Patricia Barbara Willfong passed away peacefully at her McKinleyville home on February 12th, 2022. Words cannot express the pain and heartache friends and family feel at this time. She was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.

Patricia Willfong was a lifelong Humboldt County native. She was born on June 10, 1946 and was adopted at the age of eight by Einer and Norma Olsen of Westhaven. Pat’s father immigrated from Sweden, and her mother, Norma, grew up in Castor Valley, California. Pat was raised in Westhaven on a beautiful property that her parents maintained. She grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of redwoods, weeping golden chain flowers, a lavish rose garden, and a garden that produced an abundance of fruit and vegetables for the entire family. The raspberries were her absolute favorite.

Pat married her high school sweetheart, Duane Willfong in 1962. She was a loving mother to her son Galen Willfong, and daughter Shanell Beyzade. She devoted most of her life helping her husband with their logging business. Pat loved fishing on Ruth Lake while Duane operated the logging company. In later years she spent endless summers with her daughter’s family, camping, fishing for blue gill, roasting marshmallows, and laughing—happy memories that will last the Beyzade family a lifetime.

Patricia was a homemaker whose passion was caring for others. She volunteered as a classroom aide at her children’s school in Trinidad, a committee member and PTA president. Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her active at the Westhaven Women’s Club, the Blackberry Festival, and the annual Ladies Club Bingo and Spaghetti Feed. Pat also helped establish and work at the Kebab Café, owned by her daughter and son-in-law Simon.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents Einer and Norma. She is survived by her daughter Shanell and son-in-law Simon, granddaughters Jeyda, Tibel, and Ashkim Beyzade, great grand- children Liam Haggard and Jayden Anderson; her son Galen Willfong, and his children Christopher, Mackenzie, Colton and Garrett.

Pat loved butterflies. They would always land on her whenever she was outside. She would tell her family that in the next life, she would become a beautiful butterfly and they would remember her like this. Pat will be greatly missed by all those that she’s left behind, She was one-of-a-kind, and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed, While her family grieves her passing, they choose to remember her in a way that honors her free-loving spirit. The following poem was written by her great e granddaughter Jeyda.

You were a butterfly
I’d chase you thru the raspberry garden from time to time
Golden chain trees clovers to my knees
A child’s dream yah we had it good
You always made sure I had a soft place to fall
Your love was a solid one and a bond only which you and I would know
You were my butterfly
We’d escape into the trees tell secrets to the bees And catch blue gill on a string
We’d Roast Marshmallows on a stick
Go Froggin’ at the creek
You’d make our catch for supper as you always did
Then we’d laugh at the mash potatoes stuck on grandpas chin
I thought these times would never end
I wished we could do it all over again And again
You were my nurturer, my comfort, and my Forever friend
You were my butterfly
But butterflies must fly south in the wind
And for now they’ve carried you away But I know for certain, I’Il see my butterfly again, someday.

There will be a Celebration of Life held in Patricia’s honor at the Westhaven Fire Hall, 446 6th Avenue, Trinidad, on February 26th at 1 PM. Guests are welcome to bring flowers. 

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Danita Dawn Holst was born on January 16, 1961 and passed away peacefully on February 17, 2022.

Danita (always known as “DD”) was born in Faribault, Minnesota to John and Dottie Nesseth.  She spent her early years growing up in rural Minnesota where she grew up as a “tomboy”, enjoying horseback riding, caring for the farm animals, playing in the snow, and snowmobiling.  Her family had a strong Christian faith, so many of DD’s activities were centered on her church, including lifeguarding at their summer camp, along with her older brother Jay (which she really loved). 

DD moved to Berthoud, Colorado in 1977, attended Berthoud High, and graduated in 1979.  During those years in school, DD was popular and well-liked by all who knew her, was a cheerleader, sang in the school choir, and was especially athletic in track; always the final leg in the 400 meter relay and faster than many of the boys!

The love of DD’s life was Greg Holst, whom she met in high school and then in 1983 at a health club where Greg was an athletic trainer.  They married June 15, 1985.

