Barbara Geraldine Romero Clement
March 1, 1934 – October 25, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Barbara Geraldine Romero-Clement, a cherished mother, aunt, grandmother, and performer, who left this world after a life full of love, laughter, and artistry. Born on March 1, 1934, in Santa Barbara, Barbara’s indomitable spirit shone brightly from her earliest days.

A performer at heart, Barbara took her first bold step into the spotlight at just 16 years old, eagerly auditioning with the same passion and enthusiasm that would define her extraordinary life. Her talent graced numerous stages, including the historic Eureka Inn, captivating audiences across local venues.

Barbara’s journey reached new heights when she fulfilled her dreams of performing on a grand scale, traveling the world aboard a renowned cruise ship, touching hearts and sharing joy through music. In 1999, she celebrated another milestone by creating and releasing her first CD, “My Romance,” a testament to her dedication to her craft and love for expression.

Barbara was known for her fierce spirit and rebellious courage from a young age. As a teenager, she delighted in charting her own course, often sharing spirited tales of sneaking away on forbidden motorcycle rides—stories filled with laughter and bold defiance against her parents’ cautious wishes. It was in those moments of the escapade that Barbara truly came alive, embodying the freedom of youth and the joy of living in the moment.

Even as a child, nicknamed, Little Iodine, Barbara’s love for life was apparent. At just five years old, she would eagerly accompany her uncle to the docks, where she experienced the thrill of the sailors’ homecoming, singing cheerful tunes like “A Tisket, A Tasket,” while her uncle lovingly sold flowers — a vibrant and joyful scene that she cherished throughout her life.

Her artistic spirit was rivaled only by her boundless love for family. An active member of the Latin American community in Eureka and devote to her faith, Barbara dedicated her life to uplifting those around her. To her many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, Barbara was more than just an aunt and grandmother; she was a treasured confidante and whimsical friend. She delighted in hosting extravagant tea parties, where imagination knew no bounds, and mischievous laughter filled the air. Proper table manners were perhaps her only requirement; beneath her playful exterior lay a steadfast belief in tradition and kindness. Her festive spirit shone brightly each Christmas as she donned whimsical outfits, bringing joy to her young grandchildren and family friends through caroling for local senior citizens. It was during these special gatherings that Barbara instilled the values of joy and creativity that they will carry with them forever.

In her later years, Barbara never lost her sass; her signature phrases like “That’s Nice Honey”, “Twecko”, “How Buggy”, and “Mas Para El Rancho, Then” became affectionately cherished mantras in her family. These memorable sayings encapsulated her ability to blend warmth and mischief in equal measure.

Barbara is survived by her sons, Kenneth Osborne and Steven Osborne, and her siblings, Jose Romero, Frances Kottre, Yvonne Larson, and William Bryant. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her 24 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, in addition to numerous adoring nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Barbara rejoins her beloved parents, Joseph Romero and Elizabeth Cota Hunter, her children, Julie Ann James, and Jeffery Osborne, along with her dear siblings, Mary Ann Stewart, Betty Beatty, and Dick Romero, in eternal peace.

Her radiant spirit and kind heart will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Barbara’s life was a celebration, and her legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of her family, friends, and countless lives she touched through her music and love.

A memorial service in honor of Barbara Geraldine Romero Clement will be held on November 23, 2024, at Noon, St. Bernard’s Catholic Parish, 615 H Street, Eureka, followed by a graveside service at Oceanview Cemetery.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Barbara Clement’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Kristin Diane Aubrey was born March 25, 1967 at the General Hospital in Eureka and passed away peacefully in her sleep, with her loved ones by her side, on November 8, 2024 in Yreka. Kristin is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Calvin “Henry” Aubrey and Omalee Aubrey, maternal grandmother Marjorie Laurentsin; parents Joann Aubrey, Calvin Aubrey, step-father Loren Aubrey; siblings Loren “Bubba” Aubrey, Brenda “Brat” Aubrey, Carla Aubrey, and Margarett Lee Moon, Arlyss Goodman, and Edmond Moon.

Kristin is survived by her children Linda Robinson, Troy & Jalea Aubrey, Stephanie Tibbett, Wallace Aubrey, Bessie Aubrey; Siblings- Scott Aubrey, Jodene Aubrey, Lorann Aubrey, Edward “Horse” Aubrey, Hank Aubrey, Buck Aubrey, Shelly Moon, Kassandra Moon, and Geraldine Moon; Grandchildren- Maya Trimble, Kali & Kaydence Batiste, Curtis & Kami Robinson, Laila & Lawrence Walker. And Many Nieces and nephews whom she loved like her own.

Kristin was an enrolled member of the Karuk Tribe and a descendent of the Yurok and Ute Tribes. She loved her Native culture and heritage. She had a lot of knowledge in gathering medicine, basket materials, and regalia making. She was a singer and always sang Native and Christian songs no matter who was around. She taught cultural classes to the youth and would teach anyone who was interested in learning.

