VOTE FRAUD IN POINT ARENA
TO: Mendocino Grand Jury, 06/15/12
FROM: Debra Keipp, former Councilperson, City of Point Arena
RE: Conspiracy of Fraud by Mayor Dahlhoff & Councilman Wasserman regarding the illegal passing of Sub-division Ordinance 130 without enough votes.
Dear Grand Jurors,
This is a complaint regarding the improper, illegal and fraudulent passing of Subdivision Ordinance 130, without majority vote by the City of Point Arena. This illegal passing of Subdivision Ord. 130 remained in place for several years before a new City Council (consisting of none of the old members who had illegally passed Ord 130), was elected, and eventually discovered the fraud. Lauren Sinnott served as Mayor by the time David Ingham, Councilmember, discovered that there were not enough signatures to have legally passed Ord. 130. However, the document passed with only two votes and was pushed through by: Leslie Dahlhoff, then Mayor, and the Councilman who appointed her Mayor, Richard Wasserman. Councilman Wasserman needed a yes vote on subdivision ordinance 130 for the imminent subdivision of his Point Arena property. And, in tandem, Leslie Dahlhoff made it so for the man who appointed her Mayor. Not only that, but they, along with the City Clerk, Claudia Hillary (in years since) and the ICO conspired to keep unexposed, the full truth in this matter.
Last fall 2011, I heard on the radio that the ICO reported that the time had come for the City of Point Arena to again revisit Ord. 130 because the original passing of Ord. #130 was fraught with fraud. I am no fan of the ICO, as I am not in favor of Steve McLaughlin’s biased reporting toward “friends” of his paper, while “sticky” issues like this in our community are awkwardly omitted. In short, he has no spine as an editor. Because the ICO would not print whose vote was stolen in the passing of Ord. 130, I was never notified that it was my stolen vote used in the passing of this ordinance, important to Mr. Wasserman’s pocketbook and plans.
At the time Ord. 130 passed, I was assisting my dying 12-year-old at Children’s Hospital in Oakland, acquainting ourselves with the process of hospice before coming home to die. Richard Wasserman and Leslie Dahlhoff stole my vote while I was attending to the death of my 12-year-old daughter. How desperately ghoulishly greedy is that? Can Wasserman be removed once and for all from taking yet another seat on Council presently and always, for voter fraud in this regard? He serves himself first, ALWAYS, with huge helpings of conflict of interest, in this case fraudulently making way for a new subdivision; as with other cases in years past — (his fraudulent missing parking spaces which he “sold” w/the Coast Guard House to the new owners).
I visited the City of Point Arena in September of 2011 curious as to the details, and discovered that because it was MY stolen vote which the Mayor and her friend, Wasserman, used in my absence while I attended to hospice, no one had notified me of the specifics of their fraud. Even the ICO omitted the hidden details of their fraud, and would not print ever in repeated reports, the entire truth that it was my vote which Wasserman and Dahlhoff thieved during their administration for the City of Point Arena, because the ICO was also conspiring to keep that news from me as well as the public. It was a smear.
I went to City Hall in September 2011 and asked to see the signed ordinance, and there it was: my vote in absentia, and without my say. Of course, I did not find out about it in the ICO’s biased reporting of this fraud. Hunter Alexander shared with me this information, as Claudia Hillary, former fired City Clerk, also conspired to keep this information from me in recent years. (Hillary’s current lawsuit against the City of Point Arena for $750,000 for wrongful termination of employment might pale in comparison to my lawsuit against the City in the case of this voting fraud fraught with conspiracy, which includes, in recent years, Mrs. Hillary’s involvement.)
Three Councilmembers were in attendance the night of the vote on Ord. 130: Dahlhoff, Wasserman, and Gallagher. Gallagher voted “no,” of course, because Wasserman had already tried to rob the Gallaghers of a two parking spaces when he sold them the Coast Guard House, well knowing that adequate parking must reflect the number of units which could be rented. That fraud was settled for an undisclosed sum of money (maybe $85K), out of court.
Dahlhoff and Wasserman voted “yes,” of course on #130, because Richie was sweating his subdivision and needed to make more money from the selling of his property after division. Look at your penal code. Councilman Tante was absent from this meeting as was I. Again, I was not present in the room even to vote on Ord. 130! Sometime soon after they illegally passed 130, I asked Mayor Dahlhoff how the vote went. She mumbled something unintelligible and then she and her husband who currently also sits on Council, persisted in ignoring me ever after. Never did give me an answer other than, “We took care of it.” She became quite rude after that, wanting me gone, so I would not discover what she’d done with her friend Richie Wasserman. She even voted me off City Council for the same missing of four meetings — the same that Mr. Wasserman was guilty of when he went sailing one year without asking by previous Council vote if he could leave for so long. However, the Mayor’s fellow conspirator was not removed from Council! He is forgiven all wrong-doing repeatedly, in thanks for appointing Dahlhoff Mayor!
But, what else are abusers to do when they victimize someone by stealing from them — but try to make them disappear so they don’t have to be reminded of their victimizations? In this regard Sandusky comes to mind. Hidden sadistic power, abusive and victimizing. Yah, I feel I’ve been rear-ended by the City of Point Arena(!); and all because they were trying to cover up their fraud all that time and make me look like I was lame for asking. And that’s exactly what Leslie Dahlhoff, her Council and Clerk, did. After my daughter’s death I missed a few meetings due to grief and experiential disinterest. They did not delay in the opportunity to vote me off Council because I was not friendly to baby-sitting Richard Wasserman’s fraudulent actions over and over again, even though they took what they needed without asking or acting in any legal regard.
When dealing with government officials and the passing of law — in this case an ordinance, no matter how small the “City,” a much higher level of service is expected from Councilmembers. Mr. Wasserman stands to make a lot of money off this subdivision. I ask that Dahlhoff never be allowed to hold political office again, as with Richard Wasserman, for committing this voting fraud. Is fraud still punishable in this County? And, in Point Arena? I ask the Grand Jury and hope you act with respectful regard in this matter.
