In a step toward building the first massive wind farms off California’s coast, three Assembly members today proposed a $1 billion bond act to help pay for the expansion of ports.

The bill, if approved, would place a bond before voters aimed at helping ports build capacity to assemble, construct and transport wind turbines and other large equipment. Long Beach and Humboldt County have plans to build such expansion projects.

Port expansion is considered critical to the viability of offshore wind projects, which are a key component of the state’s ambitious goal to switch to 100% clean energy. The California Energy Commission projects that offshore wind farms will supply 25 gigawatts of electricity by 2045, powering 25 million homes and providing about 13% of the power supply.

The first step to building these giant floating platforms has already been taken: The federal government has leased 583 square miles of ocean waters about 20 miles off Humboldt Bay and the Central Coast’s Morro Bay to five energy companies. The proposed wind farms would hold hundreds of giant turbines, each as tall as a skyscraper, about 900 feet high. The technology for floating wind farms has never been used in such deep waters, far off the coast.

An extensive network of offshore and onshore development would be necessary. Costly upgrades to ports will be critical, along with undersea transmission lines, new electrical distribution networks and more.

The Port of Long Beach, for instance, is planning a $4.7 billion, 400-acre offshore wind turbine assembly terminal. It is the only port in California close to being able to handle this, according to previous CalMatters reporting.

In Humboldt County, some federal grants have been awarded to develop the port for wind farms. The federal Department of Transportation last month awarded the Humboldt Bay harbor district $426.7 million to build a new marine terminal where turbines can be assembled and transported.

The proposed bond measure was announced today by Rick Chavez Zbur, a Democrat from Los Angeles, as well as other members of the Assembly. Jim Wood, a Democrat from Ukiah, and Josh Lowenthal, a Democrat from Long Beach, are coauthors.

Two separate climate bond bills also aim to pay for climate-related projects, such as shoring up vulnerable communities and wildfire prevention efforts. Each house has passed its own version of a bond. Negotiations over whether they will appear on the November ballot remain open. The debate over adding debt comes as California faces a projected $38 billion deficit, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s estimate last month.

Zbur, the lead author of the offshore wind bond bill, said at a press conference today that he is in talks with legislators who authored the climate bonds about earmarking funds for offshore wind in lieu of moving ahead with his proposed bond measure.

“We are engaged with discussions with them on that, and that would be another alternative to moving forward,” Zbur said. “Our goal today is really to make sure that this $1 billion is included in the range of bonds.”

CalMatters has reported that offshore wind has raised many issues for California since it is experimental technology on a fast track off Humboldt County and Morro Bay. Humboldt officials hope the projects would boost their struggling economy, while some Central Coast residents are fighting the wind farms because they say it would industrialize their coastline.

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

Caltrans release:

Heads up, Fernbridge travelers: Route 211 at Fernbridge is scheduled to close for 40 hours from 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, to noon Sunday, Feb. 25. This plan is weather-dependent.

Contractors will install a concrete slab and expansion joint on the Ferndale side of the bridge. This work requires a full closure in the interest of worker safety due to the narrowness of the bridge. The closure will also reduce working hours on the structure, and if all goes according to plan, weekday commutes should not be impacted. Travelers are encouraged to make plans accordingly.

A new Assembly bill introduced Wednesday would require all California schools to teach students to read using the “science of reading,” a phonics-based approach that research shows is a more effective way to teach literacy.

The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, a Democrat from Baldwin Park, is backed by Marshall Tuck, who ran for California superintendent of public instruction in 2018. Tuck, formerly head of a charter school network, is now the chief executive officer of EdVoice, an education policy organization.

Many schools in California have already transitioned to the science of reading approach, but some are still using a method known as balanced literacy or whole language, which emphasizes sight recognition of words in addition to phonics. The battle over the best way to teach children to read has been heated, because the stakes are so high: strong literacy skills are linked to higher graduation rates, better employment opportunities, the chances of being incarcerated and the state’s overall economy.

