PREVOIUSLY: Kneeland Glen Farm Stand Owner Evicted After Dog-Bite Incident, Repeat Warnings About Bringing Her Dog Onto the Property; Community Organizes Peaceful Protest

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Kneeland Glen Farm Stand owner Kathy Mullen is staying put — at least for now — after the Northcoast Regional Land Trust issued an eviction notice last month and ordered her to be off the property by May 31.

The NRLT Board of Directors agreed to evict Mullen after repeatedly warning her to keep her dog Tootsie off the Freshwater Farms Reserve property following a biting incident that occurred earlier this year.

Mullen told the Outpost that she’s accepted help from a local attorney and found a new home for her beloved 14-year-old corgi mix since receiving the eviction notice.

“Several weeks ago, I rehomed my dog Tootsie to a new owner and she will never be coming back to the property,” Mullen said. “This fact has been given to the Land Trust through my attorney. My livelihood and that of many small producers are at stake.”

NRLT Executive Director Dan Ehresman declined to say how the non-profit plans to respond, but Mullen seems set on working out a deal rather than accepting the eviction.

“My attorney has requested dialogue with NCRLT toward resolving any other concerns they might have, including use of third-party mediators to facilitate the discussion, and are optimistic that NRLT and I will be able to amicably resolve the matter if they engage in dialogue with me or my attorney,” she said. “We are waiting on a response to a letter my attorney sent them. I value my 12-year relationship with NCRLT.”

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Press release from Food For People:

This summer Food for People will host seasonal Free Produce Markets in Eureka, Fortuna, Garberville and Redway. These free outdoor farmer’s market-style produce distributions will take place from June through October to ensure that everyone in these difficult times can have access to the nutritious, seasonal produce needed for good health.

Bayshore Mall, 3300 Broadway. Drive-thru only. 11 a.m.-1 p.m on June 24, July 29, August 26, September 23, October 28.

Fortuna Community Services, 2331 Rohnerville Road. Drive-thru & walk-up. Walk-ups enter from David Way. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on June 23, August 25, September 22, and October 12.

Garberville Presbyterian Church, 437 Maple Lane. Walk-up. 10:30 a.m.-noon on June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12.

Redway Baptist Church, 553 Redway Drive. Drive-thru & walk-up. Cars enter from Empire Drive. 12:30-1:30 p.m. on June 8, July 13, September 14, October 12.

Those in attendance are asked to wear a mask, come with their own bags, and observe 6-foot social distancing while at the distribution. For more information or to see if you qualify visit foodforpeople.org.

This program is available thanks to partnerships with California Emergency Foodlink, the California Association of Food Banks’ Farm to Family program, and CalFood Logistics.

Want to get involved? Food for People is seeking volunteers for the Free Produce Markets. Come and help distribute produce to hundreds of families, children, and seniors. Volunteers help set up and stock the market. It’s a fun and rewarding way to spend a few hours and help local community members. If you are interested in volunteering visit www.foodforpeople.org and fill out the Volunteer Response Team Form.

The Siglers | HCDTF

Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release:

On June 2nd, 2021 agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) stopped a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 101 in the area of Benbow in Humboldt County. Agents had obtained a search warrant for the occupants, Matthew Sigler (40 years old from Arcata), and Kelly Sigler (41 years old from Arcata) for suspected transportation of heroin from San Joaquin County to Humboldt County.

During the service of the search warrant agents located ½ pound of raw heroin and 2 ounces of methamphetamine. Matthew & Kelly Sigler were both booked into the Humboldt County Jail for the following charges:

• H&S 11352(b) Transportation of controlled substances across non-contiguous counties
• H&S 11379(b) Transportation of methamphetamine across non-contiguous counties
• H&S 11351 Possession of controlled substances for sale
• H&S 11378 Possession of methamphetamine for sale
• H&S 11352(a) Transportation of controlled substances for sale
• H&S 11379(a) Transportation of methamphetamine for sale

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

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When Los Angeles shut down indoor dining, DK Marikan did everything in his power to reinvent his 28-year-old Mediterranean restaurant and deli to keep it afloat.

