District Attorney Gallegos Going After Trimmers

As prices for pot drop, prices for trimming have begun slowly to drop, too.  Growers have argued that trimmers don’t really face much risk and yet they get over 10% of the income.  (Prices last year roughly averaged around $16oo per pound for outdoor and $28oo for indoor while trimming fees were around $200 per pound.) No one could even name a trimmer who had ever been arrested.  But for the last year or two, there has been a new trend in the Emerald Triangle– charging trimmers.

Today the Times Standard’s Thadeus Greenson put out an excellent piece on what many observers had begun to suspect—that trimmers are being targeted by law enforcement.  In the article, Paul Gallegos responds to the concern that big growers are able to forfeit money and do some community service and walk away while trimmers, with no money to sweeten the desire to deal, remain in jail awaiting trial.

District Attorney Paul Gallegos said defense attorneys in this case, and others, simply think trimmers should get a “sweet deal” but he’s not inclined to give them one.

”They are all engaged in a criminal enterprise so we expect them all to plead guilty to a felony,” Gallegos said.

With Proposition 36 mandating treatment, not prison, for qualifying nonviolent drug offenders and a recent corrections re-alignment bill keeping low-level offenders out of state prisons, Gallegos said everyone involved knows none of these people are going to prison. Nonetheless, Gallegos said he expects trimmers to plead guilty to a felony and, ultimately, give back to the community through a sentence of community service, just like growers.

Gallegos also disputed that this stance puts trimmers and growers on the same level. First, he said, a judge is going to dole out harsher sentences for growers. Second, he said, people should keep in mind that growers sustain other losses when busted.

”The people that we believe are running the business, we are taking them out of business,” he said. “The big people, they lose all their money, all their product and all the capital.”

The trimmers lose less at a bust because they have not invested in the enterprise, Gallegos said.

That whole line of reasoning has problems, according to [defense attorney] Schwartz.

”That logic of their suffering greater consequences doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “That’s the risk they take. It’s like feeling sorry for Bernie Madoff because he lost everything — his yachts and his homes in New York. … To say that their ill-gotten gains are all gone therefore they suffered greater consequences just doesn’t make any sense.”

Whether or not it makes sense, taking a hard line on prosecuting trimmers is going to be the approach, Gallegos said, adding that he is actually working with law enforcement to target busts for when as many people are at the scene as possible. Recent cases — which have featured the arrest of dozens of trimmers — should send a message, Gallegos said.

”These people need to understand that they are engaged in illegal activities and there will be consequences until the law is changed,” Gallegos said. “I hope they understand that we are looking and we are watching and we are waiting until they’re there to do our busts.”

You need to read the whole article.  The disparity between what the grower has agreed to (the judge could still nix the deal) and what the trimmers face is disheartening considering the relative profit that each stood to gain. On top of that, is this where we want to spend our limited cash resources in this county?  Prosecuting trimmers?  In the case being referred to above,  as a plethora of interpreters as well as public defense attorneys were used and at least one of the trimmers has not made bail (risk of flight because of nationality and visa issues) and thus is being housed at county expense, the costs must be astronomical.  The system is totally broken if it makes sense to send a non-violent, wage worker to county jail while confiscating only money and time from a grower.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not against the deal that was made for the grower– I’m against the proportion of punishment that falls on the person least likely to have contributed to any actual criminal behavior. Marijuana manicurists often have little or no true knowledge of illegal activity of the grower they work for.

Trimmers have nothing to do with sales.

They shouldn’t be seeing the inside of jails.

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Jen
Guest
Jen
12 years ago

I’m surprised. Not that Trimmers and Growers are being targeted, but that Gallegos is leading the charge. After all, he took money from the Growers Association. Of course, maybe that’s the deal he made with them during the election–that he’d turn the heat on everyone involved of just them.
The truth is that everything we’re seeing in the local news points to the increase in criminal elements involved in the pot business despite the legalization of pot. The facts are that most of those who grow don’t follow the law they fought for. A law not recognize by the feds.
Law enforcement is not finding plants being used for medicine. They’re finding pot being distributed for sale in states that don’t allow pot (like Nevada).
Kym, you and I don’t agree on this one, I know. I wish I could believe that legalization of pot would do away with the criminal culture around it, but the current findings lately have shown otherwise.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago
Reply to  Jen

Fiance here: I have not decided on how I feel about this. I am torn. Gallegos is clearly bending due to federal pressure. I never trusted him and I didn’t think any of you SoHummers that worked so hard to vote him into office should have. There is some serious karma going down in your neighborhood. Too many got too big for their britches!

On another note, Nevada does have medical legalization. We are allowed 7 plants total, with only 3 in the flowering stage at a time. If anyone was paying attention they would know that several illegal grows were busted in the last couple of months up on Mt. Charleston, close to Las Vegas. One of these grows had 9000 plants. If you think your grows are sucking up too much water think about what they are doing to a desert environment. Although I am pro-legalization across the board I will not condone the environmental damage done by these mega-grows in my environment or yours.

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

The environmental damage associated with big grows is reality. The water diverted from salmon bearing/amphibian bearing streams, osmocote fertilizer dumped on the ground, forests cut down to get sunlight to heat up the grow environment, pesticides, fungicides, rat poisons, shooting wildlife to protect crops, miles of poly pipe, empty LP Gas Canisters and the camp messes left behind when the “job is done”? Pretty sad the environmental damage that “SOME” growers inflict on society in pursuit of the “almighty dollar”. We need to stop the drug war now. But it seems the Drug War is beginning to escalate again. The times they are a changing. Why not just legalize Cannabis for sanities sake?

