By ops@our-hometown.com | on June 02, 2022
Folks, she’s actually helping you
Hey folks, try not to become outraged by the crazy lady in the middle of the road.
She is doing the best she can to pick up the myriad nails and screws that nincompoops relentlessly drop there so they don’t wind up giving you flat tires.
Lieber-ate the Board of EQ
After reading the Voter Guide Bio, I felt compelled to recommend voting for Sally Lieber for our district’s representative, a district which stretches along the coast from the Oregon border to Los Angeles County.
Lieber stands for what we on the North Coast favor. She describes herself as the corporate free candidate. She states that one of her priorities is to fight for a property tax system that is fair and equitable for everyone: home owners, renters, and small business owners alike as well as the disabled and residents in communities of color. She also states that she will encourage state agencies to work to combat climate change.
At her website, sallylieber.org, you will find she has broad support including the California Professional Firefighters, Teachers Association, Nurses Association, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AFSCME, Democratic Party and the Sierra Club among others.
She already has governmental experience having been a city council member, a mayor, and a member of the state legislature with a strong environmental record. Taken altogether, I think this places her head and shoulders above the other 2 candidates, so Vote for Sally Lieber for the Board of Equalization Second District.
At the helm of our District Attorney’s Office we need a steady hand exercising a lot of experience and understanding of the office and of Humboldt County. Our communities are changing, our public safety risks are evolving, and the DA is our county’s chief law enforcement officer. We need a person who looks to our future from this perspective, someone grounded in this place and positive about it.
Campaigns for public office are built around messaging. Qualifications for office are made of past experience and current behavior. The question to the voter is, what prompts their vote? I prefer the latter.
I spent 11 years as a deputy district attorney, serving in four counties including eight years in Humboldt (and Del Norte and Lake); I served under six different elected DA’s. This gave me a sense of what it takes to lead this office well. I say we need someone who can lead from the sensible center.
Stacey Eads has what it takes for this. A long-time Humboldt County Deputy DA, she has worked not only the mainstream criminal aspects of the office, but Juvenile prosecution and other duties, giving her a much deeper understanding of our community and how its issues play out in the courts. And administrative responsibilities are much of what the elected District Attorney does; Stacey has served as Humboldt County’s assistant DA and has hands-on familiarity with what it takes to make that office run well.
My Humboldt County DA vote is for Stacey Eads.
Candidates for elected judicial office must tread an unusual line – as judges are to be neutral arbiters of justice, they cannot campaign on the issues of the day. The appeal to the voters must be to their qualifications only, not their political positions. Character becomes paramount.
In 11 years’ time as a deputy district attorney I prosecuted both criminal and civil cases to bench and jury trials in four counties (Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino Counties), before an array of local judges. I have appeared before administrative law judges, and in federal court before federal judges.
I write to endorse Steven Steward for Humboldt County Superior Court judge. He is from our community and has served it in his profession for years. I have met him professionally and personally, and find him to have all the qualities we need on the bench. He is thoughtful, measured, strives for fairness while being faithful to his duties, and is very mindful of the community he serves.
My vote for Humboldt County Superior Court judge is Steven Steward.
During the six years I served as Assistant Auditor-Controller, I had the privilege of working with Cheryl Dillingham while she served in her capacity as Deputy County Administrative Officer. Chery is a proven resource for the complexities inherent in the financial management of California counties. Her refreshing attitude of cooperation was very helpful to me during my tenure. She is uniquely qualified to restore the County’s financial status with federal and State funding sources, including the delinquent mandated reporting. The present lack of compliance is negatively impacting every citizen of Humboldt County and will not resolve on its current trajectory. Cheryl exemplifies what good government looks like. Please join me by voting Cheryl Dillingham for Auditor-Controller on June 7th.
The Humboldt Lodging Alliance (HLA) asks voters to look carefully at Measure J on the June 7th ballot and vote no.
The measure would increase the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) from 10 percent to 12 percent on lodging properties, campgrounds, and RV parks in the unincorporated County, making the tax rate higher than the six incorporated cities within the county and surrounding counties. This tax would make lodging properties located in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt at a disadvantage to those properties located in the incorporated cities and towns. This is a classic example of taxation without representation.
Like other businesses and industries in the County, Humboldt hoteliers think now is not the time to raise taxes. There’s too much uncertainty in the economy, especially with rising gas prices and inflation as Humboldt recovers from the pandemic.
