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.

The Ritz is open!

The Ritz had a soft opening last night. I have been waiting to try the food and last night, I went back twice to sample the delightful fare by Chef Eric. From the time the doors opened until they closed, people kept coming in and this with no formal announcement, just word of mouth. I want to compliment Jack and his staff because they did a fantastic job accommodating the unanticipated rush.

A special shout out to Samuel for his recommendations which were all spot-on. Until next week, the Ritz is offering a tasting menu and asking for feedback. In a week the Ritz will be offering a full-menu.

I am hoping with Arts Alive today and personal recommendations from last night, the second night will be just what is needed to kick-off a successful launch of this new incarnation of the Ritz.

I enjoyed everything I tried but the must haves include the scallop and Bay shrimp Fritters, the duck Pot Stickers, the eggplant rolls with pita bread and for dessert, the banana bread pizza with strawberries and  nutmeg whipped cream. The chicken satay and the shrimp, crab and sundried pizza were good as well. There are different sauces and flavors for each dish. Hoping the curry lemon aioli I tried with the breadsticks is a staple.

For the last few months, on Arts Alive, people have been enjoying pizza made in the wood brick oven but you  have to sample this menu to really appreciate the flavor.

In addition to good food, what warmed me most was the support by the community. My fellow diners included several people I see frequently including Brian and Gailen from Oberon Grill, Gregg Foster from Redwood Capital Bank, Emily Jacobs from Fly Humboldt, and Michele from The Spa at Personal Choice. And a special mention to Laurel at the Speak Easy for reminding me of the opening.

I went out and took menus and told people about the Ritz. Although, this is now my living, last night was about supporting my favorite local businesses, investing in my community and good company.

Eureka Cornerstone Rededication Ceremony

Attending the rededication of the Eureka City Hall cornerstone on May 19 reminded me of the many reasons I enjoy living here. History takes a whole new meaning when you know the people involved.

Kudos goes to Billy Lenhoff, owner of Cornerstone Construction, Eureka Main Street Executive Director Charlotte McDonald and the board and staff, the Eureka Heritage Society, and the Masons who preserved this stone when the building was demolished.

I know Billy and Charlotte, and the city and county officials that attended and this is just one of the many every day events and efforts that they participate in that make living here in Humboldt a joy. I am proud to call them friends. I got to meet the other people involved that day. There have been media releases and reports and photos of the event you can read.

For me, sitting at the corner of 3^rd and G, watching the ceremony was emotional. In a small community like ours, the city, the businesses, the civic organizations came together and showed what is possible when we work together for the benefit of all.

Through their personal stories, they bought alive for me memories that I did not experience, since I did not grow up here. The Honor Guard marching with the flags, the Masons and their sharing of traditions and the entire event exemplified all that is good in fraternal brotherhood, patriotism, good honest work and most of all Faith in God.

It could have been just another sunny day in Eureka but I left the event that day feeling hope and pride that the values that sustain me are still alive.

I started this blog as a way to showcase examples of my work and to feature businesses I have promoted. It is evolving into a place for me to also share my opinions and an opportunity to write about the best of Humboldt.

                     

                

Look at people as individuals, not labels

Times-Standard

Posted:   04/03/2012 03:12:42 PM PDT

Alert the citizens. There is an epidemic loose locally, nationally and globally, and it has reached epic proportions in Humboldt. It seems to be targeting an endangered species: moderate folks with common sense. A side effect of this epidemic is misdirected anger.

The invisibility and gradual disappearance of this species has upset balance and any reasonable dialogue is impossible. In Humboldt, toxic zealots have taken over the majority of valid liberal and civil right causes and claim to be true progressives. If you don't follow the far-far-left party line, you are automatically labeled clueless, a puppet, not a true Democrat and the ultimate zinger: Conservative or Republican. Those on the left that are the foot soldiers and truly believe in justice and empowerment are skewered by their own.

