Just life tidbits.

I have been hassled for not updating my blog postings, but life has been getting in my way. Sorry for that. Here is some blurbs:

CR Basketball: I went and watched this years College of the Redwoods Basketball team against Shasta. going 1-9 from the free throw line in the last few minutes was a death curse. CR's 6-foot-9 center Matt Lipske looks to have all the physical tools to be a Division 1 player. He just needs to be more assertive in the paint. Dave Norton need to drive and shoot more. This team needs a point guard badly! They have good shooting guards, but nobody to set them up! This could be one of the best teams CR has had in years.

Arcata High Basketball: I have seen these kids play the last few years and was very interested to see if they fulfilled their potential to be the best team ever from Humboldt County. When I left the CR game I saw Ryan DeHart and Jordan Semple in the foyer and told them, "Let that be an example on the importance of free throws" I hope they were listening, because that is the only thing that will end up killing Arcata in the NCS Championships. They also need a fiery leader like they had in Tim Couch last year.

Earthquake damage: Robin and I had a rental in Eureka "Red Tagged" from Earthquake damage. We had no earthquake insurance. We have to have a brick chimney demolished and a new fireplace extension in place. Our renters were freaked out by the notice, but the Eureka planning department was very informative on the procedure needed to bring back into compliance. We are remedying the problem for a few thousand dollars we didn't quite have budgeted. Damn Earthquake! (But wasn't it a great scene to see neighborhood communities unite!)

Pulp Mill: Looks like Freshwater Pulp is getting closer to starting up! Water and regulatory agencies have made this project more viable daily. The Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers local 49 are more than eager for the company to meet with our Standing Committee to lay the ground work for a labor agreement to put workers back on the payroll!

That Harbor Commissioner Stuff: Hey. Give me a learning curve. There is much to be learned and I am doing the best I can. Dennis had 20 years experience. I have big shoes to fill. In the short term, the Marine Life Protection Act and the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) is need of immediate attention.

Local Political Crazyness!: I don't remember a time where so many County Political Candidates have announced their intentions to run for political office so early. Did Jeff Leonard start a trend back in May 2009? In the 4th District Supervisorial race, we know that incumbent Bonnie Neely is being challenged by Eureka Mayor Virginia Bass and Eureka City Councilman Jeff Leonard. Also rumored to run is Humboldt Bay Muncipal Water District President Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap. (Disclaimer-Robin and I are helping Virginia's Campaign.)

5th District Supervisor Race: Ryan Sundberg and his uncle have played with me in night league basketball for awhile. This is a good parameter to judge ones character, and I believe Ryan represents an even keel for the 5th. His politics are moderate and thoughtful for creating working opportunities. I can't think of anyone who would judge him negatively. And he is a fellow Native American and I think it is about time for proper representation. Others in this race officially are Pat Higgins and Pat Cleary. A few others that might step up are Jeff "Henchman of Justice" Lytle, Dennis Mayo and Daniel Pierce.

Humboldt County DA race: Whew! This will be a barn burner! Paul or Paul? Gallegos or Hagan? Allison or Kathleen? Jackson or Bryson? Stayed tuned in the next few weeks as this race develops. Many variables to come soon.

Humboldt County Sheriff: I don't get this. I thought that Mike Downey would be a shoe in. He has the endorsement of the current Sheriff, and seems to have the overwhelming support of current staff and the community. I don't know his challenger Mike Hislop. Hislop is endorsed by current DA Paul Gallegos. Downey is going win in a landslide.

Humboldt Politics are ever moving!