This morning Caltrans is reporting a couple of highway closures due to winter weather.

Firstly, and probably more importantly for most, Highway 101 is closed just north of Laytonville due to snow on the road.

Here’s District 1’s Facebook post on the matter:

The closure is between Ten Mile Creek Road and Bell Springs road. Caltrans doesn’t have an estimated time of reopening yet.

Check the map below: If you don’t see a big red STOP sign in the middle when you read this, that means it’s been at least partially reopened.

Likewise, winter conditions have closed 36 in Trinity County between the intersection with Route 3 and the town of Platina. Same deal: If you don’t see the red STOP sign in the map below when you read this, then Caltrans is reporting the road reopened.

The City of Eureka just concluded another round of the “Pathway to Payday” program, in which a select group of city residents — many homeless, but not all — undergo a four-day workshop culminating in an actual job interview with local employers. Its success rate? Pretty good.

Sierra Wood, the city of Eureka’s homeless services coordinator, recently talked with the Outpost’s John Kennedy O’Connor about how it works.

Video above, transcript below.

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JOHN KENNEDY O’CONNOR:

And welcome to another Humboldt Conversation. Today I’m here with Sierra Wood, who is the Homeless Services Coordinator with the City of Eureka. Sierra, really nice to see you again. Thanks so much for joining us for a Humboldt Conversation. Now, you are involved with homeless services, but you’re also involved with some other programs that are not just related to the homeless situation in Eureka, and one of those is Pathway to Payday, which is a really exciting program. I know I’ve talked to the City of Eureka about it before, but you’ve just finished the latest series in this. Tell us about this program.

SIERRA WOOD:

Yeah, so this is a four-day program. It’s free for all community members, and it really works to take people through all the steps of looking for a job, starting with creating a resume, applying for jobs, getting interview practice. And then ultimately, we have employers that are hiring actually come to interview participants.

O’CONNOR:

Now, it is a partnership with the Betty Chinn Foundation, and as I say you are the homeless coordinator, but it’s not for the homeless, necessarily, is it? It is for everybody who is looking for work.

WOOD:

No, so yeah, this is part of our program Community Action Project for Eureka, so it’s open to all community members, not specifically the homeless.

O’CONNOR:

Now tell us what happens, because on day one it’s all about the focus on job applications.

WOOD:

Yeah, day one we have actually three workshops that happen. So those are all about overcoming various barriers that you might be facing when trying to find employment. Really just trying to empower yourself and think about your own values and unique qualities that you can bring to a job. Those sorts of skills that some people might be needing a little refresher on, reminding themselves why they can be really of value in a job.

O’CONNOR:

And after that — because it is what, a four-day course? — after that, on the second day, there’s mock interviews.

WOOD:

Yeah, yeah. Second day you’re going to take all those tools that you used in the workshops and you’re going to actually have the chance to practice those mock interviews. Get all the nerves out and just really kind of work on what you’re going to say.

O’CONNOR:

But day three is when it gets quite exciting because that’s when it happens for real, because you actually do partner with employers who are looking to actually hire people.

WOOD:

Yeah, yeah, so we have a variety of businesses, mostly hiring for entry level positions. They come out and they do it right here. We conduct all of our interviews. We have a big schedule set up. And so participants get the opportunity to interview with whichever businesses they want to. So they’re going straight from straight from practice interviews right into those real ones.

O’CONNOR:

And then the final day of the course is called Next Steps.

WOOD:

Mhm. Yeah. So the final day we have businesses give feedback to us about the participants. And so we provide them with that, letting them know if a business is interested in hiring them, what the next steps they should take to follow up. Things like making follow-up calls, continuing on the job search and just keeping that motivation going towards finding a job. 

O’CONNOR:

Now, one of the things that the Betty Chinn Foundation supports you on in this program is actually finding clothing for interviews etc. So how does that work?

