Summer 2020
Q U A RT E R LY N E WS L E T T E R
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▶ contents 6
Message To The Community From Fortuna Mayor Sue Long
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Fortuna Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program
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State Of The City Breakfast
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Local Businesses Recognized at Annual Dinner On Feb. 27, 2020
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An Open Letter from Supervisor Estelle Fennell
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Chamber Members Helping The Community
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New Member Businesses
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Face Mask Selfie Contest
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Operation Celebrate!
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To The Senior Class Of 2020
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Feed The ER
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Cooperation Humboldt
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Get Help Buying Food While Schools Are Closed
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Hello Otter Art Supporters!
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AutoXpo Donation Helps Fortuna Parks & Recreation
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Gene Lucas Community Center Celebrates Grand Opening
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Coloring Page: Ollie the Otter
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Four Ways To Prepare To Reopen
735 14th Street Fortuna, CA 95540 (707) 725-3959 www.fortunachamber.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-20 CHAIR OF THE BOARD Seth McGrath Fortuna Grocery Outlet VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD Kelly Isaacson Umpqua Bank AMBASSADOR CHAIR Laura Morris Coast Central Credit Union DIRECTORS Bailey Davy, Cornerstone Realty Becky Giacomini, Retired Brian Gonzalez, US Bank Gary Ogle, AFLAC North Coast/ Gary Ogle Insurance Services Bryan Robinson, Hygro LLC
ON THE COVER Bears in masks at Gary Crivello’s Cars. Photo by Melissa Sanderson
Fred Robinson, Edward Jones Cathy Whitchurch, Retired FINANCIAL ADVISOR Greg Thomsen Wyatt, Whitchurch & Andersen PRESIDENT & CEO Renee Lindsay
©2020 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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MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNIT Y FROM fort una MAYOR Sue LONG Date: May 21, 2020 CITY OF FORTUNA PRESS REALEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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uring these unprecedented times, it is as important as ever for the City as a whole to pull together to support its citizens and businesses during this COVID-19 emergency. I have seen this City pull together during difficult times before and demonstrate its strength and caring as a community, when responding to floods, fires and other natural disasters. This pandemic was unexpected and created various hardships for many, but I am confident the city will be resilient and recover as it has always done in the past. I am pleased the City has been able to continue to provide essential services such as water, sewer and police protection that are necessary for everyday life, but it has been challenging to find ways for the City to improve the damage to the economy from the closure of our businesses. We understand the extreme toll that it is taking on those businesses and the families that own and operate them. This economic loss is not limited to business owners and their families, ultimately the tax revenue from those businesses are what support the City of Fortuna and pay for many of the services the city provides. There have been several efforts at the federal, state and local level to support our businesses ranging from the Federal Cares Act and Heroes Act, that are providing trillions of dollars across the country, down to the City’s own Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program that provides business loans up to $25,000 with low interest rates and no payments for the first six months of the program. Even with the funding available, the City understands that our businesses can only recover by beginning to operate again. Unfortunately, this is one area that the City has limited control over, as the State and the County Health Officer, ultimately decide which businesses can open and how they must operate in order to do so. As Phase 2 of the reopening continues to allow more types of businesses to reopen, the County is doing its best to provide guidance to businesses, and has developed a certification process with templates that businesses can use to develop their own plans for reopening. Fortuna (and the other cities) have all volunteered staff to assist the County to
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review reopening plans in an effort to avoid delays for businesses reopening. It is our hope that we will continue to see a decline in infections and that more types of businesses can continue to reopen. We are still a long way from being back to normal. At this point it is likely that many of our beloved City events will be either scaled back or cancelled altogether. We are working with the organizations that put on our City events to see if there is some way to keep them going, but we cannot say at this time if they will move forward, and what they would look like if they do. The City is currently working on efforts to re-open our facilities and programs to the public. We are reopening City offices to normal business, and our recreation staff are working on plans to open our recreation programs. We recognize that many of our citizens will be counting on these programs for child care, as they are allowed to return to work. Please be assured that the City is committed to doing whatever we can to support our citizens and our businesses. We understand that the reopening rules and guidance can be cumbersome and the City of Fortuna, FBID and the Chamber of Commerce are all available to assist our businesses through this challenging time. Please reach out to the City Manager, Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID) and the Chamber of Commerce if you need information or have ideas of how we can help serve you better. I have seen the City of Fortuna pull through many difficult times and know that we will pull through this emergency together. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fortuna City Hall (707) 725-7600
Fort una Business Resilienc y Emergenc y Loan Program
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he Fortuna Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program was created to offer Fortuna businesses access to much needed funding. On April 6, the Fortuna City Council voted unanimously to approve this program. Over a dozen businesses have successfully applied since April. The program has currently approved and funded applications in the amount of $100,000.
