Two EPD vehicles on 5th street

 

3:45 Eureka Police Department traffic stop. 3:47 One of the officers speaking with the driver. 3:49 p.m. One officer on phone. The other still speaking with the driver.

Dr. Mark Lamers is an expert witness in alleged molestor Christopher Griffin's trial

 

Currently, the People are presenting evidence in alleged molestor Christopher Griffin's jury trial.

This is the previous post I did on the case.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/senior-deputy-da-whitney-timm-vs-former.html?m=1

Christopher Griffin is in custody. He is charged with PC 288.5 (a) continuous sexual abuse of a child and PC 289 (a) (1) (a) sexual penetration by a foreign object. Both counts have a special allegation that Christopher Griffin committed the crime against more than one victim.

Jane Doe files request for default in lawsuit against Humboldt Sawmill, Humboldt Redwood et al

 

This is an update on a civil lawsuit and an arrest only I have reported on and there have been two developments since my last update.

Ms. Heidi Wells who represents Jane Doe filed a request for default on 7/14. On 7/20, there was a previously scheduled Case Management Conference which was continued at the request of Zwerdling Law Firm to 11/16. While I was not present in the courtroom and court minutes do not state the reason; at least one of those reasons I guess would be since Ms. Wells could not be present that day.

Details and court documents are in the two previous posts.

Anil Dwivedi isn't elected yet but he does know how to talk like a politician

(screenshot: Lost Coast Outpost)

(screenshot : Lost Coast Outpost)

If Kim Bergel wants to win re-election; it is up to her. There is enough information out there on both her current challengers. Casey Dresser getting an endorser from Cornelius Loewenstein is an automatic no for me. As it will be for many people.

Anil Dwivedi is a smooth talker and can be charming when he wants. One plus he has over Dresser and Kim Bergel is that Anil is fluent in politispeak.

I am not going to include links to the court documents and the many posts I have done on the four lawsuits filed by Hillsdale Apartments tenants against Dwivedi but they have court documents. Dwivedi's first excuse for the original lawsuit was I didn't know. I made a mistake. Then it was the Housing Authority told me to and this was when the lawsuits were nearing settlement the first time.

Dwivedi told me he had banned Lost Coast Outpost's Ryan Burns from his buildings when Ryan Burns was covering the original lawsuit but now Dwivedi is running for office so he is fine with talking to Ryan.

Usually, I do not believe anonymous commenters but I do believe this LOCO commenter because this sounds more like the Anil I know than his polished response about CSET. When I covered the Old Town incident live, I mentioned Dwivedi owned Eureka Central Residence. This commenter also has specific details about where a reporter and photographer from other local media were located which matches my own observations that day covering the incident. 

I was a tenant at Hillsdale Apartments when some of the lawsuits were filed. I moved because I found a more affordable place.

Anil makes it sound like he knew about Uplift on his own. He had no tenants from Uplift until I told him about the program. He may now have tenants from Uplift and if he does, it is because just like Eureka Central Residence, Uplift tenants, until they are self sufficient, can have rent subsidized and that is guaranteed money.

LOCO commenters on the website and LOCO Facebook page are spot on in their assessment. Many readers know how to do an internet search. Dwivedi is a realtor. Besides his two Eureka properties, readers can look up his Redway and LA background.

Who wins in the local November elections, depends on who shows up and who votes. The incumbents on Eureka City Council up for re-election should not take voters for granted. Dwivedi could be elected because online comments do not equal votes. Only people who live in Eureka can vote for the mayor of Eureka.

Any guesses who came up with his slogan and campaign material?

Mrs. Barnum, two unplanned conversations and the power of faith

This morning I was very sad to hear about the late Mrs. Pat Barnum. 

I often call out Humboldt generational families. When I do that, it does not include certain families who have been here for generations and contributed to this community without wanting any recognition. Families whose children and grand children have built on the legacy, never forgotten about hard work and success. People who are kind and lift others up and do not judge them.

Many of you know how and why I started this blog  and the focus on court coverage. KHSU interviewed me and Mad River Union had a column. Very grateful to both those media sources.

