On to Humboldt for the 2nd Congressional seat!

In Iowa, candidates are "Running to the Right", but in Humboldt it is more like "Running to the Left!" I really feel that Humboldt is going to be the critical county for this race. I know Jared Huffman has garnered some high name endorsements, but having the HSU Democrats won't do him much good if those kids aren't here to vote! Huffman seems to be ignoring the county, or he has some plan I have not figured out yet. Susan Adams has Richard Salzman helping out, and that is big for her campaign. (Look for some huge endorsements in the near future that will shock many in Humboldt County politics.) Richard can find votes where some do not dare to tread. Norman Solomon has his "Boots to the Ground" campaign starting to make headway. It is just going to be really close. So after Del Norte, Trinity and Humboldt County predictions, Solomon is in 1st at 9,497, Huffman is in 2nd at 8,279, Adams in 3rd at 8,141, Lawson in 4th at 6,827 and Republican Dan Roberts in 5th at 6,319.

These numbers will change drastically as we move to the Southern County of Mendocino next.

County		Pop	Voters	Dems	Reps	Other	%
Humboldt		135,000	76,000	16416	10944	9120	48%
	Banafsheh Akhlaghi			328	164	137	1.7%
	Normon Solomon			3930	757	2098	18.6%
	Dan Roberts			328	3830	1001	14.1%
	Susan Adams			3951	1094	2006	19.3%
	Jared Huffman			3283	1860	1824	19.1%
	William Courtney			657	328	274	3.5%
	Andy Caffery			1149	547	182	5.1%
	Stacey Lawson			2298	1925	1324	15.2%
	Tiffany Renee			492	439	274	3.3%
				16416	10944	9120

Samoasoftball rates candiates at PDA 2nd Congressional District Forum.

The Progressive Democrats of Eureka hosted a forum for the 2^nd District Congressional candidates yesterday and nearly 100 people showed up to hear what each of the 6 candidates that showed had to say. (No times Standard? What is with that?) Eureka City Councilperson Linda Atkins made sure things moved timely and orderly and here is my take and ratings.

Andy Caffery:  Andy sung his Earth First! introduction about “Where are we going to work when the trees are gone?” He says he has been working on the Klamath water issue for 30 years.  He feels the Climate change  is the most  important issue for the North Coast and the economy. Says the Dems and Reps have failed us. We need to close the 150 military bases around the world. He also feels we need to look to creating an Ecotopia here. Need attention on Animal Species Extinction due to climate change.  Says he will be the “worst nightmare” Republicans will have to face in the House. “Bush needed to be impeached!” Not happy with Nancy Pelosi either. Doesn’t like the fact that Urban areas such as Eureka makes decisions effecting rural areas and would like to create an “Emerald City” out of Garberville.  In his closing he blamed the Republicans on dismantling the Country and we need to uphold “Green” values.  I would give him a 3 out of 5 rating. I thought he would talk more pot.

William Courtney: Had hard time speaking up. He believes in a flat tax. Feels we should “Contribute what you can.” Feels we should have a surcharge tax of $50 per Marijuana plant and we should push exporting of same as well as legalization. Figures we have 350,000 plants in the district. Thinks Wave/Ocean energy needs to be tapped into and that we need a “Global Project” to face the potential of losing 50% of earthly species due to climate change. Supports a Clean Energy Act. As a doctor he feels we need to expand use of healthy molecules through raw juices to people. In closing he felt we had an array of problems that could be dealt with through compromise and Corporations stands as a problem. Smart guy but hard to understand. 2 out of 5 rating.

Tiffany Renee:  Stressed her community service as Councilperson of Petaluma and being the first Latina on the council. Feels Congress needs to work together. Feels we need to either raise the limit to $250,000 or eliminate altogether Social Security tax thresholds.  Thinks we need to reclassify cannabis and let city and counties regulate. As congressperson would look to consensus and evaluate when sometimes needing to “Fall on the Sword.”  Petaluma has been on the forefront of environmental issues for years and she has been involved in the processes. She “stays engaged” on issues and is running a low budget campaign. In closing she was optimistic that congress will have a large turnover. Sweet lady who is just not ready for this stage yet. 2 out of 5 rating.

