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Gov. Gavin Newsom painted a rosy picture of California’s fiscal future during his State of the State address Thursday. Flashing top-line numbers, the Democratic governor touted billions of dollars more in revenue, proposed new investments in education and pledged more toward the state’s reserves and pension debt.

But that was a one-sided story.

It’s not clear whether Newsom will forecast a budget deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year, how big it will be and whether closing the gap would require painful spending cuts to core services like child care, food assistance and Medi-Cal, the state’s health care coverage for low-income residents, especially as federal funding diminishes.

Yet Newsom will be absent from his last annual budget proposal presentation Friday, when details of his spending plan will be unveiled, leaving his Department of Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw and Chief Deputy Director of Budgets Erika Li to field those questions.

Newsom’s forecast will likely be far sunnier than the grim outlook by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, which in November projected an $18 billion deficit despite higher-than-expected tax revenue thanks to a booming AI industry. A shortfall of that size would require long-term fixes, although state leaders had relied on Band-Aids such as accounting maneuvers, internal borrowing and withdrawals from the state’s reserves to balance the books in past years.

But according to Newsom, California will have a $248.3 billion general fund next year — $13 billion higher than his office predicted in June.

Newsom also touted Thursday that the state would have $42.3 billion more in revenue than forecast last year. But that figure is for a three-year span, state Department of Finance spokesperson H.D. Palmer told CalMatters.

The omission of the cumulative nature of the $42 billion makes Newsom’s speech “troubling,” said Sen. Roger Niello, a Roseville Republican and vice chair of the Senate Budget Committee.

“That would be an intentional misrepresentation of the fact,” he said.

Nonetheless, Newsom teased multiple new proposals with unknown price tags or timelines, such as fully funding the state’s universal transitional kindergarten program and providing universal before and after-school programs at elementary schools. He also proposed spending $1 billion to add high-need community schools and redirecting $1 billion in Proposition 1 mental health funds annually for housing and homelessness.

The governor briefly nodded to “long-term structural challenges,” proposing a $7.3 billion deposit to the reserve fund, roughly the amount the state withdrew last year, whichwould bring the rainy day fund balance to roughly $21 billion. He also proposed to spend $11.8 billion over the next few years to pay down the state’s pension debt, including $3 billion in next year’s budget.

Some Democratic lawmakers struck a cautious tone while largely blaming President Donald Trump for withholding funds from Californians in need.

“California will not be able to fill the holes that have been left by the federal government,” said newly elected Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón, a Santa Barbara Democrat. “We have to go back and look (at) what is feasible.”

‘How big is the bubble?’
— Senate Budget Committee Chair John Laird, a Santa Cruz Democrat

Sen. John Laird, a Santa Cruz Democrat and the new chair of the Senate Budget Committee, warned that the high revenue projection indicates a bubble. Laird, who was elected to the state Assembly in 2002 after the 2000 dot-com bubble burst, said he’s concerned the AI-driven boom may not last.

“I think everybody agrees that this level of revenue can’t be maintained, but how big is the bubble? That’s probably the question,” he told CalMatters.

The Legislature must start chipping away at the long-term structural deficit this year instead of punting the problem, he said.

“We’re gonna have to do a piece of it,” he said. “We can’t go into next year with a $30 or $37 billion shortfall, because the reserves amount doesn’t get anywhere near that.”

Continued fight over homelessness funding

Newsom has tussled with counties over homelessness funding for years as political pressure to resolve the state’s homeless crisis continues to mount. Newsom has blamed counties for failing to deliver results despite his $24 billion investment over the years. Only a portion of the funding goes to county agencies and there is no dedicated annual funding to fight homelessness.

On Thursday, Newsom again bashed counties for the problem while attributing a drop in unsheltered homeless people last year to his statewide programs. In the same breath, he also proposed to redirect “$1 billion in annual mental health funding to housing and treatment for people living on the streets” under Proposition 1, a voter-approved bond primarily for mental health beds and supportive housing.

“No more excuses — it’s time to bring people off the streets, out of encampments, into housing, into treatment. Counties need to do their job!” Newsom said, drawing applause from legislators.

It wasn’t immediately clear how he plans to allocate those dollars. He did not mention any funding for the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, the state’s main homelessness funding source.

