Paul Gallegos, the poster boy for Measure T,

may now get the chance to put his money where his mouth was. And it will pit him against teachers and parents.

It'll also be a test of his "equal justice" sloganeering. Because Measure T was designed for one reason and one reason only and that was to prevent Palco from contributing to local campaigns ever, ever again. But there are serious flaws in that measure, and serious problems that have now caught an unwitting victim in the net.

Last June, the McKinleyville Union School District put Measure C on the ballot in order to raise money for improvements and renovations. What happens next will be very interesting. Not prosecuting because you like this group isn't really an option.

Jack has the full story in the McKinleyville Press: here are excerpts: This year the MUSD may have provided the first opportunity to test measure T in court. School Board officials and the Board of Trustees worked hard all year to develop a different ballot initiative, Measure C, that authorized MUSD to issue $14 million in bonds "to replace, renovate, acquire and construct school facilities."

The bonds would be paid for by an increase in property taxes over the next 40 years. Measure C was passed by the voters of McKinleyville on June 3, after a short political campaign.

MUSD did not accomplish this goal unaided. A number of corporate consultants from all over California were hired by the Board to determine the feasibility of selling the bonds, ascertain the best time to place the measure on the ballot, poll the community, and to actually sell the bonds once the measure passed. The consultants included Godbe Research, a corporation from Half Moon Bay, KNN Public Finance, a subsidiary of Zion's First National Bank in Oakland, and Jones Hall, a San Francisco financial consultant.

While there is nothing illegal about hiring consultants, each of these firms then contributed funds to Citizens in Favor of Measure C, the campaign group formed to sell the Measure to McKinleyville residents. KNN contributed $8,500; Jones Hall contributed $6,500, and Godbe Research contributed $250, North Valley Bank, which contributed $100, also falls under the definition of a non-local corporation, because its headquarters are in Redding, and it has branches all over California.

A fifth non-local firm, Siskyou Design Group, from Yreka, conributed $1,500 to the campaign, although that company may not fall under the definition of a corporation. Siskyou Design is the architectural firm that the school board plans to use to renovate its buildings.

These five contributors account for more than 90% of the money used to convince voters to pass Measure C. Local contributors raised only $1,750, less than 10% of the $18, 600 kitty.

Gallegos is supposed to prosecute Measure T violations. Will he do it? Citizen plaintiffs can initiate action through the Superior Court. Once they have done so, they must notify the District Attorney within 14 days of their action. the District Attorney is supposed to take over the suit, but if he does not, the measure says that citizens can proceed on their own.

Links:
Measure T
☛ County link
☛ "votelocalcontrol"
☛ ER Measure T backers look to curb corporate election influence
☛ ER No on Measure T Committee launches effort to defeat June ballot measure
☛ ER Know the facts: Vote No on Measure T
☛ ER 'No on W' group violates Measure T guidelines
☛ ER Eureka Chamber formally opposes Measure T
☛ ER Speakers gather to voice support for Measure T ordinance
☛ ER Measure T groups duke it out
☛ ER Measure T passes with 55 percent majority

Lovelace and Local Solutions

☛ ER Lovelace donation request a concern in 2nd District
When 3rd District Supervisor-elect Mark Lovelace sent a letter to his supporters thanking them for their help in electing him as the Arcata-area representative to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, it didn’t raise any eyebrows.

But when the letter dated July 14 went on to thank the political action committee Local Solutions for its help in his successful effort in the June 3 Primary Election and asked for donations for them, some people in the 2nd District were concerned.

“Local Solutions has been actively involved in many local grassroots campaigns in the past, and is currently engaged in the upcoming November election for Humboldt County 2nd District Supervisor,” Lovelace’s letter states. “Their innovated resources can be developed further to better serve future campaigns, but only with our help.”

Lovelace said it wasn’t the intent of the letter to support 2nd District Candidate Clif Clendenen, who has been helped with in-kind donations already from Local Solutions, nor was he trying to persuade his supporters to do the same.

