Disabled Veteran Laments Experiences in Humboldt County

Welcome to our letters to the editor/opinion section. To submit yours for consideration, please send to [email protected]. Please consider including an image to be used–either a photograph of you or something applicable to the letter. However, an image is not necessary for publication.

Remember opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect that of Redheaded Blackbelt nor have we checked the letters for accuracy.Letter to the Editor

Dear Kym,

I am writing to day after an incident on Baker Beach, Saturday the 13th.  I am 100% disabled veteran whom doesn’t get out much and hasn’t had a lot of good experiences in this county.  I think many of the sociological issues are attempted to being addressed but it is frustrating to hear bad reviews of this area from tourism and I must say a lot I agree with from food preparation eating out bad experiences, professionals being down right unprofessional and bad experiences with neglectful locals.  The incident occurred just before we are about to start packing up and putting our clothes on after the first time I’d swam in the ocean in 30 years.  A couple brought several dogs and a huge puppy that approached our spot and my leashed up dog.  Like every time at the dog park my dog tries to mount I pull him off as I’m trying to re-train my rescue.  The couples untrained puppy, I thought should have been leashed without training, attacked my dog and then myself that resulted in a deep [wound] that tore into an L ship with many more bites as I screamed for help trying to get the dog off me.  Mind you I was naked at this point while everyone just watched in horror and finally the owner came running over and got the dog back on a leash.  Then the owner started accusing me and left the area.  I was standing there in shock and many people started packing up and moving, looking away while I cradled my arm and holding the wound closed.  The owner came back and apologized and I was surprised that I wasn’t mad, but I told him I have full medical and not to worry.  I finished packing annoyed that the guy kept rambling on, but I knew at that point he felt bad, but it wasn’t helping.  I didn’t make a police report or go to the ER, the picture I have of the wound is enough. The part that has made me sad is that it feels as though the people that don’t have good reviews may have some validity that Humboldt needs to step up to make this beautiful place feel safer and a little more catering to tourists as Baker Beach is a known spot.  I hope my experience can prompt something to be done or said to the public to think about responsibility to those around us.  I have an anxiety disorder, PTSD issues, Chronic Pain from old injuries and other health issues. Living alone with my companion dog and our car in the shop this wound has now made it hard to have to walk my dog and care for things myself.  I’m not looking for a vote of sympathy but for people to be more responsible.

Thank you,

David Roberts
Old tourist and now 4 year resident

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.

39 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Gggg
Guest
Gggg
1 year ago

It is such a shame that this happened to you, I also find it unfortunate how many people have unleashed untrained dogs that feel it’s ok for them to be off leash. I don’t bring my dog to beaches here anymore for that reason. Although the owner may have felt bad this is too common where it’s felt it’s not a big deal to let your unbehaved pets run around @nd annoy and or attack other people and their animals. I feel the same about the way people handle their children. We all deserve more respect from one another, and I hope you once again swim in the ocean and enjoy the beauty here and not let this one iDiot ruin it.

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Gggg

It’s when you run into three idiots in a day that 💩 starts taking a toll. Then this human comes unleashed! 😆

Todd Heiler
Guest
Todd Heiler
1 year ago
Reply to  Gggg

This is just what happens and will continue to happen when people like this veteran fail to have the courage to involve the police and other authorities. When there is such behavior we must act to hold people accountable. Unfortunately we have become a nation where even if that happens there maybe no accountability, especially if the person has enough money and or influence. We must all call out bad behavior. This is much more than just a local problem.

Frozenwerx
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Todd Heiler

It’s not about the courage or the many posting anonymously without integrity. If I involved the police every time I went out, I’d have zero time, a dog without water and the sheriff and police are strained as it is. We need more public servants, doctors, etc but who wants to live in an area where in their down time, there is just more problems.

Cetan Bluesky
Guest
Cetan Bluesky
1 year ago

Irresponsible dog owners here in Humboldt is the MO. No matter where ya go. I have scars all over me legs from attacking biting dogs that attacked me or me contained critters/livestock at our home. Packs of dogs are allowed to roam at will by previous neighbors and locals who are drugged and drunk out of their minds and really don’t give a damn what trouble their critters get into. Until the sheriff shows up to their grow scene or a lawsuit is threatened. And then the war starts with blazing threats, baseball bat or gun in hand from the dog owners while you are wiping the dog bites clean with soap and water or while burying your dead animals that were torn apart by their dogs on your porch!
Dogs are much like their owners. They behave how they are taught and treated. Humboldt has lots of problems and it’s not just the loose dogs.