The California State Association of Counties, which represents all 58 counties and has lobbied for an annual allocation of $1 billion in HHAP funding, was displeased.

“Playing a shell game with existing funds is no substitute for the most successful program addressing homelessness at the local level,” said association CEO Graham Knaus. “Why on Earth would the state abdicate its responsibility and allow homelessness to soar again?”

Newsom’s plan also startled county behavioral health service providers, who rely on Prop. 1 dollars for services.

“While these one-time bricks and mortar investments are promising, the $1 billion in funding for ongoing housing subsidies under Proposition 1 comes at the expense of redirected mental health treatment and prevention programs,” said Michelle Doty Cabrera, executive director of the County Behavioral Health Directors Association.

No mention of Medi-Cal

Newsom also gave next to no detail on the outlook for Medi-Cal — the state’s most expensive program with a $200 billion budget and therefore an attractive target for potential cuts. He didn’t even name the program in his speech.

The governor slammed Trump for passing a federal budget that could kick 1.8 million Californians off their insurance and raise the premiums for another 2 million. The state would have to spend at least $1.3 billion more than previously expected next year just to implement the federal law, the LAO previously estimated.

Assemblymember Mia Bonta, an Oakland Democrat who chairs the Assembly Health Committee, said the state must “use the bully pulpit” to fight the federal government, find ways to lower costs or even revive indigent care, a form of last-resort care that has largely become obsolete due to Medi-Cal.

“Because the alternative is, people are going to be dying on the streets,” Bonta said.

Bonta said the Legislature should explore new funding sources, such as a pair of proposed wealth tax ballot measures to fund health care and education that Newsom opposes.

“We need to think about ways that we can increase our revenue sources … (with) openness around looking at our tax structure,” she said, adding that there are ways “to make sure that everybody’s carrying their fair share.”

Nateya Shalisa Dowd, a cherished daughter, sister, was born July 12, 2009 in Arcata to parents Chelsey Readen Dowd and awok Omar “baby o” Dean the 4th. She crossed over and got her wings on January 4, 2026, at the age of 16. Though her battle with complications from Leukemia was so sudden and brief, she transitioned surrounded by an immense circle of love — both in person and from afar — as the healing notes of family songs guided her home.

A Life of Brilliance and Light

Raised in the beauty of Trinidad, Nateya was a standout from the start. She attended Trinidad Elementary, where her dedication to her studies led her to graduate as the Valedictorian of her class. Her journey continued at McKinleyville High School, where she was currently a junior. A driven student, Nateya challenged herself with a rigorous schedule of AP courses, fueled by her dream of becoming an Ultrasound Technician.

Beyond the classroom, Nateya was a vibrant force. She grew up on the softball fields, playing travel ball alongside her sister, Sueveya where she continued her softball career for MHS. She played 3 seasons of Volleyball and Basketball and was always the most inspirational to any team she was a part of. At school, she was an active and proud member of the Native American Club, remaining deeply rooted in her heritage and participating in ceremonies with grace and devotion.

A Presence That Healed

Nateya’s friends often described her as “the light in the room.” With a “pure heart” and a constant smile, she had a rare gift for showing up exactly where she was needed. Her presence made everyone feel welcomed and seen. Whether she was on the field, in the classroom, or in the community, she walked with a kindness that felt like a blessing to those around her.

She is proceeded in death by her father Awok Omar “Baby O” Dean the 4th, Her brother Awok Running Bear Dean, Grandparents Awok Omar Dean 3rd&Kathy Dean, Great Grandparents Awok Betty and Emery Readen, Awok Lena Reed McCovey, Awok Clifford Jones&Adeline McCovey Jones, Awok Frank and Venola Dowd, Awok Alfred and Mable Colegrove, Awok Anita and Frank Murdock, Awok Lola and Robert McGahuey, Awok Alfreda Dean Pratt&Alex Pratt, Awok Omar Dean Jr, Great Uncles Awok Davy Dowd, Rick Dowd, Frank “Roddy” Dowd, Awok uncle Terrence Davis, Kela Dowd, Gerald Dowd, Jesse Dowd, Tara Gordon,

Survived by her Mother Chelsey, her siblings Sueveya, Morningstar, Adeline, Summer, Johnnie, Na-res, Omar “brother” Dean the 5th, Lorece. Great grandparents Sue and Matthew Painter, Barbara Jones

