Category: Far North

Despite the early morning temperatures in the middle 20s, I made a visit to the winter garden during a lull between rainstorms. Because of the cold and the rain, much of the vegetable garden is muddy and even the winter-hardy cole crops look mushy. But this is the perfect time to check on the garden fauna: slugs, snails, cutworms, beetles and more. All these little beasts are active now and easy to find if you know where to look. So let’s see who is hiding in the garden. For many years, I have placed non-treated scrap boards in the garden to monitor and control pests. How does this work? Slugs and many other pests prefer to hide during the day and come out to graze on vegetables at night when the air is more humid. The wooden boards, which I place between rows of vegetables, create a dark, damp and protected daytime habitat for various invertebrates. I check underneath them every three to five days to see which garden visitors have been drawn to the boards. At this time of year, there are usually multiple

Editor: I am disappointed in our education system that has let this person down so badly (Mailbox, Feb. 27). If we cannot trust our scientists and medics who have spent their lives learning, thinking and developing proven therapies for human ailments, then we can trust no one. Yet there are some who may have never been taught how to think well. Instead they believe some yahoo over the vast majority of experts that produced and thoroughly tested the vaccines and debunked the conspiracy theories. My advice to the writer is to consider how you may be affecting your community if you are wrong. This is not about politics. Our health should be our top concern. We have had a wake-up call with COVID. There will be more pandemics and some will even be more deadly. Dennis Whitcomb, Blue Lake…

The Electronic Frontier Foundation looks back at the games governments played to avoid transparency In the year 2015, we witnessed the launch of OpenAI, a debate over the color of a dress going viral and a Supreme Court decision that same-sex couples have the right to get married. It was also the year the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) first published The Foilies, an annual report that hands out tongue-in-cheek “awards” to government agencies and officials that respond outrageously when a member of the public tries to access public records through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or similar laws. A lot has changed over the last decade, but one thing that hasn’t is the steady flow of authorities’ attempts to avoid their legal and ethical obligations to be open and accountable. Sometimes, these cases are intentional, but just as often, they are due to incompetence or straight-up half-assedness. Over the years, EFF has teamed up with MuckRock to document and ridicule these FOIA fails and transparency trip-ups. And through a partnership with AAN Publishers, we have named-and-shamed the culprits in weekly newspapers and on indie

Editor: Congratulations to NCJ news editor Thadeus Greenson on his Humboldt Journalism Project award for investigative journalism. Thadeus isn’t good by Humboldt standards, he’s just plain good.  John Dillon, Eureka…

Editor: After watching the debacle at the White House, I have never been so ashamed of my government in all my 89 years! Two bullies, President Trump and Vice President Vance, attacking a visiting head of state at a press conference. Dictator Putin invaded a sovereign nation not once but twice. Putin should have no negotiating power at all in talks. Without a lasting peace in Ukraine, Putin will simply invade again and go on to other European countries. We all want the war to end, especially Ukraine, the ones suffering the most serious effects of the war. President Trump has turned our foreign policy absolutely upside down by embracing Russia’s cause. Putin cannot be trusted since he has a record of not living up to his promises. Former KGB Putin has played Trump like a violin. Putin and his North Korean troops should withdraw from Ukraine! How would our president react if Russia decided to invade Alaska with an eye on Canada, while China and Russia negotiate a settlement without the United States at the table? Or how about Mexico trying to take back

B7, the youngest member of the North Coast’s fledgling California condor flock, also known by the Yurok name Pey-noh-pey-o-wok’ (I am friend or kind or good natured), has died from lead poisoning after just three months in the wild. According to the Northern California Condor Restoration Program — a Yurok Tribe-led effort to return the endangered bird they know as prey-go-neesh to the northern reaches of the species’ former territory in partnership with Redwood National and State Parks — the 18-month-old male was found dead in a remote area of the park in January. Known as nature’s clean-up crew, condors play an important role in the ecosystem as apex scavengers that use their powerful beaks to pierce the tough skins of dead animals ranging from deer and elk to sea lions, and even the occasional whale, clearing large carcasses from the environment and helping prevent the spread of disease. Lead poisoning is the largest threat to condor survival in the natural environment, with about half of condor deaths in the wild attributed to birds eating lead fragments in carrion. “The loss of Pey-noh-pey-o-wok’ was a

