Wednesday, April 30, 2014

KEET-TV DA Candidate Forum: Open Thread


KEET-TV (Ch. 13) and The League of Women Voters of Humboldt County 2014 Candidate Forum Tonight: 7:00 P.M.

◼ Watch it ONLINE: LIVE STREAM

iOS users please use this link: http://keet.streamguys1.com/live/keet/playlist.m3u8
Android and other users please use this link: rtsp://keet.streamguys1.com/live/keet

This is the big one.

The number to call, if you want to call in a question, is 445-0811
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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Court Beat: The human face of the criminal justice system

Drug busts, plea deals, high profile cases that make headlines. The media covers those but the daily grind of following a case from start to finish is not something that entices a reporter or reader. Usually.

The human face of the criminal justice system are the addicts, the mentally ill, the abused, the poor, the ones who do not have the support of family or friends yet survive and succeed.

This last week, there have been at least two success stories that were very heartwarming. This happened in two courtrooms this week, as I waited for yet another case to be called. The case I was covering was grinding its way through the painstaking slow criminal justice procedures; dates being reset, resolutions being discussed.

I like to follow the life of the case. It is one of the reasons I do this regular court beat. It gives a view into the reality of the criminal justice system....Read the rest, at the link.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Candidates On Parade

ALLAN:



Took a break from the Campaign trail to participate with the Mad River Honor Guard in today's Rhododendron Parade through the streets of Eureka.
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◼ WEB: dollisonforda.comABOUTDONATEFACEBOOK

ARNIE:



We had a such a great time today at the Rhododendron Parade! Thank you Ken Bareilles, for all of your support. Your truck looked great. It meant a lot to us having you drive us down the parade route. We especially want to thank all the wonderful citizens of Humboldt County who turned out today. Your smiles and waves were not in short supply. We are both humbled and thankful for all of your support.
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◼ WEB: votearnieklein.comABOUTDONATEFACEBOOK

ÉLAN:

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◼ WEB: elanfirpo.comABOUTSUPPORTERSDONATE

MAGGIE:



Maggie greeted supporters at the Rhododendron Parade on Saturday.
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◼ WEB: electmaggiefleming.comENDORSEMENTSNEWSDONATE

From Facebook

Ocean West Senior Village Candidate Forum


Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014: A big thank you to Ocean West Senior Village for hosting Friday evenings forum. A lot of important questions were asked and I met some great people.

A little piece of history:

◼ Oct. 28, 2004: The Journal endorses

...That leaves the Eureka City Council Ward 4. First, the citizens of Eureka should be thankful that both these men are willing and most able to serve and there really is no wrong choice. However, of the two, we are backing Rex Bohn as the stronger candidate.

The last 3 ! / 2 years on the council Chris Kerrigan has demonstrated that he is hard-working, articulate and a good listener. He is on the right side of many issues we support -- quality of life issues such as beautification and trails, for instance. However, there were several instances in this campaign where issues of character arose and Chris came up a little short.

In campaign literature, Kerrigan takes credit for being "instrumental" in "saving and creating hundreds of jobs in our community." Well, not exactly. As a member of the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission, he is one of 18 people who represent cities and agencies throughout the county. About 80 (full-time equivalent) jobs have indeed been "created" since Chris joined the board in 2001, most outside Eureka. In addition, there are a number of local businesses reporting jobs were "saved" because they received RREDC loans, a claim that is always open to some skepticism.

In addition, Kerrigan has exaggerated his role in the effort to bring direct air service from Los Angeles. (Some credit goes to the Humboldt County aviation director and RREDC staff for doing the legwork, in conjunction with the city of Redding, which initiated the entire effort.)

Exaggeration is not all that uncommon, especially in politics. However, Kerrigan made a serious misstep when one of his supporters, activist Richard Salzman, sent out an e-mail using Kerrigan's phone number soliciting funds. In it Salzman wrote that challenger Rex Bohn was "out for himself a greedy oil executive bent on revenge." It is a failure of leadership that Kerrigan did not act in the wake of the controversy by publicly condemning Salzman's comment and by apologizing.

We are backing Bohn because he appears to be a man of strong character with a lifetime of real-life experiences to bring to the council, and he has a track record of getting things done.
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That was then. ◼ THIS IS NOW - with Salzman at his side. And a little more carefully worded bio.

No mention of ditching his job in the middle to go on a quixotic quest to become a big-wig in the oh-so-honest-and-ethical John Edwards Presidential campaign.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Berkowitz: One On One With Maggie Fleming



Maggie answers Cliff’s questions about her experience and plans for the District Attorney’s office on Khum.
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electmaggiefleming.comENDORSEMENTSNEWSDONATE
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She spoke passionately about changing the culture of politics in the DAs office, rebuilding the roster of prosecutors and sticking within legal framework regarding plea cases. Maggie also clears up the confusion that she is related to former Mayor of Eureka, Nancy Flemming. She is not (spelled differently). - Lost Coast Outpost

In the comments: Last week it was ◼ dump on Dollison day.Then Firpo, with a concerted push-back in the comments thread. Now it's Maggie's turn.

