M. Wayne Knight allegedly suffering from flu-related complications
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/21/09
Arcata
M. Wayne Knight, 60, a Professor of Art at Humboldt State University, died the morning of Oct. 21 at Mad River Hospital of complications brought on by H1N1 influenza. He had been hospitalized for a number of days.
Knight joined the Humboldt State faculty in 2002 and taught graphic design, graphic design program development and graphics lab management. His exhibits spanned galleries from Rome to Los Angeles. His works also were featured on the Redwood Coast at HSU’s First Street Gallery and Reese Bullen Gallery, the Morris Graves Museum in Eureka and the Grace Hudson Museum and Mendocino College in Ukiah, where his family resides.
Knight earned his master of arts degree at San Francisco State University and his bachelor of arts at UCLA. From 1996 to 2002, he was art director and graphics specialist at SoftMed Systems, in Sacramento. A long-time freelance artist, he engaged in a broad variety of projects, including computer and traditional graphic design, portraiture, set design, murals, architectural rendering, video production and photography.
In a message to the campus community, HSU President Rollin Richmond wrote, “We have lost a friend and dedicated professor who will be sorely missed. A number of individuals from our campus have been in close contact with Professor Knight's family, and we have conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the University. I ask that you keep his family in your thoughts in the days to come.”
Memorial arrangements are pending.
For students needing assistance dealing with Professor Knight’s death, help is available through HSU Counseling and Psychological Services at 826-3236. Staff and faculty can obtain counseling services through the University’s Employee Assistance Program at 443-7358.
Humboldt State Student Health Center Director Rebecca Stauffer called Knight’s death a terrible loss for the campus, and said it was an important reminder about the seriousness of H1N1. She said this is an important new H1N1 warning for the small number of people who are severely affected by H1N1. Sick individuals, she said, are advised to seek medical care if they do not start feeling better after three to four days, or any time they become suddenly worse.
Stauffer issued a reminder to individuals with certain underlying health conditions that they might be at especially high risk. These include pregnancy, cancer, blood disorders (including sickle cell disease), chronic lung disease (including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders and neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord), neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis) and weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS).
Persons with these pre-existing conditions who become sick with the flu should call or visit their medical provider early in their illness to be assessed for possible anti-viral medication.
Precautions for all persons to stay healthy include frequent and thorough hand washing, coughing and sneezing into sleeves and avoiding contact with anyone who is ill. Individuals who suspect they have contracted influenza should stay at home until the fever has subsided for at least 24 hours without medicine to keep the fever down.
Depending on distribution timetables, H1N1 vaccine is expected to be delivered to the Student Health Center in mid-November, and an all-day campus vaccination clinic is being planned. All eligible people are urged to be vaccinated.
Updated campus news and information about H1N1 is available at www.humboldt.edu/flu.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Anti-war rally goes on despite rain
Afghanistan and Iraq occupations equally criticized by activists
David Courtland, Humboldt Sentinel
10/18/09
Eureka
Peach activists from various anti-war organizations gathered for a rally in front of Humboldt County's courthouse at 1 p.m. Saturday despite rain.
“We're trying to redo the anti-war movement, it's dead in its tracks,” said rally organizer Jack Nounnan as he helped other protesters put up canvas shelters against the rain.
Nounnan says the movement suffered a setback when people became complacent following the election of President Barack Obama, whom he says hasn't done enough to the movement.
“I think if he had shown some effort, we could have made things happen,” said Nounnan. “I'm not counting on that anymore.”
David Courtland, Humboldt Sentinel
10/18/09
Eureka
Peach activists from various anti-war organizations gathered for a rally in front of Humboldt County's courthouse at 1 p.m. Saturday despite rain.
“We're trying to redo the anti-war movement, it's dead in its tracks,” said rally organizer Jack Nounnan as he helped other protesters put up canvas shelters against the rain.
Nounnan says the movement suffered a setback when people became complacent following the election of President Barack Obama, whom he says hasn't done enough to the movement.
“I think if he had shown some effort, we could have made things happen,” said Nounnan. “I'm not counting on that anymore.”
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Assault suspect arrested
Woman was stabbed in her motel room
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/17/09
Eureka
A Eureka man has been busted for attacking a woman who told Eureka police he stabbed her in a 4th Street motel room.
Robert Ranney, 51, has been jailed for assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence. The woman, whom Eureka police did not identify, had scratches on the left side of her neck but declined medical treatment.
At about 10:30 a.m. Ranney was found walking near 4th and J streets, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/17/09
Eureka
A Eureka man has been busted for attacking a woman who told Eureka police he stabbed her in a 4th Street motel room.
Robert Ranney, 51, has been jailed for assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence. The woman, whom Eureka police did not identify, had scratches on the left side of her neck but declined medical treatment.
At about 10:30 a.m. Ranney was found walking near 4th and J streets, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Eureka police looking for armed robbers
C&V Market on F Street held up for cash
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/16/09
Eureka
Police are looking for the two men who took cash from a clerk at an F Street market at about 10:42 p.m. Wednesday.
Brandishing a pump shotgun, the two fled west on Randall with the money in a white plastic grocery bag.
The man with the gun is described as white, 5'10” to 6 ft. with a medium build, wearing a dark trench coat, faded blue jeans, black and white athletic shoes and a ski mask with multicolored horizontal stripes, possibly blue, black and grey.
On October 14th at about 10:42pm the Eureka Police Department received a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at a market in the 1600 block of F Street.
