Public Health Confirms Nine New COVID-19 Cases, Matching Single Day High
Humboldt County Public Health announced today that it has confirmed nine new COVID-19 cases, the largest single-day case spike in more than two months. The nine new cases — which came after just 125 tests were processed today — make 12 confirmed so far this week, and 17 since June 12. Today’s case spike matches…
Native Youth Conference Tackles Substance Abuse Prevention, Intervention
Each day this week from noon to 1 p.m., Two Feathers Native American Family Services is hosting a virtual youth conference on substance abuse intervention and prevention. Entitled “Walking the Red Road Together,” the conference takes place live on Facebook. Speakers include substance abuse counselors, folks in recovery and college and high school students from…
Current, Former Staffers Call Out Dell’Arte on Equity
In an open letter to Dell’Arte International shared on social media titled “Collective Response to Dell’Arte International,” nine current and former staff members of the theater school call out what they say is a leadership that “cannot competently lead the organization in matters related to Equity.” The post says this has created “an unsafe environment…
Over 50 Percent of Local Confirmed COVID-19 Patients had Respiratory Issues, T-S Reports
The Times-Standard is reporting that over 50 percent of local COVID-19 patients had respiratory issues. The report states that Humboldt County Health Officer Teresa Frankovich confirmed the data and said that not all of the patients had fevers either. Read the full story here.
Coroner’s Office Identifies Human Remains Found in Manila Last Week
The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has identified the human remains that were found near Manila on June 18 as 22-year-old Ajani S. Wilson. “Wilson was reported missing to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office on May 28 after falling into the ocean in the Elk Head area of Trinidad. Search teams were unable to locate Wilson…
EPD Arrests Suspected Bank Robber
Eureka police detectives arrested Stephen David Long, 70, of Eureka, this morning on suspicion of having committed yesterday’s bank robbery on Fifth Street. Long, who EPD said was identified as the suspect, was taken into custody without incident. Yesterday, EPD announced that a male suspect appearing in his 50s or 60s, wearing a blue surgical…
UPDATE: Eureka May Lose Four Police Officers, Zoo Director, Due to Budget Cuts
UPDATE (6:37 p.m.) After trouble-shooting myriad technical difficulties with the City’s Zoom feed and audio, the Eureka City Council directed staff to proceed with work on the draft budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Another public hearing will be held July 7. Mayor Susan Seaman encouraged members of the public to give feedback and public…
EPD Investigating Eureka Bank Robbery
The Eureka Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that occurred shortly before 4 p.m. today. According to a press release, police believe a man entered a bank in the 700 block of Fifth Street, handed a note to the teller demanding money and made off on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. According…
McKay Community Forest Approved for Expansion
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of 197 acres of forestland southeast of Eureka near Ridgewood Heights that would expand the McKay Community Forest. The land will be purchased from Green Diamond Resource Company. The funding for the forest will be provided by the California Natural Resources Agency, Cal Fire and the…
Public Health Confirms One New COVID Case
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed one new COVID-19 case, bringing the countywide total to 113. Today’s results make 6 new cases that have been confirmed within the past week. The report did not mention where the new case is believed to be contracted, however, 62 are believed to have contracted the virus from a known…
The Yurok Tribe Appoints Angie Brown as Public Health Officer
The Yurok Tribe has appointed Angie Brown as the COVID-19 Public Health Officer for its incident command team. “We are very grateful to have Ms. Brown on our team,” said the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe Joseph L. James in a release. “She is going to play a pivotal role during the next phase of…
Free COVID Testing Site in McKinleyville on June 29
The HumCo COVID Facebook page announced that a pop-up free COVID-19 testing site will be available to McKinleyville residents on June 29 at The Club (1570 Betty Court) from 1 to 4 p.m. The post says that appointments are encouraged but walk-in may be accommodated. To make an appointment please call 268-2503. Public Health says…
Cal Fire Humboldt-Del Norte to Suspend Outdoor Vegetation Burning; Issues Warning Ahead of Fourth of July
Due to atmospheric conditions changing, Cal Fire Humboldt-Del Norte unit will be suspending outdoor vegetation burning in Humboldt, Del Norte and western Trinity counties. Cal Fire would also like to remind residents to celebrate responsibly during the Fourth of July, as only fireworks with the “Safe and Sane” logo are legal for use in California.…
Covered California Extends Special Open Enrollment Deadline
