COMMUNITY NEWS
Eureka Natural Foods’ Change 4 Change Program
August 2024
Humboldt County Bee Keepers receive a Change 4 Change check. Submitted
Eureka Natural Foods is grateful to be a part of the community in Humboldt County. Eureka Natural Foods saw a need in the community for ways to help local organizations and non profits spread the word and receive donations. The Change 4 Change program does just that, bringing awareness to the community and helping fund events, programs, projects, expansions and more. It is their honor to partner with many local organizations to promote this ideal. Humboldt Permaculture Guild, Betty Chin Foundation, Friends of the Eel River, Sequoia Humane Society, and Boys and Girls Club of the Redwoods are just a few that have participated in the Change 4 Change program. With over $50,000 raised in the last year and half, all proceeds during the Change 4 Change go to the specific organization, and they continue to build partnerships with these amazing local organizations and help them with community donations.
Eureka Natural Foods revel in the opportunity to be a valuable educational resource for customers, educating them about natural and organic foods, general health care, nutrition and body care as well as environmental concerns and of course community. Eureka Natural Foods knows the importances of fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. Check out Eureka Natural Foods website www.eurekanaturalfoods.com or their social media pages @eurekanaturalfoods to stay up to date on their upcoming Change 4 Change programs to donate at check out. ν
Tribe Changes Name
Introducing the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People
The Tribe formerly known as Resighini Rancheria has a new name. On May 8, Tribal Citizens voted to amend the Tribe’s Constitution and change the name of the Tribe to the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People. This official change occurred through a Secretarial Election conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with collaboration from the Tribe. The Tribe has been working to change the name since 2019 and the new name signifies the deep connection the Tribe has to ancestral lands, the Klamath river, cultural traditions, and identity.
Pulikla translates to “down river people,” which is the traditional name of people that reside or descend from the villages along the lower Klamath River.
“A name has a spiritual connotation to it. That’s why it’s important that we pick our own name,” said Chairperson Fawn C. Murphy. “Our new name reflects a generational change and a reclamation of who we are as Yurok people. ‘Resighini’ was a name given to us by the Federal Government and did not reflect who we are. We picked a name that has meaning to us, connection to culture, and connection to place. It is a beautiful thing, and it makes me happy to hear people say our new name. We are, and always have been, Yurok people. Now our name reflects that.”
Tribal Citizens of the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People have remained on the lands and waters where our ancestors have survived since noohl hee-kon (the beginning).
The Pulikla entered into an unratified Treaty in 1851 with the federal government and are part of the original Klamath River Reservation of 1855. In 1938, land was purchased on the lower Klamath River by the federal government from Augustus Ressighini. The intent of the land purchase was to provide a place for Tribal people residing along the Klamath River and on the coast in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. Several Yurok families moved to this land to take up residence, and in 1939 the Resighini Rancheria was formally proclaimed an Indian Reservation. Tribal Citizens of the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People have been living on the land ever since.
“Pulikla is a traditional name of where our people come from. With this name change, we will no longer be seen by others as people that came here from somewhere else. We are from the Klamath River and have always been on the Klamath River. This name personifies that connection since time immemorial and the pride and responsibility we feel as Yurok people,” said Council Member Spa-ghe Dowd.
The official name change will be published in the Federal Register in January of 2025. In the meantime, the Tribe will work internally to make necessary adjustments, and with Local, State and Federal agencies and other partners to ensure a smooth transition.
To educate native youth about substance use prevention, Two Feathers Native American Family Services premiered a short film in June titled: Chími nu’aráriihkanheesh ‘The Healing Journey.’
In this powerful film, local Native American youth shared their stories of substance use and how they have embarked on their own transformative healing journeys. Two Feathers hopes to reach youth that are struggling and to educate the community. Those that are interested can watch the film online.
Two Feathers says this event was an opportunity for their community to watch the film, hear from these youth, and collectively imagine a world where healing is possible.”
For more information or to watch the film, go to: twofeathers-nafs.org
Five Reasons to Leash Dogs
Protect dogs for National Dog Month
It is important to keep dogs leashed on city trails, parks and land. The safety of personal pets, the pets of others and wildlife can be affected by whether dogs are kept leashed.
Here are five reasons to leash dogs on public land during National Dog Month and every time after:
1. Keeping dogs on a leash isn’t just good practice – it’s the law in the City of Arcata (Arcata Municipal Code Section 10008).
• While out walking or hiking on city trails in the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Redwood Park or the Arcata Community Forest, dogs must always be on a sturdy leash under six feet long.
