More Elitist golfers in Humboldt than Marin?

With the closing of the San Geronimo golf course in Marin County, the uber rich county now only has 3 public golf courses left for over 1/4 of a million people. Not enough patrons is the reason given for closure. In Humboldt county we have 6 public courses (Beau Pre, Willow Creek, Eureka, Redwood, Benbow and Shelter Cove) and 1 private (Baywood) to accommodate 135,000 residents .

Seems to me that we are well served in Humboldt when it comes to making duffers happy. Is it because Humboldt people have more time and disposable income? I doubt it, but don't have the answer. Personally, I am a hack, but just don't seem to have the time or patience to play enough to improve my game.

How many Mills were in Humboldt in 1947? 170! Whoa!

Redwood Regional Economic Development Committee Executive Director Gregg Foster writes an intriguing  article for the Time Standard, "Then and now in Humboldt County." Some of the more interesting tid bits that caught my interest in comparing 1947 with now.

1. Because of the marketing boom for new houses after World War II, the need for lumber caused a boom in Sawmills, with numbers in Humboldt going from 49 to about 170! The worlds largest Redwood Mill was in Scotia.

2. Around 6,000 of the then 52,000 people living in the county worked in a mill. About 12% of the population. Agriculture nearly matched the mills in employment.

3. Timber production was at 730 million board feet in 1947 as compared to 232 million board feet in 2016.

4. McKinleyville only had 45 residents in 1947.

5. There were only 500 commercial fishermen in 1947.

Anyway, read the entire story which is linked to Gregg's name above. You will enjoy.

Five Burger Franchises Humboldt needs.

5. Farmer Boys: Also makes a great breakfast. You have to drive to Lodi if you want to experience some great burgers and ridiculous onion rings.
4. Arctic Circle: Yes. I know we used to have one. And the experience was so bad for the franchise they exclude all of California for expansion. I guess we will never find out what is in their "Special Sauce." Closest place to have one of their mushroom burgers or taco salads is in Newport, Oregon.
3. Habit Burger: Great Burgers, Grilled Sandwiches and Shakes. Closest one is in Redding.
2. Five Guys: Great big burgers and sometimes big lines. Many will argue that this is the best. Redding is home of the closest.
1. In n Out Burger: I am sorry that not everyone agrees, but I would guess that 80% of Humboldt residents prefer In n Out as their go to burger place when out of town. Ukiah is the closest to get your animal on.

Yes. I know we have many great local burger places in Humboldt and I will re-visit my top 5 soon.

Humboldt Progressive Democrats huge meeting tonight concerning Assemblyman Jim Wood.

The Humboldt Progressive Democrats will be deciding whether to with hold endorsing current Assemblyman Jim Wood because of his position on SB562. Former assembly-persons Patty Berg and Wes Chesbro are going to speak on behalf of current Assemblyman Jim Wood as will other local democrats. Lots of e-mails going back and forth the last few days. Will be interesting. Meeting starts at 6pm at 129 5th St. Eureka.

Humboldt Democrat Endorsed Candidates dominate local elections!

I know some people like to downplay the importance of endorsements and many pick on the local Democrats for their candidates, but you can’t argue with the record. Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) endorsed city, county, community service district candidates and measures are 45-7 since 2008. 86.5% victories. Over 25 wins in a row! And I know I am missing some. Here is a list of endorsed winners:

Dan Kelley                                       2017             CR Trustee

Bonnie Deister                                 2017             CR Trustee

Mary Burke                                      2017              McKinleyville Community Service District

Estelle Fennell                                 2016              Humboldt County Supervisor

Mike Wilson                                     2016              Humboldt County Supervisor

Susan Ornelas                                 2016              Arcata City Council

Mike Winkler                                    2016              Arcata City Council

Austin Allison                                   2016              Eureka City Council

Measure P                                       2016              Eureka Wards

Measure V                                       2016              Rent Stabilization

Pat Higgins                                      2015              Humboldt Harbor Commissioner

Carol Vander Meer                          2015              Manila Community Service District

Carla Leopardo                               2015              Manila Community Service District

Jan Bramlett                                    2015              Manila Community Service District

Joe Mellett                                      2014               Auditor Controller

John Bartholomew                          2014              Tax Collector

Kelly Sanders                                 2014               Recorder/Registrar 

Sofia Pereira                                   2014              Arcata City Council

Mark Wheetley                                2014              Arcata City Council