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago
Reply to  Harry

“Whether or not it makes sense, taking a hard line on prosecuting trimmers is going to be the approach, Gallegos said, adding that he is actually working with law enforcement to target busts for when as many people are at the scene as possible. Recent cases — which have featured the arrest of dozens of trimmers — should send a message, Gallegos said.

”These people need to understand that they are engaged in illegal activities and there will be consequences until the law is changed,” Gallegos said. “I hope they understand that we are looking and we are watching and we are waiting until they’re there to do our busts.”

Part of the conflict in Campbell and Tsygankova’s cases, Gallegos said, is that the bulk of the co-defendants — including Tsygankova — are foreign nationals and risk deportation if they plead guilty to a felony drug offense. “

Jen
Guest
Jen
12 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

I didn’t realize Nevada had passed that law. Thank you.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago
Reply to  Jen

Fiance here: We are just starting our 3rd year with medical……..

Matthew Meyer
Guest
Matthew Meyer
12 years ago
Reply to  Jen

“I wish I could believe that legalization of pot would do away with the criminal culture around it, but the current findings lately have shown otherwise.”

How can what has happened lately show otherwise, when cannabis has not been legalized? Are you sure you’re not confounding the effects of prohibition with intrinsic characteristics of the cannabis market? Prohibition = price supports = large profit motive.

Jen
Guest
Jen
12 years ago

I’m surprised. Not that Trimmers and Growers are being targeted, but that Gallegos is leading the charge. After all, he took money from the Growers Association. Of course, maybe that’s the deal he made with them during the election–that he’d turn the heat on everyone involved of just them.
The truth is that everything we’re seeing in the local news points to the increase in criminal elements involved in the pot business despite the legalization of pot. The facts are that most of those who grow don’t follow the law they fought for. A law not recognize by the feds.
Law enforcement is not finding plants being used for medicine. They’re finding pot being distributed for sale in states that don’t allow pot (like Nevada).
Kym, you and I don’t agree on this one, I know. I wish I could believe that legalization of pot would do away with the criminal culture around it, but the current findings lately have shown otherwise.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago
Reply to  Jen

Fiance here: I have not decided on how I feel about this. I am torn. Gallegos is clearly bending due to federal pressure. I never trusted him and I didn’t think any of you SoHummers that worked so hard to vote him into office should have. There is some serious karma going down in your neighborhood. Too many got too big for their britches!

On another note, Nevada does have medical legalization. We are allowed 7 plants total, with only 3 in the flowering stage at a time. If anyone was paying attention they would know that several illegal grows were busted in the last couple of months up on Mt. Charleston, close to Las Vegas. One of these grows had 9000 plants. If you think your grows are sucking up too much water think about what they are doing to a desert environment. Although I am pro-legalization across the board I will not condone the environmental damage done by these mega-grows in my environment or yours.

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

The environmental damage associated with big grows is reality. The water diverted from salmon bearing/amphibian bearing streams, osmocote fertilizer dumped on the ground, forests cut down to get sunlight to heat up the grow environment, pesticides, fungicides, rat poisons, shooting wildlife to protect crops, miles of poly pipe, empty LP Gas Canisters and the camp messes left behind when the “job is done”? Pretty sad the environmental damage that “SOME” growers inflict on society in pursuit of the “almighty dollar”. We need to stop the drug war now. But it seems the Drug War is beginning to escalate again. The times they are a changing. Why not just legalize Cannabis for sanities sake?

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago
Reply to  Harry

“Whether or not it makes sense, taking a hard line on prosecuting trimmers is going to be the approach, Gallegos said, adding that he is actually working with law enforcement to target busts for when as many people are at the scene as possible. Recent cases — which have featured the arrest of dozens of trimmers — should send a message, Gallegos said.

”These people need to understand that they are engaged in illegal activities and there will be consequences until the law is changed,” Gallegos said. “I hope they understand that we are looking and we are watching and we are waiting until they’re there to do our busts.”

Part of the conflict in Campbell and Tsygankova’s cases, Gallegos said, is that the bulk of the co-defendants — including Tsygankova — are foreign nationals and risk deportation if they plead guilty to a felony drug offense. “

Jen
Guest
Jen
12 years ago
Reply to  humboldtkids

I didn’t realize Nevada had passed that law. Thank you.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago
Reply to  Jen

Fiance here: We are just starting our 3rd year with medical……..

Matthew Meyer
Guest
Matthew Meyer
12 years ago
Reply to  Jen

“I wish I could believe that legalization of pot would do away with the criminal culture around it, but the current findings lately have shown otherwise.”

How can what has happened lately show otherwise, when cannabis has not been legalized? Are you sure you’re not confounding the effects of prohibition with intrinsic characteristics of the cannabis market? Prohibition = price supports = large profit motive.

tra
Guest
tra
12 years ago

Gallegos’ approach is flat wrong. He’s arguing that the grower getting off easy while the trimmers are aggressively prosecuted is “fair” because the grower “had more to lose” in the first place.

That’s the same kind of unequal justice that the DA’s office served up when they gave a no-jail sweetheart deal to the Eureka cop who was arrested last year for possession of heroin, possession of several other controlled substances, harassing his ex-wife, vandalism, improper use of DMV records, failure to appear in court, etc.

In that case, the argument was that since the cop was perceived as such a pillar of the community before the arrest, therefore the loss of that (undeserved) status as a pillar of the community was enough punishment in and of itself.

