Cover Stories
Uh-oh …
For weeks, as cases surged in other areas of the country, officials warned that the highly contagious Omicron COVID-19 variant had already reached Humboldt County. Then, with the holidays passed and cases already rising, came a bombshell Jan. 3 report from Public Health: The county had confirmed a record 400 new cases of the virus…
COVID-19 Resources at a Glance
With the highly contagious Omicron variant confirmed to be here in Humboldt County, officials are urging residents to redouble layered mitigation measures to reduce spread of the virus, including vaccination, masking, testing and distancing. Here’s a look at the resources available locally. Vaccination: While a growing body of evidence suggests Omicron can still infect and…
Omicron Surge: Humboldt Officials Talk Hospital Preparation with Peak Expected in February
Omicron has arrived and is spreading in Humboldt County, with case numbers double and triple in a matter of days, as hospitals brace for potential impacts from the highly contagious virus. During a county COVID press conference today, Roberta Luskin-Hawk, CEO at Providence in Humboldt County — which includes St. Joseph and Redwood Memorial hospitals…
Public Health Reports Another COVID-19 Death, 113 New Cases
Humboldt County Public Health reported the county’s 126th COVID-19 death today, while also confirming 113 new cases of the virus and one new local hospitalization. Today’s cases make 814 confirmed so far this week and come after 853 were confirmed last week. More than 22 months into the pandemic, 13.2 percent of Humboldt County’s cumulative…
EPD Releases Name of Officer in Police Shooting; Suspect Returned to Humboldt
The Eureka Police Department today identified the sole officer who shot a suspect Dec. 30 during a multi-agency team operation to arrest a man wanted on suspicion of attempt robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, revocation of parole, burglary and reckless evasion. The suspected, Little Eagle Moon, 29, of Hoopa, was shot in the hand…
Deputy Saves Man Overdosing on Fentanyl
A Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deputy saved a man who was overdosing on fentanyl early this morning after finding him unconscious on Broadway and administering two doses of Narcan. According to a HCSO release, the deputy observed the man around 1:20 a.m. in the south Eureka area. In addition to giving the Narcan, the deputy…
HumCo Records Another COVID Death, Another Record Case Count
Humboldt County Public Health reported a single-day record 223 new COVID-19 cases today, as well as the county’s 125th COVID death and two new hospitalizations, including one of a resident in their 20s. Today’s cases make 701 confirmed so far this week and come after 853 were confirmed last week. More than 22 months into…
UPDATED: Hoffman Announces Resignation as Health Officer
Humboldt County Health Officer Ian Hoffman announced during his COVID-19 update this morning before the board of supervisors that he will be resigning from the job effective March 4. Hoffman stepped into the job last December, taking over for Teresa Frankovich, who announced in September of 2020 she’d be stepping back from her duties, saying…
UPDATED: City of Arcata Launches Outside Investigation; Councilmember Watson Denies Allegations
The city of Arcata announced today that it has hired an outside investigator to look into a report of possible violations of the city’s anti-discrimination and harassment policy by Councilmember Brett Watson. Under normal circumstances, a city release states, the person facing allegations under these circumstances would be placed on administrative leave or would have…
Newsom Stops Short of Single-Payer Healthcare
Don’t ask Gov. Gavin Newsom about Democratic lawmakers’ proposal to create a state-funded single-payer health care system — he hasn’t read it. “I have not had the opportunity to review that plan, and no one has presented it to me,” Newsom said Monday while unveiling his record-high $286.4 billion budget proposal — which includes an…
Henry Collins: 1940-2021
Henry Collins (AKA Ernest Artin/Art in Ernest) passed peacefully from this life on Jan. 4, 2021, under the loving care of Hospice House, shortly after his 80th birthday. Henry passionately loved his family. And his passion for Art sustained him until he could no longer perform. He will best be remembered as a beloved Professor…
Public Health Confirms Record 478 New COVID-19 Cases, One New Hospitalization
Humboldt County Public Health reported this afternoon it has confirmed 478 new cases of the virus since Friday, with one new hospitalization. Today’s cases eclipse the single-day reporting record of 400 new cases reported last Monday, and come after the county confirmed 853 new cases of the virus last week. The county has now seen…
Sneaker Wave Warning for Local Beaches
