Just because it’s pretty out right now, it doesn’t mean that it’s OK to be dumb and carefree at the beach! On the contrary! The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement warning about ocean conditions over the next couple of days, and this morning an (evidently un-furloughed) meteorologist elaborated in a Facebook post.

From the National Weather Service’s Eureka office:

A 10-13 ft swell will impact the Northwest California coast beginning Wednesday morning. A moderate risk of sneaker waves will exist Wednesday through Thursday with the highest risk in Humboldt and Del Norte counties.

The risk is elevated because several beaches continue to have their summer steep beach profiles with extra sand buildup. Waves may erode the beach profile quickly and wash farther up beaches than usual. Stay far back from the surf and never turn your back on the ocean!

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On September 30, 2025, at approximately 4:38 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a trespassing complaint at a residence in the 200 block of Valley Avenue in Fortuna.

Upon arrival, deputies located an open window to the home. During a search of the residence, deputies discovered two individuals inside, along with numerous firearms located throughout the property.

The individuals were identified as 36-year-old Martha Elizabeth Donahue of Rio Dell and 56-year-old Johnny William Johnson of Hydesville. Both were taken into custody and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

Information obtained during the investigation led deputies to a secondary location on Price Creek Road in Ferndale. At that location, deputies identified a vehicle containing additional stolen firearms. A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the recovery of approximately 30 firearms, extended rifle magazines, a crossbow, and a large quantity of ammunition.

Donahue was booked on the following charges:

• P.C. 459 – Burglary
• P.C. 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy to commit a crime

Johnson was booked on the following charges:

• P.C. 459 – Burglary
• P.C. 182(a)(1) – Conspiracy to commit a crime
• P.C. 29800 – Felon in possession of firearms
• P.C. 30305 – Prohibited person in possession of ammunition

This remains an active investigation. No further details are available at this time.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

Below: A guide to what’s on the ballots that will be mailed out next week, from our friends at CalMatters, plus how, where and when to vote.

I’ll admit it: I felt more than a twinge of anxiety when I was asked to participate in this year’s Week Without Driving. Even more so when I agreed to write about it. In 2023 I joined in — begrudgingly — and got through it with a few walks to work and mostly rides from my husband and coworkers.

In 2024 I didn’t even respond to the email (sorry, Colin!). At the time, I was Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, and my job — especially in the first week of the month — is very big on the schlepping of heavy things to many places, including the “Big Scissors” that are not public transportation-friendly, nor conducive to walking or biking. And here we are in 2025. (With a rainstorm, of course, to kick off Monday.)

This year, I’ve started a fantastic new role as Executive Director of the Humboldt Lodging Alliance, which typically takes me — and my trusty Subaru — around the county. A lot of my work I can do from home, which, thanks to that storm, is exactly what I did on Monday and Tuesday. But I’ve decided to use the rest of this week to see our county through the eyes of a car-free tourist. A win for my work, and a win for the environment.

The only hitch? These reflections are due before I’ve had my actual adventures. So with the help of the Lost Coast Outpost Lowdown, the HTA website, and my Facebook events feed, I’m planning out my “can’t-miss” week in Humboldt.

Wednesday: My office is right off the Plaza, and by walking to work I can avoid the necessity of moving my car every 2 hours. After that I can walk across the Plaza to City Hall for the City Council meeting. Hopefully the meeting will be less exciting than the last one, so that instead of walking to a bar afterwards to decompress I can catch a ride home with a colleague who is not participating in this challenge and be home in time for Survivor.

Thursday: Yom Kippur. That gets me off the hook from commuting. I’ll be fasting and observing the holiday in my own way, which usually means sitting among the trees and reflecting on the past year. I can walk to the park, so that part is covered. On my way back I’ll stop at Los Bagels for the traditional break-the-fast bagels (and our West Coast version of lox), then swing by Murphy’s for ingredients for my “make-up-for-all-the-calories-you-missed-while-fasting” kugel. Add matzo ball soup, and I’ll be set for sundown.

Friday: I’m blissfully meeting-free. I’ll take the bus to Eureka to meet my boss at Familia in Old Town, just in time for the kickoff of the Redwood Coast Music Festival at noon. The event has grown so much over the years — expanding venues, days, and lineups to attract not just locals but visitors who shop, dine, and stay in our hotels. I’ll bus back to Arcata in time to support the Hounds of Humboldt Dog Party fundraiser. (No, I won’t bring our ancient, poorly behaved beagle, but I’ll cheer on Gloria Baker and her dream business. You should, too.)

Saturday: One of my favorite Arcata events — Pastels on the Plaza. I’ll walk over, watch artists transform the square, and grab some produce at the Farmers’ Market. Later I’ll bus back to Eureka for Arts Alive, catch more Redwood Coast Music Festival sets, and end the night at Kaptain’s Quarters for Radio Clash. I’ll catch a ride home from friends, because even though I have been told to the contrary, I don’t trust that there is a robust Uber network here in Humboldt.

