Richard was born in Fresno County on April 22, 1940, to Willia and Eleanor Crowston. He passed away on July 11, 2024, in Ferndale.

Richard graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology. On graduating, he was an engineer for several different aircraft manufacturers. He then became an entrepreneur, founding Vintage Aircraft Services out of the airport in Selma, California, where he restored classic aircraft and “warbirds” – vintage military craft.

It was then he met his wife, Joanne. They married on May 12, 1979, and were married 36 years until Joanne’s death in October 1975.

In the early 1990s, Richard joined the Army National Guard and was deployed to Belgium during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, where he repaired aircraft in the military effort. He returned to the United States to work at the 1106th AVCRAD (Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot) in Fresno. He retired from there after 16 years of repairing Army aircraft.

Richard was also a grape grower and a raisin farmer on his wife’s family ranch in Fresno County until the ranch was sold and they moved to Ferndale. Richard lived in Ferndale for 17 years until his death at 84.

Richard enjoyed his life to the fullest. He was a train enthusiast, and his grandkids loved playing on the genuine caboose in the backyard at the ranch. He dabbled in photography and making stained glass. He loved trains, planes, and motorcycles, and was known for riding his motorcycle with delighted people in its sidecar in Ferndale parades. Richard called himself a “jack of all trades and a master of none,” but everything he tried he did well.

Richard is survived by four stepchildren, nine grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. He had many friends who will dearly miss him, especially Jack and Joanne Crlenjak; his service friends Joel Hippinger, Jim Rossiter, Steve Lopez, Don Ariola, and Slick (Earl); CJ, Doug, and many others.

A memorial service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, on September 28, 2024 at 3 p.m. At Richard’s request, a potluck will follow the service at the church.

Any remembrances may be given to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, or another favorite charity.

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James ‘Jim’ Robert Marvel
December 22, 1960 - June 3, 2024

With the heaviest hearts, we announce Jim’s passing on June 3, 2024, at 63. Jim was born on December 22, 1960, to Joe and Peggy Marvel of Eureka.

Jim was a kind and loving soul with the most beautiful distinguished eyes — one green and one blue — but it was his heart captured everyones attention. He attended Eureka Senior High, graduating in 1979. After that, he became a glazier journeyman, working in general construction and security after graduating from the police academy. Before retiring, he worked as a maintenance director at a skilled nursing facility, where he always shared God’s word with the residents and employees. Jim was a unique and compassionate individual who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. If he were not working, Jim would be writing, and few had the opportunity to read his treasured excerpts and how all of his writings would start with the phrase, “From quill to keyboard, the path has not changed, who can harness the inspiration of the blank page?” He left many beautiful letters to his family that they would read for years.

James was an active Pine Hill Baptist Church member for many years, serving as the youth pastor. He often influenced the younger generations to serve at the local food kitchen and took them on memorable adventures, such as horseback riding and kite flying. James’s favorite role was that of a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and loved being their Papa, never missing a recital or sporting event.

He is preceded in death by his loving mother, Peggy Lightfoot; his father, Joe Marvel; his eldest son, James Jr. Marvel; and daughter, Jessica Marvel.

Jim is survived by his children Chelsey and Emmanuel Herrera, Ashley and Jose Chiu, and Joseph Marvel; as well as his handsome grandsons Jace James and Malakai Nehemiah; and his breathtaking granddaughters Jessica Grace, Nina Alejandra, Mia Allaia, Kamillah Rose, and Priya Anisah. His stepfather, Larry Lightfoot; his siblings, Joe and his wife Pam and their families; Linda and her husband Dave and their family; Larry and his wife Kellie and their family; and Diane and her husband Brad and their family.

His love for his family was evident in every moment he spent with them.

A celebration of life will be held in November 2024, and details of the event will follow.

Margaret Patricia Huffines
February 27, 1946 - June 25, 2024

“Meg” was one of seven children borne by Margaret P. Atkins in Greensboro. N.C. Preceded in death by her mother, father Garland Huffines, stepfather “Papa” Sam Atkins, sister Anne Harris, brother Ray Huffines, and her husband and soulmate David Carlson, Meg is survived by daughter Phaedra O’Connor, sons Damion Sharpe and Simon Carlson, grandchildren Aurora, Sebastian, Fallon, Leif, Gwen, and Samary, great-grandchildren Vernon and Emillie, brothers J. Stephen Huffines, William H Atkins, Sam W Atkins, James F Atkins, David’s brothers Paul and Peter and sister Ruth, former husband Chip Sharpe, her cousin Susan Womack, and best friend Dianna Horne.