In both cases the operating principle seems to be that if you have more wealth, and/or status at the time of your arrest, you will get off easy. That’s pretty much the exact opposite of “equal justice.”

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago

Fiance here: Having just spent almost 6 years dealing with the twisted logic of the Humboldt County judicial system I wouldn’t expect anything else of them. No matter if its drugs, other crimes, child custody or whatever they go with the money. Nothing matters to them but how they can suck more money out of the federal government and anyone else involved.

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago

Fiance here: Having just spent almost 6 years dealing with the twisted logic of the Humboldt County judicial system I wouldn’t expect anything else of them. No matter if its drugs, other crimes, child custody or whatever they go with the money. Nothing matters to them but how they can suck more money out of the federal government and anyone else involved.

longwind
Guest
longwind
12 years ago

Making casual laborers into felons is indefensible. I like and support Paul, but his implication is preposterous that they’ve taken anything from the community but wages fairly earned. There must be a real reason for this, and I’m guessing it’s more butt-covering against present and future federal pressures.

Paul, can’t all the necessary butts get covered under misdemeanor pleas? Why not?

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago
Reply to  longwind

They take way more than the deserve. Most are on welfare and if they have kids they claim 0 income so that DCSS can go after the fathers of their children for an excessive amount of child support. They pay nothing into the system that they are ripping off. Every time they swipe that AFDC food stamp card its a crime. Every time they cash that welfare-to-work check its a crime, every time they go to the doctor its a crime. Every time a judge limits the amount of time that a father can spend with their child so the mother gets even more child support its a crime.

longwind
Guest
longwind
12 years ago

Making casual laborers into felons is indefensible. I like and support Paul, but his implication is preposterous that they’ve taken anything from the community but wages fairly earned. There must be a real reason for this, and I’m guessing it’s more butt-covering against present and future federal pressures.

Paul, can’t all the necessary butts get covered under misdemeanor pleas? Why not?

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago
Reply to  longwind

They take way more than the deserve. Most are on welfare and if they have kids they claim 0 income so that DCSS can go after the fathers of their children for an excessive amount of child support. They pay nothing into the system that they are ripping off. Every time they swipe that AFDC food stamp card its a crime. Every time they cash that welfare-to-work check its a crime, every time they go to the doctor its a crime. Every time a judge limits the amount of time that a father can spend with their child so the mother gets even more child support its a crime.

Anne on a Mouse
Guest
Anne on a Mouse
12 years ago

Recent cases — which have featured the arrest of dozens of trimmers — should send a message, Gallegos said.

I don’t know, but this looks like it might be a response (message) to the ever increasing influx of seasonal workers (trimmers, homeless) to Humboldt.

Anne on a Mouse
Guest
Anne on a Mouse
12 years ago

Recent cases — which have featured the arrest of dozens of trimmers — should send a message, Gallegos said.

I don’t know, but this looks like it might be a response (message) to the ever increasing influx of seasonal workers (trimmers, homeless) to Humboldt.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago

The state is always society’s enemy. The state has no authority of its own, only what people grant it. The state has no money of its own, only what people give it (or is stolen from them at then end of a gun).The state will continue being ‘on the take’ until enough people, in union, rise against it. Humboldt Inc. has 14 auditors, 42 ‘counselors,’ Sheriff, deputies, judges -all in an agreement on how to split the spoils between them. Again, ONLY PERSON(S) can be arrested &/or ‘charged.’ Read THEIR codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, statutes, bills ($), orders—ALL have the word ‘person(s)’ in them. ALL written in past-tense, future-tense. ‘We the people,’ any one of us, as breathing, living humankind w/an immortal soul enclosed, live in the Now. How can a corporation (corpse/dead/no responsibility) ever have any control over the living? It’s all in your mind(s). Why will marijuana never be ‘legalized’ (thank Allah, thank Buddha, thank Krishna), BEEcause the mind cannot be controlled. What is the definition of the word ‘warrant?’ A short-term obligation issued by a municipality in anticipation of revenue. Paul G. a-turns, and a-twists words for personal gain. To me, THEY appear as weak-minded thieves, uneducated bullies. Woe to the attorneys and their enablers. Time to clean house. Ya think?

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago
Reply to  Forest Queen

Fiance here: I do think….and that’s the problem. They don’t want us doing that.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago

The state is always society’s enemy. The state has no authority of its own, only what people grant it. The state has no money of its own, only what people give it (or is stolen from them at then end of a gun).The state will continue being ‘on the take’ until enough people, in union, rise against it. Humboldt Inc. has 14 auditors, 42 ‘counselors,’ Sheriff, deputies, judges -all in an agreement on how to split the spoils between them. Again, ONLY PERSON(S) can be arrested &/or ‘charged.’ Read THEIR codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, statutes, bills ($), orders—ALL have the word ‘person(s)’ in them. ALL written in past-tense, future-tense. ‘We the people,’ any one of us, as breathing, living humankind w/an immortal soul enclosed, live in the Now. How can a corporation (corpse/dead/no responsibility) ever have any control over the living? It’s all in your mind(s). Why will marijuana never be ‘legalized’ (thank Allah, thank Buddha, thank Krishna), BEEcause the mind cannot be controlled. What is the definition of the word ‘warrant?’ A short-term obligation issued by a municipality in anticipation of revenue. Paul G. a-turns, and a-twists words for personal gain. To me, THEY appear as weak-minded thieves, uneducated bullies. Woe to the attorneys and their enablers. Time to clean house. Ya think?

humboldtkids
Guest
humboldtkids
12 years ago
Reply to  Forest Queen

Fiance here: I do think….and that’s the problem. They don’t want us doing that.

skippy
Guest
skippy
12 years ago

Exactly, Kym. You make a good point. Thank you for reporting this glaring inconsistency. Trimmers do not need to be in jail, period. Especially a jail nearly overcrowded with more serious violent felony offenders.

