Some Pictures of Hobbs's Takeover of the Jenkel Property

[Peace Voyager]

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.

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.

[Hotspring 44]

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

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.

...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.

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.

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

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.

[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...

[ShapeShifter]

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!

"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...

[Peace Seeker]

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.

***************************************

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.

["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?

[Peace Seeker]

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?

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.

["Mad" Miles]

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.

[Laurie Meyers]

"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...

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

[dominus]

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

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

[joan]

Today, I posted two emails to Whole Foods/Sebastopol and Whole Foods/Corporate. (Go to their Website to do email)

Unfortunately, WF/Sebastopol carries two wine products by the infamous Paul Hobbs. WF professes high corporate values, believes in "fair trade" etc. which was my subject when I asked them to STOP selling Paul Hobbs products.
I included the great article by Bruce Robinson KRCB/TV news, which was also printed in the Bohemian.

If others find Paul Hobbs products sold at other stores, please notify this list, and maybe all those interested in Boycotting Paul Hobbs products can do emails to the store...

There are wine tastings at Paul Hobbs winery, advertised on his website, but they are $35. and need a reservation.
Personally, I wouldn't pay that money to him...how about a peaceful, colorful, permitted demonstration outside his winery?
Our community needs to react in a concerted manner against the Paul Hobbs greed factor...Don't let this outrage quietly die of neglect.

[Barry]

[Here's the latest PD article about Paul Hobbs abuse of his neighbor and the environment, complete with a misspelled reference to the discussion here on "WaccooBB.net" - Barry]



Outcry over clear-cutting
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/articl...tc=pgall&tc=ar


CHRISTOPHER CHUNG/ PD
John Jenkel, right, kisses the hand of Al Mathers, who pulled her truck over to express her sorrow at seeing the trees removed from the land previously owned by Jenkel along Gravenstein Highway, near Graton, on Thursday, May 26, 2011. Paul Hobbs acquired the property, previously owned by Jenkel, in a civil dispute.


By PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT


Published: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 3:58 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 3:58 a.m.

A long-running land battle between a winemaker and his irksome neighbor has escalated into Sebastopol-area ire over the clear-cutting of eight acres along Gravenstein Highway.

The neighbor, political gadfly John Jenkel, said that within days of an auction in which part of his ranch was sold to Paul Hobbs Winery to satisfy part of a $350,000 judgment, Hobbs dispatched tree-cutters and heavy equipment operators to prepare the land for grapes.

What was once a scenic horse pasture lined with redwoods planted by his sons more than 30 years ago was stripped of all natural beauty, Jenkel said.

"It's a desecration," said Jenkel, 72, as he watched a bright yellow skip-loader rumble between piles of debris last week.

He's not the only one upset. Locals are fuming about the denuded property, which Hobbs obtained for a fraction of its assessed value in three sheriff's auctions. It is highly visible on the road from Graton to Forestville.

Some honked or yelled epithets out their car windows as they drove by. Even people who said they disagree with Jenkel's in-your-face style found themselves sympathizing with the eccentric man.

"This is breaking my heart," said Sebastopol pig farmer Al Mathers, who stopped her pickup on the side of the road to talk to Jenkel. "It's nothing but meanness. This is rape."

Others faulted the legal system. At the Willow Wood Market in Graton, barista Kelly Siemon questioned how a judge could allow it to happen.

"The whole thing just seems so wrong," Siemon said.

Hobbs, who founded his winery in 1991, said he didn't relish the idea of removing trees but defended it as necessary for planting a pinot noir vineyard.

He acquired the land for a combined $61,000 after years of frustrating legal action against Jenkel for destroying a stand of fir with excessive runoff. Hundreds of thousands of dollars more was spent on cleanup and paying off old liens, Hobbs said.

He said he obtained necessary county permits before beginning the work and has planted dozens of new trees to replace old ones.

He denied taking advantage of Jenkel, saying he would transform a "junkyard" littered with abandoned cars and ramshackle buildings into a community asset.

"None of this would have happened if he hadn't killed our trees," Hobbs said. "One of the trees fell on our winery. It was not a minor thing. We went through a lot of trouble with our neighbor."

In a 2009 ruling, Judge Dean Beaupre agreed, calling Jenkel "unrepentant" after illegally dumping water on Hobbs' grove. He accused Jenkel of making false claims and wasting court time. Another judge awarded damages, which Jenkel refused to pay.

"His actions have been a nightmare for the Hobbs Winery," Beaupre wrote.

But Jenkel supporters said his behavior doesn't justify what happened. A local web site buzzed with the developments. Subscribers of WaccooBB.net [Oy! - Barry] posted pictures of downed timber and urged people to call elected officials to do something about it.

Some labeled Jenkel's plight elder financial abuse or railed about the emerging monoculture of vineyards. Others pressed for a boycott of Hobbs' wine.

"Words cannot express my outrage at this typical vineyard tactic," one online poster said. "The beginning salvo: chop everything down."

Supervisor Efren Carrillo, whose 5th district includes the west county area, said he's received from 20 to 30 calls or emails about the clearing, which is permissible because the land is zoned for agriculture.

However, Carrillo said the destruction of trees was "ill-advised" and could have been handled differently by moving some of them. He said the project, coupled with Hobbs' separate timber-clearing operation in Pocket Canyon, shows disregard for "a good working relationship" with local officials.

"When you combine both projects, it does not demonstrate good will in the community," Carrillo said.

