Four to five well known local Eureka businesses expected to file for bankruptcy soon

Months ago, I mentioned that a well known and liked Humboldt County business owner wants to retire and sell the business. This was told to me privately and I have respected that decision. I am not even his lawyers knew and when I do share who it is; you will see part of the reason and the role this blog played in informing the public. Knowing what I do about part of the reason for this decision; I hope things have not worsened for this business.

Hearing about well established, well respected local businesses closing or the owner retiring is never easy. Even if someone new takes over, the business is not the same.

Today, during the lunch hour, I ran into someone well connected in the business community. He told me that very soon "four to five" well known local businesses with at least 10 employees or more are filing for bankruptcy. 

Even local, generational business owners I know who are doing well are tightening the belt.

EPD arrests inmate who absconded from work detail today

I reported on Christian Murphy's arrest in 2022.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/06/epd-arrests-two-for-criminal-conspiracy.html?m=1

Verdict in Brandon and Jesse Widmark attempted murder case

 

I regularly reported on the Brandon and Jesse Widmark case. I was the only one to cover the trial. I have regularly reported on jury deliberations. No other media covered this case regularly after the initial arrest. No other media was in court for the trial. No other media was in court for the verdict.

CA Attorney General and 11 other state AGS oppose the U.S. Department of State’s proposal to remove gender markers from passport applications

(First and last page of letter to Rubio)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other state AGs oppose the U.S. Department of State’s Proposal to Remove Gender Markers from Passport Applications.

AG Bonta just issued a press release I am adding.

Mendocino Sheriff Matt Kendal provides detailed statement in response to Galina Trefil's post and the MCSO investigation

 

Mendocino Sheriff Matt Kendall who I spoke with Friday just sent me the written response I requested. I did a post on March 14. I appreciate Sheriff Kendall taking the time after hours on Friday and sending the response today.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/03/i-reached-out-to-mendocino-sheriff-matt.html?m=1

The statement was sent out in a separate email later to all media.

Sarah Caroll in custody, will be arraigned on warrants in her 2023 hit and run case and 2020 drug case

 

(Previous booking photo)

A bench warrant was issued on 10/7/24 for Sarah Carroll in her 2023 hit and run case. She was booked into the Humboldt County jail on 3/16/25 on that case as well as her previous co-defendant case which both resolved with a plea.

Eligible PG & E customers should receive up to $125 California climate credit on their April 2025 bill

(From PG & E website)

Eligible PG & E customers can receive up to $125 California climate credit on their April 2025 bill. More details in press release.

FPPC approves Newsom agreement, no record if Karen Paz Dominguez stipulation was approved

 

Former Humboldt County Auditor-Controller Karen Paz Dominguez stipulation with the California Fair Practices Commission was on the FPPC November 21, 2024 agenda. I reported on the proposed administrative penalty of $4,000 in my last post. In this post, I have included the proposed stipulation between FPPC and Ms. Paz Dominguez which includes her admitting to the four violations.

The approved minutes for November 21, 2024 show an approval for the Newsom item but Paz Dominguez is not in those minutes or the January 2025 minutes. Paz Domingues is not on the March 2025 agenda and the February 2025 agenda has not been posted yet.

I have reached out to the FPPC and I heard briefly from them today. FPPC looked into the matter, sent me some information.

Update: "Item #14 (14. In the Matter of Karen Paz Dominguez; FPPC No. 19/1459. Staff: Cinthya Bernabé, Commission Counsel. Karen Paz Dominguez, Auditor-Controller for the County of Humboldt, failed to timely file an Assuming Office, a 2019 Annual, a 2021 Annual, and a Leaving Office Statement of Economic Interest, in violation of Government Code Section 87300 (4 counts). Total Proposed Penalty: $4,000. ) was approved on the consent calendar with no public comment."

Four "mainstream media" articles on Space X lawsuit against California Coastal Commission show why the public no longer trusts MSM

This is from the Daily Journal. DJ covers California legal news.

Andrea Avelar arrested for domestic violence

 

Andrea Heather Avelar was arrested by HCSO yesterday for PC 273.5(a) corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant more commonly known as domestic violence. Bail is $50,000.