DA opposes motions to dismiss Douglas-Zanotti charges

***URGENT UPDATE/ALERT! This case was TOSSED by the Judge - never made it to trial,
☛ ER http://eurekareporter.com/article/080826-judge-throws-out-douglas-zanotti-case
Feeney said the indictments the grand jury handed down to Douglas and Zanotti in December 2007 weren’t supported by probable cause. Insufficient evidence regarding the former leaders’ alleged failure to oversee other law enforcement was also presented to the grand jury, Feeney said, and instructions given on “exigent circumstances” were inadequate.
The grand jury should have also been instructed on justifiable homicide by law enforcement officials, Feeney said.***

☛ TS DA opposes motions to dismiss Douglas-Zanotti charges
District Attorney Paul Gallegos argued evidence was properly presented to a grand jury in his response to defense motions seeking the dismissal of the involuntary manslaughter case against former Eureka Police Chief David Douglas and Lt. Tony Zanotti, stemming from the 2006 police shooting death of Cheri Lyn Moore.
Superior Court Judge Timothy Cissna is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the motions for dismissal Aug. 26, at which point he can take the matter under submission or rule from the bench.

Ho-ly sh-t! - UPDATED

UPDATED:

◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012

****

☛ ER Doe 1 speaks out, files complaint
The complaint, authored by Gundersen’s wife (Doe 1), alleges that the HCSO and District Attorney’s Office violated her civil rights, falsely imprisoned her on Feb. 8, coerced a statement out of her that day and conspired to imprison Gundersen.

“There’s a whole other side to this story,” Doe 1 said in an interview Wednesday. “I just thought I need to get this out.”...

As a result of Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson’s decision to allow testimony from Gundersen’s ex-wife Monday, and other compounding events since Feb. 8, Doe 1 said she felt the truth needed to be told.

“I’m the only person who can do that,” she said, “because David can’t be heard.”...

In the four-page complaint sent to the Humboldt County Grand Jury and both the California and U.S. Attorney General’s Office, Doe 1 wrote how a custody battle turned into a conspiracy against her husband.

“I felt I was entrapped and coerced,” she said. “I think someone else should review this.”...

Much of the complaint described in detail what Doe 1 had testified during Gundersen’s preliminary hearing in April, which included how she “felt coerced” into giving statements about non-consensual sex by her husband during a seven-hour interview on Feb. 8 that she couldn’t walk away from.

The District Attorney’s Office had to subpoena Doe 1 to the stand, as she had no intention on testifying.

Doe 1 added in the complaint that she answered questions “sarcastically,” such as telling the three HCSO investigators interviewing her that Gundersen had non-consensual sex with her 365 times when asked if he ever did.

During the preliminary hearing, Doe 1 testified that Gundersen had non-consensual sex with her at least once a month between 2005 and 2007.

As Doe 1 testified before, she had no intention on pressing any charges against Gundersen and merely wanted to talk about police assistance if anything got out of control between the two.

Doe 1 also wrote about events leading up to that encounter with law enforcement.

Sometime in December 2001, Doe 1 wrote that Gundersen’s ex-wife told her that he had raped her and it would happen to her as well.

Events happened in the summer of 2007, Doe 1 wrote, moved Gundersen to file for full custody of his children. At that point, Gundersen’s ex-wife hired Joan Gallegos, wife of Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos, to represent her in the family matter.

By the time Jan. 28 rolled around, Doe 1 wrote she wanted a separation with Gundersen.

On that day, Doe 1 wrote that Gundersen’s ex-wife told her she could use Paul Gallegos’ willingness to prosecute Gundersen for allegedly raping her in the past as a way to get rid of Gundersen — this after Joan Gallegos allegedly talked with him about it.

“I believe this was a conspiracy between (Paul Gallegos), his wife and (Gundersen’s ex-wife) in an attempt for (Gundersen’s ex-wife) to gain full custody of the kids,” she wrote. “Her plan worked.”...

Joan Gallegos issued a denial.

☛ TS Gundersen's wife alleges misconductby law enforcement
In a letter sent to a variety of agencies Wednesday, former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen's wife is accusing the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Department of civil rights violations, police coercion, false imprisonment and conspiracy...

From the outset, Gundersen's attorney Russell Clanton has contended the investigation and charges took root in an ongoing and bitter custody battle between Gundersen and his ex-wife. Gundersen's wife's letter, which she said she mailed Wednesday to the Humboldt County Grand Jury, the Attorney General's Office and the United States Attorney's Office, echoes that claim.

