Author: Matt LaFever

‘Always the first to help’: Covelo remembers former fire chief killed in hit-and-run

Monday, 13 October 2025, 12:36 pm Matt LaFever 19 comments

Brittany Glass, a close friend who described herself as Baker’s “niece by choice,” said he had just received medical treatment earlier that day and was reportedly being delivered home by a medical transport service when the crash occurred.

Crime
Obits

[UPDATE 8:44 p.m.] Fatal Hit and Run Near Covelo; Suspect vehicle Sought

Sunday, 12 October 2025, 8:43 pm Matt LaFever 10 comments

The collision was first reported just before 8 p.m., when dispatchers received reports of a person lying in the roadway after being hit by a vehicle.

Crime

Ukiah Quietly Pays $450K in Suit Alleging Ex-Chief’s Sexual Assault

Monday, 6 October 2025, 12:05 am Matt LaFever 24 comments

Various pictures of Ukiah Police Chief Noble Waidelich,

The complaint accused the then police chief of appearing at her home in full uniform and sexually assaulting her after she rejected his initial advances.

Crime

SFGATE Shines a Spotlight on Eureka’s Iconic Pierson’s Hardware

Monday, 6 October 2025, 12:01 am Matt LaFever 25 comments

A Humboldt County institution got its moment in the mainstream this weekend.

Handfuls of Home

[Update: Charges Suspended Pending Investigation] School Counselor Arrested for Child Molestation Linked to Mendocino Bikers Against Child Abuse

Tuesday, 30 September 2025, 12:05 am Matt LaFever 76 comments

John Conant, 66, was arrested in Sonoma County on suspicion of molesting a child at Cinnabar Elementary School in Petaluma. Conant, known as “Crow,” also served on the board of Mendocino County Bikers Against Child Abuse, a group dedicated to supporting child victims. #BACA

Crime

Mendocino County DA Fights Back as Recall Campaign Intensifies

Saturday, 27 September 2025, 12:05 am Matt LaFever 30 comments

In his official response to the recall, Eyster wrote that it has been his “honor to give [his] all to protecting the public from crime” and argued the campaign stems from dissatisfaction with just “one of the thousands upon thousands of cases” his office has handled.

News and Features

SFGATE puts Humboldt’s beloved Crabs in the spotlight

Monday, 25 August 2025, 12:00 am Matt LaFever Leave a comment

SFGATE just published a feature on the Humboldt Crabs celebrating the team’s deep roots and the unique culture.

Shots Fired in Covelo during Blackberry Festival — Suspects flee

Saturday, 16 August 2025, 4:52 pm Matt LaFever 24 comments

Scanner traffic indicated the gunfire came from a grey Jeep Rubicon on Main Street. Two suspects fled westbound on Greely Street, though it’s unclear whether they left on foot or in a vehicle.