Merry X-Mas!

My Buddy Shane Mayor of Arcata!

The second youngest behind Victor Green if I am not mistaken. Controversial, opinionated, outspoken and true union worker advocate. Love to argue with him and come to consensus with. Wise beyond his years and at the same time just fun to be around. Congrats Shane. And Susan, you raised him well!

Starting over. Back in gym seriously.

In 2008 I was injured doing a job I actually wrote the safety procedures for. I tried moving a diversion divider that weighed a couple of hundred pounds in an awkward position with my right hand. Right away I knew something was wrong. I thought I sprained my wrist so I wrote and accident report and turned it in. Weeks later while still working it wasn’t healing so I asked to have an X-Ray and was sent to the Company Workers Compensation doctor. He then gave me a light duty slip to take back to work. I told him, “We don’t have light duty. I can still do my job with this.” He let me know he wasn’t going to change my status. After much time and visits to specialists in the valley, I was approved to have surgery to repair cartilage, tendons and ligaments that were torn. The surgery was done by Dr. Ferraro of Shasta Orthopedic in June of 2009. After my cast was removed I asked when I could start playing softball and he told me whenever I could handle the pain. I played that weekend. Ouch! I was not ready. I ended up having a second surgery to repair or clean up more cartilage. Dr. Ferraro said I had bone rubbing bone and would never have full range of motion in my wrist. I finished Physical Therapy and my wrist is never going to be right. Well this last softball year was really depressing for me as far as hitting. I can’t hit the ball very far and it hurts to do batting practice. So last week I decided to fight back! I am back in the gym weightlifting. I am hurting big time, but my wrist is cooperating. I was able to bench 305lbs before the surgery, but my goal is to lift 225lbs five times before April. I have peaked so far at 155lbs. so I have a way to go! 

The picture is me before my wrist surgery. 250lbs. I am now near 200lbs.  

Working class Republicans in the 50's! Where are they now?

IHHS workers denied what is due! County liable. Give them a raise!

Charges filed by Public Employees Relations Board? Yes. Against the county for unfair labor practices by not bargaining in good faith. And not only has the county ignored an independent "Fact Finding" report that shows they can afford to give the 1,400 workers a raise under current fiscal climate,   Humboldt County will receive a refund check in the amount of $164,726.37 due to an increase in federal funding known as the Community First Choice Option. The money is there, the excuses are getting weaker.

Jim Lyons passes on to that big basketball court in the sky!

Anymore I just cringe when looking at the obits. Too many people I have crossed paths with seem to be leaving us. James Lyon was a big headed, light footed around 6'6" former basketball player and a dead eye long ball shooter. He played basketball for the Wolfpack of the University of Reno. He had great three point range before shooting from that distance counted for anything but 2 points. He was a fixture at many local basketball games. He was in his 60's when he played for Samoa Athletic Club. I enjoyed his views on politics and even his rants on Cal Trans engineering deficiencies. May he rest in peace.

Happy Thankgiving!

Remember a Veteran today!

This picture is my brother Roy and his son Jamie. Roy was exposed to Agent Orange in Viet Nam and passed away from kidney failure from complications of the exposure. My brothers James (Korea) and Micheal (Nam) also served. My Father was a Major in the army and fought in both Korea and was at Pearl Harbor during the bombings. Robin's father Bill Carroll served in the army also.

2012 Election Predictions. 8 Mailers in PO Box today!

I had 8 slick high dollar mailers in my post office box today! Why would a campaign target my family the day before an election when we all vote by mail? Not good money spending. And how long does the normal person look at a mailer? 3 Seconds! That is how long you have to get your message out. I did think this one mailer for Prop. 38 was different in actually showing the local fiscal impact.

California Propositions:

30-Yes 52% to 48% (Temp Tax)
31-No 55% to 45% (State Budget)
32-No 50.5% to 49.5% (Payroll deduction)
33-Yes 51% to 49% (Insurance)
34-No 52% to 48% (Death Penalty)
35-Yes 75% to 25% (Human Trafficking
36-Yes 56% to 44% (Three Strikes)
37-Yes 50.5% to 49.5% (GMO labeling)
38-No 55%-45% (Tax Early Education)
39-Yes 60% to 40% (Multi state tax)
40-Yes 61% to 39% (Redistricting)

2nd District Assembly Race
Wes Chesbro 69% to Tom Lynch 31%

California Senate
Dianne Feinstein 67% to Elizabeth Emken 33%

2nd District Congress
Jared Huffman 65% to Dan Roberts 35%

President
Barack Obama 52% to Mitt Romney 48%

Thank you giants!

Giants win another! I am still in the afterglow of the 1st in 2010 and then this totally unexpected run. With Posey being the only full time position player form the "old" team. Just wish the A's would have been the opponent!

Protect the voice of the working class, vote no on Prop 32!

Business interests in California have out spent unions 3-1 since 2000. And get this, businesses have pumped 1.7 Billion, yes that is Billion dollars into California elections. So beware of Proposition 32. Don't stifle the voice of the working class!

Support Home Health Workers! Give them $2.28 an hour wage increase!

I went to todays Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Chamber to speak in support of In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers garnering a wage increase. One person said that you could not possible compensate them for what they are worth and another questioned on why they ran for office on the themes of jobs and living wages. It was pointed that Supervisor Rex Bohn had never hired anyone for minimum wage until his most recent election as Supervisor.

