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Robert J Hansen
Alleged bribery scheme exposed, lawsuit targets Cook County family court
Earlier this month, a federal lawsuit was filed against Cook County judges, the Beermann law firm, several therapists, a social worker, and a Glencoe detective. The lawsuit alleges bribery and a cover-up of sexual abuse within the Cook County family court system.
Whistleblowers expose the Orange County family court crisis
A year after Catherine Kassenoff, a former New York prosecutor, took her life in hopes to shed light on the family court crisis in America, nothing has changed. Though Catherine’s troubles were in New York, those issues exist throughout the country.
Orange County’s first reunification therapist removes herself from all family court cases
Jessica St. Clair, the self-proclaimed first intensive reunification therapist of Orange County has left all of her family law cases in the county as of April 24, 2024, according to documents obtained by this reporter.
Reality TV star and real estate developer convicted of sexual battery of teen, receives probation
Texas real estate developer and reality TV personality William Hutchinson pleaded guilty on April 29, to misdemeanor sexual battery for assaulting an unconscious 16-year-old girl at his vacation home in Laguna Beach in 2021.
Sex for custody in Orange County
“As long as I had sex with my ex-husband, I was allowed to see my son unsupervised in my home and the community,” Lucy Vellema said. Vellema, an educator in Orange County, has not had custody of her now 16-year-old son since 2019 when custody was flipped by an Orange County judge to her ex-husband.
Investigation: Corruption at State Bar of California
The State Bar of California’s former Chairman Ruben Duran, Executive Director Leah Wilson, Chief Trial Counsel George Cardona and Office of General Counsel Ellin Davtyan appeared in front of state legislators at a May 23, 2023, Joint Judiciary Committee hearing about corruption and bribery schemes at the State Bar related to disbarred attorney Thomas Girardi.
Orange County protective mother pleads not guilty to child abduction, fearing abuse
An Orange County mother pleaded not guilty to charges of child abduction March 27 after she fled to Canada with her two young children earlier this year. Tawny Grossman allegedly between January 09, 2024 and February 15, 2024, unlawfully took, withheld and concealed her two children and unlawfully deprived her ex-husband, Frank Grossman of his right to custody, according to prosecutors.
Orange County files felony charges against mom who says she fled California to protect her children
Disclaimer: This reports depicts acts of child sexual abuse which may be disturbing to some readers. Tawny Grossman fled to Canada from Orange County in January with her two young children out of fear for their safety from her ex-husband Frank Grossman.
$500M Defamation Lawsuit Against USA Today Advances, Judge Rules
A $500 million defamation lawsuit was filed against USAToday and its parent company Gannett by Orange County based company Vivera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Vivera) last June. USA Today filed a motion seeking to dismiss the case but a Virginia judge ruled last month that some of Vivera’s and its CEO Paul Edalat's claims are “actionable” and will move forward.
Former MLB star David Segui gets sons back after reunification therapy
After former Major League Baseball player David Segui desperately pleaded to have his two minor sons, Shai and Brock returned to him after they were ordered by an Arizona court to attend a controversial reunification camp, Segui was given joint custody of his sons.
Governor Signs Crucial Family Court Reform Bill Into Law
Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday signed into law a bill that bans California Family Courts from ordering children to reunification camps or therapy. “This moment represents a transformative chapter in our three-year journey,” Senator Susan Rubio, author of the bill said. “In collaboration with Ana Estevez, Piqui's resilient mother, and backed by the unwavering support of countless individuals, we've collectively ensured protections for our children and families within family court.
SEC Seeks Elon Musk Testimony on Twitter Purchase
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced yesterday that it has filed an application seeking an order directing Elon Musk to comply with an investigative subpoena calling for his appearance for testimony, with which Musk failed to comply.
Family Court Judge’s Bias Against Mothers
This reporter has sat in three separate family court hearings this year observing Orange County Superior Court Judge James L. Waltz from May to July and in each one, has shown an extraordinary amount of contempt and bias towards women litigants in family court.
Massive Police Presence at Zinfandel Light Rail Station
Over 20 Sacramento police officers and Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies were at the Zinfandel light rail station in Rancho Cordova conducting "fair checks," according to an officer at the scene. The Sacramento Police Department nor the Sheriff's office has responded to requests for clarification.
Bill modifying State Bar’s discipline guidelines and licensing fees close to Governor’s desk
A bill that would maintain base 2024 California State Bar licensing fees for lawyers at $390 and impose new disciplinary-system requirements on the state bar and its leaders was passed through the Assembly policy committee on Tuesday.
