◼ Case Closed - by HELEN SANDERSON/North Coast Journal December 22, 2005
In a letter to the Trinidad Police Department, an attorney with the California Attorney General's Office wrote last week that while it seems Richard Salzman is guilty of using other people's names to write letters for publication in newspapers, any attempt to prosecute him would likely be unsuccessful.
The letter appears to bring the three-month-old investigation of Salzman to an end, with no charges filed against the political campaigner.
The word came down in a Dec. 12 letter from Deputy Attorney General Keith Lyon to Trinidad Police Chief Ken Thrailkill, who led the initial investigation against Salzman, a Trinidad resident.
Lyon wrote that Salzman "technically violated" and undermined the "spirit" of California Penal Code 538(a), the "False Personation and Cheats" section of the code. The section makes it is a misdemeanor for a person to sign "any letter addressed to a newspaper with the name of a person other than himself ... with intent to lead the newspaper to believe that such letter was written by the person whose name is signed thereto."
"However," Lyons wrote, "I do not believe that there is a reasonable probability of a unanimous conviction by a jury of 12 individuals." He went on to state that attempting to prosecute Salzman "would not be a wise use of resources." Thrailkill said the estimated cost for state lawyers to prosecute the case in Humboldt County would have been $30,000.
It was also Lyon's opinion that Salzman did not commit identity theft -- a felony charge -- because he "had, or arguably had, permission to sign for others [in his letters to editors]."
Lyon also notes that Salzman used the name of his dog, Sarah Salzman to submit one letter.
"This is not a crime because Sarah Salzman is not a person," he wrote.
When the Journal revealed Sept. 1 that Salzman used the name of Dick Wyatt, a Fortuna resident, as well as the names R. Trent Williams and R. Johnson to publish letters, a number of left-leaning local residents defended his actions. But defense later turned to public pillory at a Trinidad Town Hall meeting, where Chief Thrailkill said he was dubbed a "Gestapo" for pursuing the case.
"There's a thought out there, that [public criticism] is all part of the job," Thrailkill said. "It does not mean that when you are personally attacked it doesn't affect you. But as a professional department you have to move on and do what you are hired to do."
The criminal investigation began after Eureka Reporter Managing Editor Glenn Franco Simmons filed an official complaint against Salzman.
Salzman e-mailed area media outlets on Dec. 15, issuing the first press release this paper has received from him since Aug. 28, when he admitted to submitting letters to the editor using a "pen name."
"I'm pleased that the matter has been resolved and I look forward to returning my attention to the vital quality-of-life issues facing Humboldt County.
"As my lawyer explained to me, the refusal of the Attorney General's office to file any charges indicates that the allegation didn't even clear the first hurdle for entry into the criminal justice system."
Salzman's Arcata attorney, Russ Clanton, has handled local high-profile cases, including the 2000 win against the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department for illegally seizing the medical marijuana of Chris Giauque.
A Tuesday morning phone call to Clanton was not returned before deadline. Power was out at his Arcata office following a rainstorm.
Salzman's case was forwarded to the state Attorney General on Nov. 15, after the Humboldt County District Attorney's office declined to investigate, citing DA Paul Gallegos' potential conflict of interest in the matter.
Salzman, the coordinator of the Alliance for Ethical Business, was Gallegos' campaign manager, directing a successful battle against a Pacific Lumber Co.-sponsored attempt to recall the DA in 2004.
"I don't see Richard working on my [2006] campaign at this point," Gallegos said on Monday. "Richard is a great friend, he has been a great friend to me. I have great strong feelings for him but I don't think it would be appropriate."
Both Councilmember Chris Kerrigan and Fifth District Supervisor Jill Geist have since distanced themselves from the man who worked to get them into office. For the most part, Gallegos seems to be following suit, though he still considers Salzman a friend. Still, they have not spoken in recent months, save for a passing "hello" and "happy holidays" during a chance encounter in an Arcata restaurant.
"There's a sadness you feel when a bad thing happens to your friend, when you don't get to talk to your friend anymore because of what's going on in their lives," Gallegos said. "That was painful, in all candor. It was sad for me. It's like losing someone."