Grandparents, Rhonda Dowd, Robinn McNertney, Darla and Emil Marshall, Greg Readen

Great Aunties: Kathy Dowd, Rhonda(Tim), Konni Readen, Debbie McConnell(Bob), Gigi, Bambi McNertney(Rhonda),

Aunts: Moonchay Dowd (Timber), Jamaica Bartz (Jarrod), Bambi Moon(Matt), Lacey Readen (Fernando), Shelby Readen(Chris), Clarissa Readen, Tasha Boatsman (James), Setiva, Suntalena, Stacey Jewel, Liliana Adams(Jose), Bridget Maloney, Holly Moon

Great Uncles: Gary Dowd, Pride Painter, Michael McNertney, Jack McNertney, Uncles: Rick Dowd (Jessica), Donavan Baltzley, Greg Readen (Maria), Lonnie Dean (Tashina), Alkenny Dean (Ashley) Matt Cat Swanson (Sahsep), Joe Marshall (Nelia), Jude Marshall (Windi), Marcus Rowe Dean, Bradley hostler,

Plus so so many other family friends and cousins. We are very sorry if we forgot anyone. I promise you it was not personal we are just so beside ourselves in our bereavement and it was not intentional.

Special thanks to Kayla Maulson for all her help in getting things organized and for the support that she gave Nateya. A very special thank you to Stacey Jewel and her family. Michael (shaya) Hailey, Cole and Ashton for loving Nateya and Sueveya so much and for everything that they do for the girls and also for welcoming them into their home. To Pimm and Alme Allen for all their love and support they have shown Neteya, To Jude and Windi Marshall and their children Hazel, Yaamach, Xavish Marshall for opening their hearts and their home to Nateya and for making her part of their family. To Rhonda “Am” Dowd for always loving Nateya unconditionally and for doing whatever she could to help her whenever she needed it, to Auntie Moonchay and Timber for opening their home to family and working hard to get things completed for Nateya’s send off.

To uncle Rick Dowd for his solid and consistent support and love to Chelsey and the girls. To Loreta and Willbear Jade and Vaskak for all their love and support. To Angie and Indian Ed for loving our girl. To Jeny Giraurd and Trinidad elementary school teachers. Thankful for Myah, Farah, Kalynn, Nikki, Darla Marshall,and everyone else who helped in these past few grieving days your support means so much more than I can put into words.

And a very special thanks to Nancy Steele for her contributions and to each and every one of you. Family, friends, and community members that have offered love and support in so many ways.

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Today we are here to honor and remember Nateya, someone who meant so much to our family, and whose absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. There are no words that can make sense of this loss. Nateya was taken far too soon, and our hearts are heavy with grief. But today is not about how she left us, it’s about who she was, the love she shared, and the way her spirit will always remain with us. One of the most meaningful experiences of my life was participating in the White Deerskin Dance from September 9th to September 18th, of 2022. I was blessed to experience that with my cousin Nateya and miss Kalia. We fasted for ten days, sustaining ourselves only on acorn water. It was physically and mentally exhausting. When the first dance began, it felt surreal. My body was filled with joy, and I felt deeply connected to my ancestors, like I was finally doing something sacred that they once did before me. So much loss had already surrounded our family in the years leading up to that dance. During the ceremony, all of that grief came out of me. I cried, not just from exhaustion, but because I could feel my ancestors with me. I felt every single one of them surrounding me, holding me, and reminding me I wasn’t alone. While I was breaking down, Nateya stood strong beside me. She didn’t show fear or weakness she was calm, steady, and grounded. She was there for me in a quiet but powerful way, pushing me to keep going even when I felt like I had nothing left. Her strength helped carry me forward. As the days went on, the hikes became harder and our bodies more tired. On the eighth day, after hours of hiking and still fasting, we finally reached one of the highest camps. We were exhausted, worn down, and emotional, but we made it. That night, in our tent, we laughed and giggled together. Wrapped tightly in our sleeping bags on our cots, we joked about feeling like little hotdogs. In those moments, despite everything we had been through, life felt light. Life felt good. Those memories are some of the ones I hold closest to my heart. When we reached that camp, I felt something lift inside me, not a painful weight, but a sacred one. I cried because I made it. We made it. I felt the presence of every loved one who had passed, and I felt how proud they were of us. The meaning of the White Deerskin Dance is to let go, to find peace. Experiencing that ceremony with Nateya gave me something I didn’t even know I needed. It taught me that our loved ones are safe, that they are not alone, and that they are surrounded by family on the other side. That is how I choose to believe Nateya is now with all of those who came before her. Safe. At peace. Loved beyond measure. Nateya will never be forgotten. She lives on in our memories, our traditions, our laughter, and our love. Rest peacefully, Nateya. We love you. We honor you. And we will carry you with us always and forever 11:11 till we meet again goof ball! ♡ written by Autumn Dowd

