Humboldt Sentinel

Saturday, May 25th at 11 AM

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

To attend the local March Against Monsanto Eureka event:

Please meet at the corner of 2nd St. & I St. on Saturday, May 25th at promptly 11 am in Eureka– and be ready to March to the Court House on 5th and I St. 

Please bring signs, costumes & positive vibes.  Invite your friends and family too.  This is a non-violent protest.

For more information about the Eureka March Against Monsanto event,  contact the Eureka event coordinators at isisvaustin@gmail.com or jessusbasedmaynard@gmail.com.

May 25 ‘March Against Monsanto’ planned for over 30 countries

Eureka– March Against Monsanto has announced that on May 25, tens of thousands of activists around the world will “March Against Monsanto.”

Currently, marches are being planned on six continents, in 33 countries, totaling events in over 280 cities, and in the US, events are slated to occur simultaneously at 11 am Pacific time in 47 states.

Tami Monroe Canal, lead organizer and creator of the now-viral Facebook page March Against Monsanto, says she was inspired to start the movement to protect her two daughters.  “I feel Monsanto threatens their generation’s health, fertility and longevity. I couldn’t sit by idly, waiting for someone else to do something.”

An organizer for the march in Athens, Greece, Roberta Gogos, spoke about the importance of the events in austerity-impacted South Europe.

“Monsanto is working very hard to overturn EU regulation on obligatory labeling (questionable whether it’s really enforced in any case), and no doubt they will have their way in the end.  Greece is in a precarious position right now, and Greece’s farmers falling prey to the petrochemical giant is a very real possibility,” Gogos said.

Josh Castro, organizer for Quito, says he wants to protect Ecuador against Monsanto’s influence, too.

“Ecuador is such a beautiful place, with the richest biodiversity in the world,” Castro said.  “We will not allow this Garden of Eden to be compromised by evil multinational corporations like Monsanto.  Biotechnology is not the solution to world hunger.  Agroecology is.”

The Beat Marches On

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

A smattering of police reports:

Lack of Post-Release ‘Supervision’ for Bodhi Tree Has Its Deadly Consequences

Eureka– The Eureka Police Department named Arcata double-murder suspect Bodhi Tree as a person of interest in a recent Eureka shooting yesterday.

Eureka Police confirmed to the Times-Standard they’re looking at Mr. Tree in connection to a shooting that happened May 15th at an apartment in an alley off of “J” Street, about one block from Eureka High School.  The victim, 24-year-old Rhett August, was hospitalized after being shot in the torso.

Police say they’re not making any arrest yet, but have leads and information indicating Tree as a suspect.

EPD says they do not have the weapon that was used at the Eureka shooting.  Arcata police are still searching for the gun Tree allegedly used in the Arcata homicides.

Mr. Tree has pleaded not guilty in court for Saturday’s double homicide of Arcata High School student Christina Schwarz, 18, and Alan “Sunshine” Marcet, 28.

Humboldt County Probation Department Chief William Damiano confirmed Mr. Tree was released from state prison only a month ago and placed under post-release community supervision.

“He would have been released either way, either on parole or through (post-release community supervision) realignment,” Damiano said.

We suspect Mr. Tree failed his probation supervision agreement?  That is, if there was any community supervision to begin with.

We have been seeing these probation fails happening all too often lately.  The problem, as we’ve seen from countless police reports read, is that the probation or parole officer is nowhere, never, or ever to be found.  Like:  Nada, Presto, and Abracadabra– and he’s gone like a rabbit down the bunny hole.

Under the prison realignment post supervision program, the County Probation Department has received oodles of cash from the State to supervise returning felonious clients.  Have they been doing so?

Supervision can and does work.  That is, if you actually do it, keeping clients on the appropriate leash of rehabilitation, drug testing, and oversight.  Not so in Mr. Tree’s case, it seems.

We hope the community and courts actually look into what the level of supervision was that Mr. Bodhi had after he was released from prison last month.  Our probation fails and the subsequent dearth of supervision are having deadly consequences lately– as in the case of Jason Warren. There have been numerous others.  The Sentinel has been reporting on these routinely during the past two years.

It’s been a disturbing pattern to see.  It’s all too quietly slipped under the rug, conveniently blamed on prison realignment being the current catch-all panacea du jour, and Poof!  The problem disappears, the buck is passed, and everyone’s feet can go back on the desk for another day.

Expect this modus operandi excuse to happen again.  Repeatedly, as we’ve seen.

PROBATIONER BUSTED FOR DISPUTE AND DRUGS

Fortuna– On Wednesday, May 22nd around 9 in the morning, officers with the Fortuna Police Department responded to the 900 block of 8th Street in Fortuna for the report of property owner/tenant dispute in an apartment.

Upon arrival officers contacted Michelle Fink, 28, and Joel Guevara both of McKinleyville within the apartment.  During the contact it was learned that Guevara was currently assigned to felony probation for narcotics related offenses in Humboldt County.

During a search of Guevara’s property officers located 121.8 grams of suspected heroin, 1.2 grams methamphetamine, 11 methadone pills, drug paraphernalia and documents consistent with the trafficking of narcotics.

Joel Guevara was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail, he was charged with the following crimes;

• HS 11350 – Possession of a Heroin
• HS 11379 – Possession of Methamphetamine
• HS 11364 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
•  PC 1203.2 – Violation of Probation

Michelle Fink was arrested and transported to the Fortuna Police Department, where she was released on a citation for the HS 11364 – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Another probationer running amok without supervision and drug testing?  When folks are as sharp as bowling balls they need their own lane and a wide berth of gutter to fall themselves into.

* * * * * *

GAS STATION KNOCK-OFF

Arcata– On Thursday, May 23 at about 9:28 am, APD officers were dispatched to a robbery that had just occurred at the Patriot Gas Stationat 1675 Giuntoli Road in Arcata.

 Officers were advised the suspect had fled on foot southbound on Valley West Blvd.  Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

 The suspect was described as a dark-complected male adult about 5’10″ tall and 170 pounds.  The suspect was last seen wearing grey zip up jacket, a green beanie, and sunglasses.

 The suspect mentioned having a weapon, but no weapon was displayed or seen.  The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

What?  No Hot Pockets?  Obviously a pepperoni shy of a pizza and a few Doritos short of a bag upstairs.

Anybody with information on the suspect’s identity is asked to call the Arcata Police Department at #822-2248

* * * * * * *

CRESCENT CITY MISSING PERSON: JENNIFER EVERT

Occupy Eureka and the Scales of Justice

By Mitch
Guest Post to the Sentinel

Kim Starr, aka Verbena, is one of the people who spent time working with Occupy Eureka when they staged a protest in front of the Eureka Courthouse.

She’s also a member of the group called “Copwatch” which videotapes the police.

Verbena is not afraid to be rude or antagonistic.  She was born, perhaps, to be behind a bullhorn.  

Like all American citizens, Verbena is theoretically guaranteed certain rights by the Constitution of the United States.  These rights only exist to the extent that our elected officials and law enforcement officers are reminded of their existence, to the extent they are told they’ll lose office and perhaps go to jail unless they enforce them.  

We all like “freedom of speech” until American Nazis decide they’d like to march — then many people get upset when fans of the Constitution point out that our liberties are only solid if they are applied equally to those we may find
repulsive.  When the Nazis lose their civil liberties to march in public, we’ve
all lost our civil liberties; liberties that apply only to the popular are not liberties
at all.  People who aren’t fond of Nazis should understand this; not all do.

It’s hard for me to imagine a less pleasant demonstration than the one staged by Occupy Eureka at the courthouse a year and a half ago.

It succeeded in uniting much of Eureka’s population behind one desire — to clean up the courthouse grounds and get rid of the mentally ill people who were staging a 24 hour nuisance and party.  If that was not the goal of Occupy Eureka, it can honestly be said that it failed completely and spectacularly.

Occupy, with its noble but problematic concept that decisions be made by consensus of who shows up, and with its antagonism to the idea of leaders imposing directions, was a sitting duck for a takeover of their efforts.  

The police did not do a good job of dealing with the mentally ill people who formed a hazard in front of the courthouse, and the compassionate members of Occupy tried to help those people rather than send them away.

When people see a dozen concerned citizens trying to make a point, along with one or two mentally ill people yelling obscenities in their faces, they tend to focus on the mentally ill people yelling obscenities.  To the extent that the dozen concerned citizens are the ones who attracted the mentally ill to the area, the general Eureka population proved uninterested in the point the twelve might be making.

Unfortunately, Occupy and its hangers-on generated enough disgust and dismay that the county and city felt moved to restrict rights in the interest of moving it along.  With an “urgency ordinance” put in place quickly enough that no real thought was given to its Constitutional problems, law enforcement was able to move in late in 2011 and force the Occupy campers off the courthouse lawn.

On November 7th, in pre-dawn hours, the campers were rousted and instructed to move their belongings across the street from the courthouse.  

Video of the scene shows a bedraggled group of perhaps a dozen or 20 people dragging stuff across the street in compliance with instructions from law enforcement.  Video shows one guy playing bongo drums and Verbena, camera and bullhorn in hand, shouting.  Shortly afterwards, the Eureka Police Department declared the group across the street from the courthouse an “unlawful assembly,” ordering it to disperse.  Verbena did not, and was arrested.

Verbena says that some of her property, including a pop-up canopy that remained across the street from the courthouse lawn that morning, was seized by Eureka police.  It remained in police hands for five months, ostensibly for use as evidence, though it was never used as evidence. 

Despite repeated attempts, including repeated trips to Eureka Police Department, Verbena was never able to get some of the property back. The pop-up canopy came back broken, I believe.  I’ve heard that the internal cords holding it together had been intentionally severed, but I haven’t seen that, and I couldn’t know who might have done that or when.

Verbena was arrested again three days later.  

According to a digital audio recording made by the arresting officer, Sergeant Guy of the Eureka Police Department, it took about 20 seconds from the time Guy
exited his cruiser to the time he had Verbena in custody.  

Guy testified at the criminal trial that he arrested Verbena because she was unruly and encouraging resistance to his mission, which was to keep people from sleeping on the lawn.  But the audio recording indicates otherwise, with no shouting preceding the arrest.  (I haven’t heard the tape but have heard descriptions of it.  At most, Verbena may have said “people need to rest.”)

After the criminal trial regarding that arrest, which included testimony from Verbena, Sgt. Guy, and eyewitnesses to the arrest, a jury ruled 10-2 for Verbena’s acquittal.

Verbena was arrested once again, at the end of the month.

She sued in small claims court, alleging that her civil rights had been violated and that her property had been unfairly taken.  The hearing happened over the past two weeks, in front of a judge, Arvid Johnson, brought in from outside the county.

I decided to attend after the first day, at least when I was able, because I didn’t find any reporting of the hearing in the county’s paid media, and I viewed the Constitutional violations used to up-end the Occupy group as tragic.

I never did hear any coverage of the hearing until after it had finished, when the Times-Standard published a press release generated by the City of Eureka.  It accurately stated that the judge had found against Verbena on all three events about which she was suing.  

I’m writing this because it’s hard for me to understand how an objective observer could listen to the digital audio recording as described and not reach the conclusion that Sergeant Guy’s testimony about Verbena’s arrest was erroneous.  Yet that testimony did not pose any problem for the visiting judge, who ruled the testimony credible.  If he had not, he would have had to take Verbena’s Constitutional claims more seriously.

It’s nice to be able to think that the problems of society will be dealt with by “someone else.”  

You pay your taxes, and, you hope, the government will do its job more or less acceptably; it will  fix the potholes, keep you safe, and administer justice.  If we can convince ourselves that other people are doing the dirty jobs necessary to run a society, we can remain on the sidelines and feel that things will function without our direct attention. 

There are times, of course, when it becomes evident that the government is not doing its job acceptably. When I was in junior high and early high school, increasing numbers of protesters took to the streets against the government’s decisions about the Vietnam War.  Few things concentrate the mind as much as the realization that you or your friends might get drafted to get killed in a war against a group of southeast Asian peasants who have done you no wrong.

Somehow, around the time of the affable-appearing salesman Ronald Reagan, we largely seem to have decided as a nation that the government is doing — more or less — an acceptable job of things, and that we don’t need to intervene personally.

But what happens when someone sues for their rights and, perhaps because of their obnoxious behavior, a judge does not attempt to administer justice?  What happens when no one from society’s supposed watchdog, the “free press,” bothers to attend the trial, or even mention its existence until it’s over?

On a larger scale, what happens when a set of bankers is allowed to rob a nation’s pension funds, or when a set of executives decide to rob California’s “little old lady” electricity consumers, or when a set of oil executives decide they can risk drilling in the Gulf of Mexico because it is completely safe.  What happens when a society continues acting as though more equals better, even when “more” civilization is destroying the environment that supports civilization itself?

What happens when the government doesn’t intervene, because expensive lobbyists represent the bankers and the executives and the oil companies, and lobbyist-Congressmen realize that they need those lobbyists’ money to buy the expensive propaganda campaigns that they must use to convince enough of the electorate to vote against their own interests?  What happens when a stint in Congress or government office becomes an entree into the lucrative field of lobbying, instead of an opportunity to take part in moral self-government?

What happens when people protest that despicable behavior, and the disastrous effects that behavior has had on our society, but the population is so bothered by the mentally ill people that are attracted to the protest that they take sides against those who are protesting, even though their instinct, in many cases, is that the protesters are right about the problems to which they tried to call attention?

I think what happens is that society breaks down.  Government loses its ability to persuade people to sacrifice for moral reasons, because people no longer see any fairness in what the government requests.  I think, eventually, you get a population that sees the government as the enemy, instead of as its self-selected leaders.

And I think that’s what you’re seeing today.  Verbena, though obnoxious when speaking through her bullhorn, is right.

What are we going to do about that?

* * * * * * * * *

For those who may be unaware, here’s some background for Mitch’s guest post:

On May 14, a Sacramento visiting judge sided with the City of Eureka and four members of its police force in a civil lawsuit brought by activist Kim “Verbena” Starr.

Starr claimed her civil rights were violated when she was arrested attending Occupy Eureka protests on three separate occasions, according to the Times-Standard and the City of Eureka’s press release.

In addition to Eureka Police Chief Murl Harpham, the suit named EPD sergeants Patrick O’Neil and Mike Guy, and Officer Terry Liles.