There are comments about CAST, similar to comments at ◼ Samoa Softball. CAST, and the Grand Jury Report, and what happened to CAST.

Something that has festered for years is finally coming out. Someone who knows details and is passionate about the topic.

It is time that what Gallegos has done comes out.

Way past time.

Whoever you are - let's talk.
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One On One With Elan Firpo
One On One With Allan Dollison
One On One with Arnie Klein

Berkowitz: One On One With Allan Dollison



One On One With Allan Dollison This morning I spoke one on one with DA candidate Allan Dollison for about 15 minutes. We discussed his qualifications and priorities. I also gave him a chance to explain his 16 counts of misconduct and falsifying court documents.
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dollisonforda.comABOUTDONATE

Berkowitz: One On One With Elan Firpo



This morning I spoke with Elan Firpo who is running for District Attorney of Humboldt County. She spoke of her qualifications, and her priorities in the office if elected. Public safety and prosecuting violent crime are at the top for her. Some high profile plea bargains are also discussed. - Lost Coast Outpost
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◼ WEB: elanfirpo.comABOUTSUPPORTERSDONATE

Berkowitz: One On One with Arnie Klein



Continuing our one on one interviews with the candidates, this morning I spoke with DA candidate Arnie Klein. He give his background and says that “restoring public confidence” in the DAs office is his top priority. - Lost Coast Outpost
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◼ WEB: votearnieklein.comABOUTDONATEFACEBOOK

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Your first time



LoCo missed this one

Signs, Signs, Everywhere A Sign...


All about the Signs - Eric Kirk/SoHum Parlance

I almost missed this one. Thought it was an earlier article, the title was so similar


But no, this one is about a 'debate' that happened yesterday: ◼ DA Candidates Trade Jabs at Latest Debate - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost ◼ (Image from Arnie Klein on Facebook)

In a rapid-fire debate this afternoon, Humboldt County’s four district attorney candidates took turns addressing complex issues in one-minute sound bites, and they found time to take a few swipes at each other.

The 45-minute debate, which was hosted by Eureka Rotary Club and moderated by the League of Women Voters, touched on some of the usual hot-button topics, including marijuana legalization, homelessness, public safety realignment and campaign donations. And while the differences between candidates were often more about style than substance, there was a distinct feistiness in the air, with candidates looking to poke at each other’s perceived weak spots.

◼ Richard's interesting analysis: Eureka Rotary DA race debate leaves lots of questions. - Richard Marks/Samoa Softball Thursday update - that Samoa Softball comments thread turned into something quite different.
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What it takes to be district attorney

In June, Humboldt County voters will make a critically important decision -- who will serve as their district attorney. A successful DA must bring commitment, ability, experience, intellect, judgment, and nonpartisan temperament to the office to provide the professional competence that the job requires, and that the public deserves. - David A. Prendergast/My Word/Times Standard

...The DA must be able to: analyze and apply legal principles and practices; prepare, and prosecute criminal and civil cases; interview witnesses and complainants; advocate a wide range of criminal and/or civil cases; review motions, orders, pleadings and other legal documents; present statements of fact, law and argument clearly and logically both orally and in writing; grasp the logistics of trials -- implementing practices and procedures to ensure that discovery is both timely and complete in each case to limit delays in trial preparation and conclusion; and establish and maintain effective relationships with county agencies, including, but not limited to, law enforcement.

Finally, the district attorney has to be able to recruit, teach and motivate junior prosecutors to do all of the above.

Humboldt County is faced with challenges, some of them the mundane problems of every California county, others more uniquely those of the North Coast. Each challenge profoundly affects individuals, families, and the community. The DA is someone who can make a significant difference in the community he or she serves -- with very real quality of life impact on residents.

Based on my years of experience, I urge my neighbors and fellow citizens to consider carefully what it takes to be the district attorney, weigh all the available facts objectively, meet as many candidates as you can, ask questions, consider answers, and decide wisely.
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OK...

Celebrity DA Candidates

◼ Ryan Hurley discovered Dollison: the WikiLeak Dossier

If campaigns for public office are really just popularity contests in disguise, hardscrabble Humboldt County district attorney candidate Allan Dollison holds an intriguing — if potentially troublesome — advantage over his more monied opponents.

