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In response to ongoing issues with illegal dumping along Eureka’s waterfront, the city is looking to install a gate on Marina Way, between “B” Dock and the Wharfinger Building, to prevent overnight vehicle access. The gate will be locked from dusk til dawn, but pedestrians will still have access to the parking area during the day.

The Coastal Development Permit request, submitted by the City of Eureka to its own staff, was approved by the Development Services Director Cristin Kenyon during a public hearing on Monday afternoon. The permit request does not require additional discretionary permits and, as such, does not require review from the city’s planning commission or city council, though the decision can be appealed to either body within 10 days.

During the hearing, City Manager Miles Slattery emphasized that the decision to install a gate “has nothing to do with people that are camping” along the waterfront. “It has solely to do with the amount of resources that we’ve been expending in this area,” he said, later adding that the city has spent “thousands and thousands of dollars in staff time” to address illegal dumping. 

“Now, is that illegal dumping happening only from community members experiencing homelessness? Not at all,” he continued. “The vast majority of the larger material we have there is coming from people [who] are housed and come in there and make illegal dumps.”

If you are among the concerned community members who contacted both the city and the Outpost to express concern about the new gate and what it might mean for your waterfront lunchtime ritual, Slattery says you’ve got nothing to be worried about. 

“This will not affect that in any way, shape or form,” he said. “It’s totally for the purpose of making sure that we’re not spending an inordinate amount of resources in cleaning up an area.”

For a few years now, the city has used a “Lot Cop” to keep an eye on traffic along Marina Way, but now that the city is facing a “budget crisis,” it will have to ditch the surveillance system, Slattery said. “We’re getting rid of two of our Lot Cops, so we won’t have the ability to do that anymore.”

During public comment, community members Sarah Torres and Sandra Warshaw expressed concern about the city’s unhoused population, especially people who park their vehicles and camp along Marina Way. 

“I do think it is harsh of the city to propose a gate when people who are in vehicles and, for whatever reasons, cannot go to the [Rescue] Mission [and] cannot use Betty Chinn’s services,” Torres said. “Maybe put a pause on it until we have a place for people to camp — legally or illegally — in their vehicles.”

Slattery reiterated that the area behind the gate will still be accessible to the public. On the note of camping, he added, “It’s never been legal for them to camp there, but it’s not like we’re out there arresting people for camping there.”

Director Kenyon acknowledged the “tricky situation” that arises when balancing environmental resources and public use, but said the gate would “minimize the impact [of dumping] to the extent feasible.”

She agreed to approve the coastal development with a small clarification to address apparent confusion around when dawn and dusk occur. (Dawn=sunrise and dusk=sunset — you’re welcome!)

You can read the full proposal at this link.

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• Search Warrant Served at Miranda’s Rescue Amid Allegations of Felony Animal Abuse, Fraud and Conspiracy

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Cities in the Eel River Valley are placing their contracts with Miranda’s Rescue on pause, after the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation of the Fortuna-based animal rescue operation on Friday evening.

The cities of Fortuna, Ferndale and Rio Dell each have contracts with the nonprofit for animal control services — to take care of strays and other animals that end up in city custody — and each say they will be suspending those arrangements for the time being.

On Monday, Ferndale City Manager Kristene Hall sent a letter to Shannon Miranda, the president and founder of the organization, saying that the city would not be sending animals to the organization’s headquarters on Drake Hill Road in Fortuna, pending the outcome of the investigation:

Effective immediately, and pending the effective date of termination, the City is suspending all referrals, deliveries, and placement of animals with Miranda’s Rescue due to the pending criminal investigation and the City’s resulting concerns regarding continuity of services, animal welfare, and compliance with applicable contractual and legal requirements.

Hall added that the Ferndale Police Chief would be in touch with Miranda’s Rescue “regarding the status and disposition of any City animals currently in your care, including records relating to receipt, treatment, disposition, transfer, adoption, euthanasia, or release of such animals.”

In a letter to members of the Ferndale City Council, the city manager said that she and the police chief would be looking at installing equipment at the police station, so that the city could look after its own strays.

Fortuna Police Chief Matt Eberhardt and Rio Dell City Manager Kyle Knopp each confirmed to the Outpost that their cities had similar contracts with Miranda’s Rescue, and would likewise stop sending stray animals to the organization while the Sheriff’s Office’s investigation was underway.

Records from Rio Dell show that the city has been paying Miranda’s Rescue a flat fee of $1,900 per month for caring for animals that end up in city custody.

Miranda’s Rescue — founded by Shannon Miranda in 1998 — has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the county’s preeminent animal-related charities. Local obituaries frequently ask mourners to donate to the organization in the name of the deceased.

In a press release issued Saturday, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office wrote that it had “received credible information regarding allegations of felony animal abuse, animal cruelty, fraud and conspiracy” before serving a search warrant at the nonprofit’s headquarters on Drake Hill Road in Fortuna.