In his ruling, Judge Johnson stated that the City and its officers acted professionally, “despite the fact that there was ‘clear and immediate danger’ due to the protest and attempts by Occupiers to deliberately elicit a reaction from Officers,” according to the release.

Starr is just one in a group of people associated with the Occupy Eureka movement who filed claims for damages against the city, its police department and various county offices stemming from several incidents in November 2011, December 2012, and January 2013 in which Occupy protesters were arrested in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse by police.

The Humboldt Sentinel welcomes opinions, submissions, comments and suggestions from all points of view.

(Images by the Humboldt Sentinel.  Posted by Skippy Massey)

28-Year Old Bodhi Tree Taken Into Custody

–NEW UPDATES–

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Two people, a male and a female, were killed in a house on Eye Street in Arcata early this morning.

People staying at the house said that a suspect, another houseguest, shot the two with a revolver.  Police have one individual in custody, identified as Bodhi Tree, 28-years old, and transient,” according to sources.

The victims have not been identified.  The houseguests at the scene said the female was an 18-year-old high school student.

The female was pronounced dead at the scene, according  to Arcata Police Department Lt. Ryan Peterson.  The male died shortly thereafter at Mad River Community Hospital. 

The names have not yet been released.  The shootings occurred early this morning in close proximity to the Arcata Skate Park, community tennis courts, and Humboldt State University.

This is the official APD statement:

On May 18, 2013, at about 2:00 am, the Arcata Police Department received a 911 telephone call from a residence in the 2400 block of Eye Street.  The caller reported hearing multiple gunshots within the residence.  Upon investigating, the resident found two acquaintances in another room suffering from gunshot wounds.

Additional links for this fast-moving incident can be found here:

DOUBLE HOMICIDE ON EYE STREET (Update 2)  (Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye)

Update: Police searching for Arcata double homicide suspect  (Times-Standard)

Suspected Double Homicide in Arcata This Morning (UPDATING)  (Hank Sims/Lost Coast Outpost)

Bodhi Tree, 28, arrested in connection with this morning’s double homicide  (Kevin Hoover/Arcata Eye)

Video of arrest of suspect Bodhi Tree (Andrew Goff)

UPDATE:  From the Arcata Police Department, May 18, 2013:

From the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office, May 20–  Victims Identified:

The Coroner’s Office identified the two people killed in the double homicide Saturday morning in Arcata.  They are:

• Alan Marcet – 27-years old, from Oak Park, Michigan
• Christina Schwarz – 18-years old from Eureka, student at Eureka High School

Autopsies pending scheduling of forensic pathologist for analysis.

UPDATE:  from the Times-Standard, May 24:

EPD Now Looking at Bodhi Tree as a ‘Person of Interest’ in separate Eureka High School Shooting Last Week

* * * * * * * *

(Our appreciation goes to Rose of the Watchpaul Blog for her updated links.  Thank you, Rose)

Man Shot As He Opens Door

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 15, at 10:23 pm, The Eureka Police Department received several calls reporting approximately four gun-
shots in the vicinity of the 1900 block of J Street in the City
of Eureka. 

The shots occurred across the street from Eureka High School.  The shooting was not involved with the school and the scene is considered safe, EPD said in yesterday’s release.

Officers responded and attempted to locate evidence of a shooting.  At about 10:34 pm while officers were still on scene, the Eureka Police Department was notified by the St Joseph Hospital Emergency room that they were giving care to a male with a gunshot wound. 

Eureka Police Officers were able to connect the “shots fired” call to the wounded male at the hospital.  The Eureka Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division responded to assume the investigation.

The wounded man was 24-year old Eureka native Rhett August.  August’s official medical status is unknown but he was able to give detectives a statement this morning after recovering from surgery.

August suffered a single gunshot wound to the upper abdomen.  A
friend in August’s home drove him to the hospital. 

Detectives learned that August received a knock on his door.  August went downstairs to answer the door, stepped out into the alley, and was shot at by someone.  He was hit by one of four bullets fired.

Other than his wound, evidence of several other bullet strikes was located.

“We are looking at this case as an attempted homicide,” EPD Detective Harpham told the Times-Standard.  “We were able to locate evidence that there was a shooting there, other than the bullet into the victim.”

Around 9:30 hours this Friday morning, EPD Investigators, POP Detectives, Parole Officers and Patrol Officers conducted a parole search at a home at the 2100 block of Spring Street.

Several subjects were arrested for outstanding warrants.  A 30-year old person of interest in the investigation was detained, interviewed, and eventually booked into jail for minor parole violations.

“At this point, we’re focused on only one person,” Harpham noted.  “He gave us a statement which included an alibi, and we’ll work on proving or disproving that alibi.”

A motive for the shooting has not been established, EPD said, but we would suggest looking in the filing drawer under ‘R’ for revenge.

This investigation is ongoing and EPD Detectives are still seeking information about the shooting, their release said today.

Anyone with information regarding this shooting should contact lead Detective Pete Cress or Senior Detective Ron Harpham:

Detective Pete Cress
pcress@ci.eureka.ca.gov or 707-441-4390

Sr. Detective Ron Harpham
rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov or 707-441-4305

Discharging Gun At Neighbor Over Noise and Leaves, She Goes to the Pokey

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 16, 2013 at about 8:30 pm, officers with the Fortuna Police Department responded to the 1800 block of
Kenmar Road in Fortuna for report of shots fired.

The reporting party reported that his neighbor was trying to shoot him.  Upon arrival officers determined that 66-year old Audrey Gipson had discharged her .357 Revolver at her neighbor during a dispute.

Upon further investigation, officers learned that Ms. Gipson was upset with her neighbor because of an ongoing issue with loud noise coming from the residence and leaves from vegetation in his yard that were falling into her yard.

Ms. Gipson admitted that during the dispute, she became upset over the ongoing issues and fired her revolver in the victim’s direction.

Ms. Gipson was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.  The Fortuna Police Department said they will be seeking charges for the following:

• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Negligent discharge of a firearm
• Brandishing

* * * * * * * * *

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.  Nothing makes you more tolerant of a neighbor’s noisy party than being there.  If you can’t make it, leave a nice note.

Officials to Update Public Later Today

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Last night, May 15th at 10:23 pm, The Eureka Police Department received several calls reporting approximately four gunshots in the vicinity of the 1900 block of J Street
in the city of Eureka.

Officers responded and attempted to locate evidence of a shooting.  About 10 minutes later while officers were still on the scene, the Eureka Police Department was notified the St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Room was giving care to a male with a gunshot wound. 

Eureka Police Officers were able to connect the “shots fired” call to the wounded male at the hospital and the Department’s Criminal Investigation Division responded to assume the investigation.

The wounded man is a 24-year old Eureka native and still in surgery at the time of this news release.  He is expected to survive. 

This incident occurred across the street from the Eureka High School.  The shooting was not involved with the school and the scene is considered safe.  No school shutdown is expected, EPD said. 

EPD Detectives expect an updated news release later this afternoon. Anyone with information regarding this shooting should contact lead Detective Pete Cress or Senior Detective Ron Harpham:

Detective Pete Cress
pcress@ci.eureka.ca.gov or 707-441-4390

Sr. Detective Ron Harpham
rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov or 707-441-4305

Dachshund ’Gigi’ May Hold Clue to Killer’s Location

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Photos and Description Given

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On Monday, May 13, a McKinleyville man reported to a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy that he had been intentionally struck by a truck.

Sheriffs are seeking the suspect.

From the Sheriff’s Office:

On 05-13-2013, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a 20-year old McKinleyville man who told the deputy he was struck intentionally by a truck.

When the deputy arrived at the McKinleyville Shell Gas Station 1606 Central Avenue in McKinleyville, the victim related the following:
    
The victim was standing in line to make a purchase inside the gas station when a male suspect behind him in line became irritated because the line wasn’t moving fast enough.

The victim attempted to explain to the suspect that the person in front of him at the register was disabled and needed extra time to gather his items and make his purchase.

The suspect got angry with the victim and began yelling obscenities at him.  The victim decided to leave and began walking out of the gas station and across Central Avenue in McKinleyville.

The suspect got into his truck and drove out of the gas station.  He accelerated at the victim, striking the victim with his truck and causing him to literally get knocked of his feet and fly through the air.  The victim landed on the shoulder of the road.

Several uninvolved citizens witnessed the assault.  The victim sustained injuries to his elbow, hip and knee.  Medical arrived, but the victim refused medical treatment.

The investigating deputy was able to obtain a video of the suspect from the gas station.  The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help in locating and identifying
the suspect.

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

The suspect is described as:

• White male
• Approximately 6’ tall and 220 lbs
• Late 50’s
• Balding with some hair on the side of his head.
• Driving a dark colored pickup truck, possibly a Nissan.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drugs, Warrant, and Arrest

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 12, at about 7:30 pm, a Eureka Police Department officer on uniformed patrol saw a black 1999 Mercedes sedan
traveling westbound on the 200 block of 14th Street in Eureka.
The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the Mercedes
for an observed vehicle code infraction.

The driver of the Mercedes, later identified as Steven Nicholas Upton,
yielded on the 1300 block of ‘A’ Street.

Upon contacting Upton, the officer recognized him.  He recalled Mr. Upton was presently wanted for a recent felony domestic violence offense and subsequently took him into custody.

Mr. Upton is well-known by police.

During a search to his arrest, the officer located several grams of marijuana and drug use paraphernalia on Upton’s person.

Mr. Upton, unemployed, was also suspiciously found to be in possession of multiple $100 and $50 dollar bills.

Additionally, Upton’s 32-year-old male passenger was on felony probation.

Officers conducted a search of Mr. Upton’s vehicle.  Under the driver’s seat, officers found a loaded .40 caliber Walther P99 semi-automatic pistol.  A criminal history check confirmed Mr. Upton was a convicted felon– and thus prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
 
The young Mr. Upton, at the tender age of 23, was again arrested by EPD.  This time he was pinched for:

• Carrying a concealed loaded firearm in a vehicle
• Being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• And being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition

He was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Pokey where he was booked on the aforementioned felony offenses, in addition to the separate domestic violence charge.

We don’t know what happened to the drug charges, traffic violations, the passenger or the money.  Loitering about somewhere, we think.

Door-to-Door Searches Begin in Mattole

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The search for wanted triple-homicide suspect Shane Miller continues.

As of last Friday, 70 law enforcement officers were in the Mattole Valley and Bureau of Land Management’s King Range Recreation area, also known as the Lost Coast, searching for Miller following their sixth day of an intensive manhunt.  The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reported door-to door are being conducted in efforts for finding the alleged killer, according to the HCSO press release. 

The area where Miller’s vehicle was located was searched extensively over the weekend, without results.

SWAT Teams from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Corrections converged onto the scene last week in their search for the alleged killer Miller.

They were joined by a gaggle of law enforcement officers from the:

• Arcata Police
• Eureka Police
• Fortuna Police
• Rio Dell Police
• California Highway Patrol
• Bureau of Land Management
• Cal-Fire
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol and Kern County Sheriff’s Office
• …And a team of United States Marshals– along with a Specialized Communications Truck they brought along with them.

The King Range Conservation Area is 65,000 acres in size and has no paved roads.  One of the most rugged and rural areas of Northern California, it’s located in the aptly-named Emerald Triangle, a region well known for  its intensive marijuana cultivation, off-the-grid self-sufficiency, and equally independent citizens.  Normally peaceful, quiet, and extremely private to the rule, the flavor of the bucolic area has changed as dozens of law enforcement have descended en masse into the Mattole Valley and the small town of Petrolia.

Officers are re-searching areas previously searched– and have been gradually expanding to additional areas outside the original scope.  They’ve also checking numerous cabins and vehicles in the area.

There has been no sighting of Miller since his truck was located in the 30000 block of Mattole Road last week.  He has seemingly vanished without a trace into the Lost Coast wilderness.

As of Friday, Mattole area residents were no longer being requested to shelter in place.  They are, however, being advised to stay in at night and lock their doors.  They are also requested to report any break-ins or other unusual activity immediately.  Check points may continue.

The Mendocino Sheriff’s Office had a 12-member SWAT Team arriving yesterday assisting in the search for Miller.  Officers will continue to search the King Range Conservation Area by foot with the assistance of helicopters today.

Ground search efforts were expanded to include door-to-door residential searches, the HCSO said.  They emphasized enforcement actions during these door-to-door searches will be limited only to the apprehension of the triple homicide suspect, Shane Miller.  They don’t want residents to be any more on edge than necessary and hope the necessary intrusions are minimal at best.

Area schools remain open with a law enforcement presence nearby.  Fixed roadway check points (north and south) of the search area remain in place.

Twelve additional United States Marshals are expected to arrive at the search area today– complimented by the twelve Marshals currently in place.

A two-hour Community Meeting was held Sunday at the Petrolia Community Center, where Shasta County Sheriff’s Office and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office representatives answered questions and addressed concerns from the community.

A second Community Meeting is scheduled at the Honeydew School for Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 5:00 pm.

Officers continue to work together in an attempt to uncover information that might lead to the location of Miller, the HCSO said in their press release.

“We are trying to gather intelligence from people in the area and we want to make sure people are safe, advise them of what’s going on, and find out if they have seen anything suspicious,” Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey said.

Residents hope Miller is soon caught and that law enforcement will depart as quickly as they arrived so their lives and livelihood can return to normal.  No one knows when that will be– or if anyone will be hurt before that happens.

Additional information on the manhunt can be found in the Times-Standard article today, “Officials Update As Mattole Manhunt Enters Sixth Day“.

The HCSO would like to relay the following information:

“Anyone who witnesses any suspicious behavior or anything that appears to be out of the ordinary is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251, or 911 in an emergency.”

Saturday, May, 11 at St. Bernard’s High School Gymnasium

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The community is invited to attend ‘An Evening with Betty’.

Come hear local advocate for the homeless Betty Chinn share stories of her life, her work with our local homeless population, and her recent trip to China to receive an international award.  This was Betty’s first trip back to China after having escaped over 45 years ago.  

This event will take place at St. Bernard’s High School Gymnasium on Saturday, May 11.

Doors will open at 6 pm, with dinner at 7 pm.

This is a kick-off fundraiser for Betty’s new Day Center, which will open in the fall.  Come see the building plans and learn about the programs that will be offered, while enjoying a delicious dinner provided by Rita’s.

Beer, wine and margaritas will also be available.   

