◼ Cockfighting charges dropped against Christie
A county prosecutor on Wednesday announced the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office would drop several charges related to allegations Ray Christie, a McKinleyville rancher, was raising roosters to be used for cockfighting.
Christie faced five misdemeanor charges for allegedly raising roosters for cockfighting after police raided his McKinleyville rooster breeding operation in December and seized more than 1,300 roosters, as well as dozens of knives and gaffs -- illegal implements used in cockfighting.
Christie still faces one misdemeanor charge alleging possession of a cockfighting implement....
...Following the trial, Deputy District Attorney Sherissa Edmark said she would prepare to retry the defendant. But Wednesday, Christie's attorney Kenneth Bareilles said he plans to discuss with his client whether another trial is the best option.
”I plan to advise Mr. Christie and encourage him to settle if possible,” Bareilles said. “It might be less expensive just to pay the fine. But sometimes you can't measure this stuff in dollars and cents.”...
But that's not the end of the story, as I understand it. Developing.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The value of the Victim Witness Program
◼ A survivor, not a victim
...Ultimately, Brannon-Stanley credits the District Attorney's Victim Witness program for getting her through this time -- from finding her a new home to providing support during the court proceedings.
Detective Ron Harpham and Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin were critical in ensuring justice was carried out, she said. It's her own resilience that keeps her going.
”I'm not a victim, I'm a survivor,” she said....
...Ultimately, Brannon-Stanley credits the District Attorney's Victim Witness program for getting her through this time -- from finding her a new home to providing support during the court proceedings.
Detective Ron Harpham and Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin were critical in ensuring justice was carried out, she said. It's her own resilience that keeps her going.
”I'm not a victim, I'm a survivor,” she said....
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Did anybody READ the DA's Grant Proposal?
Item D. 5 on today's Board Of Supervisor's Agenda
District Attorney
5. Workers' Compensation Grant Application.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Supervisors approve the attached grant application and sign the attached board resolution; and Direct the Clerk of the Board to return the resolution to Chief Michael Hislop so it may be processed with the grant application. link
Who is assigned?
How many cases?
How many brought to trial?
It doesn't look very good to me.
Funny that this DA announced he was working to "wean" himself of grant funding, yet this is the second application in the last few weeks. One is for a nice new Hummer or something to go with his nice uniforms and semi-automatic rifles.
These are just applications. Whether he gets them, whether he should, and whether adheres to the promises made in these applications is another.
More to follow.
District Attorney
5. Workers' Compensation Grant Application.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Supervisors approve the attached grant application and sign the attached board resolution; and Direct the Clerk of the Board to return the resolution to Chief Michael Hislop so it may be processed with the grant application. link
Who is assigned?
How many cases?
How many brought to trial?
It doesn't look very good to me.
Funny that this DA announced he was working to "wean" himself of grant funding, yet this is the second application in the last few weeks. One is for a nice new Hummer or something to go with his nice uniforms and semi-automatic rifles.
These are just applications. Whether he gets them, whether he should, and whether adheres to the promises made in these applications is another.
More to follow.
The Fight Club Thread
This post is for all the comments by ex-Republican and a few others. Your comments won't be censored, but they will be moved here from now on. Have fun.
Comments like this one -
Harmony Groves has left a new comment on your post "Juxtaposition":
Rose! I will not tolerate these slanderous and false accusations! I will not tolerate being criticized in any way shape or form because we who are the political elite are not obligated to follow the same rules as the masses! I was put into power by the hand of god just as was pelosi, clinton, obama, and many other great liberal politicians.
I dmand you shut this thread down Rose! I deand that my good name not be dragged through the mud! These worthless eaters dare think they can question their superiors and soon they shall pay with the freedom that we for far too long have allowed them.
It's clearly not Harmony, it's just a time waster.
Comments like this one -
Harmony Groves has left a new comment on your post "Juxtaposition":
Rose! I will not tolerate these slanderous and false accusations! I will not tolerate being criticized in any way shape or form because we who are the political elite are not obligated to follow the same rules as the masses! I was put into power by the hand of god just as was pelosi, clinton, obama, and many other great liberal politicians.
I dmand you shut this thread down Rose! I deand that my good name not be dragged through the mud! These worthless eaters dare think they can question their superiors and soon they shall pay with the freedom that we for far too long have allowed them.
It's clearly not Harmony, it's just a time waster.
Deluded and Brain Dead Op Ed (X 2)
◼ Taxation and the California nightmare
Utter BS.
◼ A LTE by Robert C. Van Fleet
This is sad.
Here's the deal... ◼ "...It says something about the relationship of liberals to political power that they can overlook domestic dissent when they're at the wheel. When the GOP is in office, America is seen as hopelessly divided because dissent is the highest form of patriotism. When Democrats are in charge, the Frank Riches suddenly declare the culture war over and dismiss dissent as the scary work of the sort of cranks Obama's Department of Homeland Security needs to monitor...."
Utter BS.
◼ A LTE by Robert C. Van Fleet
This is sad.
Here's the deal... ◼ "...It says something about the relationship of liberals to political power that they can overlook domestic dissent when they're at the wheel. When the GOP is in office, America is seen as hopelessly divided because dissent is the highest form of patriotism. When Democrats are in charge, the Frank Riches suddenly declare the culture war over and dismiss dissent as the scary work of the sort of cranks Obama's Department of Homeland Security needs to monitor...."
Monday, April 27, 2009
Trial nears for Andrew Belant
◼ Trial nears for Andrew Belant
After a motion to delay the upcoming jury trial for Andrew Belant was denied by Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson on Friday, Belant asked the judge if he would hear a new motion to discharge his attorney.
Belant told Watson his attorney, Public Defender Andrew Truitt, would not be able to file the motion, as it would be “a conflict of interest because it questions his competency as counsel.”
Watson declined to hear Belant's request, and preserved the date for jury selection, which is set to begin Monday.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos, who will prosecute the case, said he anticipated Belant would file such a motion, calling the move a “delay tactic.”
Belant stands accused of more than 20 charges related to child pornography and the sexual abuse of four young boys between the ages of 9 and 13 between January 2007 and March 2008.
◼ Belant's motions denied
Judges at the Humboldt County Superior Court on Monday denied a series of motions, filed by Andrew Belant, which included a motion to dismiss his attorney and another to disqualify a judge.
On Monday morning, Judge Timothy Cissna denied a motion from Belant's attorney, Andrew Truitt, to delay the trial scheduled for jury selection this week. The same motion was denied in a separate courtroom Friday, and Cissna upheld the previous judge's ruling.
Belant then filed a motion that questioned the competency of his attorney in an effort to dismiss Truitt. That motion too was denied.
A third motion to disqualify Judge Bruce Watson, whose court Belant's case has been assigned to, was filed, and subsequently quashed.
The case was eventually turned over to the court of Judge Joyce Hinrichs, who said she expects attorneys will begin assembling a jury panel Wednesday.
After a motion to delay the upcoming jury trial for Andrew Belant was denied by Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson on Friday, Belant asked the judge if he would hear a new motion to discharge his attorney.
Belant told Watson his attorney, Public Defender Andrew Truitt, would not be able to file the motion, as it would be “a conflict of interest because it questions his competency as counsel.”
Watson declined to hear Belant's request, and preserved the date for jury selection, which is set to begin Monday.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos, who will prosecute the case, said he anticipated Belant would file such a motion, calling the move a “delay tactic.”
Belant stands accused of more than 20 charges related to child pornography and the sexual abuse of four young boys between the ages of 9 and 13 between January 2007 and March 2008.
◼ Belant's motions denied
Judges at the Humboldt County Superior Court on Monday denied a series of motions, filed by Andrew Belant, which included a motion to dismiss his attorney and another to disqualify a judge.
