HCSO responds to my question about Courthouse security stats

 

HCSO responded to my PRA about Courthouse security stats. 

The questions I asked were:

1.How many people on the average are screened at both entrances, if it is easier to give one number that is fine

2. In the last week or month, contraband or weapons seized/turned away

3. People come into the building & I dont know if there are stats (via questions, jurors) to determine how many go to the second floor.

I have done several posts on Humboldt Courthouse screening. I was the first to report about the funding issues and mostly recently, the first and only one to report that after public backlash and the County and Courts being called out by independent reporting which was widely read; last Friday,  funding has been "found." Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal has not responded to my request for more details. 

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Erika Kirk's attorney files motion for her right to a speedy trial

Erika Kirk's attorney, Mr. Jeffrey Neiman, filed a motion last Friday about her right, as a victim to a speedy trial.

"Nobody believed in the importance of the United States Constitution more than Charlie Kirk. And although the United States Constitution guarantees criminal defendants many rights, it does not guarantee them the right to cause undue delay in the criminal justice process. The Defendant in this case is entitled to a fair trial, and he must be given one, but he is not entitled to cause undue delay to the criminal justice process."

Allan Dollison weighs in on Pete Hegseth vs Mark Kelly

I have posted on previous contributions by Los Angeles attorney Allan Dollison for the Daily Journal. Mr. Dollison is also a Retired Colonel, former Humboldt County Deputy DA and former public defender for Amador County.

This is his latest column. It was posted online on Friday. Paper edition submitted by Mr. Dollison.

This is just one example of traffic enforcement in Humboldt

 

Took this at 1:57 today. CHP officer was checking license and paperwork. CHP and EPD do traffic enforcement regularly. This is just one example.

Former EPD's Terry Liles now working for Redding PD is expected to be a witness in a jury trial for $ 4 million retaliation and sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the City of Redding and Redding PD

 

(Liles in a 2024 Instagram Redding PD post)

Former Redding Police Officer September Wynhoff is a former Redding Police filed a retaliation, sexual harassment and failure to prevent harassment lawsuit on May 6, 2024 against the City of Redding and Redding Police Department.

Four million and other relief as Court may deem proper is sought.

City of Redding is represented by Liebert, Cassidy and Whitmore. A jury trial is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

An ex parte application has been filed for a protective order.

Chico's ActionNewsNow and Redding's KRCR covered the lawsuit a year later in 2025.

Former Eureka Police Department Sgt. Liles who is Redding Police Department Officer is expected to be a witness in this case.

Wynhoff is represented by Mr. Jonathan Roven, managing attorney at Jonny Law, a LA area law firm.

I have included the original complaint and documents sent to the California Civil Rights Department.

Since Tessa Ellebrecht is playing the "victim" on Facebook and wants to talk about inaccuracies, I told her I would post this email exchange

 

Tessa continues to email me. She has time to waste, I don't. This kind of intimidation is what I put up in Humboldt regularly. Tessa likes drama; I have work to do. 

I knew that if I posted about Caidence Ellebrecht, the typical hate, abuse attacks would surface. They did. Humboldt and Fortuna are predictable.

My response to Tessa covers most of what I have to say. I am not wasting time on those in Humboldt who will not change and are the problem. The trolls who came to my page screaming you are not news and clicked on my page. No one forces you to read my page. News is not defined by whether it is convenient to you. 

Tessa chose to share my post on Facebook. I get to share the email exchange. There are people in Humboldt whose full time job is living on Facebook and harassing me for not looking the other way about news that other local media doesn't cover. They gossip, they lie. But have issues with arrests I post about which are a fact from the booking log. 

Other local media are inaccurate often and they don't get called out. I have written about some of those inaccuracies. Don't get sanctimonious with me; the hypocrisy speaks for itself.

"Don’t let them fix their failures by taking more of your money. They already take enough."

 

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond tweet this evening. I have said the same about Humboldt County repeatedly over the years and most recently this week.

