Those who can do, do; those who cannot sue

Eureka attorney Peter Martin finally revealed the true agenda behind the lawsuit filed against the City of Eureka and invocations by saying he hopes that his motion to dismiss Superior Court Judge Dale Reinholtsen will better his odds for a favorable ruling.

In a May 17 Times-Standard article, Martin was quoted as saying that he decided to request the dismissal of Reinholtsen  because he feels that the judge is “on the right flank of the political bent.”

Kim Starr must be kicking herself for not thinking of this brilliant and objective strategy in Occupy Eureka’s lawsuit against the City. In the last 2 years, the mantra of those who only know how to blame and create drama has been: “If I don’t get my way and if my mud slinging does not work, I will just sue” has backfired both at the ballot and with the public.  Nevertheless, they continue to employ the same tired tactics. It has hurt any legitimate cause and sincere people Martin and Starr claim to represent.

This same week TS printed the most vitriolic letter against the homeless and Betty Chinn. Mr. Berriman, your having “interests” in Eureka does not qualify you to give an opinion about a place you don’t live in or have a clue about what people who live here face. Especially when that misguided opinion is based on assumptions and stereotypes.

You assumed your misfortune was perpetrated by someone homeless. You talk about all these crimes and headlines in other Humboldt cities. Are there no crimes or homeless in Arcata? If you lived in Eureka or ever attended a City Council meeting here, you would know that Sue Bradenburg does not represent all of us or “speak the truth.” She has an issue with anything that the City of Eureka does and a complex about being surrounded by those less fortunate.

What Betty Chinn does is help people who have no one get a break and a hand up in a society filled of Berrimans and Brandenburgs who feel they are entitled because they lived here before and are fortunate to never know what it feels like to go without the basic necessities.

Besides filing an idiotic lawsuit that cost time and money and holding signs, what has Occupy Eureka and those of you attacking Christians done for the homeless that actually made a real difference? Christians don’t need to brag or do what they need to in front of others.

The real common theme in all these attacks against the City and Christians and Betty Chinn is a group of people who feel that there is no need for personal growth, accountability or surrender to a higher power. They rather blame rich people, the government, Christians, and anyone trying to help others under the guise of free speech, freedom of religion and misuse of civil rights.

Whether you believe in God or not, you did not create this world. And you are not entitled to anything at the expense of other's basic human needs and rights. Instead of a lawsuit, perhaps Martin, Starr, Berriman and others should address their fears about God, homeless people and actually do something to create jobs and an environment locally where all people can earn and contribute and live with dignity.

The difference between an atheist and me is that when the world challenges me, I know I am not alone. What helps me cope better is knowing that God always provides and God gives me the strength to pick up myself and survive when all seems hopeless. Believing in God also makes me look within to see what I can change to improve my lot in life.

Instead of trying to get a legitimate job, the rest of us who are struggling should form a non-profit or file a frivolous lawsuit and then sue public officials and any private business we disagree with; no more resumes, no more need to get a paycheck. It’s worked for Occupy Eureka, Baykeeper and EPIC.

Judge Rules In Favor Of City and EPD Officers in Occupy Eureka Lawsuits

PRESS RELEASE

                The lawsuits filed against the City of Eureka, Chief Murl Harpham, Sgt. Michael Guy, Sgt. Patrick O’Neill and Officer Terrence Liles concluded on Tuesday morning with a judgment in favor of the City and the officers. The lawsuits were filed by Ms. Kimberly Starr alleging violations of her civil rights for her detainment and arrests at the Occupy Eureka protests on November 7, November 10 and November 30, 2011.  The matter was heard by Judge Johnson, a visiting judge from Sacramento.  In making the ruling, Judge Johnson was very complimentary of the EPD Officers and how they handled themselves during the Occupy Eureka protests.  Judge Johnson stated several times during his ruling that he found them to have acted very professionally  despite the fact there was a “clear and immediate danger”  due to the protest and the attempts by the Occupiers to deliberately elicit a reaction from the Officers.