In recent months would-be campaign managers have offered to take over Gallegos' next run, but the DA mentioned no names.
"My campaign is next year, not this year," he said.
Showing posts with label "Alliance for Ethical Business" (AEB). Show all posts
Showing posts with label "Alliance for Ethical Business" (AEB). Show all posts
1.02.2015
10.28.2008
Salzman ripples
Don't send fake letters to newspapers: it's California law
Here's a little bit of wackiness from the California Penal Code:
538a. Every person who signs any letter addressed to a newspaper with the name of a person other than himself and sends such letter to the newspaper, or causes it to be sent to such newspaper, with intent to lead the newspaper to believe that such letter was written by the person whose name is signed thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Obviously, we don't want impersonations of other people, but at the same time this might impact people who are playing harmless pranks using completely made-up names. Of course, in that case the defense might be that if there's someone by that same name it was just a coincidence.
In any case, my foray into the morass was occasioned by the story "Consultant used others' names in letter-writing blitz to local newspaper":
Activist and political consultant Richard Salzman liked to sound off about his causes in letters to the editors of Eureka-area newspapers. Other local residents, like R. Trent Williams, Dick Wyatt, and R. Johnson, often backed him up, praising Salzman's points and echoing his jabs at political foes.
Salzman made a name for himself last year by helping Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos defeat a recall attempt backed by the timber industry. Salzman also worked on other successful campaigns in the area.
But his star quickly dimmed when a newspaper revealed that all of those like-minded letters penned over several months actually came from Salzman himself. Now, he's under investigation by local authorities and could face criminal charges for violating a state law that makes it a misdemeanor to send phony letters to newspapers...
On a slightly related note, see "In letters to the editor, too many copycats?"
Here's a little bit of wackiness from the California Penal Code:
538a. Every person who signs any letter addressed to a newspaper with the name of a person other than himself and sends such letter to the newspaper, or causes it to be sent to such newspaper, with intent to lead the newspaper to believe that such letter was written by the person whose name is signed thereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Obviously, we don't want impersonations of other people, but at the same time this might impact people who are playing harmless pranks using completely made-up names. Of course, in that case the defense might be that if there's someone by that same name it was just a coincidence.
In any case, my foray into the morass was occasioned by the story "Consultant used others' names in letter-writing blitz to local newspaper":
Activist and political consultant Richard Salzman liked to sound off about his causes in letters to the editors of Eureka-area newspapers. Other local residents, like R. Trent Williams, Dick Wyatt, and R. Johnson, often backed him up, praising Salzman's points and echoing his jabs at political foes.
Salzman made a name for himself last year by helping Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos defeat a recall attempt backed by the timber industry. Salzman also worked on other successful campaigns in the area.
But his star quickly dimmed when a newspaper revealed that all of those like-minded letters penned over several months actually came from Salzman himself. Now, he's under investigation by local authorities and could face criminal charges for violating a state law that makes it a misdemeanor to send phony letters to newspapers...
On a slightly related note, see "In letters to the editor, too many copycats?"
7.22.2008
TS Ltr - "Hogwash, Mr. Gallegos."
TS - Letter to the Editor
On July 11, District Attorney Paul Gallegos appeared before Humboldt County's Code Enforcement Task Force and shared what the press reported as “his frustrations about” a “mutant” structure where he has no authority over code officers, yet all the responsibility for their actions in the field” (Eureka Reporter, 7-12), and he isn't “comfortable with deputizing code enforcement investigators if they are not his employees” (Times-Standard, 7-12). As is often the case with Mr. Gallegos, the truth is otherwise.
For over seven years I was employed by the California District Attorneys Association as a “circuit prosecutor,” in which I was deputized by elected district attorneys in three counties, including by Gallegos. As my legal authority flowed from these elected DA's to me, at all times I answered in my actions as a deputy DA directly to them. On numerous occasions I pointed out this fact to my supervisors in Sacramento, who sometimes felt that they, as my employer, could direct me in my exercise of the DA's authority.
Mr. Gallegos seeks to have it both ways. He has deputized these peace officers, who act under his authority as code enforcement officers, yet claims he cannot control them as his deputies. This is hogwash. The solution is obvious: Insist that these deputies operate subject to his oversight or remove their authority.
