Cover Story
NCJ BEST of Humboldt 2020
Listen, none of us is giving 2020 a five-star Yelp review. But gratitude, I’m told, is a vital tool for getting through tough times. So while nothing seems normal, we’re going to do what we do every year and express some gratitude toward the people, places and things that make this county beloved by its…
HACHR Denies Allegations as City Opposes Needle Program
The city of Eureka announced today it is opposing reauthorization of the Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction’s syringe exchange program due to “ongoing concerns” about operations at the nonprofit’s Third Street location. The California Department of Public Health authorized HACHR to run the harm reduction program for a two-year period in October of 2018…
Public Health Confirms Six New COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed six new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the county’s total to date to 299. Today’s tally makes 66 cases recorded locally so far this month and continues a spike that saw a total of 100 new cases confirmed in July after just 32 in June. Two new hospitalizations were reported Monday,…
It’s OK, Dick Taylor Will Bring You Milk and Cookies
Sitting at home wanting chocolate when there is no chocolate is not a new problem. However, it’s one the folks at Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate have been prompted to solve during shelter in place. After closing in accordance with the county shutdown in March, the local bean-to-bar retail operation began offering its bespoke bars and…
Tractor Crashes into Creek
The quick action of Briceland Road area residents yesterday evening helped contain a hydraulic fluid leak in Redwood Creek after a tractor ended up in the waters following an unloading incident. According to a CHP release, the incident happened around 5:30 p.m. as the tractor was being removed from tilt deck trailer attached to a…
Office of Ed Lists Schools’ Status for Instruction
The Humboldt County Office of Education has set up a website for parents seeking information on what their children’s school district is planning for at least the beginning of the school year. According to the office, the information is updated as often as possible to keep up with the fluid situation, but the current list…
EPD Officers Complete More De-escalation Training
The Eureka Police Department announced that it held its fourth in a series of de-escalation and tactical communications courses today, with 19 officers participating. The 10-hour training was offered by “senior” EPD officers who attended a “nationally recognized train-the-trainer course” last year, according to a press release. The training is modeled after the nonprofit Police…
Public Health Confirms Seven New COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed another seven new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the county’s total to date to 293. Today’s tally makes 60 cases recorded locally so far this month and continues a spike that saw a total of 100 new cases confirmed in July after just 32 in June. Two new hospitalizations were reported…
What California Knows About Kamala Harris
More than any other vice presidential contender in a generation, Kamala Harris’ biography is singularly Californian. Born and bussed to school in Berkeley, tested by San Francisco’s cut-throat municipal politics and propelled onto the national stage as the state’s top law enforcement officer and then its first female senator of color, Harris’ approach to politics…
Series of Virtual State Park Tours to Feature Patrick’s Point
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to give up a great many things, but a behind-the-scenes tour of one of our California State Parks need not be one of them. Parks California, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to making the state’s parks thrive, unveiled today virtual guided tours of three state parks — including Humboldt County’s…
A Total of Nine Candidates Qualify for Two Eureka Council Races
A total of nine candidates have qualified to run for two seats on the Eureka City Council, the city announced this afternoon. There isn’t an incumbent in either race, as sitting Ward 2 Councilmember Heidi Messner does not reside in the newly drawn district boundaries and Ward 4 Councilmember Austin Allison has opted not to seek…
Exclusive: More Than 1,600 Californians Evicted During Pandemic
Like any parent, Jamie Burson didn’t want her 11-year-old son to discover how frightened she really was about the novel coronavirus. But it’s hard to mask anxiety when you’re living and sleeping together in the same car. After Burson was evicted from her two bedroom apartment in Vacaville the second week of April, she heeded…
Hops on Hiatus
Sorry, Hops in Humboldt fans. This year you’ll have to sip your suds while you SIP. In a press release sent out Sunday, Hops organizers announced that the 2020 event will not be happening this year. “As much as the Hops in Humboldt committee would like to continue on our yearly tradition, we have come…
Red Salmon Complex to Create Smoky Conditions (with Video)
The Red Fire Complex — comprising the Red, Salmon and Jones Point fires — stand at 8,138 acres with 35 percent containment, according to this morning’s update. “Heavy low-level smoke continues to drain into valley bottoms near the fire area and along the Bigfoot Highway affecting Orleans, Weitchpec, Hoopa and other communities in this region,”…
UPDATING: McKinleyville Standoff Ends After 2 Hours