Sunday: Porchfest is happening over in Sunny Brae, so I’ll hop on my bike with my kid, who is also becoming a lover of live music, and head over there to walk the neighborhood, meet us with friends and listen to some bands.

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Of course, I recognize this week is an anomaly. Most of the time I’m traveling across Humboldt — from Benbow to Ferndale to Eureka — and often lugging tables, equipment and brochures. Going fully car-free simply isn’t feasible. And having lived in Orleans for a decade, I know firsthand how challenging transportation is in rural communities. I’m fortunate to treat this as an experiment, not a daily necessity.

That said, I appreciate Arcata’s walkability and the privilege of being able to live in a place where so much is within reach. Our bus system has improved tremendously, though it still struggles with late-night service and Sunday gaps. Hopefully those will change soon. And our trail network — linking cities and communities — is a true gem. I’m grateful to the people who made it happen, and I love seeing it in use.

So, thank you, Colin and CRTP, for nudging me this year. I think I’ll do better than in 2023 — and definitely better than 2024.

Meredith Matthews is a member of the Arcata City Council and executive director of the Humboldt Lodging Alliance.

Terence Hugh Liles
August 7, 1936 – September 10, 2025

Terence Hugh Liles, 89, of Eureka, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 10, 2025.

Born in Kent, Oklahoma, on August 7, 1936, to Charles Amos Liles and Katherine Elizabeth Kerwin, Terence grew up in Texas and later Riverside, California. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Carma Jean Wyrick, and in 1963 they moved to Eureka, California where together they raised six children — Michael, Mary, Theresa, Matthew, Anthony and Terry.

Terence worked many years for Simpson Timber and later as an electrician and handyman. He was a hardworking, independent, and private man who loved reading, westerns, and woodworking projects in his garage workshop. In 1978, he gave his life to Jesus Christ, a decision that shaped the rest of his days. His greatest joy was the family that he and Carma Jean made together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Carma Jean, and his daughter Mary. He is survived by his children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will forever remember his strength, convictions, and love.

Terence lived a long and full life, and his family takes comfort knowing he is reunited with his wife and in the presence of his Savior.

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PREVIOUSLY

• With Its Maine Project Dead, Nordic Aquafarms is Seeking New Investors and Facing a Longer Timeline for Its Land-Based Fish Factory on the Samoa Peninsula
• Coastal Commission Approves Humboldt Bay Seawater Intake System Upgrades Needed for Nordic Aquafarms Project
• Nordic Aquafarms Celebrates Coastal Commission Denial of Five Appeals to Samoa Fish Farm
• Coastal Commission OKs Wastewater Discharge Permit for Nordic Aquafarms’ Onshore Fish Farm
• Water Quality Board Awards Wastewater Discharge Permit for Nordic Aquafarms’ Planned Peninsula Facility
• Salmon OUT, Yellowtail IN: Nordic Aquafarms Announces Species Switch-Up at its Planned Humboldt Facility

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Is the Nordic Aquafarms project dead? 

It has been six months since the Norwegian company’s executives last spoke on the record about the project, and the Humboldt Bay Harbor District is being conspicuously tight-lipped about where things stand. The resulting dearth of new information has led to deep uncertainty about the much-heralded proposal to build a $650 million recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility on the Samoa Peninsula. 

Back in April, Nordic’s stateside CEO, Brenda Chandler, and local project manager, Scott Thompson, told the Outpost that the company was seeking new investors and projecting a longer project timeline amid turmoil in international financial markets and more complex environmental mediation requirements from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Just three months earlier, the company had cut bait on a similar project in Maine, despite having spent more than six years and tens of millions of dollars securing the necessary permits. Legal challenges from the local community (which have yet to be fully resolved) proved too costly.

Seeking an update on the local project, the Outpost reached Harbor District Executive Director Chris Mikkelsen by phone on Sept. 11. He said he’d been “working with Nordic on what outcomes could look like” but did not have anything to report yet. However, he said he had a phone meeting with the company’s Norway-based executives scheduled for the following morning. 

Later that day, though, Mikkelsen called back to say the meeting had been pushed to the following Wednesday. He also hinted at the possibility of the company bailing on the project altogether.

“At the end of the day it’s a fully permitted project, so we would market the project to other users,” he said, though he acknowledged that the project’s value is dependent on keeping the environmental permits valid. 