Reached today, the Sheriff’s Office said it didn’t have any additional comment on the matter at this time. A voicemail left at Miranda’s Rescue’s main phone number was not returned before publication.

Local service providers are grappling with new work requirements that recipients of CalFresh will have to meet over the coming months.

Organizations in Eureka are bolstering training programs and coordinating volunteer opportunities, aiming to help people meet requirements their food security depends on.

Still, thousands are expected to lose benefits, something projected to add strain to the local hunger safety net.

Incoming requirements could kick 3,500 local people off CalFresh

Starting June 1 in California, adults from ages 18-64 will have to work, volunteer or train at least 80 hours a month to keep food benefits, with some exceptions.

Alisha Babel, Humboldt County’s CalFresh program manager, said the county has had a waiver for decades exempting people here from work rules, due to the area’s high unemployment rate.

But now, so-called “Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents” will need to meet work requirements to get benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period.

Babel said people will have to meet these requirements once they renew their benefits, meaning it could be up to a year before some will see the change. But anyone newly applying for CalFresh will have to meet these standards after June 1.

There are a few exceptions. People who are disabled, homeless, students in school more than half time, pregnant, or have children under 14 aren’t subject to these requirements. Click here to find exemptions.

These requirements for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, were put into law in July 2025’s H.R. 1. When fully implemented, up to 4 million people may lose some or all of their food assistance, according to Congressional Budget Office estimates.

In Humboldt County, about 3,500 people are expected to be affected by the change, according to a county estimate.

According to a recent UC Davis Labor and Community Center report, 22.5% of Humboldt County residents aged 18 to 59 were enrolled in CalFresh in 2024. That’s more than double the statewide rate.

Local organizations prepare for new requirements

To prepare for the changes, local service providers are getting their ducks in a row to help people meet the demands.

Uplift Eureka, which regularly offers trainings to help people get jobs, is relaunching their Job Skills Training Program in June. The program, funded by a CalTrans grant, will have participants pick up litter, learn mural painting from artist Lucas Thornton and attend classroom training on job skills.

“We’re already outreaching to potential participants that might be interested in this to make sure that they are aware that this is available. And we’re working closely with the county to make sure that they know that this is a program that will meet those work requirements,” said Sierra Wood, Uplift’s community resources program coordinator.

Workers at Uplift Eureka’s Community Resource Center host periodical Pathway to Payday training sessions, and offer general access to training on interview skills and phones and computers to help people get jobs.

Uplift is preparing a system to link people with local organizations to volunteer at to meet the requirements.

“We can help them identify which organizations are seeking volunteers and how many hours they’re looking for, what the work would be, connecting them directly with those organizations, and then assisting them with completing the time tracking requirements that the county requires,” said Wood. She said this — along with training — will help people working part time supplement their hours to meet the requirement.

Uplift’s Eureka’s computers pictured in 2025, which people can use to apply for jobs. Photo: Andrew Goff

Meanwhile, the County is aiming to refer as many people as possible to a county CalFresh employment training. Eligibility specialists there have been preparing for months to implement and walk people through the new requirements.

Still, staff at Uplift are not expecting to be able to help everyone keep their benefits — and social workers say they are concerned with the work requirements themselves.

Wood said local chains often keep people working low hours. Clients of the resource center struggle to match job schedules with bus schedules and childcare.

“It’s a difficult time to find work as well,” she added.

Those in rural areas of the county are particularly expected to struggle to meet requirements, with limited job or volunteer opportunities or internet access.

And because of the paperwork, which Wood said puts the onus on the recipient who is already experiencing financial insecurity, there’s a chance people will opt to give up their benefits.

“Food insecurity is a huge issue here, and oftentimes these benefits are what some people are solely using to get food. They don’t have their own income to rely on, so they’re using CalFresh benefits and then different food pantries like Food for People. So losing access to this means not having adequate meals, not having nutritious meals,” said Wood.

Jeff Davis, Uplift project manager, said alongside other decisions at the federal level, some will see a spread of their benefits go away.

“Their health care, their food and their housing might all be simultaneously impacted by actions at the federal level, and it could be catastrophic,” he said.

Food For People hopes changes can still be reversed

Humboldt County’s food bank expects these requirements to jack up use of the food bank, which the organization saw late last year when SNAP benefits were delayed during a government shutdown.

They’re expecting wide ripple effects from changes in H.R. 1, if they are solidified in an upcoming piece of legislation.

“It’s scary for anyone out there who is in the food security world, because food insecurity, hunger is only going up, even before these changes have started,” said Carly Robbins, executive director of Food for People.

“We’re all seeing it. Food costs more, housing, gas, all of that costs more. So getting the food you need on the table has only become harder for the average American,” she said.

