The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: APD

  • Anti-Immigration Graffiti Found In Arcata Plaza

    Anti-Immigration Graffiti Found In Arcata Plaza

    Anti-immigration graffiti was spray painted outside the corner of Cafe Brio and The Heart Bead store in the Arcata plaza.

    “Trump 2020” as well as “Get out of America” were plastered around the sidewalks just outside of Cafe Brio and Heart Bead. It was reported to APD by Heart Bead store owner, Kim Alveraz, on Aug. 16 and the graffiti was later washed off on Aug. 18.

    APD sergeant, Brian Hoffman, said that the anti-immigration messages were not a hate crime. The APD said that they are not able to open an investigation until suspects are reported. If anyone does witness vandalism or have information on a possible suspect(s), it can be reported to APD at 707-822-2424.

    Photos by Carlos Holguin

  • Press Release: APD Still Seeks Public’s Help in Lawson Case

    Press Release: APD Still Seeks Public’s Help in Lawson Case

    APD asks witnesses to come forward on third anniversary of David Josiah Lawson’s death

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    JOSIAH LAWSON HOMICIDE OCCURRED THREE YEARS AGO

    On this day three years ago HSU Student David Josiah Lawson was murdered in Arcata. This case remains under investigation and the Arcata Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance during the on-going investigation. On April 15, 2017, while attending a house party on Spear Avenue, Josiah was stabbed during an altercation. Josiah was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter at Mad River Community Hospital. 

    Witnesses described upwards of 100 people in attendance at the house party. Many of those who were present have not been identified nor have they been interviewed by Detectives from the Arcata Police Department. The completion of this investigation is dependent on a number of factors including interviewing all people who were present at some point during the party or who have information that can corroborate what occurred that night.

    The Arcata Police Department established a 24 hour confidential tip line for community members to provide information relative to this investigation. The phone number is (707) 825-2590. Community members can also call the APD’s Dispatch Center at (707) 822-2424.  

    Keeping Josiah’s memory alive is paramount to this case. The Arcata Police Department will continue to investigate this case and will continue to work all investigative leads until justice prevails.  

    Attached in a separate email is a Public Service Announcement developed in partnership with DJ’s Mother, Charmaine Lawson, the Arcata Police Department, the Eureka Broadcasting Company and the City of Arcata’s IT Department. The PSA link is Facebook compatible. All are encouraged to share this link with anyone in order to never forget DJ and to encourage community members who have any information at all regarding who else was in attendance at the party and/or the events that led to DJ’s death, to come forward. 

    Public service announcement video reposted by the North Coast Journal:

  • SoCal Connected Produces Lawson Documentary

    SoCal Connected Produces Lawson Documentary

    ‘Who Killed Josiah’ examines the consequences of a divided community and the effect David Josiah Lawson’s death had on his family

    In Humboldt County there are some people that don’t know about David Josiah Lawson, but others will remember his name and story for the rest of their lives.

    When Karen Foshay, an executive producer for KCET – a television station in Southern California, heard about Lawson’s murder she felt she had to follow the story. Foshay produced the 29-minute episode “Who Killed Josiah?” for KCET’s news documentary series SOCAL Connected.

    After three months of working on the news documentary, “Who Killed Josiah” premiered on KCET’s website, kcet.org, and YouTube on Oct. 22 and will air on KCET-HD and KCETLINK on Nov. 12, 13, 14 and 16.

    Foshay’s husband attended Humboldt State University as an undergrad. In January, when she and her husband were passing through Humboldt, she found herself on the scene covering a national news story when two local girls went missing from their backyard.

    “Along the way I meet a photojournalist who told me about an LA student who was killed up here,” Foshay said. “I looked into it and I was really interested. Not the death itself, but what this death did for the area.”

    “We couldn’t paint the community as racist. We had to be fair and give their voices and experiences justice.”

    Karen Foshay

    The episode follows the murder of David Josiah Lawson, a 19-year-old Humboldt State University student, who was stabbed at an off-campus party on April 15, 2017. The show examines the consequences of a divided community and the effect Lawson’s death had on his family.

