Humboldt Young Republicans

Humboldt County’s new group of the California Young Republicans held a reception for registered Republicans between the ages of 18 and 40 at 5:30-7:00 p.m. last night at the Sea Grill in Eureka. A new chapter is in the process of being formed.

The new chapter will be a focal point for young Republicans to socialize and create their own programs to advance the party and aid its candidates according to the organizers.

I attended the event and it was great to be with like minded peers, knowledgeable about the issues and those  interested in making a difference in the community.

Adam Ellison, northern regional vice-chair from the California Young Republicans Federation , Peter Hannaford, Chairman of the Humboldt County Republican Party, and Joe Bonino, candidate for Eureka City Council spoke to the group with brief introductions from the event organizers, Darus Trutna and Blaine O'Shaughnessy.
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Joe spoke about public safety, jobs, clean environment and fiscal accountability and responsibility. I liked how Joe explained how these issues impact us locally and how his experience as a resident and business owner relate to his insight and what he will bring to City Council. He also was very eloquent about young people getting involved and gave an excellent analysis of how local politics impact the average citizen compared to large cities.

Peter spoke about the Humboldt GOP and how people can be involved. Adam provided information on what support his organization provides and how being involved in such chapters has benefited him.

All age-eligible Republicans are invited to attend the next meeting which will be held at the same location on October 17, 2012 and there is no charge. If you plan to attend, please send  an e-mail at contact@humboldtgop.org or go to the group's Facebook page for further information.

Gabriel's new bar

Last Friday, Gabriel's in Old Town was packed with the opening of their new bar. This week help them celebrate with happy hour specials all week.

For owner, Latte Love a labor of love

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Shanell Beyzade opened Latte Love, located at 2228 4th St. in Eureka, in May. Operating successful businesses is something she has been doing for over two decades.
She and her husband own Kebab Cafe in Arcata, which has been around for 15 years. For the past 20 years, Beyzade, an interior designer, has also run the home-based business Creative Decorating & Design, which specializes in custom window coverings and custom draperies.
Beyzade purchased Latte Love's location in December of 2011. “My vision was to decorate the interior with the skills that I have and to make it as unique and comfortable as possible,” she said. “I choose very nice colors and colorful photos of peacock feathers to achieve the effect you see at the coffee shop.”
Then Beyzade began searching for a coffee supplier. Her choice was Strawhouse, in Junction City. “They have the finest coffee that I have ever tasted,” said Beyzade. “It is all organic, fair trade and they roast their beans at their shop. The coffee is delivered fresh weekly, and we are the only coffee shop on the North Coast that serves Strawhouse.” Many customers have commented on the uniqueness of the flavor. Besides coffee, Latte Love offers chai tea and fruit smoothies which are 100 percent fruit with no preservatives, artificial flavors or sweeteners. You can customize your smoothie by adding fresh ginger or mint.
”My signature drink is Latte Love,”said Beyzade. “It is basically a latte with a hint of lavender. My daughters helped me invent this while I was setting up the shop. Another specialty of ours is Lavender Love, which is cold black tea with ice, a splash of half-and-half and lavender.”
All of the food served is prepared locally. Choices include Kebab Cafe pita bread served with baba ganoush or hummus, Los Bagels' bagels with cream cheese and a variety of toppings and Rita's burritos. The muffins, scones and bread are all purchased from local stores. Latte Love strives to be as vegetarian-friendly and as accommodating of customers' needs as they can be. Milk options include almond milk, soy and rice milk.
”It makes me very happy when people comment on how much they enjoy our coffee shop,” said Beyzade. “When I hear this and see them smile, my soul smiles and I am content. I just want to share this business with everyone and especially with people in Humboldt County because this is my home and where I was born and raised.”
Latte Love is open Monday through Friday. 6:30 a.m to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check them out on Facebook or call 707-442-1200 for more information.

