Our beloved Raven-Simone Dancing-Cloud Doolittle, born October 23, 1993, began her journey home on August 1, 2024. Survived by her three sons: Niłtuq’lay Brown, Oscar Brown III, and Reatus Doolittle, grandmother/“mom”: Rita Fern Doolittle Rogers, grandfather: John Rogers Sr., grandmother: Linda Saxon, sisters: Roseanna Lee (Frank), Arlene Raye (Jimmy), Starlene Faye (Isaac), Mickela Xatimniim, Waterphall Savannah, Renee Ishkayish, brothers: Antone Richard, Virgil Gene, Arlen Wayne Jr. (Melissa), Shan Maureece (Sophie), Wes Glenn (Rindy), Freddy Nicknikish, Kenny Thuuk. And many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, loved ones, and her best friend, Travis Paul. Raven was preceded in death by her mother: Rachel Paula Saxon, father: Arlen Doolittle Sr., brother: Isaac Lyle Saxon, sister: Angel Louise Aubrey.

Raven was the epitome of strength and resilience. She was raised by her grandmother, Fern, and was a proud Hupa woman. When Raven was eight months old, she was diagnosed with Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy. According to her specialists, she would not live beyond the age of five. Raven was a feisty little warrior who blessed us here on earth for nearly 31 years. She was the proud mother of three beautiful boys, who were her world.

Like her late father, Arlen Doolittle Sr., she made friends wherever she went. Her father was known for his contagious loud laugh, she was known for her sweet little giggle. Raven-Simone Dancing-Cloud Doolittle loved beading, chasing sunsets, cruising the mountain roads and fishing with her boys. She was always dancing, and singing (both contemporary and traditional Hupa songs). She was adventurous with a deep love for the river. Raven had a strong passion for cooking and baking. She was talented in the kitchen, making her food from scratch, always with love. She knew how to fix your side dish without hurting your feelings and was appreciated and respected for her creative, delicious cakes and desserts. She took pride in gifting loved ones with personalized birthday cakes on their special day. Raven loved all her nieces, nephews, cousins, and siblings. She made an extra effort to show up especially for her younger siblings in any and all times of need. She would travel near and far to support her family in sports and cultural activities. She often stood up for those she cared for and was not afraid to speak her mind, quick-witted and confident, our miracle baby was forever firm and unyielding. Determined, and independent with a side of stubborn, Raven was a courageous ball of light and love.

Her wake will take place on Doolittle Flat, 572 Tish-tang Rd., Wednesday, August 7, at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities, Thursday, August 8 at 10 a.m. Burial immediately following on Doolittle Flat, 796 Tish-tang Rd.

Reception, 1 p.m. at the Fire Hall, Hoopa.

Pallbearers: Jimmy Sanders, Jayden Dauz, Isaac Bussell, Isiaih Bussell, Julian Rogers, A:de’ts-Nikya:w Rogers, Burr Rogers, Cade Maxwell-Rogers, Aiden Rogers, Travis Brown, Blaze Carpenter, Duane Carpenter, RJ Marshall, Kitsay Powell, Gabriel Anderson, Frank Surber, Zayne Doolittle, Isaac Saxon, Angel Ray Saxon, Lil’ Jake Gayton, Ralph Peters, Kimit Peters, Greg Moon, Greg Moon Jr., Daniel Aubrey, Jordan Hailey, Brently Clark, Joey Schaffer, Vito Cosce.

Honorary Pallbearers: Uncle Kenny Doolittle, Uncle Emmett Chase, Grandpa John Rogers Sr., Uncle Yogi Saxon, Virgil Doolittle, Lil Arlen Doolittle Jr., Wes Marshall, Shan Davis, Freddy Doolittle, Kenny Doolittle, Niłtuq’lay Brown, Lil Oscar Brown III, Reatus Doolittle.

Unfortunately, these past four years have been an exceptionally challenging time for Raven-Simone. She was the recipient of a heart transplant in August of 2022 and continued to fight for life, motivated by the love she had for her sons and her grandma Fern. Despite the immense challenge of her final years, Raven’s infectious laugh and love radiated out to whomever she chose to spend her time with. We send our sincerest gratitude to all Organ Donors, and a special thank you to the family who gifted Raven with a chance to live a little longer. Xa’ gya’ne.

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

After an almost four year battle with kidney cancer, Frank Shaughnessy, 64, died on June 21, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. Frank was the husband of Christel Rasmussen Shaughnessy, whom he married in Ebeltoft, Denmark, 29 years ago. He was the father of Dion and Fiona Shaughnessy, whom he loved without reservation. Frank was predeceased by his parents Anne and Jim Shaughnessy.

