Discussion | 114 comments

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• barf2010February 21, 2012 - 6:58 pm

  Mr. Churches, why don't you pay off some bribe money to the important people mentioned in the article and get back to digging dirt. I thought that was how local politics in PV was supposed to work. Just joking, of course.

• RickFebruary 21, 2012 - 11:33 pm

  Lots of laughs ! You don't know how many times I've heard that one.

• RickFebruary 21, 2012 - 11:44 pm

  Let's not forget Clint may have checked a box. But the county never had a mine closure hearing to close the mine. The county never completed the mine closure. So by law the mine has never been closed ! Open mines = Jobs Jobs Jobs Jack = ????

• Mindy FineFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:35 am

  Jobs, jobs, jobs? Just how many people are employed at the mine, anyway?

• RickFebruary 23, 2012 - 3:44 am

  If we were to be open this site would create 8 to 12 jobs paying from $60,000 to $120,000 a year in incomes for operators and mechanics

• barf2010February 22, 2012 - 7:24 am

  There seems to be a real popularity at the moment on TV with gold mining. I watch the two reality shows as often as they come on. All Mr Churches has to do to become world famous is produce a couple ounces of flake and nuggets and he will have those TV producers salivating at his doorstep. Should we mention another goldrush ??

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:21 am

  Everyone needs to keep in mind that there are 2 sides to every story, Rick & Joe stood before you, got to tell there side (or part of it anyway) and was there in person to answer any and all questions in person and on the spot, thats what honest people do, now on the other hand Mr. sweeney would not answer any questions while he was there, he had to run back to his office and e mail his thoughts...........who are the stand up guys now?

• Charles AndersonFebruary 22, 2012 - 10:33 am

  Since this is a criminal justice matter and not a political matter, the facts will be sorted out in court, not in "meetings". That is how we do things in the US.

• barf2010February 22, 2012 - 11:11 am

  I disagree. This was and is a political matter. And when some children in the playground thought their toys were being stepped on, they turned it into a criminal matter. Quite frankly, it is scary that we give politicians these powers to destroy other peoples' lives.

• Charles AndersonFebruary 22, 2012 - 11:22 am

  If you are right, they will be vindicated in court.

• Jeff GoodrichFebruary 22, 2012 - 1:25 pm

  It's clear to me that there are two issues. First, can they legally mine their property? This appears to be the subject of a reasonable dispute, and in this country our Constitution provides that such disputes are handled by the judicial branch of goverment. Second, can they continue to mine while the dispute is being litigated? Unlike the first question, there are not "two sides" to this question. After losing their "vested rights" argument at the administrative level, they just went ahead and kept mining in clear violation of our laws and regulations. Sure, they can appeal the ruling and I certainly encourage them to do so. But in the meantime, they don't have a right to flout our laws anymore than I get to ignore a Notice to Appear for a traffic ticket that I dispute. We are a nation of laws, not men, and that applies to citizens as well as government officials. Finally, I had to laugh when the article quoted Hardesty as whining about not getting the arrest warrant before they came to arrest him. As long as he elects to act like a common criminal I see no reason why law enforcement officers shouldn't treat him like one. In cases like these, it is common for the police to give a citizen an opportunity to turn himself in for booking to avoid the expense and embarassment of an arrest --- and Hardesty did not dispute that he was given this opportunity. Instead, he complains that the opportunity didn't include a chance to look at the arrest warrant first. Please. If you want to see the arrest warrant, the police will give you the same opportunity they give every suspect to see it --- when they come to arrest you!

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 22, 2012 - 2:05 pm

  we are a nation of laws????? I prefer to be a "MAN" 1st, law is always as the jury see it. it was stated that they lost there vested rights......so now you are judge and jury. and it was said that you had to laugh because a man was being charged with a crime and did not get the arrest warrant..........its called "RIGHTS". then it was said that there is not 2 sides to every story..... are we still in america???? give them there day in court, don't convict them by the stupid replys.

• Jeff GoodrichFebruary 22, 2012 - 8:05 pm

  Gary, I support their fight and, if you read my post again, I specifically encouraged them to pursue their appeal. But an appeal doesn't stop enforcement of the law while the appeal is pending, anymore than we would free a convicted felon just because he appealed his conviction. Perhaps you are also unfamiliar with the phrase "we are a nation of laws, not men." It is the foundation of our Constitutional Republic by protecting each of us --- you included ---- from arbitrary and capricious acts of powerful "men", i.e., politicians who would otherwise prefer to impose their own will for personal or financial gain. So saying we are a nation of laws is merely a statement that describes the kind of Republic I believe most thinking Americans desire. I don't think many people would disagree with that ideal, particularly since lawless nations -- such as North Korea or Somalia --- are ALWAYS and EVERYWHERE miserable dictatorships. I'll reconsider this view just as soon as you can name a lawless country you would prefer to live in. Finally, you obviously didn't get Hardesty's joke. Yes, he had a right to see the arrest warrant when he was arrested. And that is exactly when he saw it. The joke is that Hardesty was whining that he didn't get to see the warrent BEFORE he was arrested! If that's your idea of how we ought to run our criminal justice system, perhaps we should just mail arrest warrants to suspects and ask them to "pretty please" come down to the station whenever it is convenient. Is that what you want? Really, nothing in this story remotely suggests that the police violated any of his rights when he was arrested.

