Eureka 2nd Ward Candidates tangle at Eureka Rotary meeting!

From left to right are Charlie Bean, Joe Bonino and Current 2nd Ward Councilwomen Linda Atkins.

The League of Women Voters hosted a forum at the Eureka Rotary meeting this Monday. The Three candidates are incumbent Linda Atkins, challenger Joe Bonino and write in candidate Charlie Bean. In the opening statements Linda said she is focused on Police and Safety. She wants to continue on prosperity projects and wants to work together with the community. Charlie says he has lived on the North Coast all of his life and wants to promote business. He would like to see a strong police department.  Joe Bonino says he has lived in the area 25 years and said he wants to retain the businesses we do have, support the Marina Center and continue on with good tourism.

Question #1. How would you fix the road conditions at 2^nd and T & S Streets?

Charlie seemed confused by the Question and to his defense, it was worded strange.

Joe did not have much of an answer either.

Linda admitted that area was neglected and explained the priority goes to more highly trafficked areas and traffic budget.

Question #2. Do you support the Marina Center?

Joe said the Marina Center is needed to give the Western side of the Boardwalk Project its proper build out. The need for completion makes the tourist expansion complete.

Linda said “yes” she supports the project. She explained that it is still going through the proper planning and permitting process.

Charlie said that he too supports the project. He pointed out that there were “games” being played with the process, but did not elaborate.

Question #3. What separates you from the rest of the candidates?

Linda pointed out her years of experience on the council representing the 2^nd Ward.  She says she is there for all sides.

Charlie said he has been involved with different parts of the community. He admitted to being pushy on most things. He likes to push his ideas.

Joe said he was not partisan and coachable. He says he has friends on both sides of the political isles.  

Question #4. Do you support the Occupy Movement?

Joe felt the original intent was “Hijacked!”  He felt the message was defused and while he originally supported the actions, he is a no now.

Charlie supported the original concept and message.

Linda agreed with the original intent. Bank of America was ripping us off and needed to hear it. But she felt health and Safety issues needed to be addressed and the area of the occupier kept clean.

Question #5. How do you address the Homeless and Transient issue?

Charlie said that this is tough issue. He pointed out that there are people out there who do not want to be helped.  “The homeless need to have more than just a place to eat!”

Linda said it is hard to control our homeless population because of our temperate climate conditions make this an ideal area with lots of green foliage. Felt we need homeless camp. She would also like to look at partnerships with landlords and pointed out a recent LA Times article with rentals being monitored by non-profits for ideas.

Joe pointed out that the homeless were there by “choice, circumstance or drugs.” And felt each case should be examined as such.

Question #6. How do you feel about medical Marijuana and do you have a 215 card?

Joe does not have a card and felt that all Marijuana dispensaries should be located either somewhere else in the County or in Arcata. He talked to an unnamed heath physician that told him that there are only about 200 real patient cases in Humboldt County that warrant a 215 card.

Charlie also does not have a 215 card. Felt the drug was used and abused. Wants stricter regulations, but had no problems with having a dispensary in Eureka.

Linda does not have a 215 card either.  (What? Are these the only 3 people in county with one?) She points out the Prop 215 was passed by Californians and that lawsuits have been filed at many levels. She supports an ordinance limiting grows and supports more regulation. “We are in the Wild West!”

Question #7. How do you feel about the Ridgewood Village project?

Linda said the City and County need to work together and traffic issues need to be addressed.

Joe felt that the project would be a nice addition if solutions to traffic were made. He wanted to know who would pay for mitigation of traffic problem and felt a direct route to highway was needed. The need for space to grow made this project ok.

Charlie had no problem with the project and liked the idea of more affordable housing. He felt developers should be covering the cost of mitigating traffic issues.

Question #8. Can you get along with fellow councilmembers?

Joe said while he might not be in lock step with council and would think as an individual, he could also be a team player. Used an analogy of being a golf player and individual, but has played tournament as team and can do both.

Charlie thought it was very important to work as a team. You might disagree, but be friendly and respectful.

Linda felt it was important to have different political views. “These are not my friends. I did not know them when I was elected.” She says she has been cordial and feels the Brown Act impedes knowing the other council members well. She felt the council and her agreed on most issues and city issues were moving along.

Question #9. How can you support Tourism?  

Charlie thought that helping the Chamber of Commerce was a way. Feels that both ends of Eureka gateway are ugly. Also felt we needed to promote more things to do to keep tourists here.

Linda felt that cleaning up our inter city parks was a must. She was worried about violent mentally ill patients in places that are tourist destinations. When mentioning Broadway she said “Ugh!”  Wants the Gateways to the city improved.

Joe wants Eureka to be a destination instead of a stopover.  Feels the Marina Center can provide this. Wants to see our sidewalks and gutters cleaned.

Question #10. How do you feel about Low Cost Housing?

Joe said we need this for our Homeless issues. Mentioned a State Law Calculation mandate. Pointed out single room housing that was in Old Town years back. Maybe a solution?

Charlie brought up that the housing element does not include low low income, low income and medium income. Has worked at the Housing Commission level.  Felt infill could be done.

Linda this was really needed and that the #’s weren’t that bad. She really wants to see a High Energy user tax on Industrial Marijuana grows around Eureka. She pointed out that homeowners were taking advantage of the situation and charging renters who grow 3 times the houses worth on the renters market.

Question #11. What are your top 3 priorities for this job?