Although research is clear that phonics is a more effective approach to literacy, the so-called “reading wars” are far from over. Advocates for English learners have sometimes been reluctant to embrace phonics — which focuses on sounding out words, rather than sight memorization — because it may not take into account English learners’ unique language needs and skills. For example, they might need more help with comprehension and spoken English, rather than phonics.

Martha Hernandez, executive director of Californians Together, an English learner advocacy group, had no immediate comment on the bill because she hadn’t seen it yet.

Teachers unions also have a history of opposing legislation that requires specific teaching methods, particularly related to literacy. Teachers, they have argued, should have the freedom to use whatever approaches work best with their students. The California Teachers Association, the state’s largest teachers union, did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

The bill would include training for teachers and those in teacher preparation programs, as well as special attention to English learners.

The bill is necessary, advocates said, because of California’s dismal literacy rate. Only 43% of California third graders were reading at grade level last year, according to the most recent Smarter Balanced test results. Low-income students and Black and Latino students had particularly low scores.

Even after the state invested billions in helping students rebound from remote learning, English language arts scores dropped slightly last year. Prior to the pandemic, just over half of California students were at grade level for English language arts.

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

A new state office charged with controlling the rising cost of health care in California is moving toward one of the most aggressive goals in the nation, aiming to cap cost increases to 3% a year.

You might not notice right away if the Office of Health Care Affordability commits to the tentative goal it released last month and takes steps to enforce it. But, over time, experts say the cap on price increases could make a difference in how much Californians pay for health care.

“A 3.0% target places California on the path of a more sustainable, affordable, and equitable health care system, slowing the trajectory of growth and improving affordability for all,” the office wrote in its recommendation.

The agency’s announcement immediately drew criticism from health care industry representatives who called it “unrealistic” and “arbitrary.” They contend it could harm patients by reducing access to care if health providers watching their spending end up reducing services.

Meanwhile, consumer advocates and health economists characterized it as a good first step in the state’s effort to control costs.

Gov. Gavin Newsom established the office through a provision in the 2022 state budget. Its job is to collect health expenditure data from providers and insurers, analyze it and set limits on spending for the industry.

Eight other states have cost benchmarks. At 3%, California’s would be one of the more stringent caps — third only to Connecticut and Nevada.

California’s proposed target would allow health care prices and spending to increase, but at a slower rate than in recent years. Between 2015 and 2020, per capita health spending grew each year an average of 5.2%, outpacing wages, according to the Office of Health Care Affordability.

Health spending in California reached $405 billion in 2020 — that’s $10,299 per person, according to federal data. This includes what private insurers, public programs and individuals pay for direct services and goods, such as hospital and physician care, prescription drugs and medical devices. It does not include the administrative costs of insurance or public health funding.

The office plans to roll out one statewide cap but may eventually create regional and sector-specific targets. Officials said they came up with the 3% figure because that is how much the annual median household income has changed on average over the last 20 years.

“Most importantly, tying to historical median household income growth signals that health care spending should not grow faster than the income of California families,” Vishaal Pegany, deputy director of the Office of Health Care Affordability, said during the most recent board meeting.

Providers and entities that fail to meet the proposed benchmark could have to make improvements or face financial penalties. They would not be punished in the program’s first year.

The state’s health care affordability board is scheduled to continue discussions this month and has until June 1 to approve a cost target that would go into effect in 2025 and last through 2029.

No instant savings on health care costs

Many Californians are struggling with health care costs. Four in 10 Californians have medical debt, according to the California Health Care Foundation.

Data show that people are spending more of their income on health care. A recently published study by the UC Berkeley Labor Center found that costs like deductibles are becoming more common. In 2002, 33% of private sector workers enrolled in coverage through their job had a deductible. By 2022, 77% of workers did.

The size of those deductibles has grown exponentially. Between 2002 and 2022, deductibles for a single person plan grew 380%, or an average of 8.7% every year, researchers found. Deductibles for family plans grew 332%, or 7.8% annually.

