PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID EUREKA, CA PERMIT NO. 76 ECRWSS
spring 2022
Q U A RT E R LY N E WS L E T T E R
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LANDMARK R E A L
E S T A T E
www.landmarkhumboldt.com
JEREMY STANFIELD Broker Owner
JESSICA VAN PELT-STRETCH Broker Associate
LIC# 01339550
LAREESA STANFIELD Broker Associate LIC# 02070934
LIC# 01204126
DEVON BOLLAN Sales Associate LIC# 02080831
L ANDMARKHUMBOLDT
LIC# 01728836
BRIANNE FRANK Sales Associate
CALL US TODAY!
FORTUNA 125 12th St. 725.2852
LEAH PRICE Sales Associate
LIC# 02059253
MELINDA KORNDER Sales Associate LIC# 01035959
MOLLY WICKE Sales Associate LIC# 01983594
ANDREA VARGAS-LOPEZ Sales Associate LIC# 02155917
TWO LOCATIONS SERVING ALL OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Dedicated to keeping our community safe. Humboldt County COVID-19 Approval Certificate
L ANDMARKHUMBOLDT
FERNDALE 334 Main St. 786.9300
LICENSE #01857152
Great selection to choose from. Our appliance experts are ready to help. • Largest in stock new & used inventory • Competitive price guarantee • Delivery and Service after the sale
1001 Main St., Fortuna • 707 725-6734 • EelValleyAppliance.com 3
735 14th Street Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-3959 www.fortunachamber.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2021-22 CHAIR OF THE BOARD Bailey Davy, Cornerstone Realty IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Kelly Isaacson, Umpqua Bank VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD Becky Giacomini AMBASSADOR CHAIR Laura Morris, Coast Central Credit Union DIRECTORS Kim Brown, Cornerstone Realty Kristin Chambers, Sequoia Gas Company Crystal Lewis, Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance Gary Ogle, AFLAC North Coast/ Gary Ogle Insurance Services Katy Roe, Umpqua Bank Melissa Sanderson, North Coast Journal Amber Woodward, AP Property Management FINANCIAL ADVISOR Greg Thomsen, Wyatt, Whitchurch & Andersen STAFF Renee Lindsay, President & CEO Stephanie Richardson, Membership Coordinator
©2022 The Quarterly Newsletter is a publication of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce. Entire contents are copyrighted. No article may be reprinted without written permission.
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Build to edge of the document Margins are just a safe area
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contents
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Welcome New Members
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Ribbon Cuttings and Grand Openings
12
Chamber Member Spotlight
13
Plaque Dedication at Fortuna Rodeo Grounds
14
Wild Souls Ranch Announces Land Purchase
15
Sewell Lufkin Scholarship Now Accepting Student Applications
17
Measure E: The Good, The Better and The Best
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Valley Pacific Donates New Mower to Fortuna Parks & Rec
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CCC Holiday Stockings
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Al Gray Electric Lighted Parade
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Holiday Dazzle Decorating Contest
ON THE COVER Fortuna Rodeo Association Board President Shannon McWhorter (left) poses next to the new plaque dedicated by the Native Sons of the Golden West with Roy Curless, who spent 32 years, out of a combined 60 years, on the Fortuna Rodeo Association Board as Rodeo President (and recently celebrated his 92nd birthday!). Read more on page 13. Photo by Renee Lindsay
Tires • Auto • Trucks • Tractors Brakes • Shocks • Alignments 260 S. Fortuna Blvd. Fortuna, CA 95540 Lisa Hummel Owner
Wendy Hummel Owner
Phone: 707-725-4120 www.hummeltire.com
1137 Main St, Fortuna, CA 95540 ◊ Authorized UPS shipper ◊ PG&E Payment Center ◊ Copies & Faxes ◊ Notary ◊ Greeting Cards & Gifts
◊ Scans ◊ Word Processing ◊ Office Supplies ◊ Custom Forms
707-725-6542; Fax 707-725-6541 print@horizonbusinessproducts.com www.horizonbusinessproducts.com
authentic mexican food
Let us do the cooking fast & Convenient ordering view full menu on leapset
NEW Shrimp tacos & Shrimp bURRitos
B urr i to s Pr a w n s Ta c o s Ta ma les Fa j i ta s 755 12th Street, Fortuna CA 95540 Ph (707) 725-1094 Fax (707) 725-8819 sarah@six-rivers.com www.six-rivers.com
Meat OPtions: Asada (Beef steak), Pollo (shredded chicken), Carnitas (Grilled Pork), Al PAstor (Marinated Pork) Specialty Meats: Chile Colorado (SPicy Pork), Steak Ranchero, Chile verde
Mon-FRI 10am-9pm | SAT 11AM-9AM (707) 725-5546 | TacoLocoFortuna.com 955 Main Street at 10th, Fortuna
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Their cabins come with queen beds, electric heat, flat screen TVs, mini fridges, microwaves, outdoor fire pits, and more. They have a fenced-in dog park, coin-operated laundry, games, and feature an outdoor movie on Saturday nights late spring through summer. Learn more at giantredwoodsrv.com or contact them at (707) 943-9999.
