Some Pictures of Hobbs's Takeover of the Jenkel Property

Hwy 116 is designated as a state scenic hwy. Permittable work along that road on private property is regulated by local agencies, in this case the County PRMD ...

5th District Supervisor is Efren Carillo: 707-565-2241 and [email protected]

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My friend Barbara Chasteen wrote this letter to Carillo.

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Dear Mr Carrillo,

As a 40 year resident, landowner and voter in Sonoma County I am
deeply disturbed at the recent destruction of trees by Mr Paul Hobbs
and his associates in the Highway 116 corridor. His actions show that
he has little respect for the well-being of our landscape and water
supply, the opinions of the local community, nor the democratic
process and the regulations of this County.

I am also concerned that the administration of Sonoma County appears
to have evolved into a support structure for the unrestrained
development of vineyards, instead of a balanced and deliberate
stewardship dedicated to managing our precious resources for the good
of us all. How can we as a rational community allow the conversion of
a large tract of forested land for the purpose of a ridgetop vineyard
in an area that is world renowned for its natural beauty, and even
more important, an area that is experiencing serious challenges to its
water supply.

I request that you investigate the legality of Mr Hobbes' recent and
ongoing actions in devastating our environment for his own purposes.
It is time to take seriously Highway 116's Scenic Corridor
designation and the provisions of the Sonoma County General Plan.
The General Plan and County ordinances protecting trees and other
natural resources are surely not just marks on paper, but well-thought
out intentions of a long democratic process that have the weight of
justice behind them.

Sincerely,

Barbara Chasteen
Sebastopol CA 95473

...words cannot express my outrage at this typical vineyard tactic, the beginning salvo: chop everything down!

the date palm is an especially valuable plant with a somewhat shallow root system, can be relocated, or --- why couldn't it be left to provide necessary shade for the future vineyard workers????

soooo, this all started because Jenkel ALLEGEDLY flooded a century old stand of trees ... this commenced a legal action resulting in a $300,000 judgment against him? This 3 acre property was "auctioned" for $1,000.

something is very very seriously wrong in this county. Concerned citizens should seek help and redress outside the county of Sonoma.

There are two Hobbs locations that have been cleared in the past few weeks...this will address them both.

A verbal stop work order has been issued for the project at 11835 Gravenstein Highway in Pocket Canyon. Hobbs commenced a timber clearing project under an approved timber harvest plan. However, the conditions of their Timberland Conversion Permit had not been completed prior to the commencement of this operation, as there were multiple conditions of the permit which have not been met. CalFire, the lead agency on the Timber Plan and Conversion, has initiated an investigation which will include North Coast Regional Quality Control Board and our PRMD Code Enforcement staff.

Additionally, the planner is requiring a hydrologic study as part of the use permit process, as well as evaluation of their proposal for reservoir reliance for irrigation.

The operation at the former Jenkel property adjacent to Paul Hobbs Winery on Highway 116 North of Graton was performed following a valid issued permit. The Agricultural Commissioner's office issued permits for the vineyard on these parcels.

The Agricultural Commission's office required Paul Hobbs to submit a biological survey for each parcel, and no rare plant species were observed on the parcels.

PRMD has no oversight in this area, as the land is currently zoned Diverse Agriculture, and the vineyard use is consistent with that zoning. The matter of the trees was considered, but the County’s Tree Protection Ordinance specifically exempts agricultural operations such as vineyards. There are no registered heritage trees on the property. Trees present on each of the parcels were primarily planted as windrows or ornamental trees around the residences and are not native to the site. Removal of the trees from each of the parcels does not require a permit from CalFire.

Scenic Corridor restrictions would not apply in this case because agricultural use is exempt. OSRC-3c specifically exempts “New barns and similar agricultural support structures added to existing farm complexes on parcels in the Diverse Agriculture zoning district” from setback requirements. However, because Hwy 116 is a designated State Scenic Highway, building plans would be subject to Administrative Design Review.

This post is an attempt to address numerousdistinct concerns/issues raised by members of the public in the aftermath of the sudden destruction of trees on these properties in the past week. While enforcement and penalties may be pursuedat Hillick Ranch, understandably the abrupt change to the landscape at both of these sitesis cause for our concern and inquiry. It is hard to understand why this course was taken, rather than trying to move some of the older specimen trees which could have been relocated due to their value. The pictures we've received speak a thousand sad words, and are food for thought.

This is outrageous rape of our beautiful land ; shame on you Hobbs for your destruction .

Efren: You've written the 'perfect' legal justification for the greedy takeover and destruction of Mr. Jenkel's beautiful property. I can only imagine the smugness that you, Mr. Hobbs and all others involved must feel by these justifications. Integrity, transparency, fairness, and consideration for your community were blatantly absent from these actions or lack thereof leading to this takeover. Mr Jenkel may have been a pain in the butt at county board meetings, but he will be remembered as a modern American hero/martyr for his courageous, outspoken and truthful nature regarding America's undeclared wars and the corporate takeover of our once-great nation. It is so very obvious that certain people here were in fact out to do him damage. And what will the likes of you and Mr. Hobbs be remembered for? Being puppets for Sonoma County's destructive corporate wine-grape monoculture greed agenda??? Please, look in the mirror.

I am heart sick to see these trees cut in another approved land rape of the county. I have always loved The Redwood Empire,and it is unprotected in our neighborhoods. He with the most money WINS! So it seems. I think there ought to be a law against this kind of overnight vigilante action.Oh, there is? Sometimes progress is the ability to see the future,and the value of what you have right now with the sense to leave well enough alone. Blame us all for electing this current bunch of Global Thinkers to supervise our lives.You don't know what you've got til it's gone ring a bell anyone?

Our political heros will leave us with nothing, but gravel yards and clear cut lots full of rent/work retail spaces. No thanks. I curse the idiocy when I drive by this location daily,and will never share the light of my smile or the color of my money with this business. I feel completely let down by Efren, but not surprised after selling out Forestville.

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Posted in reply to the post by greenbuddy:

... I feel completely let down by Efren, but not surprised after selling out Forestville...

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please expand on this statement? something i've missed? thanks

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the vineyard "development" process includes 1) chopping down trees, 2) grading, flattening, moonscaping the soil, 3) sticking in multiple posts, rows of wire etc., 4) weedwhacking to eliminate any vegetation other than the grapevines. Frankly, it is beginning to feel like a particular madness: a wrath against everything but the grape.

I am taking steps to be sure my property never goes this route; i will never be a party to this. I don't care how much money these people may pay. Every occurrance like this makes me ever more steadfast and hardened.

oh, not only do they render the ground and landscape devoid of anything but grapes, soon along comes a mechanical monstrosity: the wind turbine. No living thing wants to be in the acreage so managed. Then it is made so no humans can sleep at night!

What is scenic about this?

John Jenkel responds:

Honk for Judge Chouteau behind bars
The desecration shown below is a direct result of Sonoma County judicial officer Renné Auguste Chouteau conspiring against the constitutionally protected and guaranteed inalienable right of 9-11 Bounty Hunter John Jenkel to freely file for a court order to stop harassment. His dishonor is ripe for a death sentence under United States Code Title 18, Section 241, and under California Penal Code 37 for giving aid and comfort to enemies of the State of California, including embezzler Paul Hobbs and attorney John A. Holdredge, at the expense we, the congressionally betrayed and 675 murdered Californians and scenic Gravenstein Highway travelers.

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Posted in reply to the post by caverly:

This is outrageous rape of our beautiful land ; shame on you Hobbs for your destruction .

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I too am heart sick at the rape of this property. I drive by every day and was shocked when I first realized what had happened.
Did they have to cut ALL the trees. Of course, the trees on the west side would shade the grapes. Disgusting. I will not be buying any of their wines.

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Posted in reply to the post by caverly:

This is outrageous rape of our beautiful land ; shame on you Hobbs for your destruction .

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Shocking photos. I'm very pleased to read the reactions of my fellow Waccovians. Good on you, guys!

Of course, it's easy for the wino earth rapers like the Hobbses to sneer at the reactions of benighted West County people who probably drink cheap wine or - perish the thought! - no wine at all. Of course, we don't have to drink that wine. When we see it in markets and wine shops and liquor stores, we can suggest that the proprietors not support this wine maker, and even suggest that it's presence on his/her shelves might cause us to shop elsewhere. (Do the Hobbses make their own wine, or sell grapes to others?) We can do the same thing in restaurants where it's on the wine list, and suggest to our friends both in Sonoma County and elsewhere that they do the same thing.

As for Efren Carrillo, we can all make our displeasure with him public at the ballot box.

Keep up the good work.

Roland Jacopetti

Well, could've left a buffer of trees near the road but NO! After all there's value in that property and they had to squeeze every ounce of it out of it. Sad.

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Posted in reply to the post by greenbuddy:

I am heart sick to see these trees cut in another approved land rape of the county. I have always loved The Redwood Empire,and it is unprotected in our neighborhoods. He with the most money WINS! So it seems. I think there ought to be a law against this kind of overnight vigilante action.Oh, there is? Sometimes progress is the ability to see the future,and the value of what you have right now with the sense to leave well enough alone. Blame us all for electing this current bunch of Global Thinkers to supervise our lives.You don't know what you've got til it's gone ring a bell anyone?

Our political heros will leave us with nothing, but gravel yards and clear cut lots full of rent/work retail spaces. No thanks. I curse the idiocy when I drive by this location daily,and will never share the light of my smile or the color of my money with this business. I feel completely let down by Efren, but not surprised after selling out Forestville.

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:idea: Here's a business idea for somebody:

A rating service for how eco-friendly each winery is...
Give credit/blame where due...

A Hobbsian Choice?

This kind of degradation is taking place all over Sonoma County in the name of development
I can't wait for some blight to devastate our vineyards as some kind of divine environmental
payback. The major crime here is not the downing of trees but the county mismanagement of
the whole Jenkel situation. This is obviously a man pushed off his pins. In my memory I remember
Mr. Jenkel having the creativity to have a horse-drawn wagon business taking tours through the
Graton area. Did the county shut that down??? Furthermore, why is Adult Protective Services not
assisting this man? When they come after a non-violent person like this, when will they come for us???

Does anyone see the irony in this action?

This all started with Jenkel (allegedly?) flooding a stand of century-old trees - and Hobbs suing, pretending to be concerned about them? Then Hobbs chooses to destroy all the trees he can? I'm not at all surprised by Efren "Big-Business" Carrillo and his reaction. Check his pockets, see if he's been paid off to help big business again.

dear concerned neighbors ~~ What a terrible mess : legally for our neighbor Mr. Jenkel and for another winery corrupting the land and for the
destruction of these beautiful and irreplaceable trees . Each horrible .
Concerning Mr. Jenkel's being 'losing his land' , my { amateur } understanding is : Hobbs claimed Jenkel destroyed a stand of trees by flooding them , Hobbs went to court
and got a $300,00 settlement against him { he did not hire a lawyer ; and Adult Protective could not do anything as he meets the basic definition of "competency",
i.e. can brush teeth and dress himself and is able to pay bills }. Hobbs goes to the Sherriff's office and they 'auction ' off two 3-acre parcels of Jenkel's land { to address the $300,ooo court settlement } for $10,000 and $1,000 each . Obviously this land was worth far more but Mr. Jenkel got bamboozled ; and evidently
Mr. Jenkel still owes approximatively $289,000 and owns another parcel of land with 3 houses . As Mr. Jenkel doesn't use lawyers , we can fear for further acquisition by Mr. Hobbs of what has been Mr. Jenkel's lovely land , income and home . Horrible .
Wineries and their degradation of nature and our beautiful land is a major problem that needs to be addressed with local & state agencies and political
powers-that-be !!!!!! The old statue that disallows protection for "agricultural " land seems to be the loop-hole for this degradation and the politicians who champion winerie's destruction and receive 'contributions' { are paid off } are also what allows this destruction to be encouraged and to continue . Horrible .
I had a very meaningful conversation with Supervisor Carrillo's office just now { i spoke with Susan - i believe is his assistant } ; she was in tears over what has happened and i believe that she and Mr. Carillo are passionately upset about how this has played out . She is a neighbor and knows the ugly destruction that has taken place and it breaks her heart . She explained to me that Adult Protection can not intervene , that the provisions of 'logging' and land use that may not have been followed will now need to be addressed by agencies/court/whatever enforcement . I believe that Mr. Carillo's office has tried to communicate with Mr. Jenkel
to encourage him to defend himself properly and that they are pained by this whole series of events and by the many angry/sad communications they have received
'blaming ' them . Perhaps even more innocent people hurt by this Hobssian nightmare .. .. ..

