UPDATE, Feb. 2

San Francisco Chronicle Publisher Bill Nagel emailed the following message to the Outpost on Friday:

We are aware of the situation and saddened by the passing of Mr. Strong.  We are looking into the implications for Chronicle print distribution in the region. At this time, future delivery of the Chronicle in Humboldt County is undetermined, but we are actively exploring solutions.

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Original post:

PREVIOUSLY

• One Killed in Traffic Collision North of Laytonville Yesterday Night

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Print copies of newspapers such as the Times-Standard, San Francisco Chronicle, Press Democrat and New York Times have been unavailable at many local convenience stores and missing from racks this week due to the sudden death of the man who distributed most of those issues to Humboldt County for years. 

Rodney Strong, the 66-year-old Eureka resident who owned and operated R&M Distributors, was killed Monday night in a traffic collision north of Laytonville, the California Highway Patrol confirmed on Thursday.

Eureka resident Janice Lee subscribes to both the Chronicle and the New York Times (only the Sunday editions in print for the latter). Earlier this week she received an email from the New York Times informing her that the company was attempting to secure a new distributor to her home address “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

In the meantime, the email said, copies of the paper will be sent via the U.S. Postal Service starting Monday.

“This does mean that papers will arrive up to 3 days after the publication date however,” the notification continued. “If you would prefer to suspend deliveries given this information, please reply back to this email and I or another agent will make the necessary adjustments.”

Lee also hasn’t received her usual Chronicle delivery since Monday and began to wonder why when she didn’t hear directly from Strong.

“He’s really nice, and usually [when there’s a delivery issue] he’ll let us know with a voicemail, but for the last three days it’s been nothing,” Lee told the Outpost in a phone interview on Thursday. She said she and her husband found out what happened after trying to buy a copy of the Chronicle at Harris and K Market.

“Yeah, we can’t get ‘em,” an employee of the market said when reached by phone yesterday. The market has not received any copies of the Times-Standard, the Chronicle or the New York Times this week, she added. (The employee declined to give her name.) 

“We don’t know when we’ll get them back,” she said. 

If you’re among the many people who’ve switched to reading the news entirely online, you might wonder how many copies of printed newspapers still get sold. 

“Quite a few,” the Harris and K employee said.

On Wednesday evening, the Times-Standard notified readers on social media that until this upcoming Sunday, copies of the paper will be unavailable on racks in Arcata, McKinleyville and Blue Lake. Racks in Rio Dell, Ferndale and Fortuna are not affected, and copies will be available at half a dozen locations across Eureka, Humboldt Hill and Fortuna. 

Times-Standard Publisher John Richmond confirmed via email that home delivery to subscribers remains unaffected, and he expects distribution to be back to normal by Sunday. [Disclosure: Richmond worked at the Outpost’s parent company, Lost Coast Communications, Inc, from 2015-2019, first as general manager and later as CEO.]

On Wednesday, an anonymous Reddit user notified locals on the Humboldt subreddit about Strong’s death, writing, “It is uncertain what will become of his newspaper business or his store at the mall.” Neither that poster nor anyone else the Outpost has managed to reach for this story had any information about whether and when local distribution will resume for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle and USA Today.

An email sent Thursday to the publisher of the Chronicle had received no reply by the time this story was published.

Are you a subscriber to any of these periodicals? Have you received any information about their future availability here in Humboldt County? If so, let us and our readers know in the comments below or email us at news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

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Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

Cal Poly Humboldt faculty and students are partnering with local organizations to conduct a comprehensive Economic Development Study designed to help guide McKinleyville’s future growth and community well-being. The interdisciplinary project brings together students and faculty from Business, Recreation Administration, Economics, Psychology, Environmental Resources Engineering, and Geography. Together, the team is examining economic conditions, infrastructure, community amenities, and quality-of-life factors to better understand opportunities and challenges facing McKinleyville, one of the fastest-growing communities on the North Coast.

A central component of the study is a community-wide survey and focus group sessions, and McKinleyville residents are encouraged to participate.