The wording of Measure J suggests it will support a variety of worthy causes, such as rural emergency services, children’s mental health, repairing county roads, emergency communications systems, and the arts. However, the language is misleading.
While County staff and elected officials have said that the money would go to specific purposes, it would go into the unrestricted general fund, which means the County could use it for any purpose. There is simply no law or ordinance to ensure the best use of the TOT funds.
Measure J also misrepresents the projected revenue, stating that it would generate about $3 million annually. That estimate includes the 10 percent TOT already collected. The amount raised by Measure J would likely only be between $600,000 and $800,000 annually.
The most publicized benefit mentioned by Measure J allies is funding for the arts. Even with a discussed workgroup formed by the Board of Supervisors to recommend the best use of funds from Measure J, there is no guarantee that the County will fund the arts past the first year of this TOT increase.
HLA fully supports the Arts and Culture communities and understands they help bring visitors to Humboldt County. This measure, again, does not guarantee them any funding, nor how much funding they will receive, especially since the estimated increase of $600,000 to $800,000 will be spread between five to seven other beneficiaries.
The county staff’s track record of managing earmarked funds isn’t outstanding. Consider Project Trellis, in which millions of taxpayer funds were meant to help market Humboldt’s cannabis industry. Years later, it remains mired in problems, and there’s a lack of progress.
The HLA urges voters to reject this new tax, given that the County of Humboldt is struggling with tough questions regarding fiscal management. It’s not advisable to give the government more money at this time.
The HLA has begun a three-year comprehensive brand development and marketing program that will promote Humboldt County’ drawing attention to all the fantastic features here, including arts and culture.
The HLA, the official owner’s association for the Humboldt County lodging industry, has made significant investments through its community grants program in cultural projects throughout Humboldt County, including art events, music festivals, and seasonal activities. And it’s the primary financial sponsor of the new Redwood Sky Walk.
A non-profit group based in Eureka, California, the association is dedicated to promoting responsible tourism among the many natural and cultural assets of Humboldt County. Its guest website is visithumboldt.com.
Chuck Leishman, administrator for the Humboldt Lodging Alliance Eureka
I am very excited to endorse Ben McLaughlin for Superior Court Judge.
Ben has significant ties to the community in Humboldt County, having worked for both the Humboldt County District Attorney and Public Defender offices. That experience of advocating on both sides of a criminal case gives him a unique perspective that our local bench could benefit from.
As one of the most experienced attorneys in the Public Defender’s Office, Ben generously offered his time to serve as a mentor to me when I was newly licensed to practice law. What I appreciate about Ben as an attorney and a mentor is that he is intellectually curious, and never hesitates to reach for the penal code or the evidence code to help solve a complex problem. What we need are judges who understand the law and approach the work with compassion and lived experience as Ben does.
Rosemary Deck, local attorney Eureka
Assistant District Attorney Stacey Eads has earned the opportunity to be the next District Attorney of Humboldt County. She has done it the old fashioned way: gaining experience through hard work and dedication, mainly prosecuting the most serious crimes against our most vulnerable victims, children.
In 2015 I was appointed as the special prosecutor in the Jason Warren double homicide trial. While working in the Humboldt County DA’s Office, I observed Stacey Eads as a smart, efficient and tireless advocate for crime victims, leading by example with integrity.
In contrast, one of her challengers is a deputy public defender – but not any old defense lawyer. He was previously FIRED from the DA’s Office because he couldn’t follow its ethical guidelines. He believed it proper to have secret “off the record” conversations with homicide witnesses. Despite clear direction from the DA supported by published guidelines and the opinions of experienced prosecutors throughout the state [including myself, with 38 years of experience supervising hundreds of prosecutors] that this could have disastrous results including sanctions for ethical violations and dismissed cases, he continued to defend his conduct with implausible explanations.
The District Attorney’s authority to charge and prosecute crimes must be wielded by someone we can count on Please join my family in Ferndale – and everyone else who recognizes the importance of ability and integrity – in voting for Stacey Eads for District Attorney
Paul Sequeira Chief Deputy District Attorney Solano County
In addition to the reasons stated by Mr. Steward in his recent press release regarding my endorsement of him for superior court judge, I also have concerns about Mr. McLaughlin serving on the same bench with his significant other, with whom he has a close familial relationship.