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Posted in reply to the post by Imagery:

Does anyone see the irony in this action?
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totally; that's precisely why the recounted history is important...it's also a possibility that Hobbs did the water destruction himself...who has the resources to defend against these bullies? seems all involved will not be happy until the long-time property owner is completely destroyed.

this Gravenstein Highway corridor is nearly completely transformed for the future: wine tasting room to wine tasting room - back to back

the idea of a rating system for the wineries is a good one.

watching KQED's documentary of The Save the Bay genesis back in 1961 got me to thinking perhaps we need to form a similar coalition... i.e. Save the Land or Save the Heritage Trees ... etc.

The Save the Bay foundation started with a small group of three well-connected, but righteously offended women around their kitchen tables...

Early this year, after two bouts with pancreatitis in two years, the doc said "NO MORE ALCOHOL of any kind, not even non-alcoholic beer." O.K., says I, and abandoned my half-century wine jones. And you know what? I really don't miss it. So let's ask what's more important, a balanced agricultural plan for Sonoma County with diverse food-based crops that promote local food supplies and preservation of the natural beauty of the landscape...OR...acre after acre after acre of grapes to the horizon, grown solely to supply the world with expensive wines, half-drunk tourists wandering from one tasting to the next, clouds of pesticides and sulphur and enormous preemption of ever-scarcer water supplies. Let's face it, friends. We're on the downward slope with both food and water as population continues to grow and our leaders try to stymie any attempts to teach people old and young how not to have more children. What about a plan to license vineyards in the county only if they agree to plant half their land in food crops? How about a few fields of cannabis to replace the endless grapes? I'd like to put a bumper sticker on my car that says "Chardonnay was yesterday!"

Roland Jacopetti

The first time I drove past the devastation of this once beautiful landscape it was soul wounding. Tears welled in my eyes... I asked - What manner of man could do such a thing? Who allowed this to happen?

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Posted in reply to the post by Pterosapiens:

The first time I drove past the devastation of this once beautiful landscape it was soul wounding. Tears welled in my eyes... I asked - What manner of man could do such a thing? Who allowed this to happen?

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Then it came... as the song says - "Well after all, it was you and me..."

I can't stand to see it happening in the West County.

I lived in the Geyserville hills surrounded by oak woodlands. Those groves were like fairy land, the magical quality obvious even at a distance. This was my view from home. Now they are gone, all gone and planted in vines. The hills were terraced so even the rolling countryside was botched forever. There was a race on to clear as much land before the "protection law" was in force. What a farce.

I remember when the gorgeous hill out front was being bulldozed. I felt like I was being punched in the gut. The machine operator left one beautiful oak at the top of the hill and although it looked awfully lonely, I also saw how large it was, this now solitary, beautiful tree with its moss swaying in the breeze. I got my hopes up that they would allow at least this one oak to remain and I could turn to it for comfort. It turned out that the bulldozer guy was just using it to shade his pick up for the day, then he crashed that one down, too.

I will never forget the sight of the white-tailed kite screaming over the bulldozer as it knocked its nest tree (with the babies in it) down in a splintering crash. (The white-tailed kite, a magnificent bird, was driven to the edge of extinction in the 30's and now has supposed full state protection.)

Then came the Round-up, the horrific (I'm not kidding) sulfur foggers, once a week during cooler or foggy nights and of course the endless irrigation to feed those thirsty vines and the smoke from greenwood prunings.

It took a full year for the huge grey pine tree in our yard to recover from... I'm assuming the thundering heavy machinery. It would not grow new needles and the whole tree wilted. It took me much longer to find even resignation, which was the best I could do.

I would very much welcome a rating of eco-practices of all the wineries including their level of respect for the indigenous plants/ trees/ landscape, not just the providing of a nice tourist-friendly lavender or stylish Mediterranean garden built over ravaged and destroyed habitat and once wild places.

It IS sad to see the wild and magical places disappearing and being replaced by the mono culture of vineyards. I suppose it could be argued (and it has) that this is better than building more housing developments and it is....but only a little. I for one will miss the the west county oak studded hillsides. I am guessing that given enough time, we will need to visit our parks to see what this county once looked like-to a certain extent that is already the case. At this point the best we can hope for is to follow Marin's lead and protect as much open land as possible, especially on our coast, and thank goodness for Landpaths and the Sonoma Country Land Trust who are doing just that.

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Posted in reply to the post by claire ossenbeck:

I can't stand to see it happening in the West County.

I lived in the Geyserville hills surrounded by oak woodlands. Those groves were like fairy land, the magical quality obvious even at a distance. This was my view from home. Now they are gone, all gone and planted in vines. The hills were terraced so even the rolling countryside was botched forever. There was a race on to clear as much land before the "protection law" was in force. What a farce.

I remember when the gorgeous hill out front was being bulldozed. I felt like I was being punched in the gut.... .

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Posted in reply to the post by Mad" Miles;134062][FONT="Times New Roman:

A Hobbsian Choice?[/FONT]

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A Faustian bargain?

I found Mr. Hobbs wine web site and sent them an email. Boycott his wines.

By the way, it's very easy to find Paul Hobbs on the internet - sorry I forget to write the web address down. I note on the website his statement about paying attention being the secret of winemaking. So we have to assume that he'll pay attention to the email I've sent him and, hopefully, the ones you and your friends will send.

Roland

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Posted in reply to the post by Roland:

By the way, it's very easy to find Paul Hobbs on the internet - sorry I forget to write the web address down. I note on the website his statement about paying attention being the secret of winemaking. So we have to assume that he'll pay attention to the email I've sent him and, hopefully, the ones you and your friends will send.

Roland

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Yeah, and he talks about "family" values, how about valuing the earth, your neighbors, etc?
Deena

STOP THE GRAPE RAPE: John Jenkel's experience can be a catalyst for a new sound and sensible approach to how our community's sustainable agriculture is laid out. Roland's suggestion for half of our vineyard land to be used for food crops is a refreshing bit of basic common sense. Unfortunately, our fascist government does not see it that way. I do not use that term lightly, as fascism is defined by "any authoritarian and hierarchical structure that is opposed to democracy and liberalism". So our county's actions, in lock step with the winos, that we witnessed at Jenkel's are clearly fascist. This should be of grave concern to all, as Sonoma County's food prices keep going higher, along with the price of gasoline needed to bring apples from Chile, oranges from Mexico, etc. And then there's the destruction of our wild, beautiful, and irreplaceable landscape that these wino-fascists make happen, for the ego-driven sake of their name on the label! If in doubt, just drive up Hwy.101 north of Geyserville to see many miles of dead landscape made by the Gallo family's doings, that destroyed five watershed canyons, and all their ancient oaks, madrones, wildlife, etc., for the almighty grape in the mid 80's. In 1996 they tried this at the MacMurray ranch on Westside Road, but were publicly embarrassed into stopping, when artists staged a publicized 'paint-in' of the beautiful landscape, to dramatize the destruction they were planning. So what can we, the real Americans (yep, Sarah, I betcha I'm more American than you ever were) who believe in democracy: government "by the people, for the people and of the people" do to stop this wino-fascist takeover?? We need mature, intelligent, brave, caring and HONEST individuals running our county government, not puppets like Carrillo and Chouteau who are led by the corporate wine cork. When Efren was running for office, I asked him if his campaign was funded by any corporate wine interests, and he refused to give me a straight answer, showing clearly a lack of integrity. So let's start by voting him out! And God bless you, John Jenkel!!

Also under Paul Hobbs Winery on Google their is a place to write a "review" and post it for others to read .
{ Includes Google photo of tree lined road { which used to exist } . Also "related places " that destroyed the natural habitat
to grow wines : Dehlinger , Watkins FAmily , Woodenhead , Dunah , Mutt Lynch and Windsor Oaks ; as described Geyserville
and so many areas have alllready been "destroyed" ; can this be stopped ???!!!!

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Posted in reply to the post by caverly:

Hobbs goes to the Sherriff's office and they 'auction ' off two 3-acre parcels of Jenkel's land { to address the $300,ooo court settlement } for $10,000 and $1,000 each . Obviously this land was worth far more but Mr. Jenkel got bamboozled ; .. ..

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Right there!
$10,000 and $1,000 for 3-acre parcels!
That is the bull's eye in this case, right?

Posted to Google Reviews : Paul Hobbs is destroying the incredible beauty and health of our land in his greed to raise grapes .
The beautiful trees you see along the roadside { in the Google picture to the right } no longer exist , thanks to Mr. Hobbs destruction . The land for his miserable winery belonged to a fine gentleman but Hobbs used the courts and Sherriff's auctions to take it away from its origional owner. I will protest any store or restaurant that i ever visit that carries this vile wine .

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Posted in reply to the post by Loel:

STOP THE GRAPE RAPE: John Jenkel's experience can be a catalyst for a new sound and sensible approach to how our community's sustainable agriculture is laid out. Roland's suggestion for half of our vineyard land to be used for food crops is a refreshing bit of basic common sense. Unfortunately, our fascist government does not see it that way. I do not use that term lightly, as fascism is defined by "any authoritarian and hierarchical structure that is opposed to democracy and liberalism". So our county's actions, in lock step with the winos, that we witnessed at Jenkel's are clearly fascist. This should be of grave concern to all, as Sonoma County's food prices keep going higher, along with the price of gasoline needed to bring apples from Chile, oranges from Mexico, etc. And then there's the destruction of our wild, beautiful, and irreplaceable landscape that these wino-fascists make happen, for the ego-driven sake of their name on the label! If in doubt, just drive up Hwy.101 north of Geyserville to see many miles of dead landscape made by the Gallo family's doings, that destroyed five watershed canyons, and all their ancient oaks, madrones, wildlife, etc., for the almighty grape in the mid 80's. In 1996 they tried this at the MacMurray ranch on Westside Road, but were publicly embarrassed into stopping, when artists staged a publicized 'paint-in' of the beautiful landscape, to dramatize the destruction they were planning. So what can we, the real Americans (yep, Sarah, I betcha I'm more American than you ever were) who believe in democracy: government "by the people, for the people and of the people" do to stop this wino-fascist takeover?? We need mature, intelligent, brave, caring and HONEST individuals running our county government, not puppets like Carrillo and Chouteau who are led by the corporate wine cork. When Efren was running for office, I asked him if his campaign was funded by any corporate wine interests, and he refused to give me a straight answer, showing clearly a lack of integrity. So let's start by voting him out! And God bless you, John Jenkel!!

