Fifth District Supervisor Ryan Sundberg to apply for vacant seat on CA Coastal Commission

Fifth District Supervisor Ryan Sundberg is throwing in his hat to apply for Martha McClure's seat to represent the North Coast on the Coastal Commission.

See Governor Jerry Brown's letter below.

McClure lost her seat last year.

Gov. Jerry Brown will have to find a replacement, who must be an elected official, a city councilor or county supervisor, from Mendocino, Del Norte or Humboldt counties.

Supervisor Sundberg had been asked for his biography.

November 15 meeting of Eureka City Council has an interim urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on recreational marijuana and a conditional use permit invitation for a medical cannabis dispensary

Prop 64 passed in California this week.

I have contacted some lawyers and local stakeholders about this and will update post, if necessary.

On the City Council agenda for the November 15 meeting are two items.

One is C3:

Interim Urgency Ordinance Imposing a Moratorium on Recreational Marijuana

Recommendation: Receive and file the report describing the need to alleviate the public health and

safety threat associated with unregulated Marijuana Dispensaries, Growing and Processing

Operations within the City of Eureka; and

Waive reading, adopt, and read by title only Bill No. 929 -C.S., Adoption of the Urgency

Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Eureka Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on the

Cultivation, Processing, Manufacture, Distribution, Testing, and Sale of Nonmedical Marijuana; the

Outdoor Cultivation and Processing of Marijuana; the Indoor Cultivation and Processing of

Marijuana in Excess of what would be permitted under the “Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of

Marijuana Act” (AUMA); and, Prohibiting the Use and Possession of Marijuana and Marijuana

Products in Public Places and at Retail Sites.

The second is D3:

Medical Cannabis Dispensary Invitation to Apply for a Conditional Use Permit

Recommendation: Receive report; and

Invite the Ecological Cannabis Organization to submit a Use Permit Application to establish a medical cannabis dispensary

Given the recent use of Mendocino County's bearcat in McKinleyville, will the Supervisors grant HCSO request for purchase of a Bearcat?

Given the recent use of the Bearcat in the McKinleyville incident which resulted in the death of David Fulton, will the Board of Supervisors grant HCSO request for the purchase of a Bearcat?

Agenda item at this Tuesday's Board Board of Supervisors meeting:

That the Board of Supervisors direct the CAO to identity Measure Z savings from FY 16/17 in the amount of $175,000; direct the Auditor Controller to supplement the Sheriff's Measure Z budget (Unit 297) in the amount of $295,000 and adopt the attached supplemental budget for the purchase of a Lenco Bearcat (4/5 vote required). Recommendation: Attachments: Bearcat Rescue and Recovery Vehicle.pdf

RECOMMENDATION(S): 1) Direct the CAD to identity Measure Z savings from FY 16/17 in the amount of $175,000 2) Direct the Auditor Controller to supplement the Sheriffs Measure Z budget (Unit 297) in the amount of $295,000 and adopt the attached supplemental budget for the purchase of a Lenco Bearcat (4/5 vote required). SOURCE OF FUNDING: General Fund (Measure Z)

DISCUSSION: During the current-year Measure Z funding cycle. Sheriff Downey submitted a request for $290,358 to purchase a Lenco Bearcat Rescue and Recovery Vehicle. That request was supported and recommended for funding by the Citizen's Advisory Committee. The Board chose not to grant the request, but expressed that it would be willing to reconsider the application at mid-year, and requested that the Sheriff explore other funding options to help defray the significant cost of the vehicle.

Caught Matthew Owen in the act!

Jon Yalcinkaya confirmed on his blog that he is picking up papers at City Council after work today.

Jon confirmed via email that he did pick up papers.

I am at City Hall right now and Matthew Owen is here. He is meeting with Pam Powell right now. He kept saying it is not "official" until he turns in the papers.

Matthew Owen was the first person at City Hall at the City administration office today.

John Fullerton was the second person after Matthew Owen.

Both have been out collecting signatures today. John Fullerton turned in all his required signatures and paperwork by the end of the day.

Jul 16, 2016

Matthew Owen vs Jon Yalcinkaya for Eureka City Council, anyone else want to join them

Monday, July 18 is the day, candidates can officially pick up papers to run for Linda Atkins seat and Melinda Ciarabellini's seat on Eureka City Council.

Jon Yalcinkaya is running. He has already picked up papers to fundraise a while back so I knew he would be running. I have also spoken to Jon myself a couple of times.

According to couple of sources, Jon will pick up papers Monday for Linda Atkins seat.

The breaking news though is his potential opponent.

Matthew Owen will also be picking up papers Monday for Linda Atkins seat.

