◼ A History of Violence - By ALLIE HOSTLER, Two Rivers Tribune
Jason Anthony Warren./Photo courtesy of Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
Editor’s Note: Jason Anthony Warren has not been charged with any crimes in connection with the killing of Dorothy Ulrich and Suzanne Seemann. He remains a person of interest and is currently in custody on a prior conviction.
Who is Jason Anthony Warren?
Even before the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office announced last Tuesday, October 2, 2012 that Warren was a person of interest in connection with the brutal killing of Dorothy Ulrich in Hoopa and the hit and run death of Suzanne Seemann in Eureka, the family of Ulrich began to search for information about the 28 year-old male.
Coincidentally, while at the Humboldt County Courthouse researching public records last Monday, Oct. 1, Ulrich’s mother learned that Warren was scheduled for a court appearance after he was arrested on a bench warrant.
She went.
“I wanted to see what this man looked like,” she said.
Warren appeared that day before Superior Court Judge, Timothy Cissna, for what, according to case minutes, appeared to be the seventh time on the same case. He was scheduled for sentencing on Wednesday, Oct. 3 for a violent crime he had already pleaded guilty to in late August.
News Channel Three was allowed to bring camera equipment inside the courtroom, an unusual occurrence and privilege that can, under special circumstances be granted by the judge. And, several reporters from various publications were in the audience taking notes.
The newsworthiness of Warren’s sentencing bumped up a notch due to the circumstances of his warrant arrest on Thursday, Sept. 27.
Although he was wanted for 20 days prior to his arrest, the search for Warren was kicked into high gear following the killing of Ulrich and the fatal hit and run that took Seemann’s life and critically injured two women.
“He should have never been released,” Ulrich’s mother said.
Warren had been released from custody on Aug. 24, 2012 on a Cruz waiver, somewhat of a get-out-of-jail-free arrangement that allows people who agree to return for sentencing and prison commitment to go home and get their affairs in order.
He was charged with second degree robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm in April of 2012 for a crime that occurred on March 28, 2012 in Hoopa. He was incarcerated at Humboldt County Jail for approximately five months until he pleaded guilty and was granted the Cruz waiver on August 24, 2012.
Warren was due back in court on Sept. 7 to be handed down a six-year prison sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Under his agreement, if he abided by the waiver, the other charges would disappear.
According to court documents, normally, the felon in possession of a firearm charge would warrant a three-year sentence, but since Warren already had a strike on his record, the sentence was doubled.
If he did not abide, a sentence of nine years, four months would be handed down, and it was by Cissna, last Wednesday, Oct. 3.
A court transcript of the felony plea and Cruz waiver acceptance was obtained. In the transcript, it is clear that the prosecuting district attorney was given an opportunity to explain on the record his reasons for not opposing Warren’s release under the waiver. The prosecuting district attorney, Zach Curtis declined to do so.
Before proceedings concluded, Cissna clarified the terms and asked Warren if he understood. Warren responded with a “yes.”
“The Court: Just to make sure you understand: If you abide by the Cruz waiver, the assault with a deadly weapon will go away. If you do not abide by it, you violate it in any respect, then that charge remains; and you are going to receive by agreement nine years four months in prison,” the court transcript reads. “Do you understand and agree to all that? DEFENDANT: Yes.”
Backing up a moment, the incident Warren was sentenced for occurred in Hoopa on March 28, 2012. Warren reportedly robbed a young man at knife point for $20 cash. He also was in possession of a firearm, a handgun. Having been convicted of a felony—attempted murder—in 2001, Warren was forbidden to possess a firearm.
Rewind to 2011
In 2011 Warren was arrested on charges of battery. On July 27, 2011 he was accused of using force and violence upon a young woman. He spent approximately one month in jail before the charges were dropped by the District Attorney’s Office.
The police report to the court stated that the victim said she was struck in the right cheek by Warren.
“She did not have visible traumatic injury,” the report reads. “But, she stated that her cheek was still hurt and swollen.”
The same report noted that Warren was on parole at that time.
Warren pleaded no contest to a charge of disturbing the peace.
Rewind to 2007
According to court documents, on June 10, 2007 Warren was arrested on charges of willfully, unlawfully, feloniously and maliciously discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling.
The dwelling happened to be P&J Billiards, a bar located on Highway 299 in Willow Creek.
He was also charged with unlawful firearm activity, the only charge that stuck. Warren was subsequently sentenced to 32 months in state prison, a doubled term because again, the state’s three strikes law requires the standard sentences be doubled.
The police report to the court stated that the responding deputy located three bullet holes upon arrival at P&J Billiards at about 2:30am; one bullet hole in the window and two in the wall.
“HVTP (Hoopa Valley Tribal Police) officers located the suspect vehicle at the Hoopa Vista Point with two .22 caliber rifles (loaded) in the back seat,” the report reads. “Jason Warren, the driver of the car, stated passenger Gary Blacksmith fired the shots. Warren had numerous .22 bullets in his pocket and admitted to firing the gun while hunting. Warren is on parole.”
Rewind to 2001
According to court documents Warren was convicted of attempted murder in April of 2001. He was 16 years old. The conviction, his first strike under the state’s three strikes law landed him a sentence in the California Youth Authority system. He was also convicted of carjacking and force with a deadly weapon that was not a firearm, causing great bodily injury.
Details on Warren’s 2001 arrest and subsequent court proceedings are not as easily obtained due to the fact that they are juvenile records.
A comment from ‘Tra’ on a local web news source, the Lost Coast Outpost reads, “If it’s common practice in Humboldt County to allow people who are pleading guilty to serious violent crimes to roam free…until their sentencing, that practice needs to be changed immediately. If it’s not common practice, but was allowed in this case for some reason, well then I’d like to hear the reason. It had better be good.”
Ulrich’s family shares similar sentiments.
A memorial alter sits positioned in front of a tree at a celebration of life held for Dorothy Ulrich, the 47-year-old who was found killed in her home in Hoopa on Thursday, September 27, 2012./Photo by Allie Hostler, Two Rivers Tribune
Look for continued coverage in the TRT or at www.tworiverstribune.com
10.17.2012
10.15.2012
Murder, hit and run 'person of interest' named; Jason Warren is in custody on warrant
◼ link
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday named Jason Anthony Warren as a person of interest in the murder of a Hoopa woman and last week's hit and run that killed a mother of two and severely injured two others on Myrtle Avenue.
