Jeanne Loraine (Allen) Skutt passed away peacefully at home in Eureka on September 26, 2022. She was 94 years old. Born September 30, 1927 in Pontiac, Michigan to Warren Hugo Allen and Veivai-Inez (Rhodes) Allen, Jeanne graduated from Pontiac Senior High School with “The Greatest Generation” during World War II. After graduation, she was employed by Bell Telephone Co. in both Michigan and California for six years, Valley College in North Hollywood for seven years, and part-time at Eureka City Hall for twelve years. She also volunteered as a Pinafore at General Hospital in Eureka, and was a long-time member of the congregation of Grace Baptist Church in Eureka.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy Waldron Skutt, her parents Warren Hugo and Veivai-Inez Allen, her brother Wayne Edwin Allen, and great-granddaughters Brittany Joeleen Sharp and Katie Nichole Sharp.

She is survived by her sister Shirley JoAnne (Harold) Collom of Novi, MI, daughters Janice Eileen (Craig) Newman of Arcata, Dawn Marie (Steven) Reed of Eureka, and Susan JoAnn Skutt of Lexington; grandchildren Michael Glen Newman, Ryan Craig Newman, Trisha JoElle Riley, Erik Michael Messina, Scott Alan Messina, Michael James Messina, Erin Lorraine Messina, Jimmy Allen Skutt, Stephanie Kay (Patrick) Gareis, Tammy Jo Reed, Chrissy Ann (John) Genaro, Patrick Jack Reed, Timothy Michael Reed; great-grandchildren Vincent Scott Messina, Jessica Kaitlyn (Johnny) Silba, Mariah Patricia Gareis, Ruby Jeanne (Jordan) Green; and great-great granddaughter Jayden Joeleen Nichole Silba.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt. No service will be held.

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

Henry Lawrence Kane
January 25, 1935 - October 4, 2022

Henry Lawrence Kane went home to be with the Lord with family by his side on October 4, 2022. Henry was born on January 25, 1935 to Robert and Iola Kane of Hoopa. He was a devoted Christian and a proud member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. As a young man, he attended school in Hoopa, graduating from Hoopa Elementary and Hoopa Valley High School. While in high school, he was active in student activities and a natural athlete playing football, basketball, and tennis. After High School, he attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and later attended Humboldt State University where he studied Finance. He then enlisted in the US Army in 1956; he was honorably discharged and returned home to work for the Humboldt Fir Mill.

In 1960 he moved to Oakland with his sister Margaret and went to work for Foremost Chemical Company. Later that year, he married Mildred Grant of Somes Bar. Together they had three children Tanee, Robert, and Michael. His children were his pride and joy in life. In 1964 the family moved to Hayward and made many great memories together. He enjoyed watching his sons’ sporting events and taking his daughter to the theater. He held season tickets to the Oakland Raiders games for several years. He was an avid gardener and took pride in having the most beautiful yard on the block. He also had a beautiful singing voice and sang in church choirs all his life. In 1961, he entered a TV talent competition on the Oakland KTVU Network and was offered to tour all over the US. But, being the family man he was, he chose to stay home with his growing family.

Some years later, Henry met Frances Shelton while attending Central Baptist Church in Alameda. He sang in the choir while she was serving in a children’s church. They were married two years later. So started a wonderful and rewarding life teaching Sunday school and doing Rest Home Ministry at the Shoreline South Convalescent Home in Alameda. Then, in February 1986, God took them on an amazing journey by bringing them to Sebastopol. They became active members of Sebastopol Christian Church and continued teaching Sunday School together. They were married for 27 loving years before Fran lost her hard-fought battle with cancer.

Henry filled his time with physical activity and providing service to his community. He enjoyed playing in the Sebastopol Tennis league and volunteering at the Sebastopol Food Bank. He was active in both until his health brought him home to Hoopa to be closer to family.

Henry is survived by his children Tanee Kane and Billy Joe Peters, Robert Sr. and Ella Kane; his brother Dennis Kane Sr. as well as his grandchildren Robert Jr. and Brandice Kane, Curtis and Melissa Kane, Chelsee Gibbens and Travis, Haylee and Billy Aubrey, Mariah and Kris Mitchell, William Peters and Felice, Jurnie Wilder and Fernando, Jesselyn Peters and Joseph, Cole Kane and Laura, Vernon Peters and Salina, Madison Kane and Talon. Henry is also survived by his great-grandchildren Maile, Grace, Allen, Bunny, Curtis, Emma, Kristofer, Davonte, Fayelynn, and Yvonne; and by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Frances, and his parents, Robert Kane Sr and Iola Moon; his siblings, Corene Miguelena, Robert Kane Jr, Margaret Powell, Carlson Kane, Hugh Moon Jr, and Cheryl Rose; his son Michael Kane, his grandson Clinton Kane and his lifelong friend William “Injun Bill” Carpenter.