“At some point we only did to go, and that was nothing. Nobody wanted to come,” he said of Garo’s, a staple with downtown workers and residents who would hang out and linger over Greek salads and pastrami sandwiches. “Maybe 10% of our business was to go. That’s it.”

Once the city allowed businesses to expand dining onto sidewalks and streets through its Al Fresco program, Marikan went all in, investing nearly $8,000 on cafe chairs and awnings. He called outdoor dining a lifeline.

Now, even as the state prepares to lift all COVID-19 restrictions on June 15, some pandemic changes such as outdoor dining and to-go drinks will likely remain in many California cities — and many small business owners are embracing the proposed extensions.

“It’s going to bring in a lot of people because, I want to say 90% of our customers, they don’t want to dine indoors anymore. They want to be outdoors,” Marikan said of LA’s proposal to make its outdoor dining program permanent. “We would love to see this be permanent. I pray they do it.”

Aiding hard-hit restaurants

When the pandemic ravaged businesses across the country, it hit the restaurant industry especially hard. The California Restaurant Association last August warned that of the 90,000 restaurants operating in the state, at least 30% would close without significant government aid. As California counties and cities prepare to reopen entirely to pre-pandemic capacity limits, state and city leaders are exploring ways to permanently adopt some of the emergency measures.

Two bills making their way through the state Legislature, one in the Senate and one in the Assembly, aim to permanently allow restaurants to sell to-go alcoholic beverages. And several cities across the state are voting on whether to extend or cement their outdoor dining programs.

“We haven’t been able to operate at full operations in over a year, so anyone still hanging on is barely hanging on. So every piece of possible revenue is going to be critical,” said Matt Sutton, senior vice president of government affairs and public policy at the restaurant association. “The restaurant recovery has not started. It won’t start ‘til after June 15 and it will need a long runway.”

Democratic state Sen. Bill Dodd introduced a bill to allow continued off-site alcoholic beverage sales after realizing how much businesses in his Napa Valley district relied on tourism and alcohol sales to stay afloat.

“To say it was devastating to the restaurants would be an understatement,” Dodd said. “I know a lot of locals tried to take out as much as possible. But when you really look at it in these restaurants, it’s almost like these food bills are half or two thirds of the whole bill and the rest is alcohol sales.”

Dodd said local business owners began approaching him asking him if there was a chance that to-go drinks could remain after the pandemic both because of their success, and the fact that residents have grown fond of the option.

“It’s not like that was the silver bullet, the thing that’s going to make or break them. It was a contributor to the bottom line for sure,” he said of the to-go option. “This could be something that would not only help the industry, but maybe it’s something that the consumer really wants.”

Dodd’s bill passed unopposed out of the Senate and is now being heard in the Assembly. Alcohol Justice, an industry watchdog group, is the main opposition to the legislation and argues that the bill could threaten public health and safety by increasing drunk driving.

Alcoholic drinks to go

During the pandemic, 33 states and the District of Columbia allowed to-go sales of alcohol, including spirits and cocktails or cocktail kits. A study by Technomic, a food service research firm, found that 58% of consumers said the ability to purchase alcoholic beverages with their take-out orders impacted their choice of restaurant.

Sutton said the to-go drinks program should be expanded.

“If you had a pilot project and it was successful, you continue it for a number of years further,” he said. “We think it’s the sweet spot.”

Studies have shown that restaurant goers prefer dining on quiet streets. So a bill introduced by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, a Democrat from the LA neighborhood of Sherman Oaks, would permanently allow cities the option of restricting traffic. Also passed unanimously out of the Assembly, the “slow streets” bill is written to target larger cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco and aims to build off the success some communities experienced when restricting thru traffic.

“We overwhelmingly saw in Los Angeles, and in the pockets that prescribed this program, that people were able to take greater advantage of being comfortable in their neighborhoods, recreate, and other aspects of feeling safe when they’re walking around in their neighborhoods,” the lawmaker said.

While Nazarian said his bill is mostly focused on the public health and safety benefits, he’s been approached by business owners in San Francisco who also want to find a way that the bill could benefit them. A study by Yelp found that safer streets initiatives that closed off areas to vehicular traffic drove increases in business for restaurants. The study specifically saw spikes in business in San Francisco’s Valencia Street and Burbank’s San Fernando Blvd.