Just another day with Humboldt Bay Fire and ambulance responding to a medical call

 

5 minutes ago, I saw Humboldt Bay Fire with lights, sirens followed by the ambulance turn on 4th and E. It turned out to be the building I thought, 333 E street and what looks like a medical call. I saw other tenants thank HBF. I did not photograph the face of the tenant with the medical issue. The tenant did not have any visible injuries and could speak coherently.

HBF and ambulances answer calls like this all the time, sometimes several times a day, all over Eureka.

First Amendment rights, impeding federal agents and numbers to report ICE activity and enforcement actions in California

 

At 11:10 First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California posted one tweet about First Amendment rights, impeding federal agents in response to LA Rep Gomez. Another tweet at 11:20 sharing numbers from ACLU of Southern California about ICE activity and enforcement actions.

Yet another case I covered where Deputy DA Whitney Timm scores a win, protects the community by pro active action to have a convicted felon declared a SVP and the Public Defender's office loses against her

 

(2016 booking photo)

On January 7, I did a post about Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm's proactive move to petition the court to declare convicted felon Justin Patrick a sexually violent predator.

As I said in that post, it is better for the public to know about these hearings before someone is released into the community.

On 1/16/25, Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson admitted Dr. Gangaw Zaw's report into evidence as requested by Ms. Timm. First loss for Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian. Dr. Zaw was questioned by Ms. Timm and cross examined by Mr. Orbelian. Dr. Zaw was only available until noon that day as he was scheduled to be in another County so Ms. Timm's request to continue the hearing on the petition to declare Patrick a sexually violent predator was continued to 1/20. Second loss for Mr. Orbelian who objected. Ms. Timm had informed Judge Wilson and Mr. Orbelian at the beginning of the hearing, this continuance maybe necessary.

If you want more details about the SVP petition, the order signed by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran and details on Patrick's conviction and previous criminal history, you can access that via the link to the January 7 post.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/it-is-better-for-public-to-know-about.html?m=1

Thanks to Judge Killoran and Deputy DA Rees, the public is protected from attempted murder suspect and convicted, repeat offender James LaBranche

 

Attempted murder and criminal threats suspect James LaBranche already has a conviction for domestic violence.

At his bail hearing on 1/15, alleged victim Jane Doe asked for the criminal protective order to be modified to peaceful contact. Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin represents LaBranche.

The public should thank Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees and Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran. OR and supervised release was denied by Judge Killoran and LaBranche's custody status changed to no bail.

A pre trial hearing is scheduled on 1/20/26 to modify the protective order. Preliminary hearing is on 1/23/26. 

Among the usual Humboldt arrests for violent crimes, DUIS and repeat offenders were Caidence Ellebrecht and John Moreno

(Eisner Gorin LLP)

Among the usual Humboldt arrests for violent crimes, DUIS and repeat offenders were Caidence Ellebrecht and John Moreno.

19 year old Caidence Ellebrecht was arrested by CHP today for VC23152 (a) DUI and VC 23152(b) blood alcohol above legal limit. She was released on O.R.

29 year old John Moreno was arrested by Fortuna Police Department today VC23152 (a) DUI, VC 23152(b) blood alcohol above legal limit and  VC 12500(a) driving without a license. He was released on O.R.

Based on his age and the booking photo, this is not the John Moreno arrested in 2013.

Both these cases are misdemeanor DUIs and both these suspects are out of custody so even if charges are filed, it could take months. DUIS are dime a dozen in Humboldt daily, these are misdemeanors, from booking charges there do not appear to be victims.

Miller waives preliminary in one case; also held to answer in rape case and third case dismissed by the People because they cannot meet the burden of proof

 

I have been following three cases for Matthew Miller since 2024. The screenshots are the previous posts I did. They have charges, court documents and the one in September 2024 has updates until the 1/15/26 hearing.

On 1/15/26, in  CR2501180 the preliminary hearing was continued by stipulation to 1/16. Then on 1/16, Miller waived preliminary hearing in that case and was held to answer as charged. Arraignment on information is on 1/30/26.

