The best quote from KIEM's interview with District Attorney-Elect Maggie Fleming:
“I think transparency is really critical when you consider how many of our decision we have to make out of the eye of the public,” Fleming said. “So what I think is important first and foremost, is any plea negotiation, any continuance, it needs to be stated in open court, on the record you know, our reasons for making that choice need to always be open in public. Down the road a little bit I would like to have a website that provides more information on a weekly basis.”
Maggie and I also talked this week about fair access to information for all who cover court cases. Having clear policies and direction from a leader who understands the importance of getting accurate information from the DA's office will be awe
a welcome change.
Nov 6, 2014
Will Fr. Eric's murderer go for California's Insanity Defense aka the McNaghten rule?
The following is from the site shouselaw.com. The title on the page is "California's Insanity Defense The McNaghten Rule"
The legal defense of insanity in California law means that you cannot be found guilty of a crime if you were legally insane when you committed it.1 Under California's insanity defense, you are considered legally insane if you either
Did not understand the nature of your criminal act, OR
Did not understand that what you were doing was morally wrong.2
This definition of legal insanity is known as the “McNaghten (sometimes spelled M'Naghten or McNaughten) rule.”
You can plead not guilty by reason of insanity at your arraignment hearing. For the insanity defense to work, you will then need to prove that it is more likely than not that you were legally insane when you committed your crime.
If you can convince the jury at your California criminal jury trial that you are not guilty by reason of insanity, then you will be committed to a state mental hospital instead of being sent to prison.
Another link: http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-procedure/the-m-naghten-rule.html
---------------------------------
There is a gag order on the case. It is my understanding that usually you enter a plea of not guilty due to insanity and the Court appoints a professional to do an evaluation.
This would have to be done on the record and in the open and so we will see what happens at the pre-trial conference on December 17.
There is a difference between not guilty by reason of insanity and being incompetent to stand trial. I do not think the insanity defense will fly because Bullock was calculated in his moves before he entered the rectory, he methodically planned the break-in, he fooled the police and after the crime, he tried to burn the rectory, then fled and hid Fr. Eric's car. He escaped and ran from his crime.
Gary Lee Bullock's defense attorney, Kaleb Cockrum may be investigating the possibility by using a different section of the law so that is all done in a way that reports do not have to be turned over in his effort to provide his client the best defense.
Kaleb is a good and caring attorney and will go to bat for his clients. I have known him for a few years. This case is not something I am just reporting on though, it is very close to my heart.
A psych evaluation can take months, already this case has faded for most people, other than those of us directly affected by it. And, time is only beneficial for the defense.
The legal defense of insanity in California law means that you cannot be found guilty of a crime if you were legally insane when you committed it.1 Under California's insanity defense, you are considered legally insane if you either
Did not understand the nature of your criminal act, OR
Did not understand that what you were doing was morally wrong.2
This definition of legal insanity is known as the “McNaghten (sometimes spelled M'Naghten or McNaughten) rule.”
You can plead not guilty by reason of insanity at your arraignment hearing. For the insanity defense to work, you will then need to prove that it is more likely than not that you were legally insane when you committed your crime.
If you can convince the jury at your California criminal jury trial that you are not guilty by reason of insanity, then you will be committed to a state mental hospital instead of being sent to prison.
Another link: http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-procedure/the-m-naghten-rule.html
---------------------------------
There is a gag order on the case. It is my understanding that usually you enter a plea of not guilty due to insanity and the Court appoints a professional to do an evaluation.
This would have to be done on the record and in the open and so we will see what happens at the pre-trial conference on December 17.
There is a difference between not guilty by reason of insanity and being incompetent to stand trial. I do not think the insanity defense will fly because Bullock was calculated in his moves before he entered the rectory, he methodically planned the break-in, he fooled the police and after the crime, he tried to burn the rectory, then fled and hid Fr. Eric's car. He escaped and ran from his crime.
Gary Lee Bullock's defense attorney, Kaleb Cockrum may be investigating the possibility by using a different section of the law so that is all done in a way that reports do not have to be turned over in his effort to provide his client the best defense.
Kaleb is a good and caring attorney and will go to bat for his clients. I have known him for a few years. This case is not something I am just reporting on though, it is very close to my heart.
A psych evaluation can take months, already this case has faded for most people, other than those of us directly affected by it. And, time is only beneficial for the defense.
