No local control

◼ LoCo points out City watering lawn despite restrictions: [UPDATED With Explanation] County Courthouse Watering Lawn Monday Despite Eureka Drought Rules
◼ In violation of 'Drought Rules:" EUREKA DROUGHT RULES: No Watering on Weekdays That Don’t Start With ‘T’
◼ But neglects to mention their own previous article: In the Midst of a Historic Statewide Drought, Humboldt Bay District Has Too Much Water

Phoenix Campbell-Loya Guilty: Roger Rees WINS Again

◼ Jury finds Phoenix Campbell guilty on both counts of assault with a, deadly weapon and carrying a concealed dirk/dagger - John Chiv/Words Worth Jun 29, 2015

Guilty on both counts. Count 1 is a felony and most of the jurors did not stay after court to talk to anyone.

◼ Another victory in another Arcata stabbing for DDA Roger Rees - John Chiv/Words Worth Jun 29, 2015

◼ D.A. secures conviction in 2014 Shay Park assault case - DA Press Release/Mad River Union

Rees is wracking up a lot of praise: ◼ Relatives laud DA Rees - Paul Mann/Mad River Union

◼ And another win: Mark Nero gets thirteen years for stabbing Eureka woman who was stabbed near the Shanty - John Chiv/Words Worth Jul 1, 2015

This is Deputy DA Rees'third successful conviction for stabbing in two months. Usually, he does not comment but I pressed him for a quote. "I am happy with Judge Feeney's decision. It makes the community a safer place."

Fieldbrook double homicide suspect Jason Arreaga UPDATE

◼ Fieldbrook double homicide suspect racks up new felony while in custody - John Chiv/Words Worth Jun 29, 2015

Arreaga is charged with the murder of two victims: Harley Wayne Hammers Jr. and Angel Robin Tully.

Tully's sister and father were present in court, her sister has been there for all court hearings except one.

UPDATE:
◼ Jury in Fieldbrook double homicide case second trial finds Arreaga not guilty on both counts - John Chiv/Words Worth 2/25/2016

A compelling read: Robert Durst's Ghost

I was surprised to see this picture of the house in Trinidad. I knew he lived in Trinidad but didn't know WHERE. It's a beautiful house. The realtor said the guy who lived here before had turned the whole upper story into one room, so it wasn't practical for a family. No mention we made of this central character. Where he lived, and some other interesting points. See what you take from it. Why did he hang around low rent areas and soup kitchens? Your opinion...

◼ Piecing together an accused killer turned national media sensation's time in Humboldt - GEOFFREY DUNN/The Journal

(Note: Durst is still alive, despite the title.)

◼ Robert Durst's Humboldt past - Judy Hodgson/The Journal November 20, 2003

His first wife, Kathleen Durst, disappeared in 1982. In 1999 that case was reopened and he was sought for questioning. Police also wanted to interview him regarding the murder Christmas Eve 2000 of his longtime friend, Susan Berman, in Los Angeles. Berman was the daughter of a mobster who made her living writing about organized crime.

In October 2001 he was arrested in Galveston, Texas -- but not for killing Berman or his former spouse. Instead, he was charged with the murder of his 71-year-old neighbor, whose hacked up corpse had been found by fishermen in Galveston Bay. He was released on bail the following day and disappeared. Not long afterward, he was seen at a campground near the Humboldt-Trinity county line. A month later he was arrested for allegedly shoplifting in a small town in Pennsylvania, even though he had $500 in cash on him. He was returned to Texas to face trial and, well, you know the outcome.

Those distressed by the verdict can take some solace in the knowledge that Durst is still a suspect in the other murder cases.

◼ Manhunt has Humboldt Connection: Case on America's Most Wanted - Judy Hodgson/The Journal November 29, 2001

◼ Robert Durst - Wikipedia ◼ IMAGES

◼ Lunch with Robert Durst - One Writer's Brief Encounter With the Alleged Serial Killer - Vanessa Leggett/Esquire

"Most people don't realize how heavy the human head is," said Robert Durst, twisting his neck, then righting it.