As a past union president, organizer and local worker advocate for decades I am here to implore the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to find a solution to the obstacles of giving a raise to our 1,400 plus In-Home Supportive Service workers. These “working poor” contribute an asset that is immeasurable to the Humboldt County population. That they are only paid minimum wage with no health benefits is just deplorable and unjust. I believe in a “Living Wage” not a “Poverty Wage.”

Other counties with comparable populations have been able to find room in their budgets to not only give their In Home health Care Workers wages averaging $1.75 an hour more than Humboldt, but pay an average of an additional $.53 cents into a health program benefit.  I would respectfully ask for the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to support at least matching like counties the $2.28 an hour difference in wages and benefits. I challenge Humboldt County staff to use creative, innovative solution oriented problem solving to make this happen.

I am sure I speak for the majority of Humboldt County residents in asking for resolution in the near future.  

Richard Marks

Samoa Pulp Mill 4 years latter.

I was reminded by a past co-worker that today is the 4th Anniversary of the closing of the Samoa Pulp Mill. I miss that place of work to this day. I miss the friendships, the comraderie and even the quirks of working shift work. Too bad this mill couldn't be re-opened. C'est la vie.

Say it ain't so! KFC Fortuna closed.

Robin was driving home from Sacramento trip today and I asked her to stop at KFC Fortuna and get some breasts, mac and cheese and taters. And a chocolate cake to wash it down. When she got there she said it was closed up! I enjoyed their buffet. We now have no KFC's in Humboldt! This is an outrage!

Best eats from the past!

Feeling a little nostalgic this morning after reading a blog post on the old A & W Root beer place on Myrtle, so here are some of my favorite food memories of places in Samoasoftball past.

Breakfast

Eggs: The Kahoalii Café at Bazar. I have no idea what was so different in the way the served eggs. I had many breakfast meals there before going to work at Bazar.

Omelet:  Golden Harvest Café.  The Chalet close behind.

Hash Browns: Eureka Truck Terminal. They were just always the right crispy ness. Consistent.

Sausage and Toast: Samoa Cookhouse. Still and always.

Chicken Fried Steak: Betty Maes. More is better in this case. The Gravy was always good. Just had to not look in the kitchen!

 Breakfast Steak: A few years ago I would have said Adel’s and Kristina’s. Both have went south lately.

Lunch

Hamburger or Hot Dog: OH’s Hamburger King on Harris. None came even close.

Fries: Lazio’s and the Students INN. Tied and both were just fantastic.

Onion Rings: OH’s again. By a huge margin.

Sub’s: L & M Drive in. Used to be in the space now taken up by Adel’s.

Dinner

Salad: I will go with the Sea Grill still.

Potato: I may get some boos for this, but Sizzler. Mostly because you can add stuff from the salad bar.

Soup: The chowder from Michael’s. Never have ate any to match!

Ribeye Steak: Michael’s. I would say AA but they are inconsistent.

Prime Rib: OH’s. Hands down. Although I have had great ones at the Oberon and Sea Grill.

Your favorites from the past?

Arcata Hall of Fame Wrestling Team of 1982!

Went last night’s Arcata Homecoming game against Fortuna to witness Arcata spanking the Huskies 38-18. Can’t recall the last time Arcata did that. I was there to actually see the induction of the Arcata High 1982 Wrestling Team into the Arcata High Hall of Fame. Why my interest? I ended up friends with many on this team and played either intermural sports or city sports with and against them. I played basketball with Gene (Max) Emery and Owen Hooven (Former Professional Football player Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys). I played softball with and against Mike Puzz (Red Dog), Chris Brittain, Kevin Moser , Kenny Bradbury (Baril) and Lee Theuerkauf. Even the team Statistician, Theresa Cheek,  pitched batting practice to my Fast Pitch team. This was just a special tight knit group of whom I have been blessed to know!

Rail Discussion around Humboldt Bay. Rail,Trail or just complete Fail?

So what did we learn today at the North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA) organized Humboldt Bay Rail Corridor Committee meeting today? A number of things. First off, the NCRA made the decision to choose the subcommittee amongst themselves to expedite the process and picked the Chair Clif Clendenen, Director Bill Kier and Mendocino County Supervisor/Director John McCowen instead of having a cross section of community and elected organizations that were clearly requested by the public last time the NCRA was in Humboldt County. Clif opened the meeting and explained the research and scope of their process saying the study included rail line between Arcata and Eureka. (Uh, what happened to the Peninsula and Samoa?) When the presentation was made by engineer Dave Anderson about the conditions of the bridges, Bill Kier wanted to correct him by identifying the Eureka Slough as the Mad River Slough. (Come on! Again, out on the peninsula boys!)

The first topic was about the condition of the bridges around the bay. All were in relatively good shape and wouldn’t take that much to fix. Kind of a pleasant surprise.  But all the culverts and crossings were in bad shape. Mr. Anderson estimated it would take between 10 to 20 million dollars to repair the rail from Samoa to Eureka. He confidently felt he could do a huge chunk of the work needed for 10 million. A question was asked if there was room for a Rail and Trail around the bay and Mr. Anderson said there was with the right away available. (This subject was argued by some of the public.)

Someone made a comment about the East/West railroad and Mr. Anderson was quick to give his judgment as an engineer, saying it was impractical and questioned what would be hauled. His candid unsolicited response caused quite a bit of fidgeting in the crowd of rail supporters.