In the five-page letter, Gundersen's wife, Jane Doe 1, wrote that she told an investigator on the day of Gundersen's arrest that she hadn't been raped and, at times, contradicts the testimony she gave under oath during Gundersen's preliminary hearing.
Reached Wednesday, District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he doesn't see Jane Doe 1's letter having any impact on Gundersen's case.

”Those agencies that have received this, if they feel it's appropriate they will investigate, and they will have all the information,” Gallegos said, adding that his office hasn't committed any of the offenses alleged in the letter. “(Jane Doe 1) is a victim and she's been victimized, but not by us.”...

In the letter, Jane Doe 1 claims that she “sarcastically” answered investigators' questions during an interview on the day of Gundersen's arrest, that investigators would not let her leave and that, prior to Gundersen's preliminary hearing, “numerous threats were made including arrest.” She claims was told she didn't have the right to not testify in the case.

Jane Doe 1 also states her belief that Gundersen's ex-wife was behind the entire investigation.
”I believe (his ex-wife) set me up,” she writes.

According to the letter, Gundersen and his ex-wife hold a lot of animosity toward each other after a bitter divorce and an ensuing battle over custody of the couple's two children.

Jane Doe 1 states that Gundersen's ex-wife, an employee with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department, told her in 2001 that she believed Gundersen had raped her while the two were married -- claims the ex-wife has also made to a court investigator, DA investigators and, most recently, on the stand in a pre-trial hearing in Gundersen's current case.

”Over the years she said things to me, to the effect that Dave would eventually rape me too,” Jane Doe 1 writes in the letter.
According to the letter, things started to come to a head on Jan. 28, when Jane Doe 1 claims Gundersen's ex-wife called her and said she had repeated her rape allegations to her divorce attorney Joan Gallegos -- the wife of District Attorney Paul Gallegos.

”(Gundersen's ex-wife) told me that Joan told her she had discussed the rape with her husband Paul and that he would be willing to prosecute Dave for rape if she wanted,” Jane Doe 1 writes. “(Gundersen's ex-wife), knowing that I wanted a separation from Dave due to our own marital problems, told me that we could use the fact that the (district attorney) was willing to press charges on Dave to get him to leave the county. (Gundersen's ex-wife) and I spoke many times this same day because I was not OK with her blackmailing him.”...

Jane Doe 1 writes that she learned from her psychiatrist after the preliminary hearing that the effects of Lunesta are light and not so intoxicating as to make her unable to give consent. She also reiterates her belief that this whole case has spawned out of Gundersen's custody battle with his ex-wife.

”I have told the DA, Paul Gallegos, several times that I believe this was a conspiracy between he, his wife, and (Gundersen's ex-wife) in an attempt for (Gundersen's ex-wife) to gain full custody of the kids,” Jane Doe 1 writes. “Her plan worked. Dave was arrested on Feb. 8 and she had an order of full custody on the 11th.”...

Joan Gallegos said the conspiracy allegation simply doesn't make sense, as neither she, her client nor Paul Gallegos have benefited in any way from the case.

For his part, Gallegos said the case will simply have to play out in court.

”I've seen what she's written, but I don't know the motivation behind it or the actual author of it,” he said. “We understand she's afraid and we understand the dynamics of these types of cases.”

UPDATED:

◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012

****

Rape Crisis Center subpoena - withdrawn - UPDATED

From what I hear - developing. No, not withdrawn, exactly. Gallegos couldn't justify it.

☛ ER Rape Crisis won’t testify at Gundersen trial

Humboldt Superior Court Judge ruled in favor of a motion to quash a subpoena directed at the North Coast Rape Crisis Center Wednesday.

Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos subpoenaed a rape crisis counselor who worked with a Jane Doe in former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen’s trial after receiving a document allegedly authored by them.

After determining they did not author it, Gallegos said he didn’t need the witness to testify.

In a previous interview, Gallegos said he wanted the counsel to testify for “transactional” reasons and not to discuss what Doe 1 may have said in private sessions.

He compared it to the counselor testifying that they saw their patient at the supermarket.

UPDATED:

◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012

****

Dowdy pleads guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter

Update:
☛ TS Dowdy: No contest to manslaughter 7/30/08
☛ ER Fortuna Christmas Eve murder suspect freed 7/30/08
☛ ER Dowdy pleads guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter 7/29/08
☛ TS Dowdy to be released today

For the misdemeanor crime, Dowdy was sentenced to time already served without probation, and is to be discharged after he is processed at the jail, where he serves 190 days since January, following the Christmas Eve 2007 shooting death of Fortuna resident David Steed.