The second man is described as white, 5'8” to 5'10” with a medium build, wearing a dark blue or black hooded sweatshirt with a the hood pulled tight around his eyes and nose.
Anyone with information can call the Eureka Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at (707) 441-4300 or 707-441-4044.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/16/09
Eureka
Police are looking for the two men who took cash from a clerk at an F Street market at about 10:42 p.m. Wednesday.
Brandishing a pump shotgun, the two fled west on Randall with the money in a white plastic grocery bag.
The man with the gun is described as white, 5'10” to 6 ft. with a medium build, wearing a dark trench coat, faded blue jeans, black and white athletic shoes and a ski mask with multicolored horizontal stripes, possibly blue, black and grey.
On October 14th at about 10:42pm the Eureka Police Department received a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at a market in the 1600 block of F Street.
The second man is described as white, 5'8” to 5'10” with a medium build, wearing a dark blue or black hooded sweatshirt with a the hood pulled tight around his eyes and nose.
Anyone with information can call the Eureka Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at (707) 441-4300 or 707-441-4044.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Humboldt joins global day of climate action
One of over 3,000 October 24 events in 158 countries
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/15/09
Garberville
People from around Southern Humboldt will gather in Richardson Grove at 2 p.m. Oct. 24 for one of the largest days of climate change activism ever.
Participants will join more than 3,000 communities in 158 countries as part of a global day of action, coordinated by 350.org, to urge leaders to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions. The Southern Humboldt organizing effort has been spearheaded by Redway resident Aliana Knapp-Prasek, a Student Conservation Association climate activist.
"The earth can heal the wounds of industrialized society, including climate change, if we give them a chance," said Knapp-Prasek. "Decentralized organizing efforts like these can help the community come together to address the global issues, locally."
From capitols to the melting slopes of Mount Everest, even underwater on dying coral reefs, people will hold rallies aimed at focusing attention on the number 350—a reference to 350 parts per million, the most carbon dioxide scientists say can safely be in the atmosphere. The current CO2 concentration is 390 parts per million.
“That’s why glaciers and sea ice are melting, drought is spreading, and flooding is on the increase,” said Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org. “And it’s why we need a huge worldwide movement to give us the momentum to make real political change. Our leaders have heard from major corporations and big polluters for a long time—today, finally, they heard from citizens and scientists.”
Locally action will take place at Richardson Grove State Park, once a protected stand of ancient redwood trees that is now threatened by a highway widening project.
Proponents of the project claim it is justified by increased truck access through the region.
Southern Humboldt 350.org organizers, who say the grove has trees over 1,500 years old, chose it to symbolize the threat of reckless planning and disregard for ecosystems.
"The planned widening of Highway 101 through Richardson Grove, to me, embodies a giant step in the wrong direction, as far as climate change, as well as for the people in our community who hold precious our way of life,” said Talia Rose, owner of Organic Grace in Garberville.
“If we are to have any hope of slowing down the effects that will devastate life on Planet Earth, we need to make some huge changes quick,” continued Rose, . “The tipping point is now--we need to live a little simpler now to ensure our children and grandchildren have a healthy planet to live on."
While a lot of attention has focused on the campaign to Save Richardson Grove State Park, large-scale clear-cutting continues behind the Redwood Curtain. One organization, the Environmental Protection Information Center, has spent 32 years addressing this issue locally.
“We depend on these forests to survive,” said Natalynne Delapp, policy advocate for the EPIC. “Outdated logging practices like clear-cutting continue to dominate the landscape of the Redwood region. We need the forests of our unique bioregion to function at their highest potential for all of the people on the planet, not just the few companies profiting off their destruction."
The global action comes six weeks before nations convene in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to draw up a new climate treaty. Eighty-nine countries have already endorsed the 350 target. It has also been endorsed by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Chairman Sir Nicholas Stern and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore.
Photos from around the world, including ones of the gathering in Southern Humboldt, will be featured on giant video screens in New York's Times Square as part of a countdown. They will be accessible at 350.org and will be delivered to the United Nations on Monday, Oct. 26.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/15/09
Garberville
People from around Southern Humboldt will gather in Richardson Grove at 2 p.m. Oct. 24 for one of the largest days of climate change activism ever.
Participants will join more than 3,000 communities in 158 countries as part of a global day of action, coordinated by 350.org, to urge leaders to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions. The Southern Humboldt organizing effort has been spearheaded by Redway resident Aliana Knapp-Prasek, a Student Conservation Association climate activist.
"The earth can heal the wounds of industrialized society, including climate change, if we give them a chance," said Knapp-Prasek. "Decentralized organizing efforts like these can help the community come together to address the global issues, locally."
From capitols to the melting slopes of Mount Everest, even underwater on dying coral reefs, people will hold rallies aimed at focusing attention on the number 350—a reference to 350 parts per million, the most carbon dioxide scientists say can safely be in the atmosphere. The current CO2 concentration is 390 parts per million.
“That’s why glaciers and sea ice are melting, drought is spreading, and flooding is on the increase,” said Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org. “And it’s why we need a huge worldwide movement to give us the momentum to make real political change. Our leaders have heard from major corporations and big polluters for a long time—today, finally, they heard from citizens and scientists.”
Locally action will take place at Richardson Grove State Park, once a protected stand of ancient redwood trees that is now threatened by a highway widening project.
Proponents of the project claim it is justified by increased truck access through the region.
Southern Humboldt 350.org organizers, who say the grove has trees over 1,500 years old, chose it to symbolize the threat of reckless planning and disregard for ecosystems.
