"You faggot, I am twice your size. Punk, I am gonna beat you up"

It had been peaceful in the alley lately and where I live.  Sleep, a relaxing evening, a walk in the neighborhood was possible.



The "regulars" found another place to hang out. They did not enjoy the constant scrutiny. It is more comfortable to act out, shoot up, steal, get into fights when no one watches you.

But the weather has been warmer and in Eureka, "the regulars" move on only to be replaced by new addicts.

He needed his fix. He doesnt pay rent, he is shooting up on private property, throwing trash, making a mess and causing a scene with other addicts because he didn't want to give up this spot.

 I look out my window and say,"Hey, what you are doing?" He didn't like me interrupting him getting high.

"You faggot, I am twice your size. Punk, I am gonna beat you up." He didn't like it when I responded,"Before you do that, why don't you get a job so instead of shooting up outside my home, you can trash your own place."

Just as the others before him, he had to mouth off some more before he ran away like a coward. I didn't even have to call EPD which is good because they are too busy to constantly babysit addicts.

10:30 p.m.Spoke too soon. Two and half hours later, the alley has "activity".  By the time I could  take the video and photo,they are just talking loudly.

The same alley where a woman was assaulted in November and ultimately passed away due to her injuries. That incident also started out as loud voices.


Eureka's City Manager Dean Lotter writes in the latest newsletter about city  programs that are partnerships with Betty Chinn or programs that are created and successful because of Eureka Police Department's innovative and pro active efforts. Betty Chinn and EPD do what they do and have done so before  Lotter and this current Eureka City Council.

Eureka Mayor Susan Seaman goes on TV and mentions PacOut Green Team which is an effort by a local business owner and citizens and  she mentions EPD programs . What has she or this current City Council done on their own and actions that are not  partnerships?

Crickets from the current Eureka City Council on what they are doing to address the plague of able bodied young men and women who are shooting up in alleys, on private properties, outside businesses causing environmental hazards and costing the taxpaying base more money. Eureka  owners tell me they prefer their property is an extended stay property or vacation rental because there is "less wear and tear. " This reduces the available housing for decent tenants.

When is the last time Eureka Code Enforcement inspected the various slumlord properties in the city or nuisance motels? The Squires and former Budget motel  didn't fix the chronic issues Eureka faces and has for years.

Eureka has potential to improve on the benefits of living here. It is one of the most pedestrian friendly towns. It has many locally owned small businesses that have received national attention. It has great weather.