Delusional Ken Miller defends his failed Palco lawsuit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 real story here might be

◼ A Times-Standard reporter and a photographer were at the Board meeting.

Both. Wow. No TIVO this time.

◼ Richardson Grove protesters arrested for disrupting supervisors' meeting

When board Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace asked for public comment on the board's consent calendar during the meeting, several people got up from their seats and began singing, “No road widening through Richardson Grove” and, “We are the people and the people say, 'No....' ”The protesters, who oppose the U.S. Highway 101 road realignment project, sat in a circle in the middle of the room and held hands as they sang. They wore matching T-shirts with the phrases “RICHARDSON GROVE ACTION NOW 7076027551” and “NO ROAD WIDENING, CANCEL THE PLAN!” printed on them.... Deputies once again cleared the room. A Times-Standard reporter and a photographer attempted to remain in the chambers to observe sheriff's deputies' interactions with the protesters, but were told to leave.... They refused and were disruptive. After about 20 minutes, several protesters were removed from the room in wheelchairs by deputies. Some walked out. The protesters, their hands cuffed, continued singing as they were wheeled and escorted from the chambers.

Godsey said Tuesday afternoon that Kim Starr, 39, of Eureka; Gavin Wise, 34, of Eureka; Peter Camacho, 25, of Eureka; Jason Proulx, 30, of Trinidad; Emily Gimeno, 31, of Eureka; and Jeff Musgrave, 32, of Trinidad, would be released on their own recognizance.

C'mon, this whole thing has turned into a ridiculous circus. It is kinda funny that Mark is having to deal with it though. Maybe he can have a chat with his friend Ken.

Protestors jump the shark

◼ Richardson Grove rally takes a violent turn
◼ Realignment - Critics of Caltrans’ Richardson Grove project stage a rally (they wish was) worthy of the Hurwitz era

And where are the ringleaders? They aren't the ones being hauled off to jail, are they?
No-o-o-o.

Look, kids, wake up. Learn a little bit about trucks and wheel bases before you go off half cocked doing someone else's bidding. If they really cared they'd be there getting arrested with you.

◼ Anon.r.mous' helpful picture guide to STAA trucks.
As you can see above, the ENORMOUS interstate highway sized trucks really aren't that much larger than the trucks that can currently get into Humboldt County. It's just the room for the sleeper. The Volvo VNL 300 (above) has a wheelbase of approx 166" and the VNL 670 (below) has one of approx 221". You can order them longer or shorter. We already allow large STAA style trucks into Humboldt County, and have for years. Some of the longest trucks on the roads are moving vans, which are allowed, and have been allowed on 101 for years. So far, the chaos that the special interest groups such as Paul Cienfuegos and Richard Salzman support has failed to happen

◼ Realignment - Critics of Caltrans’ Richardson Grove project stage a rally (they wish was) worthy of the Hurwitz era

Ken Miller has lost it

No Photoshopping necessary, bugs. THIS is how its done.

◼  Ahoy for now
As commodore, I felt compelled both to welcome my shipmates to the War-finger and to clarify certain high level policies my inferiors are not privy (sic) to.

Like Wikileaks, the FEIS is filled with embarrassing facts my subordinates cannot discuss (besides, leaks is a Navy no-no).... it gets better...

Has anyone been able to read this all the way through? WTF is he saying? Can you decipher it?

They're ba-a-a-ck

◼ Humboldt Watershed Council
◼ HUMBOLDT WATERSHED COUNCIL: The website
Working in tandem.

You can’t even get one curve of a road WIDENED without a fight.

How do you propose to boost the economy with infrastructure improvements?

Ken Miller's 'boondoggle' costs up to $1.5 million

Just for the record. Mad River bluffs stabilized Knowing this, can anyone take his cries about potholes and Richardson Grove seriously?

Anon.r.mous' helpful picture guide to STAA trucks.

