Time for a new vehicle.

Currently my wife and I own a 2002 PT Cruiser with around 110,000 miles, a 1998 Mercury Tracer with around 210,000 miles and a 1985 Ford Ranger with about 176,000 miles. It is time for me to probably purchase a new rig. I have had my eye on the Dodge 1500 truck for a while or a Toyota Prius. I have always been pretty much a US car person, but we have come to a time where Fords and Dodge vehicles are made in Mexico and Toyota builds in Fremont California. Anyone out there know much about the Prius? What is the best car on the road currently?

Roadkill and Tomaso softball!

This is the first year I have been eligible to play seniors league softball. Steve Harris and I decided to help the Humboldt Classic Softball League by forming a new team. The Operating Engineers/Mercer Fraser/Samoa Athletics and Steve Harris are sponsoring the team. Team Roadkill is 0-6 to start the season. We have had one game where we were up by 7 runs and lost and then we were up by 6 and lost. We have had more hamstring/quads/groin pulls than I thought humanly possible. But! It is all in fun!

Tomaso's woodbat team in Blue lake has won the last 3 championships but are in trouble this year. A 5-3 record will put us in the middle of the pack. But again, all in fun.

Slime Ball Dole Corporation hires illegal aliens and hides behind legal Loop Holes!

Yes, there is a sweep going on in America against illegal immigrants who have been actively producing to our global and national economy for years. How does a manufacturing plant of 600 only able to account of 48 workers being legal citizens? FOXNews.com - Immigration Officials Arrest 100 Illegal Workers in Raid on Oregon Food Plant - Local News News Articles Na... Oh, and they put their hands up in shock, saying they did not hire them, but hired an outside hiring agency to take responsibility. Weak! Corporations need to take in the responsibility as well as the profits!

This is a common practice and I have had working experience in trying to organize places just like this all over the west coast. It puts labor at a terrible disadvantage. Workers just want to work, and then are oppressed by the legal system and have no recourse when they are violated against wage and benefit wise by greedy corporations.

Locally the TS does a good job on showing how these topic affects Humboldt County. Times-Standard Online - Immigration sweep stuns Fortuna No matter how you feel on this subject, it is a humanist look the problem. And it touches all of us north of the border.

Chesbro vs Marks? Unions jumping the gun?

It seems that Wesley Chesbro will be announcing his candidacy for 1st District Assemblyman on June 21st at the Labor Temple. His campaign sent out slick invitations to select labor organizations asking for their endorsement/active support and attendance at his reception. I am sure he will be asking all the leaders for a picture photo op to show their backing. This is way before any labor organizations have sent invitations to prospective candidates to interview for union endorsement consideration. I hope local union representatives will hold off on making official announcements until all candidates are identified and interviewed.

Of course rumor has been out there on the labor scene of my potential candidacy for 1st District Assembly position. I ran unsuccessfully for the position in 1995, but had the most cost effective campaign during the election cycle that particular primary. I have been offered help from all political corners if I decide to challenge Mr. Chesbro. I have not made an official announcement one way or the other, and realize that it would be an uphill battle. But I would like to bring up topics near and dear to my heart locally, and it is a great public forum. Put up or shut up, and I am not good at the second.

I do have concern as a union member and union organizer of Mr. Chesbro’s record with labor. At the pulp mill over the years we have had labor and corporate issues that have been high profile over the years. I do not remember Wesley stepping up as a local leader from his County Supervisor seat or from his seat on the State Senate concerning over 200 prime paying jobs at the mill. I never heard a word of encouragement or acknowledgement of organizing success out at the Louisiana Pacific Chip facility or his support of the hundreds of Carpenter’s Western Council of Industrial Workers who lost their employment through labor actions and attrition. In his own Arcata based area the workers at Arcata Particleboard numbering 150 at the time were given no words of encouragement by Wesley’s office when I attempted to organize them. What exactly has Wesley done for labor?

Here is a quote that I will let you all guess who said it. I will give you a hint that he was a president of a labor organization: “Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first.”

Local leaders take action!

I sure was glad to hear positive results of lobbying done by local officials. Times-Standard Online - Trip to Capitol nets funds for Willits Bypass

Another action that is expected by the BOS tomorrow is the consideration of authorizing a letter of support for a motion by Pacific Lumber Co. calling for bankruptcy court authorization to pay severance packages promised to workers whose jobs were eliminated in December 2006. The Eureka Reporter - Article This should happen without a problem.

Now if you asked the BOS to be critical of PL's labor practices or timber harvest practices it would be a different story. Then you would have a collusion issue. PL has given plenty of campaign support to more than one member of the Board of Supervisors. That is why, in an ideal world, politicians would be better served to not accept corporate dollars. But then again, in the real world, it is hard to be a viable candidate without corporate funds.

Patrick Riggs steps down as HCDCC chair!

Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee HCDCC - Welcome to the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee chair Patrick Riggs is stepping down to focus on his duties as President of the Eureka Teachers Association.

Patrick has been heavily involved locally on the political front with the Local Solutions Political Action Committee

As some of you already know, Patrick and I have not seen eye to eye on some issues in the past, but we seemed to have come to an understanding as of late. He supported my appointment to the HCDCC 4th District.

I know how time consuming union representation is, and I wish him well.

Who is going to take over the HCDCC? Hmmmmm. Should be interesting!

Iraq the new Korea?

My father, Major James Marks, used to tell me war stories about his time in Korea and I just could not comprehend what war and occupation of a country was. My brother Roy later had the experience of watching an army buddy of his shot to death as the did border patrol. He was transferred to Vietnam and served as a door gunner on a helicopter for two tours. My brother Mike served in Nam also. Both were highly honored/medaled veterans. I was sent pictures of carnage while I waited for my draft time. (Thank God they stopped the draft right before my time.) I have seen first hand the post war effects on a family and it is not pretty. Roy is permanently disabled from agent orange. Agent Orange Exposure: Vietnam Veterans: Side Effects, Diseases, Cancers

It seems the Republicans are set to make this illegal occupation of Iraq our modern day Korea, with a 50 year plan to witness their demise. It sickens me. Disgusts me. Angers me. But what can we do if people do not stand up and protest in Mass? People are just preoccupied by life. We seen it played out in the 60's and 70's. Yes there were protesters. Back then they were called card burning, druggie, draft dodging hippy. Even if they had short hair and were college students who would help build America.

I am holding out hope that the Democratic party can do something positive. Last November should have been an edict to get out of Iraq immediately. But someone must have missed the memo. Keith Olbermann says it all better than me:

YouTube - Keith Olbermann: We have been betrayed

More Eureka Insanity.

I was doing business at Coast Central Credit Union and was just getting in my truck on 4th and I noticed a guy and girl arguing in the parking lot. Unfortunately this guy grabbed the girl by the hair and pushed her up against a truck and smacked her. So I went to intervene and she escaped into the AA bar. A few other men joined in with me, after they seen me approach. I told the guy that you can't just go and hit a woman, and he denied the whole thing, even though I witnessed it. He said she had stolen his money. This was at around 3:30pm. There were quite a few people who just watched. Where is the humanity nowadays? Thanks to the guy in the Red Toyota pick up who stood up. Damn druggies getting thick around here.

Someone is on the PL workers side!

Say what you want, but I tip my hat to people who are willing to fight for workers rights. Times-Standard Online - Groups support Palco's bid to pay workers

Having environmental groups with a reputation for stirring the pot does not lessen this good deed. "The worker is worth his wages." (1 Tim. 5:18). When I worked as a union organizer and had sacrificed time at home to fight corporate greed, I was asked often by people from my committees how I could keep going. I told them I was fighting the good fight. I was on the side of right. And I have never regretted any of the time I gave to help the working poor fight for their rights.

There is one thing in the PL case that does bug me. These same workers have had ample opportunity to organize. How many times do we have to witness workers who are not a union body be shortchanged when plant closures come up? (Eel River Sawmill, Arcata Particle Board, Yakima, LP sawmill, Halverson, Cal Pac.........) Maybe we need to step up the organizing process in Humboldt County once more.

Can you afford that house you own? Affordable housing in Humboldt County. (Shhh! Nobody wants to talk about this.)

If you own a median sized house in Humboldt County with 3 bedrooms and two baths, your house is worth $330,000. If you you were to buy that house today, you would probably need at least $5,000 in the bank to help with costs and a household income of $80,000. Your monthly payments would be right at $2,000. Or 60% of your income! General information available through Humboldt Association of Realtors

Now we have heard many people talk about affordable housing and the need in Humboldt County. Here is a simple definition as set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Affordable Housing - CPD - HUD The generally accepted definition of affordability is for a household to pay no more than 30 percent of its annual income on housing. Families who pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing are considered cost burdened and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care.

OK then. Assuming the median household income in Humboldt County is just under $40,000 a year, that leaves that person with just under $1,000 a month after taxes to qualify for a HUD defined type house. So these affordable houses should be going for around $165,000.

Sure hope they build many of these. It would seem to reason that people would be lined up for miles in Humboldt County for this deal. The going rate for a 3 bedroom rental is currently $1040 per month in Humboldt County!

Cindy Sheehan calls it quits!

Top News - Anti-War Mom Gives Up on Peace Movement - AOL News Sad news of despair and hopelessness. Saying that America is more concerned with American Idol than the illegal occupation in Iraq has more Truth than most want to admit.

