Arcata both embraces and rises above its clichesLoading
  • Frank is a friendly old hippie that will offer you a smoke and seems to spend a lot of time within the Arcata town square. Although the town is full of panhandlers it boasts of good restaurants, shops, the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary and the redwoods forest.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Jitter Bean Coffee Co. is across the street from the Arcata Hotel and is one of several coffee houses within the town square.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • This evening dweller said he had just adopted his dog a few days ago as he stood across the street from the Arcata Hotel. The city is full of panhandlers and hippies that camp out across the street in the town plaza across from the Arcata Hotel.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • All Under Heaven is a boutique featuring Tibetan art and items with an Eastern spirituality theme. It is located on the Arcata town square.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • The Hotel Arcata is located on the town plaza in the city of Arcata. It's a tastefully renovated 1914 hotel that has reasonable rates ranging from $98-$108 and $10 for a dog. Arcatans are mellow folk, known for tolerance regarding everything except maybe intolerance.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • The bar of Tomo, a popular Japanese restaurant in the Hotel Arcata building boasts of a variety of sake, wine, mixed drinks and beer.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Sara Gavin of Eureka shares a moment after picking blackberries with her son Eliot Gavin, 1 1/2, at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. A 307-acre wetlands project on the north end of Humboldt Bay at the site of the city's wastewater treatment plant.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Arcata town square is littered with a variety of people including Humboldt State University students, neo-hippie residents, environmentalists, activists, and homeless.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A view of the town square from the Arcata Hotel where you can see homeless relaxing in the park at left.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Medora Rostad, 3 1/2, of Arcata looks through books inside the Tin Can Mailman Books. Two stories of crammed with new, used and rare books.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • The Vintage Avenger offers vintage clothes, retro accessories, costumes and wearable art. The clothing store is popular for those heading to burning man or searching for unique halloween attire.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Jambalaya on H Street in Arcata features fresh seafood and live music. Upcoming performances are featured in the window.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Damien King, right, and Shelly Miller enjoy the redwoods as they take a hike through Arcata Community Forest. The entrance is close to Humboldt State University where the students can enjoy the close proximity.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A Skateboarder leaves the town square where a sign clearly says no skateboarders. Although the sidewalk sign says no skateboarding it's a normal scene in Arcata Town Plaza where hippie folk and Humboldt State University students use them for transport.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Friendly Frank is happy to share his pipe and lighter to some visitors on the town plaza.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A Skateboarder leaves the town square where a sign clearly says no skateboarders. Although the sidewalk sign says no skateboarding it's a normal scene in Arcata Town Plaza where hippie folk and Humboldt State University students use them for transport. Photo taken September 11, 2012 in Arcata, California.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Tin Can Mailman Books is two stories crammed with new, used and rare books. Across the street is the Arcata Theatre Lounge, a 1938 Art Deco Cinema that has been reborn as an entertainment venue offering the best in live music, movies, dining and dancing. ATL is a beautiful venue yet casual, fun, social and unique in its array of entertainment. At the ATL you can enjoy live music, films and other events while delighting in our full bar and menu which are open for every event.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • The Vintage Avenger offers vintage clothes, retro accessories, costumes and wearable art and is housed below this old victorian house in Arcata.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • The Vintage Avenger offers vintage clothes, retro accessories, costumes and wearable art and is located on H Street.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Jim Freeheart, left, an artist from Maui works on an acrylic painting in Arcata, CA. As he worked he was constantly interrupted by passersby admiring his work. "I'm connecting with a majority of lifeÑnothing better, " he remarked. Freeheart says the creation is the best part and then the painting gets to do it's thing and bring happiness to someone.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A pelican glides above water at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. The Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A pelican is reflected in water at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary. The Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Jack Gavin, 6, of Eureka bird watches at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. The Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A photographer takes aim at birds at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary at left. The Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Birds are reflected in the water at the Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary. Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Birds are reflected in the water at the Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary. Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Birds are reflected in the water at the Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary. Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Birds rest on rocks at the Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary. Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • The late afternoon light is golden as birds fly over one of the walking and biking paths at the Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A perfect time for a walk along the trails of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary is late afternoon when the golden light makes for beautiful photos. Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Birds are silhouetted in the late afternoon light as the sun goes down at Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Birds are silhouetted as the sun goes down at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arcata. Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • As the sun goes down at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary visitors take in the beautiful view and a kiss. The Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A bird is silhouetted as the sun goes down at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arcata. Arcata Marsh and WIldlife Sanctuary is home to the City of Arcata's innovative wastewater treatment facility. The sanctuary is 307 acres, including freshwater marshes, salt marsh, tidal sloughs, brassy uplands, mudflats, brackish marsh, approximately 5 miles of walking and biking paths and an Interpretive Center. Located at the north end of Humboldt Bay, the sanctuary is situated along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for thousands of birds that breed in the far north and winter in California , Mexico and Central and South America.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Jacky Brennan, 29, rests with her dog Cody at the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary in Arcata, CA.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Since 1982 Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs and Cafe Mokka has been an oasis for those seeking the relaxation and peace of mind that the Finnish sauna and hot tub experience can provide. The outdoor hot tubs are private and, therefore, clothing optional. The traditional Finnish sauna cabins are also private. Cafe Mokka is named for Barcelona's Cafe Moka, which is mentioned in George Orwell's novel, Hommage to Catalonia. Cafe Mokka, like Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs, is a fixture in the daily life of Arcata, California. They keep late hours opening at noon to 11pm Sun.-Thurs. and Fri.& Sat. noon to 1am.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Since 1982 Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs and Cafe Mokka has been an oasis for those seeking the relaxation and peace of mind that the Finnish sauna and hot tub experience can provide. The outdoor hot tubs are private and, therefore, clothing optional. The traditional Finnish sauna cabins are also private. Cafe Mokka is named for Barcelona's Cafe Moka, which is mentioned in George Orwell's novel, Hommage to Catalonia. Cafe Mokka, like Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs, is a fixture in the daily life of Arcata, California. They keep late hours opening at noon to 11pm Sun.-Thurs. and Fri.& Sat. noon to 1am.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Since 1982 Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs and Cafe Mokka has been an oasis for those seeking the relaxation and peace of mind that the Finnish sauna and hot tub experience can provide. The outdoor hot tubs are private and, therefore, clothing optional. The traditional Finnish sauna cabins are also private. Cafe Mokka is named for Barcelona's Cafe Moka, which is mentioned in George Orwell's novel, Hommage to Catalonia. Cafe Mokka, like Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs, is a fixture in the daily life of Arcata, California. They keep late hours opening at noon to 11pm Sun.-Thurs. and Fri.& Sat. noon to 1am.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Since 1982 Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs and Cafe Mokka has been an oasis for those seeking the relaxation and peace of mind that the Finnish sauna and hot tub experience can provide. The outdoor hot tubs are private and, therefore, clothing optional. The traditional Finnish sauna cabins are also private. Cafe Mokka is named for Barcelona's Cafe Moka, which is mentioned in George Orwell's novel, Hommage to Catalonia. Cafe Mokka, like Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs, is a fixture in the daily life of Arcata, California. They keep late hours opening at noon to 11pm Sun.-Thurs. and Fri.& Sat. noon to 1am.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • A customer holds a cup of hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream at Cafe Mokka in Arcata. Since 1982 Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs and Cafe Mokka has been an oasis for those seeking the relaxation and peace of mind that the Finnish sauna and hot tub experience can provide. The outdoor hot tubs are private and, therefore, clothing optional. The traditional Finnish sauna cabins are also private. Cafe Mokka is named for Barcelona's Cafe Moka, which is mentioned in George Orwell's novel, Hommage to Catalonia. Cafe Mokka, like Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs, is a fixture in the daily life of Arcata, California. They keep late hours opening at noon to 11pm Sun.-Thurs. and Fri.& Sat. noon to 1am. Photo taken September 11, 2012 in Arcata, California.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Customers wait to order at Brio Bakery and Cafe on the town square in Arcata.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com
  • Arcata town square is littered with a variety of people including Humboldt State University students, neo-hippie residents, environmentalists, activists, and homeless. In the background is Brio a popular bakery and cafe.
    Renée C. Byer | rbyer@sacbee.com

