Jill Levinson Lapple
September 8, 1950 to January 17, 2023

Jill Levinson Lapple passed away on January 17, 2023 at 1:50 in the morning. She was born 72 years earlier in Johannesburg, South Africa; on September the 8th, 1950. Jill was a fraternal twin; her sister’s name was Daphne. After her schooling she became a film editor and eventually became the censorship editor for the country. Her job was to make the cuts that a panel of censors required in a film or to go to court and argue why a cut didn’t need to be made. She was very successful at reducing the number of cuts. In fact a newspaper article was written about just that, under the headline, “No Butcher She.” An interesting by product of her job was that she was one of the only people, in South Africa, who got to see uncut movies. Jill hated the Apartheid system that she had grown up in and due to her seeing uncut films she knew where she wanted to live; that bastion of free and equal government, that shiny city on the hill, the United States of America.

She moved to the US when she was 30 years old, on a visitor’s visa. She was dismayed to discover that the America she had seen on film did not live up to that promise, in real life. While she was staying at Dobie Gray’s road manager’s house she met a young television commercial director named Edward Lapple. Two years later they were married. Ed recounts, “When we went out, a second time, I told her that she was, “Foxy,” and when I called her for a third date, she was a little stand offish. She said, “Well the last time that we went out you said that I smelled gamy.” They were able to work their semantics problems out and romance blossomed. She worked at Lajon Films, for a couple of years editing movie trailers and doing production management jobs. Then Ed and his brother decided to open their own production company and Jill went with them. Their family owned the Town of Bridgeville, in Humboldt County and Jill became intimately familiar with the paperwork required in tenant management. In 1982 South Africa paid her to go to the Cannes Film Festival to pick movies for the country. She also worked with Norman Seeff shooting album covers. Meanwhile during 5 years working at Video General she worked her way up from being the Graphics designer to General Manager.

When Jill got pregnant, with their son Joshua, she retired from the company to be a full time mother. A few years later the little family moved to Fillmore, California and Jill returned to the workplace becoming the feature writer for the Fillmore Gazette, she also joined the Baháʼí faith where she was attracted by its strong stand for universal justice and equality. Being the enthusiastic overachiever that she always was, she soon wound up as an instructor, teaching the faith. The family eventually moved to Humboldt County and from there Joshua deployed to Afghanistan. During his tour he was injured in an IED explosion. He suffered a broken back, neck and jaw; he was moved to Ft. Sam Houston medical center and spent two years recovering, Jill moved to San Antonio and spent two years living in the barracks with him. When he returned to Humboldt County the Baháʼí’s asked Jill if she would start a ministry in Crescent City. She said yes and moved up there, where she recruited members and got involved in community programs to help the local homeless population. Then the Covid-19 restrictions slammed a brake on most of this activity and Jill developed physical problems that ended when she passed on January 17th.

Her parents Micky and Leon Levinson passed before she did. She was visited by her three sisters a week before and her husband and son were with her at the end. Jill is survived by Edward and Joshua Lapple, plus her three sisters, Cynthia Modugno, Daphne Gaddie and Debbie Buckley as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at the Table Bluff Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 28.

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

HUMBOLDT TODAY: The bay trail between Eureka and Arcata has an estimated completion date, California’s congressional leaders aim to keep our coast pristine with new legislation, local do-gooders honored for acts of heroism, and more in today’s newscast with John Kennedy O’Connor!

Also! Would you like the audio version of JKO to pop up in your podcast app? You can subscribe to that here.

FURTHER READING: 

• County Supervisors Poised to Put the Humboldt Bay Trail South Project Out for Bids
• CHALLENGE COINED: EPD Recognizes Local Do-Gooders for Extraordinary Acts of Service
• Huffman, Feinstein Introduce Bill to Permanently Ban Offshore Drilling

Eureka Police Department release:

At a recent promotion ceremony, we had the great honor of presenting our Challenge Coins to a few deserving citizens who gave of themselves in an exceptional manner. The Challenge Coin acknowledges valued citizens and groups who commit acts of extraordinary kindness or valor, unselfishly give of themselves to help others, or perform other good deeds that go above and beyond the normal courtesies society expects.