The House passed a version of the bill locking in the $187 billion in cuts to SNAP last week.

Senate Democrats are pushing for SNAP changes enacted in H.R. 1 to be amended, amid ongoing debates over long-deferred updates to the Farm Bill, which funds the vast majority of the SNAP program.

In a statement, Food For People said the Farm Bill changes that will threaten food security include increased state administrative cost, SNAP benefit cost-sharing for states, and the $187 billion in cuts to SNAP.

Food For People is hopeful the changes can be walked back under the Farm Bill.

“Food banks cannot tackle food security alone. For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP delivers nine,” Food For People’s statement said. 

Babel, from Humboldt County, emphasized eligibility specialists are there to answer questions and support people through the paperwork.

“We’ll definitely be looking at the regulations so that we can maintain eligibility for as many people as possible,” said Babel.

For those in Eureka interested in being linked with employment programs, Uplift Eureka’s resource center is located at located at 1111 E Street and their phone number is 707-441-4242.

Isabella Vanderheiden contributed to this report

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On May 4th, 2026, Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Agents observed Elsheleke Giddens travel from Humboldt County to the Bay Area. Upon Giddens’ return, Agents conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle. Giddens is on formal probation with a search and seizure clause for HS11351 (cocaine sales) from a previous HCDTF case.

Giddens was detained without incident and his vehicle was searched. Fortuna Police K9 Cain alerted to the rear of Giddens’ vehicle, indicating narcotics were inside. Agents searched the area and located a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of cocaine.

Giddens was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

• HS11351: Possession of cocaine for sales
• HS11352: Transporting cocaine for sales
• HS11352(B): Transportation of a controlled substance (noncontiguous counties)
• PC1203.2: Violation of probation

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On May 4, 2026, officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) were conducting proactive enforcement as part of a Department of Justice (DOJ) Tobacco Grant operation in the area of Fourth and J Streets. This effort was conducted in collaboration with Operation Gateway 101, a proactive initiative focused on improving traffic safety and quality of life along the U.S. Highway 101 corridor.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., EPD’s School Resource Officer (SRO) and Mental Health (MIST) officer observed a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction between the driver of a silver Mercedes-Benz and a pedestrian near a gas station in the 1100 block of Fourth Street.

The driver, identified as 59-year-old Clayton Winfrey of Eureka, attempted to leave the area but was stopped for an additional traffic violation. Upon contact, officers observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Winfrey then fled westbound on Fourth Street toward Broadway. Officers initiated a pursuit but briefly lost sight of the vehicle as it turned onto Broadway.

Shortly thereafter, an EPD K9 officer located the vehicle traveling southbound near Railroad Avenue. The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Del Norte Street and Railroad Avenue, and Winfrey fled on foot into nearby brush, where he was seen discarding items. The K9 unit was deployed, and officers pursued on foot. With a coordinated response from multiple officers, Winfrey surrendered before the K9 was used for apprehension.

Officers recovered cash and a significant quantity of narcotics that Winfrey had discarded in the brush. In total, approximately 38.25 grams of methamphetamine and 14.48 grams of fentanyl were seized.

Winfrey was taken into custody and booked on felony charges, including evading a peace officer, possession of narcotics for sale, transportation of a controlled substance for sale, and possession of a controlled substance. This arrest highlights the intent and effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts and specialized units working together to improve the overall quality of life within the community. EPD remains committed to addressing quality of life and traffic related safety issues through proactive policing and targeted operations.

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• Sheriff’s Office Announces ‘Saturation Patrols’ in the Hoopa Area, Highlights Some Arrests Made to Date

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On May 4, 2026, at approximately 6:50 p.m., deputies conducting saturation patrol operations in the Hoopa area arrested 32-year-old Orico Bailey at Lucky Bear Casino on an outstanding felony bench warrant. During the contact, Bailey was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was confirmed to be on probation.

At approximately 6:55 p.m., deputies contacted 30-year-old Miranda Moering across the street from the casino, who was found to have two out-of-county warrants. Moering was taken into custody without incident. Both individuals were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

• Orico Bailey: PC 978.5 Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear on Felony Charge, HS 11377(a) Possession of a Controlled Substance, PC 1203.2(a) Probation Violation
• Miranda Moering: PC 978.5 Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear on Felony Charge, PC 978.5 Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear on Misdemeanor Charge

At approximately 9:57 p.m., additional deputies assigned to the Hoopa saturation patrol were driving in the 12700 block of State Highway 96 when they observed a vehicle with a mechanical violation. They initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 400 block of Tish Tang Road. Deputies were advised that the vehicle was an unreported-stolen vehicle and that another deputy was in the process of taking the stolen vehicle report. The vehicle failed to yield to the vehicle’s emergency lights and siren, resulting in a brief vehicle pursuit. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and deputies identified the driver as 23-year-old Ruben Williams.

