PREVIOUSLY:

• County Planner Accuses Supervisor Michelle Bushnell of Misconduct in a Cannabis Meeting, Prompting Board to Revisit Its Code of Conduct
• Investigation Sustains Allegation That Supervisor Bushnell Mistreated County Staff Member
  

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On Tuesday the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors opted not to formally chastise one of their own, Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell, who was recently found to have mistreated a member of county planning staff during a closed-door meeting late last year.

Bushnell’s colleagues concluded, in essence, that the incident has already been sufficiently dealt with. An independent investigator sustained the mistreatment allegation against her while dismissing a number of other claims.

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone said Bushnell subsequently “took full responsibility for her actions.” 

Nonetheless, the discussion included some eyebrow-raising moments, including remarks from one county employee who called in to say Bushnell has a history of bullying and hostility toward staff and who suggested that Supervisor Rex Bohn should refrain from dropping the word “cocksucker” around staffers.

There was also some confusion about the word “censure,” which both supervisors and members of the public seemed mixed up with the more-common and similar-sounding “censor.”

Bohn, to his credit, said he looked “censure” up in a dictionary, and while he still pronounced it like “censor” or “sensor,” he also found a definition saying “censure” can mean “a way to embarrass/humiliate” a board member for actions taken, which struck him as overkill in the current situation.

“There’s really no there there,” he said in reference to the sustained finding against Bushnell. “I think most of the issue has been addressed.”

Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson offered a few alternative dictionary definitions, including “an official reprimand, as by a legislative body of one of its members” and “to criticize [or] reproach in a harsh or vehement manner.” But he agreed with Bohn’s underlying point, saying he, too, felt the matter has been sufficiently adjudicated.

Madrone said censure may be necessary when the person in question has not recognized his or her culpability, but “that just simply is not the case here,” he said, adding, “I don’t feel there’s a need to do any kind of censureship.”

The employee who called in didn’t identify themself, but they said they personally witnessed Bushnell acting hostile toward staff, including yelling and demanding to see Planning and Building Director John Ford while pursuing action on her own cannabis cultivation permit. 

The caller went on to say that while the item under discussion didn’t directly involve Bohn, “I’d like to request that he not use language like ‘cocksucker’ in the company of county staff.”

Another speaker, who addressed the board in person, said she is the cannabis applicant whose meeting led to the heated conflict between Bushnell and a planning staffer. Though she didn’t identify herself, she defended Bushnell, saying the supervisor has been “professional and level-headed” while the county planner with whom she clashed “definitely lacked professionalism herself, and she was agitated and dismissive.”

When the matter went back to the board for discussion, Bushnell asked staff to confirm that while multiple allegations had been made against her, including those referenced by the caller, only the one was sustained. 

“That is correct,” Human Resources Director Zach O’Hanen said.

Bohn also asked O’Hanen to confirm that the allegations discussed today — presumably including his own potty-mouth — had already been investigated. O’Hanen confirmed that as well.

In the end, the board voted to simply receive and file the staff report. Bushnell abstained from the vote.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On November 1st, 2022, Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Agents detained Thomas “TJ” Grzymski (44 old from Eureka) in the 800 Block of 4th St. in Eureka. It was confirmed that Grzymski was on two separate felony probations with a search clause, for possession of narcotics for the purpose of sales and felony reckless evading of a police officer.

Agents conducted a probation search on Grzymski and his vehicle. Agents located 1 1/2 ounces of fentanyl that was pre-packaged for sales, a digital scale, and packaging materials. HCDTF Agents responded to Grzymski’s residence located in the 7700 Block of Myrtle Ave. in Eureka. During the search of Grzymski’s residence, Agents located a 9MM Intratec TEC-9 submachinegun with a loaded high-capacity magazine. Agents also located an additional digital scale and a large pepper spray canister. Grzymski is a convicted felon and is prohibited to possess a tear gas weapon.

Grzymski was transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for the above charges:

• 11351 H&S Possession of fentanyl for sale
• 11352 H&S Transportation of fentanyl for sale
• 29800(a)(1) PC Felon in possession of a firearm
• 30605(a) PC Possession of an assault weapon
• 30305(a) PC Felon in possession of ammunition
• 32310 PC Possession of a high-capacity magazine
• 22810 PC Felon in possession of a tear gas weapon

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Oct. 31, 2022, at about 11:08 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 2400 block of Glendale Drive in Blue Lake for the report of a disturbance.