◼ Saturday, February 23, 2008 As you can see above, the ENORMOUS interstate highway sized trucks really aren't that much larger than the trucks that can currently get into Humboldt County. It's just the room for the sleeper. The Volvo VNL 300 (above) has a wheelbase of approx 166" and the VNL 670 (below) has one of approx 221". You can order them longer or shorter. We already allow large STAA style trucks into Humboldt County, and have for years. Some of the longest trucks on the roads are moving vans, which are allowed, and have been allowed on 101 for years. So far, the chaos that the special interest groups such as Paul Cienfuegos and Richard Salzman support has failed to happened, for years. YEAR these trucks have been coming in and out of Humboldt County (moved Richard Salzman's home up here my guess) without the problems or death of companies in Humboldt County.

Also, even though the size is under '65 feet, the truck in the first picture is not legal to drive in California, the tandems are not set for California's '40 bridge law, but would fit under California Legal Only law. Let's stop pussy-footing around the subject that the lies that the no-growthers are spreading. And let's not even cover the lies about emissions or fuel mileage that they are spreading.

It's time to bring Humboldt County into 1983. Swiped from Anon.R.mous' blog (may he rest in peace :))



◼ Word of the day: OFFTRACKING

Richardson's Groves low-speed causes more offtracking problems, one because of it's tight corners, and two, it's low speed. What it means it the corners need to be wider, and gentler so you don't have people sharing the same lane. You ever see the sign on the back of the trailers that say "Wide Right Turns?" That's offtracking.

◼ Put up or shut up time?

Enviros and no-growthers crack me up. I think it is time that THEY put there theories to the test.

Oh, only one problem with the story though, the new trucks have new engines which already meet the new standard (2007) there was a major change at that time, the next major step is in 2010, where the big trucks will most likely be cleaner then your Pruis...

◼ Salzman does have an opinon on large trucks though.
◼ STAA trucks mean more protection for the drivers, legally.
◼ Bigger STAA trucks mean less truck traffic.

Most of the items getting trucked in and out of Humboldt County are under 80,000 pound gross. Sun Valley would have a hard time stuffing enough flowers in the back of a trailer to try and overload a truck. They would, and have said, that they could use 160 trucks less per year with the longer trucks. Why is this? It's because they are using more space than weight. I'd be surprised if the trucks leaving Sun Valley had more than 10,000 pounds in the box.

◼ What causes more damage to the roads? Truck v RV
◼ F.U.D. from Paul Cienfuegos and Richard Salzman
◼ Sue Northcoast Environmental Center first!
◼ Cattle Trucks, reporters and what it means to you.
◼ Richard Salzman is a stupid man, and here is the proof.

In answering Salzman's "points" - Humboldt County already allows 80,000 pound trucks into the area, guess what, that is the normal weight limit for large trucks. The realignment isn't for HEAVIER trucks, but LONGER ones. The weight will remain the same.

Each one of those "bigger" trucks pays over $12,000 dollars a year in road taxes, so the more larger truck traffic, the more money we will have to fix our roads.

So remembers folks, longer isn't always heavier. There will be NO MORE WEIGHT ON THE ROADS THEN THERE ALREADY IS!

◼ The Cattle Truck debate goes on!

Related posts:

◼ Ken Miller's LTE/Journal
We should not underestimate the socioeconomic or aesthetic consequences of the CalTrans’ Richardson Grove widening proposal, which increases our dependence on obsolete, unreliable global market strategies, including big diesel trucks...

...Twisty highways are like potholes in a country road. Fix ’em, and trouble follows. 
Widening roads is as irreversible as the consequences are inevitable, which we ignore at great peril....

◼ Ken Miller's second attempt

The glass is half full

After people laughed at Ken Miller's alarmist Letter to the Editor in The Journal "if you fill the potholes trouble will follow," Mr. 'Mad River Bluffs funds beneficiary - yes, that's Ken's house that gets saved by this "boondoggle"' Miller tried a different tach in a My Word in the TS; same theme, same scare tactics couched in Lakoffian terms... a kinder-gentler fear-monger. You ALMOST have to feel sorry for Ken.

Bryan Plumley's response in today's TS points out some of the flaws in Miller's thinking.

