The Triplicate

Graduation Day

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:29:25 +0100

Some of the 192 Del Norte High School seniors who graduated Friday night take their places at Mike Whalen Field as the commencement ceremony begins. Afterward, many of them attended an all-night Safe and Sober party organized by volunteers and funded by community donations. It was scheduled to continue until 4 a.m. Saturday.

Water testing due in Smith R.

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:27:03 +0100

Six samplings to be taken in estuary near agriculture More than $30,000 will be spent on a water testing project planned to begin late this summer in the Smith River floodplain, the “Easter Lily Capital of World” and home to more than 1,100 residents. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board will start sampling water from the Smith River estuary in the late summer and will continue the project through next spring, ultimately obtaining 36 samples from six sites downstream of agriculture where contaminants are likely to accumulate. The testing is intended to capture the “baseline conditions” of the Smith River estuary in order to measure the effectiveness of an Agriculture Lands Discharge Program that is still being crafted by the Regional Water Board and will be implemented in upcoming years. “We’re not out there to punish people; we’re out there to test the water quality and see how things are going,” said Rich Fadness, the Regional Water Board staff scientist who will be conducting the sampling. The surface water testing was originally planned to start this spring, but water quality staff members are still working with private landowners (almost all of the Smith River floodplain is privately owned) to identify the sampling sites, Fadness said. Water testing in the Smith River estuary, which is surrounded by agriculture, has been severely limited, and when testing has been done, the results have been unfavorable.

Officers descend in purse snatching

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:25:22 +0100

Officers from three agencies converged on Coast Central Credit Union on Wednesday for what they thought was a bank robbery. But it turned out to be a purse snatching that resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old Crescent City man, said Police Chief Doug Plack. “(The call) occurred at 4:20 p.m. and we were to respond to a report of a robbery at Coast Central Credit Union. That’s how it went out,” he said. “We responded with the assistance of the sheriff’s department. National and state parks responded. Obviously the information relayed over the radio from dispatch was very brief.” The suspect, Joseph Aaron Ramos, told police that he had tried to withdraw $50 from his savings account to buy drugs, but was refused because he lacked identification, Plack said. Ramos had been sitting outside the bank wondering what to do when he saw a 63-year-old woman, walk toward the entrance, Plack said, adding that Ramos grabbed her purse and took off toward K Street. A witness followed the suspect south on K Street and saw Ramos drop the purse, Plack said. Officers, thinking it was a money bag from the bank, set up a perimeter and found Ramos hiding near a boat in a backyard on Fifth Street, Plack said.

Hash-for-gas offer results in arrests

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:24:07 +0100

Authorities say travelers were low on money and fuel An attempt to obtain gas money went south for travelers headed north when, instead of taking the hashish they allegedly offered, a Walmart employee notified security at the Crescent City store. Sheriff’s deputies arrested Randy Allen Blanchette, 42, of Eugene, Ore., and Micah McClendon, 31, who described himself as a transient, in the Walmart parking lot at 8:25 a.m. Thursday on suspicion of criminal conspiracy and selling marijuana, said sheriff’s Commander Tim Athey. Deputies also cited Lonnie Jamison, 48, of O’Neals, Calif., on suspicion of criminal conspiracy and selling marijuana, Athey said. A woman and an 8-year-old child were also present, which prompted deputies to contact Child Protective Services, Athey said. The woman was not arrested. Deputies also asked County Animal Control to respond because of the numerous dogs travelling with the suspects, he said.

Death Notice: Jean Camarena

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:22:16 +0100

Jean Camarena, 60, died June 13, 2013. She was born in Avenal, Calif., on July 29, 1952. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 22, at 11 a.m. at Foursquare Church, 144 Butte St., Crescent City. A potluck will be held immediately following services in the Fireside Room. Sign the family’s online guest book at wiersmortuary.com. Arrangements by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel.