Meanwhile, Jenkel is clinging to his remaining seven acres, despite still owing Hobbs more than $300,000. He vowed court action to set aside the initial judgment.

But whether that could happen is unclear. He said he won't hire a lawyer because he doesn't trust them.

"I want my land back," Jenkel said.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or [email protected].

[joan]

This is Joan here...Just wanted to 'highlight" this very interesting post, copied below, so it might get more review.

Using the legal system seems to me, to be a very powerful tool. It would take the time and energy of a group to get legal action going. I am not a lawyer. There are lawyers of integrity like "Tony Serra". now elderly. Maybe there are civic organizations who would take this on...or law students...or??/

Below is a copy of an interesting post that I hope will get more attention:

"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."

[Peace Voyager]

Thanks Wacco's for all your efforts towards ending injustice.

Jenkel will be on the Channel 2 news tonight, and KRSO morning news just after 8:30 am this Wed.

I sent the following to the Sonoma County Water Coalition. I invite you all to get to know the work of this group better, and perhaps join them:

https://www.scwatercoalition.org/



Hello SCWC,

1) Please put weather modification/GeoEngineering on your next regular agenda.

2) As the concerned community member I have always been; I am asking SCWC to do what John Jenkel has not done; that is, find out who the partners of Paul Hobbs LLC and Corp are. Will the SCWC please pay for this Dun & Bradstreet report?

I have been told by a Lobbyist in the industry, they are connected to Gallo.

Jenkel's well was pumping sand when Hobbs' well went in 250 feet away years ago; now it is dry and he has to truck water in.

Imagine the irony of that; because Hobb's won this bogus suit on a lie that Jenkel's well leaking a bit in the rainy season is why a tree fell on their place, and the whole stand of 60, 150 year old fir trees had to be logged, at his expense plus legal fees.

But that is not even the same lie that the judge in the case, misunderstood to be caused by waste water, not well water as Hobbs claimed. John has the court transcript to prove the judge's mistake; they never let Jenkel be heard on the matter at all to provide the evidence.

Remember I told you Hobbs got fined about 80 grand for permit etc. violations on this property after a closed door BOS meeting maybe 6 months ago; PLEASE find out why. I know you have sources.

As for standing in a suit; everyone in that watershed has standing; there is you, the Graton CSD who want to sell treated waste water, and several other: watershed, green living, community groups and non-profits, there are also several hundred well owners which will feel the effects of a depletion in the groundwater. Groundwater as a public trust, if anyone can do it, it should be Graton.

It's not just just Hobbs who are responsible for this, but the authorities which are permitting such use without a proper groundwater survey beforehand.

Also, where was the EIR, and other ducks in a row before the 116 land rape, they just looked real quick while the "permits" were fast tracked? Who let this site get fast tracked? How much did Hobbs help Efren get elected?

The horses and light residential use on his property before, was much easier on the land than grapes. The BOS and other "overseers", have made legal land rape, by valuing the "highest and best use" for land as wine grapes, over sustainability of many species habitat, everyone's scenic views and water supply.

Jenkel and my attorney friend from southern Cal, have survived a 2nd meeting. Her background is in criminal, Jenkel and I are both not criminals. But at least, she has him listening to separating his local issues from the other ones.

With the threats to our well being if the current defense authorization bill is passed being so time sensitive; I can't help both fronts well. I wish you all would finally step forward, not just in the Pocket Canyon violations.

AGV Watershed Group, Graton Community Projects, Graton Green Group, Graton CSD, etc. - protect your watershed along the scenic 116; add this to the Best project, etc. You have standing, take a stand. How much more sediment will be washed into your streams, along with the long list of damaging chemicals, and estimate how much of your groundwater is exported out the local recharge area, how many of the wildlife will no longer have a home in the trees which were so brutally killed?

For the record, I have continually advised Jenkel to protect the watershed too. He could use the community's help, not scorn. If he does not get out of another injustice put upon him by the misconduct of the sheriff, animal control, and judges Nadler and Schaffer, he will have to do about 80 hours of community service for the dead horse case. I invite your groups to create a plan to help him help the watershed.

You have no idea what he has gone through to save the trees. You looked the other way before they were cut. Stand up now please.

3) Call for a time of use ordinance for irrigation for counties and cities - ever since Sonoma County re-did their landscape to conserve water around the Admin center, they have been irrigating during peak evaporation times, such as noon. They also come on in the rain. The Dutton's can deplete Graton's groundwater when they irrigate their apples at noon on a heat wave day. Cal Am water had just such an ordinance, the model has been written.

Thanks for your help and understanding,

Colleen Fernald

[Robert M]

To all the people crying rape, There was a simple solution,

The property was sold at auction, cheap. You should have bought it.
At the very least you could have made hobbs pay more for it.

So unless you can prove you where there bidding on the property, you don't have much right to be whining

[Roland Jacopetti]

Hi, Robert. Please stop whining at our whining. It will only make us whine more.

Yours for creative whining,

Roland

[rossmen]

i thought about it, but then thought better. besides, i read in the pd hobbs was prepared to go to 300k. i guess jenkel would owe hobbs less if someone else bid.

i hope when my tree falls on my house i can sue my neighbor and win. probably could if it was jenkel!

To all the people crying rape, There was a simple solution,

The property was sold at auction, cheap. You should have bought it.
At the very least you could have made hobbs pay more for it.

