On August 1, 2007 a letter I submitted to the Eugene Register Guard was published.
This is what it said:
I appreciated the fact that Eugene City Councilor George Poling (Register Guard, July 24) alerted the City Council to the unfair advantage that Autzen Stadium has relative to other providers of pavement for pregame tailgating parties because of the gameday exemption to laws prohibiting public drinking.
And kudos to Eugene Police Chief Robert Lehner for his creative solution – extend the exemption to public intoxication laws to more publicly intoxicated citizens. The University of Oregon would lose its privileged pavement provider status, but the playing field would be leveled and the problem would be solved.
In honor of the creativity exhibited by UO President Dave Frohnmayer and Chief Lehner in dealing with this delicate matter, I plan to start a new organization called Ducks Encouraging Drunk Driving (DEDD).
---
Chief Lehner resigned to take a barely lateral move - a chief gig in Elk Grove, CA, a suburb of Sacramento. I reckon he’s more like a Captain in the Sacramento PD than a real Chief like he was in Eugene, but who knows. Like former Police Auditor Cris Beamud, former Chief Lehner left town with his tail between his legs.
UO Prez Frohnmayer’s resigning, but he will leave his legacy - a third rate University transformed into a joke. Under Dave’s reign, the bookstore was renamed the “Duck Store” with the book section described as “literary ducks.” President Frohnmayer felt the need to spray his mother MarAbel’s name on the Music Building. Phil Knight’s family name metastazied from the Library to the Law School. And course, D. B. Frohnmayer’s piece de reshitsance - a quarter billion dollar hut for dumb f-words to sit on the fat a-words and watch n-words like Ernie “I score a lot of beaver that’s not attached to Mrs.” Kent and l (no, make that d)-words like Bev [THIS SPACE AVAILABLE FOR RENT] Smith bounce dead cows on dead trees and try to throw them through dead cotton.
Jonathan Bowers and I have until January 19 (I think) to appeal the December 19 LUBE-AH! decision by michael HOlstun and todd bASSham, the 2/3 of the LUBA judges who attended the November 13 “hearing”.
Mr. Bowers and I spoke at the “hearing”, as did Emily Jerome from Harrang, Harass, Hassle and Hoodwink and Steve Shipsey from the Oregon Department of (in)Justice. Erin Donald from ORDO(in)J attended the meeting and chatted enthusiastically with Ms. Jerome prior to and after the 30 minutes of proceedings but she did not utter a word during the proceedings, raising the question of why it was cost-effective for the Oregon taxpayer to pay her to be there.
The LUBA decision can be appealed to the Oregon Court of Appeals. But it costs $212 and like LUBA, it requires engaging in a mind-bogglingly complicated, cost-ineffective, obstructionist series of procedures (send four copies on chartreuse paper to party X, send 2.5 copies on magenta paper to party Y, but ONLY after you inform party X on teal CARDBOARD of your intention to send the 2.5 magenta copies to party Y).
If the 2.12 Franklins wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, a quick look-see at the list of judges would have been.
There’s Timothy Sercombe, a former shyster at Harrang, Harass, etc. In the Conditional Use Permit file approved by the aptly named HO Briggs, there’s a 20 year old letter from Mr. Sercombe, explaining why his client does not need to conform to Eugene’s land use laws. It’s poorly written and poorly thought out – very much like the drivel produced by Glenn Klein, Jens Schmidt, Jeffrey Matthews, Mark Amberg and the truly terrifying Jerome Lidz. Pay 212 smackeroos for a date with Timmy Sercombe – no thanks!
The only other name on the list of Oregon Court of Appeals judges that I recognize is Darleen Ortega. She wrote the opinion declaring that LaMe County Circus Court Judge Lyle Velure acted illegally when he sentenced Jeff Luers. [Wow. What a surprise. A law-breaking publicly funded lawyer in lane county.] While I agree with Judge Ortega’s verdict, the opinion was a contender for “most synaptically-impaired document produced by a member of the Oregon State Bar” with only Virgina Gustafson of ORDOJ providing real competition.
I think an appeal would be a slam-dunk, since:
a. the dynamic duo did not file their request for an extension to the December 18 deadline until December 19.
and
b. Their 14-page opinion contains a material fact that was not in 700+ page record. On page 4, lines 12-14, the two shysters from Northwestern note the utterly irrelevant factoid that the d*ck who designed mac court (Ellis Lawrence) croaked in 1946. I assume they heard this from UO Public Relations Director Greg Rikhoff in the hot tub because it’s not anywhere in the record, as far as I know.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
and your point is?
Officers have been called to assist or intervene with Coleman 21 times since he moved to Utah in fall 2005, according to police reports — including a July 2007 call where Coleman told authorities he had taken dozens of Oxycontin pills, was suicidal and "wanted to die."
This guy has rolled in the mud with pigs 21 times since 2005 and the m'ass mediumb thinks it's newsworthy.
Heck, I get visited by javelinas way more often than that!
Monday, December 29, 2008
ciao, thug
After 34 years as a Lane County prosecutor and almost a quarter-century as district attorney, Doug Harcleroad on Thursday will pass the mantle to his elected successor.
Alex Gardner, voted into the post in May after running unopposed, will be sworn in Jan. 5 along with other officials taking office in 2009. But Gov. Ted Kulongoski appointed him to the $136,200-a-year job early after Harcleroad accepted a new job effective Jan. 1 as a lobbyist with a statewide victims’ rights organization.
“It’s been a career — 34 years is a career — and it’s been very satisfying and fulfilling,” Harcleroad said in a pre-Christmas interview. “I’m very happy with the way I’m leaving. I chose the time, not the voters, which is always a good thing.”
He said he’s leaving the office in “the good hands” of Gardner, who will inherit “a corps of talented and gifted top-performing lawyers” and a good clerical staff.
Those who’ve worked with Harcleroad over the years — including defense attorneys as opposing counsel — say he has been an approachable district attorney whose greatest accomplishments include creation of a Victims Services Office and the Child Advocacy Center for young victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Local police officers say he understood and supported them.
Springfield Police Chief Jerry Smith called Harcleroad “calm and guiding in difficult times.”
“He’s been a remarkably professional, conscientious, hard-working public employee,” Smith said.
Pete Kerns, interim chief of the Eugene Police Department, called Harcleroad “a great advocate for the work of our officers.”
“He’s taken a very judicious approach to his assessment of the serious cases we’re subjected to,” he added.
But critics say he has been too quick to back police officers accused of using excessive force. They also say he has sometimes trampled on civil rights with heavy-handed prosecutions of demonstrators who clashed with police and by sanctioning the secret taping of a murder suspect’s confession to a Catholic priest.
Harcleroad, however, pointed with pride to accomplishments under his leadership. Since he succeeded Pat Horton in January 1985, the district attorney’s office has successfully prosecuted more than 100,000 criminal cases, including more than 200 murder cases.
In a less public arena, he added, it has collected more than $200 million in delinquent child support.
“That means tennis shoes, macaroni and cheese, even an apartment, for kids,” he said.
And he presided over more mundane but important behind-the-scenes changes, such as the office’s evolution from pen-and-paper to electronic record-keeping.
“When I took office, we were still keeping 4,000 to 5,000 cases on 3-by-5 cards,” Harcleroad said.
When county leaders wanted prosecutors to use bulky, balky main-frame computers, Harcleroad persuaded them instead to opt for personal computers and a local area network. Harcleroad credited his former chief deputy, Kent Mortimore, with leading the actual conversion.
Heart for crime victims
Supporters and critics alike say Harcleroad’s most visionary leadership centered on helping victims of crime navigate through the unfamiliar waters of a court case.
“Doug took office in 1985, and within a month, he hired Lori Nelson as the county’s first victims services director,” said Tina Morgan, who worked with Nelson before becoming program services coordinator at Kids First, a spin-off support center for child victims of abuse. “He was a longtime proponent of victims rights and realized the lack of support and services that had existed for them over the years.”
Harcleroad also pushed for a restraining-order clinic for victims of domestic violence and a 24-hour response team that sent trained volunteers to hospital emergency rooms to support victims of violent crimes, she said.
“There were maybe two other counties in Oregon with (such) teams, and they served just rape victims, while Lane County offered support for any felony ‘persons’ crime,” she said.
Other counties followed suit, Morgan added.
“When you look around the state, Doug’s leadership over time was comprehensive and widespread,” she said.
Kids First director Ray Broderick said Harcleroad’s empathy for victims of several horrific Lane County child abuse and domestic violence cases propelled him to go beyond prosecuting their tormentors by launching such services as a child advocacy center in 1995.
Harcleroad said he loves the “kid-friendly” feel of what is now known as Kids First. “When children walk in that door and have to give a report about penises and vaginas, you want them to leave saying, ‘I like that place,’ because chances are, they will have to go back multiple times during a case,” he said.
The county’s victims services volunteers are the ones who deserve credit for the success of such programs, he said. “Thousands and thousands of victims get wonderful help because we use a small core of paid professionals to train a volunteer staff,” he said. “We leverage our limited county resources with those people.”
Gardner said Harcleroad did his own share of behind-the-scenes volunteering.
“He’s been a senior leader in the Oregon District Attorneys Association for a long, long time, and helped shape legislation in that role,” he said. “Doug was president of the Downtown Rotary Club, president of the local chapter of Boy Scouts, instrumental in starting the Boys and Girls Club locally. He’s been incredibly involved in community service. That’s part of his legacy.”
Critics: Too quick to back police
Others criticize Harcleroad for what they call his reflexive support of police officers.
“He has been a zealous advocate for law enforcement,” said David Fidanque, executive director of the Oregon chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. “Usually, he’s willing to listen to other viewpoints, but not always.”
Fidanque said the district attorney seemed to collude with police by never finding that an officer had used excessive force and, most recently, by filing felony riot charges against two protesters who attempted to intervene when a Eugene police officer used a Taser on a fellow demonstrator.
In connection with the May demonstration and Taser use, “the DA’s charging decisions were over-reaching from the beginning, and punitive, and were very chilling on the rights of peaceful protest,” he said. “I have felt very strongly that the involvement of the DA’s office related to that incident was designed to send a message that if you’re going to complain about the conduct of police officers, you are going to have the book thrown at you.” Harcleroad’s office later dropped the felony riot charges against the two protesters when they pleaded guilty in a plea deal to one misdemeanor charge each.
In another high-profile incident, Harcleroad’s office did not prosecute a Springfield man who shot and killed an alleged marijuana dealer in 1995. The dealer had allegedly threatened to kill the Springfield man’s daughter over a drug transaction. So when the daughter went to meet the alleged dealer at a restaurant, the father armed himself, then entered the eatery and shot the dealer dead. The Springfield man was released after a grand jury declined to issue an indictment. The unprosecuted killing unleashed intense public debate over the issue of vigilante justice.
Harcleroad also drew international criticism in 1995 for sanctioning the jailhouse taping of murder suspect Conan Wayne Hale as he participated with the Rev. Timothy Mockaitis in the Catholic rite of confession. The contents of that tape were never used in court, but Hale was convicted and sentenced to death in 1996 for the murders of Springfield teenagers Kristal Bendele, Brandon Williams and Patrick Finley.
Fidanque praised Harcleroad for saying he was wrong to authorize the taping, now the subject of a new book by the still-outraged Mockaitis. “Everybody makes mistakes,” Fidanque said. “How you handle those mistakes is the real measure of leadership.”
Harcleroad said he apologized even though he still believes the taping was legal.
“But it was just wrong,” he said. “We shouldn’t have done it. But I was smart enough and gutsy enough to say ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I was wrong.’ ”
But he denied that he has inappropriately backed police officers or charged protesters.
“The criminal process used in Oregon for over 100 years is, you make presentations to grand juries,” he said. “They listen to evidence and make decisions about who should be charged and what they should be charged with. I know some people think that grand juries just do what prosecutors want them to do, but I think anyone who has sat on a grand jury would tell you differently. They are always free to ask for more evidence and information. It’s a good screening process.”
He added that one of the reasons he enjoyed being an elected district attorney was that “you get to make the right decision — you don’t have to compromise yourself in any way, shape or form.”
Financial challenges take toll
Among the hardest things about the job has been the relentless erosion of money due to Lane County government’s relatively low property tax rate, voter rejection of more than a dozen public safety levies since the early 1990s, and the loss of timber revenue from federal lands.
“The county’s ability to fund public safety is like a five-year chronic disease that will kill you,” he said. “We’re several years into the disease now, and it’s becoming more and more acute.”
The district attorney’s office has 22 criminal prosecutors — 10 fewer than an independent study showed were needed for a jurisdiction the size of Lane County. The Lane County sheriff’s department and jail staff, too, have been scoured by money problems.
“It’s not just prosecutors,” Harcleroad said. “There are only two detectives left in a sheriff’s department serving an area the size of the state of Connecticut.”
Some who enjoyed working with Harcleroad say they have misgivings about his next position as a lobbyist with the Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance. The group is headed by former state legislator Kevin Mannix, the driving force behind measures that made mandatory and increased many sentences for those convicted of felonies in Oregon.
“I’ve enjoyed a good working relationship with Doug,” said Greg Hazarabedian, director of the Lane County public defenders office and president of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. “Personally, I wish him very well, as he goes forward into his future. But it’s hard to wish him success in his work with Kevin Mannix, who has focused on punitive rather than rehabilitative responses to criminal behavior.”
Hazarabedian said he has reason to hope that Gardner will bring more of the latter response. The two have been friends and colleagues since entering the University of Oregon Law School together in 1988. Later, they were friendly adversaries when both practiced law in Douglas County, Gardner as a prosecutor and Hazarabedian as a defense attorney.
Gardner “was a vigorous and worthy opponent when he felt my client was deserving of serious punishment,” Hazarabedian said. “But he also had the capacity to be a supporter of drug treatment and other nonpunitive measures when he felt the person had the capacity to change. I know from personal experience that Alex understands that humans often have the capacity to change and I think that’s a very important quality in a prosecutor.”
Gardner acknowledged that he has what might seem like an unorthodox view for a prosecutor.
“Some people divide the world into good people and bad people,” he said. “But the reality is that most of the people we prosecute are good people who’ve done bad things. A comparatively small minority are scary people who really need to be put away. I don’t put everybody who’s done something bad in the ‘bad person’ box.”
Asked about his goals for his first term, he answered, only half-jokingly: “Survival.”
He expects that financial support for Lane County’s public safety system will continue to decline while demand for services increases.
“My objective is to focus on the most important work we do and do the best possible job we can,” he said. “Many things I’d like to do just aren’t possible with declining resources. For example, domestic violence is a tremendous problem in our community. But addressing it takes extra investigative and victims services staff.”
Why, then, would he seek to lead the office when it’s in such desperate straits?
“The conditions are deplorable, but the work is so important,” he said. “And the people I get to work with are so awesome that I still feel good about going to work.”
Among the few benefits of a constrained budget, he said, is that county employees have been forced to work across department lines.
“It’s normal for the DA and law enforcement agencies to partner effectively, but we also work really well with health and human resources, and treatment programs,” he said. “Our drug court works really well. Our services to children and families director is an ally and I support her. It’s like having a team of first-class professionals who have bonded to get public safety work done regardless of philosophical differences. If it weren’t for all those people it would be miserable.”
Reporter Jack Moran contributed to this report.
Alex Gardner, voted into the post in May after running unopposed, will be sworn in Jan. 5 along with other officials taking office in 2009. But Gov. Ted Kulongoski appointed him to the $136,200-a-year job early after Harcleroad accepted a new job effective Jan. 1 as a lobbyist with a statewide victims’ rights organization.
“It’s been a career — 34 years is a career — and it’s been very satisfying and fulfilling,” Harcleroad said in a pre-Christmas interview. “I’m very happy with the way I’m leaving. I chose the time, not the voters, which is always a good thing.”
He said he’s leaving the office in “the good hands” of Gardner, who will inherit “a corps of talented and gifted top-performing lawyers” and a good clerical staff.
Those who’ve worked with Harcleroad over the years — including defense attorneys as opposing counsel — say he has been an approachable district attorney whose greatest accomplishments include creation of a Victims Services Office and the Child Advocacy Center for young victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Local police officers say he understood and supported them.
Springfield Police Chief Jerry Smith called Harcleroad “calm and guiding in difficult times.”
“He’s been a remarkably professional, conscientious, hard-working public employee,” Smith said.
Pete Kerns, interim chief of the Eugene Police Department, called Harcleroad “a great advocate for the work of our officers.”
“He’s taken a very judicious approach to his assessment of the serious cases we’re subjected to,” he added.
But critics say he has been too quick to back police officers accused of using excessive force. They also say he has sometimes trampled on civil rights with heavy-handed prosecutions of demonstrators who clashed with police and by sanctioning the secret taping of a murder suspect’s confession to a Catholic priest.
Harcleroad, however, pointed with pride to accomplishments under his leadership. Since he succeeded Pat Horton in January 1985, the district attorney’s office has successfully prosecuted more than 100,000 criminal cases, including more than 200 murder cases.
In a less public arena, he added, it has collected more than $200 million in delinquent child support.
“That means tennis shoes, macaroni and cheese, even an apartment, for kids,” he said.
And he presided over more mundane but important behind-the-scenes changes, such as the office’s evolution from pen-and-paper to electronic record-keeping.
“When I took office, we were still keeping 4,000 to 5,000 cases on 3-by-5 cards,” Harcleroad said.
When county leaders wanted prosecutors to use bulky, balky main-frame computers, Harcleroad persuaded them instead to opt for personal computers and a local area network. Harcleroad credited his former chief deputy, Kent Mortimore, with leading the actual conversion.
Heart for crime victims
Supporters and critics alike say Harcleroad’s most visionary leadership centered on helping victims of crime navigate through the unfamiliar waters of a court case.
“Doug took office in 1985, and within a month, he hired Lori Nelson as the county’s first victims services director,” said Tina Morgan, who worked with Nelson before becoming program services coordinator at Kids First, a spin-off support center for child victims of abuse. “He was a longtime proponent of victims rights and realized the lack of support and services that had existed for them over the years.”
Harcleroad also pushed for a restraining-order clinic for victims of domestic violence and a 24-hour response team that sent trained volunteers to hospital emergency rooms to support victims of violent crimes, she said.
“There were maybe two other counties in Oregon with (such) teams, and they served just rape victims, while Lane County offered support for any felony ‘persons’ crime,” she said.
Other counties followed suit, Morgan added.
“When you look around the state, Doug’s leadership over time was comprehensive and widespread,” she said.
Kids First director Ray Broderick said Harcleroad’s empathy for victims of several horrific Lane County child abuse and domestic violence cases propelled him to go beyond prosecuting their tormentors by launching such services as a child advocacy center in 1995.
Harcleroad said he loves the “kid-friendly” feel of what is now known as Kids First. “When children walk in that door and have to give a report about penises and vaginas, you want them to leave saying, ‘I like that place,’ because chances are, they will have to go back multiple times during a case,” he said.
The county’s victims services volunteers are the ones who deserve credit for the success of such programs, he said. “Thousands and thousands of victims get wonderful help because we use a small core of paid professionals to train a volunteer staff,” he said. “We leverage our limited county resources with those people.”
Gardner said Harcleroad did his own share of behind-the-scenes volunteering.
“He’s been a senior leader in the Oregon District Attorneys Association for a long, long time, and helped shape legislation in that role,” he said. “Doug was president of the Downtown Rotary Club, president of the local chapter of Boy Scouts, instrumental in starting the Boys and Girls Club locally. He’s been incredibly involved in community service. That’s part of his legacy.”
Critics: Too quick to back police
Others criticize Harcleroad for what they call his reflexive support of police officers.
“He has been a zealous advocate for law enforcement,” said David Fidanque, executive director of the Oregon chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. “Usually, he’s willing to listen to other viewpoints, but not always.”
Fidanque said the district attorney seemed to collude with police by never finding that an officer had used excessive force and, most recently, by filing felony riot charges against two protesters who attempted to intervene when a Eugene police officer used a Taser on a fellow demonstrator.
In connection with the May demonstration and Taser use, “the DA’s charging decisions were over-reaching from the beginning, and punitive, and were very chilling on the rights of peaceful protest,” he said. “I have felt very strongly that the involvement of the DA’s office related to that incident was designed to send a message that if you’re going to complain about the conduct of police officers, you are going to have the book thrown at you.” Harcleroad’s office later dropped the felony riot charges against the two protesters when they pleaded guilty in a plea deal to one misdemeanor charge each.
