Ana Margarida Homem
April 21, 1944 – May 26, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ana Margarida Homem, who entered eternal rest on May 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ana was born on April 21, 1944, in São Paulo, Brasil, to Francisco and Olinda Gomes. As a young girl, her family relocated to Rio de Janeiro. She often spoke fondly of her childhood, especially the days spent playing beneath the tamarind tree near her family home. Growing up alongside her siblings Nicolau, Antonio Joaquin, Afonso, Florinda, and Linda, Ana learned the values that would define her life: faith, hard work, generosity, humility and an unwavering devotion to family.

One of the most influential people in Ana’s life was her grandfather, Nicolau. Throughout her entire life, she spoke of him with tremendous admiration and respect. She often credited him for shaping her outlook on life and admired his ambition, intelligence and discipline to provide for his family. He acquired and developed properties that provided homes and opportunities for his family — many of which continue to be enjoyed by his descendants to this day. Ana was deeply proud of the legacy he created and often pointed to him as an example of what foresight, determination and hard work could accomplish. She would also speak of her grandmother Ana, whom she was named after, as being an “angel” on earth.

Another profound influence on Ana’s life was her father and mother, Francisco Gomes, a respected Portuguese fado lyricist and performer, and Olinda Gomes, a well-spoken and respected accountant. Ana often spoke lovingly of her parents and grandparents and carried their lessons with her throughout her life.

Ana was exceptionally bright from a young age and was the most educated member of her family. She earned admission to a prestigious secondary school through her academic achievements, and later pursued higher education before working at the renowned Oswaldo Cruz Institute laboratory.

It was during her years working in Rio de Janeiro that she first noticed a young butcher named Avelino Homem. Each day, she would pass his butcher shop on her way to and from the bus stop while commuting to work. Though they noticed one another, their paths had not yet formally crossed.

That changed one evening when Ana’s father was performing. Ana’s mother suggested inviting Avelino and his sister Maria José, knowing they would appreciate Portuguese music. That evening proved life-changing, as Ana and Avelino formally met for the first time.

They began dating soon afterward and they married on January 10, 1965, beginning a love story that would span more than six decades. Later that year, they immigrated to the United States. Sponsored by Avelino’s sister Gabriela Murphy and brother-in-law Robert Murphy, they settled in Arcata, California. Ana and Avelino never forgot the opportunity Bob and Gabriela provided for their young family.

Leaving Brasil was one of the most difficult moments of Ana’s life. Throughout the years, she would often tell the story of saying goodbye to her family. Even decades later, tears would fill her eyes as she recalled the heartbreak of leaving them behind. Though separated by distance, she remained deeply connected to her brasileiro roots.

Although Ana left Brasil in 1965, she never truly left her family behind. She remained a source of support, encouragement and generosity for relatives across Brasil. She believed that blessings were meant to be shared and took enormous pride in seeing her family thrive. Though she built her life in America, her love and generosity continued to reach across borders and generations, touching the lives of countless relatives throughout Brasil.

Modern technology became one of her greatest joys, and she faithfully stayed connected with family through daily WhatsApp conversations. Hardly a day passed without her checking in on her family and friends. She especially treasured the family group chat affectionately known as “Casa da Vovó Linda,” where stories, photographs and daily updates flowed constantly. Whether offering encouragement during difficult times or sharing in life’s happy moments, Ana remained a central figure in the lives of her family members across Brasil. Her voice, wisdom and unwavering love were a daily presence for those she cherished most.

Upon arriving in Arcata, Ana was embraced by Avelino’s large Portuguese family. She developed a close relationship with her mother-in-law, Amelia Homem. The two spent countless days together running errands, shopping, paying bills and sharing life’s joys and challenges. Ana often spoke of the wisdom Amelia passed down to her and treasured their bond. Amelia would often tell her, “Uma boa nora é como uma filha, ou mais” — “A good daughter-in-law is like a daughter, or more.” It was a sentiment that perfectly reflected the love and respect they shared.

