Eureka Rotary DA race debate leaves lots of questions.

Today’s Eureka Rotary Humboldt County District Attorney debate was interesting to say the least. The League of Women Voters (LWV) hosted the format and I came away with information I was not privy to before. I have met with 2 of the candidates but have not officially endorsed or committed my vote to any at this time. Each candidate had a one minute opening statement.

Arnie Klein opened the forum at equated politicking around the room reminded him of “Speed Dating.” He outlined long experience and referenced the Rotary flag with, “Is it the Truth? Is it Fair?

Allan Dollison spoke of 19 years as Attorney and half of that time he was in the DA’s office. He also served in Iran and Iraq and is currently Lieutenant Colonel in the National Guard.

Elan Firpo said she was the only current candidate actually currently in the DA’s office and explained her executive experience prior to becoming a lawyer.

Maggie Fleming outlined her 20 yrs of experience and how she actually worked with 3 different elected Humboldt County DA’s.

(Nobodies opening gave them an advantage. Arnie was the most clever.)

Questions:

What is the biggest problem in Humboldt County?

Allan: “Crime in Eureka!”

Maggie: Drugs need to be addressed.

Arnie: Need to go after serious crime offenders. Explained, “Arnie is for the people!”

Elan: Mental health is the biggest problem. Pointed out one person being arrested 359 times. “We need to focus on getting people healthy.

(I feel Elan gave the best answer and solution based approach.)

What is your opinion on Marijuana?

Arnie: “We need to take back the streets!” MJ will be lowest priority but will go after trespass growers and environmentally bad grows.

Allan: “There have been new studies about the bad mental effect of MJ. It is an intro drug. “ He said we need to look at Colorado laws and corporate grows.

Elan: “There are Growmaniacs, criminals coming to raid and pollute. The problem isn’t the plant.” She would have a vertical prosecutor trained to specialize in grow situations.

Maggie: She pointed out that it was a statewide issue and she is against environmentally invasive and trespass grows and the crime because of them.

(Again, Elan had the best answer and addressed how she could help the DA’s office do better. That is what everyone is looking for.)

How many people have had work under you that were responsible to you?

Maggie: She said she had 14 to 18 under her, but then back tracked and noted she was just filling in for Wes Keat.

Elan: Started off really confused and hard to understand, but finished with explaining she had 30 high level employees under her that oversaw 3,000 workers down chain. She had the power to hire and fire at least 50 at a given time.

Allan: He said about the same as Maggie. He had also filled in for Wes Keat. He had been recently promoted to head up a troop battalion of 140.

Arnie: Has led departments in Beverly Hills, West LA, Compton and Tulare. He joked that everyone up there had at one time been head of the Humboldt office.

(Allan was able to explain easily and understandable and gets extra points for his service record.)

Who are your largest donors and how much is the largest donation?   

Elan: Named Jasion Chand and Neal Ewald but didn’t divulge amount.

Arnie: “My campaign chair and fiancé Kitty is my largest donor, but I have many donations from past fellow prosecutors from past DA offices.” One from Vegas gave him $500.  

Maggie: Said her largest donors were her family and wouldn’t divulge anything else.

Allan: “I am my largest donor at $20,000. I also have been given $500 from Robert Helm.” Helm was a past fellow combat soldier.

(Allan was straight forward and answered the question.)  

What do feel about the Homeless issue?

Maggie: Pointed out that this was a mental health issue that impacts caseloads. “Some of the people won’t accept help.”

Allan: Pointed out “Being homeless is not a crime. They are more times victim!” He felt there needed to be proper services and has been involved in the StandDown program for homeless vets.

Arnie: “They are sleeping under the bridge! In 2010 there were 150 that swooped into Garberville.” Said they were ruled by the “Law of the gun!”

Elan: Said there were chronic problem people that just need to be “Safe and warm.”

(Allan once again made good points.)

What is the one thing you would change or do different than the current DA?

Allan: “Need more resources. Did you know that the DA’s office has not prepared or presented a budget to the Board of Supervisors that last two years?”