The others or those held responsible for all ills by the far-far left fanatics include the working poor and struggling middle class as well sensible, hard-working business people. There are indeed a few people in this group who are ill-equipped to handle power or wealth. Unfortunately the rants of the far-far-left are not directed at these few individuals but at the wrong individuals. The brunt is born by responsible and contributing members of the wealthy that wish to encourage private initiative and create opportunities for people to move ahead.

This relates to two recent hot button issues locally: Walmart and Occupy Eureka.

Despite the outcry, Walmart is here.

And it is not located at the Marina Center. There was no closure of local coffee shops or lost jobs when Starbucks came into town. Same for Costco, K-mart, Target.

The people who blog and get the masses riled up about local jobs need to put their money where their words are. That would require not sitting in front of a computer everyday preaching to the rest of us and supporting ALL jobs so people have legitimate money and could compete with people with “wads of untaxable, illegal income.”

The Occupy movement nationally and locally is a big failure. When it was against Wall Street and about the 99 percent, it had focus and a message that united. Now it has become a free for all with blame, no solutions and people playing victim. Protesting in front of the Courthouse or anywhere for months with tactics that are harassing and costing the 99 percent has resulted in a loss of sympathy. Why is it that people who support the Occupy movement always want someone else's money to fix things? Homelessness, and poverty is not a government or tax the rich issue; it is a community failure that can be resolved if more people invested in one other person.

I do know what it means to be hungry, to appreciate a hot shower, to be dependent on the mercy of someone else for the basics in life. I do understand the anger when life seems so hopeless and overwhelming. I have felt the judgment of a few people who don't have a clue what it takes get on your feet in today's economy. However, more often, I have experienced love and support and kindness and encouragement.

When I was in college, I thought I could change the world and save it. Rebelling and speaking out and telling others what was wrong was youthful passion. Then I grew up. I had bills to pay. I had dreams. I continue to speak out against injustice and for the underdog. Today, what that means is first and foremost holding myself responsible for where I am. Then, working within the system to educate people on both the left and the right of what the average person goes through when they are disenfranchised. And in seeing the human condition and suffering due to greed that cuts across the lines of color, gender and political parties.

We need to stop letting people divide us and empower each other. We can start by looking at people as individuals and not labels.

John Chiv

Emergency ordinance is not the problem

Letter to the Editor

Posted:   04/04/2012 02:00:22 AM PDT

Unfortunately the problem is not the ordinance. Until Occupy Eureka, people protested and there were no problems.

The ordinance was not necessary until Occupy Eureka. All those bemoaning the new county ordinance could have put the same effort into getting through to the agitators. Since the ordinance, Occupy Eureka has continued to protest, the difference is that the rest of us can actually work in peace and walk on the sidewalk without being yelled at; if you haven't lived it daily, don't claim to know what goes on.

Since last October, this last couple of days has been the first time that some of us near the courthouse can actually get work done and walk freely inside the courthouse and to nearby businesses without non-stop music, yelling, harassing, trash and rudeness. There are businesses that stay open late and during  9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Private property near the courthouse is not getting trashed.

On one hand, Occupy Eureka says the problems are caused by the homeless and mentally ill. Yet aren't they the ones that Occupy Eureka supposedly wants help for? Can't have it both ways. When people don't want help and solutions, it does not matter what you do. They will never be happy.

The blame for any loss of liberty should not be put on the county but on those people that only believe in 1st amendment and free speech for themselves.

It is an emergency interim ordinance. So all this outcry is a bit dramatic.

