Sex registrant arrested by EPD for soliciting teenage girls

EPD press release posted below. The short version, another probation violation and meth involved. Wonder if the students who were here to check out HSU will still consider Humboldt as an option?

Eureka Police Department

Date:  February 18, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Subject:  Sex Registrant Arrested for Annoying/Molesting Teenage Girls

On February 16, 2014, at about 9:30 AM, Eureka Police Department officers were dispatched to a motel on the 2200 block of 4th Street regarding the report of a suspicious person.  The caller reported a male subject solicited two teenage girls for a “massage” near the dumpsters outside this location. 

While en route to the motel, the responding officer spotted a male matching the suspect’s description standing in the parking lot of a gas station located at 4^th and V Streets.  The officer recognized the subject from prior law enforcement related contacts as David Lee Dues (age 26 of Eureka).  Dues was on summary probation for 9 offenses (7 separate probation dockets/cases) including annoying or molesting a child under 18 and failure to register as a sex offender.  Upon contacting Dues, the officer observed he exhibited symptoms consistent with being under the influence of methamphetamine. Dues was detained pending further investigation. 
Upon contacting the victims, ages 16 and 17 years, the officer learned they were staying at the motel while in town to visit Humboldt State University. When the girls walked outside to place their bags in their parents’ car, they were approached by Dues.   Dues inquired if he could ask them a question for a “college class.”  He claimed he needed to practice a massage technique, “reflex,” for his class so he could get his “masseuse license.” Dues asked the girls if he could do the massage on them, adding it would only take a few seconds.  He then attempted to convince the girls to go behind a nearby dumpster with him.
The girls felt frightened by Dues. They rejected his offer, told him they needed to go, and returned to the motel. 
The victims positively identified Dues as the suspect.  Dues was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for annoying or molesting a child under 18 years (with a felony enhancement due to his prior conviction) and violation of his probation.  Dues’ bail was set at $25,000.00.  Dues was still in custody as of the time of this news release. 

Anyone with information about this crime, or similar unreported crimes committed by Dues, is asked to contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4060 or (707) 441-4044.

Update on invocation lawsuit against City of Eureka from court today

The lawsuit filed by Carole Beaton against City of Eureka regarding invocations before city council meeting was scheduled  in Courtroom 8 today. Attorney for Beaton is Peter Martin. City of Eureka was represented by the City Attorney Cyndi-Day Wilson and Judge Bruce Watson presiding.

Parties are trying to work on a settlement and are due back in court on April 30 at 1:30.

Elan to formally announce February 27

The date is set. Please look out for announcement details in local media soon.

Larry Glass cannot run for 4th District Supervisor according to Election office rules

According to the Humboldt County Elections Office website, any candidate for county district supervisor, must be re registered in that district minimum 30 days prior to the filing deadline which this year is March 7. Larry Glass responded to me Feb 15. As of  today, Glass is still registered in the 3rd District.

COPE Banquet at Cher ae Heights awards CUHC union of the year

The COPE Banquet at Cher ae Heights Casino on February 16 was hosted by Central Labor Council of Humboldt County.

California United Homecare Workers received the award for union of the year.

Bill Burns, retired operating engineer and Eureka Firefighters Local 652 were also honored.

Supervisors Virginia Bass and Estelle Fennell attended as did Elan Firpo, the only candidate out of the 4 candidates running for DA.

Allan Dollison campaign update

Allan Dollison has a campaign update on his facebook page. With a new office and building a private practice, Allan certainly has been doing a great job meeting people. He has been very organized from the moment he announced.

"I addressed the AFSCME Union on Wednesday, February 12. On Thursday, February 13, I spoke before the Humboldt County Tip Club at the Sea Grill Restaurant (which is a group of local businessmen)".


He will be speaking before the North Coast Young Democrats  and Humboldt Del Norte MOAA (Military Officers Association of America) Chapter in the near future.


"I just got invited to the Mateel Community Center for a concert to raise awareness and opposition to the use of rat poison in Marijuana Grows, where I will give short comments. The following week, I am doing an interview with Eureka High School Students. I continue my other community based activities, where on Saturday February 15, I officiated at a packed Military Honors ceremony for George Herd of Trinidad. There was well over 150 people there. I will be addressing the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee on March 12. Lastly, I went to a fundraising dinner at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Arcata on Sunday, February 16. Busy calendar, but I enjoy meeting and talking with as many people as possible about the campaign."


I will be covering some of the public forums all the candidates are invited to and it is very helpful to receive these campaign updates to publish.

