Stern, but do I detect just a hint of a smile? Photo: Sequoia Park Zoo.

Sad news from the zoo this morning. Cheyenne, the beautiful bald eagle, has moved on to that big perch in the sky.

As the zoo shares on its lively social media channel:

Sequoia Park Zoo is sad to share that Cheyenne, the bald eagle, has passed away due to heart failure.

Cheyenne will be remembered as a foodie who loved quail and for enjoying her baths in the pond every evening. Cheyenne was found as a wild eagle who was hit by a vehicle, causing a disability that prevented her from flying. She found her forever home as an ambassador at Sequoia Park Zoo in 2014. She was an excellent hopper and navigated easily around her habitat, which was designed in stair step style for her to access high perching.

Bald eagles do not attain their adult coloration until they are about five years old. When Cheyenne’s injuries were treated at the Teton Raptor Center in Wyoming, she was already in her adult plumage. So although we do not know how old Cheyenne was, she was at least 16 years old, perhaps much older. She will be missed by our staff and community.

Velma Ruth Childs
October 16, 1923 – January 6, 2026

Velma Ruth Childs, age 102, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026 in her home in Redcrest. Velma was born on October 16, 1923, in Mattole, to Ray and Maude Hunter. In true Mattole fashion, she was placed in a dresser drawer in the kitchen until the doctor could arrive. She was raised in Mattole and remained deeply connected to the valley throughout her life. During her high school and college years, she lived away from home but returned to Mattole on weekends. She graduated from Ferndale High School and later earned her teaching degree from Humboldt State University.

In 1946, she married Robert Childs and moved to his family ranch in Redcrest, where they raised their two sons, Steven Childs and Robin Childs. Robert Childs, her first husband and the father of her children, passed away in 1997. Velma later married Earl Titus in 1999, and they remained married until his passing in 2004.

Velma devoted 33 years to teaching, serving generations of students throughout Humboldt County. She taught in Crannell, Carlotta, Weott, Redway and later returned to Weott, where she completed her teaching career. She was deeply beloved as an educator, and even in her later years, her family would frequently encounter former students who remembered her with great affection.

Her family was very active in the Mattole Valley, and Velma continued that legacy throughout her life. She remained active with the Mattole Valley Historical Society, the Southern Humboldt Garden Club and the Redcrest Community Grange. She was a founding member of the Weott Christian Church and was one of the longest-standing members of the North Coast Division of the California Retired Teachers Association. Ferndale remained dear to her throughout her life, and she faithfully read the Ferndale Enterprise, staying closely connected to the community she loved.

Of all the loves of Velma’s life, her greatest love was Jesus. Her faith shaped how she lived, how she loved others and how she served her community. She found deep joy in talking with others about her faith and in teaching children Sunday school lessons. For a time, many of the children in the town of Redcrest would come to her home after school for a snack and a lesson about Jesus — moments she cherished and that left a lasting impact on those she taught. Another favorite after-school tradition was sharing ice cream with her granddaughter Kara while they watched The Love Boat. Velma had a lifelong love of ice cream and milkshakes, a simple pleasure she never outgrew.

Velma loved hosting family and friends at the ranch in Redcrest. Many people carry fond memories of hayrides, square dancing parties, vibrant Fourth of July celebrations, big Easter parties and other gatherings filled with laughter and connection. One of her most treasured features of the property was the historic one-room schoolhouse — one of only eight still standing in the United States. She delighted in giving guided tours, ensuring every visitor signed the guest book and sharing the “Rules for Teachers” from the 1800s. She also served as a docent at the Centerville Schoolhouse during the Humboldt County Fair, a place especially meaningful to her, as she had attended that school as a child.

Velma enjoyed gardening, square dancing and traveling, especially with family and friends. She traveled to 36 states and several foreign countries, taking many memorable trips with dear friends Ardith and Betty.

Mornings often began with one of Velma’s favorite rituals — sharing coffee and a pastry with Paul. As the day went on, she could often be found outdoors, walking with her walker, two cats faithfully alongside her, searching for the perfect sunny spot to sit and enjoy the day. Her love for people, history, learning and the land itself defined her life and left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Velma loved games and could outplay nearly anyone at Scrabble, Solitaire and Upwords. She also enjoyed doing puzzles, often spending time working on them with her caregiver, Beth. In her later years, Velma enjoyed getting out and about for simple outings—getting her nails done, going for car rides (even when the destination was a doctor’s appointment), shopping, running errands and going out to lunch. Many of these everyday activities were shared with her granddaughter, Becca and brought Velma great enjoyment.