Silver Lining lights up McKinleyville dining scene John Chiv/For the Times-Standard Posted:   03/27/2012 02:38:48 AM PDT At The Silver Lining restaurant in McKinleyville, you get more than just a dining experience, you are a guest of the Lakeys. Mandala Lakey owns the restaurant with her husband Damian Lakey and his twin brother Josh Lakey. What can you expect when you walk into The Silver Lining? This is how Mandala described their customer philosophy: “When someone walks into our restaurant, we want them to feel completely taken care of, so they can relax and have fun. When I train my staff, I ask them to imagine planning a dinner party for your family and friends. The care you put into the details of planning the menu, making your house beautiful and preparing everything meticulously, create a heightened desire to achieve a magical experience for everyone.” The Lakeys have owned The Silver Lining restaurant for nine years. Damian worked as a server, bartender, prep cook and line cook for seven years for the previous owners and has extensive experience in the hospitality industry. All three of the Lakeys can recall dining at The Silver Lining before a McKinleyville High dance, and often joke that the restaurant has always been a part of their lives. The Silver Lining offers a casual menu for both travelers and locals in a beautiful atmosphere overlooking either the runway or the ocean. In addition to great food, they have recently added Tuesday Night Karaoke and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The Lakeys have enjoyed a warm reception from the public, who appreciate the addition to McKinleyville's nightlife. In September they lowered their prices, expanded their lunch menu and transitioned from fine dining to a more casual cuisine in an attempt to reach out to a community hurt by the recession. Although the Lakeys have a passion for fine dining, Mandala said this change resulted in tremendous support from their regular customers, and this new vision has created a renewed feeling of excitement around the restaurant for the owners and the staff. The Lakeys feel fortunate raising their children and running their business in the town they all grew up in. “We have always felt supported by the locals, and hope that we offer them an excellent experience in return, and that as we grow and change, and adapt with the times, that we may offer them much more to come.” To stay up to date on events and discounts, “like” them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/silverliningrestaurant or call 707-839-0304.

Wine Spot in Eureka: Where everybody knows your name

By John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Posted: 04/02/2011 02:43:05 AM PDT

Boston has Cheers; Eureka has the Wine Spot.

Regulars will tell you the Cheers theme song is very appropriate for this new business that opened a little over three months ago in Old Town but their own tagline, “where old friends go to meet new ones” more aptly describes the atmosphere owner Kat Combs works to create everyday.

A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday at the Wine Spot, 234 F St.

When Art of Wine closed, there was no place left in Eureka where people could go wine-tasting. Manager Tim Hendrix, who worked at the Art of Wine, was looking for investors to open a similar business. He knew Combs and her husband Ron from Art of Wine, and although there were a few investors interested, Hendrix picked Combs.

Combs was born in Crescent City, left Humboldt and most recently lived in Calaveras County -- where she met Ron. She has run many successful businesses including a karaoke and DJ business that kept them busy traveling five counties in Central California. Ron is now retired from PG&E and works as a consultant for the energy industry. Combs had been going to wineries for years and always wanted to open a wine bar.

Both Hendrix and Combs wanted The Wine Spot to be different. The focus is on wine-tasting and wine sales but they also offer beer, water, juice and non-alcoholic wine. Hendrix wanted to “take the stuffiness and mystery” out of wine and make it more about the sharing of friends and discovery.

To make the atmosphere more inviting, art adorns the walls above the wine racks and each day, there is an additional incentive for customers to come “hang out.” Tuesdays, there is a wine seminar and game night; Wednesdays, karaoke; Thursdays and Sundays potlucks and on Fridays they spin vinyl records. On Mondays, when they are closed, the Eureka Rotaract meets there.

Customer comments indicate that the Wine Spot has achieved its goal. The clientele is diverse, ranging in age, political beliefs and why they come to the Wine Spot. According to Jessica Ponsano, “It has a family atmosphere and not a bar set-up.” For Carly Robbins, it is getting to meet different people that she would normally not encounter. Ponsano added that “it is not intimidating and snooty” and that the environment makes it very open and welcoming for people to learn about wine. She looks forward to the Monday emails with details about the week's events.

Tracy Brand echoed the feelings of her friends at a nearby table: “The owners are social. The selection here is amazing and I don't feel pressured about buying.” Angie DePew likes that she can “hang out with my adult kids and that this is not a sleazy bar.”

Listening to these customer's feelings at Sunday brunch made Combs smile. She said she wanted to create an atmosphere “where ladies can come in after work, have a glass of wine with friends and feel comfortable and relax. Everyone here feels like family. We are very open to customer feedback and the ambiance just happened naturally.”

Promoting California, especially Humboldt, is obvious in all aspects of the business. They feature wines from the best of Humboldt County wineries; all over the West Coast and are branching out to international selections. Each month, the Wine Spot features Humboldt County local artists on a rotating basis.

