Saturday, December 28, 2013

Baykeeper wants you to gather their propaganda material for them - again

Be A King Tides Groupie

Go take pictures of the high tide so they can pretend the oceans have risen due to - what is it now, Glogal Warming? Or Climate 'Change'? Some new term?

Then - sit back and watch, because if ANY of these pics DO show up in one of their scam fundraising letters, you ought to be outraged.

Then, start electing people that will rein in these new age con men.

NOTE: They've finally had to give up the price-y Old Town office space.
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King tides to hit North Coast; no major flooding expected due to ...
Humboldt Beacon

For Humboldt Baykeeper policy director Jennifer Kalt, king tides provide a visualization of the impacts of rising sea levels on habitats and infrastructure ...

You thought I was kidding...

Friday, December 20, 2013

Some things don't belong on the editorial page

They belong on the funny pages. Which really aren't so funny anymore, it seems.

Lawyer: Don't like ADA? Propose something - Jason Singleton/My Word/The Times-Standard

One thing's clear, he's NOT sorry for extorting money from businesses. He justifies it in his own mind. He's not sorry for killing off businesses, he justifies that, too. He's not sorry that people lost their livelihoods. he's not sorry that now NO ONE can access those businesses. Not his little stooges, and not you or me.

He suggests that you propose something.

What do you propose? Who do you blame?

It is, after all, the 'law of the land.'

Supervisor Bass asks community's help for long term solution to end predatory lawsuits

Supervisor Virginia Bass, Supervisor Rex Bohn and Chris Kerrigan were present outside the courthouse along with other concerned citizens and business owners in a protest against Jason Singleton organized by a local citizen. Supervisor Bass took this opportunity to pass out a handout in which she is asking the community to contact her if they are interested in being a part of long term solutions to benefit both people with disabilities and business owner. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Interesting.

Maggie's profile: in Maggie's own words Part I

...Why I am different from the other candidates... - John Chiv/Words Worth
Maggie's experience and strengths
Recycled and recyclable signs for Maggie Fleming - John Chiv/Words Worth

She has set up a facebook page and there will be a website up soon. Her kick-off will be sometime in January.

Monday, December 16, 2013

Warren held to answer on pair of murder charges

He is being held to answer on two counts of murder, two counts of attempted pre-meditated murder, and two special allegation charges for lying in wait and torture. If convicted he could receive the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. - KIEM (Video report, not embeddable)

Check out the interactive chart...

This chart shows fishery-related grants from several foundations. Drag to move, click a node to focus.

Yes, Jason Singleton should rot in hell...

BUT.


He is no different than Baykeeper. EPIC. ERF, and ALL of the other predatory litigious orgs.

In fact, he MIGHT be slightly more honorable than they if you believe he, at least, does it on his own, without giant Foundation grant money.

But when it comes to being a despicable shakedown artist, making it rich using arcane bits of law, walking away with his 'go away' extortion money and breaking local business - there's no difference except for the fact that you like his targets and you've come to believe the org's targets deserve it.

...Funny, the Facebook discussions say 'something is being done about this" - which is laughable, because this has been going on for years, Clint Eastwood even testified before Congress detailing the abuses many, many, many years ago. But who dares stop these people? To do so implies you don't care about people with disabilities (not true), or the environment (not true), and on and on. These new-age con men have a license to steal, and they do so with abandon. They've learned how to milk the system, hijacking, bastardizing and twisting well-meaning laws to enrich themselves.

Jason Singleton Strikes Again (5/8/08) - The Journal
And again: ADA Beef Closes Barbecue Restaurant. Another Humboldt business has fallen victim to notorious attorney Jason Singleton’s lawsuit scheme, this time Arcata’s Porter Street Barbeque. - Mad River Union
Piling On Jason Singleton - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost

Saturday, December 14, 2013

News shuffle: Ryan Burns to LoCo, and Thadeus Greenson to North Coast Journal

What? No more dungeon dominatrixes and meathook swingers in the Journal? What a shame.

MEDIA SHAKEUP! Ryan Burns to Lost Coast Outpost, Thad Greenson to NCJ - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
The New Guy: Thadeus Greenson to Join the NCJ - The Journal
Journal Jangle Sets Off Humboldt Media Musical Chairs - Kevin Hoover.Mad River Union
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The Journal will likely go back to being straight, serious news, with the in-depth reporting you're used to, minus the snark.

Everyone wants to be the 'alt-weekly,' edgy and all that, but it's not going to be possible to top Hank Sims' LoCo in that department, and really, a little is nice, but we don't need more of that.

If you REALLY want to be out there. If you REALLY want to be edgy, then don't go with the flow. Be different. Fill the niche that is not being filled. What might that be?

If you don't already love suzy blah blah...

You will after reading this thread. Chris Kerrigan’s Return to Politics, at SoHum Palance.

Delusional Ken Miller defends his failed Palco lawsuit

If only HE could have gone and argued the case, surely the outcome would have been different. Surely.

At some point I will read the whole thing, I guess. I didn't get part the first couple sentences, and the "courageous" lawsuit. Yes. That one. The one Ken Miller wrote. The same one that was - literally - laughed out of court.

But let this record show, there was - and there is - nothing 'courageous' about an elected politician filing a lawsuit at the behest of his backers and handlers. 'COURAGE' would have been saying, "No, Ken. Sorry, it doesn't work that way."

Ken glosses over all the lies. Employs his spin doctored talking points, and his delusional version of reality. Even Gallegos knows it's false, if ever he were to admit the truth.

Paul Gallegos restored honor to DA's office = Ken Miller's MY WORD in the Times-Standard

Now, if only he could restore our seasoned, trained, top-flight Prosecutors. He had 20 when he took office, right, Ken? How many prosecutors does he have now, not even counting whether they're experienced or not... six? seven?

Related: ◼ Good riddance to Paul Gallegos - Susan Dodd, Letter to the Editor/Times-Standard

Friday, December 13, 2013

Élan Firpo: More On Attorney Experience and Background

Élan Firpo addresses attorney experience and other facts about her background - John Chiv/Words Worth

Élan worked her way through law school employed by a defense attorney. During the first 6 months she started practicing law, she worked for a defense attorney.

She also has experience protecting the accused, and she agrees with Arnie that this experience gives you an edge as a prosecutor because you have seen situations from both sides.

She disagrees with Arnie's statement that he is the only candidate who has both prosecuted and defended.... (more, at the link.)

Note: John's been keeping up on the ever-changing political scene, and the DA's race in particular, for a long time. In case you haven't noticed, John's pretty much been scooping everyone else in town.

Fleming paperwork filed with Elections office so it is official

Maggie filed her paperwork this Monday with the elections office and it is official. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

John Chiv's DA Candidate Profiles:

Arnie Klein : Because Experience Matters

When I asked Arnie what sets him apart from the other 3 candidates, he said , "My 20 years of experience representing the accused allows me insight into making sure both the accused and the victims rights are preserved. The other 3 running cannot say that."

Updated: Justice Fairness Firpo4DA profile

Very impressed that Élan was out in the freezing cold this past weekend December Arts Alive. There are photos on her facebook page and Rose's blog that I took. They may not indicate crowds but trust me people stopped by to talk to her, pick up brochures and she has been out to a variety of events in Humboldt.

More, t/k

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

The campaign is donating to this worthy cause this season we urge you to join us in this worthy endeavor. Thank you!

◼ From Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014:

Deputy asks for community support for Teddy Bears for Tears program - Times-Standard

Press release from the Humboldt Deputy Sheriffs Organization:

Humboldt Deputy Sheriffs Organization (HDSO) member Deputy Seth Crosswhite has implemented a new program called Teddy Bears for Tears. When sheriff's deputies answer calls for service, they sometimes encounter young children caught in traumatic, emotional and unstable situations. The Teddy Bears for Tears program will offer the children a stuffed animal in the hopes of providing some comfort in a terrible situation.