Linda said her first is the General plan and updating ordinances from the 50’s and 60’s. Her second  is the High Energy Tax and her third is legalizing a Homeless Camp in Eureka. “So they can out of my neighborhood.” (Linda live is Coopers Gulch, a homeless Mecca in Eureka.)

Joe listed Public Safety as number 1. Finding a new City Manager as number 2, and hiring a new police chief number 3. Said our current chief is one of the best ever.

Charlie pointed out the General Plan as the blueprint to grow. Felt we need to go to businesses to find out problems.  His second priority was law enforcement. His third was affordable housing. Just as a kicker, he added a fourth, slow down traffic. (He mentioned about almost being hit on occasion.)

Closing:

Joe thanked everybody and said he supports a safer Eureka.

Charlie also thanked people and said this was new experience for him and he was a little nervous. Wants to be an ear of the people. Reminded everyone he is a write in candidate.

Linda pointed out the city has many challenges. Felt local politics were at its very lowest. Wants to improve prosperity and will respond to issues.   

34 years of Marriage? Samoasoftball & Samoaqueenbee!

34 years counting. Almost 39 together. The Endurance race continues..............

Samoa Softball Tournament History. Record Setter?

This weekend I will be hosting a softball tournament in Willow Creek. I have directed 4 there previously. It got me to wondering just how many tournaments I have held. I probably did about 45 in the town of Samoa and 22 in Weaverville. I think I did 3 in Fortuna and 6 in Arcata.  Maybe 3 in Blue Lake and 6 in Eureka. I held one at Big League Dreams in Redding. So I am nearing 100. I am sure no one is close to that in Northern California. Recently I held one as a benefit for Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, but I have also did fund raisers for other causes, mostly sports for Peninsula Elementary school.

As far as playing, this might be the first year since the 70’s that I have not been on at least one tournament championship. The last 36 years I have played on at least 20 league championship teams out of 50 league teams. That is over 600 games! I have played around 300 tournaments and been on over 50 championship teams.  In total, I have played in about 2,000 games, which is probably double anyone else in Northern California. Obsessed? Yes. Can it continue? Stay tuned. 

Check out this flyer from 1982! Had to be typed! 

How is this for a monster bracket!

Guaranteed 4 game play in bracket for this weekends softball tournament in Arcata. Haven't done this ambitious of a bracket before.

Humboldt County Democrats do County Fair!

Me and my buddy Obama at the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee booth at the county fair. I was tabling today and registered a few voters and saw many people I knew. We had over $60 in donations and some good (and bad) conversations. People came by and took pictures. Had one guy with a Joe Bonino button go by and say "you make me sick!" Well, I've been dissed by better! Overall a good day to live in Humboldt County.

Saving the Pelican in Shelter Cove!

Went down today to Shelter Cove with Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District CEO Jack Crider and Conservation Director Dan Berman. Last we were there a little over a month ago; there was a problem with juvenile Pelicans eating from the fish cleaning station and getting fish oil on their feathers by hanging out under the drainage pipeline when the grinding waste of fish carcasses went out to the ocean.  Our solutions included mesh netting over the cleaning station and an extension to the pipeline into the ocean. Also, the grinding and discharge of waste only at high tide. Our Mitigating measures seemed to have solved the issue. In the last month there have been no Pelicans hanging around. I did notice some around the rocks in the area, so they are still alive in the area.

Old timers hanging around felt the cleaning station is a very productive and “clean” way of doing business and complimented our efforts. They said in the past fisherman would throw their fish waste over the cliff, or in trash cans. It was said that fish waste would be in the tide all over the cove.

But here are what some people are saying, such as Northcoast Environmental Center, Zoo Notes, North Coast Journal and Bird Ally X,

The next hurdle to overcome is the “Water Discharge” issue from the grinder. In the near future it look like the Harbor District will have to dismantle the discharge pipe and come up with further solutions for the fish waste. Any innovative ideas out there?

Softball Dynasties come and go.........

The picture is from 1980. We were mostly in our early 20’s. The mighty M & D Team had won another tournament.  The players were from top left to right, Sam Skillman, Andy Lameroux, Mark Smith, Rob Colivas, Kevin Gomes, Mike Carroll and yours truly. The Bottom from left to right were Rick Mitchell, Kurt Brundgart, Loren Price, Sam Colivas and Mike Robinson.  We were the scourge of most tournaments, as were listed as “C” but knocked off “A” & “B” league teams in tournaments quite often. We notched tournament championships in Crescent City, Fortuna & Eureka but didn’t travel that much further. I first started putting teams together in the late 70’s as Traverse and Walsh/Early Bird Construction. Some of the top Teams in the late 70’s and Early 80’s were Tiny Tot’s, Sam C Milla, Johnny’s Cookhouse, Mazzotti’s and Art Johnson Sox. The top players at the time were John Lister, Mickey Ayala, Joe Denbo, Barry Scarpelino and Bob Sprague.

In the mid to late 80’s the bats were starting to change the game quite a bit. I folded the M&D team and played for James Hill Trucking, Bethel Church, Sacred Heart and Britt Lumber. The Calvary Brothers won almost every tournament they played in and we placed pretty well in the State Championships. The best teams during this time were Red Machine and Collenberg’s. Bodie Smith, Dave Frost and Paul Callens  were great players then.

