Doris Jean (Maloney) Donahue
Aka DJ DIVA
Sunrise February 22, 1960 ~ Sunset May 8, 2024

It is with profound sadness and shattered hearts that we announce the passing of Doris Jean Maloney Donahue. She was at home surrounded by family when she made her final journey to the loving arms of her Lord and savior on May 8, 2024.

Doris was born on February 22, 1960, in Hoopa to Ethel Smoker and David Maloney. She was the oldest sister to David Maloney, Jr., and Ruthie Maloney. She grew up on the Hoopa Indian Reservation and was Yurok from the villages, of Terwrep and Weitchpus. She was Navajo from the Edge of Water and Bitter Water Clan as well as a member of the Navajo Nation.

She graduated from Hoopa High School and then traveled to New Mexico to attend cooking school. It was there that she met Larry Curtis and became a mother to her oldest daughter Katie Marie Maloney. She loved to cook and was the head chef at the Maloney family restaurant, Dave’s café in Hoopa. She was known for her cooking and the magic she created in the kitchen from her cinnamon rolls to her Navajo tacos.

She moved to Klamath, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Lafayette Rose Donahue. They were married at the Cathedral Tree wedding site at the Trees of Mystery in Klamath. In 1986, they had their daughter Mah’lon Ashley Rose Donahue.

She loved her father and was always willing to help out in any way, so she moved to Sacramento to help him out with his new restaurant and home detailing business before they moved to Flagstaff, Arizona. It was here that she started her own Ice Cream business and became the “Ice Cream Lady” and with every snow cone order she would say “What’s your flavor”? Her and Dad traveled throughout Arizona, from the Navajo to the Hopi Reservation’s, selling food, ice cream, snow cones and her famous fry bread for Navajo Tacos.

She moved back home to California to be with her mother and children. She lived in Eureka with her sister and helped care for her nephew Sam and mother Ethel. She continued her business ventures and enjoyed going to different arts and craft shows, selling jewelry and Navajo pottery. Every once in a while, throwing down an Indian taco sale. Doris sure did know how to hustle when needed.

She was an avid fisher woman and could be found on the river raising her family. She loved her time with her nephews, nieces and enjoyed being around her family.

You could find her at Trinidad Bingo a few times a week. She so loved her BINGO and was down to go whenever and wherever. While traveling she would stop at the casinos and play whenever she could, she was one lucky lady and would win most of the time.

She is preceded in death by her father, David Maloney, Sr, her husband, Lafayette Rose Donahue; Grand Mother, Dorthey Maloney, Zuni Edgewater (Ta’baahi’), born for bitterwater (To’dich’ii’nii), Her Grandfather Father, Okee Maloney, many goats (Tl’zilani) and red running into the water (ta’chii’nii) clans. Grandmother, Mary Reed Smoker and Grandfather, Sam Smoker and her granddaughter, Alexis Maloney.

She is survived by her brother David Maloney, Jr., sister, Ruthie Maloney and her children Katie Maloney, and Rosie Donahue. Her nieces and nephews, Samuel Nelson, Heather Hammond, David (Bunky) Maloney, III, Erica Williams, and Bridget Dean. Grandchildren Larry Maloney, Dominic Maloney, Zane, Mazy, Opal & Jasper Maloney; Emily Williams, Richard, Keshan, Chegery Dean; Codi, Zabrina & Zayden Hammond.

Thank you to the Hoopa Assembly of God, the Maloney family church, Yurok Tribe, and Pastor Toni Burchard Thank You for officiating the Celebration of Life for Doris Donahue on May 21st, 2024. Pallbearers: Bunky Maloney, Jaspyr Maloney, Larry Maloney, Dominic Maloney, Paul “Ewee” Donahue III, Jake Rodriguez, and Jordan Thomas. Your prayers and love helped us so much during this difficult time.

Humboldt Hospice Thank you for all the support and care that you provided for Doris and her family. No words can express how much you helped us during this difficult time. Your staff, social worker, nurses, and Dr. were so patient, caring and understanding when things were too much for the family. My only wish is that Hospice may extend their services to the out lying rural areas such as Weitchpec and Orleans. Your services are much needed throughout Humboldt County.