So unless you can prove you where there bidding on the property, you don't have much right to be whining

[dominus]

I'm curious as to why no Environmental Impact Report was required on Jenkel's property. Does anyone know the reasons? Also, does anyone know if an EIR has been required on the Pocket Canyon parcel that Hobbs is converting over to vineyards?

Here's the link on EIR requirements.


https://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/ceqa/i...roced/eir.html

[News Radio Tony]

John Jenkel and Paul Hobbs both called-in to KSRO this morning to give their perspectives on the response to the clear cutting of the property on Gravenstein Highway. Both had more to say than the original topic. The links below should take you to the archived interviews.

NEWSTALK 1350 KSRO Interview with John Jenkel on Gravenstein Highway Property Clear Cutting; June 01,2011

NEWSTALK 1350 KSRO Interview with Paul Hobbs on Gravenstein Highway Property Clear Cutting; June 01, 2011

[Claire]

The property was sold at auction, cheap. You should have bought it.
At the very least you could have made hobbs pay more for it.
So unless you can prove you where there bidding on the property, you don't have much right to be whining

I thought I read somewhere in this long thread that by the time the "auction" was open to the public by 10 AM it was a done deal. I cannot find the info on that now. Perhaps it was in an earlier missive by Peace Voyager telling us what happened there? I'd like to see it again.
And I would just love fair warning from anyone next time I can bid $1,000 (or $10,000*) on a great chunk of land. (Not that I would want to be swindling anyone.) I will be there.
* Heck, I could put that on my credit card.

[john roberts]

We live in a "Right to Farm" county. The way that this is interpreted in Sonoma County is that ag. (vineyards) are exempt from many of the rules that others must follow. With the exceptions of timberland and valley oaks and steep slopes, a landowner may clear as much as he or she wants in order to plant vines. The Sonoma County Tree Ordinance does not apply to ag., except in relation to Valley Oaks. Some of us remember when Jess Jackson cut down around 40 large Valley Oaks near the airport in order to build a winery and vineyards. He did it quickly and w/o a permit and said "go ahead and fine me." He paid, w/ a smile. Hwy. 116 is a State Mandated Scenic Hwy. all the way to Jenner. The Scenic Corridor rules , by county fiat, do not apply to ag. New vineyards only require a ministerial permit. This permitting process goes through the Ag. Commission. There is no place in the process to consider cumulative effects of the rapid vineyard expansion taking place in our county. A ministerial permit does not allow for EIRs. A ministerial permit requires BMP's to be used in development and farming,
but is subject to very little oversight. In the west county there are many vineyards that pour sediment into our streams during rain events. I am a carpenter. If I let any sediment run off a building site, I may be subject to criminal enforcement actions.
Not so vineyards. The fish can't tell the difference.

Our land use policies, which were meant to protect diverse ag., now allow for the incredible growth of vineyards, at a priceless cost to our environment.



The Pocket Canyon logging did not have an EIR. It should.

I'm curious as to why no Environmental Impact Report was required on Jenkel's property. Does anyone know the reasons? Also, does anyone know if an EIR has been required on the Pocket Canyon parcel that Hobbs is converting over to vineyards?

Here's the link on EIR requirements.


https://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/ceqa/i...roced/eir.html

[Barry]

[ Here's John Jenkel's comments, in green italics, on the recent PD article - Barry]

'Da Vexing 9-11 Truth Campaign to end 64 years of Murder
& Squander for Fascist Gain by Shock & Shame.

June 1, 2011, Abuse News #4819 by John Jenkel, 'da 9-11 Bounty Hunter,
800-500-7083, [email protected]

Good neighbor responds to New York Times cover up

Outcry over clear-cutting DESECRATION
(New York Times-owned Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 5-31-11)

Comment: The far more serious cry is over a land grab to hide mass murder!


CHRISTOPHER CHUNG/ PD
John Jenkel, right, kisses the hand of Al Mathers, who pulled her truck over to express her sorrow at seeing the trees removed from the land previously owned by Jenkel along Gravenstein Highway, near Graton, on Thursday, May 26, 2011. Paul Hobbs acquired the property, previously owned by Jenkel, in a civil dispute.

Comment: Paul Hobbs did not "acquire" property owned by yours truly, John Jenkel. His sponsors in Paul Hobbs Winery, Limited Partnership, did. A court of constitutional law would have prevented this blatant land grab. Criminal profiteers hiding in Paul Hobbs Winery, L. P., bought stolen property which had been unreasonably seized by the County of Sonoma for pennies on the dollar under MARTIAL LAW installed by 373 traitors in Congress with Public Law 107-243 on October 16, 2002. This land grab is designed to help Congress hide mass murder and world terrorism, end democracy, and bankrupt America by destroying me, 'da 9-11 Bounty Hunter, and my 9-11 Truth Campaign.


By PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 3:58 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 3:58 a.m.
A long-running land battle between a winemaker and his irksome neighbor has escalated into Sebastopol-area ire over the clear-cutting of eight acres along Gravenstein Highway.

Comment: There was no "long-running land battle." There is unreasonable seizure and unlawful taking of private property by local government officials under the pretense of legal authority, in violation of California Penal Code Section 146, in a five year groundless tort-turned-winery-land-grab/desecration case that was originally designed to compel me to provide unencumbered access to a public road so land-locked Paul Hobbs Winery, L.P., could get a mortgage and launder over $2 million of ill gotten gains apparently from drug smuggling.

The agreement to provide unencumbered access became null and void upon the winery killing four trees on November 18, 2002 that its agents, including Paul Hobbs and Matthew J. Hobbs, promised defendants to preserve.

