IRV's Big and Tall now open! Two pulp mill workers now in business.

Mike Irving and his son Shawn have gone into business for themselves at the Bayshore Mall. Their store specializes in Big and Tall clothing. I worked with Mike for years in the Machine Room at the pulp mill. Mike was a good conscientious worker. Shawn was a Digester Operator at the mill and was also Treasurer when I was President of local 49. I very much appreciated his efforts for the union. I wish both of them all the very best in their venture.

Be sure to stop by and check it out!

It's official. Wiggins will not seek re-election. Elephant in room can be addressed.

Obviously something is wrong with Patricia. She has been fortunate to surround herself with great staff that have been trying to fend off problematic situations. I hope for the best for Patricia's health and well being. The stress of her position could not be helping the matter at all.

But the big question is........who will be taking her place? I would think that Patty Berg would be the likely front runner. Or her friend Bonnie Neely? This really opens the door to some madness for the 2nd District Senate race in 2010. Any predictions?

Richard Marks for Harbor Commissioner 2009 FPPC# 1320484

I finally recieved my Fair Political Practice Commission (FPPC) number yesterday. I had to file a "Statement of Organization Recipient Committee" form 410, if my committee expects to raise over $1,000 during the calander year. The FPPC# is the key to start raising funds for a person running for office. Most organizations need to justify or have proof of a candidates viability and campaign structure before they can cut a check for their organization to a candidate.

Just part of the nuts and bolts of a campaign I thought I would share. Oh yeah, there are lots of rules and regulations that are to be read and forms to fill. Not the fun part of a campaign.

Is Vick remorse for his actions or remorse he got caught?

I watched Michael Vick on 60 minutes last night and I can't help but think he would still be doing his dog fighting if he had not been caught. I don't think he knew the ramifications of his actions would be as severe as they were. I just am not buying into his rehabilitation. He admitted his handlers had prepared him for the interview. This was a publicity stunt that I just had a hard time believing. Anybody else feel that way?

John Ash saves Samoasoftball a bundle! Humboldt Dems holding out endorsements.

Today was the last day to file for candidacy in the 4th District Harbor race. John Ash paid for a candidates statement so that cuts my statement fee in half! Saves me $500. I am sure this is drop in the bucket for John, but substantial for me.

We had a lively Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee meeting tonight. We voted in 5 new associate members! When the subject of endorsement came up, HBHR&CD 5th District commissioner Patrick Higgins asked for an endorsement for 3rd District commissioner Mike Wilson. And the debate began on whether to endorse one Democrat over another in a spirited but respectful manner. The committee wants to hear both candidates in September, and will make a decision whether to endorse. So we shall see.

Talk about crappy timing to ask for an endorsement on my part. There was a first and second on the floor to endorse me, but after the hot debate concerning the 3rd district race, Shane Brinton motioned to table the subject in September on behalf of Mike Winkler. (Must have been my rooting for the Steelhead over the Crab's last weekend.) So I will have to wait until Septembers meeting also. (This really is the fair thing to do on behalf of Susan Penn, a fellow Democrat running for the position.)

Marks endorsed by Humboldt County Building Trades!

So far I have been endorsed by the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers local 49 and the Humboldt County Building Trades. Many thanks to both.

Here is the photo sent in by the campaign. The Times Standard used a photo they had on file from years back when I had long hair before I cropped it for "Locks for Love". I realize it is hard to get any decent picture of this face. I am not a model. I am what I am.


The TS also edited the press release and took literary liberty to add my past historical history of running for 4th District Supervisor against Bonnie Neely. No mention of myself garnering nearly 90% of the vote when I ran for the 4th District Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee seat.

Love me or hate me, I will continue to serve my community in what ever capacity our electoral decides I am deserving.

It's official. Marks for Harbor Commissioner.

