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(AUDIO) Amy Cirincione O’Connor is Holding Up

At a time when we are all considering welcoming guests into our homes again, Amy Cirincione O’Connor is also preparing for people to pay her a visit. A lot of people, she’s hoping. That’s because, during the pandemic, she and her husband Jon O’Connor have been readying a pair of ambitious Humboldt projects for launch. One of them — Papa and Barkley Social, a new cannabis consumption lounge, dispensary and spa — had its soft this week. The other, the rehabilitated and renamed Scotia Lodge, is scheduled to open its doors this summer. Yes, Amy’s been busy.

PREVIOUSLY: 

• New Owners of Scotia Inn Outline Long-Term Plans, Including Heated Pools, Hot Tubs, Food, Drink and More
• At the Cannabis Lounge: Papa and Barkley Social Set to Open in Eureka Next Month

Amy Cirincione O’Connor, Humboldt Bay Social

On today’s episode of Humboldt Holding Up, Cirincione O’Connor talks about crafting a business model that aims to further normalize cannabis for both locals and tourists. Topics discussed include:

• Why you might have heard her dad on NPR
• How a passion for social work and a love of the outdoors landed her on the west coast
• Rehabilitating and establishing the Humboldt Bay Social Club and the Oyster Beach Vacation Rentals on the Samoa Peninsula
• How her team is navigating state and local regulations to establish Papa and Barkley Social and Scotia Lodge
• How important a strong aesthetic is for her ventures
• Being a mom who uses cannabis products
• Hot towels!

Click the audio player above or navigate to the podcast app here to hear Cirincione O’Connor’s chat with LoCO’s Stephanie McGeary and Andrew Goff. Also, be sure to scroll past Humboldt Holding Up guests below.

PREVIOUS HUMBOLDT HOLDING UP GUESTS:

• #47 Musician Lyndsey Battle
• #46 Mad River Brewing CEO Linda Cooley
• #45 LoCO Editor Hank Sims
• #44 Humboldt Republic’s Jason Brandi
• #43 Table Bluff Farmer Hannah Eisloeffel
• #42 Logger Bar Owner Kate Martin
• #41 Teacher/Rapper Zach “Zigzilla” Lehner
• #40 Madaket Captain “Zippo” Libby Tonning
• #39 Event Planner Alegria Sita
• #38 Food For People’s Anne Holcomb
• #37 AHHA President Nezzie Wade
• #36 Performance Artist Noël August/Tucker Noir
• #35 Eureka Mayor Susan Seaman
• #34 Eagle House Owner Jennifer Metz
• #33 Absynth Quartet Drummer Mike “Tofu” Schwartz
• #32 HACHR Executive Director Lasara Firefox Allen
• #31 Alchemy Distiller Owner Amy Bohner
• #30 Eureka City Councilmember Kati Moulton
• #29 Eureka City Councilmember Scott Bauer
• #28 Ungraceful Ager Barry Evans
• #27 Arcata City Councilmember Sofia Pereira
• #26 HumBrews Music Booker Laurel Weston
• #25 Eureka City Councilmember Kim Bergel
• #24 Film Commission’s Cassandra Hesseltine and Nate Adams
• #23 Marble Maker Topher Reynolds
• #22 Arcata Playhouse Director Jacqueline Dandeneau
• #21 Humboldt Political Junkie Eric Kirk
• #20 Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes
• #19 Second District Supervisor Estelle Fennell
• #18 Arcata Food Aficionado Jada Calypso Brotman
• #17 Body Piercer Jackie Silva
• #16 Dick Taylor Chocolate’s Adam Dick
• #15 FUHS Teachers Mark Thom and Inma Thompson
• #14 Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery
• #13 Savage Henry Co-Founder Chris Durant
• #12 Eureka Street Art Festival Organizer Jenna Catsos
• #11 SCRAP Humboldt Founder Tibora Bea
• #10 Gym Owner Tyler Parr
• #9 Six Rivers Brewery Co-Owner Meredith Maier
• #8 Multicultural Skincare Therapist Levia Love
• #7 Annie’s Cambodian Server and Social Worker Joshua Coppock
• #6 Eureka City Councilmember Austin Allison
• #5 HSU Professor Deidre Pike 
• #4 Pastor Bethany Cseh
• #3 Singer/Songwriter Chris Parreira
• #2 Eureka City Councilmember Leslie Castellano
• #1 Arcata City Councilmember Paul Pitino

“What happens in America is defined by tort lawyers, and unfortunately that limits some of the adventure playgrounds.”

— Adrian Benepe, NYC Parks Commissioner

This photo has been doing the rounds recently, with some wondering whether it can possibly be real. It sure is — thanks Snopes for the relevant link. It was taken sometime after 1909 in the Cotton Mills District of Dallas. A city report from 1923 claims that the 4.5 acre Trinity Play Park “has been a real service in reducing crime and improving the moral conditions of the neighborhood.” And movies! “Free moving picture shows are given at this park three times a week throughout the year.”

