Saturday, May 17, 2014

A little pot never hurt anybody, but the bodies sure are piling up

And this is just the ones that have been found.

Decomposed Bodies Found Near Laytonville Identified

Two decomposing bodies found in a greenhouse near Laytonville earlier this week have been identified by the Mendocino County Sheriff Detectives. The two are Felipe Cortez Guzman (26-years-old) and Abraham Gregorio Castillo (27-years-old.) The two men were residents of Avenal, California.... officers were not able to note any obvious cause of the men’s death due to the advanced state of decomposition....Yesterday, tattoos on the bodies were matched with descriptions provided by the families of the deceased to identify the two young men.

Earlier: Another body

[UPDATED w/Information About Arrest—Found at Residence of Former SoHum Woman] Homicide Suspect Ben Carter Arrested in Arizona - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost
Body Reportedly Found West of Garberville - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost (April 19)

And another:

Burnt Human Remains Discovered in Cabin Near Bridgeville - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost (April)

63 comments:

  1. I still think a little pot never hurt anybody.

    But a lot of money up for grabs is a very dangerous situation.

    I too would like to see the violence and ecological catastrophes come to an end; but it won't happen if we misidentify the cause.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The cause is greed and it is alive and well in humboldt and mendo.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Agreed, NOLA and Anon6:33.

    Nonetheless, unintended consequences of making it defacto legal in this county.

    Legalize it and put an end to the madness.

    ReplyDelete
  4. lelalizing it, in California, will make it worse.

    All the BS about legalize it, tax it, is just BS. Who's going to tax it, regulate it, collect the money?

    The "defacto legal" status of marijuana in Californiia has drawn people from all over the US, and even Europe, to Humboldt, Mendo, and Trinity Counties to grow dope. They grow it here, ship it out and sell it in other states. But the violence, environmental damage continues on in Humboldt.

    The marijuana industry in Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendo has exploded. Marijuana leaves Humboldt County every day, heading out to NY, Miami, Chicago, etc. In cars, by postal mail, fed ex, and ups.

    Pot is all about the money and those that make their living/fortune off it don't really care about the "madness", unless of course they are the victim.

    The only way legalization could work is if it were made illegal everywhere at the same time.

    that is my opinion

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree except with the legalize it here but make it illegal elsewhere.

      Does not address the greed, does not reduce crime or environmental damage.

      Delete
  5. I agree, 8:49. Colorado is about to learn the hard way just what we here in Humboldt have learned. In doing what they did, they will now attract the worst kind of criminal element, and all their 'compassion' will have unintended consequences they couldn't even imagine.

    As for growers being overjoyed to be legalized and happy to pay taxes in order to no longer by criminals? No, I don't think so. People making six-figure incomes tax free aren't suddenly going to willingly fork over half that in taxes.

    There are still huge problems, because growing isn't the only law that's being broken. It's not paying taxes, which would land any normal citizen in jail, not complying with business license and other business-related laws, including employee withholding, which would land any normal person in jail or result in fines, and all the related paperwork headaches...

    This is why this defacto legal thing is so grotesquely unfair to regular business owners. And the cadre of grower-types openly demanding things at an open public meeting the other day is, in reality, not a good sign.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just look at the change locally in the past 5 years, the past ten years.

    It is everywhere. The marijuana industry has a lot of influence over local politics. And that leads to corruption of governmental officals. In addition to all the other problems caused by chronic marijuana use.

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  7. Yes. That's why I am moving my family out of here. I think it's hopeless.

    ReplyDelete
  8. smart move, moving that is. it won't get any better any time soon

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  9. I thought the Massiah Maggie Fleming was going to make EVERYTHING better.

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  10. Maggie Fleming will make things better. She can't do it overnight but she can, and will, make things better.

    It will take a while to clean up the mess that PVG created but it will happen. I would guess that most, if not all, of the younger deputy DA's in the DA's office will welcome Flemings leadership.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have just run into a community issue that is causing a good man to catch a lot of flack and it is coming from the flemming camp. This man is trying his hardest to create change in the community and flemming and her little crappy trolls are set out to make it look like he is the problem. This woman has created a lot of back biting and trouble in a community group. Yeah those around her don't see it or feel it, but those of us working on a ground level feel and see it. Se is being very problematic in a recovering mans life. I hope her old money same as usual politics go away...but I am sure they won't because around here money buys everything you want....including integrity!

