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PREVIOUSLY

• Fortuna Looks to Ban Nitrous Oxide Sales at Monday’s City Council Meeting

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The Fortuna City Council this week moved ahead with an ordinance that would make it illegal to sell, distribute or otherwise provide nitrous oxide in city limits, though there are carve-outs for food and medical uses.

Technically, the ordinance hasn’t been passed yet; it will have to be brought back for a second reading at another meeting before the approval is official. But the 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Abe Stevens dissenting on political philosophy grounds, appears unlikely to change when the matter comes back.

Approval of the ordinance will make Fortuna the latest in a string of local jurisdictions to enact bans on nitrous oxide, which has gained popularity as a party drug often sold in little canisters called “whippits.” The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors passed one back in June, prohibiting sales in the county’s unincorporated areas, and similar ordinances soon followed in the cities of Arcata, Rio Dell, Ferndale and Eureka (though the latter won’t take effect until January 1).

Introducing the matter to the council, City Manager Amy Nilsen reiterated some of the public health concerns about misuse. When inhaled, nitrous commonly induces short-lived euphoria, dissociation and hallucinations, though public health officials warn of severe health risks including nerve damage, cognitive impairments, psychosis and, in extreme cases, death.

Stevens, who was appointed to the council in March, explained his libertarian reservations about the measure.

“I’m generally kind of opposed to unnecessary rules and regulations when they’re not needed, and I think I tend to just kind of feel that, you know, people … should be free to make their own choices, you know, consenting adults in privacy of their own home.”

Regarding concerns over youth use of the drug, Stevens said that’s already illegal, and he voiced voiced concerns about unintended consequences on local businesses such as coffee shops, which may use nitrous in whipped cream dispensers, and auto part shops, which sell nitrous-powered auto performance kits.

Stevens also suggested that youth use may not be as bad as county public health officials made it out to be. He he’d consulted Fortuna Union High School District Superintendent Clint Duey.

“He wasn’t sure he would characterize it as a big concern,” Stevens said. “He said he was more concerned about, you know, vape pens, THC and nicotine.”

Fortuna Police Chief Matthew Eberhardt pushed back on that perspective, saying nitrous misuse is definitely a community concern. 

“I’ve been here a very long time,” he said. “I’ve seen the canisters out in the community. We’ve dealt with individuals that are under the influence of it, and we’re seeing the trend — from little whippits that are very small in size to now very colorful, large canisters that are clearly marketed for youth,” he said.

The ordinance would close some legal loopholes and give the police department tools to address misuse in the community, the chief said.

“I mean, I’ll be very direct and speak not just as the chief of police but as a parent with a 17-year-old and a 21-year-old,” Eberhardt said. “I don’t want them walking in there and accessing this stuff. I don’t want that in our community. I don’t want their safety at risk, and I don’t want somebody else to go in there and buy it and get behind the wheel of a car and hurt somebody.”

Addressing Stevens directly, he continued, “Yes, I understand your viewpoint that people can … do what they want in their home. [But] we’re not going to kick people’s houses’ doors down over this. We’re looking to address the places that sell it.”

Humboldt County Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell, who has strongly advocated for nitrous bans locally, did so again via phone on Monday, describing nitrous oxide misuse as “a huge problem” in both the county and the state and pleading with the council to advance a ban.

Stevens remained unconvinced. If the justification is improving public health, he said, “I think the same logic would apply to tobacco and alcohol … or fast food. Are we going to start putting regulations on sugary drinks?”

Mayor Mike Johnson shot back, “We don’t have that in front of us.”

Stevens urged his colleagues to at least consider the implications on food use, and the council obliged, unanimously passing an amendment to exclude wholesale distributors such as Sysco from the ban, thereby allowing coffee shops to continue using nitrous-charged whipped cream dispensers.

This was followed by the role call vote, with Stevens dissenting.

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Earlier in the meeting, the council unanimously approved a hiring freeze for positions financed by the city’s general fund, with exceptions for police officers and sergeants and part-time staffers in the city’s Parks and Recreation department.

Nilsen explained that the freeze is necessary to offset wage increases for police officers and sergeants, which were implemented to address recruitment and retention challenges. The pay for Fortuna police officers has fallen below that of departments in neighboring jurisdictions.

“Currently, the police department has three officer vacancies, one officer on long-term leave, and the remaining staff working significant overtime, up to 77 hours in a pay period,” Nilsen said.

The approved pay bump is expected to cost the city about $575,000 over two years.

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Looking to expand access to affordable food, the City of Eureka is taking a page from New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s playbook and exploring the possibility of setting up a municipal-owned grocery store.