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Oh, my goodness! Let's not get too shrill here. I was shocked and disgusted seeing the destruction of the trees and think it's a crime against all of us. It absolutely did not need to happen this way. How much shade can those trees cast and how much impact could there possibly be on growing grapes? However Mr. Jenkel has to share some of the blame here. If he wasn't such an eccentric crackpot this never would have happened. I for one curse Hobbs and Jenkel equally.

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Posted in reply to the post by jbox:

Oh, my goodness! Let's not get too shrill here. I was shocked and disgusted seeing the destruction of the trees and think it's a crime against all of us. It absolutely did not need to happen this way. How much shade can those trees cast and how much impact could there possibly be on growing grapes? However Mr. Jenkel has to share some of the blame here. If he wasn't such an eccentric crackpot this never would have happened. I for one curse Hobbs and Jenkel equally.

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Sad what bowing to the almighty Status Quo can do - that an honest, caring, eccentric, courageous, free spirited individual can be dismissed as a "crack pot" - if more people resisted instead of just going along playing the game as banks and business dictate... we'd have had a west county open space protection measure like west Marin does decades ago.

" we'd have had a west county open space protection measure like west Marin does decades ago " !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great point ; can this disaster be the stimulus to create such a response ??!!!!!!!

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/images/logo2.gif
‘Stop-work’ order on Guerneville-area timber conversion
https://www.watchsonomacounty.com/20...er-conversion/

By MARTIN ESPINOZA
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Sonoma County code enforcement officials are scheduled Monday to inspect a 10-acre timberland conversion project on property near Pocket Canyon, just east of Guerneville, owned by winemaker Paul Hobbs.

Hobbs also has been clearing trees on a highly visible parcel near the his winery on Gravenstein Highway at Graton Road, property he obtained in a civil suit against political activist John Jenkel. However, county officials say Hobbs acquired the necessary permits for that work.

Although Hobbs obtained a timberland conversion permit from the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for the Pocket Canyon property, he did not meet additional conditions of that permit, specifically obtaining a use permit and grading permit from the county, county officials said. County officials said they had issued a “stop-work” order on the site pending the inspection Monday.

“We are going to be inspecting the site on Monday to see if the work that has been done amounts to a violation of county ordinance,” said David Hardy, supervising planner for the Sonoma County Permit & Resource Management Department.

Hardy said that under the county’s timber conversion ordinance of 2006, a use permit is required whenever timberland switched to agricultural uses such as vineyards. Hardy said a code enforcement team will try to determine if any of the work constitutes grading, which has not been approved.

Hobbs said he has applied for a county use permit and that “absolutely no grading” work has been done at the site, nor will any work be done until the necessary permits are obtained.

“We’re not moving a finger until we get that permit,” he said.

Hardy said his plans are to plant between 8.5 and 10 acres of vineyards on the Pocket Canyon property. He said he will irrigate the vineyards using a reservoir that is filled from runoff and that no well water will be used.

On Monday, Hobbs’ property will also be inspected by officials from Calfire and North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

=========================={ End of PD Article }==========================

Here is John Jenkel's response that I received:

Comments by never a "political activist" John Jenkel to inaccurate New York Times-owned Santa Rosa Press Democrat reporter Martin Espinoza:

Martin Espinoza: Your article of May 13, 2011 entitled "'Stop-work' order on Guerneville-area timber conversion" needs a few corrections.

1) The "property near Pocket Canyon, just east of Guernville, owned by winemaker Paul Hobbs" is not owned by "winemaker Paul Hobbs." This timberland is owned by Paul Hobbs Winery, L.P., which is a California limited partnership. It has been attacking me or my 9-11 Truth Campaign through 8 (eight) groundless civil court cases since May 19, 2006. Apparently Paul Hobbs is not a partner. But, he certainly is their tree killing embezzler.

2) The "highly visible parcel near his winery on Gravenstein Highway at Graton Road, property he obtained in a civil suit against political activist John Jenkel," is next to my 9-11 Manure Monument to Greed, Crime, and Corruption. Thanks to organized crime-connected criminal profiteers in Paul Hobbs Winery, Limitless Parasites, and the stupid County of Sonoma depriving me of life, liberty, and property without due process of law or equal protection of the supreme laws of our organized crime-controlled land, I can't even afford a banner that screams "Honk for traitor Obama behind bars."

3) Paul Hobbs did not obtain my property "in a civil suit against" me. Paul Hobbs Winery, Limitless Parasites, obtained my 2.85 acre horse pasture from my corrupt County of Sonoma for pennies on the dollar in a rigged "public auction" under MARTIAL LAW enforced by inherited top local terrorist/traitor, Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner Steve Freitas, under the pretense of legal authority, in violation of California Penal Code Section 146 (b) and (c). This was the third unreasonable seizure and taking of my property without due process of constitutional law by my sold-out county sheriff and supervisors.

4) Said "civil suit" is California Superior Court Case SCV-238697 which "PAUL HOBBS WINERY, L. P. filed on May 19, 2006 against "JOHN JENKEL, and DOES 1 through 15, inclusive, Defendants," not against me. There is no way organized crime-connected criminal profiteers in Paul Hobbs Winery, Limitless Parasites, can lawfully target a single defendant in this case. Also their "civil suit against activist John Jenkel" does not exist.

5) I am not a "political activist." I can't stand to be in the same building with political prostitutes. I am a coachman-turned-corruption fighter. Your exposing my eight year effort to end Hoover Institute-advised United States mass murder in unconstitutional undeclared wars of congressional choice, NEVER necessity, against CIA-fabricated enemies for fascist gain, population management, religious genocide, and all levels of organized crime could end 64 years of world terrorism and mass murder by our organized crime-controlled and $14.28 trillion dysfunctional United States of 6,018 congressionally betrayed and murdered Americans, over 675 of whom were Californians who were fooled.

Your exposing my million dollar campaign and my plight can win you a Noble Peace Prize. Abuse News and 'da 9-11 Truth Campaign will nominate you. I risk my life, liberty, and property to end mass murder and terrorism by my country. I live in fear, especially from my sold-out county officials and a few Sonoma County sheriff deputies.

Paul Payne cares about my plight but is silenced. Will 'da New York Times silence you?

Now I have to feed my 9 hungry horses that have lost their jobs and pasture to enemies of my state that profit from United States mass murder and world terrorism under MARTIAL LAW installed by Howard Berman, Mary Bono-Mack, Ken Calvert, David Drier, Dianne Feinstein, Elton Gallegly, Darrell Issa, Jerry Lewis, Howard McKeon, Gary Miller, Dana Roharabacher, Edward Royce, and Adam Schiff in favor of trans Afghanistan pipeline investors like side show Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his "financial advisor" Warren Buffett!

Warren Buffet and his bad actor Arnold are directly connected to desperate Enron builder Ken Lay who probably planned 9-11. Warren certainly benefited from the Enron-sponsored organized crimes of 9-11. Berkshire Hathaway chairman Buffett made so much money off selling terrorism insurance after the Enron-sponsored al Qaeda Martyrdom Battalion terrorist acts and insurance scams on 9-11 that he had to give the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation $31 billion for protection.

If you would like more true facts about 2,798 unplanned murders on 9-11 that triggered MARTIAL LAW and now three unconstitutional undeclared wars of congressional choice, never necessity, for fascist agenda that is bankrupting the United States, I am available any time.

Naturally, John Jenkel

Clearly they were "moving more than a finger" all Saturday with cranes and heavy equipment. I think if the proper permits were issued then the Timberland Conversion Department of Forestry and the Fire protection of pocket canyon have made a very bad judgement call. Time for a Review of these offices if this is what they are doing for us.In the meantime aside from the personal, political,and fiduciary issues the REAL issue is called "DOING THE RIGHT THING". How's that for an American family Value good for you and your neighbors. Oh Well, It was just a thought.
It doesn't take a brain scientist, just a good man.This new view is just upsetting, and when I can reroute I will. I would like to think this won't happen again,but I know you cannot elect people that are more interested in revenue than preservation.Easier to apologize than get everybody to approve nowadays........Furious, doesn't begin to describe my continued feelings.

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Posted in reply to the post by Pterosapiens:

Then it came... as the song says - "Well after all, it was you and me..."

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Yes, indeed, quite literally. Colleen Fernald (Peace Voyager) was posting imploring appeals right here for people to pay attention to what was happening to John Jenkel back when it was actually happening, with full details including court dates and land sale dates and times. It is good that people are waking up now, and I do not want to in any way discourage peoples' outrage, but I cannot help noticing the change in attitude towards this truly unfortunate individual. Where was the supportive outrage back then? Back then he was just the crazy guy who was always stirring up some ruckus or other, and getting people riled up.

Yes, he is ornery, and no doubt could have helped himself by acting more reasonably, but who among us does not have flaws of character? It just happens that his particular flaws have enabled unscrupulous people to exploit them to victimize him to their own financial gain. Is it not one of the profound duties of a community, which is what we proudly proclaim ourselves to be, to protect our powerless against the powerful? In this age of pervasive communication, we no longer have the excuse that we did not know it was happening. The truth is that we did not listen when it was happening (and yes, I was equally deaf and dismissive.) Can we learn from this?

Patrick Brinton

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Posted in reply to the post by caverly:

Also under Paul Hobbs Winery on Google their is a place to write a "review" and post it for others to read .
{ Includes Google photo of tree lined road { which used to exist } . Also "related places " that destroyed the natural habitat
to grow wines : Dehlinger , Watkins FAmily , Woodenhead , Dunah , Mutt Lynch and Windsor Oaks ; as described Geyserville
and so many areas have alllready been "destroyed" ; can this be stopped ???!!!!

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Names of wineries to add to your list: Gallo (a.k.a. Turning Leaf), having obliterated thousands of California watersheds and acres; Kendall/Jackson, has done much clear-cutting of redwoods and other wanton destruction of wildlands. And yes,Tom Dehlinger ordered his Mexican worker to shoot over 70 migrating Cedar Waxwings one year...it is truly appalling to see the destruction done in the name of "fine wines". They are cutting off the breasts of our dear Mother Earth.

PURCHASE - EVALUATION - APPLICATION - FOLLOW UP INSPECTION - PERMIT ISSUED - WITHIN DAYS?

How fast does the application, inspection and issuance of a permit for such drastic change in land use happen?

Besides who the players were who facilitated allowing $11,000 to be paid for acres of this prime Sebastopol main corridor land, I think it would be informative to also find out who the players were associated with the 'inspection/permit' process following this 'purchase'.

I have never owned property or had to get a permit for any land use, but I have overheard conversations about the lengthy time that has frustrated others in their pursuit of permits for changes in land use. It's really hard to believe the process from PURCHASE to LAND EVALUATION to INSPECTION to PERMIT ISSUED to BULLDOZING ever takes a week or two - especially for prime corridor property.

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Posted in reply to the post by efrencarrillo:

The operation at the former Jenkel property adjacent to Paul Hobbs Winery on Highway 116 North of Graton was performed following a valid issued permit. The Agricultural Commissioner's office issued permits for the vineyard on these parcels.

The Agricultural Commission's office required Paul Hobbs to submit a biological survey for each parcel, and no rare plant species were observed on the parcels. ....

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Timeline:

Auction ends/right to enter property begins:. . . . . . . . . April 21, 2010

Required biological survey begun/completed: . . . . . . . .?
Permit applied for including required survey: . . . . . . . . .?
Dept. of Forestry 'Inspection' ordered/completed:. . . . . .?
'Timberland Conversion' permit issued: . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
Tree cutting begins after purchase:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Days later! - week of May 2?

Does anyone know the exact date, did the tree cutting begin even earlier than the week of May 2?