I knew Mrs. Barnum from church and my involvement in the business community. I no longer go to that church. There are very few people I do see; some through work and others in the community who, like Mrs. Barnum, did not judge or abandon me for leaving. They understood. 

The Barnums are private. I am not going to share my conversation today with some of the Barnum family members. But I will share part of my day because I want to honor Mrs. Barnum.

Mrs. Barnum and members of the family don't seek recognition for good deeds. I doubt many at the local Catholic churches know of Mrs. Barnum's generosity. Whenever I saw her at church or out in the community, she genuinely made time for me. Mrs. Barnum never asked me for anything. There was nothing to gain from her being friendly and kind to me. 

Today, in addition to praying for Mrs. Barnum and her family, I did something on the spur of the moment. I walked to St. Bernard Catholic Church. I did not go inside. When you enter a house of worship, there are protocols. Even though I no longer go to that church, it would be disrespectful for me to go and go through the motions. 

Just going there after years was a decision I did not make lightly. I did so because of Mrs. Barnum. Despite all the hurt, pain and betrayal I have experienced by the church, many Catholics and the hate, bitterness and betrayal in Humboldt; there are people like Mrs. Barnum who saw me, who knew why I was there and why I left. When I left, they knew I was still the same person of strength and faith. 

What happened today is not just because of Mrs. Barnum. It is a part of a bigger decision and a journey. Why I was there, God knows, even before I prayed.

Those close to Mrs. Barnum rejoice for her because she is blessed and in the company of her husband with God.

Earlier this week, I had a very spiritual conversation with someone. He knows who he is and this post will make sense to him in a different way than others.

The third unplanned conversation is one of many I have daily. I am sharing this one because out there is someone who needs to read these words.

Later today, I met Houston. If you saw him walking on the street, most of you would notice he has tatoos. Some of you may notice he has some difficulty walking. What you won't know is that Houston served our country for many years. He was a combat engineer in Afghanistan; he used to disarm devices; he is a Purple Heart recepient. Houston was medically discharged. Houston's battles were not over. He fought PTSD; he had to teach himself to walk. Soon, he will be starting his own business. I would not have known had I not asked and it was Houston's choice to share. I am not naming the business or using Houston's last name for his privacy. 

I have these daily, unexpected conversations all the time. 

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

1 year probation for Michael Nilsson in Cal Poly Humboldt case

 

Michael Nilsson resolved two cases today. Instead of a preliminary hearing, he entered a plea in his Cal Poly Humboldt case and he was sentenced in CR2601598 by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran to 1 year probation. 16 days in jail were covered by custody credits. He also entered a plea in CR2600278, the APD case.

You can look up the previous posts  with the screenshots provided which include charges and details for both cases from arrest to conclusion. I have provided court minutes for  CR2601598.

Agustin Vazquez-Castillo arrested by EPD after investigation into male attempting to befriend EHS students online with intent to engage in potential criminal behavior

Eureka Police Department arrested Agustin Vazquez-Castillo yesterday for an investigation that started last October. 

Vazquez-Castillo doesn't show on the jail log booking report for yesterday's arrest. There are arrests late a.m posted.

I reached out to EPD Police Operations Analyst Rachel Sollom for more information on when he was booked.

She responded,"I checked our documents and it shows it would have been after midnight on the 23rd. I’m unsure why the jail log wouldn’t show that."

Whatever the reason the booking photo or information does not show up on Vinelink.

This vital information is available to the public only because of EPD being pro active.  Thank you to EPD.

Vinelink finally had information and booking photo after the post. Vazquez-Castillo posted bond.

Another delay in healing for Trevor's family

Convicted murderer Jake Combs was scheduled to be sentenced on 7/31. He waived preliminary hearing in his 2025 case on July 15. Arraignment on information is scheduled tomorrow in the 2025 case. I just noticed a motion to continue filed by the defense in the 2022 homicide case  for tomorrow. Both cases are on calendar. I will do an update tomorrow and add it to this post.

