clambeach
Member since May 24, 2016
Recent Comments
Re: “Former County Employee Wins Gender-Discrimination Case”
The BOS is ultimately responsible for all matters regarding county government. I don't know what happens at their level. As a county employee I was a first tier worker, I dealt with clients. But considering the well known problems at Mental Health, CWS's refusing a judge's order to submit records to the state AG, and Hughes's winning this discrimination lawsuit, the BOS must realize that there are large management issues at DHHS. It is to their credit that they initiated the Brown study. Now it remains to be seen if they will actually resolve these issues or just make it appear like they've done so, as their predecessors have done. Again, NCJ and LOCO press this issue. As someone who's lived through it, I promise it will result in good journalism.
Re: “Former County Employee Wins Gender-Discrimination Case”
I agree, "fear and favor" is typical in workplaces. I was in my forties when I went to work for the county. I had worked for several governmental agencies and for small and large private employers. The County of Humdoldt DHHS was the most screwed up place I had worked at.
Poor management has turned this agency into a workplace that benefits management, mostly white women, and does little for anyone else. And the BOS has let it happen.
Re: “Former County Employee Wins Gender-Discrimination Case”
I worked at DHHS for 10 years. As a male I experienced what Mr. Hughes did and much more. I ws not in management. As the Brown report states, an intimidating and fear based culture has been the way of life there even before Crandall took over. Complaints I made about the blatant preferential and, at times, illegal promotion and hiring practices were ignored. I was harassed and bullied, mostly by my supervisor, to the point that I was forced to leave sooner than I had wanted to. I was in and out of therapy while employed there. After leaving, I suffered severe physical and mental injuries caused by the treatment I received as an employee at DHHS. Much of my time now is spent dealing with these issues.
I have no first hand knowledge of Connie Beck. But it appears that she was part of the management team while this was going on. How can she be trusted to resolve issues that probably enabled her to reach her present position? Why would she want to change the unethical system that she has done so well in?
The "blue ribbon" committee should include at least several members that are qualified to deal with these long standing issues, and not have any connection to the County of Humboldt. To insure that they won't be intimidated. Otherwise, the only changes made will only appear to solve the problem. And the BOS will sign off on it.
Bottom line, "it rolls downhill". Services to clients are negatively impacted by all of this. DHHS is not functionig as well as it should, and it affects all of us.
News outlets should continue to follow this to insure that real change occurs.
Re: “UPDATED: Local Dialysis Workers Vote Not to Unionize”
I have been a patient at the McKinleyville clinic for a year and a half. The technicians and nurses are quite competent, knowledgeable and kind. Their job is dealing with people with a serious and disabling condition. Their professionalism and big hearts are appreciated by all patients.
This job requires technical expertise and personal skills. I am not exaggerating to say my life depends on it.
They have earned our respect, Fresenius and DaVita should show them theirs by paying them fairly. They earn it everyday, corporations will always make a profit.