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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023
Crescent City, CA
Abandoned carts foul Crescent City BY ROGER GITLIN The Triplicate
Photos by Roger Gitlin/The Triplicate
Despite the efforts of Mario Westphal to return abandoned carts to the right stores, broken and abandoned shopping carts have become a nuisance is Crescent City.
“I’m sickened by the sight of (shopping) carts littered all over Crescent City Del Norte County.” Those were the words of Mario Westphal of Crescent City. The retired paramedic and his wife Jeannie donated several hours, two Saturdays ago to retrieve illegally removed carts abandoned on community streets, loading the carts on their personal flatbed trailer and returning the convenience carts back to the store owner. “The illegal expropriation of shopping carts for personal use has a cascade of negative effects on our community,” said Westphal. “First. It’s a theft. Each shopping cart ranges in the $250-$350 cost per cart. “It is your responsibility to return the cart to the store. If you decide to keep the cart, you’ve committed a theft. Inevitably, these carts end
abandoned or simply destroyed on the streets, vacant lots, riverbeds and behind our beautiful trees. It’s an eyesore. Stores simply pass the costs of replacing these stolen carts with higher costs to the consumer on existing inventory.” Westphal expressed frustration with the Board of Supervisors and Crescent City Council. Westphal challenges supervisors and councilors to get out in their district and help stabilize this eyesore rather than just attend meetings twice a month. Del Norte County ordinance matches state law and holds the retailer responsible for retrieving the wayward carts. “Today. My wife and I retrieved a dozen carts and returned seven to Walmart and five to Safeway,” Westphal said. The Westphals hope to set the example tolerating abandoned carts on streets is a blight to Crescent City.
CHP New ownership for award-winning brewery names new
commander for Crescent City office
Photos by Roger Gitlin/The Triplicate
From left, Dr. John Kirk, Brewmaster Devon Beach and former Port’O Pints owner Rick White enjoy a beer at the Crescent City brewery.
Cynthia Parenteau hopes to expand the kitchen and the menu at the Port’O Pints brewery.
awards of excellence. Brewmaster Devon Beach will continue to serve the new ownership and promises patrons the same high quality of expertise. He credits Rick White for his mentorship and hands-on training and expressed his gratitude to the Whites’ and Dr. Kirk and Cynthia Parenteau for the opportunity to practice his craft. The Kirks shared their vision for Port’O Pints with an emphasis on providing opportunities for young
folks. Cynthia plans to develop an expanded kitchen with and expanded menu. The new owners could hardly contain their energy and excitement in playing a part in changing the face of Crescent City. Cynthia, who was unable to be in hand for this interview because of the snow conditions on the roads, said, “Crescent City is an undiscovered gem on the Pacific. We love it, here.”
Rick White, who founded Port’O Pints, will continue to work with new owner John Kirk and Devon Beach.
BY ROGER GITLIN The Triplicate
A big Crescent City welcome to Dr. John Kirk and his wife Cynthia Parenteau. The couple has acquired the award-winning Port’O Pints brewery/tavern on Northcrest Drive. Kirk, an MD, a gynecologist and obstetrician from Napa, now adds another prime property to the couple’s Del Norte portfolio. Kirk recently acquired the Chase
Bank building, Tsunami Lanes and remainder of the block south of the bowling lanes, for future development. Port’O Pints Brewing company was founded and owned by Rick and Carol White. The Whites have managed Port’O Pints for eight years and will remain as consultants for a short period while all licenses and permits are transferred. The brewery has been bestowed with 89 international and national
Local fisherman outlines harbor concerns
BY ROGER GITLIN The Triplicate
Photos by Roger Gitlin/The Triplicate
After it was moved to a private pier and lifted with balloons, work to repair the Mistasea was finally completed, allowing the boat to return to crab fishing.
INDEX A3 Obituaries A2 Reader’s Choice Ballot A5 Classifieds A7 Crossword Answers A8 Crossword Puzzle
Phone Number: 707-460-6727
Randy Smith owns and captains the MISTASEA, a fishing vessel moored in the Crescent City Harbor. As sometimes happens, Captain Smith encountered a mechanical breakdown while crabbing, three weeks ago. Apparently, The MISTASEA lost rudder control and possibly broke the drive shaft. Smith needed immediate assistance. With the help of his brother crabbers, Fashion Blacksmith, and several very knowledgeable marine diver experts, Smith was able to ease his vessel back into the Harbor; that’s the good news. Gratitude and thanks offered to all who helped the Mistasea. Now the saga becomes unfortunate. After accessing the inner basin to evaluate the extent of the rudder/ shaft damage, Smith said The Mistasea was unable to be lifted onto the excavator at Fashion Blacksmith pier because of the tide level, Please see HARBOR, Page A9
BY ROGER GITLIN The Triplicate
The California Highway Patrol announced the appointment of Lieutenant Commander Pete Roach to head up the local Crescent City area office, effective March 1. The 18-year CHP veteran replaces newly-promoted Captain Larry Depee, who oversees operations in greater Humboldt County. Roach was formally assigned to Crescènt City in 2015 when he promoted to sergeant. Besides the local assignment, Roach has served the CHP in Oakland, Trinity River (Weaverville), investigative services (ISU) and Burnie/Redding office before taking the helm at the Crescent City office. Before joining the CHP, Roach played professional baseball as a pitcher in both the Giants and Dodger organizations, reaching the AAA level in Albuquerque. Roach shared with the public his observation of a much larger pedestrian population since he has returned to Del Norte County and cautioned drivers to be more vigilant in being aware of this dynamic. Roach underscored the challenge of officer recruitment. “Recruitment remains a top priority for the California Highway Patrol,” he said. “We’ll be conducting job fairs and visiting area schools talking to kids about our Agency and programs. The CHP plans to host a booth at the Del Norte County Fair.” “The CHP is all about public safety and saving lives,” Roach added. The CHP office is located at 1630 Summer Lane across from Walmart.
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