DAVID EYSTER is pleased and honored to bring to your attention that his bid to be elected as Mendocino County's next District Attorney is now publicly endorsed by the men and women of the Mendocino County Deputy Sheriffs' Association, the Ukiah Police Officers' Association, and the Fort Bragg Police Officers' Association. These local law enforcement agencies understand the importance of electing an effective and knowledgeable attorney to set policy and run the District Attorney's Office. DAVID EYSTER has the background and experience to implement needed changes to better support public safety!
The candidates for the upcoming November election were invited to a moderated debate at the Ukiah Civic Center on October 5, jointly sponsored by the National Women's Political Caucus, the Ukiah Daily Journal, and the American Association of University Women. Presented here are the opening statements by District Attorney candidates Meredith Lintott and C. David Eyster. The full Debate may be viewed on the Ukiah Valley TV website. Look in the "Latest Content" column on the right.
Listen to the full Debate:
View the Candidates' Opening Statements:
Breaking news: Lintott, Eyster spar at district attorney forum By TIFFANY REVELLE The Daily Journal 10/05/2010
The district attorney candidate forum started acrimonious and grew more so as the debate wore on Tuesday night, starting when challenger David Eyster accused incumbent Meredith Lintott of being a bad leader.
Eyster said in opening remarks, "I think there has been a lack of leadership and the District Attorney's Office has been dysfunctional."
Listen to an interview Attorney Eyster did on August 20th with Norman deVall for Mendocino County Public Radio, KZYX.
Listen to the District Attorney Candidate Forum Attorney Eyster participated in on May 14th with Hannah Nelson for the Mendocino Medical Marijuana Advisory Board.
Listen to an interview Attorney Eyster did on April 30th with Karen Ottoboni for Mendocino County Public Radio, KZYX.
View video from the MCTV/Fort Bragg Advocate-News/Mendocino Beacon District Attorney Candidates' Forum, broadcast April 23rd.
David Eyster is currently running for
Office: Mendocino County District Attorney
State: California
District: Mendocino County
Party: Non-partisan
On December 30, 2009, we announced the candidacy of David Eyster for Mendocino County District Attorney 2010. Here is an excerpt:
C. DAVID EYSTER ANNOUNCES HIS CANDIDACY FOR MENDOCINO COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY; VOWS TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN A FAILING OPERATION
UKIAH - Well-known former prosecutor and prominent Ukiah attorney David Eyster formally announced today that he will seek to become Mendocino County's next elected District Attorney in 2010. Eyster ultimately decided to run for this important county office because he believes that Mendocino County deserves and needs a successful and efficient District Attorney's Office, something it currently lacks. "Candidly, the taxpayers in Mendocino County can ill-afford to let the status quo continue," says Eyster. "The DA's office these days is a rudderless ship," Eyster asserts.
Arriving in Mendocino County in 1984 to run the then-underachieving Family Support Division of the DA's Office, Eyster immediately developed a reputation for being a go-getter as he jump-started and revitalized the County's child support enforcement effort. "I worked with David when he was in charge of child support enforcement," relates Raylene Neustal of Ukiah. "Our office clicked when he was in charge of things. He was a great boss. The staff and clients loved him." According to long-time Ukiah resident, Emily Valentini, also a former employee of the District Attorney's Office, "There is simply no question in my mind that David is the right person to be District Attorney. He has my vote and probably the votes of most, if not all of the people who have ever seen him in action or have worked with him."
Meredith Lintott is a Nice Person in over her head as DA. She also seems to be mildly schizophrenic as indicated by her campaign photos, one depicting her as a warm fuzzy, the other as, well, a psycho. (One more and we'd have The Three Faces of Eve.) Prosecution policies under Lintott are just as confused, and lots of cases, especially dope cases, wind up in court that should not get that far. Worse, there are serious crimes that have gone unprosecuted. For instance, we think it's obvious that Katlyn Long of Fort Bragg was murdered by the well-connected Garrett Matson, also of Fort Bragg. There is more than enough circumstantial evidence against Matson to bring him before a jury, but Lintott claims there isn't while, of course, sequestering police reports so we might evaluate the matter ourselves. Most residents of Mendocino County want the killers and psychos among us locked up, or at least prosecuted even if the prosecution is unsuccessful. The daily doofus catch, mostly drunks, dopers and mopers, should be low prosecutorial priority. We need a DA who knows who to charge, and we need a DA who won't back off of difficult cases. Hopefully, Eyster is that guy. EYSTER for DA.
Fort Bragg Police Department Endorses Eyster for DA
April 12, 2010
Fort Bragg Chief of Police Mark Puthoff and Police Captain Brian Ballard Endorse David Eyster for Mendocino County District Attorney:
"The District Attorney is the 'Chief Law Enforcement Official' of the county. It is of critical importance to have a District Attorney that is committed and qualified to carry out the diverse leadership demands required to fulfill this position. There are many challenges facing our community that will require a leader with courage, vision, proven experience and an ability to proactively address a variety of issues.