For a little background, in responding to a question about disqualifications, Mr. McLaughlin gave the impression that the superior court judges in Humboldt did not have a concern about disqualifications or his relationship with another superior court judge, should he be elected.
That’s not accurate. In fact, Mr. McLaughlin never asked me about my concerns. After reading his statement, I requested Mr. McLaughlin to clarify or retract it. After initially promising to do so, he later refused. Hence, this letter.
I am concerned about increasing disqualifications should Mr. McLaughlin be elected. It is no secret that Mr. McLaughlin is in a long-term committed or familial relationship with Judge Neel of the California Superior Court for Humboldt County. If elected, any of Mr. McLaughlin’s disqualifications would likely also disqualify Judge Neel.
So, for example, if Mr. McLaughlin is close personal friends with a particular attorney, not only would he be disqualified from handling cases in which that particular attorney is involved, but so would Judge Neel because of Mr. McLaughlin’s relationship with her.
Currently, we would lose only one judge in that situation – Judge Neel. If Mr. McLaughlin is elected to the bench, we would lose two judges available for appointment to those cases – Judge Neel and Mr. McLaughlin – or one-fourth of the bench (currently we have seven judges and one court commissioner serving on the bench).
Another concern is the ethics of serving on the same bench with a spouse or with someone in a close familial relationship.
Under federal law, spouses (or those with close familial relationships) are prohibited from serving together as judges on the same bench. 28 U.S.C.A. section 458. In enacting the latest revision to that law, in the 1990s, the proponents of the bill stated:
“When going to trial over serious, life changing issues, a litigant must be assured of the right to be treated fairly. When a judge sits in the position to over-turn the decision of another judge who is a close relative sitting on a panel of judges, the litigant clearly is going to question the impartiality and fairness of the final court decision. Preventing close family members from serving on the same court is a small price to pay to avoid the appearance of a loss of credibility of our court system.” 144 Cong. Rec. H9985-01, 144 Cong. Rec. H9985-01, H9986-H9987, 1998 WL 694712
As far as I know, California does not have a similar express statutory restriction on spouses (or those in a close familial relationship) from serving on the same bench. Nepotism restrictions seem to be handled on an agency-by-agency basis instead of a state-wide rule. However, the rationale behind the federal prohibition on spouses serving as judges on the same bench seems to apply with equal force to California judges –to avoid the loss of credibility and impartiality among our judges.
Of particular concern is that Mr. McLaughlin does not see the need to check with a judicial ethics expert about the possibilities of being conflicted out of serving on the bench. My understanding is that he asked a couple of judges about their opinion (all of whom certainly have a working knowledge of judicial ethics), but he has not sought advice from experts in the field of judicial ethics.
Though I too have a working knowledge of judicial ethics, I am not an expert in the field, nor have I researched all the rules and exceptions that might apply to Mr. McLaughlin’s situation. I find it troublesome that Mr. McLaughlin has not done so.
Thank you, Hon. Timothy A. Canning Eureka
Why you should vote for me
At 51 years of age and 23 years into my career as a lawyer, I feel I have only now achieved the point in my life and career that I’m truly ready and qualified to transition to the role of Superior Court Judge.
To sit in judgement of another’s freedom. To condemn a man or woman to prison, possibly for the rest of their life. These are no small considerations. I feel as though I have arrived at this point in my career arc by watching and learning from skilled attorneys and judicial officers, honing my craft as a trial attorney, and developing a profound respect for the judicial process and its impact on the community and the lives of those involved.
In our system of justice, the respect and dignity afforded the parties is paramount. There are flaws in the system, to be sure. It is an imperfect system; however, it is also among the best justice systems that exists and it distinguishes us from myriad other countries in the world. I am running for judge, in large part, due to my passion to contribute to what our system should aspire to achieve – a search for the truth and the pursuit of justice for all who appear before our courts.
Whatever first brought me to the law, over these many years I have come to believe it is truly what I was born to do. I spent the first five years of my career in civil litigation, before finding my calling in criminal law—both as a Prosecutor and Public Defender. The community needs a fair and equal system of justice, and I have very much enjoyed being a part of that endeavor.
I started my family in Humboldt County, in 2007. My partner, Kelly Neel, and I are raising our now 14-year-old daughter here, and Humboldt is where we intend to stay. I love this community and am proud to call it home.
