Press release from the County of Humboldt:

The County of Humboldt was saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Fifth District Supervisor Anna Sparks. Sparks was a dedicated leader for Northern California and represented Humboldt County on both the state and federal levels throughout her career.

She served as Fifth District Supervisor for twelve years from 1982 to 1994.

In recognition of her service, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will adjourn their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in Sparks’ honor and the County of Humboldt will fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in Supervisor Sparks’ honor Tuesday, Jan. 13 through sunset on Friday, Jan. 16.

Known to some as “Chainsaw Annie,” Sparks was a spirited advocate for the region, especially on critical issues like water policy, the local timber economy and support for rural communities.

“Anna was incredibly loyal to the Fifth District,” said Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone.  “Her passion and dedication to public service and her care for this community meant a lot to so many people. She will be deeply missed.”

Close friends of Sparks would like to share that Humboldt County is a better place because of her dedicated service. During her tenure as Fifth District Supervisor, Sparks was appointed to serve on the California North Coast Regional Water Board and the California Community Economic Revitalizations Team. She was also appointed by President Bush as chair of the Klamath River Compact Commission. Anna Sparks Way in McKinleyville was also named in her honor.

“Anna leaves behind an incredible legacy in the Fifth District,” said First District Supervisor Rex Bohn. “She represented her district and the county well throughout her long career. She loved Humboldt and its people and will be missed by so many, including myself.”

Please join the County of Humboldt in extending its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those who benefited from her leadership and commitment to public service in Humboldt County.

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Facebook post from the Northern California Community Blood Bank:

A slowdown in donations at the end of December and into the new year has left us in need of Type O donors, especially Type O-. We are now entering the third week of January with no O- blood available at the blood bank. While local hospitals still have limited supplies on their shelves, once those units are used, we have nothing available to replenish them. If you are Type O-negative, please donate as soon as possible.

O-negative donors are universal donors, meaning your blood can be given to any blood type and is especially vital in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

Donate today:

• Bloodmobile at Wildberries Marketplace in Arcata: 12:00–6:00 PM
• Blood Bank on Harrison: Open until 6:00 PM

If you’re unable to donate today, please visit nccbb.org to view our bloodmobile schedule and blood bank hours. Please spread the word.

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Ed. note: On Friday, a caller asked us if there was a protest planned for the Courthouse the next day. We couldn’t immediately find evidence of it. But then your correspondent drove by on Saturday and there the protesters were. Apologies to our caller.

Fortunately, Friends o’ the LoCO Ted Pease and Jamie Blatter sent us dispatches from actions in Arcata and Trinidad over the weekend.

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Trinidad Indivisible
Trinidad Protest: ‘Few, But Fierce’

By Ted Pease

More than 75 people (and six dogs) turned out for Trinidad Indivisible’s protest on Sunday against the killing of a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman by a masked ICE agent,

“ICE Out for Good” was the theme of nationwide weekend protests decrying the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot three times in the head by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on Wednesday as she tried to drive away from a confrontation.

Photo: Pease.

At Trinidad’s rally and in other marches from Seattle to Miami, protesters called for abolishment of ICE — the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that has been scouring communities for suspected illegal immigrants on orders from the Trump White House.

Trinidad protesters waved signs at passing motorists, the vast majority of whom honked and waved back in support. Spirits were high, but the demonstrators’ purpose and determination were deadly serious, participants said. “Trump is evil,” one woman said. “He has to go.”

Singing and chanting, the group marched through Trinidad to the Harbor overlook and back, waving signs against President Donald Trump’s “Evil, Authoritarian Agenda” and “Keep Us Safe and Free from the Dictator DT.”

Trinidad Indivisible founder Tina Freeland said she was gratified by the turnout, especially at short notice. “We want to send a message to Renee’s family, to the Portland couple shot on Thursday by federal agents, to all those who have been targeted/terrorized by ICE and especially to our elected lawmakers that this cannot continue!” Indivisible Trinidad said online. When Freeland created the group last fall, she was told it was the smallest Indivisible chapter in the country.