Ana was a pillar of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata and could almost always be found seated in her beloved front-center pew at Sunday Mass. She generously volunteered her time supporting church activities, festas at the Portuguese Hall and community gatherings. Some of the best times of her and Avelino’s life were serving at the Portuguese hall with friends and family.

One of the first goals Ana and Avelino achieved in America was becoming citizens. Ana was immensely proud of her citizenship and grateful for the opportunities America provided her family. They fully embraced the American Dream and built a life centered on faith, family and opportunity, never forgetting the blessings they had been given or the loved ones who helped them along the way.

One of those lasting friendships was Lois Leigh, a real estate agent, who guided them in purchasing properties around Arcata. Maintaining those rentals kept them busy and led to lifelong friendships with many exceptional tenants.

Simple pleasures brought her happiness. Few things delighted her more than a beautiful sunny day — a “dia de sol.” She loved hanging laundry outside on her clothesline, tending to her home and enjoying the comforts of everyday life. She often reminded those around her, “There’s no place like home.”

Ana was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Nothing brought Ana greater joy than her family. She took immense pride in raising her four children and watching her family grow. To her grandchildren, she was simply Grandma and Vovó. She delighted in attending their activities, hearing their stories, and celebrating every milestone. Her love was constant, unconditional and deeply felt by every member of her family.

Ana’s greatest gift was caring for others. She expressed her love through food, hospitality and service. Her garage kitchen became legendary amongst all, serving as the setting for countless meals, holiday gatherings and family celebrations. She was widely known as an exceptional cook whose recipes could never quite be replicated. Many were nursed back to health with her chicken soup made with so much love. Family members often joked that every attempt to recreate her recipes somehow fell short. Ana found immense joy in bringing people together around the table. Their home was always open, their table always full, and their hearts always ready to help someone in need.

Ana’s wisdom was one of her defining traits. Family members often sought her advice, knowing she would have the perfect saying for any situation. Her memorable expressions included “Fé em Deus e pé na tábua” (“Faith in God and foot on the pedal”), “Um rei nunca perde a sua majestade” (“A king never loses his majesty”) and “I don’t want it, I don’t need it, I don’t deserve it.” Her humor, practical wisdom and one-liners became part of the fabric of family life and will continue to be repeated for generations.

Ana especially loved family vacations — the planning, the road trips, the food and the simple pleasure of being together in a new place. Over the years, Avelino and Ana visited loved ones across Brasil and Portugal and created treasured memories with close friends on cruises to Alaska, through the Panama Canal and to the Hawaiian Islands. She especially loved visiting her grandchildren who lived in the sun. Though she loved her travels, nothing brought her more joy than a day at home with Avelino.

For more than sixty-one years, Ana and Avelino shared a love that was extraordinary. They were true soulmates, best friends and constant companions. They never grew tired of talking with one another. They delighted in the simple moments, whether taking a drive, planning a vacation, dressing alike on trips, attending Mass, or simply sitting side by side at the end of the day. Together they built a family, raised children, cherished grandchildren and created a legacy rooted in love.

Following Avelino’s passing earlier this year, Ana spoke daily of how much she missed him. Though her family wished for more time, they find comfort in knowing that the reunion she longed for has finally come. The love story that began more than sixty years ago did not end with goodbye. Ana has returned to the arms of her beloved husband. As she would always say: “Meu querido, meu velho, meu amigo” — my love, my old man, my friend.

Ana was preceded in death by her beloved husband and best friend, Avelino Homem, her parents, Francisco and Olinda Gomes; her siblings Linda Gomes Cabral and Antonio Joaquin Gomes; her parents-in-law, Amelia and José Homem; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dulcinea Gomes, Sylvio Abreu da Silva, Fernando Sergio Cabral, Gabriela and Robert Murphy, Jose Homem, Fernando Lourenço, Albino Homem, David Homem, Antonio Lourenço, Maria José Dematos, Maria dos Santos Rafael and Natalia Oliveira.