    Foshay said that part of the reason she pursued Lawson’s story is because he moved to Humboldt from Perris, a city in Riverside County. She added that she understands many students move to Humboldt from Southern California. When she and her crew were investigating, they had to consider HSU’s policies, recruiting methods and how the institution approached the death of a student.

    When the crew collected more information, they weren’t able to separate Lawson’s story from the area.

    “The scenery and landscape is the backdrop,” Foshay said. “Rugged, scary, and drop dead gorgeous which frames the mystery of the story.”

    The crew filmed at familiar places in Humboldt, such as HSU’s campus, Eureka and Moonstone Beach. The crew also interviewed recognizable local faces, such as Lawson’s mother Charmaine Lawson, photojournalist Mark McKenna and former KHSU Office Manager Lorna Byrant.

    Photo courtesy of Karen Foshay

    Toward the end of their investigation, Foshay said that she and her crew obtained four hours worth of dash cam footage that captured dramatic moments of the night of the murder, as well as a call a police officer made to Charmaine breaking the news of her son’s death.

    “You have to keep asking questions and digging,” Foshay said.

    “Who Killed Josiah?” depicts an emotional and complex story that provides a variety of perspectives from Lawson’s family and the community at large.

    Foshay said that she wanted to respect the strong feelings on both sides.

    “We couldn’t paint the community as racist,” Foshay said. “We had to be fair and give their voices and experiences justice.”

  • HSU Student Slashed in Arcata

    HSU Student Slashed in Arcata

    Arcata incident renews doubts of local safety and transparency

    A black 18-year-old HSU student reported being slashed with a knife near 14th and G streets in Arcata on Aug. 26, according to a Humboldt State University press release sent out Friday, Sept. 27.

    The incident occurred more than a month ago, but students are only just hearing about it. Associated Students President Yadira Cruz wished HSU had notified students to avoid feelings of mistrust.

    “To avoid that, just send out an email as soon as it happens,” Cruz said. “Just develop that transparency.”

    The press release went on to summarize the events after the student fled Arcata and returned to HSU.

    “Paramedics were called, and they were taken to Mad River Community Hospital where they were treated for the injury,” the press release, written by HSU Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management Jason Meriwether, said.

    Cruz said the student has reported being physically fine as of Monday.

    The incident, which largely flew under the radar until reporting from Lost Coast Outpost dug it up for a story published on Thursday, Sept. 26, is now under investigation by the Arcata Police Department.

    The HSU press release noted multiple media narratives and sought to clarify the situation. On the night of the incident, HSU determined that no threat to the campus existed, and did not send out a notification.

    The release also noted no evidence of the incident being a hate crime, which would warrant notification.

    “If there had been an imminent threat or evidence of a hate crime, the campus community would have been alerted by text and email using HSU Alert,” the release said.

    Cruz, along with several HSU faculty and staff, reviewed and gave consultation for the release.

    Cruz first heard about the incident from a Lost Coast Outpost reporter seeking her comment. Cruz wondered whether HSU would’ve notified students if it weren’t in the midst of an enrollment decline.

    In any case, Cruz wished HSU had notified the campus, regardless of whether the incident appeared to be a hate crime.

    “Saying it’s not race-related is not a valid excuse,” Cruz said.

    The press release emphasized Humboldt’s close-knit community and called HSU the “Humboldt Family.” However, Cruz doubted the sincerity.

    “The campus tells us they care about us only when something bad happens,” Cruz said.

  • Letter to the Editor: Charmaine Lawson in response to APD’S press release

    Letter to the Editor: Charmaine Lawson in response to APD’S press release

    PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release

    Charmaine Lawson, mother of David Josiah Lawson: In response to APD’s Press Release

    Dear Humboldt County Community Members,

    I, Charmaine Lawson (Mother of DJ Lawson), was disheartened and outraged at the press release issued yesterday from the Arcata Police Department (APD). For the first time after almost two years of allegedly investigating the murder of my first born son, APD set up a 24-hour tip line and released images of potential witnesses. Why weren’t these actions taken two years ago? And, why is the APD primarily releasing images of African American attendees of the party?

