In the fall of 1960 I was just getting used to living away from home, taking my first engineering classes at the University of London, when the verdict came in: Lady Chatterley’s Lover was not obscene, and therefore couldn’t be banned from libraries in the UK. Three decades after its author’s death, Penguin Books risked their reputation and bank account when they published an unexpurgated cheap paperback edition of LCL in November 1960 — all 200,000 copies sold out on the first day. Until then, it was pretty much a given that in Britain, any book with “fuck” and (especially) “cunt” was obscene and therefore couldn’t be sold cheaply. Book publishers got around the law by either selling expurgated versions (“Wanna do coitus, luv?”) or by pricing daring French novels (oh, those Frenchies…) out of the reach of “the common man,” whose morals could be perverted by explicit words on the printed page.

The book itself, beyond its explicit use of a few four-letter words, is an easy and poignant read. D.H. Lawrence’s last novel, it was written in the late 1920s. It’s the story of doomed love between Lady Connie Chatterley, married to a man (Sir Clifford) paralyzed from the waist down from a WWI injury, and Oliver Mellors, their gamekeeper. For me, the message is that love stemming from the mind is rarely enough, and that physicality completes love. (Of course, reading it now, it comes over as an anachronism: the few British institutions that survived WW1 didn’t make it past 1945.)

I’m reminded of this reading a recent piece in the New York Times about increasing attempts at book-banning in the U.S. which, it claims, “…have grown in the U.S. over the past few years from relatively isolated battles to a broader effort aimed at works about sexual and racial identity.” The main battlegrounds, apparently, are public libraries. While school boards have the power to demand that “undesirable” books be pulled from students’ reading lists, the same students, now alerted to which books they shouldn’t be exposed to, will (duh) head down to their local libraries. And that’s where the real battles are being fought these days, between community leaders — town and city councils, pastors and the like — and librarians.

Most, perhaps all public libraries in this country have adopted the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement. A couple of excerpts: “The freedom to read is essential to our democracy… Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be “protected” against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor free enterprise in ideas and expression…” And therefore “There is no place in our society for efforts to coerce the taste of others, to confine adults to the reading matter deemed suitable for adolescents, or to inhibit the efforts of writers to achieve artistic expression.”

The real issue with banning a book from a library is that the instigator of the ban is making that decision for everyone. Fortunately, here in Humboldt, our County Library has been subject to very few attempts at banning any books: “We haven’t really seen much of that here — a couple challenges here and there, but it’s been a few years since the last (knock wood),” according to one library insider. But, seeing as how books have been banned pretty much forever — Gutenberg’s Bible was only one in a long history of censorship (by the Vatican, in this case) — we should stay awake to the possibility it could resurface here. These days, it’s LGBTQIA+ topics that most offend those who would ban books.

BTW, I’m happy to report that The Catcher in the Rye (consistently a book-banning target for “offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group”) was required reading when I was, I think, 15. And if you want a primer on what might happen if the idea of banning books really took off, I recommend Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451.

As of Saturday morning the Six Rivers Lightning Complex — a group lightning fires to the north and south of Highway 299 near Willow Creek — has grown to 15,232 acres. The good news is that, despite Friday night being the driest so far since the fires started, crews have managed to finally bring the fire perimeter to 12 percent containment. 

Update the unified command of the Six Rivers Lightning Complex:

INCIDENT INFORMATION
Unified Command: Six Rivers National Forest, CAL FIRE, California Highway Patrol, Trinity County Sheriff, and Humboldt County Sheriff.

CURRENT CONDITIONS
The Lightning Complex Fire is currently 15,232 acres with 12% containment. There are 1,641 personnel assigned to the incident. USFS, CAIIMT 11 and CAL FIRE continue to work together in a unified command with a full suppression strategy to provide protection for structures, impacted communities, crucial infrastructure, and important wildlife habitat.   

Last night in the area west of the Bremer Fire, firefighters performed firing operations using dozer and handlines to remove fuels to protect homes. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol the fire to look for threats to control lines.