Twins take to social media to avoid reunification therapy after alleged abuse
Gwen and Grace Girard, 15-year-old twins are terrified of being sent to reunification therapy or a camp and made to live with their mother who they say has sexually and physically abused them since they were young girls.
Lake Tahoe prep teacher charged with felony assault and child abuse, pleads not guilty
Nicola Jane KennedyPhoto by(Acquired via Facebook) A Lake Tahoe Preparatory School teacher, Nicola Jane Kennedy, was arrested and charged with felony assault and child abuse as well as great bodily injury last January according to Placer County Superior court records.
State Senator and impacted parents rally in support of Piqui’s law
California State Senator Susan Rubio and impacted parents rallied at the Capitol on July 10 in support of SB 331, known as Piqui’s law, which would prohibit courts from ordering reunification treatments. Reunification therapy or camps, cut off children from their primary parent, often placing children in the care of an abusive parent.
National Divorce series, discussion on Marjorie Taylor Greene and secession with Robert J. Hansen
Republican Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested the country needs a national divorce because it is too polarized on Twitter last February. Many in the media quickly dismissed her comments as radical or nonsense because the country is not divided. Founder of CalExit, Marcus Ruiz Evans running series, National Divorce aims to have constructive, honest discussions about how divided the country is and if there is a way to correct course. Evans invited Davis Vanguard investigative journalist and economist Robert J. Hansen to ask why the media dismissed Greene’s comments as ridiculous by falsely claiming the country is not polarized. Listen to the entire conversation at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/VpH-4HsvPW8?feature=share">https://www.youtube.com/live/VpH-4HsvPW8?feature=share</a>
National Divorce series, discussion on Marjorie Taylor Greene and secession with Robert J. Hansen
Republican Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested the country needs a national divorce because it is too polarized on Twitter last February. Many in the media quickly dismissed her comments as radical or nonsense because the country is not divided. Founder of CalExit, Marcus Ruiz Evans running series, National Divorce aims to have constructive, honest discussions about how divided the country is and if there is a way to correct course. Evans invited Davis Vanguard investigative journalist and economist Robert J. Hansen to ask why the media dismissed Greene’s comments as ridiculous by falsely claiming the country is not polarized. Listen to the entire conversation at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/VpH-4HsvPW8?feature=share">https://www.youtube.com/live/VpH-4HsvPW8?feature=share</a>
Active shooter in Roseville
In Roseville there is an active shooter behind RSVL Fire Station 5, according to radio traffic. There is a hostage and a CHP officer who both have been shot, according to Public Safety News. Officer has been transported to hospital awake and alert according to police. Update: Shooter is down and is under going CPR as is the hostage.
Rally against police brutality held at Woodland Police Department
A rally against police brutality was held at the Woodland Police Department by the family of “Big” Mike Barrera who in 2017 was killed by five Woodland police officers. His family is currently suing the Woodland Police Department and the involved officers in a civil suit for Mike’s death. Barrera’s family was joined by other impacted families of police brutality and advocates who spoke out at the rally.
Two children barricade in room after court ordered to live with father who they say abused them
A sixteen year old in Salem Utah, Ty, is speaking out about his experiences in the Provo, Utah (4th District) family court system on TikTok. He and his 12-year-old sister Brynlee, have been ordered to live with their father. They have made allegations of abuse against their father but equally concerning are their claims that family court professionals assigned to their case are refusing to protect them. Ty and Brynlee have barricaded themselves in their bedroom after being court ordered into a controversial reunification camp that they are hours away from being sent to.
Pedestrian killed by motorist at Alta Arden & Markston December 12 and CHP yet to provide answers
A 32-year-old Sacramento man was hit by a green 4-Runner and killed at Alta Arden Expressway and Markston Road in Sacramento on Monday December 12 according to his mother. Nick Rowe was struck just a few feet away from the curb according to what the Sacramento County Coroner's office told Josie. The California Highway Patrol who is handling the investigation claims no alcohol or drugs were involved with the driver and that Rowe was at fault. CHP told Josie any information she receives will be coming in its police report which is due to be done Tuesday. “He (the CHP officer) was so cold and dry, there was no, ‘I’m sorry for your loss ma’am,’” Josie said. CHP could not be reached for comment after several phone calls were made and a press statement has not been released. Press statements often are released when a pedestrian is killed by a motorist. Nick was the oldest of four boys. His family scattered his ashes three days before Christmas at Carmel Beach, his mother said.
Alicia Bledsoe announces plan to run for Sacramento City Council
Alicia Bledsoe held a campaign event at Enfuzion Bar in Lounge in Citrus Heights on Saturday announcing her intention to run for Sacramento city council in 2024. The District 2 resident spoke to a small crowd of supporters about addressing homelessness, bringing businesses back to the neighborhood and creating a safer community. Bledsoe is a Sacramento native whose parents moved to the city in the 1940s.