Allison Backman, Alex Backman, and Dr. Emily Dalton were presented the Challenge Coin for their heroic action which saved the life of a man who had collapsed at a gym on December 1, 2022. They quickly and without hesitation performed life saving measures, giving chest compressions and utilizing an AED. Their actions saved this man’s life and he was present at the ceremony as well!

Justyn Sequoia and Jose Rios were presented the Challenge Coin for their assistance in locating an at risk missing adult on September 18, 2022. As Asset Protection leaders of Target, they went above and beyond in reviewing security footage that ultimately led officers to the correct direction of travel of the missing male.

Mr. Roy Gomes, Mr. Zackariah Dickson and Mr. Logan McNeill we’re presented the Challenge Coin for coming to an officers aid and assisting with a violently resisting suspect on May 30, 2021. Thank you for demonstrating the great qualities of Valor, Service, and Community.

Press release from the City of Eureka:

Notice is hereby given that applications will be accepted for appointments to the following city boards and commissions until filled

Board, Committee or Commission:

• Art and Culture Commission (2 Vacancies)
• Board of Appeals (1 Vacancy)
• Citizen’s Oversight Board on Police Practices (2 Vacancies)
• Economic Development Commission (3 Vacancies)
• Eureka Energy Committee (1 Vacancy)
• Historic Preservation Commission (1 Vacancy)
• Open Space Parks & Recreation Commission (2 Vacancies)
• Personnel Commission (1 Vacancy)
• Transportation Safety Commission (2 Vacancies)

Applications may be obtained by phone or in person from the Mayor’s Office, City of Eureka, 531 “K” Street, Eureka, CA 95501, (707) 441-4175, or may be downloaded from the City Clerk’s website, listed below.

In order to be eligible for appointment to any board or commission, a person must be a qualified registered elector of the City of Eureka, the Humboldt Community Services District or Humboldt County Service Area No. 3, or an owner of a business located within the city limits of the City of Eureka. The mayor shall make the appointments with the approval of a majority of the Council.

Appointments of qualified non-city residents will require a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the Council for confirmation.

Members on Boards and Commissions shall be willing to serve as a civic responsibility and without compensation. No member of any board or commission shall hold any paid office or employment in the city government.

For more information, call the City Clerk at (707) 441-4175, or go to:

Board and Commission Application

Applications will be accepted until filled.

Press release from the office of Rep. Jared Huffman:

Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today introduced the West Coast Ocean Protection Act to permanently ban oil and gas drilling in federal waters off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington.

“Offshore drilling poses unacceptable risks, and the science and public opinion are clear: we should not put our oceans and fisheries, coastal communities, economies, and planet at risk just to enrich the fossil fuel industry,” said Representative Huffman. “The world is transitioning to a green, clean energy future – and it is past time that we ban new offshore drilling and shift our investments to safe, renewable energy sources. Californians have experienced first-hand the environmental disasters caused by oil spills, and we are ready to put an end to that risk once and for all by permanently protecting our coasts.”

“The era of offshore oil and gas production in the Pacific is coming to a close,” said Senator Feinstein. “We’re in the midst of a historic transition to cleaner energy sources, including offshore wind. Offshore drilling and the risks it poses to the environment and our robust ocean and coastal economies are not part of that clean-energy future. It’s time to permanently ban new drilling leases in federal waters off the West Coast.”

California began efforts to block offshore drilling in 1969 when an oil rig off the coast of Santa Barbara leaked 3 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean, blanketing beaches with a thick layer of oil and killing thousands of marine mammals and birds. It was the largest oil spill in U.S. history until the Exxon Valdez spill 20 years later. After the 1969 Santa Barbara spill, California blocked all new offshore oil drilling in state waters, protecting our coastal waters up to three miles from the shore. The state reinforced that ban in 1994 by passing the California Coastal Sanctuary Act, which prohibited new leasing in state waters.