Isolationism is equal to suffocation The “Imagine Humboldt” piece by Ken Miller has significant misinformation and flawed economic biases that cannot be left unchecked.

1) No one is proposing that Richardson Grove become a thoroughfare. His choice of words like thoroughfare and widening are designed specifically to mislead and inflame. The project at Richardson Grove is, in fact, the absolute minimum required to facilitate the use of newer, more efficient, industry standard trucks while preserving the experience of the grove. Take a look at the plans and you will see that, for the most part, the road is actually being made curvier.

2) In nature, geographic isolation fosters unique, often bizarre evolutionary changes that are the result of a shallow genetic pool that increases the chances of mutations due to interbreeding and lack of competition that allows unproductive mutations to survive. This is known as the “Island Effect.” Indeed the results can be spectacular. Unfortunately such communities, as they become more specialized, also become more susceptible to even small changes in their environment. Do we really want to become weaker in a world that is more dynamic and competitive than ever?

3) From an economic standpoint, isolationism equals suffocation. Few communities can survive economically as an enclave. Those that do, are places like Carmel, whose residents derive their immense wealth from elsewhere and create economic barriers specifically to keep the rest of us out.

I, for one, believe that this incredible area should not become another scenic preserve accessible only to the elite.
Such a scenario is actually pretty unlikely, however. Reality shows that in the vast majority of cases, nations, states, regions and communities that have isolated themselves have become impoverished, backward and poor stewards of their natural resources. Look at places like China or India. Self-imposed isolation led to poverty, desperation and the over exploitation of their natural resources. Exactly the opposite of what their leaders originally intended.

Ironically, in our own experience, it was these very transportation improvements that made Humboldt County accessible and threw open the shades to expose to the world the environmental destruction that was happening behind the Redwood Curtain.

There is an alternative however. We can replace fear with hope. There are plenty of examples around the world of communities who have prospered by creating unique and special places, not through isolation, but through good planning and high development standards. Such standards, when implemented fairly and transparently, foster innovation, attract talent, export ideas instead of natural resources and create opportunity for everyone along the economic spectrum. While Dr. Miller sees transportation links as a pathway the world will use to change us for the worse, I see them as a path for us to change the world for the better.

Where are Ken's legions of letter writers? I think they have gotten tired. Weary of his never-ending battle. Moving on with their lives. Leaving him to preach, exposed in all his hypocrisy, unable to hide behind others. 'Bout time.
***

AND, speaking of LAUGHING! ◼ The Mirror with Many thanks from Ken Miller

Update: Apparently a letter of Thanks from the McKinleyville Bluff residents was read into the record at yesterday's BOS meeting (1/27), not by any of the residents, and not by Ken Miller.

Here's a report on the up to $1.5 million dollar project: Mad River bluffs stabilized
The saga began in late December 2005 and early January 2006 when virulent storms sent 13 feet of the Mad River bluffs into the river along a quarter-mile stretch at the west end of School Road. The storm-related retreat took the bluff within 15 feet of one Verwer Drive home.

The Natural Resources Conservation District subsequently authorized funding for the bluff stabilization project. However, those involved struggled with liability issues -- whether legal responsibility would fall to the homeowners or the county or McKinleyville Community Services District.

The county had agreed to act as the project's administrator and was seeking indemnification from the owners of the potentially affected property. That was eventually established and the private property owners contributed $100,000 for parts of the project that were not grant-funded.

FIND 5 THINGS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE...

This is funny on so many levels. If you can get through it...

Editor:

We should not underestimate the socioeconomic or aesthetic consequences of the CalTrans’ Richardson Grove widening proposal, which increases our dependence on obsolete, unreliable global market strategies, including big diesel trucks (“Drive-Thru Redwoods,” Jan. 8).

We should utilize 21st century know-how and exploit the minor inconveniences attributable to our geography and weather to develop regional self-reliance, while enhancing RG and its local businesses with slowed traffic and a safe bike lane.