David Eyster is a talented and respected attorney with an impeccable reputation. He will be able to proactively address a wide array of challenges that currently exist. We need a District Attorney that is competent and committed to an innovative and assertive leadership approach. Mr. Eyster has a proven record of performance which highlights both his ability and character.
The Mendocino County District Attorney's Office has some very dedicated and talented employees. There is a need for effective and consistent leadership in the District Attorney's Office. As law enforcement executives we have a clear view of the current issues and also a view from behind the scenes. David Eyster will provide the new leadership direction that is needed to address key issues, build trust, improve services, and effectively collaborate with the regional law enforcement agencies.
As tenured law enforcement leaders with 50 years of combined experience we understand the pivotal role that the District Attorney serves. The demands can be difficult but they can be effectively managed by a leader who is armed with knowledge, courage and a clear vision.
David Eyster is our clear choice for the next District Attorney of Mendocino County."
Nationally-recognized Gang Expert Endorses Eyster for DA
January 11, 2010
SANTA MONICA - Renowned sociologist and gang expert, Dr. Lewis Yablonsky, has endorsed C. David Eyster to be Mendocino County's next District Attorney. In his endorsement statement, Dr. Yablonsky writes:
"I previously worked with Attorney Eyster as an expert witness on a homicide case he was defending in Sacramento County. I have worked with attorneys as an expert witness on 300 plus cases, mainly in California but also around the United States. Of all of the lawyers I have worked with I have found Attorney Eyster to be in the upper 5% in terms of intelligence, competence, and compassion for the rights of his client.
The case we worked together on involved a client who was a young man charged, among other things, with gang-related murder in the first degree, but, in my opinion, had no gang involvement. Based on the police reports and my own interviews, I concluded the client was not responsible for the crime. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The client had attended a wedding and accepted a ride home by two youths who were previously unknown to him. These two youths were violent gangsters who during the ride, spontaneously opened fire on two separate youth groups, killing one person and seriously wounding three others. After investigating the matter, I concluded that the client was best characterized as a witness to the violence, not a perpetrator. Based, in part, on my testimony and in large part on Mr. Eyster's trial preparation and courtroom legal skills, the client was acquitted of all charges, while the two true perpetrators were found guilty across the board. Both are currently serving life sentences in prison.
I was very impressed with Mr. Eyster's dedication to seeking Justice for the client through our criminal law jury system, despite the fact that it was a lengthy and difficult case. Mr. Eyster was well-prepared and he effectively presented exonerating evidence to the jury. While some attorneys might have been overwhelmed by this multi-count, multi-defendant case, Mr. Eyster was not. In my endorsement of Attorney Eyster, I highly commend his legal knowledge, skills and good judgment to the voters of Mendocino County."
* Dr. Lewis Yablonsky is a professor emeritus of criminology at California State University at Northridge and the author of "Gangsters: 50 Years of Madness, Drugs and Death on the Streets of America," (New York University Press, 1997). Dr. Yablonsky's most recent books are "Gangs in Court," (Lawyers & Judges Publishing, 2005; and Second Edition, 2009), and "The Violent Gang," (iUniverse, 2009), the latter being a revised and expanded edition of Dr. Yablonsky's classic study of violent urban gangs. Dr. Yablonsky has devoted his life to studying youth crime in America, and is the recipient of the Pacific Sociological Association's Award for Distinguished Sociological Practice and the American Sociological Association's Distinguished Career Award for the Practice of Sociology.
Endorsement from lawyer: Jeffrey Markham , Lakeport (CA) Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Endorsement: I endorse this lawyer's work.
Endorsement from lawyer: Brian Dinday , San Rafael (CA) Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Endorsement: I endorse this lawyer's work. David Eyster is an ex-prosecutor with many years' experience. I have found that being an ex-prosecutor gives a defense attorney good insights into what prosecutors want and how they think. This is very helpful in defending criminal cases. His qualifications are excellent, and he is clearly well respected in the legal community.
Endorsement from lawyer: William Daley , Oakland (CA) Relationship: Worked together on matter
Endorsement: I endorse this lawyer's work. In working with him at the same firm for a period of several years, I found him to be attentive to his client's interests, and highly effective in his representation.
Client Review: David is the consumate attorney. Reasonable, competent, quickly grasps the situation. Eloquent writer, great negotiator. Offers sound advice and counsel.
Client Review:
I recommend Dave...he is Very Knowledgeable, honest, and straightforward
I worked with Dave Eyster on several different matters and he was outstanding. He was completely and thoroughly knowledgeable about the subject matter. He always took the time to make sure that I understood the issues and the approach we were taking to address them. He gave me clear and concise advice which I came to trust implicitly.
He is a good lawyer whom I trust and recommend very STRONGLY.
John Depue
Client Review:
Eyster is without a doubt the criminal defense attorney you are seeking to deal straight up with your situation and handle it to insure the best possible outcome. He is confident, strong, and knowledegable about the ever changing law and life in general. Each and every client is represented on thier own merit and totally understood for the personal delimma faced.
