Contributors
Zack Anderson I grew up in the central valley (Sacramento area) and quickly developed an interest in writing. I tried throughout high school to write stories, often as a means of coping with the pressures of modern teenage life. Other outlets included water polo and the piano, which I have played for a long time. Coming to Humboldt State has been a dream-come-true, and I've grown so much as a student and a writer in just a few semesters here.
Kirk Alvaro Lua’s work has appeared in The Acentos Review and A Sharp Piece of Awesome. He is from Madera, California. He is currently attending Humboldt State University where he has earned a BA in Writing and is studying for a Spanish minor. His first teachers of poetry were his parents. His mother taught him how to write and his father taught him how to say fuck it.
Oskar Azucena I was born in the Mission District of San Francisco, CA. I attended Waldorf School until I went to Humboldt State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science in 2012. I enjoy writing poetry and making short animations (vimeo.com/oskarazucena). I am working as an English Teacher in San Francisco.
Janet Calderon--daughter of Geronimo (no, not that one). Currently working towards a B.A. in English with an emphasis in crying over student loans at HSU. Probably spends more time imagining herself writing than actually writing. Does math for fun in an effort to better understand the universe. Efforts don't always pay off.
Raymond Collins, having received a BA from Stanford in '71 and an MA from HSU in '86, has spent his adult life working as a coach, a cook, a carpenter, a carver of totem poles, a commercial catcher of fish and a cultivator of cannabis, proving to all his inability to focus or hold a job while pleasing his parents no end. Now he thinks he is a creative writer.
Marley Coody I have been writing since I was eleven, usually short stories and novels, a little poetry. I started seriously considering writing as a career path in my junior year of high school and, since then, I have dedicated my life to the craft.
Sadie Finney I was born and raised in Bishop, CA. I began junior college in 2009, and graduated in 2013. I transferred to Humboldt State University to further my education. Raw emotion is what seeps from every pore, & art has always been my passion. I will be graduating this May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts.
Elisa Griego I have always held a strong interest in art and the biological sciences. Even from a young age, I was quite observant and soft spoken, so as a consequence, I always felt at home drawing and studying the diverse life around me. This intimate, careful observation is just as much an art, a science, and a connection to nature.
Ember Griffith graduated with a B.A. degree in English/Writing Practices from Humboldt State University in December 2015. She spends her free time writing fiction and poetry, painting, and spending time with her dog and her horse. She hopes one day to have novels published and start a tea shop.
Jeffrey Hassman Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, Jeffrey Hassman spent his time hiding from the dust storms and rolling clouds of smog, writing science fiction short stories, film and literary criticism, and watching far too many bad movies.
Marcos A. Hernandez Last year, Marcos Hernandez hopped a Greyhound from Los Angeles to Humboldt County, and has little intention of going back. He currently resides at a picturesque patch of land on Ole Hansen road, under the shade of infinite redwood. He loves long, contemplative bus rides, amber ale and Blondie’s artichoke, jalapeno and spinach dip, among other things. Traffic, smartphones, and unscuffed Doc Martens annoy him. Oh, and people who order cheese pizza, too. I mean, come on. Be creative!
Sierra Howard I was born and raised in a very small town in the Northeast Kingdom. Early in my childhood I fell in love with reading, and soon after, writing. When I discovered the excitement of traveling and adventuring, I found myself unable to sit still any longer. The world has more to offer than I’m sure I’ll ever achieve, but to me the point of life is to try.
Sasha Honigman I am an artist currently focused on my photographic expression. I work to capture the surreal and enjoy abstracting my reality. I intend to create images that hit people viscerally as well as conceptually. I hope to inspire feeling, thinking and questioning by creating work of which meaning is not concrete. For me, the process of art making is just as much "art" as the work itself. Currently, I am experimenting with melding the past and contemporary by digitally photographing old 35mm film slide projections to build conceptual narratives through thoughtful use of color, light, and juxtaposition.
Paradise Martínez Graff
Me llamo [ my name is ] Paraíso Martínez Graff.
I am a 22 year old chicana from Iris avenue, located 4 exists north of the U.S. and Mexico border. I was born into a family of 7. Youngest. The whitest looking; mestiza. Green eyes go back to my grandpa from Alabama, who married my abuelita. Two Mexican and American parents bred me into sexism, into racism, into ableism, and homophobia.