Tables on sidewalks

“It’s hard to pinpoint a good thing that came out of the pandemic,” said Nate LeBlanc, business development manager of the San Jose Downtown Association. “It’s just silly that it took something of earth-shattering magnitude to let people put tables on the sidewalk.”

San Jose is one city that recently voted to extend its Al Fresco dining program until the end of the year.

LeBlanc said the Al Fresco program, first passed as an emergency order through the city, makes it easier for restaurants to obtain permits to put tables and chairs in public spaces such as sidewalks and empty parking lots.

In addition to LA, other cities that have or are considering expanding outdoor dining programs include San Francisco and San Diego.

“I think that the people who survived are set up to thrive. I think when our office population comes back, there’s going to be a real kind of Roaring ’20s vibe, and we’re going to be selling a lot of drinks,” LeBlac said. “People are going to be in a celebratory mood. People are going to be happy to be out again.”

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CALmatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

The Spinas Family of Eureka lost its matriarch, head chef and cheerleader Sunday morning, May 30. Jean Eloise Spinas passed away peacefully with piano music playing quietly and family by her side. She was 92 years of age.

Jean was born in Denver on November 3, 1928. If you knew anything about Jean, you knew she had a magnificent heart and cared deeply for her family, friends and co-workers. She began playing the piano at age five and played throughout her lifetime. She passed that love of music on to her children.

Jean was a latchkey kid due to her mother, Esther, working afternoons and evenings for Shell Oil Company. During those times, she was cared for by a Guardian Angel, beloved Cora Beinke. As a teen, she attended Herbert Lococco’s dance school learning tap and ballet and performed on the famous SS Admiral Paddlewheeler that plied the waters of the Mississippi out of the Port of St. Louis. She also sang and played the piano every Sunday at church. Summers were spent lifeguarding at Fairgrounds Park and enjoying synchronized swimming. A part time job on weekends had her working as a cashier for movie theaters run by Ansel Amusement Company.

As she left her teens, she became a ticker-tape reader for the stock market exchange in St. Louis.

Her children were amazed when she divulged that as a young adult, she was a member of the Missouri Mules Motorcycle club riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles! But her favorite memory of those times was when her step-brother, Ted, and wife, Emily, would sneak her into Tunetown Ballroom, even though she was underage, so she could dance the Jitterbug to the great bands of Glen Miller, Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw.

In her early 20s, Jean came to Eureka to visit her Uncle…her mother’s twin brother, Joseph Losey and never left. She fell in love with the rugged coastline, wild rivers, redwood trees and a certain handsome gentleman who took her to coffee at the Bon Boniere, Curt Spinas. They married in 1951 and together, they would raise four children.

Family was everything to Jean and she doted on her two boys and two girls. She also blessed them with a great work ethic … something they have valued all their lives. Neighbors, friends and even strangers were welcome at mealtimes. It was not uncommon during her children’s elementary school years, to have five or six kids walk in at lunch unannounced after a sandlot baseball game. An impromptu meal would magically appear in no time. Kids loved her generous nature and sense of humor. Those meals were an event at the Spinas household and as a baker, Jean was an artist. Her wonderful cookies, cakes and pies were featured attractions at many family gatherings, catered luncheons, weddings or school functions. She gave her time and talents generously to anyone and every cause that needed a hand.

Once the kids were of age, Jean began working for Eureka City Schools as a switchboard operator and then secretary. Later, and for 25 years, she worked for College of the Redwoods in the Upward Bound Program, Counseling Department and Student Admissions Office, where she was honored as Employee of the Year. She even managed to create a side business, “Food and Flowers by Jean.” She catered many events at CR. It fueled her boundless energy and joy of crafting terrific recipes…elevating any celebration where people gathered. Both Jean and Curt took part in their children’s endeavors, especially sports. All four kids became excellent athletes. She was inspired to take up bowling and in 1961, became the All Events Champion Scratch Bowler for Humboldt County. But it was rowing with the Humboldt Rowing Association that really got her going. She loved Humboldt Bay and its abundant wildlife. It fed her soul and many mornings, before daylight, she could be found loading a single scull into the water, “catching the glide” and enjoying the salt air. She would retire from “sculling” at the age of 70.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Curt Spinas, daughter, Sandra McKay Spinas, mother, Julia Esther Parsons Losey, Uncle, Joseph Losey and his wife Barbara, cousin Jocleeta Reeves, Father and mother in law, Ben and Ruth Spinas and Ruth’s sisters Elta Cartwright Hendrickson, Louise Pollack, Ivy Glenn and Mary Ellis and their children, Sister in law, Catherine Spinas, Joe and Mary Babica, Mel and Winnie Babica and son Larry and other extended relatives.