Susan Adams: She has been a nurse 33 years and currently a Board of Supervisor member of Marin County.  With her leadership Marin has a Healthy financial reserve. Feels we need to get off fossil fuel dependence.  “Congress is out of touch. The majority of people filing for bankruptcy are from Medical bills!” Blames Bush and Regan tax cuts from the past. “Somethings wrong when Warren Buffet feels he should pay more tax!” See feels the need for taxing “Fair Share.” “We need to protect Social Security and Medicare  #1.” Feels that Humboldt County needs Marine Highway to transport goods in and out and feels we need better broadband. Economy will grow organically with right components.  Feels we need to sometimes not make partisan decisions but don’t give away the store either. Need to be a careful steward.  “We need Green Clean jobs!” Carbon Credits? Susan said she would hold dual residency if elected in the North and South parts of the district and has family in Carlotta.  In closing Susan claims to have “In the Trench” progressive experience and also has life experience of “Watching babies come into this life, and people leaving this life also.” She was clearly the best here. I didn’t know what to expect. But does she have any financing? That could be her problem. Financial viability is part of this equation. 4 out of 5 rating.

Stacy Lawson: Says she is the only one experienced in job creation. Has started up a few successful companies. Grew up in a mill town much like Eureka with logging and fishing the natural resources like the North Coast. Feels the gap is widening between rich and poor with stagnate wages.  Stacy says we need tax reform that mandates the rich paying 28%. As well as increasing corporate taxes and taxing transactions on Stock Trades. She also feels we need a “Jobs Plan” on the National level. Put people to work on infrastructure improvement such as Roads, Airports and Forest Restoration.  As far as compromise at the Congressional level, wants to put civility back in politics. Maybe more dinners and drinks at the bar to find common ground. Says the Klamath agreement is good for fish and water restoration and jobs with the dismantling.  She feels she has core middle class work ethics and would like to share a comprehensive job plan. With 65% of businesses classified as “Small” would like to see or force banks into investing back to the people. Stacey closed by stressing she had actually created jobs and would like to continue at the Congressional level. This is the “Job” candidate. Raw with little political background. But she might be the best financed of the candidates before this is over. So she is viable. She does have a framing and messaging issue that may be straightened out by high dollar consultants in the near future. I give her a 3.5 out of 5 rating.

Norman Solomon: Claims to be a 40 year  ”Progressive” and is doing “Feet on the Ground” campaigning. Wants Social Justice and Social Change. Jobs are a must with need for “Massive” Federal help. Need for Marine Highway and Short Sea Shipping.  Need to reform Wall Street. Will fight special interests. Will be able to resist the right because of refusing Corporate PAC monies. “We need to protect water Quality and Quantity!” Against oil drilling off our coast. He understands urban living and the need for representation from Rural areas. Used the word “Ain’t” too many times. We aren’t that bumpkin here! He closed by thanking former Eureka Mayor Peter LaValley and Eureka School Board member Susan Johnson for their endorsements and invited everyone to a get together on Jan. 11^th at the Eureka Theater with Phil Donohue hosting.  I was expecting more but he did OK. I really think he needs to step it up and separate himself from the rest. Still time. I give him a 3 out of 5 rating.      

Jared Huffman:  The “Anointed One” did not attend. He is spending time for the holidays with family. Sent Committee Co-Chair Bonnie Neely to read statement.  Bonnie did well with the written script. Did nothing for me. Huffman gave more of what we can expect from him in the future if elected. More of the same as what we have had.  1 out 5 rating.    

2nd Congressional predictions Trinity County!

On the ground organizing will be important in Trinity and it sounds like Solomon's campaign has this in order with the proper contacts. But Republican Dan Roberts will take this more conservative leaning county. Even though the numbers for each party is close, the Dems will be scrambling for votes. So after Del Norte and Trinty County predictions, Roberts leads at 1,970, Soloman is 2nd at 1,912, Huffman 3rd at 1,503 and Lawson in 4th at 1,308. Upcoming next is Humboldt!