Children are all too often the victims of situations that leave them frightened, anxious and confused. The stuffed animals are used to help these young children cope with their distress by bringing them comfort and companionship. The emotional support the stuffed animals bring to these children is immeasurable. With this reassuring gesture, deputies are also able to create a bond with the children and help them realize that they are there to help.

”We see on a daily basis children that are put into unfair situations, and I want them to know that we care about them, and their feelings are not being ignored,” said Deputy Crosswhite. “The stuffed animals become a source of comfort and well-being even after we are gone.”

Deputy Crosswhite is asking the community to help children in need by donating new or gently used stuffed animals to the following locations: Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Eureka Main Station, the McKinleyville and Garberville Sheriff's Substations, Don Brown Insurance in Fortuna and Broese's Uniforms in Eureka.

Contact humboldtsheriffs@gmail.com for more information on how you can help.

Saturday, December 07, 2013

Good riddance to Paul Gallegos

I can finally relax. Paul Gallegos is finally stepping down at the end of his term. After years of wasted time and countless taxpayer money spent in a futile effort to prosecute Pacific Lumber for fraud, after countless botched criminal trials in which he turned up late and unprepared for court, after giving Cruz waivers to convicted felons, the list goes on and on, he's finally throwing in the towel. Thank you, Paul Gallegos. The entire county owes you their gratitude.

Good riddance to Paul Gallegos - Susan Dodd, Letter to the Editor/Times-Standard

Monday, December 02, 2013

New announcement date for Élan Firpo

I had previously reported Dec 4 but that is being changed. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Confirmed: Allan Dollison to run for DA

He filed his papers earlier today and he is officially in the race. Allan said that he will not be making a formal announcement until the new year. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Regarding the the 4 that have announced their intention is to run so far (Maggie, Elan, Arnie and himsef), Allan said, "We all have a lot of respect for each other, we all have unique abilities to fix this office."

"In most places, the office of District Attorney is respected, I don't think that is the case here locally and we need to return that respect to this office and improve the image people have."

Another one! HCSO Releases More Info on Eureka Home Invader’s Death, Asks Public’s Assistance Locating Second Suspect

link - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

On 12-01-2013, at approximately 10:10 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a man being assaulted with a bat in a residence in the 6100 block of Walnut Drive, Eureka. Deputies responded to the residence and were met by a citizen who said the suspect was being restrained in the rear of the residence. Deputies entered the residence and saw 47 year old male, later determined to be a neighbor, restraining the 30 year old male suspect. The suspect later was identified as Joshua Sherer, of Eureka. The victim and witnesses told deputies Sherer had broken into the residence. The neighbor told the deputies as they approached that Sherer was unconscious. Deputies checked the suspect and determined he was not breathing. The deputies summoned medical assistance and began life saving efforts. After medical personnel arrived deputies interviewed the people present.

A 46 year old male victim told the deputies he has been staying at the residence with his 38 year old girlfriend. Both he and the girlfriend heard a banging noise, a male yelling and the sound of glass breaking. Sherer had forced his way into the residence, along with another suspect, and then jumped on top of the victim, who was on a bed with his girlfriend and an infant. Sherer began beating the victim with his fists. Sherer pepper sprayed the victim during the fight. While they were fighting on the floor the second suspect attacked the victim with bat. That suspect was identified as “Sam” unknown last name. Sam began striking the victim on the head and body with the baseball bat. The 16 year old son of the 38 year old female came to the aid of the victim and began striking “Sam” who then fled the scene prior to law enforcements arrival.

The neighbor who lived on the property in a trailer told deputies he heard the commotion and came over to assist. The neighbor grabbed Sherer and restrained him until law enforcement arrived. Sherer was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The cause of death is unknown at this time an autopsy is being arranged by the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office. Detectives are actively investigating this crime. There have been no arrests at this time. The victim received injuries from the assault, and was treated and released from a local hospital.

“Sam” is described as a white male adult, 6’ tall, thin build, late twenties to early thirties, short dark hair.

Further information will be released as appropriate, the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

doodha • an hour ago
wow, wild stuff going on at his dad's facebook page. you can find the link at the bottom of the son's page.

Channel 3 Reports Man Dead After Dispute in Ridgewood Today - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

UPDATE, 12/2: The name of the deceased has been released, 30-year-old Joshua Sherer of Eureka.

Authorities release name in fatal assault - KIEM-TV

The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has released the name of the man who died in Sunday’s assault in Ridgewood. He has been identified as 30-year-old Joshua Sherer of Eureka. Authorities said Sherer was involved in an altercation with another man at a home on Walnut Drive. Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

Kidnapping, attempted murder in SoHum

Kidnapping, attempted murder in SoHum - Times-Standard

The following is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

On Friday at approximately 3 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding a kidnapping and possible murder. Deputies spoke with a 24-year-old man and a 29-year-old man, both from Indiana, who were reported to be in the Laytonville area. The men reported on Thursday they were visiting with a 25-year-old male friend in the Ranch Sequoia area of Humboldt County. At approximately 10:30 p.m., on Thursday, the two men from Indiana were on the balcony of the residence when they heard vehicles drive up to the residence. They heard male voices yelling what appeared to be commands to someone, and then banging on the side of the home. The two men then heard multiple gunshots. The two men went downstairs to find out what was happening, and saw eight males with rifles dressed in camouflaged clothing covering their entire bodies. Each of the male suspects was carrying a high powered rifle. The males then tied the two men to a tree with rope. The two men saw their 25-year-old male friend, the homeowner, had been shot and was bleeding. The suspects dressed in camouflaged told the two men tied to the tree not to say anything or they would kill them. The suspects then ordered the 25-year-old male gunshot victim into a truck at gunpoint and left with him to an unknown location.

The two Indiana men were eventually able to untie themselves and fled the residence and the area. They were uninjured.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a call from Jerold Phelps Hospital in Garberville. A 25-year old-male showed up at the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies responded and met with the gunshot victim, who turned out to be the 25-year-old homeowner from Rancho Sequoia the two Indiana men had reported being shot.

The gunshot victim is expected to live. Humboldt County Sheriff's Detectives responded to the hospital and met with the victim who is expected to live. At this time the motive for the crime is unknown, and there are no suspect or vehicle descriptions.

Humboldt County Sheriff's Detectives obtained a Humboldt County Superior Court Search Warrant for the residence where the crime occurred which they served on 11-29-2013. Detectives located evidence at the scene consistent with the reported crime. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff's Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff's Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

Kidnapping, Gunshot Victim, and More - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

Sources in Southern Humboldt say the story below and this story from earlier today are connected. ◼ Possible Homicide:Body Recovered out Jewett Ranch Road - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Press Release:

On 11-30-2013, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who wanted to report a possible human gravesite. The citizen told deputies where to search for the possible grave. On 12-01-2013, approximately 7:00 a. m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Detectives went to the location described by the citizen which was off Jewett Ranch Road, the Harris area of Humboldt County. Detectives located a possible gravesite which they dug up and located human remains. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office was summoned to the scene. The identity of the deceased is unknown at this time, along with the cause of death, age and sex. Detectives are treating the deceased as a homicide at this time.

Further information will be released as appropriate, the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

Friday, November 29, 2013

'A very different campaign': Gallegos' announcement leaves Humboldt DA race wide open

The race to become Humboldt County's next district attorney is wide open. - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

Apparently we aren't going to get any better coverage of the DA's race this time than we have had. What a SHAME.

◼ ANOTHER Case in point: MATTHEW IN THE MIDDLE: The 2014 District Attorney’s Race - Lost Coast Outpost

Matt Owen opining on the DA's race, and then sort of haphazardly addressing "The Slap." Color me less than impressed.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Shove redux... UPDATED: Frustrations between Humboldt County Supervisors boil over; Lovelace apologizes for 'slap on the back' And, UPDATED AGAIN.