”We decided it was time today to come forward and put as much of that guess work to rest as possible,” Sheriff Mike Downey said. “Our main goal right now is not jeopardizing the case at hand.”
Warren, 28, has not been charged in the two cases. At the time of the murder and hit and run, he was wanted for failing to show up to his sentencing on an assault charge. Warren was arrested in Eureka on a warrant Thursday, the same afternoon as the early morning hit and run.
Downey said the sheriff's office is working to build “a strong nexus” between the two incidents in order to bring a prosecutable case before the District Attorney's Office.
HSU geography instructor Suzanne Seemann -- the mother of two young children and wife of Humboldt County official Hank Seemann -- was struck in the hit-and-run crash and died at the scene. Eureka residents Jessica Hunt, 41, and Terri Vroman-Little, 50, were severely injured.
St. Joseph Hospital spokeswoman Leslie Broomall said Vroman-Little was in stable and good condition and Hunt remained in stable condition.
The hit and run investigation led the CHP to Hoopa resident Dorothy Ulrich, 47, who was found dead in her residence later Thursday morning. She had borrowed the 2005 Kia Spectra from its owner and was seen with Warren last Wednesday, according to her sister-in-law Maria Ulrich, who said she found Dorothy Ulrich's body.
Maria Ulrich, who lives across the street, said the CHP and Hoopa Valley Tribal Police were already at the house when she opened the door.
The time and cause of Dorothy Ulrich's death have not been released. The sheriff's office declined to comment on any connection between Ulrich and Warren or a motive for her killing.
Warren failed to show up for a Sept. 7 court date after entering into a plea deal to serve six years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon after he was arrested in April for robbery.
He was released on a Cruz waiver, which is part of a plea agreement that has a defendant agree to have a greater sentence imposed for failing to appear at sentencing. Warren faced nine years for failing to appear.
”He was released prior to sentencing on the Cruz waiver, pursuant to the plea agreement,” said Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis in an email. “It is fairly common to release a defendant with something over his head to try to encourage good behavior, usually with probation cases.”
Warren had a previous felony that counted as a strike on his record. He also has a juvenile criminal record.
Downey said there is no opportunity for Warren to be released anytime soon.
”That is another reason we felt confident not releasing any other information,” he said. “We felt there was no jeopardy to the community.”
Downey said the sheriff's office is not seeking any other suspects.
Maria Ulrich said Dorothy Ulrich was a housewife. Her husband is a truck driver.
”She wasn't feeling that great lately,” Maria Ulrich said. “She's worked odd jobs. They live across the street from me. She wasn't trying to cause any trouble.”
Dorothy Ulrich moved to Hoopa in 1998 and is the mother of a son, according to her Facebook page.
Luke Ramseth contributed to this report.
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday named Jason Anthony Warren as a person of interest in the murder of a Hoopa woman and last week's hit and run that killed a mother of two and severely injured two others on Myrtle Avenue.
”We decided it was time today to come forward and put as much of that guess work to rest as possible,” Sheriff Mike Downey said. “Our main goal right now is not jeopardizing the case at hand.”
Warren, 28, has not been charged in the two cases. At the time of the murder and hit and run, he was wanted for failing to show up to his sentencing on an assault charge. Warren was arrested in Eureka on a warrant Thursday, the same afternoon as the early morning hit and run.
Downey said the sheriff's office is working to build “a strong nexus” between the two incidents in order to bring a prosecutable case before the District Attorney's Office.
HSU geography instructor Suzanne Seemann -- the mother of two young children and wife of Humboldt County official Hank Seemann -- was struck in the hit-and-run crash and died at the scene. Eureka residents Jessica Hunt, 41, and Terri Vroman-Little, 50, were severely injured.
St. Joseph Hospital spokeswoman Leslie Broomall said Vroman-Little was in stable and good condition and Hunt remained in stable condition.
The hit and run investigation led the CHP to Hoopa resident Dorothy Ulrich, 47, who was found dead in her residence later Thursday morning. She had borrowed the 2005 Kia Spectra from its owner and was seen with Warren last Wednesday, according to her sister-in-law Maria Ulrich, who said she found Dorothy Ulrich's body.
Maria Ulrich, who lives across the street, said the CHP and Hoopa Valley Tribal Police were already at the house when she opened the door.
The time and cause of Dorothy Ulrich's death have not been released. The sheriff's office declined to comment on any connection between Ulrich and Warren or a motive for her killing.
Warren failed to show up for a Sept. 7 court date after entering into a plea deal to serve six years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon after he was arrested in April for robbery.
He was released on a Cruz waiver, which is part of a plea agreement that has a defendant agree to have a greater sentence imposed for failing to appear at sentencing. Warren faced nine years for failing to appear.
”He was released prior to sentencing on the Cruz waiver, pursuant to the plea agreement,” said Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis in an email. “It is fairly common to release a defendant with something over his head to try to encourage good behavior, usually with probation cases.”
Warren had a previous felony that counted as a strike on his record. He also has a juvenile criminal record.
Downey said there is no opportunity for Warren to be released anytime soon.
”That is another reason we felt confident not releasing any other information,” he said. “We felt there was no jeopardy to the community.”
Downey said the sheriff's office is not seeking any other suspects.
Maria Ulrich said Dorothy Ulrich was a housewife. Her husband is a truck driver.
”She wasn't feeling that great lately,” Maria Ulrich said. “She's worked odd jobs. They live across the street from me. She wasn't trying to cause any trouble.”
Dorothy Ulrich moved to Hoopa in 1998 and is the mother of a son, according to her Facebook page.
Luke Ramseth contributed to this report.
Warren sentenced on charges unrelated to murder, hit-and-run; DA: Pre-sentencing release 'right decision for that time'
◼ Warren sentenced on charges unrelated to murder, hit-and-run; DA: Pre-sentencing release 'right decision for that time'
The man considered a “person of interest” in the death of a Hoopa woman and a hit-and-run crash that killed a Humboldt State University instructor was sentenced Wednesday to nine years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon, after failing to show for his sentencing in September.