For those who not having access to the full article by the Times-Standard’sThadeus Greenson, here’s an important excerpt:

“A RECENT plea agreement entered into by the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office sends a clear and troubling message, according to one local defense attorney.

EUREKE ATTORNEY Eddie Schrock said his client Lulita Tsygankova, 23, had been in jail nine days when she heard about the agreement entered into by Stanislaw Kopiej — the 66-year-old man the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deemed the “prime suspect” after an Oct. 19 search of his Hydesville property turned up 425 pounds of dried marijuana, more than 400 plants and $175,000 in cash…

SITTING IN the courthouse hallway after Tsygankova was held to stand trial stemming from her arrest for allegedly trimming marijuana on a Bridgeville property discovered after the search of Kopiej’s property, Schrock said Kopiej’s agreement sends the wrong message to his client — who, as of Friday, had already spent 16 nights in jail.

THE MESSAGE that she received is that if you have enough money in our system, you can buy your way out of jail,’ Schrock said. ‘I think the judge was very clear that, at best, (Tsygankova and her four co-defendants) are low-level individuals — I don’t even agree with that with my client — but they have certainly been treated much more harshly than Mr. Kopiej.’”

(Thadeus Greenson, Times-Standard A Pleading Question; Defense Attorney Says Plea Deal Raises Question Of Fairness)

skippy
Guest
skippy
12 years ago

Exactly, Kym. You make a good point. Thank you for reporting this glaring inconsistency. Trimmers do not need to be in jail, period. Especially a jail nearly overcrowded with more serious violent felony offenders.

For those who not having access to the full article by the Times-Standard’sThadeus Greenson, here’s an important excerpt:

“A RECENT plea agreement entered into by the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office sends a clear and troubling message, according to one local defense attorney.

EUREKE ATTORNEY Eddie Schrock said his client Lulita Tsygankova, 23, had been in jail nine days when she heard about the agreement entered into by Stanislaw Kopiej — the 66-year-old man the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deemed the “prime suspect” after an Oct. 19 search of his Hydesville property turned up 425 pounds of dried marijuana, more than 400 plants and $175,000 in cash…

SITTING IN the courthouse hallway after Tsygankova was held to stand trial stemming from her arrest for allegedly trimming marijuana on a Bridgeville property discovered after the search of Kopiej’s property, Schrock said Kopiej’s agreement sends the wrong message to his client — who, as of Friday, had already spent 16 nights in jail.

THE MESSAGE that she received is that if you have enough money in our system, you can buy your way out of jail,’ Schrock said. ‘I think the judge was very clear that, at best, (Tsygankova and her four co-defendants) are low-level individuals — I don’t even agree with that with my client — but they have certainly been treated much more harshly than Mr. Kopiej.’”

(Thadeus Greenson, Times-Standard A Pleading Question; Defense Attorney Says Plea Deal Raises Question Of Fairness)

Uti
Guest
Uti
12 years ago

Seems like our DA has suddenly developed a case of amnesia and has forgotten who has been electing him.

I agree that Gallegos’ line of reasoning is twisted. Trimmers should not be charged with felonies. Most of the trimmers I know are women, a high percentage of them moms who have no other employment opportunities in the remote parts of the county. They live from trim job to trim job and that money pays for basic living things, not luxuries. They’re making around $20 an hour (unless they’re super fast) with no benefits or job security for part time and seasonal work. Making them felons and forcing them to defend themselves in court means either they have to pay an attorney or further burden the court system using publicly funded defense lawyers.

What troubles me more is the sweetheart deal the D.A. made for the grower in the big Bridgeville bust. The message he sends is that if you’re a big greedy grower don’t worry, you can buy your way out of jail. But if you’re a day laborer trying to make ends meet, tough luck, you’re going to get a strike on your record.

Staff
Member
12 years ago
Reply to  Uti

I wanted to thank you for this. I used your comment on my latest piece on this.

Uti
Guest
Uti
12 years ago

Seems like our DA has suddenly developed a case of amnesia and has forgotten who has been electing him.

I agree that Gallegos’ line of reasoning is twisted. Trimmers should not be charged with felonies. Most of the trimmers I know are women, a high percentage of them moms who have no other employment opportunities in the remote parts of the county. They live from trim job to trim job and that money pays for basic living things, not luxuries. They’re making around $20 an hour (unless they’re super fast) with no benefits or job security for part time and seasonal work. Making them felons and forcing them to defend themselves in court means either they have to pay an attorney or further burden the court system using publicly funded defense lawyers.

What troubles me more is the sweetheart deal the D.A. made for the grower in the big Bridgeville bust. The message he sends is that if you’re a big greedy grower don’t worry, you can buy your way out of jail. But if you’re a day laborer trying to make ends meet, tough luck, you’re going to get a strike on your record.

Staff
Member
12 years ago
Reply to  Uti

I wanted to thank you for this. I used your comment on my latest piece on this.

Uti
Guest
Uti
12 years ago

Correction: Sorry, I meant the Hydesville bust, which later included arrests in Bridgeville.

