It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Elsie Mae Moxon (nee Chapman), on January 28, 2026. Elsie was born at home in Junction City on November 16, 1925. She was the tenth of eleven children born to George Phelps Chapman, Jr. and Elsie Eliza Chapman (nee Luman). Elsie attended elementary school in Junction City and graduated from Weaverville High School. In 1947, she married Alvin Moxon and thereafter they made their home together in Arcata and raised their sons.

Elsie’s childhood home is still in her family, and she visited Junction City whenever possible, especially at Christmas, Easter and during summer breaks.

Elsie was a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West and the Society of Humboldt County Pioneers. She loved gardening, flowers, hummingbirds, and her family most of all. A beloved matriarch, Elsie enjoyed visits from her nieces and nephews when she was no longer able to travel.

Elsie was preceded by her husband, Alvin Moxon, and her son, Clifford Moxon. She is also preceded by her parents and all her siblings.

Elsie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, George and Delilah Moxon, of McKinleyville and her daughter-in-law, Susan Moxon, of LaGrange, Georgia. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family members. While too numerous to name individually, Elsie loved you all.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dona Moxon and Denise Wolverton for their kindness in assisting in mom’s care. Thank you also to the doctors and nursing staff at Mad River Community Hospital for their care of mom in her final days.

Elsie was deeply touched and grateful for the overwhelming love and support she received from family and friends at her 100th birthday party. The heartfelt gestures and presence of loved ones brought her immense happiness and a sense of honor at this milestone celebration.

On Elsie’s behalf, the family extends their sincere appreciation to everyone who joined in expressing their affection and respect. Your kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much.

Fulfilling Elsie’s personal wishes, the family announces that no funeral services will be held.

John Strasser passed away suddenly in his home in Shelter Cove with his beloved dog by his side on January 24, 2026. He was 63 years old. 

John was born in San Luis Obispo and spent his teen years and early 20s in Morro Bay. He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Maritime Academy in Vallejo, during which he also became a Navy Reserve Officer with the rank of lieutenant JG. He then worked as a merchant marine in the shipping industry in the Great Lakes and Alaska. 

During this time he discovered Shelter Cove and purchased a vacant lot in the early 1990s. He built his home during his time off between maritime work. Affectionately known as the SpongeBob house, he incorporated portholes for windows and painted it yellow and blue. 

In the early 2000s John purchased his farm outside of Garberville-Redway. He split his time between his two properties. John loved Humboldt County and exploring all of the beautiful tucked away gems in the area. 

During his 35 years in SoHum he became a known member in the community. He had some very close friends he made wonderful memories with. He would tell stories of his years on the ships, and early years in the Cove. He always drove a truck, although he loved classic cars of all kinds. He always had a dog that would be named either Dude, Little Dude, Dink or Frisky Noodle. 

His mom, dad and one sister preceded him in death. John is survived by his sister in Morro Bay, sister and brother-in-law in Washington state, two nieces and two nephews, many aunts, uncles and cousins, and some very good friends. 

John Strasser There will be a celebration of his life at a later date where we can gather to tell and hear stories. 

John will be missed by all who knew him.

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

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

The Eureka Police Department monitored two large protests that took place at the Humboldt County Courthouse on January 30 and January 31. While both protests were primarily peaceful, two separate incidents occurred that resulted in two arrests.

January 30, 2026 Incident

On January 30 at approximately 4:56 p.m., an EPD officer monitoring protest activity near the intersection of 5th and J Streets observed a vehicle pull onto the sidewalk, after which a male exited the vehicle and entered the crowd. The officer responded into the crowd, located the male on the ground, and detained him in handcuffs.

Based on the information known to the officer at the time, including the officer’s observations and witness statements, Gary Beckett, 71, of Eureka, was arrested for fighting in public.

During the course of the investigation, additional information surfaced regarding events that preceded Beckett parking his vehicle and entering the crowd. The investigating officer later learned that a subject attending the protest had stepped off the sidewalk, assaulted Beckett, and stole his hat while Beckett was stopped at a red light at 5th and J Streets. Beckett reported that he parked his vehicle and entered the crowd in an attempt to recover his property.

Beckett was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Jail for fighting in public.

The investigating officer has preliminarily identified a person of interest related to the assault and theft. If positively identified as the suspect, a report will be prepared and forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for review and potential charges.

January 31, 2026 Incident

On January 31 at approximately 1:34 p.m., EPD officers patrolling on bicycles witnessed a confrontation between a motorist and several protestors on the sidewalk on 5th Street between H and I Streets. It appeared to officers that the driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, had sprayed protestors with a chemical agent.

Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained the driver without incident.

The investigation determined that the driver, Joseph Hough, 51, of Eureka, became involved in a verbal altercation with several individuals attending the protest who were on the sidewalk. During the altercation, Hough brandished a large can of chemical agent toward the group. While some individuals believed the spray may have been deployed, the investigation confirmed it was brandished only and not discharged.

Hough was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Jail for brandishing a weapon, assault, and illegal possession of a tear gas weapon.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is encouraged to contact the Eureka Police Department at 707-441-4300.

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Press release from Bayside Corners, Inc.:

Humboldt nonprofits are invited to submit a proposal for the ownership of the Temperance Hall and property at the corner of Old Arcata & Jacoby Creek Roads. Bayside Corners’ board of directors has announced its decision to transfer its ownership of the Bayside Temperance Hall and property to another community-based nonprofit. 

