North Coast Rail Authority meeting today at Humboldt BOS chambers at 10:30am.

The North Coast Rail Authority is meeting in the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors chamber at 10:30am with lots of discussion concerning trails. The public is welcome after being frisked at the door!

Future home of Murphy's Market and Samoa to grow by 150 by November 2020.

This will be the future home to Murphy's Market in the next few years in Samoa. There will also be a gas station according to town owner Dan Johnson in his latest update to about 30 residents.

This year 2020 there will be the Phase one opening of a new affordable housing complex on Vance ave. This will include a new secondary sewage treatment plant that will be hooked to the Old Pulp Mill Outfall line. Then all houses on on Vance avenue will be hooked up to new sewage and electrical lines from the new apartments to the Samoa Gym. This should be finished by November. (The softball field will get new lights, but not until phase 6 down the road.) Then the Houses (Including my Brown one below) on Rideout St. and Sunset Ave. will also have new utilities. The 60 houses should be put up for sale, but not before they are upgraded to be able to garner home loans.

The new Community Service District will start their formation and start collecting revenues in about a year and half and be functional on their own in 3 years.

The next phases of new construction should take the town to over 1,000 residents in about 4 years.

New plots of property should be available to check out in about 6 months. The timeline for the town of Samoa is going to move quickly now. 

Cliff Berkowitz get early 5% lead in the 1st, Rick French in 2nd and Mario Fernandez as Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee member in 4th District. They all won the ballot placement Drawing.

Ballot placement is a very significant part of the election process. Sometimes it really causes havoc in an election. A candidate can get a 5% boost just being placed first on the ballot. In elections where the voter does not have a clue who or what they are voting for such as judges and party committees it becomes problematic when people just vote for the person with the first ballot placement. Now if you do want to drill down to the most qualified candidates, might I suggest Eric Kirk's blog about a week before the election. But in any case, here is the ballot placement for the March election according to the Random Alphabet Drawing done by the State:

1st District Supervisor

1. Cliff Berkowitz
2. Rex Bohn

2nd District Supervisor

1. Rick French
2. Estelle Fennell
3. Sean Devries
4. Michael McKaskle
5. Michelle Bushnell

Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee 4th District

1. Mario Fernandez
2. Robert (Bob) Service
3. Pam Service
4. Kathy Sobilo
5. Richard Marks
6. Christopher Musgrave

New Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee members. 4th District up for election. Deadlines extended because of Incumbents not filing. Mike Wilson unopposed in 3rd District for Supervisor. HCDCC to have endorsement meeting 12-11. Bring the popcorn.

The filing period for the Humboldt Primary Supervisory Districts is up as well as the filing deadline for the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee and other party elected. For the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Districts the deadline is moved to Wednesday December 11th at 5pm because each of those Districts have Incumbents who did not file.

In the 3rd Supervisor District Mike Wilson had no opponent and will serve 4 more years.

In the 1st District Incumbent Rex Bohn will run against Democrat Cliff Berkowitz,

And in the 2nd District, Democrat Incumbent Estelle Fennell has 4 opponents. Republican Michelle Bushnell, No Party Preference candidate Michael P McKaskle, Democrat Rick French and Democrat Sean DeVries.

There will be an election for the 4th District Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) There are 4 positions available but 6 candidates. (Samoasoftball) Richard Marks, Bob and Pam Service, Kathy Sobilo, Mario Hernandez and Christopher Musgrave. So there will be an election for these seats on March 3rd.

In the 1st District the HCDCC members will be Stuart Altshuler, Leslie Ester, Bill Burns and Helene Rouvier. This deadline is extended to Wednesday December 11th at 5pm because an Incumbent did not file.

In the 2nd District the HCDCC members are Chris and Bruce Will and Dan Kelley. This deadline is extended to Wednesday December 11th at 5pm because an Incumbent did not file.

In the 3rd District the HCDCC members are Tom Sokolowski, Barbara Carolan, Pam Cahill, Sheryl Esparza, Geoffrey "Lizard" Robinson and Rita Carlson. This deadline is extended to Wednesday December 11th at 5pm because an Incumbent did not file.