Is it too late? It was pointed out by the public that some of the land owners who have rails through their properties have 2 year easement agreements with the NCRA and it has been 15 years since rail actually ran. How big of impediment will that be?

Bill Kier said he is gathering data so that when all information is put together the public can have a “Data Based Conversation.”

 I would love to see an excursion train and walkable trail with full access for hikers, rollerblades and bikes around Humboldt Bay. Let’s make it happen. 20 Million could do it!

The next meeting on this subject will be October 12^th in the Eureka City Hall Chambers at 10am.

Eureka 2nd Ward Candidates tangle at Eureka Rotary meeting!

From left to right are Charlie Bean, Joe Bonino and Current 2nd Ward Councilwomen Linda Atkins.

The League of Women Voters hosted a forum at the Eureka Rotary meeting this Monday. The Three candidates are incumbent Linda Atkins, challenger Joe Bonino and write in candidate Charlie Bean. In the opening statements Linda said she is focused on Police and Safety. She wants to continue on prosperity projects and wants to work together with the community. Charlie says he has lived on the North Coast all of his life and wants to promote business. He would like to see a strong police department.  Joe Bonino says he has lived in the area 25 years and said he wants to retain the businesses we do have, support the Marina Center and continue on with good tourism.

Question #1. How would you fix the road conditions at 2^nd and T & S Streets?

Charlie seemed confused by the Question and to his defense, it was worded strange.

Joe did not have much of an answer either.

Linda admitted that area was neglected and explained the priority goes to more highly trafficked areas and traffic budget.

Question #2. Do you support the Marina Center?

Joe said the Marina Center is needed to give the Western side of the Boardwalk Project its proper build out. The need for completion makes the tourist expansion complete.

Linda said “yes” she supports the project. She explained that it is still going through the proper planning and permitting process.

Charlie said that he too supports the project. He pointed out that there were “games” being played with the process, but did not elaborate.

Question #3. What separates you from the rest of the candidates?

Linda pointed out her years of experience on the council representing the 2^nd Ward.  She says she is there for all sides.

Charlie said he has been involved with different parts of the community. He admitted to being pushy on most things. He likes to push his ideas.

Joe said he was not partisan and coachable. He says he has friends on both sides of the political isles.  

Question #4. Do you support the Occupy Movement?

Joe felt the original intent was “Hijacked!”  He felt the message was defused and while he originally supported the actions, he is a no now.

Charlie supported the original concept and message.

Linda agreed with the original intent. Bank of America was ripping us off and needed to hear it. But she felt health and Safety issues needed to be addressed and the area of the occupier kept clean.

Question #5. How do you address the Homeless and Transient issue?

Charlie said that this is tough issue. He pointed out that there are people out there who do not want to be helped.  “The homeless need to have more than just a place to eat!”

Linda said it is hard to control our homeless population because of our temperate climate conditions make this an ideal area with lots of green foliage. Felt we need homeless camp. She would also like to look at partnerships with landlords and pointed out a recent LA Times article with rentals being monitored by non-profits for ideas.

Joe pointed out that the homeless were there by “choice, circumstance or drugs.” And felt each case should be examined as such.

Question #6. How do you feel about medical Marijuana and do you have a 215 card?

Joe does not have a card and felt that all Marijuana dispensaries should be located either somewhere else in the County or in Arcata. He talked to an unnamed heath physician that told him that there are only about 200 real patient cases in Humboldt County that warrant a 215 card.

Charlie also does not have a 215 card. Felt the drug was used and abused. Wants stricter regulations, but had no problems with having a dispensary in Eureka.

Linda does not have a 215 card either.  (What? Are these the only 3 people in county with one?) She points out the Prop 215 was passed by Californians and that lawsuits have been filed at many levels. She supports an ordinance limiting grows and supports more regulation. “We are in the Wild West!”

Question #7. How do you feel about the Ridgewood Village project?

Linda said the City and County need to work together and traffic issues need to be addressed.

Joe felt that the project would be a nice addition if solutions to traffic were made. He wanted to know who would pay for mitigation of traffic problem and felt a direct route to highway was needed. The need for space to grow made this project ok.

Charlie had no problem with the project and liked the idea of more affordable housing. He felt developers should be covering the cost of mitigating traffic issues.

Question #8. Can you get along with fellow councilmembers?

Joe said while he might not be in lock step with council and would think as an individual, he could also be a team player. Used an analogy of being a golf player and individual, but has played tournament as team and can do both.

Charlie thought it was very important to work as a team. You might disagree, but be friendly and respectful.

Linda felt it was important to have different political views. “These are not my friends. I did not know them when I was elected.” She says she has been cordial and feels the Brown Act impedes knowing the other council members well. She felt the council and her agreed on most issues and city issues were moving along.

Question #9. How can you support Tourism?  

Charlie thought that helping the Chamber of Commerce was a way. Feels that both ends of Eureka gateway are ugly. Also felt we needed to promote more things to do to keep tourists here.

Linda felt that cleaning up our inter city parks was a must. She was worried about violent mentally ill patients in places that are tourist destinations. When mentioning Broadway she said “Ugh!”  Wants the Gateways to the city improved.

Joe wants Eureka to be a destination instead of a stopover.  Feels the Marina Center can provide this. Wants to see our sidewalks and gutters cleaned.

Question #10. How do you feel about Low Cost Housing?

