Free Day at the Sequoia Park Zoo

The animals at the Sequoia Park Zoo are very concerned about the free day at the zoo today. Usually these peace loving, chill creatures look forward to the visits by humans and bask in the “ooh and ahs” of children and adults. So why are they agitated? If they could send an urgent communiqué to the zoo board, they would, but the animal to human dictionary has not yet been created. If we could understand them, their thoughts might be something like the following. We are worried that if the free day leads to the zoo being packed to capacity, chaos is going to break out when others won't be allowed to enter due to the rules set by the fire marshal. Kazoos and drums may drown out the chirping and clacking of the pelicans. Why are these humans always complaining about something? The relationship between pelicans and people has been contentious. We have been persecuted because of our perceived competition with commercial and recreational fishers, according to the fountain of knowledge, Wikipedia. You don't see us forming a protest against the local fishermen? They call us wildlife, yet we seem to communicate and act better than some humans. We just monkey around in our space, we don't worry about the panda next door. And we are so grateful when the zoo keepers feed us. We accept that larger, stronger feed upon the smaller. If we don't get away fast enough, we accept we are dinner. We don't worry about sexual orientation or who is dating who, we just mate, reproduce, take care of our own and get them self-sufficient as soon as possible. No moving back into the cave as an adult. We should be the next models for Humboldt Made. We eat organic, natural and local cuisine, especially if we are out and free in nature. We don't need Porta Potties. And if we accidentally nibble on a cannabis plant, no jail time for us. Come to think of it, we should form a group of all indoor and domesticated wildlife being denied access to cannabis by our owners. Where is that animal psychic to interpret and convey our thoughts and lawyer defending our rights against human privilege? Sometimes in all the clamor, it does seem that gratitude is missing in our daily lives. The animals trust they will have their daily bread, they enjoy the simple joys of nature, they have no sense of entitlement, and they manage to co-exist accepting that in nature, life is not always fair.

Wharfinger meeting on homeless drew crowd that packed the building

The meeting at the Wharfinger today regarding the homeless issue had the building packed to capacity. About 50 people had to stand outside until people exited and came in one by one as people left, in accordance with the fire chief’s instructions. Eureka Police Department and private security dealt with some polite people who had RSVPed and arrested a small group of disruptive protestors led by the queen of protest du jour Verbena aka Kim Starr.

Contrary to the perception in the media, the email had been sent to mostly businesses, city and county asking them to forward it to anyone interested. No one was being barred or banned and the drama outside the building and the drums and annoying kazoo prevented most people from hearing the speakers. There were also select quotes from the email taken out of context to incite.

The email is printed in its entirety below. Read it and make up your own mind.

This group of professional “homeless” did not do any favors to those really down on their luck. And they were disrespectful. This childish behavior was continued by three unidentified women speakers who ignored the rules of identifying themselves and all they did was berate Mr. Arkley and disrupt other speakers. None of these speakers inside were homeless. Gotta love it when people who do  nothing concrete to help others down on their luck yell and scream at others trying to achieve something that may work and even better the situation.

Mr. Arkley spoke at the meeting and in his remarks mentioned that “we are not going fix the root causes of homelessness”, and cited drug issues, reuniting people with families as examples. “The goal tonight is to create a process to find solutions.”

Unlike other places, we are unique, he said, we are a county seat. A lot of money is dispersed from here. “Don’t blame the non-profits or the Betty Chinn Center…we want to put a microscope on the Health and Human Services and City budget. Half the people employed by the county are employed by DHHS.” He said Board of Supervisors and City Council people are good people working a thankless job. “They are not the enemy.”

Present at the meeting was a diverse crowd, business people, youth, elderly, people I recognized from various organizations. Supervisors Bass, Bohn and Fennell were in attendance, County CAO Phillip smith-Hanes, former city manager David Tyson, Sheriff Mike Downey and Police Chief Murl Harpham. The city council and manager are out of town for a conference.

The attendance was so great that the building was packed to capacity. Clearly people wanted to talk and there were some heartfelt testimonies. You had to be there. It might surprise you to know who has been homeless and the story of  these individuals who are successful today was touching.

The disruptive crowd was a minority and got booed. Perhaps it is time for a vocal minority to recognize people would rather live in Arkleyville where they have a job, can afford a home and feel safe and have hope for the future. People have compassion, they don’t want to enable.

