Joanna Lewis’s family never believed she took her own life.

In 2011, investigators found her hanging from a bath robe’s belt inside a closet. The Solano County Cororner’s Office declared her death a suicide. But Lewis, 36, had previously sought restraining orders against her husband, Vacaville pastor Mark Lewis, accusing him of domestic violence.

Four years after her death, Mark Lewis was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading no contest to hiring three people to throw a molotov cocktail through the window of his ex-girlfriend’s Vacaville house. He had started dating that woman within days of his wife’s death, she told ABC News.

Lewis has never faced charges in Joanna Lewis’ death, although deputies have opened the case twice. This week, a Solano County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told CalMatters that the agency has reopened the investigation into Joanna Lewis’s death for a third time.

The review comes as California lawmakers consider a bill that would give the extended families of domestic violence victims the right to request additional scrutiny of death investigations they deem suspicious as well as provide additional training for law enforcement to spot cover-ups of domestic violence murders. Its supporters are citing Joanna Lewis’s death as they advocate for the bill.

Senate Bill 989’s lead author is Sen. Angelique Ashby, a former Sacramento city councilmember who knows Lewis’s brother, Sacramento Fire Capt. Joseph Hunter. He testified beside Ashby last week before the Senate Public Safety Committee and again on Tuesday before the Senate’s Judiciary Committee. The bill passed both committees unanimously.As he testified, he referred to his sister by her maiden name, which her family has used since her death.

“This bill will bring justice to Joanna Hunter and so many other victims like her,” Hunter told lawmakers.

The bill comes amid international calls for police to take a dead woman’s history with a domestic abuser into account before declaring her death a suicide or an accident, citing examples of abusers covering up their crimes. Law enforcement organizations, however, argue that their investigators are already trained to spot death scenes that are staged to not look like a murder.

In an interview with CalMatters Tuesday, Ashby said there could be as many as 800 to 1,200 “hidden homicides” in the U.S. each year, citing estimates from the bill’s sponsor, Alliance for HOPE International, an advocacy group for victims of domestic violence. Ashby said that too often, the victim’s abuser is their spouse who has the ability to block family members from pushing investigators to dig deeper, something the family alleges happened after Joanna Lewis’s death.

“If a firefighter brother can’t get a secondary autopsy,” Ashby said, “we clearly need a legal change.”

Lewis is no longer listed as a state prison inmate. CalMatters’ attempted to reach him through phone numbers and an email address found in public records. The numbers were disconnected, and the email account was disabled. Lewis’ attorney from his 2015 criminal case wasn’t listed on the Solano County Superior Court’s online case search.

The Solano County officials have conducted at least two other reviews of the case, once in 2014 and again in 2019, a sheriff’s spokesman told CalMatters. Lewis has not been charged with a crime related to his wife’s 2011 death. Solano County court records show that he was convicted by plea agreement of felony domestic violence in 1997. The records don’t say who his victim was.

Who would get domestic violence records?

Ashby’s bill would give parents, siblings or the domestic violence victim’s children the right to obtain photos taken during a coroner’s investigation into a death declared a suicide, so that they can have them for an independent review of the case.

Autopsy reports are generally public records, but photographs taken during a death investigation can only be given out to a victim’s “legal heir or their representative in connection with a potential or pending civil action relating to the decedent’s death,” according to the bill’s analysis.

“Right now, only an heir – a legal heir – has access to those records,” Casey Gwinn, the president of Alliance for HOPE International, told lawmakers. “And in the cases of domestic violence homicide, the legal heir may actually be the killer. We believe family members should have the same access to records.”

California’s District Attorneys Association supports Ashby’s bill, which has Sen. Susan Rubio, a Democrat from West Covina, as a coauthor. Before becoming a senator, Rubio accused her then-husband, Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, of domestic violence in 2016, as he was serving his final term. He denied the allegations.

California police oppose death records bill

But some law enforcement groups argue the training and other investigative requirements under Rubio’s and Ashby’s bill are redundant. Investigators, they say, are already trained to look for signs of hidden foul play at what’s known as an “unattended death,” when someone dies outside of a medical setting.“It has been our experience that these staged crimes are quickly recognized by our investigators out in the field due to our current policies and procedures that we have in place,” Lt. Julio De Leon of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office told the judiciary committee on Tuesday. “And we investigate all unattended deaths out in the field. All of them.”The bill also gives family members the right to request another law enforcement agency to review a death investigation officially deemed a suicide or an accident if there is a documented history of domestic violence. If the local cops won’t take up the review, the family may seek a review of the case from a federally-authorized “public or private nonprofit agency” that trains law enforcement on domestic violence investigations, according to the bill analysis.

