Convoy Near Kettenpom Today and the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s New Policy Not to Answer Questions About Search Warrants Served

One of the convoy vehicles on the Zenia Lake Mountain Road this morning

One of the convoy vehicles on the Zenia Lake Mountain Road this morning. [Crop of a photo provided by a reader]

Today, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a convoy of around 14 law enforcement vehicles passed through Kettenpom from the direction of Zenia headed down the road that leads to Covelo. One was pulling a chipper and one was pulling an empty trailer. Many of the vehicles appeared to be Department of Fish and Wildlife vehicles.

There have been no reports of where they went.

We have attempted to reach the Department of Fish and Wildlife for comment. However, in line with their recent policy, we don’t expect to get answers from them not today while officers are still on the property, not tomorrow when officers are gone, and not next month when most people have forgotten this incident occurred.

Unlike other law enforcement agencies, they are choosing not to answer questions on basic details about search warrants involving cannabis growing properties. In a response to one request dated June 8, a spokesperson stated, “I can only sometimes confirm immediately when we are NOT involved. When we ARE involved…I will usually not be able to confirm or deny anything about it, because it’s part of a current operation/investigation.”

Local Fish and Wildlife officials we have frequently reached out to in the past are refusing to provide information. “I’ve been directed to have all contact with journalists directed to PIO’s [public information officers] out of Sacramento,” said Lt. Dewayne Little.

Since the first week of June we have been attempting to learn from the Department basic information about search warrants served in rural areas west of Redway. We know five people were arrested. But beyond their names and basic charges which is provided by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, we have no information.

We sent a letter to the Department stating,

[T]hree people were arrested. The day before there were two…I believe this is in relation to the DFG vehicles that were seen heading into the China Creek/Miller Creek area of Southern Humboldt.

I can put in a public records request act for information on every single search done by Fish and Wildlife in Southern Humboldt but that will take a lot of time for both of us. And, more importantly, is not the way that government should be communicating with their community. A reasonable expectation is that the government will provide within a reasonable period of time a simple level of information when armed officers go onto private property in a democratic society.

The simple level includes, according to government codes, “[t]he full name and occupation of every individual arrested by the agency, the individual’s physical description including date of birth, color of eyes and hair, sex, height and weight, the time and date of arrest, the time and date of booking, the location of the arrest, the factual circumstances surrounding the arrest, the amount of bail set, the time and manner of release or the location where the individual is currently being held, and all charges the individual is being held upon, including any outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions and parole or probation holds.” Gov’t Code § 6254(f)(1). In addition, agencies should disclose “the time, substance, and location of all complaints or requests for assistance received by the agency and the time and nature of the response thereto, including, to the extent the information regarding crimes alleged or committed or any other incident investigated is recorded, the time, date, and location of occurrence, the time and date of the report, the name and age of the victim, the factual circumstances surrounding the crime or incident, and a general description of any injuries, property, or weapons involved.” Gov’t Code § 6254(f)(2).

I realize that it is difficult to get information… But, I’m going to start writing these up and pointing out that your agency isn’t not being accountable to the public.

We then put in a formal request for information via the Californa Public Records Act. After 10 days. The Department of Fish and Wildlife then informed us that they will “attempt to make the requested documents available within 90 days.” Please note the information requested is that which other law enforcement agencies are often able to provide on the same day and usually never more than 24 hours from the request.

We have deep concerns about this new policy. We will attempt to continue to bring our readers information about search warrants being served by this agency but without official confirmation of facts, we will be unable to provide as accurate and as timely of information as we believe the public is entitled to have.

Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules

Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

101 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago

Go Kym!

The fight for access to public information is one worth fighting.

Do you know who the public can contact to weigh in on the policy?

Alt Right For Life
Guest
Alt Right For Life
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

If your followers call flood these offices you may find yourself liable on retaliation.

It’s much better not to publish stories regarding marijuana arrests so the marijuana growers live in fear of the unknown.

They are doing OPSEC and it will mentally crush growers and cause behavior that will out them to authorities.

