Latest news with #Dickenson
San Francisco Chronicle
2 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
How can California stop ICE overreach? The answer might lie in a 1972 case from Humboldt County
Might the answer to Los Angeles' present emergency — how to stop masked federal agents from seizing its people — lie in a half-century-old story from Humboldt County? On April 4, 1972, a young hippie couple — Dirk Dickenson and Judy Arnold — were in their remote cabin near unincorporated Garberville when federal drug agents and county sheriff's personnel, assisted by a U.S. Army helicopter, launched a raid. The sheriff promised reporters, who came along, that this would be the 'biggest bust' in California history. 'Looks like an assault on an enemy prison camp in Vietnam,' one reporter wrote in his notebook. Lloyd Clifton, an agent with the new federal Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (now the Drug Enforcement Agency), broke down the cabin door without knocking or announcing himself as law enforcement. He and other agents wore jeans and tie-dyed shirts instead of uniforms and kept their hair long. Dickenson and Arnold thought they were being robbed. Dickenson, unarmed, ran out the back door. Clifton gave chase and shot him in the back. Dickenson died on the way to a Eureka hospital. What happened next caused a scandal. The agents couldn't find the sought-after PCP lab or any evidence of a drug enterprise on the property or inside a cabin without electricity or running water. The U.S. Department of Justice defended the federal agent, quickly declaring Dickenson's execution a 'justifiable homicide.' But Humboldt County District Attorney William Ferroggiaro, noting that federal agents must obey state and local laws, investigated and took his case to a grand jury, which charged Clifton with second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter. Clifton's indictment spared a court fight, which ended up establishing a legal path for holding federal agents accountable for abuses. The existence of such a path may surprise today's Californians. That's because our police insist that they are powerless to challenge unlawful actions or abuses by federal agents. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell advised officers that, when called to a scene where citizens allege federal abuses, all they can do is verify the identities of federal agents. In this position, McDonnell and police are not just wrong — they are violating their oaths to enforce state and local laws. The Clifton case makes this plain. In 1973, Clifton first asked state courts to drop the prosecution, but multiple judges refused. With the trial about to start, Clifton appealed to U.S. District Courts, arguing that as a federal agent, he was beyond the reach of state law. The federal courts did not accept Clifton's argument. But in 1977, Clifton succeeded in convincing the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco to free him, on the theory that he 'reasonably and honestly' believed Dickenson was a dangerous drug dealer (even though Dickenson wasn't). In his Clifton v. Cox ruling, U.S. Judge Stanley Conti wrote that federal law enforcement officials could be prosecuted for state and local crimes when 'the official employs means which he cannot honestly consider reasonable in discharging his duties or otherwise acts out of malice or with some criminal intent.' Establishing malice and criminal intent is a high bar, but Californians eager to pursue Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel are revisiting the Clifton standard. In a June YouGov poll, commissioned by the Independent California Institute, 72% of respondents said police should arrest federal immigration officials who 'act maliciously or knowingly exceed their authority under federal law.' Recent federal abuses, captured on video, would seem to meet the Clifton test for prosecution. A federal agent's repeated punching of a Santa Ana landscaper. A retaliatory attack by federal agents, using explosives, on the Huntington Park home of U.S. citizens. The Clifton case, by making clear that federal agents are not above California laws, should open the door for local police to investigate every one of these lawless ICE raids. Given the scale of the federal assault, I'd suggest that police departments create a joint task force, perhaps in collaboration with a new state authority. Some may object that 2025 Los Angeles and 1970s Humboldt are too different. But I was struck, while rereading Clifton case records and a 1973 Rolling Stone story by Joe Estzerhas, by the parallels of the two eras. In the 1970s drug raids, as with today's immigration raids, federal agents seized people based on little evidence, failed to identify themselves, received military assistance (that helicopter) and dressed like criminals rather than law enforcement. The Nixon administration, like the Trump administration, justified its lawlessness by claiming that federal agents were chasing 'radicals.' After the U.S. Court of Appeals canceled his indictment, Clifton continued his federal career. He died in 2013. Dickenson was buried in Lincoln, a Sacramento suburb in Placer County, near where he grew up. But his precedent-setting case remains very much alive.
