PREP See our

BASKETBALL grocery specials

Bear River faces insert in
Center in league bout today’s paper
SPORTS | B6 735 Zion St. - Nevada City
129 W. McKnight Way - Grass Valley
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 FOUNDED IN 1864 TO PRESERVE THE UNION ... ONE AND INSEPARABLE WWW.THEUNION.COM $1

DA: Former
deputy won’t
face charges
Documents detail claims of sexual
relationship with informant

“
By Alan Riquelmy At this point, as
Staff Writer far as this office
Nevada County prose- is concerned, we’re
cutors say former Nevada done with Hollitz,
County Sheriff ’s Deputy unless something
Mark Hollitz will face no
charges in connection else was to come to
with accusations he had
an inappropriate relation-
ship with a confidential
light.
” — District Attorney
informant, a decision Cliff Newell
PHOTO COURTESY OF JARRETT MOODY made public almost a year
Jeremy Mineau of Super Tuber farm explains how he overwinters carrots during a farm tour as part of the 2015 after the district attorney “I believe them to the
Sustainable Food and Farm Conference. revealed the allegations. degree that we won’t use

Next-level locavore
District Attorney Cliff Hollitz to testify (in cases
Newell said an investi- Hollitz had a role inves-
gation of Hollitz, who tigating),” Newell said of
resigned in February 2017, the informants.
proved inconclusive. Hollitz declined to com-
Newell said prosecutors ment this week.
didn’t believe they had Newell’s office in March
Physician to speak on health benefits of eating enough legally admis- 2017 accused Hollitz of
local at Sustainable Food and Farm Conference sible evidence, or cor- having an “undisclosed,
roboration and cooper- inappropriate relation-
ation from confidential ship” with an informant,
By Liz Kellar informants, to convince a using that informant in an
Staff Writer jury that a crime had been
committed. HOLLITZ, A6

I
f you care about what you
put in your body, you know
that a locavore diet — eat-
ing locally grown or pro-
duced food — is something
Tow truck
to strive for.
But translating the concept
into reality can be daunting.
drivers to honor
After all, not everyone can
take the time to source the
freshest organic produce and
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Dr. Daphne Miller is one of
the keynote speakers at the
PHOTO COURTESY KURTIS OSTROM
Marney Blair of Fulcrum Farm shows Roger Ingram,
man who died in
humanely raised chickens or
— an even more committed
Sustainable Food & Farm
Conference.
former University of California Cooperative Extension ag
advisor, a compost ingredient, during a farm tour in 2017. Hwy 20 wreck
“
level — grow their own food.

“
And it can be financial- year’s Sus- Get connected to soil whether that be as SNAP and Cal-
ly difficult as well. When tainable Food in your backyard, a window box, or a Fresh that allow By Matthew Pera He was a real

”
it’s cheaper to eat at Mc- and Farm consumers to buy Staff Writer stand-up guy.
Donald’s, how do you get Conference, community garden plot. low-cost fruits and
“regular” folks to the farmers which kicks — family physician Daphne Miller vegetables,” Miller Described by family He would help you
market?
“This is a huge problem
that we all need to solve,”
off Thursday.
On Saturday, Miller will
be sharing stories from her
spending time in organic
gardens and farms can pro-
said. “But we need
a lot more innovation and
resources dedicated to, No. 1,
members as a lightheart-
ed, friendly person who
was always willing to lend
whenever he could.
”
— Paula Cox

acknowledged family physi- medical practice to illustrate mote health in a number of helping farms grow healthful a hand, John Cox, who said the 61-year-old Grass
cian Daphne Miller, one of why local, organic farm pro- different of ways. died last week in a colli- Valley resident was like
the keynote speakers at this duce is healthier, and why “There are programs such CONFERENCE, A6 sion on Highway 20, will family.
be remembered Friday “He was here five years
by his fellow tow truck and he was a very, very

Fire origins still under investigation drivers.

