NCJ Preview: Teetering Between Risk Tiers and Larrupin Sauce Lost and Found
This week we’re talking about COVID numbers that will likely push Humboldt back into the puple “widespread risk” tier. And if you were wondering why Larrupin sauce was hard to find for a while there, we’ve got the lowdown on the supply cutoff, shortage, hoarding and scams that kept it off local shelves until recently.…
Art & Music – A Weekend Thing
Local musician James Zeller and local artist Emily Reinhart have been keeping the arts alive while hunkering down going all the way back to March when the lockdown went into effect. He’s at the Sanctuary making music and she’s at home in her studio creating art. Together they present Art & Music – A Weekend…
Oberon Grill’s Cameo on Most Terrifying
If you haven’t heard, Oberon Grill, or at least the storied building and former brothel in which it’s housed, is said to be all kinds of haunted. Its tales of turning chandeliers and a woman in Victorian dress appearing are solid goosebump material and highlights of the Old Town Haunted History Ghost Tour. And if…
Third Annual Rotary Yahtzee Tournament
Roll it! The third annual Rotary Yahtzee Tournament is coming to you live via Zoom on Saturday, Jan. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Shake your can for fun, cash prizes and a very good cause: the Forgotten Initiative’s work providing journey bags for Humboldt children in foster care. It all adds up to a…
Huffman from Capitol Lockdown: ‘This Just Cannot Stand’
Speaking to the Journal by phone this afternoon from his Capitol office during a mandatory lockdown instituted by Capitol Police as officers worked to clear the building of a violent pro-Trump crowd, North Coast Congressmember Jared Huffman said he entered the day braced for the possibility of conflict but didn’t imagine anything like this. “There…
Public Health Confirms 30 COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed 30 new COVID-19 cases today, with one case having been removed after it was determined to be from out of the county, bringing the countywide total to 1,957. Yesterday, the state issued a health order that halted all elected surgeries to make more room for intensive care unit capacity in regions…
State Halts Some Elective Surgeries in Effort to Avoid ‘Crisis Care’
Humboldt County Health Officer Ian Hoffman says he believes a new state health order aimed at increasing capacity at hospitals across California will help avoid “crisis care” amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “This order is meant to help severely impacted hospitals and regions free up space by stopping elective procedures in those areas, allowing for better…
Huffman Under Capitol Lockdown, Calls for Trump to be Prosecuted
SECOND UPDATE: North Coast Rep. Jared Huffman says Congress will not be intimidated by a mob of pro-Trump rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol today, leaving at least one person dead, and will finish their duty to certify Joe Biden’s election. Today, our country and democracy were attacked by domestic terrorists, egged on by Trump.…
WaPo Publishes Scathing Investigative Report on Owner of Humboldt Skilled Nursing Facilities
In case you missed it, The Washington Post recently published a scorching investigative report on Brius Healthcare, which, with 80 nursing homes in California, including four in Humboldt County, is the state’s largest for-profit nursing home operator. The story details how Brius received more than $800 million in Medicare and Medicaid funding in 2018 to…
PBS American Portrait Premieres Tonight on KEET
What a year 2020 was. PBS endeavored to create a platform for American voices during this transformative time, asking: What does it really mean to be an American today? The result, its storytelling project PBS American Portrait captures the remarkable story of 2020 through the voices of everyday people from every U.S. state and territory.…
December Sees Nearly Half of Humboldt’s COVID Case Total
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed 18 new COVID-19 cases and an additional death today. The individual who died was in their 80s and had tested positive. Under state numbers released today, the region qualifies for California’s most restrictive COVID risk tier but continues its stay in the state’s red or “substantial” ranking, although local health officials…
Humboldt County Still Seeing Red, Though Health Officer Warns Tier Status Likely to Change Next Week
Humboldt County remained in California’s red “substantial” COVID-19 risk tier when the stated updated its classifications today, allowing restaurants, movie theaters, places of worship and gyms to remain open for limited indoor operations. But in a report to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors this morning, Health Officer Ian Hoffman indicated he expects that designation…
UPDATE: Fatal 101 Crash Near Redcrest
UPDATE: A 63-year-old Redway man died Monday evening after his truck went off U.S. Highway 101 south of Redcrest and down a steep embankment before hitting a tree, according to the CHP. The man, whose name has not yet been released, died at the scene. The crash, which happened around 5:20 p.m., remains under investigation.…
