Press release from the office of Rep. Jared Huffman:

Today, Congressional Freethought Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Ranking Member Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) led 27 of their colleagues in requesting U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General Platte B. Moring III open an investigation into reports that servicemembers have lodged anonymous complaints about military commanders invoking religious prophecy and apocalyptic theology to justify the United States’ military actions in Iran.

“At a time when billions of dollars and untold numbers of lives hang in the balance while the Trump administration wages a war of choice in Iran, the imperative of maintaining strict separation of church and state and protecting the religious freedom of our troops is especially critical. We must ensure that military operations are guided by facts and the law, not end-times prophecy and extreme religious beliefs,” the lawmakers wrote.

The members went on to note the  pervasive issue of extremist religious encroachment inside the military under the Trump administration, saying: “These allegations are also part of a broader political climate in which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and senior civilian officials have publicly framed Middle East policy in explicitly religious terms.”

They then requested the DOD conduct an independent investigation to determine the accuracy of these reports and to “assess whether Secretary Hegseth’s extreme religious rhetoric has metastasized into segments of the military chain of command in ways that contravene constitutional protections, departmental rules and standards, or professional military norms.”

The members requested the DOD investigate and report back to Congress on several matters, including:

1. Whether military commanders or other officers have made statements to subordinates asserting that U.S. military operations against Iran are part of a religious prophecy, divine plan, or apocalyptic religious event, and if so, where such communications originated within the chain of command.
2. Whether any such statements constitute violations of Department of Defense policies, including DoD Instruction 1300.17 “Religious Liberty in the Military Services,” regarding religious neutrality, improper proselytizing, or abuse of command authority.
3. The scope and geographic distribution of complaints received within the Department of Defense regarding religiously framed messaging related to the Iran conflict.
4. Whether servicemembers who reported these concerns experienced retaliation or fear of retaliation within their units.
5. What training, guidance, or oversight currently exists to ensure commanders maintain religious neutrality in operational briefings, command communications, and other official settings.
6. Whether additional guidance or action is warranted to ensure that personal religious beliefs are not used to justify or frame U.S. military operations.

A full copy of the letter can be found HERE.

In addition to Huffman, Raskin, and Houlahan, the letter was signed by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Sean Casten (IL-06), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Jesús “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Mike Levin (CA-49), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Dave Min (CA-47), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Norma Torres (CA-35), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

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California community college districts are spending millions of dollars on artificial intelligence-powered chatbots intended to help students navigate admissions, financial aid and campus services.

However, they struggle to consistently provide clear and accurate answers, leaving students frustrated and seeking help from others on unofficial social media channels.

In testing by CalMatters, they often answered general questions correctly but struggled with more specific ones. East Los Angeles College’s bot couldn’t even correctly name its own president.

Contracts for these chatbots can be pricey and last for years. Three community college districts that responded to a CalMatters survey reported annual costs ranging from about $151,000 to nearly half a million dollars. At the Los Angeles Community College District, the state’s largest community college system, contracts and amendments approved since 2021 total about $3.8 million through 2029, according to district board documents.

Community college districts that responded to CalMatters have contracted with chatbot platforms such as Gravyty and Gecko, which district officials say handle thousands of conversations each month, many outside regular office hours, helping to reduce calls and save students unnecessary trips to campus.

Some of these chatbot platforms rely on manually maintained libraries of frequently asked questions and campus websites to answer questions, which can lead to errors when information is outdated or questions fall outside the system’s database.

However, officials are working to improve them. Districts like the Santa Monica Community College District have moved to ChatGPT-integrated AI systems that scrape the college’s website to generate answers, which officials say seem more reliable. In the Los Angeles district, officials say they plan to transition to a new AI chatbot platform as early as late spring.

Looking for answers

Improvements to the chatbot couldn’t come soon enough for students like Pablo Aguirre, a computer science major at East Los Angeles College and an information technology intern at the Los Angeles college district office.