Hoopa woman's arrest gives new meaning to hooked on drugs
11-06-2014, at approximately 10:30 a.m. the Humboldt County Drug Task Force served a Humboldt County Superior Court Search Warrant on Alyssa Joanne Hunsucker, 22 years old, from Hoopa. The Drug Task Force Agents, with the assistance of a Humboldt County Deputy Sheriff, conducted a traffic stop on Hunsucker who was driving a Gold Hyundai sedan at Washington Avenue and McKinleyville Avenue, McKinleyville. After Hunsucker was stopped, agents served her with the search warrant. Agents located approximately 17 grams of heroin and 22 oxycodone pills in her bra. Hunsucker was arrested for driving without a valid driver’s license, possession of a controlled substance and possession for sale of a controlled substance. She was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she booked. Her bail was set at $50,000.
Christopher Littlejohn arrested again for drugs, shocking!
On 11-05-2014, at approximately 10:45 p.m. a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy spoke with the driver of a purple colored SUV parked in a gravel turnout near the intersection of V Street and Pacheco Road, Arcata. The driver was contacted because the SUV was parked in front of a, “No Parking” sign. When the deputy spoke with the two occupants, an adult male and female, he could smell the strong odor of burning marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The deputy asked the male occupant his name and he identified himself as Christopher Paul Littlejohn, 30 years old, from McKinleyville. A warrant check of Littlejohn revealed he had three felony and two misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. All the warrants were issued by Humboldt County Superior Court and were for drug related crimes. The deputy arrested Littlejohn on the arrest warrants. The deputy searched a backpack that Littlejohn had in his possession. Inside the backpack the deputy located 1.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine, three grams of hash, approximately 6o grams of dried marijuana and a wooden club ( Billy).
Littlejohn was arrested for possession of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, possession of over one ounce of marijuana and possession of an illegal weapon. He was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the charges. His bail was set at $135,000.00.
The female was interviewed and released at the scene.
Littlejohn was arrested for possession of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, possession of over one ounce of marijuana and possession of an illegal weapon. He was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the charges. His bail was set at $135,000.00.
The female was interviewed and released at the scene.
Man with golliwog hairdo busted for drugs
11-05-2014, at approximately 11:15 p.m. a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy spoke with two occupants of a white Ford sedan parked at the end of Sandy Prairie Road, Fortuna. When the deputy spoke with the driver, he identified himself as Cory Orsenico, 25 years old, from Loleta. A warrant check revealed Orsenico was wanted out of Del Norte County on a felony arrest warrant for possession of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia. Orsenico was arrested on the warrant. The deputy spoke with the female occupant of the vehicle who told the deputy there was marijuana in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed there was approximately 94 grams of marijuana, 82 grams of Hash Oil and Hydrocodone. Orsencio told the deputy the drugs belonged to him. The adult female was interviewed and released at the scene. Orsenico was also arrested for possession of concentrated cannabis, possession of a controlled substance and possession of over an ounce of marijuana. He was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked. His bail was set at $60,000.00.
Expert visited Arcata stabbing suspect Ferrer in jail
While the brouhaha of will Paul, won't Paul be in court and discovery issues was being debated, a "expert" visited Juan Ferrer in jail. File iswith the Judge.
Next court date is November 10 in Courtroom 4.
Next court date is November 10 in Courtroom 4.
Pyschologist appointed for Bullock and expert visits Bullock in jail
On 10-23-2014, a psychologist was appointed for Bullock and an expert visited him in jail the same day. This according to the information listed in the court computers.
Since there is a gag order, I tried to get the file. I was told by court staff that it was a funding order and it is sealed and confidential. Next court date is a pre-trial conference at 2 p.m. on December 17 in Courtroom 1.
So two continuances for investigation and now a psychologist?
Since there is a gag order, I tried to get the file. I was told by court staff that it was a funding order and it is sealed and confidential. Next court date is a pre-trial conference at 2 p.m. on December 17 in Courtroom 1.
So two continuances for investigation and now a psychologist?
Frequent DA informant and Bodhi Tree witness charged with failure to register as a sex offender and back in custody
Quentin Williams, who is often a DA informant, and most recently was a witness in the Bodhi Tree case and Eddie Lee cases, both murder cases, is back in custody.
On September 12, the DA's office charged him with a felony; failure to register as a sex offender. The case is being prosecuted by ADA Kelly Neel and until November 5, the alternate counsel's office was representing Williams.
