All posts by Redwood Voice

Articles, Crime, Prison

PBSP Officials Investigating Inmate’s Death As A Homicide

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Thumbnail photo: Pelican Bay State Prison inmate Javier Torres (right) died following an altercation with Jose Zapian (left). | Photos courtesy of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

From the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation:

CRESCENT CITY – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials are investigating the death of an incarcerated person at Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) as a homicide.

On Oct. 4, 2026, at approximately 8:24 a.m., correctional staff observed incarcerated person Jose Zapian attack incarcerated person, Javier Torres in the lower yard. Responding staff immediately intervened, quelling the attack.

Staff activated 911 and initiated life-saving measures. An improvised weapon was recovered at the scene.

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Arts & Culture, Community News, Education, Just For Fun

Art Scene: Soundbath, Community Drum Circle, Art in Public Places, Free Drawing Classes

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Here are this week’s Arts Notes from the Del Norte Association of Cultural Awareness (DNACA):

  • Oct. 10: DNACA presents Echoes Within: A Soundbath by Oren Selah at 4 p.m. in the Tapestry Arts Center, 224 F. St. in Crescent City. The soundbath will be a guided meditation in a relaxing acoustic soundscape, featuring gongs, chimes, flutes, and a sound bowl. Chairs will be provided, but you may bring yoga mats, blankets and pillows for more comfort. This is a free event, but donations are appreciated.
  • Oct. 17: DNACA is hosting a Community Drum Circle instructed by Mombo Hernandez at 1:30 p.m. in the Tapestry Arts Center. Hand drums and percussion instruments will be provided or you may bring your own. All ages are welcome.
  • On display until Oct. 22: DNACA presents a variety of local artwork at the 35th Annual Juried Multimedia Exhibition in the Del Norte County Courthouse, 450 H St. in Crescent City. The courthouse is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Arts & Culture, Community News

Art Scene: Juried Multimedia Exhibition, Community Drum Circle, Art in Public Places

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Here are this week’s Arts Notes from the Del Norte Association of Cultural Awareness (DNACA):

  • Oct. 17: DNACA is hosting a Community Drum Circle instructed by Mombo Hernandez at 1:30 p.m. at the Tapestry Arts Center, 224 F. St. in Crescent City. Hand drums and percussion instruments will be provided or you may bring your own. All ages are welcome.
  • On display until Oct. 22: DNACA presents a variety of local artwork at the 35th Annual Juried Multimedia Exhibition in the Del Norte County Courthouse, 450 H St. in Crescent City. The courthouse is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • On display until Oct. 22: DNACA presents Painting the Music– a collection of paintings of musical artists by local artist Marcia Morgan. Her portraits paired with musicians’ lyrics can be viewed on the second-floor mezzanine of the Del Norte County Airport, 1650 Dale Rupert Rd. in Crescent City.
  • On display until Dec. 10: DNACA showcases the dreamlike artwork of artist Susan Moore. View her exhibition at the College of the Redwoods’ Del Norte Campus, 883 W. Washington Blvd. in Crescent City between the business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To feature an event via DNACA, email Kim@DNACA.net. 

Arts & Culture

Art Scene: Juried Multimedia Exhibition, Art in Public Places, Community Drum Circle

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Here are this week’s Arts Notes from the Del Norte Association of Cultural Awareness (DNACA):

  • Aug. 20: DNACA is hosting its 35th Annual Juried Multimedia Exhibition at the Del Norte County Courthouse. Artists may enter up to two pieces of artwork, with the requirements that: the art is original, was completed in the last two years, and can be hung on a wall. The largest size the art can be is 24 by 30 inches, including the frame. Art can be dropped off at the courthouse on Aug. 20 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and will be displayed through Oct. 22. There is an entry fee of $10 per piece. For more information, visit DNACA.net, email office@dnaca.net, or call the office at (707) 464-1336. 
  • On display until Aug. 20:  As part of its Art in Public Places Program,  DNACA presents Portraying Nature’s Beauty — a solo exhibition of mixed media art by local artist Linda Evans. View her collection at the Del Norte County Courthouse, 450 H St. in Crescent City. The courthouse is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Arts & Culture, Community News, Crescent City

Art Scene: Art in Public Places, Community Drum Circle

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Here are this week’s Arts Notes from the Del Norte Association of Cultural Awareness (DNACA):

  • On display until July 9: As part of its Art in Public Places Program, DNACA presents Flora, Fauna and Omah– a collection of mixed media art by artist Jim Hooper. View his collection at the Del Norte County Courthouse, 450 H St. in Crescent City. The courthouse is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • On display until July 9: DNACA presents A Solo Exhibit by Georgia Cockerham at the Del Norte County Airport, 1650 Dale Rupert Rd. in Crescent City. The author and artist’s collection of watercolor artwork can be viewed on the second-floor mezzanine of the airport. 
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Obits

OBITUARY: Jeff Gupton, 1970-2026

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Jeff Gupton, 55, of Eureka, California, passed away on June 7, 2026. Born on September 21, 1970, in San Francisco, California, Jeff lived a life filled with creativity, passion, and love for his family and friends.

Jeff graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1988 and went on to attend the College of the Redwoods. He dedicated much of his professional life to Six Rivers Produce, the family business he worked at and eventually ran. His commitment to the business reflected his strong work ethic and dedication to supporting those around him.