There is a fine line between reporting and spotting and the nation as a whole has agreed that safety and security are most important when it comes to fighting crime.

Be cautious as you do not want some of your more radical drug dealing readers doing things under your name or guidance.

Thank You

Jaekelopterus
Guest
Jaekelopterus
5 years ago

I don’t think Kym’s mission is to inspire fear.

Alt Right For Life
Guest
Alt Right For Life
5 years ago
Reply to  Jaekelopterus

It’s not, though there have been recent arrests in Texas over comments made by users of comment sections and the persons running the page have been charged.

Scooter
Guest
Scooter
5 years ago

Oh they don’t even have ‘lectricity in Texas much less the interwebynet. Come on.

I'm not telling
Guest
I'm not telling
5 years ago

speaking of inspiring fear…

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

They actually DON’T have electric in Texas. Well known stinkin’ fact.

local observer
Guest
local observer
5 years ago

you are incorrect. the comment section on literally everything and anything has been determined in federal court to be merely “Entertainment”. the reason why these agencies are not disclosing is that they are attempting to limit liability that has been determined to be unknown to them at this time. they have doubled fine rates without proper justification which will in no doubt lead to liability. it will be interesting for sure especially with their new review of well logs and interpretation to determine if your well takes water from habitat.

Lefty 4 life
Guest
Lefty 4 life
5 years ago
Reply to  Jaekelopterus

You missed the name. Alt right does not care WHAT you think or do. Their job is to crush you.

Wabbajack
Guest
Wabbajack
5 years ago

Nothing to see here, move along. Do not ask questions, the authorities know what they are doing, and anyone asking questions about it will be investigated until they can be charged with some crime or another. Keep your head down, stay in your swim lane, and whatever you do, don’t ask questions. Keep your concerns to yourself, or you will be next.

“When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you will find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion.”

― C.P. Snow

Shady law enforcement
Guest
Shady law enforcement
5 years ago

Fish and wildlife are treating cannabis growers different then any other industry, it is time to hit them with a class action discrimination lawsuit

Alt right the turd reich
Guest
Alt right the turd reich
5 years ago

Crush growers and have growers living in fear. Dude all I want to do is feed my family the best way I know how. I drive a beater and in the end of the year I make roughly 12-17 an hr. But, my family has clean water, clean air and a beautiful place to live. Peace not hate

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
5 years ago

What would you rather have? Controlled, oppressed safety and security? Or dangerous freedom? Freedom is what this country is about and when in doubt, trust in your 1911 .45

sickofem
Guest
sickofem
5 years ago

You really need to go outside for a walk more often sir.

Life time local
Guest
Life time local
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Well Estelle has property out that road right??? China creak… so wouldn’t she know which neighbor got it?? This is a small town after all we know even the neighbors we wish we did not.

Joe Mota
Guest
5 years ago

Estelle is not out China Creek Road

rollin21
Guest
rollin21
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Kym,

Even though I disagree with pretty much everything you say, I applaud you for holding our overlords accountable; bravo! The thought of law enforcement traipsing around out in the hills and not being held to account for their actions is horrifying. They need to give up the information that they are lawfully required to.

The comments about them handing out fines willy nilly is also scary. It reminds me of the little hick towns in the south who hand out speeding tickets, when you’re one mile per hour over the speed limit, just to generate revenue. If that’s what’s going on I hope you’re just as concerned. Too often liberals accept public “servants” excuses that such fines are an effort to help the environment when in fact they are just greedy pigs, drunk on power ( hence the reason they’re withholding information in the first place). And hence the reason I don’t trust the gov.

Bill
Guest
Bill
5 years ago

Why do you have deep concerns, as stated in your post above? We are talking about big grows, large environmental degradation, and rampant grading, water diversion, illegal trash/human waste disposal, along with poisoning the land and water with illegal rodenticide, and improper use of herbicide and insecticides.

WTF, let them focus on continuing to kick ass on these assholes and quit making them take the time to give you the height, weight, and sex of them!!

