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Following pressure from powerful California growers, the Trump administration’s Interior Department announced Tuesday that it will put $40 million toward efforts to raise Shasta Dam — a controversial project that opponents say could swamp sacred sites and harm a protected river.

North of Redding, the 602-foot-high dam on the Sacramento River forms California’s largest reservoir, storing more than 40% of the water socked away for irrigating Central Valley farmland.

The administration announced the funding for “planning and preconstruction activities associated with raising Shasta Dam”, in addition to roughly half a billion dollars dedicated to rehabilitating Central Valley water-delivery canals.

Westlands Water District, the nation’s largest agricultural water supplier, applauded the move, calling it a “long-overdue investment in water supply reliability.” The water giant is a major player in California’s $60 billion agricultural industry, serving nearly 700 farms on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley.

Environmental groups warned that the expensive project threatens the McCloud river that flows into Lake Shasta, and would doom efforts to restore critically endangered Chinook salmon to the river. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation estimated more than a decade ago that raising the dam would cost nearly $2 billion today, according to a federal calculator.

“It’s astonishing. This is a project that would only benefit one small group of growers in California,” said Barry Nelson, a senior policy analyst for the Golden State Salmon Association, referring to growers supplied by Westlands. “The project is a disaster. It is prohibited by state law. So it will be interesting to see how the state of California responds to this.”

Raising Shasta dam would also swallow what remains of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe’s homeland. The tribe lost 90% of its historic and sacred sites at the reservoir’s construction in the 1940s, said Gary Mulcahy, government liaison for the tribe.

If the reservoir were expanded, all of it would be lost – a sacred pool, the rocks used for cultural teachings and coming-of-age ceremonies, the burial site for a massacre at Kabyai Creek.

Still, Mulcahy was skeptical that the funding announcement will move the project forward; between inflation and other construction cost increases in recent years, he called $40 million “not even a drop in the bucket” of what’s needed to raise the dam.

He said he expects federal staff cuts and other losses under the Trump administration to stymie any major infrastructure projects before they start.

“Throw $40 million away,” Mulcahy said. “They do not have the personnel, one way or the other, to even complete a planning process.”

A long-running fight

California tried to block this project before — and it didn’t stick.

For decades, the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act has barred any state agency or “agency of the state” — such as a water district — from assisting or cooperating with federal, state, or local government efforts to expand Shasta reservoir in any way “that could have an adverse effect on the free-flowing condition of the McCloud River, or on its wild trout fishery.”

But the first Trump administration pushed environmental planning efforts forward anyway under Interior Secretary David Bernhardt – a former Westlands lobbyist. Congress approved $20 million in funding.

California sued and secured a settlement against Westlands Water District, which then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra said was “taking unlawful action” to assist in dam raise efforts.

But the push for a bigger dam never stopped. In February, growers — including those served by Westlands Water District — wrote to President Trump, urging him to direct funding from his One Big Beautiful Bill Act to raise Shasta Dam.

“You will meet a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver the water storage our communities desperately need and create economic stability for the farms, workers, and rural communities in the Central Valley,” the letter said.

Raising the dam, the Trump administration said, would increase the 4.5 million acre-foot reservoir’s capacity by around 14%. That’s enough to supply 2.5 million people for a year, the administration said — though the federally-managed Central Valley Project delivers most of the water from Lake Shasta to farms.

Nelson said the federal government’s framing is wildly misleading: California actually has to have the water to fill the reservoir — which in this state is never guaranteed.

Rather than vow to fight back, California Gov. Gavin Newsom took the opportunity to plug another long-delayed and deeply controversial water storage project on the Sacramento River, Sites reservoir, and urged the Trump administration to help pay for it.

“Let’s not get distracted by conceptual projects, years from viability. Let’s get Sites Reservoir built,” said spokesperson Tara Gallegos. “Our state is already a significant investor in the project, and the federal government should join us in ensuring this project comes to fruition.”