As one speaker put it, “can’t help someone who doesn’t want help.”. Homelessness is due to many reasons, the circumstances for each individual is different. Solutions are not simple, black or white. There are people who do and people who gripe.

Meeting Regarding the Homeless Issue

Warfinger Building

Eureka

Wednesday, September 18,  2013  

 5:30 PM

 RSVP   Yes or No   to sfuller@snsc.com

Please forward to your friends who may also be interested

Dear All, 

        Our County and City are being taken over by the homeless.  It seems as though many of the policies being pursued by our County and City governments, and certain not-for-profits, actually encourage the homeless to come here and stay here.  Free food, showers, clean clothes, assistance above state averages, free housing, lax jail policies are just some of the attractive  programs and policies.  Clearly, too much right has become wrong.  We have become a Mecca for the homeless and we all pay the price.  Garbage or dump fees from trash and discarded clothing left on streets, sidewalks, alleys and private property have become “our” responsibility.  Health and environmental issues arise from the same public areas and private property being freely used for urination and defecation, not to mention the aesthetics, or lack of, from this behavior.  The general public is not comfortable walking in certain well known locations around our cities and county because the homeless with their antics have taken over what should belong to, and be enjoyed  by,  all of us.

        I feel as though we are like the frog in the boiling water.  It has gotten to the point where everybody knows that the homeless are a huge problem, but nobody is doing anything.  All of our businesses are being negatively impacted.  It is difficult to attract people to Eureka.  Who wants to be panhandled on the way to an interview for a job?  What business owner wants to invest in real estate that is negatively impacted by trash and loitering?

        I think that it is time for us to get together and see if we can build a consensus on how to deal with this issue.  Specifically, I would like to know what policies and programs can be cut that will reduce the number of homeless.  I often hear that if we don’t provide certain services to the homeless, monies will be withheld by state and federal governments.  While some, especially government and certain not-for-profits, may consider this dire, we need to make sure that elected officials understand that while government may lose monies, our private businesses and households may well be better off without the crime, environmental damage and monetary costs that these additional monies attract.  It will also be interesting to see if the negative impacts of the homeless programs on local business and quality of life for the community are monetarily weighed.

        Folks, let’s take our area back and encourage our elected officials to take steps that consider the overall negative impacts on all of us created by enrolling in programs designed to “help” the homeless.  I have no doubt that when weighed against the loss of governmental revenue, the benefits to all of us by rejecting the monies would dwarf the downside.

        I would like to see if any of you would like to join a group that deals with the most pressing issue that our area faces.  

                                                                                                vty,

                                                                                                Rob 

Arrogance unchecked

A malady seems to be affecting certain Humboldt County citizens. I call it selective amnesia. And it is coupled with the side effect of attacking others instead of taking a look at one’s actions. The ultimate diagnosis: arrogance unchecked.

A recent example is the Dan Johnson controversy.  Raise your hands if you are sick of hearing about this local brouhaha. There is a valuable lesson to be learned by both sides.

Mr. Johnson, by now you must get what plagiarism is; perhaps you need to look at the definition of hubris. Your original apology would have been enough for most people. The reason this issue has become a mountain out of a molehill is because you chose not to respond to the original incident properly. When you finally did, you bragged about your contributions to the community and called others, “the self-appointed referees of good and evil”. You further added insult by saying, “But I'm comfortable in the knowledge that their intolerance, so readily on display, is a far more profound flaw than mine”.

At the recent board meeting when you were given a chance to correct the past mistakes with a proper apology which would have nullified any reason calling you to resign, you said, “There's nothing I could have said in that apology that would have been good enough for the haters. It's over. The board needs to move on.” The person who needs to move on is you. It is you who have dragged this issue out for months instead of giving a sincere apology. Your standing in the community does not entitle you to special privileges. You earn respect, Mr. Johnson, not demand it.

Some of your supporters should not be your PR advisers. Their advice has made you appear intolerant and insensitive to people who simply wanted you to say, I am sorry and mean it. 

Sometimes people get so entrenched in their egos and position. This coupled with personal issues make them lash out at others instead of admitting they made a mistake. Your apology and your resignation would have bolstered the belief of your friends and supporters who want people to see the Dan Johnson they know.

