Jacquie Callihan
May 12, 1937 – August 15, 2024

Jacquie Callihan passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024. Beyond being the most caring wife to her husband of 65 years, Dale, she was a loving and generous mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, the deeply compassionate family matriarch.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1426 Main Street, Fortuna.

Jacquie was a kindergarten teacher in the same classroom for 31 years at Ambrosini Elementary School in Fortuna. She later became principal and then was a frequent substitute teacher into her early eighties. Children loved and revered her. She believed in the dignity and preciousness of each child. Her focus on equality and bringing out the inherent talents of the children and grandchildren that she taught and raised has left an extraordinary legacy. In her own poetic words, “Attention, I do not always have enough to go around / But love is not measured by order or turn / Each child is the most precious of all God’s gifts / And loved wholeheartedly, equally they will know.”

Jacquie — Jacquelyn Jean McLeod — was born on May 12, 1937 at her Aunt Mina’s maternity home in Fortuna, the daughter of Bruce McLeod and Gertrude (Meisser) McLeod. She loved growing up with her sister Judy on McLeod’s Dairy Farm and delighted in saying that she drove the tractor at age five back and forth across the fields, with her dad throwing feed from the trailer and jumping back on the tractor to make each turn. After her mother died at a young age, Bruce married Jacquie’s second mother, Ruby (Biasca) McLeod, who with her seven sisters brought Jacquie into an exuberant family that she cherished throughout her life. A legion of McLeod and Biasca cousins remember being at the farm and in awe of Jacquie’s graceful beauty, intelligence and quiet strength. Even in later years, they would say that she seemed forever young.

Jacquie experienced some of her favorite years at Humboldt State University where she met her future husband Dale, the 1958 Associated Student Body President. Jacquie and Dale were both extremely active at the college where she held roles as Associated Women Students President and Head Song Queen, and was awarded “Outstanding Senior Woman.” Dale and Jacquie settled into the grocery business in Eureka owning the Food Center grocery store in the mid-sixties.

During this time, they had four children — Mike, Dana, Brenda and Lisa. Jacquie then started her 35-year career as a teacher and principal, and always had Dale’s support at work and at home, compassionate and ahead of his time in caring for her and his family without regard to traditional roles and expectations, just as she was ahead of her time in a dedicated teaching career while raising her four young children. She loved following the sports, academic, and musical achievements of her children and grandchildren. She and Dale were enduring spectators at Fortuna High for two generations of talented scholars and athletes.

Jacquie and Dale remembered their childhood outings in the redwoods warmly, and were thrilled to purchase a hilltop home in Fortuna in 1970 with Rohner Park’s redwood forest right out the back door. They enthusiastically agreed to have the historic cross on the hill moved to the family property when it could no longer be housed on city property. They later found a cozy cabin for the family in the hills of Southern Humboldt’s Phillipsville community in 1989 and loved spending weekends there sprucing up the place and creating a fun-filled sunny hideaway for their children and grandchildren and countless other friends and family.

In 1979, Jacquie and Dale loaded up the family for a first summer trip to Lake Tahoe and fell in love with the mountains and lake. After returning to Tahoe each summer for 20 years, they purchased and refurbished a home and property that became a memorable year-round destination. In recent years, they loved spending long stretches of time in Tahoe amidst the pines and firs, Alpine lakes and meadows, wildlife, and the pine cones and wildflowers that Jacquie treasured and collected.

Jacquie was a talented artist who made beautiful pottery vases and bowls for some 40 years, amassed a vast collection of her own photographs, some of them precious black and white photos she hand-developed in the late 1970s, made intricate baskets woven in Native American pine needle designs, and arranged dried plants and flowers into beautiful natural bouquets. Never short of industriousness and energy, she was also a fine baker and cook known for her pies and cakes and legendary for her cinnamon rolls and raspberry jam.

Jacquie loved the heritage and stories of family and place, her McLeod, Meisser and Biasca history in Fortuna, Rohnerville and Ferndale. She was fond of keeping the family lore and in recent years wrote family histories for each branch – both her’s and Dale’s – so that future generations would appreciate and remember their great legacy.

A lifelong member of Christian churches, Jacquie practiced her faith in the way she walked in the world and always contributed to supporting her church communities in some way whether teaching Sunday school, maintaining grounds, or filling the sanctuary with her beautiful flower arrangements. She disliked meanness or disharmony, instead embracing everyone with a warm, accepting spirit.