Uti
Guest
Uti
12 years ago

Correction: Sorry, I meant the Hydesville bust, which later included arrests in Bridgeville.

j.marko unknown (@obtusemental2)
Guest

do wonder if that new bud trimmer machine,is an equipment tax write off-

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago

You’re kidding, right? SHUT DOWN THE SYSTEM! IFF you’re s t i l l paying taxes, WHY? Not one of us can complain while supporting the Beast. What happened when the Israelites left Egypt? It fell. Let’s not wander around in the commercial desert for 40 years this time!–wor(k)shopping idols–cars, houses, fashion, celebrities, $.

j.marko unknown (@obtusemental2)
Guest

do wonder if that new bud trimmer machine,is an equipment tax write off-

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago

You’re kidding, right? SHUT DOWN THE SYSTEM! IFF you’re s t i l l paying taxes, WHY? Not one of us can complain while supporting the Beast. What happened when the Israelites left Egypt? It fell. Let’s not wander around in the commercial desert for 40 years this time!–wor(k)shopping idols–cars, houses, fashion, celebrities, $.

Cynical beyond my years
Guest
Cynical beyond my years
12 years ago

I hate to be cynical, but could it be that by turning up the heat, Gallegos is serving the financial interests of the growers who have backed him since Day One?

Oversupply has meant a drastic drop in the price per pound. Nothing like a few choice busts to reduce supply and bring the price back up. The effects might be felt even more next year, if it influences whether growers put up large, in-your-face grow scenes.

That doesn’t really explain the raw deal for trimmers, though. They’re not responsible for overproduction. So maybe Longwind and Humboldtkids are right, Gallegos is worried that he won’t look tough enough to the feds. Sad.

Cynical beyond my years
Guest
Cynical beyond my years
12 years ago

I hate to be cynical, but could it be that by turning up the heat, Gallegos is serving the financial interests of the growers who have backed him since Day One?

Oversupply has meant a drastic drop in the price per pound. Nothing like a few choice busts to reduce supply and bring the price back up. The effects might be felt even more next year, if it influences whether growers put up large, in-your-face grow scenes.

That doesn’t really explain the raw deal for trimmers, though. They’re not responsible for overproduction. So maybe Longwind and Humboldtkids are right, Gallegos is worried that he won’t look tough enough to the feds. Sad.

tmo
Guest
tmo
12 years ago

In 1990 you could get 5000 for a pound of pot, trimmers made 200 dollars a pound for trimming. Yes, pot is worth less, but growers produce much, much more product now than in 1990. We need to look at the gross profit compared to the salary of the trimmer and I’m sure it is well under 10%. Trimmers beware, be aware of how much product you are sitting on, and make the decision if your 200 dollars is worth it.

tmo
Guest
tmo
12 years ago

In 1990 you could get 5000 for a pound of pot, trimmers made 200 dollars a pound for trimming. Yes, pot is worth less, but growers produce much, much more product now than in 1990. We need to look at the gross profit compared to the salary of the trimmer and I’m sure it is well under 10%. Trimmers beware, be aware of how much product you are sitting on, and make the decision if your 200 dollars is worth it.

Jen
Guest
Jen
12 years ago

I’m afraid legalization will never happen because the growers themselves don’t want it. If pot was legalized as alcohol or tobacco is legalized, there would be taxation, regulation and RULES. What I’ve noted is that the culture around growing seems proud of the fact they don’t follow any rules. I get the idea. I do. Rebellion, danger, risk etc is all very exciting and profitable. But like I tell my kids, when you participate in something risky or dangerous, don’t whine and complain when you get hurt/caught.
I have sympathy for the trimmers because I know they’re just doing what they can to get by. But the lawlessness around pot isn’t going to go away. It’s like driving way too fast on the highway. It’s breaking the law and you could get killed.
As far as Gallegos goes, he’s proven time and again that he will turn on those who voted him in.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago
Reply to  Jen

Jen, it’s linguistics…
i.e. “slavespeak.” “Legal” -words on paper. Next time you’re thirsty, write down the word ‘water’ and see if you can drink it. ‘Law’ – common law, moral law – we all know it’s wrong to kill, harm another life form, steal, cheat, lie – we don’t have to write it down. The meek have inherited the Earth. Meek is akin to mucus –can’t speak. Those of us who can ‘will’ speak for our brothers and sisters. IFF you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.

Jen
Guest
Jen
12 years ago

I’m afraid legalization will never happen because the growers themselves don’t want it. If pot was legalized as alcohol or tobacco is legalized, there would be taxation, regulation and RULES. What I’ve noted is that the culture around growing seems proud of the fact they don’t follow any rules. I get the idea. I do. Rebellion, danger, risk etc is all very exciting and profitable. But like I tell my kids, when you participate in something risky or dangerous, don’t whine and complain when you get hurt/caught.
I have sympathy for the trimmers because I know they’re just doing what they can to get by. But the lawlessness around pot isn’t going to go away. It’s like driving way too fast on the highway. It’s breaking the law and you could get killed.
As far as Gallegos goes, he’s proven time and again that he will turn on those who voted him in.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago
Reply to  Jen

Jen, it’s linguistics…
i.e. “slavespeak.” “Legal” -words on paper. Next time you’re thirsty, write down the word ‘water’ and see if you can drink it. ‘Law’ – common law, moral law – we all know it’s wrong to kill, harm another life form, steal, cheat, lie – we don’t have to write it down. The meek have inherited the Earth. Meek is akin to mucus –can’t speak. Those of us who can ‘will’ speak for our brothers and sisters. IFF you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.

redwoodP
Guest
redwoodP
12 years ago

Sorry to disagree with you here, Kym. Trimmers have everything to do with sales. Without them, there is no product ready for sale. They are an integral part of the whole process. What they are doing is illegal. Period. If they broke the law, they belong in jail. Does the dude who drives the getaway car in a bank robbery get off without going to jail? Of course not, because he is a part of the crime. Just like the trimmers.

