A copy of the following letter, signed by Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes and addressed to Humboldt County Board of Supervisors Chair Rex Bohn, was forwarded to local media this afternoon:

Dear Chair Bohn,

It is my understanding that Terra-Gen will appeal the decision of the Humboldt County Planning Commission regarding their wind project proposal. This appeal would be heard by your Board.

As you may have heard, during the three days of Planning Commission meetings related to the project, there were overflow crowds that exceeded the capacity of the Board Chambers and your small conference room. This crowd overflowed into the hallway, competing for space with your security team. Elderly and disabled participants who were both supporters and opponents of this project were denied entry for safety considerations. They were instead forced to stand for hours on end and listen to a small, dated speaker suspended from the ceiling.

At one point, the crowd, which was composed of supporters and opponents of the project, chanted in unison “Let us in! Let us in!”

I know you can do better! The City of Rio Dell is officially requesting a venue change to a facility that can handle a substantially larger crowd. Furthermore, we are requesting that you hold this meeting here in either Rio Dell or Scotia. I offer my assistance in helping to secure an appropriate venue.

Sincerely,

Debra Garnes, Mayor

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• In a Wild Meeting, the Planning Commission First Deadlocks, Then Denies the Humboldt Wind Energy Project