    As a Mother who raised two ambitious, amazing, brilliant, outstanding, young Black men (that both went to college), I am deeply disturbed by the recent actions of the APD. When I viewed the blurry images from the press release, all I saw was Black and Brown young people leaving the scene. Why didn’t the officers on the scene that night obtain their names, contact information and statements at the time of the murder? Why – after two years – is the APD just now trying to identify people in attendance at the birthday party? This is beyond negligent.

    I was told by the three chiefs of police from APD and a city official that Kyle Zoellner’s DNA is on the knife that was used to murder my son. It is time that Humboldt County residents call out and address the Arcata City officials and Humboldt County DA Maggie Fleming regarding DNA evidence appearing on the knife that wasused to murder a young college student. I cannot bring my son back, but we can help take a murderer off the streets. Why should a murderer walk the streets with your loved ones? If he killed once, he will kill again. Do you feel safer as a result of the actions the APD has taken in connection with this case? If not, then I encourage you to demand answers from your local representatives.

    ***I demand that the DA’s office hand over a copy of the official Grand Jury transcript to my lawyers.***

    This case must be immediately turned over to the CA Department Of Justice (DOJ). DA Fleming has previously called in the FBI and State Attorney General for help during the Sheriff’s Office corruption investigation. Fleming emphasized the urgency of the need for assistance to these outside agencies during that investigation. Why did she not push for the DOJ to take over the investigation of the murder of my son (especially after she failed to present adequate and/or sufficient evidence at both the preliminary hearing and grand jury proceedings)? The DOJ will not decline a county official request.

    I have been informed that there are only two major DNA contributors on the knife. DNA does not LIE. But, the DA has decided that in order to take any further action on this case the investigators need to find an eye witness. In other words, District Attorney Fleming wants the public to believe that eyewitness testimony is more reliable than the results of scientific DNA forensic testing. This is beyond absurd.

    ● Ann O’keefe was 11 years old when she was strangled to death in Southern California in 1973. DNA evidence brought her murderer to justice about 3 weeks ago.

    ● Anna Hiavka was found murdered in Portland in 1979. DNA evidence identified her killer as Jerry “Animal” McFadden.

    ● Grim Sleeper, serial killer Lonnie Franklin, responsible for decades of murders, was caught through DNA evidence.

    ● The Golden State Killer – 13 murder counts from 1970s to the 1980s – was caught through DNA evidence.

    These are just a few examples of how DNA evidence can identify a person(s) responsible for committing crimes. How long will I have to grieve before my son’s murderer is brought to justice?

    Two years ago, my son and his friends were leaving a birthday party when they were approached by a young woman and her friends about a missing cell phone. My son lost his life over a cell phone. A phone that was later found by Lila Ortega.

    I will fight for justice for my son. I will fight for justice in Humboldt County. There are many murder cases on DA Fleming’s desk that she is unwilling to prosecute. I am fighting for those families as well. The failure of the APD to protect and serve this community is an issue that is greater than my son. I will not accept the lack of justice for families (like mine) that have suffered as a result of incompetence, lack of proper training, and/or intentional or negligent mishandling of serious criminal investigations. My son is not the only murder victim whose case has been buried and swept under the rug in Humboldt County, California. Enough is enough. It is time to speak truth to power.

    I would like to offer my condolences and heartbreak to the family of Brandon Brocious, for the loss of your son, and miscarriage of justice today. The Lawson family stands with you. Justice for Brandon.

    “To be a man is to be responsible, is to feel shame at the sight of unmerited misery” – David Josiah Lawson, my beloved DJ.

    REST IN POWER MY SWEET LOVE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. ALWAYS AND FOREVER,

    MOMMYS ANGEL.

    In love and justice,

    Charmaine Lawson

  • Building bridges and breaking down barriers

    Building bridges and breaking down barriers

    The Arcata Police Department hosted a Sunday barbecue

    Nearly 50 people turned out for a community barbecue put on by the Arcata Police Department on Sunday afternoon. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. APD officers manned a grill in the Humboldt Plaza Apartments, building relationships while serving laughs, hot dogs, chips and refreshments.

    “We’re out here building relationships with the community,” Sergeant Brian Hoffman said. “We are trying to build trust, but it is not always so easy. We are laying the foundation for the future.”