On Monday morning, Judge Timothy Cissna denied a motion from Belant's attorney, Andrew Truitt, to delay the trial scheduled for jury selection this week. The same motion was denied in a separate courtroom Friday, and Cissna upheld the previous judge's ruling.
Belant then filed a motion that questioned the competency of his attorney in an effort to dismiss Truitt. That motion too was denied.
A third motion to disqualify Judge Bruce Watson, whose court Belant's case has been assigned to, was filed, and subsequently quashed.
The case was eventually turned over to the court of Judge Joyce Hinrichs, who said she expects attorneys will begin assembling a jury panel Wednesday.
More crime in McKinleyvikle
◼ TS - Police seek suspects in McKinleyville vehicle fires
Authorities are investigating an apparent Friday morning arson after four vehicles were found lit on fire within two blocks in a McKinleyville neighborhood.
The four vehicle fires add to the number of vehicle fires that have occurred in the Reasor Road area in past months, said Arcata Fire Protection District Investigator Desmond Cowan.
According to Cowan, at just after 3 a.m., authorities were dispatched to Larissa Circle in McKinleyville, where police found a citizen attempting to extinguish a fire burning in the interior of a car, parked along the street near an apartment complex.
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Brenda Godsey said the fire burning inside that vehicle -- a Honda CRX -- was put out by the time sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene.
Shortly after their arrival, Godsey said a deputy spotted a second fire burning inside a convertible Volkswagen Cabriolet parked in a parking lot outside an apartment building. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames when authorities responded, and the car sustained significant damage before it was extinguished by fire crews.
When deputies returned to the scene of the first car fire, Godsey said one of them spotted smoke coming from another vehicle near their position.
The deputies ran to the next fire, which was inside a Ford Explorer. There they found a citizen attempting to put it out with a fire extinguisher.
The fire, which was located in the driver seat, was extinguished before it spread throughout the vehicle, Godsey said.
After the third vehicle fire was located, California Highway Patrol officers arrived at the scene, and authorities began canvassing the block, looking for additional vehicles.
According to Godsey, as officers walked, one noticed a fourth vehicle on Reasor Road that was filled with smoke. Fire personnel responded, and found a piece of clothing smoldering on the front seat.
Fire units patrolled the area looking for any additional signs of fire while a deputy, equipped with a thermal imaging camera, scanned for fires and looked for any suspects.
Investigators have scant information about possible suspects, but according to Cowan, witnesses reported seeing two suspicious young males in the area.
”Every indication is that these fires were set in a series all within a very short time frame,” Cowan said.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the apparent arson to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office at 445-7251, or the Arcata Fire Protection District, at 825-2000
Any bets on the ages of these punks?
Authorities are investigating an apparent Friday morning arson after four vehicles were found lit on fire within two blocks in a McKinleyville neighborhood.
The four vehicle fires add to the number of vehicle fires that have occurred in the Reasor Road area in past months, said Arcata Fire Protection District Investigator Desmond Cowan.
According to Cowan, at just after 3 a.m., authorities were dispatched to Larissa Circle in McKinleyville, where police found a citizen attempting to extinguish a fire burning in the interior of a car, parked along the street near an apartment complex.
Humboldt County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Brenda Godsey said the fire burning inside that vehicle -- a Honda CRX -- was put out by the time sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene.
Shortly after their arrival, Godsey said a deputy spotted a second fire burning inside a convertible Volkswagen Cabriolet parked in a parking lot outside an apartment building. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames when authorities responded, and the car sustained significant damage before it was extinguished by fire crews.
When deputies returned to the scene of the first car fire, Godsey said one of them spotted smoke coming from another vehicle near their position.
The deputies ran to the next fire, which was inside a Ford Explorer. There they found a citizen attempting to put it out with a fire extinguisher.
The fire, which was located in the driver seat, was extinguished before it spread throughout the vehicle, Godsey said.
After the third vehicle fire was located, California Highway Patrol officers arrived at the scene, and authorities began canvassing the block, looking for additional vehicles.
According to Godsey, as officers walked, one noticed a fourth vehicle on Reasor Road that was filled with smoke. Fire personnel responded, and found a piece of clothing smoldering on the front seat.
Fire units patrolled the area looking for any additional signs of fire while a deputy, equipped with a thermal imaging camera, scanned for fires and looked for any suspects.
Investigators have scant information about possible suspects, but according to Cowan, witnesses reported seeing two suspicious young males in the area.
”Every indication is that these fires were set in a series all within a very short time frame,” Cowan said.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the apparent arson to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office at 445-7251, or the Arcata Fire Protection District, at 825-2000
Any bets on the ages of these punks?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Juxtaposition
◼ Growing violence: Marijuana gardens are robbery targets throughout Humboldt County
A quiet McKinleyville neighborhood was jolted last Sunday night by the echo of three gunshots and the sound of breaking glass, as three suspects in an alleged home invasion robbery frantically drove away from a marijuana grow house.
Home-invasion robberies at houses with pot gardens occur with disconcerting regularity in Humboldt County, law enforcement officials say. And the potential for violence in any robbery is high. Within the past six months, at least three people have been shot during suspected grow house robberies in Humboldt County.
”I can't think of a home invasion robbery in the last two years in Humboldt County that hasn't had a drug connection to it,” said Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen. In every case, “it's almost exclusively marijuana.”... Excellent article, by the way.
◼ Agencies prepared for influx of 4/20 transients (4/20 isn't just Hitler's birthday, it is the High Holy Day for pot smokers)
...While all parks are closed as of midnight, the county has 45 camp sites which tend to become full of big groups during the 4/20 weekend. Mainly, people go to the campgrounds to wind down, Seemann said.
”It's usually pretty peaceful,” he said.
According to Arcata Police Chief Randy Mendosa, it may be a different story during the day. He said the event has been known in the past to be associated with violence, dog control problems, parking gridlock, alcohol violations and underage drinking. Mendosa said the event is hard to regulate and a drain on city services.
”It's not the no-harm, feel-good event that a lot of people try to portray it to be,” he said, adding that the hundreds of partakers leave an impact on the park and the playground....
◼ link
◼ Happy 4/20! The True Story Behind Stoners' Favorite Number
***
From the grow house story above:
A run-down on grow-house robberies:
Many law enforcement officials accept that a large percentage of home-invasion robberies in residences with marijuana grows go unreported by victims who fear prosecution. However, many marijuana grow-house robberies are known to police.
The following is an incomplete list of several recent suspected home-invasion robberies in Humboldt County that involved the theft of marijuana.
1. In early April 2008, police responded to a Garberville residence where occupants reported three men broke into the house with a handgun, demanding money and marijuana, while threatening to kill the residents.
2. In late April 2008, police arrested two men on suspicion of breaking into a Eureka residence on Little Fairfield, where they allegedly assaulted the occupants of the home, before fleeing with electronics, a shotgun and marijuana.
3. In October 2008 in Garberville, police investigated an armed robbery of a residence on Timber Lane. According to reports from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the suspects allegedly entered the house, pointed a shotgun at the residents, who were holding a young baby, and demanded their marijuana. According to HCSO information, the suspects had mistakenly identified the residence as a grow house, and left shortly after learning there was no marijuana inside.
4. During November 2008, police began an investigation into an alleged armed grow-house robbery in McKinleyville. During the alleged robbery, one of the suspects was allegedly shot in the back, with a shotgun, by the resident of the property. The suspect was wounded, but survived the incident.
5. On December 3, 2008, Garrett Ryan Benson was shot and killed inside his home in Cutten. Police arrested two suspects, who have since been charged for their alleged roles in his murder. According to HCSO information, Benson had a large amount of marijuana growing and processed in the residence, which is a likely motive for the murder.