My partner, Kelly, who I’ve been with for nearly 20-years, is currently a Superior Court Judge. Seeing how Kelly’s experience as a former Prosecutor and Public Defender translated to her judgeship undoubtedly inspired me to begin my candidacy. I will aspire to be as decent and fair and respectful as Kelly is as a judge.
I ask that you please vote for me as your next Superior Court Judge.
Steve Madrone is an exceptionally honest and transparent supervisor who continues to offer real solutions that respect all of our views (see his long list of accomplishments at madrone4supervisor.com/professional background/accomplishments).
Nothing scares me more than politicians who list problems and hide their solutions because they know that many of us would not like them- and that their opponent is already working on them.
That’s why the Yurok, Hoopa, and Karuk Tribes all support Steve: he stood with the Wiyot, and Rio Dell and Scotia residents, and many of us, in opposition to the problematic Terra-Gen wind project, in favor of the potentially more beneficial and less harmful offshore wind project, and solar rooftop electricity generation. Doss conflates the two wind projects to try to deceive voters, a practice that may account for no Harbor Commissioner endorsing him.
Similarly, Steve has worked with all stakeholders in assuring local water security and resiliency for the Trinidad-Westhaven environs that respects Tribal values-what we value most about living here. We are all benefitting from Steve’s tireless advocacy for homegrown industries like tiny home manufacturing in Hoopa, Klamath dam removal, healthy Klamath tributaries, and the return of Trinity’s water.
We can trust that Steve will join with our state and federal legislators, (who endorse him, along with over a hundred others), to promote innovative projects, and protect us from the likes of toxic coal trains, poorly planned growth, and continuation of the extractive practices (and policymakers) of the past that have decimated our forests and fisheries, because we know where Steve stands, (and lives).
In a policymaker, what we don’t know, including “where’d you get all that campaign funding money?” can be dangerous.
Vote for whom we know, and trust, and reelect Steve Madrone.
Fiscal responsibility, regulatory efficiency, public and private security and safety, long-term water resiliency and County road maintenance should be the highest priorities on County Supervisors’ agendas. Life-long Humboldt County resident and experienced businessman Larry Doss is the best choice for voters in the Fifth District to address these matters.
Steve Madrone has had a very productive first term as County Supervisor and I have no doubt that during his second term, he will continue to work tirelessly for the Fifth District. Madrone is well known for his stellar environmental record related to forest protection and health, salmonid restoration, Klamath Dam removal, and trail construction and improvements. However, he has also worked diligently to ensure public health and safety throughout the district.
Some of his accomplishments include helping ensure that a severely blighted Orick motel was cleaned up and its residents relocated, securing funding for Westhaven Volunteer Fire Department to update their equipment, advocating for major repairs to Scenic Drive and Patrick’s Point Drive, helping improve safety for pedestrians and bikes at the Hammond Trail crossing of Hiller Road, advocating for the Public Works Department to improve safety along Liscolm Hill Road, assisting the Orleans Fire Department to get an extension on a county grant to build a new Fire Hall, helping obtain funds from Green Diamond and North Fork Lumber to install radar speed devices along Maple Creek Road near Blue Lake, and supporting new positions for Public Works to manage road work, fuel reduction and other infrastructure projects.
In short, Steve Madrone is seriously committed to maintaining and improving human infrastructure as well as natural infrastructure. Let’s keep him in office!
After listening to two debates between 5th District Supervisor Steve Madrone and his challenger, Larry Doss, two things strike me. The first one is that Madrone is familiar with all the issues and has worked on them extensively during the past four years. Doss has little to say in response to most questions from the audience. However, he is promising change. What sort of change? It’s hard to tell because there is only one issue on which Doss distinguishes himself, and that is the extension of a water pipeline north from McKinleyville to the Rancheria in Trinidad.
The Trinidad City Council has voted against connecting to this proposed pipeline and so has the Westhaven Community Services District. Madrone advocates for water conservation and efficiency. Most people who live up here know that importing water from the Mad River would galvanize development. We like our forest. We also know that building houses in the wilderness/urban interface would increase the risk of wildfire.
Larry Doss is a real estate agent. He was likely recruited by developers to try to dislodge Madrone from the Board of Supervisors. He has either moved to Orick in order to claim residency in the 5th District, or he is just saying that he moved there from his longtime Eureka home. I’m very satisfied with Supervisor Madrone’s hard work to improve the quality of life for people of his district. I’m very suspicious of Larry Doss’s motivations.