Aguirre mostly avoids the chatbot himself because, he said, it might provide unreliable or outdated information. He recalled using the bot to find financial aid information, but said he gave up after it kept asking him questions instead of giving him a clear answer.

“I just didn’t find it as useful,” Aguirre said. He usually turns to Google, social media platforms like Reddit and the college’s website when looking for answers.

“Online, some pages don’t work,” Aguirre said, recalling a 404 error message on the college’s website. Even when pages load, he said, it can be difficult to find the right one, such as when he was trying to figure out where to sign up for Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, a state-funded program that supports disadvantaged students. “That’s where I just jump on Reddit,” he said.

Students walk onto campus at Fresno City College on Oct. 3, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Aguirre’s experience isn’t unique. Reanna Carlson, a commercial music major at Fresno City College and student government vice president, said her college’s chatbot, dubbed Sam the Ram after its mascot, repeatedly gave her unclear or incorrect answers to basic questions about campus services. Her district, the State Center Community College District, has a nearly $870,000, three-year contract for Gravyty, formerly Ocelot, through June 20, 2026, according to district board documents. Officials pointed out that the contract comes with other services, including tools that let staff engage in live chats or send text messages to students.

“I think the chatbot is outdated and can’t navigate the services we provide on campus effectively,” Carlson said. “I don’t think it’s the most beneficial option when it comes to asking questions.”

Oddly, Carlson got accurate information on the availability of free food at her campus’ Ram Pantry only when accidentally adding a typo to her query. Repeated CalMatters testing confirmed the same outcome, though the bot sometimes lists links that include the food pantry after clicking an adjacent “sources” button.

“If it weren’t for the amazing staff on campus that constantly remind students of our services, I’d be lost,” Carlson said.

Screenshots via Fresno City College website

Testing chatbots

When CalMatters tested community college chatbots, they generally returned quick, accurate responses to common questions but were less consistent with more specific ones.

For example, when asked, “Who is the current president of ELAC?” East Los Angeles College’s chatbot incorrectly named Alberto Román, who left the position last year to become the district’s chancellor. In another test, when asked, “What is the financial aid office’s current schedule?” the bot provided incorrect hours and dates.

East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park on March 14, 2024. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters

East Los Angeles College’s chatbot claims to support several languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. But CalMatters found inconsistencies when asking it in Spanish, “Do I need a Social Security number to enroll?” Instead of answering the question, the system directed users to visit the registrar’s office to update their Social Security number. When asked the same question in English, the bot pivoted to discussing financial aid.

Fresno City College’s chatbot, powered by the same AI provider as East Los Angeles College’s system, Gravyty, showed similar problems when asked whether a Social Security number is required to enroll. It also often failed to direct students to the correct offices and, in some cases, listed incorrect locations and hours.

Concerns with chatbots have surfaced elsewhere. In New York City, reporting by The Markup and THE CITY found that a city-run AI chatbot provided guidance that could lead to illegal behavior, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to terminate it in February.

‘Good answers with fewer errors’

Santa Monica College’s chatbot, powered by Gecko, was more successful in answering most questions. The single-college district uses a ChatGPT-integrated chatbot that scans the college’s website, which staff regularly update and monitor. The district has contracted with Gecko since 2019 and renewed its annual contract for the tool late last year for $57,000, according to district board documents. It initially showed a major hiccup: when asked about mental health counseling, the bot did not mention the campus’ Center for Wellness and Wellbeing. It does now.

Screenshots via Santa Monica College website

District officials say chatbots’ problems stem from how the tools are configured and the information they draw from, rather than the technology itself.

The Los Angeles district originally adopted its chatbot through Ocelot, which later merged with Gravyty The same chatbot platform is also used on the California Student Aid Commission website.

Betsy Regalado, one of the district’s associate vice chancellors, said the current system relies on a manually maintained library of frequently asked questions that staff at each of the district’s nine colleges help maintain and review at least once or twice a year for accuracy. She added that chatbots are primarily geared for the public rather than enrolled students, who can access more detailed personal information through their campus portal.

