The spirit of Jean Lillian Cesaretti Hill passed peacefully from this
world on August 6, 2021. Jean lived 98 years on this earth, always
calling Humboldt County home. The world has changed greatly since
Jean’s birth 98 years ago. She lived through multiple wars, 18
presidents, and the technological growth that made possible
television, nuclear power, space flight, personal computers, gene
editing and artificial intelligence. Yet through all of these
changes she remained the same kind, loving, person who was always
more impressed by the accomplishments of the people she loved than by
anything technology could offer.
Jean was born in Rio Dell on July 26, 1923 to John and Yolanda Cesaretti. She was
the second of three children and grew up during the Great Depression.
Like many families during that time, her parents didn’t have much
money, but there was always plenty of love. John and Yolanda, who
emigrated from Italy, were rich in love and they raised their
children to value family, kindness, honesty, laughter, self-reliance,
hard work and education.
Jean and her sister Melba were
expected to help their Mama cook and clean for the mill workers who
boarded with them, but life in the Cesaretti household wasn’t all
hard work. There were picnics in the redwoods on the weekends with
family and friends, matinees at the Winema Theater in Scotia, and
always there were books and singing. Jean enjoyed reading throughout
her life. As a young girl, she could usually be found after school
perched in an apple tree munching an apple and reading until she was
called to help in the kitchen. Jean had a lovely singing voice, and
in her teens she and her brother Ray would sing popular songs while
doing the dishes, much to the enjoyment of their neighbors.
After graduating from Fortuna High
School in 1941, Jean moved to San Francisco where she lived with her
aunt, Ann and Uncle, Ernie. We don’t know how it came about, but
while in San Francisco she went to work as an agent for the FBI.
Actually, she was a secretary, not an agent, but when asked what she
did for the Bureau all she would say is that she transcribed notes
and filed them. When pressed about what was in the files, she said
the information was confidential, and she had been sworn to secrecy.
Mom never did tell us what was in those files. With Jean, a promise
made was a promise kept.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor in
December of 1941 Jean’s parents, anxious about her safety living in
San Francisco, insisted she move back home to Rio Dell where she
lived at home and worked in a bank while she waited out the war.
In May of 1948 Jean married the love
of her life, Harlin “Pete” Hill, in St. Patrick’s Church in
Scotia. Jean and Pete met at a dance, fell in love, and it didn’t
take long before they realized they wanted to dance through life
together. Jean and Pete raised three incredibly lucky children.
Incredibly lucky because their mom and dad loved them
unconditionally, shared their joys and their sorrows, and never
failed to tell them they were proud of them.
After the kids grew up and left
home, Jean and Pete decided it was their time to have some fun. So
they built their dream home nestled in the trees overlooking Humboldt
Bay, and Pete learned to play golf. They joined Baywood Country
Club, and Jean learned to play golf too. She wasn’t a very good
golfer, but she loved spending time with her husband. Besides having
time to play golf, they now had time to travel. They took trips to
Hawaii, to Jamaica, to Oklahoma for Hill family reunions, and, of
course, to Cedar City, Ukiah and Saratoga to visit the kids. Jean and
Pete were devoted to each other, and they were married for 49 years
until Pete’s death from non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1997. Jean missed
Pete for the rest of her life. However, she continued to enjoy her
family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She
continued to travel, but now she traveled with her beloved sister
Melba. She continued to reminisce about good times, but now she
reminisced about her childhood with her little brother Ray and dear
sister-in-law Marilyn.
When she was 85, Jean broke her
right arm in three places in a car accident, and even though her arm
healed, her health began to decline. As she aged into her nineties
she was, thankfully, able to continue living in her own home with the
support of her son Jeff, daughter-in-law Gayla, and a team of care
givers, especially her primary care giver Pansy.
When Jean bid us goodbye she left
behind her son Michael (Becky), her daughter Donna, daughter’s-in-law
Christy and Gayla, sister-in-law Marilyn, niece Jeanette (Ted),
nephews Paul (Mary), Lance (Vicki), Kirk (Lynda), grandchildren
Heather (Johnny), Robin (Joshua), Michael (Leigh), Andrew (Rachael),
Kevin, Daniel (Theresa), Elizabeth (Tony), and several great
grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents John and
Yolanda, her beloved husband Pete, her sister Melba, her
brother-in-law Al, her brother Ray, her son Jeff, and her son-in-law
Larry.
We are blessed to
have been able to share Jean’s life and the gift of her love. The
dream we shared for so many years is over. Jean dreams a new dream
now. Sweet dreams Mom, good night.
