Time for Humboldt County MJ business to "Grow Up." And Organize!

The time is right for the Marijuana growers in Humboldt County to "Grow Up" and come forward and legitimize. If my sources are correct there might be up to 4 Billion dollars a year of commerce produced by the "Emerald Triangle," that being Humboldt County. Branding? Happened organically through the years. What the county needs is the Tax generation that could produce up to 100 million dollars a year! We need to be on the forefront of creating a county ordinance that will give responsible growers the safety of "outing" themselves to allow the taxation and environmental compliance needed to have public by in.

Right now Humboldt County Marijuana laws are governed by "Hysteria" and not "Reality." There needs to be consistent rules that are not based on criminal or punitive behavior. There need to be a shift in judgement. Instead of looking at Marijuana farmers as comparable to Goat Farmers and placing them in the position as the "Goat" instead of the "Farmers" the MJ farmer has been demonized and ostracized as the lower tier participant in the economic scale.

The present process that allows the Humboldt Sheriffs Department to "take" money and land in the name of "noncompliance" without giving people the chance or opportunity for compliance is an unequal process that is not unlike Prohibition.

To have growers in a "volunteer compliance" status regulated by the Humboldt County Sheriffs and Humboldt County Supervisors has the potential to help off set many fiscal issues for the county. That alone should be motivation.

Here is a conundrum: If all of the Napa County Supervisors were asked if the NAPA valley wine were the best in their area, do you think they would all agree? Of course.

If all of the Humboldt County Supervisors were asked which marijuana was the best in the open market, what would they say?  Humboldt Grass hopefully! The stigma needs to go away!

More information coming soon!

Home Run series at Arcata!

Yes. I, the Softball King, will be entering so you might want to think twice about challenging my awesomeness. Seriously though, this should be fun and bring people out. I know it will be competitive.

That Time of the Year to revisit King Richard!

Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m Richard Marks the best friging softball player you’ve ever met.

Just ask the opposing teams in the 2 leagues I’m in this summer. I flat out rake. You could populate a small country with all the pitchers I've taken to shallow right.

I just spent three hours out in Samoa hitting batting practice. Line drives, big flies, opposite field shots. I can do it all. Some kids were staring and pointing at me in awe. I can’t blame them. They’ve probably never seen a late 50’s man wearing Oakley Blades and batting gloves who can hit dribblers like me. Especially not with shorts this tight.

This season, I’m making sure we sweep all 2 leagues. Especially the Men’s Composite League at Arcata. We were two outs and 5 wins away from winning that baby last year and now I can taste it. I’ve gotta get my hands on that 3-foot plastic trophy and tee shirt. It’s all I think about. Rumor has it the league winners get 2 free pitchers at Big Pete’s Pizza after the season. No way we lose with the trophy, shirts and 78 ounces of Bud on the line.

I just bought all new equipment for this season and you should see the extra long stripped baggy baseball pants I got. Super tight. I picked up a new set of wristbands, a tube of eye black and a pair of 3-inch mud cleats, you know, just in case I need to break up a double play. I also got to get my hands on one of those $350 Miken Ultra II bat for a little extra power. It may cost me a week’s retirement pension, but screw it, when I start cranking 200-foot pop ups it will be worth it. And wood bat? My dribbler to third is something to witness!   

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

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

Why do I take softball so seriously? You kidding me? You’re just jealous! See you at the ball park!

 

King Richard

President Mad River Softball Association

Election over. Thank goodness. Campaigns are hard.

The Bass campaign is over and all that is left is picking up the loose ends of a close fought victory. Bass signs are keeping my Marks signs company at my garage until next time. The Kerrigan campaign did a great job and came up just 2 weeks of campaigning short. Kudos for their hard work. Chris was probably the only person in the 4th District that could match up with Virginia's name recognition. So, again, hats off.

Sharon Latour had the best looking signs this election in my opinion. But she was running against a powerhouse in Ryan Sundberg.

I was as shocked as many others were that Maggie Fleming hit the over 50%. Nice positive campaign and many volunteers helping her along the way.

To the many volunteers that helped in the Virginia Bass campaign, my sincere gratitude. Without the over 20 door knockers and probably 40 some odd phone bankers, this campaign would have not been successful.

Kerrigan campaign collects union dollars and spends at Winco? WOW! Union conundrum!

Kind of hypocritical that the Chris Kerrigan campaign has excepted $500 from the United Food and Commercial Workers local 5 and $1,000 from the Central Labor Council of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties and decided to spend that money for a fund raiser at WINCO.

