Letters to the Editor – October 20, 2010
Measure Q for education
I would like to urge all voters in the Northern Humboldt Union High School District to vote ““yes” on Measure Q this November. As county superintendent, and as a resident of the district myself, I strongly endorse the vision of the district leadership in their goals to modernize and improve upon the educational facilities that are provided their students.
The Northern Humboldt district is a well-managed enterprise that offers students an excellent educational experience within the resources the state provides. Unfortunately, state funding is insufficient to support the construction and modernization of facilities at the level today’s educational systems require, particularly in technology, the arts and in health/physical education. Ultimately, facilities do impact the range and variety of programs that can be provided.
So, I’m asking everyone to join me in voting “yes” so that Northern Humboldt will be able to continue to offer the best educational opportunities possible in the future.
Sincerely,
Garry T. Eagles, Ph.D.
Humboldt County Superintendent of Schools
Eureka
What does Q really do?
On November 2, voters in the NHUHSD will vote on Measure Q. As a long time supporter of the district’s performing arts, a former teacher in the district, a registered voter, and an Arcata homeowner, I have concern regarding many aspects of the bond measure and wish to mention a few items that voters may not presently know.
NHUHSD has a sterling reputation for providing quality education to its students. The faculty and students make this favorable outcome possible. Without or with the passage of the measure, quality education will continue.
Many NHUHSD voters (respectively) currently pay two Arcata Fire Protection direct assessments and GO Bonds for McKinleyville School District, Arcata School District, Blue Lake School District, and College of the Redwoods. Each month the City of Arcata collects a three percent utility tax for all utility usage within the City. I have great concern for additional long-term financial obligation to property owners.
On the Sample Ballot, Measure Q information states Arcata High was built in 1948 and McKinleyville High in 1961. That is true. However, both schools have been well maintained since inception and both received extensive renovation/modernization in the early 2000s to offices, classrooms (walls, windows, shelving, white board, counter space), bathrooms, hallway windows and doors, energy equipment, and some athletic facilities. Funds for that modernization came from Certificates of Participation, which remain partially unpaid. Part of Measure Q is slated to pay off that debt of $1.2 million.
The NHUHSD has 26,944 registered voters. Isom Advisors, promoters of the measure, conducted a survey over a four-day period (April 29-May 2, 2010) by questioning 400 individuals. Four hundred of 26,944 is a mere 1.5 percent. Though the survey included a negligible number of voters, Isom Advisors informed the district Board that the voters were in favor of the bond measure. Unfortunately, the Board chose to place the measure on the ballot. Isom Advisors will receive fees far in excess of $100,000.
A thirty (30) year taxpayer obligation demands a lot of property owners. NHUHSD is asking each voter to make a decision on an investment that every taxpayer will be paying for whether he or she is in favor of it. As taxpayers/property owners, we deserve to know how our investment will be handled. Where and how exactly will the $25 million be spent? To date, the Bond Project List is boiler plate. Specifics, please.
Sincerely,
Pamela Ford Cavanagh
Arcata
Eckart’s senseless smears
It’s past time that someone addresses the irresponsible, wildly inaccurate and dishonest series of columns written by Robert Eckart.
That the Arcata Eye chose to publish this mass of misinformation is most disturbing.
Eckarts’ attacks on EPIC are so twisted that if they really were the “ambulance chasers” he claims they are they would have him in court on libel charges.
It’s utter nonsense to say that EPIC has put millions of dollars into the pockets of its attorneys. They operate on a shoestring and the people that work for EPIC scrape by on what they earn.
The outright lies in Eckarts’ columns are amazing. He claims that he spoke with the Richardson Grove ranger and was told that “five to 10 of these giants blow down each year”. The ranger told me that no one had asked him that question and had he been asked he would not have said that since the numbers are quite inaccurate. He recommended that I speak with the environmental scientist in the Eureka office. I did speak with him and he said those numbers weren’t even close, they were quite an exaggeration. Prairie Creek, which is much larger than RG has one to two trees down in a year.
Eckart goes on to say, “According to crash records obtained from Caltrans, under a freedom of information act request, there is an average of one serious vehicle accident occurring monthly.” Eckart makes this stuff up out of hot air. This is an outright lie. First of all one doesn’t get crash records from Caltrans and, of course, FOIA requests have nothing to do with Caltrans or crash records. I have the records for the last decade for the one mile stretch within which Caltrans plans to work. There was an average of six accidents a year, most of them relatively minor. There was one death in that 10-year period; a 68 year old under the influence of drugs ran into a tree.
So much for Eckert’s nonsense about “how the families of all the scores of people maimed over the years in that narrow stretch of 101 feel….”
Virtually everything that he wrote is stuff he made up to suit whatever point (s) he wanted to make.
He claims EPIC wanted to sue his little gang of weed whackers. Bull Pucky.
So why would Eckart make up all of this baloney about EPIC, Richardson Grove and his kind-hearted band of buddies? Is it just that he’s unstable or could it be that he has an “agenda”?
Although I’m tempted to say “all of the above” I lean toward the “he has an agenda” theory. He and his merry little band didn’t wanna just cut weeds. They claimed that they had to repair the tracks in order to properly cut the weeds. Say what? Repair the track in order to cut weeds??`
All of this unbelievable smearing of EPIC is about wanting to make the railroad come back by doing it piece by piece under the radar. The first step was the Speeder and now it’s an additional piece of track here and another there, ad infinitum.
The North Coast Railroad Authority e-mailed the Timber Heritage Association noting that they are aware that repair work was done which they did not authorize. Nothing was to be done other than brush cutting till a full environmental review is performed..
I think that readers would do well to ask themselves why they did not question the many sweeping, unsubstantiated statements he made such as when he implied that Scott Greacen of EPIC signed the names of three other heads of non-profit organization to his letter of concern about Eckart and Co.’s actions without their permission. Does anyone seriously believe that these three people would say or do nothing if that were true?
There is no question in my mind but that Eckart owes EPIC an apology but I doubt that will happen. I think the Eye owes an apology to both EPIC and its readers.
Sylvia De Rooy
Westhaven
Bring on the blowback
No doubt that there will be arising some objection to what my digging has uncovered, since this organization, and its workers, are driven by pride in the thought that they are working to the benefitof the environment. We can be sure to anticipate these mudslingers, and after all, this is just a fact of life in the world of journalism. Dirt sells…
I can assure you, and other readers, that I am not directly interested in taking EPIC apart, but most of the information I obtained was pulled out of the state AG’s office in writing. It is obvious from the honest reaction of EPIC’s cohorts that the local group is only running on a subsistance budget. What is stated in their books, is actually the budget they operate on.
However, this makes it even worse, in my opinion, if the band of lawyers who represent EPIC don’t even kick more down to the folks in the front line trenches, when they themselves fly out of here with multiple checks written for seven figures. Out of court settlement checks, plain and simple.
