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On Aug. 1, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a complaint in federal court alleging that serious financial crimes were perpetrated by the now-defunct investment firm Sisu Capital, LLC, and by its owner/CEO Timothy Overturf, of Arcata, and his father, Hansueli “Hans” Overturf.

Specifically, the complaint says that between 2017 and 2021, the Overturfs breached their legal duties as financial advisors by lying to their clients and making “unauthorized and unsuitable” trades on their behalf. The commission is seeking injunctions, penalties and “disgorgement of ill-gotten gains,” meaning they want the Overturfs to fork over the money they allegedly earned illegally, plus interest and fines.

[Note: Sisu Capital, LLC, has no relation to the local cannabis company Sisu Extracts. I stand corrected. The Sisu parent company shared at least one executive with Sisu Extracts. John Figueiredo is listed as the cofounder and former CEO of both companies on various online business directories, and he was a registered financial advisor with Sisu Capital from 2015-2016. You can see him tell his own story in this YouTube video. By way of disclosure, I knew John when he was a kid, nearly two decades ago, when I worked for his parents at Figueiredo’s Video in Arcata.]

[UPDATE, Aug. 21: Reached via text message, John Figueiredo sent the following statement:

I worked briefly at SISU Capital part time (10 hrs/month) from 2015-2016 while I was a software engineer in San Francisco, aiming to learn about investing. I ultimately left because the company’s risk reward profile didn’t align with my values. SISU Extracts, now employee-owned, serves as a vital financial pillar for our community, collaborating with numerous local farms to support our local economy. It’s important to note that no person currently working at SISU Extracts has ever had any connection with SISU Capital.]

Timothy Overturf purchased the Arcata Theatre Lounge in 2019 with business partner Joseph Ostini. His dad, Hans, was accused in 2004 of bilking an elderly couple with dementia out of $730,000 by convincing them to invest in a posh resort called Redwood Parks Lodge, which was never built. After the elderly couple died, Hans agreed to pay their family $420,000. The charges were dropped, though Hans was later twice suspended by the State of California from acting as an investment advisor.

The SEC complaint alleges that he did so anyway. It says Hans Overturf, who now lives in Switzerland, referred many of his own investment advisory clients to his son’s new company, Sisu, which Timothy Overturf founded in 2013 at the age of 18. 

The complaint further alleges that Hans advised Sisu clients, made investment decisions and trades with their accounts while using his limited power of attorney and sent emails with a signature block that identified him as “Trader” and “Head of Business Development, Sisu Holding Company, Inc.” He also failed to inform clients of his suspension, according to the complaint.

“Timothy Overturf knew Hans Overturf was suspended and prohibited from providing advisory services to Sisu clients during his suspension,” the SEC complaint says. “Nevertheless, Timothy Overturf allowed his father to communicate directly with Sisu clients and make investment decisions for Sisu managed accounts.”

Sisu Capital, LLC, targeted rich clients who invested large sums. In the less than six years that the company was registered as an investment advisor with the State of California, the complaint says, “Sisu offered investment advisory and portfolio management services to approximately 42 high-net-worth clients and reported assets under management up to approximately $51.7 million.”

Before shutting down in 2021, Sisu and Timothy Overturf received at least $2 million in payments from clients while acting contrary to their interests, the complaint alleges. It also says that from 2017 to 2019, the year Timothy Overturf and his business partner purchased the Arcata Theatre, the younger Overturf took home roughly $858,000 in owner draws and loans from the company.

Reached by phone on Friday afternoon, Timothy Overturf said he hadn’t yet read a copy of the SEC filing, “so I don’t know what that specific complaint is about.”

I read to him from the document’s summary of accusations.

“I can’t comment on that,” he said. “It’s just such a complicated accusation that getting into it with you is not going to answer any questions.” He declined to comment further.

Here are a few specifics about how Timothy and his father allegedly misled their clients: In 2018, the broker-dealer that held Sisu clients’ funds terminated its relationship with the company. (The SEC complaint doesn’t say why.) Afterwards, the commission alleges, Hans Overturf made misleading statements to clients about the split, telling them that Sisu was moving their accounts to a new brokerage firm because it was more flexible and had lower fees.

Hans also allegedly convinced clients to allow him access to their successor brokerage accounts, after which he and Timothy proceeded to make trades that were contrary to their clients’ instructions.

“For example,” the complaint says, “in October 2019, and again in March 2021, Timothy Overturf purchased thinly-traded stock [meaning stocks that can’t be easily sold or exchanged for cash without a big drop in price] of a particular bank (“the Bank”) for five Sisu accounts, but in each instance the transactions were contrary to the clients’ instructions.