Today I will walk out,
Today everything evil will leave me,
I will be as I was before
I will have a cool breeze over my body.
I will have a light a body
I will be happy forever
Nothing will hinder me.

I walk with beauty before me, I walk with beauty behind me, I walk with beauty below me, I walk with beauty above me, I walk with beauty around me, my words will be beautiful

In beauty all day long may I walk.
Through the returning seasons may I walk
On the trail marked with pollen may I walk
With dew about my feet may I walk
In old age wondering on a trail of beauty
Lively again may I walk
My words will be beautiful

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

REPORT:

• “Arcata Fire District: Dwindling Resources = Dwindling Services,” Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury. June 24, 2024.
  

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Press release from the Humboldt County Grand Jury:

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury has released the sixth report of their 2023-2024 term, entitled Arcata Fire District: Dwindling Resources = Dwindling Services.

Two dormitories housing up to 964 students at the California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (CalPoly), which will be the tallest buildings in Humboldt County, are under construction in Arcata. The recently approved Arcata Gateway Area Plan will mandate that some new construction be within five and seven stories tall. The advent of tall and densely populated buildings led the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury to inquire into the abilities of the Arcata Fire District (District) to provide services to the people living in these structures.

This led to a larger investigation of District finances, resulting in the conclusion that without action the District will be in dire financial straits, will not be able to maintain the current level of service, and will not be able to provide adequate services to a growing population.

The District serves about 37,000 residents and covers sixty-two square miles, including the communities of Arcata, Bayside, Manila, and McKinleyville. The terrain includes flat pastureland, forested hillsides, and a growing, more densely populated core. Buildings range from small, isolated single-family homes to multi-level apartment buildings. Three stations, staffed with two professional firefighters each, provide around-the-clock coverage.

The Arcata Fire District is a special district created and funded by the people it serves and protects. For revenue, it receives about 40% from property tax. 55% of revenue comes from a combination of a 2006 special assessment and Measure F, a 2020 special tax, both approved by the voters of the district. With development property tax grows somewhat, and the other 55% in revenue grows more slowly – there are no built-in mechanisms for keeping up with inflation. CalPoly, by law, does not contribute financially to the District, but does receive services. Measure F expires in 2030. Demand for services is on the rise. The City of Arcata forecasts its population will increase 60% from 2025 to 2045, and taller buildings require specialized equipment such as a ladder truck, which the District does not possess. Revenues are flat while costs rise and equipment ages. Increasing revenue is a difficult process. To maintain current levels of service, district taxpayers will need to cover the full cost of fire protection to keep up with inflation. To provide services for new buildings and a higher population, even more funding will be needed.

This report explains current benefits to district residents, upcoming demands for service, and the need for Arcata Fire District voters to consider what level of fire and emergency protection they desire and are willing to pay for.

The 2024-2025 term for the Civil Gand Jury is right around the corner, and the Superior Court is seeking more jurors. If you want to serve your community in a unique way that could improve local government this is your opportunity. Applications to serve on the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury can be found at this link. Additional information provided by the Civil Grand Jurors Association of California can be found at https://cgja.org/.

Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:

On 6/22/2024 at 4:00 am Humboldt Bay Fire responded to a reported structure fire in a vacant apartment of a six-unit apartment complex at 607 Summer St. 1 Ladder truck, 3 Fire Engines, and one Battalion Chief responded to the incident.

Upon arrival Truck 8181’s crew found a two-story residential structure with light smoke coming from a downstairs apartment. They made entry and used extinguishers to slow the growth of the fire and search for trapped occupants. At the same time E8114 pulled a hose line and extinguished several small fires in the apartment. E8115 arrived at scene and was assigned to ensure all the occupants had been evacuated from the other 5 uninvolved apartments.