John Fullerton has told me he will be running for Melinda Ciarabellini's seat. When I saw incumbent Melinda Ciarabellini on 4th of July, she was still undecided about running again for another term.

City of Eureka to decide on replacing current system and allowing only voters of each ward to select councilmember

City of Eureka next meeting has an ordinance recommending that at large voting be replaced by each councilmember being elected by the voters of the ward they represent.

You could weigh in on this or the food truck in Old Town and vacation dwelling unit issue or all three.

Humboldt County's aggressive solicitation ordinance to be adopted at BOS June 28 meeting

The Times-Standard incorrectly reported that the Humboldt County aggressive solicitation ordinance's first reading passed unanimously on June 21.

The vote was reported accurately in the NorthCoast News article by Jeremy Chen. I just confirmed that with Ana Hartwell, deputy clerk for the Board of Supervisors. o

The vote on June 21 was 4-1, with Mark Lovelace dissenting. Lovelace did sign the final draft of the ordinance and it is set to be adopted at the June 28 meeting, according to Ms. Hartwell.

Almost 1/4 of Humboldt County feels they are somewhat depent on marijuana cultivation for income; 3/4 support cannabis tax

This morning at the Humboldt County

Board of Supervisors there two items brought forth by the County Administrative Office.

One is placing a Commercial cannabis cultivation excise tax on the ballot for the November 8, 2016 election.

The other is an Aggressive and intrusive solicitation ordinance.

In a presentation by Miranda Everett from the FM3, a polling firm, there were some key points highlighted in her presentation.

Support for this tax extremely high in Eureka and Arcata. Extending the tax to recreational marijuana was also popular.

Supervisor Estelle Fennell reiterated what the poll results indicated, that the state is intending taxes as well and that the Board is "aware not to overdo it".

County Public Information Officer Sean Quincey pointed out that only grows that are permitted can be taxed, so recreational marijuana could not be taxed.

He also told the Board "what went into determing the rates" and research done by CAO's office.

Supervisor Fennell said we are "looking at the bigger picture" but this tax only applies to the medical marijuana use and cultivation local laws passed.

Highlights:

Three fourth of the people supported the tax. This included people who made income through marijuana related activities.

Meth, crime, insufficient mental health services were top concerns.

Hard drugs #1 concern, people living on streets on illegal camping #2, lack of mental health services #3 and environmental damage from large scale illegal marijuana growhouses and farms was #4.

People were less concerned about marijuana related crime as compared to environmental damage, but both were concerns.

"Almost 1/4 feel they are atleast somewhat dependent on marijuana."

Potholes were mentioned as a big concern.

Except for Ian Herndon from Humboldt Boutique Gardens, representation from usual cannabis businesses regulars and activists was non existent.

The BOS chambers was only 1/3 full. Most of the attendees were staff or media.

There was a comparison between the 2016 results and a 2014 community survey.

All supervisors are in favor of tax, no sunset, agree with staff's proposed tax structure and  a progressive tax hike.

Excise tax on commercial cannabis cultivation on agenda for Board of Sups meeting this Tuesday

Excise tax on commercial cannabis cultivation, ordinance on aggressive solicitation on this Tuesday's Humboldt County Board of Supervisor's agenda.

His endorsement of the $2 billion State Senate homeless services and housing bond will help tens of thousands of Californians who call our streets home and who receive shelter and services, by building over 14,000 units all across the State"

Senator Mike McGuire issued the following statement regarding the Governor’s May Budget Revisions released this morning.

  

“Governor Brown’s budget revisions are a solid step in the right direction.  His endorsement of the $2 billion State Senate homeless services and housing bond will help tens of thousands of Californians who call our streets home and who receive shelter and services, by building over 14,000 units all across the State" said Senator McGuire.

Senator McGuire does have some concerns about the Governor's proposed transportation package. 

"While I applaud the Governor's focus on California's crumbling transportation infrastructure, I don't believe his proposal goes far enough to dig us out of the $130 billion deferred maintenance hole that we're in. We'll need to continue to work together to achieve a more robust transportation package, which means sitting down and combining the proposals from the Governor and the Legislature in the coming months” Senator Mike McGuire said.

"All the tax revenue you are not collecting is going on the rim of someone's truck"

Today, the Board of Supervisors, heard from staff and public about a proposed ordinance on medical marijuana dispensaries.

About 20 people were in the audience, about half spoke. Most, except one doctor, were in favor. Most, who spoke, are either involved in running a dispensary or interested.

In about 6 weeks, staff will bring an ordinance back to the Board of Supervisors.

