Betty Kwan Chinn Day Center

Some people talk, others do. Betty Chinn has quietly been serving the homeless for 30 years with her own money and her time. As more people have gotten involved, Betty's work with the homeless has grown and so has the support.

Yesterday, about 100 people showed up at 133 7th street in Eureka to hear about the Betty Kwan Chinn Day Center. This is a partnership between the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation and the Catholic Charities Diocese of Santa Rosa.

There were community members, representatives from other organizations that work with the homeless, local Catholic church members, business owners, elected officials that included Virginia Bass, Rex Bohn, Marian Brady, Mike Newman, Lance Madsen, Melinda Ciarabellini and City Council candidate Joe Bonino. The people gathered were a diverse group that normally don't gather in one room. But the most noteworthy attendees for me were Jeremy and Ryan, the two men that help Betty every day and maintain the shower facility operated by St. Vincent's.

Pastor Dan Price, board chair for the Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation opened the meeting and explained how this idea came about and mentioned other board members which include Kurt Kramer, Paul Gallegos and David Tyson. He and others mentioned how their view of the homeless has changed by knowing Betty.

The day center that is proposed at this site has been funded by an anonymous donor from Fortuna who now lives in Santa Rosa. Many businesses are donating time and finances to the renovation. They have funding that will allow them to operate for a year. There is a wish list of items that people can help with if they don't have money or volunteer time.

Betty, the board members and City Council members visited the successful program in Sonoma County and wanted a similar program here in Humboldt County. They explained what services will be offered, how this day center will work and what services will be provided and answered questions about safety, protocols, finances.

The mission of the the Betty Kwan Chinn Day Center is "to honor all of humanity by providing direct response to immediate needs and helping the destitute achieve the dignity needed to return to society as contributing members."

Stan Cordero, director of programs, said last night, "Homeless is a community challenge and only a community can solve it."

If every person reached out to another person, this is a problem we can overcome. And to those who think this help comes with conditions because Catholics are involved, it does not, it is given without strings attached. Just a hand up to lift up those who  need to be seen, believed and respected and valued as any other human being.

In Betty's work, I see the gift God gave her and the strength. Betty has lived through as a child what the homeless go through each day and for her this is not a job. As she said at the meeting, "I show the love that was shown to me."

I can relate to what Betty said. When I had no where to go and no hope and felt less than worthy, it has been people who live these values that showed me love and believed in me. It made a difference in my life.

My gratitude to Betty and all involved and you can definitely count on me being a part of this community effort.

Marketing the Northern California Region

On October 11 and 12, the City of Eureka and Upstate California Economic Development Council hosted a 2 day conference at the Wharfinger Building. This included a reception and dinner at the Sequoia Park Zoo. Representatives from the Governor’s Office, Counties of Shasta, Butte, Humboldt, Trinity and Tehama, Headwaters Fund, SBDC, Humboldt Made as well as local elected officials from the City of Eureka, Humboldt County Board of Supervisors attended.

 The Upstate California Economic Development Council (Upstate CA EDC) was founded in 1989. Today, it is supported by the pooled resources of 13 Northern California community-based economic development organizations as well as the California Trade and Commerce Agency and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. It is a non-profit whose goal is market profit-making opportunities in the region to a global audience.

 Upstate EDC has a new mission this year, focusing on food production activities, which is a growing business activity within the Upstate members.  Presentations focusing on increasing growth opportunities for Ag related businesses took the forefront on October 11th.

 There was an update by City Manager David Tyson and Consultant David Hull on the East-West Railway Project. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Upstate California Economic Development Council, The City of Eureka, Humboldt County and the Counties of Trinity and Tehama supporting a feasibility study for this project.  “We are not proposing that we build a rail tomorrow,” said Tyson. “We are proposing we do a feasibility study. The port is very important to our economy and rail is important to it.”

 Before Tyson spoke, Debra Lucero from Butte EDC had given an excellent presentation on the future of pulses processing and how that could benefit Northern California counties represented in both national trade and international trade. Debra also shared her innovative Agricultural Speed Dating Program that matches food processors with local and regional restaurants, and commodity based buyers.

 Other featured presenters/speakers included GoBIZs newly appointed Deputy Director Leslie McBride, North State Super Region representative Dan Wayne and Stephen Wahlstrom. Also, present were TeamCalifornia the statewide marketing program experts, Mary Ingersoll and Tim Kelley.

 The program concluded with the recommendation for the Upstate group to focus significant resources and effort on the small value added food processors in the region.

 

 

Humboldt Beer Works moves to a new location

On October 5, Eureka Mayor Frank Jager, Council members Marian Brady and Mike Newman, Eureka Main Street Director Charlotte McDonald as well as  Chamber members and Ambassadors showed up to support  the Ribbon cutting celebration for Humboldt Beer Works new location at 110 Third Street, Suite D in Eureka.

Humboldt Beer Works is a homebrew supply store established in 2011 by owners Jamie Ashdon and Josh Reed. The new company started out focusing on the homebrew supply shop, and quickly gained a following. Known for quality service, availability and for having the best selection of homebrew supplies and equipment in 150 miles, Humboldt Beer Works moved to a shop space four times the size of the previous location in less than a year. They will soon offer on-site commercial craft beer to promote craft brewing education, the art of beer making and classes for new homebrewers. Future phases  include a specialty bottle shop and tap room.

Humboldt Beer Works has 45 grains in stock and dozens of hop varieties and yeast strains. They handle  special orders. They have a commitment that Grain milling will always be free.

To learn more about Humboldt Beer Works, go to www.humboldtbeerworks.com.

Ribbon Cutting ceremonies are sponsored by the Eureka Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the investment and vote of confidence demonstrated by new and expanding business members.

Globe Properties Turns 50

Barbara Maxon and Charlotte McDonald at the open house held to mark the 50th anniversary of Globe Properties which also featured a look at Whiplash Curve the new business located at the Historic Buhne General Store and an opportunity to view Bob Maxon's "Captain's Loft" collection and to visit the new location of HealthSPORT by the Bay.

Local insurance agent marks quarter century in trade

The Times-Standard

Posted:   10/27/2012 02:16:14 AM PDT

Gary Harner started his career in the insurance business 25 years ago with Liberty Mutual, a company he now represents as an independent agent. Harner feels he can represent his customers better by offering them choices of companies rather than the “one-fits-all concept.” Four years ago, Harner became an associate of Stan Smith Insurance Services and California Meridian Insurance Services, which represents more than 20 different insurance carriers.

Harner specializes in two programs exclusive to the agencies he represents. A low-cost flood policy that Harner says gives the client equal or better coverage than the National Flood Program and is usually 50 percent less in premium without sacrificing quality. The other program is a low-cost auto insurance program through Mercury Casualty that Harner says will save the average person as much as 40 percent on their personal auto insurance.

Harner can provide any kind of insurance you are looking for including life, health, commercial, homeowners or auto, with offices in the Ming Tree Building, Suite 3-4-5- and 9, at 509 J Street, Eureka. For more information, email Gary@ssisn.biz or call 269 4312.