News

Ah, Humboldt harmoniousness...

If you needed another reminder of the immense talent we're hoarding here behind the Redwood Curtain, give a click or seven to videographer Chuck Johnson's recent Humboldt Live Sessions videos. For the last month or so, Johnson has been prolifically producing and uploading beautifully shot performances by local musical standouts.

Bonus: the clips are shot in scenic, quirky Humboldt locales -- for example, folk/punk group Gunsafe wails in the Ferndale Cemetery, six-string charmer Todd Krider finds Nirvana in the ruins behind Bayshore Mall and singer/songwriter Caitlin Jemma commits armed robbery at Three Corners Market.

Johnson, the man behind the lens, has been a musician and photographer for over 30 years. After purchasing his most recent camera, he started filming music at local festivals but wanted to take it a step further.

"Tons of people were already photographing and taking video at these same events," Johnson said via email. "I wanted something more personal that everyone else wasn't already uploading to YouTube with their cell phones."

So the Humboldt Live Sessions were born. Johnson imposes a few rules on himself for the clips: One continuous camera shot. No microphones blocking faces. Good music. Unique locations.

Hey, why hasn't your band been Humboldt Live Session-ed yet? Chuck says he's still looking for subjects. Get a hold of him!

"I want to keep this going as long as there are performers and locations to put in front of my camera."

Now enjoy this visual and aural celebration of Humboldt:

Lyndsey Battle's uke-enhanced stunning melodies in the Chicken House in Ferndale.
Song: "May Day"

 

Caitlin Jemma's post-Three Corners Market robbery musical reflection at Arrington Apples.
Song: "Get Real Loud"

 

Cory Goldman and Colin Vance pickin' on the Mad River.
Song: "Turtle Dove"

 

The Blackberry Bushes Stringband's Garberville barn jam.
Song: "Bridges"

 

The 51 Cards exude hip on Fickle Hill.
Song: "Squirtgun"

 

Todd Krider plays guitar better than Kurt Cobain in the Eureka ruins.
Song: "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

 

Chuck Johnson's website freakphoto.com.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On 10/18/12, the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit, assisted by patrol, conducted a “prostitution sting” in Eureka’s Old Town area.  This operation was in response to complaints of prostitution activity along 3rd Street west of the Humboldt County Library.
Officers utilized male decoys or “Johns” (undercover officers) driving undercover vehicles. 3 women were arrested after soliciting the “Johns” to pay them money for sexual acts performed upon them.

A female decoy was also used, and 3 men were arrested after they offered to pay the officer money to perform sexual acts upon them.  Additionally, a male contacted the undercover officer and discussed prostitution related topics with her (price of acts she might perform).  He left the scene prior to agreeing to pay money to the officer. He was later contacted and warned about soliciting acts of prostitution. 

During the course of the approximately 4 hour operation, the following suspects were arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional facility:

Females

    •    Kristen Leilani Hill, 39, was arrested for loitering with intent to commit prostitution and soliciting an act of prostitution.
    •    Heather Deanne Amador, 42, was arrested for loitering with intent to commit prostitution and soliciting an act of prostitution.
    •    Casey Marie Hunter, 31, was arrested for loitering with intent to commit prostitution and soliciting an act of prostitution.
 
Males

    •    Jason Garrett Shields, 40, was arrested for loitering with intent to solicit prostitution, soliciting an act of prostitution and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia.
    •    Alexander Joint Smith, 25, was arrested for loitering with intent to solicit prostitution and soliciting an act of prostitution.
    •    Luis Carlos Valdez-Leal, 21, was arrested for loitering with intent to solicit prostitution and soliciting an act of prostitution.

... measured a measley 3.5 on Richter's ol' scale according to the USGS. The quake was centered about three miles east of Blue Lake.

Go on with your Sunday.

 

Brandon Jon Proctor, 25, of Klamath, was sentenced Thursday in Humboldt County Superior Court for trying to stab a state fish and game warden on Sept. 25, reports the California Department of Fish and Game. According to the news release, Warden Paul Weldon was out in Orick investigating an unrelated elk poaching when "a frantic couple with a flat tire" flagged him down.