She is survived by her siblings Florinda Gomes da Silva, Afonso Gomes (Neide) and Nicolau Gomes; her children Frank Homem (Betsy), Richard Homem (Wendy), Diana Cavinta (George) and Margo Shimy (Camron); her sisters-in-law Durvalina Machado, Gloria Homem, Jorlanda Lourenço, Maria de Lourdes Homem and Ana Paula Homem; her cherished grandchildren Briana Cavinta, John Homem, Dillon Homem (Nichelle), Georgie Cavinta, Mason Homem, Andrew Cavinta, Mike Homem, Gabriela Cavinta, Lucas Shimy and Liam Shimy; her beloved great-grandchild Makana Homem; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and loving relatives throughout Brasil, Portugal and the United States.

A recitation of the Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the narthex and Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

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

Ronald “Ron” Buckland
December 8, 1945 – May 19, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ronald “Ron” Buckland on May 19, 2026, at Stanford University Medical Center following complications from an aortic repair.

Ron lived a life filled with love, adventure, curiosity and appreciation for the beauty of the world around him. He was happiest outdoors, whether exploring a new destination, diving beneath the ocean’s surface, or capturing nature’s wonders through the lens of his camera. Photography was one of his greatest passions, and he had a remarkable ability to find beauty in both grand landscapes and simple everyday moments.

Ron was also a talented gardener and landscaper whose greatest creation was the home and garden he lovingly cultivated in Eureka. For more than twenty years, he poured his heart, creativity and countless hours into transforming the property into a place of beauty and peace. It was more than a project — it was an expression of who he was.

Ron proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he dedicated 34 years to Safeway while also pursuing his passion for photography. He earned an Associate degree in Photography and spent many weekends creating lasting memories for others as a wedding photographer.

Above all, Ron will be remembered for the love he gave and the joy he brought to those around him. He shared 21 wonderful years with his beloved partner, Ruth Dullanty. Together they traveled, explored, laughed, and built a life rich with friendship, companionship, and adventure. Their bond was one of deep love and devotion.

Ron is survived by Ruth; his former wife, Beverly Bingham; his daughters, Lisa, Mandie, and Holly; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Joan and Annette; and his brother, Mike. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, neighbors and loved ones whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Sarah Buckland.

For Ruth, the loss is immeasurable. “Ron was my sweetheart, my best friend, and my traveling partner,” she said. “He brought so much love, laughter, and adventure into my life. He will always be with me, in my heart and in the memories we created together.”

Though Ron’s journey has ended, the love he shared, the beauty he created, and the memories he leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at Ron and Ruth’s home on June 19, 2026, at 4 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a man who was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

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

The first election night report rolled in a few minutes ago, and while the majority of votes have yet to be counted, we find no big surprises in this initial sampling.

Mary Burke leads opponent Evan Schwartz in the race to succeed Fifth District Humboldt County Supervisor Steve Madrone with nearly 75% of the early returns to Schwartz’s 25%.

The only other contested race at the county level is for the job of assessor, where Audrey Hanks, the current deputy assessor-valuation, leads opponent Ben Larson by an even larger margin: 79.5% to 20.5%.

Every other county office-holder up for re-election is running uncontested, so the Outpost offers its preemptory congratulations to Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo, Auditor-Controller Mychal Evenson, Clerk, Recorder and Registrar of Voters Juan Pablo Cervantes, Treasurer-Tax Collector Amy Christensen and Superintendent of Schools Michael Davies-Hughes.

The results of the statewide races won’t be known for some time yet, as our friends at CalMatters explained earlier today. Humboldt’s early returns favor Democrat Tom Steyer for governor (28%), followed by Republican Steve Hilton (24%) and Democrat Xavier Becerra (19%) in a crowded field. 

You can click here to download the pdf and peruse the rest of the first report.

Around 50 people currently in front of the courthouse are demanding that Shannon Miranda, alleged to have killed and buried at least eight dogs on his Fortuna property, be arrested and imprisoned. (Miranda has not been charged with any crime, and he has denied the accusations.)

