◼ Arnie Klein for next District Attorney? - John Chiv
It would not surprise me to see 5 or 6 running. Everyone knows how bad it is. On the other hand, you could see no one running, because what's the point? And who wants to tackle the enormous task of rebuilding?
Then there's the rumor that Salzman thinks he's going to turn Paul into the next Kamala Harris. Careful, don't be drinking coffee at the computer while you contemplate THAT.
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Monday, April 08, 2013
Humboldt County public defender to represent man accused of killing jogger, Hoopa woman; Warren could face the death penalty
3/4/2015 UPDATE - The case goes to trial. New DA Maggie Fleming prosecutes Jason Warren homicide. ◼ I made it to the courtroom just as the next court date of March 18 was being called and to see that DA Maggie Fleming was prosecuting the case. - John Chiv/Words Worth
◼ Humboldt County public defender to represent man accused of killing jogger, Hoopa woman; Warren could face the death penalty - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
A Humboldt County public defender was assigned Wednesday to represent Jason Anthony Warren, who is accused of purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- and the death of a Hoopa woman.
During Wednesday's counsel setting conference, Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen assigned public defender Kevin Robinson to the case.
At his March 28 arraignment, Warren pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He also denied special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait and torture. The special circumstance allegations elevate the maximum sentence Warren faces, if convicted, from life in prison to life without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos -- who will be prosecuting the case -- has not said whether he will seek the death penalty.
Following the March 28 arraignment, Reinholtsen granted a gag order requested on Warren's behalf.
◼ Letter regarding Gag Order/Protective Order, from Public Defender's Office - Arcata Eye
◼ Warren pleads not guilty to deaths of Humboldt State University instructor, Hoopa woman; judge grants gag order prohibiting attorneys, law enforcement from discussing case - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ The man accused of killing a Hoopa woman and then later purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- has been charged with two counts of murder - Grant Scott-Goforth and Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ In the face of death: Special allegations change how a defendant should be represented - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder - Heidi Walters/The Journal
◼ CHP requesting murder, attempted murder, animal cruelty charges in hit-and-run deaths - From the CHP via Times Standard
◼ CHP Recommends Murder Charge In Seeman Death - Arcata Eye
◼ District attorney's office opposing Cruz waivers following hit-and-run, homicide case; Experts: Move could harm ability to get pleas - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard
◼ Who is Jason Anthony Warren? - Two Rivers Tribune
◼ Hit-and-Run/Hoopa Homicide “Person of Interest” in Custody - Andrew Goff/The Journal
◼ Murder, hit and run 'person of interest' Jason Warren is in custody on warrant - Times-Standard
◼ Suspect Identified In Hit-And-Run & Hoopa Crimes - Humboldt Sentinel
◼ Woman Found Dead In Hoopa - Andrew Goff/The Journal 9/27
◼ Car plows into 3 joggers, kills Bayside woman - Carrie Peyton Dahlberg.The Journal
◼ A morning jog turns tragic; one woman killed, two others hospitalized in hit and run - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard 09/28/2012
◼ Seemann, Hunt and Vroman-Little: Three women shared a love for running - The Times-Standard 09/29/2012
◼ CHP: Person of interest ID'd in hit-and-run death; memorial service for Suzanne Seemann set for Saturday - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard 10/02/2012
◼ Three Joggers Down/Coroner Called/Accident in North Eureka - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ CHP Investigation Turns Up Dead Body in Hoopa. Connection to This Morning’s Fatal Bayside Hit-and-Run? - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
Three Joggers Down/Coroner Called/Accident in North Eureka
◼ Arrest Made in Hoopa Suspicious Death — No Word on Connection to Yesterday’s Bayside Tragedy - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Sheriff Dept. Releases Name of Suspicious Death in Hoopa—Calls It Homicide - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost 9/28
◼ Businesses To Support Bayside Hit & Run Victims and Families - Mike Dronkers/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Sheriff’s Office Names ‘Person of Interest’ in Hoopa/Bayside Cases - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Person Of Interest In Custody For Jogger Collision - Arcata Eye 10/12/12
◼ Person of Interest Named in Hoopa Homicide and Fatal Hit and Run - Two Rivers Tribune
◼ Humboldt County public defender to represent man accused of killing jogger, Hoopa woman; Warren could face the death penalty - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
A Humboldt County public defender was assigned Wednesday to represent Jason Anthony Warren, who is accused of purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- and the death of a Hoopa woman.
During Wednesday's counsel setting conference, Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen assigned public defender Kevin Robinson to the case.
At his March 28 arraignment, Warren pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He also denied special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait and torture. The special circumstance allegations elevate the maximum sentence Warren faces, if convicted, from life in prison to life without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos -- who will be prosecuting the case -- has not said whether he will seek the death penalty.
Following the March 28 arraignment, Reinholtsen granted a gag order requested on Warren's behalf.
◼ Letter regarding Gag Order/Protective Order, from Public Defender's Office - Arcata Eye
◼ Warren pleads not guilty to deaths of Humboldt State University instructor, Hoopa woman; judge grants gag order prohibiting attorneys, law enforcement from discussing case - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ The man accused of killing a Hoopa woman and then later purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- has been charged with two counts of murder - Grant Scott-Goforth and Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ In the face of death: Special allegations change how a defendant should be represented - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
◼ CHP to DA: Jogger’s Death Was Murder - Heidi Walters/The Journal
◼ CHP requesting murder, attempted murder, animal cruelty charges in hit-and-run deaths - From the CHP via Times Standard
◼ CHP Recommends Murder Charge In Seeman Death - Arcata Eye
◼ District attorney's office opposing Cruz waivers following hit-and-run, homicide case; Experts: Move could harm ability to get pleas - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard
◼ Who is Jason Anthony Warren? - Two Rivers Tribune
◼ Hit-and-Run/Hoopa Homicide “Person of Interest” in Custody - Andrew Goff/The Journal
◼ Murder, hit and run 'person of interest' Jason Warren is in custody on warrant - Times-Standard
◼ Suspect Identified In Hit-And-Run & Hoopa Crimes - Humboldt Sentinel
◼ Woman Found Dead In Hoopa - Andrew Goff/The Journal 9/27
◼ Car plows into 3 joggers, kills Bayside woman - Carrie Peyton Dahlberg.The Journal
◼ A morning jog turns tragic; one woman killed, two others hospitalized in hit and run - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard 09/28/2012
◼ Seemann, Hunt and Vroman-Little: Three women shared a love for running - The Times-Standard 09/29/2012
◼ CHP: Person of interest ID'd in hit-and-run death; memorial service for Suzanne Seemann set for Saturday - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard 10/02/2012
◼ Three Joggers Down/Coroner Called/Accident in North Eureka - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ CHP Investigation Turns Up Dead Body in Hoopa. Connection to This Morning’s Fatal Bayside Hit-and-Run? - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
Three Joggers Down/Coroner Called/Accident in North Eureka
◼ Arrest Made in Hoopa Suspicious Death — No Word on Connection to Yesterday’s Bayside Tragedy - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Sheriff Dept. Releases Name of Suspicious Death in Hoopa—Calls It Homicide - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost 9/28
◼ Businesses To Support Bayside Hit & Run Victims and Families - Mike Dronkers/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Sheriff’s Office Names ‘Person of Interest’ in Hoopa/Bayside Cases - Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Person Of Interest In Custody For Jogger Collision - Arcata Eye 10/12/12
◼ Person of Interest Named in Hoopa Homicide and Fatal Hit and Run - Two Rivers Tribune
DA Press Release
◼ Former Hoopa school district employee found guilty of sexual abuse, lewd contact with children - Times-Standard
The following is from a Humboldt County District Attorney's Office press release:
On 4/8/2013 a Humboldt County jury returned guilty verdicts today against Joseph Saint Orozco for having lewd and lascivious contact against three separate minors. Two counts of violating Penal Code Section 288(a) and one count of violating Penal Code Section 288.5(a), continuance sexual abuse of a minor. All three victims were under the age of eleven (11) when they were abused. He will be sentenced May 2, 2013 at 2pm by the Honorable Judge Christopher Wilson.
