DHHS Winter Shelter Program opens its doors to individuals, families in need

From DHHS:

The Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Winter Shelter Program is providing respite from the harsh winter weather for many homeless families and individuals in Humboldt County.
The 2012-2013 Winter Shelter Program began Nov. 19 and runs through April 12, 2013. It provides 22 rooms for individuals and families at motels throughout the county, from Garberville to Eureka to Hoopa.
Last winter, DHHS’ Winter Shelter Program housed a total of 72 families. This year, the program has expanded to include individuals as well as families. Applicant screenings are ongoing.
The program is designed to provide short-term lodging. Those who are eligible can receive motel vouchers for up to six weeks. Its purpose is to shield people from the elements while connecting them with services to help them get back on their feet and into more stable housing.
“There’s a vital need for winter shelter to protect vulnerable, unhoused families and individuals from the wet and cold,” said DHHS Assistant Director Barbara LaHaie. LaHaie added that the Winter Shelter Program is but one link in the county’s continuum of care for homeless people.

In addition to DHHS’ Winter Shelter Program, temporary and transitional housing is available in Humboldt County through the Redwood Community Action Agency’s (RCAA) Multiple Assistance Center (MAC), the Arcata Night Shelter, the Eureka Rescue Mission and other programs. RCAA’s Youth Service Bureau’s Transitional Housing Plus program provides transitional housing to 18- to 24-year-olds who have been emancipated from the foster care or probation systems.
While DHHS’ program is currently full, interviews to determine eligibility for future openings are held on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (excluding county holidays) at DHHS’ Social Services office, located at 929 Koster St. in Eureka. Social Services staff will also be available to conduct interviews at DHHS’ Garberville Outstation at 727 Cedar St. in Garberville and at the Hoopa Outstation located at K’ima:w Medical Center, 1200 Airport Road in Hoopa.
DHHS is once again using the scattered site model it piloted in 2010. Multiple motels at venues around the county are being used to house families and individuals, instead of housing large numbers of people in a single motel. This allows people to stay in their communities, LaHaie said.
Once a week, social workers visit program participants and provide comprehensive case management services aimed at assisting them in their transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
As part of DHHS’ shelter program, families receiving CalWORKs will be assessed to see if they are eligible for the MAC. The MAC is a community-living program for families in transition that combines safe and clean temporary housing with in-depth case management and on-site direct services.
While the exact number of homeless in Humboldt County is unknown, biennial Point-in-Time counts, conducted by the Humboldt Housing and Homeless Coalition (HHHC), provide a snapshot of who experiences homelessness throughout the year.
The most recent Point-in-Time Count, which was conducted by the HHHC in 2011, found that 1,480 people were without housing in the county, including more than 400 children. The HHHC is currently seeking volunteers for its next count, scheduled for late January.
In Humboldt County, the HHHC is the lead organization for homeless issues and the federally designated continuum of care. The HHHC is a coalition of housing advocates, businesses, funders, elected officials, service and housing providers, faith-based organizations and other community stakeholders working together to identify and address local housing needs.
For more information about the HHHC, call 707-441-4613. For more information about the 2013 Point-in-Time Count, call 707-498-4761. For more information about the DHHS Winter Shelter Program, call DHHS Social Services at 707-269-4127.

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Stealing People’s Mail

Here’s a press release from the Sheriff’s Department, as well as a good song to go with it:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

            The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that mail theft is a continuing problem, especially this time of year. Thieves steal mail from unsecured mail boxes, before and after the delivery truck arrives. The thieves are typically looking for money, blank checks, packages, personal information and credit card information. During the holidays this becomes more lucrative for the thieves due to holiday cards and packages being mailed. Some ways you can protect yourself are:

• Have a secured locking mailbox
• Use the letter slots at your post office to mail letters, a postal box or give them to a letter carrier.
• Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight.
• Don’t send cash in the mail.
• Ask your bank for “secure” checks that can’t be altered.
• Tell your post office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return
• Neighborhood watch

                        Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

 

 

Westhaven water warning

The recent storm dropped a tree on the water tank of the Westhaven Community Services District, damaging the tank, and contaminating the water with debris.

