EPIC struck again

It's never good.

◼ Year old EPIC lawsuit will prevent local hatchery from spawning fishes - John Chiv/Words Worth

People are upset - developing

If you saw the local political cartoon in the Times-Standard today

It's about Virginia Bass's appointment to the Planning Commission...

Did you see a corresponding cartoon about Mark Lovelace's appointment of the EPIC guy to the Planning Commission? Maybe I missed it?
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And on the topic of Planning Commissioners - if you aren't going to show up for meetings - resign. And if your appointee isn't going to show up - replace them.

EPIC gets a seat on the Planning Commission

Mark Lovelace proves, once again, the necessity of staying awake, engaged and vigilant.

◼ Lovelace Makes New Appointment to Planning Commission - Ryan Burns

...Whatever the reason, (Ralph) Faust, who was just reappointed to the Planning Commission’s Third District seat last year, chose to step down this week. Third District Supervisor Mark Lovelace chose as his replacement Noah Levy, an Arcata resident and program director for the SoHum nonprofit Sanctuary Forest.

Levy is also on the board of the nonprofit Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC)...
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Yes, Jason Singleton should rot in hell...

BUT.

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

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

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

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

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

Richardson Grove activists threaten disruptions for potential project contractors; letters warn of 'a PR nightmare' for bidders

◼ Richardson Grove activists threaten disruptions for potential project contractors; letters warn of 'a PR nightmare' for bidders - TS

Richardson Grove Action Now member Kim Starr said companies should be aware of the risks associated with the project.

”Any involvement by your company will bring you public notoriety -- a PR nightmare,” the letter states. “We wish to warn you that no matter what Caltrans claims the project will cost, it will cost you MORE -- because the public does not want it.”

One letter recipient, who wished to remain anonymous fearing retaliation, said the Federal Bureau of Investigation recently contacted the company regarding the letter, investigating the group for possible eco-terrorism. The businessman, who said the letter was sent out to at least four other contractors, said the anticipation of disruption will mean a higher bid price for Caltrans to cover extra security or equipment damage -- essentially more cost for the state.

The EPIC Pot Bust is in the news again... Fieldbrook man held without bail on federal drug charge

◼ Fieldbrook man held without bail on federal drug charge

A Fieldbrook man was arrested Tuesday on charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana out of Harrisburg, Pa.

James Edward Shelton, 37, was arrested by Humboldt County Sheriff's deputies at approximately 11 a.m. in the Humboldt County Courthouse on a no bail federal arrest warrant.

The charges brought against Shelton stem from an investigation that took place at his Fieldbrook home earlier this month.

Officials from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration out of Santa Rosa in uncovering an alleged major marijuana grow operation at Shelton's residence in Fieldbrook on June 9, while serving a state search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation.

Shelton and Amber Zo Jamieson, 28, were arrested on suspicion of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.

Authorities reported seizing 298 marijuana plants ranging in height from 1- to 5-feet inside the home and a nearby outbuilding. In addition, 10 extra-large duffel bags were reportedly found filled with 495 pounds of processed marijuana stored in vacuum-sealed, one-pound bags.

◼ Fieldbrook pot bust is EPIC - The Mirror

You can bet this investigation is ongoing and far-reaching.

EPIC Liars, tramps and thieves

◼ Major marijuana bust in Fieldbrook - TS

Law enforcement officers uncovered approximately $1.5 million worth of processed marijuana and about 300 marijuana plants at a residence on the 900 block of Rock Pit Road in Fieldbrook, officials announced Monday.

Officials from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service assisted the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration out of Santa Rosa in making the marijuana bust Thursday while serving a state search warrant as part of an ongoing investigation by the Santa Rosa DEA.

According to a press release by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, authorities arrested two suspects -- James Edward Shelton, 38, and Amber Zo Jamieson, 28 -- on suspicion of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.

