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Press release from Rumble Over the Redwoods:

Rumble Over the Redwoods returns to the California Redwood Coast–Humboldt County Airport (ACV) on August 8-9, 2026, bringing another weekend of world‑class aerial performances to Humboldt County.

Fans can look forward to another thrilling lineup of performers, including the Patriots Jet Team, Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Truck, a special appearance by the Red Bull Air Force, several World War II-era fighters, aerobatic aircraft, skydivers and more.

“Airshows have always been a uniquely American tradition, and there’s no better time to celebrate that than during our nation’s 250th anniversary,” said Air Show Director Dennis Dunbar. “This milestone inspired us to raise the bar and create an unforgettable weekend that celebrates both our nation’s history and the community that makes this event possible.”

Along with aerial performances, the event will feature static aircraft displays, food trucks, novelty vendors and family-friendly activities for all ages to enjoy.

“This event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community,” said Dunbar. “From our volunteers and sponsors to the local businesses and families who support the show year after year, Rumble Over the Redwoods is truly a community effort, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to the airport this August.”

Tickets are available now at www.rumbleovertheredwoods.com. For the latest performer announcements, exclusive offers, event news and behind-the-scenes updates, fans can subscribe to the show’s email list and follow Rumble Over the Redwoods on Facebook and Instagram @rumbleovertheredwoods.

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About Rumble Over the Redwoods

Established in 2024, Rumble Over the Redwoods is Humboldt County’s hometown air show. The two-day event features an incredible lineup of performers, thrilling aerobatic displays and engaging activities for the whole family to enjoy. Its mission is to honor the sacrifices of those who have served and inspire the next generation. Join us as we take to the skies above California’s Redwood Coast on August 8-9, 2026 at California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV). For more information or to learn how to get involved, visit www.rumbleovertheredwoods.com.

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This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

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Even after all the ballots have been cast on Tuesday, it might be a while before Californians know the results of some significant races this election, given the state’s notoriously slow counting.

California has made headlines for trailing other states when it comes to tallying its votes. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom sent a letter last month to all 52 county elections officials urging them to “accurately count every lawfully cast ballot as quickly as possible,” saying that “mis- and dis-information” can spread in the time between Election Day and when the results are certified as official.

The delay is due in part to ways California has endeavored to make it easier to vote since the COVID-19 pandemic: Every registered voter gets a mail-in ballot, and ballots are valid as long as they’re postmarked by Election Day and arrive at county elections offices within seven days of the election. California’s one of eight states that allow all elections to be conducted by mail, with varying grace periods for ballots that are postmarked by Election Day. Those grace periods are at risk with the U.S. Supreme Court currently weighing a change that would require ballots to arrive by Election Day.

For mail-in ballots that arrive before Tuesday, elections officials can begin certifying signatures and preparing the ballots for counting; for those that come in later, elections clerks must do this work later, delaying results.

According to voter data firm Political Data Inc., nearly 17% of registered California voters had cast their ballots as of Monday afternoon, a similar return rate as in 2022.

Paul Mitchell, the founder of Political Data Inc., said he expects a higher turnout than in 2022, since early returns already have shown a higher Republican turnout, and some of the Democrats hanging onto their ballots are “high-propensity voters.”

“There’s a lot of evidence here that we’re probably headed towards 38%, 40% turnout in total, rather than 33% which was the turnout in 2022,” he said.

Elections experts say California’s high proportion of competitive districts and generous windows to fix errors have also added to the longer wait time for results.

Changes aim to speed up counting

Several recent changes could make a dent in when Californians know the outcome of certain races.

The first is a change to how long elections officials have to count: Due to Assembly Bill 5, which was signed into law last year, counties now have 13 days to finish counting most ballots, down from 30 days. Newsom pointed to the change during a news conference last week as a move toward “timely ballot counting.” County officials still have 30 days to finalize their official results.

