Press release from Eureka Cultural Arts District:

The Eureka Cultural Arts District is seeking a graphic designer to create a logo and supporting basic style guide for the District.

The Eureka Cultural Arts District, which runs from Blue Ox Millworks in the East to the outer reach of the Eureka Slough in the West and from Waterfront Drive in the North to Seventh Street in the South, is one of 14 State recognized Cultural Arts Districts.

Eureka’s District is intended to act as a focal point for all cultural and artistic activities within the district’s boundaries while encouraging economic development, tourism, equity and inclusion, community engagement, arts programming, support of artists, and cultural and historic preservation.

It’s a place for dynamic engagement with a diverse and multi-ethnic population of artists, culture bearers, innovators, and creatives as they come together to celebrate the many expressions of Jaroujiji (Eureka) and Wigi (Humboldt Bay), honoring the interweaving of traditions and lifeways. The District envisions an inclusive future nourished by culture, art, food, performance, and storytelling - all vital to sustaining our community. 

A diverse working group has been meeting regularly to plan for culturally significant events, markers, signage, and site development throughout the district.

“Before we can move much further forward,” comments working group member Leslie Castellano, “we need a logo that can be used to market the district, along with guidelines for different contextual uses. We have been inspired by Wigi (Humboldt Bay), storytelling, and a celebration of cultures and place and are looking for a graphic emblem that clearly embodies the spirit of the district.”

Interested creatives should submit a portfolio or samples of their graphic design work (total 3-5 images) and a statement of interest. Diverse/BIPOC/underrepresented artists are encouraged to apply; preference will be given to groups and artists that are in alignment with the values of the Cultural Arts District. The deadline for submissions is March 10, 2023.

Funds of up to $1200 are available for the final design and usage guidelines, including color and size/shape variations. Future contracts or additional pay may be available for further development of branding and related graphic design. 

Submissions should be sent to: http://inkpeopleinc.submittable.com

If you have questions, please email brieanne@inkpeople.org

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Feb. 15, 2023, at about 11:40 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies on patrol in the Eureka area conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation on Startare Drive.

Upon stopping the vehicle, deputies contacted two occupants. The driver, 25-year-old Christian Eric Yerkins, was found to have multiple warrants for his arrest. Additionally, deputies observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle in plain view. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located over 20 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 1.8 grams of suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.   

Yerkins was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of a controlled substance (HS 11377(a)) and possession of drug paraphernalia (HS 11364(a)), in addition to warrant charges of attempted auto theft (PC 664/10851(a)) and possession of a stolen vehicle/equipment (PC 496d(a)).

The passenger of the vehicle 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.

 Christian Eric Yerkins Booking Photo | Humboldt County Correctional Facility 

It is with such sadness that we announce the passing of our son, Zakary Michael Avila. Zak was born on February 25, 1997 and passed away on January 18, 2023. Son of Jerry and Leslie Avila; brother to Ryker, Scott, Kim and Jamie; father to Niklaus and Violet; stepfather to Hunter.

Zak grew up in Eureka, attending Arcata Christian School, Freshwater Elementary, Saint Bernards Academy, Eureka High School and graduating Pacific View Charter School. He loved and made friends with so many of his teachers and other staff through the years.

Zak and Ryker were only 10 months apart in age. They were inseparable when they were little — whether it was wrestling each other, playing legos, video games, trekking through the forest or watching their favorite shows together. Some of their favorite places to go were Grandpa Mike’s and Grandma Donna’s, Grandma Evelyn’s, sister Kim or Jamie’s house, or brother Scott’s house.

We have lived in our same home all of Zak’s life where so much time was spent with Ryker and his nephews Trevyn and Tyce in their younger years. They loved running through the sprinklers, riding bikes, lemonade stands, building forts, attempting to spend the night in the tree house until a raccoon ran them out of there, air soft wars and hours and hours of jumping on the trampoline.

