The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Crescent City Times.com By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – September 17, 2025 Once again, in a highly contentious meeting, Commissioners Evans, Shepherd, and Weber targeted Commissioner Annie Nehmer—seeking to “burn the witch” for her honesty and commitment to transparency. Instead of holding themselves accountable, they continue to attack the one commissioner who demands it. Commissioner Nehmer’s Defense Commissioner Nehmer, a veteran of the United States Army, takes her role as a leader seriously. In her opening remarks she declared: “The Harbor belongs to the people—not to me, not to any one commissioner. I represent this community. Today’s agenda is not about accountability; it is about silencing a commissioner who has demanded it. I want the public to understand clearly; my actions as a commissioner have been in good faith, consistent with my fiduciary duty, and directed at protecting this district. This effort to remove me as a vice Chair is retaliation for raising legitimate governance concerns. The true issues facing this Harbor are not about me. They are about looming insolvency, falsified records, and leadership that refuses to be held accountable. The bylaws say I should report attorney contacts, but bylaws cannot override state law. State law requires me to act first and foremost in the best interest of the District. When I saw illegal residency, falsified government records, and Brown Act violations, I informed counsel. Reporting those contacts to the very people implicated would have destroyed any chance of accountability. That wasn’t a violation—it was me upholding my oath. My role is to act with diligence and independent judgment to ensure this district complies with the law and maintains accurate, accessible records. That is exactly what I have done. Let us be very clear here. Chair Weber has approved multiple deficit budgets without correction, even as the harbor nears insolvency. Weber has failed to report out as chair of the finance committee. He ignored documented reports of falsified government records that have already cost this Harbor tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. Instead of fixing these problems, he has created a pattern of bias and retaliation. When I demand accountability, retaliation follows. That is not leadership—it’s a cover-up.” Evans’ Conduct and History of Cover-Ups John Evans, Harbor Commissioner During her defense, Commissioner Evans repeatedly interrupted Ms. Nehmer, attempting to silence her. Evans argued she “cannot ask questions to outside agencies because it raises dissension.” Yet Evans himself covered up issues that demanded transparency—such as allowing Harbormaster Rademaker to destroy investigation paperwork and edit the April 23, 2025 meeting audio. Rademaker later admitted in a May 9 memo that he had destroyed the investigation papers against him and altered the audio. Evans further claimed Nehmer had cost the Harbor “thousands of dollars in legal fees,” while refusing to acknowledge that those costs stemmed from the corrupt practices he condones. Nehmer had, in fact, reported misconduct to the board—including inappropriate statements by Rademaker, late-night phone calls while she was with her husband, and other harassment. The board’s response? They forced her to continue sitting beside her harasser until a public member moved Weber into that seat. They also allowed Rademaker to smear her in public without consequence. Ultimately, Evans made the motion to censure and remove Commissioner Nehmer from her Vice Chair role. Shepherd’s Role and Dismissal of the Law Rick Shepherd, Harbor Commissioner Commissioner Shepherd, disconnected from reality and absent from meetings while in Washington, nevertheless supported the corrupt report. He even violated the Brown Act by voting while on vacation. His dismissive attitude toward the law was summed up in his own words: “This is all bullshit and I don’t like any of these laws.” The Rademaker/Weber Report Harbormaster Mike Rademaker Gerhard Weber, Chair Harbor Commission The so-called report, allegedly authored by Weber but in truth created by Harbormaster Mike Rademaker, leveled baseless accusations against Commissioner Nehmer. These included: – Misappropriation of public funds (without evidence, based solely on hearsay). – Repeated communications with outside agencies such as the USDA, Coastal Commission, and State Lands Commission. – Conversations with General Counsel Ryan Plotz (of which Nehmer recorded two, later reported to the board). – Contact with County Counsel, which revealed that Rademaker had withheld documents about the Abalone property, hiding the fact it was not legally permitted for residential use. The report concluded with accusatory claims that her actions “eroded trust, wasted taxpayer dollars, and compromised the board’s ability to oversee its own legal strategy.” In reality, the misuse of funds stemmed from the corruption of the board, while Nehmer spent her own personal funds in court to pursue justice. Commissioner Schmidt’s Position Dan Schmidt, Harbor Commissioner Commissioner Schmidt correctly noted that, according to the bylaws, Nehmer’s role as Vice Chair makes her the compliance officer for all district records. He emphasized that her duty is to maintain transparency and integrity with other agencies, particularly when the Harbor failed to pay insurance on a $5 million loan. Rademaker and Moreno lied to the board and public by claiming no insurance was required. Schmidt praised Nehmer for her diligence. Public Comments The public strongly opposed Nehmer’s removal: – Alicia Williams reminded the board that legal costs are the result of their Brown Act and CPRA violations, not Commissioner Nehmer or Linda Sutter. – Robert Dereggo stated, “Nehmer is supposed to do her homework and should not be censored for doing her job.” – Roger Gitlin, attempting to silence dissent, tried to have Alicia Williams removed. Chair Weber took Gitlin’s cue and ordered Williams out. When she refused, Weber called two sheriff’s deputies. Captain Stevens firmly replied: “This is a public meeting. We will keep the peace but we are not removing anyone.” Captain Currie was also present. The deputies’ refusal to act against free speech was one of the only moments of justice during this meeting. Legal Missteps and Brown Act Violations Despite objections, the board proceeded with the censure and removal. Nehmer challenged Shepherd’s vote, pointing out he was on vacation and not eligible. Shepherd openly admitted he was participating from Washington via Zoom. Attorney Plotz defended Shepherd’s vote by citing AB2449—ignoring the fact that the law expired on January 1, 2024 and never permitted voting while on vacation. This deliberate misrepresentation constitutes a major Brown Act violation. Plotz intentionally misled both the board and the public to ensure Nehmer’s removal. Conclusion After this unethical, illegal, and biased witch hunt, the board adjourned. The censorship and removal of Commissioner Annie Nehmer from her Vice Chair position stands as a glaring abuse of power, a violation of the Brown Act, and an assault on transparency and accountability within the Crescent City Harbor District.