Mad River Softball Association Meeting Tonight Monday, May 20th at 6pm Arcata Community Center!

The Mad River Softball Association will be hosting a managers meeting Monday May 20^th at the Arcata Community Center at 6pm. 

League starts June 17th. Fees of $1065 due by June 10th. Contact Richard Marks at 707-496-9043 ore-mail Samoafog@aol.com for more information.

Eligibility: The Board reviewed past meeting notes regarding Player Eligibility.

"Starting this year, players can only play for a total of 2 teams during playoffs. Players will choose their 2 teams for post-season participation in either “A” and “B”, “B” and “C” or “C” and “D” divisions. A player must have at least 6 regular season games played to qualify for his or her team’s playoff roster. Players will sign up for no more than 2 teams to play for during the post-season when initial liability forms go out at the beginning of the regular season. If managers do not comply, their teams will be removed from playoffs after one warning. The only exemption would be if a team has less than 8 players confirmed to play, and both team managers respectively agree that a non-qualified player can join to avoid forfeit. Once that agreement is made, neither team can have a justified grievance after the conclusion of the game."   

Humboldt freezing over? No global warming this month.

I was checking out the Weather and noticed that we had only met our average daily temperature 2 times in May. And that was 59 and 60 degrees! The other 12 days in May were all in the 50's and below our average! So are we witnessing global cooling in Humboldt? Can I somehow blame this on Game Thrones?

My old home in Cutten on fire!

John Chiv does a story on house fire in Cutten. Thankful that all made it out OK. This house is significant to me in that my father James Marks used to own it and I had many great memories in my youth. I went to Cutten for Kindergarten and 1st Grade. Then later went back for 3rd, 4th and 5th. I loved having the freedom to explore the woods surrounding Winship. At one time we had my sister Kathy and her husband Fred with kids Colleen and Jimmy in the Cottage in the back. My Brothers and sisters, Roy, Mary, Mike, and, of course Tooter in the house.

Knock that dust off the old glove! Mad River Softball about to begin! Rain be Damned!

Mad River Softball Association is about to begin! Well, if the rain only stops. 

Public Service announcement:

Non-Profit organization Mad River Softball Association (MRSA) is announcing the start of Adult Spring Wood Bat League on Saturdays beginning April 27th. Players must be at least 16 years old and games are at the Arcata Community Center or Pacific Union. Summer League will start in early June with games being played Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For more information please contact Richard Marks at 707-445-3432 or e-mail samoafog@aol.com.  

Samoa to go from 350 population to 1,400 by 2025? Homes for sale!

Last night there was a town meeting for Samoa. Standing room only. Dan Johnson gave a quick update on the Samoa Town Project. (Check out the link for the complete project overview.) Dan said his company is investing 45 million to this project. He has offered a path forward for people who live in Samoa to purchase there homes by about 2022. (All of Samoa is renters.) Chris Driscoll from Umqua bank was present to help the town of renters with the homeowner purchase paperwork. Each renter will be expected to put up a $200 deposit to show their interest to Danco. This will not stop outside people from purchasing houses in Samoa. The town has a historical designation that will allow the homes to be sold as is.

Right now homes are being treated for lead abatement and repainted. Water and sewer lines (new water treatment facility) will be replaced by October 2020. Lots will be split. The new low income family apartment complex will be one of the first new construction projects. The Samoa block will have a grocery store and gas station. There will be a three mile trail around the town. High end three story houses will be built to the west. The Samoa softball field will be renovated for senior softball and soccer.

The Community Service District that was voted on by the residents of the Peninsula will be funded by Danco until they can manage the towns infrastructure of, water, sewer, fire protection and recreational projects.

Robin and I have lived in Samoa for nearly 40 years and have enjoyed our stay. Both of us worked for years on the Peninsula and would like to see things spruced up a bit. Lots going on in the next few years.   

Death & Carnage by Cell Phones. Why?

It is one thing for older adults like Giants CEO Larry Baer to fight with his wife Pam over a cell phone in public, but the recent murders in Humboldt County of Lawson and Brocious over cell phones just has me perplexed. And how many other fights ending with death or ruined lives have there been over cell phones? Am am sure we would all agree that these are senseless. Oh wait! I have to go, my phones ringing!  

Find that glove! Batting practice at Samoa Field tomorrow Sunday March 17th at 10am!

Time to knock off a little rust for the upcoming season. Over 48's and 58's softball start in May! Open Spring League in April! Regular Mad River softball season in early June!