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  12. Who are you talking about 1130? And why are you blaming Fleming?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yes, it will take a while to clean up the mess and it cannot be fixed by someone who left.

    Someone who gave up.

    Maggie chose to run, only after she knew Paul would not run. Someone who takes the easy way out is not a leader.

    ReplyDelete
  14. They must be dizzy with all of the spinning:

    "I support Elan Firpo for D.A….Maggie Fleming, is backed by Sheriff Downy, the Deputy Sheriff's Association and the EPD and Fortuna police officers' associations. Given our troubled past with law enforcement in Humboldt County, from the use of pepper spray on non-violent protesters to the killing of Cherie Moore, I do not want them to be choosing our next D.A.. Simply put, I believe Fleming would be a return to power for the old guard, which would be most unfortunate for Humboldt County's future.
    --Richard Salzman

    "There is only one DA candidate who has not polarized this community pitting Democrats against Republicans; growers against non-growers, rich against poor; Eureka against Garberville. That candidate is Elan Firpo…"
    --John Chiv

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous, you call it spinning. Some call it facts.

    Besides personal attacks on Elan and her supporters, what do you have? Nothing

    Your candidate. Nothing.

    If this is how your petty your candidate is, then Maggie or Arnie do not deserve to be in the position of being the chief law enforcement officer.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Keep spinning.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 11:30 AM is crazy and 2:40PM is Sara or Trent.

    Fleming not only has the support of the Sheriff and EPD but from public defenders, judges, and regular working citizens, democrats and republicans (not that it matters because the DA is a non partisan position).

    Try to stick with some facts! Real facts, not the facts you make up!

    ReplyDelete
  18. John you asked for a truce and we have given it to you, but with your post, it looks like your into old games again. Yes from his letter, we know Salzman is now speaking for Firpo, probably always has, so you can spin that anyway you want, but it means business as usual and no change from PVG's method of running that office. Do you really want four more years of that???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike what post? Someone cutting and pasting my words from a letter and then calling it a spin is not my post.

      Or you alleging any other post is mine is not a truce.

      Paul is not running. Salzman is not running. Their support has not been hidden. That has not been answered.

      I know from speaking to people in the community and people who do not want to be involved but in the courthouse that know me well have said Maggie supporters are bad mouthing me. And I know it because in the community I have my sources.

      Is that truce?

      There will be no more 4 years of Paul.
      He is not running.

      I have stated many times why I support Elan.

      You use your name Mike, but there are Maggie supporters, not all, but some that have personal issues with my exposing their truth. And because of other candidates I support.

      When they stop their mud slinging, then it is a clean campaign.

      Not one single person here knows all 4 candidates personally or has seen them all in the courtroom. I have.

      You are loyal to Maggie. Good. I am loyal to my candidate. Why is my opinion put down?



      Delete
    2. It should say. That has been answered.

      Delete
  19. Paul has brought the DA's office to what it is today. A real mess, a disaster. And now you have Firpo as Gallegos' hand picked successor, with the approval and backing of Dick Salzman. Do you think she is going to fix all of Gallegos' damage?

    Firpo is just more of the same Gallegos mess. More disfunction, more employee turnover, more of the same disaster.

    It's obvious why the baseless attacks on Fleming. Klein and dollison aren't really a threat to Firpo so they get a pass from the Firpo crowd's BS.

    Fleming has the experience, personal integrity, and professionalism to bring back the DA's Office.

    If any of the readers of Watchpaul actually believe any this trash put out by ???? check all the candidates websites, read the endorsements. Maybe ask somebody you know that actually knows Fleming. See what they think.

    don't waste your vote

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. On what basis do you say "Firpo is just more of the same Gallegos" from her talking about overhauling his office?

      Delete
  20. The only one I've seen on here dragging the other through the mud is what Losey is trying to do to Elan. Shameful Mike. She is a hardworking intelligent lady with her own ideas. She speaks for herself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't worry about Losey. He's a Salzman wannabe. He'll smear good names any chance he can for his candidate. No morals. Fleming smiles while he handles her dirty work so she can pretend she is staying positive. Sad really

      Delete
    2. Yes, Maggie has shown her true colors. She has stood by while dirty smear jobs are done by Losey, Cardoza and others. Even Arnie Klein.

