The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Category: Life & Arts

  • Making Friends in Minutes

    Making Friends in Minutes

    By | Juan Herrera

    “You get three minutes,” Johnathan Salinas said. “Then it’s on to the next.”

    According to Salinas, head coordinator for Queer “Speed Friending”, this is the seventh time they have put on this event and each time the LGBTQA community gets stronger and stronger at HSU.

    “We tried to imitate the speed dating concept, but for friends,” said Salinas.

    Making a new friend in just three minutes is something that is hard to do. Not a lot of people have the time, resources, or ability to sit down and conversate with new people to get to know them.

    Queer “Speed-Friending” is an event that makes this possible. It gives queer people on campus an opportunity to make new friends in a comfortable sober environment. The idea of this event is to bring together everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or sexual preference.

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    The chair set up of Queer “Speed-Friending”. Photo credit: Juan Herrera

    Salinas also mentioned Queer “Speed-Friending” encourages people to be open minded and try not be nervous so everyone is comfortable during their time.

    During this event there were multiple clubs that had a booth to promote their organization’s messages and activities. One of the clubs that attended was Pure Health.

    According to Aly Weaver, a member of Pure Health, this organization focuses on non-fear based education regarding alcohol, sex, and mental health issues. During the event Weaver and her crew were promoting to be strong and not have fear about those issues.

    “Our message here was to bring more awareness of fearful topics on campus,” Weaver said. “Our end goal is to keep people safe.”

    Weaver also mentioned that this is Pure Health’s first time attending Queer “Speed-Friending”, and it won’t be their last.

    Another first-timer, HSU student Connor Ray Austin, expects his first experience at this event to be successful with new friends and full of surprises.

    “There’s tons of new people on campus and this seemed like a good way to meet them,” Austin said. “I just picked up the flyer one day and thought it was a cool idea so I came.”

    Salinas and his crew put on this event at least once a semester so people have the opportunity to meet and greet all the new faces at Humboldt State.

    “If you’re new here or just want to make new friends Queer ‘Speed-Friending’ is the place for you!” Salinas said.

     

  • Oh my butterflies

    Oh my butterflies

    By | Lauren Shea

    Butterflies galore! Experience walking around butterflies at the Butterfly House. The Humboldt Botanical Garden opened its very first Butterfly House on July 1st. The project was designed to help educate people with an interest in butterflies, gardeners and families with children. People from all ages have visited the Butterfly house to see the life cycle of the butterflies native to the area.

    The life span of a butterfly takes place in four stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly. There are four kinds of butterflies in the Butterfly House including painted ladies, western swallowtails, red admirals and monarchs.

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    A display of different types of butterflies. Photo credit: Lauren Shea

    Ibby Gerner, Volunteer Coordinator for The Humboldt Botanical Garden, talked about the response to their first Butterfly House.

    “There has been almost 2,500 people visiting the Butterfly House since it opened it July,” Gerner said. “We’ve had a great response to the garden. Both adults and children have come to see the Butterfly House.”

    Terry Kramer, the Site Manager at the Humboldt Botanical Garden, talked about her experience with the Butterfly House and the visitors.

    “People are really excited and want to learn more about the Butterflies,” Kramer said. “One of the most unique qualities from this Butterfly House compared to others is that people can walk around with the Butterflies and see them up close.”

    The Butterfly House consists mostly of Mexican sunflowers to provide nectar for the butterflies and milkweed for breeding. Many people in the area have removed milkweed from their yards. In most recent years, the population of monarch butterflies have been decreasing due to lack of habitat, loss of milkweed and pesticides.

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    The Butterfly House is located in the greenhouse at the Humboldt Botanical Garden. Photo credit: Lauren Shea

    “The amount of monarch butterflies is down by 80 percent,” Kramer said.

    Mary Gearheart, Garden Designer for The Humboldt Botanical Garden, created the design for the Butterfly House including picking the right plants for the butterflies and also volunteers at the Butterfly House.

    “It’s amazing how many people come from out of the area,” Gearheart said. “Just the other day, there were people visiting from upstate New York and visitors from Australia.”

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    Red admiral butterflies attracted to the white information pages inside the Butterfly House. Photo credit: Lauren Shea

    There are plans to set up a garden outside where the Butterflies will be set free at the end of the month. The Humboldt Botanical Garden is hoping to start a butterfly garden outside year-round to help increase the population of butterflies and give them a safe habitat to live in.

    “We would like to create a garden of milkweed, Mexican sunflowers and other butterfly friendly plants right next to the sunflower garden,” Gearheart said.

    The Humboldt Botanical Garden is applying for a grant that would allow for an intern to work in the Butterfly House for next year. They’re also hoping to set up more school trips to the garden to educate children.

    There is a $3 suggested donation fee to help support the Butterfly House. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday 12p.m. to 4p.m. and will be open till the end of September. There are many volunteer opportunities at the Butterfly House and the Humboldt Botanical Garden. For more information, you can call the Humboldt Botanical Office at (707) 442- 5139 or email the office at hbgf@hbgf.org.

