Wednesday, September 24, 2014

After The Storm

After the storm, things look so much cleaner and brighter in McKinleyville Ca. I think a new hardware store is planned for this or parts of this field.

A rainbow shines over a row of portable toilets at the waste transfer station. 

Sunset in Trinidad tonight after the bulk of the rain moved through. The sun broke through on it's way to Asia to give us a fantastic show as it set against the Pacific Coast of California.
 From coastal Scenic Drive just south of Trinidad the fog and spray blended into the sky just before sunset. Pilot Rock is in the distance.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Well This Is Different

I haven't seen a weather forecast like this in a while.


High Surf Advisory

COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EUREKA CA
330 PM PDT TUE SEP 23 2014

...FIRST BIG SURF OF THE SEASON...

.THE FIRST BIG SURF OF THE SEASON WILL ARRIVE ON AREA BEACHES THAT
STILL HAVE THEIR FLATTER SUMERTIME BEACH SLOPES. THIS WILL ALLOW
THESE LARGER WAVES TO TRAVEL FARTHER UP THE BEACH THAN SIMILAR
ARRIVING WAVES LATER IN THE WINTER. BEACHGOERS SHOULD THEREFORE
STAY ESPECIALLY FAR BACK FROM THIS SURF AND AVOID ROCKS AND
JETTIES THAT CAN BE OVERTOPPED WITHOUT WARNING.

THESE FIRST BIG WAVES CAN ALSO CAUSE ENHANCED COASTAL EROSION BECAUSE
THE FLATTER SUMMERTIME BEACH SLOPES ALLOW THE WAVE ENERGY TO
TRAVEL FARTHER INLAND. STAY BACK FROM CLIFFS AND DUNE AREAS NEAR
THE SURF.

CAZ001-002-241030-
/O.NEW.KEKA.SU.Y.0004.140924T1500Z-140925T0300Z/
REDWOOD COAST-MENDOCINO COAST-
330 PM PDT TUE SEP 23 2014

...HIGH SURF ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM PDT WEDNESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN EUREKA HAS ISSUED A HIGH SURF
ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM PDT WEDNESDAY.

* WAVES AND SURF...WAVES 14 TO 16 FEET AT 15 SECONDS PRODUCIMG
  SURF 20 TO 22 FEET.

* TIMING...THE SURF WILL RAPIDLY BUILD WEDNESDAY MORNING AND PEAK
  IN THE AFTERNOON BEFORE STARTING TO SUBSIDE IN THE EVENING.

* IMPACTS...WAVES TRAVELING FARTHER UP THE BEACHES AND COASTAL
  EROSION. AVOID ROCKS AND JETTIES AND STAY BACK FROM CLIFF AND
  DUNE AREAS NEAR THE SURF.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HIGH SURF ADVISORY MEANS THAT HIGH SURF WILL AFFECT BEACHES IN
THE ADVISORY AREA...PRODUCING RIP CURRENTS AND LOCALIZED BEACH
EROSION.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Is Trionidad Really The Best Place To Be?

Is Trinidad Really The Best Place To Be? According to the Mad River Union Newspaper it is.
Trinidad Lighthouse


Click the link and read why. Also Tastin' Trinidad is going on tonight from 5:30pm to 7:30 tonight more info at the Mad River Union link.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

$8-Thousand Dollar Government Grants Scam?

I got a  call on my cell phone today from a person that said they worked for the Department of Health and Human Services. They had all of my information and wanted to set me up with someone else that would tell me how to get $8-thousand dollars of easy grant money. I asked what the person's phone number was as they had blocked it saying it was restricted and they got a bit rude with me. I replied that they are the ones that called me and are blocking their number. I told them that I write about stuff like this and that a grant for $8,000.00 dollars sounded like something many of us in Humboldt County could use. I told him that there are people here that specialize in applying for grants that work for local non profits. The guy whom I could barely understand due to his thick accent kept interrupting me and saying,"don't you want the money?" I told him I did but that I wanted to share this with everyone since it was such a great thing so I needed more information about the program. He started to get mad and told me that it was only for 15 hundred people in the country. When I asked him why Health and Human Services was reaching out by calling people he told me to shut up. That's when I confirmed to myself that this person did not work for the government and I replied F*#@! Off and hung up on him.