I wasn't about to question his authority in this area.

What seemed unreal at that moment would be obvious to anyone familiar with the name Robert Durst. Here was a man who had decapitated his neighbor and dismembered the body, and now he was discussing, without displaying the faintest hint of irony, the heft of a human head—his own. The neighbor's head was still missing.

As was Durst's first wife, Kathleen, whose body has never been found.

And Durst is the prime suspect in the shooting death of his best friend and confidante, crime writer Susan Berman....

◼ Robert Durst of HBO's 'The Jinx' Says He 'Killed Them All ... - New York Times

◼ What Robert Durst Said on DVD Commentary of Movie Based on His Life - ABC

There's more, lots of it. Google.

For detailed coverage and followup on cases that make headlines and cases that don't...

◼ BOOKMARK John Chiv's Blog

Benjamin Jasper Carter:
◼ This just in, defense stay for Benjamin Carter trial denied by appellate court - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

The request for a stay of trial is denied.

◼ Benjamin Carter dates,remain set, defense offer made for upper term - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/24/15

Silverio Sanchez:
◼ 995 motion for former fugitive Silverio Sanchez to be heard by Visiting Judge - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Rodney Ortiz:
◼ Defense withdraws motion to continue for Vincent Ortiz - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Vincent Ortiz:
◼ Defense withdraws motion to continue for Vincent Ortiz - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Vicoria Clark:
◼ Arcata plaza stabbing suspect Vicoria Clark accepts plea, kisses her younger boo (Frewuent Flyer David Dues) in celebration - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Phoenix Campbell-Loya:
◼ Phoenix Campbell jury sends Judge note for readback of testimony - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15
◼ "You don't want to get stabbed"; "You don't want to mess" - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15
◼ People rest, defense presents no witnesses, closing arguments today and Campbell case goes to jury - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15
◼ Both defense and prosecution duel well in Campbell trial; defense makes dent in victim's credibility - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15
◼ "I was letting Isiah hit it;" "I will shank you bro" - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15
◼ "As jurors your job is to see if the facts fit with the crime"; "The evidence in this case will not be enough to show Mr. Campbell committed this crime." - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15
◼ Opening arguments start in alleged fight and stabbing incident at the Arcata Community Center - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15

◼ Rio dell police officer Harralson posted bail, hires private attorney, case moved Courtroom 5, jury trial anticipated - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15
◼ Rio Dell police officer charged with battery on his child's mother and exhibiting a firearm, arraignment tomorrow - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15

Jeremy Kish:
◼ It's time for the weekly, let me fire my lawyer again Jeremy Kish show; evaluation rules him competent to stand trial, for now - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/23/15

A report from Dr. Ramirez was due this afternoon at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 2 regarding Jeremy Kish, the arson suspect for the crime committed at the former Alliance Market location in Arcata.

Dr. Ramirez's report basically ruled him competent to stand trial

Kayla Brown:
◼ Miss Hoopa charged with alleged sexual abuse of female minor finally retains two private attorneys - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/24/15

◼ Murphy's Market grand theft embezzlement suspect finally shows up for court, given one more chance, - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/25/15

Chef’s family scorns DA ‘betrayals’

This tale, so oft repeated over Gallegos' tenure, is particularly clear, and this time got some press. So many families have said as much over the years. Sometimes with heartbreaking poignancy, and were ignored.

READ IT.

◼ Chef’s family scorns DA ‘betrayals’ - Paul Mann/Mad River Union

◼ Relatives laud (DDA) Rees - Paul Mann/Mad River Union

◼ Juan Joseph Ferrer raw - Kevin Hoover/Mad River Union
Ferrer's probation report contains a wealth of detail on the case. Union reporter Paul Mann will have a deep dive on this and related stories. Meanwhile, click ◼ here for the raw Ferrer file.

Busy week....

Stay tuned to John Chiv's blog for detailed coverage and followup on cases that make headlines and cases that don't.... ◼ BOOKMARK IT.