     

  • Clubbin’ at the quad

    Clubbin’ at the quad

     

    By | Ian Benjamin Finnegan Thompson

    Sword fighting, physics demonstrations, acro yoga, Folklorico dancing and more were on display at the annual Clubs Fair at the UC Quad last Wednesday.

    Dozens of clubs ranging from an anime fan club to the Society of Women in Math and Science were reaching out to students and informing them about the ideas behind their communities during the lunch hours of 10-2pm.

    Jordi Koopman of the Humboldt Circus said it’s a great way to meet people and play games with others.

    “Being able to co-create with people in a whimsical way is great,” said Koopman.

    According to the Clubs and Activities page on the Humboldt State University website, the goal of the clubs fair is to “Support safe and inclusive opportunities for student involvement and engagement.”

    Many of the clubs are simply safe spaces for students to meet peers and have weekly gatherings to socialize.

    The HSU Browncoats is a fan club of the Joss Whedon single season cult classic tv show Firefly (and spin off movie Serenity) who meet up once a week for Firefly trivia, games, and events.

    “It’s a safe space for nerds to hang out at,” said Kelsey Vaughan, a member of the HSU Browncoats.

    The clubs fair can also be a place to receive much needed scholarly or emotional support for students who may feel isolated or not included in the communities found on the HSU campus.

    Carla Quintero is the president of the Society of Women in Math and Science (SWIM) whose goal is to help women on campus as well as other minority groups succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering mathematics) majors.

    “Our goal is to encourage other underrepresented groups to become science majors,” said Quintero.

    If you missed the clubs fair there are still plenty of ways to reach out and join clubs on campus. Check out the Clubs and Activities page on the HSU website for a full listing of available clubs. And if you don’t find a club you like, sign up and make your own.

  • It’s hot in Arcata

    It’s hot in Arcata

    By|Ian Benjamin Finnegan Thompson

    Last Saturday was the hottest day in Arcata since 1983 according to intellicast.com. Dozens of residents flocked to the Mad River to escape the heat. The immense heat and smoke from the inland wildfires didn’t stop people from enjoying the outdoors.

  • Students feelings on their first week back

    Students feelings on their first week back

    Video by Andre Hascall.

    Mid August marked the start of the 2017 school year at HSU. A couple of students recapped on a few of their first feelings and experiences with the first week in or back in college.

  • 121st Humboldt County Fair

    121st Humboldt County Fair

    By|Lauren Shea

    The Humboldt County Fair is celebrating it’s 121st Fair this summer in Ferndale, California. The fair offers so many activities for all ages and, runs until Labor Day, Monday, September 4.

     

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    Signs for different events and places around the Humboldt County Fair. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    Booths at the Humboldt County Fair where you can get sunglasses, bags, toys and more. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    The Eureka Brass played on The Friendship Stage on Tuesday, August 29th. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    Inside the Belotti Hall showcasing community submitted items for awards at The Humboldt County Fair. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    Ashley Selby looking at jewelry from the Organic Owl Jewelry inside the Hindley Hall. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    One of the many types of food and snacks in the food court. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    Imelda Garcia working at the Buoy Toss in the Carnival area. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    One of the new rides introduced this year at the Humboldt County Fair. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    Jada and Jaylon Johnson on the Tornado ride at the Humboldt County Fair. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
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    The Ferris Wheel and game booths in the carnival area. Photo credit: Lauren Shea
  • A beard trend

    A beard trend

    By Juan Herrera

    Imagine having to go through the process of searching for products just to grow facial hair, or having to beg to your barber to create a beard that isn’t there. All of that, just to fit in. Many men do this constantly to have a beard like their friends.

    Jesus Hernandez, an HSU student and a barber for the last four years has noticed an immense amount of his clientele switch from a clean shaven beard to a full grown out beard.

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    Jesus Hernandez, HSU student and barber, cutting up one of his clients.

    “Those who couldn’t grow out a beard seeked for a product that would give them the beard they want.” Hernandez said. “I started noticing clients who have always been clean shaving even try to have me line up their stubble.”

    Hernandez said that ever since the big boxing match between Floyd Mayweather and Connor McGregor, some of his clients started to come in and ask for the “McGregor” hairstyle. The “McGregor” hairstyle consists of a clean short hair cut with a big bushy beard.

    More often than not you can walk into any room and half of the men, if not more, have some sort of beard. Is this a coincidence? Or is it just a trend?

    Humboldt State senior, Tony Robinson, said how he has noticed the drastic changes of his peers with beards over the past two years.

    “First I’ll start off by saying that I ain’t hating because I myself have a beard, but damn man! Everyone and there mom has a beard now, literally!” Robinson said. “I remember back in freshman year no one but ME had a beard, now everyone just wanna copy me man.”

    Robinson said he believes everyone is trying grow a beard to be more likable and look more intimidating.

    Diego Gonzalez, 28, says that his beard makes life easier. He doesn’t have to waste time shaving.

    “When I’m in a rush I just kinda let it go however,” Gonzalez said. “Usually when I have a presentation I put like beard oil or stuff like that.”

    Products such as beard wax or oil are often used to style beards. A beard is a part of a person’s identity and can grow and be trimmed along with their changing interests and needs.