The motorists pointed to Proctor and shouted that Proctor had slashed their tire with a knife.

As Weldon stepped into help, Proctor lunged for him with the hunting knife. Weldon disarmed and arrested him.

The motorists told Weldon that Proctor threatened them with the knife. Proctor had a prior felony conviction for assault.

He's been sentenced to two years.

 

Some people strap on their new Cream-Sponge Para Litefoot Shoes* and run, run, till the marathon's done -- or, at least, until another summer has past. Others -- perhaps you, swifty reader -- snuggle up to a keyboard somewhere and write like the wind that moans and shrieks through the ravine, at times wanderingly lost and other times sharpwittedly on target.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 20, there is an occasion specifically for those of you in the latter category: a writing marathon!

The event, free and open to everyone, is part of the Redwood Writing Project's Write On, Humboldt! in honor of the National Day on Writing. Says the group's news release:

Participants will break into small groups; groups will stroll around Eureka, write for short periods of time, and share their writing with others while on the trail.

The event starts at 3 p.m. at the Eureka Main Library, and goes 'til 5 p.m. Don't be late or you'll wander and write alone.

If poetry is more your thing, Redwood Writing Project is hosting a poetry workshop series:

Saturday, Oct. 20, 1-2:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room of the Eureka Public Library

Tuesday, Oct. 23, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Fortuna Branch Library

Wednesday, Oct. 24, 6:30-8 p.m. at the McKinleyville Branch Library.

The poetry workshops also are free, but space is limited. To sign up: www.redwoodwp.org or 707.826.5109.

* the shoes Douglas covets in Ray Bradbury's novel Dandelion Wine.

 

 

Does Humboldt know its sleaze, or what? The ink was barely dry on our Sleazy Campaign Ad contest when the first contender was dropped off at our office, courtesy of Brian Connors of Eureka.

[Click image to enlarge.]

Brian was at work when we got back in touch, so he couldn't take time to explain all the sleazy points he saw in this thing. But he is hardly alone in calling out some of the lies being repeated in this four-page mailer from something called the Small Business Action Committee.

Check out this Sacramento Bee editorial, which begins:

"Supporters of Proposition 32 claim that their campaign finance initiative 'cuts the money tie between special interests and politicians.' It's a lie. And an $11 million donation from a shadowy Arizona nonprofit illustrates why. [Click image to enlarge.]

Proposition 32 would ban unions and corporations from using automatic paycheck deductions to raise money for political purposes. While that might sound like a balanced way to blunt big-money politics, this initiative would hit labor unions disproportionately. Corporate interests are increasingly dumping money into independent expenditure campaigns, which Proposition 32 would not touch. Nor would Proposition 32 stop scam nonprofits from influencing elections. Indeed, this initiative is now the beneficiary of one."

And then there's this little bit of fact-checking from the San Jose Mercury News, which tackles a TV ad but debunks the same phony claim this mailer makes about Proposition 30.

"Reallity Check: Anti-Prop. 30 ad is misleading because it implies it won't help schools."

 

We totally can! Do not disappoint Condescending Wonka, HumCo!

The Humboldt County Elections Department is signaling last call to us all via press release: Monday will be the last day to ensure that you'r able to get yer democracy on this fast approaching Nov. 6.

So do that registering thing if you haven't. Here's how:

The last day to register to vote in the November 6, 2012, Presidential General Election is Monday, October 22, 2012.  You should update your voter registration if you have moved, changed your mailing address, changed your name, or want to change or select a political party preference. You can register to vote in California if you are:

•A U.S. Citizen
•A California Resident 
•At least 18 years of age on or before the next election 
•Not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction, and 
•Not declared mentally incompetent by court action

Registering to vote is simple. You can now register to vote on-line at www.registertovote.ca.gov Registration forms are also available at the Humboldt County Elections Department, 3033 H Street, Eureka, and at most post offices and libraries.  You can check to see if you are registered in Humboldt County on-line at www.co.humboldt.ca.us/election and click on "NEW!! Am I Registered?" You can also view your sample ballot and find your polling place by visiting the county website.  Or contact the Humboldt County Elections Department at (707) 445-7481.

