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Local kite enthusiasts and folks who like to look at pretty things in the sky took to Halvorsen Park in Eureka on this sunny Saturday afternoon for the return of the Redwood Coast Kite Festival. The festival is a collaboration between local artisans, the Ink People Center for the Arts and Humboldt Kiters.

“Kiting and kite creation is an art form, filling the skies with color and shapes and employing skills of science, technology, art and mathematics,” Humboldt Kiters wrote on the group’s website. “It encourages creativity in all ages and skill levels. Since the Spring of 2019, a small and growing group of kiters have been flying from Halverson Park in Eureka and all above Humboldt County. Throughout the week, if the weather is windy enough, we’re flying kites, lifting spirits and having fun!”

Don’t have a kite? You’re in luck! There is also an artisan fair happening at the festival where you can purchase your very own kite.

If you couldn’t make it out today, don’t fret: Kiters will be back on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the meantime, here are a few photos to tide you over.

Photos: Jesse Duncan.

The 2022 cannabis farming season is in full swing. Mountain horizons are now lined with greenhouse plastic, a white shimmering in the distance that warms my heart and makes me feel at home. Desolate mountain roads have come alive and motorists share pathways with roaming deer, turkey, and other wildlife.

Locally the landscape has changed. Many farms have already closed their doors and scores of others are up for sale. Revenue is way down for ancillary support businesses and the mood among remaining Humboldt County cultivators is mixed. Some are playing it safe, opting for one or two runs of light dep production instead of two or three. Others are opting to plant their greenhouses while leaving their full-term plots fallow. Some farmers are fearful, while others are cautiously optimistic and going all in. Many farms are cutting costs, and scaling back labor and inputs, while others invest aggressively in infrastructure, automation, and year-round production capacity.

Prices and sales velocity have firmed for high-end mixed light and greenhouse flower while prices for indoor are coming in substantially amid exploding production. Outdoor prices remain depressed and sales have slowed after a brief uptick in March and April.

On the policy front, several developments look to support small farmers and the California cannabis community overall.

Interstate Commerce

Legislation has been introduced that would allow California to enter into cannabis trade agreements with other states. This would presumably provide new opportunities for distribution and help California move some of its vast oversupply of flower. This will be an interesting development to watch. I obviously support this move but am uncertain as to who it will benefit the most.

Will it benefit small operators, larger operators, or both? Will it create more of a market for organic, sun-grown flower, or will it be much of the same – high demand for indoor and mixed-light, with sun-grown primarily purchased as biomass for value-added products like extracts, edibles, and topicals? Quickly on the topic of extracts - congrats to Mattole Valley Organics and Bear Humboldt’s URSA who just brought home some serious brass from the Emerald Cup with a first-place win for live rez carts – I’ve said they’re my favorite and this shows why!

My baseline assumption is that interstate commerce won’t be the solution for many family farms. The same issues that hamper sales in California still apply. A perceived lack of quality, issues with consistency and predictability of final product, the inefficiencies and logistical challenges in dealing with more, rather than fewer producers, and limited brand recognition namely.

If organic cannabis is like organic food, which accounts for just ten percent of the overall food market, we have a situation where many, many producers are competing for the same prize. Sadly, not all will win.

Event Sales

Another proposal is being crafted to directly support small family farmers – direct-to-consumer sales at events. To me, this is no-brainer legislation that should pass immediately. All farms regardless of size should be able to showcase their products and create direct relationships with consumers. The ability to share one’s craft and tell one’s story directly to potential buyers should be allowed to happen now.

While I love this concept in theory, I again question how many producers will benefit from this, and to what extent. From what I’ve heard from distributors, product sales at events are relatively lackluster. While the profitability per unit sold would be much better, paying travel expenses to set up a booth to sell a few ounces makes little financial sense. In addition, with potentially hundreds of booths to tour at a given event, making sure you stand out from the crowd won’t be easy. I assume a small handful of producers with undeniably unique or touching stories or undisputed quality will benefit from this move. Most will not.

Nonetheless, the ability to create relationships with consumers and share work openly and directly will be a welcomed opportunity for family farms that will help some immensely.