The group grew out of efforts by Barbara Snell, 94, who flew the American flag upside down — a signal of distress — outside her Main Street home, and held a solo anti-Trump rally on Main Street in April 2025. That grew to a dozen or so for a first “No Kings” rally last summer to nearly 50 in October.

Among the signs at Sunday’s “ICE Out for Good” rally:

• “Fight Fascism”
• “Remember Renee”
• “This is What a Domestic Terrorist Looks Like”
• “No Tax Cut for Billionaires”
• “Melt Ice”
• “Hate Will Not Make Us Great”
• “When Masked Goons Rule Our Streets, We Have Domestic Terrorism by Secret Police”
• “Make America Sane Again”
• “Stay Peaceful. It Confuses Them”

As the demonstrators broke up, one man commented: “I didn’t see any ICE thugs. I think it worked.”

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From Jamie Blatter, in Arcata:

Dozens of protesters gathered to protest the increase of ICE presence and violence across the country, voicing their outrage over the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota earlier this week. Protestors had homemade signs and upside-down US flags. Signs read messages such as “melt ice,” “do you not see the suffering?”, and ” we are allowing murder.” Protestors gathered on the corner of 8th and G and did several laps around the Plaza, waving signs and chanting phrases such as “no hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”

This protest is one of many happening all across the country this week. The event was organized by community member Jacob Sonye, a first-time organizer who felt called to action. 

“We felt compelled to gather, reinforce, and stand up for rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution and by law. We feel that ICE’s actions not only violate constitutional and human freedoms, but also diminishes trust and cohesion within our communities and our government. Our aim is to help people realize that they can be a part of rebuilding and reinvigorating for change” said Sonye. 

Does thinking about the climate crisis get you down? Do you feel guilty about your consumption? Do you feel overwhelmed thinking about all that dooms our planet? Your emotional response to the state of the environment is understandable — good, even! — but if it is impacting your capacity to live a full and vibrant life, maybe it’s time to take action. Ecochaplain Hanna Nielsen joins the show to discuss how to become a more resilient (and more impactful) person. Hanna, together with the Good Grief Network, is also hosting a 10-week program this spring on building community and personal resilience. Details at the bottom of this post.

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Seely Bros photos of the Great Blue Lake Fire of 1911.

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Editor’s note: This account of the Blue Lake fire of 1911 is from a booklet, “Blue Lake is Burning, ” compiled by Isabelle Evans, president of the Blue Lake Museum Society. What follows are excerpts of news accounts included in the booklet.

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From the Blue Lake Advocate, Dec. 7, 1911:

The business district of Blue Lake was partially swept by fire beginning a few minutes after 12 o’clock noon Tuesday, December 5, 1911, and which originated in August Brand’s clothing store and tailor shop. In a very few minutes after Brand left his shop to go to dinner the building was a mass of flames, with a stiff breeze blowing directly across the street on which was situated the Odd Fellows Hall, Walter Ingham’s Saloon, Henry Laverty’s Barber Shop and the Blue Lake Drug Store occupied by George L. Sackville.

To these buildings the flames were quickly communicated and within two hours all the buildings in the block were burned, including M.J. Kelly’s fine residence and the Jones buildings, the last of which on the corner was the two story structure occupied by Lon Edwards as a confectionery store, express office and Sunset Telephone headquarters.

Here a heroic fight was made to check the further spread of the fire which was crowned with success. To this success everything conspired — the heroism of individuals, the splendid services of our neighboring towns, a veering of the wind and a drizzle of rain. Not a single element of these could have been spared.

In answer to frenzied telephone calls, special engines came from both directions. From Glendale came their chemical engine trailing behind the Minor Company’s delivery wagon, from Arcata came their big chemical engine and from Korbel their fire fighting apparatus and two immense tanks full of water built upon flat cars. Louis Everding and Thomas Fox came with the help from Korbel, bringing a bucket brigade fully equipped for service.