The art of McKinley climbing is in serious jeopardy.

Arcata Plaza frequenters will recall the increased law enforcement presence this past New Year's Eve when compared with previous years. Expect more of that. A press release issued today by the Arcata Police Department indicates that that approach to curbing the chaos will now extend to Halloween.

Full APD press release below:

Due to the damage and criminal misconduct that occurred on the Arcata Plaza last Halloween, the Arcata Police Department has joined with other local law enforcement agencies to significantly increase police presence on the Plaza during Halloween.

Arcata Police Chief Tom Chapman said, “The destruction that occurred last Halloween cannot be tolerated. We will be actively enforcing all laws and have zero tolerance for any violations. The safety of the citizens and officers as well as the protection of property will be our top priority.”

In order to prevent graffiti vandalism, public urination, indecent exposure, and the illegal climbing of the McKinley statue, the center of the Plaza will be cordoned off. Entry into the center area will be strictly prohibited. The consumption of alcohol and the possession of glass containers are prohibited and will result in citation or arrest. The discharging of fireworks in or near a crowd of people is a felony offense and will result in immediate arrest. All laws will be strictly enforced.

The City of Arcata and Arcata Police Department wishes everyone a safe Halloween.

Sure, sure. But more importantly, this:

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 10-15-2012 at about 1830 hours the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence located in the 2200 block of McKinleyville Avenue, McKinleyville regarding a marijuana investigation. Sheriff’s Office Deputies discovered a large moving van that was parked near the front door to the residence. Deputies could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from the moving van.  Deputies then knocked on the front door to the residence and contacted three subjects who were in the house.

Deputies identified the occupants as Jeffrey Donald Halverson age 25, Lee Dennis Wilson age 27 and Fredrick William Nicholas age 28. When deputies were speaking to the three subjects they could detect a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside of the residence. Deputies then detained the three subjects and secured the residence for a search warrant.

Humboldt County Drug Task Force Agents were then contacted and responded to the scene to take over the investigation. A search warrant was signed by a Humboldt County Superior Court Judge for the residence at approximately 2030 hours.

Drug Task Force Agents then searched the residence and discovered approximately 210 pounds of drying marijuana plants located in both bedrooms. Agents located marijuana, butane hash lab in the residence. It appeared to the Agents that the marijuana plants were brought into the residence from the moving van that was parked outside of the residence.

Agents arrested Lee Wilson and Jeffrey Halverson for cultivation and possession for sales of marijuana, conspiracy to commit a crime, manufacturing of a controlled substance and maintaining a residence for distributing of a controlled substance. Wilson and Halverson were both transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and their bail was set at $500,000 dollars each.

Fredrick Nicholas was arrested for cultivation of marijuana and was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $25,000 dollars.

This case is still under investigation by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.

Above: Mad River wins!

File this away in the tell-us-something-we-don't-know drawer: Humboldt-produced beer is top shelf, kids. And now it's official (again).

At last weekend's annual Great American Beer Festival -- the Academy Awards of brewin' -- Mad River Brewing Co. bested 67 other microbrew entries to take home ze Gold in the "Golden and Blonde Ale" category with its Humboldt-approved Steelhead Extra Pale Ale. BOOM! This is the second time Steelhead has earned the honor, having first done so back in 2008. Cheers, crew!

Ah! But MRB was not alone among local award winners. Fortuna's Eel River Brewing Co. took home the silver in the "Aged Beer" category for its 2004 Triple Exultation. Here's to aging gracefully. Well done.

So drink up, HumCo. You's gots good brews.

Above: Eel River, well "aged."

Previous NCJ Beer Obsssion:
Beer In The Headlights, Humboldt: Beer Champion