Here is my Press release unedited:

Retired Pulp Mill worker Richard Marks has announced his candidacy for 4th District Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District Commissioner. “First of all, I would like to thank Dennis Hunter for his 20 years of service with the district and wish him continued success on his many community volunteer efforts,” Marks stated.

Richard and his wife Robin are lifelong residents of Northern California and lived, worked, and raised two sons within eye sight of the Humboldt Bay.

“I’m running for Commissioner to bring proactive, forward-thinking leadership to the district. We can create and retain good jobs that pay decent wages by supporting our aquaculture and fishing industries, encouraging light industrial growth, and investing in the infrastructure needed to support short sea shipping. We can increase recreational opportunities and transportation options around our bay by creating bicycle and pedestrian trails to connect our communities, while protecting the publicly owned railroad right-of-way for future possibilities. Finally, we can spearhead environmental restoration projects to preserve the fragile ecosystem that supports so many of our waterfront-dependent businesses and activities.”

Mr. Marks is the past President of Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers local 49 and former union organizer. He has also organized youth and adult sports in many north coast municipalities and is currently holding two elected positions; Director on the Samoa Peninsula Fire District and Member of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee Executive Board. Richard is also currently on the Board of Directors for Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, as well as the President of Mad River Softball Association.

Feel free to e-mail Richard at votemarks@aol.com.

Let the insanity start.

UBC to the Pulp Mill's rescue?

The United Brotherhood of Carpenter's has taken on a new project; lobbying for investors for Freshwater Tissue. The UBC has been in contact with perspective investor's and will be a liaison in a potential meeting with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Simpson. The process is being fast tracked by the UBC and has full support of the California Carpenter's. Local 751 Field Representative Marianne Hassler has been doing her best in gathering all the right people together. This all came about after AWPPW President John Rhodes and VP Greg Pallesen meet with UBC representatives and asked for help. So there is still hope out there.

Bombers beat Murphy's for Wildwood title.

The Bombers of Fortuna beat Murphy's from Arcata at Scotia to win the Wildwood Days Tournament. 12 Pack of Fortuna ended up 3rd and SOP of Eureka 4th. Murphy's lost their first game in a Tournament for the second straight week and still was there in the Championship for the second straight weekend. Don't know the last time that a team has pulled that off.

The weather was great and Scotia is a great place to play. The money raised went to the Rio Dell Fire Department. SOP players did a great job in hosting the event had the infield in great shape for the last games of the tournament and stayed right on schedule. 11 teams on on field made it a busy weekend.

This was the first men's open metal bat tournament in Humboldt County since last years Scotia Tournament! MRSA is hosting a USSSA "E" Qualifier metal bat tournament August 15th and 16th in Arcata.

Wildwood Days Softball Invitational this weekend.

Sam Jaskar, Jason Mullaney and Toye Johnson are hosting the Wildwood Days Softball Invitational in Scotia. 11 teams will be battling starting Friday and ending Sunday evening. SAC plays at 11:30pm Saturday.

No Pulp Mill worker meeting with Bob Simpson.

Looks like the presentation by Bob Simpson of Freshwater Tissue's business plan is on hold. Instead, AWPPW President John Rhodes and VP Greg Pallesen will speak to the membership tomorrow at 4pm at the union hall. Next on the agenda is a vote on whether to sell the union hall.

You can check out the Pulp Mill's business plan at FreshwaterPulp.com.

Murphy's beat SAC to win HDVS "Heart of the Redwoods" Invitational.

Murphy's beat Samoa Athletic Club 7-4 in the championship game of the Humboldt Domestic Violence Services "Heart of the Redwoods" softball invitational Saturday. Murphy's played 7 games and had to beat SAC twice to win the 1st place trophy and Championship Tee-Shirts. After the dust had settled, Cross Up of Eureka took third and Big Pete's Dirtbags of Arcata finished 4th. Every team in the tournament had at least a win and every team lost 2, so this was a very tight tournament.

There were good crowds all day and good ball. The umps took the brunt of some yelling and cursing, but all in good fun. We were able to raise some money for Humboldt Domestic Violence Services and play some ball in sunny Arcata!

