Just three drug busts between August and November — including one of the largest in recent history — helped push the amount of heroin seized by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force in 2018 into the record books. Over the course of last year, the multi-agency investigative team recovered nearly 35 pounds of the drug […]
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The County’s $3.5 Million Settlement
The county of Humboldt has settled the federal civil rights lawsuit stemming from the 2014 jail death of Daren Borges, agreeing to pay Borges’ family $3.5 million in damages and legal fees, and to make various changes to jail policy. Borges, 42, a homeless, schizophrenic poet and artist, was living in Eureka at the time […]
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Large-Scale Drug Treatment Coming to the MAC?
At long last, a large-scale alcohol and drug treatment facility complete with medical detox services may be coming to Humboldt County. The Eureka City Council is slated tonight to receive a report on a proposal to add drug and alcohol treatment services to its Multiple Assistance Center, which currently serves as a homeless intake center […]
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Life-Saving Librarian, Narcan Prevent Overdose Death
The overdose reversal drug Narcan has saved at least two lives in Humboldt County this month. Over the weekend, Arcata police officers revived an unconscious 29-year-old man with a nasal spray dose in the department’s first use of Narcan since officers began carrying the medication that counteracts the effects of opioids. Earlier this month, librarian […]
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Arcata Police Now Carry a Life-Saving Overdose Drug
Arcata police have become the first in the county to carry Naloxone, a life-saving medication that counteracts opiate overdoses. Officers have been trained by county public health officials to identify and respond to people suffering from an overdose. Equipping officers with the drug and skills to administer is a big step in an ongoing effort […]
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A Morning Emergency in the Palco Marsh
It’s quiet. Despite its reputation as a chaotic place, the PalCo Marsh, also known as the Devil’s Playground, often is. A few dogs, tied in front of tents, bark. The motor of a fishing boat on the bay can be heard just out of sight behind the trees. Eureka City Councilmember Kim Bergel walks with […]
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Overdose Antidote Available Over the Counter…But Not In Humboldt
A life-saving opioid antidote — Naloxone — has been approved for distribution over the counter since April of this year, but not a single pharmacy in Humboldt County is currently offering this option. Naloxone is available as an injection or nasal spray. Also known as Narcan, it can save the life of a person who […]