The family would like to sincerely thank the many people who visited and cared for Henry in his later years. Thank you, Travis Simms-Burton, Amber Baker, Ethel Ruth Davis, The Nelsons and the IlTuq community, the Staff of Senior Nutrition, Dr. Chase and Dr. Smith, the Staff of Timber Ridge and Hospice of Humboldt, Pamela Mattz and Wiliam Pecos Carpenter, Tory Colegrove & Family, Kemberlee Beckwith, Janice Yerton, Joe and Stevie Jarnaghan, Tracey Ramone and Stan and Sara Warne.

There will be a celebration of life on October 15, 2022, at the Tish Tang Campground at 1 p.m. At a later date, Henry’s ashes will be taken to Bodega Bay and scattered at sea.

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

The big day is finally here. Just over two years since taking over the space, the Wiyot Tribe’s shiny, new Da gou rou louwi’ Cultural Center — located in the heart of Old Town at 417 Second St. — is scheduled to finally open its doors to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 11. 

In anticipation, Marnie Atkins has folded a lot of Wiyot merchandise. As the center’s manager and its sole employee she’s been hustling to tend to countless last-minute tasks before opening day. But after all the pandemic-related obstacles that slowed the center’s building renovations — from the labor shortages, to supply chain woes — she’s excited to see what might now happen in the space she’s conceived. 

“We’re here,” Atkins told the Outpost. “Folks will finally be able to come up to the door, actually open it and come on in. We want to welcome people into a space that’s dedicated to Native folks — a place where people can come in and learn and ask questions about the tribe.”

Part of Atkins’ goal for the center can be found right in its name. In Soulatluk, the Wiyot language, Da gou rou louwi’ translates to “the ongoing return of all” and Atkins hopes that the center will help introduce more people to the tribe’s sacred and ceremonial practices and also further the discussions of recent years about how best to continue reclaiming the tribe’s influence in the region. 

“Being right in the heart of Old Town is fantastic,” Atkins said. “Sometimes I think you don’t realize there’s a void until it’s filled and then you’re like, wait, how did we get along without that? You know, our community struggles with a history that is uncomfortable and full of violence. This space is dedicated to resiliency and survivance.”

This Wiyot girl’s Brush Dance skirt is thought to date from the 19th century | Photo: Brooklyn Museum

A testament to the tribe’s resiliency can be experienced through the numerous Wiyot cultural items on display at the center, including tribal baskets (gi’y), ceremonial clothing and an ornate pole sculpture built by Native artist Rick Bartow. One item Atkins excitedly highlighted for us was a brush dance skirt that had been in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum for around a hundred years that was repatriated to the tribe, in part thanks to a grant from the National Park Service. 

“She’ll be up for people to see,” Atkins said, referring to the dress. “We believe that once these items are danced in ceremony they are imbued with a spirit, with a personhood. So that’s why I say ’she.’ And she’s older, so she’s like a grandmother dress because she’s been around for a really long time.”

Another aspect of Wiyot culture Atkins plans to help return are native plants. The planter boxes between the center and the Old Town gazebo have already been freshly mulched and are ready for planting. 

Ready to stop by Da gou rou louwi’? The center will be open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Going forward, if you want to plan a visit you’re advised to check the center’s Facebook page which will be regularly updated with the schedule. (Until the center can hire more staff, Marnie will be running the operation as a one-Wiyot show.) 

“My grand vision is to be a central hub for the exchange ideas, information and cross-cultural understanding,” Atkins said. You’re encouraged to come in and say Ha’wa’lou (hello). 

Care for a wee spot o’ tea?

The owner of Eureka’s prized Queen Anne Victorian “The Pink Lady” – excuse me, “The Pinc Lady” or simply “The Pinc” – hopes to bring new life to the beloved mansion by expanding lodging opportunities for its visitors, offering guided tours of the grounds and serving up tea-time treats at an in-house café.

The Eureka Planning Commission will consider a request to move forward with these changes during tonight’s regular meeting, but before we dive into the particulars of the project proposal, allow me to address that burning question in your mind: What’s up with that “c” in The Pinc? 

The “c” is intended to honor cancer survivors, according to The Pinc’s website, and efforts “to raise awareness, improve the perceptions of the disease and remind you to make sure to keep current with annual exams and screenings.” They’ve also incorporated a pink ribbon, the international symbol for breast cancer awareness, into their logo.