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Pallbearers: Greg Readen, Rick Dowd, Michael Jewel, Lonnie Dean, Timber Scott, Greg Readen Jr, Donovan Baltzley, Kris Clayborn, Thomas Gordon, Kaget Dowd, Brody Dowd, Pergish Montgomery, Kokonow Kinney, Javier Kinney, Matias Minard, KitKah Dowd, Zaiden Dowd, Guy Dowd, Jeremiah Swain, Alkenny Dean, Frank Dowd, Damian Dowd, Danner Dowd, Izzy Dowd, Omar Dean 5th Cole Jewel, Chmook Dowd, Jordan Brown, Rocky Dowd, Issac Kinney, Frankie Gist, Jude Marshal, Joe Marshall Mat Cat, Keith Peterson, Will Bear Carlson, Vaskak Montgomery, Justin Dowd, Ryan Dowd, Brandon Fike, Alme Allen, Phillip Vigil O’Rouke, M’s Vigil, Dowd Vigil, Jesus Jones, RT Jones

Honorary pallbearers: Gary Dowd, Julian Lang, Pride Painter, Mathew Painter Sr, Robert Kinney, Lauren Bommelyn, Brandon Fike, Emil Marshall, Oliver Minard, Henry Minard, Kagama Dowd, Drayden Dowd, Collin Dowd, Ethan Dowd, Alonzo Gordon, Gerald Dowd, Shawn “goose” Long, Artie Jones, Beanie Vigil

Wake will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026 and goes all night in Klamath, California at the Lena Reed McCovey Community Center, 156 SE Klamath Beach Road, Klamath.

Services: Saturday, January 10, at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds — 3750 Harris St. Eureka. Doors open at 1 p.m. Services start at 2 p.m. Reception to follow at same location.

Burial: Monday, January 12, 2026 11 a.m. at IOOF cemetery East Cooper Avenue, just past Home Depot.  Crescent City.

Several dozen protestors showed up outside the Eureka courthouse this afternoon to protest yesterday’s killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis.

The protestors, mostly retirement-age, took up most of a street corner and waved a variety of signs. Plenty of passing motorists honked. 

One attendee, a 20-year-old No Kings organizer who goes by A.J., said the killing made her “terrified.” Others there agreed. 

“It could happen to anyone — anyone who’s protesting,” she told the Outpost. “We’re not just going to let that happen…this is part of a bigger message to ICE that we are not OK with them being in our cities. This is like the shot heard ‘round the world — the second time…They are now killing us citizens at point-blank range for no reason. This was murder.”

There was also a small protest that happened in the same place yesterday, also about the Minnesota killing. 

A group of singers who call themselves the Humboldt Ragin’ Grannies performed a few anti-ICE songs. One of them, written by a woman named Beth, was a Christmas parody:

You’d better watch out / You better comply / You’d better not doubt, I’m telling you why / The I-C-E is all over town / They’ll go where you are working / and say your papers are fake / and before you call your lawyer / They’ll deport you from the state.

Despite the grim topic, hopes were high. 

“Together we’re going to turn this around,” said one woman with a megaphone in one hand and a guitar in the other. “People like us are gathering right now everywhere. I’ll see you guys out here more, I know, because we’re going to do this. We’re not going to stop.”

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The City of Eureka must plan for as many as 1,740 new homes over the next decade, including 967 units for low-income residents, to meet state housing mandates. 

Eureka’s allocation makes up more than a third of the total number of units assigned to Humboldt County under the state’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for 2027-2035, which requires the county to plan for 5,962 new housing units to accommodate population growth across all income levels.

Where could the city put all of those units, you ask? The Eureka City Council is wondering the exact same thing. 