Many of them are waving posters with dogs they claim Miranda once had at his shelter, altered to make the dogs look like they’re crying.

One woman, her two French bulldogs tattooed on her arm, told the Outpost she bought a pair of handcuffs for this protest, and would use them to arrest Miranda herself if she had the chance. 

“I swallowed the key,” she said. “So he’ll never get out.”

Others at the vigil, ostensibly being held to remember the dogs many of them accuse Miranda of killing, are taking a less hands-on approach, but still say they want justice — at minimum, a full search of his property carried out by the sheriff’s office. 

“Answers, I think, would help heal the community,” another woman told the Outpost, “and I think that’s what’s important. I need to know what happened to them.”

This story will be updated.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On June 2, 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Patrol Commander with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) had left the scene of an injury traffic collision at Sixth and H Streets when he observed a silver Mazda hatchback driving at a high rate of speed on the 1400 block of I Street. The Mazda made several unsafe lane changes and began traveling in the bicycle lane past vehicles for multiple blocks. The Mazda turned east on 7th Street and continued traveling at a high rate of speed while conducting unsafe lane changes.

The Commander and a Patrol Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the driver was slow to yield and continued driving for several blocks before eventually stopping near the intersection of Fifth and S Streets.

The driver was identified as 41-year-old Liesel Norman of Eureka. Norman was taken into custody for reckless driving.

A record’s check revealed Norman is currently on probation. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers located suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Norman was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges including reckless driving, possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics, and violation of probation.

EPD would like to remind motorists to drive safely and responsibly. Reckless driving behaviors, including unsafe lane changes, excessive speed, and failure to obey traffic laws, place everyone on the roadway at risk and will result in your arrest. Drivers are encouraged to remain attentive, follow all traffic regulations, and help keep Eureka’s streets safe for all road users.

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Up the Eel River, far from where Ferndale dairymen awake on dark mornings, beyond redwoods cloaked in fog, past abandoned train cars and the river canyon’s collapsed tunnels, and well into the chaparral hills of Mendocino and Lake counties, sits the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.

It has diverted water from the Eel for over a century, and sits 160 miles from the river’s mouth.

To some, the project’s two dams, diversion infrastructure and defunct hydroelectric parts stapled onto a piece of the 200-mile Eel represents the promise of the next great dam removal project, something that will open up hundreds of miles of upstream habitat for fish and help restore decimated salmon runs the North Coast has historically relied on.

To others, the dam removal effort represents the meddling of NGOs and a massive utility in a scheme that will mean less water to rural farmers in Potter Valley when they need it most, and change the supply of thousands more downstream that have grown used to it.

In a flight hosted by environmental groups, the Outpost flew in a single-engine Cessna 210 Friday and saw the project with a birds-eye view.

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Myself and Outpost photographer Isabella Vanderheiden were nestled in the warm plane behind a candidate for state Senate and a Mendocino County supervisor hopeful.

We took selfies in green headsets. A voice told us the sky above Ukiah’s Municipal Airport was clear.

As the plane accelerated we watched parked pleasure crafts and FedEx vans whip past us. Ukiah’s buildings grew smaller as we lifted off. The little plane jolted and Isabella and I braced in our unfamiliarity with small aircraft.

We rose over a line of hills that march east of U.S. 101 in Mendocino County, with the waters of Lake County in the distance. We were told about a vision for the region environmental organizations have been dreaming of for thirty years.

Three groups who are pushing for dam removal — the Environmental Protection Information Center, Friends of the Eel River and CalTrout — put together the tour with EcoFlight.

As we flew over Potter Valley, where the headwaters of the east branch of the Russian River originate, I noticed the area is relatively small. It’s just about 12 square miles, peppered with a few ponds of water and a series of green fields.

The valley has been at the heart of a political movement opposing dam removal.

Alicia Hamann, executive director of Friends of the Eel River, told us the water there is mostly used to irrigate pasturelands.