6. In March 2009, Police arrested Waymond Kelly and Michael Johns for allegedly robbing a suspected grow house on D Street in Eureka, armed with a shotgun. According to Eureka Police Department information, after the resident was approached by the suspects, she reportedly took out a can of pepper spray, and both of the suspects fled the house.
7. On April 1, 2009, police in Arcata suspect that five teenagers -- Scott William Boileau, 19, Samuel Frederick Ruchte, 19, Jason Earl Stockley Dodge, 19, Thomas Jones, 19, and Brian Fox, 17 -- allegedly attempted to rob a suspected grow house on Bayside Road in Arcata.
8. An alleged robbery of a grow house on April 12, 2009, ended with one man, Mario DeAngelo Alexander, 24, shot two times. Two other suspects remain at large. Police believe they were attempting to rob a suspected marijuana grow house on Harden Drive in McKinleyville.
A quiet McKinleyville neighborhood was jolted last Sunday night by the echo of three gunshots and the sound of breaking glass, as three suspects in an alleged home invasion robbery frantically drove away from a marijuana grow house.
Home-invasion robberies at houses with pot gardens occur with disconcerting regularity in Humboldt County, law enforcement officials say. And the potential for violence in any robbery is high. Within the past six months, at least three people have been shot during suspected grow house robberies in Humboldt County.
”I can't think of a home invasion robbery in the last two years in Humboldt County that hasn't had a drug connection to it,” said Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen. In every case, “it's almost exclusively marijuana.”... Excellent article, by the way.
◼ Agencies prepared for influx of 4/20 transients (4/20 isn't just Hitler's birthday, it is the High Holy Day for pot smokers)
...While all parks are closed as of midnight, the county has 45 camp sites which tend to become full of big groups during the 4/20 weekend. Mainly, people go to the campgrounds to wind down, Seemann said.
”It's usually pretty peaceful,” he said.
According to Arcata Police Chief Randy Mendosa, it may be a different story during the day. He said the event has been known in the past to be associated with violence, dog control problems, parking gridlock, alcohol violations and underage drinking. Mendosa said the event is hard to regulate and a drain on city services.
”It's not the no-harm, feel-good event that a lot of people try to portray it to be,” he said, adding that the hundreds of partakers leave an impact on the park and the playground....
◼ link
◼ Happy 4/20! The True Story Behind Stoners' Favorite Number
***
From the grow house story above:
A run-down on grow-house robberies:
Many law enforcement officials accept that a large percentage of home-invasion robberies in residences with marijuana grows go unreported by victims who fear prosecution. However, many marijuana grow-house robberies are known to police.
The following is an incomplete list of several recent suspected home-invasion robberies in Humboldt County that involved the theft of marijuana.
1. In early April 2008, police responded to a Garberville residence where occupants reported three men broke into the house with a handgun, demanding money and marijuana, while threatening to kill the residents.
2. In late April 2008, police arrested two men on suspicion of breaking into a Eureka residence on Little Fairfield, where they allegedly assaulted the occupants of the home, before fleeing with electronics, a shotgun and marijuana.
3. In October 2008 in Garberville, police investigated an armed robbery of a residence on Timber Lane. According to reports from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the suspects allegedly entered the house, pointed a shotgun at the residents, who were holding a young baby, and demanded their marijuana. According to HCSO information, the suspects had mistakenly identified the residence as a grow house, and left shortly after learning there was no marijuana inside.
4. During November 2008, police began an investigation into an alleged armed grow-house robbery in McKinleyville. During the alleged robbery, one of the suspects was allegedly shot in the back, with a shotgun, by the resident of the property. The suspect was wounded, but survived the incident.
5. On December 3, 2008, Garrett Ryan Benson was shot and killed inside his home in Cutten. Police arrested two suspects, who have since been charged for their alleged roles in his murder. According to HCSO information, Benson had a large amount of marijuana growing and processed in the residence, which is a likely motive for the murder.
6. In March 2009, Police arrested Waymond Kelly and Michael Johns for allegedly robbing a suspected grow house on D Street in Eureka, armed with a shotgun. According to Eureka Police Department information, after the resident was approached by the suspects, she reportedly took out a can of pepper spray, and both of the suspects fled the house.
7. On April 1, 2009, police in Arcata suspect that five teenagers -- Scott William Boileau, 19, Samuel Frederick Ruchte, 19, Jason Earl Stockley Dodge, 19, Thomas Jones, 19, and Brian Fox, 17 -- allegedly attempted to rob a suspected grow house on Bayside Road in Arcata.
8. An alleged robbery of a grow house on April 12, 2009, ended with one man, Mario DeAngelo Alexander, 24, shot two times. Two other suspects remain at large. Police believe they were attempting to rob a suspected marijuana grow house on Harden Drive in McKinleyville.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Hung jury. Mistrial.
◼ No decision for jury in cockfighting trial
After deliberating for three days, jurors were unable to agree on a verdict for Ray Christie, a McKinleyville rooster breeder charged with breeding roosters for cockfighting and possessing cockfighting implements.
On Monday morning, the panel of 12 jurors notified Humboldt County Judge John Feeney they were unable to reach a verdict. Feeney then declared a mistrial.
According to one juror, in the final vote on the first five counts of breeding roosters for cockfighting, the jury was hung seven to five, with seven jurors in favor of his innocence.
In the last vote concerning the single charge of possessing a cockfighting implement, the jury was hung 11 to one, with one person in favor of Christie's innocence.
Not the end of it.
After deliberating for three days, jurors were unable to agree on a verdict for Ray Christie, a McKinleyville rooster breeder charged with breeding roosters for cockfighting and possessing cockfighting implements.
On Monday morning, the panel of 12 jurors notified Humboldt County Judge John Feeney they were unable to reach a verdict. Feeney then declared a mistrial.
According to one juror, in the final vote on the first five counts of breeding roosters for cockfighting, the jury was hung seven to five, with seven jurors in favor of his innocence.
In the last vote concerning the single charge of possessing a cockfighting implement, the jury was hung 11 to one, with one person in favor of Christie's innocence.
Not the end of it.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Captured
◼ TS Breaking News Fourth suspect in Sanders' killing in jail
An alleged fourth perpetrator in the February killing of a McKinleyville man was arrested on a $1 million murder warrant in Crescent City Tuesday.
Tracy Joleen Williams, 35, of Eureka was arrested without incident by Crescent City police at 2:30 p.m. on suspicion of murder at an A Street apartment there. She was booked into Humboldt County jail Tuesday night.
Humboldt County District Attorney and Sheriff's Office investigators issued a warrant for Williams' arrest early this month. Williams was allegedly among four people who were involved in killing 30-year-old Ezra Sanders at his residence in the Widow White Creek RV Park in McKinleyville.
An alleged fourth perpetrator in the February killing of a McKinleyville man was arrested on a $1 million murder warrant in Crescent City Tuesday.
Tracy Joleen Williams, 35, of Eureka was arrested without incident by Crescent City police at 2:30 p.m. on suspicion of murder at an A Street apartment there. She was booked into Humboldt County jail Tuesday night.
Humboldt County District Attorney and Sheriff's Office investigators issued a warrant for Williams' arrest early this month. Williams was allegedly among four people who were involved in killing 30-year-old Ezra Sanders at his residence in the Widow White Creek RV Park in McKinleyville.
TEA PARTY in EUREKA w/UPDATE
UPDATE:
◼ OLD GLORY RADIO Tea Party Eureka Ca April 15 2009 Video and pics...
◼ TS Tea party brings hundreds to courthouse Hundreds? An understatement.
◼ JN Mad As Heck
***
◼ Roger L. Simon No Tea Party sightings at CNN online and other curiosities of the mainstream media
◼ Michelle Malkin A Tax Day Tea Party cheat sheet: How it all started
◼ Afrocity The “Black Tea Parties”
WHITE HOUSE SAYS OBAMA ‘UNAWARE’ OF TEA PARTIES
(Comments on this thread are closed temporarily)
◼ OLD GLORY RADIO Tea Party Eureka Ca April 15 2009 Video and pics...
