Surfside to open tomorrow; Black Lightning thanks fire and law enforcement

The new and improved Surfside Burger Shack will be open tomorrow, and this is from the owner himself, Chad Smith.

Jeff Hesseltine, owner of Black Lightning Motorcycle Cafe is giving 10% off coffee and espresso drinks for fire and law enforcement personnel until the end of the year as a thanks for all they do for the community.

Updated: Nov 5 City Council meeting; Heidi Benzonelli recognized

Eureka Police Department thanked and  recognized Heidi Benzonelli and gave her the 3rd Valor of Service award for her work with Jefferson School. Sgt. Steve Watson gave her the award and said she is a great example of someone dedicated and giving back to the community and for her efforts in combating crime. EPD also recognized Erin McBride their records supervisor. New Police Chief Andy Mills spoke briefly before both awards. Heidi was very surprised and humbly accepted and thanked her fellow volunteers and team.

Council voted unanimously for special appointment for ward 5 seat. Applications for qualified candidates are available at City Hall. They will also be available online or can be emailed. Mayor Frank Jager has put together a selection committee; they will provide recommendations; the Mayor and 1 City Council member will interview and make a recommendation to the City Council.

Two motions were made, the one that passed 3-2 was to let the moratorium lapse on cooperatives and collectives that provide medical marijuana. This does not change anything regarding personal grows. The original ordinance  was passed in 2010 and then modified in 2011. What the vote means is that the three previous applicants invited by City Council can now resubmit their applications.

Politics can make strange bedfellows

Charles Dudley Warner was right when he said , 'Politics Makes Strange Bedfellows. It has been very interesting to see the discussion on who people want to support in the Humboldt County D.A's race.

Since I already reported in October that  Arnie would formally make his announcement on November 13 and since I cannot be there tomorrow, I wish him the best. Arnie, you are a real class act. He told me that regardless of who I end up supporting, there would be no hard feelings between us.

 I wish others would be so gracious and understanding. And I am not talking about the candidates. Especially people who have known me for a while. I support the candidate I believe in most and who I feel will be the best for the job. As someone who is an average citizen and in touch with the person on the street, my perspective is that of the common man.
Heard Elan Firpo will be making a formal announcement soon. Would make sense since she has been out and about. Then again until that happens, her name is among those considering a run.

I have supported Paul's opponents in the past. I have said repeatedly that I will not just jump and endorse or support someone because they are not Paul. What will they do differently?

I saw Paul in the elevator today at the courthouse and said, "I seem to be your defender these days." He smiled, and "said "Nothing amazes me in politics." And I said, "how am I supposed to take that?" When pressed, he said, "Thank you." I understand Paul's hesitation. I have been vocal against him in the past.

Loyalty in politics is rare. There are some people who have my loyalty and always will. I know them to the core, I know them personally. With the D.A's race, I am keeping an open mind.  We don't even know who all the candidates are. There is a lot of speculation. As far as I am concerned, until there is an official slate, I will continue to talk with all and evaluate.

Campaigns are won by ordinary people like you and me. As said in the T-S today, make your vote count. Don't let the campaign pundits and the media sway you, make up your own mind.As for campaign teams, who represents you makes a difference. Humility in your supporters and a willingness to have a team that will deliver for you makes the difference. 

Change of command ceremony at 1 pm

The print edition of the TS had the wrong location for Andy Mills change of command ceremony. It is the Adorni not the Wharfinger. The time was not listed. It is 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Thank you Eureka Councilmember Mike Newman for the information.

Surfside Burger Shack expanding

Surfside Burger Shack is expanding and the changes will include a game room, a larger dining area and expanded seating, a separate area and window for pick-up only and the front window area will now be used for hosting the tsunami challenge.

For more on Surfside Burger Shack, read the article in this blog under older posts.

Time for complainers to step up and do something

A big thank you to Councilmember Lance Madsen for his service to the City of Eureka. He has shown his love and dedication to Eureka in many ways, including stepping down now to make the way for someone else to continue the work.

The City Council will decide November 5 what the process will be to fill Lance's seat. This is the time for the chronic City of Eureka naysayers and complainers who like to backseat drive to either act and step in and apply, if they are qualified. A minor detail, they would have to live in the 5th Ward.