Practice at the Samoa Field across from the Cookhouse tomorrow March 17th at 10am! Come one, come all ages!

Just how much rain is enough?

Well, in Humboldt we are more than safe from a drought year. As a matter of fact, right now the State of California is 112% over historical levels. Did you know that 30% of all of the water in California is supplied by Snow Pack? On April 1st the state does the official measuring of snow and calculates how it will affect the Reservoirs. Locally it only takes a few inches of rain to cause Ruth Dam to overflow. But to our east the Trinity Lake depends on Snow Pack to supply 70% of that lake's water! Only 30% comes from rain! But further to the east at Shasta lake they depend on rain fall to supply 70% of their levels and only 30% by Snow Pack. You would think it would be just the opposite! Well, now you know!

Kamala Harris early front-runner for President?

The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee recently had a new Headquarters Grand Opening at 527 4th Street in Eureka and a Presidential poll popped up. So local Dems in the know have chosen Kamala as the candidate of Choice. Below is the results and the candidates information. Click on the names to check out their websites.

1. Kamala Harris                53.2%

2. Elizabeth Warren            19.1%

3. Cory Booker                     9.0%

4. Julian Castro                     4.0%

5. Tulsi Gabbard                   2.0%

6. Pete Buttigieg                   2.0%

None of the other declared candidates garnered support from the Humboldt Democrats.

Nate Silver thinks that Amy Klobuchar could be a challenger, but she has gained little support since her recent announcement. Kamala is leading nationally. That could change if Biden or Bernie join the race.

Oakland Port to now accommodate 1,300 foot Ships carrying 18,000 containers!

The SF Chronicle did a story about the Port of Oakland expansion project that was completed recently. They can now dock and unload ships up to 1,300 ft long carrying 18,000 20ft containers. To put that into perspective, the largest models for Humboldt only show the maximum capacity to dock a 900 ft ship. And did you know that over 90% of all world trade is done by sea? Just for your information.

Best Humboldt Basketball players in the 70's. Simon Abittan the best?

I love basketball. I really was fortunate to be able to play in youth and adult Recreation Leagues all during to 70's. I would spend Saturday afternoons at either Zane, Winship or Jacobs challenging in for a chance to play. Or I would be outdoors facing up against the dreaded Victor Boutan who would wipe the asphalt on the short baskets at Marshall Elementary. I was on the courts at Lafayette most other time that I was off school or work. I worked at Duck's Market off and on from 72' to 75' and then at Bazar until they closed. I could shoot pretty well and held my own for the most part. But who were the best players I saw during that time? When I was at St Bernard's I would say that Zach Barnes was really a notch above as was Gary Mendenhall. Jim Berning from Eureka was the best shot blocker by miles. Ron Webb was smooth and Don Snowton was forceful. Tim Ison was probably the best shooter. Frank Powers from Arcata was almost mythical with his height. Mark and Matt Nilsen were a great brother duo. Bill Lund from Del Norte was the best near the border.

The one player that was almost legend when he played at Eureka was Simon Abittan. Had a nice little baseline 10ft jumper and not intimidated with the moment.

It seems like a blur after all of these years. I can'r remember too many others. Was the 70's just a lean time for players?

Department of Defense and Army Corps (USACE) Announce Pilot Dredging projects.

Above is suction dredge unloading to barge

The Department of Defense along with the Army Corp of Engineers announced the Selection of the 10 Pilot Projects Pursuant to Section 1122 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 for Beneficial Use of Dredged Material.

The USACE received 95 proposals for beneficial use of dredged material. Based on criteria set in Section 1122 10 projects were selected as having high likelihood of delivering environmental, economic and social benefits described in the proposals, and exhibit geographic diversity.

An Environmental Assessment and findings of no significant Impact was prepared and available to the public by email at Section-1122-Beneficial-Use-Of-Dredged-Material@usace.army.mil.

10 project goals for the beneficial reuse are;

Reduce storm damage to property and infrastructure; promoting public safety; protecting, restoring and creating aquatic ecosystems habitats; stabilizing stream systems and enhancing shorelines; promoting recreation; supporting risk management adaptation strategies; reducing the cost of dredging and dredge material placement or disposal, such as projects that use dredged materials for-Construction or fill material-civic improvement objectives-other innovative uses and placements alternatives that produce public economic or environmental benefits. 