Uh nahi
Guest
Uh nahi
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

Because once our rights are taken away and/or trampled on theyre really hard to get back. This may not be one that directly affects youbut trust me at some point you will be affected.

Like it or not, our legal system needs to ptotect the rights of the guilty as well as the innocent. It is in all of our best interest to watch out for and protect our civil and legal rights. Especially with an administration that plays the rather ask for forgiveness (or not) than permission. They will violate your civil rights if you dont stand up for yourself.
As the ssying goes, our rights are like muscles to work properly they need to be exercised.

me
Guest
me
5 years ago
Reply to  Uh nahi

There is no right to know the information. The 1st amendment allows Kim to publish news and opinions but it does not give her a right to know all the details of an investigation.

DELUSIONAL LIBERAL
Guest
DELUSIONAL LIBERAL
5 years ago
Reply to  me

As what I believe of myself as a Constitutionalist, it is important to remember the government institution cannot overstep citizen rights or have made up some new regulations without the people’s approval ; unless in which there is full corruptions that would be the beginnings of ANARCHY. And by the way as a concerned citizen, when did fish and game become the new cali military??? Today there is busted pot grows. Tomorrow, they are coming after law abiding land owners.

wardens are law enforcement
Guest
wardens are law enforcement
5 years ago

Fish and Game (California Department of Fish and Wildlife) wardens are law enforcement officers. it’s why they carry fire arms. They actually have open field warrants and can ask you to show them the contents of your freezers, etc…. Fish and Game CODE is law and some violations carry potential jail time as well as fines. They have been enforcing pollution prohibitions and other environmental laws for decades.

wardens are law enforcement
Guest
wardens are law enforcement
5 years ago

and having said that, I TOTALLY AGREE with what you are doing KYM! Law Enforcement absolutely must be held accountable as well

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Have you asked them to cite the sections of the code that allows exceptions to releasing the information? There are some exceptions and they usually involve either joint actions with other agencies or safety and privacy concerns. But if they are exercising these sections then that too is informative and you probably can get the info from the other involved agencies.

But FOIA request may not be timely enough for a news site.

Emily
Guest
Emily
5 years ago
Reply to  me

These agencies are working for us. We pay their salaries through taxes and they should be answerable to the public. This branch in particular has way too much power in this state and they need to be seriously reeled in. Cut their budget hard especially if they aren’t being open to the press.

Shady law enforcement
Guest
Shady law enforcement
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

Well if they gave up the information we all could be sure your assumptions are true, until then we can all just wonder what they are doing.

Shady law enforcement
Guest
Shady law enforcement
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

And to everyone who trusts that law enforcement is all ways doing the right thing, look up the how the Rohnert park police handle things

Marcus
Guest
Marcus
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

You obviously don’t know how things work. It will not slow anyone from doing their job. We the people should be able to know what is going on if it does not directly affect an ongoing operation.

Matt
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

It’s not an issue of tying up an agency with paperwork, it’s an issue of freedom of information. A reporter’s job is to inform the people, and where else is the reporter supposed to get the information?
Imagine if no one knew what these public agencies were doing. We’d really be up a creek, then.

Dinah
Guest
Dinah
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you Kym. You do an excellent job and those of us concerned about our rights as citizens are in your corner. I seldom post under my own name but I want the whole community to know who supports you. Keep after them. Good job.

rolling hills
Guest
rolling hills
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

That’s not always true. They recently busted a 50 plant grow that had a 99 plant 215 exemption.

Mom and pop
Guest
Mom and pop
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

Not true. My neighbors got eradicated for 50 plants.