“The current chatbot that we have uses a library of questions. If you don’t have that question in that library, then those poor people don’t get an answer or they won’t get an accurate answer,” Regalado said.

She said the district plans to transition all nine colleges to Gravyty’s platform as early as late spring at no additional cost under its existing contract, which runs through 2029. The new system will use AI to scrape college and external websites to generate responses.

“We’re ready for the modernization of (the chatbot) and the change to generative AI. That is the new world out there,” Regalado said.

Santa Monica College in Santa Monica on April 16, 2025. Photo by Alisha Jucevic for CalMatters

Santa Monica College’s chatbot similarly initially relied on a manually loaded library of common questions and answers before transitioning to its fully AI system, according to Esau Tovar, the college’s dean of enrollment services. In an email, he said the bot “was never designed to address all aspects of the student journey,” but to answer general questions from students.

Tovar said the bot draws responses from the college’s website, meaning accuracy depends on how current and complete that information is. As a result, the college prioritizes keeping its website up to date so the bot provides “good answers with fewer errors” rather than “great answers with potentially more errors.”

Widely used, cautiously trusted

Acknowledging limitations, community college districts justify the costs by pointing to heavy student use, which would cost significantly more if performed by call center staff around the clock.

Regalado said the Los Angeles district colleges average 5,000 to 7,000 interactions per month. Other districts reported similar monthly use, including 5,000 interactions at the State Center Community College District, which includes campuses in Fresno and nearby counties, and 4,000 conversations at Santa Monica College. Regalado said that as long as the chatbot remains heavily used, her district would continue to support it.

Tovar said the chatbot provides 24-hour support regardless of time zone or location, which he said is helpful for international students when they are out of the country. He said that answering the tens of thousands of questions the chatbots receive around the clock would cost significantly more if handled by staff.

“Every technology has a cost. We would simply not be able to assist all students if they could only reach us using traditional methods,” Tovar said.

But high usage and expanded access do not always translate into trust, especially when students need precise answers to delicate topics.

Bryan Hartanto, a civil engineering major at Santa Monica College from Indonesia, said the college’s newer chatbot system is smoother and can be a useful starting point, especially for students more comfortable communicating in languages other than English. But as an international student he worries that following inaccurate guidance could jeopardize his visa status.

“Maintaining status as an international student right now is very, very sensitive,” Hartanto said. “I would still rely on human or email communication.”

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Martin Romero is a contributor with the College Journalism Network, a collaboration between CalMatters and student journalists from across California. CalMatters higher education coverage is supported by a grant from the College Futures Foundation.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed some of the country’s toughest gun-control laws, but he had nothing but nice things to say to a conservative podcaster who gave him a new handgun as a gift last year.

“Brother, this is fabulous,” Newsom told the host, Shawn Ryan, last summer. “The last thing people would expect is that I respect this gift. … I’m not anti-gun at all,” Newsom said.

Well, as it turns out, Newsom has yet to take possession of his firearm – the first registered under his name – possibly because of the stringent California gun-control regulations he’s supported his entire political career. Those rules make obtaining a gun more difficult in California than in other states, including those whose voters Newsom would hope to court in an anticipated presidential campaign.

On Monday, Newsom filed his mandatory state ethics paperwork, which requires him to disclose his sources of income, sponsored travel and the gifts he received last year.

Newsom listed a pistol from the SIG Sauer gun company among the wine, swag bags, San Francisco 49er and NBA All Star Game tickets as well as $21,585 in sponsored travel to Brazil for a climate-change summit.In the comments below the gun disclosure, it reads, “Governor Newsom reimbursed SIG Sauer for the amount exceeding $600; currently held by (a) licensed firearm dealer, and not in the Governor’s possession.”

