Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Jan. 14, 2022, at about 11:48 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies on patrol in the McKinleyville area observed an individual wanted on multiple warrant charges at a gas station on the 1600 block of Central Avenue.

Deputies contacted the individual, 36-year-old Kaleb Cory Severe, who was in possession of a vehicle and utility trailer carrying a side-by-side ATV. Severe was taken into custody on his warrants. During an inventory search prior to towing the vehicle and trailer, deputies located two firearms and ammunition. Additionally, during their investigation, deputies learned that the ATV had been reported stolen out of the Blue Lake area.

Severe was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of stolen property (PC 496d(a)), convicted felon in possession of a firearm (PC 29800(a)) and person prohibited in possession of ammunition (PC 30305(a)), in addition to warrant charges of vehicle theft (VC 10851(a)), grand theft (PC 487(a)) and trespassing (PC 602(n)).

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding a robbery last week in McKinleyville.

On Jan. 14, 2022, at about 11:49 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 2000 block of McKinleyville Avenue for the report of a robbery.

According to the male victim, an unknown male suspect approached the victim outside his home and asked for a cigarette. When the victim went inside his garage to retrieve a cigarette, the suspect reportedly followed the victim into the garage and assaulted him with a sharp object, demanding keys to the victim’s vehicle. After a brief struggle, the suspect fled the residence with some of the victim’s personal belongings, including the victim’s wallet and a large amount of cash. The victim sustained minor injuries as a result of the assault.  

The suspect is described as a white male, thin to medium build, with brown hair. The suspect was last seen wearing a dark-colored baggy shirt, blue jeans and a gray/dark colored flat-bill baseball hat.

This case is still under investigation. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Carolyn Merryman Eisner — beloved Mother, Grandma, Gigi, and friend — passed away on January 8, 2022, at the extraordinary age of 98. Born January 26, 1923, at Eureka General Hospital to Sam and Mildred Merryman, Carolyn spent most of her life living at Moonstone Beach. After attending two years at HSU, she furthered her education at the University of Oregon.

She returned to Moonstone as a graduating Oregon Duck to begin employment at HSU. She married Stan Eisner in 1948 at a quaint chapel in Berkeley, staying happily married until his passing in 1994.

Early in their marriage, they moved to San Francisco, where she was employed by American Can. With eager anticipation of their first child in 1951, they decided Moonstone was where they would plant roots to raise their two sons. Carolyn kept busy as an involved founding member of Redwoods United Workshop, a trustee at Trinidad Unified School District, an adventurous cub scout den mother, and an avid pen pal to countless elementary school children within a program that she established.

She embraced and contributed to her community on both a large and small scale by participating in Republican politics and within the PTA at Trinidad Union School District, where she served as president for a time. It wasn’t until her children were raised that she returned to the workforce as a secretary at Trinidad Elementary School; her career expanded all of 20 years before retiring.

Carolyn loved bottle digging, working in her yard, crafting, and could knit like no other. She lovingly fulfilled herself over the years by enjoying time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carolyn was always ready with positive advice for anyone who would listen. Her last piece of advice was “the secret to life is to make every day happy and if you have a problem, just solve it!” She was forever the optimist and we will love and miss her tremendously.

She is survived by her sons, Stan Eisner, Jr. (Vicki) of Trinidad and Jeff Eisner, Sr. (Pamm) of Spokane, Wash. Grandchildren, Jeff Eisner, Jr. (Michelle) of Spokane Valley, WA, Leslie Clarke, Andy Eisner, Adam Eisner (Michelle) all of Sacramento, Jay Eisner (Jessica) of Kingsport, Tenn., Tamara Buller (Bud) of Clarkston, Wash., Amanda Black (Mike) of Wenatchee, WA and Tabatha Chandler of Bend, Oregon. Great-Grandchildren – Bella, Sammy, Elijah, Julian, Myles, Ella, Colton, Mina, Avery, Abbi, Jesse, Brandon, Madison, and Erika.