In Loving Memory of Daberion Hill
April 4, 1979 — February 27, 2026

Daberion Hill, age 46, passed away on February 27, 2026, at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California.

Born on April 4, 1979, in Spencer, Oklahoma, to Timothy Hill and Barbara Greer, Daberion was a man of immense heart and fire. He was best known for his passionate spirit and his gift for commanding a room with his entertaining stories. 

Above all, Daberion was a fierce protector. He was deeply devoted to “his people,” always ready to jump to the defense of those he loved at a moment’s notice. To be in Daberion’s circle was to know you were safe and supported; his loyalty was a rare and powerful force.

He is survived by his parents, Timothy Hill and Barbara Greer, his daughters: Azhaya Lax, Kazhaya Lax, Kahlea Lax, and Daybreonna (Ocean) Tanae Hill, his siblings: Decorian Peoples, Sir Hill, and Tanyell Hill, his nieces and nephews: Briana Hill, Logan Sims, Nicholas Sims, and Takendrick Hopkins, along with a whole host of friends and family who were proud to call themselves such.

Birthday Celebration of Life: In honor of what would have been Daberion’s 47th birthday, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Foot of C Street in Eureka. 

The gathering will begin at 3 p.m. Family and friends are invited to come share their favorite stories of Daberion and celebrate the man who always stood his ground for others. 

Refreshments and good company will be provided as we toast to his memory on the waterfront. 

Final arrangements were handled by Ayres Family Cremation.

It would be deeply appreciated if you’re able to donate to the GoFundMe. Your contributions will be used for final arrangements, the celebration of life, and for his children to travel here: https://gofund.me/1e967660e

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

Jeanne Lynette Harris-Yount
January 24, 1956 – February 27, 2026

Jeanne Lynette Harris-Yount passed away on February 27, 2026. She was born on January 24, 1956, in Ventura, California to Naomi and Gerald Claypool, alongside her sister Lori and brother Gary.

At the age of 18, Jeanne moved to Humboldt County, where she built a life rooted in community, family, and lasting friendships. For most of her career, Jeanne worked as a bartender in local restaurants and bars. She truly loved what she did and became known not just for her work, but for the strong relationships she built with coworkers and patrons. Many people came through the doors as customers and left as friends.

Jeanne had a lively spirit and a passion for games. Whether it was cards, dice, darts, pool, or bowling, she loved the fun and friendly competition they brought. She proudly passed that love on to her children. Beyond games, Jeanne was a talented cook, an enthusiastic gardener, and had a deep love for animals. Her home and heart were always open, and she brought warmth, laughter and kindness to the people around her.

Jeanne shared 42 wonderful years with her husband, Troy Yount, building a life full of memories and love together.

She is survived by her husband, Troy Yount; her mother, Naomi Claypool; her sister, Lori; and her children, Jamie and TJ Harris.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 29 at 12 p.m. at The Monday Club, 610 Main Street, Fortuna. All are welcome to attend and celebrate her beautiful life.

Jeanne will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout the years.

How do you sum up your mother in a few paragraphs? Here we go. Gloria Diana Rist. Born Nov.5, 1941 in Oakland. Passed Feb. 16, 2026. She was adopted by her mother, Ruth, and Mac McLachlan from an orphanage, weighing 4 pounds. My grandma had the choice of her or a healthy baby boy. She was chosen, and boy did she bring an amazing life to her mother.

She had five beautiful daughters: Faith, Karen, Robyn, Sarah and Leaha. She loved her daughters more than they know. She found the love of her life later in life, Billy Rist, who passed five years ago. They had a true love you rarely see.

Gloria was not only a mother, she was a homemaker, school bus driver, housekeeper, seamstress, cake decorator, registered nurse, a comedian and a lover of good-looking men (inside joke). She had a fun personality. She had a soft spot for kids and people down on their luck. She gave the best hugs. She has numerous grandkids and greats. She loved you all so much: Dezi, Cody, Jason, Beth, Rachel, Cass, Kenna, Dan, Connor and Paige. She loved fairies and hot, sexy men!