THC
Guest
THC
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

That is entirely untrue, my neighbor got an abatement notice served. They had no big bulldoze clearings, they had no big water diversions, they had no garbage piles they use no pesticides and only organic fertilizers. Yet they still received a $30,000 fine, for nothing more than illegal Road grading and two out buildings that were not permitted. There wasn’t even any pot plants on the property, nor were there any in the evidence they submitted via Google Earth. So basically, if you graded your road and didn’t get a permit or have an outbuilding that’s not permitted you can be subject to the same abatement notice and fines. And now we have what we think is a group of mountain lions on the hill, killing everybody’s cats right in their yard with four sightings during daylight hours in the last two weeks less than 10 feet away from the front door of these houses. All the neighbors don’t want to call fish and game cuz they’re afraid of what might happen if they did. Fish and game were granted special privileges to bypass the Forth Amendment to deal with poaching, it was not supposed to be used as a cat paw for every agency to work around the 4th amendment.

ED Denson
Guest
ED Denson
5 years ago
Reply to  THC

Dear THC, assuming your facts are complete and correct, this is why God made lawyers. But the time to call them is before you walk in and sign away your rights and your money at the Planning Department. Really, why would you sign away $30,000 without checking with a lawyer to see if the deal is real? These Abatement notes often verge on being scams. You wouldn’t send $30,000 to Nigeria to help a new internet friend, or so you can get the $10 million you won in the Tajikistan lottery. (Not you, THC, but I’m being generic) Just because it’s the planning department of Humboldt county doesn’t make it reasonable to give it money. I know, I know “We’re from the government, so you can trust us.”

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

“God made lawyers”

Woe unto you lawyers, for ye lade men with your burdens
Grievous to be borne, and ye
Yourselves touch NOT with
One of your fingers.

“Really, why would you sign away $30,000 without checking with a lawyer to see if the deal is real? ”

Because lawyers wrote the ORDINANCE.

BAR card members. BRITISH Accreditation Registry = born here practicing a foreign jurisdiction on American soil.

The Brits are always at the bottom of the dog pile.

THC
Guest
THC
5 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Yes, and that’s exactly what he did got a lawyer and filed an appeal and now it’s locked in cort waiting resolution. He will still has to Shell out tens of thousands of dollars for an attorney even if he doesn’t have to pay the fine. The point is the county can now just send a letter to you with very little evidence supporting it and force you to go through the hoops and pay thousands of dollars in attorney fees at the very least.

But the main point I was trying to make is we have a whole Community up on our Hill that’s afraid to call fish and game to help with a fish and game problem, One or more aggressive mountain lions that are killing people’s animals right in their own yard, simply because they’re afraid of what the fish and game will do once out here related to water usage or a growing activities Etc. Fish and games whole point in life was to manage fishing and game, not to be used as a workaround of the fourth amendment to get warrants that no other agency could.

Dude
Guest
Dude
5 years ago
Reply to  THC

The ranchers in Wyoming have a saying about the introduced wolves. Shoot, Shovel, Shut up.

Jimmy
Guest
Jimmy
5 years ago
Reply to  Dude

I think that was their native American policy as well

rudolph's mom
Guest
rudolph's mom
5 years ago
Reply to  THC

You’re right not to trust the motives of F&G. They are the new CAMP. They hate growers. They can enter your land without a warrant. All they need is an anonymous “tip” that there is something illegal going on. And all you conservatives who believe the “Agenda 21” theory that the gov. wants to get people out of rural areas should be concerned. Pot garden today. Tomorrow you’re arrested because a drop of oil from your truck hit THEIR ground.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  THC

THC,

Force, or volunteer to surrender your unaLIENable living birth rights?

Logic before authority.

When you say “The County” are you aware that Humboldt County (you and me on the land), and “The County” are two entirely different animals? “The County” is in the Matrix on the sea of commerce (four color flag). Commerce is one of the nineteen enumerated services Congress is supposed to provide – as in international – law of the Sea Merchant -‘guilty until proven innocent.’

“The County” can mail corporate dogma forms to me all day long. Basically, it’s using the united states post office (Not usps) in mail fraud – sending fear papers. (fear – false evidence appearing real). And, it’s being placed in my private mail box. It is my free will choice to Return To Sender for Fraud, unopened.

If my public servants do not serve me, i will remove them. ~And, it’s taking a hellava lot longer than i anticipated.