My piece was based on direct conversations with lawyers involved as well as black and white information from the State AG’s office in Sacramento. Those guys at EPIC can live in a state of denial, but they are, for a bunch of “truth checkers” laughable in that they are only checking on the “truths” that serve their predatory masters. They are being played, as well as the entire movement. Yes, they have soundly kicked some deserved asses, but to feed their kill dogs, they now take off at the slightest, and routinely misguided, sign. The effect is that, in the end, these types of groups have gradually supplanted the authority of the municipal, state and federal authorities whose job it is to license and issue permits for any project, and then police the result.
What this means to the rest of us, rich or poor, is that any great ideas for entrepreneurism have to be vetted by this “Taliban-like” bunch, who don’t even know what their religion is, other than “protect the environment” (which does seem to include support of their own radio station but not anything for education).
Arthur Schopenhauer, whose works directly influenced Nietzsche, Albert Einstein, Freud, and Jung, put it this way:
Truth passes through three phases:
• First it is ridiculed.
• Second it is fiercely and violently opposed.
• Third, it becomes self-evident.
So bring it on, folks, dirt sells, and closed-minded people are abundant here in America.
Robert Eckart
Myers Flat
Dave for democracy
I am supporting Dave Meserve for Arcata City Council (davemeserve.org) as the candidate that best stands up democratic electoral reforms. Recently Democracy Unlimited of Humboldt County (DUHC.org) surveyed candidates for local office on a variety of important electoral reform measures. The measures ranged from limiting corporate involvement in electoral spending to supporting ranked choice voting to supporting publicly funded elections. While I support Dave Meserve for office it is important to recognize merely changing the personal elected to office won’t fix all of our structural problems; policies must change as well!
Corporations should be banned from donating to any election – the policy in the US for most of its history. Ranked choice voting should be pursued in Arcata as it is in San Francisco and Oakland. And elections need to be publicly funded to allow candidates to win even if they aren’t independently wealthy and refuse special interest donations. Elections are the infrastructure of our democracy and should be funded just as other infrastructure projects are. In order to vote for local candidates that support such measures check out duhc.org/page/november-2010-candidate-survey
Vote for candidates that support truly democratic elections and force tem to live up to their claims once they are in office. Democracy starts on Election Day but it surely shouldn’t end there. Voting for Dave Meserve will help promote democratic elections in our local government even after Election Day.
Ryan Emenaker
Arcata
Good going, Gallegos
As a nurse, I would like to congratulate District Attorney Paul Gallegos on his recent success with the Skilled Healthcare case.
This means a lot to our vulnerable elderly, debilitated, their families, as well as many healthcare professionals and other valuable staff who are dedicated to quality care.
The publicly traded Skilled Healthcare Corporation, which owns 22 nursing homes in the State of California and five here in Humboldt County, was deliberately and maliciously understaffing these skilled care facilities in order to reap massive profits and pay out large bonuses to corporate executives and shareholders—all at the expense and suffering of the elderly patients in their care.
As a nurse, I know how hard the staff at these facilities works and I know how dedicated they are to the patients in their care, I believe this case will help not just the patients, but the nurses whom will finally be given the quality work environment they deserve.
This means a lot to our vulnerable elderly, debilitated, their families, as well as many healthcare professionals and other valuable staff who are dedicated to quality care. Thank you again Mr. Gallegos for making another courageous difference in our community.
Cheri Corel
Eureka
Jackson: near-deranged
I am a criminal defense attorney who has been working with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for the past 28 years trying to reach just and fair resolutions of criminal charges. While I mainly do appeals, including death penalty appeals, and have argued eight cases before the California Supreme Court and dozens of others in state and federal appellate courts, I have also represented hundreds of local citizens.
In all my 28 years practicing in Humboldt County, I have never interacted with a more out-of-control, angry prosecutor than Allison Jackson. She is the only prosecutor who has ever yelled at me (over the phone), and that was about some silly case involving the accidental hitting of a dog by my client’s car. She threatened dire consequences if my client did not plead guilty. He did not plead guilty and was going to trial when the judge dismissed the case or diverted it or reduced the charge to a traffic infraction (I forgot which, except I remember we won.)
My experience of Ms. Jackson is that she has no sense of justice or understanding that an accused may actually be innocent or have an excuse or explanation that mitigates the crime. If elected, I expect her intransigence to lead to unnecessary trials and more not guilty verdicts, after putting innocent people through hell and conscientious jurors through expensive and time-consuming jury trials that don’t lead to convictions.
I support Paul Gallegos, who has a well-demonstrated sense of justice, whose office has rightly focused on violent and serious crimes, not petty ones.
And for Ms. Jackson to suggest Paul is too lenient on marijuana crimes is disingenuous, as the office has prosecuted hundreds of cases in Arcata and throughout the county where the suspects were caught growing more than their medical needs.
Sincerely,
Jay Moller
Garberville
Gallegos’s grotesqueries
Upon reading Paul Gallegos’ statement of candidacy for District Attorney, I am appalled that he takes credit for all the programs currently in his office. A number of competent attorneys before his time in this office are responsible for establishing and implementing the Consumer and Environmental Unit, the Child Abuse (CAST) and Adult Sex Crimes Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit.
He talks about attracting victim/witness advocates, but the program under his leadership is sorely diminished.
He gives minimal credit to the former and excellent investigators who are most responsible for the cold case solutions.
He doesn’t mention the high-profile cases that not only should not have been prosecuted but which have cost the county a great deal of money.
The sign, “Gallegos and Gallegos,” in Old Town is an ethical and misleading problem which has never been corrected. Has he prosecuted any former clients? These are questions brought out by my direct conversation with an employee of the California Bar Association.
Gallegos has all the smooth answers, but the actual facts seem to be extremely limited.
Allison Jackson has successfully prosecuted the most egregious crimes of our society – child abuse. How many cases has Gallegos dealt away in that area? How many unpopular cases has he dealt away?
We need a straightforward, responsible and honest District Attorney. No more political chicanery!
My vote is for Allison Jackson.
Mary Ellen Norton
McKinleyville
Gallegos’s omni-excellence
District Attorney Paul Gallegos deserves support from all sectors of our diverse communities. He has demonstrated a remarkable skill set — legal, financial, human resources — combined with courage and integrity rarely seen in the Humboldt DA’s office.
Today it’s clear that Humboldt County is safer and saner with Paul Gallegos in charge of the District Attorney’s office. Although the DA’s caseload has increased since 2003, and funding has decreased since that time, the DA’s office has secured a steady conviction rate and has sent more felons to prison than occurred during the previous seven years. Yet the DA’s office of Paul Gallegos consistently keeps its spending under budget.
In just seven years Paul Gallegos has created the Criminal Investigations Bureau, the Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit, the Child Abuse and Adult Sex Crimes Unit, the Worker’s Compensation Fraud Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit and the Bad Check Program.
It should therefore be no surprise that during the past seven years violent crime has decreased 13 percent in Humboldt County.
Outside of Humboldt County, Paul Gallegos is highly respected, and he has earned the endorsement of district attorneys from the other counties, as well as Former State Attorney General Bill Lockyer.
