‘See You Again’
Investigative failures in cases of missing, murdered Indigenous women
Boozy Popsicles from the Goat
This was not the summer any of us ordered. And so the only weather-related denial we support is the refusal to accept the end of the season. The fact that Richards’ Goat Tavern and Tea Room has recently figured out boozy popsicles is another reason to linger. Along with its takeout food menu, Richards’ Goat…
UPDATE: Red, Salmon Fires at 16,255 Acres, Merging
UPDATE: The Red Salmon Complex has grown to 16,255 acres and remains at 38 percent containment, according to this evening’s update. “Earlier today fire crews burned the remaining fuels adjacent to control lines taking a big step toward securing the northwest corner of the fire,” the update states about the Red Fire. “This has been…
Two New HSU Students Test Positive for COVID
Two additional Humboldt State University students who recently moved onto campus have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release. “The students have been moved to rooms on campus that are set aside for isolation,” the HSU release states. “The university will be providing ongoing support including frequent health and wellness checks with the…
Public Health Confirms Eight New COVID-19 Cases, Making 100 This Month
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed eight new COVID-19 cases today, making 100 so far this month and bringing the countywide tally to 333. Today’s tally comes after 352 samples were processed with a positivity rate of 2.3 percent and makes 24 cases confirmed so far this week. The increasing number of cases this month has…
About Those Rolling Blackouts
Since Friday, rolling blackouts — the first non-wildfire ones in 19 years — have sporadically struck parts of California, particularly the Bay Area, while areas of Humboldt County have been on the possibility list in recent days. The state’s power grid managers initially warned on Monday that more than three million people would have to…
Virtually No Chance for a Ruckus at Dem Convention
Jeanna Harris was in Philadelphia when the Democratic Party convened there in the summer of 2016, and she had plenty of ways to “make some good trouble.” Harris was part of the bloc within the California delegation supporting the failed presidential bid of Bernie Sanders. She and her fellow progressives cheered and jeered, ensuring their…
A Company at a Crossroads: Huffman’s Klamath forum wraps with sharp questioning of power company executive
North Coast Congressmember Jared Huffman hosted a forum of the Water, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee he chairs this afternoon, orchestrating a two-hour panel discussion focused on the stalled agreement to remove four hydroelectric dams from the ailing Klamath River. The forum began with heartfelt testimony from the Karuk and Yurok tribal chairs and ended with…
Public Health Confirms Five New COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health has confirmed five new COVID-19 cases, bringing the countywide total to 325. Today’s report includes results from the Humboldt County Public Health Laboratory and all other labs reported into the California Reportable Disease Information Exchange or CalREDIE, including some initial HSU samples. HSU reopened this weekend and began their move-in process for…
UPDATE: No Local Rolling Outages This Evening
UPDATE: PG&E reports the state’s electric grid operator, the California Independent System Operator, is saying the utility will not need to enact rotating power outages tonight based on forecasts for electricity supply and demand. PREVIOUS: The city of Arcata is warning that PG&E has announced local areas may experience rolling power outages lasting up to…
HSU Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
Humboldt State University has announced that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19. According to a release the employee was not tested at the campus and the positive result is unrelated to the school’s move-in day, which has already seen one student test positive for the virus. The employee had not been in contact with…
HACHR: City’s Claims Being Taken Seriously
The Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction says the organization is taking seriously allegations levied by Eureka officials in a memorandum to the state outlining “ongoing concerns” about its operations as the center’s syringe exchange program undergoes a reauthorization process. The California Department of Public Health authorized HACHR to run the harm reduction program for…
Are You Ready to Vote?
The Humboldt County Office of Elections wants you to be ready for the Nov. 3 election, which is really just around the corner. In a press release today, the office details all the steps necessary to make sure your vote is counted and where to go to find more information. All registered voters will be receiving…
Food for People Offering Drive-Thru Sites
Food for People will be offering a series of drive-thru produce distributions over the next several weeks to help out community members facing food insecurity, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit reminds potential clients that masks are required — as are social distancing practices — and asks that room is made to allow volunteers…
Watch Huffman’s Klamath Forum Live
North Coast Congressmember Jared Huffman is holding is hosting a forum today in his role as chair of the Water, Oceans and Wildlife Congressional Subcommittee focused on seemingly stalled plans to remove four hydroelectric dams along the upper Klamath River. Read more about the issues here and tune in below at 2 p.m.
