News

In other words, what's on at the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and the Eureka City Council next week. We're going to try to make this a regular Friday afternoon feature on the Blogthing. As a way to make those hellishly painful final hours of the work-week even more painful, we will delve deep into the published agendas of those municipal bodies.

We're looking at a pretty light load over at the county, with only three real items on the calendar. First up: A proposed set of state-mandated regulations that would mandate certain minimum labor codes for county contractors doing work under a $25 million state grant the county received last year. Next, what's sure to be the main show -- a presentation on the Klamath Settlement Agreement, with the board slated to take action to sign on. Finally, some emergency action on the Martins Ferry bridge crisis.

Wait a sec, though -- cast your eye over at #17 on the consent calendar. Is that what you think it is? Yes, indeedy. The county is putting into the record its opposition to the Big Lagoon Racheria's request to place a piece of 6.4-acre piece of land fronting Highway 101 in "tribal trust." The county's proposed letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs notes that if the parcel becomes part of the rancheria's tribal land, it will likely have very little control over what is built there.

And if we were to guess, we'd guess that Big Lagoon Rancheria Chairman Virgil Moorehead is thinking just what the Supes think he's thinking: That the spot would be a good place for the casino he and his tribe have long been denied. What do you think? Take a look -- the parcel in question is a rectangle just to the southwest of the little green arrow, with the long side fronting 101 and the short side halfway up Big Lagoon Park Road.

So that's something. As far as the county goes, though, it looks like the big stuff is slated for coming meetings. On Feb. 26, there'll be an update on the big Danco/Devries Samoa project, which has been sidelined for some time. (The Eureka Reporter did a pretty good write-up a couple of weeks ago.) Then, on March 11, a discussion on inclusionary zoning that's sure to bring the HELPsters and/or associated developers screaming into the chambers.

What's Eureka got? At the moment it's got a broken web site. But at its meeting Tuesday night it'll hear two potentially explosive items: an amendment to the city's utility users tax ordinance and the ever-controversial proposal for mandatory garbage collection.

Board of Supes: Tuesday, 9 a.m., at the County Courthouse (825 Fifth St., Eureka). Eureka City Council: Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Eureka City Hall (531 K St., Eureka).

Signing off ...

African reggae star Alpha Blondy , who had been scheduled to perform at the Arcata Community Center next Sunday, Feb. 24 , has canceled the remaining dates of his American tour.

An inquiry to the producers of the Ragga Muffins Festivals , a series of concerts planned for the West Coast featuring the singer from Cote d'Ivoire, brought the following e-mail:

We received word this morning that Alpha Blondy was canceling the remaining dates of his North American Tour due to severe illness which unfortunately includes his dates with us at the Ragga Muffins Festival this weekend in Long Beach on Sunday and the Tribute to the Reggae Legends Festival on Mon. in San Diego as well as the Ragga Muffins Festival in San Francisco 2/23. His management asked us to pass on the following to his fans:

"To my fans in America. I am so sorry to have to do this to you as I greatly value your appreciation for my music and the message it carries.
I would not leave you like this if it was not serious. I plan on returning to America as soon as possible to perform some music for you and
show you how truly blessed I am to have such understanding people as
fans."

We are saddened by Alpha Blondy's serious illness that has necessitated his immediate return to France and cancellations of all his west coast dates. We send him our prayers for a speedy recovery.
We have added Gregory Isaacs to the February Festival line-up in Arcata and are looking forward to a great day of music.

Let me know if you want to do an interview with Gentleman... It's a beautiful morning in Southern Humboldt.
The sun is streaming through the firs into my kitchen... Peace, Carol

above ^ the dapper Gregory Isaacs ^

Further update via Reggae Festival Guide Newsletter:

From the Desk of Michel Jovanovic of Mediacom on behalf of Alpha Blondy, written to the attention of promoters, one of which told Reggae Festival E-Guide that he was informed that Alpha Blondy was also facing a battle with malaria which can recur once the person contracts it.