"The planned widening of Highway 101 through Richardson Grove, to me, embodies a giant step in the wrong direction, as far as climate change, as well as for the people in our community who hold precious our way of life,” said Talia Rose, owner of Organic Grace in Garberville.
“If we are to have any hope of slowing down the effects that will devastate life on Planet Earth, we need to make some huge changes quick,” continued Rose, . “The tipping point is now--we need to live a little simpler now to ensure our children and grandchildren have a healthy planet to live on."
While a lot of attention has focused on the campaign to Save Richardson Grove State Park, large-scale clear-cutting continues behind the Redwood Curtain. One organization, the Environmental Protection Information Center, has spent 32 years addressing this issue locally.
“We depend on these forests to survive,” said Natalynne Delapp, policy advocate for the EPIC. “Outdated logging practices like clear-cutting continue to dominate the landscape of the Redwood region. We need the forests of our unique bioregion to function at their highest potential for all of the people on the planet, not just the few companies profiting off their destruction."
The global action comes six weeks before nations convene in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference to draw up a new climate treaty. Eighty-nine countries have already endorsed the 350 target. It has also been endorsed by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Chairman Sir Nicholas Stern and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore.
Photos from around the world, including ones of the gathering in Southern Humboldt, will be featured on giant video screens in New York's Times Square as part of a countdown. They will be accessible at 350.org and will be delivered to the United Nations on Monday, Oct. 26.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Police make arrest in suspected homicide
William Wright turned himself in over death of homeless man
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/14/09
Eureka
On Monday, a man turned himself in at the Eureka police station for his involvement in the suspected murder of a homeless man.
William Harold Wright, 24, was jailed for manslaughter and jailed for $100,000 bail at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
Details of the events which led to Borcalli's death are still being investigated, and an autopsy has been scheduled by the Humboldt County Coroner's Office.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective Harpham at 707-441-4305.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/14/09
Eureka
On Monday, a man turned himself in at the Eureka police station for his involvement in the suspected murder of a homeless man.
William Harold Wright, 24, was jailed for manslaughter and jailed for $100,000 bail at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
Details of the events which led to Borcalli's death are still being investigated, and an autopsy has been scheduled by the Humboldt County Coroner's Office.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective Harpham at 707-441-4305.
Hawaiian Chieftain makes surprise stop
Old-fashioned wooden ship offering tours today
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/14/09
Eureka
The tall ship Hawaiian Chieftain, which is in transit from Westport, Wash. to Oakland, made an unscheduled stop Tuesday in Eureka to avoid a Pacific weather system expected to arrive on the North Coast.
The ship tied up safely at Adorni Center on the Eureka waterfront, and it will open to the public for walk-on tours Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. A $3 donation per person is requested.
The Hawaiian Chieftain is a frequent visitor to the North Coast, where it offers educational programs to local K-12 classrooms and home school groups. The ship is scheduled to return to the region March 6-16, 2010, which will include stops in Eureka and Crescent City.
Educators and home-school groups interested in a program should contact Reasa Shuck, programs manager, rshuck@historicalseaport.org, (360) 589-2299. The ship will also offer three-hour public sails. For information, call (800) 200-5239, or visit www.historicalseaport.org.
The ship is expected to depart for Oakland Wednesday night or Thursday morning. The Oakland visit is the first during a six-month tour of California ports, themed "California 2009-2010: Hands-on History for Youth."
The tour emphasizes the Hawaiian Chieftain’s mission of delivering valuable educational experiences for young people, many of whom go on to careers in the maritime trades, the Navy, and the Coast Guard.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/14/09
Eureka
The tall ship Hawaiian Chieftain, which is in transit from Westport, Wash. to Oakland, made an unscheduled stop Tuesday in Eureka to avoid a Pacific weather system expected to arrive on the North Coast.
The ship tied up safely at Adorni Center on the Eureka waterfront, and it will open to the public for walk-on tours Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. A $3 donation per person is requested.
The Hawaiian Chieftain is a frequent visitor to the North Coast, where it offers educational programs to local K-12 classrooms and home school groups. The ship is scheduled to return to the region March 6-16, 2010, which will include stops in Eureka and Crescent City.
Educators and home-school groups interested in a program should contact Reasa Shuck, programs manager, rshuck@historicalseaport.org, (360) 589-2299. The ship will also offer three-hour public sails. For information, call (800) 200-5239, or visit www.historicalseaport.org.
The ship is expected to depart for Oakland Wednesday night or Thursday morning. The Oakland visit is the first during a six-month tour of California ports, themed "California 2009-2010: Hands-on History for Youth."
The tour emphasizes the Hawaiian Chieftain’s mission of delivering valuable educational experiences for young people, many of whom go on to careers in the maritime trades, the Navy, and the Coast Guard.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Homeless man found dead on M Street
Murder suspected in the case of Michael Borcalli
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/12/09
Eureka
Police are asking for the public's help in solving the suspected murder of a homeless man whose body was found yesterday in a vacant lot on M Street.
The body of Michael Anthony Borcalli, also known as Michael Anthony Dragon, was found at about 2:20 p.m. near a trail in the wooded area between 15th and 17th streets, where he is thought to have been living.
Anyone with information about Borcalli or the circumstances of his death can call Eureka Police Department detective Murl Harpham at (707) 441-4305.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/12/09
Eureka
Police are asking for the public's help in solving the suspected murder of a homeless man whose body was found yesterday in a vacant lot on M Street.
