Humboldt Domestic Violence Services (HDVS) hosts fundraiser next to Eureka Natural Food! This weekend from 10am to 4pm!

I realize the silence when I write about Humboldt Domestic Violence. It is a uncomfortable subject, yet nearly everyone has some sort of this violence in their family. Anyways, the HDVS is hosting a fund raising event at the old Dollar Tree next to Eureka Natural Food on Broadway. Items that were left behind by the past Dollar Tree owner will go at way low prices. My sister Mary and I stocked the hardware, gardening, BBQ, ceramic, baby, shoe sundries, eye glass, home repair and improvement, automotive, toy, young girl and education department and this is a great chance for you and your family to take advantage and help stop domestic violence. The doors will be open from 10am to 4pm both Saturday Feb. 27th and Sunday Feb. 28th.

There are many holiday theme items that can be had at next to nothing prices. Please come out and help for this worthy cause.

Arcata and McKinleyville win Niclai Tournament.

The Arcata High Boys and the McKinleyville High Girls both won their respective tournament titles for the second straight year. One observation about the Panther girls team win over Eureka High. Senior Sage Romberg is the best girl basketball player I have ever seen in Humboldt County. She has weirdly keen court sense. She sees the the whole court, and is able lead players to open spots. You just can't teach what she does. And you Trina McCartney fans please refer to each players whole game. Sage can pass, rebound, shoot....she has no weakness in her game. And the other Panthers? They will win it again next year. Their bench just played solid. Lots of upside for the next few years.

On to the boys game. Ferndale was playing in their first Niclai final and seemed to have the jitters playing before a huge crowd against a huge team. They only scored 2 points in the 1st quarter. But they came back from an over 20 point deficit to challenge Arcata in the 4th quarter. Tiger player Jordan Semple is my choice for MVP this year. He makes all of his teammates better. If some D1 school passes up on this 6'6" "2" guard, shame on them. But if he does play JC ball, please let it be CR and maybe a reunion with Tim Couch and Ryan Dehart and then move on to HSU. (This is the selfish fan in me.)

The Niclai Invitational. Dick, you would be proud of the event. Great competition, great crowds and good times. See ya next year.

Home Run basher George McGraw passes.

George V McGraw "Uncle" George was born March 27th 1952 in Lemon Grove, San Diego and died suddenly at his home with his wife by his side February 7th 2010. Uncle is survived by his wife Monica and his two best friends and co-conspirators Martha and Margaret. Uncle was everything to George & Francine, Matthew and Lauren. Not a Christmas passed without his stocking hand outs and absurd gift giving. George had three families, the Barattis, Sears and the Babe's softball team, or as I called it, the cult. George moved to Humboldt County from San Diego in 1973 to work with the Humboldt State Baseball program. George started working at Sears where he met many customers and co-workers. So many have called to express their sadness at his passing. George touched so many lives in such a positive way. In 1982 George married Monica Baratti in their backyward. They were married July 16th 1983 because that was the only weekend that didn't have a softball tournament. They were married by the Haps Dogs manager, Lou. George's other family was his softball team's New York life, Loleta meat market, Mad Max, Hapsdogs and "Babes". George was so happy playing ball especially those tournaments in Chico and Redding. George leaves behind a broken hearted wife and a large extended family; Martha & Dave, Margaret & Bill, George, Franny, Matt, Lauren, John & Bonnie, Erin, Caroline, Stephanie, Hillary, Joe, Johnny, Father in law John Baratti and last but not least his best friend of 40 years Dave Frazer whom he considered his brother. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to your local Little League Team.

Sundberg official in 5th. 4 running for Humboldt County Assessor's seat? More Humboldt County political bits.

Robin and I went to Ryan Sundberg's kick off at Mckinleyville's Azalea Hall on Saturday. When I heard he was holding this event at this time and venue I was curious on what turnout he would get. He had it family themed with bounce rooms, face painting and animal balloons for the kids and basic hot dog BBQ feed. It was brilliant. A few hundred people showed and many kids who had a blast. Ryan has two formidable opponents in Radio businessman Pat Cleary and 5th District Harbor Commissioner Pat Higgins.

