R.I.P. Jimmy Smith

◼ Former Supervisor Jimmy Smith, A Great Man, Has Died - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost

All is well in Mckinleyville, Middle School lockdown just caution

◼ Fireworks caused several people to call in suspicious "shot fired" calls in the area of the school. All is well in Mckinleyville - John Chiv/Words Worth

Tres Chic:

◼ How Shipping Containers Are Finding Second Lives as High-Design Structures all around the world - ARCHDG.CO|BY STEFANIE WALDEK

...Durable, plentiful, and affordable, cargo containers have taken the architecture world by storm, metamorphosing into much more than simple metal boxes....

(See, you can even have infill)

Goodness and mercy (UPDATES)

◼ A Morning Emergency in the Palco Marsh - Linda Stansberry/North Coast Journal

Kim Bergel is doing something to help.

A whole lot of people are trying.

And now Devil's Playground is being cleaned up - again:

◼ Fires Break Out, Things Explode as Palco Marsh Evictions Begin - LoCo is UPDATING

UPDATE, 10:43 a.m.: Interview with Betty Chinn

Tireless homeless advocate Betty Chinn tells the Outpost‘s Andrew Goff that she was very worried about this morning’s operations, but after spending time on the scene she feels “hugely relieved.” The Eureka Police Department, she said, is handling things “really, really well.”

As for the availability of housing, Chinn said that there are enough beds for everyone who wants to go. “I love this community,” she said. (Audio interview at LoCo)

◼ Some Transition Into Shipping Containers, Others Prepare for Conflict Hours Before Palco Marsh Exodus - LoCo

◼ Setting of the scene and the human face of the Palco Marsh evictions this morning, not through words but photos - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ So far, no issues at the Palco Marsh, except for a handful of protestors; one from Arcata yelling, "What is your capacity,officer?" - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Are there people at the Marsh discouraging others from moving out? If so, who and why? If people felt safe, I could get answers - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ "Where specifically in the record is there evidence of this contention?"; Judge White asked Peter Martin and the plaintiffs - John Chiv/Words Worth

Marian Brady reports: The new shelter at 3rd and Commercial is ready for tenants. Betty is here greeting people who have registered.

At least 21 individuals made the transition to the new shelters yesterday according to Betty. I hope more choose to move their belongings and live at the new site. The city is also storing belongings so that the displaced campers can stay at the other designated sleeping sites knowing their stuff will be safely locked up until they are ready to claim it again. At the Commercial St. site, people with dogs are welcomed and a kennel area provided for the day; animals stay with their owners at night in their rooms. As a friend said, this transition facility offers a Chance for a Choice.

“If you think you have sold heroin to an undercover officer or police informant, we are looking for you. You know who you are.”

◼ ‘Operation Party’s Over’: EPD Concludes Lengthy Undercover Marsh Heroin Sting; Five Arrested - LoCo

After the undercover sting was over, warrants for possession of heroin for sale were written for multiple individuals. To date, Tracy Adams Jr. (26), Martin Crossnoe (49), Philip Myers (26), Larry Gibson (29), and Brian Keffer (39) have been arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for possession of heroin for sale. Additional warrant(s) may be sought in the future.

Chief Mills said, “If you think you have sold heroin to an undercover officer or police informant, we are looking for you. You know who you are.” Additional arrest(s) will be made on or before May 2, 2016.

Weird Push Poll: HC Pot "Conservation" Tax Proposal

An illiterate and almost completely unintelligible semi-push-poll - asking whether you'd be in favor of a TAX on pot grows. Promising the moon, this tax will solve everything from child abuse to the environment. You have to hear the incredible list they lay out, would that make you support this tax?

Ummmm, no. You have to LEGALIZE it first, guys.

(And note to whoever is doing the poll, get someone who can READ. This was embarrassing)

This, and Bullock - why you don't raise your kids around drugs - lives wasted. Kailan Meserve found guilty of 15 counts

It is sad for both these families. But sadder still for the victims, who didn't deserve any of what came.

And attorney Russ Clanton no longer has a free pass, get your guy out of jail free (while raking in the bucks) card.

Pot is bad. The pot culture is bad.

◼ DA on Kailan Meserve Verdict - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 19, 2016
◼ Kailan Meserve tells his family, "I will see you later. It's ok. I love you." - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 19, 2016
◼ Finally, some justice for victims, particularly women and children, under District Attorney Maggie Fleming's leadership. - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 19, 2016
◼ Kailan Meserve found guilty of 15 counts, taken away in cuffs after verdict - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 19, 2016

Sentencing is July 1st at 8:30 a.m.