And please, I don’t feel sorry for the trimmers because they are just “trying to make a living and get by.” I work my butt off at a legal job and only make 10 bucks an hour (I have a college education) and I support two children and I would never, ever consider doing something illegal to make ends meet.

redwoodP
Guest
redwoodP
12 years ago

Sorry to disagree with you here, Kym. Trimmers have everything to do with sales. Without them, there is no product ready for sale. They are an integral part of the whole process. What they are doing is illegal. Period. If they broke the law, they belong in jail. Does the dude who drives the getaway car in a bank robbery get off without going to jail? Of course not, because he is a part of the crime. Just like the trimmers.

And please, I don’t feel sorry for the trimmers because they are just “trying to make a living and get by.” I work my butt off at a legal job and only make 10 bucks an hour (I have a college education) and I support two children and I would never, ever consider doing something illegal to make ends meet.

j.marko unknown (@obtusemental2)
Guest

yipes-well the California industrial prison complex looms-

j.marko unknown (@obtusemental2)
Guest

yipes-well the California industrial prison complex looms-

Sleepy
Guest
Sleepy
12 years ago

The message is “we are watching.” Good tip off.

Sleepy
Guest
Sleepy
12 years ago

The message is “we are watching.” Good tip off.

Sleepy
Guest
Sleepy
12 years ago

Now do we have to snitch if we fill the propane tank? Mow the lawn? Fix the roof? And see something growing in the yard/house? Do we become accomplices? It’s enough to make anybody schizophrenic. I think being a politician is easier than working in Humboldt. At least that crime pays.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago
Reply to  Sleepy

Politics—poly ticks, many blood suckers.

Sleepy
Guest
Sleepy
12 years ago

Now do we have to snitch if we fill the propane tank? Mow the lawn? Fix the roof? And see something growing in the yard/house? Do we become accomplices? It’s enough to make anybody schizophrenic. I think being a politician is easier than working in Humboldt. At least that crime pays.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago
Reply to  Sleepy

Politics—poly ticks, many blood suckers.

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago

MaryJane is still Illegal under Federal Jurisdiction and trimmers need personal 215 coverage to possess the amount stipulated in their permit. The question still remains if the 215 coverage protects trimmers from Federal Law if the cumulative amount at the scene exceeds the permits held by the trimmers. And the trimmers at the Hydesville bust were not locals. Big multi-national growers don’t hire locals to trim anyway do they. Some growers hire local, but bigtime Cartel Growers bring in their own foreign labor as they don’t and can’t trust the locals. Read the Times Standard article. I think that is the legal point that our District Attourney is stressing. Cartel Grows. One solution for growers is to buy and use trimming machines that work for a lot less, than people, when it comes to trimming and are a lot more productive. That’s my take on the Times Standard article and the arrest of the trimmers at the Hydesville Grow. 🙂

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago
Reply to  Harry

WHY are you STILL concerned about FEDERAL jurisdiction??????
REPEAT: California seceded from the Union October 21, 2011. No, you will not read of this historic event in the Nazi new, new, newspapers. WHY? BEEcause THEY are paid for and owned by five media moguls. Juirs-law, right. Diction–to speak. IFF you don’t know any diction, you can’t claim jurisdiction. Your beLIEfs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny. Ghandi CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE! or not.

tra
Guest
tra
12 years ago
Reply to  Forest Queen

California seceded from the Union October 21, 2011.

That’s new, new, news to me.

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago
Reply to  tra

California seceded from the Union? That’s seems either a schizophrenic fantasy or ignorance to me. California is a state within the legal jurisdiction of the United States of America last time I checked. Federal Law still applies to California. California seceded? Seriously, if you want to live in a fantasy world disconnected from reality, that’s fine. Maybe a person could find a “doctor” to write a “prescription” (wink, wink) for that? Psychiatrists are doctors after all and can write “215”s” for that condition Laughing Out Loudly.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago
Reply to  Harry

“You can’t put sense into a fool’s brain.” Why do I bother trying? Perhaps you should find the Legislature’s vote and Attorney General Kamala D. Harris statement BEEfore you stick your little foot into your big mouth. Or maybe you just need a dictionary. The United States is not a landmass, it’s a corporation, owned by archbishop deric r. mccloud of basilica shrine michigan and 4th ne street washington, dc. That, HARRY PERSON, you’ll find on manta.com. If you come across a dictionary, look for the word ‘ignorance.’ I’m not going to hold your hand and walk you through your darkness into the light. Roll over and go back to sleep. And may your Maker, whatever you perceive that to be, have mercy on your soul.

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago

MaryJane is still Illegal under Federal Jurisdiction and trimmers need personal 215 coverage to possess the amount stipulated in their permit. The question still remains if the 215 coverage protects trimmers from Federal Law if the cumulative amount at the scene exceeds the permits held by the trimmers. And the trimmers at the Hydesville bust were not locals. Big multi-national growers don’t hire locals to trim anyway do they. Some growers hire local, but bigtime Cartel Growers bring in their own foreign labor as they don’t and can’t trust the locals. Read the Times Standard article. I think that is the legal point that our District Attourney is stressing. Cartel Grows. One solution for growers is to buy and use trimming machines that work for a lot less, than people, when it comes to trimming and are a lot more productive. That’s my take on the Times Standard article and the arrest of the trimmers at the Hydesville Grow. 🙂

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago
Reply to  Harry

WHY are you STILL concerned about FEDERAL jurisdiction??????
REPEAT: California seceded from the Union October 21, 2011. No, you will not read of this historic event in the Nazi new, new, newspapers. WHY? BEEcause THEY are paid for and owned by five media moguls. Juirs-law, right. Diction–to speak. IFF you don’t know any diction, you can’t claim jurisdiction. Your beLIEfs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny. Ghandi CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE! or not.

tra
Guest
tra
12 years ago
Reply to  Forest Queen

California seceded from the Union October 21, 2011.

