Could this be the Johnson case Mr. Andrew Isaac is referring to add the carjacking special allegation for Bullock?

http://www.casebriefsummary.com/people-v-johnson/

www.courts.ca.gov/.../S093235.PDF

Filed 2/26/15
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA
THE PEOPLE, )
)
Plaintiff and Respondent, )
) S093235
v. )
)
JERROLD ELWIN JOHNSON, )
) Lake County
Defendant and Appellant. ) Super. Ct. No. CR4797
____________________________________)
A jury convicted defendant Jerrold Elwin Johnson of the first degree
murder of Ellen Salling with the special circumstances of robbery murder,
burglary murder, and carjacking murder, as well as first degree burglary, first
degree robbery, and carjacking. (Pen. Code, §§ 187, 190.2, subd. (a)(17)(A), (G),
(L), 211, 215, subd. (a), 459.)1 The jury also found that defendant personally used
a deadly and dangerous weapon, and the victim was 65 years old or older.
(§ 667.9, subd. (a), former § 12022, subd. (b)(1).) Defendant admitted that he had
suffered one prior serious or violent felony conviction and had served one prior
prison term. After a penalty trial, the jury returned a verdict of death. The court
denied the automatic motion to modify the verdict (§ 190.4) and imposed that
sentence. This appeal is automatic. (§ 1239, subd. (b).) We affirm the judgment.

Within two months, DA Maggie Fleming fulfills campaign promise to "restore trust in the DA's office"

It's been two months, cases are moving along without the same old excuses.
Families and victims, especially in homicides, are seeing vigorous prosecution and being consulted in decisions. DA Maggie Fleming is accessible, her office is accessible for answers. No special treatment for any media source. While prosecutors are still overworked in an office needing more staffing, you see better morale and encouragement of teamwork. A new DDA was in Courtroom 1 today. The voice of the People is heard loud and clear in the courtrooms and defense attorneys do not run the show.

In two months, the change is substansial, as Chief Mills said. I feel hope.

Often after elections, change is slow and the difference is not felt so acutely.

Thank you Maggie for keeping your campaign promise. You have restored trust and dignity to the office of the District Attorney.

If this is what two months brings, I look forward to future improvements.

Humboldt Women awards March grant to The Happy Butchers

Congratulations to The Happy Butchers, Bridget Winkler and Sarah Godlin for winning March's grant! The Happy Butchers are keeping Humboldt County's meat supply local. "We are two mothers who decided we wanted to eat better meat. We decided to start raising our own livestock and to help others process their own livestock. We are mobile butchers. We will come to your home or farm and slaughter, clean, and process your animals," says Bridget. Since Redwood Meat Company stopped processing hogs last year, there has been a serious need not being fully met in the local meat industry. With assistance from this grant, The Happy Butchers hope to continue the process of becoming properly licensed and trained, as well as purchasing needed supplies. Humboldt Women is excited to see local women unafraid to get their hands dirty with a new venture of this nature and is proud to assist with the awarding of our grant. Good job, ladies.
For its first go round, Humboldt Women considered over 40 businesses who submitted their mission statements and specific needs that $500 would help them meet. For all those who submitted and didn’t win, fear not, your submission will carry over into next month’s selection process.
Remember, Humboldt Women will dole out at least one $500 grant to a women-run small business each month. Both startups and established businesses are eligible. Organizations wishing to be considered need only fill out a short questionnaire and submit an entry fee of $20. The deadline for submissions is the 25th of each month. For more information on how to apply to be considered for the award, click over to HumboldtWomen.org .
A portion of the cost of Humboldt Women’s grants are covered by entry fees, but most of the funding is provided by local donors. If you or your organization would like to contribute to assisting local women in their entrepreneurial endeavors, please get in touch at info@humboldtwomen.org .
To learn more about The Happy Butchers, e-mail Bridget at bridgetcwinkler@yahoo.com .

Judge Cissna to meet with attorneys in Ferrer tomorrow to possibly resolve case

I already posted a sneak exclusive earlier on Ferrer today. DDA Roger Rees is prosecuting the case and as I wrote earlier, defense withdrew the time waiver. DDA Stacey Eads subbed in today for Mr. Rees who was there for off the record discussion on Ferrer but had to return to Courtroom 1 and was not present when Judge Timothy Cissna went "on record."

Only significant development is that Judge Timothy Cissna is meeting with the attorneys tomorrow morning "informally" to see if he can help resolve the case.