The body of Michael Anthony Borcalli, also known as Michael Anthony Dragon, was found at about 2:20 p.m. near a trail in the wooded area between 15th and 17th streets, where he is thought to have been living.
Anyone with information about Borcalli or the circumstances of his death can call Eureka Police Department detective Murl Harpham at (707) 441-4305.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Another cell tower permit approved
City of Eureka "will be sued" according to opponents
David Courtland, Humboldt Sentinel
10/9/09
Eureka
Eureka's city council granted a conditional use permit for construction of a 50-foot T-Mobile cell phone tower on Dean Street at its Oct. 6 meeting.
Sara Pfeiffer and four other residents of the commercially zoned street fought against the permit, appealing a Planning Commission decision made at a meeting they said wasn't conducted fairly. Councilman Larry Glass agreed, saying developer Tom McMurray would be the one appealing if the meeting had been conducted properly.
Pfeiffer and others argued the tower would be the tallest structure on the street and would obstruct the flight path of helicopters landing at St. Joseph Hospital's heliport, but McMurray noted the project had to meet federal guidelines before it could be brought to the city council.
Glass and Linda Atkins cast the 'no' votes in a 3-2 split decision that opponent Sue Brandenburg guaranteed the city would be sued over. Councilman Jeff Leonard's motion to approve the project included Glass' amendment to reimburse Pfeiffer for the cost of her appeal.
David Courtland, Humboldt Sentinel
10/9/09
Eureka
Eureka's city council granted a conditional use permit for construction of a 50-foot T-Mobile cell phone tower on Dean Street at its Oct. 6 meeting.
Sara Pfeiffer and four other residents of the commercially zoned street fought against the permit, appealing a Planning Commission decision made at a meeting they said wasn't conducted fairly. Councilman Larry Glass agreed, saying developer Tom McMurray would be the one appealing if the meeting had been conducted properly.
Pfeiffer and others argued the tower would be the tallest structure on the street and would obstruct the flight path of helicopters landing at St. Joseph Hospital's heliport, but McMurray noted the project had to meet federal guidelines before it could be brought to the city council.
Glass and Linda Atkins cast the 'no' votes in a 3-2 split decision that opponent Sue Brandenburg guaranteed the city would be sued over. Councilman Jeff Leonard's motion to approve the project included Glass' amendment to reimburse Pfeiffer for the cost of her appeal.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
HSU aims $25,000 at food security
AmeriCorps grant to help meet "community identified needs"
Paul Mann, Humboldt State University
10/8/09
Arcata
Humboldt State University’s Service Learning Center will collaborate with community partners on green initiatives and food security via a $25,000 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency responsible for AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America programs, through the California Campus Compact.
The compact is designed to build collective commitment and capacity of colleges and universities throughout the state to advance civic and community engagement for a “healthy, just and democratic society.”
The Service Learning Center will join together with a full roster of Humboldt community and campus partnerships, which are based on helping to meet community-identified needs. Some of these partnerships include Eureka city schools, Food for People, local community garden projects, Redwood Community Action Agency, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers’ Farm-to-School Program and many others. Each partnership will have its own unique outcomes, intended to foster a commitment to increasing social and environmental responsibility.
Humboldt State is one of six California colleges selected for the $25,000 grant in connection with Social Innovation Generation (SIG), the California Campus Compact’s three-year initiative to aid the state’s economic recovery and renewal through institutions of higher learning that offer service-learning programs and inventive solutions to social problems.
The six-campus collaboration spans green-collar job training, inner city microfinance and entrepreneurialism and student-led projects, among other ventures across the state.
HSU’s Service Learning Center enables students to link academic content with direct service projects that equip them with practical experience while meeting local needs. The center supports faculty implementing service learning classes on campus, and helps find community connections that foster student civic engagement and provide a framework for engagement in issues of social and environmental justice
Paul Mann, Humboldt State University
10/8/09
Arcata
Humboldt State University’s Service Learning Center will collaborate with community partners on green initiatives and food security via a $25,000 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency responsible for AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America programs, through the California Campus Compact.
The compact is designed to build collective commitment and capacity of colleges and universities throughout the state to advance civic and community engagement for a “healthy, just and democratic society.”
The Service Learning Center will join together with a full roster of Humboldt community and campus partnerships, which are based on helping to meet community-identified needs. Some of these partnerships include Eureka city schools, Food for People, local community garden projects, Redwood Community Action Agency, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers’ Farm-to-School Program and many others. Each partnership will have its own unique outcomes, intended to foster a commitment to increasing social and environmental responsibility.
Humboldt State is one of six California colleges selected for the $25,000 grant in connection with Social Innovation Generation (SIG), the California Campus Compact’s three-year initiative to aid the state’s economic recovery and renewal through institutions of higher learning that offer service-learning programs and inventive solutions to social problems.
The six-campus collaboration spans green-collar job training, inner city microfinance and entrepreneurialism and student-led projects, among other ventures across the state.
HSU’s Service Learning Center enables students to link academic content with direct service projects that equip them with practical experience while meeting local needs. The center supports faculty implementing service learning classes on campus, and helps find community connections that foster student civic engagement and provide a framework for engagement in issues of social and environmental justice
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Beverly Drive grow house raided
Police find LSD, $10,000 amongst booty
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/6/09
Arcata
Three suspects are sought by police after a search warrant resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs and weapons along with the chop-down of a marijuana garden.