Sacramento police investigating Arden Fair Mall shooting
Sacramento Police arrived on scene of a shooting incident at a parking garage near Macy's at Arden Fair Mall about an hour ago, according to Public Safety News (PSN). PSN has reported that police have located shell casings on the ground however no victim has been found. CSI is at the scene collecting evidence and investigating. The Sacramento Police Department has not yet released an official statement. This is a developing story which will be updated as more information becomes available.
Santa Cruz police violently seize 13-year-old who was ordered to reunification therapy
In late June 2021, Santa Cruz police officers forcibly took thirteen-year-old Brooke Murdoch from her mother after a judge ordered the teen be taken to Sonoma psychologist Rebecca Bailey for “connection-focused therapy,” with her father. Connection focused therapy is a process designed to introduce, re-introduce or reinforce the bond between family members, according to Dr. Bailey’s website. Brooke’s parents, Rhonda Reyna and David Murdoch shared custody but in May 2021, Brooke no longer felt safe with her father and preferred staying with her mother. After about four days of forced therapy with Dr. Bailey, paid for by Murdoch, was then granted full custody and Reyna has not seen her daughter since.
Max Parthas, of the Abolish Slavery National Network speaks about prohibiting slavery
Max Parthas, State Operations Director of the Abolish Slavery National Network spoke in support of prohibiting slavery in Alabama and four other states at the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery last Friday.
Separate demonstrations held for two children caught between contentious custody battle
Protests were held today in Los Angeles and Watsonville in support of two children that a Santa Cruz court had taken from their home and placed in a “reunification camp” last week. Reunification camps and reunification therapy is not based on any proven, medically peer-reviewed treatment of abused children. Maya’s mother solicited the services of Dr. Lynn Steinberg, a self-proclaimed expert witness in “parental alienation” in family courts and “reunification therapy”, who urged the court to place the children with her in reunification. Friends of Maya, 15, and Sebastian Laing, 11, gathered in front of the Watsonville Courthouse chanting “Maya and Sebastian, hear our voices.” The Center for Judicial Excellence with support from MetooMoms picketed in front of Dr. Steinberg’s Los Angeles reunification office.
Family court forcibly removes children from father’s family, places them in reunification camp
Two Santa Cruz children were physically removed from their aunt's home by “transporters” and taken to a reunification camp by court order last Thursday. Reunification camps are a controversial method in which children are removed from their preferred parent or safe parent, despite their allegations of abuse or mistreatment directed towards the other parent. After their parents divorced a few years ago, Maya Laing, 15, and Sebastian Laing, 11, live with their father and stepmother who are their preferred parents. About a year ago, Maya began to voice claims of abuse by her mother. Santa Cruz family court appointed a reunification therapist to Maya and Sebastian’s case who then had them placed in a reunification camp based on claims of their father “alienating” them from their mother. Maya and Sebastian’s story is one within the family court system where reunification is commonplace.
Former Sutter County Sheriff’s deputy awarded custody of teenage daughters, despite their wishes
Kanitra Heard says she was in an abusive marriage to Will Simmons, a former Sutter County Sheriff’s deputy, since moving to Yuba County in 2007. In January of 2021, Kanitra left her home with her three teenage daughters because Will’s abuse and threats became too much for her. Now a Yuba County judge has awarded Will full custody of his daughters who themselves say do not feel safe with their father. Kanitra feels that because Will is a former Sutter deputy and now an agent with the Department of Homeland Security, he was shown favorably treatment by Judge Melanie Bendorf at the expense of her and her daughter’s safety and well-being.
California Abolition Act passes through Senate Committees
A measure that would remove from the California Constitution the exception that allows for involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime passed the Senate Committee on Public Safety on May 31. The California Abolish Act Coalition spoke at the Capitol that Tuesday before the Senate Committee’s vote to pass the California Abolition Act. ACA 3 made it out of the Senate Elections Committee on June 13 with bi-partisan support.
Illinois Congressional candidate survived mass shooting, talks Uvalde shooting and sensible gun laws
Jacqueline McGowan a Democrat and Congressional candidate for the 17th district in Illinois shares her story of surviving a mass shooting when she was in high school after the Uvalde shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers. She also shares her pro second amendment approach to sensible gun legislation.
Robert J Hansen
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Robert J Hansen is staff writer for the Sacramento Observer. His areas of focus are on local politics, public safety accountability, homelessness, race and anything related with criminal, civil and family courts throughout the greater Sacramento area and California.
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