Some Pictures of Hobbs's Takeover of the Jenkel Property

[caverly]

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 .

[jbox]

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!!

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.

[The Owl]

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.

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.

[caverly]

" 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 ??!!!!!!!

[Barry]

‘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

[greenbuddy]

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.

[pbrinton]

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

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

[Loel]

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 ???!!!!

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.

[Alex]

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.

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. ....

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

[Peace Voyager]

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.

++++
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.
++++

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



For hire: Researcher, Info Analyst & Solutionist

Sales, Marketing, & Advertising

Mom for a safe, clean world

[rossmen]

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

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

[Barry]

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?
...

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.

[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.

[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. ..."

[Ice Queen]

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.

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.

[greenbuddy]

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. ..."

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.

[Claire]

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.

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.

[Roland Jacopetti]

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

[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

[Barry]

This is a great idea, 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

[ShapeShifter]

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!

[caverly]

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 .

[caverly]

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

[ShapeShifter]

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!

[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!

[greenbuddy]

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..............

[ShapeShifter]

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.

[caberens]

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.

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

[Claire]

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.

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.

[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.