Darrell Eugene Wyatt passed away on Jan. 9, 2022 in his home in the arms of his life partner, Nancy “Voncie” Detrick.

Darrell was born in Sikeston, Missouri on June 29th, 1948 to Luther and Crettie Wyatt. Darrell was the third child of seven. His siblings, from oldest to youngest are: Floyd, Linda Faye, Darrell Eurgene, Joyce Lou, George Larry, Kathleen (Kathy), and Dale Lee (Dinky). 

Darrell and his family moved to Alderpoint in 1956 when he was eight years old. He attended Alice Jewett, Casterlin Elementary, and South Fork High school. After high school he went on to serve in the military in 1969. He was honorably discharged with an injury in 1971. Darrell then returned home to Alderpoint where he started a life with Voncie. Darrell and Voncie had known each other since childhood in Alderpoint, but officially got together in 1972, beginning their 50 years together. Darrell took in Sonny Detrick as his own child, and then soon after Misty Ann was born in 1973, with Echo Katybeth following in 1975. They raised their children in Alderpoint and then in Harris where Darrell built a home for his family. During these first couple of years as a young family, Darrell worked as a choker setter, before he turned to the land and worked in the true Humboldt fashion. Being known as a legend of his time, a true OG. 

While working in the hills, Darrell’s friends were Stephan Mitchell, Doug Hoagland, Mike Peachy, Eugene Coleman, JR Craig and Leonard Ward. These men would know him as “White Legger”. If you listened to the CB radio, often times you would here his nickname of “White Legger” or ‘Whitey”. Those white legs of his covered more ground in Humboldt and Trinity then you could even imagine. Darrell and Doug Hoagland spent many years together running CAT. They would dig ponds and build flats for new homesteads.

Darrell was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cutting wood, running heavy equipment, tending to the land and animals. His family remembers his love for fishing, eeling, and abalone diving; Oftentimes catching the biggest fish, even in his later years. Whether it was the ocean, the river or the lake, Darrell loved to fish. Shelter Cove was one of his favorite places. He and Stephan Mitchell spent a lot of time fishing in Shelter cove on Stephan’s Zodiac, before Darrell bought his own ocean boat.  After that he and Voncie commercially fished salmon for five years. Darrell passed his love of the outdoors down to his family. His grandchildren thank him and their grandma for teaching them to live off the land and to fish from the sea.

Darrell had ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. All of whom looked up to him with the utmost respect.  He was generally a quiet man, but would speak up with advice or ideas to better a plan or help someone. Although quiet, Darrell was also a little fiesty. He loved to mess with or tease his grandkids, but especially the great-grandkids. Whether he was squeezing their ears as they walked by, or teasing them with a lollipop, it was always in good fun and kept them on their toes. He also loved to tease and play with Voncie. All the way to the end. The two of them had their own special kind of love that was obvious to everyone who knew them.   

Often, when the kids were younger, Voncie and Darrell would ride around in their single-cab Ford pickup with two or three, sometimes four grandkids with them. If you do the math, you might realize the cab of that pickup was jam packed and full of smiles. Not to mention the eight dogs in the back of the truck at all times. There were always kids begging to jump in. It didn’t matter what the adventure of the day was; Whether looking for arrowheads, cutting wood, feeding cows or just going for a drive. One thing you could count on was that their Grandson Brennan was right in the middle at all times. He was his Grandpa’s sidekick, always by his side, helping and learning.  When the grandkids were in school, Darrell and Voncie hardly ever missed a sporting event or school play. Although, Darrell usually slipped out a little early to go to the truck and smoke a joint. 

In the early 2000s Darrell and Voncie purchased their property in Wool Mountain. They built a barn and a house from the ground up, with Darrell even milling his own boards for the barn. This homestead is where he would spend nearly the last two decades of his life. It was here where they expanded their cattle herd and focused more on ranching and family. Darrell worked hard and built a hell of a life. Everyone who knew Darrell knew what a hard worker he was, always providing the best for his family. He taught his family the importance of being together and helping one another. Darrell loved Voncie, his partner of 50 years. He would do anything for her, and she would do anything for him. Working in harmony together for all those years, building a life and a legacy. He loved his children and grandchildren so much and they loved him. He will be missed by us all.

Darrell Wyatt is survived in life by his life-long partner Nancy Yvonne “Voncie” Detrick; three children Sonny, Misty(John), and Echo; ten grandchildren Breanna, Natalee(Erica), Kaitlynn, Shasta(Colt), Austin(Makayla), Brennan, Jasmine, Kasey, Lily and Tanner; four great-grandchildren Brayden, Azalea, Sage, and Maverick; and his siblings FLoyd Wyatt, Linda Younger, and Larry Wyatt; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Luther and Crettie Wyatt; sisters Joyce Earley and Kathy Craig; and brother Dale “Dinky” Wyatt. 