A celebration of life for family and
friends is planned for September 5, 2021 at Jean and
Pete’s home.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jean Hill’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
Born in Crum
Creek, Oklahoma a few months prior to the start of the Great
Depression, Evelyn McFarland Fewell was the third of seven siblings
whose family emigrated to the Central Valley of California along with
thousands of others during the years of the Dust Bowl. The family
eventually settled in Live Oak, California where Evelyn graduated
from Live Oak High School in 1946. She was only 16 years old when
she graduated and when she met her future husband, Ben Fewell, who
was on leave from the military. They were married October 20, 1946,
and spent the next several years attending college while raising five
children.
Evelyn attended
Humboldt State College (now Humboldt State University) and Chico
State College (now Chico State University) majoring in elementary
education. Her first teaching job was at Luther Elementary School in
Live Oak. Soon after, the family returned to Humboldt County and
Evelyn taught primary grades and reading at Fieldbrook Elementary
School, Petrolia Elementary School, and Orick Elementary School, where
she finished her teaching career as she reached retirement.
Evelyn was
preceded in death by: her husband, Ben Fewell; her parents, Luther
and Effie (LaBass) McFarland; siblings Louie (and his wife Nettie),
Joe, Jerry, Norma Higgins (and her husband Bob), and Shirley Collins;
nephew, Michael McFarland; nieces Connie Collins Zinn and Lynette
Collins Filter. She is survived by: her children, Ben, Jr. (Deana),
Carol Billings, Stephen, Karen Beals (Terry), and Cheryl Brown (Ron);
12 grandchildren,18 great grand-children, and three great-great
grandchildren; her sister, Helen Kerns (Paul); sisters-in-law Wanda
McFarland (Jerry), Margie McFarland (Joe), and brother-in-law Floyd
Collins (Shirley); 13 nieces and nephews and countless others in the
extended family.
Evelyn’s life
was marked by perseverance, hard work, and duty, and built on a
foundation of a desire to be of service to others. She would want it
to be known how important her Christian faith was and how important
the various churches she attended were, including Assemblies of God
churches in Fortuna, Rio Dell, Live Oak, Dows Prairie, Arcata, and
Trinidad, and North Fork Full Gospel Church in McKinleyville. She
faithfully attended and participated in church life wherever she
happened to live.
The family would like to extend thanks to Timber Ridge in
McKinleyville where Evelyn lived the last few years, and to Hospice
of Humboldt, which assisted during her last few months. We are also
grateful that she was able to move to the home of her youngest
daughter, Cheryl, who, with the help of her sister Karen, cared for
Evelyn around the clock during her last few weeks. Evelyn died
surrounded by loved ones. Her grave is located at Greenwood Cemetery
in Arcata.
Each life
intersects and affects others. As a teacher of young children for
more than 30 years, Evelyn’s life affected many beyond her
immediate family. In lieu of flowers to honor her life, may we
suggest a contribution to your favorite charity, a stint of volunteer
work, or helping with needs at your neighborhood school. And
whenever you hear this song, one of her favorites, remember Evelyn
and a life well lived.
If
I Can Help Somebody
If
I can help somebody, as I travel along
If I can help somebody,
with a word or song
If I can help somebody, from doing
wrong
Then, my living shall not be in vain
If
I can do my duty as a Christian oft,
If
I can bring back beauty to a world up wrought,
If
I can spread love’s message that the Master taught,
Then
my living shall not be in vain!
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Evelyn Fewell’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
On August 9, 2021 we lost the girl who was always smiling. Julie was born April 3, 1970. She had a full life even though she left us way too soon.
She could be found hunting, fishing, crabbing and gold panning. Sometimes you might see the little spitfire in the bay with her boat.
Julie was a real patriot. She loved her country and supported the Wounded Warrior Project. She attended Humboldt State and got her teaching credentials at Saint Mary’s. She worked at UCSB and College of the Redwoods as a chef. Julie was a good cook, and loved it. Not long after that she was forced to retire because of her health problems.
She is survived by her parents Ron and Margie Loomis. She has two sisters — Brady Reed (Casey, brother-in-law) and Kellie Hoover. She has two brothers — Adam Loomis and Tony Robbins. She has numerous nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her best friend, Missy — her loyal dog who been adopted by her sister.
Julie left us with a hole in our hearts that can’t be filled. We will miss her and her sweet smiling face. There will be a celebration of life October 30, 2021. Anyone wanting information can reach out to her family and friends.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Julie Loomis’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
Evacuation warnings and orders remain in effect for the China Creek and Friday Ridge areas as fire crews work to contain the Knob Fire near Willow Creek.
CURRENT SITUATION
The Knob Fire originated Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. It is burning in timber, brush and grass. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is leading fire suppression efforts. According to California Incident Management Team 5, as of 8 a.m. August 31, the Knob Fire is approximately 800 acres and 0% contained. There have been reports of substantial fire activity throughout the afternoon. The current total acreage of the fire is unknown.