Paul Gallegos is a courageous, principled district attorney who works long hours with excellent results. He has dedicated himself to the greater good of the people of Humboldt County. He has my vote.
Greg King
Arcata
Cleary: Captain Résumé
Now is the time for the residents in the Fifth District to start taking an honest look at the candidates running for Supervisor.
Patrick Cleary is certainly the most qualified candidate with a long list of successes on his resume. Patrick has the experience and the knowledge necessary to make wise choices for our district and our county. There is no hidden agenda, just a desire to do what is right for the residents and find a common ground for the issues that face our area.
He may not be a familiar name to most people, but his accomplishments certainly are. His skills helped turn around the North Coast Co-op and KHSU when they were struggling financially and he played an integral role as a boardmember of the Headwaters Fund.
Patrick has planted his roots deep in Humboldt County and has made a name for himself with his accomplishments, all of which were for the betterment of our community. I want to discern that I not just voting for somebody I know, but that I know is somebody. Patrick is that somebody. I would be proud to have Patrick Cleary be my voice for my community.
Kristie Ghisetti
McKinleyville
Cleary for these times
By now, many of your readers know that the Freshwater Pulp Mill has made the decision not to reopen. The impact of this on our Humboldt County will be profound. As a harbor commissioner, an engineer and a businessperson I can tell you it will have a ripple effect beyond raising water rates. The closure will also present significant challenges to our timber industry and our ability to function as a port. We must face these challenges by moving forward and seeking new opportunities.
This is why it is so important that we have the best, most qualified people working for us at all levels of government. We not only need experience and practicality, but also honesty and good judgment. This is why I urge voters of the Fifth District to elect Patrick Cleary as your supervisor.
I have worked with Patrick on many issues. He supports our efforts to establish a short sea shipping system to expand our transportation opportunities. He understands that healthy bay, river and watershed ecosystems mean more fish, crab and shellfish for our fishermen. And, as an outdoor enthusiast Patrick has always been a big supporter of our regional trail system efforts.
Time after time Patrick has shown he has the smarts and tenacity that has helped many local businesses and non-profits move from adversity to prosperity. He has demonstrated his strong commitment and respect for the environment and our culture with his generosity and hours of volunteer time.
Most of all, Patrick has shown great ability to bring people from all sides of the table together to achieve success.
Humboldt County needs leaders with real world experience, fresh ideas, and fortitude to make the right choices to move us forward. This is why I whole heartily endorse and support Patrick Cleary for Fifth District Supervisor.
Mike Wilson
Commissioner, 3rd Division, Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District
Arcata
Change out Thompson
Mike Thompson is our Congressional Representative for the 1st District. Thompson primarily represents the wine country of St. Helena where he resides. He has been embedded in Congress for approximately 20 years. He has worked with President Obama and House leadership on every issue. On the Obama Health Care Bill, all Stimulus legislation, the Cap and Trade Bill, allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire, the Union Card Check Bill, and the Amnesty Bill, he voted YES on every one. To add insult to injury, he voted YES to increase the national debt limit by 1.9 trillion to 14.3 trillion and he voted NO on the Border Protection Bill.
Thompson describes himself as a fiscally conservative “Blue Dog Democrat.” However, referring to his voting record above, who does he think he’s kidding? The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Stimulus Bill alone will raise the national debt by $7,700. per family. What has Thompson done to make sure that this stimulus money intended for infrastructure improvements reaches Humboldt County? It seems as if all we have received is grants and loans. Our struggling harbor could have used some of that money.
Some of you may feel indebted to Mike Thompson because he has obtained government loans for you. However, are you considering the larger consequences of the passage of these destructive bills which will bankrupt our country and forever fundamentally change the future of this nation for our children and grandchildren?
If you are tired of the status quo and do not approve of this administration’s huge spending spree, then consider voting for Loren Hanks for 1st District Representative. Loren Hanks, a citizen candidate from Humboldt and Sonoma County, does not support the spending bills that Thompson has pushed forward.
In Hanks own words, “It is unacceptable to talk about fiscal discipline, and then vote with the most liberal members of Congress to add trillions to the National Debt.” Mike Thompson has refused to show up at scheduled debates with Mr. Hanks. The last “no show” was in Yountville where he didn’t make an appearance. League of Women Voters has a debate scheduled for Oct. 28… Of course, this will be after Absentee Voter ballots have been cast. What do you want to bet Thompson doesn’t show up?
If you are curious to learn more about candidate Loren Hanks, I invite you to visit his web site at hanksforcongress.com
Terence Roberts
McKinleyville
Vote for Senator Ed
ED MUSGRAVE, write- in candidate for State Senate. I am an official candidate for State Senate. My votes will be counted. I believe that the least government is best. Libertarians are criticized for not caring about people. I care. I see my best friends suffering even toward death in Arcata. For all the money spent on government, not a penny reaches the homeless. People expect to send their money to Sacramento and it will solve all the problems of the land. Why not just send your checks to the North Coast Resource Center rather than the politicians who pick your pockets for their pork. John Shelter of the North Coast Resource Center has devoted his career to knowing ,caring and giving what homeless people of Arcata need. No way is any government program ever going to do for the community what John Shelter and the people of the North Coast Resource center does. Go there yourself. 501 Ninth Street at the Bus Terminal Tuesday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.I guarantee you that you will not see a government paid functionary drawing a $60,000 check to sit in an office there.
I propose to take down the tent of government step by step in a way that benefits everybody. People have a right to life, liberty and property. I suggest loosening land zoning regulations to give every young person a quarter acre of land. That land is inalienable, no one can take it away. I suggest a 100 percent tax credit for donations to private colleges with the same admission and financial aid conditions as community colleges and state colleges. I suggest enterprise zones with free land, no taxes and no regulations except for those directly involved with the environment or worker safety. As a libetarian, I am sensitive to what the heavy hand of government can do to the lives of people. Here I am not referring to the police officers of Humboldt County. I have experienced only well appreciated help and have never observed anything beyond professional service. I mean GOVERNMENT AGENCIES like CPS, Mental Health, Incarceration of Seniors.
I believe people want to be free. For more details, go to edmusgrave.blogspot.com .Write in ED MUSGRAVE for State Senate. Strike a blow for liberty, you never know when you might need it. In any case, when the rights of any one are threatened they are threatened for us all. Peace and Freedom.
Ed Musgrave
Arcata
Two years to fix eight years’ damage
Apparently the people who mocked Obama supporters for expecting so much of him, who laughed at the notion that Obama was the Messiah, were right. It seems that many liberals and progressives did expect Obama to walk on water into office and perform the miracles of causing Congress members to get along, lifting the economic market away from imminent collapse, saving our automobile industry, bringing all our troops home (celebrating the fact that some of them are gay), creating millions of jobs and turning the country green overnight. We expected he would accomplish all this in no more than 100 days because he would be able to persuade Republicans into being sweetly cooperative. Of course we didn’t know about the Tea Partyers yet, but if they had appeared it’s likely we would have believed he could even charm them into good humor.
