GRI Promise. If we ask you to do it, you can trust it is critically important and factual.
GRI recognizes the need for vigorous and robust community action. We understand that as a catalyst for community action we have a responsibility to report the truth. We take that responsibility seriously. The environment in which we are working for the common good is often political, usually complicated by conflicting interests, effects many different stakeholders, and relies on evolving science. Rumors, false assumptions, and intentional misinformation may tell a different story. We will give you enough verified background that you can make an informed decision.
Typically community action work is under-resourced; often in conflict with an interest with a different goal entirely (usually profit); and accomplished by volunteers with limited time and collaborative work ethic.
Community is our most effective tool.
Typically community action work is under-resourced; often in conflict with an interest with a different goal entirely (usually profit); and accomplished by volunteers with limited time and collaborative work ethic.
Community is our most effective tool.
Concerns: Mendocino Railways and City of Fort Bragg fight for Noyo Headlands
Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement FinancingFact: Mendocino Railway has applied for a Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan from the Department of Transportation to "refurbish tracks, bridges, and a tunnel."
Fact: Originally RRIF, as a requirement of the loan, Mendocino Railways requested that the CA Coastal Commission absolve them from additional oversight by the CCC with a ruling that they were already in compliance. It is called a "consistency" ruling. Fact: RRIF has subsequently withdrawn the request without explanation. The community objection was rapid and strong. Seven hundred people signed a petition to that affect over three weeks. Many wrote letters or spoke to the Commission. Fact: There has been no public input or review of what Mendocino Railway is planning to do with the loan See more, including requested action, letter of objection from City of Fort Bragg, sample letters from community members. |
Fact: The corporate owners of the Skunk Train used 'eminent domain' to seize 240 acres of Noyo Headlands and 70 acres at Pudding Creek for 1.23 million dollars.Fact: The Grassroots Institute/Noyo Headlands Group and the City of Fort Bragg and others who are concerned about the way that Mendocino Railway assumed title to this important piece of property claiming that the tourist attraction was part of the national railroad system and therefore a public utility.
Fact: Mendocino Railways have stated publically that as a railroad, they are considered a public utility and can do anything they want to do without going through either the Coastal Permit process or any local and regional use or building permits. Fact: The City of Fort Bragg took Mendocino Railway to Court objecting to its claim that the tourist tour train, although well loved in Fort Bragg as an amusement amenity, did not qualify as a public utility not subject to local jurisdictions. Superior Judge Brennan ruled in the City's favor. The Railroad immediately appealed the decision and the case is now in the Court of Appeal of the State of CA, First Appellate District. |