Judy passed peacefully on October 12, 2022. She was born in Scotia on June 2, 1951, to the parents of Frida and Donald J Walker. She spent her childhood in Ferndale, attending The Assumption School and graduated at Ferndale High School.

She was a very loving and kind mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister and friend. She was an avid reader and crafter. She had extraordinary talent in crocheting, sewing and refurbishing furniture. She enjoyed spending time with family and put family first. She was a homemaker until her children were grown and then sought various jobs to keep busy.

She leaves behind Linda Rocha (sister), Robert D Hansen (son), Julie Smith (daughter), Mike Smith (son in-law), Sabrina Kanen (granddaughter), Brenden Hansen (grandson), Kynslie Shockley (great-granddaughter) and numerous other family members and friends. A special thank you to her best friend Linda (Rich) Wright for all her love and support during such a difficult time, you are truly and angel from Heaven.

She was preceded in death by her parents Donald J Walker and Frida Walker, Robert Hans Hansen (husband), Suzanne Richardson (sister).

She wished to not have a funeral, and the family wishes in lieu of flowers or cards to donate to Hospice of Humboldt. Thank you to all the wonderful employees of Hospice of Humboldt for all their support, care and kindness that allowed her to remain home.

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

Gary Schurb was born October 14, 1948. He died October 12, 2022.

He was born in Eugene. He moved here when he was six months old. He lived his entire life in Eureka, graduating from Eureka High School in 1966. After high school he spent two years in the US Army, one of those in Vietnam. Upon returning from the military, he graduated from College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Frankie; his daughter, Kelli Wood and her husband Karston and two granddaughters Kaia and Mia; his stepson, Lonnie Jimboy and his wife Linda and grandchildren Marisa and Joe; and his sister, Sharon Pierce Capp

After graduating from HSU he owned and operated Sequoia Saw and Supply. He grew the company that his father started from a home garage to a successful company operating not only in Eureka, but also in Little Rock, Arkansas and Sparta, Tennessee.

He was a magnificent woodworker. Frankie and he built their summer home in Salyer and spent 30 years going there multiple times each week. He remodeled his home several times and recently totally redid the home where he died. He was a great antique refinisher and in later years spent much time building tables and furniture from exotic wood that he collected. Those who have pieces of his work are very fortunate.

Never one to linger, he was an avid sports follower, yard gardener, lawn mower, basically a very hard worker. Sherman, (General Bob) was always loyal to his local friends and enjoyed the time he spent with them. He rode his bike nearly every day. Recently he was growing multiple kinds of dahlias. He was about to build a new garage/shop to use for his woodworking.

His death was totally unexpected. He had just received a clean bill of health from his doctors. He was sitting at his desk waiting to go to get a haircut when Frankie found him. He was peacefully sitting with his feet up on the desk and the ever-present toothpick in his mouth when she went to see if he had left yet.

No services are planned at this time. Please donate to your favorite charity.

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

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After Arcata city staff learned that some community members, business owners and event organizers are a little confused when and where sidewalk vendors are allowed in town, the Arcata City Council will consider adopting new rules around sidewalk vending on city property and right-of-ways. 

During tonight’s meeting, the council will review a draft resolution that would potentially replace the city’s existing Plaza Vending Program – through which people can currently apply for a permit and pay and to vend on the Arcata Plaza – and establish clearer regulations for vending on sidewalks throughout the city. 

If adopted, the resolution would prohibit sidewalk vending on roadways or median strips, within 30 feet of an intersection, within 20 feet of a driveway and within 20 feet of a fire hydrant, electrical box or other emergency facility. The resolution would also prohibit sidewalk vending within 200 feet of a farmer’s market or other special event (the vendors for those events obtain their permits through the event planners.) Sidewalk vending would be allowed in parks, but not on the lawn or landscaped areas, according to the draft resolution. 