    “I had it thinner, I had a really long beard too,” Gonzalez said. “I’m a wrestler so it would always get in my way, so unfortunately I’d have to trim it.”

    Elizabeth Laney, a Eureka local, said she is use to more men having beards than not but still has noticed it’s been more then usual in the past couple years.

    “Personally I love a man with a nice thick beard, so I think there’s nothing wrong with a beard trend happening,” Laney said. “And for all you guys out there trying to grow beards over the years, just stop, you probably look way cuter shaved.”

    Laney said that because she has grown up in Humboldt County she will always have a soft spot for beards.

    According to the New York Times article “Are Men More Desirable With Beards”, Laney isn’t the only person who loves men with beards. In the article it shows a university in Australia did a study asking 8,520 women if they preferred men with a beard and more than 70 percent said yes.

    Tony Robinson had one last thing to say to men out there with beards.

    “If it ain’t there don’t force something to happen, but if it is rock that fresh beard like there’s no tomorrow.” Robinson said.

  • Making recycling an art

    Making recycling an art

    By Juan Herrera

    2500 degrees fahrenheit. That’s the heat it takes to perfectly mold glass into the shape your heart desires.

    Fire and Light is a local company in Arcata that hand crafts an array of colored glass tableware. This local company puts on Hot Glass Tours that allows you to be up close to watch the process it takes to make these fascinating pieces.

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    An employee of Fire and Light getting melted glass from their furnace. Photo credit: Juan Herrera

    John McClurg, the president of Fire and Light, discusses the tour and some about his product.

    “These tours give people a small sense of how long and hard the process is to making hand crafted objects,” McClurg said. “It also brings light to how much we actually do recycle when making our products.”

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    Some of the many finished products that Fire and Light hand crafts. Photo credit: Juan Herrera

    The tours take place Monday through Friday, at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and at 2 p.m.. According to McClurg the tours have been great for his company as well as to the community members.

    Fire and Light purchase their used glass from the Arcata Community Recycling Center to make everything made out of the community’s glass. According to McClurg they are the first glass company to use all recycle objects to make their product in the United States.

    Kelli Welch, an employee of Fire and Light, discussed her role in the business and about some of her favorite hand made pieces.

    “I pretty much help wherever needs to be helped, but mostly I set up the display store and help costumers here,” Welch said. “Helping here in the store makes it hard to narrow down a favorite, but I have a special liking to the foot bowls we make.”

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    An employee of Fire and Light getting ready to mold a cup with melted glass Photo credit: Juan Herrera

    According to Welch the ideas of what to make come from the community and shows they attend out of the state. Welch mentioned how she came up with a heart shaped design glass that they now create. Fire and Light’s showroom is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., located at 100 Ericson Ct, Suite 100A in Arcata.

    During the tour Humboldt State graduate, Lorea Euskadi, said how this was not her first time on the tour and describes her top three favorite pieces.

    “I’ve been living here for about 5 years now. This is my fourth time touring this place, and the products just keep getting better and better,” Euskadi said. “It’s so hard to pin point favorites here but if I had to only keep three they would be my dogs custom bowl, my favorite soup bowl and lastly my crazy multi-colored vase.”

    According to Euskadi, if you haven’t been to the Fire and Light tour or store, you are severely missing out on an awesome art form.

    “I honestly look forward to it every year and encourage more people to come on down and join in on the action,” Euskadi said.

  • First annual kids plunge

    First annual kids plunge

    By| Iridian Casarez

    The Discovery Museum held their First Annual Kids Plunge at Freshwater park.

    Unlike their annual Perilous Plunge, a fundraiser that’s held in the winter only for adults, this plunge was kid friendly. According to Redwood Discovery Museum Board President Lynn Langdon, young plungers needed to raise a minimum of $50, pass a swim test and be between the ages five to 17 to plunge into Freshwater pool.

    “The kids weren’t really involved in the regular adult plunge so we decided to give them their own plunge,” Langdon said. “I’m excited for this. The kids are taking ownership in helping the Discovery Museum.”

    Langdon said she represents the community’s interest in the museum. As Board President, Langdon is responsible for making sure the museum makes enough money to keep it open.

    Both of Langdon’s children participated in the plunge. Kids were encouraged to wear silly costumes, and one group of plungers dressed as the characters from Disney Pixar’s animated film “Inside Out”. Their team name was The Inside-Outers.

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    The Inside-Outers posting ready to jump into Freshwater swimming hole on Saturday, August 19. | Photo by Curran Daly

    6-year-old Erin Arnivaz dressed up as Sadness, one of the protagonists of the film. Arnivaz had attended the museum’s summer camp and said she was not afraid of plunging into the swimming hole.

    “I like being Sadness,” Arnivaz said. “I like making sad faces.”

    Skylar Elcock was also a part of the Inside-Outers and dressed up as Fear.

    “I’m afraid to go into the water cause I’m Fear,” Elcock said.

    According to Danielle Jacobson-Elcock, Elcock’s mother, everyone that was in the Inside-Outers plunge team are a part of the Dream Athletics cheer team. Jacobson-Elcock said that all the parents got together and decided on the costumes as a group. The Inside-Outers raised $275 all together.