Orozco worked for the Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School District. He was assigned to work in the afterschool program at the Hoopa Elementary School. It was at this program that Orozco offended against these children.
An investigation was launched after one of the children reported to her parents that what Orozco had done to her. She had helped Orozco distribute some papers in the teacher's lounge and when she finished he gave her money for the vending machine.
When she returned from the vending machine he asked the child for a hug and then put his fingers down the front of her shirt. She was able to get away from Orozco and as she did he commented to her, “Don't be shy.” She told her parents about the incident which led to her and other children being interviewed via a forensic interview at the Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) office. The interviews revealed other victims.
Search warrants obtained as a part of this investigation revealed Orozco had a large amount of child pornography as well. Much of which depicted children of similar age to the children he molested.
”The courage of all of these children to testify about the abuse they endured by Orozco cannot be overstated. Orozco was in a position of trust and had easy access to the children he victimized while working with an afterschool program.” Paul Gallegos, District Attorney.
This case was investigated by the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police with assistance from the District Attorney's Office and was prosecuted by Paul Gallegos.
_____________
We'll put this in the 'GBP' file.
The following is from a Humboldt County District Attorney's Office press release:
On 4/8/2013 a Humboldt County jury returned guilty verdicts today against Joseph Saint Orozco for having lewd and lascivious contact against three separate minors. Two counts of violating Penal Code Section 288(a) and one count of violating Penal Code Section 288.5(a), continuance sexual abuse of a minor. All three victims were under the age of eleven (11) when they were abused. He will be sentenced May 2, 2013 at 2pm by the Honorable Judge Christopher Wilson.
Orozco worked for the Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified School District. He was assigned to work in the afterschool program at the Hoopa Elementary School. It was at this program that Orozco offended against these children.
An investigation was launched after one of the children reported to her parents that what Orozco had done to her. She had helped Orozco distribute some papers in the teacher's lounge and when she finished he gave her money for the vending machine.
When she returned from the vending machine he asked the child for a hug and then put his fingers down the front of her shirt. She was able to get away from Orozco and as she did he commented to her, “Don't be shy.” She told her parents about the incident which led to her and other children being interviewed via a forensic interview at the Child Abuse Services Team (CAST) office. The interviews revealed other victims.
Search warrants obtained as a part of this investigation revealed Orozco had a large amount of child pornography as well. Much of which depicted children of similar age to the children he molested.
”The courage of all of these children to testify about the abuse they endured by Orozco cannot be overstated. Orozco was in a position of trust and had easy access to the children he victimized while working with an afterschool program.” Paul Gallegos, District Attorney.
This case was investigated by the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police with assistance from the District Attorney's Office and was prosecuted by Paul Gallegos.
_____________
We'll put this in the 'GBP' file.
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Interesting piece on HumCPR
◼ HumCPR Rising: How Lee Ulansey and his corporation moved from advocacy into county government - Ryan Burns/the Journal
Funny how there was never any teeth-gnashing about Lovelace's crew marching in lockstep - and, the push to make the BOS, in one day, with virtually no notice, and little public input, strip every property owner of their rights, collateral damage in the zeal to kill Palco.
And, btw - there's a comment at the Journal site by 'Rose' - a nasty comment directed at Steven Lewis. It's not me, but I bet I could tag who it is. And it's pretty childish to keep using my name.
Funny how there was never any teeth-gnashing about Lovelace's crew marching in lockstep - and, the push to make the BOS, in one day, with virtually no notice, and little public input, strip every property owner of their rights, collateral damage in the zeal to kill Palco.
And, btw - there's a comment at the Journal site by 'Rose' - a nasty comment directed at Steven Lewis. It's not me, but I bet I could tag who it is. And it's pretty childish to keep using my name.
Warren pleads not guilty to deaths of Humboldt State University instructor, Hoopa woman; judge grants gag order prohibiting attorneys, law enforcement from discussing case
◼ Warren pleads not guilty to deaths of Humboldt State University instructor, Hoopa woman; judge grants gag order prohibiting attorneys, law enforcement from discussing case - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
The man accused of purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- and the death of a Hoopa woman, pleaded not guilty Thursday to two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He also denied special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait and torture.
(Jason Anthony) Warren, clad in an orange jail jumpsuit with his hands shackled in front of him, appeared to listen without emotion as Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen read the charges against him. He spent most of the short hearing staring straight ahead or looking down, except when answering the judge's questions.
The special circumstance allegations elevate the maximum sentence Warren faces, if convicted, from life in prison to life without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos -- who will be prosecuting the case against Warren -- was not at Thursday's arraignment. He said last week that he has not decided whether he will seek the death penalty.
___________
Not at the arraignment? On the most important case he has on his plate? A potential death-penalty case?
It will be interesting to see if he does push for the death penalty - the weasel words are already showing up in his statements. He does love gag orders.
The man accused of purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- and the death of a Hoopa woman, pleaded not guilty Thursday to two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He also denied special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait and torture.
(Jason Anthony) Warren, clad in an orange jail jumpsuit with his hands shackled in front of him, appeared to listen without emotion as Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen read the charges against him. He spent most of the short hearing staring straight ahead or looking down, except when answering the judge's questions.
The special circumstance allegations elevate the maximum sentence Warren faces, if convicted, from life in prison to life without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos -- who will be prosecuting the case against Warren -- was not at Thursday's arraignment. He said last week that he has not decided whether he will seek the death penalty.
Not at the arraignment? On the most important case he has on his plate? A potential death-penalty case?
It will be interesting to see if he does push for the death penalty - the weasel words are already showing up in his statements. He does love gag orders.