It is not easy being a public servant in Eureka, it is not easy making decisions that others without full knowledge feel entitled to criticize.

Lance you will be missed at City Council meetings but I am sure we will be seeing you just as often. Nothing keeps a good man down.

Pleasant chat with Firpo at a community event

I always tell people not to believe what they read in the media or blogs and to meet a candidate before deciding who to vote for. It is too early to endorse or choose any one in the Humboldt County D.A's race. Yesterday I ran into Elan Firpo at a local community event and had a chance to talk to her.

Some of the local media reported on the fact that Firpo won the 2013 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Outstanding Prosecutor award for her outstanding dedication to holding defendants accountable for committing the crime of driving under the influence.

The Humboldt County District Attorney's office does send out press releases and this was one of them, but what is different from the cases that get covered in the media simply because they are high profile is that Firpo got this award from MADD and that makes it an independent observation.

We need a D.A. who sends out the message that irresponsible behavior has consequences. Especially when the outcome is fatal and costs lives. Firpo has also been impressive in some of the cases she has been in the spotlight lately.

A good politician can win over someone who previously was sceptical, and Firpo did achieve that last night. We had a pleasant chat and I am keeping an open mind.

Black Lightning Motorcycle Cafe ribbon cutting tomorrow at noon

Although the official ribbon cutting is tomorrow at noon, the latest business did a soft opening yesterday and the cafe is already packed with customers enjoying locally roasted coffee, delicious sandwiches and breakfast on homemade bread, smoothies, soup and salad. They offer gluten free options instead of bread, have creative snacks, and are reasonably priced. Located in Old Town, for now they are open for breakfast and lunch and early dinner. They support and carry local items such as Los Bagels and Dick Taylor chocolates.

If that isn't enough to entice you, they have motorcycles and related accessories.Need I say more?

Board votes to develop ordinance regulating neighborhood impacts of outdoor marijuana cultivation

This afternoon the Board of Supervisors met to get a staff report on a potential ordinance regulating neighborhood impacts of outdoor marijuana cultivation. The board voted unanimously to direct staff to develop an ordinance based on the recommendations of the medical marijuana sub-committee. Absent was Supervisor Estelle Fennell, who is out sick.

This was after County CAO Phillip Smith-Hanes gave the report, public commented and staff answered questions. Kudos to the Redwood Times for having a reporter there. There were 9 members in the audience, outnumbered by staff and supervisors. As Supervisor Bohn noted the numbers did not indicate the interest because meetings have been held out in the community and people have given feedback to the Supervisors.

Hanes said that based on community concerns and input, the two common threads that emerged were the smell and visual impact in densely populated areas and the environmental impact. The parcel size and number of plants were a proposal and were subject to change. Hanes stressed this because the ordinance they will come up with will go before the Planning Commission and then to the Board and there would be 2 hearings so this is not the final version.

There is already a County ordinance on indoor cultivation. This particular ordinance addresses neighborhood impacts of outdoor marijuana cultivation and would be an amendment to the county zoning ordinance.

It is a code enforcement issue and there would be civil penalties. Hanes said that in the report there was mention that because of the life cycle of the plant, the time be expedited for hearings that result since typically code enforcement issues take a long time.

This proposed ordinance allows parcels of ½ an acre to have 5 mature plants, has to be 20 feet away from a residence, and not near a school, place of religious worship, or Native American site as long as these existed before the cultivation site and there you cannot have indoor and outdoor cultivation at the same site.

I spoke and asked about anonymity since retribution for those who complain is an issue and that this ordinance does not address criminal prosecution. It was noteworthy that no one from the present D.A.’s office was in attendance, perhaps because like our local media they didn’t think a draft of this ordinance was important at this stage. Also of note is that no contender, rumored or actual, for the Humboldt County District Attorney race bothered to make an appearance. I am sure they have reasons and more pressing engagements.

Willow Creek resident E.B. Duggan thanked the board for their action on this issue. He said that while “medical marijuana has its benefits, it does not belong in residential districts. He talked about the people who were growing near his property not being good neighbors, he said these young people intimidate “us seniors”.