                In an earlier lawsuit filed by James Decker, Commissioner Eannarino also ruled in favor of the City and the Officers that there was no violation of Mr. Decker’s constitutional or statutory rights with regard to his detainment at the Occupy Eureka protest on November 30.

The City and the Officers wish to extend their thanks for all of the support and assistance they received during the trials. Chief Harpham states that he “is happy that these ridiculous lawsuits are behind us.  Good job everyone you make us proud!”  

A local judge and prosecutor who gets it

http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_23136939/judge-upholds-sentence-arcata-molester-18-years-ex

Thank you Judge Watson and Kelly Neel.

Arnie Klein for next District Attorney?

Rumor has it that Arnie Klein is considering a run for District Attorney. Stay tuned for more details.

It is not a rumor anymore. It's confirmed.

Redwood Coast Energy Authority recognized for energy efficient best practices at statewide foru

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Redwood Coast Energy Authority's Energy Watch Program is going to be featured at the Statewide Energy Efficiency Best Practices Forum in Sacramento on June 20 as an example of how to successfully work with small businesses and rural communities. These communities are generally considered “hard to serve markets” and typically are underserved by standard energy efficiency programs, according to Matthew Marshall, executive director of the RCEA. The Redwood Coast Energy Authority was also recently awarded a $1.75 million grant from the California Energy Commission for a community-scale renewable energy demonstration project.

The Energy Watch Program, which operates in a multi-year state funding cycles, supported energy upgrade projects during the 2010-12 funding cycle and the program generated about $1 million a year in energy cost savings to local businesses, homes and governments.

To be eligible, you have to be an organization doing business in Humboldt County, including charitable and public entities and participants must be a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power and/or natural gas customer.

”The purpose of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority is to develop and implement sustainable energy initiatives that reduce energy demand, increase energy efficiency, and advance the use of clean, efficient and renewable resources available in the region,” said Marshall.

Formed in 2003, the Energy Authority is a local government joint powers

Advertisementagency of Humboldt County, the cities of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Ferndale, Blue Lake, and Trinidad, and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District. The authority is governed by a board of directors comprised of appointed representatives from each of nine member-entities. “Typically the representative is an elected official from the members' own governing body,” said Marshall. “Many of our programs and projects are implemented in partnership with other entities such as PG&E, the Humboldt State University Schatz Energy Research Center, and other local government entities”.

The Energy Watch program, created in 2006 to help Humboldt County utility customers lower their energy bills and enjoy a cleaner environment, is a partnership of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority and PG&E. This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by PG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.

The program provides education, technical assistance, incentives for energy upgrade projects, and direct installation services for businesses, non-profits, public entities, and residents. The program helps businesses reduce operating costs and improve their bottom line through energy efficiency projects and offers: free, start-to-finish technical assistance, contractor referrals, project management support, and rebates to help reduce the cost of installing efficient lighting, refrigeration improvements and other energy efficiency measures, according to Ben Winker, RCEA energy technician and marketing staffer.

Other results from the 2010-12 period include: over $1.2 million in incentives for energy upgrades; RCEA working with over 500 businesses to help them make energy upgrades, over 300 upgrade projects referred to local contractors and over 3,000 households were provided upgrades and in-home energy consultations, according to Marshall.

”Going forward, in the 2013-14 cycle which will start in late spring, the program will offer an additional $920,000 in available incentives, and will be expanding to offer more comprehensive services for both businesses and households,” said Marshall.

For more information, visit www.redwoodenergy.org or call (707) 269-1700.

John Chiv is a freelance news and feature writer and local business consultant. John has a local blog,johnchiv.blogspot.com, and can be reached at 707-832-9990.

Cutting Edge Tree Service to donate Redwood Trees for Humboldt Green Week

McKinleyville-based Cutting Edge Tree Service and Solutions, located in McKinleyville, CA will be donating 300 native Redwood trees to be given out to community members for Humboldt Green Week which is being held all over at various events in the county from April 13 -21. Owner Erik Tjossem is a certified arborist.

