The County cannot fix roads, whine about money but they can enrich an out of area law firm and fight a decision so they can screw over a hardworking employee who gave them everything for 40 years

 

If you have not been following my coverage on the lawsuit filed by former Humboldt Superior Court reporter Kay Gibbs, here is a summary and I wrote this in my May 13, 2026 post.

In April 2024, I was the first one to report on a lawsuit filed by former court reporter. No one has covered that lawsuit. I did several posts on that case and my last post was on March 2025.

Kay Gibbs sued the County of Humboldt. I recognized the name because Kay was one of the best Humboldt Superior Court reporters. She worked for the local courts for almost 40 years.

Del Norte Superior Judge Darren McElfresh was assigned to the case. Mr. Patrik Griego represented Gibbs pro bono. Mr. Griego is senior partner at local law firm Janssen Malloy. 

The County of Humboldt was represented by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, a Fresno law firm.

Judge McElfresh consistently ruled against Gibbs and Mr. Griego. I like Kay, I knew her and was very disappointed by the ruling. 

In May,, Mr. Griego told me, "The court of Appeal just reversed the trial court and held that the trial court should not have granted the County’s demurrer to our complaint.The Court of Appeal remanded the case back to the trial court and awarded us and awarded us our costs on appeal."

I followed up on what was happening with the case. 

The County asked the California Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals decision in Gibbs. 

Just like arrogant Humboldt County who cannot admit a mistake and if they lose; they double down.

The County of Humboldt does not fix the roads; has millions to get another building they don't need or can afford to maintain, constantly whine about the budget but are willing to go to the effort and expense at cost borne by taxpayers to enrich the most useless out of area law firm and avoid accountability for someone those of us know was a very loyal and hard working employee. She did everything right but gets screwed by the good ole boy and gal Humboldt cabal.

I did this related post on an agenda item that directly impacts cases like Kay. Crickets from the other media.