Dear Promoters,

Some unfortunate circumstances have transpired with Alpha's U.S. tour. We have to announce that Alpha Blondy has to cancel his North American tour after being diagnosed with severe pneumonia, chest pains and spots on his lungs amongst other medical findings. At the start of the tour Alpha had expressed how bad he was feeling. The first show was in Honolulu on Friday, February 8th. Alpha had to cut the show a little short and profusely apologized to the audience telling them he was feeling very ill. The next day when Alpha awoke he was in such a bad state that he had to be taken to the hospital. After being seen by the hospital doctor and taking some preliminary tests he had to be admitted to a hospital stay for further testing and kept under observation. He had to cancel his peformance that Saturday evening and on Sunday. The doctors had released him on Monday telling him he should confine himself to bed rest for several days before starting to perform again. He had a show Monday evening and was able to move that to a later date on the tour. Alpha insisted on doing the show on Tuesday in Aspen (at the Belly Up) which he did although it was a shorter set. It was a great show, typical for Alpha giving us all hope that he was past his illness. When he awoke the next morning, the symptoms that hospitalized him on Saturday had returned in a severe way. He gave it until the afternoon in hopes of feeling better but unfortunately that did not happen. The decision was made for his well being to immediately return to France where his own doctors can treat his severe medical issues.

No surprise -- First District Supervisor Jimmy Smith announced today that he'll be running for reelection this year.

When first elected to serve, I made a commitment to get things done and treat people with respect. We have worked cooperatively with tribes, cities, the county, local organizations and state and federal agencies to achieve success. Our efforts can be measured by the ongoing progress with the Salt River Restoration Project, increased flows in the Eel River, restoration of the South Spit and the first workers compensation coverage project for local fire districts.

The months ahead will be difficult and will require strong partnerships with the cities and communities. especially with the projected state budget deficit and the inevitable cuts to county programs and services. We will need to plan carefully and work to sustain our local economy.

Smith is massively popular down in the First District, but politics are thick this year -- will anyone step up to challenge him? My offhand guess is that if anyone does, it will be someone from the HELP/development crew. The General Plan is the biggest issue facing the county in the coming months, and last I check the First District was the only Republican-majority district in the county.

Smith, a Democrat, has been a moderate in land-use issues (as he is in most things). Is that good enough for the HELPsters?

Read the entire Smith campaign press release (.doc).

This just in:

Proclamation "To be presented @ 11 AM today at Mike's office on 3rd and D street in Eurkea (sic)."

PROCLAMATION of
Congressperson Mike Thompson's
Awareness and Support of Medical Cannabis.

Whereas Americans for Safe Access is the nation’s largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Whereas the week of February fifteenth has been designated by Americans for Safe Access, "Medical Marijuana Awareness Week."

Whereas Congressperson Mike Thompson has repeatedly shown his support and awareness of patient’s right to Safe Access to medical cannabis.

Whereas Congressperson Thompson Co-Sponsored and voted for the States Right to Medical Marijuana Act. (The Barney Frank Bill.)

Whereas Congressperson Thompson supported and voted for the Hinchey Medical Marijuana Amendment to prevent the DOJ and DEA from federally prosecuting state-authorized medical cannabis patients and their care-givers.

Whereas Congressperson Thompson supported and voted for H.R. 4754 House Amendment 652 prohibiting the use of funds to prevent the States of Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont or Washington from implementing state laws authorizing the use of medical marijuana.

Whereas Congressperson Thompson has most recently pressed forward efforts for marijuana legalization by writing a letter to the Governor of California; his fellow Members of Congress and the President of these United States.

In support of Congressperson Thompson ongoing awareness and work for medical cannabis patients rights the Humboldt County Chapter of Americans for Safe Access does hereby proclaim that Congressperson Mike Thompson is an advocate for and a good friend of medical cannabis patients everywhere.

