About

Kym 12.25.23

Hi, you landed on Redheaded Blackbelt. I own it. That’s me to the left, Kym Kemp. I do everything from photography to selling ads to writing stories.

I’m totally in love with the Emerald Counties, that incredible place south of the Oregon border and east of the Pacific Ocean that is home to redwoods, rolling hills, Victorian mansions, hippie homesteads, wildflowers, and wildlife.

Make Me Smile – Please Donate to help keep this website functioning:




Yes, I really did get my black belt (in Tang Soo Do) and I used to have red hair before I became a news reporter. (Putting this colorful world in black and white made my hair gray.) I live about 45 minutes from the nearest town and spend way too much time on my computer getting the latest information to my readers. (For something I’m really proud of click here.)

I also received the 2018 Unsung Hero award from the Society of Professional Journalists in Northern California.

You can contact me or my staff at [email protected]. (Send Letters to the Editor, Obituaries, tips, etc. to this email address.)

Here’s someone else you should know. This is Oliver Cory. He began working for Redheaded Blackbelt when we first started out on our own again in 2015.

He is one of the finest, young photographers in northwestern California. He also has a knack for technology. If we’ve got a fancy graphic, Oliver is likely the person who created it. If there’s a quick way to get a photo from the scene to the person writing the story, he’ll come up with it.

He also writes a few stories. He’s mostly in Eureka but he can also be found throughout the Humboldt Bay region.

Frequent Contributors

Mark McKenna’s first real photojournalism experience came when he photographed a child pedestrian hit in front of his school and he sold the image. He honed his skills as a photojournalist by attending San Francisco State University as a journalism major graduating in 2000.

In addition to teaching photojournalism at Humboldt State University, Mark is represented by a photo agency you have probably never heard of, Zuma Press, and he operates a photo and graphic design studio in Old Town Eureka. He’s always looking for the unusual while photographing the routine.

Ryan HutsonRyan Hutson is a Southern Humboldt kid at heart, with a background in Sociology, and Political Science.  Though Ryan can be found taking pictures at the scene, or conducting an interview, Ryan is usually busy researching or writing.  Starting at South Fork High School writing columns and news for the Cub Collective (a student newspaper distributed county-wide with the Times-Standard), later was a contributing writer to the So Hum Independent, and then produced radio segments for KMUD News until finding a niche writing meat and potato articles for Redheaded Blackbelt. Ryan likes to focus on local socio-political issues, healthcare and environmental news. 

Matt LaFever

Matt LaFever has lived in the Emerald Triangle for nearly 15 years. He completes all the research, interviews, and writing associated with Cold Case Mendocino. During the day he works as an English and Journalism Teacher at a high school in Mendocino County. He has his own news site, MendoFever.

Stormy Taylor is often out and about collecting information and taking photos of breaking news in the Humboldt Bay area. She’s got an eye for composing images quickly–a must when the story is erupting around her.

She grew up in Trinidad and spent her entire life in Humboldt County. A mother of two now three, she’s also a  member of the confederated tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon.

Huge Help

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Bobbi Wisby

And here’s our behind the scene person Bobbi Wisby. She’s our website developer and computer wrangler–she makes us look pretty. We tell her what we want and she makes it happen.

Contact us

Drop me an email and let us know what you’re thinking about at [email protected] or you can send a message to anyone here by putting their name in the subject heading and sending it to [email protected].

And, click here for the comment rules if you have any questions.

Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules

Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/

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130 Comments
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Anita Marie
Guest
16 years ago

In other words, a well rounded and grounded human being.
Cool
anita marie

stuber
Guest
stuber
5 years ago
Reply to  Anita Marie

I had heard something about CBD oils and Trump. Kept looking, and I found it. it is on ProBrewer.com .
Mr. Mark Silva posted it. He and his wife want to use CBD in their beer, as well as THC.
It says that Trump would support a congressional effort to remove the federal govts ban on cannabis. Trump, speaking to a group of reporters, on or around June 20th, 2018, said that he would support Senator Gardner, one of the lead sponsors of a bipartisan effort to allow states to legalize cannabis without federal intervention. This is from the LA Times. I am hoping I got this right, that’s why I sent it to you. If I have it wrong, please don’t hurt me, lol. But I do want to be right on this, it’s a big deal

Brian Muldoon
Guest
Brian Muldoon
2 years ago
Reply to  Anita Marie

I would love to hear Red’s history. Only been to the City and San Diego once. As a child of North Jersey, Balt/Wash DC and Chicago I’d take those places over LA any day of the week. SF, however…. what can I say? Is truly an American city?

Would love to see Sasquatch country. Sierra Nevadas took my breath away. However the ‘Adirondacks also gorgeous though much more pastoral than anywhere near the Rockies.

