I did a post on May 4 about Agustin "Augie" Valdez, the new owner of Best Dry Cleaners and Speeds Suds in Eureka. Today is the grand opening. Free laundry all day but if you want to meet Augie, grab a hot dog cooked on the grill, chips, soda and Starbucks coffee while supplies last, better head to 4th and N now. The laundromat shares a parking lot with Dutch Bros coffee on 5th Street.
If we had media in Humboldt who instead of summaring an agenda by a bot, actually worked and reported news, they would have asked why Bennett Hoffman resigned on May 8 and we find out a month later via another agenda. On the same agenda is a second resignation of the Director of Library Services.
Covering and holding government accountable and asking why we learn about uncounted votes six months later, County resignations a month later and asking the local Sheriff tough questions is just not as "important" to Lost Coast Outpost et al who "report" based on the Cal Poly Humboldt school of "journalism" and are activist "media" who get funded by Humboldt insiders and good ole boys to cover the tie dye, patchouli protesters du jour and do PR fluff pieces for government. The owners and publishers of some of the local media are good ole boys and gals. Just look at what they ignore and don't cover.
These protestors, like most other Humboldt "media", seem to have money to throw away screaming about anything than actual news that affects the daily lives and survival of taxpaying businesses and residents of Humboldt County.
Some of the so called Humboldt "media" went after me years ago. They did this before I had my blog or Facebook page because I volunteered and was politically active. Something I had a right to do like anyone else. I just didn't parrot the accepted narrative in Humboldt County.
So there is history. Don't dish what you can't take. The haters, anon or anon, some of the local media have disparaged me for years because I spoke up for people; because of their bias and because no one controls me. They have gone after my livelihood. They have disrespected and been dismissive of my contributions to Humboldt and they do not extend professional courtesies.
When the other media stay silent and refuse to call out those in Humboldt who have power and authority and should be transparent; I pay the cost daily and it is more than financial.
Are they getting threats where they have to waste time on the busiest of days documenting and filing reports with law enforcement and then spend days catching up on work and losing opportunities to earn money? Do the other media have to be constantly vigilant and become a hermit because of threats? They are not recognized; I am. I walk everywhere. I have had people come up to me at the Courthouse and harass and threaten me in middle of me working more than once.
What most of this people have in common are their politics are left leaning and they are used to one narrative from the media and used to getting their way. After what happened to Charlie Kirk, the harassment of anyone who independently reports and is not in the progressive, woke bubble is well-documented.
I have a right to be concerned. One recent, violent threat was made specifically about my coverage about the Miranda's Rescue and due to the failure of other media to vet unsubstantiated claims. I have a police report. This person frequently comments on certain media outlets and with a real name. Typical Humboldt loser, anti law enforcement with a court case I looked up.
The chief law enforcement officer for Humboldt County is Sheriff William Honsal. He has been silent lately and out of sight.
There are other threats made to two people documented this week. I will not mention where; yet; but why; they were targeted for the Miranda's Rescue investigation and being associated with Shannon Miranda.
Is this how Billy Honsal protects the citizens of Humboldt County? Or is protection just selective? Do you have to be a friend of his wife's to get HCSO to do your bidding?
I won't expect Rex Bohn to speak up for me or those threatened because we are not his "buds." I don't expect any of the other useless Board of Supervisors to even have a private meeting with Billy and question him about conflicts of interest in the Miranda Rescue investigation and his failure to control the clown show that is out of control led by Jenna Moore and Jennifer Raymond. I want to know any other example specifically involving HCSO as the law enforcement agency where a group of people are harassing, doxxing, threatening people in person and on social media and thinking they dictate what HCSO and the District Attorney does.
People in Humboldt throw around freedom of speech and the First Amendment as an excuse to do and say whatever they want and are clueless on both, the law and journalism.
Steven Michael De La Hoz couldn't even stay out of jail for a month since his last arrest. The jail log includes charges from a previous 2026 case. Eureka Police Officer Sollom arrested him yesterday for PC 314 (1) indecent exposure, PC 451(c) arson, PC 148(a)(1) resisting arrest, PC 69 resisting an executive officer, PC 459.5 shoplifting, PC 602(m), and HS11377 (a) possession of a controlled substance.
Another repeat offender who thanks to California useless, soft on crime law will be released on the streets by a judge instead of facing consequences.
Nicole Thorpe was booked into the Humboldt County jail yesterday on her arrest warrant for homicide, child endangerment, great bodily injury and welfare fraud. Thorpe was booked on no bail status. That could be changed at arraignment by a judge.
This is Jennifer Raymond's Linkedin profile.