In another high-profile incident, Harcleroad’s office did not prosecute a Springfield man who shot and killed an alleged marijuana dealer in 1995. The dealer had allegedly threatened to kill the Springfield man’s daughter over a drug transaction. So when the daughter went to meet the alleged dealer at a restaurant, the father armed himself, then entered the eatery and shot the dealer dead. The Springfield man was released after a grand jury declined to issue an indictment. The unprosecuted killing unleashed intense public debate over the issue of vigilante justice.
Harcleroad also drew international criticism in 1995 for sanctioning the jailhouse taping of murder suspect Conan Wayne Hale as he participated with the Rev. Timothy Mockaitis in the Catholic rite of confession. The contents of that tape were never used in court, but Hale was convicted and sentenced to death in 1996 for the murders of Springfield teenagers Kristal Bendele, Brandon Williams and Patrick Finley.
Fidanque praised Harcleroad for saying he was wrong to authorize the taping, now the subject of a new book by the still-outraged Mockaitis. “Everybody makes mistakes,” Fidanque said. “How you handle those mistakes is the real measure of leadership.”
Harcleroad said he apologized even though he still believes the taping was legal.
“But it was just wrong,” he said. “We shouldn’t have done it. But I was smart enough and gutsy enough to say ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I was wrong.’ ”
But he denied that he has inappropriately backed police officers or charged protesters.
“The criminal process used in Oregon for over 100 years is, you make presentations to grand juries,” he said. “They listen to evidence and make decisions about who should be charged and what they should be charged with. I know some people think that grand juries just do what prosecutors want them to do, but I think anyone who has sat on a grand jury would tell you differently. They are always free to ask for more evidence and information. It’s a good screening process.”
He added that one of the reasons he enjoyed being an elected district attorney was that “you get to make the right decision — you don’t have to compromise yourself in any way, shape or form.”
Financial challenges take toll
Among the hardest things about the job has been the relentless erosion of money due to Lane County government’s relatively low property tax rate, voter rejection of more than a dozen public safety levies since the early 1990s, and the loss of timber revenue from federal lands.
“The county’s ability to fund public safety is like a five-year chronic disease that will kill you,” he said. “We’re several years into the disease now, and it’s becoming more and more acute.”
The district attorney’s office has 22 criminal prosecutors — 10 fewer than an independent study showed were needed for a jurisdiction the size of Lane County. The Lane County sheriff’s department and jail staff, too, have been scoured by money problems.
“It’s not just prosecutors,” Harcleroad said. “There are only two detectives left in a sheriff’s department serving an area the size of the state of Connecticut.”
Some who enjoyed working with Harcleroad say they have misgivings about his next position as a lobbyist with the Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance. The group is headed by former state legislator Kevin Mannix, the driving force behind measures that made mandatory and increased many sentences for those convicted of felonies in Oregon.
“I’ve enjoyed a good working relationship with Doug,” said Greg Hazarabedian, director of the Lane County public defenders office and president of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. “Personally, I wish him very well, as he goes forward into his future. But it’s hard to wish him success in his work with Kevin Mannix, who has focused on punitive rather than rehabilitative responses to criminal behavior.”
Hazarabedian said he has reason to hope that Gardner will bring more of the latter response. The two have been friends and colleagues since entering the University of Oregon Law School together in 1988. Later, they were friendly adversaries when both practiced law in Douglas County, Gardner as a prosecutor and Hazarabedian as a defense attorney.
Gardner “was a vigorous and worthy opponent when he felt my client was deserving of serious punishment,” Hazarabedian said. “But he also had the capacity to be a supporter of drug treatment and other nonpunitive measures when he felt the person had the capacity to change. I know from personal experience that Alex understands that humans often have the capacity to change and I think that’s a very important quality in a prosecutor.”
Gardner acknowledged that he has what might seem like an unorthodox view for a prosecutor.
“Some people divide the world into good people and bad people,” he said. “But the reality is that most of the people we prosecute are good people who’ve done bad things. A comparatively small minority are scary people who really need to be put away. I don’t put everybody who’s done something bad in the ‘bad person’ box.”
Asked about his goals for his first term, he answered, only half-jokingly: “Survival.”
He expects that financial support for Lane County’s public safety system will continue to decline while demand for services increases.
“My objective is to focus on the most important work we do and do the best possible job we can,” he said. “Many things I’d like to do just aren’t possible with declining resources. For example, domestic violence is a tremendous problem in our community. But addressing it takes extra investigative and victims services staff.”
Why, then, would he seek to lead the office when it’s in such desperate straits?
“The conditions are deplorable, but the work is so important,” he said. “And the people I get to work with are so awesome that I still feel good about going to work.”
Among the few benefits of a constrained budget, he said, is that county employees have been forced to work across department lines.
“It’s normal for the DA and law enforcement agencies to partner effectively, but we also work really well with health and human resources, and treatment programs,” he said. “Our drug court works really well. Our services to children and families director is an ally and I support her. It’s like having a team of first-class professionals who have bonded to get public safety work done regardless of philosophical differences. If it weren’t for all those people it would be miserable.”
Reporter Jack Moran contributed to this report.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
man with the plan
The sun sure did shine.
It was too hot to play.
So we got in the car
On that terrible day.
I sat next to Danny.
He had but one tooth.
I'm here now to tell you
The whole rotten truth.
Too hot to go out
And too late to play ball.
So we got in the car.
We did nothing at all.
So all we could do was to
Sit!
Sit!
Sit!
Sit!
And we did not like it.
Not one little bit.
*BUMP*
And then
Something went bump!
How that bump made us jump!
We looked!
Then we saw him shoot with his left hand!
We looked!
And we saw him!
The shaggy-haired man [Haynes]!
And he said to us,
"You did not see me tonight.”
And we shook with fear
And terror and fright.
But we shut our eyes
And said “Yes, you are right.”
"I know some good games we could play,"
Said the man [Hugi].
"I know some new tricks,"
Said the man with the plan.
"A lot of good tricks.
I will show them to you.
Your mother
Will not mind at all if I do."
Then Danny and I
Did not know what to say.
Our mother had not come
To visit for days.
But our sis’ said, "No! No!
Make that man go away!
Tell that man with the plan
You do NOT want to play.
He should not be here.
He should not be about.
He should not be here
When our mother is out!"
"Now! Now! Have no fear.
Have no fear!" said the man.
"My tricks are not bad,"
Said the man with the plan.
"Why, we can have
Lots of good fun, can’t you see,
With a game that I call
Fantasy memory!"
It was too hot to play.
So we got in the car
On that terrible day.
I sat next to Danny.
He had but one tooth.
I'm here now to tell you
The whole rotten truth.
Too hot to go out
And too late to play ball.
So we got in the car.
We did nothing at all.
So all we could do was to
Sit!
Sit!
Sit!
Sit!
And we did not like it.
Not one little bit.
*BUMP*
And then
Something went bump!
How that bump made us jump!
We looked!
Then we saw him shoot with his left hand!
We looked!
And we saw him!
The shaggy-haired man [Haynes]!
And he said to us,
"You did not see me tonight.”
And we shook with fear
And terror and fright.
But we shut our eyes
And said “Yes, you are right.”
"I know some good games we could play,"
Said the man [Hugi].
"I know some new tricks,"
Said the man with the plan.
"A lot of good tricks.
I will show them to you.
Your mother
Will not mind at all if I do."
Then Danny and I
Did not know what to say.
Our mother had not come
To visit for days.
But our sis’ said, "No! No!
Make that man go away!
Tell that man with the plan
You do NOT want to play.
He should not be here.
He should not be about.
He should not be here
When our mother is out!"
"Now! Now! Have no fear.
Have no fear!" said the man.
"My tricks are not bad,"
Said the man with the plan.
"Why, we can have
Lots of good fun, can’t you see,
With a game that I call
Fantasy memory!"
Friday, December 26, 2008
judge juvie
To: Greg Foote, Playwright, Eugene, OR
Dear Greg,
I love your website. You say you will send an email copy of a play to anyone who shoots you an email.
I'd love to read Road's End.
It sounds sort of like a prequel to The Big Chill and since I love The Big Chill, I hypothesize that I will love Road's End which is why I'm shooting you this email. Bang. Bang.
Thanks,
Deb
P.S. I reckon christmas truce and a young, old heart are also going to come in handy.
horton fears a coup
Horton fears a coup
On the fifteenth of May, in the jungle of Nool,
In the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool,
He was splashing…enjoying the jungle’s great joys…
When Horton the elephant heard a small noise.
On the nineteenth of May, in one nine eighty-three,
In the heat of the night, there was great tragedy.
She was driving…enjoying Lane County’s great joy…
When Horton’s left-hand man shot girls and a boy.
So Horton stopped splashing. He looked towards the sound.
“That’s funny,” thought Horton. “There’s no one around.”
Then he heard it again! Just a very faint yelp
As if some tiny person were calling for help.
“I’ll help you,” said Horton. “But who are you? Where?”
He looked and he looked. He could see nothing there
But a small speck of dust blowing past though the air.
Pat Horton was worried – the truth could be found.
“That’s scary,” thought Horton. The coke (meth?) addict frowned.
Then he had an idea in his brain made of kelp
Fred Hugi and Greg Foote could be a big help!
“I’ll help you,” said Hugi. “But what should I do?
He thought and he thought and became rather blue.
“Eureka! I’ve got it – I’ll kidnap the two!”
“I say!” murmured Horton. “I’ve never heard tell
Of a small speck of dust that is able to yell.
So you know what I think?…Why, I think that there must
Be someone on top of that small speck of dust!
Some sort of a creature of very small size,
too small to be seen by an elephant’s eyes…
“I say!” murmured Hugi. “They never must tell
Or you’ll go to prison and that would be hell.
So you know what I think?…Why, I think that we must
Brainwash the children, those small specks of dust.
We’ll start right away and we’ll fill them with lies
They’ll say that she shot them and she’ll be despised!”
“…some poor little person who’s shaking with fear
That he’ll blow in the pool! He has no way to steer!
I’ll just have to save him. Because, after all,
A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
“They’re just little children, still shaking with fear
They just lost their sister and want their mom near.
I’ll just have to steal them. Because, after all,
A witness is risky, no matter how small.”
So, gently, and using the greatest of care,
The elephant stretched his great trunk through the air,
And he lifted the dust speck and carried it over
And placed it down, safe, on a very soft clover.
So slyly, and feigning to love and to care,
Fred “taught” them the “truth” that he made from thin air.
And he kidnapped the children and took them both home
And maybe he read them a Dr. Seuss poem.
“Humpf!” humpfed a voice. Twas a sour Kangaroo.
And the young kangaroo in he pouch said “Humpf!” too
“Why, that speck is as small as the head of a pin.
A person on that?…why, there never has been!”
“Humpf!” humpfed a voice. “Is this Susan Staffel?
My name is Pat Horton. I hope you are well.
I need you to help me, it’s really quite grave
A traumatized girl (and me!) you must save.”
“Believe me,” said Horton. “I tell you sincerely,
My ears are quite keen and I heard him quite clearly.
I know there’s a person down there. And, what’s more,
Quite likely there’s two. Even three. Even four.
Quite likely…
“Believe me,” said Horton. “I tell you sincerely,
My ears are quite keen and I heard her quite clearly.
I know there’s a memory down there. And, what’s more,
Quite likely there’s two. Even three. Even four.
Quite likely…
“…a family, for all that we know!
A family with children just starting to grow.
So, please,” Horton said, “as a favour to me,
Try not to disturb them. Just let them be.”
“This family is risky, just think what they know!
A family with children just starting to grow.
So, please,” Horton said, “as a favour to me,
Try to confuse them. DO NOT let them be.”
“I think you’re a fool!” laughed the sour kangaroo
And the young kangaroo in her pouch said, “Me, too!
You’re the biggest blame fool in the jungle of Nool!”
And the kangaroos plunged in the cool of the pool.
“I think you’re a fool!” laughed the caseworker Sue.
”But that’s not a problem, cause I am one too!
You’re the biggest blame fool in the county of Lane!
What you ask me to do is quite inhumane!”
“What terrible splashing!” the elephant frowned.
“I can’t let my very small persons get drowned!
I’ve got to protect them. I’m bigger than they.”
So he plucked up the clover and hustled away.
“You’re a tough cookie!” D.A. Drug Addict frowned.
“Why couldn’t these very small persons have drowned!
You’ve got to deceive them. It’s better that way.”
I’m warning you, Susie, just DO AS I SAY!”
Through the high jungle tree tops, the news quickly spread:
“He talks to a dust speck! He’s out of his head!
Just look at him walk with that speck on the flower!”
And Horton walked, worrying, almost an hour.
“Should I put this speck down?…” Horton though with alarm.
“If I do, these small persons may come to great harm.
I can’t put it down. And I won’t! After all
A person’s a person. No matter how small.”
Through McKenzie-Willamette, the news quickly spread:
The mother’s the one who shot one child dead!
She talked about makeup! She didn’t seem dour!
And Horton stopped worrying, full of his power.
“Should we let our guard down?…” Hugi thought with alarm.
“If we do, these small persons may cause us great harm.
I can’t let it down. And I won’t! After all
A witness is risky. No matter how small.”
Then Horton stopped walking.
The speck-voice was talking!
The voice was so faint he could just barely hear it.
“Speak up, please,” Said Horton. He put his ear near it.
“My friend,” came the voice, “you’re a very fine friend.
You’ve helped all us folks on this dust speck no end.
You’ve saved all our houses, our ceilings and floors.
You’ve saved all our churches and grocery stores.”
Then Judge Juvie said “Don’t you dare think of balking
I am a playwright and I’ll do the talking!”
Greg’s voice was so loud Pat and Fred couldn’t stand it
As Judge Juvie told them about how he had planned it.
“My friend,” said Judge Foote, “you’re a very fine friend.
You sell meth to tweakers and that cannot end.
You’ve paid for our houses, our ceilings and floors.
You’ve tarnished our churches and made us all whores.”
“You mean…” Horton gasped, “you have buildings there, too?”
“Oh, yes,” piped the voice. “We most certainly do…
“I know,” called the voice, “I’m too small to be seen
But I’m Mayor of a town that is friendly and clean.
Our buildings, to you, would seem terribly small
But to us, who aren’t big, they are wonderfully tall.
My town is called Who-ville, for I am a Who
And we Whos are all thankful and greatful to you”
“You mean…” Horton gasped, “you like to snort, too?”
Greg lit up a pipe and said “Oh yes I do.”
“Although,” said the judge, “I’m afraid to be seen
Because of my day job, I’ve got to seem clean.
My habit, to you, would seem terribly small
Just give me a dime bag and I’ll have a ball.
My plan is quite simple, yes even for you
As soon as I get high, I’ll tell it to you!
And Horton called back to the Mayor of the town,
“You’re safe now. Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.”
But, Just as he spoke to the Mayor of the speck,
Three big jungle monkeys climbed up Horton’s neck!
The Wickersham Brothers came shouting, “What rot!
This elephants talking to Whos who are not!
There aren’t any Whos! And they don’t have a Mayor!
And we’re going to stop all this nonsense! So there!”
Then Judge Juvie said “I won’t let you down.
I’ve got a lot of strong friends in this town.
I’ll transfer to grownup court before the trial.
With my help Fred Hugi will win by a mile.”
Then Joanne’s fine husband chimed in “What rot!
I don’t need your help. I do not. I do not!
I want to win this battle real fair and real square
And you’re going to stop all this nonsense! So there!”
On the fifteenth of May, in the jungle of Nool,
In the heat of the day, in the cool of the pool,
He was splashing…enjoying the jungle’s great joys…
When Horton the elephant heard a small noise.
On the nineteenth of May, in one nine eighty-three,
In the heat of the night, there was great tragedy.
She was driving…enjoying Lane County’s great joy…
When Horton’s left-hand man shot girls and a boy.
So Horton stopped splashing. He looked towards the sound.
“That’s funny,” thought Horton. “There’s no one around.”
Then he heard it again! Just a very faint yelp
As if some tiny person were calling for help.
“I’ll help you,” said Horton. “But who are you? Where?”
He looked and he looked. He could see nothing there
But a small speck of dust blowing past though the air.
Pat Horton was worried – the truth could be found.
“That’s scary,” thought Horton. The coke (meth?) addict frowned.
Then he had an idea in his brain made of kelp
Fred Hugi and Greg Foote could be a big help!
“I’ll help you,” said Hugi. “But what should I do?
He thought and he thought and became rather blue.
“Eureka! I’ve got it – I’ll kidnap the two!”
“I say!” murmured Horton. “I’ve never heard tell
Of a small speck of dust that is able to yell.
So you know what I think?…Why, I think that there must
Be someone on top of that small speck of dust!
Some sort of a creature of very small size,
too small to be seen by an elephant’s eyes…
“I say!” murmured Hugi. “They never must tell
Or you’ll go to prison and that would be hell.
So you know what I think?…Why, I think that we must
Brainwash the children, those small specks of dust.
We’ll start right away and we’ll fill them with lies
They’ll say that she shot them and she’ll be despised!”
“…some poor little person who’s shaking with fear
That he’ll blow in the pool! He has no way to steer!
I’ll just have to save him. Because, after all,
A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
“They’re just little children, still shaking with fear
They just lost their sister and want their mom near.
I’ll just have to steal them. Because, after all,
A witness is risky, no matter how small.”
So, gently, and using the greatest of care,
The elephant stretched his great trunk through the air,
And he lifted the dust speck and carried it over
And placed it down, safe, on a very soft clover.
So slyly, and feigning to love and to care,
Fred “taught” them the “truth” that he made from thin air.
And he kidnapped the children and took them both home
And maybe he read them a Dr. Seuss poem.
“Humpf!” humpfed a voice. Twas a sour Kangaroo.
And the young kangaroo in he pouch said “Humpf!” too
“Why, that speck is as small as the head of a pin.
A person on that?…why, there never has been!”
“Humpf!” humpfed a voice. “Is this Susan Staffel?
My name is Pat Horton. I hope you are well.
I need you to help me, it’s really quite grave
A traumatized girl (and me!) you must save.”
“Believe me,” said Horton. “I tell you sincerely,
My ears are quite keen and I heard him quite clearly.
I know there’s a person down there. And, what’s more,
Quite likely there’s two. Even three. Even four.
Quite likely…
“Believe me,” said Horton. “I tell you sincerely,
My ears are quite keen and I heard her quite clearly.
I know there’s a memory down there. And, what’s more,
Quite likely there’s two. Even three. Even four.
Quite likely…
“…a family, for all that we know!
A family with children just starting to grow.
So, please,” Horton said, “as a favour to me,
Try not to disturb them. Just let them be.”
“This family is risky, just think what they know!
A family with children just starting to grow.
So, please,” Horton said, “as a favour to me,
Try to confuse them. DO NOT let them be.”
“I think you’re a fool!” laughed the sour kangaroo
And the young kangaroo in her pouch said, “Me, too!
You’re the biggest blame fool in the jungle of Nool!”
And the kangaroos plunged in the cool of the pool.
“I think you’re a fool!” laughed the caseworker Sue.
”But that’s not a problem, cause I am one too!
You’re the biggest blame fool in the county of Lane!
What you ask me to do is quite inhumane!”
“What terrible splashing!” the elephant frowned.
“I can’t let my very small persons get drowned!
I’ve got to protect them. I’m bigger than they.”
So he plucked up the clover and hustled away.
“You’re a tough cookie!” D.A. Drug Addict frowned.
“Why couldn’t these very small persons have drowned!
You’ve got to deceive them. It’s better that way.”
I’m warning you, Susie, just DO AS I SAY!”
Through the high jungle tree tops, the news quickly spread:
“He talks to a dust speck! He’s out of his head!
Just look at him walk with that speck on the flower!”
And Horton walked, worrying, almost an hour.
“Should I put this speck down?…” Horton though with alarm.
“If I do, these small persons may come to great harm.
I can’t put it down. And I won’t! After all
A person’s a person. No matter how small.”
Through McKenzie-Willamette, the news quickly spread:
The mother’s the one who shot one child dead!
She talked about makeup! She didn’t seem dour!
And Horton stopped worrying, full of his power.
“Should we let our guard down?…” Hugi thought with alarm.
“If we do, these small persons may cause us great harm.
I can’t let it down. And I won’t! After all
A witness is risky. No matter how small.”
Then Horton stopped walking.
The speck-voice was talking!
The voice was so faint he could just barely hear it.
“Speak up, please,” Said Horton. He put his ear near it.
“My friend,” came the voice, “you’re a very fine friend.
You’ve helped all us folks on this dust speck no end.
You’ve saved all our houses, our ceilings and floors.
