Money and crying poor...

I'm a little sick of the ads claiming Measure Z's tax increase will bring about 'more effective' prosecutions - REALLY? And how is that?

No one has fixed the fundamental problem at the DA's Office, don't lie.

Then there's this:

◼ County to pay $700 one time money to employees instead of pay raise; Will Measure Z be used for public safety or for union contracts? - John Chiv/Words Worth

Seems to me, the one thing the Supervisors could do - and have not done, as far as we know - is stand up to the state, refuse to give the County's money to the state, demand that the County be allowed to keep its money rather than have it doled back, pennies on the dollar, in the form of grants. That stand should be taken before ANY attempt to charge people more, when it is just going to go down the rathole.

Solve the fundamental problems first.

Just say NO.

What's been missing

◼ How refreshing to have our District Attorney elect attend Board of Sups meeting - John Chiv/Words Worth

CHANGE is coming.

"We are trying to find Mr. Gallegos"

The Question Of The Day was: ◼ Will Paul show up this time? Will the Arcata chef stabbing case ever go to trial?

This afternoon, yet another hearing is scheduled to discuss the ongoing soap opera of the case involving the stabbing of Arcata chef, Douglas Anderson-Jordet. It is on for status of discovery, again, in Courtroom 4 at 2 p.m. with Judge Dale Reinholtsen.

District Attorney Paul Gallegos, who is prosecuting the case, makes ocassional guest appearances, often leaving either ADA Kelly Neel or DDA Zach Curtis to cover for him. The "every week we come back" will put that statement in context.

And then: ◼ Paul did saunter in 20 minutes later and apologized to the Court twice. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Humboldt County justice came to a standstill today for several minutes in Courtroom 4 because no one could locate District Attorney Paul Gallegos. Calling of the case was delayed twice today because of him. "We are trying to find Mr. Gallegos," said DDA Zach Curtis, the first time Judge Dale Reinholtsen tried to call the case.

◼ Ferrer case continued again until Nov 10 - John Chiv/Words Worth

After District Attorney Paul Gallegos finally appeared in court, he then appeared to change his mind about the agreement he made with Ms. Jennifer Dixon, Nicholas Stoiber's attorney....

The 995 motion to dismiss the case against Rocheleau and other matters such as the status of discovery which has still to be addressed will be dealt with on November 10 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 4.

◼ Ferrer/Stoiber/Buttercup=Rocheleau background

Judge Feeney grants continuance for Curry case, Eddie Lee released

◼ Public Defender files for continuance in murder suspect Limmie Curry trial - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Eddie Lee has to appear in Oregon for the case that he was on probation for when he was found with an ounce of marijuana he was trying to sell. Curry County requested that Eddie Lee be cited and released to appear in Oregon on 9/27 for this case. - John Chiv/Words Worth

ADA Kelly Neel and Limmie Curry's public defender, Mr. Casey Russo, agreed to a new jury trial date of January 26. The People did not oppose the defense's motion to continue the trial, and Judge Feeney granted the request for "good cause."

Pre-trial is Nov 10 at 2 p.m. and Trial Confirmation is January 12 at 2 p.m.
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Is Paul's calendar cleared?

Last word: 'Unfit for a Free Society'

◼ A week after Bodhi Tree was sentenced to serve 105 years to life in state prison for murdering two people in Arcata last year and shooting a third in Eureka, a pre-sentencing report made public as a part of his case file sheds new light on the 29-year-old and his path through the criminal justice system. It also underscores the multi-layered tragedy that just played out before our community’s eyes. - Thadeus Greenson/The Journal

The report paints a picture of a man born into difficult circumstances who suffered numerous childhood traumas and was never taught to harness his anger, a problem that compounded with the onset of multiple mental illnesses as he became an adult....

Born July 5, 1985, Tree grew up in Garberville with his parents, but bounced around, living in at least six different communities by the time his mother died of an aneurism when he was 13. But Tree’s troubles began long before that, according to a letter from Kai Ferrara included in the report....

“I believe it is the responsibility of our justice system to protect its citizens from people as dangerous as my childhood friend Bodhi Tree,” Ferrar wrote. “With the delinquency of his parents, I have always felt like an older brother to him, wishing the best for him and wanting to help. However, as all of his past friends have individually learned, there is no safe place near him. When he is on the street, he is a free roaming threat to whoever has the misfortune and responsibility of his presence.

“As a kid, Bodhi needed constant supervision, which his parents were not capable of providing. As an adult, Bodhi needs constant supervision, and only our jail system can provide the kind of safety we citizens need. It is an incredible misfortune that two beautiful innocent lives have been lost, and we must use this experience to prevent further imminent harm. I worry that Bodhi Tree will be out on the streets in 10 years’ time. We citizens need to be safe for longer than that.

