Other possible candidates for the D.A's race?

With Paul not running, I am sure more candidates are debating to run. Have heard other names mentioned as possibilities like Allan Dollison. In the past this source has been accurate, this time I am not sure but the rumor has been circulating for a while. I do know Allan Dollison is renting office space near the courthouse, he was also at the last Eureka Chamber Mixer.  I just checked Arnie Klein's website, there was an endorsing comment from Allan. So who knows what all that means? He may or may not be running.

Of all the names rumored or those planning to run, no one has certain info on the CA State Bar
 website. This is public information. I don't have anything against Allan personally and he is a nice guy so while this information may be some years old, if one is running for the office of District Attorney it is important. This post is stuff ordinary people do not know and Allan should be reminded that this race gets nasty and others could use that against him, if he runs.

Unlike anon posts, bloggers, commentators, I sign my name. Just like last year, the anon posts have already started attacking the candidates and other bloggers. Some of these anon posts come from the invisible support, some not,  and when they attack me or any other blogger or news source that uses our real name and tries to get information out that should concern the average public.

I have always urged people regardless of who they support to not make their decision by listening to media, blogs, or someone else's opinion but to meet the candidate and do their own research. If you don't put that effort in, then don't complain about the results.

Behind every candidate there maybe indirect support. In the District Attorney's race, I would worry more about the underground economy funding, the defense attorneys who visibly or invisibly maybe supporting someone than who endorses or funds someone. Don't let the courthouse in-crowd elect your next District Attorney.

Maggie Fleming to run for DA

I have known this for a while. I just got confirmation to  post her formal intention.  Another first for John Chiv and so far, with the D.A's race always announced first here.

I have seen Maggie in action. I was hoping she would run.  This news has me very excited. I have sat through and watched Maggie in the courtroom on more than one occasion, including a very high profile case. She is very impressive.

Admitted to the bar in 1986, she has worked for the Humboldt District Attorney's office and presently employed by Humboldt County Counsel.

Maggie is very private, very professional. She has successfully prosecuted many cases for the Humboldt District Attorney's office. Check out the Humboldt County D.A's website, google her and I will post links as time permits.

Incident witnessed at CSAC conference

There was an incident witnessed by other supervisors between 2 Humboldt Supervisors at the CSAC (California State Association of Counties) conference last week. If there is any information on other blogs and the comment section, it may be exaggeration. The incident involved Mark Lovelace and Virginia Bass.

I happen to know Virginia is out of town. I did contact her out of concern as her friend. I am very open about who I support unlike other blogs and news sources that have their biases but do not disclose. This is my effort to quell rumors.

I think whoever sent the information should respect Virginia and allow her to handle this as she sees fit. However, I do report and write on a variety of news and since the information is out there now, I think it should be verified to see what the facts are.

I plan to see what I can find out. Tomorrow I will have information from an independent observer. Virginia's shoulder was injured. After I talk to the independent observer, when Virginia returns I will talk to her and if Mark has anything to say, he knows where to reach me. What is interesting is that there were comments about this that I cannot find now. Interesting observation.

Motions heard in Adam Laird Case and trial date to be postponed

One of four motions in the Adam Laird case was heard by Judge Marilyn Miles this afternoon. The other 3 have been continued until December 20. Judge Miles heard and went over each item in the first motion which was to compel certain discovery. Both Laird's attorney Patrik Griego and Roger Rees from the Humboldt County District Attorney's office were questioned by Judge Miles before she ruled on each item.

This phase is just trial prep for the case. For previous hearing, Thad Greenson from the Times-Standard was present. He was not there this afternoon. Allie Norton from KIEM =-TV was there but left early.

Laird was arrested April 17 and charged with committing assault under the color of authority and knowingly making a false statement in a police report and using excessive force. In a motion filed with the court, Griego argued that this was the first case in recent memory referred to the Humboldt County D.A's office and that other cases were handled internally. Part of Griego's selective prosecution theory also alleges that Laird is being targeted by the EPD for his political views and support.

Until the trial starts, if anyone in the public is interested in the minutiae of how the legal system works, it is worthwhile to attend these pre-trial hearings. I am attending because I want information for myself and to give some general reporting  on this case. People locally have very strong feelings about the EPD, current Eureka City Council and Laird's supporters are Larry Glass and Garr Nielsen. Glass has been present at all hearings.

One of the three motions continued was a motion to dismiss. Judge Miles denied some items, asked for some items to be modified and resubmitted. On some items, Judge Miles told Griego what he was was asking for was "too broad, vague and onerous." It wasn't a win for one side or the other. To be fair, you can't report on such a hearing. You have to be there.A summary would not be a fair representation of why Judge Miles made her decisions.

The real story is not that Paul called it quits, but why?

Up to a few months ago, Paul was undecided he was running, some insiders were absolutely certain that he would announce. I had others saying he would not run. My source was someone very close to him. I don't think Paul had decided for sure.