CalTrans makes much of the alleged economic benefits of STAA trucks to some businesses, but never evaluates the impacts on local businesses of the inevitable chain store invasions and urbanization that soon follow highway thoroughfares. The environmental report mentions but never analyzes the impacts of STAA connection from 101 to I-5, so the whole area can be “served,” and developed. It doesn’t analyze the impacts of compressing big redwood tree roots, either.

The RG and Eureka-Arcata corridor projects are wasteful and destructive boondoggles that needlessly threaten our small-town lifestyles with rapid, overwhelming, faceless, exploitative development. Our geography buffers us, and we should exploit it to foster creative socio-economic solutions that enhance, rather than degrade, our quality of life.

With innovative, sustainable local development of our unparalleled recreational, agricultural, fishery, timber, manufacturing and other resources, using emerging energy, transportation (electric vehicles?), communication, and other technologies, we can retain what we love while improving our lot.

Twisty highways are like potholes in a country road. Fix ’em, and trouble follows. 
Widening roads is as irreversible as the consequences are inevitable, which we ignore at great peril.

— Ken Miller, McKinleyville In The Journal this week.

This is like the FIND 5 THINGS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE...

Oh, crap, Mr "Mad River Bluffs Boondoggle" himself has ANOTHER one in the TS! Really toned it up, took out the "If you build potholes trouble will come" crap... his version of I have a dream, I guess.. ☛TS Imagine Humboldt. Channeling Lakoff?

Response: Isolationism is equal to suffocation

Ken Miller is back

And this time he has his own guy(s) on the Board.
HUMBOLDT COUNTY COURTHOUS SUPERVISORS’ CHAMBER, FIRST FLOOR
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2008 9:00 AM
◼ Humboldt County BOS Agenda
11:00 a.m. - BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Page 1: 1. Southern Humboldt "Concerned Citizens" Group Presentation on the Adverse Environmental Impacts Associated with Illegal Marijuana Grows in Humboldt County. (Supervisor Rodoni)

Summary: For some time now, a group of concerned citizens in Southern Humboldt have been meeting to help educate and
bring awareness to County officials and members of the public concerning illegal marijuana grows and the
devastating impacts these grows have on the environment; specifically, diesel spills/leaks into drinking water and
streams, as well as potential hazards from wildfires.
Robert Sutherland, Jessie Hill and David Booth, representing the “Concerned Citizens” Group will address the
Board of Supervisors giving background information on the groups activities and offering possible solutions for
consideration such as development of an informational brochure; a fuel tank registration program; and support for
a carbon tax on excessive fuel consumption.

RECOMMENDATION: Hear the presentation and take appropriate action, if necessary.
◼ Page 2: attachment
◼ Page 3: A letter from Ken Miller (who ne-v-er prescribes Pot)

Imagine a grow "...in which plants are bathed in, and thrive under, natural sunlight conditions..."
Better yet "Climate change and mass extinction make growing (pot) indoors, whether on the grid or with a diesel generator, indefensible/ Electricity from fossil fuels (natural gas -LNG, hydro-dams, and coal), or nukes is inefficient, produces greenhouse gases, and its overuse justifies more fuel consumption..."
He says we must grow outdoor pot "...as if our lives depended on it."

I think the man is certifiably insane at this point. It's worth reading to see how he bundles in every doomsday scenario and bugaboo... poor guy, all those demons.
◼ Page 4
◼ Page 5
◼ Page 6
◼ page 7
h/t: DT?

Fascinating - Follow the money

☛ TS Follow the money: A look at the money fueling Arcata and Eureka elections
Over in the 4th Ward, Clark narrowly edged out Jager in the contributions race, bringing in $20,754 in cash donations compared to Jager's $17,804. Clark also loaned his campaign $480.

Jager, however, has not spent as much as Clark up to this point in the election, and carries the edge in cash on hand, $6,153 to $4,094.

Clark received a total of 69 donations at an average of $300 each, while Jager garnered a total of 58 donations at an average of $306 each.