Tickets for this event are $20 each, and are available in advance at Picky, Picky, Picky or The Booklegger in Eureka, or at the door.  Get your tickets early!  This event WILL sell out!

For more information, please call Lisa at 822-7923.

~Thank You

City Attorney Threatens Legal Action for “Frivolous” Appeal of Pension Bonds

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

You’ll remember back in December the Eureka City Council, at the request of retiring City Manager David Tyson,
quickly approved a resolution allowing the city to issue pension
funding bonds.

The measure would thereby refund the California Public Employees’ Retirement System Public Safety funds that the City was paying into.  According to a staff report, the action would save the City an estimated $1.4 million.

The City sought a court decision allow it to approve the issuance of $8.2 million in bonds without the standard two-thirds vote of the public.

City of Eureka Finance Director Paul Rodrigues stressed the bonds would pay off the City’s $7.8 million unfunded liability debt due to the state public employees’ retirement system, CalPERS.

“We think, as a city, that we have the potential to save $1 million to $1.4 million over the next 14 years,” Rodrigues told the Times-Standard.  “We view that as a positive.  We are not trying to pull the wool over anyone’s eyes.”

Rodrigues added that the unfunded liability is “very common” among member agencies.  “There is some misperception that somehow the city has fallen behind on their pension obligations,” he said.  “This is not the case at all.  The city of Eureka has always met its pension obligations to CalPERS and never once fallen behind on its payments.”

Eureka resident Bill Holmes challenged the bond matter in April, believing the  issue deserved a vote by its citizens.  Mr. Holmes said at the time:

For my fellow Eurekans who treasure their right to vote:

The Constitution of the State of California has guaranteed since 1879 the voters the right to approve by 2/3 majority the sale of long term obligations (Bonds).

In the dark of election night last November, the Eureka City Council passed a resolution that in effect filed a lawsuit against “All Persons Interested.”

In effect every citizen of Eureka was sued, but more importantly the 14,000 voters of Eureka were sued to strip them of their right to vote on an $8.5 million bond issue – and ALL PENSION BOND ISSUES IN THE FUTURE.

We have (less than) one week to fix this.

Trial is next Monday, April 8th, and I have asked for a jury trial.

I am not a lawyer and the best defense I will be able to mount will be a few simple constitutional arguments– and hope that the jury rules in our favor.

If you want the details go to my blog:  http://highboldtage.wordpress.com

This is a bizarre reverse class action lawsuit and I was the only one to answer it.  Am I the only one in Eureka that cares about the right to vote?  I don’t think so, but where are you?

I think the bonds are crappy junk bonds but the city has the right to issue crappy junk bonds – if the voters approve.  That’s my issue.

Call the City Council and demand that they end this farce NOW!  Demand that they WITHDRAW THE LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU AND PUT THE BOND ISSUE ON THE BALLOT.

Have a peaceful day,

Bill

Mr. Holmes went to court– and lost.  He was ill-prepared, jurisprudentially speaking.  He is appealing the decision.

Yesterday, the City of Eureka sent out an unusual press release to the Sentinel singling out Mr. Holmes for bringing the matter to court, adding that it is “considering its legal options against Mr. Holmes for the filing of the frivolous notice of appeal and opposition to the validation action.”

The City Attorney’s unsigned letter read:

“On November 21, 2012, the City of Eureka filed a validation action in the Superior Court of Humboldt County seeking a judgment validating that the City had properly authorized the use of pension refunding bonds for the purpose of refunding unfunded liabilities of the City to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

Issuance of the bonds, which was approved by the City Council on November 6, 2012, would be advantageous to the City due to current low interest rates, resulting in considerable interest savings to the taxpayers of the City of approximately 1.4 million.

On April 8, 2013, Judge Dale Reinholtsen of the Humboldt County Superior Court held a hearing on the City’s request for a judgment validating the issuance of the bonds. The only person opposing the validation was William Holmes, who failed to give any legal basis for his opposition and failed to file an opposition brief as required by law.

The Superior Court entered judgment in favor of the City that same day, first determining that the City had complied with all requirements for giving notice to the public of the action, and then validating that the City is authorized by law to issue the bonds. Judge Reinholtsen’s order stated that all proceedings by the City with respect to issuance of the bonds in question were “valid and binding.”

Mr. Holmes filed a notice of appeal of the judgment on May 7 in an attempt to prevent the City’s issuance of the bonds.

“We are disappointed to learn that Mr. Holmes has filed a frivolous notice of appeal which could delay bond issuance even though the appeal has no merit,” said Mayor Frank Jager. “The City has a rare opportunity to take advantage of very favorable market interest rates which the City may lose if issuance of the bonds is delayed.”

If the bond issuance is delayed the taxpayers stand to lose 1.4 million dollars.

The City will take prompt action to obtain dismissal of the appeal and is considering its legal options against Mr. Holmes for the filing of the frivolous notice of appeal and opposition to the validation action.”

Make of this what you will.

We have our own take of Eureka’s continual efforts towards gilding its finances and payroll to its own benefit.

You are already aware of the fact that the Eureka City Council has also been handing over money and staff time for a private railroad proposal, slipping a smooth $100 grand to the Eureka Chamber of Commerce every year, and paying oodles of dough defending and losing costly lawsuits.  They still haven’t hired a new police chief after several years.

We were also none too pleased reading Grant Scott-Goforth’sTime-Standard article reporting that “Eureka paid $16 million in wages — the 10th highest total out of more than 100 cities with populations between 10,000 and 30,000,” too.

We hope the City can gets back to basics– like repairing the miserable condition of its streets– rather than looking after its own and leaning on the little guy standing up for his day in court.

Cinematographer Chad Ross Shows His Work At Eureka High School, 6:30 pm

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

This evening, Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 pm, filmmaker Chad Ross will be sharing his work with Humboldt County residents.

Ross will relate his “Art Meets Storytelling” projects such as the film “100 Elephants,” an excerpt of his documentary “Walking Dreams,” as well as his recent commercial work for Nike and Chanel as part of the continuing series Local Filmmakers Night.

Director/Cinematographer Chad Ross has been making videos and films since 2003.  While attending film school in Seattle, he got his first break making short visual films with break dancers.  The videos caught the attention of Microsoft, who then hired him to work on a project called The Green Room, where he traveled the world over, shooting interviews with some of the world’s best and most famous musicians.

Shortly after, Ross was awarded a Seattle City Artist grant award for directing his first feature film called “The Way of the B-boy.”  The film won an award for Best Music Documentary in the New York International Independent Film Festival.  Soon after, he started work on his second film “Walking Dreams,” a documentary on the famous performance painter, David Garibaldi.

Ross is currently working on music videos and commercial work, most recently for the iconic fashion company Chanel, featuring artist David Garibaldi.

Local Filmmakers Night, a collaboration between Access Humboldt, Film Humboldt, and the Eureka High School Media Club, is a screening series that supports and promotes the local film community.  The event is held at the Eureka High School Lecture Hall on the corner of Humboldt St. and K St. (next to the Gymnasium).

A Question & Answer period will follow Ross’ screening.  Movie trivia, prizes, and a reception will follow at the adjacent Access Humboldt Community Media Center.

Doors open at 6:30 pm. Screening starts at 7 pm. Cost of admission is $5 per person and all are welcome to attend.

Shasta Triple Homicide Suspect on the Loose in Southern Humboldt

Mattole Residents Advised to ‘Shelter in Place’ by Sheriff

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On May 8 at approximately 3:30 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen that wanted Shasta County Homicide suspect Shane Miller’s Gold Dodge 2010 pickup truck was seen at the mouth of the Mattole River in Petrolia.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with officers from the California Highway Patrol, the Fortuna Police Department and the Rio Dell Police Department responded to the area.

While enroute to the scene, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office began receiving 911 calls that Miller was in the truck and was driving on the Mattole Road towards Honeydew.

Deputies and officers from the other agencies converged on the area.  After an extensive search they located the truck parked and vacant in the 30000 block of Mattole Road.

Deputies searched the area and are still on scene looking for Miller.

Anyone who resides in the area is requested to shelter in place.  If anyone sees Miller they are requested to call 911.

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

* * * * * * * * *

Previously from the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office:

Shane Franklin Miller is a suspect in the triple homicide shooting of his wife and two daughters in Shingletown, CA.  Miller is considered armed and dangerous, and possibly having access to a cache of weapons. 

Sheriff’s Officials are pursuing leads in the Northern California Region and a nationwide manhunt bulletin has been issued.

Suspect is believed to be driving a Gold 2010 Dodge Mega Cab Pickup with a camper shell.  CA License #8Z75988

VICTIMS:

Sandy Miller, wife, 34 years old 
Shelby Miller, daughter, 8 years old
Shasta Miller, daughter, 4 years old
  
SUSPECT(S):

Shane Franklin Miller: White male, Red hair, Blue eyes, 5’10”, 200 pounds
DOB 05/08/1968, 45 years of age

* * * * * * * *

More information can be found at The Record Searchlight.

This Saturday, May 11th from 9am — 7pm
(VIDEO)

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

“Our vision: We envision a community where no one is hungry, and everyone in Humboldt County has access
to good quality, nutritious food, everyone in the community
understands the consequences of hunger and poor nutrition,
and that each one of us has a role to play in creating a
strong, healthy community.”

Serving Humboldt County since 1979 and serving as Humboldt County’s Food Bank, Food for People brings together community participation and volunteers helping to continue the fight against hunger.

Humboldt County residents are asked to volunteer and help “Stamp out Hunger” during the 21st annual Letter Carriers Food Drive taking place this Saturday, May 11, from 9am to 7pm at 307 W. 14th Street in Eureka.

Postal employees in Humboldt County will be picking up donations of nonperishable foods and delivering it to the local Food Bank headquarters.

Volunteers help unload the incoming postal carrier trucks, sort the food, and package it properly for storage.  You can help.  It’s easy to participate, your help is greatly needed, and it’s the right thing to do. 

Here’s What You Can Do:  Simply volunteer for an hour or more the day of the food drive.

Please contact Anna for details and to sign up for a shift at anna@foodforpeople.org, or call (707) 445-3166, ext. 310.

All ages and abilities will be working side-by-side for our local folks, families, children and seniors needing food assistance.  With our local and national economies facing significant challenges, cuts at the state level, and increasing numbers of people out of work or unable to earn enough to pay the bills, the success of this year’s drive is important.

It’s a fun gathering.  Over 100 folks, civic organizations, churches, families and students will be there.  Come join us, meet your community, and let’s work together.  They put out a very nice spread of refreshments, food, pizza, and other goodies available for everyone, so it’s a great way of getting those teenagers into some meaningful community service!

Food Donations Accepted– Every Can Counts:

Community members can also help through donations of food.

Check your pantry and leave a donation of nonperishable food by your mailbox on Saturday.  Your letter carrier will pick it up and take it to Food for People.

 Thank you, Humboldt County, and to our local postal carriers.

~Please pass this on and we look forward to seeing you there!

More Reports From the County Sheriff’s Office

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Violent SoHum Claw ‘n Hammer Assault

Phillipsville– On May 7 around 10:00 in the morning, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls from citizens about a violent altercation taking place.

They told the dispatchers a female and her boyfriend were fighting at the Deerhorn Trailer Park located in the 2700 block of Highway 254 in Phillipsville.

While the dispatchers were on the phones with the citizens, they were told the female had left, but then returned to the residence and was now hitting the male with a claw hammer. Deputies and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene.

When the first deputy arrived at the residence he heard a male screaming inside, “She is still hitting me!”

The deputy attempted to enter the home after announcing his presence; however the front door was locked.  The deputy then kicked open the door and shoved his way into the residence.

The female suspect had shoved a couch in front of the door to block law enforcement from entering the residence.  Once inside, he witnessed the female suspect, later identified as Jessica Ann Darsch, 31-years old, beating the living daylights out of her 32-year old live-in boyfriend with her fists.

Ms. Darsch’s boyfriend was covered in blood and holding their 20-month old female child.  The deputy immediately grabbed and subdued Darsch, who fought with the deputy’s attempt to handcuff her.  After he successfully handcuffed Darsch, medical personnel entered the residence and began treating the victim.  He had wickedly been struck in the head, arms, and hands with the claw hammer–  in addition to being pummeled with fists.

The victim told the deputy that he and Darsch got into an argument and she began hitting him with her fists and an even harder-headed hammer.  He said she was holding their child while she was doing the beat down.

Ms. Darsch was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, felony child endangerment and resisting arrest.

She was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked on those charges and an outstanding domestic violence arrest warrant.  Her bail is set at $75,000.

The male victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.  He is expected to fully recover.

The child was not injured. Child Welfare Services were notified and authorized the child to be watched by a neighbor until the father can take custody of the child.

* * * * * * * *

Missing At-Risk Juvenile

Eureka– On May 4 at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the grandmother of a missing juvenile.

The grandmother told the investigating deputy her granddaughter, Kirin Aurealas Maciel, 14-years old, from Eureka was missing.

She told the deputy her granddaughter has medical issues and was very concerned for her well-being.

Maciel left her grandmother’s residence on Meadowbrook Lane in Eureka on foot.  A friend of the grandmother told her she saw Maciel walking towards downtown Eureka about 4:30 p.m. that afternoon.

Deputies checked the area for Maciel but didn’t locate her.  The Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help in locating her.

Kirin Aurealas Maciel is described as:

• 14 years old
• white female
• 5’3” tall and 140 lbs
• Blue eyes and strawberry-blond colored hair

She was last seen wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and dark-colored pants.

UPDATE:  On 05-14-2013, approximately 10:00 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office spoke with Redding Police Department who informed the Sheriff’s Office Kirin Maciel had walked into their office and was located safe and in good health.  Her grandmother picked her up from Redding Police.

* * * * * * * * *

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding these cases 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.

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office This Week–

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

HOMELAND SECURITY LEADS TO  ARCATA ECSTASY BUST

Arcata– On April 26, the Humboldt County Drug Task Force was contacted by an Agent with the Homeland Security Investigation Unit (HSIU) regarding a package that they had intercepted.

The Agent with HSIU relayed that the package was being shipped from China through the United States Postal Service to a residence located in the 4900 block of Airstream Avenue in Arcata.

The package contained 106 grams of MDMA– also known as Ecstasy.

On May 3 the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Drug Task Force and HSIU, conducted a controlled delivery of the 106 grams of MDMA to the residence. After the delivery of the MDMA, officers served a search warrant at the residence.

