OBITUARY: Deborah ‘Debbie’ Ann Lewis Roberts, 1954-2024
LoCO Staff / Tuesday, March 5, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits
Deborah
“Debbie”
Ann
Lewis
Roberts
Nov. 21, 1954 - Feb. 11, 2024
Our mom, Debbie, was a Humboldt County native, born in Eureka and raised on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. She graduated from Hoopa High School. She was a proud member of the Yurok Tribe.
Debbie graduated from College of the Redwoods Associate Nursing Program when she was 20 years old. She then served a long and productive career as a R.N., with roles in the hospital, home health care (Redding, Ca.) skilled nursing, and dialysis. In her free time she was also a dedicated student of holistic medicine. When she retired, she was a manager at UIHS Potowat Health Village in Arcata, a role she loved immensely.
Debbie was a life-long learner, skilled practitioner, and good listener who helped many people along her path. She took immense pride in her work and her dedication always shined bright. She had a knack for helping people and a gift for putting her patients at ease. At the same time, she had an inspiring work ethic and brave spirit.
Debbie will be remembered by all as a supremely kind and creative soul. She could always be found cooking, listening to music, singing, making art, exploring photography, writing and traveling.
She also cross-stitched, crocheted, painted, sewed and made beautiful jewelry, just like her mother. Debbie was an avid reader and loved to get lost in a good mystery. She loved hummingbirds, the Big Dipper, herbs, flowers, gardens, coffee, Star Trek, a fast drive over the mountains and her impeccably kept cats.
For her grandchildren she supplied a library of books, as she wanted to share her passion for reading with them. In this life, she wanted people to feel appreciated and loved and gave back to many in the North Coast, her home, which she always described as “a place with unbelievable beauty with its beaches, redwoods and forests.” The majestic nature of Humboldt County is where she was born and where she belonged through and through.
Debbie’s last years were spent caring for and being with her beloved mother, Barbara Jean Lewis. After her mother passed, Debbie faced head on, with the upmost inner strength and courage her own autoimmune illnesses and lung disease. Before she was too ill to travel, she spent a decade of summers with her incredibly loved grandchildren. They were her pride and joy.
If you feel called to honor, Debbie, do something nice for someone. In her last years, her voice was taken from her so another way to honor her would be to sing or speak your heart out to the world. She understood the importance of words, so she would remind us to choose our words carefully and to ask ourselves the well loved question of, “Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?”
She is survived by her daughters, Rose and Hannah Roberts; her son-in-law, Sean London; her beloved grandchildren, Sloane and Corbin; her siblings, Sherlette Colegrove, Michael Lewis, Pamela (Arnie) Wickerd and Cheryl (Frank) Tuttle; her nieces and nephews Misty (Brian) Jensen, Jenea (Slade) Lawrence, Ruby (Pyuwa) Bommelyn, Mariah Lewis, Nathan (Cat) Wickerd, Michael (Amber) Lewis, and Koiya (Brianna) Tuttle. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Barbara Lewis; her brother Ernest (Butch) Lewis III; her two dear high school friends who passed very young whom she never stopped loving, Kim and Linda.
In an incredible twist to her journey on Earth, she passed away on the same day as her father, 15 years apart.
To end we would like to share with you a writing that our mom wrote as an exchange in 2021 after her own mother passed. The words she wrote are so beautiful….just like her.
“Honey. Enveloped in the sweetness of the golden honey… The name Deborah in Hebrew translates to “bee”.. …
As found in the Bible in the book of Judges..
Spent most of my life “busy as a bee” and didn’t realize that it was an inherent trait.
Honey is seen in the spiritual aspect of representing immortality…….. as our souls live on once we leave this earthly plane to another dimension that is not visible to our eyes, only felt with our heart and so gentle.
Now that I am not able to be so busy, it is becoming easier to feel with my heart and know that there are many souls helping and guiding me as I get ready to return home.
Honey.”
###
The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Debbie Roberts’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
BOOKED
Today: 7 felonies, 9 misdemeanors, 0 infractions
JUDGED
Humboldt County Superior Court Calendar: Today
CHP REPORTS
0 Us199 (HM office): Animal Hazard
ELSEWHERE
KINS’s Talk Shop: Talkshop October 1st, 2025 – Felicia Thomson
Times-Standard : Humboldt County planners to debate U-Haul signs again
RHBB: Fiberized Micro Seal Road Work Begins This Week in Humboldt County
RHBB: Sequoia Park Zoo Conservation Council Opens 2025 Grant Preproposals
OBITUARY: Jose Delgado, 1958-2024
LoCO Staff / Tuesday, March 5, 2024 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits
It is with profound
sorrow that we announce the passing of Jose “J.C., Joe Chris,”
Delgado, who left us on February 17, 2024, aged 66. Born on February
10, 1958, J.C. was loved by many and will be greatly missed for his
humor, outgoing nature, helpfulness and stubborn charm.
