American Guard texts security that their hours are changing, staff and Board unaware of potential change mentioned by Sheriff Honsal

Once again, you heard it here first.

This morning, I heard these two Courthouse security guards talking about some changes. I also heard them talking to County staff. I waited until there was no one around to find out more details.

Two weeks ago, Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal spoke to head of security, who I spoke to this morning.  Sheriff Honsal said he was thinking of changing hours for the security guards. HCSO oversees Courthouse security.

Nothing came of it until today when American Guard sent a text to head of security at this site saying effective 3/2/26, security hours are going to be cut and the new hours are 7:30 to 5:15 with a mandated hour lunch. American Guard does not even pay the security guards what they get from the County and courts. It is a reduced rate with two of the three guards making minimum wage. Prior hours were 7 to 5 and anyone could come into the building; not just certain County employees. 

HCSO, certain County and court employees, Supervisorsand  judges already have access via the secure basement entrance on I street.

A separate source said  employees will get key cards with these change in hours,; unclear whether only those who used to come in at 7 a.m.

The staff member did not know anything about this and is going to follow up because this has to go through the Board be approved, changes need to be posted and the County needs to send out press releases.

Sheriff Honsal is out of the office today. I know HCSO PIO is in training and not back until tomorrow. I have cced Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kelly Neel, Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell and Humboldt County CAO Elishia Hayes asking for comment.

Supervisor Bushnell was the first to respond, "Good morning, John. I have not heard of the changes , but would expect if something is to change it will come back to the board for discussion."

There is no point in contacting American Guard until I hear from Sheriff Honsal.

County Administrative PIO Cati Gallardo responded to me on 2/26. "Hi John, Thanks so much for checking in on this. The county is still working through courthouse security logistics in partnership with the Superior Court of Humboldt. The Sheriff has confirmed that no official decisions have been made about American Guard Security's operational hours. Operational hours have not been finalized, and there is no confirmed start date for any potential changes that the county is aware of.

We expect the Sheriff will provide an update to the Board on the security plan in the near future.

It's also important to note that if courthouse security hours do change, the Board of Supervisors would not need to approve it since county office hours for the public would remain the same. This change also wouldn't affect staff work hours or building access, as courthouse employees already have badge access to enter through the front door as needed."