[Audio] Kym Kemp helps locals fight alleged swindling; Humboldt’s last week of news
In the latest episode of Humboldt Last Week: Kym Kemp’s coverage on an insurance salesman accused of swindling non-profits has possibly prevented quite a few locals from being financially bullied. John Ford has allegedly been selling fake insurance to at least one cannabis-related non-profit. On top of that he may have also taken rent money from a Eureka non-profit that helps the homeless.
“People that you can respect and think are reputable business people can be involved in things that aren’t to your best interest and you need to be cautious,” Kemp said, giving credit to Thomas Mulder for courageously writing the first complaint letter. “And it’s not just the cannabis businesses that can be caught up in this, it can be any business.”
Kemp also noted in her interactions with Ford he struck her as a nice man and it was difficult for her to publish information about him she wishes wasn’t true.
The story begins at 5:13.
Also covered: The failed thieves who rammed a truck through a wall at College of the Redwoods trying to steal an ATM, the doggone retirement of an esteemed Arcata cop, that new brewery mostly for South Korea but a little bit for us, the shouldn’t-have-done-that moment of the week at the North Jetty, a politician trying to protect Humboldt’s cannabis brand, our National and State Parks going viral, a meeting to help save the Weott Volunteer Fire Department, and some other stuff.
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You rock kym Kemp say hello to merna.
Glad you are there taking care of those who need your help. God bless.
No offense to you, Kym, but this disparages and defames a local business person with nothing but allegations of fraud. I would say that the bias and the pointed mentioning of a name as well as a focused feature on the current week’s “Humboldt Last Week” is preemptive, and is not in the best interest of the community. Certainly we can feel heroism or like fighting for a cause, but perhaps this matter remains to be commented on in a court of law rather than through (again no offense because I read your page every day) egregiously biased coverage? Provide the proof for the way that these articles and spoken words bias the readers’ and listeners’ ear against a local business. The collective listens, so take responsibility. Bias is something we all struggle with. I intend no bias with my response, and I want to read no bias in between your words. Be well.
Humboldt Last Week is produced by Myles Cochrane. I give him column space several weeks ago because I enjoy what he does and I think other folks will also. He posts without me seeing it first. I was uncomfortable to see that I was so much the focus of the podcast but it is what it is.
Referring to John Ford, I have published this piece. https://kymkemp.com/2017/01/26/tiny-non-profit-helping-poor-fights-back-against-man-they-say-stole-not-only-their-insurance-money-but-their-rent/ I saw the cashed check made out to Mr. Ford and the cancelled insurance. I read texts he sent Ms. Wilson. I spoke to several other businesses who had been victimized. I can’t afford to have a defamation suit so I had to know that Thomas Mulder’s letter was accurate. https://kymkemp.com/2017/01/11/local-insurance-company-accused-of-defrauding-local-small-businesses/
The Times Standard wrote this: http://www.times-standard.com/article/NJ/20170113/NEWS/170119877.
The Lost Coast Outpost wrote this: https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2017/jan/12/former-da-paul-gallegos-representing-nonprofit-sui/
If this is all true, I feel a great sorrow for our community and for our local business leaders. Alas, it seems we are witnessing the tumbling and crumbling of a well-known local business. I can only offer conjecture as to why, but I can offer my own sorrow at the lack of personal responsibility, again, if true. Thank you for providing sources.
Yes, this information was carefully verified and reported on, and then additionally covered by multiple outlets. Not to mention all the radio stations that don’t post all of their coverage online. I stand behind discussing these allegations as it is an important story for local businesses and consumers.
Kym, it was not my intent to make you feel uncomfortable after you agreed to speak on the matter. When I noticed you reported on a difficult subject for the good of the community, I felt that deserved noting.
Myles, I know you meant well. I just felt weirdly like I was boasting.