Softball in Arcata this weekend! HSU Athletic pass auction!

I am hosting a benefit softball tournament for the Humboldt Domestic Violence Services at the Arcata Sports Complex. The tournament will run all day Saturday.

I tried to hold it in Eureka but didn't get the response I needed to make it work out money wise. And the City of Eureka is keeping the $100 deposit even though nobody will be using the field. Go see how many hoops you have to jump through to use the fields for a tournament in Eureka. Not fun.

HSU Family Athletic Pass! I am auctioning off a family pass for the 2009-10 season. This pass admits 2 adults and 3 children under 18 to HSU home contests! (This does exclude men's basketball and men's and women's basketball doubleheaders, but includes football, softball and women's basketball single games.) Good family fun! Money raised benefits Humboldt Domestic Violence Services. E-mail me with a bid!

Oh, the picture is me throwing for the Eels hardball club against the HSU Club team at Arcata Ball Park.

Roy's service.

It was a good service. Many shared their thoughts on Roy's service in Nam and how that war is still taking lives years later. Roy was only 60 but had many war related illnesses as many of his army buddies also have suffered.
My Brother Mike and Sister Michelle gave tribute to Roy that was heart driven. Michelle spoke about a time that she had a new dress and Roy bought her a new pair of shoes to match when she was young. Roy would do stuff like that, but you couldn't thank him or you would get the "it was nothing" routine.

To his friends he was benevolent and caring. Here are some of my favorite pics.

Roy Edward Marks Memorial Monday.

Roy's Memorial service will be Monday, July 20th, at 2pm at Pierce Mortuary on the corner of 7th and Hst. There will be a color guard to honor his military service.

Damn! My brother Roy Dies!

My brother Roy Edwards Marks passed away today at 60 years of age. My sister called me to let me know his roommate had called and said the police were at Roy’s house. I went over and Officer William Dennison was guarding the area. Bill was my next door neighbor a few years ago and told me I shouldn't see my brother in this state. Roy had went to the bathroom in the middle of the night and died on the toilet and fell forward onto the floor. Roy had been doing Kidney Dialysis for awhile and had grown tired of the procedures and refused treatment in sound mind last week. The doctor said he would make it between 48 and 72 hours. Roy made it until today. (Roy was poisoned by Agent Orange in Viet Nam and on Army disability.)

Deputy Coroner Charles Van Buskirk was awesome and way beyond the call in dealing with a horrible uncomfortable situation.

My sister Mary was way agitated on Monday about Roy’s condition and told me she had more than normal concern. Roy had in the past been refusing treatment and so I didn’t see this as any more than past calls for need. (Cry wolf?) So I am suffering from much guilt. (Just being honest here.)

So let me tell you a little bit about my Sergeant brother “Big” who was short on stature and huge in heart. To say Roy was an anomaly does not do him justice.

Roy received his Holy Communion on May 5th of 1957 and was an Alter Boy at the Chapel of our Lady at the Presidio of San Francisco. (We were raised Catholic.)

Roy was in the Army and a 1st Air Calvary Division soldier. Roy survived 3 terms of service in Nam and received a Bronze Medal, Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal for 25 missions over hostile territory. He was a war hero.

Education and employment wise Roy had graduated Eureka High, CR and attended HSU. He was a Bank Executive for Crocker Bank in Eureka, Concord and also Arcata, where he approved many business loans for many Arcata merchants. He also worked for Power Systems Engineering in Houston Texas.

Roy raced motorcycles at Redwood Acres and was a back yard mechanic. He rebuilt cars and had custom made Harley's since the 70's.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Major James Marks, mother Mabel Marks and brother James. He is survived by his son Jamie, brothers Michael and Richard, sisters Juanita, Kathleen, Mary and Michelle.

I love you Roy.

Bud Light Tourney in Ukiah. Wrist update.