IFF you are threatened to sign corporation forms, RESERVE YOUR RIGHTS! Place For: or By: in front of your autograph. You are signing for their gubbernut created straw man – JANE DOUGH DOE. Depending on what’s thrown in front of me, i usually put ‘Under Duress’ in front of the name <<<that is NOT me.

farce
Guest
farce
5 years ago
Reply to  THC

If all your facts are true…well, I’m sorry. Get the lawyer and fight! As far as the mountain lion….how’s about take care of it yourself? Sounds like there’s a community of concerned people…are there any men, or capable women? There was a time not long ago- (like the 80’s) when we did not count on government agencies to take care of our rural problems. We called it self-reliance and country living. Fish and Game always operated like CAMP back then. We had a warden who would sneak around- he didn’t need a warrant- and then call in grows. The government has never been your friend. You must be new around these parts!

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
5 years ago
Reply to  ED Denson

Excellent!

WC666
Guest
WC666
5 years ago
Reply to  THC

If they had bothered to pay the permit fees for the road grading in the first place they wouldn’t be in trouble now. And anyone who is paying tens of thousands of dollars to a lawyer for something like this shoud shop around alittle for lawyers fees first. Just how large was the illegal grade and how large where the illegal outbuildings?

Martin
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Bill

Well said Bill. I agree with you 100 percent. Let law enforcement and Department of Fish and Wildlife do their job.

Chuck U
Guest
Chuck U
5 years ago

That is just plain messed up police state BS.

Steve Sandeen
Guest
Steve Sandeen
5 years ago

Have you contacted the ACLU yet? They may be interested.

Life time local
Guest
Life time local
5 years ago
Reply to  Steve Sandeen

I think contacting someone to help get fish and game to give the proper information sounds like a good idea!
Keep up the great work Kim the community wants to know what is happening in our hills.

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago

Kym – your letter seems to demand the names of citizens that lodged the complaint(s). Do you intend to publically disclose their names and potentially put their lives at risk?

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

The Bulgarians.
I see you asking about property ownership. Why is it the media rarely tells us the property owners at other busts when the information is readily available from the courthouse in person or by email?

Joe Mota
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

There’s a subscription service, whose name escapes me at the moment, that provides the property ownership information. It used to be on CDs, but I suspect now it’s on the web. I wonder if it would be possible to set up a gofundme account so your readers could fund your getting access to this info without your having to drive to Eureka.

In my 1911 I trust
Guest
In my 1911 I trust
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you Kym, keep up the good fight! We deserve to know what our tax dollars are being used for! They are public servants who have no right denying the public the information about what the public funds are being used for!

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
5 years ago

An executed search warrant is public record, unless sealed under oath and affirmation of a magistrate. Public agencies should be forthcoming with public records so We the People can see what the bureacracies are doing in our name, good or bad.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

“They must find it difficult . . . those who have taken authority as the truth,
Rather than truth as authority.” -G. Massey, Egyptologist

A valid search warrant must contain the following:

A signed affidavit, under oath with penalties of perjury, that the affiant(s) witnessed a crime committed, or about to (murder, theft, rape -intentional harm).
Address
Name(s) and
What is being confiscated if found.
Signed by a magistrate.

A warrant is not a fishing expedition. It’s specific.

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
5 years ago
Reply to  Central HumCo

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Geeeez
Guest
Geeeez
5 years ago

Right on Kym Kemp. Under the guise of legalizing a plant, more freedomes and birthright civil liberties will be abirted and ignored. Thanks to everyone that voted. !!!

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago

Good catch Kym!!

This is one of the main reasons why it’s so important to only pass constitutional laws. Constitutional laws follow the constitution, not the whims of the political parties.
If the law can be used against us when our foe is in office, then we must adamantly reject it when our so-called friend is in office.

Sigurd.
Guest
Sigurd.
5 years ago

Didn’t Trump complain about lack of transparency in law enforcement?
Ya, that was bullshit.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Sigurd.