Frank grew up in Sudbury, Mass. and attended St. Johns in Shrewsbury, Mass. for high school. After majoring in Biology and English, Frank graduated from St. Lawrence University, N.Y. in 1982. He earned a Masters of Science in Botany at University of New Hampshire in 1986 and a Ph.D in Marine Botany and Ecology from the University of British Colombia in 1994. He taught at UBC for a year before working as a post-doc at Louisiana State University.

Frank started a position at Cal Poly Humboldt in August 1996, as a biology and marine botany professor and worked there until his retirement due to illness in August 2021. For several years, he co-chaired the Biology Department. Frank’s main research interest focused on the population and community ecology of marine algae and seagrasses. He was a founding member of the Coastal Ecosystems Institute of Northern California (CEINC). This year’s Humboldt Bay Symposium was dedicated to Frank for all his contributions to estuarial and marine ecology in Humboldt Bay and the North Coast (see below for scholarship information for students who share Frank’s interests). Although research was important to Frank, he found teaching truly fulfilling. He loved taking his students on field trips all around the North Coast. Frank spent endless hours working to ensure every one of his students had the opportunity to succeed. He won the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2021, as well as the Outstanding Faculty Award from the Disabled Student Group. Frank’s priorities are encompassed in the title of the last lecture he gave on campus: “The Classroom’s Human Connection: Personal Engagement Between a Student and Instructor and What That Means for Equity and Inclusivity During the Learning Experience.”

Frank was a lot more than the “seaweed guy.” Aside from his family and his work, he pursued several other passions. He was a dog lover, an accomplished woodworker and major cyclist (completing seven Tour of the Unknown Coast Rides and one Death Ride). A masterful gardener, Frank always appreciated when passerby complimented or photographed his profusion of flowers.

A progressive thinker and environmentalist, Frank held himself and those around him to a high moral standard. He was courageous, inquisitive, supportive, kind, determined, witty, and, at times, stubborn and opinionated.

Besides his wife and children, Frank leaves behind his sister Anne Shaughnessy and her partner Susan Epting of Groton, Mass. and his sister Maura Shaughnessy and her husband Bernie Regenauer and their children Colin and Brendan Regenauer of Wayland, Mass. Frank also leaves behind his devoted friends, particularly those in the Arcata area who supported the family throughout Frank’s cancer journey.

A memorial service will be held in Arcata in early fall. Memorial donations may be made to: 1) Students who share Frank’s interests: Please make check out to CEINC (address CEINC, PO Box 806, Bayside, CA 95524) and put Frank Shaughnessy Scholarship fund in the note, and/or 2) Maura’s Pan Ma Challenge Ride (MS0008 egift#) which benefits Frank Shaughnessy Kidney Cancer Research fund at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (pmc.org).

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

Nancy Lou Quintrell, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Eureka. She was born in Eureka on October 5, 1937, to Bernard and Luella Anderson. She attended Eureka City Schools from 4th through 12th grades and graduated with honors from Humboldt State College in 1960 with a degree in elementary education. She would spend a total of 26 years teaching children in Eureka City Schools in various grades. She cherished her time as a teacher and made many lifelong friends. If there was laughter coming from the teacher’s room, you could be sure Nancy was there.

In 1957, she married Donald Quintrell, which began their 67 years together. Over the years they welcomed two sons, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Family was profoundly important to Nancy. She especially enjoyed family get togethers including birthday parties, holiday gatherings, going on family trips or just entertaining out of town family members in town for a visit. She called it “making memories.”

Nancy was active in many community organizations including the Cutten Ridgewood Recreation Association, HSU Alumni Association (president 1994-1996), Eureka Teachers Association, CRTA Division #27 (president 2000-2003), Humboldt Reading Council, St. Joseph Hospital Volunteers, and a volunteer at the Redwood Coast Jazz Festival to name a few. Nancy has received many recognitions over the years for her service to the community and for her contributions as a teacher.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband Don, her two sons, Dean Quintrell (Laurie) and Gary Quintrell (Heidi). Her grandchildren, Alyssa Peper (Charley), Natalie Martin (James), Sarah Renner (Justin), and Kathryn Quintrell (Ben). Great grandchildren Logan, Ella and Peyton. She is also survived by many other close family members and friends who were very close to her heart.