“This project represents a unique opportunity for McKinleyville residents to directly shape the future of their community,” said Josh Zender, the project lead and professor in the School of Business at Cal Poly Humboldt. “By working across disciplines and in close partnership with local organizations, we’re able to bring together community voices and applied research in a way that can meaningfully inform economic development efforts.”

The study’s goal is to provide data-driven insights that can support informed decision-making and long-term planning, while centering the voices and priorities of local residents. Researchers will combine community survey responses and focus group data with economic, social, and spatial analysis to develop findings and recommendations that reflect McKinleyville’s unique character and needs.

The project is being conducted in collaboration with the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee, the McKinleyville Community Services District, and the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce. These partnerships help ensure the research is grounded in local concerns and that results can be used to support future community initiatives.

Results from the community-wide survey and study findings will be shared with community partners in the form of a five-year economic strategic plan. All recommendations arising from the study will be reviewed and formally approved by the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee once the project is complete in the Fall 2026 term. Cal Poly Humboldt researchers emphasize that broad participation will help ensure the study reflects the diverse experiences, needs, and aspirations of McKinleyville residents.

The survey is available online at: https://tinyurl.com/McK-survey

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

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When it comes to impaired driving and the state’s open container law, a rolled and ready joint is more like a can of beer in giving police cause to search a car than a few crumbs of marijuana, according to the California Supreme Court.

The court’s reasoning: You can smoke a joint and drink a beer, but loose marijuana isn’t readily consumable.

In a ruling handed down Thursday, the high court ruled that police must find marijuana in a condition that’s ready to be smoked if they are going to charge a driver with an open container violation.

“We hold that at a minimum, to constitute a violation of (the open container law), marijuana in a vehicle must be of a usable quantity, in imminently usable condition, and readily accessible to an occupant,” wrote Associate Justice Goodwin Liu in a unanimous opinion.

Loose marijuana found on a car’s floorboards is like spilled beer, the court ruled. “In assessing whether the marijuana is imminently usable or readily accessible, courts should consider whether the marijuana could be consumed with minimal effort by an occupant of the vehicle,” the court found.

The ruling reversed a magistrate judge, trial court and the California Court of Appeal, which had all agreed that the loose marijuana constituted an open container violation and gave police cause to search a vehicle.

Recreational marijuana has been legal in California since 2016 when voters passed an initiative allowing it. It remains illegal under federal law.

The case at issue was out of Sacramento, where police officers stopped a car and searched it, finding 0.36 grams of marijuana crumbs on the floorboards of the backseat, along with a tray on which to roll joints. The driver hadn’t been driving erratically, her registration and license were unblemished and she had no warrants out.

“No officer suggested he was concerned that (the driver and passenger) could have somehow, while riding in the front of the car, collected the scattered bits of marijuana from the rear floor behind (the passenger) for imminent consumption,” the court ruled. “Nor was there evidence of paraphernalia, such as matches, lighters, rolling papers, blunts, or vaporizers, that could facilitate the marijuana’s consumption.”

The Supreme Court also found that the officers did not have probable cause to search the car in the first place. The police had argued that the driver’s nervousness and possession of a rolling tray was sufficient to search the car, an argument the court rejected.

Destry was born to Tyley and Robin Girard in Arcata. He attended elementary, secondary and high schools in Eureka and Southern Humboldt after his parents divorced. As a young child, Destry had a zeal for soccer and played the cello with passionate enjoyment. Destry was invited into the GATE Program (Gifted and Talented Education) in his elementary school years. And he was given a Young Writer’s Award for his creative essay, “My Dog Rover.” An award for his basketball accomplishments can still be found in the Southfork High School Gymnasium. Like his father, Destry was charsmatic, and developed many long-lasting friendships during his school years.

Tragedy struck Destry’s life in his mid-teens. His father, Tyley, died in a freak auto accident. That event seemed to change the projectory of Destry’s life. While in his late teens, Destry moved off-grid to his father’s property in the Kings Range/Salmon Creek area. He raised pigs and maintained the property for a few years. Destry worked in the construction field for a number of years and showed a keen aptitude in that field. Destry was a man who loved to cook, work in a garden, play golf and ride Harleys.