In the 5th District only Michele Walford and Suzanne Cook filed all the correct paperwork. There are still 3 at large positions available. This deadline is extended to Wednesday December 11th at 5pm because an Incumbent did not file.

Lots of new HCDCC members. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and do some work! This is a working committee!

The HCDCC Endorsement meeting will be Wednesday 12-11 at 6pm at 527 4th St. Eureka.

Off Shore Wind Energy looks to be on schedule!

I attended the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) Offshore Wind Project Stakeholder Workshop last week. 

Why the interest for wind energy off of Humboldt Bay?

·       The North Coast has World Class off shore wind resource

·        Technology is now available and affordable

·        Demand to De-carbonize California

·        Potential hub for assembly  revitalizing the Humboldt Bay Harbor

There is a partnership between the RCEA and Principal Power to assemble 10-15 wind turbines and place them on floating platforms 25 miles off shore in water 600 to 1,000 feet deep and anchors to the sea bed and create 120 to 150 Mega Watts of power.  The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) put out Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in 2018 and already possesses site control. The Power Purchase Agreement would happen in 2022 and the build out in 2025.

In 2020 the bidding process will happen. This entails an auction up for the highest bid. I identified myself as an employee of CIFAC and asked how this process would actually work. It seems this is a federal process that the BOEM would control and they want the maximum monies they can garner.

The Humboldt Fisherman’s Marketing Association Vice President said the fishermen are willing to be part of the solution process although they said they were the most regulated fisherman on the west coast. They wanted to focus on community benefits and having a say in the fishing territories but staying proactive.

I did ask where they were with the PLA process and they publicly said they were in negotiations.

My Sister Mary Marks passes on.

Mary Katherine Marks was born in Visalia California on November 15,^, 1950 to James and Mabel Marks. She passed away in Boulder, Colorado on September 13, 2019 at age 68. She was a fantastic artist/sculptor and jewelry maker. She owned a graphics and print shop in Sparks and Rocklin where she trained show horses and rode dressage. She then moved to Prescott, Arizona to work for famous sculptor John Coleman.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Mabel, and her brothers James and Roy. She leaves behind sisters Juanita Paternoster, Kathleen Martin, Michelle Marks and Tricia Craig. She also is survived by her brothers Michael and Richard Marks. She leaves behind her son Aaron and his wife Erin in Prescott, Arizona.

Mary was the embodiment of a free Spirit. She spoke her mind and lived her life firm in her convictions. She was caring in times she was in need and would help others and do without herself. Her memorial will be on November 15, in Sacramento.

In her memory just be kind to someone today and help those you come across with patience.

MRSA Fall Ball starts soon!

Still looking for Fall Teams for Arcata. 10 Games for $495. Games are at 6pm and 7:05pm. Need 6 teams to make it go. Have 4 so far. League would start Sept 24th with games on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Bonds Splash Hits puts him in League above.

One of the most intriguing records that Barry Bonds accomplished is hitting 31 out of the first 42 balls hit out of AT&T/Chase field in McCovey Cove for splash hits. In about 1350 at bats he has hit more than all the other TEAMS in Baseball. That means that there have been tens of thousands of players at bats and no player is anywhere close to his record and never will. Opinion of the day.

Best Chicken Fried Steak and eggs in Eureka.

Over the years my taste-buds must do some resetting. Here is the top 5 places to enjoy a good chicken fried steak and eggs.

1. Oberon Grill: Not even close. They pound a New York into submission and it is very tender and tasty. Maybe a little bit pricey but well worth it. Only available on Saturdays and Sundays.

2. The Green Lily Cafe: Very consistent and available all week. The picture above is from their establishment. The setting is kind of weird. Can't put my finger on it. But the food and service is good.

3. The Golden Harvest Cafe: Portion not that great. Used to be my go to but has seemed to slide lately. Too inconsistent for my dollar.

4. The Chalet: Is it open? Do we have to go to the one on 5th? Will they forget us after they take our order? Just not worth it anymore. More than once I have driven to the location in Cutten and it was closed due to worker issues or lack of worker issues. The chicken fried steak and other food is good but not worth the hassle.

5. Kristina's: If the chicken fried steak is so good, why do I always order something else? Hmmm. I eat more meals here than most.