• RickFebruary 23, 2012 - 3:35 am

  Jeff your right about Hardesty no rights were violated. It's ok the the sheriff officers pointed an AR15 at my 17 year old and his friend as the officers were looking for Hardesty. Just to let you know Hardesty is 54 And it's ok that the kids were told at that time. You can tell all of your little clansmen and all your little friends and Joe Hardesty were going to come back again and again and again untill Joe does the right thing and turns himself in. It's ok that 11 hours later they kept their word. cut my gate lock without a search warrent. Used a PA and spot lights on my house and told my son and I to come out with our hands up @ 3:30am had me naked on my deck with officers pointing guns at me. Then they tell me to get dressed and come down and talk with them. I do as they ask. The officer searches me and I had no weapons. then the other officer points a AR 15 in my face. Joe Hardesty was sleeping in his bed in Elk Grove at this time. My son and I have lived in this house since 2007. Hardesty has never stayed in this house our ever used this address as his residence. Your right Pete this is the way it's done and there is nothing wrong with it. Pointing guns at kids and adults without warrants cutting locks without search warrants I don't think so Pete !!!

• Chuck HollandFebruary 22, 2012 - 8:36 pm

  Excellent explanation Jeff.

• White Flower GirlFebruary 23, 2012 - 5:54 am

  Who's Pete?

• RickFebruary 23, 2012 - 7:34 am

  My oops. I meant Jeff

• Justice InsiderFebruary 23, 2012 - 8:57 am

  Rick Just a quick question I have on my mind. How did you know Joe was asleep at his home in Elk Grove?

• RickFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:07 am

  That is what I understand. I know one thing for sure he doesn't sleep at my address. And he doesn't get mail at my address.

• Justice InsiderFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:45 am

  Ok, thank you Rick, by chance had the investigators been to Joe's Elk Grove home looking too?

• RickFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:48 am

  Yes they did and they also went to his mothers house in Elk Grove

• Justice InsiderFebruary 23, 2012 - 11:20 am

  I see, why wouldn't Joe just turn himself in when they went to his moms? That would have caused you and your family less grief?

• RickFebruary 23, 2012 - 11:42 am

  Justice Insider I'm getting the feeling that because joe didn't turn himself in. You think that it's ok for what happened to us at our residence. It seems that you are looking for ways to justify pointing AR15s at the 17 year old kids and I. Cutting locks without a search warrant is ok ?

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:14 am

  here we go, #1. Justice insider, thats the only question you have about this case???? #2. Jeff, do you really think anypart of this case is criminal???? This is a civil case at best. Do yourself a favor and read the mine patent law, these "PROPERTY OWNERS" (that means they purchased the property) have every right to operate this as a mine, bottom line our city,county and state boys are doing there best to steal this property. People just remember, if we let them get away with this, the next time it very well could happen to you.

• BobFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:39 am

  They were accused of breaking the law. That makes it a criminal case. If, as you state, this is merely a civil matter, then the judge will dismiss the case at the very first hearing. That is, unless the judge is in on the grand conspiracy also.

• barf2010February 24, 2012 - 4:21 pm

  No, sorry, Jeff is a big time attorney in Marin County.

• J. OthersideFebruary 23, 2012 - 9:28 am

  "city,county and state boys", that's quite a conspiracy. Perhaps a federal investigation is in order?

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 23, 2012 - 11:23 am

  I think at some point in this case there will be a federal investigation into this case, i also think that in the very near future you will see a lot of people with egg on there face. one thing i can tell you, if you are in the mining business in any way this case does effect you big time.

• Cookie MonsterFebruary 23, 2012 - 12:37 pm

  Excuse me for butting in guys, I've read the articles, read the comments back and forth, etc. Seems to me I recall the arrest warrant for Mr. Hardesty being issued weeks (nearly two?) before the cops came to your house Rick. Sounds as if the cops went to other locations BEFORE coming to your house Rick. Seems to me your anger should be directed at your business partner, not the cops?

• RickFebruary 23, 2012 - 1:13 pm

  So Cookie Monster thinks that I have no rights and my son has no rights because of Joe Hardesty ? That's some real good logic

• Cookie MonsterFebruary 23, 2012 - 2:40 pm

  No Rick I know you have rights, my point is, your business partner has compromised yours and your sons rights to quiet enjoyment of your home. Mr. Hardesty has an ownership interest in your mining operation? By your own admissions you guys are partners. Mr. Hardesty and his wife purchased the "mine" and home Feb. of 2006 for 2mill. For some odd reason Rick your name is not showing on title. So, correct me if I'm wrong here, Mr. Hardesty has a felony warrant for his arrest issued by the court. He fails to turn himself in by a negotiated date. The cops go looking for him at his home in Elk Grove, his mothers house and finally at his house/mine in Placerville. The unfortunate part for you and your son is that you reside in his house. Once again I believe your anger should be directed at your business partner, not the cops hunting him down. Please don't mis-understand me here, I'm in no way judging your rights to mine for gold, I just think you and Mr. Hardesty need to have a spirited conversation about putting you and your son in an awkward spot.