No wonder we’re upset; he’s had almost two years to accomplish these things. It’s human nature to become disillusioned when disappointed, to fall into despair or anger. In anger you turn against the leader that has disappointed you; in despair you lie down and give up. That explains why some progressives are doing the Republicans’ work for them, attacking Obama themselves. And it explains why others, especially some young people who haven’t had much experience with the reality of the political world, lose heart and simply give up.
The thing is, when you are up against real difficulties (which we certainly have been), you don’t give up easily. Nothing changes quickly in the social world anyway and nothing good happens quickly in politics. For decades we have been letting our democracy slide too much into the hands of corporate power. We can’t expect one man to undo that overnight.
Would you attack your quarterback in the first quarter for not gaining as many yards as you unrealistically hoped? Why attack the leader who has been patiently, tirelessly and intelligently working away at solutions to so many of our problems and gradually gaining ground against horrendous opposition. Obama has made hundreds of new appointments and signed many executive orders which are already very much changing the tone of government. He worked long and tirelessly with (and sometimes against) a recalcitrant Congress to pass the health care bill which, although not perfect, brought us a huge step away from being at the mercy of the insurance industry. He is bringing most of the troops home. One thing he has done single-handedly is to restore our country’s reputation in the world. These are only a few of his accomplishments. Perhaps most important of all, he inspired a whole generation to believe that they can have a real voice in their government.
Sarah Kavasharov
Arcata
Walk to School thanks
A heartfelt thanks to all the people and agencies that helped made International Walk to School Day a huge success for Jacoby Creek School. 251 walkers and rollers (Bicycles, scooters, rollerblades and skateboards) filled the side walks and bike lanes of Old Arcata Road and had a walking, running, rolling celebration on Oct. 6.
Thanks to all of the parents and students who volunteered and participated and planned this event. The following people and agencies put forth extra effort to help walk to school day succeed: Jacoby Creek School Superintendent Catherine Stone, the teachers and staff of JCS were so supportive. The California Highway Patrol lent out their parking lot to use as a remote drop off site. The Arcata Police patrolled Old Arcata Road and encouraged walkers and bike riders with incentives to stay active and safe. Caltrans posted a safety message on the their Highway sign on Hwy 101 (thank you Lena Ashley). Arcata Mayor, Alex Stillman and Arcata City Council members, Susan Ornelas, Shane Brinton, and Michael Winkler accepted our invitation to walk to school with Jacoby Creek Families. Arcata City Manager, Randy Mendosa and City of Arcata Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Oona Smith supported the event with a proclamation and incentives. Otto Van Emmerik of the Green Diamond Resource Agency made sure there were no logging trucks rolling down Jacoby Creek Road and Old Arcata Road while students and their families were walking and biking to school.
Our next Walk and Roll Wednesday is October 3rd. Thank for driving slow and safe on Old Arcata Road so school children can walk and roll.
Kelley Kyle
Jacoby Creek School Wellness Committee Member
Arcata
Good Goddesses
I am writing to tell you about the Fifth Annual Goddess Games, an all women disc golf tournament that took place Sept. 25 and 26 in and around Arcata. Goddess Games is a tournament supported by Par Infinity, Humboldts disc golf club. We had a record number of women come and compete (see photo, page 14).
Women are a growing force in this up and coming sport that uses frisbees (discs) and baskets instead of a club and ball. Twenty women participated over two days playing four courses; Pump Station 4, Briar Patch, College of the Redwoods and Manila. Sixty-three holes, all par 3, were played and Crystal Desadier of Arcata was the overall winner shooting a one over par. Crystal also won the long-arm and CTP (closest to the pin) contests with Nicole Weimer of Arcata winning the putting contest.
We had players from all levels, pro, amateur and recreational and strive to make a comfortable yet challenging tournament for all involved. In closing I’d like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters, without you we would not have had such a great tournament. Thank you Jaimie Peck, my co-director, without you there would be no Goddess Games. Goddess Games happens every fall and we look forward to seeing our tournament grow.
Katie Pixley, tournament director
Arcata
Pastels on the Plaza thanks
The 23rd year of “pastels on the Plaza” was a huge success due to the generous creativity of over 200 artists and the support of their business sponsors. The art was outstanding for this colorful community event.
We couldn’t have done it without the assistance of staff volunteers, friend, families, students, amazing artists and the Northcoast Children’s Services’ Board of Directors.
This event raised $20,000 for Humboldt and Del Norte Early Childhood programs. These funds were most critical this year in light of the State Budget crisis and the delay of funding since June.
To the “little ones” for whom pastels on the Plaza was created, a heartfelt thank you for motivating and inspiring us for another year as we do the most important and satisfying work – caring of children.
See you next year October 1, 2011.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Kathy Montagne, executive director
Arcata
Don’t abuse the beach
Hi, my name is Unity Murray. I go to Coastal Grove Charter School sixth grade. On Spt. 24, our class participated in Coastal Cleanup at Mad River Beach (Eye, Oct. 6).
When we were there we found broken glass, rusty nails from pallets, feminine products, candy wrappers, paper and all sorts of things a beach should not have.
People wanted to walk barefoot, but we couldn’t because of all the nails we found.
I believe littering has to stop, because if animals decide to go ashore and eat a nail, what happens? They die.
I request that after a party at the beach, you pick up after yourself. Don’t burn pallets, because they have nails that don’t burn.
Unity Murray
McKinleyville
Nails, trash and nails
I am a sixth grader in Ms. Shana’s class at Coastal Grove Charter School. On Sept. 24, my class took a field trip to clean up Mad River Beach for Coastal Cleanup Day.
I was shocked, disgusted and angry that people would make such a mess! We picked up nails, glass, candles, nails, fireworks, plastic, bottles, candy wrappers and nails.
Some “slithy tove” had left a shotgun shell, a condom wrapper and a medical canister of pot.
Our beaches are public places. Everyone is responsible to keep them clean.
Sincerely,
Isaac Murphy
Blue Lake
Don’t ‘play’ on the train tracks
Regarding the various activities underway on the North Coast Rail Authority’s right-of-way and so vigorously defended in this paper – including “speeder” car excursions and brush clearing – one little problem emerges that should make all these good citizens think again about all the good fun they are having playing on the railroad line.
Since NCRA knows about and is allowing the activities, the Authority would probably be found liable for any accidents that may result within the right-of-way.
However, the NCRA doesn’t have any money and they don’t have insurance for activity not related to hauling freight.
What’s more, in the legislation that authorized the NCRA, the State of California wrote that it has no liability for anything done by NCRA. No doubt this would include any liability that may result from allowing people to play around on the railroad line.
So if you’re planning to have a little speeder or brush removal fun, fine, but you’re on your own if you get hurt or worse.