◼ Verdict in for Kailan Meserve case - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 19, 2016
◼ After talking to Jane Doe #2, Jeff Groeling calls Travis Howe, another close friend of Meserve and says, "We have a problem." - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 19, 2016
◼ Defense argument in Kailan Meserve case mostly speculation; prosecution rebuttal exposes defense claims - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 19, 2016
◼ "We treat rape victims differently than other victims...That's what we do. We put blame on them." - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 19, 2016

◼ "She was frozen with fear... She tells him no. He doesn't stop. After that she doesn't say no." - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 18, 2016
◼ Close to verdict in Meserve case? Jury sends note says they are missing one verdict form - JohnChiv/Words Worth Apr 18, 2016

GUILTY on all counts

◼ Phase 2 to start Friday and go all day, same on the following Monday and Tuesday. - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 11, 2016 11:51 AM
◼ I think a verdict is in for the Bullock case... - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 11, 2016 11:07 AM
◼ Bullock jury sends another note to the Judge - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 11, 2016 9:29 AM

◼ Bullock Found Guilty on All Counts - Lost Coast Outpost 11:51 AM

On its fourth day of deliberations, a jury today found Gary Lee Bullock guilty on all charges, including the first degree murder of Father Eric Freed on Jan. 1, 2014, with special allegations of murder while engaged in torture, residential burglary and carjacking.

Bullock was also found guilty of two counts of residential burglary, the unlawful taking of a vehicle, carjacking (a separate charge), attempted arson and torture (again, a stand-alone charge), all felonies.

With the guilty verdicts now issued, the case will move on to phase two, during which the jury will consider whether Bullock was legally insane when the crimes were committed.

Waiting: Bullock

Jury Deliberation: Chiv's Coverage: (And a nice write-up regarding Chiv's coverage: ◼ Indie blogger John Chiv provides a vital window into the courtroom at The Mad River Union ◼ Thank you to Elizabeth Alves and Mad River Union for an unexpected surprise)

◼ One juror missing so jury deliberations in Bullock have been postponed until Monday - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 8, 2016

◼ Media takeover second floor of the Courthouse : Ryan, Paul, Sierra, Zach, Chiv with cameo by Goff - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 7, 2016
◼ Day 3, three questions,and still no decision in Bullock case - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 7, 2016
◼ Yet another question, no verdict in Bullock case - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 7, 2016

◼ No decision on second day in Bullock trial, jury leaves at 4 - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 6, 2016
◼ Verdict in Bullock case? False alarm. The jury request video from the church, not sure whether day time or night surveillance video. - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 6, 2016

◼ No decision in Bullock jury leaves for the day - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 5, 2016
◼ What Fr. Eric's response to a verdict would be - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 5, 2016
◼ "Fr. Freed is not waiting for revenge or retribution; he is waiting for justice. Whether there is justice for Fr. Freed is up to you." - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 5, 2016
◼ Bullock case goes to jury for deliberation - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 5, 2016

◼ Defense closing asserts that Bullock killed Fr, Freed in hot, explosive anger." - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 4, 2016
◼ "I have to prove that Gary Bullock intentionally killed Fr. Eric Freed. You cannot unintentionally strangle someone." - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 4, 2016
◼ "Why the fuck would I murder someone? You are saying because I was cold? Bullshit." - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 4, 2016
◼ People rest rebuttal, defense no surrebuttal, jury to hear closing instruction and arguments in Bullock case - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 4, 2016

◼ Clarifying errors in mainstream media coverage on the Bullock jury trial, especially a major one in NCJ's latest article - John Chiv/Words Worth Apr 1, 2016

The biggest error in Bullock trial coverage has been made by Thad Greenson in the North Coast Journal, which could have been avoided, simply by a small addition stating, "to my knowledge". Thad has covered courts before. The M'Naghten rule and it applying to this case has been covered more than once on my blog in the last year, Times-Standard did an article a couple months ago. The information in the NCJ article is not new. The recent article by Thad it highlights some valid points and challenges about the insanity defense, however it incorrectly states that the Bullock jury is unaware that the trial is bifurcated. Thad only covered Mr. Isaac's opening statement. He has not been in court on any other day for this case. Therefore, he is unaware that from the beginning of jury selection, the jurors were made aware that there would be two phases to this trial. They are very aware that if a guilty verdict is reached in the first phase, then there will phase two to determine whether not guilty by insanity can be proved by the defense. Due to the gag order, no one from the courts can correct or talk about this error.

