Fear to Anger to Rage
Local police hear community concerns amid three days of protests in Humboldt, by Thadeus Greenson
Cover Story
Fear to Anger to Rage
The moment came on the second consecutive day of protests in Eureka, as hundreds marched through the streets amid escalating national tensions in the wake of the May 25 police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. A group of more than 100 people, many clutching signs scrawled with messages like “I Can’t Breathe” and “Black…
Humboldt Geographic Facebook Group Offers Risk-Free Adventures, Beauty
Aspiring photographers, outdoor enthusiasts and science nerds: Please allow us to introduce Humboldt Geographic. No, not the new HSU geography department magazine. This Humboldt Geographic is a new-ish Facebook group where you can post your jaw-dropping photos and videos, learn interesting things about the county’s geography, connect with people who have similar interests and get…
“A Crippling Blow”: California Fairgrounds Call on State for Support
The Redwood Acres Fairgrounds is one of several fairgrounds across California encouraging the public to reach out to legislators for help weathering an extraordinary year in revenue losses. Ben Brown, who took the helm of Redwood Acres as CEO in February, calls the situation “a pretty crippling blow” “We’ve cut everything we can,” says Brown,…
Jerk Kitchen Opens in Eureka
The former Rita’s Mexican restaurant on Harris is empty no more, festooned with black, gold and green Jamaican flags and filled with the smell of simmering oxtail. Jerk Kitchen, the popular Jamaican stall at the Arcata Farmers Market, has found a home there and plans its official opening Friday. Husband and wife owners Joanne Kerr…
March Calls for HSU to Acknowledge Racism on Campus, LoCO Reports
Lost Coast Outpost reports that hundreds gathered in Arcata on Wednesday for a march to call on Humboldt State University to acknowledge systemic racism and oppression at the campus and establish a zero tolerance policy on hate speech. Read the full story here.
Coming Attractions Walks Back its Friday Reopening
Yesterday, Coming Attractions Theaters, owner of the Broadway Cinema and Mill Creek movie houses, announced its reopening Friday, June 12. However, no timeline for opening theaters has been set by the county’s Public Health Officer Teresa Frankovich. In an email, the Department of Health and Human Services told the Journal that Frankovich contacted Coming Attractions President and…
Two Straight Days with No Confirmed New COVID-19 Cases
Public Health reported no new confirmed COVID-19 cases today, leaving the county’s total at 105 for a second straight day. To date, 61 cases in Humboldt County were contact to a known case, 24 were travel acquired and 20 were through community transmission. No new deaths or hospitalizations were reported. The results include 79 tests…
UPDATED: Coroner on Scene after Body Found in Center Divide of Safety Corridor
Caltrans employees working on the Safety Corridor of Hwy 101 near Mid-City Motor World north of Eureka discovered a decomposing body in the center divide early this afternoon. Sgt. Mike Campbell of the California Highway Patrol told us that his office was notified at 12:42 p.m. Campbell said that he wasn’t trained in the field…
Nighttime Closures Coming to Last Chance Grade
U.S. Highway 101 at Last Chance Grade will be closed overnight June 15 to June 18 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to allow Caltrans crews to conduct work on the small but unstable stretch that serves as vital link between the northern reaches of California and the rest of the state. “Emergency services will…
Old Town Nooner No More
Lorrena and Joe Filgas, owners of Cafe Nooner, Cafe Nooner Too and their associated catering business, announced on Facebook that they will be closing the original Old Town location in Opera Alley due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple will maintain the Henderson Center restaurant Cafe Nooner Too. Read the full post…
Orcas Spotted Off Eureka (Video)
Arcata writer Ishan Vernallis and his friend Robin Brown were cruising on Vernallis’ fishing boat Tuesday at around 4 p.m., hoping to get into a few halibut. They had traveled about 4 miles northwest of the harbor entrance when their eyes caught something much bigger — a killer whale. It appeared to be a juvenile,…
Superior Court to Resume In-person Felony Arraignments Next Week
The Humboldt County Superior Court will resume holding arraignments for defendants who are out of custody but facing felony charges beginning June 15. Such appearances have been suspended for weeks in the midst of restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the court has apparently begun sending out appearance notices to…
Trinidad Rancheria Looks to Humboldt Bay Water for Hotel, T-S Reports
The Times-Standard reports the Trinidad Rancheria has reached out to the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District about a possible water supply for its planned hotel. Read the full story here.