County		Pop	Voters	Dems	Reps	Other	%
Trinity		13,800	7,700	1980	1925	235	54%
	Banafsheh Akhlaghi			40	20	5	1.6%
	Normon Solomon			650	158	55	20.8%
	Dan Roberts			75	975	20	25.7%
	Susan Adams			320	155	38	12.3%
	Jared Huffman			392	230	30	15.7%
	William Courtney			95	60	11	4.0%
	Andy Caffery			45	25	9	1.9%
	Stacey Lawson			248	255	55	13.4%
	Tiffany Renee			115	47	12	4.2%
				1980	1925	235

The Progressive Democrats of Eureka are hosting a candidates forum for the  2nd Congressional District TOMORROW (December 22), 7 pm at the Labor Temple, 840 E Street in Eureka. The Progressive Democrats of Eureka are an off branch of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee and are led by Eureka Councilperson Linda Atkins. Should be interesting since the PDA has already endorsed Norman Solomon.

Samoasoftball handicaps 2nd Congressional race starting with Del Norte.

I will admit there are alot of variables in this race. Will Banafsheh Akhlaghi drop out? There has been little heard from her camp. Who will Debra Broner and the Del Norte Democrats support? I know Normon Solomon will have support, and then it comes down to the money candidates. I am predicting a 37% turnout. Here is my prediction for Del Norte County this June:

Stay tuned for Trinity County next!

County		Pop	Voters	Dems	Reps	Other	%
Del Norte		28,610	12,440	1749	1749	1105
	Banafsheh Akhlaghi			52	17	22	2%
	Normon Solomon			577	140	332	23%
	Dan Roberts			87	647	166	20%
	Susan Adams			245	140	144	11%
	Jared Huffman			420	210	221	18%
	William Courtney			95	52	44	4%
	Andy Caffery			35	35	33	2%
	Stacey Lawson			280	305	165	16%
	Tiffany Renee			105	87	33	5%

Matt Gulley, Arcata High. Local High School observations.

The video is of Matt Gulley, who is the last player I coached now playing high school. I coached boys and girls basketball at Peninsula elementary for many years and have retired from that a few years ago. (Peninsula does not have enough kids anymore for a team.)

I recently went to watch Matt at the Arcata High Invitational honoring Jerry Paul and witnessed Matt score 10 points and block shots and rebound in helping lead Arcata to a win over Anderson High. Arcata made the Championship game against Franklin, and the Arcata coach only went 6 man deep and played just a few others under 1 minute. I hate it when coaches do this. When you are winning or losing by many points, bring in the reserves! This coach also had his son starting as a junior and played him almost the entire game, even though his son was getting exhausted out there! Will Taylor is looking really good a point guard and Tom Witzel may be the best player in the league this year for Arcata.

As far as the Eureka High Loggers go, this is the tallest team I can ever remember in the county! But they have a new coach who has a sophomore son as point guard and he is trying to run and gun and press all over with a short lineup! Coach, play to your strengths! Start 6'6" Senior Mitchell Hash at the point, 6'7" Junior Bryce Rose at the other guard, 6'7" Senior Mandeep Singh at forward, 6'7" Sophomore Eli Savage at the other forward and 6'5" Junior Nate Madsen in the Post! Tallest, most athletic team in the county. And use 6'3" Sophomore Alexis Robinson and Freshman Marcus Finney off the bench at Guards. And you still have 6'6" Senior Ryan Hulbert to fit into the mix on the fron line. This team should be the favorite in league by far!

Fortuna has 5 sophmores on their team, but the trump card is 6'3"Sophmore  point guard Nate Ambrosini. He broke the Loggers press effortlessly and was at the foul line 21 times. He ended with 25 points and led the Huskies to a Consolation Championship over Eureka. Brady Shaha is tough in the middle, but they are going to have height issues. (No one over 6'3").

McKinleyville will be fun to watch because of Parker Farris. He has to be the best improviser in the county. And he has great court sense. You can not teach what he does. Cody Bates plays with heart, but I just don't see alot off the bench.

It is early though, so these observations may come back and haunt me. 

Major Marks at Pearl Harbor 70 years ago!

