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The auditor of California’s High-Speed Rail Authority wants the power to keep certain records confidential, drawing concerns from transparency advocates that the agency could shield vital information about a controversial and costly public infrastructure project from the public.

Assembly Bill 1608, authored by Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Lori Wilson, would allow the inspector general overseeing the high-speed rail authority to withhold records that the official believes would “reveal weaknesses” that could harm the state or benefit someone inappropriately.

The bill would also prevent the release of internal discussions and “personal papers and correspondence” if the person involved submits a written request to keep their records private.

The legislation appears to have the blessing of Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose administration released a nearly identical budget trailer bill — a vehicle for the governor and legislative leaders to adopt major reforms swiftly with minimal public input — on Monday. The language for both proposals came from the inspector general’s office, said H.D. Palmer, spokesperson of the state Department of Finance.

The Office of the Inspector General of High-Speed Rail Authority, which audits, monitors and makes policy recommendations to the authority, was formed in 2022 after Assembly Democrats held bullet train funding hostage in exchange for increased oversight.

The rail line, designed to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles, was approved by voters in 2008. At the time, it was estimated to cost $33 billion and be completed by 2020. It is now estimated to cost more than $100 billion, with only a 171-mile segment connecting Merced and Bakersfield planned for completion by 2033.

The project delays and ever-increasing price tag have frustrated both Democrats and Republicans. Former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Los Angeles Democrat who held up the funding in 2022, said at the time there was “no confidence” in the project. U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, a Rocklin Republican, has fiercely criticized it as a waste of money and introduced legislation to gut federal funding for it.

Wilson, a Suisun City Democrat and a former county auditor, said her bill would empower the inspector general’s office and shield it from public records requests for sensitive data, such as whistleblowers’ identities, details of fraud, documents regarding pending litigation and records about security risks. High-speed rail authority officials often will not turn over sensitive records to the oversight agency out of fear that the office would be compelled to release them, forcing the inspector general’s office to jump through hoops to obtain information for audits, she argued.

“The only way we’ll get the level of transparency and the accountability that the Legislature requires is to make sure that our (inspector general’s office), who are technically the eyes and ears of the public … have every protection they need to be able to take the full deep dive without hindrance,” Wilson told CalMatters in an interview last week.

Palmer echoed Wilson’s point, arguing that the governor’s proposal aims to allow the inspector general’s office to “communicate sensitive findings to external bodies in position to take corrective action.”

But some good government groups see the measure as offering the inspector general’s office blanket authority to withhold anything it doesn’t want to disclose.

“This is a wholesale atom bomb on disclosure,” said Chuck Champion, president of the California News Publishers Association.

And the measure is drawing opposition from Republicans who already consider the project a failure. Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo, a Visalia Republican, said it is “insulting” that the project began when she was in middle school and remains far from complete. She called the empty concrete high-speed rail structures throughout her district a “modern day Stonehenge.”

“As far as I’m concerned, every ounce of this project should be available for public consumption and should be presented factually and in entirety to the entire legislative body,” she said.

Construction on the high-speed rail project above Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 6, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Officials from the High-Speed Rail Authority and the inspector general that oversees it declined CalMatters’ request for comment. Newsom’s office also did not respond to CalMatters’ questions.

The bill is the latest in a series of legislative attempts to shield records and agencies from the public. Last year, lawmakers passed laws that loosened public meeting requirements for various groups, from local governments to research review organizations, and exempted insurers from having to disclose information they report to the Legislature. State Treasurer Fiona Ma sponsored a measure to establish a new infrastructure agency within her office while exempting much of its operations from public disclosure, a bill that was ultimately watered down and killed last year.

The California Public Records Act, which applies to all state and local agencies except the state Legislature and judicial offices, already exempts disclosure of various types of sensitive information Wilson’s measure aims to protect, said Ginny LaRoe, advocacy director at the First Amendment Coalition, which champions press freedom and transparency.

For example, state law broadly allows agencies to withhold records when they believe it serves the public interest. There are also specific protections for preliminary drafts and internal discussions, trade secrets and documents related to pending litigation involving a public agency, which are disclosable once a lawsuit is resolved.

But interpreting the public records law would take up a lot of the inspector general’s capacity, said Wilson’s chief of staff Taylor Woolfork.

“The bill’s objective is for this small oversight body to concentrate on generating meaningful reports that strengthen the high speed rail program, not to divert limited resources toward interpreting complex CPRA questions or defending disclosure decisions in court,” he said in an email.

While Woolfork acknowledged the existing exemptions for the agency in the public records law, he said it does not go far enough to protect the inspector general’s office. Under current law, if the high-speed rail authority is being sued, the inspector general’s office could be required to release information because the agency itself isn’t being sued, he said.

Both proposals would allow people who communicate with the inspector general’s office to stay confidential as long as they make a written request, a practice in laws that govern the state auditor’s office and inspectors general at other agencies, such as the state departments of transportation and corrections and rehabilitation.

‘If any project should have intense transparency and scrutiny, it’s the high-speed rail.’
— Chuck Champion, president of the California News Publishers Association

But the decision to withhold that information should be based on a set of “objective legitimate criteria … independent of someone’s personal wishes,” LaRoe said.

“A whistleblower … understandably may have fear of coming forward with important information about waste, fraud or abuse, but that doesn’t mean that they should unilaterally be able to control what the public has access to.”

LaRoe also took issue with allowing the inspector general to shield information due to potential “weaknesses” such as “information security, physical security, fraud detection controls, or pending litigation” — language that CalMatters could not find anywhere else in state public records access laws.

“On its face, I could see an agency refusing to disclose information because it’s embarrassing, because it shows a weakness,” LaRoe said. “Too often, we see agencies interpreting words in ways that ultimately protect people or decisions that maybe look embarrassing or are uncomfortable or create controversy.”

When asked about the language, Wilson said she expects the proposal will be “honed in” on through the legislative process. “This was, we felt, a good starting point,” she said.

But it is troubling whenever lawmakers seek to further shield public agencies from disclosure requirements — especially a watchdog agency overseeing such a controversial project, LaRoe and Champion said.

“If any project should have intense transparency and scrutiny, it’s the high-speed rail,” Champion said. “This project has been a disaster from jump street. And what else is in there that we have not yet found that they could tuck into this loophole?”

Richard “Rick” Buskirk passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 74, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer.

Rick dedicated more than 35 years of his life as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, proudly serving the Eureka area. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and the familiar face many came to recognize along his route. His nickname at the post office was “The Pillar.”

Rick is survived by his three children: Shannon Rennie(Amy Rennie), Sean Buskirk and Steven Buskirk. He was the proud grandpa to Walker Wilson, Tanner Wilson, and Sierra Parker. Each of whom brought him great joy. He is also survived by his sister, Sherry Mason(Joe Mason).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Buskirk, whom he missed very much.

Rick was a life-long Raider fan and rarely missed a game. For you Raider fans out there, you know it’s not easy being a fan of a team that rarely ends up in the winners’ column. Other things he enjoyed were deer hunting with his best friends (although from the stories I’ve heard, there was a lot more hunting down the cans of beer than deer), fishing, jigsaw puzzles, and never missing an episode of The Young and the Restless. He loved his stories! Above all else, Rick loved his family and the people who loved them- nothing meant more to him.

I would like to extend my thanks to Rick’s nephew, Ron Morgan, for helping out when dad needed it most, and his best friends Dave and Billy for showing up and letting him know you cared- you meant the world to him. And lastly, thank you to all the amazing doctors and nurses at CPMC Sutter Health Campus in San Francisco, your team is incredible.

Rick will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

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

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.