In 1989 the James Hill Trucking team qualified to go the USSSA state championships in Woodland. 64 teams that survived their qualifying tournaments were battling it out. We finished 3^rd in the state which is still the highest ranking for any USSSA team in Humboldt County. The next year I tweaked the team as Louisiana Pacific. We went to a North State qualifier that had 79 teams in Martinez! We had to finish in the top 16 to face the top 16 in the South.  We did and ended up 4^th in the State! The top teams in the late 80’s and early 90’s were Latner’s, Rendevous, James Hill, E & J, Plateburners , Stinger’s and my Baywest Softball team. Top Players were Glen Johnson, Stacy Lyons, Jamie Robertson, Scotty Eskra, Bill Landowski, Rick Webster, Ronnie Webb, Mike Powers and Bob McCrea.

In the 90’s Mrytlewood Market had the best team.  They had Dave Allen, Gary Young, Barry Oliver, Mickey Ayala, Bob McCrea and any other hot player at the time. I had took up weight lifting and went from a placement line drive hitter to a power hitter. I played a few tournaments with Myrtlewood, but mostly was with James Hill. I also played for Everett’s in Arcata.

The 2000’s started the phasing in of Wood Bats in Arcata. The Tastebud’s and Ray Wolfe Construction were the teams to beat in Tournaments. Old Town Muffler had no competition in Eureka. The best players were Tommy Lawler, Chris Pence, Eric Eichen, Jeremy Rasmussen, Mike Dobrec and Jared Harpe. Kris Avelar and I started a Humboldt’s Finest team that dominated tournaments in the valley and reached a #5 ranking just a few years ago. But it was too much traveling and we folded.

Present. What have you done lately? I have slowed progressively the last few years. Two Wrist surgery’s didn’t help. I can still get on base, but am a liability on defense, but I still love to play. So I roll myself out there each week. Sons of Pitches are the team to beat the last 4 years. Bear River does well but plays little. Snow Leopards are up and coming.  The ebb and tide of the softball dynasties will continue. I was grateful I had a chance to play on some of the best while I could!

Explain this gas thingy again?

Explain this gas thing again to me. Ryan Burns of the North Coast Journal did a great job on trying to explain the issue, but while I was in Southern Oregon I paid less than $3.50 for a gallon of gas. That's right, $.50 less than Eureka! Most of Oregon was the same, and they have to pump your gas for you! So they are employing so many more and are still able to sell gas for that much less? Please help me understand!

Softball Tourney to help stop Domestic Violence!

Humboldt Domestic Violence Services looking for new Executive Director.

The Humboldt Domestic Violence Services is looking for a new Executive Director. The call out will come up in the near future. If you have experience as a director for a non profit agency, with any trained knowledge in Domestic Violence, you may be the person we need! Stay tuned.

Humboldt women Democrats make history?

For the first time in my memory, Humboldt County women Democrats are holding key elected positions. Virginia Bass is the Chair of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, Linda Atkins is the Chair of the Democratic Central Committee, and women Democratic's are the majority on the Eureka City Council, Linda Atkins, Marian Brady and Melinda Ciarabellini. Don't think that has ever happened before.

HCDCC unanimously votes Linda Atkins Chair.

Another packed house at HCDCC headquarters, but all very civil for a change. The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) did not debate and had a clear (unanimous) vote for a new chair, Eureka 2nd Ward Councilperson Linda Atkins. Milt Boyd was elected by majority to Vice Chair vs. Mike Winkler. Recording Secretary Barbara Kennedy and Treasurer Phillis Seawright were re-elected unanimously to their respective seats. Newly elected chairs of sub-committees that serve on the Executive Board also are Milt Boyd for Voter Registration, Bob Service for Campaign Services, Pam Service for Operations, Barbara Kennedy for Communication and Education Committee and Julie Timmons for Ways and Means Committee. It was a calm meeting and I really hope this next few years will be smooth for the committee. (Okay Kerrigan, you satisfied?)

I want a trail! And I want it now!

I sure hope that all the players come together soon. You probably couldn't find a person out there that is publicly opposed to having a accessible bicycle/hiker trail around Humboldt Bay. Is it just the semantics of what rail-banking is holding this up? Can't reasonable dialogue come into play. Personally I think a trail from Samoa to Arcata should be the highest priority as I have witnessed that corridor being used by bicyclist's as a main mode of transportation for people on the Peninsula. Heck, clear a spot off to the side so there can be an excursion train between Samoa and Arcata also. Does it really need to be made so political and polarizing? A safe trail between Eureka and Arcata would probably increase usage by five fold! Just let this happen before I die and I will be one happy user!  

Taxpayer watchdog David Elsebusch passes on!

David was one of a kind. Opinionated, vocal and confident in his ideals. I first ran across David and his wife Penny at Citizens Port Development meetings in the 90's while I worked for Louisiana Pacific. They were a great tag team when it comes to politics. Robin and I saw and visited David and Penny at stock car races, and they both had articles reporting the races locally. David once wrote a letter to the editor challenging people to run for office and it was that little push that had me sign up years back. And while he did not necessarily agree with my politics, he wrote me a check to start me on my way.

Some people just gripe and complain and do nothing to try to solve issues. This was not David. He was feet first in controversy. He will be sorely missed in this community.

  David in the #14 car.

Best Cover Songs of all time. At least by Samoasoftball standards.

10. I need love by Luka Bloom. Original by LL Cool J.
9. Ryan Adams doing Wasted Dreams by Iron Maiden.
8. My world is empty without you. By the Afghan Whigs. Original The Supremes.
7. Gary Jules rendition of Mad World. Tears for Fears cover.
6. Hazy Shade of Winter by the Bangles. Simon and Garfunkel tune.
5. America by YES. Two Simon and Garfunkels in a row.
4. Wish you were here. By Widespread Panic. Gutsy to take on Pink Floyd classic.
3. Johnny Cash does Trent Reznor song Hurt. And Johnny wears this song.
2. Baker Street done by the Foo Fighters. Gerry Rafferty did the original but I like the hard take that the Fighters bring.
1. To sir with love by Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant. From the movie with the same name. Done at a Bill Clinton inaugural ball.

