Issuu

SERVING DEL NORTE COUNTY SINCE 1879 Crescent City, CA

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025

www.triplicate.com

Update on the Center for the Performing Arts band, choir, dance, and theater students—it will be a multi-purpose Civic Center offering vital resources for the entire community. As one of the few large facilities in Crescent City outside the tsunami zone, it will play a critical role during emergencies, serving as a gathering place and providing access to essential resources like food services, transportation, and communication hubs. Beyond emergencies, the Center will host graduations, town hall meetings, scholarship awards, and performances by local and touring artists. With this facility, our community can enjoy events that were once unavailable. This project is made possible through the collaborative efforts of PPA, the Del Norte Uniﬁed Please see ARTS UPDATE Page 4

SUBMITTED BY NICK RAIL, FOUNDER, CHAIR, PRESIDENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. We’ve made tremendous progress over the past year on the flagship Performing Arts Center project, spearheaded by the local nonprofit Partnership for the Performing Arts (PPA). This transformative facility, designed to seat 800, will be situated on the Del Norte High School campus, strategically located near the band room and west of the track and football field. Built on the unceded land of the Tolowa deeni’, it promises to be a long-overdue cultural and civic hub for everyone. A Facility for All The Performing Arts Center will be more than a venue for

Board sends a second supervisor to Philadelphia BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

While Deputies languish in some of the lowest wages in all 58 counties and SEIU workers toil at near minimum wage positions, the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to send an alternate, 2nd District Supervisor Valerie Starkey to Philadelphia, this Summer for the National Association of Counties (NACO) Annual Conference. Starkey joins 3rd District Supervisor Chris Howard on the junket. Though no costs were listed in the prepared Board Report, the impact on an already beleaguered budget is estimated to be approximately $8,000 between both supervisors in airfare, hotels, meals and registration fees. Please see TO PHILLY Page 4

Teen Court Established in Del Norte BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Photo credit DNSD

Drug paraphernalia apprehended

Sheriff Makes Big Meth Bust BY ROGER GITLIN Country Media, Inc.

Del Norte County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted an investigative trafﬁc stop on the 2000 block of Old Mill Rd. Deputies contacted the driver John Southard, 47, Ft. Dick. While deputies were speaking with Southard, one deputy observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. A search was conducted and Southard was found to be in possession of 4.7 grams of Methamphetamine, 1.3 grams of cocaine, a scale and several baggies consistent with narcotics sales. Southard was arrested for criminal violation of Health Code 11378 and 11379. After review of Southard’s criminal history, he was found to have more than two prior convictions for possession of narcotics, Southard was booked on HS 11395(b). Suspect Southard was released from Sheriff custody 72 hours later. The case has been referred to the District Attorney who pledges full prosecution under Proposition 36 guidelines. Sheriff Garrett Scott praised the work of deputies as the Department continues to build stafﬁng levels. “The arrest is one of many we’ve done lately and helps to show residents of our County that we strive to protect and provide safety, to all residents,” said the Sheriff.

INDEX

Phone Number: 707-460-6727

Opinion

The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission (JJDPC) has announced the formation and operations for the John Wilson Teen Court of Del Norte. Commission Chairman Paul Dilliard announced the Teen Court was named in honor of near-two decade JJDCP member John Wilson, who dedicated his professional life in helping youth at risk. With complete buy-in from Crescent City Police, the Del Norte Sheriff, Superior Court, Public and Behavioral Health Branches, Probation, District Attorney and Del Norte Uniﬁed School District, the Teen Court will put into practice Restorative Justice in helping troubled youth navigate a successful route avoiding crime and entering into the adult side of criminal justice. Teens must enter a mentoring program for several weeks in a once-only opportunity to successfully complete the program. Youth must acknowledge culpability components of the crime committed as part of the program. When completed, the offense to which the minor has been charged the crime, will be expunged. Failure to complete the program will refer the youth to the Court. All youth will have a Teen member from Del Norte High along with an adult mentorship, working as a team to redirect the youth in a positive manner. All matters appearing before

Courtesy logo

John Wilson Teen Court the Teen Court are conﬁdential and adhere to the California State Standards for youth judicial accountability. “The hope and goal of Teen Court will be to direct referrals by partner agencies and Probation and will streamline the workload for all. An added beneﬁt is that Teen Court can refer individuals to self-help programs that are being developed now at Probation,” said Dilliard. Drawing upon some 1500 national Teen Court models, volunteer jury opportunities and additional partners will be sought. The JJDPC followed Humboldt County’s restorative justice program. Please contact teencourtdelnorte@gmail.com The Commission expressed its gratitude and appreciation for the partners’ avid support and input from local heads and delegates in developing this restorative justice program. Special thanks are proffered to David Dornaus who brought the Teen Court concept to the Commission’s attention and to Denise Doyle-Schnacker for coordinating its development. The program begins immediately.

• Address: 445 Elk Valley Road, Crescent City, CA 95531 • Email: Circulation@CountryMedia.net

Community Calendar Crossword Puzzle Classifieds

Crossword Answers