“Please, do not allow him freedom, ever.”

◼ Tree sentenced in tear-filled courtroom - Paul Mann/Mad River Union

Convicted murderer Bodhi Tree’s 105-year sentence was pronounced in a packed, tear-filled courtroom, where the 29-year-old Garberville native spoke no word and showed no remorse.

In impassioned statements read aloud minutes before the Oct. 10 sentencing, wrathful and weeping family members of the victims implored Superior Court Justice Dale A. Reinholtsen to mete out the maximum punishment of 117.5 years.

He came close.

Accusing Tree of lacking any moral compass and describing his shooting spree as senseless and inexplicable, Reinholtsen ordered the prisoner to serve consecutive sentences totaling 105 years

◼ "I'm here to talk about the impact on our lives by the senseless slaughter of two innocent people by a man, and I'm hesitant to use the word, man." - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014
◼ "Little did we know that this nightmare would never end" - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014
◼ Jurors, family, community members pack courtroom for Bodhi Tree sentencing - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

...7 jurors took the time out of their schedules, community members that attended the trial, and the families of all victims have been waiting...

◼ link - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

...He has to serve consecutive sentences... but the basic gist is he has to serve 75 years and even then with minimum parole times on other terms, it is another 25 so it would be 100 years before he is eligible for parole.

Tree sat with with an attitude, no remorse and after sentence looked at bailiffs and said "Allright, ready."

◼ We plead with the court to never release this animal to society" - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

"It would seem that if you were running for City Council you might want to divulge that you filed a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy petition, just a little over 2 years ago...." UPDATED

◼ Is a Bankruptcy filing by a Eureka City Council candidate relevant information? - John Chiv/Words Worth

Kim Bergel and her husband filed bankruptcy in July of 2012 and listed $222,514 in unsecured creditors along with $233,794 in secured and priority creditors for a total of $524,248.

◼ Bankrupt? You too can pay off $524,248 with just $51,720 - John Chiv/Words Worth
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Soooo........

Here we are. In a year when almost every item on the ballot is asking for MORE money. Which means the budget is Issue #1.

So. This is sad. And yet it is very relevant. Because you're asking for a position that will oversee public funds, and which arguably will make decisions, or pass ordinances which will involve punishing people who don't pay their bills or follow rules.

I've spoken to John, who is working without a scanner, and he has transcribed the documents listed amounts.

And, on another note, I sit here shaking my head, thinking - what if?

What if this were the 'other side'? You'd be seeing interactive charts, complete with analysis, and comments threads with 1,000 denunciations.

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J. Eric Bergel Responds: It's interesting to note Mr. Chiv's obvious bias as evidenced by the fact that he didn't brother to report on Mike Newman's 2004 Chapter 7 (non-repayment) bankruptcy. I'd be curious to know if his pre-economic meltdown bankruptcy was a result of a nearly fatal accident as ours was. I'd also be interested in ascertaining whether or not he made an effort comparable to our nearly four years doing everything within our power to avoid bankruptcy.

We deeply regret the damage we caused to local business as a result of our misfortune. We only exercised our right to protection under the law as an absolute last resort after exhausting all other avenues. Then, against the advice of our attorney, we filed a repayment plan (chapter 13) rather than walking away from our debt (chapter 7) as we were legally entitled to do.

The unfortunate reality is that after all the damage caused by thirty years of trickle down, voodoo economics and deregulation which resulted in the latest devastating economic melt down, financial success can no longer be relied upon as an accurate gauge to measure a person’s intelligence, aptitude, work ethic or character. Because the playing field is no longer level, it makes it very difficult for working class people to achieve or even maintain the American dream.

I understand campaigning for political office often turns to blood sport, especially when a candidate is seriously threatened, but I really do believe in the golden rule as well as the adage that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Perhaps it could be modified in this case to state, those who have soiled there own reputation should not sling mud.

Eddie Lee case dismissed, Judge Feeney grants defense motion

◼ Right before the jury would decide - John Chiv/Words Worth
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All jokes that Paul would Fuck Up this case have been proven true I guess.

Is he gonna tank the Limmie Curry case, too?

◼ The Eddie Lee Trial: Murder, robbery, mutilation - September 2014
◼ Two high profile jury trials; one murder; another human trafficking scheduled for tomorrow - September 2014
◼ Jurors being questioned in Eddie Lee trial; first witness expected to be called around September 2 - August 2014

◼ Whatever happened to Eddie David Lee? And Maggie Jean Wortman UPDATED - February 2011

◼ One suspects pleads not guilty to Willow Creek man's murder - February 2010

John Chiv's Questions for Ms. Egger

Janelle's screenshot

◼ Janelle Egger tries to serve court summons to Supervisor Rex Bohn during public comment - John Chiv/Words Worth

Why was it necessary to serve the summons during that meeting besides to get attention and on the cameras? It isn't as if you don't know where Rex is or his office is located. Like your previously ill-intentioned lawsuit and perceptions, you just keep on with your agenda. Who is behind this latest ploy? And why?