“In one instance,” the complaint continues, “Timothy Overturf purchased 2,300 additional shares of the Bank’s stock between March 2020 and March 2021 for the account of a Sisu client after that client had specifically and repeatedly instructed Hans Overturf, verbally and in writing, to sell his holdings in the Bank’s stock and that he did not want to invest in the stock of any bank. Timothy Overturf was aware of the client’s instruction to Hans Overturf.”

The SEC alleges that Timothy and Hans Overturf had a secret plan to amass enough shares in this bank, among themselves and their clients, to propose partnership ideas with the bank, “including leveraging the Bank’s charter to accept crypto assets and to offer Bank customers Sisu’s advisory services.”

Another accusation: Hans recommended to Sisu clients, and purchased on their behalf, “unsuitable, complex financial instruments,” including something called an “inverse short-term volatility futures product,” which is designed to be traded quickly but which Sisu held onto, against their clients’ express instructions, for months or, in some cases, more than a year. 

All the while, Sisu was charging clients an annual fee equal to two percent of the assets they’d entrusted to the company, plus a 20 percent performance fee. 

The SEC accuses Sisu and the Overturfs of violating several sections of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and asks the court, among other things, to make Sisu and Timothy Overturf give up “all ill-gotten gains or unjust enrichment derived from the activities set forth in this complaint,” plus interest and civil penalties.

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DOCUMENT: SEC v. Sisu Capital, LLC, Timothy Overturf and Hansueli Overturf

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State agencies are reporting “unhealthy” to “hazardous” air quality conditions throughout the Hoopa Valley, the result of multiple fires burning inland. 

Residents in the area of Bald Hill on the Hoopa Valley Reservation, north of the Lone Pine Fire, are experiencing air quality conditions in the 600 range – twice the threshold for “hazardous” conditions, according to the U.S. Air Quality Index.

The Hoopa Valley Office of Emergency Services has advised communities throughout the Hoopa Valley to avoid all outdoor physical activity. Sensitive groups – including people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant people – should stay indoors in a place with clean indoor air and keep activity levels light.

Clean air shelters can be found at the following locations:

• Willow Creek Open Door Clinic, 38883 Highway 299, Willow Creek. Open during business hours.
• Willow Creek Library, 39 Mayfair Street, Willow Creek. Open during business hours.
• Dreamquest (Youth), 100 Country Club Drive, Willow Creek. Open during business hours.

The perimeter of the Lone Pine Fire as of Friday morning | Graphic: Andrew Goff

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As of this writing, the Lone Pine Fire, located south of Hoopa, has consumed 500 acres and is five percent contained. There are no structures currently threatened by the fire. 

“Crews made progress yesterday constructing handline down the ridge to the river, they were also successful containing multiple spot fires that occurred throughout the day,” according to a Friday morning fire update. “The fire is burning in extremely steep and rugged terrain which is creating some access challenges.”

There is an evacuation advisory for zone HIA-E014-B, north of the Bigfoot Scenic Byway, south of Tish Tang Road and east of Tish Tang Road. There are no mandatory evacuations in place at this time.

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Six Rivers National Forest and Hoopa Tribe Joint News Release:

Pearch Fire was reported the night of August 16, it is burning in the Pearch Creek watershed in Orleans. Yesterday’s priority was assessing access into the fire by utilizing prior fire dozer, handline and structure protection assessment in the communities of Pearch Creek and Red Cap. The local Orleans Crew 20 wildland fire module successfully identified and protected critical and historical infrastructure using structure wrap to protect historic Orleans Mountain Lookout and also, clear vegetation away from essential radio and phone communication repeater towers.  Today crews will continue similar objectives as of yesterday, assessing access into the fire area, structure and critical infrastructure protection assessment.

Bluff Complex consists of 5 separate fires located near the Bluff Creek area north of Mosquito Lake. The total acreage for the complex is approximately 350 acres with 0% containment. With limited resource capacity fires are being monitored and assessed. 

The 3-1 to 3-6 Fires (referred to by some sources as the Pilot Fire) consists of six separate fires named 3-1; 3-2; 3-3; 3-4; 3-5; 3-6. These fires are burning in Humboldt County, just northwest of the Trinity County Line and Forest Route 1 near Blake Mountain on state and forest service lands. The total acreage for these fires is over 500 acres with 0% containment. Yesterday, the fire received wetting rain throughout the early and mid-morning. Inversion moderated fire behavior in the morning thru mid-afternoon, when the inversion lifted in the late afternoon, fire behavior increased. Today, engines and equipment will continue suppression efforts. 