“As a certified arborist, and a forestry major I am very conscious of trees and the environment,” said Tjossem. “ We do remove trees as a part of our services and donating these trees to be replanted is our way of preserving our natural resources and riches for future generations.”

Earlier this year, Cutting Edge Tree Services and Solutions donated time at the Sequoia Park Zoo and helped do some removal of trees for a new exhibit. For more information on Cutting Edge Tree Service, visit http://www.cuttingedgetreeservice707.com

Steve Bagley and owner Eric Tjossem.

Mel Schuler remembered-Kick off reception held April Arts Alive

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

A reception and the official kick-off to open the Melvin Schuler Court Gallery to the public will be held during the Eureka Arts Alive in April.

Schuler, an internationally renowned sculptor and co-founder of the Humboldt State University arts department, died last May.

While there are many places outside Humboldt County where one can see some of Schuler's work publicly, the only place locally that the public can view larger pieces from part of his personal collection is in the gallery created by Dan and Jayne Ollivier.

Located on the second floor in the Gross building, which is located on the corner of 5th and F streets, the gallery will be open to the public five days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. following the April Arts Alive event.
The Olliviers, who've known Schuler since 2000, invited the sculptor to be part of an art show to introduce the new Gross building. In 2011, Dan Ollivier approached Schuler to buy some of his sculptures. He said his personal favorite is “Thor,” which initiated a conversation about a permanent gallery for Schuler.

”I wanted a great artist in a great building,” Ollivier said. “Mel's sculpture has enormous presence. Mel would say to me, 'If it sings to you, it is a great work of art.”

”Mel was a very private man,” Ollivier added. “While many knew of him and his art, only his friends and those closest to him knew the man.”

A native Californian, Schuler graduated from the California College of Arts and Crafts and began his teaching career in 1947 at HSU. He was professor emeritus when he died. The national collection of Fine Arts at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and Kirk and Michael Douglas' private collections are just two examples of how highly regarded Schuler was in the art world, according to Ollivier.

While working as an art professor, Schuler developed a form of sculpture characterized by tall, irregular, solemnly monumental columns in elegantly carved and finished black walnut. Sometimes they were clustered and partly enclosed in racks, and gave a suggestion of archaic runes and totems. It was in the 1970s that Schuler originated his large abstract sculptures using old growth redwood carved into abstract forms clad in copper and fastened with bronze nails.

While internationally acclaimed, Schuler chose to make Humboldt County his home, and he shared it for 33 years with his partner Edward Oliver, who still resides here. "He chose to live here because he was happiest here,” Oliver said. “He was at his creative best here.”
Even though they had a condo in San Francisco and traveled extensively, they always returned back to Humboldt County  "There is a lot of influence he drew from local work, and Reese Bullen is one of the people he respected a lot,” Oliver said.

Oliver reiterated that Schuler was a very private person. What many people don't know, because it was not something that Schuler chose share with anyone but his closest friends, was that he painted. The walls of his Arcata home are adorned by his paintings, and all throughout his home is art from his trips to Africa and India -- and his signature sculptures.

Oliver said Schuler loved to travel, and they took at least one trip a year. But, they always returned to Humboldt. "He built our house,” Oliver said. “One of the hardest things I had to do was the week before he passed away when I drove him back from our condo because he wanted to be at home.”

For more information on the Melvin Schuler Court Gallery, please contact Dan or Jayne Ollivier at 444-9056.

This photo was taken by Jayne Ollivier. These sculptures can be viewed by the public on the second floor of the Gross building in Eureka.

Owner bets it all on Surfside Burger Shack

By John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Surfside Burger Shack, located on 445 5th St. in Eureka, will celebrate its fifth anniversary in November 2013. “Good ingredients, good service and no gimmicks,” is the secret to his business' success, according to owner Chad Smith. “We have run a successful business during the hardest recession since the 1990s.”

