If you see this sign blowing in the wind. Sorry!

Last nights winds may have caused havoc on some of my signs. And, of course, my opponents. Hopefully this won't cause too much of an inconvenience to all. If one of my signs has disappeared in your yard, please e-mail me and I will do what I can.

HCDCC vs. SFDCC. Willie Brown and Arnold at Demo event!

The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee had a huge showing at the last general meeting with candidates from every party showing up to stump their issues. Moany of the top ranked elected officials were present to witness the HCDCC endorsement process. When it comes to county central committees, I would say our HCDCC is very active when compared to other counties with comparable populations.

But read this excerpt from Willie Brown's experience in emceeing a San Francisco Democratic Central Committee event. Maybe we should invite Willie as a guest for the next Democrat of the Year (DOTY):

By now, I'm sure you've all seen or heard about the cell phone video of our state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano yelling out for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to "kiss my gay ass."

And as usual when something this bad happens, everyone is pointing the finger at me.

Yes, I was the emcee at the Democratic Central Committee event. And yes, I did invite Arnold to say a few words.

But the truth is, the first I knew about Arnold's presence was when committee Chairman Aaron Peskin leaned over and said, "Hey, your buddy is coming in through the door."

"You gotta be kidding me," I said. "What would the governor be doing here?"

Beats me, Peskin said, but you should introduce him.

I did, and with that, Ammiano became the Democrats' version of Rep. Joe "You Lie" Wilson, leading the chorus of boos before he and his buddies walked out.

To be honest, by that point you couldn't tell who was walking in, who was walking out or much else, because people had been drinking since 5 in the afternoon.

After the dinner I went to the bar and I got a tap on the shoulder.

It was Arnold, insisting that I join him. He was completely unfazed by what had happened. The only reference he made was to ask me jokingly, "Hey, what are you doing with all those crazies?"

"Picking up stuff for my column," I replied.

Community Rally for Freshwater Tissue.

SAVE THE SAMOA PULP MILL & CREATE GREEN JOBS FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

WHO: Environmental groups, union leaders, local elected officials, business leaders, and hundreds of community residents.

WHAT: Rally and Press Conference to Save the Samoa Pulp Mill

WHERE & WHEN: 12:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22 at the Samoa Pulp Mill in Humboldt County, CA

WHY: The Samoa Pulp Mill WILL be forced to shut down if they are not able to secure Federal Stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Lawmakers need to know that saving the Samoa Mill will create 425 new green jobs for residents, and over 2,500 ancillary jobs in the region. The Samoa mill is the ONLY Chlorine-free/Dioxin-free pulp mill in the United States, and shutting it down will export American jobs and American pollution overseas. The operation of this mill provides funds vital to support the community businesses and public infrastructure.

Freshwater Tissue Company acquired the Samoa Pulp Mill in February 2009. Freshwater intends to convert the Samoa Pulp Mill into an integrated tissue mill, producing eco-friendly toilet paper for U.S. regional consumers. It will consume by-products and tan oak logs from the Coastal Redwood Forests whose die-off threatens to spark wildfires throughout the region. Freshwater Tissue embodies a GREEN, REVITALIZED American Economy, and we need your help!

Check out Freshwatertissue.com!

LA Times writer in Humboldt County!

Los Angeles Times writer Alana Semuels will be in Humboldt County tomorrow to do a story about the Timber industry decline. She will be at the Samoa Cookhouse at noon and is hoping to talk to the general membership of the Association of Pulp and Paper Workers local 49 at around 4pm in Manila. Please help get the word out!

Richard Marks

Marks held at knife point while door knocking! Art's alive crazy busy!

I was knocking on doors in Eureka today and a lady answered the door wielding a huge knife. I looked at her wide eyed and she looked at her hand with the knife and realized she had carried it from the kitchen and it was actually kind of funny. (Got a sign placement out of it.) I probably walked more miles today than I have ever done in a campaign. And I have walked this district more than a few times.

Art's alive looked busier than I have ever seen it. People are probably thinking this will be the last good chance weather wise. I was tabling right next to a dancing troupe raising money for refuges in Darfar. We donated to their cause.