Since she moved to Humboldt in 2001, community has been very important to Combs. On Tuesdays and Fridays, Combs and friends feed the homeless on the corner of Fairfield and Hawthorne. The Wine Spot is just another way Combs said she can contribute to a positive atmosphere to the place she calls home. When asked if she thought a wine bar was a risky proposition in today's economy, especially Humboldt, Combs commented, “It was a little scary at times at first but it is starting to pay its own way.”

For more information on the Wine Spot, call 497-6236.

Occupy Eureka and their political agenda

http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_20221129/supervisors-vote-craft-emergency-ordinance-courthouse-issues-humboldt

An article in the Times-Standard quoting me.


 In the Times-Standard article quote, the words political agenda were left out. They are a crucial point in my opinion.


What I actually said.

I would like to thank Supervisor Smith for the suggesting an interim emergency ordinance addressing concerns from many people that have to live daily with the consequence of the actions of a few people.

This is not about freedom of speech or lack of compassion for the mentally ill or homeless. 

This is about a political agenda by some to make our Supervisors and law enforcement look bad when they are doing their best to listen to all sides and protect the rest of us who cannot enjoy public space which also belongs to us. 

This is about a few people that are disrespectful, that refuse help, and would rather use drugs and alcohol with no consequences. There are many homeless and mentally ill that would welcome food and services but their plight has been made worse by the tactics of the people who claim to be speaking for them outside this courthouse.

I have already expressed how I feel about the sexual comments and harassment and it’s mostly 1 person and he is still here because of the lack of action by Paul Gallegos and those that support Occupy Eureka and chose to encourage this behavior. I want to know who is supplying these protestors with pot and alcohol since they supposedly have no money.

It’s great that the Street Outreach Services is finally here. Why were they not here months ago? I have only seen them here twice and unless you have been through the bureaucracy of DHHS, it is difficult to explain that news headlines don’t always result in people getting the help they need.

Our District Attorney has made the job of our law enforcement ineffective by giving a free pass to the few troublemakers that have hijacked the Occupy cause for their own selfish agenda. Someone needs to remind Paul, once again, that he was elected to protect all citizens. I don’t buy his selective enforcement and interpretation of laws that protect criminals and tells law abiding citizens that we just have to deal with it.

Scene on Foot

One of my favorite things that helps me to relax is to walk.  I have met many interesting people, seen sights that can only be enjoyed on foot and discovered Eureka from a unique perspective.

I must have passed this house on E Street many times and always thought it looked very colorful and different but it was just another house, different from others, which is one of Eureka’s appeal. Houses, like people, have their own distinct character and style.

A painting in the yard of this house caught my eye. After my daily cup of coffee, I went back to the house for a closer look. It was a painting of Tsurai Beach with those letters boldly stenciled on the painting. Trinidad is my favorite place in Humboldt County and that day I was thinking of how wonderful it would be to go there. I was also thinking of the rich Native American history of Humboldt County and the local tribes.

The second time I went back there, the artist was out in the yard and introduced himself to me as “Otto”. He was very modest. Later when I found out later that he was THE Curtis Otto, the experience I had that day grew in its significance.

Art can speak volumes and touch people and open their minds. I have personal reasons why seeing that painting for me was special. For Otto, he wanted to make a statement. Otto told me he had been working on this painting for years but there was something that seemed “incomplete.” Adding the words Tsurai Beach, added that final touch for him. He said he never did like the name Trinidad, because it did not conjure up Humboldt County. “Trinidad is in Spain,” he said. “This beach and the name Tsurai  is what the Indians called the area and I wish they would change the name back because this is their land.”

I have to agree with Otto.

This happened when I first moved to Eureka. Since then Otto and I have had several conversations about many things but that day always brings a smile to my face. I learned more about Tsurai Beach and Eureka from him than I could have reading any books or doing research. But most of all Otto, thank you for reminding me that I too can make a difference—my gift is with words.