Raised by a single mom. Neglected by mommy and daddy. Daddy issues. Slut issues. Codependency issues. Issues. “Where’s daddy?”
I write, just as Cherríe Moraga writes, “for the daughters”.
I write for all the perdidas, malditas. I write ONLY for my self, which means I write of the me who I find in other womyn and men. I write for my truth and my liberation.
I write por mi gente.
I hope to continue to write and meet my favorite authors like Moraga, Anzaldúa, and others who have helped me arrive at myself. I have friends, *shout out to my homies*, who have told me “I’ll be waiting for that book, bitch.” Knowing I am supported, and have found the courage to support myself, I will write my book. I will tell my story.
Along the way I hope to continue to find mis raízes - my roots in México. I hope to touch lives along the way. I hope I have touched yours.
Michael Masinter After receiving his BA in English at HSU, Michael Masinter taught in Thailand where he stayed at a Buddhist monastery. In meditation he saw that identity is constructed by narrative, and that the consumer narrative is a cause of alienation, dissatisfaction and environmental degradation. Currently back at HSU in the Environment and Community MA program, he's exploring the use of literature and writing to generate ecological awareness of human-environment interdependency.
Joseph C. Mayer My name is Joey Mayer and I am a Music Major here at Humboldt. I appreciate all forms of art, and every form I witness inspires my music in many ways. I love having exciting fast-paced conversations with people and if I meet you, I will probably end up asking you what it is that you love most. It’s amazing to me to see what people are passionate about.
Alejandra Muneton-Carrera is a 21-year-old literary enthusiast currently collecting knowledge and wisdom at the College of Southern Nevada. She is the recipient of a National Silver Medal from the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the proud owner of a house elf (read: Chihuahua) named Dobby. Read an article about Alejandra's work in the Toyon.
Robert Papadopoulos is 25 years old and a student at HSU. He's currently studying English and Computer Science and hopefully going to grad school for Computer Science next Fall. He grew up in Monrovia, California and enjoys reading, gardening, and other shit.
Daisy Ramirez Raised in an image based society, I internalized self-hate. At a young age, I learned that I was deemed undesirable, by some, because of my weight, class, race, and sexual orientation. What does our culture teach us about desirability, specifically in women? In this painting, I depict women that are deemed undesirable by some because of their body types. They are considered “ugly” because they too fat or too skinny.
Michael Riedel I'm a poet, songwriter, and teacher of English and Creative Writing who arrived in Mendocino County with my wife after we graduated from Humboldt State. I read locally often, publish in magazines only occasionally, and am a three time first place winner in the ukiaHaiku contest. My first book of poetry is The Way of Water (Slow Mountain Press, 2014).
Katherine Robinson Katherine Robinson grew up in Crockett, California. She is a student at Humboldt State University. She enjoys traveling and slam poetry.
Grecia Romero Sabillon Hi. I am Grecia, future Industrial Engineer, possessing a poetic heart. I am an exchange student from Honduras studying at HSU. I love to sing, write and be spontaneous, ah! — and I love coffee. Life is stunning because God is with me and I know that I can count on my family. I have an adventurous spirit and a smile on my mouth, but also in my soul.
Adam Samara I am a fourth year college student, majoring in Wildlife. Born and raised in a small town called Prunedale, CA (yes, I understand you don't know where that is) where I spent most of my life. Science, history and literary studies are my favorite educational subjects. Whenever I have free time, I often spend it either playing video games, outdoors or writing poetry.
Stephen Sottong My novelette "Planetary Scouts" was one of the winners of the Writers of the Future contest in 2013. "Dinner Date" appeared on September 23, 2013 on everydayfiction.com. The flash fiction "Friends" is in the anthology 100 Worlds. "Aftermath" appeared in the Alien Tech edition of the WereTraveler ezine.
Paul Swietek Hi, my name is Paul Swietek and I have attended Humboldt State University since Fall 2013. I am a student of English and History, and love to spend my time reading, writing, exploring nature, and listening to music.
Ashley Underwood "Pigs have been seen flying, the forecast in Hell is chilly and yes, Ash Underhill has a third addition to the Toyon. Some would say, “not bad for a Hobbit.” I say "where there’s a quip, there’s a way." Ash has always seen things a little differently; she hoped that R2D2 and Luke never destroyed the Death Star, that E.T. ended up working at A&W, and always lamented on just why those pesky kids were so darn meddling. Long live Lemmiwinks!"