Joe said we need this for our Homeless issues. Mentioned a State Law Calculation mandate. Pointed out single room housing that was in Old Town years back. Maybe a solution?

Charlie brought up that the housing element does not include low low income, low income and medium income. Has worked at the Housing Commission level.  Felt infill could be done.

Linda this was really needed and that the #’s weren’t that bad. She really wants to see a High Energy user tax on Industrial Marijuana grows around Eureka. She pointed out that homeowners were taking advantage of the situation and charging renters who grow 3 times the houses worth on the renters market.

Question #11. What are your top 3 priorities for this job?

Linda said her first is the General plan and updating ordinances from the 50’s and 60’s. Her second  is the High Energy Tax and her third is legalizing a Homeless Camp in Eureka. “So they can out of my neighborhood.” (Linda live is Coopers Gulch, a homeless Mecca in Eureka.)

Joe listed Public Safety as number 1. Finding a new City Manager as number 2, and hiring a new police chief number 3. Said our current chief is one of the best ever.

Charlie pointed out the General Plan as the blueprint to grow. Felt we need to go to businesses to find out problems.  His second priority was law enforcement. His third was affordable housing. Just as a kicker, he added a fourth, slow down traffic. (He mentioned about almost being hit on occasion.)

Closing:

Joe thanked everybody and said he supports a safer Eureka.

Charlie also thanked people and said this was new experience for him and he was a little nervous. Wants to be an ear of the people. Reminded everyone he is a write in candidate.

Linda pointed out the city has many challenges. Felt local politics were at its very lowest. Wants to improve prosperity and will respond to issues.   

34 years of Marriage? Samoasoftball & Samoaqueenbee!

34 years counting. Almost 39 together. The Endurance race continues..............

Samoa Softball Tournament History. Record Setter?

This weekend I will be hosting a softball tournament in Willow Creek. I have directed 4 there previously. It got me to wondering just how many tournaments I have held. I probably did about 45 in the town of Samoa and 22 in Weaverville. I think I did 3 in Fortuna and 6 in Arcata.  Maybe 3 in Blue Lake and 6 in Eureka. I held one at Big League Dreams in Redding. So I am nearing 100. I am sure no one is close to that in Northern California. Recently I held one as a benefit for Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, but I have also did fund raisers for other causes, mostly sports for Peninsula Elementary school.

As far as playing, this might be the first year since the 70’s that I have not been on at least one tournament championship. The last 36 years I have played on at least 20 league championship teams out of 50 league teams. That is over 600 games! I have played around 300 tournaments and been on over 50 championship teams.  In total, I have played in about 2,000 games, which is probably double anyone else in Northern California. Obsessed? Yes. Can it continue? Stay tuned. 

Check out this flyer from 1982! Had to be typed! 

How is this for a monster bracket!

Guaranteed 4 game play in bracket for this weekends softball tournament in Arcata. Haven't done this ambitious of a bracket before.

Humboldt County Democrats do County Fair!

Me and my buddy Obama at the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee booth at the county fair. I was tabling today and registered a few voters and saw many people I knew. We had over $60 in donations and some good (and bad) conversations. People came by and took pictures. Had one guy with a Joe Bonino button go by and say "you make me sick!" Well, I've been dissed by better! Overall a good day to live in Humboldt County.

Saving the Pelican in Shelter Cove!

Went down today to Shelter Cove with Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District CEO Jack Crider and Conservation Director Dan Berman. Last we were there a little over a month ago; there was a problem with juvenile Pelicans eating from the fish cleaning station and getting fish oil on their feathers by hanging out under the drainage pipeline when the grinding waste of fish carcasses went out to the ocean.  Our solutions included mesh netting over the cleaning station and an extension to the pipeline into the ocean. Also, the grinding and discharge of waste only at high tide. Our Mitigating measures seemed to have solved the issue. In the last month there have been no Pelicans hanging around. I did notice some around the rocks in the area, so they are still alive in the area.

Old timers hanging around felt the cleaning station is a very productive and “clean” way of doing business and complimented our efforts. They said in the past fisherman would throw their fish waste over the cliff, or in trash cans. It was said that fish waste would be in the tide all over the cove.

But here are what some people are saying, such as Northcoast Environmental Center, Zoo Notes, North Coast Journal and Bird Ally X,

The next hurdle to overcome is the “Water Discharge” issue from the grinder. In the near future it look like the Harbor District will have to dismantle the discharge pipe and come up with further solutions for the fish waste. Any innovative ideas out there?

Softball Dynasties come and go.........

The picture is from 1980. We were mostly in our early 20’s. The mighty M & D Team had won another tournament.  The players were from top left to right, Sam Skillman, Andy Lameroux, Mark Smith, Rob Colivas, Kevin Gomes, Mike Carroll and yours truly. The Bottom from left to right were Rick Mitchell, Kurt Brundgart, Loren Price, Sam Colivas and Mike Robinson.  We were the scourge of most tournaments, as were listed as “C” but knocked off “A” & “B” league teams in tournaments quite often. We notched tournament championships in Crescent City, Fortuna & Eureka but didn’t travel that much further. I first started putting teams together in the late 70’s as Traverse and Walsh/Early Bird Construction. Some of the top Teams in the late 70’s and Early 80’s were Tiny Tot’s, Sam C Milla, Johnny’s Cookhouse, Mazzotti’s and Art Johnson Sox. The top players at the time were John Lister, Mickey Ayala, Joe Denbo, Barry Scarpelino and Bob Sprague.