The other 2 speakers were also in favor. In response to my questions, Hanes said that there are already county laws that enforce prosecution if someone is intimidated when filing a complaint and County Counsel Davina Smith said that when someone contacts the Building and Planning Department to allege a violation, they do need to give contact information which is necessary for follow-up but it is confidential and only disclosed under a judge’s orders.

Marijana elicits strong emotions and opinions and  the above ordinance, I feel is a fair one that accomodates the rights of all citizens, especially those like Mr. Duggan and me.  The rest of us  have a right to breathe fresh air untainted by smoke and weed and enjoy outdoor spaces without intimidation and harrassment from those who think their rights to greed, recreation and easy money supercede others.

Go Biz Forum at the Wharfinger

Go Biz Forum at the Wharfinger this morning was presented by the City of Eureka, the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and local economic development agencies. This forum was on Northcoast Innovation and Entrepeneurship. Elected officials representing the City were Mayor Frank Jager, Council members  Marian Brady, Mike Newman and Melinda Ciarabellini. the first speaker was Louis Stewart, Deputy Director for Innovation and Entrepeneurship from the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Developement.

The best presentation was from  Natural Decadence owners Rosa Dixon and Milia Lando who were courted by Whole Foods. They best exemplified the local entrepeneurial spirit and the go-getter attitude and how certain Humboldt businesses are unique, an asset to showing the world what we have to offer and how local business resources can be used effectively.

Local printers not good enough for Lisa Ollivier

I guess the local candidate endorsed by the Democrats who claim to speak for all local Dems conveniently forgot to check ? mention? that John Fullerton had all his printing done locally. Lisa Ollivier may have had some printing done locally but  the mailers seem to be non- union  and printed outside Humboldt. Will we see investigative reporting on this in NCJ or is that only reserved for certain elected officials?

Old Town Hostel

Since I moved here 10 years ago, I have heard different visions about what should be the anchor economy in Humboldt, and tourism is one of them. People supporting this idea think of it as a panacea. I also see the shop and support local mantra touted. Do our actions back our words?

For any idea to work locally we need put aside polarizing political differences, see what we can focus in common, have a vision and implement it with small steps. No need to spend thousands of dollars doing feasibility studies and worrying about the bureaucracy and regulations in California which are sudden death for just a thought that could be the next Humboldt economic boom.

We have a wonderful Old Town and Downtown area filled with small businesses, local artists and natural beauty that takes the breath away. When we live here, sometimes we take that for granted. Outsiders who visit or move here fall in love with this area and are impressed with what we have to offer.

We are having a few hotels being constructed but what about an Old Town hostel?

There was talk of a hostel being built a few years ago. I think in Old Town, a hostel that would cater primary to tourists and could also be rented by small conferences or businesses scouting the area would work. Make it green emphasizing the priority we put on environment. Promote the local shops and culture in Old Town and that people could walk downtown. No need for a car. You can walk, shop, eat and play in Old Town. There are car rental agencies for longer trips.

Have the Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau, all the Chamber of Commerce groups, Eureka Main Street, Humboldt Made cross promote and you would be booked all year.

We have beautiful historic buildings in Old Town, imagine the hostel in the space above the Sea Grill. No additional floors added, no obstruction of the view, a restaurant that anchors and no need for additional parking spaces.

People could go to Starbucks or Ramones or Old Town Coffee; they could explore the world at Ciara’s Irish Shop, do the booze cruise at the Madaket or sip wine at the Wine Spot and have their choice of places to eat. Get a custom made basket at Bella Baskets. Or dine on some fish and chips at Gallagher’s and end the night at the Speakeasy.

These businesses are just some of my favorites in Old Town; a couple I have worked with doing small promotions. Tourists and visitors come inside these places and they get recommendations where to go, what to see and the Humboldt welcome.

Are the organizations that are being paid to promote this area counting marketers and promoters and individuals like me that list and link their sites on our websites and showcase what Humboldt has to offer. Our efforts are privately and self funded. We also need to acknowledge the baristas, the servers, the small business owners who are one on one ambassadors and bring people back for a second visit, maybe third? A growing and thriving economy needs to have a place for fresh and new voices and leadership that develops and encourages future leaders.