DA Maggie Fleming to prosecute Jason Warren homicide

I made it to the courtroom just as the next court date of March 18 was being called and to see that DA Maggie Fleming was prosecuting the case. The jury trial is expected to last 3 months, not 6 months as previously stated in court and reported on this blog.

There were two cases on today's court calendar for Warren. Only one is going to jury trial. "The other will continue to trail" the case on trial. Mr. kevin Robinson is representing Warren on the case discussed today going to trial and Mr. Glenn Brown on another case.

Ryan Burns, Will Houston and I were in Courtroom 1 covering Bullock. Today, TS was able to send another reporter to cover the Warren case.

According to the Times-Standard article today, the death penalty is not being sought in this case; instead life without parole.

Previous posts:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/defense-for-jason-warren-asks-for.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/04/david-anderson-and-jason-warren-court.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/03/paul-gallegos-gets-continuance-in.html

Special allegation of carjacking requested by People for Bullock; Friday decision on experts and that allegation

Based on a case, Mr. Isaac referred to as the Johnson case, the DA's office is wanting to add another special allegation of carjacking to the charges Gary Lee Bullock faces.

Mr. Kaleb Cockrum who represents Bulock said he was familiar with the case but would address this on Tuesday.

Judge John Feeney will meet privately with the attorneys in his chambers Tuesday, March 10 at 3 p.m to discuss this additional allegation and the proposed experts.

I had written a while back about medical records being subpoenaed by the People in this case. That was briefly referred to today in court when Mr. Issac mentioned that the Singing Tree records "were inappropriately given" to the People among other papers. None of the records have been opened by the People yet "until all issues are addressed" said Mr. Isaac. DDA Stacey Eads is prosecuting the case alongwith Mr. Issac and has been there in court but for for today's court hearing, she was in another courtroom handling other matters.

Before his case was called, Bullock sat in ghe courtroom box; today he sat alongwith other inmates and handcuffed with another inmate. He would glace at his attorney, Mr. Kaleb Cockrum, then at other cases being called and looked towards the door, possibly for family. They have only attended one hearing.  More community and church members have attended the last two court hearings than before.

Fr. Eric's twin sister has been at the court hearings since January.

Sneak preview on Ferrer: Defense to pull time waiver and DDA Roger Rees to take over prosecution

I just spoke with Mr. Marek Reavis who is representing Juan Ferrer. This afternoon at the pre-trial hearing, the defense intends to pull the time waiver in the case so that the jury trial date of April 6 is "a hard set."

Mr. Reavis said he has experts scheduled to which is one of the reasons for keeping ghe jury trial date. Mr. Reavis maintains the innocence of his client.

Last year, a plea deal for Ferrer and his co-defendants which was agreed to by some of tbe victim's family had to be thrown out after a media circus generated during the DA's race by Arnie Klein. Other family members challenged the plea after Klein got involved and used it as a political ploy in a race where he got 2% of the vote.

There were delays after delays in this case and the co-defendants got pretty much the same plea deal as a result. Ferrer has been in custody.
An independent analysis of blood drops found on a location away from where the victim's body was found is being analyzed. The result of this could corroborate Ferrer and his co-defendant' s claim that Douglas Anderson Jordet was alive when they left him.

DDA Roger Rees will be prosecuting the case which was formerly handled by former DA Paul Gallegos.

Three high profile homicide cases on the same docket today at the same time: Warren, Ferrer and Bullock; who will prosecute Ferrer and Warren with Paul gone?

2 p.m. this afternoon at the same time in 2 different courtrooms. Bullock with the gag order and experts and future of the case gets priority. Rest, I will update after Bullock.

Not all of this overlapping is due to the same reason but Ferrer and Warren would have been further along if it wasn't for the previous DA's mismanagement. It will be interesting to see who will prosecute Ferrer and Warren now that Paul is gone?

Ferrer is just a pre-trial hearing. Please see post above for a scoop. Warren has two cases, one for trial setting and one disposition reset.

