STATE AWARDS NEARLY HALF MILLION TO HUMBOLDT TO FIGHT METH

The Governor's Office of Emergency Services will begin distributing
$29 million in grant funds to combat methamphetamine distribution and
sales -- nearly half a million going to Humboldt County.

"OES's methamphetamine enforcement programwas so successful and the
need so great that Gov. (Arnold) Schwarzenegger increased its funding
this year, and we are now able to expand the program to fight this
destructive drug," said OES Director Henry Renteria in a press
release announcing the grants. "Last year, this program enabled local
law enforcement agencies to rescue 152 children, arrest 955 suspects,
confiscate 321 weapons, dismantle 46 meth labs and seize more than
$6.9 million in drug money and assets."

The amount awarded Humboldt County came to $418,228. It will go to
the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department.

All 58 counties were eligible for the program and 40 received grants
with the remaining 18 joining efforts with participating California
Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team counties in
their region.