Eric Martin at the Ironside Gallery for Arts Arcata

Eric Martin says his goal with his photography is to challenge the viewer to take a second look and try to notice hidden subtleties in his work, and figure out what he is trying to convey. The name of his business, 2ndsights Photography, came about as a result of this goal.

He graduated from HSU's Studio Art Department in 2007 and has been a photography enthusiast since his first black-and-white film class at HSU with well-known photography professor Don Anton. While he was always interested in photography, Martin didn't know much about the medium. In fact, as a teenager he dreamed of becoming a career potter, having used the potter's wheel since he was 14. At HSU he focused on ceramics, but since he graduated, he started devoting more time to developing a style with photography.

Now 29, Martin aims to create visually striking work by overlapping multiple photos of common objects, places, textures and quiet phenomena, things and people one might pass by every day and may not appreciate.

His work references a common darkroom technique often called sandwiching, which he first learned about and tried during a beginning black and white film class at HSU. While several other ways to achieve the same effect using film, Martin works digitally to create the final product the viewer sees.

Sometimes his subject matter is easily identified, but often it is not on purpose. The layered imagery that results from his process could be said to hold a mysterious and even dreamlike quality, with a familiarity that draws the viewer to explore deeper.

Since he graduated, Martin and his partner have lived in Grass Valley, where he worked for an Americorps program, then Chico, where she received a teaching credential and he worked as a professional picture framer. They moved back to Humboldt in June 2010 because, he said, they missed the nature, ocean, family and friends who live here.

Martin says his biggest challenge has been figuring out the right career path to follow.

”I'm married now and we want to be able to purchase a home and raise a child, so I need to have consistent, reliable employment,” he said. “For most people that precludes being a career artist. I'm still working towards a career that can help provide us all these things. So I do my art at night and on the weekends.”

Once he moved to Old Town in 2011, Martin started displaying his work often in the local shops and says he has received positive responses.

”For now, my goal is to just keep displaying locally, so my work becomes recognizable,” he said. “Eventually I would like to market my photographs in the Bay Area and some of the places in between here and there. My goal is to have my photography generate a more substantial part of our income. Since we live in a globalized economy, I look forward to expanding my customer base to include people from the East Coast and even different countries.”

Martin can be reached through his online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/2ndsightsphotography or 845-9479.

Kay Recede is Texas bound

My favorite local reporter Kay Recede is Texas bound. Her last day with Channel 3 is on Friday. Kay covering local news for TV is not an easy task. You did it with style, you kept it fair and balanced in a community that is passionate about issues, and I will miss seeing you around.

I wish you the best.

What's Unique About Eureka Main Street

“You hear me before you see me,” states Marty L’Herault owner of Old Town Carriage and Company. Marty and his two horses Barney and Buster, are adored by the public. The clip clop of hooves herald the familiar sight many of us are see daily if we live or work in Old Town Eureka.

According to Marty, this is one of the few horse and carriage companies within 500 miles. “I am the only one who does this six days a week. Ninety percent of the people get into the business as a hobby or do it part-time.”

Marty’s love for horses goes back to the 1980s when he drove a carriage in New York’s Central Park. In 1989, he and his wife opened the business in Eureka. In 1995, he sold it to someone in Sacramento. “There was no carriage locally for about 6 or 7 years, so I bought and started a new business.”

Marty only charges $28 for a 20-25 minute ride and $47 for a 40-45 minute ride. This charge is not per person but for the whole carriage. Even with a display sign, Marty has to explain the charges to people. They are very surprised at how reasonable his prices are and Marty has 2 regular narrated historic tour routes.

“I am very fortunate that all of the businesses and the City of Eureka want me to be here,” said Marty. Many larger areas his peers are facing extinction.

Romantic rides, families enjoying a leisurely activity, visitors learning about the area; Marty has been there for all these good times. His eyes light up when he mentions people who used to ride the carriage as children come up to him now as adults and share childhood memories.

Asked to explain why his business is so popular among both locals and tourists, Marty said he remembered what an Amish gentleman told him years ago. “The more we rush into the future, the more we want reach back into something familiar of the past.”