The Tiptons Saxophone Quartet — and drums — are an interesting group, as are most of the musical caravans who drift through the oasis of the Arcata Playhouse. Named in homage to the late, pioneering, transgender saxophonist Billy Tipton, this all-female sax quartet — again, with drums added — has a wide range of styles at their flesh-to-metal fingertips, spanning the language of world music and jazz, from big-band standards to modern free improvisational spirals. From the roots to the sky, this stuff hits. And 7 p.m. on a Tuesday night isn’t much of an ask, nor is the $20 entrance fee.

Two peaceful protests occurred in front of the Humboldt County courthouse last week. While the March 4 protest focused on Donald Trump’s presidency and Elon Musk’s actions, Karen Mast, local organizer of the protest on International Women’s Day, said the theme for March 8 was, “We will not be silent” in calling for reproductive rights, equal pay as workers and improving women’s rights. The two local rallies were part of the national 50501 organization, standing for 50 protests, 50 states, one movement, which emerged after Trump’s second inauguration. Around 200 people gathered at noon March 4 to express their views with their voices, signs and one large double-paneled piece of protest art. The right to assemble is part of American constitutional law, as stated in the First Amendment, and since the protesters didn’t have a permit to march on the streets, participants stayed on the sidewalk. Looking around at the mostly Baby Boomers in attendance at the weekday event, local organizer Alan Krause, of Eureka, said, “It surprises me that the most patriotic people I know are aging hippies.” More than 500 protestors and a

Look up at the sky Thursday evening into Friday morning for a chance to glimpse the moon turn a red-coppery color —sometimes called a “Blood Moon” — during a total lunar eclipse. The celestial show occurs “when the sun, Earth, and moon align so that the moon passes into Earth’s shadow,” according to NASA. “It first appears to have a bite taken out of one side, but as maximum eclipse nears, the moon transforms into a deep crimson orb,” the space agency states. “That red color comes from the ring of all the sunsets and sunrises you’d see encircling our planet if you were an astronaut on the lunar surface right then. Afterward, the eclipse plays out in reverse, with the red color fading, and the dark bite shrinking, until the Moon looks like its usual self again.” Local viewing will, of course, depend on whether Humboldt County’s weather cooperates, which doesn’t appear to be the case with another storm in the forecast as winter reasserts itself on the North Coast in the last days before spring officially arrives on March 20. The astronomical event

Our Mom will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a vibrant, fascinating woman who loved her family, her friends and her church. She was born in northern Saskatchewan to Frank and Myrtle Kroeker on their family farm. She learned how to make butter, milk cows and walk miles to school in the snow and cold. In 1941, her father moved the family to Whittier, CA for the great weather and ample opportunities for employment. There, Ella went to school and thrived and was the first person in her family to go to college, Whittier College, a small but prestigious school. She graduated with a liberal arts degree and became an elementary school teacher at New River School, and later she returned to the University of Pepperdine for her masters’ in reading and education. While in college she met her husband Julian Melendrez, they married in 1953 and had four children. They had many adventures including motorcycle racing in the hills of Orange County on his Harley, mini car races in the streets of Los Angeles to Laguna Beach, plus travel across

I don’t have any children and by the time you are reading this, I will have carved another notch into my early 40s. Age, my general temperament and economic status puts the likelihood of offspring ever lower on the actuary board. Which is fine; I’m at least one special niece’s favorite uncle and a fairly decent cat dad, which works fine with my disposition. That being said, I’m going to drift into some unknown territory here and recommend a gig that’s strictly for the kiddos and their patient parents. Apparently, there’s a very popular series of children’s books illustrated and co-written by a chap named James Dean — not that one, obviously — called Pete the Cat , and the enterprise has turned into a minor industry including live musical storytelling, as far as I can tell. Anyway, a certified production of said material will be rolling through the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts today at 6 p.m. Tickets are $23 for kids 16 and under (although I can’t imagine too many surly teenagers will be in a froth to fill the seats) and