This controversy is embarrassing for the school district and your business. In a small community like ours, everything we do is under a microscope. Being human we all make mistakes. Sometimes those errors result in some people attacking us, gossiping about us, or lying about us. And the natural response is to defend yourself. It takes a strong man to know when to walk away and take the high road.  If you are being unfairly maligned, that action alone would speak volumes.

An elected official has to have a thick skin, especially in a small community. You are a self-made businessman that many respect in this community.

The people who have been disrespectful to you need to take equal responsibility because they took a honest mistake and blew it out of proportion. If Mr. Johnson apologizes from the heart, will you all do the same? If you still insist on his resignation after that, your actions are worse than a speech that didn’t get credited.

Business is always personal

Business is always personal. To conduct business, you need an interaction between yourself and other people.

Think of the successful business people you know and admire. People who enjoy helping others, people who want see others succeed, people who came up with an idea that had a positive impact in other’s lives. These entrepreneurs get that it is not all about the cash; it is about doing what you enjoy and leaving your stamp on the business world.

I feel fortunate to have known many business owners that exemplify the above. The ones I have the most respect for are those that dared when others told them it was impossible and those that taught me by their actions what success means.

I am especially grateful to those who did not always agree with me, people who called me out on behavior that stood in my way to grow and improve. Hearing the truth can be hard but not when it is done with love and constructively. When feedback is given and received and the ultimate result is building someone up and not tearing them down, you are in the presence of a leader who knows how to effectively manage and inspire.

 I have enjoyed every single job I have had. Whether it was in fast food, in an office, working with the CDC or at the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations but the time I put in volunteering are the jobs I loved.

All these jobs had 1 thing in common. People. Making a difference in someone’s life that made even a bigger difference in mine. I may not make as much money as I want, deserve or what others may think of being a financial success. As long as my basic needs are met, I have never focused on money being my goal. Even in recent years when it seems I am always in survival mode.

Would I change things if I could go back in time? No. Instead of money, I have received something more important; freedom to live my life on my terms, preserving my integrity, friends and people who believe in me and have stood by my side.

I don’t know in the eyes of the world, when I will reach that mark of success. What I do know is of all places I have lived, here in Eureka and Humboldt County, the successes I have achieved are not mine alone. I owe them to my friends here, my church community here, and the many local organizations and individuals who have through words, actions and emotional support helped me to get where I am.

People often ask me, why Eureka? You could live anywhere else. You would make more money somewhere else. It would be easier.

There is something very special about Eureka. I chose my business and to focus on local businesses because to make it here it takes a very determined person. We have some of the most innovative and internationally award winning businesses here. When I chose to work with or promote a business, it is all about sharing with people in and outside Humboldt, the person behind that business. That is the real story.

Just confirmed. Paul Gallegos will run again...

for Humboldt County DA.   This is from a close source, a reliable insider.   Another candidate may announce soon.    

Which party sends us all an invitation?

Since last year's election, there has been discussion about the Republican party being fractured. These predictions come from media that lean left.

Is the Democrat party free of divisions? I was a freshman in college when the U.S. presidential election was between Ronald Reagan, a Republican, and Walter Mondale, a Democrat.

I had not joined any political party but the candidate that appealed to me was Ronald Reagan. When I graduated, I registered as a Democrat, identified as pro-choice and generally bought into the false stereotypes circulated about the Republican party. I was active in Philly politics and I passed up an opportunity of being elected as a Democratic ward leader when I found myself being drawn to Republican candidates. They would be considered moderate Republicans by today's standards; to me, they were Republicans.

I registered as independent for a long time and last year switched my registration to Republican. I didn't base my decision who to support on what national party won the election; I chose based on what candidate reflects core values I believe in and someone who cares about people they represent.

As a registered Republican, I have campaigned for and supported many moderate Democrats, as well as Republican and “decline to state” candidates on a local and state level. I do that because I feel these people, regardless of party affiliation, are candidates that want the best for Humboldt County and the state. I know most of the local bloggers, the majority of the media and some members of the local Democratic party may disagree with me, but that is because they don't want to admit what this no-growth, radical environmentalism and sole focus on social issues as a barometer for votes has done to the place we call home.

Certain local elected officials have been called derogatory names since the 2010 local election by some and their choice to identify as Democrats has been questioned by some; I believe that these candidates reflect a schism in the Democratic party that was lost to the radical left three decades ago.

Parties have different identities over time.