At the wishes of our mom, there will be no service, but remembrances can be made to the Dementia Society of America, either by mail at PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online at www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.

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(Peter) Mark Shaffer—university professor, folk dance enthusiast, cyclist and traveler — died January 8, 2022, aged 83.

Born December 18, 1938 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania to William and Harriet Kuntz Shaffer, at the age of seven Mark moved with his family to the San Fernando valley, where he grew up and made lifelong friends. He attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon; a semester abroad, experiencing the World Youth Festival in Vienna and visiting Eastern European countries, greatly expanded his interest in the German language, in travel and in world affairs.

Graduating from Reed in 1961, Mark received his M.A. from the University of Chicago. In 1966 he began his life work, teaching German language and literature at Humboldt State University. He organized student exchanges, started a tradition of language retreats at a youth hostel, went together with a colleague to guide student groups in Germany, and taught or helped his colleagues in world languages teach innovative courses on European literature and culture. He worked with a consortium of local teachers of languages, including indigenous languages.

Retiring in 1998, Mark pursued lifelong interests with renewed energy. He became increasingly active as a member of Humboldt Folk Dancers. He began bicycling with a group of friends, exploring Humboldt highways and back roads and climbing challenging hills. With his wife Maggie, he travelled widely, notably to Mexico, Greece and Vietnam where the two taught English under the auspices of Global Volunteers.

Married for 59 years to his Reed classmate Maggie, he also leaves their daughter Erika and dear son in law Fred, son Andrew and beloved daughter in law Jennifer, and grandchildren Nathan and Jessica, for whom he was their playful and devoted Opa.

Garth Lane Larson was born on November 5, 1929 in Carlotta to pioneer descendants Lloyd Lewis and Ada Lucena (Lane) Larson. Garth passed away peacefully in Eureka on January 6, 2022 at the age of 92.

He spent most of his childhood in Carlotta before his family moved to the Cutten area. He was a graduate of Eureka High School. During the Korean War, he was inducted into the service for two years where he received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, among other awards. After the war, he returned to the Larson Brothers Shingle Mill in Cutten where he was self-employed until 1959. He then went to work for Ocean View cemetery to landscape undeveloped grounds and install sprinkler systems. In time, he became Superintendent of Grounds. One of his many projects included the Veteran’s section at Ocean View. He was very proud of this project and continued to participate in veteran’s celebrations and memorial services whenever possible. When Service Corp International (SCI) purchased Ocean View-Sunset, he was inducted into the SCI Hall of Fame for his outstanding work in development and care of the grounds, his leadership, and sense of responsibility. He retired after 35 years with Ocean View. He was a member of the Native Sons and Eureka Municipal Golf Association for many years.

Garth was a quiet, kind person with a sense of humor that revealed itself in unexpected moments. He loved the outdoors, including hunting and fishing. One of his favorite pastimes was golfing. He had strong family ties and was well like by those who knew him. He often played Santa at family Christmas celebrations and passed on his love of art and culture. He also was very involved with family barbeques, even helping to build the family roasting pit at the cabin while in his eighties.

In 1965 Garth married Marian Coffman, a primary school teacher. Together they enjoyed travel, golf, plays and concerts. They enjoyed over thirty years together before Marian passed in 1997. He never remarried.

Garth was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marian; his parents, Lloyd and Ada Larson; his siblings and their spouses: Lloyd W. and Nannette Larson, Audrey and George Ragusin, and Pat and Ed Wiversoll; as well as niece Arlene’s husband Eddie Schneider.

He was survived by his brother and wife Merlyn and Evelyn Larson; his nieces and nephews: Arlene Schneider, Lesley Larson, Keith (Kathy) Larson, Lane (Leighann) Larson, James (Jolynn) Wiversoll, John (Sandra) Wiversoll, Merle (Caitlin) Larson, Susan (Ed) Mabery, David (Amy) Larson; as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

Graveside services will be held at Ocean View Cemetery at 1pm on Friday January 21, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a charity of your choice.