Arcata Police Department officers served the warrant at a home on the 400 block of Beverly Drive yesterday after receiving complaints from nearby residents of suspected drug activity, according to an APD release.
In their search, APD seized approximately 150 marijuana plants, a half-ounce of concentrated cannabis, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, four pounds of processed marijuana, suspected LSD, two firearms and $10,000 in cash.
Adam Steven Pokorski, Jacqueline Ann Pokorski and Jeremiah Funk are being sought on what is expected to be a laundry list of warrants for felony drug and firearm violations.
The electrical wiring in the home had been modified to facilitate an in-door marijuana growing operation, according to Building Department officials summoned from Arcata City Hall due to what police claim were "hazardous conditions in the electrical wiring" which were unpermitted. Power to the home was cut, as demanded by the City of Arcata, and the electric meter was removed by Pacific Gas and Electric until the home's electrical wiring is in compliance.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/6/09
Arcata
Three suspects are sought by police after a search warrant resulted in the seizure of illegal drugs and weapons along with the chop-down of a marijuana garden.
Arcata Police Department officers served the warrant at a home on the 400 block of Beverly Drive yesterday after receiving complaints from nearby residents of suspected drug activity, according to an APD release.
In their search, APD seized approximately 150 marijuana plants, a half-ounce of concentrated cannabis, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, four pounds of processed marijuana, suspected LSD, two firearms and $10,000 in cash.
Adam Steven Pokorski, Jacqueline Ann Pokorski and Jeremiah Funk are being sought on what is expected to be a laundry list of warrants for felony drug and firearm violations.
The electrical wiring in the home had been modified to facilitate an in-door marijuana growing operation, according to Building Department officials summoned from Arcata City Hall due to what police claim were "hazardous conditions in the electrical wiring" which were unpermitted. Power to the home was cut, as demanded by the City of Arcata, and the electric meter was removed by Pacific Gas and Electric until the home's electrical wiring is in compliance.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Arcatan busted for DUI, hit and run
Benjamin Batini allegedly struck pedestrian, drove off
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/4/09
Arcata
An Arcata man is sitting in county jail today after a hit-and-run incident early yesterday morning landed a local woman in the hospital.
At about 2:00 a.m. Arcata Police Department officers responded to a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at the four-way stop at 11th and F Street. Upon their arrival, responding APD units found a pedestrian who had been struck and suffered an injury to her wrist.
The victim described their assailant as driving a black Chevrolet sport utility vehicle and heading eastbound on 11th Street. In the course of their investigation, officers located the vehicle parked on the 1200 block of Spring Street, and were approached by the owner of the vehicle, 21-year-old Arcata resident Benjamin Batini. He was promptly arrested and booked on charges of felony hit and run and felony driving under the influence.
The pedestrian, a 21-year-old female not identified by the release issued by APD, was transported to Mad River Hospital by ambulance, treated for a fractured wrist, and later released.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/4/09
Arcata
An Arcata man is sitting in county jail today after a hit-and-run incident early yesterday morning landed a local woman in the hospital.
At about 2:00 a.m. Arcata Police Department officers responded to a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at the four-way stop at 11th and F Street. Upon their arrival, responding APD units found a pedestrian who had been struck and suffered an injury to her wrist.
The victim described their assailant as driving a black Chevrolet sport utility vehicle and heading eastbound on 11th Street. In the course of their investigation, officers located the vehicle parked on the 1200 block of Spring Street, and were approached by the owner of the vehicle, 21-year-old Arcata resident Benjamin Batini. He was promptly arrested and booked on charges of felony hit and run and felony driving under the influence.
The pedestrian, a 21-year-old female not identified by the release issued by APD, was transported to Mad River Hospital by ambulance, treated for a fractured wrist, and later released.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Merle Haggard’s haunted microphones
Old school country legend toughs through rocky upbringing, crappy CenterArts techs
David Giarrizzo, Humboldt Sentinel
10/2/09
"They just don't make music like they used to," according to this legend of America's vibrant tradition of country music, and boy did he show them how on Sunday in Arcata.
Listening to Merle Haggard is like listening to the ghosts of the Dust Bowl rising forth to take vengeance on the watered-down, issue-free, emotionless pop that has watered down what's called 'country' into a morass of drivel. Thankfully for contemporary audiences, he still remembers his roots.
Merle Haggard was born to James and Flossie Haggard on April 6, 1937. His parents moved from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression, converting an old boxcar into a home. Before their marriage, James played fiddle in local honky tonk bars. Flossie was a member of the Church of Christ, which led to her forcing her husband to stop playing the honky tonks. James died from a brain tumor when Merle was nine years old.
After his father's death, Merle became rebellious. In an attempt to straighten her son out, his mother put him in several juvenile detention centers, but it had little effect on Merle's behavior. As a teenager, he fell in love with country music, particularly Bob Willis, Lefty Frizzel, and Hank Williams. When he was 12 years old, Haggard was given his first guitar by his older brother; Merle taught himself how to play by listening to records that were lying around the house.
Even though he had begun to pursue music, Haggard continued to rebel, running away with his friend Bob Teague to Texas when he was 14 years old. A few months later, the pair returned to California, where they were arrested as robbery suspects. After the real thieves were caught, Haggard was sent back to juvenile hall, but he and Teague took off to Modesto, CA. For a brief time, he did manual labor, was a short-order cook, drove a truck, and committed a series of small crimes. Soon after he moved to Modesto, Haggard made his performing debut with Teague at a bar named the Fun Center; the two were paid five dollars and given all the beer that they could drink.