In CR2402654, the People dismissed because this case because they cannot meet burden of proof.

In CR2402768,after preliminary hearing, Miller was held to answer as charged for rape of an intoxicated victim. Arraignment on information is on 1/30/26.

Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson heard all three cases. Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor who appeared on all three cases. Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell is Miller's attorney.

Jonathan Brisco's case for arrest at Studio 6 dismissed by the Humboldt County DA

 

I covered Jonathan Brisco's arrest by Eureka Police Department at Studio 6 live. Brisco went through several court appointed private attorneys; the last one being Ms. Joanne Carter.

Brisco had two 2025 cases on calendar. The 2025 case for the EPD arrest had a preliminary hearing scheduled on 1/14/25. Motion to dismiss was denied that day. On 1/15/25, Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer appeared on the case for the People. Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson granted the People's request to dismiss the case.

Yurok Indian Housing Authority lawsuit against County of Humboldt set for trial

 

In July 2024, I did a post on a lawsuit filed by the Yurok Indian Housing Authority against the County of Humboldt. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/07/yurok-indian-housing-authority-sues.html?m=1

The lawsuit involves a multi-family housing unit in McKinleyville and alleges the County failed to comply with regulation and maintain a drainage channel and storm drains on County property causing extensive flooding on the Yurok Indian Housing Authority.

All that happened at hearing was trial dates were set. Trial assignment on 9/18/26. Court trial on 9/21/26 with a 5 day time estimate.

Humboldt Deputy Counsel Joel Campbell-Blair was present for the County. Ms. Cyndy Day-Wilson for Yurok Indian Housing Authority.

Curtis Davis a no show again for this week's hearing, did not bother to file a response and sanctioned $650 by Judge Timothy Canning

 

I am not a fan of Liebert, Cassidy, Whitmore. If you read me regularly; you know why. At least LCW filed a response before the 1/12/26 hearing about why they were a no show. LCW represents the City of Eureka. However, Ethan Wicklund's excuses for himself and Davis are pathetic and defensive. His declaration was filed after my post.

Curtis Davis who represents Brandey Wheeler , did not file a response, was a no show again and  was sanctioned to pay $650 by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning. 

I already reported earlier this week that the dismissal hearing was vacated.

I just did a post on January 13. Had the 1/12/26 court minutes for this week's hearing and the document from Ethan Wicklund filed 1/7/26 been entered on time, I would not have to do this second post which has crucial information. Wicklund said he had technical issues at the previous hearing and could not log in.

I checked several civil cases from 1/12/26 multiple times a day this entire week. These documents were entered today.

I am not going to summarize the case, the prior coverage. You have links to previous posts, court minutes and if you want customized, individual updates, pay me for the extra time and effort in addition to what you are getting for free.

In addition to this case, search my blog for Curt Davis which includes him being let go from the City of Eureka.

I use Mr. or Ms. when I refer to an attorney. If I don't; it is rare. Respect has to be earned and starting with this post, I will omit it when necessary according to the way you treat others and if you disrespect the Court by your arrogance thinking you and your time are more important. I wouldn't let either of these attorneys represent me, even pro bono; Curt I already rejected your "help" once.

Congratulations to Humboldt Deputy DA Rebecca Buckley-Stein on the win and quick verdict of DUI trial.

 

Closing arguments finished at 11 a.m. today and the jury already convicted Kristopher Sloan of a DUI and he was sentenced today. 

The DA just issued a press release.

I checked the court minutes every day. I have previously complimented the addition of Humboldt Deputy DA Rebecca Buckley-Stein to the local prosecution team.

"Why didn't you file this motion in advance of the hearing?

 

(Ms. Nester with Tyler Robinson)

(Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray)

All photo credits to  Salt Lake Tribune who was designated as media pool outlet.

Court  is in brief recess to review case law just provided in court and rule on the last minute defense request to continue the Tyler Robinson hearing today. 