That’s new, new, news to me.

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago
Reply to  tra

California seceded from the Union? That’s seems either a schizophrenic fantasy or ignorance to me. California is a state within the legal jurisdiction of the United States of America last time I checked. Federal Law still applies to California. California seceded? Seriously, if you want to live in a fantasy world disconnected from reality, that’s fine. Maybe a person could find a “doctor” to write a “prescription” (wink, wink) for that? Psychiatrists are doctors after all and can write “215”s” for that condition Laughing Out Loudly.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago
Reply to  Harry

“You can’t put sense into a fool’s brain.” Why do I bother trying? Perhaps you should find the Legislature’s vote and Attorney General Kamala D. Harris statement BEEfore you stick your little foot into your big mouth. Or maybe you just need a dictionary. The United States is not a landmass, it’s a corporation, owned by archbishop deric r. mccloud of basilica shrine michigan and 4th ne street washington, dc. That, HARRY PERSON, you’ll find on manta.com. If you come across a dictionary, look for the word ‘ignorance.’ I’m not going to hold your hand and walk you through your darkness into the light. Roll over and go back to sleep. And may your Maker, whatever you perceive that to be, have mercy on your soul.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago

Now it appears that my replies aren’t connecting/replying to the intended. The above, beginning with: “I’m sure I did try to post”…. was in reply to T.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago

Now it appears that my replies aren’t connecting/replying to the intended. The above, beginning with: “I’m sure I did try to post”…. was in reply to T.

random guy
Guest
random guy
12 years ago

“Trimming fees”???

cannabiz has infected somebody’s brain. It’s called “thanks for the help, I REALLY appreciate it and I hope it was worth your while because mum’s the word.” If ever you hear growers complain what it’s going to cost to trim their bud, tell them they’re growing too much. They can go rent a modified hay bailer to do the work of the trimmers, do everybody else a favor and put themselves right on the watch list.

Anne on a Mouse
Guest
Anne on a Mouse
12 years ago
Reply to  random guy

If ever you hear growers complain what it’s going to cost to trim their bud, tell them they’re growing too much.

Sorry but that doesn’t compute. If a grower can’t afford to pay trimmers, in order to cover the expense, they need to grow more not less.

random guy
Guest
random guy
12 years ago

What can i say , anne, I’ve never seen more weeds than could be curtailed by a few good friends. Some people are growing more than they can afford to have manicured? THAT doesn’t compute! How is it they grow so much and it’s STILL not enough? How did they get in so deep?

Anne on a Mouse
Guest
Anne on a Mouse
12 years ago
Reply to  random guy

Random, the price dropping means that it now takes growing more pounds to create the same amount of money. More lbs means more trimming, i.e. more expenses. That means, in order to continue making the same profit as last year, the grower must grow more to be able to cover the increased expense of paying the trimmer(s), not less. Simple math that any 10yr old can understand.

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago

Pot is still illegal under Federal Law and beyond the limits under 215 is still illegal under California Law. We should just legalize it and get the price support remove so that the environmental damage done by big growers is not rewarded by big payday. Canibis growing is all about making a lot of money here in Humboldt. Greedy growers will destroy the environment if it means they can make lots of money. If a person trims for a bad actor the trimmer is guilty by association with that bad actor. Got Diesel Spills in your drinking water source? I’ve smelled diesel and found used oil filters in our local creeks. Pretty disgusting if you ask me when a “neighbor” poisons the water with diesel and oil for money. And it’s not only Big Oil Corporations that pollute our air and water 🙁

random guy
Guest
random guy
12 years ago

“Trimming fees”???

cannabiz has infected somebody’s brain. It’s called “thanks for the help, I REALLY appreciate it and I hope it was worth your while because mum’s the word.” If ever you hear growers complain what it’s going to cost to trim their bud, tell them they’re growing too much. They can go rent a modified hay bailer to do the work of the trimmers, do everybody else a favor and put themselves right on the watch list.

Anne on a Mouse
Guest
Anne on a Mouse
12 years ago
Reply to  random guy

If ever you hear growers complain what it’s going to cost to trim their bud, tell them they’re growing too much.

Sorry but that doesn’t compute. If a grower can’t afford to pay trimmers, in order to cover the expense, they need to grow more not less.

random guy
Guest
random guy
12 years ago

What can i say , anne, I’ve never seen more weeds than could be curtailed by a few good friends. Some people are growing more than they can afford to have manicured? THAT doesn’t compute! How is it they grow so much and it’s STILL not enough? How did they get in so deep?

Anne on a Mouse
Guest
Anne on a Mouse
12 years ago
Reply to  random guy

Random, the price dropping means that it now takes growing more pounds to create the same amount of money. More lbs means more trimming, i.e. more expenses. That means, in order to continue making the same profit as last year, the grower must grow more to be able to cover the increased expense of paying the trimmer(s), not less. Simple math that any 10yr old can understand.