Anyway, the timelime from purchase date to permit issuance seems extremely, unusually speedy and more evidence of possible further collusion. What are the differences between this auction and permit timeline, and all other similar auctions and permit timelines?

Who were the players?
Alex

Geez, I'm sorry things had to get so bad before folks took notice; though I'm grateful for your efforts to correct what's gone wrong.

I suggest for all who can, read your letters, or speak from your heart, to all the SC Board of Supervisors this Tuesday. Track their agenda, speak often as you can on whatever moves you. This makes more impact than just a letter or call.

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https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/G...=2&event_id=20

10:30 Public Comment on Issues Not on the Agenda. Please limit comments to 3 minutes each. The Board will hear public comments on non-agenda issues for up to 30 minutes. At that time, they will hear scheduled agenda items. Any additional public comments will be heard at the conclusion of the agendized items.
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Write the Press Democrat, the Sonoma West Times, Sonoma County Gazzette. The Bohemian did a cover on Jenkel years back. They're overdue for another.

It is possible to harness this energy to re-call the 5th District Supervisor; there is more damage which will be done to our quality of life if these patterns continue. There are many others with serious related issues, who have wanted to get a re-call going. Let's not wait for the election.

Thanks for your overview Caverly, but I'm sorry to say, Susan is well known to be as much of the problem as Efren. I've seen her work to sink the Graton CSD, as a property owner who had an illegal hook-up, then joined their Board; later while at her staff role, through the Grand Jury's case regarding them.

I was told there is a connection of Hobbs & Gallo. Gallo has a connection to Graton via John Nagle. I have asked Jenkel for quite some time just to do a Dunn & Bradstreet check on Hobbs LLP; he will not. Bob Anderson, is a Wine Grape Lobbyist with too close ties to the Supervisors and Agency top dogs; it's very likely he had much to do with why things are what they are in many of these situations. I was told point blank by someone in the industry that both Anderson and Gallo sought to harm me. Jim Leddy has a role as the County's former intergovernment liason, now Deputy County Admin.; which could probably answer as many question as could be danced around. What do you think is in his best interest? Please direct your concerns to Ferguson as well, County Adminstrater,and the other Supervisors as well.

Look into how much Hobbs donated to Efren's campaign; including wine and use of the facilities for fundraisers. Look at why the Board came back from closed session one day a few months ago and announced Hobbs was to pay around $80,000 in fines and fees; what did they already try to get away with on 116, before they were caught on violations, the Pocket Cyn. parcel?

Just because the "work" done on 116 was permitted, does not mean it's legal in this case.

As far as helping Jenkel goes, everyone needs help for different reason, in different ways. His issues may be complex; but I have some simple solutions. Finding his willingness is very tricky. I tried to speak with both the former and current DA about these solutions; they would not talk about it with me.

At some point I want to share these solutions with you; they are relevant for reducing the dysfunction of imbalances.

It's been very hard to have so many people treat me with such disrespect over the last 8 years; for standing up for justice for our community, country and Jenkel.

For his own reasons, Jenkel now thinks I'm joining up with Hobb's, and will not let me helped directly. He has been advised by myself, and others, to seek results from the Grand Jury and the Attorney General. I have tried to get a lawyer friend to help him; it's still very hard to get it all to work.

The strange things which have happened with the recently let go Ag Commissioner; and previously let go, then re-hired Animal Control chief, add yet another twist, when you review Jenkel's dead horse case from New Year's eve, and the AC's DUI just a block or so from Hobbs.

The plot is too thick for most viewers to keep up with. Is there anyone out there who wants to help this movie get written and made? I'm working on Chinatown III; a Northern California watershed story; not as a writer, as an attempted paradigm shifter.

I'm beyond limited in what I can do, having serious injustice as well in my assault and family law cases. This County is known as one of the worst in this state for the corruption in the courts and some of the law enforcement. The recent headlines you see from Contra Costa and San Francisco of cops being part of sex and drug crimes don't happen up here if the media and FBI, etc. are enrolled in keeping it quietly going.

Local Alt. media doesn't have much of a will, or the investigative journalism needed to fully shine a light where it needs to go. If I find some support, I could do more; but my own ship is in need of great repair.

The budgets will not be fixed by the proposals being delivered from city to county to state to country; Jenkel is right, we must de-fund unconstitutional war.

It's time we demand a declaration of victory; call for a cease fire for all; then bring the Guard home for good, the troops home for defense only. The Contractors and CIA can get busy on blueprints for swords into plowshares. We've got some non-monoculture, GE free crops which need planting.

Around here, we can't wait for Jesus to come and turn the wine back into water for these crops, the fish, and local residents. Wine grapes are not our salvation - just because Wall St. says so.

Will you be a citizen lobbyist, call for the re-tooling of the industrial military complex, into deep green, clean power solutions? It doesn't really matter where the oil and gas comes from; if we extract and burn, we harm our environment - this is old-tech. I don't want to see America go financially, morally and environmentally bankrupt because it could not escape the trenches of old-tech.

Just like Mr. Jenkel, I see the connections and consequences, between the policies and priorities of local and federal government. Noticing these connections doesn't make anyone "crazy" or paranoid; it's part of being perceptive. Just like him, I know I've got to work to clean it up , cause it won't fix itself. We all need each other's support.

Jenkel and I have taught each other important lessons over the years. We may never agree on certain aspects of each other's point of view. Though, I've found some things he said years ago, that I would not think were true, to be revealed as fact later on. Now I'm not so quick to write it all off at first glance.

I deeply appreciate your continued efforts to effect what's needed to manifest the required changes to get our scenic and Constitutional country, and county back.

Colleen Fernald

:waccosun:

For hire: Researcher, Info Analyst & Solutionist

Sales, Marketing, & Advertising

Mom for a safe, clean world

i have drawn permits and the time can be instant. in this case an outrage! for the county to facilitate the taking of land without using assessed value... clearly a vendeta against jenkel. yes he has been more than a government gadfly, he is god afool with regard to communication.

that doesn't mean we can bend jenkel over, hobbs is more than vile, he is a bad neighbor gone greeed. and our west county sup is a sellout! i so regret voting for him! efren, i look forward to the day when you you go back to being a simple credit union worker... ross

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Posted in reply to the post by Alexia:

PURCHASE - EVALUATION - APPLICATION - FOLLOW UP INSPECTION - PERMIT ISSUED - WITHIN DAYS?

How fast does the application, inspection and issuance of a permit for such drastic change in land use happen?

Besides who the players were who facilitated allowing $11,000 to be paid for acres of this prime Sebastopol main corridor land, I think it would be informative to also find out who the players were associated with the 'inspection/permit' process following this 'purchase'.

I have never owned property or had to get a permit for any land use, but I have overheard conversations about the lengthy time that has frustrated others in their pursuit of permits for changes in land use. It's really hard to believe the process from PURCHASE to LAND EVALUATION to INSPECTION to PERMIT ISSUED to BULLDOZING ever takes a week or two - especially for prime corridor property.



Timeline:

Auction ends/right to enter property begins:. . . . . . . . . April 21, 2010

Required biological survey begun/completed: . . . . . . . .?
Permit applied for including required survey: . . . . . . . . .?
Dept. of Forestry 'Inspection' ordered/completed:. . . . . .?
'Timberland Conversion' permit issued: . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
Tree cutting begins after purchase:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Days later! - week of May 2?

Does anyone know the exact date, did the tree cutting begin even earlier than the week of May 2?

Anyway, the timelime from purchase date to permit issuance seems extremely, unusually speedy and more evidence of possible further collusion. What are the differences between this auction and permit timeline, and all other similar auctions and permit timelines?

Who were the players?
Alex

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Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by Alexia:

PURCHASE - EVALUATION - APPLICATION - FOLLOW UP INSPECTION - PERMIT ISSUED - WITHIN DAYS?

...
Timeline:

Auction ends/right to enter property begins:. . . . . . . . . April 21, 2010

Required biological survey begun/completed: . . . . . . . .?
Permit applied for including required survey: . . . . . . . . .?
Dept. of Forestry 'Inspection' ordered/completed:. . . . . .?
'Timberland Conversion' permit issued: . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
Tree cutting begins after purchase:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Days later! - week of May 2?
...

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According the to Ag Commissioner's office:

Hobbs filed two applications. One for the 3.75 acre site that they already owned on 4/12/11. They attempted to file at that time for the adjacent property, but this was denied because they were not the owner. They filed for the 3 acre parcel on 4/27/11 after showing proof of title. The biologic study was subsequent to this, but was probably pre-arranged, as they had planned for the vineyard.

first noticed the trees were chopped down on 5/9/11 (early afternoon) and took photos at 7:21 p.m.

should the lawsuit and auction process be reviewed for legality? if the process can be ruled to have been conducted incorrectly and Hobbs was unjustly enriched improperly, perhaps these transactions can be reversed.

Mr. Jenkel may not have the trees in their original state, but at least title to the land could be restored to him.

The April 25, 2011 issue of The Business Journal illustrates the interconnectivity of the Wine Business:

"...Korbel owner Gary Heck, part of the advisory board of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University, set up a $1 million wine research endowment, which provides $23,000 a year to fund research assistants and supplementary instructors so the F. Korbel & Bros. Professor in Wine Business can focus on research for three years. The first holder of that position is Liz Thach, Ph.D. She plans to focus her research on Millennial consumers. ..."

Plus...

"...The 20 students currently in the Bordeaux School’s wine MBA program come from the U.S. capital, New York, Houston, Sweden, Denmark, England, Lebanon, Finland, China, Portugal, Canada, France, Japan and Argentina.
For the 2011–’12 academic year, they started with two weeks of instruction in Bordeaux in January, followed this month by five days at Hong Kong University and 10 days at University of South Australia at Adelaide. Wine Intelligence Ltd. will host the group in London for 16 days in October.
From Jan. 6 to 20, 2012, the cohort will be at Sonoma State for coursework on finance, management, marketing, human resources, strategy and entrepreneurship plus three days of visits to wineries in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties to talk with vintners about their business approaches and experiences.
The Wine Business Institute is lining up winery sites for the tour, and so far Paul Hobbs Winery in Russian River Valley and Jackson Family Wines have expressed interest in being involved, according to Mr. Johnson.
This summer the institute will be courting sponsors for the cohort program from throughout the wine industry supply chain.
The French school’s wine and spirits MBA course ends in April 2012 with 16 days back in Bordeaux and defense of dissertations there that fall.
Bordeaux School of Management started in 1874 and now has 3,200 students, 12 diploma programs and 110 partnerships with schools in 40 countries. ..."

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by 2Bwacco:

first noticed the trees were chopped down on 5/9/11 (early afternoon) and took photos at 7:21 p.m.

should the lawsuit and auction process be reviewed for legality? if the process can be ruled to have been conducted incorrectly and Hobbs was unjustly enriched improperly, perhaps these transactions can be reversed.

Mr. Jenkel may not have the trees in their original state, but at least title to the land could be restored to him.

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Yesterday I had to sign a statement as mandated reporter on suspected elder abuse as part of my work with the elderly. A part of that statement includes the following "FINANCIAL ABUSE occurs when a person or entity does any of the following. 1)takes, secretes, appropriates or retains real or personal property of an elder or dependent adult to a wrongful use with intent to defraud,or both; or 2) assists in any of these acts. Welfare and Institutions Code 15610.30a Perhaps this sould go before the Grand Jury.