In October 2021, a ruptured pipeline from an existing oil well spilled more than 25,000 gallons of crude oil into the ocean and onto the beaches of Orange County. Despite numerous alarms, operators allowed oil to flow from the leak for over 14 hours. The spill covered more than 8,000 acres of the ocean’s surface and required more than a week of cleanup while local businesses and fisheries suffered.

No new offshore drilling has been allowed in federal waters along the Pacific Coast since 1984. However, the Trump administration released a five-year offshore leasing plan in 2018 that proposed opening up the entire West Coast to new drilling despite widespread opposition in Pacific coast states. That proposal was blocked by the courts but the threat of drilling will remain until a permanent ban is enacted.

The West Coast Ocean Protection Act would permanently protect these waters that are essential to coastal economies and healthy marine ecosystems. Nearly 70 percent of Californians opposed offshore drilling according to recent polling by the Public Policy Institute of California.

The bill is supported by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Oceana, Sierra Club, Environment America, Environment Washington, Environment Oregon, Environment California, Surfrider Foundation, League of Conservation Voters, Surf Industry Members Association, WILDCOAST, Business Alliance for Protecting the Pacific Coast, Paddle For Peace, and the National Aududon Society.

“Surfrider Foundation applauds the introduction of the West Coast Protection Act. We urge Congress to pass this and other legislation to protect U.S. waters from new offshore drilling. Stopping new offshore drilling will protect our nation’s environment, communities and businesses. The bill is also a key action to address climate change,” said Pete Stauffer, ocean protection manager, Surfrider Foundation.

“We can’t continue business as usual. With a climate and biodiversity crisis to address, and a clean energy economy taking off, this is no time to pursue a backward-looking energy strategy. The public has made it clear – communities oppose new offshore drilling and seismic blasting and don’t want to hand over our coastal waters to polluters. This bill would make significant strides in protecting the West Coast, coastal communities, and fragile ecosystems,” said Valerie Cleland, senior ocean advocate, NRDC.

“From soaring cliffs to sunny beaches, the Pacific coast is truly a national treasure. Sadly, this treasure has been threatened far too often, for far too long, with spills and pollution from offshore drilling. We’re glad to see the West Coast Ocean Protection Act reintroduced. We need to make ocean drilling a thing of the past,” said Kelsey Lamp, Protect our Oceans campaign director, Environment America.

“Dirty and dangerous offshore drilling worsens climate change, threatens marine life, and results in environmentally and economically devastating oil spills. Oceana applauds Senator Feinstein and Congressman Huffman for reintroducing the West Coast Ocean Protection Act which makes important progress toward permanently protecting all our coasts from new offshore drilling. Ending new offshore drilling is a crucial step toward addressing the climate crisis. Our oceans can be part of the solution as we expedite our transition away from dirty and dangerous fossil fuels and toward clean, renewable energy like responsibly-sited offshore wind,” said Diane Hoskins, Climate and Energy campaign director, Oceana.

“Communities on the West Coast have been fighting for a long time to be free of the fossil fuel industry’s grip. LCV thanks Congressman Huffman and Senator Feinstein for reintroducing the West Coast Ocean Protection Act, which would prohibit new oil and gas leasing off the West Coast and prevent a massive 19 billion tons of greenhouse gases from fueling the climate crisis. Offshore drilling continues to pollute coastal waters, with devastating consequences for the economy and public health of coastal communities already bearing the brunt of Big Oil’s greed. This bill is a step towards a just, clean, renewable energy future,” said America Fitzpatrick, conservation program director, League of Conservation Voters.

