###

The long-awaited Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan — a multi-jurisdictional strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — is finally up for approval before the Board of Supervisors. (We say “finally” because the document, which sets emissions reduction targets for 2030, has been in the works since 2018. Seven years of work for a document with a shelf life of four years.)

On this week’s show, guests Colin Fiske of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities (CRTP) and Matt Simmons, Climate Attorney at EPIC, join the show to discuss the merits and demerits of the Climate Action Plan.

Interested in more? Help urge the Board of Supervisors to adopt an improved Plan.

###

It was following graduation from Arcata High School, that I found my part-time job terminated. I had been working on the dairy ranch of The Northern Redwood Lumber Company near Blue Lake. There was no question about it, the economic condition of the country was tough in 1931.

The dairy was operated by Ed Buck. I asked him if there wasn’t anywhere he might find work. I knew that he was the overseer of all the ranches owned by the company. Like all young fellows just out of school, I didn’t want to loaf around the house and sponge off the family. I hoped he would respond favorably because he seemed to like me.

I was pleased when he said, “You can go out over Kneeland to the Iaqua Ranch. You can’t expect any wages but you will get board and room and perhaps some warm clothing.”

This sounded great to me and I took the job. Mel Sundquist, a friend of mine was in the same condition and I told him about what I was doing. Buck gave him the same deal, so we went to Iaqua.

We reported to the foreman, a Dane named Chris Smitz. He put us to work immediately cutting wood for the coming winter. We cut down a large tree and using a cross-cut saw, axe, wedges and sledgehammer, proceeded to make it into firewood. Most of it was cut into 16” lengths for the kitchen stove. The balance was made into chunks suitable for the fireplace.

It was August 1931, and at that time of year in the mountains of Humboldt County it gets hot! We got brown and tough, which we appreciated. After letting the wood season for about two months we hauled it with team and wagon to a large woodshed for storage. As the wood was seasoning, we assisted Chris in sowing a mixture of oats and vetch that would be raised for horse feed. The company, I suppose wanting to save money, let Chris go and kept Mel and me to do the work. After all, they were still not paying us wages.

We had 740 Hereford cattle and ten horses to look after. During October and November it rained enough to sprout the grain. It looked in great shape and it had not snowed.

December arrived and the weather changed, turning very cold. Neither of us had experienced real cold weather in our lives. Mel kept telling me that either he was sick or awfully cold, because he was freezing all the time. He was a good cook. One morning he discovered the eggs didn’t break. Finally he dropped them on the floor and they still didn’t break. We realized for sure that it was indeed very cold. We didn’t know what the temperature was because we had no thermometer. Several days later we saw Charlie Johnson who told us the temperature had been minus 8 degrees.

The extreme cold gave us a lot of trouble. All the grain we had planted was killed, most of the water pipes around the ranch were split and some of the concrete watering troughs were cracked. We were getting along fairly well until after the New Year, keeping busy digging up and replacing water pipes. Our food was running low. Someone from the company was supposed to keep us supplied, but for some reason they had failed to do so and we were quite concerned.

We decided to drive down to Korbel to get our supplies and return the next day. It snowed some before we got started and there had been considerable wind.

We had no great problem until we got to Kneeland. There the wind had drifted the snow over the road to a depth of several feet. I was driving “Autumn,” a Chrysler Coupe, I had purchased in Eureka during the last autumn. We looked at that big snow drift and decided to hit it hard and thereby break through to the solid ground that we could see over the drift. Unfortunately, the snow was too deep. We came to a sudden stop, in snow so deep we had to crawl out the windows.

Fortunately, we had brought one shovel that we used to try to clear a way to get the car free. Several hours later we had managed to get enough snow cleared so that we were able to start the motor. About that time a group of young people from Eureka drove up. They had come up to ski. They all helped us get free of the mess we were in and we went on our way. When we reached Korbel we found out that Buck and another man had driven up by way of Butler Valley and of course, we missed them. That night, Humboldt County had one of the biggest snowstorms ever, and it kept on for several days.

Now, our boss was where we were supposed to be, and he was snowbound! We were busy trying to figure how we were going to get back to Iaqua and how we could get our boss back to Korbel.

There was nine feet of snow on Kneeland Prairie and five and six feet of the same all over the back country. I decided to try going horseback, traveling from Korbel up Mad River, crossing the river at the Cooper Ranch, where there was a livestock bridge suspended by cables. I got over the bridge without too much trouble and several miles up the mountain when the snow got much too deep.

Luck was with me for I met Jack Shaw, who lived on that side of the river. He gave me a good cussing for being up there in that kind of weather and then took me home with him to his ranch, where he put me and the horse up for the night.

Early the next morning I went back to Korbel, traveling the same route. Now what to do? I asked Mel for an idea. After some thinking, he said, “Let’s walk up there!” We had no snowshoes or skis and neither of us had experience traveling in deep snow.