Cultivation Taxes

A proposal is also circling in Cali about cultivation taxes, the most universally despised aspect of our state’s cannabis industry. At current prices, cultivation taxes are an enormous burden that erodes profitability and hampers business success. The proposal would eliminate taxes on July 1, just as many farmers in Humboldt are coming to market with their first harvest.

This again seems like a very sensible proposal. Cannabis taxes were supposed to be set at levels sufficient to fund the statewide regulatory regime, prevent minors from using cannabis, and to curb illicit market activity.

The opposite has happened.

With high tax rates and compliance costs in the regulated market, the underground has remained firm and exploded in the SoCal desert and other regions. Kids can get street weed cheap, and unfortunately, poison their bodies by combusting harmful pesticide and fungicide residuals.

Significant tax reform is a must or California’s leadership position in cannabis production will be lost to other states, or ultimately to nations like Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, and others.

By suspending the approximately $160 per pound cultivation tax, there will be greater profitability up and down the supply chain. I expect cultivators will recoup some portion of this, while processing, distribution, and retail will soak up the rest. I do not expect to see prices per pound immediately increase by the amount of the tax forgiven. There’s no free lunch in economics and I assume these increased revenues will be shared along the supply chain, then quickly competed away with new entrants to market.

National and Global Developments

To pretend one knows how the future of cannabis, namely cannabis cultivation, will play out is a fool’s game. What we know with certainty is that more and more cannabis will be consumed, and produced over time. With increasing social, political, and medicinal acceptance, cannabis consumption will continue to rise globally.

How, and where the cannabis will be produced is up for grabs. A recent piece in Forbes argued that greenhouse production is likely to be the winner. With superior product because of a controlled environment and with a significantly smaller environmental footprint than indoor, I agree that greenhouse production is likely to win the sellable flower game. With lower production costs and product consistency and beauty comparable to indoor, this seems like a logical outcome.

Where the product will ultimately be produced is up in the air. I assume Mexico, Colombia, and other areas outside the United States. Will central or southern California remain in the game? Will southern Oregon or our beloved Humboldt County? Will Trinity, Mendo, Sonoma, and other NorCal regions find a lasting foothold, or will international conglomerates price us out as they do in most areas of commercial agriculture?

Like in finance, trying to predict prices or market outcomes is challenging to say the least. What I know for sure is that markets surprise. In cannabis we weren’t talking about Adelanto or Oklahoma a few years ago – we are now. Soon there will be massive production hubs that are currently being planned in corporate boardrooms and among government officials. National legalization will bring a tidal wave of capital and consolidation that will likely reshape the industry forever. Who remains in the game is hard to say, but in all likelihood, the vast majority of companies will fail and a few strong ones will remain and mop up most of the market.

Regardless of the ultimate outcome, perform like this season is your last. Push your body and your mind to the limit. Honor your team, honor your distribution partners, and above all, honor consumers and the plant herself with your everyday efforts. Make friends in the right places, thrown down true fire on the table, and create a name for yourself and your company. Branding is real and yours must be on point. Large corporate cultivators have dramatically improved their craft as recent performance at the Emerald Cup clearly shows. It’s time to grind and the future is in your hands, no one else’s.

There will always be a home for passionate, skilled cultivators who can lead teams, engage owners and investors, and produce consistently exceptional results. With increased automation and reliance on data-driven outcomes, mastering technology and newer age cultivation and fertigation systems is key for those who want to continue in this business.

In closing, I note that capitalism is tumultuous, unforgiving, and is itself, the ultimate disruptor. The pursuit of profits is carnal and creates a perpetual cycle of birth and death.

A multidecade era where growing a single plant garnered many thousands of dollars is over. Growing is simply too widespread and too replicable. While there is undoubtedly an artisanal component to farming, growing ganja is no longer a secret.

Very competent and high-level information is a click away and in very short order, one can become a highly skilled cultivator – especially in a controlled environment. Information about water needs, lighting requirements, airflow, organic or synthetic nutrient programs, plant training techniques, harvesting, drying, and curing specifics, integrated pest management, and anything else you care to learn about weed farming indoor, outdoor, or in greenhouses is now available for free. We live in the information age and the secret’s out.