There is still funding available but don’t delay! If you have been denied Federal funding through the SBA or from your bank, please consider this program. Turnaround time for funding, once the application is approved, is as little as 72 hours. You can get more information, and an application form, from the Fortuna Business Improvement District at 725-9261 or fbid@fortunabusiness.com.
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State of the Cit y Breakfast
City Manager Merritt Perry outlines completed 12th Street Fish Passage project. Photo credit: Mary Bullwinkel
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e had a great turnout at the Annual State of the City Breakfast on January 30 at the Fortuna River Lodge. Over 150 people showed up to listen to a great lineup of speakers while enjoying a delicious, hot breakfast by C. C. Catering. Thank you to Mayor Sue Long, City Manager Merritt Perry, Supervisor Estelle Fennell, Sheriff Billy Honsal, Fire Chief Lon Winburn, Dianna Rios (FBID), and Denise Marshall (McLean Foundation) for presenting. It was great hearing from each about their respective departmental accomplishments and goals as well as the collaboration between City and County officials. The City shared news about new hires and promotions, 2019-20 budget and sales tax trends, completed and ongoing projects, grants received
In over 40 years in business, SHN has assisted Fortuna City, schools, and businesses with their engineering, geology, planning, surveying, and environmental needs.
Thank You to the Friendly City! shn-engr.com
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for creek, park, and school projects, Measure E funding, police department retention and hiring, and short-term rental ordinance. You can view the City’s slideshow at https://fortunachamber.com/stateofthecity. Sheriff Honsal gave Sean Swanson from River Life Foundation special recognition for all of Sean’s hard work with cleaning up homeless encampments and trash in Fortuna. River Life Foundation and Undersheriff JD Braud work collaboratively with Fish & Wildlife and Cal Trans on these issues and it has had a positive impact on our community. Supervisor Rex Bohn thanked Dr. Keith Flamer (College of the Redwoods President) and Dr. Jason Meriwether (HSU) for their commitment to Fortuna’s youth through scholarship opportunities provided by a donation from Dan and Cindy Phillips. Fire Chief Lon Winburn and Rus Brown announced the new fire training facility which will begin construction this year. Denise Marshall announced the GLC’s Grand Opening. Dianna Rios provided an update on what the Fortuna Business Improvement District has been working on for our business community. The State of the City Breakfast is a collaboration between the City and the Chamber. It was generously sponsored by Coast Central Credit Union, A.M. Baird Engineering, and the Redwood Riverwalk Hotel.
local businesses recognized at Annual Dinner on Feb. 27, 2020
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ach year the Fortuna Chamber recognizes seven businesses and three individuals for their commitment to the community at our Annual Awards Dinner & Auction at the River Lodge. We get input from our community and Chamber members on their nominations for each category. We are pleased to present 2019’s Chamber award winners.
David Morris (Beacom Construction), Citizen of the Year, receives his award and certificate of recognition from Supervisor Estelle Fennell.
Leonard Whitchurch (middle) accepts the Business of the Year Award for Whitchurch Engineering from his cousin, Pat Whitchurch, with son (left) Brett Whitchurch.
Matt Allen, owner of Humboldt Equity, accepting the New Business of the Year award from Supervisors Rex Bohn and Estelle Fennell.
Harry Hardin, shown here with his daughter, Carrie Bateman, received the Lifetime Achievement award.