The fire line had previously been successfully held from the Palace Saloon to the Forester’s building at a great personal effort, and the fiercest battle was yet to be fought at the latter place. The Forester’s building and the one burning were two of the highest in town and were directly opposite with only a 50-foot street between. Into this intolerable heat the Glendale chemical wheeled into play and got first water, directing the stream against the high walls of the now smoking building. When it was exhausted the Arcata chemical engine began action and kept up the good work, assisted by Joe Tabor holding the nozzle of a line of hose, while others kept him from catching fire by throwing buckets of water over him while he was fighting.

A HEROIC FIGHT

A great battle was also going on at the opposite corner owned by Mrs. Douarin and occupied by Dr. C.N. Mooney. The chief hero of this fight was George Perham. Mounted on the peak of the gable next to the street, he defied the fierce blasts of flames that kept jumping at him and dashed water against the building from buckets as they were handed up to him. Perham had previously been laid out in another battle earlier, but revived consciousness in time to lead the important fight at the Mooney corner.

When the walls of the building fell, falling outward, a sheet of flame fairly enveloped the heroic fighter for an instant and all who were watching fully expected him to roll from the roof like a dead fly. But Perham merely ducked his head, bending low and holding his breath and just then he was drenched with a life-giving bucket of cold water.

John Arnold of the Blue Lake Hotel was another fire fighter overcome during the battle, but responding again with renewed vigor. It is impossible to record the name of all who did valiant service at some point in the battle. No one saw it all but a few others who came within the observance of the writer deserving special mention were Jack Fletcher, John Arnold, Robert Barr, Len Higgins, Bert Clark, Charles Beauchamp, Robert Poulton, Wiley Hanson, E.A. Spring, A. Welsh, J. Baldwin, J. Pollow, O.E. Bradford, Mrs. Peterson, Mr. Robertson, Cale Hickox, J. Kuhlmann, W.F. Hemphill, B. Pido and Charles Crowden.

A splendid supply of water was luckily available from Mrs. Douarin’s tank and there was a continuous line of water carriers at this point. The charred wall of the Douarin buildings and the Forester’s building after the danger had passed showed how narrowly the spread of the conflagration had been averted. In places the outside walls were completely burned through.

Notwithstanding the combined efforts of our neighbors and our own townspeople, the fire would have even then gained the mastery except for the aid of nature. Just when the flames were hottest the wind changed for about 15 minutes, blowing the flames back upon themselves. In the path of the fire the wind was blowing thousands of burning brands which fell among old shed roofs and walks, which would have caught and started new fire but for the friendly rain. As it was, several small fires were started but luckily were observed in time to extinguish them. One brand was observed to alight still flaming at Glendale, two miles away.

The only losses sustained outside of the block mentioned were A.J. McPherson’s Livery Stable containing about $2,000 worth of hay and his blacksmith shop adjoining and the buildings adjoining that in which the fire originated. These were the Elite Saloon and Giuntoli’s Saloon and Restaurant, owned by Mrs. M. Rankin.

The only lives lost were animals. Adam Kemp and Henry Laverty were the owners of some good bird dogs, who, like Casablanca, refused to leave the “burning deck” and were consumed. A luckless cat and several chickens completed the toll of death in the great Blue Lake fire.

ORIGIN OF THE FIRE

The fire originated in August Brand’s, but just where and how is yet shrouded in mystery. He had left the place but about five minutes when it was observed, but with the means at hand the fire was then uncontrollable. If a sufficient supply of water had been promptly applied from the rear, it is believed the fire could have been easily subdued.

The total lack of fire fighting facilities is accountable for the great fire that followed. A single hydrant with the ordinary pressure of water would have been sufficient to quench the flames if applied to the one story building where the fire started. The great value of chemical engines was demonstrated by those who so promptly came to our rescue from Arcata and Glendale. Fred Stouder was the hero of the Arcata contingent. An engine was already steamed up and a car was standing on the track. Within five minutes Stouder got the consent of the Arcata & Mad River Rail road officials and just 14 minutes from the time it started on its race, landed in Blue Lake. The little car on which was loaded the chemical engine and several ladders bobbed around the curves like the tail of a kite, part of the time traveling on two wheels. Stouder did all that was possible to assist it in keeping the rails by jumping over to the high side each time it threatened to leap from the track. Engineer Liscom kept a firm hold on the throttle but there were times when he held his breath, fearing that his engine might be derailed at any time.