A man of many talents and interests, Jeff was deeply passionate about tabletop gaming and role-playing games. He found joy in painting miniatures for these games as well as customizing Hot Wheels cars for the game Gaslands. His artistic flair extended beyond gaming; he shared his creative process through videos he posted on YouTube, inspiring others with his skill and imagination. Jeff also loved music and movies, often enjoying them with friends during regular game nights that brought people together in laughter and camaraderie.

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Articles, Elections, Local Government

(AUDIO) Redwood Voice Talks Goals, Reasons for Running With Congressional Contenders, Assembly Candidate Mike Greer

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Congressional candidates Tim Geist and Paul Saulsbury and Assembly candidate Michael Greer fielded questions from Redwood Voice producers Monique Camarena and Aisling Bludworth on April 23. | Photos by Jessica Cejnar Andrews

Michael Greer’s confident that Del Norte will vote for him — they have in the past and things haven’t changed, he says.

The Republican candidate for California’s Assembly District 2 is not only the current Trustee Area 5 representative on the Del Norte Unified School District Board of Trustees, he ran against incumbent Chris Rogers two years ago. Though he lost the district in November 2024, Greer received more votes in Del Norte County than his opponent. Greer said that Del Norte County voters know when he says he’ll do something, he’ll deliver.

“I’m a doer,” he said. “If I have something going through legislation, I’m going to push it and I’m going to do it until I get it done. It’s that simple.”

Continue reading (AUDIO) Redwood Voice Talks Goals, Reasons for Running With Congressional Contenders, Assembly Candidate Mike Greer →
Articles, Elections, Local Government

(AUDIO) Gutierrez, Howard Discuss Goals If They Win, Keep District 3 Supervisor Seat In Conversation With Redwood Voice

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Del Norte County District 3 Supervisor candidates Chris Howard and Lupe Gutierrez sat down with Redwood Voice youth producers Monique Camarena and Aisling Bludworth for an evening conversation last week. | Photos by Jessica Cejnar Andrews

Lupe Gutierrez said she was surprised when people urged her to run for the District 3 supervisor seat.

They were adamant that it shouldn’t go unopposed, she said, which is why she’s challenging incumbent Chris Howard. She says she’s got the character to take on the job and one of her goals is to urge more youth to participate in the government process.

“I’m so disappointed when I look at the demographics and I see that they, the ages of 18 to 45, just don’t participate as much as the older people do,” Gutierrez said. “And sometimes I wonder about that and I know they’re disenchanted. I would really love to bring them back into the government so they can be effective in their own decisions because right now other people are making their decisions for them.”

Continue reading (AUDIO) Gutierrez, Howard Discuss Goals If They Win, Keep District 3 Supervisor Seat In Conversation With Redwood Voice →
Arts & Culture, Community News

Art Scene: Stories of Steinbeck Art Exhibit, Kamome Festival Art Show, Community Drum Circle

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Here are this week’s Arts Notes from the Del Norte Association of Cultural Awareness (DNACA):

  • April 13: DNACA presents “Stories of Steinbeck,” an art exhibit and lecture by Jenny Rosa. This free event will be held at 6 p.m. at the College of the Redwoods’ Del Norte campus, 883 W. Washington Blvd. in Crescent City. All ages are welcome. 
  •  April 15: DNACA presents a free film screening of Samurai in the Oregon Sky followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Ilana Sol. The screening is a part of this week’s Kamome Festival festivities and will be held at 6 p.m. in the Tapestry Arts Center at the Church of the Nazarene, 224 F. St. in Crescent City. Pre-registration is required to attend. 
  • April 17-18: DNACA presents the Kamome Festival Annual Art Show at the Cultural Center, 1001 Front St. in Crescent City. This year’s theme is “honoring Japanese culture.”
  • April 25: DNACA is hosting a Community Drum Circle instructed by Mombo Hernandez, at 1:30 p.m. at the Tapestry Arts Center, 224 F. St. in Crescent City. Hand drums and percussion instruments will be provided or you may bring your own. All ages are welcome.
  • April 25: DNACA, in partnership with True North Organizing Network and Trillium Teen Center, are hosting a Poetry Slam. Poets of any age can participate! Participants must have three poems memorized as there will be three rounds The poets will be randomly picked from the crowd. There is an entrance fee of $1, and the prize for the winner will be the amount collected at the door. This event will also be held in the Tapestry Arts Center, 224 F. St., in Crescent City from 4:30p.m. to 6:00p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Articles, Crime, Local Government

Hooper Given 44-Day Jail Sentence, 3 Years Probation Nearly A Year After DUI Arrest;

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Hooper

Thumbnail photo: Randy Hooper was arrested on a DUI with injury charge after he struck Megan Postma’s vehicle at Sand Mine Road and U.S. 101 on April 19, 2025 | Photo by Heather Polen

Randy Hooper will serve 44 days in jail, a Del Norte County judge decided on Monday nearly a year after officers arrested the assistant county administrative officer on a DUI with injury charge after leaving Elk Valley Casino.

At a sentencing hearing before Judge William Follett, Hooper offered an apology to Megan Postma, the Grants Pass woman whose vehicle he struck at U.S. 101 and Sand Mine Road on April 19, 2025.

“I wish I could have apologized sooner, but I was advised not to by my attorney,” Hooper told the judge. “I think my conduct was not of character — it certainly is not the way my parents raised me nor the way my wife and I are raising our children.”

Continue reading Hooper Given 44-Day Jail Sentence, 3 Years Probation Nearly A Year After DUI Arrest; →