Is This What's Wrong With the City of Eureka?

When the City of Eureka was looking for a new Police Chief they had, what was supposed to be several opportunities, meetings, where local Eureka citizens could voice their wants and needs in their selection. What I heard was the strong desire of the many to avoid hiring someone with the policing policy like the retiring Murl Harpham. However, the voting citizens had already voiced their opinions when they elected the various members of Eureka City Council. Those public meets turned out to be nothing more than a ruse to placate some people who honestly believed they might have some say in the actual selection - they did not. Problem was, the person ultimately responsible for that choice, the City Manager, was a person selected without any public input. So what did the people of Eureka get for a new Police Chief. Someone that serves the people of Eureka, someone that upholds and enforces law, or the City Manager who serves the political interest of the City Council? We've had over a year for him to define and answer that question. Tragically, from what I've observed, the Eureka people got another Murl Harpham. Either way, that's what the people voted for.

Ferguson City Manager Faulted in DOJ Report Resigns

The city manager of Ferguson, Missouri, has resigned in the continued fallout from a federal probe into systemic racial bias. In its report last week, the Justice Department blamed John Shaw for overseeing a municipal system that targets African Americans for arrest and then profits off of their fines. Ferguson Mayor James Knowles announced Shaw’s departure.

Ferguson Mayor James Knowles: "I think the city and John came to a mutual agreement that we want to be able to move forward as a community. John and the city felt this was an opportunity to do that and start fresh."

As city manager, Shaw was the most powerful local official in Ferguson. His departure comes one day after the local municipal court judge, Ronald Brockmeyer, was also forced to resign his post. A court clerk and two police supervisors were forced out last week for sending racist emails.

Here's a description of the Eureka City Managers job in Eureka as detailed on the city's website.

"Duties and Responsibilities: Serves as the chief administrative officer of the City and is responsible to the City Council for the effective administration of all affairs of the City; attends all meeting and sessions of the City Council; recommends for adoption by the City Council such measures as deemed necessary  or expedient; ensures that all laws, ordinances, and policies of the City Council are faithfully executed; prepares and submits to the City Council such reports as may be required by that body and as he may deem advisable to submit; keeps the Council and the community fully advised of the financial condition of the City and prepares a preliminary annual budget for consideration by the City Council." [Emphasis added]

Then there's is this update on the Ferguson situation: 2 Officers Shot at Ferguson Protest Marking Police Chief’s Resignation - a rather tragic reality to the enforced blanket impunity.

Two police officers have been shot during a protest outside the Ferguson police headquarters early this morning. The shooting came just hours after Police Chief Thomas Jackson quit following last week’s Justice Department report finding widespread racial bias in the city’s criminal justice system. Jackson is the sixth Ferguson official to be forced out in the wake of the report, including the city manager and the top municipal judge. Police say both of the wounded officers have "serious" injuries.

All you have to do is listen to the explanations from St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar and you know exactly why people are so upset in Ferguson. You can readily see what his attitude is.

Yet Belmar believes someone targeted the police, who have braved heated criticism for months, for a reason.
"These police officers were standing there, and they were shot just because they were police officers," he said. [Emphasis added]

Hardly.

--Joe

Local Blog Exposes Self

[UPDATE] [UPDATE II :: This joke for a respectable blog continues to disintegrate]
The so-called Tuluwat Examiner showed itself to me early on. Those of us that didn't go along with their right to slander, insult and demean, anyone on their "shit-list" got censored. It was a new blog and usually only 6 to 8 people commented, or rather I should say puked out volumes of accolades at what seemingly appeared as community beneficial postings. They went after the new Eureka Police Chief for his supposed inability to fight crime as well as the City of Eureka over budget issues and a few other pet issues that began to identify them for who they really are. But, it was their commentary on the police killing of Tommy McClain where they began to show their duplicitous intent. Their sleazy way began to show itself - talk one way and do something else. It didn't take the folks over at Eureka Citizen long to find out who and what they were dealing with.

Now today they endow the world with this definition of who and what they are, rabble-rousing, gossip mongers.

“EUREKA CITIZEN” APPARENTLY WANTS TO END THE PUBLIC DEBATE

“take aim, and make jokes(?)”…….Sorry “Eureka Citizen” but this (ill) legitimate outlet “The Examiner” will continue the debate of your programs with or without out your direct participation. 

We’re a blog, that’s what we do!

It's been my experience in life that you can't "debate," actually REASON WITH AN IDIOT.

--Joe 

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[UPDATE :: January 31, 2015]

When I said: "You can't reason with an idiot" I had no idea that those psychotics would prove and justify what I said in such a finite way. So, if you go there remember "reader beware," be sure to read the comments. When I wrote the above posting there were no comments. When I checked this morning there were 42.

What you will find there is a classic example of what happens when you fall into a Harpy Nest. The Eureka Citizen thought to engage them and got caught in their trap.