Westhaven residents are advised to drink bottled or boiled water for the next few days, until further notice. For more details, call the WCSD at 677-0798.

CALTRANS: Snow chains required on Berry Summit

From Caltrans:
Caltrans District 1 – Eureka: Route 299 in Humboldt County. R1 chain control at Berry Summit. R1 chain control means chains or snow tread tires required. Snow tires must have a tread depth of 6/36″ with “M & S” imprint on the tire’s sidewall. Carry emergency supplies. Use caution. Before traveling and during your trip, be sure to check current road conditions by calling the California Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623, or by visiting www.dot.ca.gov . 

Airline subsidy ready to go

By Daniel Mintz

Press Staff Writer

 

The Federal Aviation Authority’s $750,000 grant for recruiting a new airline to the county’s main airport came with a catch – the community would have kick in $250,000 of its own money to raise the funding to $1 million.

Last week, the successful fundraising effort was announced and negotiations for springtime airline start-up are underway.

The county’s Headwaters Fund will match the $125,000 that was raised and a $1 million revenue guarantee will be offered to airlines for service start-up.

A revenue guarantee pledges coverage if a new airline doesn’t draw enough ticket revenue in its early phases of service. “This is the only way that regional airports like ours obtain extra air service,” said Don Ehnebuske, executive director of the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC), which has assisted the county’s Department of Public Works with the recruitment effort.

Previously, the county lost a $500,000 revenue guarantee that was pledged to Delta Airlines for starting flights to Salt Lake City. Delta didn’t reach a per-plane passenger load threshold, discontinued its service and kept the money, which came from the county’s Headwaters Fund.

But it’s a gamble that can yield substantial pay-off.

“You have to play this game, otherwise you don’t get the air service and new service really pays off for the community as a whole,” Ehnebuske said.

There’s data to demonstrate that, he added. The McKinleyville-based Arcata-Eureka Airport only has a single airline now and without competition, flight fares are higher. “They distinctly shot up when we went down to one airport,” Ehnebuske said.

A one-way ticket to Los Angeles was priced at about $140 when both United and Horizon offered flights there, he continued. “The last time I looked, it was well over $100 beyond that and it happened the day after Horizon was out.”

The airport’s total number of passengers drops due to the higher ticket prices, said Ehnebuske. He said the airport’s total number of passengers per year peaked at 111,000 and now ranges between 60,000 and 65,000. “The key thing to consider is that the FAA funds airport construction projects based on total numbers of passengers and we’re losing millions of dollars a year of construction money,” Ehnebuske said.

The revenue guarantee will be structured differently this time, he added. The county has hired an attorney that specializes in airline negotiations and an agreement on the guarantee has been pre-written. The conditions of Delta’s revenue guarantee were outlined in an agreement that the airline had drafted.

Funding a guarantee hampered the county’s negotiations with American Airlines last year. The airline backed out of the deal because a requested $1.25 million of revenue guarantee funding couldn’t be secured timely enough.

Ehnebuske said American had originally asked for an even higher revenue guarantee. He said the current $1 million offer is firm and the county and RREDC is in negotiations with American and four other airlines.

The federal grant is for establishing a new eastern route to and from the Arcata-Eureka Airport but according to a county press release announcing the grant last summer, “The route could potentially include fueling stops and layovers within the state or region, which would allow Humboldt passengers to purchase flights to intermediate locations as well as the final eastern destinations.”

Intermediate stops could include Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Denver and even Los Angeles, depending on the scope of the service and the carrier.

 

McK MATTERS: Ballet Saturday; Shopay honored; botanical garden update

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trinity Ballet of McKinleyville will present its Humboldt County tradition, “A Christmas Star,” at the Eureka High School Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.