Tea Party Eureka Ca. (Humboldt Co) - April 15th 2009. Crowd estimate
1,200 - 1,500 people. There was a hard head count at the highpoint and the crowd covered the entire block and down the street. Everyone anticipated the undercount by those on the left and care was taken to accurately measure the crowd....
◼ TS Tea party brings hundreds to courthouse Hundreds? An understatement.
◼ JN Mad As Heck
***
City: Eureka
When: April 15, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: County Courthouse
Website: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=79221726356
Sponsored by: Group of local Concerned citizens.
www.taxdayteaparty.com
◼ Roger L. Simon No Tea Party sightings at CNN online and other curiosities of the mainstream media
◼ Michelle Malkin A Tax Day Tea Party cheat sheet: How it all started
◼ Afrocity The “Black Tea Parties”
WHITE HOUSE SAYS OBAMA ‘UNAWARE’ OF TEA PARTIES
(Comments on this thread are closed temporarily)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Buying what?
Tune in for the DA's item on the Board of Supervisor's Agenda today
◼ Item D-2 Apr. 14 agenda
District Attorney
2. Approve Appropriation Transfer in District Attorney's Budget Unit 1100 205 to Clear Mid-Year Edits. ($51,112)
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Supervisors approve an appropriation transfer to clear mid-year charges by transferring funds from object and fixed asset accounts within the same budget unit.
AND
Item DEPARTMENT REPORTS F-2
District Attorneys
2. Recovery Act: Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Grant.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Supervisors Approve the Attached grant application and sign the attached certificates for the Rural Law Enforcement Assistance grant; and Direct the Clerk of the Board to return the certificates to Chief Michael Hislop so they may be processed with the grant application.
◼ details
"Total one time equipment cost is $172,092.25. The major expense in this component would be a critical crime response vehicle, which needs to be well equipped with radios, evidence collection equipment, computers, and recording devices, it must be big enough to conduct detailed interviews with involved parties of the incident. We estimate the cost of this vehicle to be approximately $160,000.00. Additional equipment cost would be 412,092.25 for a radio communications repeater. This piece of equipment will allow us to more effectively communicate from the rural areas of Humboldt county back to the District Attorney's Office.
The only supplies requested in this grant project would be uniform costs and equipment for the Community Services Officer. the Equipment would include uniforms, badge, flashlight, boots, and utility belt. The cost of this equipment is estimated to be $1,299.00.
Total cost of this grant project is $406,875.00. With the approval of this grant we will be able to more efficiently assist our rural communities in investigating serious and major crimes and increase the likelihood of a successful prosecution. essentially we will be vertically prosecuting these investigations since the District Attorney's Office will have a hands on approach to these investigations from the beginning.
First an assault team complete with uniforms, now this? Hislop likes his toys.
***
Then there was - this back in January: 12. Donation of District Attorney Department Vehicle to the County Motor Pool for Capitalization, Maintenance, and Insurance....
***
added 6/10: On his grant applications, Gallegos routinely states:
...The communities of Humboldt County suffer rom severe socio-economic problems, Historically, the northwest has sustained on primarily timber, commercial fishing and cattle ranching as its main sources of income. In the last two decades, these once abundant industries have been all but eliminated. The reulsts of this economic decline have been a slightly higher than state average unemployment rate (11.4%) and a high level of substance abuse. Because of the overwhelming amount of substance abuse there is an increase in crime such as: drug trafficking, rape, robbery, murder, child abuse, spousal abuse and child pornography....
◼ In this example Gallegos is looking to purchase a "critical crime response vehicle for about $160,000 plus $12,092.25 and more money for uniforms, badge, flashlight, boots and utility belt for $1,299.00 - the total cost to be $406,875.09 - AND he promises that EVENTUALLY we will be VERTICALLY prosecuting these investigations.
So - is crime UP or DOWN?
Guess it just depends on who he is talking to and what he wants at the moment.
Incidentally, it is worth looking into whether or not ANY VERTICAL PROSECUTION happens in the Humboldt County DA's Office as Paul Gallegos has stated that he likes to "move people around." Victims of crimes describe seeing one prosecutor after another thrust into the courtroom un prepared an uninformed.
◼ Item D-2 Apr. 14 agenda
District Attorney
2. Approve Appropriation Transfer in District Attorney's Budget Unit 1100 205 to Clear Mid-Year Edits. ($51,112)
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Supervisors approve an appropriation transfer to clear mid-year charges by transferring funds from object and fixed asset accounts within the same budget unit.
AND
Item DEPARTMENT REPORTS F-2
District Attorneys
2. Recovery Act: Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Grant.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Supervisors Approve the Attached grant application and sign the attached certificates for the Rural Law Enforcement Assistance grant; and Direct the Clerk of the Board to return the certificates to Chief Michael Hislop so they may be processed with the grant application.
◼ details
"Total one time equipment cost is $172,092.25. The major expense in this component would be a critical crime response vehicle, which needs to be well equipped with radios, evidence collection equipment, computers, and recording devices, it must be big enough to conduct detailed interviews with involved parties of the incident. We estimate the cost of this vehicle to be approximately $160,000.00. Additional equipment cost would be 412,092.25 for a radio communications repeater. This piece of equipment will allow us to more effectively communicate from the rural areas of Humboldt county back to the District Attorney's Office.
The only supplies requested in this grant project would be uniform costs and equipment for the Community Services Officer. the Equipment would include uniforms, badge, flashlight, boots, and utility belt. The cost of this equipment is estimated to be $1,299.00.
Total cost of this grant project is $406,875.00. With the approval of this grant we will be able to more efficiently assist our rural communities in investigating serious and major crimes and increase the likelihood of a successful prosecution. essentially we will be vertically prosecuting these investigations since the District Attorney's Office will have a hands on approach to these investigations from the beginning.
First an assault team complete with uniforms, now this? Hislop likes his toys.
***
Then there was - this back in January: 12. Donation of District Attorney Department Vehicle to the County Motor Pool for Capitalization, Maintenance, and Insurance....
***
added 6/10: On his grant applications, Gallegos routinely states:
...The communities of Humboldt County suffer rom severe socio-economic problems, Historically, the northwest has sustained on primarily timber, commercial fishing and cattle ranching as its main sources of income. In the last two decades, these once abundant industries have been all but eliminated. The reulsts of this economic decline have been a slightly higher than state average unemployment rate (11.4%) and a high level of substance abuse. Because of the overwhelming amount of substance abuse there is an increase in crime such as: drug trafficking, rape, robbery, murder, child abuse, spousal abuse and child pornography....
◼ In this example Gallegos is looking to purchase a "critical crime response vehicle for about $160,000 plus $12,092.25 and more money for uniforms, badge, flashlight, boots and utility belt for $1,299.00 - the total cost to be $406,875.09 - AND he promises that EVENTUALLY we will be VERTICALLY prosecuting these investigations.
So - is crime UP or DOWN?
Guess it just depends on who he is talking to and what he wants at the moment.
Incidentally, it is worth looking into whether or not ANY VERTICAL PROSECUTION happens in the Humboldt County DA's Office as Paul Gallegos has stated that he likes to "move people around." Victims of crimes describe seeing one prosecutor after another thrust into the courtroom un prepared an uninformed.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wrap up
◼ Woman in Rodoni wreck case pleads no contest
◼ No contest plea entered in Rodoni crashA Miranda woman's no contest plea to vehicular manslaughter Monday ended the criminal proceedings surrounding the death of late Supervisor Roger Rodoni one year ago.