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[UPDATE :: February 2, 2015]

Another good example of what I mean by a "Harpy Nest" is also self-defined in this latest posting's comment section as a Troll Nest. Pay particular attention to the standout example that calls themselves Mola42. He clearly suffers from DID. EC’S PANHANDLING ORDINANCE ON SHAKY LEGAL FOOTING

Watching these degenerates self-define and then disintegrate is vindication at it's ultimate best. I know exactly  how the New England Patriots must feel today after the so-called Moola-types tried to make "Deflategate" work for them.

A couple of examples:

Retired USAF Col
February 1, 2015
6:21 pm
***
"It is really hilarious that it has only taken a few comments to get TE to do 3 retaliatory articles and simply self-destroy it’s former reputation. TE has become the laughing stock of Humboldt County." 

Retired USAF Col
February 1, 2015
6:22 pm
"Simply reinforced the butt-fucking description of the TE crowd."

 And finally:

Greg Sparks
February 1, 2015
10:12 pm
"You do realize that this group, Eureka Citizen, has totally consumed Tuluwat Examiner for nearly 2 weeks. You and your fellow bloggers have become obsessed with this group. 5 of your last 6 articles are about, or mention the group. Additionally, you let members of the group completely take control of your blogging; they easily manipulated every member of your blog. You completely played into their hands."

"I’ve always used Tuluwat as a 3rd opinion to read and absorb. After the past week, it’s sad to say you have lost all credibility. Good luck with that."

No Mistake, Just Plain Murder

The police committed a crime when they killed Tommy McClain on September 17, 2014, in Eureka, CA. They made NO mistake, NO miscalculation, NO slip-up, NO misjudgment, or NO error in judgment when they deliberately confronted him that night. They admittedly had been watching him and other family members for some time. They knew he was not doing anything illegal or presenting himself as a threat to them or anyone else that justified several of them confronting him as if he was a known armed and deadly felon with their guns drawn. They, the Eureka Police Officers deliberately brought violence to this boy at his home on the premise or assumption he might be packing something in his belt that could be a gun. In their desire to bully and cow him into submission, show him who the Man is, in their paranoia they fabricated or conjured in their scared feeble minds a hallucination about some supposed threat to them, and he died. In fact, he was dead the moment they decided to assault him – no matter what he did.

That boy died for absolutely nothing, accept being a boy, trying to be a man. With, I might add, having the misfortune to cross paths with a gang of effeminate Eureka Police Officers. He was doing exactly what they told him to do and used his compliance as an excuse to shoot him. No sniveling punk was going to talk to them like he did nor was he going to tell them what to do. So, they taught him and everyone like him in Eureka a lesson. Tragically, this exactly what the people of Eureka want from their police and so-called justice system.

What does it say about an old community when their police can murder a boy in cold blood and absolutely no one gets angry or outraged? Where a new police chief and an old and a new District Attorney sweep the crime under the rug to protect these criminals from answering for their crimes? No one demands justice for the murder. No one is outraged over the crime and its cover-up. Nothing about going to the Grand Jury. Nothing about going to the State's Attorney General or any demands for a police review board with teeth. JUST NOTHING.

This police murder of Tommy McClain tells you everything you need to know about the City of Eureka and the people that live here. This incident clearly shows just how debased and depraved the city of Eureka and it's people are. They are not just morally corrupt, but are totally lawless as well.

What the wannabe so-called Upper Class people don't seem to understand, as they hunker down in what they believe are their secure Ivory Towers, is that they are just as threatened and endangered as everyone else. The people of Eureka have a choice, either enforce the law or see it enforced upon them. The debasement caused by these officer's actions and the universal impunity granted by everyone responsible for enforcing the law is merely a symptom of the disease destroying the whole community. The Eureka Police Department needs a complete attitude change. In fact, the whole town needs an attitude change. That starts when you stop cooperating with these lawless criminals and they are held to account and answer for their crimes. Until then, no one is free or safe from these sociopaths.

Make no mistake, the real thugs all wear flag pins.

--Joe

Where Is the OUTRAGE?

[UPDATE :: EIGHT DAYS NOW & STILL NOTHING!] 
What's the matter with the people in Eureka? Do you not see what you are doing to this community by cowing to this idea that the police have the right, no questions asked? What about the new District Attorney?

I was always proud to be born and raised in Eureka and Humboldt County - Now I'm just ashamed.

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[UPDATE II : Thursday, September 25]
Another blasé statement from the Tuluwa Examiner surfaced this morning. Mostly a political whitewash of the boy's murder. Of interest, among other things, is their suggesting the "need" for a citizen's review board. No suggestion as to how to get one, though. No mention of any concerns for a criminal indictment or anything relevant from the District Attorney's office or why not. Still, worth a read. And don't forget to read the comments. They'll give you a hint why the people of Eureka are not outraged at the threat we are all subjected to if these killers are treated with impunity. It isn't just the wanton killing of the boy that is the crime. As bad as that is, it is the in-your-face threat we are all facing. When some scared shitless paranoid cop sticks a gun in your face the time for talking is over.