In the mid to late 80’s the bats were starting to change the game quite a bit. I folded the M&D team and played for James Hill Trucking, Bethel Church, Sacred Heart and Britt Lumber. The Calvary Brothers won almost every tournament they played in and we placed pretty well in the State Championships. The best teams during this time were Red Machine and Collenberg’s. Bodie Smith, Dave Frost and Paul Callens  were great players then.

In 1989 the James Hill Trucking team qualified to go the USSSA state championships in Woodland. 64 teams that survived their qualifying tournaments were battling it out. We finished 3^rd in the state which is still the highest ranking for any USSSA team in Humboldt County. The next year I tweaked the team as Louisiana Pacific. We went to a North State qualifier that had 79 teams in Martinez! We had to finish in the top 16 to face the top 16 in the South.  We did and ended up 4^th in the State! The top teams in the late 80’s and early 90’s were Latner’s, Rendevous, James Hill, E & J, Plateburners , Stinger’s and my Baywest Softball team. Top Players were Glen Johnson, Stacy Lyons, Jamie Robertson, Scotty Eskra, Bill Landowski, Rick Webster, Ronnie Webb, Mike Powers and Bob McCrea.

In the 90’s Mrytlewood Market had the best team.  They had Dave Allen, Gary Young, Barry Oliver, Mickey Ayala, Bob McCrea and any other hot player at the time. I had took up weight lifting and went from a placement line drive hitter to a power hitter. I played a few tournaments with Myrtlewood, but mostly was with James Hill. I also played for Everett’s in Arcata.

The 2000’s started the phasing in of Wood Bats in Arcata. The Tastebud’s and Ray Wolfe Construction were the teams to beat in Tournaments. Old Town Muffler had no competition in Eureka. The best players were Tommy Lawler, Chris Pence, Eric Eichen, Jeremy Rasmussen, Mike Dobrec and Jared Harpe. Kris Avelar and I started a Humboldt’s Finest team that dominated tournaments in the valley and reached a #5 ranking just a few years ago. But it was too much traveling and we folded.

Present. What have you done lately? I have slowed progressively the last few years. Two Wrist surgery’s didn’t help. I can still get on base, but am a liability on defense, but I still love to play. So I roll myself out there each week. Sons of Pitches are the team to beat the last 4 years. Bear River does well but plays little. Snow Leopards are up and coming.  The ebb and tide of the softball dynasties will continue. I was grateful I had a chance to play on some of the best while I could!

Explain this gas thingy again?

Explain this gas thing again to me. Ryan Burns of the North Coast Journal did a great job on trying to explain the issue, but while I was in Southern Oregon I paid less than $3.50 for a gallon of gas. That's right, $.50 less than Eureka! Most of Oregon was the same, and they have to pump your gas for you! So they are employing so many more and are still able to sell gas for that much less? Please help me understand!

Softball Tourney to help stop Domestic Violence!

Humboldt Domestic Violence Services looking for new Executive Director.

The Humboldt Domestic Violence Services is looking for a new Executive Director. The call out will come up in the near future. If you have experience as a director for a non profit agency, with any trained knowledge in Domestic Violence, you may be the person we need! Stay tuned.

Humboldt women Democrats make history?

For the first time in my memory, Humboldt County women Democrats are holding key elected positions. Virginia Bass is the Chair of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, Linda Atkins is the Chair of the Democratic Central Committee, and women Democratic's are the majority on the Eureka City Council, Linda Atkins, Marian Brady and Melinda Ciarabellini. Don't think that has ever happened before.

HCDCC unanimously votes Linda Atkins Chair.

Another packed house at HCDCC headquarters, but all very civil for a change. The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) did not debate and had a clear (unanimous) vote for a new chair, Eureka 2nd Ward Councilperson Linda Atkins. Milt Boyd was elected by majority to Vice Chair vs. Mike Winkler. Recording Secretary Barbara Kennedy and Treasurer Phillis Seawright were re-elected unanimously to their respective seats. Newly elected chairs of sub-committees that serve on the Executive Board also are Milt Boyd for Voter Registration, Bob Service for Campaign Services, Pam Service for Operations, Barbara Kennedy for Communication and Education Committee and Julie Timmons for Ways and Means Committee. It was a calm meeting and I really hope this next few years will be smooth for the committee. (Okay Kerrigan, you satisfied?)

I want a trail! And I want it now!

I sure hope that all the players come together soon. You probably couldn't find a person out there that is publicly opposed to having a accessible bicycle/hiker trail around Humboldt Bay. Is it just the semantics of what rail-banking is holding this up? Can't reasonable dialogue come into play. Personally I think a trail from Samoa to Arcata should be the highest priority as I have witnessed that corridor being used by bicyclist's as a main mode of transportation for people on the Peninsula. Heck, clear a spot off to the side so there can be an excursion train between Samoa and Arcata also. Does it really need to be made so political and polarizing? A safe trail between Eureka and Arcata would probably increase usage by five fold! Just let this happen before I die and I will be one happy user!  

Taxpayer watchdog David Elsebusch passes on!

David was one of a kind. Opinionated, vocal and confident in his ideals. I first ran across David and his wife Penny at Citizens Port Development meetings in the 90's while I worked for Louisiana Pacific. They were a great tag team when it comes to politics. Robin and I saw and visited David and Penny at stock car races, and they both had articles reporting the races locally. David once wrote a letter to the editor challenging people to run for office and it was that little push that had me sign up years back. And while he did not necessarily agree with my politics, he wrote me a check to start me on my way.