Cause of Budget Motel fire under investigation; approximately $10,000 in damage

On March 4th 2015 at 0512 hours, Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) was dispatched to a reported structure fire at the Budget Motel located at 1134 4th St. in Eureka.  HBF responded with a full first alarm assignment consisting of three fire engines, one ladder truck, and two Chief Officers.  Prior to HBF’s arrival, the Eureka Police Department arrived on scene and began evacuating residents from the motel.
The first arriving HBF engine reported fire showing from an exterior alcove on the first floor of the motel.  The crew immediately attacked the fire while the ladder truck crew began searching for residents.  HBF crews rescued one occupant from the immediate fire area who was trapped by fire inside a storage area, and also assisted another occupant to safety who could not exit on their own due to smoke.  One occupant was transported by City Ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital for smoke inhalation while another was treated and released on scene.
Crews extinguished the fire and remained on scene for approximately two hours conducting overhaul to ensure the fire was indeed out.  Red Cross also responded to the scene to assist any displaced residents.
The fire did approximately $10,000 in damage to the structure.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Home invasion by step son

On 03-03-2015 at about 00:20 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call from a victim at a residence located in the 2700 block of South Face Road, Island Mountain. The female victim reported her 34 year old son; Seth Robert Morton Sr. came into her residence this morning wearing a ski mask and attempted to assault her husband, who is Morton’s step farther.

The female and male victim both stated they were pepper sprayed by one of the (3) male suspects, who came onto their property. The male victim told the deputies he was able to get a baseball bat from inside of his residence and hit one of the suspects several times with the bat to protect himself and his wife. The male victim was able to chase the suspects out of his residence.

The victims said as the (3) suspects fled the property one of the suspects fired a round from a firearm and the bullet struck the residence. The (3) suspects then fled the scene driving a white, late 80’s, SUV. A local citizen who was aware of the situation attempted to block the road by parking his vehicle in the middle of the road. The suspect vehicle stuck the unoccupied vehicle which resulted in the suspect vehicle crashing off the Island Mountain Road. The three suspects then took off on foot. The Sheriff’s office has seized the vehicle for evidence.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’ Deputies along with the California Highway Patrol Officers immediately started searching the area for the three suspects. At day break a CHP helicopter from Redding assisted in the search for the suspects. At about 9:00 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received several telephone calls from concerned citizens in the area of Island Mountain about a male subject, dressed in dark clothing, who was hiding off the road near the New Harris Store. Deputies responded to the area and located 34 year old Bret Lawrence Swortzel.  Deputies detained Swortzel and learned he had a no bail parole violation warrant issued for his arrest. Deputies were able to obtained evidence and were able to place Swortzel under arrest for the Home Invasion Robbery.

Deputies were able to identify a second subject in the Home Invasion Robbery as Seth Robert Morton Sr., age 31. Further described as a WMA, 5’-10”, blonde hair with hazel eyes. Deputies have requested a Be On the Lookout (BOL) for Morton with other law enforcement agencies for his arrest for the following charges: attempted homicide, burglary, brandishing a firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of pepper spray and hit and run.

Bret Swortzel was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility in Eureka on a no bail, parole violation warrant. Swortzel was also booked on fresh charges for home invasion robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, convicted felon in possession of pepper spray and possession of a controlled substance.



Deputies are currently on scene looking for the other two suspect associated with this case. At this time there is no description for the third suspect associated with this case.

Visitors from Florida busted for marijuana at traffic stop

On 03/02/15 at about 12:47 a.m., an Officer with the Eureka Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a 2015 Ford sedan at 5th and H Streets in Eureka, after observing the vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit.

The officer contacted the driver, Shane Michael Osborne, 37 and passenger Felipe Valencia, 26, both visiting from Florida.  EPD’s drug detection K9, Maggie, was deployed and gave a positive alert for the odor of narcotics near the trunk of the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located nearly 50 pounds of processed marijuana packaged for sales and about two pounds of concentrated cannabis or “hash.”  Osborne and Valencia were arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for possession of marijuana for sales and possession of concentrated cannabis.

Judson Stiglich arraigned today; jury trial scheduled for April 27

Judson Stiglich was arraigned on information for his jury trial today in Courtroom 2. He was previously held to answer on all charges after the preliminary hearing. The charges are the same as the ones in preliminary hearing.

Both Judson Stiglich's mom and Ryan Robinson's mom were in court along with a few of Stiglich's family members.

Jury trial April 27 at 8:30 a.m.; Triail Readiness at 1 p.m. on April 22 and Trial Confirmation on April 7 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 2.

Stiglich is being represented by Russ Clanton. The case is being prosecuted by DDA Stacey Eads.

Detailed coverage in posts below.