Rep. Huffman Among Justice in Policing Act of 2020 Cosponsors
North Coast Congressmember Jared Huffman has joined more than 100 others in cosponsoring the Justice in Policing Act of 2020, according to an announcement from his office. The bill was introduced Monday by Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-CA), House Judiciary Committee Chair Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Cory Booker…
Humboldt Sees 3 Community Transmission COVID-19 Cases so far in June, No New Positive Tests Reported Today
Public Health reported no new confirmed COVID-19 cases today, leaving the county’s total to 105. According to a news release, two recent cases have been attributed to community transmission, making three so far this month. “These are individuals without a history of travel or exposure to a known case,” Humboldt County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich…
COVID-19 Testing Expands to Willow Creek in June
The county of Humboldt announced today that COVID-19 testing will be available in Willow Creek for the next three Thursdays starting June 11 as well as Eureka. To register for a visit in either area, click here. The Willow Creek testing site is located at the Big Rock Day Use Area on Thursdays. Tests can…
Public Health: Alder Bay No Longer in COVID-19 Outbreak, T-S Reports
The Times-Standard reports County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich told the board of supervisors today that Alder Bay Assisted Living is no longer considered to be in a COVID-19 “outbreak,” with no new positive cases in 14 days since the last known point of possible exposure. But she also cautioned that the virus is still circulating…
Tonight’s Still A Mystery Episode to Feature Josiah Lawson Case
The unsolved fatal stabbing of Humboldt State University student David Josiah Lawson will be featured on Still A Mystery, an Investigation Discovery television program that looks at a single crime in each episode “where unanswered questions still remain.” More than three years have passed since Lawson, a 19-year-old sophomore studying criminal justice, was killed on…
Arcata High’s Pepperbox Reports on Racism on Campus, Questions Raised About the District’s Response
The Pepperbox, Arcata High’s newspaper, posted two articles in the last few days looking at racism on the campus and in student-produced social media, and questions raised about the district’s response. The pieces by Editor in Chief Fiona Murphy include interviews with students, staff and teachers as well as district officials. Read them here and…
County Reports One New COVID-19 Case
Public Health reported one new confirmed COVID-19 case today, bring the county’s total to 105. This most recent case is one of two still under investigation. Of the others, 61 were contact to a known case, 24 were travel acquired and 18 were through community transmission. No new deaths or hospitalizations were reported. Public Health…
County Urges Vigilance as More Businesses Begin Reopening
More than 100 hair salons and barbershops have the green light to reopen, according to the county, which expects further updates this week on other businesses being cleared to open their doors. County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich will be making the call based on COVID-19 results and other epidemiologic data. “Right now, our conditions are…
Ferndale Council Voices Concerns About Lack of Mask Use, Approves COVID-19 Emergency Extension, LoCO reports
The Lost Coast Outpost reports that the Ferndale City Council voted today to continue its declaration of a public health emergency due to COVID-19 as several councilmembers and the mayor voiced concerns about how many times they’ve seen customers and/or employees without masks at local businesses. Read the full story here.