New flood insurance program offered

The Times-Standard

Posted:   03/06/2012 02:35:14 AM PST

California Meridian and Stan Smith Insurance Services have joined forces to offer a new flood insurance program to North Coast residents.

The new program can save customers as much as 50 to 60 percent, according to a press release, reducing the cost to less than $1,000 for basic  coverage.

The two agencies are also offering a program for seniors through the American Association of Retired People for their auto and home insurance.

California Meridian and Stan Smith Insurance Services offer a host of other cost-savings programs as well, according to the release, and can be reached at 269-4312 or at 509 J St. in Eureka.

Ciara's Irish Shop

Nestled in Old Town is Ciara’s Irish Shop, located at Second and E Streets.

The business is a destination spot for customers from all over the U.S. Opened in 1978,the original store carried primarily hand-knit Irish Fisherman sweaters. Eventually, other merchandise which included kilts, cashmere and wool capes and other clothing, food items and small souvenirs was available and this made it almost exclusively an Irish shop.  Over time, select merchandise from other countries was added, including Geiger of Austria (boiled wool coats and jackets with matching accessories) and unusual items from Australia (possum sweaters and scarves) plus fine wool blankets from England and Scotland, and other items from Wales, Denmark, and Canada.

In 2004, the store’s General Manager CC O’ Brien Cree bought the business and renamed it Ciara’s Irish Shop. Ciara is CC’s youngest daughter’s middle name. CC further enhanced the store’s selection by including high quality clothing from around the world. This includes  merchandise  from St. James from France, Magashoni of Italy, and Dale of Norway.  Ciara’s Irish Shop is now nationally regarded as the premier source for exquisite men’s and women’s clothing, finest quality blankets, throws, accessories, including Solvar jewelry, Heathergems (beautiful and unusual brooches, earrings, and other items made from the stems of heather) as well as fine fragrances. Ciara’s is also the place to find highest quality Irish teas, Scottish shortbread, small linens such as linen handkerchiefs, and other select gift items.

CC ventured into being a local business owner because she loved what she was doing and her family background included running a business.” My dad was self employed most of my life and I was trained by my parents to run businesses so this was natural for me.”

CC feels one of the challenges of owning a business in today's economy, especially in Humboldt, is trying to keep the locals shopping here while still having a solid tourist business.  CC deals with this by “molding my business to serve the local community and to give as much back to the community as I can.  It has been a tough economic atmosphere for the last 3 1/2 to 4 years but  I always keep quality my number one priority in the shop”. 

CC has made many lifelong friends through the shop.  She moved here from Willows, California in 1987. “ I do believe I have some of the most wonderful customers and feel very blessed to have decided to move to, settle, raise my family here Humboldt County”.

CC is involved with Humboldt Sponsors and  Rotary and is a member of "the Ladies of Second Street". The ladies are all Old Town business owners. They donate 5% of all their sales for the first week of December to local charities. CC donates regularly to churches, schools, organizations and a variety of local causes because she believes in giving back to the community.

From more information, call (707) 443-0102 or email irishshopeureka@msn.com and also check out the store’s Facebook page.

Bella Baskets : Home to the Humbolicious

Bella Baskets is a Veteran and locally owned business in Old Town Eureka which is Home to the Humbolicious™, a unique and specially designed gourmet gift basket consisting of locally made gourmet foods and locally roasted coffees from Humboldt County. All the baskets are designed and customized to the customer’s needs and you can request to add something special or unique to your basket.

Owners Mark and Laurie Sanchez purchased Bella Baskets in April 2008. This was a business that had already been in existence. They wanted an opportunity to have a locally owned business and storefront in Old Town Eureka. Mark explained that “buying an established business gave us a good foundation to build and expand upon.”

Bella Baskets offers one of Humboldt County’s largest selection of locally made gourmet foods which are featured in the Humbolicious™ gourmet gift baskets. All the baskets are able to be packed and be shipped worldwide.

About 90% of the store inventory is local products and Bella Baskets does business with 2 local distributors and about 25 local and independent Vendors.