Jason Anthony Warren, 28, was arrested on a warrant related to his failure to appear hours after the Sept. 27 hit-and-run that led to the discovery of Dorothy Ulrich's body in her Hoopa home.
He was released from custody in late August on a Cruz waiver, part of a plea agreement that had him facing six years in prison with the stipulation that the assault change would be dropped if he showed up for his Sept. 7 sentencing.
For failing to appear, he was sentenced for the assault, being a felon in possession of a firearm and admitting to a previous strike on his record.
Warren has not been charged in the homicide or the hit-and-run. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has referred to Warren as a “person of interest” in Ulrich's death and the hit-and-run.
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Neel said that following Wednesday's sentencing, Warren will begin the normal process of transferring to state custody.
HSU geography instructor Suzanne Seemann -- the mother of two young children and wife of Humboldt County official Hank Seemann -- died at the scene of the hit-and-run. Her running partners, Eureka residents Jessica Hunt, 41, and Terri Vroman-Little, 50, were severely injured.
The hit-and-run investigation led the CHP to Ulrich, a 47-year-old mother of three. She had borrowed the 2005 Kia Spectra that struck the women joggers on Myrtle Avenue. Ulrich was seen with Warren last Wednesday, according to her sister-in-law Maria Ulrich. The cause and time of her death have not been released.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos said his office can oppose or recommend a Cruz waiver release -- investigators may want an informant released to gather more information, for example -- but it is ultimately up to the court.
”Those separations of power are in place for a reason,” Gallegos said. “The system puts an inherent distrust in everyone.”
Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis did not oppose the Cruz waiver approved by Judge Timothy Cissna in Warren's case. Gallegos said the Cruz waiver is seen as a disincentive to commit further crimes and an encouragement to appear for sentencing.
The Times-Standard was unable to contact Cissna or Curtis by press deadline.
”I don't question the decision that was made,” Gallegos said. “It was the right decision for that time.”
”With the benefit of hindsight, I wish to God we had opposed it, and I wish the judge hadn't released him,” Gallegos said. “That, of course, presumes that (Warren) is guilty. I would remind people -- and it's my duty to do so -- Mr. Warren is presumed innocent.”
Golden Gate University law professor Peter Keane said Cruz waivers are not unusual when it is clear that a defendant will not be incarcerated.
It's less common when a defendant is facing prison time. Keane said a defendant would usually have to convince the judge that he or she had to get their affairs in order before serving a sentence. Those affairs typically involve finding care for young children or elderly parents, Keane said.
”Some sort of real 'hearts and flowers' type thing,” he said.
Eureka Police Chief Murl Harpham said his officers arrested Warren after staking out a residence on California and Sonoma streets in Eureka, a few blocks from where the Kia Spectra was abandoned. The officers spotted Warren entering a pickup truck with another individual at about 4:30 p.m. last Thursday, and performed a traffic stop.
He said he sees the situation as the most recent example of how the state's public safety realignment plan is failing California counties.
”Again, this was another parole who had been sentenced to six years in prison, but was allowed to be released to take care of business,” Harpham said. ”When everything comes out on that, I think people are going to be as upset about this parole situation as I am. Because when the whole story comes out, it's going to be pretty tragic and it will show how unavoidable that situation was. This was a person who should not have been released.”
Gallegos said this was an opportunity to review communication between the courts, district attorney's office and various law enforcement agencies in the county. He stressed that the blame for the homicide and hit-and-run rests on the person who committed the crimes.
”Are there checks that can be placed along the way that can prevent reoccurrence?” Gallegos asked. “Maybe.”
”I can tell you my office is going to take a different look toward Cruz waivers,” Gallegos said. “We certainly don't want this to happen again.”
At a glance: Cruz waiver
A Cruz waiver is part of a plea agreement that has a defendant agree to have a greater sentence imposed for failing to appear at sentencing. In the case of Jason Warren, he faced nine years for failing to appear.
Grant Scott-Goforth can be reached at 441-0514 or gscott-goforth@times-standard.com.
The man considered a “person of interest” in the death of a Hoopa woman and a hit-and-run crash that killed a Humboldt State University instructor was sentenced Wednesday to nine years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon, after failing to show for his sentencing in September.
Jason Anthony Warren, 28, was arrested on a warrant related to his failure to appear hours after the Sept. 27 hit-and-run that led to the discovery of Dorothy Ulrich's body in her Hoopa home.
He was released from custody in late August on a Cruz waiver, part of a plea agreement that had him facing six years in prison with the stipulation that the assault change would be dropped if he showed up for his Sept. 7 sentencing.
For failing to appear, he was sentenced for the assault, being a felon in possession of a firearm and admitting to a previous strike on his record.
Warren has not been charged in the homicide or the hit-and-run. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has referred to Warren as a “person of interest” in Ulrich's death and the hit-and-run.
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Neel said that following Wednesday's sentencing, Warren will begin the normal process of transferring to state custody.
HSU geography instructor Suzanne Seemann -- the mother of two young children and wife of Humboldt County official Hank Seemann -- died at the scene of the hit-and-run. Her running partners, Eureka residents Jessica Hunt, 41, and Terri Vroman-Little, 50, were severely injured.
The hit-and-run investigation led the CHP to Ulrich, a 47-year-old mother of three. She had borrowed the 2005 Kia Spectra that struck the women joggers on Myrtle Avenue. Ulrich was seen with Warren last Wednesday, according to her sister-in-law Maria Ulrich. The cause and time of her death have not been released.
District Attorney Paul Gallegos said his office can oppose or recommend a Cruz waiver release -- investigators may want an informant released to gather more information, for example -- but it is ultimately up to the court.
”Those separations of power are in place for a reason,” Gallegos said. “The system puts an inherent distrust in everyone.”
Deputy District Attorney Zachary Curtis did not oppose the Cruz waiver approved by Judge Timothy Cissna in Warren's case. Gallegos said the Cruz waiver is seen as a disincentive to commit further crimes and an encouragement to appear for sentencing.
