The FBI is in town. The NCJ blogthing is following the story.
UPDATE: DEA agents left the Eureka Red Lion at around 3:30am Tuesday morning and headed South according to KHUM who got a tip from someone working at the hotel. They were suited up in jackets that said “DEA” across the back.
As for the Feds in Fortuna, they left in a fleet of white SUVs according to screen grabs taken by Hank Sims.
KHUM got call from someone who saw the white SUVs headed west on Briceland Road.
Listen to KHUM for updates, and if you see anything call them at 707-786-KHUM.
UPDATE: Caravan of agents got off in Arcata at Guintoli exit while others headed out 299 according to reports to KHUM.
UPDATE: FBI spokesperson told KSLG the operation is a culmination of a two year investigation targeting large scale grows, not medical marijuana. 27 separate warrants being served throughout the county.
UPDATE: According to KMUD there’s a checkpoint at Alderpoint and Harris roads and a road block in Whale Gulch. No traffic allowed in or out.
UPDATE: Photo from the Times-Standard.
UPDATE: Kym K. tells us there’s a raid in Salmon Creek. “The agents are in unmarked but not white vehicles,” she says. Check out her blog for more.
June 23, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Uh huh.
June 23, 2008 at 7:42 pm
craigslist has a report-FBI/DEA arcata
June 23, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I call more Craigslist shenanigans. They say, look at the River Lodge cam! Look! Look!
Hey, nice riverfront trail. So this whole DEA/FBI fear-mongering is just a ploy by trail activists. I get it now!
Too bad the trail is empty, unused. Oh well. It’ll be dark soon and you can claim whatever you want was on that cam.
June 23, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Nah, wait, I’ll call more than shenanigans. I’ll predict what you saw. You saw firefighters. Shifty out-of-town firefighters. They say they’re here to douse flames, but we all know they’re here for the buzz created by all the pot grows going up in flames. That’s the ticket!
June 23, 2008 at 8:33 pm
8:27, the River Lodge cam updates every 10 or so seconds, as it pans around. You have to wait for up to 30 seconds to see obvious trucks with satellites up. If you go back to the NCJ post, they now have a picture of the satellite truck.
June 23, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Where on craigslist are you getting this news?
June 23, 2008 at 8:33 pm
They’re called firefighters.
Oh no! Oh no!
June 23, 2008 at 8:40 pm
If they are firefighters why would they be secretive and give out an FBI phone number?
June 23, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Rants and Raves, where all the REAL journalists get their news.
June 23, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Rants and Raves must be where the Eye gets their news.
June 23, 2008 at 8:53 pm
So what did these raids accomplish in Willits??? At least two homes were raided. Probably got a couple pounds.
Now, how much effort and money went into it? Well, theres all the pay for them to plan. Then theres all the agents who probably come form all over the place. Taxpayers get to feed, house and provide them transportation in a ddition tot heir pay and lost productivity in other areas (Terorism, Meth etc.). If the number are even close to 200, this is a multimillion dollar operation.
So lets remember how much Federal money (That would be borrowed money) is being thrown at this. Lets see what they fucking do. Lets see if they make this community safer for a couple million dollars.
Or lets see if they piss it away on couple lame grow houses.
June 23, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Why wouldn’t a journalist call the supposed FBI number and ask the FBI what it’s doing in Fortuna and then report to us what the FBI said? That seems like it should be #1 on the ol’ to-do list.
June 23, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Like NCJ blog says, something is going on. With high tech computer systems and satelites in mobile truck units is some serious fire power. Im inclined to think it has something to do with this:
http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/836413.html
What else would they need all that high tech equipment? and that eqiupment is the EXACT same equipment needed to support an unmanned drone. In the end, well just have to wait and see i guess.
June 23, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Why can’t the FBI/FEDS chip in and fight few fires???
-boy
June 23, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I heard they are working with the county to do some “code” enforcements.
June 23, 2008 at 9:16 pm
That sounds like a possibility 9:00, although I don’t know anything about the types of transmitters they need for drones.
June 23, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Nothing was said, but you can read an account of what was not said here.
Everybody: They are not firefighters.
June 23, 2008 at 9:37 pm
I think Timmy fell down a well.
June 23, 2008 at 9:52 pm
There’s a country boy on the northern coast.
Grow’n a crop that’ll give you the most.
He’s got land with a southern view
Where at dawn the fields are covered with dew.
He’s behind on his taxes and his mortgage is due.
His kids need computers to keep up in school.
He works and she works but still its so hard
With inflation, recession and government lard.
His friends are all growers of necessity
They can’t even buy the best remedy.
They sweat, fret and worry all day for the green
And dream of the day when life won’t be so lean.
They planted with care on land mostly steep slope
Praying for good luck and betting on hope
That the cops wouldn’t notice a miniscule grow
But the drones and the feds are coming in low
June 23, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Watch out, Anonymous, the feds are equipped with doggerel detectors.
June 23, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Doggerel was the best I could do on short notice.
June 23, 2008 at 10:30 pm
We’re missing the obvious. It must be a homeless roundup. They are using the satellite equipment to track the microchip implants in every transient’s tooth / brain / lower intestine. (Pick your conspiracy theory.)
June 23, 2008 at 10:41 pm
You have to at least consider this:
http://www.fresnobeehive.com/news/2008/06/nasas_eye_in_the_sky_comes_to.html
It might just be a scientific project if you live on the bright side.
On the dark side you might think that NASA is aiding and abetting the anti-herb fascists.
have a peaceful day,
Bill
June 24, 2008 at 7:30 am
They got their own news trucks so they are going to bust a few people, couple large grows in so.hum so they get the poundage up as to make it seem like they did something. couple few real unlucky folks will get the fedpen. not much per volume of houses in arcata or mckinleyville.
June 24, 2008 at 7:39 am
layback, close your eyes, look at the pretty pictures…my god solient green is PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!
June 24, 2008 at 8:15 am
god bless the Feds….dopers be gone!
June 24, 2008 at 8:20 am
The Feds already stopped by my house.
You all are SO WRONG!!!
They were going door to door selling Bureau Agent Cookies.
The budgets must be so bad for them that they are now trying to get a piece of the revenue stream normally reserved for the Girl Scouts.
The nice agents talked about raising money to send new recruits to a very nice training academy, and the need for new flash grenades, and some nifty new non-lethal weapons.
-boy
June 24, 2008 at 8:45 am
I had some fed try and sell me a tshirt that said something about the rumors being true along with a craigslist posting. I think they did this just to sell shirts, and wanted to come because they didn’t think hookers on 3rd street were reality.
I’ve heard that the fires were set by a new fed weapon, called Thor’s Hammer- it’s a drone that shoots lighting at salons and greenhouses full of weed. They didn’t have it calibrated properly so only greenhouses were hit by the storm after the chemtrails were laid down in criss-cross patterns over the area.
June 24, 2008 at 8:52 am
Well it looks like another star for Heraldo. I just listened to the KHUM interview with the FBI spokesperson and he said that hundreds of law enforcement personnel are serving 27 warrants today all over the county for commercial grows.
June 24, 2008 at 8:56 am
I was up all night working. The crew I work with monitored events in Eureka, Fortuna, Garberville, Arcata and McKinleyville. We communicated via mobile two-way radio,
A massive caravan of vehicles left the River Lodge shortly after 6 a.m. and drove south on 101 to Redway, then exited on the Briceland Thorne exit shortly before 7 a.m. This was caravan was nearly a mile long and consisted of every type of vehicle: police cruisers and suvs; trucks of all types, some pulling enclosed trailers; and civilian vehicles.
An earlier convoy deployed from the Red Lion between 4- 4:30 a.m. and headed up Myrtle Ave.
The River Lodge in Fortuna and the motels across from it were a beehive of activity starting very early in the morning. About 4 a.m. the River Lodge parking lot was packed full of vehicles. Law enforcement officers were gearing up outside the Best Western in Fortuna about this time, strapping on weapons. Some were spotted carrying large white boxes or cases in putting them in the trunks of vehicles. It took two people to carry each case. The person who reported this from Fortuna has lived there his entire life of 52 years. He said he’s seen law enforcement mobilize for raids plenty of times in the past. But he’s never seen anything remotely as massive is this operation.
In Eureka, there were out of county law enforcement vehicles and trucks at the Red Lion and the Best Western at 5th and Broadway. The person working Eureka reported seeing armed officers at several of the stops he made at all-night gas stations/convenience stores. Some of these were dressed in all black, some were wearing a type of camo gear.
There are at least two large Budget rental trucks still in the River Lodge parking lot, along with a mammoth satellite truck. I drove by there about 45 minutes ago.
I saw a smaller satellite truck driving up Alderpoint road, about 3 miles out of Garberville, about 5:45 this morning.
June 24, 2008 at 9:00 am
Thanks for that report, Andy.
June 24, 2008 at 9:07 am
The first newspaper that publishes a report from a reporter who was present in the pre-dawn hours staked out in his crappy blue Chevy Nova and followed one of the caravans to its destination wins the I’m-a-Real-Journalist Award.
Sadly, it looks like the award will go unclaimed again this year.
June 24, 2008 at 9:13 am
Between 3:15-3:20 a.m. I was behind two massive vehicles on Redwood Drive between Redway and Garberville. We were heading into Garberville. I would describe these vehicles as double-decker tour buses, but they didn’t have any windows that I could see. The driver of the lead vehicle seemed lost. He was driving cautiously, slowing down and speeding up, then finally, tentatively entered Highway 101 northbound just before Garberville. The 2nd vehicle followed.
June 24, 2008 at 9:18 am
Hold onto your hats Humboldt, here we go again. We need representatives for our rights. Maybe lobbyists, or whatever it takes. Maybe if we bribe our government , like the meat and corn industries do, they will soon announce mary jane as a health benefit, and put it in the food pyramid! Who knows what is really going down, anyone who gets popped….know that there are people out here who care about you!!
June 24, 2008 at 9:18 am
Word Press is catching anonymous posts again
June 24, 2008 at 9:18 am
What happens to the 2,000 acres after the owner(s) are in prison?
June 24, 2008 at 9:23 am
This is perfect. Birdy boy on a stakeout, along with homeless advocates, progeys, and others who don’t have to be to work.
If your not breaking the law you have little to fear from the FBI or DEA. “armed officers”, what no work as a reporter so now your going to do screenplays. Most officers are armed, kind of part of the uniform.
June 24, 2008 at 9:25 am
You forget the FBI’s Disabled Corps. These scofflaws will have another thing coming if their grows are not ADA-compliant.
June 24, 2008 at 9:25 am
if they can prove they own their land without having bought it with drug money, they might be allowed to keep it. However, it might be taken, by the government and actioned off, if the feds can prove otherwise.
June 24, 2008 at 9:26 am
auctioned off…sorry
June 24, 2008 at 9:28 am
Yes HumRed,
If AT&T didn’t break the law then they don’t have anything to fear either – they don’t need no stinkin retroactive immunity.
Cops raiding pot farmers is pure fascism and it won’t last long. Cops who raid pot farmers are constitutional criminals and enemies of freedom.
have a peaceful day,
Bill
June 24, 2008 at 9:31 am
True Bill. The plants will be carted off today. “It won’t last long.” They’re efficient.
As for your fascism comment, how about you join the rest of us in reality, please? Pretty please with sugar on top? I’ll add a cherry.
June 24, 2008 at 9:36 am
It is the intersection of corporate and government power that makes a regime fascist, along with the nationalism, the symbolism and the fascistic language that is redolent of Nazism (homeland, our culture, family values etc.) that make the Bush regime the epitome of fascism, along with an illegal and immoral war against a small country.