However, Jesse Salinas, Yolo County’s top elections official and the president of the California Association of Clerks and Elections Officials, said the new law doesn’t apply to the ballots that take the most time to count, including those filed by voters who registered on election day and those where a signature doesn’t match what’s on file. State law provides a weeks-long window for those questions to be addressed.

“I’m hearing these comments about ‘We should be done by the 13th day,’ — that’s legally not possible by state law,” he said.

Another is trying to pare down the glut of mail-in ballots that come into ballot boxes on Election Day, which slows down vote counting, according to Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation.

A survey conducted by the foundation found that 26 of the state’s 58 counties will give voters the option of bringing their mail-in ballot to the elections office Tuesday and having it scanned and counted that day as an “in-person” ballot. The change was made possible by Assembly Bill 626, passed in 2023.

In Placer County, where the system debuted in 2024 as “sign, scan and go,” officials said it cut post-election processing time by about three to four days.

Some have issues with the assertion that the long tabulation process makes it easy for people to sow distrust in election results.

Mindy Romero, a political sociologist and director of the Center for Inclusive Democracy at the University of Southern California, said the argument is based on repeatedly discredited claims of voter fraud. She said the narrative that anyone is tampering in elections has been “artificially generated” by politicians like President Donald Trump to undermine the electoral process.

“I think the focus should not be on fixing something that is flawed or wrong, because that long count is a product of making sure that every ballot is verified — indeed, just the opposite of the claims around fraud,” she said.

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This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

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California voters will advance two candidates for governor to the November election in the most unsettled gubernatorial race in recent memory, concluding a long and winding primary campaign in which Democrats struggled to pick a new leader for the nation’s most populous blue state.

The decision comes at a particularly consequential time for California. Residents face a crushing cost of living, nation-topping gas prices made worse by the war in Iran, wildfire risks that have driven insurance companies out of state, an unstable state budget, impending federal cuts to the state’s expansive health system and an economy dampened by immigration enforcement.

Democratic former state Attorney General Xavier Becerra, who has promised to fight Trump and freeze insurance and utility rates, is the leading Democrat in opinion polls and is favored by much of the state’s Democratic establishment. He appeared in contention to secure one of the top two spots for November heading into Election Day.

Republican Steve Hilton, a Donald Trump-endorsed former Fox News host who has vowed to cut income taxes and slash environmental regulations, was polling in second place ahead of Election Day, having consolidated support from many of the state’s conservatives.

But billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, a progressive Democrat who has self-funded his campaign to the tune of $213 million, was still fighting for one of the top spots. A series of polls released in the final days of the race showed Becerra in the lead with roughly a quarter of likely voters’ support, and Steyer and Hilton locked in a tight battle for second.

Votes could take days or weeks to tally. Pollsters and strategists noted that lingering Democratic uncertainty led some voters to wait so they could back whoever appears to be ahead.

“Those polls could become self-fulfilling,” said Paul Mitchell, a Democratic strategist whose company tracks ballot return data.

The race to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will leave office at the end of the year due to term limits, is the marquee contest on the ballot Tuesday. The seat is considered a shoo-in in November for Democrats, who have nearly twice as many registered voters as Republicans, and holds national importance for the Democratic Party’s pushback to the Trump administration.

It’s also been one of the most unusually open races in recent state history.

No Democratic stars in the race

In contrast to decades of California politics dominated by movie stars, family dynasties and larger-than-life personalities, none of the most recognizable Democratic names jumped into the race.

That led to a crowded field on the left, briefly causing liberals to panic that Hilton and a fellow Republican, the bombastic Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, could each garner more votes than any Democrat, locking the party out of the general election. The state Democratic Party began a public pressure campaign asking lower-polling candidates to drop out. Nearly all stayed in the race.

But when Democratic then-Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out over multiple sexual assault allegations, Becerra was the clear beneficiary, raking in many of Swalwell’s donors and supporters. He’s been surging ever since, successfully dodging criticism of his record. Steyer, who spent $200 million boosting his name recognition through campaign ads, consolidated much of the party’s left flank. Former Rep. Katie Porter, a progressive dogged by allegations about her temperament, fell behind. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a moderate backed by Silicon Valley billionaires, rose from single digits in the polls, but not enough.