We would like to extend a special thank you to Jimmy Smith, and to both the Alderpoint and Kettenpom Volunteer Fire Departments for coming to the house in the early hours immediately after Darrell’s passing. A memorial will be held for Darrell at the Alderpoint Fire Hall on Sunday, February 27th at 1 PM. All who knew him are welcome to join the family in celebrating his life and legacy. This will be a potluck style event, so please bring your favorite dish if you are able. This will be a time to remember Darrell and keep his spirit alive. For this is where he will remain, in our hearts and in our memories.

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Dee (Acorn) Meitner was born on Aug. 3, 1963 in Abilene, Texas and passed away in the afternoon of Feb. 6, 2022 at the age of 58. Dee made her home in many places over the years, but mainly here in Humboldt County. She was living in McKinleyville, and worked at the Shell Gas Station, on Central Avenue.

She is survived by her three children: Kimberly, Christopher and Keenan. Dee’s Granddaughter Hayley was able to come to visit her this summer and they were able to spend a lot of quality time together, which made Grandma very happy.

Dee was raised by her Mother Ann and stepfather Jim Mackay, along with Father Bill and stepmother Lori Acorn. She grew up with her two sisters Raelyn Acorn and Dawn (Acorn) Hawkins in Arcata. She also had two younger brothers Robert and Michael Acorn, along with many nieces and nephews.

Dee loved the outdoors. She liked to spend time on the river bar and in the redwoods and taking long walks on the beach with her little dog “Scruffy”. She was very generous, always looking out for others and trying to help the best she could. Feeding and connecting with the homeless in McKinleyville was one of her priorities. Auntie Dee loved to bring treats and play with her great nephews, Marlo and Bobby.

In her youth she was very involved with Girls Scouts, her Girls Scout sash is covered with the badges she earned. Camping and water skiing at Trinity Lake with family and friends during summer months was something she enjoyed. Visiting Grandma Ellie and Uncle Ray in Southern California every year and going to Disneyland every summer, thanks to Uncle Ray.

Dee will dearly be missed by all of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by: Grandma & Grandpa Everett, Grandma Ellie & Uncle Ray and Grandma & Grandpa Acorn. Last but not least her nephew Sawyer Hawkins.

Dee’s memorial will be held at Paul’s Funeral Chapel in Arcata on Saturday, Feb. 26th at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the God-Snacked Outreach Ministry Inc., or The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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Gary Hughes of Biofuelwatch joins the show to talk about the creative accounting of “net zero” carbon emissions. Can we “offset” emissions or is this sending us down the wrong path? Gary discusses Biofuelwatch’s new report, Carbon Capture or Captured Futures?, which examines the politics and influence of the fossil fuel industry in shaping California’s climate policy. 

AUDIO:

“The EcoNews Report,” Feb. 19, 2022.

REQUIRED READING:

Carbon Capture or Captured Futures

I wake up before dawn, my body sore from the prior day’s labor. I shrug off the sleep as I head to the kitchen and brew up a strong batch of Guatemalan coffee. I suck down a protein shake to help my body prepare for the day and pack a large mountain meal and a gallon of water. I throw on a pair of Carhartt’s and a hoodie, slip on my boots, and strap on my work knife. I kiss my sleeping family goodbye, gather my things, and head for the door.

As I leave the house I sigh while contemplating how little privacy we have in town, neighbors on all sides of our modest home. Street and porch lights diminish the brilliance of the stars and moon, while the occasional automobile disrupts the morning’s silence. I hop in the truck and head south in the darkness, allowing the caffeine and the radio to stoke my optimism and nurse me back to life.

I eventually take a left and start climbing up the hill, leaving the sparse early morning traffic behind. As I motor toward the ridge, I feel a sense of meaning, purpose, and peace. As I weave through the forest, the first signs of light begin to penetrate the dense canopy of evergreens. As I climb higher, wildlife becomes more abundant. Squirrels, deer, and turkey can be seen from the road and I feel at home. As the sun begins to rise the ridgetop glows pink, red, and orange, offering a dazzling display of beauty and complexity. Far below the pillowy marine layer hugs the lowlands, enveloping everything in its life-giving grasp.

I arrive at the gate and am met with a profound silence, interrupted only by the occasional scurrying of a ground squirrel or mountain quail. The clean, crisp mountain air fills my lungs and smells of nature, that inland scent I remember from river trips to Willow Creek as a kid. I wind a bit further uphill and arrive at the farm, the plants glistening in the morning dew. I take a moment to give thanks for another day and for the opportunity to do what I love. Surrounded, not by buildings and the clutter of the city, but by a sprawling expanse of natural beauty. My problems fade away and I feel centered, connected to the very earth from which we were fashioned.