In Courtroom 4 yesterday, Judge Dale Reinholtsen appointed private attorney and former DA candidate Allan Dollison as William's defense attorney. Tomorrow there is a hearing for trial dates to be set. Mr. Dollison said that after he meets with Williams, he will be in a better position to state how the defense intends to proceed.
Related posts on Quentin Williams:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/10/quentin-williams-history-of-lewd-act.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/10/eddie-leea-defense-attorney-accuses.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/07/williams-testifies-tree-allegedly-said.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/10/people-in-african-american-community.html
On September 12, the DA's office charged him with a felony; failure to register as a sex offender. The case is being prosecuted by ADA Kelly Neel and until November 5, the alternate counsel's office was representing Williams.
In Courtroom 4 yesterday, Judge Dale Reinholtsen appointed private attorney and former DA candidate Allan Dollison as William's defense attorney. Tomorrow there is a hearing for trial dates to be set. Mr. Dollison said that after he meets with Williams, he will be in a better position to state how the defense intends to proceed.
Related posts on Quentin Williams:
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/10/quentin-williams-history-of-lewd-act.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/10/eddie-leea-defense-attorney-accuses.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/07/williams-testifies-tree-allegedly-said.html
http://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2014/10/people-in-african-american-community.html
Nov 5, 2014
"I plan to take some time off this afternoon, relax and take a ride on my Harley"
In politics, we have situational friends and those who are true blue. Mike Newman is a true friend. Since I have known Mike, he is always been accessible, caring and he has been personally very supportive of me. He is someone who contributes to this community, whether it is at his job or as a City Council member in many ways that is not always known to people.
The final results for the Ward 3 are not in but I called Mike this morning to thank him for his friendship and his agreeing to run for another term. When the final numbers come in, I hope to congratulate Mike, again.
"I would like to thank my supporters and the citizens of Eureka for tentatively voting me in for another term," said Mike. "Until the final numbers come in, I will continue to be a bridge builder in my role as a Eureka City Council member to bring economic prosperity to Eureka and our region".
This afternoon, "I plan to take some time this afternoon, relax and take a ride on my Harley which I haven't done in three months".
The final results for the Ward 3 are not in but I called Mike this morning to thank him for his friendship and his agreeing to run for another term. When the final numbers come in, I hope to congratulate Mike, again.
"I would like to thank my supporters and the citizens of Eureka for tentatively voting me in for another term," said Mike. "Until the final numbers come in, I will continue to be a bridge builder in my role as a Eureka City Council member to bring economic prosperity to Eureka and our region".
This afternoon, "I plan to take some time this afternoon, relax and take a ride on my Harley which I haven't done in three months".
Congratulations to Natalie for a commanding win
I spoke with Natalie yesterday morning in front of the Courthouse and wished her best of luck. When she was running, she was very gracious and always said hello at Arts Alive, even though she knew that I supported Chet.
She had a commanding win. Congratulations Natalie and all the best in your new position.
She had a commanding win. Congratulations Natalie and all the best in your new position.
Do you agree with Site Selection magazine and Go-Biz that Governor Jerry Brown is good for business in California?
So what do you think?
This is not my opinion or endorsement. This is a promotion from Go-Biz.
Site Selection magazine today released the 2014 California Investment Guide presented by GO-Biz, CalED and Team California. It features an exclusive Q&A with GO-Biz Director Kish Rajan, a profile on Governor Brown's efforts to bolster the state's economy, interviews with California mayors and lots of useful information about California's thriving economy. Please share with your networks and post on social media. http://www.siteselection.com/cc/california/
From the California Investment Guide:
A Place Transformed
How Gov. Jerry Brown cultivated a complete turnaround of the California business climate
Corporate executives who haven't considered investing in California for a long time suddenly have new reasons to do so.
Fresh off four years of painstakingly adjusting public policy to make California more business-friendly, Gov. Jerry Brown is now rolling out the welcome mat to expanding companies with a new set of tools in his recruitment arsenal.
Armed with new tax credits, more funding for economic development, balanced budgets and improved credit ratings, California now competes for jobs and industry without the burden of financial shackles - and the results speak for themselves:
After years of stagnation, the California economy is growing faster than the national average. The state's economy grew by 2 percent in 2013, better than the US average of 1.8 percent. And after a slow start to 2014, the state's economy grew by 4 percent in the second quarter of the year.