Kim Bergel                                      2014              Eureka City Council

Natalie Arroyo                                 2014              Eureka City Council

Lisa Ollivier                                     2013              Eureka School Board

David Couch                                   2013              McKinleyville Community Service District

Mike Winkler                                   2012              Arcata City Council

Shane Brinton                                 2012              Arcata City Council

Linda Atkins                                    2012              Eureka City Council

Julie Fulkerson                               2012              Trinidad City Council

Mark Lovelace                                2012              Humboldt County Supervisor

Susan Johnson                               2011              Eureka School Board

John Corbett                                   2011              McKinleyville Community Service District

Garry Eagles                                   2010             Superintendent of Schools

Joe Mellett                                      2010              Auditor Controller

John Bartholomew                         2010              Tax Collector

Paul Gallegos                                 2010              District Attorney

Alex Stillman                                   2010              Arcata City Council

Mark Wheetley                               2010              Arcata City Council

Mike Wilson                                    2009              Humboldt Bay Harbor Commissioner

Richard Marks                                2009              Humboldt Bay Harbor Commissioner

David Couch                                   2009              McKinleyville Community Service District

Jimmy Smith                                   2008              Humboldt Supervisor

Mark Lovelace                                2008              Humboldt Supervisor

Linda Adkins                                   2008              Eureka City Council

Julie Fulkerson                               2008              Trinidad City Council

Shane Brinton                                2008               Arcata City Council

Mike Winkler                                  2008               Arcata City Council

Trucks & Trains & Ships & Planes!

The Eureka Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a forum “Trucks & Trains & Ships & Planes, Moving People and Products in and out of Humboldt County.” Redwood Region Economic Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Foster facilitated a panel of consisting of Brad Mettam from CalTrans District 1, Captain Tim Petrucha of the Humboldt Bay Harbor District, Greg Pratt from Humboldt Transit Authority, Estelle Fennell representing the North Coast Rail Authority, Emily Jacobs from the Air division of Humboldt County Public Works, Tom Mattson from the Road division of the Humboldt County Public Works and Brian Gerving from the City of Eureka Public Works.

Tim Petrucha pointed out some disadvantages Humboldt Bay has, starting with the bays isolation and lack of infrastructure. Tug ships tend to support Harbors that are hubs of shipping. The yearly shoaling of jetty causes dredging issues which makes it cheaper to do business in Coos Bay Oregon. Tim explained how solving some of our Coastal Dependent Industrial Zoning issues will help create opportunities for the bay. Tim also informed everyone that Humboldt gets more than its fair share to dredge the main channels and the purchase of a dredge will help relieve the $600,000 just to mobilize a dredge to the bay and acknowledged the Harbor’s Transportation plan for the Peninsula to help with future transportation infrastructure needs. Lastly, Tim spoke about the Sediment disposal plan and the 4 Cruise ships arriving in the next two years.

Greg Pratt from Humboldt Transit Authority identified providing ridership for 1.3 million miles and 850,000 rides a year using 43 buses. Has a lack of funding and hard time finding qualified drivers and mechanics. Approving a Redwood Transit System route study might help consolidate and improve ridership. Making it easy to track rides using smartphones will help ridership in the future also.

Tom Mattson called transportation a “5 Trillion Dollar problem.” Used analogy of trying to repair secondary roads such as Bell Springs when Humboldt is cut off from the rest of the state and how it is nearly impossible to avoid the red tape to fix. “Partnerships with other counties important.” “Really need to focus on lobbying at state level.”

Brian Gerving has 114 miles in Eureka to deal with and a need for about 3million dollars and shortfall of about 2.4million.

Brad Mattam explained condition that Cal Tran District 1 deals with and how lack of population works against us. Brad used example of Industry Standard Trucks not being able to through Richardson Grove costing $900 more per truck. Felt Humboldt needs to tell their story better how this economically affects the North Coast.

Estelle Fennell spoke to the Geological concerns and the 500 million dollars needed for capital repairs in the Eel River Canyons. Estelle would like to see a tourist train  track with trails in Humboldt. Estelle thought this would be a good mix with the potential cruise ships on the horizon. She also pointed out that there were ongoing meetings with Senator Mike McGuire to find solutions to the funding issues for the North Coast Rail Authority.