An Indian cowboy who worked for the company said he knew how to make snowshoes using hazelwood limbs. He said they will bend and not break and we were to use small rope or leather to lace them on. We were also told they would last a few miles. We were uncertain how far. He was to go with us so we made three pair of these snowshoes and started out. We drove a company truck up to the Cooper Ranch, where we left it. Then, taking our snowshoes and our lunches, we started our hike. It was 4 a.m.

At first, we didn’t need the snowshoes. It was not until we really started to climb the mountain that we used them and took turns breaking trail. The one in the lead had a tough time because the snow was soft and frankly our homemade snowshoes didn’t work very well.

One time Mel stepped near a fallen tree and disappeared. Wesley Henry, the cowboy, and I dug him out. We broke one of his snowshoes in getting him out of the drift. From then on, Mel and I had to walk in our tracks and this somewhat slowed us down. He was big and strong, but his weight would cause him to sink deep sometimes.

Deep snow in open country erases all the landmarks. Fortunately, Wesley had traveled this trail many times so he was able to lead us in the right direction.

After reaching the top of the mountain we still had several miles to travel before dropping down toward the Iaqua Ranch. It was dark and cold, but beautiful with a full moon shining on the deep snow. An owl perched on some oak tree kept hooting. It seemed an eternity before we reached the tree where it was located. We were walking across pastures where six inches of fence posts were showing.

It was 10 p.m. when we arrived, very tired but safe. Two days later we were able to go out horseback riding on top of the crusted snow, so I started out at 3 a.m. so I could lead the horses back before the crust became soft. I rode one horse and led three tailed together. I had plenty of trouble, but made it.

###

Chris died at his beloved home on Barry Ridge in Kneeland with me, his partner of 48 years, at his side, on November 29, 2025.

Chris lived with dementia for about the last seven years. Gradually he saw his connection to life slipping away, his passion for the natural world, his art, his music, his love of science and learning. His connection to this life was fading. He finally made the choice to end his life.

This decision reflected the determination, strength and clarity that was Chris. With the support of Dr. Michael Fratkin, Hospice of Humboldt, our dear neighbor, Michelle McKenzie, and myself, Chris stopped eating and drinking on November 19. He died 11 days later.

Peace and love permeated Chris’ final days. He died gracefully and beautifully.

Donations to Hospice of Humboldt would be appreciated.

I wish to add a special thanks to Christi, Samantha and Scotty of Hospice of Humboldt. Loving kindness is everything. Thank you, Margie Nulsen

Dillon Nadine Lewis, 65, devoted public servant, passionate equestrian, and cherished family member, passed away on September 14, 2025, at her home in Loleta.

Born Dillon Nadine Gage on February 19, 1960, at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, she was the daughter of John C. and Ima Gage of Big Bar, California. Dillon attended Trinity High School and built a life rooted in the natural beauty of Northern California. After high school, Dillon joined the U.S. Forest Service in 1978 at the age of 18 and 5 years later, on April 2, 1983, she married Brent Lewis of Big Bar in Weaverville.

Dillon dedicated over 40 years of her life to the U.S. Forest Service, beginning her career on the Shasta Trinity National Forest, Big Bar Ranger District, in fire, fuels and timber. Her commitment to conservation and operational efficiency led her to the Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek Ranger District where she served for a number of years. From there Dillon’s career transitioned to the Six Rivers National Forest, where she continued her contributions to the Agency through decades of service in fire, fuels, prevention, dispatch and eventually culminating with her final official role as the Fleet Manager for the Forest.

Dillon’s contributions to the agency were immense and not easily measured by any standard. She will always be remembered for her selfless service, personal courage, exceptional devotion and dedication, known throughout the Pacific Southwest Region as the “Quiet Storm.” Dillon on many occasions gave up her personal days to ensure the needs of the agency and employees were met, consistently putting the wellbeing of others before her own so that the mission would be successful. The good work, knowledge, guidance and education she provided to her fellow civil servants, and the public at large, will always be valued. Her contributions, and the positive influence she had on all whose lives she enriched, will not be forgotten. 

Throughout her life, Dillon had two great passions: German Shepherds and horses. She was rarely seen without a loyal German Shepherd by her side, most notably Yogi her constant companion, who she loved dearly. Yogi, who just recently finished his own journey through this life, is now by his mother’s side once again.

Dillon had many horses throughout her life and was an accomplished equestrian. In the saddle since she was a child, her love for horses translated into a lifetime of riding and competition. She was an avid participant in Gymkhanas and barrel racing, winning numerous events during her life and setting a high bar for friends and competitors alike throughout the equestrian community.

Dillon is survived by her husband, Brent Lewis and sister Gloria Green. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and sisters Charlene Walkly and Lynn Duvet. A memorial service is planned for January 21 at 11 a.m. at Riverfront Lodge in Fortuna. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a local animal rescue organization in Dillon’s honor.

Christyann Emmerson Tanner was born in Duarte, Calif. on December 13, 1965 and passed on November 28, 2025.  She was a resident of Rio Dell. 