It remains unfortunate that our chief law enforcement officer refuses to take responsibility for his actions, placing blame elsewhere. Citizens should rightly expect leadership and honesty, not platitudes and excuses.
Paul Hagen
Eureka
***
Update: July 22, 2008 Well! That drew a response from the long dormant Salzman Communications Director, once again struggling to defend Paul Gallegos. What don't you know? The Emperor's clothes are spun of the finest silk! With 24 karat gold embroidery on the hem, and the finest jewels on the bodice. Can't you see it? If you can't, according to the chief deceptor Michael Twombly, you must be a "disgruntled" ex-employee. One who was FIRED thanks to Gallegos. Michael Twombly must be the last rat on this sinking ship. Looks like he's trying to thwart anyone running against his boy.
Hagen should do his homework - Letter to the Editor
Mr. Hagen's screed about the District Attorney's problems with Humboldt's code officers (Hogwash, Mr. Gallegos) a is little but a disgruntled ex-employee's self-serving run-up to challenging Gallegos in the next DA election.
Mr. Hagen's circuit prosecutor position with the DA's Association in years past is not comparable to the “mutant structure” in which Gallegos has no legal authority over code enforcers, but as DA has official responsibility for their irresponsible, dangerous and provocative activities.
This is an obviously intolerable position for any district attorney and needs to be fixed.
In fact, Gallegos states that that deputies must either operate responsibly under his authority or lose their deputy status under the DA's office.
This seems pretty reasonable.
Mr. Hagen needs to do his homework before throwing his hogwash hat in the ring.
Michael Twombly
Bayside
Scared, Mr. Twombly. So quick to jump to the defense. Of the utterly indefensible.
On July 11, District Attorney Paul Gallegos appeared before Humboldt County's Code Enforcement Task Force and shared what the press reported as “his frustrations about” a “mutant” structure where he has no authority over code officers, yet all the responsibility for their actions in the field” (Eureka Reporter, 7-12), and he isn't “comfortable with deputizing code enforcement investigators if they are not his employees” (Times-Standard, 7-12). As is often the case with Mr. Gallegos, the truth is otherwise.
For over seven years I was employed by the California District Attorneys Association as a “circuit prosecutor,” in which I was deputized by elected district attorneys in three counties, including by Gallegos. As my legal authority flowed from these elected DA's to me, at all times I answered in my actions as a deputy DA directly to them. On numerous occasions I pointed out this fact to my supervisors in Sacramento, who sometimes felt that they, as my employer, could direct me in my exercise of the DA's authority.
Mr. Gallegos seeks to have it both ways. He has deputized these peace officers, who act under his authority as code enforcement officers, yet claims he cannot control them as his deputies. This is hogwash. The solution is obvious: Insist that these deputies operate subject to his oversight or remove their authority.
It remains unfortunate that our chief law enforcement officer refuses to take responsibility for his actions, placing blame elsewhere. Citizens should rightly expect leadership and honesty, not platitudes and excuses.
Paul Hagen
Eureka
***
Update: July 22, 2008 Well! That drew a response from the long dormant Salzman Communications Director, once again struggling to defend Paul Gallegos. What don't you know? The Emperor's clothes are spun of the finest silk! With 24 karat gold embroidery on the hem, and the finest jewels on the bodice. Can't you see it? If you can't, according to the chief deceptor Michael Twombly, you must be a "disgruntled" ex-employee. One who was FIRED thanks to Gallegos. Michael Twombly must be the last rat on this sinking ship. Looks like he's trying to thwart anyone running against his boy.
Hagen should do his homework - Letter to the Editor
Mr. Hagen's screed about the District Attorney's problems with Humboldt's code officers (Hogwash, Mr. Gallegos) a is little but a disgruntled ex-employee's self-serving run-up to challenging Gallegos in the next DA election.
Mr. Hagen's circuit prosecutor position with the DA's Association in years past is not comparable to the “mutant structure” in which Gallegos has no legal authority over code enforcers, but as DA has official responsibility for their irresponsible, dangerous and provocative activities.