Meg graduated from Greensboro Senior High and nursing school and began her career as a nurse. Later, with her masters degree, she became a nurse practitioner and also taught nursing school classes. In the 1970s, the formative years of Arcata’s Open Door Clinic, she was a dedicated provider of medical TLC.

Meg was an activist for peace and equality for all people. She traveled extensively with her husband David with infectious laugher, love, and compassion. She taught us to be fully in the present.

In the last years of her life Meg was fortunate to be able to spend time with family in Greensboro, North Carolina, and come live with her daughter Phaedra and granddaughter Fallon in Olivehurst, California. She had just returned from a week-long visit with her son and grandson Damion and Sebastian in Eureka and enjoyed a visit from her son Simon and granddaughter Samary before entering the hospital for surgery.

She lived a full, happy, colorful life. She traveled much of the world enjoying life with passion, purpose and deep love of family. She will be missed. Take a deep breath, appreciate your heart, and your connection to others in memory of her.

Meg will be interred in Arcata. Please bring memories of Meg to a Celebration of Life on Monday, September 9, at 2 p.m., at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Jacoby Creek Road.

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Press release from the County of Humboldt:

On Dec. 20, 2022, a 6.4 magnitude struck Humboldt County. Following the initial earthquake, the county experienced over 200 aftershocks, one of which being a 5.4 magnitude on New Year’s Day 2023 that resulted in a significant increase of reported structural damages. 

The earthquakes that shook Humboldt County caused damage to many structures, including the grandstands at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale.  

In early 2023, a structural engineering inspection determined that the grandstands at the fairgrounds were not safe for public occupancy due to earthquake-related damage. In June 2023 the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $1 million financing plan to fund the repairs the grandstands, ensuring they would be safe for the public to enjoy when visiting the fairgrounds. Temporary shoring repairs on the grandstands were completed in August of 2023. These repairs stabilized the grandstands to an acceptable safety level for public occupancy while permanent repairs are designed and implemented.

Costs accrued for repairs to earthquake-related damages to the grandstands were submitted to the state as part of the reimbursement process, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) recently reimbursed the county just over $836,200 for the majority of costs for initial earthquake-related repairs made to the grandstands. This reduces the county’s contribution for the temporary grandstand repairs to approximately $164,000. The $836,200 that was reimbursed to the county can now be used for other priority capital infrastructure repair or replacement projects.

Immediate results in long-term disaster recovery are challenging to achieve and the Humboldt County Department of Public Works continues to work in partnership with Humboldt County Fair Board and Cal OES to determine the best course of action for implementing permanent repairs to the grandstands and other buildings at the fairgrounds that were damaged by the earthquakes.

For more information and updates on Humboldt County’s Public Works Department projects, visit humboldtgov.org/publicworks.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• The Ferndale Fairgrounds’ Grandstands Are in a Perilous State of Disrepair, So the Board of Supes is Holding an Emergency Meeting Tomorrow to Discuss Possible Solutions
• THE FAIR MUST GO ON! Humboldt Supervisors Pony Up $1 Million to Fund Emergency Improvements to the Grandstands at the Ferndale Fairgrounds

Press release from Plaza Grill:

Plaza Grill is both excited and sentimental to announce that it will be transitioning at the end of September into a new Cuban-Californian fusion restaurant.

Chef Asa Maguire.

Plaza Grill has been serving delicious, thoughtfully prepared food on the third floor of Jacoby’s Storehouse in Arcata for over 35 years. Over the time, thousands of patrons have dined and enjoyed their experience at the restaurant through great food and personal customer service. Plaza Grill is both proud and honored to have served three generations of our amazing community. Still today, many of those customers enjoy food and drink at the restaurant regularly. However, as the years go on, ownership has decided that it is time for an exciting new restaurant that they are sure the community will love to take over the space.

Havana is a Cuban-Californian Fusion restaurant that will be bringing its classy atmosphere into the Plaza Grill space in the beginning of October. Owners Shona and William have been operating a renowned restaurant in the capital city of Cuba for the last eight years and are excited to bring their authentic and enticing cuisine to Arcata this fall. The restaurant will be serving dishes that blend the flavors of Cuba and California to create an experience that Humboldt County has never had before. In addition to delicious plates, they’ll also be delivering unique cocktails crafted by world-renowned mixologists and providing a space for visitors to commune, dance and more.

Yosvany Gonzalez.

Throughout the month of September, Chef Asa Maguire and Mixologist Yosvany Gonzalez will be working with the Plaza Grill team and offering unique Cuban dishes and drinks in addition to the familiar Plaza Grill menu. Asa Maguire is a talented chef who has brought his talents around the world, including New York City, San Francisco and of course, Cuba, where he learned and practiced authentic Cuban cuisine and he is excited to take what he’s learned to Arcata. Cuban Mixologist, Yosvany Gonzalez, is a world-class bartender who has spent recent years mixing up cocktails throughout Las Vegas. He loves crafting unique drinks that cater to the setting and feeling of the atmosphere and looks forward to capturing a blend of Cuba and Arcata.