WOOD:

Yeah, so participants the week before or sometimes the week during the workshops, they actually can come into Betty Chinn’s Attire for Hire clothing closet and they get to pick out one interview outfit that they’ll wear for the interview.

O’CONNOR:

That’s a really great contribution because I think a lot of people feel, perhaps if they have been in a homeless situation, they don’t necessarily have the wherewithal to go and actually interview for jobs. That’s a great component.

WOOD:

Yes. There’s so many different barriers that can come in the job search and actually doing those interviews. So Betty also does a light breakfast and free lunch for the participants, as well as access to showers before the interviews.

O’CONNOR:

Now it is quite limited though, the number. I mean there is a finite space. So how do people sign up for the next course that’s coming up?

WOOD:

So there’s two ways to apply. The first is on our website, uplifteureka.com. The second is filling out an application in person at the Betty Chinn Day Center. We do typically have about 14 people in the program with a max of about 20 participants, so it is fairly easy.

O’CONNOR:

And people do need to commit for the whole four days, don’t they?

WOOD:

Yes, you have to be there all four days.

O’CONNOR:

Now what about some of the other programs that you’re working on right now, Sierra? That you’d like to share with us?

WOOD:

Yeah, so we’ve got some really exciting things coming up. We have our job skills training program, which has been on a break for the past six months or so, but that’s kind of a transitional step to Pathway to Payday. And that’s for people who have maybe been out of the workforce for a long time and are looking to kind of get those job skills that they may be lacking and get other sorts of classroom experience, building a resume, those sorts of steps that are going to prepare them for a full-time job.

O’CONNOR:

And how have you seen actually the benefits so far to the community?

WOOD:

Yeah, yeah, so we actually have a 90 plus percent success rate in our participants either getting a job offer or a second interview and so it is really successful in getting participants those jobs. I think the other benefit as well is just that change in mindset that comes from being in a large group, feeling that motivation of everybody going through those same struggles, just realizing that you do have a lot of value you can have to a job.

O’CONNOR:

Absolutely. Well, Sierra, it’s a great program. Congratulations. When is the next date? Do you have those set yet?

WOOD:

We don’t have the exact dates, but it’ll be late May or early June.

O’CONNOR:

Okay, well I hope you get the same success rate and the same turnout for the next event. Sierra, thank you for joining us for a Humboldt Conversation, really nice to see you again. Thank you so much. Thank you for joining us for another Humboldt Conversation very soon.

Nelson Avelar passed away on March 7, 2023 after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on March 23, 1977 to Henry and Maria Avelar at Arcata Mad River Hospital, Nelson grew up with a talent and love for working with his hands. If it needed to be fixed or built (out of metal or wood), he was your man — and he did it well. He rebuilt and restored cars and trucks and built wood projects, like a drift boat for his father.

Nelson graduated from McKinleyville High in 1995 and worked most of his adult life as an ASE certified mechanic until becoming disabled. He was a cowboy at heart with a love for all things automotive. On his time off, he would often be found racing at the Samoa Dragstrip with his ‘63 Chevy Nova, going to car shows,4x4ing, mudding, rock climbing with his jeep and buddies especially his close friend, Mike Astry. He enjoyed holidays, R.C. cars, camping, family vacations, and especially time spent ocean and river fishing with his dad, brother and little sis.

Nelson was preceded in death by his mother, Maria. Nelson is survived by his father Henry, brother Michael and sister Melissa. He also leaves behind an aunt Elizabeth and husband Geoff Wright, his young niece Grace Wright, nephews Gavin and Garrett Wright and many cousins.

Special heartfelt thanks to Ginny Rose, his primary caregiver who helped maintain his quality of life, as well as all the doctors, nurses, staff, caregivers, family and friends for years of support. Special thanks to Redwood Memorial Hospital staff for their exceptional care and kindness with Nelson.