Cherokee Union Organizer Eddie Carroll leads Redwood District Council.

Robin's grandfather Eddie Carroll grew up on the Cherokee Indian reservation in Oklahoma and moved out west to Humboldt and raised a family. He became a union boss  for the Redwood District Council (RDC) in 1960 and stressed organizing. He grew the RDC to 4,100 workers in 1961! I doubt there are that many forest industry jobs total now. Lots of union history here in Humboldt County. I thank God I have been able to be a union member. Especially next month as a I start to collect on my union pensions!

Samoa and Fairfield (Fairhaven) to annex with Manila?

To annex or not to annex, that is going to be the question tonight at the Manila Community Center at 6:30pm. The Times Standard screwed up by naming Fairhaven Fairfield, not once, but twice. Danco needs to have Manila take over the infrastructure of Samoa for their proposed project to move forward. Fairhaven participating will be a long shot as far as I have observed while a Director on the Samoa Peninsula Fire District. But there could be a mutual agreement of Fairhaven and Samoa residents creating their own Community Service District. I guess I will find out more tonight and if it is interesting, report tomorrow of the talks.

Update: The Manila Community Service District voted 5-0 to move forward with more feasibility studies on potential annexation as long as there is no costs created by the process. Samoa Pacific will have to fund all studies. 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace was present with addional information from LAFCO. (Is Lovelace at every meeting everywhere? Seems like it. Hats off to him. You would think he would be taking a well deserved break!)

Just who are the big "developers" everyone cries about?

Every election cycle the press refers to monies from local "developers" influencing local elections. The same thing on the blogs. But no one is defined as that developer. So under the cloak of anonymity or publicly, would you all please let me know who these evil companies might be? I don't see that much development going on. Will that all change now?

Assassination attempt on Major Marks! Happy Father’s day!

My dad was a mystery to me. He took me to my first Giants game, but that was pretty much the highlight. Never played catch with me, or had a fatherly talk or anything like that. He fathered 8 kids so there was not a lot of him to go around I guess. He was a major in the army and then he became a lawyer. Quite the character, he loved playing pool, bowling and drinking.  During his career, he had a few death threats.  The article below was a story of an assassination attempt on him. I guess it wouldn’t be the last.  

HCDCC makes the "Best Call!" Endorsements relevant.

That Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee endorsement just became that much more important. After stirring speeches by Josh Drayton and Heidi Benzonelli about the need of democrats supporting democrats and counter arguments of  past hypocrisy of the HCDCC leaders endorsing other party candidates in other campaigns, the HCDCC overwhelmingly passed a resolution requiring members to sign a statement to not advocate that voters should vote for someone other than the HCDCC endorsed candidate.

What does this mean? If you are non Democrat running for office and want an endorsement of a HCDCC member, probably ain't going to happen.

Walmart open today.Samoasoftball will stay home safely.

Never been a huge fan of WalMart and their relationship with employees. I mentioned to Robin about maybe picketing the opening on the Bayshore Mall and my wife of over 30 years said, "I will rip that sign out of your hands and whack you upside the head with it and stomp on your body on my way in!" I guess I will stay home instead.

SF Democratic Committee slides closer to the middle. Same with Humboldt County Democrats?

The San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee had 51 people run for 24 seats and they spent over $500,000 in the race with Scott Wiener spending $70,000 himself. And 6 of the winners are on the SF Board of Supervisors! That means that if any county issues come before the central committee they will have to post a notice of a meeting of the BOS! That is some serious Democratic politicking.

In Humboldt County there were 10 contested seats for the Humboldt County Democrats and 17 candidates. Two members of the Humboldt BOS are also on the HCDCC. No candidates spent more than $1,000. (In my case no where near that.) But did the committee really change? Here is my take.

1st District:

Heidi Benzonelli-Progressive
Julie Timmons-Moderate
Phillis Seawright-Progressive
Joan Hubbard-Moderate

2nd District:

Kathleen Creager-Moderate
Estelle Fennell-Moderate
Kristina Renner-Moderate
Barbara Kennedy-Progressive

3rd District:

Milt Boyd-Moderate
Michael Winkler-Progressive
Shane Brinton-Progressive
Barbara Carolan-Moderate
Pam Cahill-Moderate
Isabella Phipps-Moderate

4th District:

Linda Atkins-Progressive
Bob Service-Progressive
Pam Service-Progressive
Virginia Bass-Moderate

5th District:

Roger Smith-Moderate
Mike Pigg-Moderate
Keven Dreyer-Moderate
Sid Berg-Moderate
One seat open. How about Patrick Higgins?

So in my estimation, there are 14 Moderates and 8 Progressives on the current committee. It will be interesting on who the next Executive Board might be. It has been ruled by Progressives for years.

Should be an interesting meeting this Wednesday at 7pm. Bring the popcorn and maybe watch sparks and accusations fly! Hope the media is out to witness this.

Matt Cain really Patrick Cleary?

Have you ever seen them both in the same room? Me either! Don't know why I didn't figure it out before! Now we know where Patrick got the big bucks!

1st District Race & 2nd Congressional race still on? Bob Service is the only comeback kid I know.