De Leon said the bill doesn’t say which agency would pay for the additional review or provide a means to cover the costs.

“Why should residents of a particular city fund and pay and dedicate officers to investigate a crime that was potentially committed outside of their jurisdiction?” he asked.

Ashby brushed off concerns over unintended costs, saying nonprofit domestic violence organizations are willing to conduct death investigation reviews for families for free.

“The members of Joanna Hunter’s family would disagree that more cannot be done to protect families,” she said. “They would be joined by thousands of other families whose loved ones did not receive justice in death.”

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The Calmatters Ideas Festival takes place June 5-6! Find out more and get your tickets at this link.

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

Glenda Miller
July 9, 1930 - April 4, 2024

Glenda Miller passed away April 4, 2024 at the age of 93. She was a woman of faith and while we are so saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is being celebrated in heaven by those who have gone before her. She is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, all of whom are feeling lost without our matriarch. She was a loving mother, devoted grandmother and was tickled to be a great grandmother to so many. Mom truly believed children were life’s greatest blessings.

Mom was born July 9, 1930 to Frank and Mable Titus and spent her entire life in Humboldt County. The Titus family including her three brothers lived and worked several dairies: Waddington Road, Coffee Creek — the Keohan place, and later on the Island.

Mom attended Coffee Creek Elementary School, moved on to 8th grade at Ferndale Elementary and graduated from Ferndale High School in 1948. She met her husband, Jerry Miller, at a Grange Dance. They were married in 1949. The newlyweds moved around the Eel River Valley until they bought their family home on Centerville Road in Ferndale in 1961.

Before having children, she worked as a bookkeeper and later as a checker at Nobles Grocery. In 1967 Don Smith hired her at the Valley Grocery where she began her lifelong career. She was working in the store the day of the 1992, 7.2 earthquake. Mom worked there until 2019, retiring at the young age of 89, when her husband Jerry needed a little extra T.L.C.

Mom was a lifetime member of the Ferndale Community Church. As a child she and her brothers walked from Coffee Creek to Sunday School and occasionally got a ride from a neighbor. Eventually, she picked her spot in the third pew with many of her family members filling two pews most Sundays. Glenda was a beloved member of the church and served on many committees. The church attendees loved her and made her feel like the royalty she was. At her request, in 2022, the stained glass in the steeple was lit once again. If you drive by the church at night, notice the glow, think of her.

Glenda was a Ferndale treasure. She was loved and cherished by the community that she held so dear. Mom loved being with family for big celebrations and weekly dinners. She followed her family’s activities for three generations. She canned, baked and cooked for her family. When grandkids stopped by, they headed to the deep freezer to find the blue tin filled with chocolate chip cookies. Mom admired beautiful flowers and worked tirelessly in her flowerbeds.

Christmas Eve was the annual event that she was still hosting at 93. Each year mom baked everyone’s favorite cookies and candies to be eaten after gifts were opened. During the evening her beloved niece Lorie Ford and her family, and many neighboring Titus cousins came by to wish mom a Merry Christmas. She took a head count of how many family members were in her home each Christmas.

Mom and Dad spent their 50th wedding anniversary in Maui with much of their family. Mom loved our country, and was so excited to visit Washington DC and tour the White House. She loved girls’ trips to Santa Rosa, SF Giants’ games and each year looked forward to spending July 4th weekend at Miranda Gardens with close friends and family.

Glenda was a 77-year member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West Oneonta (Ferndale) Parlor. She joined at the age of 16, and was an active member holding many offices. She worked on their garden at the fair and enjoyed attending Grand Parlor. Mom also had great fun during dad’s time as a Grand officer in the Native Son’s, where they made lasting friendships and memories.

Mom is survived by her children: Jeff (Beth) Miller, Mike Miller, Tom (Gina) Miller, and Leanne (Mac) McCulloch.