That said, this industry is in its infancy and still offers a lasting home for those willing to grow, adapt, scale, or perhaps even work for others or in collaboration with larger corporate entities.

Much love as always,

Jesse

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Jesse Duncan is a lifelong Humboldt County resident, a father of six, a retired financial advisor, and a full-time commercial cannabis grower. He is also the creator of NorCal Financial and Cannabis Consulting, a no-cost platform that helps small farmers improve their cultivation, business, and financial skills. Please check out his blog at, his Instagram at jesse_duncann, and connect with him on Linkedin.

Eder Samir Galindo Ramirez was the 15 year old son of Alvaro Galindo and Blanca Ramirez of Arcata. He was born in San Bernardino on March 8, 2007, and moved with his family to Arcata in 2015. He instantly fell in love with the beauty and fresh air of Humboldt.

Eder attended Pacific Union School in Arcata from 2015-2021. He was very proud to be able to graduate while he was struggling with cancer and dealing with the many therapy sessions in San Francisco. He was a freshman at Arcata High, where he played football and basketball. Eder was a very loving, strong, and dedicated young man who was very committed and focused on his studies as he cared for school very much. Eder and his family sincerely appreciated all the support he received from his classmates, teachers, and staff at Pacific Union and Arcata High School.

Eder loved his family very much, especially his Mom, Dad and four brothers, Axel, Andy, Emir, and Yazid. He always enjoyed playing video games and board games with his brothers. He had a particular spot in his heart for Luna and Chase, his cats. Eder also loved spending time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

After a year and eight months, on May 15, 2022, Eder lost his battle to cancer. He fought very hard every day with a smile on his face. The Galindo Ramirez Family thanks everyone at UC San Francisco and Mad River Hospitals for all their help during Eder’s cancer treatment. Thanks also to Hospice of Humboldt for their care during Eder’s last days.

His family and friends will truly miss him, and all your ongoing support and accompaniment is greatly appreciated during these difficult times. Heaven has gained an angel, rest in peace.

The viewing will be on Friday, May 20 from 5-7 p.m. at Paul’s Chapel in Arcata, with the Rosary from 6-7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Church on May 21 at 10:30 a.m. After mass, the burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata.

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Eder Samir Galindo Ramirez era el hijo de 15 años de Alvaro Galindo y Blanca Ramirez de Arcata. Nació en San Bernardino el 8 de marzo 2007, y se mudó con su familia a Arcata en 2015. Se enamoró instantáneamente con la belleza y el aire fresco de Humboldt.

Eder asistió a Pacific Union School en Arcata de 2015 a 2021. El estaba muy orgulloso de poder graduarse mientras luchaba contra el cancer y lidiaba con las muchas sesiones de terapia en San Francisco. Era estudiante de primer año en Arcata High, donde jugaba football y baloncesto. Eder era un joven muy cariñoso, fuerte y dedicado, muy comprometido y enfocado en sus estudios ya que se preocupaba mucho por la escuela. Eder y su familia apreciaron sinceramente todo el apoyo que recibió de sus compañeros de clase, maestros, personal de Pacific Union y Arcata High School.

Eder amaba mucho a su familia, especialmente a su mamá, papá y cuatro hermanos, Axel, Andy, Emir y Yazid. Siempre disfrutaba jugando videojuegos y juegos de mesa con sus hermanos. Tenía un lugar especial en su corazón para Luna y Chase, sus gatos. También le encantaba pasar tiempo con sus abuelos, tías, tíos, primos y amigos.

Después de un año y ocho meses, el 15 de mayo 2022, perdió la batalla contra el cáncer. Luchó muy duro todos los días con una sonrisa en su rostro. La familia Galindo Ramirez agradece a todos en los hospitales de UC San Francisco y Mad River por toda su ayuda durante el tratamiento contra el cáncer de Eder. Gracias también a Hospice de Humboldt por su cuidado durante los últimos días de Eder.

Su familia y amigos realmente lo extrañarán, y todo su apoyo continuo y acompañamiento es muy apreciado en estos tiempos difíciles. El cielo ha ganado un ángel, descanse en paz.