Eddie Lee Disposition Reset

I was going cover the case and then report but since I already posted this in comments under watchpaul because there was a question about this case am posting the status here. I don't know about Currie but Eddie Lee has a hearing on March 24 at 2 p.m. for a disposition reset. When I was in court for another case, and this was being set, Kathleen Bryson made a special appearance on behalf of Lee's attorney and Paul was in court for the People.

I think people deserve to have information on certain cases, not just those that make headlines, therefore covered by most media but cases of interest to the community.

From the private emails I get people appreciate the coverage.

Fundraiser for Eureka High School Players go to New York 2014

Edinburgh was the original destination, now it is New York but the students and the cause is still the same. The students have been raising money by having fundraisers and benefits at various locations such as Applebee's and Ferndale Repetory Theater.

I am publicizing the next one for John and Rita Wesa, 2 of my favorite people in this community, their grandaughter is part of this group, and because it being held on March 3 at the Wine Spot, one of my favorite local businesses.

Tickets are going fast for 2 time slots on that day.  There are appetizers, desserts and a dutch raffle auction of donated items.

Here is a way to support your local community and businesses. Check out the group's facebook page for more information.

A few facts about 460s and Virginia's fundraising

Per the 460s, Virginia raised $39,176 in 2013. However she has been fundraising for her re-election since 2011. I know because I was a volunteer at many of these fundraisers.

Her largest contribution for the year was $2,500 from the Humboldt Deputy Sheriffs Organization.

Her total amount in cash on December 31, 2013 was $59,025 and rising as she is still fundraising in 2014.

Regarding campaign finance reform, the Board of Supervisors had this as board agenda item earlier this year and the Democratic Central Committee came out with a resolution to limit contributions to $1,500.

Make your vote count this election season

The first sentence of Larry's response  is something very telling and I agree with it, perhaps for different reasons than Larry. 

This election season I hope that those decent voices, whether they be Democrat, DTS  Republican or Green; conservative prevail.

Only people who have something to hide are afraid and attack those who provide truth and information. Transparency is a word tossed about a lot by people. There are people who attempt to run a clean race and it is hard when people who don't know what ethics means just sling accusations and bait.

Only at election time are we all equal in reality. Your vote counts just as much as the other person. Educate yourself independently, don't be impressed by names on endorsements, meet all the candidates, see if supporters are someone you trust and have personally known and then make the best decision. 

It is not as simple and black and white as developers, growers, business, labor; it is about working beyond boxes most people do not fit in as neatly as some portray them to be.

Larry Glass responds to rumor about potential candidacy and running against Virginia

The following is the entire response via email from Larry Glass. I am printing it in entirety so that these are his exact words. I appreciate Larry's quick response. Still waiting to hear back from Chris Kerrigan.

"What a town! The surprise is the people who first approached me, people that have been my adversaries in the past.
I haven't made any firm decisions regarding moving or a potential candidacy, but thank you for the interest!"

Lance Borgner and Christina Higgins in custody

Humboldt's Most Wanted crime couple  were taken into custody safely Wednesday afternoon by EPD's POP and Criminal investigation Detectives after EPD received a tip passed on from the Arcata Police Department.

They were staying in a motel on South Broadway. Both were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional facility on their outstanding warrants  and aforementioned fresh charges.

Reject the hate Humboldt

Living in Humboldt County  often seems like being caught in the battle between the Sharks and the Jets. For Generation Z and other people who may be thinking of sports teams, let me clarify. I am talking about West Side Story, the American musical which was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet.

The story is set in the Upper West Side neighborhood in New York City in the mid-1950s, which then was an ethnic, blue-collar neighborhood, and explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

Fast forward to 2014, interchange the Sharks and the Jets with Democrats and Republicans; theists and atheists; progressives and conservatives; and Humboldt County is reliving fictional history and real history. Especially during election season.

Multi-generation and small town nepotism is par for the course in a small-town. Cliques, age old battles and rivalries and the status quo stymie growth. For someone who was not a cradle Humboldtian, there is a dilemma. First, you have to pass the mandatory suspicion phase and maybe a decade plus or more, finally, you are no longer considered transient or an outsider. You are elevated to an outsider that can be trusted.

In New England, unless your ancestors can be traced back to the Mayflower, you remain an outsider forever. Here in Humboldt, there is hope. You can become an accepted outsider. The dilemma “outsiders” face in the interim is not being drawn into baggage of local high school drama and popularity contests that seep into middle age, extreme political partisanship, the us versus them mentality that plagues Humboldt and is more prevalent than kudzu in the South.

