Humboldt State Basketball Coach Steve Kinder on the way out?

Really. What can Steve do for an encore? His team is ranked 3rd in the country with a 24-2 record. (Actually ranked Number 1 in one computer ranking poll.) They will probably win a few more and be considered one of the top HSU teams of all time!

I really feel that Steve should see if there is a chance for him to be considered for a Division 1 offer. This is not to dis on HSU. It is just that Kinder should maximize his potential and he is topped out here. I watched this team early in the season and just am blown away at how good they have become as the season has progressed. And the players that have been recruited in the past by Steve such as Mark White, Fred Hooks, Austin Nichols, Cy Vandermeer, Jeremiah Ward, Grayson Moyer, Devin Peal, Kevin Johnson and Zac Tiedeman speaks in volumes of his eye for top rated talent.

I have also played Adult Basketball against Kinder and he knows how to exploit a players weakness on the court. Oh, and this is not some ploy for me to get him to move away. I really like the guy and appreciate his willingness to show up to local High School games, even though there really isn't any local players that could compete on the HSU level.

Now CR on the other hand......they need to recruit Humboldt's best so we have something to watch out there.

American workers want unions! Even the Starbuck people.

Americans strongly oppose laws taking away the collective bargaining power of public employee unions, according to a new Gallup Poll. The poll found 61% would oppose a law in their state similar to such a proposal in Wisconsin, compared with 33% who would favor such a law.

So why are the Republican governors in Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa and other states considering similar laws? Got me. This will come back to haunt them.

And while we are on the subject of people wanting to organize, many Starbuck employees have been in the process of organizing through the Industrial Workers of the World. (IWW the Wobblies)

Eureka adult softball needs your help!

I have been approached by many in the community about the plight of adult softball in Eureka. With the passing of Measure O, there is a fleeting chance at having adult softball again in Eureka. It just has to be self sufficient. But you can't just sit on the sidelines and belly ache! (Or dugouts if you will) Call your elected City Council People and let them know you would like to see Eureka City Adult Softball leagues brought back.
Ward 1 Councilperson Marian Brady @ 441-4169.
Ward 2 Councilperson Linda Atkins @ 441-4168.
Ward 3 Councilperson Mike Newman @ 441-4170.
Ward 4 Councilperson Melinda Ciarabellini @ 441-4167.
Ward 5 Councilperson Lance Madsen @ 441-4171.
Mayor Frank Jager @ 441-4200.

Just leave a message if they are not there!

If you have the itch to start playing in the near future, the Mad River Softball Association is hosting a "Spring" league of either mens or co-ed league starting in April. League games are on Sundays, and teams play double headers at the Arcata Sports Complex. The nicest natural playing fields in all of Northern California. Our regular season starts on June 13th.

Fall River the McKinleyville of Shasta county?

Shasta County Planning Commissioners want to rezone areas of Burney, Cottonwood and Fall River Mills to create more high-density housing for very low-income families.

Residents in Fall River are up in arms over having low-income families and the perceived rise in crime. And the possibility of devaluing property values is a big concern. Residents were also concerned about little notification of the process.

There is a need for 970 low-income units to keep with updating Shasta Counties General plan. The county is about 800 units short.

Kinda sound familiar?

Ecohostel in Cookhouse? Samoa Peninsula Fire District to Morph into Community Service District?

It looks like this will happen within the next year or so. The town of Samoa will become a Community Service District through reorganization of the Samoa Peninsula Fire District. The attic of the Samoa Cookhouse is being remodeled through "green" processes and will become an "Ecohostel." The old fire department gathering hall by the Cookhouse will also become a "Ecohostel" with a "green" themed RV Park. I will update as I learn more.

Shasta County #2 in State Prison Population per 1,000. Humboldt #27.

I really don't know what to make of the numbers. Either the Shasta County DA's office is doing a better job at putting people away, or they are over prosecuting offenders. But neighboring counties Tehama and Butte are also in the top ten in the state. Hmmm. And why is it that Humboldt County has more Violent offenses per 100,000 than Shasta? (413 to 293) And Humboldt has more Drug offenses per 100,000? (579 to 308) And yet we have less people behind bars? Could someone explain what this all means?

David Elsebusch predicts Mark Lovelace, Jimmy Smith and Clif Clendenen voted out 2012.

This happened at yesterday's Board of Supervisors meeting during public comments concerning the appointment of a reluctant Bruce Emad for an at large position on the Humboldt County Planning Commission. The 3 voted to ignore 19 applicants for the position. This will make for some political fall out, but I am not so sure there will be a tidal wave of animosity. David and his wife Penny won't have a big say in this. They both live in 5th District Supervisor Sundberg's district.

Union Membership takes a thumping.