Covered California announced that Californians without health insurance can still sign up for health care coverage through the service until the end of July. The current special-enrollment period is due to the COVID-19 pandemic and according to the press release, the most recent data shows that 175,030 people signed up for health care coverage between…
More Businesses Set to Reopen Friday with Certified Reopening Plan
Humboldt County Public Health Officer Teresa Frankovich announced that businesses in industry sectors with state-provided guidance, gyms and fitness centers, zoos, museums, wineries, breweries, bars, movie theaters and entertainment venues can begin reopening on Friday once their reopening plan is certified by the Emergency Operations Center. According to the release, at the Board of Supervisors…
Supreme Court Declines to Reconsider Tribes’ Water Rights at Klamath River, T-S Reports
The Times-Standard is reporting the Supreme Court has declined to overturn a court decision guaranteeing that Native tribes near the Klamath River can reserve enough water in the river to protect fish populations and beyond. “The ruling, or affirmation, by the Supreme Court is encouraging,” said Mike Orcutt, the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s fisheries director in…
Suspect in Eureka Murder, Two Other Recent Stabbings Ruled Mentally Incompetent to Stand Trial, LoCo Reports
The Lost Coast Outpost is reporting that Wesley Lee Starritt, who is accused of killing an elderly Eureka man and brutally stabbing two other people, has been found mentally incompetent to stand trial. According to the story, Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning, referred Starritt to the state agency Conrep after receiving a doctor’s…
Humboldt County COVID-19 Case Count Goes Up, As Public Health Announces Two New Cases
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed two new cases today, bringing the countywide total to 112. The means of transmissions for the new cases are still under investigation, while the two previous cases reported on Friday were determined to be transmitted through travel to an area outside of the county. According to the release, Humboldt County…
DMV Resumes Behind-the-Wheel Drive Tests with New Protocols on Friday, T-S reports
The Times-Standard is reporting that the DMV will resume behind-the-wheel drivers tests with new safety protocols. The DMV will be focused on administering tests to those whose tests were canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m asking for everyone’s patience as we safely clear the backlog of behind-the-wheel drive test appointments,” DMV Director…
Eureka Street Art Festival Heads to Henderson Center with a Virtual Component
The Eureka Street Art Festival is coming to Henderson Center from August 10-15, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival will not hold its block party and will include a virtual aspect. People are welcomed to visit Henderson Center to see the progress the artists are making with their murals throughout the week or…
Flavortown, Ohio? Look Out, Ferndale
Ferndale, hon. I don’t want to stir the chili pot here but somebody is moving in on your man. The city of Columbus, Ohio, in coming to terms with its historically awful namesake, is having an identity crisis. (If you need a refresher on how Columbus’ legacy impacts our present, visit Cutcha Risling Baldy’s blog…
Oyster Fest 2020 Winners
You wouldn’t know it from looking at the plaza but on Saturday the Arcata Bay Oyster Festival held its 30th annual event. This time, due to the ban on mass gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, Arcata Main Street held the food festival virtually with host Shoshanna introducing live streaming musical guests, pre-recorded video…
Friends of the Dunes Offers Online ‘Get Outside Gear Sale’
Friends of the Dunes’ Get Outside Gear Sale is one of Humboldt County’s hidden gem events. The annual fundraiser that supports coastal education and conservation programs is the insiders’ spot to score great deals on new and gently used outdoor gear. Due to Covid-19, this year’s April event was cancelled. However, gear donated before the shut…
![[UPDATE 7:35 p.m.-PHOTOS] Fire Under Power Lines in Fickle Hill Area](https://i0.wp.com/www.northcoastjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/screenshot_fickle.png?resize=800%2C600&ssl=1)
[UPDATE 7:35 p.m.-PHOTOS] Fire Under Power Lines in Fickle Hill Area
Just before 3 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a fire at 325 Del Mar Vista Road in the Fickle Hill area east of Arcata. An inmate crew was requested. The fire is under the power lines, the air attack commander reports over the commander. Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to…
Humboldt State’s Robotics Camp Returns This July
Humboldt State University announced that its popular summer Robotics Camp will return this July. A press release from HSU News & Information stated the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) – oriented camp for students entering eighth and ninth grades will be held virtually this year, using videoconferencing. The camp runs July 20-24 and July 27-30 during the afternoon.…
Still Far Higher than Pre-COVID-19, Humboldt Showed Small Unemployment Dip in May, T-S Reports
The Times-Standard reports that preliminary information from the Employment Development Department shows that Humboldt County’s unemployment rate dipped in May when compared to April but was still far higher than before the COVID-19 outbreak. Read the full story here.