Developing

(Note: This post has evolved along with the story, including other blog posts and media reports. It will continue to be updated as things develop. At this time, I have no plans to open a new post on the topic. Check back for updates if you feel so inclined.)

Or was it "The Push" - I forget.
Maybe it was "Push Comes To Shove"

But it became a very big deal - the HCDCC Subcommittee on Education and Communications Chairperson Greg Conners said the group’s hope is that the attorney general will investigate “and the appropriate action will be taken based upon facts that can be confirmed.”

Remember all that?

So....

My basic policy has always been - things have to be verifiable. And accurate. My general rule is three sources, or I won't post it.

I'm not the only one who's going to be asking questions, and it appears there are a number of people who can answer the questions at hand. Tomorrow's Monday. We'll see.

Basically, Humboldt County is a small town, and people talk to each other.

CSAC "a conference of California county officials"

What's in question? A comment posted on at least two other blogs talking about an altercation (incident, may be a better word) - a physical altercation - between two Humboldt County Supervisors at CSAC, witnessed by at least one other Humboldt County Supervisor, and one Del Norte County Supervisor. Questions whether charges were filed, whether the Humboldt County DA would act.

That last part makes me laugh. Are you kidding?
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Developing
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Incident witnessed at CSAC conference - John Chiv/Words Worth
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OK, so my stance on the Larry Glass thing was he should have accepted the apology, sucked it up and moved on, file a report if you like to get it on the record if you're really worried that there may be a repeat incident, but move on. But that's not what happened. So it will be interesting to see the how the cheerleaders in that 'push' respond here.

UPDATE:
Frustrations between Humboldt County Supervisors boil over; Lovelace apologizes for 'slap on the back' - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

Third District Supervisor Mark Lovelace apologized Monday for letting his frustrations boil over at a California State Association of Counties meeting last week, leading to an incident that one Del Norte official called “disturbing” and “inappropriate.”

The incident occurred last Wednesday, during a meeting of the Coastal Counties Regional Association at CSAC's annual conference in San Jose, which was attended by four Humboldt County supervisors. During the meeting, the association -- which Lovelace has co-chaired for several years -- voted to appoint 4th District Supervisor Virginia Bass as its new co-chair.

Lovelace apparently felt frustrated and slighted at the appointment, and approached Bass and 1st District Supervisor Rex Bohn after the meeting, giving them what he described as a “perhaps an exaggerated, good-old-boy slap on the back.”

Reached Monday, Bass described the contact as “an extremely exaggerated slap on the back.”

She said she didn't really want to get into details, but the incident has been mischaracterized by local blogs.

”What you're reading on the blogs is an exaggeration,” she said. “Nobody hit the ground. Nobody shoved back. There was some frustration.”
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Local blogs? Not exactly. Local blogs responded to posted comments by removing them. Those who have comment moderation enabled declined to post them. I would posit that Hank at Lost Coast Outpost took it down because he considered it inflammatory and would likely look into the allegations. Only this one posted anything about it - and you'll note no exaggeration above. We're a very responsible bunch, us bloggers. And PART of being responsible INCLUDES posting stuff like this when it comes up. Like it or not. Frankly, that was just as true as all the newspapers reporting about "The Push" and about "The Speech" more recently.

Responsible. Case in point: ◼ Just little life reminders about violence. - Samoa Softball
And: ◼ Supervisor Incident Somewhat Clarified - Sohum Parlance II
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What the Times-Standard article on CSAC incident did not include - John Chiv/Words Worth AN UPDATE
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Good old boy slap on the back? No. - Allison Jackson/My Word/Times-Standard
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Sympathies for Mark Lovelace - Bill Hassler/Letter-to-the-Editor/Times-Standard
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Mark apologizes to Virginia and Rex - John Chiv/Words Worth 12/3

...In addition to his personal apology in private, Mark said that while trying to explain his frustrations, some of his remarks came across as justifying his actions. There is never any justification, he said, for such behavior. Mark added that in the last week he had seen his actions through the eyes of others.

He concluded by saying that he hoped both Virginia and Rex and the community would forgive him and he promised that "it won't happen again."

Rex was quiet. Virginia did respond. She said she appreciated the apology, especially to the community. She commented that kids are taught not to use violence and as role models and elected officials, "we are held to higher standards." She pointed out that if this behavior was by an employee, there would have been an investigation, perhaps even a dismissal. Virginia concluded her remarks by saying "that this was not the time to talk about it" but that she looked forward to a discussion perhaps in the future and suggested anger management to Mark.... More at the link
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Having thought about it: Since being elected, Mark has taken people off of commissions and boards. Like Charles Ollivier from the railroad board. Should Charles, or any of the others, have been angry at Mark? And if they were angry, which is understandable, even in Mark's own case, what would have happened if they had hit Mark? Or anyone else involved in the decision.

We know the response to the Dan Johnson speech/plagiarism issue. Calls for his head. From some of the same people - cough - SYLVIA DE ROOY - cough - who bend themselves into pretzels to excuse this one and declare it a 'right wing' thing. Excuse me?

I said in the beginning that what was especially interesting in this case was going to be watching those who screamed for the AG in Glass's case remain silent in this case - and so far, at least, that has been the case.
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Humboldt County Supervisor Lovelace apologizes to Bass, Bohn: 'I promise you, it won't happen again' - Catherine Wong/The Times-Standard

Humboldt County 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace apologized Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors meeting for the “slap on the back” he gave to supervisors Rex Bohn and Virginia Bass at the annual California State Association of Counties conference.

”Some of what I said was trying to explain my frustration, and I think that came across as trying to justify my actions, which I can't,” Lovelace said. “No matter what might have transpired beforehand, there is only one person that is responsible for my own actions, and that's me.”

...”All I can do is apologize and accept the consequences of my actions and hope that the two of you, the rest of you, and the community might forgive me for treating you both so disrespectfully and for seriously overstepping personal boundaries,” he said.

Bass, who represents the 4th District, responded by saying that she appreciates the apology, especially to the community. She noted that there would be an investigation -- and possibly a dismissal -- if a similar incident happened with county staff.

”We're elected, so we have different paths, so I think the apology is certainly along that path,” she said, adding “perhaps this isn't the time to talk about it, but I would be interested in further discussion in some anger management.”

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Klein on KSLG 94.1 10:30 AM Friday

Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014
Tomorrow at 10:30 AM on ◼ KSLG 94.1. I will be interviewed by Sherae O'Shaughnessy. Tune in and give it a listen.
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Note: Watchpaul will post notices, such as this, for Candidates for DA.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Good News

Besides the fact that Gallegos has decided not to seek another term...

Humboldt County voters will have good candidates to choose from.

Arnie Klein, who is already officially in the race, and Elan Firpo, who is rumored to be jumping in, are fine people.

Who knows how many will jump in by the filing deadline. You could see 5 or 6 candidates in the race.

Whoever wins in the end has a huge mess to clean up. Everyone knows this. Most people though, have no idea just how bad it is. It won't be an easy job.

But word will get out - the rest of the state will know that it might be worth taking a chance on Humboldt again. You'll be able to attract more seasoned prosecutors to replace the ones who were lost.

A year is a long time to wait for the fix to start to take place, but...

It's good.

Here's wishing Paul Gallegos a long and prosperous career in private practice.

And, good luck to the contenders. It's a worthy endeavor.

Gallegos bows out of 2014 DA race.

Gallegos Will Not Seek Fourth Term - Mike Dronkers

From a press release issued by the District Attorney’s office:

I would like to thank everyone for the honor and the trust that you have placed in me. It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked with and for you.