At last night’s Eureka City Council meeting, City Manager Miles Slattery said the idea for a city-run grocery store came up during a recent strategic visioning meeting with the mayor and council as a means to address local food insecurity.

Slattery | Screenshot

“The main location that was discussed was in Henderson Center at the old Rite Aid,” Slattery said. “Staff reached out to the property owner, Ms. Slack, [who] has had the same idea as [the] council of having a grocery store there. Unfortunately, Food Mart used to be there, [which] was bought by Safeway, and when Safeway sold that property, they put a deed restriction on it that … would [prevent] any commercial facility that had more than 30 percent grocery in it.”

The property owner will be held to the deed restriction for another 28 years, but they’re working with their attorney to find a way out of the agreement, Slattery said, noting that previous efforts to lift the deed restriction have failed.

“We also discussed whether or not they’d be interested in selling the property, and they were not,” he added.

Proponents of government-run grocery stores, including Mayor-elect Mamdani, claim municipal ownership would guarantee cheaper prices for consumers by saving on rent and property taxes. Opponents, on the other hand, say it would be virtually impossible for a municipality — even one as big as New York City — to compete with affordable supermarkets like Walmart that have taken over global supply chains.

Before closing out last night’s meeting, he noted that there’s a market in the works next to Ramone’s in Old Town, in the storefront previously occupied by Adams Commercial General Contracting. 

“We haven’t received any development plans or anything yet, but there [have] been people in the community discussing that that is potentially going to happen,” he said, adding that staff will keep looking into both topics and concentrate on communities seeing a food deficit.

“We’re going to be adding a lot of density into Eureka in the next several years, and folks are going to need affordable food, hopefully within walking distance,” said Councilmember Kati Moulton.

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Check back a little later for more coverage of last night’s Eureka City Council meeting!

You know about Toys for Tots, right? They’re the super-cool program of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve devoted to getting Christmas gifts to kids who might not otherwise get any.

Here in Humboldt, we’ve got the Redwood branch of the Toys for Tots program, and they’ve been doing this great work for kids in Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties for many years now. They are great.

Problem: Right now, they’re in need of more volunteers to help collect and organize donations in advance of the Christmas season. If you’re the kind of person who cares about the mission and might find some meaning in this truly beautiful, joyous work, they would love to hear from you. Plus, you get to meet and hang out with some like-minded people. 

Here’s where you can sign up.

And here’s Redwood Toys for Tots’ call to action:

Toys for Tots, a 78-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides emotional support and hope to children in need during Christmastime. The toys, books, and other gifts collected and distributed during the holiday season by Marines and volunteers offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. We believe it is such experiences that help children in need become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.

Quick Facts:

• Our local chapter serves Humboldt, Trinity, and Del Norte Counties
• Last year we served 10,000 kids
• Our chapter is 100% volunteer run which means that 100% of monetary donations goes to local kids. This also means we really need help! :)
• Volunteer shifts needed: 10AM-4PM SAT/SUN through Dec 14 weather permitting at either Costco or Target
• What you’ll do? Hold up a Toys for Tots sign and collect monetary donations from people driving by and any toy donations as well. Free lunch, Christmas music, spread joy!

This is our biggest call right now but we also need volunteers at our warehouse to sort toys by age group, organize, move boxes, and drive a forklift if experienced.

Another challenge we face is making sure parents sign up to receive toys through our website! This way we know how many kids of each age group to prepare for at each distribution location. Many parents show up the day of which leaves us driving all over the county to make sure we have the appropriate toys in each location.

To sign up to volunteer, receive a gift, or donate go to redwoodtoysfortots.org.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

The Eureka Police Department, in collaboration with the Redwood Coast Regional Center, is proud to host a regional Blue Envelope Program event designed to improve communication and understanding between law enforcement and drivers on the autism spectrum or with other communication differences.

Joining EPD for this event are the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Arcata PD, CHP, Fortuna PD, Ferndale PD, Blue Lake Tribal PD and Cal Poly Humboldt PD. Rio Dell Police Department was the first agency in Humboldt County to implement the Blue Envelope Program, and EPD hopes to encourage all local law enforcement agencies to join this effort.

The Blue Envelope Program provides a simple, effective tool to make traffic stops and other encounters safer, calmer, and more understanding for everyone involved. Participants receive a blue envelope to hold essential documents such as their driver’s license, registration, and insurance. The envelope may also contain emergency contact details and information about the driver’s communication needs. When presented to an officer, the envelope discreetly signals that the person may have a communication disability or condition requiring additional time or a different approach. The envelope also includes tips and reminders for officers to help guide the interaction.