”Property crime has gone up 32 percent, burglaries inside buildings are up 119 percent, vehicle burglaries are up 20 percent, and auto theft is up 61 percent -- these are shocking numbers”
◼ Spike in crime; local law enforcement looks to close communication gaps in Humboldt County - Cora Vay/The Times-Standard
Local law enforcement are looking at using a nearly $123,000 grant to combat a spike in burglaries and property crimes by purchasing software that would allow officers and deputies in different parts of Humboldt County to share information about criminal activity and wanted suspects.
Since the rollout of Gov. Jerry Brown's prison realignment plan in 2011, jail officials have been shouldering the responsibility of holding serious criminals for longer periods of time instead of sending them to state prison. With fewer beds available, a larger number of offenders have been released from jail and into programs like post-release supervision.
”Property crime has gone up 32 percent, burglaries inside buildings are up 119 percent, vehicle burglaries are up 20 percent, and auto theft is up 61 percent -- these are shocking numbers,” Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman said.
Officials will begin to evaluate the feasibility of using data-sharing software to store all police activity and expand access to information by different jurisdictions, Chapman said.
”We all, essentially, are on our own records and management system. If the sheriff is investigating a series of thefts happening outside the city, we wouldn't know about it,” Chapman said. “There is certainly some communication, but not enough. With data sharing, we can connect dots we weren't able to before.”
_______________
No grant in the world is going to help you when criminals know nothing is going to happen to them. Your car burgled? You're mailed a form to fill out. Say the drug dealer gets busted, endures a couple days in jail and he's back out - they know, no one is going to do anything. Cops know, there's no point in even busting 'em, and, in many cases, in even arresting them.
Crime stats come up during the elections, and reporters have allowed Gallegos to skate on his responsibility. Now it's worse, because the craven legislators are looking to brush off state responsibilities.
It's past the point of being fixable. Grants make nice press, but it's the least efficient use of money, pennies on the dollar after it passes through the state middlemen. What a tragedy.
Local law enforcement are looking at using a nearly $123,000 grant to combat a spike in burglaries and property crimes by purchasing software that would allow officers and deputies in different parts of Humboldt County to share information about criminal activity and wanted suspects.
Since the rollout of Gov. Jerry Brown's prison realignment plan in 2011, jail officials have been shouldering the responsibility of holding serious criminals for longer periods of time instead of sending them to state prison. With fewer beds available, a larger number of offenders have been released from jail and into programs like post-release supervision.
”Property crime has gone up 32 percent, burglaries inside buildings are up 119 percent, vehicle burglaries are up 20 percent, and auto theft is up 61 percent -- these are shocking numbers,” Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman said.
Officials will begin to evaluate the feasibility of using data-sharing software to store all police activity and expand access to information by different jurisdictions, Chapman said.
”We all, essentially, are on our own records and management system. If the sheriff is investigating a series of thefts happening outside the city, we wouldn't know about it,” Chapman said. “There is certainly some communication, but not enough. With data sharing, we can connect dots we weren't able to before.”
No grant in the world is going to help you when criminals know nothing is going to happen to them. Your car burgled? You're mailed a form to fill out. Say the drug dealer gets busted, endures a couple days in jail and he's back out - they know, no one is going to do anything. Cops know, there's no point in even busting 'em, and, in many cases, in even arresting them.
Crime stats come up during the elections, and reporters have allowed Gallegos to skate on his responsibility. Now it's worse, because the craven legislators are looking to brush off state responsibilities.
It's past the point of being fixable. Grants make nice press, but it's the least efficient use of money, pennies on the dollar after it passes through the state middlemen. What a tragedy.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Warren charged with murder; deaths of HSU instructor, Hoopa woman, may bring death penalty
◼ The man accused of killing a Hoopa woman and then later purposely running down three joggers on Old Arcata Road -- killing a Humboldt State University instructor and severely injuring two others -- has been charged with two counts of murder - Grant Scott-Goforth and Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
The District Attorney's Office complaint filed against Jason Anthony Warren, 28, includes special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait and torture. Warren faces an additional two counts of willful, deliberate premeditated attempted murder.
The special circumstance allegations elevate the maximum sentence Warren faces -- if convicted -- from life in prison to life without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos -- who will be prosecuting the case -- said he has not decided whether to seek the death penalty.
”That's a decision that will be made at a later time,” he said. “Certainly, we've spoken with family members and we will continue to have dialogue with them. Penalty is a matter that will be looked at more thoroughly as we progress.”
...Gallegos said the decision on whether to seek the death penalty requires more discussion and reflection.
”The taking of a human life is a profound act -- whether it's deliberative or compulsive,” he said. “I have been raised a Christian -- I take that belief.”
Gallegos said several factors need to be weighed: the desires of the families, the likelihood of a jury reaching a death verdict, and the facts associated with the defendant's life and “whether justice will only be met with another death.”
While his office has time to consider the penalty, Gallegos said he will be open about the decision when it's made.
”If it's something we're gonna seek, I prefer to let the defendant know and move forward at that time,” he said. “The decision should not and will not be gone into impetuously. It will be reasoned. In this business, we say the struggle is to remain compassionate without becoming sentimental. I guess that encapsulates it. We have to be realistic, compassionate to both parties.”
◼ In the face of death: Special allegations change how a defendant should be represented - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
The District Attorney's Office complaint filed against Jason Anthony Warren, 28, includes special circumstance allegations of multiple murders, lying in wait and torture. Warren faces an additional two counts of willful, deliberate premeditated attempted murder.
The special circumstance allegations elevate the maximum sentence Warren faces -- if convicted -- from life in prison to life without the possibility of parole and the death penalty.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos -- who will be prosecuting the case -- said he has not decided whether to seek the death penalty.
”That's a decision that will be made at a later time,” he said. “Certainly, we've spoken with family members and we will continue to have dialogue with them. Penalty is a matter that will be looked at more thoroughly as we progress.”
...Gallegos said the decision on whether to seek the death penalty requires more discussion and reflection.
”The taking of a human life is a profound act -- whether it's deliberative or compulsive,” he said. “I have been raised a Christian -- I take that belief.”
Gallegos said several factors need to be weighed: the desires of the families, the likelihood of a jury reaching a death verdict, and the facts associated with the defendant's life and “whether justice will only be met with another death.”
While his office has time to consider the penalty, Gallegos said he will be open about the decision when it's made.
”If it's something we're gonna seek, I prefer to let the defendant know and move forward at that time,” he said. “The decision should not and will not be gone into impetuously. It will be reasoned. In this business, we say the struggle is to remain compassionate without becoming sentimental. I guess that encapsulates it. We have to be realistic, compassionate to both parties.”
◼ In the face of death: Special allegations change how a defendant should be represented - Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
What Mark hath wrought
What Mark Lovelace set in motion all those years ago has now come full circle - and irony of him now sitting on the Board of Supervisors to witness the fruit of his machinations - and for him to bemoan someone as being 'divisive' and 'having an agenda' is truly amazing to behold.
On that fateful day, with virtually no notice, the Board of Supervisors voted to strip every citizen's property rights. Egged on by Lovelace (the anti-Palco activist, not yet a Supervisor), and his astroturfing cadre of speakers, lined up with their 3-minute share of the talking points, lauding the Board for their 'courage' in trying to slam the door on Pacific Lumber Company yet again, the Board's decision had far reaching effects, and woke the mythical sleeping giant.