I am proud of what we have accomplished. I am proud of where we are. I believe we have accomplished more than I ever thought we would be able to do over the last 11 years, and I am proud of you and thankful for all that you have done to accomplish that. I also believe that we have laid the framework for great progress in both the near and the distant future with the work we have done. Once again, thank you for that.

My commitment is and has been to this office and the people of the state of California. That commitment will never end. However, I have decided that I will not seek a fourth term, and I will not run for reelection. My oldest son was 4 years old when I was elected to office. He is graduating from high school this year. I have been here with you throughout his entire public school education. My daughter, who was a toddler, is now a freshman. My youngest, who had just been born, will begin middle school next year. I mention this because I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to get back to my wife and children. They are growing up so fast.

I want to thank you all again. I want you to know that I will still be here until January of 2015. I want you to also know that I will always be grateful for all you have done and I will always be here for you. My commitment to you this office and the people of the state of California will never end.

Thank you.

Gallegos bows out of 2014 DA race.... DA Gallegos: Thanks And Goodbye (In January, 2015) - Mad River Union

Paul Gallegos Will Not Run for Re-election - The Journal

In a curiously unheralded note, Paul Gallegos announced that he will not run for Humboldt County District Attorney in 2014. The Journal received a message a few minutes ago, emailed by Gallegos' executive assistant, with no subject line and a pdf simply titled "press release thank you."

The real story is not that Paul called it quits, but why? - John Chiv/Words Worth

Paul Gallegos not running for re-election - Sohum Parlance II

Gallegos will not seek reelection; DA cites need to spend time with family - A Times-Standard staff report

(The Times-Standard cites criticism, but leaves out the scathing Grand Jury report. And it is stuff like that that has been the problem all along. Perhaps NOW, with him leaving, they will be able to be honest about the problems facing a new DA, as they seek to rebuild.)

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Today at 12:15 Arnie Klein's formal announcement at the Humboldt County Courthouse


The DAs race is the most important election in the County right now. The challengers face a difficult road, and they deserve your consideration and support. Best of luck, Mr. Klein.
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Website: votearnieklein.org
◼ Facebook: Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014
Endorsements

Note: Article in Thursday, Nov. 14 Times-Standard will be linked when TS posts it online.

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Arnie Klein Set to Challenge Gallegos in DA Race

Next Wednesday, after more than four decades practicing law and nearly two years of "retirement," the 71-year-old attorney will announce his campaign to unseat Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos. - Ryan Burns/The Journal

...Known as a dynamic and effective showman in the courtroom, Klein spent the bulk of his career in Los Angeles, first as a deputy DA and later as a defense attorney with his own practice. His highest-profile case came in 1986, when he successfully defended the special effects coordinator from Twilight Zone: The Movie. (During that film's production, a helicopter accident killed actor Vic Morrow and two children.)

In 1999 Klein went back to the prosecutor's side of the aisle, taking a job with the Tulare County District Attorney's Office. In 2006 he moved up to Humboldt County, where he spent five-plus years as a deputy district attorney....

Former prosecutor to run for DA: Candidates file elections paperwork to begin fundraising - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard 7/24/2013

”I'm experienced, I'm balanced and I'm not caught up in the broken process that is going on now,” he said.

Klein said he thinks the DA's Office has misallocated its resources, spending too much on its investigations bureau and too little on prosecutors, and that he's been disappointed in what he sees as a steady exodus of experienced prosecutors from the office under Gallegos' tenure.

Reached Tuesday, Gallegos said he's looking forward to running for a fourth term in office.

Politics can make strange bedfellows - John Chiv/Words Worth
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◼ FACEBOOK: Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Well, well, well... Look who Chris Lehman's spokesmouth is...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Josh Drayton

Let the games begin.

Will there be a new anonymous hit-blog, Chris?

This explains a LOT.

Tuesday, October 08, 2013

Murder charge dropped against Flores; defendant released in Royal Inn stabbing case

Murder charge dropped against Flores; defendant released in Royal Inn stabbing case - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

William Flores was scheduled to appear in Humboldt County Superior Court for a hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to hold him to stand trial on a charge that he fatally stabbed Eureka resident Joshua Burrell, 33, but prosecutors dropped the murder charge and a special allegation that the slaying was carried out in association with a criminal street gang.

”We got some information based on further investigation that has us looking at some additional suspects,” prosecuting Deputy District Attorney Élan Firpo said. “I think we should wait until we have some more information before we proceed. The cleanest thing to do at this time is to dismiss and, if need be, refile (the case) at a later time.”

Sunday, October 06, 2013

Arnie Klein to formally announce he is running for DA on November 13

per John Chiv - Wordsworth

November 13 at 12:15, he will formally announce his candidacy in front of the Courthouse.

Who's asleep at the editorial wheel?

It's not posted online yet - but a Times-Standard letter-to-the-editor from Richard W. "R Trent" Salzman opining on 'honesty in politics is a bit much. How'd that get by you guys? And WHO wrote the title? Did you do that with a straight face?

Time for honesty in government - Richard W. Salzman/Letter-To-The-Editor/Times-Standard

Once again, the need for some institutional memory is startlingly clear.


Remember the ◼ "Web Of Lies"? Or did you excuse that away?

At least we know can assume he is using his own name this time:
"Though the Williams letters were signed "R. Trent Williams," e-mails sent from "Williams'" e-mail address appeared in inboxes as coming from "Rick William." Salzman's full name is Richard William Salzman.

Reached Tuesday {September 2005) morning, Salzman declined to comment on the matter any further. He said that he would not provide a list of false names he has used."
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There's also a sudden spate of letters to the editor decrying 'big money' in politics.

What this means is - Salzman's faction is down and seeking to handicap 'the other side.'

Ken Miller's on the move as well, his latest puppet is running for the MCSD.

This election in November is a little one, and shouldn't have to become acrimonious, but all bets are off when sweet Ol' Ken is involved. And really guys, for what?

Next year promises to be bloody.

Saturday, September 28, 2013

TWENTY ONE M-I-L-L-I-O-N

Three raids in the area of Garberville and Benbow netted an estimated $21 million in marijuana, including nearly 24,000 plants and 600 pounds of processed pot. - Catherine Wong/The Times-Standard

Twenty One Million.

The article makes note of environmental law violations. And, if they had kids, you might find them on the 'free lunch' rolls, right, because the parents show no income. If they're in town, with an indoor grow, their PG&E bill is likely more than most people make every month, and they might be on some special low-income assistance program. Wherever they live, they might be getting Food Stamps, WEC, and whatever other programs they're 'eligible' for.

And even if they're not, they're guilty of a whole lot more than just illegal growing. There's income tax evasion, likely labor law violations, and any number of other laws and statutes they are either violating or not complying with.

Funny how people who support this behavior will also, with a straight face, pontificate with "It's the law of the land" as a new favorite phrase. When they so clearly don't care on whit about the 'law of the land.'

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

"Ken Miller," Sylvia DeRooy and the plagiarist. And hypocrisy.

In the ongoing saga of the graduation speech and the school board member, a familiar player raises his head. ◼ NHUHSD PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO PLAGIARIZED SPEECH: DO NOTHING - McKinleyville Press
_____________________________

In the comments, Ken Miller* says:
August 29, 2013 at 8:03 pm
A concern I have not seen expressed is what other transgressions Don is involved in? He has many big projects, and not just locally, with many opportunities to skim, skate, or otherwise scam a variety of enviro and economic laws. He is simply not trustworthy. Just as catching a speeder or shoplifter is assumed to be catching a chronic offender, we can assume that a parent willing to involve his daughter in a baldface lie in front of her peers, and then attack we who are incensed by his sociopathy, reveals someone capable of, well, anything.
_____________________________

Really? Is this the real Ken Miller? the Ken Miller who brought us Paul Gallegos (the plagiarist)? Ken Miller who stood on his "Fraud is not a victimless crime" soapbox?