• RickFebruary 23, 2012 - 4:16 pm

  So if some one doesn't have their name on title they have no rights ? If Joe Hardesty Owned a mobile home park or an apartment complex the sheriff and the DA's office could bring all renters out of there house at gun point and they have no rights ??? Your logic make no sense. The DA's office and the Sheriffs office were both notified that Hardesty doesn't live at my address or in my house. Within 11 hours of when they had AR15s pointed at me @ 3:30 am. As a renter I would still have rights. The fact is you would like to blame it on Hardesty instead of the officers who are responsible and trained to protect our rights.

• Cookie MonsterFebruary 24, 2012 - 7:25 am

  As a renter you do have rights, a-lot of rights and the officers do have a responsibility to protect your rights, and your sons rights. Step back for a minute and look at the situation as a whole from a distance. Your residence is not a mobile home in a park or an apartment in a complex, Its a single family home owned by Mr. Hardesty occupied by his business partner and situated on the "mine" property. Ie: the scene of the alleged crime. When Mr. Hardesty became a "fugitive of justice" and was unable to be located at his other haunts, the officers returned to the scene of the crime to search for him. You as his business partner may have incentive to hide Mr. Hardesty in the eye's of the cops. I speculate they didn't have any prior relationship with either one of you guys to know different? For the officers, they most likely believed returning to the "mine" was a reasonable thing to do. And in the end it may have been if it encouraged Mr. Hardesty to do the right thing and turn himself in to authorities. On a positive note, Mr. Hardesty can now have his day in court to prove his innocence. I'm purely assuming you or your son were the ones that notified the authorities that Mr. Hardesty didn't live in the house? If so, step into the officers shoes for a moment. They hear this kind of statement all the time when looking for wanted individuals. With all due respect Rick as Mr. Hardesty's business partner you would have little to no credibility with the officers on the hunt for a fugitive. I understand your frustration and your belief that the authorities may not have handled this situation how you would have liked it, but you have to admit Mr. Hardesty has some responsibility in how this all went down too.

• RickFebruary 24, 2012 - 7:50 am

  You are too funny ! You must be one of the officers that came out and pointed guns at the 17 year old kids. Or you must be one of the officers that cut my lock off of my gate and held me at gun point. Or you must be the officer that after I was patted down and had no weapons and pointed a AR15 in my face. Your looking way too hard to find a excuse to justify what happened. The DA's office and the Sheriffs new what they were doing ! They told my son 11 hours before. I Quot. You can tell all of your little clansmen and all of your little friends and Joe Hardesty we will be back again and again and again untill Hardesty does the right thing and turns himself in. They threatened my son and they followed though with there threat......

• MDReaderFebruary 24, 2012 - 8:55 am

  Monster writes: "On a positive note, Mr. Hardesty can now have his day in court to prove his innocence." That's a reversal of "innocent until proven guilty".

• James E.February 23, 2012 - 4:40 pm

  I'm learning two things. 1. The Sheriff and DA appear to be just a little too eager here, unless they had credible information that Joe was at Rick's house. And, do the authorities believe that Joe was armed and dangerous? While Joe has been charged criminally, this seems more a civil case that doesn't justify night time raids. 2. Rick sleeps naked. And, raid at 3AM? The Gestapo (Secret State Police - Ge/sta/po) found that 3AM was the optimum time to kick down doors. Since the early 2000s we have learned a great deal from the German experience in the 1930-40s in terms of control techniques of the citizens of the State.

• fifth gen eldo co residentFebruary 23, 2012 - 8:09 pm

  I was told the new sheriff and his deputys would reach out to the public and business owners and get to know them, and that this would help to solve issue like this. I don't think an assult weapon was needed in this case, these guys are not bank robbers.

• HLFebruary 23, 2012 - 4:45 pm

  Oh my sweet Jesus, can it be James and Harriett agree TWO times in one day? Something is happening here, what it is, is not exactly clear.........

• Steve TylerFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:19 pm

  Food for thought. The State did not give the Citizen his rights and thus cannot take them away as it chooses. The State did not establish the settled maims and procedures by which a citizen must be dealt with, and thus cannot abrogate or circumvent them. It thus is well settled that legislative enactments Do Not constitute the law of the land, but must conform to it. Joe Hardesty has property rights which are protected by the Law of the Land which is the United States Constitution. Unless, of course, it has been totally destroyed by the fiat declarations of administrative regulatory agencies over reaching their given authority.

• Bill ThamesFebruary 23, 2012 - 11:13 pm

  You tell em, tea boy.

• Fellow county residentFebruary 24, 2012 - 6:51 am

  So I'm just wondering if they are making that much money at this mine.... As Rick said they could employ multiple employees and pay very good salaries, are they paying taxes on all this? Hearing from another source who has been on the property these men have thousands and thousands of dollars in equipment and all kinds of other expensive things. They must be making a good profit to be able to have so much so tell me Rick, how much are you paying in taxes or is it all just going in your pocket?

