Confirmed: Allan Dollison to run for DA

◼ He filed his papers earlier today and he is officially in the race. Allan said that he will not be making a formal announcement until the new year. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Regarding the the 4 that have announced their intention is to run so far (Maggie, Elan, Arnie and himsef), Allan said, "We all have a lot of respect for each other, we all have unique abilities to fix this office."

"In most places, the office of District Attorney is respected, I don't think that is the case here locally and we need to return that respect to this office and improve the image people have."

Another one! HCSO Releases More Info on Eureka Home Invader’s Death, Asks Public’s Assistance Locating Second Suspect

◼ link - Andrew Goff/Lost Coast Outpost

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

On 12-01-2013, at approximately 10:10 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a man being assaulted with a bat in a residence in the 6100 block of Walnut Drive, Eureka. Deputies responded to the residence and were met by a citizen who said the suspect was being restrained in the rear of the residence. Deputies entered the residence and saw 47 year old male, later determined to be a neighbor, restraining the 30 year old male suspect. The suspect later was identified as Joshua Sherer, of Eureka. The victim and witnesses told deputies Sherer had broken into the residence. The neighbor told the deputies as they approached that Sherer was unconscious. Deputies checked the suspect and determined he was not breathing. The deputies summoned medical assistance and began life saving efforts. After medical personnel arrived deputies interviewed the people present.

A 46 year old male victim told the deputies he has been staying at the residence with his 38 year old girlfriend. Both he and the girlfriend heard a banging noise, a male yelling and the sound of glass breaking. Sherer had forced his way into the residence, along with another suspect, and then jumped on top of the victim, who was on a bed with his girlfriend and an infant. Sherer began beating the victim with his fists. Sherer pepper sprayed the victim during the fight. While they were fighting on the floor the second suspect attacked the victim with bat. That suspect was identified as “Sam” unknown last name. Sam began striking the victim on the head and body with the baseball bat. The 16 year old son of the 38 year old female came to the aid of the victim and began striking “Sam” who then fled the scene prior to law enforcements arrival.

The neighbor who lived on the property in a trailer told deputies he heard the commotion and came over to assist. The neighbor grabbed Sherer and restrained him until law enforcement arrived. Sherer was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The cause of death is unknown at this time an autopsy is being arranged by the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office. Detectives are actively investigating this crime. There have been no arrests at this time. The victim received injuries from the assault, and was treated and released from a local hospital.

“Sam” is described as a white male adult, 6’ tall, thin build, late twenties to early thirties, short dark hair.

Further information will be released as appropriate, the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

doodha • an hour ago
wow, wild stuff going on at his dad's facebook page. you can find the link at the bottom of the son's page.

◼ Channel 3 Reports Man Dead After Dispute in Ridgewood Today - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

UPDATE, 12/2: The name of the deceased has been released, 30-year-old Joshua Sherer of Eureka.

◼ Authorities release name in fatal assault - KIEM-TV

The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has released the name of the man who died in Sunday’s assault in Ridgewood. He has been identified as 30-year-old Joshua Sherer of Eureka. Authorities said Sherer was involved in an altercation with another man at a home on Walnut Drive. Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

Kidnapping, attempted murder in SoHum

◼ Kidnapping, attempted murder in SoHum - Times-Standard

The following is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

On Friday at approximately 3 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a call regarding a kidnapping and possible murder. Deputies spoke with a 24-year-old man and a 29-year-old man, both from Indiana, who were reported to be in the Laytonville area. The men reported on Thursday they were visiting with a 25-year-old male friend in the Ranch Sequoia area of Humboldt County. At approximately 10:30 p.m., on Thursday, the two men from Indiana were on the balcony of the residence when they heard vehicles drive up to the residence. They heard male voices yelling what appeared to be commands to someone, and then banging on the side of the home. The two men then heard multiple gunshots. The two men went downstairs to find out what was happening, and saw eight males with rifles dressed in camouflaged clothing covering their entire bodies. Each of the male suspects was carrying a high powered rifle. The males then tied the two men to a tree with rope. The two men saw their 25-year-old male friend, the homeowner, had been shot and was bleeding. The suspects dressed in camouflaged told the two men tied to the tree not to say anything or they would kill them. The suspects then ordered the 25-year-old male gunshot victim into a truck at gunpoint and left with him to an unknown location.

The two Indiana men were eventually able to untie themselves and fled the residence and the area. They were uninjured.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a call from Jerold Phelps Hospital in Garberville. A 25-year old-male showed up at the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies responded and met with the gunshot victim, who turned out to be the 25-year-old homeowner from Rancho Sequoia the two Indiana men had reported being shot.

The gunshot victim is expected to live. Humboldt County Sheriff's Detectives responded to the hospital and met with the victim who is expected to live. At this time the motive for the crime is unknown, and there are no suspect or vehicle descriptions.