The resolution also establishes requirements for solid waste management, requiring that all sidewalk vendors provide at least one trash bin and one recycling bin for customers. Prior to closing up shop, the vendor would also be required to pick up any recycling or waste within a 15-foot radius of the vending location. If the vendor is selling food, they must comply with all of the City’s single-use container requirements, providing only fiber-based compostable foodware, charging 25 cents for disposable containers and offering a 25 cent discount for customers providing their own container. Food vendors must also visibly display a valid health permit from Humboldt County Department of Environmental Health.

To be clear, sidewalk vendors include people selling food, beverages or wares from their person or from a non-motorized vending cart. So this resolution would not apply to food trucks, which obtain a different type of permitting. It would also not apply to special event vendors. 

Since this is the council’s first discussion of the proposed resolution, the council will most likely give direction to staff and another draft of the resolution will come back before the council at a later date. You can view the full draft resolution here. 

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Also during tonight’s meeting the council will discuss possible changes to the city’s Short-Stay Vacation Rental Ordinance, which caps the number of vacation rentals permitted in Arcata at 100, excluding rentals where the owner lives on the same property as the rental unit. 

During a meeting in June, the council discussed potential changes to the ordinance, including lowering the cap and changing or removing the exemption. Some concerns were brought up during that meeting surrounding the exemption and the ability of owners to occupy a property with multiple vacation rentals. However, some community members pointed out that the exemption helps ensure that more vacation rentals are operated by Arcata residents, instead of owners living out of the area. 

Tonight staff will present the council with more information and public feedback it gathered on the ordinance. The council will discuss eliminating or changing the owner-occupied exemption, changing the cap on the number of rentals permitted in the city, and whether or not the ordinance should include a “operator limitation” – which would limit the number of vacation rentals a single person can operate. 

If the council provides clear direction on these amendments during tonight’s meeting, then the ordinance would come back for adoption in December. 

The Arcata City Council meets tonight (Wednesday, Oct. 19) at 6 p.m. at Arcata City Hall – 736 F Street. 

You can view the full agenda and directions on how to participate here.

The mother of triple murderer Mauricio Eduardo Johnson was led out of court in handcuffs this morning to begin serving a 364-day jail term for helping her son as he tried to escape.

Judge Christopher Wilson imposed the term on Melissa Johnson-Sanchez, saying she must serve at least 180 days behind bars before she is eligible for SWAP, the program that allows inmates to work out of custody. Johnson-Sanchez will be on supervised probation for two years. If she violates probation she could receive a two-year prison sentence.

Johnson-Sanchez and her boyfriend Von Keener pleaded guilty to the felony of being an accessory after the fact to the February 2021 murders of Margarett Lee Moon and Nikki Metcalf, both 40, along with Margarett Moon’s 16-year-old daughter Shelly Moon. All three were shot in the head.

Margarett Moon lived for several hours after she was shot, leaving her loved ones agonizing over whether she could have been saved had Johnson-Sanchez immediately called law enforcement.  Instead she followed her son as he and Keener drove east. All were arrested in Utah.

Four hours after the shootings Margarett Moon’s two younger children awoke to find her, their sister and Metcalf.

“The tragedy of walking in on a triple homicide … they will never be able to forget that,” Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees told the judge. He asked the judge for a two-year prison sentence.

“We want to encourage people to turn in criminals,” Rees said.

Metcalf’s mother Sandra Keisner, weeping as she read her statement, said “I will never know if Margarett could have lived.”

Keisner said Johnson-Sanchez’s actions “are not Wiyot.” If the rancheria had a legal system in place, “Melissa and her family would be banished from the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria.”

Another family member, Jewel Frank, called the killings the worst crime ever committed in Humboldt County.

“I think (Margarett Moon) lived four hours while Melissa was trying to help her son escape the consequences,” Frank said. She suggested Johnson-Sanchez should be charged with other crimes, such as cruelty to Margarett Moon’s younger children.

“She made the decision to help her son escape the darkness of his evil actions,” Frank said.

Johnson-Sanchez, who had been out of custody until today, stood silently beside defense attorney Kathleen Bryson and did not make a statement. But Bryson said Johnson-Sanchez, who has no criminal history, is extremely remorseful.

