Those who can do, do; those who cannot sue

Eureka attorney Peter Martin finally revealed the true agenda behind the lawsuit filed against the City of Eureka and invocations by saying he hopes that his motion to dismiss Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen will better his odds for a favorable ruling.

In a May 17 Times-Standard article, Martin was quoted as saying that he decided to request the dismissal of Reinholtsen  because he feels that the judge is “on the right flank of the political bent.”

Kim Starr must be kicking herself for not thinking of this brilliant and objective strategy in Occupy Eureka’s lawsuit against the City. In the last 2 years, the mantra of those who only know how to blame and create drama has been: “If I don’t get my way and if my mud slinging does not work, I will just sue” has backfired both at the ballot and with the public.  Nevertheless, they continue to employ the same tired tactics. It has hurt any legitimate cause and sincere people Martin and Starr claim to represent.

This same week TS printed the most vitriolic letter against the homeless and Betty Chinn. Mr. Berriman, your having “interests” in Eureka does not qualify you to give an opinion about a place you don’t live in or have a clue about what people who live here face. Especially when that misguided opinion is based on assumptions and stereotypes.

You assumed your misfortune was perpetrated by someone homeless. You talk about all these crimes and headlines in other Humboldt cities. Are there no crimes or homeless in Arcata? If you lived in Eureka or ever attended a City Council meeting here, you would know that Sue Bradenburg does not represent all of us or “speak the truth.” She has an issue with anything that the City of Eureka does and a complex about being surrounded by those less fortunate.

What Betty Chinn does is help people who have no one get a break and a hand up in a society filled of Berrimans and Brandenburgs who feel they are entitled because they lived here before and are fortunate to never know what it feels like to go without the basic necessities.

Besides filing an idiotic lawsuit that cost time and money and holding signs, what has Occupy Eureka and those of you attacking Christians done for the homeless that actually made a real difference? Christians don’t need to brag or do what they need to in front of others.

The real common theme in all these attacks against the City and Christians and Betty Chinn is a group of people who feel that there is no need for personal growth, accountability or surrender to a higher power. They rather blame rich people, the government, Christians, and anyone trying to help others under the guise of free speech, freedom of religion and misuse of civil rights.

Whether you believe in God or not, you did not create this world. And you are not entitled to anything at the expense of other's basic human needs and rights. Instead of a lawsuit, perhaps Martin, Starr, Berriman and others should address their fears about God, homeless people and actually do something to create jobs and an environment locally where all people can earn and contribute and live with dignity.

The difference between an atheist and me is that when the world challenges me, I know I am not alone. What helps me cope better is knowing that God always provides and God gives me the strength to pick up myself and survive when all seems hopeless. Believing in God also makes me look within to see what I can change to improve my lot in life.

Instead of trying to get a legitimate job, the rest of us who are struggling should form a non-profit or file a frivolous lawsuit and then sue public officials and any private business we disagree with; no more resumes, no more need to get a paycheck. It’s worked for Occupy Eureka, Baykeeper and EPIC.

Judge Rules In Favor Of City and EPD Officers in Occupy Eureka Lawsuits

PRESS RELEASE

                The lawsuits filed against the City of Eureka, Chief Murl Harpham, Sgt. Michael Guy, Sgt. Patrick O’Neill and Officer Terrence Liles concluded on Tuesday morning with a judgment in favor of the City and the officers. The lawsuits were filed by Ms. Kimberly Starr alleging violations of her civil rights for her detainment and arrests at the Occupy Eureka protests on November 7, November 10 and November 30, 2011.  The matter was heard by Judge Johnson, a visiting judge from Sacramento.  In making the ruling, Judge Johnson was very complimentary of the EPD Officers and how they handled themselves during the Occupy Eureka protests.  Judge Johnson stated several times during his ruling that he found them to have acted very professionally  despite the fact there was a “clear and immediate danger”  due to the protest and the attempts by the Occupiers to deliberately elicit a reaction from the Officers.

                In an earlier lawsuit filed by James Decker, Commissioner Eannarino also ruled in favor of the City and the Officers that there was no violation of Mr. Decker’s constitutional or statutory rights with regard to his detainment at the Occupy Eureka protest on November 30.

The City and the Officers wish to extend their thanks for all of the support and assistance they received during the trials. Chief Harpham states that he “is happy that these ridiculous lawsuits are behind us.  Good job everyone you make us proud!”  

A local judge and prosecutor who gets it

http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_23136939/judge-upholds-sentence-arcata-molester-18-years-ex

Thank you Judge Watson and Kelly Neel.

Arnie Klein for next District Attorney?

