Protect the voice of the working class, vote no on Prop 32!

Business interests in California have out spent unions 3-1 since 2000. And get this, businesses have pumped 1.7 Billion, yes that is Billion dollars into California elections. So beware of Proposition 32. Don't stifle the voice of the working class!

Support Home Health Workers! Give them $2.28 an hour wage increase!

I went to todays Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Chamber to speak in support of In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers garnering a wage increase. One person said that you could not possible compensate them for what they are worth and another questioned on why they ran for office on the themes of jobs and living wages. It was pointed that Supervisor Rex Bohn had never hired anyone for minimum wage until his most recent election as Supervisor.

As a past union president, organizer and local worker advocate for decades I am here to implore the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to find a solution to the obstacles of giving a raise to our 1,400 plus In-Home Supportive Service workers. These “working poor” contribute an asset that is immeasurable to the Humboldt County population. That they are only paid minimum wage with no health benefits is just deplorable and unjust. I believe in a “Living Wage” not a “Poverty Wage.”

Other counties with comparable populations have been able to find room in their budgets to not only give their In Home health Care Workers wages averaging $1.75 an hour more than Humboldt, but pay an average of an additional $.53 cents into a health program benefit.  I would respectfully ask for the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to support at least matching like counties the $2.28 an hour difference in wages and benefits. I challenge Humboldt County staff to use creative, innovative solution oriented problem solving to make this happen.

I am sure I speak for the majority of Humboldt County residents in asking for resolution in the near future.  

Richard Marks

Samoa Pulp Mill 4 years latter.

I was reminded by a past co-worker that today is the 4th Anniversary of the closing of the Samoa Pulp Mill. I miss that place of work to this day. I miss the friendships, the comraderie and even the quirks of working shift work. Too bad this mill couldn't be re-opened. C'est la vie.

Say it ain't so! KFC Fortuna closed.

Robin was driving home from Sacramento trip today and I asked her to stop at KFC Fortuna and get some breasts, mac and cheese and taters. And a chocolate cake to wash it down. When she got there she said it was closed up! I enjoyed their buffet. We now have no KFC's in Humboldt! This is an outrage!

Best eats from the past!

Feeling a little nostalgic this morning after reading a blog post on the old A & W Root beer place on Myrtle, so here are some of my favorite food memories of places in Samoasoftball past.

Breakfast

Eggs: The Kahoalii Café at Bazar. I have no idea what was so different in the way the served eggs. I had many breakfast meals there before going to work at Bazar.

Omelet:  Golden Harvest Café.  The Chalet close behind.

Hash Browns: Eureka Truck Terminal. They were just always the right crispy ness. Consistent.

Sausage and Toast: Samoa Cookhouse. Still and always.

Chicken Fried Steak: Betty Maes. More is better in this case. The Gravy was always good. Just had to not look in the kitchen!

 Breakfast Steak: A few years ago I would have said Adel’s and Kristina’s. Both have went south lately.

Lunch

Hamburger or Hot Dog: OH’s Hamburger King on Harris. None came even close.

Fries: Lazio’s and the Students INN. Tied and both were just fantastic.

Onion Rings: OH’s again. By a huge margin.

Sub’s: L & M Drive in. Used to be in the space now taken up by Adel’s.

Dinner

Salad: I will go with the Sea Grill still.

Potato: I may get some boos for this, but Sizzler. Mostly because you can add stuff from the salad bar.

Soup: The chowder from Michael’s. Never have ate any to match!

Ribeye Steak: Michael’s. I would say AA but they are inconsistent.

Prime Rib: OH’s. Hands down. Although I have had great ones at the Oberon and Sea Grill.

Your favorites from the past?

Arcata Hall of Fame Wrestling Team of 1982!

Went last night’s Arcata Homecoming game against Fortuna to witness Arcata spanking the Huskies 38-18. Can’t recall the last time Arcata did that. I was there to actually see the induction of the Arcata High 1982 Wrestling Team into the Arcata High Hall of Fame. Why my interest? I ended up friends with many on this team and played either intermural sports or city sports with and against them. I played basketball with Gene (Max) Emery and Owen Hooven (Former Professional Football player Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys). I played softball with and against Mike Puzz (Red Dog), Chris Brittain, Kevin Moser , Kenny Bradbury (Baril) and Lee Theuerkauf. Even the team Statistician, Theresa Cheek,  pitched batting practice to my Fast Pitch team. This was just a special tight knit group of whom I have been blessed to know!

Rail Discussion around Humboldt Bay. Rail,Trail or just complete Fail?

So what did we learn today at the North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA) organized Humboldt Bay Rail Corridor Committee meeting today? A number of things. First off, the NCRA made the decision to choose the subcommittee amongst themselves to expedite the process and picked the Chair Clif Clendenen, Director Bill Kier and Mendocino County Supervisor/Director John McCowen instead of having a cross section of community and elected organizations that were clearly requested by the public last time the NCRA was in Humboldt County. Clif opened the meeting and explained the research and scope of their process saying the study included rail line between Arcata and Eureka. (Uh, what happened to the Peninsula and Samoa?) When the presentation was made by engineer Dave Anderson about the conditions of the bridges, Bill Kier wanted to correct him by identifying the Eureka Slough as the Mad River Slough. (Come on! Again, out on the peninsula boys!)

The first topic was about the condition of the bridges around the bay. All were in relatively good shape and wouldn’t take that much to fix. Kind of a pleasant surprise.  But all the culverts and crossings were in bad shape. Mr. Anderson estimated it would take between 10 to 20 million dollars to repair the rail from Samoa to Eureka. He confidently felt he could do a huge chunk of the work needed for 10 million. A question was asked if there was room for a Rail and Trail around the bay and Mr. Anderson said there was with the right away available. (This subject was argued by some of the public.)

Someone made a comment about the East/West railroad and Mr. Anderson was quick to give his judgment as an engineer, saying it was impractical and questioned what would be hauled. His candid unsolicited response caused quite a bit of fidgeting in the crowd of rail supporters.

Is it too late? It was pointed out by the public that some of the land owners who have rails through their properties have 2 year easement agreements with the NCRA and it has been 15 years since rail actually ran. How big of impediment will that be?

Bill Kier said he is gathering data so that when all information is put together the public can have a “Data Based Conversation.”

 I would love to see an excursion train and walkable trail with full access for hikers, rollerblades and bikes around Humboldt Bay. Let’s make it happen. 20 Million could do it!

The next meeting on this subject will be October 12^th in the Eureka City Hall Chambers at 10am.

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!