“Sending her to jail is not going to bring back their loved ones,” Bryson said, calling the matter “a horrible case.”

Johnson-Sanchez has said she didn’t know until she pulled over to buy gasoline in Redding that her son was running from a suspected triple murder. Still, she continued to follow him as he fled.

“The right thing would have been to report it, and that didn’t happen,” Judge Wilson said. But he also said Johnson-Sanchez’s role was “collateral,” and her plea to being an accessory was appropriate. Both the judge and the victims’ family members expressed skepticism over what she knew or didn’t know.

On the other hand, Wilson said, it’s impossible to prove Sanchez-Johnson didn’t believe all three victims were already dead.

“What does a mother do under these circumstances?” the judge asked. “She wanted to protect her child.”

Wilson expressed sympathy to the survivors, saying their grief is palpable and their wounds will heal slowly, if ever.

Mauricio Johnson was sentenced in February to six terms of 25 years to life — one term for each victim and three terms for personal use of a knife. He was 18 when he killed the three, so under California’s Youthful Offender Program he can apply for parole in 25 years.

As of today he is an inmate at Corcoran State Prison.

PREVIOUSLY

• Plea From Mother of Bear River Murderer Delayed; Can She be Charged as an Accomplice in Humboldt if She Didn’t Learn About the Crime Until They Reached Shasta?
• TODAY in COURT: Alleged Accomplice of Bear River Triple Homicide Suspect Arraigned in Utah Court
• DA Files Charges in Bear River Triple Murder; If Convicted, Teen Suspect Could Face Life Without Parole or the Death Penalty
• Affidavit From Utah Cop Offers Details of Police Investigation Into Last Month’s Triple Homicide at the Bear River Rancheria
• Bear River Triple Murderer Gets 150-to-Life Sentence as Relatives of the Deceased Speak Their Truths; Killer Can Apply For Parole in 25 Years

From Calfire:

What

Professionally controlled prescribed burns planned for the consumption of invasive European Beachgrass on approximately 13 acres near Table Bluff outside of Loleta and approximately 249 acres of grass and brush near Lone Star Junction outside of Kneeland.

When

The prescribed burns will take place as conditions allow on Wednesday, October 19th in Loleta and Thursday, October 20th, 2022 in Kneeland.

Where

Ocean Ranch southwest of Table Bluff (four miles northwest of Loleta). Lone Star Junction (Kneeland Road cross of Showers Pass Road).

Why

These burns provide for the long-term study of invasive plant management and contribute to hazardous fuels reduction. The treatments will help to enhance the health of the native plant communities, aid in the control of non-native plant species, protect and enhance habitat for multiple animal species, and aid in the reduction of hazardous wildland fuels.

Who

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), CAL FIRE, and private stakeholders. During these prescribed fire operations, residents may see an increase in fire suppression resource traffic, smoke will be visible, and traffic control may be in place. Please be cautious for your safety as well as those working on prescribed burns.

It is with great sadness and immeasurable love that I announce the passing of my amazing husband on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. He lost his battle with cancer at the age of 47.

Dustin Ray Garnier was born at 11:59 p.m. on September 13, 1975, to Pamela Wynn (Hatley) Horn and Larry Garnier in Visalia. Dustin was a gregarious child, full of energy and spent his childhood doing what he loved most - skateboarding. An impatient student as a child, it was not until later in life that Dustin returned to school to obtain his GED.

Dustin had a passion for problem solving and details and put forth his best effort in everything he did. Once Dustin had a goal in mind, he did everything in his power to make it come to fruition. He worked various construction jobs but developed a love for woodworking at a job where he built trusses. Needing a change of scenery and a fresh start, Dustin moved from Tulare County up to Humboldt County in 2007. He took a job with Danco Builders and worked for the local construction company right up until his passing. It was in this same year that he met the woman who would become his wife 13 years later. Ever the hard worker, Dustin started at Danco as a laborer, and over the next 15 years ended his career as superintendent with the company, which was his pride and joy.