Obituary: Jennifer Lee Evert (Sept. 23, 1978 – May 20, 2013)

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:21:16 +0100

Jennifer Lee Evert, died unexpectedly on May 20, 2013. Born in Voorhees, N.J., Jennifer grew up on the West Coast, completing high school in Porterville, Calif. In school Jennifer excelled academically, and enjoyed playing the flute and piccolo. She was also the first runner up in the Miss Porterville Pageant in her senior year. Jennifer was a free spirit who enjoyed life, making friends as she excelled in her careers and was loved by all who had the privilege of meeting her. Jennifer loved the elderly, and had previously worked as a Med Charge at Ocean Park in Brookings. She had a special love for children, and although she was unable to have her own, she loved her niece and nephew and her husband’s children as her own. Jennifer had recently started a new career at State Farm Insurance, working with Lisa McKeown, hoping to one day become an agent. After suffering much personal tragedy, Jennifer was still capable of lighting up a room with her beautiful smile and touching the lives of everyone she met.

Flag Day festivities

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:18:23 +0100

Members of Marine Corps League Detachment 578 presented the colors and played the National Anthem on Friday at the Del Norte Senior Center in recognition of Flag Day. Later, a Flag Day ceremony was held at the Elks Lodge.

Want fish data? MPA Baseline program may help

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:13:25 +0100

An opportunity to ask questions and discuss proposals for the Marine Protected Area Baseline Program, where bidders can get funding to collect data on the economic and ecological conditions of North Coast oceans, will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Crescent City Harbor office. Bidders interested in participating in the North Coast MPA Baseline Program are encouraged to attend the discussion session. More than $4 million has been allocated to study the economic and environmental conditions of the North Coast at the outset of the landmark Marine Protected Areas, which prohibit certain activities, mainly fishing and harvesting, in certain California coastal areas in order to restore fish populations. “The discussion sessions provide opportunities for the community to learn about the Baseline Program Request for Proposals process and potentially develop partnerships with scientists developing Baseline Program project proposals,” said local biologist Zack Larson, who serves as the liaison for Del Norte for the Baseline program. Partnerships between commercial fishermen and scientists to collect data have been frequently discussed as an ideal way for baseline data to be obtained.

Armed robbery reported

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:12:28 +0100

Authorities are still investigating an armed robbery reported last weekend. A man was walking to his car outside the Fort Dick Market at about 5:45 a.m. on June 8 when he saw another man sitting in a black four-door car. The other man stepped out of his car, pointed a small frame revolver at the victim and made off with his money, watch and phone, according to the Del Norte County Sheriffs Office. The victim was uninjured. The gunman was described as white, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 100–120 pounds with sandy blond hair. His car was described as a black, late-model four-door Mazda in poor condition. It had an Oregon license plate beginning with AW or AV, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Letters to the Editor June 15, 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:10:52 +0100

Alexander suggesting extreme racial profiling Regarding Jon Alexander’s June 8 Coastal Voices piece, “Why are we surrendering to Mexican meth?” it seems Alexander wants to blame the Mexicans for all the meth in this part of the country, when everyone knows that meth-cookers have been here forever and they are white good ol’ boys! Knowing that this part of California is very prejudiced on minorities, why would he want to declare war on Mexicans? Extreme racial profiling is what he is suggesting! He off all people should know how the lynch mobs can come out! Remember what you have done to disgrace your office of public trust! So before you start fearing “Chapo” Guzman and his men in the Sinaloa cartel, wonder what your neighbors are cooking up on their stoves! Josie Ruiz, Crescent City Impoverished hatchery is at risk of closing Rowdy Creek Hatchery is proud to announce that it has partnered with the Smith River Rancheria to help establish a long-term enhancement and economic base for the hatchery programs. The partnership will allow the hatchery access to technical and natural resource support from Rancheria staff, provide access to funding sources currently not available and create a closer relationship between the Smith River community, the rancheria and the Del Norte County economy. This partnership, however, will take time to develop and the current hatchery financial situation is dire. The hatchery’s Board of Directors is asking the community for immediate help in keeping the hatchery open.