Officers detained 5 suspects at the residence.  During their investigation officers learned that Bradley C. Remington, age 20, who was one of the five subjects detained, was the suspect that had ordered the narcotics from China. 

Mr. Remington, to note, was on felony probation for assault with a deadly weapon and with a search and seizure probation clause.

Officers learned through their investigation that Remington’s residence was located in the 4900 block of Valley East Blvd in Arcata.  Officers then went to Remington’s residence to conduct a probation search.

Officers located 10 pounds of processed marijuana in Remington’s residence.

Officers placed Remington under arrest for possession for:

• Sales of a controlled substance (MDMA)
• Possession of marijuana for sales
• Violation of probation

Mr. Remington was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

The other four suspects at the residence were released at the scene.  This case is still under investigation by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigation Unit.

 Anyone with information on this case or related drug activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-444-8095 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip line at 707-268-2539.

ALDERPOINT ROAD RAGE BEATING

Alderpoint– On May 4 at 9:20 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding some type of road rage incident– two to three miles past the Harris-Alderpoint Junction– on Alderpoint Road in Alderpoint.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies and California Highway Patrol Officers responded to the scene.  When they arrived they spoke with the victim, a 28-year old male from Alderpoint.

The victim told the deputies he was driving a U-Haul truck when he became involved in a traffic accident with a 2011 white Toyota Tacoma truck, rear ending it.

After the accident, the victim reported seeing the male passenger– later identified as Terry Robinson– in the Toyota truck and exiting the vehicle carrying a silver-colored metal pipe, four feet long and three inches in circumference, in his hand.

Mr. Robinson approached the driver’s door of the U-Haul truck as the victim was attempting to exit his truck.  Robinson began striking the victim two to three times on the right side of his arm with the metal pipe.

The victim retreated into the truck and closed the door to escape the attack.  Robinson then struck the truck several times with the pipe and shattered the driver’s side window of the truck.

The victim called 911 to report the attack.  The victim had injuries to his arm consistent with being stuck by a blunt object, and the U-Haul truck had damage including a smashed in drivers side window.  The victim denied medical attention.

Deputies spoke with Terry Michael Robinson, 31-years old from Eureka, who was still at the scene.

Robinson admitted to having a pipe, but denied striking the victim with it.  Robinson told the deputies “it was for protection” because he believed the U-Haul intentionally ran into the Toyota truck he was in.

Deputies arrested Robinson for assault with a deadly weapon and transported him to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.  He was booked and his bail was set at $50,000.

DETERMINED DIESEL DWEEBERY

McKinleyville– On May 5 at 7:00 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by an employee of the McKinleyville Community Services District (MCSD) regarding a vandalism and theft.

A deputy met with the employee at the end of Letz Lane, McKinleyville.  The employee told the deputy unknown suspect(s) cut and removed the gate to their building located at the end of Letz Lane using bolt cutters which were found at the scene.

The suspect(s) then cut the diesel tank intake fuel line and attached a garden hose to it.  Once the hose was attached, the suspects removed approximately 150 gallons of red dye diesel from the tank.

The employee believed the crime occurred between May 4th and 5th during the late night or early morning hours.

There was a large amount of fuel spilled on the ground leaking into a drainage ditch and then into a stream. MCSD immediately worked to contain the spilled diesel and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, along with Humboldt County Environmental Health, were notified and responded to the scene.

MCSD had placed a camera on top of the building because of a previous incident in December of 2012 when 130 gallons of diesel was stolen, and that camera was stolen by the thieves.

The total loss this time was estimated at $2,000.

MISSING JUVENILE GONE LOST

Eureka– On May 3 at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the father of a missing juvenile.

The father told the investigating deputy his daughter, Michelle Hibberts-Goodwin, 15-years old and from Eureka, was missing.

She goes by the nickname of “Elle.”  She was last seen in the area of Eureka High School around 2:30 p.m. and was supposed to take the bus home.  She failed to show up.

Michelle Hibberts-Goodwin is described as:

• White Female
• 5’2” tall, 125 lbs
• Blue eyes, blond and black hair

She was last seen wearing jeans with sparkles and a black top.

UPDATE,  MAY 7:

On 5-7-2013, approximately 12:00 noon, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Principal of Eureka High School that missing person Michelle Hibberts-Goodwin, 15-years old, showed up at school.

A deputy responded to the school and confirmed Hibberts-Goodwin was there.

She was in good health and told the deputy she voluntarily left home, but decided to return due to media attention.

* * * * * * * *

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding any of these cases 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.

Popular Annual Event To Benefit Animals

Saturday, May 4, 9 am-2 pm
2941 Williams Street, Eureka

(And here’s a tip:  Our plants and books are priced very, very low.  The best bargains may be towards the end of the day when we discount everything even further)

 

The Humboldt Low-Life High Style

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 1 at High Noon, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit (CRU), assisted by the Rio Dell Police served a Humboldt County Superior Court
search warrant for marijuana on five storage units on
Northwestern Avenue in Rio Dell.

The deputies had been working on this investigation for over a month after receiving complaints from citizens.  The storage units were located in the old Eel River Saw Mills Industrial Park Planer Shack which had been converted to other industrial uses.

When deputies arrived on scene they located a sophisticated marijuana growing operation in the storage units.  The units contained:

4,300 growing marijuana plants– ranging in size from three inches to five feet

76 pounds of dried processed marijuana

And 49 Peyote buttons.

They also located two aggressive Pitbull Terriers at the grow site and evidence that someone lived at the storage site.

While deputies were searching, the person who lived on site arrived on scene and was arrested for cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana, along with possession of an illicit drug.

He was identified at Geoffrey Allan Davis, 32-years
old, of Rio Dell. 

Mr. Davis was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked and released.

Davis’ girlfriend was called to the scene and took custody of the two Pitbulls.

Some of the storage units had medical marijuana cards posted in them.  However, due to the quantity of marijuana, package material, scales and other evidence indicating this was a commercial “For Sale” growing operation, all of the marijuana was removed.

Deputies are still investigating other
suspect’s involvement and anticipate
further arrest warrants being issued,
the HCSO said.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs 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 Dumb Spud in the Hand is Worth Two in the Hazzard County Bush

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On May 1 at approximately 1:30 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Deputy driving a marked patrol car spotted a
stolen Green 1995 Honda Civic in the parking lot of Blue Lake
Casino.

The Honda was unoccupied so the deputy concealed his patrol car and watched the Honda from a distance.  Approximately 15 minutes later the deputy saw three peeps enter the Honda and drive away.  The deputy got a good look at all three occupants, including the driver.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the Honda as it was leaving the parking lot.  The Honda sped up as soon as it saw the patrol car was attempting to stop it– and the Dukes of Hazzard potato-headed pursuit was on.

The Honda fled northbound on Chartin Road towards Blue Lake Blvd. in Blue Lake, then turned westbound on Glendale Drive reaching speeds of 70 mph in a 35-mph zone.

The Honda then turned onto Fieldbrook Road.  Additional deputies
joined in the pursuit.  The pursuit ended when the Honda turned onto
David Lane, Fieldbrook, which is a dead-end dirt road.  All three suspects
in the vehicle immediately ran into the heavy brush at the end of the roadway.

A homeowner hearing the sirens and commotion exited his home and caught one of the spudly suspects trying to sneak away as deputies were searching the heavily wooded area for the suspects.  The homeowner saw the suspect walking up his driveway behind where the deputies were searching.  The homeowner grabbed him by the shirt collar and held on until the deputies took custody of the ‘lil tuber.

That suspect was identified as Dana Alan Cooley, 21 years old, from McKinleyville. Deputies were unable to locate the other two dim bulbs who fled into the bush.

The Blue Lake Casino is assisting the Sheriff’s Office with the investigation by providing video surveillance of the suspects getting into the car.  The initial deputy identified Cooley as a passenger– and not the driver– of the vehicle. 

A relatively small Mr. Potato Head of sorts in this criminal caper and certainly no Lex Luthor of organized crime, Mr. Cooley was booked and released on his own recognizance from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) on charges of probation violation and resisting arrest. 

The HCCF sign at intake reads, “You must be this tall to be booked into the Pokey” and Potato Head Cooley was a peach fuzz Tater Tot kid in comparison.  No Russet Burbank, Cooley failed meeting the minimum height requirement by several inches.

The dumb-as-a-potato driver of the Honda was described as:  White male adult with a goatee, wearing a baseball cap and was wearing a dark colored jacket or sweatshirt, approximately 5-4, 130 lbs, with brown hair.

The fingerling female– a french fry passenger– was described as:  Dark skinned, possibly Native American or Hispanic.

The Sheriff’s Office is actively working to identify and Shanghai both of the dumb spuds, coercing them gently into the deep fat fryer of justice.

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

They left their plan below.

$14 Million Modern Health Care Facility Comes to Fruition

Newest Open Door Clinic Provides Affordable Care and Access to All

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Open Door Community Health Centers has finished construction of the new Eureka Community Health and Wellness Center located at 2200 Tydd Street in Eureka.  The Center officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday.

The Open Door Community Health Centers’ newly-built clinic is a $14-million, 27,400-square foot operation that will provide medical and behavioral healthcare.
 
Herman Spetzler, CEO of the non-profit Open Door Community Health Center and board chairman of the North Coast Clinics Network, Congressman Jared Huffman, Eureka Mayor Frank Jager, and Humboldt County Supervisor Virginia Bass were on hand for the festivities, joined by other local leaders in the community who played a big hand in the opening.
 
At the podium, Representative Huffman addressed the many people who helped make this center a reality and spoke about the benefits to the local area.  Funded in-part by the Arcata Economic Development Corporation, The Headwaters Fund, and the Humboldt Area Foundation, the Center is designed to bring significant savings to the community while providing low-cost and affordable health care to all.

State-of-the-Art Facility
 
This 27,400 square foot facility providing primary medical and behavioral health care is almost triple the capacity of the formerly crowded clinic site on Buhne Street.  The new clinic is expected to serve more than 12,000 individuals, providing over 50,000 visits per year.

The clinic integrates strong design and state-of-the-art diagnostic, telehealth and electronic health record systems with innovative team care to improve health outcomes by facilitating best medical practices, patient education, and efficient clinic operations.

The exemplary building was designed to support team care, patient-centered health homes, wellness and illness prevention activities.  Created using principles of green and sustainable design, habitat and wetland protection, and energy efficiency, the facility will be a showcase model for other health care providers from across California and the nation, Open Door officials said.

In October 2010, the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration awarded a grant to Open Door under the Affordable Care Act Capital Development Program.

These funds, paired with an innovative loan agreement with the Arcata Economic Development Corporation, the Headwaters Fund, the Humboldt Area Foundation, and a significant investment by Open Door, brought the $14 million facility to a reality.  Open Door used local resources constructing the building, investing millions of dollars into the local economy.  Danco Builders Northwest was the project’s general contractor.

To match the facility’s expanded physical capacity, Open Door has hired new providers and support staff.  Six new medical and behavioral health providers have been added to the clinic staff.  Another 25 positions, from front desk to medical assistants to registered nurses, have also been added.

Creating the Vision for Affordable Health Care Access

“We opened the original Eureka Community Health Center in 1991,” says Cheyenne Spetzler, Chief Operations Officer of Open Door Community Health Centers.  “We recognized that many Eureka residents were going without health care because of financial or transportation barriers.”

CEO Herman Spetzler reminisced on Open Door’s progress over the years, leading to this moment.

“When Cheyenne and I moved to the north coast in 1977, we thought it was a good place to spend a few years.  I knew I was joining an organization scraping for every dollar and pinching every penny, but the committed people who began Humboldt Open Door Clinic in 1971 were convincing: there wasn’t enough access to health care on the north coast and we could do something to change that.

“Forty years later, we still have that original clinic, and we’ve added nine more clinic sites.  Under the banner of Open Door Community Health Centers, we serve folks from Garberville to Gasquet.

Last year at least one out of every four residents of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties was served by Open Door.  To visit one of our clinics is to see every segment of the population living on the North Coast of California.

“We have matured and our patients have become representative of all who live in our community.  We have expanded services to be more responsive and comprehensive in our care.

“Our clinics offer primary medical, dental and behavioral health care for urgent, acute, routine and chronic needs.  We have specialists in a variety of fields.  We offer services for women’s health, teen health, prenatal care and deliveries, specialized services to prevent or treat HIV/AIDS and, through the use of technology we can connect our patients to specialists anywhere in the world.  We focus on disease prevention and health improvement through nutrition counseling, smoking cessation, a community garden, chronic disease management and other wellness activities.

“While so much has changed, so much has remained the same.  Open Door is bigger, better and provides much more health care than we ever imagined, yet I still work for an organization that scrapes for every dollar and pinches every penny.”

 
Transforming the Mission of Health Care

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Willard “Bill” Hunter agreed, saying the Eureka Community Health Clinic is also transforming the mission of health care delivery.

“We are making a real shift in how we provide care, and it is a direction that makes sense to our providers, staff and patients here at ECHC,” Dr. Hunter said.  “We’re moving from the idea of doctors as ‘all-knowing-experts-in-everything’ to a team approach model.  The goal is that we work together – patients included – to coordinate the care that best meets our patients’ health needs.”

“We get the best results through a team approach, and we have fully evolved teams, with physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, nurses and medical assistants all contributing to care.  We’ve literally rearranged our work stations so that the entire team is in constant communication.  We know each other’s patients; we can maintain the continuity of care.  We’ve seen a tremendous expansion of access and a positive response from our patients,” Dr. Hunter said.

In addition to increasing patient health care access and services, the Center is a long-term investment in the economic health of the community.  The project came together quickly: less than 30 months from grant award to project completion.  The new clinic began serving patients on December 26, 2012.

Open Door will treat patients regardless of the ability to pay and no one is turned away.  Offering extended evening and Saturday hours, the clinic’s pediatric services will soon be gearing up next providing walk-in services and evening hours for the entire community.  When the situation is not life-threatening, the new facility is expected to provide patients an affordable and quality alternative to visiting the emergency room.

“There still isn’t enough access to health care on the North Coast, and Open Door can still do more to change that,” Spetzler noted.  “We may be celebrating 40 years of service, but we are not resting.  The North Coast still seems like a good place to spend a few years.”