Destry proudly and joyfully became a father at 28. He is remembered as a daddy with strong arms who taught his girls to swim in the Arcata Pool. And as a fun-loving daddy who encouraged his girls to throw frisbee at the disc golf course. And as a daddy with a sense of humor who played silly word games.

Destry had horrendous struggles throughout his life, but was able to overcome many of them. He will be greatly missed and fondly thought of by his family and friends.

Destry is survived by his daughters, Kylee Girard and Anjoliena Savoie (Junior); his grandson, Ryker Savoie; his mother, Robin Newby; his brothers, Sylus Girard and Ben Newby; his uncle, Jim State (Laurine) and various cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. Those that passed before him were Tyley Girard, his father and his uncle, Bob State.

There will be a celebration of life on March 28 at 2 p.m. at the Eureka First Covenant Church in the Peterson House to share our rememberances of Destry.

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

Kitty Colleen McGill was born April 12, 1953 (Flint) and died January 28, 2026 (Fortuna) She was the third child born to John and Ruby (Christensen).

The family hit the road and made the move to California when Kitty was just five and that is where she planted her roots. She stayed primarily in Southern California for the first half of her life. That’s where she grew up, got married and had her two children.

The early 1980s brought a new blended family and a move to the North Coast. Kitty was a resident of the Bridgeville area for over 20 years. She spent the later years of her life here in the Eel River Valley to stay close to her family. She loved living here among the redwoods and never failed to remind us that we lived in the most beautiful place in the world.

Kitty was known for her artistic talent, quick wit and her smart mouth. She was crafty and skilled in a number of mediums. She made beautiful and fun costumes for herself and her kids. Pinafores, quilts, needlepoint and whimsical (and slightly phallic) floral watercolors. If Kitty loved you, she made you something with her whole heart.

Kitty was involved in the local art community here in Humboldt in the 1980s and 1990s. She volunteered and participated in the Kinetic Sculture Race for many years. She was on the Quagmire Queen when capsized it in the bay. She once ran for Rutabaga Queen.

Kitty liked to look for pretty rocks in the river, loved a bonfire under the stars, and was always the first person to start a sing a long. What she lacked in actual singing talent she more than made up for with enthusiasm. And she always knew all the words.

She made everything she touched more beautiful. She could not help herself.

Above all, she was a mother and grandmother.

The absolute light of her life was her only grandchild, Jesse. She was there when he came into the world, and held him even before his mom did. He has her quick wit and her silly sense of humor. She picked him up from kindergarten almost every day and they would hang out until his dad got off work. She was his very best friend, before she got sick.

Kitty was diagnosed with late stage small cell lung cancer in 2015. The prognosis was not great, and it was expected that we would lose her in those first five years. She defied all of the odds and we got 11 more years with her.

Her daughter, Leslie was by her side for every single appointment, infusion and scan taking notes and advocating for her. She kept Kitty at her home for as long as she was able. Eventually, care had to be handed over to professionals, settling her at Fortuna Rehab and Wellness.

Kitty was proceeded in death by her parents, her brothers Michael and John, her niece, Michelle, her nephew Michael Martin and every man she ever loved.

She is survived by her dedicated daughter, Leslie Mendes, her husband (and favorite child) Timothy, and of course, her sweet grandson, Jesse. She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews: Michael Joseph (Jennifer), Ronald Joseph (Dana), and Tom (Christine). She had a special thing with Michelle’s daughter, Kyli. Also, her son Louis and her sister Patty.

A special thank you from the family to Doctor Russell Hardy, for giving us so many more years with her than were predicted. To Leah Tompkins, who was always right where we needed her to be. We never would have gotten through the last eleven years without you. Thank you to Hospice of Humboldt, especially Christina. You made it all so much easier and took such excellent care of her. And to Ron McQueen, for being such a wonderful friend to her, and his wife Donna, for letting him be there for her.

Cremation is being prepared by Ayers Cremation Services. No memorial will be held per Kitty’s request. She hated funerals. Instead, remember her when you see the first spring irises pop up out of the ground. Think about her when the Talking Heads come on the radio.

As for those people who feel like they were left out of the loop, and denied their chance to say goodbye, you should have visited when you had the chance.