• Please remember that dogs are not permitted in the downtown business district of Arcata including the Arcata Plaza. When planning on visiting the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, the city recommends leaving your dog at home or taking canine pals on one of many nearby public trails.
2. Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost, and a lost dog can scare wild animals, interfere with nesting birds and may even injure, or sometimes kill, wildlife. Additionally, when a dog has a leash and collar it is a great way to let other people know that the dog belongs to someone in case of separation. It is important for a dog’s collar to have an ID tag with basic contact information such as the dog’s name, owner’s name and a phone number. It is also required by the city that all dog owners pay an annual license tax. More information can be found at cityofarcata.org/401/Dog-Licenses.
3. Leashing a dog can also prevent the spread of disease. Pet waste is a health risk because it is full of bacteria that can make pets, people and wildlife sick. It is less likely that a dog will be exposed to distemper or parvovirus if they can be restrained from sniffing waste from other dogs or wildlife. It is also easier for owners to locate pet waste when dogs are on a leash. The owner can then pick up their waste and appropriately dispose of it in the trash. Dog potty stations are located at many of the city trails and parks.
4. A leashed dog is much easier to control. In case there is an emergency, owners can quickly get their dogs to safety if they are leashed. For instance, if one encounters another dog or wildlife it is easier to steer the leashed dog away if one of them becomes aggressive. It is also important to work on recall with dogs, so if they do get loose they will come back just by calling them.
5. An unleashed dog can cause accidents or be in an accident. When on a frequently used trail or in an area with cars, an unleashed dog can run in front of a runner, cyclist or car. This can cause injury to the dog or a person that could otherwise be avoided.
6. An honorary point for cats: Many people now bring cats into public parks, trails and land on a leash or in a cat backpack/stroller. One tip to prevent cats from getting loose and becoming lost is to have the cat harnessed and leashed even if they are in a backpack or stroller. This way they can be easily caught by their leash if they get loose. Additionally, make sure the zippers are fully closed and locked (a zipper security clip attached to both zippers is extremely effective). The same points from above apply to cats in terms of safety from other animals, pet waste and ID tags, however cat owners are not required to pay a licensing fee.
For more information, please visit cityofarcata.org or call (707) 822-8184.
Two Feathers Native American Family Services Releases Film for Native Youth
Submitted
Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Redwoods to Launch Men’s and Women’s Rodeo Program in Fall 2024
Cal Poly Humboldt and College of the Redwoods (CR) are excited to announce the launch of a new men’s and women’s rodeo program, set to launch in Fall 2024. This innovative collaboration will provide students exceptional opportunities to engage in rodeo activities while pursuing their degree at both institutions.
CR’s rodeo program will begin as a club sport with plans to transition to a full intercollegiate athletic team. The rodeo program at Cal Poly Humboldt will launch as a competitive sports club. In preparation for the program’s debuts, both CR and Cal Poly Humboldt plan to search for rodeo coaches and leaders. These coaches will play a pivotal role in training and mentoring student-athletes, as well as overseeing the overall management of the program.
The rodeo programs will benefit from a strategic partnership with Ferndale Fairgrounds, where both teams will practice and call home. These collaborations will provide students with access to top-notch facilities and resources, enriching their training and competitive experiences, while the pathway for students from CR to Cal Poly Humboldt will be seamless. This collaboration will also deepen the partnership between both institutions and the community, while offering significant advantages to local student-athletes. To ensure the financial sustainability of both the men’s and women’s programs, a fundraising initiative has begun and will be expanded.
This rodeo program underscores the broader commitment by CR and Cal Poly Humboldt to expand academic and extracurricular offerings and to provide diverse opportunities to students.
Cal Poly Humboldt President Tom Jackson, Jr. says, “Since 2019, our two institutions have been strategizing about the implementation of a rodeo program that provides a home for our local students to compete in a championship environment. That time has come, and we are excited about the future of collegiate rodeo in Humboldt County.”
College of the Redwoods President Keith Flamer is very excited to partner with Cal Poly Humboldt to bring collegiate rodeo to the area: “I am very proud of our partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt to create these rodeo programs. This collaboration offers a wonderful opportunity to elevate college rodeo in our area and create new pathways for student-athletes to pursue their academic and rodeo dreams.”
North Coast Growers’ Association Launches Fundraiser for Essential Market Vehicle
The North Coast Growers’ Association (NCGA), dedicated to supporting Humboldt County’s farmers and artisan producers, has launched a fundraising campaign to purchase a new vehicle. NCGA urgently needs a replacement for its market truck, which is vital to the operation of several of your favorite farmers’ markets.