Peter
Guest
Peter
2 years ago
Reply to  Brian Muldoon

Best thing to do in Trinity county is to go see the Trinity River and jump on in it as well as stay at the Trinity River Inn. Wish I was there now but it’s fire season. Maybe of all is well spawning season is coming but who knows with the fires being ongoing. I pray for all in these times.

Little John
Guest
16 years ago

i want to say thank you for you kind word you relly liked the last 5 lines well it is a start for me i ben racking my braine to come up with somthing new but im goin to get of of hear and go to bed for the night

thanks agan

stuber
Guest
stuber
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

hi Kym, a huge convoy went out road 502, heading south and going past the Kettenpom store, 8 to 10 rigs. They could be going out towards Long Ridge, or towards Covelo. Lots of chopper activity Wednesday. I have been told they have chipper and everything, I find out more, will update right away.

Sac,crack
Guest
Sac,crack
7 months ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Why,because you say so.so if someone says something about you no matter what,its true,what may i ask makes you the all mighty judge of humanity.is it just me or do you and your race,just think you are entitled and privelaged,well me and my family have been in humboldt before it was humboldt,so we know how humboldt or eureka was created,behind massacre and murder and rape of women and children,oh goodness is that racist,or truth,seems people like you and all the other entitled sensitive victims shiut racism or harassment to shut people up,like i said way to stand for equality and freedumb.have a good day.you and your team dont look into nothing you just print what you like.thats your privelaged right i guess.well thats enough vent for me,so block me now.i also have pen and paper.

redheadedtim
Guest
redheadedtim
16 years ago

Ha, happened upon a link here at UniversalHD’s Firefly board. Did a triple-take when I saw the name of the blog. What a coinkidink. Just saying hey.

Angela
Guest
16 years ago

Thank you for your blog on John’s clean up efforts. We really appreciate it. Can you send me an e-mail so that I may talk to you some more. I wasn’t able to find any contact info on you off of here. We’d like it if you could put down that people can make donations through paypal from our site, and a few other things.

Thank you again!!!
-Angela
Eel River Clean Up Crew Webmistress

puffin1
Guest
15 years ago

Hello Redhead. I hope you’ll visit my blog based in Willits, here to the south. Your photography and poetic view of life is lovely. How do we find more bloggers in the redwoods?

http://willitsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Erin
Guest
13 years ago
Reply to  puffin1

I’m a blogger in Humboldt 🙂

kimmi
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  puffin1

hi, I accidendtlly (I guess0 founndbyou as a kindred spirit,.. sorry abit pissed, been ill and killing the remains, h3ehe . Dont usually do mech internetting but im lacking ener4gy so needed something simple, just want to say your cool, love you sister! xxx

Dave Brooksher
Guest
15 years ago

Well done with today’s coverage. You managed to keep pretty good tabs on BOTH of the local crises. The whole thing is very impressive.

Did you just happen to be in the right place at the right time, with the photos of the IRS raid? I’ve been trying to follow the “out of towners” on my scanner, but I think they’re using a secure frequency.

Any suggestions on catching up with these guys?

Cheers
Dave

LA
Guest
LA
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Oh my dear, but how brave you are! Brave to write, brave to love, and brave to be honest. These are the marks of a true warrior. I appreciate, support and love your energy. You seem to be a truly lovely human being.

humboldtgrow
Guest
15 years ago

Hi Kym, thanks for the inspiration! My name is Eric Sligh, I am 29 years old from Ukiah. I have a degree in French from HSU and recently completed the single subject credential program there as well. I did my student teaching at Eureka High School during the past year. I have also put together a print publication called Humboldt Grow. I asm still trying to figure out what the magazine is supposed to be. It kind of looks like a comic book to me sometimes. I have a website, http://www.humboldtgrow.com where you can view pdfs of the magazine. I am really excited about being finished with school so that I can become completely enveloped in the local social/political scene. I really hope that I can join the ranks of all of the quality independent news sources we have been blessed with. – Eric

Mike Silva
Guest
Mike Silva
7 years ago
Reply to  humboldtgrow

Why isn’t your site in English?
Mike

Katherine Harvey
Guest
Katherine Harvey
7 years ago
Reply to  Mike Silva

I enjoy your news.

the Principle
Guest
15 years ago

I like what I see and what I read.
Far off from the normal bits I read and maybe that is why I like it so much. As Anita said before – A well rounded and properly grounded human being.

Peter Tittmann
Guest
Peter Tittmann
15 years ago

Kym,

I so very much appreciate your blog. I’t connects me back to so many of the indelible, intimiate things about salmon creek i love. Thank you very much.

Peter

Sydney
Guest
Sydney
15 years ago

Hi, Kim!

I got a chance to check out your site – I love it. You’ve done an a-musing/amazing job.

I sent an email to Chip. I’m hoping to hear from him.

And, I hope I’ll hear from you again some day soon. It was really nice to reconnect with you. Let’s stay in touch!