“We thank Senator Feinstein and Congressman Huffman for championing this effort to protect our coasts from the environmental disruption of offshore oil and gas extraction. Offshore drilling puts wildlife in danger, threatens the health of coastal communities, and prolongs our reliance on climate-damaging fossil fuels. Congress needs to listen to the local communities and millions of Americans who have spoken out against offshore drilling and pass the West Coast Protection Act,” said Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program.

“Put simply, there is no room for more offshore drilling in a clean energy future. Rather we need to prioritize transformative and responsible actions that will move us away from fossil fuel production to renewable energy. Ocean Conservancy is excited to see the re-introduction of this critical legislation that would permanently ban risky offshore drilling on the West Coast, protecting our ocean health, and fostering the transition to cleaner energy sources. We look forward to working with Congress to advance this legislation,” said Jeff Watters, Vice President of External Affairs at Ocean Conservancy.

In the House, the legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ed Case (HI-01), Judy Chu (CA-28), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), William Keating (MA-09), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mike Levin (CA-49), Ted. W. Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Katie Porter (CA-47), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Adam Schiff (CA-30), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and Juan Vargas (CA-52.).

In the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected loss of Donald “Donny” Thomas Ferguson. He departed the world on October 23, 2022, leaving just as he entered it — with a kind, compassionate soul, seeking adventure. Donny was born in Seattle, Washington on January 23, 1971 to Roberta and Robert Ferguson.

Those who had the chance to be acquainted with Donny knew he faced little hesitation to put others before himself. A fun memory shared with his sister, Robin Ferguson, happened on a particularly warm summer day spent in South Dakota. On this summer day, he swore to his sister that he would catch a fish using only his hands. With extreme focus, he watched the rippling water. Moments later, in one swoop, he pulled out a shiny little fish presenting it to Robin. He loved to bring her joy but, above all, he was protective of his older sister. During the earthquake of 1992, Humboldt experienced a higher magnitude earthquake. He held his sister’s hand throughout the duration offering her words of comfort.

The mother of his children, Karmen Davy, shared a memory that also spoke of his protective nature. Donny spent time with Karmen as she fed her beloved quarter horse Taffy. One evening, they heard a low, almost mechanical, rumble. While looking toward the tree line in disbelief, a mountain lion was stalking them. In calmness, Donny looked toward Karmen telling her not to panic. As most would, she ran toward the car leaving behind her jacket in the dust-covered pasture and — well, Donny too.

He loved to encourage his daughter, Kelsey, with her photography endeavors. He guided her with his kindness and wisdom which helped her push through difficult times. These stories show Donny’s nature: he was driven by kindness, compassion, and dedication to his loved ones.

Donny had a long list of hobbies that included BMX, fishing, clamming, cooking, birdwatching, technology, and motorcycles. He extended these passions to his two daughters: Kelsey and Jaycie Ferguson-Davy. From a young age, he had numerous accomplishments, some including but not limited to a black belt in jujitsu and winning numerous sprint car races.

He is preceded in death by his father Robert Ferguson and brother Randy Ferguson. Donny leaves behind his children Kelsey and Jaycie Ferguson-Davy, his mother Roberta Ferguson, brother Vance Ferguson, sister Robin Ferguson, niece Josie Ferguson, his uncle Ray Tyson, his aunt Cheryl Tyson, and his six grandchildren. Donny also leaves behind his sober living community which had become an extension of his family.

In lieu of flowers, please hug someone you love and tell them how special they are to you.

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

Joan Katri was born in 1939 in Eureka to Bernard and Mary Katri. She grew up in Ferndale, graduating in l957 from Ferndale High School.

Joan attended and graduated from California School of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. She then worked in commercial art in San Francisco for several years after which she lived on the East Coast for a number of years.

Joan returned to Ferndale about 40 years ago and became involved with the art community. She was active in the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce , the Ferndale Museum and the Art Co-op.

She is survived by her twin sister, Janice Holdaway, of Magnolia, Texas and brother, Dennis Katri, of Fortuna.

A memorial gathering will planned at a later date.

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