Facts. And truth.

George Clarks' recent foray into the Eureka City Council Race as the "progressive" candidate deserves scrutiny, since all signs are that Salzman is involved in this campaign.

Clark's recent fundraising letter contains the following statement: ...the right-wing developers will raise thousands of dollars to fund my opponent. In 2004, they spent over $150,000 in an attempt to unseat Chris Kerrigan, and in 2006 they spent nearly that amount in an attempt to defeat Supervisor Bonnie Neely. Often this money is raised in $1,000 chunks from big developers who are able to write those checks....

Correct me if I am wrong, Mr. Clark - But I believe Kerrigan outspent Rex Bohn with Kerrigan spending about $105,000, and Bohn at $102.000 or so.

What I remember is Bohn had about 20 pages or more listing small donors and the highest donation was $2K or so for an auction item, compared to Kerrigan's five pages or so that listed lots of large donors, the largest of which were Bill Pierson family entities totaling $12K+.

And, of course there was the infamous hit piece by Salzman himself.

But it IS laughable.

☛ from the Chicago Tribune

The Illinois General Assembly bill, also known as HB 4520, was introduced in January by Rep. Ken Dunkin (D- Chicago), who then insisted: "This legislation is not laughable. On the surface it's like, 'Oh wow, what is this?' But it's becoming more and more of a common problem with people haplessly crossing an intersection and almost killing themselves."

Under the proposed law, Illinois residents would get slapped with a misdemeanor and a $25 fine if caught using a cell phone or other wireless device while traversing streets.

A misdemeanor and a fine for using your cell phone or texting WHILE WALKING!

Judge rules, Open the Can - UPDATED

UPDATED:

◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012

****

☛ TS Gundersen's ex-wife to testify
☛ ER Ex-wife’s testimony will be heard
Superior Court Judge W. Bruce Watson ruled Monday that testimony from the ex-wife of former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen will be admissible.

Previous post: Opening the can of worms
Related coverage, with links

UPDATED:

◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012

****

Rape Crisis Center to fight subpoena - UPDATED

UPDATED:

◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012

****

The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office subpoenaed a rape crisis counselor who worked with Jane Doe 1 to testify at former Blue Lake Police Chief Dave Gundersen’s trial.

As a result, the North Coast Rape Crisis Center filed a quash motion on the grounds of doctor-patient confidentiality.

Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos said he subpoenaed the counselor for “transactional” reasons and not to hear testimony on whatever counseling took place with Doe 1.

“I’m completely disinterested in counseling,” he said.

When contacted, a representative from the North Coast Rape Crisis Center couldn’t confirm or deny that Doe 1 had any contact with them.

Gallegos used the example of a doctor who walks into a supermarket and sees their patient.

The doctor can testify as to whether they saw the patient in the supermarket in order to establish an alibi, for example, but not to any discussions when in a counseling session, he said.

In legal terms, to quash means to annul or suppress an indictment, a conviction or an order, according to a legal dictionary.

In this case, Gallegos said that the reason to quash the subpoena is for confidentiality reasons....

The quash motion will be heard by Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Bruce Watson on July 30.

☛ ER Rape Crisis Center to fight subpoena

☛ Links to reports on the Gundersen case

UPDATED:

◼ Former Blue Lake Police Chief David Gundersen has been cleared of all major charges first filed against him in 2008. - Arcata Eye MARCH 2012

****

How do you tell who the Local Solutions/Salzman candidate is?

He signs his fundraising pleas "In Solidarity." But he is no Lech Walesa.

How much is 17 grams of meth?

I mean, is that a little or alot? And how much is that worth?
☛ TS McKinleyville man arrested with 17 grams of meth

...A McKinleyville man was arrested Wednesday after sheriff's deputies allegedly found him in possession of more than 17 grams of methamphetamine.
At about 2 a.m. Wednesday morning, a Humboldt County sheriff's deputy conducted a vehicle investigation of a sedan parked at Washington Avenue and Three Cabins Lane in McKinleyville.
As the deputy approached the vehicle a man who had been crouched down next to the passenger door suddenly stood up and started to walk away.
The deputy asked the man, Houston K. Waters, 21, to walk back to the vehicle -- he complied. There were two occupants inside the vehicle. A warrants check revealed that all three individuals were on probation....