DD and Greg lived in Whittier, CA, 1985 through 1990 while Greg was attending Chiropractic College.  They then moved to Denver, CO for Greg to attend and finish medical school in 1995 and then to Fort Collins, CO for his residency in 1998.  DD was always a hard worker following high school graduation until she settled on becoming a certified optician which she did for 20 years.  Their beautiful daughter Jaynah was then born there on May 12, 1998.

DD’s family moved to rural Phillips County (eastern Colorado) for Greg to pursue his dream of being a rural family physician.  DD enjoyed being a mother, made a lot of new friends, continued to enjoy her Church activities and then their wonderful son Sean was born, April 16, 2002.  She became a member of an acapella quartet, performing throughout Phillips County and became a member of the local hospital foundation, enjoying helping with fundraising.  Her most cherished times at this time in her life continued to be a mother and spending time with family.  When the children were young, they would always have a 2-week summer drive trip where they visited many of the state and national parks in the western states.  DD especially liked gathering rocks as souvenirs from various sites.

In 2007 DD and her family relocated to Eureka, CA when her husband took a new job at the Eureka Family Practice, the family continued to love outdoor activities, including camping at Ruth Lake with friends and again, summer vacation drive trips.  With the children in school, DD decided to work again and worked at St. Joseph Hospital in various capacities – the hospital foundation, pharmacy, and radiation oncology, and worked until she was no longer able.

During her years in Eureka, DD continued to have her faith direct all aspects of her Christian life and sang in her church choir, and above all, put her family above all things.  DD was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her and after so many years of illness, she is now with her Lord and Savior and no longer suffering.

Danita Dawn is survived by her husband, Gregory Holst, M.D., daughter Jaynah Holst and Sean Holst.  Her surviving extended family includes Father, John (Linda) Nesseth, Mother, Dottie Browning, Brothers and Sister: Jay (Stacey) Nesseth, Jerry (Tracy) Nesseth, Jason (Lori) Nesseth, and Debbie (David) Benson, along with Father In-law & Mother In-law, Dale & Shirley Holst & many Sister In-laws, Brother In-laws, Nephews and Nieces.  DD also had many extended family members in Minnesota (Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins).

The family would like to thank Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, along with Dr. Lei Han, for the great care DD received while under their care for the last 2 years of her life.

There will be no funeral, but there will be a celebration of life with family in Colorado at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or UCSF Memory and Aging

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Miona (Onie) Darling Johnson was born in Portland, Oregon on February 20, 1924 to Oriel and Elva Wilbur.

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Tony Hernandez was born in Merced, California in 1947. He passed away on Feb. 16, 2022 in Eureka.

Tony grew up in Blue Lake and McKinleyville. After graduating from McKinleyville High School in 1965, Tony went to work for Simpson Timber Company. He worked at Simpson for 47 years, mostly as a millwright. Upon retirement, he enjoyed going for long rides with his second wife Alice, drawing, fishing and visiting family and friends. He also enjoyed watching Western movies and Raiders football. 

Tony is preceded in death by his parents Juan and Josephine Hernandez; his wife Alice and his older siblings: Johnny, Margaret and Mary. 

Tony is survived by his sisters: Linda Combs, Jessie Quijano, Ruby Luna and Rosa Hernandez. His brothers: George Contreras, Manuel Contreras, Art, John Jr. and Nick Hernandez.

His four children: Tracie (Jim) Middleton, Anthony (Elesha) Hernandez, Lori (Joe) Hutchinson, and Matthew Hernandez.

Tony also left behind 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On February 21, 2022, at about 4:25 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 1800 block of 27^th Street, in the county’s jurisdiction of Arcata, for the report of shots fired.

Deputies arrived at the residence and contacted two male victims. During their investigation, deputies learned that earlier in the evening the victims observed a vehicle driving up and down the residential street at a high rate of speed. The victims reportedly yelled to the driver of the vehicle to slow down. According to the victims, the vehicle stopped outside the residence and two juvenile males exited the vehicle. The juveniles confronted the victims and then reportedly fired multiple shots at the victims prior to fleeing the area. The victims did not sustain injuries from the incident.