In previous complaints regarding the City of Point Arena’s actions, Grand Jury responded flippantly to the Citizens of Point Arena with, “Point Arena gets the government they deserve”? What kind of a response is that? Think Grand Jury might have missed something there? Who deserves voter fraud, I ask you? The Citizens of Point Arena, so Richie can get richer?
Please have Wasserman removed from political office anywhere in the County of Mendocino. He also works on LAFCO and a few other boards when it serves him best. Dahlhoff too!
Debra Keipp
Point Arena
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PERFECT NONSENSE
Dear Editor,
At the Point Arena School Board Meeting on Wednesday, June 17th, a presentation from the Aerohive/Marin IT was made during the Open Session part of the meeting.
Aerohive TeacherView application is a simple-to-use web interface that provides classroom status to a teacher at login, without requiring the teacher to pre-configure any parameters. The graphical display quickly shows the Client Health status of all the classroom computers, and enables a teacher to view which online resources students are accessing. The teacher can also enable or disable access to the Internet and local Student Network, as well as redirect students to a specific online web resource.
The integration of Aerohive will cost taxpayers a little over $158K. The Board listened to the presentation and asked questions which were answered. When I asked a question, I heard grumblings from Board — “Why is she asking questions? She isn’t supposed to be asking questions.”
If you read my previous letter in the AVA, you already know questions were asked at the May Board meeting which, lo and behold, the Board actually answered. However, Trustee Sandoval was absent (per Sandoval, questions to the Board are not permitted) from the May meeting. Alas, Sandoval has returned and when the next question came from a gentleman (a technical question) who actually works on the Point Arena district’s internet system, the Board shot him down stating that no more questions could be asked because this presentation was “only for the board.”
However, I believe any taxpayer, not only has the absolute right to ask questions of any presentation since essentially we are the ones picking up the tab, and therefore we have a duty to ask questions if we have any. Also, any teacher should be allowed to ask questions because they will be using and teaching from the system. Last but not least, an employee working on the current system and who knows what it takes to integrate a new system should be have the right to ask a question from a technical standpoint.
Unfortunately, the current Board Members do not believe the taxpayers, the teachers and/or other personnel have the right to this information. Yet, board approved, taxpayers have the “right” to pay for it, teachers to use it, students to learn from it and staff to work on it. Yes, that makes perfect sense to me!
Respectfully,
Susan Rush
Manchester
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UNOCCUPY UKIAH BANKS
Editor
Occupy Ukiah is having a Localize Your Money Public Forum at Alex Thomas Plaza in downtown Ukiah. Saturday July 14. Speakers at 11am, noon march to BofA, Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase. Followed by a potluck and open mike forum. The big three after taking taxpayer monies to bail them out continue to foreclose on our friends and neighbors. Refusing to modify or work w/ homeowners. Nothing has changed these banks continue their reckless ways, note JP Morgan’s recent $2 to $3 billion loss. We encourage everyone to transfer your funds to a local Credit Union and pull your money out of these corrupt casino institutions. Too big to fail is madness a myth floated by players that should be indicted for ripping us off. So join us in Ukiah. Or if you have your own bank transfer day. Our local Credit Unions are Redwood and Mendo Lake. I am sure you can find one in whatever area you live. Together we can be strong and do some good.
Peace
Tim Hemlock
Occupy Ukiah
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HERE COMES LAURA
Letter to the Editor
Our Supervisors will decide about Laura’s Law/Assisted Outpatient Treatment (LL/AOT) on July 10, 2012. We won’t know the agenda time until 3 days before on their website or you can call them. Business owners, law enforcement officers, medical providers, family members and community people whose lives are affected by people with the most severe of mental illnesses (who don’t even know they are sick) should contact your Supervisor. Ask them to vote to implement Laura’s Law to protect people in our County, and to save money by reducing hospitalizations and jailings. AOT has been around a long time, and exists in 44 states with numerous studies showing the success.
If you can join us on that day, please do. You can speak or not speak, but just be there as a witness in support of humane treatment that will save lives and money. Inform yourself before the meeting so you will know if what you are hearing is true or not true. The most comprehensive and accurate information on LL/AOT is found at www.Treatment Advocacy Center.org.
Candidates for help from LL must have been jailed or hospitalized twice in the last 36 months, and be deteriorating with serious risk of harm to self or others. LL establishes a place for law enforcement officers, medical providers, family members and others to provide information about people who desperately need wrap-around services. These are paid for by state money coming to our County for this purpose. No County General Fund money is used for these services in Nevada County or Los Angeles County. Some LL candidates will reject this help, but many will voluntarily accept it, be grateful, and continue with their self-defined recovery and treatment program beyond the 60-day limit.
The 2012 Grand Jury Report on Mental Health is subtitled “Going, Going, Gone,” because there is so little help for people here. LL offers hope to provide basic humanitarian recovery support to severely mentally ill people.
Sonya Nesch, author of Advocating for Someone
with a Mental Illness
Comptche
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LENOCARE, NOT OBAMACARE
Editor:
As a pediatrician who spent many years working with uninsured and underinsured families, I'm breathing a sigh of relief over the prospect that the Affordable Care Act can bring benefits to many young people and those with pre-existing conditions. But we should remind ourselves that it will not bring about the health care system that we need — one in which everyone has access to quality care that is affordable to both individuals and society. We need to set our sights on improved Medicare for all as the only way to control costs, cover everyone and remove insurance companies from standing between patients and their providers. Our elected officials need to support the California Universal Healthcare Act (SB810, Leno) in the 2013 legislative session.
Dr. Ursula Rolfe
Berkeley
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OBAMA’S INSURANCE GIFT
Editor,
The Health Insurance Industry Windfall Act
Five of nine Supreme Court Justices served, above all, Big Insurance and insurers' Wall Street investment properties. We now face some under-discussed situations.