      She has done a disservice to decent supporters like Jimmy Smith.

      She claims she is not a politician. She is a pro at politics.

      Delete
  21. Those were chiv's words verbatim.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The words were mine. Even though out of context.

      But it was not my post. That was your spin. And Mike claiming it was my post.

      Besides attacking me anon, what have you contributed to this discussion?

      Delete
  22. 3:08. You obviously are too close to the party to be able to know what is really going on. So just continue with your political agenda. And those of us actually doing ground level work will continue to work diligently to combat harmful agendas and policies that are brought to you by bought and paid for politics. NO On Flemming!

    ReplyDelete
  23. If Losey was a "salzman wannabe" he's be using a phony name.

    The spinning here is just nauseating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Losey clearly doesn't need to be anonymous to smear good people.

      Delete
  24. Huh? Salzman used his real name too. The difference I see is that Salzman and Paul stand up to cronyism, corrupt politics and big money. If they are supporting Élan and Fleming had the money, I'm with Élan. She has been very clear about the mismanagement in the current office and Paul still backs her? That's huge and says a lot about Fleming. The fact that Fleming has out spent even Virginia Bass according to LoCo, wow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fleming is number 1 in campaign spending. Firpo is number 5. Vote Firpo.

      Delete
  25. Since this post is about pot, each candidate has a position on the subject.

    Weigh it with a little google search on their actual record.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Today's Times Standard--

    Firpo can carry on Gallegos' legacy

    We are writing in support of Elan Firpo for district attorney of Humboldt County in the upcoming election. After eight years in office, Paul Gallegos is not running for re-election. During his tenure as district attorney, Paul has exhibited many fine qualities. He is someone with great personal integrity, compassion and fairness for all defendants, a strong commitment to the civil liberties of all citizens, and a determination to not be influenced by special interest groups. In addition, Paul does not allow his personal values and world view to effect his decision-making as the chief law enforcement officer of the county.

    In reviewing the qualifications of the four candidates running for district attorney, we are looking for someone who shares some of Paul's fine qualities. Elan Firpo is the most qualified and most able to continue the culture of civility within the criminal justice system of our county.

    Elan was hired and trained by Paul. She also brings extensive experience from the private sector. Elan worked for 13 years as a design engineer and project administrator in the high tech industry. A call to service led her to law school with the specific goal of becoming a prosecutor in the county where she lives and is raising her children.

    We urge you to vote for Elan Firpo.

    Ron Sinoway and Molly Hickey-Sinoway, Salmon Creek

    ReplyDelete
  27. John you said "not one single person here knows all four candidates personally". That is wrong, I have worked with all four candidates on many different criminal cases. I have seen them all in court, I have witnessed each one deal with witnesses, victims, attorney's,and juries during trial. It is no surprise that the majority, if not all of the retired Judges in Humboldt County are supporting Maggie. She has earned their respect. You have only watched from the observers seats, you don't know what goes on behind the scenes but that is why I know Maggie is the best choice. I considered that possibly you did not write the letter here but it sounds like you did and yes you certainly can have your opinion as I have mine, but don't put out there that not one single person knows these candidates, that is absolutely not true. Also, since you mentioned it, your opinion is not put down, I am correcting your misstatement. I didn't say lie, but you know my background and I've said many times here that I have worked with all four of the candidates and you still put in your statement that not a single person here knows all four of these candidates. Maybe people are bad mouthing you because of exactly what happened here. They believe you are not truthful? I will take the highroad and say you made a mistatement. Hopefully you will correct that mistatement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike, people bad mouthing me has nothing to do with me saying anything that is untrue.

      I responded to your truce statement.

      There is no misstatement. Your continuing to focus on me simply because I support Elan is more relevant. You do not know me personally or anything about me.

      I am not running for office. Maggie is and three other candidates.

      Maybe you have time to continue posting and distracting from the real convetsation. I do not. You feel Maggie is the best choice. Fine. Others do not.

      Most people here comment anonymously. You use your name. I do as well.

      In this post, if you wanted to take the high road, you would not continue to focus on me.

