Back in those old days, this was the
time of the year when livestock would be
moving closer to the market areas from
the mountain ranges and inland
ranches. Turkeys, during the first
part of the century, provided a good
means of support for anyone who had
the desire to drive them to the market
point at Korbel and transshipment to
Eureka and other Humboldt County
areas, and on to San Francisco.
To be
sure they were fresh — they had to be
alive. Abe Bush and family of Hyampom raised 550 turkeys in the year 1912
and he gathered up his flock at the end of
the summer and began his drive with
the help of his wife and their three children. He had a difficult time in persuading the birds to cross the river. Finally,
after fussing and cussing, they flew
across the South Fork at a place where
the valley narrows and then they went
on to Humboldt County by way of South
Fork Mountain.
Travel slowed when the sun began to
set; the birds roosted in the trees. At
dawn they were on their way again.
While in the timber, Abe cut down
sugar pine trees so the birds could feed
on the pine nuts.
Once over the South Fork Divide, the
country opened into large meadows and
the turkeys would feed on the large
number of grasshoppers. Finally, when
Korbel and Blue Lake were reached it
was in time for Thanksgiving and
Christmas. The turkeys were sold for
$1.25 each. Out of the 550 turkeys, Abe
lost only eight birds. That was a real feat
for one man, one woman, and three
young children and a couple of dogs.
At the same time, turkeys were often
on the move from the Mattole Valley,
using the beach road below Cape Mendocino, then up over the Cape and staying on high ground where they fed and
had protection. The late George Lindley,
who became a Humboldt County supervisor from District No. 1 told me that it
took several days to get a head of turkeys
to Ferndale and to Singley Railroad Station where they were shipped to Eureka,
but the loss was usually very small. Dogs
had been specially trained to handle
their feathered charges (George had a
number of uncomplimentary things to
say about turkeys.)
Traveling turkey flocks were popular
with ranchers in southern Humboldt
and they began their trek in midsummer keeping on the move until time
for shipment in late autumn.
One flock started from Freshwater,
and had moved across Kneeland Prairie
over the open ranges and through the
little valleys, consuming the available
grasshoppers — there were several
hundred turkeys in the flock. They criss-
crossed the area in their travels getting
to most ranches to which they had been
invited and where they would stay for
several days. The family would be
guests of the grateful ranchers.
By late August or September the
herders would start their flock homeward and the same ranchers would let
the birds fatten, gleaning the fields
after the grain had been harvested. On
reaching their home ranch at Freshwater the turkeys would be crated and
hauled to the dock at Eureka and taken
aboard a steamer for San Francisco, to
become the center of attraction on the
Palace Hotel’s or a family’s festive table.
###
The story above was originally printed in the November-December 1981 issue of the Humboldt Historian, a journal of the Humboldt County Historical Society. It is reprinted here with permission. The Humboldt County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to archiving, preserving and sharing Humboldt County’s rich history. You can become a member and receive a year’s worth of new issues of The Humboldt Historianat this link.
It
is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Jeffrey Dee Rees,
Sr. who departed this world on September 23, 2023, at the age of 81.
After a long battle with declining health over the past four years,
he has found peace and relief from suffering.
Jeff,
born in Anderson, Indiana was the second child of Gerald and Helen
Rees (both deceased) and grew up in a lively household with six siblings. He began his journey with a strong and determined spirit
that would carry him through many adventures and challenges.
In
his early years, Jeff met his first wife Pat Bratlinger, with whom he
had three beautiful daughters: Tara Lynn Rees, Laura Rees-Lambert,
and Tracy Rees.
Jeff
served his country in the United States Army. Following service, he
embarked on a career as a long-haul truck driver, traveling the open
roads and gaining a deep appreciation for the beauty of this vast
country.
In
the early 1980s, Jeff decided that the Midwest’s harsh winters were
too much to live with and he moved to Redding with his
second wife of 24 years, Donna Rigdon-Rees, and their four children:
Suzanne Rees-Tibbles, Cari Rees-Drolet, Jeffrey Rees, Jr. and Joseph
Rees (deceased).