If you live in the Fifth District, vote for Steve Madrone, who has a proven reputation of getting things done for his constituents, and for the county as a whole. A few of Steve’s many accomplishments:
Public Safety: Got raises and better benefits for deputies – and all county employees – to make it easier to fill positions and keep trained personnel once they are hired.
The Tribes: Helped the Yurok and Hoopa Tribes work cooperatively with the County to improve children’s services, and get better social services for individuals and families. Helped the Hoopa Tribe get their mill up and running. Working on bringing public transit to the Yurok Tribe.
East county: Helped Willow Creek residents after the Knob Fire and after the big snowstorm last winter, including freeing elderly residents from their blocked driveways.
McKinleyville: Working on forming a Town Center. Investigating the financial feasibility of the town incorporating (which would allow it to make its own decisions). Improvements to Clam Beach, especially for the disabled. Working on getting an Airport Business Park and a Vista Point Park along the freeway. Torpedoed Dollar General’s attempts to get a liquor license right next to the high school.
Everywhere: Helped people deal with neighborhood drug houses, code enforcement, and other health & safety issues. Brought cannabis farmers and neighbors together to discuss issues.
The environment: Helping get a huge grant from the Army Corps of Engineers for salmon restoration and flood protection in the Orick area. Helped with fisheries restoration on Powers Creek (Blue Lake area). Advocated for removal of Klamath Dam, and making sure that the demolition and restoration work go to locals.
Steve has lived in the community he represents for 45 years. His roots are here, and so are his grandchildren. He’s not here to make a quick buck and then leave. Moreover, he is accessible – he answers emails and phone calls. He is calm and level-headed, and is not owned by the “good old boys” of Humboldt.
I urge you to vote for Steve Madrone for 5th District Supervisor.
I have known Steve for 49 years and he is a man of integrity. As an Eagle Scout he set a path early in life of being a honest and hard working person, and that is the man I know today.
Steve has lived in the 5th district for 46 years and knows it well. He knows its rivers, streams and flood plains. He knows the valleys, the ridge lines and its varied communities. He knows the small business owners and what help they need to survive. He knows the community leaders in the towns and tribes, and who to call when something needs to get done.
I trust Steve to support the upcoming offshore wind energy project and to ensure that it meets our community’s needs and values. Steve will insist that investors hire local and pay living wages and that they mitigate for potential impacts to avian and aquatic species. Steve knows we need to move away from the fracked natural gas that currently provides electricity for our area.
I asked Steve why he voted against the Terra Gen wind project although he supports clean energy and he said that while this was a hard vote to take, there were several reasons that he did so. Terra Gen refused to commit to hiring local labor until forced to by the denial of their permits by the Planning Commission. They also refused to commit to cleaning up the site after its life span had passed and planned to leave an industrial mess for the community to clean up (remind anyone else of the abandoned toxic pulp mills that left us taxpayers footing the bill for clean-up?). Lastly, the construction was to occur on Sacred Ground of the Wiyot Tribe.
I appreciate Steve’s long-term commitment to a creation of more affordable housing and to finding solutions out of homelessness. As Supervisor, he supported amendments to the County’s Housing Element which incentivizes Accessory Dwelling Units, tiny homes, and detached bedrooms. He voted for the recent large subdivision in Cutten and recommended that we develop public private partnerships to add more amenities like EV charging and safe pathways.
I am grateful that Steve led the effort at the Board of Supervisor to get sheriff’s deputies and all county staff significant pay raises to help with hiring and retention. I appreciate that he wants to fund more deputies, and that he is recommending and working for the addition of trained social workers to ride along with deputies to help de-escalate situations and get folks into addiction treatment or help with mental health care.
Steve has been committed to a balanced budget since day one, and it hasn’t always been easy. He was the only board member that held his ground on limiting tax cuts for cannabis farmers, and has consistently spoken out for better cooperation among all departments in getting our books in order. Recently Steve supported allocating $3.5 million dollars of Measure Z funding for roads and has been a consistent advocate for more funding to maintain and improve our current roads.
Steve’s deep roots, knowledge and love of this district will help him continue to be an effective representative for the 5th. Please join me in marking your ballot for Steve Madrone and getting it in by June 7.
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