You’ve saved all our churches and grocery stores.”
Then Judge Juvie said “Don’t you dare think of balking
I am a playwright and I’ll do the talking!”
Greg’s voice was so loud Pat and Fred couldn’t stand it
As Judge Juvie told them about how he had planned it.
“My friend,” said Judge Foote, “you’re a very fine friend.
You sell meth to tweakers and that cannot end.
You’ve paid for our houses, our ceilings and floors.
You’ve tarnished our churches and made us all whores.”
“You mean…” Horton gasped, “you have buildings there, too?”
“Oh, yes,” piped the voice. “We most certainly do…
“I know,” called the voice, “I’m too small to be seen
But I’m Mayor of a town that is friendly and clean.
Our buildings, to you, would seem terribly small
But to us, who aren’t big, they are wonderfully tall.
My town is called Who-ville, for I am a Who
And we Whos are all thankful and greatful to you”
“You mean…” Horton gasped, “you like to snort, too?”
Greg lit up a pipe and said “Oh yes I do.”
“Although,” said the judge, “I’m afraid to be seen
Because of my day job, I’ve got to seem clean.
My habit, to you, would seem terribly small
Just give me a dime bag and I’ll have a ball.
My plan is quite simple, yes even for you
As soon as I get high, I’ll tell it to you!
And Horton called back to the Mayor of the town,
“You’re safe now. Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.”
But, Just as he spoke to the Mayor of the speck,
Three big jungle monkeys climbed up Horton’s neck!
The Wickersham Brothers came shouting, “What rot!
This elephants talking to Whos who are not!
There aren’t any Whos! And they don’t have a Mayor!
And we’re going to stop all this nonsense! So there!”
Then Judge Juvie said “I won’t let you down.
I’ve got a lot of strong friends in this town.
I’ll transfer to grownup court before the trial.
With my help Fred Hugi will win by a mile.”
Then Joanne’s fine husband chimed in “What rot!
I don’t need your help. I do not. I do not!
I want to win this battle real fair and real square
And you’re going to stop all this nonsense! So there!”
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
nurse wretched
[note: comments are especially welcome from Eugene City Councilor George Poling who, I learned today, was one of the first responders to the scene on May 19, 1983 when he was a Lane County Sheriff's Deputy.]
Dear Ms. Staffel:
I am a writer in Eugene who specializes in malfeasance by the Lane County District Attorney's office. I am writing a sequel to Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule called Grand Theft Offspring. As part of the research for my book, I went to the Wayne Lyman Morse Federal Courthouse today to look through the four boxes of files related to cv-96-900 HA, an appeal by Diane Downs of her conviction in Lane County Circuit Court for the murder of Cheryl and assault on Christie and Danny.
I read your very sketchy but extremely informative typed notes about your sessions with Christie in which you gradually coaxed/coached her to identify Diane as the shooter. Now granted, your coaching job was made much easier by the "temporary commitment" by Judge Foote in which he removed Christie and Danny from Diane's custody and gave custody to Dr. David Miller and Steven Wilhite and McKenzie-Willamette Hospital. The justification given was "Christie Ann Downs is currently hospitalized at McKenzie Willamette hospital and is in need of further medical treatment. Her parent, Elizabeth Diane Downs is stating she wants to remove said child from the hospital. Said child was injured on or about May 19, 1983 by unknown person or persons."
I trust that in hindsight, you see how grotesque it was for Judge Foote to take charge of custody of Christie and Danny TWO WEEKS after the shooting and EIGHT MONTHS before Diane was arrested. I trust that you see that the fact that Diane preferred for Christie to recover from her injuries at home, instead of in the hospital was not grounds for transferring custody to Dave and Steve and McKenzie-Willamette Hospital.
While Judge Foote is clearly the person most responsible for "grand theft offspring" you are clearly an accessory, perhaps even more important than Carl Peterson. [Well, maybe not more important than Carl Peterson (see, e.g., his 10.4.83 letter to you).]
The reason I'm writing is to see if you have any preference about who plays you in the movie version of Grand Theft Offspring. I'm thinking Cloris Leachman (think Nurse Ratched in one flew over the cuckoo's nest) but I wanted to give you a chance to express your opinion on this matter, should you have one.
Sincerely,
Deborah Frisch, Ph.D.
Dear Ms. Staffel:
I am a writer in Eugene who specializes in malfeasance by the Lane County District Attorney's office. I am writing a sequel to Small Sacrifices by Ann Rule called Grand Theft Offspring. As part of the research for my book, I went to the Wayne Lyman Morse Federal Courthouse today to look through the four boxes of files related to cv-96-900 HA, an appeal by Diane Downs of her conviction in Lane County Circuit Court for the murder of Cheryl and assault on Christie and Danny.
I read your very sketchy but extremely informative typed notes about your sessions with Christie in which you gradually coaxed/coached her to identify Diane as the shooter. Now granted, your coaching job was made much easier by the "temporary commitment" by Judge Foote in which he removed Christie and Danny from Diane's custody and gave custody to Dr. David Miller and Steven Wilhite and McKenzie-Willamette Hospital. The justification given was "Christie Ann Downs is currently hospitalized at McKenzie Willamette hospital and is in need of further medical treatment. Her parent, Elizabeth Diane Downs is stating she wants to remove said child from the hospital. Said child was injured on or about May 19, 1983 by unknown person or persons."
I trust that in hindsight, you see how grotesque it was for Judge Foote to take charge of custody of Christie and Danny TWO WEEKS after the shooting and EIGHT MONTHS before Diane was arrested. I trust that you see that the fact that Diane preferred for Christie to recover from her injuries at home, instead of in the hospital was not grounds for transferring custody to Dave and Steve and McKenzie-Willamette Hospital.
While Judge Foote is clearly the person most responsible for "grand theft offspring" you are clearly an accessory, perhaps even more important than Carl Peterson. [Well, maybe not more important than Carl Peterson (see, e.g., his 10.4.83 letter to you).]
The reason I'm writing is to see if you have any preference about who plays you in the movie version of Grand Theft Offspring. I'm thinking Cloris Leachman (think Nurse Ratched in one flew over the cuckoo's nest) but I wanted to give you a chance to express your opinion on this matter, should you have one.
Sincerely,
Deborah Frisch, Ph.D.
overjoyed salisburies
“Two years ago, a Eugene police officer shot and killed…Ryan…during a psychotic episode.”
According to a deposition given by Denise Salisbury to EPD shortly after Ryan was murdered by Eugene Police Officers Trotter, Lowe and Sharlow, two weeks before his death, Ryan had switched from a child psychiatrist in Eugene, Randy Frank, to an adult psychiatrist in Springfield, Franc Strgar.
According to Mrs. Salisbury, Dr. Strgar had recently doubled Ryan’s dosage of Wellbutrin, a drug marketed as an anti-depressant, whose side effects include increased risk of suicide.
“ In some children, teens, and young adults, antidepressants increase suicidal thoughts or actions.”
In addition to the highly potent, highly unpredictable Wellbutrin, Ryan’s brain chemistry was also being altered by a half-dozen other psychoactive pharmaceuticals prescribed by Dr. Strgar.
The reason Jeffrey and Denise Salisbury hired Dr. Franc Strgar to “treat” Ryan, is that Ryan had chosen to reject the paranoid schizophrenic, sexist, anti-scientific, homophobic cult in which he was raised. Again, based on a deposition provided to EPD after Ryan was murdered, one of the Salisburies (I can’t remember which one) said that in 2005, Ryan had rejected the teachings of the Mormon Church.
At first, Jeffrey and Denise tried social tactics to try to prevent Ryan from leaving the cult. Ryan was sent to a Mormon “college” (HAHAHA!!!) in EWE-tah, which only made his mental distress worse. In 2006, Jeffrey and Denise resorted to chemical poisoning to try to bully Ryan out of his rejection of the kooky kristian kult.
The point is, it is very misleading to use the word “psychotic episode” to describe Ryan’s behavior. Ryan was the victim of chemical poisoning, authorized by Jeffrey and Denise Salisbury and administered by “Doctor” Franc Strgar.
Ryan’s rejection of the paranoid schizophrenic cult (believing there’s a guy named god who lives in the sky who had sex with a virgin and sired a son who died for your sins but is risen is a VISUAL HALLUCINATION and a DELUSION and a SYMPTOM of PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA, a.k.a. PSYCHOSIS.
Ryan’s rejection of the teachings of the Mormon Church was a sign of mental health. How about his increasing animosity toward his father? Was that a sign of mental illness or mental health?
In today’s R-G, Jeffrey Salisbury is quoted as saying “My wife and I are overjoyed about the progress the city has made in the last two years.”
I leave it to the reader to determine whether Ryan was mentally healthy or mentally ill for feeling animosity to the man who uses the word “overjoyed” to refer to the impotent, pitiful, counterproductive, scientifically illiterate (thanks to the influence of Sue Archibald and David Oaks) aftermath of the murder of his son.
According to a deposition given by Denise Salisbury to EPD shortly after Ryan was murdered by Eugene Police Officers Trotter, Lowe and Sharlow, two weeks before his death, Ryan had switched from a child psychiatrist in Eugene, Randy Frank, to an adult psychiatrist in Springfield, Franc Strgar.
According to Mrs. Salisbury, Dr. Strgar had recently doubled Ryan’s dosage of Wellbutrin, a drug marketed as an anti-depressant, whose side effects include increased risk of suicide.
“ In some children, teens, and young adults, antidepressants increase suicidal thoughts or actions.”
In addition to the highly potent, highly unpredictable Wellbutrin, Ryan’s brain chemistry was also being altered by a half-dozen other psychoactive pharmaceuticals prescribed by Dr. Strgar.
The reason Jeffrey and Denise Salisbury hired Dr. Franc Strgar to “treat” Ryan, is that Ryan had chosen to reject the paranoid schizophrenic, sexist, anti-scientific, homophobic cult in which he was raised. Again, based on a deposition provided to EPD after Ryan was murdered, one of the Salisburies (I can’t remember which one) said that in 2005, Ryan had rejected the teachings of the Mormon Church.
At first, Jeffrey and Denise tried social tactics to try to prevent Ryan from leaving the cult. Ryan was sent to a Mormon “college” (HAHAHA!!!) in EWE-tah, which only made his mental distress worse. In 2006, Jeffrey and Denise resorted to chemical poisoning to try to bully Ryan out of his rejection of the kooky kristian kult.
The point is, it is very misleading to use the word “psychotic episode” to describe Ryan’s behavior. Ryan was the victim of chemical poisoning, authorized by Jeffrey and Denise Salisbury and administered by “Doctor” Franc Strgar.
Ryan’s rejection of the paranoid schizophrenic cult (believing there’s a guy named god who lives in the sky who had sex with a virgin and sired a son who died for your sins but is risen is a VISUAL HALLUCINATION and a DELUSION and a SYMPTOM of PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA, a.k.a. PSYCHOSIS.
Ryan’s rejection of the teachings of the Mormon Church was a sign of mental health. How about his increasing animosity toward his father? Was that a sign of mental illness or mental health?
In today’s R-G, Jeffrey Salisbury is quoted as saying “My wife and I are overjoyed about the progress the city has made in the last two years.”
I leave it to the reader to determine whether Ryan was mentally healthy or mentally ill for feeling animosity to the man who uses the word “overjoyed” to refer to the impotent, pitiful, counterproductive, scientifically illiterate (thanks to the influence of Sue Archibald and David Oaks) aftermath of the murder of his son.
Monday, December 22, 2008
genuine american hero
He didn't pour sugar into a bulldozer's gas tank. He didn't spike a tree or set a billboard on fire. But wielding only a bidder's paddle, a University of Utah student just as surely monkey-wrenched a federal oil- and gas-lease sale Friday, ensuring that thousands of acres near two southern Utah national parks won't be opened to drilling anytime soon.
Tim DeChristopher, 27, faces possible federal charges after winning bids totaling about $1.8 million on more than 10 lease parcels that he admits he has neither the intention nor the money to buy -- and he's not sorry.
reply to rivercity copwatch
The CPRC was called the "snivilian review board" by a blogger in response to the antics and intrigue surrounding the beleaguered commission brought to the city residents' by City Hall in Riverside in a somewhat belated response to the voters decision to go to the polls in 2004 and place the commission into the charter and hopefully off of the political football field.
the term snivilian review board applies to the newly formed CRB in Eugene, Oregon. The crazily cost-ineffective CRB has escalated the tension between the Eugene Police Department, especially the neuronally impaired Union President Silly Willy Edewaard and the progressive community. The first Police Auditor/facilitator of CRB Cris Beamud was run out of town as was Chief Lehner. The new Auditor, Dawn Reynolds is even more clueless than Cris. I will spare you my thoughts of how much of a step down acting in capacity Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns is from former Chief Lehner.
the term snivilian review board applies to the newly formed CRB in Eugene, Oregon. The crazily cost-ineffective CRB has escalated the tension between the Eugene Police Department, especially the neuronally impaired Union President Silly Willy Edewaard and the progressive community. The first Police Auditor/facilitator of CRB Cris Beamud was run out of town as was Chief Lehner. The new Auditor, Dawn Reynolds is even more clueless than Cris. I will spare you my thoughts of how much of a step down acting in capacity Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns is from former Chief Lehner.
harvard googles fred hugi
just now, someone at harvard.edu googled fred hugi and wound up at my grand theft offspring post.
it's gotta be a good thing if someone at harvard's googling fred hugi, right?!?!
it's gotta be a good thing if someone at harvard's googling fred hugi, right?!?!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
'twas the week
'Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the town
Not a shopper was snarling, no one was afrown.
The snowflakes fell down almost lighter than air
Credit cards, mortgages – what do I care!
The children were happy – three snow days this week!
If that doesn’t thrill you, then you’re way too bleak!
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Got under the covers, alleging a nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew with bare a**
And opened the window of double-paned glass.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
Beneath the old oak – eight happy rain deer.
They waltzed down my driveway, so lovely and quick,
It got me to thinking about old Saint Nick.
And then the sweet snowfall turned into soft rain
And I whistled and shouted the age-old refrain.
“Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the edge of the porch! Please come close, one and all!
Come right away! Right away! Right away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
Right up to my nose-tip the eight rain deer pranced
Blitzen and Donner and Cupid all danced.
And then in a twinkling, I heard a loud woof
That prompted the sound of sixteen running hoofs.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around
‘Cross the meadow St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his paw
From his snout to his tail, from his ears to his jaw. A billion white snowflakes still clung to his back
He looked like a sled-dog, albeit sans pack.
His eyes- how they twinkled! His whiskers how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His fine furry body seemed almost to glow
And the fur on his chest was as white as the snow.
A stump or a bone he held tight in his teeth
Around his neck ferns that looked just like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a very long tail
That shook when he ran over hill and dale.
I am chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
I laughed when I saw him and laughed at myself.
St. Bernard? Husky? Most surely a blend
A mammal called canine, a very fine friend.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And pranced with the rain deer, and wasn’t a jerk.
And rubbing his front paw aside of his nose
And giving a nod, in the air they all rose!
St. Nick headed north, to his herd gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
And I heard them exclaim, ‘ere they flew out of sight,
“Good tidings to all, and to all a good-night.”
Not a shopper was snarling, no one was afrown.
The snowflakes fell down almost lighter than air
Credit cards, mortgages – what do I care!
The children were happy – three snow days this week!
If that doesn’t thrill you, then you’re way too bleak!
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Got under the covers, alleging a nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew with bare a**
And opened the window of double-paned glass.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
Beneath the old oak – eight happy rain deer.
They waltzed down my driveway, so lovely and quick,
It got me to thinking about old Saint Nick.
And then the sweet snowfall turned into soft rain
And I whistled and shouted the age-old refrain.
“Now Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the edge of the porch! Please come close, one and all!
Come right away! Right away! Right away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
Right up to my nose-tip the eight rain deer pranced
Blitzen and Donner and Cupid all danced.
And then in a twinkling, I heard a loud woof
That prompted the sound of sixteen running hoofs.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around
‘Cross the meadow St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his paw
From his snout to his tail, from his ears to his jaw. A billion white snowflakes still clung to his back
He looked like a sled-dog, albeit sans pack.
His eyes- how they twinkled! His whiskers how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His fine furry body seemed almost to glow
And the fur on his chest was as white as the snow.
A stump or a bone he held tight in his teeth
Around his neck ferns that looked just like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a very long tail
That shook when he ran over hill and dale.
I am chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
I laughed when I saw him and laughed at myself.
St. Bernard? Husky? Most surely a blend
A mammal called canine, a very fine friend.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And pranced with the rain deer, and wasn’t a jerk.
And rubbing his front paw aside of his nose
And giving a nod, in the air they all rose!
St. Nick headed north, to his herd gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
And I heard them exclaim, ‘ere they flew out of sight,
“Good tidings to all, and to all a good-night.”
laMe county jail
it's only been a couple of months but it feels like a light-year ago that i went to the lane county jail to try to get information about a person of interest in the death of tomme lee allen.
Friday, December 19, 2008
barofsky's roast duck special
The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals on Friday affirmed the Eugene City Council's decision to vacate and sell two street parcels to the University of Oregon in an area slated for the UO's $250 million basketball arena project. LUBA's ruling denied appeals filed by UO student Jonathan Bowers and local activist Deborah Frisch.
To celebrate the victory, John Barofsky, co-owner of Beppe and Gianni's, a restaurant that will make a handsome profit when the Matthew "Oregon Cheerleader" Knight Court (a.k.a. MOCK II COURT) opens in 2011. In honor of today's victory, Mr. Barofsky announces that Beppe and Gianni will have four specials throughout the rest of the year, in honor of Phil's spawn, who was thirty-FOUR when he was eliminated from the gene pool.
The first special is roast decapitated duck, served in a plum sauce. The second special is decapitated AND dismembered duck, served with a spicy chipotle glaze. the third special is dismembered but not decapitated duck, served with an air sickness bag.
Finally, there's the "go, pre" special. Mr. Barofsky drives up hendrick's hill to the place where steve prefontaine croaked, a few years after he choked in munich. He finds some nice fresh road-kill - deer, squirrel, raccoon, cyclist that the chef at Beppe and Gianni's sautes in white wine, butter and organic shallots. It's then topped with a puree of local greens (typically poison oak, ferns and blackberry stems)collected as close to the site of the road-kill as possible.
bon appetit!
To celebrate the victory, John Barofsky, co-owner of Beppe and Gianni's, a restaurant that will make a handsome profit when the Matthew "Oregon Cheerleader" Knight Court (a.k.a. MOCK II COURT) opens in 2011. In honor of today's victory, Mr. Barofsky announces that Beppe and Gianni will have four specials throughout the rest of the year, in honor of Phil's spawn, who was thirty-FOUR when he was eliminated from the gene pool.
The first special is roast decapitated duck, served in a plum sauce. The second special is decapitated AND dismembered duck, served with a spicy chipotle glaze. the third special is dismembered but not decapitated duck, served with an air sickness bag.
Finally, there's the "go, pre" special. Mr. Barofsky drives up hendrick's hill to the place where steve prefontaine croaked, a few years after he choked in munich. He finds some nice fresh road-kill - deer, squirrel, raccoon, cyclist that the chef at Beppe and Gianni's sautes in white wine, butter and organic shallots. It's then topped with a puree of local greens (typically poison oak, ferns and blackberry stems)collected as close to the site of the road-kill as possible.
bon appetit!
get your monk on!
Sometime after 10:19 a.m. on December 12, 2008 Karen Valadez, an employee at Wells Fargo Bank (2600 Newberg Hwy, Woodburn, Marion County, OR) called 911. Ms. Valadez told the 911 dispatcher that she’d received a threatening phone call from a man at 10:19 a.m. The man said that a cell phone would be found next to the garbage can and that it would be used to communicate further instructions. In a later interview, Ms. Valadez alleged that the man also stated that he planned to call the West Coast Bank.
Woodburn Police Officer John Mikkola and Sergeant Jason Alexander responded. Officer Mikkola looked inside a dumpster and found a cell phone on top of what appeared to be a package. Sergeant Alexander and Officer Mikkola requested that bomb technicians assist with the package. Oregon State Police Trooper Bill Hakim and FBI Agent John Hallock (both bomb experts) responded to the scene and determined the suspicious package next to the cell phone consisted of “several black bags” and was harmless.