We called Mikkelsen back after the meeting was scheduled to take place, but he did not return the call. In fact, over the next two and a half weeks Mikkelsen did not respond to a series of phone messages, a text and an email. Finally, earlier today, he sent the following reply via email:

I do not have any substantive updates to provide you concerning the Nordic project. Our team continues to have productive discussions with Nordic about the project, the entitlement vesting schedules, and the challenges surrounding the current global market conditions. As soon as I have a firm update or announcement, I will be happy to share that with you.  However, as of right now, I am not in a position to disclose additional details. Thanks for your understanding.

Members of the Harbor District’s board of commissioners, including Aaron Newman and Stephen Kullmann, also declined to say anything substantive. The former noted that Nordic has been “so challenged” by regulatory requirements but referred all questions to Mikkelsen.

The company itself regularly posted links to local news coverage and Humboldt-specific updates to its website until October of last year, when the posts abruptly stopped. 

Chandler, Nordic’s former U.S. CEO, is no longer with the company. Thompson, who appears to be the only remaining Nordic employee in the United States, said he’s unable to comment on the record. Emails to Norway-based CEO Lars Henrik Haaland received no reply.

Humboldt County’s First District supervisor, Rex Bohn, believes the company has indeed given up on the project.

“I understand they’ve thrown the towel in but nobody wants to admit it,” he said via phone this morning. The Humboldt County Planning and Building Department has put the project “on the back shelf” and stopped any work on it, he added.

The Humboldt Bay Harbor District announced the project in February 2019, saying it would involve a massive cleanup and modernization of the agency-owned Redwood Marine Terminal II. Nordic quickly signed a 30-year lease for that property, agreeing to pay the district $20,000 per year during the planning phase, followed by a balloon payment of $500,000 and a rent increase to roughly $159,000 per year for the duration of the lease term. 

Nordic planned to complete environmental cleanup of the EPA brownfield site on the Samoa Peninsula and replace the crumbling old pulp mill infrastructure with a state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture facility that would eventually create up to 150 full-time jobs with benefits. This, combined with the proposed development an offshore wind terminal, promised to revitalize the industry and economy surrounding Humboldt Bay. 

Over the past six and a half years, Nordic Aquafarms managed to secure the necessary agency approvals and environmental permits, even conducting a full Environmental Impact Report despite the absence of a legal obligation to complete one. The company modified its plans several times — switching its product from Atlantic salmon to yellowtail kingfish, for example — but managed to survive appeals to both the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors and the California Coastal Commission. 

Still, the finish line kept getting more and more distant. To comply with the terms of an incidental take permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Nordic agreed to design a new environmental mitigation project aimed at minimizing impacts to longfin smelt, a species of fish designated as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act.

That project, which would involve construction of new wetlands in several locations, would require its own environmental permitting. Meanwhile, the Coastal Commission asked for additional underwater mitigation work to be done between the Harbor District’s two intake locations — one at Redwood Marine Terminal II and the other at the “Red Tank” dock in Samoa.

When we spoke with Chandler in April, she said the construction was likely still years away, plans had been downsized and she still had doubts.

“I’m not going to be 100 percent confident until we’re literally breaking ground,” she said at the time. Two months later she was no longer employed by Nordic. (It’s unclear whose doing that was; the Outpost was unable to reach her for this story.)

Visions of a revitalized harbor have not been entirely extinguished. Mikkelsen recently said that the Harbor District is proceeding “full steam ahead” with plans for an Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal Project despite the Trump administration’s withdrawal of more than $426 million in federal funding for the project. 

The district is looking elsewhere for that funding, and it’s looking increasingly likely that completion of a fish farm project on the Samoa Peninsula will also require a different backer.

PREVIOUSLY:

• Fortuna City Council Likely to Pass a Freeze on Mobile Home Rent Increases
• Owners of Royal Crest Mobile Home Parks Say Rent Increase Moratorium Could Lead to Litigation

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As expected, Fortuna’s city council passed a moratorium freezing increases on lot rents in mobile home parks in the city at a special meeting last night.

“We won,” said Hilary Mosher, a spokesperson for the Save Our Seniors group behind the push for the rent-stabilization ordinance (RSO) in a phone call with the Outpost. “We are ecstatic. Absolutely ecstatic. It’s historic.”

The moratorium stops park owners from raising rents until April 30, unless an RSO is adopted before then. 

The moratorium passed over the objections of the park owners, whose attorney sent a letter to the city council last week that hinted they weren’t above taking the city to court if the moratorium was enacted. 

The next steps for the council and staff will be to design an RSO for the city; Mosher said she’d drawn one up based on Humboldt County’s RSO from 2016, which anchors rent increases to the Consumer Price Index Bay Area region and to infrastructure improvements. 

Mosher said she and the other members of the SOS were grateful to the city council for hearing them out and working with them. 

“We’re calling them our heroes, right here, right now,” Mosher said. “The city council and the city staff are our heroes.”