It’s time to nip this nonsense in the bud, if we are to achieve anything locally. Instead of the Lost Coast, we may be known as the Invisible Coast soon. Most people I know, even Humboldt natives could care less about the Sharks or the Jets unless they are watching hockey.

Division is encouraged by those who cannot be in power otherwise and those who are insecure. Real leaders are too busy developing, encouraging, creating positive change. Now in political season, the gloves come off from those who do not want the truth revealed. So what do they do, attack anyone who does not fit their agenda. 

For too long, certain voices have dominated the conversation, and they think if they shout the loudest, they are right. The Sharks and Jets mentality is being brought forth by certain people because they know distraction and division detracts from real dialogue. 

We have various  opinions on what it takes to make Humboldt a better place for all and bring about change for the average person.  It is not whether one is an insider or outsider that determines success, a lot depends on the community to look past their entrenched positions and backseat driving for someone to make a difference.

Generation Z, you are the future leaders. Break free from the patterns of the past and bring change to Humboldt that it deserves.

Invest in it, transform it for the better and create a future that rejects hate and build bridges among groups that can see the common denominators.

Will Julie Timmons now be removed as associate HCDCC member?

On her blog, Julie said she voted for John Fullerton. She is an associate member. She also expresses good points about the HCDCC.

Rumor has it 2 names being circulated to run against Virginia

Rumor has it that progressives are trying to desperately recruit anyone to run against Virginia for 4th District Supervisor. Two names circulating are: Chris Kerrigan to run against Virginia instead of Frank Jager. And another name as a possible opponent to run against Virginia is Larry Glass.

Glass is still registered to vote at his Myrtle Avenue home in the 3rd District.

Elan Firpo invited but not exactly welcomed at HCDCC meeting

Elan was invited by a member and Democrat to the HCDCC meeting. When she got to the door, she was told "her time would be better spent elsewhere" so she left.

And in other news as already reported on samoasoftball, Melinda Ciarabellini was removed as an associate member due to her support of John Fullerton.

Marian Brady resigns from HCDCC

Marian Brady, Eureka City Councilmember for Ward 1 just submitted her resignation to the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee.

The following is the text of the letter that was just sent to HCDCC president Bob Service:

Dear Mr. President:

It is with heartfelt regret and sadness that I am submitting my resignation to the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee. Unfortunately due to this being a campaign year, and my position of the 1st Vice President in the Redwood Empire Division of the League of California Cities, plus running my design business I just won't have the time to devote to the HCDCC that this organization deserves.

This is a great group and organization that rightfully commands a level of commitment which I am unable to offer. It has not only been a pleasure but an honor to serve the HCDCC. I will truly miss the work that we have done together.

I wish the HCDCC much luck and success in all your future endeavors and look forward to keeping up with all of your accomplishments as an outsider.

Very sincerely,

Marian Brady

Paul Gallegos answers my questions on Cruz waivers

I asked Paul the following question: A post I did generated some interest in what the current policy is on Cruz waivers? When did it change because in Nov 2012, the office was opposing Cruz waivers? And who makes the decision to oppose or not to oppose? You or the Deputy DA prosecuting the case.

Despite the courthouse being closed today, Paul responded very promptly.

This is his response in its entirety:

After the murders of Dorothy Ulrich and Suzanne Seeman I directed all staff to oppose any request for release by a defendant pending sentencing in a felony case.  We did that to allow myself and my staff to review the Jason Warren case where he was released by the Court on a Cruz waiver. 

After reviewing that case and the decisions that were made I concluded that the conduct and/or decisions of staff in that case were appropriate based on the facts that could be proved in that case and the defendant’s adult criminal record and no permanent changes were made regarding opposing defendant’s release on felonies pending sentencing.  At that time, attorneys were to assess: (i)  the defendant’s risk of harm to the public if released pending sentencing; (ii) the risk of the defendant not returning to sentencing if released by the court; and (iii) the likelihood of the court actually releasing the defendant.  If the facts associated with the defendant and his/her case are not likely to result in the court agreeing to release the defendant we would not agree to the defendant’s release.  If the court is agreeable to releasing the defendant or the attorney feels that, based on the facts of the case and the defendant’s background, that the court is likely to release the defendant the prosecutor should advise that they will oppose any release absent a Cruz waiver we ask for the Cruz waiver to protect the guilty plea. That remains the policy of the office. 

I don’t know how much you know about Cruz waivers or the Cruz decision but, in essence, Cruz waivers are requested by the prosecution so the remedy for the defendant’s failure to appear for sentencing is a greater punishment than they originally plead to instead of what will happen without a Cruz waiver: the defendant gets his guilty plea back and we start all over again.