Nixon was right on heath care?

“A sweeping new program,” President Richard M. Nixon called it when he introduced his bold national health plan in 1971. “One that builds on the strengths of the present system, and one that does not destroy these strengths. One based on partnership, not paternalism.”

According to AARP that plan was very similar to the current Obama health plan. The late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, author of his own national plan, led the critics on Nixon's health plan. This last year he reflected that and thought we should have jumped on that plan years ago. It will interesting to see just what will be the end result.

Marks for Commish meet and greet.

The Richard Marks for Harbor Commissioner 2009 campaign is hosting a candidate "Meet and Greet" tomorrow at the Labor Temple (840 E Street in Eureka)at 5:30pm. There will be snack type foods and beverages. Stop by and say hi!

Joe McDonald finishes 2nd at Redwood Acres!

The best of the late model stock car drivers converged at "Fall Spectacular" race at Redwood Acres Saturday night to battle in an epic 100 lap race. Big crowd. And what a race it turned out to be! Locals Jimmy Walker, Jerry Peterson and Joe McDonald Jr. had their hands full against a large out of town field. Noel McCormack of Lakeport shared some paint with Joe McDonald Jr. and both were nearly fender to fender for over 90 laps! I video taped a little bit of the action so you can hear and feel the atmosphere. Lenz ended up winning the hard fought contest with local driver Joe McDonald Jr. in second. Joe had "Marks for Harbor Commissioner" painted on his hood and raced a fantastic try. I just wish Rollin Trehearne was there to call the race play by play. I have been fan at the Acres since the 60's.

(Just for the NASCAR fans: I root for the #29 car.)

Richard and Robin ride the Speeder!

Robin and I finally made some time to ride the Speeder. Well worth the $4 a piece fare! We have both hiked and biked beside the rail line since the early 80's and it was good to get this new perspective. The crew was very informative and you could see the excitement in the riders. I was surprised on how many people were taking pictures and the positive automobile response for the Speeder going down Highway 255.

The Timber Heritage Association has dedicated thousands of hours of volunteer work to make this project and other preservation projects related to rail history prevalent.

This project is also an affirmation of the relevancy of an excursion train to Scotia.

The Round House is one of only 2 left in the US! It holds great historical value.

I bet many of you remember climbing on ol' #15 when it was at Seqouia park!

Humboldt County Democrats of the Year 2009.

Dr. Ann Lindsay and Dr. Alan Glaseroff were the honored Humboldt Democrats of the Year. Two very highly respected members of the community. They received many proclamations from all legislative branches and it was a moving sight.

This years "DOTY" was well attended and ran smoothly. I just can't say enough good things about this event this year. The HCDCC Ways and Means Chair Charlene Cutler-Ploss and other committee event organizers deserve much Kudos for once again putting on this quality get together.

Marksisyphus

Take what you will from this allegory.

Fall Softball being played in Arcata!

We started up the fall wood bat softball league in Arcata this week. I proposed this league and was given the OK by the Mad River Softball Association Board of Directors and there has already been some great games! Games are played Mondays through Thursdays from 6:20pm to 8:40pm. Come on out if you are bored and check out!

I am still organizing the Basketball League in Arcata. Should start in early October. Give a call if you are interested.

Sign etiquette 101. When do you start with the yard signs?

I have been pushed by people on my campaign to put out signs now! I realize that one of my opponents for the 4th Division Harbor District has been putting out signs in their neighborhood, but it is too early by proper protocol.

I have told supporters that the proper timing etiquette is 5 weeks from the election. My target date is coming soon. I have had the signs for a few weeks. If you have a place available in the Eureka/Myrtletown/Samoa/Fairhaven area, please call me at 445-3432.

Sign Placements and Phonebanking welcomed!

I was able to garner some sign placements through my Facebook page, so I thought I would try shamelessly using my Samoasoftball blog for the same purpose. If you have a highly visible spot in Eureka or Myrtletown, just call me at 445-3432 and leave a message if I am not there.

We have been phonebanking, and while I realize it is not everyones cup of tea, if you would like to get involved in a campaign here is your chance. e-mail me at Samoafog@aol.com. We had a good showing last night, but I can't expect that kind of turnout every night. People get burned out if called upon too often.