On the northwest side of the Waterman Fire, crews conducted successful firing operations off Waterman Ridge. Today fire crews will focus on holding the Four Road, aka Waterman Ridge Road, to provide protection for the communities of Salyer Loop and Salyer Heights.

On the Campbell Fire, resources are working to keep the fire from the community of Trinity by maintaining the fire line constructed earlier along Waterman Road.

On the west side of the Ammon Fire, crews constructed dozer line and will continue working in the area today to construct handline. In the southeast corner near the Six Road off Ammon Ridge, crews successfully contained spot fires last night. They will continue to focus on this area today, establishing control lines. Firefighters will also continue to improve confinement lines along Ammon Ridge today. To the west side on Friday Ridge Road, firefighters will continue to work along the Friday Ridge system.

Fire activity is expected to increase today with lower humidities and shifting winds. Aerial firefighting support will be deployed when visibility permits over the Campbell and Ammon areas.

EVACUATIONS 
An EVACUATION ORDER has been issued for zone HUM-E063-B, south of Willow Creek. Residents in this zone should evacuate now. There is no immediate threat to Willow Creek proper.  

The EVACUATION ORDER for Zone HUM-E057 has been downgraded to an EVACUATION WARNING. Residents who live in this zone may begin to return home with caution but should remain ready to evacuate again at a moment’s notice. Be alert to outstanding dangers upon return, including debris in roadways, gas leaks and hot embers.

An EVACUATION ORDER remains in effect for zones: HUM-E032-B, HUM-E056, HUM-E057, HUM-E058, HUM-E061, HUM-E063-A, HUM-E063-B, HUM-E077-B, and HUM-E077-C.

An EVACUATION WARNING remains in effect for zones: HUM-E032-A, HUM-E062, HUM-E064, HUM-E076-B, HUM-E077-D.
The following roads into evacuation zones have been closed. Residents may still use these roads to travel out of evacuation order zones:
·         Seeley McIntosh Road at Country Club Road
·         Patterson Road at Raga Hills Road
·         Friday Ridge Road at Forest Route 6N06

Highways 299 and 96 are currently open but remain impacted by fire behavior.

Due to a large presence of fire personnel and machinery working to build containment lines for the Ammon Fire, residents are asked to limit travel on Titlow Hill Road/Route 1 in zones HUM-E052 and HUM-E062 to essential traffic only.

To find the latest evacuation information go to Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services (https://humboldtgov.org/2383/Current-Emergencies) or Trinity County Office of Emergency Services (https://www.trinitycounty.org/OES). For an interactive map of evacuation zones visit: https://community.zonehaven.com/. To sign up for alerts: www.humboldtgov.org/alerts.   

If you are under an evacuation warning, take the necessary steps to be ready to leave.   

EVACUATION CENTER Trinity Valley Elementary School 730 Highway 96, Willow Creek, CA 95573

ANIMAL EVACUATION CENTER   Hoopa Rodeo Grounds 1767 Pine Creek Rd., Hoopa, CA 95546 Phone: (707) 492-2851 The Hoopa Rodeo Grounds has several single pens and larger pens for whole herds. Call directly if you need directions or help transporting your large animals. They cannot house sheep, goats, poultry, or small animals, but they can potentially help arrange for temporary foster placement. If you can foster, please reach out regarding your availability and capacity.

ROAD CLOSURES   State Route 299, State Route 96, and Route 1 remain open to through traffic. Residents are encouraged to visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ to check for state highway closures. The following roads into evacuation zones have been closed. Residents may still use these roads to travel out of evacuation order zones:
·         Horse Linto Creek Road at Saddle Lane
·         Country Club Road at Kimtu Bridge
·         Friday Ridge Road at Hwy 299

SMOKE   Heavy smoke and strong inversions continue to affect the health of those who are not yet evacuated. Please check https://www.ncuaqmd.org for air quality resources.