This is an obviously intolerable position for any district attorney and needs to be fixed.
In fact, Gallegos states that that deputies must either operate responsibly under his authority or lose their deputy status under the DA's office.
This seems pretty reasonable.
Mr. Hagen needs to do his homework before throwing his hogwash hat in the ring.
Michael Twombly
Bayside
Scared, Mr. Twombly. So quick to jump to the defense. Of the utterly indefensible.
1.24.2008
AEB listserve - RE: Press Democrat on Gallegos Recall
http://lists.topica.com/lists/aeb_humboldt/read/message.html?mid=1713068773
RE: Press Democrat on Gallegos Recall
Michael Twombly
May 20, 2003 12:06 PDT
From Michael Shellenberger:
This article really pissed me off. I called Mike to ask him why he didn’t refer to yesterday’s ruling which changes everything! I haven’t heard back from him yet. If doesn’t write about the ruling for tomorrow I’d like to ask people to swamp the PD with letters to the editor.
Michael Twombly wrote:
May 20, 2003
By MIKE GENIELLA
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
EUREKA -- Only five months in office, Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos finds himself at the center of the biggest political storm to lash the county since the tumultuous days of the 1990 "Redwood ummer" of anti-logging protests.
His critics include local business, civic and timber industry leaders, and on Monday, a 40-member committee followed up on recall threats by formally launching a petition drive.
The campaign needs 11,000 signatures of registered county voters by October to force an election, perhaps as early as November.
The recall campaign blames Gallegos for a multitude of wrongs: the filing of a civil fraud case against Pacific Lumber Co., the region's biggest private employer; his pro-medical marijuana stance; and his "too soft" handling of a criminal case involving two men charged in a Eureka drive-by shooting spree.
Pacific Lumber President Robert Manne has denounced Gallegos.
"Unfortunately, the district attorney demonstrates a signficiant misunderstanding of the facts surrounding the Headwaters agreeement and its approval and implemention," he said. "In fact, the D.A.'s most recent press release misstates the true contents of the frivolous complaint he has filed against our company."
Gallegos and his supporters blame "shady political operatives" for mounting the recall effort on behalf of the "rich and powerful."
Gallegos, a surfing Southern California attorney who moved to Eureka 10 years ago, staunchly defends filing the contentious civil case against Pacific Lumber. He accused the company of committing fraud by falsifying data during negotiations for public purchase of Headwaters Forest in 998.
"It's truly frightening to see a tiny group telling lies in a recall campaign to thwart our prosecution of Pacific Lumber," Gallegos said.
His supporters lauded a Humboldt County Superior Court decision issued Monday that concluded state approval of Pacific Lumber's long-term timber management plans was flawed -- a contention Gallegos made in his fraud case.
Gallegos' public declarations are combative, but away from the local TV cameras and news media microphones his demeanor is more subtle.
Soft-spoken and affable, the 40-year-old Gallegos admitted that despite his apparent bravado, he's an amateur when it comes to the rough-and-tumble politics typical of the North Coast, and especially in big timber country.
He has never held public office before, nor has he been involved in political campaigns or community activism at any level.
"I've never joined a local chamber of commerce or a Rotary Club, and until now, I've never been involved in environmental law or related issues," he said.
Gallegos and his supporters see that as a sign of virtue.
But the new district attorney's dearth of experience has some people predicting his new political career may be short-lived.
On April 25, the Eureka Times Standard newspaper editorialized that Gallegos could be recalled before his first term is over.
It noted Gallegos, during his short time in office, "has managed to monopolize the front page of this newspaper as no other politician in recent memory. He may have gotten more ink in a few weeks than his predecessor received in years of service to the people of Humboldt County."
Gallegos scoffed at such criticism.
He said the editorial reflects the shock Humboldt's political establishment is still feeling after his unexpected victory last year by a 52 precent to 48 percent margin over 20-year District Attorney Terry Farmer.
"After the election, the feeling was palpable. The establishment was badly shaken," Gallegos said.
He denied he ran for district attorney on an anti-Farmer, or for that matter, an "anti-establishment" platform, in an appeal for votes from the county's environmental community. He makes clear, however, that he considers himself an outsider looking in.