Large Tree Fire Closes Wilder Ridge Road (with Video)
A large tree flared into a tower of flame last night on Wilder Ridge Road about two miles north of Ettersburg last night for reasons not yet determined. According to Humboldt County Public Works, the road was closed at 2:30 this morning. Peter Lawsky, Chief of Telegraph Ridge Fire who provided the video, said, “About…
Huffman Dismisses Colleague’s Viral Gun-toting Capitol Ad as ‘Catnip’ for Donors
North Coast Representative Jared Huffman did not hold back when asked about his new colleague, Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado), who on the day she took her oath of office posted a now viral ad vowing to carry her handgun to Congress, telling The Washington Post the ad is “catnip to the gun-hugging donor class.” Boepert, who…
Sweet Home for Chicago Dog House
The loss of Deo’s Sandwich Shop in September had Henderson Center regulars collectively crumpling and throwing napkins in despair for the 47-year-old establishment. But what could replace it in such a tiny space? Chicago Dog House, formerly of Redwood Acres, has brought its Windy City cart fare to the spot, opening on the first of…
Humboldt Nearing 2,000 COVID Cases
Humboldt County Public Health reported today it has confirmed 147 new COVID-19 cases since Dec. 31, bringing the total number to date to 1,910 cases as the pandemic continues into its 10th month. Two more hospitalizations were also reported. Today’s results follow a steady stream of cases confirmed last week, including 53 on Dec. 30,…
North Coast Night Lights: Conjunction – Saturn Overtakes Jupiter
Racing around the sun like slot cars on an elliptical track, Earth was on an inside line and coming around fast. Jupiter and Saturn were in view ahead. Jupiter was taking a much wider line and Saturn was lazily rounding the bend still farther out. Earth would overtake them. Again. The race has been on…
Questions Answered About the New COVID Strain
As California continues to ride its worst wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials have more unsettling news: Four cases of a worrisome, potentially more infectious new coronavirus variant have been detected in California. The new strain, first detected in the United Kingdom, also has been seen in Colorado and Florida and 33 other…
NWS Issues Winter Storm Warning for Monday
The National Weather Service Eureka Office has issued a winter storm warning for elevations above 4,000 in Northern Trinity County, as heavy snow is expected across the Trinity Alps Monday morning through Monday evening. According to NWS, “Moderate to heavy precipitation will spread across the region Monday morning through Monday evening. Snow will subsequently develop…
UPDATE: One Dead, One Wounded and One Motel Damaged in Early Morning Incident in Arcata
Arcata Police Sgt. Chris Ortega confirmed today that a shooting at an Arcata motel in the 4800 block of Valley West Blvd. about 3 a.m. led to a fire and a man’s death. According to Ortega, officers were dispatched to the motel “for the report of a man discharging a handgun in the parking lot.”…
Rescuers Respond to Truck in the Bay, RHB reports
The Coast Guard and Humboldt Bay Fire has responded with rescue swimmers to the scene on Humboldt Bay where a truck, possibly with several occupants, entered the water and became submerged around 2 p.m., this afternoon, Redheaded Blackbelt reports. Read more about the rescue here.
New California Laws of 2021: A Brief Video Review
1. California widens mental health conditions insurers must cover: In the past, state law only required treatment for nine serious mental illnesses. Even before the pandemic, more than half of Californians said most people with mental health conditions couldn’t get the help they needed. Some families even dropped private insurance to qualify for treatment in…
Rain, High Surf Usher in the New Year
Rain ushered in the New Year in Humboldt County, the first of a series of storm systems expected to hit the North Coast in coming days. According to the Eureka office of the National Weather Service, Monday is forecast to see gusty winds and heavy rain but snow levels are expected to stay at elevations…
2020: A Photographer’s Look Back
As I reflect back on the year 2020 from before — and after — the coronavirus pandemic, I have to agree with the CNN editor who said, “It may not be a year you want to remember, but 2020 is one you’ll never forget.” In the “before” era, my life in January and February included photographing…
Public Health Confirms 33 New COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed 33 new COVID-19 cases today. Yesterday, Public Health Officer Ian Hoffman urged residents to avoid gatherings for New Year’s Eve as the county has seen the impacts of Thanksgiving get-togethers and has yet to see the impact of Christmas gatherings. Today’s cases come after Public Health confirmed 53 yesterday and…
COVID Compliance Tip Line Moving to City Jurisdictions