Judge Graf: "Why didn't you file this motion in advance of the hearing?

Prosecution: "I think this is an ambush and a delay tactic to delay proceedings"

Tyler Robinson's demeanor is better for this hearing. I didn't see Staci Visser in the courtroom, another male defense attorney, Mr Byrd is seated with Robinson & Ms. Nester.

I am covering this live. 

The gloves came off today with the defense claiming the prosecution had not consulted with the Utah State Attorney General, the Utah County Attorney's Office responded back that conflict had not been established and the defense tactics were akin to finding a more lenient prosecutor. 

Defense hinting at appeal. I thought the prosecution arguments were better. Judge Graf's question was valid about the filing. Defense has pulled a stunt at every hearing.

The prosecution informed the defense that the daughter of a deputy attorney was at the event. She did not witness the shooting and is not a material witness. The defense admitted they knew about this because prosecution told them in court.

Judge Graf allowed the Utah County Attorney's Office to argue against the defense motion to disqualify the prosecution. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray and Mr. Ryan McBride argued that alleged conflict had not been established.

Arguments whether the evidentiary hearing will held in a closed courtroom were discussed.

Later in the afternoon, the pool cameraman was banned from filming Robinson for the rest of the hearing because of defense's concerns over alleged lip reading.

Hearing continues on February 3.

There is coverage from Utah media outlets on this case as well as several national media including alternative media. The hearings are being livestreamed. 

Funding for courthouse screening has been found, a new security guard being trained

You heard it here first. Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal told Courthouse security they found the funding to keep courthouse screening. This is what happens with the power of the people speaking up and effective, independent reporting calling out powers to be.

This does not necessarily change the plans of the security guards leaving, I checked with them. This photo is one of three guards leaving. I had posted photo of another guard in an earlier post.

A new guard is being trained.

I have emailed Sheriff Honsal for more details. The County has until Monday to respond to my PRA about stats I requested and reported on previously.

Daniel Vansyoc arrested for failure to register as a sex offender

(From sexcrimesdefenselawyer.com)

Daniel Scott Vansyoc arrested by Fortuna Police yesterday for PC 290 (b) failure to register as a sex offender. Nothing on Megan's Law in California, HCSO feed on Vinelink is still down and we are not allowed to publish booking photos thanks to the Ninth Circuit ruling.

He is still in custody right now. Depending on what Humboldt Superior Court Judge he gets, usually this just results in no consequences and being released back on the streets.

Vansyoc has four criminal cases and two traffic cases in Humboldt Superior Court. The 2025 for forgery is still open. Convictions in rest with one dismissal. The sex offender conviction is not from Humboldt County.

Information regarding Eureka City Council resolution next Tuesday you won't find anywhere else

 

I know some at Eureka City Hall read my blog; others my Facebook page. I have given feedback privately but it has not made a difference. Three of you are up for re-election. At least one of you already has an opponent. As someone who lives in Eureka, I want Councilmembers, especially in the Ward I live in to listen and represent all their constituents. When you vote next Tuesday on the resolution declaring Eureka as a sanctuary city for transgender people gender affirming healthcare, do what you want. In November 2026, when three of you are up for re-election; the residents of Eureka have the opportunity to speak with their votes. Will they instead of complaining on Facebook?

Full text of my comment and response to Alexis:

Alexis Iceglass thank you for your respectful comment. I had briefly posted some clarifications and rules, mostly for new readers but then removed it and hope it will not be neccessary. I don't know you and you don't know me. On Facebook I don't expect you or anyone to share personal information. Nor will I. On this page, I have a diverse group of readers with varying beliefs. Just as you expressed your opinion, I hope others will feel they can. 

Eureka City Council lately has put a lot of items on the agenda that do not pertain to all Eureka citizens. They are virtue signaling and it makes no difference on the issues. I do know from a credible source that many of these items are being brought forward by Eureka Councilmember Mario Fernandez. The items are brought by advocates who do not represent the beliefs of everyone in any group they claim to represent. How many of these people commenting and asking for these agenda items live in Eureka? Other councilmembers may feel pressured to vote or risk the wrath of activists. This isn't just my opinion. That is all I will say. 