The reality of the war has hit my neighborhood again lately. Derek Weatherbee, one of the kids I coached Basketball with my oldest son has been called back to Iraq for the third time. I have worked with Derek's father Ed for nearly thirty years and Derek's uncle Doug is one of my best friends. It just wrong for us to be there. And more people now than ever would agree. But we are still there, and the outcry grows dimmer. And each party is practicing politics as usual. Sad but true.

To pee or not to pee. Evergreen's peeing eye in the sky.

We have had a problem at Evergreen with truck drivers relieving themselves in the control rooms where they dump their trucks. This has been ongoing for years, but has escalated. And lately one of them did their number on the hand controls. That was too much, so Evergreen put out a warning notice to perpetrators, warning of a camera focused on the control room. So what has happened since? Somebody is now peeing all over the B & B toilets and toilet paper! What kind of sicko thinks this is cool? I am starting to think I need a new job. Anyone out there need a unskilled laborer out there?

Weaverville Memorial Weekend Softball!

Years back I was contacted by the Weaverville/Douglas City parks and Recreation department to ask me if I was interested in directing a few of the annual men’s softball tournaments that attract out of town teams to Weaverville. The Chamber of Commerce wanted attendance for their Memorial Weekend Gem show and funds raised for their 4th of July Fireworks. Robin and I have organized over 100 such tournaments over the years, and I had already participated in both tournaments as a competitor, so I said we would do so.

Years later we are still there! We just got home from another tournament and everything went pretty smooth. Well, considering I worked graveyard Friday night, and drove over early Saturday and ran the tournament. Late Saturday night I went to the Round Table Pizza place and seen at least 30 people from our tournament there! If Robin and I are the benchmark on revenue per person in our tournaments, I figure each participant represents $100 per weekend for Trinity County. So we at least bring in $70,000 conservatively into the county each year. I am sure this is grossly underestimated.

One thing I do not like. Motels in Weaverville jack up their prices for these weekends and ask for people to reserve minimum night stays. Robin and I paid $128 for a one bed room at the Victorian. Lots of sold out signs. That we helped create! Ironic.

My team did not have a good weekend. Lots of injuries and such. I noticed an uncomfortable pattern for myself personally. Teams were moving their outfielders in shallow on me to try to stop my singles hits. This has just happened lately to me, and I realize I am 30 years older than most playing, but this was a reality check for me. I burned the outfielders in a few of the games for extra base hits, but my ego has been bruised. Mortality sucks.

Here is my press release to the TS and ER. Let’s see who prints it.

Ray Wolfe Construction Dominates Tournament

Ray Wolfe Construction from Arcata soundly defeated the Tastebuds from Mckinleyville 26-5 to capture the Samoa Athletic Club’s Weaverville Memorial Weekend Invitation men’s softball tournament. David Ferris and Jacob Kadle went 4 for 4 performances to lead the way in the championship game. Wolfe went undefeated in five games to garner first place. Unagi from Mt. Shasta finished third place and Mt. Thunder from Fall River fourth.

David Ferres went 12 for 16 hitting and was named the Most Valuable Player. Jacob Kadle finished 11-19 and was chosen Most Valuable Pitcher. Other all tournaments picks were, Matt Socha and Jared Harpe from Wolfe, Eric Eichin, Justin Moore and Matt Dusel of the Tastebuds, Chris Hanson, Ryan Jackson and Brian Johnson from Unagi, Joe DiSalvo and Russ Jones of Mt. Thunder.

Todd Canfield of Weaverville hit 6 out of 10 pitches over the fence to win a hotly contested Home Run derby.

The Samoa Athletic Club will be hosting the 4th of July Weaverville Invitational June 30th and July 1st at Lowden Park. For more information contact Richard Marks at (707) 445-3432 or check out online at SoftballTournaments.com.

Top 5 panhandling places in Eureka.

I was panhandled today in an unusual spot today. In front of Subway by Sizzler. The kid looked to be in his early 20's. Seems like it is becoming more aggressive lately locally. Seems to me the top five spots for Eureka are:

1. The old Gas and Go, now the Patriot station on 4th and 255. Any hour of the day.
2. Courthouse Market. Kind of Ironic that it is across the street from the courthouse.
3. Little Red Lion Bar. Mostly for smokes around here. No. I don't smoke or hang out at the bar.
4. Between Longs and Safeway on Harris. Usually with a dog.
5. Bayshore Mall. At least they are not as aggressive here.

And yes, I do often give to these people. It just is sad to me what happens to someone to stoop that low. And in Eureka I have seen the same people for years.

Young Ferndale native, Dylan Feierabend fights cancer!

Brad Botkin wrote an excellent human interest story in the TS today. Times-Standard Online - Teen cancer survivor comes back swinging If you have a minute, read the story. It is really touching. I think Brad is one of the best local writers I have seen in quite a while.

I wish the TS would get their act together about more local events such as stock car racing, adult sports, Little League, Babe Ruth, golf, track and local events coming up. I am sorry, but the Eureka Reporter kicks their collective ass in this department. I sent both papers, and many other Northern California papers information about future adult sports in Northern California and the TS seems to not respond. Why? Got me. So let me thank the ER for their commitment to local events. I tip my hat.

Now wait a minute! Humboldt County Mental health crying foul?

Didn't I just hear from a certain County Supervisor that the Governors budget bodes well for the county? Times-Standard Online - Governor's budget bodes well for county What is this gibberish that The Eureka Reporter - Article is spouting about a 3 Million dollar shortage for mental health? Isn't Phillip Crandall in touch with all of the BOS? Maybe he needs to call the senior BOS member and say this budget is not so good for the county. This is a sticky situation. No Teflon intended.

Senior Softball starts May 30th! Memorial Open at Weaverville next weekend!

My senior softball team, the mighty Roadkill Warriors start their season on Wed May 30th at Newburg Park in Fortuna. Look out! It should be fun. We have lots of players that have not played in years. Should be entertaining. I hope we have no injuries. Don't care whether we win or lose.

The Memorial Tournament at Weaverville I am hosting has potentially 12 teams. I just need all teams to commit in the next few days. I would like to finalize everything before Wednesday.

The SAC open basketball team is one win from the championship game in Eureka. Pretty good for a team carrying some old dudes like me and 67 year old Bruce Norton. Dave Norton and Ben Horton have just played out of their minds for us to be where we are. And both have been really unselfish and let everyone get plenty of touches. This has been a really fun year regardless how we finish.

Hey! A couple of my past basketball players made the front page in the TS.
Times-Standard Online - Peninsula School students, HSU crew unearth marine mammals
Levi and Garrett are going to be 8th grade players this next year. They have both played for me for a few years, and I hope they are ready this next year. Good kids. Good story.

Bonnie Neely Lauds Arnolds budget.

Times-Standard Online - Governor's budget bodes well for county So what about California senior citizens. So what about student tuition. Let's cut mass transit and buy another SUV to further the fuel problems. Cuts in Social services? So what. They can take care of themselves! Record home foreclosures? Sweet! More opportunity for the Conservative Right Wing investors/entrepreneurs.

I see the local elections is over and Bonnie feels comfortable leaning to her right once more. Bitter? No, I seen it coming long ago. Bonnie is a neo-con. Supports Arnold and Bush. Period. Just ask her.

Humboldt State Women's coach Jodie Gleason! Opps! I am sorry!

How Embarrassing! I am such a Dork! Apology to Jodie Gleason.

I went to scout the Eureka Men’s Open Basketball League Championship Tournament tonight. My Samoa Athletic Team was given the #1 seed out of 11 teams in the Tournament. We are scheduled to play the winners of Briton Mortgage and the 76’ers. I watched each of the teams and saw Larry Debeni on the bench of the 76ers so I went over to talk to him. Larry has played for me off and on for over 15 years. Fred Griffith was also on the 76ers team. He cut me from the Zane 9th Grade Team in 1971? Wow, can I hold a grudge or what?

I seen a person I thought was Kathy from Arcata in the stands and walked up next to her and asked her about the players on the floor. She pointed out the elder players such as Fred Griffith and Steve Kinder (HSU men's assist coach) and her husband Skip Gleason (CR men's coach) on the floor. It took me a while, but I noticed I had mistaken this person for someone else. Of course Jodie had no idea who I was and probably thought I was some weird recreation basketball Dork. I should have recognized her and Skip and I don’t know what to say. Jodie was a trooper and very approachable. Sorry I may have confused her.

It is cold here! Eureka vs Nome.

Here is a worthless little information tidbit that shouldn't shock everyone. The highest recorded May 31st Temperature for Eureka is 77 degrees. Monthly Weather Forecast for Eureka, CA (95501) - weather.com For Nome Alaska the record is 78. Huh? Well let's move up to June 7th. The highest recorded Temp in Eureka was 81. For Nome 83. What? Maybe we should move our baseball season to Alaska? I always said we play ball in the worst of weather and it must be as cold as Alaska. But nearly compared to the North Pole? Anyone who watches baseball in the Spring in this area must be a hardy bunch!

Overtime Hound at it again! Plus, Russ Mengel retires.

OK you overworked masses, please compare. I am about to go to work and will be there for 30 hours out of 38. 42 hours out of 62 at work. That's right. A full weeks worth of work with less than 24 hours off. 90 hours total for the week. Better than not having a job at all though. Rumors are flying around the hourly ranks that overtime is going to be cut back. Yeah. We will wait and see.

If there is anyone out there wanting to hire a dependable heavy equipment operator/organizer who is also familiar with manufacturing corporate teaming processes, I am available for $85,000 per year. Just putting that out there. Never know.