By the way, after posting the above Update, I read the North Coast Journal article: "Officer Involved - Inside EPD's Protocol" by Thadeus Greenson. Greenson's articles in the past, as observed here multiple times, were often contradictory and conflicting and always biased for the police. The Tuluwa posting is, either way, pretty much a knockoff of what the Journal said. This idea that these so-called community blogs keep pumping out that we need to be patient for justice is a betrayal of their trust. Justice demands transparency and urgent and timely truth-telling by everyone involved. In a Democracy, the people have legal right to know the truth. Anything else is a coverup and a whitewash. Enforce the law.

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Here it is, four days after the Eureka Police shot and killed 22 year old Thomas McClain, and absolutely NOTHING!

Did Thomas McClain need to be black before anyone gets angry? Are black people the only ones in this country that have a decent heart? Are black people the only ones with any kind of moral clarity? Are black people the only ones with any kind of integrity, and love for the law?

I checked the Times-Standard newspaper and its Letter to the Editors, nothing but nominal bullshit. I checked the local blogs, starting with the wannabe community leader in all things moral and ethical in Eureka, the Tuluwaa Waa Crybaby. Their first blog was a total capitulation. Then today they posted this, MILLS: “THERE WAS A GUN RECOVERED. I DON’T WANT TO GET INTO WHERE……”(TILL WE GET OUR STORY STRAIGHT)

This is how they start the post:

On Wednesday, we urged readers to be cautious before jumping to conclusions regarding the young man who was shot to death by a Eureka Police Officer.  In trying to be fair and objective, we asked readers to wait for more facts before making judgements about the tragedy.  At that time, all we had was a press release which was very short on details.  The release basically stated that the police had been looking for warrant suspects in the area, saw two people arguing, one of which “appeared” to have a gun.  Officers supposedly gave commands, and the victim reached for the apparent gun and was shot to death by an officer.

"All they had was the police press release" which is to say all they had is the POLICE VERSION. This is how they end their article posted today, Saturday, September 20, 2012, four days since the incident:

The fact that a young man was gunned down by police while standing in his own front yard, and that there was no call for the police to be there is nothing less than completely heartbreaking.

While this article: MILLS: “THERE WAS A GUN RECOVERED. I DON’T WANT TO GET INTO WHERE……”(TILL WE GET OUR STORY STRAIGHT) raises some valid points and is well worth reading and our graciously linking it to our blog, there is not a hint of outrage. "Completely heartbreaking" they say? Do they know that considering the points they make that the people of Eureka CANNOT tolerate such a police department! These people are a cancer that physically threatens every living citizen in this town and every other person that comes here to visit.

One more point regarding the Tuluwat Examiner commentary:

The fact that Mills hasn’t disputed the claims about whether the victim was holding a cell phone or a gun is very telling about his leadership, which harkens back to the bad old days of EPD.

Very telling about his "leadership"? What it is telling about" is his capacity to tell the TRUTH. The "bad old days of EPD" has to do with mealy-mouthed, lying and thug bullying by Merl Harpham. That's what Andrew Mills is exposing.

Then there is the Lost Coast Outpost: The Death of Tommy McClain: What Happened in Wednesday's Officer-Involved Shooting by Kym Kemp - NOTHING! No outrage from her. Absolutely PATHETIC. From an informational point of view, well worth reading, though except for this:

A neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous disagreed. In an interview today the individual said, “I did see an object in his hand.” The individual did not want to describe the situation further except to say, “I feel that the level of force used was justified. It was a clear threat to the officer’s life. I feel it was unfortunate. But it was fortunate that no others were injured.”

This person is sick. First, the "anonymous" person's opinion is totally worthless and should NEVER be included as if it has some validity. Second "an object in a person's hand does NOT constitute a "clear threat to the officers (apparently four (4) officers) lives. That person's statement is totally ludicrous and demonstrates Kym Kemp's propensity as an avid apologist; a bigoted and biased supporter of all things police.

All other blogs, not even a mention. Check out the comments section of the different blogs and you won't find any outrage there either.

The lives of the people of Eureka, Kym Kemp lives on Salmon Creek Road in Southern Humboldt, hang on the good wishes of scared shitless paranoid police officer feelings of personal threat. As far as I am concerned every last one of them deserves what they get.

YOUR LIVES ARE IN MORTAL DANGER EVERY DAY AND YOU ARE WAY TO STUPID TO KNOW IT!