If somehow you’re not familiar, the iconic bubblegum pink mansion is located at the intersection of Second and M streets in Eureka’s Old Town Historic District, across the street from the even-more-famous Carson Mansion. 

The four-bedroom main house is currently permitted as a single vacation dwelling unit for no more than 10 guests, excluding children under eight years old, and must be rented in its entirety by a single group, in accordance with coastal zoning code. The mansion’s current owner, Jacqueline Kretchmer, is hoping to change the Pinc Lady’s designation to “lodging use” to create four separate rental units and a café/lounge common area. 

“The basement of the main house, which is at street level along a portion of Second Street, would be converted into a 1,408-square-foot restaurant (‘café/lounge’) with a maximum of 45 occupants including two employees, operating between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily,” the staff report states. “The second floor of the main house, which includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms, would be operated as a lodging house with two employees. Guests of the lodging house would also have access to the common spaces on the first floor of the main house, including a kitchen.”

The detached carriage house is currently being used as a long-term residence. Under the proposed project, the first floor of the carriage house would be converted into a 384-square-foot gift shop and the second floor of the carriage house would remain a long-term residence. 

The Pinc Lady would also serve as a venue for small, boutique weddings. “The applicant also proposes to rent out the main house for up to 12 weddings per year, up to six hours per event,” the staff report continued, noting that each event would be restricted to 37 people per event due to Building and Fire Code constraints. “The weddings would occur indoors, on the first floor of the main house and in the basement (the proposed restaurant space).”

Under the proposed project, “tea and tour” events would be held twice weekly in the main house between April and October. “The tea and tours would be hosted by the same two employees running the lodging house … and would operate alongside the other proposed uses, except for weddings.”

Kretchmer is also hoping to use the property for small hospitality and culinary training classes. The staff report notes that private schools are allowed in the particular zoning district with a conditional use permit but, in this case, the use is considered “more incidental to the other uses, as the trainees will not be taught through classes but will instead assume the role of employees.”

The applicant has also requested a variance to retroactively permit a newly installed fence bordering the northern and eastern perimeter of the property. 

“The applicant asked the city about permitting for the fence prior to its construction but indicated the fence would be less than six feet in height, and as a result, architectural review was not originally required,” the staff report states. “However, as constructed, portions of the fence exceed six feet in height as measured from the higher finished grade adjoining the fence … and thus the fence requires architectural review.”

The Eureka Planning Commission will discuss the ins and outs of the project proposal (among a handful of other items) during tonight’s meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Eureka City Hall – 531 K Street. You can view the full agenda and directions on how to participate in-person or virtually here.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Oct. 8, 2022, at about 2:19 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Myers Avenue in Myers Flat for the report of a disturbance.

According to the reporting party, an unknown number of suspects arrived at the residence and reportedly began yelling and threatening an adult male resident. When the man refused to allow the suspects onto the property, the suspects reportedly forced entry through a locked gate. The man retreated into the residence for safety. During this incident, the suspects reportedly attempted to steal the man’s motorcycle, damaging it in the process. The suspects fled upon hearing deputies’ emergency sirens.

Upon further investigation, deputies located two suspects, 39-year-old David Joseph Cleveland and 44-year-old Kevin Scott Delong, hiding in nearby brush. Cleveland and Delong were taken into custody without incident.

Cleveland was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of attempted auto theft (PC 664/10851(a)), felony trespassing (PC 601(a)(1)), criminal threats (PC 422) and criminal conspiracy (PC 182(a)(1)), in addition to warrant charges of vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)).

Delong was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of attempted auto theft (PC 664/10851(a)), felony trespassing (PC 601(a)(1)), criminal threats (PC 422), criminal conspiracy (PC 182(a)(1)) and vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)).

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.

Two sisters weeping for a brother who suffered an awful death at the hands of a young stranger. A mother sobbing as her son is sentenced to prison for 15 years.

This morning Judge Kaleb Cockrum sentenced Bronson Moon Lewis Jr. to 25 years to life and Daniel Armendariz III to 15 years for killing 42-year-old Julius Tripp, who was first mutilated and then shot off state Highway 96 between Hoopa and Weitchpec.

“You didn’t know Jules Tripp,” his sister Renee Ferris told the 20-year-old Lewis today. “It was you Jules was worried about.”

Ferris said her brother was “bothered so much” by a young generation with no respect for the law and no fear of prison. He didn’t want these kids to learn the hard way, the way he did.

Tripp was asleep in his camper on a roadside turnout when Lewis, Armendariz and three other teens pulled up in Lewis’s truck. First driver Dale Mabry bumped into the camper. Then Lewis and Armendariz began banging on the windows.