Lone Pine is approximately 500 acres with 5% containment. The fire is located south of Hoopa, in the Horse Linto Creek drainage east of the Trinity River across the river between the Tish Tang Campground and Sugar Bowl Ranch. Crews made progress yesterday constructing handline down the ridge to the river, they were also successful containing multiple spot fires that occurred throughout the day. The fire is burning in extremely steep and rugged terrain which is creating some access challenges. There are no structures threatened. Adverse weather conditions can change fire behavior and ask the public to remain alert. Today, firefighters will continue to create handline and intent to contain fire in the smallest footprint as possible. 

Evacuation Advisory: Issued by the Hoopa Office of Emergency Services for zone HIA-E014-B. This zone is north of the Bigfoot Scenic Byway; south of Tish Tang Road; east of Tish Tang Road. This ADVISORY is a precautionary notice designed to give residents time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Potential for evacuation warning if fire crosses Tish Tang Creek. 

There are NO EVACUATIONS for any of the fires listed on this update. More information will be provided if fire conditions change. To register for alert notifications and view advisory location map visit www.protect.genasys.com or download the Genasys Protect App. 

Weather Northwesterly flow is pushing some cloud cover over the area and smoke to the west. Through the day, skies will clear and some smoke will lift. Expecting warm temperatures in the 90s once again, with dry humidity. If skies do not clear though, temperatures will be much more moderate.  A 10% chance of thunderstorms remains tonight, but generally will stay east over Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Cannot rule out a stray shower or two. Winds continue to be terrain driven in the afternoon, with weak offshore flow overnight. 

Students move into the University of California, Berkeley dorms in Berkeley on Aug. 16, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

In case you forgot, your new noisy neighbors are still considered a source of harmful pollution in California.

Earlier this year, a state appellate court blocked a proposed housing development for some 1,100 UC Berkeley students, partly on the grounds that the state’s marquee environmental protection law requires the university to study and mitigate the potential “noise impacts from loud student parties.”

That was a new interpretation, and an expansion, of the California Environmental Quality Act, also known as CEQA.Now, that logic is being applied to a second housing development, this one in Los Angeles, creating a fresh clash between defenders of the environmental law and housing advocates who see it as an impediment in battling California’s severe housing shortage.

The Los Angeles case may also put new pressure on state lawmakers, who are considering a bill to override the UC Berkeley “people as pollution” ruling.

“It’s infuriating,” the bill’s author Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, an Oakland Democrat, said of the latest court opinion out of Los Angeles, in a phone interview. “We have so many hurdles to building housing in California. We don’t need yet another one in the form of ‘human noises.’”

Gov. Gavin Newson in February lambasted the UC Berkeley ruling saying it allowed affordable student housing to be “held hostage” by groups opposed to more housing near them and called for sweeping changes to CEQA. His administration filed a legal brief in April arguing that the court ruling would limit housing development in California.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of California agreed in May to take up UC Berkeley’s appeal of the February decision, though judges on the high court haven’t heard oral arguments yet. But whether Wicks’ bill, if signed into law, would allow UC Berkeley to build its planned dorms is still an open question. That’s because the state supreme court could declare that UC Berkeley’s case must proceed anyway, said Dan Mogulof, a senior spokesperson for UC Berkeley, in a phone interview Wednesday.

The latest case

In the recent ruling, California’s Second District Court of Appeal swatted down a City of Los Angeles decision to fasttrack the construction of a private developer’s housing project with 100 5-bedroom units near the University of Southern California; the project is unaffiliated with the school. The court sided with neighborhood groups who argued that the student tenants they expect to occupy the project would likely party on the rooftop decks, creating “significant noise impacts” and thus required careful study under the state’s signature environmental law.Both Kyndra Joy Casper, a partner at DLA Piper, the firm representing the developer in the case, Champion Real Estate Company, and a spokesperson for the City Attorney’s office refused to comment on the ruling when asked.

Student housing at the University of California, Berkeley in Berkeley on Aug. 16, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

The Los Angeles court decision cited the earlier UC Berkeley ruling, noting that state environmental regulations must take into account “crowds of people talking, laughing, shouting, and playing music that disturbs neighboring residents.”The California environmental law has long considered “noise” a potentially significant environmental impact. Amy Minteer, a partner at Carstens, Black & Minteer and one of the lawyers challenging the Los Angeles development, noted that a 2015 court held said that human noise and music generated by a wedding venue “may have significant noise impacts on surrounding residents” that require environmental review, as the judges wrote then.

