Let's see if City of Arcata, Brett Watson answer this question

I get a lot of inquiries from this reader. Most of them are directed towards other Humboldt hotel/motel owners and I don't do follow up on obvious agendas.

My schedule is busy and only a few in this community invest in investigative or independent reporting. Andy has a lot of demands but like most of Humboldt refuses to invest in media but still expects me to chase information. Andy has wasted countless hours of time emailing me, often with half baked information and assertions lacking specifics to follow up. 

I have repeatedly told him not to email me and this email was in spam. I don't mind being cced in on an email but most people check first. Andy, has a one track mind about other hotel and motel owners just as Patrick Cloney does about PERS. It is about what benefits them.

There has been media coverage about the former Days Inn being used for housing. Expect more Humboldt hotel and  motel.owners to sell properties for such housing. There are local real estate agents who broker these deals. The rest of the questions are information the community should know, despite Andy's selfish interests. 

I think the rest of the local media, for once, should take on the entrenched interests in Humboldt. I have done more than my fair share. Especially the local media that is getting advertising from Humboldt County, the cities in Humboldt and organizations funded by the County and cities. 

The economy is tough for everyone. Information and time is not free. There is enough money in Humboldt County. The people with most of that money chose not to fund actual journalism because  they are not interested in any coverage on them or their buddies or real news. 

Most people in Humboldt can afford to donate or subscribe $5, $10, $25,$50 or $100. It is a choice and selfishness to expect for free if you don't work and put in time for nothing. Everyone including other media and most people say, "Keep doing what you are doing John, it is needed." Sure, because I take all the heat and get targeted while you collect paychecks with zero personal or financial risks. 

I know who in the community supports me and values me. Thank you to those who do. 

While I was doing this post, Brett Watson emailed the following response to Andy with several people cced including me: "Fair questions, Andy. Your most direct path to an answer is to email City Manager Karen Diemer. She will be able to answer your questions or direct you to the appropriate staff. She will likely respond to you quickly, but if you don't hear from her by Wednesday, let me know and we will take it from there. I also cc'd our Mayor so shes in the loop.

Kdiemer@cityofarcata.org"