Gallegos said he suspected he might have a fight on his hands when he took office in January.
"I was cognizant that once knocked to its knees, the establishment would work hard to get back up and take some swings," he said.
For now, Gallegos is settled into his fourth-floor courthouse corner office, which offers sweeping views of Humboldt Bay, including the ocean surf that still beckons him despite a recent serious surfing injury.
Gallegos warmly welcomes visitors and happily shows them multiple photos of his wife, Joan, and their three young children -- two girls and a baby boy.
Gallegos grew up far from the California coast, on a small farm adjacent to the historic Bull Run Battle Field near Washington. His father worked at the Pentagon and his mother owned a private school offering Montessori teaching methods.
Gallegos, the third youngest of 11 children, described his family life as "blessed."
He recalls a happy childhood, including helping his older brothers during summers bale hay on the Civil War battlefield that adjoined the family farm. In high school, Gallegos was a wrestling star. Later, while attending the University of Southern California, he was a competitive swimmer and a fledgling surfer.
Gallegos and his wife met when they were both law students at the University of LaVerne in Los Angeles County.
They moved to Eureka 10 years ago and opened the Gallegos Gallegos law office in Old Town.
Gallegos decided to run for district attorney at the urging of his wife and a group of close friends.
"We knew we had to think out of the box, and we did," he said.
Since his election, Gallegos has found a new political mentor -- Mendocino County District Attorney Norman Vroman.
"Norm's been very helpful. He's been through some of this," Gallegos said.
Vroman, in fact, was the target of a recall effort soon after he took office five years ago, but it faltered and the he easily won re-election in 2002.
"I just tell Paul to keep his head down and keep moving straight ahead,"
Vroman said. "That's about all you can do. Things will take care of themselves."
Gallegos has circulated to local newspapers a letter of support from Vroman. The letter concludes, "It's important for the people of Humboldt
County to know that other district attorneys applaud your efforts."
Working at Gallegos' side is Tim Stoen, one of Vroman's former prosecutors and now Gallegos' chief deputy.
Stoen, with Gallegos' blessing, on Feb. 24 filed the controversial case against Pacific Lumber, a lawsuit pulled together in less than two months. Stoen accused Pacific Lumber of hatching a "bait-and-switch scheme" involving falsified environmental data.
Stoen said the alleged scheme allowed the company to obtain more favorable logging volumes from state and federal agencies as part of the $480 million public acquisition of Headwaters Forest in 1998.
Pacific Lumber and government agencies deny the allegations, arguing Gallegos and Stoen simply misunderstand the facts surrounding the Headwaters agreement.
A few weeks after the lawsuit was filed, Humboldt County supervisors delivered a stinging rebuke to Gallegos by voting 4-1 against providing his office with additional money to retain outside legal counsel to assist in the case.
Now, Pacific Lumber lawyers have moved to have a Humboldt County Superior Court dismiss the case and requested that sanctions be imposed on Gallegos for filing a "frivolous" lawsuit. A hearing is set Friday.
Despite pressure from unhappy timber industry representatives, Pacific Lumber workers and local vendors, Gallegos said he's determined to pursue the fraud case.
"My response is that if you're complying with the law, there's no reason to feel angry," he said.
As for Stoen's role in the case, Gallegos professed not to understand why that may have raised eyebrows in some Humboldt quarters.
Under Vroman, Stoen engaged in litigation targeting some timber harvest operators. He successfully won a $150,000 settlement in a case completed after he went to work for Gallegos.
In addition, Stoen nearly three decades ago was chief counsel to cult leader Jim Jones. Stoen eventually turned against Jones and led a well-publicized but unsuccessful effort to retrieve his 6-year-old son from Jonestown before the boy and more than 900 followers died in the jungles of Guyana.
"Tim Stoen is a fine attorney. I feel the criticism of him is unfair," Gallegos said.
Gallegos is unrepentant about his or Stoen's conduct since taking office.
"When I was sworn in last January, I promised to put the interests of the community over my own personal interests," he said. "I'm doing that.
I'm not embarrassed by anything I've done."