APD Chief Releases Statement on Budget Cuts, Calls for Reform and Policing
Arcata Police Chief Brian Ahearn released an extensive statement today addressing a number of issues, including budget cuts to his department and what it will mean, as well as calls for reforms and the spotlight shone on law enforcement following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police last month as Black…
Story on Jefferson Davis’ Hometown Features Perspective of HSU VP
A recent Louisville Courier Journal article looking at the communities of Todd County, Kentucky, the place where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was born and still has a park and towering 351-foot obelisk dedicated to him, includes the perspective of Humboldt State University Vice President of Enrollment Jason Meriwether, who grew up there. Meriwether, who is…
Motorcyclist Killed in Eureka Crash
A motorcyclist died yesterday after a collision with a van at Union and West Hawthorne streets around 8 p.m., according to the Eureka Police Department. The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was unresponsive when officers arrived and he was pronounced dead at St. Joseph Hospital, according to a news release. The driver…
Public Health Confirms Two New COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed two new COVID-19 cases today, bringing the countywide total to 110. Today’s results make five new cases that have been confirmed locally this week, which follows a stretch that had seen just one new case over the past seven days. Nationally, 2.2 million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, with 118,365…
Auditor, Bohn Email Exchange Leads to Investigation, T-S Reports
The Times-Standard reports that an email exchange between county Auditor-Controller Karen Paz Dominguez and First District Supervisor Rex Bohn on Thursday is the subject of a Human Resources investigation. According to the article, the issue in the emails centered on Bohn wanting to hand deliver a $23,000 payment for providing hotel room space during the…
SCRAP Humboldt to Close Its Doors
SCRAP Humboldt, a friend to many a crafty folk who enjoyed searching for treasure in its Arcata store, announced today that it will close at the end of July. A news release from Director Kati Texas states SCRAP Humboldt wants to say the doors will one day reopen but that’s unclear at this time. “SCRAP…
Juneteenth 2020 Celebration
Join the Eureka Chapter of The NAACP and Black Humboldt for today’s Juneteenth celebration happening from noon-11:30 p.m. at various online locations. The event includes performances from Black Humboldt artists, music, virtual vending from local POC businesses, Knowledge for Power sessions, hands-on workshops led by local black professionals and more. Here’s how to participate: Zoom:…
Conway Out as HumCo Fair GM
The Humboldt County Fair Board has “laid off” General Manager Richard Conway, the Ferndale Enterprise has confirmed. The Enterprise reported on Twitter this morning that Board President Andy Titus said the decision was made to part ways with Conway after seven years due to “large financial problems, no fair and lack of work.” The Enterprise…
Injury Accident at Hawthorne and Union in Eureka
A gray van and a motorcycle collided at the intersection of Hawthorne and Union Streets in Eureka about 8 p.m. The intersection was completely shut down. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
City of Arcata, APD Facing Budget Cuts, LoCO Reports
The Lost Coast Outpost reports that the Arcata City Council voted Wednesday to move ahead with its 2020-2021 budget, which will see about $1.3 million in reductions amid the COVID-19 outbreak, including nearly $750,000 to the police department. Read the full story here.