☛ ER Man busted for meth

,,,he was allegedly found to have 17.2 grams of meth...

So - here's a random sampling of answers
Life Sentence for 0.03 grams of Meth
Will .0056 grams of meth get you "high"?
...According to Wikipedia, "Methamphetamine is soluble in water; injection users usually dose 0.2 g in 3ml of water through a small needle." Addicts who snort meth or ingest it orally use more of the drug per dosage....
How much does meth cost?
...in Texas,
1/4 of gram is $20
1/2 of gram is $40
1 gram is $80
16th (which is a gram and 3/4 of a gram ) 120.00
8 ball which is 3 1/2 grams is $200.
...and the cost - depends. What are you willing to give? Your home? Your family? Your friends? Your health? Your life?

Montana Meth Project

Blog Talk

Marcy Burstiner is guest hosting Thursday Night Talk tonight on KHSU 90.5 (LIsten Live!) 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the subject will be blogging in the community. Tune in and call in with some thoughts. Her guest will be Carson Park Ranger Joel Mielke.
h/t: Marcy Burstiner (and Thank You)

Crescent City Girl Body Found, Miller arrested w/UPDATES

☛ Google SEARCH
What happened to Michelle?
◼ Miller pleads not guilty in Dickson killing 06/13/2009
◼ Arraignment for Dickson's alleged killer today 06/12/2009
◼ Miller hearing continued to June 03/13/2009
◼ Miller arraigned in Del Norte court 01/28/2009
◼ Josiah Miller returned to California 01/10/2009
◼ Miller faces Jan. 21 deadline for extradition 12/30/2008
◼ Murder suspect Josiah Miller to return to California 12/28/2008
◼ Hearing for Josiah Miller continued 11/07/2008
◼ Oregon Grand Jury accepts Miller indictment 09/19/2008
◼ Miller arraigned in Oregon for murder, corpse abuse 09/16/2008
◼ Miller to be moved by Monday 09/12/2008
◼ Murder suspect accepts extradition to Oregon 09/06/2008
◼ Request for extradition received by governor's staff 09/03/2008
◼ Request for Miller extradition to be sent to Schwarzenegger 08/22/2008
◼ Calls, towers can help pinpoint Dickson's last moves 08/18/2008
◼ Forensic scientists say Dickson case is priority 08/10/2008
☛ The Triplicate Bail set; process to move Miller begins 8/8/08
☛ TS Miller identified as Curry County corpse abuse suspect 8/8/08
☛ ER Miller identified as Curry County corpse abuse suspect
☛ TS Police: Dickson died of stab wounds 8/6/2008
☛ ER Crescent City woman was fatally stabbed 8/6/08
☛ Press Democrat Murder suspect fights extradition 8/3/08
☛ The Triplicate ‘More time to get more evidence' 8/2/08
☛ ER Miller’s attorney to fight extradition 8/2/08
☛ TS Murder suspect refuses extradition to Oregon8/2/08

Josiah Miller told a Del Norte County judge Friday that he will not be extradited willingly to Oregon to face charges filed in Curry County for abuse of a corpse -- a felony stemming from his suspected involvement in the death of 23-year-old Crescent City woman Michelle Ashlee Dickson.
After consulting with his counsel, attorney William Cater, Miller opted to fight extradition. According to information from the Del Norte District Attorney's Office, Miller is now scheduled to take part in an identity hearing on Aug. 7, to verify that he is indeed the suspect Curry County attorneys intend to prosecute.