If the US economy wasn't bad enough already, union membership is down to 11.9%. According to the Department of Labor there was a net loss of 612,000 union members last year. In the early 1980's, union membership was over 20%! And the future is not looking much brighter. Only 4.3% of the workers between the age of 16 and 24 years of age are union! And a real glaring reality is this; 36.2% of all union members are in the public sector. Only 6.9% of the private sector is union! Most of this is because of the uneven playing field for corporations to ignore the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the constraints in organizing through the ineffectiveness of the National Labor Relations Board upholding the bylaws and spirit of the NLRA. (I have stories galore on this while I was organizing.)

And it is not like people not wanting to be union. Over 50% of the current US workforce would like to be union. And why not. The average union worker makes $917 a week as compared to $717 a week for non-union workers.

But lets bring this closer to home. In the 1990's there were around 500 private sector union jobs on the Samoa Peninsula alone! Now there is less than 10. I know I have spewed much of this in the past. Just like to bring this up every now and then.

Humboldt County Basketball musings.

Robin and I went to McKinleyville High School to watch the Panthers face off against the Arcata Tigers. We have watched enough Arcata games this year to have expected a huge Arcata win. (The last player I coached in 8th grade basketball still playing High School is junior Matt Gulley for the Tigers. He was fun to coach and he loved my "never seen a shot I didn't like" philosophy. MHS out hustled and played tough defense to take down a team with way superior height. Tom Witzel was the only Tiger in double figures with 24 points. (Matt had 6) I have to hand it to McKinleyville. They went right at Arcata's front line that is 6'10", 6'6" and 6'6" across in the front court. The Tigers are still looking for that on the court leader that will take control. But they still will win the league.

(Dan Squire and Christian Hill do a great job on 106.3 KJNY if you just want to listen. Their post game is great!)

Fortuna High is playing Nate Ambrosini, a Freshman, at point guard. He scored 19 points the other day. Has any other Humboldt County High School Freshman ever scored that many on a Varsity squad? They have another Freshman playing. They will be tough in 2 years.

Robin and I went to a CR men's game recently and I remarked that there were less local players than I have ever remembered. (There is one.) She said to me, "if there were ever less, there would be none!" Maybe that explains the small crowd.

Robin and I went an HSU men's game early this year and I was just not that impressed. I felt they would be a .500 team compared to last years squad. I have been pleasantly wrong. I also witnessed Coach Steve Kinder and all of his staff at a recent High School game. I realize there is not much chance for any of these players to be able to play for the Jacks, but it is classy that they are there.

Kentucky Fried Chicken leaving Eureka?

I have heard from one of my grubbing buddies that the 2 Eureka KFC's are shutting down. SAY IT AIN'T SO! They had a good buffet on Broadway, but usually went to the one on the Burre Center.

Humboldt County Democrats morphing into "Progressive" Club? New Eureka Progressive Democratic Club.

A New Eureka Democratic Club called the “Eureka Progressive Democratic Club” will be meeting Thursday, January 27th at 7pm at the Humboldt County Democratic Headquarters, 129 5th St. in Eureka.

I find it kind of strange that there is a need for a “progressive” branch locally. Why? Let me outline a few reasons. First, let us compare the “Progressive Democrats of America (PDA)” platform with the “Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC).”

1. The PDA would like to stop War Occupations. The HCDCC platform on this issue is:

I. Democracy and ParticipationWe believe that...B. The United States must work cooperatively with all other nations of the world, treat all people with human dignity, and use force only as an absolute last resort.

So they are in agreement.

2. The PDA believes in Healthcare for All with Economic and Social Justice. The HCDCC platform on these issues are:

II. Social Justice

Everyone in our democracy is entitled to equal protection under the law regardless of race, gender, ethnic identification, age, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, and/or socioeconomic status.

A. Everyone has a right to live in a community, state and country that enables all to exercise their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
B. Everyone has a right to access to affordable health care.
C. Every woman is entitled to the right to make her own reproductive health care decisions.
D. Every person has the right to make her or his own health care decisions.
E. Everyone has an inherent constitutional right to protection from invasion of privacy, by government or corporations.

Again, in alignment with each other.

3. The PDA is concerned about global warming and the environment. The HCDCC platform on this issue is:

III. Environmental Protection

We believe that it is the duty of our democracy to...
• Protect and sustainably use the natural resources of our community, state, country, and world.
• Guarantee safe and healthy food, water and air.
• Enact legislation and policies that promote sustainable forms of energy and the conservation of fossil fuels.
• Protect, preserve and restore the Nation’s ecosystems.
• Prevent resource exploitation that violates public trust.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle.

Once again the PDA and HCDCC are joined.

As far as economics, I am sure the PDA would be good with the HCDCC on the economy.

IV. Economics

We believe that it is the duty of our democracy to ensure that...