Kent Kilroy, owner of
Kilroy’s Towing Service,
good employee,” Kilroy
said.
Paula Cox, John’s high
said he expects about 50 school sweetheart and
By Matthew Pera those investigations are still any other potential causes is available, investigators trucks from tow compa- wife of nearly 30 years,
Staff Writer ongoing. for a fire and narrow it couldn’t determine causes nies in Nevada County described her late hus-
Asked when that infor- down to a single cause. And for 33 percent of fires in the and surrounding areas band as a storyteller with
Investigation reports mation might be available, often they do,” she said, coverage area for Cal Fire’s to join in a procession a great sense of humor.
for the causes of the Lobo, Mary Eldridge, an infor- noting the process can be Nevada Yuba Placer Unit, through Nevada City, John was known by
McCourtney and Pleasant mation officer for Cal Fire’s lengthy. according to that unit’s Grass Valley and Penn friends as empathetic and
fires — the three largest in Nevada Yuba Placer Unit, But sometimes, inves- strategic fire plan. Valley Friday morning caring, Paula said.
western Nevada County said the answer is unclear. tigators are never able to The origins of the 454 beginning at 10 a.m. “He was a real stand-up
during 2017 — are unavail- “If you look at this from identify a cause. fires that occurred in the Kilroy, who was Cox’s guy,” she said. “He would
able to the public, accord- an investigator’s perspec- In 2016, the most re- employer at the time of
ing to Cal Fire, because tive, they have to eliminate cent year for which data FIRE, A6 the Jan. 31 fatal crash, HONOR, A6

WEATHER Woman held in jailed Tuesday. It’s unclear DISSATISFIED WITH YOUR CURRENT CARE?
H: 67˚
L: 48˚
half-million-dollar
cash, gold theft
if she has a lawyer.
Authorities say deputies LOOKING FOR A NEW PROVIDER?
LAKE ELSINORE — went to a Lake Elsinore
WE OFFER:
Authorities have arrested home on Jan. 27 after a
See full • Family & Pediatrics • Geriatrics
forecast, a woman they say stole resident tried to commit
• Internal Medicine • Labs
Page A7 nearly a half-million dollars suicide. That person has
• Pain Management
in cash and gold from a recovered.
• Hormone Therapy
Sunny home and drove the own- On Friday, investigators
• Sleep Apnea Testing
er to suicide. searched Kellum’s home
The Riverside County and a storage unit. They’ve • DMV, Sports Physicals
OBITUARIES Sheriff’s Department says recovered more than
We are proud to welcome
William Bierwirth Yelena Kellum of Santa $347,000 in cash, $150,000
Major Kyle Greever Sr. Clarita was arrested last in precious metals and a Dr. Garrett M. Eckerling &
Dave Iorns week as she was preparing stolen gun. his patients to the
to leave the country. She’s — Associated Press
Covenant Care family!
Page A5
INDEX Call 888-966-2398 or walk in to
schedule an appointment with
VOLUME 153 ISSUE 88 Advice B3 Opinion A4
Blotter A2 Farm to Table B1 Garrett M. Eckerling, Scott Perrenod,
Comics B2 Sports B6 Robert Owen Barnes, Ian Gow
Cryptoquote B3 Photo Page B4 Family Practice/Urgent Care/Occupational Health/Specialty Care
Lottery B3 Sudoku B3
www.covenantcare.org
The Union Circulation: 530-273-9565 152 Catherine Lane, Suite F, Grass Valley
A6 | Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | The Union