According to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, approximately 1,200 customers are without power as of 4 p.m. August 31. See outage map: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outages/map/
Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies continue to patrol the mandatory evacuation zones and liaise with the fire Incident Management Team to ensure the safety of residents.
EVACUATION INFORMATION
An EVACUATION ORDER has been expanded today to include:
Areas east of Brushy Mountain Lookout Road/Forest Route 6N08A to the Trinity River, south of Butterfly Creek Road to the end of Forest Route 6N20.
An EVACUATION WARNING remains in effect for:
Areas east of Boise Creek to the Trinity River, South of Panther Creek Road to Butterfly Creek Road
The following road closures are in effect related to the Knob Fire:
China Creek Road at Hodgson Road;
Burwood Drive at State Route 299;
Gypo Lane at State Route 299.
The above routes are closed to entering traffic, but may be used by residents to leave the area in compliance with the evacuation order.
State Route 299 is currently open as of 4 p.m. Residents are encouraged to visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ to check for state highway closures.
RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY
An Evacuation Center has been opened at the McKinleyville Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 1200 Central Avenue, McKinleyville, for evacuees. Resources available at this location include:
Overnight sheltering;
Restrooms;
Water;
Red Cross services.
Domestic and large animal sheltering is available at the Hoopa Rodeo Grounds, located on Pine Creek Road in Hoopa.
County residents are encouraged to sign up for county emergency notifications via Humboldt Alert at humboldtgov.org/alerts. Residents must opt-in to receive evacuation notifications via phone or email.
If having trouble signing up for Humboldt Alert online, please contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at 707-268-2500
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Additional updates will be issued via press release as needed. For more information regarding the Knob Fire, current impact and evacuation areas, please go to humboldtsheriff.org, visit @HumCoOES on Facebook and Twitter, or call 707-268-2500.
The “gazebo-ner” may be gone, but its memory lives on | File photo: Andrew Goff
We at the Lost Coast Outpost must apologize.
Last week, when we discovered that an anonymous prankster (or maybe more of an artist?) had securely fastened a dildo to the top of the Old Town Gazebo, we knew that we needed to share this with our Humboldt audience. When a maintenance worker from the City of Eureka painstakingly removed the faux-phallus, we knew that we needed to capture video coverage of the scene. However, never once did it occur to us to bring this momentous story to the attention of Dan Savage — a well-known author, sex-advice columnist and podcaster.
Luckily, a Savage fan — who apparently calls himself “Mr. T” — was kind enough to do it for us, landing the Outpost’s story, reporter Andrew Goff, and the City of Eureka mentions on this week’s episode of “Savage Lovecast.”
“The internet failed to bring the gazebo situation in Eureka, California to my attention,” Savage says during his intro. “It took a ‘Savage Love’ reader — thank you Mr. T — emailing me the link to the story, like it was 1998 or something.”
Seattle-based sexpert Dan Savage | Photo: Joshua Rodriguez, via Wikimedia Commons. Creative commons license
Savage then outlines the story, which includes the discovery of a dildo mounted to the roof of the Old Town Gazebo and the somewhat difficult and pretty hilarious removal of it by a Eureka city employee. “I can’t do the Gazebo-ner, as Goff dubbed it…justice here…suffice it to say, whoever mounted that dildo to the roof of the gazebo in Eureka’s Old Town, intended for it to stay mounted. You’re gonna want to watch the video.”
A big thank you to Dan for bringing this important story to your listeners. And although Savage chastises the internet as a whole for not bringing this story to his attention sooner, we feel somewhat responsible (cuz, y’know, LoCO is part of the internet). We promise that the next time we cover a dildo-related story in Humboldt County, we will send it post-haste to Savage.
And if whoever mounted that dildo is a fan of the “Savage Lovecast”, maybe there will be a next time, because it is very clear that Savage is a big fan of the mysterious dildo prankster.
“Still a mystery as to who put that dildo there,” Savage said during the episode. “I gotta say, good job, dildo mounter. Good job and keep ‘em comin’.”
The McCash Fire burning east of Highway 96 in the Klamath National Forest has grown to 38,906 acres and remains 1 percent contained.
A team of 443 firefighters is actively working to contain the fire, including three crews, 13 engines, five dozers seven water tenders and three aircraft.
“Active fire behavior on the north side of the fire created a spot across a contingency dozer line in the area of Bishop Ridge,” the fire’s incident management team stated this morning. “Large air tankers delivered multiple loads of retardant around the spot fire and along the north side of the line in support of the burnout operation. Crews conducted six miles of burnout on the south side of the line to create a buffer between the dozer line and the approaching fire.”