Created by Trinity Ballet Academy’s director, Greta Leverett, this uplifting ballet is not too long and is for all ages. It tells an original story of a little girl’s dream about “the Christmas star.”

It includes favorite variations of the  “Nutcracker,” as well as Trinity Ballet’s inspirational “Dances of Noel.” This beautiful ballet features Trinity Ballet’s upper level dancers and includes talent from Fortuna to Trinidad.

Tickets are $12 for General and $8 for children 11 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door of the theatre on the day of show. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets may also be purchased between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at Trinity Ballet Academy in McKinleyville at 1981 Central Ave.  Call (707) 839-1816 for more information and other ticket locations,

Holiday Decorating

Contest Winners

Last week the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its Holiday Decorating Contest. The winners are: Holiday Inn Express, with a traditional Christmas theme, first place; The Complete Look, with a peacock theme, second place; and North Valley Bank, with a “Let it Snow” theme, third place.

Shopay honored by MCSD

Norman Shopay, who died Nov. 10, was honored last week by the McKinleyville Community Services District Board of Directors.

The board voted unanimously at its Dec. 12 meeting in support of a resolution of commendation for Shopay and his serve to the district.

“Mr. Shopay provided an insight into the future, benefiting McKinleyville in the present and for years to come,” the resolution states. “He spread his efforts among the daily tasks of management and provided the platform for future planning such as the 20 year facilities plan and the district website serving the District’s present needs;

“Mr. Shopay’s energy fostered partnerships extending outside the District.

Mr. Shopay’s efforts extended to local service groups, neighboring cities, County, and State Agencies. Specifically, his efforts with the Mad River Rotary Club and the California Department of Water Resources are not soon duplicated or forgotten,” the resolution states.

Botanical garden

update

Work continues on a proposal to plant a botanical garden at Hiller Park. The idea will be brought before the McKinleyville Recreation Advisory Committee at its February meeting. The garden is proposed for Hiller Park between the playground area and the dog park/open pasture.

In preparation for the garden, the MCSD may plant Leyland Cypress trees along the southern fence line of the nearby wastewater treatment plant. The trees would serve as a windbreak for the garden, as well as the playground area.

During a recent site visit, MCSD staff noticed several trees in the area surrounded by berry bushes. Staff plans to work with the Sheriff Work Alternative Program and the California Conservation Corps. to have the berry bushes removed so that the trees can grow larger.

Fulkerson named new mayor of Trinidad

Congratulations to long-time public servant Julie Fulkerson, who will serve as Trinidad’s new Mayor starting at the Jan. 9 meeting of the City Council.  Councilman Dwight Miller was selected as Mayor Pro Tem at last week’s Council meeting.

Current Mayor Kathy Bhardwaj will continue to serve on the council along with Tom Davies and newly elected Maria Bauman, who will occupy the seat of retiring Councilman Mike Morgan.

Mike Morgan will continue to serve on the Humboldt County Convention and Visitor Bureau advisory committee.  Other commissioner positions will be filled in January by council members.

Mike Morgan was presented with a Proclamation for Service by Mayor Bhardwaj and thanked for his work not just on the Council but for his active participation in the Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department, the Planning Commission and for his volunteer work for Trinidad Museum Society, Trinidad Library Committee, Trinidad Chamber of Commerce and Trinidad Civic Club.

Ladies Fine Arts Salons

Donna Haddock, co-founder of Inner Center Fine Arts Institute, will present a series of Ladies Fine Arts Salons in Trinidad on four consecutive Fridays in 2013. The theme is “Through a Contemplative View of Fine Arts and Nature, One Can Reach a Higher Knowing,” which is part of the Institute’s global mission.

The first salon is Friday, January 11 with a feature topic, “Intuition Wireless, the Non-locality Mystery” followed by “Your Co-creator Role in Nature on January 18; “Inspiration from the Quantum” on January 25; and “Consciousness, a Proof and a Kay” on February 1.