La vista será el 20 de mayo de 5-7 p.m. en Paul’s Chapel en Arcata, con el rosario de 6-7 p.m. La misa funeraria estará en la iglesia de St. Mary’s el 21 de mayo a las 10:30 a.m. Después de la misa, el entierro será en el cementerio de Greenwood en Arcata.

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Julie Mae was born in San Diego, California, on May 17, 1959, the fifth child of Helenmae Wilhite and Ralph Lane. Her first three years were spent on Cartwright Street, where her dad served up his famous homemade ice cream to a constant stream of visiting family and friends.

In 1962, Julie’s family of eight moved to Alabama for the year. Time was spent with Grandma and Grandpa Lane eating watermelon and collecting chicken eggs; with Aunt Jeanette and her family digging up clams in Mobile Bay; and with Great Granny Baldwin at her house in the woods.

Returning to California, the growing family of ten moved to Oasis, where Ralph and Helen took over the Wilhite family citrus ranch. Here Julie blossomed. She was a spirited outdoor soul who loved any and all animals, including her horse Rocket, Rocket’s foal Little Bit, chickens, goats, pigs, dogs, and a lamb named Stanley that she raised as a member of Future Farmers of America in high school.

Living the ranch life with her seven siblings, Julie could be found riding her motorcycle to irrigate the citrus orchard or riding Rocket across the desert to visit neighbors. She was independent and called things just the way she saw them, earning the nickname Rebel.

When it came time to go to college, Julie headed to College of the Redwoods in Northern California. Julie’s sister lived in the area as well, and it was through Susan’s introduction at Marino’s bar that Julie met her future husband Craig Sumner, a local pharmacist. The couple’s wedding date was soon set. Shortly after, they expanded their little family with the arrival of their daughter, Sarah Beth, and then their son, Michael Tyler.

They remained busy as they purchased and expanded Barnes Arcata Family Drug store and settled into mini farm life in nearby Blue Lake, California. Julie raised two fast-growing youngsters and expanded her role at the pharmacy as the kids got older by managing staff and becoming a skilled pharmacy technician. She loved being at home with her kids in the garden; taking care of animals; hosting Sunday football parties, apple squeezes, and barbecues; and having her beloved annual canning and jam-making sessions. Above all, she loved spending time with her children. Tyler took after his mom in his love for dogs and Sarah shared many horseback-riding weekends with her mom.

Julie and Craig eventually built separate lives but remained loving parents. Residing on the Blue Lake farm, Julie worked as a pharmacy technician at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna and simultaneously earned her business degree at Humboldt State University. After graduating, she worked as a grant and contract specialist at Humboldt State University in the Foundation Office. She later worked for Eureka City Schools first in payroll and then in personnel.

In 2001, Julie married Charles Davy, a Humboldt County farrier. Together they shared a passion for animals, farm life, and travel. They saw the fall colors of the East Coast, went horse camping in the redwoods, and explored Oregon and Hawaii. At home they enjoyed many summer barbecues, games of badminton and croquet, tending their garden, and caring for numerous critters.

Julie happily gained even more family through this marriage, including Charles’ daughters Karmen and Jennifer; grandchildren Kelsey, Jaycie, Britnee, Hannah, and Hayden; as well as great grandchildren. She and Charles also became dedicated members of St. Albans Episcopal Church in Arcata, Julie serving as their bookkeeper.

In 2013, Julie was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Doing research diligently on neuroendocrine carcinoma, she quickly found a team of doctors to manage the illness as she continued her career and life. She remained a spirited and spiritual mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. She also remained adventuresome, going to South Africa with sister Jo Ann and Belize with Sarah.

Julie retired from Eureka City Schools in 2021 to focus on health and healing. Healthwise, she exceeded all expectations from her original 2013 diagnosis. However, on April 29, 2022, she joined friends and family in heaven. Her strong ethics, sense of humor, and passion for life remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

A memorial service for Julie Davy will be held on May 28th at St Alban’s Episcopal Church in Arcata at noon.

After the service, the graveside service will be at St Patrick’s cemetery in Loleta.

The celebration of her life will start at 3 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka, and all are welcome to attend who wish to come together to celebrate the beautiful life of Julie.

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Dad was born on August 4, 1937, to James Clark Smith and Mildred Hildegard Phelps (nee Clarke) in Redlands, Calif.

