Fortuna Chamber Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2022

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID EUREKA, CA PERMIT NO. 76 ECRWSS

Summer 2022

Q U A RT E R LY N E WS L E T T E R

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LANDMARK R E A L

E S T A T E

www.landmarkhumboldt.com

JEREMY STANFIELD Broker Owner

JESSICA VAN PELT-STRETCH Broker Associate

LEAH PRICE Sales Associate

MOLLY WICKE Sales Associate

LAREESA STANFIELD Broker Associate

DEVON BOLLAN Sales Associate

MELINDA KORNDER Sales Associate

ANDREA VARGAS-LOPEZ Sales Associate

LIC# 01339550

LIC# 02070934

LIC# 01204126

LIC# 02080831

CALL US TODAY!

FORTUNA 125 12th St. 725.2852

L ANDMARKHUMBOLDT

LIC# 01728836

LIC# 01035959

LIC# 01983594

LIC# 02155917

TWO LOCATIONS SERVING ALL OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY

Dedicated to keeping our community safe.

Humboldt County COVID-19 Approval Certificate

L ANDMARKHUMBOLDT

FERNDALE 334 Main St. 786.9300

LICENSE #01857152

Great selection to choose from.

Our appliance experts are ready to help.

• Largest in stock new & used inventory • Competitive price guarantee • Delivery and Service after the sale

1001 Main St., Fortuna • 707 725-6734 • EelValleyAppliance.com

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735 14th Street Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-3959 www.fortunachamber.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-22 CHAIR OF THE BOARD Bailey Davy, Cornerstone Realty

SHOP LOCAL FIRST COMING

Please support your locally owned Downtown businesses.

We appreciate your support.

EVENTS

First Friday first Friday each month June-Sept City Wide Yard Sale June 4th Fortuna Rodeo Week July 10th-17th 31st Annual July 22nd Fortuna AutoXpo Car Cruise Show July 23rd Apple Harvest Festival Oct 1st

COURTESY OF

FORTUNA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION For more info go to fortunadowntown.org

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Kelly Isaacson, Umpqua Bank VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD Becky Giacomini DIRECTORS Kim Brown, Cornerstone Realty Kristin Chambers, Sequoia Gas Company Crystal Lewis, Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance Gary Ogle, AFLAC North Coast/ Gary Ogle Insurance Services Katy Roe, Umpqua Bank Melissa Sanderson, North Coast Journal Amber Woodward, AP Property Management FINANCIAL ADVISOR Greg Thomsen, Wyatt, Whitchurch & Andersen STAFF Renee Lindsay, President & CEO Stephanie Richardson, Membership Coordinator

©2022 The Quarterly Newsletter is a publication of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce. Entire contents are copyrighted. No article may be reprinted without written permission.

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contents

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Welcome New Members

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Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings

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2022 Chili Cook-off

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Upcoming Chamber Mixers

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Chamber Member Spotlight

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Lutheran Home Breaks Ground

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Fortuna Bike Rodeo

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River Life Earth Day Fundraiser

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Wild Souls Ranch Open House

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State of the City Breakfast

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Inaugural Bike Rodeo

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Fortuna Rodeo Painting

Quality Used Cars for Less

$$$$$

195 S. Fortuna Blvd.

Fortuna, CA

(707) 725-6225 Build to edge of the document Margins are just a safe area

RaysFortuna.com

FAMILY SHOES & REPAIR

On the cover

The store that still measures your feet

New Summer styles Many Sizes and Widths Available

Tues-Fri 10AM-6PM Saturday 9AM-5PM

Marilyn Strehl, C.PED Certified Pedorthic ID #2262

12TH & MAIN, FORTUNA • 707.725.2610

Humboldt’s Oldest - Family Owned-Since 1966!

Looking for a new home in Humboldt County, or are you ready to sell?

LolaMae Woodward and Izzy Kirchman enjoying a fruit smoothie at the Fortuna Bike Rodeo.

Photo credit: Amber Woodward

We Bring The VieW Back To You 357 Main St., Fortuna, CA 95540 www.redwoodglassandwindows.com

Visit our website and search for your dream home for free!