Enoch Ibarra, Volunteer of the Year, receiving his award from last year’s Volunteer of the Year, Bob Judevine. Continued on next page
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Continued from previous page
Annual Chamber Dinner
Laura Morris, Member Services Manager, accepts the award for Best Customer Service on behalf of Coast Central Credit Union.
Owner Julie Winburn accepts her award for Home Based Business of the Year for her business, Moonlight Catering, from Supervisor Fennell. Shown with Julie and Supervisor Fennell is Mayor Sue Long, Assemblymember Jim Wood District Representative, Erin Dunn, and Ciara Emery from the Office of Representative Jared Huffman.
Katy Roe, Ambassador of the Year, shown with Chamber Board Chair Seth McGrath, 1st District Supervisor Rex Bohn, and 2nd District Supervisor Estelle Fennell.
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Lon Winburn, Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department Chief, accepts the award for best Non-profit of the Year on behalf of Santa’s Sleigh.
Hec Wood, Edward Jones, accepting his award for Small Business of the Year.
Whitchurch Engineering, People’s Choice award winner for Best Table Top Decoration.
An Open Let ter from Supervisor Estelle Fennell
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ver Memorial Day weekend, as we honored those who fought for our freedom and celebrated the beginning of the Summer season, I was moved to think of just how much the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected us all. With the passage of time our response to this local/ global emergency will literally be one for the history books. Lives have been lost or badly impacted, health care workers on the front lines among them. Personal lives have been turned upside down. Education has been upended. Business Owners have been hurt especially badly. From small to large, we hear of struggles to stay afloat and we hear of massive unemployment. But we also know of great gestures of kindness, compassion, ingenuity, pulling together to help each other through this. And in that regard, I think Fortuna shines. Fortuna is a city that feels like a small town. Businesspeople in Fortuna are a tight knit and welcoming group, the heart of the community. Small businesses are welcomed in, celebrated and honored with awards for their contributions to both the social and economic well-being of the community. That heart of the community has taken a significant hit but still beats strong and yearns to be up and running again. Four years ago, I spent a week at the Federal Emergency Management Training Facilities in Williamsburg, Virginia. I joined emergency responders and colleagues from throughout our County in an exercise that would give us the tools to get an effective Emergency Operations Center/Joint Information Center (EOC/JIC) up and running quickly in the event of a major emergency. We didn’t train for anything like the current pandemic. The scenario we used was a major earthquake. But the skills we learned were invaluable, especially the ability to work together, county, cities and towns and the ability to quickly evaluate essential needs and unique challenges, developing systems to put in place to deal with it. Early on in this current emergency it became very clear that because all business and services except essential services would be closed down, a major component of our response as a county would be to address business impacts and provide resources to the business community to navigate the multiple challenges coming their way. Almost immediately, we established a special branch of the Emergency
Response team to deal just with businesses and their needs. Businesses were encouraged to participate in an economic impact survey and the EOC established a special line for business – related questions and issues. That division alone was staffed with numerous employees and agencies, experts in their fields. Now, as we begin to reopen, that work has evolved into economic resilience and recovery, finding ways to work together so that even with the virus still circulating, we can carry on with a more regular life while protecting ourselves, our families and our community. The work also has a strong component of teambuilding with other counties and cities in our region in order to influence State and Federal decision makers. As we move forward, the goal must be twofold; a healthy community and a healthy economy. They are inextricably connected, and both are important. In the early stages of the pandemic, without a doubt, protecting ourselves against an unknown and very dangerous virus required vigilance and sacrifices from us all. And we had to make sure that we had enough protective gear for our healthcare workers and emergency responders. We had to build up our ability to test for the virus and we had to put measures in place so that if/when the virus spread more widely, our healthcare system would not be overwhelmed. We have accomplished that now and we are far better prepared than we were when the virus first made its way into Humboldt County. Many businesses and services are now able to reopen by registering with the county and outlining their plans to keep their employees and their clients/ customers safe. Recreation opportunities are also opening up as are childcare facilities. Soon, if we can avoid a major outbreak, we will be able to get back to large events, sports and the like. How soon that happens depends on all of us. If we continue simple practices like keeping our distance, wearing a mask, and washing our hands, we will have a much better chance of controlling the outcome. We are all in this together. Let’s continue working together. Like any generation that has faced a worldwide challenge, we will emerge stronger and wiser and better prepared for whatever challenges we face in this ever-changing world. — Estelle Fennell 2nd District Supervisor 11
Chamber Members Helping the Communit y
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OVID-19 has forced many of us to change our normal way of operating our businesses. Seeing a need in our community, these members successfully shifted from normal operations to assisting our first responders, seniors, and community members during the pandemic. We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and thank them for what they’ve given back to the community.