UPDATE: Coroner, Sheriff’s Office Recover Body Found in Dunes Near Manila
UPDATE: The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reports a body was recovered from the waveslope in the area near Ma-le’l Dunes this afternoon. “The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office is in the process of scheduling an autopsy and identifying the body,” a news release states. “More information will be released when available.” PREVIOUS: The Humboldt County Sheriff’s…
Humboldt’s COVID-19 Cases Stand at 108
No new COVID-19 cases were confirmed today, according to a news release from the county’s joint information center. The total number remains at 108, with no new hospitalizations or deaths reported. The latest results include 45 tests done by the Public Health Laboratory and 124 done at the OptumServe public testing site. Humboldt County Public…
NCJ Preview: Know Your Public Health Officer and Jamaican Home Cooking
We’re talking about Humboldt’s Public Health Officer Teresa Frankovich, profiled in this week’s issue. New to her post but with a long resume behind her, colleagues say she’s weathering the controversies of masking and sheltering with grace. And Eureka welcomes Jerk Kitchen’s Dell Bryan and Joanne Kerr, who are bringing Jamaican cuisine to Humboldt. Hit…
COVID-19 Pop-Up Testing Site Coming to Redway
The county of Humboldt COVID-19 information center announced that a one-day testing site will be available in Redway on June 23 for Southern Humboldt residents. Appointments for the testing site at the Redway Baptist Church can be made by calling 268-2503 in advance. There is no cost. For those with medical insurance, their provider will…
Drive-through Dinners at the Mateel
SoHum is taking drive-through cuisine next level starting next week with a rotating roster of chefs creating Friday night to-go meals you can pick up at the Mateel Community Center. Guest chef Annikah Hogan kicks off the summer’s offerings on June 26 from 4-9 p.m. with “Ginger Lemongrass Pulled Pork, Asian coleslaw, coconut rice, shrimp,…
Parking Tickets Will Soon Return to Arcata
The grace period on parking violations in Arcata will draw to an end July 1, according to a news release from the police department. Enforcement was temporarily suspended during the initial phases of the COVID-19 shelter in place. Members of the public are encouraged to pay any citations online, by calling 822-2428, using a drop…
Face Coverings Now Mandated in California
Starting today, everyone in California, ages 3 and older, is mandated to wear face coverings in “high risk” public situations indoors and outside, with limited exceptions that include health issues. The California Department of Public Health said in an announcement that the requirement is effective today. Facial coverings have been the law of the land…
The Pots Smell Good
In Christiana, the rural town in Jamaica’s Manchester Parish where his grandmother lived, Dell Bryan learned to cook from her. His wife of 35 years, Joanne Kerr, explains they were both born in the capital city of Kingston, but “he would live with his mom in Kingston for six months, then she would send him…
Corona Gardens are the New Victory Garden
Back on March 19, my landscaping assistant and I were out working when we heard from friends that Humboldt was under a shelter-in-place order starting later that evening. We decided to hit up one of the local nurseries to pick up some seeds for friends, as well as for our own gardens. As a landscaper,…
The Things They Buried
DA 5 BLOODS. I have long been fascinated by the American War in Vietnam. This is partly due to having cut my teeth on the bombastic, irresponsible, large-scale action movies of the 1980s, an era in American cinema when exaggerated male physicality and unconscionable, grotesque violence displaced thoughtful examination of the true wages of war.…
Nine COVID-19 Myths
I know, I know. Articles on myths about coronavirus have been done to death. Yet every day the Whack-a-Mole claims pop up again — conspiracy stories, China, Big Pharma, what to eat to prevent infection, the vaccine just around the corner … Here, I’ll try to shine a light on some of the more prevalent…
Defining Times
While sprouts break Dark fertile soils and Fruit grows daily On the tree tops, We all wait patiently In these times where Endless blue skies cry For something more…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): My Aries friend Lavinia told me, “The fight I’m enjoying most lately is my fight to resist the compulsion to fight.” I invite you to consider adopting that attitude for the foreseeable future. Now and then, you Rams do seem to thrive on conflict, or at least use it to achieve…
‘Mission Fit’
The cards and short letters will show up from time to time at the Humboldt County Public Health Department addressed to Health Officer Teresa Frankovich. Inside, they have messages of thanks and support, sometimes offering expressions of gratitude for her personal sacrifice, sympathy for the pressure she’s under and support for the cautious approach she…
Feeding the Children
Food insecurity is not a new issue in Humboldt County and many families face an increased strain during the summer months when their children no longer have access to school lunch programs, a situation that has only been compounded by the COVID-19 outbreak. For more than two decades, Food for People has worked to bridge…