Under the state’s ethics rules, a politician in California may only accept a gift worth less than $630, so Newsom had to pay the balance on the weapon’s total value. The gun retails for around $700.

Newsom’s office didn’t reply to CalMatters when asked whether the firearms dealer holding his gift is in California or another state such as Tennessee, where Ryan’s podcast is based. Last year, CalMatters asked Newsom’s press team how he planned to get the weapon home. They didn’t respond to multiple inquiries.It’s entirely possible Newsom just hasn’t prioritized taking the time to get his new gun, but Second Amendment advocates say it’s just as likely the very barriers to California gun ownership Newsom has supported are making the process difficult for him.

“You would think that maybe he would take a look at that and think ‘Maybe I should do some things differently here, because it’s causing (me) difficulty,’ ” said Adam Wilson, the director of legislative affairs at Gun Owners of California. “But he doesn’t understand that, because he doesn’t care about what regular gun owners are going through.”

In order to take the gun home, Newsom would first have to jump through a number of regulatory hoops that would take time out of his busy schedule governing the state as well as traveling around the country and the globe, boosting his profile for a potential presidential run.

First, he’d have to arrange to have the gun shipped to a licensed firearms dealer in California. Then Newsom would have to pass a background check, provide his thumb prints, take a handgun safety test, sign affidavits, provide a driver’s license and documents that contain his name and address, such as a current utility bill. Newsom would also have to pay around $300 in fees and taxes on the $700 gun.

He’d have to do everything himself, as gun owners need to appear in person to do the paperwork. He’d then need to make a return trip after fulfilling California’s 10-day waiting period to sign for and pick up his new firearm.

Newsom’s record on gun control

Newsom has long made gun-control part of his political brand.

As lieutenant governor, he championed a successful ballot initiative for mandatory background checks when buying ammunition, the first in the nation. That same initiative also banned anyone from owning “high-capacity” ammunition magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds.

Second Amendment groups have challenged California’s background check system and the magazine ban in federal court, though the rules remain in effect pending appeals.

Since being sworn in in 2019, Newsom signed several other gun control laws, including a 2023 bill adding an 11% excise tax on guns and ammo. Those too face court challenges.

Newsom also proposed adding a 28th amendment to the U.S. Constitution to place new age limits, background check requirements and mandatory waiting periods for gun purchasers. His proposed amendment would also ban the civilian ownership of so-called assault weapons. No other state has signed off on Newsom’s proposal.

Last year, a few months after getting the SIG Sauer from Ryan, he signed four new gun-control laws including the first-in-the nation ban on new Glock handguns and their various off-brand imitators. The new ban does not apply to Ryan’s gift.

The new law targets Glocks because criminals can modify certain models to fire in fully automatic mode with what’s known as a “switch” made on a 3D printer. It is illegal to have an automatic weapon without a special federal permit.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the governor for his leadership and signing the bill,” its author, Jesse Gabriel, a Democrat representing the Encino area, told CalMatters after Newsom signed it. “And I think it just underscores what a champion he’s been on these issues.”Another bill Newsom signed last year limits the number of guns a Californian can buy in a month to three. He signed it a few months after a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals found unconstitutional a previous California law that Newsom signed in 2019 that limited handgun sales to one weapon a month.

“We are not aware of any circumstance where government may temporarily meter the exercise of constitutional rights in this manner,” the judges wrote in their ruling. “We doubt anyone would think government could limit citizens’ free-speech right to one protest a month, their free-exercise right to one worship service per month, or their right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures to apply only to one search or arrest per month.”

There are truly no words to capture the magical person, mother, wife, friend, and principal Heather was. Heather G. Becksted, 52, of Loleta, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on February 26, 2026. She was born to parents John and Gretchen Buell, on May 20, 1973 in Eureka. As Heather grew up, she attended Eureka High School, graduating in 1991, where she met her high school sweetheart, Aaron Becksted. She attended College of the Redwoods and Southern Oregon University receiving her bachelor’s degrees in business and communications.

