The Willits Freeway and other future projects were discussed at a public meeting held February 1957 in Eureka. (Photo and caption provided courtesy of Caltrans)

This is part two of Lost Coast Outpost’s three-part series on the Willits Bypass. While every effort was made to ensure this story is unbiased (both sides had the opportunity to rebut the other side) it should be noted that reporter Kym Kemp’s father and grandfather worked for Caltrans and she is married to a Caltrans Project Manager.

Today’s focus will be on the reasons against putting in the bypass. Phil Frisbie, a Caltrans’ spokesperson, will rebut.

Link to Day 1

Against: Point 1. The bypass costs too much money.

David Drell worries about scarce resources being used on the bypass when other, more important projects are unfunded. He calls the project a “colossal waste.”

His wife, Ellen Drell, agrees: “One of the things that is causing the state to be in financial trouble is a transportation department that is out of control.” She alleges, “There is a 300 billion dollar backlog of maintenance projects.” The money spent on the bypass, she believes, would be better spent on fixing those issues rather than building this one project.

Furthermore, she argues, “This project is being paid for by bond money. That means it is going to cost many times more than the original price tag because you always have to pay back with interest.”

Phil Frisbie, Jr., Caltrans spokesperson, responds by saying that while “$210 million is the total cost to develop the project and mitigation,” it would cost less than that if funding for phase 2 were available right now. He adds that the longer it takes for the project to be funded, “the higher [the cost ] is likely to be be due toinflation.”

MORE →

Press Release:

Camp Unalayee, located in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, will hold an informational meeting and meet the director event, in Bayside on Saturday May 11th. This is an opportunity for parents and campers interested in our backpacking summer camp programs to get more information, meet our Director Sarah Camp, get help with registration, and watch our great slideshow!

Camp Unalayee has been taking kids on outdoor adventures since 1949. We are a non-profit, co-ed backpacking summer camp that provides meaningful outdoor experiences for children ages 10-17. Kids in our summer camp programs learn about themselves as they learn to live in the wilderness. Our program actively teaches campers confidence, compassion, community and conservation. The rugged terrain of the Trinity Alps provides a challenging and dramatic backdrop for wilderness adventure. 

In base camp, there are a plethora of activities to choose from each day including: archery, crafts, swimming, boating, arts, rock-climbing, music, and much more. Each base-camp session also includes multi-day backpacking trips. Unalayee’s base camp program creates a supportive community where friendship and cooperation flourish. Working together, campers learn new skills, build self-confidence and develop self-sufficiency, all while exploring a spectacular wilderness setting.

 Extended 11-day backpacking programs, leadership training, and family programs are also available. 

Financial Assistance is available for low and mid-income families.  No child left behind! 

For more information contact Dennis Rael at 822-2635 or dennis@losbagels.com. Or check out our the website - www.gocampu.org.

Don’t forget Arts Alive in Garberville this Friday.

Spring is here and we are kicking Arts Alive off this Friday, May 3^rd.  It’s also the opening day of the Farmer’s Market so plan to spend a fun filled day in town.  

Hal Lepoff will be caroling with both first grade classes from Redway School from 1:15 to 2:15 with stops at Umpqua Bank, North Valley Bank, The Community Credit Union and the Town Square.  

Businesses are extending their hours for Arts Alive and featuring some great artists.  Café Minou will have live music with the FNR band featuring local legends Tony Nester, Larry Fries, and Randy Ruland and art by their very own Heather Parker.  

Take the detour off Redwood Drive and enjoy an appetizer and good vibes located at the old Chataqua site.  Jessie Clark from Mendocino county is being featured at both the Mateel Arts Co-op and Flavors.  The Mateel Arts Co-op will also have works my Mary Odisio and many other local artists.  Jennifer McCarthy’s jewelry will be on display and available for purchase at the Garden of Beadin’.  The Stonery will have Scroll Saw Art (woodworking) by Bob Ewing and rumor is it is a must see.  Humboldt Hunnies will be hanging Sarah Young Paintings and Umpqua Bank will feature Erin Freeman Photography.  

King Range Books has great titles by local artists, if you haven’t been in there, stop in and check out the selection Evan has put together.  Our very own Stu Moskowitz has his painting adorning the walls of Calico’s Café.  As usual the Blue Moon has every non-essential you could ever need.  Sweet Grass has works by Mable Chang and Arivka Jewelry.  

Stop in at SHC and check out paintings by Bree Smith and Ditte Johnson along with other local artists.  Healthy Choice just re-opened so stop in and get a sneak peak before the grand opening.  Persimmons will have the Stephanie Johnson Band so make a stop in Redway and check it out.  The Hemp connection has a whole evening of entertainment planned with the musical stylings of The Tin Can Luminary and Patchy Fog along with photography of Sam Leonard and handmade jewelry by Heart Roots Wire Craft.  The Hemp Connection plans to kick things off around 7 so be sure to stick around town and enjoy!

Photo from Cameron Varnell’s Caring Bridge site.

UPDATE 1:25 P.M.: Becky Crossland, president of the Southern Humboldt Little League, posted on the organization’s Facebook page, 

The boys have decided they want to play today’s game for Cameron Varnell, their friend and teammate. So come down to Redway Field at 5pm to watch our courageous boys take the field in honor of Cameron & to share support & love with community members in this difficult time.  

Original post below––––––

On Saturday, on the opening day of Little League in Redway, one of the young boys couldn’t be there, Cameron Varnell who had been scheduled to throw out the first pitch was battling cancer and too ill. This morning, he passed away.

“We threw the first pitch of the season out on Saturday in his honor,” says Cinnamon O’Neill Paula.  “He played Baseball with all the boys who are on majors now.”

In June of 2009, Cameron was diagnosed with Leukemia and was treated at St. Jude’s in Tennessee. Many fundraisers have been held in the Southern Humboldt community to help his family bear the burden of his medical expenses.

LoCO wishes comfort for his family and friends.

Some kids are really missing their dog.  Keep an eye out will you? Last seen wearing a red collar.