• RickFebruary 24, 2012 - 7:17 am

  Fellow county Resident I work out of state. I have been on the road working since June of 2010. I come home to see my son. If we were making all of this money wouldn't I stay home ? And yes if we were to be open the taxes would be paid. Im a general contractor by trade and yes I bought some tractors for my dirt moving business in the past. There is no work in California. I have been working in the state of Washington since nov 2010 on the same job. The employees are California residents and they pay California taxes. It sells news and sounds so good to hear that someone hit it big $$$$ but it's not us. I'm tired of traveling. I'm tired of the ice, snow, bad weather and I would like to be closer to my son. We do what we have to do to survive.

• barf2010February 24, 2012 - 4:25 pm

  The most important issue:::::: Show us the GOLD, Rick. Pretty please!!!

• RickFebruary 24, 2012 - 9:46 pm

  When we get to produce sand and gavel I would be more then happy to show you the operation and you could bring a pan and try your luck !

• CBFebruary 24, 2012 - 7:15 am

  What is going on here is ridiculous, obviously there are people here who are commenting that have NEVER been stuck in our wonderful judicial system, that costs thousands and thousands of dollars just to try to fight for any right to do anything, they did not go to Joe's house in the middle of the night, they went there during the day how many people who work are at home in the middle of the day, showing up with guns drawn anywhere in the middle of the night I thought would be reserved for a murderer or for someone who was a threat to public safety what happened here is unbelievable....murders are treated better than what happened here.....how many people here have even tried to start a business in California? If you have you would understand why our state has lost so many employers, and why our jobs have left this state....if you even try to do anything around this state and might compete with the big guys, well the big guys will find a way to stop you....

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 24, 2012 - 11:07 am

  Some good stuff,"CB" you are 100% correct, very well said.Steve Tyler as well, great reply,5th generation i agree, james as well, good point...... now the dumb stuff....COOKIE MONSTER>>>>>really??? you got a lot to say, use your real name....I have a hard time taking anything you say serious with a cookie monster name. You have to be either a cop or in the DA office, either way you will never admit you guys screwed up big time, just the thought of a cop pointing a loaded gun at my son for "MINING WITHOUT A PERMIT" people, where do we draw the line with this police state? This whole thing is wrong at so many levels.

• Be mineFebruary 24, 2012 - 8:19 pm

  That's not all; At his 80 year old mothers house, where Mr Hardesty has not lived for more than 30 years. The DA pulled a gun on Mr Hardesty's brother who was just walking through the yard at his home. I believe they used the word Fugitive to make it look like Mr Hardesty was running from the law, then searched other places to make it look like he was running, when he was not!!!!!!

• RickFebruary 24, 2012 - 9:41 pm

  All of this for separating dirt sand and gravel. This is a very violent crime. The only conviction Joe has ever had was a mister meaner violation. He must be a really hardened criminal to use all of this fire power pointing guns at his brother, my 17 year old and his 17 year old friend and myself. He's a bad bad man !

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 25, 2012 - 4:32 am

  cut through all the crap.....does anybody on here think that loaded guns should be pointed at a child (or anybody) for that matter over a "MINING WITHOUT A PERMIT", yeah, going to be a few who reply........but he was a criminal......my answer would be WHY? because thats what it said in the paper, or a neighbor said it...BULLS#@T,this should be treated for what it is, civil matter, no more no less.

• DebbieFebruary 25, 2012 - 8:29 am

  Rick, seems to me Cookie Monster is your Sheriff friend and maybe you should print and keep his posts for future reference as law enforecement really should not be bloging about their case. I have been following this and am aware of the mining laws seems you and Joe have run into conflict with two organizations that want to display their power and corruption, One being the environmentalists, the other being the board of supervisors since they can't legally stop you they want to bring in the IRS. And as for Cookie Monster in the end he will reap what he sows, probably lose his job. As with other mining operations in this country our government is at war with the owners all over the country, in the name of progress. Read the Road to Serfdom put out by The Heritage Foundation, it speaks of all the planning commisions that came in before hitler, well they are at our doorstep one mine, one company one family, one individual at a time until we are all like sheep. We are behind you Rick, we know what you are doing is right, and Sheriff boy knows too thats why he keeps blogging, Remember the old saying about those that speak too loudly

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 2:45 pm

  Debbie Thank You for your post. You hit the nail on the head ! I did see the Sheriff yesterday, I was in a restaurant he walked in looked at me and walked right back out with his wife and the Under Sheriff. I ran out the door to catch him. I did ask if he was cookie monster and he didn't answer. We had a talk and he thinks that pointing guns at my son and I is nornal protocol. I don't agree with him at all. I've always understood do not point a gun at anyone unless you intend to shoot or kill.

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 2:52 pm

  Rick Did you ask for permits before you started ?

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 2:56 pm

  Nathan did you ask for a green card to be in tn United States ?

• jmMarch 10, 2012 - 5:09 pm

  How is this even remotely relevant to his question???

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 2:54 pm

  Make that apply for permits before you started to mine ?

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 2:57 pm

  Did you ask for a green card before you were born ?

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:03 pm

  did you find out whos property is next to yours retard

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:09 pm

  Yes I always new who had the land next to us EID owns the land. so who is the RETARD ? You !

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:19 pm

  is EID building a house that you cry about

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:31 pm

  I have never cried about any house

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 5:53 pm

  Rick did you write " chuck is polutiting the creek with the sewer from his new house built on webber creek" Now you say " I have never cried about any house" Rick you are a two faced, spinless jellyfish. You have noone to blam except yourself for what has happend to you.

