I am asking for your endorsement and support as I seek re-election as Humboldt County District Attorney. I came into the office seven years ago, promising justice for all, and have not wavered from that commitment.

Through my actions as District Attorney I have sought to affirm that no one is above the law. And in the pursuit of these ideals, I have personally prosecuted the following major cases:

• In 2009, I prosecuted Andrew Belant, a youth pastor and teacher, for child molestation. He will be serving the maximum allowable 89 years to life and never be a threat to our youth again.
• In 2008, My Chief Investigator Mike Hislop broke up an alleged plot to murder a local teenage girl who was prepared to testify against her rapist. Fortuna resident Chad Larson, was convicted of the rape and is awaiting trial for attempted solicitation of murder.
• In 2003, I successfully prosecuted the Douglas and Marcella Lunsford for the first degree murder of Nathan Dannemiller, putting his murderers in prison for life.
• In 2008, I prosecuted and convicted Blue Lake Chief of Police Gunderson for felony possession of a machine gun & silencer and 11 counts of battery. Removing Gunderson from Blue Lake allowed us to investigate and solve the murder of Curtis Huntzinger.
• Eighteen years after the murder of Blue Lake teenager Curtis Huntzinger, my investigators obtained a full confession by the murderer, Steven Daniel Hash. Now the victim’s family has finally found some measure of peace.
• In 2007, I prosecuted Thomas Arthur Applegate for the brutal murder of Joey Patrick Church and the attempted murder of Ross Condemi of Bridgeville. Applegate received a sentence of 72 years to life. Sadly, however, Church left 3 children, a sister, mother, and father without a beloved family member.

You elected me District Attorney because you wanted someone who was independent, courageous and stood up for all of Humboldt County. Shortly after taking office I was presented with evidence of fraud by Maxxam Corporation and prosecuted Charles Hurwitz’ Pacific Lumber for fraudulently acquiring permits. This was obviously a controversial suit, but his illegal activities demanded action by my office.

I am proud of what my office has achieved over the last seven years. We defend the rights of all of Humboldt County, especially for the most vulnerable among us, even when it entails confronting powerful interests. That is the meaning of “Justice for All.” It was my promise to Humboldt County in 2002, and I intend to renew that promise again this November.

I hope you will join me in standing up for all of Humboldt County.

Sincerely, Paul Gallegos