Zak’s friendly nature has allowed us to meet many of our neighbors. Even as a toddler on our stroller ride walks always wanting to see if Loretta was home, who became a second grandma to Zak and Ryker throughout all of these years.

From the age of five and on up when we would ask him what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas the answer was always the same: guns and knives. Each one was unique and he loved them all. His favorite day of the year was “shoot day” at Aunt Laurie’s and Uncle Tom’s.

In Zak’s early teenage years he met his lifelong friend Buddy, a.k.a. Gordon. They shared so many fun times together riding quads, fishing, camping and even sinking together in their home made boat made of cardboard.

When Zak was very little he was completely impressed with anyone that was doing hard physical labor — work boots, hard hats, chainsaws, weed eater — you name it, he loved it. Zak loved heavy equipment and had such a natural ability to do amazing work. He was very proud to get his Class A truck driver’s license at 18 years old. Zak was very creative and talented — he loved making beautiful burl tables and cool wooden bowls as well as many other hand made gifts. He was very generous and thoughtful — he loved to surprise you with something that you had wanted or got you something because he just knew you would like it. We will all miss his big smile, amazing problem solving qualities and his awesome tractor skills.

Zak was so loved and will be missed by his dad and mom; Jerry and Leslie Avila; brother Ryker Avila; brother Scott Avila (Hayley); sister Kim Mullins (Daman); sister Jamie Biagi (Victor); son Niklaus; daughter Violet; stepson Hunter; nephews Trevyn, Tyce, Silas and Jag; nieces Brooklyn, Taylee and Cheyenne; grandmother Donna Wallace; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

It meant a lot to Zak to meet his biological family and he was very happy that he was able to connect with each of them: father, Boyd; mother; Crystal; sister, Sara; brothers Richard, Adam and Kaden.

We love you our Zakky boy — you will never be forgotten.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Zak on Saturday March 4, 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 4329 Campton Road, Eureka. Please bring photos or stories if you would like to share.

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

Sage Root
Oct. 30, 1971 - Dec. 20, 2022

Sage entered her eternal home with her loving husband by her side on December 20, 2022. She was born in Fort Bragg to David and Suzannah Monroe. She spent the first few years of her life on Gospel Outreach’s Living Waters Ranch in Whitethorn before moving to Los Angeles. In 1980, she relocated with her parents to Eureka to work with the ministry of Gospel Outreach. For years she longed for siblings and soon had a brother, Jonathon, followed by sisters Annie and Julia.

She attended Eureka High School and her junior year she was invited to live with a couple who pastored a church in Italy. She had an unforgettable experience while working with the youth church group there. She attended CR upon her return where she was part of the cheerleading team.

In 1992, she married Shannon Dixon. She gave birth to her first son Trey. Jake, Cade and Luke followed after. Being a mother came natural to her and she was one of the best. You could find her on the sidelines cheering on the boys at every one of their sports games. Her boys were her life.

She developed an incredible culinary talent and cooked for sporting, school, and church events. At one point she offered weekly meals for purchase that were widely popular. She started a non-profit for cancer research selling her one of a kind granola.

She was a proud resident of Ferndale. She loved the small town atmosphere and wouldn’t have raised her children anywhere else.

She helped develop the MOPS Program at Hydesville Community Church. This was a program she was very passionate about and she played a big role in its success. She spent many years teaching fitness classes at various local gyms and ran many miles through the pasture-lined backroads of Ferndale.

In 2011, she gave birth to her fifth son Sawyer. He was a welcomed blessing at that time in her life.

In 2016, she married Timothy. She won him over with her incredible cooking and sweet gestures. She had a strong relationship with God and helped him strengthen his relationship with God. She was known for her spontaneous trips and they enjoyed traveling together to some of her favorite places such as Nashville, Mendocino and Ashland. They had a love that lasted through good and bad, through sickness and health. Timothy took the best care of Sage.