For someone like me, the stakes are very simple. I want to share with the rest of the country and the world, the pride I feel living in Humboldt.

Pizza! Pizza! in Eureka to open without the usual protests?

Little Caesars in Burre Center to be opening soon. Bev Mo is opening tomorrow, Sports Authority and Ulta will open in the mall soon. TJ Maxx has already opened. And no outcry from the anti-corporation, frothing at the mouth protesters?

I asked some of the 20 -25 age group who usually balk at any mention of  corporations why they did not have a problem with Bev Mo? They responded, "because we are alcoholics". We all laughed. Such honesty and humor is a welcome change.

Rewarding bad behavior gets expensive

Bravo to the Eureka City Council for unanimously passing the Hotel Lodging Permit Ordinance, which penalizes hotels or motels that misuse and city fire and police resources. Rewarding bad behavior is costly. It was a rare moment when City Council members and the public and staff were in unison on an issue.

Now if there was only a way to recognize local businesses that engage in good civic behavior and professional management and good customer service.

There is -- support those businesses. Money talks. Not filthy rich? No problem. Even your daily latte and coffee gives you a voice. Not proportionately, but you catch my drift.

There is one missing element certain people continue to ignore when we discuss problems that directly impact homelessness, affordable housing, lack of jobs, trashed city streets, empty storefronts. The same elephant in the room that no one talked about during the city council meeting: Substance abuse.

It was not necessary. We all know the underlying effects substance abuse has in every facet of our daily lives locally and the damage is financial and environmental. Yet why are certain people silent and continue to only blame local elected officials or the police or someone else to solve the problem and file frivolous lawsuits misdirecting anger at businesses and individuals that are not the problem.

This summer while having my favorite brew at a local pub, I joked with a friend that I was going to suggest a reality show for Humboldt. City Eye for the Humboldt Guy. It isn't an original idea and I was not being serious. However, if it gets used, I claim royalties!

My premise was dragging a grower out of the hills, getting a local salon to give him a haircut, beard trim or shave, put him in khakis and a button-down shirt, and taking away all his cash (and the errant credit card if he had one) and having him apply for a real job. To top it off, he would actually have to secure a date without those crumpled cash bills as an incentive.

With all that untaxed money, you would think some of these budding entrepreneurs would bother to look like they take a shower and dress better.

You know the guy I am talking about, the one that never had any talent or social skills to get a real job, one that does not have the college debt, the one you are better looking than except for the cash, the one who has a new girlfriend every day. Locally, with the famous underground economy, he is the preferred catch?

Looking around at the devastating effect substance abuse has had on this beautiful area, levity is all one can muster sometimes to stay sane and not be discouraged.

These days the message we are sending is that a man does not need to treat women well or be a good provider with a job that isn't related to getting people addicted? And women who chose these men whether they are dressed in suits or sweats aren't empowering themselves, they are settling for the weaker choice.

How many of you that have power or influence or are cool would have that status if you spoke out? Next time the street does not get swept, next time you complain about a rundown motel, next time your rent goes up because of someone who does not want to bother to take responsibility for their actions and expects society to enable their selfish “only me” attitude, look at what you contributed by your silence for decades.

To paraphrase JFK, “My fellow Humboldtians, ask not what your county can do for you, ask what you can do for your county.” Are you willing to give up the easy money and being popular to have a better life?

Arnie Klein to formally announce he is running for DA on November 13

Just saw Arnie at Arts Alive. He is making the rounds at Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, local events meeting people and introducing himself. He told me that on November 13 at 12:15, he will formally announce his candidacy in front of the Courthouse.

Griego shows why he was voted California lawyer of the year

I have my own opinion of the Laird case and will be interesting to see the evidence presented in December. I was never a big fan of defense attorneys but there are a few in Humboldt that have changed my mind. Patrik Griego has shown over and over that he can take high profile cases and win for his clients. Remember the Jeannie Duncan case. Personally, Patrik and I may have different  views  sometimes but as an attorney he is one of my favorite local lawyers. He is professional, down to earth, brilliant, and fights for his clients with hard work and talent.  Sometimes law and justice prevail simultaneously  and it helps having a lawyer who will do his best for you.

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