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7.30.10 The City of Rio Dells' request for a public hearing on lot line adjustments in Scotia is denied! Town of Scotia statement regarding lot line adjustment interference 7.29.10 Insurers being investigated for fraud against the families of deceased military - Fox Business Stupidity is the name of the game - Washington Post 7.28.10 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Schwarzenegger orders more furloughs for state workers - Sacramento Bee EPD swears in two new dispatchers and three new police officers... Bell city hall investigation expands - Los Angeles Times The lack of public participation has allowed city hall to run wild with astronomical salaries, allegations of voter fraud, intimidation, etc. How the rights of the disabled have changed in 20 years - San Francisco Chronicle No end in sight for Sacramento budget stalemate - Los Angeles Times 7.26.10 Murder Arrest Vehicle Pursuit Ends with Arrest Parolee flees from officer-arrested with loaded .44 magnum and meth Small towns in California will get to help pay the massive pensions of Bell city officials - Los Angeles Times 7.25.10 Man evades police and strikes officers with his vehicle 7.22.10 Child Pornography Arrest Scotia annexation decision moved to September - Times Standard Cost of California's minimum wage fight tops $1 million - Sacramento Bee 7.21.10 Eureka police arrest 3 for heroin use and sales at H St. apartment LAFCo briefly addressed the Scotia issue at their meeting today (video coming soon) and the conflict of interest problem with George Williamson from Planwest along with the repeated delays due to "noticing issues." They continue to address the community service district proposal on an equal level with the annexation concept despite the lack of any application by Rio Dell. Rio Dell asked LAFCo to appoint a mediator and to force Scotia back to the table to discuss the annexation they clearly don't want. The commissioner's pointed out that they don't have the authority to do that and certainly can't force Scotia to do anything; they seemed to be a little surprised at the unprecedented request. U.S. Marshals arrest attempted murder suspect in Rio Dell - Times Standard Local governments face tough times--and worse - Sacramento Bee Modoc County is now faced with bankruptcy, other areas are likely to follow. 7.20.10 Rio Dell will be spending approx. $10,000 to finish a municipal services review (MSR) to bolster their case for annexation of Scotia. The recently released LAFCo staff report had questioned the lack of an actual application or action by the city to move forward with the annexation after all this time. The 2nd postponement of the LAFCo vote until Sept. 15th allows time to complete the MSR which is designed to demonstrate the ability of the city to provide services to Scotia. Rio Dell 2010-2011 operational budget. It should be noted that Rio Dell's new budget takes over $500,000 from city reserves in order to cover the deficit. More info regarding the budget can be found in prior posts below and the City Council page. California city fires staff & disbands; residents generally pleased - New York Times 7.19.10 Update-The LAFCo public hearing regarding Scotia has been rescheduled yet again! This is the 2nd postponement attributed to noticing issues; Sept. 15th is the new date for the long awaited vote on the formation of a community services district. I was told by LAFCo that Scotia residents should receive a notice regarding the proposed action. LAFCo may go ahead and take public comments at the Wed. meeting but that is at their discretion. Rio Dell Planning Commission Member Richard "Bud" Leonard has applied to fill the public member seat on LAFCo. He has been a staunch advocate for annexation and has voted for it in the past as former city council member and mayor. 7.18.10 Rio Dell City Council Meeting Tuesday July 20th Agenda includes proclamation in recognition of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Week and approval of contract with Harrington Industrial Plastics in the amount of $29,995.65. Don't forget the Wednesday July 21st LAFCo meeting at 9:00am re. Scotia CSD in the Board of Supervisors Chamber at the Humboldt County Courthouse California's pioneering e-waste program a model gone wrong - Sacramento Bee Doctors reconsider old antibiotics despite hazards - Los Angeles Times 7.17.10 Feds raid legal marijuana farm with guns drawn DEA states “I don’t care what the sheriff says.” More...- Alternet 7.16.10 Senior wood project begins: low-cost firewood available for eligible seniors Wildwood Days in Rio Dell Aug. 4th-8th 2010 Schwarzenegger mobilizes California National Guard on Mexico border - Los Angeles Times Judge rejects Schwarzenegger minimum wage request - MSNBC Rio Dell Bocce Fun Nite each Thursday 6-8pm. Bring balls, food and drink. Call 486-3832 7.15.10 E.coli warning for popular packaged romaine lettuce - Sacramento Bee Minimum wage ruling expected Friday - Sacramento Bee 7.14.10 Armed passenger arrested after fleeing traffic stop July 21, 2010 LAFCo Public Hearing re. Scotia Community Services District Notice LAFCo Commissioner's Packet for July 21st meeting "given the circumstances of the situation, there is little potential for successful annexation of Scotia to the City of Rio Dell..." (pg 11) also "assertions by the City of Rio Dell that annexation would substantially reduce costs are not supported by evidence in the record" (pg 14) - Staff Report Senators question whether BP played role in Pan Am bomber's release - CNN Schwarzenegger fights union involvement in minimum wage case - Sacramento Bee 7.12.10 California's stimulus funding starts to run dry - Sacramento Bee In BP's record, a history of boldness and costly blunders - New York Times LA police find massive pot stash in railroad oil tanker - Los Angeles Times Humboldt County DHHS recently terminated approx. 60 temporary positions with another 90 stimulus funded positions ending in Sept. (unless extended). "A small number of extra-help positions will continue, specifically those that fulfill client safety program mandates" according to Deni McFarland, Employee Services Deputy Director. Additionally, other open positions are not being filled due to the budget crisis. The Sacramento Bee article cited above describes how the situation is about to get much worse as the stimulus money runs dry and unemployment benefits are ended due to partisan fights over deficit spending. At the same time, GOP representatives are arguing that deficit spending of $678 billion to extend the Bush tax cuts to the top 1% is fully justified whereas extending unemployment benefits at $30 billion isn't worth it. 7.10.10 Petition urges Obama admin to protect Gulf spill cleanup workers - New York Times Don't miss the celebration at the Scotia gym tomorrow 2-5pm! Music by Salvage from 2-3pm followed by a swim/gym party with BBQ 3-5pm. The pool and gym are also open for Family Fun Night from 7-9pm, only $1 for an hour swim or two hours gym time. Volunteers are also needed in order to expand the program. Contact Pastor Brent Lampp from the Rio Dell Church of Christ at 502-8378 for questions. Free summer lunch program for kids and the disabled available Monday-Friday from 12-1pm at Fireman's Park. Food for People is also offering free local produce to income eligible families at the Fortuna Community Center each month. Call 725-1166 for details. 