California accounted for 14.2 percent of the country's net employment gain in the second quarter of 2014, as state businesses added 109,800 new jobs.
Nearly 700 California companies made the annual Inc. Magazine ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing firms in the country - by far the most of any state. California boasts the No. 1 company on the list - Fuhu, the El Segundo firm that makes large tablet computers for kids - and four of the top 10.
California boasts the two highest ranking US metro areas in per-capita GDP: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($100,115) and San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward ($78,844).
California added 35,600 construction jobs from Aug. 2013 to Aug. 2014 - the second highest amount in the country. The jump increased construction employment in the state by 5.6 percent.
Existing home sales in California rose by 6.9 percent during the second quarter of 2014.
These performance benchmarks have been set even as Brown, the one-time mayor of Oakland and now three-term governor, continues to remake the California business climate. The capstone of this makeover is the governor's $750-million annual plan to attract and retain business.
After years of experimenting without much success with community development programs, California scrapped them and replaced them with new business tax incentives. The new programs include a tax exemption for R&D in manufacturing and biotech; a job tax credit for increasing the number of full-time workers; and a California Competes tax credit given to companies that relocate or expand in the state.
But that's not all Brown is doing. In a very busy September, he signed legislation increasing the state's Film and Television Tax Credit Program to $330 million a year for five years; signed electric vehicle legislation to encourage the growth of electric cars and trucks on California roads and highways.
Following eight years of relative inactivity on the economic development front, Gov. Brown's term since 2010 stands out as one of the most activist in the country. As a result, companies are voting with their pocketbooks.
Leading the way is China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd., which is investing $1.5 billion to build a new plant for aluminum extruded products in Barstow. Trinchero Family Estates is spending $300 million to expand its wine-making operation in Lodi; CaliCheese is investing $250 million to build a new cheese plant in Tulare.
Projects like these helped California achieve yet another milestone. By July 2014, California had overtaken Russia and Italy to become the eighth-largest economy in the world, at just over $2.2 trillion in GDP.
And Stephen Levy, director of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy in Palo Alto, says the state could gain on No. 6 United Kingdom and No. 5 France in the next ranking.
The bottom line, say state officials, is that all this economic growth means more jobs for Californians.
This is not my opinion or endorsement. This is a promotion from Go-Biz.
Site Selection magazine today released the 2014 California Investment Guide presented by GO-Biz, CalED and Team California. It features an exclusive Q&A with GO-Biz Director Kish Rajan, a profile on Governor Brown's efforts to bolster the state's economy, interviews with California mayors and lots of useful information about California's thriving economy. Please share with your networks and post on social media. http://www.siteselection.com/cc/california/
From the California Investment Guide:
A Place Transformed
How Gov. Jerry Brown cultivated a complete turnaround of the California business climate
Corporate executives who haven't considered investing in California for a long time suddenly have new reasons to do so.
Fresh off four years of painstakingly adjusting public policy to make California more business-friendly, Gov. Jerry Brown is now rolling out the welcome mat to expanding companies with a new set of tools in his recruitment arsenal.
Armed with new tax credits, more funding for economic development, balanced budgets and improved credit ratings, California now competes for jobs and industry without the burden of financial shackles - and the results speak for themselves:
After years of stagnation, the California economy is growing faster than the national average. The state's economy grew by 2 percent in 2013, better than the US average of 1.8 percent. And after a slow start to 2014, the state's economy grew by 4 percent in the second quarter of the year.
California accounted for 14.2 percent of the country's net employment gain in the second quarter of 2014, as state businesses added 109,800 new jobs.
Nearly 700 California companies made the annual Inc. Magazine ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing firms in the country - by far the most of any state. California boasts the No. 1 company on the list - Fuhu, the El Segundo firm that makes large tablet computers for kids - and four of the top 10.
California boasts the two highest ranking US metro areas in per-capita GDP: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($100,115) and San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward ($78,844).
California added 35,600 construction jobs from Aug. 2013 to Aug. 2014 - the second highest amount in the country. The jump increased construction employment in the state by 5.6 percent.
Existing home sales in California rose by 6.9 percent during the second quarter of 2014.
These performance benchmarks have been set even as Brown, the one-time mayor of Oakland and now three-term governor, continues to remake the California business climate. The capstone of this makeover is the governor's $750-million annual plan to attract and retain business.