Erika Beatrice Makino, aged 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Redwood Valley, California on Feb. 7, 2025. The cause was respiratory failure. She was an adventurous person, fascinated by other cultures, languages and perspectives. A quiet woman with a strong spirit, she always followed her own path. Erika was born on July 24, 1928, in Reinach, Switzerland, near Basel, to Marguerite (Stehle) and Emil Koenig, a newspaper editor. She had two older siblings, Walter and Rita. She was 11 when World War II broke out in Europe in 1939. Since Basel is right on the border with Germany and France, one could see tracer fire between Germany and France and hear bombers flying overhead. One day Erika’s mother bought backpacks in case the family had to flee into the Alps. While the others were deeply worried, it seemed to Erika that adventurous and exciting times were ahead. Finally the war ended, but food was still rationed for some time. Each member of Erika’s family had a small cloth bag holding their portion of bread for the day, which her mother weighed out on

Daren Michael Salter, a beloved husband, father, brother, son and teacher, passed away on Feb. 5, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, after a courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Born on Aug. 18, 1976, in French Camp, California, Daren was a man who lived his life with a vibrant passion for education, music, and sports. A graduate of Eureka High School, Daren excelled both academically and athletically, becoming the Humboldt/Del Norte County MVP basketball player. His love for sports continued as he was recognized as an all-county league baseball and soccer player. Daren’s pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of California at Davis, where he double majored in history and English with honors. He went on to receive his master’s degree in history from San Francisco State University and furthered his studies toward a PhD at the University of Washington. Daren’s professional life was marked by his dedication to teaching. He was an honored teacher of upper school Humanities at Northwest School in Seattle and an outstanding teacher of upper school history at Lakeside School in Seattle. Daren taught with fervor, conviction and integrity, always

James (Jimmy) Bernard Friel died at home in the arms of his beloved wife, best friend and life partner Lela McKee Friel, on Feb. 1, 2025. His death came 16 months after being diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer. Jimmy was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He studied at Pennsylvania State College and Tyler School of Art before apprenticing as a plumber with his father, Charles Friel. Jimmy moved to San Francisco in 1981 to join his brothers Tom and Brian in the trade. Lela was the first person Jimmy met when he arrived in San Francisco. After knowing each other as friends for several years, they started dating in 1988 and married in 1990. Jimmy and Lela renovated a home together in San Francisco, then moved to Lela’s home town of Whitethorn in Humboldt County. There they designed and built a gorgeous house, studio and barn, cultivated a thriving garden, raised chickens and goats, and became beloved members of the community. Jimmy got sober in his early 30s, remained gratefully so for the rest of his life, and was instrumental in helping others who

Asheville, North Carolina’s Toubab Krewe have been riding the rails of the instrumental jam scene for two decades, propelled by a unique mix of fusion, African rhythms and good ol’ improvisational jam rock. A favorite in the college and festival scene, these fellas have something in the way of magic when it comes to bringing a unique light to a fairly clustered genre of starlight beams and lasers. You can catch ’em tonight at Humbrews at 8:30 p.m., where $25 will get you stageside, $5 less if you buy in advance.

Iris Elizabeth Canter, born on July 24, 2015, passed away on Jan. 25, 2025, at the tender age of nine. A bright, shining star, Iris brought boundless life and love to all who knew her. She was the cherished daughter of Adam and Ana Canter and the beloved sister of Azalea. Iris was deeply loved by her grandparents, Alice Roberts and Steve Roberts, as well as Bill and Patty Canter. She also held a special place in the hearts of her Aunt Amber (Uncle Corey “Sundog”) Mascio, Uncle Zach Roberts, and cousins Cove and Jasper Mascio. A fourth-grade student at Walker Elementary School, she found immense joy in being outdoors, whether riding her bike, camping with her family or playing soccer with friends. Iris also was a ceremonial dancer for the Bear River Band, a role that brought her great pride and connection to her community. She was never a stranger to anyone. Iris’s radiant spirit touched everyone she met. Her joy and energy were a source of light for her family and friends, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. A celebration of Iris’s