7.8.10 Lost Coast 4x4's 11th Annual River Bar Clean-Up Flyer Oakland crowd marches after Mehserle verdict - links to live video CBS5 Mehserle found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in BART case on the first full day of deliberation-KTVU 7.7.10 Eureka search warrant nets 2 arrests, meth and 31 guns Narcotics arrest at Blue Lake Casino Chiang sues to block Schwarzenegger's minimum wage order - Sacramento Bee The governor has filed for an injunction to prevent Chiang from paying out full salary's near the end of July 7.6.10 EPD arrests wanted parolee for possession of heroin for sale Schwarzenegger sues, demanding Chiang pay minimum wage - Sacramento Bee At tonights meeting the city council voted against adding CalPERS retirement benefits for city employees at the advice of new City Manager Ron Henrickson who cited the rising costs and fiscal problems that CalPERS is experiencing. The contract with former City Manager Jim Stretch as local government contractor was extended through the end of July. City Planner George Williamson of Planwest will not be representing the city at the July 21st LAFCo meeting due to a possible conflict of interest. The city will be looking at hiring an attorney to assist the city at the meeting where the Scotia CSD will be addresses. The video of the meeting will be posted soon. Marijuana for Sales Arrest More... The "Special" Rio Dell City Council meeting of June 29th, 2010 is online! 7.4.10 Happy Independence Day! 7.3.10 Rio Dell City Council meeting Tuesday July 6th 6:30pm Agenda Includes an extension to the contract with Jim Stretch as local government consultant and a public hearing on adding CalPERS retirement benefits for city employees. Scotia Pool Celebration and Fundraiser Sunday July 11th 2pm-5pm Swim party with music, water games and BBQ sponsored by Rio Dell Church of Christ. Come support the only public pool left outside of Arcata which has reopened for limited hours. BP plans to get rid of safety watchdog - CNN As oil industry fights a tax, it reaps billions in subsidies - New York Times Scrap dollar as sole reserve currency: U.N. report - Reuters Unchecked corporate power causes catastrophes - Anchorage Daily News 7.2.10 Update! Shooting suspect in custody after short pursuit in Alton Appeals court affirms order to cut state worker's pay - Los Angeles Times 7.1.10 California budget deadline passes without a budget - Los Angeles Times 'High risk' pool medical insurance program set to begin - Los Angeles Times |
6.29.10 Eureka POP search warrant nets 2 arrests 2010-2011 Operational Budget for Rio Dell presentation material - The city's combined expenditures total $5,918,410 with only $5,410,358 in revenue projected (includes amounts not yet received from the State of California). The deficit will be covered by reserves. The video of the special meeting where the budget was approved will be posted soon. The meeting also contained an interesting report of a recent title search on the city owned springs which showed a very clouded title and questionable water rights for the adjoining properties. Further investigation will be needed to resolve the issues. 6.26.10 Special City Council budget meeting Tuesday June 29th at 5:00pm to adopt the proposed operational budget and approve getting rid of the police dog. Read the 6.22.10 post below for some more details on the budget and the missing public works equipment. Three city council member positions are open for November elections. Candidate packets will be available at city hall starting July 12th and must be filed no later than August 6th in order to qualify. 6.24.10 Assault with a deadly weapon arrest 6.23.10 Marijuana investigation by Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Grand theft charges dismissed against former Blue Lake police chief - Times Standard The remaining stolen gun charges against David Gundersen were tossed out by Judge Bruce Watson after months of delays. More... Missing person William Ives found safe 6.22.10 The Rio Dell City Council met today at 5pm to review the City’s budget and there will be many noteworthy changes during this next fiscal year. The city will be discontinuing the Rio Dell Police Department’s K-9 unit. The plan is to sell the police dog to another law enforcement agency that can make better use of his bomb detecting skills. Also of note is $10,000 that has been allocated to replace “small tools” for the Public Works Department. When asked, Acting Public Works Director Randy Jenson said that there have not really been any trucks broken into and that they are locked every night, somehow though our work trucks are missing all of the small tools, and these need to be replaced. Jenson plans to protect the new tools with policies and procedures that will hold the different departments within Public Works accountable for their materials. New City Manager Ron Henrickson proposed to raise the salary for a Public Works/Civil Engineer position from $68,000 to $78,000 based on the rates of similar positions throughout the county. The position will be filled with a qualified engineer in hopes of lowering our bills with outside consulting firms. The meeting video will be posted shortly. Proposed 2010-11 Operational Budget Budget meeting agenda and attached documents 6.21.10 Driver of stolen car arrested after short chase EPD arrests man for terrorist threats towards a downtown businessman Mission person Glenda Kay Benham City Council special 2010-2011 budget review hearing tomorrow Tues. 6/22/10 at 5:00pm The council will be dipping into city reserves for approx. $100,000 to help balance the budget. 