Obi Kaufmann, naturalist and best-selling author, joins Gang Green to talk about his new book, The Coasts of California: A California Field Atlas. Like his previous best sellers, The Coasts of California explores the Golden State’s wild places in a way only Obi can, through hundreds of watercolor paintings and maps, woven together with philosophy and lyrical naturalism.

Obi also has a new podcast — shameless cross-promotion here — called Place & Purpose, where he and co-host Greg Sarris, Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, explore deep questions of purpose and belonging.

Grab a cup of tea, sit back, and enjoy this far-ranging conversation.

AUDIO:

“The EcoNews Report,” Aug. 12, 2022.

Cory Anthony Cassevah
August 7, 1999- August 1, 2022

Cory Anthony Cassevah, 22, died in his sleep on Monday August 1.

Born to Sedona Bowser and the late Lawrence “Bud” Cassevah, Jr on August 7, 1999 in Sacramento.

Those who knew Cory remember a vibrant outgoing and giving person who cared about the needy and struggling. Cory had no fear and a thirst for life. His quirky smile always preceded his mischief and fun-loving actions. He grew up in the Methodist Church in Rio Linda, Calif., Hermiston, Oregon and Woodland, Calif., demonstrating an eagerness to learn, He spent his teen and young adult years in Eureka.

Cory is survived by his mother, Sedona Bowser, step-father Jason Bowser, siblings BJ Cassevah, Becky Steffens, Connor Bowser, a foster brother, four step-siblings and many others from his very large blended family.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 2 p.m. at the Woodland United Methodist Church, 212 Second St., Woodland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an addiction recovery charity of your choice in honor of Cory.

Donn passed away quietly at the age of 71 in the beautiful mountains of Humboldt County in July 2022.

A true craftsman, Donn had an undeniable gift and could create anything with his hands whether it was building with wood or playing the guitar creating music. His passion for the outdoors complemented his quest for a simple life his last 20 years. He was born in Sacramento but was always drawn to the Pacific Coast — first to Gold Beach and then Shelter Cove, where he stayed and forged a new life for himself.

He is survived by his two children, Kerry and Manuel Martello, his sister Eileen Gillette and her two daughters Leeza and Jen, many cousins, as well as the wonderful friends who became his family along the way. He is incredibly loved and missed. May he be free from the weight of the world and inherit the wind. Rest In Peace Donn/Dad. 

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Well, it is done, Arcata. The official deadline to submit nomination papers to run for Arcata City Council was 5 p.m. today and Arcata City Clerk Bridget Dory has provided the Outpost with a list of candidates — most of whom have already officially qualified, and a couple of whom still need to have their signatures verified before their names will be on your November ballot. 

Here are the folks who have officially qualified for the race:

Meredith Matthews — A current Arcata City Councilmember, Matthews was appointed by the council in 2021 to fill the place of exiting councilmember Sofia Pereira. 

Dana Quillman — A longtime Arcata resident and partner of previous councilmember Paul Pitino, Quillman also ran for council in June. 

Jeffrey Sterling —  Sterling is a U.S vet and manager of the Arcata Veterans Memorial Building. 

Brett Watson — An Arcata councilmember with a controversial history, to say the least, Watson is running for re-election for a third term. 

Kimberley White — A member of the Arcata Planning Commission and coordinator for Comunidad Unidad del Norte de Arcata (CUNA), White has also run for council in the past two elections. 

Dory also informed the Outpost that two other prospective candidates returned their nomination papers today but have not yet had their signatures verified.  They are Joe Ostini, director of arts management company Arcana Artists, and Raelina Krikston, owner of marketing and design company The Stuudiio. 

So there you have it. These folks will be vying for two open seats in the November general election. (Matthews and Watson’s terms are up.) Dory said that the City should know by Monday whether or not Ostini and Krikston have qualified for the ballot.  Either way, it looks like it’s shaping up to be an interesting election. 

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PREVIOUSLY

• ’I’m 100% Running Again’: Embattled City Councilmember Brett Watson Announces Re-election Bid
• Councilmember Meredith Matthews Announces Candidacy; One Other Community Member Has Taken Out Nomination Papers So Far

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Press release from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services:

Local Public and Environmental Health officials are warning recreational users of all bodies of fresh water to avoid contact with cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) after samples from Big Lagoon tested high for toxins earlier this week.