(Not to be outdone, Dallas’ three “parks and playgrounds for Negroes” also showed movies three times a week—but only during summer.)

The climbing bars in the photo are a far cry from today’s safety-and-lawsuit conscious playgrounds. Not of my day though—they look pretty similar to what my generation scrambled up, over and down. I was a scrawny kid growing up outside London in the 1940s and ‘50s, and really was the last to be picked for team sports. But I could climb—anything. Ropes, cliffs, trees, climbing bars, I was Tarzan in my own mind. The monkey bars in my primary school, age 7-10, may have been a bit (but not much) lower than the ones in the Dallas photo, but—unlike today’s soft surfaces, if you fell, you fell on hard asphalt. I don’t recall any real injuries, but that might be my selective memory. Still…

“Children need to encounter risks and overcome fears on the playground. I think monkey bars and tall slides are great…Climbing equipment needs to be high enough, or else it will be too boring in the long run.” That’s from a 2011 New York Times article, Can a Playground Be Too Safe?, quoting Ellen Sandseter, psychology professor at Queen Maud University in Norway. Makes sense to me—aren’t the dangers of challenging playgrounds outweighed by children’s growing self-confidence as they face their own fears, develop their motor skills and learn to evaluate risks, rather than avoid them?

How about softer surfaces to land on? Paradoxically, according to a UK risk management expert (you’ll find the link in the article), “Some injuries, like long fractures of the arm, actually increased after the introduction of softer surfaces on playgrounds in Britain and Australia… If children and parents believe they are in an environment which is safer than it actually is…because they don’t understand its properties, they overrate its performance.”

I wonder though, even if playgrounds magically reverted to the more challenging ones of my childhood, whether today’s uber safety-conscious parents would allow their kids to use them. According to this, 30% of parents said their worst fear was their child being abducted—way above concern about, for instance, health problems stemming from overweight or obesity, a classification that fits 1 in 3 kids in the U.S. (To put abduction in perspective, of 74 million children under 17 in the U.S., about 200 are abducted by strangers each year. Meaning that your $2 ticket is twice as likely to win the Powerball jackpot as your child getting abducted.)

Back to playgrounds: I’d be interested to hear in the comments, what your playground experience was, and when. For me, I like how the NYT writer summed it up: Better to risk a broken arm than to never climb a tree.

Jerald (Jerry, JB) Bryant was born on January 6, 1958, in Fortuna to Meredith and Irene Bryant and passed peacefully, although unexpectedly, from this life on April 14, 2021 in St. Helena, due to complications from heart surgery; with loved ones by his side. The middle of three children, Jerry grew up in Ferndale, attending Ferndale Elementary and Ferndale High School, where he made life-long friends. He and Tim Grinsell, born nine days apart, shared a lifelong special friendship. Jerry was always proud of his deep, generational Ferndale roots. In high school, Jerry played football and baseball. He continued to play softball in his younger adult years. He went on to work for many years as a tree faller and was known by many to be the best of the best at falling trees.

Jerry married Cathey Wallen in 1982 and his one and only daughter, Morgan, was born in 1985. Jerry and Cathey later divorced, but remained friends throughout his life. Morgan has always been the “apple of his eye,” the most loved and admired by Jerry. His whole face would light up when he talked to or about Morgan, his love for and pride in her never ending. Jerry was a talented artist, spending time in his younger years drawing great pieces and spending the last several years working with wood; carving some of the most beautiful cutting boards, vases, utentsils and mirror frames. Receiving these creations as gifts was the highlight of many a Christmas and birthday of many family members and friends. Jerry loved animals, especially dogs. He owned many special dogs through the years. Most recently he had his special pup, Lula, who was a fatihful friend for several years; having crossed the rainbow bridge not too long before her beloved “dog dad.” Jerry made fast friends with people throughout his life. Jerry was always willing to lend a hand and never really meeting a stranger. Jerry was simply a genuinely honest, kind man, full of talent and integrity. Many lives are better because of the memories held of Jerry in them.

Jerry is survived by: daughter, Morgan Bryant; mother, Irene Bryant; sister, Gina (Jay) Parrish; niece, Sarah (John) Ireland and their children, Connor, Aidan and Korbin; his ex-wife, Cathey Wallen; his uncle and aunt, Milt and Janet Mossi of Napa and numerous cousins; special friend, Holly Sommers and many friends who were really family. Jerry was preceded in death by: father, Meredith; brother, Robert and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

The family will host a private memorial service at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Jerold Phelps Community Hospital and the staff at Adventist Health St. Helena for the care and compassion shown to Jerry and his family; and all those who have reached out and visited over the last few weeks. The love and kindness is much appreciated by all.