FROM PAGE ONE, STATE & NATION

CONFERENCE IN BRIEF
From page A1
$25M deal over Trump
food and No. 2, building the link be- University fraud lawsuits
tween healthy farms and the people moves forward
who most need them. Hopefully this SAN FRANCISCO — A
conference will help tackle some of federal appeals court on
these challenges for your area.” Tuesday upheld an agree-
The food and farm conference, or- ment requiring President
ganized by Sierra Harvest, offers up Donald Trump to pay $25
four days of workshops, farm tours million to settle lawsuits
and internationally-known speakers accusing his now-defunct
including Miller, farming celebrity Trump University of fraud.
Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms and The 9th U.S. Circuit
Elizabeth and Paul Kaiser from Sing- Court of Appeals rejected
ing Frogs Farm. an effort by student Sherri
The event kicks off today with a Simpson to opt out of the
full-day workshop for farmers on deal and pursue her own
“Post-Harvest Handling and Food lawsuit.
Safety.” Friday features a farm tour to The move would have
Mountain Bounty Farm, Browning’s derailed the settlement
Timber and Fowler Family Farm. resolving lawsuits that
The same day, Tumbling Creek Farm claimed the university
will lead a workshop on growing PHOTO COURTESY JARRETT MOODY pressured students to
mushrooms that is already sold out. During the farm tour in 2015, participants walk past the pig operation at A&M Ranch. spend tens of thousands
There will be a free networking of dollars but then failed
event hosted by Nevada County farms, Miller came to believe that it’s KNOW & GO best practices for healthy farms to deliver on promises
Tech Connection, the Ag Tech Micro the farm where that food is grown What: Sustainable Food & Farm include not tilling the soil, using a di- to teach them how to be
Conference, on Friday afternoon. The that offers us the real medicine. All Conference versity of seeds and plants, conserv- successful in real estate.
micro-conference will bring together the aspects of farming — from seed When: Thursday-Sunday ing resources such as water, recycling
farmers, software developers, funders choice to soil management — have Where: Locations vary; keynote compost and nutrients back into the Attorneys general in
and other people who are interested a direct and powerful impact on our speakers and expo wand Sunday soil, and minimizing or avoiding the several states oppose
in talking and learning about how health, she argues. workshops at Nevada Union High use of chemicals. federal tips plan
technology can support local food “There are a lot of things connect- School Consumers can take small steps CHICAGO — Attorneys
production. ing our health to the health of the For info: Call 530-265-2343 or go to improve their food supply, Miller general in over a dozen
Saturday is a full day with the soil,” she said. “The most obvious link online at www.foodandfarmcon- said. states oppose a federal
keynote speakers, a farm expo and is that soil nutrition directly impacts ference.com “Volunteer in your local garden Department of Labor
in-depth break-out sessions, followed plant nutrition, which is the founda- or park,” she said. “Help convert a proposal to let employers
by another full day of 20 workshops tion of our health. Conversely, chem- blacktop to a greentop in your local control the tips of some
on Sunday on topics as varied as fer- icals in the soil (such as herbicides immune system. Or that building elementary school. A gardening and hourly employees.
mentation, permaculture, medicinal and pesticides) can cause us harm healthy soil moves carbon from the soil life class can be a part of the … Illinois Attorney General
plants, grazing and tractor care. as we ingest them on plants, in our atmosphere, where it harms us, to a curriculum and create the next gen- Lisa Madigan called the
water supply that has run-off from place underfoot where it can benefit eration of soil lovers.” proposal “outrageous”
HEALTHY SOIL, HEALTHY BODY soil, or as we farm, play, and garden us.” The most important thing? and likened it to wage
Miller, an associate clinical pro- in the soil.” “Get connected to soil whether that theft.
fessor at the University of California But Miller delves into other in- IMPORTANT SUPPORT be in your backyard, a window box, Attorneys general in
San Francisco who founded an inte- teresting connections between soil The best way for the average con- or a community garden plot.” many states and the
grative primary care practice in San health and human health, “including sumer to be as healthy as they can District of Columbia op-
Francisco, goes beyond the simple the fact that certain soil microbes in their food consumption, Miller Contact reporter Liz Kellar at 530- pose the plan, including
concept of “food as medicine.” might have a direct influence on our said, is to support healthy farms and 477-4236 or by email at lizk@ California.
After spending time on family nervous system, our mood and our healthy food. According to Miller, theunion.com. — Associated Press