While none of the four candidates for the office is so illustrious as to command his or her own Wikipedia page — the gold standard of Web notoriety — Mr. Dollison's WikiLeaks trove serves as a provocative substitute. Diplomatic cables published to the site disclose that a then-Army Capt. Dollison organized and led Afghani judges and tribal officials in a conference focused on patching together a functioning justice system in the beleaguered nation. An impressive credential, no doubt....
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Arnie Klein and The Twilight Zone Case "The North Coast Journal sent me several questions, one of which was "What's your favorite book?" It reminded me of the book Special Effects that covered the Twilight Zone disaster case. I was a defense attorney in that trial when I had much more hair The whole defense team, including me, is pictured here."

Friday, April 18, 2014

Trying to keep up with Chiv's Court Beat

Well-known and loved Hoopa community leader Marion McCovey to be arraigned today; was booked for marijuana cultivation, child endangerment and other charges
...Judge Marilyn Miles Courtroom 2...in addition to Marian Earl McCovey, Sr, two other defendants were arraigned. The co-defendants are Marion Earl McCovey, Jr and Romeo Blue McCovey.

Mr. McCovey, Sr is well-known in the Hoopa community for his work with the Hoopa Youth Center, Hoopa Tribe Recreation Department, he coached youth in basketball,baseball and was formerly employed with the Klamath United Trinity School District.

The charges for each defendant include both felonies and misdemeanors. Jackie Pizzo is prosecuting this case for the People.

All three defendants were present in the courtroom, they are not in custody. Mr. McCovey, Sr is being represented by Jeffrey Schwartz. Judge Miles appointed the Public Defender Casey Russo to represent Mr.McCovey, Jr and the Conflict Counsel supervising attorney Mr. Greg Elvine-Kreis to represent Mr. Romeo Blue McCovey.

The charges against each defendant were read by Judge Miles with the appropriate code and then stated as following: for Mr. McCovey, Sr. are Count 1 marijuana cultivation, Count 2, marijuana for sale, Count 3 child abuse and Count 4 contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

For Mr. McCovey, Jr and Romeo Blue McCovey the charges are the same. Count 1 is cultivation of marijuana, Count 2 marijuana for sale and Count 3 contributing to the deliquency of a minor.
Human trafficking with a minor, new count added to David Anderson case

Press releases:

Attempted Murder suspect from Sonoma County arrested in Weott
One Mckinleyville armed robbery suspect identified
Statistics and Sex Offender's registration compliance sweep information, Eureka outnumbers other locations

Election wise:

Yurok Tribe endorses Elan Firpo for District Attorney
Ryan Sundberg endorsed by the Hoopa tribe
Hoopa Council interviews Maggie and Elan at Council meeting

Plus:

From DA's office to Clanton Law Firm, now Ben McLaughlin has his own practice

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

The airing...

Allan Dollison's Bar record is suddenly Humboldt County viral. Many of the same people who sat silent when he was hired by Gallegos - and when this record was aired here - are now incensed. It's been shopped around town, emailed, Rambo-style, to his supporters... Guess what? It's never been a secret. But anyway - here it is...

Allan Dollison Admits to Forgery, Ethical Screw-Ups but Says He’s a New Person Now - Ryan Burns/The Journal

When Allan Dollison launched his campaign for district attorney three months ago, he made a point of addressing what he called “a mistake” he’d made early in his career. He briefly explained what happened.

In 1997, only two years after establishing his own office, Dollison said, he closed his private practice to seek employment elsewhere.

“I made a serious error in judgment by not finishing the work in three cases and representing that I had filed a motion … when I hadn’t — to a client in another case,” he said. “I apologize — then and now — profusely for that mistake. It was an error in judgment but one I have learned from. I have learned to be extra careful and exceptionally honest and hardworking. I am a Christian and I ask for forgiveness.”

...Despite Dollison’s attempts to deal with this issue preemptively, questions have continued to dog him in the campaign. It was brought up during a recent interview on KHSU, and in the Outpost‘s own elections section, a question about his state bar record received more up votes than any other question posed to any other candidate. Dollison recently posted a response, again describing his past deeds as, simply, “a mistake.”

...In response to questions from the Outpost, Dollison sent a written statement explaining that he has changed.

“I have always said you learn more from your failures in life than you do from your successes, and this is especially true in my case,” the statement says.

As an example of how he’s changed, Dollison describes a case he handled while working for the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office. Dollison makes a serious allegation of misconduct within the DA’s office and says he was responsible for righting the wrong. (The Outpost won’t print Dollison’s full statement since the allegations have not been corroborated.)