Five other individuals on the property were detained and questioned but no additional arrests were made, said Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Wayne Hanson. According to Hanson, as the Santa Rosa DEA office builds its case, individuals will likely be brought in and indicted on federal charges.

”I imagine there are a lot of scared people out there right now,” Hanson said.

Authorities reported seizing 298 marijuana plants ranging in height from 1 to 5 feet inside the home and a nearby outbuilding. In addition, 10 extra-large duffel bags were found filled with 495 pounds of processed marijuana stored in vacuum-sealed, one-pound bags.

”I cannot remember ever finding that many one-pound bags of marijuana in one place,” said Hanson, who was on scene when the warrant was served....

Future arrests of individuals associated with the pair are expected.

◼ Fieldbrook pot bust is EPIC - The Mirror

EPIC’s Amber Jamieson was arrested yesterday in a multi-agency pot bust in Fieldbrook that yielded a smidge under 500 pounds of processed marijuana, neatly packaged for resale, with a street value estimated at $1.5 million.

Jamieson’s significant other, James Shelton, who was similarly arrested at the Fieldbrook residence, has a less direct connection to the litigious enviro org: Mr. Shelton–shocker alert–is a “glass-blowing artist” whose magical objets d’art are sold at EPIC’s gift shop.

Jamieson graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in–wait for it–Natural Resources Economics. Despite the stupidity on full display now, she won an academic award at HSU and was photographed, possibly just for our amusement, standing next to a fellow award winner by the name of Soran “Rio” Anderson.

Yeah, I remember Soran, too, that was a funny story.

A "coalition of environmental groups"

◼ The usual suspects. Environmental coalition threatens North Coast Railroad Authority with lawsuit
A coalition of environmental groups has warned the North Coast Rail Authority that it will file a lawsuit if the agency certifies an environmental impact report for the reconstruction of a rail line that would operate between Lombard and Willits....

The predatory litigious orgs strike again.

An EPIC Campaign

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: ◼ Natalynne DeLapp, Campaign Manager
( cached link )

For Release on: March 4 & 5, 2010 Natalynne@votepaul.org
707-444-9600 or 760-845-6228
District Attorney Paul Gallegos holds press conference

District Attorney Paul Gallegos is filing with the County Elections Office to declare his candidacy for the Humboldt County District Attorney race. A press conference will held on Friday, March 5th at 12:30pm. Former Assemblymember Patty Berg will be announcing the candidate. The public is welcome to attend.
Purpose: press conference announcement
When: Friday, March 5th at 12:30pm.
Where: 321 Third Street, Old Town Eureka
Family, friends and supporters are all invited to the new campaign headquarters as he makes his announcement at the press conference and then invited back at 5:30 that evening for the Grand Opening Celebration.

Paul Gallegos came into office promising justice for all and has not wavered from that commitment. Now, seven years into his term, he has achieved more than he thought possible, bringing a refreshing change to the District Attorney’s office along with a decline in violent crime.

Paul Gallegos is proud of what he has achieved over this period. He has stood up for all of Humboldt County and maintains his commitment of “justice for all.”
***

Interestingly, his Campaign Manager's EPIC page has been deleted:
http://www.wildcalifornia.org/about-us/staff/natalynne-delapp-policy-advocat
Natalynne DeLapp, Policy Advocate

Paykeeper Pete sues

◼ Groups asks court to stop Marina Center project Times-Standard - Breaking link
◼ Groups ask court to scrap Marina Center analysis Times-Standard more complete report
◼ Appellants prepare for Coastal Commission hearing on Marina Center (some interesting revelations in today's report actually)
Four local environmental groups are asking a Humboldt County court to force the withdrawal of Eureka's environmental impact report on Security National's planned Marina Center development on the Balloon Track property.
Humboldt Baykeeper, the Environmental Protection and Information Center, the Ecological Rights Foundation and the Northcoast Environmental Center filed a petition today in Humboldt County Superior Court alleging that the city council abused its discretion and violated state law when it approved the final EIR on Nov. 3. The petition claims that the document failed to fully address the project's effects on the environment, including the plan to clean up toxic soils, mitigation for traffic, the rezoning of the property and the effects on wastewater facilities.