According to Laurie, Bella Baskets has created a solid customer base both with internet and returning customers. “Our goal and part of our business plan is to provide the best in quality and convenience and to have great values and helpful customer service. We have to be adjustable to the customer’s needs in today’s economy to be profitable and successful.”

Both Laurie and Mark feel that the challenges local businesses face in Humboldt County differ from business to business. “Tourists are a big part of business but the local community is the bread and butter of our economy here in Humboldt County,” said Mark. At Bella Baskets, we focus on supporting our local community as much as possible,” added Laurie. “90% of our store inventory is bought locally; we support the local food vendors; and 68 cents on the dollar is spent on local products we use is kept here in Humboldt County.”

In March 2011, Bella Baskets had an opportunity to move to their new store location at 311 E Street in Old Town. Although there is a risk when you move your business and how you manage getting the word out to your customer base, Laurie and Mark are pleased that the business has retained loyal and repeat customers and attracted new ones within a short period of time.

Bella Baskets also gives back to the community on an annual basis by donating gift baskets. Since Mark and Laurie bought the store four years ago, Bella Baskets has donated about $16,000 to kids and sports groups ,school fundraisers, Veterans groups, Relay for Life, public television , Boys and Girls clubs and other special needs groups and community events. 

Time to listen to the actual 99 percent

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

Posted:   02/15/2012 02:27:11 AM PST

Occupy Eureka, despite at least three My Words from different people, and at least 100 people or so who have attempted to peacefully communicate with you, the tactics you are using to get your message are disrespectful and deceitful, and you are manipulating the Brown Act and the generosity of an open community.

Less than a handful of protesters are there most of the time, so having a couple hundred show up at counter protests or having more than five people at peak hours waving signs, is not speaking for the 99 percent.

I have put my personal feelings aside and have attempted to get to know your group.

Ordinances take time. This has gone on far too long, and public officials need to do more than pacify and meet with Occupy Eureka.

Some protesters are a threat to public health and safety. It is a waste of time to arrest and try and prosecute them. As an EPD dispatcher informed me, “People have a right to protest and cannot be arrested for that. Even those that are a public nuisance get out in five hours.” There is no room in the jail for non-violent offenders. So does someone need to get assaulted or raped before public officials will stop being politically correct and send them a serious message?

I am unable to attend Board of Supervisors and City Council meetings because of work.

Despite several people pointing out the tactics of Occupy Eureka, despite my efforts to amicably talk to the two main organizers, certain people have held us hostage for months. They have a right to protest. What they don't have a right to do is trash public and private property. In addition to what they have done to the courthouse property, they trash nearby private property and office complexes. Many of them block people like me from walking to the courthouse. Walking near the courthouse is a problem; the noise day and night is not conducive to area businesses. I walk, I don't have a choice to avoid these people; some of whom have taken to verbally harassing me, particularly after I approached one guy who I watched for months go up and harass and approach women and be sexually lewd.

If any other citizen was smoking pot and was drunk and loitering, they would be prosecuted. Many of these people hang around Old Town, and now they have a new spot. There are domestic disputes caused by some of these people. The police have been out here, often daily, and this is a waste of their time. When they are dealing with Occupy Eureka, how is this affecting response to more serious crimes?

With all the men in the area and all the law enforcement, why is this guy still here day after day harassing women? He is not mentally ill. I told him because I have seen him be sane when he isn't playing for the crowd. His fellow protesters were silent.

Now they have moved from the courthouse steps to congregating around the traffic light on 5th and depending on who is protesting, it is difficult for people to walk through. I am frustrated with the kid glove treatment these protesters are getting. And to any of the officials and people that sympathize with them, you don't have to deal with them. You feel so strongly about their plight, take one of them home with you, live with them for a week or a month and then get back to me.

They lost their right to protest when they decided to disrespect the rest of us.

These are not all the protesters, but the people causing the problems use Occupy Eureka as an excuse. If Occupy Eureka wants presence 24-7, they need to stop blocking access, have someone there to monitor their crew, stop the harassment and sexual harassment of women and they need to keep the noise down.

It's time to listen to the actual 99 percent.