 

Ironic that Virginia Bass pretty much exclusively shops Safeway on Harris. A Union shop. Who are the hypocrites here? 

 

Yes. This is true. Don't ask me, ask Chris. He will not deny.

 

Click on forms to read.

 

Election 2014 worst mailer finalist.

I am sorry, but this was a total waste of money for the Jim Wood for Assembly campaign. The message was weak, it was visually blah, font wrong, timing awkward (right between Absentee and Poll Voter timed) and just very amateur. I expect more from a big time legislature campaign.

THAT’S WAY AWESOME - THAT’S LEADERSHIP

(Leo Sears requested that print his Letter to Editor in it's entirety. No problem Leo. Virginia is my choice too!)

“There’s a big difference between running for office and actually governing,” Judy Hodgson wrote two years ago in reference to Supervisor Virginia Bass. As one of the many “giving kudos to Bass for chairing an emotional discussion, keeping everyone civil, and for finding a solution – a way forward,”  she concluded: “That’s leadership.”

Or as the MTV generation might say: she was way awesome at walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

What impressed everyone that day was, I’m sure, first developed and honed by her father’s example and tutelage and, upon his death, by stepping into his shoes. Virginia is, in many ways, her father O. H. Bass’ daughter, because hard work and a dedication to community minded service seems almost inbred in both of them.

O. H. went into the restaurant business in the late 40’s, culminating in the opening of O. H. Townhouse in 1966. Famous for its prime rib and onion rings, its restaurant and lounge seated 200 with a regular staff of 25, and seated  250 more on its banquet room. This is where Virginia began her waitress career at 15.

The waitressing continued through high school and college where she graduated from HSU with an Honors degree in Business Administration in 1986. This is the same year her father died and the responsibility of managing the business grossing a million plus fell on her shoulders. She managed O. H. s for the next 31 years and became recognized as a statewide leader in the industry.

But being her father’s daughter doesn’t stop with the restaurant. In addition to supporting most every community endeavor, O. H. found time to serve as a county supervisor – the seat now held by his daughter. Virginia was elected twice to the Eureka City Council, then as Mayor and as a County Supervisor where she is up for reelection.

Eureka Mayor Frank Jager is one of those with kudos for Virginia. “I was a Councilman when she was Mayor,” he said, “and I always admired her talents at conducting our meetings. She had a rather unique ability to keep everyone civil and moving toward solutions no matter how passionately issues might be pulling them in different directions.”  

Everyone going to O. H.’s would see Virginia, with plates stacked along her arms or perhaps balancing a tray over her head, taking orders, chatting with everyone – a waitress extraordinaire. What they would not see was the Virginia that was also responsible for all the 101 thing big and small that make a day to day operation run smoothly, as well as the responsibility of hiring, firing, training, payroll, bookkeeping, personnel issues, on and on - managing a successful small business is almost without respite.

“I made a living fishing,” said retired Supervisor Jimmy Smith, “and I have a deep respect for those who’ve experienced making a living through hard work and running a business.”

“My district adjoined hers” he went on to say, “and we always acted as a team in representing the people of Eureka. That sort of teamwork started when she first became a Councilwoman. She’s always worked toward cooperative efforts to serve the public – as Councilwoman, Mayor and Supervisor; it was always a pleasure working with her.”

If you ask Jimmy’s replacement Rex Bohn about who represents what part of Eureka, he will tell you that “you get a twofer” because he and Virginia work as a team – just as she did with Jimmy.

By any definition - that’s leadership.

We have a Hot Dog Wiener (Winner)! Tie between DJ's and Toni's. On to Taco Salad.

The first stop for the Steve and Richard critic team was Pachanga Mexican resturant. It is across the street from Burger King on 5th.

1. The Taco Salad itself-Steve had the ground beef and I had the chicken. Very good at the top. As you got further down just so so. But there was no tell tale wet soaked bowl at the bottom so that was a plus. Rating: 3.75 out of 5

2. Ambiance-It was very nice. We had window seat and it was a comfortable setting. Rating: 4 out of 5

3. Extras- They have chips with hot salsa and a cabbage based dip. Not a big fan. We ran out of chips and they promised to bring more. Didn't happen. Need to maybe serve little sour cream with those chips. We did have a couple of Poppers for apetizers that were really good.  Rating: 2.5 out of 5

4. Parking-Lots of parking and easy access: 4 out of 5

Overall rating 3.5 out of 5

Next is Rita's!

Election musings.