Third loss for Griego, once again Judge McElfresh rules in favor of County in lawsuit filed by former court reporter

 

Last April, I reported that Kay Gibbs, former court reporter who worked for Humboldt Superior Court for 40 years is suing the County.

Del Norte Superior Judge Darren McElfresh was assigned to the case. Mr. Patrik Griego represents Gibbs. Mr. Griego told me he is doing this pro bono.

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

Judge McElfresh's latest ruling filed 3/11/25 was served on the parties on 3/13/25 according to e court. This is the third loss for Mr. Griego.

Jugde McElfresh granted the County's demurrer without leave to amend. "Unfortunately plaintiff has not provided a single cite on point regarding lost or ancient payment history records of a public employee within the State of California, which has hired milions of people throughout its history."

"In regards to reviewing any witheld records, a simple mandamus will suffice,"was the last sentence of Judge McElfresh's ruling.

Cyndy Day-Wilson lost in Humboldt Superior Court, lost her appeal and the First Apellate ruling is an embarassment for a local lawyer who should know better

 

I had reported on a lawsuit filed by local attorney Cyndy Day Wilson and John Wilson against the County of Humboldt. The first post was in July 2023.

I reached out to Mendocino Sheriff Matt Kendall because FB posts and unsubstantiated claims via email about serious cases is irresponsible to the victims and law enforcement

This was posted on Facebook on 3/13. I have included the entire text. 

I was tagged on FB in these comments on 3/14.

Michael Acosta sent me this in 2022. I ignored it; partly because I could not open the document. He should have known better than to send me claims he cannot substantiate. 

I do not like people speculating and making allegations about law enforcement without proper evidence and it is a disservice to the victims. I know national media has been tagged in the Trefil Facebook post. On social media, people react and then spread misinformation. 

I have reached out to the Mendocino Sheriff Matt Kendall.I did speak briefly speak with Sheriff Kendall this evening. It is late on Friday and I told him I can wait for his written response on Monday.

Conversation in elevator by some jurors in Widmark trial leads to questioning of every juror but results in Judge Steward ruling there was no juror misconduct

(CAL CRIM 201)

Yesterday was Day 25 of the Brandon and Jesse Widmark trial and the 5th day of deliberations after three weeks of jury selection, testimony and evidence. No verdict.

He already has one domestic violation conviction, HCSO arrests Adam Sundberg again for the same charge

 

Adam Daniel Sundberg was arrested by HCSO yesterday for PC 273.5(a) corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant more commonly known as domestic violence.

Sundberg is no stranger to HCSO. He was arrested in 2016 for kidnapping his ex girlfriend the same charge. The DA charged him with PC 273.5 (a) and violating a domestic violence restraining order.I reported on the resolution of his case in 2018. Adams pleaded guilty to the domestic violence charge; the other count was dismissed.

Sundberg has 29 cases in the Humboldt Superior Court system. They are either traffic or criminal cases from 2007 to 2025.

Reminder to regular readers, note for new readers

There have been a lot of continuances and rescheduling of dates in several cases daily. Those minor updates are being added to the last post on the court case.

"Amici States therefore know from experience that our court system depends on the willingness of lawyers to take on difficult cases and unpopular clients without retribution. An informed, independent judiciary presumes an informed, independent bar. Lawyers should be driven by justice and loyalty to their clients. When those in power demand fealty to themselves instead, the system is undermined. "

(Perkins Coie lawsuit)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed an  an amicus brief today in support of the law firm Perkins Coie LLP’s lawsuit "seeking to block the Trump Administration from retaliating against the firm and its attorneys for no reason other than that it has dared to challenge the Administration in court."

Jurors provided incorrect verdict forms for three charges in the Widmark brother attempted murder jury trial

(This was a photo in April 2023 provided to me by a reader that shows Brandon Widmark's red truck and the collision)

Today is Day 24 of the Brandon and Jesse Widmark jury trial and the third day of deliberations. Jurors were waiting to be let in at 9:38 a.m. and were called into the Coutroom at 9:39 a.m. At 9:47 jurors exited to resume deliberations and were let in the deliberation room at 9:50 a.m.