Press release from Friends of the Dunes:

Join Friends of the Dunes and partners as we strike a blow for biodiversity! The 48th Annual Lupine Bash is taking place at the Ma-le’l Dunes Cooperative Management Area on Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to join the annual tradition of removing non-native, invasive yellow bush lupine from coastal dune habitats manually before these plants get a chance to produce seeds. Gloves, tools, and training will be provided, as well as snacks and coffee! Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring your own mug for coffee or tea. Guests are welcome to bring their own tools (no power tools please), but are responsible for their safety and wear and tear on the items. RSVPs are not required unless you are bringing a large group. We will meet at the Ma-le’l Dunes North parking lot, then briefly hike to the Bureau of Land Management’s Ma-le’l Dunes South for lupine bashing. Carpooling is highly encouraged.

Want to start your morning with a little hike? Arrive early and park at Ma-le’l South (Vera Linda Ln, Arcata, CA 95521) and walk the road to the meeting area. It is approximately a 0.7 mile scenic walk to Ma-le’l North.

Yellow bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) is a large bushy shrub with bright yellow flowers that is native to central and southern California but is not native to Humboldt County. This species was introduced to the area in the early 1900’s and intentionally planted throughout the North Spit in order to stabilize sand movement. The fast-growing yellow bush lupine has caused ecosystem-level changes by increasing nitrogen levels in the surrounding soil and over-stabilization of our typically dynamic dunes habitats. Over time, these changes facilitate the displacement of native dune plants and introduction of species that are not common to dune environments, such as annual grasses and coyote brush. Lupines have long-lasting seed banks, so removal efforts must be continuous. Small yellow bush lupines are removed by physically pulling up the entire plant. Larger bushes are removed using an ax to chop the plant off at the base. It’s a tough job, and volunteers are needed to help! Join a 45-year long community tradition and help the planet today! For more information or to sign up a large group, please call (707) 444-1397 or email info@friendsofthedunes.org.

Who: Friends of the Dunes, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Bureau of Land Management‘s Arcata Field Office

What: 48th Annual Lupine Bash

When: Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Meet at the Ma-le’l Dunes North Parking Lot, 1 Young Lane, Arcata, CA 95521 (Drive north past the gun club until you see a large parking lot.)

Cost: FREE

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ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE DUNES

Since its establishment in 1982, Friends of the Dunes has actively engaged the community in the conservation of the coastal environments of Humboldt County, California. They envision a dynamic, naturally diverse coastal environment that is restored, sustained, and enjoyed for generations to come through the involvement of community members who embrace learning about and caring for the land. ​Friends of the Dunes is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization​ dedicated to conserving the natural diversity of coastal environments in northern California through community-supported education and stewardship programs.

Press release from the Humboldt County Elections Office:

Humboldt County Clerk, Recorder & Registrar of Voters Juan P. Cervantes reminds individuals that important filing deadlines for California’s June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election are coming up soon.

On June 2, voters will have the opportunity to nominate or elect candidates for many federal, state and local positions.

Federal offices on the ballot will include Humboldt County’s representative for California’s Second Congressional District.

Statewide offices include Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Controller, Treasurer, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction. State offices that specifically represent Humboldt County include Second District positions for the Board of Equalization, State Senate and State Assembly.

County of Humboldt offices on the ballot will include Assessor, Auditor-Controller, Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, Superintendent of Schools, Treasurer-Tax Collector, County Supervisors representing Districts 4 and 5, and Superior Court Judges for Departments 3, 4 and 7.

Important Filing Deadlines

Candidates looking to run for office in the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election should be aware of these important filing deadlines:

• Declaration of Candidacy & Nomination Papers: Feb. 9 – March 6

• Nomination Extension Period: March 7 – March 11*

• Write-In Period: April 6 – May 19

*Occurs only when an incumbent fails to file their Declaration of Intention by 5 p.m. on the normal filing deadline.