She is survived by her children, Brad Curtis (Cathy), Rich Spinas (SanDee) and Julie Spinas Sherman (Neil), grandchildren: Alexa Curtis (Geoff), Alyson Spinas Valainis, Makayla Spinas, Michael Spinas, Bryanna Sherman, Jaclyn Sherman, Annita Sophia Lucchhesi, Jim Lucchesi, Allie Lucchesi and one great grandchild: Grady Curtis Malott, her brother in law Bob Spinas, niece and nephew Lisa and Bryan Spinas, cousins Virginia Pratt, Jane Nelson, Vickie Henderson, Ginny Lee Denton and Bob Babica.

Jean revelled in the friendship of her dear friends: Louise Beal Warren, Betta Campbell, Nancy Gomes, Betty Tatka, Darlene Downing and countless others too many to name. She will miss her handbell choirs, Bunko group and especially the people next door in the old Glenwood neighborhood: the Van Zandt, Moore, Allen, Britt, Scott, Crnich, Kilgore and Purcell Families.The Spinas Relatives would like to thank the caring staff at Hospice of Humboldt and Timber Ridge Renaissance McKinleyville along with St. Joseph Hospital and Fortuna Rehabilitation for their kindness and care.

Donations may be made in Jean’s name to the Humboldt Area Foundation, Hospice of Humboldt and the Humboldt Rowing Association.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jean Spinas’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

Ralph passed away the evening of May 28, 2021 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Born in Washington state to Melba and Eugene “Chris” Christensen, Ralph was the second of six surviving children. The family moved to Eureka when Ralph was young and he attended kindergarten at Lincoln School before the family moved to a ranch in Loleta.

Ralph greatly enjoyed nature, which helped him to bond with neighbor, mentor and friend Morris Graves. With help from Morris, Ralph became a talented sculptor, and traveled with Morris to Asia, including Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal, Japan, India and Hong Kong.

Afterward, Ralph joined the state’s Ecology Corps, where he met his dear friend, the late Albert Merritt, who invited him to a prayer meeting in Weott, where he found Jesus.

In the 1970s Ralph became a member of the Gospel Outreach church in Eureka, and lived among GO communities in Eureka and Los Angeles, and once drove a donated pickup truck from California to a GO mission in Guatemala!

At GO’s “H Street House” commune, Ralph met his wife Ursula and her young son, Jonathan. They married in 1981 and had son Thomas in 1982 and daughter Althea in 1986. In 2000 Ralph and Ursula divorced.

Ralph and his brother John took over a small window washing business called Service Systems and operated it until he retired in 2016. Ralph was a familiar sight around Eureka, washing windows for nearly all of old town, both hospitals, the Carson Mansion, and many satisfied residential and business customers throughout Humboldt County. He had no fear of heights and would quickly scramble up ladders or rappel down the face of a building as needed.

Ralph loved camping and sailing, and purchased a sailboat in the mid-1990s. He made lots of friends through sailing and the Humboldt Yacht Club.

Ralph enjoyed music and had a particular fondness for the “jaw harp” — first Philippine-style bamboo “kubing” which he made himself, then later brass “danmoi” from Vietnam. Through his love of music he met many more wonderful friends, including his late girlfriend, Judy. His devotion to the jaw harp led him to travel to Holland, Hungary and even Siberia to attend international festivals, and was a long time regular at Old Town Coffee & Chocolates’ open mic nights.

Judy’s death in 2013 seemed to nudge Ralph’s absentmindedness over the edge to Alzheimer’s, and Ralph’s mom’s death in 2019 triggered an even more dramatic decline.

Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Carol. He is survived by his children Tom and Althea (Dustin), former stepson Jack (Sasha), sisters Jean (Tom) and Kathy, brothers John and Mel (Marietta), and nieces Chelsea, Valerie (Shane), Natalie, and Julie (Derek)

The family wishes to thank Ralph’s caregivers from IHSS, Agape Home Care, PACE, St Joseph Hospital, Timber Ridge, and Hospice of Humboldt for their compassionate care, particularly as Ralph’s needs and behavior became more challenging.

The family will host a wake on Saturday, June 26 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Humboldt Yacht Club in Eureka. All of Ralph’s friends, neighbors, acquaintances, customers, caregivers, and fellow musicians are invited to attend. Due to the vulnerable nature of some family members, please continue to observe COVID-safe practices. Please make any donations in honor of Ralph to the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, whose PACE program allowed Ralph to remain in his home longer than would otherwise have been possible.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ralph Christensen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

On Sunday, May 9, 2021, Richard Cartier, loving father of four, devoted partner and amazing friend to many, passed away at age 55. His death was unexpected and cause is still unknown at this time.

Richard was born in Van Nuys on October 23, 1965 to Bob and Carolyn Cartier. Richard spent most his life in California. His youth was spent in San Fernando Valley, and as a teenager he lived on Silverstrand beach in Ventura County. He was the oldest of five boys. After finishing high school, he joined the Navy and served a term from 1984 to 1986. When returning home he married his high school girlfriend Keiko and had three children — Justin, Krystle, and Cassandra. Richard then moved his new family to San Luis Obispo. He went to work for the family business that was owned by his mothers parents, called the Boston Bagel Company. Richard and his first wife separated very soon there after, however, he continued to be involved in his young children’s lives.

He then met Harmony Sellers while working at the family business. Harmony began working with him in the bakery. The two of them were very driven together. They decided to move to her hometown of Garberville, where he had always dreamed of living. The two started a business together —a bagel bakery and juice bar, Bagels Naturally and the Buzz N’ Berry. They were very passionate with this endeavor.

They ran the business for the next 10 years, during which time they proudly had Richard’s fourth child, Nicholas.

Richard loved living in the redwoods, in southern Humboldt County. He has always had a love of nature. He has found much enjoyment throughout his life in outdoor sports such as surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. He loved to go on camping trips with the children and his partner. They spent their free time camping and hiking throughout many of the most beautiful places in California.

Richard was fueled by his love for music. You could often catch him jamming to his music at very high decibels in his vehicle and while he worked. He was also quite talented at playing the guitar. He has went to countless concerts over the years. He has attended more concerts than anyone I’ve ever known.

Richard’s friends and family were so very important to him. He had really strengthened his family bonds over the past several years, making an effort to share many holidays with them. He had a special gift at always seeing the bright side of life. He was a true optimist. It was important to him that the ones he cared about were happy. He had a special ability to make you laugh when you needed to most. He was a gifted carpenter and mechanic. You could call on him to rescue you when broke down. He would usually drop everything to help his friends. Richard worked very hard throughout his life but he would make equal time to just play and have fun, never neglecting his inner child. He spent the last eight years of his life as a chef for a local restaurant and he was dating the girl next door.

Richard will be missed by so many. He never stopped making new friends, while still cherishing his old friendships as well. Richard was preceded in death by his brother Raymond. He is survived by his mother, Caroline (Rosemary); his father, Bob; his brothers, Robert, Daniel, Evan and their wives Robin and Julie; his four children Justin, Krystle, Cassandra, and her daughter, his first granddaughter, and his fourth child, Nicholas, who has spent the last year’s of Richards life by his side; his aunt Francine and his uncle Kurt; his cousins Levi, Tim, and Yahna; his nieces Chanel, Tiffany, and Emma; his nephews, Christian, Logan, and Evan; his countless friends, who will never forget him.

A memorial celebrating Richard’s life is to be announced. Donations to help with the life celebration can be made to Nicholas Cartier’s account at The Community Credit Union, account #21381

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Richard Cartier’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.