Sofrina/Left in Stitches
Once the Mandatory Mask Order went into effect, a shortage of facial coverings in our area became apparent. Owner Chris Sutter and staff stepped up and began making face masks for our healthcare and frontline workers. FBID and the Chamber recently partnered to purchase 100 masks that were donated to small businesses and medical clinics in our community. Sofrina masks are made of premium cotton with a very high thread count and are made to slip over an N95 or to be worn alone. Sizes available: 2-4yrs, 4-8yrs, adult small, and adult regular. They offer curbside pickup or shipping. Limited in store shopping is available. You can contact them at (707) 617-2540 or www.sofrina.com/collections/masks.
From left, Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Logistics Chief Jo Wattle, Marketing Manager Ren Brownell, EOC Transportation Unit Leader Deputy Ana Hernandez, Abe Stevens, and Assistant Distiller Grace Archer. Photo credit: Humboldt Distillery
senior centers, and staff at the COVID-19 testing site. Humboldt Distillery also donated directly to the community, giving sanitizer to Sequoia Springs, Miranda’s Rescue, the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, and others. The EOC estimates that Humboldt Distillery has donated over 3,000 one-liter bottles. That is approximately 792 gallons! And they are still producing it. While they intend to continue to donate a portion of each batch, they are now offering some for sale to help offset costs of donated materials. This is a liquid formula, best used for refills, and comes in a 750 ml bottle. You can pick up a bottle at Beverage Plus or purchase it wholesale from Humboldt Distillery. They can be reached at (707) 725-1700 or humboldtdistillery.com.
Feed the Folks
Photo credit: Sofrina Collections
Humboldt Distillery
What do you do when you are closed during the Shelter in Place but have access to high quality vodka? You do what Humboldt Distillery did: you switch to making hand sanitizer. Owners Abe and Courtney Stevens and Assistant Distiller Grace Archer began churning out hand sanitizer back in March. Originally it was all donated to the Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) who then distributed it to local agencies throughout the region, medical workers, first responders, 12
Don and Melisa Wennerholm have been quietly feeding our local community, defrayed by donations and sales from Don’s weekly smoked tri tip and barbecue ribs. They have donated more than 250 meals to seniors and families in need. They make meals such as meatloaf, spaghetti w/meat sauce, beef stew, chili with rice, or ham and bean stew. All meals come with either fresh cooked cornbread or white bread and homemade cookies. Don and Melisa deliver to seniors, single parent families, families with medically fragile members, and families who now find their kids or grandkids home full time. Don and Melisa started delivering about 65 meals a week at the end of March. They now average about 32 meals a week. Everyone who has received a meal was either someone Don or Melisa reached out to or were referred to them by friends or family members. Each meal is delivered with safety in mind. They wear masks, ring
the bell, and leave the dinner on the porch. Don jokingly calls it the grownup version of “ding dong ditch” with benefits. When asked what got them started preparing meals, Don said, “It makes us feel good being able to help during this time of difficulty for so many.” If you know of businesses or community members making an impact during the pandemic, please reach out to the Chamber. We would love to feature them in an upcoming edition.