The fire was investigated by a HBF Fire Investigator and the cause of the fire was determined to be arson. There were no civilian or Firefighter injuries and the fire caused $5,000 in damage and the total value of the property is approximately $750,000. No occupants were displaced due to the fire.

The Eureka Police Department assisted with the evacuation of the apartment and is continuing to investigate the arson case.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank City Ambulance and The Samoa-Peninsula Fire District for providing standby services and coverage of other calls during the fire suppression.Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind everyone that smoke detectors save lives. This fire was called in early due to working smoke detectors. Please check your batteries every 6 months and ensure that there is a working smoke detector in every bedroom and hallway.

California will make widespread cuts to state government operations, prisons, housing programs and health care workforce development in order to maintain its social safety net as it moves to close a multibillion-dollar budget deficit.

The $297.9 billion spending plan, announced this morning by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, also relies on reserves and pauses some business tax credits to address a remaining revenue gap estimated at $56 billion over the next two years.

“This agreement sets the state on a path for long-term fiscal stability — addressing the current shortfall and strengthening budget resilience down the road,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re making sure to preserve programs that serve millions of Californians, including key funding for education, health care, expanded behavioral health services, and combatting homelessness.”

The Legislature passed a budget more than a week ago in order to meet a statutory deadline, but it did not represent a final deal with Newsom as they continued to negotiate over whether to repurpose billions of dollars earmarked to increase payments for health care providers who treat low-income patients and whether to further delay minimum wage increases for health care workers, among other issues.

Their agreement — which the Democratic-controlled Legislature is expected to vote on through a series of bills next week ahead of the July 1 start of the new fiscal year — does claw back the funding intended for Medi-Cal provider rates. It pushes back the health care wage hikes until at least October and potentially until next year, depending on the strength of revenue collections in the coming months. Despite heavy opposition from labor unions, the move could save California hundreds of millions of dollars.

The plan makes $16 billion in cuts, including a blanket 7.95% reduction in funding for nearly all state departments and the elimination of thousands of vacant positions, which are collectively expected to save nearly $3.7 billion. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will take an additional $385 million cut at the urging of progressive lawmakers, far higher than what Newsom had originally sought for the shrinking prison system.

Other major reductions include $1.1 billion from various affordable housing programs, $746 million for health care workforce development and $500 million to build student housing. A scholarship program for middle-class college students will lose $110 million annually, about a fifth of what the governor had originally sought to cut.

More than $3 billion in previously promised funding to expand food benefits to undocumented immigrants, increase pay for providers who care for people with developmental disabilities, add new subsidized child care slots and build out broadband internet will be delayed.

This will allow the state to protect what Newsom and legislative leaders touted in their announcement as “core programs,” including an expansion of Medi-Cal, California’s health care program for the poor, to all adults regardless of their immigration status, as well as increased funding for behavioral health, welfare grants and supplemental income for seniors. Local governments will receive another $1 billion to address homelessness.

The budget deal shrinks a proposed cut to schools funding, following a tense negotiation with education groups during which teachers unions ran a television advertising campaign criticizing Newsom. About $5.5 billion will be delayed until future years.

“The Assembly fought hard to protect the public services that matter most to Californians, and we are delivering a budget that prioritizes affordability and long-term stability,” Rivas, a Salinas Democrat, said in a statement.

As part of their agreement, Newsom and the Legislature will pursue several additional measures to address the circumstances that led to California’s steep deficit. While the state experienced a historic surplus just two years ago, a delay in tax collections last year caused by winter storms shielded the extent of California’s weakening fiscal condition until after the governor and lawmakers had already committed to too much new spending.

The budget deal proposes legislation, to be taken up in August, that will require the state to set aside a portion of future projected surpluses so that it cannot be spent until the money is collected. It also suggests putting a constitutional amendment before voters in 2026 to grow California’s main reserve account.

In the meantime, the state plans to dip into that rainy day fund, pulling out more than $12 billion over the next two years to address the fiscal shortfall. It will also suspend the net operating loss for companies with more than $1 million in taxable income and limit business tax credits to $5 million annually — strategies that it previously employed at the height of the coronavirus pandemic — to raise an estimated nearly $15 billion in new revenue over the next three years.