C. David Eyster stood up for me when I faced dire times and criminal charges that were daughting. Things could have turned out much different, but with Eyster's stamina, belief and determination, the end result turned out the absolute best it possibly could. Anyone seeking an attorney who believes in positive resolution needs to hire Eyster. My life could have taken a far worse turn but with Eyster on my side I will remain forever grateful for the freedon and future which now unfolds before me.
Published as "Is Lintott Playing Pot Politics?"
by Mike Geniella on Mar 11th, 2010 TheAVA.com
For two years a high-profile felony marijuana cultivation case against a veteran Ukiah High School teacher has hung in legal limbo while the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office debated its merits.
But now an unexplained decision by DA Meredith Lintott to suddenly forge ahead with felony prosecution of teacher Jeff Burrell has shocked his family and friends and cast his teaching career in doubt. Burrell after his 2008 arrest was placed on paid administrative leave, but when no charges were filed he was allowed to resume teaching in the Ukiah Unified School District.
Neither Lintott nor prosecutor Daniel McConnell returned telephone calls Wednesday from theava.com seeking comment on the unexpected turn in the Burrell case.
Lintott's move quickly shook up a three-way race in the June election for district attorney.
Challenger David Eyster, Burrell's attorney, accused Lintott of making an "extreme" decision for potential political gain. Eyster during his campaign has criticized the DA's office for confusing and ineffective marijuana prosecution policies.
Eyster said he can't help but wonder if Lintott isn't seeking to draw political attention to his legal defense of a defendant accused in a commercial marijuana growing operation.
"At the very least taking two years on something like this is simply cruel," said Eyster, a former prosecutor in the DA's office.
Eyster said he wasn't personally notified of the DA's decision to charge Burrell as is typical in criminal cases.
Instead Burrell learned of the pending felony charges after reading a three-paragraph letter dated Feb. 25 from Lintott under the signature of prosecutor McConnell.
Published as "Facebookin' for DA"
by Tim Stelloh on Mar 10th, 2010 TheAVA.com
The Godzilla of social networking sites is apparently a prerequisite for Mendo's DA candidates. Much of the stuff posted on these pages is what you'd expect: boilerplate self-promotion. But there's the occasional surprise that makes it all worth it, so we decided to do a quick survey of this new electro-landscape to see how Mendo's legal professionals are holding up...
David Eyster
After Ravtich, Eyster appears to be Mendo's most robust electro-social networker. I don't know if that bodes well for his possible future gig, but he's all over the place - responding to questions about how he'd handle particular cases, posting links to stories, uploading photos of all manner of accolade and diploma, including this:
In achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth, David Eyster learned the importance of personal responsibility. Taking responsibility for one's actions is a hallmark of a good leader.
Moreover, those who have been raised and trained in the scouting traditions understand that scouts give importance to the development of the following character traits: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. These are character traits that David Eyster has developed and will bring to work every day as Mendocino County's next District Attorney.
Thank God. We might finally get someone in the DA's office who's clean, obedient and cheerful.
Published as "Weed: the Elephant in the DA's Office"
by Mike Geniella on Dec 30th, 2009 TheAVA.com
Former prosecutor David Eyster is jumping into the race for Mendocino County District Attorney, setting the stage for a robust debate over the county's current zigzag approach to prosecution of marijuana and other criminal cases.
Eyster, a Ukiah attorney with a reputation as a tough, skilled prosecutor, is backed by a broad range of supporters from former police chiefs to champions of the late maverick DA Norm Vroman. Their shared concern is the lack of clearly defined prosecution standards in a county facing rising crime and a flourishing underground marijuana industry.
"The DA's office these days is a rudderless ship," says Eyster.
Ukiah Attorney Keith Faulder, a Vroman protégé who lost his bid to become DA three years ago, has thrown his support behind Eyster. "There's no better candidate," says Faulder.
Former Willits Police Chief Ron Caudillo of Willits, former District Attorney Duncan James and Raleigh Vroman, Vroman's widow, are also endorsing Eyster.
Eyster presents the most formidable challenge yet to Meredith Lintott, the current district attorney. Lintott in 2006 had to wage a year-long battle against Vroman and later Faulder, who stepped into the race after Vroman suddenly died in the middle of the campaign.
Eyster is already taking an early lead in discussing an issue that other candidates tend to side-step: prosecution of marijuana growers.
David Eyster has made news as a successful trial attorney in thirty-two counties across the State of California. The drawing shown to the left was created by a famous courtroom artist during the course of an attempted murder jury trial that Mr. Eyster defended in Tuolumne County.
A prolific traveler, David Eyster has been asked to help clients in thirty-two California counties. The photograph shown to the right was taken of Mr. Eyster on a beautiful Shasta County day on his way back from defending a client charged with murder in Modoc County.
Video from the League of Women Voters DA Candidates' Forum
David Eyster is currently running for)
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