    IMG_3272.jpeg
    Sergeant Brian Hoffman mans the grill during the Arcata police department’s community barbecue at the Humboldt Plaza Apartments on Sunday Jan. 27. | Photo by Freddy Brewster

    Two weeks prior to the event, APD officers walked throughout the apartment complex introducing themselves and asking tenants how they felt about a community barbecue. Chysha Williams, a resident of the Humboldt Plaza Apartments, welcomed the event as well as the opportunity to meet those in charge of keeping the community safe.

    “It is important to know who is here to protect you, and to know that they are good guys,” Williams said. “These events are good because if there is a bad situation, we’re not afraid to call the police.”

    IMG_3306.jpeg
    Arcata Chief of Police Brian Ahearn chats with Chysha Williams during the community barbecue put on by the Arcata Police Department at the Humboldt Plaza Apartments on Sunday Jan. 27. | Photo by Freddy Brewster

    The barbecue is part of an enhanced community outreach program that the APD is using to break down barriers in the community. A rise in the amount of violent crime in Arcata, as well as the murder of Josiah Lawson and the handling of that case have contributed to a tense atmosphere. Police Chief Brian Ahearn was recently hired after the former chief abruptly resigned about one year after the death of Lawson.

    “Having a community event, such as a barbecue, sort of tears down those walls that have divided us over the years and it gives the people a chance to get to know us,” Ahearn said.

    IMG_3251.jpeg
    Officer Heidi Groszmann hands out chips during a community barbecue at the Humboldt Plaza Apartments on Sunday Jan. 27 | Photo by Freddy Brewster

    Chief Ahearn moved here from the San Diego area, where he spent nearly 30 years working in law enforcement. He has been giving a lot of focus to rebuilding trust in the community and has been in attendance at a number of community events such as a vigil for Josiah Lawson and the Martin Luther King Day march. During the barbecue, Chief Ahearn offered praise to a new officer, Chris Rogers.

    “You’re on the right track and your heart is in a good place,” Chief Ahearn said to Rogers. “I sleep well at night knowing there are good cops like you.”

    IMG_3293.jpeg
    Officer Chris Rogers plays a game of “knockout” with the children of the Humboldt Plaza Apartments during Sunday’s community barbecue. | Photo by Freddy Brewster

    Rogers is a recent graduate from Humboldt State where he earned a degree in biology. He has only been with the APD for seven months but doesn’t shy away from interacting with the community. During the barbecue, Rogers played basketball with the kids and felt that it was a positive way for officers to interact with the youth.

    “We’re here to show the kids a different side of the police,” Rogers said. “There is more to policing than just enforcement.”

  • MLK march in Eureka

    MLK march in Eureka

    The sun shined bright and warm on the morning of Jan. 21 as nearly 200 people showed up at the Humboldt county courthouse to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event was put on by Centro del Pueblo, Justice for Josiah, NAACP and the Seven Generation Fund for the Rights of Indigenous People. Nathaniel McGuigan, a senior majoring in biology, was there to show his support.

    “I am here to commemorate the radical legacy of Martin Luther King and to further demand justice for the family of Josiah Lawson,” McGuigan said.

    The event kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with a speech from Yurok tribal elder Jene L. McCovey. McCovey blessed the event and acknowledged some of the problems currently happening in the country such as the family separation policy and the migration problems at the U.S/Mexico border. The event at the courthouse featured a number of speakers from a variety of organizations. Renee Saucedo, volunteer organizer for Centro del Pueblo, was the first to take the stage after McCovey’s blessing and spoke of some of the problems people of color in Humboldt face.

    “There is still racial profiling, racial bias, poverty and homelessness,” Saucedo said to the crowd. “By us being here today, we are showing that we are going to continue to fight to change these things.”

    IMG_3153.JPG
    Deema Hindawi sharing her experiences in Humboldt County on Jan. 21. Photo by Freddy Brewster

    Deema Hindawi, a junior majoring in criminology and justice studies, also gave a speech detailing her experiences here in Humboldt. Hindawi spoke of micro-aggressions and how students of color feel othered in the community. Charmaine Lawson, mother of the late Josiah Lawson, was also in attendance and gave a riveting speech.