Subsequent research by Special Agent Holeman revealed that the cell phone found by Officer Mikkola in the dumpster outside the Wells Fargo Bank was a Tracfone with pre-paid cellular service provided by T-Mobile. It was purchased (along with a second cell phone and a can of green spray paint) at the Wal-Mart at 20120 Pinebrook Blvd in Bend on November 26, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. on register 13. The cell phone found in the dumpster had the number (503) 383-2352 and the other phone purchased at the Bend Wal-Mart on November 26 had the number (503) 383-4717. [I’ll refer to the 2352 phone as the DUMPSTER and the 4717 phone as OTHER.]
The phones had been charged with Tracfone airtime cards that were purchased at the Wal-Mart at 3025 Lancaster Dr. NE in Salem on December 11, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. on register 53. The two phones were activated via the internet on December 12, 2008 at 4:22 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. The internet activation was initiated from IP 71.59.129.128.
SA Holeman obtained from T-Mobile the records of calls to and from the two phones. There is a 15 second call from the OTHER phone to the West Coast Bank at 10:08 a.m. on December 12 and a 69 second call from the OTHER phone to the Wells Fargo Bank at 10:19. There is a 37 second call from OTHER to DUMPSTER at 10:24:33 and a 34 second call from OTHER to DUMPSTER at 10:26:27.
[NOTE: Although Sergeant Troncoso writes “SA Holman identified one incoming call to the Tracfone [found in the dumpster] from phone number (503) 383-4717 on December 12, 2008, at 10:24 a.m.”, there were actually two phone calls from OTHER to DUMPSTER, one at 10:24:33 and one at 10:26:27.]
There are two outgoing phone calls from the 2352 phone found in the dumpster - a 10 second call to “T-Mobile Voicemail” at 10:24:33 a.m. and another 7 second call to voicemail at 10:26:27. At first glance, this makes it look like one of the perps was physically present at the dumpster at around 10:25 a.m. However, on closer inspection the two calls listed as outgoing to voicemail from the phone in the dumpster occurred at the exact same times (to the second) as the incoming calls to DUMPSTER from the OTHER phone. So I assume that the two alleged outgoing calls from the dumpster (2352) phone to voicemail weren’t really outgoing calls. Rather, when the perp holding the 4717 phone called the 2352 phone in the dumpster at 10:24 and then again at 10:26, it went automatically to voicemail and for some reason, that shows up as an outgoing call on the T-Mobile printout. [If this is not true, then one of the perps was in possession of the phone at 10:30. Since the phone was found shortly after that by Officer Mikkola, that would mean the perp was near the dumpster at 10:30.]
There are conflicting reports about what happened next. According to the probable cause statement by Keizer PD Sergeant Troncoso, after Officer Mikkola found the cell phone in the dumpster outside of the Wells Fargo Bank, “The areas around Wells Fargo Bank and West Coast Bank (2540 Newberg Hwy, Woodburn, Marion County, OR) were searched by Woodburn Police for other devices, and a green metal box was located by Officer Rick Puente next to the West Coast Bank building."
According to Aimee Green in the December 13, 2008 Portland Oregonian “West Coast asked police to check its bank, but police found nothing. Then later that afternoon, a bank employee found a mysterious item under a bush and called police again.”
Similarly, Helen Jung, Stephen Beaven, Maxine Bernstein and Aimee Green of the Portland Oregon wrote on December 17, 2008:
“Later, a bank manager spotted a green metal box under some bushes and police again responded. After scanning the device, Hakim, the OSP bomb technician, said he believed the green metal box was a hoax device that could be moved and taken apart inside the bank for evidence. “
So it isn’t clear whether Mr. Taylor found the green box (as alleged in the December 13 and December 17 Portland Oregonian) or whether Officer Puente as alleged by Sergeant Troncoso in the December 16 probable cause statement.
What happened next is very puzzling. "Officer Mikkola stated it was unclear if the box belonged at the location as it resembled a utility box. West Coast Bank Manager Ferren Taylor contacted the landscaping company and learned the box was not there on the prior Sunday when the bushes were trimmed at that location. Taylor inspected the green box and found it contained a battery, wires, and a toggle switch. Oregon State Police Bomb Technician Bill Hakim was called back to the scene to examine the device. Woodburn Police Captain Thomas Tennant and Chief of Police Scott Russell responded to the scene as well.”
So it appears that Mr. Taylor, the manager of West Coast Bank examined the suspicious geen box in enough detail to determine it contained a battery, wires and a toggle switch prior to turning the investigation over to one of the law enforcement agents from the Woodburn Police Department, FBI and OSP. This seemingly inappropriate participation by a civilian is mind-boggling, the same way it is mind-boggling that when Laurie Ann Perkett left the bank at 5:20 p.m., she passed OSP Trooper Hakim and Woodburn Police Captain Tennant attempting to dismantle the bomb in the bank.
Woodburn Police Officer John Mikkola and Sergeant Jason Alexander responded. Officer Mikkola looked inside a dumpster and found a cell phone on top of what appeared to be a package. Sergeant Alexander and Officer Mikkola requested that bomb technicians assist with the package. Oregon State Police Trooper Bill Hakim and FBI Agent John Hallock (both bomb experts) responded to the scene and determined the suspicious package next to the cell phone consisted of “several black bags” and was harmless.
Subsequent research by Special Agent Holeman revealed that the cell phone found by Officer Mikkola in the dumpster outside the Wells Fargo Bank was a Tracfone with pre-paid cellular service provided by T-Mobile. It was purchased (along with a second cell phone and a can of green spray paint) at the Wal-Mart at 20120 Pinebrook Blvd in Bend on November 26, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. on register 13. The cell phone found in the dumpster had the number (503) 383-2352 and the other phone purchased at the Bend Wal-Mart on November 26 had the number (503) 383-4717. [I’ll refer to the 2352 phone as the DUMPSTER and the 4717 phone as OTHER.]
The phones had been charged with Tracfone airtime cards that were purchased at the Wal-Mart at 3025 Lancaster Dr. NE in Salem on December 11, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. on register 53. The two phones were activated via the internet on December 12, 2008 at 4:22 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. The internet activation was initiated from IP 71.59.129.128.
SA Holeman obtained from T-Mobile the records of calls to and from the two phones. There is a 15 second call from the OTHER phone to the West Coast Bank at 10:08 a.m. on December 12 and a 69 second call from the OTHER phone to the Wells Fargo Bank at 10:19. There is a 37 second call from OTHER to DUMPSTER at 10:24:33 and a 34 second call from OTHER to DUMPSTER at 10:26:27.
[NOTE: Although Sergeant Troncoso writes “SA Holman identified one incoming call to the Tracfone [found in the dumpster] from phone number (503) 383-4717 on December 12, 2008, at 10:24 a.m.”, there were actually two phone calls from OTHER to DUMPSTER, one at 10:24:33 and one at 10:26:27.]
There are two outgoing phone calls from the 2352 phone found in the dumpster - a 10 second call to “T-Mobile Voicemail” at 10:24:33 a.m. and another 7 second call to voicemail at 10:26:27. At first glance, this makes it look like one of the perps was physically present at the dumpster at around 10:25 a.m. However, on closer inspection the two calls listed as outgoing to voicemail from the phone in the dumpster occurred at the exact same times (to the second) as the incoming calls to DUMPSTER from the OTHER phone. So I assume that the two alleged outgoing calls from the dumpster (2352) phone to voicemail weren’t really outgoing calls. Rather, when the perp holding the 4717 phone called the 2352 phone in the dumpster at 10:24 and then again at 10:26, it went automatically to voicemail and for some reason, that shows up as an outgoing call on the T-Mobile printout. [If this is not true, then one of the perps was in possession of the phone at 10:30. Since the phone was found shortly after that by Officer Mikkola, that would mean the perp was near the dumpster at 10:30.]
There are conflicting reports about what happened next. According to the probable cause statement by Keizer PD Sergeant Troncoso, after Officer Mikkola found the cell phone in the dumpster outside of the Wells Fargo Bank, “The areas around Wells Fargo Bank and West Coast Bank (2540 Newberg Hwy, Woodburn, Marion County, OR) were searched by Woodburn Police for other devices, and a green metal box was located by Officer Rick Puente next to the West Coast Bank building."
According to Aimee Green in the December 13, 2008 Portland Oregonian “West Coast asked police to check its bank, but police found nothing. Then later that afternoon, a bank employee found a mysterious item under a bush and called police again.”
Similarly, Helen Jung, Stephen Beaven, Maxine Bernstein and Aimee Green of the Portland Oregon wrote on December 17, 2008:
“Later, a bank manager spotted a green metal box under some bushes and police again responded. After scanning the device, Hakim, the OSP bomb technician, said he believed the green metal box was a hoax device that could be moved and taken apart inside the bank for evidence. “
So it isn’t clear whether Mr. Taylor found the green box (as alleged in the December 13 and December 17 Portland Oregonian) or whether Officer Puente as alleged by Sergeant Troncoso in the December 16 probable cause statement.
What happened next is very puzzling. "Officer Mikkola stated it was unclear if the box belonged at the location as it resembled a utility box. West Coast Bank Manager Ferren Taylor contacted the landscaping company and learned the box was not there on the prior Sunday when the bushes were trimmed at that location. Taylor inspected the green box and found it contained a battery, wires, and a toggle switch. Oregon State Police Bomb Technician Bill Hakim was called back to the scene to examine the device. Woodburn Police Captain Thomas Tennant and Chief of Police Scott Russell responded to the scene as well.”
So it appears that Mr. Taylor, the manager of West Coast Bank examined the suspicious geen box in enough detail to determine it contained a battery, wires and a toggle switch prior to turning the investigation over to one of the law enforcement agents from the Woodburn Police Department, FBI and OSP. This seemingly inappropriate participation by a civilian is mind-boggling, the same way it is mind-boggling that when Laurie Ann Perkett left the bank at 5:20 p.m., she passed OSP Trooper Hakim and Woodburn Police Captain Tennant attempting to dismantle the bomb in the bank.
probable cause statement
The Portland Oregonian has published the probable cause statement by Keizer Police Sergeant Troncoso.
I can see why District Attorney Beglau and Sheriff Isham ignored my requests for a copy of this. The evidence consists of statements like:
"Mr. Joshua Turnidge gave signed consent for us to look at the blue pickup truck...I observed several features that I believe identify it as the vehicle in the Salem Wal-Mart video."
Wow. Sergeant Troncoso sees similarities between Mr. Turnidge's truck and a truck that was in the Wal-Mart parking lot around the same time phone cards were purchased that were used to activate the phone found outside the bank. Combine that with the fact that Sergeant Troncoso found GREEN PAINT at the Turnidge resident (the explosive device that Chief Russell chose to bring into the bank, thus increasing the risk to Russell, Tennant, Hakim and bank employees such as Laurie Perkett was in a green box). Yup...sounds like probable cause for murder!
Then there's the disrespect for Oregon State Trooper Hakim shown by Keizer Sergeant Troncoso.
"I further believe he [Joshua Turnidge] was involved in manufacturing, spray painting, and placement of the device which ultimately exploded and killed Captain Thomas Tennant and Bomb Technician William Hakim and injured Chief Scott Russell and Ms. Laurie Perkett."
Woodburn Chief Russell and Captain Tennant are identified by their rank as law enforcement agents. Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Hakim is not. He's merely described as a "bomb technician."
Of course, weak as this probable cause statement is, it's nice that Marion County makes public the reasons for arresting someone. Here in Lane County, the D.A. relies on a ouija board for establishing probable cause.
I can see why District Attorney Beglau and Sheriff Isham ignored my requests for a copy of this. The evidence consists of statements like:
"Mr. Joshua Turnidge gave signed consent for us to look at the blue pickup truck...I observed several features that I believe identify it as the vehicle in the Salem Wal-Mart video."
Wow. Sergeant Troncoso sees similarities between Mr. Turnidge's truck and a truck that was in the Wal-Mart parking lot around the same time phone cards were purchased that were used to activate the phone found outside the bank. Combine that with the fact that Sergeant Troncoso found GREEN PAINT at the Turnidge resident (the explosive device that Chief Russell chose to bring into the bank, thus increasing the risk to Russell, Tennant, Hakim and bank employees such as Laurie Perkett was in a green box). Yup...sounds like probable cause for murder!
Then there's the disrespect for Oregon State Trooper Hakim shown by Keizer Sergeant Troncoso.
"I further believe he [Joshua Turnidge] was involved in manufacturing, spray painting, and placement of the device which ultimately exploded and killed Captain Thomas Tennant and Bomb Technician William Hakim and injured Chief Scott Russell and Ms. Laurie Perkett."
Woodburn Chief Russell and Captain Tennant are identified by their rank as law enforcement agents. Oregon State Police Senior Trooper Hakim is not. He's merely described as a "bomb technician."
Of course, weak as this probable cause statement is, it's nice that Marion County makes public the reasons for arresting someone. Here in Lane County, the D.A. relies on a ouija board for establishing probable cause.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sue Archibald, ASSERT
Sue Archbald of Eugene is a retired elementary school teacher, a longtime member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the co-founder of the local Approved Steps to Supplement Emergency Response Training group.
Something wonderful is happening as I write from my cozy home on this 15-degree morning. A core group of dedicated officers and dispatchers from the Eugene Police Department is participating in the second day of a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training.
Designed to improve interactions between law enforcement personnel and people experiencing mental health crises, this training has had successful results in communities across the nation since 1988, and is being adopted by some cities in Canada and Australia. It teaches police and support personnel about conditions that can cause mental health crises, to recognize symptomatic behavior, and to learn strategies for de-escalating crises without the use of force.
As I glance at the curriculum schedule, I see that the officers have just finished a training segment on age-related disorders, and are beginning a presentation on alcohol and drug addition. Later in the day, they will focus on topics that relate to crisis cycles, tactical communication, active listening and crisis negotiation.
Yesterday, they heard from panelists who live with chronic mental health challenges. Also, they were presented with an overview of psychiatric disorders, a lecture on post-traumatic brain disorder, autism, mental retardation, developmental disabilities and personality disorders.
Professionals in the community share their expertise without charge. CIT is a partnership of mental health providers, law enforcement, consumer/survivors of the mental health system, and mental health advocacy groups.
While I pause to gaze at the winter scene outside my window, I find myself thinking about how much we expect of our law enforcement officers. Trained to protect the public from criminal behavior, they now find themselves increasingly dispatched to crises involving people who suffer from a no-fault brain disorder that has momentarily gone awry. Given adequate housing, support and personalized treatment options, these types of crises would be greatly diminished.
Tears spring to my eyes as I think about Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s proposed budget cuts, which would once again curtail already-skeletal social services. What is he thinking? This is short-sighted, and would compound difficulties already caused by a lack of services. We must speak out and prevent these cuts! CIT training diverts people from jail — people who need treatment instead. However, services must exist for this to happen.
Yesterday morning, I heard the compassionate words of interim Police Chief Pete Kerns. As he looked out at staff members who volunteered for this first Eugene CIT training, the warmth of his eyes showed his total support for these officers who put their lives on the line for us every day. He acknowledged the tough situation they face: fighting crime, dealing with mental health crises for which they are inadequately trained, and operating without enough support services. Having only 127 beds at the jail when there is a need for 1,700 is ridiculous.
Those are my words, but Chief Kerns underscored the numbers: 127 beds for the Eugene Police Department’s use! May our county commissioners take note of this, and of the unanimous plea from our Circuit Court judges to use reinstated county funds for remedying this unacceptable situation. I urge citizens to express their concerns on this matter.
Two years ago — two years! — public outcry demanded that our community improve police training. A grass-roots initiative called Approved Steps to Supplement Emergency Responder Training (ASSERT) of Eugene-Springfield got to work right away. The family of Ryan Salisbury, who was killed in an encounter with police during a mental health crisis, soon supported its goals. With donations pouring in, ASSERT joined with the Lane County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
In the meantime, the Eugene Police Commission formed a subcommittee to study mental health and crisis response. Over many months, the committee invited testimony from key mental health representatives. The result was a unanimous recommendation by the full Police Commission for CIT training. Then-Police Chief Robert Lehner accepted the recommendation, and established the outlines for the new program. Police Lt. Jennifer Bills has been in charge of the task, and of the committee that developed the curriculum being used this very day at the training.
As I head out into the cold sunshine, I shudder at the scope of the effort. CIT training has begun in our community. I look toward a future that will expand the budding partnerships, and to a time when the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, already supportive of CIT training, is able to help us roll out this training to the county at large.
In the meantime, sincere thanks to all who have helped to bring about this training, and to those waiting patiently to help as future training sessions are planned.
Something wonderful is happening as I write from my cozy home on this 15-degree morning. A core group of dedicated officers and dispatchers from the Eugene Police Department is participating in the second day of a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Team training.
Designed to improve interactions between law enforcement personnel and people experiencing mental health crises, this training has had successful results in communities across the nation since 1988, and is being adopted by some cities in Canada and Australia. It teaches police and support personnel about conditions that can cause mental health crises, to recognize symptomatic behavior, and to learn strategies for de-escalating crises without the use of force.
As I glance at the curriculum schedule, I see that the officers have just finished a training segment on age-related disorders, and are beginning a presentation on alcohol and drug addition. Later in the day, they will focus on topics that relate to crisis cycles, tactical communication, active listening and crisis negotiation.
Yesterday, they heard from panelists who live with chronic mental health challenges. Also, they were presented with an overview of psychiatric disorders, a lecture on post-traumatic brain disorder, autism, mental retardation, developmental disabilities and personality disorders.
Professionals in the community share their expertise without charge. CIT is a partnership of mental health providers, law enforcement, consumer/survivors of the mental health system, and mental health advocacy groups.
While I pause to gaze at the winter scene outside my window, I find myself thinking about how much we expect of our law enforcement officers. Trained to protect the public from criminal behavior, they now find themselves increasingly dispatched to crises involving people who suffer from a no-fault brain disorder that has momentarily gone awry. Given adequate housing, support and personalized treatment options, these types of crises would be greatly diminished.
Tears spring to my eyes as I think about Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s proposed budget cuts, which would once again curtail already-skeletal social services. What is he thinking? This is short-sighted, and would compound difficulties already caused by a lack of services. We must speak out and prevent these cuts! CIT training diverts people from jail — people who need treatment instead. However, services must exist for this to happen.
Yesterday morning, I heard the compassionate words of interim Police Chief Pete Kerns. As he looked out at staff members who volunteered for this first Eugene CIT training, the warmth of his eyes showed his total support for these officers who put their lives on the line for us every day. He acknowledged the tough situation they face: fighting crime, dealing with mental health crises for which they are inadequately trained, and operating without enough support services. Having only 127 beds at the jail when there is a need for 1,700 is ridiculous.
Those are my words, but Chief Kerns underscored the numbers: 127 beds for the Eugene Police Department’s use! May our county commissioners take note of this, and of the unanimous plea from our Circuit Court judges to use reinstated county funds for remedying this unacceptable situation. I urge citizens to express their concerns on this matter.
Two years ago — two years! — public outcry demanded that our community improve police training. A grass-roots initiative called Approved Steps to Supplement Emergency Responder Training (ASSERT) of Eugene-Springfield got to work right away. The family of Ryan Salisbury, who was killed in an encounter with police during a mental health crisis, soon supported its goals. With donations pouring in, ASSERT joined with the Lane County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
In the meantime, the Eugene Police Commission formed a subcommittee to study mental health and crisis response. Over many months, the committee invited testimony from key mental health representatives. The result was a unanimous recommendation by the full Police Commission for CIT training. Then-Police Chief Robert Lehner accepted the recommendation, and established the outlines for the new program. Police Lt. Jennifer Bills has been in charge of the task, and of the committee that developed the curriculum being used this very day at the training.
As I head out into the cold sunshine, I shudder at the scope of the effort. CIT training has begun in our community. I look toward a future that will expand the budding partnerships, and to a time when the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, already supportive of CIT training, is able to help us roll out this training to the county at large.
In the meantime, sincere thanks to all who have helped to bring about this training, and to those waiting patiently to help as future training sessions are planned.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
dissed by sheriff isham!
Deborah
I received a copy of the email (attached below) that you sent to our
District Attorney, Walt Beglau. I requested his permission to respond
to your email.
First of all, being that you are not Mr. Turnidge's attorney, all
information related to the investigation, including the probable cause
for his arrest, will be released under normal protocols and I encourage
you to seek it through proper channels.
As far as your inference to Chief Russell's culpability in this
incident, I must say I am completely offended and appalled that you, or
anyone else would suggest that he is responsible for the injury or
deaths of anyone in this incident. Chief Russell did not build this
device, nor did he engage in the evil act of placing it in a public
place where innocent lives were placed in jeopardy. The officers in
this case were doing their job to protect to our community and to
suggest anything less is disrespectful to them and everyone who wears a
badge and swears to protect people such as yourself.
