Mendocino County Today: Friday, June 11, 2021

Light Rain | 5 New Cases | JDSF Alert | Lost Coast | Grocery Outlet | Beach Ticks | Driftwood Sculpture | Bostrodamus | Drip Irrigation | Government Meeting | Western Drought | Lena Fisher | Ed Notes | BinB | Public Health | Flight Simulator | JDSF Fate | Deer | Little River Museum | Then/Now | Yesterday's Catch | Collision Avoidance | Mountain Reward | Corrupt System | Polio Vaccine | Zombie Crossing | Disappointing Celebs | Problem Customer | Circadian Novels | InRe | Naked Shorts | WTF Boxing | The Loner | Mystery Object | Massive Fishkill | Chloroform | Cannabis Ordinance | Nuclear Abolition

A FRONTAL SYSTEM will bring a chance of rain today through tonight. Also, locally gusty southerly winds are expected for Del Norte and Humboldt Counties today. Some light rain will also be possible for portions of Mendocino and Trinity Counties by late this afternoon and this evening. Amounts for Mendo and Trinity Counties will generally be under a tenth of an inch today and tonight. Additional showers may occur for mainly Del Norte and Humboldt Counties Saturday and Sunday. Otherwise, near normal interior temperatures are forecast this weekend into early next week. Triple digit heat is expected for interior valleys mid to late next week. (NWS)

5 NEW COVID CASES reported in Mendocino County yesterday afternoon.

RED ALERT JDSF

They started cutting trees in the Caspar 500 today right above the Mama tree area. There will be people out there early tomorrow morning to do their best to keep the trees standing. We need people to come and bear witness and support the people willing to be arrested. Go to the Kiosk area first thing in the morning. Come up Fern Creek Rd to Caspar Orchard go up to the Kiosk. That area is still open to the public.

WE Speak for the Forest,

Anna Marie Stenberg

CLOUDS OVER THE LOST COAST

GROCERY OUTLET UPDATE

On a 4-0 vote, the Fort Bragg Planning commission approved a Grocery Outlet store application for a new location on South Franklin.

LYME DISEASE-CARRYING TICKS ARE TURNING UP ON CALIFORNIA'S BEACHES

As temperatures rise in California and people in search of respite head for the beach, there's a new concern beyond damaging sun rays and strong undercurrents: disease-carrying ticks that appear to be spreading all along the Golden State's coast.

npr.org/2021/06/11/1005391496/lyme-disease-carrying-ticks-are-turning-up-on-californias-beaches

DRIFTWOOD SCULPTURE

HAT CHECK’S REPLACEMENT

Editor,

Here comes a tip on the stock market. Women and girls look much better in dresses and skirts than they do in pants. Once they realize that I am right, stocks on the manufacture of women's clothing are going to go crazy. The trend could start anywhere. Hales Grove or Duprovnic. 

A go-to federal judge wants to fool around with a California's assault weapons law. We are ready with some new regulation. An electric sign in front of each post office will list the owner of each assault weapon, his address, and the present location of each weapon in his house. This will be obtained because each weapon will be fitted with an electronic wolf tracking device. Girls may prefer a mountain lion tracking device. A display at the state Capitol will show where every weapon in the state is located and this information will be available free to the public.

It won't be necessary for the president to lower the cost of his proposed infrastructure bill. A state whose two senators approve of the president's plan will divide up the money with the other states whose two senators also approve. States whose two senators do not support the president's plan get nothing. Hales Grove has a list of projects which will provide 3,000 jobs and require 3,000 homes to be built. Tip: Get the Budweiser franchise. 

Junker & rickety-rack airplanes flying out of the out of small city airports are causing too much pollution. Santa Rosa will be limited to two round trips to Washington DC each month and a daily round trip to Las Vegas or Los Angeles.

Mendocino County needs a Latino or Latina Supervisor. Looking around. It looks like the Third District is a good place to find a candidate. Hat-check, the incumbent, has spent most of his time making nice with those in the marijuana trade who he thinks will help him get re-elected. None of the many problems facing the county have been solved. An Hispanic Supervisor should kick some ass in the barrios. 

Too many irresponsible people. Too much take and not enough give. Over half of high school graduates in the county are Latino. We need to see more of them involved in public service, taking part in civic activities and integrating with the gringos.

Communities in the county without water and sewer hookups need to be persuaded to take the necessary steps to achieve this by law. The same as incorporated towns. Boonville: no sewer, no speed bumps.

Jeffrey St. Clair's one state solution is an interesting idea. Start with Gaza, West Bank and Israel. Type of government: Nebraska. Rotating president, Arab and Jew. Type of economy: socialist cooperative. United Nations has power to veto any law not in the interest of the residents. Constitution not written until peaceful progress has been observed for five years. Jordan may want to join. Lebanon may want to join. Women may not wear pants.

Keep the aspidistra flying.

Ralph Bostrom

Willits

GENERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE MEETING, MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

Community Partners, Colleagues, and Interested Parties:

The General Government Committee Meeting Agenda for the Monday, June 14th, 2021, meeting is now available on the County website: https://mendocino.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

Please contact Clerk of the Board at (707) 463-4441 if you have any questions regarding this message.

HOW SEVERE IS THE WESTERN DROUGHT?

Lake Mead, the largest human-made reservoir in the United States, recently hit its lowest level since 1937, following years of decline. The lake, which sits on the border between Nevada and Arizona, is under growing pressure from the prolonged drought, climate change and growing population in the Southwest.

nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/11/climate/california-western-drought-map.html

ED NOTES

ERIC BARKER, PHILO POSTMASTER, is looking for a place to rent, preferably in the Philo area. References. Editorially, I can say this sober and serious young man is the ideal tenant.

NEWS none of us want to hear. Bob Maki is retiring. The long-time proprietor of Starr Automotive is hanging up his jumper cables. When we think of emergency services we tend to think of police, fire, ambulance, but Mr. Maki, over the years, has been nearly as crucial, and dependably there for all of us. Whoever replaces him at Starr has some plus-size shoes to fill. 

IT CAN NEVER be said that Anderson Valley does not support its young people. At last night's (Wednesday) high school awards ceremony many thousands of dollars in scholarships were gratefully received by the scholarly portion of Anderson Valley High School's class of 2021. Before a shivering crowd of parents and friends assembled on the west side of the gym on an unseasonably chilly June evening, I counted 16 graduates who will continue their studies at the college level. Twenty locals, representing twenty local organizations and families, presented awards of scholarship money.