The "battle" started in 2002 when I as a good neighbor granted Paul Hobbs Winery, L.P., a commercial easement over my horse farm so the winery could get Use Permit UPE 01-0128 from the County of Sonoma to build a single wood structure winery on its land-locked 19 acres. The valuable consideration for my granting the 30 foot restricted easement was the winery's preserving 60 historic Douglas Fir trees, providing a 10 wide public trail easement, and giving me their office building, which was formerly a three bedroom house. The former office was seized and demolished under the pretense of legal authority and MARTIAL LAW on November 26, 2007, all 60 defenseless giants of truth and beauty are gone, and there is a four metal structure winery, Stalag 116, with the foundation for a 5th structure, exactly where 60 silent spirits lived for over 125 years. In their place is 'da Paul Hobbs Environmental Corruption Monument.

Related Links:
Jenkel pasture auctioned for fraction of value
Sebastopol activist losing pieces of his ranch
The neighbor, political gadfly John Jenkel, said that within days of an auction in which part of his ranch was sold to Paul Hobbs Winery to satisfy part of a $350,000 judgment, Hobbs dispatched tree-cutters and heavy equipment operators to prepare the land for grapes.

Comment: A man who holds Congress accountable for hiding the truth about 2,798 unplanned murders during the Enron-sponsored and Bush-botched organized crimes of 9-11, and for Hoover Institute-advised mass murder and world terrorism in unconstitutional undeclared wars of congressional choice, never necessity, against CIA-fabricated enemies for fascist population management, religious genocide, and organized crime at every opportunity, and has gotten himself arrested 15 times for exercising his constitutionally protected and guaranteed inalienable rights, is not a "political gadfly." That is the New York Times hiding congressional mass murder, treason, and the end of democracy in the land of the formerly free and the home of the once brave.

There was no public auction. There was a land grab by the County of Sonoma in a public back room under MARTIAL LAW with no other bidders allowed. The winery bought stolen property from the County of Sonoma for pennies on the dollar. In the process, its agents, including Paul Hobbs, committed 12 crimes, as reporter Paul Payne was informed in writing before four witnesses.

The blindly issued $350,000 judgement by defrauded and intimidated Judge Gary Nadler is for alleged damages from well water from a self purging sand filter occasionally running down a 13% slope during 7 winter months. I had to install a $3,700 sand filter because my well began pumping sand after the winery drilled its irrigation well 250 feet away.

On February 20, 2008, court records show that Paul Hobbs Winery agent John A. Holdredge conspired to falsely maintained a suit, in violation of California Penal Code Section 182 (a) (3), a felony, by telling Judge Gary Nadler that I "inundated" 125 year old perfectly healthy giant trees standing on a 13% slope for "the entire year."

Judge Nadler conspired with plaintiff Paul Hobbs Winery, L.P., to prohibit "JOHN JENKEL, and DOES 1 through 15, Defendants" from their free exercise or enjoyment of their inalienable rights, in violation of United States Code Title 18, Section 241, a capital offense. His dishonor also conspired with plaintiff to cheat and defraud defendants of property by means which are themselves criminal, in violation of Penal Code Section 182 (a) (4), a felony, by allowing no cross examination of gross lies, or confrontation of fabricating witnesses against silenced defendants, for which his dishonor is disqualified from holding any office under the United States under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, and is ripe for a death sentence under Penal Code Section 37. There is no statute of limitation for prosecuting capital crimes.

What was once a scenic horse pasture lined with redwoods planted by his sons more than 30 years ago was stripped of all natural beauty, Jenkel said.

"It's a desecration," said Jenkel, 72, as he watched a bright yellow skip-loader rumble between piles of debris last week.

He's not the only one upset. Locals are fuming about the denuded property, which Hobbs obtained for a fraction of its assessed value in three sheriff's auctions. It is highly visible on the road from Graton to Forestville.

Some honked or yelled epithets out their car windows as they drove by. Even people who said they disagree with Jenkel's in-your-face style found themselves sympathizing with the eccentric man.

"This is breaking my heart," said Sebastopol pig farmer Al Mathers, who stopped her pickup on the side of the road to talk to Jenkel. "It's nothing but meanness. This is rape."

Others faulted the legal system. At the Willow Wood Market in Graton, barista Kelly Siemon questioned how a judge could allow it to happen.

"The whole thing just seems so wrong," Siemon said.

Hobbs, who founded his winery in 1991, said he didn't relish the idea of removing trees but defended it as necessary for planting a pinot noir vineyard.

He acquired the land for a combined $61,000 after years of frustrating legal action against Jenkel for destroying a stand of fir with excessive runoff. Hundreds of thousands of dollars more was spent on cleanup and paying off old liens, Hobbs said.

Comment: Paul Hobbs did not acquire my eight acres of land for $61,000. Charles Roscoe Benbow, Matthew J. Hobbs, Paul Hobbs, John A. Holdredge, Glen Thomas Edwards, Joan Maxwell, and Michael Franz Josef Riel conspired with Judge Gary Nadler to cheat and defraud me of my property under the pretense of legal authority. They committed 12 crimes in the process. My Supervisor Mike Rielly, now Efren Carrillo, my Sheriff-Cononer Bill Cogbill, and now Steve Freitas, and my District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua, now Jill Ravitch, could have taken legislative and/or executive action to halt these unreasonable and illegal seizures and takings of private property by local government, but joined the conspiracy.