What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
I received a tip this afternoon. I tried to verify it and tried to reach a few different people earlier this afternoon. Finally, I sent this email to Humboldt Building Planning Director John Ford and Humboldt County Public Information Specialist Cati Gallardo.
Many people support Shannon but they are afraid to speak up. They see what the pitchfork Humboldt mob has done to Shannon, me and anyone who supports Shannon or tries to have a rational conversation about Miranda's Rescue.
Later this evening, someone with the same information but a few more specifics agreed to speak to me and use her name even though I offered anonymity. Debbie is credible. She is Miranda Rescue's ex board president.
Debbie raised the same question about Jennifer Raymond that others did earlier today. Did Jennifer Raymond have permits for work on her properties? All these people frequently travel the area where Miranda's Rescue is and Jennifer Raymond's properties are located. Debbie said Jennifer Raymond's property was "way overgrown" but starting recently, last winter, she and others noticed Jennifer Raymond "ripping windows out", "redoing the place" and doing construction on the property. There were no visible signs posted that anyone was working. Did Jennifer Raymond get the appropriate permits?
Jennifer Raymond owns another building on Drake Hill Road, not her house. It is near a vet clinic. And that building also had "work done." Debbie and others were told by a someone near that second property that Jennifer Raymond did not have permits.
If Jennifer Raymond did have permits for either or both properties, then John Ford and the County of Humboldt should have no problem promptly providing me that evidence and when they were issued.
Debbie was at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. She remembered a woman who claimed her name was Frankie who came to Miranda's Rescue the day before to adopt a dog. Debbie was there. She has a copy of the form filled out for the adoption. The next day, Debbie was shocked to see this woman at the BOS meeting, admit she gave a fake name and then lie about no paperwork.
Jennifer Raymond admits to trespassing. "Frankie" lies, admits deception, which should be on the video of the BOS meeting, there were people in attendance at the meeting and there is paperwork that refutes Frankie's so called claim.
If you think this is an isolated incident, I have a bridge to sell you? Even if Shannon and his supporters, those who worked with him provide you more evidence refuting claims; it is clear that some people are just interested in repeating speculation and being angry.
What matters in court is evidence and credibility. Judges don't believe anons and keyboard warriors lame, unsubstantiated claims and opinions on Facebook. The Jenna Moore Jennifer Raymond reality show script is poorly executed and boring to anyone with a fulfilled life.
I did a post earlier on 6/5/26. That post includes a letter sent to Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal. It is from a local lawyer.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/06/animals-that-are-dependant-upon-care.html?m=1
I haven't covered this lawsuit for months. If you read the October 13, 2024 post, you should know why.
This morning, I was in Courtroom 4 covering several other cases. I also followed up on other cases scheduled in Courtroom 4 today.
I heard about a ruling Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning made this morning in this case.
There was a hearing on a motion today filed by Harland Law Firm partner, Mr. John Lopez, to uphold defendant's designation of auction yards records as "attorney eyes only" or confidential.
In Harland Law Firm's reply to the opposition filed by Legal Impact for Chickens lawyers, they cited case law, said LIC violated a stipulated protective order by including in public record more than 500 records produced by the Auction Yard in response to subpoenas.
Janssen Malloy's Ms. Meagan Yarnall substituted out on 9/30/24. Ms. Alene Anello is still representing LIC. I am sure if Ms. Yarnall was still on the case, she would know and follow a stipulation and court order.
I heard Judge Canning ruled in favor of Harland Law Firm and the Alexandres. Court minutes are not going to be available this early in the day.
After, these two posts I did yesterday, Shannon Miranda has been contacted for comment by other media, including NBC Bay Area. I hope moving forward there is more balanced coverage from other local and regional media but I won't hold my breath until I see information reported before I have to call people out.
What I am about to include in this post has not been reported by anyone else. One is a letter sent to Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal by Ms. Allison Jackson.
I don't know who is spreading the rumor that Mr. Rick Richmond maybe representing Shannon Miranda. There is a lot of misinformation out there and it is impossible to keep correcting it because unlike the gossipmongers of Humboldt and the online anons; some of us work, have lives, use our name and provide evidence. No one that is serious pays attention to online, social media nonsense; especially from anons.
All the material on my blog is copyrighted. It states that but especially in this post, the letter from Ms. Jackson and Ms. Holland is something I obtained. Do not use it without permission , credit and contacting me first.
I did not get this letter from Ms. Jackson and I did not get it from Shannon. I did call them and let them know I am doing this post. Sheriff Honsal has not responded to Ms. Jackson. That is the only comment I got for her.
Those of you who read all my prior coverage know that in real time, I reported and raised many of the same concerns Ms. Jackson did in her letter.
She has provided more information. I reported other relevant information not in Ms. Jackson's letter.