GRATITUDE TO NEIGHBORS

The City of Blue Lake also feels a deep sense of gratitude to Korbel and its people for their timely and generous aid. This is the first time in our experience when water was known to be transported from one community to another with which to fight fire. The Korbel people showed a thoughtfulness in this act that is fully as commendable as their heroic efforts after arrival. To Louis Everding, Joseph Tabor, Thomas Fox, ex-fire chief of Eureka, Andrew Skiro, and many others is due the profound respect and gratitude of all Blue Lakers.

Fire Chief Cochrane of Eureka was only a little later to get to Blue Lake than those from less distant points. In an inconceivably short time he gathered up a load of picks and axes and three small fire extinguishers and reached the scene in a little over half an hour.

Our remaining nearest neighbor, Glendale, replied to our call for help instantly, and reached here just in time to prevent a spread of the flames which but for their assistance would have been beyond control.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Not by any means does all the credit for valuable and efficient work belong to the men. Many women worked with wonderful persistence and energy in saving movables of all kinds, and it is due to two lady friends of the Kelly’s that practically everything within their house was saved, including the carpets and curtains. Many children also performed their part in helping distracted chattel owners to save their effects. Two ten-year-old boys carried Mr. Laverty’s heavy barber chair a distance of two blocks to a place of safety and assisted in wheeling out the vehicles in McPherson’s livery stable. In fact many children performed miracles of service with their nimble feet and cheerful readiness to be of use.

When finally the flames first began to be subdued, a great sense of relief was experienced by all, but many were still vigilant to prevent a relapse and were not satisfied as long as there was a spark of fire to be seen. The town trustees put on a patrol of six men during the night and with the dawning of another day all possibility of disaster was at an end, truly but a deplorable sight met the view. Where before had existed a lot of occupied business buildings was now a mass of charred ruins, twisted pipes and wires and relics of useful machinery.

AS TO REBUILDING

But the ashes were not yet cold when plans of rebuilding were discussed. The Odd Fellows have determined to put in a finer hall than ever, and the disposition of many belonging to the order is to make it fire proof. James Worthington will soon have another business structure underway and the drug store will be rebuilt. Others will promptly follow, if not by the present owner, than by those who are prompt to see the advantages of locations and who will buy the sites. Although Hugh Kelly was hard hit in losing his fine residence, he was cheerful under misfortune and displayed his genuine Irish wit when asked if he would rebuild by replying between puffs of his meerschaum: “Well, not tonight…”

Regarding the rebuilding of the business block destroyed, some of the owners may sell their vacant sites to some energetic businessmen who themselves will erect some substantial business buildings. Not a better location in Blue Lake for any kind of business can be found.

Owing to its beautiful location. Blue Lake is bound to grow gradually and nothing will help it along better than an infusion of new business blood in its present inactivity. Our people are too sanguine over the future of our little city to let it lay inactive, because progress is now as it always has been their motto. Let us do all we can to help our new city and improve its appearance a hundred percent.

FIRE LOSSES AND INSURANCE

As far as can possibly be ascertained a list of the destroyed property is as follows:

• James Worthington’s Saloon - $1,250 - insurance $900.
• Stock in Stock and Kemp’s - $900 - no insurance.
• George and Mattie Rankin - hotel - $1,250 - insurance $600.
• Giuntoli Bros. - stock in said hotel - $1,200 - insurance $1,000.
• A. Brand - stock and store - $2,000 - insurance $1,850.
• IOOF Hall - $6,000 - insurance $3,000.
• C. Deschartres’ Drug Store - $2,500 - insurance $2,000.
• Allard and Matthews Saloon - $1,000 - insurance $1,000.
• Henry Laverty - stock in Allard and Matthews Barber Shop - $200 - no insurance.
• J.A. McPherson Livery Stable - $5,000 - no insurance.
• Margaret Jones - residence, store and jewelry store - $4,250 - insurance $3,100.
• Lon Edwards - stock in candy store $1,000 - insurance $800.
• Hugh Kelly’s residence and small store - $3,000 - no insurance.
• Dr. Woods’ stock in Jones’ building - $700 - insurance $500.
• Renner’s stock in Jones’ building - $500 - no insurance.
• And fences, poles, wire and minor damages - $5,000 - insurance $2,500 …

NOTES

Hugh Kelly and family moved to the house recently occupied by the McLeods. Walter Ingham, whose place of business burned last Tuesday, has decided to retire from the saloon business in Blue Lake. Just what he will do in the future is yet undecided.