Harmony passed after surgery and an extensive hospital stay, shortly after her release. Harmony was very multi-talented, acting in several high school plays, directing and acting in her mother’s Western film. She managed a deli in the San Luis Obispo airport and completed some college. She started her own business twice with partner and father of her son, called “Bagels Naturally,” located in Garberville California. When the last cafe closed, she taught art, then moved to construction and engine repair, during the past few years becoming an in-home care giver, delighting her clients with her sweet, compassionate care. She will be missed by many, as she was a constant light in an uncertain world. She is preceeded in death by her only son, Nicholas Cartier, ex-partner Richard Cartier, grandfather Lee Sellers, grandmothers Elizabeth and Grace Sellers, babies Misty and Rain and Christopher Sellers, her baby brother. Grieving her loss; Sonnie Sellers, her mother, her brother, Korey Sellers, her father, Patrick Chambers, sister Dasea, her Aunt Shawn, and cousins. And many friends and her long time friend and partner, Sean Kincade. …

Jane Young DeHaan, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2025, at the age of 85 in Chico, California. As we mourn her loss, we celebrate her extraordinary life and the immeasurable impact she had on her family, friends and community. Jane is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Jim DeHaan; her children, Lisa (Bryan) Hoppe and Tim DeHaan; her grandchildren, Taylor (Danny) Greenwood and Jordan (Trevor) Edgecomb; her great grandchildren, Skylar and Bodie Greenwood, and Murphy Edgecomb; and her brother, Mike (Lynn) Young, and niece, Miranda. She also leaves behind three cousins; Roger (Pep) Young, Kay Kilpatrick, and Bob Kilpatrick; her in-laws Mike and Terry DeHaan, and many nieces,nephews and cousins. As we reflect on Jane’s life, we marvel at her remarkable career in education that spanned over 30 years. Her career began in Long Beach and ended in Fortuna, where Jane worked in a number of roles including high school journalism teacher, middle school English teacher, district project manager, district librarian, Principal, and multi-age second–fourth grade teacher. In addition to her work in K-12 education, Jane also

The dining room at 409 Opera Alley in Eureka’s Old Town has been painted but there are some kitchen updates needed before Kokoro Ramen can open in the former Opera Alley Bistro spot. Owner Joe Tan, who also runs and prepares sushi at Rooftop only a block or so away, says he’s eager to get started. “I love ramen. I always wanted a ramen shop,” says Tan, who cut his teeth making sushi in Japan. Seeing the success of Susukino Ramen in Arcata has given him confidence about local appetite for something like an old-fashioned shop with only ramen noodles and a few appetizers on the menu, especially among younger people. “Maybe we need one in Old Town,” he thought. Tan, who says he’s ready to for something new, plans to serve a more traditional ramen than Rooftop serves. Expect a handful of scratch-made soups — like pork and/or chicken based tonkotsu, miso, spicy miso and tan tan men, as well as a vegetarian broth — that cook for seven to 10 hours. Kokoro Ramen has no set opening date yet…

If you missed last night’s sonic orgasmatron at the Eagle House, fear not, for the second evening is afoot tonight at 9 p.m. I’m talking about the return of long-revered — around here — retro, electro, hillstomp act Beats Antique, whose sound harkens back to a more innocent time when a certain quasi-illegal economy held up a rather vibrant music scene for the locals and seasonal world visitors to enjoy alike. Also on the bill are DJs Blancatron, Zero One and Dragonfly to keep the vibes rolling throughout the double-night affair. If you are only interested in one of these shows, then tickets will run you $40 at the door, $35 in advance and $50 for a VIP experience. If you feel like doubling your pleasure, you can catch both nights for $50 or a double-night VIP for $80. Enjoy…

Making good on my promise to keep promoting the shows at the Siren’s Song Tavern as long as the doors remain open and the taps are running, here’s an all-ages, 8 p.m. gig that will satisfy anyone looking for something with a bit of mental in the experimental, and plenty of brilliant electronic and organic psychonaut adventures. Two duos of note in that sweet spot arena of krautrock, psyche and jazz tones will be sharing the stage, with Shiny Eyes headlining and Elegant Humanoid holding pole position. I have seen and enjoyed both of these acts in a variety of places, and can vouch for them without reservation. Speaking of reservations, don’t worry about that or even a door price, as this gig is as free as the night sky…