Salon topics are taken from “Seventh Mystery-Nature and Your Quantum Observer-Creating Worlds from Possibilities” by Charles Haddock, founder of IC Fine Arts Institute.

All Salons are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at a cost of $10 per person for each Salon.  Coffee and tea will be offered.

Seating is limited so reservations are required.  Call 496-5350 for details.

‘A Christmas Prayer for the Earth’ 

by Family Stephenson

Susan, Jim and Michael Stephenson produced and composed the song “A Christmas Prayer for the Earth” last year.  It is on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0PWxKgGhAE) and on a news web site in Bhutan, where Susan gives Montessori workshops.  Pictures of Bhutan, Holland, India, Israel, Nepal, Palestine, Russia, Sikkim, Sweden, Thailand, Tibet, and the USA, including Trinidad, are shown as Michael sings and plays the tune, which goes like this:

A Christmas Prayer for the Earth (Trinidad, CA sunset)

Tomorrow is Christmas; I’ve nothing to give. (Tibet, near Lhasa)

But that doesn’t keep me from wanting to live (Jordan River)

Not dreaming of future or memories past (Trinidad, CA)

But that I’ll remember to make Christmas last (Trinidad, CA)

The snowfall that glistens like teardrops from heaven (Bhutan, Haa)

The carols reflecting the joy on your face (Trinidad, CA)

Christmas is not just for shopping and cooking (Sweden Montessori Infant Community)

But for being in the moment and loving this place (Trinidad, CA)

 

A prayer for the earth is one thing I can give (Trinidad, CA)

May we wake up and help our dear planet to live (sky)

A prayer for the trees, the clean water, the sky (McKinleyville, CA)

Caring for others without asking why (Bhutan Montessori Class)

 

I send you good tidings for a better next year (Jerusalem)

Not for more things, but for time to be here (Trinidad, CA)

Time with your family, yourself, and your friends (Trinidad, CA)

And wishes for patience and making amends (Israeli-West Bank wall, painted by Susan)

 

Tomorrow is Christmas I’ve said it before (Trinidad, CA)

May you waken to peace and good feelings galore (North California)

May you waken to gratitude and if you’re asked how (Russian Montessori class)

Just tell ’em the secret of Christmas is now (Holland, Hugo de Vries)

 

Musical Interlude (Bhutan mountain, Portland children, monkey in Dharamsala, India, West Bank)

 

Tomorrow is Christmas I’ve nothing to give (Nepal broom seller)

But that doesn’t keep me from wanting to life (Sikkim Montessorians)

Not dreaming of future of memories past (Japan)

But that I’ll remember to make Christmas last (Sarasota, FL)

 

A prayer for the earth is one thing I can give (Thailand Montessori)

May we wake up and help our dear planet to live (Montessori class)

A prayer for the trees, the clean water, the sky (Bhutan)

Caring for others without asking why (Bethlehem)

 

Tomorrow is Christmas I’ve said it before (road to Portland, OR)

May you waken to peace and good feelings galore (Big Lagoon, CA)

May you waken to gratitude and if you’re asked how (Trinidad, CA)

Just tell ’em the secret of Christmas is now (road to Portland, lotus flower in the Chinese tea garden in Portland)

(You can email Patti at baycity@sonic.net.)

DUI checkpoint on Friday night

From the CHP:

 

CHP TO CONDUCT DRIVER LICENSE/SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT

 

The Humboldt office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be conducting a Driver License/Sobriety Checkpoint on Friday, December 21^st, 2012, somewhere within the unincorporated area of Humboldt County.

 

“All too often, members of the community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by intoxicated drivers,” said Capt. Harry Linschoten, Humboldt Area Commander.  The CHP’s goal is to ensure the safe passage of each and every motorist by targeting roads where there is a high frequency of intoxicated drivers.  A driver license/sobriety checkpoint is a proven effective tool for achieving this goal and is designed to augment existing patrol operations.  “By publicizing our efforts we believe that we can deter motorists from drinking and driving and driving without a valid driver license,” Capt. Linschoten said.