About Comments

Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "Report Abuse" link below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.

What You Should Know About Comments on Sacbee.com

Sacbee.com is happy to provide a forum for reader interaction, discussion, feedback and reaction to our stories. However, we reserve the right to delete inappropriate comments or ban users who can't play nice. (See our full terms of service here.)

Here are some rules of the road:

• Keep your comments civil. Don't insult one another or the subjects of our articles. If you think a comment violates our guidelines click the "Report Abuse" link to notify the moderators. Responding to the comment will only encourage bad behavior.

• Don't use profanities, vulgarities or hate speech. This is a general interest news site. Sometimes, there are children present. Don't say anything in a way you wouldn't want your own child to hear.

• Do not attack other users; focus your comments on issues, not individuals.

• Stay on topic. Only post comments relevant to the article at hand.

• Do not copy and paste outside material into the comment box.

• Don't repeat the same comment over and over. We heard you the first time.

• Do not use the commenting system for advertising. That's spam and it isn't allowed.

• Don't use all capital letters. That's akin to yelling and not appreciated by the audience.

• Don't flag other users' comments just because you don't agree with their point of view. Please only flag comments that violate these guidelines.

You should also know that The Sacramento Bee does not screen comments before they are posted. You are more likely to see inappropriate comments before our staff does, so we ask that you click the "Report Abuse" link to submit those comments for moderator review. You also may notify us via email at feedback@sacbee.com. Note the headline on which the comment is made and tell us the profile name of the user who made the comment. Remember, comment moderation is subjective. You may find some material objectionable that we won't and vice versa.

If you submit a comment, the user name of your account will appear along with it. Users cannot remove their own comments once they have submitted them.

hide comments
comments powered by Disqus
Sacramento Bee Job listing powered by Careerbuilder.com
Quick Job Search
Buy
Used Cars
Dealer and private-party ads
Make:

Model:

Price Range:
to
Search within:
miles of ZIP

Advanced Search | 1982 & Older



Find 'n' Save Daily DealGet the Deal!

Local Deals



Sacramentoconnect.com SacWineRegion.com SacMomsclub.com SacPaws.com BeeBuzz Points Find n Save