1) People will be compelled to speak to private insurers, and the IRS, although the option of Single Payer means that there is no urgency or pressing public interest to compel speech in Health Care areas as there is in a short list of other exceptions to constitutional speech laws. a) Income taxes are legitimate as Compulsory Speech. Citizens, for the Common Good, must “speak” to the IRS about what one earns in a year. But a “tax” on NOT buying or owning something is a Very Troubling precedent.
2) People will be compelled to contribute some part of their direct payments, and/or income taxes (re/ “vouchers”), to insurer funding of political candidates — -an undermining of voting rights as people will be helping to fund candidates they may not prefer.
3) People will also incidentally be compelled to contribute some part of their direct payments, and/or income taxes, to insurers' lobbying costs — -perhaps for legislation one may not approve. Redress of Grievances is thereby undermined as one may be providing funding to support the very laws that are cause of one's grievances.
4) In the case of For-Profits, people will be providing revenues (unwittingly) to insurers directly and/or via income taxes to invest billions of dollars in businesses that may compete with one's own business or investment properties — -or to invest in industries (cigarettes, nukes, fracking, fast “foods,” oil, military weapons, GMOs, etc.) that one may oppose for religious, moral, environmental, health, or political reasons.
5) People will be compelled to incidentally provide insurers with revenues, directly and via taxes, to invest in pharmaceuticals, thus providing motive for-profit insurers to promote their own investment properties' drugs over others that may be safer, cheaper, and more effective. Non-profits can't invest....but their CEOS and other complicit profiteers can.
These points are unaccountably not on lists of Talking Points to promote Single Payer, and to educate about the grim realities of Private Insurance.
John Jonik
Philadelphia
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WHAT DEMS BELIEVE
Editor—
We're friends with a couple who are Glenn back Republicans. They're pleasant and sociable however we avoid political discussions.
Perhaps three years ago one of them told me, all but one of the professors at the University of California at Berkeley are Democrats. To him, this apparently explains their liberal bias. (He declared this “fact” in a voice I would use to describe something I had stepped in at a dog park.)
I recently recalled the conversation and decided to check. The Internet is a mecca for this sort of thing. I Googled, “political beliefs of academics” and got 185 million hits.
I read them all. (Yep).
And, I confirmed (to my satisfaction anyway), the majority of college and university professors are indeed liberal — and mostly Democrats. And not just by a little either. It varies by discipline and school, but averages about 5-1 in favor of the Dems (almost 10-1 at Berkeley).
But the search produced another interesting result as well: it has to do with the religiosity of scientists (many scientists are professors).
Scientists in all disciplines are way less likely to believe in a god theory than the general public. The nation's most distinguished scientists (members of the National Academy of Science) are almost universal in their disbelief. (One wonders about the holdouts. Perhaps there is a mate who's a religious nut and these holdouts are just going along?)
These people, these professors and scientists, are a diverse group. They teach or do research in all disciplines — the arts, economics, history, biology, geophysics, astrophysics, etc. Personally, they have little in common — except one thing. They are all, really, really, really smart.
Best regards,
Bart Boyer
San Diego
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GOATS & SPARROWS
Dear Editor:
Especially touched by Todd Walton's “Bird In Hand” (AVA, July 20, 2012). Why? Because I am presently rereading Chris Chester's Providence of a Sparrow which I think Walton would enjoy being the story of “B” (the sparrow) and the human family he inadvertently joined as a former nestling. If we will slow down, stay alert, and be respectful, other animals may reward us with their trust, a magnificent gift.
May all be well with you, one old goat to another.
Respectfully,
Don MacQueen
Eugene, Oregon
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GOD’S TEETH
Editor,
Simply Bad Reporting—
I feel it necessary to respond to the absolutely false and slanderous things that were said about me in the June 27 “Valley People” section of the AVA. What occurred on our property was nothing like what was reported. Here is what did happen. An individual who would only identify himself as David Severn’s son-in-law and perhaps four children were found on our property. They had to pass and ignore two sets of no trespassing signs. I approached them and asked calmly how they were doing and where they came from. We then had a frank discussion about private property rights and the details of California Law as it relates to public access to non-navigable streams. I offered to move the discussion away from the children. He refused. I did not even raise my voice and used no profanity as alleged in the article. Several times I said “I am asking you nicely to leave” and the adult refused. I expressed my disappointment and I left.
I have dealt with the press in my 40-year career working on water issues in California. I have come to expect the press to at least try to get both sides on an issue. In this instance I was never called by the press to get my side of this story although David Severn has my cell number and he gave it to the Deputy Sheriff. The Deputy and I had a nice chat about this. I explained to him what actually happened and the conversations I have had with the State Lands Commission and the Attorney General’s office on these issues. I am disappointed that the press did not have the same courtesy to get both sides of this story before printing this false and libelous piece.
This small family business is one of the oldest in the Valley that has been in operation for 80 years. Our guests come here to enjoy the environment of our property and are distressed by trespassers. Trespassing has a direct economic impact on our business that barely and rarely breaks even. We enjoy operating this family business due to the happiness it gives our guests who come to this Valley and support other businesses. This property has been regularly posted for 80 years and there is a long history with trespassers who are asked to leave when discovered. Yes, I do carry now a sidearm, because last year we had a trespasser who brought two pit bulls on our property and one of them bit one of our guests. We intend to protect our guests and ourselves. Trespassers have in the past used our property for drunken parties, built fires, and left trash, diapers, and broken glass and have been rude and obnoxious. We cannot allow trespassers of any kind. There are public places for folks and their children to access the river. This is not one of them.
Gerald Johns, Van Zandt Resort
Philo
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DAVID SEVERN RESPONDS
Editor,
Unfortunately I have only a brief couple of minutes to respond to Gerald Johns’ letter before I need to head out for Lake Shasta to be in support of the Winnemem Wintu blockade of the McCloud River during a sacred tribal ceremony. Ironic, I know. Fortunately I do have a few facts already put together.
