Get your campaign signs!

Via Facebook: In Eureka and the county, signs may now be displayed. You can request a sign on the volunteer page: ◼ http://www.electmaggiefleming.com/volunteer-3/
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GOOD NEWS! Sign Regs in Fortuna to be suspended for this election? UPDATED

◼ Two Fleming supporters on Fortuna City Council want political sign extension? - John Chiv/Words Worth

◼ Minutes of the Fortuna City Council Regular Meeting Monday, February 3, 2014 - 6:00 p.m., Fortuna City Hall ITEM VII. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Pro Tem Losey asked again for the political sign extension to be placed on the agenda. Staff informed him it was being researched and will be put on a future agenda.

◼ REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Fortuna City Council Monday, March 3, 2014 ITEM V. D. Adopt Urgency Ordinance 2014-706, Suspending Section 17.05.180(D)(1)(b) of the Fortuna Municipal Code for a period of six months.

◼ RELATED: Candidate Guide: Campaign Signs
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Staying on top of the various sign regs throughout the county isn't tough, but it can be an annoyance... inevitably a candidate gets in 'trouble' for the wrong-sized sign in the wrong place. Usually it's because a supporter takes a sign home and puts it on their building or in their yard in an area that doesn't allow 4x8 signs, or something along those lines. It just gives the various camps another lance to joust their target off his (or her) horse, in the end, they have no teeth.

And having different sizes in different areas complicates the sign buys.

We've come a long way since the days when people painted, stenciled or silkscreened their own signs. For one thing, the price of plywood skyrocketed. And paper signs don't hold up in our wet climate. So, candidates have largely turned to the corroplast signs, they look professional, they hold up in the weather, and you can order them in quantity. And quantity discounts matter. Varying requirements really mess with your budget - City Council members may know, having had to run for office themselves, but they wouldn't have been affected in the same way someone running in a county-wide race is.

Not sure what prompted this, but I'd hope Mayor Pro Tem Losey ought to consider proposing elimination of the silly regs altogether. Or, that there be some adherence to a county wide set of regs, that ALL the various cities sign on to (no pun intended).

This is good news for ALL candidates, I am in favor!

Thoughts?
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At second glance, it isn't clear what is being waived, exactly. Is it the entire ordinance, meaning no rules? Or is it specific to the time allowed - as Max pointed out in the comments, it looks like they recognize that 30 day restriction is not reasonable as absentees go out about 30 days ahead of the election, and it is reasonable to say candidates should be able to put up their signs 30 days in advance of the absentees going out - and recognizing that there isn't time for a full on discussion and action, this makes the exception immediate, and they can hash out a complete rewrite later... is that the way you read this? CLICK IMAGES TO EMBIGGEN: (or go to pages 69, 70, 71 and 72 of the March 3 link above. These are jegs, there are nice pdfs at the link.)

UPDATE: AN EXPLANATION FROM MIKE LOSEY (Thanks for the explanation)

Ok so here's the skinny. I realized that the ordinance was drafted years ago, before most voters began voting absentee. The thirty days before the election is not long enough for ANY candidate to display their signs, so I asked several meetings ago to place this on the agenda which was agreed upon by a consensus of the Council. After review of the sign ordinance, our City Attorney advised that there are many issues with our ordinance and if a candidate wished to make an issue we could have a huge problem in a court of law. His recommendation is to suspend that sign ordinance under the urgency ordinance. We had only three members of the council at the last meeting and to adopt an urgency ordinance we must have a four/fifths majority. It will be on our (City of Fortuna's) next agenda.

Whoops, there goes another one!

◼ Congratulations and wishing Deputy District Attorney David Nims and his wife a safe and successful move - John Chiv/Words Worth

DDA David Nims and his wife Megan are moving to be closer to family and David Nims is starting a new job as a Deputy Public Defender for El Dorado County.
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Congratulations to Mr. Nims.
Condolences to his co-workers.
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◼ Long (but partial) list of the Prosecutors we have 'LOST'

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
DDA Tim Stoen
Jennifer Strona
DDA Andy Truitt
DDA Nandor Vadas
DDA Rob Wade
Bill Rodstrom
DDA Maggie Fleming
Wes Keat - RETIRED
DDA Allan Dollison
DDA Arnie Klein
DDA Jeff Schwartz
DDA Davina Smith
DDA Mary McCarthy
DDA Randy Mailman
DDA Kathleen Bryson
DDA Ben McLaughlin

PLUS:
Investigator Chris Andrews
Investigator Chris Cook
Investigator Jim Dawson (retired)
Investigator Mike Hislop
Business Manager Jeannie Duncan
Paul's secretary Gail Dias
Office Manager Linda Modell
Investigator Eric Olson
Investigator Kathy Philp (retired)
Investigator Dave Rybarczyk
Investigator Dave Walker
County Counsel Kim Kerr

PLUS from CAST:
Child Interview Specialist Gillian Wadsworth
Child Interview Specialist Laura Todd
Senior Legal Secretary Melissa Arnold
Alternate Child Interviewer Jennifer Maguire

Now you have the office operating at half staff.