Perhaps more interestingly, the disclosure forms also show how a few big donors can change the dynamics of an election.
Of the $61,740 in cash raised by all four candidates, $11,250 of it, or 18 percent, came from two entities and went to two candidates.

Sedgefield Properties, owned by Bill Pierson, donated a total of $9,000 to Clark and Atkins -- $1,500 to Atkins and $7,500 to Clark -- accounting for 37 percent of the candidates' war chests.

Ken Miller, a local physician, donated a combined $2,250 to the same two candidates -- $750 to Atkins and $1,500 to Clark -- accounting for another 9 percent of the candidates' cash contributions.

The campaign contributions also show how money from outside city limits can play a sizable role in the race for Eureka's council seats. According to the disclosure statements, almost 17 percent of the combined contributions to all four candidates didn't come from donors with Eureka addresses.

The biggest beneficiaries of these donations seem to be Clark and Atkins.

Almost 25 percent of Clark's cash contributions ($5,100) came from donors who listed addresses outside of Eureka while 27 percent of Atkins' contributions ($1,000) came from donors with non-Eureka addresses, according to the disclosure statements.

The disclosure statements also show that City Councilman Chris Kerrigan's consulting firm, Kerrigan Associates, has been hired on by Clark and Atkins. According to the statements, the firm has received $1,250 from the Clark campaign and $1,000 from the Atkins campaign for its services. Kerrigan is currently representing the Eureka's 4th Ward but is prohibited from running for re-election due to term limits.

☛ ER Eureka candidates disclose donation information
With one month left until the November election, three of the four Eureka City Council candidates have raised almost as much money as many of the 2006 candidates did in their entire race.

Second Ward appointed incumbent Polly Endert brought in the most, with $24,191. Fourth Ward candidate George Clark raised $21,234, while Frank Jäger, also vying for the 4th Ward seat, raised $18,044.

Second Ward candidate Linda Atkins raised $8,137, of which $4,500 came from her own pocket.

Endert and Jäger received small donations from a number of donors, including developers, real estate and financial industry sources, while Atkins and Clark received large donations from a few benefactors.

...Clark said his supporters struggled financially and could only give small amounts.

“I’d like to be financing my campaign with 10,000 $5 donations,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can ... we’re fighting the machine.”

No, Mr. Clark. You are part of the machine.

It's all very interesting, because we all know how Bill Pierson feels about the Marina Center -
George Clark for the Marina Center! Labor endorses Clark and Adkins
Sid Berg responds to Clark/Marina Center rumors

Get real

On Measure T: "Large out-of-county corporations are corrupting the integrity of our local elections and undermining the confidence of citizens in our government," said Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap, who is managing the campaign for the measure...

That was then.

Given what you know now - that Gallegos' Palco suit never passed muster, never made it to court, never had any legal merit whatsoever, and the influences that brought about the Palco suit...

Tell me. WHO is corrupting the integrity of local elections?

Hint... it ain't the corporations.

End run?

Let me guess - they're pushing for Plan A.

Action Alert: "Healthy Humboldt" (aka Humboldt Watershed Council's project) Meetings With County Supervisors

"Democracy Unlimited DUHC" and the "Healthy Humboldt Coalition" (aka Humboldt Watershed Council's project) are organizing meetings with County Supervisors Jimmy Smith and Bonnie Neely for our constituents to engage their representatives regarding the General Plan Update.

Bonnie Neely ˆ 6:00pm Wednesday, May 14 (District 4)
Jimmy Smith ˆ 6:00pm Wednesday, May 21 (District 1)

Well, no point in meeting with Woolley, I guess, "Healthy Humboldt" hopes to soon be sitting in his chair.