Starting late tonight and into tomorrow afternoon, the Eureka office of the National Weather Service is cautioning beachgoers about the potential of sneaker waves. The NWS beach hazard statement warns that the “large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches.” People are urged…
HSU Faculty Association Chapter Asks for Option of Virtual Teaching
The Humboldt State University chapter of the system’s faculty association released a statement today urging the campus’ administration to approve any faculty member’s request to temporarily teach via virtual instruction. “No faculty member should be forced to work in conditions that put themselves or their loved ones at risk, especially when there are alternatives,” the…
Robert Durst, Former Trinidad Resident Convicted of Murder, Dies
Robert Durst, the East Coast real estate scion who spent several years living in Trinidad and was convicted in September of killing his friend, supporter and confidante at her Benedict Canyon bungalow back in December of 2000, has died. He was 78. According to the New York Times, Durst went into cardiac arrest at a…
Eureka Woman Killed in Motorcycle Crash
A 37-year-old Eureka woman was killed last night when she apparently lost control of her motorcycle on northbound U.S. Highway 101 just past the Slough Bridge and struck a sign in the median. Samantha Barney died at the scene, according to the Eureka Police Department, despite emergency efforts. No other vehicles were involved in the…
Empower Workers or Government Overreach? California’s Fast Food Bill Tests Labor Laws
Amid growing awareness of inequality and jobs that don’t pay enough to cover child care and housing, California is considering a radical proposal: Allow the state to negotiate wages, hours and work conditions for an entire industry. Proponents in the state Legislature say one solution to inequality is to empower workers to negotiate through unions,…
NCJ Preview: COVID Spike, Omicron’s Arrival and Restaurant Impacts
This week, after a surge in COVID-19 cases, we’re talking about how and why the virus is spreading. We’re also looking at what we know about the Omicron variant that’s been in the county for a couple of weeks and what its impact could be on local resources, including hospitals staff and testing. We’re checking…
Unboosted: California COVID-19 Booster Rate Falls Below 40% in Most Counties
Hospitals are at capacity. COVID-19 infections are at record highs. Testing lines stretch for hours. Yet even as the omicron variant batters the state, only 38 percent of vaccinated Californians have gotten a booster shot. As with initial vaccinations, acceptance of the booster shot has varied throughout California: Counties in the far north and rural…
Seamus Deviner: 1979-2022
Seamus and I met at free meal. We were both homeless. That was in May of 2012, or as Seamus put it, shortly before the end of the world. My experience of homelessness could have been attributed to my many shortcomings. Seamus, however, left home at 14 years old due to a situation of domestic…
Toni Louise Farrar: 1950-2022
Toni Louise Farrar, nee Creason, lived her entire life in Eureka. She seemed to know everyone and it seemed everyone knew her. She was someone who brightened every room she entered. You couldn’t help but smile when you were around her. She was generous with her time and never turned down a request for help.…
DA Fleming Won’t Seek Re-Election
Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced in a press release this afternoon that she will not seek a third term in office. “It has been a privilege to serve the people of Humboldt County; I thank the voters for the opportunity,” she said in the release. “I believe that during my tenure as D.A.,…
Public Health Confirms 72 New COVID-19 Cases, Two Hospitalizations
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed 72 new cases today — making 853 this week — as well as two new hospitalizations, while also reporting that local hospitalization rates continue to be “17 times higher in unvaccinated individuals.” Today’s cases —which came after a single day record reported Tuesday, which came after 400 cases were reported…
HSU Police Chief Resigns, Headed to Pennsylvania
Humboldt State University Police Chief Anthony Morgan has resigned his post, having accepted another chief of police position at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. “It has been an honor to work in service of the students, faculty, staff, and guests of Humboldt State University. I have enjoyed many of the relationships we were able to solidify…
Wanted Murder Suspect Arrested in Loleta
A man wanted on suspicion of murder in Washington state was arrested early this morning in Loleta after previously fleeing law enforcement, crashing his car on Lundblade Mill Road and running into a wooded area where he was able to avoid capture for a time. According to a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office news release, William…
No, California’s Drought Isn’t Over. Here’s Why.
