Mendocino County Today: Wednesday, May 20, 2015

• Weinstein Security
• Cops Vacation
• Coffee Crash
• Hammer Collector
• Public Transit
• Big League
• Dad's Advice
• Catch of the Day
• Hug Finale
• Democracy Club
• Gang Awareness
• Tulsa Trip
• Public Comment
• Gardens Art
• Plug-in Stations
• Pot Tracking

AN APOLOGY TO DAVE SEVERN from the security company that employed the fat guy who belly-bumped Dave almost into the street in front of Golden Eye Winery, where the insensate had gathered Saturday to eat and drink themselves into obscene stupors...

To: info@weinsteinsecurity.com
Subject: Out of line employee

My name is David Severn and I live in Anderson Valley. I am 73 years old, well respected in the Valley and seasoned at speaking my truth in constitutionally protected ways. When I showed up Saturday at the Pinot Fest on Highway 128 in Philo to talk about frost fan noise I was accosted physically by the big belly and shoulders of your #19 Bruce something-or-other who wanted to shove me around like he was King Beerbelly's lead bodyguard. Not until he was re-stationed across the highway was I able to exercise my rights to peacefully be on public property. Thank you for the other security personnel who all acted professionally. Bruce, on the other hand, needs either retraining or reassignment to janitorial duties.

David Severn, Philo

From: "Weinstein Security" <info@weinsteinsecurity.com>
Date: May 19, 2015 12:24:32 PM PDT
To: "'David Severn'" <nsn@pacific.net>
Subject: RE: Out of line employee

Dear David,

Thank you for the feedback on the services we provided this past weekend. I realize it took you time to look up our email and send your thoughts. I apologize for any awkwardness that our officer may have caused you. This is not typical behavior of Bruce. Although not an excuse, perhaps this was an isolated incident because of a personality conflict or the circumstances at the moment. I am pleased to hear that the others were behaving in a manner that was suitable. We will be sure to make note of this.

Maureen Weinstein, Chief Financial Officer

Weinstein Security, Inc.
P.O.Box 1837 / 930 Shiloh Road
Windsor, CA. 95492
Phone: (707) 836-1022
Fax: (707) 836-1185
www.WeinsteinSecurity.com
"When Experience Counts and Security Matters"

COPS ON THE ROAD: Sheriff Allman, an unidentified young deputy, Deputy Clint Wyant, and retired Fort Bragg Lieutenant John Naulty in Washington DC on Monday, May 18, 2015. (Courtesy, former Sheriff Jim Tuso.)

CUP HOLDER ACCIDENT IN WILLITS

CHP Press Release: Patrick Alan Byers was driving his 2016 Peterbilt truck tractor and trailer, hauling a load of dry foods, N/B on US-101 just north of Monica Lane, approaching Willits Ca. Byers diverted his attention from the road to put his coffee in the cup holder. Byers felt his truck start to pull. Byers looked back to the road ahead and noticed he had traveled onto the right shoulder. Byers attempted to steer the truck and trailer back onto the roadway. While making the turning movement Byers felt the trailer start to tip over which then pulled the truck tractor onto its side. The truck tractor and trailer came to rest on the right shoulder and within the lane of US-101 N/B. Byers extricated himself from the truck and only received minor injuries as a result of this collision. Ukiah CHP Sergeant Danley reports N/B US-101 just south of Willits is partially blocked and is currently effecting traffic. Expect 20-30 minute traffic delays for both N/B and S/B traffic until clean up is completed. Delays are expected until approximately 1000 hours. Ukiah CHP would like to remind motorists that driving is a complex task, requiring a motorist’s full attention. Anything that diverts the
 driver’s eyes or attention from the roadway, even for 1-2 seconds, could result in tragedy.
 The bottom line, whatever the distraction, “It’s Not Worth It!”

http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/3955054-181/chp-coffee-distracts-driver-causes

WHO'S THAT KNOCK KNOCKING AT MY DOOR?