Diane Johnson pleaded no contest in Humboldt County Superior Court on the eve of her trial, and was sentenced by Judge Marilyn Miles to three years probation and 100 hours of community service and was ordered to pay a $672 fine.
◼ No contest plea entered in Rodoni crashA Miranda woman's no contest plea to vehicular manslaughter Monday ended the criminal proceedings surrounding the death of late Supervisor Roger Rodoni one year ago.
Diane Johnson pleaded no contest in Humboldt County Superior Court on the eve of her trial, and was sentenced by Judge Marilyn Miles to three years probation and 100 hours of community service and was ordered to pay a $672 fine.
Still think crime is down?
◼ TS Man shot, in custody after McKinleyville robbery
One man was shot and three others remain on the run after a victim in a home invasion robbery fired a gun at their fleeing car....
◼ HCSO Press Release:
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence on the 1400 block of Harden Drive in McKinleyville early this afternoon after receiving a report of a home invasion robbery. At about 12:25 Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the home after the residents there called 911. The three occupants reported they heard a knock at the door and upon answering the door three black adult males shoved their way into the house. The three suspects stole marijuana from the victims and fled the house. As they attempted to drive away, one of the victims fired a weapon toward the vehicle. An additional witness reported seeing a total of four suspects in the fleeing vehicle.
A short time later a local hospital reported they were treating a man for gunshot wounds. Witnesses at the hospital reported seeing three men flee from the car after dropping off the injured man at the hospital. The men were seen running into a field near Pacific Union Elementary School. Sheriff’s Deputies, Arcata Police Officers, and California Highway Patrol Officers responded to the scene. Additionally, the CHP launched a fixed-wing aircraft to aid in the search. Officers were unable to locate the three suspects.
The suspect being treated for his injuries is in stable condition. Anyone with information about this case should call Sgt. Wayne Hanson at (707) 268-3639. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Adding a "McKinleyville" label. Crime is up in our town. No matter how the spin doctors twist the statistics.
◼ Three suspects at large after Sunday home invasion
Humboldt County sheriff's spokeswoman Brenda Godsey said Monday that the patient -- whose name is being withheld due to security concerns -- is considered a suspect in the case, but has not been arrested or charged with a crime.
”To make an arrest in any case, we have to make sure that proper police procedure has been followed,” Godsey said. “In any case, there can be times when it seems an obvious conclusion can be drawn, but we need to make sure we have proper physical evidence before we can make an arrest.”
Witnesses at the hospital reported seeing three men exit a blue Hyundai on foot after leaving a companion to be treated at the hospital. According to the press release, witnesses told deputies that the three men fled on foot into a field near Pacific Union Elementary School. A multi-agency manhunt ensued, with sheriff's deputies, Arcata police officers and California Highway Patrol officers all scouring the area on foot and a CHP fixed-wing aircraft searching from above.
Officers were unable to locate the three suspects, and they remained at large as of the Times-Standard's deadline Monday.
The blue Hyundai, which has bullet holes in its windshield, has been recovered and is being processed for evidence, Godsey said, adding that investigators have also seized marijuana and the handgun used in Sunday's shooting from the Harden Drive home.
Godsey said the injured suspect remains in stable condition at the hospital being treated for a pair of wounds and, according to a legal expert, the man who put him there could soon find himself in hot water.
University of California Hastings School of Law professor David Levine said that, because the shooting allegedly occurred as the vehicle was leaving the scene, it doesn't seem to be an act of self-defense.
”At that point, you call the cops. That's about all you can do, no matter how frustrating that might be,” Levine said, adding that danger is a prerequisite for using self-defense as a justification for shooting at someone. “You're not entitled to retaliate under self-defense. You're only allowed to actually defend yourself if you or another person is in danger.”
Godsey declined to comment on whether the occupant who fired the handgun at the fleeing suspects may face charges in the case, or if residents of the Harden Drive home may face charges for marijuana possession.
”When our investigation is complete and we have a clearer picture of events as they unfolded, we will forward all of that information on to the (District Attorney's) Office and they can determine if any charges will be filed,” Godsey said.
Based on the information provided by the Sheriff's Office, Levine said it seems the shooter did violate the law, but added he wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't see any charges filed as a result.
”Essentially, it's assault with a deadly weapon and could be a potential attempted murder,” Levine said. “The problem is, it's a pretty tough case to win with a jury. Absent some extreme case, these things are rarely prosecuted because the sympathies always rest with (the shooter).”
One man was shot and three others remain on the run after a victim in a home invasion robbery fired a gun at their fleeing car....
◼ HCSO Press Release:
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence on the 1400 block of Harden Drive in McKinleyville early this afternoon after receiving a report of a home invasion robbery. At about 12:25 Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the home after the residents there called 911. The three occupants reported they heard a knock at the door and upon answering the door three black adult males shoved their way into the house. The three suspects stole marijuana from the victims and fled the house. As they attempted to drive away, one of the victims fired a weapon toward the vehicle. An additional witness reported seeing a total of four suspects in the fleeing vehicle.
A short time later a local hospital reported they were treating a man for gunshot wounds. Witnesses at the hospital reported seeing three men flee from the car after dropping off the injured man at the hospital. The men were seen running into a field near Pacific Union Elementary School. Sheriff’s Deputies, Arcata Police Officers, and California Highway Patrol Officers responded to the scene. Additionally, the CHP launched a fixed-wing aircraft to aid in the search. Officers were unable to locate the three suspects.
The suspect being treated for his injuries is in stable condition. Anyone with information about this case should call Sgt. Wayne Hanson at (707) 268-3639. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Adding a "McKinleyville" label. Crime is up in our town. No matter how the spin doctors twist the statistics.
◼ Three suspects at large after Sunday home invasion
Humboldt County sheriff's spokeswoman Brenda Godsey said Monday that the patient -- whose name is being withheld due to security concerns -- is considered a suspect in the case, but has not been arrested or charged with a crime.
”To make an arrest in any case, we have to make sure that proper police procedure has been followed,” Godsey said. “In any case, there can be times when it seems an obvious conclusion can be drawn, but we need to make sure we have proper physical evidence before we can make an arrest.”
Witnesses at the hospital reported seeing three men exit a blue Hyundai on foot after leaving a companion to be treated at the hospital. According to the press release, witnesses told deputies that the three men fled on foot into a field near Pacific Union Elementary School. A multi-agency manhunt ensued, with sheriff's deputies, Arcata police officers and California Highway Patrol officers all scouring the area on foot and a CHP fixed-wing aircraft searching from above.
Officers were unable to locate the three suspects, and they remained at large as of the Times-Standard's deadline Monday.
The blue Hyundai, which has bullet holes in its windshield, has been recovered and is being processed for evidence, Godsey said, adding that investigators have also seized marijuana and the handgun used in Sunday's shooting from the Harden Drive home.
Godsey said the injured suspect remains in stable condition at the hospital being treated for a pair of wounds and, according to a legal expert, the man who put him there could soon find himself in hot water.
University of California Hastings School of Law professor David Levine said that, because the shooting allegedly occurred as the vehicle was leaving the scene, it doesn't seem to be an act of self-defense.
”At that point, you call the cops. That's about all you can do, no matter how frustrating that might be,” Levine said, adding that danger is a prerequisite for using self-defense as a justification for shooting at someone. “You're not entitled to retaliate under self-defense. You're only allowed to actually defend yourself if you or another person is in danger.”
Godsey declined to comment on whether the occupant who fired the handgun at the fleeing suspects may face charges in the case, or if residents of the Harden Drive home may face charges for marijuana possession.
”When our investigation is complete and we have a clearer picture of events as they unfolded, we will forward all of that information on to the (District Attorney's) Office and they can determine if any charges will be filed,” Godsey said.
Based on the information provided by the Sheriff's Office, Levine said it seems the shooter did violate the law, but added he wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't see any charges filed as a result.
