Meagan O' Connell is the interim public defender

The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed the consent calendar. Meagan O'Connell is now the interim Public Defender. Public Defender Marek Reavis in on admin leave.

See related posts linked below if you didn't read yesterday's posts.

Dr. Frankovich says no risk to local community, in one town more than the other

At the special meeting today, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich is giving an update now.

Defense files motion to sever counts in murder suspect Brandon Watson's case

Pre trial for murder suspect Brandon Watson was scheduled for February 21. At that time, future dates were confirmed.

Coronavirus related closures have an impact on every hearing, even restitution for Tyson Claros' family

Does Supervisor Bohn's photo on Facebook have a hint or old notes?

First District Supervisor Rex Bohn posted this on Facebook. Is close the county old notes or a preview of today's meeting?

Presiding Judge Joyce Hinrichs issues order regarding changes for local court due to COVID 19

Details are in order listed below.

"Given the coronavirus situation, we are asking the Court to make a prima facie finding"

Evidentiary hearing for mental health diversion originally scheduled  for March 18 for Edward Pena was rescheduled to this morning.

EPD proactive patrol results in arrest of Ethan James Maguire

Eureka Police Department officers have re-prioritized their time and proactive activities during this evolving COVID-19 situation. I've directed officers to focus on substantially increasing business and neighborhood security checks, especially overnight.

Lawsuit against County and Public Defender's office reason for Marek Reavis' exit?

As you know courthouse is closed to the public right now. I have requested information from the County.

Is the reason behind Public Defender Marek Reavis leaving the lawsuit against the County and the Public Defender's office?

There may be more exits from the Public Defender's office. Possibly Deputy Public Defender Luke Brownfield.

Eureka Mayor Susan Seaman to be appointed to Humboldt County Workforce Development Board

The BOS should consider themselves lucky Meagan O'Connell is willing to be the interim Public Defender

Public Defender Marek Reavis is on admin leave. After the David Marcus debacle, which took years to fix and the issues right now with court scheduling due to COVID 19, this Board should consider themselves lucky that Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell is willing to accept this position.

She is an excellent attorney. I see the way she manages her staff and offers them support daily. She is organized, she is professional and she is well versed with the law.

Today's local COVID 19 results

See below today’s update of COVID-19 testing results and Public Health Laboratory capacity. The information will be updated Monday through Saturday and posted at humboldtgov.org/COVIDTestResults.

Daily COVID-19 case report for March 25
Total number of positive cases: 10
Total number of active cases: 9
Total number of cleared cases: 1

Total number of people tested by Public Health Laboratory: 154
Total number of people tested by all other sources: 136
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health and commercial labs)

The Public Health Laboratory currently has a capacity of approximately 525 tests and can process about 30 samples a day with an approximate turnaround time of 48 hours.

10 known cases of COVID 19 in Humboldt

Five additional individuals have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing to 10 the number of known cases in Humboldt County. Four of the patients were members of the international traveling group referenced yesterday that yielded two previous positive tests. The 5th is a household contact of one of these individuals.

The case identified late yesterday is unrelated to the international traveler group. Public Health is ascertaining whether this patient may have had contact with any confirmed cases. If no such contact is identified, this individual would represent the first instance of community transmission, meaning the source of infection is unknown.

Symptomatic individuals have been placed in isolation. Close contacts and positive individuals without symptoms are under quarantine. A multistate investigation of possible contacts related to the traveling group continues.

Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich said this once again affirms the importance of the shelter-in-place order that went into effect last week and discouraged all travel. “I cannot emphasize enough that travel increases every individual’s risk and the risk to the community as a whole. It is everyone’s responsibility to cancel non-essential travel and to comply with shelter-in-place orders.”

Seton Medical Center will accept COVID 19 patients

Today Seton Medical Center in Daly City will begin accepting up to 220 COVID-19 patients. California is leasing the medical center for three months to expand the capacity of the health care delivery system to respond to ongoing and anticipated increases in COVID-19 cases that require medical care. Verity will operate Seton Medical Center on the state’s behalf.

WHO spokesperson says testing, identifying and isolating people infected or exposed to coronavirus is the formula for success

World Health Organization spokesperson Margaret Harris on how the United States "can change its course" on COVID-19.

Some banks agree to 90 day grace period for mortgage payments

During today's update,  Governor Gavin Newsom announced :

"Families should not lose their homes because of COVID-19.  Very pleased that Wells Fargo, Citi, JPMorgan, and US Bank have agreed to a 90 day grace period for mortgage payments for those impacted by #COVID19. A big sigh of relief for millions of CA families."

Clayton Lasinski to enter a plea at his next court hearing

Assault suspect Clayton Lasinski's pre trial hearing was continued to March 23. Jury trial is scheduled for June 1 but as stated in the last post, the People had a plea form.

"Listen and follow the directions of your state and local authorities"