Surfrider Humboldt raised over $1,500 last night at the Arcata Theater Lounge for a surfer who survived an anti-social interaction with a shark.

It was standing-room only when Scott Stephens Skyped in to thank everyone for helping out. His surfboard (left) was passed around for the community to sign. Stephens is relatively new to the North Coast, having only lived here a few months. 

While lucky his injuries weren't worse, as the North Coast Journal aptly pointed out, this is a man who punched a shark in the face. Consider him "made" in the surfing community. 

Surfrider Humboldt's (and LoCO contributor) Jen Savage explains. 

Surfrider Audio

If you want to make a donation to help cover Stephens' hospital bills (Credit cards, Paypal), click here and look at the bottom of the page.  

Because "Booze At The Beach" or "Drunk In The Dunes" proved unsuitably coarse for an event of this elegance, organizers went with "Wine By The Sea."

And that's exactly what it is: a swank array of top-shelf local wines from:

• Moonstone Crossing
• Riverbend Cellars
• Winnett Vineyards
• And more...

Pair that up with food from the likes of Avalon, Cypress Grove, Dick Taylor Chocolate, then add in a wine pull, live music from Jim Silva and Patrick Cleary & Friends, epic scenery, and you've got an excellent way to spend this Saturday afternoon. Besides, you're helping raise funds FOD's educational programs.  

From Friends of the Dunes:

Enjoy the Nature Center’s beautiful ocean and bay views while sampling local wine, nibbling on local sweet and savory treats, and listening to live music. The event will feature a silent auction and a "wine pull" where for $18 you will have an opportunity to "pull" one of 100 bottles of quality wine, many valued well over $18. All proceeds benefit Friends of the Dunes.

If you do intend to imbibe, Google's showing buses leaving Manila for Arcata at 5:48pm and Arcata ten minutes earlier. Shuttles will help get you to your car if you're parked somewhere other than the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center. 

Buy tickets online here, and kids under 5 are free.

Directions here.

------------------

Saturday, October 13th 3pm-6pm

Humboldt Coastal Nature Center

220 Stamp Lane, Manila 

From a Schatz Energy Research Center press release:

"The Schatz Energy Research Center at Humboldt State University and the Redwood Coast Energy Authority have unveiled their joint RePower Humboldt Strategic Plan, spelling out how local renewable resources can be used to meet the majority of Humboldt County’s electricity needs and a large portion of its transportation and heating energy needs as well.

Key recommendations in the plan include:

• Aggressively pursuing cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities.
• Supporting responsible wind energy development.
• Expanding the use of biomass energy that is consistent with forest restoration needs and priorities.
• Developing infrastructure for and encourage the use of electric vehicles.
• Encouraging development of distributed energy installations.
• Pursuing options for local development and ownership of renewable energy projects, as well as local purchase of the power generated.
• Forming an energy leadership group to move the plan forward.

A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 26^th from 6-8 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka to discuss the RePower Humboldt plan.  Public comment will be accepted through October 26^th­ for incorporation in a final version."

Today (Tuesday) at 5:00, Jim Zoellick from Schatz and Matthew Marshall from Redwood Coast Energy Authority will stop by the Awkward Pause radio show (KHUM, 104.3 & 104.7 FM, khum.com) to discuss the plan.

From frequent Coastal Currents contributor Jennifer Savage:

For 25 years, volunteers for Honeydew Fire Company have worked to protect some of Humboldt's most remote homes and wilderness. Filmmaker Sean Wilson chronicled the crew as part of his 2007 film, Where There's Smoke. This Saturday, the company hosts its annual fundraiser, Roll on the Mattole, featuring tons of live music, a firefighters' challenge, food, drink, crafts, a "growers' Olympics" and a kid zone. 

The musical line-up consists of San Diego's eight-piece, Latin soul-flavored B-Side Players, Reno's ska/rocksteady masters Keyser Soze, Mendo faves The Dirt Floor Band, singer-songwriter (and KHUM DJ) Lyndsey Battle,  the always inspirational Lost Coast Marimbas, local guitar maker extraordinaire Bud Rogers, plus Blase Bonpane and NPK's Tanner Speas.

Roll on the Mattole runs from noon till midnight. Admission is $25 adults, $20 students and seniors, and kids under 12 are free. The event takes place in the beautiful environs of the Mattole Grange between Honeydew and Petrolia. (Forecast is 69 degrees and sunny!) 

And... I'll be your emcee! So come on out to summer and say hi!

Starting this Thursday at Redwood Acres fairgrounds, it's the Humboldt Made Fair. 

Say organizers, "The moment you walk through the gates, you'll be part of a spectacular representation of Humboldt County, showcasing creative, innovative individuals, organizations and businesses that reflect the spirit, culture, and zany diversity of our community."

KHUM will broadcast live from the fair Thursday, from 10am-2pm.