Patty Clary, executive director
Californians for Alternatives to Toxics
Eureka
Beware blog-like bloviation
After three of Robert Eckart’s rants, I could no longer stand by in silence. I sympathize with his frustration at the delay of his project to reduce fire hazard along the tracks in Fort Seward. But for him to parlay that frustration into unsubstantiated, ad hominem attacks against EPIC and its staff is unwarranted and unfair.
The tip-off comes in the phrases of innuendo that Mr. Eckart flings like so much cow dung: “Allegedly… it appears that…”; “Very Strong Rumor has it.” If I want scantily founded speculation, I can scroll through the anonymous comments section on a blog. Shouldn’t serial op-ed writers have to meet a higher standard? We’re all neighbors in this county.
Mr. Eckart alleges that EPIC is getting rich off its lawsuits. With a quarter-million-dollar budget for a five-person organization (according to their website, wildcalifornia.org), and with court awards amounting mainly to their own legal costs, I doubt anyone is growing rich on the EPIC payroll.
I don’t agree with all of EPIC’s stances. Most recently, I think the time its staff is devoting to Richardson Grove could be better spent on their valuable work corraling the abuses of industrial and public forestry. But I respect the struggle EPIC has pursued to keep the forests of northwestern California wild, and the successes they have notched against the US Forest Service, state regulators, and Maxxam/Pacific Lumber. Give ’em a break.
Seth Zuckerman
Petrolia
A non-partisan Voter Guide
There are so many candidates for state offices running in the November 2 General Election that it gets confusing. Then when you add nine ballot propositions, it’s time to find a roadmap to understanding what your vote may mean.
The League of Women Voters of California has published a nonpartisan Easy Voter Guide which is available free to organizations and individuals to assist you in learning about the state candidates and the propositions on which we have to vote.
Each candidate for Senator and Governor has provided a brief paragraph describing platform and top priorities. Candidates for the other state offices are listed with their party, occupation and residence. For each of the nine propositions, the Guide describes what would change and the major argument for and against each one.
Individual copies of the Easy Voter Guide in English and Spanish are available at county libraries, or online at EasyVoter.org. Your organization may request quantities of Easy Voter online in multiple languages for distribution to members.
The Easy Voter Guide is a project of the League’s Education Fund in partnership with the California State Library. Please note that the League does not support or oppose individual candidates. We do, however, encourage active and informed participation in government.
Beth Matsumoto, president
League of Women Voters of Humboldt County
Cheeky inaccuracy
I recently read a letter sent in by Mr. Cheek to the Lumberjack to which I must respond.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Cheek, who describes himself as an educator would write such an ill-informed and ignorant post. While Mr. Cheek may support Ms. Jackson, this does not give him or anyone else the right to be so fast and loose with the truth. Mr. Cheek knows nothing about the case of which he writes. Up until today, I would have said that I doubt Ms. Jackson would approve of such an attack so devoid of facts; I was apparently wrong.
I can tell you that I was the handling attorney on the case about which Mr. Cheek writes. Out of respect for the young woman and her privacy I will not write of any of the details. Detective Martinez and I both worked very hard on this case; in the end the young woman, on no uncertain terms, made it clear that she would not cooperate or participate in the prosecution. This was after the case was charged; the suspect in question was extradited and housed in the jail for several weeks. Without her testimony, the People could not proceed and therefore the charges were dismissed.
Mr. Cheek, you sir were not a witness to the events of this alleged crime; nor were you privy to the communications between the young woman and Detective Martinez; nor were you a party to the communications between myself and this young woman. Before you made comment perhaps you should have educated yourself.
To do anything less is an insult to Detective Martinez, APD and the District Attorney’s Office.
Kelly Neel, Deputy District Attorney
Eureka
Only Gallegos believes in justice
Finally in these last days before the election, the facts are coming out about the candidates for District Attorney. Ms. Jackson touts herself as an advocate for victims, but a closer look at her record reveals consistently overzealous prosecution often to the detriment of the victims and their families. There is a feeling of fear at the courthouse for those of us who have seen her in action, not just because of the turmoil a change in leadership causes, but because of an attitude which might be tolerated in an office under her management.
While there may be room for criticism of Mr. Gallegos over specific cases, the fact is that he believes in the constitutional rights granted to those presumed innocent, follows the law and makes tough, practical decisions. Ms. Jackson appears to believe that the ends justify the means, often dancing the ethical line. If a defendant is going to receive what amounts to a life sentence, an ethical prosecutor listens to the wishes of the victim and their family and may accept that instead of enduring a lengthy, costly and traumatic trial to achieve a “victory.”
Join me in voting for Paul Gallegos, the only candidate with integrity who believes in justice for all members of our county.
Christina Allbright
Eureka
The need for Measure Q
Because of the economy, the timing of Measure Q is poor. Additionally public education should not have to rely on the public to pay for education they have already paid for. However, with no other funds available currently and in the future, we feel that we have no choice but to support the measure.
The items in the measure are a necessity. Paying off previous loans and installing solar panels will free up dollars to spend in areas of need for students. Updating facilities that includes new bell and clock systems is essential to provide positive and meaningful educational environments that are safe for all.
Our Library-Media Centers and technology are outdated. Not having current technology in the hands of our students puts them at a disadvantage when they leave our schools. Providing an Arts Facility and playing fields for our Physical Education classes and community will have a positive impact on our students and for the community as a whole.
The district has never asked for a bond in the past and would not now if other means were available. They have even chosen a smaller amount of tax revenue than they could have. The School Board will insure that the funds are spent equally and appropriately. Our children have graduated, but we see the importance of providing for current and future students.
No, we do not embrace increasing our taxes, but we feel we must invest in our students. Join us in support of Measure Q.
David and Diane Lonn
McKinleyville
End student shivering
So it seems that Measure Q is aimed at improving health and safety issues at McKinleyville High School and Arcata High School?
If that is the case, then the money better go to build our teenagers at Mack High a safe, warm place to eat lunch. I cannot believe that students without vehicles or rides to leave campus have to shiver in the hallways if they cannot find a teacher who is willing to open his/her classroom so that they can have shelter out of the rain/wind/cold.
I went to Mack High in the mid-’80s and remember shivering in the cold hallways at lunchtime. Why has this not changed? Why did the structural improvements done a few years ago just go to benefitting the staff and teachers with new offices and a break room when the main concern SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE STUDENTS?
Are my grandchildren going to be shivering in the Mack High hallways, too?
Sincerely,
Mara Rigge
Trinidad
Measure Q a small price
In its 116-year history, the Northern Humboldt Unified School District has never asked the voters for an increase in taxes.
But after many years of decreasing funding from the state and federal governments, we ask for a property tax increase of $19 per $100,000 of the property’s assessed (not market) value.
If your home’s market value is $200,000 and its assessed value is, say $150,000, then your annual property tax would increase by about $30.
Thirty bucks per year is do-able for most of us. The amount is equal to about $3 per month, which is less than an expensive coffee drink or a pack of cigarettes.
Please Vote YES on Measure Q. Support our Community, Support our Schools.