◼ Closed courtroom in Bullock case while closing instructions for Bullock case are being finalized - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 30, 2016

◼ "You made a choice one day to go where you wanted to go. We tried to help you. You made harsh choices. You chose your own self over everything. You wanted to get high and say fuck everything else." - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016
◼ "In all the hours of recordings you heard, does he ever talk about what Fr. Freed lost.?" - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016
◼ Defense rests, people present rebuttal, closing arguments in Bullock April 4 - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016
◼ People will be allowed to question Bullock's step father about Bullock's prior drug use and "issues with family" - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016
◼ "Did you feel responsible for what happened to Fr. Freed? We find out security guard was also a St. Bernard's parishioner - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 29, 2016

◼ In Phase 1 of Bullock trial , is Mr. Cockrum going for voluntary intoxication? - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ Based on defense opening, could Bullock trial conclude tomorrow with closing arguments? - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ "Can I release you from your prison?" is what Bullock told a correctional officer after he was released on New Year's Eve - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ "This is not a whodunnit but a howdunnit"; "What was going through Gary Bullock's mind?" - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ People win key motions in limine in Bullock jury trial before defense begins their case - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016
◼ Will Archangel Michael be Gary Bullock's savior to claim insanity? - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 28, 2016

◼ "The defense is now trying to reduce the defendant's mental state and his accountability of his actions."People win motion to bar defense from using Bullock's statements to law enforcement - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ "Please bathe", why Fr. Eric would tell us this at Easter, his most favorite time of the year - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ A glimpse of Fr. Eric and who he was for those who never met him - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ Top of the ear torn; " bleeding indicates that he was alive" testifies Dr. Super; Fr. Freed's face so bloodied and bruised that he was barely recognizable - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ People rest their case in Bullock jury trial, according to schedule stated in Mr. Isaac's opening argument - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016
◼ Graphic, bloodied photos and details by Coroner tell the disturbing details of Fr. Freed's torture and death - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 25, 2016

More, inc. the ongoing coverage from LoCo, MRY and TS t/k:

Progress: After some glitches, jury selection finally starts in the Gary Lee Bullock jury trial

◼ Second day of jury selection. Roll call at 8:40. Even more people missing today. - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 16, 2016
◼ Courtroom hallway packed with potential jurors for Bullock trial - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 15, 2016
◼ History

Former District Attorney Paul Gallegos was handling the case, he was criticized by the Court of Appeals in their ruling as basically, a prosecutor not knowing the law.

Losing count. How many of these are there? One after another, the Gallegos failures come to light. He'll be screwing up the justice system for years to come. Was it purposeful? (Clinton being his buddy), or was it just simple incompetence? Lack of caring?

This is one of those cases that gets dropped from the public eye, but John Chiv is keeping track of what's been going on. Click on over, and get 'the scoop.'

Basically, Clanton's still dragging this thing out. Must be good money in it.

◼ "I am not leaning on any case law that Mr. Clanton is unfamiliar with"; Timothy Littlefield's lawyer says he is not obligated to follow Court of Appeals suggestion for a new trial - John Chiv/Words Worth Mar 11, 2016

◼ Remittitur issued in the Timothy Littlefield case today - John Chiv/Words Worth - Feb 17, 2016

Remittitur is a process by which jurisdiction is transferred back from the appellate court to the trial court. Remittitur divests the appellate court of the jurisdiction after it has resolved the appeal, and permits full jurisdiction over the judgment to be returned to the trial court.
◼ "This case involves multiple acts of molestation of a child who was 8 years old at the time, the victim is now a teenager and has been waiting a long time for finality", Cook and Associates to investigate Timothy Littlefield case

- John Chiv/Words Worth - Feb 3, 2016

◼ Timothy Littlefield cuffed and taken unto custody, no bail, says I love you to his father twice - Feb 3, 2016

This one has been going on for YEARS.

Recorded messages: "I will not lose my house over your drug use"

◼ "I will not lose my house over your drug use" - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 29, 2016

Bullock is heard telling his grandmother he needs her help. He asks her to bail him out and she tells him she does not have the money. He tells her to get out it is $120,000 and she should put her house up.

That is when she says, ""I will not lose my house over your drug use." She says no to him several times in the selection we heard. "If I let you out, you will go back to drugs." Bullock says he won't. She says she has heard that before. Then she says "You killed somebody." He responds, "No, I didn't. I 'll explain it to you."