Last edited 1 year ago
Steve Koch
Guest
Steve Koch
1 year ago
Reply to  Cetan Bluesky

👍

Wtf
Guest
Wtf
1 year ago

I filed against my neighbor, had to do it. Took 4 years after they appealed it, but I own what used to be their house now.

Control your dogs or lose your land.

Adrienne Floreen
Guest
1 year ago

Oh dear god, someone make a police report about this incident and make sure the dog’s been vaccinated for rabies. Since the news just printed he didn’t make a police report after it bit him. I’ve also had bad experiences at restaurants but why did you print this letter starting with “to day” uncorrected about some guy who got a dog bite and didn’t report it or go to the ER with no statement about why you should not do that? Apparently some people in Humboldt County are opposed to dogs on leashes as seen in the movie but I am opposed to the media printing something like this without making sure the man is ok and warning people about why you should make sure a dog that bit you or your pet has its rabies vaccine.

North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
Guest
North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
1 year ago

My cousin thought it was cute to put a leash on his dog and then just say, oh goodness my dog pulled away but it has a leash.
A police report is the only thing that stopped that crap.
Always make a police report.

Two Dogs
Guest
Two Dogs
1 year ago

I was hiking on a beach once, when I crested a dune and came face to face with a large dog off leash that decided to confront me and began an obviously aggressive, slow and methodical approach.
Directly behind the dog was it’s owner. He was standing there smirking at me with a “Howda ya like that shit?” look. He didn’t call to the dog, just kept smirking, so I drew my pistol.
He looked menacingly at me and said, “You had better not shoot my dog”. I told him I was going to shoot him first, and that I bet when I started shooting, the dog would run away. He suddenly realized the merit of having his surly mongrel on a leash and acted accordingly.

North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
Guest
North westCertain license plate out of thousands c
1 year ago
Reply to  Two Dogs

Bravo. I was wishing out veteran was armed. Maybe next time.
My cousin says his dog needed a leash but the law doesn’t say you have to have it in your hand. That’s bullshit in my book.
Police reports and lawsuits are the only way to stop the crap.

Sorry not sorry cousin!

Victor
Guest
Victor
1 year ago
Reply to  Two Dogs

That’s awesome! Good for you

Yellow
Guest
Yellow
1 year ago

Always make a police report!

Yellow
Guest
Yellow
1 year ago
Reply to  Yellow

Can’t stress this enough. If it was just once or twice, that would be different, but it happens so frequently in this county that the lawlessness needs to be corrected.

Nick
Guest
Nick
1 year ago
Reply to  Yellow

Love listening to liberals talk about lawlessness lol

Yellow
Guest
Yellow
1 year ago

Whenever dog bites occur, Animal Control should always be called. Unfortunately, there have been incidents around here where Animal Control has allowed dog bites to go with just a warning, and not even any type of fine. HCSO seems to like to be lax in general (unless it’s something like Headwaters Forest protests).

Cheri
Guest
Cheri
1 year ago

I agree this guy who got bit should have reported it to the police at the ER. There are some really nasty pathogens in a dog bite. He seems to be using a nice guy disabled vet status as opposed to a responsible vet status to protect himself and others from this dog and it’s owner. What the hell does bad restaurant and service have to do with this? Whiney Whaaah

Adrienne Floreen
Guest
1 year ago

Have you people seen the movie “Humboldt County” especially the absurd intro where the lady is rambling about how it’s a head trip while she’s on her L ship that humans keep dogs on leashes? If this story is for real the guy should have gotten a rabies shot if the dog had not but I do not thing this is serious, I think its someone’s crafty joke, unless any one of you actually saw a naked man on baker beach being bitten by a dog leaving a L shipped mark on his arm to day? Like I cannot even type that, without laughing, if the letter was serious the reporter should have fixed the craftly placed “typos.”

Boe Jiden Commieswine dictator
Guest
Boe Jiden Commieswine dictator
1 year ago

Most people in Humboldt especially locals are not very bright and dropped on their heads as infants by their careless high on drugs parents.
America all together is high af or drunk and lacks both morals and standards. Humboldt is one of the few cherries on top of the cracked and twacked out American pie. A pocket so to speak loaded with druggies and dumbies, virtue signaling their way through life while not giving af about anything but their own high at everyone else’s exspense. It’s a phenomenon how far the idiocracy in this county has come and how stupid people here are.
Most people are too stupid to put their dog on a leash and lawenforcement isn’t enforcing the law which is a major part of the problem.
Humboldt is lawless and law enforcement too lazy to fight actual crime.
Next time call the cops on these morons then take them to court.
How long are tourists and locals supposed to put up with this inbred low life scum loser lifestyle mentality?

Moe
Guest
Moe
1 year ago

Spot on

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
1 year ago

Thank you to David Roberts and to all veterans for your service and sacrifices. This story makes me sad. The difference between what Humboldt is and what it could be is enormous.