Consumers will probably not feel a difference immediately because the state’s plan is to slow the growth of health spending and not necessarily reduce it.

But over time, it could make a difference. Glenn Melnick, a health economist at the University of Southern California, gives this example: “If I have to pay 25% of my (health insurance) premium, let’s say I get it from work, if my premium goes up more slowly, my contribution will be less.”

“What if this target had been in place for the last 10 years?” he said.

California providers criticize cap

Representatives for hospitals and doctors caution that basing the spending cap solely on household income rather than taking into account what it costs them to provide care could result in less access and poorer quality of care for patients.

They argue the proposed cap doesn’t take into account things providers have no control over, such as general inflation, rising pharmaceutical costs and natural increases in spending driven by the state’s aging population.

“[The office’s] proposed target entirely ignores the drivers of health care spending. In doing so, it would force health care providers to significantly cut back on the care they provide or face penalties,” wrote Ben Johnson, vice president of policy at the California Hospital Association, in a letter to the board.

Some industry representatives noted specific access issues, such as narrow provider networks and long wait times, are already a top concern for the public. “A 3% target put in place for five years seems likely to result in wait times increasing,” Janice Rocco, chief of staff at the California Medical Association, said during the board’s recent meeting.

Dr. Richard Pan, a Sacramento pediatrician and former state senator who sits on the health care affordability board, said that for the state’s plan to truly work, the office and board will have to nail down the methodology behind the spending target so that industry groups have confidence in it.

“We still have some time; these things need to be thought out,” Pan said. “Not everyone has to agree, but it has to be credible to the people that have to implement it.”

Melnick of USC said the industry’s argument that a cost-growth target would harm health access and quality is already an issue with today’s spending levels.

“A lot of people put off care because they can’t afford it,” he said. “That’s an access and quality impact.”

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Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

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

Richard Nelson Leamon was the first child born to Wilbur and Marguerite Leamon in Marion, Indiana on November 23, 1934. Although his father graduated from college to be a teacher, after one year of teaching, he decided to change his occupation and took a job in electronics for the Crosley Corporation in Ohio. Thus, Richard and his siblings, Carol and Charles, grew up in Deer Park, Ohio.

Richard became a Boy Scout and loved the outdoors. He often played in the woods and streams. He graduated from Deer Park High School when his father decided to take a different job at the Sandia Corporation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Richard entered the Air Force from there. Since he was raised in the peace abiding Friend’s Church, he trained to be a medic instead of going into a combatant field. He spent his four years of service in Laredo, Texas. While in the service, he began to take college courses at the local community college. After his discharge, he continued his college education at the University of New Mexico. He also became interested in Tennessee Walking Horses and oil painting.

Before finishing college, he decided to relocate to California’s Sacramento area. He took a job at Sutter General Hospital as an orderly where he met a nursing student named Sue Oldham. They married in 1963 and were married for 60 years. Sue was in her senior year of college so after she graduated, Richard started back to college. When Richard graduated from Sacramento State University and received his teaching credential, he took a job as an art teacher at Pomolita Middle School in Ukiah, California where he taught for many years. Later he obtained certification as a special education resource specialist.

Their first child, Heather, was born in Ukiah before they moved to nearby Potter Valley. Their son, Forrest, was born a couple of years later. They built a home on 15 acres where they raised fruit and berries as well as Tennessee Walking Horses. Besides teaching, Richard was involved in the Farmers Market, coaching Little League and soft ball, being art superintendent at the Ukiah Fair, showing horses, oil painting and many other activities.

Another child was added to the family when Richard & Sue adopted a 10 year old girl named Wai Yan from Hong Kong. They were able to travel to Hong Kong to bring her home in 1987.