    “I think it’s a great idea to teach the kids to fund raise at a young age,” Jacobson-Elcock said. “It’s awesome, I love it.”

    Lexi La Jeunesse, 10, is from San Jose, Califonia and has attended the Redwood Discovery Museum’s summer camp program since she was 6-years-old. La Jueness has family in Humboldt County. She raised $205 to be able to plunge into the swimming hole.

    “I’m excited to jump,” La Juenesse said. “Usually it’s the parents that get to jump now it’s my turn.”

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    Lexi La Jeunesse happily showing off her prizes for fund raising the most amount of money on Saturday, August 19. | Photo by Curran Daly

    Kala Minkley, executive director at the Redwood Discovery Museum, said she was very excited to be able to put together a Perilous Plunge fundraiser for the kids.

    “For years the kids have been asking to plunge at the Perilous Plunge and so we made it happen,” Minkley said

    Twelve participants were ready to jump into Freshwater Pool in Eureka for the Redwood Discovery Museum. According to Minkley the kids fund raised almost $1000 for the museum.

    “We hope for many years to come for this event,” Minkley said. “We want it to grow and grow.”

  • Welcome to Arcata

    Welcome to Arcata

    By|Ian Benjamin Finnegan Thompson

    Welcome back students and staff. For those who are new to HSU here are photos of some cool spots in Humboldt County. There’s photos of places to savor the sunset and immerse yourself in nature, photos of spots to skate and do other recreational activities, some great places to study, eat and relax.

     

  • Succulents soothe the soul

    Succulents soothe the soul

    By Emily Moore

    Succulents are an awesome, low maintenance plant that are uniquely adapted to dry climates by storing water in the leaves, roots and stems. This makes them excellent plants for both indoor and outdoor spaces. That said, you still need to get the basics right. Here are the necessary light, water and soil requirements for succulents.

    A succulent living in a Sunset Hall window. Photo | Terra Hyke

    How Much Light Do Succulents Need?
    Indoor Light for Succulents
    Your succulent requires at least four hours of direct sunlight daily through a sunny or bright window. If you don’t provide adequate light, the succulents will search for the light and end up growing long and thin features. This fast growth gives the plant a light green color with leaves sparsely placed, and without intervention, it will gradually die. Normal succulent growth is slow with dark green leaves placed compactly. If you notice abnormal growth, gradually introduce the plant to the sun.
    Outdoor Light for Succulents
    Even though most succulents loves sunlight, they do appreciate some afternoon shade during the hotter months to avoid burning. In their natural habitat, succulents are protected by taller trees and shrubs from direct sunlight. You should slowly introduce your new plant into sunny conditions since you may not know what conditions it grew in. In spring, protect them with a shade cloth.


    How much water do succulents need?
    While some succulents can hold water for a long time, they have a cycle of filling up and draining to simulate a dry climate. It’s a good idea to develop a watering schedule that will allow the plants to dry before watering again. Keeping them moist constantly will result in rotting. You can use the pot’s weight, a chopstick, or your finger to check if the soil is dry before another round of watering.
    You can also keep an eye on the leaves; dry leaves will look shriveled, while saturated leaves will look plump and soggy. Just keep in mind that not all succulents are the same, and there are succulents that are extremely water-sensitive, while others are more tolerant.
    During their bloom and active growing season, most succulents need more water. Water before the soil is completely dried out to keep the cycle unbroken. In winter, water every twenty or so days.


    What kind of soil do succulents need?

    As long as your container can drain water, succulents are healthy in the container of your choosing. Photo | Terra Hyke

    The soil used for your succulent should be mixed well so that it drains well, which will help to avoid rotting the plant. Consider a soil mix of 2/3 potting soil with 1/3 slate chips or any small stones for indoors plants. For those plants that stay outside, use 50/50 soil and slate chips since it has higher chances of receiving more water regularly from rain. The safest bet is usually to use a soil specifically formulated for succulents (succulents are a common houseplant, so your local gardening supply store should have some).
    Avoid using glass containers or any container that does not drain. Since succulents don’t like sitting on soggy soil for long, this kind of pot will eventually kill the plants. A well-drained soil is required for aeration and to keep the soil dry most of the time especially in winter when humidity is high, and there is no sunshine to dry up the soil.

     

  • Recipe: Toad in the Hole

    Recipe: Toad in the Hole

    By Liam Olson

    Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. It helps you get your day going and keeps you not hungry until lunch. However for some college students, it is hard to make breakfast with the short amount of time to get ready in the mornings. Well here at The Lumberjack, we’ve got you covered with this quick and easy breakfast recipe.