Don and Melisa Wennerholm
new member businesses As of May 2020
Kevin Elderkin 13
Face Mask Selfie Contest
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e had a little fun with the new face mask order by having a selfie contest. Angela Conley (pictured) had the most votes. There were many good submissions from our community, including Fire Chief Lon Winburn, Corey Fisher, Brent Freitas, and Supervisor Rex Bohn. You can see all of the photos on our Facebook page. Angela currently works at St. Joseph Health Medical Group in Eureka. She previously worked at Fortuna Optometry for 7 years. Some of her masks came from her mother-in-law, Sally, while others were donated. She moved to Fortuna in 2002 after graduating from high school in San Diego. While Fortuna was a bit of a culture shock from San Diego, she is glad she didn’t move away. She married her husband, Kyle, in 2009. They have two boys, ages 10 and 7! Angela keeps busy on the HOPS in Humboldt Committee and assisting our firemen and burned out families in need of support through the Fortuna Fire Ladies Auxiliary. Angela’s husband, Kyle, is on the FVFD, president of the Elementary School Board, and a baseball coach. Angela loves Fortuna, saying “I
love the people that I have met through my family I married into. I have the best husband, kids, friends, and community members that always look out for us! We’re all very lucky to live here!”
Operation Celebrate!
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his graduation season is unlike any other. To celebrate our Fortuna Union High School District graduates finishing high school through distance learning and our merchants hit so hard by the pandemic, we bring you OPERATION CELEBRATE! Fortuna Union High School District and the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce teamed up to bring Fortuna a Graduation Business Window Decorating Contest. Businesses and organizations were assigned graduates from Fortuna High, East High, and Academy of the Redwoods to feature in their windows. Twenty-eight businesses stepped up to the challenge and began decorating their windows in mid-May. Beginning on June 1, everyone can vote for their favorite window online (fortunachamber.com/ operation-celebrate). Three window displays will be chosen for prizes (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place). The students featured in a winning window will share
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Horizon Business Products
prizes donated by our community. We have Coast Central Mastercard gift cards, gift certificates, gas cards, merchandise, and more to give away to the winners. Each merchant who decorated a winning window will receive a thank you gift from the Fortuna Chamber. Winners will be announced in early July. Remember to support our local businesses! Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
To the Senior Class of 2020
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’m sorry for all of the “lasts” that were stripped from you.
Without notice you were deprived of the things that Seniors should do. I’m sorry that you missed your Senior Prom and spring sports. That you are graduating by “drive thru” as a last resort. I’m sorry you finished up the year with distance learning. For yearbook signings and interaction with friends you are yearning. I’m sorry you won’t be selling your animals at the fair. And you will miss out on all the fun times to be had there. I’m sorry if you are feeling lonely and depressed. That college is looking different than you guessed. I’m sorry that this may be your last summer in town. And the events we all look forward to may be shut down. During this pandemic you have paid a terrible price. And your community grieves with you for every sacrifice. With all of that said I believe in each one of you. I believe that you will succeed in whatever you do. I believe that you will change the world as you continue to grow. That you will make a difference wherever you go. I believe that you are courageous, tenacious and strong. That you will forge ahead and end up right where you belong. I believe that you will follow your dreams, maybe with a twist. But you will not allow them to just be dismissed. I’m thankful that you stayed the course and finished the race. And that you have brought so much joy and energy to this place. I’m thankful for the work you’ve done in your small town. Volunteering your time to make it a place where blessings abound. Whether you were at the top of the class or just got by. This chapter is finished so reach for the sky! As young people we can sometimes feel like we know it all. But I’ve been there and sometimes that can be your downfall. Listen and research both sides of a debate before taking a stand. You don’t want to be the one with your head in the sand. As you join the world of adulthood always be humble and kind. Be thankful and positive, but don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Remember the ones who’ve cheered you on through the years. Keep in touch with your family, teachers, and peers. Because you may be ready to spread your wings. But they will be missing the joy that seeing you brings. With love, Mayor Sue Long
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Build to edge of the document Margins are just a safe area
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Wendy Hummel Owner
Phone: 707-725-4120 www.hummeltire.com
910 S Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna
(707) 725-9376
SIX RIVERS REAL ESTATE
SixRiversRealEstate.com
Humboldt’s Oldest - Family Owned-Since 1966! Looking for a new home in Humboldt County, or are you ready to sell? Call one of our agents today or visit our web and search for your dream home for free!
