Fortuna Chamber Quarterly Newsletter, Nov. 2019

Fall 2019

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

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IN FORTUNA!

Your premier Senior Living choice on the North Coast Assisted Living Independent Living Memory Care

2401 Redwood Way Fortuna, CA 95540

707-726-0111 LIC#126803744

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▶ contents 6

A Message from the President

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Chamber Lunch Meetings

8-9

Chamber Member Business Highlights and New Member Businesses

735 14th Street Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-3959

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Dennis Wendt Memorial Trail Plaque Dedication

www.fortunachamber.com

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Laslo Lesku Field Dedication

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Art & Culture Committee

13-14

City Hall Update

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Join Leadership Fortuna

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North Coast Otter Art Project

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The Gene Lucas Community Center Opening Soon

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Oktoberfest Success

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Pool for the People

18-19

News from the Fortuna Business Improvement District

21-22

Calendar of Events

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-20 CHAIR OF THE BOARD Seth McGrath Fortuna Grocery Outlet VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD Kelly Isaacson Umpqua Bank IMMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Melissa Collins Coast Central Credit Union AMBASSADOR CHAIR Laura Morris Coast Central Credit Union DIRECTORS Bailey Davy, Cornerstone Realty Becky Giacomini, Retired Brian Gonzalez, US Bank

ON THE COVER Top: Fortuna Sunrise Rotary and community members plant donated cherry trees at the Gene Lucas Community Center.

Bottom: October Chamber Mixer held at Coast Central Credit Union. ©2019 The Quarterly Newsletter is a publication of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce. Entire contents are copyrighted. No article may be reprinted without written permission.

Gary Ogle, AFLAC North Coast/ Gary Ogle Insurance Services Bryan Robinson, Hygro LLC Fred Robinson, Edward Jones Cathy Whitchurch, Retired FINANCIAL ADVISOR Greg Thomsen Wyatt, Whitchurch & Andersen PRESIDENT & CEO Renee Lindsay

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A Message from the President

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SHOP LOCAL FOR THE

HOLIDAYS COME BROWSE OUR UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPS! Find everything you need all within walking distance in the downtown shopping district, where locally owned businesses offer exceptional customer service!

Fortuna Downtown participating in Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30th Downtown Holiday Open House and Lighted Truckers Parade Dec. 13th COURTESY OF

FORTUNA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION For more info on Downtown events go to fortunadowntown.org downtownfortuna

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elcome to the inaugural edition of The Fortuna Quarterly. This first edition features news from the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, Fortuna City Hall, Fortuna Parks & Recreation, Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID), the McLean Foundation, and others. If you’re reading this, you may be wondering why you received it and what exactly is this thing that you’re holding. The “what” is a quarterly newsletter all about Fortuna (or as much as we could cram into these pages) that we hope will help you stay informed on important issues happening in the city and your community. The “why” is because Fortuna has so many great things happening in it that we felt it needed sharing with everyone who lives here. Each newsletter will highlight Fortuna Chamber member businesses and events, include updates from city hall and other agencies, features a 90-day calendar, and promotes activities in the community. While we can’t include everything, we will do our best to include a variety of events. If you have a community-wide event that you would like added to the calendar, please contact us. We hope you enjoy this newsletter and the ones to come!

Renee Lindsay, Fortuna Chamber President and CEO

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Chamber

Lunch Meetings

D

id you know that the Fortuna Chamber hosts a weekly lunch from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club on Mondays? Each week Dr. Alex Service, Fortuna Depot Museum we feature a new guest speaker with topics related to business, law enforcement, the environment, and community interests. The meetings are free and open to the public. We offer an optional catered lunch by one of our local Chamber member catering companies. If you’re looking for a way to connect more with your community, Chamber lunches are a great way to break the ice, keep informed on current events, and get involved with local activities.

Since 1909

Apples • Fresh Apple Cider Local Produce • Baked Goods 96 12 th Street Fortuna 725-2123

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FAMILY SHOES & REPAIR

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Est. in Fortuna 1894

Your personal service jeweler

Just a reminder … for old timers and new comers. Custom one of a kind jewelry designed by you, created by us. We do beautiful, detailed, quality custom work.

Refurbishing vintage jewelry is also a specialty of ours.

All repairs, jewelry and watch, are done in a timely manner. No job is too small, we understand sentimentality. Many minor repairs are completed while you wait.

Seeking a specific item of jewelry, save yourself time and money, ask us first.

Bartow’s Jewelers Corner of 11th and Main Fortuna • 707-725-2351

12TH & MAIN, FORTUNA • 707.725.2610

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Chamber Member Business Highlights Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance

EPT Physical Therapy & Wellness Center 1095 S. Fortuna Blvd.

Fortuna, CA Tel: (707) 725-6995

EPT Physical Therapy has been in business since 1970. Owners Galin Pettey, Heather Blair, Darlene Pasquini, and Holly Sellars are committed to helping the citizens of Humboldt feel better and get back to health.

EPT offers numerous services, including orthopedic, supervised independent exercise, rehabilitation post-op, neurological, pediatric, public health, and geriatric health. It will soon be offering community classes, including injury prevention, youth yoga, and athletics. Patients are referred to EPT Physical Therapy by primary care physicians or surgeons.

Some insurance plans allow direct access by the patients. The Fortuna location currently has two 8

that they’re grown and off on their own adventures (including her son, Reid, who’s stationed in Germany with the Army), Crystal is excited to get involved in community activities and service clubs. When asked why she chose a business in Fortuna, she replied that she “loves the [Fortuna] community” and wants to make sure friends, family and the citizens of Fortuna are “covered and taken care of.”

Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance offers auto, homeowners, renters, life, business, health, and commercial vehicle insurance, as well as online banking (checking/savings, CDs, home loans, and auto loans).

Photo credit: Dianna Rios, FBID

In August, Fortuna welcomed Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance to the neighborhood with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Crystal is a second-generation resident of Humboldt County and has 20 years of insurance industry experience. Her team includes her daughters, Lexie and Lauren Lewis, and Pyper Daniels as customer service representatives. Crystal really enjoys the challenge of working with her daughters and hopes that they’ll pursue insurance in the future. Crystal chose a career in insurance after working as a bookkeeper for the late Don Brown.

It only took about four months of working with Don before she started to love insurance and pursue it as a career. In February of 2019, she started her agent training with State Farm in Dallas, Texas, and became a licensed State Farm agent in August of 2019.

Born and raised in Fortuna, Crystal and her husband, Ron (a correctional deputy), raised two daughters (Lexie and Lauren) and a son (Reid).

When the kids were younger, Crystal was heavily involved in her kids’ school activities and sports. Now

Photo credit: Dianna Rios, FBID

755 12th St. Fortuna, CA Tel: (707) 725-1135

physical therapists and two physical therapy assistants on staff who specialize in both traditional and non-traditional approaches for physical, occupational, industrial, and sport rehabilitation. While the new location does not have a pool, EPT Physical Therapy has made sure that its patients have been referred to Vector Rehabilitation, HealthSport or CalCourts for their rehabilitation needs. EPT is proud to be a part of the Fortuna community and cheer on the Fortuna High Huskies!!

How’s it Hanging Picture Framing

On October 4, we celebrated the new location for How’s it Hanging Picture Framing. Owner Dawn McCombs opened for business on August 1, 2000. In 2002, she moved to Main Street where she stayed for 17 years! Now, in her new location on 14th Street, she has more room for creating custom framing for photos and paintings, cut matting, glass cutting, stretched canvases, and needlepoint. She also creates shadow box items. Dawn loves colors, textures, presentation, and preservation. When she’s not creating custom items, she loves being outside, listening to the blues, and baking. She enjoys doing

Photo credit: Dianna Rios, FBID

758 14th St. Fortuna, CA 95540 Tel: (707) 725-9769

business in Fortuna because it’s a caring, tight little community where people really care about, and support, each other. She feels very blessed to have found a place for herself where she’s making her dreams come true!

new member businesses As of July 2019

CRYSTAL LEWIS

FRED ROBINSON

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MATT ALLEN OWNER BROKER

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Generosity Leadership Inclusion In the 2018-2019 fiscal year Humboldt Area Foundation reinvested $250, 000 back into the Fortuna community through grants, scholarships and loans, all thanks to the generosity of donors like you.

For more information about the foundation and stories of community impact, visit hafoundation.org, follow us on social media or call our Donor Engagement team at 707-267-9905.

Dennis Wendt Memorial Trail Plaque Dedication

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n October 11, members of the Leadership Fortuna 8 (LF8) class and Sean Swanson, founder of River Life Foundation, unveiled a dedication plaque at the entrance to the trail. The plaque, sponsored by Allan Baird of A.M. Baird Engineering, was in remembrance of Dennis Wendt, for whom the trail is named. Each year, the participants of Leadership Fortuna decide on a group project that will benefit the community. After touring the trail with Sean and hearing stories about Dennis and the impact he had on the community, the group decided to support River Life Foundation and create a plaque to honor Dennis.

With Sean’s input, the group worked with Lotus

Mountain on the design and it was produced by Eagle Foundry. Additional sponsors for the trail include Redwood Capital Bank, Whitchurch Engineering, and Landmark Real Estate.

L aszlo Lesku Field Dedication

F

amily, friends, and former students of Laszlo Lesku recently celebrated a new sign at the main soccer field at Newburg Park. The Laszlo Lesku Field sign was unveiled on October 9 to honor Lesku, who passed away on April 7, 2014.

Lesku, a longtime teacher at Fortuna High School, is credited with being “the driving force behind bringing the sport of soccer to Humboldt County,” according to Fortuna’s Parks and Recreation Director Cameron Mull. Lesku worked as a youth soccer coach, a high school soccer coach, and a soccer referee over the years, even playing on teams that

Photo by Cameron Mull, Fortuna Parks and Recreation Department

he helped create. Thank you, Laszlo, for your commitment to local youth and your contributions to the Fortuna soccer community.

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Art & Cult ure Commit tee

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arlier this year, the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce formed the Art & Culture Committee. The committee’s mission is to enhance the artistic and cultural experience for all who live in or visit Fortuna. In April, the committee installed a public art piece at the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce office. The metal dragonfly, made

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by Mad Metals, is the first art piece in a threeyear installation project that will bring in new art every six months. The art installation project was made possible through a grant by the McLean Foundation. A new piece will be installed in November.

A second art project, known as the Artist Pole Project, was recently unveiled at the Monday Club. It is a 6-foot, decorated pole that reads, “Believe there is Good in the World.” Thanks to two generous residents, matching funds are now available to help bring more art poles to Fortuna.

Anyone interested in decorating a pole or hosting one can contact the Fortuna Chamber office for an application at 725-3959.

Cit y Hall update

Continued on next page

PUBLIC WORKS New Deputy City Engineer

New inflatable screen purchased by the City with funding from Hops!

PARKS & RECREATION Summer Parks Update

The busy summer event season has wrapped up, and the Third of July Fireworks Festival, Fortuna Rodeo, AutoXpo, and Hops in Humboldt all went extremely well this year. These events bring the community and many visitors together to highlight Fortuna, and we take pride in ensuring our parks are welcoming places for all to enjoy. Our summer camp programs were also very successful, averaging more than 100 children per day. The camps introduced many new activities, themes, and field trips for the children to enjoy during their summer break.

Our free Outdoor Movies in the Park was a new offering this summer, showing three different films in Rohner Park throughout the season, with a turnout of 250 people at one showing. Thanks to Hops in Humboldt for the grant donation to purchase the movie equipment so we can continue to show films for many years to come. We hope to see you out playing in our parks and thank you for your support!

New Parks Lead Worker

We recently introduced Jesse Town as our new Lead Parks Maintenance worker. Jesse has been with the city for over 18 years and started working for the Parks Department the day after Jesse Town – New Parks graduating from Fortuna Lead Worker High School. Jesse has always shown much enthusiasm and pride in his community; specifically making our parks a safe, clean, and inviting place for everyone to enjoy.

The City of Fortuna has a new Deputy City Engineer!

Brendan Byrd started at this position in August and brings over five years of consulting experience and local knowledge to the position.

Brendan Byrd – New Brendan is a 26-year long Deputy City Engineer Humboldt County resident and graduated from Fortuna High School in 2005.

He earned his engineering degree from Humboldt State University in 2015 and worked as a consulting engineer after graduation. Brendan and his family live in the Eel River Valley and enjoy hiking, camping, spending time outdoors, and home renovation.

Brendan is very goal oriented and will be focusing on delivering capital improvement projects, reviewing development projects, and completing design and engineering projects for the City.

New Chief Treatment Plant Operator

The City of Fortuna has a new Water/Wastewater Chief Plant Operator. Chris Christianson started in this position last August. Chris started out reading meters and cleaning the offices at the Resort Improvement District in Shelter Cove when Chris Christianson – Chief Treatment Plant he was still in high school.

Operator After college, he returned and became an OIT Wastewater and Water Treatment Plant Operator back in 2004. Over the next ten years, he rose up the ranks to become the water and wastewater superintendent there. Eventually, due to a growing family, he moved on to work for the City of Eureka as their water treatment plant supervisor. After a year, he transferred to their wastewater treatment plant. During that time, in 2016, he bought his first house in Fortuna. Chris was happy when the Chief Treatment Plant Operator position became available for the City of Fortuna.

He enjoys the challenge, looks forward to learning new processes and personnel, and is very happy to be able to ride his bike to work.

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Continued from previous page

Cit y Hall update

Left: View of 12th Street before the start of the undergrounding project. Right: Simulation of what 12th Street will look like after the Undergrounding Project.

12th Street Undergrounding Project

There has been a lot of construction activity on 12th Street on the utility undergrounding project.

This project is being completed by PG&E using Rule 20A funding. The Rule 20A Program allows cities and counties to receive an annual allocation of monetary credits that are allowed to accumulate for the eventual expenditure and benefit of undergrounding unattractive overhead wires in their community. The City Council designated 12th Street as a utility undergrounding district several years ago and the project is being completed now that there are adequate funds in the program. All of the underground conduits are nearly finished being installed and the next step will be to start placing the wires underground in the new conduit. New solar streetlights are being placed by the City to replace the streetlights on the poles that will be removed. The pictures above show 12th Street in its current configuration and what it is expected to look like when the project is completed.

Hillside Creek Flood Control Project

The City is nearly complete with its project to eliminate flooding in the Rohner Creek watershed and to remove homes and businesses from the flood plain. The Hillside Creek Project is the last of a three-phase project aimed at increasing the hydraulic capacity of Rohner Creek to accommodate the 100-year flood. The two previous phases were constructed between 2016 and 2018 and included widening and habitat improvements on Rohner Creek between Main Street and 12th Street.

The Hillside Creek Flood Control Project focuses on Hillside Creek, a tributary of Rohner Creek that crosses Fortuna Boulevard just north of Smith Lane.

The project includes the replacement of the existing 6-by-4-foot culvert under the boulevard with a larger 12-by-7.5-foot culvert that will prevent higher 14

flows from flooding onto Fortuna Boulevard. This phase of the project also includes the replacement of two other culverts with larger culverts upstream of the boulevard and widening and habitat within the channel between the boulevard and Rohnerville Road. This larger flood control project on Rohner Creek has been identified as a city need since the early 1980s and could not have been funded without significant contribution of grant funds.

The City has received over $5.5 million in grant funds toward this project and was able to use approximately $3.4 million of redevelopment funds that would have otherwise been returned to the state. The Hillside Creek Flood Control Project is being funded by a FEMA Pre-disaster Mitigation Grant in the amount of $1.9 million and City match of $650,000 using funds from Measure E, the City’s sales tax measure. Without Measure E, these funds would not be available and homeowners within the floodplain would continue to have to pay for expensive flood insurance indefinitely.

12th Street Fish Passage Improvement Project

The City recently completed a retrofit and channel improvements to make the culvert on Rohner Creek at 12th Street fish friendly (pictured above). The existing culvert had a drop at the downstream end of the culvert that prevented some life stages of juvenile salmon and steelhead from passing through the culvert at certain flow levels. This project included retrofitting the culvert with a series of weirs to allow all life stages of salmonids to pass through. The design and construction of this project was funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Restoration Grant Program and implemented by the City of Fortuna. This is the second project of this type completed within the last two years in the city. The last was completed on Strongs Creek at South Fortuna Boulevard. The City is committed to improving habitat in the creeks throughout Fortuna.

See your savings add up.

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eadership Fortuna is a 16-week, interactive program running from January through April each year. The program is designed to introduce participants to the major facets of the Fortuna community. It provides the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes understanding of the issues that impact our region’s economic health and quality of life. Over the course of 16 weeks, participants attend the State of the City Breakfast and the Annual Chamber Awards Dinner, engage in candid conversations with county and city leaders and local business owners, attend private site tours, participate in a leadership skills-building workshop, complete homework assignments, and work on a community project. The topics covered, including county government, law enforcement, education, social services and city and county planning, are designed to challenge the participants to see their community as they never have before. Applications are due by December 20 with an anticipated class start date of January 16, 2020. Chamber members and non-members are eligible to enroll. The application can be downloaded at fortunachamber.com

North Coast Ot ter Art Projec t

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he Fortuna Chamber Tourism and Marketing Committee secured a North Coast Otter for next summer’s Otter Art Trail coordinated through Humboldt State University. With matching funds from the Humboldt Lodging Alliance and the River Lodge, Fortuna will host an otter at the River Lodge permanently. The four-month event around Humboldt and Del Norte counties is likely to bring in thousands of tourists to our area as they search for otters to win prizes.

The River Lodge otter will serve as a permanent tribute to the wild river otters that make the Eel River home. Longtime local artist James Rose was selected by the committee to paint the otter. The otter will make its debut in June 2020.

Kevin Bradley 707-682-6168

CA Insurance Agent #: 0L44855

1049 Main St, Fortuna, CA Insurance and coverages subject to terms, qualifications and availability.

Allstate Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Northbrook Indemnity Co. Northbrook, Illinois © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.

Build to edge of the document Margins are just a safe area

220421

Join Leadership Fortuna

Tires • Auto • Trucks • Tractors Brakes • Shocks • Alignments 260 S. Fortuna Blvd.

Fortuna, CA 95540 Lisa Hummel Owner

Wendy Hummel Owner

Phone: 707-725-4120 www.hummeltire.com

A.M.BAIRD ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING

• • • • •

Design & Consulting Special Reports Permit Acquisition Building Design Surveying & Topography Allan M. Baird Principal

707-725-5182 1257 Main St., Fortuna CA 95540 ambaird@suddenlinkmail.com

In our 40 years in business, SHN has assisted Fortuna City, schools, and businesses with their engineering, geology, planning, surveying, and environmental needs.

Thank You to the Friendly City! shn-engr.com

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The Gene Lucas Communit y Center Opening soon

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ocated on the 36-acre McLean Campus, the Gene Lucas Community Center (GLC) is 98 percent complete. The last major hurdle of the project is the installation of the parking lot, which features 260 parking spaces. McLean Foundation plans to open its doors to the public in December of 2019, with a substantial amount of programming launching in January. The center includes a commercial kitchen, a large entertaining room, classrooms, and vast outdoor spaces with over a mile of walking trails encircling the 5.5 acres of seasonal wetlands on the property.

The heart and mission of the GLC is to support “people of all ages in the Eel River Valley through the pursuit of art, education, health, and wellness.� It is a place for people to come and share time together, learn and grow as individuals, and refresh in a place that is welcoming inside and out.

The 23,000-square-foot building will be a place that embraces the community with services, classes, and event spaces. The GLC will house the Fortuna Senior Center, Remi Vista Counseling Services, Humboldt Senior Resource Center Nutrition/Meal Program, and the McLean and GLC staff offices. Community partners offering services on site include College of the Redwoods Adult Education, English Express, 0-5 Playgroup, and Paso a Paso.

A second 16,000-square-foot building being developed is for the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, which is 60 percent complete with the hope of being finished in December of 2019. It will house the Adult Day Health Program and the Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly, PACE. Its programs are popping at the seams up in Eureka and this second facility will enhance the services provided to our senior population in the ERV. The grand opening is expected in early 2020. Please check www.glccenter.org for updates.

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Back view

Melvin and Grace McLean

Ok toberfest success

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n September 28, the Fortuna Senior Center held its seventh annual Oktoberfest in Rohner Park. This event, originally created by Kevin Johnson with the support of the Knights of Columbus, began as a simple fundraiser to be held the last weekend in September. It has evolved into a community event — a FUNraiser, if you will! This year, several new features were introduced, including a kids’ corner, vendor booths, and silent and Dutch auctions. Special performances were given by the Tai Chi group, the exercise group, the yoga group, the ukulele group, and the line dancing group. Fortuna Senior Center Executive Director Val Vosburg’s goal was to bring the whole community together while sharing what makes the center what it is today — a vibrant group of active seniors engaged in activities to promote health and well-being. A big thank you to the Knights of Columbus for cooking and volunteering at the event.

910 S Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna

(707) 725-9376

SIX RIVERS REAL ESTATE

SixRiversRealEstate.com

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Debbie August Broker/Owner DRE#00604073

John Egan Realtor Associate/ Partner DRE#01438132

Katy Lund Realtor - Associate DRE#02035968

Laura Olson Executive Office Manager/ Bookkeeper 707-725-9376

Candice Martella Realtor - Associate DRE#01973376

Wendy Medders Broker - Associate DRE#01888500

Tami Erickson Realtor - Associate DRE#01227851

SixRiversRealEstate.com | 707-725-9376

Pool for the people

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he Rohner Community Recreation and Parks District (RCRPD) has concluded the first phase of its plan to bring a community swimming pool to the Eel River Valley. Over the last few months, staff have worked with an aquatics consultant to review community input on what size pool and which amenities are needed, and then established what the costs would be to build and operate an appropriate facility. The envisioned indoor facility would have two pools and cost approximately $8 million to $12 million to build. The McLean Foundation has generously set aside an aquatic center site placeholder at its new community center campus that would be a “leased for free” option. The next phase is to figure out how to pay for it. Possible sources of funding could come from grants and/or asking local voters for support with public funds. Pool for the People is what the District Board members like to call it and they encourage the community of the ERV to attend their monthly board meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall.

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news from the fort una business improvement distric t December 31, 2019. Questions about Fortuna Bucks: Call the FBID office at (707) 725-9261.

Fortuna Business Improvement District Phone: (707) 725-9261 Fax: (707) 296-4442 fbid@fortunabusiness.com FortunaBusiness.com

Fortuna Bucks

Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID) will be discontinuing the Fortuna Bucks Program effective June 30, 2020. Community members holding on to Fortuna Bucks, NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO REDEEM THEM. From October 1 to December 31, we are encouraging community members who have Fortuna Bucks to use them in businesses big and small. Fortuna has more than 100 businesses that accept Fortuna Bucks as currency. FBID has been using them as a tool to promote shopping local and keeping your money in Fortuna. FBID will be revamping a shop local campaign starting the beginning of the fiscal year in 2020. Who can redeem them? Community members that currently have Fortuna Bucks can redeem them. What are they? Fortuna Gift Certificates also known as Fortuna Bucks. When can you buy them? They are no longer being sold. Community members have until June 30, 2020 to redeem or cash them out. Businesses: How do I accept them?

Fortuna Bucks (Fortuna Gift Certificates) spends AND deposits just like cash inside the city limits of Fortuna! Fortuna businesses can accept the certificates as they would a $10 or $20 bill, give change back, and deposit for the full face value wherever they bank. Businesses treat the certificates just as you would a traveler’s check and thank the buyer for doing business in Fortuna! Look for the yellow “WE ACCEPT the Fortuna Gift Certificate” counter card to spend your Fortuna bucks now through 18

River Lodge Craft Faire

1800 Riverwalk Drive, Saturday and Sunday, November 23 and 24. Doors open at 10 a.m. Shop for unique, local handmade gifts.

Shop Small Saturday

FORTUNA BUSINESSES: We need your help for Small Business Saturday! FBID is gathering information to promote your business for FREE and champion the community cause to support shopping small for the holidays! We will create marketing materials with the help of American Express and Shop Small. FBID will help your business in spreading the word about your small business sales and specials. We promote the importance of shopping small all year long and we will promote your in-store specials for Small Business Saturday! Please send the following information to FBID: Business name, address, in-store offers (discount and/or giveaway or both). Please respond to FBID by Monday, November 11, 2019 to participate.

Downtown Holiday Decor

The Fortuna Downtown Merchants have invested in a couple new holiday decorations for Downtown Fortuna. Please make sure to spread the word and look for the mailbox with a direct line to the North Pole coming the first week of December. Take a moment with your child to write a letter to Santa and drop it in a mailbox that only delivers to the North Pole. Santa’s mailbox will be located at 11th and Main streets in front of Bartow’s Jewelers.

Strongs Creek Plaza Holidays

Strongs Creek Plaza will have some great Christmas trees set up this year to take pictures in front of, along with some new festive holiday decorations. Join Redwood Capital Bank, Humboldt Land Title, Demello, McAuley, McReynolds & Hollands, LLP, and Fortuna Grocery Outlet on Thursday, December 5, at 5:30 p.m. for their annual open house and Fortuna Chamber mixer.

Kids Free Holiday Movies

Free movies are coming to the Fortuna Movie Theater on December 14 and 21, the second and third Saturdays of December, at 10 a.m.

FBID Chamber Mixer

FBID will host the Fortuna Chamber mixer on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club. We will have food, drinks, a giveaway, and more! FBID board and staff will be present to answer questions and share our work plan as part of our annual meeting with our Fortuna business owners.

Fortuna Christmas Music Festival

Enjoy over 5 hours of music featuring Scotia Band, Fortuna High School Camarada Singers, Eureka Brass, Mariachi Real de Mexico, College of the Redwoods Concert Band, Tuba Christmas, Fortuna High School Symphonic Band, A Company of Voices, All Seasons Orchestra, and a Festival Finale conducted by Elisabeth Harrington. December 8, River Lodge, noon to 6 p.m. Free admission.

This NEW schedule is leaving 30 minutes later, as we are anticipating more entries in the parade this year. DJ Stir Fry Willie will provide the music and announce winners as they pass by at 12th and Main streets. THE PARADE WILL NOT STOP on Main Street this year, as ALL awards will be handed out at Redwood Village before the parade. Applications are available online at www.fortunabuiness.com.

Fortuna Concert Series

Eureka Brass will perform on Saturday, November 9. Slide, featuring Gloria Gold, Michael Gibbs, and Jay Byker will perform on Saturday, January 11, 2020.

The Fortuna Concert Series is an eight-performance event that continues through the winter and spring. These professional musical programs feature talented local groups and individuals, as well as nationally and internationally known performers. The rich and diversified programming includes classical, jazz, folk, ethnic, vocal, and instrumental music.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club, 610 Main St. For more information, visit fortunaconcertseries.com.

Redwood Village hosts the Al Gray Electric Lighted Parade and Fortuna Downtown Open House

A parade of lighted trucks, floats, and other vehicles travel from Redwood Village Shopping Center to Downtown Fortuna. Join the Fortuna Downtown Merchants for refreshments and entertainment on Friday, December 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy holiday music, decor, merchants’ specials, and stop by to see Santa Claus! Redwood Village Merchants Association hosts the annual Al Gray Electric Lighted Parade the same night adding holiday fun to Downtown Fortuna. It’s not too late to sign up your car, van, truck, trailer, tractor, ATV or anything you want to throw some Christmas lights on, and enter to be part of Fortuna’s lighted parade.

On Friday, December 13, registration check-in will take place behind Safeway at 5 p.m. Judging begins at 5:30 p.m. and awards will be handed out at 6:30 p.m. The parade will leave Redwood Village at 7 p.m.

FBID Board Presentation

The FBID Board is scheduling business presentations at board meetings. In order to better serve our community and our businesses, come and present to the FBID board members on what your business does in our community and ways to better support you. If you would like to schedule a presentation for a board meeting or would like to see how FBID can help your business prosper, please attend a board meeting or call the FBID office at (707) 725-9261.

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▶ cALENDAr of EveNts Nov. 1

November

Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Nov. 2

Dec. 2

Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m. Guest Speaker: Emma Breacain, Humboldt Literacy Project.

38th Annual Benefit Ball for Redwood Memorial Hospital, River Lodge Conference Center, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 2

Community Health & Wellness Fair sponsored by Open Door & Fortuna Community Health Center, River Lodge, Noon to 4 p.m.

Dec. 5

Nov. 3

Nov. 4

Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Joyce Hayes, Humboldt Senior Resource Center.

Nov. 4

Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Chambers, 6 p.m.

Nov. 8

Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Nov. 9

Fortuna Concert Series, Fortuna Monday Club, doors open 6:45 p.m. Showtime 7:30 p.m. Featuring: Eureka Brass, a big band that specializes in swing and also plays a wide variety of music from other eras.

Nov. 11

Veteran’s Day. Chamber office closed, no meeting.

Nov. 15

Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Nov. 18

Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Dianna Rios, Executive Director, Fortuna Business Improvement District.

Nov. 18

Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Chambers, 6 p.m.

Nov. 20

Chamber Mixer hosted by Fortuna Business Improvement District, Fortuna Monday Club, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Nov. 22

Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Nov. 23 & 24

River Lodge Craft Faire, 1800 Riverwalk Drive, Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Featuring Café Court by Fortuna High Culinary Arts Class.

December

Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Chambers, 6 p.m.

Strongs Creek Plaza Open House, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Open House, Featuring Santa Claus.

Chamber Mixer, Redwood Capital Bank, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sponsored by Fortuna Grocery Outlet, Redwood Capital Bank, Humboldt Land Title, and DeMello, McAuley, McReynolds, & Holland LLP.

Dec. 8

Fortuna Christmas Music Festival, River Lodge, noon to 6:30 p.m., free. (second Sunday in Dec.)

Dec. 9

Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m. Guest Speaker: Scott Adair, Humboldt County Economic Development.

Dec. 11

Fortuna Garden Club Holiday Tea and Home Tour, Fortuna Monday Club and various locations, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dec. 13

Downtown Open House, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Redwood Village hosts the Al Gray Electric Lighted Parade. Applications are available at fortunabusiness. com., Main Street, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14

Fortuna Free Children’s Holiday Movies, Fortuna Movie Theatre, 10 a.m.

GLC Stocking Stuffer Boutique, Gene Lucas Community Center, 3000 Newburg Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dec. 16

Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m. Guest Speaker: Cassie Kemic, California Department of Rehabilitation.

Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Chambers, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20

Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dec. 21

Nov. 25

Fortuna Free Children’s Holiday Movies, Fortuna Movie Theatre, 10 a.m.

Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Val Vosburg, Fortuna Senior Center.

Chamber office closed, no meeting.

Nov. 28

Happy Thanksgiving, Chamber office closed.

Nov. 29

Chamber office closed.

Dec. 23

Dec. 25

Merry Christmas, Chamber office closed.

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1085 S Fortuna Blvd Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-7010 7am - 10pm everyday @FortunaGroceryOutlet

Grocery Outlet is a local family-operated store where you can SAVE 40-70%* on your favorite BRAND NAME products. *Compared to traditional grocery stores

Grocery Outlet es una cadena de supermercados local operada por familias, donde puedes AHORRAR ENTRE UN 40 Y 70%* comprando PRODUCTOS DE RENOMBRE. *Comparado con supermercados tradicionales VALID 11/01/2019 - 11/30/2019

▶ cALENDAr Dec. 27 Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dec. 30

Chamber office closed, no meeting.

Jan. 1

January

Happy New Year! Chamber office closed.

Jan. 3 Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Jan. 6 Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Florence Parks, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast.

Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Chambers, 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Jan. 11 Fortuna Concert Series, Fortuna Monday Club, doors open 6:45 p.m., showtime 7:30 p.m. Featuring: Slide, presenting an evening of familiar music with creative arrangements full of great harmonies.

Jan. 12 19th Annual Bridal Faire, River Lodge, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

GLC Open House and McLean Foundation 20th Anniversary Celebration, Gene Lucas Community Center, 3000 Newburg Road, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Jan. 13 Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m. Guest Speaker: Bryna Lipper, CEO Humboldt Area Foundation.

Jan. 15 Chamber Mixer hosted by Humboldt Equity, 654 Main St., 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Minimum $40 purchase.

Excludes alcohol, dairy, gift card purchases, and tax and state bottle deposits.

Valid at Fortuna Grocery Outlet only.

One coupon per person per day.

Not valid with any other offers. No cash value.

Duplicated coupons will not be accepted.

Jan. 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Chamber office closed, no meeting.

Jan. 21 Regular City Council Meeting, City Hall Chambers, 6 p.m.

Jan. 27 Chamber Meeting, Fortuna Monday Club, noon to 1 p.m.

Jan. 30

State of the City Breakfast, River Lodge, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Hear from city and county representatives.

Jan. 31 Friday Night Fun Night, Rohner Park Fireman’s Pavilion, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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C RYS TA L L E W I S

SERVICING HUMBOLDT INSURANCE PRODUCTS

Auto • Home • Business Property • Life • Health

755 12th Street, Fortuna

707. 72 5.113 5 Lic # 0 D7 7118 23