      Your camp is uncomfortable with the fact that I have covered this election.
      The fact that it was I who reported on the fppc and certain donations not being filed.

      Constantly questioning me instead of talking about your candidate with specifics is a subtle intimidation.

      It does not work on me.

      Maggie and many of her supporters know me. And those supporters have shown class by respecting that I can choose another candidate.


      Delete
  28. I don't support Paul, but I support his ideals of equal protection and independence. Sounds like from this thread I need to support Firpo. It is clear from those closest to Fleming she does not support those ideals. If she has Paul's endorsement, as Mike Losey says, she has my vote, and I will volunteer, call bank or whatever it takes to get her elected. I have no interest in putting the cronies back in charge.

    ReplyDelete
  29. "equal protection and independence" What a crock!

    What an absolute load of bullshit.

    Equal protection for what? Certainly NOT the little kids behind the numbers in the drastic crop in child abuse prosecutions.

    Independence from what? From learning to work with the people he was supposed to work with.

    You support incompetence. Don't try to take the high road

    Paul's endorsement is a liability for Firpo.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I had been told all along that Paul would be endorsing Fleming. Mike Losey: You said you are in the know. Is certain that Paul is endorsing Firpo? If so, Firpo has my vote. Paul has long stood up to the establishment and the crony mentality.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I should say, whoever has Paul's endorsement has my vote. Fleming, Dollison or Firpo. And I will give my time, energy and money to getting them elected!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Get off the blogs, Richard.

    Nobody's buying your spin and revisionist BS.

    ReplyDelete
  33. But Annon 10:39, 10:36 and 10:31 wouldn't be Salzman, would it?? Wouldn't he have the guts, if he believes in his candidate, to use his own name??? No, probably not!

    ReplyDelete
  34. In the DA OFFICE, Paul has told various employees that he knows Fleming is going to win when it is all said and done, but he has not officially endorsed her. He has endorsed Firpo even though HE knows she is nothing to win.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Salzman is still calling people to set up home meet & greet fundraisers for Firpo. How is he not working for her campaign? Are we to believe that he independently sets up events on her schedule?

    ReplyDelete
  36. @ Mike Losey. So how does Maggie Fleming's courtroom/trial experience make her the best choice for DA? This is an absolute strawman's argument. It would be relevant if she were running for DA of Alpine County, where the DA has to do all of the cases by themselves. The issues for the office are funding and resources. Other counties give their DA offices more money. When asked to speak up about this outrage, she said, she would do fine with 2 more attorneys. Your next point is that she will mentor attorneys, and the problem are the current attorneys in the office. Does she plan on getting rid of them? If so, which ones, so she can bring in her more experienced crew. That is a plan. She will have the power to do that. She needs to be open and up front about that. The male attorneys in the office are actively looking for work right now and are leaving. David Nims is the first to jump the ship. Others will follow, because the perception is that she plans on doing this, but is gutless to announce it. Even with a few older and experienced, (and mostly retired attorneys, who don't get up at 6:00 am anymore), without a significant increase in staff, her management will collapse, because it will be status quo and business as usual. She is not prepared to fight for more money, because she wants to insure that the County continues to dole out mega-salaries to their Government employees.

    ReplyDelete
  37. So how does Maggie Fleming's courtroom/trial experience make her the best choice for DA? Read the testimonials on her website and find out. She is by far the best candidate.

    ReplyDelete
  38. So is her campaign built on the assumption that she will do all the cases herself? Well that will go over really well. Totally ignored the issues that 12:15 raised which means they must be completely true. So November through March will be a great time to commit crimes in Humboldt County.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The job requires someone with a lot of trial experience, and someone who can mentor.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Randy Mailman. Is that mentorship?