The Times-Standard was unable to contact Cissna or Curtis by press deadline.
”I don't question the decision that was made,” Gallegos said. “It was the right decision for that time.”
”With the benefit of hindsight, I wish to God we had opposed it, and I wish the judge hadn't released him,” Gallegos said. “That, of course, presumes that (Warren) is guilty. I would remind people -- and it's my duty to do so -- Mr. Warren is presumed innocent.”
Golden Gate University law professor Peter Keane said Cruz waivers are not unusual when it is clear that a defendant will not be incarcerated.
It's less common when a defendant is facing prison time. Keane said a defendant would usually have to convince the judge that he or she had to get their affairs in order before serving a sentence. Those affairs typically involve finding care for young children or elderly parents, Keane said.
”Some sort of real 'hearts and flowers' type thing,” he said.
Eureka Police Chief Murl Harpham said his officers arrested Warren after staking out a residence on California and Sonoma streets in Eureka, a few blocks from where the Kia Spectra was abandoned. The officers spotted Warren entering a pickup truck with another individual at about 4:30 p.m. last Thursday, and performed a traffic stop.
He said he sees the situation as the most recent example of how the state's public safety realignment plan is failing California counties.
”Again, this was another parole who had been sentenced to six years in prison, but was allowed to be released to take care of business,” Harpham said. ”When everything comes out on that, I think people are going to be as upset about this parole situation as I am. Because when the whole story comes out, it's going to be pretty tragic and it will show how unavoidable that situation was. This was a person who should not have been released.”
Gallegos said this was an opportunity to review communication between the courts, district attorney's office and various law enforcement agencies in the county. He stressed that the blame for the homicide and hit-and-run rests on the person who committed the crimes.
”Are there checks that can be placed along the way that can prevent reoccurrence?” Gallegos asked. “Maybe.”
”I can tell you my office is going to take a different look toward Cruz waivers,” Gallegos said. “We certainly don't want this to happen again.”
At a glance: Cruz waiver
A Cruz waiver is part of a plea agreement that has a defendant agree to have a greater sentence imposed for failing to appear at sentencing. In the case of Jason Warren, he faced nine years for failing to appear.
Grant Scott-Goforth can be reached at 441-0514 or gscott-goforth@times-standard.com.
5.23.2011
Proposed Humboldt County cuts squeeze departments: DA, DHHS, public defender all warn cuts will carry consequences
◼ Proposed Humboldt County cuts squeeze departments: DA, DHHS, public defender all warn cuts will carry consequences
Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard
Posted: 05/23/2011 02:30:13 AM PDT
Proposed Humboldt County cuts squeeze departments: DA, DHHS, public defender all warn cuts will carry consequences
While much of the county budget debate has swirled around impacts to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the proposed across-the-board cuts will pinch other departments as well.
The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office is contemplating a drastic scale-back of its Child Abuse Services Team, or CAST. The 8 percent across-the-board cut will mean the Department of Health and Human Services will be unable to leverage millions of dollars in matching state and federal programs and will have to scale back its focus to mandated programs.
The proposed cuts would also force the Public Defender's Office to lay off two senior attorneys, which would likely lead to the court appointing private attorneys to pick up some of the office's case load. That could result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in added expenses for the county.
”We're looking at some major, major impacts,” said Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos. “I'm not trying to sound bleak but, candidly, I don't see a silver lining.”
At recent meetings held to gather public input, numerous speakers said the Sheriff's Office, which may also see a steep funding reduction from the state, should be insulated from cuts at all costs. What would it take to keep deputies on the streets, they asked.
Humboldt County Administrative Officer Phillip Smith-Hanes told residents at a McKinleyville meeting that leaving out cuts to the Sheriff's Office would mean devastating
18 percent cuts for other county departments because it is -- by far -- the largest benefactor of the general fund.
Now, not only are other department heads scrambling to figure out how to lop 8 percent off their budgets -- many of which are also getting squeezed by state reductions -- they're also concerned about the county slicing a bit deeper.
Even at 8 percent, some say the cuts are penny wise and pound foolish.
Nine deputy public defenders recently penned a letter to the Times-Standard claiming that even the proposed cuts mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in added general fund expenses for the county.
To accommodate the proposed across-the-board cuts, the office is looking at laying off two senior attorneys, which would yield a maximum savings of about $275,000, according to the letter. However, the county is mandated to provide a defense attorney to anyone who cannot afford one, which simply leaves no wiggle room when it comes to the Public Defender Office workload. If the office doesn't have an attorney available to take on a case, the court will appoint a private attorney, billing the hourly rate of $65 to the county.
According to the letter, that could mean the county will end up spending as much as $675,000 over the course of the fiscal year simply to yield an upfront savings of less than half that.
”This shortsighted decision will cost us all money,” the letter states.
The letter also states the proposed budget would cause the office to immediately seek to be relieved from all cases in the Hoopa/Klamath/Trinity Court, as well as the Garberville Court, which would necessitate that anyone needing a public defender travel to court dates in Eureka.
Gallegos said his department is potentially looking at taking hits from all sides.
In addition to the proposed county cuts, he said his office will also potentially lose some $160,000 in state funding if a portion of the Vehicle Licensing Fee is not extended. Cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services will also impact the DA's CAST program, Gallegos said.
For some 15 years, DHHS has contributed about $280,000 to the ongoing operation of CAST, which comprises specially trained individuals from Child Welfare Services, the DA's Office, the DA's Victim Witness Assistance Program, local law enforcement agencies, Probation and other agencies. The idea is that the team is better able to investigate and prosecute child abuse allegations.
But this year, DHHS is taking a 17.4 percent reduction in state funding in addition to the proposed county cuts, which is strongly impacting its ability to leverage matching state and federal funds. Consequently, Director Phillip Crandall said, it has had to pull its funding of CAST, though it has pledged to keep allocating staff positions to the team.
”While we have historically provided that support for CAST because it's a valuable service and good for our children, we don't have sufficient funds to carry that,” Crandall said.