Benjamin Dolf, a Supervising Environmental Health Specialist with the Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services Environmental Health Division, said the samples tested in the “danger” zone which comes with very specific guidance.

“When the levels meet the danger threshold, it’s important for people, animals and even watercraft to stay out of the body of water until further notice,” he said, adding that resampling is scheduled to take place at the lagoon in the next week.

Other guidance for bodies of water that meet the danger threshold include the following:

• Do not let pets and other animals drink or go into the water or go near the scum.
• Stay away from scum, and cloudy or discolored water.
• Do not eat fish or shellfish from this water.
• Do not use this water for drinking or cooking. Boiling or filtering will not make the water safe.

Typically, cyanobacteria warnings come out between late July and early August, coinciding with low flows and sustained high temperatures in the inland areas which may contribute to cyanobacteria growth in the river.

Formerly referred to as blue-green algae, the county has followed the lead of the state, using the term cyanobacteria as it is not algae, but bacteria.

Human activities have an effect on nutrient and water flows in rivers, streams and lakes. Nutrients found in fertilizers, animal waste and human waste can stimulate blooms. Excessive water diversions can also increase water temperatures and reduce flows. People can take the following measures to prevent algal blooms in our waters:

• Be conservative with the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn, garden or agricultural operation.
• Avoid nutrient runoff by recycling any “spent” soil by tilling it back into gardens or protecting it from rainfall.
• Create shade and filter out nutrients by planting or maintaining native plants around river banks.
• Inspect and pump out septic systems every three to four years.
• Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas.
• Prevent erosion around construction and logging operations.

Cyanobacteria can be present in any fresh water body. It looks like dark green, blue-green, black, orange or brown scum, foam or mats on the riverbed or floating on the water. Warm water and abundant nutrients can cause cyanobacteria to grow more rapidly than usual causing “blooms.” These blooms are termed “harmful algal blooms.” Most cyanobacteria does not affect animals or people, however, a small number of cyanobacteria species are capable of producing toxins that can be harmful to animals and humans. Dogs and children are most likely to be affected because of their smaller body size and tendency to stay in the water for longer periods of time.

The presence of cyanobacteria has been previously confirmed in some water bodies within Humboldt, Mendocino and Lake counties including the South Fork Eel River, Van Duzen River, Trinity River, Clear Lake and Lake Pillsbury. It is difficult to test and monitor the many lakes and miles of our local rivers. Most blooms in California contain harmless green algae, but it is important to stay safe and avoid contact.

Officials recommend the following guidelines for recreational users of freshwater areas:

• Keep children, pets and livestock from swimming in or drinking water containing algal scums or mats.
• Adults should also avoid wading and swimming in water containing algal blooms. Try not to swallow or inhale water spray in an algal bloom area.
• If no algal scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow any water.
• Fish should be consumed only after removing the guts and liver and rinsing fillets in tap water.
• Never drink, cook with or wash dishes with water from rivers, streams or lakes.
• Get medical attention immediately if you think that you, your pet, or livestock might have been poisoned by cyanobacteria toxins. Be sure to tell the doctor or veterinarian about possible contact with cyanobacteria or algal blooms.
• Join or support one of the many watershed and river organizations.

To learn more about cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms, visit the state of California’s website at www.mywaterquality.ca.gov/habs/index.html.

To learn more about cyanobacteria and algae on the South Fork Eel River, visit www.eelriverrecovery.org/algae.html.

To report a bloom, e-mail CyanoHAB.Reports@waterboards.ca.gov or call 844-729-6466 (toll free). Blooms can also be reported via the “bloomWatch” app which is available for free download on iTunes or Google play.

For information on conditions occurring within Humboldt County, contact the Division of Environmental Health at 707-445-6215 or 800-963-9241. Photos of suspected blooms can also be emailed to envhealth@co.humboldt.ca.us.