Specifically with regard to unleashed dogs, the asshole owners ruin things for everyone. My dogs can’t be trusted, so they are always leashed when out of our yard or vehicle. Even so, I can’t take them to the beach without having to worry about attack from someone else’s unleashed, uncontrolled dog(s).

Frozenwerx
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  I like stars

My thought is that each of us everyday are the difference of what we want to see!

Adrienne Floreen
Guest
1 year ago

I am also wondering how well you checked out this person to make sure they were for real. Because the letter says he is 100% fully disabled and was fully naked at Baker Beach, a known spot with reviews. Do you realize what Baker Beach is a known spot for? I am thinking that if this story wasn’t checked it might be a really well written troll letter and you might’ve been pranked. It’s just so oddly written. “Saturday the 13th” was a real recent day but just, like read this letter again to yourself with a grain of salt, there’s a lot of little dropped hints that make it appear it might be a joke. Especially if you copied and pasted stuff like “to day” and “L ship”

guest`
Guest
guest`
1 year ago

That is what i was thinking. Also, he claims he was attacked by a puppy.

Gggg
Guest
Gggg
1 year ago
Reply to  guest`

In all fairness I have a not yet six month old puppy that is 70 lbs, depending on the breed it could be a big pup

Giant Squirrel
Guest
Giant Squirrel
1 year ago

What’s Baker Beach known for?

Two Dogs
Guest
Two Dogs
1 year ago
Reply to  Giant Squirrel

Nuts. You should go for lunch.

willow creeker
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Giant Squirrel

Do you really live here giant squirrel? Or are you an anti-Biden bot? Maybe you never leave your house, I don’t know. Something is up with you.

trout fisher
Guest
trout fisher
1 year ago

Sorry that happened to you. Irresponsible people with dogs are everywhere. I was almost knocked over a cliff while backpacking in the Sinkyone Wilderness by an exuberant border collie off leash. There perhaps should be more places designated specifically for dogs to go off leash, and everywhere else they need to be on leash. Maybe dogs should have to pass a good manners test and get a certificate for the privilege of being off leash in public

lakeperson
Guest
lakeperson
1 year ago

I hate to sound like an old fart, but… when I was young, most people by far did NOT take their dogs with them everywhere, unless they were service dogs –in those days restricted to seeing eye dogs. Practically every dog owner I know — including friends who are responsible people, not drug addicts or whatever — now feel entitled to bring their dogs with them everywhere, to restaurants, grocery stores, shops, libraries, public events, campgrounds, etc., and are hurt, offended, and angry when a shop owner or park ranger, let alone another citizen, suggests this is an inappropriate place for a dog. A friend, asked NOT to take her dog with her on a hiking trail, declared that the rule is obsolete because “everybody brings their dog with them now,” missing the logical conclusion that lots of dogs cause more problems than only a few. People love their dogs, and dogs are great companions, but there are places they just don’t belong, and have natural behaviors that should not be tolerated in certain situations. When I was a kid, way back then, we boarded our dog when we went away for more than a couple of nights (when we left him at home and the neighbor came by to feed him and play with him a while) — and he was fine, and so were we.

willow creeker
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  lakeperson

Yes good point. I have left my dog at home more and more lately because that’s where he would rather be, mostly.

Yellow
Guest
Yellow
1 year ago

It’s not an isolated incident at all. At virtually all of Humboldt County’s beaches, there are aggressive dogs that are illegally on the loose, and this is especially common at Clam Beach. Virtually every time, aggressive dogs run up and threaten to bite us. Irresponsible dog owners also neglect to clean up waste, creating a significant health hazard. There needs to be continuous policing of all county beaches, with fines and not warnings.

Victor
Guest
Victor
1 year ago

I know a guy that put a leash on his dog and let it run around like that. Hey the dog was leashed right?

JFEdwards
Member
JFEdwards
1 year ago

There are many things about this letter that makes me question the authenticity of this post,However that being said, I have lived in the Eureka – Arcata area since the early 90’s and there are quite a few bad apples here, but the amount of negativity is the responses is very disturbing. We have alot of wonderful things here people take for granted and way too much focus on punishment and hatred.
We as a community need to come together and be a community again, once we start treating everyone equally and with respect non of our problems will go away, use these forums to discuss positive changes and do less bashing on each other and things will get better here.

bearjoo
Guest
bearjoo
1 year ago
Reply to  JFEdwards

Lots of us have been victims of theft and property crimes as well as scum bags monkey wrenching the competition, stealing cars, sabotage, etc… There’s timber and there’s weed but its a declining slope at the moment. So the poverty increases, the revenue decreases, the tires are slashed, and this is the state of things until it bottoms. IMHo. God Bless the author… Thank you for your service. Don’t see how making this up serves his self interest.