A deep, heartfelt thanks to Dr. Heidmann and all the staff at PACE and Timber Ridge. A celebration of life will be at a later date. As mom would say, “toot a loo, go back to bed, and above all find her a hot sexy man.”

Goodbye for now, our beautiful momma.

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

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PREVIOUSLY in Ishũng:

• NEW BEAR ALERT! Sequoia Park Zoo Has a New Fuzzy Wuzzy for You to Go Gaga For
• Ishūng Likes Lettuce, Citrus and Beef
• THE AGE OF ISHŪNG DAWNS: Sequoia Park Zoo’s New Chonky Black Bear is Ready for Viewing and Reportedly Has the Zoomies
• Sequoia Park Zoo Black Bear Ishūng Has Dropped 100 Pounds and Learned to Love Green Bell Peppers (But She Still Hates Beets)

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From the Sequoia Park Zoo:

Happy 4th Birthday, Ishŭng!

Ishŭng the American black bear has been at Sequoia Park Zoo for a year! For her birthday, we’re celebrating the #QueenOfHumboldt and her many milestones!

We are so proud of the bear skills that Ishŭng has gained this year thanks to her curiosity, personality, and physical bear-apy program.

Her body condition is much better for a bear with her small frame, though she’s still a bit large. She’s now able to climb up onto higher platforms and jump down from platforms, run around, hop, manipulate objects better, successfully forage for food like a bear typically would, and play for much longer periods without getting tired.

This goofy, playful, beautiful bear has had a wonderful year, and we hope you enjoy this compilation of some of her silly highlights.

The races for both state Senate and Assembly District 2 are looking fairly tame. The deadline was earlier this month for candidates to file. Here are the candidates who have submitted declaration of candidacy paperwork for the two seats.

State Senate district 2

Despite an opening for Mike McGuire’s seat this year as he terms out of the state legislature, just a couple of candidates are running for his spot.

The district McGuire represents includes the counties of Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Marin and most of Sonoma County. McGuire is now running for California’s 1st Congressional District seat after 12 years in Sacramento.

California Senate District 2. Map: CA Senate

Democratic candidate Damon Connolly — current member of the State Assembly for the 12th district, former San Rafael city councilmember, Marin County supervisor and deputy California Attorney General — filed to run in the district after announcing his candidacy in April.

Connolly originally had a couple Democratic challengers for the primary. But Sonoma County Supervisor James Gore dropped his campaign in October after an early announcement. Former Santa Rosa Mayor Natalie Rogers suspended her campaign for the seat in December.

Connolly recently attended a Eureka rally in opposition to the Trump Administration’s offshore oil and gas drilling proposal. He regularly collaborates with North Coast representatives on legislation as a representative of Marin and Sonoma for the 12th District.

Connolly has accumulated a spread of endorsements including McGuire, Chris Rogers, State Attorney General Rob Bonta, four of the five Humboldt County Supervisors, the Arcata City Council, former state representative and Arcata resident Wesley Chesbro and Congressman Jared Huffman, according to Connolly’s website.

As for contenders Tief Gibbs, a Republican co-owner of a vintage car business in Novato, has filed to run in Marin County.

Gibbs ran for Congress in 2024 but fell short in the Republican primary. She is a Marin conservative activist, previously involved in the recall Gov. Gavin Newsom campaign, anti-COVID19 vaccine rallies as well as anti-trans activism.

Her website says she advocates for limited government, individual freedoms, fiscal responsibility, traditional values, pro-life policies, Second Amendment rights and religious freedom.

Aaron Smith has filed for the Senate seat in Sonoma County. Details on this candidate are slim.

State Assembly District 2

Democratic Assemblymember Chris Rogers, currently representing Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Trinity Counties, has filed paperwork to run for a second term.