7/24/26: Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer appeared on the case for the People since Senior Deputy DA Whitney Timm is in trial.  I walked in to the courtroom as the date was being called. The motion to continue  in the 2022 case was continued by Humboldt Superior Court Judge Lawrence Killoran to 7/28 to be heard by Judge Kaleb Cockrum.

Combs was arraigned in the 2025 case. Readiness Conference is on 9/2/26; jury trial on 9/14.

Ms. Schaffer was speaking with Katrina Earley and three others outside Courtroom 5 at 9:32 a.m. 

7/28/26: Motion to continue continued to 7/29 by Court.

7/29/16: Defense motion to continue granted by Judge Cockrum. The 2022 homicide case will trail the 2025 case with pre trial on 9/2 and 9/14. Sentencing on 9/23.

8/18/26: Defense filed motion for new trial; scheduled for hearing on 9/23 when sentencing is scheduled. 

9/2/26: All that happened today was that trial was confirmed in the 2025 case. 

As I reported twice already, Anil Dwivedi is running for Eureka mayor

It is official. I already reported on Anil Dwivedi running for Mayor. Per City of Eureka Assisant City Manager Pam Powell, he has qualified to run for Mayor. I have regularly reported on the 4 pending lawsuits against him as a landlord.

These are just two of the several posts on Dwivedi.

I can no longer find Dwivedi Facebook page.

I posted yesterday on Casey Dresser who is also running for Mayor of Eureka.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/casey-dresser-files-501-to-run-as.html?m=1

So far, the choices for Eureka Mayor are incumbent Kim Bergel, Casey Dresser who is friends with Cornelius; someone locals are familiar with and that is a negative for Dresser or Dwivedi who has 4 pending lawsuits filed against him by tenants of Hillsdale Apartments which have yet to be settled.

Casey Nagy arrested by EPD for probation violation and possession of a stolen vehicle

On July 21, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to the 200 block of Grant Street for a report of a male attempting to gain access to a vehicle using a coat hanger. 

EPD temporarily suspends new alarm registrations

Eureka Police Department (EPD) is transitioning its alarm billing and registration program to an internally managed process.

Caltrans employee David Orluck booked into jail yesterday on a warrant, hours before his arraignment

 

Caltrans employee David Orluck is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon. I was just going to do an update on arraignment and add it to the previous post but he was booked into the jail yesterday on an arrest warrant issued in his 2026 case on 7/16. Orluck posted bond.

I will add an update about today's hearing but whether arraignment is on today is ? This date was given to me previously by the DA's office. Orluck's arraignment is not on the online court calendar or e court. Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Operations Manager Scott Anderson told me the arraignment date is scheduled by the DA. 

I checked with the DA's office this morning. Still told 1:30 this afternoon. Case still not on calendar. Deputy DA Jessica Watson didn't have the file, the case is not on her list. I have already made two trips to the Courthouse today and the third trip at 3:45 p.m. finally listed an arraignment date of 9/16/26.

41 year old Orluck's booking photo looks nothing like his Instagram profile photo.

I have now received two tips that Orluck is no longer a Caltrans employee. The second tip went into more detail. 

The first tip was on July 16. "I have reason to believe David Orluck no longer works for Caltrans (a recent change)."

The second tip I just received and the details make it more credible and worth the follow up.

"Hey David was fired from CalTrans because the victim filed an intake workplace violence report against him.  Apparently he was sending threatening texts while on the clock.  He was a probationary employee so he was an at-will employee.  Check with the CalTrans to confirm."

I have contacted Caltrans to confirm Orluck is no longer an employee. I doubt I will get further details but I asked.

Caltrans PIO Myles Cochrane is looking into my inquiry. "John,

The individual is no longer working with Caltrans. Beyond that, we can’t comment on personnel information."

Mercer Fraser gets a lesson from Allison Jackson about First Amendment, prior restraint, contempt in latest filing

 

This afternoon 7/22/26, I was surprised to see an ex-parte hearing scheduled in Goat Rock Ranch vs Chalk Mountain Ranch.

I have been covering this lawsuit and the related lawsuit filed by California Department of Forestry.