In this case, government power is being brought to bear to crush the competitors of big pharma.
It is clear to me and to lots of other people.
have a peaceful day,
Bill
June 24, 2008 at 9:38 am
This situation sickens me. We are in the middle of a war we can’t afford and our health care is in crisis. Not to mention all the homeless and starving US CITIZENS. We are living in a police state not a democracy and it saddens me my hard earner tax dollars are funding this mess. Can’t the feds find something more productive to do?
June 24, 2008 at 9:40 am
Thank goodness for the Feds. Chop it and burn it. The north state will be better for it. While the feds are up there, might as well fire up some sawmills and put hard-working families back to work at honest, good-paying jobs again.
Marijuana is illegal for a reason. They call it dope for a reason.
Now, if they come after my cheap bottle of Kessler, then I’ll put up a valiant fight.
June 24, 2008 at 9:40 am
I’m with you mimi!!
June 24, 2008 at 9:41 am
redolent = smelly
Like the rotting corpse of the “two party system.”
have a peaceful day,
Bill
June 24, 2008 at 9:42 am
HumRed, you need to get a clue.
June 24, 2008 at 9:43 am
Highboltage, you have zero evidence to feed your dream that pot busts will stop. They will continue for as long as there are people in this country who want to live in safe communities free of your drugs. People who support criminal activity are destroying our towns. Please, please, please leave our county in peace. Just go.
This is not to be confused with the fascism of our current administration. No, pot busts are good and predate any one president.
June 24, 2008 at 9:43 am
Have you tried to get a job lately, it is rough out there. We do what we can. There are no honest jobs for good people and hard working families. We live in an area that could be everly threatened by poverty. The nice weather isn’t enough to bring people here to invest in our community, and it’s not enough to keep college graduates here.
June 24, 2008 at 9:47 am
I guess it’s ok for YOU to blahg at work tho huh? must be a government employee or one of arkley’s paid phlaks.
Humred:
This is perfect. Birdy boy on a stakeout, along with homeless advocates, progeys, and others who don’t have to be to work.
June 24, 2008 at 9:47 am
Today is a good day. So much of the past 8 years has been a nightmare. I’ll sleep well tonight.
I relish reading the whines of people in this thread who support criminal activity. You’re as bad as the neocons, maybe worse because pot grows are in our neighborhoods.
Please cry into a glass. I’d like to drink your misplaced woe for breakfast tomorrow over bacon and eggs. Mmmm.
June 24, 2008 at 9:48 am
Right along with you heart attack on a plate!!
June 24, 2008 at 9:56 am
Its frightening how many people don’t know what fascism is, Bill. They can’t recognize it without the swastika. Have they stopped teaching civics? When people spew “If you aren’t a criminal you have nothing to fear” rhetoric, you know they didn’t pay attention in school.
June 24, 2008 at 9:58 am
Andrew bird-
sounds like you got behind the tour busses for Seun Kuti
June 24, 2008 at 10:00 am
There’s nothing over at the Times-Standard Web site. Why are the folks at the daily newspaper the last people to know what’s going on?
June 24, 2008 at 10:02 am
The Eureka Reporter has it up but the T-S is falling down on the job.
June 24, 2008 at 10:03 am
The Humboldt paradox-
Some believe in decriminialization and some don’t.
Some will support growing, indoor or out, some will detest it.
But when all said and done, without Maraijuana around HumCo who would; go to concerts? Dine at our restaurants? Shop at our stores? Pay all those auto mechanics to jack up their oversized trucks? Oh yeah, of course, pay for fuel?
Want a local depression? Destroy the pot scene.
Want to bring in millions a year in tourism? Decriminalize locally and open a few hash bars to create the Amsterdam of America.
June 24, 2008 at 10:05 am
Bold, if clueless allegation. Do you have a single shred of evidence this action today is against anyone other than pot growers? No? Thought so. You’re full of it.
June 24, 2008 at 10:06 am
Where’s the raids on the Meth houses? Why aren’t they out to get the tweekers and rapists and murders and thieves and child molesters? Where are the arrests for the real criminals?
Mr I’ll drink your tears for breakfast would gladly have his neighbor arrested for growing while he has tea with his other neighbor that steals from him when he isn’t looking.
June 24, 2008 at 10:06 am
Go Feds!
June 24, 2008 at 10:07 am
Yes.
Eureka needs some legal pot dispensaries.
The city should hire a city doctor to dispense 7 day recommendations to people online so that they can travel here for a curature, restorative and LEGAL stay here at our peaceful and healthful resort.
The recommendations could bring in probably 50 dollars a piece for the city.
The dispensaries will bring in up to a half million per year.
Turn Eureka into a little Amsterdam and tour ships WILL come here.
have a peaceful day,
Bill
June 24, 2008 at 10:07 am
Is Johanna Rodoni going to hold a press conference and denounce these raids?Or is she just another states’ rights’ hating Republican?Hmmmm,I think her husband would be quite upset about this attack on his constituency by a paramilitary terrorists organization.
June 24, 2008 at 10:07 am
The Times-Standard blows and never reports any of the real news.
June 24, 2008 at 10:11 am
HumRed has the unique ability to discern how people that post on here make their living. In addition to that he has done extensive studies showing that “homeless advocates and progeys (not sure what that means)” do not work for a living. I’m curious what line of work HumRed is in that allows him the time to read the bloggs and comment all day. Maybe he’s a hard working trust fund baby.
June 24, 2008 at 10:13 am
Denounce? We’re rejoicing! Time to party!
June 24, 2008 at 10:13 am
Well, when the nice Agents came to my door, I decided to buy a few boxes of Bureau Agent Cookies.
Let’s see, I bought the two boxes of the Ruby Ridge Thin Mints, and three boxes of the Brand Davidian Seven Seal Snickerdoodles!
-boy
June 24, 2008 at 10:14 am
If they came to my door, I’d have to give ‘em all big hugs.
June 24, 2008 at 10:21 am
One more thing…our jobless, homeless progey working Eureka reported seeing people emptying an apartment at Wabash and C streets of large trash bags filled with something, putting them into cars, about the same time the feds were deploying from the Red Lion.
June 24, 2008 at 10:23 am
mresquan, I would imagine old Roger would be hoppin’ mad about all this, and would no doubt have said so by now. I don’t know enough about Johanna to guess her reaction, but as a casual observer of Roger over the years I certainly never knew him to withhold his opinions, and he was generally consistent in their application.
And that’s what set him apart from so many conservatives these days…they’re really pseudo-conservatives, morphing their positions from one issue to another when it suits their emotional or moralizing requirements. They have no idea the extent to which their inconsistencies erode their credibility or that of the supposed conservatism they espouse. I disagreed with Roger on many things, but I always felt he deserved all the credit he ever got on that count.
To see all these righties now applauding the feds coming in here is enough to leave me slackjawed in awe at their willingness to subvert their own values for the sake of expediency. I can remember not more than 20 years ago these same people were driving around with US OUT OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY bumper stickers. Now they’re cheering as the very thing they were once so afraid of is happening to our neighborhoods.
Ironically I agree with them that greedy growers taking over neighborhoods is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with in a swift and serious way. But it’s a local issue, and since righties are so fond of slippery slope arguments, I’m stunned that they fail to see the obvious implications of this one.
June 24, 2008 at 10:24 am
10:23 a.m…..great post.
June 24, 2008 at 10:26 am
What righties? I’m a Democrat. People who want safe neighborhoods and drugs out of our county are not insta-republicans anymore than all potheads are Democrats. _Get_a_clue._
June 24, 2008 at 10:26 am
great news for small growers. taking out some of the bigger commercial operations, the ones who give everyone a bad rap, will be good news for prices and reputation. rejoice!
June 24, 2008 at 10:27 am
Kessler drinker wants the feds to help reopen the saw mills and put “hard working families” back to work. Sorry drinker, the “hard working families” are doing 215 grows in Fortuna and Rio Dell and illegal aliens are manning the mill jobs. Maybe the feds could start with Eel River.
June 24, 2008 at 10:31 am
What are you talking about dude??? Local control has been abdicated. Did you not notice the recent case against a multi-house grow in residential neighborhoods that resulted in a whopping 1 month sentence? When local control completely fails, people welcome the feds in to clean up their towns. There is no local control. No one except the feds care about us. PERIOD. How frickin’ sad is that? You made this situation. They will fix it.
June 24, 2008 at 10:36 am
You are the one who is clueless 10:05. I didn’t say a fucking thing about what is happening today. My post stands as written. Too many people don’t know what fascism is. It takes an educated populace to maintain democracy and the people in this country and too apathetic and ignorant to do so, as evidenced by fools like you and HumRed who think due process and search warrants are only to protect the guilty.
June 24, 2008 at 10:43 am
Neither. We simply want to live in peace without criminals and crime in our neighborhoods. You support criminals. That’s sick. You have a diseased mind.
June 24, 2008 at 10:45 am
Mama Bear, you are correct it is not easy to get a job around here. I can’t find anything in my field or any field and sorry I’m not going to make 5$ footlongs or flip burgers. After I heard about the sun valley layoff I tried to get one of those jobs, I haven’t heard anything. Where are the jobs, I can’t freaking get a job once performed by an illegal. I have a college degree WTF. I own a house, if I don’t somehow pay my bills I’m phucked. The ecomnomy sucks right now. Anyone have any suggestions where a college educated, local home owner should look for honest work. To say the least it frustrates me, at the moment all I have is my extra bedroom income, I don’t even smoke makes me paranoid.
June 24, 2008 at 10:46 am
“They wll fix it.”
Is that what you call a coup?
Or is that what’s in the making?
June 24, 2008 at 10:46 am
Is there a pool yet on which downtown Eureka businesses will be getting popped today?
June 24, 2008 at 10:57 am
It’s called restoring peace to freedom-loving people. It’s called not living in the shadow of criminals anymore, at least on the local level.
Don’t defend criminals. It gets you no where.
June 24, 2008 at 11:06 am
FBI raiding 1658 in sunny brae. Its real!
June 24, 2008 at 11:07 am
Sorry, 1658 Virginia way
June 24, 2008 at 11:09 am
Yes, everyone has already posted photos of the Sunnybrae raid. NCJBT, TS, ER.
June 24, 2008 at 11:16 am
Heraldo, I just wanted to let you know that there is a raid here in Salmon Creek. The agents are in unmarked but not white vehicles.
June 24, 2008 at 11:17 am
If they let the Grow Houses remain, then the Terrorists win.
By the Way, do not forget to pick up a Program for today’s raids. You won’t be able to tell the Agents from “Bad Guys” without one.
-boy
June 24, 2008 at 11:19 am
boy is picking up where Mr. Carlin left off.
June 24, 2008 at 11:21 am
Thanks, Kym. I updated with a link to your report.
June 24, 2008 at 11:22 am
I am a democrat, registered and voted in every election for the last 30 years.I am sick of the criminality in my county and sick about the abdication of law and order to the dope growers and meth heads. You folks who think this is good have just about ruined this county for the law abiding hard working families who are moving in droves. Want to know why folks can’t find jobs, its because the criminals and those that financially benefit from them are driving us out. You folks are so self destructive and you turn a blind eye. And you folks that turn a blind eye will have to deal with your own karma over this.
Thank god for the feds and for trying to make this place safe. I hope they bust as many as possible and drag them down for long sentences in federal court. You so called progs are not nor will you ever be real dems. You are the antithesis to true dem principles.
June 24, 2008 at 11:23 am
These are not the droids your looking for.
