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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!

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

Send us a text

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.

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!