The February UC Berkeley ruling cited that wedding venue case in its argument that human noise of future tenants is a kind of pollution that campuses and cities must remedy.

“The noise generated during a wedding is human-generated noise as well,” Minteer said. Noise has been “an impact under CEQA for as long as CEQA has been around.”

But though state environmental law has long applied to the booms, thwacks and rumbles emitted from industrial machinery, large air conditioning units or concert-grade sound systems, the UC Berkeley ruling went a step further, said Chris Elmendorf, a UC Davis law professor and one of the law’s sharpest critics.

“The normal noises that human beings make when going about their lives had not been considered potentially significant effects that required analysis or mitigation,” he said. “Then the UC Berkeley decision comes down in which it says, ‘you know, the sound of students as they carouse around the residential neighborhood, that’s an annoying sound, so it better be analyzed in that in that environmental review document.”

The two CEQA cases, side by side

The UC Berkeley and Los Angeles court opinions differ in a few significant ways. In Berkeley, the university had already conducted an environmental review and was told to re-do it, in part to take noise into account. In Los Angeles, the city was hoping to evoke a state regulation that exempts dense urban apartment developments from environmental review altogether — and was told that it can’t because the noise from the project’s occupants merits closer study.

And whereas the ruling against UC Berkeley raised a general concern that college students, by their very nature, might be noxiously noisy, the Los Angeles case was more narrowly focused on the project’s proposed roof decks, from which so much noise might emanate.

Another complicating wrinkle: In making the decision to exempt the Los Angeles project, the city simultaneously decreed that the project would have no significant environmental impact, warranting an exemption from the law, while also demanding that the developer relocate its potentially noisy rooftop decks. The court found that the city can’t have it both ways.

People’s Park in Berkeley on Aug. 16, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters

But for those who worry about the role that the state’s environmental law plays in slowing development, those technical details are less important than the general outcome: The ruling from February, that potentially rowdy college kids might be considered an environmental harm, is already having consequences far from Berkeley.Elmendorf warned that if that precedent remains, more and more courts will delay or halt housing developments because of social noise.

“It just becomes one more part of the CEQA Hydra,” he said. “Once you find a judge who accepts an argument on one occasion, if they’re a judge on the Court of Appeal, well, then you get a published decision making new law.”But other legal minds said UC Berkeley lost its appellate case largely because it “didn’t do its homework.” The campus itself previously conceded that its students make a lot of noise, yet didn’t address that point in its environmental review.

Looking ahead

The Legislature appears intent on making sure that the UC Berkeley precedent does not remain on the books.

Wicks’ bill would simply remove potential noise made by human occupants and their guests from the list of potential environmental harms that need to be weighed and minimized under state law. The bill was recently amended to further help UC Berkeley by limiting the instances in which a campus must consider an alternative location for its housing development. Beyond the noise issue, the appellate court ruled that UC Berkeley should have considered a different site for its dorms.

Echoing the arguments lawyers for UC made in the UC Berkeley case, Wicks said that allowing neighbors to delay projects based on the presumed noisiness of its future residents could provide cover for more nefarious forms of discrimination.

“This could be used as a tool to keep communities of color out, to keep multifamily housing out, to keep young people locked out of housing,” she told CalMatters. “Those that fight it will just say, ‘Oh, they’re going to be too loud, can’t have them in our neighborhood!’”

As it’s currently written, Wicks’ bill would become law immediately upon being signed by the governor — as opposed to pending until the beginning of next year, as is generally the case — and so requires the support of two-thirds of the Legislature to pass.

It appears likely to get that.

Though bills that tinker with the California Environmental Quality Act are almost always deeply contentious in the Legislature, Wicks’ bill has traced an uncharacteristically smooth path through the capitol so far. Through the Assembly and two Senate committees, it hasn’t received a single “no” vote.

If signed into law, the bill would undo the UC Berkeley precedent and, as Elmendorf put it in describing the Los Angeles ruling, “make this case go away.”

Still, the fate of UC Berkeley’s original bid to build affordable housing for 1,100 students is less clear. “Our hope is that we will be able to proceed with our urgently needed student housing program if the bill becomes law, but the Supreme Court case will remain to be resolved,” said Mogulof.