The groups are asking the court to order the city to withdraw its approval of the EIR, and to prevent Security National subsidiary CUE IV from commencing work on the Marina Center.

In other words, the predatory litigious Paykeeper Pete Nichols sued - for ERF, his predatory litigious parent organization, and drug the NEC along with him.

Suing deep pockets is what Pete Nichols is all about - nothing more.

The Predatory Litigious Orgs are at it again

Trying to stop the railroad. After killing off the Timber Industry, this is job one.

Hank has the story: Another Bite at NCRA
...Earlier today, three Humboldt County environmental organizations — the Friends of the Eel, Humboldt Baykeeper, and the Environmental Protection Information Center — sent the NCRA a letter demanding that the agency reverse its decision to mortgage land in the City of Ukiah to pay off Novato....

Naughty or Nice
and the letter...

Cap has it - and all things railroad related... NCJ: HUMBOLDT ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS THREATEN TO SUE NCRA ABOUT BROWN ACT AND MORTGAGE OF UKIAH PROPERTY.

He asks So, why is it the Humboldt groups, and not Ukiah, etc doing it?

Damn good question!

As if there was any question

that once Pacific Lumber was beaten, a new target would be front and center. Read Scott Greacen's carefully prepared list of gripes - talking points - against SPI. Sierra Pacific no answer for Pacific Lumber's ills It's quite a litany. Seems SPI doesn't roll over and do what they are told the way Scott would like. And, of course, SPI has pretty deep pockets. The battle will never end. The attacks will never cease.

All of you wonder why there is still war in the world. This is why. Somebody wants to tell someone else what to do. If they do, then it gets worse.

Who paid?

Remember Bob Martel, who said his suit against Palco cost him $250,000 and took five years of research?

When he lost, The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered him to pay the company legal fees of more than $110,000. And he said he hadn't earned "more than six thousand dollars in a year in recent memory"

And you wonder - who paid those bills? Who paid the $250,000 that he couldn't possibly have afforded? Plus the more than $110,000. Has he been making monthly payments all this time?

Well, here's another one - This June 4, 1993 article in the New York Times says that Bill Bertain who spends most of his time and much of his money on the legal battle with Mr. Hurwitz was "more than a half-million dollars in debt. At times he has been unable to meet his house payments, and his health has deterioriated."

Bill, did you have to absorb those costs yourself? Or was there help and support? And if so from whom? From what entity(ies)?

That was 1993. How much longer did that battle go on, and what was the total cost? Again, how did you pay for it? I mean it's fair to say that it could have gone on for another 10 years, up until Gallegos took over.

How many lawsuits were there? Yours. Martel's. EPIC's, I've heard tell of some smaller ones with some interesting connections. Hundreds? Thousands? And who paid?

When the history of what happened here is told, will these questions be answered?

How are you going to do that, Estelle?

Candidate Estelle Fennell issued a statement this week alleging that Supervisor Roger Rodoni has watched a job loss “epidemic” during his time in office.... Fennell stated that it is clear to her that the Second District has suffered more than others when it comes to overall timber job losses, which she said she would change if elected.

How are you going to do that, Estelle?

Are you in a position to call off the dogs? Bring back all the mills? All the trucking companies? Timber Yes. Fraud NO. is a nice bumper sticker. It won't fix what has happened here.

Maybe if you could go back in time you could solve the Headwaters deal, stop Earth First! Stop the lawsuits. Stop the Park Expansion. Save the Mills, at least a few.

Too bad you can't. 'Cause then there would be no Ken Miller, no Humboldt Watershed Council shams. No Richard Salzman. No Paul Gallegos. All your buds. They haven't shown that they can fix anything.