The ten recommended pilot projects are:

California: Restoring San Francisco’s bays natural Infrastructure with Dredged Sediment-Strategic Placement.

Hawaii: Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor Maintenance Dredging and Beach Restoration.

Illinois: Public Beach Protection pilot in 4 Illinois Coastal communities.

Mississippi: Deer Island Lagoon Project.

New Jersey: Beneficial Use Placement Opportunities in the state of New Jersey Using Navigation Channel Sediments-Barnegat Inlet.

Puerto Rico: Condado Lagoon.

South Carolina: Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary.

Texas: Hickory Cove Marsh Restoration and Living Shoreline.

Washington: Grays Harbor South Jetty Sand Placement Pilot Project.

Wisconsin: Mississippi River Upper Pool 4, Pierce County Islands and Head of Lake Pepin Backwater Complex-beneficial use of dredged material.

Let us hope that all these projects show just how important sediment reuse is and use the findings for future targets here in Humboldt.

2018-19 Fortuna Huskies Basketball team best ever?

Right now the Fortuna Huskies Basketball team is ranked 56th in the State by Max Prep and #2 for Division 4 teams. I have seen them play a few times this year and I think this just might be the best high school team I have seen in Humboldt. Zach Claus, Drew Gillette and the Willis brothers should have a chance to lead this team to the Division 4 State Championships.

I am sure some will say the 1996 Arcata team was the best from Humboldt ever, but I am not so positive.

The best player in Humboldt Del Norte could be George Navarro out of Hoopa High. He is averaging 31.2 pts a game ranking 4th in the state! That is good enough for 17th in the USA and he also ranks with leaders with 77 3 pointers.

What drives me nuts about local coaches is their lack of care to turn in score boxes to Max Prep to update the stats of all players on Humboldt Del Norte teams. Only Arcata and Hoopa are turning in information timely so people don't know how the players compare to the North Coast and state. assign this to a student or a parent volunteer. Heck, we used to actually get score boxes for High School and College teams locally in the Times Standard. Obviously those are years gone by.

North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA) meets tomorrow, Wednesday 1/9/19 in Humboldt at 10:30am at Board Chambers!

The North Coast Rail Authority meets at the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Chambers tomorrow at 10:30 am. Items of note that might interest people from Humboldt are and first up on the agenda:

1.Hank Seeman from County of Humboldt will be doing presentation concerning Blue Lake Grant Funding for Annie and Mary Trail.
2. Timber Heritage Association (THA)  presentation of Pedal Rail Bikes.

Under Conduct of business:

1. Election of NCRA officers.
2.Appointments of NCRA Directors to Committees.
3.THA speeder schedule.
4. Eureka Community Art Program.
5. Security National concerning NCRA Rail Easement n Fairhaven.
6. Ukiah Depot Improvements
7. Discussion and possible Action Regarding SB1029 and where the NCRA is headed.

The rest of the meeting is pretty much ordinary business. There is a chance to speak on any rail topics not on the agenda at about 10:35 am. If you are interested in Trail or Rail issues. here is your chance to speak in Humboldt!

Eco News does story on Marks for Harbor Commissioner.

Great article by Eco News. I am humbled by their portrayal of me.

Richard may not be what you think of when you picture an environmentalist. For nearly 30 years, Richard was a heavy equipment operator at the Samoa Pulp Mill. He was also a union organizer for the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers and President of Local 49. But he is also a deep lover of Humboldt Bay and has been one of its most important champions. Richard is a Kin to the Earth.

After working for years next to Humboldt Bay at the mill, Richard shifted to working on behalf of the Bay. First elected to the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District in 2009, Richard now serves as Chairman of the Board. In his work on behalf of the Harbor District, Richard safeguards the bay. Most notably, Richard was instrumental in the cleanup of his former place of employment.

First, the Harbor District purchased the mill site and three million gallons of caustic liquors stored onsite. The liquors, once used to break down wood chips into pulp, were stored in old, rusting tanks—so rusty that rainwater leaked in, slowly filling up the containers until they were ready to burst. The threat was so real that once the EPA saw the problem, they made cleanup of the site its top priority. With overflowing, corroding tanks, time was of the essence. Next, the Harbor District coordinated a massive cleanup with the EPA—700 trucks, each hauling 2,500 gallons, carried away the hazardous chemicals to be safely reused by another pulp plant in Longview, Washington. Richard takes no greater pride than knowing that the harbor is healthy.

