Which party sends us all an invitation?

Since last year's election, there has been discussion about the Republican party being fractured. These predictions come from media that lean left.

Is the Democrat party free of divisions? I was a freshman in college when the U.S. presidential election was between Ronald Reagan, a Republican, and Walter Mondale, a Democrat.

I had not joined any political party but the candidate that appealed to me was Ronald Reagan. When I graduated, I registered as a Democrat, identified as pro-choice and generally bought into the false stereotypes circulated about the Republican party. I was active in Philly politics and I passed up an opportunity of being elected as a Democratic ward leader when I found myself being drawn to Republican candidates. They would be considered moderate Republicans by today's standards; to me, they were Republicans.

I registered as independent for a long time and last year switched my registration to Republican. I didn't base my decision who to support on what national party won the election; I chose based on what candidate reflects core values I believe in and someone who cares about people they represent.

As a registered Republican, I have campaigned for and supported many moderate Democrats, as well as Republican and “decline to state” candidates on a local and state level. I do that because I feel these people, regardless of party affiliation, are candidates that want the best for Humboldt County and the state. I know most of the local bloggers, the majority of the media and some members of the local Democratic party may disagree with me, but that is because they don't want to admit what this no-growth, radical environmentalism and sole focus on social issues as a barometer for votes has done to the place we call home.

Certain local elected officials have been called derogatory names since the 2010 local election by some and their choice to identify as Democrats has been questioned by some; I believe that these candidates reflect a schism in the Democratic party that was lost to the radical left three decades ago.

Parties have different identities over time.

The Tea Party has an overall good economic message. Not all social conservatives are judgmental, but many in those factions have allowed their rigid social issue positions to hurt the Republican Party. A Republican can appeal and can win a national and a local election. So why have Democrats, who have practically wiped out the moderates in their party, had successes nationally and locally?

Our culture has reacted to greed and solely blamed it on corporations and the Republicans being the party of the rich. Government bureaucracy and NIMBY liberals should be held equally responsible, maybe even more so, for the plight of the poor and the working class. Social issues are what many people base their vote on today when it should be economics and quality of life.

Republicans see people as individuals and you are allowed to be outside the box as long as you share certain common values. Democrats cannot tolerate if you don't tow the radical, left-party line mentality. A Republican can be pro-choice or for same-sex marriage but the wrath of the Democratic party will be felt if a Democrat is pro-life or for traditional marriage or Christian. It is the radical Democrats that have outed gay Republicans and other conservatives just to prove a point.

In their opinion, such Republicans should be Democrats, and this is based on the color of skin and other criteria; I have yet to see Republicans hit below the belt in the same manner.

How many Democratic men are pro-choice because they really care about women, or is it for sex without responsibility? Have the Democrats have won recent elections because of the “anything goes, you accept me, I accept you” mentality?

I have never had a Republican call me a person of color; I thought I was human. Which is the party of true inclusion? You decide.

It's time to stop using abortion, gay rights and similar hot buttons to vote; focus on merits of what a candidate offers. When you take away social issues, is there really a difference between the two parties? You decide.

In politics, little people matter

Arnie Klein just sent this over. He considered the idea of running, met people he felt could give insight, then filed his intention statement. Completed the paperwork so he is set to operate and receive donations and has a way for constituents to contact him. Arnie has a plan and a goal. He has shown he is savvy enough to know that in politics, there are no big people or little people, just voters.

He is known for his presence in the courtroom and has won jury trials. I look forward to learning more about Arnie and his positions.

Elan Firpo has been making the rounds. Has been to a couple Eureka Chamber mixers, was seen at the HCDCC headquarters with Paul Gallegos. Both Arnie and Firpo supported Paul in the last election.

I have heard Paul may run and he may not. Is his presence with Firpo just politics or mentoring? Got to tell Elan that just the party machine, just certain names don't win elections. A winning team and humility go a long way in courting voters. So far, I am not impressed.

This isn't an endorsement for anyone, just an observation.

Obama and GOP agree? Now that is a miracle!

I wonder what the locals who have a bee in their bonnet about prayer at Eureka City Council meetings think about the Obama administration supporting and agreeing with Republican lawmakers about allowing Christian prayers at council meetings. This debate will soon be heard in the landmark case involving the town of Greece, N.Y. at the U.S. Supreme Court level.

Will the present Supreme Court Justices have the same view as those who decided
Marsh v. Chambers (1983)?

Not all non-believers, atheists and agnostics feel threatened by prayer. In Humboldt County, personal experiences may vary depending on the town you live in; most people do respect other’s faith, even Christians. Many have varying opinions but this recent lambasting in the media and a lawsuit against the City of Eureka is a vocal minority with double standards.

Having an invocation before a public meeting does not instantly convert anyone or force beliefs on anyone. If anything, it is a humbling experience where those in charge acknowledge that given the position they have, they may need help in making objective decisions that are for the best for those they have been elected to govern. No decision is going to please everyone. I would rather have an elected official who realizes they are not perfect make a decision than an arrogant one, who thinks they know it all.

Faith is a very private thing. Luke 1:37 is often paraphrased as: “Faith. It does not make things easy, it makes them possible.” Even someone non-religious can relate to that statement. Why is that some people are so bothered by positive and inspiring words? Is my right and others right to practice our faith to be dismissed because some people have ascribed their agenda, interpretation and fear as absolute dogma.