Smith started out by working at Harley Davidson because he could not get a job as a teacher. He previously owned Kelly O' Brien's pub which he sold in 2006 and is now the Red Fox Tavern. His next business venture was Surfside Burger Shack. He started to go into business for himself because “everything else is secondary when it comes to my wife and kids. I wanted to provide financial security for them. My riches are my gorgeous wife and beautiful children.”

Smith does not advertise. All of his business comes from word of mouth and support from the schools and community. He donates to schools and community organizations. “We never talk badly about another business. We just let our product speak for itself.”

All food served at the Surfside Burger Shack is freshly prepared. “Our food is not microwaved,” said Smith. “Everything from grass-fed beef to the organic salad mix to the fries is freshly prepared.” Smith is also proud that they are a zero waste facility. “Our oil is recycled by Footprint recycling. All trash is a part of the Waste to Watts program. Patrons can bus their own items to recyclables.”

Even though they serve burgers and fries. Smith says the food is nutritional because of the fresh, good quality ingredients like the protein from grass-fed beef. He does not put up pictures of food because he believes in a realistic perspective and wants his customers to base their opinion on how the food tastes and looks.

When he wanted to open Surfside, Smith knew he wanted no corporate involvement. He wanted to focus on the product and decorate the eatery with things he enjoys and provide a family atmosphere and a local business. “I wanted to go after the largest demographic. With burgers and pizza, people will spend $10 for a meal instead of trying something new.”

Another secret to his success is that he believes “you can't grow your business behind a grill. I pay my staff well and I treat them like I trust them. Everyone is required to take two days off in a row and take the day off for their birthday.”

”I pay them $10 an hour plus tips,” said Smith. “I would pay them more if I could but I am doing my best in this economy and keeping them employed.”

Smith said when he wanted to open Surfside Burger Shack, he could not get a business loan. “Even with a co-signer and life insurance policy, I could not get a loan.”

So he self-financed. “I maxed out my credit cards and got my business running by effectively using my business and community connections,” Smith said.

For more information on Surfside Burger Shack , call 268-1295.

Party goes private: Chiyomi's Cuppa Tea Club to reopen

John Chiv/for the Times-Standard

Mad Hatter's Tea Party, located on 521 E St. in Eureka, temporarily closed for renovations in December 2012. They will officially re-open on March 14 as Chiyomi's Cuppa Tea Club.

Aside from a name change and new décor, the major change is that the Tea Club is a members-only establishment. “When it originally opened, it was more of a casual tea café. Now it is a membership club with a more personalized experience,” said owner Chiyomi Thompson. “We are still keeping the Alice in Wonderland theme, but Alice is all grown up now.”

A select group of former customers will get to preview the new club through Sunday by invitation only as its first group of members.

Chiyomi and Russ Thompson opened Mad Hatter's Tea Party in 1989. Back then, Chiyomi Thompson picked a neutral color and décor for the establishment, because she did not want to make it too “feminine.” Now the club is more of a French-style lounge with divans, chandeliers, individual serving tables and a fireplace.

In addition to tea and Chiyomi Thompson's scones and finger sandwiches, there will be soup and hors d'oeuvres. There will be opera and concert music playing in the background. The club offers 150 different kinds of tea. She makes all the scones and food. The tea is served in china cups because that makes a difference in how it tastes. For those who would like to buy tea in bulk, that option is still available.

Chiyomi Thompson has beena one-woman operation, from prep to cooking and serving. Her husband Russ is her moral support and biggest fan. They moved to Eureka 15 years ago from Los Angeles and knew no one. When they first opened, they were listed on a bulletin board on television but since then, they have not needed to advertise -- all their business developed from word of mouth.

Chiyomi Thompson's heritage is Japanese. “I grew up drinking tea,” she said. “Tea is a big part of Asian culture. In Japan, there is a religious aspect to tea. A sacred feel, depending on the tea served, like in Japanese tea ceremony.”

