Best Burger Joints in Humboldt County.

Here is the criteria; must be primarily burger or Hot Dog themed places. No chains. (I do prefer a burger with genetically modified organisms GMOs over grass fed.)

10. Surfside Burger Shack (Eureka)- I do think they need to put up a corn fed beef option. Just buy those pre-made up from Costco or something.

9. Getti Up (Garberville)- Been awhile for me, but I don't remember being disappointed.

8. Bob's Footlong (Fortuna)-Lot's of choices and pleasant people.

7. Whimpy's (Willow Creek)- One of my favorites that has seemed to go down hill.

6. Fresh Freeze (Eureka)- Just not that big on their fries but they do have great burgers and shakes!

5. Deb's Great American Hamburger (Redway)-If you like Betty Boop, this is the place to visit.

4. Star's Burger (Eureka)-I have had good and bad experiences on Harrison. The bad has left me not going for awhile.

3. Mike's (Eureka)-Don't talk politics in here and you will do well. Don't seem to like Democrats in any flavor. Great greasy garlic fries.

2. Toni's (Arcata)-Their fries are so-so. But they have great burgers and great union rings. Good portions.

1. No Brand Burger stand (Ferndale)-I probably won't get many arguments on this. Great burgers, but maybe to close to the source.

Wal Mart in Eureka?

Next thing you know and we will have a Home Depot too. I am not a big fan of either because of their history of how they treat employees. But I am sure that if Wal Mart opens a store in the Bayshore Mall, they will have huge crowds shopping there. Why do I think that? I remember when they opened the K-Mart on Broadway and it was packed for years! Kind of funny thinking about it now since they have slowed down since other stores have opened such as Big Box Costco and Target. It will be interesting to see the communities reaction if the rumor has legs.

Longtime hoops tourney organizer Gunnerson dies

Arman Gunnerson desired nothing more than to make a difference in the lives of young people. He achieved this lofty goal many times over. Gunnerson devoted himself to the Crescent City Jaycees 8th Grade Basketball Tournament, which has become a major annual event since its inception in 1968. He died Tuesday morning at Sutter Coast Hospital due to complications from a stroke he suffered last month. He was 74.

Arman contacted me nearly 20 years ago and approached me about holding an 8th grade Basketball Tournament for small schools in Humboldt County. He was a quite, calm mega organizer and just nice guy. I had been coach at Peninsula School in Samoa for awhile and had been trying to build the program worthy of playing in the Crescent City tournament, which hosts 56 of the top teams from all over California and Oregon. So for years Peninsula (Robin and I directing.)hosted the small teams qualifier's and Arman would be in the stands scouting teams to invite. Peninsula stopped hosting when I went to work on the road for the union. I continued coaching Peninsula later until there were not enough kids to field a team.

Arman. You done well. May you receive God's reward.

Top Breakfast Places in Eureka. Past and present.

I sure miss some of the closed places to eat breakfast. I loved Bev's, Bettie Mae's, Eureka Truck Terminal, Stanton's and Carl's Diner. And there has not been many to replace them with a huge greasy cholesterol filled menu. But here is my take of the best right now:

10. Waterfront Cafe- Nice view!
9. Cutten Inn- The "Bomber" biscuit and gravy special.
8. Amiga's Burrito- Their Breakfast Burrito is really good!
7. Marie Calendar's- Been having $4.99 special for months!
6. The Double AA- Bar type atmosphere.
5. The Chalet House of Omelette's- Been around for quite sometime. If you are into omelette's, this is your place.
4. Amy's Delight- On Harris. Across from Fig's.
3. Mama's Kitchen- My buddy Perry's favorite.
2. Adel's- Nice clean place with pleasant workers.
1. Kristina's- Consistent and I suggest the Mexicana omelet, but they have a $6.99 steak and eggs that is really good too. Waitresses are really friendly.

July 4th, 2011. Nearly 50% of Americans do not have pot to piss in.

A new study by the National Bureau of Economic Research shows 50% of Americans would struggle to come up with $2,000 in a pinch, for example in the event of an unanticipated car or home repair, a large medical bill or legal expenses. This is not a good sign for our economy if that many people are on the brink of a financial catastrophe. It makes me wonder just how many in Humboldt County are at this threshold. Working poor? More like working broke.

Bass vs. Neely for Congress?

This could actually happen if 1st District Congressman Mike Thompson is redistricted to the valley. Talks have been ongoing and don't be shocked if it comes true. I would think with Bonnie's ties all over the coastal counties would make her a very viable candidate. In the past she ran for the 1st District Assembly Seat as a Republican in the primaries in the 90's. Both Virginia and Bonnie have proven they can raise tons of money, and that is what this race will take.