According to Jennifer Kalt of Humboldt Baykeeper, “the acquisition of the former pulp mill was a risky proposition. But Richard was so determined that he was clearly not going to take no for an answer, and the District bravely plowed ahead where no other government agency dared to tread.”

The Harbor District is working on additional cleanups of contaminated soil and debris and rehabilitating old mill buildings for a modern business park. On top of the renovated buildings is a massive solar array—the largest in the county—able to power 750 kilowatts. Already 18 businesses have taken up residence in the old mill, helping to generate income for the Harbor District. Once near bankruptcy, Richard and company have brought the District back to financial solvency. “Cleaning up the former pulp mill site is one of the Harbor District’s greatest achievements,” said Surfrider Foundation’s Jennifer Savage. “But it’s only one of a long list of ways in which Richard made the Harbor District better.”

Richard just went through a tough reelection fight but emerged with a decisive victory, taking home some 62 percent of the vote. (This was especially comforting, as Richard’s opponent ran against the Harbor District’s cleanup work.) Richard put a lot of miles in, knocking on doors in the past election. By his count, he totaled over 3,000 doors. And he did it in fashion, rocking pink and robin’s egg blue sneakers.

Reflective of his dual nature—both salt of the earth union organizer and beloved environmentalist—Richard’s campaign endorsements were a study in contrasts. Both Mike Wilson (a bleeding heart liberal, in my words) and Greg Dale (a “conservative Republican,” in his words) sing Richard’s praises.

Says Dale, “Richard Marks is one of the best public servants I’ve ever had the pleasure of interacting with.  He not only listens to all sides of an issue, from all parties, he follows up by educating himself and others on the issue before making a decision. His genuine good will, honesty, professionalism and pleasant demeanor come through in all circumstances and through his influence, makes us all better humans. I’m proud to call him a mentor and friend.”

When Richard isn’t saving the bay, he’s probably playing (or writing about) softball. Richard is the President of the Mad River Softball Association. He even maintains a blog samoasoftball.blogspot.com—where he writes about the local leagues (and local politics, food reviews, rankings of worst bands, and a random smattering of other things that
strike his fancy).

Fastest Sea Level Rise on west coast happening on Samoa Peninsula!

Students from Humboldt States Environmental Science Department did a presentation on Sea Level rise at the Samoa Peninsula Fire Hall on Saturday December 9th in Fairhaven. They used best available science to come to their conclusions. Between Global warming and the affects of our local subduction-zone issues, the Samoa Peninsula water table is rising 4.73 milliliters a year or for you old timers like me, .186 inches a year. That is the fastest sea level rise rate on the entire west coast! This will cause havoc to ground water tables and lead to septic tank failures that are imminent in Fairhaven and will cause pollution to our bay.

Currently there are 181 parcels in the town of Fairhaven and 63 homes. There are 180 residents living at about 10 ft above sea level. The Wiyot tribe used to occupy this area until the property was bought by George Fay in 1875. The unincorporated town was formerly named Rolph after California Governor James Rolph.  The town had more than 500 timber industry jobs in its past doing plywood and pulp production. There are currently about 100 jobs providing newsprint, soil and other niche businesses.

A newly formed Community Service District for the Peninsula will provide water services, delivery of power, Sewage service and a Parks and Recreation department. Currently the Samoa Peninsula Fire District is looking for financing a creation of a emergency tsunami evacuation Berm in Fairhaven for the safety of the residents and the current workers.

Solutions to issues to shoreline loss could be soil replenishment through dredge spoils if the correct sand grain size matches up with the current habitat. This would have to be a long term goal as permitting and actual dredging seems onerous all around the bay. Other thoughts are retreating and letting nature take the lead. Nourish replenishment included with new sand to form a living shoreline was brought up, as well as wooden fences designs to capture sand during wind storm events. HSU is also hoping to do more studies for solutions in the future.

Hope you found this information useful.

Thank you Humboldt County!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Humboldt County voters of the 4^th Division for voting Richard Marks for Harbor Commissioner.  A special thanks to the over 300 residents that allowed me to share their lawns with sign placements and to the over 100 small donation contributors to my campaign.

I have been so fortunate to have had the endorsement of our highest legislative representative’s, Congressman Jared Huffman, Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblyman Jim Wood.  Thanks also to Humboldt County Supervisors Mike Wilson and Virginia Bass and Supervisor elect Steve Madrone.