By the end of 1951, Haggard had returned home and he was again arrested for truancy, as well as petty larceny. In the beginning of 1952, he was sent to Fred C. Nelles School for Boys in Whittier, CA; again, he ran away. This time, the courts decided he was incorrigible and sent him to the high-security Preston School of Industry; he was released after 15 months. Shortly after his release, he and a boy he met at PSI beat up a local boy during an attempted robbery, and Haggard was sent back to PSI.
After getting out of PSI for the second time, Haggard had the first major event in his musical career. He went with Teague to see Lefty Frizzle in concert in Bakersfield. Before the show, he went backstage with several friends and he sang a couple songs for Frizzle. Lefty was so impressed he refused to go on-stage until Haggard was allowed to sing a song. Merle went out and sang a few songs to an enthusiastic response from the audience. Yet, even with the acceptance of his idol, Merle continued the path of self destruction .
While he was working during the day in oil fields and farms, he performed at local Bakersfield clubs. His performances led to a spot on a local television show, Chuck Wagon. In 1956, he married Leona Hobbs; the couple moved into his family's old converted boxcar. Throughout 1957, Haggard was plagued by financial problems, which made him turn to robbery. At the end of the year, he attempted to rob a restaurant along with two other burglars; the three were drunk at the time. Believing it was three o'clock in the morning, the trio tried to open up the back door of the restaurant. However, it was 10:30 and the establishment was still open. Although the trio fled the scene, Haggard was arrested that day. The following day, he escaped from prison in order to make peace with his wife and family; later that day, he was recaptured. Haggard was sentenced to a 15-year term and sent to San Quentin prison.
Nearly two years into his sentence, Haggard discovered that his wife was pregnant with another man's child. The news sent Haggard over the edge. Soon, he and his cellmate began a gambling racket and brewing beer in their cell. Before long, Haggard was caught drunk and was placed in isolation for a week. During his time in isolation, he had several conversations with Caryl Chessman, an author and a member of death row. The conversations and the time in isolation convinced Haggard to turn his life around.
After he left isolation, he began working in the prison's textile plant and took some high school equivalency courses; he was also allowed to play in the prison's country band. At his second parole hearing in 1960, Haggard was given a five-year sentence -- two years and nine months in jail, two years and three months on parole; he left prison 90 days later.
Flash forward. After almost fifty years of playing hit songs in the finest halls, for two US Presidents, receiving 18 awards from the ACM, including male vocalist of the year, and to top that off, had requests for songs on the Apollo 16 mission. He is revered by Rock stars and Country stars alike. His genuine style of singing from the soul reaches out to you. The man is a legend, and he was gracing us with his family and friends for an intimate evening of perhaps the most genuine American music alive, "Old School Country."
The John Van Duzen Theater is a moderate theater, seating a few hundred people. It was built about the same time Merle was gaining popularity amongst the severely commercialized hippy era. (They even got Tricky Dick to say "Sock it to me?," on Laugh In). I remember the sixties because I was a pre-teen and the underground psychedelia was surfacing more and more on television, in the clothing stores, and on the binders of my classmates who, for some un-godly reason, thought Daisies and Smiley faces were cool. This small, drafty theater with no lighting booth (just spot lights mounted behind the balcony seats) and barely the capacity to make a trip up here worth while to a 72-year-old legend and his family of extremely talented players. But this was just the tip of the iceberg.
The opening act was the Noel Haggard Band, Merle's oldest son and his brother Bennie on lead. These guys were so nice, they didn't even flinch when the vocals were down too low and the instruments mixed loud. This became a theme for the evening as each act came up to the stage only to battle the evil Feedback monster with the haphazardly placed monitor speakers. They played some great standards, which is the best way to describe them. The Haggards were joined by a pair of Elvis clones, clad in black embroidered jump suits, the Malpass Brothers, who sang as sweet as the Everly brothers. They laughed about the monitors, saying "We really don't like our own voices, so you can turn them (the monitors) down." Despite the challenges, they put on a good show doing an upbeat version of "Hello Wall" and many others.
During the intermission, you might think the CenterArts sound person would have figured out the problem with the monitors and the microphone placement. But, no. I was livid in my seat as the rest of the evening progressed even worse. By the time Merle sang through one song with the bats of Michael Moore Jr.'s crappy monitor speakers, the man stopped and looks at the audience. "The best sound between Fort Bragg and Crescent City? If I had known it was this bad, I would have brought my own PA! I men, we have been playing together for 30 years and ever since we started using monitors, our sound has gone to hell, Lets just shut them off and see what happens?" From then on, the sound was great, the vocals were heard, the bats were gone.
Merle even gave us an encore with "Okie From Muskogee." The audience was pleased and warmed by his stories, occasionally getting in a pot comment or two. He even put it to a vote whether or not marijuana should be legalized. The nays had it. Surprisingly, I saw many young faces in the audience. It seems a new generation is appreciating the classic Country melodies and leaving Billy Ray Cyrus in the dust. Cool.
David Giarrizzo, Humboldt Sentinel
10/2/09
"They just don't make music like they used to," according to this legend of America's vibrant tradition of country music, and boy did he show them how on Sunday in Arcata.
Listening to Merle Haggard is like listening to the ghosts of the Dust Bowl rising forth to take vengeance on the watered-down, issue-free, emotionless pop that has watered down what's called 'country' into a morass of drivel. Thankfully for contemporary audiences, he still remembers his roots.