The news release today on blogs that Paul is not running is not the story. When I announced way back in September he would run, I knew there was a chance that this was information that was either misleading or a possibility he may change his mind.

I have announced here before anyone else, rumors who may run, and before anyone else about Arnie Klein and Elan Firpo. The real story is why did Paul decide against a 4th term?

There has been talk that Joan wasn't keen on him running for another term and as his wife who is closest to this decision and most affected by it, she should have that say. There has been talk that he is interested in being a judge. That is an interest expressed by others too, so we shall see.

Knowing Paul, he would not make this decision unless he had another and better opportunity in mind. Public elected officials do move up. There is also the possibility that after a close win over Allison Jackson, knowing who some of the other rumored contenders maybe, in addition to Arnie and Elan running, he wanted to go out as a winner and not take a chance at yet another election.

When he started introducing Elan around, it was obvious he would support her in some way. Maybe a deal between them gone sour? Campaigns locally get nasty and people dig. Is there information that wont be out now that Paul isn't running.

The real story is out there why he decided not to run. Paul can chose to share that or not with his chosen media reps. I for one, would rather focus on those wanting to run for D.A. next year.

My choice for 5th ward for Eureka City Council

These quotes are from an article in today's Times-Standard.

I have a good grasp of the issues of the city of Eureka, and I just believe that I could do a good job,” Albin said.

He wrote in his application that the biggest challenges facing Eureka include hiring a new city manager, and being more effective in addressing crime, the homeless population and illegal drug use.

"I think I would be a good addition to the current council,” Smith said. “I'd bring a different perspective to the council based on my business and the type of community service I've done in the past and am currently doing.”

In his application, Smith wrote he would love to see a diverse, vibrant economy that is less dependent on tourism and the region's “underground economy.”

I would be happy with either Chet Albin or Barry Smith and while I know both of them, I have known Chet longer and better.  I also feel the issues and challenges he refers to are the ones I would like to see the entire council address. Chet Albin is my choice for 5th Ward and I hope that is the recommendation made by Mayor Jager to City Council.

About 300 brave rain for Sundberg kickoff

Very impressive turnout. Law enforcement, tribal representation, government, business and community. What I liked was the family friendly atmosphere and as supporter Patty Clary summed it: Ryan does not always vote the way I want but the other side would say the same but that is good. Anyone that can get Uri Driscoll, Dennis Mayo, Rose Welsh, Jimmy Smith, Matthew Owen, Mike Newman, Marian Brady,Patty Clary and Mike Downey and a diverse mix of constituents in one room is noteworthy. On a personal note, I supported him last time and I endorse him again.  Rex and Virginia were unable to attend due to a community panel. Both Elan Firpo and Arnie Klein attended.

Confirmed: Elan Firpo to formally announce run for DA

Elan Firpo to formally announce her run for DA on December 4.  She has been at various events lately and the feedback from the audience has been very positive. She is a natural campaigner and the more I meet and talk with her, the more I am impressed.

How to tell you are not a Humboldt Native

How to tell you are not a Humboldt native? Other than the obvious when your family has not been here for multiple generations, it is the ability to instantly know what certain words mean.

Anywhere else, you say trimmer and people's first thought usually would be an implement used for trimming off the unwanted or untidy parts of something. Anywhere else you say bud, people may think a cold beer or flower yet unopened. Here, we know what that means. Same goes for weed, pot, grower, hill. All these words have other meanings, but here in Humboldt these words have obvious associations.

Anywhere else, an unemployed plumber or electrician means someone looking for work. Here it means wads of cash in your pocket, untaxed; an obnoxious attitude and lame pickup lines.

When I moved here 10 years ago, I didn't get why the mall had a store full of shirts with 420 on them. It took me four years before I got clued in by someone. In the first couple years when I traveled to other parts of California and I told them where I was from, they would smirk and say, “Oh, you are from Humboldt.” And I would wonder what that meant; now I give a disclaimer. I had no idea of Humboldt's reputation before I moved here. That brings a look of disbelief until I explain to people that the friends who told me about this place talked about the weather, the art and culture, the small town feel, the fog, but they did not mention pot because that is not a factor in their lives or mine.

Believe it or not, there are people whose lives don't revolve around marijuana. We even envision an economy other than weed, and some of us, a very rare breed, are allergic to it. That usually either elicits laughter from people here or a retort, “Well, then you moved to the wrong county, dude.”

I realize for some people it is unthinkable that someone wouldn't wax poetic or get ecstatic about our local crop. Trust me, there is a whole universe out there, pot-free. Even in Humboldt where many people work, live, enjoy and boldly go where some Humboldtians have never gone before. And since we live in a free country, please respect my right and that of others to have our own beliefs.

I have been thinking of forming a pot-free Human Rights Group demanding our entitled pot-free zone, having some discrimination laws passed by the City Council and Board of Supervisors because I was not hired because I didn't have the right pot-i-tude.

