Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

 Byron Titus in 2012

On Jan. 6, 2021, at about 3:40 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Cook Drive in Hoopa for the report of a gunshot victim.

Deputies arrived on scene and located a 40-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound. Deputies rendered aid until Emergency Medical Services arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. He is expected to survive his injuries.

Sheriff’s deputies are seeking Byron Dean Titus, age 29 of Hoopa, in connection to this case. Titus is described as an American Indian male adult, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, 185 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Titus is believed to be armed and dangerous. If you see Titus, do not approach, but call 9-1-1.

This case is still under investigation and more information will be released when available and appropriate.

Anyone with information about this case or the whereabouts of Byron Titus is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

A new bill could make it easier for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for CalFresh, California’s version of food stamps, and allow people to enroll entirely over the phone by 2024.

“California’s food insecurity crisis is worse than ever, and we have a moral responsibility to make CalFresh benefits easier to access,” said Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat who plans to announce the bill later today, in a statement.

Wiener’s proposal comes against a backdrop of rising hunger as the pandemic continues to ravage California’s economy and increasingly tests its hospital system. One in eight adults in California said there hadn’t been enough to eat in their household in the last week, according to a recent Census survey. Over 3.3 million Californians said they had received free groceries or meals from places like food banks, school programs or churches.

California has long lagged the rest of the country in getting the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to all who qualify, which means the state misses out on billions in federal funding earmarked for the hungry. Just 71% of eligible Californians were enrolled in CalFresh — tying with Kansas for the fifth-lowest rate in the nation — in 2017, the last year for which national data is available.

Food advocates and county and state officials say the reasons behind California’s low participation rates are numerous and complex: With each county administering the program separately, some counties enroll almost every eligible person while others don’t get to half; the state’s geographic and ethnic diversity means many are hard to reach; often immigrants fear that signing up could hurt their or a loved one’s chances at citizenship.

Third time’s the charm?

Most everyone agrees that the application itself — which involves answering lengthy questions, providing documentary evidence, and participating in an interview — along with frequent recertification paperwork present big barriers. Only about 20 of 58 counties currently allow people to apply entirely over the phone, according to Wiener’s office.

“CalFresh benefits are critical for so many,” Wiener said. “Lengthy and burdensome bureaucratic processes should not get in the way of people being able to put food on the table.”

It’s not the first time Wiener has tried to ease CalFresh application hurdles. In 2018, he sponsored an ambitious proposal to require the state to enroll 95% of eligible households by 2024. It failed to reach a final vote after county officials raised concerns that it lacked funding.

Last year, Wiener sponsored a narrower version, nearly identical to this year’s. But it also died early as lawmakers focused on the state’s coronavirus response.

Pandemic offers a solution

The pandemic has given California a peek into how an easier CalFresh enrollment process could work. Early on, the federal government waived a requirement that people provide a signature — the part of the application that often brings people into county offices in counties that haven’t yet implemented e-signature technology — and also made it easier for recipients to recertify their eligibility.

It’s hard to say how many more people were able to get on or stay on CalFresh because of the change. But it’s clear that need spiked. The number of CalFresh recipients increased rapidly by 800,000 between February and June, when enrollment peaked at over 4.8 million, before dropping back down to 4.3 million by November.

“But those waivers will expire at some point, and we cannot afford to go backward,” said Jared Call, a senior advocate with Nourish California, a nonprofit that promotes food security and has backed Wiener’s efforts.

A focus on seniors and people with disabilities

The bill also would simplify and shorten the CalFresh application for seniors and those with disabilities, a change which Wiener’s office said has led to higher participation in other states. In theory, that could happen quickly after the bill was passed, potentially increasing food security for seniors affected by the pandemic.

Just 19% of eligible California seniors receive the food assistance, compared with 42% of seniors nationally, according to an analysis of 2015 enrollment data.

“There is an easier and a better way to do this,” the senator said, “as many other states with much simpler food benefits application systems show us.”

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This article is part of the California Divide, a collaboration among newsrooms examining income inequality and economic survival in California.

CALmatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Donald Carl Podratz, 86, died December 26, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.