“Even in drought years, they’re often able to take three cuttings of alfalfa, which is — for any of you who are familiar with the farming landscape — that’s relatively unheard of,” she said.

This agricultural area would still be getting water in a proposed two-basin solution, an agreement recently penned by involved groups across the state to allow for diversions to continue alongside PG&E’s plan for dam removal.

But the deal hinges these post-dam diversions on flows for fish, something new that environmental groups and Humboldt County representatives pushed for in the agreement signed last year. In the driest parts of the year, both fish and farmers need flows tapped from the Eel. Further south, people in Mendocino and Sonoma counties use the water diverted into the Russian River.

The project and water rights are owned by PG&E, but Potter Valley stopped producing electricity for the utility in July 2021.

Hamann pointed out the barn-like, broken powerhouse in the north part of the valley from above, surrounded by agricultural fields. PG&E previously estimated it would cost $10-15 million to rebuild the facility, she said.

“If anyone were to try to restart electrical generation there, they’re looking at a pretty sizeable price tag to get it even to a functional state,” she said.

We flew over where a tunnel through the mountain connects the Cape Horn dam to the Russian River, where an average of somewhere around 40,000 acre-feet of Eel River water is diverted annually.

Environmental groups have largely been concerned about the impacts of the dams on aquatic wildlife, and say 288 miles of potential salmon- and steelhead-rearing habitat is waiting for them above Scott Dam, which is presently impossible for fish to get past.

Hamann told us she’s been reflecting on how short, in an evolutionary timescale, the ecosystem of these waterways has existed.

Cape Horn Dam and the diversion tunnel were completed in 1908, while Scott Dam and Lake Pillsbury were completed in 1922. The lengthy Eel River historically supported the third-largest runs of salmon and steelhead in California, according to CalTrout.

The 63-foot-tall Cape Horn dam, about 12 miles upriver of the larger Scott Dam, has a fish ladder.

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But the ladder “has had quite a few problems,” said Hamann. She said some fish issues have been addressed over the years, with an improved stream intake, a mechanism to stop clogs in the ladder and a tube for Pacific Lamprey (the namesake of the Eel, albeit erroneous).

Before the tube was installed, she watched lamprey try to migrate the fish ladder using their sucker mouths, before falling off again.

Unfortunately for fish, the ladder also serves as an “all you can eat buffet” for predators, she noted, who can wait at the spot to snatch dinner.

More so than feasting otters, the biggest problem for fish in the area, says Hamann, is the inter-dam reach, the 12-mile area of the mainstem Eel between the two dams.

“The habitat is pretty severely degraded,” she said.

Water temperatures affected by the dams are an issue, she says, particularly for juvenile salmon. Plus, there’s not a natural flow of sediment in this section and invasive pikeminnows thrive in the slow water and warm temperatures and eat native fish.

The pikeminnow was introduced into Lake Pillsbury (the reservoir made by Scott Dam) in the 1970s. The species is known to eat salmonids, and environmental groups say they’re a primary cause of the decline of salmon in the river.

But as we flew above a sharp rock on a hillside above the river, Bloody Rock, Hamann said the site represents the most hopeful part of the story for fish.

“What’s really, really cool is that Bloody Rock, that area is a partial barrier to migratory fish, and what they’ve found is that the trout that live up there in that part of the watershed actually maintain genetics to be anadromous fish, and in fact, to be summer steelhead,” she said.

Once these fish get back to the sea, says Hamann, their offspring could take on that life history in their genetics and become summer steelhead in practice. (The Eel River summer steelhead is listed as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act).

The area around the rock is “some of the best habitat in the entire watershed,” she said. Stream temperatures remain appropriate for salmonids, and the area is just right for spawning and rearing.

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Jane Pargiter, executive director of Colorado-based nonprofit EcoFlight, told the Outpost flights like these help provide an objective view of environmental issues, by showing off key landscapes in policy decisions.