Serving tea in many cultures is “like welcoming a friend to your home,” said Chiyomi Thompson. “For me, this is more of a hobby and also to make a little bit of money. You cannot get rich on a place like this; to do that it has to be more like a coffeehouse. Customers tell me that they can see it's not all about money but about my love for tea.”

The membership fee is $35 a month with guests for $10 per visit. That includes tea and food, a scone workshop, individual tea blending and a discount on the scone of the month club. Members can cancel membership at any time by phone. The waiting list for memberships is limited because the space can only hold so many people at one time. For more information, call 445-3712 or visit www.madhattersteahouse.com

John Chiv is a freelance news and feature writer and local business consultant. John has a local blog,johnchiv.blogspot.com, and can be reached at 707-832-9990.

Café Nooner: Restaurant biz runs in the family

John Chiv/for the Times-Standard

Running a restaurant is in Joe and Lorrena Filgas' genes. Joe's grandfather and namesake and his grandmother Frances owned and operated the Samoa Cookhouse in the early 1950s. Lorrena's family has a tradition of cooking together and coming up with creative ideas.

In November 2011, the Humboldt County natives Joe and Lorrena Filgas fulfilled a long-held dream when they took over the ownership of Café Nooner at 409 Opera Alley, Eureka. When the San Francisco Examiner did an article on the best places to eat on the California coast, the only Humboldt County restaurant mentioned was Café Nooner.

Café Nooner originally opened in 2008 and gained a loyal customer following for “spectacular, fresh food and great service,” according to Joe Filgas. He and his wife Lorrena maintained that reputation and hours but wanted to add their own touch to this Old Town eatery. The current cuisine, according to the owners, is a Mediterranean-Creole fusion.

The original Café Nooner location has had a few restaurants struggle and eventually close, just in the last decade. The Filgases have succeeded in this location and in December 2012, the Filgases opened a second location in Henderson Center.

Joe said that the decision to enter “into an industry that has a very high failure rate” and the fact that “we did it in a horrible economy,” makes the success of their business venture even more meaningful.

The journey there was not easy. “We got turned down on a small business loan due to the fact that we were new to the business and because we had never owned a business before, and we chose a high-risk business in terms. So we financed both cafes with our own money we have saved over the past 26 years,” said Joe Filgas.

Since both Joe and Lorrena had restaurant experience from working in the industry in the late 1970s to mid-1980s, as well as many years of corporate business management, and had experience in taking risks resulting in million-dollar successes, this challenge did not scare them. After 26 years in the medical field, Lorrena wanted to become her own boss.

The first year, Joe worked a job as well as put time in on a daily basis at Café Nooner. With the second location opening, he left his job and is now full-time at both locations. “Both Lorrena and I believe that an owner needs to be involved daily and be present to ensure the success of a business,” said Joe Filgas.

”Our success in this endeavor is pretty simple,” said Joe Filgas. “We have a fantastic, fresh product, a tremendously supportive and talented staff. We serve our guests with an attitude of gratitude. We both regularly engage our customers at their tables because we truly care about what they think. We want to serve food that we would to our family and friends.”

The Filgases use farmers market produce, Humboldt grass-fed beef and Brio bread. They look for natural, organic products and gluten-free options. The sauces and ingredients are freshly prepared and are Lorrena Filgas' innovations.

They are active in the local community and support many local causes and charities. Future plans include catering and retail sales of their signature sauces and dressings.

For more information, call 443-4663, look them up on Facebook, or go to their website, cafenooner.net.

John Chiv is a freelance news and feature writer and local business consultant. John has a local blog,johnchiv.blogspot.com, and can be reached at 707-832-9990.

Local arborist branches out into tree cutting service

John Chiv/For the Times Standard

“Bringing Knowledge and Expertise to North Coast Trees” is the motto of McKinleyville-based Cutting Edge Tree Service and Solutions, which is approaching its one-year anniversary. Owner Erik Tjossem is a certified arborist.