The same Ken Miller behind so many political machinations in this county? Suddenly going for the jugular?

Yet - the same Ken Miller who supports Paul Gallegos DESPITE his plagiarizing THE OX-BOW INCIDENT by ROBERT LOUIS FELIX in his PUBLISHED OP-ED "MY-WORD" IN THE TIMES STANDARD?

Yes, the same Ken Miller, (and Sylvia DeRooy, BIG vociferous Gallegos supporter) front and center, at the School Board meeting last night. Opining about the evils of plagiarism.

So, let's hear Ken (and Sylvia) stipulate that Paul Gallegos "is simply not trustworthy. Just as catching a speeder or shoplifter is assumed to be catching a chronic offender, we can assume that a DA willing to mislead the public in a baldface lie in front of his peers,... reveals someone capable of, well, anything."
_____________________________

* We're assuming this really is Ken Miller, out from the shadows, but maybe it's Salzman, using Ken Miller's name. Who knows.
_____________________________

And for you newbies, who don't know the history:

RELATED STORIES:
THE OX-BOW INCIDENT by ROBERT LOUIS FELIX
a copy of THE OX-BOW INCIDENT in case the link goes down
TS - Paul Gallegos' My Word
ER - WHOSE WORD WAS 'MY WORD'? - Eureka Reporter http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=14767
ER - A second Gallegos column raises questions about attribution - Eureka Reporter http://www.eurekareporter.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?ArticleID=14776

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Shorter Gallegos: "I am ill prepared and inept...so I am glad a competent lawyer and competent office is taking over my cases."

Another glowing piece from the Times-Standard for their favorite golden boy Paul Gallegos - ◼ Suspect pleads not guilty to SoHum murder in federal court; defendants make initial appearances in 2008 case

The DA's office filed charges in 2008, over a gruesome murder again involving Pot. Most murders in the county are actually linked to that. The ugly little secret that the pro-pot crowd never likes to talk about. The case as is typical with Gallegos dithering for years and years.

Gallegos is now all but giddy that the US Attorney's Office in San Francisco is taking over the case.

"Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he's very grateful that, in this time of scarce resources, the federal government has agreed to take on prosecuting Carroll...It seemed a case that was perfect for the U.S. Attorney's office to send a message to the region that you don't do this or the feds will get involved,” he said. “It's not a local, homegrown murder, so to speak, it's a byproduct of people coming here to do their business.”

"In addition to sending a strong message to deter the type of violence alleged in Carroll and Lee's case, Gallegos said the federal prosecution also takes a murder case off his office's plate, freeing up man-hours and resources for other local prosecutions."

This is the second Murder case that the Feds have literally taken away recently from Gallegos. ◼ (Remember: Kneeland marijuana murder case goes federal; Wilde indicted by federal grand jury, faces potential death penalty) Despite his pontificating, he shows his incredible ignorance of the law. In order to be charged with a Federal crime, you actually need to have violated Federal law. The fact that the Defendants were from out of the area does not make it a Federal crime. Most laws that are on the books are State laws. Murder for example is a state law. If you commit a murder on Federal property that might trigger a Federal prosecution. (This one wasn't.)

However, is that what is really going on here. More interesting was a Murder case that Gallegos recently tried himself. ◼ (Remember: Hung jury in Curry case; mistrial declared as jurors can't agree on murder count) At the conclusion of the People v. Limmie Curry, one juror called Gallegos inept and ill-prepared. That was what made the papers. Gallegos was again chicken and not even present when the Jury decided they could not reach a verdict. He sent one of his over-burdened attorneys to appear, and reports indicate that several other jurors said much harsher things about Gallegos' performance to that attorney than what actually made it in the paper.

It's almost time for him to face the voters again - And again Humboldt will have a choice. They can re-elect a person who is terrible in Court, even more terrible at running the office, who continues to collect 6-figure paycheck, and now his plan is to dump all of his difficult cases on another lawyer. Pathetic. Be warned. Humboldt.

...But... you were warned. You have been warned. By law enforcement. By the Grand Jury. By people who have left the office. By people who have run for office.

I hear from people who serve on juries. This time the comment made the paper. He's inept, incompetent; sometimes, they find the defendant guilty in spite of Gallegos and not because of his brilliant and skillful prosecution. I hear from families of victims. He tells the families he is going to "personally" try this case, and their reaction is "PLEASE DON'T!" It made the paper this time, amazingly enough. The story has not changed in all these years.

Except, now, your office has half the staff it had when he took office. Half. And NONE of them are experienced trial attorneys. Not any more.

He's not the one who is lucky that the Feds are taking the cases out of his incompetent hands. YOU ARE.
_____

Yes, this blog has been quiet for some time. Yes, I am tempted to give it up. As I have been many times. So - why not give up? One simple reason. All those people who come to me, and tell me what's going on. In despair most of the time. And desirous of anonymity pretty much all the time. But it's ongoing, it's almost daily. The pattern is the same.

And recently, it's stepped up.

So - Thad, where's the story about the 'you get to be assistant DA for a day' clusterfuck that's going on in that office?
_____

Monday, August 12, 2013

Who should run for DA?

Who's qualified? Who can fix a broken office? Does it require dope-grower support? Will the trial attorneys finally be brave enough to buck the machine? Or are you stuck with Paul for the next 20 years?

Leave your suggestions in the comments.

The latest maybe

Another name being mentioned as a candidate for the Humboldt County D.A’s race is Cyndi Day-Wilson, the attorney for the City of Eureka. - John Chiv Words Worth

And there are others. Not just the ones who've been mentioned here. Paul is weak, more and more people KNOW how absolutely bad he is at his job.

The more candidates the better. Maybe there will finally be an HONEST assessment of his atrocious management of that office.

Just remember - you once had 20 capable prosecutors, now you have 7-ish mostly untrained people struggling with overloaded buckets, no time to properly prepare for cases, and no decent mentor left to help them find their footing.

Oh, I know, eric. He's SUCH a nice guy, and by God, he won!

Lucky for him. It's time for some luck for the people of Humboldt County instead.

(Word of warning: Salzman/Gallegos' machine is much more vicious when it comes to female candidates, so be prepared.)

The latest maybe: Cyndi Day-Wilson
Let's hope not: Elan Firpo
And so it begins: Arnold Klein

Thursday, August 01, 2013

Bodhi Tree to be charged: details emerge in Arcata double homicide

Bodhi Tree to be charged with Eureka shooting; details emerge in Arcata double homicide, defendant's mental health history - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney Élan Firpo said this week that she is in the process of amending the criminal complaint facing Bodhi Tree, also known as Hakim Stoltz, to include an attempted-murder charge stemming from a shooting in Eureka that occurred just days before the Arcata double homicide.

Firpo offered new details into the allegations facing Tree, an ex-convict who court documents indicate has a history of mental illness and had been released from prison just six weeks before he is alleged to have opened fire in a Eureka neighborhood. The court documents also indicate Tree confessed to the Arcata killings, telling a friend he'd “just shot two people.”

The subject of an hours-long manhunt, Tree was arrested at about 2 p.m. on May 18 in Arcata. He was found hiding in bushes on the 800 block of Shirley Boulevard in Sunny Brae about 12 hours after 18-year-old Eureka High School student Christina Schwarz and Alan “Sunshine” Marcet, 27, were killed at a home on the 2400 block of Eye Street in Arcata.

...In October 2011, Tree was arrested after a high-speed police chase in a case that ultimately saw him charged with assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest and vandalism. Under a plea agreement, Tree was sentenced to serve three years in state prison for evading an officer. The sentence came over the protests of Tree's defense attorney Owen Tipps, who argued that his client suffered serious mental health issues and would be better served by a grant of probation and counseling.