Though
he loved the great outdoors, fishing being his greatest passion,
Redding’s sweltering heat eventually prompted him to seek a more
temperate climate. In 1985, Jeff and his family moved to Humboldt
County, Eureka, which he would call home for the rest of his days.
Fishing at the North or South Jetty was a source of immense joy to
him, offering moments of tranquility and connection to nature.
Aside
from his love for the outdoors, Jeff had a deep appreciation for
music, with Elvis Presley standing as his all-time favorite artist.
He was also a talented cook who took pleasure in experimenting with
recipes and creating mouthwatering dishes from various cuisines,
including all-American favorites, and Italian, Mexican, and Asian
delicacies. One of his absolute favorite things to do was to BBQ in
the backyard or at the park with family.
Jeff
lived his life with a free spirit and his own special way of looking
at the world. He was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum,
embracing his individuality and making the most of every moment.
His
sense of humor was like no other. He used to say your sense of humor
will get you through this crazy life. He made us laugh with his
jokes, dressing up in cowboy hats and taking crazy pictures,
listening to the Grand Ole Opry records while singing and dancing and
dragging his kids in the fun dancing with him. We can still hear the
song, “Carol County Accident,” by Porter Wagner playing in
the background while he was cooking one of his many creative dishes.
You
couldn’t help but be drawn into his charisma. Dad was the life of the
party and many people were drawn to him. His life journey like all of
us was filled with many obstacles and challenges but he always
persevered. He always tried and never gave up, something we all
admired and a trait he passed on to his kids.
Jeffrey
Dee Rees, Sr. is survived by his seven children: Tara Lynn Rees,
Laura Rees-Lambert, Tracey Rees, Suzanne Rees-Tibbles, Cari
Rees-Drolet, Jeffrey Rees, Jr. and Joseph Rees. He is also survived
by his grandson, Tyler Tibbles, and granddaughter, Taylor Tibbles
As
we remember the life of Jeffrey Dee Rees, Sr., we find solace in the
knowledge that he has found eternal peace, free from pain and
suffering. His memory will forever be etched in our lives. Jeff
leaves behind a family bound by love and a legacy of a life lived on
his terms. His favorite Elvis Presley song lyric was, “I did it
My Way!” Indeed you did, Dad.
###
The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jeffrey Rees’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
Press release from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:
On November 17, 2023, a Humboldt County jury convicted a Bayside man, 43-year-old Ryan Michael Doucet, of multiple felony crimes including child endangerment, possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, as well as possession of destructive devices and materials to make destructive devices.
After the District Attorney presented their evidence during the trial, Doucet pled guilty to additional crimes including possession of assault weapons for sale, being a felon in possession of firearms and for possessing high-capacity magazines.
Deputy District Attorney Ian Harris prosecuted the case. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, led by Deputies Johnathan Waxler, Brian Buihner and Luke Mathieson. Doucet was represented by local attorney Michael Acosta.
Doucet, who faces up to 14 years 8 months in prison for his crimes, is scheduled for sentencing on December 7 by the Honorable Steven M. Steward, who presided over the trial.
Press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is continuing the temporary recreational crab trap restriction from the Sonoma/Mendocino county line to Lopez Point (Fishing Zones 3 and 4) and expanding the restriction to the California/Oregon state line to Cape Mendocino (Fishing Zone 1) due to presence of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement from trap gear. The recreational trap restriction for Fishing Zone 1 will go into effect on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at 6 p.m. and continue in Zones 1, 3 and 4 until at least the next risk assessment. This means recreational crabbers must remove all traps in Zone 1 by the time the restriction goes into effect. CDFW reminds recreational crabbers that take of Dungeness crab by other methods, including hoop nets and crab snares, is allowed during a temporary trap restriction. The use of recreational crab traps in Fishing Zones 2 and 5 is still allowed. In addition, the Fleet Advisory issued for all Fishing Zones (1-6) for the recreational fishery remains in effect. CDFW encourages recreational crabbers to implement best practices, as described in the Best Practices Guide.
Pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 8672.2, CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham delayed the northern California commercial Dungeness crab season, which had been scheduled to open on Dec. 1, 2023, due to poor crab meat quality test results for Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties (Fishing Zones 1 and 2). The commercial Dungeness crab fishery in this area will be delayed until at least 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, pending another round of meat quality testing.
