Happy New Year!

Hope everyone has safe and happy new year for 2010!

A call for help. Pulp Mill workers granddaughter has cancer.

Retired pulp mill worker Carlo Giovannetti's granddaughter, Courtney Williams, has lymphoma and is having trouble finding a match for a bone marrow transplant. The test for a potential match can be done by simple swab of the mouth. This can be done at the Northern California Community Blood Bank at 2524 Harrison Ave. in Eureka. If you have time, please stop by and help.

Virginia Bass running for 4th District Supervisor!

For Immediate Press Release:

Please join Eureka Mayor Virginia Bass for a press conference.

Virginia will be announcing her candidacy for Humboldt County 4th District Supervisor on the County Courthouse steps (5th and I Streets) this Thursday, December 17th at 12:00 noon.

Virginia was twice elected to Eureka City Council before she was elected as Eureka Mayor.

Her father OH Bass previously served as Humboldt County 4th District County Supervisor and Virginia would like to continue her family's legacy as a public servant to our community.

Virginia previously managed her family's business, OH's Townhouse, and has participated in many local charitable fundraising events such as the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" and is the past President of the Henderson Center Kiwanis Club.

For further information, please call Virginia Bass at 707-499-5000 or email at Bass4Supervisor@gmail.com

OK. Jeff Leonard and Virginia are pretty much official. What about Bonnie or Kaitlin? This is going to be huge race.

Water District gives Pulp Mill 10 year water contract.

The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District voted unanimously to accept a 10 year contact for Freshwater Tissue to purchase water beginning July 2010. Stay tuned.

Marks sworn in to Harbor Commission. TS says buckle up!

Marks sworn in to Harbor Commission
John Driscoll/The Times-Standard
Posted: 12/05/2009 01:15:15 AM PST

About two dozen people were on hand Friday to watch Richard Marks be sworn in as the newest commissioner for the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District.

District Executive Officer Dave Hull read Marks the oath, then handed him a set of keys to district facilities.

”This is the key to the castle,” Hull joked.

Hull added that he was pleased to see people turn out for the swearing in.

Marks, a former Samoa pulp mill worker and board member for the Samoa Peninsula Fire District, thanked those who helped him in his run for the Division 4 seat. He is taking over for Commissioner Dennis Hunter, who has stepped down after 20 years.

There are significant challenges ahead for the harbor district. Significant cuts had to be made this year to prevent a major reduction in reserves, and the board continues to struggle over how to approach port development.

Marks said that he would like to keep options open on port development.

In the near term, he said, he'll just need to get up to speed.

”I just really need to settle in and see where I fit,” Marks said.

Welcome, Richard Marks; now buckle up
The Times-Standard
Posted: 12/06/2009 01:30:15 AM PST

We gladly welcome the newest member of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation Distrct -- Richard Marks -- to his seat on the dais. During the election, we endorsed Marks because we believe he had the best set of skills among the various candidates to help the district do what needs to be done over the next term.

And make no mistake -- there is a lot to do.

But he joins a governmental body that has been much conflicted in recent years, as various camps seek to seize the initiative and push the harbor in the direction they believe best serves the needs of Humboldt County's residents.

Which is why what Marks brings to the table is vital for the future health of the district. He represents membership in both sides of the debate -- a longtime Democrat with progressive credentials, Marks has also long served as an advocate of the working class, and knows that jobs and employment are absolutely imperative for any future that includes big plans for Humboldt Bay.

So we hope that Marks can and will put his skills to use as a broker of compromise and consensus.

And we implore his fellow board members, whatever their affiliation, to set aside their agendas and understand that with the board split as it currently is, accomplishing anything will take a willingness to work together for the good of all.

No one side is going to get everything they want, nor win all the political battles. So the key to avoiding a rancorous next two years is a willingness on the part of these elected officials to recognize that everyone on the district board was elected by the people to get things done. Board members have differing priorities just as the electorate has different interests, so respect that and be inclusive.
Otherwise, we're going to be in for a long ride to nowhere -- and our future is way too important to let that happen.

Frank "Jigs" Provence Jr. RIP.

You know how some people are bigger than life? I can't even begin to explain the man fully. He was a leader without trying. He was respected and was able to smile during the most pressured time at the pulp mill. And he knew his craft. 88 years old.

Marks sworn in Friday the 4th at 12:30pm.

I will be sworn in as 4th Division Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation & Conservation District Board Member on Friday December 4th at Woodley Island Marina at 12:30pm. I have family coming up from Sacramento to witness. Any of you that would like to come are welcome. (The Picture is of Central Labor Council President Jimmy Smith presenting a $500 check/endorsement for my candidacy for office Labor Day weekend.) Great crowd!