Jacquie is survived by her children and their spouses and partners Mike and Sue Callihan, Dana Callihan and David Panales, Brenda and Blaine Sigler, and Lisa and Eric Stockwell. She adored her grandchildren Patrick Callihan, Miles (Dylan) Callihan, Hillary (Calen) Chapman, Freya Marriott, Isolde (Ani) Callihan, Gareth Callihan, Shannon (Emily) Nomann, Kaitlyn (Jesse) Lambert, Claire Stockwell, and Collin Stockwell, and great-grandchildren Camden, Maxwell, June, and Tatum.

Jacquie was preceded in death by her husband Dale Callihan and her sister Judy McLeod Meadors Michelet. She was an extraordinary aunt to Judy’s children Tami, Kathy, and Teresa, and to Dale’s nephews and nieces, Cliff, Jarl, Eddie, John, Joe and Jeff (Viale) and to Diane, Linda and Janine (Cotton).

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Roland Eben Scribner, resident of Arcata, passed away peacefully in his home on August 5, 2024.

Roland was born June 27, 1935, in Santa Cruz, to Eben and Hope (Wilson) Scribner.

Roland graduated high school in Santa Cruz in 1949, then joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served until July 24, 1962, as an Airman Second Class, working on aircraft. He then went on to work for Lucky Stores as a mechanic for over 20 years. During this time he attended Heald Business College at night and after graduating he decided to do personal income taxes. After retiring he went back to work and became a school bus driver for the Eureka School District, where he transported special education students to and from school. He often spoke fondly of his students.

He was a fierce advocate for animals. In addition to adopting many animals in his lifetime, he faithfully fed the ducks at the pond near his home. Even when the walk down the embankment became precarious. He was adamant about doing it himself daily. He also loved the Raiders football team and had season tickets in the 1970s. He enjoyed going out to breakfast, reading, following politics and spending time with family.

He is survived by his two daughters and their partners, Kendyl R. Scribner (Frank) and Shayne Q. Cocoles (Steve), daughter-in-law, Donetta Scribner, grandchildren and their partners, Robin D. Yapp (Darren), Lena R. Rose, Jordan R. Reynolds (Hidana), Konrad E. Scribner, Taylor M. Chanin (Josh), Joseph S. Cocoles (Allison), and great-grandchildren, Joshua M. Yapp, Jayce R. Mayberry and Ari C. Chanin.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna M. Scribner and his son, Kurt R. Scribner, his grandson Kord Scribner and his great-grandson, Hunter Yapp.

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Richard was born in Fresno County on April 22, 1940, to Willia and Eleanor Crowston. He passed away on July 11, 2024, in Ferndale.

Richard graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology. On graduating, he was an engineer for several different aircraft manufacturers. He then became an entrepreneur, founding Vintage Aircraft Services out of the airport in Selma, California, where he restored classic aircraft and “warbirds” – vintage military craft.

It was then he met his wife, Joanne. They married on May 12, 1979, and were married 36 years until Joanne’s death in October 1975.

In the early 1990s, Richard joined the Army National Guard and was deployed to Belgium during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm, where he repaired aircraft in the military effort. He returned to the United States to work at the 1106th AVCRAD (Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot) in Fresno. He retired from there after 16 years of repairing Army aircraft.

Richard was also a grape grower and a raisin farmer on his wife’s family ranch in Fresno County until the ranch was sold and they moved to Ferndale. Richard lived in Ferndale for 17 years until his death at 84.

Richard enjoyed his life to the fullest. He was a train enthusiast, and his grandkids loved playing on the genuine caboose in the backyard at the ranch. He dabbled in photography and making stained glass. He loved trains, planes, and motorcycles, and was known for riding his motorcycle with delighted people in its sidecar in Ferndale parades. Richard called himself a “jack of all trades and a master of none,” but everything he tried he did well.

Richard is survived by four stepchildren, nine grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. He had many friends who will dearly miss him, especially Jack and Joanne Crlenjak; his service friends Joel Hippinger, Jim Rossiter, Steve Lopez, Don Ariola, and Slick (Earl); CJ, Doug, and many others.

A memorial service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Ferndale, California, on September 28, 2024 at 3 p.m. At Richard’s request, a potluck will follow the service at the church.

Any remembrances may be given to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, or another favorite charity.