6.19.10 The Bear River Ridge Wind Project by Shell is hardly ever mentioned in the City Council meetings other than an occasional reference to any possible wear and tear on the roads from the many construction vehicles. The transmission lines are affecting Rio Dell residents on Monument as they are being run across their property and reportedly in close proximity to some homes. The Rio Dell substation is going to be upgraded to a higher capacity facility as well. The Planning Department is in charge of the project with the former Interim City Manager of Rio Dell John Miller as the contact person. The County project description and related information is here. A Northcoast Journal article regarding the project from Jan. can be read here. 6.15.10 Rio Dell letter to LAFCo regarding annexation of Scotia 6.14.10 EPD cites 6 adults for purchasing alcohol for minors in recent sting operation I was recently provided information about the general guidelines for LAFCo regarding annexation of a populated area that I wanted to pass along. If LAFCo receives a high enough number of protest ballots regarding an annexation proposal than they send ballots to every registered voter in the affected area (the area to be annexed only) and they have the opportunity to vote on the annexation. If 50% or below vote against it then the process could still go forward but LAFCo would certainly take the vote into consideration. If 50% + 1 vote against the annexation then the process is stopped (new applications can be filed one year after). The rate of return required from every registered voter in Scotia is a very high bar considering the traditionally low voter turn-out rates in both Scotia and Rio Dell. 6.13.10 City Council meeting Tues. June 15th at 6:30pm Agenda Includes: public hearing regarding Scotia sphere of influence and municipal service review for annexation (no action scheduled*), public hearing and approval of open container ordinance prohibiting the consumption of alcholic beverages in "specified public places", rate adjustment with Eel River Disposal, etc. *Updated-the anticipated Rio Dell application for annexation of Scotia will not be ready in time for the June 23rd LAFCo meeting. LAFCo is rescheduled for July 21st. One of the staff members, Daniel from PMC, left and he was processing the annexation application for LAFCo as George Williamson from Planwest had to recuse himself as he is also the city planner. Former Rio Dell Mayor and current Planning Commission member Richard "Bud" Leonard is hoping to be appointed to LAFCo at the next meeting to fill the public member vacancy. Leonard is an ardent annexation supporter and has pushed for it since early on. His nomination application is available here. Man arrested after trying to steal a CalTrans truck from a construction zone 6.10.10 Methamphetamine Arrest! 6.9.10 Eureka prostitution sting nets 6 arrests in Old Town 6.8.10 A total of 273 Rio Dell residents came to the polls tonight with hopefully many others voting by mail. Rio Dell has approx. 1,200 registered voters. City of Rio Dell, CA June 8th 2010 Primary Election Results 2010 Kinetic Sculpture Race coverage - includes slideshows! 6.7.10 Pursuit Ends in Dui Arrest. (Loaded Crossbow etc.) 6.6.10 Rio Dell City Council Special Meeting Tues. 6/8 at 5:00pm - Agenda Primary elections are Tues. June 8th, 2010. Nonpartisan election information here. There is no excuse for the dismal voter turn-out rates locally and nationally. You are not allowed to complain about the government if you don't vote! 6.3.10 McKinleyville arson investigation update-suspect arrested 6.2.10 Death Investigation, Possible Homicide Second Update!!!! Suspicious fire in McKinleyville-potential arson Earthquake Info has been consolidated into one page. There is a new link at the bottom of this page or you can click here to check it out. Mushroom Info also has its own page now. The link is at the bottom of the page or you can click here. Car Shows share a page now as well. The link is at the bottom of the page or you can click here. 6.1.10 EPD arrests one outside of local motel Death Investigation, Possible Homicide Updated!!! Death Investigation, Possible Homicide Humboldt Builders Exchange Endorses Allison Jackson for DA Rio Dell City Council Meeting Tonight 6:30pm - Agenda Includes: general plan housing element update, $372,555 payment for work related to the Solids & Disinfection Management project, two water bill claim adjustments, proposed rate changes for Humboldt Waste Management Authority in the next fiscal year, etc. |
5.30.10 Rio Dell City Council Meeting Tuesday June 1st 6:30pm DA Trials: Gallegos, Hagen and Jackson make their case - Northcoast Journal California: ruined by the supermajority - Los Angeles Times Chief budget analyst advises lawmakers to reject Schwarzenegger's plan to cut welfare - Los Angeles Times U.S. military death toll in Afghanistan reaches 1,000 as troops gear up for big Taliban battle - New York Daily News Appropriations for Iraq and Afghanistan are $1 trillion with no end in sight. A flawed strategy and a failed war in Afghanistan - Washington Post 5.29.10 EPD arrests 3 more at Spring Street address League of Women Voters nonpartisan election information - Tuesday June 8th, 2010 Documents show earlier worries about safety of oil rig - New York Times This man-made disaster was entirely predictable and the inevitable result of deregulation and the complete failure of the government to oversee the industry. This has been building for years as industry lobbyists were put into positions of oversight and partisan politics over ruled all other concerns. 5.27.10 Multi-agency operation results in 19 arrests 5.26.10 Planning Commission packet - the commission voted unanimously to recommend passage of an expansion to the city's sphere of influence to include Scotia. If passed by the council on June 8th, it will be presented to LAFCo as evidence of the city's intentions to annex since the application will not be ready in time for the June 23rd meeting. LAFCo has already delayed the vote on the proposed community service district a month in anticipation of an application by the city. It is unknown when the application will be ready or how long LAFCo will be willing to delay their vote. 5.25.10 Planning Commission meeting tomorrow at 6:30pm Agenda; includes public hearings regarding Scotia annexation, Metropolitan wastewater disposal site and Blue Slide Rd annexations Correctional Officers AFSCME Local 168 Endorse Jackson for DA 5.24.10 Child Killer gets easy time! More... Child Pornography Arrest More!!! Search warrant on methamphetamine dealer nets two arrests Cheap, ultra-pure heroin Kills instantly "To hook new users, dealers are selling heroin cheap — often around $10 a bag. The new users included Billy Roberts, the 19-year-old son of a retired Chicago police officer. Last September, he slumped over dead of a heroin overdose at a friend's house." More - MSNBC U.S. military told to get ready in Korea standoff - MSNBC 5.23.10 The May 18th, 2010 Rio Dell City Council Meeting is online! Includes the introduction of new City Manager Ron Henrickson, CalPERS benefit addition for all employees, open container ordinance, etc. 5.21.10 Man Shot Multiple Times More!!! 5.20.10 Eureka POP searches result in nine arrests 5.19.10 Part 2 of the Annexation Meeting Online! State faces $600 million rate hike from CalPERS - Sacramento Bee The council voted last night to add CalPERS benefits for city employees. Rate increases are already planned for local governments. 