Shirley passed peacefully on January 11, 2022 She was born in Arcata in 1926. Her parents were in the logging business, and moved around a lot. In those travels she met and married Curtis Ambrosini.

They settled in Ferndale and were married for 71 years when he passed in 2016. Shirley worked many different jobs in her life time.

One in particular I remember her talking about was when she was in high school when they lived in Oakland she worked for the Sears Catalog Store.They wore roller skates and skated down the aisles to fill orders. Shirley ended up working at Nobles Groceries for over 30 years. There she made a lot of friends and could tell some fun stories.

Curt and Shirley retired around 1986 bought a RV and traveled all over the United States. When they weren’t traveling she enjoyed working in her flower garden and tole painting.

Shirley leaves behind her sister Judy Altman (Jim), son Wayne Ambrosini (Rashell), daughter Vicki Hawkins (Francis), grandkids Connie Moore (Conan), Lacy Pedrotti (Nick), great-grand kids AnnaKate Pedrotti, Carlie Moore and Carson Moore. Her great-grandkids brought her so much joy. Shirley was a very kind and loved her grandchildern very much. She also leaves behind two good friends, Peggy Radcliffe and Mary Evans

There will be a private service at grave site. Donations my be made to Hospice Of Humboldt.

When tomorrow starts without me and I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today;
While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me as much as I love you;
And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me,don’t think we’re far apart
for every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.

With cannabis prices at historic lows and those who operate in Humboldt’s legalized market financially struggling, around 250 cannabis farmers, industry folk and allied community members gathered in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse on Tuesday to demand reprieve from taxes they say endanger farms’ survival. 

Specifically in the activists’ sights is Measure S, the county’s cultivation tax initially passed by voters way back in 2016 and tweaked a bit by the Board of Supervisors in subsequent years. The measure, crafted with input from local farmers, was passed before the state’s regulatory framework had materialized and now those affected say the combined burdens are too much to bear. Promotional material distributed by the Suspend Measure S Grassroots Campaign in advance of today’s demonstration outlined the group’s goals:

The wholesale price of cannabis has plummeted post-legalization due to overproduction and prohibitive taxation, including the Humboldt County cultivation tax based on the square footage of allowable, grow space. This tax is paid even if no cannabis is produced or sold, and the tax rate does not fluctuate with market conditions.  This tax is not applied to any other agricultural product. As a result, HumCo’s cannabis industry and local economy are in jeopardy as farms continue to shutter. The Suspend Measure S campaign asks the HumCo Board of Supervisors to:

• Forgive the October 2021 tax payment.
• Waive the March 2022 tax payment
• Suspend the tax for an additional year

If their request to halt Measure S cultivation taxes is granted, proponents of the move say they will use their less-taxed period to seek further public input to help develop a tax system they find more equitable.

Speaking at Tuesday’s rally, Natalynne DeLapp, executive director of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance, spoke out strongly against post-legalization state and county taxes and regulations before citing some of the grievances she and her members have with Measure S.

“We are standing here today not asking for a handout, but a reprieve from Humboldt County’s flat rate cultivation tax, a tax that does not adjust with market conditions ” DeLapp said. “When Measure S was written and voted on in 2016, over six years ago, the wholesale price of cannabis was at least four times higher and propped up by prohibition. The cost of producing cannabis was lower because California had not yet implemented its licensing fees and taxation structures, nor had the expenses of bringing preexisting farms into compliance been realized.”

DeLapp wrapped her remarks by painting a stark picture of what she believes over taxation has done to the local cannabis industry: “Humboldt County, we are telling you there is no more money left. You cannot squeeze blood from a stone.”

Tuesday’s rally featured a diverse slate of speakers critical of Measure S and the state of the local cannabis industry in general. You can find a sampling of what they had to say below.

Sequoyah Hudson, co-owner of Eight-Mile Family Farms and CEO of the Humboldt Sun Growers Guild, pointed out that Measure S was the result of cultivators asking to be taxed because “it was the right thing to do.” But now she says the measure’s flaws are more apparent and the impacts are financially crushing her community.