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James ‘Jim’ Robert Marvel
December 22, 1960 - June 3, 2024

With the heaviest hearts, we announce Jim’s passing on June 3, 2024, at 63. Jim was born on December 22, 1960, to Joe and Peggy Marvel of Eureka.

Jim was a kind and loving soul with the most beautiful distinguished eyes — one green and one blue — but it was his heart captured everyones attention. He attended Eureka Senior High, graduating in 1979. After that, he became a glazier journeyman, working in general construction and security after graduating from the police academy. Before retiring, he worked as a maintenance director at a skilled nursing facility, where he always shared God’s word with the residents and employees. Jim was a unique and compassionate individual who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. If he were not working, Jim would be writing, and few had the opportunity to read his treasured excerpts and how all of his writings would start with the phrase, “From quill to keyboard, the path has not changed, who can harness the inspiration of the blank page?” He left many beautiful letters to his family that they would read for years.

James was an active Pine Hill Baptist Church member for many years, serving as the youth pastor. He often influenced the younger generations to serve at the local food kitchen and took them on memorable adventures, such as horseback riding and kite flying. James’s favorite role was that of a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and loved being their Papa, never missing a recital or sporting event.

He is preceded in death by his loving mother, Peggy Lightfoot; his father, Joe Marvel; his eldest son, James Jr. Marvel; and daughter, Jessica Marvel.

Jim is survived by his children Chelsey and Emmanuel Herrera, Ashley and Jose Chiu, and Joseph Marvel; as well as his handsome grandsons Jace James and Malakai Nehemiah; and his breathtaking granddaughters Jessica Grace, Nina Alejandra, Mia Allaia, Kamillah Rose, and Priya Anisah. His stepfather, Larry Lightfoot; his siblings, Joe and his wife Pam and their families; Linda and her husband Dave and their family; Larry and his wife Kellie and their family; and Diane and her husband Brad and their family.

His love for his family was evident in every moment he spent with them.

A celebration of life will be held in November 2024, and details of the event will follow.

Margaret Patricia Huffines
February 27, 1946 - June 25, 2024

“Meg” was one of seven children borne by Margaret P. Atkins in Greensboro. N.C. Preceded in death by her mother, father Garland Huffines, stepfather “Papa” Sam Atkins, sister Anne Harris, brother Ray Huffines, and her husband and soulmate David Carlson, Meg is survived by daughter Phaedra O’Connor, sons Damion Sharpe and Simon Carlson, grandchildren Aurora, Sebastian, Fallon, Leif, Gwen, and Samary, great-grandchildren Vernon and Emillie, brothers J. Stephen Huffines, William H Atkins, Sam W Atkins, James F Atkins, David’s brothers Paul and Peter and sister Ruth, former husband Chip Sharpe, her cousin Susan Womack, and best friend Dianna Horne.

Meg graduated from Greensboro Senior High and nursing school and began her career as a nurse. Later, with her masters degree, she became a nurse practitioner and also taught nursing school classes. In the 1970s, the formative years of Arcata’s Open Door Clinic, she was a dedicated provider of medical TLC.

Meg was an activist for peace and equality for all people. She traveled extensively with her husband David with infectious laugher, love, and compassion. She taught us to be fully in the present.

In the last years of her life Meg was fortunate to be able to spend time with family in Greensboro, North Carolina, and come live with her daughter Phaedra and granddaughter Fallon in Olivehurst, California. She had just returned from a week-long visit with her son and grandson Damion and Sebastian in Eureka and enjoyed a visit from her son Simon and granddaughter Samary before entering the hospital for surgery.

She lived a full, happy, colorful life. She traveled much of the world enjoying life with passion, purpose and deep love of family. She will be missed. Take a deep breath, appreciate your heart, and your connection to others in memory of her.

Meg will be interred in Arcata. Please bring memories of Meg to a Celebration of Life on Monday, September 9, at 2 p.m., at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship on Jacoby Creek Road.

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Press release from the County of Humboldt:

On Dec. 20, 2022, a 6.4 magnitude struck Humboldt County. Following the initial earthquake, the county experienced over 200 aftershocks, one of which being a 5.4 magnitude on New Year’s Day 2023 that resulted in a significant increase of reported structural damages. 

The earthquakes that shook Humboldt County caused damage to many structures, including the grandstands at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in Ferndale.  