Attorneys for Goat Rock Ranch and Mercer Fraser filed a request for the ex parte hearing.

I will let you read the declaration and opposition filed Ms. Allison Jackson, attorney for Chalk Mountain and Brandon Barnwell.

Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning rejected Mercer Fraser's attempt. Said speech is constitutionally protected and the right to discuss and petition to agencies is absolutely protected.

Casey Dresser files 501 to run as Eureka Mayor

 

501 filed by Casey Dresser for Mayor today. Uploaded to the City of Eureka website around 3:57 p.m today. I did post previously twice that a candidate would run for Eureka Mayor as an independent.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/anil-dwivedi-of-dwivedi-llc-with-4.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/first-week-when-city-of-eureka.html?m=1

I had to crop the photo because of the youth pictured. One source said he is friends with Cornelius and said he was going to run. The profile also liked my post. I got an email from Casey Dresser confirming it is him.

This Facebook post by Casey Dresser has been deleted or restricted.

Dresser has a conviction in a 2024 traffic case for speeding.

Arrest for drunk in public outside Humboldt Public Defender office

 

Posted this on Facebook about 18 minutes ago.

Walked up to see EPD Commander Leonard LaFrance, EPD Commander Wayne Rabang and two police officers place someone in a patrol vehicle outside the Humboldt Public Defender's Office. I saw Deputy Public Defender David Celli thank EPD.

Commander LaFrance confirmed it was an arrest for public intoxication. Based on the repeat offenders who hang out in front of that office daily; most people just walk by like it is normal in Eureka. It was a repeat offender whose name appears frequently on the jail log.

HCSO releases details about inmate Levi McElroy's death

On July 19, 2026, at approximately 8:33 p.m., 37-year-old Levi McElroy was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility by the Eureka Police Department on charges of felony resisting/obstructing a peace officer and misdemeanor disorderly conduct in public.

Attempted murder suspect Dameon Bradfield to be arraigned this afternoon

 

Dameon Bradfield is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon. The DA filed a complaint today.

You can see the charges that I looked up at the Humboldt online portal and have included.

Alleged victim is Jeremiah Robert Bonato.

Humboldt Commissioner Sarah Kaber arraigned Bradley. Deputy DA Rebecca Buckley-Stein appeared on the case for the People. Gregory Kreis was court appointed to represent Bradfield who is on no bail status. Preliminary hearing was scheduled on 7/29 by defense.

I have included the detailed complaint which is not available online.

The online portal does not have all information due to California Court rules so for documents and minutes, you still have to use the public access computers.  It does not replace courtroom coverage or other scoops, exclusives and in person reporting but priority of when that information is added and if it is provided will depend on a case by case basis and daily. For those who invest and respect my time; they always had extra options, conveniences and got it before anyone else.

I looked up Bradfield's prior cases. My advertisers, subscribers and contributors can contact me if they want the convenience of the case numbers and a customized summary.

41 year old pedestrian argued with another male, ignored dispatch and walked into the roadway last night

On July 21, 2026, at approximately 10:56 pm., officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to 1800 block of Broadway for the report of an injury traffic collision. Upon arrival, officers located the involved vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian had major injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

As standard protocol, personnel from EPD’s Criminal Investigations Unit and Major Injury 

Team responded to conduct the investigation. During the investigation, a witness was contacted.

The following are the current known facts about the collision:

• The 41-year-old, male pedestrian had been involved in altercation with another male on Fairfield and called Eureka Police Dispatch Center. 

• While speaking with the Dispatcher, and despite instructed not to do so, the pedestrian stated he was walking into the roadway.

• The pedestrian walked westbound across Broadway, south of the W.Wabash intersection.

• North and southbound traffic on Broadway had a green light at W.Wabash. 

• While crossing in the #2 lane (right-hand) southbound lane of Broadway, the pedestrian was struck by an oncoming vehicle.

• DUI was determined not to be a factor in this collision.

• Alcohol or impairment for the pedestrian is not known at this time.

This incident remains under active investigation.