My boss, Russ Mengel (Huge Giant and Niner fan) is retiring this week. Russ has been a long time youth sports volunteer and has worked on the peninsula off and on for around 30 years. Russ (Eureka High class of 1970) and his wife Donna are moving to southern Idaho to be closer to family members. Yes, they are Mormons.

Idaho seems to be developing into Utah north. I worked on a organizing campaign there a few years back and could not see myself living there. One thing I thought was strange in Idaho though, I have never seen so many trampolines in peoples front yards! Some Mormon elder must be a distributor.

BOS approves nearly 1/2 million to eliminate jobs?

The Humboldt Waste Management Authority is granted $448,000 from the Headwaters Fund to help pay for the closure of the Cummings Road Landfill.

The loan will become the final piece of a funding puzzle to help the Humboldt Waste Management Authority deal with a clean-up and abatement order from the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Times-Standard Online - Bluffs homeowners get cold shoulder

Tell me how this is creating long term jobs to replace jobs lost by timber worker layoffs. What kind of "Business Plan" did they show the BOS.

Workers rights violated in Bay Area.

I read with interest an article in the Chronicle about the Woodfin Suites Hotel in Emeryville. Who is served by labor dispute? / Workers fight for economic equity It is a clear case where an employer will hire illegals to do work knowing they have improper documentation, but get the benefit of a worker basically in wage bondage. And if that worker tries to better themselves with union representation, hide behind the law by having the workers present proper documentation for citizenship. Shame on companies and corporations for exploiting workers! I experienced this first hand in an organizational drive in Moreno Valley at an RV manufacturing plant. Thor Industries Inc During a union card authorization drive, Thor coincidentally decided to have a green card check, and the plant of 500 was primarily Latino workers. (As are many manufacturing outfits in SoCal) I could find no one who wanted to step forward so I could file NLRB charges against Thor, so we had to drop the campaign.

Redding gets props from SF Chronicle. Big League Dreams.

I have spouted my admiration of the Softball/Soccer/Roller Hockey/Volleyball/Hardball/Basketball/Convention center named Big League Dreams Big League Dreams - Sport Parks The SF Chronicle does their take, and explains the financial ramifications. San Francisco Chronicle Business Stories The park has become a big time tourist destination and has exceeded financial expectations. Shasta County can use the help, as they have a 8.2 unemployment rate, with mainly service based jobs.

Local Solutions holds get together.

Local Solutions (LS) held an informal dinner/information gathering of community members of diverse political leanings to see where LS needs to focus their energies. I was surprised to see LS invite people who have had issues in the past (Me included. Why would I go to a party that would invite someone like me? Just joking!) with their processing. I was very encouraged to see them searching and analysing their disconnects to tighten up their Political Action Committee. I do see their organization as the most liberal/progressive movement happening locally. They have taken some lumps and criticism, but are reaching out for help in re-defining their objectives. They have had many huge victories in the local political front, and they are hoping to share their expertise in progressive causes. Candidates will have to be evaluated on an individual basis.

The day before, LS met with community members in Southern Humboldt and strategized the future 2nd District Supervisor race. No clear candidates yet.

Campbell? Rodoni (Must go!)? Flemming? Kirk? Huber? Riggs? Harris? Berti? Mrs. Rodoni? I will through out my dark horses. Larry Martin? How about Janet Harwood? I see Ed Barnhart is back. Jason Mullaney from Southfork area? Rob Wilkinson?

Bonnie Neely. The Teflon Queen.

The National Women’s Political Caucus withdrew their support of Bonnie in 1995 after the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported she is against California recognizing gay marriages. She was quoted as against “special legislation” for homosexual relationships.

Bonnie Neely has been in the middle of other controversy in the past, but always seems to find the resiliency to avoid major opposition. Actually I should compare her to Teflon. Lot’s of things thrown at her but nothing seems to stick. Some examples:

She helps wage a war for the Humboldt County Library to be sited behind the Ingomar on prime waterfront property, instead of the practical location at Coopers Gulch. Maybe a less gaudy structure would have left enough funds to keep the place open.

Bonnie pushed for the creation on a redevelopment agency, and did in fact chair the process that ended up wasting nearly 1 million taxpayer dollars due to a very poor planning department.

What happened to this “Red Team” Bonnie was going to establish to assist the permit process on projects that would bring jobs to the county?

And I still am amazed at the lack of public outcry concerning Tammy Falor.

Am I just missing something?

Softball stuff.

Last weekend a group of buddies of mine went to play softball at Big League Dreams in Redding. Hana Borden, Matt Socha, Rodney Dickerson, John McGinnis, Glenn Hamanaka, Dan Nord, Eric Younger, John Wilkinson, Damon Dimmick, Paul Mendes and that Marks guy went 3-2 against some great competition. We hit no HRs! It was HOT! I had been sick during the week and it took alot out of me. I hit a double my first at bat and was wheezing at second base. I was on base 8 out 13 at bats. Only getting 13 at bats in 5 games tells you we did not hit good as a team. But we played good defense and had fun. I am hosting a softball tournament Memorial and 4th of July Tournament in Weaverville. Call me if you want to play.

Bush needs to go!

I am not a Bush fan period. Reagan crushed the working class back in the 80's. Just my observation. The Republican party needs a sabbatical. We need working class heroes.

Tammy Falor Revisited.

Oh. The Time Standard editorial board goes after David Elsebusch. Times-Standard Online - How about openness by everyone?

The focal point the TS should not lose sight of is the $280,000 of public money that was given as compensation for something the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors or their staff must have done illegally to avoid litigation by Ms. Falor. Simple as that. With no wrongdoing, there would be no pay off.

Now TS staff, go do your job and hold someone accountable! Picking on David is your lazy way out, and a chance to take further pot shots at the Eureka Reporter and Arkley. It is getting old and tired.

Richard Lee "Rick" Lowrey playing softball in heaven now.

The Eureka Reporter - Article Richard Lee "Rick" Lowrey was one of the good guys. I know some of my softball buddies will be shocked to see Rick has passed away. I am not sure on the particulars. He and his good buddy Ken Campbell from Fortuna were always good for a laugh and some light hearted observations. Rick was a very good pitcher and had worried about safety concerning the hot bats in recent years. Going to be weird playing this year in Willow Creek without Rick around.

Sick with the flu.

For the first time since I think 2000, I have the flu. (You only get to claim sick in our household if you are throwing up.) Had to call in sick at work for the first time since 1990. I am pretty fortunate that I have been blessed to be able to miss very little work. As luck would have it, I am working a 14 hour shift tonight, so I won't be losing too much in wages.

It seems that I have heard of alot of people getting sick this last week. Or is it just me? Robin thinks I may have had food poisoning. I thought I had a cast iron stomach. First day I can remember not being hungry in awhile.

Home Depot done deal?

You would have thought so this weekend. Home Depot set up shop and was also soliciting the Marina Center at the Home and Rec show at Redwood Acres this weekend. I wonder how many of those people wearing Home Depot aprons were from Humboldt County. And I wonder if Home Depot works in tandem with any other development projects such as the Marina Center any other areas around the nation. Lots of people seemed to be hovering around the booth. Didn't see a Pierson Booth. Or Ace for that matter. Saturday it was raining and windy.

My wife corrected me and said their booths were just next to each other. Seemed like they were together.

Wes Chesbro and Robin Marks seen at League of Women Voter's Lunch.

Robin sat next to Wes Chesbro at the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee table! What's with that? I wonder if he was trying to secure her vote? Guess I should have been there. The who's who were lunching together in tribute to the League of Women Voter's Humboldt League of Women Voters, which is a good thing.

Keep your dogs on a leash! Wednesday Musings!

Robin and I decided to take advantage of the weather today and take our Gray Pomeranian “Smokey” to the “Big Toilet” at the Arcata Marsh Arcata Marsh for a romp. Smokey grew up with our Golden Retriever “Roxie” and thinks he is a Retriever too. Smokey has become a very aggressive Alpha dog through his 8 years and is fearless when it comes to other dogs, no matter the size. We always have Smokey on a leash on our walks and I always lead “The Smokster” and make sure he is on the outside of traffic approaching us. (I am on the inside, Smoke is on the outside of the trail.) Sure enough, we were approached by a young man with a un neutered Pit Bull. I walked Smokey off the main trail and we were completely in the rough and stopped. The young man had his Pit on his inside (showing the dog as dominant) and he let his Pit encroach our space. He tried to ask me what kind of dog I had and let his approach our dog, and I had to tell him mine was an aggressive male and walk Smokey away. He had no control of his dog whatsoever. We kept moving along the main trial and caught up on another hiker in front of us with a black lab. She was upset and talked to Robin and I about the Pit Bull we ran across. When she and her dog approached it, the Pit was not leashed and she had to remind the young man to leash it and it was aggressively looking at her dog. The young Pit owner said that the leash rule was only for bad dogs. Her lab was viscously attacked by a Pit on the beach as pup and was scared. All dogs should be on a leash everywhere in the county where exposed to others.

Hey! I was on Channel 3 tonight! I was the guy they showed shoveling. Rex Bohn was the guy they had talking….add the punch line if you will.