SHOP LOCAL FIRST
Please support your locally owned Downtown businesses. We need your support now more than ever.
COURTESY OF FORTUNA DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION For more info go to fortunadowntown.org
Debbie August Broker/Owner DRE#00604073
John Egan Realtor Associate/ Partner DRE#01438132
Laura Olson Executive Office Manager/ Bookkeeper 707-725-9376
Wendy Medders Broker - Associate DRE#01888500
Katy Lund Realtor - Associate DRE#02035968
Tami Erickson Realtor - Associate DRE#01227851
SixRiversRealEstate.com | 707-725-9376
We Bring The VieW Back To You 357 Main St., Fortuna, CA 95540 www.redwoodglassandwindows.com 16
Feed the ER
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he Fortuna Chamber and McLean Foundation recently partnered up to support the Feed the ER program here in Fortuna, raising $2,175 with the help of our local community. This program, started by Betsy Totten, has helped feed our frontline healthcare workers and first responders since March. The program is run by volunteers who pick up and deliver breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by our local restaurants and caterers. Fortuna Mayor Pro Tem Tami Trent has been helping deliver breakfast to Redwood Memorial once a week. She usually shops at Fortuna Grocery Outlet for bagels, fruit, and yogurt, delivering each week on Tuesday. If you are interested in
Workers at Redwood Memorial Hospital receive delicious food from Hot Brew Bistro with funds raised by the Fortuna Community. Photo Credit Betsy Totten
supporting this program, you can send your donation to Feed the ER, 728 4th Street, Box H, Eureka, CA 95501.
Cooperation Humboldt
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ooperation Humboldt is offering customized small garden setups* at no charge. They are particularly interested in making these gardens available to lower income folks who would not otherwise be able to set one up on their own. While you are responsible for maintaining the garden, they are available to offer advice and support.
Why grow a garden?
• Increase your access to fresh produce at no cost to you. • Reduce your reliance on corporatized food system (especially in the face of potential COVID related supply chain problems). • Reduce your trips to the grocery store, thus keeping workers (and yourself) safer during this pandemic. • Help the environment by reducing your family’s food miles and, therefore, your carbon footprint.
Want to Help?
Cooperation Humboldt welcomes community support of this project in the following areas: • Volunteer to help deliver mini gardens. • Donate soil, compost, materials to build planters, large grow bags, or plant starts. For more information and to apply, please visit cooperationhumboldt.com/mini-gardens. *While supplies last. 17
Get help buying food while schools are closed
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new program, called Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), is available for families with children who are eligible for reduced-priced meals at school. P-EBT helps families buy food in California while schools are closed and will allow for extra food benefits over the coming months. Children are eligible for P-EBT benefits if: • Their school is closed due to coronavirus (COVID 19); and • They are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals Most families with children who receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply online. Families with children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals and who do NOT get CalFresh, Medi-Cal or Foster Care benefits must apply online before June 30, 2020 at ca.p-ebt. org.
What if my children are still getting school meals ‘to-go’ from another location?
Children who pick up “to-go” meals in their community are still eligible for P-EBT benefits if: • Their school is closed due to coronavirus (COVID 19); and • They are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals
When is the deadline to apply for P-EBT benefits?
Shutterstock
You must apply by June 30, 2020 to get P-EBT benefits. P-EBT benefits are only available while schools are closed due to coronavirus (COVID 19). If you didn’t get a P-EBT card in the mail and do not apply by June 30, 2020 you will not be able to get P-EBT benefits.