I also went to Mike Downey's event at the Warfinger on Friday night. It was a good crowd and had many politico's from the area. Outgoing Sheriff Gary Philp is emphatically endorsing Mike. Many law enforcement officials were there supporting Mike also. District Attorney hopeful Paul Hagen was there and has support of many "progressives" in the 3rd District. That has to be an eye opener to Paul Gallego's campaign. A lefty-lefty split could open the way for Kathleen Bryson and maybe Allison Jackson?

Ok. Help me with this one. 4 people are running for Humboldt County Assessor. I don't ever recall this office being hotly contested. Has current Assessor Linda Hill been doing that bad of job? Here is a basic outline of the job description of assessor: "Appraises all unsecured property annually; appraises secured property at time of transfer, plus all new construction; prepares tax roll and delivers it to the County Auditor yearly; keeps records of taxable property." Why is there a crowded field? Will Assistant Assessor Mari Wilson be able to solve the issues in the department, or is she considered part of the problem? And what is the perceived problems? It all just leaves me wondering. Others who will most likely be in the race are Mari, Johanna Rodoni, (Johanna was at Mike Downey and Ryan Sundberg events and talking to many people.) John Brook and Keith Nord. Anyone else?

Tom Wood retires, Steve Kinder era begins?

HSU coach Tom Wood looks to be on his way to retirement. Assistant coach Steve Kinder should be next in line, after serving 19 years as Tom's sidekick. I am not a big fan of the current 5 man rotation that HSU uses, but Kinder seems to be able to recruit some great ball players. Steve is one of those adult league basketball players you want to go against, as he will do whatever he can get away with to win. But I am hopeful and anticipating a new exciting era for HSU basketball if he takes over.

Just life tidbits.

I have been hassled for not updating my blog postings, but life has been getting in my way. Sorry for that. Here is some blurbs:

CR Basketball: I went and watched this years College of the Redwoods Basketball team against Shasta. going 1-9 from the free throw line in the last few minutes was a death curse. CR's 6-foot-9 center Matt Lipske looks to have all the physical tools to be a Division 1 player. He just needs to be more assertive in the paint. Dave Norton need to drive and shoot more. This team needs a point guard badly! They have good shooting guards, but nobody to set them up! This could be one of the best teams CR has had in years.

Arcata High Basketball: I have seen these kids play the last few years and was very interested to see if they fulfilled their potential to be the best team ever from Humboldt County. When I left the CR game I saw Ryan DeHart and Jordan Semple in the foyer and told them, "Let that be an example on the importance of free throws" I hope they were listening, because that is the only thing that will end up killing Arcata in the NCS Championships. They also need a fiery leader like they had in Tim Couch last year.

Earthquake damage: Robin and I had a rental in Eureka "Red Tagged" from Earthquake damage. We had no earthquake insurance. We have to have a brick chimney demolished and a new fireplace extension in place. Our renters were freaked out by the notice, but the Eureka planning department was very informative on the procedure needed to bring back into compliance. We are remedying the problem for a few thousand dollars we didn't quite have budgeted. Damn Earthquake! (But wasn't it a great scene to see neighborhood communities unite!)

Pulp Mill: Looks like Freshwater Pulp is getting closer to starting up! Water and regulatory agencies have made this project more viable daily. The Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers local 49 are more than eager for the company to meet with our Standing Committee to lay the ground work for a labor agreement to put workers back on the payroll!

That Harbor Commissioner Stuff: Hey. Give me a learning curve. There is much to be learned and I am doing the best I can. Dennis had 20 years experience. I have big shoes to fill. In the short term, the Marine Life Protection Act and the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) is need of immediate attention.