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Irene Guglielmina
February 12, 1935 - March 18, 2023
Ferndale, California

Saturday, March 18, 2023, after a brief illness, Irene Guglielmina, loving wife and mother of two children, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Irene was born in Ferndale on February 12, 1935, to Ida and Charlie Katri. She was one of four children and grew up in Grizzly Bluff on Lawson Lane. Prior to Grizzly Bluff, the family first settled in Camp Weott, then Loleta.

Ida, while pregnant with Irene, was working in the Ferndale Creamery, and then went into labor. On that day, rains were coming down so heavy that streets began to flood. They couldn’t get to the hospital fast enough, so Irene was born in a home in Ferndale. Irene’s birth certificate read “delayed” because her exact time could not be recorded because of her unique entrance into the world! And her uniqueness carried on through her life. Irene was a strong and amazing woman. She was loved by so many.

Irene shared her birthday with her favorite president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln and was always very proud of that!! So much in fact, that there is a shrine to ole Abraham in her home to this day.

Irene graduated from Ferndale Union High on June 5, 1953. During her Senior year she met a young country cow tester, AKA, “the love of her life, Herb Guglielmina” and married within months on August 9, 1953. Irene and her late husband, Herb, were married for 61 years.

Irene’s happy place was with her family. She helped her husband, Herb, on the ranch, and took care of their home and two children, Glen and Patti.

Irene was in the Ferndale Garden Club for over 30 years. She was President and Chairman of the Fair Booth for the Garden Club many times. She volunteered at the Ferndale Museum for many years, assisted in election voting at the fairgrounds, and was a life-long parishioner at the Assumption Catholic church. Irene and her sister, Josie, would take long walks and were credited and recognized in the town gazette for picking up debris to have cleaner streets! In between all these favorites, she also made flower arrangements on special occasions for family and friends.

Irene always surrounded herself with family and friends. They would gather on a regular basis to host one another’s birthday celebrations, with good food, sparkling wine, and good cheer. She loved to play cards and board games. Irene, the mom, was always sure to remember birthdays. A birthday card was always in the mailbox on if not a day or two early. Her handwritten notes were priceless and wonderful because she carried on a lost tradition that should never be forgotten.

Irene is survived by her two children, Glen (Tami) and Patti (Terry), her three grandchildren, Vincent, Anthony, and Brook, her three step-grandchildren, Francesca, Gianna and Isabella, her sister Josie, brother, Don (Sandy), sisters-in-law, Esther and Mary, brother-in-law, Len (Janice), numerous nieces, nephews, and many extended family members.

Irene will always be remembered for her love of family, her kindness, bubbly personality, and her amazing memory that was sure to enlighten us with Ferndale history and the community members through the years. We could always count on Irene to connect the dots from one person to the other. We will miss you. Thank you for everything you did for us. We love you.

There will be a funeral Mass on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. A reception will immediately follow in the parish hall to celebrate Irene’s life. Everyone is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ferndale Museum.

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Richard Gordon Daly, born April 13, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Elsie Snyder Daly and John Joseph Daly III. Died March 8, 2023, in Eureka.

Richard graduated from the University of Utah with a law degree. He worked as counsel for the Internal Revenue Service in Washington D.C., Seattle, Washington and Los Angeles. Later he would enter private practice in Los Angeles before coming to Humboldt County to open his own law firm, where he worked until retirement in 2018.

Richard was a gentleman and a scholar with a dry sense of humor. He enjoyed entertaining friends and family at parties and was known as the family mixologist when it came to cocktails. He even had a special Martini known as the “Richard’s Martini” he would serve to special guests. He was always present at his grandchildren’s sporting events and ballet performances. He enjoyed traveling with friends and family, however, poor health the past few years made travel difficult. His children and grandchildren were always loved and a source of pride for him.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Daly, his brother Jay Daly, his sister June Updegraff, granddaughter Chloe Daly, niece Sharon Daly Fitzgerald, special aunt Ruth Snyder Mundorf and his in-laws, Kenneth and Evelyn Johnson.