Garret Rodriguez last seen on Murder Mountain

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

Another prospective pot farmer who came to Humboldt County to grow has gone missing.

Garret Rodriguez has not been heard from for over six months, according to his father, who has also contacted all of Garret’s friends. His father claimed Rodriguez arrived last year “to work on a ranch growing medical marijuana,” according to Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant Steve Knight.

The ranch was located in the “Murder Mountain” area, according to the father.

The HCSO is asking for the public’s help in locating Rodriguez, who is described as a 29-year-old Caucasian male, 180 pounds and 5 feet, 8 inches tall with brown hair and green eyes. He was last known to be driving a 1998 Dodge Ram pickup truck with California plate number 7P63498.

Members of the public with information on this case are asked to contact the HCSO at (707) 445-7251 or their Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

First Hatching of Eagle Chicks Seen in 40 Years

(LIVE VIDEO CAM)

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

After 35 days, the first eaglet chicks to hatch in Humboldt may
be seen in their nest along with their proud parents.

Through the above webcam set up near Humboldt Bay in December, the first of two newly hatched chicks emerged yesterday after two eggs were laid back in March.  The second eaglet hatched this morning.

Thousands of folks viewed the hatching event online through the Humboldt Bay Eagle Cam installed and maintained by the Humboldt Wildlife Center, through a grant from Eureka’s Sequoia Park Zoo.  The novel webcam provides a rare glimpse of image and sound of a both a mating pair of eagles and their young live in the nest.

The eagles built their nest high above the trees in an undisclosed location of Humboldt.  They’ve been raising baby eaglets– 10 to 12 of them in total– in this general area since 2006.  Before that, the last time an eaglet hatched in the vicinity was 40 years ago, Humboldt Wildlife Center Co-Director Monte Merrick said.  This is the first time they are being viewed in the wild.

“Hopefully these babies, these eagle chicks, we’ll get to watch them grow up.  Obviously, there’s no guarantees in this world but these guys stand a really good chance of becoming grown-up eagles,” Merrick said.

Fundraiser to Help Pixie’s Loleta Meat Market Move

Deep Pit Pulled Pork Barbecue on the Menu

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The Friends of the Loleta Meat Market are holding a luau on Saturday, April 27, at the Loleta Fireman’s Pavilion beginning at 5:30 p.m., with dinner being served until 8:30 p.m.

Dinner tickets are $15 for deep pit pulled pork, rice, assorted salads, fruit, and bread with butter.

The event will have free live music along with beer and wine for $3.  Coffee and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available throughout the evening festivities.

The event has been organized to help raise funds to offset moving and renovation expenses.  The 81-year old Loleta Meat Market is planning to move into the Gilded Rose located just up the street from its current location.

You may remember the thorny issue back in January when many folks, mostly Loleta locals, came to protest the Loleta Bakery and its owner Peter van der Zee after he handed Loleta Meat Market owner Pixie Setterlund a 60-day eviction notice, saying he needed to expand his adjacent popular bakery.

News of van der Zee’s proposed expansion — he and his wife Jeanne own several of the properties that make up quaint downtown Loleta, including the meat market — had local residents in an uproar due to evicting Setterlund.

The issue subsided amicably after the van der Zees made a large monetary donation and set up a bank account to help Pixie and her business move down the street into the Gilded Rose, which van der Zee also owns.

Others in the community also pitched in their support for Pixie.  They took to Facebook, organized, protested, offered to help Pixie move, and made donations.  An online petition called “Save Loleta Meat Market” garnered well over 300 signatures.  Protesters swelled to a crowd of more than 40 citizens at the time holding signs.   ”This business feeds our community,” read one colorful sign. “We love meat” and “We love Pixie,” read others.

Saturday’s pig luau is yet the latest example of the rallying support and help for Pixie and the Loleta Meat Market by the community.

”The community has been awesome with their donations and most of all emotional support,” Loleta Meat Market co-owner Pixie Setterlund said.  “I have never seen a community get together like this.  It is truly amazing.”

Setterlund said business has gone up 25 percent since January.   ”We are all very humbled by the community outpouring,” she said.

There will be Dutch and silent auctions with live music provided by ‘The Lost Coasters’ performing authentic Hawaiian music during the luau.  Dancing to the Rooster McClintock Band will heat up the floors after dinner ends at 8:30 p.m.

For more information, contact the Loleta Meat Market at 733-5319.

* * * * * * * *

Self-Proclaimed Mongol Gang Member, Mr. Lundin Takes a Trip to the Pokey

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On April 22 at approximately 11:55 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of possible kidnapping
victim being treated at a local hospital emergency room.

A deputy respond responded to the hospital and met with the 63 year old female victim.  She told the deputy she was home alone at approximately 8:00 p.m. of the same day at her residence in the 2500 block of Central Avenue in McKinleyville when she heard a knock at the door.

She opened the door and Eric Eugene Lundin, 63 years old from Arcata, grabbed her by the neck and pushed his way into the residence.  He began shouting at her accusing her son of stealing marijuana from him as he shoved her backwards.  He made her sit on the couch in the living room of her residence as he continued shouting at her.  He then removed two handguns from his pockets.  One handgun was a silver-colored semi-automatic handgun and the other was a black semi-automatic handgun.

Lundin set the guns on the coffee table in front of her and then removed a pill bottle from his pocket and ordered her to take three pills which he gave her.  He told her the pills were methadone and it was the easiest way to make her overdose.

Lundin repeatedly told her she was going to die, while also stating several times he was a member of the Mongols motorcycle gang and they do not leave witnesses.  After the victim took some pills he placed the black semi-auto handgun to her temple and told her to call her adult son and have him come home.  He then stuck her television with the handgun breaking the screen and grabbed her cell phone and threw it across the room, destroying it.

Lundin ordered her into his pick up truck parked in front of her residence.  He drove the victim around from McKinleyville to Arcata while telling the victim all the places he could hide her body.  Lundin eventually dropped the victim back off in front of her home and told her he only wanted to scare her.

A Be-On-the Lookout (BOLO) was placed for Lundin to area law enforcement agencies.  Arcata Police located Lundin at his residence in Arcata in the 1100 block of G Street in Arcata.

Mr. Lundin was arrested at the residence for:

• Kidnapping
• Assault
• Brandishing of a firearm
• Burglary
• Being a convicted felon in possession of firearms
• Administering drugs to commit a felony
• Vandalism
• Transportation and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Deputies also recovered two loaded semi-automatic handguns.

Lundin was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked and his bail set at $100,000

The victim was admitted to the hospital.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Tip Line 707-268-2539, the HCSO said.

* * * * * * * *

Wait ’til the Mongols hear about this one.  We suspect they won’t take kindly to some dimwitted knucklehead pulling these sorts of stunts while using their name in vain.  Keeping up appearances, they get a little touchy over this kind of thing.

How Many Chances Do Probationers Get When They’re Not Being Supervised?

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

On April 18 Eureka Police Department officers and detectives responded to a motel at the 4000 block of
Broadway to investigate a stolen car in the parking lot.

During their investigation, Robert Tyson (age 32), Casey Hunter (age 31) and Daniel Silva (age 28) were contacted inside one of the rooms and arrested for unrelated charges.  The motel room, registered to Tyson and Hunter, was searched as a result of Tyson’s probation terms.

The search yielded a stolen laptop computer, 191.5 grams of Marijuana, 25.7 grams of Hashish, 32.4 grams of Heroin, 63 grams of Methamphetamine, and various prescription pills.  Also collected were numerous laptop computers and other electronic items, suspected of being stolen property.

Mr. Tyson was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale, Possession of Concentrated Cannabis for Sales, Possession of Heroin and Prescription Medication for Sales, Possession of Stolen Property, and an outstanding warrant.

Ms. Hunter was arrested for Possession of Stolen Property and an outstanding warrant.

Mr. Silva was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant.

All three subjects were transported and booked into the Humboldt County Jail.

The stolen vehicle, which originated the investigation was recovered and towed to a local tow yard.

But this isn’t Mr. Tyson and Ms. Hunter’s first time around the criminal drug block.  They were popped only six months ago– under similar circumstances– at the Royal Inn in Eureka.  Here’s what happened back then:

On 11-26-2012 at about 1000 hours the Humboldt County Drug Task Force conducted a probation search at a motel room located at the Royal Inn on 5th Street, Eureka.  Agents contacted three subjects in the motel room, who they identified as:

• Casey Marie Hunter, age 31
• Robert Eric Tyson, age 31
• And Steven Michael Ridley, age 27.

When Agents searched the motel room they located about 50 Vicodin pills that Agents learned were being sold at $2.00 dollars a pill, 3 pounds of marijuana, ½ of an ounce of methamphetamine, a methamphetamine smoking pipe and a loaded .22 caliber revolver.

Agents arrested Robert Tyson for being armed in commission of a felony, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of Vicodin for sales, possession of marijuana for sales and for violation of probation.  Mr. Tyson was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and his bail was set at $ 50,000 dollars.

Agents arrested Steven Ridley for an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest for a narcotic violation, for possession of methamphetamine, for violation of probation and for possession of a methamphetamine smoking pipe.  Mr. Ridley was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and is currently being held without bail, because of his outstanding arrest warrant.

Agents arrested Casey Hunter for possession of a methamphetamine smoking pipe.  Ms. Hunter was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked and released on her promise to appear in court.

This case is still under investigation by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.

* * * * * * *

Once again we ask the question:  how many chances does one get flaunting their probation?  Where were the Probation Officers providing court-ordered supervision for their drug-addled felons?

It’s both a shame and a crime when the Eureka Police Department and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office have to come along and clean up these messes when the Probation Department is either unwilling or unable to do so.  The Sentinel has reported this happening repeatedly and we’ve given example after example showing this to be the case, yet the non-supervision problem continues unabated.

Perhaps someone needs to wake up from their desk and start doing the job they’re supposed to do.  It’s no wonder EPD leaves out the Probation Department while giving the following advice for citizens:

Anyone with information concerning suspected drug activity, or other nuisances occurring in the City of Eureka is encouraged to call EPD’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit at (707) 441-4373.

Bill Holmes Believes Voters Should Have Had Their Say

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

This came to us by way of Tom Sebourn’s blog.  We thought you ought to be aware of it.

From Bill Holmes of Eureka–

For my fellow Eurekans who treasure their right to vote.

The Constitution of the State of California has guaranteed since 1879 the voters the right to approve by 2/3 majority the sale of long term obligations (Bonds).

In the dark of election night last November, the Eureka City Council passed a resolution that in effect filed a lawsuit against “All Persons Interested.”

In effect every citizen of Eureka was sued, but more importantly the 14,000 voters of Eureka were sued to strip them of their right to vote on an $8.5 million bond issue – and ALL PENSION BOND ISSUES IN THE FUTURE.

We have (less than) one week to fix this.

Trial is next Monday, April 8th, and I have asked for a jury trial.

I am not a lawyer and the best defense I will be able to mount will be a few simple constitutional arguments– and hope that the jury rules in our favor.

If you want the details go to my blog:  http://highboldtage.wordpress.com/

This is a bizarre reverse class action lawsuit and I was the only one to answer it.  Am I the only one in Eureka that cares about the right to vote?  I don’t think so, but where are you?

This issue cuts across party and left/right lines.  My issue is that I am a small “d” democrat who wants to protect democracy.  I think the bonds are crappy junk bonds but the city has the right to issue crappy junk bonds – if the voters approve.  That’s my issue.

Call the City Council and demand that they end this farce NOW!  Demand that they WITHDRAW THE LAWSUIT AGAINST YOU AND PUT THE BOND ISSUE ON THE BALLOT.

have a peaceful day,
Bill

* * * * * * *

We think Bill has a point and we appreciate his bringing the pension bond issue to court.  A bond obligation was made without consent of the voters and they got sideswiped in the deal.  It should have gone to ballot.

Of course, we have our own take of Eureka’s continual efforts towards gilding its finances and payroll for its own benefit while something as basic as its streets– a function of City government and your taxes– remain in miserable disrepair.

The City Council would rather fork over money and paid staff time for a private fantasy railroad than actually doing anything remotely resembling something beneficial for its public citizens.  Or slipping a smooth $100 grand to the Eureka Chamber of Commerce every year just because they can. Or paying oodles of dough defending, and losing, costly lawsuits.

We were also none too pleased about Grant Scott-Goforth’s Time-Standard article reporting “Eureka paid $16 million in wages — the 10th highest total out of more than 100 cities with populations between 10,000 and 30,000.”

The pension bond issue is just more frosting on the self-serving cake.  Their cake.

We wish you the best of luck, Bill.  We’ll be curious what the court has to say.

That is, if Ms. Belisle Doesn’t Get to it First

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

On April 4, 2013 at about 5:30 pm, a Sergeant with the Fortuna Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 700 block of South Fortuna Boulevard.

While speaking with the female driver, suspected stolen property was observed in the passenger seat of the vehicle.  Upon questioning, the female admitted that she had stolen checks in her purse, Fortuna Police said in their release.

Sandra Belisle, age 42 of Fortuna, was placed in custody and a search was conducted on her vehicle.   As a result, officers located numerous pieces of mail belonging to victims throughout the Eel River Valley as well as additional stolen property.

Belisle was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

- Possession of Stolen Property
- Possession of Stolen Mail
- Displaying False Registration Tabs

A search warrant was then served at Belisle’s residence located in the 3400 block of School Street in Fortuna.

As a result of this search, officers located additional stolen property including several credit cards and property stolen during two residential burglaries.  Officers also determined that Belisle had and was using equipment to alter checks after removing them from various mailboxes.

Currently, officers have identified more than two dozen victims and recovered stolen property valued at several thousand dollars.

Belisle also has several prior theft cases currently pending in Humboldt County Superior Court.  Ms. Belisle was released from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility after posting bail.

* * * * * * * * *

Check your mail.  And the neighbors with suspiciously large smiles.

(Posted by Skippy Massey– soon to be AWOL from the Sentinel desk for some much needed R and R)

–And Jonas Semore, Too.  Again.

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

We hope someone gets the memo.

On April 3rd, just around lunch time, a Eureka Police
Department officer on uniformed patrol observed a suspicious vehicle up to no good stopped in an alley between O and P streets, and north of the 1400 block of 6th Street, in Eureka.

The officer saw a female suddenly exit the 4-door sedan and quickly walk into the fenced backyard of a nearby known drug house.  It appeared the female was attempting to avoid contact with the officer, EPD said in their release.