Kirk Alvaro Lua’s work has appeared in The Acentos Review and A Sharp Piece of Awesome. He is from Madera, California. He is currently attending Humboldt State University where he has earned a BA in Writing and is studying for a Spanish minor. His first teachers of poetry were his parents. His mother taught him how to write and his father taught him how to say fuck it.
Oskar Azucena I was born in the Mission District of San Francisco, CA. I attended Waldorf School until I went to Humboldt State University where I received my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science in 2012. I enjoy writing poetry and making short animations (vimeo.com/oskarazucena). I am working as an English Teacher in San Francisco.
Janet Calderon--daughter of Geronimo (no, not that one). Currently working towards a B.A. in English with an emphasis in crying over student loans at HSU. Probably spends more time imagining herself writing than actually writing. Does math for fun in an effort to better understand the universe. Efforts don't always pay off.
Raymond Collins, having received a BA from Stanford in '71 and an MA from HSU in '86, has spent his adult life working as a coach, a cook, a carpenter, a carver of totem poles, a commercial catcher of fish and a cultivator of cannabis, proving to all his inability to focus or hold a job while pleasing his parents no end. Now he thinks he is a creative writer.
Marley Coody I have been writing since I was eleven, usually short stories and novels, a little poetry. I started seriously considering writing as a career path in my junior year of high school and, since then, I have dedicated my life to the craft.
Sadie Finney I was born and raised in Bishop, CA. I began junior college in 2009, and graduated in 2013. I transferred to Humboldt State University to further my education. Raw emotion is what seeps from every pore, & art has always been my passion. I will be graduating this May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Arts.
Elisa Griego I have always held a strong interest in art and the biological sciences. Even from a young age, I was quite observant and soft spoken, so as a consequence, I always felt at home drawing and studying the diverse life around me. This intimate, careful observation is just as much an art, a science, and a connection to nature.
Ember Griffith graduated with a B.A. degree in English/Writing Practices from Humboldt State University in December 2015. She spends her free time writing fiction and poetry, painting, and spending time with her dog and her horse. She hopes one day to have novels published and start a tea shop.
Jeffrey Hassman Born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, Jeffrey Hassman spent his time hiding from the dust storms and rolling clouds of smog, writing science fiction short stories, film and literary criticism, and watching far too many bad movies.
Marcos A. Hernandez Last year, Marcos Hernandez hopped a Greyhound from Los Angeles to Humboldt County, and has little intention of going back. He currently resides at a picturesque patch of land on Ole Hansen road, under the shade of infinite redwood. He loves long, contemplative bus rides, amber ale and Blondie’s artichoke, jalapeno and spinach dip, among other things. Traffic, smartphones, and unscuffed Doc Martens annoy him. Oh, and people who order cheese pizza, too. I mean, come on. Be creative!
Sierra Howard I was born and raised in a very small town in the Northeast Kingdom. Early in my childhood I fell in love with reading, and soon after, writing. When I discovered the excitement of traveling and adventuring, I found myself unable to sit still any longer. The world has more to offer than I’m sure I’ll ever achieve, but to me the point of life is to try.
Sasha Honigman I am an artist currently focused on my photographic expression. I work to capture the surreal and enjoy abstracting my reality. I intend to create images that hit people viscerally as well as conceptually. I hope to inspire feeling, thinking and questioning by creating work of which meaning is not concrete. For me, the process of art making is just as much "art" as the work itself. Currently, I am experimenting with melding the past and contemporary by digitally photographing old 35mm film slide projections to build conceptual narratives through thoughtful use of color, light, and juxtaposition.
Paradise Martínez Graff
Me llamo [ my name is ] Paraíso Martínez Graff.
I am a 22 year old chicana from Iris avenue, located 4 exists north of the U.S. and Mexico border. I was born into a family of 7. Youngest. The whitest looking; mestiza. Green eyes go back to my grandpa from Alabama, who married my abuelita. Two Mexican and American parents bred me into sexism, into racism, into ableism, and homophobia.
Raised by a single mom. Neglected by mommy and daddy. Daddy issues. Slut issues. Codependency issues. Issues. “Where’s daddy?”