Salmon Forever 501(c)(3)

Gifts, grants and contributions received
2006 - $10,059.00
2005 - $23,075.00
2004 - $20,676.00
2003 - $54,355.00
2002 - $32,348.00
2001 - $34,967.00
2000 - $32,202.00
1999 - $55,322.00

Part III, Line 1 - During the year, has the organization attempted to influence national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum? If "Yes," enter the total expenses paid or incurred in connection with the lobbying activities $___N/A____

Part IV, Line 11a - An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Also complete Support Schedule in Part IV-A)

more t/k

Samples

"Samples are taken regularly during storms and measured in a portable turbidity monitor, and the filtered sediment is weighed in our Sunnybrae sediment lab." That would be Ken Miller "Salmon Forever" (a 501(c)(3) btw) who claims in 2000 "We also serve as a scientific consultant to Voices of Humboldt County, a monthly publication of the Humboldt Watershed Council. The publication’s name comes from a video Salmon Forever and Humboldt Watershed Council co-produced in 1997." Co-produced? CO-PRODUCED? Let me get this straight, Ken Miller's "Salmon Forever" serves as a consultant for Ken Miller's "Humboldt Watershed Council" and he co-produced a video with - himself? It must be a coalition.

A January 21, 2003 press release from
Michael Shellenberger, Salmon Forever, 510-525-9900
Ken Miller, Humboldt Watershed Council, 707-839-7444
Jesse Noell, Salmon Forever, 707-443-7433
Cynthia Elkins, EPIC, 707-923-2931
is titled: Groups Demand Water Board Curtail Excessive Logging
Independent Scientific Panel Says Pacific Lumber Logging Will Prevent Recovery of Five North Coast Watersheds

Ken Miller recently opined, in a My Word in the Times Standard, that The court's decision in the Pacific Lumber case crystallizes a frightening expansion of the “right to lie,” so that the successful cheater (as opposed to one who is caught during the proceeding) is immune from any legal consequences for lying in most government proceedings. The rationale is that the protection of free speech, and finality in permitting processes, are worth the damages resulting from undetected deception.

How does the 'right to lie' argument apply to Ken Miller's own activities? To Humboldt Watershed Council's activities? To that "project" of Humboldt Watershed Council, "Healthy Humboldt Coalition?"

501(c)(3) questions

A 501(c)(3) is not allowed to be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities. So, if a 501(c)(3) takes in grant money as one group, then calls itself another group name, and funnels the money to themselves as that group which does actively attempt to influence legislation as its prime directive, is that legal? Or is it money-laundering and cheating the system?

Or in other words if "Humboldt Watershed Council" is a 501(c)(3) that takes in $125,000 (or $325,000), and then Mark Lovelace, the "President" of "Humboldt Watershed Council" sets up a new group, (a "project"), and uses the money to pay himself, Mark Lovelace, acting as the second group, actively working to, and acting solely to, affect and influence legislation, is that legal?

He submits his own plans for the Gounty General Plan for God's sake: Healthy Humboldt Letter to Board of Supervisors
"...it seems prudent to investigate further the possibilities of a truly city-centered plan, as proposed by the Healthy Humboldt Coalition..." and he also came up with his own plan to deal with the TPZ/Palco issue(s).

Tax Information for Charitable Organizations
Exemption Requirements
To be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, an organization must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3), and none of its earnings may inure to any private shareholder or individual. In addition, it may not be an action organization, i.e., it may not attempt to influence legislation as a substantial part of its activities and it may not participate in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.

Political and Lobbying Activities

Measuring Lobbying Activity: Substantial Part Test
...Whether an organization’s attempts to influence legislation constitute a substantial part of its overall activities is determined on the basis of all the pertinent facts and circumstances in each case. The IRS considers a variety of factors, including the time devoted (by both compensated and volunteer workers) and the expenditures devoted by the organization to the activity, when determining whether the lobbying activity is substantial.

Under the substantial part test, an organization that conducts excessive lobbying activity in any taxable year may lose its tax-exempt status, resulting in all of its income being subject to tax. In addition, a religious organization is subject to an excise tax equal to five percent of its lobbying expenditures for the year in which it ceases to qualify for exemption.

Further, a tax equal to five percent of the lobbying expenditures for the year may be imposed against organization managers, jointly and severally, who agree to the making of such expenditures knowing that the expenditures would likely result in the loss of tax-exempt status.

