Bonnie Jean (Medley) Lindgren, passed away peacefully with her family at her side, Tuesday morning December 15, 2020, in McKinleyville.

Bonnie was born in Wellston, Ohio on March 24, 1928, to parents Belva and General Medley. She was 92 years old at the time of her passing.

As a girl growing up in Ohio, Bonnie and her two sisters experienced a rich family history with deep roots. One story she used to tell was of the time she went to a picnic for Civil War Veterans as a young child. She recalled the Veterans there were just young teens when they fought in the war. She told how she and her sisters wore white dresses with pretty ribbons in their hair to celebrate the special occasion.

Bonnie lost her mother as a young adult, and shortly afterward her family moved to Trinidad. It wasn’t long before she met and fell in love with Axel Lindgren II. The two were married in 1949 and honeymooned in San Francisco where the photo included here was taken. Axel once said they “owned all the sunshine in the sky” when recalling their honeymoon many years later. Bonnie’s family’s culture and Axel’s traditional Yurok culture blended so seamlessly as both were about family, history and knowing where you come from.

As the saying goes, behind every great man is a great woman, and that was surely true in the case of Bonnie and Axel. They worked together in business as well as in community service, all while raising six children together.

Bonnie was running a hamburger stand in Trinidad while Axel was logging. The hamburger stand was located near where the freeway is now, across from the gas station. For a time, they also took crab over to Hoopa, where they spent lots of time visiting, and also sold some crab. In 1970 they went to work in the Humboldt County Juvenile Hall, where they would go on to advocated for change of the treatment of Indian children and wrote new policy addressing issues they saw. After working for the county for several years and Axel having to advocate more and more for the protection of the Tsurai Village, they were looking for something with a little less stress. Bonnie and “Axe”, as she so fondly called him, ended up purchasing a janitorial service where they worked together for many years. After Axel’s passing in 1999, Bonnie kept on until her own retirement.

While raising kids and running businesses, they also found time to serve their community. Bonnie was briefly a member of the Trinidad Civic Club long ago, and was deeply disappointed how they have treated Axel, and his family. However, she really enjoyed all the years she volunteered to cook and serve people in the annual Crab Feed in Trinidad, that would later become the annual Fish Festival. While Axel was the one who officially held many of the various positions, Bonnie was right beside him making sure everything ran smoothly, he had what he needed, and everyone stayed fed. Whether it was when he was advocating for the preservation and protection of the Tsurai Village, coaching little league for 20 some odd years or serving on one of the many community organization boards, Bonnie was never far away.

Bonnie made sure all her children’s friends felt welcomed and knew they always had a seat at the dinner table. Many of them would later say she was like a second Mom to them. Bonnie and Axel were known to take in youth from time to time, and even had a foreign exchange student as a host family for the program in the ‘70s.

Bonnie loved spending time with both her sisters, but Sally and Bonnie stayed especially close after Axel’s passing, attending Tai Chi classes and shopping together. Bonnie, Sally and Sally’s husband Fred would drive over to visit their sister Virginia who resided in Anderson, Calif., whenever they could. She really loved those trips. When at home, she loved to read books and popular fiction was a favorite. She had a gift for knitting hats, scarfs and recycling socks to use for braiding rugs.

Bonnie was predeceased by her parents Belva and General Medley; husband Axel Lindgren II; sisters Virginia Hughes, and Sally Vanni; brothers-in-law Hank Hughes; William Lindgren; Glen Lindgren and Charles Lindgren. Sisters-in-law Louisa (Lindgren) Little; Francis (Lindgren) Meickle; Stella (Lindgren) Fredericksen; Georgia (Lindgren) Fullwider; Dixie (Lindgren) Benedict. Nephew Greg Hughes. Daughters-in-law Peggy Lindgren and Anna Lindgren.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Axel Lindgren III; Paris Lindgren (Cindy); Kris Lindgren; Lindy Lindgren (Lynn); Kelly Lindgren (Ralph); Connie Lindgren (Mike). She is also survived by her brother-in-law Fred Vanni; sisters-in-law Roberta Lindgren; Wilda Gallacci and grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchild, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many relatives too numerous to mention but still special to Bonnie.

Services to be held at a later date.

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Michael Allen Walstrom, age 74, passed away peacefully at home with family December 25, 2020 after a year long battle with ALS. Michael was born September 24, 1946 to Allen and Bernice Walstrom. He grew up in Fruitland Ridge and graduated from South Fork High School in 1966. Mike was drafted into the military in 1966 and served in the 68th Assault Helicopter Company, 145th Aviation Battalion until 1967. After Vietnam, Mike moved back to Humboldt County and landed in Rio Dell, where he started working at Pacific Lumber Company.