According to a motion filed by Tipps in the 2011 case, Tree has a family history of mental illness and was declared incompetent to stand trial three times during a 2007 assault with a deadly weapon case, necessitating his commitment into a state mental hospital....

Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson ultimately decided probation was not the best option -- agreeing with the Humboldt County Probation Department -- and sentenced Tree to serve three years in state prison. After serving about 16 months -- not including time spent in county jail -- Tree was released from prison in early April.

Within six weeks, he'd been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Tree has pleaded not guilty to all charges in his current case and is next due in court Aug. 12. His attorney, Deputy Public Defender Jennifer Dixon, was not immediately available to comment for this story.

Bruce “Jason” Stallings-Hunsucker to stand trial for murder

Judge: Sufficient evidence for fourth suspect to stand trial in Willow Creek homicide; Stallings-Hunsucker held on murder charge - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

A judge ruled Wednesday there is sufficient evidence to hold Bruce “Jason” Stallings-Hunsucker to stand trial on a murder charge stemming from the May 2011 shooting death of volunteer fireman Darrell Hanger in Willow Creek.

Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen also found there was probable cause to hold the Hoopa resident to answer to charges of burglary, conspiracy and taking a vehicle without the owner's permission. Reinholtsen did not issue a holding order on charges of attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to Humboldt County Deputy District Attorney David Nims.

Defense attorney Neal Sanders said his client was also not held to answer to a number of special allegations and enhancements that he personally used a firearm in the commission of the charged offenses.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

”He had a few flashes of brilliance but he was otherwise inept”

We've heard this over and over and over again over the course of Paul Gallegos' tenure. This time it actually made the paper. An amazing feat in its own right.

Hung jury in Curry case; mistrial declared as jurors can't agree on murder count - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

A judge declared a mistrial Tuesday in the murder case of Limmie Greg Curry III after jurors said they were hopelessly deadlocked 7 to 5, in favor of acquittal.

...The jury of seven women and five men convicted Curry, 23, of possession of marijuana for sale but the foreman said jurors simply could not agree on whether Curry murdered William Reid on Feb. 3, 2010, at a rural property off State Route 299 near Willow Creek.

..After the mistrial declaration Tuesday, jurors said they worked hard to reach a verdict in the case but ultimately could not come to agreement. They asked to be identified by their juror numbers rather than their names in order to protect their privacy.

”There was not enough evidence to definitively prove Limmie was the murderer -- there just wasn't,” said Juror No. 2. “The prosecution didn't do their job.”

While jurors interviewed for this story universally lauded (Curry's attorney, Jeffrey) Fletcher's performance during the 10-week trial, many were critical of the prosecutor, Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos, who they said seemed ill-prepared.

”He had a few flashes of brilliance but he was otherwise inept,” said one juror, who asked not to be identified.


Echoing comments in Fletcher's closing statement, jurors were also sharply critical of the investigation that lead to Curry and Eddie Lee's arrests, saying it seemed law enforcement honed in on the two suspects and ignored all other leads in the case. Further, jurors said, the investigation seemed incomplete in many ways.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Let's hope not

(Élan) Firpo for DA? - John Chiv Words Worth

Odds are, they've done this before, and this girl is lucky to be alive

I'd be searching that property for gravesites.


Lake County men face marijuana drug operation, sexual abuse charges - Julie Johnson/Press Democrat 7/26/2013

Federal prosecutors have taken over the case against two Lake County men accused of running a large marijuana farm on a rural tract of land and sexually abusing a 15-year-old runaway.

'Extremely disturbing'; two men suspected of enslaving runaway teen face federal pot chargesThadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard 7/26/2013

Two Lake County men suspected of raping a 15-year-old runaway, locking her in a 2-foot high metal box for days and forcing her to trim marijuana for weeks remained in the Humboldt County jail Thursday after a judge denied their release on drug charges.

Ryan Balletto, 30, of Lakeport and Patrick Steven Pearmain, 24, of Clearlake, appeared in the federal courthouse in Eureka on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nandor Vadas, who denied their release, saying he viewed both men as flight risks and dangers to the community. The two men were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Vadas said during Wednesday's detention hearing that he finds the case “extremely disturbing,” echoing the sentiments of Assistant United States Attorney Matthew McCarthy.

”This is far and away the most disturbing case I've seen in my career as a prosecutor,” McCarthy told the court.

McCarthy told the court that Balletto, a former U.S. Marine, met the 15-year-old runaway in Los Angeles and drove her nearly 500 miles to a 680-acre piece of land he owns in Ogulin Canyon near Clearlake, keeping her there for weeks against her will to help manicure marijuana buds harvested from a 1,300-plant grow.

McCarthy said both Balletto and Pearmain had sex with the girl while she was kept at the property, and that equipment “consistent with sexual bondage and sadomasochism” was found there. McCarthy said authorities searching the property also found a metal box -- measuring 4 feet long, 2 feet wide and 2 feet high -- with air holes drilled in it, and that the girl later told police the two men locked her inside the box on two occasions for a total of about three days.

McCarthy said the two men referred to their marijuana operation as “their mission,” and told the girl they were locking her in the box to “teach her” and protect their “mission.”

According to a federal criminal complaint filed against the two men, the box -- located outside the trailer in which Balletto resided on the property -- had a hose attached to it, allowing the men to wash human waste off the girl and out of the box without opening it. The girl told authorities, according to the complaint, that Balletto called her a “trooper” for not screaming while she was locked in the box....

Teen allegedly kept in toolbox as part of marijuana operation - News10/KXTV (image source) 7/26/2013
Lake County: Three arrests, marijuana, cash and military-grade weapons seized - Daily News 7/26/2013

...Authorities allegedly found five children in the North Lakeport home they scoured.

Members of the LCSO SWAT team, narcotics task force and major crimes unit served a search warrant on Balletto's nearly 700-acre property in the area of Junction Plaza in Clearlake Oaks Wednesday, according to a department statement released Friday. Deputies also executed a search warrant at Balletto's North Lakeport home.

LCSO officials said they found 1,491 marijuana plants, more than $4,000 in cash and "the largest and most sophisticated bulk of weapons seized in recent (department) history" between the two searches.

In total, investigators reportedly discovered 22 firearms, including high-powered military-grade sniper and assault rifles, automatic assault rifles and pistols. They also recovered military-grade body armor and scopes, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, according to the LCSO statement.

The five children removed from the residence were taken into the custody of Lake County Child Protective Services, the LCSO stated....
Marijuana cultivation investigation leads to human trafficking case - Lake County News

The men also are alleged at one point to have kept the girl in a large box as a punishment, according to District Attorney Don Anderson.

Pearmain’s attorney, Tom Quinn, declined comment at this stage in the case, and Balletto’s attorney, Mitch Hauptman, did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg, who is handling the sex crimes case against the men, said they are facing charges of human trafficking, statutory rape, oral copulation on a person under age 16, sodomy, false imprisonment, annoying or molesting a child. Balletto also is charged with lewd and lascivious acts on a child under age 14 or 15.

They could each face nearly 16 years in prison if convicted of all the charges, Borg said.

While the California Attorney General's Office has put increased focus on fighting human trafficking, which the agency said is the world's fastest growing enterprise, human trafficking cases are rare in Lake County, Borg said.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever charged it,” he said....

The girl has since gone into protective custody outside of Lake County, Borg said.

The situation involving the girl also involves a third suspect.

Eric George Edgar, 45, was arrested on May 16 in connection with the case, Borg said.

Edgar is charged with statutory rape for having allegedly raped the teenage girl when they were alone together on the property. He's also facing charges for making criminal threats and attempting to dissuade a witness, Borg said.

The girl was being kept in a small group of trailers on the property, while Edgar was staying in a trailer more than an hour’s hike across a canyon. Edgar is alleged to have happened upon the girl and raped her, Borg said.