He tried to call me back with the phone number 011 7 968 393-83-93, this time it wasn't blocked however, that isn't a normal phone number.

I followed up by calling Health & Human Services and was referred to a scam hotline which is 800-HHS-TIPS. After a short menu selection I was greeted by a kind gentleman that said that HHS does not call people offering grants. He said the phone number I was called back on was out of the country but that it didn't mean that much as many scamsters use what appear to be local numbers too.

I was given a reference number and sent to a web site to finish my report.

I also saw this online from the Better Business Beureau about a similar sounding scam.
http://www.bbb.org/blog/2012/06/bbb-warns-of-suspicious-phone-calls-offering-government-grants/

Don't get scammed by people wanting you to send them money. Clark Howard talks about this stuff all the time but not everyone listens to the radio so I am spreading the word here. 

Water Disruptions In Trinidad Today

The Trinidad Water Department is busy this morning trying to find the location of a significant leak in their system. Parts of the town have been and will be subject to their water being shut off as crews work to find and isolate the leaky pipe.

Jackie at Beach Comber Cafe next to the Trinidad Town Hall said by phone today that the city had sent some paperwork yesterday to warn local businesses about the possible shutoff today. Jackie said they had water as of 9:15 this morning but it was shut off just a couple of properties over from her.

Since the leak is yet to be found, no one actually knows or can predict when this will all be fixed or how bad the damage is.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

The Underpass In Trinidad Is Almost Done - The Fog Came In

 The other side of the Trinidad under crossing features a boat and other nautical themes.

 The fog came in thick at around 6 pm north of McKinleyville tonight. In town you couldn't see more than a block or so.
This last one looks like it has some smoke in it. It also has a bit of sunset in it and is aimed higher at the sky looking west just north east of town.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Eureka Vet Center 9/11 Open House And BBQ



Open House at Veterans CenterEureka on 9/11/2014

Tomorrow as part of the national day of service and remembrance in honor of those who have served us, all vet centers in the Pacific Western Region are hosting an open house event with an emphasis on highlighting the healing services offered to our transitioning warriors.


The Eureka Vet Center would like to invite all veterans, their families, members of the community and other stakeholders to a hosted BBQ being held at 2830 G street – Henderson Center – Eureka from 2 to 7 pm.

With a focus on readjustment and reintegration needs following military service, the open house is an opportunity for veterans of all era’s to connect with one another and their community.

The vet Center will also offer informational seminars addressing ares commonly found to be problematic with veterans who have experienced trauma in the military including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stress Management and Sleep Problems.

There will be a free BBQ including Tri-Tip, hamburgers, hotdogs, side dishes and refreshments free of charge to everyone that comes (BBQ 4 to 7 PM)

There will also be entertainment for kids such as Wii Games, face painting and other family fun activities for all ages.

                                                  Schedule of events

2;00 pm    Vet Center flag pole rededication and moment of silence honoring the victims of 9/11 and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

2:30 pm   PTSD and The Family – A 30 minute seminar

3:30 pm   Stress Reduction – 30 minute seminar

4:00 pm   Sleep Hygien (what ever that is) – 30 minute seminar

4:00 – 7:00 pm  BBQ!

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Trinidad Art Nights Photos

Blues Rhythm Review in front of Strawberry Rock Gallery and Lighthouse Grill.


Bergeron Winery was also in the spirit with their wine tasting room looking out into the redwoods as well as Salty's. That's where we found some sausages and albacore wrapped in bacon on a Webber Grill.  And there was salmon too but the piece in the picture didn't make it.
Eric Hann and Dee Hemingway did a simple bass, vocal duet at Trinidad Town Hall as a fundraiser for Big Lagoon School. 
After party was at Ocean Grove with High Crimes Joe Dominick Band


Friday, September 5, 2014

California's Eel River Has Dried Up-Video

Even in dry years, the Eel River has at least had some water make it all the way to the Pacific Ocean but yesterday things changed. 

