In latest filings in Kreis' divorce case, ex wife claims he owes her thousands, is behind in spousal support and she is forced to spend limited assets to meet expenses

 

(Elvine)

There is a Judicial Settlement Conference scheduled on 8/26 in Kreis' divorce case. Since my August 6 post, both Gregory Kreis and ex wife Brenda Elvine filed some documents. From the address, I see Kreis is still living with Humboldt Superior Court's Tanya Ellis or is it Tanya Kreis. Those in the know around the court water cooler insist they got married. Boo, fiance, wife whatever Ellis' current relationship status is with Kreis; they are "together." Why didn',t Kreis use his new CA state bar email on this filing?

Mixed verdict, hung on aggravating factors in James Mason jury trial

 

Three of his 2024 cases were on jury trial. One 2024 case for petty theft is trailing. It is a mixed verdict and complicated because there are three cases and lesser options for charges. There was a bifurcation portion and after testimony concluded today, hung jury on aggravated factors. This will make a big difference for Mason and time served. Ruling on remaining aggravated factors on 8/20; sentencing on 9/20.

Michael Black puts on a performance at arraignment addressing das, attorneys, me; criminal proceedings suspended and bail bonds

 

Yesterday, as soon as I walked into Courtroom 5, Michael Black tried to talk to me. "Hey, how are you doing?" I obviously did not respond. There is a sign saying no comunication between inmates and custody. He had 5 cases on calendar yesterday.

Two of his arrests were merged into one case. Retired Judge Marilyn Miles was waiting on a few attorneys so court was not in session. Black kept talking then he commented on something Retired HCSO Deputy Greg Bickel, the court bailiff said to Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers. "Yeah, can you put on some nice music" Bickel who is working as extra help said, "Mike, we are in court."

Black then said, "I don't want to be here. I rather be dead."

"I think some of these DAs should be locked in, " continued Black. "Isn't that right Adrian?" Deputy Public Defender Adrian Kamada was seated at the counsel table. Mr. Kamada used to be a Deputy District Attorney. Black kept standing up, disrupting proceedings. They had to get extra bailiffs to watch him.

Reader thanks me for detailed coverage on Michael Black and is concerned about my safety

Yesterday, before Mike Black's arraignment, I received a letter from yet another reader about Michael Black. I am sharing it with permission.

"Hi Mr Chiv,

I just wanted to send you a quick note to say first of all, thank you for the up-to-date coverage on Mike.  It is truly appreciated by me and my large family.  Mike has been harassing, threatening, and abusing me and my family for years and knowing about his arrests and time in and out of jail gives us some warning of when he is extra dangerous.  

The second reason for my message is to caution you that once Mike thinks he has been offended by anyone he will try to hurt them.  He has plenty of time and his Mother gives him plenty of money to enable him so he is relentless.  Mike has abused all of my family for years and for no reason with nuisance annoyances, physical violence, stalking, vandalism, and cyber bullying.

I’m worried that you might get the same treatment from Mike.  From my experience, you don’t have to do anything, there is no rational explanation for his behaviour, but once you are on his radar, he is a danger to you.  Please be careful.  

 His Mother will always come up with the money to pay for fines, bail, and the best lawyers while doing nothing to fix Mike.  She comes into town writes some big checks then gets away from him asap, I wish we all could get away from him that easily. 

Thank you so much for your coverage, I respect your hard work and it is a real blessing to me and my family."

I got another email at 10:36 today thanking me for the coverage. The sentiment was basically what every email has said, "I really appreciate your continued coverage of Mr. Black. Again I thank and commend you in your service that you provide our small community." To that reader, your email is appreciated, especially this week.

Man who allegedly threatened Rex Bohn fails to appear in court, Public Defender declares conflict

 

Frederick Breckenridge had his preliminary hearing today. He failed to appear; bench warrant for $35,000 was issued by Judge Steven Steward is being held until 8/16/24. The Public Defender's office declared a conflict. Judge Steward asked them to file a written motion. Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm appeared on the case for the People.

Considering that First District Supervisor Rex Bohn is the alleged victim in this case, PD declaring a conflict is a good thing for a few reasons. Is there a "conflict" or is Deputy Public Defender Adrian Kamada not wanting to deal with Breckenridge? At the last hearing, Mr. Kamada became suddenly ill and had to go home.

Why is that with Security National owning the parking lot by City Hall there are now bums hanging out there and a dog barking all day?