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

It is with extreme sorrow that her loving family announces the passing of Patricia Ellen Jones, known to most as Patty. Patty was born to Bud and Dorthy Dudal in Arcata on November 1, 1952, and was called to Heaven on December 18, 2025.

Patty grew up wild and free on West End Road in Arcata with her parents and four sisters. In her early years she loved spending time with her family as well as the close family friends Don, Nelly, Pauline, Roy and all their children that lived next door and were an important part of her life. She loved playing cards, playing marbles, and visiting around the kitchen table with her mom, aunts, sisters and family friends.

She loved to be sociable and would go out dancing often, and luckily in 1971, while out with her sister at Flynn’s Inn she met the love of her life James Jones, known to most as Jim. It was an instant connection, and they were inseparable since. They had their first daughter Brandee Kathlene in June 1973 and were married on August 13, 1974 in Reno Nevada. From there they began to build a life together. They had their second daughter Heather Marie in May 1976 and moved to Dows Prairie. In 1979 they completed their family and had their third and final daughter Shannon Nickole.

For over 52 years Patty was a devoted mother and wife. She absolutely loved hosting family gatherings. She was “famous” for her pies and bread rolls. She would be in the kitchen from sun-up to sundown crafting meals and desserts for every holiday. She loved having her three girls and Grandchildren at every holiday meal. Patty loved hosting birthdays, Special occasions, and Sunday dinner at her house. Even though her family was number one to her, she also wanted to complete her goal of getting her GED. She worked and studied hard for it and then achieved her goal. We were all so proud of her. And most importantly she was proud of her own accomplishment. She showed us girls that no matter what we could accomplish anything if our minds were set on it, regardless of circumstance. Patty seemed to always lay low and stay in the background but was in the leading role all the time. She always seemed impartial but would give the best advice. She was someone you could talk to for hours.

There was rarely a night in the 52 plus years that she didn’t have a home cooked meal on the table for her family to enjoy and gather around at dinner time. Patty loved cooking and taking care of her family and was amazing at it.

Once all three girls were in school Patty got a job managing Arcata’s Florist. This is when her creativity in something other than cooking/homemaking had its chance to really shine. She was amazing at her job in floral design. Around this time Patty also began to do woodworking and then finish the pieces by doing Tole Paintings. She completed many pieces for family and friends that will now and forever be cherished. Patty was also part of several bowling leagues over the years, enjoying spending quality time with her mom and sisters as well as close family friends while there.

Starting in the late 1990s Patty worked as a sales manager for Northwind Properties LLC and was simultaneously the property manager for Valley West Mobile Estates for almost 15 years. In 2014 Patty retired with Jim to Fieldbrook where she continued to bake, cook and spend quality time with her husband, three daughters, grandchildren and all those nearest and dearest to her.

Over the years Patty was also a very creative and skilled seamstress and even though she would complain about the projects, she would complete each one with love and pride.

Patty was always surrounded by her family and was a vital part in raising or helping raise her grandchildren. “Grandma Patty” raised and or provided all the childcare for Leia, Shelbie, Riley, Allisyn, Connor, Makenna, and Hudsen. As well as helped with her great grandchildren, Braiden, Sayler and Miles. There was rarely a day that most or all these kids weren’t at Grandma Patty and Papas house.

In 2021 Patty was diagnosed with cancer and battled it with her husband, three girls, and her grandchildren by her side every step of the way. In 2023 we got the amazing news that she was done with treatments and was cancer free and even though her life/way of life was forever changed by her treatment/diagnosis, and she hated it, she continued for her family. Patty was such a vital part of our lives and was and is irreplaceable. She was one of a kind. Patty will now and forever be a major part of our lives and will always be in our hearts and minds. Our family as well as the whole world lost an irreplaceable soul with her sudden passing, and she will forever be missed and will always be with us.

She leaves behind her loving husband of over 51 years Jim Jones, beloved daughters Brandee Jones, Heather Edwards (Robert), Shannon Chase, Angela Robinson (Chris), Julie Payton (Ron), Grandchildren Leia, Riley, Connor, Makenna, Allisyn, Hudsen, Shelbie, Nick, Pat, Julieza, Mike, Mat, Great grandchildren Braiden, Sayler and Miles. Lifelong best friend Kathy Smith as well as sisters Janet Jones, Teresa Williams, Carlene Sutherland and numerous nieces, nephews and large extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Bud and Dorothy Dudal, sister Linda Waterman, Sister-in-law (that was more like a sister and best friend) Donna Boudro, and granddaughter Julieza Payton.