At approximately 7:20 p.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol in the Eureka area observed the suspects’ vehicle on the 2600 block of Broadway Street. The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, at which point the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. Deputies pursued the vehicle onto U.S. Highway 101, during this time observing the driver commit multiple vehicle code violations. The California Highway Patrol and the Fortuna Police Department were requested to assist with the pursuit. The Fortuna Police Department successfully deployed a strike strip, disabling the vehicle in the area of U.S. Highway 101 near 12th Street in Fortuna.

A 17-year-old male driver and an adult female passenger were taken into custody without further incident. The juvenile male was found to be on probation, in addition to having a warrant for his arrest. Additionally, the male was positively identified as one of the suspects in the shooting investigation earlier that afternoon.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies located two loaded firearms, one of which had been modified to be fully automatic. Additionally, deputies located over 900 Fentanyl pills and over one pound of cannabis.

As deputies continued their investigation, the second juvenile suspect was identified as a 15-year-old male. On February 22, at about 2:37 a.m., sheriff’s deputies served an arrest warrant at a residence on the 2500 block of Alliance Road in Arcata, with the assistance of the Arcata Police Department. The second juvenile male suspect was located and taken into custody without incident.

The female passenger, 19-year-old Skyra Eve Summers, was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (PC 182(a)(1)).

The 17-year-old male suspect was booked into the Humboldt County Juvenile Hall on charges of Evading a Police Officer (VC 2800.2), Evading By Traveling In The Opposite Lane of Traffic (VC 2800.4), Possession of Marijuana Over 28.5 Grams (H&S 11357(a)), Possession of Narcotics for Sales (H&S 11351), Transportation of Narcotics (H&S 11352(a)), Possession of Narcotics While Armed (H&S 11370.1(a)), Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle (PC 25850(a)), Transportation of Assault Weapon (PC 30600(a)), Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person (PC 30305(a)(1)), Felon in Possession of a Firearm (PC 29800(a)(1)), Possession of a Machine Gun (PC 32625(a)) and Probation Violation (PC 1203.2(a)). 

The 15-year-old male suspect was booked into the Humboldt County Juvenile Hall on charges of Attempted Homicide (PC 664/187) and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (PC 182(a)).

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the California Highway Patrol, Fortuna Police Department and the Arcata Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

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.

Roads in eastern Humboldt County remain open, but officials suggest that people traveling in those area should consider carrying chains just in case. 

The following road condition updates come from the Humboldt County Department of Public Works:

• Titlow Hill has 5 inches of snow, the road is open to the towers, everyone carry chains. 
• Bald Hills has 4 inches of snow, road is open, everyone carry chains. 
• Bair Road has 4 inches of snow, road is open between Hoopa Valley and Redwood Valley, everyone carry chains. 

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Drug overdoses fueled by increased use of fentanyl killed more than 100,000 Americans in 2021. 

Local drug overdose deaths have increased by 40 percent in the last two years, from 32 in 2020 to 53 in 2021, according to data from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. Fentanyl overdose deaths alone have increased by 377 percent, jumping from nine in 2020 to 34 in 2021.

It is unclear how many overdose deaths have occurred in 2022 as toxicology reports take up to three months to get back, according to the sheriff’s office.

“We can safely say that we’re seeing this now more than ever,” Sheriff William Honsal told the Outpost. “Our drug task force has seen this spike over the last three years and we are seeing unprecedented numbers of fentanyl in our community. …The opioid crisis is just that, a crisis, and it is directly tied to fentanyl.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States – 10,065 of which occurred in California – during a 12-month period ending in April 2021, an increase of 28.5 percent from the 78,056 deaths during the same period the year before, according to the most recent data available from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics. 

Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl rose by 55.6 percent during the same time period and appear to be the primary driver of increasing overdose deaths across the nation.

The Humboldt County Drug Task Force seized nearly 14 pounds of fentanyl in 2021 in comparison to only three grams the year before. The Drug Task Force seized 10.6 pounds of opioid prescription pills in 2021, up from approximately 9.6 pounds in 2020. However, heroin seizures dropped dramatically from 48.55 pounds in 2020 to 12.39 pounds in 2021.