Clif Clendenen and Norman Solomon look to still have a chance with over 6,000 votes pending in Humboldt County. But has anyone came back after a final report? Yes actually. Bob Service was trailing Jake Pickering 560 to 556 for the 4th District Democratic Central Committee race in 2008 and ended up winning 786 to 773! So it has been done in the past. Not likely to change though.

Samoasoftball attempts of Hegemony on HCDCC thwarted.

Actually, take over the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee was the goal. I came up short in the ballot box by 60 votes. I had not made it a secret that I was hoping for political reform on this committee. I do not like all the processes so I was trying to make change from the inside. But this is a public process and I respect the voice of the people. Congrats to Bob and Pam Service, Linda Atkins and Virginia Bass in the 4th District.

I will continue on as a Associate Member and do the Worker Bee type stuff. There are many great people on the committee and I hope we can put this all behind us.

Don't forget to vote!

2nd District Congressional candidate observations. Vote Susan Adams.

Andy Caffrey supplies this latest poll showing Huffman as a runaway victor in this primary race with Susan Adams holding strong to second. Solomon just never seemed to gain traction it look like. Here are some outside looking in observations from the Samoasotball peanut Gallery:

Jared Huffman: Front runner from the start. Nice TV commercials and great mailers. Lots of high ranking endorsements. This guy will be tough to beat after June.

Susan Adams: Nice mailers, but I have not heard one radio ad or saw even one TV ad. And her campaign looks to be dead broke. But is she survives this primary, I will maybe double down my last donation.

Norman Solomon: Why, oh why did he have to negative on Stacey Lawson? His mailers about himself were really good and positive, but the negative mailers were just over the top. I am sure there are many out there who will not support Norman just for this. I have not seen one TV ad or heard one radio ad.

Stacey Lawson: All that money and you couldn't afford more than one TV production? I don't watch that much TV but this commercial is on all the time and is grievous to watch. Her radio ads are pretty much a mirror of the TV. This campaign has been nothing but damage control. Too bad. She is very intelligent and likable. Just needs to start smaller, but she wouldn't be a multi-millionaire with that thinking.

Andy Caffrey: The front runners ultimate campaign on a shoe string budget. Andy has gotten the biggest bang for the buck for sure! Jay Leno, MSNBC, Newspapers all over the North Coast and the best watch in all debates! But no TV or Radio that I have seen outside his facebook. And no mailers.

Dan Roberts: Nice TV commercials. His campaign needs only to identify himself as the true conservative Republican in the race. If he has a slick mailer going to Republicans and gets them to vote, he could be a dark horse.

The others: Good people with no chance. But they have had an exciting ride and maybe will focus on lower offices in there communities. Tiffany Renee excluded as she is in public office currently.

Memorial Day.

Remembering my older brother Roy Marks this Memorial Day. The picture is my brother and my nephew Jamie Marks. “Bigs” was small in stature but huge in heart. Red hair and chip on shoulder. He died of complications from “Agent Orange” poisoning from Nam.

Roy was in the Army and a 1st Air Calvary Division soldier. Roy survived 1 term of service in Korea and 2 terms in Viet Nam and received a Bronze Medal, Air Medal and Army Commendation Medal for 25 missions over hostile territory.

PSSST! Ray Aspuria. Arcata High Basketball coach Bob Wallace has been on the chopping block for months!

I wrote my comments on Arcata High Basketball coach Bob Wallace back in November. I am really surprised that Time Standard sports writer Ray Aspuria had no clue that Bob was under fire. Bob is a great guy, but just seems to be a lightening rod when it come to public school issues. And there has been an ongoing group of parents dressed in orange attending Northern Humboldt Union High School District meetings to complain about Mr. Wallace and his coaching style. So Ray should have not been surprised, but should have been on this months ago! Ray asks, "Why hasn't the decision been made more public and media notified?" That is your job Ray! KIEM has been on top of this for quite some time.

I do hope that Ray does a follow up on this story. If the decision was made in close session, we may never know the reason Bob was let go. But I do know that 3 of the board members of the NHUHSD are coaches themselves. (Dan Collen, Mike Pigg and Dan Johnson have many years between them.) So please Ray, write a real investigative piece, not some commentary with no meat.

Richard Marks, Softball King! (Parody)

Allow me to introduce myself. I’m the best friging softball player you’ve ever met.

Just ask the opposing teams in the 4 leagues I’m in this summer. I flat out rake. You could populate a small country with all the pitchers I've taken deep.

I just spent three hours in the batting cage and hit the @#%$ out of the ball. Line drives, big flies, opposite field shots. I can do it all. Some kids next to me in the cages were staring and pointing at me. I can’t blame them. They’ve probably never seen a 55 year-old man wearing Oakley Blades and batting gloves who can hit bombs like me. Especially not with shorts this tight.

This season, I’m making sure we sweep all 3 leagues. Especially the Men’s League at Eureka. We were two outs away from winning that baby last year and now I can taste it. I’ve gotta get my hands on that 10-foot plastic trophy. It’s all I think about. Rumor has it the league winners get 2 free pitchers at Babe’s  Pizza after the season. No way we lose with the trophy and 78 ounces of Bud on the line.

I just bought all new equipment for this season. You should see the extra long stripped baggy baseball pants I got. Super tight. I picked up a new set of wristbands, a tube of eye black and a pair of 3-inch mud cleats, you know, just in case I need to break up a double play. I also got to get my hands on one of those $350 Miken Ultra II bat for a little extra power. It may cost me a week’s pay, but screw it, when I start cranking 250-foot shots it will be worth it.

