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From climbing rocks in the Mojave Desert to studying salamanders 300 feet up in redwood canopies, Jim Campbell-Spickler's journey as a wildlife biologist reads like an adventure novel come to life.

After moving from Barstow to Humboldt in 1994 to pursue his wildlife degree, he found himself captivated by the rainforest environment that contrasted sharply with his desert upbringing. "In the first 45 days I lived here, I experienced more rain than I had in my entire life," he laughs. Yet this dramatic environmental shift sparked a lifelong passion for Humboldt's ecosystems.

His research on the wandering salamander - a tiny amphibian that lives high in redwood canopies without needing standing water to reproduce - established him as a canopy ecology specialist. This expertise led him to measure Hyperion, the world's tallest tree at over 380 feet, and to document wildlife worldwide as a scientific consultant for BBC and National Geographic productions. His climbing skills opened doors to remote locations few people ever access.

Perhaps most fascinating is his work with raptors, particularly bald eagles. "We take the young eaglets down when they're six to eight weeks old, put bands on their legs, collect samples, and get them back in the nest before mom or dad returns," he explains. Some species prove more challenging than others - peregrine falcons are known to "stoop" researchers, dive-bombing them when least expected.

Today, Campbell-Spickler serves as Director of Sequoia Park Zoo, where the innovative Skywalk attraction has transformed visitor numbers from 40,000 to 180,000 annually. This ADA-accessible walkway, suspended 100 feet above the ground among redwood canopies, offers experiences found nowhere else. "During windy days, some tree tops will arc in a three-meter radius," he shares, highlighting the dynamic nature of this unique installation.

Ready for an extraordinary adventure? Visit redwoodzoo.org to discover upcoming events, meet new animals including a young bear and spider monkeys, and experience the magic of Humboldt's redwoods from a whole new perspective.

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About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

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What does it mean to truly see a place? To capture its essence through a lens while maintaining the human connection behind the camera? In this heartfelt conversation with Jose Quesada, we explore the remarkable journey of Humboldt County's most dedicated visual documentarian.

Born to Guatemalan parents (the first "gringo" in his family, as he likes to say), Jose's path led him from Catholic school in Southern California to hitchhiking across America at 19, eventually landing in Humboldt County where he spent his first night on a bench at College of the Redwoods. Little did he know this would begin a lifelong love affair with the region he would later capture so beautifully through his camera.

The conversation takes us back to the late 1970s and early 80s when federal funding created vibrant youth recreation programs throughout the county. Jose and I reminisce about our days working with young people at Camp Kim 2 in Willow Creek, where we witnessed firsthand how these programs built community and changed lives. Jose's career evolved from early childhood education to workforce development to a 30-year stint with the county before health challenges pushed him toward his true calling.

For nearly six years, Jose's photographs have graced an entire page in the Times Standard every Saturday, documenting everything from protests to celebrations, from stunning landscapes to intimate human moments. His work has appeared in publications like the New York Times, but his heart remains deeply connected to showing Humboldt County to itself. As he puts it: "I want to be known as the guy that documented Humboldt County. He saw it. He helped us see it."

Through riveting stories about having SWAT team guns pointed at him and capturing Highway 101 protests from atop his ladder, Jose reveals the creative spirit that drives his photography – finding perspectives others miss, seeing beyond the obvious, and maintaining an open, curious mind. His journey reminds us that sometimes the most powerful stories are told not through words, but through the compassionate eye of someone who truly sees the community they love.

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About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

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From the scorching heat of Red Bluff to the cool, misty forests of Humboldt County, Elle Penner's life journey unfolds like a well-composed jazz standard—full of unexpected turns yet beautifully cohesive. As she sits across from Scott Hammond in her tie-dye dress shirt, Elle radiates the kind of authentic warmth that defines both her professional and artistic lives.

"I love that I get to work hard at things that I feel good about," Elle reflects, capturing the essence of her dual passions. By day, she serves as an adoption social worker, helping families navigate the complex emotional terrain of welcoming new members and honoring each person's unique story. This fulfilling career emerged from her undergraduate fascination with refugee communities and international relations at UC San Diego, where she spent weekends helping families from Burundi acclimate to American life.

The musical countermelody to Elle's social work began in childhood, harmonizing with her siblings Devin and Brianna in what she jokingly calls their "Von Trapp family band." Though this musical thread temporarily faded into the background during her college years and early career, it reemerged magnificently when her brother moved to Humboldt for graduate school. Through a serendipitous "momager moment" at a local gym, the Penner siblings connected with Zach Zwerdling, who recognized their exceptional talent and helped launch several musical projects.