Maggie: The oversight of the department. She worked in the past with many experienced prosecutors and said there are young ones in the DA office now.  Because of plea bargains there is a lack of confidence from the community.

Elan: Pointed out a lack of “Vertical Prosecutors.” Felt there needed to be a focus on training to more specialized focus. Such as one for drugs, one for environment, one for victim witness and so on.

Arnie: Said you can only do so much. He said he would deputize prosecutors in community areas so they wouldn’t have to travel all the way to Eureka. Those people would know the problem people. “Switching chairs on the Titanic won’t do anything!”

(Elan gave reasonable solutions instead of complaining about current problems.)

What about realignment and how do you deal with petty crime with no repercussion?

Maggie: Said we needed to treat the problem locally and work with law enforcement.

Arnie: Pointed out we have an ugly jail. “Put people in jail if they harm people.”  

Allan: “Realignment was a terrible idea for the State to put the responsibility on the county and let them try to figure it out!”  Pointed out that there are only 3 people currently with house monitors in the county. He wanted to hold people responsible for violent crime.

Elan: Said that people have figured out how to get around AB 109. She pointed out getting long term sentences for Meth dealers.

(Allan is so right here. But why aren’t more people monitored instead of in jail? That is the bigger question.)

What would do about Panhandling? (C’mon LWV. You couldn’t pick a better question?)

Arnie: ”Nuisance, but least of problem.” Noted it was bad for business. Felt they needed to be cited but not a major public safety problem.

Elan: Felt the money they were collecting was for drugs. Said the trim jobs that bring people into the community helps cause this problem. Not a DA’s job.

Maggie: Also pointed out the trim workers and said citing them and doing a work program would help issue.

Allan: “I have been in big cities and see less here.” Deal with in homeless court and don’t criminally prosecute.

(I will agree with Allan that this problem is bigger in some cities. Portland and SF comes to mind. Part of Maggie’s work program seems to be good solution. And it is just a nuisance, like Arnie pointed out. I have seen studies/survey that shows that nearly 90% of the panhandlers supplement their intake. And many of the same use for booze and drugs also.)

Closing Statements

Maggie: Explained that everything she has done in her campaign is “Transparent.” Then became defensive and pointed out that people should check her opponents claimed work record and where and when she actually did. (Wow! I was shocked and noticed all the people around me shuffling uncomfortable in their seats. I have had multiple people I respect give personal testimony of Maggie’s competency and character. This was not good!

Elan: Had to use some of her time answering the alluded to accusation of past work history. She then pointed out that the DA’s office has excellent attorneys.

Allan: He and Maggie were once in a DA’s office of 20-25 attorneys. Said midnight release policy should be stopped. Pointed out 2 murder cases that happened with early release and Maggie’s agreement that early release would continue.  He also let it be known current Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey has endorsed Maggie.

Arnie: “Need communication and teamwork! Just because you coach youth soccer team does not mean you can coach in the NFL!”

(So who am I supporting or voting for? I just don’t know. You only meet an Arnie Klein once in a lifetime. Great guy. Funny and smart. Old school.  Allan? I just can’t seem to get past the de-barred from practicing law for not producing services paid for and rendered. Practice law? Fine. Hold the position of DA? That is a higher standard. But I love his commitment to God and the USA.  Maggie? This debate is my first real exposure with others in the room. And it wasn’t good. At previous Democratic Central Committee and other public gathering meetings she was engaging and nothing but positive. Why the attack on Elan? Got me. Maggie is the clear frontrunner. Better to keep positive. Elan? I have met with Elan a few times. I gave her advice early in her campaign. She politely listened and considered. She fed me cookies at Arts Alive in Eureka a few times and always smiled as she manned her booth with her two kids. I am leaning Elan, but I will wait to see what comes up. Arnie might buy me a beer and take it away!” Joking , please.)    

I am in an unhealthy relationship! My cohabitant is Diabetes.

I was diagnosed years ago and tried to ignore the fact and hope it just went away. But after running blood sugars of 300 after a night of fasting, it was taking a toll on my body and my eyesight. I tried dieting and abstaining from beer and I have never been much of a sweets or soda type person. I went from 250lbs to 197.5lbs (A recent weigh in.) So now I am a slave of the needle.