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:06 pm

  What have I ever done to you ? Same question from me Still no answer from you

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:17 pm

  Do you have your green card to be in the United States ?

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:29 pm

  Same question tenth time. WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU ???

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:33 pm

  You can't count and you can't read. Do you have a green card ?

• HLFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:50 pm

  That's some funny stuff, I don't care who you are. God speed Rick, contrary to the dissenting opinion ( sock puppets are here) the people are with you against the Jack Booted thugs who feel it is necessary to point weapons at children ( yes in Ca under 18 is a child), waves at the Sheriffs Dept. How would these officers feel about this situation in the reverse. Hey Sheriff, your wife and children just had some Rambo point a gun in their face. Whatcha gonna do, Whatcha gonna do? What could step it up a notch is names. Name them and shame them, find the connection. Start to finish, DA to the officers, all involved. Release the Army of Davids ( people power research for free!). In the meantime we pray. End Rant.

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:49 pm

  No I do not have a green card. Same question eleventh time WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU ????

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:52 pm

  So your here in the United States illegally with no green card ?

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 3:54 pm

  Just answer the question 13th time WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU ??

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 4:09 pm

  Your question was. Did we apply for permits before we started to mine. My answer. Why would we ask for a permit if we already have the right to mine given to us in a mineral patent from the President of the United States. Patent says To have and to hold said mining premises together with all of the rights, privileges, immunities , and appurtenances of whatso ever nature there into belonging unto the said Euarts J Loomis, Frank Goyan, James H Duncan, John Gluyas and Richard Maynard and to their Heirs and Assigns Forever. That's Our Permit

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 5:31 pm

  So you are saying that you did not apply for permits first

• James E.February 25, 2012 - 5:51 pm

  Yes, Mr. Foltz, he's saying he did not apply for permits as his "permit" was singed by President U.S. Grant. You have asked, he has answered. Are we finished here on that point? Probably not.

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 5:56 pm

  But he did apply and was denied yet still mined anyway.

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 4:11 pm

  Same question that started todays mess.. Did you apply for permits before you started to mine ? If so were your permits granted? Did you mine anyway? WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU?

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 4:21 pm

  Thank You for understanding. I spoke with the Sheriff and he doesn't understand. He thinks it's ok to point AR15s at kids

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 4:23 pm

  WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU?? 15th time

• James E.February 25, 2012 - 5:09 pm

  I don't know the facts that may be known to the DA and the Sheriff, so I'm shooting in the dark here. The DA/Sheriff appear to have grossly overreacted by conducting a 3AM raid. However, once the Sheriff decided to proceed, raid procedures fall into place -- in this case, pointing weapons at those discovered at the site until they can be neutralized. My buddy Harriett, note 3:50pm above, does not believe that weapons should be pointed at a17 year old. A 17 year old, while legally a child in California, is nevertheless fully capable of pulling a weapon and shooting a deputy who is not on alert and pointing his weapon elsewhere. In the end, the DA/Sheriff may have egg on their faces over this raid, but once it goes down procedures are fixed. I don't know the DA/Sheriff nor any law enforcement in El Dorado County. Just my shot in the dark. Finally, I also don't know Rick or Joe.

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 5:58 pm

  James E There was two raids within 11 hours The first raid at 4:30pm the kids were putting a power steering pump on a truck. Very dangerous! After the officers checked the kids for weapons ( and they had none ) Sargent Parker kept his AR15 pointed at the kids The second raid was 11 hours later at 3:30am 1st I was naked with guns pointed at me. Then the officers let get some clothes on kept there guns pointed at me. The officers searched me and I had no weapons and another officer pointed his AR15 loaded and his finger on the trigger to my face from 8 to 10 feet away after I was searched. For what ? A mining violation ? So my question to the Sheriff would be how many people have felony warrants in El Dorado county ? How many raids have they done in multi county searches ? How many at 3:30 AM ? How many did they point guns at kids ?

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 6:00 pm

  How many times have I asked you WHAT HAVE I DONE TO YOU?

• Be mineFebruary 25, 2012 - 6:38 pm

  Rick, Can we block this guy Nathan Foltz from these conversations? He is annoying me!!!!!!! Who is this guy anyway?

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 7:02 pm

  Be Mine I live on big cut next to this mine and have been dealing with it for a couple years now. No big deal I keep to myself. I have never met Rick or have had anything to do with him and his group. Then this Rick fool gets on here and tells people he is stocking my house at night and that I am the one ruining the creek. He then writes that my mother is sleeping around. So if that annoys you TOO BAD. So how about we block you and the rest of the cowards who are to chicken sh.t to use there own name.

• RickFebruary 25, 2012 - 7:13 pm

  Be Mine I've learned hes not worth responding too, just ignore him, he can't tell the truth. But Nathan does have the Right to blog. As you read his blogs you get the picture. Right or wrong he does have the Right to Freedom of Speach and we have the Right to ignore him :-)

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 7:25 pm

  What have I ever done to you to make you feel the need to make up stories about my mother Rick? SAME QUESTION 15th time Rick.