Emily Jacobs identified five Airports in Humboldt County. She talked about the retirement problem airlines were having with pilots. Pilots are no longer considered “glamorous.”  Air Service has a lack of Air Service Partnerships and really need Revenue Guarantee. Emily floated the idea to use the industrial sites at the various air ports around the county for rental spaces. Emily also explained how hundreds of potential Humboldt flyers a day drive to other airports to fly to other destinations, usually for price breaks. She explained that there are local resources available for Humboldt flyers to save money and to just contact her for those programs. 

I voted Yes! On Measure Z for Peninsula Community Service District Formation.

Some changes down the road for the town of Samoa and the entire Peninsula South of the Bridge.

What does shelving of SB 562 do for the average Joe? (Richard in the this case.)

Shelving AB 562 does what for the average Joe? The average Richard here.

I have type 2 diabetes. I was first diagnosed when I was 26. Went on diet and tried to maintain for years and was fortunate to slide through a few decades with fairly decent health. Since I hit my fifties it has been a different story. I have been taking Metformin (Glucophage) for years and still was regularly running a blood sugar of 300. That will make you miserable. I swore I would never use a needle to inject myself and tried hard to diet and lose weight to avoid. I few years ago I threw in the towel and started using insulin, but still have to take 2,000 mg a day of Metformin. 

I had a Doctor appointment at Potowat Village recently and my numbers still were not good, but better. I gave my doctor a notice from my provider that would not cover my insulin brand, "Lantus" anymore. My doctor was adamant that I needed to stay on this brand, as it was a long acting insulin and preached to me the need to stay the course. I went to the Pharmacy at Potowat to fulfill my new prescription and told them my doctor explicitly wanted me to stay on Lantus. They said that would be no problem but the cost was $800 a month! I am on a fixed income and that was way out of my budget. After consoling my doctor and the pharmacy I was put on Levemir which is a generic insulin that is not as effective as Lantus. So I was forced to make a decision concerning my health because of a Pharmaceutical companies greed to make money on the sick! 

I am tired of narrative that would be impossible to fund single payer health coverage. 40 civilized countries have some sort of single payer. We need to move forward on legislation such as SB 562 instead of shelving something that over 70% of the voters want in California. Just my take. And I am sure I am not the only one in this boat. 

Watered Down Perspective. Humboldt has too much water!

Humboldt County has an anomaly when it comes to water. We have way more than enough for our community. Just how much excess water? Enough to supply 3 times as much as California’s 40,000,000 residents can drink! The average person needs to drink about ½ a gallon a day and Humboldt has 21.9 Billion gallons of undefined use of excess water available. And here is the kicker no one wants to talk about; if Humboldt does not find an earmarked use for these excess waters by 2029 we will lose our rights to the water. “Use it or lose it” rules will come into affect sooner than we realize! Our biggest obstacle is transportation. We cannot ship, truck or fly out water cost effectively. Water based companies such as Hershey, Campbell’s and others have shown little interest and the Humboldt Municipal Water District has had more workshops than you can shake a squirt gun at. So what is the solution? I have suggested that excess water be used for the cannabis farms that don’t have adequate water supplies in Southern Humboldt.  Having Mad River water augmenting natural water supplies I see as a win. Since you are not supposed to cultivate without adequate water supply makes this a mute point. But you know that people are growing and having water delivered every day up in the hills. Why not solve a few problems at once? How about an amnesty program that allows people to purchase Mad River water without having the obstacles of identifying uses. I just think it is time to revisit this subject before a tunnel is built to the Sacramento River to send our water to farms in the South that were also planted where they did not have adequate waters to grow. 

Rail service not coming to Humboldt anytime soon.

The Times Standard did a story on the futility of the North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA). Things to take from this story: NCRA has not been receiving payment by the Operator (North Western Pacific Co.) to haul Freight in Marin and Sonoma County. Operator has no desire to continue rail service north of Healdsburg. The North Coast Rail Authority has Operating Revenue of $500,000 and Expenses of $700,000 per year for a Operating deficit of $200,000. There is no identified or earmarked  state funding for the NCRA. Any opportunity for an excursion train from Samoa to Scotia has no chance until about 2025-30. But the piece of trail from Arcata to Bracut will be fine addition this next year but no plans for the construction continuation to Eureka until 2021. I have continually said in public I want to see a trail around the bay before I die. Don't know if I will make it that long.  

EHS grads Madsen and Hanson starting Linemen for Division 1 football schools!

And both were All Academic for their conferences also! I cannot remember the last time we had 2 players playing lineman on Division 1 schools at the same time.