The commercial Dungeness crab fishery in Fishing Zones 3-6 will also remain delayed due to the presence of high numbers of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement with lines and traps in this fishery.
CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place on or around Dec. 7, 2023, at which time Director Bonham will re-evaluate the temporary recreational crab trap restrictions and commercial fishery delay. That risk assessment is expected to inform the potential for a commercial fishery opener and modification of the recreational trap restriction. For more information related to the risk assessment process, please visit CDFW’s Whale Safe Fisheries page or more information on the Dungeness crab fishery, please visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/crab.
It’s been six years since the city of Eureka launched its program to adorn those big, ugly utility boxes that stand on sidewalks all around the city, and by now most Eurekans are accustomed to having those spaces decorated by artists, hundreds of whom have dressed all of them up with little mini-murals.
Now the city, armed with a new grant from Caltrans, is ready to redo a bunch of those boxes — basically, all the ones along the Highway 101 corridor through Eureka. Work is scheduled to begin on that in the spring. And some of the artists involved are currently a little peeved that their work may be painted over.
“My concern is that there is much really fine art that they are planning on painting over,” writes muralist Debbi Sholes in a letter to the Outpost. “My initial reaction was that there seems to be a large lack of respect for the time and energy to create many truly fine art pieces. Would this not qualify as a vandalism of our local art?”
That’s certainly the opposite of the intention, according to Sarah West, an economic development coordinator with the city of Eureka who is heading up the project.
A few days ago, West sent an email to all of the artists who currently have murals up on the utility boxes targeted for repainting. Though some of the artists were alarmed, the email noted that the city has opened a special Call for Proposals for people who already have art up on the boxes. If they like, artists can simply re-submit their original plans, and if the Arts and Culture Commission chooses those designs again they may not have to do anything more than touch up their original work.
Submissions are due by the end of the year, and can be sent in via this link. Proposals must conform to Caltrans numerous transportation art guidelines — for instance: no business logos, no advertisement, and no words whatsoever — and artists must be available to perform the work in the spring, whenever the rains slow down. There is a $1,000-per-project stipend available.
Though you’d probably think that public art as something designed to last longer than five or six years, the utility boxes are kind of a special case, according to West. Being working pieces of equipment, they do get a lot of wear and tear, and being at street level means they are prone to graffiti and other forms of defacement.
Though the utility box project was pretty novel at the time, one of the city’s original descriptions of the program foresaw that the murals would be more temporary than those you might see on the side of a building. Utility box murals would be maintained for a minimum of three years, it reads, and ones in the downtown core would be “refreshed” every three to five years to “promote economic vitality by
attracting new and visiting populations.”
Nevertheless, West said maintaining good relations with the region’s artists is a top city priority, and she’s encouraging existing muralists who have any concerns about the program to give her a ring at 441-4178.
“We want to be as sensitive to their beautiful work as we can be,” West said.
Press release from the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation:
Alegria Sita. Image: Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation
EUREKA, CA – The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation (SPZF) is honored to announce long-time local business owner, non-profit executive, and community organizer, Alegria Sita, as our Executive Director. Alegria brings a unique mix of talent and expertise to the position. This includes more than a decade of successful entrepreneurship, years of leadership in the Humboldt County non-profit community, and experience working in education and local government. Alegria along with her dedicated SPZF team and this amazing community, endeavor to continue the Foundation’s support of the ongoing transformation of our esteemed Sequoia Park Zoo. “On behalf of the City of Eureka and Sequoia Park Zoo, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to Alegria Sita as she steps into the Executive Director role at the philanthropic Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation,” says Zoo Director, Jim Campbell-Spickler. “I have enjoyed getting to know Alegria during her years of service as a volunteer Board Member of the Foundation, and I am excited to continue the long history of successful collaboration and innovation between our organizations.”
SPZF Board President Michale Dearden said, “The entire Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Alegria to lead us into a new era at the organization. Her gifts and experience ensure continuity of leadership and vision as the new chief executive of our non-profit. Alegria’s passion for our community and our world-class Zoo radiates. We hope you will join her in her efforts to support Sequoia Park Zoo and Foundation for many years to come.”