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 7:29 pm

  Rick I will never write on the site again if you can tell me ONE thing I have ever done to you or ONE thing I have ever lied about? One thing Rick. Just one

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 25, 2012 - 8:01 pm

  Hey Nathan, I got to tell you....I don't know you and I am tired of all your dumb replys, Rick answered your question about the permits, you did not understand what he said,soooooooooo here goes one more time "HE HAS A LEGAL RIGHT TO MINE HIS PROPERTY, IT HAS BEEN AND IS A VESTED MINE (look it up) AND THE PATENT WAS SIGNED BY OUR PRESIDENT AT THE TIME, THE PATENT SAYS "FOREVER"so no permits were or are required.oh and work on getting that green card. no really, without one you on the other hand are not "VESTED"

• Nathan FoltzFebruary 25, 2012 - 8:25 pm

  Hay Gary, would you like it if i wrote on here that your house is polutiting a creek and that I watch and stock your house at night and that your mother is sleeping around. Tell you the truth i could care less if they mine. Good luck to them. My only problem with Rick is why would he write these thigs if I have never done anything to you. I see I havent recived a reply from Rick Weird

• Be mineFebruary 25, 2012 - 8:05 pm

  Thanks Gary......AMEN!!!!

• Elmer FFebruary 26, 2012 - 11:10 am

  Rick, you sure sound like a desperate angry fellow. I understand some of your frustrations however you may be pointing the blame in the wrong directions as I see this. First, why are you picking fights with your neighboring property owners? You seem like an intelligent man, your neighbors can and most likely will play an important part with you recent legal show down. Embrace them, educate them, by all means don't fight with them. That 10k foot rule may come back to bite you later. Second, If you haven't already, go get some competent legal help. Dont try and defend your position on your own. Remember the old saying, "he who represents himself has a fool for a lawyer. Judging from your rants and raves on this site your completely unrepresented. Therefore your acting the fool. Third, your issue of a "patent" I did a little Googling around, I'm not sure but you may have an issue with your absolute right to mine. reading the wording in the patent and cross referencing it with the 10th amendment your patent may not trump state law. By chance is there some solid case law that would back up your position? I guess if I had to make a solid point here it would be something like; Pick your battles, embrace your advisories, prepare a solid defense. After the dust clears if your not bankrupted, seek the blessing of the state and go mine some gold.

• RickFebruary 26, 2012 - 11:33 am

  Angry that guns where pointed at the kids and I Yes. Angry at neighbors no, you should re read the blogs. If your vested the 10k rule wouldn't apply. A legal non conforming use. I'm not doing this on my own we do have legal help. There are US Supreme court rulings on patents. I think you should look them up. Look at mining issues with mining patents. Apples to Apples . I do not believe we would need the blessing of the state when this is over. And I look forward to the end of this issue.

• Nathan Foltz.February 26, 2012 - 2:10 pm

  Rick. If you are not angry at your neighborAs you say them why would you go online and write all this crap about them ? Same question Rick what have I ever done to you or anyone involved in your group. Still waiting for a answer

• TontoFebruary 26, 2012 - 11:57 am

  If you can't do the time don't do the crime....

• Elmer FFebruary 26, 2012 - 1:18 pm

  Tonto I'm not 100% convinced rick has committed a crime. Rick, have you been arrested? accused? Do you think you will be in the near future? Rick, thank you for your timely reply I have been reading about patents for the last hour or so. Still confusing to me is your reliance on a patent. The patent is only one part of the vehicle changing Federal lands into privately owned lands for mineral extraction. I certainly don't claim to be an expert in this area, so please correct me if I'm off base. In my quick study of the process your involved in it still seems that there is a local regulatory body that must be satisfied. (Red Tape, ie Government wasting time) The supreme court cases you mentioned above, could you pass those along? My curiosity is peaked so I shall make the trek down to the law library and read them.

• RickFebruary 26, 2012 - 5:18 pm

  Elmer I haven't been arrested . There are many court cases to look at and I can't tell you the cases they will be saved for court. You need to look at mineral patents, not Home Stead patents, not Ag patents, not bounty patents, there are many patents and your right that some are just a transfer of title. Remember apples to apples keep your eye on the ball when reading.

• HunterFebruary 26, 2012 - 4:37 pm

  Hey Rick, I have an idea for you. If you think that local law enforcement is doing such a bad job, next time they have a possible violent situation to address (fugitive arrest) maybe you can do it better and stick your neck out on the line.???

• RickFebruary 26, 2012 - 5:37 pm

  Hunter You obviously don't know me. I do stick my neck out on the line. In the past 12 months I have caught 15 felons. I personally put the cuffs on approx 10 of them. One of them just went to prison for a year. Out of the 15 felony thieves the officers caught 3 with my help. The rest were caught without help from officers. I caught 2 on Christmas day. one had 4 felony warrents. Dec 13 I caught 4 in Amador county three by myself. 1 with the help from Amador Sheriff. 11:30 pm Thanksgiving night I caught 1 hand cuffed and went to jail. 5 hours later I caught 3 more @ 4:54am. And this all happened without pointing guns at kids, or innocent people. So when you tell me I should stick my neck out does this count ?