UPDATE : One person was detained after a two-hour standoff at a Thiel Avenue home in McKinleyville following reports of repeated shots being fired toward a neighboring backyard, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reports. At least one bullet reportedly entered the neighbor’s residence. According to a news release, Ryan Gordon Shaw, 39, surrendered after negotiations.…
Seven New COVID-19 Cases Since Friday
Public Health reported seven confirmed COVID-19 cases today, bringing Humboldt County’s total to date to 286 after three previously recorded results from an outside lab were later found to be false positives and removed from the region’s count. “We are committed to reporting data accurately and want our community to have confidence that case counts are…
Fortuna Nursing Home Staffer Tests Positive for COVID, State Reports
A staff member at a Fortuna nursing home tested positive for COVID-19, according to the California Department of Public Health. According to Peggy Johnson, who responded to a phone inquiry at Fortuna Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, said the staff member does not work with patients. Further inquiries were referred to Brett Cook, vice president at…
County Asks State for Clarifications About Youth Sports
The county of Humboldt is asking the state’s Department of Public Health and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office for clarification about recently released guidance on youth sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a news release, key questions were left unanswered and the county’s COVID-19 joint information center has requested more information on “requirements for cohort…
UPDATE: Van Fire Spreading on 101 Near Miranda
A full-sized van engulfed in flames which are starting to spread into the surrounding vegetation is impacting traffic on Hwy 101 north of Miranda, according to a report over the scanner. The vehicle is partly blocking the outside northbound lane. CHP reports that the northbound lanes are being closed and traffic is being diverted at…
Wildfire Smoke to Hit ‘Unhealthy’ Levels in Some Areas
The Red Salmon Complex — which now includes the Jones Point Fire near Hoopa — stands at 7,031 acres with 30 percent containment, according to this morning’s update. Of most concern is the larger Red Fire — at 6,146 acres and 14 percent containment — as adverse weather conditions move into the region this week.…
UPDATE: Red Fire Growing, Salmon Fire 29 Percent Contained
Fire activity increased yesterday afternoon with the Red fire growing to 5,218 acres and 5 percent contained, reads an update from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. “Fire activity increased yesterday afternoon crossing Red Cap Creek on the west flank. The fire is 5,218 acres and 5% contained. Yesterday, crews made significant progress along the fire’s northern…
Red Corvette Crashed on 101 by Fernbridge
At approximately 2:10 p.m., a passerby reported that a red Corvette had struck the embankment of northbound Hwy 101 near the Ferndale offramp. “The occupant appears injured,” the dispatcher said as he relayed information from the reporting person. Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.…
UPDATE: Jones Point Fire Near Hoopa Around 130 Acres
UPDATE: Last night, fires broke out along Tish Tang Road near Hoopa. The flames quickly grew and by last night the Jones Point Fire (as the separate spots were collectively known) was reported to be about 100 acres with 0 percent containment. This morning, the Northern California Geographic Coordination Center reports that the fire has…
Fortuna School District, Teacher Union Talks to Continue Sunday as Monday Opening Looms, T-S Reports
The Times-Standard is reporting that Fortuna Union High School Teachers Association and the Fortuna Union High School District Board of Trustees will return to negotiations in hopes of seeking an agreement of the union’s still-to-be met demands: A three-week postponement of the school year and a move to virtual instruction, the report states. Read the full story…
UPDATE: Salmon Fire 29 Percent Contained, 751 Acres
The Salmon fire is at 751 acres and 12 percent contained reads an update from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. “This fire is 751 acres and 12% contained. The fire is holding along lines in the Eightmile Creek drainage and Backbone Ridge. Crews worked to bolster lines along Salmon Summit Ridge and the fire is staying…
Arcata Fire Rescues Man After ‘Top of the World’ Fall
Last night, a 26-year-old McKinleyville man fell 70 feet from the popular hiking spot, Top of the World, which is located off of Fickle Hill Road. Arcata Fire was called out about 11:20 p.m. Friday and they worked several hours to safely pack the man out of the area. According to scanner reports, friends who…
CHP Identifies Victims of Wednesday’s Fatal Collision
The California Highway Patrol has identified the two victims of Wednesday’s fatal collision on State Route 255 off the Samoa Bridge as 52-year-old Eureka resident William Bryant Montgomery and 42-year-old Arcata resident James Rowland. Read the full update below. UPDATE: 08-07-2020 The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims of Wednesday’s collision and notification has…
Humboldt Halfway to July’s Grim COVID-19 Milestone in 1 Week
Public Health reported two confirmed COVID-19 cases today, bringing Humboldt County’s total to date to 282. So far in August, Humboldt County has seen 49 new confirmed infections — already half of July’s record-breaking 100 — with two back-to-back days of grim milestones this week: 10 cases on Wednesday followed by 25 on Thursday. “We’ve…