Local Political Crazyness!: I don't remember a time where so many County Political Candidates have announced their intentions to run for political office so early. Did Jeff Leonard start a trend back in May 2009? In the 4th District Supervisorial race, we know that incumbent Bonnie Neely is being challenged by Eureka Mayor Virginia Bass and Eureka City Councilman Jeff Leonard. Also rumored to run is Humboldt Bay Muncipal Water District President Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap. (Disclaimer-Robin and I are helping Virginia's Campaign.)

5th District Supervisor Race: Ryan Sundberg and his uncle have played with me in night league basketball for awhile. This is a good parameter to judge ones character, and I believe Ryan represents an even keel for the 5th. His politics are moderate and thoughtful for creating working opportunities. I can't think of anyone who would judge him negatively. And he is a fellow Native American and I think it is about time for proper representation. Others in this race officially are Pat Higgins and Pat Cleary. A few others that might step up are Jeff "Henchman of Justice" Lytle, Dennis Mayo and Daniel Pierce.

Humboldt County DA race: Whew! This will be a barn burner! Paul or Paul? Gallegos or Hagan? Allison or Kathleen? Jackson or Bryson? Stayed tuned in the next few weeks as this race develops. Many variables to come soon.

Humboldt County Sheriff: I don't get this. I thought that Mike Downey would be a shoe in. He has the endorsement of the current Sheriff, and seems to have the overwhelming support of current staff and the community. I don't know his challenger Mike Hislop. Hislop is endorsed by current DA Paul Gallegos. Downey is going win in a landslide.

Humboldt Politics are ever moving!

Damn Earthquakes! Samoa style.

Everyone of our rooms in our house in Samoa suffered damage today. Even our wood pile by our house fell down. Glass everywhere. Robin had not only put baby latches on our cupboard but had used quick wax to hold things down. Robin was so bummed that other things just flew off our walls that left memories destroyed.

A guy at the tsunami evacuation area in Samoa was told by a person from a guy from NOAA that he does not have to worry about a tsunami unless the bridge is knocked down from the bridge.

Lori Dengler has said that an duration of such magnitude that you need to hold on to something or sit down to not fall down. Those two factors that would lead to tsunami. Those criteria were met. Are those to be ignored?

We need more standard operation procedures for earthqaukes obviously.

Pulp Mill Stuff.

Freshwater Tissue Co. said it has abandoned an offer to liquidate the Samoa pulp mill and is instead pursuing funding and permitting to reopen the closed plant by July 1.

Company President Bob Simpson informed the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District this week that it would accept a counteroffer by the district to supply water to the mill for 10 years, with a five-year fixed-price agreement. Simpson also said that he has reached option agreements to buy wood chips -- the raw material in making pulp --from suppliers.

”We're pursuing funding to operate the mill,” Simpson said.

I am sure hopeful Bob is sucessful and is able to put hundreds of people to work!

Who in Humboldt County can compare to Betty Chinn?

This morning I helped Betty Chinn's volunteers sort out used clothing for future distribution. There were at least 40 people working at Sacred Heart church. It just amazes me that our community is so blessed to have such a unassuming community organizer such as Betty. She absolutely dwarfs most everyone in giving of herself. If you get a chance help her out any way you can.

Please explain how Public Plan will help the middle class. I still think we need universal health coverage.

The Public Plan will eventually require nearly all Americans to get coverage, help many pay for it and restrict onerous insurance company practices such as denying coverage to people with pre-existing sickness. This sounds good in parts, but since when are we required to purchase something we may never use just to be a citizen in the United States? And the price tag being thrown around is 1.6 Trillion dollars?

Granted we are required to have car insurance, but that is basically to protect those around us. And we can make the decision not to drive. I will pontificate more later. And I thought I would just share this funny.

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone has safe and happy new year for 2010!

A call for help. Pulp Mill workers granddaughter has cancer.

Retired pulp mill worker Carlo Giovannetti's granddaughter, Courtney Williams, has lymphoma and is having trouble finding a match for a bone marrow transplant. The test for a potential match can be done by simple swab of the mouth. This can be done at the Northern California Community Blood Bank at 2524 Harrison Ave. in Eureka. If you have time, please stop by and help.