In lieu of flowers or donations share your talents with others, have respect for others and do something kind for another.

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

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Press release from the Trinidad Rancheria:

The Trinidad Rancheria Tribal Government would like to notify tribal members, employees, customers, and the community that the Seascape Restaurant was affected by a COVID-19 “super-spreader” event in Humboldt County the week of April 18th. As a result, the Seascape Restaurant is closed until further notice.

Employees and guests who visited the restaurant between April 19th and April 23rd should be tested and follow CDC recommend precaution. The restaurant has been disinfected and will reopen as soon as staff have tested negative for COVID-19.

Trinidad Rancheria is working closely with Humboldt County Public Health on contact tracing and testing efforts. Employee Testing Plan will also be developed with the County and released soon. Trinidad Rancheria will release more information as it becomes available.

Despite the chilly, wet weather, community members gathered in Old Town on Saturday morning to help beautify the neighborhood — some picking up trash as a part of the Intergalactic Community Cleanup, others planting greenery for Project Eureka’s community work day.

Starting at around 9:00 a.m. masked volunteers met at the gazebo for the community cleanup,  organized by Synapsis and the Old Town Community Alliance. Trash pickers and buckets were provided, as well as coffee and live tunes performed by Bandemoneum — to help keep spirits high. Volunteers — a few in space-themed costumes — walked around the surrounding streets, in what Eureka City Councilmember and Synapsis Director Leslie Castellano called a “choose your own adventure cleanup.”

“I think with the pandemic, things have been sort of sleepy in Old Town,” Castellano, dressed in a handmade robot costume, told the Outpost. “We all feel very fondly about this part of our community and wanted to do something to brighten things up.”

Castellano said she is also working with Eureka’s Community Services department to do a cleanup of Wabash next Saturday, May 1. Though that cleanup will, sadly, not be space themed.

Project Eureka — a somewhat new, volunteer-led community organization focused on visually improving Eureka — was doing it’s part to beautify the neighborhood too, focusing primarily on the Highway 101 portion of Old Town. After meeting at the Clarke Plaza, volunteers were broken into smaller groups to dig up soil, plant plants and do other aesthetic-improving activities along Fifth and Sixth Streets.

Volunteers landscaping outside Pho Tien Long on Fifth Street

Some volunteers focused on planting in the somewhat neglected city-owned concrete planters, while others spruced up the landscaping in front of local businesses —such as Pho Tien Long and Chase Bank. As a part of Project Eureka’s Adopt a Plot program, other volunteers were assigned one of the tree wells lining the highway. These folks get to do whatever they wish to beautify their plot — such as weeding, planting, or even installing art — and will be responsible for continuing to maintain it, co-organizer Jenna Catsos told the Outpost.

This was the second beautification project led by Project Eureka, which was also responsible for the new colorful banners you may have seen lining Fifth and Sixth Streets. While the City of Eureka’s marketing firm Eddy Alexander designed the banners to match the City’s new brand,  Project Eureka raised all of the funding through community donations. And the organization funded the landscaping efforts in the same way.

“It’s entirely community donation funded,” Catsos told the Outpost. “All of the plants, all of the soil have been donated and it’s entirely volunteer time to make it happen.”

You can learn more about Project Eureka or get involved with future projects by visiting projecteurekca.org.

Scroll down for more pics of Saturday’s events.

Rising seas are a greater threat to California than earthquakes or even wildfires – and Humboldt Bay is ground zero. Much of the land, communities and infrastructure around the bay is currently protected by low sea walls likely to be breached in the next 50 years. How will Humboldt adapt?

A suite of bills before the California legislature could shape Humboldt’s approach and provide hope for the county’s future. Jennifer Savage, California Policy Manager at the Surfrider Foundation, joins Gang Green to discuss what is before the legislature and how California — and Humboldt — should respond to this threat.

AUDIO:

“The EcoNews Report,” April 24, 2021

REQUIRED READING:

• Rising Seas, Shrinking Beaches
• California Coast & Ocean Legislation 2021
  

Earl Leroy Moranda
October 23, 1937 – February 19, 2021

Earl “Big E/Pepaw/Peeps” Leroy Moranda, age 83, of Arcata passed away Friday, February 19, 2021. He was born on October 23, 1937.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Marguerite, his brother Allen, and his wife Patricia “Pat” Moranda. He is survived by his son, Brett Moranda and wife Tina; his daughter, Traci Moranda; grandchildren; Julianna & fiancé Dave Vogelsang; Isabella & boyfriend Jake Hanson; Sophia, and Vincenzo; and great-grandchildren Viviana and baby Hazel. Earl is also survived by his cousin Marjorie Mercola and her son Thomas MacArthur; along with his sister-in-law, Mary Lou Smith and nieces, Michelle Tuel, Kathy Duncan, and great-nieces Cheyenne and Lily.   