He said he obtained necessary county permits before beginning the work and has planted dozens of new trees to replace old ones.

He denied taking advantage of Jenkel, saying he would transform a "junkyard" littered with abandoned cars and ramshackle buildings into a community asset.

Comment: Nobody takes advantage of me. My "junkyard" was actually my sanctuary under siege. I could not get community support to stop it until 'da Hobbs gang began their desecration along a state scenic highway.

"None of this would have happened if he hadn't killed our trees," Hobbs said. "One of the trees fell on our winery. It was not a minor thing. We went through a lot of trouble with our neighbor."

Comment: It is impossible to kill anything with well water running down a 13% grade. I am not a killer. I am a builder. Paul Hobbs is a lying embezzler!

In a 2009 ruling, Judge Dean Beaupre agreed, calling Jenkel "unrepentant" after illegally dumping water on Hobbs' grove. He accused Jenkel of making false claims and wasting court time. Another judge awarded damages, which Jenkel refused to pay.

"His actions have been a nightmare for the Hobbs Winery," Beaupre wrote.

Comment: Paul Hobbs Winery, L.P., sued "JOHN JENKEL, and DOES 1 through 15, inclusive, Defendants." Obviously, as the named codefendant, I did not cause this nightmare or waste court time. I have never made a false statement in my life. All of my statements stand ANY examination. The problem is that no official will look! Judge Beaupré is lying to cover up his treason.

Judicial traitor Dean A. Beaupré was assigned by former California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald M. George to destroy me for Big Oil, Communist China, and Warren Buffet's puppet Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Thanks to them, I can not freely defend myself in any California court.

But Jenkel supporters said his behavior doesn't justify what happened. A local web site buzzed with the developments. Subscribers of WaccooBB.net [They still haven't fixed this! - Barry] posted pictures of downed timber and urged people to call elected officials to do something about it.

Some labeled Jenkel's plight elder financial abuse or railed about the emerging monoculture of vineyards. Others pressed for a boycott of Hobbs' wine.

"Words cannot express my outrage at this typical vineyard tactic," one online poster said. "The beginning salvo: chop everything down."

Supervisor Efren Carrillo, whose 5th district includes the west county area, said he's received from 20 to 30 calls or emails about the clearing, which is permissible because the land is zoned for agriculture.

Comment: None of this is "permissible" because I still lawfully own the property, as any fair minded judge or jury would agree.

However, Carrillo said the destruction of trees was "ill-advised" and could have been handled differently by moving some of them. He said the project, coupled with Hobbs' separate timber-clearing operation in Pocket Canyon, shows disregard for "a good working relationship" with local officials.

Comment: How do you move 125 year old trees? My supervisor covers up "ill-advised" corruption for his criminal profiteering sponsors. Efren is a nice guy in with the wrong crowd.

"When you combine both projects, it does not demonstrate good will in the community," Carrillo said.

Meanwhile, Jenkel is clinging to his remaining seven acres, despite still owing Hobbs more than $300,000. He vowed court action to set aside the initial judgment.

But whether that could happen is unclear. He said he won't hire a lawyer because he doesn't trust them.

Comment: I don't owe Paul Hobbs Winery, L.P., a dime. It owes me over $15 million. I am the best lawyer I can find. Charles Roscoe Benbow, Paul Hobbs, John A. Holdredge, Glen Thomas Edwards, Joan Maxwell, Michael Franz Josef Riel, public traitor Efren Carrillo, and judicial traitor Dean A. Beaupré belong behind bars. Stay tuned.

"I want my land back," Jenkel said.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or [email protected].

[Peace Voyager]

I'm curious as to why no Environmental Impact Report was required on Jenkel's property. Does anyone know the reasons? Also, does anyone know if an EIR has been required on the Pocket Canyon parcel that Hobbs is converting over to vineyards?

Here's the link on EIR requirements.

https://www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon/ceqa/i...roced/eir.html

Dear Community,

Do you want results? This issue is not limited to Jenkel and Hobbs; a thorough investigation could root out the culprits who are enabling the wine grape industrial complex to erode what we value most.

I want to make clear that I support all farmers who are good stewards. We must find ways to define this, and determine which side of the line they are on before we buy their products; while we continue the work you're doing to advertise and boycott those whose practices defy social and environmental justice.

This will be an economic boon to those who are smart enough to already engage in, not just good, but great stewardship.

Look for a cover story on Jenkel/Hobbs in the next issue of the Russian River Times. Will someone with good writing skills write something for the next Sonoma County Gazette (www.westcountygazette.com); ask the SF Chronicle why they have missed this story when news outlets like channel 2 can find a way to bring a Reporter and camera crew up here?

Will each of you please: keep the letters to the Ed. in all papers going; contact the full Board of Supervisors on this issue; and file a citizen's complaint for the Grand Jury to investigate Paul Hobbs Winery, LLP, Sonoma County Superior Court Judges involved in Jenkel's cases, the present Board of Supervisors, and Supervisors who were on the Board when this issue began in 2008; and each agency which enabled this to happen: Planning, Zoning, Permit, etc.; agencies and groups who should have seen to it that a proper EIR was in place for the change of use Hobbs sought, which was out of compliance with the agreement for the easement.

In the easement agreement, Sales, Marketing and Production operations were not granted, only growing; and only 1 building smaller than the main one now, wooden so it would fit in with the area, not metal. Also the right of way agreement was for 5 workers; not the many more who work there now.