Along with the blue envelopes for drivers, there are also bracelets, key fobs, stickers, ID cards, and other identifying items featuring the Blue Envelope logo. These identifiers can help officers recognize that an individual may have a communication difference even outside of a vehicle setting. For example, if someone is walking and contacted by law enforcement, wearing one of these items provides a quick, discreet cue to the officer. Stickers can also be placed on the front door of a residence where an individual who qualifies lives, offering an additional layer of awareness and safety.

Law enforcement agencies nationwide have adopted the Blue Envelope Program as part of a broader effort to build awareness and foster positive interactions between officers and individuals with communication challenges. By working together, local agencies hope to expand this important program across Humboldt County to ensure safer, more compassionate encounters for everyone on the road - and beyond.

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This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

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Tom Steyer, the billionaire climate activist and businessman who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2020, is the latest Democrat to jump into California’s crowded gubernatorial field.

His two core promises — which could appear at odds — are to preserve the state’s status as a hub for business and innovation while also lowering California’s cost of living by making corporations pay “their fair share,” he said in a video message.

The nearly two-minute campaign launch film, which intersperses sleek graphics with footage of line cooks, ranchers and manufacturing workers on the job, encapsulates those dueling themes.

“There’s a reason everybody comes here to start businesses — because this is the place that invents the future,” Steyer says near the start of the video. “I never want to lose that spark.”

Steyer made his fortune as the founder of Farallon Capital, a hedge fund headquartered in San Francisco that currently manages about $42 billion in assets. After selling his stake in the company in 2012, Steyer started NextGen America, a liberal nonprofit that supports progressive positions on issues such as climate change, immigration, health care and education. The group also launched a labor-aligned super PAC to fund races nationwide.

His activism through NextGen America has elevated Steyer’s profile in recent years from little-known hedge fund manager to global climate activist and Republican antagonizer. He has spent millions to pass progressive ballot measures to uphold California environmental laws, raise taxes on tobacco to fund health care and push states to invest in more renewable energy.

Gov. Gavin Newsom terms out next year. At least six other Democrats are running to replace him, including former Rep. Katie Porter, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

While a billionaire former financial executive might be at odds with a party base hungry for a more relatable fighter, he’s attempting to appeal to everyday Californians by spotlighting the issue that most people say is their top priority — affordability.

“The Californians who make this state run are being run over by the cost of living,” Steyer says later in the video. “Californians deserve a life they can afford.”

Steyer also promises to “launch the largest drive to build homes that you can afford” in state history, rein in monopolistic utilities that have driven up costs and “drop our sky-high energy prices.”

Steyer’s nearly $13 million advertising blitz in support of Proposition 50, the congressional redistricting plan that voters approved earlier this month via special election, led many California political insiders to speculate that he would launch another bid for governor.

He alluded to his gubernatorial ambitions when he launched a controversial advertisement that, rather than amplify the Yes on Prop. 50 campaign’s message of checking the Trump administration’s power, touted his own calls to impeach and resist President Donald Trump.

Paul “Jason” Pacheco was born in San Francisco on August 4, 1977, to Margaret “Ellen” Pacheco and Saturnino Torres, and was lovingly raised by his adoptive father, Larry Holt. He passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Mad River Hospital.

Jason lived in many places throughout California during his childhood, eventually returning to San Francisco for high school. He was a proud 1996 graduate of Balboa High School, where he embraced every opportunity to get involved. A multi-sport athlete, he played football and baseball and was an active member of the ROTC. Jason often reflected fondly on his high school days and carried immense school pride—his class ring remained one of his most prized possessions.

After graduation, Jason attended Humboldt State University, where he played football and quickly fell in love with Humboldt County. He built lasting friendships and deep roots in the community he would always consider home.

The greatest joy of Jason’s life was his daughter, Kameiko Hostler-Pacheco, born in 2001. He was endlessly proud of her and never missed a chance to brag about her and everything she accomplished. After Jason moved to Sacramento, Kameiko spent many summers and holidays with him, creating cherished memories and countless adventures together. Jason affectionately called her “Mee’gosh,” a nickname that came from her saying, “Oh me gosh” as a toddler, which he found incredibly endearing. He loved it so much that he later tattooed “Mee’gosh” on his arm, surrounded by Tribal basket designs — an enduring tribute to the little girl who meant everything to him.

They shared a love of movies — especially Star Wars — and she was his “road dog” throughout elementary and middle school. Through his longtime work in concert security, Jason gave Kameiko the unforgettable experience of attending major concerts, including her first shows — Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers, Green Day, and the Warped Tour.

