Irene Marie Lavagnino Simoni passed away on August 28, 2025. She was born and raised in Arcata and celebrated her 95th birthday on June 22nd with family and friends. Irene was a graduate of Arcata High School in 1947. She attended Eureka Business College, following which she joined her dad, Angelo, and staff at A.T. Distributing Co. Soon after she caught the eye of a handsome red-headed fellow by the name of Gino Simoni. They were married on September 24, 1950 and became parents of son, Steve, and daughter, Gina. Years later her dad and Gino went into partnership and opened the L&S Beverage Co., where Irene was bookkeeper/secretary.

Irene was active in the Italian Catholic Federation and the Sons & Daughters of Italy, where she was treasurer for many years until her passing. She enjoyed the companionship of many friends, family BBQs, picnics and family gatherings and was well known for her hospitality and culinary skills. Irene also enjoyed traveling to Italy, Alaska, the East Coast and many outings with her daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Edgar Roden.

Irene is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Peggy Simoni, of Dayton , Nevada; her daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Edgar Roden of McKinleyville; and brother and sister-in-law, Angelo, Jr. and LeAnne Lavagnino of Clovis, California.

Other survivors are granddaughters and husbands, Kellie and Thomas Richards of McKinleyville; April and Nick Gonzalez of San Antonio, Texas; and Jenny Williams of San Antonio, Texas. Great grandchildren are Jaxon Richards; Sebastian and Amelia Gonzalez; and Kira, Jasmine, Kaylee and Jade Williams. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Irene was proceeded in death by her beloved Gino, parents, Angelo, Sr. and Rose Lavagnino, and her long-time friend and “sister”, Margie Adams. Irene and Margie were best friends for 92 years. She can now join her best friend and her mother for their Monday morning “coffee chats” and evening martinis in heaven. Irene was like a walking encyclopedia. We will miss the many childhood stories she told.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 12 at St. Mary’s Church, 1690 Janes Rd., Arcata at 9:30 a.m. followed by graveside services at Ocean View Cemetery, 3975 Broadway, Eureka. A reception will be held at St. Mary’s Church Annex from 1 to 4 p.m. Honorary pallbearers will be Edgar Roden, Thomas Richards, Peter Lavagnino, Tim and T.J. Hamel, and Mike Lagaz.

The family would like to thank Dr. Han and nurse, Miranda, who helped care for Irene while at Granada.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in Irene’s memory to Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Eureka Lodge 1274, Scholarship account: P.O. Box 284, Hydesville, CA 95547, Attn: Scholarship committee.

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This week, Arcata will attempt to capture some portion of the magic Eureka has been able to perform over the last few years when it stages its own Friday Night Market. Now, should you attend, it will be natural for you to want to compare the Arcata Version to the Eureka Version. But let us caution you: That is a silly thing to do. These will be entirely different events and should be judged on their own merits. 

However, because comparing Arcata and Eureka is a favorite pastime here in Humboldt, we thought we’d give you 17 other opportunities to do so below. Finally, we will have an official tally on which of our county’s two most significant population centers is the coolest, friendliest, smelliest, etc. 

You have until Monday to get through all categories. Thank you in advance for playing. 

ARCATA vs. EUREKA

It’s been a while since we’ve had a COVID update, eh, readers?

Well, with the virus going around lately, and with changes in who is eligible for vaccine boosters (big changes? or maybe not?), we figured it was time to check back in with Dr. Candy Stockton, our county health officer, who was kind enough to catch the Outpost up earlier this week.

First up: You’ve probably noticed that the ’rona has been going around lately. Dr. Stockton said that although the county’s Public Health Division no longer tracks raw case numbers like it did in the bad old days of the pandemic, it has definitely noticed that the virus is on the rise.

In fact, Stockton says, Humboldt County seems to be falling into a coronavirus pattern. We usually get a smallish spike in the late summer – now – and a spike in January and February. [CORRECTION: This was a mistake. DHHS tells us that the spike in summer has been generally larger than the winter spike. The Outpost regrets the error. — Ed.]