It is the BOS who have allowed very bad changes to be permitable for wine ag. When Wall St. and CalPers, etc. have so much at stake in the RE investments made here; they will stop at nothing to ensure their returns; including engineering the modification of the weather in very dangerous ways.

This gets to happen, when your wine label is selected to be used in the White House, and the industrial wine complex makes sure they influence both parties, by sowing both human and financial seeds of astroturf to the grassroots groups, and of course the politicians.

This also gets to happen, when a former gov. for the state which pays the most in taxes, makes going "Green", a thin veneer, instead of a true, deep shade, properly balanced for humans living with respect for nature and each other.

This is no longer just the ag vs environmentalist issue. The good small local farmers are getting hurt by the practices of Big Ag too.

All the wine grape growers know the State is not going for their plan to police themselves on water for frost protection. Building solid bridges of trust with all the stakeholders, is the only way a sustainable "watershed approach" is going to work. Later I'll address some of those solutions I have tried to bring to the watershed protection folks I've been working with for many years.

Other ideas: think about getting yourself, or a good citizen, on the next Grand Jury as well; commit to working for a recall for Supervisors who are not serving us well; run for office, or work for good candidates; work at a polling precinct on election day; voice your concerns with all elected officials in City/County/State/Federal office on both local and national issues.

They all need to know what you value, and how the issues are connected. The cuts made at the top, are the reasons we don't have the funding for the staffing to ensure proper oversight of protection of natural resources and social justice, infrastructure building and repairs, and our Constitutional rights!

If we were to count lobbyist, "We the People", outnumber the war & big ag, big pharma, big toxic chemical and power, toxic lending/investment & insurance-care (not health care), lobby machines.

Go Local whenever you can with your consumption; read labels; ask stores and restaurants to ensure their goods and services are from trusted sources. Ask these businesses to identify the good practices of those making the food/drinks/products, making it easier for the market to dictate the desired direction for businesses to strive for.

Right now, I know getting this before the Grand Jury is the most important next step we can take. YOU, very smart and active people of conscience, are making a difference, and can grow that immensely.

Let's do more than just speak truth to power; let's require power to speak the truth; and make the needed corrections, before more of paradise is lost.

Love and peace,

Colleen Fernald



Direct Action for All - the more people who file a Grand Jury complaint, the greater the chances they'll investigate.

Tell the media, elected officials, etc., you want to see the changes sought to the County's whistleblower procedure enacted. WaccoLeak your own, here, and everywhere.

This requires being bold and brave; Jenkel and I, and others have been hurt for doing so, in ways you can't imagine. He and I, so appreciate your support; this can help heal our pain. I salute you.

As they say, we are the ones we've been waiting for. Wait no more, we are empowered to co-create an inheritable future, every minute, every choice.

Sonoma County grand jury: 'Complicated process deters people with valid complaints'

By BRETT WILKISON
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Published: Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 9:03 a.m.

For those trying to expose waste, fraud and abuse in government, the path can be torturous. Whistleblowers must contact one agency after another, and in the process, they can lose both their anonymity and faith in any follow up.

The Sonoma County grand jury reached those conclusions after months of studying the issue. The panel is now calling for a change, saying that gaps between state and local options for whistleblowers may be turning some away.

“It is likely this complicated process deters people with valid complaints from following through,” the grand jury said in an interim report issued two weeks ago.
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/articl...NITY/110529439

*****

YOUR SONOMA COUNTY GRAND JURY

https://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/sites/a...20brochure.pdf

File your complaint here...

https://sonoma.courts.ca.gov/sites/a...complaint1.pdf

“Watchdog” . . . “Ombuds Agency” . . . “Forum of Last Resort” . . . all of these terms correctly describe the Grand Jury. Under State law the
Grand Jury is an independent institution that oversees the legislative and administrative departments that make up county, city and special district
governments. The Grand Jury has the power to investigate them to ensure that they are efficient, honest, fair and dedicated to serving the public and
individual citizens.

Many people associate grand juries with indictments in criminal cases, perhaps because the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides that
no person can be prosecuted for a federal crime except upon indictment by a grand jury. Today in California there are two types of grand juries, civil
and criminal. They are separate bodies and are governed by different rules. In Sonoma County, criminal grand juries are rarely used, because
alternative methods are available to the District Attorney to bring criminal charges. This brochure describes the civil Grand Jury.



HISTORY

The civil grand jury is an ancient institution. In England, the Magna Carta decreed by King John in 1215 provided for the election of 25
barons who were given the responsibility “to maintain and cause to be observed, the peace and privileges which we [the King] have
granted to them.” They had the power to investigate misconduct by the King’s officials and “to distrain and oppress” the King by taking
his “castles, lands and possessions ... until amends have been made according to their judgment.” California has used grand juries
since it became a state, and every county has a civil grand jury, although they are not so powerful as the barons composing England’s
civil grand jury.

CITIZEN COMPLAINTS

Any individual who feels unfairly treated by the county, a city or a special district, or who believes that any agency, or any officer or employee
thereof, is acting improperly, may file a written complaint with the Sonoma County Grand Jury. All complaints are held in strict confidence.
Complaint forms may be obtained by calling the Grand Jury at 707-537-6330. Completed forms should be mailed to P.O. Box 5109, Santa Rosa, CA
95402. (Only the Grand Jury has access to this postal box.)