Perseid Meteors 2020: A comet’s tale
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Red Salmon Fire Now Over 15,000 Acres
The Red Salmon Complex is now at 15,129 acres with 35 percent containment, according to this morning’s update. The update also states that thunderstorm potential continues to wane and a gradual cooling trend will start today with humidity near normal levels. Smoke will flow down into canyons and valleys again this evening. Read the full update…
Coasties Rescue Firefighter in Mendo
A Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay crew rescued a firefighter suffering heat stroke symptoms while working in rough terrain on the Box Fire in the Mendocino National Forest on Sunday night, according to a news release. The call for assistance came in around 10:50 p.m. “Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay launched an MH-65D Dolphin helicopter…
Meth Found at Fieldbrook ‘Stash’ Property
An alleged “stash location” in Fieldbrook yielded nearly 4 pounds of methamphetamine today but the “primary suspect” of the multi-agency operation was not located, according to a news release. The Humboldt County Drug Task Force, assisted by the Eureka and Arcata police department, served the search warrant at a property on the 2300 block of…
Newly Arrived HSU Student Tests Positive for COVID
Within days of moving onto campus, one student has test positive for COVID-19, the Humboldt State University reports. “The student is asymptomatic and has been moved to a room on campus that was set aside for isolation,” a news release states. “The university will be conducting frequent health and wellness checks with the student, as…
Public Health Confirms 11 new COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed 11 new COVID-19 cases today, reporting results from samples tested since Friday. Today’s tally comes on the heels of 27 new cases reported last week and brings this month’s tally to 87 after the county saw 100 cases confirmed last month. To date, the county has recorded 320 cases, which…
UPDATE: No Rolling Power Outages Tonight
UPDATE: PG&E reports that “based on current forecasts for electricity supply and demand,” the California Independent System Operator indicates there will be no outages this evening. PREVIOUS: A record breaking heat wave across the western United States has California’s electrical grid gasping for power. The California Independent System Operator (ISO), which manages the state’s grid,…
‘Monuments to Colonialism:’ With Klamath Dam Removal at an Impasse, Huffman Calls Congressional Forum
Since time immemorial, as summer turns to fall, the Karuk Tribe’s fatawana, or world renewal priests, have gathered for a renewal ceremony that spreads across many days. They fast and hike to ancient prayer sites. They dance and ritualistically bath in the waters of the Klamath River, all in an effort to bring balance back…
Hoopa: No New COVID Cases Today
The Hoopa Valley Tribal Office of Emergency Services COVID-19 Incident Management Team reported no new cases were confirmed today at the K’ima:w Medical Center. The report also states 24 cases are currently considered “active.” More information can be found at https://hoopaoes.org.
Sheriff’s Office Investigating SoHum Death
The Humboldt County’s Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 38 year old who was found with multiple gunshot wounds after “an out-of-area attorney” called to report the victim, according to a news release. The deceased man has been identified as Wade Daniel Harris and an autopsy is scheduled for Aug. 18. The HCSO…
Red Salmon Fire Grows, Smoke Impacts Possible
The Red Salmon Complex is now at 12,856 acres with 35 percent containment, according to this morning’s update. The North Coast Air Quality Management District reports that smoke from the wildfire is continuing to impact local communities, with residents of Orleans, Weitchpec and the Hoopa Valley possibly seeing periods of “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” in…
Hoopa Reports One New COVID-19 Case Today
The Hoopa Valley Tribal Office of Emergency Services COVID-19 Incident Management Team announced one new case of COVID-19 reported today through the K’ima:w Medical Center. To date there are 42 total confirmed cases in Hoopa, of which 24 are active with 18 recoveries and zero deaths. The results from the K’ima:w Medical Center are included in Humboldt…
Playhouse Arts/equity arcata Present “Art on the Fence”
A press release from equity arcata’s JustArts working group announced that the organization has partnered with Playhouse Arts and the City of Arcata to present “Art on the Fence,” a public art exhibition of BIPOC and white community artists in Arcata. The public can check out artists’ works, currently presented on plywood panels at the Arcata Ballpark…
Red Salmon Fire Update – Now Over 12,000 Acres
The Red Salmon Complex — which includes the Red and Salmon fires — stands at 12,101 acres with 35 percent containment, according to this morning’s update. In the Red Fire, protection efforts for historical and cultural sites around Salmon Summit and High Point Trail Head will continue, the update states. The Red Fire is at 19…
COVID Tip Line Busy
Nearly six months into the COVID-19 pandemic the Humboldt County tip line, dubbed the “snitch” line by some, is proving to be a useful tool in coaxing compliance from residents and businesses regarding the ever-changing state and local health department orders. “We had a real spike in calls a few weeks ago when the state…
HSU Students Move Into On-Campus Housing Amid COVID-19 Concerns
Around 225 Humboldt State University students moved into on-campus housing today — with a total of 800 or so expected to be in place by next week — over the objections of the county’s public health officer. Describing the event as low-key, HSU stated in a release that all those living on campus will be…
UPDATE: Eureka Sets Record, Thunderstorms Inland as Hot Temps Continue
UPDATE: It’s not quite official until midnight, but all signs point to Eureka breaking the Aug. 15 record of 73 degrees set in 2013 by hitting 78 degrees today, the Eureka office of the National Weather Service states. PREVIOUS: Scattered thunderstorms are expected to hit areas of inland Humboldt County this afternoon and evening, bringing…
Could Trump ‘Sabotage’ California’s All-Mail Election?