Gallegos said he's currently looking to supplant the money that traditionally came from DHHS. As things stand, Gallegos said, he will be able to keep CAST going, but he worries further cuts could put it in jeopardy.
As an example, Gallegos said that senior Deputy District Attorney Max Cardoza and Assistant Deputy District Attorney Wes Keat are planning on retiring this year. He said their salaries are in his proposed budget -- which comes in with an 8 percent cut -- but the county has a hiring freeze in place, and he's concerned the county may not approve refilling the positions.
If those positions were to wind up frozen, Gallegos said it would severely impact his office.
Both Crandall and Gallegos said CAST is a priority, but both stated it is not a state-mandated program, meaning at some point, it could be dropped due to cuts.
”We're going to look at every feasible option to keep CAST functioning,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos said he thinks it's important to remember that public safety is a joint effort that cuts across multiple departments. He said there's no question deputies are needed to enforce laws, but said prosecutors are also needed to bring offenders to justice, probation officers are needed to help ensure ex-convicts don't re-offend and DHHS officials are necessary to provide mental health services, investigate health code violations and protect children and vulnerable adults.
”It's a system that requires balance,” Gallegos said.
Thadeus Greenson can be reached at 441-0509 or tgreenson@times-standard.com.
Thadeus Greenson/The Times-Standard
Posted: 05/23/2011 02:30:13 AM PDT
Proposed Humboldt County cuts squeeze departments: DA, DHHS, public defender all warn cuts will carry consequences
While much of the county budget debate has swirled around impacts to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the proposed across-the-board cuts will pinch other departments as well.
The Humboldt County District Attorney's Office is contemplating a drastic scale-back of its Child Abuse Services Team, or CAST. The 8 percent across-the-board cut will mean the Department of Health and Human Services will be unable to leverage millions of dollars in matching state and federal programs and will have to scale back its focus to mandated programs.
The proposed cuts would also force the Public Defender's Office to lay off two senior attorneys, which would likely lead to the court appointing private attorneys to pick up some of the office's case load. That could result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in added expenses for the county.
”We're looking at some major, major impacts,” said Humboldt County District Attorney Paul Gallegos. “I'm not trying to sound bleak but, candidly, I don't see a silver lining.”
At recent meetings held to gather public input, numerous speakers said the Sheriff's Office, which may also see a steep funding reduction from the state, should be insulated from cuts at all costs. What would it take to keep deputies on the streets, they asked.
Humboldt County Administrative Officer Phillip Smith-Hanes told residents at a McKinleyville meeting that leaving out cuts to the Sheriff's Office would mean devastating
18 percent cuts for other county departments because it is -- by far -- the largest benefactor of the general fund.
Now, not only are other department heads scrambling to figure out how to lop 8 percent off their budgets -- many of which are also getting squeezed by state reductions -- they're also concerned about the county slicing a bit deeper.
Even at 8 percent, some say the cuts are penny wise and pound foolish.
Nine deputy public defenders recently penned a letter to the Times-Standard claiming that even the proposed cuts mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in added general fund expenses for the county.
To accommodate the proposed across-the-board cuts, the office is looking at laying off two senior attorneys, which would yield a maximum savings of about $275,000, according to the letter. However, the county is mandated to provide a defense attorney to anyone who cannot afford one, which simply leaves no wiggle room when it comes to the Public Defender Office workload. If the office doesn't have an attorney available to take on a case, the court will appoint a private attorney, billing the hourly rate of $65 to the county.
According to the letter, that could mean the county will end up spending as much as $675,000 over the course of the fiscal year simply to yield an upfront savings of less than half that.
”This shortsighted decision will cost us all money,” the letter states.
The letter also states the proposed budget would cause the office to immediately seek to be relieved from all cases in the Hoopa/Klamath/Trinity Court, as well as the Garberville Court, which would necessitate that anyone needing a public defender travel to court dates in Eureka.
Gallegos said his department is potentially looking at taking hits from all sides.
In addition to the proposed county cuts, he said his office will also potentially lose some $160,000 in state funding if a portion of the Vehicle Licensing Fee is not extended. Cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services will also impact the DA's CAST program, Gallegos said.
For some 15 years, DHHS has contributed about $280,000 to the ongoing operation of CAST, which comprises specially trained individuals from Child Welfare Services, the DA's Office, the DA's Victim Witness Assistance Program, local law enforcement agencies, Probation and other agencies. The idea is that the team is better able to investigate and prosecute child abuse allegations.
But this year, DHHS is taking a 17.4 percent reduction in state funding in addition to the proposed county cuts, which is strongly impacting its ability to leverage matching state and federal funds. Consequently, Director Phillip Crandall said, it has had to pull its funding of CAST, though it has pledged to keep allocating staff positions to the team.
”While we have historically provided that support for CAST because it's a valuable service and good for our children, we don't have sufficient funds to carry that,” Crandall said.
Gallegos said he's currently looking to supplant the money that traditionally came from DHHS. As things stand, Gallegos said, he will be able to keep CAST going, but he worries further cuts could put it in jeopardy.
As an example, Gallegos said that senior Deputy District Attorney Max Cardoza and Assistant Deputy District Attorney Wes Keat are planning on retiring this year. He said their salaries are in his proposed budget -- which comes in with an 8 percent cut -- but the county has a hiring freeze in place, and he's concerned the county may not approve refilling the positions.
If those positions were to wind up frozen, Gallegos said it would severely impact his office.
Both Crandall and Gallegos said CAST is a priority, but both stated it is not a state-mandated program, meaning at some point, it could be dropped due to cuts.
”We're going to look at every feasible option to keep CAST functioning,” Gallegos said.
Gallegos said he thinks it's important to remember that public safety is a joint effort that cuts across multiple departments. He said there's no question deputies are needed to enforce laws, but said prosecutors are also needed to bring offenders to justice, probation officers are needed to help ensure ex-convicts don't re-offend and DHHS officials are necessary to provide mental health services, investigate health code violations and protect children and vulnerable adults.
”It's a system that requires balance,” Gallegos said.
Thadeus Greenson can be reached at 441-0509 or tgreenson@times-standard.com.