After years of experimenting without much success with community development programs, California scrapped them and replaced them with new business tax incentives. The new programs include a tax exemption for R&D in manufacturing and biotech; a job tax credit for increasing the number of full-time workers; and a California Competes tax credit given to companies that relocate or expand in the state.
But that's not all Brown is doing. In a very busy September, he signed legislation increasing the state's Film and Television Tax Credit Program to $330 million a year for five years; signed electric vehicle legislation to encourage the growth of electric cars and trucks on California roads and highways.
Following eight years of relative inactivity on the economic development front, Gov. Brown's term since 2010 stands out as one of the most activist in the country. As a result, companies are voting with their pocketbooks.
Leading the way is China Zhongwang Holdings Ltd., which is investing $1.5 billion to build a new plant for aluminum extruded products in Barstow. Trinchero Family Estates is spending $300 million to expand its wine-making operation in Lodi; CaliCheese is investing $250 million to build a new cheese plant in Tulare.
Projects like these helped California achieve yet another milestone. By July 2014, California had overtaken Russia and Italy to become the eighth-largest economy in the world, at just over $2.2 trillion in GDP.
And Stephen Levy, director of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy in Palo Alto, says the state could gain on No. 6 United Kingdom and No. 5 France in the next ranking.
The bottom line, say state officials, is that all this economic growth means more jobs for Californians.
Nov 4, 2014
LOCO first on election party scene coverage
Polls are closed. I am at Mike and Chet's election party. I intend to relaxand enjoy the evening and let the rest of the media do reporting on the results. Hank Sims is at the Sea Grill where Mike and Chet are with supporters. He arrived before TS and other media.
Packed chambers to honor Lt. Steve Knight at today's BOS meeting
Sheriff Mike Downey, Undersheriff Billy Honsal, Lt. Wayne Hanson, District Attorny-elect Maggie Fleming, Eureka Police Chief Andy Mills, Betty Chinn, Reverend Dan Price and several co-workers and community members showed up at BOS chambers to honor Lt. Steve Knight who is retiring this week.
Like many others, I made time to be here. Steve Knight is an asset to our community and like others who know him, I hope he continues to be active and we see him around.
He got two standing ovations, even from audience members who were attending the meeting for other reasons.
Steve said he could not put 30 years in 3 minutes, Rex quipped, "I will give you six." Said he could not turn and face his friends and co-workers because "he'd lose it." He thanked God
Two other recent posts on this blog with quotes and background. Supervisor Virginia Bass read the resolution. Watch him being honored on Access Humboldt. It is only fair you see and hear the tribute he received.
Except for Access Humboldt, who films every meeting, no other reporter was there during the BOS morning session unless they plan to be there later today.
It is election day but special presentations, especially honoring community members and those like Steve, who have dedicated their lives to the community, are important.
We read enough about crime and polarization every day.
Like many others, I made time to be here. Steve Knight is an asset to our community and like others who know him, I hope he continues to be active and we see him around.
He got two standing ovations, even from audience members who were attending the meeting for other reasons.
Steve said he could not put 30 years in 3 minutes, Rex quipped, "I will give you six." Said he could not turn and face his friends and co-workers because "he'd lose it." He thanked God
Two other recent posts on this blog with quotes and background. Supervisor Virginia Bass read the resolution. Watch him being honored on Access Humboldt. It is only fair you see and hear the tribute he received.
Except for Access Humboldt, who films every meeting, no other reporter was there during the BOS morning session unless they plan to be there later today.
It is election day but special presentations, especially honoring community members and those like Steve, who have dedicated their lives to the community, are important.
We read enough about crime and polarization every day.
Nov 1, 2014
My information on Z and Q are information for public is not spun to favor who I support; so just who is misleading voters in this election?
I enjoy Tom's blog but in his latest post, it seems he has joined the bandwagon of the left leaning blogs putting out misinformation on R.
Tom Sebourn's latest blog post says that No on R is misleading the voters. The following is from his blog post.
Is it is a factual error when he claims that businesses with 15 or more employers are affected or a convenient spin?
This is from the ordinance:
Measure R affects "123. 04 MINIMUM WAGE.
A. Employers for which twenty-five (25) or more Employees perform work for compensation during any particular calendar week shall pay Employees no less than the Minimum Wage set forth in this Chapter for each hour worked within the geographic boundaries of the City during that week."