Merle Haggard was born to James and Flossie Haggard on April 6, 1937. His parents moved from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression, converting an old boxcar into a home. Before their marriage, James played fiddle in local honky tonk bars. Flossie was a member of the Church of Christ, which led to her forcing her husband to stop playing the honky tonks. James died from a brain tumor when Merle was nine years old.
After his father's death, Merle became rebellious. In an attempt to straighten her son out, his mother put him in several juvenile detention centers, but it had little effect on Merle's behavior. As a teenager, he fell in love with country music, particularly Bob Willis, Lefty Frizzel, and Hank Williams. When he was 12 years old, Haggard was given his first guitar by his older brother; Merle taught himself how to play by listening to records that were lying around the house.
Even though he had begun to pursue music, Haggard continued to rebel, running away with his friend Bob Teague to Texas when he was 14 years old. A few months later, the pair returned to California, where they were arrested as robbery suspects. After the real thieves were caught, Haggard was sent back to juvenile hall, but he and Teague took off to Modesto, CA. For a brief time, he did manual labor, was a short-order cook, drove a truck, and committed a series of small crimes. Soon after he moved to Modesto, Haggard made his performing debut with Teague at a bar named the Fun Center; the two were paid five dollars and given all the beer that they could drink.
By the end of 1951, Haggard had returned home and he was again arrested for truancy, as well as petty larceny. In the beginning of 1952, he was sent to Fred C. Nelles School for Boys in Whittier, CA; again, he ran away. This time, the courts decided he was incorrigible and sent him to the high-security Preston School of Industry; he was released after 15 months. Shortly after his release, he and a boy he met at PSI beat up a local boy during an attempted robbery, and Haggard was sent back to PSI.
After getting out of PSI for the second time, Haggard had the first major event in his musical career. He went with Teague to see Lefty Frizzle in concert in Bakersfield. Before the show, he went backstage with several friends and he sang a couple songs for Frizzle. Lefty was so impressed he refused to go on-stage until Haggard was allowed to sing a song. Merle went out and sang a few songs to an enthusiastic response from the audience. Yet, even with the acceptance of his idol, Merle continued the path of self destruction .
While he was working during the day in oil fields and farms, he performed at local Bakersfield clubs. His performances led to a spot on a local television show, Chuck Wagon. In 1956, he married Leona Hobbs; the couple moved into his family's old converted boxcar. Throughout 1957, Haggard was plagued by financial problems, which made him turn to robbery. At the end of the year, he attempted to rob a restaurant along with two other burglars; the three were drunk at the time. Believing it was three o'clock in the morning, the trio tried to open up the back door of the restaurant. However, it was 10:30 and the establishment was still open. Although the trio fled the scene, Haggard was arrested that day. The following day, he escaped from prison in order to make peace with his wife and family; later that day, he was recaptured. Haggard was sentenced to a 15-year term and sent to San Quentin prison.
Nearly two years into his sentence, Haggard discovered that his wife was pregnant with another man's child. The news sent Haggard over the edge. Soon, he and his cellmate began a gambling racket and brewing beer in their cell. Before long, Haggard was caught drunk and was placed in isolation for a week. During his time in isolation, he had several conversations with Caryl Chessman, an author and a member of death row. The conversations and the time in isolation convinced Haggard to turn his life around.
After he left isolation, he began working in the prison's textile plant and took some high school equivalency courses; he was also allowed to play in the prison's country band. At his second parole hearing in 1960, Haggard was given a five-year sentence -- two years and nine months in jail, two years and three months on parole; he left prison 90 days later.
Flash forward. After almost fifty years of playing hit songs in the finest halls, for two US Presidents, receiving 18 awards from the ACM, including male vocalist of the year, and to top that off, had requests for songs on the Apollo 16 mission. He is revered by Rock stars and Country stars alike. His genuine style of singing from the soul reaches out to you. The man is a legend, and he was gracing us with his family and friends for an intimate evening of perhaps the most genuine American music alive, "Old School Country."
The John Van Duzen Theater is a moderate theater, seating a few hundred people. It was built about the same time Merle was gaining popularity amongst the severely commercialized hippy era. (They even got Tricky Dick to say "Sock it to me?," on Laugh In). I remember the sixties because I was a pre-teen and the underground psychedelia was surfacing more and more on television, in the clothing stores, and on the binders of my classmates who, for some un-godly reason, thought Daisies and Smiley faces were cool. This small, drafty theater with no lighting booth (just spot lights mounted behind the balcony seats) and barely the capacity to make a trip up here worth while to a 72-year-old legend and his family of extremely talented players. But this was just the tip of the iceberg.
The opening act was the Noel Haggard Band, Merle's oldest son and his brother Bennie on lead. These guys were so nice, they didn't even flinch when the vocals were down too low and the instruments mixed loud. This became a theme for the evening as each act came up to the stage only to battle the evil Feedback monster with the haphazardly placed monitor speakers. They played some great standards, which is the best way to describe them. The Haggards were joined by a pair of Elvis clones, clad in black embroidered jump suits, the Malpass Brothers, who sang as sweet as the Everly brothers. They laughed about the monitors, saying "We really don't like our own voices, so you can turn them (the monitors) down." Despite the challenges, they put on a good show doing an upbeat version of "Hello Wall" and many others.