After a successful landing I spoke with candidate for District 2 State Senate Damon Connolly, who wants to represent the North Coast including Lake, Mendocino and Humboldt counties. He said seeing the infrastructure and communities from above was helpful.

He spoke in support of the approach of the “two-basin solution,” an agreement that puts fish health and water diversion on equal footing.

“I appreciate the level of work that went into it — I think the task at hand now is how to effectuate the solution,” he said.

Under the two-basin solution, he pointed to benefits to habitat and environment, river flow, while also addressing issues that are part of the negotiated solution around maintaining water supply to communities to the south.

When asked about recent news that the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, which serves around 160,000 residential and commercial users in western Riverside County, is in talks about taking over the project, he said he found it unacceptable.

“The notion that somehow a Southern California water district is going to inject itself into the situation in our communities is unacceptable, to me,” he said.

And federal cabinet members have spoken in support of this plan.

“One is left to wonder if it’s political theater from this administration, if it’s real. I believe we need to at least assume that we need to take it seriously and react accordingly,” he said, noting he’s been in conversation with Rep. Jared Huffman, who announced an investigation into the Trump Administration’s role in the district’s involvement.

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District 2 State Senate candidate Damon Connolly poses for a photo at the Ukiah Municipal Airport after an flight over the Potter Valley project. 

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These days, PG&E is knee-deep in the long, drawn out regulatory process required to decommission a dam. PG&E filed the paperwork to pursue relicensing of the project in 2019, citing high operational costs.

In 2025, after no other groups told the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the agency in charge of approving the dam decommissioning plan) they wanted to take over the project, PG&E filed a final License Surrender Application and Decommissioning Plan.

Meanwhile, for almost a decade, a group of various agencies have been hashing out the future of diversion under the two-basin solution, with help from Rep. Jared Huffman.

This includes the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California Trout, Eel-Russian Project Authority, Humboldt County, Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission, Round Valley Indian Tribes, Sonoma County, Sonoma County Water Agency and Trout Unlimited, who signed onto a historic deal last year.

But a push against this agreement has picked up. Lake County leadership have been speaking out against the plan, alongside a spread of Potter Valley residents and those who own property around the reservoirs.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins filed a notice to intervene in the FERC process last year, and more recently has tweeted in support of talks with Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.

Despite this push, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has recently indicated it would eliminate alternatives other than PG&E’s proposal, according to reporting from the Press Democrat.

Environmentalists are hopeful the Trump administration’s meddling won’t stop dam removal.

“Regardless of that tweet, this is all that’s officially on the table,” said CalTrout’s Charlie Schneider, who leads the environmental nonprofit’s effort to remove the dams. He gets the impression FERC largely stays out of the political thicket.

PG&E won’t be done with this latest phase in the process for the next few years. A first draft of a surrender order is expected in possibly 2028 or 2029.

Ultimately, enviros see dam removal as essential to restoring the Eel River.

It is estimated that less than 5% of the historical fish population remains in the Eel. A massive drop in salmon in Humboldt County and California at large have shaped the communities who’ve traditionally lived off the fish.

Schneider said in an email it’s difficult to tease out the impacts of the dams from other factors, like historic logging, overfishing or cannabis. But he said the issues compound.

“If a fish can’t spawn in the headwaters, and has to survive pikeminnow, and has a degraded estuary, it makes it really hard to survive. So we think about this issues in aggregate,” he said.

“But, we also know things are not going well, and the headwaters are really important for spawning chinook and for spawning and rearing steelhead, so dam removal is the most important single action we can take to recover fish,” he said.

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Mattole Road is a long, hard drive. Cars with lackluster engines and weak drivetrains struggle to clear the steep climbs — drivers who haven’t bothered to replace thinning brake pads could have the opposite problem on the way down. Riding it on a bicycle is hellish, but every fall, during the 100-mile Tour of the Unknown Coast, (once marketed as “California’s Toughest Century) hundreds of people would do it anyway, grinding up hills so steep they look vertical from the bottom, sailing down them at teeth-rattling speeds  — but after several years of struggling with tax issues, the race is no more. 