The Tea Party has an overall good economic message. Not all social conservatives are judgmental, but many in those factions have allowed their rigid social issue positions to hurt the Republican Party. A Republican can appeal and can win a national and a local election. So why have Democrats, who have practically wiped out the moderates in their party, had successes nationally and locally?

Our culture has reacted to greed and solely blamed it on corporations and the Republicans being the party of the rich. Government bureaucracy and NIMBY liberals should be held equally responsible, maybe even more so, for the plight of the poor and the working class. Social issues are what many people base their vote on today when it should be economics and quality of life.

Republicans see people as individuals and you are allowed to be outside the box as long as you share certain common values. Democrats cannot tolerate if you don't tow the radical, left-party line mentality. A Republican can be pro-choice or for same-sex marriage but the wrath of the Democratic party will be felt if a Democrat is pro-life or for traditional marriage or Christian. It is the radical Democrats that have outed gay Republicans and other conservatives just to prove a point.

In their opinion, such Republicans should be Democrats, and this is based on the color of skin and other criteria; I have yet to see Republicans hit below the belt in the same manner.

How many Democratic men are pro-choice because they really care about women, or is it for sex without responsibility? Have the Democrats have won recent elections because of the “anything goes, you accept me, I accept you” mentality?

I have never had a Republican call me a person of color; I thought I was human. Which is the party of true inclusion? You decide.

It's time to stop using abortion, gay rights and similar hot buttons to vote; focus on merits of what a candidate offers. When you take away social issues, is there really a difference between the two parties? You decide.

In politics, little people matter

Arnie Klein just sent this over. He considered the idea of running, met people he felt could give insight, then filed his intention statement. Completed the paperwork so he is set to operate and receive donations and has a way for constituents to contact him. Arnie has a plan and a goal. He has shown he is savvy enough to know that in politics, there are no big people or little people, just voters.

He is known for his presence in the courtroom and has won jury trials. I look forward to learning more about Arnie and his positions.

Elan Firpo has been making the rounds. Has been to a couple Eureka Chamber mixers, was seen at the HCDCC headquarters with Paul Gallegos. Both Arnie and Firpo supported Paul in the last election.

I have heard Paul may run and he may not. Is his presence with Firpo just politics or mentoring? Got to tell Elan that just the party machine, just certain names don't win elections. A winning team and humility go a long way in courting voters. So far, I am not impressed.

This isn't an endorsement for anyone, just an observation.

Obama and GOP agree? Now that is a miracle!

I wonder what the locals who have a bee in their bonnet about prayer at Eureka City Council meetings think about the Obama administration supporting and agreeing with Republican lawmakers about allowing Christian prayers at council meetings. This debate will soon be heard in the landmark case involving the town of Greece, N.Y. at the U.S. Supreme Court level.

Will the present Supreme Court Justices have the same view as those who decided
Marsh v. Chambers (1983)?

Not all non-believers, atheists and agnostics feel threatened by prayer. In Humboldt County, personal experiences may vary depending on the town you live in; most people do respect other’s faith, even Christians. Many have varying opinions but this recent lambasting in the media and a lawsuit against the City of Eureka is a vocal minority with double standards.

Having an invocation before a public meeting does not instantly convert anyone or force beliefs on anyone. If anything, it is a humbling experience where those in charge acknowledge that given the position they have, they may need help in making objective decisions that are for the best for those they have been elected to govern. No decision is going to please everyone. I would rather have an elected official who realizes they are not perfect make a decision than an arrogant one, who thinks they know it all.

Faith is a very private thing. Luke 1:37 is often paraphrased as: “Faith. It does not make things easy, it makes them possible.” Even someone non-religious can relate to that statement. Why is that some people are so bothered by positive and inspiring words? Is my right and others right to practice our faith to be dismissed because some people have ascribed their agenda, interpretation and fear as absolute dogma.

What is proper use of city resources? Would people who are so troubled because a letter was typed about one prayer breakfast be just as outraged if the event was something they supported?

This last week I had conversations with several individuals. Some I share a common faith with; some of various religious beliefs, others who self identify as atheist, agnostic, secular humanists and of the latter, there were several who privately support the City of Eureka and Mayor Jager. We had spirited discussions on religion and yet we were able to respectfully express ourselves and at times disagree.

It amazes me that some people blindly accept theories and facts by other humans yet have a problem with those of us that believe and accept God. I won’t surrender or submit to another man or woman and that has had its cost for me financially and made my life a struggle sometimes but I have no regrets.