◼ Opening arguments start in alleged fight and stabbing incident at the Arcata Community Center - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/22/15

Phoenix Campbell-Loya, charged with Count 1 assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm and Count 2 carrying a concealed dirk and dagger.

◼ The ongoing saga of Father Rodney and Son Vincent Ortiz's jury trial - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/22/15

◼ If only we could have protests for criminal brutality against police, thanks EPD for doing your job no matter what - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Brian Mello in trouble again, I am shocked, NOT - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/20/15

◼ Michael Throckmorton led away in cuffs after he tries to delay his sentencing for the third time; he chased and beat his ex after she cooked him dinner as she dialed her brother for help - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/19/15

He had a job in Virginia was today's excuse to avoid prison. Mr. Tipps also tried to get sentencing continued, again.

"The People object," said DDA Jackie Pizzo. "This is the third time we are on for sentencing. If the matter is continued, we request Mr. Throckmorton be remanded. He committed a crime in California, he was convicted in California, by law he needs to be sentenced and serve his sentence in California." Both DDA Pizzo and Judge Cissna said the state certified batterer's program that Throckmorton needs to attend is in California.

◼ Suspect who attacked Bayshore Mall employee sent to Department of Corrections for 90 days for evaluation before final decision on her sentencing - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/19/15

◼ Leah Jarnaghan to be arraigned July 28 for child endangerment and reckless driving both involving two minor children - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/19/15

◼ Timothy Littlefield's past appellate lawyer suspended from State Bar and still continued to represent him for 5 months - John Chiv/Words Worth 6/18/15

(This is one to pay attention to)

Who killed Jose David Flores?

◼ Leggett man. Found. Stuffed in a trunk. In Santa Clarita. Read Kym Kemp's story HERE.
◼ HERE

On Sunday morning a man was discovered dead in the trunk of a 2005 blue Honda Accord near Santa Clarita not far from Los Angeles. Earlier today, the deceased was identified as twenty-eight year old Jose David Flores of Leggett in northern Mendocino.

◼ And HERE

There are too many of these. Young, enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky people come to Humboldt and meet a tragic end.

The End: 12 years, Voodoo Dolls, no remorse, and resounding commentary on Paul Gallegos' treatment of the victim's family.

From the family's statement, via John Chiv's post:

The family of Douglas would like to publicly thank DDA Roger Rees and DA Maggie Fleming for thier compassion and commitment to pursuing this case and obtaining justice for Douglas. They have restored our faith in the justice system which was badly damaged under the administration of Paul Gallegos.

Hopefully now the healing can begin.

◼ "The victim just happened to be my brother, it could have just as easily been anyone else", Doug Anderson's family express safety concerns for Humboldt County and Arcata citizens - John Chiv/Words Worth June 15, 2015

THIS MATTERS - JERRY BROWN, PAY ATTENTION. The victim's family read their statement today, as reported by John Chiv at the link above:

Don's wife, Patty Anderson was the last to read. In her own letter, she spoke very eloquently and powerfully about the anguish the family went through with the defense smearing the name of Doug in the past year and a half, how former DA Paul Gallegos hid facts from them, would not communicate with them, tried to railroad them into accepting the plea deal he wanted to offer and how he refused to give them current DA Maggie Fleming's contact information.

"I tried very hard to find forgiveness," she said. "I found forgiveness elusive." Citing the former prosecutor and DA Paul Gallegos who she singled out in scathing words, the defense smears and the complete lack of remorse by Juan Ferrer as reasons.

Patty Anderson talked about the "irreparable damage" done to "Doug's reputation" by the "resulting publicity in the Humboldt County DA's election." And she added, "No thanks to Paul Gallegos who argued against us in court."

She mentioned delay after delay or Paul Gallegos not offering them any explaination. All this has been detailed in my coverage last year when Paul Gallegos prosecuted the case. Patty Anderson said she found out about Nicholas Stoiber's and Sophie Rocheleau's plea deal in the media, not from Paul Gallegos.