Things I hate and diabetes observations:

I have type 2 diabetes. So much of this problem is from the man in the mirror.

If you consistently run over 200 blood sugars there is nothing you can naturally do to bring it down. Oh they say exercise and drink lots of water. Tried it and that does little. You will need to do insulin.

Metformin sucks! Tears your insides up. I take 200 mgs of these horse pills a day and then it can send me to the bathroom stalls for a bit. One of my health care providers said it was a miracle type drug and should be added to our public drinking supply like fluoride. I really don’t think our sewage systems could take that!  

Poking yourself with needles is an everyday inconvenience. Today I poked myself to test my blood and couldn’t stop bleeding. Finally had to put on band aid.

I must have 10 years of lancets around the house. Do people really change their blood plungers that often? I don’t.

Some times when I shoot my insulin injection it hurts like hell. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt at all. I haven’t asked anyone if they use their pen needles more than once. I am tempted but I am sure that would probably hurt more.

The Lantus Pen is a very easy to use injection tool. And I hate it to death!

I can eat all the bad crap I want and now crave sweets and the other day I had a 115 blood sugar count. And I haven’t had over 200 for months now.  Go figure. I should have started using the needle years ago.  

Eureka not big enough for both Richards! Salzman and Marks that is.

Richard Salzman ran into me while canvasing for Chris Kerrigan on J st in Eureka. Chris was right behind him and Virginia Bass was behind me. What are the odds of that? Probably pretty high in a small town like Eureka. It is always best for the candidate to get most of the houses but we have had over a dozen volunteers walk and knock the whole district once over so far. Thousands of doors. We have about 700 signs out there and what we have left are going fast. If you have a sign location let me know!

Robin Marks new Humboldt Domestic Violence Services board President.

My wife Robin was elected President of the Humboldt Domestic Violence Services board. (I was elected Treasurer.) We need more board members! We meet once a month on the last monday of the month. Just about every family has been affected by Domestic Violence in some fashion but few want to talk about it. If you have time and would like to help a good cause, let me know.

Operating Engineers local 3 endorses Virginia Bass!

Virginia Bass has been honored with the  Operating Engineers  local 3 endorsement tonight for her re-election cycle for Humboldt County 4 District Supervisor. They have pledged phonebankers and precinct walkers as well as a financial support! Virginia is continuing her history of being an outspoken friend of labor on the Board of Supervisors. Check out her website at Virginia Bass.

 

Mike's Burgers is the next "Roasted" Wienie place!

"This Hot Dog reminds me of George Bush! It left a bad taste in my mouth!" Steve Harris 2014. I will probably have to break this up into two divisions sometimes; one for me and one for Steve.

1. Hot Dog-For Richard: I had a double chili dog. Sloppy and just what I expected. Not great but filling. Rating: 3 out of 5

1. Hot Dog-For Steve: Bland. Steve was not impressed at and threw half of dog away. (He offered it to me first.) Rating: 0.5 out of 5

2. Condiments-These are way sloppy dogs. For me that was good. For Steve, well, he was just disgusted.  Rating: 2 out of 5

3. Ambiance- Old run down decor. Not as many Republican type literature makes it a little less drab. Had to eat outside because of no inside sitting. Rating: 1.5 out of 5

4. Extras- Richard: I had the garlic fries and they were good. Little less greasy than I would have liked. Rating: 3.0 out of 5

4. Extras- Steve: Hated them! Too greasy and he was just appalled. Threw half of those away as uneatable. I look at the greasy part as a plus! He must have got mine! Rating: 1.0 out of 5

 5. Parking-Along 7th Street is not bad, but we parked out back to eat at tailgate. Not real ideal. 2.5 out of 5

Overall rating 2.0 out of 5 Steve will probably never darken this door again. Me? Sometimes you just have to have a garlic fry fix. I will be back.

North Coast Rail Authority rolling toward the Black? Bay area wants Mad River water? February Meeting in Healdsburg.

North Coast Rail Authority rolling toward the Black? Bay area wants Mad River water? February Meeting in Healdsburg.