HWMA Eureka Recycling Center Reopens with Limited Hours; CRV Still Closed
Humboldt Waste Management Authority’s Eureka Recycling Center will reopen with limited public services on Tuesday, Aug. 11. “We are pleased to announce the reopening of the Eureka Recycling Center to resume acceptance of recyclable materials and items,” stated Executive Director Jill Duffy. “HWMA has undertaken necessary site improvements to assist in traffic control and customer…
Hoopa Fire Dept., Office of Emergency Services Releases Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Report
The Hoopa Valley Reservation has 24 confirmed COVID-19 cases reports the Hoopa Fire Dept. and the Hoopa Office of Emergency Services Facebook p ost. According to the report, the tests were conducted at the K’ima:w Medical Center, which may include cases from outside of the reservation boundaries. Out of the 24 confirmed cases, two have recovered…
UPDATE: Fortuna School District to Open for In-Person Classes, LoCO reports
UPDATE: The Fortuna Union High School District Board of Trustees affirmed an earlier decision to open schools for in-person instruction next week during an emergency Friday meeting, Lost Coast Outpost reports. Read the full story here. PREVIOUS: The Times-Standard is reporting that the Fortuna Union High School District Board of Trustees will have an emergency meeting…
Rent, Mortgage Relief Available for Qualifying County Residents
The Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services has created the Humboldt County Eviction Prevention Program, which provides relief funding through the CARES Act for county residents who have fallen behind rent and mortgage payments since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. Income qualified residents can receive up to $5,000 in payments directly to…
SoHum E-Bike Entrepreneur Featured in NYT
The New York Times has a feature on Southern Humboldt local Mike Radenbaugh, who turned a teenage penchant for tinkering into the multi-million dollar business Rad Power Bikes, which has sold more than 100,000 electrical bikes. Radenbaugh and his co-founders Tyler Collins and Marimar White-Espin — all Humboldt State University graduates — were selected for…
Some Progress on Red Salmon Complex
The Red Salmon Complex remains at 4,284 acres with 7 percent containment on the Salmon Fire front, according to this morning’s update. Smoke from the lightning-caused blazes may impact air quality in some Humboldt County communities. Read the full update below: Current Situation: The Red Salmon Complex is 4,284 acres and 7% contained burning within…
Coastie Crew Receives Prestigious National Honors for Daring Rescue (with Video)
A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Sector Humboldt Bay received prestigious national honors today for their daring rescue of two injured firefighters during last year’s Middle Fire. Cmdr. Derek Schramel, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter pilot, and Petty Officer 1st Class Graham McGinnis, an aviation survival technician, received Distinguished Flying Crosses from Rear Adm. Brian Penoyer…
UPDATE: Smoke from Red Salmon Complex May Impact Air Quality
UPDATE: The Red Salmon Complex remains at 4,284 acres, burning within the Trinity Alps Wilderness on the Six Rivers and Shasta-Trinity National Forests, according to an evening update. The Salmon Fire portion is now at 7 percent containment. PREVIOUS: Smoke from the more than 4,200 acre Red Salmon Complex — which includes the Red and…
25 New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Eclipse Yesterday’s Record
Only yesterday 10 new COVID-19 cases confirmed by Public Health was an unsettling single-day record. But today’s reported positive test more than double that with 25, bringing Humboldt County’s total to date to 280. Still in the first week of the month, August has yielded 47 new confirmed infections. In a release, County Public Health…
NCJ Preview: COVID-19 Numbers, Mystery Seeds and Best of Humboldt Winners
Get the rundown on Humboldt’s rising COVID-19 numbers and where cases are coming from. And if you’re wondering about those mystery seeds showing up in folks’ mailboxes, we’ll tell you what they likely are and what to do with them. (Spoiler: Don’t plant them!) We’re also revealing the 2020 Best of Humboldt winners this week…
Hoopa Valley Tribe Reports 23 New COVID-19 Cases
The number of known COVID-19 cases rolled into Hoopa Valley Reservation this week like a tidal wave shocking the community. Early on Monday, the reservation had one known case and that person was no longer considered contagious. However, by late Monday, Hoopa Office of Emergency Services reported there were six known active cases. By Tuesday…
Bagging a Lingcod Skull
Woohoo! I got me a professional beachcombing sponsorship. The good folks at Drip-Block Plastic Bags will cover all my beach-related expenses and I just have to be a pretty face, saying nice things about their excellent products. For example, in this story I’ll say, “I safely transported this giant toothy lingcod head home in the…
‘Miserly, not Stupid’
Editor: I have been described as frugal. Miserly is likely more accurate. Despite those inclinations, I will reluctantly support a Eureka sales tax extension/increase on the November ballot (“‘Greatly Needed,'” July 30). It’s obvious to anyone sentient that city revenues have been slammed due to you know what. If you want city services, emergency personnel,…
Best of Retail