FUNCTION AND OPERATION

The principal function of the Grand Jury is to exercise oversight of all aspects of county and city government and special districts within Sonoma
County to ensure that the best interests of its citizens are being served.

Although investigations are usually begun on the basis of citizen complaints, the Grand Jury also acts on its own initiative. A minimum of 12 of the
19 Grand Jurors must authorize the undertaking of an investigation. In conducting its investigations, the Grand Jury is authorized to:

· Inspect and audit books, financial expenditures of county and city departments and special districts to ensure that public funds are properly
accounted for and legally spent.

· Inquire into conditions of jails and the treatment of inmates.

· Inquire into the performance of any county, city, or special district public official or employee.

The Sonoma County Grand Jury has four standing committees that carry out authorized investigations: Law and Justice, Human Services, County, and
Cities and Special Districts. Ad hoc committees are created as circumstances warrant. Under the supervision of the full Grand Jury, the committees
interview and in some cases obtain sworn testimony from witnesses.

The committees also evaluate the procedures, methods, and systems used by the various agencies to determine whether they are conducting their
operations in a fair, efficient and economical manner and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They then prepare draft reports of the
results of their investigations for consideration by the full Grand Jury.

SECRECY

By law Grand Jurors are prohibited from disclosing the evidence obtained in their investigations and revealing the names of complainants or
witnesses. Similarly, witnesses are prohibited from disclosing any proceedings of the Grand Jury.

GRAND JURY REPORTS

The results of most Sonoma County Grand Jury investigations are contained in reports that set forth findings concerning the problems investigated and
make recommendations for solutions. These documents are published either as Interim Reports during the year or in the Grand Jury’s Final Report at
the expiration of its term of office. A minimum of 12 of the 19 Grand Jurors must approve the content of any report. Once approved, all reports are
reviewed by County Counsel and the Presiding Judge for compliance with the law before being released to the public.

By law, the governing body of any agency that is the subject of a Grand Jury report must comment on the findings and recommendations of the report
within 90 days of its publication date, except that every elected county officer or agency head must comment within 60 days. The comments must be
submitted to the Presiding Judge and must specify what action, if any, has been or will be taken by the department or agency in regard to the
recommendations or explain why no action has been taken. This requirement gives the sitting Grand Jury or its successor the opportunity to track the
results of investigations.

Copies of the Final Report of the Sonoma County Grand Jury are distributed in July as an insert of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat and are sent to the
regional branches of the Sonoma County Library. Additional copies may be obtained by calling the Grand Jury at 707-537-6330.

GUIDANCE

The Grand Jury may call upon the following officials for advice and guidance in discharging its responsibilities:

· The Presiding Judge of the Superior Court for any type of advice and counsel it deems necessary for its efficient functioning.

· The County Counsel in connection with its operation and the rights, duties and obligations of grand jurors generally.
· The District Attorney in connection with possible criminal conduct uncovered in the course of an investigation.
TIME COMMITMENT

In Sonoma County, the full Grand Jury usually meets weekly throughout the year at its offices in the county’s Los Guilicos facility. In addition to
those meetings, the committees of the Grand Jury meet as required, and their members spend additional time interviewing witnesses and reviewing
documents. Typically, Grand Jury membership involves a time commitment of some portion of two or three days a week.

SELECTION

The Sonoma County Grand Jury is composed of 19 members selected annually under the supervision of the Presiding Judge of the Sonoma County
Superior Court with the assistance of the court’s Administrative Office. By law, a Grand Juror must be a U.S. citizen 18 years of age or older, a
resident of Sonoma County for at least one year, have knowledge of the English language, and have no convictions for malfeasance in office or any
felony or any other high crime. In addition to meeting the statutory requirements, a Grand Juror should:

· Be able to fulfill the time commitment required to be an effective Grand Juror.

· Be in good health.

· Have the ability to work with others and be tolerant of their views

· Have a genuine interest in community affairs.

· Have investigative skills and an ability to write reports.

Each spring, applications for the new Grand Jury are solicited from the public. (Application forms may be obtained at the Administrative Office of
the Sonoma County Courts, 600 Administration Drive, Room 107-J, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, telephone 707-527-1160.) From the applicant pool, the
judges of the Superior Court nominate 30 prospective Grand Jurors. In addition, several members of the existing Grand Jury are selected to serve
another one year term in order to provide institutional continuity.

The prospective Grand Jurors are summoned to appear before the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in a public session. At this time, the clerk of
the court draws individual names at random. They are added to the holdover members until a total of 19 is reached; that body constitutes the Grand
Jury for the next fiscal year. All 19 members then take the oath of office and are “charged” by the Presiding Judge concerning their duties and
responsibilities. These citizens begin their one-year term in July.

ORIENTATION

New members of the Grand Jury participate in a comprehensive orientation and training program organized by the holdover members. This program
includes a review of investigative procedures, techniques of report writing, visits to county and city facilities, and meetings with various county and
city administrators and law enforcement officers, as well as members of the previous Grand Jury.

WHY BECOME A GRAND JUROR?

Those who serve on the Sonoma County Grand Jury feel privileged to be selected. They enter their service with interest and curiosity in learning
more about the administration and operation of the government in the county in which they live. They give generously of their time for the betterment
of government which, ultimately, belongs to them and to their fellow citizens of Sonoma County.