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

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Norman Joseph Lewis Jr., born April 14, 1977, began his journey home August 13, 2023. Norm was a proud father of six and a devoted husband to Patricia Anne Scott. Norm was a son, grandson, big brother, nephew, cousin, avid community member, athlete, coach and friend. He was especially known for his gift of gab, taking care of his aunties, and for having a big heart that was full of love for his friends and family.

Throughout his life he created many strong bonds and friendships with people throughout the states who all shared his love of hunting, fishing and sports. He poured his heart into his family and would do anything to make sure they were taken care of and provided for. His contagious laugh and boisterous personality will be greatly missed.

Norm worked for many tribal departments for many years. In recent years he was known as “the skidder guy” for Hoopa Forest Industries (HFI) and was often the spokesperson for his crew. His work pards relied on him to run the heavy equipment. His presence and hard work ethic will be missed. He absolutely enjoyed cutting wood and running his chainsaw. Norm was very proud to be part of a logging family.

Norm is known for his generous heart. He made sure his family always had wood, salmon, deer meat, etc. He was an amazing brother, son, nephew and cousin who would show up randomly at his aunties’ and family members’ houses to drop off wood or special goodies that he pulled from the river.

Norm enjoyed cruising up in the hills with friends or family. He would often spend hours visiting and telling stories about his kids’ accomplishments and how proud of them he was. Taking care of his friends and family was something he was most proud of. For many years he took care of his old grams-Dolores. Their relationship was very special. She was the only person who could put him in his place and he would not argue with. 

You could always find Norm on any court, mat, field coaching and/or cheering as loud as he can. He was a dedicated coach and the No. 1 fan for his kids in everything they do. At times, Karen and Tyler would have to give him the side eye because he would get too excited during a game or match. Norm was known to be very passionate in helping his nieces, nephews, little cousins and local youth. He opened his home to many youth over the years for them to practice their skills, have a warm place to eat and a place to stay. 

Norman is survived by his wife Patricia and his children, Devin Price, Roman Price, Karen Lewis, Tyler Lewis, Landon Madison, Katherine Lewis. He is also survived by his dad, Norman Lewis Sr.; his siblings, Kristi Lewis (Lizzie), Bronson Lewis Sr. (Aninda), Joseph Lewis, and Stormy Lewis; his uncles, Clarence “Sling” Lewis (Debbie) and Earl Moon; his aunties, Francene Lewis, Tina Lewis and Brenda Lewis; his great aunties, Marcellene Norton, Alvera Houston, Mildred Montgomery, Marilyn Lewis (Gaylord), Kayo Moon and Roosi; and his chosen brother, James Gensaw. Norm had many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who all had a place in his heart. 

Norman is proceeded in death by his son Steven Lewis, daughter Stephanie Lewis, mother Karen Moon, grandmothers Delores Moon and Margret Lewis, grandfathers James Moon III and Clarence “Buck Lue” Lewis Sr. 

Service will be located at the Hoopa Cemetery at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023. The reception will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities (NF) Gym after the service.

Honorary pallbearers: Tyler Lewis, Kristi Lewis, Clarence (Sling) Lewis Jr., Clarence (CJ) Lewis III, Norman Lewis Sr, Earl Moon, Bronson Lewis Jr, Joseph Lewis, James Gensaw, Nick Sunberg, William Peters, Vernon Peters, Curtis Kane, Tony Risling, Ryon Markussen, Landon Madison, John McGinnis, Dakota McGinnis, Mike O’Rourke, Larry Evanow, Josh Lewis, Sean Meyer, Zach Easter, Justin Hornaday, Jake Brauning, Dan Brauning, Robbie Jackson, Loren McKinnon, Justin (Berry) Jackson, John Franklin, Thomas Mosier, Julius Jacksin, Ralphy Peters and Sil-is-che-twan Jackson.

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

Kenneth Eugene Chapman passed away peacefully August 5, 2023 at home in Fortuna at the age of 63. Kenny was born in Fortuna, CA on July 8, 1960.

He is survived by his mother Connie (Chapman) Chase, and his father Kenneth Hough, sister Arlene Stafford, half siblings, Richard Chapman, Doris Pires, and Colleen Hough, and stepsiblings Dennis Chapman and Judi Harrigan. He also left behind many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Kenny was preceded in death by his stepfather Norman Chapman and stepmother Marie Hough. Kenny had an amazing number of friends that will miss him.

Kenny went to Cuddeback Elementary School and Graduated from Fortuna High School. He worked in masonry most of his life with his Uncle Buzz Chapman on many construction sites in Humboldt, De Norte and Lake Counties. He also worked at Eel River Saw Mill in Redcrest for a few years.  