These are not the droids your looking for.
These are not the droids your looking for.
June 24, 2008 at 11:27 am
anon 11:32
Must be one of those Joe Lieberman Democrats..
June 24, 2008 at 11:28 am
Not true. The bad guys might not even be around. We’re a land development opportunity for out-of-county growers.
June 24, 2008 at 11:29 am
Exuse me the reactinary fuckhead I was writing about is actually
anon 11:22 not 11:32
June 24, 2008 at 11:30 am
where are pics of sunny brae located
June 24, 2008 at 11:32 am
The T-S and NCJ Blogthing have pics of the Sunny Brae bust.
June 24, 2008 at 11:35 am
fas-cism (fash-is-em) n. A system of government that exercises a dictatorship of the extreme right, typically through the merging of state and business leadership, together with a belligerent nationalism. [from-It fascio, bundle, group.} fas-cist n. & adj.
-The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
“Never forget that everything the Nazis did was legal” – Martin Luther King Jr.
No criminal pot growers would be in our neighborhoods pot were legal. As more and more things are criminalized you can expect more and more criminals especially when the biggest criminals are looting our economy wholesale through the means of infiltrating the government which is supposed to be our government.
I will be interested to see who they target. We don’t know tat they are not targeting hard drug operations do we?
June 24, 2008 at 11:38 am
Funny how the fed cheerleaders always conflate meth and pot as though they were the same thing. Let’s see a show of hands, how many 215 supporters or others aghast at these raids think meth is a good thing, ever?
Straw man arguments are the stuff federales base their very existence on when they tear communities apart like this.
June 24, 2008 at 11:39 am
Seriously, these raids could have a large impact on the local economy.
June 24, 2008 at 11:42 am
Yeah, a few restaurants will have one less customer. And if the alleged grower is from out-of-county, a gas station will be taking a small hit too.
June 24, 2008 at 11:44 am
Robash – you are a facsist and a disgrace to true democratic principles. Call me a reactionary you little creep? Call me a fuckhead for standing up to the values that my democratic parents stood for? You devalue the party and the principles of the party. Fortunately, I don’t have to call you a fuckhead back because has become obvious by your tantrum that that is what you are. Someone doesn’t agree with you becomes a fuckhead. Thank god you do not blog anonymously so we all can truly understand what a nasty jerk you are.
June 24, 2008 at 11:45 am
What tearing? Show a shred of evidence to support that absurd claim. At worst, we’ll have 2,000 acres freed up to potentially be returned to natural habitat. Those darn owls! Huh? Shuddup neocon.
June 24, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Terrorism (as defined by wikipedia)is “the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion.”[2] There is is no internationally agreed legal definition.[3][4] In one modern definition of terrorism, it is violence against civilians to achieve political or ideological objectives by creating fear.[5] Most common definitions of terrorism include only those acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a lone attack), and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants. Some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war.
good ole terrorizers
June 24, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Yeah, I guess getting arrested for criminal behavior can be a bit terror-inducing for a criminal. Know what? We don’t care. Stew in a federal penitentiary. We won’t be visiting you.
June 24, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Ganja is a sacred plant
it feeds the mouths of the children and families of this county.
There are not many jobs here(encase you haven’t noticed) It has nothing to do with people breaking the law-
It has do do with where WE live.
Marijuana is a PLANT!
open your eyes.
This is such a special place
we all live here and love our community.
Marijuana has been a part of this community for at least 30years. Forming the place we call Home.
if you don’t like it then move the heck on- go live anywhere else but HUMBOLDT!
FREE THE HERB!
June 24, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Thank God the Feds are doing what we pay them to do, which is enforce the law.
Don’t like it? Great. Get out. Move to Oregon, Washington, anywhere but here.
Illegal drugs bring in organized crime and all sorts of ills that are not good for rural families and businesses.
Dope is illegal under federal law. It’s going to remain illegal under federal law. Thank goodness.
It’s called DOPE for a reason.
June 24, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Nothing can Force me, including my terroristic government, to change my opinion. I am a true patriot standing up for my country and my right to Life, Liberty, and The pursuit of Happiness.
GTFO of Humboldt.
Go Live on the east Coast for a year-
you will be crying yourself to sleep wishing you could be back where the sweet kali grows.
June 24, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Sorry, I don’t believe that unicorns or fairies or gods imbue plants with special properties. And don’t leave any brochures or bibles at my doorstep either. You dress nicely in that white shirt and tie though, and boy you know how to handle a bicycle.
Really? Because that’s why the feds are here. That’s why people go to jail. We supposedly live in a nation of laws. Didn’t your mother teach you anything?
Take your own advice. Humboldt is for people who embrace peace and love and respect for fellow neighbors, not law breaking and criminal behavior and pollution of our watershed. Shameful. You are truly shameful. You are hurting us and our wildlife. GO AWAY.
June 24, 2008 at 12:16 pm
What about states rights?
would you rather have an entirely federally Run country?
you must love W.
go kill some muslims
and watch fox news .
June 24, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Sounds to me like you’re defending criminals, just like the neocons. Unbelievable.
June 24, 2008 at 12:18 pm
you need to read the constitution
June 24, 2008 at 12:20 pm
A true American stands up and faces it government with a free mind.
That is what being an American is all about.
There are plenty of herb growers in this community that ARE respectful and not polluting our watersheds -wake up.
this is a war on free thought.
June 24, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I would be happy if the dea/feds were cleaning up the METH LABS in this county-
personally as a citizen of this community for over 17 years-That is a much larger problem.
June 24, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Sounds like a pricey operation. Say, a minimum of 200 agents paid $30+ per hour, for ten days apiece, plus the vehicles, travel, planning, meals, hotels. So the half mil or so they spend on this will eventually convict people whom they claim were growing $40 million (”street value”) of pot (i.e., $140,000 wholesale). I sure wish they’d go after meth in as totalitarian a fashion.
June 24, 2008 at 12:22 pm
We are awake. You defend criminals.
June 24, 2008 at 12:23 pm
You obviously haven’t lived here that long- I defend what is right.
Go Back to Texas
or whatever republican hollow you crawled out of.
you don’t deserve to live here.
June 24, 2008 at 12:25 pm
If the dea actually shut down all the commercial grow scenes in this county-
all of the businesses would close .
there wouldn’t be any revenue or jobs. OPEN YOUR EYES?are you living off of a trust fund?
June 24, 2008 at 12:26 pm
oh or are you a lumber executive?raping the land of 5000 year old trees???
June 24, 2008 at 12:32 pm
It seems that for the most part we have the law and order types wanting growers heads placed on pikes on the Arcata Plaza and the herb lovers lamenting the fascist state.
Both sides have valid arguments, and yet both sides seem to only be able to see yesterday’s meal inside their own colons.
There is only one acceptable solution to this problem- complete decriminalization of MJ. If the lure of big money is taken away, grow houses will no longer proliferate. Non-growing professionals like myself might be able to afford to buy a house. You could grow what you need in your back yard (or your closet) next to your tomatoes, corn, or whatever.
June 24, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Did I call you a “fuckhead”?
Excuse me
what I meant to say that you are a sanctimonious fuckhead
June 24, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Wow!
I must say there are a few well read individuals that have left pleasant, concise, and objective Ideas to think about. I commend you.
However the majority of my experience reading this all has been like that of one trudging through a veritable forest of name calling snot nosed grade-schoolers.
It has been a halarious experience! Thanks for all the laughs and all the best cheer to everyone.
June 24, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I guess that the feds heard about the low prices and thought they would offer an economic stimulus package.
June 24, 2008 at 12:45 pm
maybe we need to medicalize meth, then they will go after it..??
June 24, 2008 at 12:47 pm
this is a hilarious debate- for sure.
June 24, 2008 at 12:47 pm
lmao
June 24, 2008 at 12:53 pm
First it’s terrorist, now it’s criminals threatening the peace of “freedom-loving” people.
Really?
What’s next? Democrats?
June 24, 2008 at 12:55 pm
If you think anyone taking out these growers will make your neighorhoods safer think again. Look at what happened in Denmark. When they started cracking down on Cannabis there it did not go away, it just spread even more. Why? Well because it became more dangerous to handle the, the nice people did not want to deal with it anymore it wasn’t worth the risk to family people, Cannabis got more expensive because less people wanted to deal with it, then the THUGS in Denmark started to deal with it, it became much more dangerous and crime rates shot up. Do your research before you spew out rhetoric you’ve heard from a politician trying to get voted in office, or some random comments that in actuality make no sense. You can repeat non-sense or know reality. It’s too many people in this country not knowing reality causing this crazy social depression.
June 24, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I agree with 11:22. Growers and other law-breakers have made this place a mess. Their pittance of a contribution to local stores’ business is heavily overshadowed by the crime, depressing grow houses with their yucky slummy yards (they don’t spend their money on yard care or products obviously) and the way the tourists are repelled from visiting. The meth people in Eureka have about ruined that town. Pot grows and overuse of that drug or not much better. I am happy to see some action with the FBI. We need help. I’ve lived here a long time and I want growers to go away. The majority of the community, dems and republicans agree on this.
June 24, 2008 at 1:00 pm
An exchange of ideas is a wonderful thing, exchange being operative here. Always remember “There is none so blind as he(/she) who will not see.”
Sorry about my previous err in spelling, my ability leaves something to be desired.
All the best cheer
Z
June 24, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I renounce my previous comments. Kanobie clarm, Tad, Highboltage, and Noel, you are all correct. Marijuana is a glorious legal crop sent to us from God(s) and anyone who interferes with our God-given right to grow the Holy Crop is a fascist Nazi. You win.
June 24, 2008 at 1:04 pm
There goes robash 141 again – diarrhea of the mouth and of the computer. What happens when he is confronted with rational thought? He throws a sanctimonious tantrum and calls people names. He can’t respond with a cogent argument or facts, just name calling.
Sincerely,
The so called sanctimonious fuckhead your referred to who just happens to hate crime, criminals and people who have destroyed the community I loved.
Now Rob, back under your rock. Hide from the feds and I will be clapping when they haul your ass off to federal court.
June 24, 2008 at 1:13 pm
geez i love free speech
God Bless America
June 24, 2008 at 1:21 pm
What are doggerel detectors?
June 24, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Haul me off to federal court. for what?
calling you a bad name.
Now you really do sound like a facist.
June 24, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Your right kanobie,
this is a good debate.
I just cant beleive jerk offs like anonymiss
that talk about growing as the same thing as running a meth lab, or say that [its not much better]
Im so embarresed by our humin race sometimes
June 24, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Too much meth today?
June 24, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Rob – give it up.
I think maybe hauling your ass off to federal court for being a doper who has ruined this community.
Now that would be pretty funny. Perhaps that is why blindly lash out at folks when confronted with this issue? Hits too close to home? Like the crime life too much and all of the toys?
You are aware that there is no parole in the federal system.
thank god for the feds.