“Said simply and clearly, there is no money to begin the legal 2022 growing season, much less to pay the Measure S taxes that have been deferred from 2021. We need your help. Please tell our Board of Supervisors to suspend and repeal the Measure S tax immediately and let’s get to work on creating a more effective and accountable method for our cannabis operators to continue contributing to county services while at the same time receiving much needed relief. Let’s implement a more sustainable tax model.”

HCGA’s Natalynne DeLapp stressed that the farms she represents are hurting, they believe due to a tax system that is unlike any other industry.

“Self-funded cannabis businesses cannot survive two years of deficit profits. Moreover, the proverbial pickle barrels of cash have long since been depleted, having been spent on county land-use permitting. And legal cannabis businesses cannot have access to outside capital or bank loans, or any financial supports that are available to traditional agriculture. No other industry is subject to an entitlement tax like cannabis, meaning no other business that is permitted to operate in Humboldt County has to pay a tax directly to the county for an opportunity to participate in the economy.”

Humboldt-born Dylan Mattole is the co-owner of Mattole Valley Sungrown in Honeydew, a “small family homestead farm” that represents “a rural lifestyle that’s quickly becoming very rare in America.” Mattole was quick to bring his farm into compliance after legalization, but now compares the experience to “being on a roller coaster while they are building and fixing the track out in front of us.” 

“People voted for change so that we would be able to grow and sell this plant. But we also voted to tax it like no other crop or business. Why? When Measure S was passed we were all excited about the idea of becoming legitimate businesses. We didn’t yet know what state regulation would look like. Now we do and it’s a mess.”

While not a farmer herself, real estate agent Sandi DeLuca has sold many properties out in the hills over the years and is concerned about what she is seeing. Following legalization, she was inundated by people looking to purchase farms in Humboldt. These days more people are looking to sell.

“Over the past six years since legalization I’ve witnessed the rise and fall of cannabis property values. In 2017 the price of properties ballooned because of the perceived value caused by the limited number of properties that would benefit from a cultivation permit in Humboldt County. What no one understood then was the complexity of bringing preexisting farms into compliance with California environmental and agricultural law.”

Jackee Riccio, executive director of Cannabis for Conservation, looked to highlight much of the environmental progress made in how Humboldt farmers sustainably cultivate their crops, but said those efforts are under threat if people are unable to pay their bills.

“So why then, instead of bleeding farmers financially dry, are we not ensuring that they can flourish through the regulatory process and form lasting conservation and remediation partnerships around the common value of stewardship? Why are we threatening that opportunity and the conservation goals of the state with over taxation?”

As director of operations for the Southern Humboldt Business and Visitors Bureau, Laura Lasseter views cannabis as the “driving force” of Humboldt’s economy and looks forward to a developed cannabis tourism sector. 

“The Humboldt craft legacy farmers hold the key to a story that many visitors want to hear, but these farmers and their stories are facing extinction. What makes Humboldt unique is our history, our story, our legacy. These legacy cannabis stories are a vital key to a puzzle of the history of Humboldt cannabis.”

Melanie Johnson, a longtime local cannabis farmer at Alpenglow Farms, echoed what her fellow speakers said, but went further seeing this struggle as a moral issue. She spoke about the fear she feels about potentially losing the only life and home she’s ever known. 

“I need not continue to describe and define [the impacts of] Measure S. I need not continue to defend the morality of us cannabis farmers and the myriad ways in which we support our communities. It has already been stated and it has already ben said. Instead, I call on Supervisor Bass, Supervisor Bushnell, supervisors Wilson, Bohn and Madrone to hear the words of their constituents with open hearts and open minds, to accept and acknowledge that those of us left standing have managed every hoop and hurdle set before us. And we ask not only for a lifeline but the right for our way of life.”

Find more crowd shots and signage from today’s Suspend Measure S rally below.