In her younger days she was a force to be reckoned with, a Humboldt County Legend. She had a rough upbringing and used her testimony to help people later on, she didn’t let her rough upbringing “define” her.

Kristin went to Zoe Barnum High School and proceeded to get her A.A. degree in Substance Abuse Counseling/ Behavioral & Social Sciences from College of the Redwoods. Kristin was a drug and alcohol counselor for most of her life and a proud member of the A.A./ N.A. community. She helped mold the Humboldt County Detox Program in Eureka, CA to what it is today.Kristin then moved to Yreka and was a DUI Counselor for the Karuk Tribe. While working as a DUI Counselor she was a foster parent and adopted her children Bessie and Wallace Aubrey. She moved to Lakeport to help take care of her aunt Linda and uncle Doug in their older age. While in Lakeport she worked for the tribe in Ukiah, in the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. She then moved to Colorado to help with her grandchildren while her daughter Linda pursued her Real Estate Career. She moved back to Yreka and became a cultural mentor for the Karuk Tribe. She taught several cultural classes and helped children connect to their Karuk culture.

Her life in recovery was important to her and she was always involved in sweats, the red road, N.A./A.A., church and helped countless people on their paths to recovery. She had a big heart for everyone and was always there for everyone in their time of need. She helped countless people along her journey. Her love for her family was unlike any other, she will always be remembered as the one who kept her family together through the good times and the bad. The job she loved the most was being a grandma and auntie, she was always there for her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She had many family and friends who she cared for. She will forever be remembered for her loving character and she will always be missed.

To accommodate all those who loved her in Humboldt and Siskiyou Counties, her services will be held at the Karuk Tribe (DNR) building in Orleans, on Saturday November 16, 2024 at 12 p.m., followed by her last ride to Aubrey Ranch for graveside services and burial, ending with a potluck style reception at the DNR building. If anyone has a special recipe that they know Kristin loved, please bring it to share.

Pallbearers: Scott Aubrey, Edward “Horse” Aubrey, Sunnybuck Aubrey, Frank Cooke, Mike Flowers, Jessy Minard, Loren TwoFeathers Offield, Amos Albers, Kanuk Jones, Reggie Stanshaw, Nelson Thom, Jack Thom, Jack Thom III, Charles Hayden, Raymond Hayden, Ernie Schmidt, Dane Starr, Sheldon Osceola and James Gensaw.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Kristin Aubrey’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Julie Ann (Osborne) James, born on August 31, 1952, in Santa Barbara, California, passed away peacefully in Eureka, California, on March 10, 2024. She was the beloved daughter of Ralph Osborne and Barbara Romero.

Julie enjoyed a fulfilling, creative career as a cosmetologist and was an active member of the Latin American club. She loved music, was a talented dancer, and was a passionate and dedicated fan of the 49ers. However, her greatest joy came from dedicating her life to the care and nurturing of her children.

She is survived by her son, John-Paul James; her daughter, Alisa James; her brothers, Ken, Steven, and Jeff Osborne; as well as a loving extended family including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.

A celebration of Julie’s life will take place at St. Bernard Catholic Parish, located at 615 H Street in Eureka, on November 16 at 12 p.m. Julie will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Stacy Yates, born August 1954, left us for the stars unexpectedly the night of November 3, 2024.

Tay was loved deeply by her two daughters, Courtney (Steve) and Tana (Nik), and her four grandsons, Trevor, Camron, Jasper and Weston. She was the glue of our family. She’s held us all close for all her years. She was a selfless woman who would help anyone who needed it. She opened her heart and home to many of her daughters friends over the years and was a surrogate mother to many. She’s changed so many lives with her heart, and was a safe haven for people. She also opened her heart and home to the many (many) animals her daughters brought home over the years. A stray cat her oldest brought home became her favorite child, a silver tabby, Jericho. He was her baby and she treated him as such, spoiled rotten! She was always there for her family and never let us go without. We always knew we were loved and important. She gave all of herself always for her family and made us all the best versions of ourselves we could be. We are proud to have been born to such a strong, beautiful and giving person.

Those who knew her will remember her laugh and wicked sense of humor. She loved fishing out in the bay or ocean, crabbing and abbing, before it was closed. She loved cooking, barbecuing and making jerky in her smoker. Most of all she loved being with her family. We’ll never forget her Christmas baskets of homemade fudge, jams and smoked meats. She had a talent for art, even if she didn’t think it was that great. There were many Halloweens with homemade ghost, bats and witches made from freezer paper and colored in by us kids. There was one year her homemade reindeer decorated the Christmas tree at the Eureka Inn — she was damn proud of that.