Starting Jan. 1, the Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center’s Joint Information Center will no longer operate the COVID-19 compliance tip line instead, all COVID-19 compliance activities will be handled by the jurisdiction in which violations are alleged to occur. Examples of COVID-19 compliance violations include a lack of employee masking, businesses operating when they should be closed…
Hazardous Surf Conditions Through Tonight
The National Weather Service Eureka is reporting hazardous surf conditions through tonight with possible waves of up to 20 feet and is urging beachgoers to avoid rocks, jetties and steep beaches. “Always remember to never to turn your back on the ocean,” reads the NWS tweet. See the full warning below. Hazardous surf conditions will…
Jinx Cake
We’re a superstitious newsroom at the Journal. We knock wood in unison at the mention of any good news. Because digital editor Kimberly Wear once went through a massive electrical blackout at the Times-Standard years ago after uttering the phrase, “Hold down the …” — you know what, we just don’t say it and I’m…
A Flâneur Wanders the Streets of Eureka
The French word flâneur isn’t a word you hear much around here. It originally meant a 19th century male who loitered, strolled and wandered around Paris. Although born 100 years later, Henry Miller, who meandered all over Paris in the 1930s, was one. After he left France, he wrote, “There are scarcely any streets in…
Steelhead Anglers Dealing with Tough Conditions
From high water to low water, North Coast rivers are all feeling the effects of the yo-yo syndrome. We’ve had some good storms roll through the area, bringing with them some decent river rises. Unfortunately, dropping flows have been as abrupt as the rises. This recipe does not make for quality steelhead angling. Having storms…
Amazon Doesn’t Deliver
Although Wonder Woman first appeared in DC comics in 1941, I didn’t discover her until 1975, the same time the Lynda Carter television series came on. After surviving elementary school a foot taller than every other kid and being teased mercilessly, leaving middle school a whopping 5 foot 10 inches (the same height as Carter…
‘Not 100 Percent’
Editor: In your article, as in conversation, I have had with friends and acquaintances was the practice of medical staff working really long hours (“Fatigue, Fear and Frustration,” Dec. 17). I know how well my mind and body work after eight hours and it’s not 100 percent. Now, none of the nurses I have spoken…
‘A Bucket of Cold Water’
Editor: I was shopping for See’s candy last week at a local store. I made my selections, paid and the woman wished me Merry Christmas. “I like saying, ‘Happy Holidays,'” I responded. “It’s more inclusive. My best friend is Jewish.” “I guess we’ll go our separate ways,” she said. “I’ll stick with ‘Merry Christmas’ and…
‘Club Med’
Editor: Humboldt State University students are more than capable of managing and operating many of the campus services formerly provided by the University Center without this corporation’s multi-million-dollar bureaucracy. (“HSU Ends Agreement with University Center,” Dec. 21). Returning institutional knowledge to HSU is important, however, student leadership can begin reversing decades of corporate policies contravening…
Charon’s Obol and Other Coins
“My luggage is but a flask, a wallet, my old cloak and the obol that pays the passage of the departed.” — Leonidas of Tarentum, third century B.C. Today, we take coins for granted. But there was a time when being able to trade a small disc of metal for a sheep, a bushel of…
Happy New Year
New years come and go We creatures of habit mark them, Celebrate the end of the old And beginning of the new Reminisce with grins and grimaces At what has passed And look to the next day to usher in A new life with the new dawn. But what it ushers in Is just the…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Author Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986) carried on a long love affair with books. He read thousands of them, wrote more than 20 of them, and further postulated the existence of numerous imaginary books that were never actually written. Of all the writers who roused his adoration, a certain Russian novelist was…
The Top 10 Stories of 2020
As the Journal’s editorial staff gathered (virtually) for the annual ritual of deciding the year’s top 10 stories — the most impactful and memorable things that happened on the North Coast — it was inescapable: The stench of COVID-19 was everywhere. From shuttered schools, closed businesses and laid-off workers to local government’s frantic planning efforts,…
Top 10 Dick Moves of 2020
Oh, how I long for the days when our local countdown of the year’s selfish and petty choices featured simpler things: a public official freaking out over a peace pole, some hunting tag fraud or a little plagiarism. While we’ve still got our share of small-scale jerk moments, once COVID-19 hit, some dick moves turned…
Mixed Messages
As this issue went to press and December and 2020 drew to a close, it seemed clear the COVID-19 case surge officials have long warned of is upon us. The only question remaining is how much worse it will get. Fueled by what officials described as a perfect storm of pandemic fatigue, holiday get-togethers and…