During the investigation, deputies detected the odor of alcohol emanating from Williams and requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol to conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) evaluation. Based on the CHP’s evaluation, their preliminary investigation, and statements, deputies arrested Williams.

Also present in the vehicle were a 15-year-old male juvenile and a 21-year-old male passenger. The juvenile was released into the custody of the 21-year-old passenger, who was determined to be his brother.

Williams was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

• VC 10851 Take Vehicle w/o Owner’s Consent/Vehicle Theft
• VC 23152(a) DUI
• VC 23152(b) DUI Alcohol / 0.08 Percent or More
• VC 2800.1 Evading Peace Officer
• PC 273A(b) Child Abuse without GBI
• VC 12500(a) Drive w/o License

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive patrol operations within the Hoopa area. These efforts are strategic and directly address community concerns regarding ongoing criminal activity impacting the Hoopa Valley. We will continue to strengthen and support our partnership with the Hoopa Tribal Community as we work collaboratively to enhance public safety and protect residents throughout the valley.

Anyone with information about these cases or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• CHARBURGER INCOMING! Habit Burger to Set Up Shop at the Old Sizzler Location in Eureka
• Long-Delayed Habit Burger Is, In Fact, Still Coming to Eureka, as Is a LOCAL Smashburger Joint

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The Eureka branch of Habit Burger was announced two and a half years ago, underwent a quick spurt of construction, sat there for a long time doing nothing, and then was finally finished. People stopped believing in it. 

But here it is.

Press release from Habit Burger

Habit, the California-based restaurant company renowned for its award-winning Charburgers grilled over an open flame, signature sandwiches, fresh salads, and more, announces today the launch of their latest Northern California drive-thru restaurant opening in Eureka, California. The new restaurant’s address is 1917 5th St., Eureka, CA 95501. Their famous “Habit Hospitality” will be served to the public starting Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

In honor of their grand opening, Habit will host exclusive pre-opening VIP events for their MyHabit and mobile app members. Guests can receive an invite to this exclusive sneak peek by signing up at https://order.habitburger.com/.

VIP Event Details:

Free Charburger Day (Saturday, May 9): The first 200 guests at 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. will receive a free freshly made Charburger, fries, and drink. Must be a MyHabit member and present VIP invitation.

Free Habit Day (Monday, May 11): The first 200 guests at 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. will receive a free chargrilled meal from one of our pre-set menus. Must be a MyHabit member and present VIP invitation.

Free Habit Day (Tuesday, May 12): The first 200 guests at 11:30 a.m. Must be a MyHabit member and present VIP invitation.

“We couldn’t be more fired up to open Habit in the gorgeous city of Eureka,” said Chef Jason Triail, Executive Chef at Habit. “We love the strong sense of community, the beautiful hiking trails, and all the amazing and historic landmarks. Can’t wait to fire up the grill and serve our charburgers, sandwiches stacked high, and those craveable sides our fans keep coming back for.”

The new Eureka restaurant will offer dine-in, drive-thru, and takeout services; delivery will be available via the Habit Mobile App and online at order.habitburger.com. Guests also have additional convenient ordering options, including state-of-the-art indoor self-serve kiosks and delivery through Grubhub, DoorDash, Postmates, and Uber Eats.

Habit was named in Thrillist’s list of “Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!” With its cooked-to-order mantra, Habit’s open flame sears a distinctive smoky flavor into their famous Charburgers, fresh marinated chicken, and sushi-grade ahi tuna. Guests at Habit can always count on freshly-made, handcrafted quality served up with genuine hospitality.

Dining Room Hours: Sun - Thu 10:00-10:00.  F & Sat 10:00-11:00

Connect with Habit: Social media at FB, IG, TikTok, and LinkedIn

About The Habit Restaurants, Inc. Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill quickly gained a devoted following for its Charburgers, cooked to order over an open flame. Since then, the menu has grown far beyond burgers, offering a fresh take on Californian-inspired flavors. Guests can choose from a meaningful selection of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salad bowls topped with hot, chargrilled chicken, and creamy handspun shakes, all made fresh and cooked to order.

Habit has earned notable recognition over the years, including its Double Char being ranked #1 twice by USA Today 10Best*, its Tempura Green Beans named the #1 side twice by USA Today 10Best, and the brand itself recognized as the #1 Fast Casual Restaurant by USA Today 10Best. Its Chicken Club was also named the best grilled chicken sandwich by The Daily Meal. In addition, Habit Burger & Grill was featured in Newsweek’s America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023 and included in Thrillist’s roundup of Underrated Burger Chains That Need to Be in Every State.

Today, Habit has grown to nearly 400 restaurants across 15 states, along with 14 food trucks, continuing to serve bold, fresh flavors made to order. Learn more at www.habitburger.com.