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[UPDATE Wednesday, 24, 2014]

Here's a Facebook link I found: Justice For Tommy McClain - A good place for expressing yourself. Unfortunately, their About Page says:

On 9/17/14 at 12:30am a precious life was taken due to a Eureka Police Officer making the wrong call. EPD needs to know they did wrong. RIP Tommy ♥

The emphasis is mine to point out the subtly of buying into the brainwashed propaganda that is a lie. Those officers did NOT make a "wrong call." They did not just do a "wrong," they committed a crime - they shot that boy down like a dog. He was dead no matter what he did. In their minds he was armed with a gun, a gun they say was only verified when they confronted him at the point of a gun and that's all they need to justify their violent confrontation. They made NO "wrong call." Such a confrontation could happen to anyone of us in this town. Time to accept the reality of our situation in this town. Then you can start talking about justice.

--Joe

EPD Kill Another One

[UPDATE Below] [UPDATE II :: Newspaper gets it right - Headline: "MAN SHOT, KILLED BY POLICE OFFICER]
[UPDATE III :: Gun found - Killing justified?]

Both Channel 3 News and the Times-Standard are announcing an EPD Press Release that some guy with a gun was shot and killed Tuesday at about 11 p.m. - Packing a gun in Humboldt County is suicide if the police see you - "fear" being the operable word here. No matter what you do you are a mortal threat to them and they know what to do about that. "As officers gave commands to the man with the gun which was now visible, the subject grabbed for the gun. A Eureka Police officer fired his weapon striking the subject." He merely "grabbed" as averse to "reach"? Did he literally threaten the multiple officers? Like say, have the actual gun in his hand and point it at one of them? Or did he growl at them like a dog?

The tragic reality is that you don't need to be packing a gun to get killed by the police. The only escalation here is what the EPD Officer did: "Fearing the argument was escalating he summoned additional officers who then confronted the man with the gun." Maybe if the officer wasn't scared shitless he would have simply handled that matter as an "argument" and not out of "fear." But then, what's a life worth?

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[UPDATE II :: Additional info at The North Coast Journal]

Officer involved shooting in Eureka : Channel 3 New

Police investigate fatal officer-involved shooting in Eureka

The Times-Standard

POSTED:   09/17/2014 05:10:24 AM PDT6 COMMENTS| UPDATED:   ABOUT 3 HOURS AGO

From a Eureka Police Department press release:

Members of the multi-agency officer involved shooting investigative team are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Eureka.

On Tuesday at about 11 p.m., officers from the Eureka Police Department were in the area of 1600 Allard Street looking for two subjects wanted on felony warrants. A short time later an officer observed two men arguing on 1600 Allard Street. During the argument one of the men appeared have a handgun. Fearing the argument was escalating he summoned additional officers who then confronted the man with the gun.

As officers gave commands to the man with the gun which was now visible, the subject grabbed for the gun. A Eureka Police officer fired his weapon striking the subject. The wounded man was transported to St. Joseph Hospital by paramedics where he was pronounced dead. His name is being withheld pending notification of family members.

The officer's name will be released at a later time. He has been a police officer for 13 years.

Anyone with information about this shooting should call EPD investigators at 707-441-4060.

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[UPDATE]

What two people can get or NOT get from reading the same Press Release. I'm posting this because I want the reader to see why this blogger has NO credibility whatsoever. These people have been mealy-mouthing the new police chief and the EPD ad infinitum ever since they started this blog and now when something really serious and important happens in Eureka involving the EPD, what do they do? They bail out! Like the gutless, chickenshit, hypocrites they've shown themselves to be.

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[UPDATE II: Thursday, September 18, 2014]

Here are three of the latest relevant comments on the above posting - Absolutely PATHETIC! "Wait a little longer before making a statement?" Are they nuts? Their above referenced post IS A STATEMENT! Notably, also joined in that statement is John Chiv. No credibility there,  not now nor in the future.

jchiv
September 17, 2014
5:11 pm
The Tuluwat Examiner and I agree on this one. Great post.

Johnny Maniac
September 18, 2014
8:28 am
I am “chilling”….BUT….I am almost ready to stand in front of the Court House and demand an update. The fact the Police are not providing a factual update is actually giving me the Chills.

tuluwatexaminer
September 18, 2014
9:33 am
We share your frustration, but we are going to wait a little longer before making any statement. [Emphasis mine.]

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 CHILL, TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND DON’T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS….YET

The Eureka Police Department had an officer involved shooting last night. A person is dead. An officer took a life. The situation is tragic. 

The Examiner Staff would like to urge caution in jumping to conclusions about the shooting. At this point, there aren’t many facts and there won’t be for sometime. Eureka has had it’s share of shootings, and believing the comments section of a blog is not where you’ll get many accurate descriptions of what happened. Not all officer involved shootings are avoidable, but on the same token, some are. 

Let us be patient and see what unfolds surrounding this shooting. Keep in mind that a human being is now dead. Also keep in mind that on Officer, who is also a person, took that life. The Officer will now have to deal with the consequences of having taken a life, even if those consequences are purely psychological.