Jake Hanson is starting at center at 6'5" and 302 for the Oregon Ducks and has helped the Ducks have a great running attack in the Pac 12. He garnered All Conference honorable mention last year.

Nathan Madsen has started at Nose Tackle for a few years at for the Fresno State Bulldogs. I was talking to his father James not too long back and he and his wife Terra are going to travel to watch Nate play against #1 Alabama next week and then follow up with a trip to # 8 Washington. What player in Humboldt County history has had a chance to play back to back top 10 teams in two weeks? I would say none ever.

Why are Dems so paranoid of Progressives?

This cartoon pretty much says it all. The Dems are becoming conservative curmudgeons and Republicans are just lost and sitting there waiting to be taken over. Click on the cartoon for bigger version. 

SF Gate reports on Rapid Transit victory in Marin. Coming soon Cloverdale.

Nine years after voters approved a commuter train system for the North Bay, it will start service Aug. 25.

The opening comes after more than two years of delays for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit System, known as SMART. By the end of next week, riders will be able to hop aboard trains at 10 stations from the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa to downtown San Rafael, a 43-mile route along old Northwestern Pacific Railroad tracks.

“We are proud to say that we are ready to roll,” said SMART Board of Directors Chairwoman Debora Fudge in a statement. “This is the result of years of hard work from SMART’s staff. ... We will remember this day for generations to come.”

Full service will begin at 12:49 p.m. on Aug. 25 after a 9 a.m. opening ceremony at the Santa Rosa Downtown Station. Fares will be free the first day, and 50 percent off through Sept. 4.

The last delays to the system were because of federal red tape, agency officials said. The system hadn’t received final approval for a $50 million safety feature called positive train control, which is designed to automatically stop trains if it senses a potential collision or problem. That happened this week.

Operators are planning 34 trips every weekday between Santa Rosa and San Rafael starting before sunrise and into the evening, with one-way fares payable by Clipper card and ranging from $3.50 to $11.50. New stations and connections are already in the works, including Larkspur and downtown Novato.

Relics win Senior Tournament. Mickey Ayala wins HR contest. Next Senior Tourney Aug. 26?

The Relics had to rally for 5 runs in the bottom of the 7^th to slip by the Bears 11-10 to reach the championship game and barely held on to beat the Classics 5-4 to garner the 1^st Place Trophy donated by Samoa Athletic Club. The Rookies took down the Bears 15-8 for 3^rd Place.

From Bottom Left for Relics: Stuart Rosenburg 3B, Al Wolski 2B, Kathy, Mark Raymond OF, Robert Ruehl 1st and Tom Marking SS. Top: Softball King OF, David Damme OF, Tim Ash 1st, Paul Pennington P, Paul Barrett OF and Pat Higgins C.  Average age 64.45. 

Mickey Ayala hit 3 out 5 swings out of the park to win a very competitive Home Run contest. Doc Jones hit 2 out of 5 and hit the fence on another and Scott Wooley, Jeff Powers and Buzz Johnson also cleared the fence.

Very spirited Saturday! Big Thanks to Buzz Johnson and Tom Marking for the help with field prep. I hope we can do this again in August.

Thank You to all who participated and patronized the Snack Bar helping out Mad River Girls Fastpitch Softball League.

Here is the top 21 hitters by Base % in the Tournament:

1.       Paul Pennington               .777        Relics

2.       Stuart Rosenburg             .777        Relics

3.       Pat Higgins                        .777        Relics

4.       Mike Conboy                     .777        Bears

5.       Mike Powers                     .727        Rookies

6.       Tom Pagano                      .727        Rookies

7.       Tim Ash                              .700        Relics

8.       Kent Froblom                    .700        Classics

9.       Scott Wooley                     .700        Classics

10.   Bill Hicks                            .667        Classics

11.   Doug Pace                         .667        Classics

12.   Carlos Avelar                     .636        Rookies

13.   Mickey Ayala                     .636        Bears

14.   Kieth Morison                   .636        Bears

15.   Mark Raymond                 .636        Relics

16.   Paul Barrett                       .636        Relics

17.   Robert Ruehl                     .625        Relics

18.   Dave Schlosse                   .600        Bears

19.   Rick Mitchell                     .600        Bears

20.   Paul Woodland                 .600        Bears

21.   Earl Eddy                            .600        Bears

Rail meeting 7/12/17. Rail gone forever in Humboldt?