In 1999 she married her former spouse, Brian Nolen. Together they had two children, Jared and Caitlyn Nolen, in Bellevue, Washington. Heather moved back to California in 2002 and to Loleta in 2006 with Aaron Becksted, bringing into her life two amazing children, Kyler and Blaine Becksted. Together Aaron and Heather welcomed their youngest son, Luke Becksted, in 2008, completing their beautiful family. With their children by their side they were married in their home surrounded by family and friends on October 10, 2008.

Heather and Aaron enjoyed an amazing 17 years of marriage together, filled with adventure, love, family vacations and lifelong memories. They loved each other fiercely, supporting each other through so many seasons of their lives, filling days with adventure and laughter, just as they had when they were 17. Heather was extremely involved in her children’s lives, cheering them on through endless dance recitals, soccer, football and basketball games. Heather was always supporting her children in their dreams and creating magical childhood traditions and memories. An unwavering support that continued into their adult lives. She loved watching them each find their own path and visiting them as often as possible.

Heather received her teaching credential in 2006, and taught at Pacific Union, Pine Hill and South Bay schools. She was so blessed to share her love with hundreds of children from kindergarten through 8th grade. She was passionate in creating a safe and loving environment for all her students. In 2018 she received her admin credential and stepped into a vice principal position at South Bay School, later going on to receive her master’s in educational administration from Humboldt State University and becoming the principal of South Bay. Seeing her students grow, believe in themselves and fill the world with light was one of her very favorite things. As a teacher and principal she loved to create magical memories for her students and staff, from over-the-top talent show performances to inflatable costumes and fun events!

Heather’s very favorite place to be was with her family, from the many craft and game nights to exploring National Parks. They enjoyed every moment of family trips to Mexico and Disneyland. Heather was filled with never ending joy, positivity and laughter. She was generous and genuine with her kindness always inspiring her friends, students and family to do the same.

Heather is lovingly remembered by her husband, Aaron Becksted, her children, Blaine Becksted and wife Bri Becksted, Jared Nolen and partner Gracelynn Trump, Kyler Becksted, Caitlyn Norris with her husband Lenin Norris, and Luke Becksted. Along with her grandchildren Ashton and Blaine Jr Becksted. Her loving mother, Gretchen Barnick and step father Rick Barnick, siblings, Shawn Buell, Meghann and Cameron Erickson, Nate and Julie Becksted, Kristin and Dave Ellis, DJ Becksted and Terra. As well as her many beloved nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends. Heather’s children, family and friends will all miss her wonderful hugs, smile, laughter and her ability to make the best and worst days feel full of light and magic. Heather was preceded in death by John Buell, her father, Doug and Gerri Becksted, mother and father-in-law, and her grandparents.

A celebration of life is scheduled at the Historic Eagle House in Eureka on Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m. The family would love to invite all friends, co-workers and acquaintances of Heather, to join them in sharing in the celebration of her well-lived and loved life. South Bay School will be holding a celebration of life for students and families to attend on Thursday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Her family would like to thank her friends for their ongoing support, her team at providence medical center for their care and for the students of South Bay School for the unending love, cards and crafts they sent her way!

Jace was born in Eureka on September 17, 2002, and passed at the same hospital at St Joseph hospital February 12, 2026. He was accompanied by his grandparents, parents and brother by his side. 

Jace attended local schools: Noah’s Ark Preschool, Dow’s Prairie elementary, Toddy Thomas middle school, Fortuna High and College of the Redwoods. Jace graduated from Fortuna High in 2020. He developed a strong interest in the arts and humanities, while enjoying time with his true friends that stayed beside him throughout thick and thin. 

Throughout school it was a struggle but never gave up and was almost done with completing College of the Redwoods with the intent to transfer over to Sonoma State for their Art Therapy Program. He loved to do digital art and always was thinking of others before himself. Jace was involved with the TAY Program and the LGBTQ community. He would sell stickers, cookies, and his Art at community events which allowed him to encounter many true life long friends. 