What is proper use of city resources? Would people who are so troubled because a letter was typed about one prayer breakfast be just as outraged if the event was something they supported?

This last week I had conversations with several individuals. Some I share a common faith with; some of various religious beliefs, others who self identify as atheist, agnostic, secular humanists and of the latter, there were several who privately support the City of Eureka and Mayor Jager. We had spirited discussions on religion and yet we were able to respectfully express ourselves and at times disagree.

It amazes me that some people blindly accept theories and facts by other humans yet have a problem with those of us that believe and accept God. I won’t surrender or submit to another man or woman and that has had its cost for me financially and made my life a struggle sometimes but I have no regrets.

I do surrender to God because unconditionally, no matter what, God has always been there for me and I know he loves me despite my mistakes, the balance of my bank account, the moments when life’s struggles weigh me down. No human can fill the emptiness, no human can heal, no human takes what seems impossible and makes it possible, and unlike another person or thing, God is always there without judgment and conditions. 

Finally! A candidate for D.A. I would support whole-heartedly

This is the third time you heard it here first. Rumor or fact?  Another name being mentioned as a candidate for the Humboldt County D.A’s race is Cyndi Day-Wilson, the attorney for the City of Eureka .

I hope Ms. Wilson is considering this possibility. 25 years of experience as a lawyer; as a lobbyist and legislative analyst and experience in the public sector with impressive credentials in Environmental Law and Natural Resources on a federal and state level.

Best of all, she was not employed by Paul, did not leave Paul’s office, does not have those small town loyalties with the inner court crowd and  is not indebted to the SoHum underground economy. She can debate on why she should be elected instead of just saying, “I am not Paul or I will change what he does even though I agreed with what he did while being employed by him,” and can run a campaign based solely on merit.

It is time for a change. Time for the people to elect a  DA that does not kow tow to any inner circle. 

I have observed her during City Council meetings. A very calm and classy lady and I believe she is someone who can follow the law, respect law enforcement, yet make sure liberties and rights are respected. Will the local progressive and liberals keep an open mind if she does run?

I don’t expect her to be Wonder Woman or perfect, I just want someone who challenges Paul for the right reasons and wants this job other than to stroke their own ego.

Firpo for DA?

In April, I was the first to report that Arnie Klein would run for Humboldt County DA. The Times Standard reported today that he has filed an intention statement. Rumor has it Elan Firpo is considering a run as well. As my friend Eric said there will be more candidates.  Takes a lot more to run for DA than filing a statement and criticizing the incumbent. I campaigned for candidates who ran against Paul in the last 2 elections. I believe in the candidates I support. So far, the rumors allege that some past candidates and former Humboldt County DA employees and prosecutors may run against Paul in the next election. Will have to wait and see who the contenders are.

It would be nice to see someone who isnt a former Humboldt County DA employee and just promises change. The Humboldt County DA's race is different compared to other local races. Assuming one can get endorsements and money on their own, a candidate would need to prove they will be someone who can get the respect of defense attorneys, law enforcement support and unite a cross section of diverse constitiencies. In a small county like ours,  personal character, who a candidate associates with and whether they can handle power without abuse is something they will have to prove before getting my vote. Paul's views and management style is known. He has campaigned well and has shown he can handle the politics this job entails. This election, simply saying "I am going to bring change" and only criticize Paul is not good enough for me.

Musical chairs at the DA's?

Has Kelly Neel's title at the DA's  office been changed from  Assistant Deputy DA to Chief Deputy DA? And will Deputy District Attorneys rotate the ADA position?

Humboldt Republic has the exclusive factor

Humboldt Republic, is a Clothing and Multi Media/Entertainment Company located on 535 4^th Street in Eureka. All the clothing is exclusively designed and printed in Humboldt County. The store celebrated its 2^nd anniversary in June 2013 and is co-owned by Jason Brandi and Justin Christensen.

According to a press release, the store has reached online customers in 25 states in just the last 6 months which is when they started the online outreach. The store outgrew its original location on 5^th Street in Eureka within the first year. The present location is 2 times larger. According to Brandi and Christensen, their clothing has “an exclusive factor.”

“We are not your typical Humboldt clothing store,” said Brandi. “We design clothes that are modern and trending. What makes us unique is that we print new designs weekly and we don’t print mass quantities of every design. We create for specific colors and styles. We offer high quality clothing at a lower cost than our competitors. Besides our own brand, we are the only local Humboldt clothing Brand with a store location that carries national designer brands for men and women.”

Christensen states that they travel out of the area to trade shows and hand-select each garment. “Our clothing caters to the entire family from adults to infants.”

Both Christensen and Brandi grew up in Humboldt and come from local families. “Two years ago, we came into a bad economy but succeeded by being unique,” they said. Local community is very important to them and they regularly sponsor youth teams and donate to various charities.

Besides clothing, they also put on concerts and shows. The store already had its 2 year anniversary sale but there is another chance for old and new customers to cash in on the celebration. If you like their Facebook page, share it or recommend it or tag yourself in a photo wearing HR clothing, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free sweatshirt, 2 shirts, or 2 tanks. There will be three drawings in month of June, one on the 10th, one on the 20th, and one on 30th. You are not limited to do just one entry and you can re-enter in each drawing.

Call (707) 497-6270 or check the store’s Facebook page or website http://www.humboldtrepublic.com

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.