First, I agree with Gerald, there are public places for folks and their children to access the river and Indian Creek Campground is one them. What is at issue here is that Gerald believes the river is private property and almost everyone else believes that Article 10, Section 4 of the California Constitution guarantees us the right to use those waters and stream beds up to normal high water marks.
The “navigability” of the water is the term used in Article 10 Section 4 of the California Constitution where the legislature is directed to give “…the most liberal construction to this provision, so that access to the navigable waters of this State shall be always attainable for the people thereof.”
Numerous court cases have applied the California recreational boating test of navigability, most typically as noted in Baker v. Mack 19 Cal. App. 3d 1040 where it states; “The court determined that the test of navigability was met if a stream was capable of boating for pleasure.” And “The basic question of navigability is simply the suitability of the particular water for public use.”
Boating is anything that floats — canoes, kayaks and rafts. It doesn't have to be year-round and portaging over or around spots of low water is allowed. Navigable waters are available for all forms of recreation, swimming, wading, hunting and fishing.
The citation continues to address the issue raised by Johns that he owns the river, “The fact that the County and State Board of Equalization tax the bed of the river is of no significance on the question of the river's navigability.” And, “…With our ever increasing population … it's ever increasing need for recreational areas, … it is extremely important that the public not be denied use of recreational water by applying the narrow and outmoded (Federal) interpretations of navigability.”
Johns also cites litter as being a problem and to some extent I might agree, but in another appeals case Younger v. County of El Dorado the judge ruled, “The public has the right to use the river; it has no right to pollute the river. Reasonable regulation is in order; use prohibition is not.”
The issue needs to be adjudicated in a court of law, so as I see it either I have to get arrested for trespassing or Gerald has to be arrested for blocking passage to public water. There is judicial citation expressing such blockages as a crime but I don't have it at hand. When I return I will be inviting law enforcement along with Gerald Johns and the general public to be present when I go about removing the illegally placed “Keep Out” signs.
David Severn
Philo
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TRAVEL ALERT!
Editor,
The Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Agency has just release the June report of Airport Screenings:
Terrorists: Discovered: 0
Transvestites: 133
Hernias: 1,485
Hemorrhoid: Cases: 3,172
Enlarged: Prostates: 8,249
Breast: Implants: 59,350
Natural: Blondes: 3
It was also discovered that 535 congressional representatives had no balls.
Name Withheld
Clearlake Oaks
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HILLMUFFIN RELIEF!
Editor,
The 2012 Not-So-Simple Living Fair needs your help. This fair, a production of the AV Foodshed, is in its third year and gets better each year. If you would like to volunteer before or at the fair please contact Kate Castagnola at 895-2956 or hillmuffins@yahoo.com . There are a variety of ways you can help. If you would like to work trade for fair admittance, Kate can make that happen.
To be a vendor please contact Rainbow Hill hrhill@pacific.net . As we get closer to fair time, you will find specific info on classes and presenters at www.notsosimple.info .
If you would like to help with the kid's area, please contact Deleh <delehdog@yahoo.com > Deleh has lots of great ideas but needs help to make them happen. Below is a list of what she needs. The list is long, but please take time to look thru it to see if there is a way you can help, either with donations or with your time.
If you would like to help with the Friday Night entertainment please contact Captain Rainbow <captnrainbow@pacific.net > The Captain has two special needs at this point. One is a very long, heavy duty extension cord. The other is cordless speakers to get our announcements out to the entire fair area.
We also need bright colors of paint for lettering on our signs. Please respond to Cindy cwilder406@gmail.com if you can donate some paint.
Cindy Wilder
Boonville
% PS. Creative Reuse Contest: You are invited to share your favorite examples of creative reuse and enter the Not-So-Simple Creative Reuse Contest. What’s creative reuse? I’d lost the wire hoops that came with the shade screen I needed to use to cover my newly planted carrot seeds and wanted something right now. I looked around the garden shed and found a bunch of the little wire things that hold up lawn signs, which I always knew would be useful for something someday. Bent over the part that sticks into the lawn sign, stuck them in the bed, laid the shade cloth over the top of my new frame, held it in place with clothes pins and voila my carrot seeds were protected. That’s creative reuse. You do it too. We think it is an important part of the Not So Simple life style, we’d like to display some of your favorite examples, and are offering a prizes for the Most Creative and the Most Likely to Be Copied And Used entries. You can either bring the actual object or, if it is too large or awkward, bring a photograph of it. To enter the contest: Contact Diane (707-895-3354 or dpaget@mcn.org ) and tell her about your entry so we’ll know how much space we need to display it. Bring the object or photo and a caption to display with the object, which tells what it is used for and how you made it to the Fair on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.
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MAX RASPECT
Editor,
The Sierra Nevada World Music would like to extend a GIGANTIC THANK YOU to all those involved in making our 19th annual summer solstice celebration one of the most successful ever. Despite some sprinkles on Friday morning and a bit of overcast, the weather was cooperative, the vibes were high, the artists all came forward at their appointed time and the music was great. All of that could be witnessed by the beaming faces that could be seen on everyone's face throughout the weekend.
Maximum RASpect to all the staff who worked tirelessly to insure that everything went off seamlessly, and to the hundreds of volunteers. They were the ultimate Samaritans, not only in greeting all the attendees with smiles, but also in helping transform the Boonville Fairgrounds into a majestic spot for a festival in the days leading up to our gathering as well as working unremittingly last week to get the fairgrounds restored and cleaned up. SNWMF has been held in Anderson Valley for the 7 years now making it our longest running venue and we are truly blessed to be able to call Boonville our home.
Big up to Jah Med for making sunscreen available, handing out ear plugs and tending to any minor injuries (and thankfully there were only minor ones) sustained by the patrons. We are also grateful to our excellent security team that managed to keep everything under control for the festivities, and to Alisha Goodrich for spearheading the canned food drive that raised food for Mendocino's Food Bank and Community Center. We also give thanx to all the members of the press, media and street team for helping to get the word out about our world peace celebration and for assisting in bringing more people to Boonville than ever before.