Rumor has it that Arnie Klein is considering a run for District Attorney. Stay tuned for more details.

It is not a rumor anymore. It's confirmed.

Redwood Coast Energy Authority recognized for energy efficient best practices at statewide foru

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Redwood Coast Energy Authority's Energy Watch Program is going to be featured at the Statewide Energy Efficiency Best Practices Forum in Sacramento on June 20 as an example of how to successfully work with small businesses and rural communities. These communities are generally considered “hard to serve markets” and typically are underserved by standard energy efficiency programs, according to Matthew Marshall, executive director of the RCEA. The Redwood Coast Energy Authority was also recently awarded a $1.75 million grant from the California Energy Commission for a community-scale renewable energy demonstration project.

The Energy Watch Program, which operates in a multi-year state funding cycles, supported energy upgrade projects during the 2010-12 funding cycle and the program generated about $1 million a year in energy cost savings to local businesses, homes and governments.

To be eligible, you have to be an organization doing business in Humboldt County, including charitable and public entities and participants must be a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power and/or natural gas customer.

”The purpose of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable resources available in the region,” said Marshall.

Formed in 2003, the Energy Authority is a local government joint powers

Advertisementagency of Humboldt County, the cities of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Ferndale, Blue Lake, and Trinidad, and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. The authority is governed by a board of directors comprised of appointed representatives from each of nine member-entities. “Typically the representative is an elected official from the members' own governing body,” said Marshall. “Many of our programs and projects are implemented in partnership with other entities such as PG&E, the Humboldt State University Schatz Energy Research Center, and other local government entities”.

The Energy Watch program, created in 2006 to help Humboldt County utility customers lower their energy bills and enjoy a cleaner environment, is a partnership of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority and PG&E. This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by PG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

The program provides education, technical assistance, incentives for energy upgrade projects, and direct installation services for businesses, non-profits, public entities, and residents. The program helps businesses reduce operating costs and improve their bottom line through energy efficiency projects and offers: free, start-to-finish technical assistance, contractor referrals, project management support, and rebates to help reduce the cost of installing efficient lighting, refrigeration improvements and other energy efficiency measures, according to Ben Winker, RCEA energy technician and marketing staffer.

Other results from the 2010-12 period include: over $1.2 million in incentives for energy upgrades; RCEA working with over 500 businesses to help them make energy upgrades, over 300 upgrade projects referred to local contractors and over 3,000 households were provided upgrades and in-home energy consultations, according to Marshall.

”Going forward, in the 2013-14 cycle which will start in late spring, the program will offer an additional $920,000 in available incentives, and will be expanding to offer more comprehensive services for both businesses and households,” said Marshall.

For more information, visit www.redwoodenergy.org or call (707) 269-1700.

John Chiv is a freelance news and feature writer and local business consultant. John has a local blog,johnchiv.blogspot.com, and can be reached at 707-832-9990.

Cutting Edge Tree Service to donate Redwood Trees for Humboldt Green Week

McKinleyville-based Cutting Edge Tree Service and Solutions, located in McKinleyville, CA will be donating 300 native Redwood trees to be given out to community members for Humboldt Green Week which is being held all over at various events in the county from April 13 -21. Owner Erik Tjossem is a certified arborist.

“As a certified arborist, and a forestry major I am very conscious of trees and the environment,” said Tjossem. “ We do remove trees as a part of our services and donating these trees to be replanted is our way of preserving our natural resources and riches for future generations.”

Earlier this year, Cutting Edge Tree Services and Solutions donated time at the Sequoia Park Zoo and helped do some removal of trees for a new exhibit. For more information on Cutting Edge Tree Service, visit http://www.cuttingedgetreeservice707.com

Steve Bagley and owner Eric Tjossem.

Mel Schuler remembered-Kick off reception held April Arts Alive

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

A reception and the official kick-off to open the Melvin Schuler Court Gallery to the public will be held during the Eureka Arts Alive in April.

Schuler, an internationally renowned sculptor and co-founder of the Humboldt State University arts department, died last May.

While there are many places outside Humboldt County where one can see some of Schuler's work publicly, the only place locally that the public can view larger pieces from part of his personal collection is in the gallery created by Dan and Jayne Ollivier.

Located on the second floor in the Gross building, which is located on the corner of 5th and F streets, the gallery will be open to the public five days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. following the April Arts Alive event.
The Olliviers, who've known Schuler since 2000, invited the sculptor to be part of an art show to introduce the new Gross building. In 2011, Dan Ollivier approached Schuler to buy some of his sculptures. He said his personal favorite is “Thor,” which initiated a conversation about a permanent gallery for Schuler.