The new DA will have to find a way to attract a boatload of new prosecutors. It's not going to be an easy task.

Proactive: Allan Dollison arranges training for prosecutors

Allan Dollison has been involved with the Humboldt Meth Abuse Awareness Project. In watching the comments and posts of the group, it's become apparent to me that he is not just there for the PR value, but takes action where he sees a need. It doesn't appear to be just for the political gain, either. But I am glad to see he has posted this on his campaign's Facebook page:

"I am pleased to announce that I have successfully coordinated with the Statewide Drug Endangered Children Alliance for some great training for prosecutors, law enforcement, child and family services workers, health care workers and finally educators for Wednesday June 4. They have not been to Humboldt "in a long time" and all it took was an e-Mail and a phone call. This will be a great event for the county." ◼ Humboldt Meth Abuse Awareness Project

There's more on his own page, which I am swiping without permission, because rather than having Facebook purity tests, and gauges based on "LIKES," this is what we should be looking for from ALL of our candidates:

Ok great news. I just got off the phone with Margie Hensley from California Drug Endangered Children Alliance. It was a wonderful conversation. We have a tentative date of Wednesday, June 4, that they will be able to come up and do the training. It will last 8 hours. I suggested the audience might be up to 100 people. Training is free. No costs to pay for their travel. We are responsible for securing the venue, to include paying for it if we had to. I believe there are many facilities that would consider donating their location, so I have ideas about that. About 45 days prior, she will send out a flyer. I told her that addition to the standard routine law enforcement-centric audience, we will have educators and medical personnel in attendance. This will be an awesome event. All it took was an E-Mail and a follow-up phone call! Now let's start publicizing this!!!!

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◼ dollisonforda.com ◼ ABOUT ◼ DONATE
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Related, there are a lot of people wrking very hard, an very proactively on this topic:
◼ Talk outlines Humboldt County's meth woes; funding pinch requires creative solutions, officials say - Will Houston/The Times-Standard
◼ Mark Lovelace added DHHS Methamphetamine Presentation
Here are the slides from the presentation given by DHHS staff at today's Board of Supervisors' meeting.

The D.A. KEET Debate - updated

As absentee voting has gained in popularity, the old model of holding this important debate a few weeks before the June election needs to be changed.

Here's hoping the ◼ League Of Women Voters schedules it ahead of the absentee ballots being sent out. LOTS of people vote absentee the day they get their ballots, and they lose out on the chance to see the candidates side by side, answering questions, and engaging in mild debate.
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The candidates' schedules are filling up quickly, they often have to juggle 3 events on the same day, plus work, and some time to sleep - so it would be nice to nail that important date down early.

Advice to candidates - line up a good hair and makeup artist at the same time you schedule the debate - MEN, TOO.
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Any other forums planned? ACLU? They did a great job last time.

List them in the comments...
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FIRST UP:
SPONSORED BY: Tea Party
DATE: March 13th at 6:00 PM 7:00 PM
WHERE: Eureka Veterans Building
Three ALL FOUR candidates are signed up.
NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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SPONSORED BY: Mad River Union
DATE: March 20th 7-8:30 PM.
Candidate Forum

KHSU, the Mad River Union, the Arcata Police Association and the Arcata High School Pepperbox are sponsoring a DA candidate forum March 20 from 7-8:30 PM. The forum will be broadcast live from the Arcata Community Center Senior Room. Tune it to KHSU, KHSU.org or attend the forum live at the Community Center. More details at ◼ madriverunion.com.
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SPONSORED BY: KMUD Radio
DATE: April 6th
Cannabis Forum
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SPONSORED BY: Eureka Rotary
DATE: April 21st
Candidates' Forum

The Rotary Club of Eureka is sponsoring a District Attorney forum (hosted by the League of Women Voters) on Monday, April 21 at 12:30 at the Elk's Lodge in Eureka.
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SPONSORED BY: Senior Center
DATE: May 6th
Candidate Forum
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ACLU Debate
DATE: ??
WHERE: ??
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KEET DEBATE
SPONSORED BY: League of Women Voters
DATE: To be announced
WHERE: KEET - Televised
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There's a very disturbing rumor going around about the KEET Debate. I certainly hope it is not true. ...Developing...