A celebration of life will be held on August 17, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the afternoon at Eureka First United Methodist Church (1901 F St.) in Eureka, A reception will immediately follow the service at the Eureka Woman’s Club (1531 J St) in Eureka. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the California Retired Teachers Association Division #27 Scholarship Fund Nancy Quintrell. Mail checks to Humboldt Area Foundation CalRTA #27. 363 Indianola Road, Bayside, CA 95524. Memo line: Scholarship Fund Nancy Quintrell.

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

Philip Robin Aycock, born July 12, 1951 in Birmingham, Alabama, died July 30, 2024 in Rio Dell at the age of 73.

Phil and his wife, Judy, came to visit Fortuna in 1986 and never left.

Phil worked as an accountant before and after he moved to Humboldt Country. He ended his career in partnership with his good friend Stacey Edgmon, CPA. Phil worked over 30 years for the Blue Lake Rancheria, Casino and Hotel. He met many amazing people here that became close friends. A very special friend was Kira Norton.

If Phil wasn’t counting pennies, he was having fun. His great sense of humor ensured others have fun too. He loved hunting with friends and dogs. He was frequently fishing on his boat the Sea Scout with those equally obsessed with fishing. Phil also enjoyed agility training and trials, playing golf, beekeeping, woodworking, gardening, dinners at Arnie’s, and playing poker.

Phil also found time for community service with the Masons, Kiwanis, Ferndale Rotary and Spirit of Ferndale.

Known as Papa Phil to Brandon and Flynn Dazzie and Laramie Gadberry, they were his heart. Phil was honored to be part of their journey and loved them as his own.

Phil is survived by three brothers — Bill, David and Mark — 11 nieces and nephews, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, sister Betty and nephew Pete.

In lieu of flowers, give to your favorite charity.

We’ve got another Eureka City Council hopeful, folks!

Thavisak “Lucky” Syphanthong, a skateboarding real estate broker, well-known foodie and president of the Rotary Club of Eureka, announced his candidacy for Eureka’s Ward 4 City Council seat via Facebook last week. Scott Bauer currently represents the city’s Fourth Ward.

From what we can gather via Facebook and other corners of the internet, Syphanthong is a family man and local go-getter. He is the owner of Lucky Star Realty and Eureka Skate Shop in Henderson Center. He became president of the Rotary Club of Eureka back in June and has served on several other boards, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Redwoods, the Cutten-Ridewood Student Foundation and the NorCal Laos Foundation. He also runs a traveling foodie page with his wife, Bao Syphanthong.

Eureka City Clerk Pam Powell confirmed this morning that Syphanthong pulled paperwork for candidacy at the end of last week – exactly one week before the Aug. 9 candidate filing deadline – but said he has yet to return his nomination papers. If he can muster up 20 valid signatures from Ward 4 residents by 5 p.m. on Friday, he will qualify for the November ballot.

According to records on file with the Humboldt Clerk-Recorder’s Office, Syphanthong is a registered Democrat and a relatively new resident of Eureka’s Fourth Ward. Up until a few months ago, he and his family lived outside city limits at 4391 Cedar Street in Cutten, which means he was not eligible to vote or run in Eureka’s municipal elections. 

Syphanthong re-registered to vote at his new address on July 29 – the same day as Ward 2 candidate Kenny Carswell.

As the Outpost reported on Monday, Carswell, a project manager with Security National, just recently relocated to Ward 2 after having lived outside city limits. He closed escrow on a house in Ward 2 on July 29, the same day he re-registered to vote at his new address and changed his political party registration from Republican to “no party preference.”

Syphanthong has yet to respond to our request for additional comment on his candidacy. We’ll update this post if we hear back from him.

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When it comes to thwarting the City of Eureka’s current housing development plans downtown, Security National Properties has shown that money is no object.

The commercial real estate servicing firm founded by semi-local tycoon Robin P. Arkley II has spent more than $710,000 to date financing Measure F, the “Housing for All and Downtown Vitality Initiative,” according to the latest financial disclosure documents submitted to the City.

The “Yes on F” committee, sponsored by Security National, spent $396,729.38 in the first six months of this year, plus $314,415.27 last year. All but $500 of that has come exclusively from Security National, which is also financing Citizens for a Better Eureka, a political group that has filed multiple lawsuits in an attempt to preserve parking lots by blocking affordable housing developments. (The other $500, as we reported in February, was donated by former Renner Petroleum owner Michael Lawrence Renner, who now lives outside Las Vegas.)