The end result - a coming together of a very diverse group of people, landowners, people who cared about their property rights. Southern Humboldters, old folks, hipsters, back-to-the-landers, builders, and more. Their vow? Never again. Recognition that vigilance is the price of freedom, and Lovelace's reign came to an end.
His vision was well on its way to taking over. Now, the nail is in its coffin.
I'd say "May It Rest In Peace" but that would be too kind.
Lee Ulansey emerged as an articulate, forceful, and determined spokesman, championing the rights of all the property owners in the county. He's now been through the fire, vilified at every turn by the "progressive" machine. Like anyone who stands against them, he's been accused of being paid for, being in collusion, and more. They've never known what to make of someone like him.
Congratulations, Lee. And, to the new Board who made the decision.
Give Faust a run for his money.
And, let's hope that what the Board did, way back in 2007, never happens again.
◼ Ulansey Appointed to Planning Commission - Northcoast Journal
◼ Ulansey Gets Supes’ Planning Commission Appointment, Immediately Delivers Lovelace Dis - Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Ulansey named planning commissioner - Times-Standard
On that fateful day, with virtually no notice, the Board of Supervisors voted to strip every citizen's property rights. Egged on by Lovelace (the anti-Palco activist, not yet a Supervisor), and his astroturfing cadre of speakers, lined up with their 3-minute share of the talking points, lauding the Board for their 'courage' in trying to slam the door on Pacific Lumber Company yet again, the Board's decision had far reaching effects, and woke the mythical sleeping giant.
The end result - a coming together of a very diverse group of people, landowners, people who cared about their property rights. Southern Humboldters, old folks, hipsters, back-to-the-landers, builders, and more. Their vow? Never again. Recognition that vigilance is the price of freedom, and Lovelace's reign came to an end.
His vision was well on its way to taking over. Now, the nail is in its coffin.
I'd say "May It Rest In Peace" but that would be too kind.
Lee Ulansey emerged as an articulate, forceful, and determined spokesman, championing the rights of all the property owners in the county. He's now been through the fire, vilified at every turn by the "progressive" machine. Like anyone who stands against them, he's been accused of being paid for, being in collusion, and more. They've never known what to make of someone like him.
Congratulations, Lee. And, to the new Board who made the decision.
Give Faust a run for his money.
And, let's hope that what the Board did, way back in 2007, never happens again.
◼ Ulansey Appointed to Planning Commission - Northcoast Journal
◼ Ulansey Gets Supes’ Planning Commission Appointment, Immediately Delivers Lovelace Dis - Lost Coast Outpost
◼ Ulansey named planning commissioner - Times-Standard
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Because nothing says "Kennedy clout" like chaining yourself to the White House fence.
Because nothing says "Kennedy clout" like chaining yourself to the White House fence.
— RB (@RBPundit) February 13, 2013
◼ Pete Nichols at White House Direct Action Protest - Lost Coast Outpost
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Ferndale bank robbery case submitted to DA's office
◼ Ferndale bank robbery case submitted to DA's office - Lorna Rodriguez/The Times-Standard
The Ferndale Police Department has submitted a January bank robbery case to the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office, and local officials are waiting to learn if federal charges can be filed against the suspects.
On Jan. 27, Wilits residents Larry Daniel Rodriguez, 39, and Sylvester Loren Vansickle, 56, were arrested on suspicion of breaking into the US Bank on Ocean Avenue in Ferndale.
Ferndale Police are investigating whether the men are connected to other bank robberies throughout the state.
'We're looking to see if there's any similarities between a couple unsolved ones in Mendocino County and one in Lake County,” Smith said....
The Ferndale Police Department has submitted a January bank robbery case to the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office, and local officials are waiting to learn if federal charges can be filed against the suspects.
On Jan. 27, Wilits residents Larry Daniel Rodriguez, 39, and Sylvester Loren Vansickle, 56, were arrested on suspicion of breaking into the US Bank on Ocean Avenue in Ferndale.
Ferndale Police are investigating whether the men are connected to other bank robberies throughout the state.
'We're looking to see if there's any similarities between a couple unsolved ones in Mendocino County and one in Lake County,” Smith said....
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Elvine-Kreis said understaffing wasn't a justification for the violation of a defendant's rights. ”Part of the reason this happens is they are overwhelmed,” he said. “If they are overwhelmed, they need to hire.”
And therein lies the problem - Gallegos can't. And it's NOT because of underfunding.
It's the chaos. It's the workload. "Weak leadership and poor managerial practices" have undermined the office... " to quote the Grand Jury, oh-so-many years ago, and it is still the case today.
◼ Public defender cites police, DA misconduct in burglary case; Judge denies motion to dismiss - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard
Judge Bruce Watson denied a motion to dismiss a burglary case Friday, amid accusations by a public defender that a former Humboldt County District Attorney's Office prosecutor committed misconduct by failing to report a police interview with his defendant, saying it was not warranted under the circumstances.
The district attorney's office had argued the non-disclosure was simply negligence, resulting from an over-burdened staff.
The case highlights the sometimes controversial practice of police officers attempting to gain information from inmates in exchange for leniency in sentencing.
A mistrial was declared in the case on Dec. 13, following opening statements. Judge Marilyn Miles, who was overseeing the trial, granted the defense request when it came out that a police interview had taken place with the defendant outside of the scope agreed upon by her defense attorney at the time, and that the information she gave about her pending case was not turned over to the defense until the trial had started....
In his ruling Friday, Watson said the accusation that former Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison, who resigned earlier this month, knew the content of the interview without disclosing it to the defense was convoluted.
”There's different versions to what exactly was known and when,” he said. “It's unclear, quite frankly, whether he knew.”
...Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis said dismissing the case was a drastic measure.
”There are other remedies, other means of holding prosecutors and police accountable,” he said, adding that it is not “this court's task to punish police and prosecutors.”
In opposing the motion to dismiss, Curtis said Dollison had no reason not to disclose that he knew about the police interview.
”It just boggles the mind to think that the prosecutor would deliberately hide this information,” he said. “It just escaped Mr. Dollison entirely.”
Curtis said it amounted to “facts lost to an extremely busy prosecutor in an overloaded office.”
Elvine-Kreis said understaffing wasn't a justification for the violation of a defendant's rights. ”Part of the reason this happens is they are overwhelmed,” he said. “If they are overwhelmed, they need to hire.”
...Dollison took the stand on Wednesday, answering questions from Elvine-Kreis and Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis about when he was aware that an EPD detective had interviewed the defendant in February.
Dollison said he became aware of the interview in July, but was not aware of the content of the interview -- which Elvine-Kreis called a confession -- until Dec. 10, after the trial had begun.
Elvine-Kreis said that Dollison knew about the interview in March, when he offered a reduced plea deal to the defendant. Dollison said he offered the deal without knowing the content of the defendant's statement, but Elvine-Kreis took exception, arguing that it was “ludicrous” that Dollison reduced an offer without knowing the content of the interview.