Adventure’s Edge BEST Outdoor Gear Store & BEST Sporting Goods Store If pressed, Jennifer Johnson will tell you Adventure’s Edge snagged a pair of Best of Humboldt wins because of “our great customer service and the knowledgeable staff.” Not only do they know the ins and outs of pretty much every outdoor activity on land…
To the Trolls: ‘Get Over It’
Editor: You know who you are — those who have no fear of the Deadly Invader of our country and the world — coronavirus/COVID-19. Against the best advice of medical professionals all over the world, you refuse to wear masks and practice social/physical distancing, thereby putting yourself and others in danger of contracting the deadly…
Best of Services
Cloney’s Pharmacy BEST Delivery Under SIP & BEST Pharmacy We need our medications now more than ever. To keep our blood pressure steady, to keep the sniffles at bay and to keep our hearts and immune systems strong. Venturing out into a world that may put us at risk, particularly if we have underlying medical…
‘Grateful to be Reminded’
Editor: COVID-19 is egregiously exacerbating the inequities that already exist in communities lacking universal healthcare, income supports, and manageable housing costs. I thank Bill Stiles (Mailbox, July 30) for reminding us of the dire conditions faced by our neighbors. And I thank Sydney and Mark Larson (July 23) for reminding us of the natural wealth…
Condemn Racist Activity
Editor: Last Friday racist notes were found taped to a sign that was memorializing Congressman John Lewis in Ferndale not even two weeks after his passing. The notes read: “This is a disgrace to Ferndale and all white people. You need to move now and take your racist beliefs with you. You do not belong…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In her book Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones, Stephanie Rose Bird reports that among early African Americans, there were specialists who spoke the language of trees. These patient magicians developed intimate relationships with individual trees, learning their moods and rhythms, and even exchanging non-verbal information with them. Trees imparted wisdom about…
Best of Cannabis
Humboldt’s Premium BEST New Dispensary & BEST Cannabis Delivery Let’s be blunt. With the plentitude of dispensaries in Humboldt County, it’s kind of a big deal to be singled out as the best. So light one up for Humboldt’s Premium, your 2020 Best New Dispensary and Best Cannabis Delivery. Owners Amy and James Alves have…
Girls on Their Own
NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS. To me, rural Pennsylvania has never seemed especially welcoming, even on its best day. And slushy winter, 17, pregnant and getting catcalled while trying to perform in the high school talent show is nobody’s best day. Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) may not know she’s pregnant when we meet her but she’s having…
Not Offensive
Editor: Mr. Stiles letter to the Editor ‘Privilege on Display’ (Mailbox, July 30) confused me. I thought I knew what white privilege looked like. The Larsons are walking and biking all over Humboldt County. leaving a small climate footprint. They shop at a local cooperative market and used to exercise at a gym. I never…
Best of Bonus
Food for People BEST Local Cause, BEST Nonprofit BEST COVID-Related Community Support Group Food for People has been there for Humboldt County residents in need of a helping hand, no matter the circumstance, for more than 40 years. From humble beginnings in 1979 as a single closet of food, the nonprofit has grown over the…
Best of Food & Drink
Best of Food Loco Fish Co. Best Fish and Chips Best Food Loco Fish Co. Truck Best Tacos Well, that’s quite a trifecta for the little red trucks turning out fried fish as likely folded into tacos as topped with malt vinegar. Already feeding a hungry following, Loco Fish Co. stepped up to the demands…
Shiso with Everything
I didn’t even hear my cat-footed co-worker leave the bag of shiso leaves on my porch. But, to my joy, there it was: a dozen or more peach-fuzzed, feathery edged, heart-shaped shiso leaves, green on one side, purple on the other. Last week she’d sent me an email asking what I do with shiso —…
Beats from the Underground
The artist known as Knox the Dog just dropped a mixtape tailored to sync with the 1988 sci-fi epic Akira and it could scarcely arrive at a better time. Anime and electronica fans have been starved for diversion since the pandemic hit, and Knox’s new release, Akita, brings the sustenance they crave. Akira, the landmark…
Who has the Power?
Editor: I was bothered by Louisa Rogers’ unkind letter “Utter Ignorance” (Mailbox, July 23), in which she accused Rex Bohn of being a sixth-grader for asking if the governor “really has the power to do (this),” and went on to state her opinion on the matter. Well, I think that she, too, has not informed…
Crowded Out
Editor: I recently visited Prairie Creek State Park and found it to be more overcrowded than I had ever seen it to be in many years of going there (NCJ Daily Online, July 30). Trails had numbers of people passing each other and most were not wearing masks. I strongly would recommend that the number…
Best of Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
Blake Reagan at The Speakeasy Best Art Mural Two years ago during the Eureka Street Art Festival, the façade of the Speakeasy bloomed with bright flowers around a singing woman’s profile. You’d be forgiven for thinking she’s Billie Holiday, with the vintage microphone and the white flower in her hair, but Blake Reagan’s mural “Diva’s…