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by 2Bwacco:

The April 25, 2011 issue of The Business Journal illustrates the interconnectivity of the Wine Business:

"...Korbel owner Gary Heck, part of the advisory board of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University, set up a $1 million wine research endowment, which provides $23,000 a year to fund research assistants and supplementary instructors so the F. Korbel & Bros. Professor in Wine Business can focus on research for three years. The first holder of that position is Liz Thach, Ph.D. She plans to focus her research on Millennial consumers. ..."

Plus...

"...The 20 students currently in the Bordeaux School’s wine MBA program come from the U.S. capital, New York, Houston, Sweden, Denmark, England, Lebanon, Finland, China, Portugal, Canada, France, Japan and Argentina.
For the 2011–’12 academic year, they started with two weeks of instruction in Bordeaux in January, followed this month by five days at Hong Kong University and 10 days at University of South Australia at Adelaide. Wine Intelligence Ltd. will host the group in London for 16 days in October.
From Jan. 6 to 20, 2012, the cohort will be at Sonoma State for coursework on finance, management, marketing, human resources, strategy and entrepreneurship plus three days of visits to wineries in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties to talk with vintners about their business approaches and experiences.
The Wine Business Institute is lining up winery sites for the tour, and so far Paul Hobbs Winery in Russian River Valley and Jackson Family Wines have expressed interest in being involved, according to Mr. Johnson.
This summer the institute will be courting sponsors for the cohort program from throughout the wine industry supply chain.
The French school’s wine and spirits MBA course ends in April 2012 with 16 days back in Bordeaux and defense of dissertations there that fall.
Bordeaux School of Management started in 1874 and now has 3,200 students, 12 diploma programs and 110 partnerships with schools in 40 countries. ..."

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What a preview of this years program we have all sadly encountered. In the first semester Land Rape 101, followed by Blatant Disregard in the second class session. I do not think this is the model folks. Do YOU? I am still upset by this, and never saw any work stop. Best for me to go another way.I can't really do anything alone, and was hoping there would be something good come from this, but maybe that is the part of me that never grew up. I want some trees planted, a review for Mr.Jenkel, an public apology, and a new board of supervisors that would never let this kind of action occur.Where does this go? When does it repeat? Speak up people......this is supposed to be a community.

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by greenbuddy:

What a preview of this years program we have all sadly encountered. In the first semester Land Rape 101, followed by Blatant Disregard in the second class session. I do not think this is the model folks. Do YOU? I am still upset by this, and never saw any work stop. Best for me to go another way.I can't really do anything alone, and was hoping there would be something good come from this, but maybe that is the part of me that never grew up. I want some trees planted, a review for Mr.Jenkel, an public apology, and a new board of supervisors that would never let this kind of action occur.Where does this go? When does it repeat? Speak up people......this is supposed to be a community.

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Greenbuddy,
Do not give up. Keep poking. One of the really important leverages we may have as a people is that so many of these winery owners really care about their public image. Ha! This we may be able to do something about as a united local front.
You obviously have a good use of language. That is a great asset in this case.

A word to those writing on the (winery) websites etc., Try to proofread your messages or at the least use spell check. It counts. Sometimes it makes the difference between being respected or dismissed.

Check the Letters to the Editor in the PD today, May 19th. Obviously, there are people in the country who need to be informed about what happened on Route 116. Seems like something the Guardian could take up.

Roland

I suggest you go to their face book page, 'like' them, and then comment about what's going on. this is a relevant way to share your thoughts directly with them and their fans. https://www.facebook.com/PaulHobbsWines

This is a great idea, Shapeshifter!

https://www.waccobb.net/forums/wacco...-20_0817-1.png

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Posted in reply to the post by ShapeShifter:

I suggest you go to their face book page, 'like' them, and then comment about what's going on. this is a relevant way to share your thoughts directly with them and their fans. https://www.facebook.com/PaulHobbsWines

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yes, their facebook page give them an "opportunity" to publicly dialogue with us. Facebook is one of the most powerful tools available for transparency. Please go be a part of the conversation. Why does this work? On their website they are promoting their facebook page, and at events, guess what, yes, they are telling people to go there too. Let's see how long it takes them to come up with some slick PR answer, and how we a a community, 'their' community act on keeping them honest. WE have a chance here to make some noise... any new folks that visit their page to get the scoop on their company/busniness will see our chatter and hopefully theirs as well. It is possible that they do not check it that often, and such is the case with many big monster brands who just put up a FB page and don't actually integrate with their fans. If that is the case, they are going to lose big here when WE are all over their pages asking them why they are killing trees in our gorgeous town. Speak up people!! Let your voice be heard loud and clear! :thumbsup:

Great idea working with their FACEBOOK display so their fans can see their true&ugly colors . Once you Click -Like then you can also post comments to their own "We are great " posts .

Hobbs FACEBOOK page : they were able to delete our posts and comments - Dang !!

Of course they are "able" to delete posts, but they will have to keep deleting them and it's really BAD PR.. I reposted and made a note about them deleting my post. NOW, I'm PISSED, and I'm going to contact my entire facebook friend base of 400 people to go MAKE SOME NOISE about this on their page. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO THE SAME... They just waged a war, and are stronger! :thumbsup:

Fellow earth lovers: We can post the horrid truths about Hobbs in www.Yelp.com That's the ratings site tourists use. They won't get erased, and trust me, that's where the hob-nobbing winos go to plan their little weekend outings. So, please tell all your Facebook friends to do the same. This will have long-lasting effects. Thanks!

Hello Neighbors, It is quite clear that this issue is not going to be addressed. There seem to be a separate set of rules at play here. I think this disregard is in keeping with the entitled arrogance of the exclusive profile. It would seem to Hobbs that nothing is "Sacred". These trees on the" scenic " route meant nothing, and lack of a response is spit in the face of EVERY citizen in the county. I have spoken with the PD,Yelp, and continue to post my upset on this thin thread.I am not on Facebook, and applaud everyone that engages their opinion on Hobbs' facebook page.I would like to see a legal review of Mr.Jenkel's real estate transaction,New trees planted with a public apology,Tightened guidelines of the planning commission's rules, and the board of Supervisors to step down. If this is the kind of careful governing we are being provided I think they should stay home ,and send back their paychecks,No Thanks.
Stand for something or don't complain when you get run over..............

I just posted some videos of them burning the houses this morning... I smelled something funny, so went to go check it out... They are burning instead of responibly removing... stinks like paint and toxins... Check out their facebook page, I posted videos and pictures. Please go make comments. They will probably remove, then ban me from posting, but we'll find other ways... Please also go to their yelp page and make some noise people.

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Posted in reply to the post by Efren Carrillo:

There are two Hobbs locations that have been cleared in the past few weeks...this will address them both.

A verbal stop work order has been issued for the project at 11835 Gravenstein Highway in Pocket Canyon. Hobbs commenced a timber clearing project under an approved timber harvest plan. However, the conditions of their Timberland Conversion Permit had not been completed prior to the commencement of this operation, as there were multiple conditions of the permit which have not been met. CalFire, the lead agency on the Timber Plan and Conversion, has initiated an investigation which will include North Coast Regional Quality Control Board and our PRMD Code Enforcement staff.

Additionally, the planner is requiring a hydrologic study as part of the use permit process, as well as evaluation of their proposal for reservoir reliance for irrigation.

The operation at the former Jenkel property adjacent to Paul Hobbs Winery on Highway 116 North of Graton was performed following a valid issued permit. The Agricultural Commissioner's office issued permits for the vineyard on these parcels.

The Agricultural Commission's office required Paul Hobbs to submit a biological survey for each parcel, and no rare plant species were observed on the parcels.

PRMD has no oversight in this area, as the land is currently zoned Diverse Agriculture, and the vineyard use is consistent with that zoning. The matter of the trees was considered, but the County’s Tree Protection Ordinance specifically exempts agricultural operations such as vineyards. There are no registered heritage trees on the property. Trees present on each of the parcels were primarily planted as windrows or ornamental trees around the residences and are not native to the site. Removal of the trees from each of the parcels does not require a permit from CalFire.

Scenic Corridor restrictions would not apply in this case because agricultural use is exempt. OSRC-3c specifically exempts “New barns and similar agricultural support structures added to existing farm complexes on parcels in the Diverse Agriculture zoning district” from setback requirements. However, because Hwy 116 is a designated State Scenic Highway, building plans would be subject to Administrative Design Review.

This post is an attempt to address numerousdistinct concerns/issues raised by members of the public in the aftermath of the sudden destruction of trees on these properties in the past week. While enforcement and penalties may be pursuedat Hillick Ranch, understandably the abrupt change to the landscape at both of these sitesis cause for our concern and inquiry. It is hard to understand why this course was taken, rather than trying to move some of the older specimen trees which could have been relocated due to their value. The pictures we've received speak a thousand sad words, and are food for thought.

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Timber harvest. How bogas. They only used short pieces of the very large trees, the rest is in a pile. Wanton waste of a declining resource. Every time I pass I ask forgiveness from our Mother for this ignorance.
Deena

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Posted in reply to the post by tacitus:

Just went and responded and urge others to do so - even if you don't comment, read what's been said. Appears the Graton FD (still VFD?) used the structures for a training. Even so.

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Go where, exactly? I didn't find it on Yelp, if there is something happening there. I went on Fb and "liked" it to get in, which totally creeped me out, but got me nowhere.

Besides, I don't have all day. Isn't today Rapture Day? I guess I'd better get ready.
What to bring, what to bring...
Nice knowin' y'all.

The trees were not around building structures.Let's get it straight. I wonder what the definition on Scenic corridor means exactly? If you have enough money you are exempt from all the applicable rules including those in that impact other people.Why bother.Trees are so messy anyway. I think we could put up billboards of trees and it would be just fine. What is all the fuss about some hundred and fifty plus year old trees that belong to the visual beauty of us all?
Shameless takes on a whole new dimension.So now it is the Ag.Commission and perhaps CalFire's fault, and where does the burden of "DOING THE RIGHT THING" lie Mr.Hobbs and Carrillo? I want to know, and I am not going away.

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by Loel:

Fellow earth lovers: We can post the horrid truths about Hobbs in www.Yelp.com That's the ratings site tourists use. They won't get erased, and trust me, that's where the hob-nobbing winos go to plan their little weekend outings. So, please tell all your Facebook friends to do the same. This will have long-lasting effects. Thanks!

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Good idea, Loel! I've just done that - it's easy - and found comments from Loel and several others which should certainly have an effect.
Roland

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Posted in reply to the post by claire ossenbeck:

Go where, exactly? I didn't find it on Yelp, if there is something happening there. I went on Fb and "liked" it to get in, which totally creeped me out, but got me nowhere.

Besides, I don't have all day. Isn't today Rapture Day? I guess I'd better get ready.
What to bring, what to bring...
Nice knowin' y'all.

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Hi, Claire. I did a search on Yelp for "Paul Hobbs Winery", and quickly found out how to write a review. And, by the way, abandon the packing and go sit in the sun. You and me ain't goin' nowhere.
Roland

https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631...f9b7bdd5_z.jpg

OK, I found it, on Yelp. I had dialed in Sebastopol. ~ put my 2 cents in.