Come meet Joe

Joe Bonino has either been a business member or a board member or president or volunteer for the following: City of Eureka Budget Advisory Committee, Easter Seals Society , Ink People, Italian Catholic Federation , Eureka Sons and Daughters of Italy, St. Bernard’s Parish, Humane Society of Humboldt County,  Clarke Museum/Old Town, and Eureka/Humboldt Co. Bed & Breakfast Association.

He is also for clean air, water, the environment. On Tuesday, August 21, Joe will formally announce his candidacy for Ward 2, Eureka City Council at 12:15 in front of the Eureka High auditorium.

From Joe's community service, it looks like he appeals to a wide range of constituents. Joe and I share some of the same interests and values. I know him personally yet he did not take my support for granted. He took the time to speak with me and answer questions. Come hear Joe speak, meet him, and decide for yourself.

Mekong Café to celebrate fourth anniversary in Old Town

John Chiv/For the Times-StandardCreated:   08/15/2012 02:37:12 AM PDT

Mekong Café located at 307 2nd St. in Eureka will celebrate its fourth anniversary this December. They are starting their celebration a few months early by offering an updated menu starting this August and specials featuring Humboldt Grassfed Beef.

The name reflects cuisine which is typical of the region near the Mekong River. “We offer Thai food with a Laotian influence,” said owner Gina Sydathong.

She credits her husband John for opening Mekong since meeting him is what introduced her to the dishes offered. “The love for the food came first, the love for the man later,” said Sydathong.

John Sydathong's family opened the first Southeast Asian store in Humboldt in the late 1980s. They sold the business. John and Gina both worked at Cher-ae Heights Casino and fell in love. They owned Red Eye Espresso in Myrtletowne and wanted to offer food but it wasn't the right timing. After they sold the Red Eye, Gina was training to be a medical assistant but she loved cooking more and Mekong Café was the result.

Cultural pride and offering food similar to what they eat at home is one of the few things that sets Mekong apart, according to Nicole Williams, who has worked at Mekong for three years. The restaurant has daily specials, offering food customized to different spice levels; you can create your own version of Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), and the vegetarian selections have vegetables different than those that are

usually available at most Asian restaurants. Local support is very important to Gina. She uses tofu from The Tofu Shop, purchases produce as often as she can from the farmers market, and has started using Humboldt Grassfed Beef for her specials. You can get entire platters of items such as Whole Cornish Game Hen, Roasted Duck and the recently added Deep Fried Trout as a part of the regular menu.

The improved menu offers a lot of options which is familiar to patrons of Asian restaurants. Their Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles) is prepared as it is in the Chiang Mai region. Dishes on the menu are prepared with herbs grown by Gina so you get that fresh flavor.

They always have live music on Arts Alive. Call 707-269-0555 for more information.

Decision on courthouse ordinance continued until Sept 25 meeting

After hearing from the Humboldt Human Rights Commission and public comment at this morning's meeting, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors took no action and voted to continue the item regarding the  courthouse urgency ordinance until the September 25 meeting. They also included in the motion a request to the Humboldt County Sheriff's office, the Eureka Police Department and the District Attorney's office not to prosecute certain parts of the ordinance so citizens can have candlelight vigils and exercise their First Amendment Rights.

The Humboldt Human Rights Commission is a group of fine folks. I served with them. Let's see if the good faith demonstrated by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and Human Rights Commission is returned in word and action by those who continue to throw hissy fits and be disrespectful.

Free speech comes with responsibility. And the right to express opinions extends to all. When I see that courtesy given to me and others;  when I see an effort on part of the Occupiers and their allies to respect and balance needs of all citizens; when I see the local media give equal voice to other than just the a few Occupiers and their views, the First Amendment will be applied fairly.

He Walks The Talk

You already know he is running against Linda Atkins . You know he is employed by Humboldt State. Here is a little more about Joe Bonino.

