The highest King Tides of the year arrived in Humboldt County this week, offering both a spectacle and a warning. Unlike waves or swell, which are wind-driven, tides are the daily rise and fall of the ocean, created by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. They become “King” tides when the sun, moon, […]
sea level rise
Posted inLetters + Opinion
Earth Day: How Will California Protect Humboldt Bay from Worst Sea Level Rise on the West Coast?
I may not be able to get home in 20 years – not because I’ve left the area, but because the roads to my house may be underwater. I live just a mile from the edge of Humboldt Bay in Northern California, the location of the most rapid sea level rise along the West Coast. […]
Posted inNews
Newsom’s Climate Budget Would Slash Funds that Protect Coast
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget would cut funding for coastal resilience projects almost in half, eliminating more than half a billion dollars of state funds this year that would help protect the coast against rising seas and climate change. The cuts are part of Newsom’s proposed $6 billion in reductions to California’s climate change programs […]
Posted inNews
Report to California Legislature: Prepare for Devastating Effects of Climate Change
Painting alarming scenes of fires, floods and economic disruption, the California Legislature’s advisors on Tuesday released a series of reports that lay out in stark terms the impacts of climate change across the state. The typically reserved, nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office outlined dire consequences for Californians as climate change continues to alter most aspects of […]
Posted inNews
NCJ Preview: 101 Underwater, Watching Cops and Raising Turkeys
The looming threat of sea level rise is particularly scary along U.S. Highway 101. CalTrans and others are searching for solutions to the flooded future of Humboldt’s main transportation artery, and this week we’re talking about the options and obstacles for keeping the roadway above water. We’re also looking at Eureka’s move toward more robust […]
Posted inNews
CalTrans Considers Alternatives to ‘Armoring’ 101 Against Sea Level Rise
As it faces flooding from sea level rise along the U.S. Highway 101 Arcata-Eureka, CalTrans is seriously considering a “living shoreline” instead of throwing riprap up against the tides. In a workshop yesterday, it also seemed clear the agency is going to keep the current road alignment at the edge of Humboldt Bay. Clancy DeSmet, […]
Posted inNews
Arcata Seeks Help Documenting Upcoming King Tides Events
Local residents will get a glimpse of what scientists predict will be normal in the years to come when King Tide events raise water levels along the coast next week, and the city of Arcata is asking for help photographing the impact to help plan for sea level rise. The tides, which are expected to […]
Posted inNews
King Tide Tour Gives Glimpse of Sea Level Rise
Dozens of people gathered in the rain at the Arcata Marsh on Saturday, Jan. 11, to view the highest tide of the year and listen to a discussion on how it can be seen as a preview of sea level rise and the effects it will have on both the city of Arcata and the […]
Posted inArts + Scene
We’re All Land Artists Now
Moon-shaped pools, underground flows and springs long-buried by sand inspired the poems, paintings and vessels in Jerry Martien and Becky Evans’ new exhibition at Piante Gallery (and the gallery’s final show before closing), Water and Power. Evans explained that she and Martien both grew up in Southern California near Los Angeles, where water and power […]
Posted inNews
Hey Reporters! The Environment is Everything
Imagine this: Meteorologists warn that a huge storm is poised to hit Humboldt County. We can expect howling winds to uproot trees and knock out power. The Eel River Valley and Arcata Bottom will surely flood. Driving to get food or other supplies will be foolhardy in such conditions. Without urgent action, hospitals will be […]
Posted inNews
Dozens ‘Die’ on HSU Quad to Protest Climate Change
Bodies were strewn across the Humboldt State University quad Friday afternoon as students staged a die-in to bring awareness to the global climate crisis. Dozens participated in the protest, which spanned about an hour. Local photographer Mark McKenna was there to document the protest and share the following slideshow.