Already officially announcing an exploratory committee is 6th District Assemblyman Jared Huffman who will be termed out in 2012 and needs a job. He is set to raise $500,000 for this race and is the early front runner. Although I bet less than 5% in Del Norte and Humboldt County knows who he is. 2nd District State Senator Noreen Evans is also rumored to be in the mix but says it is way to early to speculate. Radical author and true Democratic "progressive" Norman Solomon is also planning to run. This race could be crazy good!

Crazy Humboldt Traffic observations. Some Round Abouts good, some bad.

The other day I was travelling east bound on Seventh street in Eureka with no traffic. I was going maybe 25 MPH. I had a green light entering Hst and I noticed a car going around 50 just run the stop sign and just missed my car after I stomped on it and swerved! I have no idea what was on their mind, but obviously it was not driving! It got me to thinking about traffic in Humboldt. Why is it that there is no stop sign at Henderson and Spring by Winco? People fly down that hill and there seems to much foot traffic trying to cross the road. And whose Idea was it to put a stop light on Samoa Blvd. and Kst in Arcata. The stop signs worked fine before, but I am always running into a red light with no cross traffic! Does anyone really have their lights on or go 50 MPH between Arcata and Eureka? Not many I have seen!

Round Abouts are a great traffic calming tool, but that bastardized version at Guintoli Lane in Arcata has had the opposite affect of calming, it causes gridlock. The Round About at Samoa Blvd. and Union St near the CHP station is a good example of helping traffic. Now if we could educate drivers on how to use them properly. That is a yield sign, not stop sign if no one is in the Round About! Yee! I will shut up now.

Samoa Peninsula Fire District 2nd Annual Perch'n on the Peninsula

Surfperch Fishing Tournament and Pasta Feed Fundraiser on July 30th 2010 at Peninsula Elementary School Tournament Entry Fee - $20.00 per person.

All Tournament Participants must Register and Agree to the Waiver of Liability Terms prior to going fishing!

When: Fishing begins at sunrise, Check-in deadline is 3pm, Pasta Feed Begins at Noon, Awards and Raffle begins at 3:30pm, and Silent Auction closes at 4pm.

Where: Peninsula Elementary School, 909 Vance Ave. Samoa, CA. (Directly across the street from the Samoa Cookhouse).

Tournament Entry Registration: Pre-register at Mad River Tackle, Pacific Outfitters, Englund Marine or by contacting Ben Smith (707-601-0375) or Charlie Holthaus (707-499-7088). Tournament day registration will be available at the Peninsula Elementary School from 6 am to 10 am.

Tournament Registration Includes: One (1) Entry into Door Prize Raffle* and Admission to Pasta Feed Fundraiser ($5.00 value).

*Door Prize Raffle is Limited to Tournament Participants Only-Door Prize Raffle Tickets will be supplied at time of Check-in.

Tournament Cash Prizes:

-Junior Category (Under 16 years old) -5% of entry proceeds awarded for largest single fish (10 Participants =$10 prize, 100 Participants = $100 prize).
-Senior Category (16 years old and older) -5% of entry proceeds awarded for largest single fish (10 Participants =$10 prize, 100 Participants = $100 prize).

Tournament Judging: Fish will be judged by Total Length.

NOT INTO FISHING? JOIN US FOR THE PASTA FEED FUNDRAISER!
Many quality Raffle Prizes and Silent Auction Items donated by local sponsors will be available*
*DO NOT NEED TO BE PRESENT TO WIN!

Pasta Feed Fundraiser Admission: $5.00 Per Person (Free for Children under 6 and Fishing Tournament Participants).

Tournament Logo Tee Shirts: $15 (limited number available, get yours while supplies last)

Please Be Safe!
Do Not Take Unnecessary Risks!
Be Aware of Ocean Conditions and Plan Accordingly
Call 707-443-7062 for Current Weather Conditions

Tournament Rules:

1. All California Department of Fish and Game Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations shall apply. -As per DFG regulation, the minimum size for Redtail surfperch is 10.5 inches, any sub-legal fish will not be accepted.
-All adult anglers over the age of 16 must possess a current California Sport Fishing License.

2. You must fish on the day of the tournament, any fish caught before the day of the tournament will not be accepted. You must check in by 3pm, Late arrivals will not be accepted.

3. Only Surfperch in the family Embiotocidae are eligible, any other fish species will not be accepted. Any frozen, freezer burned, undersized or manipulated fish will not be accepted. All fish will be measured by tournament staff. All measurements by tournament staff are final. If there is a tie for largest fish, the prize money will be split evenly between all tied anglers.

4. You may fish anywhere you want within ocean waters (Humboldt Bay is considered ocean waters, river mouths and estuaries are not considered ocean waters), as per DFG regulation.