So proclaimed the week of 2-15 2008 by the members
of the Humboldt Chapter of Americans for Safe Access.
A few notes re: the bills Thompson supported: the Barney Frank bill and the Hinchey amendment both died the usual death of pro-pot legislation. H.R. 4754 House Amendment 652 does not seem to have anything to do with medical cannabis; it was supposed to protect library circulation records, library patron lists, library Internet records, book sales records and book customer lists from the prying eyes of the Patriot Act. It failed to win a majority after a hard-fought battle. (The vote was a tie. Rep. Mike was for it.)

 

The surprise announcement throws open the Third District seat -- up for election on June 3 -- to a flood of potential newcomers. Former Arcata Mayor Bob Ornelas had previously announced his intention to challenge Woolley, but said that he would step aside if Humboldt Bay District Commissioner Mike Wilson chose to seek the seat. On Monday, Wilson said that he "very seriously considering" entering the race in light of Woolley's announcement.

Download the press release (.doc)

UPDATE: A member of the Blogthing 's MVP Reader Team notes that the domain name "wilsonforsupervisor.com" was registered yesterday. What does the registration record look like?

Domain Name: WILSONFORSUPERVISOR.COM
Created on: 10-Feb-08
Expires on: 10-Feb-09
Last Updated on: 10-Feb-08

Administrative Contact:
Antrim, Aaron
1445 Chester Avenue
Arcata, California 95521
United States
7078223184

Notice that it redirects to mikeforsupervisor.org . Just so there's no confusion over which Wilson we're talking about.

According to the Sacramento Bee, the Van Eck Forest, which has sold carbon credits in the past to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, "logged" its largest sale to date recently.

Natsource Asset Management LLC, a New York firm that deals in credits for greenhouse gas emissions reductions and renewable energy development, purchased 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions reductions from the Van Eck Forest for an undisclosed price. The deal was the forest's biggest sale by a factor of 10.

Emissions reductions from such projects typically sell for about $15 a ton. The revenue helps cover the cost of managing the forest so that it soaks up carbon from the atmosphere.

The Journal's own Heidi Walters reported on Mr. Van Eck's forest back in December of last year.

The bright side of bankruptcy -- from Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle editorial page:

Redwood wrangle - It may be a new day for logging

The fabled Pacific Lumber redwood company is teetering in a billion-dollar bankruptcy in a Texas courtroom, some 1,800 miles from its foggy stands of primeval trees near Humboldt Bay.

It may sound like an ignoble end to a woodsy soap opera that's featured tree sitters, a corporate raider and $500 million in government payouts to forestall chain-sawing many of the world's oldest, tallest trees.

But the court proceedings may produce a remarkable result: a revival of logging on terms that both environmentalists and timber firms can accept. Jobs, thriving forests, regulatory precautions - all the issues that bedevil the timber industry and its critics - could be worked out in a new way.

Read the rest here...

Faced with dueling press conferences, yesterday we wondered -- how many notables would attend the California Education Coalition's emergency summit on the proposed $4.8 billion cuts to K-12 education? And how many would instead head over to Democratic Central Committee HQ for the Patty Berg-Wes Chesbro lovefest?

Well, this reader-submitted photo tells the tale. At least one prominent member of the board of the Northern Humboldt Union High School District has his priorities in order. He's going places, that one.

UPDATE: Holy moly! Does that sign really say "Democrats -- Protecting Public Schools"? Classique.

Get out your calculators, y'all -- it's raining money !

Congress just signed on to the daft plan to cut a big fat check to everyone in the nation with earned income (sorry, Tad -- :( .) Looks like we'll all be getting ours in May. We're talking $600 per person, and $300 for each tyke. Cold hard cash. Plus extra if you're super-poor.

Fake Steve Jobs thinks this is good news for Apple Inc., and another particular class of retailers. Spot-on analysis. FSJ is back on his game.

Me, I just think that Bush wants to go out like he came in -- with a sweet payoff to the proles. Back then the rationale was that the economy was riding high. Now it's that the economy has tanked. Do you really care? Just be thankful that they're happy to pay their bribes in the open nowadays, and that you, tax-paying citizen, are on the list of palms to grease.