Working in the hills of Humboldt is a magical experience. For me, it’s about loving and appreciating the cannabis plant and about honoring the way it centers me and connects me to the higher purpose of saving and improving lives. Hill Life is about glorifying the plant and about being continually thankful to live in this region and participate in this industry. Never before have I been so passionate about work, nor clearer about my purpose and my mission.

While demanding and rigorous, farming cannabis is immensely rewarding. Through loving the plant and the farming process intimately, I find a level of professional satisfaction that I hadn’t experienced in the past. Working in the elements, embraced by the majestic beauty of the county’s mountainous regions, is simply spectacular. Being surrounded by deer, wild turkey, jackrabbits, foxes, bobcats, bears, and other wildlife is more than scenic, it’s spiritual.

Growing the world’s most beautiful plant in an effort to save and improve lives gives me a meaning and a purpose that far surpass helping people invest their money. The mountain roads, the blazing moon, the shining stars, and the lush hues of different cannabis varietals all speak to me and provide me freedom, motivation, and a level of peace and connectedness that nothing else has.

There are people in my life who fail to understand why I would transition from a comfortable profession in business to becoming a pot farmer. They fail to understand how I could feel such a spiritual connection to our natural world and the creatures that call it home. They fail to understand why I would sacrifice myself physically to toil in the dirt and the hot sun, spending many nights away from the family to care for a plant. They fail to see the humility and dignity that many farmers possess. Most of all, they fail to see that I am responding to a higher calling, one that I believe was laid down for my life long ago.

From the moment I first touched a pot plant at the age of 17, I knew with utmost certainty that I wanted to be a grower. I was so fascinated with that little plant I grew from a bag seed I would spend time with it every single day. It was in a couple gallon container and I would bring it into my bedroom each night, so it would be safe. I remember rubbing its emerald green leaves as they felt so soft and velvety. I fed it a seaweed-based fertilizer I found among mom’s garden supplies and it was luscious. The plant only ended up about 3’ tall as I had no clue as to what I was doing, but it was frosty, with lime green buds and bright orange hairs. It tasted delicious with that old-school pine flavor and was really stoney. Life had other plans for a time and it took me another 14 years before I became a professional grower…as I mentioned a path laid down long ago.

For me, Hill Life is about getting out of my own head and about connecting to something larger than myself. It’s about honoring my surroundings and dancing daily with a plant that means so much to me and others. It’s about giving a mountain wave on the AP or above Horse Linto. It’s about knowing that if a trailer blows a tire or if I have vehicle problems on a mountain road, another grower will come to my aid. It’s about community, commitment, love, and a continual process of personal growth. Hill Life is the best life.

I feel blessed to have found a home in this industry and sincerely hope to spend the remainder of my professional years here. As we look at the burgeoning cannabis industry today, Hill Life is in real jeopardy. Many family farms are struggling amid rising production costs, falling prices, and cut-throat competition. A way of life, where farmers work in harmony with the land and love both their craft and their natural surroundings is slipping away.

We need your help. Consumers can advocate for family farms and demand their products at dispensaries. While family farms won’t compete on a large scale or in the bulk flower market, we possess love and a knowledge base that corporate operators will never know. As we support each other and continue to produce some of the world’s best cannabis, we will maintain our foothold in the industry and continue to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us.

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Jesse Duncan is a lifelong Humboldt County resident, a father of six, a retired financial advisor, and a full-time commercial cannabis grower. He is also the creator of NorCal Financial and Cannabis Consulting, a no-cost platform that helps small farmers improve their cultivation, business, and financial skills. Please check out his blog at, his Instagram at jesse_duncann, and connect with him on Linkedin.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

Lockwood

Since January 2022 the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) had been investigating Angela Dawnstarr Lockwood (32 years old from Eureka) and Lee Eldon Bain (34 years old from Oklahoma) for transporting methamphetamine and heroin into Humboldt County. As a result of their investigation agents received a search warrant for Lockwood, Bain, their residence, and any vehicles related to them.

On February 17th, 2022, HCDTF agents with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant on Lockwood and Bain in the 1500 block of 10th street in Arcata.

Bain

Agents located approximately one pound of heroin, one pound of methamphetamine, 200 prescription narcotics pills, 20 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, a large amount of U.S. currency, digital scales, and 40 pounds of processed marijuana.

Agents also located six firearms and one set of metal knuckles. Lockwood and Bain are both convicted felons and prohibited from possessing firearms. Two of the firearms were loaded and had the serial numbers removed and one firearm had been altered to be an illegal assault rifle. Two high-capacity magazines and ammunition was also located in the residence. 

