Merry X-Mas!

My Buddy Shane Mayor of Arcata!

The second youngest behind Victor Green if I am not mistaken. Controversial, opinionated, outspoken and true union worker advocate. Love to argue with him and come to consensus with. Wise beyond his years and at the same time just fun to be around. Congrats Shane. And Susan, you raised him well!

Starting over. Back in gym seriously.

In 2008 I was injured doing a job I actually wrote the safety procedures for. I tried moving a diversion divider that weighed a couple of hundred pounds in an awkward position with my right hand. Right away I knew something was wrong. I thought I sprained my wrist so I wrote and accident report and turned it in. Weeks later while still working it wasn’t healing so I asked to have an X-Ray and was sent to the Company Workers Compensation doctor. He then gave me a light duty slip to take back to work. I told him, “We don’t have light duty. I can still do my job with this.” He let me know he wasn’t going to change my status. After much time and visits to specialists in the valley, I was approved to have surgery to repair cartilage, tendons and ligaments that were torn. The surgery was done by Dr. Ferraro of Shasta Orthopedic in June of 2009. After my cast was removed I asked when I could start playing softball and he told me whenever I could handle the pain. I played that weekend. Ouch! I was not ready. I ended up having a second surgery to repair or clean up more cartilage. Dr. Ferraro said I had bone rubbing bone and would never have full range of motion in my wrist. I finished Physical Therapy and my wrist is never going to be right. Well this last softball year was really depressing for me as far as hitting. I can’t hit the ball very far and it hurts to do batting practice. So last week I decided to fight back! I am back in the gym weightlifting. I am hurting big time, but my wrist is cooperating. I was able to bench 305lbs before the surgery, but my goal is to lift 225lbs five times before April. I have peaked so far at 155lbs. so I have a way to go! 

The picture is me before my wrist surgery. 250lbs. I am now near 200lbs.  

Working class Republicans in the 50's! Where are they now?

IHHS workers denied what is due! County liable. Give them a raise!

Charges filed by Public Employees Relations Board? Yes. Against the county for unfair labor practices by not bargaining in good faith. And not only has the county ignored an independent "Fact Finding" report that shows they can afford to give the 1,400 workers a raise under current fiscal climate,   Humboldt County will receive a refund check in the amount of $164,726.37 due to an increase in federal funding known as the Community First Choice Option. The money is there, the excuses are getting weaker.

Jim Lyons passes on to that big basketball court in the sky!

Anymore I just cringe when looking at the obits. Too many people I have crossed paths with seem to be leaving us. James Lyon was a big headed, light footed around 6'6" former basketball player and a dead eye long ball shooter. He played basketball for the Wolfpack of the University of Reno. He had great three point range before shooting from that distance counted for anything but 2 points. He was a fixture at many local basketball games. He was in his 60's when he played for Samoa Athletic Club. I enjoyed his views on politics and even his rants on Cal Trans engineering deficiencies. May he rest in peace.

Happy Thankgiving!

Remember a Veteran today!

This picture is my brother Roy and his son Jamie. Roy was exposed to Agent Orange in Viet Nam and passed away from kidney failure from complications of the exposure. My brothers James (Korea) and Micheal (Nam) also served. My Father was a Major in the army and fought in both Korea and was at Pearl Harbor during the bombings. Robin's father Bill Carroll served in the army also.

2012 Election Predictions. 8 Mailers in PO Box today!

I had 8 slick high dollar mailers in my post office box today! Why would a campaign target my family the day before an election when we all vote by mail? Not good money spending. And how long does the normal person look at a mailer? 3 Seconds! That is how long you have to get your message out. I did think this one mailer for Prop. 38 was different in actually showing the local fiscal impact.

California Propositions:

30-Yes 52% to 48% (Temp Tax)
31-No 55% to 45% (State Budget)
32-No 50.5% to 49.5% (Payroll deduction)
33-Yes 51% to 49% (Insurance)
34-No 52% to 48% (Death Penalty)
35-Yes 75% to 25% (Human Trafficking
36-Yes 56% to 44% (Three Strikes)
37-Yes 50.5% to 49.5% (GMO labeling)
38-No 55%-45% (Tax Early Education)
39-Yes 60% to 40% (Multi state tax)
40-Yes 61% to 39% (Redistricting)

2nd District Assembly Race
Wes Chesbro 69% to Tom Lynch 31%

California Senate
Dianne Feinstein 67% to Elizabeth Emken 33%

2nd District Congress
Jared Huffman 65% to Dan Roberts 35%

President
Barack Obama 52% to Mitt Romney 48%

Thank you giants!

Giants win another! I am still in the afterglow of the 1st in 2010 and then this totally unexpected run. With Posey being the only full time position player form the "old" team. Just wish the A's would have been the opponent!

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!