All nine Directors were present for the February meeting. Former Director Gus Wolter was recognized for his past service. The board discussed Committee reports for the Property and Finance Committees before we had our first conduct of business, which was Discussion of Reinstatement of Stipend (or pay) for the Board Members. I spoke against and the other Directors agreed to table until next year. We then approved a financial audit by Pisenti and Brinker and approved an agreement between the NCRA and Parallel Infrastructure for Auditing services that will actually bring in monies for identified Right of Ways.

Executive Director Mitch Stogner reported on a letter sent to the Sonoma-Marin Area Rapid Transit (SMART ) concerning 16 turnout projects needed by North Western Pacific Co. (NWPco) between Novato and Santa Rosa. Mr. Stogner also reported on Project Engineer John Anderson’s pre-feasibility type estimate of repairing 52 miles of rail line form Windsor to Ukiah.  There is interest by the Chinese Rail Institute through HJI Group to fund this potential 40 million dollar expansion project.

Property Specialist Doug McCorkle has had inquiry by the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District of potential water pipeline from Mad River to the Bay Area using the NCRA rail Right of Way. Quite shocking for the Humboldt Directors and first I had heard of that.

NWPco Operator John Williams said he needed more of the turnouts active and spurs available for more business. Would really like to see expansion to Cloverdale at least. Would prefer the NCRA pursue grants rather than loans. NWPco now servicing 7 businesses with 15 to 20 loads a week and ready to make a profit.

The above picture is the service of barley to Lagunitas in Petaluma. The Below picture is of NWPco operating through heavy rain near Shellville on Feb. 10^th, 2014. Yes, rail is currently up and running.    

Humboldt Democrats violate their own Bylaws to remove Lifelong Democrat Ciarabellini!

Lifelong Democrat and current Eureka 4^th Ward Councilmember Melinda Ciarabellini was removed tonight from the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee (HCDCC) as an “Associate” member in violation of their own bylaws that state, “2.11 Resignation and Removal: This Committee also may remove a regular MEMBER (Regular and not Associate), except an Ex Officio Member, for the following grounds: • (d) Publicly advocating that voters should not vote for the Democratic endorsee for any office, or giving support or avowing preference for a candidate of another party or unaffiliated candidate who is opposing a candidate endorsed by the Democratic Party.

The vote was 12 yes, 9 no and 1 abstention. A vote to table the vote for removal until clarification of bylaws failed 10-10. Obviously Humboldt Democrats didn’t overall agree on this action. (I pointed out that the HCDCC Bylaws should supercede an new resolution.) Lots of discussion.

Melinda endorsed her longtime friend John Fullerton over Lisa Ollivier for Eureka City School Board.

Virgina Bass for 4th District Supervisor Kick Off! Tomorrow 12pm County Courthouse Steps! Rain or Shine!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Eureka, CA – 4^th District Supervisor and lifelong Eureka resident Virginia Bass is announcing her campaign for re-election this Friday February 7^th at 12:00pm in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse, in Eureka.

Since taking office, Virginia has worked hard and accomplished many things for the citizens of the 4^th District and Humboldt County.  Bass mentioned a couple specific highlights she is especially proud of, “The working relationship between the County of Humboldt, the City of Eureka and the Harbor District has vastly improved. Through my efforts as well as those of fellow elected and staff members in all three entities, we have made great progress in our collaborative efforts leading to improvements in the areas of Economic Development, Resource Protection and Public Safety. Additionally, we took the necessary steps to provide our County with a planning and building department that is truly in touch with the needs of our community.” 

 

Supervisor Bass is pleased to have the support of the following Officials:  

"Virginia is experienced and committed as a Supervisor to the people and community of Humboldt County.  I especially appreciate the energy, professionalism and inclusiveness she brings to her work, and I value her as a resource and a key partner in my work representing the North Coast."  Jared Huffman U.S. Congress, 2nd District.

“Virginia's dedication and commitment to the county of Humboldt is unsurpassed.  Please join me in supporting her for re-election in 2014.” Rex Bohn, 1^st District Supervisor of Humboldt County.  