Others to consider Cafe Nooner in Henderson Center, Adels and Amy's Delight (Chicken Fried Pork Steak) and Village Pantry  Don't give me that Toni's argument. They are in Arcata and their chicken fried steaks have been bad last few times I went.

Humboldt Bay Harbor District approves dredging contract!

The Humboldt Bay Harbor District  approved a dredging contract with The Dutra Group to dredge Fields Landing and Woodley Island Marina with a clam shell dredge and take the spoils out to the hoods three miles offshore and dumped . The nearly $700,000 project is funded by Woodley Island resident dredging surcharge assessments. It has been over 10 years since any dredging at the Marina. Before I was even elected! This is just a start of course. Not the total solution. The Harbor District also moved forward with Request for Proposal for a new Public Dock at Marine Terminal 1. This is to land or make room for wind energy projects building platforms for 30 miles out. Lots of logistic issues. 

Fall Ball starts soon in Arcata! 10 Game season for $495 a team!

Mad River Softball Association is looking for wood bat adult teams for Fall Ball League starting Sept. 17th. Let me know if you are interested.

Humboldt Classic Senior Softball Association Champions for 2019, The Legends.

The Legends 58 and over seniors finished the 2019 season with a 4 run 6th inning rally to squeak by the Moments 4-0 and finish the 2019 season with a 20-4 record. We lost 2 extra inning games and had to come from behind numerous games. So it was a very competitive season. From left to right is Randall Floyd, David Wainwright, Patrick Vaughn, Zeke Branca, Brenda Blair-King, The Softball King, Stuart Rosenberg, Robert Ruehl, Steve Nies, Tony Hernandez, George Williamson, Jonathan and Tom Marking. Jamie Robertson was also on the team but suffered a season ending rib injury. All games were played at a renovated Samoa Field donated by Dan Johnson to the league. Lots of elbow grease by the HCSSA participants. I hope 2020 is even better!

City of Eureka squeaks by Coasties 20-9.

Each year I have had the pleasure to umpire this event. Eureka had a really strong team this year. Mike Salmon and Mike Barber also umped and we had no controversy. There were lots of people at the park and BBQ!

Humboldt Rockets helps Babes Pizza! Then gets put in place!

The Babes Pizza North Western championship team was trailing in the Northwestern 63 and over softball league to a Grants Pass team that was 10-0 and facing my 0-10 Humboldt Rocket team. We had many close games but were just coming up short. Humboldt Rockets coach Dave Lonn had a pre game speech where he said he would rather lose than not play, but he would prefer that we not make mental mistakes and play our best game. And we responded with a 17-15 win over the undefeated Grants Pass team! Then we beat the Desert Dawgs from Bend Oregon for our second straight win. We played Babes Sunday morning and they took us out 17-2. Ouch. For our team Dave Lonn only made 1 out in 5 games. Scott Wooley and Jeff Powers only made 2 outs. Larry Kuwahara hit well. Babes players, Jay Jones, Dave Denoma, Barry Oliver, Mickey Ayala (5 putouts at pitcher), Dennis Costa, George Lorentzen did good. It was nice to see Jack Nash, Jack Eldridge and others. 

6'8" Bill Sines. Man or myth? 400 ft Home Run? 10 Senior Softball teams this year.

My Marks Consulting Senior Softball Team played Porter St. BBQ last night and Bill Sines hit a ball estimated at 400 ft! He also hit another Home Run that wasn't as impressive. We fell short 14-10 but it was a fun game and sometimes chippy.

I have known Bill for years and love to have him as a teammate. He is about 6'8" and over 300 lbs and plays second. We have Mike Yancheff at about 6'5" at short and Ron denHeyer at 1st at 6''6". Not only that, you add Mickey Ayala Pitching and Tom Marking at 3rd out infield averages 62 years old!

One thing I appreciate about Bill is you get no bull. We have had long conversations about life, family and community. Oh, and lots of local sports talk.

Above is a pic of Bill with his son Jesse who is serving our country in the Army.

As a side note, there are about 130 Humboldt Classic Senior Softball Association softball players playing on 10 teams out in Samoa. That is as many teams as the City of Eureka's mens league! Check out HCSSA!

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.