Upon arrival at the residence, deputies located an agitated 19-year-old male vandalizing a residence and exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. The male, who reportedly had consumed psychedelic mushrooms and other substances earlier in the evening, became aggressive upon deputy contact, vandalizing a patrol vehicle then charging toward a responding deputy. Deputies intercepted the male and detained him utilizing control holds. No one was injured as a result of the detention.

Due to his state of intoxication and self-inflicted injuries, the male was transported to a local hospital for medical attention. This case is being submitted to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.  

Use of psychedelic mushrooms is dangerous and is associated with many negative physical and psychological consequences, both for the user and those they are around at the time of use. The physical effects, which can last approximately 6 hours, include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The psychological consequences include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis also may occur, particularly if a user ingests a large dose. Combined, these physical and psychological effects can put others at danger if the user becomes agitated.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or the Humboldt County 24-hour Substance Use Disorder Access Line at 1- 855-765-9703 for immediate assistance. To find treatment or support programs near you, visit findtreatment.gov.

Jurors deliberated for less than three hours Monday before finding Isreal Soria Jr. guilty of charges that could put him in prison for life.

Soria, a 22-year-old Crescent City resident, was convicted of attempted first-degree murder, attempted first-degree robbery, attempted first-degree burglary and shooting into an inhabited dwelling. On June 24, 2021, Soria shot and seriously injured McKinleyville resident Dylan Eubanks, who was in his own kitchen.

Soria.

The jury also found true several special allegations, including personal use of a firearm when committing the attempted murder and attempted robbery. That allegation alone carries a penalty of 25 years to life.

Soria was acquitted of conspiracy to commit murder.

Soria, who during the trial was always dressed in a dark suit and a white or pastel shirt, showed up for the verdict Monday wearing a sweatshirt, camo pants and athletic shoes. When the court clerk read the “not guilty” verdict on the conspiracy charge, he shed some tears. He sat there stoically as she read the “guilty” verdicts on the remaining counts.

Judge Christopher Wilson ordered Soria taken into custody and held without bail. His attorney, Christina DiEdoardo, had argued he had been out of custody on bail for some time and there had been no problem.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Soria told the officer who arrested him that the Norteño gang hired him to kill Eubanks for stealing from the gang. Soria also was planning to take back the stolen property. The type of property was never specified, but officers found 200 pounds of marijuana in four 50-pound bricks in Eubanks’s garage.

The jury got the case about 11 a.m. Monday after hearing the final prosecution argument from Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm, who said all jurors needed is some common sense to convict Soria of all charges.

Timm said Soria told the truth once: when he confessed to the arresting officer. When Soria took the witness stand during the trial, he offered not only “a brand-new defense heard for the first time,” but a story also contradicted by a massive amount of incriminating evidence.

When testifying, Soria said he fired 11 rounds into Eubanks’s kitchen because Eubanks was holding an assault rifle and cocking it back. At the time Soria was in Eubanks’s back yard, peering through a gap in the draperies. It was about 11 p.m. and pitch-dark.

Soria was carrying two fully loaded, unregistered pistols. He was dressed in red, the Norteño color of choice, and his left cheek was covered by a Norteño tattoo. While testifying he admitted being at Eubanks’s house. But he was on his own, to rob Eubanks of drugs and guns.

“They want you to believe this is dope ripoff,” Timm told the jury. “This wasn’t a dope ripoff. This was a murder ripoff.”

Timm said there was plenty of evidence to prove the charge of conspiracy to commit murder. “Someone” drove Soria from Del Norte County to Humboldt County. One of the guns was given to Soria by “someone” in Humboldt County. “Someone” showed Soria a photo of Eubanks’s house. “Someone” was a getaway driver, who apparently fled when law enforcement arrived one minute after shots were fired.

The prosecution maintains Eubanks had no assault rifle but was talking on his cellphone when shot. Examining the path of the bullet, it’s “physically impossible” Eubanks was shot while his arm was down, holding a rifle.

Eubanks did not testify. But he told an ambulance crew he was shot while talking on his phone, and he had no idea where the bullet came from.

“He didn’t even see the guy who shot him, Timm said.

Although the prosecution says Eubanks was unarmed, Timm said it wouldn’t have mattered if he was.

“One person has the right to self-defense,” Timm said, “and it’s not Mr. Soria.”

Soria gave up his right to self-defense, the prosecutor said, the second he set foot on Eubanks’s property.

“He forfeited his right to self-defense. He forfeited it.”

Timm called the shooting “ a gang hit” meant to raise Soria’s status in the Norteños and raise the gang’s status in the community. Also it was meant as a warning: Don’t mess with Norteños.