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    Toad in a hole on a plate. | Photo by Liam Olson

    Ingredients:

    1 egg

    1 slice of bread

    Butter or olive oil

    Garlic salt

    Pepper

    Cumin (optional)

    Shredded cheese (optional)

     

    Steps:

    1. Grease the frying pan with butter or oil on medium heat. Let the oil or butter heat up in the frying pan.
    2. Make a hole in the middle of the slice of bread and eat the circle of bread that you took out.
    3. Place the bread on the frying pan and crack the egg in the center of the bread slice.
    4. Quickly add seasonings to the egg before the egg becomes too cooked.
    5. For a runny yolk, let the egg cook for less time. For a more solid yolk, cook egg for a longer period of time. Make sure the bread does not get burned.
    6. Cook both sides of the egg and bread.
    7. Put cheese on top of bread and let it melt.
    8. Serve and enjoy!
  • When life is ruff, pet a pup

    When life is ruff, pet a pup

    Dog Therapy to Help Students Relax during Finals

    Students were able to pet therapy dogs to destress from the stressful workload of finals in the Jolly Giant Commons on April 29. Canyon Student Assistant Elisabeth Torretti and the Canyon staff put on the event for student residents. The therapy dogs will return to campus at the library on May 8 from 1-2:30 p.m. and May 9 from 6:30-8 p.m.

  • Mental Health Week

    Mental Health Week

    The Peer Health Educators are hosting various workshops around HSU campus during Mental Health Week from May 1-5. They’ve finalized all the workshops for the students to enjoy, including yoga lessons, massages and how to make bath bombs. Lizzie Alvarez, the coordinator of Mental Health Week, believes people forget to care for themselves because they’re so focused on homework and papers.

    “Self care is increasingly important,” Alvarez said.

    Christina Cole adds that it’s not only finals that students stress about. With the news of David Josiah Lawson’s death and other personal factors, the semester can be draining to students.

    “It makes times like this more important to check in,” Cole said.

    Alvarez and Ani Glenn suggest studying in parts, not cramming everything in at once to ease the strain of finals. Late night study sessions are not mentally or physically healthy because lack of sleep can affect your grade. Planning what to study and organizing time can be overall helpful and beneficial.

    Peer Health Educators are a social justice focused program consisting of students who educate fellow students on mental, physical and sexual health. For more information on Peer Health Educators, visit their office in RWC 127, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. For disability accommodations, email ravin@humboldt.edu.

  • Hair Extensions at your Convenience!

    Hair Extensions at your Convenience!

    By Onaja Waki

    In town, there aren’t really any big beauty supply warehouses like in Los Angeles or the Bay Area, where people can go to purchase hair extensions to style their hair. However, cosmetologist and owner of Lash Out lash extensions Starsha Marquez buys and sells weave and braiding hair out outside of her stylist job at The Trim on Samoa Boulevard. As a provider of these hair products, Marquez has been providing a service to individuals in Arcata who need and like to wear hair extensions.

    As someone who gets their hair braided Marquez, understands how it may be a hassle to find a place where you can purchase hair extensions or even a place to install the hair.

    “I remember having those bad hair days and the struggle to get my hair done how I wanted,” said Marquez. “I used to drive all the way to Vallejo just for my hair appointments at the braiding hair shop, because their wasn’t one out here.”

    Once Marquez stopped braiding hair herself, she decided to start selling the hair instead.

    “I was like the only one in Arcata who people knew to call for it.” Said Marquez. “Plus my hair isn’t expensive. I only sell it for a dollar more than what you would buy in a regular beauty supply.”  

    With her eyelash extension business and hair extension providing services, Marquez is looking forward to expanding to a bigger space to provide more cosmetic services.

    “I’m thinking about expanding my business and combining it with cuts, waxing, and manicures and pedicures,” said Martinez. “I’m also looking for braiders because I’m not interested in braiding myself, I will also provide the hair, still.”

    Marquez has already built up a good client base consisting of HSU students and Arcata locals. After speaking with two of her HSU clients who have previously bought braiding hair from her they mentioned how well her customer service was.

    HSU student Arri sanchez mentioned how well Marquez informed her about the different types of braiding hair.

    “She had a big selection already,” said Sanchez. “She had red packs of hair, black, brown, multicolored, she just had it all.”

    Mariah Sulton also a HSU student and a client of Marquez buys braiding hair on a regular bases.
    “I couldn’t even begin to tell you how convenient it is to have her out here,” said Sulton. “Usually I would have to order my hair online or have my mom buy it and send it up to me, but ever since I found out about Starsha last semester I just go to her now.

  • It’s hard to take your eyes off this art

    It’s hard to take your eyes off this art

    By Sarahi Apaez

    Sarah Arias, a senior art studio major and business administration minor is in a process of creating a piece for her advanced painting class.

    Arias has created a series piece of gay lovers eyes. Eyes who belong to the Queer Trans People of Color (QTPOC) community. Arias is adding a twist to a late 1700s to early 1800s jewelry fad of necklaces, rings, and broaches which held small photos of their secret lovers’ eyes. Arias was inspired by a similar theme within her life and the lives of her POC friends who still struggle to come out to their families. For her friends, telling their parents about their lovers could jeopardize more than just their relationships, it could jeopardize their schooling if their parents pay for it. This lack of acceptance from Latinx parents results in lovers being kept secret.

    To learn more about Arias and her work, watch the video below.

  • The Shadow Gallery

    The Shadow Gallery

    Opening a video store in 2017 may seem like a joke, but a new video store, Shadow Gallery, opened in Old Town Eureka on April 1. After the recent closing of the Eureka Figueiredo’s and the Arcata Spotlight, it is hard to believe that a new video store would open. With all the streaming websites, it seems there is no need for a physical store. For a weird and rural place like Humboldt County, owner Harley Demarest doesn’t believe so.