    "The record suggests that one or more of the following attorneys from the District Attorney’s Office were involved in the misconduct in question: ...Deputy District Attorney Randy Mailman, and/or Assistant District Attorney Wes Keat. However, that will be for the State Bar to determine." So even though your assumption is Maggie is great and all, you believe that the only way she can effectively turn around the DAs office is through mentorship, and she mentored and turned over the Department of Tobacco and Firearms assignment to Mailman who was actually found by a Court of Appeal to have engaged in prosecutorial misconduct, along with her big $1,500+ donor Wes Keat, who mentored Maggie. So having failed on this whole mentorship piece, and admitting Maggie can't do all of the cases herself, why am I supposed to vote for her?

    http://www.fearnotlaw.com/articles/article46553.html

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anon 2:15 you already know the answer to your questions (is Maggie going to do all the cases herself?) so why are you going down this road. Just because PG is trying cases doesn't mean Maggie will do likewise. She knows the DA's job is administration and she has plenty of experience to do this job. You are repeating yourself, questions which have already been answered. As to "fighting" for more money, that hasn't helped PG one bit, now has it? Just like he has been fighting against law enforcement. Maggie can and will work with the BOS so they understand what it takes to run a professional DA's office. But you are not looking for answers now are you, you're just throwing as much mud as you can and hope some sticks, who knows you might even be Richard trying again. How about using your name, huh??? Look,with your methods you are not going to influence anyone, as I said, I have worked with all of the candidates and I know the standout is Maggie. Bang, done deal, overwith, strike three you're out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Losey we know about your winning record.

      Clenenden won. No, he lost.

      Delete
  42. Maggie Fleming has made the asinine comment that she will review all cases. This means she is not real good at math. She also doesn't understand what the DA does

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anon 5:28 Wow, real depth! Please go to lostcoast or chiv's. You can make these kinds of comments there and sound smart!

    No, no, I shouldn't be so crass. Sorry!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is this you taking the high road Mike?

      Delete
  44. I really hope that Fortuna does not have a major crisis, because Councilman Losey could not help out. He is too busy blogging.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope he does a better job as a Councilman than blogging.

      That must be hard since he does not read or listen.

      Delete
  45. John, I think people bad mouthing you has everything to do with you not telling the truth. But you have chosen to ignore your comment "not one single person here personally knows all four candidates". You still are not addressing the fact that you are wrong.I have worked with all four candidates in many different settings from jury trials to meeting with victims to watching how they deal with witnesses. Maggie is by far the person we need to lead the DA's office to professionalism. I am still waiting for you to correct your misstatement. Are you going to?

    ReplyDelete
  46. Mike: In what sense do you personally know all of the 4 candidates. For example of he four candidates, whose personal homes have you been in. My guess is only Maggie Fleming. Whom have you gone to lunch or dinner with? My guess is only Maggie Fleming. Other socialization with candidates and their families? Again only Maggie Fleming. This race is not about who was the best Trial Attorney. Maggie would likely not even win that contest. John Chiv was a former juror in a Maggie case that was retried. She lost it worse than Gallegos. Arnie Klein is an awfully good trial attorney who has no chance in this race. He has done more trials (like 3x as many as Fleming). Not the barometer you want. The most important thing for Maggie should she be elected, which is far from certain will be to somehow hold the office together, and pray for no new scandals so she can run for Judge Watson's seat in 2016. Two years, and then sorry I am bailing will not leave the office well suited.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Losey thinks he knows it all. 8:24 actually provided some insight into why Maggie suddenly wants to be DA.

    John Chiv saying he knows all four jurors is not a misstatement. It does not mean others do not know all four candidates.

    Arnie Klein, if years as a lawyer was the only criteria, has the most experience.

    John Chiv worked on the Worth Dikeman and Allison Jackson campaign and knows many of Maggie's supporters. Maggie expected his endorsement.

    In this election, he chose to endorse Elan and not Maggie. That fact tells a lot about Maggie's character. It is impressive that Elan won over a supporter who many expected to choose Maggie.

    Maggie has no independence. She has no ethics.

    She has allowed Losey and others to badmouth anyone standing in her way.

    Who do you think is releasing inside information on Elan, Allan and Arnie?

    Maggie does not deserve to be in any position of power.

    ReplyDelete
  48. anon 1:52 AM;

    I've worked wth Maggie. She is an extremely ethical person, head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd. Maggie Fleming is the perfect choice for DA. Maggie is reasonable, fair, personable, and experienced. Character does count, something you don't seem to grasp.

    I cannot imagine why you make such baseless, rude, comments ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you work with Maggie while she was the director of Child Abuse Services and was the subject of a grand jury investigation for overseeing the destruction??

      Delete
    2. Or do you work with her now in County Counsel where she hid from disclosure to the public 3.5 million dollars in dubious county lawsuits of residents?

      Delete

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