Employee is also defined as : "B. “Employee” shall mean any person who:
Read the actual ordinance for yourself
http://ballotpedia.org/Eureka_
The only one misleading the voters are liberally leaning blogs, big on spin, short of facts. Why has the media not done any coverage on all Measures? Only TS did articles on Measure Z and Measure R; others mostly on P and Q, with a spin to liberal voters.
Where is the investigative and objecting reporting from your local media who have full-time jobs and a responsibility to inform the public? I write a blog and I put in my own time on what I post.
I have put posts on Measure Z and Q that provide information to the public that I sought out; it is not spun favorably towards the people who I support; it's facts. Like others, I do express my opinion and when I do, I state that.
Don't be swept up by hype. Check your facts before you vote.
Tom Sebourn's latest blog post says that No on R is misleading the voters. The following is from his blog post.
No On Measure R People Misleading Eureka Voters
The folks over at Measure R Vote NO facebook page seem to be intentionally misleading the public about what and how the measure will affect the workers of Eureka if it passes.
Measure R is an attempt to raise the minimum wage in Eureka to 12 dollars an hour. The measure would not affect every business. Only businesses with more than 15 employees within the city limits would required to pay the $12.00 minimum wage if it passes.
Measure R is an attempt to raise the minimum wage in Eureka to 12 dollars an hour. The measure would not affect every business. Only businesses with more than 15 employees within the city limits would required to pay the $12.00 minimum wage if it passes.
Is it is a factual error when he claims that businesses with 15 or more employers are affected or a convenient spin?
This is from the ordinance:
Measure R affects "123. 04 MINIMUM WAGE.
A. Employers for which twenty-five (25) or more Employees perform work for compensation during any particular calendar week shall pay Employees no less than the Minimum Wage set forth in this Chapter for each hour worked within the geographic boundaries of the City during that week."
Employee is also defined as : "B. “Employee” shall mean any person who:
1. during a particular calendar week performs at least two (2) hours of work for an Employer as defined below; "
Read the actual ordinance for yourself
http://ballotpedia.org/Eureka_
The only one misleading the voters are liberally leaning blogs, big on spin, short of facts. Why has the media not done any coverage on all Measures? Only TS did articles on Measure Z and Measure R; others mostly on P and Q, with a spin to liberal voters.
Where is the investigative and objecting reporting from your local media who have full-time jobs and a responsibility to inform the public? I write a blog and I put in my own time on what I post.
I have put posts on Measure Z and Q that provide information to the public that I sought out; it is not spun favorably towards the people who I support; it's facts. Like others, I do express my opinion and when I do, I state that.
Don't be swept up by hype. Check your facts before you vote.
Humboldt Taxpayer's League tells off the County Board of Supervisors
This is the text of a paid political advertisement against Measure Z paid for by Humboldt Taxpayers League which willappear in the Times-Standard tomorrow:
Measure Z is an unfair tax that Humboldt County just can't afford
Fixed income Seniors can’t afford additional taxes.
Working families need to be able to feed their children first.
Don’t let the County put another hand into your pocket by
adding to existing state and city sales taxes.
The Cities of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Ferndale and
Blue Lake could be taxed an additional 12 million dollars
each year.
We don’t need another reason to send our business purchases to
Crescent City, Ukiah or Oregon.
Will Measure Z funds even be used for public safety? Our supervisors
have already made a “special” deal to give most of our county employees
a $700 bonus. That is over a 1 million dollar bonus on the
backs of tax payers that won't provide any additional services at all.
These are funds that could have gone to public safety.
Voting “No on Z” tells county government
live within its means, as we all do.
If you don't think you can afford more taxes for
the same services,
Speak Up!?
Vote No on Z
Do you agree with the Taxpayer's League? The same arguments can be used against Measure Q. So you cannot be against 1 and then for the other.
Measure Z is an unfair tax that Humboldt County just can't afford
Fixed income Seniors can’t afford additional taxes.
Working families need to be able to feed their children first.
Don’t let the County put another hand into your pocket by
adding to existing state and city sales taxes.
The Cities of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Ferndale and
Blue Lake could be taxed an additional 12 million dollars
each year.
We don’t need another reason to send our business purchases to
Crescent City, Ukiah or Oregon.
Will Measure Z funds even be used for public safety? Our supervisors
have already made a “special” deal to give most of our county employees
a $700 bonus. That is over a 1 million dollar bonus on the
backs of tax payers that won't provide any additional services at all.