Don was born on April 7, 1934 in Brainerd, Minnesota to Josephine and Martin Podratz, the eldest of five sons. From an early age, Don worked in his family’s bakery, famous for “inventing” modern doughnuts. He was proud of the lessons learned there including patience for yeast to rise, hard work for an honest product, and a sugary glaze to sweeten life. He was not a fan of the early morning shifts, however, and those who knew him later can confirm that he was an obligate night-owl, and never preferred a tee-time before ten o’clock.

Don graduated from Dassel High School in 1952, and shortly thereafter enlisted in the US Army. He asked to go to Korea but was sent to Germany. Don served three tours in the Army in the European Theatre during and after the Korean War. Speaking German with a flawless accent, as well as French, some Spanish and little Dutch was a skill he would produce at parties to the amusement of his friends, and the benefit of his crossword-puzzling skills. Back in the states he was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas where he worked at White Sands Proving Grounds and on base, he was assigned to evaluate the mental health of the soldiers.

Leaving the Army, he joined the Minnesota National Guard. From there he moved west to San Fernando, California, purchased and operated a pet shop. He married his groomer and they relocated to Fortuna, where his only child, Laura, was born. Moving to Eureka, he enlisted in the California National Guard, securing his past service. Combined, he served 24 years and was retired in 1988, as a Master Sergeant, after a heart attack on active duty.

Deeply patriotic, Don had membership in the Redwood Empire VFW Post 1872 where he served as Post Commander, Viet Nam Veteran’s Memorial Post 883, the Eureka Elks Lodge #652, and the Eureka Moose Lodge #636. Don was a life member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Don was initiated into the Brotherhood of Freemasons at Sunland Lodge No. 1344 A.F.&A.M. in El Paso, Texas in September 1965 and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in December 1965. He had dual membership with Humboldt Lodge 79 and later Ferndale Lodge 393, where he served as Master in 2014. He received his 50-year pin for Masonic service in 2015. He was also a longtime member of the York Rites, Eureka Commandery, serving as head of all three bodies and received the prestigious honor of KYCH. For many years, a member of the Scottish Rites, he was a charter member in the Northern California Valley of Scottish Rite Masons, served as Venerable Master, a member of the degree team and received the KCCH honor.

Don’s accomplishments as a Mason were the privilege about which he was most spirited. The Masons provided Don with a great sense of accomplishment, joy, and dedication through service, volunteering, friendship, and community.

Don joined the Shriners organization in Minneapolis in 1972 and transferred in 1992 to Aahmes Shrine. He served as president of the local Shrine club in 1998 and as secretary for a couple years afterwards. As a member of the Djinn’s Band, he marched and rode in many local parades.

Don’s retirement was never stagnant! Through the years, his hobbies varied and included fishing in the Pacific and lagoons in Northern Humboldt County, ballroom dancing, tending and cultivating African Violets, crocheting intricate patterns, reading, and especially golf.

In 1998 he and Carolyn joined Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club in Fortuna, where they made many very special friends. They went on group golf trips to Nevada, South Carolina, Mexico, and many courses in California.

Philately was a passion of Don’s, and at its height, his worldwide collection numbered in the billions! He was a long-time member of the Humboldt Stamp Collectors’ Club. An avid collector for more than 50 years, he served as president and show chairman for many years, until his health required him to give up a hobby he loved and shared with Carolyn. He met Carolyn at a stamp club meeting in 1985 and they were married five years later.

A lifetime learner, there was scarcely a subject with which Don was unacquainted. From German automobiles to ornithology his thirst for knowledge was boundless. To a friend, he would often state, “Between my father and I, we know everything there is to know in the world. Just ask me anything,” and the friend would ask some obscure question to which he would reply, “My father knows that one!” His father, of course, had passed away many years prior so the claim could never be confirmed. Many of Don’s interests were driven by his love of history and tradition. Stamps reflect the evolution of time and place, and it was these stories, rather than merely the objects that held his fascination.

He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Carolyn, and his daughter Laura. When Don married Carolyn, Laura was just five years old. Laura lived with Don and Carolyn until she started high school and moved to Idaho. Laura subsequently obtained both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in geology, and is now a professor of geology in Salt Lake City, UT. Although Don himself never earned a college degree, he was so proud and supportive of Laura’s accomplishments.