Having the luxury to sit in the comfort of your home or office and
second guess the tactical decisions that we often have to make in a
split second is nice for you. We don't have that luxury. That is
something you will never understand unless you have done this job. Do
you know what the circumstances were December 12th at the time this
incident occurred? The answer is "no." Do you know what prompted these
brave officers to take the actions they did? The answer is "no." Do I
know why you are trying to place blame on three dedicated, professional
law enforcement officers, two of which gave their lives protecting their
community, instead of the person who created such an evil device? The
answer is "no" unless you, yourself are a heartless individual who has
an axe to grind with law enforcement and who has convinced yourself that
inflicting more pain to the involved families and officers is the right
thing to do. In that case, shame on you Deborah.
Having seen the way you signed your name with "PhD" I can only assume
that you are an educated person. Having said that and having read your
email, I also assume your PhD is in "nut-ballarology."
Here is my suggestion to you, Deborah. Come to the city of Woodburn
and share your concerns with the citizens where these fine officers
served and dedicated over 70 years combined service. Better yet, share
them with the Woodburn Police Department or Oregon State Police. See
what kind of response you get with them....good luck with that one!
Russ Isham
Marion County Sheriff
I received a copy of the email (attached below) that you sent to our
District Attorney, Walt Beglau. I requested his permission to respond
to your email.
First of all, being that you are not Mr. Turnidge's attorney, all
information related to the investigation, including the probable cause
for his arrest, will be released under normal protocols and I encourage
you to seek it through proper channels.
As far as your inference to Chief Russell's culpability in this
incident, I must say I am completely offended and appalled that you, or
anyone else would suggest that he is responsible for the injury or
deaths of anyone in this incident. Chief Russell did not build this
device, nor did he engage in the evil act of placing it in a public
place where innocent lives were placed in jeopardy. The officers in
this case were doing their job to protect to our community and to
suggest anything less is disrespectful to them and everyone who wears a
badge and swears to protect people such as yourself.
Having the luxury to sit in the comfort of your home or office and
second guess the tactical decisions that we often have to make in a
split second is nice for you. We don't have that luxury. That is
something you will never understand unless you have done this job. Do
you know what the circumstances were December 12th at the time this
incident occurred? The answer is "no." Do you know what prompted these
brave officers to take the actions they did? The answer is "no." Do I
know why you are trying to place blame on three dedicated, professional
law enforcement officers, two of which gave their lives protecting their
community, instead of the person who created such an evil device? The
answer is "no" unless you, yourself are a heartless individual who has
an axe to grind with law enforcement and who has convinced yourself that
inflicting more pain to the involved families and officers is the right
thing to do. In that case, shame on you Deborah.
Having seen the way you signed your name with "PhD" I can only assume
that you are an educated person. Having said that and having read your
email, I also assume your PhD is in "nut-ballarology."
Here is my suggestion to you, Deborah. Come to the city of Woodburn
and share your concerns with the citizens where these fine officers
served and dedicated over 70 years combined service. Better yet, share
them with the Woodburn Police Department or Oregon State Police. See
what kind of response you get with them....good luck with that one!
Russ Isham
Marion County Sheriff
wheeler, baker & powers
A convicted Lane County predatory sex offender who was released from prison last week after serving time for sex-related crimes has absconded from parole supervision, authorities announced Monday. Rickey Allen Robbins has been convicted of rape, sexual abuse and burglary. His whereabouts are unknown, county authorities said.
In 1983, Robbins unlawfully entered a woman’s house and raped her. The victim was able to get away from Robbins, get a gun and shoot Robbins. Robbins was arrested and convicted of the crimes. Robbins was paroled in 2007 and fled from his supervision. During that time, Lane County parole officials said he traveled to the East Coast, where police linked him to an incident there.
New York police investigated a report of a man entering a woman’s house and rubbing her leg while she slept. When the woman woke up, the suspect fled. A hat was found outside the residence. DNA on the hat pointed to Robbins.
Robbins was arrested in New Orleans shortly after that in connection with allegedly viewing child pornography in a university library. Robbins was extradited to Oregon on the warrant that was issued. His parole was revoked, and he was incarcerated until his release from the prison last Wednesday. On Friday, Robbins had fled from parole supervision and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is described as 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds.
---
Last Tuesday, Candance Wheeler, Darcey Baker and Steven Powers denied parole to Diane Downs, a woman falsely accused and convicted of murder and assault by Lane County Circuit Court Judge Greg Foote, in collusion with former Lane County Deputy District Attorney Fred Hugi in order to protect the real murderer, James Clair Haynes who was paid $25,000 to physically harm Christie, Cheryl and Danny Downs in order to inflict emotional, legal and physical harm on Diane Downs. Mr. Haynes, a drug dealer was paid by former LCDA Pat Horton, a cocaine addict and member of the Free Souls motorcycle gang.
Last Wednesday, the three members of the Oregon Parole Board granted parole to Ricky Allen Roberts, a convicted rapist. On Friday, Mr. Roberts escaped from the supervision of the Lane County parole officer charged with monitoring him.
Ms. Downs, who poses no harm to anyone is still incarcerated. There whereabouts of Mr. Roberts, a rapist, are currently unknown.
On this day, as we flirt with single digit temperatures here in Lane County, I pray to Jesus and Mary and the spirit of Wayne Lyman Morse that the Oregon Parole Board replaces Wheeler, Baker and Powers with people with triple-digit IQs asap, if not sooner!
In 1983, Robbins unlawfully entered a woman’s house and raped her. The victim was able to get away from Robbins, get a gun and shoot Robbins. Robbins was arrested and convicted of the crimes. Robbins was paroled in 2007 and fled from his supervision. During that time, Lane County parole officials said he traveled to the East Coast, where police linked him to an incident there.
New York police investigated a report of a man entering a woman’s house and rubbing her leg while she slept. When the woman woke up, the suspect fled. A hat was found outside the residence. DNA on the hat pointed to Robbins.
Robbins was arrested in New Orleans shortly after that in connection with allegedly viewing child pornography in a university library. Robbins was extradited to Oregon on the warrant that was issued. His parole was revoked, and he was incarcerated until his release from the prison last Wednesday. On Friday, Robbins had fled from parole supervision and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is described as 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds.
---
Last Tuesday, Candance Wheeler, Darcey Baker and Steven Powers denied parole to Diane Downs, a woman falsely accused and convicted of murder and assault by Lane County Circuit Court Judge Greg Foote, in collusion with former Lane County Deputy District Attorney Fred Hugi in order to protect the real murderer, James Clair Haynes who was paid $25,000 to physically harm Christie, Cheryl and Danny Downs in order to inflict emotional, legal and physical harm on Diane Downs. Mr. Haynes, a drug dealer was paid by former LCDA Pat Horton, a cocaine addict and member of the Free Souls motorcycle gang.
Last Wednesday, the three members of the Oregon Parole Board granted parole to Ricky Allen Roberts, a convicted rapist. On Friday, Mr. Roberts escaped from the supervision of the Lane County parole officer charged with monitoring him.
Ms. Downs, who poses no harm to anyone is still incarcerated. There whereabouts of Mr. Roberts, a rapist, are currently unknown.
On this day, as we flirt with single digit temperatures here in Lane County, I pray to Jesus and Mary and the spirit of Wayne Lyman Morse that the Oregon Parole Board replaces Wheeler, Baker and Powers with people with triple-digit IQs asap, if not sooner!
i beg to differ, monsieur beglau!
A 32-year-old Salem man whose family has deep roots in the area was arraigned this morning on aggravated murder for the deaths of two police officers in Friday's bank bombing in Woodburn.
Joshua Abraham Turnidge was arrested late Sunday afternoon at an undisclosed northeast Salem address in connection with the bomb that detonated inside West Coast Bank along Oregon 214.
Turnidge could face the death penalty if convicted, said Courtland Geyer, a Marion County deputy district attorney. His office has not decided whether to pursue that punishment, but he said it's "clearly on the table."
---
Courtland Geyer works for Marion County District Attorney Walter Beglau. There is not even PROBABLE CAUSE to arrest Mr. Turnidge, let allow convince a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty of murder. There is no evidence linking him to the scene. And I'd say whoever put the bomb there (if indeed it was a bomb - it's also possible that the package was harmless and that the source of the explosion came from somewhere other than the mysterious device)is guilty of manslaughter, not murder.
Surely whoever put the bomb in the bushes, if indeed it was a bomb, could not have forseen that Woodburn Police Chief Turner would transport the bomb indoors and order his subordinates Captain Tennant and OSP Trooper Hakim to interact with the alleged bomb in such a way that an explosion occurred.
There's more than probable cause to arrest Turner - it was either misdemeanorous incompetence and failure to conform to standard procedure or felonious intentional assault (maybe Captain Tennant saw Chief Turner doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing?).
It would be great if D.A. Beglau could offer a shred of evidence indicating Mr. Turnidge was in Woodburn on Friday, December 12, 2008.
Monday, December 15, 2008
mocking Matthew O. Knight
In a rare news conference appearance, Knight said that his son Matthew, while not an extraordinary achiever, had found a real niche in charity work in the last years of his life. He died in a diving accident in El Salvador where he was doing fundraising work for Mi Casa Su Casa, an orphanage with Oregon ties, Knight said. Father and son had the usual disagreements. Matthew liked to rebel, didn’t care much for authority and had a knack for tweaking his dad, Knight said. If he rooted for Georgetown, Matthew would prefer Connecticut. When Knight backed Duke, his son sided with North Carolina. But they shared at least one passion. “He loved Oregon sports,” Knight said. “In the last five years of his life, he went to more Oregon games than I did, which is saying a lot.”
----
Aha – I get it now. The size of Phil and Penny Knight’s financial contribution to the arena=the size of Matthew "O" Knight’s contribution to society=the symbol ducks wear on their hats!!!!!
----
Aha – I get it now. The size of Phil and Penny Knight’s financial contribution to the arena=the size of Matthew "O" Knight’s contribution to society=the symbol ducks wear on their hats!!!!!
penny pincher knight
12. 14. 08 Matt Court? Nike founder and longtime University of Oregon benefactor Phil Knight said he liked the ring of that new nickname when he suggested the university name its basketball arena after his son Matthew, who died four years ago at age 34.
1.02.08 (Philip Knight, Penelope Knight, soon-to-be-former-UO VP for Advancement Allan Price): the *Pledge* Amount shall not under any circumstances be used to directly pay any costs of planning, design or construction of a new basketball arena. However, the Donors’ obligations under this *Agreement* shall be contingent on the approval of the State of Oregon on or before June 1, 2008 for the issuance by the State of XI F (1) bonds to fund the cost of design and construction of a new basketball arena for the University of Oregon.
I am very confused. Phil and Penny Knight bullied the Oregon State Legislature into approving $200 million worth of XI F(1) bonds to the Oregon University System/Oregon State Board of Higher Education so that the University of Oregon could build a brand new basketball arena to replace rat-infested Mac Court. The agreement cosigned by Phil, Penny and Price said "If the members of the February, 2008 emergency Legislative session agree to loan the Oregon University System $200 million, we'll give the UO Athletic Department $100 million." [NOTE: The RIGHT answer to this "$300 million for me/bupkas for you" offer is "thanks but no thanks!"!]
The agreement specifically prohibits a penny of the $100 million from being used to directly fund the construction costs of the $200 million arena, $18 (?) million parking garage and as-yet unpriced practice courts on the $28 million worth of real estate (19 tax lots plus two snippets of critical transportation infrastructure). The $100 million should have been a down-payment on the loan but instead it was prohibited from being used at all to directly fund the arena. It's like the opposite of earmarked - deafmarked(?).
What unbelievable nerve for UO President David B. Frohnmayer to agree on December 13, 2008 to allow Philip and Penny Knight to name Grande Mac Court when the agreement they signed with UO VP for Advancement Allan Price on January 2, 2008 stipulated that not a single penny of Phil and Penny's $100 million "gift" could be spent on it!
1.02.08 (Philip Knight, Penelope Knight, soon-to-be-former-UO VP for Advancement Allan Price): the *Pledge* Amount shall not under any circumstances be used to directly pay any costs of planning, design or construction of a new basketball arena. However, the Donors’ obligations under this *Agreement* shall be contingent on the approval of the State of Oregon on or before June 1, 2008 for the issuance by the State of XI F (1) bonds to fund the cost of design and construction of a new basketball arena for the University of Oregon.
I am very confused. Phil and Penny Knight bullied the Oregon State Legislature into approving $200 million worth of XI F(1) bonds to the Oregon University System/Oregon State Board of Higher Education so that the University of Oregon could build a brand new basketball arena to replace rat-infested Mac Court. The agreement cosigned by Phil, Penny and Price said "If the members of the February, 2008 emergency Legislative session agree to loan the Oregon University System $200 million, we'll give the UO Athletic Department $100 million." [NOTE: The RIGHT answer to this "$300 million for me/bupkas for you" offer is "thanks but no thanks!"!]
The agreement specifically prohibits a penny of the $100 million from being used to directly fund the construction costs of the $200 million arena, $18 (?) million parking garage and as-yet unpriced practice courts on the $28 million worth of real estate (19 tax lots plus two snippets of critical transportation infrastructure). The $100 million should have been a down-payment on the loan but instead it was prohibited from being used at all to directly fund the arena. It's like the opposite of earmarked - deafmarked(?).
What unbelievable nerve for UO President David B. Frohnmayer to agree on December 13, 2008 to allow Philip and Penny Knight to name Grande Mac Court when the agreement they signed with UO VP for Advancement Allan Price on January 2, 2008 stipulated that not a single penny of Phil and Penny's $100 million "gift" could be spent on it!
orebomber?
Many questions remain in a bombing that killed two officers and critically injured a police chief at an Oregon bank. But authorities think they have solved the most important one.
Authorities arrested a suspect late Sunday, just hours after releasing surveillance photos of a "person of interest," according to Sheriff Russ Isham of Marion County.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
murder in woodburn
At about 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2008, the Wells Fargo bank on Newberg Highway in Woodburn, Oregon received a threatening phone call. The bank was evacuated, and police found a suspicious object but determined it wasn't dangerous.
The West Coast bank nearby asked police to check its bank, but police found nothing. Then later that afternoon, a bank employee found a mysterious item under a bush and called police again. At 5 p.m., police partially evacuated the building. [The way we know it was only partially evacuated is because Aimee Green of the Portland Oregonian reports “a female employee was treated at Salem Hospital and released. Another bank employee was uninjured.”]
After the West Coast Bank building was partially evacuated, Woodburn Police Department Chief Scott Russell, Captain Tom Tennant and Oregon State Police Trooper William Hakim (an expert bomb squad technician) transferred the suspicious object from the bushes into the West Coast bank. They scanned the item with a portable X-ray machine. At 5:24 p.m., after they had finished the scan, the item blew up. OSP Trooper Hakim and WPD Captain Tennant were killed. WPD Chief Russell was critically injured. An unnamed bank employee was critically injured. Trooper Hakim was the second Oregon State Police Arson & Explosives Section detective to die in the line of duty. The first was Sergeant Richard Schuening on October 2, 1997.
A big question is why the suspected explosive device was transferred into the partially evacuated bank. The AP article by Brad Cain in the Eugene Register Guard quoted Oregon State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings as saying "That we don't know.” The Portland Oregonian article by Aimee didn’t have a quote from Hastings and wrote “Authorities declined to comment on such details until the investigation reaches some findings. “
Though protocol varies by jurisdiction, Atlanta-based explosives expert Hal Lowder said in most cases a potential bomb would not be moved indoors. "I don't want to second-guess why they did what they did," Lowder said from his home in Atlanta. "But in some instances, you might move a device if it were to protect the public. Property damage always comes second."
By moving the bomb into the bank when there were still at least two bank employees inside, Chief Russell increased the likelihood of harm to people and property. Reasonable people can debate whether the person who left the package in the bushes deserves to be charged with the homicides of Trooper Hakim and Captain Tennant. But the responsibility for the injury to the bank employee goes entirely to Woodburn Police Chief Russell, the highest-ranking of the law enforcement agents who decided to bring a suspected explosive device into a partially evacuated bank.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
96-900 -HA!!!
December 12, 2008
To: F. Douglass Harcleroad, Lane County, Oregon District Attorney
cc: Ted Kulongoski, Governor, State of Oregon
Thomas Coffin, Magistrate, United States District Court, District of Oregon
Ancer Haggerty, Chief Judge, United States District Court, District of Oregon
From: Deborah Frisch, Ph.D.
Re: CV 96-900- HA/Possible location of weapon used in Downs shooting (5.19.83)
Dear Mr. Harcleroad,
Elizabeth Diane Downs has filed a half dozen appeals in the United States District Court related to her conviction and sentencing in the Lane County Circuit Court for the murder of Cheryl Downs and assaults on Christie and Danny Downs on May 19, 1983. A man alleging to be Wesley Frederickson, Ms. Downs’ father has a website where he has posted pdf files of a dozen affidavits, many of which were allegedly obtained by former Assistant Federal Public Defender Wendy R. Willis and investigators James Teesdale and Toni Pisani regarding CV 96-900 HA (Haggerty, Ancer). I paid $45 at the Federal building to retrieve the file from archives and while I haven’t seen the originals yet, it’s a very good bet that the documents are real.
In addition to reporting confessions by James Clair Haynes, the affidavits contain a lead about the type and location of the weapon used in the May 19, 1983 shooting. In an affidavit signed by Clayton Nysten to Wendy Willis and notarized by Nancy J. Greenstreet on February 24, 1998, it says “Later that summer Haynes gave me a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic. I never really thought much about it at the time, and I cannot say whether that was the weapon used to commit the crime. Later on Haynes wanted the Ruger back and swapped it for a much more expensive Smith and Wesson handgun. He never told me why he wanted the Ruger back.”
http://www.dianedowns.com/Clayton%20Nysten.2.pdf
In an affidavit signed by Cecilia Nysten to Wendy Willis and notarized by Jimmy D. Smith on March 4, 1998 it says “I was also present when Jim Haynes and Clayton Nysten discussed disposing of the weapon used in the Downs crime. I know Clayton had disposed of guns for people before on a property he owns in Junction City.”
http://www.dianedowns.com/Cecilia%20Nysten.pdf
I asked the man who alleges to be Wesley Frederickson where the pond is. Here are the directions. I trust you agree that there is probable cause to search the pond to see if it contains the .22 caliber weapon used on May 19, 1983 as well as weapons used in other (possibly unsolved) crimes.
It was west of Junction City. You go out West on First Avenue and cross Territorial Road and go about 3 miles until the road starts to bend to the left and go upward. If you go that far you have gone too far. If you go up that hill you will see a pond off to your right. To enter the property you need to make a right turn at the bottom of the hill and then make left turn. Clayton's mother used to live there in the first house. Go to the second house and you should see the pond they were buried in.
Sincerely,
Deborah Frisch, Ph.D.
P.S. The reason I cc’ed Federal Magistrate Coffin is because Mr. Coffin was allegedly investigating former Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton for theft of drugs from the evidence room at around the same time Ms. Downs, a postal worker at the Lane County Courthouse allegedly saw then-LCDA Horton (using cocaine?) at a party at the house of Lionel Johnson.
The reason I cc’ed Governor Kulongoski and Chief Judge Haggerty is because Mr. Kulongoski represented the state of Oregon in CV 96-900-HA and Chief Judge Haggerty was the presiding judge in the case.
---
email-only P.P.S. Is the Lionel Johnson who hosted the party where Diane Downs allegedly saw then-LCDA Pat Horton snortin' coke the Dr. Lionel Johnson who received his Ph.D. from the U of O in 1975?
http://www.georgefox.edu/soe/edfl/faculty/johnson.html
Or am I quacking up the wrong tree?
http://www.dianedowns.com/Clayton%20Nysten.2.pdf
[The reference to the party where Diane disobeyed a rule to stay out of the back room and saw LCDA Pat Horton getting paid and/or high is on page 2. The identification of Lionel Johnson as host of the party where Ms. Downs had the misfortune of seeing and recognizing LCDA Horton is on page 3.)
To: F. Douglass Harcleroad, Lane County, Oregon District Attorney
cc: Ted Kulongoski, Governor, State of Oregon
Thomas Coffin, Magistrate, United States District Court, District of Oregon
Ancer Haggerty, Chief Judge, United States District Court, District of Oregon
From: Deborah Frisch, Ph.D.