ON MAY 16, 2015 at approximately 4:33 PM, Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the 100 block of Yuki Boulevard in Covelo, California because of a report of a 40-year old male victim being assaulted by another male with a hammer. A Round Valley Tribal Police Officer arrived while Deputies were responding, interrupting the crime and preventing the victim from sustaining more significant injuries. Among the victim's injuries was a head laceration described as being four inches in length. The suspect fled from the Tribal Officer, first on foot and then in a white Chevrolet pickup. The Tribal Police Officer lost sight of the suspect's vehicle at that time. As the first Deputy arrived in the area, a call came into Tribal Police from a citizen advising of the suspect's location at a travel trailer in a field on Refuse Road in Covelo.

The suspect, Adam Kendall, 26, of Harrison, New Jersey, was located in the trailer described by the caller and subsequently surrendered himself without incident to a Sheriff’s Office K9 unit assisted by a Round Valley Tribal Police Officer. Kendall was arrested for attempted murder. Preliminary investigations indicated Kendall and the victim knew each other and that the incident may have stemmed from an unpaid debt that Kendall felt was owed to him by the victim. Information collected by Deputies suggested Kendall traveled to Covelo from New Jersey on May 16, 2015 for the purpose of assaulting the victim. The victim was transported via air ambulance to a medical facility outside of Mendocino County and was treated for a broken right wrist, fractured left orbital socket and several lacerations. The victim was expected to survive his injuries. Kendall was booked into the Mendocino County Jail for attempted murder and was to be held in lieu of $250,000 bail.

ON-LINE COMMENT OF THE DAY

We rode the train one year just for a change of pace from Orlando, Florida to New York City. Playing cards for 14 hours in the parlor and hitting the bar car were much better than driving on I-95 with the trucks and traffic. Only thing was, every time we approached these small towns along the coast the train would slow to a crawl, sometimes stop for no reason. If they can figure a way to speed up the trip time, expand the bar cars and have some real food to offer like it was in the 50s when I rode the Silver Comet and Orange Blossom Special, people will switch. More than you think will forego the Auto. Car trips are not cheap anymore. I can still smell those dining car breakfasts of poached eggs, bacon and toast served on linen covered tables with real forks and knives. Servers with that we-can-please-you attitude might just be the trick. I am sure the Airlines, Auto Giants and Big Oil are the ones suppressing any National Rail System expansions and improvements. The railroads today are one step above a cattle car, but at least the cattle are fed and watered. I remember the electric trolleys and buses in the cities that were all targeted for elimination by General Motors and Big Oil after WWII. We need a grassroots movement backed by one or two of the presidential candidates to get the politicians off the Big Oil Dole. Amtrak should be abolished. Let Southwest Airlines take over the operations and planning — without the peanuts for meals.

THERE IS A DIAMOND CHAIN running from Pony League through Little League to Babe Ruth (which gets you through age 15), and after that, American Legion to 18 or semi-pro where available, and at last some colleges that teach baseball as seriously as they teach football; then on to various degrees of minors and finally the brass ring itself, toward which the whole chain strains; and blessed are those who follow it all the way. Or even part of the way. A guy who's played one game in the pros is like a former State Senator, a big man in most neighborhoods, and any saloon, so long as he lives.

— Wilfrid Sheed

ON-LINE COMMENT OF THE DAY, 2

My father was born in Oklahoma in 1931. He taught us to take our knocks, get up and try harder next time. I remember when I was about 8 and I complained about something not “being fair.” He said to me: "Who told you life was fair? Bad things happen to everyone, and you're nobody special. Would you prefer that bad things only happen to your brother, your sister, your neighbors? You'll be okay, just remember how much your mom and I love you.” He was a great man!

CATCH OF THE DAY, May 19, 2015

PATRICK BONDS, Redwood Valley. Reckless driving.

TERRY ELLISON, Covelo. Reckless driving, vandalism.

JOHN FRANZINO, Fort Bragg. Drunk in public.

JENNIFER HEVEY, Calpella. Drunk in public, probation revocation.

AARON KOSKI, Fort Bragg. Domestic assault, criminal threats of death or great bodily injury, probation revocation. (Frequent flyer.)