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[UPDATE II]

The Thursday, September 18, 2014, edition of the Times-Standard says: "Man shot, KILLED BY POLICE OFFICER" - "Killed" for doing what? Committing what crime?

The newspaper reports that an eye witness to the shooting said the person shot was on the phone a minute BEFORE being shot and raised his hands as ordered by the police. Can't very well be "grabbing for a gun" if his hands are in the air. Doesn't sound like this person  was in any kind of personal argument of a nature justifying police intervention or committing any crime justifying a squad of police attacking him for simply packing a gun on private property.

The account of what supposedly happened as published in the press release and what's printed in the newspaper doesn't add up - like normal, when it comes to something like this. The new police chief didn't solve the problem, did he?

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[UPDATE III :: Friday, September 19, 2014]

The North Coast Journal reports as they and the Times-Standard newspaper reports "shooting victim's name": 

Eureka Police Chief Andy Mills said this afternoon that a gun was recovered from the scene of an officer involved shooting that occurred on Allard Avenue early Wednesday morning, and pledged that the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting will be thorough and objective.

So, the fact that there was a gun at the scene, that justifies the initial police assault? It seems the Chief Andy Mills is piecemealing out the so-called facts that support and justify the killing just like the incident in Ferguson Missouri. He says the investigation will be "thorough and objective." I guess we are expected to take his word on that. But, will it be transparent? 

What I'd like to know, is what crime did Thomas McClain observedly commit that justified a gang of police confronting him at gun point? Why hasn't he given us the shooter's name? Was there more than one shooter?

--Joe

Eureka Police Go After Children

[UPDATE Below :: Local EPD officers too stupid to understand Municipal Code.]

The new police chief works to tighten the screws on his police state policies by attacking our bicycle riding youth.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2014, the Times-Standard headline reports: Chief peddles tougher bike laws - Transportation Safety Commission to hear proposed ordinance.

No riding bicycles on  any sidewalks and increase penalties for disobeying traffic laws while riding a bike is his idea for reducing accidents and to make it more manageable for the police to monitor bike riders. [Emphasis mine.] They might try monitoring stop sign compliance for motor vehicles first. Then when they show us that they can enforce existing laws, maybe there wouldn't be such an issue with bike riders safety.

When the EPD is unable to enforce existing traffic laws, something positive that WOULD reduce traffic accident, this effort is just another ruse to enforce the militarization of "stop and frisk" policing on our youth. The EPD operate right now without any legitimate authority to effect an arrest without first getting the individual to agree by surrendering. Couple that with the fact that they operate in a nearly total state of paranoia, where they are, most of the time, scared crapless.

Considering the danger the average person experiences in any encounter with the police, do you want your young children faced with these kinds of violent confrontations? And it is a violent confrontation when they can confiscate the childs bicycles for not doing what they are told. I don't see the benefit of treating grammar school children as criminals, other than assault their self-worth and legitimate individuality.

When I was a kid my parents lived in the country and came into Eureka once a month for shopping. We always visited my grandparents after they were finished with business. I was eight or nine years old when I found a bicycle in the basement. After that, I spent the rest of those afternoons exploring Eureka. I went everywhere and NEVER worried about doing something that would attract a police officer. I don't ever remember having a bad encounter with a motor vehicle or a pedestrian. That problem only occurred when I graduated to riding motorcycle. Even then I didn't worry that the CHP officer was a scared silly paranoid just jerking me around to make sure I knew my place like they regularly did to the Hell's Angels.

It's a sad day the Eureka Police Chief believes such laws are necessary for the betterment of the City of Eureka. We really need to leave the Islamic State and their way of thinking to their own devises where they originated.

Here are some pro's and con's on bike riding on sidewalks I found with the picture at the Bike to Work Blog.

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[UPDATE Saturday, September 13, 2014]
Apparently, one of those Tuluwaa crybabies attended Police Chief Andy Mills presentation (request) for new law at the Traffic Safety Committee. They have some very interesting and relevant observations, one in particular that caught my eye:

"In his presentation Mills went on to say that the Municipal Code was too complicated for patrol officers to memorize or understand, so the new law regarding outlawing all sidewalk bicycle riding was necessary." [Emphasis mine.]

 If what he said is true, then this is very serious and disturbing. If these cops are too stupid to understand the LAWS (code) they are enforcing then t hey are clearly unfit to be carrying a badge and packing a gun - licensed and authorized to kill civilians. The solution is clear, get rid of the stupid cops, which is probably the most safe and prudent solution, or simply the Municipal Code.

My question, however, is what about the children from 5 to 15? Are they, today, supposed to learn and understand the "Municipal Code" to legally ride bicycles in this city? Yet, I see fathers taking their 6 to 10 year old children out riding bikes, on sidewalks and off; right up the middle of the street in my neighborhood all the time. They are a danger to themselves and to the motor vehicles try to navigate by them.