June 24, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Pot busts dont predate any one president. Marijuana became illegal in 1937 under the watch of Pres Franklin Roosevelt. The goverment was actually supposed to sell stamps to collect a tax from dealers, though they never made the stamps, creating criminals instead of taxpayers. The bill, HR 6906, also known as the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, was opposed then by the American Medical Assoiciation.(http://www.marijuanalibrary.org/AMA_opposes_1937.html)
The biggest push for making it illegal was Henry Anslinger, the first DEA type, and a publisher, one William Randolph Hearst. Hearst ran stories in newspapers about how pot changes people into murderers, and other propagandist natures. In Congress at the vote for the bill, the question was asked whether or not the AMA supported the bill, the speaker lied and said that Mr. Woodword of the AMA, supported the bill. With this lie, and with no studys of anytype, marijuana became illegal, sort of. In 1967 citing the lack of use of the Marihuana Tax Stamp, marijuana would become totally illegal. Then, in 1969 in Timothy Leary v United States, the US Supreme Court ruled this Act unconstitutional because it violated 5th Ammendment rights. Without delay, and without any credible science our Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act as title II of Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. So, time has passed and science and other countries have proved that marjuana is not the evil carnage that Henry Anslinger and William Hearst wanted everyone to believe, and our goverment still insists there is no medicinal use. This year, The American College of Physicians (ACP), the nation’s second largest professional body of physicians, has declared their endorsement for the medicinal use of cannabis. Still, its a federal crime. Countries all over the world are decriminalizing personal marijuana use, yet our goverment says users are dangerous criminals. Worse yet, those on the right say so too, not because of evidence, but because thats what they are told. If marijuana is such a moneymaker for criminals, take it out of thier hands and make it available. Cigerattes are much more dangerous to your health and legal to everyone over 18. Alcohol, which is even worse than that, is available to everyone over 21. How many people have gotten hurt or killed when alcohol is involved. Now pot? What if the government tried another prohibiton on booze? Everyone you know would be criminals. Wait, too many people are addicted to booze. To many people would lose thier jobs, we would be behind other nations. Ah, well. What can you do? You can lead a horse to water, but you cant make him drink.
June 24, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Hey anyone know a good medical meth dispensary? Im in bad shape right now, just need my medical meth jones bag, cmon people I gotta 666 card….pleaze help man…just ahm, keep it on the down low…
June 24, 2008 at 1:52 pm
You wrote a lot of words. I therefore believe you.
June 24, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Points to consider:
1.) The cultivation, use and sale of marijuana between consenting adults is morally acceptable, and not unethical at all.
2.) The prohibition against marijauna exists because of political, economic, and social reasons, not because the use of marijuana is unhealthy, unsafe, or immoral.
3.) The prohibition against marijuana is immoral and unjust because it criminalizes American citizens who choose to use, cultivate, or sell a particular plant that has been used for a variety of purposes by human beings in various parts of the world for thousands, if not at least hundreds of years.
4.) That tobacco and alcohol are legal, socialy acceptable, and advertised for sale in our country is proof that the prohibition against marijuana has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not marijauna use is harmful.
5.) It is completely absurd and outrageous that the two most dangerous and destructive drugs, alcohol and tobacco, that kill thousands of people every day in this country are legal, while marijuana remains illegal and users are persecuted. Disgusting!
5.) The decriminalization of marijuana, and of all drugs for that matter, removes the primary profit incentive from the production and sale of any previously illegal drug. This in turn saves American tax payers millions, perhaps billions of dollars that are currently being wasted in the bogus “War on Drugs”.
6.) The decriminalization of marijuana would allow every American citizen the freedom to choose to use, cultivate, or sell marijuana, without the fear of being persecuted, or incarcerated.
7.) In addition to it’s medical and recreational benefits, the marijauna plant, in all it’s parts, has dozens of other uses, including food and fuel from hemp seed, rope from hemp fiber, and, paper from hemp pulp. These uses are well documented.
8.) Marijauna use was legal in The United States as recently as the 1920s, and was only criminalized about 75 years years ago when corporations like Dupont realized hemp fiber posed a huge threat to it’s new snythetic, petro-based fiber market. Naturaly, the petro/gas industry wasn’t too happy about this either.
Pharmacutical companies didn’t want marijauna legal because no one can patent a plant, and that would mean a lot of free medicine for a lot of people. And we can’t have that now, can we!?
Because of it’s use by musicians, particulary among the early American Jazz scene, biggoted Anglo law makers shuddered to think that their pretty little White daughters might smoke a joint at a jazz show and, God forbid, end up meeting, chatting, maybe even liking a black man and taking him home to meet mom and dad. GASP!
9.) Alcohol lowers human inhibition, impairs judgement, and is often connected, or directly involoved in violent or hostile acts, and/or risky and dangerous behavior. Overdosing on alcohol can be fatal. Alcohol is responsible for millions of accidents and deaths worldwide every day.
Tobacco is as addictive as herion, and horribly destructive to the human body, even in moderation. Prolonged tobacco use is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide every day.
In sharp contrast, when used in moderation, marijuana can be enjoyed safely and without significant harm to the human body. Smoking marijauna can promote feelings of peacefulness, contemplation, and a sense of oneness with one’s surrounding, one’s fellow human beings.
10.) Marijuana can be used responsibly and safely by avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence. The use of a vaporizor greatly reduces, perhaps illiminates any potential health risk to the user’s mouth, throat, and lungs. When used in excess marijuana may compromise one’s memory and/or motivation.
So, why is marijauna illegal again, especaily when the killers: alcohol and tobacco remain lega?! Why are we spending millions against a plant!?
And just for the record Anon (you know who you are) pot and meth,
“aren’t in the same ballpark, ain’t in the same league, ain’t even the same mutha fuckin sport!”
-Jules
June 24, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Perhaps our anonymous friend is the “dope who ruined the community” and they are just looking for someone on which to foist the blame
June 24, 2008 at 2:01 pm
And yes, it’s lame that SOME people who set up super phat grow ops dump their geni waste wherever, and others, not mentioning any names Josh, get super greedy and go around scaming people and ripping off their crops.
June 24, 2008 at 2:03 pm
And oh yeah, if you rent someone else’s house, just put it back the way you found it after you break down you little indoor setup. Leaving water stains, damaged drywall, and holes in the floor just isn’t nice.
June 24, 2008 at 2:06 pm
you wimps………wow freedom of speech is not tolerated by the editors here………no backbone wuss
June 24, 2008 at 2:07 pm
wow
we all have so much to say about this.
I Love Humboldt.
Dea-Go Home
June 24, 2008 at 2:07 pm
And another thing,
To all you ding-dongs out there setting electrical fires and giving all the safe-smart growers a bad name!
Get a good electrician to wire your shit, will ya!? Or at least read a how to book for Christ’s sake! House fires, especialy in any neighborhood is just NOT GOOD!
June 24, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Porfiry Petrovich has written more words than any of you. He wins.
June 24, 2008 at 2:11 pm
And to all you growers out there, big and small, thank you for increasing the amount of choices for the consumer and helping bring the price of herb down, if even just a little bit, making it slightly more affordable for all us working shmucks who don’t grow, but who just want a nice good phat sack of green waitin’ at home at the end of the day that isn’t gonna break the purse. We salute you!
June 24, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Joe, have you been growing in my backyard again? No? Then I have nothing to hide. Thanks though. Not everyone is a criminal.
June 24, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I need to get out of the house at some point today.
And what the Hell am I talking about being a worker for!? I don’t even have a job right now!!!
Better lay off the weed, go grab another cup of coffee, and find a job o’ work.
June 24, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Dear Anon 2:10:
What did I win? What’s my prize?
June 24, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Marijuana is one of mankind’s oldest cultivated plants. It was so valuable that migrating people carried the seeds around the world, including the first Europeans who came to the Americas. Our constitution was written on paper made from marijuana. Wouldn’t it be great to have a fibrous plant that produces several crops a year for paper products?
June 24, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Heraldo
Good job
Be careful
Tell your source to go underground
June 24, 2008 at 2:24 pm
You win the admiration of your fellow athletes.
June 24, 2008 at 2:29 pm
agreed.
Fires=bad
June 24, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Good enough for me
June 24, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Bush & his regime want you to use pharmecutical drugs , not smoke it . Bush was paid millions by big drug and alcohol companies .
June 24, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Porfiry Petrovich @ 2:07
Get a good electrician to wire your shit, will ya!? Or at least read a how to book for Christ’s sake! House fires, especialy in any neighborhood is just NOT GOOD!
did you all see the video times standard put up?
like bob ornaleas didn’t get his name in this town from setting up grow houses.
i have heard plenty of stories from folks who are friends with him.
burning bridges once again does not make friends,
in this town or any.
June 24, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Just because Bush & the regime are paid by the big alcohol , drug & tobacco companies to stop the proliferation of cannabis does not mean i am at all against the raids . What should happen is that all grows need to be governmentally regulated and growers taxed on any sales associated with distribution . Regulation would prevent illegal grows destroying our forests . lakes & rivers . Tax ‘em YES . I pay taxes and so should they . All growers benefit from what the State , local and Government
provide them . I’m for the raids in a sense in hopes of making marijuana legal and decriminalized .
June 24, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Prozac No Better than Placebo:
http://highboldtage.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/prozac-found-to-be-no-better-than-a-placebo/
But it is more expensive, addictive, with bad side effects. Besides being useless.
have a peaceful day,
Bill
June 24, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Good point ! Illegal grows can lead to fires , too . Another problem with the illegal grows and another reason it should be regulated . For that reason now i am beginning to side with the fed’s and i am a 215 patient .
June 24, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Nice try rob at 1:58 – gotcha, ya little criminal. As for me I will just say “no thanks to you” for ruining this county. Smoke some more why don’t you?
June 24, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Peace be with you
Anonymous theorem:
Anonymous proof:
An example of a criminal who doesn’t fear the law might be the fact that the US federal government has no powers to make any laws (like a law against Herb) not specifically mentioned in the constitution. That means the “feds” are illegally enforcing illegal laws (I already know they have all the guns so spare me that rhetoric). Also it happens to be illegal to use US troops against the US civilian population.
Now I would like to wade in to the “fascist” debate. You are correct bill that fascism is the corporate ownership of all resources, and state “enforcement power.” Nationalism however came with the German nationalist socialism (AKA Nazis).
Mussolini popularized the term fascism. Hitler popularized the term Nazism. Ultimately Hitler and Mussolini became as close as Bush and Blair in their Nazi philosophies. There was a contingent of US fascists during the times of Hitler and Mussolini. They were bankers and industrialists, like G. W.’s grandpa Prescott Bush. Though they were making fords for Ford, fanta orange sodas for Coca Cola, or mining iron ore with Auschwitz labor like Prescott, nothing happened to them. Like in Prescott’s case his busynesses were returned and he turned it over to his “prodigy,” who turned it over to his “prodigy.”
When pot became de facto “illegal” John D. Rockefeller was both a major monopolist and a fascist supporting Hitler. Some of the busynesses who Rockefeller’s Standard Oil and Chase Manhattan consorted with were William Randall Hearst’s paper mills, and DuPonts nylon/chemical corps. These and other Hitler supporting American fascists lobbied and passed the anti-marijuana law that started the drug war. Not necessarily because of the refer madness that they sold to people like the closed minded “anonymous” around here, but because the didn’t want to compete with sustainable oil, paper, and cloth.
So that brings us to today. In our neighborhoods we have illegal soldiers, enforcing illegal laws, for the profit of the oil companies. Sounds failure don’t it? They have been playing this game for almost 40 years and all they’ve managed to do is fuck up millions of people’s lives, and destroy our society. Anyone who would resort to soldiers to “cure” what they consider a medical problem (addiction/drug abuse) is either insane or a fascist. And these mother fuckers aren’t crazy.
love eternal
tad
June 24, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Heraldo, you ought to be ashamed of yourself, squealing on the Feds like you did and updating their wherabouts. With all the crime and damage that pot has brought into this county, it’s high time the Feds have come in and cracked down on the pot-heads who think they own Humboldt. Maybe you should be made to look into the eyes of a parent who’s child got introduced to pot and then graduated to bigger and better things like meth or crack or coke, just to have their lives snuffed like a candle in the wind. There isn’t a single family here in Humboldt that does not have a loved one whose life has been ruined by addiction to pot or any other drug. Your sick. I hope the Feds shut-down all the pot houses in Arcata too.
