On December 30, 2023, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Charles Steven Hetrick, went to be with the Lord at the age of 73. Charles, or Chuck as he was known by, was born in San Diego in 1950 on April 4. Chuck lived in San Diego and Arizona for his childhood until he joined the Army at the age of 18. He was told that if he voluntarily signed up, versus be drafted, he would get a better choice of assignment, so that is what he did. He joined the Army into the Medical Corps, where he ended up doing two tours in Vietnam.

Upon his return from Vietnam, he attended Humboldt State University where he studied Forestry. Chuck was a lifelong backpacker and hiker, and forestry seemed to be a natural fit for someone who loved to be outdoors. He worked at the VA Hospital in Willow Creek for a time, then he was hired into the US Forest Service where he remained until retirement.

In 1988 Chuck married the love of his life, Irene Hetrick, in a small ceremony outside amongst the redwoods. Chuck and Irene made a peaceful life for themselves in Mad River, where they built their own house from the bottom up and enjoyed gardening, being with their animals, and being grandparents. Chuck raised three children, Jennifer Boak, Gregory Hetrick (Sheryl), and Nicole Faulknor (Travis). He has 7 grandchildren, Amelia Armas, Lizzy Boak, Dylan Faulknor, Alison Faulknor, Nolan Faulknor, Jenison Harter and Addison Harter.

Chuck’s favorite pastimes included going backpacking deep into the Trinity Alps Wilderness, as well as attending Padres games with his friends via the train. Chuck could always be found listening to baseball games on the back deck from a small radio. Chuck was also an avid reader. Chuck loved all things outdoors and nature. Chuck had a strong faith in God and shared the good news with those lucky enough to be in his company. We are confident he is safe in the arms of Jesus for eternity.

Chuck was a kind man who will be missed by many, including his family and his friends who were like his family. His little dog Raisin, age 17, will especially miss him.

Chuck is preceded in death by his son Gregory, and his parents Harvey and Lila Hetrick. Chuck has three surviving siblings, Mike, Rick, and Susie, as well as various nephews and nieces. Chuck also is survived by Attila and Ann Gyenis, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and their kids and grandchildren, Chris, Gabe, Lydia, Arielle and Evelynne Yarbrough, and Jim, Autumn and Justin Perdew.

At Chuck’s request, there will be no ceremony. In Chuck’s memory, donations can be made to Ascend Wilderness Experience, a non-profit backpacking program based out of Weaverville, California. Their website to donate is: https://ascendwilderness.org/support-ascend/donate/

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Charles Burton King
June 2, 1944-November 29, 2023

Charles was born in Eureka on June 2, 1944, to Ernest W. and Eunice I. (Rodgers) King, the youngest of the three siblings. He passed on November 29 after a long battle with cancer.

He attended Lincoln Elementary School, Eureka Junior High School and Eureka Senior High School, where he graduated in 1962.

He started his 41-year career with Safeway at the age of 17. He spent time in many of the Eureka stores from Broadway to Harrison Ave. In 1974 he moved to the Fortuna location, where he finished his career in 2003 as everyone’s favorite produce guy.

He married his beloved wife Patricia in April of 1965. Starting their life together in Eureka and eventually moving to Fortuna in 1974. They were married 58 years.

Charles had many interests. He loved cars, motorcycles, fishing and was an avid 49er fan. He attended many games with his son, family and close friends. He loved to watch and discuss their games, good or bad, with other football fans.

Charles was an accomplished musician. He played accordion and guitar as well as dabbled in piano, harmonica and mandolin. He played guitar with the Humboldt Accordionaires for 10 or so years. Where he made great friends and had wonderful times. He truly loved and enjoyed playing and listening to all kinds of music. He instilled this love in his kids from a young age.

He and Patricia were active members in the Humboldt Swiss Club. He was the chef extraordinaire. The two of them and many wonderful people were able to keep the tradition going at the Swiss Club for 23 years.

He was also a member of the Moose Lodge 636 of Eureka.

Charles is proceeded in death by his parents, in-laws: Mary Walsh & Chris Cabalzar, Uncle Julius Cabalzar, sister Betty Faye Lightle, brother Billy Wayne King, Niece Kathy Bowman and many other relatives in both Eureka and in Texas. He is survived by his wife Patricia, son Matthew (Ashley) of Carlotta, daughter Charlene (Paul) of Fortuna, granddaughter Caitlin of Brick, N.J., grandson Cody (Bailee) of Hydesville, great-granddaughter Wrenlee of Hydesville and many other family members (too many to name)

At the request of Charles, no services will be held.