Sheri Woo
Fieldbrook
Cleary’s accomplishments
I am pleased to support Patrick Cleary for Humboldt County Fifth District Supervisor. Not only have I called Patrick a friend for over a decade, I have worked with him on a variety of community projects, and have been impressed by his management expertise as well as his commitment to the people and communities in our district and the county.
One example that I am particularly proud of is participating with a small team of dedicated volunteers who have been working with Patrick, as President of the Humboldt Folklife Society, operating the Buddy Brown Blues Festival. This Blue Lake festival is an all-volunteer operated event, utilizing local bands, and raises thousands of dollars every year for a children’s music program.
I also want to let people know how much of a friend Patrick has been to Indian Country locally. He organized a special fundraiser after the destruction of the Karuk Tribe’s Katimiin dance pit on the Klamath River just outside of Orleans. The funding raised by the Northern California Indian Showcase he put together that year was dedicated to the rebuilding of this sacred site.
Patrick’s strong respect for indigenous culture combined with his forward thinking and hard work have created quite an impression on me. He has been instrumental in creating and growing local businesses and jobs, and raising funding for worthy causes. He has the experience and skills to be a real leader for Humboldt County and I hope you will join me in voting for Patrick Cleary.
Greg Gehr
Blue Lake
Prop 19 a worthy remedy
To all the ganja farmers, hustlers, bucket spinners and trimmers,
First off, allow me to remind you that we all owe our livelihoods to this sacred plant. In fact, everyone in the Emerald Triangle, if not the entire state, benefits from this plant directly or indirectly on a daily basis. The huge down side to all of this is the thousands of lives being wasted in jail. On top of that, for every person in jail are families and friends paying the price. Millions if not billions of dollars are wasted enforcing these antiquated laws, and precious resources are wasted by growers trying to keep themselves safe; i.e. the garbage bags of fertile soil brought to the dump every day. Paranoia and secrecy abound, isolating communities and severing us from living our truth as we try to protect ourselves.
I’ll be the first to agree that Prop. 19 is not a great bill. But like all new legislation, it takes years to work out the kinks. We are still way off from a truly legitimate medical program and that started over a decade ago. The way I see it, this is a massive floodgate and Proposition 19 is just the first step in opening that gate. We owe it to this plant to free it from our closets and basements. Do we really think that a plant that has been imprisoned indoors can set our minds free anyway?
There are two points I want to make. First, that no one has the right to continue living their lavish, new truck and sushi twice a week lifestyles on the backs of these people in jail. If you haven’t made yours yet in the illegal marijuana industry – too bad, you missed your opportunity. Second, legalization will bring about many positive changes. The price will obviously drop and that will force an end to indoor growing (growers, this is ok; the only reason it went indoors was because it was illegal). The power bill won’t be cost effective, unless of course, one has access to solar power or another renewable source of energy.
If there is a future in more conventional indoor growing, Oakland has us badly beat. The only option left will be to return to the roots of Humboldt county growing; mom and pop organic outdoor. This brings up the next great change: no more chemicals. Growers trying to make a profit after a price drop won’t be able to afford chemicals fertilizers and pesticides. Compost and manure are infinitely cheaper. Without the need to be in hiding and the forced cost cutting, growers will also put an end to the ridiculous waste involved in growing. Everyone will be forced to get sustainable and start walking the talk of an ecologically minded Humboldt county. We hardly even need to mention how much marijuana related crime will drop.
You may be saying to yourself that this sounds great, but what about our local economy? Of course Marlboro will come in and do what they do… but they won’t talk to their plants, they won’t play them music and they won’t love them the way we do. There will always be a Cuban Cigar market – lets create the gourmet ganja market!
Not only that, but Humboldt has been on the brink of economic collapse before because of our dependency on exploited resources, and it has pulled through. First it was the trees and fish, now it’s the diesel grows and $2000/month power bills. Legalization could be our chance to legitimize ourselves as the healthy, sustainable marijuana capital of the world. I see this as a win-win situation, regardless of your personal stance on the plant in general. No more grow room fires, housing shortages in Arcata, fear and of course, no more people going to jail for a plant.
If you are a grower, the only way to make it after this happens will be to become truly impeccable in your farming. If you think you grow the best ganja out there, here’s your chance to prove it because only the best will survive. There’s no excuse for all that moldy weed out there anyway! The competition will be very stiff. If you don’t love this plant enough to make these changes, you don’t deserve its benefits.
So next time you are watering your plants, think about the true costs of your lifestyle. Let’s make Jack Herer and Peter Tosh proud. And remember: are you growing the herb or is the herb growing you?
With many green blessings (and a little help from Kali),
Selena Rowan
Arcata
Tax, spend and pout
Pouting Times-Standard in their five-part series on the Balloon Tract a few years ago ignored Arkley’s 2003 $2 million offer to buy the tract. The City could have set all permit requirements without anybody else objecting. Eureka refused, and Arkley used the same $2 million to buy it himself. Since then he has spent much more cleaning up what Eureka was unwilling to do. Why does that make him a bad actor?
It is claimed that Arkley’s project would devastate small business. Why does Eureka feel that government’s duty is to block competition and enforce local monopolies? For myself, Crescent City is closer and not as nasty. Grants Pass and Medford have much better store variety, the weekend trip is a beautiful drive and they always offer an 8.5 tax percent discount in addition to special sales.
Eureka had the opportunity to clean up the tract exactly as it desired, but nothing would have been done by now. The trash pile and toxic wastes would have stayed and been “governmentally acceptable” for decades into the future. Arkley’s plan for cleaning up has to meet state standards, and the state is known for making frivolous demands sound authoritatively necessary. Even the California Extortion Commission with its spirit of confiscation seems congenial.
Forty years ago the California legislature, in an exhaustive analysis, found that government land ownership was approaching 55 percent. Eureka grabs too, but government pays no taxes, it only spends. Why kill Eureka’s golden goose?
Charles Wilson
Orick
The need for Measure Q
Because of the economy, the timing of Measure Q is poor. Additionally public education should not have to rely on the public to pay for education they have already paid for. However, with no other funds available currently and in the future, we feel that we have no choice but to support the measure.
The items in the measure are a necessity. Paying off previous loans and installing solar panels will free up dollars to spend in areas of need for students. Updating facilities that includes new bell and clock systems is essential to provide positive and meaningful educational environments that are safe for all.
Our Library-Media Centers and technology are outdated. Not having current technology in the hands of our students puts them at a disadvantage when they leave our schools. Providing an Arts Facility and playing fields for our Physical Education classes and community will have a positive impact on our students and for the community as a whole.
The district has never asked for a bond in the past and would not now if other means were available. They have even chosen a smaller amount of tax revenue than they could have. The School Board will insure that the funds are spent equally and appropriately. Our children have graduated, but we see the importance of providing for current and future students.
No, we do not embrace increasing our taxes, but we feel we must invest in our students. Join us in support of Measure Q.
David and Diane Lonn
McKinleyville
Gallegos’ historic victory
On behalf of California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, CANHR, I want to applaud Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos’s intervention in the Skilled Healthcare case and the resulting permanent injunction that will ensure that current and future Skilled Healthcare residents are afforded better care.