After hearing from public comment, Supervisor Estelle Fennell made a motion; second was by Supervisor Ryan Sundberg to move forward with ordinance, lift moratorium on dispensaries, not include caps or a RFP. Supervisor Rex Bohn and Supervisor Virginia Bass both wanted a cap, ultimately the motion to pass was 4 to 1, with Supervisor Bohn dissenting.

The bud and breakfast concept would not be a fit under these regulations, could be addressed in Phase 4.

The quote in the title is the best one from all public comments.

No crabs for you Humboldt! Domoic test level still unsafe

I just spoke with Humboldt County Fifth District Supervisor Ryan Sundberg who was just informed about the domoic acid levels for Humboldt County.

One crab tested at 54; failed the test.

Supervisor Sundberg said, "No crab fishing this year out of Trinidad. "


These are links with information:

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/pages/fdbdomoicacidinfo.aspx

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/fishing/ocean/health-advisories

http://www.krcrtv.com/north-coast-news/news/domoic-acid-levels-dropping-in-northern-calif-dungeness-crab/37424390

Support CA legislators, especially Senator Mike McGuire to pass this bill to help foster children

Support California legislators and Senator Mike McGuire on this important bill to help foster youth.

Senator McGuire is very passionate about this bill: "For a decade, CA has known thousands of foster youth have been over prescribed powerful psychotropic and anti-psychotic meds and we haven’t done a damn thing about it. We can make positive change this year by passing Senate Bill 1174."

Child Abuse Service Team recognized by Board of Supervisors for 20 years of service

CAST was recognized this morning at Board of Supervisors meeting.

Humboldt County Board of Supervisors would like to the Child Abuse Services Team
(CAST) for providing coordinated collaboration to effectively respond to child abuse cases.

CAST is team comprised of specialty trained individuals representing Child Welfare Services, District Attorney, District
Attorney Victim Witness, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, North Coast Rape Crisis Team, Probation and Tribal Agencies. This year marks their 20th year of dedicated service to the county.

Recognition of the Child Abuse Service Team (CAST) for 20 Years of Dedicated Service
(Supervisor Mark Lovelace)
1.
Recommendation: That the Board of Supervisors authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution.

Deputy District Attorneys Brie Bennett and Stacey Eads are the two prosecutors from the Humboldt County D. A. 's office, with DDA Whitney Barnes. DA Investigator Kyla Baxley is assigned to all CAST cases.

Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming and County Counsel Jeffrey Blanck before today's Board of Supervisor meeting started.

Board Chair Mark Lovelace presenting proclamation to DA Maggie Fleming and DHHS Director Connie Beck.

CAST, my favorite team, to be honored tomorrow at the BOS meeting

CAST to be recognized tomorrow at Board of Supervisors meeting.

Humboldt County Board of Supervisors would like to the Child Abuse Services Team
(CAST) for providing coordinated collaboration to effectively respond to child abuse cases.

CAST is team comprised of specialty trained individuals representing Child Welfare Services, District Attorney, District
Attorney Victim Witness, Law Enforcement, Mental Health, North Coast Rape Crisis Team, Probation and Tribal Agencies. This year marks their 20th year of dedicated service to the county.

Recognition of the Child Abuse Service Team (CAST) for 20 Years of Dedicated Service
(Supervisor Mark Lovelace)
1.
Recommendation: That the Board of Supervisors authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution.

Deputy District Attorneys Brie Bennett and Stacey Eads are the two prosecutors from the Humboldt County D. A. 's office, with DDA Whitney Barnes. DA Investigator Kyla Baxley is assigned to all CAST cases.

"This is not a City project, no city funds are being used."

Just spoke with Mayor Frank Jager about Mr. Andrew's Stunich's letter.

First, Mayor Jager explained that tomorrow's resolution, if passed would only add that site to other possible sites for the Shelter crisis.

"This is not a City project, no city funds are being used. It is a partnership between private parties and non-profits."

Will Mr. Stunich's letter to City of Eureka result in this resolution being delayed, suspended, discussed, tomorrow night at the Council meeting?

Tomorrow at the Eureka City Council meeting, this resolution was expected to be voted on.

C.2. Shelter Crisis Declaration Resolution Amendment Recommendation: Adopt an AMENDED Resolution adding an additional site to the Shelter Crisis Declaration (Resolution 2016-15) located at the corner of West 3rd and Commercial Streets in Eureka; and, Authorize City staff to enter into an agreement(s) with the Greater Eureka Community Outreach Program (GECOP), a joint venture between the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation and Humboldt Coalition for Property Rights, to operate a shelter for homeless individuals beginning May 2, 2016 for a period of six (6) months at the site.