Mike met and married the love of his life, LeeAnn, in 1976 after a short courtship. They enjoyed life in Rio Dell until 1988 when they moved to Fortuna. Mike’s greatest joy came from his two children, Scott and Holly. He was so proud of both of his children. Once his grandchildren, Jordan and Madison were born, you would often hear him bragging about what they were up to. He loved watching them grow and enjoyed every minute he spent with them. The newest addition to the Walstrom family is his great granddaughter, Hailey Magnolia, she brought so much happiness to his life this last year.

Mike worked over 38 years for the Pacific Lumber Company as a Locomotive Operator then as a Machinist before he retired from PL in 2008. He left there with many close friends that he considered family. Always the busy body and hard worker he started working for Best Western as their maintenance man. He loved working with the crew at the Best Western and they always held a special place in his heart. Even after he retired from the hotel, he would visit the BW staff to have a coffee and gossip. He was always ready to help anyone who asked and enjoyed fixing anything that needed to be worked on. You could always find him in his shop making bird feeders or working on other projects for his family and friends. Mike’s favorite place to spend his spare time was at their Ruth Lake property, Swedish Flat. He spent many years working hard to build a beautiful home away from home. He loved having everyone gather for cocktails, to share stories, relax and create life long memories. Mike enjoyed spending every hunting season at the cabin with his friend Jim Barsanti. There was always more projects and cocktails then hunting.

In later years Mike and LeeAnn enjoyed traveling from Mexico, Alaska to New York, Maryland and Canada. They created many memories throughout their travels. Mike made friends easily and touched many hearts throughout his life. Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, a caring father, a loving grandpa and a true friend. He will be missed by all.

Mike is survived by his wife LeeAnn; his son Scott Walstrom and wife Kristy of Spiro Oklahoma; his daughter Holly Nally and husband Justin of Carlotta; his grandchildren Jordan and Madison; great granddaughter Hailey Magnolia; brother Steve Walstrom and wife Lynn along with many nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to thank everyone who reached out during Mike’s illness, especially Steve and Lynn, Jim and Linda Barsanti, Mike and Sue Strahan and Jan and Vern Belisle. You all hold a special place in our hearts. Mike is proceeded in death by his parents Allen and Bernice Walstrom, sisters JoAnn Gillum and Leona Collins.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to:

The ALS Association Golden Chapter
P.O. Box 565
Agoura Hills, CA. 91376-0565
In Honor of Michael Walstrom.

Friends and Family are invited to celebrate Mike’s life at the Fortuna Nazarene Church 1355 Ross Hill Rd. at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

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Patrick David Hurley, 61, of Tucson, Ariz., passed away in his home of natural causes on October 24, 2020. Patrick was born in Coos Bay on 8/21/1959 to John Hurley and Lorraine (Danaher) Hurley and was the third of an eventual five children. At the young age of two, Patrick moved with his family to Humboldt County and except for a brief year in Fort Bragg, Calif., he grew up in Humboldt County California. His family settled in the Rohnerville community of Fortuna when he was in 3rd grade where he attended Toddy Thomas Elementary School. Patrick graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1977. 

Back in those early schoolhouse days, Patrick was active in 4-H, participated in Boy Scouts, tended his animals and a variety of interests. He was intelligent (he could be found reading encyclopedias on a rainy day), and creative as he constructed a homemade camera from cardboard that actually took pictures. As with any American male, once he entered the teen years, cars became his focus. It has been reported that he would cut school, grab a buddy, hop in his Pinto (a car) and drive to neighboring Eureka to “cruise for chicks.” According to Patrick’s brother Dennis, as a young adult Pat enjoyed the iconic North Coast Cultural Scene of the late 1970s and 1980s, attending concerts, following bands, working local restaurants and living carefree.

As the son of a commercial salmon fisherman, Patrick spent time with his father at sea, plucking salmon out of the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest. However, Patrick’s calling would eventually lead him to a career cooking those very same salmon in a variety of venues. He started out in high school working for the locally famous Bob’s Footlong next to the high school before moving to Johnny’s Cookhouse in Fortuna. After dabbling in other jobs, Patrick always returned to cooking where he eventually developed into a masterful cook with tantalizing down-home recipes. He could easily work his kitchen magic in and between fine restaurants, family diners, cafes and rustic private lodges. He even helped with the locally famous Fourth of July Salmon BBQ in Fort Bragg where his father and mother eventually spent their summers.

As with so many young cooks, Patrick learned and honed his skills working in many establishments in many communities up and down the coast of California and Oregon. He even spent a few years in Palm Springs where he worked for Sonny Bono at Bono’s Italian Restaurant and received personal compliments from long-time resident Bob Hope. Upon returning to Humboldt County from the far southern part of the State, Patrick worked at such local icons as the Eureka Inn and the Waterfront Bar and Grill, where he also reigned as Champion in their oyster eating competition for several years. Family lore states that his record still stands and the number of oysters consumed increases with each telling. He also worked at the Ivanhoe in Ferndale, the Scotia Inn in Scotia, The Wharf in Fort Bragg and The Ocean Grove Lodge in Trinidad, to name a few more. Patrick shared his culinary gifts with family and friends; holiday dinners will always contain warm memories of Patrick cooking and his transformative recipes. He is famous within the family for his 45-minute turkey.