Highway 96 remains open to both directions of traffic.
The Monument Fire burning along highway 299 in Trinity County between Burnt Ranch and Weaverville is now 170,945 Acres acres in size and is 29 percent contained.
A team of 2,415 firefighters is currently working on the fire, including 36 hand crews, 174 engines, 20 helicopters, 58 dozers, 57 water tenders, 22 masticators and 8 skidgines.
“Yesterday afternoon and evening, westerly winds in alignment with the Trinity River corridor allowed smoke to clear resulting in increased fire activity in the northern and southwestern portions of the fire area,” the fire’s incident management team stated this morning. “Frequent spot fires during late afternoon and early evening slowed firing operations north of Hayfork. Around 11 p.m., weather conditions improved allowing fire firefighters to continue with tactical firing operations.”
Fire Chief Todd Wright of Hawkins Bar Volunteer Fire Department. | Photo by Public Information Officer by Eric Abramson.
The Trinity County Office of Emergency Services is urging people to sign up with the CodeRed emergency alert system for the latest evacuation information.
See the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for the latest evacuation orders and warnings.
Evacuation Centers:
McKinleyville Seventh Day Adventist at 1200 Central Ave. in McKinleyville and Fireman’s Hall Pavilion at 9 Park St. in Fortuna.
Animal Evacuation: (Domestic animals) Trinity County Animal Shelter, 563 Mountain View St. in Weaverville: (530- 623-1370). (Domestic + Large Animals) Hoopa Rodeo Grounds on Pine Creek Rd. in Hoopa.
Clean Air Center:
Trinity County has established a Clean Air Center at the Trinity County Library, 351 Main Street, Weaverville. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Clean Air Center at the Murray Building at 6641 Highway 3 in Hayfork has been closed due to fire activity.
A damage assessment team confirmed that 50 structures have been destroyed by the fire. For information regarding property damages, contract the Trinity County Office of Emergency Services at (530) 623-1116.
Highway 299 remains open to one-way traffic control during the day.
“Five times a day, starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 7 p.m., pilot cars will lead vehicle caravans in the section between Burnt Ranch and Helena,” the fire’s incident management team stated. “These groups will leave from both sides every three hours. Residents may also travel this section of highway between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. by showing proof of their address.”
Current evacuation orders and warnings. | Graphics provided by the HCSO
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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
Evacuation warnings and orders remain in effect for the China Creek and Friday Ridge areas as fire crews work to contain the Knob Fire near Willow Creek.
CURRENT SITUATION
The Knob Fire originated Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 between 4 and 5 pm. It is burning in timber, brush and grass. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is leading fire suppression efforts. According to the USFS, as of 8 a.m. August 31, the Knob Fire is approximately 800 acres and 0% contained.
According to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, approximately 1,100 customers are without power as of 8 a.m. August 31. See outage map: https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outages/map/
Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies continue to patrol the mandatory evacuation zone and liaise with the USFS Incident Management Team.
EVACUATION INFORMATION
An EVACUATION ORDER remains in effect for:
Areas east of Brushy Mountain Lookout Road to Highway 299, south of Butterfly Creek Road to Friday Ridge Road.
An EVACUATION WARNING remains in effect for:
Areas east of Boise Creek to the Trinity River, south of Panther Creek Road to Butterfly Creek Road.
Areas east of Hwy 299 to the Trinity River, south of Butterfly Creek Road to Friday Ridge Road.
Areas east of Forest Route 6N39 to the South Fork Trinity River, south of Friday Ridge Road to Old Campbell Creek.
NOTE: An evacuation warning has also been issued for the community of Salyer.
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CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS
The following road closures are in effect related to the Knob Fire:
China Creek Road at Hodgson Road;
Burwood Drive at State Route 299;
Gypo Lane at State Route 299.
The above routes are closed to entering traffic, but may be used by residents to leave the area in compliance with the evacuation order.
State Route 299 is currently open as of 8 a.m. Residents are encouraged to visit http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ to check for state highway closures.
RESOURCES FOR THE COMMUNITY
An Evacuation Center has been opened at the McKinleyville Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 1200 Central Avenue, McKinleyville, for evacuees. Resources available at this location include:
Overnight sheltering;
Restrooms;
Water;
Red Cross services.
Domestic and large animal sheltering is available at the Hoopa Rodeo Grounds, located on Pine Creek Road in Hoopa.
Additional updates will be issued via press release as needed.
For more information regarding the Knob Fire, current impact and evacuation areas, please go to humboldtsheriff.org, visit @HumCoOES on Facebook and Twitter, or call 707-268-2500.