I took team Samoa Athletic Club to Ukiah this weekend to play in the Bud Light Softball Invitational in Ukiah. This is a well organized event with 18 very competitive softball teams. I have never played at the parks there and was pleasantly surprised. 3 fields with nearly 300ft dimensions with a BBQ snack bar and cold Budweiser on tap. The stands are close to the action and there is lots of shade. Seen many players I recognized from other tournaments, so it was fun to socialize and pass out information about upcoming tournaments in Humboldt County. Lot's of people at the park. This is a tournament I will definitely make room on the calender for next year.

Ukiah has 9 wood bat teams in their league. I saw one dude use a wood bat and hit the ball around 290ft! And I heard he had hit 4 Home Runs in league. I hope he makes the USSSA State Championships next month in Arcata.

I had my cast removed two weeks ago at my surgeons office and asked when I could start attempting to swing a bat. I was told by my fellow baller that I could try at any time but I would make my wrist "angry." I couldn't hurt it but it would hurt me. Man, was he right. I went to the physical therapist on Friday and he absolutely tortured my wrist! It just doesn't have much range of motion yet. 11 or more of these appointment's to go. Ouch!

Nancy Flemming out as Rio Dell City Manager!

Rio Dell Police Chief Graham Hill has taken over the duties of the City Manager as of today. Much as I know right now.

Mob Crowd gathers in Samoa! Swat and police gather to quell crowd. Where is the news?

Robin and I came home Sunday night and seen the fence by our house was knocked down. We were wondering what had happened. My next door neighbor reported that a Samoa resident had been on some "binge" and jumped in his van and proceeded to ram his van into other vehicles and property all over Samoa. Residents in Samoa followed his path of destruction and the van as he plowed into houses, cars, fences and finally a fire hydrant. The water from the hydrant literally washed the foundation from one house and left others damaged. The mob followed him to his house that he shared with 3 other males and called for his head out of the house or they were coming in to take him. The other 3 brought him out and SWAT and the Sheriffs department took him away. He was an undocumented resident and his case is pending. This has brought forth the subject of multiple Latino residents packing many people into homes in Samoa. Many may be workers at Sun Valley Farms.

Weaverville 4th of July Tournament results. And Trinity County observations.

Weaverville: Most Valuable Player Mike Taylor went 4-5 with a Home Run to lead the Kingsmen of Redding to a 21-8 victory over Team SOP from Eureka in the Championship game of the 4th of July Weaverville Invitational hosted by the Samoa Athletic Club. Sam Jaskar and Toye Johnson both had 3 hits for Team SOP. Team SOP beat Ray Wolfe Construction 12-7 in the semi final game.

Ray Wolfe Construction from Arcata finished 3rd followed by 4th place James Hill Trucking from Eureka.

Steve McLain of the Kingsmen was named the Most Valuable Pitcher. All Tournament selections from the Kingmen were Matt Whitehouse and Russ Jones. Jaskar and Johnson were all tournament selections from Team SOP. Ray Wolfe Construction was represented by Mike Dobrec and Jacob Kadle. Joel McCoy of James Hill Trucking rounded out the all tournament picks.

Team Son's Of Pitches and Humboldt's Finest played Friday night in front of a few thousand fans at Lowden Field. The Lions Club did really well at the beer booth. The weather was way hot! 104 on Saturday and that took a toll on me. Robin and I always wait for the players to get hotels before we do so they have a place to stay. We have even resorted to staying in the scorers booth while hosting this event. We ended up getting one of the last rooms at the Weaverille Victorian Inn. They charged us over $160 a night! And we heard the Trinity Motel charged up to $160 also! Talk about price gouging! This community would lose untold thousands if we did not host this event, and I am re-considering doing this next year. After all expenses, we may come out to the negative this year.

I have tried to get Weavervile residents to run their own event and had little response. I paid one umpire nearly $400 to umpire this tournament, so he made more than I for organizing it. Not right.