He moved to Fortuna with his family when he was in elementary school so that his father could start a sawmill business in Rohnerville. He graduated From Fortuna Union High School in 1956 and attended college at San Jose State and Humboldt State.

He married Mom, Joan K. DeGroat, on June 23, 1961, and they soon after had two children, Tracy and Jeffrey, and then adopted our childhood neighbor and friend, Steven, a few years later after he lost his parents.

In 1961, Roger founded Resco Construction Company through which he built many landmark structures in the community. He was passionate about his work and eagerly built a wide variety of commercial buildings. Few have worked harder or with more energy and enthusiasm, leaving a legacy of monuments in his footsteps. As a contractor, he never really cared much about money, he just loved to build and create places and spaces to improve peoples’ lives.

Dad was a gifted sketch artist and painter. Lots of creative thoughts were turned into back-of-the napkin sketches drawn in coffee shops at 6 a.m. that were then given to carpenters to guide their day. He also loved cars. He was fond of Jaguar cars in particular, but also recounted stories of his youthful misadventures in his 1957 Corvette.

Dad was a man of the community, volunteering his time for many worthwhile endeavors. He fully enjoyed being a member of Rotary and cherished the friendships that he built with his fellow Rotarians. Under his leadership while President of the Southwest Rotary Club of Eureka, the club’s accomplishments of which he was especially proud included the construction of the Evergreen Lodge at St. Joseph Hospital as a place for rural residents to stay while receiving medical treatments, and the expansion of Rotary through the formation of the Old Town Eureka Rotary Club. He was an Elk of the Year recipient as a member of Elks Lodge 652. He served as the Public Member representative of the Hearing Board of the Northcoast Unified Air Quality Management District; Founding member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Vector Health Programs, Inc; Past President of the Board of Directors of the Humboldt Builders Exchange; Chairman of the Eureka District of the Associated General Contractors of America; State Board of Directors member of the Associated General Contractors of California; Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board; member of the Eureka Housing Advisory Board; member of the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity; and served as President of the Humboldt County Board of Appeals for twelve years.

Dad slowly drifted away from us over the past eight years due to Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and at age 84, died May 17, 2022, at his home in Eureka.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan Karen Smith, an angel in disguise who cared for him at home until his passing.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Smith and wife Casey, his granddaughters Rachel Stewart and husband Scott, Sarah Brown and husband Kyle, and three great-grandchildren, Olivia and Everett Stewart, and Carter Brown.

Roger was also survived by his daughter, Tracy Homen, grandchildren Scott Homen and his wife Kacie, Molly Homen, Blake Homen, and their father Amarildo Homen. He was also happy to be “Grandpa” to his grandchildren’s friends which he welcomed wholeheartedly into his life.

Roger left behind three siblings, James Smith and wife Judy, Stanley Smith and wife Claire, and his only sister, Janet Arrington. Roger is also survived by his nieces and nephews who he loved truly as his own, Dianne Smith Cashin, Kathryn Arrington Marget, Carole Arrington, Brian Arrington, Laura Parmer, Charlene Smith, Phillip Smith, and their extended families. He is also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his great-nephew Michael Smith, and his son, Steven C. Smith.

Roger cared deeply for his family and always put them first. He loved being a father and teacher to his children, nieces and nephews, and later his role as a grandfather. He never missed a sporting event, and supported his children in all their endeavors. Roger is finally at peace and having a well-deserved rest.

The family extends special thanks to the hospice team members who were so helpful in the final weeks of his life — Sarah, Sarah, Dylan, Jamie, DeAnn and Harry.

Funeral services will be held graveside at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25 at Ocean View Cemetery with Harry Wells officiating.

Renel Ann Nordeman, 62, of Hydesville, passed away at home with her husband Tom, brother Zane, sister-in law Shelly and corgis Jett and Ruby by her side. She battled aggressive metastatic melanoma.

Renel, a lifelong resident of Humboldt County was born in Eureka to Robert G. and Jeanne M. MacDonald. She attended local schools, graduating from EHS in 1978. She worked in office banking at Pierson’s Building Center & bookkeeping for the Minor Theatre Corp. For the last 14 years, Renel was a valued colleague at College of the Redwoods, with the last five years as a payroll technician.