News of Record June 7-13, 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:08:08 +0100

Del Norte County Superior Court felony and misdemeanor sentencings for the week of June 7-13 include: • Randolph Alejo Jr., 43, Crescent City, was sentenced to 10 days in County Jail, three years probation and fined $620 for entering a non-commercial dwelling • Nicoal Hutzell Dixon, 36, Crescent City, was sentenced to 10 days in County Jail, three years probation and fined $620 for entering a non-commercial dwelling; and sentenced to 10 days in County Jail, three years probation and fined $1,444 for driving on a suspended license • Jordan Markanson, 26, Crescent City, was sentenced to 15 days in County Jail, three years probation and fined $2,264 for driving on a license suspended due to a DUI; and sentenced to 15 days in County Jail for a probation violation • Nyia Her, 22, Crescent City, was sentenced to 48 hours in County Jail, three years probation and fined $1,854 for driving under the influence • Holly Graham, 48, Paradise, was sentenced to 48 hours in County Jail, three years probation and fined $1,854 for driving under the influence • John Leslie, 30, Crescent City, was sentenced to two years in State Prison and fined $240 for felony inflicting corporal injury and possession of a firearm by a felon • Bron Williams, 39, Crescent City, was sentenced to 90 days in County Jail and termination of probation for a probation violation

Del Norte Senior Athletes of the Year

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:06:48 +0100

As voted on by Del Norte High teachers, administrators, community members and the Del Norte Triplicate, the senior male and female athletes of the year, Blair Westbrook and Brittany Maready, were honored at the Del Norte scholarship banquet on June 6. Brittany Maready’s talents for scoring in two sports propelled the Del Norte High basketball and volleyball teams in the 2012–13 school year. As an outside hitter, Maready was a major contributor to the Warriors as they qualified for the California Interscholastic Federation North Coast Section playoffs. As a guard/forward on the girls basketball team, Maready was the leading scorer on the most successful Warriors squad in four seasons, helping to snap a two-year winless streak in Humboldt-Del Norte Big 5 League play. In a class replete with talented senior female athletes, Maready’s scoring prowess stands out.

Cook takes reins of Warriors girls basketball

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:01:36 +0100

JV boys coach succeeds Mike Ernest, who resigned after one season Del Norte High is tapping an individual familiar to the fans in Thunen Gymnasium to take over its girls basketball program. Jeff Cook, who coached the Warriors’ junior varsity boys team in the 2012–13 academic year, will become the varsity girls coach next season, according to athletic director Bob Hadfield. Cook, who has taken a job at Del Norte County Community Day School in Crescent City, has been involved with Warriors basketball for four years and has served as varsity head coach in an interim capacity. Next year will be his first season coaching a Del Norte girls team. The Warriors finished 10-12 overall (1-7 Humboldt-Del Norte Big 5 League) in 2012–13 under former head coach Mike Ernest. It was Del Norte’s most successful season by wins in four years; the league win was the Warriors’ first in nearly two years. Ernest resigned from his coaching position — which he held for one season — and his position as dean of counseling and student services at Castle Rock Charter School earlier this spring. Reach Robert Husseman at rhusseman@triplicate.com.