Healdsburg City Councilman David Hagele was welcomed aboard and attended his first meeting as at large city representative. And it was a lively one.

 

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) was on the forefront of the NCRA July meeting. There seemed to be a demand of the Commission for the NCRA to produce a working business plan or a shut down plan by October. It is to note that the CTC has no Jurisdiction over the NCRA.  As I am on the Finance Committee I have been privy to the projected budget for next two years and can confidentially say the NCRA will be able to pay their bills thanks to a settlement with AT&T over encroachment issues in Ukiah. That, of course, is contingent on no emergencies. The CTC speculated that the NCRA was selling properties purchased with public dollars to cover debt incurred and wanted accountability of those funds. A land transaction with the Judicial Council of California at Ukiah’s old train depot was supposed to generate $1.3 million for 4.1 acres has been in the works for a few years. The hope is to build a new Mendocino Court House at the location.

 

NCRA Executive Director Mitch Stogner explained that his organization has Operating Expenses of about $700,000 and Revenues of $500,000. That statement in itself usually gets attention. You have to remember that the NCRA is not legislatively funded so operating expenses have been “smoke and mirrors” or creative financing for years. One of the ways the NCRA has been able to exist is having NWPco make $15,000 payments to the NCRA for a Rail Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF) 3.1 million dollar loan that was made in 2011 for track repairs with NCRA acting as Co-Borrowers with NWPco. Another critical financial burden for future consideration is the millions that is pending in lawsuits against the NCRA. Our audit calls us a "ongoing concern."

 

NWPco counsel and former North Coast Congressman Doug Bosco explained that the original legislative creation of the NCRA did nothing to fund the ongoing operations. Mr. Bosco said NWPco announced to the CTC Commission no plans to service the 240 miles north of Windsor. Currently they are only operating at night and have had to battle flooding. A proposed rail spur that was initially estimated at $150,000 has now been priced at $800,000 at Lagunita’s Brewery in Petaluma. Mr. Bosco said the NWPco is profitable in Marin and Sonoma County. But what about Mendocino, Humboldt and the Port at Eureka? Not in the plans at this time.

 

When you compare some of the numbers for transportation concerns, it is hard not to consider the $459 million for the 6 mile bypass at Willits or the $440 million to Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART).  Is train service even being considered by our local legislators? The bottom line is that the NCRA need legislative help as quickly as possible. The rail line is an important asset for the North Coast. As freight service or as recreational trail.

Crabs vs Bombers all day!

Times Standard writer Danny Penza wrote a story on how the Humboldt Crabs and Humboldt B52 Bombers need to play more games against each other. There used to be a time when the Crabs were very local and those days seemed to have slipped away. Back in the 70's there were open tryouts at HSU (they don't even have a field or official team anymore) and many local players could participate. Now only a few token players seem to have the chance. The B52's give that chance for local players in their later 20's to keep on playing. My wife and I were regulars at Crab's park until they dismantled the wooden bleachers and replaced them with those awful metal ones. Another advantage for the Bombers. Redwood field has nice seats and great food! So lets see more games!

Rest in peace Dietrich Streoh. You were a busy man!

Fellow Director of the North Coast Rail Authority Dietrich "Diet" Stroeh passed away. He was also the President of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District Board. He was a leader in many other civic positions.

He was a huge in politics and commerce in Marin County.

Diet was one of those guys who you just wanted to be around. Funny, smart and charismatic. He will be really missed.

"Diet" inspired a book concerning his actions during drought times in Marin County and how he helped solve complex political issues "The man who made it rain."

Democrats Divided. "Demexiting" continues.

This Chronicle article says it all and it is not good for the Democratic Party. I attended this years California Convention as a delegate for the HCDCC and what I witnessed does not bode well for the party. The old line Democrats seemed stunned that their ways and thoughts have been challenged by the "Berniecrats" or new free thinking young Democrats. Until this "chasm" is addressed, Democrats will further be marginalized even though a record number delegates were at this years Democratic Convention in Sacramento. The split is real and hard feeling are not going away soon.

Outgoing Chair John Burton was as classless as ever with his f-bombs and flipping the finger to everybody that wouldn't agree with his way. His leadership was a joke in a time of Democratic peril. That old guard needs to let go. But it won't happen anytime soon.

Mad River Softball meeting tonight at Arcata Community Center 6pm.