The Potter Valley Project removes much of the water from the Eel River and sends it south to the Russian River to be used mostly for wine grapes. Even with this, there is usually some flow left for Salmon.

http://youtu.be/MyWbi5EE3H0


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Trinidad Art Nights This Friday!


This Friday, the first Friday of the month is "Trinidad Art Nights" and that means art and fun.

The Hemingway/Hann Jazz Duo will be at the Town Hall for a community benefit show.

Circus of the Elements Fire Art and Dance will be behind the Chevron at Saunder's Park.

Recently Remodeled Trinidad Art Gallery artist Cooperative will featur over twenty local artists.

Strawberry Rock Gallery will feature artists from Humboldt County and beyond.

and Lively Dance music by "Blues Rhythm Review" will play between the Post Office and Lighthouse Grill just east of Murphy's Market.

As always, more information can be found at www.trinidadartnights.com

Local Activist, Blogger and Musician Has Died

Bill Holmes, author of the Highboltage Wordpress Blog, friend and musician passed away on the morning of August 30th.at the age of 64.

His blog covered everything from the environment, marijuana, equal rights, worker rights and music. Bill had spent his last month in hospice. His close friend Verbena told me that he always had a radio next to him and that his favorite station was KGOE the station I run here in Eureka.

Bill was heavily involved in the local scene and was always there when the local P.A.R.C. office needed donations. He was always willing to play at protests or other gatherings meant to promote peace and equality for all. Bill Holmes will be missed.

There will be a gathering at the Clark Street Plaza soon to celebrate Bill's life. I'll have the information when a date is set. 

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Smoke From Happy Camp Complex Fire Over Trinidad California

Looking west from the bluffs above Trinidad City and State Beaches. A smoke layer sits just backwards of where the fog or marine layer usually sits.

The smoke is from the Happy Camp Complex Fire near the California and Oregon boarder. Over 66 thousand acres have burned so far.
Details


Monday, September 1, 2014

Maruyama-US Returns To The North Coast

Over the past 15 years living on the North Coast of California, I haven worn out or destroyed close to a dozen weed wackers or brush cutters. I have used Homelite, Weed Eater, Ryobi, Craftsman,and Dr.

All of these worked fine when they were new although many of them had their limitations being that they were all normal consumer models. When  you see the professionals out there that have to use these things for a living you will see other brands like Husqvarna, Echo, Stihl, Maruyama and Redmax.

For the most part, consumer models are only warranted for up to 2 years by these manufacturers. Husqvarna and Redmax do extend their warranties for consumers but there is a catch. You have to buy their 2 stroke oil and premix gas. You have to do this when you purchase the product and include the receipts with your warranty registration card. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It turns out that
all 2 stroke oil and gasoline is not the same. This is important to know. For years I had been  using the cheapest 2 stroke oil from Craftsman and or Ace. Neither of these oils are rated and both come in a 3.2 oz. bottle when many of the weed wackers need a mix from a 2.6 ox. bottle. The idea behind the Craftsman and Ace size is that you can use it for either the 50:1 mix or the 40:1 mix. The problem is getting the measurements right. If you use the whole bottle 3.2 oz. for 1 gallon of gas, you are at a 40:1 mix and most of these machines want a 50:1 mix.

Another problem is the gas. These days ethanol is included with most of the gas we buy. This is to supposedly reduce air pollution. It is also a bonus to big agra that likes to grow acres and acres of one kind of genetically modified corn which is manufactured into the ethanol that is then added to our gasoline. While this does stretch the gasoline supply in our country, it also burns hotter and goes bad faster. When gas goes bad it gums up the carburetor and causes all sorts of problems. When using gasoline with ethanol most manufacturers recommend using a mix no stronger than E15 which is 15 % ethanol added to the gasoline. E10 which is a mixture at 10% would be better. Also the octane should not be lower than 85 in any case.