It's weird to see a house burn. So irrevocable, like an old beautiful tree-cutting, dead and gone. They leave an imprint for a while but we get used to it... and eventually the grapes fill in and... you become inured to the ugliness and try to see whatever beauty you can...
That's the way it has been going, going..
So Yelp will soon be covered. Next step! ?Maybe get some Citizen's Control over our local lands?
Sonoma, I hope we can start protecting you better.
This whole area is a park, a treasure.
We have a vested interest in keeping the splendor intact. It's what we want here! It's why we live here ~ even with such a high cost of living that many of us remain poor ~ We love it, whether we're natives, transplants, tourists or someone who visits once.
This gorgeous land is being eaten, chunk by chunk by chunk, and paved with metal stakes in the ground [at absurdly perfect geometric spacing, unrelenting linear visuals. Gee, folks, how about a curve here or there, since you took away the beautiful fields and hillsides, valleys and groves... but don't get me started. damaged goods, here. ]

So, we need complete accountability with what went on in this Hobbs/ Jenkel deal? I'll bet you it's interesting reading. (ok maybe not).
Speaking of paperwork, I sure hope they didn't get left behind, you know, by accident in that house they just burned down.

The beehive that is Sebastopol is a might bit stirred up.
This could just be the start of some kick-ass plan.

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by Roland:

And, by the way, abandon the packing and go sit in the sun. You and me ain't goin' nowhere.
Roland

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lol!
Yeah Roland, maybe you're right. I probably shouldn't have dropped all my stuff off at the Goodwill.
Should have kept some shoes, or at least my snappy serapee, just in case.

Hey, maybe I'll see Molly Ivins coming the other way today in the Rapture. I'll be sure to point her towards Sebastopol.

OMG my last afternoon on Earth and I spent it on Wacco!!
I wonder if I'm going to regret that.


-edited again at 4:20.

these older homes could have asbestos (pipe insulation, etc.): since asbestos doesn't burn, and is a mineral, the material will be in the soil when they start the grading with the huge machines -- putting the friable asbestos into the air for ALL TO BREATHE IT IN!!!

hoping someone with Jasper's status can help here (since no comments, just a photo, don't know Jasper's sentiment on this situation).

my property is zoned scenic resource, biotic habitat...even though it is diverse ag. i find it hard to fathom that perhaps, i too, could just chop everything down

this is such an atrocity!

The Yelp page for Paul Hobbs Winery is here.
This business has behaved badly, in my opinion, even if it was possibly within the limits of the law.
The public's outrage at such behavior should be expressed and displayed for all to witness.

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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:

This business has behaved badly, in my opinion, even if it was possibly within the limits of the law.
.

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How badly? Wouldn't you love to know?

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by caberens:

Timber harvest. How bogas. They only used short pieces of the very large trees, the rest is in a pile. Wanton waste of a declining resource. Every time I pass I ask forgiveness from our Mother for this ignorance.
Deena

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Let me point out that Efren's comments about the plan was for a different property by the same owner. There was no timber harvest plan, as far as I know, for the former Jenkel property, and I imagine one was not needed.

To give credit where it's due, Efren's post reflected that the county was applying extra scrutiny to this other Paul Hobbs project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kybmYU6SuBA

Two houses burned in Graton fire exercise
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/articl...-fire-exercise

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Posted in reply to the post by greenbuddy:

The trees were not around building structures.Let's get it straight. I wonder what the definition on Scenic corridor means exactly? If you have enough money you are exempt from all the applicable rules including those in that impact other people.Why bother.Trees are so messy anyway. I think we could put up billboards of trees and it would be just fine. What is all the fuss about some hundred and fifty plus year old trees that belong to the visual beauty of us all?
Shameless takes on a whole new dimension.So now it is the Ag.Commission and perhaps CalFire's fault, and where does the burden of "DOING THE RIGHT THING" lie Mr.Hobbs and Carrillo? I want to know, and I am not going away.

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Please keep the public informed on Jenkels property, boycott Hobbs properties.

I recently stopped drinking wine due to headaches, so boycotting this jerks product won't be difficult, but I'll do what I can to spread the word. Thanks to all of you for keeping the outrage going on this.
:thumbsup::apls::Ball kicker:

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:

Let me point out that Efren's comments about the plan was for a different property by the same owner. There was no timber harvest plan, as far as I know, for the former Jenkel property, and I imagine one was not needed.

To give credit where it's due, Efren's post reflected that the county was applying extra scrutiny to this other Paul Hobbs project.

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I'm guessing he didn't receive his payoff "contribution" check yet?

They keep deleting my posts on their facebook page, that is a major faux pas... I keep putting it back. Have you taken any action? :thumbsup::hmmm::heart:

they are on twitter as well.

https://twitter.com/#!/paulhobbswinery

Anyone w/ an twitter account can post to their feed.


Here is their contact info... if you'd like to email or call anyone in particular.


Paul Hobbs Winery
3355 Gravenstein Highway North
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-824-9879
www.paulhobbswinery.com

Jenifer Freebairn
Director of Sales & Marketing
[email protected]
707-824-9879



Leah Miller
Direct Sales
[email protected]
707-824-9879



Emily Machi
Tours & Events
[email protected]
707-824-9879

Since I don't know exactly what Hobbs Winery did or didn't do I will be careful about my lynch mob writing. I would love to know exactly what happened there, as I've said before, but one thing I'm pretty sure of is there's no one offering me 3 acre parcels of West County prime real estate for $1,000. Nope, not in this lifetime.

There is the bigger issue of what is happening to the whole area. West County is stirred up because it's really started to happen here, but these policies are firmly in place all throughout Sonoma County. Trees are gone and vineyards are going in as fast as they can.
It's the elitist thing to do, to have one's own boutique winery in lovely Sonoma County.

Also, this is not just a matter of outsiders coming in and buying up "for the ambiance" they are destroying. The rolling hills on 2 sides of my old dwelling were owned by one of the oldest wine families in the area, with roots over 100 years deep. This is a good family, proud of their heritage, their wines and their legacy. They see nothing wrong with what they did.
Longtime (former) supervisor Paul Kelly (big Ag's pal) was there to support it all, Gallo included, and got voted in time after time.

It's going to take something big to stop this or to even slow it down.

There is a new page that you can go to where they can NOT delete your posts. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paul-...16087105082767

We are encouraging them to get an environmental plan in place and giving them an opportunity to step it up.. Go check out the page, take the poll, and voice yourself.

Now, they have an option to correct their wrong doings... Let's keep them honest.

The damage is sickening. Vineyards are sprayed with insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and pesticides which are highly toxic to the soil, air and water. Additionally, they require water 12 months a year. I can hear the industrial heaters kick in on cold nights for hours on end in the vineyards near our house and they are loud. No amount of public relations can alter these facts. It's amazing that in 2011, a handful of people can destroy the environment and impact any number of people and that's still deemed okay. For all of Sebastopol's progressive views, many of the old conventions still linger.

So here's my question. When is it enough???

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Posted in reply to the post by dominus:

...Additionally, they require water 12 months a year. I can hear the industrial heaters kick in on cold nights for hours on end in the vineyards near our house and they are loud. ...

So here's my question. When is it enough???

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i agree whole heartedly with your comments with one exception. I don't think the vines need water when they are dormant, i.e. after harvest, and until spring, no?

the vineyard development done next to my house established a RIVER that heretofore did not exist ... when we had that last torrential rain, it took my breath away to see it ... rushing water, heading for The Laguna, many many gallons per minute!!!!

the sandy Sebastopol loam was rapidly eroding. The vineyard developers did nothing to prevent this.

my house was not built next to a river, but now, there is a river.

Suggestion: perhaps there should be a moratorium time period after acquisition of property before the plants are removed in this fashion. How about a one year period before vineyard development, or since contracts are involved, three to four or five or six years, can't remember the statutes of limitations.

There simply is no going back on this widespread removal of long-established plants. It just is not right.

Our supervisors should make some changes to the PRMD requirements, etc. How about that?

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by kit-kit:

i agree whole heartedly with your comments with one exception. I don't think the vines need water when they are dormant, i.e. after harvest, and until spring, no?

the vineyard development done next to my house established a RIVER that heretofore did not exist ... when we had that last torrential rain, it took my breath away to see it ... rushing water, heading for The Laguna, many many gallons per minute!!!!

the sandy Sebastopol loam was rapidly eroding. The vineyard developers did nothing to prevent this.

my house was not built next to a river, but now, there is a river.

Suggestion: perhaps there should be a moratorium time period after acquisition of property before the plants are removed in this fashion. How about a one year period before vineyard development, or since contracts are involved, three to four or five or six years, can't remember the statutes of limitations.

There simply is no going back on this widespread removal of long-established plants. It just is not right.

Our supervisors should make some changes to the PRMD requirements, etc. How about that?

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The wine industry is big business in Sonoma County. The Supervisors will not act on the rape of the land unless there is pressure on them to do so. Create a petition and gather signatures from registered voters and present it, with media present, at a Supervisors meeting. Make some real noise.

Stay strong, and stay together on this issue, we can make a difference when were together, Jenkel needs our help now, thank you for your insight,, Beverly

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Posted in reply to the post by claire ossenbeck:

It's the elitist thing to do, to have one's own boutique winery in lovely Sonoma County.

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Claire, imagine when in 10 or 20 years oil prices make going local the only option for most of us. economy is tight. supplies scarce for most of us, local farms getting more in the city... - The rich will still buy great wine. That could save lives here.
Napa does cabernet just right. We do pinot and chardonnay just right. It is valuable because these grapes will not grow to perfection anywhere else and it is the most phenomenal value-add proposition farming has ever seen. It is thousands of years old as a good idea. It is a brilliant and inventive use of sunlight to create capital. It is a craft. I know it's terrible to see the form of the industrial age superimposed on the land, creating army-men grape-machines lined up....It is a function of our modernity and wealth that we can even see it that way (I do too). The romans didn't suffer that illusion.

I'm not here sticking up for mr Hobbs, as I understand it he burns everybody he comes into contact with, not too unlike the crazy old guy he...never mind. All speculation from there on out. - what I'm saying is let's not smear the wine industry with the patina of this particular turd. This is one guy that did all this, not an industry. Let's find out what happened at the sheriff's office. The Auction is the thing. I smell something and it's not pinot...

Cal

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Posted in reply to the post by Califoon:

This is one guy that did all this, not an industry.
Cal

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Maybe this instance if one is to insist on only the specifics’ of the title of this thread but otherwise, I think that’s just not so.

"Vineyard development is a real threat" to recovery of Gualala steelhead, according to Craig Bell, and is "the last thing I'd want in my watershed." He argued that vineyard threats are cumulative impacts, not due to single vineyards in isolation, but the aggregate effect of many of them in the same watershed. "Worse than a Clearcut" The Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club produced a short video to educate the public and decision-makers about the proposed Preservation Ranch vineyard development project. Mega-vineyard begins quest for permits "Preservation Ranch" is the largest conversion of coastal forestland to vineyards ever proposed in California. If approved, it would transform the rugged and remote landscape of northwestern Sonoma County. "Preservation" Ranch The so-called "Preservation" Ranch is a 19,300 acre development in the heart of the Gualala River watershed. Premier Pacific Vineyards plans to destroy and fragment coastal redwood forest to plant grapes on the ridgetops - and call that "preservation." Preservation" Ranch radio interview A radio interview with Chris Poehlmann & Peter Baye, broadcast on Fred Adlers' "Coastal Interviews," The Tide, KTDE 100.5 FM, Gualala.

Coalition asks Spanish corporation to withdraw proposal to clear-cut coastal redwood forest for vineyards

"Protecting the Gualala River watershed and the species living within it"

When it comes to water, we all live downstream.

Sonoma Group Sierra Club Redwood Chapter; Forest Protection Campaign Source: California Wild, The Magazine of the CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by Hotspring 44:

Maybe this instance if one is to insist on only the specifics’ of the title of this thread but otherwise, I think that’s just not so.

