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Berit Meyer never planned to become a baker. After graduating from Humboldt State with a wildlife management degree in 1981, she was set to explore Alaska's wilderness when a surprising proposition changed everything. A fellow restaurant worker approached her about joining forces with her former boss to open a new venture. That decision launched what would become one of Humboldt County's most beloved institutions: Ramones Bakery and Cafe.

Over coffee and freshly baked goods, Berit shares the fascinating evolution of her business - from the original Opera Alley Cafe to their expansion into five thriving locations across Humboldt County. The name "Ramones" came not from the punk rock band but from a local street character, chosen to evoke an international feel for their "international cuisine with a California twist." What began as a simple cafe transformed when they started baking their own bread rather than sourcing it from San Francisco via Greyhound bus, and later when they began roasting their own coffee beans - a move Berit identifies as the true turning point for profitability.

Between stories of chocolate cake recipes and artisan bread development, Berit reveals her parallel passion for endurance horseback riding, competing in grueling 100-mile races across challenging terrain. This connection to Humboldt's natural beauty resonates throughout our conversation, as she expresses deep appreciation for the county's green spaces, trails, and beaches that provide balance to her entrepreneurial life.

While sampling the day's offerings - including gluten-free double chocolate walnut cookies and innovative cheddar jalapeño scones - Berit reflects on what makes Humboldt's food scene special. She celebrates fellow local producers like Dick Taylor Chocolate, Larrupin sauces, and Tofu Shop, acknowledging the unique ecosystem that allows passionate food entrepreneurs to thrive here without big-city pressures.

As we wrap up, Berit shares exciting news about a recently purchased building at 7th and E in Eureka, where her daughter plans to join the family business. Forty-four years after choosing baking over wildlife management, her greatest pride comes from creating spaces where community connections flourish and where thousands of employees have launched their own working lives.

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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Step into the enchanting world where Hollywood meets the redwoods with Cassandra Hesseltine, the passionate force behind the Humboldt Del Norte Film Commission. This enlightening conversation reveals how a theater enthusiast with a heart for helping troubled youth transformed into the guardian of Northern California's cinematic legacy.

Cassandra shares her remarkable journey from creating her own college degree in theater therapy to accidentally landing her dream job as Film Commissioner. With warmth and humor, she explains how this role perfectly merges her love for storytelling with her desire to strengthen her community. The economic ripple effect is undeniable—every dollar spent by production companies generates nearly three dollars circulating through the local economy before departing.

Did you know the iconic Ewok scenes from Return of the Jedi were filmed exclusively in Humboldt and Del Norte counties? This Star Wars connection inspired the annual Forest Moon Festival, where fans can walk the same forest paths where speeder bikes once raced. Cassandra's creativity doesn't stop there—she's developed a film location app, established a Museum of Cinema showcasing movie props, and hosts a glamorous Oscar night celebration that honors local film contributors.

Beyond the economic impact, Cassandra reveals the profound joy of bringing cinematic magic to her community. Whether it's Leonardo DiCaprio running down an Arcata on-ramp in a bathrobe or Stormtroopers posing with redwoods, these moments create lasting memories while putting Humboldt County firmly on Hollywood's radar.

Ready to explore the surprising film history of Northern California? Download the Redwood Coast Film Experience app and discover where ET, Jurassic Park, and countless other productions captured the region's natural splendor. The redwoods are calling—and they have quite a story to tell.

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!

Send us a text

Griff Griffith's Journey: How One Man’s Journey is Saving Our Forests

"Why did he go to jail? What shocking discovery did he make while cleaning up an illegal pot grow? And who is his best friend?

Griff Griffith is a dynamic environmental educator, host of the Jumpstart Nature podcast, and the creative force behind Redwoods Rising’s social media. Once a troubled youth, Griff has transformed his past challenges into a powerful force for conservation.

In this episode, we dive into his journey—how he went from navigating personal struggles to advocating for and educating about one of the largest ecological restoration efforts in the U.S. Griff shares the importance of planting native species, not just for beauty, but for restoring ecosystems and supporting wildlife. With engaging stories and real-world takeaways, he inspires listeners to take action, whether in their own backyards or through larger conservation efforts.

Curious about how you can make a difference? Tune in for an insightful, lively conversation that just might change the way you see the natural world. Follow Griff and his work at GriffGriffith.info.

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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Griff Griffith

Site: https://griffgriffith.info/

Email: NorCalGriffith@gmail.com

Podcast: https://jumpstartnature.com/

Meta: https://www.facebook.com/GriffWild

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@griffWild

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GriffGriffith

Redwoods Rising TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redwoodsrising

Redwoods Rising Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedwoodsRising

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!