“I learned from my mistakes,” Dollison says in his statement. “I have grown from my mistakes. In the [above referenced] case, no one ever got in trouble, because I did the exact and appropriate thing. I am 47 years old and I have one unfortunate small sad chapter in my life. All I ask is to be judged by my entire life and not one aspect. I also ask that people consider that you can and do learn from your mistakes, and that you can become a better person, and a better lawyer.” Read the whole article, at the link.
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All Allan Dollison coverage on this blog
State Bar Association: Allan Lee Dollison - #177299

In re Allan Lee Dollison on Discipline

It is ordered that Allan Lee Dollison, State Bar No. 177299, be suspended from the practice of law for one year and until he makes restitution to Lynda Maisterra (or the Client Security Fund, if appropriate) in the amount of $837.00, plus 10% interest per annum from September 1, 1997; to Francisco and Flor Cruz (or the Client Security Fund, if appropriate) in the amount of $625.00, plus 10% interest per annum from September 24, 1997, and furnishes satisfactory proof thereof to the Probation Unit, State Bar Office of the Chief Trial Counsel; and until he has shown proof satisfactory to the State Bar Court of his rehabilitation, fitness to practice and learning and ability in the general law pursuant to standard 1.4(c)(ii), Standards for Attorney Sanctions for Professional Misconduct, that execution of suspension be stayed, and that he be placed on probation for two years on condition that he be actually suspended for 60 days and until he makes the restitution described above and provides satisfactory proof thereof to the Probation Unit. If he is actually suspended for two years or more, he shall remain actually suspended until he provides proof to the satisfaction of the State Bar of California of his rehabilitation, fitness to practice and learning and ability in the general law pursuant to standard 1.4(c)(ii), Standards for Attorney Sanctions for Professional Misconduct. Allan Lee Dollison is also ordered to comply with the other conditions of probation recommended by the Hearing Department of the State Bar Court in its Order Approving Stipulation filed March 31, 2000. It is further ordered that he take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination within one year after the effective date of this order or during the period of his actual suspension, whichever is longer. (See Segretti v. State Bar (1976) 15 Cal.3d 878, 891, fn. 8.) It is further ordered that if he is actually suspended for 90 days or more, he shall comply with rule 955 of the California Rules of Court, and that he perform the acts specified in subdivisions (a) and (c) of that rule within 120 and 130 calendar days, respectively, after the effective date of this order.* Costs are awarded to the State Bar and and one-half of said costs shall be added to and become part of the membership fee for the years 2001 and 2002. (Bus. & Prof. Code section 6086.10.)
*(See Bus. & Prof. Code, § 6126, subd. (c).)

Monday, April 14, 2014

THE TRUTH IS...It was EXCRUCIATING.
Embarrassing and Excruciating.

UPDATE: Video embed added:



Humboldt Access - video

The first report on the Fifth District Candidate's Forum at Azalea Hall in McKinleyville.

Nice, and Nicer - The Journal
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It wasn't just the lack of knowledge and preparation. The inability to answer questions except for two areas. Woefully unprepared. I almost want to just wince and turn away, this was so sad, and so painful. But it's serious, because of why she's running. So here's what I saw...

A one-issue candidate pushed by people who are pissed off about the general-plan delays. Well, ok, one-and-a-half, because she was well-versed in Ken-Millerisms about Richardson's Grove (Are the tanks rolling up the interstate yet?)

Ordinarily, a candidate this clueless would have been eviscerated in the media.

When asked about county funding, her parry was "The only person who cares about that is the person who wrote that question." Really? Ryan proceeded to answer it. As he answered every question.

Some things are understandable. She can be forgiven for not knowing anything about the 50,000 acre feet, it's not likely any first-time candidate would understand it.

But, as excruciating as it was to see her unable to answer question after question, or responding with platitudes, it got worse.

I don't remember what the question was, there were several that pertained to tribal relationships - to hear her start a mini-dissertation on 'indigenous people' was beyond imagination. You wanted to scream, OMG! STOP! Don't you realize you're sitting next to a tribal member! Talking about 'them' in the abstract, it took on a surreal quality, as Ryan stoically endured it. (comes in about 53:35 on the video, added, above)

I left before it was over. But I hear she had a great pre-written piece at the end, all about the General Plan.

I felt somewhat sorry for this woman.
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From the article: The debate was recorded by Access Humboldt and will be available online soon at www.accesshumboldt.net. For a rundown of other scheduled debates in local races, check ◼ here.
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◼ Her My Word: Meet your 5th District candidates: Sharon M. Latour - Times-Standard
◼ Ryan Sundberg's My Word: Meet your 5th District candidates: Ryan Sundberg - Times-Standard
Who? - WP 3/20
Sharon Latour Launches Campaign to Unseat Sundberg - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost 3/20
...Following the speech, Latour took questions from the crowd for more than half an hour, and in the process she seemed to have trouble addressing policy specifics....

Thursday, April 10, 2014

KGOE CANDIDATES FORUM TO AIR


On KGOE 1480 AM at 3:00 pm Friday and at 4:00 pm on Saturday just after ABC News at the top of the hour. It runs without commercial interruptions.

Domestic Violence: Speaking the Scream

A story of domestic violence. - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

If it helps one person... pass it on.

Great piece.