Previous posts:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/judson-stiglich-held-to-answer-on-all.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/01/ryan-robinsons-family-stares-at-judson.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/01/judson-stiglich-preliminary-hearing.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/im-going-to-fuck-you-guys-up-will.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-tub-and-duffel-bag-full-of-11-pounds.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/01/suspect-arrested-in-cutten-incident-for.html

City of Eureka gets 3.8 million grant for Downtowner Project

From City of Eureka March Newsletter:


The City of Eureka is pleased to announce a $3.8 million grant award from the State of
California Housing and Community Development (HCD) HOME Investment PartnershipsProgram funds for the development of “The Lodge at Eureka”, an affordable multi-family senior rental housing new construction project to be constructed at 424 8th Street in Eureka at the site of the former “Downtowner Motel”. This project is being developed by
Danco Communities for a total cost of $8.06 million, and will be financed with 4% tax
credits, public, and private financing. This development will assist the city in meeting the goals of providing 49 affordable housing units and one manager’s market rate unit within the city limits of Eureka. The purchase and sales agreement between the current property owner, Kevin McKenny and Danco Communities is currently in escrow.
The construction of the “The Lodge at Eureka” will convert a vacant 80 unit, two story, two building abandoned motel into a 49 unit affordable rental housing project serving seniors (age 55 and over) with household incomes between 35-60 percent of Humboldt County’s Area Median Income (AMI), or less than $24,180 maximum gross annual income for a household of one. Rents will range from $312 for a studio to $709 for a two bed-
room unit. The facility will consist of 15 units to be restricted to 60% of AMI, 22 units will be restricted to 50% of AMI, 8 units will be restricted to 45% of AMI, and 4 units will be
rThis project is to consist of a combination of demolition, new construction, and rehabilitation to construct
two buildings (with an addition to the smaller of the buildings), in addition to a new building that connects
the two buildings together. The development will consist of an elevator, laundry room, community room,
community kitchen, fitness room, picnic-BBQ area, pool, and Jacuzzi. The facility will also include storage
space, a service area, and leasing office space. Parking spaces will be at 57, with four handicapped spaces.
Ongoing discussions for the provision of potential on-site services will continue and interested service pro-
viders are encouraged to contact Danco properties. The Area 1 Agency on Aging and the Humboldt Sen-
ior Resource Center, as well as other local service providers, have offered services.
There is no anticipated relocation due to the abandoned motel status. This project will require Federal
Prevailing Wage compliance. A Marketing Study was performed by M.E. Shay & Company in June 2014.
The Environment Assessment is currently being prepared by Streamline Planning in Arcata in preparation
for the execution of the Standard Agreement anticipated in July 2015.
The project was taken before the City’s Design Review Committee on June 17, 2014, for Site Plan, Archi-
tectural Review, and Sign Permit, and was approved with conditions. The City will be able to draw down
funds when the State’s Standard Agreement is fully executed and all special conditions have been cleared in
writing by HCD. The City will then proceed with the implementation and execution of the loan docu-
ments between Danco and the City of Eureka.
The anticipated start of construction is late summer with construction to take approximately one year,
with the final occupancy permits tentatively available in mid to late 2016. City staff will be working with the
project applicant in the coming months as full construction documents are developed and submitted for
review. The aggressive project schedule will require close coordination to ensure required permits areestricted to 35% of AMI. The 50th unit is a larger, three bedroom on-site manager’s unit.
The project will consist of 8 studios, 36 one-bedroom units, 5 two-bedroom units, and 1
three-bedroom manager’s unit. Unit amenities include dishwasher, disposal, refrigerator, range, and laundry hook-ups. The project site is located near the historic downtown section of Eureka, with a medical facility, public transportation, pharmacy, and a senior center
within one-tenth of a mile. Shopping and other services are available within one-quarter to one-half mile of the project.