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Questions? Call California’s EBT customer service center at (877) 328-9677. You can reach them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Reciba ayuda para comprar comida mientras las escuelas están cerradas
Un nuevo programa, llamado Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), está disponible para familias con niños que son elegibles para comidas a precio reducido en la escuela. P-EBT ayuda a las familias a comprar alimentos en California mientras las escuelas están cerradas y permitirá beneficios de alimentos adicionales en los próximos meses. Los niños son elegibles para recibir los beneficios P-EBT si es que: • su escuela está cerrada debido al coronavirus (COVID-19) • son elegibles para recibir alimentos en la escuela gratis o a precios reducidos La mayoría de las familias con niños que reciben beneficios de CalFresh, Medi-Cal o Foster Care no necesitan solicitar en línea. Las familias con niños que son elegibles para comidas gratuitas o a precio reducido y que NO reciben beneficios de CalFresh, Medi-Cal o Foster Care deben solicitar en línea antes del 30 de junio del 2020 en ca.p-ebt.org.
¿Qué pasa si mis hijos todavía están recibiendo comidas escolares para llevar desde otro lugar?
Los niños que recogen comidas “para llevar” en su comunidad todavía son elegibles para los beneficios de P-EBT si: • su escuela está cerrada debido al coronavirus (COVID 19); • y son elegibles para comidas escolares gratuitas o a precio reducido
¿Hasta cuándo tengo para solicitar beneficios P-EBT?
Debe solicitar a más tardar el 30 de junio del 2020 para recibir beneficios P-EBT. Los beneficios P-EBT están disponibles solamente durante el tiempo que están cerradas las escuelas por el coronavirus (COVID-19). Si no recibió una carta P-EBT en el correo y no solicitó a más tardar el 30 de junio del 2020 no podrá recibir los beneficios P-EBT. Llame al centro de servicio al público de EBT de California al (877) 328-9677. Puede llamar las 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana.
Hello Ot ter Art supporters!
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The River Lodge Otter, purchased by the Fortuna Chamber Tourism & Marketing Committee in partnership with the City of Fortuna and Humboldt Lodging Alliance, is pictured in the front row, third from the left. The otter was painted by local artist, James Rose, and bears the name Poppy Rose McOtter. Photo Credit: North Coast Otter Art Project
tters are coming to Fortuna, but not exactly as planned! The pandemic has forced a postponement of the installation of 100 otters in Humboldt County. HSU Professor Jeff Black, Otter Art event organizer, said, “This is not what we had originally imagined for our otters’ big unveiling, but like the wild otters, we are resilient! A new set of dates will be established for the Otter Art Treasure Hunt to help rebuild our communities throughout the North Coast.” You can view all of the painted otters at otterart. humboldt.edu.
AutoXpo Donation helps Fort una Parks & Recreation
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he Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo Committee recently donated more than $3,000 to help the City. “They donated $2,000 worth of the very best sport hardwood refinish products,” Fortuna Parks and Recreation Director Cameron Mull said. The polyurethane was used to refurbish the gymnasium
Photo credit: City of Fortuna
floor at the Fireman’s Pavilion in Rohner Park, helping to protect it for years to come. The Committee also donated two stainless steel Koala brand baby changing stations to be installed in the bathrooms at Rohner Park as well as two 10’x10’ pop-up tents that will be used in Newburg Park for the City’s summer fun camp youth program. 19
Gene Lucas Communit y Center Celebrates Grand Opening
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he McLean Foundation celebrated their 20th Anniversary and the grand opening of the Gene Lucas Community Center on February 29. The day featured presentations by GLC and McLean Foundation staff and board directors. Guests were treated to performances from Academy of Irish Dance and South Fortuna Elementary School Folklorico dancers. There was Baile Terapia, a Paso a Paso Zumba-style dance class, in the Mel & Grace room, open tours of the classrooms, walks on the trails, a photo booth provided by Jesse Gabriel Photography, and delicious food provided by Jeanne Dorris Catering. A time capsule was buried and sealed by local Masons. The Chamber was happy to provide a ribbon cutting to mark the occasion. While the Community Center is currently closed due to the pandemic, we will soon see activity including movie & game nights, community art, Tai Chi, Zumba, and yoga classes, kids cooking classes, and more. Classrooms are also available for rent to the community. To stay up to date on what is happening at the GLC, please subscribe to their newsletter at glccenter.org.