I called out the other local media for their lack of investigation into Jenna Moore and Jennifer Raymond. I reported information about Jenna Moore's court case she lost against Shannon Miranda. When I said anything said online and what they say and post in public could be used against Jenna Moore and Jennifer Raymond, anon trolls took their usual passive aggressive digs.
These anons are obvious, clueless about journalism and the law and their full time job is snarking and trying to intimidate me into silence. No one influential, credible or in power listens to internet no name trolls. They are irrelevant in a court of law.
Allison Arkley Holland spoke and made a statement in support of Shannon Miranda earlier this week. I also informed Ms. Holland I was posting her statement. It is a matter of public record.
This is Ms. Holland's statement.
"I stand here today not just to speak for Shannon, but to speak for fairness, due process, and the danger of becoming judge, jury, and executioner in the court of public opinion.
What concerns me most is that this situation has become less about dogs and more about personal vendettas. When people are selling merchandise to capitalize on a crisis, and influential members of our community, like the wife of the sheriff, are publicly weighing in the situation, we have to ask whether the focus is justice or spectacle and campaign.
If that is not an anvil on the scales of justice, I don’t know what is.
This has become a public embarrassment not because questions were asked, but because conclusions were reached before due process had a chance to do its work.
And while many people have strong opinions about rescue, few understand what it actually requires.
Rescue is not all rainbows, butterflies, and happy endings. The reality is that not every animal can be rehabilitated. That is painful, difficult, and unfair—but it is the truth. And that is why rescue work is so hard.
It requires people willing to step into situations others walk away from. People willing to take responsibility for animals no one else will. People willing to make difficult decisions while carrying enormous emotional, financial, and personal burdens.
For years, Shannon has been one of those people.
I have watched him drop everything to help animals, often at great personal cost. He has given countless animals what was often their best—and sometimes their only—chance.
One of those animals changed my life. Shannon made that possible. Through his work, he gave me my best friend of 17.5 years. I’m forever indebted to him.
So ask hard questions. Demand facts. However do not confuse accusation with guilt, and do not destroy a lifetime of work before the truth is known.
Thank you."
The reason I called Ms. Jackson and Ms. Arkley Holland is because being in the public eye, they have been the target of lies and smears just as I have. As I have stated before, anyone speaking up for Shannon and anyone like me trying to get balanced, correct coverage and information out there which is not being reported, are also being harassed. Those doing this witchunt think they are above the law. Freedom of speech is not absolute. I cannot speak for Shannon, Ms. Jackson or Ms. Arkley Holland but I don't like bullies. After 22 years of being harassed, threatened and lied about in Humboldt and it affecting my livelihood, my health and safety; I know that closed minds do not care about facts. If there are any decent people left in Humboldt and who say they appreciate my reporting; then your silence does nothing. This is your community. If you cannot speak up and hold your Sheriff accountable; then don't ever contact me for anything or ask for my help.
I get contacted by out of county and out of state media and lawyers often about my coverage. I just don't always write about it because it is no one's business except those who advertise or support my work financially. I am fortunate that my advertisers give me editorial independence.
This post I did yesterday has links to all my coverage on Shannon Miranda and the Miranda's Rescue Investigation.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/06/maybe-california-attorney-general.html?m=1
Attempted murder and assault suspect Vincent Nelson had his preliminary hearing on 6/2 in that 2026. Alleged victim in attempted murder case is Christopher Scott Thomson II.
When I showed up for his preliminary hearing, I recognized his mother who is a former Humboldt Superior Court Clerk. His aunt was also there for the preliminary hearing. Nelson has a 2026 DUI case trailing.
My knowing who his mother is will not change how I cover his court cases. I have reported on other Humboldt cases involving court staff.
Nelson has 25 search results in Humboldt Superior Court. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran was correct in remanding Nelson. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kelly Neel granted him supervised release two days later.
The preliminary hearing in the attempted murder case started on 6/2 and continued on 6/3. I have included court minutes for both days. It looked like almost all of Ferndale Police Department was in court on 6/2.
The preliminary hearing was before Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum. Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is in trial so Deputy DA Trent Timm stepped in to handle the preliminary hearing. Mr. Ken Bareilles is Nelson's attorney.
Nelson met a woman on Facebook. He had never met her in person. She came over to his house in Ferndale and brought other people including alleged victim Thomson . People got drunk. Words were exchanged about women. Drama. Misunderstanding. Who threw the first punch? Where did the alleged incident take place? Most witnesses said Thomson initiated the incident. Thomson is a big guy. Nelson is lanky.
This is just a small portion of Mr. Bareilles' cross examination and Mr. Timm's re-direct of Ferndale Officer Cesar Cervantes.