Adrienne Floreen
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  JFEdwards

Have you seen the movie called “Humboldt County” where they start out going to a beach just a mile south of there and the lady, while apparently on acid and ecstasy, goes on some rant about how it’s inhuman to keep “dogs on leashes” because I think the person was kinda thinking about that movie while writing their “letter to the editor” and seriously this should tell you a lot about Kym’s psychology, she seems quite reactive and appears to post letters to the editor and press releases from the county quite instantly without fact checking them. I seriously wonder what people could get printed, like LOL let’s all write “letters to the editor” to this reporter and see what gets “headlined,” and it’s not just some random letter writers but actual people who work there, remember “Trials and Tribulations” (of a farmer) haha google that and the word song and realize why I fell outa my chair laughing!

Frozenwerx
Member
1 year ago

WARNING ATTACHED IMAGE(S) MAY BE GRAPHIC TO SOME

I’m just going to address the comments as a whole; This place is very beautiful with many freedoms that most places around the world do not have. I think it is important to maintain those freedoms but to do that we all have to be more responsible. I think it is important to include our furry friends so that they may be socialized and on a leash so they aren’t a problem if it is in question to their behavior. We also need to be more responsible as professionals need an environment that isn’t such a hassle while enjoying our freedoms here; Not being chased on a bike trail by women coming out of the bushes running at you screaming nonsensical things. I do not agree with the blame ideation that is being passed around on this topic, that solves absolutely nothing. The reason I rarely use social media and am not on most social media platforms is that very tit for tat irrational behavior. Not to mention maybe not thinking about defamation of my character. I do have a witness to the incident and could have filed a police report and still could. I’m afraid that filing a report would become a witch hunt or loss of rights. I don’t want loss of rights and I don’t know what good it would really solve other than increasing the oppositional defiant behavior of the owner and maybe only the dog would suffer the real consequences down the road. I have sought medical treatment as I needed to get some shots, however it is also that other topic of sitting in the ER for 12 hours or more just for stiches, had a ligament or vein been damaged there would have been no choice. I was lucky to not have the police and ambulance blocking that narrow road and ruining everyones day. We had a great day on the beach and so awesome and liberating to swim in shallow water in the ocean naked as that is so therapeutic. My leashed dog was kind of annoying as he is very vocal but he won’t learn if he is just always at home. Other dogs approached him all day in our spot and would leave if they didn’t get along and all was ok until what very could have been a 70lb, 1 year old malamute mix that should have been leashed had approached. As far as what judgment goes on, on that beach, I didn’t see anything but people playing and swimming all day in a very serene atmosphere prior to the incident. I have all the sourcing and paper trail to back up all my statements so, the skeptical readers may ask why and what purpose of the skepticism?! There is so much freedom we take for granted in irresponsibility and that is my only point. No we don’t have the infrastructure to take care of all the problems here and that is something that does need to be addressed, but we can start by being more responsible about our surroundings, respectful of our neighbors, the environment and if in question, leash!

Be responsible, lets keep our freedoms,
David

wound 2.jpg
willow creeker
Member
1 year ago

Leash laws and charging for beach parking is what the rest of California has to deal with, and it is what makes this place better, in my opinion. So, let’s all be more responsible pet owners, if your dog is a dick keep him/her on a leash. Clean up your dog’s shit, and let’s not whine too much as a community either.
I cringed at the rules posted at Malel Dunes north, ‘no dogs, no horses, no running’
Are you kidding me? No running? I have run with my dogs there for ten plus years. Ridiculous.
Let’s not turn into SoCal, but that means don’t be irresponsible pet owners and ruin it for everyone.
Let’s not let fussy extreme enviros ruin our enjoyment of the natural environment either. Keep it humboldt.

CinnamonGirl
Guest
CinnamonGirl
1 year ago

And what does a disabled veteran look like? I personally know David. As he stated, he battles PTSD. He has good days and bad days. When he is able, he will he will go out of his way to help a friend or a stranger. Judging him for his wording, content or spelling errors is unnecessary. Clearly, this situation was upsetting to him. I too get concerned with dogs off leash. In my own neighborhood, another dog attacked mine while walking. It shook me up a lot. There was a lot of blood and when I got home, I realized it wasn’t from my boy. My boy is a pitbull, so I called animal control mostly to protect my dog from the owners report, if there was one. They said it wasn’t my fault and didn’t do anything more. I now carry pepper spray.

in addition, these letters are “to” the editor, not from the editor. It is not Kym’s job to make corrections.