June 24, 2008 at 4:18 pm
80% of this county would rather see weed legal than people doing long sentences for it.But I have not been asked to sign any petitions for legalization in years,maybe I just missed them but the MJ movement seems to be in a daze. 215 & sb420 meant these gray areas created provide enough cover for not only all ill patients but most serious chronics.So the MJ movement has grown comfortably numb.
Street & biker gangs have dispensaries in LA & Oakland which in turn give all clubs bad reps
.
The hemp & pot people can’t even get along because the legalization of hemp would mean hemp pollen flying & causing seeding problems for herb crops.Say good by to sensi.Yes we know about food,fiber,&oil. And please stop with the fascist pig stuff/as a son of the south who was pulled over for having GD stickers decades ago & given a haircut & shave for my own safety you cheapen the efforts of real fascist fighters by comparing these raids to same. Pot is and has been illegal for 70 years & in that time millions of people around the world have been incarcerated for it. This raid just adds more names to the list of people who through their bad luck provide profit for others.Like or not that’s the game.Not one person on the planet will stop puffing because of today’s actions.Sad but true.
If pot was legal you could buy it at farmers market for $150-$200 a pound.Pot selling for k$$$$’s more is solely because people are being busted right now all over the USA.The agents that are here work year-round somewhere and their job today is to do what they do everyday24/7/365
And to all who used words like “fear or rumor mongering” you owe da Herald & the CL RnR community an apology!They told you so & scooped the rags on a huge story big time.Big Ups.
June 24, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Quite the conference, Eh! Just goes to show you that when you stiff the Franchise Tax Board, they do get even. All that money and not reporting it on your taxes, tsk, tsk.
Now if there was any money in Meth, they’d be all over it.
June 24, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Anyone else hear that Reggae might be canceled this year because of this?
June 24, 2008 at 4:44 pm
marijuana a gateway drug….so when you drink beer with your grown son or daughter, who has watched you drink beer all his life, you are responsible for him becoming an alcoholic? Suppose during your life you were a responsible, honest and loving parent, are you guilty for their addiction?
June 24, 2008 at 5:03 pm
90% of the responses here (on both sides) are so stupid!
You DEA-haters don’t even know why they’re here, for all you know it could be an investigation of an outside ring of people conducting large-scale weed operations here in our county, bringing little or no money back into the community. If you play in the big leagues, you accept the danger and responsibility that goes along with it. Period. No tears will be shed by me at the loss of some mega-multi-house, industrial-style grow operations that have no hope in the world of claiming 215-legitimacy. And I seriously doubt the feds are going to be going around indiscriminately busting small “mom n’ pop” grows. Let’s just let the feds do their business and leave.
And you raid-lovers? Wow, I don’t think I’ve read such ridiculous statements in my entire life. Get your heads out of the clouds already. I know you’re getting wet at the thought of your dread-headed neighbors going away for the big one due to massive and random busts, but it’s just not going to happen. The DEA, FBI, and other federal agencies are much too professional and well-run of organizations to go on baseless witch-hunts that could end up costing them more money than they would make in seziures. Any raids taking place will be linked to large-scale investigations that are already under way, and yes, they will target TRUE criminals, not the stinky guys down the street playing string cheese incident and taking bong hits behind shuttered windows, no matter how many ridiculous letters Mr. Hoover sends out.
Seriously, LOL.
June 24, 2008 at 5:16 pm
“The DEA, FBI, and other federal agencies are much too professional and well-run of organizations to go on baseless witch-hunts that could end up costing them more money than they would make in seziures.”
You obviously don’t know much about the history of Federal law enforcement. lol
June 24, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Look in the mirror.
June 24, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I’m just pointing out that people on both sides of the argument are getting a little dramatic and idealistic. Which, I suppose, is to be expected.
I certainly didn’t mean to paint the DEA and FBI in pretty colors, I’m just saying they’re professionals.
June 24, 2008 at 5:50 pm
They lied about not coming here!They’re lying about the extent of the operation.They’re lying because thatz their job.
There are many similar undercover ops going on as we speak & the smell of napalm is heavy in the air.
Yeah right they bring satt. trucks & motels’ full to take down one crew but no arrests?
The feds will create at least a dozen new informants out of this.
June 24, 2008 at 6:27 pm
So Anonymous 5:28, don’t get me wrong your input is appreciated. We need to hear what the growers and the regular town folk is thinking and saying. But my question is, who the hell gave you the pedestal to stand here and judge growers. Was your mother a grower and abused you daily as a child? Or do you simply envy that dread lock 25 year old kid living next door to you for his nice new truck, his nice clothes, the fact that he figured out a way to make 4 times as much as you dream of making in 3 months? We call that “Hating’” and Hate spawns more hate! You know, I get it, if you have 50 lights to yourself in 5 houses and live in one of them leaving the 4 empty, then you’re a prick. That’s not medical. If you’re that greedy, I’m sorry but the hell with you. You make it bad for the rest of what they call “mom and pop” medical grow ops. But if you give others a chance to come up by sponsoring them, renting them a house and giving someone less fortunate then you a chance live a better life at the sake of growing and selling some pot, then hell, you’re doing more then the government that’s really supposed to be looking out for it’s citizens. But, If your house burns down while no one’s in it and catches your neighbors house, then go to jail and stay there a while, no question there. But for you to not only agree but to sponsor the government to come in here and tell the good folks of Humboldt that “Hey, we’re the new sheriffs in town” and start tinkering with an already fragile economy, especially when homes are burning down, being foreclosed on, and gas is $5 dollars, food prices are skyrocketing, there’s a 2 wars going on that were started of lies and deceit, you got some nerve. You know besides giving out recommendations for 215, I also heard Hanny Assad removes sticks from rectums of tight asses like yourself. Again I’m not taking sides here. The federal law states no growing pot. California is nice enough to bend that rule. Let’s not be a-holes and abuse that. I’m all for playing by the rules. I pay taxes, work hard, raise my 1 year old and live with my wife. I don’t sell drugs, use em, drink, smoke, nor engage in prostitution or gambling. I am an American citizen, i Vote and support our troops. But for people like you “Anonymous” who don’t have the balls to stand up for their beliefs and hides behind the shade of anonymity, all I can say is Stop Hating! Either figure out how to enrich your life with happiness that doesn’t result in someone else’s pain and misery, or just SHUT UP! You wouldn’t pick up a gun if the Nazis marched down G st. You wouldn’t defend your home if it was declared Eminent Domain. You sit in front of your computer and pass judgment on those who you know very little about. You’re what we call a “Troll”. So stop being a Bush/Cheney Supporter and realize that you’re the problem and not the solution.
June 24, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Maybe the Feds stepped in after Humboldt County Code Enforcement was met with so much local opposition to their Natzi tactics.
It’s a shame that the Feds are here because it is harder to kick them off of our land. Unless of course that idea for the Mattole Freestate(remember the coins?) was expanded and implemented throughout Humboldt County. Maybe the Bear Republic(Nor Cal) will rise and secede from the Union. Now wouldn’t that be awesome!
Time to get your “US OUT OF HUMBOLDT” bumperstickers!…
Again.
PS. Please Help Berkley!
http://www.saveoaks.com/SaveOaks/Main.html
http://humboldtforestdefense.blogspot.com/
June 24, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Two questions…
1. I was up all night working. The crew I work with monitored events in Eureka, Fortuna, Garberville, Arcata and McKinleyville. We communicated via mobile two-way radio,.. Are you working for the TS again, Andrew? Sounds very exciting and very well planned!
2. And I thought Porfiry would address the elephant in the room – do these raids have anything to do with Hedlund/Vilica LLC?
June 24, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Rose, nothing definte yet but mighty suspicious coincidences . . . .
June 24, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Word has it that some gangsters are gettin too nasty and had to be put in their place
June 24, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I love how you just make stuff up.
June 24, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Wow! You right-wingers are idiots! It’s the developers who are ruining our wonderful county and driving housing prices beyond affordable. If you don’t like the way our county is (and it’s been this way for well over 30 years) then move to Santa Rosa where you’ll feel comfortable and piggish surrounded by all the comforts our world can’t afford to provide. And while you’re at it, might as well drink yourselves to death while the feds crap all over our Constitution (printed on hemp!).
June 24, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Rose:
I certainly wonder if any of these busts are linked to Hedlund/Villica. I mean it just seems strange that Josh is still free, has already snitched people off (this we know for sure, i.e. Kite), and now there are all these busts of major grow ops that have been under investigation for two years now. Hummm…..!?!?!?! Just seems like too strange of a coinscidence.
On the other hand, these busts could have nothing to do with Josh. But it does make you wonder, eh?
Either way, it seems a lot of people (on all sides) have a lot to say, and them some, about this whole mess, eh?
Take care.
Best, PP
June 24, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Dear Josh:
Hey man, long time no see! How ya been!? What cha been up to lately? Seen any good fasion shows? Miss the Audi?
What with all these busts around Humboldt Co, people are starting to ask questions, and your name just happened to come up in casual conversation so I thought I just ask you a quick question. Do you have any connnection to all these busts? I mean, are you one of the principal players that is giving the feds all their info on these huge grow ops? I’m not saying you are, I just know that you’re such a social guy and you know so many cool people, so many big time growers and dealers, since you’re such a bad-ass baller and all. I mean nobody can roll a Toyota, or get caught with $100K and fake IDs like you can, man.
I figured since you used to post your contact information all over these blogs, inviting people to contact you directly for the straight scoop, that perhaps you could shed some light on this whole mess, especialy since you’re such a smart guy and all.
I look forward to hearing back from you soon, as do many others, I’m sure.
You better hope the Witness Protection Program is sealed tighter than a frog’s ass.
Your Friend, PP
June 24, 2008 at 10:37 pm
let you know later: any thoughts, any info on this whole mess?
hope you’re well.
June 25, 2008 at 6:52 am
I can make any saying you want on 100% post consumer recycled paper pin-back buttons- 25% of which is HEMP rag. Just contact me. I have already been making/distributing buttons that say: DEA OUT of HUMBOLDT COUNTY! Click my name for more info.
June 25, 2008 at 7:55 am
Ho Hum
Actually I write my own pay checks. Always have, probably always will. One of the advantages of working hard all my life is I get to call many of my own shots. I bought the computers, pay for the phone lines, the DSL, the office, and the fucking coffee.
Anon 10:36 I have all the respect in the world for the constitution, and due process. We are a people of laws, if you break them you get fucked with, its the way it works. No facism, although that is your buzz word. If it is not to your liking call it facism, neocon, nazism, etc. Also as an anon, fuck you, nutless wonder.
Andrew,
I have a clue, also a job, also a life, and a education way beyond a 2 bit BA in industrial writting.
The Feds are like a big nasty beast. If you fuck with it long enough, it will notice and bite you. The dipshits kept it up and boom, got bit. I take no joy in having Feds here, nor in people getting busted over a plant that is realitively harmless. Just post my opinions about whats happening. Something you progeys feel is ok for you but not those who disagree with you. Who is th facist in realitiy.
Unfortunatly once the Feds have a feeding ground they usually stick around for a while. So thanks alot to whoever brought them here.