"You saw the fight between Chris and Vincent,' Mr. Bareilles asked Officer Cervantes.
Officer Cervantes responded that he witnessed the incident but not the assault.
Mr. Bareilles said that Vincent told you, "I was getting beat up in my living room."
Officer Cervantes said, "Yes. Nelson said that to another officer."
Mr. Bareilles then stated a series of statements , barely giving Officer Cervantes a chance to respond.
"Vincent said, Chris is a big dude. He is hitting me in the head," Mr. Bareilles asked Officer Cervantes.
"Chris said, I love you dawg."
"Vincent said, 'I thought I was going to die.", Mr. Bareilles asked Officer Cervantes.
He responded, "yes."
Mr. Timm, on redirect, asked Officer Cervantes, "Mr. Nelson initially denied being involved in the article."
Officer Cervantes said, "Yes."
"The victim was stabbed, Mr. Nelson said he was asleep," said Mr. Timm.
Officer Cervantes, again confirmed that statement.
Mr. Timm referred to a statement by Tristan Thornton that Nelson got a knife and even after Thomson left; he followed him and "stabbed him in the head."
Officer Cervantes said, "I don't recall."
Most said Thomson started it but Nelson chose to take it to another level and outside. After Mr. Timm confronted Nelson with forensic evidence and testimony of other witnesses including his mom taking photos and that there was no blood in the house; only outside, Nelson's credibility was on line. When Mr. Timm asked him, where did the incident happen? Inside or outside? Nelson was flippant and said, "50/50."
Judge Cockrum held Nelson to answer but on a reduced charge for Count 1 attempted voluntary manslaughter. Nelson was held to answer to Count 2 and special allegations as charged. Nelson remains out of custody. He walked out of court with his mother and aunt.
"Hotshot" is a nickname Ryan Hurley gave Trent Timm based on my coverage when he first started and several successful wins fot the Humboldt County DA right after we started. I have covered many preliminary hearings and trials Mr. Timm has prosecuted and it was nice to get a chance to see him in action.
53 year old Delin Liu was arrested by CHP yesterday and booked into the Humboldt County jail for PC 315 maintaining a brothel for prostitution, PC 316 keeping a disorderly house for prostitution. and PC 647 (b) prostitution. She was released on O.R. These are all misdemeanor charges in California.
I have reached out to the CHP media office. CHP Officer Jason Esselman, Public Information & Recruitment Officer and Court Liaison Officer for the Humboldt area sent me this response.
"Our Office assisted the Northern Division ISU in an investigation in Fortuna yesterday. It does appear the arrest you listed is correct. Our Officer (H. Stilwell) simply transported the subject to the jail for booking. I have no further information on the investigation that led to the arrest as this investigation stemmed from our Northern Division ISU (Investigative Services Unit). The Northern Division ISU unit is based in Redding at the Northern Division Office. All inquiries regarding this investigation should be forwarded to our Northern Division Office in Redding."
1800s, 2018, 2019, 2026. Humboldt has not changed. Still trying to silence the truth.
If you read my prior coverage on the Miranda Rescue coverage, you know who Jennifer Raymond is, who Jenna aka Chrisjenna Moore is and you know that Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal's wife commented twice on Jenna Moore's Facebook account. Other media never mentioned this but who's surprised?
I blocked Jenna Moore and others due to reasons anyone following this Fortuna reality show knows and anyone who has witnessed, seen and read how Humboldt deals with independent reporting and the way I have been treated. I do not know if there have been more instances and I do not post hearsay or claims without evidence.
There is another alleged potential conflict of interest between Jenna Moore and HCSO I am trying to verify. I learned about this after one of my earlier posts and it will not be easy to confirm for obvious reasons. It isn't something I can submit a PRA and get a response. Even if I could, the PRA can be ignored.
Just yesterday, I also learned that Jenna Moore and Jody Honsal are friends. This tip did not come from Shannon and it did not come from law enforcement. I cannot tell you who my source is but if Jody Honsal is pissed, 1. she should realize in a small county where she is the spouse of the Sheriff; she needs to have better discretion and judgement 2. How confident is she about who she can trust in her inner circle? 3. She needs to direct her ire at herself and chose better "friends" and 4. her homegirl Jenna Moore's need to be the "star" of the Humboldt Facebook reality show has put Jody under scrutiny.
Remember Jody when you thanked me for being so good to your husband. That was positive coverage but also fact. I just do my job. How Humboldt feels about me when they don't like facts or the truth changes daily and faster than the fog and sun on any given day in Humboldt.
Besides glaring at me and ignoring me, Billy aka Sheriff Honsal, has not addressed the inappropriateness of his wife commenting on an ongoing investigation in which Jenna Moore is a key player. Jenna Moore put herself out there front and center on Facebook, organizing protests and talking with media.