It seems to me that if the Motor Vehicle Code and the City Municipal Code applies to all bike riders regardless of their age, then underage bike riders are legally prohibited from riding on city streets. What is next, licencing all bike riders whatever their age.

At least someone at the Tuluwat Examiner had the necessary gumption to attend Chief Mills presentation and report on it. Good job. Chief Andrew Mills, apparently in his own words, exposed the sickness infecting the Eureka Police Department. I'd say, once exposed, this sickness infects far more than just the EPD.

--Joe

What Bodes Well for Eureka?

On Thursday, September 12, 2013, the Times-Standard announced to everyone that City Manager Bill Panos had hired San Diego Police Department Captain Andrew G. Mills and "plans to put him before the City Council for confirmation and is expected to take over the force". -("Next Eureka police chief announced") And that after a former Eureka police officer Mike Johnson, Panos' original choice "withdrew from the process" "sharply critical of Panos".

THEN...

On Saturday, September 14, 2013, the Times-Standard Headline says:  Eureka city manager accepts post in Wyoming.

Another worthy note of interest, Mayor Frank Jager says, among other gushing accolades, "Mills is an outstanding candidate." Considering the City Council's record on hiring City Mangers, I wouldn't put much trust in Jager's opinions and judgments.  Nor would I put much trust in Panos' judgments either.

Selecting Mike Johnson, with his record, was an insult to everyone that came forward requesting a different kind of police department as currently enforced by Murl Harpham and his so-call "tough cops." That fact alone puts Murl Harpham's unmistakable stamp on who becomes Eureka's future police chief. When you consider the history, it's obvious he's the primary reason Garr Nielsen was run off the way he was. Now he's having a major input in the selection of this new guy. ('We are one Body" - Times-Standard, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013) Panos comes into Eureka, via the current City Council, does his dirty work and is allowed to leave sooner than - his contract says, later.

Does Andy Mills as Eureka's new police chief bode well for this town? Considering how he was hired and the City Council's facilitation of Bill Pano's quick  exit, one wonders. Did the local voices in all those so-called special town meetings for input on the new chief result in anything more than a stall for Murl Harpham to protect and reintrench his legacy? I think not.

Notice what Mills says after speaking about all the people he plans on listening to, specially the cops, before implementing any plans.

"Mills said there will be one thing that's “non-negotiable” in this process."

”We will treat people with respect, and that's both directions -- the police to the public and the public to the police,” he said. “We are one body.”

Respect is something that is earned - not demanded or dictated. I think we all know what that means, code for "keep your trap shut," "speak when spoken to," and "do what your told."

If the portend new police chief wants the community's respect then he can live and operate within the law. He can earn that respect by example as demonstrated by him and his police force by what they do, not by what they say.

One last point, I take exception to his affirmation that the Eureka community, (as he says the "people" and "the public,") and "the police" are "one body." The Eureka community and its government are one body. The Eureka voting citizens are the body, and they elect their representative governmental representatives, the City Council. It is proven that they, the voting citizens have no direct say in who is the police chief or who are it's police officers. That body's police department, including it's police chief, is it's (the body's) billy club used to enforce it's laws - it's will. The police are nothing more than a tool brought to bear on the general public by that community's elected representatives.

So, does Andy Mills as Eureka's new police chief bode well for this town? I guess we'll all find out.

-Joe

Eureka's Good Ol' Boy's Club

While checking the latest "goings-on" I noticed Eric Kirk's latest addition:

Sohum Parlance II 

District Attorney Race…. Again??? 

3 days ago

Here's what he says:

District Attorney Race…. Again???

May 1, 2013 in Uncategorized | Tags: District Attorney, Paul Gallegos

It seems like we just reelected Paul.  Was it three years ago already?

My good friend John is already posting news of a potential new candidate.

Rose is still talking about “how bad it is” – the sky perpetually falling.  She’s not quite predicting Paul’s demise at this point, but considering “how bad it is,”his only chance is if nobody wants the position because – it’s all so bad.  She’s been writing his political epitaph for years now, and maybe it’ll apply this time.  Or the next time.  Or the next.

Next is a Bullwinkle cartoon nonsense - must be an inside joke. (If interested see the link above.)

Rose, based upon what you can read in the newspaper, propaganda/bias notwithstanding, has it right. This cronyism legitimizes the corruption in this county. As long as Paul Gallegos is a Democrat District Attorney, he can do no wrong.  But then, like most Democrats these days, he says one thing and does the very opposite. Take this for an example:  Eureka police sergeant accused of excessive force, making false report arrested; Laird on administrative leave

Murl Harpham and Frank Jager can blow all the smoke they want, they can't fake the facts. Laird is found by a Federal Judge to have participated killing Martin Cotten while in their custody. ("overwhelming evidence presented at trial") Not any criminal trial brought by Paul Gallegos. This guy, Laird wasn't even fired. He was promoted and functioned as a Training Officer. So now you know what Murl Harpham meant when he told Eureka his department was staffed by "tough cops." 