“Make no mistake: This is a tough budget year, but it also isn’t the budget situation we were originally fearing,” McGuire, a Healdsburg Democrat, said in a statement. “This balanced budget helps tackle some of our toughest challenges with resources to combat the homelessness crisis, investments in housing, and funding to fight wildfires and retail theft.”

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

Elizabeth Belle Steyn was born June 25, 1977, in Eureka, to Martinus and Wanda (Phillips) Steyn. She was 46 years old when she passed unexpectedly.

Elizabeth attended Blue Lake Elementary School and graduated from Arcata High School in 1993. She attended College of the Redwoods where she took classes in early childhood education, psychology, social work and addiction studies. 

Elizabeth had no children of her own but truly loved her nieces and nephews with all her heart! Elizabeth adored all children. She was an animal lover. Her hobbies included gardening, card making for the seniors in our community at Christmas time, arts and crafts of all mediums, poetry and horseback riding.

Her one big advantage in life was when she met some people through a chat room and flew to meet them (each coming from a different state), where they gathered for a week and formed long lasting relationships.  She continued her adventures traveling to 7 other states meeting and enjoying people along the way.

Family and friends in Elizabeth’s life she felt supported her throughout different times in her life and was very grateful to have had them… Justine Thomsen, Jenny Coleman, Ian, Amy Woodard, Tami Hamilton, Debbie, Randy, The HOPE Center and Dalina her best friend.  Some I may be forgetting or am unaware of, but you know who you are!!

Elizabeth is preceded in death by her parents Martin and Wanda Steyn, half-sisters Kimberly Michaels, Rebecca Driver, her grandparents Gerta Snider, Lohman and Mabel Phillips. 

She is survived by her faithful and loving companion Mazzie (who misses her daily), her half-sisters Justine (Cory) Thomsen, Sherri (Scott) Lesley, nieces and nephews Kelsi, Cody, Charis, Cole, Shawna, Justin. Breanne, Deanna. McKenzie, Chloe, Julianna. She is also survived by Aunt Jan Workman, her great nieces and nephews, and many cousins. Elizabeth was also God Mother to her niece Kelsi.

Elizabeth battled drug addiction and mental health issues for the last 18 years. She was overcome by the grief of losing her parents and was unable to pull herself up and climb out.

I hope you finally found your way, little sister. YOU WERE ALWAYS ENOUGH! I will love you forever — Your, Sissy.

A celebration of life will be held in memory of and in honor of Elizabeth.  Please bring your favorite story and dishes to share on August 3rd, 2024, from 11 to 1 at Rohner Park, Fortuna. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please make a donation to your favorite animal shelter in Elizabeth’s name.

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

Mark Greenleaf
July 27, 1951 - June 16, 2024

Mark Greenleaf lived a full life, fortunate to have shared it with a loving family and so many good friends. Born in the back of a pick-up truck, his life was marked with a sense of adventure. He spent his childhood between the excitement of the city and the wonder of nature in his rural home of Hyampom. He thrived in the woods along the family Greenleaf ranch while fishing and hunting.

As a young adult, Mark grew long hair and joined the hippy generation, traveled through Europe and rocked with up-and-coming musicians of the time. Mark enjoyed the company of friends with long discussions over the social issues of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Mark learned the value of hard work from his father and shared his mother’s passion for old things. He had an impact on his brother Steven’s intellect as a young boy, planting seeds of interest in the arts and science. Growing up with a deaf sibling, his older brother Joe, gave Mark the empathy and awareness of the needs of others. Joe was his buddy as they grew up sharing secret conversations in sign language. This experience led him to work at the School for the Blind where over 25 years he nurtured the growth of many residential students. It was on a roller-skating field trip with his students where he met Sandy, the love of this life. They married in 1980 and spent the next 44 years together. He loved being a father and found he could extend his “joy of life” with his two daughters, Jenny and Monica.