“It is both a pleasure and an honor to work with Virginia on a daily basis.  Her open mindedness and willingness to move Humboldt County in a positive direction has played a critical part of many important accomplishments.” Ryan Sundberg, 5^th District Supervisor of Humboldt County.

While I am proud of what has been accomplished, I am aware that there is still much to be done and I am not only confident but look forward to continue to work towards making Humboldt County an even better place for us all.” Bass said.

 

Please join your friends, neighbors and community leaders in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse in Eureka to support Virginia this Friday, February 7^th at 12:00pm. Rain or shine.   

Committee to Re-Elect Virginia Bass 2014

A partial list of endorsers:

                Humboldt Deputy Sheriffs' Organization

Jared	Huffman
Mike	Thompson
Mike	Downey
Rex	Bohn
Estelle	Fennell
Ryan	Sundberg
Jimmy	Smith
Dave	Finigan
Mike	Sullivan
Susan	Adams
Mike	McGuire
Dave	Parris
Steve	Strawn
Ray	Jerland
Loretta	Nickolaus
Jim	Wood
Frank	Jager
Chet	Albin
Marian	Brady
Melinda	Ciarabellini
Mike	Newman
Polly	Endert
Chuck	Goodwin
Mike	Jones
Connie	Miller
Mary Beth	Wolford
Greg	Dale
Richard	Marks
Aaron	Newman
Dennis	Hunter
Ronnie	Pellegrini
Mark	Wheetley
Dave	Edmonds
Linda	Disiere
Garth	Sundberg
Sue	Long
Jeff	Farley
Pat	Whitchurch
Michael	Giacone
Brian	Mitchell
Troy	Nicolini
Bruce	Rupp

The Wienie tour "Relished" this place a little too much.

The wienie tour took us to Fresh Freeze on Harris in Eureka.  

1. Hot Dog-Was Grilled and so was the bun. Steve had a Long dog with everything. I, boring course, had yet another chili dog! Chili was just average. The buns were very good. Rating: 3.5 out of 5

2. Condiments-Lots of fixings poured on by the cook. They have those cheaply made catsup packets. They did give us a bottle when requested. Steve said there was too much relish on his dog.  Rating: 3 out of 5

3. Ambiance- Ya gotta love the 50’s type theme. The black and white family picture with all the kids in what looks to be a convertible Nash with no seat belts is classic Rating: 4 out of 5

4. Extras- The fries were just so so. I had a chocolate milkshake that was really good.   Rating: 2.5 out of 5

5. Parking-Nice big lot. Usually some old time cars to check out. Service is a little slow, so be prepared to wait. 4 out of 5

Overall rating 3.5 out of 5

The Wienie stops here! At Toni's! The search for the perfect hot dog pushes on.

The next target for wienies was Toni's in Arcata for Stevo and myself. They are just west of 101 at Guintoli turnoff.

1. Hot Dog-Grilled and good. Steve had a double dog with everything. I, of course, had a chili dog and it was full of their great chili with cheese and onions! The buns were nice and soft. Rating: 4 out of 5

2. Condiments-They put on the fixings. Very little stuff on tables. Rating: 3 out of 5

3. Ambiance-It’s Toni’s. Working class food and atmosphere. Farmers, truckers and other down home Arcata types. I run into many people I know here. Rating: 4 out of 5

4. Extras- There freaking fries and onion rings are the best! If you are hungry for breakfast, try their Chicken Fried steak. It is huge and hearty. Lots of things to enjoy.   Rating: 4.5 out of 5

5. Parking-Lots of parking and they warn you not to back into cars behind you: 4 out of 5

Overall rating 4 out of 5

Umpire for hire!

Recently I was elected to be the Nor-Cal Umpire Association high school game assigner. First year umpires are paid $59 per game for varsity assignments and $.40 a mile. There is a free umpire clinic hosted by the association on Februrary 8th from 9am to 4pm at St. Bernard's High School Gym at 222 Dollison St in Eureka. The clinic is open to all aspiring and seasoned umpires. Be sure to bring whatever umpire gear you have available.

Director Hemphill, "That is the Elephant in the room, no rail, no port!" January 2014 NCRA meeting.