BRANDY LAND, Fort Bragg. Possession of meth for sale, sale of meth, sale-transport-furnish pot.

TERRY OMLER, Ukiah. Domestic battery, brandishing a firearm threateningly.

LISA PACHECO, Ukiah. Probation revocation.

RICKEY RADCLIFFE, Willits. Probation revocation.

BILLY RICKMAN, Ukiah. County parole violation.

ORION STRONG, Willits. Refusing to leave, false report of crime.

ZACHARY WARD, Willits. Failure to appear, probation revocation.

THE AWFUL FINAL SCENE OF MAD MEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Exf63KPXF6w

I hadn't watched many episodes of Mad Men before last night's finale, which seemed more or less okay until Don's final scene that seemed like it was written by someone on the East coast who's never been to California, much like Woody Allen's jokes about LA in Annie Hall. When Don got up in the group session and started to move toward the sniveling guy in the blue sweater, I shouted at the TV, “Don't do it, Don!” Alas, Don did it; he gave the guy a hug. It was all downhill from there, with Don in a group meditation at an Esalen-like retreat chanting "om" in the classic lotus position, which is difficult for beginners. (The scene would have been more authentic if it had featured a more fashionable type of meditation practice). The scene suggests that some time has passed and that Don has achieved some kind of realization, which is really just a New Age version of deux ex machina, a contrived, unconvincing resolution of Don's story. — Rob Anderson, District 5 Diary

CAN THE GYROCOPTER GANG START A POLITICAL REFORM MOVEMENT?

Take it Viral

by Ralph Nader

Last month when Florida postal worker, Doug Hughes, landed his tiny aircraft, known as a gyrocopter, on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol with 535 letters addressed to every member of Congress, the conversation should have been about his desperate message. Instead, his letter to each Senator and Representative arguing for an end to the corruption of private money in public election campaigns was largely ignored. The media focused instead on an airspace violation with an unregistered aircraft. The delivery of a letter remarking on racism or sexism in the United States may have gotten far more attention. While issues of gender and race are important and making much progress, less personal topics that don’t invoke a human, emotional reaction, are in danger of being swept under the rug.

Hughes is currently under house arrest in Ruskin, Florida, amidst a torrent of media speculation about how he got through restricted airspace and a no-fly zone undetected (the readers of the radar screens thought he was probably a flock of geese).

Undiverted, the well-read and articulate Hughes, 61, a former Navy veteran, responded on his website, the Democracy Club: “anybody in politics or the news media who want to spend inordinate amounts of time talking about me is avoiding the real discussion — which is about Congress. Let’s keep the discussion focused on reform — not me.”

While recognizing this crucial point, even journalist William Greider couldn’t avoid writing “we spend $600 billion a year on defense, but couldn’t stop a mailman from landing his gyrocopter on the Capitol Lawn.” So far Hughes, not any of the blundering security specialists, is the only one feeling the force of the law.

Hughes started thinking about what to do on campaign finance reform when he met a fellow rural letter carrier, army veteran Michael P. Shanahan. (Yes, all reform starts with a small conversation between citizens.) Shanahan had developed a proposal called “Civilism” which he described as “a systematic plan to fix Congress” by organizing an association of moderates “united by faith in principles of democracy.”

Greider sees this risky landing, which could have cost Hughes his life, as more evidence of an emerging “convergence of left and right…among rank-and-file voters at the grassroots. For all their angry differences, Tea Party adherents and working-class Dems share many of the same enemies and same frustrated yearnings,” he added.

Certainly, Hughes’ condemnation is transpartisan. He points out that nearly half of retired members of Congress are subsequently employed as lobbyists, drawing down big money rewarding their votes as Senators and Representatives. He calls this scenario “legalized, institutionalized bribery.”

It wasn’t as if his spectacular landing on the West Lawn was a secret. His “Freedom Flight,” as he calls it, was announced September 16, 2013 on his website, he told the Tampa Bay Times in detail about his plans, the Secret Service visited his home in October of 2013, and he sent out an all points email to Florida media well before he took off from a Maryland airstrip.