Debbie August Broker/Owner DRE#00604073 498-6439

John Egan Realtor Associate DRE#01438132 499-5185

Wendy Medders Broker - Associate DRE#01888500 599-6407

Katy Lund Realtor - Associate DRE#02035968 672-5707

Candice Martella Realtor - Associate DRE#01973376 498-5533

Tami Erickson Realtor - Associate DRE#01227851 496-9376

910 S Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna SixRiversRealEstate.com | 707-725-9376 5

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

CASA of Humboldt County was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1991 with the mission to provide advocates for foster youth. There are over 14,000 children in the foster care system in California.

Foster kids need consistency and connectedness in their lives. A CASA volunteer, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is devoted to providing all of this to youth in foster care by helping one-on-one as a court advocate, mentor, role model, champion, friend, and beacon of hope. Learn more about becoming an Advocate at humboldtcasa.org/whatis-an-advocate.

Owned by Loren and Becky Skavdal, Powerhouse Garage officially opened in May. Powerhouse Garage is an automotive shop that specializes in truck and auto diagnostics and repair. Owner/technician Loren Skavdal brings nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. From fabrication work to heavy line replacement parts and aftermarket accessories, Loren has done all of it proficiently.

He is a certified Dodge/Mopar master technician with nearly 8 years of experience working in the dealership. Powerhouse Garage is located at 459 S. Fortuna Blvd and can be reached at (707) 682-6198.

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Mrs. Shopgurl is ready to help your business.

Are you opening a new business and not sure of your employee needs but could really use some temporary help? Or do you have a business with employees on leave and just need a short- or longterm temp? Felicia brings over 25 years in customer service, administration, visual merchandising, marketing, event planning, food service, and fundraising expertise. Contact her for a consultation at mrsshopgurl@gmail.com or by phone at (707) 845-1164.

Home Grown, founded by Joann Taijala, works with transition-aged youth (ages 18-24) in Humboldt County who are experiencing housing insecurity to attain stable short-term housing and help break the cycle of homelessness. They use the Host Home model where caring community members volunteer to open up their homes and their hearts to “host” a youth. This approach allows youth to obtain access to stable short-term housing (1-12 months, but typically 3-6 months) while building meaningful connections with caring adults in their community.

While youth are in the host home, Home Grown’s case managers work with them on pursuing their housing, academic, and employment goals, saving up extra income, and searching for long-term housing.

For more information on Home Grown, you can visit their website at homegrownhosthomes.org or by phone at (707) 502-2228.

1137 Main St, Fortuna, CA 95540 ◊ Authorized UPS shipper ◊ PG&E Payment Center ◊ Copies & Faxes ◊ Notary ◊ Greeting Cards & Gifts

◊ Scans ◊ Word Processing ◊ Office Supplies ◊ Custom Forms

707-725-6542; Fax 707-725-6541 print@horizonbusinessproducts.com www.horizonbusinessproducts.com

The Pony Keg is a mobile bartending service in a converted 1974 horse trailer. The Pony Keg does all the work for you including bar service, alcohol/drink recommendations, staff, draft system, glassware, décor and more. Visit them online at theponykegmobilebar.com or by calling (707) 574-8875.

West Coast Hydraulics has over 20 years of hydraulics experience. They source, supply, and provide Parker hoses and fittings as well as quality pneumatics, seals, filtration equipment, oils, and instrumentation for your hydraulic needs. West Coast Hydraulics is located at 750 Riverwalk Drive, Suite A5, and can be reached at (707) 298-1918 or online at westcoasthydraulics.us.

Let us help get your day started

Thirsty Thursdays Shots on us every Thursday!

Extra shots of espresso are on us every Thursday. So go ahead and get that extra pick me up. We’re here for you.

1665 Main Street, Fortuna, CA • 541 Wildwood Ave, Rio Dell, CA Monday-Saturday: 6:00am - 5:30pm • Sunday: 7:00am - 5:00pm

Start right, Start here.

Home Improvement - Home Remodeling - Home Renovation or Honey-Do Project, no matter what you call it, the first step is find all the materials you need.

HOURS:

(707) 725-5111 | 1784 Smith Lane | FORTUNA

MON - SAT: 7:30a.m. - 5:30p.m.

SUNDAY: 9:00a.m. - 3:30p.m.

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Ribbon Cut tings

Owner Joyce Thurman (holding the scissors) celebrates their new location with grandson Kadian (next to Joyce), husband Tim (in blue shirt), and community members.

Redwood Thrift with Rejoyce Designs opened May 2, 2014, by Tim and Joyce Thurman. Their goal is to Recycle, Reinvent, and Renew secondhand treasures in and all around Humboldt. They collect items from auctions, estate sales, and storage units locally, as well as direct donations from the community. Recently, they lost their space at Midtowne Plaza and were forced to move. They found a new home at 167 S. Fortuna Blvd, across from Ace Hardware. Over the last eight years, Joyce and Tim have curated quality and unique items that were originally bound for the landfill. “We love artwork, books, furniture, tools, and so much more. When we opened Redwood Thrift our grandson, Kadian, was seven years old and we were living in Bridgeville.

After a short time of driving highway 36 a few times daily, we made the decision to move to Fortuna,” said Joyce. Today, Kadian is almost 16 years old and is a sophomore at Fortuna High school. He often helps out in the shop and is happy to be a part of the Fortuna community.

Joyce and Tim try to stay active locally whenever 8

possible. They have been able to help families in need with donations to help them relocate to the area. For many years, they have been able to help fire victims with financial support and donations.

They also donate to the schools for special projects and events. “We are happy to help our community as much as possible,” Joyce said. “Tim, Kadian, and I would love to welcome everyone into our new location. We love our new home here!” Redwood Thrift is located at 167 S. Fortuna Blvd., and can be reached at (707) 726-7710.

Found in Fortuna is a new nonprofit thrift store in the Redwood Village Shopping Center. The Dyars share their monthly profit to those in need in the community. Customers can nominate an individual or family who needs assistance paying bills for things like medical care, veterinary care, or rent/ mortgage payments. Found in Fortuna is located at 735 S Fortuna Blvd., and can be reached at (707) 682-6363.

“Two great teams, one unstoppable office.”

Quintal Realty Group, led by Kim and Josh Quintal, and The Hurst Group, led by Cody Hurst, joined together to create eXp Realty of Humboldt. eXp, a global online brokerage, is one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerages with their unique cloud-based model and global community of agents and partners. Kim Quintal was one of the pioneers of bringing eXp Realty to Humboldt in 2021 as it is new to the area. eXp operates a different business model than most traditional brokerages. Agents within the company get to share in the company profits. “It really is a catalyst that allows us Realtors to bring big world ideas and tools to serve our clients to our small town,” said Cody. They have started an official branch office of eXp in Fortuna and have two real estate teams that operate within the branch office and larger eXp company. Kim and Josh Quintal operate Quintal Realty Group with four agents and Cody Hurst runs The Hurst Group with five agents. Both teams share a workspace and resources within the office. “It’s the best of both worlds for our agents. Our agents get leadership, mentorship, and resources from both team leads within one office,” said Cody. Real estate, like other markets, is changing and they are embracing it. “We are excited to put this company on the map here in Humboldt. We have so much to offer agents, our clients, and the community.”

You can reach Quintal Realty Group at (707) 4983700 and The Hurst Group at (707) 498-1033. To view available properties, please visit liveworkplayhumboldt.com or codyhurst.exprealty.com.

photo credit: Cady Cambrell

Congratulations to Taylor Arneson on the opening of his new shop, Dog Bay California. Dog Bay California offers furniture, apparel, skateboards, novelties, vintage goods, and locally-made wood and leather products. Dog Bay California is located at 591 Main Street and can be reached at (707) 9008168.

From left: Becky Giacomini, Stephanie Richardson, Leah Dyar, Jordan Dyar, Renee Lindsay, Mayor Sue Long, and 2nd District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell.

Photo credit: Mary Bullwinkel.

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Photo by Cady Gambrell.

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Chamber Member Spotlight

BGHP Client Services team of volunteers and staff.

Photo provided by BGHP.

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Breast & GYN Health Project

n 1996, there was a breast cancer movement happening in the United States. One in eight women could expect to get breast cancer, and treatments were so harsh that people demanded changes. The breast cancer awareness stamp had been released as part of the movement. Locally, Julie Ohnemus, MD, and family practice physician at North Country Clinic in Arcata had been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. After getting treatment locally, her breast cancer came back, so she sought out a breast cancer specialist at Stanford Medical Center. That breast cancer specialist happened to be Dr. Ellen Mahoney, before Dr. Mahoney moved to Humboldt. Julie Ohnemus also got services at a nonprofit that Dr. Mahoney helped start called Palo Alto Breast Health Project (now Bay Area Cancer Connections).

Palo Alto Breast Health Project was run by breast cancer survivors for people diagnosed with breast cancer. Julie Ohnemus found information she had not been able to find (even as a doctor) and she immediately experienced the hope and compassionate understanding of the breast cancer survivors she met. She came home to Humboldt and gathered her circle of support around her kitchen table. Julie told them about the Palo Alto Breast Health Project and her vision to create a similar organization here. They were all eager to help local breast cancer patients, so Humboldt Community Breast Health Project got started in 1997. Eventually, HCBHP expanded to serve people with gynecologic cancers, and the name was changed to Breast and GYN Health Project (BGHP).

Facing breast or gynecologic cancer can be a scary, overwhelming, and confusing time because 12

it is a life-threatening illness and all the decisions cancer patients face. Because BGHP works with breast and gyn cancer patients every day, its staff and volunteers provide excellent emotional support, education, and even hope to help local people with breast or gyn cancers step by step along the way.

BGHP is located in a sweet little house in Arcata by the Arcata Co-op. In 2021, it helped 344 local people with breast or gynecologic cancer or cancer concerns. A group of seven experienced “Warmline” volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves, work alongside staff to provide cancer resource support services as people travel their cancer journey. The volunteers and staff include nurses and a Medical Consultant so they can provide high level education and support services.

Now in its 25th year, BGHP offers “an extra layer of support,” which includes a lending library, eight different support groups (on Zoom currently), patient navigation, decision support consultation, wigs, and much more. ALL services are free of charge, thanks to thousands of local donors, vacation raffle ticket buyers, and grant funding. Anyone curious about how BGHP might be able to help is encouraged to call (707) 825-8345 or visit www.bghp.org.

Humboldt Area Foundation and the Wild Rivers Community Foundation

Humboldt Area Foundation and the Wild Rivers Community Foundation, along with supporting organizations - including the Native Cultures Fund, Equity Alliance of the North Coast, and Humboldt Health Foundation - serve the four-county region of Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in California and Curry County in Oregon. Their vision is to enable and empower our unique region to thrive as a just, healthy, and equitable place for current and future generations.

For nearly 50 years, they’ve been recognized for their innovative work and approaches. From incubating grassroots organizations to leadership

Humboldt Crabs

development and training programs to local loan and impact investment portfolios, the community foundation has long-supported capacity building, social and financial infrastructure, and philanthropic advice essential to the well-being and progress of our region.

HAF+WRCF also serves as a community facilitator, organizer, and capacity-builder of local and tribal governments, as well as public, private, and nonprofit organizations, to accomplish together what other single entities cannot.

As a whole, Humboldt County is often defined by bodies of water, with miles of coastline, multitudes of watersheds, lagoons, lakes, and flowing rivers.

These lands were the ancestral homes of generations of Indigenous peoples before the arrival of European settlers. Today, there are 23 tribal nations, reservations, and rancherias in the service area with the most concentrated group of Native American tribes in California. The extensive service area extends beyond 10,000 square miles—about the same as the state of Massachusetts—with a census population of about 200,000. Today, the region has emerged as a dairy and agricultural hub for the state, including a transitioning cannabis industry. Its largest employers are governments, nonprofits, and retail services.

One of their community grants is the Natives Cultural Fund with a deadline of October 15.

Grants of $1,000-$10,000 are made to individuals, non-profits, community partnerships and Tribes engaging in projects that reflect California Indian culture, art, values, and traditional practices. Email nativecultures@hafoundation.org or call 707-2679906. More info can be found at hafoundation.org/ NCFGrants.

The Humboldt Crabs is a community owned organization founded in 1945 by Lou Bonomini. They are the oldest, continuously-operated, collegiate, independent, wood-bat, summer baseball team in the country. This year will mark the 78th consecutive year of Crabs baseball. Players come from all over the West Coast and are NCAA eligible players from community colleges, state colleges, or universities.

The Crabs’ mission is to promote family entertainment by providing high-quality summer collegiate baseball games to the public at a reasonable price, provide talented collegiate-level baseball players with a positive summer baseball experience, support youth sports programs (with an emphasis on baseball or softball) in the Humboldt County area, and to preserve and build the tradition of Humboldt Crabs Baseball.

The Humboldt Crabs infuse millions of dollars into the local economy during the summer months with hotel rentals, food, services, and other goods from the 30,000 plus fans who visit Arcata and Humboldt County. As a non-profit organization, the Crabs rely on a dedicated group of non-paid volunteers for the day-to-day operations. The volunteer Board of Directors range in size from 12 to 15 individuals. Each board member is responsible for handling many behind-the-scenes tasks that allow the Humboldt Crabs Baseball team to continue operating. In the past 20+ years, the Board, with the help of many loyal and dedicated sponsors, have turned the team around to the point where the Crabs have set attendance records, pulling in more than 34,000 fans in the months of June, July, and August.

Be sure to catch their first game of the season on June 3 when they play the Ventura Pirates. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. with first pitch at 7:00 p.m. The Crabs will play 42 home games this season at the Arcata Ballpark (888 F Street). For a complete schedule, please visit humboldtcrabs.com.

Humboldt Redwood Company

The Mendocino Family of Companies include Allweather Wood, Humboldt Redwood Company, Humboldt Sawmill Company, Mendocino Forest Products, and Mendocino Redwood Company. In Humboldt County, Humboldt Redwood Company (HRC) and Humboldt Sawmill Company (HSC) collectively employ 250 people earning family-level 13

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Chamber Member Spotlight ous $50,000 donation to the Redwood Memorial Hospital Foundation in support of the new ICU unit at the Fortuna hospital. They also offer a generous college scholarship program to Humboldt County graduating high school seniors. The program offers a benefit of $1,000 per year for a total benefit of $4,000 per student. For more information, please visit getredwood.com.

Leadership Fortuna participants got to tour Humboldt Redwood Company’s Scotia sawmill in 2019 as part of the Fortuna Chamber program. Sal Chinnici and Mike Richardson gave the team an up close, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a mill dedicated to ethical and environmentally sustainable practices.

Photo credit: Renee Lindsay.

wages and benefits. The collective company culture underscores a highly engaged management team, a focus on safety and loss prevention, financial commitment, and community involvement and giving.

HRC was created through the reorganization of the former Pacific Lumber Company (PALCO) and related entities in Scotia. HRC’s purpose has been to demonstrate it is possible to manage productive timberlands with a high standard of environmental stewardship and operate a successful business. HRC owns 209,300 acres of Forest Stewardship Council® certified redwood and Douglas-fir timberlands. HRC’s intent is to maintain these lands for long-term ecological, social, and economic vitality.

HRC has a policy of open and transparent operations and is willing to take interested members of the public anywhere in its forest.

HSC owns the manufacturing assets in Scotia where redwood and Douglas-fir logs from HRC lands are manufactured into lumber and timbers.

Products are sold mill direct to wholesale and distribution accounts as well as through company-owned distribution centers to retail lumber yards and home improvement retailers throughout the Western U.S. and beyond.

In 2021, HRC and HSC donated over $81,000 to youth and community groups, including a gener14

Photo provided by Nordic Aquafarms.

Nordic Aquafarms

While many may think of Humboldt County as rural and isolated behind the redwood curtain, Nordic Aquafarms recognized it as an ideal place to locate their half-a-billion-dollar state-of-the-art land-based fish farm.

In 2018, Nordic Aquafarms, with Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) facilities in Europe and one in progress in Belfast, Maine, searched the west coast for a location for its fifth land-based RAS aquafarm. Nordic representatives discovered the blighted pulp mill site on the Samoa Peninsula—it had challenges but offered promise that couldn’t be ignored.

The central location will allow Nordic to deliver fresh fish via truck to West Coast markets. The coastal dependent zoned site has access to clean, cold fresh and sea water and an existing outflow pipe to discharge Nordic’s treated effluent 1½ miles out into the Pacific Ocean. As part of the project, Nordic will clean and clear the site and generate hundreds of local jobs in construction and over 150 permanent positions when the facility is completed.

The development will also offer ancillary business opportunities, increased domestic food production, and substantial economic impact.

FACTS ABOUT NORDIC:

Nordic plans to fund site clean-up and invest approximately $600 million in the project.

Nordic plans to produce approx. 25-27,000 metric tons of fish annually—approximately 15% of the total West Coast demand in 2030.

Nordic is working with Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, and the Humboldt County Office of Education to build training programs for local youth interested in working in aquaculture.

Nordic recognizes that the project is on historic Wiyot land and looks forward to supporting and collaborating with local tribes.

Nordic‘s facility will NOT discharge anything into the bay.

High level of treatment and removal of nutrients ensures less than significant impacts to the surrounding waters or marine life.

Nordic’s freshwater demand is less than 5% of previous demand and can be supplied by the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District without negative impacts.

The facility will be built to withstand impacts from earthquakes and tsunamis.

Multiple physical barriers prevent fish escape.

In 2020, Nordic volunteered to prepare a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) as part of the permitting/CEQA process. The company hopes to secure permits in 2022. For more information on this project, please contact Nordic’s Community Liaison, Stacy Atkins-Salazar at satkinssalazar@gmail. com or visit https://nafnewsdesk.com/humboldt-faq/

North Coast Growers’ Association

In 1978, a group of local farmers started the Arcata Farmers’ Market, and the North Coast Growers’ Association (NCGA) was established in 1979 as an agricultural support organization. In addition to providing direct sales outlets through farmers’ markets, NCGA has led the effort to allow farmers’ markets to accept EBT (at the time this program was called food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, Children), and helped formed the California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets to advocate on behalf of small family farmers. Today, the Arcata Farmers’ Market is the longest continually operated certified farmers’ market in the state and NCGA operates 10 farmers’ markets across the county, continues to provide advocacy and educational opportunities for farmers, has created a multi-farm CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), and is leading the effort to

Photo provided by NCGA.

create a regional food hub (that will develop outlets for local food through marketing and distributing services specifically for local farmers, ranchers, and food producers).

NCGA farmers’ markets provide many great benefits for our community other than just access to high quality, nutrient dense food. When customers spend their money directly with local farmers, a much higher percentage of that money is retained in our local economy. This is called an economic multiplier. Estimates of this multiplier indicate that for each dollar earned by a farmer at the market, $.48 is reinvested in the local economy. For every job at a farmers’ market, it is estimated that another .45 of a job is created in the community. Even further, EBT benefits spent at farmers’ markets see a 1:1.5 multiplier and incentive programs (like the Market Match that NCGA offers, which doubles EBT customers’ spending power) see a 1:3 multiplier.

To give this some context, in 2021, $12,260 of EBT and $6,743 of Market Match benefits were issued at the Fortuna Farmers’ Market. Using the 1:1.5 for EBT and 1:3 for Market Match economic multiplier, these two programs generated around $38,619 for the local economy. This doesn’t even include the bulk of sales that happen at the market, as cash or credit card purchases.

NCGA works closely with many food-focused organizations. Open Door Community Gardens provides their clients with “produce prescription” vouchers that can be spent at the farmers’ market. Food for People not only buys local produce from local farmers to feed our community but also provides farmers’ market vouchers to their clients. NCGA receives general funding through the Department of Health and Human Services to cover some of their staff time for providing such high levels of support for food access.

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Chamber Member Spotlight Recently, they have been focused on creating a more resilient food system. The pandemic and recent supply chain disruptions have affected rural areas like Humboldt much more than urban areas.

NCGA meat producers sold an entire year’s worth of meat in one month when corporately-owned meat processing facilities were closed at the onset of the pandemic. This quick response is a testament to the strength that a local food system can have, especially during times of emergency, but the pandemic has also highlighted gaps in our food system. Humboldt County’s current infrastructure (meat processing, cold storage, shared distribution networks, centralized ordering systems, and a physical space that can be used for the buying and selling of wholesale produce and meat) is inadequate to fill the food needs of our communities, so as the world changes to adapt to “the new normal,” NCGA is working collaboratively to shore up local food response through the creation of a food hub. For more information, please visit northcoastgrowersassociation.org. Be sure to visit the Fortuna Farmers’ Market every Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at 10th & Main from June to October.

Photo provided by NCCBB.

Northern California Community Blood Bank

Started in Eureka in 1951 by a group of local physicians who recognized the need for a safe way to collect and store blood, the Northern California 16

Community Blood Bank (nccbb.org) truly is a community institution. “When we call ourselves a community organization, we really mean it. When you donate blood with us, your donation serves our community. Your donation is sent first to local hospitals and patients. Your gift helps heal our neighbors, friends, and families,” said Blood Bank CEO Kate Witthaus.

The impacts of the COVID crisis have been significant, but with the hard work of their staff and dedication of their donors, NCCBB is looking forward to emerging from the pandemic ready to meet the community wherever they are and deliver the gift of life to local patients. With a staff of 50, a group of dedicated volunteers, and nearly 18,000 blood donors, NCCBB carries out their mission to serve the community while meeting and exceeding state, federal, and international standards. Blood Bank staff includes high school students working their first job, Clinical Laboratory Scientists, friendly Donor Care Specialists performing phlebotomy, and a behind-the-scenes team keeping everything running smoothly. The Blood Bank is supported by a volunteer board of directors whose goal is to maintain a local focus, meet patient needs with an excellent standard of care, and maintain financial stability.

To maintain a safe blood supply, only volunteer donors are accepted at NCCBB. In some regions, there are facilities that pay donors for plasma donation, but the products collected at those facilities can only be used for the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Blood products collected at NCCBB are used for transfusion directly to patients.

There is no substitute for human blood. The blood supply is a perishable commodity, and must be replaced regularly. Members of our community make the Blood Bank’s mission attainable by donating regularly throughout the year, to help maintain an adequate, consistent blood supply that will help through times of crisis or disaster. All blood components have a limited lifespan and can’t be stored indefinitely, so donate regularly throughout the year.

Your donation could be the one to save a life when it’s needed.

Without the generosity of community members from all over Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, NCCBB would not be able to meet the needs of local patients. Save a life. Give blood. Learn more at nccbb.org.

Lutheran Home for the Aging Breaks Ground

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n Wednesday, March 23, community members, staff, and board members were in attendance for a groundbreaking ceremony for the building of a new 8-unit housing complex.

Lutheran Home for the Aging of Humboldt County is a Lutheran, non-profit organization dedicated to providing rent-subsidized homes for low-income elders. After the completion of this project, LHAHC will own three properties designated for low-in-

come, senior housing in Fortuna. The other two properties - Mountain View Village and Newburg Retirement Center - feature a combined 78 units of studio and one-bedroom apartments that are rent-subsidized for seniors and the disabled.

For more information about Lutheran Home for the Aging, Mountain View Village, or Newburg Retirement Center, please contact Mike Woyak at (707) 725-5923.

FORTUNA IRON 2832 Old State Hwy• Fortuna CA 95540 (Across the highway from Hansen’s)

725-2608

www.fortunairon.com RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL CUSTOMIZATION CUSTOM WELDING & FABRICATION Gates, Railings, Stairs, Custom, Ornamental Iron, Lumber Racks, RVs, Trucks, Trailers and Heavy Equipment Repair CERTIFIED WELDING Punching, Shearing & Forming, Structural Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum

Get all the latest news on our website at

Since 1931 (707) 725-3316

info@harbersins.com 210 12th St. Fortuna CA 95540

fortunachamber.com 17

River Life Earth Day Fundraiser

River Life Foundation volunteers were on hand for a hamburger lunch as part of their Earth Day BBQ Fundraiser on April 23.

Local businesses donated items to the silent auction and Humboldt Grassfed Beef donated the ground beef for the burgers.

For more information on River Life Foundation, please visit riverlifefoundation.org.

Wild Souls Ranch Open House

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n May 12, community members attended an Open House celebration at Wild Souls Ranch where they could tour the property, meet the animals, enjoy drinks and appetizers, and celebrate the Ranch’s recent purchase of their land. Wild Souls Ranch is a Therapeutic Equine Youth and Family Services nonprofit organization providing local at-risk youth with Equine Assisted Growth and Learning services, a Wraparound Program for children adopted out 18

of Foster Care, and a Colt Training Program as Tip Trainers for the Mustang Heritage Foundation. For more information on Wild Souls Ranch, please visit wild-souls-ranch.org.

State of the Cit y Breakfast

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n April 28, members of the community gathered to hear a State of the City report from Mayor Sue Long and City Manager Merritt Perry. The breakfast kicked off with K9 Officer Cain and his handler, Officer Dennis Stevens, demonstrating drug detection with simulated fentanyl, followed by Mayor Sue Long, City Manager Merritt Perry, Police Chief Casey Day, FBID Executive Director Kaylyn Stainbrook, Fire Chief Rus Brown, 2nd District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell, Humboldt County CAO Elishia Hayes, and 1st

District Supervisor Rex Bohn.

State of the City Breakfast would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsor, Redwood Capital Bank. Thank you to all of the speakers and to C.C. Catering for the delicious food.

City Manager Merritt Perry discussed ongoing and completed grant-funded projects.

Photo credit: Mary Bullwinkel

Mayor Sue Long discussed the city budget and federal Covid relief funds.

Photo credit: Mary Bullwinkel

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K9 Handler and Field Training Officer Dennis Stevens and K9 Officer Cain demonstrate canine drug detection.

Photo credit: Mary Bullwinkel

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Fort una Parks and Recreation inaugural bike rodeo

F

ortuna Parks and Recreation held their inaugural bike rodeo last month.

More than 80 children and their families came out to participate.

Fortuna Librarian Violet McCrigler was on hand with coloring pages and information on the library’s summer reading program.

Bicycle skills course where kids can practice their figure eights.

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Project Coordinator Katie Jo Slaughter from Humboldt ASAP (Allies for Substance Abuse Prevention). Children could spin the wheel to receive prizes including coffee tumblers and market bags, Humboldt ASAP frisbees, and their popular mood-changing pencils.

Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department was on hand to show safety equipment and showering the kids with a spray from the fire hose.

Safety first! Kids were quizzed on their knowledge of street signs.

2022 FORT UNA RODEO PAINTING

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t the Fortuna Chamber’s Annual Dinner on May 18, Fortuna Rodeo Board President Shannon McWhorter (Sequoia Gas Company) and Fortuna Chamber Board Member Gary Ogle (AFLAC North Coast) gave attendees a sneak peek at the 2022 Rodeo painting. This year’s painting

is a plein air concept painting of Quintin McWhorter from last year’s 100th rodeo by local artist Ryan Jensen. You can view more of Ryan’s artwork at ryanjensenartwork.com. Be sure to attend this year’s 101st Fortuna Rodeo from July 10-17. Learn more and purchase tickets at fortunarodeo.com.

Photo by Evan Wish Photography

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