Much of the attention on this case has focused on the historic multi-million dollar jury award against Skilled Healthcare, and – in the business media – on the effect of that verdict on Skilled Healthcare’s stock. Although the case was ultimately settled for significantly less and the company’s stock value rose again, the funds derived from this important case will provide some restitution to those residents who resided in and suffered in the named facilities.
Equally historic, however, is the permanent injunction issued against the Skilled Healthcare Group as a result of District Attorney Gallegos’s intervention. The terms of the injunction, which include the appointment of a third party monitor to ensure that the staffing levels at Skilled Healthcare facilities meet the minimum staffing levels required by California law, will provide future protection to residents of those facilities.
It is our hope that District Attorney offices around the state will emulate Mr. Gallegos’s actions and provide the same assurance to the elderly and disabled residents in the hundreds of other understaffed California nursing homes.
Sincerely,
Pat McGinnis, executive director
San Francisco
Jackson’s mixed message
I was listening to the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse debate on Monday night and was glad to finally hear both candidates describe how necessary “plea agreements” are to our system of law. With over 10,000 cases being filed and less than 200 of those going to trial, the process of soliciting guilty pleas is clearly the grease by which our court systems work.
But I did wonder at some of Ms. Jackson’s comments. At one point she admits that plea bargains are “essential” to a well-functioning law system, and yet at a later point she claims that she will somehow stop the “revolving door of plea bargains.” So on the one hand she will continue to use those “essential” plea bargains, and yet on the other hand she will stop plea bargains. What’s the truth? Which side of her mouth is she talking from?
Conrad Gregory
Eureka
Pandering trickster Allison
Last night’s debate in Garberville gave me a clear understanding of our District Attorney candidates.
Paul Gallegos demonstrated again and again that no one is above the law by the breadth of his prosecutions and newly established programs. The challenger Alison Jackson showed she was tied to special interests as she preened her credentials as an animal rights activist (she said she does pro bono work for any animal rights case), law enforcement union representative, womens’ rights advocate, business person’s lawyer, and so on. She seemed to want to be all things to all people.
While Jackson tried political tricks to ingratiate herself with the constituency, District Attorney Gallegos laid down a clear and unambiguous bottom line: commit a crime and there will be consequences.
Gallegos is not much of a politician, but I like his even-handed approach. He sees his job as based on the values we’ve established in our judicial system. Humboldt County has come a long way since he took over the DA’s office, and we need him for another term to keep things going in the right direction.
Dan D’Ancona
Trinidad
Cruel, grasping Jackson
I want to complement Mark Grimes for his excellent letter to the editor that I read a few days back. He wrote in about a case we’ve all heard a lot about, the tragic death of Nicole Quigley by a drunk driver. I like that Mark was sensitive to the pain of the grieving father while also pointing out the limitations of the law. I don’t think anyone is surprised that the father is unsatisfied with the sentence, but Mr. Grimes did the research to prove that in this case our District Attorney did an outstanding job of getting an even more severe sentence then the driver could have gotten from a jury trial. He even got the driver to waive his right of appeal—no doubt a victory in any prosecutor’s estimation other than, as Mr. Grimes so stated, Allison Jackson, who is, not surprisingly, exploiting this tragedy for her own political gain.
I’ve actually heard a lot about how Ms. Jackson is willing to let victims and their families suffer greater pain after a tragedy, just so she can continue to pursue her own glory in the courtroom at the expense of victims. The most heart wrenching of these stories is the case of Ronald Gregg. This man was a monster, but the mother of the poor victim begged Ms. Jackson to let him accept a plea agreement (which would have had him locked up until he was 80 years old) to save her poor young daughter from having to relive the horrors this man put her through all over again on the witness stand, but Allison refused the mother’s pleas all for the glory of getting a sentence longer than one hundred years.
Gabriel Salazar
McKinleyville
Discrimination by association
Wednesday night on KMUD’s District Attorney Candidate Forum, a caller asked the question, “Do you think mosques should be allowed to be built in the United States?” Incumbent Paul Gallegos answered, “Yes, absolutely,” followed by challenger Allison Jackson, who stated, “Yes,” and then further quipped, “I don’t know anyone who doesn’t.”
Yet it was another pandering politician at work. Ms. Jackson does in fact know someone who adamantly rejects this idea, someone who states, “No new mosque should be allowed within 50 miles of that site. Or in that state or in this country for that matter…”
The author of this statement is Rose Welsh, Ms. Jackson’s campaign manager, media buyer, key political strategist, financial contributor, endorser and one of her most vocal supporters.
You can’t have it both ways, Ms. Jackson. Whose side are you on?
With Paul Gallegos, we all know which side he’s on: the one where America is still a place that believes in freedom and equality under the law.
Chris Judd
Eureka
Rodoni really rocks
Johanna Rodoni ‘s understanding of the land appraisal process comes from her years as Director of the Buckeye Conservancy and as a long time Humboldt County businesswoman running a ranch. Johanna will bring a fresh perspective to an otherwise stale office. We all want fair assessments that reflect the current market conditions of our properties—Johanna will make sure of this. She can open up communications with title companies, surveyors, realtors and property owners and focus on good customer service for us all.
Johanna will strive to make this office consumer friendly and customer service oriented. This hands-on approach will elevate the level of leadership needed in order to run a more efficient, fair, pro-active and solutions-based Assessor’s Office. I truly believe the only choice for our next County Assessor in Humboldt County is Johanna Rodoni.
Sherry Hazelton
Fortuna
Cleary a Renaissance man
This November voters have a clear choice in the Fifth District in the race for Supervisor. There is but one candidate who brings the breadth of experience, intelligence and innovative thinking needed for this position and that is Patrick Cleary.
After moving here 13 years ago following a successful career in finance, he has gone on to become deeply involved in this community.
• In 2000, he bought radio stations KHUM and KSLUG, became president of Lost Coast Communications and has won journalism awards for reporting on local issues.
• He was asked to be interim manager of the then troubled NorthCoast Co-op and was named “Non profit Leader of the Year.”
• He was asked to be interim General Manager of KHSU-FM and was successful there as well.
• He is an original boardmember and chair of the county’s $20 million Headwater Fund and served two terms as chairman. During his tenure, Patrick sponsored several initiatives to improve business and education in our county.
• He is a member of the Big Lagoon Community Services District.
To top it all off, Patrick is an avid musician, is president of the Humboldt Folklife Society and co-founder and organizer of the Buddy Brown Blues Festival in Blue Lake.
All of these activities require problem solving, willingness to collaborate with many people with diverse interests, and above all, patience. Patrick listens. Then acts.
In addition, as an advocate for bringing broadband to the North Coast, he is thinking on a large scale about providing opportunities for more organizations to be based in Humboldt County and the additional job opportunities that will follow.
We urge you to vote for Patrick Cleary for Supervisor for the Fifth District.