5. Samoa Peninsula Fire District volunteers and Board members are NOT eligible to participate in the Tournament.

6. All Participants shall read and agree to the Waiver of Liability Terms prior to participating in the Tournament. All Participants shall supply their Name, Phone Number, Signature and Date on the Tournament Entry Form at the time of Registration as acceptance of the Waiver of Liability Terms. Minors (under 18 years old) shall have a responsible parent or guardian sign on their behalf. Tournament Entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Drinking and driving reality. How much is too much to drive?

I had heard commercials before this weekend that Fortuna police would be out in force looking for drivers who were impaired by alcohol. I warned some people over this while at a softball tournament in Fortuna where beer and softball go hand in hand. And you know that some of the people leaving had a few beers. Recently retired NBA player Jalon Rose was picked up for a DUI. Police figure he had 12 martinis and he blew a .088 at the sight he was taken in to custody. He was almost legal even though he drank how much? So I went on the Police Notebook and checked out their Blood Alcohol Content Calculator to see how much a guy my size (210lbs) could drink in 2 hours and still be legal to drive. 6 Screwdrivers, 5 Margaritas, a six pack of beer or 6 glasses of wine! So how much booze are those people drinking when they are popped for a DUI? Kind of scary to think someone would drink that much and then get behind the wheel!

Best fries around town?

Maybe not that important to most, but I want decent fries to augment my burger meal. Wendy's has been pushing new fries, so I had to try. Not to bad. But around Eureka I would have to say these places are best.

10.Jack in the Box-Do people in Eureka really eat at this one?
9. Fresh Freeze-If they are not limp.
8. Burger King-Not that bad if you use the onion dipping sauce.
7. Wendy's
6. AA-Steak sized.
5. Marina Cafe-Fish Fry.
4. Sizzler-With the all you can eat shrimp of course.
3. Lost Coast Brewery-Seasoned or plain.
2. Mike's Hamburger King- Garlic Fries. Grease and all!
1. McDonald's-Don't know what separates them, but they are the best.

And take notice. No Buffets mentioned!

Top 20 most missed Restaurants of Humboldt by Marks.

(Whalers Inn was #11)
Sometimes I get nostalgic about some of my most missed places to eat and I thought I would share some and why. You can see I am all over the board as far as cuisine and setting. Some of these are being revisited.

20. Lazio’s: They had the best fries believe it or not. Used to buy some while fishing for Perch and Smelt off the dock.

19. Eureka Inn: Used to be classy place for meal. Not that great of food, but I have pleasant memories family wise.

18. Enrico’s: Used to live within a block and had many sandwiches and specialty beers from here.

17. Deb’s: Liked the greasy burgers!

16. Kings Table: I have fond memories with the kids.

15. Lila’s Taco Shop: The Garbage burrito was the best!

14. Stanton’s: No more wood’s boss!

13. Volpi’s: Best view of all past eating places.

12. A & W: For whatever reason, I loved the mashed potato fries. Oh, and the bacon bits on the burgers.

11. Whaler’s Inn: Didn’t get enough chances to eat here. Usually saved for special times.

10. Betty Mae’s/Bev’s Cafe: Where or where can you get those portions for breakfast!

9. Arctic Circle: Now we will never no the answer to the “Secret Sauce.” My niece's Erica and Jessica from Sacramento lament this the most.

8. OH’s Hamburger King: For those of you who remember, great dogs and onion rings.

7. Verla’s/Tom’s Sourdough: Both places hold great teenager memories. I was once accused of throwing a stink bomb down the chimney and was kicked out “forever.” Ah, good times. (No, I didn’t do it.)

6. Shakey’s/Andy’s Prosperous Pizza: They had a great buffet and was a great post game place to gather for softball!

5. Dennis and Jerry’s: Great place to go before or after Mrytlewood Lounge.

4. OH’s Townhouse: Best Prime rib in the County. Never matched.

3. Jalisco’s: I so miss their buffet. Great mild salsa.

2. Michael’s: My wife’s #1. We went many times with our friends Liz and Loren for the Steak and Fettuccine special

1. Shanghai Low: Never have found replacement for the won tons or the prawns. I also liked the almond chicken chow mien. Miss the kids playing with the juke boxes at the table. Last union restaurant in Eureka.

Need any meeting seats?

I am getting rid of some meeting seats that are kinda like stadium seats that we had in our union hall. If you are interested, they are outside at 1720 Victor Blvd. in Manila. Come on by and help yourself! (If not by Saturday, I will be hauling off to the dump.)

Osama dead. Let's close Guantanamo Bay Prison.

