John Chiv: In 2018, former Humboldt Deputy DAs told former DA Maggie Fleming that HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes should be removed as a witness, expressed concern about Mendes credibility and suggested dismissing felony counts

Apr 10, 2026

In 2018, former Humboldt Deputy DAs told former DA Maggie Fleming that HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes should be removed as a witness, expressed concern about Mendes credibility and suggested dismissing felony counts

These screenshots don't even cover all my reporting on Ray Christie's 2018 case and what was not reported by anyone else.

I have been the only one regularly reporting on rancher Ray Christie's federal lawsuit against County of Humboldt, former HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes, former Humboldt Deputy DA Adrian Kamada, Sheriff Honsal. I have had many exclusives regarding this lawsuit and reporting information first.

Those of you who read me regularly know that my extensive coverage of Christie's 2018 criminal case contained information no one else reported. Christie's lawyer, Mr. Rick Richmond, partner at LA's Larson LLP, has commended my balanced reporting and in court documents a few times. The 2018 case resulted in a plea which only reported by me. And for years ignored by local media and still not covered by all who chose to report on Christie's arrest.

When you read this post, keep in mind what I have consistently reported in real time about former Deputy DA, now Deputy Public Defender Adrian Kamada. I was the only one to report on Kamada's abrupt exit from the Humboldt County DA's office. Remember what I said about why Christie got a plea deal. One that was negotiated quietly during a supposed intervention when media and public are not allowed in; I had attended every hearing.

I have called out former HCSO Deputy Travis Mendes during the 2018 case and after the plea. He now works at CALFire but still moonlights when HCSO needs him as a bailiff.

Mendes was removed as livestock deputy. He is no longer at HCSO except as extra help for Humboldt Superior Court as a bailiff when needed. His daddy Alan used to work for HCSO and is now is with Ferndale Police.

In 2019, I reported on three Humboldt Deputy DAs leaving the office. Former Deputy Joel Buckingham who is mentioned in the court documents I have included in this post.

I have the opposition filed by Mr. Richmond to the County's opposition to dismiss the First Amended Complaint, his declaration and exhibits. Mr. Richmond's declaration is well written and the exhibits are straightforward.

As I previously reported, the County gets to respond. Who will write that response? Humboldt Deputy County Counsel Joel Campbell-Blair or Deputy County Counsel Destinee Valeska?

I have included court documents in previous posts. For this post, I am focusing on new information and have included most of the court documents. I may add more later but no more freebies for other local media who don't give credit only to me for original reporting but use my work to follow up.

I doubt other local media will follow up and if they do, let's see if they regurgitate the County spin. I doubt they will give Christie any fair coverage because they have shown repeatedly, they don't have the guts to call out HCSO and the Humboldt County DA or anyone in power.

When the DA made a plea deal in Christie's 2018 case, what may have come out at retrial? If the County's motion to dismiss is denied; will the County initiate settlement talks or risk more information coming out as the lawsuit proceeds?

I have linked previous coverage on the lawsuit a few times now including with this post so all readers should be familiar with what has happened from the filing of the lawsuit until now.