DUI checkpoint on Friday night

From the CHP:

 

CHP TO CONDUCT DRIVER LICENSE/SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT

 

The Humboldt office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be conducting a Driver License/Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, December 21^st, 2012, somewhere within the unincorporated area of Humboldt County.

 

“All too often, members of the community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by intoxicated drivers,” said Capt. Harry Linschoten, Humboldt Area Commander.  The CHP’s goal is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist by targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated drivers.  A driver license/sobriety checkpoint is a proven effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations.  “By publicizing our efforts we believe that we can deter motorists from drinking and driving and driving without a valid driver license,” Capt. Linschoten said.

 

Last year, in California alone, over 200,000 drivers were arrested while driving impaired.

 

Capt. Linschoten, emphasized, “Traffic volume permitting, all vehicles will be checked and drivers who are unlicensed will be cited.  Drivers found to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can expect to be arrested.  Our objective is to send a clear message to those considering mixing alcohol and/or drugs with driving.  The CHP will be keeping a close eye out for you.”

 

The Driver License/Sobriety Checkpoint will be operated from approximately 6 PM until 12 AM.  An additional press release will be sent to the media 2 hours prior, indicating the exact location of the checkpoint.

 

SHERIFF’S LOG 12.19.12

Thursday, Dec. 6

10:41 a.m. – A bicycle was stolen from West Cedar Street.

5:17 p.m. – Larry Baer was drunk. Very drunk. He was face down in front of the Ray’s Food Place in McKinleyville. Deputies arrived and transported Mr. Baer to jail for public drunkenness.

Friday, Dec. 7

7:29 a.m. – A woman was sleeping in her home on D Avenue in McKinleyville when a burglar entered the residence, grabbed her purse and sneaked out.

9:44 a.m. – Deputies were summoned to the Hammond Trail at the foot of Murray Road after a white boxer dog allegedly attacked a woman and her dog while they were walking on the trail.

5:33 p.m. – Over on Westhaven Drive, John Velenti got really hammered. His brain soaked in booze, he crawled under cars and tried to enter people’s homes. This sparked numerous complaints, Deputies arrived and transported Velenti to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked on suspicion of being drunk in public.

Saturday, Dec. 8

3:21 p.m. – Someone brandished a handgun and made threats on Murray Road.

Sunday, Dec. 9

9:12 a.m. – Tires were slashed on Mary Road in McKinleyville. Report taken.

3:45 p.m. – A vehicle was burglarized on Scenic Drive in the Trinidad area.

6:54 p.m. – The repo man paid a visit to the 2400 block of McKinleyville Avenue.

Monday, Dec. 10

10:23 a.m. – Someone found a bicycle on Gwin Road and turned it over to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office in McKinleyville.

1:14 p.m. – Someone on Haven Lane had her purse stolen. She mailed in a report to the Sheriff’s Department.

8:45 p.m. – A residence in Orick was burglarized. The victim suspects his ex-wife had something to do with it.

Tuesday, Dec. 11

1:02 a.m. – Jimi Titchenell was pulled over near Park Road and A Avenue in McKinleyville for an alleged traffic violation. Deputies then discovered that Titchenell was in possession of a small pharmacy of illegal drugs, He was booked into the Humboldt County Jail on suspicion of being in possession of meth, pot and drug paraphernalia.

 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Roundabout should be considered for Murray/Central intersection

From the 12.19.12. edition

 

Editor:

The Public Works Department of the County of Humboldt is proposing to install a stop light at the intersection of Murray Road and Central Avenue in McKinleyville. Not only can the installation b costly, but continuing maintenance will be required.

Sometime ago I contacted the Public Works Department with the idea of installing a roundabout at this location. I didn’t receive a credible answer as to why it would not work. With a roundabout, the only real cost is the initial installation. Very little if any maintenance is required. There appears to be sufficient right-of-way for its installation.

The county installed a roundabout at the intersection of Indianola and Old Arcata Road at it seems to be functioning. The City of Arcata has installed a roundabout at each end of Guintoli Lane overcrossing. Guintoli Lane has one of the highest traffic volumes in the city. As of date, there hasn’t to my knowledge, been any problems with traffic or pedestrian circulation.

I’m aware of the pros and cons regarding roundabouts, but I believe they should be considered and discussed.

Scott R. Baker

McKinleyville