Now fronting the jazz ensemble Young and Lovely, Elle brings both classic standards and reimagined contemporary hits to venues throughout the county. Whether performing at Fieldbrook Winery, the Botanical Gardens, or the upcoming Jersey Scoops Lolita Block Party, her mesmerizing vocals create spaces where community members connect through music. Additionally, her work with Humboldt Musicians for Peace demonstrates her commitment to using art as a vehicle for positive social change.

When asked what she hopes to be remembered for, Elle's answer speaks volumes: "That Elle got us thinking about how we treat anyone we meet." This simple yet profound aspiration underlies everything she does—creating spaces where families feel supported through life's transitions and where audiences experience the transformative power of music. Subscribe now to hear our full conversation with one of Humboldt County's most captivating voices, both on and off the stage.

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

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The journey from trailer park to radiation oncology doesn't follow a conventional path, but Dr. Join Luh's remarkable story proves that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary destinations. Born in California but raised primarily in Galveston, Texas after his parents' separation, Dr. Luh shares how his early experiences—including watching his single mother work at a medical center while attending night school—sparked his interest in medicine.

What follows is a fascinating exploration of medical evolution, as Dr. Luh takes us through his education at Texas A&M, his internal medicine training, and ultimately his discovery of radiation oncology. He vividly describes the technological transformation of cancer treatment—from the days of drawing treatment fields on X-ray films with wax pencils to today's sophisticated AI-assisted planning systems that allow for precise "dose painting" of radiation. This technological revolution has fundamentally changed patient outcomes by enabling higher tumor doses without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.

Beyond the medicine, Dr. Luh offers a compelling perspective on practicing in rural Humboldt County, where he's built a life and career spanning nearly two decades. He challenges common misconceptions about rural healthcare, noting that Humboldt had advanced technology like IMRT and PET-CT scanning before some university medical centers. His enthusiasm for the region's extraordinary quality of life—where one can "go fishing, play golf, go surfing, and mountain bike all in one day"—makes a powerful case for rural medicine as not just a career choice, but a lifestyle upgrade.

Considering a move to somewhere with cleaner air, less traffic, and world-class natural beauty? Dr. Luh's story might just convince you that sometimes the most rewarding professional opportunities are found outside major metropolitan areas. Listen now to discover how this radiation oncologist found his perfect match in California's spectacular North Coast.

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About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

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"The people here are real," explains Mark Ritz when asked why he chose to make Humboldt County his home over two decades ago. This authenticity—coupled with breathtaking forests just a quarter-mile from his doorstep—reflects the heart of what keeps entrepreneurs like Mark deeply rooted in this community behind the Redwood Curtain.

Mark's journey to becoming co-founder of Kinetic Coffee began at Yakima Products, where his expertise in the bicycle industry helped expand the company into new product categories. When Yakima relocated, Mark and his wife Charlie faced a pivotal decision. Looking to their passions—bikes, coffee, and wine—they landed on coffee, recognizing the perfect overlap between outdoor enthusiasts and caffeine lovers. "Bike rides start at coffee shops, stop at coffee shops, and finish at coffee shops," Mark explains with a knowing smile.

Since 2005, Kinetic Coffee has been serving certified organic beans throughout Humboldt County, a commitment Mark feels strongly about given conventional coffee's status as "one of the most sprayed products we drink or eat." Beyond building a successful business, Mark and Charlie have immersed themselves in community service, working as advisors for the Small Business Development Center and with the Arcata Chamber of Commerce.

The most poignant part of our conversation centered on the Kevin Ebbert Foundation, established to honor Charlie's son—a talented musician and mathematician who became a Navy SEAL medic, saving numerous lives in combat before tragically losing his own. The foundation now supports local organizations through an annual golf tournament, continuing Kevin's legacy of service and sacrifice. Mark shared the touching news that SEAL Team 4 recently created an award in Kevin's name, voted on by fellow SEALs—a testament to his lasting impact.

As we wrapped up our conversation overlooking the soon-to-be-completed bay trail connecting Arcata and Eureka, Mark reflected on what he hopes his legacy will be: "I just hope people remember me as someone true to his values, who's done everything he can to leave the world better than he found it."

Looking to support local? Find Kinetic Coffee at markets throughout Humboldt or visit their website. Want to make a difference? Consider participating in or donating to the Kevin Ebbert Foundation's golf tournament on August 8th at Baywood.

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!

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Thomas Nicholson Stratton embodies the spirit of agricultural innovation in Humboldt County, transforming traditional farming into a showcase of collaborative community building. From his roots in Northeast Oregon to becoming an integral part of Humboldt's food landscape, Thomas shares the remarkable journey that led to Jersey Scoops, Nicholson Livestock, and the emerging Loleta Meat Co.