4.09.2011
saving anon.r.mous
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Carson Park Ranger UNMASKED!
Joel Mielke
Box 1099
Eureka, California 95502
United States
707-444-2644
Fax -- 619-236-8486
http://www.carsonparkdesign.com/contact.html
http://www.carsonparkdesign.com/images/masthead.jpg
D'OH!
But here is where it gets odd...
http://www.radioactivefuture.com/mielke.htm
See that fax number, it matches the fax number to the CPR's website. Could the CARSON PARK RANGER be a carpetbagger as well???
Joel Mielke - Designer
Joel owned and operated a graphic design studio in San Diego, CA from 1993 to 2003, which specialized in signage, directionals, and environmental graphics. He has provided design solutions for design firms, architects, property management companies, and Business Improvement Districts in southern California, as well as large and small companies. Joel taught typography for 3 years at Grossmont College in San Diego, CA.
Damn man, you had a good run going!
Added more artwork
The Bottle Let Me Down, mixed media, 2003
More great political work from Joel, shown in my Garden Variety show. My deep-seated love for political work combined with my equally deep-seated hate for this piece's subject matter made this a most welcomed addition to my permanent collection.
Bush Escutcheon, mixed media, 2002.
This was shown at my Human Wreckage show, right up front. Joel changed the matting from the original piece, which looked absolutely perfect until I dropped it when unloading a stack of pieces from the back of my car. Better to drop something you already own than something you have to own because you dropped it, I suppose. The "arbusto" reference still cracks me up.
Joel Mielke, the man who brought the San Diego activist community the best signs at demos, has recently left San Diego, but his work lives on in my collection. He made the 5' x 5' Radioactive Future banner for me a couple of years ago, and his stickers and political signage have graced my walls for quite some time. A truly swell guy, who's helped me out way too many times to count. He also taught me how to do silkscreen printing.
Linky Here
Damn man, why don't we ever get any normal people up here? Did someone turn on the left wing wackoloon magnet?
***
Comments:
And he is a fine designer!
# posted by Anonymous : September 05, 2006 7:53 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-TUo0RfV4U
Barbara schults and Charles Douglas.
Such fire, such passion.
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 8:09 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4eFSKWeNxc&mode=related&search=
Now that's funny. Why did those people lay hands on someone else in a public place?
And what the hell is going on?
LNG is a poor fit for Humboldt?
More like Jobs are a poor fit for Humboldt.
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 8:41 AM
Heh, little bastard removed my posts on his blog.
My crime?
Posting "Sup"
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 06, 2006 10:23 AM
No wonder Joel the Rump Ranger was so defensive of Shawn Warford and his creepy activities at the Advocate.
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 11:33 AM
Ah-ah, now anon.r. CPR is actually a very nice guy. Liberal yes, but a nice guy. You might like him, but you guys probably couldn't talk poliitcs.
But I bow to your superior googling skills!
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 1:10 PM
He might be quite the nice fellow, but, well, I get the feeling I keep getting talked down to by my "betters" if you know what I mean. I have a strong dislike of people moving into an area and within 2 years telling everybody they are dumb and that they (the new people) are right.
He may be one hell of a graphic artist, but his "art", well, is dull and boring. I've seen it all before. That and he removed my posts, quite childish.
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 06, 2006 1:26 PM
Joel might actually get in trouble for this since he slings ads for a local rag. 3 guesses for which one (and no its not the advocate, his and shawns relationship was a lot more personal).
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 1:43 PM
North Coast Journal. It's not a secret.
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 06, 2006 1:53 PM
Joel might actually get in trouble for this since he slings ads for a local rag. 3 guesses for which one (and no its not the advocate, his and shawns relationship was a lot more personal).
What do you mean? I had to read it a couple of times just to make sure.
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 06, 2006 4:22 PM
We are in consultations with Mr. Arkley, and will soon be releasing a statement on Joel Milke's future with the North Coast Journal.
Whoops! I mean, uh...
# posted by Hank Sims : September 06, 2006 5:15 PM
Nice one Hank, you might actually learn to laugh at yourself one of these days, not just be sarcastic to yourself. Laughing at your buddy Kevin Hoover would be a step up too.
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 5:37 PM
But it is more fun -- and, ultimately, a greater service to the county -- to laugh at you.
# posted by Hank Sims : September 06, 2006 6:08 PM
Who?
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 6:18 PM
John Q. Dweebonymous.
# posted by Hank Sims : September 06, 2006 8:53 PM
Joel Mielke is indeed a dweeb. So why does he work for you Hank? Aren't you newspaper types firing people left and right for posting on blogs under fake names? Didn't you go after local scumbags Shawn Warford and Richard Salzman for such activity, and rightfully so?
# posted by Anonymous : September 07, 2006 12:13 PM
looks like hank sims was caught violating his own high and mighty ethics when it doesnt suit his masters. anonymous statements are ok when they come from your team, is that it? just pathetic.
# posted by Anonymous : September 07, 2006 8:56 PM
Anon.R.mous: "Damn man, why don't we ever get any normal people up here?"
Oh God, that is priceless.
Such a pious pervert.
"Did someone turn on the left wing wackoloon magnet?"
Very astute of you, Anon.R.mous. Your intuitive powers are stunning.
But remember that magnets have two poles. Opposites attract, but they still must have something basic in common. Yes, someone turned on the left wing wackaloon magnet: Anon.R.mous, the right wing wackaloon.
# posted by Anonymous : September 07, 2006 11:00 PM
No one gets fired for posting on blogs anonymously or under the masquerade mask. It's writing letters to the editor using disabled senior citizens names and made up names pretending to be someone you're not and going so far as to answer the phone as that other person - in short - it is LYING - that got Salzman in trouble. He can post anonymously on the blogs all he wants, and does. He can even pretend to be 50 different people. Who cares. There are no real rules on the blogosphere. But there are rules regarding letters to the editor and he broke them so he could lie to YOU, you dumb idiot.
# posted by Anonymous : September 08, 2006 12:59 AM
Cover-up, the name of the game! Northcoast Journal employees don't lie, they just cover-up their anonymous attacks and then make excuses for them, isn't that right Joel Mielke?