11/97

[Runningbare]

John's point is driven home very explicitly by the County Treasurer, unduly burdening taxpayers every year with the following reminder printed conspicuously on the backsides of "our" property tax bill envelopes, dubbing it as the official "Right to Farm":

“The County of Sonoma has declared it a policy to protect and encourage agricultural operations. If your property is located near an agricultural operation, you may at some times be subject to inconvenience or discomfort arising from agricultural operations. If conducted in a manner consistent with proper and accepted standards, said inconveniences and discomforts are hereby deemed not to constitute a nuisance for purposes of the Sonoma County Code."

So there you have it, the codified creation of second class citizenship with an overt double standard distinguishing the agheads from the rest of us. Call the Ag Commissioners' Office to see how far you can get with clarification of the "manner consistent with proper and accepted standards." Accepted by whom?

We live in a "Right to Farm" county. The way that this is interpreted in Sonoma County is that ag. (vineyards) are exempt from many of the rules that others must follow. With the exceptions of timberland and valley oaks and steep slopes, a landowner may clear as much as he or she wants in order to plant vines. The Sonoma County Tree Ordinance does not apply to ag., except in relation to Valley Oaks. Some of us remember when Jess Jackson cut down around 40 large Valley Oaks near the airport in order to build a winery and vineyards. He did it quickly and w/o a permit and said "go ahead and fine me." He paid, w/ a smile. Hwy. 116 is a State Mandated Scenic Hwy. all the way to Jenner. The Scenic Corridor rules , by county fiat, do not apply to ag. New vineyards only require a ministerial permit. This permitting process goes through the Ag. Commission. There is no place in the process to consider cumulative effects of the rapid vineyard expansion taking place in our county. A ministerial permit does not allow for EIRs. A ministerial permit requires BMP's to be used in development and farming,
but is subject to very little oversight. In the west county there are many vineyards that pour sediment into our streams during rain events. I am a carpenter. If I let any sediment run off a building site, I may be subject to criminal enforcement actions.
Not so vineyards. The fish can't tell the difference.

Our land use policies, which were meant to protect diverse ag., now allow for the incredible growth of vineyards, at a priceless cost to our environment.



The Pocket Canyon logging did not have an EIR. It should.

[Barry]

Thanks to John and Runningbare for helping bring the "Right to Farm" into focus.

"manner consistent with proper and accepted standards." Accepted by whom?

Accepted by whom, indeed! While I do think that agriculture does need and deserve special protection, it should not be a blank check to rape the land. This seems like a great opening for codifying what responsible stewardship looks like, or at least a minimum standard. An no doubt there would be a very well financed campaign to prevent that from happening.

[Peace Voyager]

To all the people crying rape, There was a simple solution,

The property was sold at auction, cheap. You should have bought it.
At the very least you could have made hobbs pay more for it.

So unless you can prove you where there bidding on the property, you don't have much right to be whining

I am beyond underfunded, and just a renter, or I would have bid myself.

Check this history of my posts and see how I tried to get others to do that before both auctions. Besides those who heard from Jenkel and I, any other bidder may have thought this auction was in the same place as the others. I don't know how prospective bidders would have known the auction was in a back room of the Sheriff's building, very heavily guarded, riot gear, and very unfriendly. The Sheriff's office never returned my call requesting a meeting.

Jenkel did not want me to try to get other bidders to bid up the price, because he is certain the sale is not lawful, and this would have legitimized it. In the end, he was right and I was wrong.

Taking that last 3 acres for only $1000, and having no meaningful environmental review before the slash and burn; was the last straw for the defenders of our quality of life here; and now action is following.

BTW, many of us had severe lung and eye reactions that day the Graton Fire Dept. burned the houses for their training mission.

They refused to investigate the fire from the previously burned out house around a year ago; a suspected meth accident.

The County would not help Jenkel evict some of the squatters there. I repeatedly tried to help him clear the property of undesirable elements; buy was mostly rebuffed.

I urge you to take a deeper look at many truths, which are within Jenkel's core reasons for doing what he does. My attorney friend and I are working on a website to feature this and other quests for justice.



C

[joan]

Today, I posted two emails to Whole Foods/Sebastopol and Whole Foods/Corporate. (Go to their Website to do email)

Unfortunately, WF/Sebastopol carries two wine products by the infamous Paul Hobbs....

If others find Paul Hobbs products sold at other stores, please notify this list, and maybe all those interested in Boycotting Paul Hobbs products can do emails to the store...

Hi I received an email response from Whole Foods, which stated they forwarded my complaint about Paul Hobbs unethical practices to their international wine buyers. If some others on this board would email Whole Foods ( go to Customer Service on their website) it might have a greater value than just one voice.

[joan]

I urge you to take a deeper look at many truths, which are within Jenkel's core reasons for doing what he does. My attorney friend and I are working on a website to feature this and other quests for justice.

Hi Peace voyager,
I am very impressed with the work you have done/are doing on behalf of Jenkel, the environment, the many issues you are dealing with.
This sad tale has so many facets, I wonder how can - this story - "go viral".
There are some minor events that have "gone viral" and I don't know how it is done. (? via Facebook). This results in an outpouring of feedback, ideas, help...
There may be Farmers Organizations, Horse Ranch Organizations, similar groups who might help if "the word" gets out as well as an outpouring of citizen protest.

[Beverly Schenck]

To all the people crying rape, There was a simple solution,

The property was sold at auction, cheap. You should have bought it.
At the very least you could have made hobbs pay more for it.

So unless you can prove you where there bidding on the property, you don't have much right to be whining

This is Hobbs father speaking, no response needed.

[Beverly Schenck]

A fathers' love is blind.