This project is to consist of a combination of demolition, new construction, and rehabilitation to construct
two buildings (with an addition to the smaller of the buildings), in addition to a new building that connects
the two buildings together. The development will consist of an elevator, laundry room, community room,
community kitchen, fitness room, picnic-BBQ area, pool, and Jacuzzi. The facility will also include storage
space, a service area, and leasing office space. Parking spaces will be at 57, with four handicapped spaces.
Ongoing discussions for the provision of potential on-site services will continue and interested service providers are encouraged to contact Danco properties. The Area 1 Agency on Aging and the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, as well as other local service providers, have offered services.
There is no anticipated relocation due to the abandoned motel status. This project will require Federal Prevailing Wage compliance. A Marketing Study was performed by M.E. Shay & Company in June 2014.
The Environment Assessment is currently being prepared by Streamline Planning in Arcata in preparation for the execution of the Standard Agreement anticipated in July 2015.
The project was taken before the City’s Design Review Committee on June 17, 2014, for Site Plan, Architectural Review, and Sign Permit, and was approved with conditions. The City will be able to draw down
funds when the State’s Standard Agreement is fully executed and all special conditions have been cleared in writing by HCD. The City will then proceed with the implementation and execution of the loan documents between Danco and the City of Eureka.
The anticipated start of construction is late summer with construction to take approximately one year,
with the final occupancy permits tentatively available in mid to late 2016. City staff will be working with the
project applicant in the coming months as full construction documents are developed and submitted for review. The aggressive project schedule will require close coordination to ensure required permits are issued in a timely manner.

Fieldbrook double murder jury trial date vacated; future dates to be determined May 4

The defense had already requested a brief continuance once due to "issues with discovery" and now they want another continuance in the Jason Arreaga case, the suspect in the double murders committed in Fieldbrook. Arreaga is being represented by Public Defender Heidi Holmquist.  DDA Zach Curtis is prosecuting the case.

Judge John Feeney granted the defense motion after DDA Zach Curtis told the Judge that he had given "a lot of discovery to Ms. Holmquist" today and that there needed to be some "discussion" between the People and the defense.

There had been a suggestion to set a disposition and reset hearing in 60 says and so May 4 at 2 p.m. is the next court hearing. At that time Ms. Holmquist said the parties "would have a more realistic date" for jury trial. Present trial assignment date of March 6 and jury trial of March 9 were vacated.

Please read previous post for background and there are several posts on this case that can be accessed through the search feature on this blog.

Previous post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/another-continuance-ploy-aka-request.html?m=1

Limmie Curry jury trial dates set for now, trial readiness continued, so last minute change possible

Limmie Curry, charged with the murder of William Reid, has been tried once. His current jury trial has been continued both by defense and prosecution. Today, a trial readiness conference was scheduled for a jury trial scheduled for March 9. DDA Kelly Neel is prosecuting; Public Defender Casey Russo is representing Curry.

Judge John Feeney asked the attorneys if they were ready. Ms. Neel requested that trial readiness be continued until late Thursday and then the attorneys approached the bench. Mr. Russo was in agreement. Both Ms. Neel and Mr. Russo had spoken outside the courtroom before the case was called. While dates remain set for now, trial assignment at 8:30 on March 6 and Jury trial for March 9; with the late trial assignment, it is possible that there be another delay.

Trial readiness is scheduled for March 5 around 3:30 in Courtroom 1. While the attorneys were at the bench with Judge John Feeney, I saw Judge Feeney say something about a defense expert. Hopefully my lip reading skills were accurate. Mr. Russo spoke with Curry briefly after speaking with the Judge.

Previous post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2015/02/limmie-curry-trial-continued-until.html?m=1

Two Silverio Sanchez , therefore the confusion; DA Maggie Fleming provides answers to release

The guy in the previous post is the one with the serious charges. The guy booked into jail on March 1 is related but not the same guy. They are cousins.

Read this post:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/05/silverio-sanchez-court-hearing-this.html

From DA Maggie Fleming:

Silverio Parro Snider Sanchez (DOB: 12-09-93) was booked into the jail on 3/1 for assault and possession of a controlled substance.  As of 0840 hours,  he remains in custody. (Given the nature of his charges, he may be eligible for release.)

The OTHER Silverio Parro Snider Sanchez (DOB: 01-23-91) has been in the HCCF since May 2014 on serious charges and he remains in custody.

Previous posts:

http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/10/silverio-sanchez-preliminary-waived.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/09/silverio-sanchez-preliminary-hearing.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/silverio-sanchez-preliminary-hearing_12.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/silverio-sanchez-preliminary-hearing_6.html
http:/johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/05/fugitive-silveriobsanchez-arraigned-in.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/05/ronald-snider-sanchez-is-ex-fugitive.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/04/updated-information-on-silverio-sanchez.html
http:/johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/04/warrant-issued-for-silverio-sanchez-for.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/05/canine-brings-attempted-murder-suspect.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/08/we-love-him-team-silverio-in-court-to.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/05/siverio-sanchez-bail-enhanced-by-5.html

Bench warrant issued for Most wanted suspect Silverio Sanchez; why was he released?