# posted by Anonymous : September 08, 2006 11:29 AM
Northcoast Journal employees don't lie, they just cover-up their anonymous attacks and then make excuses for them
Excuse me? I never never never never make anonymous comments anywhere! I always always always post excluuuusively under my Own Name!!!
# posted by Hank Scams : September 09, 2006 8:39 AM
Hey! You must be the late, great Freakwanker!
# posted by Hank Sims : September 09, 2006 10:28 AM
Please don't insult me, Mr. Sims! I would never write such a reprehensible post! Why, I'm one of your greatest fans!
# posted by Freakwanker : September 09, 2006 11:59 AM
If Hank is Freakwanker, what does that make his little stooge-in-training Joel Mielke? Censorshipwanker?
# posted by Anonymous : September 09, 2006 12:15 PM
Well, Joel has been quite quiet about his "outing", he has been having fun with his "masthead" though. All these reporters hitting my page and not one of them wanting to take on the College of the Redwoods monster. Most people don't know that CR's football team is hanging by a thread, one more fuck up and the program is shut down for good.
Makes me a little sad on the inside guys.
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 09, 2006 12:58 PM
joels been busy quietly censoring every comment pointing out his identity.
# posted by Anonymous : September 09, 2006 2:41 PM
Carson Park Ranger UNMASKED!
Joel Mielke
Box 1099
Eureka, California 95502
United States
707-444-2644
Fax -- 619-236-8486
http://www.carsonparkdesign.com/contact.html
http://www.carsonparkdesign.com/images/masthead.jpg
D'OH!
But here is where it gets odd...
http://www.radioactivefuture.com/mielke.htm
See that fax number, it matches the fax number to the CPR's website. Could the CARSON PARK RANGER be a carpetbagger as well???
Joel Mielke - Designer
Joel owned and operated a graphic design studio in San Diego, CA from 1993 to 2003, which specialized in signage, directionals, and environmental graphics. He has provided design solutions for design firms, architects, property management companies, and Business Improvement Districts in southern California, as well as large and small companies. Joel taught typography for 3 years at Grossmont College in San Diego, CA.
Damn man, you had a good run going!
Added more artwork
The Bottle Let Me Down, mixed media, 2003
More great political work from Joel, shown in my Garden Variety show. My deep-seated love for political work combined with my equally deep-seated hate for this piece's subject matter made this a most welcomed addition to my permanent collection.
Bush Escutcheon, mixed media, 2002.
This was shown at my Human Wreckage show, right up front. Joel changed the matting from the original piece, which looked absolutely perfect until I dropped it when unloading a stack of pieces from the back of my car. Better to drop something you already own than something you have to own because you dropped it, I suppose. The "arbusto" reference still cracks me up.
Joel Mielke, the man who brought the San Diego activist community the best signs at demos, has recently left San Diego, but his work lives on in my collection. He made the 5' x 5' Radioactive Future banner for me a couple of years ago, and his stickers and political signage have graced my walls for quite some time. A truly swell guy, who's helped me out way too many times to count. He also taught me how to do silkscreen printing.
Linky Here
Damn man, why don't we ever get any normal people up here? Did someone turn on the left wing wackoloon magnet?
***
Comments:
And he is a fine designer!
# posted by Anonymous : September 05, 2006 7:53 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-TUo0RfV4U
Barbara schults and Charles Douglas.
Such fire, such passion.
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 8:09 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4eFSKWeNxc&mode=related&search=
Now that's funny. Why did those people lay hands on someone else in a public place?
And what the hell is going on?
LNG is a poor fit for Humboldt?
More like Jobs are a poor fit for Humboldt.
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 8:41 AM
Heh, little bastard removed my posts on his blog.
My crime?
Posting "Sup"
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 06, 2006 10:23 AM
No wonder Joel the Rump Ranger was so defensive of Shawn Warford and his creepy activities at the Advocate.
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 11:33 AM
Ah-ah, now anon.r. CPR is actually a very nice guy. Liberal yes, but a nice guy. You might like him, but you guys probably couldn't talk poliitcs.
But I bow to your superior googling skills!
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 1:10 PM
He might be quite the nice fellow, but, well, I get the feeling I keep getting talked down to by my "betters" if you know what I mean. I have a strong dislike of people moving into an area and within 2 years telling everybody they are dumb and that they (the new people) are right.
He may be one hell of a graphic artist, but his "art", well, is dull and boring. I've seen it all before. That and he removed my posts, quite childish.
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 06, 2006 1:26 PM
Joel might actually get in trouble for this since he slings ads for a local rag. 3 guesses for which one (and no its not the advocate, his and shawns relationship was a lot more personal).
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 1:43 PM
North Coast Journal. It's not a secret.
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 06, 2006 1:53 PM
Joel might actually get in trouble for this since he slings ads for a local rag. 3 guesses for which one (and no its not the advocate, his and shawns relationship was a lot more personal).
What do you mean? I had to read it a couple of times just to make sure.
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 06, 2006 4:22 PM
We are in consultations with Mr. Arkley, and will soon be releasing a statement on Joel Milke's future with the North Coast Journal.
Whoops! I mean, uh...
# posted by Hank Sims : September 06, 2006 5:15 PM
Nice one Hank, you might actually learn to laugh at yourself one of these days, not just be sarcastic to yourself. Laughing at your buddy Kevin Hoover would be a step up too.
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 5:37 PM
But it is more fun -- and, ultimately, a greater service to the county -- to laugh at you.
# posted by Hank Sims : September 06, 2006 6:08 PM
Who?
# posted by Anonymous : September 06, 2006 6:18 PM
John Q. Dweebonymous.
# posted by Hank Sims : September 06, 2006 8:53 PM
Joel Mielke is indeed a dweeb. So why does he work for you Hank? Aren't you newspaper types firing people left and right for posting on blogs under fake names? Didn't you go after local scumbags Shawn Warford and Richard Salzman for such activity, and rightfully so?
# posted by Anonymous : September 07, 2006 12:13 PM
looks like hank sims was caught violating his own high and mighty ethics when it doesnt suit his masters. anonymous statements are ok when they come from your team, is that it? just pathetic.