Lon Edwards has moved his central telephone office and Wells Fargo and Co. Express in the Blue Lake depot, to a room adjoining the waiting room, where everything is attended to as nicely and promptly as before.

H.J. Laverty, Blue Lake’s well-known barber, is now nicely located in the Blue Lake barbershop, where he expects to see all of his former customers and friends. He was one of the unfortunate fire victims of Tuesday.

The Odd Fellows are now holding their regular meeting in the Presbyterian Church. Rev. Baesler kindly donated the use of the edifice until better arrangements can be made. Other lodges that have been offered the same hospitality are the Rebekahs, K. of P., and Fraternal Brotherhood. All were glad to avail themselves to the minister’s kindness.

The Seely Bros, of Arcata showed their enterprise by coming to the scene quickly enough to get many fine negatives of the fire while in progress and these are selling at the post office faster than proverbial hot cakes.

The safes of Giuntoli, Ingham and Brand were opened Thursday afternoon and in the former two everything was found in perfect condition. Brand’s safe went into the fire with the outer door partly open and the papers within were found somewhat charred. The safe contained no cash.

The Brizard company, in appreciation of the efforts of their employees at the fire, presented each of them with a $10 gold piece Thursday.

Kemp and Stover saved the greatest part of their liquors and opened up at 8 o’clock the next morning next to Dr. Fountain’s dental office.

Charles McLean was not as fortunate. Though getting out a lot of goods, when he tried to recover them again, a big share was missing.

The various lodges saved all of the effects from the Odd Fellows’ building except the Rebekahs. Even the piano was successfully landed from the second floor. This was not accomplished without great personal effort and risk. Mrs. Crowden and Ed Lewis saved the records, the latter being almost overcome by the smoke in making his escape.

Among the tenants of the burned structures. Dr. Wood was hard hit in losing all of his valuable heirlooms and keepsakes gathered through a long and busy life, as well as nearly all of his valuable library. He saved a portion of his instruments and with great cheerfulness and alacrity established himself again in business the following morning, his office now being in the Perigot building adjoining the Advocate office.

An important lesson of this fire, apart from revealing the necessity of an adequate water system is that of an organized volunteer fire department, and to have a competent leader, clothed with sufficient authority to act and direct the work or rescue. If either Joe Tabor or Thos. Fox could have felt free to do what they liked upon reaching the fire, it might not have been nearly so disastrous.

From the Daily Humboldt Standard, Dec. 7, 1911:

As a starter for a municipal water system and for a fire department for Blue Lake, this evening the City Board of Trustees purchased from Will Warren his water system for a consideration of $850 while the clerk of the board was directed to immediately communicate with companies manufacturing chemical fire apparatus for the purpose of securing estimates of the cost of a suitable engine for the town of Blue Lake.

That the fire of yesterday shall be the last disastrous conflagration in the history of Blue Lake is the announced determination of the City Trustees.

Before anything else was taken up Trustee McPherson, who had been one of the heavy losers in the fire, introduced a resolution thanking each and every person who has assisted in fighting and ultimately checking the flames. Special thanks were extended to the crews from Korbel, Glendale, Arcata and Eureka, that gave valuable assistance in saving what of the business section of the town that still stands. The resolution was unanimously adopted.

Trustee Geer presented to the Board an option on the water system belonging to Will Warren which furnished water to a number of families in Blue Lake and which furnishes an excellent foundation for a larger system to be built later, urging that it be immediately accepted. After prolonged discussion of the water company, it was decided that the option should be taken up and the City of Blue Lake will soon supply itself with water.