“So far, the spike this summer is smaller than last summer’s spike, which is good, but it’s very definitely impacting people,” Stockton told us. “People are missing work. Kids are missing school. It’s impacting our hospitals.”

At least one Humboldt County person has died of the virus in the last month, Stockton said.

There’s a newish variant of the virus going around, one they’re calling the “XFG” or “Stratus” variant that seems to be quickly on the rise in the United States, and which is garnering some news attention. But Stockton is of the same opinion as the people quoted at the link in the last sentence: From the public’s perspective, there really isn’t much concerning about XFG. It’s not a particularly nasty version of the bug, and current vaccines should be effective against it.

Speaking of vaccines: This year’s crop of booster shots has been approved by the FDA, and vials should be reaching Humboldt County outlets within the next few days or weeks. But you’ve no doubt read about the Centers for Disease Control’s new guidelines about who should be receiving the shots – people 65 or older, or those with serious preexisting conditions. What does that mean for people under 65, or those who may or may not have those conditions? Can you still get your shot if you want them, even if you don’t meet those criteria? And where can you get it? And will your insurance pay for it?

There’s a lot that still not quite clear about all of this, but Stockton, right now, supposes that the coming year is actually not going to be all that different from years previous. She’s pretty certain that as in years past, pretty much the only thing you’ll need to get a COVID shot is the desire to have one.

“Some of the major pharmacy chains are waiting for a little bit more clarity and guidance from the states that they work in before they make that final determination,” she said. “But we do think that, yes, people probably will be able to walk into the pharmacy, let the pharmacist know that they’re at high risk or they live with somebody who’s at high risk, and be able to get the vaccine. And that’s what we’re working towards.”

Yesterday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order allowing that state’s pharmacists to administer the shot. California, Oregon and Washington – the states that make up the new “West Coast Health Alliance” – will probably do something similar, if they need to.

Likewise, Stockton said, insurance companies have signaled that they are willing to pay for shots, as they have in years past.

“[It] makes a lot of sense because vaccines are a relatively inexpensive, very cost-effective way to reduce medical costs,” Stockton said. “So if you’re an insurer and you choose not to pay for a vaccine that can save, you know, hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospitalization costs, it doesn’t take very long before you’re losing more money than you’re actually saving by not paying for the vaccine.”

So despite high-profile announcements coming from the Trump Administration, Stockton and others are fairly confident that nothing much is set to change in the short-term. Vaccines will be available in time for that big spike that the county’s expecting in the winter, and right now Stockton believes that if you want one, you will be able to get one.

And Stockton – coming at it from a public health perspective – very much hopes that you do.

“While I understand every person ultimately needs to make that decision for themselves, I do want to remind all of your readers that our healthcare resources — our hospital capacity, emergency room capacity — we’re stretched really thin as a county right now,” she said. “And it may not seem like a big deal if five or six people get hospitalized one week for COVID during the winter, if you’re just talking about numbers.

“But I think most people in this county have experienced, you know, having to go into the emergency room. And then having to spend a really long time in the emergency room because there are no open beds upstairs in the hospital. And so for those people who are able and willing, they could really help us out as a community by getting vaccinated to help our community. If they’re willing.”

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From Arcata Fire District:

On 9/4/2025 at 7:00 a.m., a single engine from the Arcata Fire District was dispatched to the area of Granite Avenue in Arcata for a report of smoke from the Arcata Community Forest. The engine company reported a large amount of smoke in the area and requested additional resources to help locate the source.

Cal Poly Humboldt Police, Arcata Police and additional Arcata Fire resources located a vegetation fire in the forest area off of Granite Avenue. A full wildland response was requested which included mutual aid engines and a hand crew. Fire personnel were able to stop the fire spread at just over a quarter of an acre in brush and timber.