Unfortunately, he got little national press, other than the Tampa Bay Times, which published his letter in its entirety. But, quoting Senator John Kerry’s words in his farewell speech to the Senate that “the unending chase for money I believe threatens to steal our democracy itself,” Hughes did stimulate some congressmen, such as Republican Walter Jones, Jr., to make statements on the House floor about the worsening influence of money in politics.

Interviewed from his home on Democracy Now by Amy Goodman, Hughes, a grandfather, said he sees “the change over the decades as we slide from a democracy to a plutocracy. Just like Alan Grayson said, the fat cats are calling the shots. They’re getting everything they want. And the voters know it. Across the political spectrum — center, left and right — they know that this Congress isn’t representing the people. And yes, it was worth risking my life, it was worth risking my freedom, to get reform so that Congress works for the people.”

Hughes related that he and Shanahan, in their research, “discovered the existence of other groups and other very sophisticated plans that had been written by people a lot smarter than me. But we also observed these groups weren’t getting any traction.” He also stated their lack of media attention and mentioned the need for a states-driven constitutional convention.

Well, Doug Hughes, you’re on the right track. All you have to do with your buddy Shanahan is get less than one percent of the American people to organize in each of the 435 congressional districts, throw in their pledge to each devote 200 volunteer hours a year and open up one office in each district with two full-time people and you’ll get public financing of public campaigns through a constitutional amendment.

Why? Because this peoples’ One Percent would have the overwhelming public sentiment behind them — Left/Right and unstoppable. So take your Democracy Club viral with the gyrocopter gang. Lead and the politicians will follow.

(Interested voters can go to The Democracy Club to spread the quest for this One Percent in their Congressional District.)

(Ralph Nader’s latest book is: Unstoppable: the Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State.)

THE LAST TRIP TO TULSA

Well, I used to drive a cab, you know

I heard a siren scream

Pulled over to the corner

And I fell into a dream

 

There were two men eating pennies

And three young girls who cried

"The West coast is falling

I see rocks in the sky"

 

The preacher took his Bible

And laid it on the stool

He said, "With the congregation running

Why should I play the fool?"

 

Well, I used to be a woman, you know

I took you for a ride

I let you fly my airplane

It looked good for your pride

 

'Cause you're the kind of man you know

Who likes what he says

I wonder what's it's like

To be so far over my head

 

Well, the lady made the wedding

And she brought along the ring

She got down on her knees

And said, "Let's get on with this thing"

 

Well, I used to be a folk singer

Keeping managers alive

When you saw me on a corner

And told me I was jive

 

So I unlocked your mind, you know

To see what I could see

If you guarantee the postage

I'll mail you back the key

 

Well I woke up in the morning

With an arrow through my nose

There was an Indian in the corner

Tryin' on my clothes

 

Well, I used to be asleep you know

With blankets on my bed

I stayed there for a while

'Til they discovered I was dead

 

The coroner was friendly

And I liked him quite a lot

If I hadn't have been a woman

I guess I'd never have been caught

They gave me back my house and car

And nothing more was said

 

Well, I was driving down the freeway

When my car ran out of gas

Pulled over to the station

But I was afraid to ask

 

The servicemen were yellow

And the gasoline was green

Although I knew I couldn't

I thought that I was gonna scream

 

That was on my last trip to Tulsa

Just before the snow

If you ever need a ride there

Be sure to let me know

 

I was chopping down a palm tree

When a friend dropped by to ask

If I would feel less lonely

If he helped me swing the axe

 

I said, "No, it's not a case of being lonely

We have here

I've been working on this palm tree

For eighty seven years"

 

He said, "Go get lost"

And walked towards his Cadillac

I chopped down the palm tree

And it landed on his back

— Neil Young

BALLOT ACCESS NEWS "Commission on Presidential Debates Puts Up Public Comments Invitation"

Irv Sutley notes: “Use the following link to participate: These debates are rigged in favor of the rich and continue to reinforce the monopoly on political dialogue held by the two major parties. Open up the process!

http://www.debates.org/feedback-form

* * *

On May 18, the Commission on Presidential Debates placed this request for public comments on the CPD web page. The CPD web page is debates.org. The page specifically asks for public comments about who should be invited into general election presidential debates. Every reader of this web page should take the time to make a comment. After one comments, the page makes it possible for the commenter to print out a copy of what he or she has just said. The comments will be open through July 10.

