Under slowly clearing skies (morning fog, no rain), the Cal Poly Humboldt Class of 2023 commencement for the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences got underway at 9 a.m. May 13 in Redwood Bowl. Following the usual welcome messages by Provost Jenn Capps and President Tom Jackson, Jr., an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters […]
Mark Larson
Posted inLife + Outdoors
A Walk Among the Spotted Owls
After four decades of hiking in Humboldt County forests, I’d never spotted a wild northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis) until Saturday during a Godwit Days tour, thanks to help from a tour guide and an assist from a white mouse. My wife and I did see a barred owl (Strix varia) a couple years ago […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
It’s Time to Buckle Up
buckle up (verb) Definition: 1) To fasten a seatbelt; 2) to prepare oneself for something exciting or intense. slang Prepare for what is about to happen, such as danger, excitement, trouble, etc. Much attention has been focused lately on housing challenges for future increased numbers of Cal Poly Humboldt students, thanks to the students’ recent […]
Posted inNews
Protestors Call on Local Banks to Cut Fossil Fuel Industry Support
Last week’s national day of protest by Third Act members urging banks, including local branches of Wells Fargo and CHASE Bank, to stop lending to and underwriting the fossil fuel industry, included a demonstration attended by around 60 persons in Arcata. Many attendees brought their bank cards to cut up in protest March 21, as […]
Posted inNews
Peace Rally for Ukraine
As anti-war demonstrations were held across the country Saturday to coincide with the 20-year anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, several dozen people gathered at the Arcata Plaza to “rally for peace in Ukraine by seeking an end to the war with ceasefire and diplomacy.” Ellen Taylor, the first speaker, reinforced that point by […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
A Burrowing Owl Pops Up
Until a year ago, I had never seen a burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). I wasn’t even aware we had this species locally — I thought they only lived in the desert. But that all changed in February of 2022 out in the dunes next to the Pacific Ocean. Out walking on a sunny morning, my […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
KHSU MIA After Quake
Tuning in to KHSU-FM (90.5) for much-needed emergency information never occurred to me after the magnitude-6.4 earthquake hit at 2:34 a.m. on Dec. 20 or following the Jan. 1 aftershock. I’ve lost interest in listening to KHSU, given the sad status of Cal Poly Humboldt’s public radio station since the administration got rid of all […]
Posted inNews
Through Mark Larson’s Lens
In another year we’ll all never forget, 2022 started with the scary omicron surge and ended with a big earthquake. The latter was a reminder that we live near the Triple Junction and now we await this winter’s “Tripledemic” of COVID, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). My wife and I continued to limit face-to-face […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
Woodley Island Walkabout
My wife and I recently drove to Woodley Island for our daily walk with a plan to see the holiday lighting and boats in the marina at sunset. With clear skies and no wind, we enjoyed some exercise while watching the commercial fishing boats, a beautiful sunset over Humboldt Bay and a crab-pot Christmas tree. […]