Jason’s career in concert security took him all over California and beyond. He loved the energy of live music and made many friends along the way, working shows for legendary artists such as The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, and at Bonnaroo. It was a job he truly loved — one that reflected his outgoing spirit and his gift for connecting with people.

In the last three years, Jason returned to Hoopa. He was proud to join the HVPUD Transfer Station as a laborer, working alongside his brother and best friend, Sam Campbell. He found great fulfillment in this work and in reconnecting with his friends and family in Hoopa. Jason was surrounded by close friends who loved and supported him, including Les Jackson, who became like a second mother to him.

He loved spending time with his brothers — Sam Jones, Jed Morris, Sam Campbell, Harold “O’s” Campbell, Ralphy Peters, and Victor Mattz — on the river, lifting weights, and enjoying life; and fishing with Bill “Pecos” Carpenter. He loved hanging out and chilling with his sisters Mary “Sister” Campbell, Louisa “Weezie” Jones and the late Leilani “Lonz” Jones. He was the favored babysitter to his nieces New-New, Saucey, and Tots. He loved tinkering on his truck, coming close to finally getting it running, and adored his loyal dog of fourteen years, “Nacho,” who was truly his best friend.

Jason had a soft spot for elders and spent many meaningful hours with Grandma Maggie and Grandma Mary, sharing coffee, football games, and good conversation. Friends and family remember Jason as kindhearted, warm, and always ready with a smile or helping hand.

Jason was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Ellen Pacheco-Lundquist; his adoptive father, Larry Holt; his stepfather, Jerry Lundquist; his grandparents; and his beloved-sister Leilani Jones.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kameiko Hostler-Pacheco; his brothers Lorenzo Holt (Angela), Jason Baumgarten, Josh Lundquist; and his sister Kimberly Holt, as well as his soul-dog Nacho.

Pallbearers are Lorenzo Holt, Sam Campbell, Harold “O’s” Campbell Jr., Victor Mattz, Sam Jones, Jed Morris.

Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Hostler, Jason Baumgarten, Josh Lundquist, Porsche Charlo, Lucas Garcia, Ralphy Peters, Harold “Harry O” Campbell Sr., Gordon McCovey, Bill “Pecos” Carpenter, Leslie Starrit, Harwood Starrit, Artie Jones, and Rick Loger.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on Monday, November 24, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hoopa First Baptist Church, 0 Loop Road, Hoopa. Burial will follow at the Mattz Family Cemetery on Bald Hill, with a reception immediately afterward at the Hoopa Wildland Fire Hall. Flowers can be sent to Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary, 560 12th St., Fortuna, CA 95540. In lieu of flowers, you can also send a donation in Jason’s memory to the Hilton Hostler Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund at Humboldt Area Foundation at this link.

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Gordon Schatz was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and he married his high school sweetheart Karen Lyle in 1964. They then moved to Hollywood, where he obtained a BA degree in photography from Art Center College of Design. He operated his own advertising photography studio until the family relocated to Humboldt County in 1975, to establish and operate the Schatz Tree Farm in Maple Creek.

Gordon’s reforestation work on the Schatz Tree Farm led to official recognition as the “California Tree Farm of the Year” award. Shortly after receiving this honor, the Schatz family donated the tree farm to Humboldt State University Sponsored Programs Foundation. Gordon continued working as resident manager of the tree farm until his passing.

In addition to his reforestation work, Gordon served for 12 years on the Maple Creek School Board and was a founding member and eventual Fire Chief of the Maple Creek Volunteer Fire Department during its’ 30-year existence.

Gordon enjoyed living with the land through gardening, orcharding, raising rabbits and sheep, and planting all the variety of trees he could fit on his homestead. He was always a person of self-determination, and enjoyed individual activities including backpacking, hiking, photography, sailboarding, skiing, snowboarding, and plenty of summers swimming in the Baduwa’t (Mad) river. He especially enjoyed mountain biking and was a successful competitor in cross-country races for many years.

Gordon also enjoyed sharing life and experiences and quiet contemplation with his beloved wife Karen, his sons Ian and Dylan, his daughters-in-law Elizabeth and Zia, and his grandchildren Jas, Griffin, and Leo. He was ever wishing for peace on earth and protection of our planet’s forests. His remains will be returned to the earth by his immediate family, to nourish the trees which he planted and loved.

Those who would like to honor his memory and wishes are encouraged to plant trees — especially Sequoia sempervirens — to help make our planet forever green.