June 28, 2008 at 11:26 am
The Drug , tobacco and alcohol companies invented those ” Drug testing kits ” to trick or decieve you into thinking marijuana is the problem that’s why after your test positive for marijuana use nothing shows up for alcohol , tobacco or prescription drugs . They are doing everything to trick you by not only doing this but , by using deceptive advertising against marijuana . DON’T BE FOOLED .
June 28, 2008 at 11:35 am
50 million…….take 20 million and give it to the State . Take 2 million of it and increase wages for Law Enforcement . Why arrest and or prosecute the growers ? This proves nothing and costs us money . These growers get fined for not paying their taxes . Marijuana is the new Drug overtaking alcohol . We need to start fining the Alcohol companies for killing and destroying the lives of millions & legalize marijuana . The World would be much safer and better off without Alcohol . The Alcohol Companies are now spending more then ever in advertising .
June 28, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Not one shot fired……..marijuana does not cause violence . Let the growers go after they pay their dues in taxes and penalties . Increase the wages for the 450 lawmen who made the busts and there would still be plenty of money left to give to the County and State . Marijuana is reproduced in 3 months so , every year there is billions of dollars in marijuana helping out local and State Governments with monies they need . Why arrest and prosecute the growers ….. It’s a waste of our resources . The small growers are still selling to the clinics . Any arrest would serve no purpose . Fine , tax , fine and tax . It’s not going away . Make Alcohol illegal . Don’t believe their methods of deception . They lie because marijuana is their competition .
June 28, 2008 at 1:27 pm
oK , I DID SOME FIGURING . 450 LAW ENFORCEMENT = AVERAGE I REALLY DON’T KNOW X $20 PER HOUR X 3 DAYS OR 30 HOURS EA. 30 X 450 = $13,500.00 ADD LODGING , EXPENSES = $6,200 TOTAL $19,700 .00 PLUS COST OF VEHICLES AND MORE . TAXE OF 20 MILLION ON THEIR GROW & YOU CAN EASILY INCREASE WAGES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO $40 AN HOUR AND STILL HAVE PLENTY OF MONEY LEFT FOR FURTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT , FIGHT FIRES , HELP OUT THE ECONOMY . IMPROVE ROADS & SCHOOLS . IT IS A WASTE OF MONEY TO PROSECUTE THE GROWERS . LET’S GIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT MORE MONEY AND HELP FIGHTING SERIOUS CRIME AND THIS MONEY COULD BE USED TO FIND AND FINE MORE GROWERS WHO ARE NOT PAYING THEIR TAXES .
June 28, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Does not a gunshot fired . That tells you something about how peaceful this kind of activity is . The problem i have against all this growing is that they are not paying taxes . They are benefiting from local and State agencies who provide them with many things to help them grow marijuana . Roads , lighting , Police , Fire , protection from our Government and much
more . If they can do bookeeping to keep records of sales , costs , etc. than they can do bookeeping on how much profit they have made and pay their taxes accordingly . Alcohol sales are dwindling while marijuana sales are increasing . Prosecuting and seperating them from their families costs even more money to the State and local agencies . It will not stop marijuana grows . The smaller growers jump in and take their place .
June 28, 2008 at 3:55 pm
growers don’t pay taxes like you because they are not recognized as legal therefore can’t be taxed. But plenty of growers contribute to society with their money. Where they live benefits greatly because they consume products in these communities and pay the taxes on them besides giving contributions to many causes.
June 28, 2008 at 4:07 pm
So does everyone else and income taxes too. There are growers who pay taxes on their income from sales to dispensaries and others who pay taxes as a shell business to justify their obvious incomes. They aren’t likely to be targeted in raids like this, only the greedy dumb ones. Almost Darwinian.
June 28, 2008 at 4:34 pm
It’s the developers who are ruining our wonderful county and driving housing prices beyond affordable.
UHHH Auntie – since it seems all those houses are full (albeit 1 in five with pot grows), then you have to wonder what the demand would be like if THE DEVELOPERS JUST WALKED AWAY!
Do you guys EVER stop and think what you are saying? Anyone who splits a lot and builds a couple extra houses is a developer to you guys – I guess you would rather they just grew pot and sat around getting stoned, and didn’t contribute a damn thin gto society at all, and if you have a whole community of those, what’ve you got?
Trouble is, I think you are going to get to find out.
Shut down industry, shut down the port, shut down homebuilders, and live in your little ideal TV world where the dogs are all cute but they never poop, you eat well every night but nothing ever dies, you still have all the gourmet fruit from all over the world because it now just magically appears, it doesn’t have to be transported in, by truck or rail or port.
Beam it in, Scotty.
Sheeessssshhhh! I don’t know whether to laugh or cry because I think you and Kateascot and all the rest of the homeless gadflies here that are telling everyone how to live are serious.
June 28, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Peace be with you Rose
You remember what it was like when Humboldt was really a rural county. When 4H and other “ag” organizations were the hub of society. When granges were often top spot, and nobody went hungry. The only difference is what people held important.
Preachers, poets, politicians could be examples of people who “don’t contribute to society.” Hopefully the preacher would tell you not to judge, “least ye be judged.”
Most pot growers/smokers just like you, less they puff nugs. Your too smart to let the exception prove the rule.
love eternal
tad
June 28, 2008 at 4:51 pm
so….your love of gourmet fruit and cheap chinese plastic stuff is worth pollution at every level?…most of us who advocate for a reduction in production hate TV and don’t experience pot smoking as lazy or dull witted so I’m afraid you haven’t a clue as to what you are talking about.
June 28, 2008 at 4:54 pm
so now our split personality has totally gone mad and is stealing another posters identity….makes me wanna go huh!
June 28, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Tad, you guys spit on the AG and 4-H people! People like Baykeeper and Higgins and Latt and Spreen sit around dreaming up ways to shut down the fishermen. Miller and his crew shut down the timber industry – oohhh, but they’re all for trails and feel good little bistros, and just pretend that all the stuff for the bistro doesn’t get shipped in.
You aren’t CAPABLE of growing your own food. Putting it up for the winter, cutting your own wood, and having enough to get you through the winter. That would be HARD WORK, Tad.
there are still some people who do it – Dennis Mayo for one, and alot of the back to the landers who are looking to be shut down by the infill crowd.
You live in a dream world that is paid for by someone else’s hard work and capitalism, and by someone who actually CREATED the home that you live in (I assume you do have a house) – people who actually work and contribute – and the shut it down crowd is seeking to eliminate them one by one.
Be careful what you wish for.
June 28, 2008 at 4:58 pm
OK, Kate – tell me how you are going to sustain yourself without any imported anything.
What can you eat around here, and how are you going to get it? Fish? How are you going to get enough to feed you for a year? Berries? They’re only in season for a short time – and remember, you don’t have an acre, you are living on a postage stamp infill lot. Where are you going to get food?
Pretend this is a creative writing exercise, but you have to be realistic, you cannot just have food magically appear.
June 28, 2008 at 5:03 pm
my dear you are getting so worked up, relax, I said either keep it as it is or reduce, is that the same as stop entirely? Food can be very simply prepared and grown, this society is so spoiled and fat! We need less than half of the food in the grocery stores and waste enough to feed another small country. It’s easier than you think, more healthful and kinder.
June 28, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Didn’t answer my question, Kate. You keep bashing on the producers. tell me what you are going to do if they are gone.
How are you going to take care of yourself? What food around here will sustain you for a year? Do you even have seeds to START a garden.
June 28, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Peace be with you Rose
Peace! I think you are jumping to conclusions believing I “couldn’t” anything! I can live foraging in Los Angeles. I have no problem doing what it takes to live. What I have trouble with is being allowed to do what it takes to live – and if I may be so bold what it takes for others to live.
Cherries, blackberries, fennel, etc., etc., are all free, in season and require very little work to produce. We shouldn’t have one farmer. “One farmers” grow grains, everybody else grows some food. It will be different from the old days, but town bosses and desperation weren’t good ideas even in the “good ol’ days.”
As far as the 90% of every other town coming here to live a better life. If it happens so be it, but my guess is it happens where they live too. We tried a social engineering experiment and so far after over 100 years thing are getting worse and worse and worse. More of the same will not fix it.
love eternal
tad
June 28, 2008 at 5:19 pm
More of the same, Tad, is what made it so you do not have to sit at the river scrubbing clothes on a rock. You don’t even have to use an old wringer machine. Creative industrious people come up with new ideas every day to make life easier and better for all of us. You may not want to be one of them, but you ought to applaud and appreciate them rather than sneering at them – or you know – no soup for you@!
June 28, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Peace be with you Rose
I know you didn’t ask me the exact question: “tell me how you are going to sustain yourself without any imported anything[?],” but if I may offer and answer – easily! Root cellars are pretty simple, require a few moments of “HARD WORK” to build, but aren’t shit to work. Solar dehydrators require a clear surface on the coast, but raisins are just “cooked” in the sun. Jars are 35 – 40 cents in the second-hand store, and sterilization is the KEY to canning. I don’t eat meat so refrigeration is not really an issue I wish to know anything about.
Living on a farm is not what you propose it is. Yea, three weeks a year you bust ass, but most days an afternoon nap is status quo. My grand-pa used to tell me “do what needs to be done when it needs t be done.
love eternal
tad
June 28, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Dear kateascot ,
Sorry your wrong . The growers are ” 1099″d by the 6th Street clinic and the owner herself said that she pays taxes . She said if a grower wants to do busines with them they are 1099′d . She said some will walk away when asked for tax information . The other clinics too , pays taxes . That’s why they are not messing with them . When all growers pay their dues is when marijuana will be legal .
June 28, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Rose I didn’t say STOP all production I said REDUCE or KEEP AS IS!
P.S. Tad is not involved in this conversation, his identity has been stolen
June 28, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Well that changes everything.
June 28, 2008 at 5:32 pm
You are using a half truth, 215 pays taxes but not those who aren’t 215 because they don’t believe that pot should be on based on the 215 guidelines, I was talking about those who are not 215. When they become legal they will pay the taxes you are refering to.
June 28, 2008 at 5:32 pm
……….as for , Rose goes ( hey , I’m a poet ! ) you keep mentioning Developers . So , where’s all the Development ?!!!
June 28, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Peace be with you Rose
I think you are buying into the lies about me that were started by Hoover. I have never been “the needy.” I spanged once in my life, only because Grizz got attacked by two pit bulls at the recycle center. I ate at the Endeavor when I worked there, but I don’t when I don’t work there. I don’t get anything from anyone who doesn’t want to give me it. No government checks, no spanging on the corner, no eating at soup kitchens. I like you Rose, so I am addressing this now. Twice you judged me today, and twice you were wrong and condescending.
It’s not a matter of not trading, its a matter of trading as close as possible.
Plus Rose, I can run a washing machine from a bicycle!
love eternal
tad
June 28, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Ps…..Rose ,
If in fact we truly did have some Development it would create jobs & not more continued assistance for the unemployed . Unemployment leads to dispair leading to crime and increased hard drug use . We need jobs here , we are growing and jobs or employment needs to be created . Unfortunetly , Eureka seems to be more happy when hypodermic needles are given freely to the Junkies and handouts are given to the unemployed .
June 28, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I protest the posting that is being done of a stolen identity.
June 28, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Peace be with you
Hahahahahah! I don’t know what the fuck I said, but I got one sister telling me “I can’t do shit I know damn well I can do, and another telling me “I’m not me.” Hahahahaha. Fuck-you!
love eternal
tad
June 28, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Non-profits have abused their power and have tried to make the poor conform to the social order instead of allowing them basic housing and creating jobs with the construction of them. Fair wages, beginning at $10.00 an hour would help and insist that landlords mediate with a third party before eviction can take place.