Lets get out of Iraq. Let's get out of Afghanistan. Let's dismantle Guantanamo Bay. (Pictured Detainees upon arrival at Camp X-Ray, January 2002)

Humboldt County Tourist Destination

Robin and I were having breakfast at the Cookhouse the other day and a couple of women came and sat near us. They had come from Marin County just to visit Lost Coast Brewery! I sure hope they tried the IPA. That is my favorite!

"He is risen!" But why all the paganism?

I was surprised to see that both the Times Standard and the San Francisco Chronicle had no reference on their front pages about today being recognized as Easter. Whatever your beliefs are, this is still primarily a Christian Country. 76% of the country claims to be Christian so you would think there would be more made of the day. Anyways, Happy Easter!

Who won the GPU war? Round and round.

I went to yesterdays Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting to catch all the hubbub surrounding the General Plan Update since it is on the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District agenda for Thursday night. The public comments were pretty amicable and calm for the most part. With seemly so much at stake for each political side (developers vs. inclusionary zoning/Plan A fans) it wasn't a huge war.

Once the item was taken on by the BOS things spun round and round with no Supervisor coming up with a concise motion. Jimmy Smith tried to bring forth a motion for a Select Committee but was left on an island with no real other input with the process. Supervisor Clif Clendenen made it clear he was not supporting anything to slow the GPU process. Chairman Mark Lovelace did a good job at trying to frame all options without stumping for his own views. Very impressive. The BOS made the decision to stay the course and have staff look into creating a Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC).

When the dust settled, who actually was the winner here? Obviously the people who wanted the process to continue full steam ahead. Kirk Girard and his staff came out looking better than he had going in, so he was a winner. Mark Lovelace taking control of the process and helping pull off a 5-0 vote no one was expecting puts him on pretty high ground. I guess I would have to say the losers were the development crowd. This must hurt the Boogie man syndrome that certain Supervisors are lock stock and barrel in political corners. Or maybe they just missed the memo.

Should I expose or out Heraldo?

I have been sitting on this for awhile. I was just wondering what you all think. Should I identify this anonymous hater, or let the prog machine just keep preaching to hugely minority fringe left?

Eureka Softball Sign-ups April 13th. Need a sponsor?

The City of Eureka is holding a managers meeting for adult men's and women's softball teams April 13th at the Adorni Center. 6pm for the women and 6:30pm for the men. So if you want to play ball in Eureka, here is your chance! And if you are a Eureka based team in need of a sponsor, please call 445-3432 and I will help you with that. So what is stopping you?

(Thanks to all the Eureka City Council for their unanimous vote to re-instate the adult sports programs!)

Sign-ups for Mad River Softball Association Spring League!

The Mad River Softball Association is hosting a Sunday Spring Softball League in Arcata starting May 1st and running through June 19th. Teams will play a double header each Sunday for a total of 14 games and then the top 6 teams will go into a playoff on Saturday June 25th. Cost will be $575 determined by amount of participants. Teams must commit by April 25th. Players without a team can call and be put in pool for free agent teams. Players must be 16 years of age or older. For more information contact Richard Marks at 445-3432 or email Samoafog@aol.com.

Gas 54 cents less 100 miles south! Who is Gouging who! Investigative Reporters to action!

I have been vacationing and traveling by auto from Eureka to Phoenix this last week and on my way back I gassed up in Willits. I paid $3.63.9 per gallon. When I entered Eureka, I saw the first station coming into town sold gas for $4.17.9 per gallon, and per our gas price history, the prices varied only 2 cents all the way through town. Every town all over the west coast I have traveled, the prices vary at least 15cents. Why not Eureka?

Oh yes, I have seen the local media reports that let us know we have the highest prices in the contiguous states and yet I see no explanation why.
I am challenging all local Northern Humboldt press! Times Standard, North Coast Journal, Arcata Eye, McKinleyville Press and how about you two, John Matthews and Hank Simms of Lost Coast Communications!

Who is screwing the general public when it comes to the gas gouging we are subjected to in Humboldt County for years?

Let me give a few observations or questions that others can add or explain:

Is this problem to be dropped on the gas station/convenience stores? Is the price they charge based on gas profit margin or food products margin?

Is this really a supply and demand issue and we are so far removed from the rest of civilization that the suppliers can justify the prices?

Why won’t a supplier that can deliver gas that can be sold for $3.63.9 a gallon in Willits go ahead and drive that 4,000 gallons to Humboldt County for $2,160 more when it would only cost about $1,000 for delivery?

Just why is it so much cheaper to deliver gas to all points all over the United States? Why are we number #1?

I can pretty much guarantee you press people that the following local issues in Humboldt County take a back seat to any of the gas price concerns, so quit reporting on these until you give us gas gouging answers:

1. The Marina Center.
2. Jefferson Elementary School.
3. Ridgewood Development.
4. Humboldt County General Plan.
5. Medical Marijuana.

Now get going!