I do surrender to God because unconditionally, no matter what, God has always been there for me and I know he loves me despite my mistakes, the balance of my bank account, the moments when life’s struggles weigh me down. No human can fill the emptiness, no human can heal, no human takes what seems impossible and makes it possible, and unlike another person or thing, God is always there without judgment and conditions. 

Finally! A candidate for D.A. I would support whole-heartedly

This is the third time you heard it here first. Rumor or fact?  Another name being mentioned as a candidate for the Humboldt County D.A’s race is Cyndi Day-Wilson, the attorney for the City of Eureka .

I hope Ms. Wilson is considering this possibility. 25 years of experience as a lawyer; as a lobbyist and legislative analyst and experience in the public sector with impressive credentials in Environmental Law and Natural Resources on a federal and state level.

Best of all, she was not employed by Paul, did not leave Paul’s office, does not have those small town loyalties with the inner court crowd and  is not indebted to the SoHum underground economy. She can debate on why she should be elected instead of just saying, “I am not Paul or I will change what he does even though I agreed with what he did while being employed by him,” and can run a campaign based solely on merit.

It is time for a change. Time for the people to elect a  DA that does not kow tow to any inner circle. 

I have observed her during City Council meetings. A very calm and classy lady and I believe she is someone who can follow the law, respect law enforcement, yet make sure liberties and rights are respected. Will the local progressive and liberals keep an open mind if she does run?

I don’t expect her to be Wonder Woman or perfect, I just want someone who challenges Paul for the right reasons and wants this job other than to stroke their own ego.

Firpo for DA?

In April, I was the first to report that Arnie Klein would run for Humboldt County DA. The Times Standard reported today that he has filed an intention statement. Rumor has it Elan Firpo is considering a run as well. As my friend Eric said there will be more candidates.  Takes a lot more to run for DA than filing a statement and criticizing the incumbent. I campaigned for candidates who ran against Paul in the last 2 elections. I believe in the candidates I support. So far, the rumors allege that some past candidates and former Humboldt County DA employees and prosecutors may run against Paul in the next election. Will have to wait and see who the contenders are.

It would be nice to see someone who isnt a former Humboldt County DA employee and just promises change. The Humboldt County DA's race is different compared to other local races. Assuming one can get endorsements and money on their own, a candidate would need to prove they will be someone who can get the respect of defense attorneys, law enforcement support and unite a cross section of diverse constitiencies. In a small county like ours,  personal character, who a candidate associates with and whether they can handle power without abuse is something they will have to prove before getting my vote. Paul's views and management style is known. He has campaigned well and has shown he can handle the politics this job entails. This election, simply saying "I am going to bring change" and only criticize Paul is not good enough for me.

Musical chairs at the DA's?

Has Kelly Neel's title at the DA's  office been changed from  Assistant Deputy DA to Chief Deputy DA? And will Deputy District Attorneys rotate the ADA position?

Humboldt Republic has the exclusive factor

Humboldt Republic, is a Clothing and Multi Media/Entertainment Company located on 535 4^th Street in Eureka. All the clothing is exclusively designed and printed in Humboldt County. The store celebrated its 2^nd anniversary in June 2013 and is co-owned by Jason Brandi and Justin Christensen.

According to a press release, the store has reached online customers in 25 states in just the last 6 months which is when they started the online outreach. The store outgrew its original location on 5^th Street in Eureka within the first year. The present location is 2 times larger. According to Brandi and Christensen, their clothing has “an exclusive factor.”

“We are not your typical Humboldt clothing store,” said Brandi. “We design clothes that are modern and trending. What makes us unique is that we print new designs weekly and we don’t print mass quantities of every design. We create for specific colors and styles. We offer high quality clothing at a lower cost than our competitors. Besides our own brand, we are the only local Humboldt clothing Brand with a store location that carries national designer brands for men and women.”

Christensen states that they travel out of the area to trade shows and hand-select each garment. “Our clothing caters to the entire family from adults to infants.”

Both Christensen and Brandi grew up in Humboldt and come from local families. “Two years ago, we came into a bad economy but succeeded by being unique,” they said. Local community is very important to them and they regularly sponsor youth teams and donate to various charities.