☛ SignOnSanDiego Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ Contra Costa Times Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ SFGate Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ kolo-tv Murder Suspect Refuses To Be Extradited To Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ Oregon Public Broadcasting Murder suspect refuses to be extradited to Oregon 8/2/08 AP
☛ ER Roommate said Miller acted ‘pretty shady’ 8/1/08
☛ TS Miller faces arraignment for corpse abuse today 8/1/08
☛ TS Miller arraignment moved to Friday 7/31/08
☛ ER Murder extradition hearing continued 7/30/08
☛ TS No plea for Josiah Miller at Tuesday arraignment 7/30/08
☛ TS Dickson case: Victim's, suspect's families wait for answers7/30/08
☛ ER Hearing set today in murder case 7/30/08
☛ TS The monster among us 7/29/08
☛ TS Oregon charges Miller with abuse of corpse 7/29/08
☛ ER Arcata murder suspect may sit in Oregon jail 7/29/08
☛ ER Crescent City murder victim’s cause of death being withheld from public 7/28/08
☛ TS Dickson autopsy results being withheld 7/28/08
TS photo
☛ TS Dickson autopsy key to many questions 7/26/08
☛ ER Questions abound in Crescent City woman’s death 7/26/08
☛ TS A tragic end 7/25/08 A vigil for Michelle
☛ Whereisit? Cachers Make Gruesome Discovery 7/25/08
☛ ER Arcata man arrested after police recover missing woman's body 7/25/08
(emailed photo)
TS photo
☛ TS Updated: Arcata suspect arrested in connection with Dickson killing 7/24/08

Josiah Miller, the 27-year-old Arcata man listed as the only suspect in the recent killing of Michelle Ashlee Dickson, was arrested Thursday by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department.
"Just around noon, a detective with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department and a U.S. Marshall detained Mr. Miller at his residence in Arcata at the request of the lead invesigator in the Del Norte Sheriff's Office," said Brenda Godsey, spokeswoman for the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department.

TS photo
☛ ER Arcata man arrested in connection to Crescent City woman slaying 7/24/08
☛ KPTV - Portland
☛ On The Record Greta Van Susteren interviewed Del Norte Sheriff's Cmdr. Bill Steven
☛ Examiner.com Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman 7/24/08
☛ SF Chronicle Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman
☛ Fort Mill Times Hikers find body of missing Crecent City woman 7/24/08
☛ TS Sheriff: 'We've located the body'

The Del Norte County Sheriff's Department said today a body found underneath an Oregon bridge has been positively identified as missing Crescent City woman Michelle Ashlee Dickson.

”We've located the body,” said Del Norte Sheriff's Cmdr. Bill Steven.

A pair of hikers found the body Wednesday. It was unclear whether the body was dumped off the Thomas Creek Bridge, the tallest in Oregon, or placed underneath it. Her body is still being removed this morning, Steven said.

The Oregon State Police are handling the investigation.

☛ Triplicate Mom: ‘I've prepared myself for the worst' 7/24/08
☛ TS Officials find trace blood evidence in suspect's truck 7/24/08

No marijuana was discovered because Miller never brought it home, Steven said. Miller told authorities as he was returning home, he became nervous about having marijuana in his vehicle, and he threw it into the Klamath River, Steven said.

”That's also suspicious, in that why would you take the trouble to arrange a purchase of the marijuana and drive there just to throw it away?” Steven said.

☛ ER Arcata man now considered suspect in Crescent City woman’s disappearance 7/24/08
☛ Triplicate Blood found in man's truck
☛ Drug Policy Central MOTHER PLEADS FOR HELP IN FINDING MISSING DAUGHTER
☛ Coastal Curry Pilot MOTHER PLEADS FOR HELP IN FINDING MISSING DAUGHTER

According to a search warrant executed at Miller's residence last week, detectives found some upholstery had been cut out of his truck and that parts of the vehicle had recently been cleaned.

"What we have is the trace evidence that's left behind that's left in the foam," Morris said. "At this point we're disproving (Miller's) story little, by little, by little."

Morris said Miller has told the truth about some of the events that occurred the night Dickson went missing, but in other cases "his timeline is off."

Miller is the last person known to have seen Dickson on the night she went missing. He told authorities he met Dickson at the Crescent Beach picnic area around 10:30 p.m. July 15 to buy about three ounces of marijuana, and then drove back to Arcata after the alleged transaction.

"He said he threw the weed in the river," Morris said, because he was nervous about having it in his truck. "There are two people that say they saw him in Crescent City that night after 10:30. That's what we want to nail down."

Interviews with Miller have not produced the desired results, Morris said.

☛ ER Arcata man, 27, now considered suspect in Crescent City woman’s disappearance

An Arcata man is now considered a suspect in the disappearance of Michelle Ashlee Dickson of Crescent City, after trace evidence of blood was found inside his truck.

It’s unknown if the blood belongs to Dickson, as the California Department of Justice lab in Eureka is still processing the evidence, but 27-year-old Josiah M. Miller “is our suspect,” Del Norte County Sheriff’s Commander Bill Steven said.