The family would like to thank the nurses at Provident Oncology Center of Eureka and Hospice House for their compassionate care of Charles. Donations can be made to the Ida Emmerson Hospice House at 3327 Timber Fall Court in Eureka.

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Judy Ann Gray passed away December 11. 2023 in Fortuna. She was born to Gwen and Dean Hollyman February 24, 1953, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her family soon moved to Arcata. Judy graduated from Arcata High School in 1971. She married Earnest Gray in 1985.

Judy volunteered with the American Cancer Society as well as managing Earnie’s Insurance Agency. Judy was tickled pink when her grandson Cody was born on the day of the Great American Smoke-out in 1990. Upon retirement in 1996, Judy and Earnie traveled the United States in their motor coach. They finally settled in Arizona during wintertime and Thayne, Wyoming for the rest of the year. They enjoyed the southwest and Judy was an avid collector of Navajo artwork. A few years ago, they moved back to the North Coast residing in Fortuna in order to be near their family. They could be found at any of the grandchildren’s school or sporting events, rarely missing a game or performance. Judy was extremely proud of her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. They were the joy in her life.

Judy was proceeded in death by her husband Earnest Gray, her beloved father Dean Hollyman, dear mother Gwen Johnson, and stepson Gerry Gray.

She is survived by her step-children; Laura (Mark) Butler, James (Melody) Gray, and Andrew (Darcy) Gray; her grand-children: Ben (Emily) Butler, Mary (Caleb) Simmons, Samuel Butler, Luke Butler, Susanna (Keenan) O’Hanen, Joshua (Magen) Gray, Sarah (Sydney) Williams, Hannah (Kyle) Sheehy, Jesse (Leah) Gray, Cody (Jamie) Gray, Chelsea (Brandon) Lende, and Jimmy Gray; and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Frank (Kay) Hollyman and nephews Nick and David Hollyman. Services will be held graveside at Oceanview Cemetery on Judy’s birthday, February 24, 2024.

A huge thank you to Sequoia Springs Senior Living and Hospice of Humboldt for their wonderful care and making Judy comfortable.

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Theobald “Theo” Lengyel, a founding member of the revered experimental rock band Mr. Bungle, was arrested today in Capitola in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, 61-year-old Alice “Alyx” Kamakaokalani Herrmann, according to a press release from the Capitola Police Department.

Lengyel was among the Eureka High School students who formed Mr. Bungle in 1985, along with lead singer Mike Patton, who went on to front ‘90s alt-metal band Faith No More, among many other musical projects over the years. 

Lengyel, who played horns and keyboards with Mr. Bungle, split with the band in 1996 due to “creative differences.” He sometimes used the name “Mylo Stone,” according to the Capitola Police Department.

Kamakaokalani was last seen nearly a month ago, and until today Lengyel was considered merely a “person of interest” in the case. A multi-agency law enforcement investigation led to the discovery of human remains in a public park in Berkeley, according to the CPD press release below. Positive identification is pending DNA analysis.

We’ve contacted the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office to request a booking photo and will update this post once it’s received.

Here’s the press release:

Capitola, CA - January 2, 2024

The Capitola Police Department, in collaboration with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, El Cerrito Police Department, and the Department of Justice, has successfully apprehended Thoebald “Theo” Lengyel (54 years old) in connection with the homicide of his girlfriend, Alice “Alyx” Kamakaokalani Herrmann (61 years old), a Capitola resident.

The arrest of Thoebald Lengyel was executed earlier today with the help of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office in Santa Cruz County, following an intensive and collaborative investigation by the Capitola Police Department, which took over as the lead agency in the case.

The joint efforts with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office and the El Cerrito Police Department have been instrumental in bringing this case to a resolution.

Alice Kamakaokalani was last seen on December 3, 2023, prompting a missing person investigation from law enforcement agencies. The Capitola Holice Department, in conjunction with the El Cerrito Police Department, initiated an investigation into her disappearance on December 12, 2023.

Detectives from the Capitola Police Department gathered evidence, conducted interviews, and collaborated with partner agencies to piece together the circumstances surrounding Alice Kamakaokalanis disappearance. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that foul play was involved, leading to the identification of Thoebald Lengyel as a suspect.

The investigation led investigators to recover human remains in a wooded area within Tilden Regional Park in Berkley. The identification of the human remains is pending DNA confirmation from the Contra County Coroner’s Office.