Those are the questions unasked, not investigated by the local media. People are smart Janelle and they deserve public information that is complete.
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A. Why was it necessary to serve the summons during that meeting besides to get attention and on the cameras?

Janelle: ____

(Anonymous answer #1: The papers were served on the Board of Supervisors which does not exist except when in session. Pretty simple to understand if one has the most basic understanding of our government.) INCORRECT, BTW

B. Who is behind this latest ploy?

Janelle: ___

C. And why?

Janelle: ____
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I'm not playing the email game with you, Janelle. I get that you have something to say. As John points out, you have chosen to 'respond' - though not ANSWER the questions - on an anonymous blog "which clearly has an agenda and is very obviously comprised of the same Heraldo crowd, the Fair Wage crowd and Occupy Eureka."

And you've chosen to comment profusely - pseudonymously - in the comments threads, which is only obvious because people respond to you by your name following those arguably anonymous responses.

All from someone who professes to care about free speech issues.

We live in a nation where free speech is a God-given right, meaning it cannot be taken away, and you are safe to use your name when stating your opinion.

Yet people hide in the shadows of anonymity, refusing to be upfront and honest in stating their opinions, and you choose to participate in that manner.

Not gonna play.

Comment here - WITH YOUR NAME - and I will put your responses in the post. I will do so even if you wish to use your pseudonym: Fortuna Rain. No problem.

ADDED: IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE POSTING HERE, you can email your answers, and I will paste them in.

◼ Supervisors served court summons for alleged Brown Act violations - Will Houston/Times-Standard

The writ of mandate was filed against the board this month by Fortuna resident Janelle Egger, who said the board's use of committees — with three specifically targeted — violated the Brown Act by ignoring its own rules on committee formation and excluding members of the public from attending standing committee meetings, which she claims should be open to the public.

"The Brown Act has a provision, generally speaking, that meetings are going to be open and publicly noticed and agendized," she said. "It says that applies to the legislative bodies and its commissions and committees and then it gives an exception to that. The way the county seems to be interpreting it is that as long as it has less than quorum of the board members it was not subject to the Brown Act."

...One question still up in the air is whether Egger served the summons correctly.

What a sweet deal

So we'll drop the attempted murder charge if you agree to waive your prelim...

What? Why?

This does not look good. Certain things should be avoided when the defense attorney is related to the Assistant DA... is the first reaction to this news. Seriously.
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◼ Silverio Sanchez preliminary waived; attempted murder charge dropped

DDA Zach Curtis stipulated with Silverio Sanchez's attorney, Mr. Ben McLaughlin, to drop Count 1 which is the attempted murder charge and the special allegation associated with it and Sanchez agreed to waive the preliminary hearing.

..."Our aim this morning was to get the attempted murder charge dropped and to litigate the rest of the trial," Mr. McLaughlin told me after the hearing. "By waiving the preliminary hearing, we are not acknowledging that Mr. Sanchez was driving the vehicle."

"We plead with the court to never release this animal to society" UPDATED

And so it ends. "May God have mercy on your soul."

◼ "I'm here to talk about the impact on our lives by the senseless slaughter of two innocent people by a man, and I'm hesitant to use the word, man." - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

◼ "Little did we know that this nightmare would never end" - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

◼ Jurors, family, community members pack courtroom for Bodhi Tree sentencing - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

...7 jurors took the time out of their schedules, community members that attended the trial, and the families of all victims have been waiting...

◼ link - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

...He has to serve consecutive sentences... but the basic gist is he has to serve 75 years and even then with minimum parole times on other terms, it is another 25 so it would be 100 years before he is eligible for parole.

Tree sat with with an attitude, no remorse and after sentence looked at bailiffs and said "Allright, ready."

◼ We plead with the court to never release this animal to society" - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

Some of the jurors were wiping tears as did Sean Butler-Smith's sister Breanne and community members. Even the court staff who were stoic and professional were shaken by the emotional testimony of the families. While Rhett August's mother attended, she chose not to speak.

Victim witness representative Marybeth read a letter from Nancy Jo Marcet, Sunshine's mother, Michael Tostado, Christina's uncle read his own statement, that of his wife, and Christina's aunt and the last one to read was Tina Schwarz, Christina's mother.