This is only one example. The number of people killed by Humboldt County police is replete with unprosecuted excessive force incidents. What is it that Jager says? “He was a bit aggressive in his dealings, but he was a good officer other than that. It appears he went a little too far in this case.” In Jager's mind it's like this guy just crawled out from under a rock! This guy's brutality is a matter of record. I'd say those two guys in Boston "went a little too far" when they killed that cop and exploded those bombs too. Other then that little discretion, their good people.

In my book the people of Humboldt County deserve what they get when they elect and reelect such people. For those of you in need of a lawyer when being prosecuted by the Humboldt County DA, Paul Gallegos, be sure to give Eric Kirk some consideration. I'm sure he'd do you a mighty fine job of representation.

If you believe this is all okay, maybe you should read what Glenn Greewald says here.

In the meantime, I've included the newspaper article in its entirety here.

--Joe

Law and Order Finally Comes to Eureka

[Update below: The Occupy Movement's Real Threat]

This picture should scare the hell out of everyone living in Eureka, California.

Every law-abiding citizen, for sure.
Anyone know why?
SEE the headline: "Thank you for a job well done"!
Does anyone have a clue what kind of policing job these guys were doing in Afghanistan for the past year? Is this what we want brought back to Eureka?

This is exactly how the circle is closed. When you bring debauchery, oppression and death upon an innocent people for ten years you get back, right into the very heart of your society the very same things, but only multiplied many times over, and that for a lifetime. I wonder if in ten years or even one year from now the current City Council will be saying, "Thank you for a job well done?"

As long as Eurekans keep electing Authoritarian Cult members that empower an emboldened City Manager it's a wonder Murl Harpham doesn't stay on for another year or two. Thank god for old age and senility - natural attrition does have its benefits. The question remains, if Harpham gets his way, (Eureka begins police chief hiring process):

Harpham, 78, ... said he likely won't stay too long after that, noting he'd like to help the new  hire with the transition but also wants the new chief to "have a clean slate here."

will, or for that matter, can any new police chief bring actual legal law and order policing to the people of Eureka?

---

[UPDATE :: February 24, 2012 - The Occupy Movement's Real Threat]
Latest Update: See comments on Ernie's blog about what happen in Court today]

To the uninitiated, the above headline, "Law and Order Finally Comes to Eureka," is sarcastic or cynical for a reason. There is a difference between mob rule by an Authoritarian Cult and their military police and actual law enforcement. Legitimate law enforcement does not require the people they are entrusted to protect and serve to be brutalized into forced servitude and subjection on a whim. A case in point is illustrated in three local blogs: Humboldt Herald's “Shocking Headlines,” Ernie Branscomb's “Omai, Felix, what have you wrought?” and Kym Kemp's “Bedsheets on aBridge: Protests Meet Police in an Occupied America" – Where Kym Kemp describes it this way: “The Occupy Movement has placed the people’s right to protest in direct juxtaposition with law enforcement’s need to protect the public and themselves.”

How does one's simple existence and their demanding of one's legally established rights threaten the public and the police? REALLY? Only in the mind of the paranoid.

If you want to know where and how such paranoid motivated conclusions originate, I invite you to read Glenn Greenwald's: Those weak losers who care about “law”.

The following article "Sick" listed below shows how bad it's been and how local communities support such sickness.

--Joe

Open Letter To Murl Harpham



Talk Is Cheap :: Actions Speak The Truth

Murl Harpham is the Eureka City Interim Police Chief. He was just approved by a unanimous Eureka City Council vote after they fired Garr Nielsen. He writes in today's Times-Standard My Word, Thursday, July 7, 2011: "Preserving law and order, enforcing the laws and protecting and serving all citizens." Here Murl Harpham, by his own words is an original veteran EPD officer of 54 years. For the record, everyone must agree, such service says much that is commendable about Murl Harpham and his integrity, loyalty and ability to survive. Without any doubt he is what I would term “Old Guard” and "Professional." He makes a couple of statements that gives that away as well. As I read his words I was reminded of yesterday's My Word, Search warrant folly: An open letter to Paul Gallegos by Jeffrey Schwartz and if he had in mind Murl Harpham when he commented about "ingrained, backward-thinking Humboldt County Law Enforcement."

For instance, it could easily be said that what Murl Harpham knows about police work is what he learned working for the EPD. Nothing wrong in that, but we all know that there are more ways to run a business than just “the” way.  Over time people get entrenched and comfortable in “their” way of doing things and dealing with people. Notice his instructions to everyone: “If there are any problems with ... bring this to my attention via a letter or email and it will be dealt with immediately.” I have no doubt that what he says here is true. Experience requires, however, asking him how effective will he be in his dealings? He is demanding an awful lot of trust from everyone in this community in that what he says is what will be done. Letters and emails are extremely impersonal and disallow opportunity for any followup or accountability. The question remains, will putting our trust in him produce the meaningful change and accountability required of everyone to effect viable, legitimate protection and service?