During the intermission, you might think the CenterArts sound person would have figured out the problem with the monitors and the microphone placement. But, no. I was livid in my seat as the rest of the evening progressed even worse. By the time Merle sang through one song with the bats of Michael Moore Jr.'s crappy monitor speakers, the man stopped and looks at the audience. "The best sound between Fort Bragg and Crescent City? If I had known it was this bad, I would have brought my own PA! I men, we have been playing together for 30 years and ever since we started using monitors, our sound has gone to hell, Lets just shut them off and see what happens?" From then on, the sound was great, the vocals were heard, the bats were gone.
Merle even gave us an encore with "Okie From Muskogee." The audience was pleased and warmed by his stories, occasionally getting in a pot comment or two. He even put it to a vote whether or not marijuana should be legalized. The nays had it. Surprisingly, I saw many young faces in the audience. It seems a new generation is appreciating the classic Country melodies and leaving Billy Ray Cyrus in the dust. Cool.
Twin pot busts in Ferndale
Sara Farley arrested, Jason Farley still at large
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/2/09
Ferndale
Plants, bud, shake, money and guns were seized during a busy day yesterday for the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, which served dual warrants in Ferndale against properties owned by Jason Oscar Farley and his wife.
Sara Diane Farley, 30, was arrested at her home on the 500 block of Shaw Avenue on cultivation and possession charges, but her husband was nowhere to be found and is wanted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office on similar charges. In the course of their search of the home, law enforcement discovered $7,200 in cash which was seized for asset forfeiture, along with three handguns and two rifles.
Prior to the arrest, officers arrived at the Farley’s 158 acre parcel off Crosby Road, where they seized 44 marijuana plants growing outdoors, each approximately four to six feet in height. The weight of these plants combined was 660 pounds, according to HCSO sergeant Wayne Hanson. Officers also seized 34 pounds of marijuana shake and 22 pounds of drying bud from the property.
An arrest warrant is expected to be issued today by the District Attorney against Jason Farley, while Sara Farley was transported and booked into county jail yesterday on $50,000 bail.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/2/09
Ferndale
Plants, bud, shake, money and guns were seized during a busy day yesterday for the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, which served dual warrants in Ferndale against properties owned by Jason Oscar Farley and his wife.
Sara Diane Farley, 30, was arrested at her home on the 500 block of Shaw Avenue on cultivation and possession charges, but her husband was nowhere to be found and is wanted by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office on similar charges. In the course of their search of the home, law enforcement discovered $7,200 in cash which was seized for asset forfeiture, along with three handguns and two rifles.
Prior to the arrest, officers arrived at the Farley’s 158 acre parcel off Crosby Road, where they seized 44 marijuana plants growing outdoors, each approximately four to six feet in height. The weight of these plants combined was 660 pounds, according to HCSO sergeant Wayne Hanson. Officers also seized 34 pounds of marijuana shake and 22 pounds of drying bud from the property.
An arrest warrant is expected to be issued today by the District Attorney against Jason Farley, while Sara Farley was transported and booked into county jail yesterday on $50,000 bail.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fortuna cops get stimulated
Feds allocate $350k to help hire staff, upgrade equipment
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/1/09
Fortuna
The needs of rural law enforcement are apparently a part of the economy deserving of stimulation.
As part of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as the “stimulus bill” pushed through Congress by the Obama Administration this last spring, a program targeting rural areas has awarded $350,000 to the Fortuna Police Department. This funding will be used to hire two additional staff members, create an Investigations Department and provide upgrades to departmental equipment.
“Rural areas of our district need as much, if not more help from the stimulus act,” Congressman Mike Thompson stated in a press release. “When I voted for recovery funding for our country, it was for projects like this that will create and preserve jobs while improving our communities.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a comprehensive economic recovery package designed to jumpstart the economy, provide tax benefits for families and small businesses, and invest in infrastructure and innovation, according to Thompson spokesperson Laurel Brown. Developed with the Obama Administration, this package will create an estimated 3.5 million new jobs, give 95 percent of working families an immediate tax cut, shore up the nation’s aging infrastructure and help our country shift to green energy technology, claim its authors.
“The community is pleased to be awarded this grant,” said Fortuna city manager Duane Rigge. “It will help us to provide services to the community that are much needed, including the current back log of cases the department has accumulated. This is something that will serve our community well and provide the level of safety for our citizens that we would like them to enjoy.”
To track the stimulus spending in your community, visit www.recovery.gov.
Humboldt Sentinel staff
10/1/09
Fortuna
The needs of rural law enforcement are apparently a part of the economy deserving of stimulation.
As part of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as the “stimulus bill” pushed through Congress by the Obama Administration this last spring, a program targeting rural areas has awarded $350,000 to the Fortuna Police Department. This funding will be used to hire two additional staff members, create an Investigations Department and provide upgrades to departmental equipment.
“Rural areas of our district need as much, if not more help from the stimulus act,” Congressman Mike Thompson stated in a press release. “When I voted for recovery funding for our country, it was for projects like this that will create and preserve jobs while improving our communities.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a comprehensive economic recovery package designed to jumpstart the economy, provide tax benefits for families and small businesses, and invest in infrastructure and innovation, according to Thompson spokesperson Laurel Brown. Developed with the Obama Administration, this package will create an estimated 3.5 million new jobs, give 95 percent of working families an immediate tax cut, shore up the nation’s aging infrastructure and help our country shift to green energy technology, claim its authors.
“The community is pleased to be awarded this grant,” said Fortuna city manager Duane Rigge. “It will help us to provide services to the community that are much needed, including the current back log of cases the department has accumulated. This is something that will serve our community well and provide the level of safety for our citizens that we would like them to enjoy.”
To track the stimulus spending in your community, visit www.recovery.gov.
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