Some people just gripe and complain and do nothing to try to solve issues. This was not David. He was feet first in controversy. He will be sorely missed in this community.

  David in the #14 car.

Best Cover Songs of all time. At least by Samoasoftball standards.

10. I need love by Luka Bloom. Original by LL Cool J.
9. Ryan Adams doing Wasted Dreams by Iron Maiden.
8. My world is empty without you. By the Afghan Whigs. Original The Supremes.
7. Gary Jules rendition of Mad World. Tears for Fears cover.
6. Hazy Shade of Winter by the Bangles. Simon and Garfunkel tune.
5. America by YES. Two Simon and Garfunkels in a row.
4. Wish you were here. By Widespread Panic. Gutsy to take on Pink Floyd classic.
3. Johnny Cash does Trent Reznor song Hurt. And Johnny wears this song.
2. Baker Street done by the Foo Fighters. Gerry Rafferty did the original but I like the hard take that the Fighters bring.
1. To sir with love by Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant. From the movie with the same name. Done at a Bill Clinton inaugural ball.

Cherokee Union Organizer Eddie Carroll leads Redwood District Council.

Robin's grandfather Eddie Carroll grew up on the Cherokee Indian reservation in Oklahoma and moved out west to Humboldt and raised a family. He became a union boss  for the Redwood District Council (RDC) in 1960 and stressed organizing. He grew the RDC to 4,100 workers in 1961! I doubt there are that many forest industry jobs total now. Lots of union history here in Humboldt County. I thank God I have been able to be a union member. Especially next month as a I start to collect on my union pensions!

Samoa and Fairfield (Fairhaven) to annex with Manila?

To annex or not to annex, that is going to be the question tonight at the Manila Community Center at 6:30pm. The Times Standard screwed up by naming Fairhaven Fairfield, not once, but twice. Danco needs to have Manila take over the infrastructure of Samoa for their proposed project to move forward. Fairhaven participating will be a long shot as far as I have observed while a Director on the Samoa Peninsula Fire District. But there could be a mutual agreement of Fairhaven and Samoa residents creating their own Community Service District. I guess I will find out more tonight and if it is interesting, report tomorrow of the talks.

Update: The Manila Community Service District voted 5-0 to move forward with more feasibility studies on potential annexation as long as there is no costs created by the process. Samoa Pacific will have to fund all studies. 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace was present with addional information from LAFCO. (Is Lovelace at every meeting everywhere? Seems like it. Hats off to him. You would think he would be taking a well deserved break!)

Just who are the big "developers" everyone cries about?

Every election cycle the press refers to monies from local "developers" influencing local elections. The same thing on the blogs. But no one is defined as that developer. So under the cloak of anonymity or publicly, would you all please let me know who these evil companies might be? I don't see that much development going on. Will that all change now?

Assassination attempt on Major Marks! Happy Father’s day!

My dad was a mystery to me. He took me to my first Giants game, but that was pretty much the highlight. Never played catch with me, or had a fatherly talk or anything like that. He fathered 8 kids so there was not a lot of him to go around I guess. He was a major in the army and then he became a lawyer. Quite the character, he loved playing pool, bowling and drinking.  During his career, he had a few death threats.  The article below was a story of an assassination attempt on him. I guess it wouldn’t be the last.  

HCDCC makes the "Best Call!" Endorsements relevant.

That Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee endorsement just became that much more important. After stirring speeches by Josh Drayton and Heidi Benzonelli about the need of democrats supporting democrats and counter arguments of  past hypocrisy of the HCDCC leaders endorsing other party candidates in other campaigns, the HCDCC overwhelmingly passed a resolution requiring members to sign a statement to not advocate that voters should vote for someone other than the HCDCC endorsed candidate.

What does this mean? If you are non Democrat running for office and want an endorsement of a HCDCC member, probably ain't going to happen.

Walmart open today.Samoasoftball will stay home safely.

Never been a huge fan of WalMart and their relationship with employees. I mentioned to Robin about maybe picketing the opening on the Bayshore Mall and my wife of over 30 years said, "I will rip that sign out of your hands and whack you upside the head with it and stomp on your body on my way in!" I guess I will stay home instead.

SF Democratic Committee slides closer to the middle. Same with Humboldt County Democrats?

The San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee had 51 people run for 24 seats and they spent over $500,000 in the race with Scott Wiener spending $70,000 himself. And 6 of the winners are on the SF Board of Supervisors! That means that if any county issues come before the central committee they will have to post a notice of a meeting of the BOS! That is some serious Democratic politicking.

In Humboldt County there were 10 contested seats for the Humboldt County Democrats and 17 candidates. Two members of the Humboldt BOS are also on the HCDCC. No candidates spent more than $1,000. (In my case no where near that.) But did the committee really change? Here is my take.

1st District:

Heidi Benzonelli-Progressive
Julie Timmons-Moderate
Phillis Seawright-Progressive
Joan Hubbard-Moderate

2nd District:

Kathleen Creager-Moderate
Estelle Fennell-Moderate
Kristina Renner-Moderate
Barbara Kennedy-Progressive

3rd District:

Milt Boyd-Moderate
Michael Winkler-Progressive
Shane Brinton-Progressive
Barbara Carolan-Moderate
Pam Cahill-Moderate
Isabella Phipps-Moderate

4th District:

Linda Atkins-Progressive
Bob Service-Progressive
Pam Service-Progressive
Virginia Bass-Moderate

5th District:

Roger Smith-Moderate
Mike Pigg-Moderate
Keven Dreyer-Moderate
Sid Berg-Moderate
One seat open. How about Patrick Higgins?