Bauer | Screenshot

“I don’t know how we got to this point where Eureka is where we put all the housing,” Councilmember Scott Bauer said at Tuesday’s city council meeting. “I don’t understand where we’re going to put 1,740 units in town — we’re pretty well built out. Is that not a consideration?”

“No, it’s not,” said Development Services Director Cristin Kenyon.

Every eight years, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) reviews the current number of units in a given jurisdiction and compares it to population estimates and other economic growth factors to determine how many new homes a community should plan for. That figure is then passed off to a regional governing body — in our case, that’s the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) — which decides how the number units will be split among cities and unincorporated communities.

“There are two steps to this allocation process,” Kenyon explained. “[One], how big is each jurisdiction’s overall allocation? — think of this as the size of each city’s ‘housing pie’ — and then two, how is the pie split by income category?”

The methodology is complicated. Along with the two data points Kenyon mentioned, HCAOG must also consider a city’s “opportunity score,” which is based on various economic, educational and environmental factors, as well as work-based vehicle miles traveled (VMT), which is how far, on average, a community’s residents travel to and from work each day. How each of those scores is adjusted and weighted will affect a city’s RHNA.

“Eureka has really low vehicle miles traveled scores, and because that is weighted at 70 percent, it becomes the dominant factor for us, and results in Eureka being assigned more [low-income] units,” Kenyon explained. “We’re worried that this methodology and practice reinforce existing concentrations of lower-income housing in Eureka.”

In simpler terms, city staff is worried that the methodology HCAOG used concentrates too many low-income housing units in Eureka, which could prevent the city from creating other types of housing. 

Staff sent a letter to HCAOG outlining the city’s concerns, but Kenyon said the city council could “elevate” the issue and submit a formal appeal.

Councilmember Leslie Castellano asked if the appeal process would delay the RHNA process for other Humboldt County cities. Kenyon said it would prolong the adoption process by another 45 days, kicking final adoption from March to May 2026.

Castellano acknowledged that she is a “pro-housing person” living in a “pro-housing city,” but felt the proposed RHNA would set a “concerning precedent” for Eureka.

“All of the research around healthy communities is saying that we want a robust mix of income levels in neighborhoods, and I definitely agree with that,” she continued. “I know that some folks wanted to push this forward because the City of Eureka is sort of the most likely to actually enact these housing things … but that’s kind of furthering some of the systemic challenges that are also at play.”

Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach asked Kenyon to elaborate on the purpose of the VMT figure. “Is there a baseline assumption that because they’re traveling further, they would want to live closer?” she asked.

Contreras-DeLoach | Screenshot

“Correct,” Kenyon said. “Transit is included in that composite score because … living in a place where you can access your job without a car is helpful if you’re living in poverty. It’s part of having access to opportunity. I mean, if you’re going to concentrate poverty anywhere, you would want to do it in an urban area with transit, but I would rather us not concentrate poverty period.”

Contreras-DeLoach agreed, adding that “it feels weird” to “shove people into one spot,” even if it’s under the guise of improving access to opportunities.

“I just think that when you’re poor, you still have a right to live in Rio Dell or Fortuna or Trinidad — you have a right to be in other places,” she said. “I don’t think people should assume that that means that people want to live in Eureka, nor does it mean that they should have to.”

The council asked Kenyon if she felt an appeal would be appropriate. “I’m so on the fence about it,” she said. “That’s why we brought it to you.”

After some additional discussion, the council unanimously agreed that staff should submit a formal appeal to HCAOG, with Mayor Kim Bergel expressing her support as well.

PREVIOUSLY

• Trinidad Without Water After Big Main Break on Scenic Drive Empties the City’s Tanks

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An emergency water shortage in Trinidad is coming to an end as municipal storage tanks slowly but surely refill and lab test results came back clean, city staff announced Wednesday evening. 

Residents had been been advised to conserve water and boil any they consume after a large water main leak was discovered on Scenic Drive Saturday morning. The leak quickly and thoroughly drained the city’s 400,000-gallon storage tank, causing low pressure and outages, especially at higher elevations.

The boil-water notice was lifted after the State Water Resources Control Board determined the city’s supply is once again safe to drink.

Residents are still being asked to conserve water, report leaks and sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed.