After many years, Richard retired from teaching but took a job at a home improvement center where he worked for a few more years. When Sue retired, they decided to move to Fortuna, where Richard would be near the redwoods which he dearly loved to paint. He also became politically active in the Democratic Party. He could often be seen protesting campaign financing and advocating for health care for all. He served on the Democratic Central Committee, the Human Rights Committee of Humboldt County and the board of Humboldt State Redwoods Interpretive Association. The saddest event of his life was the death of his son Forrest in 2009.

Macular degeneration took most of his vision as he aged. He still enjoyed classical music, rides through the redwoods and eating donuts at Campton Heights Baptist Church. His close friends were Tim Ridder, Ralph Paulin and Dave Stockton. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 4, 2024 at the age of 89 years.

Richard is survived by his sister Carol Reynolds, his wife Sue, his daughters Heather Glaser (Ben) and Wai Yan, his daughter-in-law Ana, his five grandchildren: William (Antonia), Rayah, Alan, Andrew and Luke as well as three great-grandchildren Emberly, Kenzley and Kayden. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at the Campton Heights Baptist Church, 1655 Cecil Avenue, Fortuna on Saturday, February 24 at 10 a.m.

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

UPDATE: On Wednesday evening Judge Kreis posted the following statement via Instagram:

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Original post:

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In the midst of a re-election campaign, the California Commission on Judicial Performance has launched a formal investigation into the conduct of Humboldt County Superior Court Presiding Judge Gregory J. Kreis based on 19 counts of alleged misconduct. The allegations involve drug and alcohol use, inappropriate sexual behavior, prejudicial administration of justice and making false or misleading declarations in court proceedings.

The charges span nearly a decade, involving numerous cases both before and after Kreis was appointed to a judgeship in May 2017. 

Reached via email, Kreis referred us to his San Francisco-based attorney, James A. Murphy, who told the Outpost that the investigation stems from claims in a 2020 lawsuit brought by former Deputy Public Defender Rory Kalin. 

However, the accusations enumerated in the commission’s Notice of Formal Proceedings extend far beyond what was alleged in that case, in which Kalin sued Kreis, the County of Humboldt and employees in the county’s Public Defender’s Office over incidents that stemmed from an alcohol-fueled Memorial Day celebration on Shasta Lake in 2019, and subsequent professional behavior. (More on that below.)

In that suit, the charges against Humboldt County and the Public Defender’s Office employees were dismissed in December, and the case against Kreis was settled in January.

Murphy said in an email, “Judge Kreis looks forward to addressing the allegations in the Notice of Formal Proceedings as permitted by the Rules of the Commission on Judicial Performance. While this matter is pending, Judge Kreis will continue to discharge his judicial responsibilities as required by law and the Canons of Judicial Ethics.”

Below is a partial list of the allegations spelled out in the Notice of Formal Proceedings. Remember, none of these allegations have been proven:

• At the end of an evening of drinking and socializing with friends in November 2018, an inebriated Kreis slapped a male acquaintance’s buttocks and then told the man’s wife that he was about to do the same to her. “After [the wife] firmly told you not to touch her in that way, you told her that you were going to do it anyway, and then hugged her and grabbed or slapped her buttock(s) without her consent,” the allegations say. 
• At a 2015 party in the home of a female friend, Kreis went into the woman’s bedroom while she was sleeping, pulled down his pants and “had [his] penis out and near her face as [he] tried to awaken her,” according to one of the 19 counts.
• During a 2019 tour of historic Eureka homes, Kreis allegedly carried an alcoholic beverage into his vehicle and allowed his friends to do the same. “While you drove, you had a cup containing an alcoholic drink in one of your hands and steered with your other hand,” the document states.
• Kreis allegedly used cocaine for years prior to becoming a judge. In one case, the notice says, “you drove two attorneys to a house in Humboldt Hill for the purpose of purchasing cocaine. On the return trip, you used cocaine while driving.”
• In 2017, while Kreis was still an attorney, he was rude and sarcastic toward a deputy district attorney and, when she was out of earshot, called her a “bitch” or a “pretentious bitch,” the document states. 
• During a 2019 Memorial Day pontoon boat party on Shasta Lake, Kreis allegedly inhaled cannabis from a vape pen and belittled Rory Kalin, calling him “Jewboy,” suggesting he should be fired and then shoving him, fully clothed, into the water. Kreis also mimicked having sex with the wife of then-Assistant Public Defender Luke Brownfield, per the allegations. 
• Kreis is accused of violating the Code of Judicial Ethics by failing to disclose these events when Kalin appeared before him in a series of subsequent cases.
• Another accusation says Kreis managed to get a courtroom clerk fired for spreading rumors that he was having an extramarital affair with the court’s family law facilitator, even though those rumors were true. He later made false or misleading statements to the court’s then-presiding judge and court administrative officer, implying there was no such sexual relationship, the document says.
• When an attorney in the Conflict Counsel’s office told Kreis that she planned to file a motion to disqualify him, he allegedly threatened her with retaliation.
• Kreis failed to disclose his close personal friendship with David Nims, an attorney who appeared before him in a series of cases, and also failed to disclose the fact that Nims’ law partner, Patrick Griego, had represented him (Kreis) in the Kalin matter. Kreis was legally required to recuse himself in some cases but failed to do so, per the accusations.
• He also allegedly failed to disclose a close personal relationship with an attorney friend who he sometimes referred to as his second wife or his wife’s sister, and he went on to preside over more than a dozen cases at which the woman appeared.
• He failed to disclose his close friendship with Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo, who represented defendants in several cases in Kreis’s court.
• He failed to disclose a personal and professional relationship with a woman who appeared before him in conservatorship hearings.
• Kreis presided over proceedings for the dissolution of a marriage without disclosing that the woman in the case was a friend of his then-wife’s. In fact, the woman had attended a series of support group meetings for women with cancer that Kreis’s wife led, including at least two meetings in their own home. When the husband filed a motion to disqualify Kreis and later appealed Kreis’s ruling to give the woman sole legal custody of their daughter, Kreis provided statements that were “false, or with a reckless disregard for the truth.”
• Kreis violated due process in a custody dispute by awarding the mother full custody of a child based on an unreported conversation with the mom, and then failed to give the dad a chance to present evidence. When the father later challenged the ruling, Kreis “falsely declared that [he] had given the father ‘every opportunity to provide testimony and evidence in this matter …. ,’” the charges allege.
• In another child custody case, Kreis allegedly abused his authority and disregarded a father’s fundamental rights through prejudicial rulings, and over the course of the case Kreis lost his temper, ridiculed the man, issued a ruling “out of pique” and abused his authority by threatening to report the man’s attorney to the State Bar without any valid basis to do so.

The Commission on Judicial Performance is composed of six public members, three judges and two lawyers. As part of their inquiry, a hearing will be conducted at which the parties can introduce evidence and examine and cross-examine witnesses.

Any charges that aren’t proven during the hearing will be dismissed. But if the commission decides that the charges have been proven by “clear and convincing evidence,” it can publicly admonish Kreis, privately discipline him or even remove him from the bench. 

Judge Kreis’s answer to the Notice is due February 22. He is running for re-election in the March 5 Primary against attorney April Van Dyke.

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DOCUMENT: Inquiry Concerning Judge Gregory J. Kreis – Notice of Formal Proceedings

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PREVIOUSLY:

• Lawsuit Accuses Humboldt County Judge of Drunkenly Attacking an Attorney, Throwing Him Off a Boat, and Says County Employees Tried to Cover It Up
• Through Attorney, Judge Denies Assaulting Deputy Public Defender at Lake Shasta Celebration
• TODAY in COURT: Date Set for Attorney’s Suit Against Judge for Alleged Abuse
• BREAKING: At Re-election Campaign Launch, Judge Kreis Says Lawsuit Against Him Has Been Settled
• Judge Dismisses Rory Kalin’s Lawsuit Against Humboldt County, Public Defender’s Office Employees