In that regard, Murl Harpham says something quite revealing: “Fifty plus years ago the chief who hired me said, “You are here to serve all citizens and put the bad guys in jail.” That credo has continued throughout the years.” And there's a good reason that it has. I'm sure the decent, law-abiding citizens of Eureka and Humboldt County fully support that “credo.” I know my wife and I do since we are threatened by “bad guys and girls” on a daily basis just trying to back our car out of our garage.

My question, here however, is what does Murl Harpham really mean by “bad guys”? Fifty-four years ago everyone knew who “the bad guys” were. This is a fairly open-ended label that could apply to just about any police officer's bigotry and prejudice or fear of threat. He couches this issue when he explains or defines how the EPD will respond to “dangerous” people or “citizens in fear.” He says, “first an olive branch of peace is extended” and if that does not work, “they become tough.” He goes on to say: “ No one likes a tough cop until they need one, then they want the toughest cop around.” That statement says something about Murl Harpham and his method of policing. What does an "olive branch of peace" actually mean? What does "become tough" really mean? More important than physically “tough cops” are emotionally and psychologically tough people that are secure within themselves and in their legitimacy as a person and as equal citizens of the community they serve. Only then when they extend their “olive branch” can people accept it. Where in most cases eliminating the need or opportunity to get, become or show how “tough” they are.

Now to the reason I posted the picture in today's Times-Standard: Car runs stop sign, resulting in four-car collision. Murl Harpham asserts, and every citizen in Eureka needs to hold him accountable: “There are no politics with law enforcement. We simply preserve law and order, enforce the laws and protect and serve all the citizens of our town.” That means, at least to this writer, all the people in Eureka that deliberately “run stop signs” violate the law whether they cause wrecks, not collisions, or not.

Murl Harpham also says, and I believe probably the most important thing he said except giving out his telephone numbers, (441-4068 and 441-4095) : In their everyday job, “we do require your assistance as we can't do this alone. Law enforcement is every citizen's duty. Tell us where the problem areas are, and they will be dealt with forthwith.”

“EVERY CITIZEN'S DUTY.” -- "DEALT WITH FORTHWITH.”

For some years the citizens of “our town” were not satisfied with how they were being policed, so they tried a different approach. They voted in a different city council that was willing to hire a supervisor (Police Chief) with a different style of operating. Yet when push came to shove they were not willing to risk fully supporting him in implementing this “new” style of, as some say, “forward-thinking.” Consequently, without the actual, de facto support of the majority voters in Eureka and their Council, neither the Police Chief or the full compliment of officers possessed any authentic legitimacy. Without legitimacy the police officers, same as anyone else, must first protect themselves. Consequently, the citizenry gets the kind of “tough,” gang-type policing Jeffrey Schwartz identified in his Open Letter to the District Attorney.

“Every citizen's duty” is best expressed by simply obeying the law – STOP AT THE DAMNED STOP SIGN. And that includes EVERYONE, police officers as well. This is how you actually SUPPORT your police and legitimize their right to serve and protect. While Murl Harpham and the Eureka Police Department do not directly answer to the people, their very existence is derived from the consent of Eureka citizens. When Murl Harpham says they first offer an olive branch, everyone should realize this is what he's talking about, willing and immediate "consent." No law enforcement officer can tolerate being deligitimized, specially when he believes he's dealing with a "bad guy." The consequences for refusal or failure are obvious. At that point the enforcing officer becomes the law, and matters get personal.

When everyone is thumbing their noses at the law they are impugning the very right and legitimate existence of all those enforcing those laws. I believe Murl Harpham understands this simple reality and is the reason why he is asking everyone to give to the EPD what they were unwilling or incapable of giving to Garr Nielsen - meaningful or actual support.

“Every citizen's duty” from the Police Chief's point of view is to have everyone “tell them were the problem areas are.” Well, Chief of Police Murl Harpham, one BIG problem area is traffic enforcement. No one stops or even intends to stop at stops signs. It may seem like a small thing compared to a “bad guy” threatening someone with a gun. Well, those cars used by those “bad guys and girls” are just as lethal.

What do you see in that picture? What do you think all of those "children" are learning that watched this wreck unfold? Are they learning that the innocent victim, the one that trusted that their fellow motorists will NOT miss a stop sign, let alone RUN one deliberately? Are they learning that it is the innocent victim that always gets hurt or killed? Or are they being taught that people can freely cause a wreck, deliberately injure an innocent person and walk free - not get arrested, handcuffed and taken off to jail and made to answer for their physical assault and the personal damage they cause?

I hope that everyone in Eureka, if not Humboldt County, takes to heart Murl Harpham's offer.

--Joe