"Vineyard development is a real threat" to recovery of Gualala steelhead, according to Craig Bell, and is "the last thing I'd want in my watershed." He argued that vineyard threats are cumulative impacts, not due to single vineyards in isolation, but the aggregate effect of many of them in the same watershed. "Worse than a Clearcut" The Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club produced a short video to educate the public and decision-makers about the proposed Preservation Ranch vineyard development project. Mega-vineyard begins quest for permits "Preservation Ranch" is the largest conversion of coastal forestland to vineyards ever proposed in California. If approved, it would transform the rugged and remote landscape of northwestern Sonoma County. "Preservation" Ranch The so-called "Preservation" Ranch is a 19,300 acre development in the heart of the Gualala River watershed. Premier Pacific Vineyards plans to destroy and fragment coastal redwood forest to plant grapes on the ridgetops - and call that "preservation." Preservation" Ranch radio interview A radio interview with Chris Poehlmann & Peter Baye, broadcast on Fred Adlers' "Coastal Interviews," The Tide, KTDE 100.5 FM, Gualala.

Coalition asks Spanish corporation to withdraw proposal to clear-cut coastal redwood forest for vineyards

"Protecting the Gualala River watershed and the species living within it"

When it comes to water, we all live downstream.

Sonoma Group Sierra Club Redwood Chapter; Forest Protection Campaign Source: California Wild, The Magazine of the CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

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Thank you Hotspring, for illustrating the reality of the destruction that the wine industry is causing. Hobbs is not alone in this greedy mindset of making a profit by any means necessary. It's the "American way." Good that there is dialog about vineyards replacing forests and food crops.

Califoon writes: "It is a brilliant and inventive use of sunlight to create capital" Sunlight = capital? Yes, of course, everything is to be commodified. But no matter how "just right" cabernet, pinot and chardonnay are, they don't provide nourishment that healthy farms growing real food do. Grapes are a cash crop and the cash from the expensive pretentious "estate" wines is not trickling down to save schools from closing and teachers being laid off.

While I appreciate the sierra club movie provided here I think it uses a pretty broad brush. All farms and farmers are not created equal. Check out Lou Preston's or Paul Dolan's fully integrated bio-dynamic vineyards. Joel Salatin raises beef without the horrible stench and bio-chaos that Harris Ranch seems to think is just fine. It's not enough to be reactionary, you've got to look closer at the methods used and deal with shades of gray. Not everyone starts out with Roundup and chainsaws. -Cal

Califoon, guys like Lou Preston are a rare exception to the general careless selfishness that has gone into vineyard plantings in Northern California. Not worth mentioning because it's not what's being discussed here! What's being discussed here is blatant LAND RAPE that continues to happen daily. Thank you Zenekar for showing the truth about the Preservation Ranch Mega Land-Kill-Rape. What Paul Hobbs has done is Nothing in comparison to what's about to happen to the Gualala Rivershed. It may be a great rationale to say how lovely our pinots and chardonnays are, however there is NO rationale that justifies the wanton destruction of fragile ecosystems, their ancient trees, and all manner of flora and fauna, for "creating capital with sunlight", and keeping us dependent on foreign oil for bringing in our food. That concept is old, tired, and worn out. So, please take a more modern, clear look at this picture. There are many types of food crops and medicinal herbs that can be grown here, but it will take courageous farmers who are willing to buck the trend that the rich winos have created.

And I use the term 'rich wino' thoughtfully, having worked in a tasting room for many years and witnessing many rich polo-shirted people obviously addicted to alcohol, preferring to discuss 'flavor nuances' and remain oblivious to the harm that wine farming creates.

So, stand up, fellow earth-lovers! Go to those county board meetings! Create petitions for our supervisors!
SHOUT TO SAVE OUR EARTH!!

Hey folks,

I so appreciate you keeping this thread and these issues going.

I was the only speaker at the Board of Supervisors last week; I cannot go today unless I find some money for gas; is there anyone here who would like to assist with that?

As always, I have a lot to contribute to support ways to end the injustice, and as usual, I end up pouring my resources into the issues of others, and not my own; so I am behind on saving myself and moving my plan of action into motion.

Still, the Supervisors need to hear my comments, on what this list has been addressing, and how the new headlines in today's paper of the County's budget cuts could be changed if they stepped up with appropriate actions.

Public comment is at 2 today.

https://sonoma-county.granicus.com/G...=2&event_id=20

The rape of Jenkel's land began before this 3 arce parcel was cleared; I begged many environmental groups to step in years ago; no one would stand up then. Jenkel would turn me away because I would use my public comment for other issues regarding protection of natural resources. I would not "Lobby" for him as he dictated, because he would not follow the rules for Lobbyist and get us registered; so my precious right of free speech during public comment is free, and my own, as it has been for many years.


Still, I embraced the core issues I agreed with from Jenkel, and made them my own. I ran for US Senate on these issues, with no support from Jenkel, and almost zero support from the local social and environmental folks. At my own expense, I have spent thousands of hours and dollars speaking at many many public meetings, from watershed protection groups, to City, County, and State elected officials and agencies, to ensure we have a balanced plan for water and land use; and we end the appropriations for war without a Constitutional consent for one. All the domestic problems we have are but symptoms of this. Please see my post on The "Defense Authorization" bill now before Congress.

As a result of this 8 years of working for solutions, speaking truth to power; I was raped and could not get law enforcement, or the courts to do what they could to restore justice. I was assaulted a second time by this rapist; and again, the Santa Rosa Police and family law court enabled the rapist to escape justice.

You would think Jenkel would care, but he thinks the rape of his land is more important than the life of a child taken from her mother and given full custody to a drug, child porn, and prostitution addicted rapist. You'd think law enforcement would appreciate the 8 years I have stood up to protect them from the constant budget cuts which reduce their staff, due to funding unconstitutional wars of choice instead.

BTW I called to have a meeting with the County Sheriff Steve Freitas the morning of the most recent auction of Jenkel's property; they would not even call back. I have made progress on getting someone from Sheriff Deputies Union to get a meeting with he, Freitas and I on solving the budget problem and other issues; but again I am out of money to even get there.

A good friend paid a lawyer a lot of money to help me bring the evidence in my case before the judge in a family law trial; I was denied the trial and coerced into something else which was doomed to fail and did. The lawyer was a friend of the judge and did not like that I wanted this judge removed from the bench. The judge knew I was working to do that, but would not recuse himself and made a ruling I cannot overturn without at least $3000. So my child did not get to be with me for Mother's day, and I did not get to even speak with, or see her for her 15th birthday. The rapist threatened to have me arrested just for attending her school play, because he would not be willing to keep away from me during even one of the performances. That play, at Sonoma Academy, as did the previous one, had sexually explicit material in it I did not find suitable for children. This one included the rape of a child as part of the content; there was no moral lesson to be found to counter it either.

The attorney, Jenkel and the rapist know I have had a diagnosis of cancer since 2003, and no health insurance at all since then. They know the stress of the assaults, the stress of my child being in the hands of the assaulter all reverse the progress I have made in keeping the cancer from advancing.

I look everyday, but there aren't jobs out there with enough pay and benefits for someone like me, if I'm wrong please let me know. Working for social and environmental issues, is the only meaningful thing I can do with the time that's left; these critical issues are time sensitive and cannot wait for me to take care of myself first. So I keep trying; even when I'm broke, and even after all the verbal abuse by Jenkel, I keep working to enroll others to stand up for his justice, for our country's.

It's fine if you all want to keep posting things on Facebook, etc. about Hobbs to get the truth out about their practices; but I am compelled to work on the core problems. One of which is how they got the permits in the first place. Barry, your thanks to Efren for his post was uninformed. As I said before, just because they got a permit, does not mean it was legal. Also, I arranged for a meeting with Efren and Jenkel about 2 years ago; Efren assisted Hobbs with this land grab because they helped him win his seat. It's crocodile tears coming from his aide Susan, and phony concern from him. He has heard from Jenkel, and everyone speaking on Jenkel's behalf for years about Hobbs and the court's and Sherrif's abuse of him and his land; but Efren will only work for those who fund his campaign, not the rest of us, or our scenic corridor; unless we show up as a large unified group and begin a recall effort.

The legal eagles in the watershed community could have stopped the land grab, but they turned away, and have turned against me. They could still do more than snap pictures and post comments online. For one, they could review the "studies" Hobbs claims to have done with regard to endangered species on the property - just look how long the developments on the Laguna vista property has been stalled.

As I was waiting for help at the Supervisors office recently; I overheard a call about the over 1 year backlog of reviews for property changes due to staff cuts. The fact that the permit for Hobbs clear cut happened so fast is a very red flag.

I will again be hosting the lawyer from Southern CA I got to sit down with Jenkel a few weeks ago, and see how we can move forward. She is the one who wrote the piece Dead Women Walking posted here last month.

I have 2 more plans for action I want to share with you soon; but Tuesdays have become a holy mission for me to continue to work as a citizen lobbyist for "We the People", working 3 minutes at a time, providing public comment based on the most important content at hand.

I encourage all of you to do the same, as often as possible. I have only seen a reversal of the unjust plans from the powers that be happen only when there is a large number of vocal opponents.

If anyone can help me with gas, I'm happy to plan a carpool.

In peace,

Colleen Fernald

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by kit-kit:

i agree whole heartedly with your comments with one exception. I don't think the vines need water when they are dormant, i.e. after harvest, and until spring, no?

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They use water for frost protection; the County and growers have failed in providing a plan for mitigating the impacts of this for the fish and well owner which the State finds acceptable. Instead of working for a "watershed" approach for all stakeholders; the stakeholders continue to fight each other; which is why I continue to try to revive the Russian RIver Watershed Council.

There is a group doing certification for "Fish Friendly Farming"; though some have concerns about how well it's done.

When I purchase wine, I ask for those brands which are organic or sustainably grown. I encourage a labeling system or list to help us identify which brands are defenders of the environment and which aren't.

The other problem here is, how much corporate welfare and variety of benefits the County of Sonoma and others are giving the wine grape industry, and how much everything else gets shortchanged, or harmed as a result.

The projections for growth that the Water Agency and City's want in the Urban Water Management Plan being reviewed by the Board of Supervisors today, can only happen if Jesus does come back and is able to turn all that wine back into water. Right now, ask them how much of your municipal water supply, and the rural resident's groundwater is being exported, one wine bottle at a time out of the groundwater recharge here.

Is there enough wine sales and tourism dollar to justify that? How will the tourist feel about our County roads going unpaved because the Supervisors will not speak up against our tax dollars (now trillion dollar debt) bombing the hell out of ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY THEY WANT FOR AS LONG AS THEY WANT WITHOUT THE CONSTITUTIONAL DECLARATION OF WAR FOR IT!

The particularly egregious aspects of this Paul Hobbs/Jenkel travesty, as I understand it, is that Paul Hobbs had the gall to sue his neighbor for water (?!) damage to his trees and then got an outrageous judgement against Jenkel who did not choose to have professional representation. He then forced Jenkel to sell his property and he bought it for pennies on the dollar, and then ripped out all the trees

The environmental and esthetic destruction adds insult to injury to his ill gotten gains. This is blatant case of placing greed above justice and respect for his neighbor, community and environment.

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by Efren Carrillo:

...Scenic Corridor restrictions would not apply in this case because agricultural use is exempt. OSRC-3c specifically exempts “New barns and similar agricultural support structures added to existing farm complexes on parcels in the Diverse Agriculture zoning district” from setback requirements. However, because Hwy 116 is a designated State Scenic Highway, building plans would be subject to Administrative Design Review....

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I can't say I support the exception above. It should only apply in this case if Paul Hobbs puts up a "barn or similar support structure" where the trees were. We should keep an eye out for that.