SILVERIO PARRO SNIDER SANCHEZ HSO

BENCH WARRANT PC242, Possession of Controlled Substance Saturday, Feb. 28
11:55 p.m.

With all the court cases going on, I admit I did not follow this one. I did not expect him to be released?

Previous HCSO release;

Based upon their investigation, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have been able to identify Silverio Parro Snider Sanchez, 22 years old from Eureka, as being responsible for the intentional assault of a United States Forest Service Law Enforcement Agent on March 15th, 2014. Detectives are in the process of requesting a warrant for Sanchez’s arrest. Detectives are requesting charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, felony evading a police officer, and a variety of other charges. Sanchez is currently wanted on five other outstanding felony and misdemeanor arrest warrants. Those warrants include charges of rape, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, vandalism, drugs, and battery. 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, United States Forest Service, Trinity County Sheriff’s Office and Fortuna Police Department are requesting the public’s help in locating Sanchez, who is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you see him, call 911. He has connections to the Ruth Lake, Fortuna, Eureka, and Rio Dell communities. 

There is reward money available for information leading to Sanchez’s arrest. 

HSU Religious Department seeking donations for the Fr. Eric Peace and Justice Award

Pictures above is Dr. Sara Hart from the  HSU Religipus Department along with Fr. Eric's twin sister Karin Freed, who moved up here after the tragic death of her brother.  The HSU Religious Dept is holding a commerative social for HSU students, and alumni. The goal is $25,000 and almost $8,000 has been pledged so far. A scholarship was given last year by the HSU Religious Department before before funds were pledged. There are 47 other slots left and then a new plaque will be started. The completed plaques will be placed on the Wall of Founders.

Previous post:

Feb 21, 2015

HSU Religious Studies Department honors Fr Eric Freed with a Commemoration at the Plaza Grill celebrating the positive impact Fr. Eric still has in our lives

Last New Year's Day began with a tragedy and a personal loss in my life that words cannot express but out of that devastating loss, Fr. Eric is bringing people together now just as he did through his priesthood, teaching and friendship. I got to meet several people that have become friends and/or family. Fr. Eric's family, his colleagues at HSU. Sara Hart mentioned this idea to me when we gathered this New year's Eve to remember Fr. Eric at St. Bernard's Church.

Sara explained how this idea came about. I am sharing part of her email and a press release and hope to see many of you next Sunday.

Sara's email:

"Our intent here is to cultivate community. We spent a lot of last spring semester working on memorial programs to honor Fr Eric, and, while the circumstances were inconceivably horrible and the events emotionally difficult, one thing that was true about last spring is that we came together, as a community, more often than we had in a long time.

So, thinking about this, we decided as a department that if we're to take seriously the legacy of a beloved colleague and friend, we need to take that sense of community past the need to grieve and into our regular lives. We'd like to make a habit of it, and we are calling this event an "Eric Freed Commemoration," to honor the man whose life and memory has actually motivated us to host, but we're also thinking of it as an "HSU Alumni and Friends Social," to really underline the celebratory nature of the event."


Press Release:

On Sunday, March 1, from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Humboldt State University’s Religious Studies Department will host a celebrative commemoration of the life and legacy of Father Eric Freed at the Plaza Grill, at 780 7th Street in Arcata.

It has been a year since the tragic death of Father Eric Freed, and the HSU Religious Studies department has worked during this time to render this unfathomable loss into something positive for our students and community. Eric left us with a strong awareness of how important community is to our individual and collective well-being. It is in this spirit that we cordially invite alumni, friends, and the greater community to an afternoon in celebration of Eric's life and the ways that we can, and do, work together to foster peace and justice.

Father Freed taught courses for the HSU Religious Studies department for seven years, during which time he influenced countless students as they practiced engaged scholarship, learned deeply of the religious traditions of the world, and applied what they learned to projects, large and small, for human betterment. His positive impact continues to reverberate through our classrooms, congregations, community centers, and through myriad individual hearts and minds.

Students, alumni, friends of Eric, and the community at large are invited to celebrate his legacy of engaged scholarship, social justice, and human kindness through sharing reflections, food, and fellowship. Appetizers will be served alongside a no-host bar.

For more information please contact Sara Hart (sjh68@humboldt.edu) or call the Religious Studies Department: 707- 826- 4126.