Humboldt County Sheriff's Detectives obtained a Humboldt County Superior Court Search Warrant for the residence where the crime occurred which they served on 11-29-2013. Detectives located evidence at the scene consistent with the reported crime. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff's Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff's Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

◼ Kidnapping, Gunshot Victim, and More - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

Sources in Southern Humboldt say the story below and this story from earlier today are connected. ◼ Possible Homicide:Body Recovered out Jewett Ranch Road - Kym Kemp/Lost Coast Outpost

Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Press Release:

On 11-30-2013, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who wanted to report a possible human gravesite. The citizen told deputies where to search for the possible grave. On 12-01-2013, approximately 7:00 a. m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Detectives went to the location described by the citizen which was off Jewett Ranch Road, the Harris area of Humboldt County. Detectives located a possible gravesite which they dug up and located human remains. The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office was summoned to the scene. The identity of the deceased is unknown at this time, along with the cause of death, age and sex. Detectives are treating the deceased as a homicide at this time.

Further information will be released as appropriate, the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

'A very different campaign': Gallegos' announcement leaves Humboldt DA race wide open

◼ The race to become Humboldt County's next district attorney is wide open. - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

Apparently we aren't going to get any better coverage of the DA's race this time than we have had. What a SHAME.

◼ ANOTHER Case in point: MATTHEW IN THE MIDDLE: The 2014 District Attorney’s Race - Lost Coast Outpost

Matt Owen opining on the DA's race, and then sort of haphazardly addressing "The Slap." Color me less than impressed.

Maggie Fleming to run for DA

◼ Another first for John Chiv - Words Worth

The Shove redux... UPDATED: Frustrations between Humboldt County Supervisors boil over; Lovelace apologizes for 'slap on the back' And, UPDATED AGAIN.

Developing

(Note: This post has evolved along with the story, including other blog posts and media reports. It will continue to be updated as things develop. At this time, I have no plans to open a new post on the topic. Check back for updates if you feel so inclined.)

◼ Or was it "The Push" - I forget.
◼ Maybe it was "Push Comes To Shove"

◼ But it became a very big deal - the HCDCC Subcommittee on Education and Communications Chairperson Greg Conners said the group’s hope is that the attorney general will investigate “and the appropriate action will be taken based upon facts that can be confirmed.”

Remember all that?

So....

My basic policy has always been - things have to be verifiable. And accurate. My general rule is three sources, or I won't post it.

I'm not the only one who's going to be asking questions, and it appears there are a number of people who can answer the questions at hand. Tomorrow's Monday. We'll see.

Basically, Humboldt County is a small town, and people talk to each other.

◼ CSAC "a conference of California county officials"

What's in question? A comment posted on at least two other blogs talking about an altercation (incident, may be a better word) - a physical altercation - between two Humboldt County Supervisors at CSAC, witnessed by at least one other Humboldt County Supervisor, and one Del Norte County Supervisor. Questions whether charges were filed, whether the Humboldt County DA would act.

That last part makes me laugh. Are you kidding?
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Developing
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◼ Incident witnessed at CSAC conference - John Chiv/Words Worth
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OK, so my stance on the Larry Glass thing was he should have accepted the apology, sucked it up and moved on, file a report if you like to get it on the record if you're really worried that there may be a repeat incident, but move on. But that's not what happened. So it will be interesting to see the how the cheerleaders in that 'push' respond here.

UPDATE:
◼ Frustrations between Humboldt County Supervisors boil over; Lovelace apologizes for 'slap on the back' - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard

Third District Supervisor Mark Lovelace apologized Monday for letting his frustrations boil over at a California State Association of Counties meeting last week, leading to an incident that one Del Norte official called “disturbing” and “inappropriate.”

The incident occurred last Wednesday, during a meeting of the Coastal Counties Regional Association at CSAC's annual conference in San Jose, which was attended by four Humboldt County supervisors. During the meeting, the association -- which Lovelace has co-chaired for several years -- voted to appoint 4th District Supervisor Virginia Bass as its new co-chair.

Lovelace apparently felt frustrated and slighted at the appointment, and approached Bass and 1st District Supervisor Rex Bohn after the meeting, giving them what he described as a “perhaps an exaggerated, good-old-boy slap on the back.”

Reached Monday, Bass described the contact as “an extremely exaggerated slap on the back.”

She said she didn't really want to get into details, but the incident has been mischaracterized by local blogs.

”What you're reading on the blogs is an exaggeration,” she said. “Nobody hit the ground. Nobody shoved back. There was some frustration.”
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Local blogs? Not exactly. Local blogs responded to posted comments by removing them. Those who have comment moderation enabled declined to post them. I would posit that Hank at Lost Coast Outpost took it down because he considered it inflammatory and would likely look into the allegations. Only this one posted anything about it - and you'll note no exaggeration above. We're a very responsible bunch, us bloggers. And PART of being responsible INCLUDES posting stuff like this when it comes up. Like it or not. Frankly, that was just as true as all the newspapers reporting about "The Push" and about "The Speech" more recently.