The January North Coast Rail Authority meeting was held in Eureka this month. The first presentation was done by David Hull of the UpState Railconnect Committee concerning a Rail Feasibility Study. In 2013 they collected 50 letters of support and had heard from some unidentified private investors. The nonprofit fund raising arm of the organization, Land Bridge Alliance, completed 30 presentations in Northern California to interested organizations. Through the City of Eureka they applied for a TIGER grant that fell short of acceptance but will be used as a template for future attempts. They also put out 2 newsletters in 2013 and identified 13 points of reference for their “Scope of Work.”

Pete Oringer also spoke on behalf of Land Bridge Alliance saying the organization was created to encourage eco development and transportation that was rail specific.

Former Eureka City Manager David Tyson identified himself as the Chair of Land Bridge Alliance and said he has been educating the public in the valley and on the coast on their goals and said they will be participating in North State Economic Conference in 2014. He also let people know they could find information on their organization on the City of Eureka Website.

Director Alan Hemphill made comments saying that although he supports the feasibility study he felt there was an “overarching” issue economically he has witnessed in his over 20 years of Director on the NCRA is the need of freight traffic for revenue. “That is the elephant in the room! No rail, no port!” He also addressed myths he had heard about the ability to run rail in the Eel River canyon.

The next presentation was from Marcella Clem of HCOAG about the 101 corridor plan. She pointed out conditions set by the Coastal Commission concerning the removal of the billboards and the trail element around the east side of the bay. It sounded like the goal for breaking ground would be 2017.

Richard Mullins said they were still really in the design phase and needed to look at studies and have buy in from all stakeholders.

Pete Johnston from the Timber Heritage Association updated their activities and gave a new schedule for 2014 “Speeder” activities. They are in the process of having their speeder and track re certified.

NCRA Property Specialist Doug McCorkle said that Parallel Infrastructure completed their review on NCRA right away assets on the southern end of the line and proposed maybe future identification of properties from Willits to Eureka.

NWPco operator John Williams updated on clean up at Ukiah Depot property. The work should be done within 10 days and then can be passed back to the NCRA like “Kaep to Crabtree!” Currently the NWPco is paying taxes in Napa, Marin and Sonoma counties in excess of $33,000 a year. SMART rail operators made a claim of operations violations of NWPco that is awaiting determination from the Federal Railroad Authority. NWPco agreed to suspend 2 operators for 42 days while pending.

Leave our water alone! Or Water-water everywhere, but not a drop to drink! Except in Los Angeles.

The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California uses 67% of all rain and snowpack from Northern California. The two main reservoirs that feed the thirsty Los Angeles areas are reservoirs Pyramid Lake and Castaic Lake which are at 98% and 88% capacity respectively. They are good to go for awhile.

Of the water supplied from the north, most goes to Los Angeles and the Central Valley. 

Are you are curious how our reservoirs in Northern California are doing? Shasta is at 36%, Trinity at 48%, Folsom 18% and Mendocino at about 35%. Water level resource.

We need more control of our waters in Northern California.

Eureka one of the most dangerous places to live in the United States. 98% of cities safer!

With the recent murder of Father Eric Freed of the St Bernard’s, maybe it is time to remind people in Humboldt County that Eureka is one of the most dangerous places to live in California for many years. According to Home Surfer nearly 95% of all other cities in California are safer!

Here are some references to check out:

According to Neighborhood Scout, 98% of the cities in the United States are safer than Eureka!  

Here is more information that will blow your mind from City Data. 156 sex offenders live in Eureka!

Check the crime index per year! According to USA.com  Eureka ranks  451 out of 464 cities in California in safety!

In 2006 we were above the US national average for every type crime identified! This problem has been around for quite a while. This according to Eureka Area Connect.

Just more and more statistics verifying crime in Eureka from Area Vibes. The chances of being a victim of a crime in Eureka is 1 in 16!

The crime rate City of Eureka is over 113% higher than the National average and has been consistently almost double the State and National average since 1999 according to City Ratings Crime Statistics!

And there is much more information available. What is the solution? Hopefully the hiring of Andy Mills will help some, but give him prayers for help.