It was time to mow the lawn today. I brought out the mower and finished the front lawn and started to do the back and the mower quit. I asked Robin to bring out the socket wrench and tools and could see her cringe. I am one of those backyard mechanics with little skill. I have done lots of work on our past vehicles and my brothers Jim (deceased) Roy and Mike are and were accomplished mechanics. (My Brother Mike owned M&D auto locally.) When I was 7 years old, I was ordained the duty of lawn mower guy, and any time I had problems with the mowers, I had better be ready to repair them. (Funny they could work on cars and motorcycles with great dexterity, but they were clueless to the lawnmower workings.) So I could see I had a fuel problem and wanted to try to free the carburetor float. I had to take it apart a few times and I could see Robin getting restless and speaking her thought that it was the air filter, bad fuel or bad spark plug. I was right in the long run, it was the float and I was able to finish.

Oh yes. Robin gave me the OK for a Specialized/Customized Harley I am having built by a buddy in the valley. (Something I can work on!)

The Golden State Warriors have made the playoffs! I have been a huge Warriors fan all the way back to the early 70's. Used to listen on the radio big time with Larry King. I have been a e-mail buddy of Rick Barry for a few years. It is time to celebrate! Good job Nellie!

That smell you smell? Not Evergreen! Must be your upper lip!

Evergreen Pulp is having a week long shutdown to upgrade some of the environmental issues that have been pertinent. I personally do not enjoy these shutdowns, as they cause safety and environmental situations we are not faced with day to day. I had to find, test, fix, and adjust to fire safety hazards for contractors and also explain lock out tag out protocol. I actually had one tag out procedure with an oiler show that we had problems procedurally within our own in house process. Not good in the scope of things. I had to do many hours of clean up and maintenance that I normally would not have to do. I worked 14 hours. Tomorrow probably 16. The shut down can not end fast enough for most in the mill.

Humboldt County 2nd District Supervisor update!

I have heard from a very reliable source that Roger Rodoni is going to once again seek election for the Humboldt County 2nd District Supervisor seat. I have heard rumors of Rio Dell City Manager Nancy Flemming, Operating Engineers District Manager Steve Harris, Local Solutions kingpin Dennis Huber, Fortuna Mayor John Campbell and others running for this position without Roger seeking another term. Isn't 8 years enough to for Roger to spew his hateful/prejudice rhetoric? Hey Roger! Still going to bat for those Palco management leaders and let those working class millworkers starve? Go ahead and vote for more headwaters money to be spent on Fire and Light and catering jobs for $8 an hour. Way to represent your constituents that elected you! Just in office to get re-elected with no accountability of performance. Just keeps happening in Humboldt County people.

A Celebration of life for Diane Hall.

My best buddy Ed Fregoso's Mother in Law Diane Hall died recently and her funeral was today. Her daughter Michelle has been great friends of Robin and I, and we have spent many holidays and BBQ's with Diane and family. She was a rare person of great personality and opinion. She loved her family and extended it out to everyone she met. She loved to yard sale shop and sell her special finds on E-bay and she was a fantastic cook. Diane made a spread for a wine tasting fund raiser I had for one of my election campaigns that was just mind blowing good. Just a really good person who died unexpectedly from a heart attack at 59.

I will be the first to admit that I hate funerals and was expecting that this one would be awfully sad. Boy was I wrong. This was a true celebration of ones life! The sermon was led by Sacred Heart Deacon Anthony Viegas and it had twists and turns I did not expect. Michelle Fregoso did a great reading of Matthew, Laura and Lee Marx did a great Eulogy, Madi Simmons and Miko Ross did a great African Drum and poem in memory of Diane (an African American), and my Mejor Amigo Ed gave a unrehearsed tribute that was just heart wrenching but glorifying. His 14 year old Daughter Xochitl wrote this poem in memory of her Grandma:

When she entered any space,
it was lit by her glowing face.

When your life was moving at too fast of pace,
She was there to hold you on tight embrace.

She was my picture of inner beauty and grace,
Even when she covered me with frills and lace.

At collecting and treasure hunting she was an ace,
with so many things that were there to misplace.

When we traveled to a new found place,
Our hands were always in a tight enlace.

But now she is gone and we have no way to replace,
This wonderful woman who is now in God's grace.

Lorenza Simmons sang and old gospel song in closing.

I am sure Diane was there in spirit as a witness to the love of her family and friends. It was one funeral I came away from feeling uplifted. Good Bye Diane. You were great person. See ya on the other side!

Pierson Carnival sale was insane today!

Robin and I went over Pierson's at around 11:30am today and were floored on how many people were shopping. We were there to buy an electrical shop box. The lines were way long, so we came back at around 5pm. It was still busy but not like earlier. Unfortunately, they sold out of the shop boxes! Argh! We got a rain check for later. Over the years we have spent thousands at Pierson's. We were doing some house renovations recently and we price compared with Home Depot in Redding and Ukiah, and found very little price difference. So we bought local. I just like the help I get there. And no. They never donated to any of my campaigns. Maybe I should hit them up next time. I have enough invested in the place.

Basketball update: The Samoa Athletic Club beat Maple Service Plumbing 71-44 tonight. Dave Norton scored 26 I think. Dustin Baker really caused havoc for us also. (I scored a few myself) Josh Hash played a great game for Maple. They are the only team to beat us so far. We are 6-1 and in first place.

What do these numbers say?

Check out some of these stats from last election:

Number of States won by: Gore: 19; Bush: 29

Square miles of land won by: Gore: 580,000; Bush: 2,427,000

Population of counties won by: Gore: 127 million; Bush: 143 million

Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Gore: 13.2; Bush: 2.1

Any theories to these numbers?

A broom was blocking my locker! Sports stuff.

I came to work and noticed a broom laying against my locker. Oh no! It was a message of defeat. The dreaded LA Dodgers had swept my beloved Giants. And the local Dodger fans were out in force at the Pulp Mill. Oh, how I hate the stinkin Dodgers! But it looks like a long season for the men in orange and black. Zito and Cain and pray for rain! Morris and Lowery give me the cry towelry. We will be lucky to get 75 wins. Barry Bonds will be the only good thing?

The Samoa Athletic Club Basketball Team is 5-1 and in first place in the Eureka Parks and Recreation c-3 league. They are carrying me. We have a good group of players ranging from 20 years old to 65. Ben Horton, Dave Norton and Dustin Baker are working well together with the older guys, Ben Hickock, Paul Schneekluth, Ron denHeyer and Billy Sines. Oh, and that Marks guy.

I am hoping to host a softball tournament May 12th and 13th in Arcata. I may have to work though. I will be holding the Memorial Tournament at Weaverville on the 25th and 26th. I took this time off. The gem show will also be on that weekend.

Oh, how blessed we are here in Humboldt County! I went to hit some balls with the Senior Softball guys at Pacific Union. I drove from Samoa to Jackson Ranch road and navigated the Arcata bottoms to the school and was just in awe over how spoiled we are over our landscape. Robin and I used to ride our bikes all over the bottoms for exercise. We are so fortunate for all our natural benefits.

Easter ham. Why is it?

Robin cooked a ham for this Easter. This tradition may actually be rooted in Paganism. Origin of Easter Ham

I noticed the Cookhouse was also having ham on the menu. How do you all feel? Is it wrong to have turkey? Or prime rib? (Or Tofu for you vegans.)

Reggae on River stuff, or a Day on the Greed.

Robin and I went to the Humboldt County Planning Commission (HCPC) meeting last night. The whole Reggae on the River fiasco was on the fore-front. Here are some of my observations from the sidelines:

If the Mateel Community Center (MCC) and Peoples Production (PP) did not become public with their grievances, the HCPC would have systematically accepted their event permit as they have for years without protest. Even though they have violated the permit for years as far as attendance. It was never a huge issue before. Now the subject is public and the Planning Commission is accountable. So the HCPC have to make a public stand.

Drugs have been an issue for years at ROR. Now it is “highly” public. The HCPC has to address the issue now. They never had to in the past. The squabble between MCC and PP has caused this to be a problem and be public. They both claim they can fix it. Ha! There were people giving testimony that they did not witness a drug problem. I am not kidding! It was almost comical, if not pathetic.

Commissioner Jeff Smith held some public comments to 3 minute, but let others drone on for around 10 minutes. Why he did this is beyond me. I think he felt he needed to let the “stake holders” be allowed more time. Hey Jeff, it is called “public comments” for a reason. It’s to give all the public equal opportunity to speak, not pick and choose who is to be given preferential time.

The Planning Commission has no idea who is holding the event. They have publicly stated that there will not be 2 events. Unless there is some agreement quickly between the MCC and PP there may be no Reggae on the River period.

While counsel for PP Brad Floyd was addressing the Commission, MCC Director Tayna Stapp and MCC counsel Allison Jackson were shaking their heads no, and looked in total disagreement with his testimony about a “referee” from San Francisco mediating or rendering a final judgment quickly.

Listen to the money talk. Venue owner Tom Dimmick and his neighbor with the 2,500 campsites are going to rake in the cash. They were there to give weak testimony on PP’s behalf. Cha-ching. Show me the bling! At least some lawyers are getting some work out of this. It might be sad for the non-profits that use this venue for fund raising. Oh, what greed will do.

Third District Supervisor John Wooley says alls good?

Fellow sand dweller Wooley was on Kins today talking with Brian Papstien KINS 980 am about the Headwaters funds and such. He made a comment about Redevelopment being a good thing and that maybe the process was moved too quickly. Excuse me John, were you asleep during the nearly $700,000 process that was deeply flawed on all sides? Even your Manila Community constituents knew better and held a special election to be removed from the process. And what monies from the Headwaters funds have created timber industry jobs, or at least comparable wage jobs? Oh, that would be none. The Spirit of the Headwaters funds was to replace lost timber industry jobs, right? Virginia Strom Martin (The best 1st District Assembly person we have had in a the last quarter century) presented the original check with Governor Gray Davis to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors with the intent of helping displaced workers! But ya'll have heard me chime in about this before. Just surprised to hear Wooley actually have an opinion. He seems to avoid that.