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago

Pot is still illegal under Federal Law and beyond the limits under 215 is still illegal under California Law. We should just legalize it and get the price support remove so that the environmental damage done by big growers is not rewarded by big payday. Canibis growing is all about making a lot of money here in Humboldt. Greedy growers will destroy the environment if it means they can make lots of money. If a person trims for a bad actor the trimmer is guilty by association with that bad actor. Got Diesel Spills in your drinking water source? I’ve smelled diesel and found used oil filters in our local creeks. Pretty disgusting if you ask me when a “neighbor” poisons the water with diesel and oil for money. And it’s not only Big Oil Corporations that pollute our air and water 🙁

Not Fade Away
Guest
Not Fade Away
12 years ago

I love weed and have been fighting for it for more than 25 years here in Humbocino. I have had serious doubt about Gallegos and never have trusted him. He accepted lots of big grower money and began policies that would have obvious negative consequences. Like nobody, nobody really getting prosecuted for any size grow for years. Hmmm…think more people will come and grow ever bigger? Driving prices down and then even more bigger grows squeezing out any smaller mom and pops. Also, with zero prosecution the sheriff’s department doesn’t even bother regulating. So now you have a safe way to make big returns…okay, invite lots of venture capital in to blow up big scenes. Why wouldn’t they? Now that this environment was encouraged and we are where we are…he wants to get tough on trimmers?!! Trimmers!! The bottom of the chain, many working hand to mouth. Gallegos failed to grasp the basics of our economy here– we needed a little regulation. A few people doing 90 day sentences for their insanely large grows would have helped. But for years- nothing. People pushing out terraces on steep grades, huge diesel scenes a-spilling, wildlife shot and poisoned- it’s been not really that cool around here these last 10 years. Now Gallegos says- get the trimmers?!!

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago
Reply to  Not Fade Away

Trimmers that work for Big Greedy Growers that work to destry the earth are guilty by association. You can “spin” it any way you want. Bottom line if you work for someone that shoots wildlife, drains all the water from creeks and dumps oil and diesel you are trimming for that person you too are guilty by association. Big Greedy Growers are just like any other Big Greedy Corporation. They think they are above the law just because they have lots of money. You can’t eat money. And when you Kill the Earth with you’re greed 🙁

Not Fade Away
Guest
Not Fade Away
12 years ago

I love weed and have been fighting for it for more than 25 years here in Humbocino. I have had serious doubt about Gallegos and never have trusted him. He accepted lots of big grower money and began policies that would have obvious negative consequences. Like nobody, nobody really getting prosecuted for any size grow for years. Hmmm…think more people will come and grow ever bigger? Driving prices down and then even more bigger grows squeezing out any smaller mom and pops. Also, with zero prosecution the sheriff’s department doesn’t even bother regulating. So now you have a safe way to make big returns…okay, invite lots of venture capital in to blow up big scenes. Why wouldn’t they? Now that this environment was encouraged and we are where we are…he wants to get tough on trimmers?!! Trimmers!! The bottom of the chain, many working hand to mouth. Gallegos failed to grasp the basics of our economy here– we needed a little regulation. A few people doing 90 day sentences for their insanely large grows would have helped. But for years- nothing. People pushing out terraces on steep grades, huge diesel scenes a-spilling, wildlife shot and poisoned- it’s been not really that cool around here these last 10 years. Now Gallegos says- get the trimmers?!!

Harry
Guest
Harry
12 years ago
Reply to  Not Fade Away

Trimmers that work for Big Greedy Growers that work to destry the earth are guilty by association. You can “spin” it any way you want. Bottom line if you work for someone that shoots wildlife, drains all the water from creeks and dumps oil and diesel you are trimming for that person you too are guilty by association. Big Greedy Growers are just like any other Big Greedy Corporation. They think they are above the law just because they have lots of money. You can’t eat money. And when you Kill the Earth with you’re greed 🙁

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[…] TRIMMERS, TITANS, AND THE LONG ARM OF THE CLAW: Kym Kemp brings us the glaring inconsistency of District Attorney Paul Gallegos seemingly new enforcement slant going after the cannabis […]

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[…] TRIMMERS, TITANS, AND THE LONG ARM OF THE CLAW: Kym Kemp brings us the glaring inconsistency of District Attorney Paul Gallegos seemingly new enforcement slant going after the cannabis […]

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[…] year for our county to prosecute trimmers–mostly defenseless low income women.  One comment (see here) on an earlier post stated that a large percentage of manicurists […]

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[…] year for our county to prosecute trimmers–mostly defenseless low income women.  One comment (see here) on an earlier post stated that a large percentage of manicurists […]

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago

felony – (13 c) 1) an act on the part of a feudal vassal involving forfeiture of his fee (fee–cattle, property, an estate held in land). 2) a GRAVE crime, involving forfeiture in addition to punishment. 3) a GRAVE crime declared to be a felony by common law (murder, theft, injury to another life form, cheating, lying), or by statute. Do I miss something here? Where exactly is it stated that ‘trimming’ is a felony?
We don’t have to fight to be free, just stop complying.
We must learn to think and speak in a language that better serves us.

Forest Queen
Guest
12 years ago

felony – (13 c) 1) an act on the part of a feudal vassal involving forfeiture of his fee (fee–cattle, property, an estate held in land). 2) a GRAVE crime, involving forfeiture in addition to punishment. 3) a GRAVE crime declared to be a felony by common law (murder, theft, injury to another life form, cheating, lying), or by statute. Do I miss something here? Where exactly is it stated that ‘trimming’ is a felony?
We don’t have to fight to be free, just stop complying.
We must learn to think and speak in a language that better serves us.