Her loving family will hold her official celebration of life on Sunday, February 1, 3 p.m. at Azalea Hall. 1620 Pickett Road Mckinleyville.

Please join her husband and loving family on February 1st to celebrate and remember Patty with the honor and love she deserves.

The family would like to thank Ayres Funeral service for being so kind and supportive throughout this process. For further information, please contact Shannon Chase 707-616- 9262, Heather Edwards 707-832-8349 or Brandee Jones 707-834-1190.

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

Michael Edward Kuhn
May 29, 1983 - January 20, 2026

Michael Kuhn passed away on January 20, 2026. He was born in Ukiah, but grew up in San Diego. Michael eventually made Eureka his home.

Michael was a wild child at heart. He loved a good time, a good meal, and a good laugh. Mike was known for his passionate and fearless spirit — traits that, in his youth, led to more than a few broken bones, brawls and a lifetime of stories. His favorite childhood pastimes included listening to music, hanging out with his best friend Ashley, basketball and riding bikes all throughout San Diego. Whatever Mike did, he became very skilled at, especially in creative endeavors that came so naturally to him. Michael had many dualities in his life, sweet and fierce, creative and precise, gentle and bold. Later in life, his inherent traits of loyalty, integrity and excellence would serve him well in his military pursuits.

He proudly served in the United States Army for twelve years, from 2005 to 2017, specializing as a Mortarman. His military training included the Alaska Arctic Wolves Program and traveling to the Philippines to train the Philippine Army. He was specially trained to fight in both Arctic and jungle conditions. He was deployed twice to Iraq, once with the 4th Infantry Division and once with the 1st Cavalry Division. He also deployed to Afghanistan with the 25th Infantry Division. By the time of his third tour, he was a staff sergeant. Mike’s leadership skills were undeniable. He got many awards and commendations for his ability to execute and lead. Mike’s proudest leadership accomplishment was that on his last deployment to Combat Outpost Baylough, every one of his soldiers returned home with him.

After his military career, Mike continued to work in public service. He enlisted with the National Reserve and worked with Cal Fire Emergency Operations. His last public service role brought him to Humboldt County, where he served as a recruiter before his honorable discharge. He had other occupations throughout his life, including Veteran student resource coordinator, muffin man, statistics tutor, Twitch streamer, and digital artist. However, the best role and responsibility Mike would ever have would be that of a father. Mike was a proud stay-at-home Dad to his son, Phoenix James Naakedvn Kuhn. He never shied away from any part of parenting and was so proud of his son, Phoenix.

A deeply creative and sensitive soul, Michael loved painting and drawing and pursued this passion by majoring in Art at the College of the Redwoods. He spent his time at home with his family and playing his favorite video game, EVE. His talents in EVE were evident in the large community he created on his Twitch streaming channel. In New Eden, Michael was a highly respected pilot, well-known and at times dreaded for his aggressive gameplay. Mike enjoyed participating in fleets and tournaments with his in-game friends.

He is preceded in death by his birth mother, Karen Kennedy, and his grandparents, Jim and Dorris Cooley.

Michael is survived by his wife Cara, and son, Phoenix; his twin brother Mark Kuhn (Terry); brother Ryan Cooley; his mother, Tammy Cooley-Kuhn; his sister-in-law Nancy Nowlin; his best friend Ashley Ibarra (Dion); his father Chuck Kuhn; and his birth father, Mark Kennedy; and his sisters, Ashley Kennedy and Megan Kinro. Mike also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, whom he enjoyed watching grow. Michael will be deeply missed by those who loved him. To Infinity and Beyond.

A celebration of Michael’s Life will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Arcata Vets’ Hall at 2 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Arrangements were handled by Gobles Fortuna Mortuary.

The family would like to thank all those who have sent their condolences and support to his family. A special thank you to the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and the Yurok Tribe Headstart for their support of the family during this challenging time.