June 28, 2008 at 5:49 pm
wow I feel better, now I can rest knowing the brother isn’t being used and abused…you are who you say you are and by the way…right back at ya!
June 28, 2008 at 5:49 pm
barak 77 -
That’s the dumbest thing i heard . They don’t go onto hard drugs starting with marijuana . I’ve smoked my medicine for legitimate purposes for years and i never have touched any kind of hard drug . NEVER WILL ! If anything they go onto hard drugs after they use alcoholic drinks and i am starting to think you drive a delivery truck for Budwieser & your saying that ’cause you don’t want to lose your job .
June 28, 2008 at 5:56 pm
And, Tad, at least half the time I am referring to the collective ‘you’ (us, we) and not YOU as in just you.
I’m saying NONE or almost none of us have the know how or ability to make it IF there was no import/trade.
Almost NONE of us could make a needle, much less find the ore if we had to. The old ways are gone, and those basic subsistence skills aren’t needed and aren’t known anymore.
And when I am talking about jobs and ambition and making it better – i am talking about all of us, contributing to society ALL of us – not just you. It just sounds like you are the target because I am responding to you and what you said.
June 28, 2008 at 6:17 pm
were we calling marijuana “medicine” in the sixties? I dont think so.lets keep it real folks……….just like medical meth…..
June 28, 2008 at 6:18 pm
well, I guess we were calling cocaine, medicine in as late as the latter 1890’s….
June 28, 2008 at 6:59 pm
sounds like some of the most industrious developers and producers were living on “lost paradise” LLC property……..
this discussion has turned surreal. the feds were STOPPING both development and production in this case. the development of homes and the production of medical pot contribute to our local economy.
June 28, 2008 at 7:40 pm
True, but you have no evidence that medical pot was being grown in this case. Or do you? What’s your evidence?
June 28, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I thought the FBI had the evidence?? whats up do we now get to keep certain evidence at private residence???
June 28, 2008 at 8:50 pm
now wait do you mean , a garden hose stuck in your nose…cuz thats what i use when i do rambo rails
June 28, 2008 at 8:57 pm
you know……BIG STINKIN 4FT lines…..of medical meth..
June 28, 2008 at 9:13 pm
The troll who is posting at 8:48 and 8:56 is NOT me.
Get your own blog handle dick-weed!!
and stop trying to gravy-train my fame.
June 28, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I zapped the rat bastard.
June 28, 2008 at 11:04 pm
June 28, 2008 at 11:07 pm
No, I think he’s being honest when he calls himself Jerry.
June 29, 2008 at 11:01 pm
The invasion of the Lost Paradise property , crudely called BuddhaVille, is the most recent example of the governments new strategy of prosecuting property owners.
The federal government has been using the RAVE Act USSC 856 to prosecute many property owners in California. You can find information about the RAVE act at the following sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAVE_Act
http://bbsnews.net/bw2003-06-12.html
The theme of most federal prosecutions in this regard is to charge a defendant with conspiracy and 856 (RAVE ACT). Conspiracy is governed by mandatory minimum sentencing. If you are convicted in a conspiracy with over 100 marijuana plants you will be sentenced to five years, in a conspiracy with over 1000 plants you will be sentenced to ten years. Unfortunately the judge and jury have no discretion over your sentencing in a mandatory minimum case. Most defendants when facing mandatory minimums decide to plead guilty rather than face an uncertain outcome in court which could lead to lengthy prison terms. When pleading the government typically agrees to reduce the sentence to a non mandatory minimum charge; the RAVE Act USSC 856 is a non mandatory minimum charge. What is important to note is that the federal government indicts using charges that will lead to a guilty plea, the longer the sentence the more likely a defendant pleads guilty (whether or not they are actually innocent).
Recently the government has been focused on targeting real property owners in order to put a dent in marijuana crime. Unfortunately this is quite effective because a property owner has both their freedom and their finances to lose. You can read more at the following sites:
http://www.canorml.org/news/LA_DEAletter.html
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/07/BAE4UTGBG.DTL
Humboldt County has a major housing shortage. There is very little land available for new families to homestead. This shortage combined with a difficult regulatory environment has led to property owners using other forms of ownership. The same thing has been happening for sometime in San Francisco and the people have responded by creatively following the law so that they can have a form of home ownership. The following website explains a lot about California models of co-ownership:
http://www.andysirkin.com/Index.cfm
Equity or ownership co-operatives are an effective form of land ownership. Their organizational framework is usually established by the developer of each project and its lawyers.
Co-owners have been called something more than a tenant , and something less than an owner. Typically, a corporation owns the property, and each purchaser receives a share in the corporation, together with a non exclusive long-term right to use in one particular area. That right is usually documented by an “occupancy agreement.”
One can investigate what form of co ownership “Lost Paradise” is using the following website:
http://kepler.sos.ca.gov/corpdata/ShowAllList?QueryCorpNumber=C2581198&printer=yes
Contrary to reports, Lost Paradise is not an LLC, it is a corporation. A corporation is not the best current model of ownership for real estate. In fact most real estate investors use LLC’s because of the favorable tax regulations that corporations do not enjoy.
A corporation in Humboldt that owns land in the same way as Lost Paradise is: The Big Lagoon Park Corporation. The Big Lagoon Park Corporation has enabled the co ownership of approximately 50 acres of land with 76 shareholders on the coast just north of trinidad for over fifty years. The Board of Directors has done a great job in helping to make sure that this corporation runs efficiently through proper by-laws and governance.
It is important to note that just because you are a shareholder of a corporation that may be involved in illegal acts, you are not necessarily responsible for the corporations actions. The Enron case is a great example of this. It would be a shame if the federal government used 450 agents to investigate shareholders of the Lost Paradise corporation solely because they were owners. All of the shareholders of Enron were not investigated.
There are many working models of co ownership through out Humboldt and California. It is unlikely that the reason for this attack on civil liberties was because of the manner in which title to the property was held. More likely is that the federal government is all about seizing assets. Real estate owners typically have very visible non liquid assets that are easy to take and assess. Real estate owners are usually the most political for this reason: government is constantly stealing from them. Property owners in Humboldt county should be outraged at this recent invasion and should be worried about what is next. Will we see an increase in civil forfeiture like we saw in the late 80’s?
June 30, 2008 at 8:30 am
Real Property–that is an excellent and information packed post. Thank you.
June 30, 2008 at 8:45 am
When people knowingly enter into a criminal partnership of any kind it is a conspiracy. Groups of people who enter into criminal partnerships are all conspirators unlike shareholders in what they believe are legitimate businesses (like Enron) who are not part of the criminal conspiracy. These schemes to sell shares and allow illegal building which can only be supported by illegal pot growing are conspiracies by any definition.
June 30, 2008 at 9:14 am
I’m curious. If, say Maxam or McDonalds had bought Lost River property, could they have built a large number of buildings there? Are they limited like a homeowner to one home? I’m still trying to understand how this works.
June 30, 2008 at 9:22 am
They have to follow the same codes and restrictions as everyone else. Of course, their superior funding would make them more likely to get their plans approved.
June 30, 2008 at 9:33 am
from Secretary of State site
LOST PARADISE LAND CORPORATION
Number: C2581198 Date Filed: 2/17/2004 Status: active
Jurisdiction: California
Address
1013 TOTH ROAD
SHELTER COVE, CA 95589
Agent for Service of Process
ROBERT JUAN
1013 TOTH ROAD
SHELTER COVE, CA 95589
June 30, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Rose the Troll ,
Can you go back to grammer school and brush up on your English grammer ? Your even worse than Carol or Fred .
June 30, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Um Joe, the proper word would be You’re, not “Your.” You’re is a contraction of you are.
June 30, 2008 at 1:34 pm
No one can put multiple homes on a piece of TPZ land with out an exemption from the county, like a conditional use permit for example or zoning change, not a single individual or a llc, like lost paradise. In this case, they just did it. This is the case all over the county, in rural areas people build houses with out permits. The tax assessor raises their taxes, they pay them, and life goes on. No neighbors can see the buildings, because they are on the middle of a large parcel, so no one complains. The assesors office doesn’t care as long as you pay your taxes. And life goes on…. That was until the code enforcment pigs, or should I say officers, started going rogue and raiding these properties at gun point for NOT HAVING A BUILDING PERMIT!
But back to the question at hand, it doesn’t matter if you are a family of four or a large corporation like MAXAMM, only one primary dwelling unit is permitted per TPZ parcel.
June 30, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Thank you.
June 30, 2008 at 1:43 pm
You don’t believe in people having to get building permits 1:34? What about the damage that is done to the environment from people just building whereever they want, sucking up water, their roads causing erosion and silting up streams and rivers? Does that not matter if a neighbor doesn’t complain?
June 30, 2008 at 2:21 pm
1:43
This county allowed this to happen for the last fifty years for a reason. to encourage people to come here and live. None of the city folks had the balls to homestead, land was 500 an acre and HumCo desperatly needed a tax base. So now the city folks have driven up property values to the point that no one who isnt growing can afford to buy land. And now we got city shmucks workin in the county council and code enforcement who werent here to experience no schools, no volunteer fire districts, no clinics, no nothin but drunk loggers. We built this county, all while livin in unpermited noncode homes. Ha what have you built?
June 30, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I worked hard and bought my home 2:21. And by the way, my ancestors were among the first settlers here so put that in your corn cob pipe and smoke it. Allowing people to just build anywhere today is an environmental disaster and can’t be tolerated.
June 30, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Madman I must say I haven’t heard so much sense in a long time! In 1970 I tended bar and then went home to my husbands Dad (hubby was in the military) who was a drunken logger, so at the job and at home I heard alot of raging and saw many fist fights ending with bottles being smashed on each others heads. Both Eureka and Arcata were in shambles and goin broke and no one had any answers until pot growin pioneers came in, bought land, set up houses and fields and money started pouring in….The Open Door Clinic was a product of Haight Ashbury and a form of it still exists today. These pioneers were volunteer fire dept. personnel, started food coops, created schools, refurbished old landmarks, etc. And today, well lets just say how easily people forget.
June 30, 2008 at 2:45 pm
OMFG, yes and all the people who were living here prior to 1970 were living in caves without schools, health care or food to eat. We were just sitting around waiting for the homeless hordes to invade and save us with their pot gardens.
June 30, 2008 at 2:46 pm
While there is something to be said about having to be sure that homes are built to conform to health and safety issues this current code enforcement situation is illegal in itself and hopefully will bring our code system to a more reasonable dialog that benefits all persons involved.
June 30, 2008 at 2:47 pm
If these homeless nuts continue to spew their insanity on every thread, this blog will be ruined.
June 30, 2008 at 3:20 pm
No common ground is what Anonymous 2:47 has been stating and that is the issue. Human beings deserve, because they NEED, land on which to live the life of a human being. Basic fundamental understanding can then be used for further dialog, until respect is given there is no chance for fair examination of ideas surrounding homeless people.
June 30, 2008 at 3:20 pm
…or any other issue….
June 30, 2008 at 3:27 pm
They could take their passionate hobby of gabbing on blogs and start their own philosophy blog and make a tidy income with web advertising.
June 30, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Kate, there are still people around who were involved with the founding of the Open Door Clinic. Be careful what you say.
June 30, 2008 at 3:32 pm
The Open Door Clinic knows where it came from….
June 30, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Kate only has faith based facts that fit her fantasy world.
June 30, 2008 at 3:37 pm
It’s their job of advocating for the homeless 3:27. The fact that they are only turning people off wanting to help is beside the point. They’ll get their pay when they figure out a way to sue the city or county.