CR unfair to labor.

Cafeteria Workers at College of the Redwoods talked about organizing this last fall. They had been talking and began signing authorization cards for union representation. One of the leaders of the organizing drive was questioned about his activity in handing out informational leaflets. He was subsequently fired/laid off/terminated.

I filed unfair labor charges last October on behalf of the person as an organizer for the Industrial Workers of the World Industrial Workers of the World One Big Union! with Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) who deals with cases pertaining the Public Employment sector. It serves almost the same capacity as the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) NLRB :: National Labor Relations Board in protecting workers rights to organize without fear of reprisal. I had filed many NLRB charges in the past and thought the processes were pretty similar in processing. I was wrong, and had to re-file the same charge in December due to procedural problems. I had some help from Operating Engineer local 3 representatives who provided counsel to walk me through the PERB process.

Here it is now April and we have still have not received a clear decision. Over 6 months later I have received notice to have further documented proof of the charge, and have it done by April 5th! And people wonder why it is so hard to organize sometimes. Looks like I will have to hustle to make this deadline in between my work.

Best Hot Dogs!

A few weeks ago I was in Sacramento and went to Wiener Works with my buddy Brad. User Reviews for Wiener Works, Sacramento MyTravelGuide.com They have these great 14 inch hot dogs and ridiculous portions of fries. I used to get a dog every so often at Manila Market. They broiled Evergood dogs all day and they were a great treat. L & M Drive In and the old OH"s on Harris also used to make great dogs. And the broiled dogs in the old waist cook baskets at Arcata Ball Park for Crab's games in the 70's and 80's were wonderful. I see a great lack of this cuisine in Humboldt County now. Here is my top 5 picks. Please chime in!

1. Costco-I have to go to Costco to get a decent dog? Why is this? But they do have the best ones around. This is sad.

2. Mikes Hamburger-The Chili Dog is really quite good with the garlic fries.

3. Coney Island-Needs more flare and presentation. I like their burgers though.

4. Bob's Footlong-Nice people and good service, but just OK.

5. Fresh Freeze-Although I have not checked one out in a while.

And remember the Marks rule, Quantity over Quality!

Journal's Heidi Walters call Humboldt's workers unworthy?

Interesting perspective by Ms. Walters: North Coast Journal March 29, 2007 : ON THE COVER : TITLE I am not so sure I agree with the premise that there are tons of good paying jobs around Humboldt County. I see Evergreen as an anomaly. The average worker at the pulp mill make well over $40,000 a year compared to the around $25,000 by the average Humboldt worker.

It seems that workers are more fussy now than before. I seem to see more of the "that's not my job" mentality. I have talked to others who do not want to work shift work in any form. There has to be some give and take to make decent wages. Young workers seem more and more to feel entitlement to working conditions they have not earned through seniority.

Maybe I agree with Heidi more than I realize.

Humboldt County Red Cross celebrates 90th Anniversary!

The Humboldt Chapter of the American Red Cross Welcome to the Humboldt County Red Cross is Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of service to our local community on April 29th at the Adorni Center. Suggested Tickets donation is $10 dollars at the door. Food, music, silent auction and fun! Music will be preformed by local band Nice and Easy.

Tickets may also be purchased ahead of time at the American Red Cross office in Eureka at 406 11th St.

If you have time to help volunteer for said event, contact the Red Cross at humboldtredcross.org. My wife Robin and I are helping the 90th Anniversary Committee. Brenda Dennis is the Committee Chair.

This has been a public service announcement. By Marks!

The UC system needs finance reform from within. More Porking!

University of California regents do not plan to stop a UC operated loan program that gives professors home loans for as low as 3%. The state has spent 1.3 billion so far, and are now experiencing a state shortfall money wise and is hitting individual colleges students for rate increases. The second person to take advantage of this loan opportunity was the executive vice chancellor and provost of UC Davis. Yeah, that type really needs the money break. Supposedly the program pays for itself. I would like to see the books. Facilities Administration - Supplemental Home Loan Program

More Pork than a Hog Farm. The Iraq War Funding Bill.

The Appropriations Committee approved of the Iraq war funding bill 37-27. It passed the house 218-212 this past week. There is a lot of added pork to this funding proposal that will help California farmers (What the Iraq war money has to do with California farming is not a real mystery, this money tried to force hard line Republicans in the valley to support their constituents.) Some highlights for Cal farmers are $1.8 billion in part that helps crop disaster in San Joaquin. $20 million for clean up of freeze situations. $25 million for spinach growers. $60 million for salmon fishermen. $1.4 billion for livestock producers hurt by natural disasters and $263 million for dairy producers………We have to bribe the Republicans in the Valley to stop this war? How can people keep supporting this illegal occupation? We toppled Saddam. We organized an election. We trained their security. We helped redo some of the infrastructure. We are entering our 5th year there. It is time to leave and save our troops for better causes.

Road trip all done.

Eight days on the road and 2,500 miles later, we arrive back home in time for me to show up for a Basketball game tonight against Murphy’s Market. We only had 6 players so I had to play more than usual. Ron denHeyer (My 6’6” buddy who uses Kettle Bells for exercise) scored 37 points to lead us to a 100-81 win. Dave Norton scored 31. I had 5 points and was exhausted from the start.

Robin and I started last Thursday driving to Woodland so Robin could attend a seminar Friday, and I could hang with my buddy Brad and go to Wiener Works in Sactown. It is a must for the dog fans out there. (14” of heart plugging ecstasy with piles of chili cheese fries!)

On Saturday my sister Michelle and her Husband Patrick Dietler renewed their wedding vows (25 years together) in front of many relatives and friends. Kids galore! We all went to the Spaghetti Factory for a rowdy reception. It was great. Lots of family and love.

Sunday Robin and I were going to drive to San Diego before heading to Phoenix. The weather report was not good, so we decided to head straight to the desert. Nearly 12 hours later we made it. Robin grabbed a coupon book at one of the rest stops we were at and we called an 800 number for a Ramada motel for $59 with a hot breakfast. We upgraded a little but were surprised to find a nice room at a great centrally located area. And we are talking full hot breakfast buffet! Eggs, sausage, waffles, toast, fruit, drink the whole thing. We went to dinner that night at Lone Star Grill and had an outstanding meal.

On Monday, I checked on line for spring training tickets and was kind of sticker shocked. I told Robin I would take my chances at the box office or scalpers. We went to Phoenix Municipal Stadium to watch the A’s play the Padres and I could not see where to park to buy tickets. I double parked and Robin took over the wheel and I told her to drive around the block. I bought 2 great tickets for $20 a piece and went back to the corner to wait for Robin. I got an earful from one of Phoenix finest police officers about my illegal parking maneuver and he threatened me with a ticket. I asked him where I could have parked to avoid this, and he pointed to the handicap parking area. Wow. Not in California anymore. The A’s lost but we saw many hits and HR’s. Tons of fun, but it was way hot. At one time we registered 99 degrees on our cars temp gauge.

Tuesday we went to Surprise to watch the Giants play Texas. When we approached the box office, I asked a guy where could park to buy tickets and he showed us an easy access area. I was offered a ticket to buy from a scalper who must have been in his seventies. Kind of funny actually. Usually they are young guys out here. The parking was free in Surprise! They have a volunteer group of 6,000 people called the Sundancers who help in the area civically. They help at the park doing traffic control and act as greeters. We saw 5 home runs, one of them by Barry Bonds. But the Giants lost.

Wednesday we spent the day in Scottsdale checking out art and sculptures. Oh, and we spent some money out there. We did the touristy type stuff. They advertise free trolley rides and we checked out the schedule and the stops on a map. Robin and I stood where a stop was supposed to happen, and they drove right by. I went to another spot the map showed and waved for a trolley that was empty to stop. He waved me away and drove up the street. I waved Robin to follow me as I chased it down to the next stop, and finally saw the signs designating drop offs. We got on the trolley (Only ones on it) and got a drive and a half! This guy almost hit cars and stuff all over! And he was not following the maps layout! After riding a few blocks he pulled over and said “I am taking 6 minutes off now.” The trolley in front of him was pulled over and a lady came over to BS with the guy. Another person came up and asked where the first trolley was going, and it was not the same way we were heading. Weird stuff. Our trolley ended up reversing our path and ending where we started. We jumped off a very bizarre trip. We went to lunch at the Red Tomato salad bar buffet and it was way good! That night we watched the A’s play the Royals in Surprise. We had lawn tickets and it was a great game. The A’s won 11-10 and Mike Piazza and Nick Swisher hit HR’s.

Thursday morning the weather turned bad. When we left it was raining and thunderstorms lighted the valley of the sun. It rained pretty good nearly to the California border. Robin is the consummate traveler. We drove over 750 miles with only breaks to gas up. She read and I listened to talk radio. We finished the trip today.

Can’t wait until we get to go next year!

On the road. Spring Training in Arizona.

The Eureka Reporter is whinning correctly. Basketball update.

How many millions of tax payer dollars will the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors have to waste before the people of Humboldt County ask for accountability? The Eureka Reporter - Article $300,000 for Tammy Falor, Over $600,000 for a flawed Redevelopment process and well over $500,000 and counting on Tooby Ranch fiasco! And answer to nobody! Hide behind the cloak of "Closed Session" and of course, the threat of litigation under strict (BS these rules are trampled all the time) guidelines of the Brown Act. Times-Standard Online - County appealing land decision

Closed sessions are contentious and their legality is always questioned because guidelines are not set in stone! Give me a break! Our tax dollars are on the line and wasted.

