Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On March 22, 2021, at about 5 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Fields Landing area for the report of human remains located in the mudflats north of the Fields Landing Boat Ramp.  

Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies and a deputy coroner responded to the scene and recovered skeletal remains. The remains have not been identified and appear to have been submerged underwater for some time. No further information is available at this time.

More information will be released when available.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• They’re Planning to Bring the California Condor Back to Humboldt! Your Input Welcomed at Meetings Next Week
• Federal Government Partners With Yurok Tribe to Bring California Condor Back to Pacific Northwest

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Press release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

For the first time in 100 years, the endangered California condor will return to the Pacific Northwest. Once on the brink of extinction, this iconic species has made significant steps towards recovery. Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and the Yurok Tribe announced a final rule that will help facilitate the creation of a new California condor release facility for the reintroduction of condors to Yurok Ancestral Territory and Redwood National Park, which is in the northern portion of the species’ historic range. This facility will be operated by the Northern California Condor Restoration Program, a partnership between Redwood National Park and Yurok Tribe.

The rule will designate the condors affiliated with this program as a nonessential, experimental population under the Endangered Species Act. This status will provide needed flexibility in managing the reintroduced population, reduce the regulatory impact of reintroducing a federally listed species, and facilitate cooperative conservation.

“The California condor is a shining example of how a species can be brought back from the brink of extinction through the power of partnerships,” said Paul Souza, Regional Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s California-Great Basin Region. “I would like to thank the Yurok Tribe, National Park Service, our state partners, and others, who were instrumental in this project. Together, we can help recover and conserve this magnificent species for future generations.”

With a wingspan of almost 10 feet, the California condor is the largest soaring land bird in North America. These massive vultures are essential members of their ecosystems and play a significant role in the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Yurok Tribe, as well as many other Tribes, throughout northern California and the Pacific Northwest.

Over the past twelve years, the Yurok Tribe has led this reintroduction effort and completed a tremendous amount of legwork to prepare for the return of condors to the Pacific Northwest. Extensive environmental assessments, contaminant analyses, and community outreach were just a few of the requisite tasks. The Tribe completed this endeavor because the condor is an irreplaceable part of a sacred cultural landscape. Pending completion of the condor release facility, the anticipated release of condors would be fall of 2021 or spring of 2022.

“For the last 20 years, the Yurok Tribe has been actively engaged in the restoration of the rivers, forests and prairies in our ancestral territory. The reintroduction of the condor is one component of this effort to reconstruct the diverse environmental conditions that once existed in our region. We are extremely proud of the fact that our future generations will not know a world without prey-go-neesh. We are excited to work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Redwood National Park on the final stages of the project and beyond,” said Joseph L. James, Chairman of the Yurok Tribe.

California condors prehistorically ranged from California to Florida and, in contemporary times, from Western Canada to Northern Mexico. By the mid-20th century, condor populations drastically declined due to poaching and poisoning. In 1967, the California condor was listed as endangered. In 1982, only 23 condors survived worldwide. By 1987, all remaining wild condors were placed into a captive breeding program. Thus, began an intensive recovery program to save the species from extinction.

As a result of exemplary conservation partnerships, and intensive captive breeding and reintroduction efforts, there are now over 300 California condors in the wild in California, Arizona, Utah and Baja California. However, the bird is still listed as endangered and lead poisoning (largely caused by ingesting lead shot or fragments of lead bullets when feeding on carcasses) is listed as one of the species’ primary threats.

“The return of condors to the skies above Redwood National and State Parks is a critical step toward recovery of this majestic landscape,” said Steve Mietz, superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks. “Working with our friends and partners, the Yurok Tribe and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we will continue the unparalleled success story of condor recovery allowing all Americans to visit the tallest trees in the world while watching one of the largest birds in the world soar overhead.”

“We are excited for this opportunity to bring these iconic birds back to California habitat that has not been occupied for decades,” said Stafford Lehr, Deputy Director of Wildlife and Fisheries for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “These birds are important to the biodiversity of the landscape and we are pleased with the collaboration amongst state and federal agencies, the Yurok Tribe, and private companies to conserve this species.”

The final rule exempts most incidental take of condors within the nonessential experimental population, provided the take is unintentional and not due to negligent conduct. Although the rule exempts most incidental take, certain activities are prohibited within 656 feet (200 meters) of an occupied nest.

These include habitat alteration (e.g., removing trees, erecting structures, altering the nest structure or perches near the nest) and significant visual or noise disturbance (e.g., tree felling, chainsaws, helicopter overflights, concrete cutters, fireworks or explosives). There are two exemptions: emergency fuel treatment activities by federal, state, tribal, or local government agencies to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and responses to wildfire or other emergencies.