Jace worked at Subway and Restif Cleaning while attending school but started getting really sick. After a trip to Alaska he had to go to the hospital for a CT scan and found a large tumor attached to the pelvic area. Then later underwent biopsy’s, genetic testing, and pet scans which revealed Jace had formed stage 4 Pecoma Sarcoma. A very rare type of cancer. Even though it was far along we had faith and were fighting the fight alongside Jace. Countless family separations for UCSF appointments, chemo and radiation treatments. In Fall of 2024 we surprised Jace to go see his favorite comedian Fluffy Gabriel Iglesias at the Chase center in San Francisco. It was a night that I know Jace deeply enjoyed and remembered. Jace fought for almost two full years but his body couldn’t take it anymore. On the early morning of February 12 he passed away.

His passing has truly touched so many. We would like to thank Dr. Monga, a sarcoma specialist at UCSF for dedicating his life to finding a cure and helping us throughout the journey. Dr. Shayeb and all the nurses in the cancer center at St. Joseph’s hospital for the compassion given to us every time we went there. Dr. Trieu for his thoughtfulness and expertise in care and procedures given.

Jace is survived by his father Ramiro, mother Katrina, brother David, grandparents David and JoAnn McDonald, son Yoshi (golden retriever). Countless family and friends that were checking on him almost every day. Shasta Brown, Danniel, Kalen (papa k), Miranda Dixon, Lucretia, Persephone, Joe, Damian and Landon. Jace had a special bond with everyone he touched and cared for them deeply. You can finally rest and not suffer anymore.

Please make donations in his name to mental health, LGBTQ or art therapy organizations, or programs of choice.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. We will notify family and friends details.

Jamey Estelle Hughes of McKinleyville passed away on January 16, 2026 at the age of 50 from pancreatic cancer. Known by her friends and family as Estelle, she was born on August 3, 1975 in Weaverville to Jody Proffi Brown and Jake Waldt. She spent her early life in Weaverville, McKinleyville, and Shasta County before moving to Salyer in her late teens. It was in Salyer that she met her future husband, Duncan Hughes. They were married in July of 1998 and welcomed their son Trevor the following year. Estelle loved motherhood and devoted her me to her son, while also taking up photography to capture memories of nature, family, weddings, and special occasions.

In 2003 her family moved to McKinleyville, where Estelle studied the art of Middle Eastern dance, performing in many shows throughout Humboldt, Trinity, and Shasta Counties. She also created beautiful, elaborate custom-beaded costumes as part of her art. Her home was her sanctuary, where she created a beautiful and bountiful garden of flowers and vegetables. She also found great joy in tending to her chickens and always had a dog or two to love on. She enjoyed inviting close friends and family for gatherings and delicious home-cooked meals. In 2011, the family welcomed son Cody into their home, adding another joy to her life. Estelle loved taking her children on hiking and camping trips to the surrounding beaches, rivers, and mountains, and enjoyed many outings with close friends and family.

During this me, Estelle found her love and passion in teaching and supporting children of the highest need. While working for over 11 years for the Humboldt County Office of Education, she also worked relentlessly to further her education. She received her Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education from College of the Redwoods in 2016, her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Child Development from Humboldt State University in 2019, and her Master of Arts as an Education Specialist in Early Childhood from California State University, Sacramento in 2024.

This is just a small part of a big life. The world, her community, and everyone she touched have lost an incredible sparkle. Estelle’s beauty and grace were outshined only by her intellect and compassion, and there will be a hole in our hearts forever.