Gene Lucas Community Center Campus Usage
The Gene Lucas Community Center has been seeing a lot of the community come out and enjoy the trails and campus at 3000 Newburg Rd. With the finished trail addition that now connects Newburg Park to the McLean Campus, more opportunities are open to the public. Signs have just been installed around the grounds to help everyone enjoy the space while adhering to the campus guidelines to help protect everyone who visits the GLC. 20
Photo credit: Andra Stringer
What is allowed: • The McLean Campus fosters walking on the trails and bridges • Leashed Pets and pet waste picked up and disposed of (pet waste stations have been installed) What is not allowed: • Bikes on Campus or trails, except when we reopen, if needed for transportation to the site only • Skateboards, skates, scooters, and anything of the like • Smoking and/or vaping The GLC cohabitates with many wild critters on the site — deer, white tailed kites, geese, frogs and numerous waterfowl, to name a few; please be conscious and mindful of sharing the space with them in your actions so that everyone can fully be and thrive. Enjoy the open spaces of the GLC and be caring for your fellow man as you relish in the beauty, we call home. For more information, please contact the McLean Office at (707) 725-1722.
Color Ollie the Otter! Here is your chance to have fun as a family by coloring and maybe win too! Everyone can participate and win, even adults! Prizes may vary and awarded in the next Fortuna Newsletter. Have fun coloring our otter friend Ollie. Completed entries can be mailed to Fortuna Coloring Contest, P.O. Box 797, Fortuna, CA 95540 or share on your Facebook or Instagram page and use #ColorOllie2020 The deadline to enter either online or postmarked envelope is Monday, June 22, 2020.
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Four Ways to Prepare to Reopen
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usinesses across the county are preparing to start reopening their workplaces. Here are some simple steps to help you prepare to reopen.
1. Build a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
The County and the State will require businesses to have a written safety plan in place in order to operate. Ideally, this plan will be in place prior to reopening. Additionally, Cal/OSHA is requiring all businesses to have an Injury & Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) along with a Pandemic Prevention Plan. You can find free templates for both on the State Compensation Insurance Fund website (safeatworkca.com). A COVID-19 Preparedness Plan should include, at a minimum: • Infection identification and prevention measures. • Identification and isolation of sick employees (include sick leave policies). • Social distancing protocols (signage, floor markings, etc.). • Customer controls and protections for drop-off, pickup, and delivery. • Housekeeping, including cleaning, disinfecting and decontamination. • Managerial and employee training necessary to implement the plan.
2. Signage & Supplies
Now is the time to start gathering necessary supplies
and signage to accommodate the County’s recommendations. Businesses needing help with signage can contact Lotus Mountain for floor and window decals. Scrapper’s Edge (Eureka) and Horizon Business Products can help with posters and banners.
3. Make technology your friend
Now more than ever, a strong web presence is vital to a business. If your business doesn’t have a webpage, a Facebook page, or an Instagram account, now is a great time to fix that. There are many webinars available (just ask us for the links) that can help you set up and manage Facebook, Instagram, even LinkedIn. These social media channels will help you keep in contact with your customers as you begin to reopen. Share on social media all the steps you are taking to make employees and customers feel safe. Post your COVID-19 specific policies on your website where they can be easily found. Many customers may be wary of visiting businesses, and an effective communication plan can help businesses convey to these customers how seriously they are taking infection prevention. If you haven’t reviewed your web page in months (or even years), now is the perfect time to take a hard look at it and check it for broken links and outdated information. Add fresh, useful content to your website. Additionally, contactless payment systems, automated ordering systems, and mobile ordering apps, can help you conduct business with reduced need for close contact. Create an e-commerce site with Shopify, connect with online delivery services (DoorDash, Instacart), or add an online store using Square.
4. Look toward the future
While your business has been closed, you may have had time to observe and reflect on the new landscape your business will reenter. What did you learn about your business, your employees, and your customers during this time? What did you learn from other businesses in your industry? Are there new processes you could put in place to improve your business or new products or services you would like to offer? If it makes sense for your business, move online. Hold virtual events like webinars, Facebook or Instagram Live, or YouTube videos. Showcase your shop inventory on Instagram and Pinterest. Create new partnerships with other local businesses to expand your customer reach.
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