SUPERVISOR WILLIAMS was on the short end of this week's 4-1 Supe's vote to squander $100,000, at $250 an hour, on yet another consultant whose advice the Supervisors will duly ignore. (cf Marbut, Kemper et al). 

A little old lady, Dr. B.J. Bischoff — Gran Smuckers come to life — fairly beamed, and why wouldn't she at $250 per blah-blah, as she was hired to develop a "strategic plan" for the good ship Mendo, rudderless for years now, the captain and her five mates passed out on the bridge. 

(Dr. B developed Sonoma County's “strategic plan” which, as you can see by simply driving past the unplanned Rose City, an unplanned sprawl of fast food franchises and muffler shops, there has been no plan, strategic or plain old.)

A “STRATEGIC PLAN” is your basic self-cancelling phrase, a redundancy. A plan is a strategy, most places, at least places where words still have meaning.

HEREWITH a plan, a strategic plan, for Mendocino County, if you insist Ms. Molgaard.

1. Nothing much to plan, really, given that categories of spending are mandated by the state and federal governments, but if the Supervisors managed their own money like they manage Mendo's dough, they'd also be shuffling up and down State Street with their belongings in a stolen Safeway cart. The old standard was that public officials spent public money like it was their own. What happened?

2. An end to outside consultants. (A consultant, in the old joke, is someone who borrows your watch to tell you what time it is.) The Supervisors should establish priorities without passing their buck to "consultants," then follow up on their planning, which is why they were elected. The Supes can find out everything they need to know by talking with line workers, present and retired.

3. An end to outside lawyers, especially given that we have a grand bunch (9 at last count) already on the County payroll, none of them apparently capable of handling the simplest matters — injury claims, wrongful terminations, mostly.

4. Require monthly budget updates from department heads. Doesn't have to be War and Peace reporting, just a balance against projected spending to the end of the fiscal year.

5. Demand a precise accounting of the roughly $28 million that annually disappears in the blackhole of mental health, as the number of dependent mentally ill wandering the streets steadily increases.

6. Get Measure B done. Laughable that our own psych unit remains in limbo.

CAROL MORDHORST, former Public Health Director, commented Wednesday on the proposal to split HHSA from one amorphous unmanaged blob into two slightly smaller amorphous unmanaged blobs: 

Mordhorst: "In the past 15 years I have watched the erosion of Public Health. Twice I contracted with the County to provide management services during the vacancy of the Public Health Director. I observed the over-bureaucratic process that delayed hiring, processing contracts and timely decision making. Furthermore, I observed poor morale, and exodus of highly skilled, frustrated staff with the lack of knowledgeble leadership. Staffing in community wellness and nursing are less than half of the staff of 15 years ago. The covid pandemic has demonstrated how important public health is and how it affects the entire population. There are many diseases transmitted through food, water, air, saliva and sex that also affect our public health. Public health staff are needed to properly address these issues and be lead by an individual who is not distracted by the many behavior health issues this county faces."

THAT LAST “distraction” comment was in opposition to the proposal to merge behavioral (mental) health with public health as one of the two amorphous unmanagement blobs, which, obviously Mordhorst opposes. Mordhorst also recommended moving environmental health into public health. The Supes seemed flummoxed by Mordhorst who while of course not mentioning CEO Carmel Angelo by name, was certainly talking about problems that are the CEO’s doing. The Supes then pushed the re-org issue into yet another ad-hoc committee to explore further while at the same time requesting that CEO continue in her search to find a replacement for Public Health Director Barbara Howe, fired abruptly more than a year ago by the CEO and resulting in a still pending wrongful termination lawsuit. Since February the CEO has had public health being administered by a woman named Mary Alice Willeford whose expertise, such as it is, is in financial administration not public health. 

CALFIRE’S ‘FOREST’

Dear Jackson State Demonstration Forest Trail Stewards,

I just finished reading Cal Fire’s rebuttal to public comments submitted in the JAG meeting. Did anyone else find this piece to be pure BS or was it just me? In the response it is very clear who Tori Norville believes she/he is working for and spoiler alert; it’s not us! As you wade through all the unsubstantiated assertions in this purely defensive paper it becomes clear that the only reason a “Forest” is allowed to exist at all is for the board feet it is capable of producing for the big timber conglomerates who obviously own Cal Fire’s ruling elites. I sent another Email to Senator McGuire’s office yesterday asking for him to declare his position on the issue of the fate of JDSF. I read the Press Democrat daily and have yet to see any article regarding this situation in the forest. I know both McGuire and Assemblyman Woods have a lot on their plates but obviously they need to hear from a lot more of their constituents. Next I will move onto the Newsom Executive Order N-82-20 30x30 angle, perhaps a phone call might be most effective! 

Regards, 

Tim McClure

Fort Bragg

LITTLE RIVER IMPROVEMENT CLUB & MUSEUM

Find out how it really was.

The Little River Improvement Club and Museum is open Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 3PM every weekend through the summer and otherwise, by appointment. Current displays include “Memories of Albion/Little River,” the Little River Cemetery, and Mendocino Woodlands.

Come see what we're all about - 8185 N. Highway One. Call 707-734-3596 for more information.

Wendy Meyer

wbmeyer56@gmail.com

CATCH OF THE DAY, Tuesday, June 9, 2021

SEAN FLINTON, Fort Bragg. Disorderly conduct-alcohol, probation revocation. (Frequent flyer.)

MICHAEL FREEMAN JR, Covelo. Disorderly conduct-alcohol, smuggling controled substances or liquor into jail.

ARNOLD GAHM, Ukiah. Controlled substance, paraphernalia, county parole violation, mandatory supervision sentencing, probation revocation.

DAVID HAYDEN II, Covelo. Felon-addict with firearm, probation revocation.

JAKE HURST, Fort Bragg. Probation revocation.

DAVID JOAQUIN, Covelo. DUI, parole violation.

JONATHAN KREBS, Fort Bragg. DUI-alcohol&drugs, reckless driving.

KRYSTAL MALONE, Fort Bragg. Disorderly conduct-alcohol, resisting.

KEVIN NUNEZ-PRADO, Willits. DUI.

ANTONIO THOMAS, Ukiah. Disorderly conduct-alcohol.

ALEX MORA-WHITEHURST, Willits. DUI.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS, Willits. County parole violation.

MARCH TO KENNEDY LAKE

by Nate Collins

We left the east bay at 4am sharp headed for Tuolumne county in the area of the Sonora pass.