Evenings were a cherished ritual, centered around nightly dinners made with love by Val and enjoyed with Robin, Becca and whoever else joined for the evening. The nights often ended with favorite films — frequently Hallmark movies, and for a memorable stretch of time, an impressively long Star Trek marathon — followed by being tucked in for the night, moments for which Velma was always deeply grateful.

Velma also enjoyed lunch dates and outings to town with her special companion, Keith Sperry. She treasured visits from her nieces and nephews, including Mary and Lars, as well as time spent with friends who stopped by over the years. Saturdays often found Velma riding around the ranch with her son Steve, something she truly loved and looked forward to. She was deeply grateful for the many caregivers who supported her over the years, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Maude Hunter; her husbands, Robert Childs and Earl Titus; her siblings, Wesley Hunter (2003), Daniel Hunter (2001) and Virginia Hunter (Mast, Curzon, Tuxon) (2001); her nephew John Curzon (2005); her niece Joan Curzon Miller (Terry) (2024); her nephew James Mast (2012); and several of her lifelong friends, including Ardith Thompson Bilyeu, Betty Teasley, Doris Chartier and Janice Peers Slack, among many others.She is survived by her sons, Steven Childs and Robin Childs, her daughter-in-law Val Childs; her grandchildren, Kara Childs and Rebecca Childs; her great-grandchildren, Jayden Zamudio and Jensen Stephens, who lovingly knew her as “GG”; her special companion, Keith Sperry; her nieces and nephews, including Mary Larson (Lars), Billy Hunter, Daniel Hunter and Ray Mast; numerous cousins; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Service Information: Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Goble’s Mortuary, 560 12th Street, Fortuna.

Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mattole Valley Historical Society or the Southern Humboldt Garden Club.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Velma Childs’ family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Sherria (Sheri) Tyler, age 75, was born on January 1, 1950, and following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, she passed away peacefully, in her home on November 29, 2025.

Sheri was an accomplished spinner, knitter and teacher. She taught spinning lessons to various groups in Humboldt County. Sheri raised, sheered, spun and knitted her animals’ fleece (alpacas, angora goats, llamas and sheep), and sold them at the Arcata Farmer’s Market for 23 years.

Sheri is survived by her husband, Steve Tyler of Arcata; two sons — Zack Tyler of Washington State and Josh Tyler of Vermont State; and three grandchildren.

The Tyler family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Humboldt for the care, compassion, and comfort provided to Sheri during the last few weeks of her life. Memorial donations may be made directly to Hospice of Humboldt in Eureka.

Press release from the County of Humboldt:

The County of Humboldt was saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Fifth District Supervisor Anna Sparks. Sparks was a dedicated leader for Northern California and represented Humboldt County on both the state and federal levels throughout her career.

She served as Fifth District Supervisor for twelve years from 1982 to 1994.

In recognition of her service, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will adjourn their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13 in Sparks’ honor and the County of Humboldt will fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in Supervisor Sparks’ honor Tuesday, Jan. 13 through sunset on Friday, Jan. 16.

Known to some as “Chainsaw Annie,” Sparks was a spirited advocate for the region, especially on critical issues like water policy, the local timber economy and support for rural communities.

“Anna was incredibly loyal to the Fifth District,” said Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone.  “Her passion and dedication to public service and her care for this community meant a lot to so many people. She will be deeply missed.”

Close friends of Sparks would like to share that Humboldt County is a better place because of her dedicated service. During her tenure as Fifth District Supervisor, Sparks was appointed to serve on the California North Coast Regional Water Board and the California Community Economic Revitalizations Team. She was also appointed by President Bush as chair of the Klamath River Compact Commission. Anna Sparks Way in McKinleyville was also named in her honor.

“Anna leaves behind an incredible legacy in the Fifth District,” said First District Supervisor Rex Bohn. “She represented her district and the county well throughout her long career. She loved Humboldt and its people and will be missed by so many, including myself.”

Please join the County of Humboldt in extending its heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those who benefited from her leadership and commitment to public service in Humboldt County.

###

Facebook post from the Northern California Community Blood Bank:

A slowdown in donations at the end of December and into the new year has left us in need of Type O donors, especially Type O-. We are now entering the third week of January with no O- blood available at the blood bank. While local hospitals still have limited supplies on their shelves, once those units are used, we have nothing available to replenish them. If you are Type O-negative, please donate as soon as possible.