Re: CV 96-900- HA/Possible location of weapon used in Downs shooting (5.19.83)
Dear Mr. Harcleroad,
Elizabeth Diane Downs has filed a half dozen appeals in the United States District Court related to her conviction and sentencing in the Lane County Circuit Court for the murder of Cheryl Downs and assaults on Christie and Danny Downs on May 19, 1983. A man alleging to be Wesley Frederickson, Ms. Downs’ father has a website where he has posted pdf files of a dozen affidavits, many of which were allegedly obtained by former Assistant Federal Public Defender Wendy R. Willis and investigators James Teesdale and Toni Pisani regarding CV 96-900 HA (Haggerty, Ancer). I paid $45 at the Federal building to retrieve the file from archives and while I haven’t seen the originals yet, it’s a very good bet that the documents are real.
In addition to reporting confessions by James Clair Haynes, the affidavits contain a lead about the type and location of the weapon used in the May 19, 1983 shooting. In an affidavit signed by Clayton Nysten to Wendy Willis and notarized by Nancy J. Greenstreet on February 24, 1998, it says “Later that summer Haynes gave me a Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic. I never really thought much about it at the time, and I cannot say whether that was the weapon used to commit the crime. Later on Haynes wanted the Ruger back and swapped it for a much more expensive Smith and Wesson handgun. He never told me why he wanted the Ruger back.”
http://www.dianedowns.com/Clayton%20Nysten.2.pdf
In an affidavit signed by Cecilia Nysten to Wendy Willis and notarized by Jimmy D. Smith on March 4, 1998 it says “I was also present when Jim Haynes and Clayton Nysten discussed disposing of the weapon used in the Downs crime. I know Clayton had disposed of guns for people before on a property he owns in Junction City.”
http://www.dianedowns.com/Cecilia%20Nysten.pdf
I asked the man who alleges to be Wesley Frederickson where the pond is. Here are the directions. I trust you agree that there is probable cause to search the pond to see if it contains the .22 caliber weapon used on May 19, 1983 as well as weapons used in other (possibly unsolved) crimes.
It was west of Junction City. You go out West on First Avenue and cross Territorial Road and go about 3 miles until the road starts to bend to the left and go upward. If you go that far you have gone too far. If you go up that hill you will see a pond off to your right. To enter the property you need to make a right turn at the bottom of the hill and then make left turn. Clayton's mother used to live there in the first house. Go to the second house and you should see the pond they were buried in.
Sincerely,
Deborah Frisch, Ph.D.
P.S. The reason I cc’ed Federal Magistrate Coffin is because Mr. Coffin was allegedly investigating former Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton for theft of drugs from the evidence room at around the same time Ms. Downs, a postal worker at the Lane County Courthouse allegedly saw then-LCDA Horton (using cocaine?) at a party at the house of Lionel Johnson.
The reason I cc’ed Governor Kulongoski and Chief Judge Haggerty is because Mr. Kulongoski represented the state of Oregon in CV 96-900-HA and Chief Judge Haggerty was the presiding judge in the case.
---
email-only P.P.S. Is the Lionel Johnson who hosted the party where Diane Downs allegedly saw then-LCDA Pat Horton snortin' coke the Dr. Lionel Johnson who received his Ph.D. from the U of O in 1975?
http://www.georgefox.edu/soe/edfl/faculty/johnson.html
Or am I quacking up the wrong tree?
http://www.dianedowns.com/Clayton%20Nysten.2.pdf
[The reference to the party where Diane disobeyed a rule to stay out of the back room and saw LCDA Pat Horton getting paid and/or high is on page 2. The identification of Lionel Johnson as host of the party where Ms. Downs had the misfortune of seeing and recognizing LCDA Horton is on page 3.)
eugene on trial
There are at least two civil suits pending in Federal court related to inappropriate and/or illegal behavior by members of the Eugene Police Department. One is by Cortez Jordan against EPD Officer Wayne Dorman and the City of Eugene (05-06164-TC). Last month, an appeal filed by Jens Schmidt of Harrang, Long, Gary & Rudnick (the City of Eugene’s law firm for 20 years) was rejected.
On December 5, 2008 Judges Thompson, Tashima and M. Smith of the 9^th United States Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed their rejection of the appeal from Mr. Schmidt. Thus, it’s a good bet that the case will go to trial soon and U.S. Magistrate Thomas Coffin will decide whether he agrees with Mr. Schmidt or with Kevin Lafky, a Salem lawyer. Given how things turned out when Judge Coffin had to choose between arguments presented by Mr. Schmidt and his Harrang colleague, Jeffrey Matthews versus arguments from Michelle Burrows (04-01021-TC) and Elden Rosenthal, I’d bet on Mr. Lafky.
The second suit is by Roy Levi Smith against EPD Officer Jimmie McBride and the City of Eugene. Mr. Smith suffered a broken pelvis and other physical injuries when Officer McBride tackled him in the process of arresting him. Case 08-06176-HO also is moving toward a trial, with two settlement hearings cancelled because the two parties could not agree.
On November 26, 2008 Judge Michael Hogan, the lawyers for the city of Eugene (Jeffrey Matthews and Andrea Nagles from Harrang et al) and the lawyers for Mr. Smith (Marianne Dugan and Robert Manders) signed a Protective Order that imposes constraints on the release of information about the internal affairs investigation of the incident.
It’s kind of late since Linn County District Attorney Carlile sent me a copy of EPD Sergeant Scott McKee’s IA investigation and other documents related to the apparent assault on Smith, one of three examples where EPD Officer McBride engaged in ostensibly felonious behavior that warranted an IA investigation in the last two years. Mr. Carlile also sent me documents related to Officer McBride’s assault on Daniel Gray. (McBride punched Gray in the face while Gray was handcuffed in the back of McBride’s car.) LCDA Harcleroad declined to press charges against Mr. McBride in the assaults on Mr. Smith and Mr. Gray based on form letters provided by Linn County Deputy District Attorney Novotny.
When I saw Captain/AIC Internal Affairs Supervisor Swenson at the Prevention Convention at South Eugene High School in late October, he told me AIC Chief Kerns was working on liberating Officer McBride from his badge, glock and cash-flow and suggested I should be more patient. I think AIC Chief Kerns needs to unemploy Officer McBride asap if not sooner.
On December 5, 2008 Judges Thompson, Tashima and M. Smith of the 9^th United States Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed their rejection of the appeal from Mr. Schmidt. Thus, it’s a good bet that the case will go to trial soon and U.S. Magistrate Thomas Coffin will decide whether he agrees with Mr. Schmidt or with Kevin Lafky, a Salem lawyer. Given how things turned out when Judge Coffin had to choose between arguments presented by Mr. Schmidt and his Harrang colleague, Jeffrey Matthews versus arguments from Michelle Burrows (04-01021-TC) and Elden Rosenthal, I’d bet on Mr. Lafky.
The second suit is by Roy Levi Smith against EPD Officer Jimmie McBride and the City of Eugene. Mr. Smith suffered a broken pelvis and other physical injuries when Officer McBride tackled him in the process of arresting him. Case 08-06176-HO also is moving toward a trial, with two settlement hearings cancelled because the two parties could not agree.
On November 26, 2008 Judge Michael Hogan, the lawyers for the city of Eugene (Jeffrey Matthews and Andrea Nagles from Harrang et al) and the lawyers for Mr. Smith (Marianne Dugan and Robert Manders) signed a Protective Order that imposes constraints on the release of information about the internal affairs investigation of the incident.
It’s kind of late since Linn County District Attorney Carlile sent me a copy of EPD Sergeant Scott McKee’s IA investigation and other documents related to the apparent assault on Smith, one of three examples where EPD Officer McBride engaged in ostensibly felonious behavior that warranted an IA investigation in the last two years. Mr. Carlile also sent me documents related to Officer McBride’s assault on Daniel Gray. (McBride punched Gray in the face while Gray was handcuffed in the back of McBride’s car.) LCDA Harcleroad declined to press charges against Mr. McBride in the assaults on Mr. Smith and Mr. Gray based on form letters provided by Linn County Deputy District Attorney Novotny.
When I saw Captain/AIC Internal Affairs Supervisor Swenson at the Prevention Convention at South Eugene High School in late October, he told me AIC Chief Kerns was working on liberating Officer McBride from his badge, glock and cash-flow and suggested I should be more patient. I think AIC Chief Kerns needs to unemploy Officer McBride asap if not sooner.
Friday, December 12, 2008
ag sez to obama's pal: CIAO!
Today, our worst fears have been realized. Once again, the people of Illinois have learned that a Governor has engaged in a shockingly flagrant scheme to sell his power and authority to the highest bidder.
The conduct is especially outrageous and truly demonstrates a new level of corruption given that Governor Blagojevich has been the subject of ongoing criminal investigations for years.
Yet, undaunted by these investigations, Governor Blagojevich decided to undertake schemes to sell the U.S. Senate seat, to sell his signature on legislation, and to interfere in financing deals — all in an effort to obtain personal and political benefits.
Public officials are elected to serve the people of this state and to uphold the trust of the people who have elected them.
It is absolutely clear that the Governor is incapable of governing.
At a time when our state faces tremendous challenges, Governor Blagojevich cannot faithfully exercise the powers of his office.
Governor Blagojevich should immediately resign and allow Lt. Governor Quinn to
succeed him.
As the state’s chief legal officer, I want to assure the People of Illinois that I am working quickly to move forward on the next legal steps should the Governor refuse to resign. I am already working with the legislative leaders to make sure that the work of this State continues without interruption.
I am thankful for the extraordinary work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. And I echo their call for everyone with information about these allegations to come forward and offer their assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The conduct is especially outrageous and truly demonstrates a new level of corruption given that Governor Blagojevich has been the subject of ongoing criminal investigations for years.
Yet, undaunted by these investigations, Governor Blagojevich decided to undertake schemes to sell the U.S. Senate seat, to sell his signature on legislation, and to interfere in financing deals — all in an effort to obtain personal and political benefits.
Public officials are elected to serve the people of this state and to uphold the trust of the people who have elected them.
It is absolutely clear that the Governor is incapable of governing.
At a time when our state faces tremendous challenges, Governor Blagojevich cannot faithfully exercise the powers of his office.
Governor Blagojevich should immediately resign and allow Lt. Governor Quinn to
succeed him.
As the state’s chief legal officer, I want to assure the People of Illinois that I am working quickly to move forward on the next legal steps should the Governor refuse to resign. I am already working with the legislative leaders to make sure that the work of this State continues without interruption.
I am thankful for the extraordinary work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. And I echo their call for everyone with information about these allegations to come forward and offer their assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
wanted: dead or on fire
I am the former wife of James Claire Haynes. I married Mr. Haynes in December 1983 and divorced him in 1994, I know that Mr. Haynes is a violent and dangerous man.
Mr. Haynes has told me he is the stranger who shot the Downs family, first
in confessing his guilt in the winter of 1984, repeating that confession several times throughout our marriage. I know that he has also confessed to many other people, including members of my immediate family, which only reaffirms the truth of these confessions. When he told me, I refused to talk to him about it, as I knew he was/is very capable of the crime he was confessing to. I did not want to believe that the father of my children could have committed such a horrendous crime to a child.
lcda pat "snortin'" horton
eugene inbredgister guard: Participating by video feed from the Chowchilla, Calif., prison where she is incarcerated, Downs continued to deny shooting her children. She blamed instead a man she says was a drug dealer hired by then-Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton.
Affadavit of Clayton Nysten (February 24, 1998) to Assistant Federal Public Defender Wendy R. Willis (OSB #94496)
In around 1983, Haynes and I were at a drug house for Haynes to pick up some dope.
While Haynes and I were waiting for the deal to happen, a blond woman came into the house with another woman, and walked straight to a back room where the deals were taking place. The blond woman seemed brash and full of herself. Haynes and I waited and then heard a loud argument between the drug dealer and the woman. The woman was being told in very strong terms that she should not have gone waltzing into that room. I later realized, after I heard about the Downs case on television and in the paper that the blond woman I had seen was Diane Downs. I also saw Downs again once or twice at other places where drug dealing was taking place. I think that Downs was buying drugs for her personal use.
Affadavit of Clayton Nysten (February 24, 1998) to Assistant Federal Public Defender Wendy R. Willis (OSB #94496)
In around 1983, Haynes and I were at a drug house for Haynes to pick up some dope.
While Haynes and I were waiting for the deal to happen, a blond woman came into the house with another woman, and walked straight to a back room where the deals were taking place. The blond woman seemed brash and full of herself. Haynes and I waited and then heard a loud argument between the drug dealer and the woman. The woman was being told in very strong terms that she should not have gone waltzing into that room. I later realized, after I heard about the Downs case on television and in the paper that the blond woman I had seen was Diane Downs. I also saw Downs again once or twice at other places where drug dealing was taking place. I think that Downs was buying drugs for her personal use.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
wanted dead or maimed: james clair haynes
James Clair Haynes, admitted murderer of Cheryl Downs (May 19, 1983)
Last known address: 468 N. 17th Avenue, Springfield, OR.
Wanted dead or alive, but preferably dead.
roger that leo66
leo66
To say that Downs has spent her time 'plotting' her escape is utter nonsense. Where is your evidence? Like so much associated with this case, just another lie....Seems to me your subterfuge is no better than that of the scoundrel D.A., Pat Horton who prosecuted Diane Downs and who at the time was being investigated himself by Federal agents for drugs. Along with his associate, the amphetamine king of the Eugene area and self-confessed shooter of the Downs family, 'James Clair Haynes'.
I have spent less than five hours in the last ten days getting up to speed on the murder of Cheryl Downs and assaults on Danny and Christie Downs and alleged assault on Diane Downs on May 19, 1983. But I am almost positive that the person who stood less than 6 inches away from Cheryl Downs and pulled the trigger twice was James Clair Haynes, a cocaine addict and associate of former Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton, also a cocaine addict.
I am almost positive that the person who paid Mr. Haynes to harm the children of Ms. Downs was former Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton. The motivation was that Ms. Downs had seen Mr. Horton using cocaine at a party. Since Ms. Downs was a mail clerk who worked at the Lane County Courthouse, she would have been much more likely to have recognized Mr. Horton than the average party-goer. Since Mr. Horton was under investigation by Federal Prosecutor (now Federal Magistrate) Thomas Coffin, it was very bad timing.
So Ms. Downs has been in prison for 25 years, knowing that former Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton had ordered a hit on her kids and that former Lane County Deputy District Attorney Fred Hugi (and University of Oregon Computer Center Director Joanne Hugi) had raised her two surviving children and brainwashed them to believe she had killed their sister and hurt them. And probably not knowing that Federal Judge Thomas Coffin whose digs are in the Wayne Lyman Morse Federal Building knew she was being unjustly imprisoned and did absolutely nothing.
Diane's father, Wes Frederickson has a web site with several affadavits from people who heard James Clair Haynes confess that he shot the Downs family on Old Mohawk Road on May 19, 1983. There is more than probable cause for Mr. Haynes to be arrested yet he has not been detained by Lane County, State of Oregon or Federal law enforcement, despite the intervention of all three parties at various stages of the process.
Mr. Haynes should be arrested IMMEDIATELY. His last known address was 468 N. 17th Avenue, according to Mr. Frederickson.
To say that Downs has spent her time 'plotting' her escape is utter nonsense. Where is your evidence? Like so much associated with this case, just another lie....Seems to me your subterfuge is no better than that of the scoundrel D.A., Pat Horton who prosecuted Diane Downs and who at the time was being investigated himself by Federal agents for drugs. Along with his associate, the amphetamine king of the Eugene area and self-confessed shooter of the Downs family, 'James Clair Haynes'.
I have spent less than five hours in the last ten days getting up to speed on the murder of Cheryl Downs and assaults on Danny and Christie Downs and alleged assault on Diane Downs on May 19, 1983. But I am almost positive that the person who stood less than 6 inches away from Cheryl Downs and pulled the trigger twice was James Clair Haynes, a cocaine addict and associate of former Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton, also a cocaine addict.
I am almost positive that the person who paid Mr. Haynes to harm the children of Ms. Downs was former Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton. The motivation was that Ms. Downs had seen Mr. Horton using cocaine at a party. Since Ms. Downs was a mail clerk who worked at the Lane County Courthouse, she would have been much more likely to have recognized Mr. Horton than the average party-goer. Since Mr. Horton was under investigation by Federal Prosecutor (now Federal Magistrate) Thomas Coffin, it was very bad timing.
So Ms. Downs has been in prison for 25 years, knowing that former Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton had ordered a hit on her kids and that former Lane County Deputy District Attorney Fred Hugi (and University of Oregon Computer Center Director Joanne Hugi) had raised her two surviving children and brainwashed them to believe she had killed their sister and hurt them. And probably not knowing that Federal Judge Thomas Coffin whose digs are in the Wayne Lyman Morse Federal Building knew she was being unjustly imprisoned and did absolutely nothing.
Diane's father, Wes Frederickson has a web site with several affadavits from people who heard James Clair Haynes confess that he shot the Downs family on Old Mohawk Road on May 19, 1983. There is more than probable cause for Mr. Haynes to be arrested yet he has not been detained by Lane County, State of Oregon or Federal law enforcement, despite the intervention of all three parties at various stages of the process.
Mr. Haynes should be arrested IMMEDIATELY. His last known address was 468 N. 17th Avenue, according to Mr. Frederickson.
virtual justice?
lemme get this straight. the Oregon Parole Board met at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, OR today to decide whether or not to approve a parole application from an Oregon State prisoner, currently stored (housed?) in California. The prisoner was not physically present at the hearing. "Downs appeared by video link from prison in Chowchilla, Calif."
Isn't there something like "a right to be physically present at a legal proceeding related to the state's decision to incarcerate"?
Is "video link" really a legal substitute for "physically present"?
snarky darcey baker
SALEM, Ore. - A state parole board determined Tuesday that Diane Downs, a mother convicted of shooting her children and killing one of them, was still a danger to others and should not be paroled.
The hearing in Salem was the first time that Downs, 53, has been up for parole after nearly 25 years in prison. The board will reconsider parole for her in March 2011.
After Parole Board Member Candance Wheeler asked Ms. Downs a series of relevant, appropriate questions, Darcey Baker proceeded to ask a series of irrelevant, aggressive questions about Ms. Downs' romantic life. It's hard to believe that things got even worse when Darcey stopped talking and the last member had his turn.
whodaho from idaho?
MINNEAPOLIS – Idaho Sen. Larry Craig has lost his latest attempt to withdraw his guilty plea in the Minneapolis airport men's room sex sting that effectively ended his Senate career.
A three-judge panel of the Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday rejected the Republican's bid to toss out his disorderly conduct conviction.
Monday, December 8, 2008
140.211.82.#
To: Mary Walston, City of Eugene Manager's Office
Mary,
The person with the eugene.or.us address and IP address 140.211.82.# is at my web site. I am very interested in what the city of eugene taxpayer is paying this person to do. Have you made any progress identifying the city of eugene employee whose computer has the IP address 140.211.82.#?
Thanks,
Deb
P.S. Do you know what EPD Chief Kerns and UO Director of Community Relations/transgendered-bathroom activist Greg Rikhoff spent an hour and a half talking about at China Blue today?
Mary,
The person with the eugene.or.us address and IP address 140.211.82.# is at my web site. I am very interested in what the city of eugene taxpayer is paying this person to do. Have you made any progress identifying the city of eugene employee whose computer has the IP address 140.211.82.#?
Thanks,
Deb
P.S. Do you know what EPD Chief Kerns and UO Director of Community Relations/transgendered-bathroom activist Greg Rikhoff spent an hour and a half talking about at China Blue today?
name that activist
one of these men is a passionate drunk driving activist. one is a passionate transgendered bathroom activist. do YOU know who's who?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
apb4hoogeez!!!
In an unbelievably bizarre twist in an unimaginably bizarre saga, Fred and Joanne Hugi were arrested while having dinner at Mekala's in Eugene tonight for "grand theft offspring," the FBI's shorthand for the courtnapping, mind control and "cognitive-emotional-reprogramming" they perpetrated on Christie and Danny Downs.
Fred and Joanne adopted Christie and Danny after Fred, a deputy district attorney under the newly elected Thug, oops, I mean Doug Harcleroad unjustifiably convinced LaMe County Circuit Court jury in the courtroom of Judge [INSERT REDACT'S NAME HERE] that reasonable people could not disagree about the veracity of the allegation that Diane Downs had shot and injured all of her children, one fatally.