”When someone is hiring a tree service company, they need to look for certain qualifications. One is to see if a certified arborist is on staff and to make sure to check what licenses and certifications and level of training the company offers,” said Tjossem. “There are various certifications and I chose the International Society of Arborculture because it is one of the most trusted certifications. I am also a member of the Better Business Bureau.”

Tjossem takes pride in his work and that of his crew. “As far as I know I am one of a handful among the tree services in the area that has a certified arborist on staff,” he said. “And as stated on my website, I am the only company where an arborist is present supervising every aspect of the job from start to finish.”

Specialists in the art and science of tree care, certified arborists must have at least five years of experience working in the field before they qualify to be rigorously tested. Once certification has been achieved, arborists are required to maintain current CEUs (current education units) from the ISA, which ensures the progressive and constant education of a tree care professional and that they are current in maintaining the industry's standards.

Tjossem graduated from College of the Redwoods and majored in forestry. One of his classmates whose family had a tree cutting business hired Tjossem. He worked for them for eight years and in March 2012 decided to start his own business. Providing for his family and establishing a business that will allow his children to grow up here and live here as well as creating jobs and a stable future for his employees is very important to Tjossem.

Recently, Tjossem was visiting the Sequoia Park Zoo with his wife and kids and he ended up contacting the Zoo to see if he could volunteer his company's services. There is a new exhibit that required small removals of Redwoods and Tjossem and his crew helped out. “I am so grateful to live in such a beautiful community, and this opportunity allowed me to give back,” he said.

Even though the industry is an expensive venture, Tjossem says his love for proper care of trees and his goal to be “Humboldt's premier, trusted tree service company” keeps him going. Cutting Tree Edge Service offers 24 hour emergency service and will take any job from Trinidad to Southern Humboldt.

For more information call 601-8169 or visit http://www.cuttingedgetreeservice707.com

John Chiv is a freelance news and feature writer and local business consultant. John has a local blog,johnchiv.blogspot.com, and can be reached at 707-832-9990.

'Redwood Tech Guy' offers personalized IT support

John Chiv/for the Times-Standard

Many young people who grew up in Humboldt County leave, but some chose to return home. Matt Rizkowsky, who bills himself as the Redwood Tech Guy, is one of those young entrepreneurs who grew up in Eureka, then moved away for a while, and just moved back home in June 2012. He has been in business for less than a year.

In an area where there are other established computer related businesses, Rizkowsky works to be accessible and visible as the newest guy in this business. Rizkowsky has a webpage, www.redwoodtechguy.com, a Facebook page, is a Eureka Chamber of Commerce member.

”I offer the most affordable price for quality and professional service,” said Rizkowsky. “My clients get tremendous value for what they are paying. Anyone can fix a computer. What I offer is personalized IT support. To me every customer is important.”

Rizkowsky specializes in both small business and residential clients. Services range from fixing computers to setting up and maintaining your network. Details and certifications are available on his Facebook page and website.

After he got his associate's degree in computer science, Rizkowsky did warranty work for different vendors including Dell. When he moved here, initially he looked in the Yellow Pages and was looking to work for someone but decided to go into business for himself. “I like the job security of working for myself,” he said.

His business is a mobile, onsite affair. With no storefront, he has reduced overhead. This allows him to keep his prices affordable.

Many of his customers have given him feedback that he explains things to them in language that they can understand and relate to so they know what was the issue was and what got fixed.

”Humboldt is a great place to build a business,” said Rizkowsky, “People here are very personable and this is a great community.”

Redwood Tech guy is offering a free one-hour session from 6-7 p.m. on Feb. 7. During that time, he will answer 10 questions chosen from submissions on his Facebook page. The deadline to submit these questions is Jan. 31. The location for this free event will only be available to people who have joined his page.