Watson said in his ruling that it was “peculiar” that EPD never provided the interview to the district attorney's office, and that Dollison did not request or receive the contents of the interview before the trial began.
”None of that is flushed out,” Watson said. “It doesn't occur, and that's odd.”
◼ Case highlights lack of safeguards during jail interviews; Judge: Inmates can't be expected to know the law - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard
It's the chaos. It's the workload. "Weak leadership and poor managerial practices" have undermined the office... " to quote the Grand Jury, oh-so-many years ago, and it is still the case today.
◼ Public defender cites police, DA misconduct in burglary case; Judge denies motion to dismiss - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard
Judge Bruce Watson denied a motion to dismiss a burglary case Friday, amid accusations by a public defender that a former Humboldt County District Attorney's Office prosecutor committed misconduct by failing to report a police interview with his defendant, saying it was not warranted under the circumstances.
The district attorney's office had argued the non-disclosure was simply negligence, resulting from an over-burdened staff.
The case highlights the sometimes controversial practice of police officers attempting to gain information from inmates in exchange for leniency in sentencing.
A mistrial was declared in the case on Dec. 13, following opening statements. Judge Marilyn Miles, who was overseeing the trial, granted the defense request when it came out that a police interview had taken place with the defendant outside of the scope agreed upon by her defense attorney at the time, and that the information she gave about her pending case was not turned over to the defense until the trial had started....
In his ruling Friday, Watson said the accusation that former Deputy District Attorney Allan Dollison, who resigned earlier this month, knew the content of the interview without disclosing it to the defense was convoluted.
”There's different versions to what exactly was known and when,” he said. “It's unclear, quite frankly, whether he knew.”
...Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis said dismissing the case was a drastic measure.
”There are other remedies, other means of holding prosecutors and police accountable,” he said, adding that it is not “this court's task to punish police and prosecutors.”
In opposing the motion to dismiss, Curtis said Dollison had no reason not to disclose that he knew about the police interview.
”It just boggles the mind to think that the prosecutor would deliberately hide this information,” he said. “It just escaped Mr. Dollison entirely.”
Curtis said it amounted to “facts lost to an extremely busy prosecutor in an overloaded office.”
Elvine-Kreis said understaffing wasn't a justification for the violation of a defendant's rights. ”Part of the reason this happens is they are overwhelmed,” he said. “If they are overwhelmed, they need to hire.”
...Dollison took the stand on Wednesday, answering questions from Elvine-Kreis and Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis about when he was aware that an EPD detective had interviewed the defendant in February.
Dollison said he became aware of the interview in July, but was not aware of the content of the interview -- which Elvine-Kreis called a confession -- until Dec. 10, after the trial had begun.
Elvine-Kreis said that Dollison knew about the interview in March, when he offered a reduced plea deal to the defendant. Dollison said he offered the deal without knowing the content of the defendant's statement, but Elvine-Kreis took exception, arguing that it was “ludicrous” that Dollison reduced an offer without knowing the content of the interview.
Watson said in his ruling that it was “peculiar” that EPD never provided the interview to the district attorney's office, and that Dollison did not request or receive the contents of the interview before the trial began.
”None of that is flushed out,” Watson said. “It doesn't occur, and that's odd.”
◼ Case highlights lack of safeguards during jail interviews; Judge: Inmates can't be expected to know the law - Grant Scott-Goforth/The Times-Standard
Friday, January 25, 2013
Humboldt County murderer killed in (Corcoran) prison cell
◼ ...King County officials are investigating the death of Delbert Miller, 69, as a homicide, a press release from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said. - Times-Standard
Miller was serving an 81-years-to-life sentence for the murder of Lori Ann Jones, whose decomposing body was found in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park in 2004....
Miller's cellmate, Kyle Alexander Osborn, 20, has been identified as the suspect, the release said. Osborn was serving a 26-year sentence for lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14 with force and violence, and burglary and robbery.
___________
De facto Death Penalty. (And no, not related to Gallegos, just Humboldt news.)
Miller was serving an 81-years-to-life sentence for the murder of Lori Ann Jones, whose decomposing body was found in Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park in 2004....
Miller's cellmate, Kyle Alexander Osborn, 20, has been identified as the suspect, the release said. Osborn was serving a 26-year sentence for lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14 with force and violence, and burglary and robbery.
___________
De facto Death Penalty. (And no, not related to Gallegos, just Humboldt news.)
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
No longer able to hide it (NOTATION ADDED)
Flowery words like "committed to making necessary adjustments to make sure offenders will be held accountable, victims will be heard, and the community will be protected as much as is possible under the law.” cannot paper over it. And more funding will not solve it.
Regular readers of Watchpaul KNOW. Paul Gallegos started with 19 DDAs. He has, in Hanks Sims' words, "'lost,' fired, or driven off" virtually all of them. The most significant losses of the experienced, seasoned prosecutors is devastating to 'the People's Office.' And, upon losing this talent, Gallegos remains incapable of attracting, and keeping, quality prosecutors. In fact, many who come to interview here talk about their experience, and it's not complimentary.
This has been laughed off, brushed aside and ignored in every election. Gallegos supporters sneer, "He won." Yes. He won. But the people have lost, and been cheated, time and time again.
This latest case, with Dollison, is just the unraveling coming to light.
Dollison may have his faults, I've certainly been critical, but he is also a man who was operating under impossible conditions. He was thrust into a senior prosecutor position out of necessity - there's no one qualified left to do the job - and he did what he could, even had his successes (as he details in a column for the TS).
Nothing can save this office. Short of a new DA. You all know it.
But it's too late. You're stuck with him.
◼ Deputy DA's resignation follows December mistrial; Gallegos: Underfunding a major issue for his office - Grant Scott-Goforth and Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
Allan Dollison deserves his say in this matter - I'm glad to see The Times Standard allow him to have it:
◼ My record at the DA's Office - Allan Dollison/for the Times-Standard
__________________
Allan Dollison will join Eric V. Kirk on KHSU, this coming Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (PST) to talk about Afghanistan and the way forward. ◼ http://khsu.org/listen_live
__________________
◼ My record at the DA's Office - Allan Dollison/My Word/Times-Standard
I write this in response to the recent story that was published in the Times-Standard on the fact that I had departed the District Attorney's office after 6 years and 4 months (”Deputy district attorney out after 6 years,” Times-Standard, Jan. 16, Page A3). It is true that I have left. Mr. Gallegos accepted my voluntary resignation effective Jan. 11, and this part of a chapter of my life is now complete. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, I felt it was best for my career and ultimately my family.
The article pointed out that I was trying serious and violent felonies. Most recently, I was known for the successful prosecution and conviction of Brian Fiore, one of the worst crime sprees that this county had ever seen. Mr. Fiore received 68 years and 8 months and then three consecutive life sentences on nine felony convictions. I was actually in Iraq, serving my country when I read about it online, and I said, “Whoa, I really need to get back.” Three months later after completing my mission in Iraq, I reported to work eight days after returning from war.