I write, just as Cherríe Moraga writes, “for the daughters”.
I write for all the perdidas, malditas. I write ONLY for my self, which means I write of the me who I find in other womyn and men. I write for my truth and my liberation.
I write por mi gente.
I hope to continue to write and meet my favorite authors like Moraga, Anzaldúa, and others who have helped me arrive at myself. I have friends, *shout out to my homies*, who have told me “I’ll be waiting for that book, bitch.” Knowing I am supported, and have found the courage to support myself, I will write my book. I will tell my story.
Along the way I hope to continue to find mis raízes - my roots in México. I hope to touch lives along the way. I hope I have touched yours.
Michael Masinter After receiving his BA in English at HSU, Michael Masinter taught in Thailand where he stayed at a Buddhist monastery. In meditation he saw that identity is constructed by narrative, and that the consumer narrative is a cause of alienation, dissatisfaction and environmental degradation. Currently back at HSU in the Environment and Community MA program, he's exploring the use of literature and writing to generate ecological awareness of human-environment interdependency.
Joseph C. Mayer My name is Joey Mayer and I am a Music Major here at Humboldt. I appreciate all forms of art, and every form I witness inspires my music in many ways. I love having exciting fast-paced conversations with people and if I meet you, I will probably end up asking you what it is that you love most. It’s amazing to me to see what people are passionate about.
Alejandra Muneton-Carrera is a 21-year-old literary enthusiast currently collecting knowledge and wisdom at the College of Southern Nevada. She is the recipient of a National Silver Medal from the prestigious Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and the proud owner of a house elf (read: Chihuahua) named Dobby. Read an article about Alejandra's work in the Toyon.
Robert Papadopoulos is 25 years old and a student at HSU. He's currently studying English and Computer Science and hopefully going to grad school for Computer Science next Fall. He grew up in Monrovia, California and enjoys reading, gardening, and other shit.
Daisy Ramirez Raised in an image based society, I internalized self-hate. At a young age, I learned that I was deemed undesirable, by some, because of my weight, class, race, and sexual orientation. What does our culture teach us about desirability, specifically in women? In this painting, I depict women that are deemed undesirable by some because of their body types. They are considered “ugly” because they too fat or too skinny.
Michael Riedel I'm a poet, songwriter, and teacher of English and Creative Writing who arrived in Mendocino County with my wife after we graduated from Humboldt State. I read locally often, publish in magazines only occasionally, and am a three time first place winner in the ukiaHaiku contest. My first book of poetry is The Way of Water (Slow Mountain Press, 2014).
Katherine Robinson Katherine Robinson grew up in Crockett, California. She is a student at Humboldt State University. She enjoys traveling and slam poetry.
Grecia Romero Sabillon Hi. I am Grecia, future Industrial Engineer, possessing a poetic heart. I am an exchange student from Honduras studying at HSU. I love to sing, write and be spontaneous, ah! — and I love coffee. Life is stunning because God is with me and I know that I can count on my family. I have an adventurous spirit and a smile on my mouth, but also in my soul.
Adam Samara I am a fourth year college student, majoring in Wildlife. Born and raised in a small town called Prunedale, CA (yes, I understand you don't know where that is) where I spent most of my life. Science, history and literary studies are my favorite educational subjects. Whenever I have free time, I often spend it either playing video games, outdoors or writing poetry.
Stephen Sottong My novelette "Planetary Scouts" was one of the winners of the Writers of the Future contest in 2013. "Dinner Date" appeared on September 23, 2013 on everydayfiction.com. The flash fiction "Friends" is in the anthology 100 Worlds. "Aftermath" appeared in the Alien Tech edition of the WereTraveler ezine.
Paul Swietek Hi, my name is Paul Swietek and I have attended Humboldt State University since Fall 2013. I am a student of English and History, and love to spend my time reading, writing, exploring nature, and listening to music.
Ashley Underwood "Pigs have been seen flying, the forecast in Hell is chilly and yes, Ash Underhill has a third addition to the Toyon. Some would say, “not bad for a Hobbit.” I say "where there’s a quip, there’s a way." Ash has always seen things a little differently; she hoped that R2D2 and Luke never destroyed the Death Star, that E.T. ended up working at A&W, and always lamented on just why those pesky kids were so darn meddling. Long live Lemmiwinks!"