 

Last year, in California alone, over 200,000 drivers were arrested while driving impaired.

 

Capt. Linschoten, emphasized, “Traffic volume permitting, all vehicles will be checked and drivers who are unlicensed will be cited.  Drivers found to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can expect to be arrested.  Our objective is to send a clear message to those considering mixing alcohol and/or drugs with driving.  The CHP will be keeping a close eye out for you.”

 

The Driver License/Sobriety Checkpoint will be operated from approximately 6 PM until 12 AM.  An additional press release will be sent to the media 2 hours prior, indicating the exact location of the checkpoint.

 

SHERIFF’S LOG 12.19.12

Thursday, Dec. 6

10:41 a.m. – A bicycle was stolen from West Cedar Street.

5:17 p.m. – Larry Baer was drunk. Very drunk. He was face down in front of the Ray’s Food Place in McKinleyville. Deputies arrived and transported Mr. Baer to jail for public drunkenness.

Friday, Dec. 7

7:29 a.m. – A woman was sleeping in her home on D Avenue in McKinleyville when a burglar entered the residence, grabbed her purse and sneaked out.

9:44 a.m. – Deputies were summoned to the Hammond Trail at the foot of Murray Road after a white boxer dog allegedly attacked a woman and her dog while they were walking on the trail.

5:33 p.m. – Over on Westhaven Drive, John Velenti got really hammered. His brain soaked in booze, he crawled under cars and tried to enter people’s homes. This sparked numerous complaints, Deputies arrived and transported Velenti to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked on suspicion of being drunk in public.

Saturday, Dec. 8

3:21 p.m. – Someone brandished a handgun and made threats on Murray Road.

Sunday, Dec. 9

9:12 a.m. – Tires were slashed on Mary Road in McKinleyville. Report taken.

3:45 p.m. – A vehicle was burglarized on Scenic Drive in the Trinidad area.

6:54 p.m. – The repo man paid a visit to the 2400 block of McKinleyville Avenue.

Monday, Dec. 10

10:23 a.m. – Someone found a bicycle on Gwin Road and turned it over to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office in McKinleyville.

1:14 p.m. – Someone on Haven Lane had her purse stolen. She mailed in a report to the Sheriff’s Department.

8:45 p.m. – A residence in Orick was burglarized. The victim suspects his ex-wife had something to do with it.

Tuesday, Dec. 11

1:02 a.m. – Jimi Titchenell was pulled over near Park Road and A Avenue in McKinleyville for an alleged traffic violation. Deputies then discovered that Titchenell was in possession of a small pharmacy of illegal drugs, He was booked into the Humboldt County Jail on suspicion of being in possession of meth, pot and drug paraphernalia.

 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Roundabout should be considered for Murray/Central intersection

From the 12.19.12. edition

 

Editor:

The Public Works Department of the County of Humboldt is proposing to install a stop light at the intersection of Murray Road and Central Avenue in McKinleyville. Not only can the installation b costly, but continuing maintenance will be required.

Sometime ago I contacted the Public Works Department with the idea of installing a roundabout at this location. I didn’t receive a credible answer as to why it would not work. With a roundabout, the only real cost is the initial installation. Very little if any maintenance is required. There appears to be sufficient right-of-way for its installation.

The county installed a roundabout at the intersection of Indianola and Old Arcata Road at it seems to be functioning. The City of Arcata has installed a roundabout at each end of Guintoli Lane overcrossing. Guintoli Lane has one of the highest traffic volumes in the city. As of date, there hasn’t to my knowledge, been any problems with traffic or pedestrian circulation.

I’m aware of the pros and cons regarding roundabouts, but I believe they should be considered and discussed.

Scott R. Baker

McKinleyville