To my button maker and friend Auditor Controller Karen Paz Dominguez, “Ok, we have enough buttons now!” 

Much gratitude to current Eureka Mayor Frank Jager and other conservative community elected members that endorsed me for my record and our friendships that transcend political party politics.

Thanks to former Eureka Mayor Peter LaVallee and congratulations to incoming Eureka Mayor Susan Seaman and Councilpersons Natalie Arroyo, Kim Bergel and Leslie Castellano. And thanks to Councilperson Austin Allison. I much appreciated your support.

I have been so blessed to have the continued support of my fellow Harbor Commissioners Pat Higgins, Greg Dale and Stephen Kullman. Keep doing what you do for the Harbor.

Thank you to my former fellow directors on the Samoa Peninsula Fire District, Chief Dale Unea, Troy Nicolini, Hal Grotke and Lia Stoffers for their support and for keeping the Samoa Peninsula safe!

A shout out to volunteers Nick Thomas, Bill Cook, Cody Johns, Crescent City Councilman Alex Fallman, Ciara Emery and  Sandy Farrell for canvassing the streets of Eureka with me to get the message out about our campaign.  And thanks to Arcata City Councilman Brett Watson for the logistic support that was invaluable.

For the wonderful “Fish Fry by the Sea” event, thank you to former 1^st Division Harbor Commissioner Aaron Newman, Leroy Zerlang and the Dale families and friends. People are still talking about the great food!

I can’t say enough about the former elected officeholders that endorsed my campaign, Senator Wesley Chesbro, State Assembly member Patty Berg, Fourth District Supervisor Bonnie Neely, Third District Supervisors Julie Fulkerson and John Woolley, Eureka City Councilpersons Linda Adkin and Larry Glass and Arcata City Councilperson Alex Stillman. 

Thanks to the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee, Humboldt Progressive Democrats, North Coast People Alliance, Green Party of Humboldt County, Humboldt State College Democrats, and the Sierra club.

To my union brothers and sisters who helped finance and make my election viable, I am truly grateful to Humboldt/ Del Norte Central Labor Council, Building and Trades Council, Operating Engineers local 3, United Brotherhood of Carpenters 751, International  Brotherhood of  Electrical Workers 551, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) 1684, The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators & Allied Workers local 16, the Laborers International Union of North America and the many other labor organizations.  “United we Bargain, Divided we beg!”

To my ever patient lifelong partner Robin, I love you and can’t begin to say how much I appreciate you.

Thank you to my opponent Marian Brady for running a fair campaign. We share many of the same visions for harbor growth, but just respectfully disagree how to get there.

Humboldt County, It has been an honor to represent the 4^th Division for the last nine years and I am looking forward to continued success for the future.  

If anybody out there has some spare change to donate to my campaign debt, please sent to Marks for Harbor Commissioner 2018 at PO Box 184 Samoa, Ca 95564 or go to my website at voterichardmarks.org. It will be much appreciated. 

Door knockers welcomed. Marks for Harbor Commissioner.

If you have never had the opportunity to knock doors for a political campaign in this area, here is your chance. I will be out and about in the 4th Division/District and I will set you up with partners, (might even be me) at 1pm tomorrow, Saturday November 3rd. Should only take a few hours. Either message me on facebook or text me at 707-496-9043. Only a few days to go!

Huffman, McGuire and Wood Endorse Richard Marks for Harbor District

Eureka, CA –Congressman Jared Huffman, State Senator Mike McGuire and Assemblyman Jim Wood have endorsed Richard Marks’ re-election to the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District, Division 4.

“I am proud to receive the endorsements of our top three legislative leaders for the North Coast,” said Marks. “I am grateful for their partnerships in working with the Harbor District on the Pulp Mill clean up, keeping our shipping channels dredged and supporting our fishermen and oyster growers. They have been strong voices advocating for our Humboldt Bay community.”

Hey Eureka! You are OK! Thank you!

I was walking and knocking doors is Eureka today and I was thinking about all of the campaigns I have have canvassed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and all over California. I knocked on a person's door today and had a pleasant conversation and when I was leaving they said, "Come back again when it is not election season!" I have probably knocked more doors in Eureka and surrounding areas than any other person besides a mail delivery person. There is one common thread to all of the people, Eureka people are courteous and welcoming! I think all of the campaigns in the Eureka area this election cycle see the same thing. Eureka is a great place with positive people! So don't get discouraged with people giving the town a bad rap, Eureka is not all that bad!