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community and this may work. And how many folks looking at the termination of their unemployment check are willing to participate? Complete this project and you will reduce the need of a safety designation along 101, create tourism and recreational opportunities for the months weather permits, and you might instill a sense of community in those who are willing to participate. Randy Myers, Arcata Editor: The introduction to the Ralph M. Brown Act describes its purpose and intent: “In enacting this chapter, the Legislature finds and declares that the public commissions, boards and councils and the other public agencies in this state exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business. It is the intent of the law that their actions be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly. The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.” The “public servants” over the last 59 years have made sure this guard dog has no teeth: No one has ever gone to jail for violating it. If they had, our city councils
and boards of supervisors would be acting very differently. Walt Frazer, Eureka
A Couple of Things
Editor: Jud Ellinwood’s letter in the Aug. 1 issue, (“Train Talk”) hit the nail on the head when he said “Humboldt County wants and deserves better.” There seems to be different, sometimes opposing views, but few on what is best for Humboldt County. Most of us just want things to get better for Humboldt County because we also believe what Ellinwood does. “About that Speech” (“Mailbox,” Aug. 1) elicited strong opinions on both sides. I don’t know Dan Johnson, but college graduate or not, he is a successful businessman and his ethics should have made him realize it is not OK to take credit for something he had no role in creating. Those defending him are not helping him by referring to what he “gives.” More than plagiarism, it is Mr. Johnson’s error in judgment where he felt he could use his position as a speaker to single out his daughter on a day when all graduates earned that celebration. Whether he resigns or not, Mr. Johnson needs to show his remorse through some action and not words elicited because he got caught doing something wrong. John Chiv, Eureka
Thoughts on Solitary
Editor: In response to “Hunger Pangs” (“Mail-
box,” July 25) — a commentary on the hunger strikes in California prisons: It is true that many (not all) of the prisoners locked in long-term solitary confinement have committed terrible crimes. It is true that a number of them have committed the most heinous acts, and through whatever situation and circumstance have permanently lost their humanity. Solitary confinement for more than 15 days is considered torture by the United Nations. Prolonged solitary confinement — especially the specifically brutal conditions at Pelican Bay and other California prisons — is torture by any definition, a most heinous crime itself. It is also ineffective, usually unnecessary, and more expensive to house someone in solitary confinement. The biggest cost, however, is to our own humanity — a terrible thing to lose. Beverly Titus, Eureka Editor: In response to Susan Dodd’s letter regarding the hunger strike at Pelican Bay: “I hope all those guys starve to death.” Really? Wow!! Billie Crowley, Trinidad
Yes, Trees
Editor: I was delighted to see Barry Evans’ Field Notes article (“Trees, Please!” July 4) about street trees in the Journal. He did a wonderful job highlighting many of the benefits of tree-lined urban thoroughfares. Trees also beautify neighborhoods, increase property values, and have been shown to improve safety of pedestrians
AUTHORIZED WASTE TIRE DROP OFF 822-7909 437 ‘G’ ST. ARCATA 6 North Coast Journal • Thursday, aug. 8, 2013 • northcoastjournal.com
and bicyclists, something we know to be an issue in Eureka. I wanted to take a moment to encourage residents of the greater Eureka area to contact me, or Keep Eureka Beautiful, if they are interested in signing up for the local programs to plant trees. Redwood Community Action Agency and Keep Eureka Beautiful are funded separately to do this work, so there are plenty of opportunities to get trees for low or no cost. Both existing programs help with permits, picking a site for the tree that doesn’t interfere with existing infrastructure, utilities or local ordinances, and reducing costs and planting work for homeowners. We collaborate to make sure that local needs are met wherever feasible. Please get in touch soon if you are interested in finding out more about programs in and near Eureka! I would be happy to walk you through the process and refer you to the program that suits your unique circumstances. I can be reached by email at Natalie@nrsrcaa. org or by phone at 269-2059. Thank you for helping us make Eureka a more pleasant, safe and lovely place to live, work and love life! Natalie Arroyo, Eureka
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