Responsible. Case in point: ◼ Just little life reminders about violence. - Samoa Softball
And: ◼ Supervisor Incident Somewhat Clarified - Sohum Parlance II
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◼ What the Times-Standard article on CSAC incident did not include - John Chiv/Words Worth AN UPDATE
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◼ Good old boy slap on the back? No. - Allison Jackson/My Word/Times-Standard
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◼ Sympathies for Mark Lovelace - Bill Hassler/Letter-to-the-Editor/Times-Standard
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◼ Mark apologizes to Virginia and Rex - John Chiv/Words Worth 12/3

...In addition to his personal apology in private, Mark said that while trying to explain his frustrations, some of his remarks came across as justifying his actions. There is never any justification, he said, for such behavior. Mark added that in the last week he had seen his actions through the eyes of others.

He concluded by saying that he hoped both Virginia and Rex and the community would forgive him and he promised that "it won't happen again."

Rex was quiet. Virginia did respond. She said she appreciated the apology, especially to the community. She commented that kids are taught not to use violence and as role models and elected officials, "we are held to higher standards." She pointed out that if this behavior was by an employee, there would have been an investigation, perhaps even a dismissal. Virginia concluded her remarks by saying "that this was not the time to talk about it" but that she looked forward to a discussion perhaps in the future and suggested anger management to Mark.... More at the link
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Having thought about it: Since being elected, Mark has taken people off of commissions and boards. Like Charles Ollivier from the railroad board. Should Charles, or any of the others, have been angry at Mark? And if they were angry, which is understandable, even in Mark's own case, what would have happened if they had hit Mark? Or anyone else involved in the decision.

We know the response to the Dan Johnson speech/plagiarism issue. Calls for his head. From some of the same people - cough - SYLVIA DE ROOY - cough - who bend themselves into pretzels to excuse this one and declare it a 'right wing' thing. Excuse me?

I said in the beginning that what was especially interesting in this case was going to be watching those who screamed for the AG in Glass's case remain silent in this case - and so far, at least, that has been the case.
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◼ Humboldt County Supervisor Lovelace apologizes to Bass, Bohn: 'I promise you, it won't happen again' - Catherine Wong/The Times-Standard

Humboldt County 3rd District Supervisor Mark Lovelace apologized Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors meeting for the “slap on the back” he gave to supervisors Rex Bohn and Virginia Bass at the annual California State Association of Counties conference.

”Some of what I said was trying to explain my frustration, and I think that came across as trying to justify my actions, which I can't,” Lovelace said. “No matter what might have transpired beforehand, there is only one person that is responsible for my own actions, and that's me.”

...”All I can do is apologize and accept the consequences of my actions and hope that the two of you, the rest of you, and the community might forgive me for treating you both so disrespectfully and for seriously overstepping personal boundaries,” he said.

Bass, who represents the 4th District, responded by saying that she appreciates the apology, especially to the community. She noted that there would be an investigation -- and possibly a dismissal -- if a similar incident happened with county staff.

”We're elected, so we have different paths, so I think the apology is certainly along that path,” she said, adding “perhaps this isn't the time to talk about it, but I would be interested in further discussion in some anger management.”

Klein on KSLG 94.1 10:30 AM Friday

◼ Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014
Tomorrow at 10:30 AM on ◼ KSLG 94.1. I will be interviewed by Sherae O'Shaughnessy. Tune in and give it a listen.
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Note: Watchpaul will post notices, such as this, for Candidates for DA.

The Good News

Besides the fact that Gallegos has decided not to seek another term...

Humboldt County voters will have good candidates to choose from.

Arnie Klein, who is already officially in the race, and Elan Firpo, who is rumored to be jumping in, are fine people.

Who knows how many will jump in by the filing deadline. You could see 5 or 6 candidates in the race.

Whoever wins in the end has a huge mess to clean up. Everyone knows this. Most people though, have no idea just how bad it is. It won't be an easy job.

But word will get out - the rest of the state will know that it might be worth taking a chance on Humboldt again. You'll be able to attract more seasoned prosecutors to replace the ones who were lost.

A year is a long time to wait for the fix to start to take place, but...

It's good.

Here's wishing Paul Gallegos a long and prosperous career in private practice.

And, good luck to the contenders. It's a worthy endeavor.

Gallegos bows out of 2014 DA race.

◼ Gallegos Will Not Seek Fourth Term - Mike Dronkers

From a press release issued by the District Attorney’s office:

I would like to thank everyone for the honor and the trust that you have placed in me. It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked with and for you.