DN football to swim in a big pond in Gold Beach

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:00:23 +0100

Its spring practice period officially in the books, the Del Norte High football team has set up camp in Gold Beach, Ore. Eighty Warriors varsity and junior varsity players made the trek up to the Gold Beach Football Team Camp for five days of practice, instruction and competitive opportunity. Sixteen football teams from Oregon and California are participating in the 2013 Gold Beach Camp, divided into two pools of eight. Del Norte is part of the black pool, with California high schools Benicia High and Lassen High (Susanville) and Oregon high schools North Salem, South Medford, Bend, Summit (also of Bend) and Thurston (Springfield). McKinleyville High is also participating in the Gold Beach Camp, in the gold pool. The black pool is deeper and more talented than the gold pool, where the Warriors were originally slated. Offered the chance to move into the black pool by the camp organizers, Del Norte head coach Ray Rook didn’t hesitate. “I told the coaches first, and they were like, ‘Heck yeah, that’s what we’re about,’” Rook said Thursday. “I told (the kids), and they just lit up.” South Medford, Thurston and North Salem are Oregon School Activities Association Class 6A schools — the highest classification in Oregon — and Summit and Bend High are Class 5A schools. Lassen is a California Interscholastic Federation Northern Section Division 2 team, while Benicia advanced to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs last season in Division 3.

Joe Sullivan part of family of DN athletes

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:57:43 +0100

When Warrior fans hear the name Sullivan they immediately think athlete. The line started with Bill Sullivan, son of Dee and Leo Sullivan. Dee was a long-time Warrior coach and an Olympic-caliber athlete. Bill is a Del Norte High School Hall of Fame athlete who had a stellar football career at Oregon State. After graduating from OSU, Bill returned to Crescent City and he and his wife, Karen, had three sons, Mike, Joe and Grant, all of whom have been excellent Warrior athletes. I had the privilege of coaching Mike and Joe on the football field. I picked on Mike earlier; now it is Joe’s turn. Joe holds a very special place in my memory in that he played on the very last football team that I coached before retiring. Joe was an excellent running back and had the competitive spirit that made him a joy to work with. He started his Warrior football career as a freshman running back on the JV team, a position he continued to hold his sophomore year. When he moved up to varsity he continued his career as a very productive tailback in the Warrior running game. He was a modest, hard-working, quiet young man who always tried to improve, which made him a real solid Warrior. When football ended, Joe took his talents to the basketball court, playing on both the JV and varsity teams during his high school years. I remember another great talent Joe had: He was an outstanding senior cheerleader for the powderpuff football game. I don’t know if he was cheering for the winning or losing team, but he was having fun.

Mountain biking: Tolowa Dunes on 2-wheelers

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:56:13 +0100

With miles of former ranch roads providing a nice gravel base for trails, Tolowa Dunes State Park is a great place for a moderately difficult mountain bike ride. A perfect place to start is the 3.5-mile Ridge Trail, which connects Kellogg Road and Pala Road, visiting the historic Tolowa village site and cemetery of Yontocket en route. The Ridge Trail is far from flat, but since the ascents and descents are short and gradual, it won’t leave you wishing you stayed home. The Ridge Trail can be mountain biked as a 6- to 7-mile out-and-back or combined with a ride down Lower Lake Road for an 8.5-mile loop. There are two potential starting points: a trailhead on Kellogg Road a half-mile west of Lower Lake Road that I recently used during a ride with friends. There is limited parking at this location, so if there is no space, use the horse parking lot two-tenths of a mile west on of the trailhead off Kellogg. You could also park at the large lot on the west end of Pala Road, which starts at the north end of Lower Lake Drive. Starting from Kellogg Road, riders are welcomed by a shotgun-blasted sign that will soon be replaced thanks to the Redwood Parks Association and the California State Parks Foundation. The sign lists mileage to the marsh (1.3 miles), ponds (1.4 miles) and Yontocket (2.8 miles). Although most of the trail is gravel, it is important for riders to watch out for sandy spots that can quickly stall a bike in its tracks. The first half-mile is mostly flat with some mild hills, and then you reach the forks for the marsh side trail, which is when we could first hear sounds of the ocean calling from the other side of the forested ridge to our left.