You can reach Staff Writer Mike Geniella at 462-6470 or mgeni-@pressdemocrat.com.
RE: Press Democrat on Gallegos Recall
Michael Twombly
May 20, 2003 12:06 PDT
From Michael Shellenberger:
This article really pissed me off. I called Mike to ask him why he didn’t refer to yesterday’s ruling which changes everything! I haven’t heard back from him yet. If doesn’t write about the ruling for tomorrow I’d like to ask people to swamp the PD with letters to the editor.
Michael Twombly wrote:
May 20, 2003
By MIKE GENIELLA
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
EUREKA -- Only five months in office, Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos finds himself at the center of the biggest political storm to lash the county since the tumultuous days of the 1990 "Redwood ummer" of anti-logging protests.
His critics include local business, civic and timber industry leaders, and on Monday, a 40-member committee followed up on recall threats by formally launching a petition drive.
The campaign needs 11,000 signatures of registered county voters by October to force an election, perhaps as early as November.
The recall campaign blames Gallegos for a multitude of wrongs: the filing of a civil fraud case against Pacific Lumber Co., the region's biggest private employer; his pro-medical marijuana stance; and his "too soft" handling of a criminal case involving two men charged in a Eureka drive-by shooting spree.
Pacific Lumber President Robert Manne has denounced Gallegos.
"Unfortunately, the district attorney demonstrates a signficiant misunderstanding of the facts surrounding the Headwaters agreeement and its approval and implemention," he said. "In fact, the D.A.'s most recent press release misstates the true contents of the frivolous complaint he has filed against our company."
Gallegos and his supporters blame "shady political operatives" for mounting the recall effort on behalf of the "rich and powerful."
Gallegos, a surfing Southern California attorney who moved to Eureka 10 years ago, staunchly defends filing the contentious civil case against Pacific Lumber. He accused the company of committing fraud by falsifying data during negotiations for public purchase of Headwaters Forest in 998.
"It's truly frightening to see a tiny group telling lies in a recall campaign to thwart our prosecution of Pacific Lumber," Gallegos said.
His supporters lauded a Humboldt County Superior Court decision issued Monday that concluded state approval of Pacific Lumber's long-term timber management plans was flawed -- a contention Gallegos made in his fraud case.
Gallegos' public declarations are combative, but away from the local TV cameras and news media microphones his demeanor is more subtle.
Soft-spoken and affable, the 40-year-old Gallegos admitted that despite his apparent bravado, he's an amateur when it comes to the rough-and-tumble politics typical of the North Coast, and especially in big timber country.
He has never held public office before, nor has he been involved in political campaigns or community activism at any level.
"I've never joined a local chamber of commerce or a Rotary Club, and until now, I've never been involved in environmental law or related issues," he said.
Gallegos and his supporters see that as a sign of virtue.
But the new district attorney's dearth of experience has some people predicting his new political career may be short-lived.
On April 25, the Eureka Times Standard newspaper editorialized that Gallegos could be recalled before his first term is over.
It noted Gallegos, during his short time in office, "has managed to monopolize the front page of this newspaper as no other politician in recent memory. He may have gotten more ink in a few weeks than his predecessor received in years of service to the people of Humboldt County."
Gallegos scoffed at such criticism.
He said the editorial reflects the shock Humboldt's political establishment is still feeling after his unexpected victory last year by a 52 precent to 48 percent margin over 20-year District Attorney Terry Farmer.
"After the election, the feeling was palpable. The establishment was badly shaken," Gallegos said.
He denied he ran for district attorney on an anti-Farmer, or for that matter, an "anti-establishment" platform, in an appeal for votes from the county's environmental community. He makes clear, however, that he considers himself an outsider looking in.
Gallegos said he suspected he might have a fight on his hands when he took office in January.
"I was cognizant that once knocked to its knees, the establishment would work hard to get back up and take some swings," he said.
For now, Gallegos is settled into his fourth-floor courthouse corner office, which offers sweeping views of Humboldt Bay, including the ocean surf that still beckons him despite a recent serious surfing injury.
Gallegos warmly welcomes visitors and happily shows them multiple photos of his wife, Joan, and their three young children -- two girls and a baby boy.