• Interested organizations must notify Bayside Corners of their intent to submit a proposal via email at baysidecorners@gmail.com by Friday, February 13, 2026.
• A required on-site meeting and tour of the Hall and property is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 10:00 A.M.
• The RFP requirements and instructions are posted at www.baysidecorners.org/RFP  
• Proposers are asked to not disturb the current Hall users Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 6:00PM.
• Proposals are due on March 31, 2026; P.O. Box 342, Bayside, CA 95524.

Built in 1882 at the center of Bayside’s historic district, the Temperance Hall is an historically significant community center in the development of the Jacoby Creek Valley. It is the oldest nonresident building in Bayside and is Humboldt County’s last standing Temperance Hall of the pre-Prohibition Era. Mistwood Educational Center has occupied the Temperance Hall since the mid-1990s.

Bayside Corners is an all-volunteer run 501(c )3 nonprofit incorporated in 2007 to serve Bayside, Jacoby Creek Valley and surrounding neighborhoods with grassroots organizing for community improvements, cultural events and social gatherings to foster community identity and pride.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) is facilitating the due diligence process to select the next nonprofit to own and be responsible for this community asset. Bayside Corners emphasizes that income earned from the transfer of this property is not their top priority. Most important is selecting an organization with financial capability to be responsible for the Hall’s rehabilitation and repair; and that shares Bayside Corners’ values for public education, historic and natural resources protection, and a deep appreciation for the community. The Temperance Hall has an ideal, central location at the corner of Old Arcata & Jacoby Creek Roads and can become an attractive point of pride. 

Bayside Corners invites all eligible Humboldt nonprofits who are interested in this property to submit proposals. The RFP requirements and instructions are posted at www.baysidecorners.org/RFP  . 

Bayside Corners’ Board looks forward to the beautification of the property and a positive presence at this prominent location in Bayside.

Bayside Corners will continue operating and return its focus to projects that organize residents to address plans for emergencies and disasters, safety, and opportunities for social and cultural gatherings that bring neighbors of all ages together.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On Sunday, February 1, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) were dispatched to the vicinity of Sonoma Street and Lowell Street for a report of gunshots heard. Officers conducted a search of the area but were initially unable to locate any witnesses or evidence related to a shooting.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. the same day, an EPD Sergeant returned to the area to conduct a follow-up investigation. During that search, evidence of a shooting was located, including spent shell casings and bullet impacts to an apartment in the 200 block of Sonoma Street. There were no injuries reported.

Later that evening, at approximately 8:00 p.m., EPD received multiple reports of gunshots heard in the vicinity of Sonoma Street and C Street, the same general area as the earlier incident. Officers responded, secured the scene, and located additional evidence indicating that another shooting had occurred.

A detective from EPD’s Criminal Investigation Unit responded to assist patrol officers with the investigation. Based on evidence collected, it appears that the same apartment that was struck earlier in the day was again targeted during the second shooting.

Officers contacted occupants of the apartment building, and no injuries were reported as a result of this incident. Additional evidence was collected, and the investigation remains ongoing.

This is an ongoing investigation and EPD is requesting any persons with information to contact Detective Sergeant Cory Crnich at (707) 441-4318.

PREVIOUSLY

• Man Arrives at St. Joseph Hospital With a Stab Wound in His Back, Says He Was Attacked at Veteran’s Park in Willow Creek for No Apparent Reason, Sheriff’s Office Says

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Aguilar Garcia | HCCF

After receiving a tip and through follow up investigation, Humboldt County Sheriff deputies have identified 23-year-old Josue Diego Aguilar Garcia of Willow Creek as the person responsible for the stabbing that occurred on Jan. 24th in the Community Commons Park. 

A Ramey arrest warrant has been issued for his arrest. The Sheriff’s Office believes that Aguilar Garcia is a threat to the community and is releasing his photo. 

If you see Aguilar Garcia or know his whereabouts, please call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Video by Daniel Braden.

Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:

Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) responded to a working structure fire this afternoon at 2015 California Street in Eureka, successfully confining the fire to a single unit and preventing extension to neighboring apartments.

At approximately 12:04 pm, HBF received reports of a fire in a multi-family Victorian home. Upon arrival, first-due units observed heavy black smoke pushing from the second story. The first alarm fire response consisted of three fire engines, one ladder truck and two chief officers.

Through aggressive interior operations and coordinated efforts firefighters quickly attacked the fire, which was held to a room and contents fire, keeping the fire from extending to structural components or spreading to the attic. The affected unit sustained heavy smoke and fire damage and was left untenable following extinguishment; however, the fire was contained and did not spread to adjacent apartments.

While the primary units were committed to fire control and extinguishment, HBF’s fifth responding unit handled multiple additional calls for service across the jurisdiction, ensuring continued coverage for the community.

Once the scene was declared safe, the building was turned over to the property owner. Residents from the unaffected units were permitted to return to their homes. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Humboldt Bay Fire extends gratitude to the Eureka Police Department for their on-scene assistance and PG&E for the support during the incident.

HBF reminds the public of the critical importance of working smoke detectors and early notification. These measures significantly reduce fire damage and most importantly, save lives.

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Smoke billowed from the second-floor windows of a large Victorian on the corner of California and West Sonoma streets early Monday afternoon in Eureka. Humboldt Bay Fire quickly responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.

The house, which is across the street from the Humboldt Senior Resource Center, has been subdivided into multiple units, and the blaze appeared to be contained to the second floor.