For days now, the anti Shannon Miranda zealots have been leaking out information HCSO has not released. The HCSO investigation is not complete and until there is a report, the DA cannot make a determination whether charges will be filed.
So why is it that the anti Shannon Miranda group is claiming that HCSO has decided there is not enough evidence and Shannon will not be charged? I have read about this in other media coverage; I have heard about it from at least five different, unrelated people. There are people I have had discussions with who are more informed about the law and the criminal justice system and with the limited official information released, their opinion is that criminal or serious charges are unlikely. Whether civil or environmental violations exist; there is no official information released to make that determination.
Why do the anti Shannon Miranda contingent have information that even the media does not have access to about a public interest investigation? Maybe the California Attorney General should investigate HCSO and any potential conflicts of interest starting with the Sheriff's wife and whether there is interference by biased parties in the Miranda's Rescue investigation?
All these people spouting off on Facebook and speaking to media stand by their words so they should welcome the CA Attorney General's involvement into this investigation they have kept in the news cycle for weeks.
Before the other media, especially the local media, demand an interview with Shannon Miranda; they need to stop the selective coverage, ask the questions I have about HCSO and by doing that I am risking further wrath. Journalism should hold those in power accountable. The rest of Humboldt "media" owned by the good ole boys and gals does selective coverage and this is just one example. The other local media follow up on what I write but not when Jody Honsal is involved?
"For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for animals. Recent allegations regarding my rescue and sanctuary are serious, and I understand the concern they have generated within the community.
Until now, I have limited my public comments out of respect for the ongoing legal and investigative processes. However, because significant misinformation has circulated online, I believe it is important to clarify several facts.
Our rescue has always operated as a no-kill facility. We do not euthanize animals to create space.
The only circumstances in which euthanasia is considered are when an animal is suffering from a terminal condition or when, despite extensive efforts at rehabilitation, the animal presents a serious and ongoing danger to people or other animals.
Over the years, we have accepted animals that other shelters were unable to place due to severe behavioral challenges. Many of these animals were facing euthanasia before arriving at our facility. Whenever possible, we work to rehabilitate and place them in appropriate homes. In some cases, despite every effort, rehabilitation is not successful and difficult decisions must be made to protect staff, volunteers, visitors, and other animals in our care.
What concerns me most is not the impact these allegations have had on me personally, but the impact they may have on the animals. In recent weeks, I have been informed that some shelters are reconsidering placements and transfers because of the controversy surrounding these allegations. Several of these animals were originally transferred to our rescue after being identified as difficult-to-place cases and were facing euthanasia before being given another opportunity for rehabilitation. If opportunities for placement and rehabilitation are reduced, the animals ultimately bear the greatest risk. I hope all organizations involved will continue to evaluate these animals based on their individual circumstances and best interests, rather than public pressure or online speculation.
I welcome a fair review of the facts and remain committed to cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities. My focus remains what it has always been: providing care for animals,working with shelters and rescue partners, and giving as many animals as possible a second chance."
Today, I got this exclusive statement from Shannon Miranda.
In his statement above, Shannon addressed the questions I asked him earlier this week.
I was the first one to call Shannon the very first time HCSO was there. I was the only one to get a comment from him that day. I also spoke with Jennifer Raymond.
In my April 28 post, this is what Shannon told me,"I have not done anything wrong. At this time, I have no comment."
I have done my own follow up consistently and I will be doing a second post shortly today. That post builds on concerns and questions I have raised in my previous coverage.
If you have not read all my coverage on the Miranda's Rescue investigation, I will provide links in my second post today. I won't do it again so in the future you can access them for free via the search feature on the blog or Google or for convenience, I offer paid options.
The coverage of this Miranda's Rescue investigation has been one sided in other local and regional media. That is my opinion and observation based on what I have read and my own experience with some of the key players whose one sided coverage has been presented by these media outlets when HCSO investigation has not been completed and no charges have been filed.
HCSO tried to calm the speculation and reason. Shannon kept quiet. Still there was constant fueling and constant drama online and in person from the anti Shannon, biased agenda driven screechers. Jenna Moore already lost once in court against Shannon and I was the only one to cover that hearing.
Did you read about it in other media? Of course not. They have their narrative dictated by one side who they will not question.
I have had my own experience and interactions with many people involved and unlike other media; I do understand what Shannon is going through. Others who have been targeted and had their livelihoods destroyed and lies and smears spread online know what Shannon is going through.
Any attempt by Shannon to present his side has been used against him. Read all the coverage and read the facts.