Related:
Resources Legacy Fund Foundation
Lovelace's funding
NCJ This week's Town Dandy

Resources Legacy Fund Foundation

According to their site, it looks like Resources Legacy Fund gave $200,000 to Humboldt Watershed Council in 2004. pg 18 of that file

And another $125,000 in 2005

Link to Guidestar report on Resources Legacy Fund Foundation
Link to Resources Legacy Fund Foundation homepage
Link to Audited Financial Statements
Consolidated Resources Legacy Fund and Resources Legacy Fund Foundation:

• 2007 & 2006
• 2006 & 2005
• 2005 & 2004

Form 990
As public charities, Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) and Resources Legacy Fund Foundation (RLFF) each file a Form 990 annually with the Internal Revenue Service.
The Form 990 provides detailed financial data, including a list of grants awarded.
To review our recent Form 990s, click on one of the links below:

• 2006 RLF 990
• 2006 RLFF 990
• 2005 RLF 990
• 2005 RLFF 990
• 2004 RLF 990
• 2004 RLFF 990

ActivistCash has some info on Resources Legacy Fund Foundation Now remember, the Miller/Lovelace crowd wanted you to vote for Measure T banning outside CORPORATIONS from donating money locally - look at the BIG money here, and this was just 2002...
Finances for tax year ending 12/31/2002
Total Assets $8,534,738.00
Grants Awarded $0.00
Top Grants Made
Funding To Activist Groups Total Donated
Natural Resources Defense Council $500,000.00
Tides Foundation & Tides Center $263,638.00
Learn more about what the term "project" means in the Tides Center link. - Among other things -

Many environmental groups that now operate on their own got their start as a “project” of the Tides Center. These include the Environmental Working Group, Environmental Media Services, and the Natural Resources Defense Council -- which was itself founded with a sizable Tides “grant.” The Tides Center began with a seemingly innocent transfer of $9 million from the Tides Foundation. The Center immediately took over the operations of nearly all of the Tides “projects,” and undertook the task of “incubating” dozens more. There are currently over 350 such projects, and the number grows each year.

This practice of “incubation” allows Tides to provide traditional foundations with a unique service. If an existing funder wants to pour money into a specific agenda for which no activist group exists, Tides will start one from scratch. At least 30 of the Tides Center’s current “projects” were created out of thin air in response to the needs of one foundation or another.

So they donate TO Tides and NRDC, not get money FROM them... and they gave to "Humboldt Watershed Council." They spent alot on consultants and lobbying... Looks like nothing for HWC in 2006 from that particular grantmaker....


HWC 2004 Form 990 Shows $33, 925 in total revenue. $6,573 in in Net Assets or Fund Balances at the Beginning of the Year
Shows no transfers of funds.
Checks N/A to this question - During the year, has the organization attempted to influence national, state, or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum? If "Yes," enter the total expenses paid.
Checks 11a as a Reason for Non-Private Foundation Status - 11a is An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Also complete the Support Schedule in Part IV-!)

Humboldt Watershed Council Forms 990 from the IRS:

• 2006 Form 990
• 2005 Form 990
• 2004 Form 990

In it's Federal Form filings, HWC lists as an accomplishment - Obtaining a grant for $200,000 to assist the City of Arcata in its purchase of the Bayview Ranch, which will be preserved for open space, recreation, and wildlife and watershed protection. pg 10 of that pdf file.

The funding for that project shows up on a Coastal Conservancy report/staff recommendation but no Humboldt Watershed Council:

ESTIMATED PROJECT FINANCING:
Coastal Conservancy $750,000
Wildlife Conservation Board 500,000
California Waterfowl Association 185,000
City of Arcata/Jacoby Creek Land Trust 65,000
Total Project Cost $1,500,000

Your search - "Bayview Ranch" Arcata "Humboldt Watershed Council" - did not match any documents.

There IS NO GUIDESTAR listing for "Healthy Humboldt."

Note: this was a "developing" thread, and the information evolved as new facts came in, the comments below follow that same path of discovery, from hey, what's this, to, ok, here's more...

Related: Lovelace's funding
NCJ This week's Town Dandy