• Jobs provide a living wage.
• Legislation and policies encourage the creation of jobs that contribute to a sustainable economy and environment.
• All local, state, and federal governments and agencies of government are fiscally responsible.
• Legislation and policies promote the availability of affordable, safe housing for all.
• The deficit of the federal government is not passed on to the next generation.
• The deficit of the federal government is decreased without shrinking programs that benefit the poor, young, old or disabled.
• Fair taxation for all where all members of society pay their fair share toward the common good.
• Workers’ pensions and social security are protected and strengthened.
• All levels of government work diligently to see that no child, senior citizen or disabled person lives in poverty.

So why the need of a “progressive” chapter of the HCDCC? It is all is about the elephant in the room. The Marina Center. There. I said it. If you are for any kind of development on the Balloon tract/track you are considered an outcast to the far left liberals on the HCDCC. And now those who disagree with their “fellow democrats” want to isolate themselves further with creation of this separate Political Action Committee branch of the HCDCC. Even though both types of Democrats agree with all of the HCDCC platforms! Just sad we have to be so divided as a community of Democrats. Next meeting of the HCDCC is this Wednesday at 7pm across from Denny’s in Eureka. All Democrats are welcome. Even you with the Marina Center sweaters. We are the party of tolerance, are we not?

Melinda Ciarabellini new Ward 4 Eureka City Councilperson. First time Eureka has 3 Democrat Women on Council?

Rex Bohn gave a very classy/gracious speech about the nomination process and the choice of Melinda to the Eureka City Council. Then Linda Atkins moved for approval and a 4-0 vote sealed the deal. I know there has been 3 women on the Eureka City Council in the past, but 3 registered Democrats? Gutsy choice by Mayor Jager.

Marks unwritten rules of life.

I am sure you have heard the unwritten rule of life not drinking alcohol before noon, but what other rules of life do we have? Here is my top ten. I am sure some will not even make sense to some of you:

10. Yes. You will always pick the slowest lines at Costco, the slowest moving traffic lanes and the wrong time to do banking.

9. Never eat chicken before 11am. Unless you are having eggs.

8. Never sell a car to family or friends. Period.

7. You are not where you live, what you drive, or what you wear. (But others will judge you by these.)

6. Never give your adversaries the tools of your own demise.

5. A line of credit does not equal savings.

4. Chances are, those unruly kids coming through the restaurant doors are going to be seated next to you. Every time!

3. We all dine at the table of the consequences of our decisions. Choose from the menu wisely.

2. Before you criticize, analyze. Then have at it.

1. If you wait for someone else to take action, expect disappointment.

And yours?

Major Marks was part of the Humboldt Solution!

My dad decided to relocate us to Humboldt County after his retirement from the service. There is a story behind this that is really crazy and I am going to fill you all in with bits and pieces. Unless my family throws a fit.

What happened to Bus Shelter?

I noticed that the shelter for the bus stop at 4th and Q St. is gone. (Across the street from Big Louie's pizza) Was it ran into by a car? Or just removed for another reason?

Hoopa Valley hands Sundberg Supervisor seat.

Take away the votes from the Hoopa valley precincts, Pat Cleary wins the 5th District Supervisor seat by nearly 200 votes! Ryan went from 351 primary election votes in the Valley to 798 in the General! So the Native American vote came up big for a fellow Native American. Next 4 years should be interesting in the 5th.

Richard and Robin do "Date Night." Where is the best Prime Rib? My top picks.

I asked Robin yesterday if our relationship was in need of a "Date Night" we have heard and witnessed couples doing. She said sure, so I said I wasn't sure yet who I was going to take out on my date. She had a good laugh. We went to Bear River for their Prime Rib night. $15.95! My top Prime Rib picks:

5. Sizzler. The salad bar is good at least.

4. Blue Lake Casino. What is with this change they have going. I don't like it!

3. Adels. Always consistent at least.

2. Bear River Casino. Lots of fixings, but the smoke in the Casino can gag you.

1. Sea Grill. I know their specialty is fish, but right now they are the tops in Humboldt County that I have tried.

Anyone knows of better places out there in the County? We could use another good steak house with Prime Rib at the top of the menu!

"I will have you impeached Mr. Lovelace! No Offense." Qoute by Louie DeMartin. Jill Duffy, "I am tired of these games!" Nomination for CCC 2010.

Quite the verbiage flying around this morning at the Humboldt County Courthouse Board of Supervisors chamber. It seemed innocent enough on the agenda, "Consider Nominations for the California Coastal Commission North Coast Regional Representative." Only one person had turned in some sort of paperwork to be considered (Mark Lovelace) and there seemed to be a disconnect in distributing information to the correct public entities that was sent from the outgoing Governors office to the County Board of Supervisor clerk. Distribution to solicit other candidates seemed to be missing.