Arkley has been engaged in a very bitter and personal feud with Eureka staff and council members for more than three years now, ever since he learned about the City’s plans to convert municipal parking lots into affordable housing developments, an initiative aimed at promoting infill development while meeting the city’s regional housing needs allocation (RHNA), as outlined in its general plan and required by the state. 

Security National executives initially explored the possibility of entering into a land-exchange deal with the city to preserve the parking lot at Fifth and D streets, near its Eureka headquarters. But when those negotiations fell through, an irate Arkley threatened lawsuits, a referendum and a recall drive.

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This past November, Security National paid $650,000 to purchase the parking lot in front of City Hall, at the corner of Fifth and K streets, and promptly put up barricades that prevent anyone from parking there. The company’s Knoxville, Tenn.-based spokesperson, Gail Rymer, explained via email, “The company is currently conducting highest and best use studies for the property and for liability reasons does not allow access to the site.”

Campaign finance reports show that, in the “Yes on F” campaign, Security National has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars hiring out-of-town political consultants, plus tens of thousands on glossy mailers, radio ads, web development and professional services. The campaign reported more than $142,000 in outstanding debt. 

Rymer alone charged Security National more than $115,000 for her services in the first half of the year, mostly for consulting. (About $51,000 of her bill has yet to be paid, according to the forms.)

Meanwhile, the Committee Opposed to the Housing for All and Downtown Vitality Initiative [which last month renamed itself “No on Measure F: A Committee to Defend Eureka’s Housing”] raised $11,904.38 through the end of June and spent $7,686.08. In other words, the campaign nicknamed “F No Eureka” has been outspent by a margin of roughly 93-to-one.

[CLARIFICATION: “F No Eureka” is unaffiliated with the “No on Measure F” committee. That committee’s social media page is titled “I Like Eureka Housing” and it’s website, realhousing4eureka.com, is here.]

Top donors to the “F No” “No on F” campaign include the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, AFL-CIO (which chipped in $1,000); the Humboldt Democratic Central Committee ($1,500); and Eureka resident Tyler Chapman ($1,000). 

The next campaign finance disclosure deadline will be on Sept. 26, followed by one more pre-election report deadline on Oct. 24. Election Day is Nov. 5.

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ADDENDUM, 2:40 p.m.: Just a couple other observations worth mentioning here: The last time Eureka had a citywide initiative on the ballot was in 2020, with both Measure C (ranked-choice voting) and Measure H (a 1.25 percent local sales tax). Both measures passed, with Measure H receiving the higher number of total votes: 12,129.

Like this year, 2020 was a presidential election year, so it’s probably safe to assume that turnout will be similar. If we go ahead and make that assumption, then divide the total amount Security National has spent on Measure F thus far by the number of likely voters, we get a per-voter dollar total of $58.63. In other words, if you’re a Eureka resident planning to vote in November, Arkley’s company has spent almost $60 trying to convince you personally to vote “yes” on Measure F.

Also interesting: Thadeus Greenson over at the North Coast Journal notes even more connective tissue between the “Yes on F” campaign and AMG Communities - Jacobs, LLC, the secretive corporation seeking to acquire the former Jacobs Middle School campus from Eureka City Schools in a deal valued at $6 million.

The “Yes on F” campaign has enlisted Everview, the San Diego law firm founded by attorney Bradley B. Johnson, who, in addition to being Security National’s go-to lawyer, has been intimately involved in the Jacobs deal, and he’s representing Citizens for a Better Eureka in its lawsuits against the city. 

The “Yes on F” campaign also paid $11,190 to a Sacramento-based political consultant named Sara Lee, which is the same name as a spokesperson who has responded to media inquiries on behalf of AMG Communities - Jacobs, LLC, Greenson reports.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

Nickols. Photos: DTF.

On August 4th, 2024, Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Agents served a search warrant on William Andrew Nickols (34 years old from Hoopa). During the months of July and August, the HCDTF received information that Nickols was traveling to Oakland and purchasing large quantities of narcotics for the purpose of sales, specifically in the Hoopa Valley.

HCDTF Agents observed Nickols travel from Humboldt County to Oakland, California. Upon Nickols’ return to Humboldt County, Agents conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle as he entered the city of Fortuna.

Nickols was detained without incident and his vehicle was searched. Agents located approximately 3 ounces of fentanyl (street value of over $9,000) concealed in a hollowed-out headrest inside of Nickols vehicle.

William Nickols was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

• 11351 HS Possession of narcotics for the purpose of sales
• 11352(a) HS Transportation of narcotics for the purpose of sales
• 11352(b) HS Transportation of narcotics (noncontiguous counties)

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.