Letters: Firpo, not Klein, politicized case

Arnie Klein has been unfairly criticized for his involvement with the Family of Douglas Anderson-Jordet and the plea deal accepted by Élan Firpo. It's important for the public to know that I was the person who put Mr. Klein in contact with Doug's family. I contacted Arnie after reading his response to a letter I wrote, and he agreed to work on this case, pro bono. Arnie Klein offered help and hope by advocating for those who felt increasingly double-crossed by their representatives and alienated by justice.

Élan Firpo and her campaign politicized this situation with the press release titled, “Ms. Firpo responds to concerns about Ferrer disposition.” In this politically motivated and defensive press release, Élan Firpo threw Douglas Anderson-Jordet and his family under the bus, strictly to save face in light of her candidacy in the upcoming election for Humboldt County District Attorney. When faced with criticism from her opponents and the community, Ms. Firpo chose to dishonorably react, rather than to virtuously proceed. Her colossal failure to nobly handle this situation should be strongly considered on voting day.

Ben Dale
Eureka

Times-Standard

Wednesday, April 09, 2014

Digging through court records, News Editor Thadeus Greenson learned that Bullock had been deemed "ineligible" by the court back in 2012 for a plea bargain agreement that was the result of a previous brush with the law. Why was he ineligible?


Publisher: Court docs unsealed - Judy Hodgson/The Journal

"There was reference to a probation report (under seal by the court)," Greenson said. "I read the law. ... I'm no lawyer, but it seemed to me it should be a public document."

Three months later, Bullock's old probation report — along with similar reports for Bodhi Tree and Vincent Earnest Sanchez, two more men awaiting trial for unrelated high-profile crimes — have been unsealed.

UNSEALED - THE JOURNAL ONLINE
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And, BTW, Plea deals.

Candidate events:


Maggie Fleming:
CHICKEN POLENTA DINNER/FUNDRAISER
WHEN: Saturday, April 12th at 5:pm
WHERE: Leavey Hall 1710 Janes Road, Arcata
Chicken Polenta Dinner with salad, dessert, non-alcoholic drinks and wine. Silent Auction, Wine Pull. $25 per person, kids under 12 free
RSVP: Please call Shar 707.839.2396


Allan Dollison:
MEET DA CANDIDATE ALLAN DOLLISON
WHEN: April 16th at 5:pm - 7:pm
WHERE: Azalea Hall, 1620 Pickett Rd, McKinleyville
This event will be a great opportunity to Meet with Allan, find out more about him, listen to his priorities, and talk with him about your concerns for how the DA’s office should be run.
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(Note: Mostly pulling these from events posted on Facebook, if I've missed your event, let me know)

Supervisors:

CANDIDATES FORUM IN McKinleyville
WHEN: Friday, April 11, 6:pm - 9:pm
WHERE: Azalea Hall, 1620 Pickett Rd, McKinleyville
Hosted by The McKinleyville Chamber Of Commerce

CANDIDATES FORUM IN ORICK
WHEN: Monday, April 14 at 6:pm
WHERE: Orick Community Hall, 100 Swan Rd. Orick
Ryan Sundberg and Sharon Latour discuss the issues of the 5th District
Hosted by The Orick Chamber Of Commerce
For more information, call Donna Hufford at 488-2885
Light refreshments will be provided

RYAN SUNDBERG FUNDRAISER DINNER AND AUCTION
WHEN: Sunday, May 4th, 6:00pm
WHERE: Cher-Ae Heights Casino, Trinidad
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Will be updating...

Rotarians meet DA candidate Allan Dollison


The upcoming election of a new Humboldt County district attorney is not about which candidate is the best deputy district attorney but about how to correct the problems in the DA’s office now, DA candidate Allan Dollison told the Garberville Rotary Club at their luncheon meeting last Tuesday, April 1. - Virginia Graziani, Redwood Times

The Rotarians have invited all four of the candidates to take a turn addressing the club and answering the members’ questions. Besides Dollison, who served in the DA’s office from 2005 to 2013, the candidates are current county prosecutors Elan Firpo and Maggie Fleming, and Arnie Klein, who retired in 2012 after many years prosecuting cases for the county. Read more...

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Fred's picks: (UPDATED)

The June Ballot, Part 1 (State)
The June Ballot, Part 2 (Local)

The most complete list of candidates so far.

It's also a good reminder to all candidates - get your Smart Voter info up there! You should have a letter with your password.

Bodhi Tree Trial Begins: Defense and prosecution to finish jury selection

The trial for double murder suspect Bodhi Tree began Monday morning as both the prosecution and defense ironed out the details of how the trial will proceed. - News Channel 3 video at the link.

Jury selection has begun and is expected to be finished in the upcoming weeks. Opening statements for the trial are expected to start in mid April.

Jury selection in Bodhi Tree case to start tomorrow, expected to take at least two weeks - John Chiv/Words Worth

Then the jury selection process for jurors and alternates will begin. There really is not much to report on until the jury is selected and opening statements are given. I will be there in court each day just to observe the process and report if anything develops....