“When (Jules) stepped out of that truck and said ‘What the hell are you doing?’ it was a question,” Ferris said. “He was worried about you guys. He was worried about your age group. He cared about you guys.”

After Tripp threw a rock that shattered the windshield of Lewis’s truck, he ran down the road with Lewis and Armendariz in pursuit. They followed when he went over a roadside bank. Lewis first chopped off Tripp’s hand or arm with a large knife. Then Tripp was left alone in the dark while the teens drove back to Hoopa to get an assault rifle. Lewis then shot Tripp dead.

Ella James, another of Tripp’s sisters, warned the killers they’ll never escape what they did.

“It’s horrible what you have done to these communities,” James said to Lewis.”You’ll forever feel this. Spiritually you will never be right again. I want you to understand that.”

Lewis did not want to make a statement. He stood there, at times looking sullen. It was apparent his silence was a further blow to Tripp’s family.

When it came time for Armendariz’s sentencing, Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm had some words for him. Timm said Armendariz came from a stable home, with parents who had been married 20 years and were both employed. Armendariz worked during high school.

“Mr. Lewis in a lot of ways has ruined Mr. Armendariz’s life,” the prosecutor said. He noted that when Lewis was stabbing Tripp, and later when Tripp was shot, Armendariz was right there.

“You could have stopped what occurred and you didn’t,” Timm said.

He challenged Armendariz to apologize, unlike Lewis.

Armendariz’s attorney Jennifer Dixon said that when Armendariz was interviewed by a probation officer, he accepted responsibility and expressed sincere remorse.

Renee Ferris, addressing Armendariz, said she knew nothing about him and asked “Why were you even in my town?”

Armendariz lived in Klamath but was visiting in Hoopa at the time of the killing in August 2020.

“The only thing I know about you is that you allowed — or went along with — someone to kill my brother,” Ferris said. “What kind of person does that?”

She prays every day “that God will help me not hate you two.”

Ultimately Armendariz did speak, saying he was sorry for the Tripp family’s loss of “a brother, uncle, cousin.”

But he said apologizing a million times won’t bring Tripp back. He said he and Lewis were young “and made some mistakes.”

Also, he defended both he and Lewis as being more than killers.

“Mr. Lewis and I know who we are,” Armendariz said with some defiance. “We know what we’re capable of.”

Armendariz’s parents and two young siblings were in the courtroom audience, with his mother crying throughout the hearing.

“Love you baby,” she cried as her 21-year-old son was led from the courtroom. “I love you,” he responded.

As Lewis exited the room, he let go of one small sigh.

Lewis is represented by attorney Russ Clanton. Lewis pleaded guilty last month to first-degree murder, with Armendariz admitting to voluntary manslaughter.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• Sheriff’s Office Seeking Homicide Suspect After Identifying Remains Found Last Week Off Highway 96 As Belonging to Missing Person
• Hoopa Homicide Suspect Surrenders Peacefully, Sheriff’s Office Says
• Hoopa Teen Charged With Murder, Potentially Faces Two Life Terms
• Bail Set at $2.4 Million For Hoopa Teen Accused of Murdering Man After Car Accident on Highway 96
• Second Teenager Arrested in Connection With Alleged Hoopa Murder
• Hoopa Teenager Arraigned for Roadside Murder Along Highway 96; Suspect Could Face Life in Prison Without Parole
• Defense Attorney Asks Judge to Throw Out Charges Against One of Two Teenagers Accused in Roadside Murder Near Hoopa
• Judge Tosses Torture Charges Against Suspect in Hoopa Roadside Killing Case; Murder, Conspiracy Charges Remain
• Second Suspect Must Stand Trial in Hoopa Valley Roadside Murder, Judge Rules
• Attorneys and Judge Discuss Possible Plea Deal for Hoopa Roadside Murder Suspects
• Suspects in 2020 Roadslide Slaying in Hoopa Plead Guilty to First Degree Murder, Voluntary Manslaughter

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Oct. 8, 2022, at about 4:30 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies and K9 Yahtzee conducted a probation search at a residence associated with a wanted felony warrant suspect on the 2900 block of Harris Street in Eureka.

The suspect, 42-year-old Brenton Charles Richard, was located in a bedroom of the residence and surrendered to deputies without incident following K9 announcements. During a search of Richard’s room, deputies located approximately 3.6 ounces of methamphetamine, burglary tools and items consistent with the sale of controlled substances.

Richard was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sales (HS 11378), possession of burglary tools (PC 466) and violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)), in addition to warrant charges of Post Release Community Supervision Revocation (PC 3455(a)).

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.