Easter Miracle on Easter Sunday when Supervisor Sundberg helps a family who recently became homeless

A facebook post from a Mckinleyville citizen illustrates the difference it makes when you have Supervisors invested and living in their communities. I have similar information about Virginia, Rex and Estelle but they don't publicize it, I don't usually, unless a citizen does.

Supervisors don't stop working at 5 p.m. Something the public forgets, sometimes.

"Just wanted to brag a little bit about our Supervisor Ryan Sundberg...he is a guy with a big heart and someone who was willing to go the extra mile...even on Easter Sunday.  Last Friday I met this nice local couple with two kids who became homeless when the house they were renting was condemned.  One of our local Churches had a Senior couple who offered them a recent year RV in excellent condition for a very low price.  The couple had a stable income...but if they paid for the RV they would need help making space rent for a month or two.  My husband and I own an RV park in Trinidad and that's how I met this family.  Our Park is full with a waiting list.  This family was the kind of sweet people who need a hand up...no drugs...no criminal record...and are members of this Church.  I  wondered could these people qualify for this Housing First program's funding or some other resource?  I ended up private messaging Ryan on Easter Sunday...he responded immediately...and even got ahold of his DHHS staff on Easter Sunday!  I contacted this family and they were in tears they were so grateful.  Ryan just emailed me confirming that this family qualified for DHHS's Cal Works funding....which turned out to be an Easter miracle...And please join me in thanking our Supervisor Ryan Sundberg who once again went over and beyond the call of duty!"

Want your roads fixed? Tell Board of Equalization what you think of their recent decision

Fifth District Supervisor Ryan Sundberg is at CACOG conference. Supervisor Sundberg is the chair for HCOAG and he is attending the conference with Marcella Clem, HCOAG's executive director. Expenses are being paid by the State of California for the conference.

Bill Higgins, Executive Director, California Association of Councils of Governments sent this out :

Fix Our Road Coalition:

As you may have seen, yesterday the Board of Equalization voted to reduce the excise tax on gasoline by 2.2 cents, bringing the total reduction in the excise tax per gallon to over 11 cents over the past three years.  This action further underscores the need to stabilize this revenue source and to pass new revenues to fund transportation.  Following is the statement we put out in response.

Press Release:

– The Fix Our Roads coalition including, cities, counties, labor, business, and transportation advocates, issued the following statement in response to the Board of Equalization’s (BOE) vote today to reduce the excise tax on gasoline by another 2.2 cents. This brings the total reduction in the excise tax per gallon to over 11 cents over the past three years:

“The BOE’s action will reduce transportation funding by another $328.2 million and will mean continued cuts to our chronically underfunded transportation infrastructure at both the state and local level.  Declining gas tax revenues have left us with tens of billions of dollars of backlogged maintenance and little funding for new congestion relief projects. 

“In fact, the anticipated reduction in transportation funding is a key reason the California Transportation Commission just last month cut $754 million in project funding. This means that a total of 225 shovel-ready projects may lose funding, hitting every region of the state. Taken together, the impact of losing these projects could mean a $3.1 billion reduction in economic activity and over 16,000 jobs that would not be created statewide.  

“The annual BOE action to “true up” the excise tax fluctuates wildly year to year and underscores how difficult it is to deliver transportation projects without a stable, long term funding source. 

“Today’s action further underlies the urgent need for the legislature to act, now, to stabilize this revenue stream and support new, stable, long-term transportation revenues.”

Background on the BOE’s Decision Today

The BOE’s action today affects the state’s “gallonage tax” or portion of the gas tax which is intended to replace the state’s sales tax on gasoline shifted to transportation by the voters in 2002. In 2010 as the result of a series of gas tax state budget maneuvers this portion of the gas tax must equal what the sales tax on fuels would have generated and thus is adjusted by the BOE every year.

In 2014, the BOE reduced the excise tax by 3 cents; in 2015, it was reduced by an additional 6 cents; today’s action means that the reduction for this year will be an additional 2.2 cents. 

Last August the Fix Our Roads Coalition laid out a set of policy principles it believes should guide the negotiations to not only stabilize this revenue stream, but also generate new revenue to maintain our existing transportation systems. First and foremost, California needs a long term funding package to address the billions of dollars of backlogged transportation needs on both the state and local systems. The Coalition’s policy principles also couple any new revenues with needed accountability provisions to ensure new transportation dollars go to transportation projects only.

The deferred maintenance on the state highway system is pegged at $59 billion. The funding shortfall to maintain the existing local streets and roads system is $78 billion. And California motorists are today spending an average of $762 annually just to fix repairs caused by poor road conditions.