Alicia Buckner was raised in Humboldt County and graduated from CSU Chico with a BS in Agricultural Business. In November 2021, she joined The Hurst Group as a real estate agent. Alicia has a deep love for her community and looks forward to making her clients’ buying and selling process as seamless as possible. The Hurst Group is located at 554 N. Fortuna Blvd. Alicia can be reached at (707) 726-2434 or alicia@aliciabuckner.com.
Giant Redwoods RV & Cabins is located on a 17-acre parcel nestled amongst the redwoods and alongside the Eel River. Some of their amenities include 11 full hookup pull-thru RV sites, 16 water & electric pull-thru RV sites, 22 water & electric back-in RV sites, and big rig RV sites up to 110’ long. 6
Cara Shepherd is the Humboldt Brow Gal! She offers microblading, powder, and combo brow services. You can find her on Facebook at @humboldtbrowgal. Learn more about Cara and Humboldt Brow Gal in our Ribbon Cutting section.
The Humboldt State University Foundation is a dedicated auxiliary of the California State
University and a 501(c)(3) California nonprofit organization. The Foundation exists to support and advance the mission of Humboldt State University by securing private support, developing and managing entrepreneurial activities, overseeing philanthropic activities, and managing endowed and other assets as requested by the University. To learn more, please visit giving.humboldt.edu.
Founded in 2004, Incfile is a nationwide incorporation service provider specializing in incorporating new businesses. Incfile offers a full range of incorporation services. They can help you form your initial corporation or LLC as well as other corporate filings such as amendments, name changes, and foreign qualifications. They can also help you obtain your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN/Tax ID Number) and prepare the Federal S-corporation
Election (Form 2553), in addition to providing Registered Agent Services and Customized Corporate Kits. For more information, please visit incfile.com.