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HSU Moves to Re-open After Health Officer Warns it is Unsafe; Students Set to Arrive on Campus Tomorrow
Asked about Humboldt State University’s plans to return students to on-campus housing beginning this weekend, moving toward a limited re-opening of in-person instruction Sept. 8, county Health Officer Teresa Frankovich seemed to strike a diplomatic tone during an unscheduled media availability this afternoon. “Obviously, HSU is a really integral part of our community and we…
Public Health Announces Seven New COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health announces seven new COVID-19 cases, bringing the county’s total to 309. Public Health also reported one more COVID-19 related hospitalization, making three this week and a total of 20 for the county. In today’s release, Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich emphasized the need for all county residents, businesses and organizations…
Winners of This Year’s Dispersed Sand Sculpture Festival
Friends of the Dunes has announced the winners of the 25th Annual Sand Sculpture Festival. Although COVID-19 altered the festival to be more dispersed, the sculptors came through with loads of creativity. Eighteen teams entered this year’s festival hoping to win one of the few titles of Best of Show, Most Imaginative, Most Dedicated Diggers, Most…
Update: Fire East of Orick at 7 Acres as of 3 p.m.
Update 5:10 p.m.: As of 3 p.m. the fire had grown to 7 or 8 acres, Jeremy Ward told us. He hasn’t gotten a more updated acreage at this time. However, Cal Fire added aircraft, water tankers, other fire engines, logistical supplies and a dozer to this fire. He wants to remind everyone of the hazardous…
OK, Zoomer
Been a while since you’ve had a good laugh? Need to take your mind off the daily horror show of 2020? Can’t get to your favorite entertainment venue because said horror show closed it? There’s a Zoom for that. Get ready to laugh your anxiety off at On the Spot Comedy’s Fundraiser, Match Game: Zoom…
Huffman to Lead Forum Examining Impact of Klamath Dams
North Coast Rep. Jared Huffman will lead a live-streamed forum that will examine the impacts of the Klamath Dams on tribes, fisheries, the environment and downstream stakeholders on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. “The event will focus on four aging dams on the Klamath River owned by PacifiCorp and Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, which…
Air Quality Advisory Adds Unhealthy Conditions for Weitchpec; Red Salmon Complex Fire Update
The North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District is reporting that Hoopa, Orleans and now Weitchpec will see “unhealthy” air quality conditions due to warmer weather increasing fire activity at the Red Salmon Complex fire. The Red Salmon Complex fire is located 14 miles northeast of Willow Creek and as of last night the fire was at 10,209…
Over 32,000 Illegal Cannabis Plants Eradicated During Three-Day Operation
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served 10 warrants and investigated an illegal cannabis cultivation site in the Blake Mountain area of Eastern Humboldt County, where they eradicated 32,840 cannabis plants, seized and destroyed over 12,372 pounds of dried cannabis and over 3,558 pounds of manicured cannabis bud. According to the release, the…
Construction on Fourth Street Next Week
The city of Eureka and PG&E will continue reconstruction work on Fourth Street (U.S. Highway 101) near the side streets from O Street to Y Street in Eureka on Monday, Aug. 17 through Friday, Aug. 21. The construction will require lane closures with controlled traffic and detours, drivers should expect short delays. Read the full release below.