It was then brought out that a fire department was needed as badly as water, and it was decided that fire fighting apparatus should be provided. The clerk will proceed immediately to secure figures and data regarding chemical extinguishers and before long it is expected Blue Lake will possess its own chemical fire fighting apparatus.

Steps have been taken by the City Trustees as well as by the private property owners to clear up the debris caused by the fire and to put Blue Lake into a more orderly shape. The street and alley committee was directed to clear out the obstruction from Power Creek which runs through the burned area, and it was voted to recall the order heretofore given out that all property owners may lay sidewalks within thirty days hence. This is done owing to the heavy financial drain which has been caused by the fire and to other reasons which would make it impractical to commence a campaign of sidewalk building at this time…

From the Blue Lake Advocate, Dec. 16, 1911

Since the big conflagration of December 5th, Blue Lake people interested in the burned district have been planning to rebuild as soon as possible.

Last Saturday evening and Sunday three special insurance agents and adjusters were kept busy adjusting the losses of those who were fortunate enough to carry insurance on their respective buildings and stock of goods and as far as we know everything has been adjusted satisfactorily to all concerned.

Already preparations are being made to erect a new saloon building and barber-shop on the site of the old Elite saloon formerly occupied by Kemp and Stock which property belongs to James Worthington. August Brand is figuring on rebuilding his tailor shop and clothing store as soon as possible, and so is Mrs. Mattie Rankin, who owns the property at the corner of that block opposite the site of the Odd Fellows’ Hall. Mrs. Rankin will erect a two-story building measuring 24x24 feet. The first will consist of a barroom, a kitchen and a dining room, while five rooms will comprise the upstairs. It is understood the Ole C. Anderson of this place will have charge of this new structure, which will be up-to-date in every respect. Giuntoli Bros, will most likely occupy the new structure.

It is learned that the Blue Lake Lodge of Odd Fellows may not rebuild their hall on their own lot, and may form a partnership with Mad River Lodge K. of P. and the two orders will erect a large and handsome two-story structure on either the Jones’ site or the old drug store site facing H Street.

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In Loving Memory of Leroy ‘Sonny’ Tripp
August 5, 1969 – October 31, 2025

Some people leave an imprint that extends far beyond their own lifetime. Sonny Tripp was one of those people.

Leroy “Sonny” Tripp was born on August 5, 1969, to Leroy and Sue Tripp. He and his sister, Melissa (Tripp) Defenbaugh, were raised in Crescent City and later Redding, where Sonny formed lifelong friendships and deep community ties that remained with him throughout his life.

From an early age, Sonny found joy and belonging through athletics. Growing up in Crescent City, he developed a love for football, basketball, and track. Sports became a natural way for him to connect with others and begin building the leadership and discipline that would shape much of his life.

Sonny attended Redwood Elementary School in Crescent City, following in the footsteps of his mother and her siblings. One of his favorite teachers was Mr. Goodgame, who inspired Sonny’s interest in history. During these years, his love for football and basketball continued to grow. In eighth grade, Sonny had the special opportunity to be coached by his father, who later presented diplomas to Sonny and his classmates, making the milestone especially meaningful.

During his freshman year of high school, Sonny moved to Redding, where he continued to excel in athletics and form lasting friendships. He was crowned Homecoming King during his senior year football season, reflecting the friendship, respect, and admiration held by his peers.

Sonny went on to attend Sacramento State, Santa Barbara City College, and Humboldt State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies. He would later earn a Master’s in Education while also taking care of his young family in Seattle, Washington.

Being a father was Sonny’s greatest pride and source of strength. Above all, Sonny cherished his family, which he called “his basket”. He loved his three kids, Mateek, Imya, and Imnihva unconditionally and the time he spent raising them was filled with laughter, love, and joy. His greatest wish for them was their happiness.

Fatherhood came naturally to Sonny. He led with humor, guidance, wisdom, and compassion, and he listened with care and intention, always doing his best to support his children. Sonny sacrificed much to raise his children and support his basket far from home. He was grateful to return home with his family and to serve his community.