Bunkered by Bureaucracy, Disc Golf Courses Finally Reopen
After being closed due to the pandemic since March, Humboldt County’s public disc golf courses began reopening last week. And according to the sport’s local organizers and advocates, it’s been an unexpectedly circuitous route back to these baskets. “I was a bit frustrated,” said Par Infinity Disc Golf Club President Caleb Gribi, who…
The Mateel Presents Summer Arts Video Tribute on YouTube
Missing the Summer Arts and Music Festival this year? You’re not alone. The beloved two-day event, typically presented the first weekend in June for the last 44 years, was cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for June 6 and 7, 2020, the event sees the Benbow State Recreation Area moving and grooving…
Food for People, Local Districts Work Together to Continue Bringing Children Lunches During the Summer
UPDATE: A coordinated effort between Food for People, the Humboldt County Office of Education and local school districts will see the Children’s Summer Lunch program continue this year. Food for People Executive Director Anne Holcomb said a number of factors led to changes in the nonprofit’s role in the program that provides lunches to children…
HSU’s College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Presents its Summer Lecture Series
Faculty from Humboldt State University are hosting free lectures and workshops this summer, kicking things off Monday, June 8 with “What Good is a Land acknowledgement? Humboldt County, Native American History, and Decolonized Futures,” presented by Cutcha Risling Baldy, Department of Native American Studies, and wrapping up Tuesday, July 21 with “Magical Realism & Contemporary Trends…
Fifth Grader Interviews Black Lives Matter Demonstration Organizer (VIDEO)
Throughout last week, Peninsula Union School District teachers listened as students in third through eighth grade classes there expressed feeling scared and confused about the police killing of George Floyd and the wave of protests that had subsequently swept the nation. “I imagine many children around our county and country are feeling similarly,” said Superintendent-principal…
A Huge Thank you to Our Supporters
For nearly 30 years, the North Coast Journal has been covering the stories and people you care about in Humboldt County. We’re proud to share our coverage in print and online for free so everyone — with or without internet access or the means to subscribe to a paper — can stay informed, especially during…
House Fire in Redway
A fire flared up on a wall in a home on Whitmore Avenue in Redway about 11:47 p.m. on Saturday night. Redway Fire responded to the scene but, according to the fire chief, quick thinking on the part of the occupant saved the day. Redway Fire Chief Brian Anderson said the occupant “had the fire…
UPDATE: High-Risk Traffic Stop Leads to 101 Closure in Del Norte
About 3:40 p.m., law enforcement attempting to stop a vehicle with a man holding a firearm to his head and threatening to shoot himself closed down U.S. Highway 101 between mile markers 14 and 22 in Del Norte County north of Last Chance Grade, according to information over the scanner. Officers successfully laid down spike…
Black Lives Matter Protest Happening in Eureka (with Video)
About 100 or so demonstrators gathered at the Humboldt County Courthouse on Saturday to protest the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This latest protest was smaller than two previous ones in the city and came on the heels of several other peaceful gatherings from Southern Humboldt…
Certified Hair Salons, Barber Shops Cleared to Reopen Monday
County Public Health Officer Teresa Frankovich has cleared certified hair salons and barber shops to reopen on Monday. In a news release, the county states the decision came after a review of today’s test results — which showed no new cases for a third straight day — and local “epidemiologic data.” “Monday marks 14 days…
Humboldt Sees No New COVID-19 Cases for Third Straight Day
For the third day in a row, Public Health reported no additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, meaning Humboldt County’s case count remains at 104. Of the 104, 61 were contact to a known case, 24 were travel acquired, 18 were through community transmission and one remains under investigation. No new deaths or hospitalizations were reported.…
NCJ Preview: Local Protests and Our New Dining Normal
This week we’re talking about the Black Lives Matter/George Floyd protests against police brutality in Eureka. And as restaurants open for dine-in service, what’s the new normal and can they survive? Hit subscribe for weekly updates from the NCJ YouTube channel and rundowns of local stories in Humboldt County.