FIRE HONOR
From page A1 From page A1

unit’s area during 2016 help you whenever he

were varied, the report could.”
states. Towing, she said, was a
Seventeen percent — the passion of Cox’s because
next-most frequent cause it was his way of helping
after “undetermined” — people who were in trou-
were caused by debris blesome situations.
catching fire, according “He did what he loved,”
to the fire plan. Thirteen she said.
percent were caused by John’s son, Roy Cox,
“other” sources, which PHOTO BY JOHN HART said his dad was caring
didn’t fit into any category. An investigation into the cause of the Pleasant Fire, which toward his three sons.
Eleven percent were caused burned 392 acres near North San Juan in Sept. 2017, is John shared his passion
by equipment — including ongoing, according to Cal Fire. for mechanics with Roy.
lawnmowers, weed-wackers The two fixed up old cars ELIAS FUNEZ/EFUNEZ@THEUNION.COM
and other machinery, ac- still working on that case. the investigation. together, Roy said. Two died in a Jan. 31 collision between a tow truck and
cording to Eldridge. Hotchkiss couldn’t disclose None of the three largest Two people died Jan. 31 a fuel tanker on Highway 20 that caused an explosion
Other causes included details about his inspection, western Nevada County when the Kilroy’s Tow- and sent flames about 40 feet in the air.
lightning, campfires, smok- he said. fires have been given that ing Service truck Cox was
ing, vehicles, arson and Eventually, Hotchkiss distinction yet, according driving collided with a of the fuel tanker, who about 40 feet into the air
power lines, among others. said, if all active leads for to Cal Fire’s legal office in fuel tanker around 10:10 also died in the crash. and closed Highway 20 for
Cal Fire Capt. John the cause of a fire have been Sacramento. a.m. on Highway 20, near CHP hasn’t officially over a day.
Hotchkiss, who is in- examined and a clear ex- Bowman Lake Road. identified John Cox, but
vestigating the Pleasant planation can’t be pinpoint- To contact Staff Writer John Drew, 49, of Reno, friends and family con- To contact Staff Writer
Fire — which burned 392 ed, Cal Fire would flag the Matthew Pera, email Nevada, was identified by firmed it. Matthew Pera, email
acres near North San Juan source of the fire as “unde- mpera@theunion.com or Placer County authorities The collision caused an mpera@theunion.com or
in Sept. 2017 — said he’s termined,” in effect closing call 530-477-4231. on Monday as the driver explosion that sent flames call 530-477-4231.

HOLLITZ obtained by The Union re- the documents state. talk before or after his work it occurred before her inaccuracies while proof-
From page A1 veal previously undisclosed shifts. Hollitz’s job wasn’t physical relationship with reading two different search
details about the investiga- THE RELATIONSHIP discussed. Hollitz, the interview states. warrants Mackey wrote, in
attempt to “set up” anoth- tion into Hollitz. Authorities spoke with “She said they did not, Once Hollitz stopped November 2014 and May
er informant who refused According to those docu- the second woman on but added that he men- talking to her, the wom- 2015, respectively. In March
to work with Hollitz, and ments, sheriff ’s Capt. Shan- March 9, 2017, two days af- tioned there was stuff going an said she needed to 2015 Hollitz found an inac-
of improperly destroying nan Moon — who’s running ter interviewing the first. on at NSCO that he could tell someone about the curacy in a report penned
Sheriff ’s Office records. for Nevada County sheriff Contacted via Facebook not discuss,” the docu- relationship. In December by Mackey, documents
The allegations led — in early March 2017 con- and email, that woman ment states. “(She) said 2016 she told the woman state.
Newell to review 250 to tacted Newell’s office about declined comment to The she figured it was what was first interviewed, who later Afterward Hollitz wrote
300 cases connected to a possible sexual relation- Union. going on with Dep. (Jason) disclosed the relationship, a letter to his superior re-
Hollitz, who once served ship Hollitz had with an in- The woman told author- Mackey.” according to the record. questing a transfer from the
on the county’s Narcotics formant. Investigator Colin ities in an interview at the Hollitz and Mackey had Two months later Hollitz Narcotics Task Force, citing
Task Force. Out of those, he Nelson and Chief Investiga- District Attorney’s Office overlapping service time on quit his job, authorities the allegations against
examined the specifics of 78 tor Randall Billingsley then that she’d previously lied to the Narcotics Task Force. said. Mackey.
cases, he said. spoke with the woman at Moon, saying that she had During that time, Hollitz Sheriff ’s Sgt. Guy Selleck
If Hollitz played an the Nevada County Jail who no sexual relationship with made accusations about JASON MACKEY in an interview said he had
essential part in the case, raised the accusations. Hollitz. Mackey’s integrity in sever- Hollitz’s time with the no first-hand knowledge
it was dismissed, Newell Both women — the one “She told Dep. Hollitz al cases. Narcotics Task Force over- of integrity issues with
added. who revealed the alleged about the interview with At some point during lapped with Deputy Jason Mackey, except for one in
The district attorney also sexual relationship and Capt. Moon,” the document their conversations Hollitz Mackey’s tenure. Hollitz which Mackey asked for a
reviewed search warrants the one who had it — have states. “He responded by began making sexual com- said he saw Mackey falsify case’s dismissal because of
attached to any case Hollitz served as confidential infor- telling her that if it ever ments, and the relationship information three different inaccuracies in an affidavit.
touched. His review led to mants. Their names have went to court, he would say became physical, the inter- times. Selleck added that he knew
the dismissal of 13 cases, been withheld. they were just friends and view states. Defense attorneys for of Hollitz’s accusations
eight of them felonies, he The woman who revealed over a year have attacked against Mackey and didn’t