Mrs. Marcet started her letter by referring t the loss of her son, "who was taken from us so violently trying to protect Christina." The last words Alan "Sunshine" Marcet etxted to his mother on May 17, was "I love you so very much." And on May 18, she found out he was dead. This loss just on the heels of Sunshine's father being killed.

"He should not be allowed to do this anyone again," Mrs. Marcet's sentiment was reiterated by all speakers, Ms. Firpo and Judge Dale Reinholtsen.

They were very grateful to DDA Elan Firpo and the jurors who they thanked. Mrs. Schwarz even thanked the public defenders and addressed Bodhi Tree. At one point, she asked him to look at her, he didn't. She said, "May God have mercy on your soul."
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Thank you, John Chiv, for covering this case in its entirety.
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◼ Tree gets life in prison - Paul Mann/Mad River Union

A full report will appear in the Oct. 15 edition of the Mad River Union.

Thank you, Paul Mann.
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◼ Bodhi Tree Sentenced to Life in Prison - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost
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AFTERMATH:
◼ Key witness in Tree trial assualted the second time in jail - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 11, 2014
◼ Even with the trial over, Sean is not safe; his sister's account - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 11, 2014
◼ DDA Elan Firpo gives notice, joins well-known local firm - John Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

DDA Elan Firpo gives notice, joins well-known local firm

◼ DDA Elan Firpo has given her notice to DA Paul Gallegos. Effective 11/1, she is joining a local firm as partner. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Because everyone should take advice from a known liar

◼ Profit Motive - Richard "R Trent" Salzman/LoCo

Yeah, the guy who creates phony names, shadowy groups, attack pieces mailed in plain brown wrappers, and who sneaks around in the dark of night sticking attack stickers on parking meters - yeah, that guy - wants to tell you how to vote. How to run your business. How to see the world is you're an employee.

The only question is - are you that stupid?

'Cause he's not gonna be there for you when you lose your job, or your employers closes his doors.
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Pheww! Judge denies defense motion for new trial in Tree case

◼ Bodhi Tree was in court dressed in the orange jail garb with his trademark "wtf" and "I don''t give a damn" expression. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Representatives from Probation, Victim Witness and two jurors were present as well as prosecution key witness Sean Butler-Smith's sister.

Prior to the motion, when sentencing has been scheduled, other jurors have attended as well. They are very vested in the outcome.

(John) Will be updating soon with more highlights from both arguments. (at the link)

◼ "Russo and Holmquist were handed a crappy case and they did a crappy job." - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Prior coverage at Words Worth
◼ LINKS to Bodhi Tree coverage, including Words Worth

◼ Bodhi Tree sentencing scheduled for this afternoon in Courtroom 4 - JOhnm Chiv/Words Worth Oct 10, 2014

Ferrer: The saga goes on. The next court date is October 22 at 2 p.m. in Courtroom 4.

◼ Disposition reached for Stoiber, all decisions delayed another 2 weeks in Ferrer case - John Chiv/Words Worth

Eddie Lee Case: Quentin Williams history of lewd act with a minor, choking his girlfriend and false imprisonment revealed on the stand

◼ If you believe Quentin Williams, he is an informant for the Humboldt County DA's office trying to help fellow inmates he befriends and get justice for victims of heinous crimes with his connections. In a courtroom, he performs and is very entertaining. - John Chiv/Words Worth

...The defense in the Eddie Lee trial painted him as a dangerous predator who rapes and hurts women.

Today he exited stage left, maybe his swan song as an informant, after Eddie Lee's attorney, Mr. Darryl Stallworth, was done examining him on cross. Williams testified yesterday that Lee confessed to aiding in the murder of William Reid and that "he bbqed" Reid's body....

It's a good thing she had those plastic bags

◼ Fatu Kekula, 22, was just a nursing student, and was left with no choice -- she became a one-woman Ebola hospital as she treated her sick family. - Laura Ingraham

Request for continuance

◼ Will Judge Feeney grant defense motion in Bullock case to continue the trial again? - John Chiv/Words Worth

Decision to be made today.

UPDATE:
◼ Bodhi Tree motion for new trial will be heard October 8

When world views collide

Oh, the irony. It seems POT is not a victimless crime. Paul. Ken.

◼ Salmon recovery plan IDs Humboldt marijuana cultivation as threat - Juniper Rose and Jeff Barnard/Times-Standard

From damage to streams and rivers caused by clear-cutting and illegal road grading to water diversions and chemical pollution associated with marijuana grows, the action plan calls for steps to address many of those issues alongside hundreds of other recovery strategies for salmon populations in an area stretching from the Mattole River near Petrolia to southern Oregon, said Julie Weedly, NOAA recovery coordinator for the Northern California office.
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You're guiltier than Palco EVER was.