Renel and her husband Tom met when both worked at Pierson’s. They were married for over 40 years. She and Tom enjoyed traveling around the United States visiting horse ranches, National & State Parks, attending professional football and baseball games, concerts and plays.

Renel loved all animals big or small. She received her first horse at the age of 13, a birthday gift from her parents. It was this experience that cemented her lifelong passion for breeding & raising many beautiful horses throughout the years, with special focus on Arabians. She was a longtime member of the Arabian Horse Association and a active member of the Arabian Horse Association of the Redwoods.

Renel is predeceased by her mother Jeanne M. (Patterson) MacDonald. She is survived by her husband, Thomas D. Nordeman Jr, who was her caretaker during her illness, her father Robert G. MacDonald, sister Shel (Pat) Barsanti, brothers Zane (Shelly) MacDonald, Ty MacDonald, Rod MacDonald, mother-in-law Rita Walden (Hamilton, OH), brother-in-law Daniel Nordeman (Cincinnati OH), aunt Kay (Angelo) Ferro (Reno NV), close friends Tony & Lori McLean (Oakhurst CA) and the Evans family (Carson City).

Renels family would like to thank the St Joe Comfort Care, palliative care and Hospice for their support.

A Celebration of Life for Renel, which will include a BBQ and a horse mount dedication, will be held on Saturday August 6, 2022 at Cuneo Creek Horse Camp. All family and friends are welcome. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Charlene Rayl at (707) 407-8081.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sequoia Humane Society.

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After more than three years of providing Eureka with organic, carefully curated cannabis products, the Humboldt Patient Resource Center (HPRC) will shutter its downtown location at the end of this month.

Sure, there are nearly two dozen recreational cannabis dispensaries in Humboldt County, several of which are just down the street in Eureka’s Old Town, but HPRC brought something new to the table. 

“At the time when we moved in, there were only two dispensaries in Eureka,” Mariellen Jurkovich, the director of HPRC, told the Outpost this week. “We got involved with the City of Eureka because they were looking for something different to offer. Many local dispensaries are pretty much just focused on recreational rather than medical cannabis, which we were doing.”

Along with providing patrons with medical-grade cannabis products, HPRC sought to foster a healthy community through its wellness center, The Connection, which hosted a variety of free classes and events. 

“Not everybody can afford to take a yoga class or go to HealthSport, so it was a really great place for people to exercise and maybe take care of some of their anxiety in getting to know new people,” she said. “A lot of people who had recently moved here and older people went [to The Connection]. There was actually a couple that met there and began dating in their late 70s! But when COVID hit, we had to close down. It was a really great thing for us. Not just the fact that we felt it was great for the community, but it was a great way of letting people know where we were and what we were doing.”

HPRC’s fate was sealed by some combination of these events as well as a shift in consumer spending habits. “Especially now with gas being $6 a gallon and the price of food going up, people are wanting to make sure that they get the best deal for what they’re spending their money on,” Jurkovich said. “They want products that are cheaper and have higher THC content. They have different needs than they did before.”

The pandemic didn’t really impact business at HPRC because cannabis dispensaries were considered essential under California’s COVID-19 guidelines. But then several new dispensaries moved into town and, simultaneously, the flooded cannabis market began to crash as the price per pound of wholesale bud fell to $300 per pound.

And, unfortunately, HPRC’s Eureka location has never really turned a profit.

“We were just hoping it would become profitable for us because we love being in Eureka,” she continued. “…I wish it could have continued but it’s not a good business decision to leave it open any longer. I tried. I was going to close it last year, but I thought maybe we could make it work. That maybe isn’t a maybe anymore.”

But it’s not all bad news. While Jurkovich is disappointed about leaving Eureka and having to lay off some of her staff, HPRC still has its location on Sixth Street in Arcata.

“We’ve had to adapt before,” she said. “From being quasi-legal when we started in 1999…then we’ve had to change with [the legalization of] recreational cannabis products. We just have to keep track of our mindset that we produce healthy products and to educate people about our products. Our employees are really into that and our employees know our customers. They know their families, they know how they’re feeling. I’m hoping they’ll stick with us.”