Virginia Bass running for 4th District Supervisor!

For Immediate Press Release:

Please join Eureka Mayor Virginia Bass for a press conference.

Virginia will be announcing her candidacy for Humboldt County 4th District Supervisor on the County Courthouse steps (5th and I Streets) this Thursday, December 17th at 12:00 noon.

Virginia was twice elected to Eureka City Council before she was elected as Eureka Mayor.

Her father OH Bass previously served as Humboldt County 4th District County Supervisor and Virginia would like to continue her family's legacy as a public servant to our community.

Virginia previously managed her family's business, OH's Townhouse, and has participated in many local charitable fundraising events such as the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" and is the past President of the Henderson Center Kiwanis Club.

For further information, please call Virginia Bass at 707-499-5000 or email at Bass4Supervisor@gmail.com

OK. Jeff Leonard and Virginia are pretty much official. What about Bonnie or Kaitlin? This is going to be huge race.

Water District gives Pulp Mill 10 year water contract.

The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District voted unanimously to accept a 10 year contact for Freshwater Tissue to purchase water beginning July 2010. Stay tuned.

Marks sworn in to Harbor Commission. TS says buckle up!

Marks sworn in to Harbor Commission
John Driscoll/The Times-Standard
Posted: 12/05/2009 01:15:15 AM PST

About two dozen people were on hand Friday to watch Richard Marks be sworn in as the newest commissioner for the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District.

District Executive Officer Dave Hull read Marks the oath, then handed him a set of keys to district facilities.

”This is the key to the castle,” Hull joked.

Hull added that he was pleased to see people turn out for the swearing in.

Marks, a former Samoa pulp mill worker and board member for the Samoa Peninsula Fire District, thanked those who helped him in his run for the Division 4 seat. He is taking over for Commissioner Dennis Hunter, who has stepped down after 20 years.

There are significant challenges ahead for the harbor district. Significant cuts had to be made this year to prevent a major reduction in reserves, and the board continues to struggle over how to approach port development.

Marks said that he would like to keep options open on port development.

In the near term, he said, he'll just need to get up to speed.

”I just really need to settle in and see where I fit,” Marks said.

Welcome, Richard Marks; now buckle up
The Times-Standard
Posted: 12/06/2009 01:30:15 AM PST

We gladly welcome the newest member of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation Distrct -- Richard Marks -- to his seat on the dais. During the election, we endorsed Marks because we believe he had the best set of skills among the various candidates to help the district do what needs to be done over the next term.

And make no mistake -- there is a lot to do.

But he joins a governmental body that has been much conflicted in recent years, as various camps seek to seize the initiative and push the harbor in the direction they believe best serves the needs of Humboldt County's residents.

Which is why what Marks brings to the table is vital for the future health of the district. He represents membership in both sides of the debate -- a longtime Democrat with progressive credentials, Marks has also long served as an advocate of the working class, and knows that jobs and employment are absolutely imperative for any future that includes big plans for Humboldt Bay.

So we hope that Marks can and will put his skills to use as a broker of compromise and consensus.

And we implore his fellow board members, whatever their affiliation, to set aside their agendas and understand that with the board split as it currently is, accomplishing anything will take a willingness to work together for the good of all.

No one side is going to get everything they want, nor win all the political battles. So the key to avoiding a rancorous next two years is a willingness on the part of these elected officials to recognize that everyone on the district board was elected by the people to get things done. Board members have differing priorities just as the electorate has different interests, so respect that and be inclusive.
Otherwise, we're going to be in for a long ride to nowhere -- and our future is way too important to let that happen.

Frank "Jigs" Provence Jr. RIP.

You know how some people are bigger than life? I can't even begin to explain the man fully. He was a leader without trying. He was respected and was able to smile during the most pressured time at the pulp mill. And he knew his craft. 88 years old.

Marks sworn in Friday the 4th at 12:30pm.