Challenger in the 5th District race

◼ Sharon La Tour files papers for 5th District Supervisor - John Chiv/Words Worth

Remains to be seen if this one is organic or a Salzman plant, like Chris Kerrigan.

Developing

It certainly is funny to see the discussion turn

Where once people denied there were any problems in the DA's Office, or pretended that everything was fine and Paul was the most competent DA ever - now, all the discussion is on how in the world you're going to fix what's wrong.

Is it even possible? How long will it take? How are you going to attract new - much less seasoned/experienced - prosecutors to rebuild the office? Will you restore the CAST Program? The importance of a good working relationship between law enforcement and the DA's Office.

So many questions.

And no more bullshit.

Firpo Ready To ‘Tackle The Serious Issues’

Photo by Daniel Mintz/Mad River Union

◼ In announcing her candidacy for district attorney, senior county prosecutor Elan Firpo said she’d focus on management of prosecutors and collaborating with law enforcement to reduce serious crime. - Daniel Mintz/Mad River Union

...Saying she’s developed a “detailed plan to optimize current resources and regain the confidence of the Board of Supervisors and the community,” Firpo added that she’d manage an office that delivers “consistent and rigorous prosecution.”

During a question and answer session, Firpo was asked about the district attorney’s role in meeting the challenges of public safety realignment. Noting that she’s the only DA candidate who’s worked as a prosecutor since realignment was launched, Firpo said it has “changed the face of the way we need to prosecute crimes in our county.”

Realigned offenders once sent to prison are now incarcerated in county jail or given “split sentences” of jail and post-release supervision. Firpo said she’d work with the probation department and community groups on dealing with issues that lead to criminal activity....

Firpo’s handling of cases has already become a campaign issue. The involuntary manslaughter plea deal in a highly-publicized fatal stabbing in Arcata has been sharply criticized by two of her opponents, former county prosecutors Arnie Klein and Alan Dollison.

Asked about the challenging prospect of working as a prosecutor while campaigning, Firpo said, “I can scarcely understate what a challenge that is for me.” She said legal circumstances influenced the plea deal.

“I could have grandstanded that case for my political benefit, for my campaign, but I did not do that,” she continued. “I did the right thing for that case because that still is my first priority – my job as a prosecutor is my first priority, the campaign is my second priority.”

The double murder trial of Bodhi Tree will be prosecuted during the campaign and will divert her from it, she said. “But I’ve always been honored to do the job that I do – prosecuting for the DA’s Office.”

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◼ For those who don't already know, the McKinleyville Press and the Arcata Eye merged to form The Mad River Union. Subscribe at the link.

Return Salvo: Fleming ads

◼ electmaggiefleming.com ◼ Endorsements ◼ News ◼ Donate

Shiloh Chase, one of the many repeat offenders or when you should have bail bonds and an attorney on retainer

Press release from EPD:

On 03-01-2014 at about 8:01 am, officers of the Eureka Police Department located a suspicious vehicle at the 1300 block of H Street in Eureka. A records check of the vehicle revealed that it had been reported stolen to the Arcata Police Department on 2-9-2014.

Officers contacted the solo occupant/driver of the vehicle, identified as Shiloh John Chase (36 years old of Eureka). Chase was soon taken into custody for possession of stolen property. A search of his person recovered suspected methamphetamine.

Chase was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on charges of possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violation. He is being held on $25,000 bail.

◼ EPD Cleans Up Two Arcata-Related Situations - Mad River Union
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◼ ...Chase was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on charges of possession of stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violation. He is being held on $25,000 bail. Just a week ago, he had three cases on court calendar...

I picked Shiloh Chase because he has been in trouble in 2010 and before and is one of those names that I remember. There are others. I see them back again time and time on the court calendar. Could have researched more cases and more evidence of drugs being involved. However, he isn't the only repeat revolving door offender. We have many that law enforcement and probation and the court are familiar with that just keep coming back.

While I do think that realignment has affected crime and consequences, Humboldt County had an issue before that. These repeat offenders know every way to scam the system, they beg and plead this time they have learned their lesson, now they will seek therapy, and they will never, again commit a crime.