Founded in the late ‘70s, the TUC, as participants called it, ran until 2024, though some years the event wasn’t held. Racers started in Ferndale, and would ride down to the Avenue of the Giants, over to Petrolia and up Mattole Road back to Ferndale, riding over 9,000 feet of elevation gain in about 100 miles. In many years, there were also shorter events. 

Race organizers sent out an announcement on May 15, informing interested riders that the event wasn’t going to be held in 2026. The TUC wasn’t held in 2025 either, but the notice sent out last month made it clear that the event was gone for good. “At this time we will be closing the affairs of the non-profit and not hosting the Tour of the Unknown Coast event again,” it reads. “We truly hope the legacy lives on by people continuing to ride the legendary course and enjoying time on their bikes all along the North Coast.” 

The TUC was operated by a 501(c)(3) organization, called Tour of the Unknown Coast Inc. Every year, tax-exempt nonprofits have to file IRS Form 990, which details its expenses and revenues. If they don’t, the IRS can revoke its tax-exempt status. The IRS revokes it automatically after three years without filing, which appears to be the case for TUC Inc. The IRS posted a notice on the IRS’ webpage detailing TUC Inc.’s finances — which are public record — in March 2023, saying that the organization had failed to file Form 990 for three straight years and its tax-exempt status was rescinded.

Reached by phone yesterday, Chris Johnson, co-owner of outdoor gear store Adventure’s Edge and a member of TUC Inc.’s board at the time of its demise, confirmed that was the case. Johnson, along with four others, took over the nonprofit’s board of directors early last year. They were unaware of the non-filing issues, he said, and they couldn’t manage to convince the IRS to give them a break. (The last 990 TUC Inc. filed was in 2017.) Johnson declined to say who the other four people were. 

Sean Tetrault, co-owner of Revolution Bicycles, who was on the board for about six years until 2019 or so, told the Outpost the responsibility probably just “fell through the cracks.” TUC Inc. had, at one point, as many as a dozen members responsible for keeping it running. They were paid, and the board’s treasurer was also a CPA. (The TUC stopped filing its 990s around the same time the CPA left the board.) By the late 2010s, there were about half as many board members, all volunteers. They didn’t always have a lot of time to dedicate to the TUC. 

Johnson didn’t place any blame on the previous members of the board, who he said had done a good job of keeping the race running and fun. (“The previous board, and everybody else, did a great job for a long time,” he said. “…I don’t want to put a bad word on anybody here in this situation.”) What really damaged the event’s long-term feasibility was simply a declining number of participants. The tour attracted as many as 3,000 riders every year during its heyday in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Johnson said, and even as late as 2010 there were often as many as 500 people riding the 100-miler. In 2024, there were only 70. Gravel and mountain biking races have surged in popularity since the Covid pandemic, siphoning riders away from more traditional road races. 

Many riders were from out-of-town, Johnson said, and the growing number of events elsewhere meant people weren’t forced to travel to Humboldt to compete. Many riders come north from the Bay Area, and a closer race in Napa or Mendocino shaves off a few hours of travel. The Grasshopper Adventure Series, a circuit of events around the North Coast, was forced to cancel another event in Humboldt, the Lost Coast Hopper, this year as well. Local interest dwindled too, and at the same time, the price to put on an event of the TUC’s size and complexity increased dramatically. 300 people paying even $100 to ride would barely break even. 

Tetrault also pointed out that when the board members earned a stipend, they could spend time nailing down sponsorships for the race and engaging with the community, something often beyond a volunteer’s capabilities. Less time available for getting sponsors meant less money invested in the event meant fewer riders. 

Tetrault said he’d miss it.

“Not every event can just go on forever, and unfortunately, lots of events fade away,” Johnson said. “People do different things over time, and events change, and, you know, boards can do what they can to try and keep events going, but eventually, those with low interest — they just fade away.”

Various past TUC board members did not respond to requests for comment.