I will be sworn in as 4th Division Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation & Conservation District Board Member on Friday December 4th at Woodley Island Marina at 12:30pm. I have family coming up from Sacramento to witness. Any of you that would like to come are welcome. (The Picture is of Central Labor Council President Jimmy Smith presenting a $500 check/endorsement for my candidacy for office Labor Day weekend.) Great crowd!

LA Times story on Pulp Mill. (Condensed) Thanks Greg!

What was once the bustling Evergreen Pulp mill is today a forlorn factory of smokestacks and tan buildings clustered quietly beside the still, gray waters of the Arcata harbor near Eureka, Calif.

Entrepreneur Bob Simpson bought the closed facility in February with the hopes of reopening it as an environmentally friendly toilet paper plant. He planned to spend $400 million rehabbing the factory and rehiring 215 workers who lost their jobs when the old pulp mill shut down in October 2008.

The project stalled after Simpson failed to make his way through the red tape required to access federal stimulus money, billions of which was aimed at promoting energy efficiency and clean technology. Simpson said the government missed out on an opportunity to create so-called green jobs in an economically devastated area of California.

"Our president . . . stated we need to stimulate our economy with green jobs," he said. "Well, here we are, we're ready to go."

In Arcata, half the workers at the Evergreen Pulp Mill have yet to find work since the plant's Chinese owners closed the facility. Simpson bought it in February with the idea of turning it into the first chlorine-free, dioxin-free toilet paper mill in North America.

He says it was the kind of shovel-ready project the government said it was seeking. He had a business plan and support and was ready to begin, as soon as he found a $400-million loan.

Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) wrote a letter to the Energy Department on behalf of the company, Freshwater Tissue Co. Civic and environmental leaders, including Gregg Gold, the chairman of the North Group of the Sierra Club's Redwood Chapter, and Art Harwood, the executive director of the Redwood Forest Foundation, stumped for the project as well.

But Simpson failed to submit the nonrefundable $50,000 fee required to apply for a stimulus loan. He said it was because he couldn't get anyone at the Energy Department to clarify whether his project would qualify since it didn't fit neatly into established categories such as wind power or solar energy.

Some of Evergreen's former workers, such as Homer Purcell, are now leaving California to find jobs. Purcell, 58, his wife and his 40-year-old son all lost their jobs when the mill went under.

Purcell found a job as a boiler operator in Reno and now commutes back and forth as he tries to sell his house in Eureka. His new job pays less than half the $100,000 he made as a supervisor at the mill.

"I would have thought the process would have left us something for renewable resources," he said about the stimulus bill.

alana.semuels@latimes.com

A story of Natural Lite. Happy Turkeyday!

I usually have some "Natty" lite in the fridge. The commercials have been constant lately about this almost "Near Beer" with sports. They glamorize "Natterday" (Saturday) with all the fun types. I had run out of the stuff this weekend and was going to the store and asked Robin if we needed anything. She didn't mention beer. Later that Sunday I was stalking the fridge for cold beverages. No beer! Robin looks at me innocently and says, "Must be Noneday!" Luckily she has over 30 years seniority or I would have to replace her.

Have a great Turkeyday!

Patty Berg running for California Insurance Commissioner.

Patty was on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle today about her running against Michela Alioto-Pier.

Patty will have a tough time surviving the June 8th Primary election. Fellow Democrats running for the position are: Dave Jones, 50th District Assemblyman Hector De La Torre and San Francisco Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier as her opponents.

Dave Jones is a 2 term Assemblyman from the 9th District. (Sacramento area.) This dude raised nearly a million for his last campaign. Wow. Back in the mid 90's the litmus to run for an assembly seat was $100,000.

De La Torre seems to be the front runner and is from a highly populated Los Angeles area and has raised hundreds of thousands in his past elections.

Michela's campaign is being managed by Ace Smith, a powerful political consultant that ran Hillary Clinton's California campaign for President.

It will be interesting to see who will be running Berg's campaign and how she will fair against these candidates from huge metropolitan areas.