So in my estimation, there are 14 Moderates and 8 Progressives on the current committee. It will be interesting on who the next Executive Board might be. It has been ruled by Progressives for years.

Should be an interesting meeting this Wednesday at 7pm. Bring the popcorn and maybe watch sparks and accusations fly! Hope the media is out to witness this.

Matt Cain really Patrick Cleary?

Have you ever seen them both in the same room? Me either! Don't know why I didn't figure it out before! Now we know where Patrick got the big bucks!

1st District Race & 2nd Congressional race still on? Bob Service is the only comeback kid I know.

Clif Clendenen and Norman Solomon look to still have a chance with over 6,000 votes pending in Humboldt County. But has anyone came back after a final report? Yes actually. Bob Service was trailing Jake Pickering 560 to 556 for the 4th District Democratic Central Committee race in 2008 and ended up winning 786 to 773! So it has been done in the past. Not likely to change though.

Samoasoftball attempts of Hegemony on HCDCC thwarted.

Actually, take over the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee was the goal. I came up short in the ballot box by 60 votes. I had not made it a secret that I was hoping for political reform on this committee. I do not like all the processes so I was trying to make change from the inside. But this is a public process and I respect the voice of the people. Congrats to Bob and Pam Service, Linda Atkins and Virginia Bass in the 4th District.

I will continue on as a Associate Member and do the Worker Bee type stuff. There are many great people on the committee and I hope we can put this all behind us.

Don't forget to vote!

2nd District Congressional candidate observations. Vote Susan Adams.

Andy Caffrey supplies this latest poll showing Huffman as a runaway victor in this primary race with Susan Adams holding strong to second. Solomon just never seemed to gain traction it look like. Here are some outside looking in observations from the Samoasotball peanut Gallery:

Jared Huffman: Front runner from the start. Nice TV commercials and great mailers. Lots of high ranking endorsements. This guy will be tough to beat after June.

Susan Adams: Nice mailers, but I have not heard one radio ad or saw even one TV ad. And her campaign looks to be dead broke. But is she survives this primary, I will maybe double down my last donation.

Norman Solomon: Why, oh why did he have to negative on Stacey Lawson? His mailers about himself were really good and positive, but the negative mailers were just over the top. I am sure there are many out there who will not support Norman just for this. I have not seen one TV ad or heard one radio ad.

Stacey Lawson: All that money and you couldn't afford more than one TV production? I don't watch that much TV but this commercial is on all the time and is grievous to watch. Her radio ads are pretty much a mirror of the TV. This campaign has been nothing but damage control. Too bad. She is very intelligent and likable. Just needs to start smaller, but she wouldn't be a multi-millionaire with that thinking.

Andy Caffrey: The front runners ultimate campaign on a shoe string budget. Andy has gotten the biggest bang for the buck for sure! Jay Leno, MSNBC, Newspapers all over the North Coast and the best watch in all debates! But no TV or Radio that I have seen outside his facebook. And no mailers.

Dan Roberts: Nice TV commercials. His campaign needs only to identify himself as the true conservative Republican in the race. If he has a slick mailer going to Republicans and gets them to vote, he could be a dark horse.

The others: Good people with no chance. But they have had an exciting ride and maybe will focus on lower offices in there communities. Tiffany Renee excluded as she is in public office currently.

Memorial Day.

Remembering my older brother Roy Marks this Memorial Day. The picture is my brother and my nephew Jamie Marks. “Bigs” was small in stature but huge in heart. Red hair and chip on shoulder. He died of complications from “Agent Orange” poisoning from Nam.

Roy was in the Army and a 1st Air Calvary Division soldier. Roy survived 1 term of service in Korea and 2 terms in Viet Nam and received a Bronze Medal, Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal for 25 missions over hostile territory.

PSSST! Ray Aspuria. Arcata High Basketball coach Bob Wallace has been on the chopping block for months!

I wrote my comments on Arcata High Basketball coach Bob Wallace back in November. I am really surprised that Time Standard sports writer Ray Aspuria had no clue that Bob was under fire. Bob is a great guy, but just seems to be a lightening rod when it come to public school issues. And there has been an ongoing group of parents dressed in orange attending Northern Humboldt Union High School District meetings to complain about Mr. Wallace and his coaching style. So Ray should have not been surprised, but should have been on this months ago! Ray asks, "Why hasn't the decision been made more public and media notified?" That is your job Ray! KIEM has been on top of this for quite some time.

I do hope that Ray does a follow up on this story. If the decision was made in close session, we may never know the reason Bob was let go. But I do know that 3 of the board members of the NHUHSD are coaches themselves. (Dan Collen, Mike Pigg and Dan Johnson have many years between them.) So please Ray, write a real investigative piece, not some commentary with no meat.

Richard Marks, Softball King! (Parody)

Allow me to introduce myself. I’m the best friging softball player you’ve ever met.

Just ask the opposing teams in the 4 leagues I’m in this summer. I flat out rake. You could populate a small country with all the pitchers I've taken deep.

