I have reported on two arrests, both for a Carl Keeler in the past but they have different middle names. Since the Arcata Police Department press release did not list the middle name, I checked the jail log. Had a booking photo for the other one but not Carl Steven Keeler. With the amount of crime and arrests in Humboldt and more serious crimes such as homicide and molestation , I almost did not post this press release and the decision to do so is on a daily basis.
**Photo I took at Jones preliminary hearing with Conflict Counsel Supervising Attorney Meagan O'Connell**
On a hunch I did not rush this morning to go to the Daryl Jones hearing on defense request for mental health diversion. I was correct. It was continued to 8/10 for a contested hearing.
That comes from 12 plus years of covering local courts and decades of court coverage in other jurisdictions. After arguments this morning, Senior Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees noted that defense has an established mental health condition. That is in the court minutes.
The facts are known to the public. I have covered every hearing until now in detail. On 8/10, the only new information is Humboldt Superior Court Presiding Judge Kelly Neel's ruling. Those still interested are present via Zoom or informed by the People or defense. After 12 plus years of dedicated coverage, I will do in person local court coverage according to priority, interest and necessity.
Former Caltrans employee was arrested in May. I have been reporting on that 2026 case. He was arrested again yesterday by HCSO on a Ramey warrant for PC 422 (a) criminal threats; PC 646.9(a) stalking and PC 136.1(a)(1) dissuading, intimidating a witness from reporting a crime or from testifying about a crime.
He was arraigned in his previous 2026 case on 7/28 by Retired Visiting Judge Ksenia Tsenin. Orluck hired Gregory Kreis as his attorney. Preliminary hearing is on 8/6.
Two days ago, in my ongoing coverage of this trial, I posted that former DA now defense attorney Paul Gallegos who is representing alleged molestor Christopher Griffin filed the wrong motion last minute. Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm argued on the fly; won.
Yesterday, Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson said he was not at the point to declare a mistrial due to sanctions for late discovery by Mr. Gallegos.
Defense investigators Wayne Cox who formerly worked for the Humboldt County DA and defense investigator Adam Jager who formerly worked for CHP as well as Humboldt District Attorney Chief Investigator Kyla Baxley testified yesterday.
Today, closing arguments took place. Jury went into deliberations at 3:57 p.m. Jurors left at 4:29 p.m.
7/31/26: Deliberations supposed to resume at 9:30. Jurors just went in at 9:32 p.m.
Once again, Judge Wilson refused to sanction defense for untimely disclosure of evidence and jury instruction 306.
In a previous post on this trial, I mentioned Griffin's parents do not believe the allegations. What defendant's family does?
What I did not write is that a source told me they are going bankrupt paying for a private lawyer and Griffin's defense.
Yvonne Griffin and Christopher Griffin have a family law case. I wrote about it in previous coverage. She testified for the defense. In some of the molestation cases I have covered, the mother had culpability but was never prosecuted. Yet, none of those women testified at trial for the molestors who were convicted by a jury. I do not excuse Yvonne Griffin's behavior or decision but it did not surprise me given this case involves Catholics and the Catholic Church.
Anil Dwivedi, one of the candidates running against Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel has qualified.
I went to see who signed his nomination paperwork. My hunch proved correct.
Media cannot request a copy of this form or take a picture but can view the form and take notes.
15 signatures are from 333 E Street, Eureka Central Residence tenants. This is the property Dwivedi owns with the recent incident in Old Town which resulted in Eureka Police Department and the Humboldt Crisis Negotiating Team responding to a woman on the roof of the building.
5 signatures from 1140 E street, Hillsdale Apartments, the property with 4 pending lawsuits against Dwivedi.
Other signatures are from 309 E street, Harris Street and a couple other Eureka addresses.
Three signatures from 933 4th street; one from Townhouse Motel owner Magan Natha & two others at that address.
Anil, there is information shared with me from tenants when I lived at 1140 E street that I have not posted or published unless someone is willing to go on record or include it in court documents. Information relevant to your pending lawsuits and possibly this post. You are making claims on your Facebook in response to the criticism of your candidacy. Arrogance or stupidity on your part or both?