The officer approached the vehicle and contacted the driver whom he immediately recognized as 40-year-old Jonas Randall Semore of Eureka.  The officer knew Semore to be on felony searchable probation for possession of a controlled substance for sale and also a documented local gang member.

Mr. Campbell

The officer then recognized Semore’s rear passenger as Scott Ryan Campbell, age 36, of Eureka. Campbell was also on searchable probation and a documented local gang member going by the moniker of ‘Droopy’.

Officers detained both subjects.  A records check on Campbell revealed a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest for possession of drug use paraphernalia.  During a subsequent search of Campbell pursuant to his probation terms, officers located a large baggy of crystal methamphetamine (approximately 17 ½ grams or over ½ ounce).  Droopy went down, getting busted again.

Semore’s driver’s license was confirmed suspended for DUI. Officers also found Semore to be in possession of $4,590 cash although he is unemployed.  The cash was seized as suspected drug sales proceeds due to the circumstances and additional evidence uncovered at the scene.

Mr. Semore

Mr. Campbell was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on his warrant and for fresh charges of possession and transportation of a controlled substance for sale and probation violation.

Mr. Semore was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was busted for driving with a suspended license and probation violation.  Again.

Mr. Semore got popped only a month ago with 18 pounds of weed.  Even though he was on felony probation at the time and in violation of his terms, Semore was let out of jail in short order.

Officers found items in the suspects’ car identifying the female passenger who walked away as Dawn Shonea McElroy, age 23, of Eureka.  Records checked revealed McElroy has a felony warrant for her arrest, but alas, like a little bird that’s flown, she got away.

She remains outstanding as of the time of this report, EPD noted.  Well, there’s always tomorrow.

We beg the question in regards to Mr. Campbell and Mr. Semore:  Both are on probation, both are well-known to law enforcement, and both are gangbanging felons with lengthy histories.

Both were recently busted and then released by a too-permissive District Attorney and judge.  Both supposedly were under supervision by their local probation officers with drug and search clauses.

Our question?  If they’re going to be released into the wild blue yonder, why aren’t they being supervised appropriately under their court-ordered conditions at the very least?

In what’s becoming the new normal lately, the Sentinel has uncovered more than two dozen examples of this very same AWOL behavior happening repeatedly– again and again– in the past year.

We hope someone at the office wakes up and gets the memo to do their job.

The good news?  They didn’t kill anyone like Jason Warren allegedly did when he, too,  was prematurely sprung without supervision.

* * * * * * *

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Cast Adrift Without a Clue– or a Moral Compass

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

“There are crimes of passion and crimes of logic.  The boundary between them is not clearly defined.”
~Albert Camus

New Lead in Golf Course Sexual Assault:  EPD Seeks Owner of this Bike

EUREKA– On March 30, 2013, at about 6:00 p.m. the Eureka Police Department received the report of a sexual assault that had just occurred near the Eureka Municipal Golf Course on Fairway Drive.

The victim reported that she was walking on Fairway Drive when she heard a male in the nearby bushes asking for help.  She saw that the male was bent down on one knee and appeared to be injured.

When she approached the male, he used force to push her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. 

The suspect is described as a white male adult.  He is about 5’8’’ tall with a medium build and brown eyes.

He was wearing a gray ski mask so his exact age is unknown but he appeared to be in his 30’s.  He may have a reddish-brown thin mustache.

He wore a black hooded sweatshirt, dark blue exercise pants, and flesh-colored gloves.

The suspect was last seen on foot on Fairway Drive.  Anyone with information concerning this assault is urged to call Detective Cress at the Eureka Police Department at 441-4044. Refer to case number 3C13-2697.

The Eureka Police Department has a new lead in the case.  On the same evening, about two hours later, a citizen reported a bicycle abandoned on their property, several blocks north of the crime location, on F Street. The description of the subject who left the bike was similar to the description of the rape suspect given by the victim.

Two pictures of the bike are here.  Clicking on the pictures will enlarge them.  Anyone who recognizes this bike is asked to contact either lead Detective Pete Cress or Senior Detective Ron Harpham.  

Detective Cress:  pcress@ci.eureka.ca.gov  or 441-4390  

Detective Ronald B Harpham:

604 C Street, Eureka, Ca 95501  #707-441-4305   rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov

* * * * *

Abandoned Puppies Left to Die, Rescued

FORTUNA– On 04/01/13 at approximately 1:30 pm, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control was dispatched to the area of Palmer Creek Road and Valley Road in Fortuna for a report of 5 abandoned puppies.

Upon arrival, Animal Control officers found 6 puppies in a grey Rubbermaid style tote.  The puppies and the tote were covered in feces and urine and were sitting in the direct sun.  There were no air holes in the tote, and the small holes in the handles had been covered with duct tape.  The citizen who discovered the puppies advised that there was a lid with the tote and it was found lying on the ground next to it.

The puppies appear to be Border Collie mix, approximately 7 weeks old.  Dehydrated and malnourished, they were transported to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Animal Shelter.

It is unclear exactly how long the puppies had been at that location, the HCSO said.  A citizen who was in the shelter when the puppies were brought in stated that she thought she had seen the tote sitting there the previous day as she was traveling on U.S. Highway 101.

The abandonment of an animal is a crime.  Anyone with information about these puppies is asked to contact Animal Control Officer Nims at (707) 445-7251or call the Sheriff’s crime tip line at (707)268-2539.

* * * * *

‘Explosive’ Fire in Eureka Has Burn Victim in Critical Condition

EUREKA– A burn victim was been flown to the U.C. Davis Medical Center after an explosion and fire in Eureka.

It happened around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, at 3555 Pine Street in Eureka.  Humboldt Bay Fire officials said they got to the scene and discovered the 40-year-old male victim on the sidewalk with second and third degree burns on his arms.

The explosion and fire started in an attached garage behind the victim’s home. Firefighters said there was dark gray smoke coming from inside. The victim said there were fireworks in the garage, but investigators also found butane which started to explode as they were extinguishing the flames and forcing them to attack the blaze from the outside.
 
There was no one else inside the home.  The victim was taken to St. Joseph Hospital and later flown to U.C. Davis.

Humboldt Bay Fire officials said due to ‘suspicious circumstances’ that were present they will be conducting a further investigation.  The garage was destroyed and $50,000 in extensive damages resulted.

UPDATE April 3:  Fire investigators said today the blaze was caused by the illegal manufacturing of concentrated cannabis—or, butane-extracted hash.

* * * * *

Traffic Stop Yields Meth, Stolen Property, and a Whole Lot More

EUREKA– On 4/01/13, at about 11:12 am, a uniformed Eureka Police Department officer on patrol observed a white 1987 Oldsmobile sedan traveling southbound on the 1400 block of Broadway in Eureka.  The officer noticed the Oldsmobile’s windshield was shattered and he decided to stop the vehicle for the violation.

The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle on the 1500 block of Broadway.  When he asked the occupants for identification, the front passenger, Richard Burse Firebaugh (AKA: Richard Green), stated he thought he had a bench warrant because he had missed a court date.  A local wants/warrants check on Firebaugh confirmed he had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.

The officer placed Firebaugh under arrest for his warrant.  During a subsequent search of Firebaugh’s person and belongings, the officer located 8 individual small baggies containing crystal methamphetamine (approximately 4.4 grams total gross weight), two digital gram scales, 100 small clear plastic baggies (drug sales packaging materials), drug use paraphernalia (two meth pipes), and a suspicious set of keys.  The keys had been filed down making their ridges smooth.  The officer suspected these were “shave keys” commonly used for committing auto burglaries or stealing cars.

Inside Firebaugh’s leather jacket, which had been resting on the floorboard at his feet, the officer found a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 revolver. The revolver’s registered owner was subsequently contacted and asked if he knew the present whereabouts of his handgun. The owner, who resides in McKinleyville, confirmed he had recently reported it as stolen to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to his warrant, Firebaugh (age 28 of Fortuna) was arrested on multiple fresh charges and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for:

• Possession of a controlled substance for sale
• Possession of stolen property
• Possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm
• Possession of a firearm with intent to commit a felony
• Possession of a concealed firearm by a passenger in a vehicle
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of burglary tools

* * * * * *  

More on the Hit-and-Run Bang ‘Em Up Crash and Property Damage on Buhne and I Streets

EUREKA—For those who remember, on 3-10-13 at about 5:09 in the morning, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Buhne and “I” streets on the report of a hit and run that just occurred.  Upon arrival Officers located a tremendous amount of property damage including: signal light pole down in the road, damaged fencing to a residence, damage to the chain link fence at Carson Park, and a large tree nearly pushed over, and miscellaneous vehicle debris belonging to a Dodge truck.

The registered owner of the truck, Chelsea Eisenberg was contacted at Wabash and “E” streets where the Dodge finally stopped running.  She explained to investigating Officers that she was driving the Dodge when the collision occurred and was attempting to follow a car that “came out of nowhere” that caused her to crash.  After speaking with her for a while Officers suspected that she was providing false information due to numerous inconsistencies with her statement.

Eisenberg then told Officers that her fiancé, Julio Gonzalez, was driving the truck when he crashed at Buhne and “I” streets.  She said that Gonzalez was at their home a few blocks away.  Officers were unsuccessful in contacting Gonzalez that night and he was determined to have a suspended driver’s license.

Officers spoke with Gonzalez a couple days later. He told the officers that he was driving home when he fell asleep and crashed the truck.  He said he left the scene because he has a suspended driver’s license.

The investigating officer will submit a report to the District Attorney’s Office requesting the following charges:

Mr. Gonzalez to be charged with Hit and Run, Driving while Suspended, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.

Ms. Eisenberg to be charged with Delaying / Obstructing Peace Officer, Providing False Information to a Peace Officer, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.

* * * * *

Lost in Shelter Cove

SHELTER COVE– On 04-1-2013, at 2:00 am, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) of a lost motorist in the Paradise Ridge Area, Shelter Cove.

The lost motorist was able to call 911 and ask for assistance.

CHP dispatched officers out to the area of the motorist using the cell phone GPS coordinates.  Officers attempted to locate the motorist for over two hours driving on roads in the area near the coordinates provided, sounding their sirens and horns.

When CHP efforts failed to locate the motorist the Sheriff’s Office was notified at 4:00 am.

A search and rescue was initiated.  Search and Rescue deputies responded to the area and located the motorists at 11:00 am in the 5000 block of Paradise Ridge road behind a locked gate.

The lost motorist had driven around the gate and became stuck in the roadway.  The motorists were in a sport utility vehicle and identified as Marlene Elias, 27-years-old from Sausalito, and Michael Breen, 25-years-old from Hayward, California.

Both were in good health. HCSO deputies gave them a ride to Garberville to arrange for a tow truck to retrieve their vehicle.

* * * * *

More Traffic Accidents, as Reported by the Friendly California Highway Patrol

ORICK– On March 31, 2013, at approximately 11:37 am, Mr. Johnson was driving a Toyota pickup southbound on US 101, north of Davidson Rd. at an unsafe speed, while negotiating a curve in the roadway.   Mr. Hall was traveling northbound in a Ford pickup at a speed of 30 MPH.   Due to the unsafe speed Mr. Johnson was traveling, he failed to maintain his vehicle in the southbound lane.

Mr. Johnson’s vehicle crossed over the solid double yellow lines and into the northbound lane directly in front of Mr. Hall’s Ford pickup.  Mr. Hall was unable to stop in time avoid a collision.  The front of the Mr. Hall’s Ford pickup struck the right side of Mr. Johnson’s Toyota pickup.   Both vehicles came to rest in the northbound lane.   Traffic was restricted to one way travel for approximately one hour until the northbound lane could be cleared.  
 
Emergency personnel from the Orick Volunteer Fire Department, Cal Fire, Mad River Ambulance, California State and Federal Parks Service and California Highway Patrol responded to the scene.  Ms. Hall was transported to Mad River Community Hospital for her injuries.  
 
This collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.  Impairment was not believed to be a factor.

CARLOTTA– On 03/31/2013, at approximately 1:20 pm, Mr. Oclair was driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup eastbound on SR 36, east of Grizzly Creek Campground at an unknown speed.  Mr. Oclair claimed he fell asleep while driving and allowed his vehicle to travel off the south side of the road.

Mr. Oclair’s vehicle became airborne when it traveled off a steep embankment and impacted a large redwood tree.  His vehicle then fell to the ground and landed on its left side.

Mr. Oclair’s passenger, Joshua Burge, exited the vehicle and climbed up the embankment and onto the highway, where he summoned a passing motorist for help.  
 
Emergency personnel from the Carlotta Volunteer Fire Department, Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Department, City Ambulance and California Highway Patrol responded to the scene.  Mr. Oclair and his passenger, Joshua Burge were transported to Redwood Memorial Hospital for their injuries.  
 
This collision is still under investigation by the California Highway Patrol.  Impairment was not a factor.

* * * * * *

Rubber Bullets (or were they Bean Bags?) and Tree-Sit Removals

WILLITS– You just have to see the video to believe it.

More of the details of what happened is carried in the Willits News.

* * * * * *

Another day, another crime.  Or two.  Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.

Award from Chinese Media Group is Seen by Millions

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Betty Chinn left China as a young girl to start a new life in America.  Now, she has returned to visit her former home-
land and accept an award.

She’ll also revisit her past there after 40 long years.

The International Chinese Media and Entertainment Group invited Chinn to Beijing to receive an award recognizing her service for the homeless on Saturday.  Chinn accepted the award in her usual and gracious manner:  sincerely reserved and humble, a bit misty-eyed, and wearing a beautiful silk purple dress underneath the ceremony’s logo of,  “You Bring Charm to the World.”

The media group presenting the award is one of the largest news and entertainment organization in China and is primarily involved in the production and licensing of news, film, television and satellite television
programming in and outside of the country.  The telecast seen above
was viewed by their audience of millions.

“Since I left as a young teenage girl, this is the first time I’ll return,” Chinn said previous to accepting the award.  “It’s really exciting, it’s a dream, it’s really emotional.”

It’s been a long journey for Betty Chinn.  Chinn was forced into a child labor camp where she was tortured, practically starved, and escaped by walking 1,600 miles to Hong Kong, leaving her country behind.  Her young years were arduous, emotional, and traumatizing until coming to the United States, marrying, and starting a new life of service for others.