That's my Father on the left. He was at Pearl Harbor 70 years ago today. He later became a Major in the Army and retired in the late 50's to become a lawyer.

Stacey Lawson for Congress?

I had a chance to meet Stacey yesterday in Eureka with a group of Labor Representatives and was highly impressed by her observations of the 2nd Congressional race. She has progressive values much like Solomon. This race also has Susan Adams, so there are many good choices. Huffman is the Corporate candidate with the anointing of Thompson, so I am looking for who has the best chance of beating him in the long haul. Stacey is the best funded, but it is still early.

Hometown Buffett closes!

Say it ain't so! How can I get my grub on when I want quantity and don't care about quality? Bring back King's Table! And why no notice for the workers?

Thompson gifts Warren Buffett 750 million dollars of public monies?

First, let me preface that I want the Dams removed from the Klamath. I want PacificCorp to pay for this.

In 1911 California Oregon Power Company started building 4 dams on the Upper Klamath river. For years Indian tribes and Commercial Fisherman have demanded removal in hopes of revitalizing fish runs. There is a tentative pact that will theoretically allow for farmers to retain water rights for irrigation in Oregon. The deal is a collaborative legislation between Congressman Thompson and Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley.

Here is my problem with this pact. The cost for removal is 1 Billion dollars! PacificCorp is to pay 250 million dollars and Thompson and Merkley want the Federal Government to pay 500 million! Then Thompson and Merkley say the remaining balance will be covered by "non federal sources." It will actually come from California Taxpayers through a chunk of a 11.1 billion dollar state water bond that is scheduled to be on the ballot next year. There will be no gain of our usable water supply in California with the removal of the dams. What is the rational? Improved runs on the Klamath will offset losses of habitat in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta. (According to Sacramento Bee writer Dan Walters)

So basically, instead of waiting for PacificCorp to remove the dams on their dime, Warren Buffet is benefiting with a gift of 750 million dollars total of your taxpayer dollars. Yeah, he really needs more money. And Thompson gets credit for helping fishing habitat in his new district in the Sacramento valley!

And Thompson wants a vote for Huffman? No thanks, Solomon for Congress!

Happy Turkey day!

Things to be thankful for:

1. Family and friends.
2. Food on the table. Thank God for the bounty!
3. Health.
4. Softball.
5. Niners are in first!

What do you have to add?

Eureka Basketball meeting tonight!

At the Adorni at 6pm. $600 per team.

IN-N-OUT Burger in Eureka! Oh Boy!

Rumor has it that IN- N- OUT Burger is setting up shop at the old Arctic Circle location on 5th St. Anyone else heard this? Now we will have to get used to that secret menu list. 2XMeat, Animal Style, Flying Dutchman and all the other cult names for their burgers. Bring it on!

101 Safety Corridor meeting. Larry Glass to BOS, “Don’t become Stockholm Syndrome victims to Cal Trans threats!”

And in a quick synopsis, what he was saying was the truth. Cal Trans wants this improvement project to move forward or they are threatening to close all the medians on the corridor. And Cal Trans is not going to help pay for the improvements! But they can fund the closing of the medians? This is just ridiculous. Most other needed road improvement projects in the County will now be put on hold for this 10 million dollar boondoggle.

The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to go forward with the project with Mark Lovelace and Jimmy Smith dissenting. There were around 40 people who spoke in public on the issue in a packed Board Chamber. Residents and business owners along the corridor are scared to death for their businesses and who can blame them with this threat by Cal Trans hanging over them. This doesn’t leave good community dialogue for solutions.

HSU tailgate practice, Jacks win 37-7! Why we live in Humboldt.

Lyndon Rowells ran for 246 yards and the Jack defense intercepted 7 passes in beating Western Oregon University 37-7 to avenge a earlier loss to them at their home.

It was senior night for the team and I was sitting near a woman who was mother to #40on the team. She asked if our group of guys were from Humboldt. I told her that between the 4 of us sitting together we had over 200 years in Humboldt! (Doug Weatherbee, John Egerer, Mickey Ayala and myself. And we have known each other over 150 years!) She thought that was real cool that we had lived that long in Humboldt. And that crowd tailgating? Add a few more hundred years!