Robert Shepherd, owner and head instructor, has been living and working in Humboldt County for over 30 years. He began training in martial arts in 1992 and has been teaching Jeff Speakman’s Kenpo 5.0 for more than 12 years. JSK 5.0 Humboldt Martial Arts & Fitness offers classes for kids and adults, including cardio kickboxing, sparring, and boot camp. Classes develop life skills such as discipline, respect, focus, concentration, and social skills. Learn more at fortunamartialartsandfitness.com. Continued on next page
FORTUNA IRON 2832 Old State Hwy• Fortuna CA 95540 (Across the highway from Hansen’s)
725-2608
www.fortunairon.com
1433 Broadway St, Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 443-7369 www.humboldtmoving.com CA T-79023 OR 238790
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL CUSTOMIZATION CUSTOM WELDING & FABRICATION Gates, Railings, Stairs, Custom, Ornamental Iron, Lumber Racks, RVs, Trucks, Trailers and Heavy Equipment Repair CERTIFIED WELDING Punching, Shearing & Forming, Structural Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
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Continued from previous page
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
A newly available event and wedding venue, the North Coast Hitching Post, sits atop Table Bluff, overlooking meadows and the Pacific Ocean. The massive redwood barn was built in 1914, and was originally a hay barn. Roman and Heidi Rubalcava, a retired Fire Captain and RN respectively, bought the property in 2020. They were inspired by the beauty of the old barn, the privacy, and the expansive ocean views. The barn features a large, wooden dance floor, an authentic western saloon with a 20ft-long redwood bar, an indoor arbor made of old barn wood, and a covered, outdoor area on the ocean side of the barn. The venue also includes tables and chairs for 200 guests. For icing on the cake, there is an 1885 DeSoto doctors’ buggy which makes a lovely photo op, as does the gorgeous, full-size carousel horse. The barn is still a working barn, with horse stalls and antique tractors restored by Roman. Roman is also a farrier, who prefers to hot-shoe horses. Horse boarding is available. The one bedroom+den cottage has ocean views from the kitchen, bedroom, and den. It features a wood-burning stove, full kitchen, laundry room, large jetted tub, and a private outdoor clawfoot tub. The cottage can be rented with the venue or separately. Imagine soaking in the outdoor tub while your horse is getting new shoes…tomorrow, you’ll ride across the meadow, look out at the ocean, and say “I Do.” Contact Heidi for more information or to schedule a tour at (707) 954-2771.
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The Quintal Realty Group, led by Kim and Josh Quintal, and The Hurst Group, led by Cody Hurst, joined together to create eXp Realty of Humboldt. eXp, a global online brokerage, is one of the fastest-growing real estate brokerages with their unique cloud-based model and global community of agents and partners. You can reach The Quintal Realty Group at (707) 498-3700 and The Hurst Group at (707) 4981033. To view available properties, please visit liveworkplayhumboldt.com.
Attorney Steven Steward lives in Humboldt with his wife, a teacher in Fortuna, and their two children. He is an HSU graduate in political science (2001) and received his law degree from the Columbus School of Law in Washington D.C. (2009). Steven has worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Humboldt County since 2017. He is running for Superior Court Judge in 2022. For more information, please visit stevensteward.com.
Tessa Ellebrecht is a notary signing agent that specializes in simple notary signings as well as complex and extensive documents that come with real estate and mortgage transactions. She has been working as a Notary Public for the last ten years and travels across several counties including Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte, and Mendocino, to assist clients with all their notarial needs - all while in the comfort of their own home. “Convenience for my client is always my number one goal,” she shared. As a lifelong resident of Humboldt County, Tessa and Phillip (her husband of 11 years) have three children, all Fortuna High Huskies! When not working, you will find Tessa out at the lake with family and friends or walking the beautiful redwoods in their backyard. “I am so proud to be a Humboldt County resident and I could not be more excited to get my name out there and become part of something that is going to bring me closer to the community. After nearly ten years of working out of my home, I am finally taking a leap of faith and putting myself out of my comfort zone. I absolutely love what I do and have made some lifelong friendships.” Tessa was able to start her business as a stay-at-home mom and enjoy her kids while they were growing up. Now that they are growing into young adults, she has more time to grow her business and serve her clients. “This time that I am gaining back, I want to give back to the community that has helped me succeed and grow over the years,” she said. Tessa looks forward to working with you soon. Contact Tessa’s Notarial Services at (707) 502-7589 or by email at tessa. ellebrecht@gmail.com.
The Heart of V is a skin care line infused with plant derived oils and anti-aging ingredients created by Veronie Montez Gonzalez. Veronica’s skincare line includes lip balms, scrubs, facial oils, masks, deodorants, body butters, bath bars, and more. The Heart of V can be reached at (626) 391-4919. Be sure to check out her online shop at theheartofv. com, or shop for select products in Ferndale at The Enterprise’s Hometown Store located at 394 Main St.