Don is also survived by Carolyn’s sons Alan and Andy Minker, who were added to the family upon their marriage. Alan and his wife Lisa and their children Katie and Nick, and Andy and his wife Martha and their three sons Andrew, Alexander, and William provided Don with grandchildren of whom he was endlessly proud. Don is also survived by his youngest brother Doug Podratz, his wife Sandy and their children.

A Masonic service will be held at a later date when family and friends are able to gather and mingle. Thank you to the Eureka VA Clinic Home Based Primary Care. Don could not have asked for better medical care and compassion. They were exceptional. Thank you also to his very special friends who were always there to visit and helped Don in a variety of ways: Pete and Barbara Kerhoulas, J. P. (John) and Janis Prince, and Judy Booth. His family and friends, gathered over a lifetime, will hold his memory in esteem.

Donations may be made in Don’s name to the Northern Calif. Valley of Scottish Rite Masons, 500 Nob Hill Rd, Fortuna, CA 95040 or your favorite Masonic Order.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Don Podratz’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

 

David Lowell Reece, Sr.,                    
Dec. 6, 1943 - Nov. 20, 2020

David was a Yurok Tribal Member. He was born on December 6, 1943 to Frank & Martha Reece in Hoopa. He passed away unexpectedly on November 20, 2020 at his home in Eureka.

He was a talented artist. He made many wood carvings, such as walking canes, paddles, specialty cutting boards, elk horn purses and key chains. He made a few sculptures as well.

David was known to always have his grandson, Kenek, by his side. They would go everywhere together.

David is survived by his brother, Frank & Verna Reece, of Orleans; his sisters, Thelma & George McNeal of Grants Pass, and Arlene Brown of Arcata; his children & stepchildren, David Reece Jr. of Eureka, Bubba & Ashley Reece of Salem, Oregon, Lavonne & Josh Guido of Springfield, Oregon, Edward “Horse” & Nicol Aubrey of Smith River, Ethel Reed of Orleans, Carla, Hank, & Buck Aubrey of Arcata and his “adopted” son, Dan Ryles.

David is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Frank & Martha Reece, his sister Rose and his wife Sherrie Reece.

Papa, we love you and miss you!

Due to Covid the family was unable to have a funeral. A celebration of David’s life/burial will be held at a date yet to be determined.

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It is with great sadness that we announce Claudette Helen Bushman went to live with Jesus on Oct. 6, 2020. She is survived by her sisters, children, and grandchildren:

• Children: Cathy Curry, Brigette O’Conner, Clifford & Bill Bushman
• Grandchildren: Daniel & Thomas Curry, Claudia, James, Nicolas & Alex O’Conner, Paige & Brandon Bushman
• Siblings: Pam Swieszcz, Monte Genter, Jerry Bratten (deceased), Bonita Mae Thompson (deceased),
• Special Son: John Romandia

She loved and spoiled her dog, Lily.

Claudette was born Jan. 24, 1940 to Helen and Clifford Bratten in Breckenridge, Minnesota. Her Father moved his family to Eureka in hopes of a better life for all of them. This move was an important moment in Claudette’s life because she met her future husband, Ray Bushman, at Eureka High School. Claudette married her high school sweetheart Ray on March 12, 1957.

Claudette moved to San Jose with her husband Ray. They started a new life and raised four children. Claudette was a devoted mother and wife. She lived in San Jose for many years.

In 1984 Claudette moved to Mad River with her husband Ray, where she enjoyed country life, volunteering in the community, time with her dogs and watching the woodpeckers. They purchased the Tree Top Ranch and cherished their times.

Claudette Bushman can include the following as a small part of her life’s accomplishments:

• Raising four children.
• Volunteering with Southern Trinity Area Rescue (S.T.A.R.) for 28 years.
• Receiving several citizens awards as part of her service to STAR and the community of Mad River.

Claudette will be remembered for her love of her Mad River community, animals, and her family. She will be dearly missed by everyone.

Claudette found her faith in God early in life and treasured her church family at Lamb Creek Christian Center in Mad River.

Claudette’s favorite bible verse is Psalms 23.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Claudette was dearly loved and will be missed by her family, friends and others who she met during her life. She was a very special person.