“We’ve seen a jump from heroin abuse to fentanyl abuse,” Honsal said, noting that the drug has been found in heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine. “People aren’t using heroin anymore, like black tar heroin, they’re just using fentanyl. As we know, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and it is 100 times more potent than morphine. Even just a small amount is fatal and we are extremely concerned because it is so cheap and readily available. It’s just a very, very scary time right now in regards to the drug epidemic.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in 2017 in response to widespread opioid abuse and unveiled a five-point strategy to combat the opioid crisis – including improved access to prevention and recovery support services, increased availability of overdose-reversing drugs like naloxone, commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan, and advanced research on addiction – but data suggests overdose deaths have only increased.

“Overall addiction also went up during the pandemic,” Honsal said. “The stress of dealing with a pandemic and what was just going on in society, I think – whether it’s alcohol or drugs – that people became more addicted during that time. But what we see now with a highly volatile substance like fentanyl, which was very hard to get three or four years ago and only came in the form of medical-grade patches, it’s now readily available.”

Increasing awareness is key, Honsal said.

“Number one, do not take any pill that’s not prescribed to you. I know it sounds like a ‘say no to drugs’ type of situation, but you really cannot trust anything that you do not buy at a pharmacy,” he said. “The pill could look exactly like something you would find at the pharmacy, but unless you know for sure, you have absolutely no idea what could be in there. It could literally take one pill to kill you.”

The Humboldt County Drug Task Force has increased its focus on fentanyl sales and has taken “an aggressive stance in going after dealers,” Honsal added.

“We’re also working with the District Attorney’s Office to get anyone who is convicted of trafficking or selling fentanyl to be provided with what’s called a Watson advisement,” he said. “A Watson advisement is particularly given to people who have received chronic DUI convictions and it basically says if you carry on with this behavior that you could kill someone. …Now we can safely say that they’ve been advised that they can be charged with second-degree murder. It is the same thing with fentanyl. If a dealer ends up killing someone then we can charge them with second-degree murder.”

Jasmine Guerra, executive director of the Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction (HACHR), argued that increased criminalization of opioids and the people who use them “has historically backfired.”

“More criminalization means more deaths, more restricted options for people being criminalized, more disrupted families and more risky patterns on drug trends,” Guerra wrote in an email to the Outpost. “The issue has been played out by the War on Drugs since the early 1970s. The real issue is that people are facing homelessness, food insecurity, and barriers to health care at unprecedented rates in the nation and locally. …This isn’t even touching the surface of the rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences in Humboldt, which we know to be linked to chaotic patterns of substance use.”

Guerra preferred to refer to the opioid crisis as the “overdose crisis” because it shifts the focus “on people’s lives that have been lost unnecessarily and moves away from blaming people who use drugs for the increased rates of overdose.” Following that line of thinking, she said the answer to ending the overdose crisis begins with changing the language around it. 

“Stigma reduction helps to prevent overdose because it breaks down a barrier that someone otherwise would have faced when considering seeking help,” she said. “Next, overdose prevention sites, like the pilot project that recently opened on the East Coast, is another measure that will significantly reduce overdoses, if it is led by community-based organizations. Lastly, and most importantly, our country needs to decriminalize and provide a safe supply of substances.”

Raena West, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) administrator and senior program manager for SUD outpatient and treatment programs for the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Behavioral Health division, said increased access to medication-assisted treatment is “the best way to combat the opioid crisis.”

“The county opted into the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System which makes it possible for people on Medi-Cal to access residential treatment facilities and medication-assisted treatment with Aegis Treatment Center,” she said. “We have also increased our outpatient substance use disorder services to include individual services, case management and field services.”

West noted that fentanyl overdose deaths were likely exacerbated by the pandemic as more individuals were using alone, thus increasing their chance of overdosing.

While perspectives may differ on how to end the opioid crisis, the individuals interviewed for this story agreed that access to Narcan is critical.

“We’ve had a ton of overdoses that have been saved through the use of Narcan,” Honsal said. “The data is anecdotal because there are different organizations that hand out Narcan… but it happens every day that someone is given a dose of naloxone to save them from an overdose.”

Both HACHR and Humboldt County DHHS provide free Narcan and training. More information can be found here.