I can’t wait for that first at bat. I’m bringing a tape deck to the game, so that I can blast The Scorpions when I walk to the plate. Nothing gets me fired up to play ball more than The Scorpions. Except maybe Metallica, but I save that for the playoffs.

I feel sorry for the other teams. They have no idea what I’m about to unleash on them. Actually, I don’t feel sorry for them. You think that anyone felt sorry for me when that bastard coach cut me from the Babe Ruth baseball team? You think Babe Ruth or Dave Kingman felt sorry for the other team when they took them deep?

They should have known better than to get into a league with me.

This year I’m focused. I practiced like a son of a bitch in the winter at Coopers Gulch and got the call to play catcher. That’s right, the main show baby. Only the best play behind the plate. I have to be sharp, so no more beer during the games. I’m going to wait until after the game to starting pounding cold ones and I’m still going to drink you under the table.

My initials might as well be M-V-P. That stands for Most Valuable Player for all you non-softball players. The League starts in a few months. I may take the week before off to prepare.

Why do I take softball so seriously?

F you. You’re just jealous!

(Disclaimer: I plagiarized some of this material. It reminded me of some people I know.)

I have had many comments on the fields about this on my facebook, so I thought I would go blog with it.

Mikes Drive In killing local jobs!

Don't tell me you don't notice the pattern. Wendy's gone. Jack in the Box gone. Artic Circle gone. Not to mention Quizinos, Arby's, KFC, Little Caesar's, Hometown Buffet and Round Table! Hundreds of jobs gone! Just because of a bunch of Garlic Fries and people buying Local!

Today T/S LTE. By Marks.

Vote Richard Marks, Virginia Bass, Marian Brady and Chuck Ellsworth to Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee!

Damn me!

My buddy Smokey passes.

Dammit! It is weird that I knew he would die today. I could just sense it. In the middle of the night he died in Robins arms at about 3am. Robin decided we needed a runt of a Pomeranian puppy that we named Smokey 13 years ago.  He hated people, (Except his pack family) and really hated cats. He was actually chasing them off his porch the day he died. He was around 15 pounds and loved food until the day before passing.  Robin is holding him in her arms as I write. I offered to bury him now but she doesn't want to let go yet.  

Susan Adams for Congress.

I really feel Susan Adams will do a great job in Congress. I love everything about her. But I do think there are other candidates in the race that are qualified. My main interest is supporting this candidate is she might be the ONLY one able to challenge Jared Huffman in the General election. (Jared once more blew off a debate in Humboldt County. Have you got the hint yet Humboldt? He doesn't care about you!) Susan has no real negatives for the Huffman machine to attack! I do like Norman Solomon and if he is in the top two I do what I can to help in the primaries. But really think Huffman will go negative about his arrest record. (Even if they are from peaceful demonstration.) And Stacey Lawson is really easy to talk to and intelligent, but Huffman has already exposed many weaknesses and has hurled her past as a negative. And Andy Caffrey just doesn't have the funds, but the debates would be boring and shallow without his insight. Those are my favorites, but I will cast my vote for Susan.

A lesson in Ballot placement for 2012 Primary election.

I had a quandary about ballot placements and asked people I thought would be in the know without great success. Each election a randomized alphabet drawing is done by the Secretary of State. (Check out the link to see the actual draw.) I assumed this applied for all elections in the state. But now I find out there is a variation. Congressional candidate Andy Caffrey posted on his facebook page the Sonoma County Sample Ballot, and the order was messed up according to the draw. I called the Secretary of State office and they explained that each county starts at a random number point and THEN follows the alphabet pattern. So where as Susan Adams should have had the top ballot placement since "A" was the third draw, Sonoma started at number 13, which happened to be "L" so Stacey Lawson is first on the ballot and John Lewallen. I don't understand why Lewallen is second since the second letter of his name on the draw comes up before the "A"  that Lawson represents.

I called the Humboldt County elections to ask what number we were starting from in Humboldt County and was told they were just going with the drawing set by the State. Huh? So what is the right answer? Obviously I have physical evidence that the different counties use the a different criteria of the random draw, and that was verified by the Secretary of State's office. But Humboldt does something different?

I know this is trivial, but when the 1st person on the ballot could get a 5% boost just on the count of luck of the draw, it is relevant.  

Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee not much different than SF!

 San Francisco Dems argue just like the our local HCDCC. Maybe more nasty. Here is a pretty good analogy by the SF writer:

Let me take a second on this “moderate” tag. Moderates in San Francisco are people who are liberal on social issues – like, frankly, 80 or 90 percent of the city – but conservative on economic issues. Conservative is the right word here: The moderates don’t typically support higher taxes on the rich and big business, don’t support development controls, are weak on tenant issues, don’t think that housing should be a right of all people and pretty much buy into what in the Clinton era we called neo-liberalism.

The progressives (who have economic policies more like the Democratic Party of FDR and Lyndon Johnson) and the moderates (who have economic policies more like the Democratic Party of Walter Shorenstein, Dianne Feinstein and Bill Clinton) have been fighting for decades over the future of a city where there aren’t a whole lot of Republicans.

But the Womens Democratic slate gets nasty.

Just refreshing to hear that we have alot in common with our neighbors to the south.

1st District Forum hosted by Humboldt Association of Realtors! Annette DeModena, Cheryl Seidner and Rex Bohn in showdown! Here comes that train!

The Humboldt Association of Realtors hosted a forum 4/25/12 at the Runeberg Hall in Eureka. I will try to dissect as much information as I can.  I had over 4 pages of notes, and I am sure you don’t want the long version. So here is a synapse.