Mad River Softball Association will have a general managers meeting this Wednesday May 17th at 6pm at the Arcata Community Center. Please be there or send a team representative. Some topics:

 

Summer League will start June 19th. Sponsorship is $440 and $50 per player up to 12 players or total cost is $1,040 for 12 person team. Each player over 12th is $25 extra. (Same price as last year.)

 

Fees will be due by June 14th. No exceptions. No money chasing this year!

 

Women's Division? Have had inquires about women's league. Maybe a CO-ED division?

 

Friday night league? This night is mostly open. Maybe CO-ED division on Fridays?

Softball King at 60!

Please allow me to introduce myself, I’m am the Softball King. The best softballer you will ever witness.

Just ask the opposing teams in the 3 leagues I’m in this summer. I flat out rake. You could populate a small country with all the pitchers I've taken to shallow right. No wonder they walk me so many times in a season. Gotta be intimidation.

I just spent lots of time hitting batting practice. Blooper drives, blooper flies, opposite field bloopers. I can do it all. Some kids at the skateboard park at Coopers had to stop and were staring and pointing at me in awe. I can’t blame them. They’ve probably never seen a 60 year man wearing Oakley Blades and batting gloves who can hit rake bloopers like me. Especially not with shorts this tight.

This season, I am in it for revenge. We fell in the B League Championship Game in Arcata to Sushi Spot. The taste still lingers.  I’ve gotta get my hands on that 3-foot plastic trophy and tee shirt. It’s all I think about. Rumor has it the league winners get 2 free pitchers at the Jambalaya after the season. No way we lose with the trophy, shirts and 78 ounces of Bud on the line.

I just bought all new equipment for this season and you should see the extra long stripped baggy baseball pants I got. Super tight. I picked up a new set of wristbands, a tube of eye black and a pair of 3-inch mud cleats, you know, just in case I need to break up a double play. I also got my hands on one of those $25 Louisville bats for a little extra power. It may cost me a part of my retirement pension, but screw it, when I start cranking 100-foot pop ups it will be worth it. I am the John Wooden of the woodbat hitters! My dribbler to third is something to witness! 

This year I’m focused. In my mind I have visualized what needs to get done. My initials might as well be M-V-P. That stands for Most Valuable Player for all you non-softball players. The League starts tomorrow.

Why do I take softball so seriously? You kidding me? You’re just jealous! See you at the ball park!

King Richard

President Mad River Softball Association

ECO NEWS updates

Always something of interest and educational from this paper.

Dredge Spoils on Samoa Beach.

Understanding Dredging on Humboldt Bay

East West Rail update

Eureka Police Chief Andy Mills, “(Eureka) more violent than New Orleans!”

When the top police officer for your counties largest municipality (About 27,017 down from 28,600 in 1990!) makes an opening statement during a “Community Leadership” panel at Cannifest, “Eureka is more violent than New Orleans!” It tends to get your attention quick. When he says, “Santa Rosa had 5 homicides compared to our 22.”  You are forced to listen. And you just become downright concerned when he points out that 125 weapons were confiscated last year.  When he states that the Cannabis community should get more involved with solving the crime issues by standing firm and united and points out they need to say “enough is enough” in a singular voice against the criminal elements, maybe, just maybe it is time for the cannabis community to listen to his message of hope.

But his disgust was evident when talking about sneaking BHO labs around Eureka and the bad cannabis players. And where is the deterrence leverage when someone has been busted twice for over ¼ pound of Heroin with weapons in a year? Mr. Mills feels part of the solution lies at the feet of the cannabis industry that is compliant and pays taxes. How long does the cannabis community wait until it engages? Maybe the time is now.  

Humboldt County Democrats support McGuire Senate Bill 149.

Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 149 the “Presidential Tax Transparency and Accountability Act.”

Whereas, a presidential candidate’s income tax returns provide voters with essential information regarding the candidate’s potential conflicts of interest, business dealings, financial status, and charitable donations;

And whereas, President Donald Trump’s refusal to release his income tax returns departed from decades of established political tradition, denying voters the opportunity to fully evaluate his fitness for the office of President of the United States;

 

And whereas, transparency should be the optimal goal in evaluating all candidates for the highest office in the United States;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee supports Senate Bill 149, the “Presidential, Transparency and Accountability Act.

Adult Basketball in McKinleyville!

Housing Shortage in Eureka! No jobs for you!