We rolled up in Jake’s diesel Lariat to the Kennedy Meadows lodge and trail head just before 8am tuesday. The sun peeks over the mountains and reaches the valley floor first to warm the meadow, the cabins and the lodge. From the first feel of it we were in for one helluva scorcher.

My pack came in at a whopping 43 pounds to which the more experienced hiker, my friend remarked, “You’re basically carrying 2 packs. You want your pack to weigh around 25 pounds.” “You need to get rid of the cans, the binoculars, the electronics, canned food, the extra shoes, extra clothes, and extra crap. You need freeze dried food, a collapsible cup, water filtration, fresh sox and underwear. You need to prioritize.” At the last minute he had asked me if I had trekking poles and it was only in a fit of final preparedness that I dashed to grab some. Do I need one or two? Well he said poles so I should get 2 and facing the climb in elevation, the switchbacks, the rocks, the bog and more the trekking poles ended up being possibly the most important tool of the hike.

It was early, we had energy, we made good progress to start and gradually as you pass the larger of the meadows you get the first bit of hills and then a series of ascents up some rough rock stairs. At this point I had 43 pounds basically hanging off of my shoulders when it should have been better strapped to my waist to distribute the weight. Let the suffering begin, was I taught this as a child? I did get periodic relief from the pack by either pulling the shoulder straps forward and marching like that or reaching my arms back over my head and lifting the pack upwards with my triceps. I switched from that to heavy reliance on the trekking poles which really bring your arms and upper body into the action. I just kept switching these practices which kept me going.

After the series of rough mountain staircases as you approach the final climb to Relief Reservoir the trail cuts off and up to the left with an arrow pointing upwards on a vertically spelled out top to bottom “Kennedy Lake” trail sign.

Being off on an entirely new trail brought a great sense of the goodness that potentially lied ahead. After a series of grueling switchbacks and eating dust we crossed the bridge over Kennedy creek which is a decent volume at this point creating rapids and beautiful falls. From there, the path continues on the north side of Kennedy creek for about 5 miles until you get to the rich grassy bogs you have to cross to get to the lake. The bogs are possibly the most difficult aspect of the hike with water seeping out of the spongey earth and even bursting forward into streams. You have to scan out each step to avoid completely submerging your boots in the water or the mud just swallowing up your foot. Wet feet are a total game changer in the hiking game, one learns this pretty quickly. 

At this point my level of dread and fatigue were immensely high. I was just following Jake, I just cleared my mind and I trusted and followed his footsteps. I felt like I was just shedding past negativity. What I was practicing on this trip was not complaining about anything and just seeing everything in a better light. 

We approached from the west side of the lake, the lower elevation to see the lake nestled up against what rises to Kennedy peak. We approached on the north side of the lake which has gradual inclines and high desert brush with a few cottonwoods. We had hiked almost 8 miles with a 1500 foot elevation climb in about 4 hours (due to my 43 pound pack). We found our perfect campsite in a ring of junipers about 100 feet off the lake. We were greeted by a couple marmots almost immediately that came to check us out. When Jake pulled out his tuna lunch the marmot came within 10 feet and stood on his back feet and without flinching seemed to be asking for his share. We said “alright buddy whats up, this food is not for you, carry on”. I tossed a couple pebbles in his direction and he didn’t so much as flinch, stared at us for another 30 seconds and was off. We did not see him even once again the rest of the trip. I said “he was just the welcoming committee, he went and told the others ‘we got some city slickers down there, stay clear for a couple of days’”

We went down to the east end of the lake where Kennedy Creek feeds in and the brown and golden trout were biting almost every cast for a bit there. They were pretty small so it was just catch & release but they were beautiful fish. Putting your legs in the ice cold water is instant cold therapy for your aching feet, ankles, calves, knees, quads, hammies, you name it you can go as far in a you like, you could even make it a mikvah. What this reminds me of is that the mountain provides the remedy for what ails you. 

I then reclined at the campsite back resting on a log with a full view of the lake and just sort of slipped into what could only be described as an incredible sense of well being, stillness and contentment. It made me realize that this is about exhausting yourself and getting out to a place where you just welcome that exhaustion and that exhaustion connects you with the earth and so you lie on the earth and that is where you make your bed. A small fire at dusk and when you’re out here you basically sleep when it gets dark.

Likewise you rise at the sign of first light.

Then for one of the most satisfying things you can do out here for comfort is pulling out the little single burner with your fuel can and little pot and boiling water for coffee.

I sat there like my name was Zen Moriarty, just happy as a fucking lark, not a worry in the world. How on earth could this be so satisfying. It must be the work you put in then the reward you receive. When you are in the middle of the grueling hike you can get a bit delusional, philosophical, however you want to put it. At one point I exclaimed “WE ARE WORKING WITH A REWARD BASED SYSTEM HERE, THAT IS OUR BELIEF”. Was that my mantra? It may as well have been because that lesson stuck with me the whole trip.

Day 2 we needed to head out from camp with rubbery legs to reach another higher elevation, look for the source of Kennedy creek, and get near some of the snow remaining from the light snow pack this year. We tried to stick to the higher elevation on the mountainside as we made our way so as to steer clear of the boggy grasslands that feed the creek and lake. Off trail hiking can be extremely difficult and between the dried brush cutting your legs and the mountainside that is just crushed rock sliding down your greatest desire becomes just to get to solid level ground and get the dust and rocks out of your shoes. After we tortured ourselves a bit longer we rediscovered the trail and found most of the hike to be quite easy. It was nice to see the lake from the other side at the higher elevation and we wondered what it was like for people to hike in from this side and see the lake, it was just a jewel in the bottom of the valley.

The temps were reaching 100 and more down in the Central Valley of northern California and on day one up here it just felt like we were closer to the sun. My main source of dread was that we were just gonna get baked by the sun with less and less trees the higher we got. Luckily some clouds rolled in on day 2 and I thought wow what a revelation I forgot the mercy of the clouds. I then sang the praises of the clouds for awhile, in a non anthropomorphic way of course. I came across a beautifully rich patch of grass aside the creek and upon further inspection found a fresh mountain spring to drink straight from. We discovered the next upper valley which was peppered with snow banks all about. We were up at close to 9,000 feet elevation and Kennedy Lake is 7,800 feet elevation so there was snow up here and more cloud cover. This valley seemed to be the source of Kennedy Creek but across the valley towards the higher elevation is where the snow begins to melt and make the first drops of water, amazing. We headed back down for lunch.