A complete Candidate Information Guide, including detailed instructions and other election requirements, is available on the Humboldt County Elections website.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the Elections Office in person or call 707-445-7481 for more detailed information and assistance. The Elections Office, located at 2426 Sixth St. in Eureka, is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding county holidays.

For more information about the upcoming June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election, to check your voter registration status or apply to be an election worker, please visit this link.

About the Humboldt County Office of Elections

The Humboldt County Office of Elections is dedicated to conducting fair,include accurate and transparent elections, ensuring the voice of the community is heard and that electoral integrity is maintained. The Elections Office is committed to upholding the democratic process, providing reliable information and maintaining an open line of communication with the public. For more information, visit HumboldtGov.org/Elections.

The Arcata City Council decided last night to attempt to gradually increase the water rates over the next five years instead of attempting to fill up their water fund immediately.

The council had to decide if they were going to continue the process, which is governed by Proposition 218. Part of that entailed deciding which of the two consultant-recommended strategies they were going to implement: increase the rates by 44% the first year, not at all the second year, and then small, annual increases of 8-10% for the next three years, ending at $13.50 per hundred cubic feet (HCF) of water used monthly; or, increase the rate by 23% the first year, 18% the second year, and then 10-12% bumps the last three years, ending at $14.12 per HCF.

Although most of the focus was on the water rates, the adjustment also includes altering how much the city charges for wastewater, which accounts for about ⅔ of the average customer’s bill. Arcata is planning on switching to a flat fee for single- and multi-family homes, which will be cheaper for many customers, blunting the impact of the water rate increase for many.

Right now the average single-family household in Arcata pays $136.93 monthly for their water and wastewater usage. In 2030, they’ll pay an average of $145.81 if the rate increase goes into effect. The proposed rates are comparable with the area average. 

City staff had previously recommended the more aggressive option, which would allow them to make more revenue immediately, but affordability concerns led them to instead recommend the more gradual choice. (Although the aggressive option costs more upfront, by 2030 it’s slightly cheaper.) The monthly difference between the two, for the average single-family home in Arcata, is $10.13.

“It’s more palatable and easier to do,” said Finance Director Tabatha Miller. “Clearly the city is better off with the upfront revenue boost of the larger water increase, but we need to be cognizant of what works for our customers.”

All of the council agreed with the city’s recommendation to increase the rates gradually, except for councilmember Stacy Atkins-Salazar, who voted “no” on the resolution. 

“We keep saying it’s okay if the city doesn’t make as much money, but let’s also be clear that the ratepayers are paying more unless we come up with something else,” Atkins-Salazar said. “I just want to be clear about that… I just want to be transparent about what we’re choosing.”

The fiscal tradeoff for the city is huge. By 2030, the gradual increases will raise $1.6 million less for the water fund to pay for the infrastructure upgrades Arcata needs than the more aggressive option would. The city will also need to issue some $30 million in bonds to finance all $36 million of repairs, but more money in the water fund would allow Arcata to pay the loans off faster and with less interest.

Miller said there was also a chance they might earn some grant funding that could pay for much of the infrastructure replacements, and the council could perhaps revisit the rate increases in a few years.

There’s still a few months before the rates go up, and if more than half of the 6,600 affected customers send in a physical, hard-copy complaint or do it in-person, they can’t raise the rates. All of the councilmembers said they wanted to hear what Arcata’s citizens thought about the rate increases, and encouraged them to come to the public hearing that will be held April 15 at city hall. There will also be an informational meeting on Feb. 25 at 5:30 in the D Street Neighborhood Center. 

“I unequivocally want scenario two,” Mayor Kimberley White said. “I understand about pulling off the band-aid, pay now, pay later. However, we have people on fixed incomes and that difference could make the difference of whether they can eat that month or not. And I don’t want that water bill to be the defining factor of families — low-income, older adult, fixed-income people — not being able to eat.”

Arcata Police Department and Fire Update

The Arcata Fire District’s chief Chris Emmons and APD’s chief Chris Ortega both shared some statistics with the council that detailed their department’s efficacy last year. It’s a lot of information to condense into words, so here are two GIFs made from their presentations. You may need to click on them work.