Anil, whether people go on record or not, the same people know other people in Eureka and you can't talk your way out of private conversations you don't even know are happening. If they spoke to me, do you think they are not talking to their friends and people they know?
You have not been transparent about about any past or current Redway and LA background and connections. Why the investment in Eureka? Eureka voters deserve the complete information.
People listen to others they trust, not Facebook or websites. Elections can be won with basic politics 101.
I have been very open about my issues with Eureka City Council but I live in Eureka and you and certain candidates do not represent the change this community needs to improve.
I did this other post earlier today at 12:56 p.m.
City of Eureka Assistant City Manager and Clerk Pam Powell just informed me that current Ward 3 Eureka Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez and Ward 5 candidate Jeff Leonard have qualified for the ballot for the November 2026 election. I previously reported that Anil Dwivedi candidate for Mayor also qualified. Eureka Mayor Bergel has qualified.
So far, the only one who does not have a challenger is Mario Fernandez. Until nomination papers are turned in, Pam cannot confirm any potential candidate.
1:57 As I was leaving Eureka City Hall, I heard Ward 1 candidate Jason McCutcheon on his way up to turn in his nomination papers with signatures to Pam.
Jeff Leonard's campaign manager Cindy Olsen the same one as in Humboldt Association of Realtors?
This weekend, retired former local attorney Michael Robinson passed away. There are many who knew him in the legal community but very few who he trusted and shared his life with and I spoke with those people today.
Michael was a very private person. And what I am sharing in this post does not include anything I know shared by him in confidence and privately.
He trusted me and I trusted him to share what many don't know about him or me. What he shared is not news. Normal conversations we have with people are a part of life. Michael, like most people, was not his job. He was a human being with a life and more than an attorney.
It took a long time for me to stop calling him Mr. Robinson because that is how I address most of the lawyers I see on a regular basis even if I see them outside the Humboldt Courthouse.
This post is to celebrate his life and wish him eternal peace. It is also for those people who did not know him or knew him in a limited capacity through his work to pause and think that jumping to conclusions and making assumptions about people is wrong.
In the beginning, Mr. Robinson and I were strangers only seeing each other in the courtroom. I covered a very high profile case and Mr. Robinson was the defense attorney. When he reluctantly would speak with me, it was because he recognized the value and the platform. He would preface it with, "we have had our differences but I respect your work." This was in the early years of my doing local court coverage.
It went from that to "I respect you. I believe in you." He expressed sympathy for the struggles, abuse and retaliation I have faced in Humboldt.
Despite how busy he was and even after he retired, he read me daily and would call to check on me, especially when I posted about the death threats, vitriol and harassment.
Michael took the time to speak with me, get to know me which many do not and even if they did; I don't share my life with anyone in or associated with Humboldt because they have given me reason.
There are parts of his life he shared with me that many don't know, even in the Courthouse, who knew him for decades. I spoke with him regularly and even after he retired.
There are certain attorneys who he respected as colleagues but who were also his friends. They don't have the luxury to take time off to mourn him.
Rest in peace Michael.
A few people reached out to me privately via text and in person and thanked me. Some have shared my post and added their thoughts on Facebook. Just like Michael, I am going to respect the privacy of those on Facebook and their space as well as continue to respect Michael's privacy.
There is a Eureka Police Department bike stop listed on 900 block of 4th street around 9:28. That is around 4th and K. There was an EPD van parked right in front of the Humboldt Public Defender's office and I saw an EPD patrol car turn the corner at 4th and L. Given the frequent "Humboldt Hilton regulars" that hang around those corners on 4th and same cross streets on 5th street in Eureka day and night, seeing flashing siren lights in this area is normal. If it has something to do with the Humboldt Public Defender's office, I am sure I will find out tomorrow.
Victor Garcia Ward 1 candidate. You can check the entire 460 online.
Attempted murder suspect Dameon Bradfield's preliminary hearing was scheduled today. Humboldt Senior Deputy DA objected to proceeding without a court reporter Gregory Kreis said there is outstanding discovery. Humboldt Superior Court Judge Kaleb Cockrum granted request for continuance.