Kenny was an amazing gardener. He grew many different vegetables, always making sure he planted plenty of beets for pickled beets and also giant pumpkins for all the kids in his life.  Kenny lived in a wooded area where the deer were like his pets. The deer and gardening were his two favorite things in the last few years of his life. He loved working with wood. He made wooden toys for kids, bookcases, quilt racks, cabinets, you name it and he could make it. He enjoyed snow skiing into his early 20’s. He was amazingly talented and could build and fix just about anything. He loved to play dice and cards.

Kenny earned the nickname “Slick” from Bob Gray because he slid off of Phil Nyberg’s barn roof on a piece of plywood, uninjured.

Kenny was a wonderful person and always had the best intentions. He was a man of few words but, when he spoke you listened. He was very practical and gave the best advice, he seemed to know the right thing to say at the right time. He had a fantastic sense of humor and would do almost anything for those he cared about. Kenny was loved by many and will leave a hole in all of our hearts.  

A gathering will take place sometime in the near future.

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

Marie Giampaolo, age 95, of Eureka passed away in the early morning hours of August 8th with family by her side.

Marie is survived by her daughter Patty Merideth (Ken), son Jim Giampaolo (Colleen), grandchildren Kelly Giampaolo, Michelle Merideth-Sutke (Dwayne), Chris Merideth (Wendy), Kate Rankin (Anthony), Kera Brichetto (Joe), and Cody Giampaolo (Kala) and great-grandchildren Reece Merideth-Sutke, Sidney Merideth, Norah Merideth-Sutke, Forest Merideth, Jedidiah Giampaolo, and Bodhi Brichetto.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Roland “Jim” Giampaolo and her sister Helen Hover.

Over her lifetime, Marie saw many things change in the world.  She was born to immigrant parents and was raised by her father and older sister.  As a young woman, Marie met her husband Jim on an elevator and they were married soon after their meeting.  Jim and Marie welcomed their daughter Patty and then a few years later their son Jim.  When her children were little Marie spent countless hours volunteering at the kids school with PTA, leading Cub Scouts and Campfire troops, and volunteering with the Catholic Church.  As her children got older her volunteering expanded within the church (CCD classes) and moved on to setting up teen programs such as the Olive Branch. 

Eventually she started a senior lunch program at the Presbyterian Church in Eureka and the Methodist Church in Fortuna to give senior citizens a place to meet, have lunch, access information related to seniors and watch a bit of entertainment.  She started working for College of the Redwoods to develop a senior citizen program and set up many memorable trips and activities for the seniors involved in the program.  This led to the building of Friendship Square at the Humboldt County Fair and the creation of the infamous “Kitchen-aires Band”. 

Marie always loved a good conversation and a game of cards, preferably Gin Rummy.  During these times, her guests could count on delicious snacks being provided by their host.  In fact, cooking and hosting family dinners were something that Marie took great pride in.  Holidays and Birthdays were always celebrated at Grandma “Who Who’s” house.  She had a knack for training animals and had a rooster who would crow on command, a turtle who would come when she called, a cockatiel who knew many tricks and lots of well-loved dogs.  Marie was fiercely independent and lived in her own house (with family support) up until a few months before her passing.  Marie will be greatly missed, but her spirit will be carried on by those who knew and loved her.

Marie’s family would like to thank the amazing people at the Eureka Timber Ridge and Hospice of Humboldt.  We would also like to thank the numerous visitors who spent time with Marie and provided comfort over the past few months.

A memorial service will take place on August 26th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church in Eureka, with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation, PO Box 123 Cutten, CA 95534; or Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Court Eureka, CA 95503; or the Humboldt County Animal Shelter.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Brian Miller Booking Photo | Humboldt County Correctional Facility

On Aug. 15, 2023, at about 9:14 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on Teal Lane, in the county’s jurisdiction of Eureka, for the report of a burglary in progress.

According to the reporting party, an estranged family member unwelcome at the residence forced entry into the home while minors were present. The suspect, 38-year-old Brian Razinni Miller, reportedly vandalized the home in order to gain access and stole various items. Deputies located and arrested Miller in the area of 18^th Street.

Miller was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of first-degree burglary (PC 459/461(a)), possession of stolen property (PC 496(a)), vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)) and annoying a child after illegally entering an inhabited dwelling (PC 647.6(b)).

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.

Receive HCSO news straight to your phone or email. Subscribe to news alerts at: humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.