He leaves behind his beloved son, Joe, loving daughters, Jaclyn and Cynthia; his cherished grandchildren, Benjamin, and Matthew. Melanie, Dominick, Jonathan, Morris “Jr”, and Frank, along with sisters Rhea & Rhoda, and finally his beloved nieces and nephews. J.C. was predeceased by his son, Roberto Delgado, his parents, Joseph Delgado and Minerva Peters-Delgado, siblings Laura, Linda, and Benjamin George. The legacy he leaves behind in his family will continue to resonate.
Known for his diverse taste, J.C. was a die-hard Raiders fan “Since 62”-J.C. He loved Pepsi and tequila (though not mixed together) and enjoyed a wide range of music genres, which was evident if you ever heard him sing. He was so proud of the family he created, especially his grandchildren.
He was known for being able to find the humor in anything. He was a big joker and prankster. He was also known and admired for his strength and resilience, a Warrior at Heart, a true fighter. He loved going to karaoke bars, fishing, and hunting on the Klamath River. He was full of odd, useful, and just random facts, a true history buff. J.C. enjoyed bowling, being a youth coach (softball and bowling), telling the most amazing stories about his life and his travels to all but four U.S. States in his big rig. His laugh was unforgettable! He truly enjoyed himself and lived life to the fullest. Often called the life of the party. He was a self-proclaimed and oddly proud “pain in the rear”
J.C.’s interest in varied themes is very evident.
J.C.’s philosophy revolved around living life to the fullest, with no regrets. He believed that our every action is a choice and that we should stand by the decisions we make. Live life on your terms and have no regrets. This outlook on life, tied with his lively personality, added an unmatchable zest to his character.
Services will be held as follows:
Friday, March 15, 2024
Officiated by: Rv. Rodney Vigil
Wake will be at 7 p.m., following Shaker prayer service at “Midnight”
Johnsons
Indian Shaker church
“Wautec
Church”
End
of The Road
Hwy
169
Johnsons
Ca
Saturday, March 16, 2024
At 12 p.m.. church Services at:
Johnsons
Indian Shaker Church
“Wautec
Church”
End
of Road
Hwy
169
Johnsons, CA
Following immediately, burial at
Laura
Young Family Cemetery
Yurok
Indian Reservation”
Lower
Kep’el Rd
Weitchpec
CA
“A true Warrior; A fighter to the very end.”- Eldest son Joe Delgado
Our father, J.C., was a beacon of light for those around him, adding humor and authenticity to every interaction, and his absence leaves a void in our hearts. As we grieve, we also celebrate a life well-lived, remembering his vibrancy and personal strength.- Eldest daughter Jaclyn Delgado
My father, J.C., is and always will be the strongest man I have ever known. He taught me to stay strong, even on my worst of days. He would say, “Stay strong it will pass, and there’s a chance another day will come along and make this day seem not so bad.” Thank you, dad, for always being my Warrior and Protector. I love you and miss you, especially your laugh. Love you always. - Your youngest child Cynthia Delgado
In his memory and in lieu of flowers, funds are being raised for the “Help Get JC Home” initiative. You can honor his journey by donating at this link.
###
The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jose Delgado’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
19-Year-Old Woman Ejected From Vehicle, Sustains Life-Threatening Injuries in Solo Crash North of Eureka
LoCO Staff / Monday, March 4, 2024 @ 4:09 p.m. / Traffic
Press release from the Eureka Police Department:
On March 2, 2024, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Eureka Police Department (EPD) officers, along with Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) personnel, were dispatched to a single vehicle traffic collision that occurred on N/B Hwy 101 just south of Airport Road. It was reported that the involved vehicle had left the roadway on the east side of Hwy 101 and the driver ejected from the vehicle.
EPD and HBF personnel arrived on scene and immediately began providing medical care to the driver. The driver was the only occupant of the vehicle. The driver, a 19 year old female from Arcata, was transported to a local hospital by City Ambulance for major, life threatening injuries.
The exact cause of the collision is still under investigation, but it appears a combination of speed, wet roadways, and the winter weather were contributing factors. There are no indications at this time that alcohol or drugs were a factor.
The Eureka Police Department wants to remind motorist that during inclement weather to slow down, be aware of the road conditions, and drive with due regard for your safety and the safety of others using our roadways.