OR bail on 8/3; preliminary hearing on 9/9.
Didn't do a new post because of a continuance; but if his custody status changes at the next hearing, the community should know in advance so they can give feedback to the DA's office.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/attempted-murder-suspect-dameon.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/18-year-old-damian-bradley-arrested-by.html?m=1
I reported on alleged molestor and child pornography suspect Shadoe Randazzo arrest, his no bail status and supervised release being terminated.
Today, after preliminary hearing, he was held to answer by Humboldt Superior Court Assistant Presiding Judge Timothy Canning.
Judge Canning did not address custodial status, said the issue can be addressed at arraignment unless a motion is filed.
Since Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is in trial for another molestation case, Deputy DA Carolyn Schaffer was the prosecutor for the preliminary hearing. Deputy Conflict Counsel David Nims is Randazzo's attorney.
Arraignment on information is on 8/13.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/this-alleged-molestor-is-in-custody.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/shadoe-forrest-randazzo-booked-into.html?m=1
Eureka Police Department issued this press release about repeat offender Austin Porter. His 2018 booking photo can be published.
The amount of EPD resources wasted on another repeat criminal and drug addict who refuses to change thanks to useless Gavin Newsom and soft on crime Democrats.
Yesterday, I did this post on Rocket Dog Rescue suing Shannon Miranda. I was the first to report and I included the complaint and photos of the three dogs.
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2026/07/rocket-dog-rescue-sues-shannon-miranda.html?m=1
Mr. Paul Nathan responded to my inquiry just now. I really appreciate him including the complaint, even though I have it from e court.
Brian Mitchel as listed in the jail log was arrested yesterday by HCSO for PC 1203.2(a)(2) probation violation, HS 11395(b)(1) treatment mandated felony. The code is for possession of specific hard drugs if the offender has two or more prior convictions for specified drug-related offenses and HS 11364(a) possession of drug paraphernalia.
California laws are dumb created by legislators who are anti public safety and enabling criminals. Waste of law enforcement time arresting these repeat offenders. More waste of my time covering these repeat offenders. I am documenting this arrest so there is a record if the DA gives another plea or dismisses the case; again.
The screenshots have an old booking photo. He looks very disheveled in the current one.
I have been adding minor daily updates to the July 26 post on alleged molestor Christopher Griffin's case.
Retired Humboldt Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson has been assigned to this trial. Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm is the prosecutor. Former Humboldt County DA and defense attorney Paul Gallegos is Griffin's attorney.
Yesterday, Mr. Gallegos made a motion for acquittal for Count 2. First, Mr. Gallegos requested a break to get the motion. Then, he was informed by Judge Wilson that the witness transcript attached to the motion was incorrect.
Ms. Timm had the correct transcript, reviewed it and was prepared to argue. That is because not only is she a competent attorney; she is the best attorney at the Humboldt County DA's office because she can argue on the fly and win. I have seen her do it many times.
Mr. Gallegos provided the correct transcript to Judge Wilson.
After arguments, Judge Wilson denied the defense motion.
Today, Yvonne Griffin testified for the defense which is surprising given the family law case. Check the July 26 post if you want more details. Christopher Griffin told Judge Wilson he will not testify.
7/29/26: Closing arguments expected tomorrow.
With the Humboldt online portal and regular readers knowing that I don't do a new post for minor updates but follow every hearing. If you don't check previous posts; you won't know Ms. Rebecca Linkous requested a continuance todayto research conflicts or defense motion to dismiss in one of Clayton Miller's cases was taken off calendar and trial dates were set. On 7/21, the DA's office subpoenaed records for Lincoln and Warren from the Humboldt County jail. Defense objected to proceeding without a court reporter.
First, the Humboldt County DA did not arraign Paul Clements on the rape by fraud arrest and he was released from custody. Still no charges filed when I checked today.
Today, Visiting Retired Judge Ksenia Tsenin granted the defense Serna motion in Clements' drug case filed by Humboldt Deputy Conflict Counsel RJ Leohner despite Deputy DA Alison Herson objection. Case dismissed.