Of the closure of one of Arcata’s most beloved restaurants and the opening of what they expect will be a new one, Plaza Grill owners Bill Chino and Chris Smith said,

“We are endlessly thankful to have had the opportunity to serve Humboldt County for almost four decades. Nothing will ever replace the smiling faces of regulars and the delightful conversations we’ve had with so many guests over the years. We look forward to serving each and every one of you all throughout our last month. As for the opening of Havana, we couldn’t be more excited to have such a unique restaurant coming to fill the space. The owners and team are wonderful people and we know that local foodies will love what they have to offer.”

Plaza Grill will continue to offer customers its signature menu throughout September with the addition of various Cuban-Californian dish and drink specials. Those interested in an early sneak peek at Havana can visit on Sept. 19 for a pop-up event of the soon-to-be restaurant!

To stay up to date and learn more, please follow Plaza Grill and Havana in Arcata on Facebook and Instagram.

PREVIOUSLY:

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Following up on the Kernen Construction theft and pursuit that occurred on Aug. 12, 2024, deputies developed information regarding the location of the suspect.

On Thursday, Aug. 29 at about 6:30 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 1400 block of Fay St. in Samoa to attempt an arrest warrant on Joshua Hoisington, age 42 of Blocksburg, Calif., who was involved in a theft and pursuit case that began earlier this month.

Deputies showed up to the residence, served the warrant, and thoroughly searched the location but did not locate Hoisington. During the search, they discovered firearms and drug paraphernalia at the location. While on the scene, deputies found Hoisington’s significant other, Deana Russell, offsite near the residence. Russell was taken into custody due to an outstanding felony warrant for probation violation.

The following property was discovered by deputies at the searched location:

• FNH 5.7x28 pistol

• Liberty 21.22 LR revolver

• Ruger 10/22

• Approximately 1,000 rounds of various caliber ammunition

• 5.32g of methamphetamine

• Methamphetamine pipe

• 8g of suspected psilocybin mushroom

• 2g of suspected fentanyl

Later that night, deputies located Hoisington on a traffic stop and was taken into custody without incident.

Both Hoisington and Russell were booked on the following charges:

• Having a controlled substance while armed (H&S 11370.1(a))

• Felon in possession of a firearm (PC 29800(a)(1))

• Prohibited person in possession of ammunition (PC 30305(a)(1))

• Possession of Large-Capacity Magazines (PC 32310)

This case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

CASE ONE: THE SWALLOW

On Tuesday morning, something in the swirl of barn swallows over the Marsh caught Martin Ludtke’s eye, and he managed to get video of it. Check it out:

Video: Martin Ludtke.

Did you see that?

If not, watch it again, and note that one of those swallows is white.

Knowing nothing about birds, the Outpost went to its go-to Bird Man, Rob Fowler, who confirmed Ludtke’s ID. This is an ultrarare white swallow — hard to tell whether it’s albino or leucistic from this distance — and Fowler noted that other local Bird People have spotted this sucker around the bottoms as well.

“Pretty cool to see a Barn Swallow like this!” Fowler affirmed.

Indeed, once you think to pose the question the Internet shows that Bird People around the world habitually lose their shit over such a sighting. “One in a million!” enthuses Ebro Delta Birding. “Once in a lifetime!” NestWatch raves. “Lower mean phenotypic values than other birds!” gushes Evolution: International Journal of Organic Evolution.

CASE TWO: THE SEA LION

On a sadder note: Earlier this week people started to notice the strange sight of a California sea lion swimming in Klopp Lake.

The consensus seems to be that this sea lion has chosen this place to die.

This sea lion is known to science. According to a write-up by local biologist Dawn Goley, he was tagged up in Astoria in 2017, whence he wandered up to British Columbia and now down to Humboldt.

The important thing is to remember is that if you see this guy on your stroll around the Marsh, you must give him a very wide berth — not only for his sake, but your own. Sea lions can be aggressive and unpredictable and, as Goley says, they’re a lot quicker than you think.

There’s a chance that this animal could be suffering from leptospirosis. You’ll want to be especially aware of that if you’re bringing your dog to the Marsh, according to science-adjacent Friend o’ the LoCO Jen Kalt. As in: If your dog isn’t vaccinated for lepto, or if you aren’t sure if it is, you’ll want to avoid the area entirely.

Here’s a photo of an informational poster that the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center has erected at the site: