The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Author: Stephanie Mcgeary

  • Q-Fest celebrates queer and trans people of color in the arts

    Q-Fest celebrates queer and trans people of color in the arts

    Humboldt State senior Jonathan Salinas is no stranger to discrimination in this community. Salinas was even told once to move out of Humboldt by a community member. Though moments like this dishearten Salinas, helping organize events like Q-Fest inspires him.

    “It lights the fire in me again,” events director for the Eric Rofes Multicultural Queer Resource Center Salinas said.

    Students of the Eric Rofes Center and the Multicultural Center organized Q-Fest at Humboldt State University from April 16-20. This year’s celebration focused on queer and trans people of color in the visual and performing arts.

    “Because of a lot of the tension that’s been going on in the community around issues of race, we wanted to focus on people of color,” Salinas said.

    Q-Fest started out nine years ago as a queer film festival. It has now expanded into a series of events including a film showing of “Pick Up the Mic,” workshops with Arisa White, a QTPOC panel, QTPOC self-care and zine making workshop, a student showcase and more.

    Eric Rofes Center fiscal director, Neesh Wells, became involved in Q-Fest for the first time this year. Wells said they wanted to expand to include queer artists and students this year, because there is not always a lot of respect paid to them.

    Wells helped organized the self-care and zine making workshops as a space for queer folks to help develop their words and identities.

    “A lot of our allies don’t acknowledge that there are many facets of our identity,” Wells said.

    Wells defined self-care as “providing the time for one’s self and engaging in activities that help prevent exhaustion,” and said it can be as simple as checking in with yourself, making sure you eat and drink enough water.

    Wells finds creating spaces like this to be especially important, not only at Humboldt State, but in the community as a whole where there aren’t as many resources for queer folks and people of color as there are in big cities.

    Photo by Megan Bender.

    “The biggest difference for me, being in Humboldt, is a lot of the spaces have been spaces I’ve had to make on my own. It can be very difficult. There’s not only a lack of resources, but a lack of funding,” Wells said. “I don’t feel compelled to seek out a community outside of HSU and I think that’s very telling.”

    Wells is not the only person who feels there is a lack of resources for queer folks in the community. The Eric Rofes Center and Q-Fest aim to provide that needed support.

    “We just want to put out resources for students who feel like they don’t have anything,” volunteer and resources director for ERC Belen Flores said. “We don’t want them to be scared. We want to show them that it’s going to be ok and that we’re here to help.”

    Flores contacted this year’s keynote speaker for Q-Fest, poet and writer Arisa White. White and fellow poet Europa Grace hosted a workshop on Thursday afternoon and a poetry reading and talk on Thursday night.

    Q-Fest ended with the student showcase, a gallery and performance featuring work by queer artists. The event included tables with queer literature, information on safe sex and an array of student art.

    Luciano Duran, a 23-year-old HSU art major, displayed portrait photographs and an original zine.

    “[It’s] to address the theme of being gay and coming out and owning your identity,” Duran said. “Art is a coping mechanism for a lot of us.”

    Salinas was please with the turnout of Q-Fest, which increased since last year. Salinas said it is the hard work and passion of the students that make events like this possible.

    “These are some of the most dedicated students you will ever see,” Salinas said. “Fuck administrators. Because they’re not going to do it. So we’re going to do it.”

  • Humboldt State alum Lynette Zelezny becomes first female president of CSU Bakersfield

    Humboldt State alum Lynette Zelezny becomes first female president of CSU Bakersfield

    Humboldt State University alumna Lynette Zelezny was recently appointed as the first female president of California State University, Bakersfield.

    Zelezny will be the 12th woman added to the current list of 23 CSU presidents, officially making female presidents the majority.

    “It’s an amazing honor,” Zelezny said. “This is a really big deal for such a large system. I am modeling to women that there is no ceiling. We just smashed it.”

    Zelezny earned both her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1979 and her master’s in 1981 from HSU. Zelezny remembers her time at HSU fondly. Not only is it where she met her husband, but also she was mentored and nurtured academically.

    Zelezny said it was her time studying with psychology professor Mary Gruber, Ph. D. that changed her life. Zelezny took statistics with Gruber, and eventually became her teacher’s assistant.

    “She was kind and encouraging in helping the students develop their skills,” Gruber said. “The students expressed great appreciation for her guidance and inspiration.”

    Gruber worked at HSU from 1974 to 2008, and recalls how much she enjoyed working with Zelezny as a student, as an advisee and as her teacher’s assistant. Gruber said that Zelezny helped tutor a group of international students, and worked very closely with a blind student, coming up with creative ways to graph and manipulate data.

    “Lynnette’s positive energy, dedication, expertise, insight, caring and collegiality are clearly beneficial for those she works with, and serves,” Gruber said. “The students and faculty at California State University at Bakersfield will be very fortunate to have her guiding and inspiring them as their president.”

    Kauyumari Sanchez is an assistant professor of psychology at HSU who attended California State University, Fresno to finish her undergraduate degree, and has known Zelezny since 2003.

    Sanchez said that Zelezny served as a mentor, helping guide her through applying to grad schools and providing tips for success. Sanchez said Zelezny’s ability to work with others, and her adaptability, set her apart in her field.

    “I would say I owe a lot to her,” Sanchez said. “She was really quite honest about some realities of being a woman in this field. She prepared me mentally for that expectation.”

    Chris Aberson is a professor of psychology who said that he thinks Zelezny helped him get his job at HSU.

    “When I was scheduled to interview at HSU in 2000, I reached out to Lynnette, as I knew she was an alum. She immediately emails one of the professors on the search committee to provide an informal reference,” Aberson said. “I have a feeling that her kind words have something to do with me being here.”

    Zelezny’s position as president will commence on June 30.

    Zelezny currently serves as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Fresno State. This means she is in charge of faculty hires and development of new academic programs, among other things.

    Zelezny said that she feels it is her consistent involvement with her students that makes her a unique leader.

    “It’s a privilege to serve students in a bigger way,” Zelezny said.

    Zelezny said an important part of her role is to understand diversified funds. These are multiple ways a university can make revenue, through grants, self-support, such as extended education, and gifts from alumni and friends.

    When asked about Humboldt State’s budget crisis, Zelezny said that while the entire CSU system is facing budget cuts, understanding the different ways to obtain funding is more important than ever.

    Zelezny said that she supports students’ rights to protest, and encourages them not to lose optimism, or hope.

    “We hold each other up in times like these,” Zelezny said. “Your voice should be heard, and that should be encouraged.”

     

  • HSU professor Christopher Dugaw is honored for daring rescue efforts

    HSU professor Christopher Dugaw is honored for daring rescue efforts

    The story of how two men risked their own lives to save a lost girl.

    Humboldt State mathematics professor, Christopher Dugaw, Ph.D., received a Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Medal earlier this month for his assistance in the dangerous rescue of a 14-year-old girl.

    “It’s definitely a huge thing to have been able to help somebody like that,” Dugaw said. “It puts you on a real high.”

    The rescue took place during a lightning storm on Nov. 22, 2016.

    Earlier that day, a teenage girl entered the forest near Ridgewood Heights in Eureka. She called 911 when she realized she was lost.

    Dugaw, who lives at the edge of the forest, became concerned when he noticed police cars and a helicopter had been outside of his house for some time. He knew someone must be lost. With the encouragement of his wife, he decided to see what was going on.

    “Normally, I feel we can let police do what they do,” Dugaw said, “but it had been so long.”

    Outside of his house, Dugaw ran into his neighbor and friend Allan Campbell. Campbell, 37, serves in the Coast Guard Reserve and did active duty for 10 years. The two decided to join efforts with the search and rescue team.

    Dugaw and Campbell frequently go running on the trails of the forest, so they both know the area well. They knew that if the girl had wandered off of the trails, she could be in trouble.

    This map shows the area where Dugaw and Campbell travelled to find the lost girl on Nov 22. 2016, from behind their homes on Briarwood Circle, to where they found the survivor and the point where they were hoisted by the helicopter. Image courtesy of Allan Campbell.

    It was dark out and pouring rain. Campbell and Dugaw, along with the search and rescue team, searched the area trying to figure out where the girl was by following the sound of her voice.

    “Chris got the idea to have the helicopter fly away so we could hear her,” Campbell said.

    Finally, they figured out the girl’s location, though they could not see her. They realized she was in a steep ravine surrounded by thick shrubbery.

    It was late, wet and cold. They knew the girl might not live if she was left alone, so they began their descent.

    “It was getting steeper and thicker,” Dugaw said, “but we could hear her voice.”

    They crawled through bushes and mud.

    At one point, Dugaw accidentally sliced open his hand, then quickly tore off a piece of his shirt to make a temporary bandage. Campbell was surprised and impressed by Dugaw’s calm, collected demeanor throughout their journey.

    “He’s the most unassuming guy,” Campbell said. “But he had grit.”

    Dugaw and Campbell finally found the girl, huddled up in the rain. Dugaw gave her an extra sweater and Campbell gave her a rain jacket. After an attempt to crawl back up the steep incline, they realized they could not go back the way they came. It was too dark, too wet and the girl was exhausted. She was also weak and vomiting.

    Campbell called for the Coast Guard helicopter to airlift them out. They waited, huddled together for warmth, sharing stories and discussing life and faith.

    The three were finally airlifted out of the ravine around 1 a.m., at least five hours after Campbell and Dugaw joined the search. They were flown to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka.

    A Coast Guard Admiral presented Dugaw with a medal and award during a ceremony at Air Station Humboldt Bay on March 1, 2018.

    Dugaw’s Meritorious Public Service Medal. Photo by Stephanie McGeary.

    “With integrity and courage, Dr. Dugaw accomplished a daunting rescue,” the award reads. “Dr. Dugaw’s unselfish actions and valiant service reflect great credit upon him and are keeping with the highest tradition of humanitarian service.”

    Campbell, who recommended Dugaw for the award, was joyful to finally see Dugaw recognized for his efforts.

    “It’s an inspiring story in a world that needs inspiring stories,” Campbell said.

  • “The Tenth Muse” moves audience to tears

    “The Tenth Muse” moves audience to tears

    Now playing at the North Coast Repertory Theatre, “The Tenth Muse” deals with issues of women’s rights, religion, racism, caste systems and the destruction of art.

    “This is a very different type of show,” actor Heather Roche-Waldo said. “It really reinforced what I don’t know.”

    The play is part of North Coast Rep’s La Voz project, a partnership with Centro del Pueblo Humboldt. For the next three seasons, the theatre will feature at least one production by a Latinx playwright.

    Director Carol Lang made an excellent choice this season with “The Tenth Muse.” Created by Mexican playwright Tanya Saracho for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the play is set in an 18th-century convent in Mexico and features an all-female cast of characters.

    The story begins when young mestiza servant, Jesusa (Fiva Pula), arrives at the convent. Jesusa was sent to take care of a nun who is going blind. Once inside, she meets her new roommates, Lady Manuela (Sarah Traywick), an entitled socialite, and Tomasita (Amelia Resendez), a timid indigenous girl.

    The three young women discover a play written by Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and beginning acting it out to pass the time. Jesusa also finds some of Inés’ written music and a lute to play, which is strictly forbidden inside the convent walls.

    During her days, Jesusa tends to the needs of Sor Isabelle (Queena Delany), a somewhat unruly sister who is losing her sight, while Tomasita helps Sor Filmonena (Michelle Purnell) in the kitchen. Sor Rufina (Heather Roche-Waldo) is a skeptical and slightly cold sister, while Mother Superior runs the convent with an iron fist.

    Michelle Purnell (left) as Sor Filmonena and Heather Roche-Waldo as Sor Rufina in “The Tenth Muse.” Photo courtesy of North Coast Repertory Theatre.

    The all-female ensemble was fantastic, each player highlighting the quirks of her character superbly. Pula lit up the stage with her effervescent Jesusa. Delany was a joy to watch as Sor Isabelle, who is clinging onto her last glimpses of music and art left by her beloved sister Juana Inés.

    Denise Ryles played a powerful and frightening Mother Superior. At a climax in the story she commits such a cruel act, audience members gasped and cried. Ryles said she had to find what she liked about the character to be able to play her.

    “The inquisition is really at their door,” Ryles said. “For that particular time and for women in general, that was serious business. She had to be stern in order to protect everyone.”

    “The Tenth Muse” is a must-see, though you may not walk away with a smile. This play makes both audience members and players question their own actions and realities more deeply.

    “I think that’s really important. To push people’s boundaries of comfort in theatre,” ensemble actor Karen Echegaray said. “Because that’s how we learn.”

    “The Tenth Muse” is playing at North Coast Repertory Theatre every weekend through April 7.

  • HSU Library expands special collections

    HSU Library expands special collections

    Humboldt State students now have access to more research materials than ever before. On Feb. 27, the HSU library hosted the grand opening of the new special collections section, previously contained to a tiny room on the third floor.

    “It’s one of the biggest archives north of Sonoma,” HSU librarian Carly Marino said.

    The special collections section is home to archived materials about many local topics of interest, including natural resources, native peoples, the fishing and logging industries, history of local buildings and the history of HSU.

    “This is the spot where students and members of the community do research,” Marino said. “We’ve had people fly in from Germany to learn about the redwoods.”

    With HSU currently in a budget crisis, this expansion of the special collections section was made possible primarily by grants and private donations from the Van Kirk family and retired librarian Joan Berman.

    One of the ways the HSU library is working to make the resources more accessible is by digitizing many of the materials.

    “When I came in here for the first time, it was very archaic,” Jorge Ambriz, HSU Early Outreach Department staff and former library scholar intern said.

    Ambriz works with a team of people to do the painstaking task of digitizing some of the books and materials in special collections. It has taken them up to four months to digitize one book. But Ambriz finds the work and access to the material valuable, especially for history students.

    “As students, we sit for months and months learning methods and theories,” Ambriz said. “This place lets you put those methodologies into practice.”

    HSU Library scholar intern Alex Childers has also been working hard on digitizing materials and making them more accessible. Childers and other interns are working on a project adding historical articles, photos and letters to Redwood National Park’s Researching the Redwoods.

    “It’s going to raise awareness for not only students, but also the community,” Childers said. “This is a really great place to start for research about anything. People use it for independent research, projects or for fun. ”

    Special collections is on the third floor of the HSU library.

    Hours are Monday 1-7 p.m. and Tuesday-Friday 1-4 p.m. or contact Carly Marino carly.marino@humboldt.edu for an appointment.

  • Housing and international program directors lose jobs

    Housing and international program directors lose jobs

    The reality of Humboldt State budget cuts sets in as three departments recently lost employees. The positions of Associate Director of Housing Facilities, Steve McKenzie, Director of Center for International Programs, Ge-Yao Liu, and Associate Vice President for College of Extended Education & Global Engagement, Alex Hwu, were brought to an end.

    When contacted to speak on this matter, Liu did not wish to make a comment on his dismissal or the budget reductions.

    “All I want to say is to wish the university the best, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the director of International Programs for a bit over one year,” Liu said.

    All other employees contacted at the International Center did not respond or did not wish to comment.

    Since the open budget forum held on Feb. 2, it hasn’t been a mystery to HSU students and faculty that the school is facing a major budget crisis. In the summary of the University Cabinet outline of Budget Reduction Decisions, an immediate plan is to “Reduce five administrator positions and eight vacant staff positions.”

    In a message sent to HSU students on Feb. 26, President Lisa Rossbacher wrote that HSU must reduce its budget spending by $9 million over the next two years.

    “I am writing today to reassure you that our very highest priority remains your educational experience,” Rossbacher wrote. “Even as we make reductions, we are protecting the core offerings of classes and support to help you progress toward completing your degree. Our budget decisions will lead to a ‘Students First’ budget, which I will share with the campus community by March 29.”

    It is not yet clear what the “Students First” budget will look like, but some students are worried about the way the budget cuts will affect them.

    “I came in from a break and people kept saying, ‘We’re gonna lose our jobs,” student assistant in Housing and Residence Life, Zach Pole, said.

    Though Pole says he is still in denial, he believes students losing their jobs is a possibility and thinks this will affect the department negatively.

    “The student assistants kind of do all the really basic, remedial and trivial stuff,” Pole said. “Without us, they’re gonna have to do this themselves when there’s more important things going on.”

    Pole said in a Housing and Residence Life meeting last week that Housing and Facilities Management are merging, and that McKenzie’s position was eliminated.

    Director of Housing and Residence Life, Stephen St. Onge, did not have time to give an interview, but wrote an email responding to student concerns.

    “We have not cut any student assistant positions for budget cuts,” St. Onge. “In fact, we added resident advisor positions last year to best support the building of community on campus.”

    This story has been changed from its original version on March 12 at 11:09 a.m.

  • McKinley statue is no more

    McKinley statue is no more

    The Arcata City Council votes to remove the McKinley statue on Feb 23. amid strong support from the community.

    Footage by Stephanie McGeary and Garrett Goodnight. Edited by Stephanie McGeary.

    “Hey! Ho! McKinley’s got to go!” Humboldt State students shouted as they marched to the Arcata Plaza on Feb. 23. Supporters stood up for their support of the removal of the McKinley statue and Jacoby Building plaque. A crowd of people then crammed into City Hall to participate in the city council meeting where the council voted to remove the statue.

    “It’s like pulling the thorn out of a festering sore,” 64-year-old activist Fhyre Phoenix said.

    Phoenix was among the many who came to show his support for the removal of the statue, which he has been protesting for several years. Since December, Phoenix spent 26 days on the plaza demonstrating against the statue.

    “My goal was to start a conversation with 100 people every day I was there,” Phoenix said. “I found the response overwhelmingly positive. I had 15 positive responses for every one negative.”

    A crowd of people making their way to Arcata Plaza on Feb. 21. to participate in the decision to remove the McKinley statue. Photo by Patrick Maravelias.

    Among others supporters were the people of the Weott, Yurok and Pomo tribes, the Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Earth First, Humboldt Unitarian Universalists Fellowship and HSU students.

    Elijah Lechman, 25, is the board of directors representative of Associated Students. Lechman says the Historic Justice Alliance, a group which includes Seventh Generation, HSU’s Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan, or MECha, and AS Lobby Corps, worked hard to get the word out about this pivotal moment. Lechman says it doesn’t matter if there are plans to replace the statue with something else. The bottom line is it needs to be removed.

    ”It’s distressing people having it there and it would be hurting no one to have nothing there,” Lechman said.

    Chris Peters, president and CEO of Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, spoke during the rally on the plaza of his concern that the city would try to delay this issue again.

    “They raise issues of cost and environmental impact reports,” Peters said. “We need to make a firm stand that we are adamant.”

    Cost issues were presented during the council meeting. City manager, Karen Diemer, estimated the cost to remove the statue at roughly $65,000.

    The decision to change the Jacoby Building plaque, however, seemed easy to agree on. Owner of Jacoby Storehouse Bill Chino agreed to help cover costs for that project.

    The main issue of the meeting was voting on the removal of the statue. Although member Paul Pitino voiced clear support, other council members were on the fence about the issue. There was the discussion of placing the issue on a ballot, to have the public vote in November. Mayor Sofia Pereira did not support this option.

    “I think we lose the nuance of people’s perspective on it,” Pareira said. “As a council, we should give our best effort to resolve it at this level.”

    In the end, the city council did resolve the issue. In a vote of four to one, the council voted to remove the McKinley statue from the Arcata Plaza.

    The estimated $65,000 cost still presents an issue, but Phoenix offered to help run the campaign to earn the funds. The project is currently in the early stages.

    Phoenix said the community support will make this an achievable task.

    “People who want to help move forward can donate to the campaign,” Phoenix said. “This is for people who didn’t make it to the rally or to the meeting to show support. Here’s your chance to make a mark.”

    People interested in contributing can inquire by emailing fhyrephoenix@gmail.com.

    This story has been changed from its original version on Feb. 27 at 4:22 p.m.

     

  • Mr. Humboldt 2018

    Mr. Humboldt 2018

    Video by Stephanie Mcgeary.

    Panties were strewn across the stage at the Arcata Theatre Lounge on Feb. 10 where eager event-goers crowded in to find out who would be named Mr. Humboldt 2018.

    The fifth annual fundraising event invited nine contestants to show off their wits, talents and body in competition for the highly coveted crown.

    Jeff Mason, winner of Mr. Humboldt 2015, also known as Mr. Dairy Man, was impressed with this year’s contestants and felt they were all bringing their A-game.

    “They are not holding back,” Mason said. “My job as a past Mr. Humboldt is to cheer everybody on.”

    The nine contestants consisted of Mr. Culprit, Mr. Hans Buckethead, Mr. Fashion, Mr. Science, Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Breakfast Daddy, Mr. Chameleon, Mr. Shakespeare and Mr. Edible, a cardboard cutout of a gingerbread man.

    Mr. Rabbit competing at the 2018 Mr. Humboldt pageant at Arcata Theatre Lounge on Feb. 10. Photo by Patrick Maravelias.

    They were all competing for not only the crown and title, but a donation to the charity of their choice.

    One contestant who had huge support in the audience was Shayne Sines, or Mr. Science. Sines is an HSU graduate who teaches special education at Morris School in McKinleyville.

    “I love giving to the community,” Sines said. “As an HSU alumni, I’ve got to.”

    This year’s panel of judges included Arcata mayor Sofia Pereira, KHUM DJ Bayley Brown, Eric Hall, also known as Captain Awesome, the first ever Mr. Humboldt, and Eureka City Council member Austin Allison. The judges scored each contestant in the categories of question and answer, swimwear, talent and formal wear.

    Equally entertaining were the swimwear and talent portions. Audience members were entertained by science experiments, rollerblading, body waxing, bacon, ukulele, weightlifting and an eye full of flesh.

    Ryan Howe, also known as Mr. Hans Buckethead, is a 20-year-old Dell’Arte student. Having moved to the area recently, it was Howe’s first time experiencing the pageant. He had no expectations and was pleasantly surprised.

    “It’s so excellent,” Howe said. “It could not have been anyplace else in the world.”

    Howe was one of three contestants who made it to the finals, along with Mr. Fashion and Mr. Breakfast Daddy.

    There were, however, some awards for those who were eliminated. Mr. Rabbit was named “Mr. Congeniality” and Mr. Shakespeare was given the annual “Cougar Award,” presented by local public figure Alex Stillman.

    Though all the contestants were entertaining, there could only be one Mr. Humboldt.

    In the end Nathan Davis-Floyd, Mr. Breakfast Daddy, proudly took the title and crown.

    Mr. Humboldt 2018 champion, Mr. Breakfast Daddy, also known as Nathan Davis-Floyd, at Arcata Theatre Lounge on Feb. 10. Photo by Stephanie McGeary.

    Davis-Floyd, 28, is an HSU philosophy student who has lived in Humboldt County for 10 years. Davis-Floyd felt he was finally worthy of the honor of being Mr. Humboldt as he felt the title should go to a long-time resident.

    “I was never comfortable calling myself a local,” Davis-Floyd said. “At least I can call Humboldt my home.”

    Davis-Floyd chose to donate his winnings to True North Organizing. One of the services provided by this local nonprofit is the Humboldt Rapid Response Network, which responds to calls about Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.

    In his acceptance speech, Davis-Floyd stressed the importance of donating whatever you can to nonprofits like True North or Planned Parenthood.

    “Even if its five dollars a month,” Davis-Floyd said, “you spend that on beer in a day.”

     

  • Valentine’s Day gifts for a good cause

    Valentine’s Day gifts for a good cause

    Anyone stressed about Valentine’s Day has a last-minute chance this weekend to find that perfect something for that perfect someone while supporting a good cause. The Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will be holding Hearts Together, a Valentine’s Day-themed event and auction from 4 to 8 p.m on Feb. 10.

    Event coordinator Edie Jessup says all the funds raised from this event will go towards Humboldt Unitarian, a congregation that is dedicated to helping others.

    “We do a lot of community work,” Jessup said. “We’re very social justice-oriented. ”

    Humboldt Unitarian donates to one local non-profit each month. These have included Food for People, Planned Parenthood, Humboldt Edge, Betty Chinn and Arcata House. In addition to their help with non-profits, the Fellowship is also a sanctuary congregation.

    “We are available for families in threat of deportation,” Jessup said. “Because we are a church, police are less likely to interfere.”

    Front entrance of Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bayside, Feb. 7. Humboldt UU Fellowship is hosting their annual auction fundraiser on Feb. 10 from 4-8 p.m. Photo by Matthew Hable.

    For a suggested donation of $10, attendees can help and have a good time.

    The price includes all-you-can eat soup, bread and dessert. In addition, there will be beer and wine available for purchase, a Valentine’s gift store and both a silent and live auction. This is the first year the event will feature a live auction, hosted by local actor, Mack Owen.

    All of the items were donated by local businesses or individuals and will include dinners, nature outings, collectable items, classes, art and more.

    Free childcare services are offered during the event for those who reserve ahead of time.

    Jessup says they try to keep this event affordable so that all members of the community, including families and students, can attend.

    “We’re really welcome to HSU students,” Jessup said. “This might be fun for them.”

    For more information, contact Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (707) 822-3793 or by email office@huuf.org

    Or visit the event Facebook page for Hearts Together Auction

    Childcare can be reserved with Jen at jkw23@humboldt.edu or (707) 668-1848

  • Local taxicabs welcome Uber challenge

    Local taxicabs welcome Uber challenge

    Since its recent availability in Humboldt County, Uber has become an increasingly popular alternative to taking taxis. Although the San Francisco based company may provide some serious competition, the local cab companies don’t seem worried about it yet.

    William Startare, 31, is a Eureka resident and the grandson of William Startare, who started City Cab Company. The Eureka based cab company is now owned by his uncles.

    Startare is loyal to the family-owned company, but admits he uses both City Cab and Uber. He believes they both have their advantages. Startare says the Uber app is more user-friendly for younger people.

    “It’s modern,” Startare said. “It’s the way we need information to be presented to us.”

    One disadvantage to Uber, however, is it is not always available. On the other hand, Startare says City Cab might take longer, but they will always show up.

    “Two days ago at 3:30 in the morning, I tried to get an Uber and there was none,” Startare said. “I called City Cab and they said 10 minutes.”

    Jose Zaragoza, 34, was born in Mexico and has lived in Humboldt since he was six. Zaragoza has been driving for Uber for about seven months and is happy the service now exists in Humboldt.

    With a wife, two children and a third on the way, Zaragoza says money from his primary job at Costco is not always enough. Driving for Uber helps him supplement his income without a time commitment.

    “This is a job where you can pick your own hours,” Zaragoza said. “It brings extra income to the table. It helps.”

    Zaragoza says lower rates, cleaner vehicles and the convenience of the app make Uber the better choice for customers.

    “You can see where I am, where I’m going and how far I am from you,” Zaragoza said. “It’s all done with the simple touch of a button.”

    Cedric Pearl, the owner of Plaza Cab, says Uber has not caused his company to take a hit financially so far. He believes the availability and consistency of rates make taxis a preferable choice for some customers.

    “Their rates fluctuate based on demand,” Pearl said. “Our rates never change. You can call a taxi on New Year’s Eve and the price is the same as always.”

    Another advantage of a taxi company is they are required to have commercial insurance, and drivers are required to undergo federal scan background checks and drug tests.

    Despite some disadvantages Pearl sees with Uber, he is not opposed to people using the competition.

    “Anything that keeps drunk drivers off the road is ok with me,” Pearl said.

  • Inked Hearts leaves mark

    Inked Hearts leaves mark

    Tattoo artists and enthusiasts looking for a good time flocked to the Blue Lake Casino last weekend for the ninth annual Inked Hearts Tattoo Expo. Hosted by Amy and Ted Marks from NorCal Tattoo in Arcata, the event featured multiple contests, pageants, local vendors and, of course, plenty of ink.

    Gucci, a 35-year-old carpenter from Monterey, comes to Inked Hearts every year. Inked from head to toe, Gucci does not only come for the tattoos, but to see the friends.

    “I love Inked Hearts,” Gucci said. “It’s nice because everyone gets to know each other. It’s getting better every year.”

    Gucci’s skin sported the pieces which won best black and gray and the best back awards. The trophy was awarded to his artist Juan Gonzalez from Exclusive Ink in Salinas.

    A man who calls himself Gucci shows off his Jackie Robinson tattoo, which won the “Best Black and Grey” award at the Inked Hearts Expo at Blue Lake Casino and Hotel Sapphire Palace on Feb. 4. Gucci’s tattoo was done by artist Juan Gonzalez. Photo by Megan Bender.

    Other awards for the show included best leg, best traditional, best arm, best tribal and best in show. All winners received one-of-a-kind trophies crafted by local artist Ken Beidleman of the Kinetic Sculpture Lab.

    Tattoos were not the only draw for attendees this year. Other events included the hot guy/hot girl contest, the Super Bully Bowl dog pageant and the “hot wings of death” challenge sponsored by Humboldt Hot Sauce.

    During this entertaining spectacle, a group of eight contestants were required to choke down 12 spicy chicken wings in three minutes to compete for a $250 cash prize, a trophy and a $500 gift certificate from NorCal Tattoo.

    Three sweaty, watery-eyed winners took to the challenge. NorCal Tattoo was kind enough to give them each a $500 gift certificate.

    One winner, Bill McBroom, said he wasn’t in it for the money or the tattoos. He plans to give the gift certificate to his daughter.

    “I got the trophy and the bragging rights,” McBroom said. Then, quoting a sign made for him, “Pain is temporary. Glory is forever.”

    Fortuna resident, Nate Peake, 25, came to support McBroom, his girlfriend’s dad. He was very proud of his performance. Peake said he was also excited about the rest of the expo and was maybe planning to get a tattoo while he was there.

    “A lot of phenominal artists are here,” Peake said.

    Beyond providing eclectic events and a haven for tattoo heads, Inked Hearts helped to support the local economy. Ted Marks, owner of NorCal Tattoo and owner of the show, said the event helps support not only Blue Lake Casino and NorCal, but many other local businesses as well.

    “It makes all the tattoo shops see a boom for the next couple of months,” Marks said. “The people who come spend their money in town, a lot of money gets poured back into the community.”

    Marks said this was by far the biggest turnout for Inked Hearts and he was extremely pleased with this year’s event. He is already planning for the 10th anniversary in 2019. This event is important because tattooing means everything to him.

    “It means I get to show what I love,” Marks said. “I get to show the culture that embraced me and didn’t judge me. Being a part of that fuels me and motivates me. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

  • Student bands rock The Jam

    Student bands rock The Jam

    Downtown Arcata music venue The Jam was filled with energy and excitement on Feb. 1. Two bands, Dimboi and NASA, both made up of Humboldt State students, performed at a free show for the community. Local residents and students crammed close together to support their peers, sip on cheap beer and enjoy some tunes.

    This event was put on by the local production group, Your Arts and Music Syndicate, or YAMS. The Arcata-based group, headed by Leo Plummer, sponsors local and touring acts and tries to help expand the music scene in Humboldt County.

    Connor West, a HSU music major and an affiliate of YAMS, says the group tries to put on shows that bring some variety to the community.

    “Were the driving force for the local rock scene,” West said. “Arcata has a lot of funk and reggae.”

    The show was opened by local DJ Venus Milk, real name Cherish Alicia, who is a student at College of the Redwoods. The following act was Dimboi, a three-piece band lead by HSU student Sean Bendon. The show was finished by the group NASA, made up of Michael Freire on guitar, Richard Moog on bass and Matthew Peters on drums.

    Both bands were warmly received, clearly having a lot of support in the audience. Many people were there to see Dimboi. The trio had a somewhat dreamy and meloncholy sound, utilizing simple, punchy rhythms combined with dissonant tones.

    Leader and creator of Dimboi, Bendon, originally from Missouri, says he has played shows at The Jam many times and enjoys playing music in Arcata.

    “Its very supportive,” Bendon said. “Everyone is very open-minded.”

    Dimboi on stage at The Jam on Feb. 2. Photo by Conner West.

    Raquel Pena, a HSU kinesiology student with a passion for music, said she came out to see her friends Dimboi, but also knows the bass player in NASA. She really enjoyed her first experience with the second band.

    “It’s my first time listening to them,” Pena said. “I like the danciness.”

    NASA had a more energetic sound, combining garage and surf rock with a smear of punk. The growling vocals and fast-paced rhythms were enough to coax the crowd into dancing and even starting a mosh pit.

    Members of the crowd kept cheering “Jerry! Jerry!” because of the Grateful Dead shirt drummer Peters was wearing.

    NASA guitar player, Freire, is a HSU student who loves living and playing in Arcata.

    “For such a small town, there’s such a good music scene,” Freire said. “And cool, easy going people.”

    Bass guitar player Moog says it was his first time playing at The Jam and he really enjoyed it.

    “Mistakes were made,” Moog said. “But I don’t think anyone noticed them.”

    You can catch Moog’s other band, The Apollo Era, at The Jam on Feb. 15 for their album release party.

    As for NASA, they don’t have another show booked right now, but Freire says there will be more to come.

    “I want to play as many shows as we can,” Freire said. “Because I don’t know if we’ll all be around next semester.”

  • Erin Henry awarded degree, honored and remembered

    Erin Henry awarded degree, honored and remembered

    No one at Humboldt State University could forget the tragic story of Erin Henry. The 22-year-old HSU student was found deceased in Dec. 2017 after being reported missing for over a week. Henry was only a few weeks away from completing her degree in theatre arts with a minor in social advocacy. Last month, HSU awarded Henry her bachelor’s degree, just in time for her memorial service in Wyoming on Jan. 26.

    Henry’s death came as a shock to her college community. Her theatre professor and academic advisor, Rae Robison, remembers her as a hard-working actress, playwright and passionate social advocate.

    “I’ve never met anyone more kind, more thoughtful and more considerate of others than herself,” Robison said. “She was the type of positive, talented person who doesn’t come along every day.”

    What was most unsettling for Henry’s friends and family was the unusual circumstances surrounding her death. According to the North Coast Journal, the police found Henry’s injuries to be caused by a self-inflicted fall from Elephant Rock.

    “I have no idea what happened,” Robinson said. “I don’t think anyone will ever know.”

    Henry made her mark during her five years in Humboldt. She volunteered for Visiting Angels, a Eureka-based group that provides care for seniors. She also dedicated a great deal of time and energy to the theater at HSU, holding roles in many productions including “Young Frankenstein” and “Julius Caesar.”

    Henry was also a devoted student. She worked hard to earn her degree and according to HSU registrar Clint Rebik, Henry graduated Cum Laude with honors.

    Henry walked for graduation in Spring 2017, though she still needed one more semester for completion.

    A copy of Henry’s degree will be mailed to members of her family next week by the Dean of Students, Randi Darnall Burke.

    Her brother Ian Henry says she was always passionate about theater, but the demands of college did not always come naturally to her.

    “She had to combat that by working hard at it,” he said. “She was always working.”

    Ian is proud of his sister for completing her education and thinks sending her degree is a nice gesture from HSU. Although it is accompanied by bittersweet emotion, reminding him of her compassion and goals for helping others.

    “She was always a big proponent for being a voice for those less fortunate than her,” Ian said. “She was trying to go places. But obviously, that’s not going to happen.”

    Henry grew up in Sheridan, Wyoming and was adopted at two months old by parents Tom Henry and Terry Rowland. Her biological father passed away and biological mother felt she couldn’t handle parenthood alone.

    On Jan. 26, friends and family gathered at the WYO Theater in Sheridan to celebrate her life. Henry’s father says the theater donated their space for her memorial because she had been in several productions there. The venue seems fitting, considering the theater is where she loved to spend her time.

    “Her dream was to use theater as social advocacy to stop human trafficking,” Tom said.

    The memorial service was streamed live on the In Loving Memory of Erin Henry Facebook page, making it possible for all of her friends, fellow students and professors in Humboldt to view. HSU was an important part of Henry’s life.

    Henry’s father sent a letter to The Lumberjack, thanking the community for all of their efforts to find his daughter and emphasizing the importance of reaching out for help.

    “We would also like to encourage others suffering from depression, or related ailments, to seek help,” Tom said.” Please help to eliminate any stigma associated with needing medication or treatment in order to function as a happy, healthy human being,”

    The full letter can be viewed in the Letter to the Editor section of this issue.

  • Theater review: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

    Theater review: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

    The dark comedy “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” by Edward Albee opened this weekend at Fernadale Repertory Theatre. The play, with only a cast of four, managed to leave a big impression on the audience and ended with a well-deserved standing ovation.

    Eureka resident David Cobb, 55, said he felt the cast really brought this story to life and made it believable.

    “It was a psychic punch to the gut,” Cobb said.

    The story takes place entirely in the home of George, a middle-aged history professor, and his wife, Martha. After a party, the two invite a younger couple, Nick and Honey, over for a nightcap and end up exposing them to an alcohol-fueled display of marital drama.

    The three-act play, which ran about three hours, may be long for some, but the clever, provocative dialogue kept it interesting. Met by (often uncomfortable) laughter and shocked gasps from the audience, it was well-directed and captured perfectly the tension of a marriage riddled with resentment and spite.

    All of the actors were a joy to watch. Honey, played by Holly Portman, was adorably meek with well-timed, humorous outbursts. Nick, played by Travis J. Morris, seemed dull at first. Despite that, he became more dynamic as the story progressed, showing his own dark side.

    However, the standouts of this production were Daniel Baer as George and Ruthi Engelke as Martha.

    Those who have seen the 1966 film adaptation starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor would know that the actors had some big shoes to fill. Baer and Engelke did not disappoint and delivered performances as potent as the liquor their characters imbibed.

    A newcomer to the Ferndale Repertory Theatre, Engelke has been involved in theater since the age of four. She said to play the role of Martha, she had to dig deep within herself to find how she identified with the character.

    “It’s like opening up a vein and letting it bleed,” Engleke said.

    “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” will be at Ferndale Repertory Theatre until Feb. 4 and at the Arcata Playhouse Feb. 9 through Feb. 18.