Get off my F****** Porch now!

I sure hope Susan or John don't end up knocking on this angry dudes door in Eureka. I was banging on doors yesterday and this guy just yelled obscenities and was just not friendly. I wonder what causes such anger in some people. 95% of the people who answer their doors are polite, but those 5% can really make you question humanity.

Grand Puba Boy's take Tomaso's Beer League Championship award! Literally!

The Grand Puba Boy's softball team were the only undefeated team going into the Championship game of the Tomaso's sponsored Wood Bat Beer League Championships in Willow Creek this weekend. Blue Planet Pet shop were the challenging team in the Championship game with a 4-1 record. The score was tied 1-1 in the 5th inning when a torrential downpour sent everyone scrambling to their rigs to get out of town. And one quick player for the Puba's team took the trophy and ran! So, by imminent domain, the Puba's hold onto the coveted trophy. (Last years champs have to hand make, art wise, their predecessor trophy. The Hey Juan Barnstormers were last years champs and had the trophy on display.) I get a feeling the Puba team will not give it up quietly. Tomaso's and the Green Sox ended up tied for 3rd with the Barnstormers and Breakers tied for 5th in the 10 team tournament.

The Samoa Athletic Club organized this event for Tomaso's and the theme was "Don't drink and drive!" Most of the players stayed at Camp Kimtu or close by. Tomaso's supplied water and salsa on ice in each dugout and Bien Padre donated chips. There were hundreds of people at the park over the weekend. 98% of the 120 participants had a great time. I would say that was pretty good.

HCDCC endorses Marks.

The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee voted to endorse me for my bid for Harbor Commissioner for the 4th Division. Mike Wilson was endorsed by the committee for his re-election bid for the 3rd Division. All Candidates were present at the meeting and spoke and answered questions. The meeting had an overflow crowd.

Labor Day Picnic draws huge crowd! CLC endorses Marks.

Jimmy Smith announced the endorsement at the Central Labor Council sponsored Labor Day Picnic. There was a great crowd out there at Sequoia Park.



I walked the streets today and ran across some material for one of my opponents. Looks like they have some high dollars to run a campaign. Should be interesting. I know quite a few working class people in the area.

Art's Alive busy! Pulp Mill rumbles? MRSA winds down.

Last night at Art's Alive was crazy with people. I hand billed my literature for Harbor Commissioner and was able to get sign placements and support from the hundreds I encountered. Lot's of people from out of town wandering also. Probably from the Blues by the Bay.

I heard some rumors about the Pulp Mill starting in the near future. I went out to the office and rung the bell at the desk, but no one came down, so I have nothing but rumor to report.

Mad River softball is winding down their playoffs. Pretty smooth season with some great competitive ball. Fall softball starts in a few weeks! Oh, and Basketball in October.

Marine Protected Areas coming soon to the North Coast?

I happen chanced on a Humboldt Fisherman’s Marketing Association meeting to hear their views on the “Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA).” Fishermen at the meeting were handing out shirts that said “Much Less Public Access” with a picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger holding a fisherman upside down on the back. The Act will create Marine Protected Areas (MPA) on coastal areas that will be designated after “scientific” studies “to increase the coherence and effectiveness in protecting the state's marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage.”

In a nutshell, MPA’s will be created in places that could curtail fishing or kelp harvesting in certain coastline areas. The big contention by the locals is the lack of true scientific data to determine where this might happen. Fishermen are being solicited to “cut their own noses off in spite of their faces” by helping in the process of designated potential places they will not be able to fish. One commercial fisherman said he had provided fishing data to be added to a database and when he checked it out later, they had no history of fish being caught in the area he had been working for 20 years! Local fishermen are also worried they will be out lobbied by Southern California populace interests in trying to protect their own fish baskets. Fishermen could take a 20% hit according to "Ecotrust" an organization collecting data.

One hope for the local Fishermen would be if the Initiative staff would push forward a “single plan” or a “unified” directive with all stakeholders involved, Fishermen, Environmentalists, Department of Fish and Games, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Fisheries, Native Americans and all other related interests.