Coast Guard to Honor Crew Lost at Sea
The U.S. Coast Guard will livestream a memorial service Monday to honor the four crewmembers lost 23 years ago during a rescue operation off the coast of Cape Mendocino. The 8:15 a.m. service will be available for viewing on the Sector Humboldt Bay Facebook page. The CG-6549 crew included Lt. Jeffrey F. Crane, 35, of…
Youth Lead the Way at Fortuna Black Lives Matter Protest
Community members gathered in Fortuna’s Rohner Park yesterday to peacefully protest against police brutality and racism. People gathered on the lawn to listen to the youth of Humboldt County speak about their experiences with racism and what they think needs to be done to make change locally. The demonstration was headed by speeches from Eureka…
Antarctica Research Vessel Taking Harbor in Humboldt Bay, LoCo Reports
The Lost Coast Outpost reports that the bright orange, 300-foot research vessel with icebreaking capability currently taking harbor in Humboldt Bay is the Nathaniel B. Palmer. Named to commemorate the American credited with first seeing Antarctica, the ship used by the National Science Foundation is taking a break on the North Coast before setting out…
County: Details on When More Humboldt Business Sectors Can Open Coming Soon
More details on when the next business sectors will begin reopening in Humboldt County are expected next week, with County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich making the ultimate call on the timeline. In a news release, Frankovich notes that the state strongly recommends against bringing additional sectors online until after June 12 to allow time to…
Student Activists Lead Peaceful Protest in Garberville
Around 100 people gathered in Garberville at noon today to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement. The protest was organized by students at South Fork High School and featured speakers from the local community and Humboldt State University. Lily Loomis, 17, was one of the student organizers. Loomis recently graduated South Fork and…
County Confirms No New COVID-19 Cases, Identifies Fatalities
For the first second consecutive day, and just has second time over the past week, Humboldt County Public Health announced today that it has confirmed no new COVID-19 cases, leaving the countywide tally at 104. Today’s results come after 134 samples were processed — 58 at the Public Health Laboratory and 76 others at corporate…
All Clear in Freshwater After Suspicious Object Found Last Night
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Team responded to Freshwater last night after a suspicious object was found on Myrtle Avenue. It was determined to be safe after being X-rayed. The new release states that the sheriff’s office asks members of the public to contact local law enforcement if a suspicious object is found,…
Crash Has Henderson and F Street Intersection Blocked
A crash, which sent one vehicle into a utility pole and reportedly dropped a power line, has blocked the intersection at Henderson and F Street in Eureka as of approximately 2:45 p.m. Use caution in the area.
HSU Lauds Launch of New Nursing Program
Humboldt State University announced its nursing program will begin this fall, hailing the formal launch as a “milestone moment for healthcare here on the North Coast.” Under the program, graduating College of the Redwoods nursing students will be able to transfer to HSU to complete their bachelors of science degree without leaving the region, which…
The Logger Bar is Up for Sale
More bad news, folks: Blue Lake’s Logger Bar is up for sale. Coldwell Banker Commercial Pacific Partners owner/broker Scott Pesch confirmed that the bar’s owner Kate Martin is selling the 1899 historic watering hole at 510 Railroad Ave., though he wasn’t happy to deliver the news. “When I was putting the signs up, I just…
Protest Planned Over Yurok Tribe Hiring of Former Executive Director
The Lost Coast Outpost reports members of the Yurok Tribe are planning tomorrow to protest the rehiring of Javier Kinney, who abruptly resigned as executive director last year but was recently hired to serve as the Tribe’s forest carbon projects manager. Read the full story here.
Brrrrrr: A Winterlike Weekend is in the Forecast
It’s going to feel a bit more like winter than June as an “unseasonably cold weather system” moves into the region, with temperatures from the coast to the mountains forecast to dip into the 40s on Sunday and Monday, according to the forecast. The National Weather Service office in Eureka also states that widespread rain…
Public Health: No COVID-19 Cases Confirmed Today
For the first time in a week, Humboldt County Public Health announced today that it has confirmed no new COVID-19 cases, leaving the countywide tally at 104. Today’s results come after 161 samples were processed — 96 at the Public Health Laboratory and 65 others at corporate labs. Public Health has confirmed a total of…
New Lease Requires Fair Board to Follow Open Meeting Law, Ferndale Enterprise Reports
The Ferndale Enterprise is reporting that the Humboldt County Fair Association will be required to follow the state’s opening meeting law and the California Public Records Act under a new lease with the county approved by the board of supervisors on Tuesday. Read the full story here. Related Stories
Video: EPD, Community Partners Discuss Domestic Violence Amid Shelter in Place
Eureka Police Capt. Brian Stephens and a panel of community partners came together for a discussion on domestic violence and local resources available to those in need as the city and other communities across the nation are seeing a 50 percent increase in calls for service and in the severity of cases amid the COVID-19…
Staff Layoffs, Suspension of Football and Beach Volley Programs at CR
Facing a $1.5 million budget shortfall, College of the Redwoods has implemented several cost-cutting measures, including laying off staff and suspending the football and beach volleyball programs, an action related to the redirecting of $475,000 from the Health, Physical Education, Kinesiology, Recreation, Dance and Athletic Department. In news release today, CR also said it has…
Birth Announcement: It’s an HSU Geography Magazine!