The conversation flows through Thomas's formative years in Union, Oregon, where his 4-H background instilled values of service that now drive his business philosophy: "My head for clearer thinking, my heart for greater loyalty, my hands for larger service, and my health for better living." After falling in love with Humboldt and joining a dairy family, he's now managing nearly 1,000 acres with ten employees across multiple enterprises.

What makes Thomas's approach revolutionary is his focus on soil health as the foundation for community wellbeing: "When we focus on the community below the ground, we're able to impact the community above the ground in a greater way." This philosophy extends to Jersey Scoops, where they transform their dairy's milk into premium ice cream featuring collaborations with local producers like Patch's Pastries, Shake Fork Farm, Fogline Coffee, and soon Dick Taylor Chocolate.

Beyond business, Thomas is helping revitalize the town of Loleta by restoring the historic Meat Market building and positioning the community as a future gateway for the Great Redwood Trail. His involvement with Leadership Redwood Coast and initiatives like Redwood Region Rise demonstrates his commitment to addressing regional challenges through collaboration rather than competition.

The conversation tackles complex issues facing Humboldt County—housing, healthcare, economic development—with Thomas advocating for solutions that emerge from listening to those directly experiencing challenges. His vision includes creating processing infrastructure for everything from meat to textiles to seaweed emulsifiers, keeping economic value within the community.

Join us for this inspiring discussion about community-centered business, sustainability, and how focusing on others creates prosperity for all. Listen now to discover why Thomas hopes to be remembered as "someone who put others first, a servant leader who supported others in creating what they want to accomplish for the better."

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!

Send us a text

What happens when you mix musical passion, Italian cuisine, and small-town entrepreneurship? Anthony Mantova, co-owner of Mantova's Two Street Music in Old Town Eureka, embodies this unexpected blend as he shares his journey from dairy farm days to running one of Humboldt County's most beloved music stores.

In this fascinating conversation, Anthony reveals how his family purchased Two Street Music in 2009, continuing a legacy that began in 1978 while bringing their own innovative approach to the business. From tearing down walls to create an open, welcoming space to an unexpected pandemic pivot that introduced Italian foods sharing the family name, Anthony's story exemplifies the creativity required to thrive in a rural economy.

The conversation takes surprising turns as Anthony shares his family's deep Humboldt roots dating back to Prohibition-era challenges, his educational journey to the Midwest, and political work that included collaborating with figures like James O'Keefe. His pragmatic yet compassionate approach to local challenges—particularly homelessness—stems from years of frontline experience in Old Town Eureka, where he's developed practical strategies now compiled in a book for fellow merchants.

What truly shines through is Anthony's unshakable belief in economic resilience through diversification. His personal goal of developing 1,000 different income streams and his refreshing perspective on Humboldt's boom-and-bust cycles offer valuable wisdom for anyone navigating uncertain economic waters. For music lovers, entrepreneurs, or anyone fascinated by the creative ways local businesses adapt and thrive, this episode delivers inspiration, practical insights, and a deep appreciation for the persistent spirit that keeps Humboldt's unique business community alive.

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!

Send us a text

Fred Moore embodies what it means to be "100% Humboldt." As the President and CEO of Coast Central Credit Union, Fred brings a unique perspective shaped by five generations of family history in the region. His father's 52-year political career—including 35 years as Humboldt County Clerk and 12 years as Mayor of Eureka—instilled in Fred a deep understanding of public service that continues to guide his leadership today.

During this captivating conversation with Scott Hammond, Fred shares the distinction between politicians and true public servants: "A public servant has the ability to sublimate or set aside their own best interest for the will of the majority, for the will of their constituency." This philosophy has served as his north star throughout a remarkable career journey from staff accountant to credit union leader.

Fred's banking trajectory took him from Bean, Stanhope, Story, Wagner, McCauley to Humboldt Bank, where mentor Ted Mason advised him to "make yourself invaluable to your coworker and your supervisor." This guidance helped propel Fred through various roles before he joined John Dalby in founding Redwood Capital Bank—"a chance of a lifetime to be part of a team starting a bank in your own hometown." Now at Coast Central Credit Union, he oversees a $2.2 billion institution that handles 40% of deposits across three counties and funds one of every two local car loans.

Beyond banking, Fred reveals his entrepreneurial side through Humboldt Craft Spirits, which he founded with his wife Jackie, and reflects on the region's rich culinary history through beloved restaurants like Parlato's, and Angelina Inn. Throughout the conversation, his genuine appreciation for Humboldt County—especially its people, natural beauty, and resilient spirit—shines through. As Coast Central celebrates its 75th anniversary while giving back $650,000 annually to the community, Fred's leadership embodies the credit union philosophy of "people helping people."

Support the show

About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond

Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.

We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.

We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!

Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!

Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!