Angela Dawnstarr Lockwood and Lee Eldon Bain were arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where they were booked for the following charges:

• H&S 11351 Possession of controlled substance for sale
• H&S 11352(a) Transportation of heroin 
• HS11359(b) Possession for sales of marijuana 
• HS11378 Possession of methamphetamine for sales
• PC21810 Manufacture deadly weapon- Metal Knuckles
• HS11370.1(a) Possession of controlled substance while armed
• PC29800(a) Convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• PC30305(a) Person prohibited in possession of ammunition 
• PC30600(a) Manufacturing of an assault weapon
• PC12090 Tamper with ID makes on a firearm 
• PC182 Conspiracy 

Lee Eldon Bain also had a felony warrant out of Oklahoma for theft. 

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

For weeks, Gov. Gavin Newsom teased that California would soon enter a new phase of its response to the coronavirus pandemic, one in which the state shifted its perspective to how to deal with an endemic disease that will likely be a regular part of our lives.

But when that moment arrived Thursday, Newsom made clear that the new strategy did not mean the fight was over. His long-awaited announcement came with no eulogy to the pandemic, no lifting of additional health restrictions and, despite growing calls from conservative critics, no end to the state of emergency that began nearly two years ago.

During a press conference at a San Bernardino County warehouse where his administration stores personal protective equipment, Newsom said early rhetoric envisioning a war against the virus was misguided. He could not offer a final destination for the battle, he said, only a direction in which the state would keep moving.

“We have all come to understand what was not understood at the beginning of this crisis — that there is not an end date, that there is not a moment where we declare victory,” Newsom said.

What Californians did get from the governor was an acronym, SMARTER, for the state’s priorities as it prepares for a future that may include more variants and surges.

It’s a reflection of the tricky political dance awaiting Newsom as people increasingly seem done with a virus that is not yet done with them.

A poll released this week by the Los Angeles Times and the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies found that, by a margin of two to one, California voters believe the coronavirus situation is improving.

Yet even as the rate of new cases has fallen precipitously from the peak of the omicron surge, down about 90% from a month ago, it is still at roughly the same level as the height of the delta wave last summer.

“We are moving past the crisis phase into a phase where we will work to live with this virus and we will maintain a readiness posture,” Newsom said.

While he overwhelmingly beat back a recall last year by leaning on his forceful response to the pandemic, enthusiasm appears to be waning for the governor’s approach. The L.A. Times poll found voters were nearly evenly split on his handling of the coronavirus, with 39% of respondents giving Newsom excellent or good marks and 40% giving him a poor or very poor rating.

That tension is concentrated in a fight over the state of emergency that Newsom declared on March 4, 2020, giving his administration broader authority to address the pandemic. He has issued dozens of executive orders under those powers, some of which remain in effect.

Earlier Thursday, before Newsom rolled out his plan, state Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins announced that a Senate committee would consider a resolution to end the state of emergency at a hearing on March 15.

Republican legislators gloated. They point to the ongoing emergency as a symbol of what they regard as Newsom’s overbearing and dictatorial approach to the pandemic. In recent weeks, they have repeatedly and unsuccessfully tried to bring up the resolution, which has sat on the shelf for more than a year, for a vote on the Senate floor.

“It’s been 715 DAYS since Newsom began his one-man rule. He has completely side stepped the checks and balances put in place to bring accountability to government,” Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk of Lancaster tweeted Thursday. “It’s time to bring an end to this madness.”

But their effort is unlikely to go far. In the same statement announcing the hearing, Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, defended Newsom’s emergency powers, noting that many states of emergency in California for wildfires and other natural disasters continue for years to assist with recovery and seeking federal aid.

A representative for Atkins said the hearing would give Democrats a platform to lay out what the state would lose by ending the emergency and what would not change — namely, a mask mandate for schools that Republicans have railed against, which was issued under a separate public health law.

“I understand we are all tired of living life in an emergency,” Atkins said, “but ending the emergency must be done responsibly to ensure there are no unintended consequences so we can continue to meet the need of our state’s residents in an unpredictable future.”

Dr. Mark Ghaly, Newsom’s secretary of health and human services, made a similar argument in a call with reporters. He said the state continues to rely on emergency orders to manage the coronavirus, including a waiver that let medical facilities staff up with temporary workers during the omicron surge.

The document laying out Newsom’s SMARTER plan pointed to other provisions that have allowed the administration to use state fairgrounds as testing sites and sidestep the normal procurement process to more quickly buy millions of home test kits for schools.

“As we move out of the mindset of an emergency, we need to make sure the tools that help us manage an emergency well are available,” Ghaly said. “These are the tools that have allowed us to protect Californians in quite an incredible way. We are still using them today.”

Newsom did not directly address the criticism over the state of emergency during his press conference. But in an interview with the New York Times, he said “his goal was to unwind the state of emergency as soon as possible.”

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