Due to Covid restrictions, a memorial service will be held for both Ray and Claudette when possible in 2021. Ray passed away in April 2020. Donations can be made in Claudette Bushman’s honor to “Southern Trinity Area Rescue.” Or “Mad River Volunteer Fire Department”. Both organizations meant a lot to her and Ray.

Larry Sample and Wanda Sample passed away on October 1 and 2, 2020 respectively.

Larry Richard Sample was born on July 8, 1944 to James Ira Sample and Julia Izzetta Sample (Smith). He was born in North Platte, Nebraska. At the age of 3 his family moved to Eureka, California. Larry attended Eureka City Schools, becoming a star basketball player for Eureka High. He was inducted into the Eureka High Hall of Fame on October 15, 2009. One of Larry’s earliest jobs was working for Partrick’s Candy while in high school and was allowed to eat as much chocolate as wanted. Anyone who knew Larry well, knew he never lost his love for candy. He also went on to work for Food Mart before finding his calling as a car salesman. Larry worked for a few different dealerships, including Opie’s Fine Cars, until striking out on his own in 1977 when he opened Sample’s Auto Sales. Eventually, Larry went back to work for Opie’s Fine Cars as a salesman and lastly as their finance manager. Larry touched many lives with his loving nature, his smile, his generosity and his kindness. He was well known in the community and was equally respected and beloved. There was not a person that Larry met that he could not charm. He also had a fantastic sense of humor and was quick to laugh. In his 30s, Larry was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis but never let the disease get the best of him. He kept a positive attitude and is a shining example how to handle difficult times. Regardless of how Larry felt with his disease, he worked 6 days a week for many years prior to retirement from Opies’ at the age of 65. Larry passed on his strong work ethic to his five children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ron.

Wanda Gail Sample (Faulk) was born to Calvin Faulk and Edna Modell Faulk (Canaday) on March 9, 1945. She was born in Chatham, Louisiana. At the age of three her family moved to Crannell. Wanda attend Trinidad School, then Arcata and McKinleyville High. She was in the first graduating class at McKinleyville High in 1963. When Wanda was five years old, she met Carol (Holt) Kolling and Donna (Bratton) Denman and they remained lifelong best friends throughout the years. At the age of 24, she donated one of her kidneys to her brother, Jerry Faulk. This procedure was new at the time and was done in Denver. Although her brother only lived for a few weeks after the procedure, she did not regret her decision. Wanda was a giving, caring, loving, and loyal individual. She consciously chose to live her life through her generous acts of kindness as shown with her brother. Wanda worked at Bims when she and Larry starting dating. However, Wanda mostly enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom and wife to Larry. Wanda was a driving force behind her High School and her Crannell School reunions and diligently worked on them. Wanda opened her heart and home to many people over the years and would literally give you the shirt off of her back. She was quick to lend a helping to those in need and offered her kindness and support to many in her life. Wanda also collected Fire and Light recycled glass and shared them with her family and friends. Wanda was also very feisty, something that would serve both herself and Larry well especially during Larry’s battle with Arthritis. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Jerry and Cal.

Larry and Wanda got married on June 24, 1978. They enjoyed doing everything together. Their hobbies evolved over the years based on their families’ activities combined with their own health needs. Probably their most favorite pastime was going to see their children, grandchildren and their nieces and nephews play sports. Larry and Wanda also loved celebrating the holidays with their families. They created the most memorable Christmas mornings for their children and grandchildren. These memories are still deeply cherished by all today. One hobby that they loved doing together was “playing slots” at the casinos. They typically went to the local casino in Trinidad but would also map out many casinos when they traveled. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, Larry and Wanda became involved in the collecting and selling sports cards which led to many weekends traveling to card shows. After slowing down with the sports cards, they started collecting rocks and gemstones (agates), which again, led to many vacations traveling around the western states in search of the perfect gem . Larry and Wanda’s next hobby became going to country and music concerts. They traveled all over the US to see concerts and made many friends (online) along the way. Their new friends also attended these concerts and occasionally would take Larry and Wanda backstage to meet the artists. Painting pictures was also another favorite pastime of Larry and Wanda. Wanda lovingly painted many greeting cards for others on special occasions. They generously shared all of these paintings with their loved ones. Finally, in recent years they were known as the “yard sale couple” which created their love for “ebaying” newfound treasures. Most importantly, Larry and Wanda were very caring people helping many in need and never gave up on anyone.