ART IN THE GARDENS

Advance Ticket Sales Open Online

Set amidst the spectacular background of our summer floral displays, Art in the Gardens is our special annual fundraiser not covered through Gardens membership. It benefits horticulture, conservation, and education projects at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

This year there is a Beer Tasting option along with the Wine Tasting; a keepsake glass is included in the tasting price. Event highlights include the finest artists, food vendors, wineries, and breweries from our region. This family-friendly day has activities for everyone, from shopping for art (fine art in all media, culinary art, and boutique products for home and body), art demonstrations, and delectable foods available for purchase.

Make a date with your best friends and family for this exceptional, all-day garden party Saturday, August 1, 2015 from 11am to 5pm.

Featured Artist: Marian DeGloria

(www.gardensbythesea.org)

COMMUNITY FORUM FOR PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS IN MENDOCINO COUNTY

The Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG), as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency, is seeking public input on the location of plug-in electric vehicle charging stations in Mendocino County. Five community forums will be held countywide. The meetings are an opportunity to review display maps, get answers to your questions, and provide your comments and feedback about proposed plug-in electric vehicle charging stations in your community. The dates, time and locations of the community forums are:

• Tues., May 26 in Point Arena at the Point Arena City Hall, 4:00 to 5:45 p.m.
• Wed., May 27 in Ukiah at the Veteran's Memorial Building, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Tues., June 2 in Fort Bragg at the City of Fort Bragg Town Hall, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Wed., June 3 in Willits at the Willits City Council Chambers, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Wed., June 10 in Boonville at the Veteran's Memorial Building, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

All members of the community are encouraged to attend and comment on the proposed locations of plug-in electric vehicle charging stations. Please feel free to forward this email and post the attached flyer to help spread the word! For more information, see the Mendocino County Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Regional Readiness Plan, available for viewing or download at www.mendocinocog.org. I will be facilitating the community forums. Anyone unable to attend is encouraged to submit their input to me directly by emailing me at sue@strategiesbydesignco.com

Kind regards, Susan Haun, M.A.

300 Laws Avenue, Ukiah, California 95482

707.468.5139

POT MARKET TRACKING

Meet with us tomorrow night if you want to be in the forefront of our rapidly changing medical cannabis industry! Farmers, Friends and Colleagues, Tomorrow night the Small Farmers Association is hosting a farmer meeting for all who want to learn about our electronic pilot program for the future state tracking system. Our pilot program is a one of a kind in the State and will allow you the ability to amp up to this standard, which is what the other adult use States are utilizing. We have created an electronic tracking program with experts from small family farms and silicon valley to allow you all to practice now.... so when the requirement for global tracking of perishable items comes to town, you all are ready, instead of being left behind! Electronic tracking is being mandated now for all perishable items, including supplements, world wide. The SFA Board of Directors is following its mission statement: "To ensure Small Farmers have an integral role in the medical cannabis market now and in the future...". We will also be tracking water usage so the State Capital has formal data to understand the truth about water use and cannabis. We have been tracking water use over the past year, but tracking it electronically will give government officials the real data we all need to bring the truth that one cannabis plant only needs up to 1 gallon of water a day....this is what the average was for last year's drought policy usage for those farmers that are tracking the information for us. This tracking system will also allow you to brand your product right at the dispensary through the use of a cell phone and bar code. Our discussion will include particulars on tracking, how to track and what happens if the dispensary rejects your product. We have two dispensaries in the bay area who are working with us to make this pilot program a success for the industry! Come be a part of this history making pilot program! When: Wednesday, May 20th, 7pm

Where: Willits (Little Lake) Grange

291 School St, Willits, CA 95490

Why: Because Small Farmers are the industry!

Stay safe and sustainable,

Julia Carrera

Nuetral 3rd Party Inspector

Representative, SFA