The final rule will publish in the Federal Register on March 24, 2021. The document can be found on www.regulations.gov by searching under docket number FWS–R1–ES–2018–0033. More information is available here at this link.

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The Yurok Tribe, California’s largest federally recognized tribe, exercises its inherent sovereignty in order to conserve, protect and restore Yurok natural resources and culture and the health and social well-being of existing and future Tribal members through its exercise of sovereign rights, culturally integrated methods and high quality scientific practices in coordination with the community, public agencies and private organizations. For more information about our work, visit http://www.yuroktribe. or connect with us via Facebook.

The National Park Service Organic Act of 1916 established a single system of federally managed parks, monuments and reserved lands to promote and regulate their use and “….to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” For more information about the National Park Service, please visit Facebook, Twitter or Flickr. For more information regarding Redwood National Park visit https://www.nps.gov/.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov/cno/ or connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, YouTubeFlickr.

We are saddened to announce that Shirley Ann Roth, 62 years old, passed away at her home in Meridian, Idaho on March 2, 2021. She was surrounded by family and friends during her final days. She was born on September 6, 1958 in Fortuna.

She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd “Bud” and Pauline Jester; her mother-in-law, Nell Roth; brother-in-laws Ron Roth, Rich Ingraham, Bill Roth, Chris Lyons and nephew Keith Roth.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Tony Roth; son and daughter-in-law Shane and Gina Roth; grandchildren Jarren, Jaxon and Everly Roth; father in law William Roth; sisters Kathy English, Diane (Joe) Resendes; sister in laws, Judy Ingraham, Linda Lyons, Mona Cooke; brother in laws, Jim Roth and Larry Roth Sr.; nephews Larry Roth Jr. (Kimberly), Michael Ingraham, Aaron (Lindy) Ingraham; David Roth, Don Roth, Steven Roth and Pam Melvin. Lifelong friends; Karen Wendlandt, Susan and Dave Blevin and both of their families and numerous others she touched during her life.

Shirley retired from Pacific Union Elementary school, where she worked in the kitchen for over 20 years. Anywhere you went with her in the community she was known as “the lunch lady” by generations of kids. No matter where you were shopping with her, there were always parents or kids who knew her and thanked her for her kindness. She always had a smile, kind words and a giving soul for anyone in need.

Shirley (aka Nana) and Tony moved to Idaho to be near their son, daughter-in-law and grandkids. She shared a very special, strong bond with her family. The bond she shared with her son was unbreakable, she was always there for Shane no matter the circumstances. Her grandkids were so fortunate to have their Nana as their protector. She was so happy that she had a daughter-in-law that is such a great wife, mother and best friend to her, it brought her so much peace. She missed her California family, but seeing her grandkids grow up and being a daily part of their lives was what she cherished most. She also had a very special relationship with her nephew Larry Roth Jr. He and Shane grew up together, much like brothers, and she was a fierce protector of both boys. She attended every event for both boys, no matter what the sport, rain or shine.

If you knew her, one of the best things about her was her quick wit. She loved to make people laugh as much as she loved to give. She never left anyone in need if it was within her means to help. Shirley spent years taking care of her mother, Pauline, sacrificing so much to be there for those she loved.

Shirley will be interred at Ocean View Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life on March 27, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1893 Berg Ave, McKinleyville, CA 95519. Please feel free to come by and share a memory, celebrate Shirley’s special life and pay your respects to the family. This will be a casual outdoor gathering, with all Covid precautions. Due to Covid there will not be any food provided.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Shirley Roth’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

It is with great sadness we announce that Herbert “Pete” Pettit, Jr., passed away on March 2, 2021, after a long battle with dementia. There was a graveside military service at Sunrise Cemetery, Fortuna on March 9, 2021. Thank you to all the relatives and friends that attended. Our heartfelt thanks to Gobles Mortuary and Sunrise Cemetery for arranging; Margaret (“Maggie”) Pettit, his daughter/caretaker for several years; Hospice, for their special care near the end; and the Veterans Administration for arranging the gun salute and the flag.

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From the Eureka Police Department:

On March 21, 2021, at about 10:56 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to a gas station at the 1700 block of 4th Street for the report of a robbery. The employee stated that a male, later identified as 21-year-old Jack Bullwinkel of Arcata, entered the store simulating a firearm under his shirt and demanded money. Bullwinkel fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

While the employee was attempting to phone police, Bullwinkel returned and struggled with the employee in an attempt to keep him from phoning. During the struggle, a male associated with Bullwinkel arrived on scene and assaulted the employee. The associated male was later identified as 39-year-old Bradley Mallet of Eureka. Bullwinkel then fled the scene on foot for the second time.