Unveiled Studio by Cady Gambrell offers boudoir, family portraits, special occasions, wedding, maternity, and senior portrait photography. Learn more about Cady and her business in our Ribbon Cutting section. Unveiled Studio is located at 1116 Main Street and can be reached at (707) 845-4721. 9
Ribbon Cut tings and grand openings
C
ady’s love of photography began in high school. She took the plunge to be a full-time photographer in 2014, offering wedding, family, maternity, and senior portrait photography. She expanded her craft into the world of boudoir photography in 2015. The term boudoir originated in France and historically has been used to depict a woman’s private dressing room. This niche category first appeared in the 1920s and is largely credited to American photogUnveiled Studio had a ribbon cutting and Open House rapher Albert Arthur Alcelebration on January 14. Photo by Mary Bullwinkel. Reprinted with permission. len. Boudoir photography became popular again in the 1940s thanks in part the floors to the ceiling, they gutted the to “pin up” models like building, built a stunning redwood bar, and Betty Grable and a little constructed a beautiful brick wall. Cady known 19-year-old named is proud to be a young businesswoman in Marilyn Monroe. Fortuna. She’s excited about connecting For Cady, boudoir phowith the community and creating themed tography was a way to photography events for children and empower herself after an families. This past December, Cady turned abusive relationship. She her studio into a winter wonderland with fell in love with it after Santa and his elves sitting for pictures experiencing her own with excited kids. “Saying I love what I do Just a few of the many giveaways off ered beach boudoir session, an is an understatement. Something about during Cady’s Open House. outdoor water-themed taking photos burns a passionate candle photography session. “I in my soul. When we grow old, photos felt like a goddess walking on water,” she said. With are what lets us relive the times that were so full of Unveiled Studio, Cady has created a space for hopes, dreams, and life. Photographs are timeless women to enjoy their bodies, their beauty, and their and sacred, immersing us into memories of the good confidence. As with her studio, Cady’s social media times.” Unveiled Studio is located at 1116 Main Street accounts are about creating a space for women to and can be reached at (707) 845-4721. be able to feel sensual without being oversexualized. The photos aren’t just about being “naked and sexy.” What a client chooses to wear, or not wear, is enumboldt Brow Gal is brand new to tirely up to them. Cady loves to photograph all sizes Downtown Fortuna, offering semi-perand ages and in whatever, or wherever, makes them manent makeup applied to the eyebrows. feel powerful. Generally, during their sessions, most Owned and operated by Cara Shepherd, her women are surprised about how much fun they services include microblading (a cosmetic tattoohave, how good they feel about themselves, and how ing procedure that fills in thin eyebrows to make beautiful they feel after. She hopes these sessions them look fuller), powder brows (a semi-permahelp women find acceptance in their bodies, flaws nent makeup technique designed to create a soft and all. “Beautiful is what you find inside.” powder effect to the eyebrows through shading Cady and her boyfriend, Mike, did all the design techniques), and combo brows (combines the look and restoration work inside of her studio. From of microblading with the soft powder effect). Cara
H
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Cara celebrating her Grand Opening on Feb. 18.
plans to add more services in the future so stay tuned! Cara and her husband Robert (who owns and runs JSK 5.0 Humboldt Martial Arts) have been members of the community since 1990 when they moved to Fortuna to raise their family. Together, they have two children and five granddaughters and have been married for 34 years. After completing her microblading training in Rocklin, Cara was looking for a change and started looking at locations in Fortuna. “It was the best decision that I have ever made. I came home [after training] and found my little shop on 11th Street a week later.” After months of remodels and inspections, Cara was able to open her shop. She says that it was “meant to be” and chose Fortuna because of the “friendly and welcoming feeling you get when you’re here.” Being able to offer something new was really exciting for her. Cara feels that what makes her business special is that
her clients come in as customers but leave as friends. She loves the business that she’s in and absolutely loves providing brow services. For her, the transformation she sees is addicting. “Bringing a smile to my client’s face is what it’s all about.” Cara would like to thank the community for the opportunity to work here in the town she loves. She enjoys being involved in the community and can’t wait to bring “better brows to all.” For classic beauty with a modern stroke, contact Cara at Humboldt Brow Gal at (707) 499-4874 or visit her at 638 11th Street.
D
reamz by Diaz is a new event planning business located at 1326 L Street. Owner Lucia Enríquez, pictured with the big scissors, was joined by friends and family for her grand opening celebration on February 17, 2022.