Opening Statements:

Annette: Teacher, Grand Jury member and involved in Positive Research for Preparation of Information.

Cheryl:  Did you know that the Eel River used to be called the Weott? Her ancestors lived on the banks and also on Indian Island. Nobody in this race can claim longer linage. Champions’ local road improvement, health care, need of jobs and housing for all. “We need people talking to people as a collaborative effort!”

Rex: Said we need to create private sector jobs and be business friendly. “I like to get things done!” “This is the most beautiful place in the world!”

What is your position on the Forster Gil/Ridgewood project?

Rex: Is not happy that Cal Trans and the City of Eureka were left out of the loop. He does not feel the slopes in the area will be able to handle development.  Doesn’t like that the developers are not local.

Cheryl: New housing wouldn’t be bad, but the infrastructure needs to be dealt with. The traffic issues mitigated. Would like things to go back to the drawing board as far as water and sewage issues.

Annette: Lead agency was not addressed for project. “Lots need to be done. The streets proposed need to be widened.”

Should the General Plan Update protect right to live on TPZ land?

Cheryl: Protect landowners. Need to work together, private or not. “The County needs to work with the landowners!”

Annette: “Protect their rights to live on the lands.”

Rex: Protect property rights.  Respect the lands handed down to family members (Heritage) but respect the environment also.

Should County support Richardson Grove Project?

Annette: “Get it done as soon as possible!”

Rex: “Get it done tomorrow!”  “Needed for niche manufacturing and safer passage!”

Cheryl: “This is in litigation and out of our hands. Need to focus on local made products. This affects all of us!”

What are your feelings about the shady parcels from the planning department?

Rex: “This is a problem created in the 1970’s.” “Land owners need this to be fixed and fast tracked to allow property to be developed. That will create jobs!”

Cheryl: “You got me.” “My property was one of those shaded.” She felt this problem was handed down for generations, but the planning department was helpful. She thanked Jimmy Smith for help on this issue also.

Annette: Said that the planning commission was taking care of mitigation.

What are you feelings on the proposed Railroad going east?

Cheryl: Need a county feasibility study. Needs to be looked at vigorously.

Annette: “I am part of Prosperity 2012 and we are proposing a rail study.” She pointed out that many jobs would be created and the benefits for the harbor would be great.

Rex: “Tehema has approved feasibility. So has Trinity. Why is Humboldt the holdup?” “Having a viable deep water port could create 500 jobs.” Felt we needed to look at study because rail is environmentally friendly and takes truck off the road.

Are you a Private Property Advocate?

Annette: “Yes, I am an Advocate.” But she wanted to make sure land use decisions fit codes. Mentioned not liking the Tip Top club.

Rex: “Yes. Property rights are an intangible asset. “

Cheryl: “We own our property and should be good stewards.” “Meth labs in housing is not responsible ownership.” She would like to help people through the process and work together as a community.

How do we create affordable housing?

Rex: “Create jobs and housing will become affordable!”

Cheryl: “Every Neighborhood needs everybody!”  “Need to take of all and live together. That is a community!”

Annette: “It takes a village.” Feels that a community is responsible to do something.

What are you feelings of the restructuring of the Community Development and planning department?

Cheryl: “Sometimes offices get too big. I don’t know what happened. If that is what has been done let’s see how it works.”

Annette: “The Department grew too big.” “It is healthy.”

Rex: “It is a big ship and the Captain leading it is responsible.” “The planning staff need to know who they work for, us!” “The Department is not business friendly and plays with inventory numbers to the point that grants are misapplied for.” “The efficiency of this department has been grand jury discussion.”

How do feel about Rural lifestyle allowing Homesteading?

Annette: “It is a choice. Your right to do that. Go for it!”

Rex: “It means having a septic system instead of a sewer system.” “It is alright if you live within your means, just remember, the 1^st Responder is you!”

Cheryl:” I grew up in a rural community with well and septic service.” ”We’ve bee doing this for years. We are a hardy people.”

What is your opinion on the General Plan Update?

Rex: “What’s it been? Twelve years?” “Plan is unsustainable and unaffordable” “It strips away personal property rights.” “I have been to around 40 public meetings and this as a political football.” “May have to start over to anything done in Humboldt County.” Rex mentioned other counties only taking a little over 2 years to update their plans.

Cheryl: “In my opinion, it is going too slow.” “The process is huge and difficult. People were not being listened to. ““Need to vote this one in and start a new one”

Annette: “The County General Plan needs to be updated every 20 years and we are getting close to that many years.” “The process is too slow.” She feels the need to readdress the Citizen Advisory Committee, and land use issues. 

Contrast these roles, private sector vs. public in community planning decisions.

Cheryl: “Private is very important and Government needs to cooperate.” “Makes me crazy. “ “Need to get to the meat of things!”

Annette: “Currently this is being done top down with not much public input.” “There is power in the people.”

Rex: “For the people, by the people.” “Private sector pays the bills!” “You need the private sector to attract businesses.” “ Need to get things done, no cum bay a or touchy feely stuff.” “We meeting stuff to death!” “So no just having a meeting so we can say we had a meeting.”

What is the first thing you would have the new planning director address?

Annette: “How do we serve the people efficiently for all?” “Have them be part of the solution and not the problem.” She would like to help support change.

Rex: “Improve customer service.” “Run the department like a private enterprise.” When Bob cannot obtain a permit, Bob cannot work, so no jobs!” “If staff needs checks and balances, staff is limited by their Supervisors.” “Need to copy other places for customer service.”