O-negative donors are universal donors, meaning your blood can be given to any blood type and is especially vital in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown.

Donate today:

• Bloodmobile at Wildberries Marketplace in Arcata: 12:00–6:00 PM
• Blood Bank on Harrison: Open until 6:00 PM

If you’re unable to donate today, please visit nccbb.org to view our bloodmobile schedule and blood bank hours. Please spread the word.

###

Ed. note: On Friday, a caller asked us if there was a protest planned for the Courthouse the next day. We couldn’t immediately find evidence of it. But then your correspondent drove by on Saturday and there the protesters were. Apologies to our caller.

Fortunately, Friends o’ the LoCO Ted Pease and Jamie Blatter sent us dispatches from actions in Arcata and Trinidad over the weekend.

###

Trinidad Indivisible
Trinidad Protest: ‘Few, But Fierce’

By Ted Pease

More than 75 people (and six dogs) turned out for Trinidad Indivisible’s protest on Sunday against the killing of a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman by a masked ICE agent,

“ICE Out for Good” was the theme of nationwide weekend protests decrying the death of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot three times in the head by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on Wednesday as she tried to drive away from a confrontation.

Photo: Pease.

At Trinidad’s rally and in other marches from Seattle to Miami, protesters called for abolishment of ICE — the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that has been scouring communities for suspected illegal immigrants on orders from the Trump White House.

Trinidad protesters waved signs at passing motorists, the vast majority of whom honked and waved back in support. Spirits were high, but the demonstrators’ purpose and determination were deadly serious, participants said. “Trump is evil,” one woman said. “He has to go.”

Singing and chanting, the group marched through Trinidad to the Harbor overlook and back, waving signs against President Donald Trump’s “Evil, Authoritarian Agenda” and “Keep Us Safe and Free from the Dictator DT.”

Trinidad Indivisible founder Tina Freeland said she was gratified by the turnout, especially at short notice. “We want to send a message to Renee’s family, to the Portland couple shot on Thursday by federal agents, to all those who have been targeted/terrorized by ICE and especially to our elected lawmakers that this cannot continue!” Indivisible Trinidad said online. When Freeland created the group last fall, she was told it was the smallest Indivisible chapter in the country.

The group grew out of efforts by Barbara Snell, 94, who flew the American flag upside down — a signal of distress — outside her Main Street home, and held a solo anti-Trump rally on Main Street in April 2025. That grew to a dozen or so for a first “No Kings” rally last summer to nearly 50 in October.

Among the signs at Sunday’s “ICE Out for Good” rally:

• “Fight Fascism”
• “Remember Renee”
• “This is What a Domestic Terrorist Looks Like”
• “No Tax Cut for Billionaires”
• “Melt Ice”
• “Hate Will Not Make Us Great”
• “When Masked Goons Rule Our Streets, We Have Domestic Terrorism by Secret Police”
• “Make America Sane Again”
• “Stay Peaceful. It Confuses Them”

As the demonstrators broke up, one man commented: “I didn’t see any ICE thugs. I think it worked.”

###

From Jamie Blatter, in Arcata:

Dozens of protesters gathered to protest the increase of ICE presence and violence across the country, voicing their outrage over the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota earlier this week. Protestors had homemade signs and upside-down US flags. Signs read messages such as “melt ice,” “do you not see the suffering?”, and ” we are allowing murder.” Protestors gathered on the corner of 8th and G and did several laps around the Plaza, waving signs and chanting phrases such as “no hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.”

This protest is one of many happening all across the country this week. The event was organized by community member Jacob Sonye, a first-time organizer who felt called to action. 

“We felt compelled to gather, reinforce, and stand up for rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution and by law. We feel that ICE’s actions not only violate constitutional and human freedoms, but also diminishes trust and cohesion within our communities and our government. Our aim is to help people realize that they can be a part of rebuilding and reinvigorating for change” said Sonye. 

Does thinking about the climate crisis get you down? Do you feel guilty about your consumption? Do you feel overwhelmed thinking about all that dooms our planet? Your emotional response to the state of the environment is understandable — good, even! — but if it is impacting your capacity to live a full and vibrant life, maybe it’s time to take action. Ecochaplain Hanna Nielsen joins the show to discuss how to become a more resilient (and more impactful) person. Hanna, together with the Good Grief Network, is also hosting a 10-week program this spring on building community and personal resilience. Details at the bottom of this post.

###