While responding to the scene, an EPD officer witnessed Bullwinkel running to the rear of the 1600 block of 4 th Street. After a brief foot pursuit, the officer attempted to physically detain him. Bullwinkel resisted and the officer fell to the ground. According to witnesses, Bullwinkel was seen standing over the officer and was repeatedly punching him on the head and putting pressure to the neck area. A male witness ran over and made multiple attempts to get Bullwinkel off of the officer. Additional officers arrived on scene and ultimately got Bullwinkel restrained and in custody.

Humboldt Bay Fire and City Ambulance arrived and transported the officer to the hospital for treatment of a moderate head injury. As of this afternoon, the officer has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Bullwinkel was transported to the hospital for medical clearance by officers. Bullwinkel continued to be highly combative towards officers and hospital staff and had to be restrained. After medical clearance he was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for robbery, violently resisting arrest, and assault on an officer causing great bodily injury. Mallet was also arrested for his involvement and booked into HCCF for robbery.

Chief Watson said, “Incidents like this illustrate the real dangers police officers face every day on our behalf as they put on their uniforms, cast aside their own concerns, and bravely go out to protect and serve our community. I would also like to take a moment to thank the citizen-witness who rushed to our officer’s aid as he struggled with a violently combative robbery suspect. Your courage and willingness to risk your own safety in defense of another reflects the best of our community and the partnership we so greatly value.”

A prison parolee arrested with triple-murder suspect Mauricio Sanchez-Johnson was arraigned this afternoon on charges of failure to register as a sex offender.

Von Eric Keener.

Earlier today, 46-year-old Von Eric Keener was sentenced to 180 days in jail after admitting to absconding from parole and removing his GPS tracking device. He was in Sanchez-Johnson’s vehicle when they were pulled over and arrested in Utah. Keener was extradited to Humboldt County on March 11.

This afternoon Keener made a second Zoom appearance to have Judge Larry Killoran advise him he is charged with two counts of failure to register as a sex offender. He also faces special allegations that he has numerous felony convictions.

According to the complaint filed today by the District Attorney’s Office, Keener failed to properly register beginning in July 2020.

Keener is the boyfriend of Sanchez-Johnson’s mother and was a passenger in Sanchez-Johnson’s vehicle when he was pulled over on Feb. 11, one day after Sanchez-Johnson allegedly murdered three people on the Bear River Rancheria. Sanchez-Johnson was heading east on Interstate 80 when he was caught in Tooele County, Utah.

The 19-year-old is accused of killing Nikki Dion Metcalf and Margarett Lee Moon, both 40, along with Moon’s 16-year-old daughter Shelly Mae Autumn Moon. All three were shot in the head after Metcalf, Margaret Moon’s fiance, reportedly found Sanchez-Johnson in bed with Shelly Moon.

Sanchez-Johnson has been fighting extradition to California, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has been asked to sign a warrant ordering extradition. Sanchez-Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 6.

This morning when Judge Kaleb Cockrum sentenced Keener for parole violation, he was given a total of 80 days credit against the 180-day sentence.

Judge Killoran set bail in the new case at $25,000. Keener’s preliminary hearing is set for April 1.

Attorney Joe Judge has been appointed to represent Keener. Judge entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.

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Nelson celebrating the NCAA Division II South Region Championship with his teammates. | Nelson’s Instagram account

A former Humboldt basketball standout has made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II Championship as a member of the Flagler College men’s basketball team.

Nelson at College of the Redwoods. | CR

Fortuna native Thomas Nelson is playing his first season at Flagler College, a Liberal arts college in St. Augustine, Florida, after averaging 20.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game at College of the Redwoods last year. The 6-foot-3-inch college junior also lettered in basketball at Arcata High School, where he was named MVP of the Humboldt-Del Norte league his senior year.

The Flagler Saints won the NCAA Division II South Region Championship on March 16, defeating the Alabama-Huntsville Chargers 89-75. The win earned the team an Elite Eight spot in the NCAA Division II tournament. 

Nelson has played less than a minute in the tournament so far, but keep an eye out for number 13 on Wednesday, when Flagler (17-2) plays Truman University (20-2) for a shot at the Final Four.

The game will be played at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana and will be live broadcast on the NCAA website at 6:45 p.m.