You don't just have one case that you handle in 6 years and 4 months. During my career, I negotiated two guilty pleas to murder. Guilty pleas to murder are rare, in that being convicted of murder carries what is called an indeterminate sentence, and the governor has to ultimately approve any parole, and being convicted of murder is generally the worst thing that can happen, yet I accomplished that twice.
Joaquin Fitzgerald murdered a homeless man who was celebrating his birthday, and he received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for second degree murder. I also handled the James Stanko murder case, another terrible crime spree, where six robberies culminated in the murder of cancer survivor and Army veteran Andrew Pease. Mr. Stanko received a 26 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to first degree murder and the six robberies. I personally gave my Bronze Star Medal (awarded for combat in Afghanistan) with my card to Mr. Pease's widow, as I thought it was an appropriate thing to do. I still see her around town, and always give her a big hug, and get emotional about her husband's case.
In 2007, I successfully tried and prosecuted Robert Canfield in a home invasion robbery of a single mother and her child in their west Eureka apartment. He received a 14-year sentence. Later that year, Johnny Randall was held accountable for resisting arrest by the now-chief of Hoopa Tribal Police, Robert Kane, who was injured in the melee. Randall was convicted by a jury, and later sentenced to prison for 4 years and 8 months. I also successfully tried a sexually violent predator case, that of Jerome Franz Gonzales, who had twice been convicted of molestation incidents in El Dorado and Del Norte counties. He received an indefinite term at a state hospital until he is cured.
In 2010, I tried the very difficult Roy Stevens murder case, that of a blind man who had gotten in a fight with his brother. He reached a point of safety, but came back with a gun and killed his brother. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, even though one of the sheriff's detectives said that he thought the jury would never convict the man of anything.
Part of this process, what I always thought and believed was my duty, was to prove the cases to best of my ability beyond a reasonable doubt, which also insured the victims had their day in court, a process that some in the criminal justice field believe can be a cathartic process for victims of crime. This is not always true, and many victims never want to have to go through the court process at all, and see the defendants. I did my level best to achieve an appropriate balance of those competing interests.
During these times, in our local newspapers there is lots of coverage about the DA's Office. Admittedly, not all of it is positive. The basic overriding fact was spelled out last year in an excellent series of articles by Thaddeus Greenson -- that the office is woefully underfunded, and that this causes too many cases, in excess of the American Bar Association recommended guidelines. With my departure there are three attorneys who handle the four misdemeanor trial courts (and one of those handles special grant cases as well). There are now three attorneys who handle the four felony trial courts. (These are the same four courts; they just shuffle on a daily basis between felonies and misdemeanors.) We also have a Juvenile prosecutor, and a Fish and Game prosecutor, and then the assistant DA and finally Mr. Gallegos. We also have a retired prosecutor who works part time. Mr. Gallegos' own trial schedule has dramatically increased to help make up for this difference.
I used to run a contract Public Defender's office in a rural county called Amador in between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. That county's DA's Office is the same size as Humboldt's, but the population disparity is profound -- they have 38,091 people to Humboldt's 134,623. I can report to you that the staff of the Humboldt County DA's Office is dedicated, and are all really good lawyers, who all choose to work in what is obviously a difficult environment. I highlight my cases and my work to show that even amongst all of these impediments you can have success (and yes, I had my share of failures, too). However the elected leaders of Humboldt County together with its populace must have a discussion, and decide if they want this situation to continue, where the office is dramatically under-staffed and under-resourced. Mr. Gallegos was even quoted as saying (in Mr. Greenson's article), “I'm breaking people.” There has certainly been a large staff turnover over the years, and all people leave for different reasons, but no community should want their government servants to be “broken.” The stakes are too high, as the basic function of the District Attorney's office is to protect all of this community's citizens.
__________________
Allan Dollison resides in Eureka.
__________________
NOTATION: 7/13/2013 - It's an interesting aspect of this blog that other people often get caught in the net, based on their entrance into the Gallegos saga. And so their names live online, to be unearthed whenever they apply for a job. Sometimes the searches that lead people here are for other reasons, but it usually has to do with a job search.
And, so it is that Allan Dollison appears here. His time with the DA's office has come and gone, he rose through Gallegos' ranks, and was slated, some said, to become Assistant DA. He was a loyal player, and, I believe, a true believer.
Through my work here, I am often kept informed about cases, how they're handled, how the various Deputy DA's do their job, interact with victims, and so forth.
And I feel it necessary to say this. I have come to the conclusion, that, for all his past mistake, Allan Dollison turned out to be one of the best and most honest of the bunch, far surpassing his boss, Paul Gallegos.
He has since left the DA's office, and, as is often the case when people leave, I get the chance to talk to them. I have talked with Allan Dollison. And, to his credit, he never once asked me to remove any of this info, as damaging as it is to him. I respect that, and I think it's noteworthy.
If you're looking to hire him, it's worthy of consideration.
I'm not pulling anything down, as that would be a disservice to the facts as they have unfolded, but I am adding this, to mitigate that online-lives-forever reality.
Regular readers of Watchpaul KNOW. Paul Gallegos started with 19 DDAs. He has, in Hanks Sims' words, "'lost,' fired, or driven off" virtually all of them. The most significant losses of the experienced, seasoned prosecutors is devastating to 'the People's Office.' And, upon losing this talent, Gallegos remains incapable of attracting, and keeping, quality prosecutors. In fact, many who come to interview here talk about their experience, and it's not complimentary.
This has been laughed off, brushed aside and ignored in every election. Gallegos supporters sneer, "He won." Yes. He won. But the people have lost, and been cheated, time and time again.
This latest case, with Dollison, is just the unraveling coming to light.
Dollison may have his faults, I've certainly been critical, but he is also a man who was operating under impossible conditions. He was thrust into a senior prosecutor position out of necessity - there's no one qualified left to do the job - and he did what he could, even had his successes (as he details in a column for the TS).
Nothing can save this office. Short of a new DA. You all know it.
But it's too late. You're stuck with him.
◼ Deputy DA's resignation follows December mistrial; Gallegos: Underfunding a major issue for his office - Grant Scott-Goforth and Kaci Poor/The Times-Standard
Allan Dollison deserves his say in this matter - I'm glad to see The Times Standard allow him to have it:
◼ My record at the DA's Office - Allan Dollison/for the Times-Standard
Allan Dollison will join Eric V. Kirk on KHSU, this coming Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (PST) to talk about Afghanistan and the way forward. ◼ http://khsu.org/listen_live
◼ My record at the DA's Office - Allan Dollison/My Word/Times-Standard
I write this in response to the recent story that was published in the Times-Standard on the fact that I had departed the District Attorney's office after 6 years and 4 months (”Deputy district attorney out after 6 years,” Times-Standard, Jan. 16, Page A3). It is true that I have left. Mr. Gallegos accepted my voluntary resignation effective Jan. 11, and this part of a chapter of my life is now complete. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, I felt it was best for my career and ultimately my family.