Shannon and I spoke earlier this week. I asked him again, if he wished to make any comment. I wanted to give him a safe space to present his side. I also had questions for him.
Unlike other media, I understand the risk of Shannon saying anything while an investigation is ongoing and when there has been no decision made about potential charges.
Shannon said he appreciated my coverage and since I was the first one to reach out to him, he wanted to think about it and discuss with counsel. If he made a statement, he would give it to me first since I was the one to reach out to him before anyone else. I earned that because I did my job talking to Shannon, Raymond and HCSO.
I stopped talking to one side after they decided to attack, smear, harass, lie about me online and go behind my back trying to create trouble. I did not trespass on anyone's property; I did not interfere with a law enforcement investigation and I did not print speculation.
Others have also told me they appreciated my fair coverage and they trust me. If Shannon was going to make a statement, they felt he would be represented fairly and all his words would be presented as he wrote them.
There are many people who support Shannon and several who want to wait and not judge or jump to conclusions. Normal people with fulfilling lives who do not need Facebook drama.
These rational and fair citizens are not the people who ignored HCSO Lt. Jesse Taylor's plea to the community. They are not the ones constantly instigating drama, attacking anyone trying to cover this fairly and they are not attacking and disparaging those who will not kow tow to them. Shannon is not the one out there 24/7 hounding HCSO and media.
I want every single one of you to put yourselves in Shannon's shoes. Imagine having to stay silent when your name is dragged through the mud and you cannot defend yourself because it makes it worse and you are restricted due to legal and investigative reasons. In today's viral, digital format, there is no way to combat hate and misinformation. Shannon's livelihood, his family, his employees are being affected and harassed by self absorbed zealots. You can't because most of you have never been through what Shannon is experiencing.
Those trying to sway public opinion about Shannon Miranda by constant drama can pound the table all they want. We live in a country where there is a court of law and one is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The Humboldt County DA filed a complaint today charging Liesel Norman with possession of fentanyl; possession of meth and reckless driving. This is for the June 2 arrest and the incident which I covered live. She is on the arraignment calendar this afternoon for her 2026 case and violation of probation in her 2025 case.
Daniel Smith's "official" site is still up but no link to his Facebook page. Official is his the word on his site; not mine.
Daniel's short lived non campaign was not even a blip on the radar. I did not see anyone report on Daniel ending his campaign. It was brought to my attention almost a month later.
The spin about no formal backing sounds nice but the blunt truth is you had no money and no endorsements because nothing was listed on your site. You have no paperwork to prove that claim.
Even if someone believes you; I don't; if there were people were willing to "back" you; they wised up quickly. You never had a chance. All someone had to do was watch you speak at Eureka Council meetings.
The 5th Ward has a Councilmember who is decent. If someone wants to run against her; they should. I am just glad it isn't you.
Which family law case are you talking about Daniel? There is more than one. Did your "backers" do any research?. These are the search results for your name and this is just in Humboldt Superior Court.
Please move Daniel. That is one gift you could give Eureka and California. Since you are such a "fan"; could you please move to a state I don't like or may move to in the future? Humboldt has made me very allergic to braggarts.
These are my previous posts on Daniel Smith.
On 6/2/26, in my live coverage of the hearing for terroristic and criminal threat suspect Daryl Jones, Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees said the DA's office would file the 170.1 disqualification for Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel that day.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/06/once-again-setting-for-mental-health.html?m=1
It is now 6/4. There is nothing in e court about the DA filing that 170.1 There is an entry stating a hearing on that 170.1 motion has been vacated. Has the DA's office changed their decision?
E court not including what has been filed could just be what is now the usual delay in Humboldt courts, even in criminal cases. Unfortunately, relying on e court or even court minutes is no longer a guarantee of accuracy or reliance.
The 6/16 date is for setting of the mental health diversion. I have not seen Mr. Rees today to ask him because that would be the easiest.
Alleged molestor Dennis Cameron's case was on for trial setting this morning.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor on the case. Today, Deputy DA Trent Timm appeared on the case for the People.
Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner is Cameron's attorney. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell was in court with Cameron today.
Defense requested further trial setting due to ongoing investigation. Ms. O Connell told Humboldt Superior Court Judge Steven Steward, "Will the DA agree to expert testimony via Zoom? Or we will have to get new experts."
Mr. Timm stipulated to further trial setting. Regarding experts, he asked Conflict Counsel to reach out to Ms. Timm.
Ms. Timm just finished two back to back molestation trials. This was in addition to her regular caseload . She is out of the office for the rest of this week and next week. The conviction of convicted molestor Trinidad Gomez is only because of Ms. Timm. That case had issues and was not a slam dunk. Humboldt County is lucky that Ms. Timm choses to be a prosecutor here.