Sage had a way of completely transforming a home. She had an impeccable taste for interior design and any project she had a part in would turn out magazine worthy. Her last big project was revamping an 1896 Ferndale Victorian she purchased turning it into a modern day oasis.

She would find any excuse to get the family together: Crabs baseball games, river trips, Ferndale festivities, birthday celebrations. One year she held get-togethers for every little holiday because she wanted the younger kids in the family to have those fun memories of her when she was gone. And of course everyone was sent home with a to-go box of leftovers.

Sage was always thinking of others and what she could do for them. She always had the most thoughtful gifts and always the most beautiful words to say. If she had a way to bless someone, she was going to do it. Even in her final moments on earth she was making sure everyone else was okay. That’s just who she was.

Sage was intelligent, talented, thoughtful and witty. She loved her family fiercely and will be greatly missed by them all. Though we are devastated, we are grateful she is now free from pain and at peace forever more.

Sage was predeceased by her mother Suzannah Monroe, and survived by her husband Timothy, her children Trey (Taylor) Dixon, Jake (Samantha) Dixon, Cade Dixon, Luke Dixon, Sawyer Sala, three grandchildren, father David Monroe, brother Jonathon, sisters Annie (Nick) and Julia (Michael), 7 nieces and nephews, her step-children Alyson (Lane) Taylor, Caden Root, Rylynn Root, Gracelyn Root.

The family would like to thank Tamara Douglass, MD at Ferndale Community Health Center for her many years of loving care, and to Hospice of Humboldt for their care during Sage’s final days. There will be a celebration of Sage’s life held in the near future for her family.

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

On Feb. 11 Heaven gained an angel. Gay Ellen Fulton was born Gay Ellen Newell on Nov. 30 1942 in Fortuna Ca. She lived in Fortuna all her life except when she went off to Santa Rosa to attend college.

She met the love of her life while her car was broken down. He stopped to help her and that’s where their love story began. After a short time of dating they married and soon after welcomed the first of three children. They were married 59 years and until her last breath she loved her husband Jim unconditionally.

She worked at Bank of America ,where she took over as a teller for her mom when she retired. Later on, she went to work at Humboldt Bank until she decided to work as a teacher’s aide at South School for several years, she was known as Mrs. Fulton and was loved by the kids. After her kids were grown she went to work for The Harland Law Firm with her friend Sharon Berti until she retired. She loved her jobs and loved people.

After she retired her and Jim traveled in their 5th wheel. Some of her favorite places to go were Ruth Lake and Red Bluff. They also went to Wyoming to visit friends. Her most favorite trip was when her and Jim finally got to go to Hawaii. Gay loved the heat and she could be found in a lounge chair with a good book or swimming in a pool.

She loved to read and could finish a book before most people could start one. She had a beautiful smile that could light up a room. She had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone. She could see the best in everyone and was extremely forgiving. She believed in her maker and held onto her faith until the very end. She knew where she was going.

Gay is survived by her husband Jim, son Todd and his wife Jeannie, daughter Heather and (Dennis), sister Joy, brother Dennis and his wife Cindy and daughter in law Ranae. Her precious grandchildren, Lindsey, Kendra, Levi his wife Kelsey, Spencer, Hunter, Malela, Shayna, Tristen and Cheyanne. Great grandchildren Faith, Nathaniel, Peightyn, Penelope, Conrad, Wesley and Ryleigh and baby boy Fulton due in July. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including her dear friend Tammy. She is preceded in death by her biological father G. E. Newell her mother Helen and Dad Roy Simmons, son Jimmy and all her beloved fur babies. What a wonderful reunion that must have been.

She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Her family will continue to live their best lives in honor of her. We would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers and support during her battle with ALS.

Please join us on March 4 from 2-4 p.m. at the Fortuna Fire hall to celebrate this beautiful ladies life.

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

Earnest Garland Gray, Jr went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 29, 2022, in Fortuna at the age of 90. At the end of his life he put his trust in Jesus.