Gratitude shaped the way Sonny saw the world, and grounded him in love and positivity. That spirit was reflected in his parenting, where he treated every moment with his children as a blessing and never missed an opportunity to remind them how deeply they were loved. They were the center of his world.

In his final moments, Sonny was surrounded by his two sons, his daughter and close friends. Through tears, there was comfort in knowing how much love he had given and in the love that surrounded him in return.

Sonny was a proud Karuk Tribal member and a descendant of the villages of Katimiîn, Ameekyáaraam, and Asamnaamkaruk. He deeply valued his Native heritage and honored his family’s traditions in every part of his life. He was a jump dancer, brush dancer, and sun dancer with his Lakota brothers.

As a coach, Sonny brought a winning culture to every team he led. He guided students who were often overlooked and helped them recognize their own strength and voice. Coaching basketball was one of his greatest joys and one he got to share. During his tenure as the McKinleyville High School Varsity Head Coach, he had the privilege to coach with one of his best friends Larrin McConnell and to coach his two sons. He would teach his players that the court was a sacred place, where you play to win; and leave everything you have on the court. To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.

To his players, and to students, he was a positive influence who truly took the time to listen and care. Working with the schools was a very rewarding time for Sonny. He formed lasting connections and cared for his students with genuine concern, supporting them not only in sports and education, but in life. To some of his players, he was far more than a coach. He was a role model who believed in them long before they believed in themselves.

Sonny’s work as an Indigenous Education Advocate for the Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC) brought him great pride. During this time, he was able to unapologetically be himself while working to bring leaders together from across the West Coast. Though the work was serious and deeply important, Sonny never let it become too heavy. He carried it with humility, balance, and a sense of humanity that made others feel welcome and connected.

Alongside his NCIDC family, he built bridges between cultures, generations, and communities. He believed deeply in the potential of every young person and in the importance of education grounded in identity, respect, and belonging. Through partnerships with tribal nations, schools, the ACLU and many other organizations, Sonny helped create lasting change that continues to shape the lives of students and families. Those who worked beside him remember his integrity, compassion, and courage. His legacy lives on in the students he uplifted, the conversations he started, and the movement he helped advance toward equity, healing, and cultural understanding.

One of the most meaningful chapters of Sonny’s life was the time he spent caring for his uncle, Brian D. Tripp with the assistance of his son Imya. Those years were filled with adventure, laughter, and music at the Karuk Man’s House. During this time he had a chance to reconnect with old friends while also making new ones. Sonny stepped in and filled a huge gap for his entire family and extended community. NCIDC provided unwavering support during this time, making it possible for Sonny to balance caregiving with his professional responsibilities.

To those who knew him, Sonny was unforgettable. Though his absence is deeply felt, his spirit continues through the lives he touched, the songs he carried, and the lessons he shared. Sonny’s energy lifted every space he entered, and he had a rare gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued. His presence, influence, and care will continue to guide and inspire the North Coast for generations to come.

The Tripp family extends their heartfelt thanks to Imya Tripp, Chris Carmona, and Larrin “Coach” McConnell for their unwavering care, presence, and compassion they showed Sonny throughout his lymphoma diagnosis and cancer treatment. They are also deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and staff at UIHS, Providence Santa Rosa, and UCSF, whose dedication and kindness provided comfort and support during an incredibly difficult time. To the many friends and loved ones who contributed to Sonny’s GoFundMe, you brought comfort during his final months and reminded Sonny, again and again, how deeply he was loved. Thank you.

The family also offers sincere and lasting gratitude to the Northern California Indian Development Council and Eureka City Schools for their continued support and the many ways they showed care for Sonny throughout his work. Your understanding, flexibility, and compassion made a meaningful difference in his life and in the lives of those he served.

Sonny was preceded in death by his great aunt Georgie, his uncles Amos Tripp, Brian D. Tripp, and Phillip Tripp. And mother’s side of family; uncles Mike Hutsell, Clayton Hutsell and aunties Paula Lotti and Jaxie Snider. Heart brothers Phil Ford, Charles “Chaz” Marshall, Tim Brown, JP Morgan, and Darrell Emerson.

