Trespassing 101
The Northern Humboldt pamphlet would include some of the following guidelines. It seems to be standard practice to give your first name only when asked who you are. Don’t initiate a lengthy conversation with a landowner who is busy working on a project. Leave gates open or closed as you find them. Roll under wire fences or use stiles when provided; don’t climb on metal gates. Don’t take anything or alter the private space in any way — that includes beating back berry brambles to enhance your trail or borrowing a tool left unattended. Don’t run away unless there is a threat of bodily harm; the lotus position is disarming and charming. Offer food to the property’s dog only if the other alternative is your leg. If there is a residence on a remote, rural property, give it a wide berth; obviously the occupants want and enjoy privacy. It is taboo to ride horses on private property without permission. Don’t ride vehicles of any kind on private property without permission; this can be a misdemeanor, as spelled out in 602(n). Step over water bars (ditches on the road surface directing water off the road). Use your ears and steer clear of heavy equipment and timber harvest operations. Leave nothing and pick up trash (ok, extracting plastic from bear scat is a bit much). Do leave the property if asked to do so.
Perhaps most importantly: Remember, even if you’re not in Southern Humboldt, you’re still in Humboldt County. If you stumble across a marijuana garden, be cautious.
The consequences of trespass described in Penal Code 602.8 are a $75 fine for the first offense, a $250 fine for the second offense on the same or contiguous land of the same owner, and a misdemeanor for the third time. If you are a landowner confronting someone who refuses to leave your property, phone the Sheriff. Be careful around crazy landowners and “hikers” — you never know what they’ll do. If you are a walker who finds the prospect of someone entering your yard invasive, explore Humboldt County’s numerous parks and other public lands. But if you wind up on private property, abide by the guidelines above, act responsibly, use common sense and don’t loiter. That’s covered under another section of the penal code.
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