Mark loved his second career as an advocate for the California State Employees Association (CSEA). Helping others navigate their careers and work issues was a challenging but rewarding endeavor. This role extended as a CSEA union representative and his position as President of the Central Labor Party for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. He served where needed, such as when he pitched-in as postmaster in Hyampom while the position was vacant. He also served as a volunteer fireman in Trinity County. Throughout his life he tended to the family ranch as well, which included general maintenance, care of cows, two horses, chickens and a huge garden.

Mark had a passion for life. He liked to cook and try new recipes and share them with friends. He dabbled in poetry and journal writing. He was on the lookout for good bargains at flea markets and garage sales. He loved to read and had a keen interest in anthropology, history and tribal art. He was a traveler as well and enjoyed interacting with different cultures and people. He was an advocate for environmental justice and sustainability. He loved his dogs and played a regular game of catch with them.

Mark leaves behind his loving wife Sandra Greenleaf, his daughter Monica Filice and son-in-law Marco Filice, grandson Enzo Filice, his daughter Jenny Greenleaf, his brother Steven Greenleaf and his sister-in-law Dianne Greenleaf and his many extended families and friends whom he loved dearly. He was proceeded in death by his parents Gene and Evelyn Greenleaf and his brother Joe Greenleaf.

Mark’s spirit, characterized by generosity and warmth, will continue to live in the hearts of his family and friends.

A private memorial will be held in his memory.

Alton “Whit” Lewis, age 87, peacefully passed away on June 17, 2024, at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.

He was born on April 28, 1937, in Merced, the son of Arthur Wright Lewis and Alice Sarah Savage. They lived in Fish Camp, Mariposa County, near Yosemite, with his sister Lyla and brother Dennis. He began working in the woods at a very early age with his Dad and Grandpa, then held a number of positions in the lumber industry. He was also a heavy equipment operator and a distance truck driver. He could fix anything. He was a good cook with baked ham and the hobo breakfast two of his specialties. He loved old time country music and knew the words to many songs. He served in the US Navy from 1955-1958 aboard the USS Ajax. He had a wealth of knowledge about historic events and everyday life. His memory of family history and the birth dates of everyone he ever knew was amazing.

In 2006 he married his childhood sweetheart, Beverly Taplin and they moved to Chelsea, Vermont where Beverly had been born. He spent his time in Vermont “care-taking” the Taplin Farm as he liked to call it, and then as caregiver to Beverly as her health declined with dementia. His loss of vision due to macular degeneration was one of the hardest things he had to deal with and often said he would have rather lost his right arm than his vision. His recent health diagnosis made him want to be back home in California with his family and his old time friends. His wish was granted and he was able to say his good-byes.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Taplin at Menig Nursing Home in Vermont, his daughter, Alice (Bill) Osborne, son, Alton Lewis, Jr. “JR”, grandchildren Abigail, William, Matthew, Heather, Andrew (Kaylie), Josh & Cameron and great-grandchildren Vivian, Christopher, Sierra, Harley, Donna Faye, Sophie and Adam Wade; Beverly’s California family, Carleen Sanderson, Chris (Melissa) Sanderson their kids Mallory & Gage, and Amber Sanderson, as well as Beverly’s Vermont family, the Alice (Taplin) Doyle family Teresa, Sandy, Jim & Andy and their families. He is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews and many long time friends. He truly cherished their friendship and appreciated the many calls.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Lyla (Lewis) Annibel, brother Dennis Lewis, half-brother Ralph Morris, and a son, Michael Wade Lewis who died in 1983 at age 19.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, July 6 at 11 a.m. at Goble’s Mortuary in Fortuna. Burial will be at the Ocean View Cemetery, Sunset Memorial Park in Eureka.

The family would like to give a special heart-felt thank you to Cornerstone Care of New England for the personal escort and arranging the travel from Vermont to California.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Chelsea Area Senior Center, P.O. Box 44, Chelsea, Vermont 05038 or to Mad River Community Honor Guard, P.O. Box 180, Fortuna, CA 95540.