 

Why is that with Security National owning the parking lot by City Hall there are now bums hanging out there and a dog barking all day? One day, there were three bums hanging out. This photo is from today. I don't see the parking lot vs housing crowd complaining about the loss of parking here.

When Redwood Capital had it, there were no cars but they had a fence. Before that, it was a parking lot with cars. 

This was the last post I did on the parking lot which is currently owned by Security National. It has the background of how the parking lot went through a few owners before SN bought it and has links to other posts.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2024/01/security-national-now-owns-parking-lot.html?m=1

8/15: At 10:26, belongings were still there. The dog was barking at someone walking on 5th and K with their dog.⁰

I appreciate the email thanking me for this post from people who are neighbors and own businesses near this parking lot. 

"John, good article about Rob Arkley's parking lot.  I thought that he wanted more parking in Eureka, so I think its interesting that he has the parking lot cordoned off.  He allowed it to get really dirty.  Then, last week, he sent in a cleaning crew who proceeded to use leaf blowers to blow all the dirt from the lot into the parking lot next door where I have my office and park my car (that ended up covered in dirt)."

I was on my way to the courthouse last week and I heard the leaf blowers and saw the crew in the middle of the parking lot when I walked by. There was a lot of dirt in the air.

These are the kind of issues The No on F should be informing public about instead of pontificating anonymously or not on other local media online comment sections. They get paid and solicit funds for what? 

Attempted homicide suspect has a few DUI convictions

 

Eureka Police Department issued a press release a few minutes ago about an attempted homicide arrest. I contacted EPD PIO Laura Montagna about a middle name, initial and clarification on first name for Ken McCarty because that would make a difference in how many cases this suspect has in Humboldt Superior Court. At the end of the day, I ended up doing some extra work and got his middle name which is Raymond.

Saw local attorney Callie Buck at the courthouse yesterday and she told me about her plea agreement for her criminal cases

 

Yesterday, I was at the courthouse and saw two women and the older lady made a comment, "Isn't that...who was here th other day?" A few minutes later around 3:30, the younger woman asked,,"Are you Mr. Chiv?" I said, "Yes." She said, "I am Callie Buck and I wanted to introduce myself to you..

Buck is a former local attorney. The State Bar had suspended her license. In my July 12, post,I reported the DA finally filed charges for 2023 attack on her husband and she now has 4 cases including a civil case.

Buck looks healthy. Very different than her booking photos. Buck's civil case has a hearing on 8/19 and her three criminal cases are scheduled for a 9/4 court date.

Buck told me that she had just signed a plea agreement and that the date may not be in court records yet but a change of plea is scheduled for 8/23. It is not final until a judge accepts the plea.

She said, "I am hoping to settle another matter." 

"The civil case, " I asked. She said yes. Buck was very pleasant  I overheard talking to her attorney while I was waiting on jury deliberations in the Mason case and checking a few court records. She was pleasant, respectful to me. Very grateful to her attorney. Her license is now active. Looks like she has support of her family. Hopefully, once these cases are resolved, she can start a new chapter in her life.

Roy Gomez can't pay Cyndy Day-Wilson but he can afford Everview's Bradley Johnson?

(Roy and Jessica Gomez)

Most recently, I wrote about Roy Gomez's failed business on 5th Street in Eureka which is supposed to open as a new dispensary under new ownership and his former attorney, Ms. Cyndy Day-Wilson claiming he isn't paying her. There were two other lawsuits involving Gomez I originally reported on in January and I did an update in May about a settlement and dismissal. One of those lawsuits involved Brian Trout. He was represented by Mr. Paul Hagen. The Trouts vs Gomez saga continues with 4 civil harassment restraining order requests. On 8/12, Gomez was on the stand in Courtroom 8 for the second day. I briefly watched him testify. Gomez admitted he sent texts in attachment 10.  Commissioner Sarah Kaber is presiding over the trial. There are 4 cases and several documents. 

Gomez has yet another lawsuit in which he is represented by Everview's Mr. Bradley Johnson. The other parties by Mr. Eric Kirk. 

My regular readers know that Johnson is the attorney who has represented Security National as well as other parties connected to SN's interests. I was the first one to report on Johnson's local representation which includes SN, Citizens for a Better Eureka, Eureka Housing for All and the only one to report on his connection to the Rolling Meadows lawsuit, Travis Schneider and now Gomez. I was the only one to report on Rex Bohn recommending Johnson. 