When outgoing 4th District County Supervisor Bonnie Neely made a motion to nominate Lovelace, (Jimmie Smith seconded) outgoing 5th District Supervisor Jill Duffy showed displeasure with the process and said she was tired of the "GAMES" that were being played with the nomination process. She asked Neely to amend here motion to allow other prospective candidates to come forward. Jill also chided Chair Clif Clendenan for not forwarding this information to the two newly elected Supervisors. Neely initially stood pat on her motion and waited for public comment. That is when it became apparent that the public felt the process was being railroaded and undermined by politics. Not one person from the public came forward to speak in favor of Lovelace's nomination. All spoke about the lack of due process in choosing and asked for reconsideration. A reaccuring theme was Lovelace's ties to Humboldt Baykeepers. Mr. Louie DeMartin publically viscerated Mr. Lovelace with a public tirade on how he is the problem with the lack of growth in the county and said it will be a personal crusade of his to get him out of office.

Eureka Mayor and 4th District Supervisor elect Virginia Bass came forward to the podium to express her desire to be considered for the position. Seems to make sense, as she would replace the person she will be replacing in office.

Bonnie Neely relented to Jill's request to nominate Lovelace but to consider others in a future meeting. The motion passed unaimously.

Happy Turkey day, Turkey's!

Perry Price used to yell at his ball players in all the sports he coached, yelling "Turkey's!" Here is one for you all, "Turkey's!"Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Ranked voting rank?

SF Gate:

A political candidate who forms coalitions, touts other candidates vying for the same office and brags about being somebody's third choice?

Yes, it could happen - and it's an increasingly likely campaign strategy under the Bay Area's relatively new and somewhat perplexing system of ranked-choice voting, supporters and opponents agree.

The mayor's races in Oakland and San Leandro and two supervisors' races in San Francisco all saw the candidate with the most first-choice votes ultimately lose - demonstrating the traditional campaign style doesn't always work anymore.

"The old style was it's you against me, mano a mano," said Steven Hill, the architect of the local ranked-choice voting system.

"You can now try to build coalitions around these ranked ballots by finding common ground with other opponents."

Under ranked-choice voting - started in San Francisco in 2004 and used in Oakland, Berkeley and San Leandro for the first time this year - voters pick their first, second and third choices.

If nobody wins more than half the vote, last-place candidates are eliminated and their second and third place votes are redistributed until someone wins a majority.

Former state Sen. Don Perata beat Oakland City Councilwoman Jean Quan in first-choice votes for Oakland's mayoral race 35 to 24 percent, but wound up losing by a two-point margin when second- and third-place votes were counted.

In San Leandro, Mayor Tony Santos won the most first-place votes in his bid for re-election, but lost his seat to challenger Stephen Cassidy.

San Francisco's case

Similar scenarios played out in the race for two seats on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Janet Reilly won the first place count in District Two, but new ranked-choice voting tallies released by the Department of Elections on Monday showed Mark Farrell winning the seat.

In District 10, an eye-popping 21 candidates ran for the seat, with Lynette Sweet getting the most first-place votes. However, Malia Cohen, initially far behind, won the seat because she was the second or third choice of voters for many of her fellow candidates.

Hill said these kinds of partnerships between candidates, as well as promoting a fellow candidate or political group's second or third pick, will all become more common.

David Latterman, a political consultant who opposes ranked-choice voting, agreed but said that doesn't mean elections will be all sunshine and rainbows. He said Perata lost in Oakland largely on the "Anybody but Don" mantra of Quan and fellow candidate Rebecca Kaplan.

"They bludgeoned Perata. It was a friend-of-my-enemy thing," Latterman said. "I think you're going to see more second-tier candidates try to team up."

A diluted message

David Lee, a political science lecturer at San Francisco State University, said candidates will try to become the second or third choice of so many challengers, their platform may become diluted.

He gave the example of the San Francisco mayor's race in November, 2011 - the first time ranked-choice voting will be used in a competitive mayors' race in the city.

A straight, white, moderate candidate could try to woo Chinese voters by becoming state Sen. Leland Yee's second choice, woo gay voters by becoming Supervisor Bevan Dufty's second choice, and woo lefties by becoming the second or third choice of a number of progressives expected to enter the race.

"How do you appeal to all those voters in order to earn their second or third choices?" Lee asked. "Who are you at the end of the day?"

Mayor Gavin Newsom said ranked-choice voting "could dramatically change the face of the mayor's race."

And he said that's not necessarily a good thing because voters - including himself - remain confused by the system. He said that as a District Eight voter, he voted for the same candidate for supervisor three times. "Then they said you can't do that," he said of a poll worker.

Corey Cook, a political science professor at the University of San Francisco, said this election season's outcomes will shape ranked-choice voting in the future - perhaps by angering enough people so they try to dismantle it.

"We don't know yet whether it will change the strategy for campaigns or whether this is ultimately going to be the unwinding of the movement," he said. "Both outcomes are possible."

Heather Knight at hknight@sfchronicle.com.