Besides clothing, they also put on concerts and shows. The store already had its 2 year anniversary sale but there is another chance for old and new customers to cash in on the celebration. If you like their Facebook page, share it or recommend it or tag yourself in a photo wearing HR clothing, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free sweatshirt, 2 shirts, or 2 tanks. There will be three drawings in month of June, one on the 10th, one on the 20th, and one on 30th. You are not limited to do just one entry and you can re-enter in each drawing.

Call (707) 497-6270 or check the store’s Facebook page or website http://www.humboldtrepublic.com

Those who can do, do; those who cannot sue

Eureka attorney Peter Martin finally revealed the true agenda behind the lawsuit filed against the City of Eureka and invocations by saying he hopes that his motion to dismiss Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen will better his odds for a favorable ruling.

In a May 17 Times-Standard article, Martin was quoted as saying that he decided to request the dismissal of Reinholtsen  because he feels that the judge is “on the right flank of the political bent.”

Kim Starr must be kicking herself for not thinking of this brilliant and objective strategy in Occupy Eureka’s lawsuit against the City. In the last 2 years, the mantra of those who only know how to blame and create drama has been: “If I don’t get my way and if my mud slinging does not work, I will just sue” has backfired both at the ballot and with the public.  Nevertheless, they continue to employ the same tired tactics. It has hurt any legitimate cause and sincere people Martin and Starr claim to represent.

This same week TS printed the most vitriolic letter against the homeless and Betty Chinn. Mr. Berriman, your having “interests” in Eureka does not qualify you to give an opinion about a place you don’t live in or have a clue about what people who live here face. Especially when that misguided opinion is based on assumptions and stereotypes.

You assumed your misfortune was perpetrated by someone homeless. You talk about all these crimes and headlines in other Humboldt cities. Are there no crimes or homeless in Arcata? If you lived in Eureka or ever attended a City Council meeting here, you would know that Sue Bradenburg does not represent all of us or “speak the truth.” She has an issue with anything that the City of Eureka does and a complex about being surrounded by those less fortunate.

What Betty Chinn does is help people who have no one get a break and a hand up in a society filled of Berrimans and Brandenburgs who feel they are entitled because they lived here before and are fortunate to never know what it feels like to go without the basic necessities.

Besides filing an idiotic lawsuit that cost time and money and holding signs, what has Occupy Eureka and those of you attacking Christians done for the homeless that actually made a real difference? Christians don’t need to brag or do what they need to in front of others.

The real common theme in all these attacks against the City and Christians and Betty Chinn is a group of people who feel that there is no need for personal growth, accountability or surrender to a higher power. They rather blame rich people, the government, Christians, and anyone trying to help others under the guise of free speech, freedom of religion and misuse of civil rights.

Whether you believe in God or not, you did not create this world. And you are not entitled to anything at the expense of other's basic human needs and rights. Instead of a lawsuit, perhaps Martin, Starr, Berriman and others should address their fears about God, homeless people and actually do something to create jobs and an environment locally where all people can earn and contribute and live with dignity.

The difference between an atheist and me is that when the world challenges me, I know I am not alone. What helps me cope better is knowing that God always provides and God gives me the strength to pick up myself and survive when all seems hopeless. Believing in God also makes me look within to see what I can change to improve my lot in life.

Instead of trying to get a legitimate job, the rest of us who are struggling should form a non-profit or file a frivolous lawsuit and then sue public officials and any private business we disagree with; no more resumes, no more need to get a paycheck. It’s worked for Occupy Eureka, Baykeeper and EPIC.

Judge Rules In Favor Of City and EPD Officers in Occupy Eureka Lawsuits

PRESS RELEASE

                The lawsuits filed against the City of Eureka, Chief Murl Harpham, Sgt. Michael Guy, Sgt. Patrick O’Neill and Officer Terrence Liles concluded on Tuesday morning with a judgment in favor of the City and the officers. The lawsuits were filed by Ms. Kimberly Starr alleging violations of her civil rights for her detainment and arrests at the Occupy Eureka protests on November 7, November 10 and November 30, 2011.  The matter was heard by Judge Johnson, a visiting judge from Sacramento.  In making the ruling, Judge Johnson was very complimentary of the EPD Officers and how they handled themselves during the Occupy Eureka protests.  Judge Johnson stated several times during his ruling that he found them to have acted very professionally  despite the fact there was a “clear and immediate danger”  due to the protest and the attempts by the Occupiers to deliberately elicit a reaction from the Officers.