Tolerance and respect work both ways.

I may not be cool in the Humboldt sense and I am OK with it. Humboldt has many things it could be known for; the next time I travel outside Humboldt, I hope people ask me about all those other things we take for granted.

I would rather get high on life, not escape it.

1st Motorcycle zone only in Old Town

In a couple of weeks, bikers can park in the Motorcycle only zone in front of the newly opened Black Lightning Motorcycle Cafe.

Hearing for motions on Adam Laird case rescheduled (again) until November 22

The original hearing was on Oct 23, it was rescheduled for today. Judge Marilyn Miles will be back next week and visiting Judge David Herrick felt that the motions would better be dealt when Judge Miles was available.

"I have reviewed some of the pleadings," said Judge Herrick. "There are some allegations better dealt by the judge who was been dealing with the case all along."

Adam Laird is being represented by Patrik Griego. The hearing for 4 motions made by Griego has been now scheduled for November 22.

Animeals fundraiser on November 15

A fundraiser organized by 4^th District Supervisor Virginia Bass and her husband Matthew Owen is being held this Friday from 6-9 PM to raise funds for Animeals. 

Animeals is the dog/cat food supplement to seniors on the Meals-On-Wheels program. “Animeals lost their major corporate sponsor last year and Matthew and I, along with a handful of other local generous contributors, have been working together to keep this program afloat while we look for options and a long term solution,” said Bass.

Claudette and Princess live in a small trailer in a low-income park. Claudette took in two cats from former Animeals clients who passed and now cares for Princess and three cats. 

“Sometimes these pets are the only family these seniors have and some have actually admitted that without the program they would likely have to give away their one true friend,” said Bass. “Matthew and I just can’t stand to see that happen and we are asking the community’s help to keep this program going. ”

“We are looking for at least 100 gracious donors to donate at least $100 (or 100 pounds of dry dog/cat food) to keep this program  running for the next year and that is the purpose of this fundraiser,” said Owen. For details on the fundraiser, please call Owen at (707) 599-9110. $10,000 is needed annually to run the program.

The vast majority of the recipients are shut-in seniors who have lost their spouses or significant others. The only  solace and love many of these seniors have  are their pets to keep them company. 

You can also send your tax deductible donation to: Animeals c/o Bless the Beasts P.O. Box 268 Eureka, CA 95502 directly if you prefer or cannot attend the fundraiser.

Melvin Schuler private collections to be displayed December Arts Alive

Dan and Jayne Ollivier and Edward Oliver in collaboration with St. Joseph's will be having a special show of 2 private collections of Melvin Schuler's work in December. A private, invitation only reception will be held the Friday before Arts Alive in the Gross Building (the former Eureka Plaza Design location) and the public can see the show during December Arts Alive. More details will be available soon in the local media.

Never give up

One definition of compassion is deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it. Enabling can either mean helping individuals to develop and grow, or approaches that are intended to help resolve a specific problem but instead exacerbate the original problem.

The opinion pages of the Times-Standard have had many opinions on homelessness. Like the opinions, the definition and suggested solutions vary according to the perspective of the person writing the op-ed.

A speaker at an event I attended last fall gave advice that when we want to be a part of solution or change, we should try to have that impact on a local level. I completely agree. It is very easy to feel helpless or powerless when we start thinking on a global or national scale. It is easy to direct anger at local officials when the issues that frustrate us are a result of a systemic breakdown of basic human values and political and financial leadership on a national level riddled with corruption and polarization.

Blaming either party, specific groups or someone else is the convenient way out. We no longer dialogue; we just accuse, shout and hope to convince someone else of our view. Civil conversation and results do not occur in a monologue.

Humboldt County has compassionate people. Some, though, are enablers.

Homelessness, drugs, crimes, lack of jobs and housing -- take your pick -- come from encouraging a victim mode and not holding someone personally responsible for any action. It is also a result of unadulterated greed. Statements such as all rich people, all corporations, all government, all growers, all developers, are made by people who ass-u-me and inflame.

Such statements solve nothing. Each situation, each individual, each circumstance is different. Today we live in a self-absorbed, narcissistic society that places more value on con men and those who give lip service. We don't reward talent, skill, hard work and those who don't play the game.

When we pay stars, sports players and reality TV wannabes more money than teachers and nurses, we need to look at our values. Many people don't speak up because to speak up is to suffer financially. I learned that lesson well in 50 years. Imagine if I had a spouse and family to support. I have no regrets.

Not once have I used any excuse or perceived characteristic as a reason for my struggles. There are days I feel discouraged and cranky and want to give up. I remember the words of someone I respect very much. He told me, “Never give up.” He also said, “You will be successful at whatever you do.” This is a man I respect who is self-made, I respect him and his financial success, but more than that, I respect him as a family man.

When you just value your life, your space, your needs, you see how the world needs to work only for you. We would make more progress if we looked at another human being, another stranger, another person also as our family.

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.