I say the above for those readers who are fairly new but mostly because I saw several members of Bikers Against Child Abuse seated with some people and a Victim Witness Advocate who got up and left once the next court date was set. I saw the pain and disappointment at yet another delay.
Continuances can be difficult but in this instance, there is good cause and waiting for Ms. Timm is the right decision. Most people in the court system are focused on their one case. That is not diminishing anyone's trauma but multiply one case by hundreds. In Humboldt, just from the cases I cover, it is a predator a day being arrested. The criminal justice system in a rural county could operate 24/7 and it wouldn't be enough.
The darkest are the sex abuse cases. Think of hundreds and going through back to back trials. I know because I have been through that for 12 years with Ms. Timm, Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer and DA Stacey Eads and sat through hearing after hearing and covered many preliminary hearings and jury trials daily. If you read my coverage from the early years of my blog; you know. After covering these for years and four back to back trials; I made a decision for my health. After 12 years of covering courts, I am not going to every hearing; especially for continuances and minor updates.
Judge Steward granted the defense request and further trial setting is on July 21.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Tal Valbuena challenged incumbent LA Judge Robert Draper who was investigated and facing discipline from the California Commission on Judicial Performance. I checked the Los Angeles County election website.
The cray cray that is daily at and around the Courthouse increases daily and the abuse is experienced by law enforcement, County employees, court staff and anyone who is in that building for business.
The peanut gallery of women sitting on the ground floor of the Courthouse should have allowed law enforcement to do their jobs instead of shouting at HCSO Sgt. Comer while he was trying to escort this bat shit crazy woman out of the building and do so with keeping everyone safe. These women were clueless that HCSO had been dealing with this for at least half an hour and that is just the time I personally witnessed.
Every single person who works at the Courthouse and walks on 4th street and 5th street regularly knows her.
Sgt. Comer is correct when he said to one of the women, "We can't do anything about crazy ma'am."
The woman muttering unintelligibly started with her foul language when she entered from the 4th street entrance. I was on the third floor where this woman then screamed for over 15 minutes at HCSO. I could hear her while I was in another part of the third floor trying to post live on the James Atkins court hearing. She continued to scream all the way down to the ground floor and outside the building.
She isn't the only one spewing constant verbal filth at the toxic den of evil. That is what I call the Humboldt County Courthouse.
Try working under those circumstances daily. I came around the corner and the moment I saw who was creating the chaos, I tried to exit the third floor safely. The deputies including Sgt. Comer were calm and trying to deescalate.
The woman was ranting about courthouse security, HCSO, calling a random DA staff member who was just sitting outside on a bench on 5th street on her break filthy names I will not repeat.
There were people near the third floor cafe talking to a self help staff member with a terrified child. Thanks to soft on crime CA and the kumbaya enablers, this woman was allowed to endanger everyone and make it impossible to work.
Day and night, I get no peace anywhere. This nutcase, Brad Houghton who has screwed up staying at the Rescue Mission and every chance and help he has been given also rambles on with foul language himself, Josan Hattje and other "chronic regulars" known to law enforcement scream, rant and threaten inside the Courthouse and near the Courthouse daily. I cannot walk anywhere in downtown Eureka without constant solicitation for money or some rando going off and having to constantly be vigilant. I can't post or cover news downtown without the crazies walking over and interrupting.
The women hanging out on the ground floor interfering while Sgt. Comer was trying to get this woman to exit and keep the public safe should call up California Governor Gavin Newsom, every single California Democrat elected official, every single voter who votes Democrat, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and Eureka City Council. They can also call Arcata, Fortuna, Crescent City and every other jurisdiction that dumps off their problem offenders and mentally ill in Eureka.
I have written before that the Board of Supervisors need a policy and the courts on the second floor should have an additional policy. If you are being a nuisance, disruptive, making threats, state why you are in the building and for what reason. Provide proof you have court. The Courthouse is not a homeless shelter or a mental health facility. Public space belongs to taxpayers and those who abide by rules and laws.
All someone has to say is "I have court" and they can enter the Courthouse. Even with the multiple continuances in a week, no one has court every single day for weeks. It is very obvious who is misusing public space.
In addition to cray cray , violent, mouthy people yelling at Courthouse security, law enforcement, me and random members of the public; restrooms and public property is vandalized and trashed.
All the enablers should take out their checkbooks and pay for the cost incurred by anyone they feel sorry for; don't want to do that then I don't care what you think or feel.
The rights of a few who refuse to take their meds or deal with their addiction and refuse services are not more important than law abiding, productive citizens. Rights come with responsibilities.