5.18.10 Part 1 of the Annexation Meeting Online! City Council meeting starts at 4:30pm tonight. Come welcome the new City Manager. Agenda 5.17.10 Welcome to new Rio Dell City Manager Ron Henrickson on his first day! Attempted Murder and Arrest More Agenda for Tuesday's council meeting - includes public hearings re. adding CalPERS retirement benefits for city employee's and the creation of an open container ordinance, possible allocation of $25,000 for public input phase of Wildwood Ave. improvement project, and the approval of employment contracts for Graham Hill, Stephanie Beauchaine, Randy Jensen & Rick Chicora, etc. *Access Humboldt lost the 4.21.10 LAFCo meeting that had been submitted. It should appear on the schedule very shortly. Video from the 5.11.10 annexation meeting in Rio Dell will be available soon! 5.16.10 Permission to enter - Northcoast Journal Investigative report into search warrants in Humboldt County 5.14.10 New Rio Dell City Manager Ron Henrickson to be formally introduced at the next city council meeting, Tues. May 18th at 4:30pm Agenda coming shortly Gov. Schwarzenegger's budget eliminates Welfare to Work, most low income child care, freeze spending for schools, etc. - Los Angeles Times MHSA to fund expanded peer-support services 5.13.10 EPD arrests David Couch for heroin sales at a Eureka motel 5.12.10 Drugs found at house; multiple arrests made. More... EPD arrests two during separate investigations 5.11.10 Comments regarding tonights Scotia annexation meeting Eureka Inn ready for Grand Opening next week! - Times Standard Deep cuts likely in updated state budget - San Francisco Chronicle U.S. agency let oil industry write offshore drilling rules - McClatchy Sacramento grand jury issues dire financial warning to school district - Sacramento Bee The problems cited are the same all across the state, including Humboldt County Federal program will help struggling homeowners - San Francisco Chronicle $41.6 million in-home care plan to fingerprint disabled blocked - Sacramento Bee 5.9.10 Local investigator Wayne Cox receives 'Investigator of the Year' award - Times Standard Humboldt District Attorney debate video Arkley's word - Northcoast Journal regarding the $50 million dollar lawsuit recently filed against Arkley Watch the recent LAFCo meeting in Scotia regarding community service district v. annexation Annexation public meeting May 11th 6:30pm at Monument Middle School Welcome to the new Rio Dell City Manager, Ronald Henrickson-start date is May 17th. 5.7.10 Rio Dell flyer regarding annexation meeting next week California files fraud suit against former CalPERS officials - Sacramento Bee Opiate abuse rates skyrocket among soldiers stationed in Afghanistan - Fox News 5.5.10 Online! April 28th, 2010 Planning Commission Ghilarducci pleads guilty to fraud in Humboldt Creamery case - Times Standard Anti-fraud cost for in-home care could be $41.6 million according to Health & Human Services - Sacramento Bee BP's $400,000 in gifts to California lawmakers for support of off-shore drilling - Sacramento Bee BP's Gulf of Mexico drilling was exempt from environmental impact study - Washington Post 5.4.10 The New Rio Dell City Manager is Ronald Henrickson-start date is May 17th. Ronald and Jill Henrickson will be moving to Rio Dell from Washington State. Employment contract Warrant suspect arrested in possession of loaded firearm on SR169 Methamphetamine arrest-Deputy injured Humboldt County Deputy Sheriff's endorse Allison Jackson for District Attorney 5.2.10 Rio Dell City Council meeting Tuesday May 4th 6:30pm - Agenda Includes: an ordinance banning all medical marijuana dispensaries (in response to a business license application by Jean Pyhtila and Ryan Gilruth to open a dispensary), the new City Manager's contract agreement, a total of over $840,000 in various payments, etc. Bank of America files $50 million dollar suit against Rob Arkley - Times Standard Halliburton in spotlight in massive gulf oil probe - Los Angeles Times Car bomb discovered in Times Square - MSNBC Fungal disease spreads through Pacific Northwest - NPR *the disease is not considered an emergency at this point but it is important to be aware of the symptoms as treatment is needed right away. |
4.30.10 What a week! Community Events updated An announcement about the new City Manager is expected at the Tuesday May 3rd City Council meeting Frequently Asked Questions regarding Scotia annexation from the City of Rio Dell Anthem Blue Cross admits 'inadvertent miscalculations' in rate hikes - Sacramento Bee Goldman Sachs is focus of criminal investigation - Los Angeles Times 4.29.10 Hit and Run! Also People v. Gunderson Part II has had disposition reset once again. The new disposition date is June 21st. The ex- Blue Lake Police Chiefs attorney Russell Clanton had no comment. The DA's office did not respond to our inquiries by phone. 4.28.10 Planning commission votes 4-1 to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, now the issue will go to the city council. Complete planning commission packet here (searchable). The commission received a presentation about the Scotia annexation as well as the annexations in Metropolitan and Blue Slide Rd. The video will be coming soon. Not one single member of the public bothered to show up other than ourselves and the spouse of a commission member. Here is the April 20th, 2010 Rio Dell City Council Meeting. 4.27.10 Updated Community Events re. Eel River Sawmill meeting, etc. Meeting tonight regarding the former Eel River Sawmill site 6:30pm at the Scotia Inn. Property owner, Dennis Wendt, had been looking to put a motocross track on the site after the city plan for its wastewater treatment facility was changed (approx. two years in to the project). The city had told him that he needs to pay to change the zoning from the wastewater treatment plant back to a commerical zoning before he can proceed. 4.26.10 Letter from Scotia to LAFCo regarding the recent meeting Armed Robbery at Cloney's Pharmacy for the 2nd time in a week 4.25.10 Part 1: LAFCo Scotia annexation v. community service district is now online! Letter to the Times Standard regarding Scotia annexation Feeling warehoused in Army trauma care units - New York Times Fight on, Goldman Sachs - New York Times The 'killer fungus': should we be scared? -Time 4.24.10 WellPoint, parent company of Anthem Blue Cross, routinely targets breast cancer patients - Reuters They developed a program to identify and rescind the policies of cancer patients. 