To the artists, ALL of whom came (on time) and delivered powerful and moving sets throughout the weekend we extend our deepest gratitude. But, most of all, SNWMF would like extend a heart-felt thank you to all the patrons and attendees who choose to spend the third weekend of June in Anderson Valley dancing to their heart's content. Because, when all is said and done, the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is really about YOU the festivalgoer. Having attended hundreds of concerts, I have no reservations in saying that this festival is truly unique in the good people it attracts. It is your smiles, your good vibes and the love that is shared amongst the wonderful people in attendance at SNWMF that keeps us going year after year. Finally, SNWMF would like to extend a huge congratulations to David and Carmen who were married at the Gazebo located near the village stage on Saturday morning. We wish only the best for both of you and hope you will come to celebrate your first anniversary with us at SNWMF 2013.
Warren & Gretchen Smith
SNWMF Producers
PS. The Sierra Nevada World Music Festival is pleased to announce that our 20th annual Summer Solstice and World Peace Celebration will take place at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville, California on June 21, 22 and 23, 2013, so mark your calendars.
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THE SMARTMETER FIASCO
Editor,
Is the SmartMeter program rolled over, fini, done? Hardly! Most of the infrastructure is still not operating even though the meters send microwaves through houses. Meter readers still read in Mendocino County even as PG&E charges those opted out for this right.
PG&E and the regulator used a common strategy to conquer folks: make the process take forever or create a process that stalls, so folks tend to forget the issue. That how the California Public Utility Commission, supposed representatives avoided our concerns. Sandi Maurer of the EMF Safety Network has quietly working along, making demands, posting legal requests etc., demanding the rights of impacted citizens, who are hurting because of SmartGarbage. A system supported by the power utilities biggest fan club, the CPUC. Recently the CPUC turned down the EMF Safety Networks second demand from a year and half past. The claim was to provide protection for those impacted, look at the rising data that shows a problem and more. With this rejection, the CPUC can no longer stone wall concerned groups (over 50 cities and counties plus many concerned citizen groups.) That means we can sue outside of their chambers for real action. Maurer has made a call for fiscal support from you to pay legal fees. Its payback time for dangerous ignorance of the CPUC and I am asking you to send contributions c/o EMF Safety Network either to me Greg Krouse, Refuse SmartMeters Mendocino, Box 42, Philo, CA 95466 or to Ms. Maurer directly.
If you continue to have problems with SmartMeters especially health issues (sleeping disorders, headaches, heart arrhythmia,) let us know. The best place to check in is at www.emfsafetynetwork.org and that is where the best information is. Maurer has been documenting research, impacts, SM fires, damage to personal equipment and more. The CPUC has a responsibility to serve us and protect us from the monopolistic utilities that have clearly shown the capacity to turn the screw and say the very words "We can turn off your power if you do not comply." That is a monopoly and not acceptable. The CPUC has been parroting the utilities they are supposed to regulate.
Switching gears a bit, among others the Grange is supporting the GMO labeling proposition coming up in November. Monsanto, corporate bullies that they are, are going to throw a lot of misinformation money at this saying among other stupid things that it will cost a lot to re-label. You may not know that manufacturers are constantly tinkering with their labels. The cost is miniscule. The right to know is crucial with the rising amount of food intolerances and allergies. Your only choice now to get GMO free food is to buy organic. Monsanto tried to add GMOs to organic foods many years back, thankfully unsuccessfully; leading to the largest write in campaign from citizens to the USDA. It was extremely counter productive to Monsanto and the USDA’s attempt to follow the lead of the big buck toxic and GMO company. Your job if you accept it, is to acknowledge your right to know and talk to anyone and everyone about it. A grassroots campaign will do two giant things: 1) give California the right to know and 2) lead other States and countries that direction. It is a big thing. Check out www.allergykids.com to get an idea of the rise of allergies many associated with unlabelled toxins. Another www.feingold.org has been pointing to food additives for some 40 years as the biggest cause of food intolerances that cause ADD and autism. This was supported by the Lancet and caused the Journal of Pediatrics to apologize for not supporting concerns. You can buy food with these additives in because of lack of labeling due to loopholes that do not require manufactures to say that large growers have added things.
Take the time to talk it up with friends and strangers. We deserve to know.
Greg Krouse
Philo
PS Glad the current attempt to improve health care got Supreme court support. A single payer program is the only way thought like Vermont is doing. The republican approach is more of the costly insurance bilking low or no medical care that puts the US 27th in health care. We did not do that with sputnik and I think health is a bit more important than men on the moon.
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Memo Of The Week
To the Editor:
In a recent article entitled “Mendocino County Board approves first look budget,” it was stated that the auditor, Meredith Ford, had been “out of the office with an illness for more than a year.” This is not accurate. I have been treated for leukemia with chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, from which I am recovering. During my treatment I have been in constant contact with not only my office, but with anyone who has communicated with me. In addition, I have been at my desk in the Auditor's office and participated in meetings as much as possible. I take my job extremely seriously. I have dedicated more than 35 years to County service and this has been a very challenging time for me because I do care so much about the job I do. Thank you for allowing me to clarify the misconception the Ukiah Daily Journal published. — Meredith Ford, Auditor Controller, County of Mendocino
K.C. Meadows, Ukiah Daily Journal Editor, replied: As an elected official your attendance at your job is a public matter. We sympathize with you over your illness and we certainly want you to take care of yourself and take whatever time you need away from the office. However, if that time is creating a problem with the running of the Auditor's office, it is the public's business. We know that you were expected at the recent Board of Supervisors meeting when the Brooktrails Teeter Plan was discussed but you were not able to go. You were also not at the recent Board of Supervisors budget overview. We also understand that the County is hiring additional personnel for your office. You say it's because of chronic understaffing, but we are told that it is specifically because of the backlog due to your absences. Also, your office has said it cannot meet deadlines set by the state for responses to redevelopment dismantling oversight, something over which the City of Ukiah has expressed its frustration. Being “in contact with” your office and being at your desk are different things. We don't doubt for a moment your dedication to your job, but if your health challenges are indeed creating delays and overwork or overtime for the Auditor's office staff that should be discussed and corrected publicly.