                In an earlier lawsuit filed by James Decker, Commissioner Eannarino also ruled in favor of the City and the Officers that there was no violation of Mr. Decker’s constitutional or statutory rights with regard to his detainment at the Occupy Eureka protest on November 30.

The City and the Officers wish to extend their thanks for all of the support and assistance they received during the trials. Chief Harpham states that he “is happy that these ridiculous lawsuits are behind us.  Good job everyone you make us proud!”  

A local judge and prosecutor who gets it

http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_23136939/judge-upholds-sentence-arcata-molester-18-years-ex

Thank you Judge Watson and Kelly Neel.

Arnie Klein for next District Attorney?

Rumor has it that Arnie Klein is considering a run for District Attorney. Stay tuned for more details.

It is not a rumor anymore. It's confirmed.

Redwood Coast Energy Authority recognized for energy efficient best practices at statewide foru

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Redwood Coast Energy Authority's Energy Watch Program is going to be featured at the Statewide Energy Efficiency Best Practices Forum in Sacramento on June 20 as an example of how to successfully work with small businesses and rural communities. These communities are generally considered “hard to serve markets” and typically are underserved by standard energy efficiency programs, according to Matthew Marshall, executive director of the RCEA. The Redwood Coast Energy Authority was also recently awarded a $1.75 million grant from the California Energy Commission for a community-scale renewable energy demonstration project.

The Energy Watch Program, which operates in a multi-year state funding cycles, supported energy upgrade projects during the 2010-12 funding cycle and the program generated about $1 million a year in energy cost savings to local businesses, homes and governments.

To be eligible, you have to be an organization doing business in Humboldt County, including charitable and public entities and participants must be a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power and/or natural gas customer.

”The purpose of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable resources available in the region,” said Marshall.

Formed in 2003, the Energy Authority is a local government joint powers

Advertisementagency of Humboldt County, the cities of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Ferndale, Blue Lake, and Trinidad, and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. The authority is governed by a board of directors comprised of appointed representatives from each of nine member-entities. “Typically the representative is an elected official from the members' own governing body,” said Marshall. “Many of our programs and projects are implemented in partnership with other entities such as PG&E, the Humboldt State University Schatz Energy Research Center, and other local government entities”.

The Energy Watch program, created in 2006 to help Humboldt County utility customers lower their energy bills and enjoy a cleaner environment, is a partnership of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority and PG&E. This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by PG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

The program provides education, technical assistance, incentives for energy upgrade projects, and direct installation services for businesses, non-profits, public entities, and residents. The program helps businesses reduce operating costs and improve their bottom line through energy efficiency projects and offers: free, start-to-finish technical assistance, contractor referrals, project management support, and rebates to help reduce the cost of installing efficient lighting, refrigeration improvements and other energy efficiency measures, according to Ben Winker, RCEA energy technician and marketing staffer.

Other results from the 2010-12 period include: over $1.2 million in incentives for energy upgrades; RCEA working with over 500 businesses to help them make energy upgrades, over 300 upgrade projects referred to local contractors and over 3,000 households were provided upgrades and in-home energy consultations, according to Marshall.

”Going forward, in the 2013-14 cycle which will start in late spring, the program will offer an additional $920,000 in available incentives, and will be expanding to offer more comprehensive services for both businesses and households,” said Marshall.

For more information, visit www.redwoodenergy.org or call (707) 269-1700.

John Chiv is a freelance news and feature writer and local business consultant. John has a local blog,johnchiv.blogspot.com, and can be reached at 707-832-9990.

Cutting Edge Tree Service to donate Redwood Trees for Humboldt Green Week

McKinleyville-based Cutting Edge Tree Service and Solutions, located in McKinleyville, CA will be donating 300 native Redwood trees to be given out to community members for Humboldt Green Week which is being held all over at various events in the county from April 13 -21. Owner Erik Tjossem is a certified arborist.

“As a certified arborist, and a forestry major I am very conscious of trees and the environment,” said Tjossem. “ We do remove trees as a part of our services and donating these trees to be replanted is our way of preserving our natural resources and riches for future generations.”

Earlier this year, Cutting Edge Tree Services and Solutions donated time at the Sequoia Park Zoo and helped do some removal of trees for a new exhibit. For more information on Cutting Edge Tree Service, visit http://www.cuttingedgetreeservice707.com

Steve Bagley and owner Eric Tjossem.