◼ Jury selection and evidentiary hearings start in Gary Lee Bullock case - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 29, 2016

◼ May God's forgiveness and strength be with us but also Gary Lee Bullock and his family - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 28, 2016
_______________
◼ In Recorded Phone Call, Bullock Pleaded With His Grandma to Put Her House Up for His Bail - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost

◼ Jury Selection Begins in Trial of Gary Lee Bullock, Accused of Murdering Catholic Priest - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost

Gary Lee Bullock sat quietly in the courtroom this morning as Judge John T. Feeney began the process of selecting a jury for the case against him. Bullock, 46, stands accused of murdering Father Eric Freed, beloved priest at Eureka’s St. Bernard Catholic Parish, on New Year’s Day 2014, with special allegations of torture and carjacking. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Bullock is represented by Kaleb Cockrum, from Humboldt County’s Conflict Counsel Office, with Deputy District Attorney Andrew Isaac leading the prosecution. The morning court session was occupied by Feeney working through a stack of jury questionnaires, dismissing people with obvious hardships and ultimately selecting 31 potential jurors to fill out long-form questionnaires.

Another lawsuit, complete with emails and intrigue

◼ Woods never contacted me back; HUMMAP sues county's cannabis ordinance, the lawsuit Sawatsky was going to fund? - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 24, 2016

Feb 17, 2016 - Anti marijuana Kent Sawatsky to fund a lawsuit for HUMMAP? Woods and Sawatsky Humboldt County's latest odd couple?
Public watch dog Kent Sawatsky has threatened action before before against Judge Bruce Watson but no follow through.

In the past, he has been very vocal about being anti cannabis, particularly chewing out the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors for the Medical Marijuana Land Use Ordinance.

These are just two quotes from two of my posts:

"We currently have the highest capita of criminals in U.S. with crimes such as tax evasion and money laundering": Kent Sawatsky

"Weed greed and children do not mix" : Kent Sawatsky

Mr. Sawatsky is willing to fund a lawsuit but has to become a member of HUMMAP and allegedly he wants his involvement kept quiet until this is official.

Except his potential plan hit a hitch.

Not all HUMMAP members are thrilled with this potential alliance. (According to emails from some of the HUMMAP members)

Arreaga case falls apart, ends with 'Not Guilty'

◼ Recently acquitted in double homicide, Arreaga still has preliminary hearing scheduled for possession of drugs in jail - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ " Arreaga got away with murdering Angel Tully and Harley Hammers Jr! We really feel he was the shooter and Shavonne Hammers was the cause of it! " - John Chiv/Words Worth

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

◼ Second jury trial for double murder in Fieldbrook concludes, jury deliberations started late this afternoon - John Chiv/Words Worth

NO plea deal made with any of the murder suspects in 14 year old Jesus Garcia's homicide

◼ DA has not made a plea deal with any murder suspect in 14 year old Jesus Garcia's homicide - John Chiv/Words Worth

FOLLOW John Chiv's blog for daily updates and details on court cases. At the link.

◼ New attorney appointed for Joe Olivio, Jr, one of four suspects in Jesus Garcia homicide - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 23, 2016

Feb 19, 2016 - Lot of last minute changes in the court hearings and attorneys for the four suspects charged in the death of 14 year old Jesus Romero-Garcia
Feb 18, 2016 - Joe Olivio III's arraignment continued for another week; he is charged with the homicide of Jesus Garcia
Feb 16, 2016 - Joe Daniel Olivio, another suspect in homicide of Jesus Garcia arraigned this afternoon
Feb 9, 2016 - Appointment of attorney for Nicholas Leigl, a suspect in the Jesus Garcia homicide, with alleged ties to the 18th street gang in limbo
Feb 5, 2016 - No bail for Nicholas Leigl, first suspect arraigned for homicide of Jesus Garcia
Feb 5, 2016 - Nicholas Leigl, one of the suspects in the Jesus Romero-Garcia with alleged ties to the 18th street gang arraigned for murder and criminal street gang charges
Feb 4, 2016 - District Attorney Maggie Fleming gives update on status of arraignments for suspects in Jesus Garcia homicide

◼ Mario Nunez, suspect in Jesus Garcia homicide gets preliminary hearing date set in March, for now - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 23, 2016

◼ No bail for Mario Nunez, third suspect in alleged gang related homicide and death of Jesus,Garcia, arraignment continued - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 19, 2016

◼ Homicide of 14 year old from 2014 involves alleged connection to Mexican gang mafia - John Chiv/Words Worth Feb 4, 2016