I just spent three hours in the batting cage and hit the @#%$ out of the ball. Line drives, big flies, opposite field shots. I can do it all. Some kids next to me in the cages were staring and pointing at me. I can’t blame them. They’ve probably never seen a 55 year-old man wearing Oakley Blades and batting gloves who can hit bombs like me. Especially not with shorts this tight.

This season, I’m making sure we sweep all 3 leagues. Especially the Men’s League at Eureka. We were two outs away from winning that baby last year and now I can taste it. I’ve gotta get my hands on that 10-foot plastic trophy. It’s all I think about. Rumor has it the league winners get 2 free pitchers at Babe’s  Pizza after the season. No way we lose with the trophy and 78 ounces of Bud on the line.

I just bought all new equipment for this season. You should see the extra long stripped baggy baseball pants I got. Super tight. I picked up a new set of wristbands, a tube of eye black and a pair of 3-inch mud cleats, you know, just in case I need to break up a double play. I also got to get my hands on one of those $350 Miken Ultra II bat for a little extra power. It may cost me a week’s pay, but screw it, when I start cranking 250-foot shots it will be worth it.

I can’t wait for that first at bat. I’m bringing a tape deck to the game, so that I can blast The Scorpions when I walk to the plate. Nothing gets me fired up to play ball more than The Scorpions. Except maybe Metallica, but I save that for the playoffs.

I feel sorry for the other teams. They have no idea what I’m about to unleash on them. Actually, I don’t feel sorry for them. You think that anyone felt sorry for me when that bastard coach cut me from the Babe Ruth baseball team? You think Babe Ruth or Dave Kingman felt sorry for the other team when they took them deep?

They should have known better than to get into a league with me.

This year I’m focused. I practiced like a son of a bitch in the winter at Coopers Gulch and got the call to play catcher. That’s right, the main show baby. Only the best play behind the plate. I have to be sharp, so no more beer during the games. I’m going to wait until after the game to starting pounding cold ones and I’m still going to drink you under the table.

My initials might as well be M-V-P. That stands for Most Valuable Player for all you non-softball players. The League starts in a few months. I may take the week before off to prepare.

Why do I take softball so seriously?

F you. You’re just jealous!

(Disclaimer: I plagiarized some of this material. It reminded me of some people I know.)

I have had many comments on the fields about this on my facebook, so I thought I would go blog with it.

Mikes Drive In killing local jobs!

Don't tell me you don't notice the pattern. Wendy's gone. Jack in the Box gone. Artic Circle gone. Not to mention Quizinos, Arby's, KFC, Little Caesar's, Hometown Buffet and Round Table! Hundreds of jobs gone! Just because of a bunch of Garlic Fries and people buying Local!

Today T/S LTE. By Marks.

Vote Richard Marks, Virginia Bass, Marian Brady and Chuck Ellsworth to Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee!

Damn me!

My buddy Smokey passes.

Dammit! It is weird that I knew he would die today. I could just sense it. In the middle of the night he died in Robins arms at about 3am. Robin decided we needed a runt of a Pomeranian puppy that we named Smokey 13 years ago.  He hated people, (Except his pack family) and really hated cats. He was actually chasing them off his porch the day he died. He was around 15 pounds and loved food until the day before passing.  Robin is holding him in her arms as I write. I offered to bury him now but she doesn't want to let go yet.  

Susan Adams for Congress.

I really feel Susan Adams will do a great job in Congress. I love everything about her. But I do think there are other candidates in the race that are qualified. My main interest is supporting this candidate is she might be the ONLY one able to challenge Jared Huffman in the General election. (Jared once more blew off a debate in Humboldt County. Have you got the hint yet Humboldt? He doesn't care about you!) Susan has no real negatives for the Huffman machine to attack! I do like Norman Solomon and if he is in the top two I do what I can to help in the primaries. But really think Huffman will go negative about his arrest record. (Even if they are from peaceful demonstration.) And Stacey Lawson is really easy to talk to and intelligent, but Huffman has already exposed many weaknesses and has hurled her past as a negative. And Andy Caffrey just doesn't have the funds, but the debates would be boring and shallow without his insight. Those are my favorites, but I will cast my vote for Susan.

A lesson in Ballot placement for 2012 Primary election.

I had a quandary about ballot placements and asked people I thought would be in the know without great success. Each election a randomized alphabet drawing is done by the Secretary of State. (Check out the link to see the actual draw.) I assumed this applied for all elections in the state. But now I find out there is a variation. Congressional candidate Andy Caffrey posted on his facebook page the Sonoma County Sample Ballot, and the order was messed up according to the draw. I called the Secretary of State office and they explained that each county starts at a random number point and THEN follows the alphabet pattern. So where as Susan Adams should have had the top ballot placement since "A" was the third draw, Sonoma started at number 13, which happened to be "L" so Stacey Lawson is first on the ballot and John Lewallen. I don't understand why Lewallen is second since the second letter of his name on the draw comes up before the "A"  that Lawson represents.

I called the Humboldt County elections to ask what number we were starting from in Humboldt County and was told they were just going with the drawing set by the State. Huh? So what is the right answer? Obviously I have physical evidence that the different counties use the a different criteria of the random draw, and that was verified by the Secretary of State's office. But Humboldt does something different?

I know this is trivial, but when the 1st person on the ballot could get a 5% boost just on the count of luck of the draw, it is relevant.