Oh yes Mr. Marks. If you have a gripe about how we do business at the county level, get proactive!

Yes, I was not happy and ran for the Supervisor office of my district. And lost. I guess not as many people care.


The mighty Samoa Athletic Club Basketball Team is 2-1. We played Big Louie's Pizza tonight and won by 2 points. Ben Horton and David Norton were great tonight in a battle against Vince Zinselmeir. We tied for the City Championship last year with this team. My goal was for no turnovers by this old man relieving Horton and I met that. Between both teams we had over 40 fouls. It was a rough game.

Both teams were good sports though, and I thank Eureka Parks and Rec for the venue.

Bev's is closing! Say it ain't so!

The Eureka Reporter - Article What am I going to do? Where else in Eureka can you get a gut-buster breakfast of this magnitude? I was willing to put up with the inconsistent service for the mega portions. I did hate the times they "ran out" of essential breakfast stuff like, oh potatoes, chicken fried steaks, bacon and whatever they were short on for that particular day. Not the best managed place, but I miss it much already. You have to remember my rule, "quantity over quality." Back to the Woods Boss at Stanton's!

Ida Honorof. A belated thanks from this Pulp Mill worker.

This will be kind of a weird post. A pulp mill worker praising Ida. I feel guilty writing this too late. Times-Standard Online - Consumer activist Ida Honorof dies

I have talked to many workers at Evergreen Pulp in the past about this subject. Radical environmentalists vs. Radical Corporations. We need both to survive.

Ida Honorof was a one woman environmentalist wrecking crew in the 80's locally. She had moved up here to Humboldt County to be close to family and was concerned about the two Pulp Mill's emissions on the city of Eureka. Mind you she was in her 70's and one person. She started an activist process that literally cost Louisiana Pacific and Simpson Corporations millions of dollars to address the issue of Dioxin in the pulp processes. LP rallied us workers to show up at packed meetings, that Ida had forced at the Eureka Municipal Auditorium, to protest her actions. My wife and I attended fully in LP's corner for fear of our jobs to support the companies action. Ida changed all that. She calmly explained and outlined the dangers to the community that the pulp mills were causing, but also gave action plans and solutions. (At least that is a short synapses)

Simpson could see the writing on the wall and in 1992 closed their Fairhaven plant instead of adhering to the chemical processing changes that came from Ida's lobbying. LP took a chance at becoming a innovator in the pulp market and invested untold millions to become the first Chlorine Free (Dioxin Free) Pulp Mill in North America. They eventually sold the plant to Samoa Pacific who went bankrupt and Stockton Pacific (same board of directors) who sold the company bankrupt to Chinese outfit Lee and Mann.

I will tell you that Ida effectively changed my view from Bulldog for the company to Watchdog for the environment. And Ida in essence saved our jobs at the pulp mill! If we had continued making pulp with chlorine processes we would have shut down years ago! So here I publicly thank Ida for my job. It was a lesson I shared many time while I was a union organizer. Do not be paranoid of environmental activism, it may be for your own good!

Lord knows the same case can be made in light of the Palco fiasco!

I am thankful that Evergreen seems to be responsible in the area of environmental compliance through media information I receive. Times-Standard Online - Mill pollution pact reached: Evergreen settles with environmental groups The Eureka Reporter - Article

Damn! Ida, I wished I had told you earlier how you changed my perception of Company vs Environment. May You Rest in Peace. You were a hero.

$289,000 buys you nothing in Humboldt County! Tammy Falor resigns. Richard Marks offers resignation at Evergreen!

I would sure like to hear the rest of this story.Times-Standard Online - Time for answers Why did she leave? Certainly there has to be people out there that know more.

But since there might be a trend........I hear by offer my resignation as of today with a payoff of $189,000 from Evergreen Pulp. $100,000 less than the county payoff to Tammy Falor mind you. I feel this is a bargain considering nearly 30 years of service and multiple Golden Shovel awards. It is time I moved on to bigger and better venues such as the Tofu Shop or maybe Toma's in Arcata.

Just for the record, after working nearly 90 hours last week, I have cut back my work week hours this week to probably 76. Need that rest you know. Still looking for bodies at Evergreen.

NY Times supports workers rights!

The New York Times has come out in support of the workers right to organize. The Right to Organize - New York Times It is time to try to reverse the trend of corporation anti-union harassment. In the 50's unions represented 35% of the total workforce. There are new estimates showing current levels closer to 7%. President Bush has threatened to veto this Employee Free Choice Act in the form of Bill HR 800 Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress) that was passed by the House of Representatives last Thursday.

I have first hand witnessed the underhanded tactics that an employer will use to threaten or confuse a workers choice to become a part of a collective bargaining unit. National Labor Relation Board conducted elections sway heavily to corporations favor. It is time that the trend changes or at least that a fair playing field is established.

Monday musings.

I worked yesterday with fellow operator June Sullivan at Evergreen. She had just got make the night before from watching her son "Hop" Sullivan lead the College of the Redwoods baseball team to a double header sweep of Shasta College in Redding. These games were supposed to be held at CR but rain forced the team to travel over the hill. Hop had the game winning hit in both games and went 5 for 9 for the day! Hopefully he will play for the Humboldt Crabs again this summer.

My buddy Ron denHeyer has been preaching to me of the advantages of working out with "Kettle Bells." Kettlebell Training Exercises Ron is a very agile 6'6" engineer for Cal Trans nearly my age. He looked pretty limber on the basketball court last Friday, so I might have to try this too!

What do y'all think of the bill being introduced to the state Senate creating a nest egg for children in California to save for college or a down payment on a house? I think it is something we need to keep a close eye on to see what loop holes may have been created. It sounds kinda good, but I am a little skeptical. Daylife / Bill Would Give Calif. Children $500

Or how about this Assembly Bill 183 that would require every student to register to vote as a condition of receiving a diploma? That would make things interesting in future elections I would think. Any thoughts?

Reality check. I think I am getting old. A Basketball Diary.

The Eureka Recreation open adult Basketball League is in full swing. Last year my team won a championship, but we lost quite a few players this year. (Our team is Samoa Athletic Club, a small business I own holding softball tournaments.) Mind you these league players range from 18 years and up and I have played in this league for over 30 years. So I am at a disadvantage. I did recruit some younger players I play with at Cal Courts to help try to even the competition. Two of the players were recent all county high school basketball players at Eureka High (Ben Horton and David Norton) so I think we will be in good shape. Our first game we played Maple's Plumbing and lost a hard fought battle. I think the final was 77-71. Ex-Logger and all county player Josh Hash a great game against us. I heard he will be playing at CR next year. I think he will be great there. I should note that one of our players, Jason McGuire, a teacher at Eureka had a technical foul called on him for hanging on the rim on a 180 reverse slam dunk attempt with two defenders near by. It looked impressive though.

Before the game I volunteered to work out at Evergreen shoveling wet sawdust for 8 hours. I then went to Cal Courts with Robin. There I met my buddy Ed Fregoso and we did some weightlifting. We were doing sets of 10 pull downs pyramiding up to 170 lbs. And push-ups to boot. I decided to pass on the squats because I was going to play. Oh, I was a hurting before the game. I had 6 points but was over matched on defense. I just could not keep up with the speed of the game. It was kind of frustrating. I kind of look at Basketball as a dance of 5 teammates that need to be in tune with each others strengths. I was the clod stepping on toes.

But the beer was cold and the pizza was fine a Big Louie's afterward. So all was good in the end. Hopefully my game will get better as the year goes on. I will keep you posted.

Support the Employee Free Choice Act!

This Thursday the House of Representatives will vote on one of the most important Bills for workers rights in decades. The Employee Free Choice Act. Search Results - THOMAS (Library of Congress) The Employee Free Choice Act American Rights at Work: Employee Free Choice Act This will give workers a chance to become union by signing an authorization card for union representation and bypass the illegal electioneering by corporations to thwart organizing drives. Our own Congressman Mike Thompson is a co-sponsor of this Bill. I applaud his efforts to help the working class.

In 2001 I tried to initiate amendments to a legislative bill asking the 107th Congress to return the National Labor Relations Act to it’s original intent, defending workers right to organize. The Right to Organize Act of 2000 (Introduced in the House) was reintroduced by Mr. Jesse Jackson Jr. and I thought the timing was good.


I had a meet with Liz Murguia who is the Field Representative for Mike Thompson. I outlined my gripes about the shortcomings of union organizing to Liz and asked for direction. She was more than helpful in walking me through steps we would need to take. She suggested the reforms or amendments to the “Acts” needed to be non-threatening to both political parties.

These were the following changes I wanted to see!

Amend the Landrum Griffin Act to include true financial disclosure for companies (plant locations) upon proof of 30% authorization cards by the National Labor Relations Board. (Within 7 days after filing a petition for an NLRB election.)

Amend the Act to protect all workers petitioned for through an election period, including disputed workers bargained or lost in election stipulation process.

Amend the Act to establish set criteria of no more than 45 days from petition filing to election, without deviation by any NLRB representatives.

Amend the Act to include all written briefs and appeals as part of and not including the 45-day election period.

For numerous reasons, mostly the loss of the majority in the House, the Bill was not successful.