Trump’s endorsement of Hilton quickly helped him pull away from Bianco, making it unlikely both Republicans would come in first and second. If Hilton advances to the November election, he faces long odds of being elected against a Democrat.

Both he and Steyer have spent the final weeks of the campaign portraying Becerra as a symbol of the status quo and themselves as agents of systemic change amid multiple state crises, with affordability dominating the race.

For Hilton, that would mean ending 16 years of “one-party rule” under Democrats, slashing spending and reversing many liberal policies such as greenhouse gas reduction mandates, the progressive tax system and parts of the social safety net.

“After 16 years of everything being in one direction, that’s left a lot of people dissatisfied,” he said last week. “Anybody who wants change or balance in our politics, the only choice is for me.”

His name recognition as a former Fox host helped him start the race with a fan base. Nancy LeVesque, a retired Roseville store clerk, already admired him and said he was an easy choice as she dropped off her ballot at a Placer County vote center on Monday. She liked that he would bring an outsider’s perspective to the governor’s office and a change for those leaving California because of its liberal politics.

“We have lost so many good people,” to other states, she said.

Steyer styled himself as a populist “class traitor” who would force lower costs for Californians by taking on monied special interests like investor-owned utilities, the real estate industry and health insurance corporations. He made a litany of progressive promises on climate change, single-payer health care and raising taxes on the wealthy.

Undecided voter Tina Varnado attended a rally last week for Steyer hosted by her union, which represents home health aides. The South Sacramento resident is a full-time caretaker for her elderly mother and her adult daughter who had open-heart surgery. Between her mother’s social security checks and her pay as her daughter’s health aide, “we do have to spend everything we have every single month” to stay afloat, she said.

“Everything he touched on really touched home for me,” she said after hearing Steyer speak. “If we can lower prices, maybe we can start putting money down on a home for my future.”

Becerra has emphasized his long experience in government, including his lawsuits against the first Trump administration and his time as U.S. Health and Human Services secretary during the pandemic.

That appealed to Evan Cragin, of the California Young Democrats, which endorsed Becerra weeks before his sudden surge. Cragin said he wants the next governor to have government experience to push back on federal “abuses” from the Trump administration.

“Secretary Becerra has done that before,” Cragin said.

Surrounded by supporters at the offices of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California on Monday, Becerra dismissed his opponents’ promises, pointing to past accomplishments including passing the Affordable Care Act and defending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals immigration program.

“You can have all these great inflated promises,” he said. “Getting things done is not easy.”

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Ryan Sabalow contributed reporting.

In loving memory of Carole Ann Richardson (née McCullough), who was born on March 9, 1941, in the town of Fortuna. Carole departed peacefully on May 6, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Carole was the cherished daughter of Manly “Chub” and Mary McCullough, who instilled in her the values of love and loyalty that she carried throughout her life. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Linda and brother-in-law Mike Mahn, niece Nicole Mahn-Newman; friends Pat DeMarzi, Gloria Grundman and Flora O’Donald. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Carole is survived by her husband, Darrell Richardson. They began their lives together on July 19, 1958, They purchased a home in Rio Dell in 1966 and raised their daughters there. Carole’s daughters, Lorie Walsh (John) and Shellie Richardson, were the light of her life, and she celebrated their every achievement with pride.

A loving grandmother, Carole’s legacy includes her grandchildren: Taylor Walsh (Chuck), Jordan Walsh, Shane Walsh (Carrie), Zachery Richardson, Sara Knapp (Mickey), and Travis Sarvinski (Laura). She also delighted in the joy of her 10 great-grandchildren, who brought endless smiles and laughter into her life.