Gas with ethanol should not be stored for longer than 30 days, so if you are not using your equipment at a rate to use up the entire gallon of mixed fuel, a fuel stabilizer should be added to the fuel or you can purchase premixed fuel like TruFuel at your favorite outdoor equipment, hardware or auto parts store. This premixed fuel comes in 1 quart jugs and already has the perfect mix for your machine plus it has special lubricants and stabilizers already added. It's a little more expensive than mixing your own but if you are not going through more than a gallon a month, it might be the best choice for your needs. Where I live we can get unleaded gasoline at a few locations that does not contain ethanol and if you are doing your own gas mix, I would recommend looking for this. It is illegal to use in cars but at almost twice the price of the gas at the pump with ethanol, it is baffling to me that anyone would use it in their car anyway.

Had I known more about the information above 15 years ago, my weed trimming and wacking experiences may have been more positive. Who likes to continually yank on the starter rope before you even start to work? Weed wacking can be enough of a chore for most of us so unnecessary rope pulling exercises should and can be avoided with a little knowledge about your machine.

Below is a future project. To find the old parts car that I parked in my back yard a couple of years ago. I can still see one of it's headlights sticking out of the mass of blackberry brambles that have just about strangled the poor little Samurai.

While I now have the information to get a couple of my old weed wackers back up an running properly, I am much more excited about the one that just got delivered to me by Maruyama-US. This Japanese built trimmer is a super lightweight consumer model from the company that still warrants their bigger models for use by professionals.

This is a BT23L. While I could have gotten a bigger unit to try out, I asked for something comparable with what I had used before and a size the average home owner might purchase. That's right, I am trying this out. Maruyama provided this little blackberry bramble killer free of charge for me to assess and write about. So for those of you that have followed my blog over the years, this is my first paid endorsement. Not so much paid but heck, I got a free weed wacker for the summer.

Based on the safety requirements in the manual, I will probably need one of their brush cutters to get to the old parts car as some of these blackberry brambles are bigger in diameter than my thumb. This unit works great on smaller blackberries but  A simple trimmer isn't going to get through this stuff. Maruyama does make brush cutters with
special attachments
for their heads that can get this job done though. One of them looks like a small round circular saw blade attachment. This thing looks a bit scary but it also looks like what you need when you get into serious brush and brambles.

We'll just see if they will let me try one of these out later. For now I'm going with this light weight, super charged ( lots of horse power), well balanced, consumer model weed trimmer.

The first thing you notice when you fire it up is the lack of shaking or excess vibration. I don't know if it's just a lack of  bearings in other models or just poor design but some of them will shake and vibrate you so hard that you are worn out before you get half the job done. Not this baby. It is well balanced and feels like a precision instrument designed for extracting exactly what you want from your yard and nothing else.



The first time I ran out of trimmer line I went to the manual to see the proper way to add more line. Oops, there is nothing in the manual that shows this. Maybe Maruyama-US will add a one page supplement to the information that comes with the trimmer that could include a couple of simple diagrams of how this is properly done. For professionals, this isn't a problem but for people using one of these for the first time, it can be a bit of a challenge. I produced a short youtube video to show you the basics of this which you can see below.

http://youtu.be/sW4Qe8OLIFQ

Just as with any precision tool or instrument, when used properly, it just makes the job that much easier. If you would like to use discretion in what gets wacked and what doesn't, you need precision and this machine delivers that along with ample power to get the job done. 

So, all in all I love this little trimmer and I think you will too. If you follow the instructions in the manual and use a good premix fuel and store the unit properly when not in use, I would suspect you would get many years out of this well designed and superbly constructed machine. Get yours here!

Disclaimer: Maruyama-US has allowed me to use this weed trimmer at no cost to me for my opinion.
They do not necessarily agree with or condone any of my past blogging or opinions. In fact they may not even agree with everything that I have shared with you up to this point on this post.  I did furnish my own fuel and will be returning the used equipment to Maruyama upon their request this fall. I hope that they will consider allowing me to test other quality products on my Northern California property. Specifically, something to uncover that Samuari that has been eaten by large blackberry brambles. Maybe something with a solid blade on it.

Either way they say they offer the industry's longest and strongest commercial warranty at 5 years.
That means they don't make disposable stuff, they're in it for the long haul just like you and me.
Stay tuned, Maruyama says we will be hearing a lot more from them in the near future on the North Coast. 



US Senator Joe Liberman, WTC 7 Did Not Occur