Hug a Veteran day.

The picture is my brother Roy in Vietnam. He died of complications from Agent Orange exposure. He served in Nam and Korea. My father Major Marks was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed and he served in Korea. My oldest brother James served in Korea. My brother Mike served in Vietnam. I decided to not enlist after seeing the affects of Nam on my older brothers. I would have went if drafted, but the draft was stopped by the time I was 18. I hate war, but appreciate the men and women who fight for our freedoms. This day is for them.

Wanda Vickers leaves too early.

Wanda was so patient with all of the children she watched over on the Peninsula. Always looking for the good and trying to uplift any that were on the wrong path. Her Husband Glen and I worked at the Pulp Mill together for nearly 30 years. He was there around 45! Glen has played guitar for the Roadmasters band forever and I just can't say enough good for them both. She would probably find it amusing that the Manila Community Center was packed with an overflow crowd for her memorial. She had no idea on how many lives she touched. God bless her.

Local 49 Pulp Mill Workers last act of Benevolence.

The Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers Local 49 had a long history of donating to causes such as Relay for life, little league and others, so it was no surprise that the former Pulp Mill workers agreed with my suggestion to donate the last of our locals dollars to Humboldt charities. I put out a list of 8 charities that would garner a donation of $500 each and then went back and forth over the list. Here are the local agencies that I wrote checks to. I think these are very worthy ones for you to consider donating to if you have extra cash.

Food for People
The Humboldt All Faith Partnership
Humboldt Area Foundation
Humboldt Domestic Violence Services
Humboldt Senior Resource Center
American Cancer Society
Betty Chin/St Vincent de Paul Homeless Fun
Hospice of Humboldt

So that pretty much does it for Local 49. It has been an honor to serve as President and I have been so fortunate to have worked with so many great people at the Pulp Mill.

Local Union Shops!

Top 5 Best Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast places.

Sometimes you just have a huge grub to get on. And when it comes to Chicken Fried Steaks (CFS), you don't want it screwed up! I so miss Betty Mae's and Bev's.

#5 TIE-Cutten Inn, Pantry, Bear River and Hometown Buffet. It is a quantity thing you know.

#4 Marie Calenders. The portions could be bigger. Their coffee sucks.

#3 Momma's Kitchen. Not bad and always friendly.

#2 Kristina's. Awfully good, but you just don't know if it will be over cooked.

#1 Toni's. Hands down. You will have to dig through the pile to find the eggs and potatoes. Huge portion and consistent. That is a biggie with CFS.

Norman Solomon for Congress?

Anti Corporate, pro single payer health, anti war, against rural post office shutdowns, wants to invest in education and holds the creation of jobs as #1 priority.

This is the only candidate for congress that has been around the Humboldt County population hub multiple times. A Progressive doing a real grassroots campaign. Sounds like a good candidate to me!

Viet Nam Vet Carlos Giovanneti passes on. 37 year Pulp Mill worker. Only 558,000 Nam vets left?

Carlos Giovanetti passed away this past Monday. Loving referred to as a "Waspahoe" by his co-workers, he was actually of Italian and Tolowa Dee-ni' Native American ancestry. Carlos always said what he felt, even when the recipient might not appreciate it. He was always looking for public banter at work. He was a very competent operator and who knew the bleach plant well.

Carlos was a Viet Nam veteran that is fast becoming extinct. Out of the original 2.7 men and women who fought there, only about 558,000 remain with us. And as of the year 2000, 390 vets from that war die a day! Carlos and I had deep angry discussions about faith and Soldiers that died in Nam. Things happened over there that I just could not relate to.

Carlos was a great athlete who never bragged about his accomplishments and he loved to spectate at football, baseball, volleyball and softball games. He loved his family. What more can one say. I will miss him.

Obama the best in fiduciary responsibility?

You make the call!

Samoa Apple Festival! Harvest time.

It has taken 15 years for a dwarf apple tree in our back yard to produce. I have not seen any other apple trees on the Samoa peninsula. Robin has had success in growing cherry tomatoes but this years crop was slim.