Larry and Wanda were survived by their children: Jeri Paup (Wes), Rick Sample (Lynda), Jamie Schneider (Bob), Renee Petit (Charlie) and Jeremy Duncan (Glynne): their grandchildren, Heather, Stacey, Blake, Drew, Erin, Macie, Josh, Izzy, Melissa and Lily: Larry’s brother Mel, Wanda’s brother Delbert and Wanda’s sister Gwen: there were also great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their beloved dog, Roxie. They had a few special people in their lives: Dorothy Howard, Evone Garrett, Raelene Olsen and Debbie Anderson.

Due to Covid-19, the family is postponing the services until after the first of the year and are planning on it being open to immediate family only.

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PREVIOUSLY

• Supes Call Special Meeting, Say County at ‘Serious Risk of Losing Millions’; Auditor-Controller Says She’s Being Asked to Cut Corners
• County Department Heads and Local Agency Leaders Voice Frustration, Concern With Auditor-Controller
  
• In Ongoing Conflict With Its Own Auditor-Controller, County Opens Investigation, Looks to Outsource Some Fiscal Oversight Duties; A-C Asks to Retain Outside Counsel
• ‘Nobody is Outsourcing the Auditor’: County Administrative Office Responds to Claims By and About Paz Dominguez
• TODAY in SUPES: COVID Spreading ‘Rapidly,’ Health Officer Warns; Accounting Firm Hired to Help ‘Press the Reset Button’ on Recent Upheaval
  
• TODAY in SUPES: In Fennell’s Final Meeting, Board Narrowly Agrees to Support Caltrans’ Richardson Grove Project

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The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday directed staff to hire an outside attorney to represent Auditor-Controller Karen Paz Dominguez during an internal investigation into the county’s fiscal management operations. However, that attorney likely won’t be the one Paz Dominguez specifically requested: namely, former Eureka City Attorney Cyndy Day-Wilson. 

Instead, the board voted 4-1, with Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone dissenting, to have County Counsel Jefferson Billingsley make the hire. Amelia Burroughs, an attorney from the Eureka-based firm Janssen Malloy, has been identified as the top choice, but if she’s unavailable Billingsley has the go-ahead to choose someone else.

The hearing began with Fourth District Supervisor Virginia Bass, who’s now serving as board chair, inviting Paz Dominguez to explain why she wants Day-Wilson to represent her.

In a lengthy prepared statement, the auditor-controller offered a wide-ranging justification, relaying her perspective on various twists and turns in the months-long conflict between her office and other county departments.

Over the course of her statement, Paz Dominguez leveled a number of serious accusations at staff and the supervisors. Appearing via Zoom, she argued that the County Administrative Office and Human Resources Department lack the authority to investigate her independently elected office. She also said that she has been singled out, presumed guilty and publicly shamed in an attempt to discredit her. And she accused Billingsley of lying to the court — a charge he vehemently denied. 

Paz Dominguez said that when she learned that an investigation had been launched into the county’s financial management practices, including those of her own office, she responded with a series of questions for both Billingsley and Human Resources Director Linda Le — questions that weren’t answered to her satisfaction. 

More than once during her comments, Bass interjected, asking Paz Dominguez to “fast forward” and “get to the gist.”

But the Auditor-Controller said the entirety of her statement was relevant and important. She brought up a lawsuit filed in federal court more than two years ago by an anonymous plaintiff. The suit, which concerned FAA regulations, accused the Public Works Department of diverting revenue from the Aviation Department and alleged that there were attempts cover up findings from an outside consultant. 

“Yet I am the one summoned for a special meeting,” Paz Dominguez said.

Regarding the lawsuit she brought up, Deputy County Administrative Officer Sean Quincey told the Outpost, “The Aviation Department is working through an FAA land use inspection report that deals with this issue. In Oct. 2019, the Courts granted to stay any action on the litigation until Dec. 31, 2020 while Aviation works through the FAA’s recommended actions. On Dec. 23, the Court extended the stay until June 30, 2021.”