He grew up on the family dairy ranch in the Arcata bottoms, where he developed his strong work ethic and love for duck hunting.  Earl attended Arcata High School where he was an All-County athlete in football and baseball, graduating in 1955. He then proceeded to college at Humboldt State College where he played baseball. After one year, he transferred to Shasta Junior College to study Criminal Justice. While at Shasta College, he played both football and baseball. During these years, he established many lifelong friends and shared many great memories. He graduated from Shasta College with an associate degree in 1959.

Following college, he returned to Arcata, where he became a police officer with the City of Arcata. In the same year, he also became an Arcata volunteer Firefighter, in which he was an active member for 45 years.

On July 17, 1961, Earl married the love of his life, Pat Gaines. They were happily married for 52 years, until Pat passed away in 2013. Within the first year of their marriage, he was activated from the army reserves during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In 1965, after the birth of his son Brett, he decided to become a probation officer due to it being higher paying and not having to do shift work as a police officer. In 1969, his daughter Traci was born, which completed their family. He continued to work at the Humboldt County Probation Department until 1977. Earl then changed careers and became an insurance agent for Cal Farm Insurance. He later started the Earl Moranda Insurance Agency out of his grandmother’s home which he converted into a beautiful office, located at 11th and K St in Arcata, currently Dutchy’s Pizza. Earl worked in the insurance industry for over 25 years where he thrived utilizing his best attribute; building long-lasting friendships with his customers and other agents in the industry. His philosophy was simple, “treat your customers like they’re your family.”

When Earl turned 65, he retired and sold his insurance business.  He and Pat were able to travel extensively throughout the US and abroad but spending time with the grandchildren was their priority.  You could always find them watching their grandchildren play sports from the early ages up through high school.  Earl and his son, Brett, enjoyed working on projects together, whether it was renovating a bathroom or building fences, just to name a few.  They enjoyed their weekly lunches discussing what their next projects would be.  Earl had a passion for good wine!  He and Pat enjoyed many trips visiting Traci in Santa Rosa to enjoy the beautiful weather and wine tasting adventures throughout Sonoma and Napa.

Earl’s love of sports never wavered.  He and Pat loved attending the home games for the HSU Basketball team for 40+ years and were season ticket holders.  His most recent passion was cheering on the University of Oregon Ducks football team and attending a handful of games every year.

Earl was exceptionally proud of his grandchildren and was an active participant in their daily lives. He had a nickname for them all!  He loved seeing his eldest grandchild Julianna (Jules) become a new mother, Isabella (Izra) complete undergrad in Human Physiology at U of O, Sophia (British Girl) continuing her undergrad in Advertising at U of O, and most of all he enjoyed having his grandson Vinnie (Vinster) live with him and help with his rentals for the past year. Becoming a great-grandfather to Viviana was another huge milestone for him and he was looking forward to meeting his new great-granddaughter Hazel this past March.

Earl became a devoted member of the Wesleyan Church of McKinleyville where he developed many new friendships. He was extremely passionate for his faith and attended most Sunday services and numerous church events.

Earl was a well-liked person around this community and was especially known for his great humor, infectious smile, and generosity. He truly cared for others around him. He could talk your ear off and tell the best stories with his amazing long-term memory. He created a beautiful coffee table book in which he wrote about his life growing up on his family’s ranch titled, “The Haymow” that included his favorite pictures throughout his childhood.  Earl was fondly referred to as the “walking Arcata landmark”, as his knowledge of the history of Arcata was extensive.

In January 2018, Earl adopted his beloved companion, his dog, Prince Riley. While lounging in his recliner, he loved having Riley sit on his lap and have him show off his tricks. He enjoyed taking him on truck rides to the ranch, around town and to Burger King for some treats. 

Earl cherished his friendships, both old and new including friendships that started at the age of six, the neighborhood kids he used to get in trouble with at the ranch, high school and college friends, and many more throughout his entire life.  After retirement, he and Pat met new friends who they loved to travel with.  Earl had a passion for cooking, you could find them hosting big dinners with friends and parties with all.  Russ and Berit Locatelli had a special place in Earl’s heart. He introduced Russ to the Arcata Fire Department and took him under his wing. Wade and Sabrina DeLashmutt were also considered family and Earl enjoyed “supervising” Wade on all of his many projects. 

Earl lived a full and prosperous life. He was loved so much by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.  We want to thank all his friends and the community for all the kindness and generosity during this difficult time.  As he said, “It has been a good ride”. 

Due to the pandemic, a celebration of life will be held in the near future.  In lieu of flowers, the Moranda family requests donations to be made to the following organizations of your choice; The Salvation Army and the Humboldt County Animal Shelter in McKinleyville.