Carole was a devoted homemaker and a nurturing mother. She enjoyed her role as a cook’s helper in the Rio Dell School Cafeteria, where she worked for 17 years. She lovingly referred to it as her “little” job. She made delicious lemon meringue pies and loved to search for treasures at any thrift shop she came across!

A lover of horses from a young age, Carole cherished her spirited pinto horse, Brandy, who would rear on command, much to her delight. She enjoyed transforming old rocking horses into beautiful carousel ponies.

Carole was a woman of unwavering loyalty and love, never allowing a harsh word about her loved ones. She was very generous and made heartfelt donations to many organizations including Shriners Children’s Hospital and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A celebration of Carole’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on June 6, 2026, at Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation or a charity of your choice.

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

Vera Jeanette Steele
March 19, 1939 – May 4, 2026

Vera Jeanette Steele made her final journey home in the early hours of Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 87.

A devoted mother of four and beloved grandmother and great-grandmother to more than fifty descendants, Vera leaves behind a legacy built on love, hard work, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family.

She is now reunited with her parents, Ester and Merrill Stephens; her husband Richard Steele, her daughter, Nicole De Los Santos; and her grandchildren, Randy RaeLee Steele, Jared Steele, Joshua Steele, and Craig Tyner.

Vera is survived by her sons, Randy (Kelly) Steele and Jeff (Kathy) Steele; her daughter, Terry (Tucker) Bray; her sisters, Ila Valente and Geraldine (Lenny) Ross; and a growing family of grandchildren — both biological and those she lovingly claimed as her own — great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones throughout Northern California and beyond.

Throughout her life, Vera was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to serving others. She was a small business owner of Steele’s Grocery, an occasional farmhand, a custodian, a proud CSEA union member, a talented cake decorator, and an avid fisherwoman who spent many days fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Hoopa Valley.

Yet her greatest work was always her family.

“Gram’s” home was a place of comfort and welcome, with an open door for grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless young people in her community who needed a helping hand. From GG-Ma, we learned the value of hard work, how to clean a fish, and the simple joy of sneaking a taste of frosting from the fridge when she wasn’t looking. Most importantly, we learned what it means to show up — to show up for family without asking why, and to help those in need without questioning whether they deserve it.

It is difficult to imagine a world without her. Not because she was unprepared for her journey, nor because she had not lived a full and meaningful life. It is difficult because she was a constant — a steady presence, a gathering place for generations, and the keeper of so many family stories. Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, and we know the world shines a little less brightly without Gram in it.

A celebration of Vera’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Real Life Church of Orland, located at 1044 Trinity Street, Orland, California.

Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to join us for a barbecue dinner in her honor. Just as Gram’s home was always open, all are welcome to come celebrate her life and the love she shared with so many.

For questions, please contact Terry at (707) 502-9244.

The days of pondering and studying and vacillation are over! It’s voting time!

Many of you have already voted. Some of you will vote tomorrow, at the deadline. Some of you forgot that you’re supposed to vote and are being reminded of the fact that polls close 27.5 hours from now. (NOTE: Looking to figure out how to cast your ballot? Check this link.)

In any case, you have made up your mind. Or you will have, by the time this poll closes, contemporaneously with the official polls themselves closing. 

So tell us: Who did you end up choosing in the following hot-button races on the Humboldt County ballot?

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On June 1, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the area of Wabash Avenue and Lowell Street following reports of two vehicles driving at a high rate of speed and possible gunfire.

Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and conducted an area canvass, during which multiple spent shell casings were located in the roadway. Detectives with EPD’s Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

Based on witness statements and video surveillance obtained by investigators, it appears a white Porsche SUV was stopped at a stop sign when an occupant of a black Mercedes-Benz or BMW SUV fired approximately six to eight rounds toward the Porsche. Following the shooting, the driver of the white Porsche fled the area at a high rate of speed, with the black SUV appearing to pursue the vehicle.

At this time, investigators have not located either vehicle involved in the incident, and it is unknown if anyone was injured as a result of the shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the EPD Criminal Investigations Unit at 707-441-4300.