”Essentially, it's assault with a deadly weapon and could be a potential attempted murder,” Levine said. “The problem is, it's a pretty tough case to win with a jury. Absent some extreme case, these things are rarely prosecuted because the sympathies always rest with (the shooter).”
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Rooster trial
◼ Trial begins for cockfighting suspect
A Humboldt County Sheriff's Office deputy who investigated properties belonging to McKinleyville rooster breeder Ray Christie, testified in court Thursday that Christie admitted to participating in the illegal sport of cockfighting in the past, but said he had not done so in decades.
Thursday was the first day of trial for Christie, who is charged with five misdemeanor counts of possession of cockfighting implements and one misdemeanor count of possessing a bird with the intent to use it in a fighting exhibition.
If convicted on all counts, Christie would face a maximum of six years in jail and a $30,000 fine....
...Christie's attorney, Kenneth Bareilles, questioned (Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Deputy Todd) Fulton about whether the circumstantial evidence presented demonstrates Christie was recently participating in cockfighting, or if it only shows he was simply interested in it.
Questioning Fulton about the cockfighting magazines found throughout Christie's properties, Bareilles asked whether the owner of such magazines could “be an enthusiast and not a cockfighter?”
Fulton replied that they could be an enthusiast. Deputy District Attorney Sherissa Edmark is prosecuting.
Who is taking care of all those roosters?
A Humboldt County Sheriff's Office deputy who investigated properties belonging to McKinleyville rooster breeder Ray Christie, testified in court Thursday that Christie admitted to participating in the illegal sport of cockfighting in the past, but said he had not done so in decades.
Thursday was the first day of trial for Christie, who is charged with five misdemeanor counts of possession of cockfighting implements and one misdemeanor count of possessing a bird with the intent to use it in a fighting exhibition.
If convicted on all counts, Christie would face a maximum of six years in jail and a $30,000 fine....
...Christie's attorney, Kenneth Bareilles, questioned (Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Deputy Todd) Fulton about whether the circumstantial evidence presented demonstrates Christie was recently participating in cockfighting, or if it only shows he was simply interested in it.
Questioning Fulton about the cockfighting magazines found throughout Christie's properties, Bareilles asked whether the owner of such magazines could “be an enthusiast and not a cockfighter?”
Fulton replied that they could be an enthusiast. Deputy District Attorney Sherissa Edmark is prosecuting.
Who is taking care of all those roosters?
Thursday, April 09, 2009
At large W/UPDATE
◼ Fourth suspect sought for Sanders killing
Investigators are looking for another suspect believed to be involved in the Feb. 24 slaying of Ezra Sanders in McKinleyville.
After announcing it had three suspects in custody over the weekend, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said today that it is seeking Tracy Joleen Williams, 35, of Eureka, a fourth suspect who is still at large and alleged to have been involved in Sanders' killing. Williams stands about 5 feet 1 inch tall, with blue eyes and blonde hair, weighing about 120 pounds.
An arrest warrant for murder has been issued in Williams' name.
Jeffrey Alan Burgess, 39, of Eureka, is alleged to have killed Sanders, but Lukus Larry Mace, 31, of Orleans, and Ruben Anthony Peredia, 32, of Eureka, join him in facing a murder charge in the case, which a legal expert said is common....
...Garey said investigators have reason to believe that Burgess, Peredia, Mace and Williams traveled from Eureka to McKinleyville in a stolen truck, armed with a handgun and a knife, with the intent of robbing their acquaintance Sanders for cash and drugs. After arriving at the trailer park, Peredia, Burgess and Mace allegedly attempted to rob Sanders while Williams remained in the truck as a lookout, according to Garey.
When Sanders resisted the robbery, raising his fists to fight, Burgess allegedly shot him in the chest and the suspects fled the scene without taking anything. ...
...University of California Hastings School of Law professor David Levine said it doesn't matter who pulled the trigger, killing Sanders, if all of the suspects knew they were participating in an attempted armed robbery.
”It's called felony murder, and the idea is that if you participate in a felony, and a killing results, than you are as responsible as anyone else for the killing,” Levine said. “Once you start down the road of participating in a felony, you are responsible for whatever results ... . The chain of causation just gets started, and you are responsible for getting it rolling.”...
UPDATE:
◼ TS Breaking News Fourth suspect in Sanders' killing in jail
An alleged fourth perpetrator in the February killing of a McKinleyville man was arrested on a $1 million murder warrant in Crescent City Tuesday.
Tracy Joleen Williams, 35, of Eureka was arrested without incident by Crescent City police at 2:30 p.m. on suspicion of murder at an A Street apartment there. She was booked into Humboldt County jail Tuesday night.
Humboldt County District Attorney and Sheriff's Office investigators issued a warrant for Williams' arrest early this month. Williams was allegedly among four people who were involved in killing 30-year-old Ezra Sanders at his residence in the Widow White Creek RV Park in McKinleyville.
Monday, April 06, 2009
NEW By Request censored by heraldo support group thread
When Blogger gets over 200 comments, there can be glitches, so some new comments aren't posting, far as I can tell... so NEW THREAD... we're over 200 here.
Probably going to need this one since Ken Miller has a bee up his ass over on heraldo - I guess he's not getting his way on the Richardson Grove thing. God help the reporters whose ears he must be bending, now he's after his Headwaters Fund, which is apparently working against him. Why, as a last resort he even has a "guest" post on "heraldo!!" The hours he must have spent looking for a hole in the dike!
WAY TOO FUNNY!
Probably going to need this one since Ken Miller has a bee up his ass over on heraldo - I guess he's not getting his way on the Richardson Grove thing. God help the reporters whose ears he must be bending, now he's after his Headwaters Fund, which is apparently working against him. Why, as a last resort he even has a "guest" post on "heraldo!!" The hours he must have spent looking for a hole in the dike!
WAY TOO FUNNY!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Good work
◼ Three in custody in Sanders case
Thirty-nine days after Ezra Sanders was gunned down in his McKinleyville trailer, three suspects are in custody and suspected of committing his murder.
Jeffrey Alan Burgess, 39, of Eureka; Ruben Anthony Peredia, 33, of Ukiah and Lukus Larry Mace, 31, of Arcata, were all booked into Humboldt County jail Friday on suspicion of murder and attempted armed robbery, according to investigators on the case....
...The case caught a break late last month when the Fortuna Police Department recovered a stolen green GMC truck. When Garey and Dunn looked through the stolen/embezzled vehicle report from CHP, they found Burgess listed as the primary suspect.
Mace and Peredia were both taken into custody in March on unrelated cases.
On March 13, Garey and Dunn served a search warrant on a home on Eureka's Lewis Avenue for the Sanders case, and took Mace into custody on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
Similarly, Peredia was taken into custody March 1, after he was involved in a car crash on Kneeland Heights Road that led to his arrest on two outstanding felony warrants, and suspicion of theft. In relation to the Sanders case, investigators also served a search warrant on Peredia's Higgins Street home in Eureka.
Then, this past Friday, after re-interviewing a number of witnesses, Dunn and Garey had Burgess come in for an interview, and they said the picture began to become clear.
”That interview led to his arrest for being the primary person involved (in Sanders' murder),” Dunn said, adding that after Burgess' arrest, Peredia and Mace, both already in custody, were also booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and murder for the Sanders case.
The story that Dunn and Garey have pieced together is that Mace, Ruben and Burgess allegedly conspired to drive from Eureka to McKinleyville in order to use a gun and a knife to rob Sanders, whom they knew, for drugs and money. When Sanders resisted, raising his fists to fight the three men, they allegedly shot him and fled the scene in a panic without taking anything....
...Both Dunn and Garey said assistance from a variety of agencies -- including CHP, the Arcata Police Department, the Trinidad Police Department, the Eureka Police Department, the Fortuna Police Department and the Department of Justice -- was integral in making the case.