    “We have crappy Internet,” Demarest said. “Streaming isn’t for everybody and a lot of growers don’t have wireless Internet, so they buy movies to bring up in the hills.”

    The Shadow Gallery is more than just a video store. Entering inside is like going in a organized garage of memorabilia. There is a diverse collection of books, comic book issues, graphic novel anthologies, vinyl records, band shirts, and video games for Sega Dreamcast to Xbox 360. There is a small section of the store dedicated for gaming. A shelf of various vintage gaming consoles sits next to a TV in front of a couch. Customers can’t check out consoles, but they are welcome to ask to play a game on the consoles in store. There is a large amount of collectable figures, vintage movie posters, collectible Lego sets and other memorabilia throughout the store. The majority of the items are from Demarest’s personal collection.

    “It’s been an ongoing collection for about 10 years,” Demarest said. “About three to four years ago, I reached a tipping point in my collection. I had to decide to either sell it or just go further with it.”

    The idea of owning a video store, or possibly a comic book store, has been bumping around Demarest’s head for the last 10 years. He created a GoFundMe page to see people’s reactions to the idea of opening a video store and received a lot of support. With help from his friends, they slowly moved Demarest’s collection into the new store. Since the grand opening, the store had steady traffic. On the sunny Friday afternoon, several people came in. Two older women entered and looked at the band shirts. A group of adults went straight to the video game section and one woman bought a figurine from the popular video game, Starcraft. Many more walked in and browsed the diverse movie selection, that varied from B-rated horror, popular anime shows, essential Criterion film, TV shows and much more in VHS, DVD and Blu-Ray. When talking about movies, Demarest suggested several movies.

    “Have you seen ‘Attack the Block’?” he said. “It’s John Boyega, before ‘The Force Awakens’, and it pretty much started his career,”

    He also suggested “Gentleman Bronco,” a comedy that featured one of his favorite actors Sam Rockwell.

    “If I had an employee’s pick section, those two have to be it,” he said.

    To check out anything from the store, there are two options for customer membership. The first is the video club, much like other video stores. It costs $3 for a two-day new release or $1 to check out previously released movies for seven days. The second option is a library membership. Varying from $10 a month or $150 a year, a customer would be allotted a specific number of points as currency to check out a limited amount of media. For example, a $10 membership would allow the customer 10 points. Each media is worth a number of points, from one-point comic issues to five-point DVDs and Blu-Rays. The $10 membership will allot the customer to rent two movies at one time and those 10 points are used. Once the movies are returned, those points are returned to the customer and can be used on other media, like the games or books. This can be used until the month membership is over. This format of membership limits the amount of media that can be checked out and limit potential loss.

    There are many plans for the future of The Shadow Gallery. Demarest, who is a comic book artist, wants to get art supplies to rent out from pencils to easels. This would hopefully open the store as an art collective, where people can work and share their artwork. He also hopes to host future game nights, both Tetris tournaments and Magic games.

    The Shadow Gallery is at 214 E St. in Eureka and open 7 days a week 12-9 p.m. For further questions, call (707) 273-5250.

  • Sexland: Garden of Hedon

    Sexland: Garden of Hedon

    By Sarahi Apaez

    Sexland is a yearly event at HSU hosted by the Peer Health Education Program. On April 22 at the Kate Buchanan Room, the HSU community gathered at the sexual health event. This years theme was Garden of Hedon which centered around self definition and identity. Tables of HSU clubs and community resources filled the edges of the KBR such as HSU’s Check It, the North Coast Rape Crisis Team, Planned Parenthood representatives, and even HSU’s Botany Club.

    Peer Health Educators planned a sex toy raffle giveaway, games and free food.

  • Great hall becomes prospective renter center

    Great hall becomes prospective renter center

    By Curran Daly

    Todd Larsen, associate director of Housing and Residence admits there is not enough housing on campus for every student who wants to live on campus.

    “This year we have a record number of returners and transfers,” Larsen said. “We had 800 returners apply for the 600 spots we have.”

    The housing office is trying to take some of the stress off of students looking for off campus housing. The housing office has held four events now to help students find housing.

    Their final event held on April 24, gave students an opportunity to meet with real estate management groups. Kimberly Morris was at the event with Kramer Investment Corporation talking with students about renting apartments for them next semester.

    “We try to make it as easy as possible for first time renter,” Morris said. “We try to get the parents involved to help students through the process.”

    Sol Dinay, a freshman physics major, attended the event held by housing. He has already seen about a dozen houses and is hoping to secure his housing for next semester soon.

    “It’s just a matter of getting an app that gets approved,” Dinay said. “I’m not that worried cause I know we’ll eventually get a place.”

    Dinay tried to get an early start looking for houses and has some advice for people just barely starting out.

    “Try getting started on Craigslist because the application process is just an email,” Dinay said. “Apply to as many places as you can cause most will get denied.”

    Levi Mazza a freshman business major already lives off campus. Mazza found a house last May when he came up with his friend and current roommate. For him the hardest part of finding housing was getting his calls returned.

    “Everyone is extremely flaky up here,” Mazza said. “If you find a property, annoy the property manager by phone and in person.”