Gallegos grew up far from the California coast, on a small farm adjacent to the historic Bull Run Battle Field near Washington. His father worked at the Pentagon and his mother owned a private school offering Montessori teaching methods.
Gallegos, the third youngest of 11 children, described his family life as "blessed."
He recalls a happy childhood, including helping his older brothers during summers bale hay on the Civil War battlefield that adjoined the family farm. In high school, Gallegos was a wrestling star. Later, while attending the University of Southern California, he was a competitive swimmer and a fledgling surfer.
Gallegos and his wife met when they were both law students at the University of LaVerne in Los Angeles County.
They moved to Eureka 10 years ago and opened the Gallegos Gallegos law office in Old Town.
Gallegos decided to run for district attorney at the urging of his wife and a group of close friends.
"We knew we had to think out of the box, and we did," he said.
Since his election, Gallegos has found a new political mentor -- Mendocino County District Attorney Norman Vroman.
"Norm's been very helpful. He's been through some of this," Gallegos said.
Vroman, in fact, was the target of a recall effort soon after he took office five years ago, but it faltered and the he easily won re-election in 2002.
"I just tell Paul to keep his head down and keep moving straight ahead,"
Vroman said. "That's about all you can do. Things will take care of themselves."
Gallegos has circulated to local newspapers a letter of support from Vroman. The letter concludes, "It's important for the people of Humboldt
County to know that other district attorneys applaud your efforts."
Working at Gallegos' side is Tim Stoen, one of Vroman's former prosecutors and now Gallegos' chief deputy.
Stoen, with Gallegos' blessing, on Feb. 24 filed the controversial case against Pacific Lumber, a lawsuit pulled together in less than two months. Stoen accused Pacific Lumber of hatching a "bait-and-switch scheme" involving falsified environmental data.
Stoen said the alleged scheme allowed the company to obtain more favorable logging volumes from state and federal agencies as part of the $480 million public acquisition of Headwaters Forest in 1998.
Pacific Lumber and government agencies deny the allegations, arguing Gallegos and Stoen simply misunderstand the facts surrounding the Headwaters agreement.
A few weeks after the lawsuit was filed, Humboldt County supervisors delivered a stinging rebuke to Gallegos by voting 4-1 against providing his office with additional money to retain outside legal counsel to assist in the case.
Now, Pacific Lumber lawyers have moved to have a Humboldt County Superior Court dismiss the case and requested that sanctions be imposed on Gallegos for filing a "frivolous" lawsuit. A hearing is set Friday.
Despite pressure from unhappy timber industry representatives, Pacific Lumber workers and local vendors, Gallegos said he's determined to pursue the fraud case.
"My response is that if you're complying with the law, there's no reason to feel angry," he said.
As for Stoen's role in the case, Gallegos professed not to understand why that may have raised eyebrows in some Humboldt quarters.
Under Vroman, Stoen engaged in litigation targeting some timber harvest operators. He successfully won a $150,000 settlement in a case completed after he went to work for Gallegos.
In addition, Stoen nearly three decades ago was chief counsel to cult leader Jim Jones. Stoen eventually turned against Jones and led a well-publicized but unsuccessful effort to retrieve his 6-year-old son from Jonestown before the boy and more than 900 followers died in the jungles of Guyana.
"Tim Stoen is a fine attorney. I feel the criticism of him is unfair," Gallegos said.
Gallegos is unrepentant about his or Stoen's conduct since taking office.
"When I was sworn in last January, I promised to put the interests of the community over my own personal interests," he said. "I'm doing that.
I'm not embarrassed by anything I've done."
You can reach Staff Writer Mike Geniella at 462-6470 or mgeni-@pressdemocrat.com.