The council thanked them for their service.

PREVIOUSLY

• Crabbers Find Body in Ocean

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The individual found deceased offshore of Humboldt Bay on Feb. 4, 2026, has been identified as 67-year-old, Matthew Finley of Fortuna.

This case is still under investigation and the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined.  Mr. Finley’s next of Kin have been notified and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Finley’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Anyone with information about this case 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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Carmesin. | Photo via FUSD.

Ferndale Unified School District Superintendent Danielle Carmesin operated a short-term rental property in city limits for roughly a year without obtaining the legally required business license and permit and without paying any of the required taxes, according to records obtained by the Outpost.

Furthermore, Carmesin, who also serves as Ferndale Elementary School’s principal/superintendent, appears to have misled city staff about immediately ceasing rental operations in early November after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from City Hall.

According to emails obtained through a California Public Records Act request, Ferndale city staff filled out a field observation report about the property on Nov. 10 of last year, noting that the house, which is located on the 900 block of Dewey Avenue, was available for booking on Airbnb.

“No business license or vacation rental permit on file,” the report says.

Ferndale adopted a short-term rental ordinance in 2017. The ordinance identifies which zones such rentals can operate in, limits the density of vacation rentals and spells out penalties for violations or complaints. It also notes that operators must obtain “a valid business licenses and pay all applicable taxes and fees.”

The city levies a 10 percent transient occupancy tax (TOT) on short-term rentals of five units or fewer, with revenues due monthly.

A letter to Carmesin and her husband Travis, dated Nov. 10 and signed by Ferndale Interim City Manager/City Clerk Kristine Hall, says, “It has come to the City’s attention that you are operating a Vacation Rental in the City Limits of Ferndale without obtaining the proper permits. Please cease your operation immediately.”

The letter goes on to say that the house in question cannot be permitted as a short-term rental because it sits within 600 feet of an existing vacation rental registered with the city. 

There is no documentation of a response from Carmesin in the emails obtained by the Outpost, but this past Monday, Feb. 2, Hall, the interim city manager, sent an email to Ferndale Code Compliance Officer Mike Stephen saying, “I received word today that the illegal Airbnb ran by the superintendent is still being advertised … .”

Stephen then notified Ferndale Police Chief Ron Sligh, telling him via email, “Chief, apparently Danielle has ignored the Letter sent to her by Kris as to cease & desist the [vacation rental] for her property, this now [makes] this a Code Compliance issue, Kris tried the nice way now its going to be official and mandated compliance.”

Sligh replied to Stephen and Hall shortly thereafter, sending them a link to the still-active Airbnb listing.

“I found it,” the chief says in the email. “It even has a picture of Danielle as the host.

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Shortly after noon yesterday, Carmesin emailed Hall. She explained that she and her husband, who now live in McKinleyville, offered up their Ferndale home as a short-term rental for approximately 11 months.

“Upon receiving notice from the City in November, we immediately ceased short-term rental operations,” Carmesin wrote. (More on that claim below.) She also explained that she and her husband have since lined up a long-term tenant for the house.

“Moving forward, we do not anticipate resuming short-term rental activity and will rent the property only for periods exceeding 30 days to remain in compliance with the City of Ferndale’s short-term rental ordinance,” her email says.

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Reached by phone yesterday afternoon, Hall confirmed that she’d been in contact with Carmesin and said staff was working with her to resolve the issue. Based on a preliminary look at Airbnb booking logs that Carmesin submitted, Hall said she’ll likely be charged roughly $1,250 in back taxes, plus a 25 percent late fee. The city will also likely require Carmesin to obtain an after-the-fact business license (cost: $65), even though she’ll be unable to operate a short-term rental business at the property going forward.

“It really won’t be valid,” Hall said of the license, “but if somebody else had sought to open [a short-term rental operation], they would have to get a license. So we’re trying to hold her to the same standard.”