4.23.10 Planning Commission meeting Wednesday April 28th at 6:30pm - Agenda Scotia, Metropolitan & Blue Slide Rd. annexation general plan and zoning amendments will be discussed in addition to a medical marijuana zoning ordinance. Annexation study session Tuesday May 11th at 6:30pm Rio Dell City Hall Rio Dell mid-year budget review amendments special meeting Monday April 26th at 9:30am 4.22.10 EPD arrests parole with gun and deported felon 4.21.10 EPD makes multiple arrests for various drug charges U.S. offers a hand to those on eviction's edge - New York Times Air Force to launce X-37 space plane: precursor to war in orbit? The Christian Science Monitor Supreme Court upholds animal cruelty videos as free speech - New York Times This is the same court that granted Constitutional rights to corporations recently. A well attended LAFCo study session at the Winema Theatre in Scotia was held today with presentations by the Town of Scotia LLC and the City of Rio Dell regarding annexation versus community services district. The presentation material is posted below; the video will be put up as soon as possible. Rio Dell has reportedly spent $50,000 on annexation studies this time around, but there is no formal proposal for annexation as of yet. Rio Dell's annexation proposal is anticipated to be submitted at the June 23rd, 2010 LAFCo meeting. The May 19th LAFCo meeting that was supposed to address the CSD has been postponed to late June based on the anticipation of an annexation proposal by Rio Dell. The City has scheduled a May 11th meeting at 6:30pm to address the annexation issue. Much more to come... Presentation material: Town of Scotia, LLC, City of Rio Dell, Winzler & Kelly Oxycontin dealer arrested at Eureka motel Judge rules Schwarzenegger strongarmed gaming tribes and "negotiated in bad faith" - Sacramento Bee Eminent domain case in New York highlights issue of private property rights - Fox News 4.20.10 Update-Council unanimously passes a 45 day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and refers the issue to the planning commission after no debate. Two people from the group who had made a business license application for a dispensary were there to answer any questions but there were none. Interim City Manager Jim Stretch and Police Chief Graham Hill will give a presentation at tomorrow's LAFCo meeting at the Winema Theatre in Scotia regarding the annexation proposal. Frank Bacik, Legal Counsel for the Town of Scotia will present their community services district application and the public will get an opportunity to ask questions. There will be a formal meeting of LAFCo on May 19th as well, tomorrow's meeting is a study session. Rio Dell City Council Meeting Tonight 6:30pm Agenda Sorry for the late notice, the agenda was not distributed as usual. Full council packet here Agenda includes approval of an "interim urgent" moratorium against medical marijuana dispensaries, designation of Councilmember Thompson as city representative to LAFCo, approval of actions necessary to add CalPERS for employee retirement benefits, $1,400 for title search and mapping of Monument Springs, mid-year budget review amendments, etc. The city recently received a business license application from a "collective" wishing to establish medical marijuana dispensaries in the downtown area. That is why the "urgent" moratorium is on tonight's agenda Don't forget the public study session of LAFCo Wednesday the 21st 1:30pm at the Winema Theatre regarding the Scotia community services district proposal versus the Rio Dell annexation proposal. This is an opportunity for the public to hear the presentations and ask questions. Annexation or CSD? LAFCo to look at Scotia's options - Times Standard Three Robbers hit Patriot Gas in Eureka 4.19.10 Armed Robbery also Two arrested for guns drugs and firearm violations What we learned in Oklahoma City- New York Times Today marks the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 innocent people. 4.18.10 Here is the Town of Scotia flyer regarding community services district versus annexation referred to by Interim City Manager Jim Stretch in the last city council meeting. There is a LAFCo study session regarding the issue on Wednesday 4/21 at 1:30pm in the Winema Theatre, Scotia. See you there! WinCo supermarkets issue beef recall; includes beef purchased between 3/28-4/9 - CNN 4.17.10 What Americans can do to discourage future McVeighs - Washington Post Roads and redwoods, part 2 - Northcoast Journal SEC's Goldman charges could be just the beginning - McClatchy Has the SEC finally grown a pair? - Newsweek Our Pecora Moment - Baseline Scenarios A well-written article providing the background information regarding the monumental Goldman Sachs charges. Why's Sen. McConnell trashing Wall St. regulation bill? - McClatchy McConnell is touring Wall St. on a fundraising campaign by promising to block regulations created by a bipartisan committee. At least he has given up the pretense of not being owned by Wall St. China's thirst for copper could hold key to Afghanistan's future - McClatchy Did you know our troops are providing security for a Chinese copper mine in a Taliban stronghold? 4.16.10 Our coverage of the Tea Party Patriots can be found here 4.15.10 Part 2 of the recent Rio Dell CityCouncil Meeting is online. 4.14.10 Grand jury recommends reducing Humboldt supervisors' salaries; supes challenge findings - Times Standard Read the Grand Jury report here Humboldt court clerk pleads not guilty to threatening judge - Times Standard Armed Robbery: Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies and Officers from the Eureka Police Department responded to the Safeway store at 2520 Harris Street last night after a robbery was reported there...More Authorities probe beating video of Maryland student - CNN Tawnie Hansen appeals liability ruling, argues Eureka City Manager David Tyson should be responsible in $1.4 million civil suit - Times Standard June 8, 2010 Humboldt County Ballot - Smart Voter Includes candidates and five ballot measures Prison industries maintains monopoly even in tough times - Sacramento Bee Mercury Insurance, the third largest insurer in California, facing millions in fines - San Francisco Chronicle 4.12.10 Washington Mutual execs knew of fraudulent loans - Seattle Times Father wages court battle against funeral protests - Seattle Times 4.11.10 Part 1 of the April 6th Rio Dell City Council Meeting Pension promises threaten California cities, counties - Sacramento Bee No one is to blame for anything - New York Times Lack of any sense of personal responsibility runs across all divides, party lines, etc. The average American is left to suffer the consequences. 