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THANKS, RASTAS & DONORS
Editor,
SUCCESS!
The Sierra Nevada Music Festival brought many folks to our valley AND many of those folks stopped by our wine booth for a glass of wine, benefitting the Anderson Valley Senior Center and the Anderson Valley Historical Society.
The wine was donated by Navarro Vineyards. The booth space was donated by our local Lion's Club. Booth volunteers staffed the booth from 12 noon to closing time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. SNWMF promoters provided booth personnel with free admission on the day of their shift and waived all booth fees. A special THANK YOU is in order for all!
Navarro Vineyards - a wonderfully community focused local business! The Lion's Club - you just keep giving! The Volunteers; Susan Bridge-Mount, Kathy MacDonald, Michael Nissenberg, Alex Crangle, Rose Easterbrook, Chris Lloyd, Neil & Mary Darling, Michele McGibbon, Kurt, Ann & Gretel Amman, Marley Arata, Nat Corey-Moran, Travis Foote, Char Rowland, Christine Clark, Joann Borges, Vicky Center, Rod & Judy Bashore, Aaron Sawyer, JR & Jeannie Collins, Bob & Sandra Nimmons, Sheri & Joe Hansen - your expertise drove the profits! SNWMF Promoters - we appreciate your support!
Thanks to all from the AV Seniors and the hallowed walls of our Little Red Schoolhouse!
Sheri Hansen
Boonville
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SHINGLES SWINDLE
Dear Editor,
Two of my long time friends in Anderson Valley have recently suffered painful, disfiguring, unnerving bouts with shingles, a herpes virus related to varicela (chicken pox).
My younger brother, Bill Beverley, in Sandwich, Illinois, had a bout with shingles as his wife recovers from breast cancer.
Even with anti-viral treatments and early detection (small apparent bite, itchy and painful at site, progressing into unilateral (one side of body) severe and stabbing pain), shingles can be debilitating, tormenting and recurrent.
Although childhood immunization against chicken pox has been in use in Korea and Japan since 1988, US licensed this for children in 1995. Anyone born before 1995 has been susceptible to chicken pox.
There is now an immunization (Zostavax™ by Merck and Co.) available for us boomers. We remember childhood vaccines — smallpox, polio and measles, diseases which took their toll.
So I went to pharmacies with signs — SHINGLES SHOTS AVAILABLE — WALK-INS WELCOME in Ukiah. With Medicare and supplemental Rx insurance, co-pay $94. Manufactured by Merck and Co., no generic available. Local clinic, $225, no generic available.
This is a preventable, potentially draining ($ and pain) public health issue with millions of people. As we boomers age and anyone born before 1995 matures, we need affordable preventive care.
Why no generic? Who profits from this situation?
With the healthcare law now validated by the US Supreme Court it is time to regulate pharmaceuticals well.
Why no generic of Zostavax?
Patricia A. Beverley
Boonville
PS. Sources: AVHC, FDA, Walgreen’s, Safeway, Optumrx, United Healthcare Insurance, Medicare.
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WHAT A WASTE!
Editor,
I went through and put each State Agency on its own line so I could count them. 520 total!
Of course, the only places politicians can cut are — Education, Police and Fire.
If this doesn't open your eyes — nothing will.
Why California is Broke:
California State Agencies:California Academic Performance Index (API); California Access for Infants and Mothers; California Acupuncture Board; California Administrative Office of the Courts; California Adoptions Branch; California African American Museum; California Agricultural Export Program; California Agricultural Labor Relations Board; California Agricultural Statistics Service; California Air Resources Board (CARB); California Allocation Board; California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority; California Animal Health and Food Safety Services; California Anti-Terrorism Information Center; California Apprenticeship Council; California Arbitration Certification Program; California Architects Board; California Area VI Developmental Disabilities Board; California Arts Council; California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus; California Assembly Democratic Caucus; California Assembly Republican Caucus; California Athletic Commission; California Attorney General; California Bay Conservation and Development Commission; California Bay-Delta Authority; California Bay-Delta Office; California Bio Diversity Council; California Board for Geologists and Geophysicists; California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors; California Board of Accountancy; California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology; California Board of Behavioral Sciences; California Board of Chiropractic Examiners; California Board of Equalization (BOE); California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection; California Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind; California Board of Occupational Therapy; California Board of Optometry; California Board of Pharmacy; California Board of Podiatric Medicine; California Board of Prison Terms; California Board of Psychology; California Board of Registered Nursing; California Board of Trustees; California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians; California Braille and Talking Book Library; California Building Standards Commission; California Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education; California Bureau of Automotive Repair; California Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair; California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation; California Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine; California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services; California Bureau of State Audits; California Business Agency; California Business Investment Services (CalBIS); California Business Permit Information (CalGOLD); California Business Portal; California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency; California Cal Grants; California CalJOBS; California Cal-Learn Program; California CalVet Home Loan Program; California Career Resource Network; California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau; California Center for Analytical Chemistry; California Center for Distributed Learning; California Center for Teaching Careers (Teach California); California Chancellors Office; California Charter Schools; California Children and Families Commission; California Children and Family Services Division; California Citizens Compensation Commission; California Civil Rights Bureau; California Coastal Commission; California Coastal Conservancy; California Code of Regulations; California Collaborative Projects with UC Davis; California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth; California Commission on Aging; California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers Compensation; California Commission on Judicial Performance; California Commission on State Mandates; California Commission on Status of Women; California Commission on Teacher Credentialing; California Commission on the Status of Women; California Committee on Dental Auxiliaries; California Community Colleges Chancellors Office, Junior Colleges; California Community Colleges Chancellors Office; California Complaint Mediation Program; California Conservation Corps; California Constitution Revision Commission; California Consumer Hotline; California Consumer Information Center; California Consumer Information; California Consumer Services Division; California Consumers and Families Agency; California Contractors State License Board; California Corrections Standards Authority ?>>>100?