Help us reach our fundraising goal. Donations will be generously matched up to $25,000!
The NCGA, celebrating its 46th season, hosts ten certified farmers’ markets throughout Humboldt County. With over 100 members, the organization has grown significantly from its humble beginnings. These markets are an essential outlet and livelihood for many local farmers, providing fresh, local food to the community.
NCGA’s mission is to support Humboldt County’s farmers and artisan producers in building a robust and resilient local food system. The organization ensures that local market opportunities match the needs of its members and community, promoting financial sustainability and increasing local food security and resiliency.
The NCGA’s market truck, which transports the market supplies used to set up and run the markets, has broken down beyond repair. Historically, the organization has relied on older, used vehicles, which led to higher maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns. A new, reliable vehicle is crucial for maintaining the vibrant and thriving markets the community loves and depends on.
The goal is to raise $56,500 to cover the down payment, overall vehicle costs, and to build efficient storage systems inside the vehicle. Every dollar donated will bring us closer to our goal.
Thanks to a generous social justice donor group, all donations will be matched up to $25,000, doubling the impact of every contribution. With $12,329.25 already raised, the NCGA is on its way to reaching its goal with the community’s help.
This new vehicle will ensure the smooth operation of multiple weekly markets, keeping fresh, local food accessible to everyone. Community support through participation, cooperation, donations, and sponsorships help NCGA fulfill its mission and move closer to its vision of a sustainable food system in Humboldt County. Show your support for the heart of Humboldt County’s local food system. Your donation makes a difference!
To make a donation, please visit www.northcoastgrowersassociation.org. The website also has a full list of Certified Farmers’ Markets, community markets, farm stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms, as well as a directory of all farmers’ market vendors.
Area 1 Agency on Aging Receives SAGECare Credential
SAGECare credential indicates LGBTQ+ cultural competency training
Area 1 Agency on Aging has recently been awarded the prestigious SAGECare Platinum Credential. This recognition is granted to service providers whose staff have successfully completed SAGECare’s LGBTQ+ cultural competency training. SAGECare is a division of SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders), the country’s largest and oldest non-profit dedicated to providing services and improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) older adults. According to SAGE’s website, sageusa.org, current reports estimate that there are approximately three million LGBTQ+ adults over age 50, and that number is expected to grow to around seven million by 2030.
SAGECare’s training equips individuals and organizations to develop respectful and harmonious relationships with LGBTQ+ seniors through empathy, communication and inclusivity. The credential is an indication of the highest level of dedication to person-directed care, open to all people and welcoming to LGBTQ+ people and their allies.
“For 44 years, A1AA has been dedicated to helping older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal health, well-being, independence and dignity in their homes and communities,” said Maggie Kraft, A1AA Executive Director. “We have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging. Earning the SAGECare credential is part of that commitment. We want all people to know that they will receive help from A1AA in the welcoming and caring way that they deserve.”
Area 1 Agency operates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Assistance is available by voice at 1-800-408-4636, or 707-442-3763, email at info@a1aa.org. We have specialists bilingual in Spanish, and all other languages can be accommodated via our language interpretation service.
CAL FIRE Suspends Burn Permits in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties
After another wet winter and above-average snowpack, warming temperatures and winds are quickly drying out the abundant annual grass crop. The increasing fire danger posed by the high volume of dead grass and hotter, drier conditions in the region is prompting CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. This suspension takes effect July 1, 2024, and suspends all residential outdoor burning of landscape debris such as branches and leaves.
Since January 1, 2024, CAL FIRE and firefighters across the state have already responded to over 2,429 wildfires. While outdoor burning of landscape debris by homeowners is no longer allowed, CAL FIRE is asking residents to take that extra time to ensure that they are prepared for wildfires by maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around every home and buildings on their property and being prepared to evacuate if the time comes.
Here are some tips to help prepare homes and property:
Clear all dead and/or dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures.
Landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover.
Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or hauling it to a biomass energy or green waste facility.
The department may issue restricted temporary burning permits if there is an essential reason due to public health and safety. Agriculture, land management, fire training, and other industrial-type burning may proceed if a CAL FIRE official inspects the burn site and issues a special permit.
The suspension of burn permits for residential landscape debris does not apply to campfires within organized campgrounds or on private property. Campfires may be permitted if the campfire is maintained in such a manner as to prevent its spread to the wildland. A campfire permit can be obtained at local fire stations or online at PreventWildfireCA.org.
For additional information on how to create Defensible Space, on how to be prepared for wildfires, as well as tips to prevent wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.