The rest of the local media conveniently used the Johnson information when they put in some effort  about the AMG secret deal which was their typical once in a blue moon, predictable go after Rob Arkley to appease their grumbling five insider groupie base. When have they done any meaningful investigation on other news and other power hungry local tyrants they regularly ignore and actually achieved results that make a difference in the lives of regular, hardworking people? 

Roy Gomez can't pay Cyndy Day-Wilson but he can afford Everview's Bradley Johnson? Roy Gomez and his significant other Jessica Gomez have a lot to say on Facebook. These two have a failed business that is supposedly reopening with a new owner; Gomez attempt at candidacy was a failure; Roy and Jessica have filed several lawsuits and rant against Eureka City Council members; Gomez has allegedly not paid his former lawyer and they are both now clogging up the Humboldt Superior Court system. Like many in Humboldt; they chose to sue instead of being adults and reflecting on their own issues and drama. Gomez' Facebook buds Patty Sue, Michelle Costantine et al have not been mentioned by other locals or Thomas Edrington. Patty who is now mentioning her SN connection after it was reported on this blog and I agree about one thing. Thomas Edrington use your name and let people know if you are associated with No on F. That is also something Roy Gomez called you out on Facebook. Since Roy did not respond to me previously about his business closing. I didn't bother wasting my time contacting him for comment. Roy, before you go calling anyone else out, can you or Jessica explain why she has a Security National email address?

I put in a PRA request with the County on 8/15 and promptly received a response confirming Jessica Gomez's email address which is the same as other Security National employees.

Readers can make up their own minds and read the court documents. Mr. Hagen, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Kirk all know how to reach me.

Michael Black was in Eureka's Pathway to Payday program in 2019, yet another reader who gives insight into the man arrested 6 times this year

 

(2022)

(2019, this photo cropped by reader )

( photo with a City of Eureka press release)

"Hi John. Thanks for the continued Michael Black coverage. I know he is a lowlife but his presence in our community raises questions about just how many chances a person gets before their conduct is too unacceptable to have them go on."

"I raise this because I went to rehab with Mike back in 2019. He was admitted to Waterfront in June of that year after getting out of prison. I would assume some trade of a promise of treatment for time was made. I don't remember if he graduated from 30 days of treatment or not or stayed longer. I was also struck by his presence in this picture of graduates from the city's pathway to payday program last year (included in a promo PR for this summer's offering). The character you see there, with the sarcastic attitude and the baggy suit coat... That was the Mike we all saw in rehab. He stood out as more narcissistic than the rest. I am really glad we have a program like pathway to payday in Humboldt, but I hope it's helping the right people. Anyways, hope this note finds you well and you're having a nice Monday."

I have received more correspondence from people about Black then any other case in the recent months from different people who do not know each other. I have covered Black since 2019. He has racked up 6 arrests in 2024. Another reader who knows Black requested I not share their recent email. In the past, with pernission, I have published readers' concerns about Black.

I received this message from yet another one of my regular readers. This is someone I have met in person a few times. I originally communicated with this reader about another high profile case. The reader is gainfully employed at a well known local business. 

Another transfer to new owner on 5th Street in Eureka

 I did a post on July 12 and July 23 about the two other busineses on 5th Street in Eureka. 

If you did not read those posts, you can get more details via the links or or the basics from this screenshot of the July 23 post.

Joe Mazzotti loses in second lawsuit filed against him by Delaware company

 

Recently most of my reports have been about Joe Mazzotti and the lawsuit filed against him by Wallace and Hinz for breach of contract. In that lawsuit, no future dates are scheduled yet. At the 7/22 hearing in the Wallace and Hinz lawsuit, 7/22, there was no appearance by Jean Mazzotti and a $5,000 civil bench warrant was issued. The order has to be prepared by Ms. Heather Burke.

On August 16, 2021, Joe and Jean Mazzotti failed to show up in court in their divorce case. Former ousted Judge Gregory Kreis is listed in the minutes.

I have also reported about another lawsuit filed against Mazzotti LLC by Itria Ventures LLC for breach of contract and warranty.

There was a hearing in that second lawsuit on 7/26. According to court minutes, motion for summary judgement denied by Judge Timothy Canning for Joe Mazzotti. Motion for summary judgement granted for Itria. Ms. Helen Chang appeared on behalf of Itria.

A confidential and credible source who observed and was at the same hearing told me that the Itria attorney mentioned to the Court that Mazzotti had made an “oblique threat” to her safety, by suggesting that he was going to shoot her."

There are details about both lawsuits in previous coverage including a stay, bankruptcy,"personal capacity" in the Itria lawsuit. The Readiness Conference scheduled for 8/23 and court trial for 8/26/24 was vacated.