The descent was reminiscent of any party coming through the mountains and being passed the worst of it. I took that feeling and ran with it. The clouds at this point had begun to pepper the entire sky which was a great change of scenery because the lighting in the valley was completely different. Still I was amazed at the mercy of the clouds. 

Back at camp we hit the fishing spot again which was hit or miss depending on what time you went down there. Clouds kept rolling in until we spotted a dark gray and blackening front pressing over the mountain range to the north and east of us.

The forecast had been all clear and we had postponed the trip several weeks in a row due to late season snowstorms. It had literally snowed a week before and then reached 80 degrees Wednesday. Then back at camp we started to feel the first raindrops. Downsizing my pack before I left I had taken out my rain flap and only at the last minute put it back with my tent roll because I didn’t want to throw it out and I didn’t want to store it away from the tent. Its these small choices that have a big impact later. Jake did not have his rain flap so he rolled up his gear and tent and put it in my tent to keep it all dry. The clouds ominously rolled in and the valley slowly got darker and darker until the sky was illuminated with a huge bright flash right into Kennedy peak and within a few seconds at most the most wicked crash of thunder I have ever heard. I have never heard thunder in the mountains this close and it sounded as if the heavens were actually shaking the mountains. It may be the acoustics of these majestic clouds, how close they are to the mountain and the thunder reverberating from off of the granite and jagged mountain peaks. There is no sound like it in the world. It must be heard. I had a creeping sense of fear and dread perhaps rightfully so as a witness to the majesty before me and the sense that we may have underestimated, the sense that we may actually be in trouble. I searched for some sense in Jake as to whether he thought we were in trouble. When the next lightning bolt hit the valley I realized we were in a small circle of trees on a pretty naked hillside, fairly exposed.

Good thing my legs had been too cashed out to climb Kennedy Peak which was the plan because if we did we would have been reaching the peak right at the lightning storm. By 5pm there was a break in the rain and Jake made the call to head out. Clouds had enveloped the mountains so we were basically chasing the setting sun off in the horizon peeking under the clouds. We definitely were under the clock, we had to get out by dark.

Our legs were toast, the sun was going down, I was not sure I could make it but my only choice was to oblige, hastily pack my shit, leave no trace, and march out. I packed my headlamp and flashlight handy in case we were still in the mountains after dark. We then went on to vocally enumerate the ways in which this was in fact the best possible outcome for us to march out in this cool weather as opposed to the blazing sun tomorrow morning. I felt the extreme satisfaction in knowing this place and knowing the way here and exactly what it takes to get here. I took further note of all of the features in the land and changes in topography as we headed out through the bog, desert brush, rolling meadow, light forest, switchbacks, first bridge, second bridge, mountain stairs. I told myself if I can remember it then I can master it. Jake mentioned that the lodge may be open if we make it back for a hot meal and a cold beer, more confirmation that we’re working with a reward based system. Somewhere near where the forest thickens up along Kennedy Creek before you get to the bridge the air is just moist enough where the mosquitoes absolutely thrive. What began as a minor nuisance soon became a full on assault and we broke into a run. We had no ability to do so but we ran for 2 miles from those mosquitoes and at about 9pm we saw the lights from the lodge. The gal said they were closing but we begged her to serve us and we had the best fresh burgers ever from the cattle they have there with a cold IPA. As we ate we thanked our server and we thanked the mosquitoes for chasing us out so we could make it in time for this meal. In fact come to think about it we were thankful and grateful at that point for just about everything, hardship and all. 

THEN AND NOW

Editor: 

I was seven years old. My father was a doctor. One day in 1954 he came home and gave me a “shot” — the polio vaccine. He had finagled one of the earliest vials of the vaccine developed in 1953 and there was not one second of hesitation about giving the vaccine.

I understand that it is popular to judge all past events through today’s opinion and mores, but you are off base if you think the '50s were like today (anti-vaccine). Americans embraced science and medical cures — they were terrified by polio — and they did not hesitate to take the polio vaccine.

The recent PD article — “Doctor, now 93, helped lead polio vaccine drive", June 6 — is the proof. By the PD’s figures, Sonoma County had 51,000 vaccinated in 1957. That was already over 70% (herd immunity) and more than the 27,000 who lived in Santa Rosa. In 1957-1958 almost 90% of Sonoma County was vaccinated.

No, it was not, like today, difficult to get people vaccinated in the 50s. People were tripping over each other to get their kids vaccinated.

Roger Delgado

Santa Rosa

ON LINE COMMENT OF THE DAY

Maybe a little bit off-topic, but referencing the earlier Britney Spears discussion, her Mickey Mouse Club playmate Natalie Portman turns 40 today. Johnny Depp turns 58. I used to be quite impressed by the acting skills of both. The more I hear from them, the less impressed I am with them as people.

Portman, protesting at last year’s Academy Awards against the lack of female nominees for Best Director, had the names of “all of the female directors who weren’t nominated for Oscars” embroidered onto her Dior cape. At the time, Portman’s production company, Handsome Charlie Films, employed exactly one female director – Portman. In 2009, she signed a petition for the release of Roman Polanski who had been arrested in Zurich in what turned out to be a failed extradition attempt. After getting some heat for her decision, she said that she regretted it, and that she had signed the petition only because someone she trusted suggested she should. 

Depp? Charlie Sheen trying to play Hunter S. Thompson. Highest paid actor at one point but can’t pay his multi-million dollar wine bill. His financial success with Pirates of the Caribbean allowed him to quit acting (now he puts on eye-liner and calls it acting) and just live a life of out-of-control self-indulgence. 

If either decide to return to acting (rather than mind control and mind-out-of-control, as currently employed) I might take a look, based on previous experience. It’s rare that anything out of Hollywood catches my attention (in a positive way) anymore. Propaganda and personality. The more you “know” about an artist, the harder it is to separate that from their art.

TOP 10 NOVELS TOLD IN A SINGLE DAY

"Why don’t more writers do it? It sounds common but, in fact, it isn’t. Here I’ve gathered together 10 examples deserving of measurement against the finest atomic clock."

theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/09/top-10-novels-told-in-a-single-day-james-clammer-insignificance

LET THE APES HAVE WALL STREET

by Matt Taibbi

On CNBC’s Fast Money last week, anchor Melissa Lee appeared to mention the unmentionable. She was talking with Tim Seymour, CEO of Seymour Asset Management, who made offhand mention of the hedge funds shorting now-infamous stocks like AMC and GameStop. “Look, there are a lot of short sellers out there who have been borrowing stock they didn’t have,” Seymour said.