4.10.10 HSU nursing program needs your support LA billionaires sued over California water sales - Fox News State, groups push for audit of Sacramento,Marin family courts - Sacramento Bee The state is threatening to supoena family court records related to child custody decisions and the relationships between judges and investigators. Majority of kids aged out of foster care system struggle, study says - ABC News 4.9.10 Belligerent BACA biker arrested for assault and DUI during Arts Alive in Eureka Hwy 101/Alton interchange project to begin detours on Monday in order to complete the overpass Lawmakers grapple with booming medical marijuana business - Politics Daily 4.8.10 Suspect in recent string of robberies identified as 25 year old Ezra Williams Fighting Floyd Squires - North Coast Journal Humboldt County afraid of being uprooted from pot perch - Los Angeles Times Roads and Redwoods - North Coast Journal re. Richardson Grove project 4.7.10 Two new Rio Dell Police Officers sworn in last night - David Lungi and Anthony Lopez join the force. College of the Redwoods trustees get an earful on administration - Times Standard California school-funding woes hit home - Sacramento Bee Fourth and Eighth grade students place at or near the bottom of the national list in basic skills Court says FCC can't impose net neutrality - San Francisco Chronicle Comcast and other internet providers allowed to restrict customers access to content in a huge setback to consumers and the national broadband project. 4.6.10 Two more business robbed at gunpoint It's official, the nursing program is being cut along with the computer information systems program. HSU nursing program likely to be recommended for elimination - Times Standard The highly regarded nursing program is the only one in Northern California to offer a bachelors degree in nursing, a career in increasing demand as the population ages. Violence helps Taliban undo Afghan gains - New York Times 4.5.10 Unemployment benefits expire for at least 212,000 due to political grandstanding - CNN National flood insurance also cancelled during historic flooding on the East Coast. Senate won't be back in session until April 12th after leaving town for their Easter break. California couple try to unravel web of lies - Seattle Times 4.4.10 Happy Easter! 6.9 earthquake at Baja California 3:40pm, felt as far away as Phoenix Az Contesting unemployment claims becomes a booming industry - New York Times State universities using student fees for unintended projects - Los Angeles Times 4.3.10 Rio Dell City Council Meeting Tuesday April 6, 2010 6:30pm Agenda Includes an update on general plan and zoning amendments for annexation and approval of adding the annexation of the 29 acre Mozzetti parcels north of the city to the Scotia annexation application, approval of a job classification and total compensation study, etc. Closed door session to include city manager appointment, labor negotiations and property negotiations concerning price, terms and conditions for the 29 acre parcel at Northwestern Ave. 4.2.10 EPD arrests six people at a Broadway Motel following an investigation into methamphetamine sales College of the Redwoods: a college in revolt - North Coast Journal 4.1.10 Warning this material is for mature audiences only: Huffing takes an ugly turn! LAFCo meeting packet that includes the minutes from 1.25.10 meeting re. Scotia and Rio Dell, etc. The pending Scotia Community Services District application can be read here. Rio Dell is holding a community workshop regarding possible re-use of the former Eel River Sawmill Site on April 27th 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Scotia Inn - Flyer 5 x 3 = 5 Sacramento area school districts deal with problem math books - Sacramento Bee Feds agree to remove toxic "ghost fleet" ships northeast of San Francisco - Los Angeles Times Mothballed military ships have leaked more than 20 tons of heavy metals into San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta so far. Overworked S.F. drug lab was sloppy, audit says - San Francisco Chronicle Native-born Californians regain majority status for the first time since the Gold Rush- Los Angeles Times |
1.31.10 Rio Dell City Council meeting February 2, 2010 6:30pm Agenda includes proclamation in support of the Boy Scouts of America's 100th anniversary, approval of $66,915.00 pay request, approval of amended fitness program description for the police department, receipt of the annual whistleblower report, approval of services agreement with Winzler & Kelly for the wastewater project, two closed door items regarding small claims actions against the city and initiated by the city against an individual, etc. California got (phone) wires crossed on jobless help in 2009, costing at least $4.6 million - Sacramento Bee Class cuts wreak havoc at California universities - Sacramento Bee The state of the union is comatose - New York Times For desperate foster teenagers, a quest for adoptive ties - New York Times 1.29.10 Arrests Made in Cutten Burglaries Part 1 of the Special Meeting (Rio Dell City Councils Wastewater Treatment Plan) Child pornography hearing postponed for Rio Dell man - Times Standard EPA probes its own actions in California town with toxic-waste dump - Los Angeles Times 1.28.10 Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Arrests The driver, later identified as Beau Jackson McCabe, 27 of Rio Dell, failed to yield and traveled into Loleta and then back toward US Highway 101. McCabe drove at speeds that reached 50 mph while crossing into oncoming lanes several times. 1.27.10 Arson Investigation Proposed state budget cuts would cost more than they save - Times Standard California awarded billions in federal high-speed rail funds for project linking Anaheim and San Francisco through the San Joaquin Valley - Sacramento Bee Bernie Madoff's brother, Peter Madoff, under investigation into ponzi scheme - CBS News Once again, birds of a feather... Investigation into building department and illegal permits underway - Sacramento Bee Allegations include ignoring local codes, issuing illegal permits, cronyism, etc. Schwarzenegger proposes building and operating California prisons in Mexico - SFGate 1.26.10 Arrests made during pop search warrants Humboldt County DHHS Crisis Intervention Team receives ACLU Patriot Award Rio Dell Planning Commission meeting Wednesday Jan. 27th at 6:30pm Agenda includes discussion of policy regarding commissioner attendance, update on proposed annexation for RLF Redwood Properties (33 acre parcel south of Blue Slide Rd.), receipt of Humboldt's draft regional housing needs allocation plan, and discussion regarding consideration on notice preparation of a joint EIR/EIS for the Bear River Ridge Wind Power Project 1.25.10 Missing Person Jerry George 29 More... California inmate release plan begins today - Sacramento Bee Federal homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing program - Time Magazine Benefits upgrade for thousands of veterans? - Time Magazine Bail burden keeps U.S. jails overcrowded; costing taxpayers an additional $9 billion annually- NPR 3 part series examining the multi-billion dollar bond industry and their powerful lobby 1.22.10 Part 2 of the January 19th Rio Dell City Council meeeting is online! California Supreme Court Bolsters Protection For Marijuana Users NPR 1.21.10 Bought and paid for: the supreme court's disastrous ruling - Vanity Fair The split decision grants Constitutional rights to corporations for the first time; the Founding Fathers could be heard rolling over in their graves. The January 19th, 2010 Rio Dell City Council Meeting Part 1 is online. EPD make arrests recover stolen vehicle more.. EPD arrests two suspected heroin dealers. 