Last time Sunshine Massage defendants failed to appear; this hearing their lawyer was a no show

 

 

(Li)

(Wang)

Sunshine Massage suspects almost had warrants issued and bail bonds forfeited at 8/6/24 hearing. In December 2023, they failed to appear for court and bench warrants were issued. Filing a 977 waiver of personal appearance does not help if your lawyer is a no show. Another attorney making a special appearance was late. 

Yet another defense continuance for resolution. 10/22/24 Status of preliminary hearing scheduled for 10/22/24; preliminary hearing continued to 11/7/24.

Evidence in three of James Mason's 2024 cases currently being heard in one jury trial

 

Last September, HCSO arrested 54-year-old James Carlton Mason on several charges including attempted murder, criminal threats ,domestic violence. Mason has four 2024 cases. The evidence for three cases with more serious charges is currently being heard in a jury trial in Courtroom 1. Mason's attorney is Ms. Andrea Sullivan. Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers is the prosecutor. The fourth case CR2400840 for petty theft is trailing.

Mason is on a no bail status.

Michael Black arrested for the 5th time this year, booked for possession of laughing gas and being drunk

 

(August 10 arrest)

(August 9 arrest)

Make that 6th arrest. Released from custody on bond, Black gets arrested again on 8/10 for PC 381(b) possession of laughing gas and PC 594 (b) (1) vandalism. As of the morning of 8/11, he is still in custody with bail at $1 million.

Michael Black arrested for 5th time this year. Yesterday, HCSO arrested him for PC 381(b) possession of nitrous oxide commonly known as laughing gas and PC 647 (f) public intoxication. Once again, he posted bond.

Michael, I should charge you and repeat offenders like Aunna Bollman who racked up 13 frequent and repeated arrests within months for my time. Some of you are competing with Shiloh Chase and JD Pittman for the most frequently arrested title.  Michael, you have an 8/26 arraignment date for your July 14 arrest in the EPD case.  You have been arrested three times by HCSO since you were released from custody in July. Maybe the DA should file a source of bail hearing or request no bail because you are wasting law enforcement, jail staff, the DA and even your own lawyer's time.  You seem to have a lot of money to throw around and whether it is you or enabling family members; until there are both financial and legal consequences; you will keep preying on this community.

Any Humboldt judge who releases you from custody if the DA's requests no bail or remand at the next court hearing owes many in this community and other counties you have "allegedly" victimized an explaination and to be voted out in the next election. 

If it is a retired Judge, then Humboldt Superior Court needs to explain to the community why taxpayer funds are being used for someone double dipping into the system and why they are being repeatedly asked back instead of Visiting Judges who follow the law and protect public safety. I just wrote in another post that the only two Humboldt judges who have made appropriate rulings on bail and custody status to protect the  community, and this is in cases I have checked just in the last two weeks, are Judge Kaleb Cockrum and Judge Lawrence Killoran. 

County Agenda Management system down, there is a BOS meeting on August 13

 

20 year old arrested by EPD today has 5 prior convictions

20 year old Henry Zaragoza was arrested today by EPD for felony DUI and driving with a suspended license.  EPD PIO Laura Montagna confirmed the middle name is Dylan. Based on the dob in the 5 traffic cases in e court with that name, it is the same person and he has convictions in all those 5 cases. Zaragoza turns 21 years old in October. He posted bond.

The jail log lists four charges which are more detailed than the press release. EPD booked Zaragoza for VC 23153 (a) DUI causing injury and  VC 23153 (b) DUI causing injury with a BAC over 0.08%. both these charges as felonies, VC 16028 (a) failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility more commonly known as no insurance and VC 14601.1(a) driving on a suspended license as a misdemeanor.

Hung jury in Gary Landergen trial

 

Hung jury in Gary Landergen trial on all counts. Case will be retried. Deputy DA Whitney Timm is talking with the alleged victims. Ms O'Connell finished talking with Landergen about 10 minutes ago.

If you read my previous coverage, I already expressed some concerns about jurors. Then, just this week two jurors were replaced. One two days before deliberations. One this morning. The jury deliberated less than two hours yesterday and approximately an hour and 15 minutes today. 3 hours of deliberations and they are deadlocked? What a joke?

What juror #11 expressed this morning should have been a sign. When you read the court minutes, you will see the split and how it changed all over the place. While the jury was deadlocked. They took 4 votes. Majority of the votes were guilty and the 4th vote has the biggest difference.