“Naked shorts, yeah,” said Lee.

You could almost hear a reverse record-scratch over the airwaves. Did a CNBC anchor really say that out loud?

The clip went viral. YouTube exploded with videos with titles like, “CNBC Just ADMITTED Naked Shorts On AMC!” and “CNBC just revealed GME and AMC are illegally naked short sold!” The frolicsome community of retail investors and activists who call themselves “Apes” and hang out in online forums like r/Superstonk and r/wallstreetbets, and who’ve placed the battle over the prices of stocks like AMC and GameStop at the center of one of the more interesting American culture-war developments in decades, rejoiced as one. Here was a representative of CNBC, a frontline agent of the financial establishment, admitting that the hedge funds they’re fighting have been cheating!

The financial press has been on a crusade to keep the GameStop phenomenon out of the front pages since it burst uninvited into the news cycle like flaming shit-comet earlier this year. ”Forget GameStop” headlines have become one of the year’s most unstoppable journalism cliches: GameStop, worth under $5 a share a year ago, rose to an incredible $347.51 on January 27th. The rally was reportedly caused by ordinary folk driven by a thirst for revenge against the financial system, who delighted in conquering billionaire hedge funds who’d put themselves in compromising positions by betting too heavily (and too publicly) against companies like GameStop.

When a fund called Melvin Capital was forced to close out its position in GameStop at a cost of nearly $3 billion, and mainstream mouthpieces ranging from Andrew Ross Sorkin to Nancy Pelosi rushed on TV to express horror and “concern” about what one economist called “a flash mob with money,” there were howls of triumph across the Internet. For a hot second, it looked like a bunch of kids with E*Trade and Robinhood accounts were about to go on an extended brain-eating rampage through the top tax bracket, and the specter of a gang of billionaire gamblers being crushed at their own game was poised to become the funniest thing to happen to the United States since the Gerald Ford presidency.

In an instant, it was over. On January 29th, the Robinhood platform, through which much of the GME buying took place, halted trading in GME under pressure from the Depository Trust Clearing Corporation, the shadowy colossus created in 1973 to centralize the settlement of stock trades. Shares in GameStop plunged from $325 to $53 in a matter of days, inspiring much of Wall Street’s community of Smart People to turn noses skyward as they declared “l’affaire GameStop” dead. Famed “angry investor” and real-life Gordon Gekko Dan Loeb described GameStop as “no different than other manias over time, going back to the Dutch Tulip Bulb Mania in the 17th century.”

“The short squeeze,” agreed Dealbreaker, “is no more.” The shutdown of trading in GME looked from the outside like the financial community circling wagons in a blatant play to protect their own, and it seemed for a time like the Loebs of the world were going to be right: GameStop was just one of a long line of fleeting manias, whose backers in this case gained nothing but the satisfaction of having moved a few rich jerks to an amusing public freakout. Even that was worth something, but how much, really?

Then, a funny thing happened. The stocks came back. By Friday, June 4th, the day of Lee’s CNBC broadcast, GameStop closed at $248.36, on its way to a high of $337.36 this past Tuesday, not far off the $347.51 it reached at the peak of its news-cyclone earlier this year. As of this writing, it’s up 159% this past month. 

AMC, meanwhile, was at $49.34 on June 4th, headed past $55.00 this week, up a staggering 406% in just this month. A series of other meme stocks are also rising again, triggering a round of defections within the financial community, as business leaders began inviting the apes over the wall. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who’s behind the mercurial surges of stocks like GME. Either way, the chaos is exposing Wall Street for the preposterous collection of circus acts it’s always been, with the naked shorting issue being just one example.

THE LONER

He's a perfect stranger,
Like a cross
of himself and a fox.
He's a feeling arranger
And a changer
of the ways he talks.
He's the unforeseen danger
The keeper of
the key to the locks.

Know when you see him,
Nothing can free him.
Step aside, open wide,
It's the loner.

If you see him in the subway,
He'll be down
at the end of the car.
Watching you move
Until he knows
he knows who you are.
When you get off
at your station alone,
He'll know that you are.

Know when you see him,
Nothing can free him.
Step aside, open wide,
It's the loner.

There was a woman he knew
About a year or so ago.
She had something
that he needed
And he pleaded
with her not to go.
On the day that she left,
He died,
but it did not show.

Know when you see him,
Nothing can free him.
Step aside, open wide,
It's the loner.

— Neil Young

MASSIVE FISH KILL CONTINUES ON KLAMATH

by Dan Bacher

The Karuk Tribe in Northern California has declared a state of climate emergency in response to record low precipitation in the Klamath Basin as a massive juvenile salmon kill unfolds on the Klamath River.

“This emergency declaration acknowledges the reality that climate change is upon us, and the dangers that it poses to rivers, forests, wildlife and communities,” according to the Tribe in their “Resolution Declaring a State of Emergency Due to Climate Change.”

The resolution points out “there has been a consensus among 97% of Climate scientists that Climate Change is a reality.”

It also said the Karuk Tribe’s fish monitoring efforts currently detect a greater than 95% prevalence of infection among Chinook and Coho Salmon.

In a statement on June 1, the Tribe said, “Hydrological conditions in the Klamath River Basin are the worst in modern history, although in recent years this has become an all-too-common refrain. Ecosystems and economies all along the California/Oregon border are strained to their breaking point. A massive fish kill is currently underway in the Klamath River that could result in losing an entire generation of salmon.”

“Our monitoring traps are full of dead juvenile salmon,” said Toz Soto, Fisheries Program Manager for the Karuk Tribe. “The few fish still alive are infected with disease. It’s a catastrophic blow to the fishery and Karuk culture.”

The Tribe pointed out that the disease-causing parasite Ceratonova shasta (C. shasta) has been linked to Klamath salmon declines for decades. The Tribe attributed the proliferation of the disease to low and warm water conditions caused by both the presence of four PacifiCorp dams on the Klamath River and the Bureau of Reclamation’s management of the river.

“A complex of dams in the mid-Klamath disrupt natural flow patterns and cause warmer than normal water temperatures. This creates an ideal habitat for the parasite to flourish downstream of the dams. However; these dams don’t control how much water is in the Klamath River, that’s a function of how the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) manages irrigation diversions from Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon, 50 miles upstream,” the Tribe stated.