“Water production at the Treatment Plant continues to increased due to favorable and improving weather conditions over the past 36 hours, and an incredible response from the Trinidad Public Works Department,” the city announced on its website. “After 3 days of recovery and supplemental water trucked in by a convoy of delivery vehicles, storage tanks are nearing 40% capacity (8 feet of water in two tanks that peak at 18’ when full capacity is reached), gaining nearly 1 foot each day.”

The Trinidad Chamber of Commerce was duly chuffed and issued the following press release about restaurants reopening:

Trinidad’s restaurants are welcoming residents and visitors back as local dining establishments reopen following the official cancellation of the citywide Boil Water Notice that was issued on January 3, 2026.

At 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the City of Trinidad was notified by Microbac Laboratories in Arcata that a second round of water quality testing returned clean results. Five water samples taken from various locations throughout the city’s water distribution system showed no bacterial contamination. Based on these findings, the Boil Water Notice was officially cancelled effective 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

With the notice lifted, affected restaurants are back open and ready to serve the public, including Trinidad Bay Eatery & Gallery, Moonstone Crossing Winery, Beachcomber Cafe, Headies Pizza & Pour, Lighthouse Grill, and Seascape Restaurant & Pier. The reopening marks a return to normal operations for businesses that are central to Trinidad’s local economy.

The Boil Water Notice was issued as a required public safety measure following a significant loss of water pressure caused by a water main leak on Scenic Drive in the early morning hours of January 3. The incident resulted in the depletion of the City’s water storage tanks and required emergency repairs, system flushing, and water quality testing in accordance with State Water Resources Control Board regulations.

City of Trinidad water staff worked continuously to repair the leak, restore service, flush the distribution system, and coordinate emergency and follow-up testing with the Humboldt County Health Department. The clean results from the second round of testing confirm that the water meets state drinking water standards.

While mandatory water conservation remains in effect as the City continues to rebuild water storage levels, restaurants have been cleared to reopen and operate.

The public is encouraged to visit Trinidad, enjoy local dining options, and support the restaurants that are central to the city’s North Coast experience. For more information, visit: https://www.trinidad.ca.gov/water/page/emergency-water-shortage-alert-01-05-2026

Press release from the Environmental Protection Information Center

Educational Forum/People’s Hearing to Support Protecting the North Coast from Proposed Offshore Oil Drilling Happening in Eureka on January 18

WHAT: Community members will unite to display their support for protecting the North Coast from new offshore oil and gas development. The U.S. Department of Interior is proposing new offshore oil and gas leasing off California, including North Coast waters, in the next federal offshore drilling plan. The threats to our community and region from offshore oil and gas development, including potential oil spills, are not worth the risk. Community members are advocating for the protection of our coastline, coastal economy and a clean energy future. 

WHO: Rep. Jared Huffman, Asm. Damon Connolly, and Asm. Chris Rogers, together with local elected officials and with experts from Humboldt Waterkeeper, Surfrider Foundation, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC). 

WHEN: January 18, 2026 at 10am

WHERE: Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501)

REGISTER: Click here.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The SAR team. Photo: HCSO.

On Jan. 3, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received notification from the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) regarding a Garmin SOS Activation from a 19-year-old male hiker last known to be in the Bald Hills area near the Redwood Creek Trail in Orick. 

HCSO patrol deputies, the Sheriff’s Office Special Services Unit, California State Parks and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team, including a search K-9 responded to the scene and conducted a coordinated ground search with the assistance of a drone. The hiker was located at 9:28 a.m. and exhibited signs consistent with Hypothermia.

Emergency medical responded to the scene and transported the hiker to a local hospital, where he was treated. 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to its volunteer SAR team.   Their quick response, coordination, professionalism and dedication were instrumental in the successful outcome of this rescue.

HCSO also wants to thank our partner agencies for their response and support in this rescue operation, including California State Parks, Orick Volunteer Fire Department, Cal Fire, Cal OES and the Arcata Mad River Ambulance. 

When a Garmin SOS is activated, the device transmits an emergency alert and GPS location via satellite to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), which coordinates with local and state emergency agencies to initiate a response. The hiker’s possession and activation of this device was a critical component in aiding in his rescue. 

If you are interested in joining the Sheriff’s Volunteer Search and Rescue Team, please visit HumboldtSAR.org