Personnel were on scene for approximately five hours mopping up and constructing containment lines. Arcata Fire personnel believe this was caused by a nearby encampment fire left unattended.

Arcata Fire would like to thank Cal Fire, Humboldt Bay Fire, and Blue Lake Fire for their assistance at the fire and coverage of the Arcata Fire District during the incident.

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

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A controversial housing bill that would pave the way for more apartment buildings near major bus stops and train and subway stations across urban California is one step closer to becoming law after its author struck a last-minute deal with a long-time political foe, one of the state’s most powerful labor groups.

The State Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents union construction workers, agreed to drop its opposition to Senate Bill 79 in exchange for an amendment that would require some of the projects that make use of the bill to hire union workers.

The bill, authored by San Francisco Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, would be one of the largest state-imposed housing densification efforts in recent memory. On residential and commercial lots within a walkable half-mile of well-trafficked public transit stops, developers would be allowed to build taller and denser housing — as high as six stories. That would apply in neighborhoods where local regulations restrict new development to single-family homes.

Wiener and backers of the bill argue that the state needs to turbo-charge housing construction to bring down the cost of living in California and that local zoning restrictions are among the barriers to that necessary building boom.

“This is exactly where we should be building more housing, right by our highest quality transit,” Wiener said.

Since Wiener rolled out the bill in March it has become a magnet of controversy. SB 79 only squeaked out of the Senate, clearing the opposition of two powerful Democratic committee chairs on its way, who largely objected to the fact that the bill did not include larger affordable housing requirements. The trades’ decision to withdraw from the fight significantly boosts the bill’s chances of becoming law.

“You hear from legislators all the time trying to be on the same side as the housing folks and the same side of labor — they don’t like when those sides are split,” said Louis Mirante, a lobbyist with the Bay Area Council, a business group that is backing the bill. “The trades removing their opposition is always helpful when you’re trying to pass a housing bill. That’s pretty cut and dry.”

Backed by “Yes in my backyard” activists, economic development boosters and public transit advocates, the bill has been fiercely opposed by neighborhood preservation groups, critics of market-rate development and a long list of local governments — including most recently, Los Angeles — who argue that the bill tramples on local prerogatives over what gets built and where.

Throughout that legislative gauntlet, the Trades Council have also been opposed. Not anymore.

“My hope is that this can be the beginning of shifting the dynamic where we’re all locking arms,” said Wiener. “We all want more housing. We all want more construction workers to be part of the middle class and not in poverty.”

Wiener, California YIMBY founder Brian Hanlon and Trades Council president Chris Hannan announced a deal on Friday morning.

Under the terms of the deal, projects over 85-feet tall would be required to hire “skilled and trained” workers — effectively a hire-union requirement — if the developer receives a sufficient number of bids. Projects built on transit agency-owned land would likewise need to meet that requirement or enter into a direct contract with labor unions.

Over the last decade, the trades council has developed a reputation as a particularly well-organized and unyielding opponent of bills that ease restrictions on residential construction unless they also include broad minimum pay levels or union hiring requirements. The amendments announced today represent a step back from that all-or-nothing position. Most projects over 85 feet, for example, use concrete and steel frame construction, which require a higher skilled labor force that is often unionized anyway.

This isn’t the first time this year that the trades have been willing to take less than a full victory in exchange for dropping their opposition to a bill. When the Legislature was debating a proposal to exempt most new urban multifamily housing from the state’s premier environmental protection law, the trades accepted a concession that provided wage and hiring requirements for a small subset of projects.

The fact that California YIMBY and the trades council were in direct communication Could itself represent a notable political shift in the way that housing bills are negotiated in the capitol.

“Chris (Hannan) and I really have been spending a lot of time on this bill to the point where, quite frankly, some members of my coalition thought I was chasing at windmills,” said Hanlon of California YIMBY. “This bill here represents not just a deal on the specific language of SB 79, but it’s also a commitment from me and Chris to work together in the coming years to pass legislation to create more homebuilding opportunities in California.”