Randy Weaver, a North Coast Labor Market Consultant, did a Humboldt Housing Affordability presentation to the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC) this week and some of the quick observations were pretty interesting. There has been very little growth in Eureka over the last umpteenth years.

The median price for a home in Eureka is $250,000. $317,000 in McKinleyville and ….$459,000 in Redway!

Rental Vacancy rates in Eureka are at 3.4%. Fortuna has 9% available.  

Renters represent 61% of Eureka Housing.

64% of all houses in Eureka were built before 1959! 32% of them were built before 1939!

Only 2% of the houses were built between 2000-2009. From 2010 to present there has been less than 1%.

Only 23% of residents can afford to buy a house. In 2007 it was only 11%!

When businesses are looking to relocate the most important criteria for such moves are:

1.      Low Crime Rate: Not good that Eureka has a crime index rate of 1. Only 1% of all cities are as unsafe as Eureka.

2.     Healthcare Facilities: Cost of Living index rate for healthcare is 119 compared to 100 for the US. Not good.

3.      Education: Only 82% residents of graduated High School. Average student test scores are 24% less than national average. Student to teacher ratio in Eureka is 19:1 compared to 16:1 for the nation.

Just about every living index is greatly higher than the national average. And we have one of the highest Homeless per capita rate in the nation also. These are what businesses take into account when they decide to grow into a community.

What is the solution? Just the messenger here.

Why does Homeless have to be Synonymous with Garbage?

Invariable if you see "House Poor" encampments in Humboldt County such as the one above just north of the slough bridge, there is lots of garbage. I don't plan on being homeless in the near future, but if this ever happened to me I would at least keep things in order. It makes you wonder how these people would live if they were re-housed. Would they then just keep the same habits and blight neighborhoods? I just don't have the answer.

Best Eureka Burger Redux. Mike's slips into first!

In my past posts on best burgers in Eureka, Mike's had always come close but never garnering the #1 burger position. I have been craving their burgers for months now and set them on the pedestal.

5. Surfside Burger Shack (Eureka)- I do think they need to put up a corn fed beef option. Just buy those pre-made up from Costco or something. 

4. AA Bar and Grill-Has the best consistent Burger you will find with old time bar type atmosphere.

3. Cafe Nooner- Great service and great burgers. Buns are a little chewy sometimes.

 

2. 6th and E Cafe- Where else is there a line of people waiting to be seated for burgers at lunch? Go have a burger on Tuesday half price day!  

1. Mike's (Eureka)-Don't talk politics in here and you will do well. Great greasy garlic fries. They made # 1! 

Rail Authority dealing with homeless in Ukiah.

The North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA) met yesterday and found out the flood water receded enough for freight service to ramp up. It was reported that a huge homeless problem is rearing its ugly head in Ukiah on the properties surrounding the old train depot. Seems to be the case all up and down the rail corridor. Hope to hear some solutions soon.

Spring Softball! Oh happy days!

2017 Spring League: The Mad River Softball Association is hosting an adult wood bat Sunday softball league starting April 23rd, at the Arcata Community Sports Complex. Teams play double headers on Sundays April 30th at Pacific Union, May 7th at Pacific Union, either Saturday May 13th or May 14 (Mothers Day) at Arcata Sports Complex, May 21st at Arcata Sports Complex and Championships on June 4th at Arcata Sports Complex. 10 game league season and double elimination playoff so 12 games guaranteed. Games start at Sports Complex start at either 12:30pm, 1:35pm, 2:40pm or 3:45pm. Games at Pacific Union will be either 10am, 11:05am, 12:10pm, 1:15pm, 2:20pm 3:25pm, 4:30pm or 5:35pm.  Price per team is $595. Free agent players without teams will be placed on teams at $50 per player. Players must be at least 16 years or older. League will only be able to accommodate 8 teams. For more information contact (707) 445-3432 or email Samoafog@aol.com.

 

Summer League will start June 12th. Sponsorship is $440 and $50 per player up to 12 players or total cost is $1,040 for 12 person team. Each player over 12th is $25 extra.

  

Blue Lake also has a Sunday league starting in April. For more information on their program call 707-668-5655 If you are interested in putting a team in Blue Lake and Arcata, I can schedule so there are no conflicts. 

 

Warm Up Softball Tournament Memorial  Weekend May 27th & 28th. Guaranteed 4 games $199. Either Wood Bat or Metal Bat determined on interest. 1st place Shirts 2nd place Trophy.