Thank you,
Judy and Buzz Webb
McKinleyville
The horror of Prop 19
Why should you vote No on Prop 19, the proposition that states it will legalize marijuana? The bill is so much more than that… If passed:
Employers, and this includes schools, will no longer be able to “screen job applicants for marijuana use; regulate any employee conduct related to the use, transportation or cultivation of marijuana unless the employers can prove job impairment. This could be particularly troublesome with school bus drivers.
It will prevent employers from meeting federal drug-free workplace rules.
Marijuana use will not be regulated in the same way as alcohol or other drugs. It is granted a separate status making it more difficult to prove than being under the influence of any other drug or alcohol.
It creates a civil right for marijuana in the workplace.
There is no limitation of private growing of marijuana abutting up to a school site. School administrators would have a very difficult time monitoring this easy access to the drug.
Proposition 19 is opposed by a diverse group of leaders and organizations including both Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, Barbara Boxer and Carly Fiorina, Senator Diane Feinstein, The Association of California School Administrators, The California Chamber of Commerce, California Police Chiefs Association, California League of Citiees and numerous others.
Whatever your opinion on the merits of legalizing marijuana, this is NOT the way to do it. PLEASE…. VOTE NO ON PROP 19!
Sincerely,
Mary Scott
Eureka
End the pointless prohibition
If there was a vote on November 2, 2010 to prohibit alcohol again, would the County Representatives (County Reps Oppose Prop 19, Eye, Sept. 28) support it?
California voters can finally put an end to all this hypocritical and discredited reefer madness once and for all. Millions of citizens through out America are praying and hoping California citizens do the right thing and votes YES for Prop 19. Caging responsible adults for using the God-given plant (see the very 1st page of the Bible) cannabis (marijuana) is immoral and just plain wrong.
Truthfully,
Stan White
Dillon, Colorado
Breast Health thanks
On behalf of the Humboldt Community Breast Health Project, we thank everyone who contributed to the success of the 10th annual benefit concert “An Evening of Music, Love and Light” at the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Sept. 25.
A large audience enjoyed an eclectic selection of music, song, and dance, and a bountiful reception. The money raised stays local to provide services free of charge to individuals facing breast or gynecologic cancer concerns.
We are grateful to the artists, Luther Cobb MD, Elisabeth Harrington and Robin Miller, Nancy Correll and Annette Gurnée Hull, Cynthia Saravasti McCloud and Amantha (Manderella) Wood, and Tommy Lockett and Gregg Moore for their generous donation of time and talent. Leslie Buchanan brought her experience and grace as the M.C.
Our media sponsors, KIEM News Channel 3, the Times-Standard, the Arcata Eye, KHSU, KMUD, Bicoastal Media, and Lost Coast Communications were vital in promoting the event.
A huge vote of thanks is due to the sponsors of the event. The concert would not have been possible without their financial contributions as well as the food, wine and flowers they donated. Special thanks to Marty Burdette and Nancy Ambrosini for the quilt and to the other raffle prize donors.
To the many volunteers, who contributed their talents, time, energy and fabulous food, we thank you.
Thank you to this great community for joining us. We hope you truly experienced “An Evening of Music, Love and Light.”
Jean Wichelman
Concert Committee Chairperson
Arcata
Q vs. doom & gloom
We want to encourage voters living in the Northern Humboldt Union High School District to vote Yes on Measure Q. Passage of this bond will directly impact the education that our students receive.
This bond will provide for improved technology for students, the use of solar energy, and a fine arts facility worthy of the quality of our students, physical education facilities that will benefit students and the community and a library media center that will prepare students to excel at the university level.
At only $19 per $100,000 of assessed value, this bond is one of the least expensive in the state. Despite what the opponents of the bond are saying, the Board of Trustees has said that the bond dollars will be spent equally between the school sites.
Those that are against Measure Q, are the same people that oppose every issue in this county. Their names are well known, and they see it as their duty to preach “doom” and “gloom” as they argue against every progressive idea that comes before the voters.
It is as though, since they and or their children are finished with school there is no need to support schools any further.
Let us reject this type of thinking and support a brighter future for our children by voting Yes on Measure Q.
The Northern Humboldt Union High School District is the largest high school district in our state to never even have attempted a bond.
Our students deserve the support from the voters in our district that many students in the state have already received.
Our sons and daughters, and grandchildren are second to no one and deserve the best that we can offer them, so on Nov. 2, please vote Yes on Measure Q.
Brian and Diana Stephens
McKinleyville
Brooks best for Assembly
Karen Brooks is a citizen candidate running for State Assembly, District 1. She is a 30 year resident of Humboldt County. She lives in Bayside, is married and has two sons. She is an HSU business graduate. She has worked in the private sector, so she has real life experience.
Karen Brooks offers solutions and new ideas to help solve our problems in Sacramento. She doesn’t want to be a career politician. It is exciting to support such an outstanding candidate.
Change is happening. People are fed up with career politicians who just “RECYCLE” from one office to another when they term limit out.
In Humboldt County, we are the stronghold of a “CAREER POLITICIAN” in Wesley Chesbro. He was an Arcata City Councilman, Humboldt County Supervisor for Third District, then he was an Assemblyman, then State Senator and now he is back to being our Assemblyman and it is just the same old retread rhetoric and ideas.
Mr. Chesbro has touted “RECYCLING” for many years and I say it is time to “RECYCLE” him for a new voice in Sacramento. It is time to send the Good Old Boy home and see if he can make it in the private sector.
Please join me in supporting Karen Brooks. Be bold, vote for the best candidate. Karen is getting support across party lines.
Margaret Stafford
Arcata
Gallegos: tough on crime
People make up a lot of stories about the DA, but here’s the facts, his case load has increased since 2003, and yet his office has maintained a steady conviction rate and sent more felons to prison. Gallegos seems to do more with less.
Here some more facts about our DA. In the past seven years he had created these departments:
Criminal Investigations Bureau, Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit, Child Abuse and Adult Sex Crimes Unit, Worker’s Compensation Fraud Unit, Hoopa Domestic Violence Unit, Domestic Violence Unit and the Bad Check Program.
None of which existed before he took office!
The DA’s office is working with the Courts to develop an Early Resolution Court, just as they developed the Homeless Court. Paul’s office works hard for the people and is effective in its pursuits.
Maureen Harrington
Eureka
Questions for both DA candidates
I have some questions for the D.A. candidates.
I agree with Ms. Jackson that the victims of crime often get short shrift, particularly those victims of rape and abuse who are women, children, queer people, people of color, homeless people, etc.
But I’d like to hear more about Ms. Jackson’s belief that under the American system of law, suspects have rights and all people under the law are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
For Mr. Gallegos, I agree with him that people should have the right to smoke marijuana, but what is he going to do about people who plant in public lands for profit (destroying the environment), and about grow houses that are a danger to our neighborhoods (fire) and are depleting the housing market (and therefore contributing to homelessness)?
Inquiring minds would like to know.
Susan McGee
Eureka