SB 79 still needs to be voted on by the entire Assembly and then once again by the Senate before the end-of-session Sept. 12 legislative deadline. If Gov. Gavin Newsom then signs it, it would be a particular feat for Wiener, who has tried and failed to pass similar legislation twice before.

“The bill is not guaranteed to pass, but we have more momentum today than we did yesterday,” said Wiener.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Richard Spini on July 27, 2025, at UCSF Parnassus Medical Center. Rich was the cherished husband of Jane, and the loving father of Annie and Maggie. He died from complications from an aggressive cancer shortly after being diagnosed, at age 68.

Rich was a native of Ferndale, graduating from Ferndale High in 1975.  Here, he enjoyed playing football, and his dairy upbringing instilled a strong and lifelong love for animals and the outdoors. He went on to Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where he and Jane met. They were inseparable from the age of 18 onward. He graduated from Humboldt State University in 1980 with a degree in biology. He and Jane got married in 1981 in Trinidad. Rich then attended University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy, graduating in 1984.

Rich had a forty-year career as a pharmacist in Humboldt County, starting at Ron’s Villa Pharmacy in McKinleyville, working for Ron and Betty Bottemiller.  After the Bottemillers retired, Rich began working at United Indian Health Services in Trinidad, and he later designed the new state-of-the-art pharmacy at the UIHS site in Arcata.  After several years there, he joined forces with Patrick Cloney and began running Cloney’s Pharmacy on Harrison Avenue in Eureka.  They, along with partner John Backus, later expanded to McKinleyville, where Rich worked until retirement in 2021.

Things changed dramatically from the beginning of Rich’s career to the end.  When he started, he was typing prescription labels on a real typewriter, answering the phone for prescriptions that were called in, and insurance for prescriptions was almost nonexistent.  He enjoyed his role as a community pharmacist, becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator and helping people with the management of diabetes, giving vaccinations, and always being available to help with questions and to offer support.

In his free time, he was an avid sports fan, following the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, and Duke basketball. He was compassionate with animals and loved his pets, taking care of many dogs, cats, and chickens over the years like family members.

Rich was a kind and loving husband. He was a wonderful companion who enjoyed sharing his varied interests with his family. He enjoyed plants and gardening, birds and the outdoors, learning about practically any topic, and following the news and sports. He loved taking long drives together listening to his favorite musicians, including Van Morrison and Neil Young. He took great joy in making breakfast on the weekends with his family.  His light-hearted presence in the room always brought joy.

He absolutely relished the role of being Dad to Annie and Maggie.  He loved his daughters fiercely. He was so proud that both became physicians, but more importantly, that they grew into strong and kind young women.  Last summer, he was thrilled to participate in Maggie’s wedding to Sanket Patel at the San Diego Botanical Garden, ecstatically welcoming Sanket to the family as his son-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; two daughters, Anne and Maggie (Sanket); his mother, Joyce; his brother Ron (Monica); brother Mike (Cindy); as well as his much-loved aunts, Gaylene Dudal, Dolores Bell, and Betty Deacy, and his nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father, George Spini; his sister, Lynda Spini; and his in-laws, Tom and Doris Montgomery.

We will be fondly remembering Rich at a memorial at the Portuguese Hall in Ferndale on September 27, 2025, from 1-4 p.m.  Family and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rich’s memory to Miranda’s Rescue, Humboldt Library Foundation, or Save the Redwoods League.

Victor Green passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, after an eight-month battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). He was surrounded by his three children, Victor Jr., Erica, and Danielle. In his final months, he found comfort in rebuilding and strengthening his bond with them.

Victor Green was born to Wes and Shirley Green on July 15, 1957, in Arcata, CA, at the old Trinity Hospital on the Humboldt State University campus (now Cal Poly Humboldt).

Victor graduated from Arcata High School, Class of 1977, “Go Tigers!” He served three terms as Student Body President. Victor was born to be a public servant and to serve others.