These are funds that could have gone to public safety.
Voting “No on Z” tells county government
live within its means, as we all do.
If you don't think you can afford more taxes for
the same services,
Speak Up!?
Vote No on Z
Do you agree with the Taxpayer's League? The same arguments can be used against Measure Q. So you cannot be against 1 and then for the other.
City response to contract negotiations and pay raises different from County with more specifics
I asked the City Clerk and City Manager to let me know what bonuses and pay raises were given to the City employees in the last two years during negotiations. They got back to me very promptly with this response from Gary Bird, Personnel Director, for the city of Eureka:
I have the same problem with Q as I have with Z. 71% is not what people voted for when we voted for Measure O. Why are the Tax Payer's League not questioning Q?
Also Q is supported by current Council members Melinda Ciarabellini.and Linda Atkins. Melinda and Linda support Kim Bergel, Mike's opponent and Linda and all the local Dems support Kim Bergel and Chet's opponent, Natalie Arroyo.
I support Measure Q. The police and fire departments had to cut over $1 million each out of the budget in the last budget cuts. They can't afford to cut another million dollars out of their budget.
If Measure Q fails, the fire department will have to cut six firefighters, close Station No. 4 at Myrtle & West Avenue, reduce paramedics, and would have slower response time for calls and the inability to replace aging equipment. They would have an overall reduction of fire services.
The police department would have to eliminate the POP team, traffic division, homeless outreach, and PSOs. They would eliminate non-injury collision reports and discontinue foot patrols in Old Town. It would reduce the police force by nine positions, some full-time and some part-time. We have serious crime, homeless, drug and traffic problem in Eureka and can't afford to lose Measure Q. Please join me in voting yes on Measure Q.
In the last 2 years in recent contract negotiations, represented City employees have not received any base salary increases or bonuses, rather employees are now required to contribute a higher percentage of recurring payments for their health insurance and retirement plans. As part of the negotiations, employees received one-time payments to help defray these ongoing costs. In addition, certain classifications received limited increases in boot, tool and uniform allowances to reflect increased costs, and limited increases in stand-by pay, public safety certification pay, temporary duty pay and incentive/specialty pay where applicable.
As you know, in the last 2 years unrepresented employees received salary increases approved by Council in 2007 to fully implement the 2006 Koff Classification and Compensation Study (fully implemented for represented employees by 2011). This did not involve contract negotiations, and the increased amounts varied depending upon classification based on the Koff Study.
Also Q is supported by current Council members Melinda Ciarabellini.and Linda Atkins. Melinda and Linda support Kim Bergel, Mike's opponent and Linda and all the local Dems support Kim Bergel and Chet's opponent, Natalie Arroyo.
Mike Newman on Measure Q in TS article:
I am in favor of extending for five more years, the existing ½ cent sales tax in order to help fund our public safety departments. When it was passed in November 2010 as Measure O, I had hoped that we (the city) could develop and move forward on several major projects in our city. Those projects would have helped to allow the sales tax measure sunset with the additional sales tax revenues brought in by them.
As a member of the Eureka City Council, I will endeavor to use the revenues Measure Q (Measure O extended for five additional years) brings in to continue (over the past years, ~71% of the Measure O monies have been used toward public safety) to pay for public safety. Visit: http://www.eurekaq.com/
Measure O enables the police to work on homeless crimes and transient populations, high traffic accident locations, drug trafficking and the environmental issues that come with it. The Problem Oriented Policing team is staffed almost exclusively with Measure O money.
"Without Measure O proactive policing would be a thing of the past. Gangs, transnational crime and preventative measures would become subordinate to just managing calls for service. As the county seat and a growing population of early release felons, Eureka needs Measure O to supply the resources needed to control crime and bring order." — Police Chief Andrew Mills (12/10/13)
"Measure O has been extremely beneficial for maintaining Fire services for the City. Prior to the passage of the Supplemental Transaction and Use Tax, the Fire department was facing the prospect of reduced staffing and reducing the day to day emergency services we provide to the community." —Fire Chief Ken Wood (12/10/13)
The funds for this measure come not only from the residents of Eureka but the many visitors who work and shop here.
Chet Albin on Measure Q in TS article:
I am in favor of extending for five more years, the existing ½ cent sales tax in order to help fund our public safety departments. When it was passed in November 2010 as Measure O, I had hoped that we (the city) could develop and move forward on several major projects in our city. Those projects would have helped to allow the sales tax measure sunset with the additional sales tax revenues brought in by them.