That same refrain has played out over and over and over throughout Paul Gallegos' tenure as DA of Humboldt County. There have been complaints filed with the Attorney General, in hopes that something would be done, and nothing ever was. Any complaint was deemed 'political' and shelved.

It is a tragedy to see it yet again. The pain behind those tales, you need to pay attention, and not reward this man with any steps up the ladder. Not even on a pot board. ESPECIALLY NOT AS A JUDGE!

◼ Juan Ferrer made a voodoo doll to try and control the trial and after being convicted, was caught saying even after he "fucking killed" the victim Humboldt County gave him voluntary manslaughter instead of murder - John Chiv/Words Worth June 15, 2015
In one of the phone recordings he said he had no remorse for killing Doug and that he did not know how he would display remorse when probation would interview him. He said even though he "fucking killed" the victim, Humboldt County gave him voluntary manslaughter instead of murder.

In these recordings he said he described a voodoo doll he drew of DDA Roger Rees, drew pins on it and then covered it with his own blood he got from testing his blood sugar so he could control the outcome of the trial.
◼ Instead of expressing remorse, Ferrer makes his statement all about himself - John Chiv/Words Worth June 15, 2015

As he was being led away in cuffs, he turned to his family and said, "I'll be all right, I'll appeal and win."

◼ Juan Ferrer sentenced to maximum term of 12 years - John Chiv/Words Worth Jun 15, 2015

Judge John Feeney sentenced Ferrer to the maximum term of 11 years for voluntary manslaughter plus 1 year for special allegation of using a weapon.

The term is consecutive and Ferrer will be on parole/post supervision release for 3 years after his release.

◼ Ferrer sentenced to 12 years in prison - Paul Mann/Mad River Union June 15, 2015

Jurors dealt with a considerable lack of evidence: the murder weapon was missing and there were no usable blood samples, impartial eyewitnesses to the stabbing or surveillance videos of the physical encounter.

Body cams for cops, who next? You?

While they are a good idea - they're just as likely to prevent or expose false reports/exonerate as they are to uncover police misdeeds - you're treading into 1984 territory. Oh, no, you're crazy, there's no slippery slope.... No? That's what they said about cigarette bans leading to sugar and salt bans. How about drug testing? Once reserved for people in public safety positions, like pilots and bus drivers, now you have to get a drug test to work at the local hardware store.

So how far are you willing to go? Ready to be recorded, and monitored, every second of your life?

More questions at the EPD Police Blog....

◼ Police Body Worn Camera’s…Are Teachers, Preachers and Health Care Workers Next?

If BWC’s are so successful, why not legislate them for teachers, preachers and health care workers also? All are professionals with incredible public trust, high rates of lawsuits and their activities have resulted in injury or death. The police, Eureka Police, are up for the task and are moving forward. Who else will?

Wednesday is 'Friends Of The Dunes' Exploit-The-Children Day

Yes, most orgs use children to prove their non-profit bona-fides. They conduct 'educational' activities, you see. And it will be detailed in their filings.

They don't tell you that they're using you. Just like they didn't tell anyone they were getting a significant sum per child per man hour for pulling the accursed grass.

Kids thought they were getting a field trip to the beach, then found out they were there to do the work adults didn't want to do. And someone kept the money. None went to the schools, did it? None went to the kids, did it?

It's been going on for years. And the adults leave feeling so fulfilled. Look at all the good they've done.

Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas' conflict of interest in the Dekraai case "is not imaginary," the judge wrote.

Yes. Gallegos buddy Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas is in the news again.

◼ Judge disqualifies all 250 prosecutors in Orange County, CA because of widespread corruption - Daily KOS

...Rackauckas believes Sanders is overdramatizing the mess. The DA claims errors by his staff and police agencies can be solved by training sessions and increasing his annual budget. Part of that training is apparently nefarious. His deputies have spent the past six months demanding judges seal records so reporters cannot monitor questionable maneuverings....