Continuing her statement, Paz Dominguez said the current investigation is clearly “tainted,” and her office won’t participate without adequate representation. Her choice, she reiterated, is Day-Wilson. She went on to ask why the County Administrative Office hasn’t been investigated for the fraud alleged in the lawsuit, why Sheriff William Honsal hasn’t been investigated for his alleged failure to enforce COVID regulations and why Supervisor Rex Bohn wasn’t investigated for the racist joke he told in 2019.

After close to 20 minutes, Bass cut her off, saying the conversation had gotten off track. 

County Administrative Officer Amy Nilsen said the allegations of fraud and corruption were all untrue, and Bohn expressed annoyance at the various accusations before quickly making a motion to adopt the staff recommendation and move toward hiring Burroughs to represent Paz Dominguez at a reduced rate of $195 per hour. However, no fellow supervisor chimed in with a second to his motion.

What commenced was a messy and often contentious deliberation with both sides questioning the intentions and rights of the other. Bass wondered aloud whether Paz Dominguez had effectively threatened litigation when she said that if the board didn’t agree to appoint Day-Wilson, she’d pursue an alternate route to hire her. 

Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson agreed that the comment seemed to amount to a threat of litigation, though Paz Dominguez insisted it was not.

Wilson responded that the matter is already the subject of legal proceedings before a judge. “If it’s not a threat of litigation, I don’t know what it is,” he said.

“I’m seeing now that we’re all interpreting litigation a little differently,” Paz Dominguez said. She explained that her idea was to resort to something “more procedural” than litigious. 

“If it goes to a judge, it’s litigation,” Wilson said. 

Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell, appearing in her first meeting since winning election, asked Paz Dominguez to explain why she’s opposed to Burroughs as an attorney, and Bass asked whether Paz Dominguez would be willing to accept anyone besides Day-Wilson.

“I believe I am entitled to effective representation,” the auditor-controller responded. “I have found I can receive that best from attorney Cyndy Day-Wilson.”

At one point, Supervisor Wilson expressed concern, based on letters already receive from Day-Wilson, that the scope of her representation would “creep” into matters unrelated to the investigation at hand. Bass also voiced hesitancy to hire Day-Wilson, saying, “That particular counsel has become proficient at suing public agencies.”

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone attempted to change the tenor of the meeting, saying the situation appears to be sinking further into conflict each week because people are operating from a place of fear. “Frankly, I wish we could just forget about all these lawyers and just cooperate … ,” he said. “I don’t want to continue doubling down on conflict. I would very much like if we could lower our guard here.”

However, he also said that if Paz Dominguez wants to hire Day-Wilson she should be free to do so — as long as she pays the bills herself.

Madrone speculated that the investigation will arrive at fairly benign conclusions — probably that staff is working hard but that Paz Dominguez’s justified demands for more documentation of expenditures has “been a rough change for everybody.”

Bohn renewed his motion to go with staff recommendation with the understanding that if Burroughs doesn’t take the gig, Billingsley can find someone else. Wilson seconded the motion.

At one point in the discussion, Madrone asked the motion-maker (Bohn) if he’d consider directing staff to hire Day-Wilson at the rate of $195 an hour, which is significantly less than the $400 per hour she’s been charging thus far. 

“The only reason I can see for not doing that is fear that [Paz Dominguez] will come at us for other reasons,” Madrone said. “I don’t want to operate from that place of fear.”

Chuckling, Bohn said he’s not afraid of anything; he just wants to get this situation moving forward. And as for decreasing conflict, he said, “Nothing creates conflict more than not paying a bill.”

Wilson said he agrees with Madrone’s call for everyone to “lay down our guns and move forward,” and while he agrees that ideally everyone should be allowed to pick their own attorney, “When the public’s paying for it, sometimes we don’t get that choice, necessarily.”

Eventually, the board arrived at its final version of a motion. The County Counsel’s Office will select an outside attorney to represent Paz Dominguez. Billingsley noted that the board has made clear in previous meetings that it would prefer not to hire Day-Wilson, so if Burroughs proves unavailable or unwilling to take the case, he’ll search for someone else altogether.