The current BOR operations plan calls for “flushing flows” to scour the river channel and dilute parasites during disease outbreaks. This year, historically low inflows to Upper Klamath Lake led BOR to rule out a flushing flow to the river, according to the Tribe.

“BOR’s decision to not provide flushing flows is allowing a massive juvenile fish kill to take place. Over 95% of sampled fish are infected. We have to keep as much water in the river as possible to allow some fish to survive,” stated Soto.

The Tribe pointed out that state and federal government officials have made drought declarations in the Klamath Basin in 8 out of the last 12 years. The Karuk Tribe says this year’s crisis is “not an aberrant weather pattern but reflects a change in climate. “

“It’s time to face the reality of climate change which means we must change how we manage the Klamath’s water resources,” noted Karuk Chairman Russell ‘Buster’ Attebery. “We need long term solutions to adapt to this new climate immediately, or it will be the end for salmon and the cultures that depend on them.”

Tribal officials have asked Congress to provide disaster relief funds to “all affected communities to address economic hardship, and ecological breakdown.”

In order to protect as many fish as possible, the Karuk Tribe urges state and federal agencies to “broker temporary water transactions to keep critical stream reaches wet, but also point to long term solutions to recover fisheries and make the ecosystem resilient in the fact of climate change.”

The Tribe said “relief for salmon is on the horizon,” with an agreement by PacifiCorp, the federal government, state governor and Tribes in place to remove the lower four Klamath River dams in 2023. The dams offer no irrigation diversions or flood protection and Berkshire Energy, the parent company of PacifiCorp, has agreed to removal.

“Dam removal will improve water quality, disrupt the habitat for disease vectors, and allow salmon to access historic spawning grounds. We are praying the fish can hang on until then,” concluded Attebery.

Fish and environmental groups submit emergency water management plan 

Also on June 1, three fish and environmental groups — the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance (CSPA), California Water Impact Network (C-WIN) and Save California Salmon — announced the submittal of their emergency water management plan to the State Water Resources Control Board.

If adopted by the Board, the plan, an alternative to the Bureau of Reclamation’s temperature management plan, would significantly reduce salmon-killing high temperature water releases from Shasta and Trinity reservoirs. It will also protect carryover storage in the event of another dry year: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/drought/sacramento_river/

This plan will reduce Sacramento River water temperatures and significantly increase salmon survival in the following ways:

1. Limit June-through-October releases from Shasta-Keswick dams to 5,000 cfs (cubic feet per second), using Shasta’s cold-water pool to maintain Keswick releases at less than 54oF.

2. Eliminate June-through-October use of the Spring Creek power tunnel between Whiskeytown and Keswick reservoirs.

3. Maintain June-through-October flows of 300 cfs to Whiskeytown Reservoir through the Carr powerhouse, increase June-October releases to Clear Creek to 300 cfs, and increase June- October releases from Trinity-Lewiston dams to the lower Trinity River to 800-870 cfs.

The situation is dire for Chinook salmon on the Sacramento River below Keswick Dam. As the three groups said in a statement:

“The crisis, building for some time, has accelerated dramatically in recent days. On May 21, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported that endangered winter-run Chinook salmon were dying below Keswick Dam near Redding from releases of warm water taken from the top of Shasta Reservoir.

Salmon need cold, clean water to survive. But the water released in May by the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation to supply a small number of agricultural irrigators exceeded 61º F. This water temperature was far above the 56ºF standard protective of spawning salmon and the 53.5ºF needed to protect salmon eggs. The releases occurred despite calls from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFG) and the National Marine Fisheries Service to keep river temperatures at or below 56ºF. 

The situation is particularly dire because the Sacramento River’s salmon were already at the tipping point. According to the CDFW, Sacramento River mainstem winter-run, spring-run and fall-run Chinook salmon (1970-1974 v. 2015-2019) have declined 91.0, 99.9 and 79.7 percent, respectively. Fall-run salmon are the largest run on the Sacramento River and the mainstay of California’s commercial and sport salmon fisheries.”

“Despite excessive April-May water deliveries, Shasta Reservoir still has sufficient cold water to save the salmon,” said CSPA Executive Director Bill Jennings. “Unfortunately, the Bureau has unreasonably delivered exorbitant amounts of water to Central Valley agribusiness. The State Water Board has failed to meaningfully act to stop this unfolding disaster. The Board must limit the Bureau’s agricultural water deliveries to protect the needs of fisheries and urban areas.”

Besides helping salmon survive on the Sacramento River, the plan will also help save imperiled salmon on the lower Klamath and Trinity rivers, according to Tom Stokely, the co-director of Save California Salmon, who spoke briefly at yesterday’s virtual State Water Board hearing.

“It’s a myth that sending Trinity water to the Sacramento River helps the Sacramento winter-run Chinook,” said Stokely. “Trinity water heats up a lot as it moves through Whiskeytown Reservoir. It is a liability for Sacramento River salmon. Our plan keeps warm Trinity water out of the Sacramento River. It also conserves 50% more water in Trinity Lake. That water will help save salmon on the Trinity and lower Klamath rivers.”

In addition to urging the Water Board to back the emergency water management plan developed by the three groups, Regina Chichizola, co-director of Save California Salmon, called on the Board to adopt emergency regulations along the Scott and Shasta rivers to save imperiled coho and chinook salmon.

“I’m sure many of you are aware there has been a juvenile fish kill that is ongoing in the Klamath River,” testified Chichizola. “We’re losing all of our juvenile salmon this year. This isn’t the first time this has happened.”

“We pretty much have had no salmon coming back for the last six years in a row and it’s just a devastating situation for our community. I know there’s nothing we can do at this point about these dead fish. However, there is a lot we can do in other situations and into tributaries of the Klamath River,” she said.

Dan Bacher is an environmental journalist in Sacramento. He can be reached at: Dan Bacher danielbacher@fishsniffer.com.

SUPERVISOR MULHEREN ON THE BOARD’S EXPANDED POT ORDINANCE:

Last week, the BOS voted 4-1 to move the new Cannabis Ordinance referred to as CCAO (Commercial Cannabis Activity Land Use Development Ordinance) I wanted to provide my thoughts in a summary before the rumor mill started (all though I see its already started). I think the most important question I get asked is so What’s different? What makes the Board think they can fix the failure of the Phase 1 Ordinance? The following are my notes during the meeting of things that were standing out to me as questions or concerns I heard from the community though of course I’m happy to answer any questions. There are several things that are still open to discussion and feedback listed at the bottom if you have thoughts.

