The Times-Standard
Diane Johnson, a Miranda woman charged with vehicular manslaughter for her role in a late April traffic collision that claimed the life of 2nd District Supervisor Roger Rodoni, pleaded not guilty at her arraignment in Humboldt County Superior Court Wednesday.
The misdemeanor complaint, issued against the 58-year-old Johnson by the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office in July, alleges she caused a traffic collision while driving in the wrong lane and making an illegal turn. Johnson suffered minor injuries from the collision.
Neither drugs nor alcohol were found to be a factor in the April 24 wreck, which Johnson’s attorney, Michael Robinson, said “could have happened to anyone.”
”Mrs. Johnson was involved in a tragic accident,” Robinson said. “She grieves for the Rodoni family, but she has also been impacted by this.”
A police report of the incident indicates the collision, which occurred at around 4:45 p.m. just north of the Rio Dell bridge on U.S. Highway 101, happened after Johnson, traveling southbound, swerved across the median and crossed into the northbound lane, slamming into Rodoni’s Ford pickup.
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Robinson said there is “substantial evidence” Johnson swerved her vehicle to avoid an obstruction in her lane. He would not comment on what that obstruction was, but said that information will likely be released as the case progresses.
Also representing Johnson is James Gallo, a Pasadena attorney and Johnson’s friend for more than 40 years. Gallo said he will counsel Johnson on the civil matters involved in the case. So far, he said, no civil suits have been filed.
Johnson appeared Wednesday to be arraigned before Judge Timothy Cissna, who disqualified himself from the proceedings and directed the arraignment to Judge Bruce Watson. Cissna did not give a reason for his decision to disqualify himself, but Robinson said there could be any number of reasons and it is not uncommon.
A long line of community members filed from the courtroom after the arraignment, many of whom Robinson identified as supporters and friends of Johnson and the Rodoni family.
”We’re just hoping for a good outcome for everyone concerned,” Gallo said. “Everyone feels a lot of concern for the Rodoni family. Diane Johnson is a victim as well. It’s a miracle that she’s alive.”
Prosecutor Ben McLaughlin was unavailable for comment.
Sean Garmire can be reached at
441-0514 or
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