    “I stand here still waiting for justice to be served and I’m not going anywhere,” Lawson said to a cheering crowd. “When we send our children to college, we want them to come back alive.”

    Lawson also demanded justice for Corey Clark and Garret Rodriguez; both victims of unsolved murders here in Humboldt. After the speeches a march took place, ending at the Adorni Center on Waterfront Drive in Eureka. The chiefs of police for Eureka and Arcata were in attendance, as well as Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone and Allen McCloskey, Union Leader for the National Health Care Workers. Brian Ahearn, chief of police for the city of Arcata, said that he attended the event at the invitation of Steve Watson, Eureka’s chief of police.

    “I’m here to build solidarity and to recognize Martin Luther King Jr., to remember Josiah Lawson and all victims of violence,” Ahearn said. “Today is about healing and continuing the process.”

    IMG_3229.jpeg
    MLK marchers cross 3rd and L Street in Eureka on their way to the Adorni Center on Jan. 21. Photo by Freddy Brewster

    Ahearn is fairly new to the area and has come in amidst a number of resignations from local law enforcement; most of whom have been involved with the Lawson case. Ahearn has expressed a desire to build bridges and to tear down barriers between the community and law enforcement. Chief Steve Watson of Eureka PD expressed similar desires.

    “I am here to support our community coming together,” Watson said. “Events like this are good to build bridges. I long for the day that these uniforms we have on are not feared.”

    Correction: A previous version of this article listed McCovey as a Wiyot tribe member. (Updated 9:25 a.m. 1/24/19)

  • Arcata National Women’s Day rally ends early as man is taken into custody by police

    Arcata National Women’s Day rally ends early as man is taken into custody by police

    By  Alex Hasenstab

    Additional reporting by Curran Daly

    Earlier today several dozen women gathered on the plaza dressed in red and pink to celebrate National Women’s Day. The rally began at approximately noon, however, less than an hour later the celebration was interrupted by loud sirens.

    Cat Koshkin holding a sign at Arcata women’s rally | Curran Daly

    A man who appeared to be around 50 years of age became disruptive during the onset of the event and later collapsed to the ground. He initially walked up to rally participant, Cat Koshkin, and put his hand on her shoulder.

    “Please stop him please,” the man said.

    “What happened?” Koshkin said .  

    “I can’t catch up with him,” the man replied.

    The man then collapsed and began shaking. A nearby parking enforcement officer had the man sit down. After the officer was unable to get any clear response from the man he called an ambulance.  

    Man arrested by APD | Alex Hassenstab

    The Arcata Fire Department, Mad River Hospital ambulance and the Arcata Police Department arrived at the scene shortly after the call was made. The man refused medical attention and after screaming and showing aggression towards medical workers he was taken into custody by the Arcata Police Department.
    The Lumberjack will provide additional updates as more information becomes available

  • This week in news (Feb. 1 to Feb. 7)

    This week in news (Feb. 1 to Feb. 7)

    By | Iridian Casarez

    Local

    Arcata playhouse turns ten!

    -The Arcata playhouse celebrated its tenth birthday with a two day celebration this past weekend.

    Arcata police department has a crime website

    -The Arcata police department now has a website that reports crimes in Arcata.  Arcata.crimegraphics.com is the website that keeps watch on the crimes. The website includes tabs that follow the Arcata police daily bulletin, missing person, vehicle thefts, arrests with booking mugshots and crime charts.

    U.S.

    Tornados cycle through New Orleans

    -Multiple tornados cycled through New Orleans causing major damage on February 7.

    No success in suit

    -U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland says Dakota access pipeline protesters involved in a violent police encounter in North Dakota this past November are unlikely to succeed in a lawsuit alleging excessive force and civil rights violations.

    World

    Iran thanks Trump

    -Iran’s supreme leader thanked the new American leader President Trump for showing the United States’ “true face” and justified Iran’s accusation of corruption in a speech on February 7.

    Bomb blast in Kabul

    -A bomb explodes outside the supreme court in the centre of the Afghan capital killing at least 20 on February 7. The attack is the latest in a series of attacks on the judiciary.