second is a notice for investigation interview. 

The third is this letter.

Rex declined to participate in the investigation interview. According to Rex,"to save the County Money."

The last document is the complaint. Kudos to whoever made this complaint. It does sound like it is staff.

The line that this is not the only "incidence of this behavior on Bohns part." Even with the name redacted, this complaint was worth the PRA. I don't know who this person is; I have my own observations about Rex at the County and how he interacts with people, including staff, and witnessed it numerous times. Rex did not apologize. Locals who pay attention will remember when former auditor controller Karen Paz Dominguez claimed that Rex contacted her about an invoice for his gentleman friends was not being paid. People who read my blog regularly and who pay attention to local politics and news can make their own determinations about the complaint, Rex, the person who risked the wrath of Rex and the good ole boys and gals of Humboldt to file the complaint. 

The Board censured Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell when she apologized and took responsibility for the incident. She was asked to step down as chair for the remaining three meetings this year. I will be watching, the public will be watching how this situation with Rex is handled vs Supervisor Bushnell. Of the remaining four Supervisors who get to vote, Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo is up for re-election next year. 

I am no longer providing links since most of my readers read me daily and often. The screenshots are to the posts that will provide you background. You can access them via the search feature on the blog or Google.