Public transit is one of the many issues important to Joe. He rides his bicycle and he takes the bus to work every day. He has been doing this since 1995. Clean air, the environment is something he has been passionate about long before the election.

Public safety and job creation are also important to Joe. He told me that there are 3 immediate and crucial issues that Eureka City Council will be dealing with: a new police chief, a new city manager, and the General Plan. "What kind of council member do you want ?," he asked me. Linda Atkins believe in "expanding government" and "I believe in limited government."

Joe will have a website up soon. Instead of listening to me or any one else, take the time to check it out. Meet Joe and decide for yourself.

Joe Bonino to challenge Linda Atkins

As of 5 PM on August 10, No one is running against Melinda Ciarabellini for Ward 4 in Eureka. Joe Bonino is the challenger to Linda Atkins for Ward 2.

Whiplash Curve spotlights local jewelry

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Created:   08/10/2012 02:37:18 AM PDT

Sometimes one ending is a new beginning.

Whiplash Curve is the new business and brainchild of Bonnie Stephens and Eleanor Mattingly.

The store had a soft opening on July 31 and is located at 423 1st St. in Eureka. Stephens and Mattingly are the former owners of Graystone Jewelers.

”Whiplash curve” is jewelry term widely present in art nouveau and represents a different style and direction that Stephens and Mattingly are taking with their business. When they decided to downsize a few months ago due to recession, Stephens and Mattingly had a few options. They eventually decided to concentrate on offering selections of their own work and certain select vendors.

Health Sport by the Bay was looking for a larger location and Whiplash Curve needed a smaller location. Both properties are managed by the same landlord and so the businesses switched locations. “It was serendipity,” said Stephens.

Stephens and Mattingly did offer their own creations at the old store, but at Whiplash Curve there will be more items available on display, and they say they are going to do a lot more custom work.

”This is an opportunity for us to highlight more of our own designs,” said Mattingly. Offering local and regional items allows them to work directly with the jeweler and cuts out the middleman.

Stephens and Mattingly also want to offer jewelry mostly available in the U.S because “the diamonds are conflict-free”and the items are recyclable.

The store is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 707-407-3520 for more information.

It's Official, Rex Bohn Sworn in today

Rex Bohn was sworn in at noon today by Hon. Judge Watson and the Humboldt County Board of Supervisor Chamber was packed with family and friends.

Former 1st District Supervisor Jimmy Smith was one of the many elected officials and personal friends that showed up to congratulate Rex. Rex's speech was short, simple, and humble. He thanked his family and wife, Jimmy Smith, long-time friends, fellow supervisors and staff.

"I look forward to protecting people's rights" and "We need to take off the handcuffs from small businesses. We need jobs, not just for young people but everybody" are two subjects Rex mentioned in his speech. The last is one that rings very true and is a concern close to me. It is one of the many reasons I supported Rex. He gets what the daily struggle is for someone like me. He gets to the point.

Kay Recede of Channel 3 asked him "what issues will you tackle first?" After humorously referring to the field drainage issue in Fields Landing that he got a call about at 8:05 AM this morning, Rex responded with "General Plan issues". He said he wants to do what is best for the citizens of Humboldt County and that the Plan getting published and distributed was a great step. He also added that when he was out walking during his campaign, this was not the biggest issue.

What Makes Eureka Main Street Unique

 You have been on the boat, now meet the goat.

Gelou, a Nigerian dwarf goat is the new mascot for the famous 1910 Madaket and was raised on the boat yard that also housed the famous local ferry.

Gelou is pictured here with Dalene and Leroy Zerlang. Most locals are already familiar with the Zerlang family and the Madaket connection. If you have not yet experienced a cruise or want to know more, visit www.humboldtbaymaritimemuseum.com/madaketcruises.html.

The Madaket is the last of seven ferries on Humboldt Bay. The ferry system was the main transportation from the Peninsula to the mills and was closed down in 1971. So what makes the Madaket unique?