Ottawa Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Surging Calgary Stampeders brace for tough rematch challenge from Blue Bombers in Winnipeg
Article content The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a load at home on any given football day. Article content Their ridiculously successful record on their own field the last four-plus Canadian Football League campaigns is proof of that. Article content But throw in a pinch of motivation — such as the vengeance they're likely to have on their minds over being dominated two weeks ago at McMahon Stadium — and the Blue Bombers are potentially fuelled to bring even more bite than usual to play the visiting Calgary Stampeders. Article content Article content 'Yeah … I call it a challenge,' said GM/head coach Dave Dickenson, with a chuckle, looking ahead to the rematch between his Stampeders (4-1) and the Blue Bombers (3-1) on Friday at Winnipeg's Princess Auto Stadium (6:30 p.m., TSN, CHQR 770 AM/107.3 FM the Edge). Article content Article content 'It's a super big challenge.' Article content How big? Article content Included is a 2-0 mark so far this season, after 34-20 and 36-23 victories over the BC Lions and Edmonton Elks, respectively. Article content 'I mean … we understand what they're about,' continued Dickenson. 'But we're going to focus on ourselves. Just make sure we show up, play a solid game where we don't make mental errors and play with poise and understand taking care of the football is priority one. Article content 'If we do those type of things, we kind of let the result take care of itself.' Article content Article content That was the case when the Stamps surprised the Bombers two weeks back in the Stampede Bowl. Article content The Red and White got out of the gate fast and did nearly everything right in riding to a 37-16 stampede of the five-time division kings. Article content 'Of course we don't expect them to like us (after that game),' said Stamps quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. 'But that's another great opponent coming up for us— you know … five-time West (Division) champions. Article content 'And they're at home — sold-out crowd — and they're coming off a bye, so they're going to be fresh and ready to go. So we've got to bring our 'A' game.'
Calgary Herald
5 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Surging Calgary Stampeders brace for tough rematch challenge from Blue Bombers in Winnipeg
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a load at home on any given football day. Article content Their ridiculously successful record on their own field the last four-plus Canadian Football League campaigns is proof of that. Article content But throw in a pinch of motivation — such as the vengeance they're likely to have on their minds over being dominated two weeks ago at McMahon Stadium — and the Blue Bombers are potentially fuelled to bring even more bite than usual to play the visiting Calgary Stampeders. Article content Article content 'Yeah … I call it a challenge,' said GM/head coach Dave Dickenson, with a chuckle, looking ahead to the rematch between his Stampeders (4-1) and the Blue Bombers (3-1) on Friday at Winnipeg's Princess Auto Stadium (6:30 p.m., TSN, CHQR 770 AM/107.3 FM the Edge). Article content Article content Included is a 2-0 mark so far this season, after 34-20 and 36-23 victories over the BC Lions and Edmonton Elks, respectively. Article content 'I mean … we understand what they're about,' continued Dickenson. 'But we're going to focus on ourselves. Just make sure we show up, play a solid game where we don't make mental errors and play with poise and understand taking care of the football is priority one. Article content 'If we do those type of things, we kind of let the result take care of itself.' Article content Article content That was the case when the Stamps surprised the Bombers two weeks back in the Stampede Bowl. Article content The Red and White got out of the gate fast and did nearly everything right in riding to a 37-16 stampede of the five-time division kings. Article content 'Of course we don't expect them to like us (after that game),' said Stamps quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. 'But that's another great opponent coming up for us— you know … five-time West (Division) champions. Article content 'And they're at home — sold-out crowd — and they're coming off a bye, so they're going to be fresh and ready to go. So we've got to bring our 'A' game.'
National Post
02-07-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Stampede Bowl: Calgary Stampeders set to kick in annual CFL home game in early July
Article content Article content 'Everyone knows the last five years, the Bombers have been the best or the second-best team in the league,' Adams said. 'Obviously with the five-straight Grey Cup (appearances), their system is second to none. They do a lot of great things over there. Article content 'For us as an offence, we need to take care of the ball — starting with me — let the playmakers do what they do and give our defence a rest — go on some long drives. Article content 'But it's a smart defence over there. They know what they're doing, and they do it well.' Article content The Stamps intend to do the same to kick in this Stampede Bowl thing with a winning ride. Article content 'We're such a new team, the expectations for us are to make sure we show up and do our part,' added Dickenson. 'It's fun no matter what, especially when you play Winnipeg. But it's more fun when the stands are pumping and the people are excited. And that's why it's our job to go out and play well. Article content Article content 'We're in the winning business, but we're also in the entertainment business. And I know our guys want to go out and put on a show.' Article content But the three-time CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player won't line up against his former team Thursday night. Article content He's still recovering from an ACL injury suffered last season. Article content 'We had a plan,' Dickenson said. 'We signed him last week, and we felt like it was going to be a week or two (before he gets into games). And we're not going to rush him. Article content 'But … yeah … you can definitely tell he's all-in and he's excited to be here, but he also understands that we've got to be smart and not maybe put his knee at risk.' Article content After all, the 36-year-old's leadership is what the Stamps are needing, with charismatic middle linebacker Marquel Lee out indefinitely — perhaps season-long — with a bicep injury. Article content 'Adam's a long-term plan for us,' Dickenson said. 'We need him for as many games as possible, but also we really need him for games after Labour Day, so we're going to definitely be smart about it.' Article content Article content Bighill ranks sixth in CFL history with 939 defensive tackles and has also has 39 tackles for loss, 71 special-teams stops, 50 sacks, 15 interceptions including one pick-six, 11 fumble recoveries including three returned for touchdowns, 14 forced fumbles and 25 knockdowns. Article content 'This place has a lot of tradition, and it's known as a place to play football the right way,' said Bighill, of coming to Calgary. 'They play tough football here, the team's been well-coached, and it's an organization that you have a chance to win. Article content 'They play football the right way here.' Article content A veteran of 191 regular-season games, 19 post-season contests in 12 CFL campaigns and three Grey Cup victories, Bighill is an eight-time West Division all-star and a six-time league all-star during his run with the BC Lions and then the Bombers. Article content 'I tear my ACL last year, and it's not the way you want to go out and feel about your career,' said Bighill, when asked if he considered retirement over the off-season. 'And I've always had a bit of an underdog mentality to myself — you know … that chip on my shoulder.