1.20.10 Last night, the city council tackled the question again of whether using public funds to pay for a private after-hours exercise program, available to every city employee ($100 a month, per person), was an appropriate use of taxpayer money "within the mission of the city." Multiple attendee's spoke out against the use of general fund money for this employee perk. Councilmember Mike Dunker moved to declare the use of public funds for the general employee exercise program a valid and substantial public purpose; which the city can't fund in the current climate but would have left the door open to fund the exercise program in the future. The motion died for lack of a second. 1.19.10 FBI broke the law for years in phone record searches - Washington Post 1.18.10 Lost Martin Luther King speech to be heard after 50 years - NPR The Guantanamo "suicides": a Camp Delta sergeant blows the whistle - Harper's Magazine 1.17.10 Rio Dell City Council meeting Tuesday 1.19.10 6:30pm Agenda (includes the council packet in a searchable format) Includes: determination whether the expenditure of city funds to a private after hours exercise program for general employees "promotes a valid and substantial public purpose within the mission of the City" (currently the city pays $100 a month for every employee who choses to participate), receipt of the annual police report, approval of an agreement with Winzler & Kelly to study the Mozzetti irrigation site for a groundwater anti-degredation analysis, etc. *the city is no longer pursuing a wastewater treatment plant at the old Eel River Sawmill site but still plans on irrigating the treated effluent at the Mozzetti site. The great tea party rip-off - New York Times 1.15.10 Martin Luther King Jr. Turns 81 Pot case forces grocery to close - Eugene Register Guard "After he was fired, Clark’s former employee informed investigators of the alleged food-stamps-for-marijuana plot, according to a search warrant affidavit Bergin filed in October in Lane County Circuit Court." More 1.14.10 Suspected Heroin Dealers Arrested City of Eureka Code Red emergency notification system update Taking on City Hall - North Coast Journal 1.12.10 Rio Dell City Council reverses direction on the new wastewater treatment plant project at the old Eel River Sawmill site in the recently annexed area of Metropolitan (which was annexed specifically for this project) due to the project being "cost prohibitive." Instead, a new SBR wastewater system will be put into the existing facility. Treated effluent will still be discharged onto 24 acres in Metropolitan as originally planned. Numerous studies and presentations by Winzler & Kelly have been paid for over the years regarding this project. Read tonights Wastewater treatment plant presentation by Winzler & Kelly. City staff had even been sent back east to tour a wastewater treatment plant similar to the one the city was considering. For historical information see the 10/28/06 Wastewater Study Session or the 11/6/07 Public Hearing regarding the wastewater plant project for starters. Murder Suspect Arrested 3 gun shots heard from dispatch...MORE! Rio Dell Police looking for stabbing suspect after daylight attack on Wildwood Ave.- Times Standard 1.11.10 City of Rio Dell to hold a special meeting of the council tomorrow, 1/12 at 5:00pm to decide the policy direction of the proposed wastewater system, amend the scope of service for 2009 Streamlined Water-Effect Ratio Procedure for Discharges of Copper, and receipt of an investigative report regarding the Mozzetti irrigation site, soil and groundwater subsurface issues. Eureka Police Investigate Shooting Schwarzenegger plans deep cuts in the $82.9 billion dollar spending plan introduced Friday - SFGate 1.8.10 H1N1 Vaccine 10 - 2 at Rohner Park Saturday the 9th. Second Arrest in Van Alstine Murder 1.7.10 Read the full city council packet from the 1.5.10 meeting here; includes check register, council reports and all of the other material provided to the council members (searchable) Monstrous acts: the troubled life and violent death of Greg Hawkins - Northcoast Journal 1.6.10 Arrest made in murder case The "Elect Mike Downey for Humboldt County Sheriff" campaign brings in the endorsements 1.5.10 Rio Dell City Council votes 3-1 (Mayor Woodall dissenting) that fitness camp for the police officers serves a "direct and primary public purpose" which warrants using city funds. All city employees are also eligible for city paid fitness camp; the motion to declare that a "direct and primary public purpose" was tied 2-2 (Woodall and Thompson dissenting and Marks absent). The issue will be on the next agenda again according to Interim City Manager Jim Stretch who had brought up the issue. In his written report to the council, Stretch states "In 40 years of public service, I have address(sic) this topic only once and now in less than one month the issue has presented itself twice. It is highly unusual." The prior issue was the taxpayer funded employee Christmas party held recently at the Riverlodge in Fortuna. The $100 per person monthly fee paid by the city for each employee that decides to participate in fitness camp is in addition to their receiving free water from the city. *Corrected: the Interim City Manager's name is Jim Stretch. 1.4.10 Ryan Christopher Carroll arrested for murder School placed in lockdown. McKinleyville High School went into lockdown briefly... 1.3.10 The numbers are in. Record Breaking Year for the Rio Dell Times! 2008 to 2009 Yearly Totals: The Rio Dell Times .com increased visitor traffic 28.6%. Data traffic increased a whopping 76.6%. In 2009 we had 3,776 unique visitors from around the world. California's scary sneak preview - Washington Post California state budget picture bleak as lawmakers head back - Sacramento Bee Judge rules Schwarzenegger can't furlough 3 unions - Sacramento Bee |