I have only spent about 2 hours (all in the last week) paying attention to this case. Based on the information I have obtained, I would say there is a 55-45 chance that Diane Downs shot her children. There is MORE than a reasonable doubt about whether or not she is guilty. For 25 years, she has denied her guilt, even though she is well aware of the fact that her chances of legal escape (i.e., parole) are HUGELY increased if she admits her crime and expresses remorse for it.
While reasonable people can disagree about whether they agree with Ms. Downs or Mrs. Hugi and Harcleroad, reasonable people cannot disagree about how DISGUSTING AND UNETHICAL AND possibly illegal it was for Fred and Joanne to acquire, oops, I mean adopt defendant Downs' kids.
rg re: to free or not to free
Editorial, EWEgene inbredgister guard
Those who lived in Lane County 25 years ago still remember the rattling horror of the moment in May 1983 when they heard that a “shaggy-haired stranger” had shot a mother and her three children after flagging down their car at night on a remote stretch of Old Mohawk Road near Springfield. One of the children died, while two were critically wounded. The mother, who told police she had refused to give the assailant her car keys, was wounded in her left arm.
Diane Downs was lying to police, but few suspected it until police announced several weeks later that Downs was a suspect in the case. After all, who could believe that a 27-year-old mother would take her kids to visit a co-worker’s home and then stop her car on the way home and coldly, methodically shoot her children?
Downs was a remarkable, relentless and remorseless liar. A quarter century later at age 53, she remains a liar as she prepares to plead her case for freedom before the Oregon Board of Parole on Tuesday.
The board should swiftly and emphatically reject Downs’ plea and leave her in the Chowchilla (Calif.) Women’s Facility where she has been imprisoned since 1993. While Downs is legally entitled to make her case for freedom, her crimes, her record as an escape-obsessed inmate, her dubious mental state, her endless capacity for deception and her complete lack of remorse make it clear that she should spend the rest of her life in prison.
Downs’ grasp on reality remains eerily nonexistent, as evidenced by her insistence that her 1987 escape from the Oregon Women’s Correctional Center in Salem and subsequent attempts at other prisons reflect “a healthy attitude about society.”
Consider also her response to a prison questionnaire about her crimes. In it she offers the latest in a long series of shifting accounts of how she ended up on Old Mohawk Road that May night and how she and her children were shot.
In the latest version, Downs says she was dating a man named “Rick” who claimed to be an FBI agent and that she had driven with her children to a remote location to pick up photographs of a suspect that her boyfriend was investigating. “When I arrived at the meeting place, my children were attack(ed). I struggled with the male shooter and drove my children to the hospital. Christie and Danny survived. Cheryl did not.”
It doesn’t seem to faze Downs — indeed it never has — that her latest explanation is completely at odds with her first account of a shaggy-haired stranger. Or, the one she gave in a taped conversation with a boyfriend in which she said two men wearing ski masks did the shootings. Or the one she gave later to her defense attorney that claimed the assailant was a man with whom she’d been flirting and smoking pot.
The parole board should heed the words of Lane County District Attorney Doug Harcleroad and Assistant District Attorney Paul Graebner in their letter opposing parole for Downs. “Downs has certainly not been rehabilitated and most likely never will,” they wrote.
“She constitutes a danger to others of the highest extreme which cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be controlled by supervision and treatment.”
In their letter, the prosecutors indicated their recommendation reflects the wishes of Fred Hugi, the retired Lane County deputy district attorney who prosecuted Downs and later adopted and raised Christie and Danny Downs. As for those now-grown children, it goes without saying that they deserve to live their lives with the reassuring knowledge that Diane Downs will spend the rest of her days behind bars.
The parole board should reject Diane Downs’ plea for parole — and it should deny any and all future pleas.
Those who lived in Lane County 25 years ago still remember the rattling horror of the moment in May 1983 when they heard that a “shaggy-haired stranger” had shot a mother and her three children after flagging down their car at night on a remote stretch of Old Mohawk Road near Springfield. One of the children died, while two were critically wounded. The mother, who told police she had refused to give the assailant her car keys, was wounded in her left arm.
Diane Downs was lying to police, but few suspected it until police announced several weeks later that Downs was a suspect in the case. After all, who could believe that a 27-year-old mother would take her kids to visit a co-worker’s home and then stop her car on the way home and coldly, methodically shoot her children?
Downs was a remarkable, relentless and remorseless liar. A quarter century later at age 53, she remains a liar as she prepares to plead her case for freedom before the Oregon Board of Parole on Tuesday.
The board should swiftly and emphatically reject Downs’ plea and leave her in the Chowchilla (Calif.) Women’s Facility where she has been imprisoned since 1993. While Downs is legally entitled to make her case for freedom, her crimes, her record as an escape-obsessed inmate, her dubious mental state, her endless capacity for deception and her complete lack of remorse make it clear that she should spend the rest of her life in prison.
Downs’ grasp on reality remains eerily nonexistent, as evidenced by her insistence that her 1987 escape from the Oregon Women’s Correctional Center in Salem and subsequent attempts at other prisons reflect “a healthy attitude about society.”
Consider also her response to a prison questionnaire about her crimes. In it she offers the latest in a long series of shifting accounts of how she ended up on Old Mohawk Road that May night and how she and her children were shot.
In the latest version, Downs says she was dating a man named “Rick” who claimed to be an FBI agent and that she had driven with her children to a remote location to pick up photographs of a suspect that her boyfriend was investigating. “When I arrived at the meeting place, my children were attack(ed). I struggled with the male shooter and drove my children to the hospital. Christie and Danny survived. Cheryl did not.”
It doesn’t seem to faze Downs — indeed it never has — that her latest explanation is completely at odds with her first account of a shaggy-haired stranger. Or, the one she gave in a taped conversation with a boyfriend in which she said two men wearing ski masks did the shootings. Or the one she gave later to her defense attorney that claimed the assailant was a man with whom she’d been flirting and smoking pot.
The parole board should heed the words of Lane County District Attorney Doug Harcleroad and Assistant District Attorney Paul Graebner in their letter opposing parole for Downs. “Downs has certainly not been rehabilitated and most likely never will,” they wrote.
“She constitutes a danger to others of the highest extreme which cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be controlled by supervision and treatment.”
In their letter, the prosecutors indicated their recommendation reflects the wishes of Fred Hugi, the retired Lane County deputy district attorney who prosecuted Downs and later adopted and raised Christie and Danny Downs. As for those now-grown children, it goes without saying that they deserve to live their lives with the reassuring knowledge that Diane Downs will spend the rest of her days behind bars.
The parole board should reject Diane Downs’ plea for parole — and it should deny any and all future pleas.
Friday, December 5, 2008
duck huntin
> HARMAN Michael wrote:
>
> Deborah,
> Hopefully this will come through….feel free to send me anything you’d like forwarded on to our group.
> Thanks!
> Michael Harman
> Services Bureau Manager
> Springfield Police Department
> (541) 726-3729
> www.ci.springfield.or.us/police/home.html
>
> Deborah Frisch wrote:
> To: Mike Harman, Services Bureau Manager, Springfield, OR Police Department
>
> Mike,
>
> There are a couple of issues I would want to talk to the police planning committee about. One involves SPD's collusion with EPD to protect Aaron Heyer from prosecution related to his murder of Tim Reams on March 4, 2007. It appears that SPD's Evan Sether and EPD's Ben Hall failed to detain Mr. Heyer when he was caught driving the wrong way down a one way street in Springfield despite the overwhelming probable cause in support of the allegation that Mr. Heyer was the hit-and-run driver who (fatally, as it later turned out) injured UO student Tim Reams a few hours earlier. Sether and Hall failed to test Heyer for a DUI. They kept his car but not him and thus, enabled him to elude the law for months. I'm not sure what the motive was - possibly it was to protect Eugene Police Commission member/Taylor's bar owner upChuck Hare from prosecution because Reams got drunk at Taylor's right before jaywalking and dying, but I'm not sure.
>
> The second is the grotesque failure to enforce the law against the three UO football players who were drag racing on Gateway Street and rammed their mustang into a van containing a young heterosexual couple with a 1 year old child. This was reckless endangerment, assault, etc. but since Chief Smith and D.A. Doug luv the dux, the three felonious negroes got off scot free. According to LCDA Harcleroad and Chief Smith, Oregon Revised Statutes don't apply in Lane County to negroes if they happen to be good at kicking dead pigs around on astroturf.
>
> It's sort of like the anti-kkk which i guess is less disgusting than being pro-kkk but it is still disgusting that Doug and Jerry fail to prosecute felonious reckless drivers just because they happen to be really good at kicking dead pigs around on astroturf. I have an unanswered list of questions I sent to the alleged Public Information Officer Sergeant Umenhoffer who was belligerent and uncooperative when I requested information to which I am legally entitled.
>
> Maybe you can convince him to answer my queries!
>
> Thanks,
> Deb
>
> Deborah Frisch wrote:
>
> Mike,
> Sorry I didn't make it last night. Could you email me:
> a. any minutes, agendas or other materials related to the police planning meetings or a link to a website where these materials are
> b. a list of the names (and occupations, if available) of the members of the committee as well as whether they are in their first, second or third ten-year term and which year of their current ten-year term they are in
>
> Thanks,
>
> Deb
>
> Deborah Frisch wrote:
>
> Mike,
>
> I'm very confused. You promptly return phone calls but when I ask for something substantive like minutes from meetings or the list of the committee, you're gone. Ouch.
>
> If you are off hiking along the McKenzie River today, more power to you and I am sorry for accusing you of being one of those government bureaucrats who thinks it's just about the shmoozing. If you were at work today, please send me the requested materials as soon as possible.
>
> Deb
>
>
> Deborah,
> Hopefully this will come through….feel free to send me anything you’d like forwarded on to our group.
> Thanks!
> Michael Harman
> Services Bureau Manager
> Springfield Police Department
> (541) 726-3729
> www.ci.springfield.or.us/police/home.html
>
> Deborah Frisch wrote:
> To: Mike Harman, Services Bureau Manager, Springfield, OR Police Department
>
> Mike,
>
> There are a couple of issues I would want to talk to the police planning committee about. One involves SPD's collusion with EPD to protect Aaron Heyer from prosecution related to his murder of Tim Reams on March 4, 2007. It appears that SPD's Evan Sether and EPD's Ben Hall failed to detain Mr. Heyer when he was caught driving the wrong way down a one way street in Springfield despite the overwhelming probable cause in support of the allegation that Mr. Heyer was the hit-and-run driver who (fatally, as it later turned out) injured UO student Tim Reams a few hours earlier. Sether and Hall failed to test Heyer for a DUI. They kept his car but not him and thus, enabled him to elude the law for months. I'm not sure what the motive was - possibly it was to protect Eugene Police Commission member/Taylor's bar owner upChuck Hare from prosecution because Reams got drunk at Taylor's right before jaywalking and dying, but I'm not sure.
>
> The second is the grotesque failure to enforce the law against the three UO football players who were drag racing on Gateway Street and rammed their mustang into a van containing a young heterosexual couple with a 1 year old child. This was reckless endangerment, assault, etc. but since Chief Smith and D.A. Doug luv the dux, the three felonious negroes got off scot free. According to LCDA Harcleroad and Chief Smith, Oregon Revised Statutes don't apply in Lane County to negroes if they happen to be good at kicking dead pigs around on astroturf.
>
> It's sort of like the anti-kkk which i guess is less disgusting than being pro-kkk but it is still disgusting that Doug and Jerry fail to prosecute felonious reckless drivers just because they happen to be really good at kicking dead pigs around on astroturf. I have an unanswered list of questions I sent to the alleged Public Information Officer Sergeant Umenhoffer who was belligerent and uncooperative when I requested information to which I am legally entitled.
>
> Maybe you can convince him to answer my queries!
>
> Thanks,
> Deb
>
> Deborah Frisch wrote:
>
> Mike,
> Sorry I didn't make it last night. Could you email me:
> a. any minutes, agendas or other materials related to the police planning meetings or a link to a website where these materials are
> b. a list of the names (and occupations, if available) of the members of the committee as well as whether they are in their first, second or third ten-year term and which year of their current ten-year term they are in
>
> Thanks,
>
> Deb
>
> Deborah Frisch wrote:
>
> Mike,
>
> I'm very confused. You promptly return phone calls but when I ask for something substantive like minutes from meetings or the list of the committee, you're gone. Ouch.
>
> If you are off hiking along the McKenzie River today, more power to you and I am sorry for accusing you of being one of those government bureaucrats who thinks it's just about the shmoozing. If you were at work today, please send me the requested materials as soon as possible.
>
> Deb
>
fred hugi: grand theft offspring?
Christie Downs was called as a witness to testify against her mother. Christie testified in court, "My mom shot Cheryl then Danny then me." The State had been preparing Christie for over a year and she was "the" key witness. If she buckled under pressure, it would hurt the State's case. Christie was eight years old at the time of the shooting and was nine years old at the time of the trial. From the date of the shooting until the trial, basically, all of her time was spent in the custody of the State of Oregon without contact with her mother or her or her grandparents. Her father in Arizona was allowed limited visits.
Doctor Ira Hyman of the Psychology Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, indicates on page 4, paragraph 2 of his letter to Wendy Willis, Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon that "When suggestions are made, people are likely to incorporate those suggestions into their recollections of experiences." Dr. Hyman also says in the first paragraph of page 6 in that same letter, "She also may have created a memory based on her experiences and in response to the 6 months of repeated questions and suggestions."
After Christie and Danny were adopted by the prosecuting attorney, Fred Hugi, Dena Reinhardt of Las Vegas, Nevada, made a chance phone call to the Hugi home. In that conversation, Christie, who was attending Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, said that she really didn't know who shot her. She also said the reason she testified that her mother shot her was because that's what they wanted her to say. That phone call from Ms. Reinhardt resulted in the following affidavit being drafted to discount the phone call.
Dena Reinhardt (Birth Name Angel) gave an affidavit over the telephone to the Law Office of Steve Gorham on November 20, 1990. It's kind of lengthy, but has some very interesting points. I think you will find it worth your time.
Doctor Ira Hyman of the Psychology Department, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225, indicates on page 4, paragraph 2 of his letter to Wendy Willis, Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon that "When suggestions are made, people are likely to incorporate those suggestions into their recollections of experiences." Dr. Hyman also says in the first paragraph of page 6 in that same letter, "She also may have created a memory based on her experiences and in response to the 6 months of repeated questions and suggestions."
After Christie and Danny were adopted by the prosecuting attorney, Fred Hugi, Dena Reinhardt of Las Vegas, Nevada, made a chance phone call to the Hugi home. In that conversation, Christie, who was attending Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, said that she really didn't know who shot her. She also said the reason she testified that her mother shot her was because that's what they wanted her to say. That phone call from Ms. Reinhardt resulted in the following affidavit being drafted to discount the phone call.
Dena Reinhardt (Birth Name Angel) gave an affidavit over the telephone to the Law Office of Steve Gorham on November 20, 1990. It's kind of lengthy, but has some very interesting points. I think you will find it worth your time.
karen mcgrowling
Karen McGrowling, Eugene Inbredgister Guard: Still claiming innocence and offering yet another version of the May 1983 shooting of her children, Lane County’s most infamous murderess will plead her case for freedom before the Oregon Board of Parole next week.
The Tuesday proceeding in Salem will be the first parole hearing for Elizabeth “Diane” Downs, now 53. Downs will appear by video feed from the Chowchilla (Calif.) Women’s Facility, where she has lived since 1993. She was sentenced in 1984 to life in prison plus 30 years for killing her daughter Cheryl, 7, and permanently maiming her daughter Christie, then 8, and her son, Danny, then 3.
In several letters to the parole board, including dozens of handwritten pages, she said she is proud of her 1987 escape from prison, and that she is not dangerous and should have been freed in 2002.
Downs cited that escape from the Oregon Women’s Correctional Center in Salem and subsequent attempts at other prisons as evidence for — not against — her release.
“Of all the felonies on the law books, ‘escape from prison’ is the only one that indicates a healthy attitude about society,” she wrote, distinguishing herself from “80 percent of all parolees” who so adapted to prison life that they are “dying to get back to prison.”
According to a state Corrections Department dangerous offender report to the parole board, Downs plotted with a boyfriend to escape from a New Jersey prison by having the boyfriend force a helicopter pilot at gunpoint to land in the recreation yard while Downs was there. Later, while taking seamstress classes at the same prison, she was caught sewing black fabric and buttons onto a prison jumpsuit to make it resemble a prison guard’s uniform. And in her first year at Chowchilla, Downs was caught chipping away mortar around the window of her cell.
In response to a prison questionnaire about her crimes, Downs offered a new account of why she drove her children to the remote stretch of Old Mohawk Road where they were shot.
“In 1983, I was a letter carrier delivering mail to the Lane County Courthouse,” she wrote. “A man in a suit and tie asked me out. He said he was FBI and he had credentials, or so I thought. Six weeks later I received a phone call from someone who claimed to have photographs of the man ‘Rick’ (the FBI agent I was dating) was investigating. The caller said if I wanted the photographs, I had to pick them up right away. I agreed to get the photos for ‘Rick.’ When I arrived at the meeting place, my children were attack(ed). I struggled with the male shooter and drove my children to the hospital. Christie and Danny survived. Cheryl did not.”
That was at least her fourth version of the shootings, Lane County District Attorney Doug Harcleroad and Assistant District Attorney Paul Graebner noted in a Nov. 14 letter to the board opposing parole for Downs. They said their letter also expressed the wishes of Fred Hugi, who adopted and raised Downs’ surviving children after prosecuting her for the shootings.
The local prosecutors reminded the board that Downs first claimed a shaggy-haired stranger had flagged her down, demanded her car and shot her children when she refused him. Then, in a taped phone conversation with a boyfriend, Downs said two men wearing ski masks did the shootings, Harcleroad and Graebner said. Later, in a letter to her defense attorney Jim Jagger, she said the shooter was a man with whom she’d been flirting and smoking marijuana.
The local prosecutors wrote that her latest story included the claim that her boyfriend “Rick” was “actually a drug dealer working with then-Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton.”
“Downs has certainly not been rehabilitated and most likely never will,” the prosecutors wrote. “She constitutes a danger to others of the highest extreme which cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be controlled by supervision and treatment.”
In response to a part of the prison questionnaire asking if she had experienced remorse, Downs replaced that term with “regret” on the form.
“I realize this questionnaire is a tactful way of asking if I accept responsibility for the death of my daughter,” she wrote. “It’s just that I did NOT shoot my children and I CAN’T say I did.”
She said she did regret responding to the phone call “that lured me and my children to Old Mohawk Road. Would that I could turn back the hands of Time. But I can’t. Now I have to decide whether I’m going to invest my future in regret or reassimilation. I have always known I’d return to society, so I made the conscious choice to not invest my energy in the negative alternative.”
In the dangerous offender report, Oregon prison population manager Barb Cooney also summarized an Aug. 19 telephone interview with Downs, in which Downs indicated that she planned to live with her parents in Texas and work with her brother in real estate.
Cooney also said Downs expressed “enormous respect” for Hugi for adopting and raising her children.
Downs “felt he has raised her children well,” Cooney wrote. “She reported that her son is no longer in a wheelchair and her daughter is currently in college.”
However, Harcleroad and Graebner disputed that account.
“Contrary to Downs’ bold assertions … Danny remains paralyzed from the chest down” and will use a wheelchair for the rest of his life, they wrote. “Christie has permanent partial paralysis on one side of her body.”
The board also received a psychological evaluation of Downs that was not available to the public. But Downs referenced portions of that report in a letter of response. According to her, a “Dr. Williams” found her level of dangerousness below average and reported that she has “skills that will allow her to function appropriately in society.”
But Downs also disclosed that Williams found her performance on psychological tests “essentially invalid and reflective of someone attempting to present themselves in a highly favorable light.”
If Downs’ parole is denied, she will be reconsidered every two years for the rest of her life. If she is ever granted parole, her release will be delayed 14 months for the extra sentence she received for her 10-day escape in 1987.
The Tuesday proceeding in Salem will be the first parole hearing for Elizabeth “Diane” Downs, now 53. Downs will appear by video feed from the Chowchilla (Calif.) Women’s Facility, where she has lived since 1993. She was sentenced in 1984 to life in prison plus 30 years for killing her daughter Cheryl, 7, and permanently maiming her daughter Christie, then 8, and her son, Danny, then 3.
In several letters to the parole board, including dozens of handwritten pages, she said she is proud of her 1987 escape from prison, and that she is not dangerous and should have been freed in 2002.
Downs cited that escape from the Oregon Women’s Correctional Center in Salem and subsequent attempts at other prisons as evidence for — not against — her release.