“
added. the allegations said she’d She said that she thought that if she knew a Mackey’s search warrants in trust the latter, reports
“At this point, as far as worked as an informant criminal cases. state.
this office is concerned,
we’re done with Hollitz, un-
less something else was to
and knew Hollitz, who in
April 2014 asked if she’d
help him “set up” someone
cop, it might help get her out of trouble.
”
— the interview states
Deputies serve on the
task force for two to four
years. Mackey has since
Grass Valley Officer Evan
Butler in an interview also
said he had no first-hand
come to light,” Newell said. in a marijuana sting. The rotated out. Hollitz’s allega- knowledge of inaccuracies
woman knew the target’s he hoped (she) would say The relationship in- tions played no role in the or misstatements by Mack-
ALLEGATIONS husband, a deputy, and the same as well. She then volved about six sex acts rotation, Undersheriff Joe ey, though he had doubts
Newell’s office in March called him about the sting. went on to say that at the over a year, documents Salivar said. about Mackey after hearing
2017 released a statement That led to trouble for Hol- time of the Capt. Moon in- state. When questioned, the “We had a staffing Hollitz’s accusations, ac-
about Hollitz. According to litz and damaged her pro- terview, she wasn’t ready to woman said Hollitz never change,” he added. “We had cording to the report.
that release, Hollitz left the fessional relationship with talk about it, but then Dep. threatened her or used his a couple folks out for vari- An internal investiga-
Sheriff ’s Office the month him, the documents state. Hollitz stopped talking to position as a deputy to take ous reasons.” tion into Mackey revealed
before. A sheriff ’s official According to the records, her.” advantage of her, calling the In June 2015 former no wrongdoing, authori-
then contacted Newell’s the woman who disclosed According to the second sexual contact consensual. Assistant District Attor- ties have said. The District
office that March about the alleged sexual relation- woman’s interview, Hollitz “She said that she ney Glenn Jennings, who Attorney’s Office continues
allegations of misconduct ship believed Hollitz started around September 2015 thought that if she knew a this week announced his to prosecute cases in which
against Hollitz. an investigation into her. In no longer served on the cop, it might help get her candidacy for Nevada Mackey was part of the
“The misconduct was 2016, the woman who had Narcotics Task Force. She out of trouble,” the inter- County district attorney, investigation.
such that we cannot be con- the sexual relationship told began meeting him in dif- view states. interviewed Hollitz and
fident in the integrity of his the other woman that she ferent spots — The Grange The woman said she’d others about the allegations To contact Staff Writer
investigations,” the release had helped Hollitz set her off La Barr Meadows Road, previously gotten out of a against Mackey. Alan Riquelmy, email
states. up and that they were hav- a Squirrel Creek church and ticket for driving without In that interview Hol- ariquelmy@theunion.com
Sealed documents ing a sexual relationship, a hospital — where they’d her license on her, though litz alleged that he found or call 530-477-4239.