Editor: Thank you for publishing poems in the NCJ. I am always disappointed with a “poemless” issue. The latest poem by Ryan Muenzer, “The January Wake Up,” (Oct. 30) is a seriously good prose poem. There are multiple layers of meaning, natural and political; not contrived or preachy. The reader joins in the personal and […]
Letter Writer
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Posted inLifelines
Joseph Byrd
(William Joseph Hunter Byrd Jr.) December 19,1937-November 2, 2025 Joseph Byrd (William Joseph Hunter Byrd Jr.) whose groundbreaking work as an avant-garde composer and musician helped shape the world of modern music, died suddenly in Medford, Oregon, on November 2, 2025. He was 87. He was born in Louisville, KY on December 19,1937 and moved […]
Posted inLifelines
Thomas “Tom” Coyle
Thomas “Tom” Coyle passed away on Saturday November 1, 2025, at his home in Freshwater, CA. Tom was first and foremost a family man. He was devoted to his wife Betsy, and his two sons, Jared and Aaron. Watching them grow up was his greatest joy. He also leaves two daughter-in-laws, Jenny and Desiree and […]
Posted inObituaries
Anthony Oliver Knox (“Olie”)
May 9, 1965 – October 7, 2025 Anthony Oliver Knox, affectionately known as “Olie,” passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, at the Hospice House in Eureka, surrounded by love — with his devoted sister, Kathryne Koch, and his loyal companion, Toots, by his side. Born on Mother’s Day, May 9, 1965, in Stockton, California, […]
Posted inViews
How Rescinding the Public Lands Rule Harms Humboldt County
Little more than a year after celebrating a major step forward for the conservation of our public lands, we’re now faced with its likely repeal. On Sept. 11, the administration began the process of repealing the Public Lands Rule, a science-based, bipartisan and publicly popular policy designed to safeguard the health and the public’s access […]
Posted inMailbox
‘Disappointed’
Editor: I began reading the cover article (“Protecting the Night,” Oct. 16) with enthusiasm and finished it disappointed. The new ordinance may shine a light on dark sky preservation, as the subtitle promises, but the article sheds no light on what the ordinance says or does or fails to do. We learn that the vote […]
Posted inMailbox
Beyond the Spectacle: The Real Threat to Democracy
Editor: While President Trump dominates headlines with theatrical antics, the true danger lies in the actions of those around him. His administration has become a magnet for individuals intent on undermining the Constitution and reshaping the nation into something unrecognizable. The president’s words may be erratic, but his allies are methodically setting the stage for […]
Posted inMailbox
Crap Dustin’
Editor: In a juvenile response to the recent No Kings rallies, President Trump released an AI-generated video depicting himself as a hero bomber pilot king wearing a crown who is dropping excrement on the No Kings protesters below. On the other hand, if one looks at this video symbolically, one can arrive at a totally […]
Posted inMailbox
Orwellian Days
Editor: Many years ago, I read Animal Farm and 1984 never thinking that I’d be looking at comparisons to our own governance. Yet, here we are. I just reread both and found Animal Farm to have as much in common with Trumpian politics as 1984. I was surprised by that, at first. But totalitarianism isn’t […]
Posted inMailbox
‘Cruel and Unjustified’
Editor: I am a 76-year-old man living in Arcata. I have Social Security, Medicare and a supplemental medical policy. I have had a complicated form of heart tachycardia for a long time. My medications had stopped working and I had to go to Santa Rosa for an ablation. My preliminary appointment was via telemedicine. I […]
Posted inMailbox
Peaceful Protest
Editor: Thanks to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deputies for their presence on Saturday, Oct. 18, protecting the peaceful No Kings demonstration. It was very comforting to see them present to protect the peaceful crowd. Stay safe y’all. Suzanne Hart, Eureka
Posted inMailbox
League of Women Voters on Prop. 50
Editor: The League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) has taken a neutral stance on Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, which will appear on the November ballot. As a nonpartisan organization, the league remains committed to empowering voters and defending democracy without aligning with political parties or candidates. While California’s redistricting process differs […]