Yes. Definitely Trump clearly controls the State of California agencies. (Sarcasm)

The Shaman
Guest
The Shaman
5 years ago

Welcome to the gestapo/ machine…

Kim Jones
Guest
Kim Jones
5 years ago

Great reporting as usual. And keep up the fight. Public needs to know!!!

Tweakytown
Guest
Tweakytown
5 years ago

Nazis dont explain what they are up to.

Canyon oak
Guest
Canyon oak
5 years ago

Good job Kym, thanks for asking the questions. They need to be accountable when doing the public’s work.
Fish and wildlife seems like an outdated name for sure..

Caption obvious
Guest
Caption obvious
5 years ago

They are in Hoagland valley, below long ridge. They are busting a large outdoor garden there. Your welcome

Crissy
Guest
Crissy
5 years ago

Thank you! Its unbelievable that we are not able to access public information, in a reasonable time anymore!

Covelo or busted
Guest
Covelo or busted
5 years ago

Hoagland valley is not” Below” Longridge, nor is the spelling ”Hoagland;” correct. Thanks for the info though, people are pretty tighted lipped in that neck of the woods… Bull Garians?

guest
Guest
guest
5 years ago

Nor is the spelling Longridge

Caption obvious
Guest
Caption obvious
5 years ago

Not Bulgarians, some green rush Mexicans. No picture sorry

Tweakytown
Guest
Tweakytown
5 years ago

Their policy is violating the law. This isnt going to fly! The people have the right to know! My guess is there is family involved in illegal activities! VERY SHADY!!

Mogtx
Guest
5 years ago

I just hope its the kind of grows that rapes and pillages our lovely County diverting Water leaving garbage making big messes Depot tarps everywhere alonga with drain ditches and water pipes these kind of grows need to go hopefully that’s what they’re doing get rid of the Bulgarians.

Life is Good
Guest
Life is Good
5 years ago

DFW agents used to be like firefighters. Everyone liked them. Every now and then they’d nail someone for one too many trout or abalone. Now they are just an enforcement arm of the Franchise Tax Board and are very political.

Terry L. Clark
Guest
Terry L. Clark
5 years ago

Cockroaches and governments–but I repeat myself–prefer to operate in the dark.

Concerned citizen
Guest
Concerned citizen
5 years ago

Is anyone hearing rumors of misconduct on these raids conducted by cdfw?

olmanriver
Guest
olmanriver
5 years ago

Ask CDFW about an internal investigation into one of their boyz taking a bag of cash. I wouldn’t hint if I hadn’t heard it from a credible source.

Muggin'
Guest
Muggin'
5 years ago

Hahaha … you’ve probably pissed them off by constantly broadcasting the location of convoys before they get to the scenes of the crimes. Their job is to bust people that are breaking the law and you repeatedly make it harder for them by ruining the element of surprise. It’s no wonder that they don’t feel like doing you any favors.

Helllbilly
Guest
Helllbilly
5 years ago

Thanks Kym. Keep up the good work.

Blue Slide
Guest
Blue Slide
5 years ago

Everyone needs to be very wary of fish and game. A relative of mine knows a lot of them and in no uncertain terms THEY DO NOT WANT people living in the hills. It’s not just pot growers they are going to go after, they’re coming for everyone else when the pot is gone.
Most people don’t have the kind of money it takes to bring their land “up to code”. But F&G don’t realize that and they don’t care if you do or not. They’re more than happy to make someone lose they’re property, that’s just one less person destroying the environment as far as they’re concerned.
I think if you just don’t move more than 25 yards of dirt per year, suck water out of a blue line creek, or grow pot outdoors they might leave you alone. Hopefully.

sustainable farmer
Guest
sustainable farmer
5 years ago
Reply to  Blue Slide

Most of the new agents do not even have forestry and wilderness backgrounds. They are now new hires fresh out the military or other branches of LE. Google CDFW and the first thing you see is now hiring.

gimmie a break
Guest
gimmie a break
5 years ago

does it seem odd to anyone else that PG&E just flew the powerlines on wed. and this happens on Friday? Maybe I am suspicious but seem more than just chance.