    He believes that by constantly contacting the manager you have a better chance to get a face to face meeting. It is in this first meeting that impressions are made that can determine whether or not you get the house.

    “When you do meet them in person be well dressed, make eye contact,” Mazza said, “and shake there hand multiple times.”

  • Food review: Kebab Cafe

    Food review: Kebab Cafe

    By Bryan Donoghue

    To me, there’s nothing compared to a greeting full of warmth. Whether it be the humid sun of the Mediterranean or the staff of Kebab Cafe, genuine warmth is the type of feeling that makes someone feel right at home. Kebab Cafe’s warmth is akin to nostalgia, and you can feel right at home at 5000 Valley West Blvd in Arcata.

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    The cooking station in Kebab Cafe | Photo by Bryan Donoghue

    Their lighting in the front of the restaurant is fluorescent leading into a dim casual setting in the back of cafe, and the staff welcomes me with a similar brightness as I tell them it’s my first time at the Kebab Cafe. Every team member is open and amiable as they show me the menu, their cabinet display full of fresh food, and even the open grill where the kebabs are made. In their presentation about what’s on the menu, the highlight I chose was the gyro sandwich, and before starting me off with that, I ordered a few dolmas.

    I need to attest to the flavor of the dolmas Kebab Cafe makes in house. Dolmas are a unique appetizer among any cuisine. They are seasoned rice and herbs that are tossed together before being formed, and ultimately, wrapped with a grape leaf. It reminds me of a vegan burrito, but with a harmony of Mediterranean tastes, and much smaller in scale. Dolmas tend to be finger food, but Kebab Cafe’s freshly wrapped dolmas feel relatively too small in comparison to dolmas I’ve had previously.

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    Four dolmas neatly arranged in a plate | Bryan Donoghue

    That being said, size isn’t a testament to how they taste. The ratio of flavors is the key impact this dish had. At first bite, my taste buds note a splash of lemon as I bite into the leaf, until the herbs combine with the citrus flavor. The chewy texture of the rice along with the prominent flavors of herb and citrus make these little wrapped bundles delicious. Kebab Cafe’s dolmas are 90 cents each, and I recommend getting more than one.

    After I devour the dolmas, I move into the gyro sandwich. Kebab Cafe’s gyro meat is a blend of ground beef and ground lamb that’s first seasoned seasoned until being grilled on a vertical boiler. The meat is thinly sliced and served inside a warm pita with a combination of raw onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. You choose your sauce, with the choices being either tzatziki or red sauce. I chose tzatziki, a sauce made from yogurt and cucumbers that have a tangy kick. In accompaniment to the dolmas, this was the absolute best follow up I could have chosen as my main plate. As I chew, I notice it’s soft, chewy, and plays a trick on my perception of temperature because of how it’s layered. The pita is warm, as well as the meat in the middle. The contrast is in the vegetables, as they’re cold and smothered with tzatziki sauce. This contrast makes each bite different from the last, as the temperature of the sandwich is trying to find an equilibrium. This is one of the few meals I’ve had in recent times where not only did I finish my plate at the restaurant, but I couldn’t think of a single piece of criticism. It’s a remarkable dish at $8.35.

    From Santorini to Turkey, Kebab Cafe captures the essence of the Mediterranean, but condenses it into a small cafe where customers can feel at home. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., Kebab Cafe is cooking up food six days a week.

  • Home Grown

    Home Grown

    Grow marijuana from the comfort of your home with the Green Box

    By Andre Hascall

    There is a way to grow marijuana easily while keeping costs relatively low. Greenbox Grow is a company that sells the necessary tools for marijuana cultivation for the average consumer. Dylan Osborn, a graduate in business administration at the University of Southern California, is the founder of GreenBox Grow. He currently lives and grows in Monterey, CA.  “Our mission is to teach people how to easily grow medical cannabis at home,” Osborn said. “It’s easy enough for beginners and takes less than ten minutes per day.”

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    Dylan Osborn with the Green Box Grow | Green Box Grow

    Initially, Osborn grew marijuana for his own personal use. Osborn as well as his father have both suffered from sports related injuries, and Osborn turned to medical marijuana to ease the pain.

    “I found an opportunity to help people who use marijuana for its medical benefits.” Osborn said, “Once I got into it, I saw all these things about it [growing] being difficult, but my first grow was close to dispensary quality.”

    You can find tutorials on their website, www.greenboxgrown.com, to help with the growing process along with the products you’ll need to get started. Osborn also works with clients at their homes helping set up their grow, as well as walking them through the different steps of growing quality cannabis. Once the greenhouse is set up, more steps follow such as getting the proper air circulation, how to properly pH your water, the correct amount of water to use, wiring your greenhouse, as well as how to grow while gone on vacation or during winter.

    GreenBox Grow is currently sold through Amazon. Though Osborn would like to have a store for GreenBox Grow in the future.

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    Dylan Osborn and his greenhouse | Green Box Grow

    Using GreenBox is as simple as setting up your greenhouse, watching weekly tutorials and growing your marijuana. There are two different types of growing tents and various sizes for both. Greenhouses are for outdoor grow and for indoor you’d need a hydroponic grow tent. Of course the indoor option will cost more money for both equipment and your monthly electricity bill.