Sydney Lou

dave
Guest
15 years ago

Very nice blog you have here.

I’d like to invite you to visit mine – AS IT STANDS (davesblogcentral.com)

I’m another Humboldt blog, still fairly new. Started in July 2008.

foxstudio
Guest
15 years ago

Thanks for the link! I get traffic almost every day from you. Finally got around to seeing who kymk was. Nice.

Jennifer Savage
Guest
15 years ago

Kym, I don’t know what is wrong with my brain (or maybe it’s my salt-encrusted contacts affecting my vision), but I can’t find your email address and I have a very important question for you:

What movies would you recommend to fans of Firefly/Serenity?

Thank you! 🙂
Jen
([email protected])

Lokes
Guest
Lokes
15 years ago

For a Guy who hates blogs I sure like yours. Lots of good stuff, good people.

Love your area, love your photos, love your hobbies.

Keep up the good fight, you may have inspired me to blog.
Oh, No!
Hope to make it to the Emerald Cup next year, do you know if you have to be local? I’m in Sac.

Mitchell
Guest
7 years ago
Reply to  Lokes

This site is like a clsrsaoom, except I don’t hate it. lol

dinezzz
Guest
15 years ago

NIce to know you,ma’am…
nice photos you’ve posted…:)

Keep it up!

From Indonesia with Love, 🙂

dinezzz

Auntie Mayme
Guest
14 years ago

Hi Kym!

I deleted Auntie Mayme’s blog, so feel free to take it off your blog roll.

Thank you for your support!

xo,

Auntie Mayme/ Hunny

Staff
Member
14 years ago

I knew you were gone (see boy’s post or ask the turtle) I was just too sad to take you down. But I’ll do it now.

forkboy
Guest
14 years ago

You know Kym….there are days when I simply do not want to visit your site. Your gorgeous pictures. Your beautiful words, elegantly arranged. Your thoughtfulness. It’s really quite annoying.

The grace exhibited by your site, which must clearly be only a modicum of the grace in which you live your life, enriches me in ways so few other things do.

I’m not a person who believes in the soul or subscribes to the idea of the spirit, but if I did I believe your site would be like a temple in which I would visit.

Thank you.

humboldtlocal
Guest
humboldtlocal
13 years ago

Hey Kym, what do you know about the feds raiding Apex North and AEE Solar in the Meadows Business Park last Friday? There has been no mention of it in any of the news. Hopefully Kmud will have something tonight. Do you anything about it?

Staff
Member
13 years ago

I’ve got a call in to Brenda Godsey at the Sheriff’s Dept. to see if there has been any such activity. I do know the one of the owners had a personal raid on his home several weeks ago.

Kevin Hoover
Guest
13 years ago

Kym, what’s the best way to reach you? I just sent you an e-mail at the address listed above, but it got kicked back.

Kevin
[email protected]

Chris
Guest
13 years ago

Just saying hi, Kym. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Keep up the great work! I’m still a frequent reader of your blog and love to keep up with your work.

-Chris

Jack Lloyd
Guest
13 years ago

Hi there!

Lovely photographs! Very nice stuff. We might like to talk to you about publishing some of them in one of our books.

Can you please email me at [email protected] to discuss?

Thanks so much!

Best,

Jack, Green Candy Press
[email protected]

John VanderMyde
Guest
12 years ago

Kym,

This east coaster is dying to come tour Humboldt County, and your blog is a big reason why. Great work. Hope I make it out there someday.

-John

Ben Schill
Guest
Ben Schill
12 years ago

Hi Kym… I like the new format after being a bit shocked… Didn’t get the comment balloon for awhile but I finally figured it out. Thanks for all your work… Look out! You’ve become a primary news source, must be a lot of work!

Sarah
Guest
Sarah
12 years ago

Hey Kym, I don’t know when you changed your blog (I always read it in RSS) but it looks great! Way easier to read and nice design. You are really doing a great job keeping us informed of Humboldt County issues – and your photography is beautiful!

Denis R Burgierman
Guest
12 years ago

Dear Kim,
I am a writer from Brazil researching for a book on drug culture, the future of drug policy and especially marijuana. I am in the middle of a trip to several countries to understand how humanity’s approach to cannabis is changing. I am planning to go to Northern CA next week – I am in SF right now. Do you think I could meet you there?
best
d

Beel
Guest
Beel
12 years ago

Supreme Court allows warrantless exigent-circumstance search despite Fourth Amendment expectation of unreasonable searches and seizures:
http://www.latimes.com/news/sc-dc-0517-court-search-20110516,0,6599631,print.story

TR
Guest
TR
12 years ago

Kym, I am a relative of people in your area and was concerned of this practice in your area with PG&E putting in smart meters. You should see this post on youtube. You may want to post something about this to your fellow Humbolt County residents. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JNFr_j6kdI
You can request that this not be done to a residence.