Christyann was preceded in death by her late husband Timothy Tanner; her mother-in-law, Sally Ann Tanner; her niece and good friend Gina Parrish; and family members

Christyann is survived by her daughters Jilian & Brittney (AJ) and her grandchildren; nephew Cody; brother-in-law Chris Tanner;  partner Wade Morris and his family; her dog Juniper; best friends in Rio Dell, Pamela Groseman, Theresa Adams, Dodi Weich and Kimberly Chappelle, among other friends 

Christyann was a kind, generous person always willing to help. She was funny as all get-out. She never met a stranger. She always brought you little trinkets or brought the dogs treats. Her spirit was enjoyable. She is missed in the Rio Dell community.

Christyann loved the woods and the beach. She is missed and she is loved.

The celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 13th at Crab Park, off of Cannibal Island Road, which is off Eel River Drive in Loleta.

We’re sorry for the late notice. Potluck.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Christyann Tanner’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

Mobley. | Photo via City of Fortuna.

On Wednesday, former Fortuna City Councimember Christina “Kris” Ann Mobley pleaded guilty in federal court to four counts of felony fraud. The crimes were part of a two-year embezzlement scheme Mobley executed while employed as a business manager at Fortuna-based Beacom Construction Co.

Mobley, who was elected to the Fortuna City Council in 2022, abruptly resigned in January in the midst of an FBI investigation into her crimes. She was indicted just over a week later for allegedly stealing more than $500,000 from her employer over the course of almost three years.

The Outpost has obtained an excerpt from the sealed plea agreement in which Mobley acknowledges her guilt and explains in detail how she fraudulently issued company checks to herself, arranged electronic payments to cover her personal credit card debts and falsified her vacation time and payroll checks, ultimately embezzling more than $586,000 from Beacom Construction.

Mobley pleaded guilty to just four of the 10 counts listed in her indictment. In the leaked plea statement she says was effectively the chief operating officer at Beacom, giving her broad access to the firm’s accounting and bookkeeping systems.

Starting in or around January of 2022, Mobley issued a series of checks from the company’s business bank accounts to cover personal expenses, including cash advances at casinos, mobile gambling, restaurants and more.

Mobley also admits to using wire services to arrange nearly $300,000 in electronic payments from Beacom’s bank accounts to her own Capital One credit card account. She had access to blank, pre-signed checks from the company’s owner, for use when he was out of town, and from August 2022 through October 2024 she issued 23 of those checks to herself totaling roughly $51,900, according to the statement.

Lastly, Mobley admits to falsely inflating her vacation time, overstating the number of hours she worked and giving herself unauthorized bonuses over a span of about two years.

Mobley’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2026.

###

PREVIOUSLY

• Fortuna City Council Member Kris Mobley Resigns as FBI Investigates Embezzlement and Theft Allegations, According to City Officials
• Fortuna City Officials Knew About the FBI Investigation Into Former Councilmember Kris Mobley Two Months Before She Vacated the Position
• Former Fortuna City Council Member Indicted on Three Counts of Fraud

Press release from the office of Sen. Mike McGuire:

Senator McGuire’s 10th annual Humboldt Holiday Food Drive made history yesterday by rallying the community for its biggest day of giving yet, delivering a monumental day of generosity for Food for People, Humboldt County’s food bank. The record-breaking event brought in 23.5 tons of food along with a WHOPPING $63,000 in financial donations, all headed directly to support hungry families across Humboldt County.

Now the largest Food Drive on the North Coast, the Food Drive is powered by a partnership between Senator McGuire, Food for People, KHUM Radio, North Coast News, and six local high schools: Arcata, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, McKinleyville, and St. Bernard’s. This year, Food for People faced the biggest challenge yet in the organization’s 50-year history with massive federal funding cuts to SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, stripping away food assistance from 5.5 million needy Californians each year.

Going into the holidays with this year’s historic demand, local businesses and the Humboldt community majorly stepped up the generosity to support Food for People’s 26 food pantries, which serve an average of 21,000 residents every month. In 2024, the organization distributed 2.8 million pounds of food to low-income residents; of those served, 25% are children and 25% are seniors.

“Ten years strong and Humboldt is still showing the world that the North Coast is the most generous place on earth. This year has been incredibly tough for so many families, and the need has truly never been greater. Thousands of students, donors, and neighbors stepped up to make sure no one goes hungry this holiday season,” said Senator McGuire. “This year’s food drive smashed all records, and it didn’t happen by accident — it happened because Humboldt shows up, year after year, for families who need it most.”

Taking home the Golden Can Award this year was, McKinleyville High School once again collected the most food this year with an incredible 17,291 pounds, while Fortuna High School brought in the most financial contributions with $3,340 collected for Food for People. Both schools will receive the coveted Golden Can Award and a $750 check from Senator McGuire for their efforts to be used toward their next school party.

“We are blown away by the generosity last night! Our community is facing a truly unprecedented need this year and the giving we saw yesterday was nothing short of inspiring,” said Carly Robbins, Executive Director of Food for People. “For ten incredible years, Sen. McGuire has brought thousands of people together to help us feed families in need. We’re so thankful for Senator McGuire, for our dedicated high school partners, and for every person who donated food or funds. This outpouring of support means our warehouse will stay stocked for months ahead.”