“The Ordinance with all of the amendments is a sincere attempt to incorporate the community concerns” - Chair Gjerde 6/2/21

I think this is incredibly important for people to understand. The Supervisors are not “going against” the community. We have heard and have incorporated where possible the changes the community is asking for. We know that not everyone will be happy and frankly we’ve made people on both sides of the 10% argument unhappy so in my opinion that means we’ve landed somewhere in the middle. I hope that people will slow down on the demand for a referendum and let the new ordinance be adopted and play out. Here are my thoughts on why I voted in favor of the ordinance.

The Hot Topic 10%

Since this seems to be the hot topic I will get started with 10%. Please remember that there are many requirements for cannabis businesses and there is a lot of gossip of cannabis taking over 10% of the County and truly that‘s not how its going to work. The Board did vote to Approve an Appendix A table that includes the option of properties over 10 acres in RL and Ag to apply for a permit to cultivate cannabis on up to 10% of their property. We also voted to bring back a phased approach for expansion starting at 2 acres and creating a timeline to allow a scaling up over a period of (??? Don’t know yet but likely several years) at the next meeting possible, which looks like August. Because of the timeline with CEQA we can become more restrictive and not less, so this gives us an opportunity to work backwards rather than starting at two acres max from the get go. If a person owns over 10 acres in Ag land or Rangeland (most of Inland Mendo is in Rangeland, not because the soil is special, literally because someone drove around in the 80’s and declared it to be rangeland) they could apply for a Major Use Permit to cultivate cannabis on up to 10% of their property. Mind you this expansion is outdoors in the sun (just like vineyards, except for in this Mendo ordinance cannabis can't be expanded on bare land it has to be land that was already utilized for ag). The ability to cultivate mixed light is currently limited at 22,000 sq ft max (but at least two Supervisors want to further restrict that). Recognizing that California has drought cycles that can play a role in how a business operates and trying to mitigate the water concerns of the community any new project would need to have a water source on site, if they are drilling a well they will have to have a full hydrological study to show that their well won’t affect their neighbors and trucked water is not allowed except for in a disaster (not complete with the definition of that yet, so more to come). The BOS heard the PCommish and the cannabis advocacy groups that called for a 2 acre limit so at the next possible meeting (late July or August before there is room on an agenda) the P Commish will consider how to create a phased approach starting at 2 acres (not until 2023 - no new projects during this year’s drought and likely no one getting through the permitting process for 12-18 months (Yes, it takes that long for a major use project to get through, working on that too). Supervisor Gjerde suggested a 5 acre cap total with a roll out starting in 2026 for this phased approach. I think I’ve said it about 500 times and I will continue to say it, we need to let the projects that come forward guide the conversation instead of throwing out arbitrary numbers, that’s why I believe 10% make sense because it provides a ceiling but lets the business owner and property limitations decide canopy based on capacity. Let’s pause for a moment and discuss why people need that much cannabis in the first place. The way I see it there are basically two markets for cannabis products. There is the artisanal cottage grown flower that Mendocino County is known for. And there are products that come from manufacturing using the oils from the cannabis. The situation is that the manufacturing requires a lot of cannabis, I’ve heard 4-5,000 lbs per day. I know not everyone likes this but I do compare it to the wine industry where you need a lot of grapes to make wine so you also need a lot of cannabis to make oil. Did you know that vineyards can be as big as they want in any land use zone in Mendocino County? Well it matters and I wish we would talk about it more as our hillsides are bull dozed for more and more vines (which do use water BTW) just as much as we talk about Cannabis (anyone want to talk about that?). Back to cannabis though, Mendo’s challenge is that these large businesses are cultivating in other counties or getting large bulk flower from other places like Santa Barbara because we have been limited cultivation acreage in Mendo to 10,000 sq feet. So in my opinion we should allow the opportunity for that cultivation to happen locally so that our Mendo folks can have the jobs that come with it. Let’s talk about Santa Barbara for a moment. Do I want Mendo to become Santa Barbara? No. Full stop. (See below for an addition added after the weekend) The entire ordinance that has been created has steered the market in to outdoor sun grown cannabis. Part of the 2 acre conversation that will come back to the Board is the limiting of other mixed light license types in particular for expansion but also for Phase 3 generally. Even though I’ve never cultivated cannabis I do understand the need for mixed light facilities after many tours. I hope that the Board takes the time to carefully consider the variety of business models and the mitigation’s that can occur with these types of projects including sighting out of view, down shielding lights, canopy types etc. I realize that this seems all over the place but there are many pieces to the ordinance and I’m just trying to include the 6 months of conversations that I have participated in although this expansion has been discussed since 2017. I think that is another good point that Supervisor Williams brought up. Phase 3 already exists and its not this strict or limiting as what was approved today and we can’t keep postponing this new ordinance. Another important reason to move the ordinance forward now and then change it as we go along. Yes, we can change it in the future, specifically making it more strict. Supervisor McGourty started the conversation by saying that with this ordinance Mendocino County will actually have one of the most stringent application processes across the State. We know that the State of California also has very stringent regulations but I will note here that that isn’t what is seen on the ground today and that is a real problem, I recognize that as a challenge for the community.

“What’s different?” I think this Board has made it clear that Code Enforcement is a priority. There is now a plan that includes Code Enforcement, the Sheriff’s Office and the Cannabis Program to work together to remove the most egregious actors first. I believe the funding for that will be coming forward in the budget discussion. The Board has also approved moving forward with a near real time satellite system to levy fees on illegal cultivators. This is all good but we also need to have a legal path forward for businesses that want to get in to the regulated market if we want to capture the potential tax revenue. 

So what else is different? Frankly new leadership on the BOS & with the Cannabis Program. It’s not as if I think having two new Supervisors waves some magical wand and suddenly code enforcement and the cannabis program are fixed over night. I think the political will clearly says two things: we want as many businesses as possible to get in to the regulated system and we want those that don't have the option to become legal to stop operating. We have an experienced Cannabis Program Manager that is committed to moving as many permits through as will qualify and support the team of the Cannabis Program to have applicants be successful. 