After the shooting, Eubanks ran outside and screamed for help, even banging on one terrified neighbor’s door.

“He sounds like somebody who got shot. Somebody who doesn’t want to get shot again. Somebody who doesn’t want to bleed out and die.”

Instead of fleeing, Soria followed Eubanks to finish the job, Timm argued. As to Soria’s claim that he was high on a huge amount of drugs and alcohol, “he would have been comatose in a hospital” if he had ingested what he claimed.

Instead, Soria was jumping fences, jumping off the roof a shed, running.

“We have an Olympian out there,” Timm said.

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Cindy Sue Manos, 65, of Eureka, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2022 in the presence of her family. 

Cindy was born on December 10, 1956, to Glen and Wanell Wasson in Fort Bragg. Soon after Cindy was born, the family moved to Crannell and shortly after McKinleyville. After graduating from McKinleyville High in 1975, Cindy went to work at Simpson Timber Company in Arcata. Following her time at Simpson, Cindy enlisted in the Marine Corps, where she was stationed in Japan.

Cindy served as a Marine for four years which prepared her for a career in law enforcement. Cindy attended College of the Redwoods Police Academy and then joined the Eureka Police Department.  She served the Eureka Police Department from August 25, 1986, until her retirement on December 14, 2007.  After retirement she continued to serve Eureka Police Department until, May 20, 2013, running background checks and working closely with animal control.  Cindy took pride in serving her community and loved the many coworkers and friends she met along the way. 

During Cindy’s years at Eureka Police Department, she met James “Butch” Manos, her soul mate, best friend, and the love of her life. Cindy and Butch lived life to the fullest and enjoyed times spent together, including abalone trips, touring Humboldt to see the numerous Christmas light displays, skiing with the grandkids and visits to Fredrickson Ranch, in Kneeland. They adored the ranch, and this is where they chose to get married.  The most cherished place for Cindy and Butch was Ruth Lake, where they spent many summers with their dogs Olive, Ladybug, and Chester, eventually buying property. Later in life Cindy was able to build a cabin and spend her days in retirement with her most recent faithful furry companion Moppet. 

Cindy had a passion for music, traveling, and animals.  She loved going to concerts and would talk about all the amazing artist she got to see over the years, including Eric Clapton, Lynrd Skynrd and The Scorpions or as Cindy would say “The Scorps.” Cindy was able to travel abroad and explore the countries of Italy, Greece and Turkey, where she made some of her fondest memories. Cindy’s compassion and love for animals was unmatched and she would make endless trips across the state to transport animals in an effort to save their lives. Cindy’s life was full and adventurous, and she lived by the words she would often quote “don’t sweat the small stuff”.

Cindy is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Lola and Roy Shumard, paternal grandparents, Corbet “Rusty” and Agnes Wasson, father, Glen Wasson, mother-in-law Dorothy Sousa and husband, Butch Manos. Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Wanell Wasson, sister, Glennell and her husband Bobby McConnell, brother, Torrey Wasson, niece, Teah and her husband Mark Distefano and their children, Maddox, Lola, and Audrey, nephew, Larrin and his son Austin McConnell, nephew, Coby and his wife Logan McConnell and their children, McKenna and Grady, father-in-law Abe Sousa, step-son, Larry Manos, grandchildren Ashley and Brandon Manos and the many close friends who became family.

The family would like to thank Mercy Medical Center in Redding for their compassionate care during Cindy’s short stay. They’d also like to thank all the family and friends for their prayers and condolences, particularly Kevin Smith and Mike Stevens for all of their kindness and support during this difficult time. 

Cindy was strong, independent, and cared for those in need. She will be missed deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace surrounded by light.

Memorial services will be held at Sanders Funeral Home (1835 E Street Eureka, CA 95501) on Friday, November 4th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a burial at 11 p.m. at Ocean View Cemetery with a reception immediately following.

The family requests flowers and notes are sent to Sanders Funeral Home. Contributions in memory of Cindy can be made to United Veterans of America (https://www.uvamerica.org/) or Humboldt SPCA (https://www.humboldtspca.com/donate/ ).

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Cindy Manos’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Kathyrn (Johnita) Kern
Nov. 12, 1928 - Oct. 17, 2022

Johnita passed at the age of 93. She was born in Okaloosa, Iowa, to Homer and Ada Morrison. She moved with her family in 1936 to Eureka, where she attended Eureka City Schools.