Global News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Adams Jr. still seeking 1st TD pass as a Stampeder as Calgary prepares to host Winnipeg
Vernon Adams Jr. has yet to throw a touchdown pass for the Calgary Stampeders three games into the season. The Stampeders (2-1) host the undefeated Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-0) on Thursday. Calgary's quarterback has orchestrated six touchdown drives and rushed for an eight-yard touchdown over his first three starts as a Stampeder. He's thrown for 800 yards and says he's cool with his lack of touchdown throws as long as Calgary wins. 'We got two wins out of it so I wasn't complaining,' Adams said Wednesday. 'You got a loss now and you're really looking at it. 'As long as we're winning I'm OK with that, but I'm sure they'll start rolling in here soon.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "As long as we're winning I'm OK with that, but I'm sure they'll start rolling in here soon." Stampeders head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson, a former CFL quarterback himself, was also willing to overlook a delay in air touchdowns as long as Adams distributes the ball well enough to get the victory. Story continues below advertisement 'We definitely understand the teams aren't necessarily all out blitzing down there. They're playing zones, and so we've got to be able to run the ball,' Dickenson said. 'We've got to able to take what's there, but he's still had the great rushing touchdown and probably a couple down to the one-yard line. As a quarterback though, I'm not caught up on stats, but I'd like a few touchdown passes and I know he would as well.' Thursday's game has been dubbed the 'Stampede Bowl' with a custom trophy for the game winner in homage to the Calgary Stampede, which starts Friday and has been a city fixture for over a century. 'We're in the winning business, but we're also in the entertainment business, and our guys, we want to go and put on a show,' Dickenson said. 4:38 Stampede Bowl brings Calgary Stampeders, 'Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth' together Calgary players donned cowboy hats Wednesday at McMahon Stadium and posed for pictures. Story continues below advertisement 'I never really wore one before,' said Adams, who became a Stampeder in a trade with the B.C. Lions last November. 2:01 Quarterback Shakeup: Stampeders usher in new era with Vernon Adams and PJ Walker Quarterback Shakeup: Stampeders usher in new era with Vernon Adams and PJ Walker New Stampeders quarterback Previous Video Next Video The Blue Bombers arrive with their quarterback Zach Collaros on his game. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The 36-year-old threw three touchdown passes and rushed for another in Winnipeg's 36-23 win over the Edmonton Elks in Week 4. Collaros amassed 334 passing yards without an interception. Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira, the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2024, returns to the lineup after sitting out two games with a shoulder injury. Calgary, meanwhile, is the more rested team after a bye week and a rain-soaked 20-12 loss to the Ottawa Redblacks on June 20 at McMahon. The Blue Bombers are Calgary's first divisional opponent this season and the two sides clash three times in the next six weeks. Story continues below advertisement Winnipeg has appeared in five straight Grey Cups and won the first two. 'They're the cream of the crop,' Calgary receiver Jalen Philpot said. 'They've been in five Grey Cups for a reason. 'They've kind of owned the West for the last five years so for us, it's just a big challenge for us. We feel like we've got a really good team this year so we want to go out there and play the best team.' An intriguing storyline will stay on the back burner as all-star linebacker Adam Bighill won't face his former team Thursday. The Stampeders signed the 36-year-old Bighill, a three-time winner of the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award, to the club's practice roster last week. Bighill won two of his three Grey Cup rings with Winnipeg, but the six-time CFL all-star was released by the Blue Bombers in January. He underwent season-ending knee surgery last September. 'He's a long term plan for us. We need him for as many games as possible but also we really need him for games after Labour Day and so we'll definitely try to be smart about it,' said Dickenson. The Stampeders and Bombers clash again July 18 in Winnipeg and Aug. 9 back in Calgary. Story continues below advertisement 'I'd be hard-pressed to think he's not going to play his former team,' Dickenson said. 'He's going to be rushing me and it's not going to be vice versa. I would be very surprised if he doesn't play Winnipeg, if not twice, rather than once.'