Richard is survived by his wife, Marsha K. Daly. His sons, Brett Daly and Douglas Daly (Holly). His stepchildren, Kelly Buckman and Kenneth Kurwitz (Dawnell). His grandchildren, Harrison Daly, Alex Daly, Calvin Daly, Sabien Daly, Finnigan Daly, BrendenMcDonald (Jodi), Ryan McDonald (Samantha), Isabella Buckman, Nathan Kurwitz, Kate Kurwitz, and Jake Kurwitz and his great-granddaughter, Sawyer Lin McDonald. His brother-in-law, Edward Updegraff (Annette). His nephews Garr, Greg and Scott and his niece Dr. Susan Daly Fitzgerald and husband Jay Field.

Special thanks to Joan Nilsen and Nita Vallerga for love, visits and care and to Granada Rehabilitation.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to North Coast Dance, a community where Richard had always been a dear friend and supporter, 425 F Street, Eureka, CA 95501 or contributions may be made in Richard’s name to Ferndale High Athletics,1231 Main Street, Ferndale, CA 95536 where his grandchildren participate.

A celebration of life will be held later in the year.

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Debra Anne Godfrey — wife, soulmate and true love — was suddenly called home to her place in heaven on March 2, 2023.

Debra was born on Feb. 21, 1956 in Berkeley. Debra is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, William (Bill) Godfrey. She met Bill in 1986 where they moved to Santa Cruz. There Debra worked for Thermo Fisher Scientific as a mechanical assembly technician for 19 years. Debra loved and lived in Ben Lomond in the San Lorenzo Valley amongst the redwoods. Debra took up kayaking, and that’s when she learned to be the happiest on the ocean and in the water. Debra loved the ocean so much that she became a Ocean Advocate at Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Debra and her husband relocated to Eureka in 2010, where she worked at the Bear River Resort for 8 years. Debra appreciated to be back near the redwoods, where she admired all of the wildlife. Debra especially enjoyed spending time birdwatching, gardening and walking on all the beaches, redwoods and trails with her husband and constant companion dog, King.

Rest in peace with almighty God, with all the angels in heaven.

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

Press release from the County of Humboldt:

Grape leaf samples taken by the Humboldt County Department of Agriculture have tested positive for Pierce’s disease (PD).

In late September, the Humboldt County Department of Agriculture submitted grape leaf samples to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) plant pathology lab to be tested for diseases. The samples were taken from domestic and wild grapevines from a small neighborhood located in Willow Creek. 

Three samples tested by CDFA tested positive for PD, which is the first time this disease has been detected in Humboldt County. PD is catastrophic to grapevines as it clogs their water conducting vessels known as xylem. PD is caused by a strain of the bacterium known as Xylella fastidiosa, a C-rated (widespread) pest in California. 

The Department of Agriculture took additional grape leaf samples in the same area in November and a small number of those subsequent samples also tested positive for PD. Due to plant dormancy, the Department of Agriculture will conduct further research and take new samples with the spring bud break.

The Department of Agriculture is committed to protecting Humboldt County’s viticulture industry and continues to work to educate and assist growers in identifying and managing the disease as needed. As such, the Agriculture Department will host a meeting and Q&A session to address concerns surrounding PD. The meeting will be held at the Lower Trinity Ranger District Station, located at 580-CA 96 in Willow Creek, on Thursday, April 13 at 1 p.m. 

Dr. Rodrigo Almeida, Hildebrand-Laumeister Chair in Plant Pathology at UC Berkeley, and an expert on the disease, will be the featured speaker at the meeting. For more information on Dr. Almeida’s work, please visit this link.

Due to space constraints, the meeting is limited to 25 people. Reserving your space in advance is recommended. For more information and to RSVP, please contact David Juliano, Senior Agricultural Inspector, by email at djuliano@co.humboldt.ca.us. 

For more information on Pierce’s disease, please visit the following links — here, and here.

 For more information regarding the Humboldt County Department of Agriculture, visit this link..