”I wanted a great artist in a great building,” Ollivier said. “Mel's sculpture has enormous presence. Mel would say to me, 'If it sings to you, it is a great work of art.”

”Mel was a very private man,” Ollivier added. “While many knew of him and his art, only his friends and those closest to him knew the man.”

A native Californian, Schuler graduated from the California College of Arts and Crafts and began his teaching career in 1947 at HSU. He was professor emeritus when he died. The national collection of Fine Arts at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and Kirk and Michael Douglas' private collections are just two examples of how highly regarded Schuler was in the art world, according to Ollivier.

While working as an art professor, Schuler developed a form of sculpture characterized by tall, irregular, solemnly monumental columns in elegantly carved and finished black walnut. Sometimes they were clustered and partly enclosed in racks, and gave a suggestion of archaic runes and totems. It was in the 1970s that Schuler originated his large abstract sculptures using old growth redwood carved into abstract forms clad in copper and fastened with bronze nails.

While internationally acclaimed, Schuler chose to make Humboldt County his home, and he shared it for 33 years with his partner Edward Oliver, who still resides here. "He chose to live here because he was happiest here,” Oliver said. “He was at his creative best here.”
Even though they had a condo in San Francisco and traveled extensively, they always returned back to Humboldt County  "There is a lot of influence he drew from local work, and Reese Bullen is one of the people he respected a lot,” Oliver said.

Oliver reiterated that Schuler was a very private person. What many people don't know, because it was not something that Schuler chose share with anyone but his closest friends, was that he painted. The walls of his Arcata home are adorned by his paintings, and all throughout his home is art from his trips to Africa and India -- and his signature sculptures.

Oliver said Schuler loved to travel, and they took at least one trip a year. But, they always returned to Humboldt. "He built our house,” Oliver said. “One of the hardest things I had to do was the week before he passed away when I drove him back from our condo because he wanted to be at home.”

For more information on the Melvin Schuler Court Gallery, please contact Dan or Jayne Ollivier at 444-9056.

This photo was taken by Jayne Ollivier. These sculptures can be viewed by the public on the second floor of the Gross building in Eureka.

Owner bets it all on Surfside Burger Shack

By John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Surfside Burger Shack, located on 445 5th St. in Eureka, will celebrate its fifth anniversary in November 2013. “Good ingredients, good service and no gimmicks,” is the secret to his business' success, according to owner Chad Smith. “We have run a successful business during the hardest recession since the 1990s.”

Smith started out by working at Harley Davidson because he could not get a job as a teacher. He previously owned Kelly O' Brien's pub which he sold in 2006 and is now the Red Fox Tavern. His next business venture was Surfside Burger Shack. He started to go into business for himself because “everything else is secondary when it comes to my wife and kids. I wanted to provide financial security for them. My riches are my gorgeous wife and beautiful children.”

Smith does not advertise. All of his business comes from word of mouth and support from the schools and community. He donates to schools and community organizations. “We never talk badly about another business. We just let our product speak for itself.”

All food served at the Surfside Burger Shack is freshly prepared. “Our food is not microwaved,” said Smith. “Everything from grass-fed beef to the organic salad mix to the fries is freshly prepared.” Smith is also proud that they are a zero waste facility. “Our oil is recycled by Footprint recycling. All trash is a part of the Waste to Watts program. Patrons can bus their own items to recyclables.”

Even though they serve burgers and fries. Smith says the food is nutritional because of the fresh, good quality ingredients like the protein from grass-fed beef. He does not put up pictures of food because he believes in a realistic perspective and wants his customers to base their opinion on how the food tastes and looks.

When he wanted to open Surfside, Smith knew he wanted no corporate involvement. He wanted to focus on the product and decorate the eatery with things he enjoys and provide a family atmosphere and a local business. “I wanted to go after the largest demographic. With burgers and pizza, people will spend $10 for a meal instead of trying something new.”

Another secret to his success is that he believes “you can't grow your business behind a grill. I pay my staff well and I treat them like I trust them. Everyone is required to take two days off in a row and take the day off for their birthday.”

”I pay them $10 an hour plus tips,” said Smith. “I would pay them more if I could but I am doing my best in this economy and keeping them employed.”

Smith said when he wanted to open Surfside Burger Shack, he could not get a business loan. “Even with a co-signer and life insurance policy, I could not get a loan.”

So he self-financed. “I maxed out my credit cards and got my business running by effectively using my business and community connections,” Smith said.

For more information on Surfside Burger Shack , call 268-1295.