• RickFebruary 26, 2012 - 5:43 pm

  Hunter Just another note A friend of mine had shop robbed in Sacramento and I helped him recover some of his stolen goods and I'm on the tail of the theives. this happened last week. I will have these guys by the end of the week. And again pointing no guns at kids or innocent people

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 27, 2012 - 5:01 am

  1st thing that everybody needs to keep in there mind now and on election day, it is never alright to point a "LOADED GUN" at a child over a civil matter, at best thats all this was and is. The powers that be turned this into a criminal matter, a very bad idea on there part but hey these "ELECTED" guys can be "UNELECTED" we the people can correct this type of WRONG in the future by dumping these guys and vote them out.........hmmmmmmm Mr. sweeney might be a good start.

• TontoFebruary 27, 2012 - 6:00 am

  Most people wait until they ( Supervisors ) are termed out, talk is cheep and the voters don't get involved and those in power remain in power and the BS goes on. Most suffer in silence and only complain, but like those elected who just do nothing and continue to collect the large pay checks and smile all the way to the bank.

• Justice InsiderFebruary 27, 2012 - 6:28 am

  Gary's a little out of touch with what really goes on in this county. Jack Sweeney terms out at the end of his term. The district 3 voters will choose a new representative. Officers do carry guns for their protection. Jan. 2012 six officers shot serving a warrant in Utah. Feb. 2012 two officers shot in Indiana serving a warrant. Closer to home three El Dorado County Deputies, and a K-9 were shot on Tammy Lane a few years back. Arrest and or search warrants are dangerous business. It sounds like rick and his children did the right thing and complied. I question ricks account above answering Hunter's question as fantasy, renegade, or vigilante. No matter how you look at it engaging in this type of activity is a good way to get yourself killed, sued, or prosecuted. Right now Rick and Joe need to focus their efforts on making there "wrongs" right so they can move forward.

• RickFebruary 27, 2012 - 8:19 am

  Insider Justice Out of all of these shootings how many we're shot by CHILDREN ? How many felony warrents are outstanding in El Dorado county ? Out of all of these warrents how many have you went multi county doing searches ? And what kind of felony warrents did the shooters have ? I don't believe that a miner is a dangerous person. You seem to think that I'm in a fantasy about the arrest that I have been involved in ? It's no fantasy. I recounted and it was 14 off the top of my head. So I could be off by one. Why don't you come out from behind your key board and let me know who you really are? You know who I am. I'm not a renegade or vigilante. I don't make a good victim. I stand up for my Rights and protect them to my best of my ability I wish all citizens would stand up for there Rights and what they believe in.

• Cookie MonsterFebruary 27, 2012 - 9:50 am

  Rick, did the "child" in question have a beard?

• RickFebruary 27, 2012 - 10:27 am

  Does Joe Hardesty have a beard ? Yes my son is trying to grow some chin hair. The other child that you pointed a loaded AR15 at has no chin hair. And let's not forget the AR15 was pointed at them after they were searched and no weapons were found and they still had a loaded gun pointed at them Is chin hair against the law and make him dangerous ? Again Who are You ?

• Justice InsiderFebruary 27, 2012 - 11:04 am

  Whats this about a beard? Anybody capable of growing a beard is no child guys. No wonder the cops treated your kids like adults. After all kids can harm cops too.

• RickFebruary 27, 2012 - 11:27 am

  Justice Insider You should go to the high school and tell all of the kids if they grow facial hair they are adults, they have voting rights, they can gamble at the casinos, they can go to the gun stores and buy guns, they are adults because they have facial hair. Again who are you ?

• RickFebruary 27, 2012 - 5:53 pm

  Justic Insider Sweeney didn't point a gun at the kids. There are two more elected officials. DA Vern Pierson and the sheriff John D'Agostini. They are the ones who think its ok to point loaded AR15's at kids. that's who we need to vote out. They are just thugs and they think its ok to point guns at kids. Remember point to shoot or kill or don't point at all.

• TontoFebruary 27, 2012 - 8:21 pm

  Probably a better way to have handled this case than all the guns a blazing and fingers a pointing and lies abound. Most would have just paid the lawyers to hash it out in a calm cool office and remember what kind of case this really is, then come to a meeting of the minds and leave the kids (by age or mentality) out of it. But then there wouldn't be so many blogs and so many people involved...Just saying....

• TontoFebruary 27, 2012 - 6:57 am

  Ya think....