Marks cars from the past. Between Robin and I.

Marks Best Car Ranking & What Happened?

1. 90’ Ford Aerostar- Gave away to neighbors who had kids
2. 98’ Mercury Tracer- Gave to Charity
3. 2002 PT Cruiser- Still have at nearly 200,000 miles
4. 85’ Camaro- Well over 200,000 when I gave it to my brother
5. 70’ Mustang- I loved this car! Sold it while in college
6. 2002 Mustang- Kinda wish I had kept
7. 1995 BMW 325i- Keeps Knapek’s electrical in business
8. 76’Mazda 3XP- Drove it until it rusted out! This car had no high end I tell you!
9. 78’ Cordoba- Fine Corinthian leather, nice ride traded in
10. 70’ Dodge Charger- Never had issues with engine, just electrical stuff, sold for $150?
11. 85’ Corvette- Hassle getting in and out of, traded in
12. 65’ Ford Galaxy- Boring but dependable. Someone in the family ended up with it
13. 98’ Escort- Gave to Charity
14. 2006 Neon- Totaled. Son was ran into from behind.
15. 78’ Olds Delta 88- Sold for a few hundred
16. 74’ Monte Carlo- Traded in for TR-7
17. 63’ Nova- Fire engine Red, traded for 60’ Impala
18. 99’ Contour Traded in
19. 75’ TR-7- Fun car when it ran! Traded in
20. 60’ Impala- Fins and all! Traded for 66’ Impala
21. 66’ Impala- Bad wreck when Motor Mount broke. Totaled
22. 60’ Ford Ranchero- “The Rat Wagon” 177 engine and gutless
23. 70’ Pinto- Worked for work
24. 70’ Mazda 616- Robin’s first car
25. 75’ Audi- Gave away to neighbors in need for family

Not sure all the years correct but close. Didn’t make the list: 61’ Ford truck, 2-85’ Ford Rangers, 87’ Honda Accord, 85’ Buick Rivera, Olds Cutless, 89’ Lincoln Mark 7, 89’ Cadillac and others I am sure I forgot.

Road Rage attack in Fairhaven! Sand Dwellers gots the anger!

I received a Neighborhood Watch report this morning regarding an incident of road rage. Seems a resident of Fairhaven was following a red Hyundai with a black spoiler on the peninsula heading south slowly and passed them. There was a girl driving with three guys and a pit bull in the car. They yelled and made obscene gestures at the guy when he passed them. The car that was passed followed the guy to his house in Fairhaven and the three guys brutally attacked the guy in his own driveway! Several Fairhaven residents witnessed the attack and followed the car as it left and parked in another place in Fairhaven. The Sheriff Department responded but the people denied involvement.

So now I wonder, why wasn't anyone arrested? And why do people have to be like this?

More Softball. Fall League 2011!

Mad River Softball Association is hosting a Fall Wood Bat Softball League for Adults. If you have a team, or you are a free agent that wants to play, let me know. League will start either Sept. 22nd or 27th and run through October.

"Eurtweeka, I lost it!" We need a new slogan! Contest by Samoasoftball.

Actually the City of Eureka had a one time slogan "Queen City of the Ultimate West" which does not seem to be very catchy. Sharing the "I found it slogan" with the State of California seems awkward in itself. We should have something like "Oyster Capital of the West", or "Fog City USA".

The City of Redding had a contest recently and had some pretty funny slogans submitted, "Redding, one methed up place!", "Welcome to Teabagastan", "Come on vacation, leave on probation", "Good paying jobs and great benefits are just a few hours away" and Welcome to Redding-(Slogan censored due to closed session vote on said slogan)."

There were more serious ones that were summitted, "Redding, Heaven on Earth, Hot as Hell", "Go jump in a lake!", Recreate, relax, repeat" and "A place to float your boat."

The winner won a dinner from Jack's Grill with "Redding: She's Hot!"

How about for Eureka; "Eureka, She's Tepid!"

Do you have a better slogan? Come up with good slogan and I will reward the best with a gift certificate for dinner for Rita's.