Pop
Guest
Pop
5 years ago

Has anyone heard stories of misconduct in raids lead by CDFW since they started last may? If you are destroying wildlife then they are just doing their jobs but when they are abusing their power the people need to speak up.

Sigurd.
Guest
Sigurd.
5 years ago
Reply to  Pop

I heard of one person that had a neighbor put in an illegal spring box 20 years ago and he ignored it.
It was shut off last he checked it but the line cracked from a freeze years ago and was leaking water on a difficult to get to hillside.
Let that be a lesson I guess because the piped him pretty good for it even though he was not aware of it.

County grown
Guest
County grown
5 years ago

Thank you so much Kym. From a former salmon creek resident.

Bud Green
Guest
Bud Green
5 years ago

This isn’t really a “new” policy, though it may seem new as it pertains to CDFW and multi-agency task force investigations. It would be nice if they had a PIO well-versed in local operations, but it’s not required.

As a recovering journalist, I can save you some time and grief, however. Most law enforcement documents are exempt from California Public Records Act requests, except for the items mentioned in the Government Code sections cited by Ms. Kemp in the comments. When you’re dealing with a local LE agency, that information is typically kept in a dispatch log that can be reviewed by journalists and members of the general public (if you ask pretty please). There may be an analogous dispatch log kept at CDFW’s regional office and/or at state HQ. This seems an appropriate time to ask where their dispatch logs are kept and how/when/where people may view them. But at the end of the day, they don’t yield much more than bread crumbs of information.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to make investigative bread from bread crumbs. It is not fun. There are two basic flavors of search warrants, one for criminal investigations and one for civil. You can ask to see warrants after they are served by visiting the local court clerk, in this case Trinity and/or Mendo depending on the addresses served. Court clerks can be prickly on a good day, especially in rural counties, and sometimes warrants end up sitting on a judge’s desk. You may have to do some polite haggling to get what you want, but the basic principle is that court records are public records; you don’t have to file a CPRA request to see them.

When you finally get to see the warrants, they usually offer greater detail than the bare-bones dispatch logs. A LE officer will describe the circumstances justifying the warrant and what items are being searched for. If information is being provided by a confidential informant, the CI will not be identified but his/her claims regarding the subject(s) of the search warrant will be summarized. If multiple properties are involved, the warrant may describe how officers believe they are connected.

As mentioned previously, trying to review search warrants is not fun for a working journalist. It’s probably going to be even less fun for a citizen journalist who may get a skunk eye or two. The key take-away is that there are two major potential sources of information: 1) Whatever basic information you can glean from dispatch logs (mandated by CPRA) maintained by state/local LE agencies, and 2) court records, including search warrants, that can be reviewed without making CPRA requests. For the latter type, if you encounter a stubborn clerk, you can ask to speak to his/her supervisor, but you should not attempt to contact the issuing judge directly. Dealing with court clerks can be a trust-building exercise, as even public court files can contained sealed information. You don’t have to justify your reasons for wanting to see the information you’re seeking, but you do need to be polite and be as specific as you can be when making your requests. https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/2011/07/aa-how-to-access-arrest-warrants/

Pravdoljubiv
Guest
Pravdoljubiv
5 years ago

KIM
If you can already get this information. How she still does not know anything about the death of Dragana Solaja, a girl from Serbia. She died on April. 11.2018 and everything we know is waiting for a toxicological report. Not more than three months. Why is there nothing about the investigation of her death? Was it the night she was? Did anyone interrogate him? Is anyone suspected? How did she get to Fortuna? Who came? Do you know her movements that night? The police sought help from her movement. Was anyone called? The young life is extinguished and we are not ready to forget this beautiful lady. Has anyone been killed? Did he hurt himself? You did not say this for the story. All of us who have children are very worried. We want to hear the truth.

Правдољубив
Guest
Правдољубив
5 years ago

WHY YOU DO NOT ANSWER KIM

Guest 707
Guest
Guest 707
5 years ago

Search warrants unless sealed are public record once served . Can we get some more info on that warrant if available please kym ? Thank you