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Chamber Member Spotlight
Photo credit: Advanced Security Systems
Chuck and Rick Petrusha have been providing “Peace of Mind” to the Eel River Valley since 1979. Advanced Security Systems is one of the oldest members of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce and actively supports the schools, sports teams, and special programs of our community. Advanced Security Systems was founded in 1971 in Eureka, CA, and has served its neighboring towns from the very beginning. It all started with a mission of their family serving yours and hasn’t changed much over the years. It isn’t often you find a family-owned and operated professional security and alarm monitoring company located in your backyard and with employees who just might be your neighbors. Advanced Security Systems offers a complete line of security, life safety, surveillance, access control, and home automation for residential and commercial properties. They work with and have expertise in many industries such as education, health care, government, construction, and agriculture. Advanced Security Systems can assist in security and life safety planning, whether a homeowner, business owner, or builder that is in construction or has completed a build. Advanced Security Systems is a locally owned and operated company that recently celebrated its 50th year in business. It is also a family-run business with its third generation of security professionals on staff. The success of Advanced Security Systems can be attributed to its committed employees, many of whom have been with the company for up to 20 years. These employees show up to work every day to deliver Peace of Mind while never seeking any recognition. 12
As a family-owned company, they understand the importance of keeping our local community independent and thriving. They also enjoy supporting our community through sponsorships and participation in nonprofit organizations and school programs. In December of 2021, Advanced Security Systems was nationally acknowledged as SDM Magazine’s 2021 Dealer of the Year. SDM Magazine is a 51-yearold, highly respected industry trade journal read by suppliers, dealers, and working professionals. They attribute their success to their hard-working and thoughtful employees. Advanced Security is located at 1336 4th Street, Eureka and can be reached at (707) 443-6366.
Photo credit: Stephanie Richardson
Byran McWaters, local artist and owner of MaDMeTaLs, loves sharing his unique and edgy metal creations with the community. “I like taking an idea and making a cool 3D piece of art from it,” Byran shared. If you have passed by Fortuna’s Welcome Sign at Kenmar Road, you will have seen a rotating display of metal figures against the sun, celebrating local events like the Daffodil Show, Fortuna Rodeo, and Apple Harvest Festival. MaDMeTaLs helped collaborate on that project by creating all the metal pieces. If you take a drive through Fortuna during the holidays, you are bound to see a few “jive” turkeys that will catch your eye, a surprise project by Byran that kept the community guessing as to where they came from and how they popped up around town. Many MaDMeTaLs projects can be seen around Fortuna, displayed by local businesses and residents alike. He has created many business signs and commissioned pieces, like that giant buckle for the 100th anniversary of the Fortuna Rodeo. “Every sign I build is hugely influenced by
my customer,” he said. If you’re looking for something fun for your garden, check out one of his many “FrEakY FloWeRs,” rock monsters, or sea creatures. All pieces are made from metal tanks and repurposed to not only bring beauty but also help reduce waste in landfills. “Each piece leads to another and I am constantly learning and morphing techniques and styles,” he said. In addition to his beautiful custom art, Byran also makes custom trophies, fun swag items like bottle openers, and commissioned pieces. The MaDMeTaLs shop on N Street is a wonderland of ideas, art pieces in progress, and many beautiful, completed pieces. See more of Byran’s art on his website at madmetals.us or visit him in person at 1022 N Street. Byran can be reached at (707) 362-6773. Photo credit: Byran McWaters
Plaque Dedication at Fort una Rodeo Grounds
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he Native Sons of the Golden West recently placed a plaque in Rohner Park, honoring the legacy of the Fortuna Rodeo and re-dedicating the grandstands which were originally dedicated on September 29, 1940. Grand President Ron Brocco presided over the dedication with members of local parlors and Fortuna Rodeo Association Board members in attendance, along with family and community members.