Dustin did not come from wealth, but over time built himself a life rich with the love of his friends and family. He had a way of instantly connecting with almost everyone he met and had a humility about him that few can emulate. Dustin was infinitely kind, giving of himself, his resources, and his friendship to anyone who needed it. Dustin was a great listener, wise beyond his 47 years, and possessed a heart of gold. In his free time, he loved to be as comfortable as possible, trading his flannel shirts, work pants and boots to don a big fluffy robe every day after work. He was famous for this after-work look. He also loved fishing, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with his family and pets. Even in his last moments, Dustin always thought of others, and never held back showing his love and adoration for his wife. Dustin was a force, and truly lived up to the meaning of his name, “Thor’s Stone” and “brave warrior.”

Dustin is preceded in death by his father Larry Garnier. He is survived by his wife, Nicole Marie Rahman-Garnier, mother Pamela Wynn Horn, grandparents Ollie and Michael McKoski, and sisters Michelle Horn, Chrissy Merriweather, and Susan Horn.

Dustin was a doting husband, supportive brother, loving son, and the most caring and kind friend anyone could ask for. He held a special place in the hearts of everyone who had the honor of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held for all friends and family at the River Lodge in Fortuna on Sunday, November 6. Friends can gather to share their fondest memories of Dustin, and enjoy each other’s company.

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

It is with a heavy heart that we announce our beloved “Grammie” Marguerite (Marge) Ann Hodge Dias passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 9, 2022 at the age of 75 to be with her Lord.

Marge was born on May 1, 1947 to Herb & Mary Hodge in Albany, Calif. At the age of one, Marge’s family moved to Arcata, where she grew up and graduated from Arcata High in 1965. Marge fondly recalled the days growing up in Arcata, where she could be found in various school activities or participating in her other passion at the time — roller skating at the roller rink.

Marge married at the age of 19, and she had her first two children. In the mid-70’s, Marge moved her family to Santa Rosa. She loved her time there, and was very active in the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Part of her activities at that church included being a part of the guitar group, where she formed lifelong friends. During her time in Santa Rosa, she worked for Wells Fargo Bank as well as Hewlett-Packard; the latter job she loved to brag about all of the perks received by working for the tech company (including free donuts every day).

After 11 years in Santa Rosa, Marge returned to Arcata, where she would reside the rest of her life and found love again marrying Joe Dias. About a year after their marriage, she had her last daughter, Theresa.

Marge held many other jobs in her lifetime, including being a bookkeeper for many local businesses. After retiring, she came out of retirement to work at the Arcata Senior Center, where she made many wonderful friends. Marge also had a passion for volunteering. She volunteered for activities like the Winter Express held annually for early grade school students, Christmas toy drives with New Heart Church, Relay for Life, various fundraisers including working the fireworks booth, working the election polls, and when it was still active at the Senior Center, sewing with Katie’s Krafters. If she could help somewhere or someone, she would.

The most important thing to Marge was her family. She made it a point to be involved in each of her children’s lives and to be a part of many of the activities of her grandchildren. One of her more recent favorite activities was baking with her grandchildren. She had a one-of-a-kind personality and a great sense of humor that endeared her to many.

Marge loved collecting all things Betty Boop-related, watching musicals, working puzzles, doing crosswords, and sewing.

Marge is survived by her three children Tammy (Kevin) McMahon of McKinleyville, Tim Gallaty of McKinleyville, and Theresa (Bryan) Stevens of Arcata; her grandchildren Erik Garcia, Andrew Gallaty, Braden, Breannah, and Brooklynn Stevens, and Isabella Gallaty; her brother Claude Hodge, her sisters Faye (Lee) Jones, and Carolyn (Larry) Creek; and numerous nieces and nephews. Marge is preceded in death by her parents Herb & Mary Hodge, her husband Joe Dias, her granddaughter Laura Kay Gallaty, and her nephew Bryan Creek.

A viewing will be held Friday, October 21 at Paul’s Chapel from 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 22 at Heritage Pentecostal Church — 643 Hidden Creek Road in Arcata — at 4 p.m.. A reception will follow.