And attorneys file papers, the alleged criminal doesn't like the result, he/she hires another attorney. The system is set up for these scammers. I could go research the many cases Shiloh Chase and others I recognize have had in the court system for even just the past 5 years.

I am all for consitutional rights and due process but how many times do you have to be arrested and not just for alleged non-violent crimes or petty theft and with drugs? Again, the above questions are not all for situations involving Chase.

How many times do you have to get away scott- free and have the money to hire a private attorney each time before it's enough and you actually have to pay for your crimes?

(This is an excerpt. read the whole thing at the link)

◼ Frequent flier Shiloh Chase gets another slap on the wrist - John Chiv/Words Worth

Four cases for Shiloh Chase were up for Disposition and Rest this afternoon in Judge Feeney's court. Luke Brownfield for the People and Public Defender Heidi Holmquist for Chase.... A few fines, a little jail time. People did not ask for restitution today, reserved for future.... Shiloh looked cool and relaxed before his case was called, after all he knew there are never any real consequences.

More Of What Lovelace Hath Wrought

◼ Spooky goings on with the county Planning Commission - Dave Meserve/My Word/Times-Standard
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Yeah. You know, it's too bad they found that section talking about govt. 'discouraging' women from having babies tucked in to the dang plan. (because. Global. Warming. Or Something.) If that hadn't happened they never would have known that they better go over it with a fine-toothed comb.

Can't blame them for being worried about all those oh-so-politically-correct Orwellian terms, though. I mean, none of us want to end up living 1984, do we, Dave? Not even you. Or maybe, especially you.
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◼ What Lovelace Hath Wrought: Continued - Previous post
◼ Lovelace Says General Plan Update Process Now ‘Completely Corrupt’ - Ryan Burns/Lost Coast Outpost
◼ What Mark hath wrought - Previous post

Candidate Guide: Campaign Signs (W/UPDATE)

◼ Political Signage Requirements - It goes without saying that campaign signs may not be posted on utility poles or in the public right-of-way.... here are links to the rules for various cities, courtesy of the elections department:

◼ Arcata

Politicalandspecialeventsignsareplacednomore than 60 days prior to the event and are removed within 10 days

◼ Blue Lake

Maximum Size: 6 square feet

◼ Eureka

Be no larger than 16 square feet

◼ Ferndale

Do not require a Sign Permit or Design Review Permit.... May not exceed a total area of 12 square feet per parcel in a residential zone, and
32 square feet in a nonresidential zone. All temporary signs on a parcel, except
banners or pennants, count towards this total.... Must be removed within 48 hours of the election.

◼ Fortuna **

b. Political. One political campaign sign on private property not exceeding four square feet in area or four feet in height. These signs shall be removed within 10 days following the election. Such signs shall not be erected prior to 30 days before the election.

◼ Rio Dell

Signs may be displayed up to 60 days before a scheduled election and must be removed within 10 days after the election;
(b) Signs shall be limited to four square feet and 48 inches in height. No more than four signs shall be allowed on any one parcel

◼ Trinidad

Political campaign signs and posters, not exceeding two square feet, shall be permitted in all zones provided such signs and posters are removed not more than 30 days after the date of the election.

TWO SQUARE FEET??? SERIOUSLY? WOW.

◼ County Property/Anywhere ELSE

(Seems to be only a not that if you put it in a County Right Of Way, you're in trouble.)

Basically, your big 4x8s are not allowed in town.

◼ ** UPDATE RE: FORTUNA: GOOD NEWS! Sign Regs in Fortuna to be suspended for this election?

Élan Firpo at Arts Alive! Eureka

Cookies and Hot Cocoa inside. Come say "HI" at Arts Alive at the Gazebo. ◼ facebook.com/FirpoDA

Signs can go out in Eureka and the county on Wednesday!

Let your neighbors know that you're supporting Maggie. You can request a sign on the volunteer page of the website: ◼ http://www.electmaggiefleming.com/volunteer-3/

◼ electmaggiefleming.com ◼ Endorsements ◼ News ◼ Donate

PHOTO UPDATED: The wanted individuals depicted on this list are presently being sought by EPD for theft related offenses.

We are reaching out to the community for their help in locating these suspects. Anyone encountering the listed subjects should not attempt to contact or apprehend them, but rather call the ◼ Eureka Police Department immediately at (707) 441-4044 or (707) 441-4060.

◼ Only 3 suspects left from Eureka's Most Wanted Poster Number 1 - John Chiv/Words Worth

Good work. NOW, let's hope the DA's Office does their part.