Alegria received her Bachelor of Arts in Youth Advocacy from Cal Poly Humboldt. She spent her early professional career working throughout Humboldt County schools and within the non-profit sector, developing programs, projects, and events fostering youth empowerment. She is the founder and owner of the award-winning event planning company, Gala Events and Weddings, which continues to serve individuals, couples, and businesses with event-planning and officiant services. Alegria has supported local businesses with consulting, marketing and communications, event management, membership management, and hospitality. She has served on several local non-profit boards including the Humboldt County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation, and currently serves on the Fuente Nueva Charter Council. Alegria is a Humboldt County resident of 25 years and currently lives in Eureka with her daughter. “My daughter, Jamilah, and I are fortunate to make and share lifelong memories at our neighborhood zoo which holds a special place in our hearts. It is an honor to accept this opportunity to contribute to the long-term vision and legacy of Sequoia Park Zoo as Executive Director of the Foundation.”
We hope to see you at one of our many upcoming exciting events! Join us this holiday season for a stroll through the zoo at night during the inaugural Zoo Lights: Holiday Extravaganza presented by First 5 California and powered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company on December 16/17 from 5:15 PM-7:17 PM at Sequoia Park Zoo.
Help fulfill the mission of Sequoia Park Zoo and Foundation; reach out to Alegria at spzf@sequoiaparkzoo.net to get involved today!
On November 16, 2023, the Eureka City Schools (ECS) Board of Education appointed Gary Storts as the new Superintendent for Eureka City Schools. In August 2023, the Board commenced an extensive search and recruitment process for the Superintendent position and received application packets from many qualified applicants across the State of California and other parts of the Country. Ultimately, the Board determined Storts to be the best candidate for the position.
Storts, who has been serving as the District’s Assistant Superintendent of Education Services since November 2021, expressed his gratitude for the appointment, saying, “I feel extremely blessed to be able to give back to the community who helped shape me into the person I am today. Serving as the Superintendent of Eureka City Schools is both an honor and a responsibility that I take very seriously.”
“We are excited that Gary has accepted the role of Superintendent, a position he is extremely qualified for and passionate about,” stated the Board President, Mike Duncan. “The selection process for this critical role has been thorough and thoughtful, reflecting the board’s commitment to finding the right leader to build upon our district’s successes. We believe Gary is the right leader for Eureka City Schools.”
As the newly appointed Superintendent, Gary Storts has outlined his top priorities, emphasizing a strong focus on early literacy, creating a sense of belonging on campus, and preparing students for future success in the workforce.
Storts remarked, “Investing in early literacy is fundamental to building a strong foundation for our students. Additionally, I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging and is celebrated for their unique strengths. We aim to create an inclusive community that nurtures the potential of each individual.”
Recognizing the importance of preparing students for the future of work, Storts highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to education. “Our students deserve a well-rounded education that not only imparts academic knowledge but also equips them with the skills and mindset necessary for success in the rapidly evolving world. We are committed to providing a learning experience that prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Eureka City Schools looks forward to the positive impact Gary Storts will bring to the District and the community. His leadership, combined with a deep understanding of the local context and a passion for education, is poised to elevate the educational experience for all students in Eureka.
Van Vleck. | File photo by Andrew Goff.
The Board of Education also extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Fred Van Vleck for his leadership and dedicated service as the Superintendent of Eureka City Schools for the last 12 years. In June 2023, Dr. Van Vleck advised the Board that he would be leaving the superintendent position in January 2024. Dr. Van Vleck’s unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and community has left an indelible mark on our District.
As we transition to this new chapter, we remain steadfast in our dedication to providing the highest quality education to the students of Eureka City Schools. Our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching environment will continue to guide our actions and decisions.
The ECS Board of Education expresses its deepest gratitude to Dr. Van Vleck and extends a warm welcome to our new Superintendent Gary Storts, who will assume the role of Superintendent in January 2024. We look forward to the continued growth and success of Eureka City Schools under the leadership of Superintendent Storts.