Eureka City Council and County of Humboldt need an ordinance where if you are disruptive, violent, you cannot remain in that spot and you have the option to start mental health services, drug rehab, take your meds, sit in the jail lobby where you can calm down or put in the sobering cell. If there is one more disruption, keep moving. If they are made to move repeatedly several times; they will stop acting out and either sit and leave people alone and follow the law or go somewhere where the public does not have to enable their criminal, violent, inconsiderate behavior.
If you do not like what I say, hang out with them for a week and locked in so you can't leave. Let's see how you handle lack of sleep, no peace or being unable to work or rest for even a week.
The only Eureka City Councilmember who listens and gets it is Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach but she cannot do anything with her four other clueless peers and their TDS and a Eureka City Manager who keeps making excuses for the poor decisions by ECC and the Mayor
I have made suggestions which do not waste EPD time and don't involve jail although with some chronic repeat offenders, that is the only option.
Humboldt elected officials do not have the cajones to protect law enforcement and the public.
If any of the useless liberal white women with a "savior" complex who are at every protest, who have funds to sit around all day and post on Facebook, who show up for Eureka City Council meetings, who don't live in Eureka and all other Humboldt enablers who have created this lawlessness threaten to sue; then they should be countersued by individuals and businesses who are threatened daily and lose money. The problem is getting a local or California lawyer to represent us. And find a judge who is not afraid to protect the public.
Whoever has an issue with my post, take this woman and all the others home. I am fed up of the daily negativity, chaos and issues caused by people who do not have to deal daily with the actions of these miscreants, who are often high or off their meds and take over every place in Eureka and the Courthouse. You cannot have a cup of coffee or shop without being accosted by the walking dead of Eureka.
Mentally ill or brain fried on drugs?
The money thrown at the homeless, drug rehab and mentally ill does not benefit those who need it because the California Democrats do not encourage those who just need a hand up and are willing to use resources wisely. As long enabling is rewarded and self sufficiency is discouraged; this nonsense will continue.
The Governor's race should be a wake up call for the Democrats. Steve Hilton was not my first choice in the primary but I hope in November 2026, he is elected. The only moderate Democrat was pushed out by the useless Democrat California party machine.
I am pro law and order and pro national security. The Democrats are a failure in addressing law and order and survival issues. They lost the House, the Senate, the Presidency and the Supreme Court. The Democrats had the Presidency, House and Senate more than once and what did they do for those who make their decisions solely on women and LGBT rights? I am not using the entire alphabet acronym that keeps growing. They threw you under the bus for their greed and pandered to the elites who think plastic bag bans, dictating how many times the toilet should be flushed and low, non existent shower pressure are the issues that determine survival.
This is not the Democrat party for the working class or Barney Frank or Harvey Milk.
Why don't all the Humboldt pro law and order businesses and individuals show up on a Friday evening, a Saturday or Sunday outside the courthouse backing the blue? You all whine constantly about crime but you do bupkis for law and order and law enforcement.
Maybe the Humboldt nepo babies and so called Humboldt "conservatives" who pontificate on Facebook and the RINOS who pretend to mask their misogyny, homphobia, transphobia and greed could actually do something productive.
Humboldt nepo babies living off their inheritances, generational wealth they did not work for and collecting rent on low income housing properties their daddies own and passed on to them. Lazy offspring with zero talent who think they can lecture others. Do they work because they seem to be on Facebook 24/7 commenting about law enforcement, media, business, affordable housing with their clueless, uninformed opinions.
There are people who won't fund me despite my speaking up and reporting on what they agree with because I call them out and won't be controlled. It is obvious who they are.
The fake conservatives are just as much to blame for Humboldt being a wasteland because their tiny, fragile egos cannot handle valid criticism. You didn't have a problem with what I said in the past before I started reporting. Certain conservatives and ingrates I associated with in the past haven't had a single candidate or measure win since 2010 and cannot accept why. Decent conservatives who do not have your generational wealth suffer because of your egos.
It isn't the "libs"; it is your poor choices and who you listen to including lies about me and smears you spread about me. The sycophants you surround yourself with are making money because they stroke your narcissism and because we are stuck here hours away from civilization where a small, entitled cabal dictates what is considered "success." Hard work and talent does not count in Humboldt. Keep being stubborn and arrogant while losing money and elections.
Every industry here is dead and money dwindling because of decades of nepotism, failed "leadership" and government money which is the economy of Humboldt for liberals and conservatived and it is being wasted and mismanaged. Add to that all the Oregon and Bay Area transplants and that is why Humboldt is stagnant, broke and riddled with drugs and crime.
Anyone with common sense is labeled MAGA and ostracized. The GOP should sponsor a week long conference in downtown Eureka with an incentive for every moderate Democrat and independent. Then hold a switch your registration event at the end of the week.