“Of all the felonies on the law books, ‘escape from prison’ is the only one that indicates a healthy attitude about society,” she wrote, distinguishing herself from “80 percent of all parolees” who so adapted to prison life that they are “dying to get back to prison.”
According to a state Corrections Department dangerous offender report to the parole board, Downs plotted with a boyfriend to escape from a New Jersey prison by having the boyfriend force a helicopter pilot at gunpoint to land in the recreation yard while Downs was there. Later, while taking seamstress classes at the same prison, she was caught sewing black fabric and buttons onto a prison jumpsuit to make it resemble a prison guard’s uniform. And in her first year at Chowchilla, Downs was caught chipping away mortar around the window of her cell.
In response to a prison questionnaire about her crimes, Downs offered a new account of why she drove her children to the remote stretch of Old Mohawk Road where they were shot.
“In 1983, I was a letter carrier delivering mail to the Lane County Courthouse,” she wrote. “A man in a suit and tie asked me out. He said he was FBI and he had credentials, or so I thought. Six weeks later I received a phone call from someone who claimed to have photographs of the man ‘Rick’ (the FBI agent I was dating) was investigating. The caller said if I wanted the photographs, I had to pick them up right away. I agreed to get the photos for ‘Rick.’ When I arrived at the meeting place, my children were attack(ed). I struggled with the male shooter and drove my children to the hospital. Christie and Danny survived. Cheryl did not.”
That was at least her fourth version of the shootings, Lane County District Attorney Doug Harcleroad and Assistant District Attorney Paul Graebner noted in a Nov. 14 letter to the board opposing parole for Downs. They said their letter also expressed the wishes of Fred Hugi, who adopted and raised Downs’ surviving children after prosecuting her for the shootings.
The local prosecutors reminded the board that Downs first claimed a shaggy-haired stranger had flagged her down, demanded her car and shot her children when she refused him. Then, in a taped phone conversation with a boyfriend, Downs said two men wearing ski masks did the shootings, Harcleroad and Graebner said. Later, in a letter to her defense attorney Jim Jagger, she said the shooter was a man with whom she’d been flirting and smoking marijuana.
The local prosecutors wrote that her latest story included the claim that her boyfriend “Rick” was “actually a drug dealer working with then-Lane County District Attorney Pat Horton.”
“Downs has certainly not been rehabilitated and most likely never will,” the prosecutors wrote. “She constitutes a danger to others of the highest extreme which cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be controlled by supervision and treatment.”
In response to a part of the prison questionnaire asking if she had experienced remorse, Downs replaced that term with “regret” on the form.
“I realize this questionnaire is a tactful way of asking if I accept responsibility for the death of my daughter,” she wrote. “It’s just that I did NOT shoot my children and I CAN’T say I did.”
She said she did regret responding to the phone call “that lured me and my children to Old Mohawk Road. Would that I could turn back the hands of Time. But I can’t. Now I have to decide whether I’m going to invest my future in regret or reassimilation. I have always known I’d return to society, so I made the conscious choice to not invest my energy in the negative alternative.”
In the dangerous offender report, Oregon prison population manager Barb Cooney also summarized an Aug. 19 telephone interview with Downs, in which Downs indicated that she planned to live with her parents in Texas and work with her brother in real estate.
Cooney also said Downs expressed “enormous respect” for Hugi for adopting and raising her children.
Downs “felt he has raised her children well,” Cooney wrote. “She reported that her son is no longer in a wheelchair and her daughter is currently in college.”
However, Harcleroad and Graebner disputed that account.
“Contrary to Downs’ bold assertions … Danny remains paralyzed from the chest down” and will use a wheelchair for the rest of his life, they wrote. “Christie has permanent partial paralysis on one side of her body.”
The board also received a psychological evaluation of Downs that was not available to the public. But Downs referenced portions of that report in a letter of response. According to her, a “Dr. Williams” found her level of dangerousness below average and reported that she has “skills that will allow her to function appropriately in society.”
But Downs also disclosed that Williams found her performance on psychological tests “essentially invalid and reflective of someone attempting to present themselves in a highly favorable light.”
If Downs’ parole is denied, she will be reconsidered every two years for the rest of her life. If she is ever granted parole, her release will be delayed 14 months for the extra sentence she received for her 10-day escape in 1987.
harcleroad, hugi & downs
To: F. Douglass Harcleroad, Lane County District Attorney
From: Deborah Frisch, Ph.D.
Re: Public records request re: your 11.14.08 letter to parole board re: Downs
Dear Mr. Harcleroad,
I am requesting a copy of your November 14, 2008 letter to the State of Oregon parole board opposing parole for the mother of former Lane County Assistant District Attorney Fred Hugi’s step-children. If possible, it would be best if Angela could email me a pdf file of the document. Otherwise, I would be glad to come by (today, hopefully!) to pick it up.
From: Deborah Frisch, Ph.D.
Re: Public records request re: your 11.14.08 letter to parole board re: Downs
Dear Mr. Harcleroad,
I am requesting a copy of your November 14, 2008 letter to the State of Oregon parole board opposing parole for the mother of former Lane County Assistant District Attorney Fred Hugi’s step-children. If possible, it would be best if Angela could email me a pdf file of the document. Otherwise, I would be glad to come by (today, hopefully!) to pick it up.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Comedic Advice Request from Deb
Most elected offices are not limited to persons with a particular educational background. A Nobel-prize winning physicist and a person who didn’t graduate from high school could theoretically compete against each other for President of the United States, Senator from Oregon or Secretary of State.
There are some state and county elected offices that are limited to people with a particular educational background. Almost all of those that are limited require a law degree (Attorney General, District Attorney, Circuit Court Judge, Appeals Court Judge, Supreme Court Judge). I am not sure if the County Public Health Officer must have an M.D., like Lane County Public Health Officer Sarah Hendrickson does, but if it is a requirement, it’s the only non-lawyer example (I think) at the city, county or state level.
The question of whether it makes sense to for the government to legislate in lots of lawyers and no doctors or Ph.D. level engineers, economists, statisticians, epidemiologists, biologists, psychologists, etc. is beyond the scope of this note.
The question is this. There is a nebulous line that separates cost-effective jokes (meaning/meanness ratio is over the “threshold”) from non-cost-effective jokes. Is the following joke a GO or a NOGO?
There are some state and county elected offices that are limited to people with a law degree (Attorney General, District Attorney, Circuit Court Judge, Appeals Court Judge, Supreme Court Judge). If a person elected in November is dismembered, oops, I mean disbarred prior to the January inauguration, what’s the procedure for selecting a replacement?
There are some state and county elected offices that are limited to people with a particular educational background. Almost all of those that are limited require a law degree (Attorney General, District Attorney, Circuit Court Judge, Appeals Court Judge, Supreme Court Judge). I am not sure if the County Public Health Officer must have an M.D., like Lane County Public Health Officer Sarah Hendrickson does, but if it is a requirement, it’s the only non-lawyer example (I think) at the city, county or state level.
The question of whether it makes sense to for the government to legislate in lots of lawyers and no doctors or Ph.D. level engineers, economists, statisticians, epidemiologists, biologists, psychologists, etc. is beyond the scope of this note.
The question is this. There is a nebulous line that separates cost-effective jokes (meaning/meanness ratio is over the “threshold”) from non-cost-effective jokes. Is the following joke a GO or a NOGO?
There are some state and county elected offices that are limited to people with a law degree (Attorney General, District Attorney, Circuit Court Judge, Appeals Court Judge, Supreme Court Judge). If a person elected in November is dismembered, oops, I mean disbarred prior to the January inauguration, what’s the procedure for selecting a replacement?
to free or not to free?
EUGENE, Ore. -- More than 25 years after she was convicted of shooting her three children, killing one of them, Diane Downs continued to protest her innocence in a handwritten 12-page letter she sent to the parole board Monday.
In the letter, she apologized for being angry with a guard back in 1985, but added, "Had you been convicted of a crime you didn't commit, you'd be mad too!"
Downs is up for parole at a hearing this Tuesday.
In the letter, she apologized for being angry with a guard back in 1985, but added, "Had you been convicted of a crime you didn't commit, you'd be mad too!"
Downs is up for parole at a hearing this Tuesday.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
query for City MANager Ruiz
I subscribe to something called sitemeter that is a free service that allows users to track visitors to a blog. Someone at "eugene.or.us" with IP address 140.211.82.# "Oregon University Higher Educational System" has been here for 15 minutes today. I think this same person visits my site 5-10 times a day.
Is it possible to identify who 140.211.82.# is?
Is it possible to identify who 140.211.82.# is?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
transcript of today's shtick
NOTE: The menacing looks I received from Russ and Alex pale in comparison to what I observed a few weeks ago where Lane County Sheriff's Office Finance Manager Rick Shulz almost physically assaulted Health and Human Services Director Rob Rockstroh. I have never observed such thinly veiled physical aggression in a professional setting in my 20 years at the University of Oregon, National Science Foundation and University of Arizona.
P.S. Why does the Sheriff's Office need its own personal finance manager? And in the unlikely event that such an employee is needed, why hire a neuronally-impaired thug like Rick Shulz? AND WHY DOES ROB PUT UP WITH BEING PHYSICALLY MENACED BY RUSS AND RICK?!
Here is the transcript of what I said today. Alex Gardner was laughing uncontrollably when I left - I sure would love to know exactly what he found so funny!
The number of law enforcement personnel per capita is a very useful quick and easy measure of a locality’s investment in public safety. An often-cited statistic is that Oregon ranks 50 in the nation on this measure and Lane County is the lowest in Oregon.
This fact is often used by District Attorney Harcleroad, District Attorney-elect Gardner and Sheriff Burger to justify the transfer of limited Lane County tax dollars away from Health, Education and other Affirming Life (HEAL) Services and to Prosecution and Incarceration Services (PIS). But of course, if there were a comparable measure of funding for social services, Oregon would also be at the bottom of the nation and Lane County would be at the bottom of the state.
Over the last decade or so, under the leadership of David Crowell who has been the chair of the budget committee for eight years, the county has teetered on the brink of insolvency and engaged in a self-destructive and grotesque transfer of wealth from the accounts of Sarah Hendrickson, Rob Rockstroh and Tom Howard into the obesely stuffed pockets of Harcleroad, Gardner and Burger.
Those of you who haven’t attended Lane County Board of Commissioner meetings, Facilities meetings and/or Audit and Finance meetings in the six months since the very public budget process was completed are probably unaware that Sheriff Burger attends almost every meeting asking for more money. He usually has 6 or 7 parole officers and other staff tagging along.
HINT: If you’re going to grovel for money every week by alleging you are understaffed, don’t bring 10 staff members to sit and stare blankly into face. That’s bad public relations.
I cannot believe that David “Faye’s crony” Crowell is chair of the Lane County Budget Committee for the ninth year in a row. The lack of diversity, not to mention competence on the budget committee is the reason the county needed a $4.5 million bailout from Eugene last spring.
Today’s meeting should have been about how to spend the pork for Lane County in the $700 billion banker bailout. This is probably the last pork from Uncle Sam and it should be spent wisely. But of course, you want to divvy up sam’s pork in private and give the Sheriff even more money without public process.
It is long past time for Mr. Crowell to retire from the budget committee. I observed Mr. Crowell who was the citizen “member” on the OR SB111 Use of Deadly Force planning committee. He did not utter a single substantive comment in any of the half dozen meetings I attended. The only time he said anything was during the chitchat session before a meeting when he and Sheriff Burglar, oops, I mean Burger reminisced about a very, very enjoyable “lunch” they once shared.
It is unacceptable that Mr. Crowell has been crowned king of the budget committee by the elected officials. It is not a coincidence that under Mr. Crowell’s leadership, the budget situation has escalated to a crisis. Nor is it a coincidence that under his reign, social services have been gutted to feed the bloated gut of the prison industry.
It is unacceptable for this crony of Burger, Harcleroad and Gardner to continue run Lane County’s finances into the ground.
P.S. Why does the Sheriff's Office need its own personal finance manager? And in the unlikely event that such an employee is needed, why hire a neuronally-impaired thug like Rick Shulz? AND WHY DOES ROB PUT UP WITH BEING PHYSICALLY MENACED BY RUSS AND RICK?!
Here is the transcript of what I said today. Alex Gardner was laughing uncontrollably when I left - I sure would love to know exactly what he found so funny!
The number of law enforcement personnel per capita is a very useful quick and easy measure of a locality’s investment in public safety. An often-cited statistic is that Oregon ranks 50 in the nation on this measure and Lane County is the lowest in Oregon.
This fact is often used by District Attorney Harcleroad, District Attorney-elect Gardner and Sheriff Burger to justify the transfer of limited Lane County tax dollars away from Health, Education and other Affirming Life (HEAL) Services and to Prosecution and Incarceration Services (PIS). But of course, if there were a comparable measure of funding for social services, Oregon would also be at the bottom of the nation and Lane County would be at the bottom of the state.
Over the last decade or so, under the leadership of David Crowell who has been the chair of the budget committee for eight years, the county has teetered on the brink of insolvency and engaged in a self-destructive and grotesque transfer of wealth from the accounts of Sarah Hendrickson, Rob Rockstroh and Tom Howard into the obesely stuffed pockets of Harcleroad, Gardner and Burger.
Those of you who haven’t attended Lane County Board of Commissioner meetings, Facilities meetings and/or Audit and Finance meetings in the six months since the very public budget process was completed are probably unaware that Sheriff Burger attends almost every meeting asking for more money. He usually has 6 or 7 parole officers and other staff tagging along.
HINT: If you’re going to grovel for money every week by alleging you are understaffed, don’t bring 10 staff members to sit and stare blankly into face. That’s bad public relations.
I cannot believe that David “Faye’s crony” Crowell is chair of the Lane County Budget Committee for the ninth year in a row. The lack of diversity, not to mention competence on the budget committee is the reason the county needed a $4.5 million bailout from Eugene last spring.
Today’s meeting should have been about how to spend the pork for Lane County in the $700 billion banker bailout. This is probably the last pork from Uncle Sam and it should be spent wisely. But of course, you want to divvy up sam’s pork in private and give the Sheriff even more money without public process.
It is long past time for Mr. Crowell to retire from the budget committee. I observed Mr. Crowell who was the citizen “member” on the OR SB111 Use of Deadly Force planning committee. He did not utter a single substantive comment in any of the half dozen meetings I attended. The only time he said anything was during the chitchat session before a meeting when he and Sheriff Burglar, oops, I mean Burger reminisced about a very, very enjoyable “lunch” they once shared.
It is unacceptable that Mr. Crowell has been crowned king of the budget committee by the elected officials. It is not a coincidence that under Mr. Crowell’s leadership, the budget situation has escalated to a crisis. Nor is it a coincidence that under his reign, social services have been gutted to feed the bloated gut of the prison industry.
It is unacceptable for this crony of Burger, Harcleroad and Gardner to continue run Lane County’s finances into the ground.
down by law
I ran into Lane County Sheriff Burger and District Attorney-elect Gardner at the Lane County Budget Meeting this morning. I did not realize my 180 seconds of public comment would come after an hour and three-quarters of irrelevant chatter from Alex and Annette peppered with dumber than a jalepeno questions from Commissioners Fleenor and Sorensen and loathesome threats from Chair David "Crony" Crowell.
Although my comments were well-received by Chair Crowell, who smiled patronizingly and Commissioner Fleenor, who attempted to refute my allegation that it was loathsome that Mr. Crowell was chair of the Lane County Budget Committee for the 8th year in a row, I felt physically menaced by Sheriff Burger and LCDA-elect Gardner.
I feel physically afraid of Sheriff Burger and DA-elect Gardner. I feel like they are trying to physically intimidate me out of my first amendment right to participate in these meetings. This was the second time I have felt physically afraid of Sheriff Burger in the last two months. I never felt afraid of former EPD Chief Lehner in this way, nor have I ever felt this way about Springfield Chief Smith.
I suppose my recourse is to go to the FBI regarding my belief that Mr. Gardner and Mr. Burger are trying to physically bully me out of my first amendment rights?
Although my comments were well-received by Chair Crowell, who smiled patronizingly and Commissioner Fleenor, who attempted to refute my allegation that it was loathsome that Mr. Crowell was chair of the Lane County Budget Committee for the 8th year in a row, I felt physically menaced by Sheriff Burger and LCDA-elect Gardner.
I feel physically afraid of Sheriff Burger and DA-elect Gardner. I feel like they are trying to physically intimidate me out of my first amendment right to participate in these meetings. This was the second time I have felt physically afraid of Sheriff Burger in the last two months. I never felt afraid of former EPD Chief Lehner in this way, nor have I ever felt this way about Springfield Chief Smith.
I suppose my recourse is to go to the FBI regarding my belief that Mr. Gardner and Mr. Burger are trying to physically bully me out of my first amendment rights?
Monday, December 1, 2008
buddha moshe
Moshe Holtzberg, the 2-year-old orphan of the rabbi and his wife slain in the Mumbai Jewish center, cries during a memorial service at a synagogue in Mumbai, India, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. Holtzberg will fly to Israel Monday on an Israeli Air Force jet with his parents' remains and the Indian woman who rescued him, an Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
excavation update
To: Steve Ochs, Associate Planner, City of Eugene
Steve,
I know the Oregon State Board of Higher Education does not need to wait for a building permit or for the resolution of the pending LUBA decision prior to beginning excavation of the bedrock of the MR-110 sub-basin of the Willamette River. This right to premature excavation was allegedly established in a correspondence among Melinda Grier of the UO, Virginia Gustafson of DOJ, Tina Guard of Balzhiser Engineering and Stuart Ramsing, Building Official of the City of Eugene.
1. Has the building permit application been submitted yet? Can I set up a time to come view the materials related to the building permit application?
2. Has the sub-contract from Hoffman Destruction Company in Portland for the rape/assault of the Willamette bedrock been assigned yet? If so, to whom was it awarded?
3. When did/will excavation begin at the site that is currently partially owned by the state of Oregon and still partially owned by the city of Eugene? [LUBA 2008-156/157 will not be resolved until December 11 at the earliest.]
Thanks,
Deb
Steve,
I know the Oregon State Board of Higher Education does not need to wait for a building permit or for the resolution of the pending LUBA decision prior to beginning excavation of the bedrock of the MR-110 sub-basin of the Willamette River. This right to premature excavation was allegedly established in a correspondence among Melinda Grier of the UO, Virginia Gustafson of DOJ, Tina Guard of Balzhiser Engineering and Stuart Ramsing, Building Official of the City of Eugene.
1. Has the building permit application been submitted yet? Can I set up a time to come view the materials related to the building permit application?
2. Has the sub-contract from Hoffman Destruction Company in Portland for the rape/assault of the Willamette bedrock been assigned yet? If so, to whom was it awarded?
3. When did/will excavation begin at the site that is currently partially owned by the state of Oregon and still partially owned by the city of Eugene? [LUBA 2008-156/157 will not be resolved until December 11 at the earliest.]
Thanks,
Deb
sean penn's witch hunt
Films about the failures of the legal system, wrongful convictions and the misapplication of justice have been prevalent of late, from the Roman Polanski rape trial to Errol Morris's film on Abu Ghraib. Witch Hunt introduces us to a similarly shocking story, to which Sean Penn has lent his considerable weight as executive producer and narrator. The film follows a score of child-molestation allegations and sex-abuse cases in the California community of Bakersfield that resulted in a rash of convictions during the eighties.
Bakersfield had a history of cowboy-style law enforcement. Concerned about law-and-order issues, the community elected a district attorney determined to crack down on wrongdoing. What followed was a series of scandalous arrests, made all the more astonishing because those condemned were apparently well-adjusted individuals or couples charged with the appalling crime of child molestation – of their own children. In the film, a number of the accused emotionally recount the details of their arrests: unexpected knocks on the door by law officials, children taken away only to reappear in a courtroom as their parents' accusers. The testimony of these children led to prison sentences for their parents, one man for 480 years, another for 749 years.
The local jail began to fill up with alleged child molesters, all proclaiming their innocence. Fearing looming charges, some residents left town only to be hunted down. Next, accusations of satanic rites started to enter the picture. At this point, the state attorney general decided to look deeper into the cases: many were found legally deficient. In several instances, zealous, under-trained social workers had coerced the children into their stories. Eventually, after serving several years of their prison terms, many of the accused were released – and reunited with children who were almost complete strangers.
Penn's narration anchors Don Hardy and Dana Nachman's persuasive depiction of the human cost of these tragedies. While the interviewees share their memories and try to put their lives back together, we can only ask: could this really happen?
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