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.

 

 

Humboldt Beer Works moves to a new location

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

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

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

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

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

Globe Properties Turns 50

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

Local insurance agent marks quarter century in trade

The Times-Standard

Posted:   10/27/2012 02:16:14 AM PDT

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

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

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

Humboldt Young Republicans

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gabriel's new bar

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

For owner, Latte Love a labor of love

John Chiv/For the Times-Standard

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

Eric Martin at the Ironside Gallery for Arts Arcata

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kay Recede is Texas bound

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

I wish you the best.

What's Unique About Eureka Main Street

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come meet Joe

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

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

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

Mekong Café to celebrate fourth anniversary in Old Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Decision on courthouse ordinance continued until Sept 25 meeting

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

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

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

He Walks The Talk

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

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

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

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