1980 was a big year for Victor:

• He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and was baptized at the Arcata/McKinleyville Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• He married his high school sweetheart, Kristine Anne Heckel.
• He and Kristine welcomed their first child, Victor Green Jr.
• He was elected to the Arcata City Council, where he loved being a public servant to the people of Arcata.

He went on to serve for 10 years on the Arcata City Council, including two years as Mayor. He was proud to be part of the Arcata City Council and Homeless Committee in opening the Arcata House, which helped homeless women with children get a new start. This was where his heart was, helping those in need in a meaningful way.

Victor and Kristine went on to welcome two beautiful daughters, Erica and Danielle. Together with their son Victor Jr., they raised three children whom Victor was very proud to see grow into successful and accomplished adults.

After his service to the City of Arcata, Victor and his young family began a new adventure by moving to Crescent City. Victor applied to work for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and was accepted into the academy in Galt, near Sacramento, to become a Correctional Officer. After graduation, he was assigned to Blythe, CA, in Southern California, where he helped open the new Ironwood State Prison.

Victor always tried to make a difference for his fellow officers and to encourage inmates to better their lives and turn away from crime. He loved the people of Blythe, as the community reminded him of the down-to-earth people of Humboldt County.

Victor was active in the community as well. He volunteered for the American Cancer Society, contributing to the annual fundraiser by selling more than 500 daffodil bouquets with vases each year, delivering every one personally in February to the employees and officers at Ironwood State Prison.

Victor and Kristine’s children completed their middle and high school education in Blythe.

Victor loved to travel. In 1999, he and Kristine took their family on a tour of Europe. “What a trip that was. What an education for the entire family.” He also toured China and Hong Kong, fulfilling a lifelong goal to see the Great Wall and thousands of years of history.

Victor advanced in his career to become a Correctional Sergeant, finishing his career with 20 years of service.

Victor often remembered that after working many 16-hour days back-to-back, his famous words to coworkers were, “Think positive and pump it up!” He added, “Throughout my struggle, I am staying true to my word. I am staying positive and upbeat.”

Later, Victor worked at In-N-Out Burger as a host for five years. He was made for the job, taking pride in keeping the restaurant spotless and making hundreds of friends. He loved his customers and his fellow employees. His famous saying at In-N-Out was, “Let’s get this party started!”

Beyond keeping the place welcoming, Victor was a mentor to many of the young people he worked alongside. He taught them the value of hard work, kindness, and respect for others. For many, his encouragement and example left a lasting impression that shaped how they approached both work and life. In these last years, Victor found joy in giving back to his community in such a personal and meaningful way.

Victor is survived by his loving children: Victor Green Jr. (Veronica), Erica Green (Brian Cestone), and Danielle (Dr. Frank Kuwamura). He is also survived by six grandchildren, in order by age: Aubrey Green, Hunter Green, Aiden Cunningham, Madeline Green, Liam Green, and Grant Green.

He is also survived by his brother, Wes Green Jr. (Teresa), and his loving and kind aunties, Sheri Molander and Marilyn Molander. Nephews: Jason Green and Nick Green, and their children. Cousins: Richard (Diane) Green, Richard (Carmin) Mason, Rich (Jane) Spini, Joyce Spini, Denise Kinsey, Deloris Bell, and Gaylene Dudal; Eric (Lilly) Molander, Dr. Kevin (Karen) Molander, Holly (David) Klopfenstein, and Don Molander, and their children.

Victor said, “Remember all the good memories and laughs. Thank you, all of you, for all those great memories, and we will see you in Heaven! Love, your friend, Victor Green.

Service information:

Friday, September 12th, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 1200 Central Ave, McKinleyville, CA 95519

Dress: Come dressed as you like — casual, formal, or Hawaiian. Victor Raymond Green Sr. wants you to come as you please.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Arcata House for the Homeless in the name of Victor Green.

Reception:

Azalea Hall
1608 Pickett Rd,
McKinleyville, CA 95519