Cheryl: “People First!” “Talk to the Director and go through right channels.”

Closing Statement:

Rex: He feels he has the Qualities to get things done. An emphasis on Public Safety, Roads, Parks and less on grants.  “I will work like there is no tomorrow!”

Cheryl: Not a stranger to hard work.  Wants to help people who can’t help themselves. “People First!” Has raised money for the community and promises that “The doors will always be open!”

Annette: Spent 24 years here in education. Been active in the community. “I do care. I can’t serve people if I don’t know who they are.”  People approached her to run for this seat.

Humboldt Bay Symposium 2012!

Big League Dreams in Humboldt County?

New ball fields in Eureka? In the early stages, but BLD's is putting together a proposal for Eureka. The BLD in Redding has 5 all weather artificial turfed baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, roller hockey, beach volleyball, basketball, batting cages, walking trail, playground, arcade, bar and grill and so much more. Shasta county has around 177,000 population and Humboldt 135,000 so maybe a BLD lite will do. So all you ball players from ages 5 to 100 get ready to lobby hard if we get a chance!

Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee hates HumCPR. Rejects Estelle Fennell endorsement. Patrick Higgins barely makes associate. Change happening soon.

The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) is at it again. They decided to not endorse the only Democrat running in the 2nd District Supervisor race. Why? Because of her involvement with Humboldt Coalition for Property Rights (HumCPR). Seems that members of the HCDCC are afraid of uncontrolled growth in Rural property. Did anyone point specifically what they were in disagreement with her? Of course not. That would be relevant. What percentage of the people in Humboldt County care about the General plan or even know there is one? There are over 600 pages of documents to the Humboldt County General plan and I would guess very few in the room have actually read and understand the document. Estelle is a sitting HCDCC member and will be serving another term. That should make things awkward. Sitting 5th District Harbor Commissioner Patrick Higgins barely was elected as an associate. That is whole story in itself.

The HCDCC E-Board is unraveling. Chair Milt Boyd announced his stepping down in June. Vice Chair Chris Beresford also announced her resignation. I haven't always agreed with either of them but respect them none the less. They are good people and will be sorely missed.

Burger too big for Samoasoftball?

Stopped in Willits for lunch on the way back from Sactown the other day and ordered the big Redwood Burger on the menu. The waitress looked at me and said it was really big. I was really hungry and went ahead and ordered it. Ridiculously huge. It looked like one of those challenge to eat sized burger. If you are really hungry and are in the area, go for it!

Congressional candidate Jared Huffman a no show again for Humboldt County debate! Sound bites from the Humboldt Senior Resource forum.

Humboldt Senior Resource Center was the latest stop for what Susan Adams refers to the “dirty dozen” candidates running for the 2^nd District Congressional seat.  But alas, Jared Huffman was once again a no show for a debate held in Humboldt. Guess the Heir Apparent really doesn’t like it here in Humboldt. And that is the kind of representation you will get if you vote for him. He might not be too popular in Sonoma County either with Native Americans and Union workers because of his opposition to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria casino project in Rohnert Park. To be fair, Brooke Clark was also not able to attend.

But 10 of the other candidates who did show up to this forum moderated by the League of Women Voters were vocal and opinionated. Here are some short observations.

Andy Caffery:  “I would rather have the Government between me and Heath care provider than multinational Corporations between me and my Heath Care provider!” Wants a New Green America and climate change to be addressed. Not into reforming Healthcare, but rather shifting to a new paradigm of being part of a community of wellness. Need clean food. Pointed out that as of now over ½ of America lives lower middle class and below.

Susan Adams: “Send a nurse to the White House to heal!” She says she is battle tested with experience money can’t buy. Need a wage ordinance for In Home Health Services. Has vast knowledge of all health care issues. Would like to see us “Get out of Cars” and has been on forefront of ways to do that with environmental reforms.

Tiffany Renee: “I will work hard for you!” Would like us to stop funding military and start funding programs for health reform. Member of the Sonoma County Transit “Go Green” committee. Universal health coverage.  Advocate for “Age in Place.” Like to see seniors retrained and brought back into work environment.

Stacey Lawson: “I want to rebuild the Middle Class.” Need to go green as far as transportation. Congress is presently giving no solutions. Used to be able to build relationships at the Capitol with handshakes. Now no trust.  Need to enable seniors to go back to work.

Norman Solomon: Need to have “Faith in Democracy.” He feels public transportation is not working and federal government should not be “Let off the hook.” Has been a proponent for single payer health care for decades. Wants to create a “New Real Healthy Society.”  Supports “Green New Deal.”

Dan Roberts: “No Bail Outs!” He goes to DC 5 times a year and understands the processes. Says he is a moderate on social issues.  Need community based solutions.

Larry Fritzlan: “I will piss people off back there!” (Washington)  “Democracy Rocks!” He says Washington is a mess and he will fix things by taking money out of politics. Both parties to blame.

William Courtney:  “We need term limits and fresh faces.” We need new ways to do business. Supports clean energy act. Magnetic and electric transportation in need.  Need to address the 3 million seniors living in poverty. Supports marijuana use for Alzheimer patients. Also supports the use of organics for healing people.

Mike Halliwell: “We are the first generation that will leave the environment worse that when we entered.” Need to live and work longer. Can’t keep kicking the can down the road as far as federal programs. Need local control when it comes to transportation.

John DeWallen: “We need to take care of each other.” Need to stop military spending and Tax Corporations. Need military peace conversion. He harvests wild sea weed. 

(I think Andy Caffery kicked buttocks at this forum. )