In early 2023, a structural engineering inspection determined that the grandstands at the fairgrounds were not safe for public occupancy due to earthquake-related damage. In June 2023 the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $1 million financing plan to fund the repairs the grandstands, ensuring they would be safe for the public to enjoy when visiting the fairgrounds. Temporary shoring repairs on the grandstands were completed in August of 2023. These repairs stabilized the grandstands to an acceptable safety level for public occupancy while permanent repairs are designed and implemented.

Costs accrued for repairs to earthquake-related damages to the grandstands were submitted to the state as part of the reimbursement process, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) recently reimbursed the county just over $836,200 for the majority of costs for initial earthquake-related repairs made to the grandstands. This reduces the county’s contribution for the temporary grandstand repairs to approximately $164,000. The $836,200 that was reimbursed to the county can now be used for other priority capital infrastructure repair or replacement projects.

Immediate results in long-term disaster recovery are challenging to achieve and the Humboldt County Department of Public Works continues to work in partnership with Humboldt County Fair Board and Cal OES to determine the best course of action for implementing permanent repairs to the grandstands and other buildings at the fairgrounds that were damaged by the earthquakes.

For more information and updates on Humboldt County’s Public Works Department projects, visit humboldtgov.org/publicworks.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• The Ferndale Fairgrounds’ Grandstands Are in a Perilous State of Disrepair, So the Board of Supes is Holding an Emergency Meeting Tomorrow to Discuss Possible Solutions
• THE FAIR MUST GO ON! Humboldt Supervisors Pony Up $1 Million to Fund Emergency Improvements to the Grandstands at the Ferndale Fairgrounds

Press release from Plaza Grill:

Plaza Grill is both excited and sentimental to announce that it will be transitioning at the end of September into a new Cuban-Californian fusion restaurant.

Chef Asa Maguire.

Plaza Grill has been serving delicious, thoughtfully prepared food on the third floor of Jacoby’s Storehouse in Arcata for over 35 years. Over the time, thousands of patrons have dined and enjoyed their experience at the restaurant through great food and personal customer service. Plaza Grill is both proud and honored to have served three generations of our amazing community. Still today, many of those customers enjoy food and drink at the restaurant regularly. However, as the years go on, ownership has decided that it is time for an exciting new restaurant that they are sure the community will love to take over the space.

Havana is a Cuban-Californian Fusion restaurant that will be bringing its classy atmosphere into the Plaza Grill space in the beginning of October. Owners Shona and William have been operating a renowned restaurant in the capital city of Cuba for the last eight years and are excited to bring their authentic and enticing cuisine to Arcata this fall. The restaurant will be serving dishes that blend the flavors of Cuba and California to create an experience that Humboldt County has never had before. In addition to delicious plates, they’ll also be delivering unique cocktails crafted by world-renowned mixologists and providing a space for visitors to commune, dance and more.

Yosvany Gonzalez.

Throughout the month of September, Chef Asa Maguire and Mixologist Yosvany Gonzalez will be working with the Plaza Grill team and offering unique Cuban dishes and drinks in addition to the familiar Plaza Grill menu. Asa Maguire is a talented chef who has brought his talents around the world, including New York City, San Francisco and of course, Cuba, where he learned and practiced authentic Cuban cuisine and he is excited to take what he’s learned to Arcata. Cuban Mixologist, Yosvany Gonzalez, is a world-class bartender who has spent recent years mixing up cocktails throughout Las Vegas. He loves crafting unique drinks that cater to the setting and feeling of the atmosphere and looks forward to capturing a blend of Cuba and Arcata.

Of the closure of one of Arcata’s most beloved restaurants and the opening of what they expect will be a new one, Plaza Grill owners Bill Chino and Chris Smith said,

“We are endlessly thankful to have had the opportunity to serve Humboldt County for almost four decades. Nothing will ever replace the smiling faces of regulars and the delightful conversations we’ve had with so many guests over the years. We look forward to serving each and every one of you all throughout our last month. As for the opening of Havana, we couldn’t be more excited to have such a unique restaurant coming to fill the space. The owners and team are wonderful people and we know that local foodies will love what they have to offer.”

Plaza Grill will continue to offer customers its signature menu throughout September with the addition of various Cuban-Californian dish and drink specials. Those interested in an early sneak peek at Havana can visit on Sept. 19 for a pop-up event of the soon-to-be restaurant!

To stay up to date and learn more, please follow Plaza Grill and Havana in Arcata on Facebook and Instagram.