June 30, 2008 at 3:52 pm
It isn’t often that I get to confront a bully head on without fear of being physically attacked so I will take the opportunity to explain that one reason I sympathize with poor people is not only because I’ve experienced their pain and have realized wealth but because there are bullies and hate mongering people who get satisfaction from kicking people when they are down then blaming them for having to be lifted up. As long as I live I will stand between the two as often as I am able. Anonymous, beware lest in your frenzy you bite youself in the ass!
June 30, 2008 at 3:57 pm
No one can lift someone else up. You have to lift yourself up or you’ll fall right back down on your ass. That is where so many well-meaning people waste their time and resources, trying to accomplish something for someone else that is impossible.
June 30, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Peace be with you
I thought we didn’t have jobes. Suing the cities is not the aim, getting guaranteed constitutional rights is. It is a shame that we are “turning people off wanting to help,” but you are not a “people wanting help,” so that opinion is mute. Very few people in this world put as much time and energy into a cause that only returns in contempt and bigotry from your type as people like Bill and Kate. Few advocate for something besides the corporate bank account. Perhaps if you were out in the streets you would realize that the hand full of people on this blog are not an accurate reflection of how people in the community feel. Many people see homelessness as a head light in the tunnel, and know that the same planners that ignore homelessness today are the planners creating homelessness tomorrow.
It may break Heraldo’s heart to not have your snideness on these pages, but I could care less.
love eternal
tad
June 30, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Take some of that wealth and guarantee rent for a group of homeless people to get them on their feet. As they move up and on with their lives, replace them with new homeless. They could use their GR grants and starting wages to pay you the rent and you would only have to pay if they didn’t. All they need is a chance. Gamble on your faith that they want to work and become independent and only need a safe place to rest after the day’s labor.
June 30, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Where in the constitution does it guarantee the right to shelter?
June 30, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Peace be with you
Article IV, Amendments IV, and VII.
love eternal
tad
June 30, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Peace
oops, I meant Article IV, Amendments IV, and VIII.
love
tad
June 30, 2008 at 4:16 pm
That’s bogus Tad. There is nothing there about guaranteeing shelter to people. Stretching being secure in their persons, homes and papers, etc, to guaranteeing housing goes beyond breaking. People who are violating the law by trespassing or squatting on public lands have given probable cause to be arrested.
June 30, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Fourth Amendment:
Eighth Amendment:
June 30, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Peace be with you
Not according to the supreme court. Bring me your tickets, I have lawyers waiting to win them in court.
love eternal
tad
June 30, 2008 at 4:21 pm
What’s the case reference Tad?
June 30, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Who was the one person arrested? What was that all about? Does anyone know?
June 30, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Anon 4:01, you make some sense. There already are several residential programs in the area, mostly run by religious groups, domestic violence shelters, MAC, Arcata house, Eureka rescue mission. And there is Section 8 subsidized rental assistance and housing for low income people living in shelters. Its never enough, there are waiting lists, but people are being housed at little or no cost to them.
But its been written here that some homeless don’t “want” to live in those places, so they “won’t” go to them and “need” something else(undoubtedly more costly).
So, from their point of view, you aren’t allowed to decide what they will be given, they have a right to decide what they “must” have. So, your offer will be rejected as insufficient. In analogy, parents who raise kids with that philosophy usually have “spoiled” and “selfish” children.
June 30, 2008 at 4:31 pm
There was a case in Fresno where they raided a homeless camp and destroyed their property. The homeless people filed suit for illegal search and seizure and violation of due process. The suit was settled because the city didn’t have the right to destroy their property.
June 30, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I agree, NAN. This sense of entitlement was nourished to get to this level.
June 30, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Winning an unlawful destruction of property case or settling one does not mean people have a right to live on public land. The two are legally unrelated.
June 30, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Someone of wealth could start a whole chain of them using my plan, NAN. Once one house is up and running, paying its own rent, get another one. Of course, it would take someone willing to put their money where their mouth is and gamble on their faith that the homeless just need a helping hand.
June 30, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Peace be with you
California “In re: Eichorn;” 9th circuit “Jone v los angeles;” Oregon “portland v wicks,” Florida “pottenger v city of miami”
Also NAN should people go to the hospital to just use the facilities, or should perhaps it be left for the sick and injured to use? Yes many, scratch that, most homeless don’t need “case management.” Most need jobs that pay enough to be able to afford rent with. It’s just as stupid to say that non-chronic homeless “won’t go” to chronic homeless facilities as it is to say well people won’t use up the limited hospital beds.
love eternal
tad
June 30, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Last year, Los Angeles settled a lawsuit so that sleeping will be allowed on sidewalks between 9PM and 6AM until a certain number of low income units are made available. However there are restrictions on the place and manner of sleeping.
http://articles.latimes.com/2007/oct/11/local/me-homeless11
June 30, 2008 at 4:49 pm
Peace be with you
“Winning an unlawful destruction of property case or settling one does not mean people have a right to live on public land. The two are legally unrelated.”
I agree 100%. But, the Fresno case does have ramifications none the less. In fact after we win the camping cases on constitutional grounds we often wish a civil lawyer would step up and sue the cities for the Fresno type of barbarous actions they daily commit.
love eternal
tad
love eternal
tad
June 30, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Peace be with you
In fact I wish we had a DA who would charge cops who destroy people’s survival gear in the winter with attempted murder.
love eternal
tad
June 30, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Like I said earlier and Tad vehemently denied, they want to SUE!!
June 30, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Tad I really don’t understand your point about hospital rooms and homeless people believing they have a right to unilaterally determine the place and manner services are given to them. The shelters and rescue mission aren’t designated only for “chronically homeless”. In fact, they really aren’t equipped for disabled people at all.
Its really about who gets to choose what is sufficient for someone who isn’t providing for themselves. The situation when someone is in the care of another is typically parents getting to choose for children.
BTW, disabled people qualify for SSI which is now about $860 a month.
June 30, 2008 at 5:02 pm
In other words, the one who pays the bills gets to decide.
June 30, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Peace be with you
June 30, 2008 at 5:20 pm
No, from my father Tad. Did you grow up in a domestic democracy?
June 30, 2008 at 6:14 pm
i wouldn’t take any facts cited by ‘not a native’ very seriously in light of her admitting that she took an anecdote from the newspaper and presented it as if it had happened to her. see…
http://humboldtherald.wordpress.com/2008/06/27/eureka-makes-cover-of-outside-magazine/#comment-41661
…and the following exchange and judge for yourself.
basically, nan took the position that because this is a BLOG which is just for opinion and not about facts like real journalism, she can just make stuff up and if you believe her and then find out that she’s lying, you’re just a fool and a dupe for believing what you heard (what she wrote) on the internet, just as if you were believing in aliens or that the moon landing was faked. i’m not kidding, check it out, it’s a real hoot!
so as long as she’s just offering her opinion no problem, but whenever she offers up a fact or an anecdote, buyer beware! she’s already put us on notice that she’s got a right to lie, and what’s more, its the reader’s flaw for believing it. logical enough, right?
again, just check out that exchange before you decide to believe anything ‘not a native’ claims as fact.
maybe it is, but just as likely it isn’t.
June 30, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Peace be with you notananfan
Thanks for the warning, but we already know this about nan. To nan it really is about “who gets to choose.” I wouldn’t let the likes of nan choose for me. Not for 860 dollars, nor even 860 million dollars. Nan is the very reason why some things must be left to liberty, and not to people.
love eternal
tad
June 30, 2008 at 7:30 pm
anonymous 3:57 You obviously do not know what I am talking about, perhaps you have been a princess all your life with servants paid to lift you up thereby you can claim that you never needed anyones help, but not everyone is so endowed nor are they as dishonest as to say that they’ve never been in need of help from other humans, how terribly lonely. That kind of thinking is as extreme as those who lie and cheat to get help that they don’t really need.
June 30, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Hey, you guys could just live here. You’ve driven everyone else away, you might as well.
June 30, 2008 at 7:48 pm
maybe its you
June 30, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Ok, kate – why is it that the homeless guys in Arcata are so very, very clear about their extreme distaste for the “poverty pimps” and the “homeless job-ocracy.” Very, very clear. No uncertain terms.
June 30, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Rose I’m not sure what your question is….
June 30, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Do you know who the ‘poverty pimps’ are, kate?
June 30, 2008 at 11:06 pm
I’ve a pretty good idea but then there is no way I can prove my case because they aren’t listed on the 6 o clock news or mentioned in any article of the TS or ER that i’m aware of so rather than being ever so tacky as to mention my choice for the awards I will simply say that a poverty pimp is someone who makes a profit off of and perpetuates other peoples sorrows. There are a few organizations and personnel of others that I consider guilty of such, but I will not divulge their identity for the sake of your curiosity. Why do you ask anyway?
July 1, 2008 at 12:32 am
Because we don’t believe you.
July 1, 2008 at 5:34 am
i will take all awards! thank you . I would like to thank mom, dad, my very first chem teacher and his beaker gift………
July 1, 2008 at 7:39 am
I saw a group of four, one women and 3 men, come out of Shotz coffee in Fortuna yesterday. They piled in to a large-cab white pick-up truck with government exemption license plate. They were young and jolly and looked like they were going to work.
July 1, 2008 at 3:29 pm
FYI:
Real Property is Josh L. Hedlund. Don’t be tricked!
July 2, 2008 at 6:56 am
Great coverage by Dave Stancliff
“One government spokesperson did tell Channel 3 News they were aware of the blogs and were actually getting information from them. That raised my eyebrows for a moment. As far as I can tell, after following all the blogs closely for the past two weeks, the only real information they got was that most of Humboldt County knew they were there and even had the dates right.”
DEA, FBI, & CID consistently follow and comment on the blogs. Psy-Ops is what they call it. Control public opinion through leading the thread. Don’t believe what law enforcement says, courts have consistently supported cops ablity to lie in order to discover “the truth”.
July 2, 2008 at 11:39 am
Psyops is Josh Hedlund. Josh’s posts are so easy to pick out: they are always self serving and he posts them on multiple threads. So Josh, what specifically are the “DEA, FBI, & CID” posting about and how would you know it was them? So their motivation is to “control public opinion through leading the thread,” haha that’s funny. Isn’t that what you’ve been telling people who wonder why your not locked up? The Feds are trying to discredit you just like they did with the Black Panthers and Earth First. Riiiiiiight. Talk about delusions of grandeur. Here’s a more likely scenario backed by reason. You are cooperating with the Feds to further reduce your sentence and it is crucial for you to be trusted in order to find new information to sell to the Feds. Why do I believe that you are cooperating:
1) I know you and know how scared you are of prison and how the only thing you believe in is putting yourself first no matter the suffering you cause others.
2) You have not been sentenced yet and your sentencing has been delayed numerous times. All your codefendants have been sentenced. Fact.
3) You were arrested while out on either bail or on your own recognizance with your sentencing pending. You were placed in custody briefly and then released, which is highly unusual under these circumstances and can only mean that you have turned state’s evidence. Shortly thereafter your partner and “friend” Kite Finds the Feather was busted for a massive indoor diesel grow. Not surprisingly you remain at large and are not in custody. Fact.
3) So now you are running around trying desperately to gather more info to exchange with the Feds for a further reduction in your time (telling people that you can be trusted, that the Feds are just spreading rumors about you and likening yourself to various icons of the left in a transparent attempt to mislead those whom you believe to be unfailingly credulous). Supposition.
4) Perhaps most telling, you put the truth in quotation marks. Fact.