Driver Who Plowed Through Eureka Nail Salon Over the Weekend Arrested for DUI
LoCO Staff / Monday, March 4, 2024 @ 3:16 p.m. / Crime
Eureka Police Department press release:
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, at approximately 10:48 am, Eureka Police Officers were dispatched to the report of vehicle into a building at the corner of Wabash and Broadway. Upon officers arrival, they discovered a vehicle had left the roadway, struck a fire hydrant and collided into a closed business at this location.
The driver was evaluated by medical personnel for injuries and refused all medical care. The driver, Paul Casanas, 57 years old from Eureka, was evaluated by officers and subsequently arrested for driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license from a prior DUI. Casanas was transported and booked at the Humboldt County Jail.
City of Eureka Public Works responded to the scene and shut off the water at the fire hydrant.
YOU VOTE YET? If Not, Here Are Your Options for Doing Your Civic Duty Today and Tomorrow
Ryan Burns / Monday, March 4, 2024 @ 2:58 p.m. / Elections
###
Tomorrow is Election Day! Super Tuesday, no less!
With the Republican Party holding nominating contests in 15 states and Democrats doing so in 15 states plus the territory of American Samoa, more delegates are at stake tomorrow than on any other day of this Presidential Primary Election season.
While our nation’s presidential nominees are almost a foregone conclusion at this point, here in Humboldt County there’s plenty at stake.
Tomorrow’s the day we decide the fate of the controversial cannabis reform initiative known as Measure A, for one thing.
We may also decide who wins three of the five seats on the county Board of Supervisors. (With three candidates running for both the First and Second District seats, it’s possible, if unlikely, that none of them will clear the threshold necessary to avoid a November runoff: 50 percent of the vote plus one more.)
We’re also likely to decide whether incumbent Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis should keep his seat on the bench despite a formal investigation by the California Commission on Judicial Performance into 19 counts of alleged misconduct. Kreis is facing two challengers at the ballot box: April Van Dyke, a contract attorney with the Humboldt County Office of Conflict Counsel, and Jessica Watson, a deputy district attorney who launched a late write-in campaign.
And of course, voters across Assembly District Two will select the top two candidates from these six contenders:
- Michael Greer – Del Norte Unified School District trustee, Republican
- Rusty Hicks – Chair of California’s Democratic Party
- Ariel Kelley – Mayor of Healdsburg (Dem)
- Franklin “Frankie” Myers – Vice-Chairman of the Yurok Tribe (Dem)
- Chris Rogers – Santa Rosa city councilmember (Dem)
- Ted Williams – Mendocino County’s Fifth District supervisor (Dem)
Early indicators suggest that voter turnout may be depressingly low, but if you haven’t yet voted, it’s not too late! Below you’ll find a rundown of the various options available to you.
Ballot Drop Boxes
The Humboldt County Office of Elections has drop boxes available in communities across the county, with each one available during the location’s regular business hours:
Willow Creek
- Ray’s Food Place: 38915 Highway 299
Trinidad
- Murphy’s Market: 1 Main Street
McKinleyville
- Ace Hardware: 2725 Central Avenue
- Murphy’s Market: 1451 Glendale Drive
Arcata
- Murphy’s Market: 785 Bayside Road
- Murphy’s Market: 100 Westwood Court
Eureka
- Office of Elections: 2426 6th Street
- Murphy’s Market: 4020 Walnut Drive
Fortuna
- Ray’s Food Place: 2009 Main Street
Redway
- Shop Smart: 3430 Redwood Drive
Vote Centers
Maybe you prefer to stand in the booth and scribble ink into those bubbles, getting a rush from doing your civic duty in public. If so, many vote center locations are already open, and a few more will be available tomorrow only.
IMPORTANT! Make sure to bring along the ballot that was mailed to you. If you don’t, you’ll have to fill out a provisional ballot.
The following spots are open Monday and Tuesday:
- The Humboldt County Office of Elections
2426 6th Street, Eureka, CA 95501 - Arcata Community Center
321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Arcata, CA 95521 - Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building
1426 Main Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 - Arcata High School
1720 M Street, Arcata, CA 95521 - College of the Redwoods (Fieldhouse)
7351 Tompkins Hill Road, Eureka, CA 95501 - Jefferson Community Center
1000 B Street, Eureka, CA 95501 - Gene Lucas Community Center
3000 Newburg Rd B, Fortuna, CA 95540 - McKinleyville Middle School
2285 Central Avenue, McKinleyville, CA 95519 - Prasch Hall
312 S Railroad Ave, Blue Lake, CA 95525
And the following locations will be open on Tuesday, March 5, only:
- Hoopa Neighborhood Facility
11860 Highway 96, Hoopa, CA 95546 - Humboldt County Fairgrounds
1250 5th Street, Ferndale, CA 95536 - Redwood Playhouse
286 Sprowel Creek Rd, Garberville, CA 95542
Since the advent of universal mail-in voting here in California, which started during the COVID pandemic, your ballot should have been mailed to you with a return envelope, no postage necessary.