It is the oldest certified passenger carrying vessel in continuous service in the Unites States. It has the smallest licensed bar in the State of California, hence the affectionate name, “the booze cruise”.  Besides the cocktail cruise, there are narrated cruises which allow you to see Eureka from a different perspective.

Leroy explained that “instead of looking at the water, you are looking at the city of Eureka from the boat. Views you don’t see when you are normally driving through.”

The day I was talking to Leroy and Dalene, passengers awaiting a cruise were more interested in getting their photo taken with Gelou than local history. Gelou made a rare appearance that day and seems to be a natural for the camera.

Wedding planner celebrates 10 years in Humboldt

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Posted:   07/04/2012 02:36:18 AM PDT

In Nancy Burrow's own words, “anyone who needs a good Italian-Portugese to run the show and make sure every tiny detail is taken care of” should hire 2 Moms Party Planning and Weddings.

Burrow, the owner of a successful business that will celebrate its 10th anniversary this month, has clients all over Humboldt County and even travels as far as Yreka. This year she plans to go global to promote her business and the redwoods. Many of her wedding clients are from Southern Humboldt and Miranda Gardens is Burrow's favorite location.

Burrow, a Bay Area native with a background in Italian restaurants and event planning, moved to Humboldt in 1996 and went into business with another mom, her neighbor, in 2002. The business grew and in a couple of months, according to Burrow, her partner decided to let her fly solo because the business required a lot of time.

A go-getter, Burrow started by printing up 800 business cards and cold-calling. In her first week, she got three clients: St. Joseph, her first wedding, and a sweet sixteen, and hasn't looked back since. 2 Moms Party Planning and Weddings now employs many moms and dads now on an event-by-event basis.

”I didn't do this for the money; this is my passion,” said Burrow. “My clients are like my family. They trust me.”

She travels to where her clients need her, or sets them up before they land. Burrow and her crew will even help you propose to your beloved – a new service they offer.

2 Moms  works with many local vendors. Regulars include catering by Perfect Palate, music by DJ Dub Cowboy, flowers by Flora Organica, photography by L and M Photography, and ceremonies officiated by Dana Hope.

”Anything is possible if you just believe you can do it and give 100 percent every single time,” is Burrow's advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs. For more details, call 707-502-5000 or visit 2momspartiesandweddings.com

Take the Gallagher's experience

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Posted:   06/26/2012 02:37:07 AM PDT

Gallagher's Irish restaurant and pub, located at the Eagle House, 139 2nd St. in Eureka, opened its doors eight years ago. The family-friendly Irish pub has always made changes in an effort to reach out to customers who have yet to have the Gallagher's experience and to keep the regulars coming back.

Starting Wednesday, Gallagher's is introducing a late-night menu which will offer items under $5 and 50 cents off drinks from 9:30 p.m. to closing, Wednesday through Saturday. Classics such as the Gallagher burger and their fish and chips will be available for $10.

Another change is a recent website featuring all that Gallagher's has to offer.

This year marks the second annual private tasting events, a partnership with Myrtletown Liquors and John's Fine Cigars, which features three tastings a year with special menus. A tequila tasting is set for July. This idea was largely executive chef Schulyer Schoell's idea, according to owner Reed Paden. Schoell previously worked at the Josephine Room at the Gunhouse in Sonora.

”Irish pubs are known for their hospitality and good food,” said Manager and Event Coordinator Kelly Erben. “Patrons are drawn to our pub and its comfortable charm. These customers include loyal locals who eat lunch or dinner on a daily or weekly basis, overnight guests staying at the Eagle House Inn or tourists just passing through.”

Family-owned and operated, this is owner Reed Paden's first local restaurant. His initial venture into the food business was The Rock in Twain Harte. The Padens moved up to Humboldt County from the Bay Area because they wanted to raise their children here. Paden named The Rock after a famous landmark near the pub. Gallagher's is named in honor of his grandfather.