She met her first husband, Milard Olson, at a young age and moved to Los Angeles, where she had two sons. A few years later, after divorcing her first husband, she moved back to Arcata, where she met and married Clifton M. Kern and had three more children. Johnita was blessed with five children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

She lived a long and colorful life. Spending most of her years waitressing and raising her family until her husband Cliff passed in 1974 when she decided to return to school to obtain a realtor’s license.

She loved being a realtor and helping others find that perfect home. She worked for Sellers Realty in Arcata until retiring in 1988. After retiring, she moved closer to her youngest and eldest boys in Santa Rosa, where she spent most of her time volunteering and traveling the United States and Canada in her motor home.

In 2015 she decided to move back to Eureka to be closer to family and friends. She enjoyed spending time at the Eureka Senior Center, where she made some great new friends — or with her friends Sue Scott and Greg Anderson. She kept in touch with her good friend John Lowry from Colorado via email and phone calls. In 2019 she could no longer live alone and decided to move to Timber Ridge in Eureka, where she lived until moving to the Hospice House.

Johnita was predeceased by her parents, three sisters, husband Clifton M. Kern, son Larry Kern, daughter Kathy Richards, granddaughter Heidi Olson, and daughter-in-law Pam Olson.

She is survived by her children Thomas Olson, Jim Olson, and Pamela Bower (Wayne). Grandchildren Chad Olson (Marcia), Cheryl Steiner-Olson, Ian Olson, Stacy Juchtzer (Rick), Lori Davisson-Orozco (Billy), and Justin Mather (Christina). Great-grandchildren Kaylee Steiner Olson, Logan Juchtzer, Halie Juchtzer, TJ Curran, Holly Davisson, Michael Mather, Jordan Mather, Hailey Vonaseek, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity or consider donating to one of the following: Hospice of Humboldt 3327 Timber Fall Ct. Eureka, CA 95503, or Humboldt Area Foundation-Dr. Richard Wolf memorial fund. This fund started the Eureka Dialysis Center. https://www.hafoundation.org

The family would like to thank Dr. Alan Matthews, Hospice House, Timber Ridge of Eureka, and Eureka Dialysis Center.

A special thank you to her good friend Sue Scott for all the hours spent visiting and checking in. Her nieces who took the time to visit and help in any way they could Vicki Dobrec, Irene Stevens, Willa, and Karen Kern-Steadman. No services are scheduled at this time.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Johnita Kern’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Matthew Gardner Winney, Born October 13, 1953. Aged 68 years. Died September 16, 2022. Survived by family and friends also native to the Humboldt area.

My Dad had the most beautiful green eyes. They were teal, almost turquoise. They reflected his love of the six rivers, the sloughs that feed the bay, the redwoods, mountains and secluded spots that make Humboldt one of the most majestic places on earth. Where the redwoods meet the sea, he wanted to stay behind the redwood curtain. He died at his beach house in Samoa, proving he would never leave that beautiful place.

I will remember him in the wind, the kind of wind that makes you want to be out on the sail boat. I will remember him along the mountainside in the breeze that blows the wild flowers, in the wind that caries the dragon flies.

I will remember him in his flannel, hat and jeans, paddling the canoe out on the slough, with a rollie cig in his mouth and a young sea lion begging for pieces of his sandwich.

His memories will forever be with me, in every natural beauty that makes Humboldt so spectacular- my Dad is now those rivers, those trees, that breeze. Those winding roads down Highway 36, Fickle Hill, Big Rock, Sandy Bar, Kneeland, Pigeon Point, Happy Camp, Weitchpec, College Cove, Strawberry Rock, Big Lagoon, the rocks off Patrick’s Point, all the epic swimming spots that you never want tourists to find out about. Sack lunches and day trips out exploring. The young bears on the river fishing. The blue jays that mock you. The crows that caw at dawn. That’s my Dad, he has returned to the oneness. Humboldt was his favorite place on earth. He never wanted to leave.

My Dad was a fantastic photographer. He captured all the ways I will remember him, in the old school film he loved to use, and the thousands of photos that he amassed thru his lifetime. He was a mechanic, he loved working on cars, restoration work and making demolition derby cars. He was a local historian, in his own right, and has ties to the Humboldt area that go back generations, before the great 1906 earthquake. Before California was a state.

Although his body aged, he was still young in his mind and he hated that his body couldn’t keep up with him.

A private reception will be held at the location of the family plot along with a gravestone placing ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help support the Samoa Peninsula Fire District.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Matthew Winney’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.