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Wild Souls Ranch Announces L and Purchase
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ild Souls Ranch is a Therapeutic Equine Youth and Family Services nonprofit organization providing local at-risk youth with Equine Assisted Growth and Learning services, a Wraparound Program for children adopted out of Foster Care, and a Colt Training Program as Tip Trainers for the Mustang Heritage Foundation. Started in 2013 by Savanah McCarty, Wild Souls Ranch has grown and expanded, both in services offered, staffing, and herd size, allowing them to help more and more families each year. In 2017, Wild Souls Ranch moved to Fortuna to
rent property purchased and renovated by Marion Brown. Recently, through an extraordinary partnership opportunity and significant grant funding by the USDA, they were able to purchase the property from Marion and are now full owners. “This purchase provides Wild Souls Ranch an opportunity to have a ‘forever home’ and there are no plans to change a thing,” said Amy Scolari, Community Outreach & Development Director. While McCarty stepped down as executive director in 2021, the team continues the legacy of providing the highest quality of care to the youth and families of Humboldt County. “We are forever grateful for Marion’s willingness to sell us the property, and for her patience in the extremely long escrow process, and wish to specifically thank Reef Atwell, our USDA Representative out of Santa Rosa, Matt Allen of Humboldt Equity, Tom Hiller of Benchmark Realty who represented Marion Brown, Rick Phillis of Phillis Appraisal, and
Build to edge of the document Margins are just a safe area
Wild Souls Ranch staff. Photo by Stephanie Richardson
FAMILY SHOES & REPAIR
Proud to be in our community for over
30 years!
FORTUNA (707) 725-3326 1101 L Street, Fortuna, CA 95540 PD-CA-3805 | www.usbank.com
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New Spring styles ARRIVING Full Family Shoe Store Many Sizes and Widths Available
The store that still measures your feet
Tues-Fri 10AM-6PM Saturday 9AM-5PM
Marilyn Strehl, C.PED Certified Pedorthic ID #2262
12TH & MAIN, FORTUNA • 707.725.2610
Wild Souls Ranch ribbon cutting. Photo by Stephanie Richardson
Nate Zwerdling, our former Board President,” said Scolari. Wild Souls Ranch has earned numerous awards, including Nonprofit of the Year in 2018 by
the Fortuna Chamber and North Coast Kiwanis Champion for Children in 2016. For more information, please visit wild-souls-ranch.org.
Sewell Lufkin Scholarship now accepting st udent applications
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n memory of Sewell Lufkin, the Scotia Band enacted the Sewell Lufkin Memorial Scholarship in 1979. The current $600 college scholarship is available to one high school graduate from Humboldt County who seeks a career in music beginning with a major or minor in an accredited music program. Preference may be given to those students majoring in music education and/or to those candidates who have been active members of the Scotia Band. Applicants must complete an application form, include one letter of recommendation, and provide a short, written essay of 250 words or
less expressing their musical accomplishments and aspirations. Students interested in applying may contact the Scotia Band via email or direct mail. Completed applications must be received by April 22, 2022. For more information, please visit scotiaband2.org.
Quality Used Cars for Less
$$$$$
195 S. Fortuna Blvd. Fortuna, CA
(707) 725-6225
Since 1931 (707) 725-3316
info@harbersins.com 210 12th St. Fortuna CA 95540
RaysFortuna.com 15
SHOP LOCAL FIRST COMING
Please support your locally owned Downtown businesses. We appreciate your support.
