How can the District Attorney’s office contribute to maintaining our exemplary natural surroundings in Humboldt County?

Though the role of a District Attorney does not allow for the creation of, or changing of legislation, it is an important part of enforcing the legislation already active. This is one of the main tenants of my first election. It is important for any district attorney to understand the fundamental importance of environmental law and how that impacts their community. Environmental protection is a long term and important goal; an ideal which has a benefit not seen for decades, but that has immediate and constant impacts.

How can water, wildlife, and economic interests be balanced as the region diversifies beyond traditional agricultural and industrial activity?

It is important to remember that the only limitation on a society’s ability to work with nature, and not in spite of it, lies wholly within the society itself. While making plans for future economies, there must by a conscious mindset that allows for a beneficial and long term coexistence between man and nature. We have a very unique community here in Humboldt; one that can very easily adjust to new industry, so long as we retain the forethought necessary to ensure our natural sustainability.

One of our greatest local resources is the intellectual ability of our population. Collectively, we have a tremendous wealth of intellect and desire for advancement; but that is also tempered locally, with the understanding that quick profits at the cost of loss of wildlife or the destruction of habitat is no profit at all.  

Do local entities such as Humboldt County have a significant part to play in enforcing California environmental law?

In short, absolutely. Humboldt County is blessed by its location within the Redwood Forest. We have some of the greatest and most important groves of old growth trees in the world—and with that, the responsibility to protect them. Whether it is through the plans of the State of California or through the desires of outside interests, it is the responsibility of every citizen of Humboldt County to ensure that our forest areas, bays, watersheds, rivers and other habitats are permanently protected. This means making sure that we elect, and keep electing officials who value our natural gifts, and hold those elected officials to their word. There are several layers of government, even within a county structure, whose job it is to protect the lives and livelihoods of our neighbors. This means maintaining an understanding that without a safe and functioning ecosystem, our community will fail.

What might be the General Plan Update’s potential impact on our future, and on the regulatory framework we see today?

It is important to realize that the current General Plan Update is so outdated that it no longer complies with many State and Federal laws. The people who are applying for permits now cannot be guaranteed that these permits will meet these other laws. This creates situations where the county’s lack of clear and legal policies hinders the protection of natural areas, and ties the hands of environmental investigation and prosecution.

Ultimately, the decision on the General Plan Update will come from the people of Humboldt County—and its impact will affect the next generation of development in Humboldt. While I will not take a stand, personally, on how I feel about the possible directions of the outcome, I will say that whatever the people of Humboldt decide will be enforced by my office. I offer as an example, the case of Ken Bareillis. Bareillis disobeyed local laws, illegally subdivided a large property in the Titlow Hill area, and made tremendous profits from those activities. My office prosecuted Mr. Bareillis for his crimes and the court found him guilty of felony unlawful land sales. Restitution is currently being sought for the people of Humboldt County as well as an analysis as to the impact this activity has had on the environment.