In many ways, the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck about 60 miles west of Petrolia and rattled Humboldt at 10:44 a.m. on Dec. 5 was entirely typical. It occurred on the Mendocino Fault, a submarine fracture zone that runs more than 2,500 miles west from Cape Mendocino, separating the Pacific and Gorda plates. “That fault, […]
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Posted inMusic
Dead Flag Blues
For obvious reasons, I’ve been thinking lately about the more headline-grabbing political violence expressed by solo actors, rather than the steady, deadly wall of daily violence enacted by our domestic and foreign policy. As I write this, it looks like the cops have someone in custody for allegedly killing a health insurance CEO in the […]
Posted inEat + Drink
A Classic Cookie Gets Spicy
Years ago, I made a batch of double ginger cookies with powdered and candied in the dough. Then I immediately remade them as triple ginger, spiking them with a couple teaspoons of freshly grated ginger root. Then came the Mexican hot chocolate cookies barely warmed by a couple pinches of cayenne pepper. Then a couple […]
Posted inArts + Scene
The Valiant Red Rooster Crows
By reimagining the classic folk tale of The Valiant Red Rooster for the annual holiday musical pantomime at the Arcata Playhouse, director Evan Grande offers this year’s post-earthquake, holiday spirits-boosting entertainment enjoyable for all ages. Backed by the equivalent of a Greek chorus (the talented and funny Blue Lake Choir in chicken costumes) that witnesses […]
Posted inLife + Outdoors
The Enviably Thick-skulled Woodpecker
This election has left many of us a bit shaken in our beliefs and buffeted by fear and doubt. The yammering and hammering are unrelenting. Never has a bird that smashes its head into wood up to 20 times a second been more relatable. We all could use thicker skulls these days. If only we […]
Posted inNews
Top Dems Say They Won’t Just ‘Trump-proof’ CA, They’ll Make it Affordable Again
The leaders of the state Legislature have a message for voters: We know you’re frustrated with how expensive California is — and we’re going to fix it. After a painful election that sparked recriminations and soul-searching among Democrats across the country, state Sen. President Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas are returning […]
Posted inMusic
Chariots of Fire
The rains have broken for the moment and we are in the season of low sun, when the horizon can be a blinding thing to behold at the edges of the day, particularly in the hours leading to sunset. That December sun is really something, particularly if you are driving, riding a bike or trying […]
Posted inArt Walks + Festivals
First Saturday Night Arts Alive
Experience the vibrant atmosphere as Old Town galleries, museums, theaters, bars and restaurants extend their hours for your enjoyment. This month, the Eureka Children’s Chorus and St. Bernard’s High School Orchestra perform at the Gazebo at Second and F streets, and Redwood Interfaith Gospel Choir will be caroling through Old. 4TH STREET MERCANTILE 215 Fourth […]
Posted inArts + Scene
Mystery and Mirth
The Game’s Afoot If local theater awards existed, North Coast Repertory Theatre’s last production of the season, The Game’s Afoot, would be nominated for several coveted (and imagined) Woody awards. With ugly Christmas sweaters, oversized magnifying glasses and half-in-the-bag smiles smattering the audience, the production is lively, spirited and fun. Despite my having one of […]
Posted inLetters + Opinion
A Pedestrian Review of Eureka’s 4th and 5th Streets Corridor
A group of more than 20 people, most of us wearing reflective orange safety vests, had made it most of the way across Fourth Street when the driver of a black pickup apparently decided he had waited long enough. As I approached the far sidewalk, taking up the rear of our group, he revved his […]
Posted inNews
Flash Fiction 2024
Not a lot of wiggle room in a 99-word story. This year’s crop of flash fiction contest entries kept it short, but not always sweet or simple. Chosen once again by yours truly, poet and novelist David Holper, retired children’s librarian JoAnn Bauer, Booklegger owner Jennifer McFadden and retired Booklegger co-owner Nancy Short, the winning […]
Posted inNews
The Fearless Force
As those who knew Patty Berg best take time to reflect on her life and legacy in the wake of her Nov. 19 death at the age of 82, they call her many things. The term “trailblazer” comes up repeatedly, as they note Berg’s role as Humboldt County’s first sex-ed instructor, the founding executive director […]