* California Council for the Humanities; California Council on Criminal Justice; California Council on Developmental Disabilities; California Court Reporters Board; California Courts of Appeal; California Crime and Violence Prevention Center; California Criminal Justice Statistics Center; California Criminalist Institute Forensic Library; California CSGnet Network Management; California Cultural and Historical Endowment; California Cultural Resources Division; California Curriculum and Instructional Leadership Branch; California Data Exchange Center; California Data Management Division; California Debt and Investment Advisory Commission; California Delta Protection Commission; California Democratic Caucus; California Demographic Research Unit; California Dental Auxiliaries; California Department of Aging; California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs; California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board; California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control; California Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating); California Department of Child Support Services (CDCSS); California Department of Community Services and Development; California Department of Conservation; California Department of Consumer Affairs; California Department of Corporations; California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; California Department of Developmental Services; California Department of Education; California Department of Fair Employment and Housing; California Department of Finance; California Department of Financial Institutions; California Department of Fish and Game; California Department of Food and Agriculture; California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF); California Department of General Services; California Department of General Services, Office of State Publishing; California Department of Health Care Services; California Department of Housing and Community Development; California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR); California Department of Insurance; California Department of Justice Firearms Division; California Department of Justice Opinion Unit; California Department of Justice, Consumer Information, Public Inquiry Unit; California Department of Justice; California Department of Managed Health Care; California Department of Mental Health; California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV); California Department of Personnel Administration; California Department of Pesticide Regulation; California Department of Public Health; California Department of Real Estate; California Department of Rehabilitation; California Department of Social Services Adoptions Branch; California Department of Social Services; California Department of Technology Services Training Center (DTSTC); California Department of Technology Services (DTS); California Department of Toxic Substances Control; California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVets); California Department of Water Resources; California Departmento de Vehiculos Motorizados; California Digital Library; California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Program; California Division of Apprenticeship Standards; California Division of Codes and Standards; California Division of Communicable Disease Control; California Division of Engineering; California Division of Environmental and Occupational Disease Control; California Division of Gambling Control; California Division of Housing Policy Development; California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement; California Division of Labor Statistics and Research; California Division of Land and Right of Way; California Division of Land Resource Protection; California Division of Law Enforcement General Library; California Division of Measurement Standards; California Division of Mines and Geology; California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA); California Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources; California Division of Planning and Local Assistance; California Division of Recycling; California Division of Safety of Dams; California Division of the State Architect; California Division of Tourism; California Division of Workers Compensation Medical Unit; California Division of Workers Compensation; California Economic Assistance, Business and Community Resources; California Economic Strategy Panel; California Education and Training Agency; California Education Audit Appeals Panel; California Educational Facilities Authority; California Elections Division; California Electricity Oversight Board; California Emergency Management Agency; California Emergency Medical Services Authority; California Employment Development Department (EDD) ?>>>200?* California Employment Information State Jobs; California Employment Training Panel; California Energy Commission; California Environment and Natural Resources Agency; California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA); California Environmental Resources Evaluation System (CERES); California Executive Office; California Export Laboratory Services; California Exposition and State Fair (Cal Expo); California Fair Political Practices Commission; California Fairs and Expositions Division; California Film Commission; California Fire and Resource Assessment Program; California Firearms Division; California Fiscal Services; California Fish and Game Commission; California Fisheries Program Branch; California Floodplain Management; California Foster Youth Help; California Franchise Tax Board (FTB); California Fraud Division; California Gambling Control Commission; California Geographic Information Systems Council (GIS); California Geological Survey; California Government Claims and Victim Compensation Board; California Governors Committee for Employment of Disabled Persons; California Governors Mentoring Partnership; California Governors Office of Emergency Services; California Governors Office of Homeland Security; California Governors Office of Planning and Research; California Governors Office; California Grant and Enterprise Zone Programs HCD Loan; California Health and Human Services Agency; California Health and Safety Agency; California Healthy Families Program; California Hearing Aid Dispensers Bureau; California High-Speed Rail Authority; California Highway Patrol (CHP); California History and Culture Agency; California Horse Racing Board; California Housing Finance Agency; California Indoor Air Quality Program; California Industrial Development Financing Advisory Commission; California Industrial Welfare Commission; California InFoPeople; California Information Center for the Environment; California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (I-Bank); California Inspection Services; California Institute for County Government; California Institute for Education Reform; California Integrated Waste Management Board; California Interagency Ecological Program; California Job Service; California Junta Estatal de Personal; California Labor and Employment Agency; California Labor and Workforce Development Agency; California Labor Market Information Division; California Land Use Planning Information Network (LUPIN); California Lands Commission; California Landscape Architects Technical Committee; California Latino Legislative Caucus; California Law Enforcement Branch; California Law Enforcement General Library; California Law Revision Commission; California Legislative Analyst's Office; California Legislative Black Caucus; California Legislative Counsel; California Legislative Division; California Legislative Information; California Legislative Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Caucus; California Legislature Internet Caucus; California Library Development Services; California License and Revenue Branch; California Major Risk Medical Insurance Program; California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board; California Maritime Academy; California Marketing Services; California Measurement Standards; California Medical Assistance Commission; California Medical Care Services; California Military Department; California Mining and Geology Board; California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts; California Museum Resource Center; California National Guard; California Native American Heritage Commission; California Natural Community Conservation Planning Program; California New Motor Vehicle Board; California Nursing Home Administrator Program; California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board; California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board; California Ocean Resources Management Program; California Office of Administrative Hearings; California Office of Administrative Law; California Office of AIDS; California Office of Binational Border Health; California Office of Child Abuse Prevention; California Office of Deaf Access; California Office of Emergency Services (OES); California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment ?>>>300?