“If you’ve got a pickup you’re known to take good care of, and all of a sudden you’re cleaning it real hard, both the bed and inside the morning this gal came up missing, to include removing chunks out of the seat, that tells a lot, doesn’t it?”

Miller, who previously lived in Del Norte County and has been living in Arcata, frequently visited the Crescent City area, Del Norte Detective Sgt. Steve Morris said.

He hasn’t been arrested as of Wednesday morning, but detectives found upholstery had been cut from his truck seat and parts of the vehicle had recently been cleaned when a search warrant was served at his home last week. His computer, clothing and truck were seized as evidence.

Miller allegedly met with Dickson the night of July 15 for a pot deal at a beach picnic area just south of Crescent City. She allegedly sold Miller three ounces of marijuana worth about $1,000.

☛ ER Evidence seized from Arcata man in connection to missing woman include truck, computer

Evidence seized following the disappearance of a Crescent City woman suspected to be the victim of foul play include the clothing, computer and truck of an Arcata man who’s been described as a “person of interest.”

☛ TS Missing woman's vehicle near site of drug deal meeting place 7/23/08

Following the investigators' search of the man's Arcata residence, several pieces of evidence were discovered. Authorities continue to await lab testing of that evidence.
Steven said he could not say what evidence was found at the residence, nor reveal the name of the Arcata man, but he said additional information will likely be released later this week.

☛ TS Investigators: Missing woman made pot deal night of disappearance 7/22/2008

Del Norte County Sheriff's Office detectives said Monday that the missing 23-year-old Crescent City woman believed to be the victim of foul play had arranged a pot deal just prior to her disappearance the night of July 15.

☛ ER Missing Crescent City woman made pot deal the night she disappeared 7/22/2008

A search warrant was served Wednesday at the home of the Arcata man Dickson met, Steven said, but he hasn’t been arrested. “When your home is searched and items are taken to the lab for processing, that could change,” he said. “His title could easily change from being a ‘person of interest’ to ‘suspect’ again.”

*** ☛ Triplicate ‘Leads are pouring in' 7/19/08

Today (July 19th) is Michelle Ashlee Dickson's 24th birthday and authorities still don't know where she is.

☛ ER Del Norte woman remains missing 7/19/2008
☛ TS Search warrants served in missing woman's case 7/19/2008

Authorities searched a home in Arcata and interviewed a missing Crescent City woman's friend as a “person of interest” in the investigation launched after her car was found abandoned and on fire earlier this week, officials said Friday.

☛ TS Crescent City woman missing after abandoned vehicle fire 7/17/2008

Foul play is suspected in the disappearance of 23-year-old Michelle Ashlee Dickson, whose car was found around 5:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 101 south of Crescent City.

☛ ER Possible murder investigation brings Del Norte police to Humboldt County 7/16/2008

OBITUARY - Michelle Ashlee Dickson (1984-2008)
Michelle Ashlee Dickson, 23 years old, died in July 2008.

Michelle was born on July 19, 1984 in Crescent City. She was anticipating completing her AA degree this year while working two waitressing jobs at Ship Ashore and Bistro Gardens. Prior to this, Michelle work-ed at Latitudes in Smith River. Michelle worked with Richard Wills for two years, a year-and-a-half of that time as manager.

Michelle graduated from Paragon High School in January 2002. She was a self motivated learner, completing three years of high school courses in one-and-a-half years, graduating at the age of 16. Michelle enjoyed time at the river, spending time with Matt, her friends and taking her dog to the beach.

She is survived by her mother, Sandy Davis, her step-father, Darrel Davis and her younger sister, Leila Dickson. She is also survived by her grandparents, Barbara and Alfred Coble of Crescent City, Nancy Jacomella of Crescent City, Darrel L. Davis of Crescent City and Bud and Cindy Dickson of Kamiah, Idaho. Her father, Randy Dickson resides in Crescent City. She is also survived by numerous extended family members.

Michelle is also survived by her significant other Matthew Salisbury, who has become a very special member of Michelle's family.

There will be a celebration of Michelle's life on Aug. 9 at Beachfront Park in Crescent City beginning at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers her family is requesting that donations be made in her honor at DENOCOS, 1244 Glenn St., Crescent City, CA, 95531.