The article pointed out that I was trying serious and violent felonies. Most recently, I was known for the successful prosecution and conviction of Brian Fiore, one of the worst crime sprees that this county had ever seen. Mr. Fiore received 68 years and 8 months and then three consecutive life sentences on nine felony convictions. I was actually in Iraq, serving my country when I read about it online, and I said, “Whoa, I really need to get back.” Three months later after completing my mission in Iraq, I reported to work eight days after returning from war.
You don't just have one case that you handle in 6 years and 4 months. During my career, I negotiated two guilty pleas to murder. Guilty pleas to murder are rare, in that being convicted of murder carries what is called an indeterminate sentence, and the governor has to ultimately approve any parole, and being convicted of murder is generally the worst thing that can happen, yet I accomplished that twice.
Joaquin Fitzgerald murdered a homeless man who was celebrating his birthday, and he received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison for second degree murder. I also handled the James Stanko murder case, another terrible crime spree, where six robberies culminated in the murder of cancer survivor and Army veteran Andrew Pease. Mr. Stanko received a 26 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to first degree murder and the six robberies. I personally gave my Bronze Star Medal (awarded for combat in Afghanistan) with my card to Mr. Pease's widow, as I thought it was an appropriate thing to do. I still see her around town, and always give her a big hug, and get emotional about her husband's case.
In 2007, I successfully tried and prosecuted Robert Canfield in a home invasion robbery of a single mother and her child in their west Eureka apartment. He received a 14-year sentence. Later that year, Johnny Randall was held accountable for resisting arrest by the now-chief of Hoopa Tribal Police, Robert Kane, who was injured in the melee. Randall was convicted by a jury, and later sentenced to prison for 4 years and 8 months. I also successfully tried a sexually violent predator case, that of Jerome Franz Gonzales, who had twice been convicted of molestation incidents in El Dorado and Del Norte counties. He received an indefinite term at a state hospital until he is cured.
In 2010, I tried the very difficult Roy Stevens murder case, that of a blind man who had gotten in a fight with his brother. He reached a point of safety, but came back with a gun and killed his brother. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, even though one of the sheriff's detectives said that he thought the jury would never convict the man of anything.
Part of this process, what I always thought and believed was my duty, was to prove the cases to best of my ability beyond a reasonable doubt, which also insured the victims had their day in court, a process that some in the criminal justice field believe can be a cathartic process for victims of crime. This is not always true, and many victims never want to have to go through the court process at all, and see the defendants. I did my level best to achieve an appropriate balance of those competing interests.
During these times, in our local newspapers there is lots of coverage about the DA's Office. Admittedly, not all of it is positive. The basic overriding fact was spelled out last year in an excellent series of articles by Thaddeus Greenson -- that the office is woefully underfunded, and that this causes too many cases, in excess of the American Bar Association recommended guidelines. With my departure there are three attorneys who handle the four misdemeanor trial courts (and one of those handles special grant cases as well). There are now three attorneys who handle the four felony trial courts. (These are the same four courts; they just shuffle on a daily basis between felonies and misdemeanors.) We also have a Juvenile prosecutor, and a Fish and Game prosecutor, and then the assistant DA and finally Mr. Gallegos. We also have a retired prosecutor who works part time. Mr. Gallegos' own trial schedule has dramatically increased to help make up for this difference.
I used to run a contract Public Defender's office in a rural county called Amador in between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. That county's DA's Office is the same size as Humboldt's, but the population disparity is profound -- they have 38,091 people to Humboldt's 134,623. I can report to you that the staff of the Humboldt County DA's Office is dedicated, and are all really good lawyers, who all choose to work in what is obviously a difficult environment. I highlight my cases and my work to show that even amongst all of these impediments you can have success (and yes, I had my share of failures, too). However the elected leaders of Humboldt County together with its populace must have a discussion, and decide if they want this situation to continue, where the office is dramatically under-staffed and under-resourced. Mr. Gallegos was even quoted as saying (in Mr. Greenson's article), “I'm breaking people.” There has certainly been a large staff turnover over the years, and all people leave for different reasons, but no community should want their government servants to be “broken.” The stakes are too high, as the basic function of the District Attorney's office is to protect all of this community's citizens.
Allan Dollison resides in Eureka.
__________________
NOTATION: 7/13/2013 - It's an interesting aspect of this blog that other people often get caught in the net, based on their entrance into the Gallegos saga. And so their names live online, to be unearthed whenever they apply for a job. Sometimes the searches that lead people here are for other reasons, but it usually has to do with a job search.
And, so it is that Allan Dollison appears here. His time with the DA's office has come and gone, he rose through Gallegos' ranks, and was slated, some said, to become Assistant DA. He was a loyal player, and, I believe, a true believer.
Through my work here, I am often kept informed about cases, how they're handled, how the various Deputy DA's do their job, interact with victims, and so forth.
And I feel it necessary to say this. I have come to the conclusion, that, for all his past mistake, Allan Dollison turned out to be one of the best and most honest of the bunch, far surpassing his boss, Paul Gallegos.
He has since left the DA's office, and, as is often the case when people leave, I get the chance to talk to them. I have talked with Allan Dollison. And, to his credit, he never once asked me to remove any of this info, as damaging as it is to him. I respect that, and I think it's noteworthy.
If you're looking to hire him, it's worthy of consideration.
I'm not pulling anything down, as that would be a disservice to the facts as they have unfolded, but I am adding this, to mitigate that online-lives-forever reality.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Brain Drain. Bad situation gets worse: Allan Dollison out
◼ The rumors prove true.
◼ Deputy district attorney out after 6 years
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos confirmed Tuesday that Allan Dollison no longer works in his office as a deputy district attorney.
Gallegos said he could not comment on whether Dollison -- a United State Army veteran who served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq -- had resigned or was terminated on Friday. He was hired by the office in 2006.
”Certainly, I appreciate all of Allan's work with the District Attorney's Office and his commitment to his community and country,” Gallegos said Tuesday. “But other than that, I can't discuss the nature of his leaving.”
County Human Resources Department Director Dan Fulks said he could not immediately comment on the circumstances surrounding Dollison's departure....
Early in his career, Dollison was disciplined by the State Bar.
In August 2000, Dollison received a 60-day suspension of his law license and was placed on two years' probation after stipulating to 16 counts of misconduct in four consolidated cases, according to the State Bar.
Those included failing to perform legal services competently or respond to client inquires; improperly withdrawing from representation; failing to return client files and unearned fees; and two counts of failing to cooperate with the bar's investigation.
The State Bar report stated as a mitigating factor that Dollison started a solo law practice soon after passing the bar, but due to a lack of experience and business acumen, he accepted difficult cases for relatively low fees.
When he was hired by Humboldt County District Attorney's Office in 2006, Dollison said in an interview with the Times-Standard that he got in over his head as a new attorney and took on more than he could handle at the time.
