Column 244 - July 5, 2025
Independence Day, Lack of Trust in County Officials, Supervisor Pati Nolen, Gordy Ohliger
Did you all have a safe and happy Independence Day? I am on my annual “workation” in Mt. Shasta for their biggest event of the year, the 4th of July Celebration Thursday through Sunday. The population of the town doubles and there are activities all weekend in the cool mountain temperatures.
I hope you had a fun 4th, preferably without losing any fingers to “safe and sane” fireworks. Red Bluff resident Lois Rogan spoke at the Board of Supervisors meeting last week about the dubious wisdom of fireworks in July in this extremely fire prone area. Valid point, but good luck stopping that anytime soon. Everybody loves fireworks except every single dog in the world. That says a lot.
Speaking of saying a lot, I must once again applaud Pastor Scott Camp for his Public Comments during this Tuesday’s BOS meeting. He expanded on last week’s theme of Integrity, then made it clear that the People lack trust in our elected supervisors. Speaking on behalf of the Public, he said, “We sense that the truth is not being told and I want you to grasp that the majority of the people standing here are NOT saying ‘We trust you.’” He went on in the same vein for his allotted three minutes and finished to loud applause from the audience.
When the good pastor was done, there was a line of speakers and callers who mostly said the same thing in various ways using different examples. There is a young woman, (compared with the rest of us “seasoned” supies,) who has been fearlessly speaking at meetings since October. Her name is Jessica Clark and she was nervous at first, like most people who have not been performing for much larger audiences for decades. But she got up and spoke her truth and keeps coming back, getting more polished with every appearance. She does her homework, speaks well, and asks relevant and tough questions. It’s heartening to see younger people who care enough about the community to take the time to pay attention. Thank you, Jessica, and everyone else who attends in person, remotely, or watches later.
There is a vast divide in perception between those who attend or watch and those who don’t. We all want to believe that our county officials are honest and always do what’s right for us, but they are human. They have loyalties, emotions, friendships, and motives we know nothing about - although we do make pretty good guesses. It’s easy to believe something bad about someone you don’t like, and easy to excuse someone you like from their wrongdoings. And when people cover up for friends who do something wrong, it can snowball until it’s completely out of control. Like now.
The Grand Jury Report came out last week, but it’s already old news, because it was followed this week by three separate accusations rendered by the Grand Jury in a complaint against Supervisor Pati Nolen. The report and this “quasi-judicial” indictment has further divided this already splintered community.
If you’re a regular reader of this column, you know where I stand. The Tumblergate charge is fabricated, and the DA (who advises the Grand Jury - let that sink in) made a huge error by issuing a press release a month ago that contradicted the known, official timeline. Oopsie. Then the stories started changing, the latest being that grown adults thought Nolen’s cup was a recording device. Hilarious. Maybe that’s why someone filled it with alcohol? To short circuit the mic? Whatevs. More popcorn, please.
I have seen no evidence relating to the other two charges and have not formed an opinion. So, instead of escalating that stuff here in this column, I’m going to share something my friend Gordy Ohliger wrote. Gordy is an internationally acclaimed Banjo-ologist, artist, writer, and really funny guy.
Enloe Hospital recently hung a photograph portrait of Gordy and asked him to write a few words. Here they are.
“Ten years ago I contracted Lyme disease, wherein one-half inch of my spine was eaten, and I was partially paralyzed for nine months. I lost control of my hands and feet. As in the old saying; "The great lake dries at the edges."
Besides the medical staff, I am in awe of so many people who have come forward to help me; diminutive Chinese ladies carry my suitcase, street-punks and businessmen open doors for me. I am humbled by the kindness of others.
How has it changed me? Since my nervous system has been severely damaged, I need to be peaceful—not in crowds, nor bright lights and noise. I need to be good to myself.
I have accepted my awkwardness, of frequently tripping, and falling. Also, I know now that I am more than my body. I have left both of my careers behind to become a writer and performing storyteller, which is very satisfying.
I am succeeding only by accepting. I had my time, I have been immensely blessed in achieving my goals. Fading in my colors is the way of all life. This is my time to diminish. I know I am not to be here forever.
I acknowledge my sadness of loss, but do not want to live out my remaining days depressed, sad, or wearing people out. Though I can barely stand or control my hands, I can expand beyond myself; I can be kind. I can deeply listen while others talk, be an aspect of creation that cares. By being kind, it is a tone which benefits all beings, plants, dogs, birds—and myself also.
In the photo, I am in the ancient mudra: one hand is strength/power—the yang. It is enveloped in the yin of delicate softness. A nurturing acceptance. In such a way, we can re-member we are of these aspects as we sit quietly under a racing mind.”
Thanks, Gordy. Let’s try to quiet our racing minds while we wait for the Sheriff’s investigation to wrap up. Ommmmm…