Cannabis Program - accept applications based on capacity, another challenge has been the pause on accepting new applications (?2019?) and the capacity of staff to move applicants through the process. This will be brought forward to the Board when PBS and CP develop a plan, perhaps accepting applications for the first week of the month and then processing them and reopening the first week of the next month, maybe only on Mondays and Tuesdays I'm not sure. The BOS and staff recognize that managing expectations of permit process for the applicants and approval is very important. I look forward to having a clear path forward to reduce the confusion we’ve had with portal or no portal etc. The Cannabis Program meetings on YouTube have been helpful I check them out look up Mendocino County Video 

Active Code Enforcement (CP, PBS & MCSO) - so I took this as a note and I mentioned it briefly above. The lack of active code enforcement has been evident to the community and caused many concerns and frustrations. The Board has committed to improving this and recently you have probably seen announcements of cannabis code enforcement to raise awareness as to the number of fees and the level of enforcement that exists even now. I can’t answer for why it hasn’t been a priority in the past all that I can say that the votes of this Board have over and over emphasized the need for people to get in to the legal market or stop cultivating.

Note- Two Industries: Artisanal cultivation/Manufacturing - Covered this above. Small cottage cultivators are not competing product wise with a large cultivator that for instance wants to grow two acres. There is a lot of fear especially by small cultivators that acres of cannabis will take them out of the market. The Phase 3 Cannabis Facilities ordinance changed the way that small cultivators can operate their business and I wish that it had gotten more positive attention. Farmers Markets, farm tours, self-distribution all of these bring the customer to the farmer. Your brand is yours, you are special. Market your product and your brand. There are resources out there that you can use. Please reach out to the West Company and learn about marketing and branding for free.

Water, water, water - the new CCAO Ordinance requires water storage and aims to reduce using ground water. We will require a hydrological study for a well to make sure that it doesn't impact neighbors. Again I realize this is not what has happened in the past but moving forward this is where we are going and the Board has provided clear direction that water concerns are real and businesses need to be prepared to have water on sight. One major complaint that we receive from constituents is around trucking water and that is not allowed in this new ordinance. Also there will be no new permits issued during the drought.

How do we protect Covelo and the North County? There has been a long list of ways in which the Board has supported the North County and Covelo in particular over the last six months; including applying for a large grant to clean up abandoned cars, increasing capacity at the Transfer Station, trying to seek a resident (or multiple?) MCSO Deputies. One of the ways that the new Ordinance will assist these communities is through the Use Permit Process. Each project will be brought forward one at a time with environmental and community concerns able to be mitigated through the planning process and I'm open to more suggestions. 

This is different than Sonoma County, the exact opposite - I've seen heard that Sonoma County recently voted to go back and do an EIR and what is important for you to know is that we are basically flip flopping with Sonoma County. They previously had a stringent site specific process that took time to get through the permitting system and were trying to create a policy that would streamline applications like our "Phase 1". Phase 3 or CCAO is a more stringent process than our Phase 1, and will take more time. One of the complaints from the previous program from Sonoma was that it was far too slow and now we are moving to that slow process and make sure that projects are vetted on a one by one basis,, we know it will be slow but we want to get it right. The Sonoma BOS vote was the opposite of what Mendo is doing. It would be assumed that if they seek an EIR and it determines as the State MND did that the cannabis industry is not having a substantial impact on the environment then they would move forward with allowing for a streamlined expansion project but we will have to follow that and see how it goes. 

So why no EIR? From my view an EIR would not be accurate due to all of the illegal cultivation. We must put a stop to illegal cultivation and require mitigation as an EIR would not reflect the true impact of cannabis on the community. Individual projects approved through the permitting process would likely not have an overall impact on the community (or have mitigation or they won’t be approved) or certainly not the impact that we have with cannabis as it stands today in the County. Future amendments can occur to create restrictions for the environment, we can move forward today based on the ordinance process and then add an amendment in the future for phasing. That’s why the 10% vote today and bringing 2 acres back in the future.

A reminder - This is an attempt to align with the State License program and provide clarity to applicants for environmental regulations and process for becoming a licensed regulated cannabis business in the State of California 

Another reminder - Cannabis is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the State of California. There are several State regulatory agencies that oversee Cannabis and its potential impact on the environment. I realize (again) that in the past it seems as though there has not been appropriate follow up. I know that the State and the County of Mendo are committed to working through the challenges and streamlining the regulated industry. 

Site specific CEQA on a project by project basis is important. Water, terrain, environmental conditions are not the same across Mendocino County. This is the 501st (I think the number is higher even though its only been six months?) time that I have said let the project bring forward what it can do on a site specific basis. One of the things that the community asked for over and over again was to pull illegal operators out of neighborhoods and on to appropriate land which Appendix A works to achieve. No structures above ridge line - important restriction for concerns about the perceived aesthetic impact of cannabis in Mendocino County. Medium indoor and medium mixed light shall use renewable energy sources for heating, cooling and energy light loads in line with State regulations. This ordinance seeks to align County code and State licensing language as much as possible to ease confusion.

What about the Phase 1 cultivators? This is important. Cannabis is our industry (if you don’t like it help me find another) the fact is that your plumber, your substitute teacher, your nurse have been cultivating cannabis for a decade or more to help pay their mortgage. CCAO is their opportunity to get in to the regulated market before they have to cease that income. Heard loud and clear: Support Phase 1 and get them through the system - the Board agrees that supporting the Phase 1 farmers and getting them to a State of California License is a priority and has allowed additional time for them to get in the que before any new applicants. If you are Phase 1 and have been trying to get a State license your application should be nearly complete with the exception of the questions around Appendix G and SSHR. If you haven’t applied for a State license the time is now. Please watch the Cannabis Program meetings and be prepared.

What about everyone else? I realize that there are small cultivators that are not on this Zoning table. I’ve been reviewing previous Board meetings and ordinances to figure out a path forward to them. This agenda item is currently scheduled for July 13th if you have productive suggestions I am happy to hear them.

"Show me the money" - One more thing let's talk about the Board being "after the money" for me its not about the tax revenue (although to be clear cannabis is bringing in $6 million and our sales tax is around $7 million so the revenue is clearly significant) I will just share that for me its about the opportunity for people to either own their own business and legally cultivate or for our local people to be able to have jobs in the industry at varying levels of salary from entry level jobs to executive level jobs. Again happy to hear what other industry you have in mind that can successfully incorporate such a diverse community and their skill sets. 

There will be additional changes brought forward at another meeting:

-2 Acre cap - phased approach

-Bring back some mixed light classifications for review and potential removal from the zoning table

-Direct staff to look at license stacking and see what Mendo can do to mitigate that

OK, those are my rough notes from the meeting. As a reminder I am only one person of five. I’m happy to answer questions for anything I didn’t cover. I hope this clarifies my thoughts on moving the CCAO forward in Mendocino County.