In a clear sign that the drought persists, California this week adopted new emergency regulations aimed at stopping residents from wasting the state’s precious water. The rules ban practices such as hosing down sidewalks and driveways with drinking water, washing cars without a shutoff nozzle on the hose and irrigating lawns and gardens too soon…
Sheriff’s Office Investigating Alderpoint Homicide
One man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of another man who was found outside a residence on the 100 block of Sixth Street in Alderpoint with what appeared to be a gunshot wound just before 5 a.m. today. “While investigating, the sheriff’s office received information that a vehicle…
Public Health Confirms 107 New COVID-19 Cases, Two New Hospitalizations
Humboldt County Public Health confirmed 107 new cases today — making 781 so far this week — as well as two new hospitalizations. Today’s cases —which came after a single day record reported Tuesday, which came after 400 cases were reported Monday as having been confirmed since Dec. 30 — come amid news the highly…
UPDATE: No Sign of Hunter Lewis Found During Dive Search
UPDATE: According to the Search for Hunter Lewis Facebook page, no debris field or signs of Hunter Lewis were found during today’s dive search at Flatiron Rock. “Thank you to the divers and all the agencies that made it possible today for the search to happen,” the post states. “We will be continuing the search…
Huffman Releases Statement on Anniversary of Jan. 6 Capitol Insurrection
North Coast Congressmember Jared Huffman released a statement on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, recounting the lessons learned from the violent day and asking Americans to stay vigilant in defending democracy during this year’s mid-term elections. Last year, a mob of violent Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as…
‘Harmful to Men’
Editor: Jennifer Fumiko Cahill’s Dec. 30 column “Top Dick Moves of 2021” uses the man-hating sexual slur “dick” as the centerpiece of her critique in an ignorant and hurtful way. We shouldn’t use sexual slurs against people or classes of behavior that we don’t like. It is inhumane. It is especially ignorant to use this…
‘A Wonderful Read’
Editor: Jennifer Fumiko Cahill has done it again. Well, of course I am not surprised. In the last issue of 2021, Jennifer gives us the “Top 10 Dick Moves of 2021” and she did it as she has done everything for the Journal. It was a wonderful read and left me with the concern that…
That’s No Paradox
Editor: Since I don’t want to see a second week of no letters to the Journal, I’ll put in my two cents worth about Barry Evans’ “The Two-Envelope Paradox” column from Dec. 23. I don’t see how it’s a paradox — it’s more like a personality test. The only people who will end up going…
2021 in Pictures
It’s been a pandemic year of daily walking for my wife and me, and we never left Humboldt County. From January through April, we continued to explore our local trails and enjoyed the wildlife and emerging spring flowers. Once we got our Moderna vaccination shots, we masked up and joined vaccinated friends and neighbors for…
The Work Around
Editor: “Damn,” I muttered, putting down the paper. “I missed the deadline again. Third year running.” “What, that mini fiction contest?” she asked. (“Flash Fiction 2021,” Dec. 23.) “Yeah,” I replied, pondering this latest failure. A few beats, then: “But I’ve got this great idea for a story. It would be called ‘Better Late than…
Of Photons and Cormorants
We were paddling on Stone Lagoon, cormorants in formation overhead, when out of the blue … “Hey, you know about science, right?” “A bit. I’m a science writer, not a scientist …” “Yeah, well. E = mc2, you know? Energy and mass?” “Um … OK.” “And photons don’t have any mass, right?” “Right.” “So if they’re…
Seeing Seagulls (for Bub)
A year ago I paced this parking lot While you swam circles in mom’s belly Under the ultrasound wand and jelly And on my screen because daddies could not Join mommies and babies back in those days As I maddeningly carved a river With my feet on this selfsame concrete, These seagulls, the very same,…
Free Will Astrology
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the fantasy tale “The Wizard of Oz,” a tornado lifts the hero Dorothy from her modest home in rural Kansas to a magical realm called Oz. There she experiences many provocative and entertaining adventures. Nonetheless, she longs to return to where she started from. A friendly witch helps her find…
What’s Ahead for California Businesses (and Employees) in 2022
Clogged supply chains. Hiring struggles. New mask rules. A virus that trampled right over return-to-work schedules. Last year was chaotic for many businesses across California. What does 2022 hold? Layered on top of pandemic uncertainty is the question of what policymakers might do for — and to — businesses. “2022 is going to be a…
Restaurants Brace for Another Surge, Another Variant
On Jan 3., when news came that Humboldt County had a record-breaking 400 confirmed new COVID-19 cases, as well as two confirmed Omicron variant infections, it hit more than close to home for Six Rivers Brewery co-owner Meredith Maier. She was, in fact, at home after having tested positive for the virus. Luckily, she says,…
Arts Alive
Presented by Eureka Main Street. Our galleries, museums, theaters, bars and restaurants are open once again. However, an emphasis on COVID safety precautions to keep patrons and staff safe requires everyone to wear masks indoors during the event. ABOVE AND BEYOND CREATIONS 339 Second St. Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop featuring Fringe and Clay with Plant…
A Gardener’s Resolutions
Now that it’s a new year, I’m sure some of you have made resolutions. It’s a thing that we humans like to do. It’s the start of a new time increment, so we get a do-over, I guess. Perhaps you’re resolving to lose those 20 COVID pounds or start exercising more. Call your mother every…
Storms Put Steelhead Fishing on Hold
Just as most of the coastal rivers were dropping into fishable shape, another fierce round of storms took aim at the North Coast. For now, the winter steelhead season has come to a screeching halt. From the Chetco south to the top of the Eel River system, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any water that…
Where the Magic Happens
If you’ve somehow missed out on the Steven Soderbergh-Channing Tatum phenomenon that started as a surprisingly charming movie about a young man’s entry into the world of male strippers and has since enlarged into live performances showcasing humor, desire and sex-positivity via extremely athletic troupes of dancing dudes, well, now you’re ready for me to…