UPDATE:
◼ Fourth suspect sought for Sanders killing 4/9/09
Thirty-nine days after Ezra Sanders was gunned down in his McKinleyville trailer, three suspects are in custody and suspected of committing his murder.
Jeffrey Alan Burgess, 39, of Eureka; Ruben Anthony Peredia, 33, of Ukiah and Lukus Larry Mace, 31, of Arcata, were all booked into Humboldt County jail Friday on suspicion of murder and attempted armed robbery, according to investigators on the case....
...The case caught a break late last month when the Fortuna Police Department recovered a stolen green GMC truck. When Garey and Dunn looked through the stolen/embezzled vehicle report from CHP, they found Burgess listed as the primary suspect.
Mace and Peredia were both taken into custody in March on unrelated cases.
On March 13, Garey and Dunn served a search warrant on a home on Eureka's Lewis Avenue for the Sanders case, and took Mace into custody on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
Similarly, Peredia was taken into custody March 1, after he was involved in a car crash on Kneeland Heights Road that led to his arrest on two outstanding felony warrants, and suspicion of theft. In relation to the Sanders case, investigators also served a search warrant on Peredia's Higgins Street home in Eureka.
Then, this past Friday, after re-interviewing a number of witnesses, Dunn and Garey had Burgess come in for an interview, and they said the picture began to become clear.
”That interview led to his arrest for being the primary person involved (in Sanders' murder),” Dunn said, adding that after Burgess' arrest, Peredia and Mace, both already in custody, were also booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and murder for the Sanders case.
The story that Dunn and Garey have pieced together is that Mace, Ruben and Burgess allegedly conspired to drive from Eureka to McKinleyville in order to use a gun and a knife to rob Sanders, whom they knew, for drugs and money. When Sanders resisted, raising his fists to fight the three men, they allegedly shot him and fled the scene in a panic without taking anything....
...Both Dunn and Garey said assistance from a variety of agencies -- including CHP, the Arcata Police Department, the Trinidad Police Department, the Eureka Police Department, the Fortuna Police Department and the Department of Justice -- was integral in making the case.
UPDATE:
◼ Fourth suspect sought for Sanders killing 4/9/09
Saturday, April 04, 2009
"father-daughter hold-up" not how I'd describe it
◼ FOX Police: Girl, 9, Who Went With Father During Armed Store Robbery Found Safe (photo source)
◼ FOX Sheriff: Armed Robber Brings Daughter, 9, Along to Hold Up Washington Convenience Store
◼ Seattle Times Girl in father-daughter holdup back in Washington
When reached at the airport, the 9-year-old girl told King 5 News that the situation has made her "sad" and that it has been "hard."
Webb - described by police as a man who cares for his daughter but has troubles with alcohol - told the clerk at the AM-PM minimart he had lost his job and needed money for his daughter. Store video shows the girl in a pink coat watching as he pulls a gun and takes about $200.
◼ At-large robbery suspect abandons daughter in Fortuna
◼ TS Manhunt continues for Robert Daniel Webb
A former Arcata resident who abandoned his daughter in Fortuna while fleeing from officers after allegedly robbing a convenience store in Washington early this week remains at-large, investigators reported Friday.
Police across the West Coast continued searching for 42-year-old Robert Daniel Webb's silver Toyota Corolla Friday, but according to Fortuna police Lt. Bill Dobberstein, investigators “haven't heard of any sightings or found where he is.”
...Court records show Robert Webb had a history of domestic abuse allegations in Humboldt and Kittitas counties.
In 2006, he was arrested for allegedly hitting and choking his wife, Susan Webb, before driving away with Meadow while intoxicated. He later pleaded to driving under the influence and disturbing the peace, and was sentenced to treatment, which he never appeared for.
In 2006, Susan Webb was granted a restraining order against him, but in the summer of 2007, she requested a judge drop the order, and it was dismissed.
Court records in Kittitas County show in November 2007, Susan Webb again filed for a restraining order, alleging Robert Webb had resumed the abuse. In the Kittitas County court documents, Susan Webb alleged on separate occasions her husband -- who was reportedly sometimes suicidal and often mixed his prescribed psychoactive medication with alcohol -- had threatened her with a bow and arrow, poked holes in the bathroom door with a screwdriver while she was hiding from him inside, and threw eggs at her car while she and Meadow attempted to leave the house....
...On Wednesday, Robert Webb took his daughter to the home of his former Alcoholics Anonymous mentor in Fortuna.
According to Dobberstein, Robert Webb called the Fortuna resident while traveling to the area, and once he arrived explained that he was on the run with his daughter and needed a place to stay for a short time.
Robert Webb left his daughter at the residence, and while he left to run errands, the former AA mentor called his son-in-law, a Humboldt County sheriff's deputy, and told him he suspected Robert Webb of kidnapping the girl, Dobberstein said.
The deputy contacted Fortuna police, who traveled to the residence and found Robert Webb had just returned, and was sitting in his car. Dobberstein said when he was asked, Robert Webb gave his full name, and a subsequent records check showed he had a recent arrest warrant issued for armed robbery in Washington.
Fortuna Detective Aaron Starcher said as the officer approached the vehicle again, Robert Webb started the car. The officer reportedly reached into the car to take out the keys, but was unsuccessful, and Robert Webb sped away, leaving his daughter.
”He wasn't planning on leaving his daughter with this guy,” Dobberstein said.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Get y'er Grow Room a goin'
◼ The Total Package-Complete Grow Room - $2500 (Mckinleyville)
Complete Grow Room Equipment
This epuipment has been very well taken care of...we are moving, must sell
$2500 for everything - will sell seperatly
-Very nice 5000 watt panel with breaker box
- 4 Hoods
- 4 Ballasts
- 1 CANFAN outtake fan/filter
- 1 intake fan
- Sturdy pots/trays
- Some discount fertilizer avail.
You can advertise this stuff on Craigslist?????
Complete Grow Room Equipment
This epuipment has been very well taken care of...we are moving, must sell
$2500 for everything - will sell seperatly
-Very nice 5000 watt panel with breaker box
- 4 Hoods
- 4 Ballasts
- 1 CANFAN outtake fan/filter
- 1 intake fan
- Sturdy pots/trays
- Some discount fertilizer avail.
You can advertise this stuff on Craigslist?????
It wasn't me! I Swear! LOL!
You gotta love the comments at the Times Standard!
Sara -the dog -Salzman said "Richard really didn't write this letter, I did and I put his name on it without telling him."
◼ Support the NEC
Sara -the dog -Salzman said "Richard really didn't write this letter, I did and I put his name on it without telling him."
◼ Support the NEC
Thursday, April 02, 2009
The High Times they are a changing
The revenuers are coming.
◼ Eureka considers pot dispensaries as possible funding source
As Eureka talks about establishing some regulated medical marijuana dispensaries as a way to increase the city's tax revenue, Arcata said it's still working on collecting years' worth of sales tax from its dispensaries.
At a Eureka City Council budget goal-setting session Tuesday night, Councilwoman Linda Atkins suggested that the city pursue a way to establish regulated medical marijuana dispensaries as a way to increase revenue and tackle problems associated with grow houses in the community.
”It's already there, it's happening in our community and if we continue to let it happen ... underground, it's going to be detrimental to our community,” Atkins said.
At the next City Council meeting, she said she will formally ask staff to look into the possibility of forming some dispensary regulations. Atkins said she thinks that if the city keeps the dispensaries tightly regulated, the city will benefit.
Other cities, she said, are estimating that they've been able to raise between $500,000 and $1.5 million through medical marijuana dispensary taxes.
But officials in Arcata, which currently has four dispensaries operating, said the city has encountered some difficulties in benefiting from those taxes.