I have to commend former Eureka City Councilmember and now Humboldt County Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo who told me in a one on one conversation liberals can also be homophobic and transphobic. I agree with her. It has been my experience in Humboldt.

These items alienate many people in Eureka who may have a let live attitude but feel frustrated because Eureka City Council is not focusing on bread and butter issues and on what affects every Eurekan.

I agree with those people. Some of them include people I may disagree with on many topics and not like. The reality is that Eureka City Council would be better off increasing healthcare options for all, bringing economic opportunities so people are self sufficient and focusing on bread and butter issues.

Of all places in this country and even California, Humboldt is safer for trans people than anywhere else. What the trans community needs is money, shelter and food just like any other human being. Not everyone gets to work at Cal Poly Humboldt with tenure or a government job protected by unions and live in a woke bubble.

18 year old Jack Nye and a 15-year-old male juvenile threatened to shoot a homeless man. They fled the scene to a motel on 5th street

Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens issued the following press release just now. 18 year old Jack Nye and a 15-year-old male juvenile threatened to shoot a homeless man. They fled the scene to a motel on 5th street. In my opinion, the idiot adults who were in the motel room with them should have also been arrested by EPD. 

Sherry Thompson's lawsuit against Humboldt clothing dismissed after she wasted everyone's time including the judge, court staff and people like her are why local courts are backlogged

On 1/12/26, Sherry Thompson lawsuit against Humboldt Clothing Company et al was dismissed without prejudice.

People like Thompson in Humboldt are part of the reason the local courts are always constantly backlogged, judges and court staff overworked and I have to make multiple trips a day in one week to check on court minutes which sometimes are not up for days.

This week civil minutes aren't up for several cases scheduled on  1/12/26 of interest to the community and probably won't be this week because the court clerk is busy with a civil trial. The clerk Sarah or someone did enter the order in this case and has added dates on all the cases I have been checking all week. 

This does not include the 10 -15 criminal cases every day this week which keep getting rescheduled last minute or continued several times this week. It is a miracle we have any of the court clerks still left and there is already short staffing.

This civil trial in Courtroom 4 will drag on for days because anything involving local attorney Chris Hamer adds to drama, endless waste of time and her clients have no respect for courtroom rules or others doing business in the courthouse. 

My sympathies to Humboldt Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning who is inundated with several high profile civil cases, rulings to be written and  because of litigants like Thompson court time and resources are wasted.

Mr. Neal Latt is the other attorney in this civil trial.

Joylyn Heiser arrested by EPD on bench warrant for perjury and welfare fraud; released from jail on OR

 

Joylyn Dione Heiser was arrested yesterday by Eureka Police Department on a bench warrant issued on 1/6/26 in a 2024 case for PC 118 (a) perjury and WI10980(c)(2) welfare fraud. Released from jail on OR misdemeanor.

41 search results come up for Heiser in Humboldt Superior Court but there are a few duplicate listings; a glitch not fixed despite my writing about it and letting Humboldt Superior Court tech and admin know several times. She also has several open cases.

Unlike CA elected officials, NY Assemblymber asks FCC to investigate Verizon outages which actually help customers and public safety

 

New York Assembly member asks FCC to investigate ongoing Verizon outages. California elected officials could have spent time doing the same for customers and public safety but they are too busy wasting time catering to elites or virtue signaling.

The lawsuit I wrote about earlier is on the agenda for the next Eureka City Council meeting

 

I did a post earlier today on the City of Eureka's lawsuit against Dick Henderson. 

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/01/city-of-eureka-files-lawsuit-against.html?m=1

It is one of two existing lawsuits on the City of Eureka closed session agenda on 1/20/25. There is a third anticipated lawsuit listed. 

A resolution declaring Eureka as a sanctuary city for transgender people gender affirming healthcare is also on the agenda.