This time the Employee Free Choice Act has momentum. I hope this time we will see a victory for the people!

Please contact your local Congressman and other local politico's to spread the word!

Nancy Flemming is Rio Dell City Manager!

The other Richard (Mostranski) called me tonight to let me know it is official. Nancy is the new city manager for Rio Dell. You can bet there will be some lively activity down that way. She knows city processes, and that should help in the long run. Her political and media ties will bring to the forefront Rio Dell issues. I wish her well. Richard is heading up the city of Loleta as manager. All eyes heading south for the next few years!

Becoming a union is hard in today's time.

Interesting reading in the Eureka Reporter an article by Robyn Blumner concerning union busting. I could not find the link in the ER so I went elsewhere. News: Norma Rae, why's it so hard? Companies can get away with just about anything during an union organizing campaign with little repercussion. As an organizer, it is so frustrating to watch companies spend millions of dollars to stop a unions attempt at helping workers. I tried to organize a paper cup plant in Bakersfield called Dopaco and we estimated that the company spent over 1.5 million dollars to keep 160 workers from going union! They could have paid them $10,000 each, but instead put on a long campaign using tactics I will share at a later date. In the end, the workers lost.

Where is the Headwaters money for Palco workers?

The Northcoast Journal recently had a LTE from our own past 1st District Assembly Member Virginia Strom Martin, asking for the accountability of the Headwaters money. North Coast Journal February 8, 2007 : THE TOWN DANDY : Armistice Day In 1997 Virginia advocated for 20 million dollars to be set aside for "jobs and economic development." Palco fought Virginia's efforts threw the media, but Virginia prevailed and flew up with then Governor Pete Wilson to present the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors with a 13 million dollar check with the inscription, "for jobs and economic development." For several years this fund sat untapped collecting interest. Is that money helping the displaced workers at Palco in any way now?

I do know that I tried unsuccessfully to solicit money from the Headwaters fund for a feasibility study for the workers at the Samoa Pulp Mill to purchase the Pulp Mill through a Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP). I had little help and many roadblocks in my effort to guide the workers. And we were talking of hundreds of living wage jobs in balance at that time. Humboldt County was just fortunate that Lee and Mann from China purchased the Pulp Mill at very little investment.

I do need to thank Micheal Twombly for helping me through the process in helping the workers efforts to purchase the mill. In hind site it would have been great idea. Evergreen Pulp has been very successful.

Presidents misbehaving Redux. Lyndon Johnson vs. Bush.

I hate war and “military actions.” My father James Marks was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed, and served in Korea. He retired an Army Major after he passed the bar and became a lawyer. All three of my older brothers served in the Army. Two were in Vietnam. My family is and has been affected by that Vietnam “military action” even to this day. The draft lurked ominously over us teenagers back in the 60’s and 70’s. I was set to serve my country if called upon, but I was none too happy about and was not going to volunteer to kill people. I watched my older brothers’ reactions to Nam and it was not good.

Why were we even in Nam? That is kind of ironic. President Lyndon B. Johnson convinced the US public through media manipulation that the US destroyer Maddox was previously attacked in the Gulf of Tonkin off the Vietnam coast. North Vietnam insisted that this did not happen. No matter, Johnson ordered retaliation. Then Congress created the The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Resolution that gave Lyndon B. Johnson approval, without a formal declaration of war, “to take all necessary steps, including the use of armed force, to assist any member or protocol state of the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty requesting assistance in defense of its freedom.” The Johnson administration took full advantage of the this Carte Blanche of war without name and 40,000 American Soldiers paid the price along with 4 million other humans living in Southeast Asia.

You would think that something like this could never happen again. Surprise, along comes George Bush and Iraq. Here we are in another “Military Action” without the declaration of war saving us citizens from ghosts called terrorists. I have seen many good young men and women and National Guard people not so young, having their lives changed and irreversibly interrupted. Over 3,000 will not be coming home alive.

History seems to repeat itself over and over. When does it stop? I wish I knew.

Suicide and Hate in the County.

I have been reading the series in the Eureka Reporter on suicide kind of like you would drive by an accident. You don't really want to know, but you look anyways. The Eureka Reporter - Article I have lost a few friends who have taken this route. I just can not understand why this happens. A few years ago Rick Collins worked for me as basketball ref and a softball umpire. We had a good working relationship and I have missed him since that day he took his life. I read recently that his wife Kathy was so upset at him that she wanted to strangle him for what he did. In this latest article the wife left behind said the same thing. It must be a terrible thing for the spouse to live with. I wish I could have talked to Rick before he made that decision myself. Too late.

What is going on locally in Humboldt County? Today I was at Coopers Gulch hitting softballs with the guys. I noticed this little red car cruising the parking lot a few times. They finally stopped and this young girl got out and was arguing with this driver who ran toward the woods. A young guy came running out of the woods with no shirt to meet him. They started cussing at each other and the girl went to the guy that was in the car and smacked him a good one and made the comment, "It was only a sweater for God's sake!" The guy did not listen and the two went blows. I have learned the hard way to stay out of this type of threesome. All sorts of their buddies came out of the woods from playing Frisbee Golf and rooted their favorite on. There were probably over 20 or so witnesses. They broke up after the girl got between them, but then she left enough room for them to go back at it. I do not know how many people there were filming it on their cell phones. After they had enough of one another, they were given an ovation from the young witnesses. I hope this does not escalate further. Times just seem to be getting crazier as the years go by.

Tired and cranky on the Peninsula

I am getting tired. At work I am on a string of 11 12 hour shifts in 13 days. I may work a few 16 hour shifts since I am stuck there. They are still hiring.

I have been on this weight lifting "thingy" for over a month now. You have to get creative and do new things to try to "trick" your muscles. I read about this new push-up exercise using a Swedish fitness ball CNHI News Service Get on the ball by placing your hands on the ball and doing a push up where your chest touches the ball. I have done many push-ups and figured that was an easy one to pull off. Wrong! It is hard to keep stable. You end up putting all sorts of muscles to work. Been a challenge, but I am starting to get better. My wife Robin had already read about this. I am always amazed at how much she knows about a wide variety of stuff. I call her the "Queen of Useless information." Oh, I say it lovingly. She reads more than your average type though.

Back on the HCDCC.

My wife Robin and I are new members of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee. HCDCC I had made some comments about how they were doing business, and I received enough feedback to quit whining and get back involved. I was nominated last meeting to be a member of the Committee in the form of a 4th District Representative. This meeting I spoke of my past history as member of the committee back in the 90's. I was then grilled for my past endorsement of Virginia Bass for mayor, and was asked point blank if I would support only Democratic candidates in the future. I could not commit to that and I reminded others in the room that they endorsed a Republican over me during the election for Supervisor in June but I was over that. Chair Patrick Riggs said that he personally did not back me in the primaries but was willing to support me on the HCDCC and let bygones be bygones. I appreciated that, and was voted (Not unanimously mind you) to be a member. Times-Standard Online - Humboldt Democrats focus on becom ing effective locally My wife Robin was unanimously voted on as an associate member. She may run for a political office this next year. Stay tuned.

Most important election I ever ran. Happy Valentine's Day!

I was so fortunate to be able to be the lead organizer on a union organizing attempt in Corona, California at a cup and food utensil manufacturing plant called Dart. Dart - Quality Single-Use Foodservice Packaging ProductsThey are the largest styrofoam cup manufacture in the world.

The effort took nearly a year, so I stayed in Southern California for the majority of time. Yes, the weather is awesome, yes the highways (especially 91) are a pain to maneuver. If you have ever watched Norma Rae Norma Rae that is what an union organizing drive is like. I met a wonderful group of people who were very motivated to become part of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW) AWPPW. There were nearly 700 workers and I asked that 70 people commit to being a part of the In Plant Committee (IPC). I was pleasantly surprised to have around 100 people step forward to help lead workers from the inside. The IPC really drove this campaign and I basically just navigated through an misinformation storm the company would drag them through. Dart management threatened to move the facility to Arizona, harassed workers, held long captive audience meetings and basically misrepresented the truth about unions. We were able to thwart their tactics through earlier experiences on other organizing drives with the help of fellow AWPPW organizers David Herrera and Ken Parsons. We had set a goal of 400 authorization cards signed by Dart workers to be filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to insure we would have enough support to win an NLRB election. We reached that number in about 9 months. Some of the IPC traveled with me to the NLRB office near the Staples center in Los Angeles to witness the filing for a union election.

The IPC made a tactical decision to have an NLRB election on February 14, Valentines Day, and use that as a celebratory theme. Usually the company will drive the date for an election and the union will most of the time agree just to push the election forward. One time I had to agree to a May 5th election for a predominately Latino election in Bakersfield. The Cinco de Mayo date worked against the union and we lost. The workers at Dart were different in that they set the pace and this election was held on Valentines Day 2003.

On the day of the election I was able to demonstrate to the Dart workers of the power of the union. The NLRB allowed Dart to set up a special election spot in a break room area they partitioned off with boxes of Dart product. Dart had many union busting attorneys on hand who were on hand as I adamantly demanded all labels with Dart symbols to be covered. Even the NLRB agent said, “We just passed thousands of these symbols on the way here!” I held my ground and Dart was forced to cover up all their logos much to the glee of the workers. Most were just shocked to see David, Ken and I being allowed in the facility.

I had written on the blackboard before the election that we would have 306 yes votes. The vote was 320 to 185 in favor of the union. This represented the largest successful manufacturing organizing drive in the nation in years.