For general information on the Redwood Tech guy, call 267-7705 or visit www.redwoodtechguy.com

Unconfirmed: Alan Dollison no longer at the D.A.'s office

So has anyone else heard that Allan Dollison is no longer at the D.A's office? I guess if it is true, we should  read about it soon in the news media.

I posted this 3 days ago. The word was all over the street, late Friday. I am not a news blog as other blogs claim to be nor am I going to verify this because this is a story that should be covered in the mainstream media who are in the business of reporting news and get paid to do so. 

This is the at least the third time I have scooped the local media and other blogs. There may or may not be a news story here, employees leave all the time, for any reason. 

What is curious is that no one else thinks this is news worthy. And why?

Update:

So it has been confirmed. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_22383817/deputy-district-attorney-out-after-6-years?

Konaloha coffee: locally owned and roasted fresh in Humboldt County

Sometimes businesses are planned, sometimes they are meant to be. The latter is the case with the Konaloha Coffee Company. Ruth Koontz and her husband John Koontz have lived in Humboldt County for 22 years. Five years into their relationship, still very much in love, they wanted to see where life would lead them next, professionally and personally.
The pair traveled to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and then to Hawaii. In 2009, they found a property there where they considered building a home and relocating -- a five-acre coffee farm in the famous Kona Coffee Belt region.

"We decided not to live there at that time,” said Ruth Koontz. “It was a small welcoming farm community and we decided to continuing growing coffee. We fell into this business venture. We had not planned it.”

After the first crop, the couple had a lot of coffee beans and decided to roast them and make Christmas gifts for their friends. This led to designing labels for the bags, researching roasting options, and such great feedback on the coffee that they got a business license. They started out by roasting and making orders for fundraisers and special orders, and count their participation in a 2010 fundraiser for the construction of the new northeast tower at St. Joseph Hospital as their first success. Now, their unique 100 percent Kona coffee is available through their website, www.konaloha.com, 16 local retailers such as North Coast Co-op  Ray's and Murphy's, and several retailers in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Whole Foods.

The business is family-owned and run by the couple and Ruth Koontz's daughter Jennifer, and the local connection goes beyond just ownership. Muddy Waters roasts their coffee weekly. They partner with businesses such as Drake Glen's Creations that makes Kona coffee chocolates; they are a part of the Go Local campaign, do demos at local stores and Humboldt State University, and donate to various local charities.

Besides selling 100 percent Kona coffee and not a blend, they offer a product that is made from hand-picked beans, is less acidic than other coffees and is pesticide-free.

The owners travel to the farm several times a year to oversee and participate in the farming and to make sure that the latest horticultural practices and sustainable farming principles are followed.

Ruth Koontz attributes their success to the customers. “The credit goes to our dedicated consumers who are very conscientious of buying local and buying a U.S. product.” Ruth Koontz said regardless of the economy, what she focuses on is advice given at a business seminar: “The key to building a business is persistence, persistence, persistence.”


For more information on the Konaloha Coffee Company, call 496-1942 or email info@konaloha.com .

Ruth doing a demo at the Northcoast Coop in Eureka.

Times Printing and Eureka Printing merge

Times Printing started business in 1854 and Eureka Printing in 1899. On November 16, 2012 these two businesses  combined resources and merged.  24 hours ago, escrow closed on the Eureka Printing building. The new venture will be owned by Seth Strope, who is the 4^th generation to carry on the family business.

Another first for johnchiv.blogspot.com

Riverbend Cellars Tasting Room in Eureka

Riverbend Cellars fans will have an opportunity to sample wine in Eureka in 2013. A tasting room is scheduled to open in Eureka at the location where Shorelines Gallery is currently located.

The saying "when one door closes, another one opens" has been true lately for Old Town businesses. Instead of businesses just closing, with empty storefronts, new businesses are moving into former locations. Whiplash Curve and HealthSpot by the Bay switched locations, Hurricane Kate's closed but now there is 511.

Support Old Town and all your local businesses in their investment into your community. Remember, that once again, you heard it here first on johnchiv.blogspot.com

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.