SoHum Parlance: Ed Denson's questions for Estelle (or anyone else)

Another "Tides Center Project"

And further proof that the NorthCoast Environmental Center has access to millions of dollars and does not need your donations... It's also another indication of the incestuous nature of alot of these "groups" - and of the very small pool of people involved, really.

Smith River Project Staff and Associates
Project Staff
Greg King, founder and Executive Director of Smith River "Project"/Darryl Cherney's CO-Earth Firster/now the new Tim McKay/NEC
Ken Miller, Smith River Project North Coast representative/Bay Area Physicians for Social Responsibility/Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters Forest (BACH)/"Humboldt Watershed Council"/pre-eminent 215 Doc/pot stirrer

Project Associates
Cynthia Elkins, Program Director, Environmental Protection Information Center/Special Projects Associate for the Center for Biological Diversity/ASJE
Britt Bailey and Dr. Marc Lappé, Center for Ethics and Toxics
Jennifer Kalt, EPIC/Resource Protection Associate,/California Indian Basketweavers Association/Native Plant Society/Baykeeper/TPZ "expert"
• "Friends of Del Norte Norte"

The interesting name that (re)surfaces here is yet another "Tides Center Project," Dr. Marc Lappé, Center for Ethics and Toxics... who, if you remember, conducted a "...toxicological study that found elevated levels of dioxin in mussels and crabs immediately adjacent to the Sierra Pacific mill. The study...was commissioned by the Ecological Rights Foundation, a Garberville-based environmental group that (was) suing Sierra Pacific for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. In addition to looking at shellfish near the mill, the study also collected and tested shellfish in Hookton Slough... The study, done by toxicologist Marc Lappe of the Center for Ethics and Toxics in Gualala, Calif...y." source..."

"ERF: is the predatory litigious parent of the equally predatory "Humboldt Baykeeper."

According to activistcash.com "...With dozens of wealthy foundations bankrolling radical activist groups, a good deal of public philanthropy has become a shell game. The money flows freely, largely undetected, thanks to Tides’ innovative funding vehicles. The many groups that Tides “incubates” (and which operate under Tides’ umbrella) are smart, fierce, and built to last -- their targets in industry are just now beginning to learn the size of this organized opposition and its institutional bankroll..."

Baykeeper/Ecological Rights Foundation (ERF)/Center for Ethics and Toxics CETOS), a project of the Tides Center
ERF donated more than $5,000 to the "Center for Ethics and Toxics"
Incestous Activist groups
The "projects"

It's quite a racket these guys have goin'.

Save Your Money

It sounds so good - but ask yourself - what does this really MEAN?

Already the NEC and EPIC are collaborating on several projects, including the Orleans Community Fuels Reduction Project, Humboldt County’s timber production zone ordinance, impacts to Tolowa Dunes in Del Norte County, and a proposal to widen Highway 101 through Richardson Grove State Park...

They're collaborating on the TPZ issue? Yeah, you saw them all get up and testify at the recent TPZ hearings, so willing to let all the smaller landowners fall as collateral damage in their bloodlust for Palco. They're using this to beat their chests and sound the horn, and ask for money.

Oh - and the Richardson's Grove project, what was it they wanted to do? Shhhh, don't anyone tell them that - gasp - some trees will be cut for the planned expansion of the Green Bridge (Mad River Bridge). Unless you want to delay the improvements for a couple of decades, and add millions to the cost.

“With EPIC joining our Board of Directors, the NEC will continue to grow and thrive as one of California’s leading conservation organizations,” said Greg King, executive director of the Northcoast Environmental Center.“We’re facing major environmental challenges on the North Coast today, and our responses need to reflect these challenges. Collaboration between EPIC and the NEC will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the important work at hand.”

Joining forces with a predatory litigious group like EPIC and "Humboldt Baykeeper" will surely add to the NEC's coffers. So you can save your money and donate it to more needy causes.