Grandchildren: Brian Miller, Jonna (Glen) Simpson, Erin (Chris) Smead, Jerry (Sarah) Miller, Jenna (Jeff) Burns, Brianne (Sam) Frank, Megan (Jon) Busher, Brock (Ashley) McCulloch and Taylor (Will) Stephens.

Great-Grandchildren: Elliana, Haleigh and Marin Busher, Mac and Trey Stephens, Tommy and Chaney Ritter, Trinity Burns, Maverick, Marley and Dax Miller, Cameron and Benjamin Frank, Reece and Milo Miller, and Chase and Molly Smead.

Mom is also survived by her sister-in-law, Cecilia Titus, as well as many nieces and nephews who checked on her often and treated her with love.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Jerry Miller, her parents, Frank and Mable Titus. Her brothers and sister in laws: Everett and Betty Titus, Dayton and Gayle Titus and Jim Titus. As well as the Miller family: William (Pat) and Lydia Miller and her husband’s siblings and their spouses.

A memorial celebration of mom’s life will be May 11 at 1 p.m. at the Ferndale Community Church, followed by a reception at the Ferndale Community Center.

Memorial donations can be made to the Ferndale Community Church, PO Box 1273 Ferndale CA 95536.

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

Doug Durham, 94, of Eureka, passed away on April 11, 2024. Doug was born on July 7, 1929, in Reed City, Michigan. Doug — a loving husband, humble man, Navy veteran, community leader and gentleman — will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Navy Korean War veteran, Doug served in the United States Navy from December 1948 until December 1951.

Doug was assigned to the USS Endicott DMS 35, a minesweeper based in San Diego, when the Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950; the Endicott was the first ship to leave the states from San Diego, California, leaving on June 30 for Korea. Upon arriving in Korea, the Endicott was stationed off the Korean Peninsula in the Pusan perimeter in early August 1950 and provided live fire support for the Army’s 24th division field artillery. The USS Endicott fired its 5” guns day and night. When the ammunition ran out, the Endicott made the round-trip ritual to Sasebo to pick up more ammunition and then returned to offer support fire. Not yet done in Korea, Doug and the USS Endicott headed north to conduct minesweeping duties for the invasion of Wonsan. Doug was lucky as two other minesweepers, the USS Pledge and the USS Pirate, both were sunk, with several lives lost. Doug had just visited the Pledge an hour before the sinking to repair a faulty radar. There was still one last mission for Doug and the USS Endicott in Korea as they headed further up the Korean coast to sweep mines in Hungnam Harbor, the most heavily mined area in the world, and assist in the evacuation of 105,000 servicemen, primarily United States Marines of the 1st Marine division who had been fighting one of the fiercest battles of the Korean was at the Chosin reservoir. The evacuation was called the Christmas miracle.

Doug was honored as a Humboldt Hero for his service to his country and was also selected to go on an Honor Flight back to Washington, DC, to see the memorials that were built to honor those who served. You could easily recognize Doug with a Korean Veteran ball cap placed in the proper military position on his head,

During his illustrious career at Lockheed, which spanned over 30 years, Doug played a pivotal role in the development of a groundbreaking missile detection system. His contributions to the field were not just significant but truly invaluable, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

His dedication to his country as a patriot was evident in both his military service and his civilian life.

Doug’s passion for volunteering was unmatched. He dedicated his time to various organizations, including the Senior Resource Center, A1 Center on Aging and the Ingomar Board, as well as the Historical Committee. He also provided caregiver training for family members with Alzheimer’s, showcasing his selflessness and compassion.

When not at work or volunteering, Doug found solace in embracing nature, indulging in his passions for fishing and hunting. The beauty of roses and redwoods never failed to captivate him. Doug loved spending time with friends, and he had many. His wit and humor were like a ray of sunshine, brightening the lives of those around him and leaving an unforgettable imprint on their hearts.

Doug is survived by his sister, Judy Bonds, and preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Durham; father, Jules Durham; mother, Harriette Durham, stepmother Eleanor Durham; and sister, Georgia Woodall.

In lieu of flowers, you can contribute to the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, a cause dear to Doug’s heart.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, a humble man, a community leader, a witty individual, a Navy Korean War veteran, a patriot, a dedicated volunteer, and a good friend to all he knew.