Around 10 a.m. today, Humboldt State University’s Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Analysis (GESA) gave birth to a healthy, brand new magazine. Dubbed Humboldt Geographic, the online journal is the culmination of 20 undergraduate students’s efforts in a 2019 fall semester course taught by professors Matthew Derrick and Nick Perdue. Reached while making final…
Pull Up for Library Curbside
Rejoice, bookworms. While we still can’t traipse through the stacks during this stage of shelter in place, libraries throughout the county are offering curbside service. All you need to do is call or go online to place a hold on your books, then head to the library and call the number on the sign outside…
EPD Flags ‘Fake Troll Account’ Attempting to ‘Incite Conflict’
The Eureka Police Department posted Wednesday night on its Facebook page that it has forwarded information on an Instagram account to the FBI because “fake troll account” is being used to erroneously “incite conflict and controversy.” The account, which purports to be from a young white man, began on May 11 with a photo that…
Pandemic Widens Gaps in Regional Food Supply Chain
Can we feed ourselves? This is a question the staff of the Humboldt Food Policy Council (a branch of the larger California organization) has been asking since 2012. Now, with COVID-19 crimping the distribution chain for larger grocery stores and more local residents going hungry due to economic losses, the question seems more important than…
The Takeout Menu
Scores of local restaurants are offering curbside, delivery and to-go menus, re-shuffling their hours, ordering and service to keep their patrons and staff safer. We’ve compiled a partial list here with asterisks ( *) indicating dine-in service also available. If you don’t see your own establishment, let us know by emailing calendar@northcoastjournal.com and we’ll update.…
Reopening Dining … Or Not
Meredith Maier of Six Rivers Brewery had already put together a plan for her restaurant to follow not only state and OSHA guidelines, like masks for staff and tables 6 feet apart, but a set of house rules, including only admitting those 21 and over, seating at only five tables and offering counter service as…
Alone at the Top
Salmon Mountain is situated on the borders of Humboldt and Siskiyou counties, a stone’s throw away from the triple point with Trinity County. At 6,960 feet, its highest point lies within Humboldt’s borders. It is a force to be reckoned with and covered in snow most of the year. Its almost alpine environment throws a…
Dirty Magazines and Antiquarian Books vs the Internet
CIRCUS OF BOOKS. Even owning a prominent gay-porn bookstore and social hub is, at the end of the day, just a job. So goes one object lesson from Rachel Mason’s charming, heartfelt documentary Circus of Books. And she would know: Her decidedly unassuming parents Karen and Barry owned and operated the titular shop for more…
Unease, Inaction and Time for Reckoning
The video of police officer Derek Chauvin killing George Floyd joins a heartbreaking library of footage of the abuse and death of Black Americans at the hands of those charged with protecting them under the law. It is an archive vast enough — and growing amid the very protests against such systemic violence — to…
Black Lives, Black Stories
The following a speech delivered at the Black Lives Matter/George Floyd protest on behalf of Black Humboldt at the Eureka Police Department on June 1, 2020. Hello everyone I am Mo Desir and I am a volunteer organizer for Black Humboldt, one of the only Black-operated and Black-oriented organizations in this region. Black Humboldt is…
Hydroxychloroquine: Dangerous Medicine?
Donald Trump, May 19, 2020: “Couple weeks ago I started taking [hydroxychloroquine]. Cause I think it is good. I have heard a lot of good stories. And if it is not good, I will tell you, all right, I am not going to get hurt by it.” Let’s rewind from the present: May 26: Due…
Enough Has Been Enough
You say with good intention the rioting doesn’t make sense But the expressions of anger are a form of self-defense Floyd, Arbery, Martin, Garner, McDonald and Bland Just a fraction of the reasons why people gotta take a stand Skin color used to create a phony duality Justification for centuries of abject brutality Black and…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries poet Paul Verlaine wrote “Autumn Song” in 1866. It became a well-known French poem, and eventually played a role in a historical turning point. In June 1944, a top-secret British spy organization used the poem as a code to communicate crucial information to the French Resistance, via BBC radio, about…