House Calls: Carry a list of contacts for a crisis

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:49:58 +0100

House Calls is published monthly. Today’s article was written by Peggy Castro, case management assistant at Sutter Coast Hospital. Have you ever thought about who you would want contacted, or how an emergency worker would know how to contact those individuals if you had a medical emergency? It’s important to carry a list of every medication you take, including over-the-counter vitamins and drug allergies, as well as a list of emergency contacts and how to reach them. It sounds so simple, but can be complicated by circumstances out of your control. Communications to rescue and emergency workers can sometimes be hindered due to unexpected medical conditions. These conditions may make it impossible for you to speak or write. Having a list of contacts in your wallet, car or on your cell phone, as well as a list of any known medical conditions, becomes vital in helping emergency workers provide the correct and appropriate care to you. This information allows your rescue and emergency health-care team to make correct diagnoses and treatments for your possible illness, as well as being able to contact those loved ones who might be looking for you.

Church Notebook: Several local options for Vacation Bible School

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:48:16 +0100

Ever since I can remember, Vacation Bible School has been one of the highlights of summer vacation. Kids — and, I suspect, parents — look forward to it, though perhaps for different reasons. It’s fun for kids, a chance to learn something different, in an atmosphere that is less restrictive than that of “regular” school. (And, sadly, for some kids, it’s the only place they learn that “God” and “Jesus” are not just words of profanity.) I remember, when I was in high school, helping to teach VBS at my church in a little town in upstate New York. My class was 5- and 6- year-olds, and how those kids loved Bible stories! David and Goliath, Gideon and his fleece, Samson — and then, of course, the wonderful stories of the life of Jesus. The availability of VBS here has varied over the years I’ve been writing this column, but we’ve always had several. I was getting worried it wasn’t going to happen this year, but the information is coming in and the kids are not going to be disappointed. They’ll learn about Jesus, have fun, and instead of complaining about being bored, they’ll be regaling Mom with tales of what was learned that morning. A lot of our church congregations these days are too small to support a program — and sometimes some of them join together to put one on, and I think that is one great idea.

9 years later, a gymnasium

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:46:40 +0100

When they were kindergartners, a new gym was a goal to plan and raise money for. But as the eighth-graders, they bid farewell to Smith River School on Wednesday inside the new 10,000 square-foot building that dominates the grounds, its roof higher than other buildings in the area except for the church steeple across the street. “I’m just so happy and so excited for the kids and the community,” said former volleyball coach Elaine Fallgren. “This is pretty much a dream come true.” Twenty-eight students graduated from Smith River School on Wednesday, celebrating with friends, teachers and family at the gym they spent their entire elementary school careers raising money for. The finishing touches, including its maple floor, will be added to the gym later this month, said Principal Paige Swan. It was Fallgren who sparked the campaign to build a new gym in Smith River in 2004. Up until then, her team’s volleyball games were held in the school’s current gym/cafeteria. Students had to step outside the double doors to serve the ball, and parents had to stand on the stage or peer through the door to watch their kids play. “I was getting more and more frustrated, and (a teacher) made a comment one day, ‘Well if you don’t like it, build a new one,’” Fallgren said. “He said it’s never been done, that they’ve tried it before, and nobody could follow through with it. I took it as a challenge.”

2 held after fracas

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:43:08 +0100

Bloody man shows up at Sheriff’s Office seeking aid Around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, a man covered in blood rushed into the lobby of the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office saying he had just escaped from two men after being slashed multiple times, officials said. Soon after, Jeremiah J. Long, 35, and Joel K. Stephenson, 46, both of Crescent City, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The victim had been lured by a friend to a house on Humboldt Street near Cooper Avenue where there was another man waiting who started attacking and slashing the victim; the attackers said they were going to kill him, according to sheriff’s Commander Bill Steven. “He’s basically in this fight for his life, as (the victim) calls it, with these two guys and he’s able to get the knife away,” Steven said, adding that one of the attackers blocked his escape, according to the victim’s story. The victim was able to inflict a few knife wounds on the attackers before they overpowered him and choked him out, Steven said. When the victim came to, they let him go, but kept his wallet, and said if he didn’t return with money, they would finish the job, Steven said.