* California Office of Fiscal Services; California Office of Fleet Administration; California Office of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Implementation (CalOHI); California Office of Historic Preservation; California Office of Homeland Security; California Office of Human Resources; California Office of Legal Services; California Office of Legislation; California Office of Lieutenant Governor; California Office of Military and Aerospace Support; California Office of Mine Reclamation; California Office of Natural Resource Education; California Office of Privacy Protection; California Office of Public School Construction; California Office of Real Estate Appraisers; California Office of Risk and Insurance Management; California Office of Services to the Blind; California Office of Spill Prevention and Response; California Office of State Publishing (OSP); California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development; California Office of Systems Integration; California Office of the Inspector General; California Office of the Ombudsman; California Office of the Patient Advocate; California Office of the President; California Office of the Secretary for Education; California Office of the State Fire Marshal; California Office of the State Public Defender; California Office of Traffic Safety; California Office of Vital Records; California Online Directory; California Operations Control Office; California Opinion Unit; California Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN); California Park and Recreation Commission; California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST); California Performance Review (CPR); California Permit Information for Business (CalGOLD); California Physical Therapy Board; California Physician Assistant Committee; California Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services; California Policy and Evaluation Division; California Political Reform Division; California Pollution Control Financing Authority; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California Postsecondary Education Commission; California Prevention Services; California Primary Care and Family Health; California Prison Industry Authority; California Procurement Division; California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS); California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB); California Public Utilities Commission (PUC); California Real Estate Services Division; California Refugee Programs Branch; California Regional Water Quality Control Boards; California Registered Veterinary Technician Committee; California Registrar of Charitable Trusts; California Republican Caucus; California Research and Development Division; California Research Bureau; California Resources Agency; California Respiratory Care Board; California Rivers Assessment; California Rural Health Policy Council; California Safe Schools; California San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission; California San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy; California San Joaquin River Conservancy; California School to Career; California Science Center; California Scripps Institution of Oceanography; California Secretary of State Business Portal; California Secretary of State; California Seismic Safety Commission; California Self Insurance Plans (SIP); California Senate Office of Research; California Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Certification Program; California Small Business Development Center Program; California Smart Growth Caucus; California Smog Check Information Center; California Spatial Information Library; California Special Education Division; California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board; California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR); California Standards and Assessment Division; California State Administrative Manual (SAM); California State Allocation Board; California State and Consumer Services Agency; California State Architect; California State Archives; California State Assembly; California State Association of Counties (CSAC); California State Board of Education; California State Board of Food and Agriculture; California Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO); California State Children's Trust Fund; California State Compensation Insurance Fund; California State Contracts Register Program; California State Contracts Register ?>>>400?* California State Controller; California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD); California State Disability Insurance (SDI); California State Fair (Cal Expo); California State Jobs Employment Information; California State Lands Commission; California State Legislative Portal; California State Legislature; California State Library Catalog; California State Library Services Bureau; California State Library; California State Lottery; California State Mediation and Conciliation Service; California State Mining and Geology Board; California State Park and Recreation Commission; California State Parks; California State Personnel Board; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; California State Railroad Museum; California State Science Fair; California State Senate; California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS); California State Summer School for the Arts; California State Superintendent of Public Instruction; California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS); California State Treasurer; California State University Center for Distributed Learning; California State University, Bakersfield; California State University, Channel Islands; California State University, Chico; California State University, Dominguez Hills; California State University, East Bay; California State University, Fresno; California State University, Fullerton; California State University, Long Beach; California State University, Los Angeles; California State University, Monterey Bay; California State University, Northridge; California State University, Sacramento; California State University, San Bernardino; California State University, San Marcos; California State University, Stanislaus; California State University (CSU); California State Water Project Analysis Office; California State Water Project; California State Water Resources Control Board; California Structural Pest Control Board; California Student Aid Commission; California Superintendent of Public Instruction; California Superior Courts; California Tahoe Conservancy; California Task Force on Culturally and Linguistically Competent Physicians and Dentists; California Tax Information Center; California Technology and Administration Branch Finance; California Telecommunications Division; California Telephone Medical Advice Services (TAMS); California Transportation Commission; California Travel and Transportation Agency; California Unclaimed Property Program; California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board; California Unemployment Insurance Program; California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission; California Veterans Board; California Veterans Memorial; California Veterinary Medical Board and Registered Veterinary Technician Examining Committee; California Veterinary Medical Board; California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board; California Volunteers; California Voter Registration; California Water Commission; California Water Environment Association (COWPEA); California Water Resources Control Board; California Welfare to Work Division; California Wetlands Information System; California Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch; California Wildlife Conservation Board; California Wildlife Programs Branch; California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs); California Workers Compensation Appeals Board; California Workforce and Labor Development Agency; California Workforce Investment Board; California Youth Authority (CYA); Central Valley Flood Protection Board; Center for California Studies; Colorado River Board of California; Counting California; Dental Board of California; Health Insurance Plan of California (PacAdvantage); Humboldt State University; Jobs with the State of California; Judicial Council of California; Learn California; Library of California; Lieutenant Governors Commission for One California; Little Hoover Commission (on California State Government Organization and Economy); Medical Board of California; Medi-Cal; Osteopathic Medical Board of California; Physical Therapy Board of California; Regents of the University of California ?>>>500?* San Diego State University; San Francisco State University; San Jose State University; Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy; State Bar of California; Supreme Court of California; Teach California; University of California; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Davis; University of California, Hastings College of the Law; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, Merced; University of California, Riverside; University of California, San Diego; University of California, San Francisco; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California, Santa Cruz; Veterans Home of California.
Of course, the only places they can cut are — Education, Police and Fire.
Whether you’re a Democrat, a Republican or Independent, this list has to shock you.
Over the years, our politicians have created this enormous pork barrel of agencies that employ about as many people as the entire State of Alaska!
All of these people (agencies, commissions and their staffs) get salaries, medical coverage and pensions at taxpayer expense.
Pretty unbelievable, isn't it?
Amelia Slovensky
Los Angeles
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