NCJ Preview: Talking with Cutcha Risling Baldy about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People
This week we’re talking about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people with guest Cutcha Risling Baldy of Humboldt State University’s Native American Studies department. A recent report sheds light on the unsolved cases in Humboldt — Risling Baldy shares the history and laws contributing to the violence. Hit subscribe for weekly updates…
Aloha, Banana Hut
Co-owner Ken Evans announced yesterday on the restaurant’s Facebook page that Banana Hut will be closing Aug. 31. “Unless a buyer magically appears.” The restaurant shifted to takeout and delivery for its Hawaiian barbecue and Spam musubi with the start of shelter in place, with Evans and his wife Fatima covering the kitchen and register on their…
Red Salmon Complex Continues to Grow
The Red Salmon Complex — which is back to just the Red and Salmon fires — stands at 10,209 acres with 34 percent containment, according to today’s evening update. Helicopters will be conducting bucket drops tonight, as conditions allow, the update states. For communities near the fire, smoke levels continue to be a factor, especially…
Public Health Confirms Three New COVID-19 Cases
Humboldt County Public Health announced three new COVID-19 cases, bringing the countywide total to 302. Today’s reported cases make 69 confirmed cases since the beginning of August. On Monday, two COVID-19 hospitalizations were confirmed bringing the total to 19. The county’s COVID Alert Level Assessment Tool is currently at Level 3, which is described as…
Another Fire Burning in Northern Humboldt – This One in the Pecwan Area
At about 2:11 p.m., Cal Fire received word that a fire was burning off Hwy 169 in the McKinnon Hill Road area between Pecwan and Martin’s Ferry in northern Humboldt County. According to Jeremy Ward, Fire Captain Specialist, as of 3:15 p.m. the fire was about an acre and growing very slowly. “We did dispatch…
Hoopa Valley Tribe Files Lawsuit to Block Contract with Central Valley Agribusiness
The Hoopa Valley Tribe has filed a federal lawsuit to block the U.S. Department of Interior from signing a water delivery contract with an agribusiness in the Central Valley, an agreement which would divert water out of the Trinity River basin 400 miles away. “The Hupa people have a long history of fighting to protect…
Humboldt Airport to Hold Emergency Drill Next Week
The Humboldt County Dept. 0f Aviation will be holding a fire training emergency drill on Monday, Aug. 17, at the Humboldt County Airport in Mckinleyville. The training will occur throughout the day from 7 a.m. on Aug. 17 to 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 18. According to the release, the training will include a mockup of…
Warmer Weather is On Its Way
Drink lots of water, stay in air-conditioned buildings and avoid going outside for long periods of time as the National Weather Service is forecasting a potential heat risk for the county on Friday and Saturday. “Heat is on the way, but you can get prepared and #BeatTheHeat,” a NWS Eureka Facebook post reads. “Heat-sensitive groups…
California Geological Survey Issues New Tsunami Maps for Humboldt County
The California Geological Survey has issued new tsunami hazard and evacuation zone maps for Humboldt County. “We have new scientific information and better computer modeling which has resulted in better forecasts about whether or not an earthquake will create a tsunami, and the path one would take. This new information can help local governments and…
Lane Closure at Slough Bridge on Highway 101
The city of Eureka Public Works is reporting that the number two northbound lane of U.S. Highway 101 at the Slough Bridge will be closed until mid-afternoon as crews are working to repair a water main break. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to take alternate routes if possible. “The patience and cooperation of…
Brushing Scam
Editor: Brushing scams (“Don’t Plant Mystery Seeds,” Aug. 6) are just one of the ways merchants who sell on the internet try to improve their sales. Vendors from many countries have employed them for years. This “mystery seed” thing is part of a more sinister phenomenon, however: a nationwide effort to stir up fear of…
‘A Positive Light’
Editor: Thank you for Jennifer Fumiko Cahill’s delightful article on the shisho leaf (Aug. 6). It was a positive light in these uncertain times of COVID-19. Jennifer is a long-time contributor to the Food page, as well as both Wendy Chan and Simona Carini. Their writings are informative and interesting to read. Food has certainly…
Every Number is a Person
Jessica Alva (Blackfeet, Yaqui and Nahua) Heather Leann Cameron (Grande Ronde and Pit River Tribes) Angela Mae Jeff (California Valley Miwok) Sumi Juan (Hoopa Valley Tribe) Jeanette Kamahele (Kanaka Maoli) Andrea LaDeroute (Tolowa) Alicia Lara (Tarahumara) Angela McConnell (Hoopa Valley Tribe with Mohave, Yurok and Karuk ancestry) Nick Patterson (Pit River Tribe) Rachel Sloan (Hopland…
Is the Great Wall Visible from Space?