________________
Related - in over his head?:
◼ Tim Stoen, Jeffrey "yougofree.com" Schwartz, and now this... - WP Oct 23, 2006
◼ What're we talkin' about here? - WP Oct 24, 2006
The sad thing is - he probably was one of the best attorneys Gallegos had, once he "lost," fired or got rid of all the experienced DDAs.
And there were rumors he might be considering running for Psul's seat.
________________
Question is - who - and what - is left.
Remember, Under Gallegos the DA's Office has "lost" all of Humboldt County's experienced prosecutors, and then some:
DDA Zach Bird
DDA Jose Mendez
DDA Ed Borg
DDA Worth Dikeman
DDA Frank Dunnick
DDA Eamon Fitzgerald
DDA Heather Gimle
DDA Paul Hagen
DDA Nicole Hansen
DDA Shane Hauschild
DDA Andrew Isaac
DDA Allison Jackson
DDA Harry Kassakian
DDA Elizabeth Norton
DDA Murat Ozgur
Patrick Pekin
DDA Amanda Penny
DDA Gloria Albin-Sheets
Jennifer Strona
DDA Andy Truitt
DDA Nandor Vadas
DDA Rob Wade
Bill Rodstrom
PLUS:
Investigator Chris Andrews
Investigator Chris Cook
Investigator Jim Dawson (retired)
Paul's secretary Gail Dias
Office Manager Linda Modell
Investigator Eric Olson
Investigator Kathy Philp (retired)
Investigator Dave Dave Rybarczyk
Investigator Dave Walker
FROM CAST:
Child Interview Specialist Laura Todd
Senior Legal Secretary Melissa Arnold
Alternate Child Interviewer Jennifer Maguire
And, of course: Schwartz and Stoen.
Question, still, is "Who's left?"
Answer:
Maggie Fleming, Max Cardoza, Wes Keat, Stacey Eads (on leave),
Allan Dollison, Arnie Klein, Jeff Schwartz,
Mary McCarthy, Davina Smith and Randy Mailman (the newest hire)
Two deputies leave DA's Office 3/8/2007
Update: 6/12/2007
County Counsel Kim Kerr - Longtime employee of the county takes job in Ione
8/12/07
Like Stoen leaving, this is good news... "yougofree.com" Jeffrey Scwhartz is leaving the DA's Office, going in to private practice (No surprise since he has had his "practice" listed in the phone book for the better part of a year, while acting as a prosecutor, which should be a big no-no.) 8/31/07, yougofree.com is gone.
1/2008 Davina Smith moves to the County Counsel's Office.
9/25/08 Deputy District Attorney Kelly Neel, who has been handling the (Belant) case, will be leaving the office for another job at the County Counsel Office, Gallegos said.
1/5/10 Kathleen Bryson, hired and reputedly fired by Gallegos, is now running against him... ◼ Local attorney throws hat in the ring for DA
DDA Ben McLaughlin
◼ Deputy district attorney out after 6 years
Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos confirmed Tuesday that Allan Dollison no longer works in his office as a deputy district attorney.
Gallegos said he could not comment on whether Dollison -- a United State Army veteran who served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq -- had resigned or was terminated on Friday. He was hired by the office in 2006.
”Certainly, I appreciate all of Allan's work with the District Attorney's Office and his commitment to his community and country,” Gallegos said Tuesday. “But other than that, I can't discuss the nature of his leaving.”
County Human Resources Department Director Dan Fulks said he could not immediately comment on the circumstances surrounding Dollison's departure....
Early in his career, Dollison was disciplined by the State Bar.
In August 2000, Dollison received a 60-day suspension of his law license and was placed on two years' probation after stipulating to 16 counts of misconduct in four consolidated cases, according to the State Bar.
Those included failing to perform legal services competently or respond to client inquires; improperly withdrawing from representation; failing to return client files and unearned fees; and two counts of failing to cooperate with the bar's investigation.
The State Bar report stated as a mitigating factor that Dollison started a solo law practice soon after passing the bar, but due to a lack of experience and business acumen, he accepted difficult cases for relatively low fees.
When he was hired by Humboldt County District Attorney's Office in 2006, Dollison said in an interview with the Times-Standard that he got in over his head as a new attorney and took on more than he could handle at the time.
________________
Related - in over his head?:
◼ Tim Stoen, Jeffrey "yougofree.com" Schwartz, and now this... - WP Oct 23, 2006
◼ What're we talkin' about here? - WP Oct 24, 2006
The sad thing is - he probably was one of the best attorneys Gallegos had, once he "lost," fired or got rid of all the experienced DDAs.
And there were rumors he might be considering running for Psul's seat.
________________
Question is - who - and what - is left.
Remember, Under Gallegos the DA's Office has "lost" all of Humboldt County's experienced prosecutors, and then some:
DDA Zach Bird
DDA Jose Mendez
DDA Ed Borg
DDA Worth Dikeman
DDA Frank Dunnick
DDA Eamon Fitzgerald
DDA Heather Gimle
DDA Paul Hagen
DDA Nicole Hansen
DDA Shane Hauschild
DDA Andrew Isaac
DDA Allison Jackson
DDA Harry Kassakian
DDA Elizabeth Norton
DDA Murat Ozgur
Patrick Pekin
DDA Amanda Penny
DDA Gloria Albin-Sheets
Jennifer Strona
DDA Andy Truitt
DDA Nandor Vadas
DDA Rob Wade
Bill Rodstrom
PLUS:
Investigator Chris Andrews
Investigator Chris Cook
Investigator Jim Dawson (retired)
Paul's secretary Gail Dias
Office Manager Linda Modell
Investigator Eric Olson
Investigator Kathy Philp (retired)
Investigator Dave Dave Rybarczyk
Investigator Dave Walker
FROM CAST:
Child Interview Specialist Laura Todd
Senior Legal Secretary Melissa Arnold
Alternate Child Interviewer Jennifer Maguire
And, of course: Schwartz and Stoen.
Question, still, is "Who's left?"
Answer:
Maggie Fleming, Max Cardoza, Wes Keat, Stacey Eads (on leave),
Allan Dollison, Arnie Klein, Jeff Schwartz,
Mary McCarthy, Davina Smith and Randy Mailman (the newest hire)
Two deputies leave DA's Office 3/8/2007
Update: 6/12/2007
County Counsel Kim Kerr - Longtime employee of the county takes job in Ione
8/12/07
Like Stoen leaving, this is good news... "yougofree.com" Jeffrey Scwhartz is leaving the DA's Office, going in to private practice (No surprise since he has had his "practice" listed in the phone book for the better part of a year, while acting as a prosecutor, which should be a big no-no.) 8/31/07, yougofree.com is gone.
1/2008 Davina Smith moves to the County Counsel's Office.
9/25/08 Deputy District Attorney Kelly Neel, who has been handling the (Belant) case, will be leaving the office for another job at the County Counsel Office, Gallegos said.
1/5/10 Kathleen Bryson, hired and reputedly fired by Gallegos, is now running against him... ◼ Local attorney throws hat in the ring for DA
DDA Ben McLaughlin
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