Earnie was born September 10, 1932, in Omaha, Nebraska. His family moved west to California when he was a young boy. Earnie grew up at Richardson Grove State Park, where his father was a Park Ranger. Earnie would often tell the story of how he collected soda bottles along Highway 101 and earned enough money to purchase a trumpet. He could occasionally be found playing his trumpet in the bars of Garberville, when live music was all the rage.

He graduated high school from Leggett Valley High School and went on to Santa Rosa Junior College. While at Santa Rosa Junior College he met his first wife, Ruth Hague. After the JC, he attended San Jose State and graduated with a degree in Business. Ruth and Earnie now had four children and in 1964 moved to Eureka where Earnie began a long career providing insurance services, mainly to loggers and truckers. In 1973, he was chairman of the committee to build the stadium at College of the Redwoods.

Earnie was a member of Kiwanis Club, Ingomar Club, Baywood Golf and Country Club, and was a founding member of Humboldt Bank. He had a pilot’s license and owned several small planes throughout the years. Earnie took great joy in buying and trading vehicles, from Jaguar Roadsters to De Loreans, every vehicle was kept washed and polished. Earnie enjoyed time at Trinity Lake, racing motocross, water skiing, snow skiing, and hunting with the family. In 1985 he married his second wife Judy. Modeling an excellent work ethic, he eventually retired from the insurance world.

In 1995 he and Judy set off in their RV to discover all that America had to show them. They would winter in Arizona, summer in Wyoming, and went everywhere else in spring and fall. They had a great group of friends with whom they traveled. At the age of 86, Earnie and Judy came back to Humboldt County and settled in Fortuna, to be closer to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He could often be found on the sidelines of soccer, baseball, basketball, or whatever the kids were playing. He loved his family dearly and was always there for them. He instilled a love of motorcycles and boating in all of his family. He will be remembered for his love, wisdom, humor, and generosity.

Earnie was preceded in death by his father and mother, Earnest Garland Gray, Sr and Irene Gray, his sister Beverly, and by his beloved son Gerald Gray.

Earnie is survived by his wife Judy; daughter Laura (Mark) Butler, son James (Melody) Gray, son Andrew (Darcy) Gray and their children and grandchildren: Ben (Emily) Mark and David Butler, Mary (Caleb) Rosemary, Heather, Gunnar and Garrison, Samuel Butler, Luke Butler, Susanna (Kenan) Jacob and Ascher O’Hanen; Josh(Magen), Jaxon and Travis Gray, Sarah (Sydny), Ellouise and Everleigh Williams, Hannah (Kyle) Sheehy; Jesse (Leah) Gray, Cody (Jamie) Gray, Chelsea (Brandon) and Andrew Lende, and Jimmy Gray.

Earnie was interred at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka. A memorial service will be held at Grace Baptist Church in Eureka on March 4, at 2 p.m.

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

Della May Williams died on February 9 at Sequoia Springs in Fortuna. She was 96.

Della was born in Centralia, Washington but spent most of her early life in Morton, Washington. She married Dale Cooper in 1946. In 1947 they moved to Fortuna with their daughter Kay. Della and Dale had three more children, Jerry, Jean and Tom. After 17 years of marriage they divorced. Della was later married to Woody McDaniel. After his death she married Edward Barff, who died in 1997. Della spent many of her later years with her companion and traveling partner, Blake Armstrong. They enjoyed seeing the country in their fifth wheel.

Della worked as a telephone operator, in newspaper advertising, and as a bookkeeper for local saw mills, before beginning her career in real estate. She spent many years at Town and Country Real Estate. She often said that she enjoyed all of her various jobs but had a special love for real estate.

She enjoyed many hobbies, including softball, bowling, painting and travel. Della loved to sing, and music was a big part of family life. She also loved big family gatherings.

Della will be missed by her many friends and family. She is survived by four children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held for the family.

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