“… The Chinese Wall, which makes a considerable figure on the terrestrial globe, and may be discerned at the moon.” Such was the opinion of Rev. William Stukeley (1687-1785), who was as wrong about seeing the Great Wall of China from the moon as he was about Druids building Stonehenge. No matter; it’s a good…
It Happened One Night in Myrtletown
Peach and I are tender hostess species of the hood. We grin fondly at the Fox’s bark. We only wish the Skunk would. We know about the Bear. I’ve seen her apple poo. If I can draw an inference Then watch cat Peach can too. We sleep in a small cottage During humid summer moons.…
‘See You Again’
For generations, order and cleanliness had been Christina Lastra’s family’s way of fighting off poverty. But the day in July 1991 when her mother’s mysterious death was ruled an accident marked the end of the orderly life Lastra had been leading in Humboldt County. “We didn’t get peace. No one ever even thought of looking…
Summer on a Platter
The peach is the beauty queen of summer. The blend of red, yellow and pink colors brighten up my day. Luckily, my family’s peach tree is right outside our kitchen window. I enjoy looking at it every day while I’m cooking. It brings me so much joy and hope during shelter in place, watching their…
Underworld Underachiever
THE TAX COLLECTOR. Like James Ellroy (whose work I also consume with probably unhealthy compulsion), writer/director David Ayer has spent two decades unpacking and examining the lives of men at war, to mixed degrees of success. Occasionally he’ll explore a universally acknowledged conflict, a War with a capital W: U-571 (2000) and Fury (2014), which…
Monumental Changes
Hi, everybody! It is I, your erstwhile guide into Humboldt’s groovy and often chaotic world of music. On the topic of chaos, how is everyone since I last spoke to you in March? It is with utter sincerity that I hope that all of you and yours are safe and well. Change is rarely up…
A Publisher’s Rant
How will history judge this one, particularly chaotic week in time? Whose fault is it our country is failing in so many ways? Top of the list is the president, with his long list of fails: the failure to recognize the magnitude of this coronavirus pandemic at every step, a repeated failure to embrace science…
Zombie Apocalypse
Anyone who’s watched traditional zombie movies knows it’s never really the zombies themselves that kill people. Sure, the relentless but slow-moving and brainless corpses are the mechanism of death, but it’s really humans’ selfishness, panic, stupidity and conflict that always causes them to leave positions of relative safety to imperil themselves and their loved ones.…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Motivational speaker Les Brown says his mission in life is to help people become uncomfortable with their mediocrity. That same mission is suitable for many of you Rams, as well. And I suspect you’ll be able to generate interesting fun and good mischief if you perform it in the coming weeks.…
Best Of?
Editor: Really? Eight categories for best cannabis business but only one “Best Artist?” How about “Best Painter-Oils,” “Best Painter-Watercolors,” “Best Painter-Acrylics,” “Best Painter-Silk,” “Best Graffiti Artist,” “Best Cartoonist,” “Best Sculptor-Metal,” “Best Sculptor-Ceramic,” “Best Sculptor-Mixed Media,” “Best Sculptor-Kinetic,” “Best Glassblower,” “Best Digital Artist,” “Best Graphic Design Artist,” “Best Jewelry Design,” “Best Fabric Artist,” “Best Performance Artist,”…
Smart Enough?
Editor: Lenin famously said that if you repeat a lie often enough, people will eventually believe it. Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda chief, also used this tactic — as well as Joe McCarthy during his reign as chairman of the 1950s HUAC hearings. Now we have a new practitioner of lies in our White House (Mailbox, July 30). Maybe this…
‘An Antidote’
Editor: I want to respond to Bill Stiles letter (Mailbox, July 30), which criticized Mark Larson’s July 23 article “A Walk Around the County.” Yes, there are more people now than ever struggling to pay for food and rent. This issue deserves more media and community attention. However, there is no need to denigrate Mark…