After immigrating to the United States, she silently lived out love and compassion by helping the poor of Humboldt County for the past 24 years.  With the salary earned from work at her children’s school, she applied herself towards helping hundreds of homeless
people.

Chinn would drive to places in search of the homeless living under bridges, beside railroads, and even in the bushes to give them food.  Most were mentally-ill, veterans, run-away youths, and drug-users.  In 2006, with the help of many, she raised $40,000 and purchased a blue food truck so she could serve others while meeting the standards of the Health Department.

Delivering food– and with an army of volunteers– Chinn would try to understand the needs of homeless people and how she could help.  She found housing
for teenage mothers who had just given birth to a child at government-funded locations, connect mentally-traumatized veterans with their families, and even bought a grass cutter for a homeless person and gave business referrals, enabling him to become self-sufficient.

In 2008, Chinn received the California First Lady Maria Shriver’s 2008 Minerva Award, along with a cash prize of $25,000.  With the award in hand, she partnered with the Society of St. Vincent De Paul in Eureka to help fund her shower project and a laundry facility for the homeless.  With her selfless compassion touching many, businesses and individuals started donating money and food.  Many more people volunteered to help.  In 2010, she received the United States Presidential Citizen’s Medal from President Obama at the White
House for her service.

Chinn was looking forward to the trip to her home country under much different circumstances than when she was younger.  Being welcomed and honored, Chinn has seemingly come full circle in her life.  Rather than being shunned and ostracized as she was under China’s Cultural Revolution, she’s now being recognized for her work.  She also hopes to revisit and reclaim a part of her past.

“There’s a tiny piece of puzzle I left in China,” Chinn mysteriously said. “Now I can go back there and find it.”

She said this trip presents closure — to help her continue on with her life and her journey of helping the less fortunate.

“It’s healing for me,” Chinn said. “It’s time for me to finish that part of my life.”

 Why is she receiving the award?  The media conglomerate chose six people from around the world that are Chinese to come home,” Chinn explained.

“I asked them, ‘why are you choosing me, there’s billions of people,’” she said.

“They tell me they want to learn something about compassion-ship and then I tell them, ‘that comes from your heart.’”

Just like the steps leading up to her house in Humboldt County— this trip serves as a reminder to her that there’s always an opportunity to spread love.

“I want to send a message to the people, never give up, always have hope, always have love,” Chinn said.

She told the Chinese audience while accepting the award that she couldn’t have done this without the constant support from her community and gave praise to her hometown of Eureka for supporting her mission.

“Thank you so much,”  Chinn said in Mandarin.  “It’s so nice to be coming home.”

* * * * * * * * *

Here’s another video from the award: after the three minute introduction in Chinese, Betty explains her Humboldt County mission– in English.  Forging new bridges, this televised video of Eureka was also seen by tens of millions of viewers across China.  You may recognize a few places and faces.

…Our appreciation goes to Mike Dronkers for embedding a video from the Chinese language.  No easy feat, Mike.

Bless the Beasts:  Rescuing and Saving Humboldt’s Animals One by One

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Miranda’s Rescue for Large & Small Animals is a rescue, adoption & sanctuary facility bringing relief to hundreds of
large and small animals that are distressed, neglected, abused
and abandoned every year.

A non-profit organization, Miranda’s Rescue is a large operation located on the corner of Drake Hill & Sandy Prairie Roads near Fortuna.  The property is divided into two sections: one side houses adoptable dogs, puppies, cats & kittens, while the other has large and small animals up for adoption as well as sanctuary animals.

A no-kill facility, Miranda’s doesn’t euthanize animals to make room for new intakes.  Any animal that is deemed adoptable will live at the sanctuary until a loving and permanent home is found.  This includes dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, small mammals, domestic and game birds, tropical birds, livestock, and exotic animals such as alpacas, emus & llamas, and whatever else might come up.  In fact, they’ve even had dromedaries– camels– there.

Miranda’s Rescue says they’ll rescue any and all animals. Many of the animals are adopted by loving homes; others live
permanently on the rescue grounds as sanctuary residents.

Shannon Miranda grew up in Ferndale.  Contrary to his nature, he was born into a family of hunters and grew up saving whatever creature and critter he could.  He gained respect and experience while training mustangs in high school.

In October of 1994, though, Shannon’s life forever changed.  Miranda’s Rescue tells us what transpired:

While working at a local lumber mill, Shannon fell 30 feet through an unstable floor which left him wheelchair-bound with a broken neck and back.  The diagnosis was that he would never walk again.

For Shannon Miranda, this was a wake-up call.  He was seriously injured and unable to return to any form of a structured job and father to a 5-day-old son.  Not one to lay around feeling sorry for himself– and realizing working with animals was his true calling– Shannon’s desire of doing rescue work and raising his son became his form of physical and emotional therapy.

It was a year before he was out of the wheelchair and walking again.  By that time, Shannon had already acquired a unique menagerie of rescued horses, cats, dogs, rabbits, a possum, and a family of raccoons, and guinea pigs.  Needless to say, with an ever-growing need of animals in search of loving homes, Shannon’s rescue quickly outgrew the surroundings of his home in Ferndale.

He soon moved to Ferndale’s Coppini Dairy, and, in 1998, incorporated Miranda’s Rescue for Large and Small Animals as a nonprofit no-kill, rescue, adoption and sanctuary facility.

Being a “no-kill” facility meant that any animal deemed adoptable or reasonably treatable would find sanctuary at Miranda’s Rescue until a loving and permanent home can be found.  Believing in controlling the pet population, all cats & dogs are spayed or neutered before placement.

The operation was soon to be a success.  Within four years, Shannon moved to the 50-acre ranch where the organization is now.  Wonderfully enough, it came complete with a barn, plenty of room to expand, horse trails along the Eel River, and bordered the river greenway for walking the dogs.

For the past several years, Shannon has co-operated the rescue with Dean Paris, who moved to the area from Boston, MA.  With Shannon’s knowledge of animals and Dean’s business background, they have become a dedicated team for rescuing and saving all creatures great and small.

Miranda’s Rescue has been recognized by the California State Assembly as the “Best Sanctuary for Abused Animals in Northern California.”  The Red Cross named founder Shannon Miranda as one of “Humboldt County’s Heroes.”  The California State Assembly additionally recognized Shannon for his help with the probation youth of Humboldt County.

The Rescue operates financially with proceeds from their thrift shops in Fortuna, Eureka, McKinleyville & Garberville, along with adoption fees, fun-raising projects, and donations from the private sector.  They receive no government funding.

The Rescue would not be where it is today without its hardworking and dedicated crew.  The organization employs 20 individuals and has 40 volunteers helping with the care, duties, outreach efforts, rehabilitation, FUNdraising, events, and thrift shops.  They have a long list of thank-yous for the folks, sponsors, donors, vets and businesses who have helped.

We give yearly to Miranda’s because it’s a worthy and honest cause that we’ve seen firsthand.  As with any organization, donations of all types are always appreciated– and needed:

“Donations are greatly appreciated because we are always working hard to make our rescue more comfortable for the animals, and every improvement takes money and volunteer labor.  Our success depends on the generosity of people like you and all of our great volunteers.

Your donation will also be used for food, medicine, vaccinations, veterinarian expensees, and/or other necessities for the animals.”

 Miranda’s would also like to kindly remind you:

Don’t forget to make adoption your first option at Miranda’s Rescue.  Please spay & neuter your pets!

If you have questions, email us at info@mirandasrescue.org or visit us at www.mirandasrescue.org.

Our phone number is 707-725-4449.

(Photos by Miranda’s Rescue.  Perhaps our friend Brooke took a few of them.)

A Fair Splattering of Thoughts from Across the Web

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The Eureka City Council in an ‘emergency’ session Friday approved a resolution to allow the city to apply for a $295,000
Caltrans grant that would go toward a feasibility study of the
proposed East-West rail proposal, as we reported yesterday.

The council voted 4-1, with Councilwoman Linda Atkins dissenting, to go forward with the grant application.  The Caltrans grant requires certain matching funds, including $17,500 in City of Eureka staff time and $35,000 from the mysteriously anonymous nonprofit group Land Bridge Alliance.

The proposed 130 mile East-West rail line would connect Humboldt Bay and it’s shipping port to the Union Pacific rail line near Red Bluff.

Comments on the issue were divided.  We were surprised to find more readers cynical rather than optimistic in their outlook and what they had to say.  They don’t like feeling railroaded, being told it was going to be a wholly funded private enterprise and then discovering otherwise.

Former Eureka City Manager David Tyson has been been advising the City about the matter and weighed in with this:

“I’m certainly not an expert on rail or what cargos will work for our port, but I personally believe “coal” is a non-starter for this project for many reasons and have said so on numerous occasions.

I continue to be involved with this concept as a volunteer because I believe the community should be having this type of conversation on a variety of topics and I’m assisting with this one.

When approving their support resolution for the rail feasibility study (over a year ago) the Eureka City Council directed their staff (me) to create a very public, very transparent process to discuss the rail study concept and to involve as many stakeholders as possible.  To date there are nearly 40 public agencies and private entities supporting the study concept; and hundreds of individuals who have indicated their support.

…Just like any economic development investment the rail development should be financed by those benefiting from its use.  In order to attract the type of investment necessary to build a project the public often invests in the necessary studies to move the project forward to the stage where the private interests are willing to become involved.  The feasibility study is as much of a marketing tool as it is a project development tool.

A great deal of information has been accumulated on the City of Eureka’s website and I would encourage your visit there to educate yourself on the topic.”

A few readers responded:

“Could you please explain why the public should invest public money on a train that will benefit ‘private interests?’”

“Okay, so, the Eureka City Council just came up with this whimsical idea, and you, Mr. Tyson, simply did what they ‘directed’ you to do?”

“Obviously Mr. Tyson did not consult any local economic development experts.  He seems to know more than they about the magnetic magic of feasibility studies.”

“‘Marketing tool’?  Seems like you’re assuming facts not in evidence, given that “feasibility” has not been determined.”

McKinleyville Weed Grow and Hash Lab Catches Fire

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

On Thursday, March 28 at approximately 1:40 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call re-
garding a house fire at Landis Court in McKinleyville.  The
initial calls reported there was possibly a person trapped in
the home.

Sheriff’s deputies, Arcata Fire District personnel and an ambulance responded to the scene.  When emergency personnel arrived a few minutes later the 30-year-old unidentified male victim was outside the residence with serious burn injuries.  The victim was transported to a local hospital and then transferred to an out of the area hospital for treatment.

When the fire department began fighting the fire they discovered an indoor marijuana grow in the residence.  Deputies stood by until the Arcata Fire District suppressed the fire.  The Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit (CRU) and Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) were notified and responded to the scene.

A Humboldt County Superior Court search warrant was obtained for the residence.

After the fire was out and the residence was safe to enter, deputies entered the residence.  They located and seized evidence indicating there was a butane hashish lab in the home, along with approximately 17 pounds of marijuana leaves, 188 growing marijuana plants approximately two feet tall and 176 marijuana plants (clones) approximately 3” tall.

The cause and origin of the fire is still under investigation by the Arcata Fire District.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251, the Arcata Fire District at 825-2000, or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

Emergency Meeting at Eureka City Hall Friday at 11:30 AM

Feeding at the Public Trough–

–UPDATED Links Below–

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

Lost Coast Outpost’s Hank Sims tells us of an important development happening today– in only a few hours:

“The pitch ‘til now has always been that goofy as they may be, the East-West Train Feasibility Study people proudly refuse to spend public money on the issue…

“But now the Eureka City Council has called a special emergency meeting in order to hustle up and apply for a bunch of public money to the selfsame goofballs…

“How much money? About $300,000…

“When’s the meeting and where?  Eureka City Hall, 11:30 am,  Friday (March 29).   If you don’t mind that no one will listen to you, come out for public comment and give a three-minute speech to yourself!”

Why the emergency meeting on such short notice rather than a regularly scheduled Eureka City Council meeting?  Why wasn’t there much– if any– public notification?

We knew this day would come– where public financing would be sought for the private enterprise of the rail proposal despite statements that were steadfastly made to the contrary from the very start.   Thanks for the news, Hank.  We suspect it’s already an inside job and a done deal.

 UPDATE:

The Eureka City Council voted to approve the resolution applying for the $295,000 Caltrans grant Friday with a 4-1 vote (Linda Atkins dissenting).

 Samoa Softball brings us the follow-up of how the ‘emergency’ meeting went down.

The Times-Standard has their article here.

The Sentinel has its piece about citizens weighing in and feeling railroaded, too.

165 Marijuana Plants Taken Out After Tip and Month-Long Investigation

(PUPPY PICTURES)

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Today at approximately 8:30 am, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit (CRU) assisted by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) served a Humboldt County Superior Court Search Warrant at residence in the 2500 block of Knox Cove Road in McKinleyville.

The search warrant was obtained after a month-long investigation initiated by a crime tip on the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line.

When deputies served the search warrant they located approximately three pounds of marijuana bud packaged for sale and 165
growing marijuana plants ranging from 3-feet to 4-feet in height being grown in the residence.  The deputies also located packaging material and a scale, along with evidence that the marijuana was being grown for sale.

The Humboldt County Building Department was notified and responded to the scene. They determined the electricity to the marijuana grow was a fire hazard and PG&E was notified to respond.

Deputies arrested Wilbur Clark Springer IV, 43-years-old, for cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.

Lisa Springer, 36-years-old, was issued a notice to appear for cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana.  This was to allow Lisa to care for their children.

Mr. Wilbur Springer IV was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $25,000.

* * * * * * * *

Puppy pictures?  The English Springer Spaniel pups are adorably innocent.

We found the Springer puppies more interesting than this generic press release.  While they have nothing whatsoever to do with Mr. Springer IV, they’re enjoyable to look at and a whole lot more cute than seeing another ugly-mug mugshot today.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Local Law Enforcement Welcomes New Additions

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

Local police and fire departments brought on new recruits, promoted others on merit, and graduated
students this week.

Welcome, everyone.

Mayor Shane Brinton swears in four new Arcata Police Officers at City Hall today.

From left to right:  Officers Marr, O’Donovan, Phinney, and Scown
(Photo: Monica Jacquez)

In Monday’s promotional Arcata Fire Department ceremony, friends and family gathered as Angela Dernedde (left) and Jon Busher (right) were newly pinned.  Alex Manousos (center) was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain. 