The celebration of life will be held at the Eureka Elks Lodge on June 22 between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Rest in peace, Doug Durham. Your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift others.

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

Terri Norlene Cain (aka Hillemeier)
Feb. 1, 1960 - April 13, 2023

Terri was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Stockton on February 1, 1960. About two years later, the family moved to Modesto, where Terri was raised alongside her four younger siblings — three brothers and one sister. After graduating a year early from Davis High School in Modesto, Terri worked as a wildland firefighter in the Santa Cruz area. She soon relocated, while working for the CCC, to Northern California, where she spent most of the remainder of her life.

Terri had her first son in 1983 followed by another son in 1986 and finally a daughter in 1988. The family lived in the Willow Creek area for many years. Many good, long summer days were spent on the Trinity River. Terri loved to camp and explore the mountains, rivers, and lakes of Northern California. The family relocated in 1995 to the coast. Like the mountains, Terri loved the coast, the ocean, and all it had to offer. She was a true nature-lover.

Terri was a free spirit, who lived life on her terms. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. Terri had a heart of gold and was always looking out for those in need. She never had much but she never hesitated to share what she had with those around her.

Terri passed away after a long illness on April 13, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.

Terri was preceded in death by her father, Tony Valdez. Terri is survived by her three children, Josh, Daniel, and Shawnee Hillemeier; mother, Joan Valdez; sister, Kristi Bailey; brother, Mike Cain; brother, Greg Valdez; brother, David Valdez; aunt, Mickey Anderson; four grandchildren, Arianna Hand, Julian Hand, Andrew Hillemeier, and Travis Hillemeier; longtime close friend Semiramis Toops; and many other longtime friends in Willow Creek and on the Coast.

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

Steven Warren Youkey of Fortuna passed away at the age of 75 on Friday, April 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born in Scotia to A.W. and Aline Youkey on September 21, 1948. He attended Rio Dell Grammar School and Fortuna High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Carol Addington. He graduated Fortuna High School in 1966.

Steve started working for Pacific Lumber Company at the age of 17 delivering mail. He then transferred to the print shop where he worked for 48 years and became a well-known pressman throughout the county and was recognized nationally by the 3M Company for outstanding pressman achievements. Steve created an atmosphere within the Scotia print shop that became a place that people associated with him and his love for the community. He later became owner of the print shop and retired at the age of 66.

Steve married the love of his life, Carol on May 10, 1969 at the First Baptist Church in Campton Heights. Their love and dedicated to each other was an inspiration. Steve and Carol built a beautiful life together. They welcomed their son, Brian Warren in September 1971 and daughter Heather Lynn in June 1974. Steve loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events as spending time with his family was his number one priority.

Steve was an active member of his community belonging to the Rio Dell and Scotia Volunteer Fire Department and coached his children in youth baseball.

He belonged to the Redwood Empire Golf Club where he enjoyed golfing and playing cards with his friends. He also enjoyed his 1967 Chevelle 396 SS that he bought brand new at the age of 18. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his friends and family and going on donut runs with his grandchildren. Steve will be known for being an avid dog lover and enjoyed daily walks with his dog, Abbey.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents A.W. and Aline Youkey, childhood friend Rodney Johnson and many other dear friends.

Steve is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol Youkey, Son, Brian Youkey and Daughter-in-Law, Keri, grandchildren, Brayden, Haylee and Madison, Daughter, Heather and Son-in-Law Ryan Davy, granddaughters Payton and Taylor, sister Frances Henry and her husband William Henry Jr., along with countless friends and family.

Steve lived life to the fullest. He always greeted people with a smile and brought laughter to everyone he met.

Steve’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 26 at 4 p.m. at the Fortuna Veterans Memorial building. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Hospice.

The family of Steve wishes to acknowledge Dr. Stephanie Dittmer and staff, Visiting Angels and Hospice and the community who surrounded his family with love and support.

Steve radiated Jesus through his actions and is now at peace in heaven. Psalm 23:6.

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

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Colorful protest signs, dome tents and graffiti had proliferated across the Cal Poly Humboldt campus on Wednesday, the second full day of an ongoing student demonstration in support of Palestine. Hand-painted signs and chalk slogans on concrete called for a free Palestine, an immediate ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation of Gaza, among other messages.