Farmers removing a few non-heritage trees from land (that they acquired with integrity) that is not adjacent to a scenic corridor doesn't seem like that big of a deal. However the conversion of natural land to new agricultural uses, such as "preservation ranch", whether it be for grapes or any other crops, should be strictly controlled. That would be worthy of a new ordinance if there isn't one already. And if the Supes don't have the courage to stand up to the landed gentry to put such controls in place, then I think it would be a good use of public ballot proposition.

I don't think grapes are any better or worse than any other crop, whether they are considered a "cash crop", "food crop" or not. It's a question of responsible eco-sensitive agriculture or not.

Quote:

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Posted in reply to the post by Barry:

I can't say I support the exception above. It should only apply in this case if Paul Hobbs puts up a "barn or similar support structure" where the trees were. We should keep an eye out for that.

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In fact, along with the trees, Hobbs tore down a historic preservation worthy barn over 100 years old.

Jenkel was prevented from speaking on his own behalf in the trial, because of the misconduct by the court. Jenkel has good reason not to trust lawyers; but he and I have both experienced being damned if we do, and damned if we don't. It takes a lot to buy off Judges, Supervisors and grassroots "astroturf" .

Because Jenkel refused to use lawyers, I tried to get land use professionals to step in instead. Ask Scott Stegman why he said he would, and then did not BEFORE the auction of the 2nd 5 acres and a house for a mere $10,000. While you're at it, ask the Sonoma County Water Coalition and Northern California River Watch why they stood by after being informed. I implored them to help for the sake of the watershed, because Jenkel was/is too hard headed to allow their help; but he was open to Scott's, and I asked him to come walk the property to see and hear the full story. Rue Furch knew this, and stood back as well.

How many of these kinds of folks would not vote, contribute, or endorse my various political campaigns because I chose to help Jenkel? Jenkel will not help me because I dare tell the truth to him too; I also investigate his findings and support the ones I see as fact, and probable. I step around the ones which are conjecture, but that doesn't mean the others are less valid.

There are many lessons from this drama; I hope they will be learned and put into practice.

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Posted in reply to the post by Califoon:

While I appreciate the sierra club movie provided here I think it uses a pretty broad brush.

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Yes probably so, but that does not change the facts about the vast majority of acreage of the wine grape production industry in NW coastal Redwood areas of Cal Particularly in regards to the Gualala watershed and the land rape issues and the obvious disregard to the immediate and neighboring, downstream areas too; specifically, the negative affects on the local area's ecosystem and water resources.

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Posted in reply to the post by Califoon:

...All farms and farmers are not created equal. Check out Lou Preston's or Paul Dolan's fully integrated bio-dynamic vineyards. Joel Salatin raises beef without the horrible stench and bio-chaos that Harris Ranch seems to think is just fine.

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So what is the point in that other than to say that some "farmers" are more conscientious and environmentally friendly?... ...I and most waccoins’ here already know that. I would like to see more of them than "Hobbs's'" types.

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Posted in reply to the post by Califoon:

It's not enough to be reactionary, you've got to look closer at the methods used and deal with shades of gray. Not everyone starts out with Roundup and chainsaws. -Cal

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Of course not all wine grape growers "starts out with Roundup and chainsaws", the ones in the Central Valley and other already cultivated land don't need any chainsaws; those trees for the most part are long since been sawed away for previous crops. They Use large tractors to push over orchards to facilitate planting grapes in their place (I remember what happened to the Gravenstein apple orchards in Sebastopol a few years back); which is pretty much okay (in many but not all areas of already developed Agricultural plots) because that is where the infrastructure is already set-up for the monoculture crops and all that. That is far better than destroying redwood forests for some "luxury vineyard” mansions on the mountain tops of headwaters in an environmentally sensitive forested watershed which is exactly what the Preservation Ranch is ultimately trying to do in Annapolis.

My main point is that the “Industry” of wine making; the vast majority of wine grape growers are heavily invested in the most common ways of commercial production regardless of location; one of which is using irrigation water in the winter to prevent freeing; (unlike grapes, the apples in the sebastopol area actually benefit from winter freezing temperatures).
Some of them have been far less caring of the locals and environment than others that is fore sure.
In fact some (locals and the redwood forested areas for example) (Like in Jenkel’s case) are seen as competitors to be trounced or Aced-out on by some (of course not all); or as a pest to be subdued and or conquered by any means they can get away with; ASAP!
Never mind the “grey area”; I don’t think this thread was intended to be about a “grey area”; I think it is about an ugly, advantageous vendetta, and a set of prejudiced parties involved surrounding the circumstances of injustices using the moneyed, good ole boy system of "law" to "win".
Mr. Jenkel because of his lack of trust of lawyers and the court system was a ripe target for the taking; plain and simple; it was just a mater of time and a few ducks-in-a-row for Hobbs to home-in on one of the ultimate goals, the land-grab.:(:

"About three years ago, Hobbs won a $350,000 judgment against Jenkel in a dispute over a stand of century-old trees that were destroyed, allegedly by unchecked well water running from Jenkel’s 16 acres."


So Hobbs grabs the land and cuts everything down, including redwoods. Oh the irony of it all.
I can't wait to go wine tasting at Hobbs' next event. Hmmmm, what to wear...

Correct... and being so upset about his trees getting overwatered, he seized that land and trees and cut those and all around them down and burned Jenkel's houses. Mr HOBBS must have really cared about those trees!!! What an A-hole!

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Posted in reply to the post by cosmiccorn:

"About three years ago, Hobbs won a $350,000 judgment against Jenkel in a dispute over a stand of century-old trees that were destroyed, allegedly by unchecked well water running from Jenkel’s 16 acres."


So Hobbs grabs the land and cuts everything down, including redwoods. Oh the irony of it all.
I can't wait to go wine tasting at Hobbs' next event. Hmmmm, what to wear...

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Posted in reply to the post by jbox:

Oh, my goodness! Let's not get too shrill here. I was shocked and disgusted seeing the destruction of the trees and think it's a crime against all of us. It absolutely did not need to happen this way. How much shade can those trees cast and how much impact could there possibly be on growing grapes? However Mr. Jenkel has to share some of the blame here. If he wasn't such an eccentric crackpot this never would have happened. I for one curse Hobbs and Jenkel equally.

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It's sad that Jenkel is unwilling to use the courts or even consult qualified legal counsel to at least inform himself of his rights and options. Do those who ask God to bless him want God to bless his call for the execution of a public official?

Jenkel's highly selective, overbroad and grandiose misreadings of Constitutional and international law are preposterous. For me, he is so far from 'saintly' that his sweeping claims of injustice and persecution ring hollow.

It remains outrageous that his land was auctioned for a pittance. That is a defect in the system, that nobody apparently took any responsibility to intervene or address this clear abuse of legal procedures.

It remains repugnant that Hobbs, and any other wine grower, would trash our environment in order to profiteer on a corrupt and elite commercial activity like wine production. The potential harm to our environment and communities if county and state officials allow Hobbs' misdeeds to enjoy impunity is reason for outraged collective action. Rescuing Jenkel from the fully foreseeable consequences of his irrascible, self-glorifying antics is not any moral or legal imperitive. There are some valid moral and political reasons why principled, environmentally and socially responsible people would be justified in challenging Hobbs' activities in this case. Neither support for Jenkel's circus fiascos, nor Jenkel's moral and legal claims, constitutes such a reason.

Peace Seeker,

Thanks for being a voice of balanced reason here, along with jbox and my Bro Ross(men).

Something I've been wondering. If someone were to have intervened legally on Jenkel's behalf, when he has adamantly refused to hire his own counsel or legal representative, and has been deemed competent to represent himself in front of a judge, and if John Jenkel were to reject that support (which I suspect is likely in this hypothetical scenario, since I don't believe anyone has actually offered or gone beside or around him, we probably will never know what he would have actually done) would such an advocate have any standing in a court of law? In other words if someone doesn't want, and refuses, legal help, can they be helped legally anyway? Counselor's? Anybody?

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Posted in reply to the post by "Mad" Miles:

Peace Seeker,

Thanks for being a voice of balanced reason here, along with jbox and my Bro Ross(men).

Something I've been wondering. If someone were to have intervened legally on Jenkel's behalf, when he has adamantly refused to hire his own counsel or legal representative, and has been deemed competent to represent himself in front of a judge, and if John Jenkel were to reject that support (which I suspect is likely in this hypothetical scenario, since I don't believe anyone has actually offered or gone beside or around him, we probably will never know what he would have actually done) would such an advocate have any standing in a court of law? In other words if someone doesn't want, and refuses, legal help, can they be helped legally anyway? Counselor's? Anybody?

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It is unlikely any third party bystander would have standing to pursue Jenkel's case on Jenkel's behalf, as long as Jenkel is judged competent, and he declines to pursue the case himself, or insists on representing himself.

A person or group who can show it has its own concrete stake in the outcome of the Hobbs/Jenkel litigation could seek intervenor status with the court, with regard to their own actual interests.

Another option would be for a person or group to sue Hobbs directly seeking an injunction prohibiting Hobbs from any action which harms their own interests or had demonstrable, significant, detrimental public policy implications for them.

There is also a California Statute (Bus. & Professions Code section 17200) which allows any member of the public to challenge an illegal or harmful business practice of any person or company. The plaintiff would need to demonstrate that s/he/it would be harmed by the perpetrator's being allowed to gain an improper competitive advantage over others operating in the same line of business who are abiding by prevailing, recognized standards of business practices.

Some person or group could sue any public agency on the theory that its handling of the situation was contrary to law.

I thought as much Peace Seeker. Thanks.

So the upshot is that it's highly unlikely anything is going to happen in court, to reverse Hobbs taking / "purchase" and to restore the land to Jenkel.

About the only redress I see, is if Carrillo and the other pro-development Sup's go down in their next election, and Hobbs goes under due to a consumer boycott.

Problem is, given the array of forces in our society, even those outcomes are iffy. Note the boycott of Dan Tocchini's Summerfield Cinemas after his coup in getting his lease back ten years later and the screwing of Ky Boyd and The Rialto. Along with those of us in the viewing public who appreciated the scene Ky created. The non-profits he helped and the film buffs. Since I haven't been back since the changeover, I have no idea how the Tocchini management is managing.

I also have no idea if an informal, word of mouth boycott of SR Entertainment has had any effect at all. But since I haven't heard anything about it for a year (well, actually it will be a year in August that Tocchini got the lease "back", but talk about boycotting started over a year ago) I suspect it's not happening. Except in my head, and wallet, and perhaps among a few other "conscious" types.

I've missed a few really good films, by report, since last August. It will Suck A Black Hole, but unless I see some momentum by this August, I may have to swallow my bile, and start viewing the new Art and Foreign films screened by Tocchini.

Wine, on the other hand, is much more diverse, yet economically sensitive. Hobbs has no monopoly. So, I won't completely despair that Mr. Hobbs and the conglomerate he fronts for, will go down.

But, I'm not going to be holding my breath.

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Posted in reply to the post by cosmiccorn:

"About three years ago, Hobbs won a $350,000 judgment against Jenkel in a dispute over a stand of century-old trees that were destroyed, allegedly by unchecked well water running from Jenkel’s 16 acres."


So Hobbs grabs the land and cuts everything down, including redwoods. Oh the irony of it all.
I can't wait to go wine tasting at Hobbs' next event. Hmmmm, what to wear...

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.........perhaps a group could get together, dress up for the occasion.......

My niece sent me this which shows the power of social networking "righting a wrong."

https://www.myaimistrue.com/2011/05/...rending-topic/