# posted by Anonymous : September 07, 2006 8:56 PM
Anon.R.mous: "Damn man, why don't we ever get any normal people up here?"
Oh God, that is priceless.
Such a pious pervert.
"Did someone turn on the left wing wackoloon magnet?"
Very astute of you, Anon.R.mous. Your intuitive powers are stunning.
But remember that magnets have two poles. Opposites attract, but they still must have something basic in common. Yes, someone turned on the left wing wackaloon magnet: Anon.R.mous, the right wing wackaloon.
# posted by Anonymous : September 07, 2006 11:00 PM
No one gets fired for posting on blogs anonymously or under the masquerade mask. It's writing letters to the editor using disabled senior citizens names and made up names pretending to be someone you're not and going so far as to answer the phone as that other person - in short - it is LYING - that got Salzman in trouble. He can post anonymously on the blogs all he wants, and does. He can even pretend to be 50 different people. Who cares. There are no real rules on the blogosphere. But there are rules regarding letters to the editor and he broke them so he could lie to YOU, you dumb idiot.
# posted by Anonymous : September 08, 2006 12:59 AM
Cover-up, the name of the game! Northcoast Journal employees don't lie, they just cover-up their anonymous attacks and then make excuses for them, isn't that right Joel Mielke?
# posted by Anonymous : September 08, 2006 11:29 AM
Northcoast Journal employees don't lie, they just cover-up their anonymous attacks and then make excuses for them
Excuse me? I never never never never make anonymous comments anywhere! I always always always post excluuuusively under my Own Name!!!
# posted by Hank Scams : September 09, 2006 8:39 AM
Hey! You must be the late, great Freakwanker!
# posted by Hank Sims : September 09, 2006 10:28 AM
Please don't insult me, Mr. Sims! I would never write such a reprehensible post! Why, I'm one of your greatest fans!
# posted by Freakwanker : September 09, 2006 11:59 AM
If Hank is Freakwanker, what does that make his little stooge-in-training Joel Mielke? Censorshipwanker?
# posted by Anonymous : September 09, 2006 12:15 PM
Well, Joel has been quite quiet about his "outing", he has been having fun with his "masthead" though. All these reporters hitting my page and not one of them wanting to take on the College of the Redwoods monster. Most people don't know that CR's football team is hanging by a thread, one more fuck up and the program is shut down for good.
Makes me a little sad on the inside guys.
# posted by Anon.R.mous : September 09, 2006 12:58 PM
joels been busy quietly censoring every comment pointing out his identity.
# posted by Anonymous : September 09, 2006 2:41 PM
Derek Bowman: Multi-agency effort leads to arrest of parolee
◼ Multi-agency effort leads to arrest of parolee
Humboldt Beacon
Posted: 01/26/2011 03:45:42 PM PST
Three people were arrested Monday after a multi-agency search for a parolee at large ended at a gas station in Valley West in Arcata. Derek Bowman, 29, was arrested by officers with the California Highway Patrol, after the Eureka Police Department asked for assistance in locating Bowman, who failed to report to his parole officer. Bowman is on parole in connection to an armed robbery in Fortuna, said CHP officer Paul Dahlen.
Officers also arrested two people who were in the car with Bowman at the time, and reported finding a small amount of methamphetamine in the vehicle, Dahlen said.
Georgina Archambault, 29, was arrested and charged with possession of a hypodermic syringe, possession of burglary tools and a violation of probation. Officers also arrested Nachel Black, 32, for an outstanding warrant, said Dahlen.
Humboldt Beacon
Posted: 01/26/2011 03:45:42 PM PST
Three people were arrested Monday after a multi-agency search for a parolee at large ended at a gas station in Valley West in Arcata. Derek Bowman, 29, was arrested by officers with the California Highway Patrol, after the Eureka Police Department asked for assistance in locating Bowman, who failed to report to his parole officer. Bowman is on parole in connection to an armed robbery in Fortuna, said CHP officer Paul Dahlen.
Officers also arrested two people who were in the car with Bowman at the time, and reported finding a small amount of methamphetamine in the vehicle, Dahlen said.
Georgina Archambault, 29, was arrested and charged with possession of a hypodermic syringe, possession of burglary tools and a violation of probation. Officers also arrested Nachel Black, 32, for an outstanding warrant, said Dahlen.
Derek Bowman: Escaped Inmate Captured
◼ co.humboldt.ca.us/sheriff/pressreleases
Date Released: 8/14/2007
Subject: Escaped Inmate Captured
Contact: Brenda Godsey, PIO
Case No#: 200704588
Released By: Brenda Godsey, PIO
Location: Manila
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Detectives captured escaped inmate Derek Wendell Bowman at about 3:20 p.m. this afternoon. Bowman was found in Manila after Detective Troy Garey received information that Bowman may have been hiding at a residence there. Sheriff’s Detectives and a U.S. Marshals Service arrived at a residence on the 100 block of Phillips Court in Manila. They knocked on the door and Bowman answered. He was taken into custody without incident.
Bowman had been at-large since August 5, 2007 after escaping from Sempervirens Mental Health Facility.
Bowman was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for Escape. Additionally, he was booked for the charges that were pending at the time of his escape which included forgery, and resisting arrest. Bowman is not eligible for bail.
Date Released: 8/14/2007
Subject: Escaped Inmate Captured
Contact: Brenda Godsey, PIO
Case No#: 200704588
Released By: Brenda Godsey, PIO
Location: Manila
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Detectives captured escaped inmate Derek Wendell Bowman at about 3:20 p.m. this afternoon. Bowman was found in Manila after Detective Troy Garey received information that Bowman may have been hiding at a residence there. Sheriff’s Detectives and a U.S. Marshals Service arrived at a residence on the 100 block of Phillips Court in Manila. They knocked on the door and Bowman answered. He was taken into custody without incident.
Bowman had been at-large since August 5, 2007 after escaping from Sempervirens Mental Health Facility.
Bowman was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for Escape. Additionally, he was booked for the charges that were pending at the time of his escape which included forgery, and resisting arrest. Bowman is not eligible for bail.