12.16.2007
Apr 20, 2003 AEB chatter
http://lists.topica.com/lists/aeb_humboldt/read/message.html?mid=1712691704
Next Message
Re: PALCO "Terrorist" Ads
even-@igc.org
Apr 20, 2003 12:58 PDT
I still think they are
1. covering their rear from attack that it is their practices causing all these
young folks to protest
2. building a constituency that will clamor for the Sheriff to seek federal
anti-terror funding rather than deplete scarce HumCo budget for his department
3. paint the protestors into a terrorist corner so that when they continue to
degrade forests, they can cry "terrorist" about any resistance
I think reason 2 is the main motivator; there is a strong feeling in the current
sheriff's dept that policing PL is a waste of money (have reason to believe it
comes from the Sheriff himself, but no hard evidence). When PL kept cutting
after Judge GOlden's order to stop last summer, PL rubbed many people wrong.
Michael Shellenberger wrote:
PL may be preparing to accuse the DA of being soft on terrorism. This ads
may be their way of setting up the story -- which they would escalate later.
We should keep a close eye out for any stories or accusations in the media.
We must be ready to respond immediately.
Michael Twombly wrote,
Dear AEB Friends
Who has seen the new PALCO "Terrorist" ads on local TV?
What do you believe their intent and purpose to be?
What effect fo you think they will have?
Do you think these ads can be challenged as "political" to the extent
that the Fairness Doctrine could be successfully utilized, allowing AEB
or some group to run free ads in opposition?
Michael
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Michael Shellenberger, President, Lumina Strategies,
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415-309-4200
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Next Message
Re: PALCO "Terrorist" Ads
even-@igc.org
Apr 20, 2003 12:58 PDT
I still think they are
1. covering their rear from attack that it is their practices causing all these
young folks to protest
2. building a constituency that will clamor for the Sheriff to seek federal
anti-terror funding rather than deplete scarce HumCo budget for his department
3. paint the protestors into a terrorist corner so that when they continue to
degrade forests, they can cry "terrorist" about any resistance
I think reason 2 is the main motivator; there is a strong feeling in the current
sheriff's dept that policing PL is a waste of money (have reason to believe it
comes from the Sheriff himself, but no hard evidence). When PL kept cutting
after Judge GOlden's order to stop last summer, PL rubbed many people wrong.
Michael Shellenberger wrote:
PL may be preparing to accuse the DA of being soft on terrorism. This ads
may be their way of setting up the story -- which they would escalate later.
We should keep a close eye out for any stories or accusations in the media.
We must be ready to respond immediately.
Michael Twombly wrote,
Dear AEB Friends
Who has seen the new PALCO "Terrorist" ads on local TV?
What do you believe their intent and purpose to be?
What effect fo you think they will have?
Do you think these ads can be challenged as "political" to the extent
that the Fairness Doctrine could be successfully utilized, allowing AEB
or some group to run free ads in opposition?
Michael
==^================================================================
This email was sent to: mich-@luminastrategies.com
EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/help/unsub.html.
Or send an email to: aeb_humboldt-@topica.com
TOPICA - Start your own email discussion group. FREE!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/create/index2.html
==^================================================================
------------------------
Michael Shellenberger, President, Lumina Strategies,
www.luminastrategies.com, phone 510-525-9900, fax 510-288-1325, mobile
415-309-4200
***
Note - what is igc.org?
IGC Internet is a project of the Tides Center, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
IGC Internet -- The Progressive Community
Nonprofit, provides alternative sources of information, and comprehensive Internet services for progressive individuals and organizations.
www.igc.org/ - 5k - Cached - Similar pages
Privacy
While many Internet service providers allow government agencies full access to their customer records without a warrant, IGC will protect the privacy of its customers to the full extent of the law. The progressive community needs a safe haven from government and corporate intrusion and over-zealous business practices. IGC is that place.
Non-Profit
IGC began service to the progressive community in 1987 on a non-profit basis. We continue to make decisions based on serving the needs of people and not profit. IGC rejects the notion that only for-profit companies can provide the services needed by the progressive community.
IGC no longer offers Internet dial-up or mailing list services. It has formed partnerships with EarthLink and Topica.com to fill the gap. IGC continues to offer web hosting services to nonprofit groups, individuals, and small companies.
In partnership with six international organizations, IGC co-founded the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) in 1990. APC is an international coalition of progressive computer networks and to date includes 25 wholly autonomous but affiliated members and 40 partners. APC provides effective and efficient communications and information-sharing tools to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and citizen activists working for social change in more than 130 countries.