Dart Container employees vote to join union
Labor and company officials insist that they will negotiate a contact in good faith.
BY JACK KATZANEKTHE PRESS-ENTERPRISE
CORONA-Employees at Dart Container Corp's manufacturing facility in Corona decided last week to join an Oregon-based union by a vote of more than 63 percent, a federal official said Tuesday.

Production, warehouse and maintenance workers voted 320-185 to join the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers, said John Hatem, field examiner for the National Labor Relations Board. The results of the Feb. 14th vote will become official Friday if no challenges are filed, Hatem said.

Workers will have to elect a committee to bargain with the company, which manufactures foam cups and plates, plastic cup lids and other disposable food items. Union organizer Richard Marks said he hopes the contract negotiations will go smoothly."This is a time to heal, "Marks said. "We want no adversarial conditions with Dart. It was the workers democratic choice to join the union, and now that they have, we don't want a confrontational relationship."

I kept a diary of this drive to inform all people involved in this campaign. Some of this information went international, as George Hagglund, professor emeritus of Wisconsin University's School of Labor printed and distributed my Dart diary to the professor's on staff at the school of labor in New Zealand and they used it in their daily lectures. I have also been in the ongoing process of having this organizing drive published with the help of the University of Oregon in the future.

I was blessed to have the support of Len Roberts, past president of the AWPPW and past organizers David Herrera and Ken Parsons. Other people from the AWPPW that helped were Bob Crane, Gerald Cawvey, Martin Perez, Ralph Garcia, Misty Dyson Ivy, Tony Moreno, Mac Blumanglag, Stephanie Garcia, Jeannie Shell, Larry Adams, Javier Reynoso, Greg Jones, John (You know who you are) and Dave Smith. My family was very patient.

I would like to thank all the workers from Dart who put up with me, welcomed me into their homes, fed me and left an everlasting impression on my life; Rita Dominguez, Dave Witt, Chuck Willbanks, Roy Camp, Roy Garcia, Virginia Defreese, Lorenzo Torres, Jason Blanton, Carolyn, Big Mama Grande, Carol Johnson, Debbie and Dorothy Escalara, Al Frazier, Roberto, Alfredo, the Eddies, Hiram Avila, Romero and many many more.........I miss you all.

I have a LTE printed in Washington! (The State)

I wrote a letter to the editor to the Daily World in Washington concerning the new owners of the Cosmopolis Pulp Mill. The Daily World This was in response to an earlier article that pretty much outlined the new owners feelings about union workers. The Daily World People and corporations who disregard or marginalize a quality work force just irks me.

I just finished another 16 hour shift doing clean up and met a new hire from Palco. He started last week at Evergreen. He is owed thousands by Palco and has been told there little chance for financial recovery. But Fortuna Mayor John Campbell is listed as a front line collector on $400,000 for past service. John, do you disregard that young man's 12 years of actually doing physical work for Palco over your few years of advice in a company doing illegal business and ripping off workers in Humboldt County and doing poor environmental practices? Makes me sick!

First Softball of the year!

I went and played softball in the rain at Redding Big League Dreams this weekend. Visit Redding - Big League Dreams Sports Park

It has not rained for how many weekends? Boy, let me tell you, it rained big time this weekend in Redding. We were scheduled to play the NSA Tournament at 9am and played shorthanded because some of our players did not show up in time. It was wet, wet wet but we were ahead of the team we played from Mt. Shasta late in the game. Our Short Stop Justin Moore broke his hand fielding a short hop and it was just a downer all the way. The final score was 17-11. We were put in the loser bracket and had to face the Misfits from Lake County. We beat them 19-1 in 4 innings and moved on to play a team from Oroville. We were leading late in the game but they came back to take the lead. I came up with the bases loaded and 1 out and our team down by one. The other team moved their infield in for a Double Play possibility on this old man. I knew I only needed to hit the ball to the outfield to score the tie run. I accidentally hit a ball over the fence and against the light pole nearly 300 ft away. It caused a huge controversy on whether the pole was in fair play. It was determined that it was in fair play and we were over our Home run limit, so instead of 4 runs, it was an out. My team was shocked that I could hit a ball that far, but we lost the game and I was bummed. Damn me! We drove home without a trophy.

You think we were crazy to be playing? Over 20 teams from all over California and their fans were there to have fun. The weather just did not cooperate. We will try again soon.

Railroad news. Todays Port Development meeting.

Timber Heritage Association (THA) The Timber Heritage Association President Marcus Brown spoke at today's Port Development meeting at the Samoa Cookhouse. (Noodles and shortribs. Lots of bread, soup and salad also. I'll give today's lunch a B score.) His group raised over $30,000 in a recent fundraiser to help defray costs of moving a workable train to the Round House in Samoa. A call out was made for local service groups to consider adopting the THA project. They are in need of help in the near future for renovations of the Redwood built Round House. I am sure they would appreciate monetary funds, but for those who are willing to put in some elbow grease to the project, they are need of that also. Marcus also talked of hope of running a short portion of the rail line in Samoa by this summer. Further in the future, the hope is to run train from Samoa to Eureka, and then perhaps the Madaket trip back to Samoa. That would make a great day excursion for tourists.

Bill Bertain also spoke at the meeting and brought up Robin Arkley's public endorsement of the railroad and his political and phone line ties with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as possible leverage for the northern section of the rail line. He also mentioned that railroad advocate and former Congressman Doug Bosco has Arnold's attention after leading the Democrats for Schwarzenegger Committee. Maybe we will see the resurrection of the rail yet.

Humboldt Creamery to strike? Other TS stuff getting petty.

This story in the TS seems premature. Times-Standard Online - Strike talks at Humboldt Creamery They are still negotiating and a strike is your last plan of defense in a contract war. I know it is in Teamster's Representative Dave Hawley's best interest to make this issue public to get sympathy, but all it did was stir the pot way early. I would have liked to see the TS interview some long term employees to see what the worker sentiment is. Come on, there are over 100 of them to talk to. One thing that shocked me in the story is to find out the average wage at the plant is under $16 an hour. That is around a dollar less than our entry pay at Evergreen Pulp.

It was great that the Arcata Playhouse received front page news. I know some of the people involved and I hope to enjoy the venues soon. But why did the TS basically ignore the great hullabaloo of the Arkley center? If nothing else they should have treated it as great significant historical piece of Eureka being brought to life. Maybe many of the TS staff was not around when this was a important fixture in Eureka residents lives. And how do you ignore the hundreds who enjoyed the opening and the thousands who have checked it out. Jealousy creates poor journalism?

What is with TS editor Rich Somerville feeling the need to respond to hyper blogger Capt. Buhne in an editorial? Talk about some paranoia in the TS editorial den. Times-Standard Online - Anatomy of a blog exclusive Take a chill pill Rich!

I just think the TS stand of trying to ignore all things Arkley is kind of weak. The Eureka Reporter has brought a healthy competition of wages to the mix. Writers and staff of each paper have reaped some financial rewards in this mix and that has been good for our local economy. I am a subscriber to the TS and was a paper boy in the 60's and also a paper street vendor in Eureka. I have also been an occasional writing contributor in the sports section since the 70's. So I do have a long history with the TS. But I think they can do better. Snivelling and ignoring isn't helping.

Where are the local hard workers?

We are still short of workers at Evergreen Pulp. I keep hearing of people being interviewed, but they do not seem to be showing up on the work floor. I just finished shoveling chips and sawdust at $40 an hour because we are short handed. (I worked a 16 hour shift.) You would think that local people would be knocking down the doors for a Union job that pays around $17 to start with benefits.

Is it just me, or do we seem to have a lack of a motivated younger workforce locally? I see new hires that just do not seem to care. And I am always shocked to see so many call ins. The last time I called in sick here at the Pulp Mill was in 1990. My recent Operating partner has worked at the Pulp Mill for nearly 30 years, and I can not remember him ever calling in. I have always thought of work as a commitment that should have a high priority. Is anyone out there seeing the same trend in their workplace?

Exxon has record profits, little environmental responsibility.

I know that not many want to talk about this subject, but don’t you think Exxon’s 39.5 billion dollars of profits for the year 2006 was pretty scandalous considering what is going on in the world today? They topped their own record for a U. S. A. company of 36.13 billion dollars of profit from 2005. And we consumers just whine and keep paying at the pump.Exxon Mobil breaks its own record for U.S. annual profit

One part that really bugs me about this subject is they still have not taken total responsibility for the clean up around the Prince William Sound, Alaska and in fact had the judgment against them cut in half a few months ago! Exxon gets Valdez oil spill damage award slashed in half - Dec. 22, 2006

And now we have new reports on the long term damage in Alaska being documented. Exxon Valdez oil lingers along Alaska - Environment - MSNBC.com

How do Exxon and other corporations get away with this? Has public apathy blinded our judgment of corporate wrongdoing?

Palco screws over their workers!

I watched channel 3's news coverage of the Palco disaster. Seems they made promises to workers they have not kept. Then their legal team is hiding from the blame by saying the "it is in the bankruptcy court's hands, not our." Worse kind of people are those who have no regard for the workers. Then the TS does a story pretty much saying, "you workers are no longer assets to the company, so go get in line with the others we owe money to." Times-Standard Online - PL severance packages on hold Just makes me sick!

David Cobb has an excellent atricle today Times-Standard Online - Wall Street vs. Main Street concerning the subject. Those workers who have been ripped off should be holding up pickets as a group until they get what is owed them.

Heraldo also covers this subject well. Humboldt Herald