Open seven days a week, Gallagher's Irish pub and Irish restaurant's menu is periodically updated but always features fish and chips. On Irish Thursdays, a specific menu is offered just that day, and on Fridays and Saturdays, you can get prime rib. There is live music Wednesday through Saturday with rotating guests, among them local musician Seabury Gould. Gallagher's has always had one resident artist, Ron Thompson. Stop by for a beer and have your own personal Arts Alive experience since he is one of the regulars.

Gallagher's also caters events and parties. These can be at your home or you can reserve the Eagle House banquet facility, which accommodates from 80 to 100 people.

Visit http://gallaghers-irishpub.com or call 707-442-1177 for reservations or more information.

Comic relief at the City Council meeting

Forget Hulu, forget cable, I have all the free entertainment I need here by just attending the Board of Supervisor and City Council meetings.

Issues people feel compelled to comment on always amaze me. At last night's City Council meeting, the City Council budget had no public comment, but the ordinance updating regulations regarding beekeeeping took well over an hour.

Councilwoman Marian Brady had the best comment of the entire night. "Everything in Eureka is complaint driven!" 

Next time, I am bringing popcorn. 

At the Board of Supes meeting, we heard yet again from the Occupiers about the same ole same ole rhetoric that has been repeated since last October. It was like being stuck watching reruns of Groundhog Day. The irony is that after I just commented that I was heckled and harassed for speaking up by Occupiers and not conforming to their views, I walk out and it happens again.

Rational dialogue cannot occur with people in denial.

Puttin' on the Ritz in Old Town Eureka

John Chiv/for the Times-Standard

Posted:   06/12/2012 02:38:20 AM PDT

Jack Wu has a penchant for offering good fare, and thanks to him, the lights are on at the Ritz again. The historic Ritz at 240 F St. in Eureka's Old Town reopened quietly on June 1 with a tasting menu. With only word of mouth so far, they have had steady business.

On June 5, the restaurant unveiled its full menu. The Ritz offers modern cuisine featuring French-style plates with a range of Thai flavors. Chef Eric Nelson and Sous Chef Rudy Mujianto tempt your palate with tapas, small plates and savory selections such as Ritz eggplant chevre rolls on wood-fired pita bread, scallop and bay shrimp fritters with Ritz mild curry, grilled duck breast with spicy hoisin glaze, shrimp and crab pizza with lime thyme, tobiko and enoki mushrooms and sun-dried tomato and garlic cream and desserts such as banana bread pizza with strawberries and frozen nutmeg whipped cream.

Prices range from $6 to $18. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.

How did they arrive at what kind of food to offer? Building owner Dan Olivier had a wood-fire oven put in a few months ago. Nelson's background is in French cooking, specifically Southern France. Wu wanted a Thai influence. The result is the Ritz's current French-Thai fusion with seasonal and local ingredients.

The Ritz is open seven days a week and currently offers beer and wine. A full bar will be available soon. Works by local artists Andrei Hedstrom and Jennifer Mackey adorn the walls.

Samuel Santangelo is the front-house manager who oversees a staff of 30 employees, many of whom will be familiar faces to regular patrons of Old Town. In the first week, many diners complimented Santangelo on his excellent recommendations and great customer service.

”The community and nearby businesses have been very supportive,” said Santangelo, “and we plan to be good neighbors and return that generosity and welcome.”

Customers in this first week have had a chance to give feedback on their favorite dishes. Like a painting in process, the Ritz menu will evolve and update.

”The Ritz is one of the best locations in town,” Wu said. “In my travels, I was inspired by some places I visited and wanted to offer a local option which was artistic, different, comfortable and fun. This business brings together my love for good food, support for the arts and to offer Old Town a chance to share in my dream becoming a reality.”

The Ritz has been a landmark of Old Town since 1947. Olivier purchased the building and restored it in 1978. The renovation and design took place over a 14-year period. The Ritz operated as a successful nightclub during that time and since then has been home to many an upscale establishment.

The Ritz's grand opening will be on Friday. Nelson said a couple of new dishes will be introduced that day and some specials. For reservations and more information, call 707-497-6294.