The campus will remain closed through the weekend as an untold number of students continue to occupy Siemens Hall, which was the site of a violent confrontation with police Monday evening. Three protesters were arrested.

The entrances to the building have since been barricaded with picnic tables, garbage dumpsters, metal desks, wooden benches and more.

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Outside the main door this morning, a few masked protesters stood behind portable tables that had been stocked with coffee, snacks, paper plates and cutlery. Loaves of bread sat next to a rice cooker and some large pots and pans had been stacked next to a propane cookstove. Underneath one of the tables, a supply of bottled water was placed alongside a bullhorn and a coiled extension cord. 

Reporters were not being allowed inside the building, but outside on the university quad, several dozen students had gathered to speak with each other and make new protest signs ahead of a scheduled “teach in” from the faculty association scheduled for noon.

Student protesters who’d assembled at a side entrance to Siemens Hall sat in a circle of camp chairs. One had an orange dog on his lap. 

“I’ve had him since I was seven,” the young man said. None present wanted to speak about the protest in any official capacity but several of them stressed that their demonstration was completely non-violent and peaceful until law enforcement arrived, and it has been peaceful since the cops left. 

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Another student protester, who wore a face mask and asked to remain anonymous, told the Outpost that while this protest has no official organization and no firmly established terms, students’ determination is unwavering.

“We’re seeing a genocide happen in real time,” she said. “And I feel like —  we, as a community, feel like — we have to do what we can to try to stand up … and stop it. History is watching and our actions since October 7 will be remembered.” 

What’s their goal?

“We do have a general list of five demands that are agreed upon,” the protester said. Those demands, as she explained them, are as follows:

1. “First, the divestment of anything profiting off of or associated with Israel, including weapons manufacturers, exploitation of the West Bank as well as any firms that invest in those activities.”
2. “Boycott all Israeli academic institutions.” Asked how Cal Poly Humboldt is currently involved in such institutions, the student referenced a study-abroad program that includes the University of Haifa in Israel.
3. “We want the university to publicly call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
4. “We want the University to promise that there will be no charges, either criminal charges or disciplinary action … taken against any protesters.”
5. “We want the university to either amend or remove the time, manner or place clause [of its free expression policy] which allows them to call the police on students for organizing in ways that they deem inappropriate.”

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Back down on the quad, a woman with a bullhorn addressed the gathered crowd. 

“I just want to thank you for joining us on this historic event,” she said before acknowledging that all present were standing on the stolen land of the Wiyot people.

“And Palestinians are fighting for their right to exist on their land. This is all indigenous land, and our struggles are connected,” she said.

She then called for a round of applause for the brave people occupying the building across the quad.

“There are important lessons going on here in Siemens Hall, and we are here to learn,” she announced. “We also thought that the fact that the buildings were closed could be an opportunity for us to build the university we would like to see.”

She launched a call-and-response chant: “Whose university?”

”Our university,” the crowd replied in unison.

Later that afternoon, a DJ on student radio station KRFH put out a call for items that the barricaded protesters had requested, including milk of magnesia, tourniquets, paper cups and bowls and more sidewalk chalk.

Press release from the Arcata Fire District:

On Wednesday, April 24 at 12:46 P.M., the Arcata Fire District was alerted to a multi-family structure fire on the 4000 block of Valley East Blvd.

The first of Arcata Fire’s engines arrived on scene to find a two-story apartment building with smoke alarms sounding and smoke coming out of the window of the bottom-right apartment.

Firefighters made entrance to the apartment building and began searching for any occupants. No occupants were inside the apartment, and the source of the fire was contained to one bedroom. The fire was then promptly extinguished.

After investigation, the fire was determined to be accidental in nature. Due to the loss of property and belongings, the occupants were given a SAVE card. SAVE is a program of the California Fire Foundation that provides immediate, short term relief to victims of fire or other natural disaster.

This is a perfect example of smoke alarms activating and functioning properly. The neighbors heard the alarms sounding, smelled the smoke and called 911.

Arcata Fire would like to urge residents to check that their smoke alarms are functioning properly by testing them on a monthly basis – just press that ‘test’ button.

Arcata Fire District would like to thank Blue Lake Fire District, Humboldt Bay Fire and CalFire for responding, and Samoa Peninsula Fire District for covering AFD’s stations during the call.