Robin and I vote by mail. I fought the change over to absentee around 20 years ago publicly. I took issue with Linsay McWilliams whom arbitrarily (I felt) closed our very successful Polling precinct at Peninsula Elementary School. He said we were under 250 (We were at about 240 at the time) voters and that didn't justify continuing the poll. We had one of the largest % turnouts back then because of the social aspect and Samoa was a mill town. But there had been some issues with the polling workers and I thought this was just a way out of handling it. Now I have gotten used to voting at home and having discussion with Robin over issues. We agreed mostly.

A few observations:

If "Progressives" or "Liberals" really want campaign spending limits, why do they support the very candidates that refuse to agree to "Volunteer Campaign Spending Limits?" I am speaking of Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom of course. And the lefties keep carrying on!

Best campaign statements:

Roy Allmond, Republican for Secretary of State, "...with firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, I pledge to you my Life, my Fortune, and my sacred Honor!"

Alex Padilla, Democrat for Secretary of State, "That's why he is visiting all 58 California counties to meet with voters......." Now wait just a second. Do you really think Alex is going to Del Norte or Modoc counties. Or even Humboldt for heavens sake.

David Evans, Republican for Controller, "Most qualified for Controller." Nuff said David!

Jonathan Jaech, Libertarian for Attorney General, "End civil asset forfeiture."

One rule of thumb about campaign statements that differ on local elections and state elections, if you don't have a campaign statement for a local election it is the kiss of death. But at the state level the heavies don't fill one out. It would show weakness that is beneath them. Thus none from Jerry or Gavin. They have too much money in their war chests to worry!

Samoa Beach Clean-Up Meeting!

Jennifer Savage shared some information.

 

Monday, May 12

1:30 p.m.

Woodley Island Meeting Room

We all know that illegal dumping and litter are significant problems in Humboldt County. Humboldt Surfrider and the Northcoast Environmental Center have been focusing on the Samoa peninsula in particular as a place to implement change through beach cleanups, the Adopt-A-Beach program and by supporting the dedication of the PacOut Green Team.

The PacOut Green team (sponsored by Pacific Outfitters) spends one hour every Saturday cleaning up the beach, highway, bay and surrounding areas (with the occasional foray into Eureka). We'd like to help ensure they have supplies and a way to dispose of the trash without incurring fees. 

We'd also like to address the larger issues of people dumping on the spit by working with the proper agencies on notification, enforcement and cleanup.

We're hoping to involve businesses/agencies/other organizations in stewardship of the peninsula through the Adopt-A-Beach program and/or sponsored cleanups.

By the end of the day, I'd love to have a clear idea regarding the following:

Who wants to help take care of the beaches?

What should a person do when witnessing or discovering illegal dumping?

What businesses would want to sponsor the PacOut team and/or other beach cleanups (through Adopt-A-Beach, etc.)?

Are any business, landowners, etc., interested in supporting an educational campaign?

What other ideas do people have as far as preventing dumping, littering, etc.?

 

So let the Softball Insanity begin!

The first  general meeting for the 2014 Summer League for Mad River Softball Association is upon us! May 19th in the Arts and Craft room at the Arcata Community Center at 6pm. You have 2 weeks to find a team representative to be there!

 

League fees are due by June 4th at the Arts and Kraft room and are $335 for Team Sponsor and $50 per player for 12 players minimum or $935. Each additional player over 12 is $25 per player.

League will start on Monday June 9th at 6:20pm. League alignment determined by amount of teams. Eight teams minimum needed for metal bat. All other leagues wood bat.

Please pass on this information to any of your softball buddies! Contact Richard Marks at 707-445-3432 or  Samoafog@aol.com. Check out Mad River Softball Association.

Virginia Bass posts first win by chance! Klein also! Random Alphabet ballot placement explained.

The California Secretary of State office had its 2014 random alphabet drawing on who would go where on the ballot. In accordance with Elections Code section 13111, the names of candidates on the ballot are arranged based on the randomized alphabet. So by the luck of the draw, Virginia Bass has the 1st spot on the ballot. This usually gives a candidate a 5% "boost" from voters who just go line item. I know it doesn't sound fair, but that is pretty much tried and true nation wide. As far as the DA's race, there is a rotation of Supervisorial Districts so no one has this advantage County wide.  Arnie Klein garnered the 1st district top spot, Firpo the 2nd, Fleming the 3rd, Dollison the 4th and Klein again for the 5th since there are four candidates. But Klein's campaign did not turn in a campaign statement, which is virtually a death sentence to any chance of victory.

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.