There was some discussion today about certain motions being discussed confidentially and what individual jurors will be questioned privately. For certain motions which were discussed today, the courtroom was closed so that the evidentiary issues being discussed would not be reported and affect the potential jury pool.

Friday, April 04, 2014

FANTASTIC!!! Yay Chris!

Kerrigan (or "R. Trent" Salzman on his behalf) answered the question at LoCo.
When referring to my 2004 city council race, I mistakenly mentioned that Rex Bohn spent upwards of $150,000 to defeat me. I apologize for the error. In fact, only $85,000 was reported through his actual campaign committee. The remaining $65,000 that I referred to was from the Eureka Coalition for Jobs, an unknown special interest attack group. Unfortunately, we will never know the exact amount of money spent because, in violation of the law, they did not disclose who paid for the attack ads or how much was spent.

The language in my fundraising letter should have stated “Remember when Rex Bohn and his allies spent upwards of $150,000 to defeat me on the City Council and failed?” Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight.
NOW - let's get down to brass tacks, Chris. Let's have Richard Salzman show that you mean what you say. Lead by example, ok... let's see the financial disclosures of your apparent campaign manager Richard Salzman's various 'special interest attack groups,' Start with the so-called "Alliance For Ethical Business."

Liberaljon seems to think it is still active. Is it? Where did the money come from, Chris/Richard? How was it spent? Who, if anyone, gave the woman the grand to pay for a hit piece on Roger Rodoniback in the day? Chris - since we're going to relive history - I am SO glad you brought this up.

Are you planning similar hit pieces in this election?

PS: We'll get to all Salzman's other groups, too, right, Chris?

You do condemn this, right, Chris, is that the takeaway from your response?

FLASHBACKS:
"Balls to the wall! The original meetings for the recall were held at Bonnie's house. She was the driving force from day one. Bring her down now."
The AEB's agenda
"5. Organize ourselves politically to accrue power, groom folks to run for offices. Database, outreach, etc.

6. Get rid of Tom Herman on the planning commission thanks to Rodoni, he has been central to all of PL's fraudulent activities and is therefore vulnerable to public outcry. This is a powerful position."

Yes. Let's finally have this discussion.
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There's more, of course.

But you can SURE see the same old battle is still being fought, can't you Chris?

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Plea deals in Ferrer case tossed

Plea deals in Ferrer case tossed - Links to coverage by John Chiv, Mad River Union, Lost Coast Outpost, Times-Standard, KIEM Ch 3 News, and more. Updated as they're filed.

Plea bargains rejected in Ferrer case - John Chiv/Words Worth UPDATED

The Judge explains her reasoning. Gallegos late to the hearing. - John Chiv/Words Worth UPDATED
Once Judge Hinrichs was done explaining the rules and the plea bargaining, she opened her remarks with, "This case is a tragedy." She said the Court had read and reviewed all documents presented and these were from all the attorneys and Probation and the victim's family.

She then said her tentative decision was to set the pleas aside. She explained why and read post 1 (link above) for those details.
MAD RIVER UNION


Judge Tosses Plea Deals in Anderson-Jordet Stabbing Case - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost UPDATED

...Judge Hinrichs said that it was not in the public interest to accept the plea agreements and signaled that she would disqualify herself from hearing the case in the future.

Times-Standard

A Humboldt County Superior Court judge set aside the pleas of three people charged in connection with the fatally stabbing of an Arcata chef in November at their sentencing hearing today.

Judge Joyce D. Hinrichs also set May preliminary hearing dates in the cases to determine whether they will face trial.

...His family asked the judge to set aside the plea, saying manslaughter didn’t represent the scope of the crime.

Arcata residents Nicholas Benjamin Stoiber, 28, and Sophie Buttercup Rocheleau, 24, also had their no contest pleas set aside. There were accused of beating Anderson-Jordet during the altercation.
Rocheleau had plead to a misdemeanor battery charge while Stoiber plead to a charge of assault likely to produce bodily harm.

News Channel 3 - Judge did not accept plea deals in the Ferrer case Juan Ferrer is the man who plead guilty to fatally stabbing 50 year old Douglas Anderson-Jordet in the heart in downtown Arcata.

Ferrer will appear in court again for a preliminary hearing on May 28th.

We have reporter in the courtroom. We'll have more details as they become available.
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Plea deals tossed in Arcata fatal stabbing case; Judge: Decision made to keep 'public's confidence in the justice system' - Will Houston/The Times-Standard
A Humboldt County superior court judge on Thursday rejected the plea deals of three Arcata residents charged in the Nov. 25 fatal stabbing of chef Douglas Anderson-Jordet, saying she did “not believe justice would be served.”