Arcata's Finance Director Janet Luzzi said her records show one of the four paid all of its sales tax. Arcata is supposed to receive 1 percent of the sales tax businesses report to the state Board of Equalization, she said. In the last few years, the state has reported sales tax from two of the dispensaries, and one of those paid only a small amount, she said....
Like I've been saying, what are the unintended consequences? More government, probably a whole new form of CAMP in order to enforce the tax laws. Will they need to be armed?
It's not just taxes at the clinic level - it's income taxes on the growers, the middle men, the dealers... in short, what the rest of society has been living under, now so too will the pot growers. It's fair. And it is right.
***
Note: Funny, I hadn't read the Journal when I put up this headline, but their cover story starts out with the same sentiment - The Times They Are A Changin' - It's now online ◼ When Weed is Legal Taxed, regulated marijuana sales might help save the state's economy, but will it ruin ours?
Pardon the use of Bob Dylan's chorus-cum-cliché, but it's the truth: The times they are a-changin'....
Gallegos gets a quote in there (of course)
In this article, Eric Heimstadt nails the key point, though - Eric Heimstadt, who owns another Arcata dispensary -- Humboldt Medical Supply, LLC -- said there would be repercussions to legalization that few people have considered. He, for one, does not believe Big Tobacco's presence would depress marijuana's market value, simply because major corporations can be counted on to keep prices as high as the market will bear. The real risks to small-time growers, he said, will be the host of regulations that will accompany legal production. "You'll be dealing with zoning laws, Health and Safety [codes], the IRS, the Ag Bureau, USDA, FDA. One dog walking through a drying or cooling room spreads thousands of E. coli bacteria just wagging its tail," he said. All the rinky-dink hippy growers would need to become licensed employers, documenting their labor practices, filing paperwork for all their trimmers, establishing sanitary, dedicated work spaces -- the list goes on. "That's something none of the activists have thought of," he said. "We can beat [Big Tobacco's] prices, but can we beat their code compliance?"...
Question is - will the price drop to match a pack of cigarettes? A bottle of wine? Will demand keep it high? Will the government step in and mandate high prices in order to protect local economies? Wouldn't that be rich?
***
◼ Why Legalizing Marijuana Makes Sense
◼ Carlos Santana wishes Obama would legalize pot
◼ Eureka considers pot dispensaries as possible funding source
As Eureka talks about establishing some regulated medical marijuana dispensaries as a way to increase the city's tax revenue, Arcata said it's still working on collecting years' worth of sales tax from its dispensaries.
At a Eureka City Council budget goal-setting session Tuesday night, Councilwoman Linda Atkins suggested that the city pursue a way to establish regulated medical marijuana dispensaries as a way to increase revenue and tackle problems associated with grow houses in the community.
”It's already there, it's happening in our community and if we continue to let it happen ... underground, it's going to be detrimental to our community,” Atkins said.
At the next City Council meeting, she said she will formally ask staff to look into the possibility of forming some dispensary regulations. Atkins said she thinks that if the city keeps the dispensaries tightly regulated, the city will benefit.
Other cities, she said, are estimating that they've been able to raise between $500,000 and $1.5 million through medical marijuana dispensary taxes.
But officials in Arcata, which currently has four dispensaries operating, said the city has encountered some difficulties in benefiting from those taxes.
Arcata's Finance Director Janet Luzzi said her records show one of the four paid all of its sales tax. Arcata is supposed to receive 1 percent of the sales tax businesses report to the state Board of Equalization, she said. In the last few years, the state has reported sales tax from two of the dispensaries, and one of those paid only a small amount, she said....
Like I've been saying, what are the unintended consequences? More government, probably a whole new form of CAMP in order to enforce the tax laws. Will they need to be armed?
It's not just taxes at the clinic level - it's income taxes on the growers, the middle men, the dealers... in short, what the rest of society has been living under, now so too will the pot growers. It's fair. And it is right.
***
Note: Funny, I hadn't read the Journal when I put up this headline, but their cover story starts out with the same sentiment - The Times They Are A Changin' - It's now online ◼ When Weed is Legal Taxed, regulated marijuana sales might help save the state's economy, but will it ruin ours?
Pardon the use of Bob Dylan's chorus-cum-cliché, but it's the truth: The times they are a-changin'....
Gallegos gets a quote in there (of course)
In this article, Eric Heimstadt nails the key point, though - Eric Heimstadt, who owns another Arcata dispensary -- Humboldt Medical Supply, LLC -- said there would be repercussions to legalization that few people have considered. He, for one, does not believe Big Tobacco's presence would depress marijuana's market value, simply because major corporations can be counted on to keep prices as high as the market will bear. The real risks to small-time growers, he said, will be the host of regulations that will accompany legal production. "You'll be dealing with zoning laws, Health and Safety [codes], the IRS, the Ag Bureau, USDA, FDA. One dog walking through a drying or cooling room spreads thousands of E. coli bacteria just wagging its tail," he said. All the rinky-dink hippy growers would need to become licensed employers, documenting their labor practices, filing paperwork for all their trimmers, establishing sanitary, dedicated work spaces -- the list goes on. "That's something none of the activists have thought of," he said. "We can beat [Big Tobacco's] prices, but can we beat their code compliance?"...
Question is - will the price drop to match a pack of cigarettes? A bottle of wine? Will demand keep it high? Will the government step in and mandate high prices in order to protect local economies? Wouldn't that be rich?
***
◼ Why Legalizing Marijuana Makes Sense
◼ Carlos Santana wishes Obama would legalize pot
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Tragedy compounded
◼ http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_12044131
Thirty-three year old Cleatous Ray Hantz died of a single gunshot wound to the head before his Eureka home exploded in flames last week, investigators said.
A gun was found near Hantz' body, which was lying on the living room floor of the Glen Street residence, by firefighters responding to the early morning blaze, said Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen. It's not clear if the gunshot wound was self-inflicted, Nielsen said.
The incident remains classified as a suspicious death, he said.
Humboldt County Deputy Coroner Ray Horton said it appears that the gun, a .380-caliber handgun, was placed into Hantz' mouth. There was a bullet entrance wound at the back of the throat, Horton said, and a bullet was found lodged in his brain.
Horton said it appears that Hantz was dead at the time of the explosion and fire, and had not inhaled any smoke. Horton added that it's impossible to know how soon before the blast he died.
”From my perspective and from what I know about the case,” Horton said, “I would say that this is a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.”...
◼ Man in Eureka explosion reportedly died of gunshot wound
◼ Compounding the pain
◼ Authorities seek cause of fatal home explosion
◼ Officials search for cause of fatal home explosion
◼ Powerful explosion kills Eureka man
Thirty-three year old Cleatous Ray Hantz died of a single gunshot wound to the head before his Eureka home exploded in flames last week, investigators said.
A gun was found near Hantz' body, which was lying on the living room floor of the Glen Street residence, by firefighters responding to the early morning blaze, said Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen. It's not clear if the gunshot wound was self-inflicted, Nielsen said.
The incident remains classified as a suspicious death, he said.
Humboldt County Deputy Coroner Ray Horton said it appears that the gun, a .380-caliber handgun, was placed into Hantz' mouth. There was a bullet entrance wound at the back of the throat, Horton said, and a bullet was found lodged in his brain.
Horton said it appears that Hantz was dead at the time of the explosion and fire, and had not inhaled any smoke. Horton added that it's impossible to know how soon before the blast he died.
”From my perspective and from what I know about the case,” Horton said, “I would say that this is a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.”...
◼ Man in Eureka explosion reportedly died of gunshot wound
◼ Compounding the pain
◼ Authorities seek cause of fatal home explosion
◼ Officials search for cause of fatal home explosion
◼ Powerful explosion kills Eureka man
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)