I am proud of what we have accomplished. I am proud of where we are. I believe we have accomplished more than I ever thought we would be able to do over the last 11 years, and I am proud of you and thankful for all that you have done to accomplish that. I also believe that we have laid the framework for great progress in both the near and the distant future with the work we have done. Once again, thank you for that.

My commitment is and has been to this office and the people of the state of California. That commitment will never end. However, I have decided that I will not seek a fourth term, and I will not run for reelection. My oldest son was 4 years old when I was elected to office. He is graduating from high school this year. I have been here with you throughout his entire public school education. My daughter, who was a toddler, is now a freshman. My youngest, who had just been born, will begin middle school next year. I mention this because I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to get back to my wife and children. They are growing up so fast.

I want to thank you all again. I want you to know that I will still be here until January of 2015. I want you to also know that I will always be grateful for all you have done and I will always be here for you. My commitment to you this office and the people of the state of California will never end.

Thank you.

◼ Gallegos bows out of 2014 DA race.... DA Gallegos: Thanks And Goodbye (In January, 2015) - Mad River Union

◼ Paul Gallegos Will Not Run for Re-election - The Journal

In a curiously unheralded note, Paul Gallegos announced that he will not run for Humboldt County District Attorney in 2014. The Journal received a message a few minutes ago, emailed by Gallegos' executive assistant, with no subject line and a pdf simply titled "press release thank you."

◼ The real story is not that Paul called it quits, but why? - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Paul Gallegos not running for re-election - Sohum Parlance II

◼ Gallegos will not seek reelection; DA cites need to spend time with family - A Times-Standard staff report

(The Times-Standard cites criticism, but leaves out the scathing Grand Jury report. And it is stuff like that that has been the problem all along. Perhaps NOW, with him leaving, they will be able to be honest about the problems facing a new DA, as they seek to rebuild.)

Fast Times At Ridgemont High

Seriously. Flashback.

◼ Gallegos on Measure T: Video: 5 minutes : 55 seconds (make take several minutes to load)

Confirmed: Élan Firpo to formally announce run for DA

◼ Confirmed: Élan Firpo to formally announce run for DA - John Chiv/Words Worth

About 300 brave rain for Sundberg kickoff

◼ Very impressive turnout. Law enforcement, tribal representation, government, business and community. What I liked was the family friendly atmosphere and as supporter Patty Clary summed it: Ryan does not always vote the way I want but the other side would say the same but that is good. - John Chiv/Words Worth

Former County Prosecutor Arnie Klein announces candidacy for D.A.

◼ The 2014 race for Humboldt County District Attorney received some added interest last Wed, Nov 13 when Arnie Klein came out of retirement to announce his challenge to incumbent D.A. Paul Gallegos. - Bob Froehlich/KMUD

Daniel Mintz attended Klein's candidacy announcement event and submitted this news piece, ◼ which aired on the KMUD Local News Wed., Nov. 13, 2013.

Today at 12:15 Arnie Klein's formal announcement at the Humboldt County Courthouse

The DAs race is the most important election in the County right now. The challengers face a difficult road, and they deserve your consideration and support. Best of luck, Mr. Klein.
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◼ Website: votearnieklein.org
◼ Facebook: Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014
◼ Endorsements

Note: Article in Thursday, Nov. 14 Times-Standard will be linked when TS posts it online.

Arnie Klein Set to Challenge Gallegos in DA Race

◼ Next Wednesday, after more than four decades practicing law and nearly two years of "retirement," the 71-year-old attorney will announce his campaign to unseat Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos. - Ryan Burns/The Journal

...Known as a dynamic and effective showman in the courtroom, Klein spent the bulk of his career in Los Angeles, first as a deputy DA and later as a defense attorney with his own practice. His highest-profile case came in 1986, when he successfully defended the special effects coordinator from Twilight Zone: The Movie. (During that film's production, a helicopter accident killed actor Vic Morrow and two children.)

In 1999 Klein went back to the prosecutor's side of the aisle, taking a job with the Tulare County District Attorney's Office. In 2006 he moved up to Humboldt County, where he spent five-plus years as a deputy district attorney....

◼ Former prosecutor to run for DA: Candidates file elections paperwork to begin fundraising - Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard 7/24/2013

”I'm experienced, I'm balanced and I'm not caught up in the broken process that is going on now,” he said.

Klein said he thinks the DA's Office has misallocated its resources, spending too much on its investigations bureau and too little on prosecutors, and that he's been disappointed in what he sees as a steady exodus of experienced prosecutors from the office under Gallegos' tenure.

Reached Tuesday, Gallegos said he's looking forward to running for a fourth term in office.

◼ Politics can make strange bedfellows - John Chiv/Words Worth
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◼ FACEBOOK: Arnie Klein for Humboldt County District Attorney 2014