    Osborn favors outdoor growing as it is more environmentally friendly, and provides the grow with fresh air and natural sunlight. “Depending on the size of a greenhouse the costs could be as low a $30 a month, but indoor would be $100 a month at least,” Osborn said. “The bigger size of grow can bring the cost to hundreds even thousands more than outdoor because of electricity.”

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    Marijuana plants growing in the greenhouse | Green Box Grow

    An average greenhouse grow of two plants will put you at a start-up cost of $450, adding around $30 extra on the electric bill for the month. The average time from start to harvest is nine weeks to four months. By harvest you would have a pound of marijuana from the two plants.

    With marijuana being legalized in California, it’s looking like it is easier now than ever to grow marijuana at home.

  • Residence halls cede to weed

    Residence halls cede to weed

    By Curran Daly

    Humboldt County has a reputation for accepting the widespread use of cannabis. While Humboldt State gives a stern warning to students that weed is not allowed in the dorms upon orientation, it is still present. One freshman smokes almost everyday and believes that one of the hardest parts of getting high discreetly is that weed can be very potent.

    “Depending on your CA it can be pretty hard sometimes, the smell can give you away,” they said. “It depends on what you’re smoking. If its wax, it doesn’t necessarily smell as bad as if you are smoking actual bud.”

    For this particular student, the fear of being caught has subsided since the beginning of the year.

    “At first there was a nervousness, but then you realize that everyone smokes and everyone is used it so you’re not worried about being caught,” they said.

    Being caught comes with severe punishment. The Humboldt State housing handbook outlines the potential outcomes of being caught while in possession or under the influence of any drug or controlled substance.

    According to the housing handbook, “Outcomes may include educational administrative sanctions, a student’s removal from Housing, and referral to Student Affairs, and possible legal charges (including arrest and fines).”

    These harsh penalties cause some people living in campus housing to not risk smoking in their rooms. One resident in campus apartments admits to smoking, but never in their room.

    “I have never been caught,” they said. “I honestly never smoke in the dorms, always outside.”

    These types of measures are necessary to not get caught with a very strict and observant CA.

    They believe that the school does not care about students smoking.

    “No [they don’t care] but, they are still a school, and have to function as such,” they said. “Smoking weed openly in dorms would discredit the school I believe.”

    In Creekview, there is only one CA per building. One resident has only ever met their CA three times. To stop from being caught smoking in their dorm, the Creekview resident has their smoke detector covered and window open.

    “It is very very easy to smoke in Creekview,” they said, “It is also very easy to hide, we don’t really have to do it, but we do it as a precaution.”

    Marijuana is a known occurrence in Humboldt County and while the school preaches that it does not allow marijuana on campus, it is readily available and people smoke it openly in the dorms.

  • 4/20 at HPRC

    4/20 at HPRC

    Article by Juan Herrera

    Video by Juan Herrera and Chelsea Medlock

    Right when you enter, the strong aroma of medicinal marijuana hits your nostrils so hard you can almost taste it. Over twelve different strains clog your nose of smelly cannabis and yummy edibles. Humboldt Patient Resource Center, also know as HPRC,  has been serving Humboldt county for over 15 years.

    Michelle Sealy, a bud-tender at HPRC, discusses the patients most preferred cannabis offered.

    “Gorilla Glue #4, Girl Scout Cookie, and Titan OG are the winners of the people,” Sealy said.

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    Girl Scout Cookie at HPRC. | Juan Herrera

    Sealy also talks about concentrates and edibles that all their patients love.

    “When it comes to concentrates our customers love the live resin by Mr. Nice Guys, or any of the Sour Extract $30 grams,” Sealy said. “As far as edibles, the KIVA bars are a huge hit as well as the smaller size called KIVA bites.”

    Sealy explained how each KIVA bar has 100 milligrams of THC, the mind-altering substance in marijuana, compared to 5 milligrams for the bites. According to Ricardo Baca, an author for the marijuana publication The Cannabist, the average dose for a person is 10 milligrams.

    Another budtender from HPRC, Mark Moore, talked about the exciting plans their clinic has for the special day of April 20.

    “To start off this exciting holiday we will be giving out 420 goodie bags full of different cannabis strains and edibles from the different vendors we use,” Moore said. “There will also be many special deals the clinic is offering as well as live music playing.” 

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    HPRC lighter and matches. | Juan Herrera

    Moore goes on to mention how HPRC will also be hosting a delicious barbecue for their patients and also to the community at their location on the corner of 6th and J street in Arcata.

    Caeden Williams, a new worker at HPRC, discussed the changes they have seen in patients since the medicinal marijuana laws have passed.

    “There has been a lot of anxiety in the air with the new change of what the outcome or end will be,” Williams said. “A lot of patients are scared that the prices are going to skyrocket, while others are anxious to see how far this industry will go.”

    Williams explains how as a new employee he is excited to adapt with the new change, but also nervous to see how it will play out.

    Moore had one last thing to say the patients of HPRC.

    “We are here to fulfill the needs of everyone, from new patients to old ones, we have what you need,” Moore said.