justin
Guest
justin
12 years ago

me and my wife are trying to relocate to humbolt or any surrounding area, i am 26 and she is 23, we are very hard workers and very respectable, if any one can help us with some work or housing let me know. my name is justin 765-225-7617

Ron Cole
Guest
12 years ago

I him looking to come down to Humbolt and see if I gin find a job. It will be my first faraway trip. I would like to go to ensure damn but can not afford it so I guess California Humbolt is my best option. I him self efficient with my tenant and I was thinking just to bring my electric bike so I will be traveling cheaply. I him also looking for somewhere to camp why I look for a trimming job my e-mail is [email protected]
check out the site http://www.insanityinventions.com/ I him a renewable energy designer using solar panels and other devices I him sort of a mad scientist.

Harmony
Guest
Harmony
12 years ago

Hi Kym,
I have been so inspired by your blog, and SoHumBorn’s stories, that I have started my own blog. I’m writing about my happy memories of being the child of hippies lucky enough to be raised in the mountains. Thought I’d remind everyone that it isn’t all fear and money . . . Anyway, if you have a minute, please check it out. It’s harmonyinthehills.wordpress.com
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, you come across as wiser than your years. 🙂

ED Denson
Guest
ED Denson
8 years ago

I kept having deva vue all over again as I read the comments. I don’ t know about everyone’s computer, but mine showed me each comment twice.

FLO LOPEZ
Guest
FLO LOPEZ
8 years ago

HELLO, I AM WONDERING IF I CAN HAVE A POST IN THIS PAPER.
I AM RUNNING FOR CHAIRMAN OF THE KARUK TRIBE.
FLO LOPEZ

OldSchool
Guest
OldSchool
8 years ago

Kym, I just wanted to say that I for one am delighted that you chose to leave the Lost Coast Outpost and return here to your own blog. As my Mom taught me if you don’t have anything good to say about someone don’t say anything at all so Ill leave it at that for my feelings about the LCO. Keep up the good work here!

Mogtx
Guest
8 years ago

Hi kym how are u this is your class mate mark olsen luv your paper I read it everyday you report things that outpost doesn’t I hope all is well with you and yours

Laurie Jensen
Guest
Laurie Jensen
8 years ago

Thank you Kym for all your awesome work!!! I have a friend who lives up at 4-corners right above the Lassics fire, so far she is still OK!! Between the wonderful work of all the firecrews, and the winds have been blowing the other way!!! I look forward to your updates twice a day, thank you so much!! You are awesome!!!

Spanky
Guest
Spanky
8 years ago

Thank you Kym!

kelly taylor
Guest
kelly taylor
7 years ago
Reply to  Spanky

I retired from Navy Civil Service (30 years) after spending six comfortable years in the USAF avionics/autopilot field. Spent my twenties in Garberville area. Don’t like wasting time on politics nor pot, but love any Redwood park. So, I thank a Navy guy for posting a great picture of the greatest Naval Service on planet Earth.

Linda Stansberry
Guest
8 years ago

Your site is going great guns, keep up the good work! And thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my writing career. I appreciate you.

haidasAngel
Guest
haidasAngel
7 years ago

Glad the guy from Canada deiced to stick it out here lol..appreciate all that the RedHeaded Black Belt Team does 😛

Octavio
Guest
Octavio
7 years ago

Hi Kym ! How are you ?

First of all, I want to thank you for all your work !

It´s been a real pleasured to discover your blog as I´m looking for local news. I can see you put a lovely effort in all of it.

I´ve just wrote you an email with my account: [email protected]
I hope you can read it ! (just in case it landed in your spam folder…)

Best regards !

Octavio Rodríguez
Independent Filmmaker

Minsheng Young
Guest
Minsheng Young
7 years ago

Report on Humboldt County being exposed by EcoWatch as environmentally hypocritical for protecting the redwoods against logging but not against marijuana cultivation.
http://www.ecowatch.com/humboldt-marijuana-1954674793.html

judi
Guest
judi
7 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Kym Kemp as Citizen of the Year!

congratulations kym. i see your ears burn often as you have the whole neighborhood talking about you!

this is a well earned & truly deserved recognition.

i wish i knew you well enough to write an article about this award what it means, what it says about you and how you were able to take this top honor this year.

i feel like a proud mom, but also like an envious sister…lol…

good going kym, and thank you for it all!

mike w.
Guest
7 years ago

you look like miss. jesscia V an EMT i met

EdenintheCove
Guest
EdenintheCove
7 years ago

Hi Kym, we are new to the area. Retiring from the Santa Cruz Mountains to Shelter Cove. We love it here. Googled the 101 closure and your site came up near the top. Well done (and sustained I see for over 8 years!) Please let me know if you are interested in including local news from the Cove. Cheers, Cynthia