• Pat HamerFebruary 27, 2012 - 9:28 am

  This is interesting. Several Years Ago, I filed a Grand Jury complaint when we caught Vern Pierson fixing the felonies of someone who would otherwise had been put in prison had Vern Piearson not engaged in influence peddling. El Dorado County residents, would ordinarily trust our officials. In Orange County, this type of illegal influence peddling and obstruction of justice by Elected officials such as Vern Pierson, landed the Elected Sheriff Mike Carona in Federal Prison for 5.5 years in 2009. 2009, was the same year that the Counsel on Judicial Performance found Judge James Wagon guilty of obstruction of justice threatening to Jail witnesses for reporting crime which originated in a complaint I filed. Undaunted, Judge Wagoner, one year later ordered employees to arrest a female civil right activist breaking her bones. This government body in El Dorado County operates under the same principals used by Mafia and thugs. For instance, Helen Baumann’s “administrative assistant” Brenda Bailey, was caught by the Republican Party in Sacramento fabricating and publishing to the party a wire fraud scheme in violation of 18 USC 1343 to defraud the party so that Baumman’s abuse of discretion would be overlooked allowing her to run for Sacramento Legislator. This of course is election fraud. Campaigning for State offices using El Dorado County tax dollars is illegal, but running wire fraud schemes using tax dollars cannot be rationally explained. Then why is Vern Pierson not prosecuting these people? Is this because he is part of a conspiracy to create unlawful policy to use the power of the state to deprive citizens of property and civil rights? I believe Brenda Bailey is now working for Jack Sweeney. After studying civil right law for 5 years, and enrolling in law classes, I have learned that the Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit Appellate courts have identified, what they call a “rubber stamp” that identifies corruption in progress. This is best explained in Macias v. Ihde 2000, upheld in 2010. Officials who are questioned for negligence by citizens often retaliate in illegal arbitrary “vindictive animus.” Macias could not get the police to arrest a stalker who for months had assaulted her even breaking her bones, as Wagoner has his employees do. Ultimately Macias was murdered, and the Ninth Circuit stated that the “Cause of her death was the arbitrary officials who had no rational basis to give her perpetrator 4 months of get out of jail free cards.” In a sense, the officials used there power that ultimately caused the murder of a complainant harassing the police with cries for help. Vern Pierson recently was being sued by John O’Sullivan, similar to Rick Churches who is being singled out and targeted with environmental issues, that are suspect in the least due to lost or late paperwork by officials paid to consult for the mitigation of any potential violations. Mr. O’Sullivan had a real estate development that a neighbor objected to, who happened to be a retired Sheriff. The allegations state that Vern Pierson ignored incidences and was prosecuting O’Sullivan for animal cruelty, and the charges were later dismissed. This is how El Dorado official get what they want. Ongoing threats were ignored when O’Sullivan asked for help. Vern Pierson did not provide a rational basis, but stated in the Federal Suit that he was immune from liability by the 11th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, even if the allegations were true. During O’Sullivans futile attempt to seek Justice, he was murdered by the Sheriff, shot in the back. Vern Pierson has power to allow other citizen’s kill those who accuse of corruption or other negligence. Vern Pierson, at the same time did this in a case with another Neighbor dispute, where affidavits stated that an accused stalker and potential murderer held hostage at gunpoint 8 people. The incident in the streets of El Dorado, caused a vehicle pile up and the accident victims were threatened with murder. Vern Pierson allowed the accused to continue to rack of separate felonies and stalk and threaten to kill others who were accusing Vern Pierson of negligence. Pierson in the Shadow of the O’Sullivan murder was setting the stage for another murder through illegal inaction that must be, according to the Supreme Court, explained by a “rational basis theory.” This sounds very bizarre to most people, and it is hard to believe that officials would step aside justice to allow our local crazies to solve their legal problem with murder that the officials can had behind some sort of irrational plausible deniability. But it happens, and El Dorado County officials have lost their humanity and compassion in order to cover up simple negligence, they will allow the murder of citizens who they disfavor. Disfavoring citizen’s is a violation of many statutes. Look at Judge James Wagoner who came to the aid of Vern Pierson and threatened to arrest lawful citizens for informing on this type of illegal influence peddling where they fix the felonies of their friends, but have no rational basis. Wagoner is still a judge, even though he will openly and in a repeated pattern of criminal conduct, continue to be charged by the cjp. Ca. gov who has found him overwhelmingly guilty! Citizens here I find are so afraid to speak up, and with no wonder. Me? I would hope that there was one honest cop or official who would investigate these cronies and put them behind bars where they belong, or at least out of office. Helen Bauman and Sheriff Jeff Neves were dealt with and have been disgraced for their Negligence or abandoning their posts, but new crooked officials are there to take their place and turn a blind eye to modern day civil right abuse. If you have any property in this county and you are competing with those who have financed these party members, or have complained about their negligence, they will take every dime from you at the expense of the tax payers and they are smiling all the way to the bank!

• TontoFebruary 27, 2012 - 4:37 pm

  Guilty by association I think would apply with all these elected officials.

• Gary ShepherdFebruary 27, 2012 - 5:35 pm

  Justice Insider, a kid with face hair = ADULT????? yup, you got to be a cop or work in the "DA" office.... this really does show what type of people are working this case.

• TontoFebruary 27, 2012 - 8:14 pm

  Oh yeah true colors are showing now.

• patrick freemanMarch 08, 2012 - 10:43 pm

  so rick how does it feel to be searched and illeagaly prosecuted for something you havent done? feel pretty violated dont you? it couldnt of happened to a nicer person. good job el dorado county. dont let these good ole boys from amador county get away with this.

• RickMarch 09, 2012 - 7:13 am

  How does it feel to be caught on camera and go to jail ?

• Walking TallMarch 13, 2012 - 6:32 am

  Personal attacks have no place here, we all know how corrupt the GOB's are and we must take steps to remove them and replace them with honest ones who have common sense and listen to those who elected them. Stop the bleeding and take action at the voting booth or in your own home and vote them out.