Judge Joyce Hinrichs said she would be acting as both the “judge and the jury” by moving forward with their sentencings.

”It would undermine the public's confidence in the justice system,” Hinrichs said. “To not set aside the pleas erodes the public's confidence.”

...District Attorney Paul Gallegos argued that Hinrichs' statement of acting as both the judge and the jury should not apply to this case.

”What the court has is the inherent power to accept or reject the plea deal,” Gallegos said.

Hinrichs said her ruling might have been different if she had been able to review all the documents. She noted that Gallegos' office brought her three inches of new documents to review right before the sentencing hearing.

...Though he supported the plea deal, Gallegos said he was “happy accepting the court's ruling.”

”I think the court's ruling results in a just resolution,” he said.
Judge Tosses Plea Deals In Arcata Stabbing Case - Jack Durham/Mad River Union (UPDATED at 8:27 a.m. April 4 with edits, additional information and photos.)
Hinrichs said she would take the blame for giving tentative approval to the plea deals last month. She said at the time, she hadn’t heard objections to the deals from the victim’s family. It wasn’t until after tentative approval of the plea deals last month that the family became publicly vocal about what they perceive as light sentences for the suspects.

“I didn’t ask enough questions,” said Hinrichs, who added that she should have paid closer attention to the state’s Victims Bill of Rights. “Hindsight is 20/20.” Hinrichs said that she doesn’t believe that “justice would be served” by allowing the plea deals to stand....

At today’s hearing, Hinrichs explained how she arrived at her decision, citing the various briefs and letters she had read. She then explained the reasons for her decision, which she said would be tentative until she had a chance to hear from the DA and the defense attorneys at the hearing. This left the door open for the attorneys to convince her to change her decision, but she was unpersuaded.

Gallegos, representing the People, had the first opportunity to respond, but he wasn’t present in the room. There was a short delay before Gallegos arrived. When he finally did, one of his assistants briefly whispered in his ear, presumably telling him what he had missed.

Gallegos, having missed the judge’s explanation of her decision, seemed somewhat confused by her rationale, which he hadn’t heard in its entirety. He said he would respect whatever decision to court made and said he thought that, in the end, justice would prevail.

“The true evidence will come out sooner or later,” Gallegos said.
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Prior posts on this case: Sophie Buttercup Rocheleau, Nicholas Benjamin Stoiber and Juan Joseph Ferrer, the three suspects in the Anderson-Jordet killing, who had accepted the plea deals that have now been tossed. HERE

What's next? Re-filing. A Preliminary Hearing. A trial or another set of plea deals.

Preliminary hearing set for May 28 at 8:30 a.m.

Heads up, from Chiv: Ferrer sentencing may not happen until 4 p.m.

Ferrer sentencing may not happen until 4 p.m., information you would not know except for this post - John Chiv/Words Worth

It is listed as 2 p.m. on the court calendar for today. But when I checked on the time today, heard it may happen at 4 p.m. That is interesting since it is not a special set.

Come a bit early if you want a seat. I suggest people interested come at 2 p.m. and then you will know for sure.

Ferrer hearing to start at 4 - John Chiv/Words Worth

...hallway packed.

Allan Dollison declines Arnie Klein's request to attend Ferrer sentencing; will public have access to enough seats, read why - John Chiv/Words Worth

Showdown Over Arcata Stabbing Suspect’s Plea Deal This Afternoon - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
The Outpost’s Ryan Burns will be in the courtroom this afternoon at the politically charged sentencing hearing for Juan Ferrer, the man who has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in stabbing death of Douglas Anderson-Jordet in December.
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Community Encouraged to Come to Ferrer Sentencing Hearing - Arnie Klein

Today at the Humboldt County Courthouse at about 2 p.m. (may be moved to 4:00) Judge Joyce Hinrichs will be the presiding magistrate for the sentencing hearing of Juan Ferrer. The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office has stated it will present a plea bargain to Ferrer of involuntary manslaughter for the November murder of Abruzzi chef Douglas Anderson-Jordet, which the judge does not have to accept.

Mr. Klein invites and urges every member of the community to attend who cares about public safety, justice and fairness. If you live here, work here, own a business, raise children, are going to school, retired and living on a fixed income, any of the above or none of the above, if you care at all about the future of public safety in Humboldt County, please attend the court hearing. Or if you cannot, follow the results of the hearing on any of the various social media outlets.
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◼ It's a big day in court today: Bodhi Tree jury selection procedure starts today; Borgner update - John Chiv/Words Worth

Fred's crown in jeopardy?

We all say Fred is the King of Humboldt Bloggers, but FRED says, "Hooray! The King of Humboldt Bloggers is back!" in welcoming Cap'n Buhne back to the fold... ◼ #Buhneisback with a new column at The Journal. It remains to be seen if the rip-roaring pillow fight will ensue in the comments section. But make it your must-read for the day, learn about "Veterans" bills. Dog Bless America

Is the King of Humboldt Bloggers Back? - Fred's Humboldt Blog

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Due to a minor illness, Arnie Klein is taking a 48-hour sabbatical.

Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014 He regrets missing the League of Women Voters candidate forum and tonight’s scheduled KMUD interview with Bonnie Blackberry. Mr. Klein needs to make sure he is well for Thursday, because his priority is assisting the family of Mr. Anderson-Jordet. For this reason, he is putting the campaign on the back burner until Friday morning. Mr. Klein will be at the Humboldt County Courthouse on Thursday at 2 p.m. to ask the judge to set aside the plea.

Earlier: The facts of this case do not support the plea bargain of involuntary manslaughter that the DA's Office arranged. The victim's family has asked me to represent them on Thursday with an impact statement. I encourage you to come to the hearing. ◼ Community Encouraged to Come to Ferrer Sentencing Hearing
For concerned citizens who want to attend the hearing, the sentencing is scheduled for April 3 on the 2 p.m. calendar at the Humboldt County Courthouse, 825 5th St, Eureka, in Judge Joyce Hinrichs’s courtroom.

Tuesday, April 01, 2014

Double murder suspect allegedly gave confession to police, but allegedly also has no recollection of what he did

A source close to the alleged suspect Vincent Sanchez said that Sanchez allegedly gave a confession to the police with details of the crime scene only the murderer would know but... - John Chiv/Words Worth

Tom Sebourn: 3 Out Of 4 Candidates At Trinidad Forum


The League of Women Voters threw a nice forum tonight in Trinidad. - Tom Sebourn Blog (cross-posted with permission, THANKS, Tom)

3 of the 4 candidates vying for the open seat being vacated by District Attorney Paul Gallegos made the trek to Trinidad Town Hall and were pleasantly greeted by beverages, Hors d' oeuvures and a nice crowd. Candidate Arnie Klein couldn't make it due to the flu. I hope he gets well soon.

The crowd was encouraged to to write questions on a card and those were used in the forum. I asked if any of them believed that being homeless should be illegal or a crime and why. Allan Dollison, Elan Firpo and Maggie Fleming all said that not only did they not believe that homelessness should not be a crime, all three argued that homeless people were often and disproportionally victims of crime.


I'm going to be producing a forum with, hopefully all 4 candidates for DA for KGOE AM 1480. We will be recording it on April 10th and I would like to invite anyone that lives in Humboldt County to submit questions for us to ask the candidates. You can just leave your questions in the comments section of this (Tom's) blog and I still allow anonymous posts so feel free to ask away.

We have a great bunch of candidates this time around so this race is anything but certain for any of the them. Lucky for us, there are going to be many chances for people to see, read about or hear from the candidates before the June runoff. I assume a runoff but if one candidate get more that 50% of the vote, from what I understand, they could wrap it up early. That just doesn't seem likely with this great bunch of candidates and I'm expecting it to go all the way to November. If I have that part wrong about the way this election will work, straighten me out in the comment section. (at Tom's blog, or here in the comments.)

Tom Sebourn

DA Candidates In Trinidad Tonight

DA Candidates In Trinidad Tuesday Night - Tom Sebourn

TRINIDAD- The League of Woman Voters of Humboldt County will be holding a District Attorney Candidate Forum on Tuesday.

This is the community's chance to learn more about the intentions and goals of candidates Arnie Klein, Élan Firpo, Maggie Fleming, and Allan Dollison.

WHERE: Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity Street
WHEN: April 1st From 6 To 7 P.M.

Wow. Hank. You should have made him pay for that space.

Just wow.

Do ALL of the other candidates get to write a hit piece/column, too? In the interests of equal time and all?

Do they have to have it written by a campaign surrogate? What are the rules?

Dollison Town Hall in Garberville Apr 7


District Attorney Candidate, Allan L. Dollison will be holding a Meet the Candidate event on Monday, April 7, 2014 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Garberville Veteran’s Hall located at 483 Conger Street in Garberville.

Allan served in the District Attorney’s office for almost 6 ½ years where he prosecuted serious and violent felony cases, like People v. Brian Fiore, a home invasion marijuana robbery that ended in murder and attempted murder convictions. The victims had 14 pounds of Marijuana stolen from them at gun point, by Mr. Fiore and his Co-Conspirator.

Allan continues to serve in the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel, and faithfully served his country in Afghanistan and Iraq, helping to rebuild damaged infrastructure, and reforming the justice system in Iraq. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge.

If elected, Allan will fight for additional resources, obtain grants that focus on violent crime, and bring organizational skill and management to a DA’s office that sorely needs it.

This event will be a great opportunity to Meet with Allan, find out more about him, listen to his priorities, and talk with him about your concerns for how the DA’s office should be run.
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