TRP131

Page 1

Big winners Del Norte Chamber honors top businesses, individuals.

More on this, Page 12

SERVING DEL NORTE COUNTY SINCE 1879 Crescent City, CA

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2024

www.triplicate.com

Murder suspect enters not guilty pleas Vexing several felony and misdemeanor drug and health code violations. Rickner’s case readiness hearing was held January 24 in front of Judge Robert Cochran. A preliminary hearing was set for Thursday, January 25, in front of Judge Darren McElfresh in Department 2. The suspect was charged with the December 29 shooting death of his mother, Phyllis Rickner.

BY ROGER GITLIN The Triplicate

Matthew Earl Rickner, 29, is a suspect in the murder of his mother Phyllis Jean Rickner, 68. Last week, Rickner entered pleas of not guilty to the murder charge and denied special allegations which would enhance sentencing guidelines. He also entered not guilty pleas for

The younger Rickner fled the scene of the Humboldt Street family home, shortly before midnight. The California Highway Patrol assisted on the apprehension and arrest of Rickner. Rickner is represented by Public Defender Karen Olson. The people are represented by District Attorney Katie Micks and Assistant DA Todd Zocchi.

challenges beset jetty access BY ROGER GITLIN The Triplicate

Top photo courtesy of Doug Westfall; bottom photo contributed

A landslide under Pebble Beach Drive has put a portion of the road at risk with no easy answer in sight. Bottom, City Manager Eric Weir explained to the council what could be done to fix the road.

No easy answers for Pebble Beach Drive BY ROGER GITLIN The Triplicate

Living on the magnificent Pacific can have its challenges, that’s for certain. Crescent City Manager Eric Wier declared “…it was a wet and wild weekend,” as he addressed the City Council last Tuesday for an update on the crumbling cliffs along iconic Pebble Beach Drive. In the interest of public safety, the city barricaded Pebble Beach Drive between 7th and 8th streets. The road will remain closed until further notice. Wier told councilors the collapsed bluff will require full buffeted support along the length of the bluff from the road down to the coastline, and deep into the earth. The slide covered a width

The city re-opened discussion on access to the Crescent City Jetty. Chief of Police Richard Griffin and Public Works Director David Yeager presented the current status of jetty safety for those who choose to walk out onto the harbor-protecting barrier, to fish, ride their bikes or walk their pets. The chief advised councilors the city’s responsibility is to respond and locate individuals who are either in the water or stranded atop the jetty. He referred to county search and rescue as the primary source of assistance in effectuating emergency life saving services. Griffin reminded the council the jetty is owned and maintained by the United States Corps of Army Engineers and the city has no jurisdiction to enforce a trespassing ordinance. Griffin stated most of jetty access problems come from non-locals and advised additional education, more visible signage and possible fine penalties as possible deterrents. Griffin underscored it is not illegal to access the jetty. USAC would have to grant approval to issues fines or enforce trespassing ordinance. Yeager underscored the public safety aspects of jetty access. Resistance to accessing the jetty was palpable. Public speakers and Zoom caller reactions were mixed. Some expressed opposition to a proposed ordinance. A Zoom caller shared a complete trespass ordinance would be unfair. He stated that most people act responsibly in accessing the jetty and a complete ban would punish those who enjoy the jetty and should not be punished by what the caller referred to as government overreach. The ensuing discussion on jetty access will continue later this month.

Please see ANSWERS, Page 4

Del Norte wrestlers poised for postseason run BY RAY HAMILL For The Triplicate

The Del Norte Warriors have been a force in H-DNL wrestling for several years now and that doesn’t look like ending any time soon. As they enjoy another dominating winter on the mats, the Del Norte boys are favorites to repeat as league champions at the upcoming H-DNL championships, which will be held at Eureka High School on Feb. 10. This year’s team, however, is hoping to be remembered for something else. For the past four seasons, the Del Norte boys have placed second in the North Coast Section Dual Meet Championships — finishing runners-up to Ukiah all four times — and this year

Contributed photo

Please see WRESTLING, Page 9

Chulhs Bates (second from right) receives his sixth-place medal at the recent Tim Brown tournament in Sacramento.

INDEX

Phone Number: 707-460-6727

Opinion

2

Community Calendar Crossword Answers

Crossword Puzzle

Latest news can be found online at:

We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Send us your news, photos, and videos and let us know what's going on!

4

Classifieds

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

5 8 9

TriplicateNews1@CountryMedia.net

@TheTriplicate

www.Triplicate.com

$1.50


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
TRP131 by C.M.I. - Issuu