EVENT
Mother’s Day Charm Walk April 30th - May 7th
COURTESY OF FORTUNA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION For more info go to fortunadowntown.org
Serving our community for over 25 years! 610 9 th Street Fortuna 707.725.6926 716 Harris Street Eureka 707.444.1420
Residential Commercial Industrial - Civil - Structural Design - Mechanical - Electrical - Plumbing - Inspections - Permit Assistance - Grading/drainage - Architectural Services
www.whitchurchengineering.com 16
Measure E: The Good, The Bet ter And The Best
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n November 8, 2016, the voters of the City of Fortuna adopted a local transactions and use tax (i.e., “sales tax”) through an affirmative vote on a local measure known as Measure E. The official Measure E ballot stated: MEASURE E: FORTUNA POLICE AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES MEASURE To protect and maintain essential City services, including increasing and restoring police officers and programs, repairing aging/deteriorating streets and potholes, parks maintenance, and programs for youth and seniors, shall the City of Fortuna establish a ¾ cent sales tax, sun setting in 8 years providing approximately $1,200,000 annually, requiring independent annual financial audits and a Community Oversight Committee, with all funds remaining in Fortuna. Ordinance 2016-726, by which the City Council placed Measure E before the voters of this City, established an Independent Community Oversight Committee (Measure E Committee) to review the expenditure of the revenue from the transactions and use tax. The purpose of the Committee is to
assist the City Council in taking public input and review staff recommendations on the expenditure of funds derived from the local sales tax imposed pursuant to Measure E. The Committee is composed of seven (7) voting members, who shall be appointed by the City Council. The Measure E Committee was sworn-in on March 7, 2017, and it meets five times per year with special meetings as necessary. The Committee works closely with City Finance Director/Council Liaison Aaron Felmlee, City Manager Merritt Perry, and Deputy City Clerk Buffy Gray. Measure E revenue is directed to four City departments: City Hall/Administration, Police, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation. Completed and future projects will be detailed in future articles. Here are the next few upcoming Measure E meeting dates: • March 15th at 5:30pm (Staff Project Presentation Meeting) • April 5th at 5:30pm (Measure E Finalizes Recommendations Meeting) Agendas can be accessed at friendlyfortuna.com. Submitted by Walt Wilson, Measure E Oversight Committee member, with portions provided by City of Fortuna Finance Director Aaron Felmlee.
valley pacific donates new mower to fort una parks & rec
F
ortuna Parks & Recreation recently received a donation of a new mower, donated by Valley Pacific (Renner Petroleum’s parent company). The mower is a 2021 Toro 7000 Z-Master, valued at $48,000. This is the largest mower owned by the City (96” deck width) and it will be used for open park spaces and sports turf areas. According to Cameron Mull, Fortuna Director of Parks and Recreation, “This new mower will allow our department greater mowing efficiency which reduces staff hours on turf maintenance; this will save public funds while also providing an exceptional unit of equipment that we plan to utilize for many years.” Pictured left-to-right: Parks & Rec Director Cameron Mull, Mayor Sue Long, and City Councilmember Mike Johnson. Photo credit: City of Fortuna.
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CCC Holiday Stockings
Corpsmembers gathered at the Monday Club on Dec. 17 for a presentation of awards.
T
he California Conservation Corps (CCC) is a department of the government of California established in 1976. The CCC is a voluntary work development program specifically for men and women between the ages of 18 to 25, offering work in environmental conservation, fire protection, land maintenance, and emergency response to natural disasters. Fortuna is home to the Salmon Restoration Project. Since 1980, the Salmon Restoration Program has been the core of the CCC work in riparian and watershed restoration. The Eel River watershed is one of many to benefit from this program, which has restored or enhanced nearly 1,800 miles of streams and estuary habitats. The Fortuna Center is also home to two AmeriCorps-partnered programs: Backcountry Trails Program and Watershed Stewards Program. CCC projects are not limited to the Fortuna area as they routinely assist other agencies including
Great job FUHS Culinary Arts Class on the beautiful cupcakes.