She was always ready for a game of Rummy, Crazy Eights or Go Fish with the grandkids. We will forever miss her and we will never be able to fill the hole she’s left in our hearts and lives in leaving. There are so many stories and things we can add about how wonderful of a person our mom was, and her humor — this could go on for pages to create a novel. If you have any great stories of Mom, please share them as we’d love to read them.

Since Mom didn’t want a service we ask, in lieu of flowers or donations, that you take some extra time to hold your loved ones a bit closer and never take for granted a single moment because we are not promised tomorrow.

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

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Nearly 360 acres of coastal dunes and wetlands are back in the hands of the Wiyot Tribe.

Tribal leaders, local elected officials, environmentalists and other noteworthies gathered at the Samoa Women’s Club today to celebrate the long-awaited return of Digawututklh [pronunciation], formerly known as the Samoa Dunes and Wetlands Conservation Area, a 357-acre swath of sand dunes, maritime forest and seasonal wetlands on the Samoa Peninsula. The land return ceremony featured speeches from numerous local leaders, as well as songs and dances from Wiyot Tribal members.

“As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Keep your eyes on the prize,’” said Cheryl Seidner, a former Chairwoman of the Wiyot Tribe. “And that prize is for all of us to see the [return] of the land that was taken away from us.”

Friends of the Dunes has spent the last 25 years working with the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the California Natural Resources Agency, the California State Coastal Conservancy and others to acquire the peninsula site, also known as Dog Ranch, for long-term conservation management. In 2005, Friends of the Dunes secured the funding needed to purchase the property but those plans were stymied when Eureka businessman Rob Arkley swooped in at the eleventh hour to outbid the non-profit. 

The property was listed for sale in 2014 and eventually sold to a coalition of local and state conservation groups. Friends of the Dunes assumed temporary ownership of the property in October 2020 with the goal of transferring the property for long-term management.

“Today, we celebrate the return of Digawututklh,” said Wiyot Tribal Chair Brian Mead. “Traditionally, the Wiyot people lived along the Samoa Peninsula. This area was a place where we gathered food … caught surf fish and dug plants to feed our families. The forest here is peppered and plants that we traditionally use for our culture. … We hope to restore this place and return to our cultural practices.”

“Friends of the Dunes has been involved in protecting this site for more than 30 years, but that pales in comparison to the generations of Wiyot who have had a relationship with this land, which is now being returned,” said Friends of the Dunes board member Carol Vander Meer. “We pledge our support in whatever ways are helpful to the Tribe, be that in assisting with guided walks, securing funding for ongoing stewardship or collaborative work days. We would be honored to play a supporting role in ensuring that this place continues to be revered and protected and enjoyed for generations to come.”

Humboldt County Supervisor Natalie Arroyo acknowledged that it can be easy to get bogged down by the “bureaucratic stuff” that comes with working in politics, but noted that “this is one of those moments” that makes it all worth it.

“It is incredible to be here and to be able to – not take credit for – but bear witness to and celebrate together what people have spent their entire life working toward,” Arroyo said, her voice wavering with emotion. “This is one of those moments.”

Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel briefly spoke about the historic return of Tuluwat Island, which was approved by the Eureka City Council in 2019, and the importance of the Land Back Movement.

“Why land back? Because it’s the right thing to do,” Bergel said. “To be able to witness this here today, and to be a part of that in the past has been a real, a real blessing to me. … Hopefully, the healing will continue and we’ll move forward.”

Keep scrolling for more pictures of today’s land return ceremony. 

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PREVIOUSLY: 

• Friends of the Dunes Temporary Management of 357 Acres of Samoa Dunes, Wetlands and Coastal Forest; Organization Looking Outside to Determine Permanent Ownership of Dog Ranch Property
• Harbor District, Friends of the Dunes Develop Agreement With Security National to Acquire Oceanfront Dog Ranch, Conservation Group Announces
• “Buying binge reflects his vision, Arkley says,” NCJ, April 28, 2005

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Nov. 2 at about 6 p.m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were notified by citizens that a deceased body was discovered at a power plant in Blue Lake on Taylor Way.

Deputies responded to the scene and launched an immediate investigation with the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office. The initial investigation indicates that this was possibly an accidental electrocution.

Due to the nature of the decedent’s body and state of decomposition, the Coroner’s Office is working to identify the person. If anyone believes they may know the identity of this deceased male, please call the Coroner’s Office at (707) 445-7242.

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.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Nov. 12 at about 11:55 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 4900 block of Alto St. in Eureka for the report of shots fired at a residence. 

The Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a similar incident that occurred on November 6, 2024.  In both incidents, an unknown suspect shot multiple times into dwellings on Alto St. The Nov. 6 incident occurred in the 4800 block, and the Nov. 12 incident occurred in the 4900 block of Alto St. Spent bullet casings were found on scene upon initial investigation at each incident. 

Both incidents are currently under investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office is working to determine if there is any connection between the two. There were no reported injuries in either incident, only property damage.

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.