L.A. girl kept in metal box on pot farm for sex, authorities say - LA Times 7/26/2013
Lake County men transferred from (Humboldt County) jail; former Marine is one of two men accused of enslaving runaway teen - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard 7/27/2013
Criminal complaint: Ryan Balletto...Note: This doc­u­ment con­tains con­tent that some read­ers might find dis­turb­ing. - LA Times 7/26/2013



__________________

Lots of unanswered questions. Picking up runaways in LA, transporting them hundreds of miles to a remote location, a 'box' that indicates they solved a problem they must have had before, telling her she was a trooper for not screaming... how many screamed before her?

Just be glad this is before Federal authorities, and not Humboldt County's DA.

(U.S. Magistrate Judge Nandor Vadas and Deputy District Attorney Ed Borg were formerly with the Humboldt County DA's Office. Just some of the talent 'lost, fired, or driven away' by Paul Gallegos.)

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

And so it begins

Former prosecutor to run for DA: Candidates file elections paperwork to begin fundraising - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

A retired prosecutor has filed paperwork with the Humboldt County Elections Office announcing his intent to run for district attorney in 2014.

Arnold Klein, who retired from the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office in January 2012 at the age of 69, filed a candidate intention statement with the elections office on Monday, Elections Manager Kelly Sanders confirmed....

Reached Tuesday, Klein said he is running under the tentative slogan, “We Deserve Better,” and said he thinks he can make a positive impact on the office.

”I'm experienced, I'm balanced and I'm not caught up in the broken process that is going on now,” he said.

Klein said he thinks the DA's Office has misallocated its resources, spending too much on its investigations bureau and too little on prosecutors, and that he's been disappointed in what he sees as a steady exodus of experienced prosecutors from the office under Gallegos' tenure.
______________

We do indeed deserve better. Good luck, Mr. Klein.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Something we agree on

Gallegos weighs in on 'stand-your-ground' laws: Amid national controversy, Humboldt County DA supports California self-defense law - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard
While the nation's top cop strongly condemned “stand-your-ground” laws, and protests over self-defense legal statutes raged across the nation in the wake of George Zimmerman's acquittal last week, Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said Friday he doesn't have a problem with the statutes.

”No matter what you do, things can go bad,” Gallegos said. “But the idea behind stand your ground is that the process of retreating can also put you in danger, even graver danger in some cases. The reality is if someone comes at you, you should be able to stay there and defend yourself.”
Gallegos gets it.

University of California Hastings College of Law professor David Levine, on the other hand, does not get it.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Hislop retires. Gonna spend more time with his family.

Transformation in DA Investigations Bureau; retirement, new faces bring change to investigations unit - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

...After 33 years in law enforcement, DA Chief Investigator Mike Hislop, 51, has retired and District Attorney Paul Gallegos has tapped investigator Wayne Cox to fill the post. The office is also readying to welcome a pair of new investigators into its ranks in the coming weeks, leaving a void in another local agency's criminal investigations unit....

Gallegos said he has full confidence that Cox is the right person for the job.

”Wayne is the future, and it looks like a very promising future,” he said. “I'm excited. More than excited, I feel we are very fortunate in this office, and in this community, to have him.”

Other changes are also ahead for the DA's Office Investigative Bureau, as the departure of William Hansel several months back to take a lieutenant position with the Humboldt State University Police Department and Cox's promotion left a pair of vacant investigator positions.

Hislop said the bureau has gone ahead with hiring Kyla Baxley and Marvin Kirkpatrick, both of whom currently work as detectives with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office. Both are expected to start in the coming weeks.

Kirkpatrick, who's worked for the sheriff's office for 27 years, will do general investigations. Baxley, who's worked for the sheriff's office for about five years, will investigate child sex crimes, Hislop said, adding that both are “rock solid” and will work well with the bureau's team.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Remember when Paul Gallegos didn't have a child abuse prosecutor, so he said he was going to have EVERYONE do every job, so they'd all be better at what they do? Well...

Now, you too can be an Assistant DA.

Fresh out of law school and don't have a clue? Already carrying the load of five people who've been 'lost,' fired or driven off?

If rumors are true of course. And, there's always the proverbial tip of the iceberg aspect to this. There's a lot going on, but the public never gets to hear about it. Paul's such a fine D.A. and all. (yes, I know, Eric, he won.)

Musical chairs at the DA's? - John Chiv Words Worth

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Who voted for this?

Who will cop to sneaking this shit into the budget bill?

Transparency in California Should Not Be Optional - eff

AB 76 was passed by the legislature Friday evening, unbeknownst to many journalists and open-government advocates attempting to follow the vote....

Senate Bill 71 and AB 76, which could be passed and sent to the governor's offiice on Saturday, would allow government bodies on the local level—such as cities, counties, sheriff’s departments and education systems—to choose whether or not to follow certain requirements under the California Public Records Act. These provisions would be downgraded from law to mere “best practices.” Gone would be the deadlines for determining whether records are disclosable and notifying the member of the public who requested the records. Gone would be the requirement that agencies assist members of the public in identifying which records would answer their questions. Gone would be the mandate that agencies turn over documents in an electronic format if the records have already been digitized.

A local government wouldn’t even have to publicly disclose its records-disclosure policy in writing. The bills only say an agency must “announce orally” once a year if it decides not to follow the new “best practices.”

The impact on government watchdogs, journalists and the public—including EFF—would be profound. The legislation would create long waits for access to records, allow agencies to interpret requests narrowly (say, rejecting requests unless the citizen asks for a specific document), and leave the requesters waiting in limbo indefinitely as government agencies will have no incentive to be helpful.

California Legislature Guts State Records Law - courthousenews.com

"It's not about saving money - it's all about curtailing an open, transparent government that can be held accountable," Yee told the San Jose Mercury News. "The only way we're held accountable is when the public has the information to understand what were doing."

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Officials: Bodhi Tree is 'person of interest' in last week's Eureka shooting

Officials: Bodhi Tree is 'person of interest' in last week's Eureka shooting - Times-Standard

The Eureka Police Department has named double murder suspect Bodhi Tree, who was released from prison in April, as a “person of interest” in a shooting near Eureka High School last week.

EPD Detective Ron Harpham said the department has some evidence pointing to Tree as a suspect but officials are still trying to determine probable cause. “We are still chasing down some leads,” Harpham said.

Harpham declined to say what evidence was found, citing an open investigation. The 28-year-old suspect in Saturday's double homicide in Arcata pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to two counts of murder and the special circumstance enhancement of multiple deaths, which qualifies the case for the death penalty.

Eureka High school student Christina Schwarz, 18, and 27-year-old Alan “Sunshine” Marcet were fatally shot.

According to officials, Eureka native Rhett August, 24, was shot once in the upper abdomen after he stepped out into an alley near the 1900 block of J street in Eureka to answer a knock at the door.

Harpham said the person the department originally suspected in the shooting has now been cleared.
Humboldt County Chief Probation Officer Bill Damiano confirmed Tree was released from state prison at the beginning of April under post-release community supervision, a program enacted under California prison realignment.

”He would have been released either way, either on parole or through realignment,” Damiano said.

Police Looking at Bodhi Tree as a ‘Person of Interest’ in Eureka Shooting Last Week - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost

Manhunt for Shane Miller: Day 15

Manhunt for Shane Miller: Day 15 - Times-Standard

Miller has a criminal record and served time in prison. Authorities consider Miller armed and dangerous.

Community members are encouraged to call the sheriff's office at 445-7251 or the tip line at 268-2539 if they see anything suspicious or 911, in the event of an emergency.

Latest update: Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Lt. Wayne Hanson said Wednesday there is nothing new to report and the office is still following any leads it receives.

”We have two officers in the area 24 hours a day,” Hanson said. He said tracking dogs and dogs used to find cadavers are no longer being used.

Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey has said the most likely scenarios are Miller has killed himself or left the area.

Arcata double homicide suspect Bodhi Tree pleads not guilty: Case eligible for the death penalty

Arcata double homicide suspect pleads not guilty: Case eligible for the death penalty - Lorna Rodriguez/The Times-Standard

Bodhi Tree, 28, is accused of killing Christina Schwarz, 18, and Alan “Sunshine” Marcet, 27, with a handgun, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Christopher Wilson said. A special circumstance enhancement was added because there is more than one victim, which makes the case eligible for the death penalty, Wilson said.

Humboldt County Assistant District Attorney Kelly Neel said the district attorney's office hasn't decided whether to seek the death penalty.

”It's too early to make that determination,” Neel said.

Public defender Kevin Robinson said he will represent Tree once any conflict of interest determination is made.

Tree audibly said, “I didn't commit no murders,” as he conferred with his attorney, who tried to quiet him in court. Tree, originally from Garberville, has a Humboldt County criminal history that stretches back to at least 2007 and includes a guilty plea to resisting arrest after a 2011 high speed chase, according to court documents.

UC Berkeley School of Law Professor Franklin Zimring said multiple deaths are one of several factors that can qualify a case for the death penalty.
__________________

FOURTH UPDATE: No bail for double homicide suspect - The Times-Standard 5/18

Officials: Looking for gun used in weekend's double homicide - The Times-Standard 5/21

----- Presumably, they tested his hands for gunpowder residue that night, right? ------

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Well said.

Those who can do, do; those who cannot sue - John Chiv/Words Worth

Eureka attorney Peter Martin finally revealed the true agenda behind the lawsuit filed against the City of Eureka and invocations by saying he hopes that his motion to dismiss Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen will better his odds for a favorable ruling.

In a May 17 Times-Standard article, Martin was quoted as saying that he decided to request the dismissal of Reinholtsen because he feels that the judge is “on the right flank of the political bent.”

Kim Starr must be kicking herself for not thinking of this brilliant and objective strategy in Occupy Eureka’s lawsuit against the City. In the last 2 years, the mantra of those who only know how to blame and create drama has been: “If I don’t get my way and if my mud slinging does not work, I will just sue” has backfired both at the ballot and with the public. Nevertheless, they continue to employ the same tired tactics. It has hurt any legitimate cause and sincere people Martin and Starr claim to represent.... read the rest, at the link.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Double homicide in Arcata: Suspect in custody


DOUBLE HOMICIDE ON EYE STREET (Update 2) - Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye

Two people, a male and a female, were killed in a house on Eye Street early this morning.

People staying at the house said that a suspect, another houseguest, shot the two with a revolver. Police have no one in custody, but are pursuing a “person of interest,” according to APD Lt. Ryan Peterson.

Victims have not been identified. The houseguests said the female was an 18-year-old high school student.

Peterson said the female was pronounced dead at the scene. The male died shortly thereafter at Mad River Community Hospital. names have not yet been released.

Update: Police searching for Arcata double homicide suspect - Times Standard
Suspected Double Homicide in Arcata This Morning (UPDATING) - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost (image source)

The suspect has been taken into custody on Shirley Avenue. Photos by Andrew Goff. (Click to enlarge.)

Bodhi Tree, 28, arrested in connection with this morning's double homicide. - Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye

SECOND UPDATE: Police ID suspect arrested in double homicide - Times Standard

In October 2011, a 26-year-old Eureka man named Bodhi Tree was arrested following a high-speed pursuit by Humboldt County sheriff's deputies that began at the Bear River Casino parking lot and ended with the suspect arrested on suspicion of vandalism to a patrol car, resisting arrest, assault with a deadly weapon and public drunkenness.

Bodhi Tree Booked On Two Counts Of Murder - Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye

A footnote to history: Bodhi Tree is used to being arrested, sometimes with the aid of APD K-9 officers. He has a history of petty crime in Arcata and elsewhere.... - Arcata Eye Facebook

High Speed Chase Ends with Officers uh…Treeing Suspect (click here for previous arrest information) - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

THIRD UPDATE: APD details search, arrest of double homicide suspect - Times Standard

Stay updated at ◼ The Eye,Lost Coast Outpost, and ◼ The Times Standard. (Also, ◼ The Eye on Facebook)

But the amazingly greedy nature of this shakedown was clearly a bridge too far. And not only is the Amazon Defense Front coming up on the short end of the stick, but one of the American law firms engaging in this practice may wind up paying a hefty sum for their involvement.

DC firm shaking down Chevron learns lesson about poking the bear - HotAir

There’s been a new, and some might say long overdue twist in the ongoing saga of Ecuador’s Chevron shakedown. We’ve been covering this story here since January of 2011 and it’s been a wild roller coaster ride. From the time the environmental groups involved were initially awarded a huge payday in a kangaroo court, we’ve seen blatant fraud uncovered on the part of the plaintiffs, “investors” in the lawsuit claiming they were defrauded, and the judge in the case admitting that he was bribed.

Chevron seeks to sue Patton Boggs for fraud and deceit - Fortune

Since late 2010, Washington, D.C. law firm Patton Boggs has been poking a sleeping tiger. It has filed three peculiar federal lawsuits -- in its own name, not on behalf of any client -- against Chevron, the third-largest corporation in the United States. These cases have fared poorly; two were quickly dismissed, and a federal magistrate judge recommended tossing the third in March.

On Friday, the tiger awoke. Chevron (CVX) sought a federal judge's permission to bring counterclaims against the 455-lawyer firm for alleged fraud and deceit for its conduct in representing the Amazon Defense Front, which obtained a $19 billion environmental judgment against the oil giant in Lago Agrio, Ecuador, in February 2011. Chevron also seeks to charge the firm with "malicious prosecution" for having pursued its three lawsuits in bad faith. Chevron seeks to hold the law firm liable for any damages Chevron suffers from the Front's allegedly fraud-infested litigation, plus punitive and treble damages.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Interesting searches

limmie greg curry, showing up in google searches...

Lots on the manhunt, too. Such as: redding petrolia manhunt cogswell

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Search for Miller escalates in Mattole Valley manhunt; Tour of the Unknown Coast sees loss in participation


Search for Miller escalates in Mattole Valley manhunt; Tour of the Unknown Coast sees loss in participation - Catherine Wong/The Times-Standard

As the Mattole Valley manhunt for triple homicide suspect Shane Miller entered its fourth day, more law enforcement officials joined the search even as authorities lifted checkpoints for hundreds of bicyclists in Saturday's 35th Annual Tour of the Unknown Coast.

As of Saturday, more than 70 deputies and officers from the Humboldt and Shasta county sheriff's offices; the Fortuna, Arcata, Eureka and Rio Dell police departments; the California Highway Patrol; the Humboldt County, Shasta County, Sonoma County and California Department of Corrections SWAT teams; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Bureau of Land Management; CalFire and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are involved in the search, according to a press release.

Search teams are using a specialized communications truck -- brought by the U.S. Marshals Service-- and helicopters from CHP's Redding airbase and the Kern County sheriff's office. Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Lt. Steve Knight said they are also using tracking dogs and a plane.

Miller, 45, is the lone suspect in the killing of his wife and two daughters Tuesday night at their Shingletown home in Shasta County before fleeing roughly 200 miles west to the Mattole Valley area. Officials say he is considered armed and “extremely dangerous.”

Shelter in Place Request Lifted—Caution Still Advised as Authorities Search for Homicide Suspect, Shane Miller - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

SHANE FRANKLIN MILLER, White male adult, 45 years old, 5-10, 200 lbs blue eyes, red hair.

Believed to be armed and dangerous. If sighted call 911

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.