In 2003, Patrick followed a job offer from a former boss and left Humboldt County for the deserts of the Southwest, settling in Tucson, Ariz. He loved his new adopted home and graciously toured visitors around historical sites and desert beauty. There Patrick continued his work in cooking with the University of Arizona until COVID-19 ended his job.

Throughout his life Patrick shared his totally off-beat sense of humor and wit with anyone who would take notice. However, you had to pay attention as you might miss a quip or a comment or completely miss the concept that he was joking. He never wanted the limelight of a classic comedian but couldn’t resist the deadpan exclamation of “rat!” standing in a cluttered garage and watch everyone jump on top of something in horror. Only to have Pat stand there totally serious, acting like everyone had lost their minds jumping around. “What?” would be his look … followed by a wry smile. Or, perhaps watching FUHS graduates solemnly file into the gym (back when they used the gym) only to exclaim to a few close audience members, “Well … another one out of the chute,” in reference to Fortuna’s rodeo days releasing the confused animal from the chute, uncertain of its fate. He just sat back and listened to folks crack up. You just had to be aware and listen.

Patrick David Hurley will be remembered as a funny, giving, thoughtful and mysterious man who softly touched many lives. Patrick’s parents pre-decease him and he leaves behind four siblings, Dennis Hurley, Maureen Makarowski, Theresa Stearn, Daniel Hurley, nieces and nephews and a huge hole which cannot be filled. Due to COVID-19 protocols, burial at Oceanview Cemetery in Eureka, Calif., will be family only on December 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

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Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

Melton

On December 23, 2020, at about 1:30 p.m., a Detective with the Eureka Police Department’s Problem Oriented Policing Team (POP) conducted a traffic stop near H and Russ Streets for a minor traffic violation. The driver was identified as 50-year-old William Mark Melton of Eureka.

The 47-year-old male passenger was found to be on searchable probation for sales of methamphetamine. During the course of the search, Melton was asked to exit the driver seat. Melton repeatedly refused and was ultimately removed from the vehicle by officers and detained in handcuffs. Melton was found to be in possession of a concealed fixed blade knife.

During the search of the vehicle, officers located 22 grams of methamphetamine, two digital scales, metal knuckles, and over $19,500 in cash. Melton claimed ownership of all of the items.
Melton was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for possession of methamphetamine for sales, transportation of methamphetamine for sales, possession of concealed dirk or dagger, possession of metal knuckles, and delaying a peace officer. The passenger was released at the scene with no charges.

The cash was seized for asset forfeiture by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.

A small part of almost every paycheck in California goes into the state’s paid family leave program, which allows workers to receive partial pay when they take time off to care for a new child or sick family member.

But many people don’t take leave because the law doesn’t ensure they can go back to their job afterward. That’s changing.

Starting Jan. 1, 2021, roughly 6 million additional Californians will be able to take family leave with the guarantee that they can come back to their jobs when it’s done.

The new law, by Democratic Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson of Santa Barbara, extends job protections once reserved for employees of large companies to most workers in California.

That should make it easier for workers to take time off that they’re already paying for.

The California Chamber of Commerce and trade groups argued the new protections would make it harder for small businesses to operate, and could expose companies to more lawsuits.

But supporters, including advocates for women, children and workers, say people should be able to take care of their families without fear of losing their jobs.

California’s new paid family leave law is part of what Gov. Gavin Newsom calls his “parents’ agenda,” which he hopes eventually will permit every baby to be cared for by a family member for the first six months of life.

Keep watching CalMatters.org for more in-a-minute videos about other new laws taking effect in 2021 — a smaller tally than usual given that the coronavirus pandemic dominated the Legislature’s 2020 session.

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

Press release from Humboldt County Administrative Office:

Supervisor-Elect Michelle Bushnell and Supervisors Rex Bohn and Mike Wilson will all begin new four-year terms on the Board of Supervisors following a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, Jan. 4. Following COVID-19 protocol, the ceremony will begin at noon on the front steps of the Humboldt County Courthouse. Judge Joyce Hinrichs will deliver the oath.

Supervisor-Elect Bushnell won her seat in November and will represent the 2nd District. Bushnell has been an active member of the second district for decades having served as a school district trustee, a Rotarian and the president of the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce.

Supervisor Bohn was reelected in March for a fourth [third] term and will continue to represent the 1st District. Supervisor Wilson was also reelected in March for a second term and will continue to represent the 3rd District. 

The next Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2021 at 9 a.m.

Enough is enough! Your President of Positivity is ready to burn 2020 to the ground! To assist in this necessary task, this week Michaele has recruited her fiery friend Bella (IG: @BellaFireDance) who was kind enough to provide us all with a sample of her fire spinning skills. 

It only gets brighter from here! We’re in this together! Humboldt together!

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Perhaps You’d Like to Explore Previous Mondays With Michaele For Some Reason!