She is survived by her husband, Duncan Hughes, and her sons, Trevor and Cody Hughes of McKinleyville; by her mother, Jody Proffi Brown of Weaverville; her father, Jake Waldt of Salyer; her brothers, Joe Cloud (Nichole), Perry Cloud (Amanda), and Jacob Waldt (Bobbie); and her sisters, Cody Geminani (Damon) and Lark Waldt; her mother-in-law, Emily Arents; sisters-in-law, Leilani (Eddie) Cochran and Amelia (Scott) McKnight; her nieces and nephews, David and Troy Cloud, Amira and Nola Waldt, Madde Waldt, Darma and Dillon Geminani, Rebecca (Junior), Sefa and Tanu Alofaituli, and Zackary (Megan), Ashton, and McKenzie McKnight; and her aunts, Janet (Jock) Morrison and Jenni Flint.

The family offers a special thank you to the caregivers at the Providence St. Joseph Eureka Hematology/Oncology center and Hospice of Humboldt Palliative Care.

A celebration of life will be held on June 6, 2026 at Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 24 Fellowship Way, Bayside from 2 to 4 p.m., and memorial donations may be made to pancan.org.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Estelle Hughes’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Michele McCall-Wallace
July 3, 1961 - February 27, 2026

Our beautiful wife, mother, sister and friend, Michele Ann McCall-Wallace, joined the angels on February 27, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. Michele left us after a long, courageous battle against cancer and scleroderma. Her inspiring life was defined by an unwavering love for her family and friends, as well as limitless dedication to the arts and her community.

Born in Aurora, Colorado, to Sharon L. McCall (Willis) and Milton L. McCall (later married Maxine V. Duffy). Michele grew up with a passion for creativity and a drive for excellence that would shape her remarkable journey. After graduating from Cajon High School in San Bernardino, in 1979, Michele pursued her artistic dreams with determination. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture and painting from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 1989. She later completed a Master of Arts in sculpture at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, in 1993.

Always an artist first, Michele’s career as an arts professional spanned over three decades across the artistic, creative and cultural sectors. She started in her curly-toed shoes as an elf in Santa’s Village and would become an award-winning multimedia artist, curator, grant writer and recipient, assistant professor, educator, lecturer, gallery director, as well as a family/youth program designer.

Deeply committed to those whose stories go untold, Michele worked with homeless youth and championed diverse voices. Her tenure at the Goudi’ni Native American Arts Gallery was a testament to this mission, where she used her platform to ensure indigenous artists received the recognition and space they deserved.

Michele believed in “setting the world to rights” through action. She served as Mayor and City Council Member for the City of Blue Lake, and most recently as a member of the City Council for North Plains, Oregon. Michele’s vision and collaborative spirit left an indelible mark on every community she touched.

Michele’s interests reflected her limitless creativity and zest for life. Among many pursuits, she was a founding member of The Brendas, a band that brought mischievous joy to the local scene in Blue Lake, particularly at The Logger Bar. Last year, Michele’s best friend, Lou Watson, brought the band back together for a final, standing-room-only performance at Michele and Jerry’s home. That night, defined by music and laughter, was one of many in which Michele gained notoriety for the perfect cocktail made with an unparalleled blend of intellect and wit.

Her kindness, compassion, courage, intellect and visionary leadership continually inspired those who knew Michele. Whether collaborating on internationally recognized art projects like Hillsboro-Bridge of Land and Sky or engaging in local community initiatives, Michele had an unparalleled ability to bring people together to create lasting positive change. Her artwork stands as an enduring symbol of her love for humanity.

Michele’s vibrant spirit lives on through her husband, Jerry; her children, Ellis and Milly; her siblings, Kenneth and Janice; and her extended family, who will all miss her warmth and brilliance. While we mourn, we find comfort in a shared knowing that “within a week, Michele will undoubtedly be running the show upstairs.” Michele will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the beauty she brought into this world through her art, service and love. In her memory, please consider a donation to help in the fight against scleroderma or breast cancer, support women’s shelters, or promote art education.

Michele will be honored at the Mad River Grange #590, at 4 p.m., June 20, 2026, located at 110 Hatchery Road, Blue Lake. Her ashes will be spread at the family home in McKinleyville, following the service.