Rogers successfully got a bill passed aiming to keep water in the Scott and Shasta Rivers, plus eight others, and has generally focused on the environment, natural disasters and the cost of living — and penned a tongue-in-cheek bill to establish bigfoot as the state’s official cryptid.

The Democratic incumbent’s sole challenger is Republican Michael Greer.

California Assembly District 2. Map: CA Assembly

Greer previously garnered 34% of the vote in the 2024 election against Rogers as the only Republican to run, following a crowded Democratic primary sparked by then-Assemblymember Jim Wood’s decision to not seek reelection.

Greer, a Del Norte County Unified School District board member, aims to raise educational standards, strengthen law enforcement, address the cost of living, and to tackle the housing and homelessness crisis’s, his website says.

Greer, a retired special educator, has been endorsed by Doug LaMalfa, who represented California’s 1st congressional district before his death. Greer also nabbed endorsements from assemblymembers James Gallagher and Meghan Dahle, according to his website.

The write-in period for these seats runs from April 6 to May 19.

The primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026.

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The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors today agreed to give themselves a bit more money for annual work-related travel expenses, the first time that allowance has been increased since 2016.

In a 4-1 vote, with Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone dissenting, the board approved a 7.5% increase to each supervisor’s annual travel-expense reimbursement amounts — boosting the per-supervisor total from $10,300 to $11,072.50 — plus an annual $5,000 increase for the supervisors representing the First, Second and Fifth Districts. Those three districts are much larger than District 3 (where the population is concentrated in Arcata) and District 4 (Eureka). 

The approved increases will take effect next fiscal year.

Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell asked for this matter to be brought forward for discussion. At today’s meeting she said her travel expenses tend to go over-budget each year, despite being “very conservative” with her plans, and this year is no exception. 

“I am very active in my district, and it’s a very large district as well,” Bushnell said. She noted that she’s already exceeded her allotted mileage reimbursement for the current fiscal year, which doesn’t end until June 30, and has exceeded that mark every year. The situation has only been made worse by the recent increase in fuel costs, she added.

The last time the county increased supervisors’ travel reimbursement amounts, in 2016, the standard California government rate for mileage expenses was 57 cents per mile, with $89 allotted for a night’s lodging and $51 for meals per day. Those rates have since increased to 72.5 cents per mile, $150 for lodging and $86 for meals, though not for local supervisors. So Humboldt County was overdue for an adjustment, according to Clerk of the Board Tracy D’Amico.

D’Amico said she consulted with her cohorts in other small, rural California counties to come up with a list of options for the board to consider. (See yesterday’s board meeting preview for the full rundown of those options.)

Humboldt County supervisorial district map.

Board Chair Mike Wilson, who represents District 3, acknowledged the extra costs inherent in representing a larger district and proposed the $5,000 increase for districts One, Two and Five. He also suggested an across-the-board increase of at least 5%, plus an annual increase tied to the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI),  to account for inflation.

Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo observed that this type of budget increase tends to get “a lot of blowback” from the public, but the work trips in question allow supervisors to attend work trainings and meet with colleagues around the state to discuss policy matters.

“I just have really valued the opportunities to go and meet with folks outside of our community and learn how they’re doing things,” Arroyo said. “I appreciate that the opportunity exists, and I just want to speak to its value as a way of bringing back information to this community to see how we can improve.”

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone said he forgoes the annual California State Association of Counties (CSAC) conference, for which supervisors are given an additional $3,000 travel budget, so that he can instead use that money for his in-district travel expenses. And, noting the county’s current budget woes, he said, “I’m willing to live within the amount that I’m currently allocated.”

He said an additional $15,000 — $5,000 apiece for three supervisors — “doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but every little chunk adds up. So that’s my two cents.”

But the rest of the board was in favor of increases the travel budget. Wilson made a motion to that effect. In an effort to simplify the math, First District Supervisor Rex Bohn suggested replacing the equation “5% plus CPI” with a flat 7.5% increase for the upcoming fiscal year. 

The rest of the board agreed with that proposal — Madrone excepted — and the motion passed 4-1.