As a member of the Eureka City Council, I will endeavor to use the revenues Measure Q (Measure O extended for five additional years) brings in to continue (over the past years, ~71% of the Measure O monies have been used toward public safety) to pay for public safety. Visit: http://www.eurekaq.com/
Measure O enables the police to work on homeless crimes and transient populations, high traffic accident locations, drug trafficking and the environmental issues that come with it. The Problem Oriented Policing team is staffed almost exclusively with Measure O money.
"Without Measure O proactive policing would be a thing of the past. Gangs, transnational crime and preventative measures would become subordinate to just managing calls for service. As the county seat and a growing population of early release felons, Eureka needs Measure O to supply the resources needed to control crime and bring order." — Police Chief Andrew Mills (12/10/13)
"Measure O has been extremely beneficial for maintaining Fire services for the City. Prior to the passage of the Supplemental Transaction and Use Tax, the Fire department was facing the prospect of reduced staffing and reducing the day to day emergency services we provide to the community." —Fire Chief Ken Wood (12/10/13)
The funds for this measure come not only from the residents of Eureka but the many visitors who work and shop here.
Chet Albin on Measure Q in TS article:
If Measure Q fails, the fire department will have to cut six firefighters, close Station No. 4 at Myrtle & West Avenue, reduce paramedics, and would have slower response time for calls and the inability to replace aging equipment. They would have an overall reduction of fire services.
The police department would have to eliminate the POP team, traffic division, homeless outreach, and PSOs. They would eliminate non-injury collision reports and discontinue foot patrols in Old Town. It would reduce the police force by nine positions, some full-time and some part-time. We have serious crime, homeless, drug and traffic problem in Eureka and can't afford to lose Measure Q. Please join me in voting yes on Measure Q.
Voters not happy with Measures overall; so which measures will pass?
I walk for the candidates I support every election. During my door to door, voters spoke about how they felt. This is not a scientific poll but it would make me very happy if all Measures did not pass in this November 4 election.
People had stronger opinions on P and R than Z and Q but once they got facts, some were surprised how they felt; people are researching on their own; but one thing most people agreed on was they were tired of being taxed.
I am against all these measures.
Measure P : Ill-intentioned measure from people wanting to dictate what others eat and with non thought or regard to those whose livelihood is affected. Take it up with Monstanto and leave the others alone.
Measure R: A feel good measure that will achieve nothing to improve the lives of working people; most people who were voting for it because of their intent thinking it would benefit others felt differently when they got the facts. Another ill-intentioned measure designed to stick it to Walmart and "larger businesses"; all it will do is stick it to the people it is supposed to help and drive away the few good employers that do not need legislation to do the right thing.
Measure Z and Measure Q: I do want public safety funded; but the fear mongering turns me off; the unions "by law" suck up the money in "bargaining" and the people just keep paying taxes. Start charging the people who dial 911 because they took too many pills and need a "ride to the ER".
Measure S: Cut the money spent on bureaucratic expenses and spend it on what directly benefits the children.
People had stronger opinions on P and R than Z and Q but once they got facts, some were surprised how they felt; people are researching on their own; but one thing most people agreed on was they were tired of being taxed.
I am against all these measures.
Measure P : Ill-intentioned measure from people wanting to dictate what others eat and with non thought or regard to those whose livelihood is affected. Take it up with Monstanto and leave the others alone.
Measure R: A feel good measure that will achieve nothing to improve the lives of working people; most people who were voting for it because of their intent thinking it would benefit others felt differently when they got the facts. Another ill-intentioned measure designed to stick it to Walmart and "larger businesses"; all it will do is stick it to the people it is supposed to help and drive away the few good employers that do not need legislation to do the right thing.
Measure Z and Measure Q: I do want public safety funded; but the fear mongering turns me off; the unions "by law" suck up the money in "bargaining" and the people just keep paying taxes. Start charging the people who dial 911 because they took too many pills and need a "ride to the ER".
Measure S: Cut the money spent on bureaucratic expenses and spend it on what directly benefits the children.
2 days, 3 hours left until election day; your vote is crucial
36.2 absentee voters have voted.
If you don't vote, don't complain. Showing up, voting and voting early gives you, the voter control over the future.
If you don't vote, don't complain. Showing up, voting and voting early gives you, the voter control over the future.
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