As long as you get that thing into a mailbox early enough to be postmarked by tomorrow, your vote will count.
You can also return your envelope (with your filled-out ballot inside, obviously) to any of the voting centers or drop box locations listed above.
Curbside Voting
The following information comes directly from the Elections Office website:
Curbside voting enables voters to have a voting experience outside the voting area when a Vote Center is not accessible. Voters may use curbside voting from their vehicle or along the path of travel to the voting area.
Elections officials will bring you a roster to sign, a ballot, and any other voting materials you may need to cast your ballot privately and independently. Once your voting experience is complete, an elections official will provide you with confirmation that your ballot was cast successfully.
If you would like to arrange for curbside voting accommodations, please contact the Humboldt County Office of Elections at 707-445-7481.
Lastly …
If you missed the February 19 registration deadline, don’t worry! You can still submit a conditional voter registration and vote in-person on a provisional ballot at any Humboldt County vote center. (See above for locations.)
Rio Dell Man Arrested for Allegedly Stalking Scotia Business Owner
LoCO Staff / Monday, March 4, 2024 @ 1:39 p.m. / Crime
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 1, 2024, at about 8:50 p.m., deputies from Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 100 block of Main St. in Scotia for the report of a male subject who was reportedly loitering and making odd comments to a local business owner.
Upon arrival, deputies located the male subject in the area of Church Street. He was identified as Rio Dell resident, 50-year-old James Jones. He was advised of the complaint and asked to leave the area.
On March 2, at about 8:21 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Communication Center received a call from the same business owner who was reporting the subject had returned and was loitering outside the business again. Jones left the area prior to the deputies’ arrival. The deputies contacted the business owner and provided her information on how to obtain a restraining order.
On March 3, at about 6:18 p.m., HCSO dispatch received another call from the same business owner stating that Jones had returned to her business and was in the parking lot waiting for her. Prior to the deputies’ arrival, dispatch advised the caller was at her residence and she did not feel comfortable going to the business with him there. A few minutes later HCSO dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from her stating Jones was standing outside her residence.
Upon arrival, deputies contacted Jones in the 100 block of Main Street. After further investigation Jones was taken into custody for stalking, possession of a switchblade knife and possession of methamphetamine.
James Jones was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked for (PC 646.9(A)) Stalking, (PC 21510(A)) Possession of a switchblade knife and (HS 11377(A)) Possession of a controlled substance.
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.
Receive HCSO news straight to your phone or email. Subscribe to news alerts at: humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.
Teenager Arrested on Firearm Charges Following Traffic Stop in Bridgeville, Sheriff’s Office Says
LoCO Staff / Monday, March 4, 2024 @ 1:27 p.m. / Crime
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On Feb. 29, 2024, at approximately 12:18 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of State Highway 36 and Alderpoint Road in Bridgeville.
Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, the deputy observed multiple firearms in the backseat. Due to the firearms being in the backseat, the backseat passenger who was identified as 21-year-old Clayton Moore was removed from the vehicle first followed by the driver, who was identified as 19-year-old Weylan McKnight.
As the deputy was instructing Moore and McKnight to walk back to the front of his patrol vehicle, his attention was drawn to the front seat passenger identified as 19-year-old Payden Roberts exiting the vehicle holding a handgun near his right leg, which contained a high-capacity magazine. The deputy drew his department issued firearm and ordered Roberts to drop the gun. Roberts complied and placed the handgun on the floorboard of the vehicle.
Upon further investigation, the handgun that Roberts was holding was loaded with a round in chamber and multiple rounds inside the high-capacity magazine. The other firearms located in the vehicle included three bolt action rifles, an AR-15 rifle with no serial numbers, and a Sig Sauer semi-automatic pistol. During a search of the vehicle, located on the front passenger floorboard, (where Roberts was seated), the deputy found a camouflage backpack that contained four 30 round .223 magazines and a 17 round Glock magazine.
Roberts was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for charges of (PC 30605(a)) Possession of Assault Weapon, (PC 25850(a)) Carrying a Loaded Firearm, (PC 32310(a)) Possession of Large Capacity Magazine and (PC 1203.2) Violation of Probation.
The driver of the vehicle,19-year-old Weylan McKnight, was issued a citation for (VC 23140(a)) Minor driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.05% and released to a sober driver.
Clayton Moore was released at the scene.
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.