A scholarship will be established in Michelle's name at a later date with Del Norte Scholarship Foundation.

The vast array of pro pot sites, though they usually post to any pot related story, almost complete silence on this one.

☛ TS Josiah Miller arraigned on murder charges
Josiah Miller, a 27-year-old Arcata man, was arraigned today on the charges of murder and abuse of a corpse in the state circuit court for Curry County, Ore.. His bail was set at $1,000,000 by Judge Cynthia Beaman
Previous coverage

☛ ER Murder charges filed against Miller

☛ TS Miller arraigned in Oregon for murder, corpse abuse
☛ ER Murder charges filed in slaying of Crescent City woman
☛TS Murder suspect Josiah Miller to return to California
☛TS Josiah Miller returned to California

Dowdy - Mistrial Declared

☛ TS Dowdy acquitted of murder
Thomas Dowdy Jr. was acquitted of second-degree murder in the Christmas Eve shooting death of David Steed on Thursday, but the court declared a mistrial on the lesser manslaughter charge due to a hung jury.

The foreman told the court the jury was deadlocked 11-1 on the manslaughter charge after voting on the matter four or five times during more than three days of deliberation. Sources told the Times-Standard the 11 jurors voted not guilty on the manslaughter charge, but prosecutor Ben McLaughlin and Dowdy's attorney, Blair Angus, would not comment on which way the vote fell.

McLaughlin did say that the one opposing juror refused to engage in deliberations.

”My understanding is that when they got to the manslaughter, this juror had his or her mind made up and would not deliberate,” McLaughlin said.

☛ ER Dowdy’s future remains unclear after mistrial declared
Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin said a decision will be made next week on how to proceed with the case against Dowdy, who’s accused of shooting and killing David Steed after a confrontation over stolen firewood escalated.

The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office has three options — dismiss the case, negotiate a plea deal or proceed with a new manslaughter trial. “A new trial is highly unlikely, but that decision hasn’t been made yet,” McLaughlin said. For now, Dowdy remains in custody at the Humboldt County jail.
☛ TS Jury: Dowdy not guilty of murder

Fortuna resident Thomas Dowdy Jr. was found not guilty of second-degree murder this morning in the Christmas Eve shooting death of David Steed.

The jury was hung 11 to 1 on a charge of manslaughter. It was not clear how the vote was divided.

The jury deliberated for three days before reaching its verdict after 11 a.m.

☛ ER Thomas Dowdy Jr. not guilty of first degree murder
☛ ER Mistrial declared in Dowdy manslaughter case

A Humboldt County Superior Court judge declared a mistrial Thursday in the voluntary manslaughter case against 22-year-old Thomas Dowdy Jr. Before doing so, the jury acquitted Dowdy of the second-degree murder charge. The jury foreman stated the jurors voted at least four to five times on whether to convict Dowdy of voluntary manslaughter, and the vote was consistently 11-1. It's unclear which side was in favor of convicting the Fortuna man.

Dowdy, who remains in the Humboldt County jail, has a new pre-trial scheduled for August 12. Deputy District Attorney Ben McLaughlin said one juror apparently wasn't deliberating and when the voluntary manslaughter charge was discussed, the juror's mind was already made up.

Update: ☛ ER Dowdy pleads guilty to misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter 7/29/08

Thomas Dowdy Jr. has been released from the Humboldt County jail or will be released later today with time served. He has been in custody since late January for the Christmas eve 2007 murder of Fortuna resident David Steed.

The jury found him not guilty last week of second-degree murder but was deadlocked regarding the voluntary manslaughter charge. The judge declared a mistrial last week because of that deadlock.

The family of Steed was visibly upset in court today.

☛ TS Dowdy to be released today

Thomas Dowdy Jr. will be released from the Humboldt County jail today after entering a plea of no contest to manslaughter at 2 p.m.

For the misdemeanor crime, Dowdy was sentenced to time already served without probation, and is to be discharged after he is processed at the jail, where he serves 190 days since January, following the Christmas Eve 2007 shooting death of Fortuna resident David Steed.

During his trial, Dowdy faced second-degree murder charges after fatally shooting Steed twice -- in the back and elbow.
After two weeks of testimony, the jury found him not guilty of second-degree murder, but deadlocked on the manslaughter charge, 11-1 in favor of Dowdy's innocence.