12.31.09 Barricaded Subject An Arizona man shot and killed himself this morning after barricading himself inside his mother’s Eureka residence late last night. At about 10:00 p.m...Update! Greg Hawkins was wanted for questioning in the shooting death of Cynthia Langrall in Glendale Arizona-AZCentral.com Here is the 1.5.10 Rio Dell City Council Meeting 6:30pm - Agenda Includes: food collaborative business plan presentation by Planwest (to be located at the former Eel River Sawmill site), determination as to whether city funds being used for an employee fitness program has a direct and primary public purpose, changes as to the processing and approval of city warrants, $68,000 progress payment to KG Walters Co. for work related to the solids and disinfection management project, etc. 12.29.09 Part 2 of the December 15th Rio Dell City Council Meeting is online Community Events updated 12.28.09 Robbery at Local Grocery Store Part 1 of the December 15th Rio Dell City Council Meeting is online 12.26.09 New laws set to go into effect Jan. 1st in California - Sacramento Bee Genesis 2.0 Project aka Hadron Super Collider - Vanity Fair North Korea's Dollar Store - Vanity Fair *Investigation into the organized crime syndicate that funds Kim Jong Il while introducing counterfeit money into the U.S. economy. 12.24.09 Major car accident near Shively Rd. closes Hwy 101. CHP and CalTrans on site trying to remove a large motorhome that was crashed into by a woman in a white SUV who was "doing loops on the northbound side" of Hwy 101 and then "tried to run the other vehicle off the roadway." A total of 3 cars were involved; the motorhome, the white SUV and a third car that wound up pinned underneath the motorhome- CHP Traffic Incident site Unemployment in California The Sacramento Bee Unemployment in the US. United States Department of Labor 12.23.09 Grand jury wants three California city councilmembers booted - McClatchy Schwarzenegger to seek federal help for California budget; threatening "massive" cuts in social services and offshore drilling - Los Angeles Times 12.21.09 Suspicious Death Ruled a Homicide 12.18.09 The disgraced former Blue Lake Police Chief David Ray Gundersen is still in limbo on weapons charges. The next court date is January 15th, 2010 for another disposition hearing. 12.17.09 Gang Sweep in Eureka; 4 arrests made Marijuana Investigation and Arrest. Lots of guns lots of pot etc. also : Methamphetemine Arrest 12.16.09 Search warrant served in Rio Dell, stolen property recovered Ruth and Douglas Boltzen of Ogle Ave. arrested. Free H1N1 vaccine shots offered Saturday 12/19/09 from 10:00 - 2:00 at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds. Contact Humboldt County Public Health for more information. Kill the healthcare bill - CBS News The watered down "reform" now being debated is nothing more than a massive gift to the insurance and pharmaceutical industry. The senate has opposed any measures that would lower costs, decrease the profit margins of their largest donors or provide basic healthcare to the millions that are currently uninsured or underinsured. The Obama administration is desperate to pass any healthcare legislation, no matter how pathetic and ineffectual it might be. 12.15.09 Rio Dell City Council Meeting 6:30pm - Agenda Includes discussion regarding the legality of using scarce city funds to pay for city employee Christmas party at Riverlodge in Fortuna ($200 deposit has already been paid) (the two employee groups eventually agreed to pay for their own Christmas party rather than use public money as they have done every year), possible exploration of funding options to consider a city owned water bottling enterprise (utilizing the old springs that used to provide Rio Dell water decades ago), public hearing regarding the planning commissions' denial of the minor subdivision application for Anthony Micheli (denial was upheld, effectively ending the proposed development), etc. Video will be coming soon. 12.14.09 Death Investigation Update Humboldt County's pot culture is a boon for some, irritant to others - Sacramento Bee Intoxicated by power, Blair tricked us into war - London Times re. public inquiry into the build up to the Iraq invasion. This is a vitally important inquiry that the U.S. doesn't have the courage to undertake; there is a deafening silence from the mainstream media regarding this inquiry. 12.13.09 Death Investigation Extreme Ice Survey - time lapse video and hi-definition photos of glaciers 12.12.09 Number of Cops Fatally Shot Up 24% in 2009 - CBS News Humboldt Creamery nightmare continues - Times Standard Scotia Forever (letter to the editor) Northcoast Journal Cleanup Mess - Northcoast Journal re. the balloon track cleanup project in Eureka The pros and cons of expanding medicare - Time re. proposal to expand medicare to those 55-64 12.11.09 The most recent Rio Dell City Council Meeting is Online. The audio is greatly enhanced by Steven L. Wolff. Extreme countermeasures are in effect for the low talkers. More to come! 12.10.09 Bank Robbery and Arrest 12.9.09 Fourth Humboldt County H1N1 Death Reported also: Burglary Arrest 12.7.09 Bank Robbery of Bank of America 12.5.09 Humboldt County District Attorney offers a plea bargain in the Whitmill & Flores case; Nicole Quigley (9) was killed by these two racing at speeds over 100 mph on State Route 299 while drunk. The plea was accepted and will result in gross vehicular manslaughter charges rather than murder. The father of the victim states "We have the most incompetent DA in the state." - Times Standard 12.4.09 Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services H1N1 Update 12.3.09 RTC Tech Business Award Winner 12.1.09 City Council Meeting 6:30pm Agenda Includes two public hearings and final approval of amendments to business license ordinances and street dedication and improvement for the maintenance and repair of sidewalks. *The city council packet from the last meeting is available here; which provides the details about the street dedication and repair of sidewalks amendment in a searchable .pdf file. The city is also going to request quotes from qualified law firms to provide city legal services which are currently provided by David Martinek. Read the agenda for more items... There will also be a Public Hearing on December 4th at 3:00pm regarding the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Planning and Technical Assistance General Allocation application. The city is seeking public input at the meeting or in writing however the materials a person would need to review in order to offer an opinion are only available at City Hall during open business hours. |
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 Sharon@riodelltimes.com or Steve@riodelltimes.com Rio Dell Times also known as http://www.riodelltimes.com Copyright October 7th, 2005. All rights reserved. The Rio Dell Times is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. |