Arcata fire officials noted they were promoted for their hard work, experience, and dedication.
(Photo: Amy Sawyer)

 
Twenty-four new police cadets graduated Tuesday evening from the College of the Redwoods 110th Basic Law Enforcement Academy.  The cadets came to the CR program from across the state and have graduated to departments and offices statewide.

Arcata and Eureka Police Chiefs Tom Chapman and Murl Harpham were there to pin two new deputies for their local agencies, and after honors, recognized the graduates for their scholastic achievements and physical skills during the 110th academy training.
(Photo: KIEM-TV Facebook)

* * * * * * * * *

Congratulations.  Do good, work hard, and go home safely.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Mildbrandts’ Extensive Marijuana Operation Allegedly Stretched from Eureka to Fortuna to Dinsmore (PICS)

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

Lt. Steve Knight  of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office fills us in:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Community Response Unit (CRU) obtained a Humboldt County Superior Court Search warrant for two residences after an approximate month long investigation which began with a crime tip.

The warrant authorized the deputies to search a residence in the 2100 block of Law Blvd in Eureka and a residence in the 1900 block of Scenic Drive in Fortuna. Deputies assisted by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) served the warrant at Law Blvd first, at approximately 7:30 am on March 25th. 

When deputies arrived they located Matthew Mildbrandt, 19-years-old, and a 17-year-old juvenile female.  When deputies searched the residence they located:

• 10 one-pound packages of marijuana bud,
• An assault weapon,
• 65 growing marijuana plants,
• Approximately 10 pounds of processed marijuana,
• A US Postal Box containing approximately two pounds of sealed marijuana ready to be shipped via the US Postal Service,
• Paperwork indicating sales of marijuana,
• Approximately $6,000 in US Currency

…and evidence of Matthew Mildbrandt was having unlawful sexual relations with a minor. (We have no idea what that ’evidence’ was)

Mr. Matthew Mildbrandt was arrested for a bunch of charges:  cultivation and possession for sale of marijuana; conspiracy to commit a felony; being armed in commission of a felony; and unlawful sexual relations with a minor.

He was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $50,000.

The juvenile female was released to her mother who responded to the residence
and took custody of her.

Deputies then served the search warrant at the Scenic Drive residence.  When they arrived at the residence no one was home.  The residence belonged to Mark Mildbrandt, 56-years-old, and his wife Denise Mildbrandt, 54-years-old, the parents of Matthew Mildbrandt.

They searched the residence and located two assault style weapons and 19 other rifles and handguns.  They also located paperwork indicating sales of marijuana, and over 400 ounces of silver along with other precious metals, and approximately 13,000 in cash.

While at the home Mark showed up in his employer’s truck.  Searching the truck Mark arrived in, deputies found approximately 10 pounds of harvested marijuana in the truck.  Mark Mildbrandt was arrested for cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale, conspiracy, and being armed in commission of a felony.

He was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and his bail was set at $50,000.

Denise Mildbrandt showed up at the residence after Mark.  She, too, was also arrested for cultivation of marijuana, possession for sale of marijuana, conspiracy, and armed in commission of a felony.  Her bail was also set at $50,000.

Deputies were able to obtain information during their search which indicated Mark and Denise Mildbrandt had property in the 2500 block of Burr Valley Road in Dinsmore, along with Mark David Mildbrandt.  Deputies obtained a search warrant for that property and drove to Burr Valley Road to serve the warrant at 4:00 pm on March 25.

When the deputies drove up Burr Valley Road, they came across four fir trees that had been recently fallen across the road.  The fir trees were approximately two feet in diameter and completely blocked the road.  This not only blocked the deputies from accessing the search warrant location to be searched, but it also blocked other non-involved residents from accessing or leaving their homes.

Deputies were able to clear the road enough to pass after thirty minutes of using chainsaws.

Once at the search warrant site, deputies located a cabin that had
been converted for the cultivation of marijuana.

They found a small living space, along with a drying and manicuring room.  Deputies located a diesel powered greenhouse on the property that had leaked several gallons of diesel and oil onto the ground.  In the greenhouse structure, deputies approximately 300 growing marijuana plants approximately one-foot high.

That wasn’t all.  Deputies also located approximately 364 pounds
of dried marijuana and three firearms, including a shotgun.  No one was at the structure when they arrived.

The Humboldt County Code Enforcement Unit and Environmental Health are being notified of the environmental damage that the deputies witnessed at the scene.

This is an ongoing investigations with more arrests anticipated, the HCSO said.

* * * * * * *

The family that plays together stays together, and the family that gets needy and greedy just gets busted. 

There is no such thing as family fun.  Next time try having a barbecue or taking them to Disneyland instead.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

Stabbing Drama Unfolds After Discussion About Religion

Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel

On March 25th at approximately 8:30 pm, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a stabbing which
just occurred on US 101 at the Weott Overpass, in Weott.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, and medical personnel responded to the scene. 

When the deputies and CHP Officers arrived, they found the 46-year-old male victim, a transient from the Redding Area, on the overpass in the middle of US 101.

Several citizens were attempting to render aid to the victim, including one citizen applying pressure on the victim’s chest wound.  Deputies learned from several passing motorists that was how they found the victim in the roadway.

Deputies located the suspect, identified as Clayton Winfield Hamilton, 29-year-old, from Orem, Utah.  Hamilton was detained and treated at the scene for a laceration wound to his hand requiring stitches.   Mr. Hamilton admitted to stabbing the victim three or four times with a knife and told the deputies it was in self-defense.

Deputies interviewed a 30-year-old male friend of the suspect who was at the scene.   The friend resides in Rio Dell, and told deputies he hadn’t seen or heard from Hamilton in five years.

The friend told the deputies that Hamilton called him from Utah on March 21st  and said he had a business opportunity and was on his way out to meet up with him to discuss it.  On March 25th, he arrived in Rio Dell to meet up with his friend.

The friend saw Hamilton speaking with a male victim who was hitchhiking in front of the Shell Gas station in Rio Dell.  The victim told Hamilton he wanted a ride to Garberville.  The three got together and decided to go for lunch in Fortuna first, at McDonalds.

At lunch, Hamilton told the victim he wanted to talk with his friend– alone– so the victim walked off.  Hamilton then told his friend the victim was “evil” and he needed to kill him.  Hamilton then left his friend and said he was going to find the victim.

The friend began to worry that Hamilton was serious– and he would harm the victim.  The friend went looking for Hamilton.  The friend saw Hamilton’s vehicle southbound on US 101 as he was traveling northbound.  The friend pursued Hamilton’s vehicle, finally catching up with him in Weott at Sewell Drive and Spring Street.

Hamilton’s truck stopped and the friend approached the truck.  The friend witnessed a struggle in the truck and opened Hamilton’s truck door.  He saw Hamilton had a knife in his hands and there was blood all over the interior of the truck.

The friend grabbed Hamilton and began pulling him from the vehicle, allowing the victim to escape from the truck.  The friend then called 911 to report the crime.

Deputies were able to interview the victim at a local hospital where he was being treated for multiple stab wounds, including one to the chest and one to the abdomen.  Doctors told deputies the wounds were life-threatening.

The victim related a similar story as Hamilton’s friend, but added that he was originally picked up hitchhiking by Hamilton in Redding.  He was given a ride to Rio Dell by Hamilton, who stopped to meet up with a friend.  The victim told Hamilton he wanted a ride to Garberville when he was picked up in Redding.

After they ate at McDonalds, the victim walked off after Hamilton told him to leave.  He was picked up a second time during the drive to Garberville and he and Hamilton had a discussion about religion.  Hamilton then suddenly pulled off to the side of the road in Weott and told the victim ‘he had to kill him.’ 

Hamilton produced a large knife and began stabbing the victim repeatedly.

Mr. Hamilton was arrested for attempted murder and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for attempted murder.  His bail is set at $500,000, the HCSO said in their release.

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 fanatic is a man who does what he thinks the Lord would do if He knew the facts of the case.   He can’t change his mind, won’t change the subject, and wants to kill you.  A fanatic is three letters shy of a lunatic.

(Posted by Skippy Massey)

25-Year-Old Youth Last Seen March 13; May Have Been in Arcata

“Help Me Find My Son”

– UPDATE BELOW:  FOUND! –

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

We received an urgent plea yesterday from Tricia Gilbert, Buggy’s mom.

She’s worried sick.  She hopes you will forward and share this information to others via links, Facebook, Twitter, social media, and/or any other avenues as much as possible.  Tricia’s tired, exhausted, and needs the help of others:

MISSING: Our Son, Sterling “Buggy” Gilbert, age 25.

Originally from Alaska, Sterling was homeless in Springfield, Oregon, for the last 2 years and left on approximately March 1, 2013 on a Greyhound bus to Redding, California.

When he was in Oregon he had been involved with dangerous people who had shot at him and were trying to kill him.  That’s why he fled to California.

My Stepson Sterling Gilbert hasn’t been heard from by family since March 6, 2013.  We know he was homeless and hitchhiking to Arcata, California.  When he contacted family, he was in Redding.  Regardless of anything, Sterling ALWAYS phoned a family member no matter what was going on at least 2-3 times a week.

From Redding, he supposedly met Stephanie and her husband Kris Cosentino who helped him out in Redding and were hitchhiking to Los Angeles.  Sterling and the couple (Stephanie is pregnant) made it to Lodi, California, where he called the family on approximately March 6, 2013.

We made a Missing Persons Report to Lodi Police, Case # 13-1837 on 3/17/2013.

There may be connection to this Stephanie and Kristopher in Oregon.  We don’t know if they met in Oregon, or Redding.  They may know people in Oregon who wanted to hurt Sterling.  Stephanie may have been known as Stephanie Skinner.  She, according to posts on her Facebook, had a history of meth and her 2 young children were with her family, not her custody.

According to the last known number belonging to Stephanie Cosentino, we called to get information.  They
supposedly got stuck there a few days and then made their
way to Stockton.  Unfortunately they separated in Stockton
when they got bus fare the remaining way.

Sterling was last seen getting into newer white sedan, heading south towards Los Angeles.  The destination for Stephanie and Kris was El Monte or Downey, California.

The last known photo from Springfield, Lane County, Oregon, shows he had died his hair.  So it’s most likely growing out and two tone, or he has had his head shaved with short hair.  He was last seen wearing blue jeans, grey t-shirt, black jacket/or hoody with dirty white tennis shoes.  He had with him a blue beany cap, green tent, and a green floral blanket.

Anyone with information on Sterling Gilbert (he may use his brothers name Donavan or Levon) or his whereabouts, please contact:
Lodi Police 209-333-6727, or the local police regarding missing person Sterling Gilbert, Case #13-1837.

….or give him these phone numbers:  #818-554-2563 for Tricia Gilbert; or #907-322-3668 for Donald Gilbert– and please tell him to call family.

Our son’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Me-Find-My-Son-Sterling-Gilbert/358969454219668

 Tricia adds:

“Sterling Has a spiderweb tattoo on his hand and a weed leaf growing plant on his arm.  Its Between the elbow and wrist.   He was last seen wearing dirty white tennis shoes, grey t-shirt, blue jeans and a black jacket or hoody.

 

He was last seen 3/13/2013 getting into newer white sedan near Greyhound in Stockton, CA.

 

Please go to our page for flyers and pics.

 UPDATE:  From Tricia Gilbert:

He’s been found.  Safe!  He turned himself into a rehab.  Thank you for everything
https://www.facebook.com/pages/FOUND-our-Son-Sterling-Gilbert/358969454219668

Suspects Captured on Murder Warrants Identified

Skippy Massey
Humboldt Sentinel

The Fresno Bee named the two suspects arrested in Eureka last week in connection with a gang-related shooting
two weeks ago in Fresno, the Times-Standard reported today.

Reginald Taylor, 28, and Abel Price, 21, both of Fresno, were arrested in an early morning SWAT raid Friday in an apartment on the 900 block of ‘O’ Street in Eureka, where they had been hiding out.  Forty law enforcement personnel evacuated neighbors and surrounded the building at 7 am, demanding the suspects surrender themselves on their outstanding murder warrants.  They wisely and pecefully did.  No one was hurt.

According to Fresno Police Department Lt. Mark Salazar, the two men were wanted in connection with a shooting that left a woman with severe injuries.  Salazar, a homicide and robbery unit commander, said both men are known gang members with criminal records.  Fresno detectives were able to trace the men to the O Street residence on a tip and coordinate the raid with local law enforcement agencies.

Mr. Taylor

Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said suspect Reginald Taylor is believed to be the gunman in the March 13 shooting occurring at Colima’s Fade Barber Shop in the Manchester Shopping Center of Fresno.  Abel Price faces a charge of conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon.  Both are gang members, Dyer said.

According to the Fresno Bee, police got an anonymous tip last Wednesday that Taylor and Price were in Eureka.  The two were staying with a local acquaintance who believed they had come to Humboldt County to look for jobs, and who claimed he was unaware of the barber shop shooting.  He was helping the two look for work, Dyer said.

On March 13, the two men went to the Manchester Center barbershop about 7:30 pm with Trenice Williams, 22, who wanted to talk with barber Ronald Moore about the custody of a child they have together.  That’s when a fight broke out, Dyer said.

Mr. Price

Taylor left the shop– but then he returned with a gun.  He fired four shots toward a chair Moore was hiding behind, Dyer said.

Moore wasn’t hit during the exchange, but one shot that Taylor fired struck 46-year-old victim Rafiola Binger, who had taken her son and daughter to the barbershop for a haircut.  Ms. Binger was hit in the lower back by Taylor’s bullet and partially paralyzed.  About half a dozen workers and patrons were inside the barbershop when the shooting happened.

Binger was listed in fair condition Friday at Fresno’s Community Regional Medical Center.  Doctors initially were concerned that Binger wouldn’t be able to walk again, but are now more optimistic that she will, Dyer said.

Trenice Williams was subsequently arrested.  She faces a charge of conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon.

Reginald Taylor has a moderately lengthy criminal record– including serving seven years in prison for shooting and killing a man in Fresno on Christmas Day in 2001 when he was 17, Dyer said.  He faces charges that included attempted murder and four counts of assault with a deadly weapon in the barber shop shooting, the Fresno Bee reported.

No details were immediately available on Abel Price’s involvement in the shooting.

Both Taylor and Price are expected to be returned shortly to Fresno from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, where they were being held on $2 million bail following their surender and arrest.