He is survived by his parents, Leroy and Sue Tripp; his children, Mateek Tripp, Imya Tripp, and Imnihva Tripp; his sister, Melissa (Bill) Defenbaugh; and his nephew, Yutimiin; aunts & uncles, Maria Tripp, David & Jan Tripp, Rose Tripp, Helen & Pat Suri, Karen Noble and numerous cousins.

Honorary Pallbearers

Cousins

• Levi Tripp
• Hector Tripp
• Paloma Pole
• Monica Tripp
• Analisa Tripp
• Frankie Tripp
• Emilo Tripp
• Justin Tripp
• Angelica Tripp
• Phil Tripp
• Jasper Tripp
• Pimm Allen
• Kapoon James
• Sandi Colivas
• Wiyaka Bennett
• Tammy Wakefield

Friends that were family

• Larrin McConnell
• Chris Carmona
• Rick Garcia
• Donny Koopman
• Jeff Garrett
• Dennis Salyers
• John Riddle
• Mike Spangle
• Gary Storts
• Bubba Riggins
• Vincent Feliz
• Sam Jones
• Rob Butler
• Bronson Koenig
• Dustin Dutra
• Shawna Gallagher
• Toni Ramos
• Marva Jones
• Roman Rain Tree
• Gerald Spannaus
• Antonio Padilla
• Charli “C Murph” Murphy
• Ron Griffin
• Tyler Conrad
• Nikwe Hostler

To the many people, students, players, families, and community members we were unable to list, please know that Sonny considered you his own.

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, family and friends will gather in remembrance of Sonny. Please join us at 11 a.m. in the Jay Willard Gymnasium at Eureka High School for a celebration of life and a potluck, as we honor the memories and spirit he leaves with us.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Sonny Tripp’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

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Behold!

Eight years after descending upon the Victorian Village of Ferndale, thereupon to lead what he deemed the “one faithful church in Humboldt County,” Lutheran Reverend Tyrel Bramwell received and accepted a Divine Call to GTFO.

A Bramwell meme. | Facebook.

In his time here, Bramwell stoked controversy and collected YouTube subscribers as he condemned everything from drag shows and “LGBTQ culture” to the Black Lives Matter movement and public Christmas trees (?) while praising the exploits of Christopher Columbus, notorious “Indian killer“ Seth Kinman and, uh, DOGE.

His incendiary views even prompted local right-wing radio station KINS to disinvite him as a contributor to its regular “Community Comment” segment.

Bramwell is now scheduled to be installed as the new pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lovell, Wyoming (pop. 2,243), according to the website for the Wyoming District of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod.

In addition to leaving Ferndale — a city he once compared to Sodom, and whose Chamber of Commerce he accused of sponsoring Satanism — Bramwell has announced plans to forsake the internet.

“Mine will be a year lived offline,” he recently announced on his YouTube channel. “This channel will sit dormant and the videos are going private. If I come back online in the future, I will be focused on the present and the future, but not on the past.”

When it comes to Pastor Bramwell, let’s hope Humboldt does the same.

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Revisiting the hits:

PREVIOUSLY

• Dueling Church Signs in Ferndale Spark Controversy Over LGBTQ Inclusion
• (PHOTOS/VIDEO) St. Mark’s Pastor, Pride Marchers Meet Face-to-Face Before Ferndale’s First Pride Demonstration
• For Black History Month, Ferndale Reverend Calls BLM ‘Evil’ and Says the Movement is ‘Built on Sin’
• Ferndale Drag Show Canceled After ‘Beware’ Sign at Local Church Prompts Concerns About Extremist Response
• Humboldt Supervisors Stand Up For Communities ‘Living in Fear,’ Adopt Resolution Condemning Hate Speech
• Local Tribe Backs Out of Hosting ‘Freedom Conference’ Led by Inflammatory Ferndale Pastor Tyrel Bramwell
• Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria Explains Refusal to Host Pastor Bramwell’s ‘Religious Liberty Conference’
• PRAYERS UP! The Lord is Thinking About Sending Ferndale Pastor Tyrel Bramwell to Wyoming