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CORRECTION: This post originally misspelled Lengyel’s first name. The Outpost apologizes for the error.

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Maggie and Blake Samuels of Carlotta hold their newborn daughter.

Perhaps she was bashful, willing to let a more ambitious newcomer claim the prestige that attends a hospital’s first newborn of the New Year. But by the time 2024 had been around for nearly 11 hours, young Maple Samuels could wait no longer: She entered the world at 10:58 a.m. Monday, becoming St. Joseph Hospital’s first newborn baby of 2024.

Maggie and Blake Samuels of Carlotta welcomed their daughter, who weighed in at 7 lbs 4.8 oz and measured 20.5 inches.

Maple, pictured at right with her parents, is the Samuels’ fourth child, though her three siblings were all adopted, meaning she’s the couple’s first biological child, according to information provided by Providence Communications Manager Christian Hill.

Congratulations to the Samuels, and a hearty welcome to Humboldt County’s newest resident.

Exam rooms at Mountain Valley Health Center in Bieber on July 23, 2019. A new California law taking effect Jan. 1, 2024 will make contraception cheaper for millions of Californians by requiring insurers to cover more of the cost of vasectomies and birth control. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters

Family planning will be less expensive for millions of Californians under a new law taking effect Jan. 1.

Women will be able to go to their local pharmacy, pick up over-the-counter birth control and have insurance pay for it — no prescription needed. Meanwhile, more people will be able to access vasectomies with no out-of-pocket costs.

The Contraceptive Equity Act of 2022 authored by former Sen. Connie Leyva, a Democrat from Chino, requires private health insurance plans to cover birth control products, including condoms and spermicide, without a prescription and no co-pays. This portion of the law applies only to women and is allowed only in in-network pharmacies.

Men will have the option of cheaper vasectomies. A vasectomy is a low-risk sterilization procedure that usually takes about 20 minutes. Cost has long been a major determining factor for men seeking the procedure, which can cost up to several hundred dollars, including follow-up visits.

Billing data shows that vasectomies are becoming more popular following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, according to national studies.

California’s new law will apply to about 14 million people with commercial insurance regulated by the state. This new law does not apply to people whose health insurance plan is regulated by the federal government.

Californians covered by Medi-Cal, the joint state and federal health insurance program for low-income people, already have access to vasectomies at no cost to them. But under federal rules, they’ll still need a prescription to access over-the-counter birth control.

This fall, the Biden administration announced it is seeking public input regarding easing access for over-the-counter preventive care supplies, including contraceptives.

Reproductive health advocacy groups Essential Access Health, NARAL Pro-Choice California and the National Health Law Program pushed for the new California law. They have been working to expand access to reproductive care since the Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to an abortion. In 2022, California also passed a law that eliminated out-of-pocket costs for abortions.

Lobbying groups that represent health insurers, include the California Association of Health Plans, lobbied against the law. They argued state mandates increase the cost of coverage for all Californians, as well as to taxpayers.

The California Catholic Conference and the Right to Life League also opposed the law, with the Catholic group seeking clear exceptions for religious employers.

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

Threat of eviction is one of the biggest problems facing California’s nursing home residents. Residents often don’t even know why they’re being forcibly discharged.

A new state law taking effect today seeks to rectify this with a simple change: nursing homes are now required to offer residents copies of any information that explains why they’re being evicted.

That includes providing copies of the discharge plan and the date, place and names of witnesses to any incidents related to the discharge. In some places, it could also include information about why the facility can not meet the resident’s needs.

“It’s a very minor burden on the facilities to give residents copies of information that they’re already having to create or document,” said Tony Chicotel, a staff attorney with California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, the bill’s sponsor. “Now residents have information to see if this seems legitimate.”

The bill had no registered opposition.

Each year, California’s nursing homes serve about 450,000 residents, many of them medically fragile. Most of the time, Chicotel said, these residents are happy to receive a discharge notice; it could mean they get to go home.

But some don’t feel ready, or don’t have a safe place to land. According to data provided by Chicotel’s organization, evictions are one of the most common complaints reported to California’s Long Term Care Ombudsman programs. In the past five years, the state’s nursing homes have also been cited more than 1,800 times for problems with discharges.

Chicotel says the additional information residents will receive can help them understand the facility’s reasoning, and possibly file an appeal.

“Very few residents know about their appeal rights or feel confident to exercise them,” Chicotel said. “This may give them a little more confidence.”

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