U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, California State Parks, Caltrans, City of Eureka, and Humboldt County, as well as volunteering their time at many of Fortuna’s annual events like the Fortuna Fireworks Festival, Apple Harvest Festival, and last October’s US Capitol Christmas Tree event. Since 1995, the Fortuna Chamber has gifted stockings to these dedicated men and women as a thank you for their hard work and dedication. With donations from our businesses, each corpsmember receives a stocking filled with candy, candy canes, playing cards, food, gloves, wool socks, lip balm, fruit, toys, pens, water bottles, and other items. In a normal year, they get to celebrate with a party at the Center with cupcakes baked by the FUHS Culinary Arts Class, hot cocoa and candy canes, and
L-to-R: Stephanie Richardson & Renee Lindsay (Chamber), Kim Brown & Bailey Davy (Cornerstone Realty), Becky Giacomini (Chamber), Kent & Linda Wrede and Ray & Kathy Lovell (Kiwanis Club). Not pictured: Melissa Sanderson (NCJ), Kristin Chambers (Sequoia Gas), and Amber Woodward (AP Property Management). Photo credit: Melissa Sanderson
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a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Because of Covid protocols at the Center, we’ve had to skip the party but were able to deliver 100 stockings the last two years. This year they enjoyed their cupcakes with apple cider donated by Clendenen’s Cider Works. A huge thank you to the following businesses who helped make it happen: Bear River Casino, Boy Scout Troop #8, Clendenen’s Cider Works, Coast Central Credit Union, Cornerstone Realty, Crystal Lewis State Farm Ins., Edge Caliber, Fortuna Grocery Outlet, Fortuna Kiwanis Club, Gary Ogle Insurance Servs/AFLAC North Coast, Green’s Pharmacy, Ikigai Physician Group, McLean Foundation, North Coast Journal, PC Whitchurch, Providence-St. Joseph’s, Recology, Redwood Capital Bank, Sequoia Gas Company, Sequoia Orchids & Redwoods, So. Trinity Health Services, Strehl’s Family Shoes, Umpqua Bank, and US Bank.
We Bring The VieW Back To You 357 Main St., Fortuna, CA 95540 www.redwoodglassandwindows.com
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Al Gray Elec tric Lighted Parade
C
ongratulations to the following winners: Best Non Profit - Fortuna 4H
Best Community Entry - Fitze Construction Best Small Business Entry - Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance
Best Large Commercial Entry - Bootleg Trucking Best Government Entry - City of Fortuna Best Junior Entry - Cub Scouts, Pack 47 Best Use of Lights - The Flower Boutique Biggest and Brightest - CalFire Humboldt Most Festive - Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria Most Spirited - Sequoia Gas Company
Sequoia Gas Company Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria City of Fortuna
Bootleg Trucking
Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance CalFire Humboldt
All photos by Mary Bullwinkel
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Holiday Dazzle Decorating Contest
E
ach winner received a one-of-a-kind trophy sponsored by Fortuna Grocery Outlet and assembled/engraved by Cindy Daetwiler at Ferndale Jewelers. The ceramic buildings for the first place winners were donated by Kathy Comerer of Fortuna Fabrics & Crafts and painted by Stephanie Richardson, Fortuna Chamber Membership Coordinator. Business Category Winners Quintal Realty Group - $500 Landmark Real Estate - $250 Cornerstone Realty - $150
Quintal Realty Group won first place in the Business category with their gingerbread house-themed design, complete with a giant, handmade gingerbread man.
Residential Category Winners 2608 Pineview Dr. - $750 1944 Brandi Ln - $500 1300 Vancil St - $250 Mayor’s Choice 2169 Skylark Lane - $150 Sponsors Cornerstone Realty Crystal Lewis State Farm Insurance EJH Construction Fortuna Grocery Outlet Fortuna Kiwanis Club Harbers Insurance Ikigai Physicians Group Landmark Real Estate North Coast Journal Redwood Capital Bank Rocha’s Automotive Sequoia Gas Company Sherlock Mini Storage Six Rivers Property Management Wendt Construction Umpqua Bank
Fortuna Chamber Membership Coordinator Stephanie Richardson presenting the trophy for first place Residential to Mayor Pro Tem Tami Trent.
Lareesa & Jeremy Stanfield hold their trophy for second place Business.
Tara Kemp won second place in the Residential category with her snowman display.
Third place Business winners Cornerstone Realty. Pictured left-to-right: Greg Dale, Kim Brown, Bailey Davy, Calvin (dog), and Mayor Sue Long.
Tim Oliveira won third place in the Residential category with his skeleton-themed Santa sleigh. Mayor’s Choice winner Jody Victorine accepting his award from Mayor Long. Pictured left-to-right: Renee Lindsay (Chamber CEO), Mayor Sue Long, Jody Victorine with granddaughter Alison Dayton, and Stephanie Richardson (Chamber Membership Coordinator).
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