The Outpost had received a tip about this unpermitted rental some weeks back, and we recalled seeing evidence that the property was rented out as recently as December. Hall said she, too, thought that might have happened, “but when I went back to look [at the listing] it had been removed.”

Shortly after speaking with Hall, we reached Carmesin on her cell phone. Asked to explain the situation, Carmesin said, “It’s a personal compliance issue that I have fixed with the city of Ferndale. They’ve been an excellent partner in assisting me with this.”

We asked a couple of follow-up questions — When did she start renting out the property? Why didn’t she obtain the necessary permit? — and each time she repeated her response.

“I think I’m just comfortable saying it’s a personal compliance issue that has been corrected.”

She expressed surprise when we told her that the city would likely require her to obtain a business permit but reiterated that she’s now managing the property in full compliance with the rules.

“When the city notified me in November, I ceased [short-term rental] operations,” she said.

We pointed out that the listing was still active as recently as Monday. “It was not booked though,” she said. “Because I have a long-term renter. … When the city reached out to me I [found] a long-term renter.”

After speaking with both Hall and Carmesin yesterday afternoon, the Outpost tracked down an old screenshot from the listing. It shows a review left by a tenant in December:

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Reviews on Airbnb can only be posted within 14 days of the stay, so this would would appear to contradict Carmesin’s assertion that she immediately ceased renting the property after receiving the cease-and-desist notice from city staff.

We texted the image to Carmesin and asked her to explain. 

“That person was the last one and we received the notice after the [person] booked,” she replied.

We reminded her that the city’s notice was dated Nov. 10. She texted back:

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Hall seemed satisfied, during our phone conversation, that everything will be resolved painlessly, and she said Carmesin’s experience could serve as a cautionary tale.

“Hopefully it will be a lesson to anybody else,” she said. “Just come to the city and ask and we’ll help ‘em.”

Press release from the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce:

On Friday, January 30, six local businesses were recognized for their outstanding work and dedication to the community at the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce annual business awards ‘Boldt Gala.

“It is such a privilege to celebrate all of the dynamic businesses and organizations nominated and voted on by our Chamber Members,” said Nancy Olson, CEO of the Greater Eureka Chamber. “I love being a part of this event each year to shine a light on these deserving businesses who go above-and-beyond for our community.”

The Chamber’s new 2026 board chair, Teresa Conley, of Premier Financial Group presented awards to the honorees on stage at The Acres, along with out-going board chair Ross Creech of Quality Body Works.

“Handing out these awards was a great way to kick off the new year,” Conley said. “This is just the start of what is going to be an exciting year for the Chamber and our local business community. I look forward to fully stepping into my role as Chamber Board Chair.”

Business Award winners are as follows:

• 2025 Small Business of the Year Award - Ashley’s Seafood
• 2025 Large Business of the Year Award - Advanced Security Systems
• 2025 Positive Community Impact Award - Eureka Books
• 2025 Positive Community Impact Award, Non-Profit and Government - Food for People
• 2025 Hospitality/Customer Service Award - Cassaro’s Catering
• 2025 Extraordinary Business of the Year - North Coast Co-Op

Three special awards were also presented, including:

• 2025 Business Leadership Award - Dale Maples, Mapleservice Plumbing & Heating
• 2025 Ambassador of the Year - Sophia Santana-White, Premier Financial Group
• Ross Creech of Quality Body Works was also recognized for his service as board chair from 2024-2025.

After the awards ceremony, attendees participated in a successful live auction featuring auctioneer Thomas Nicholson Stratton and musical accompaniment by Jeff Smoller. Then the Coastal Alchemy themed cocktail party kicked off with music from the Claire Bent Jazz Quintet, swing dancing, and locally-sourced food and beverage curated by Uniquely Yours Catering.

The Greater Eureka Chamber thanks the following event sponsors: Recology Humboldt County, Redwood News, Vineyard Offshore, Coast Central Credit Union, Western Health, Cal Poly Humboldt, County of Humboldt, George Peterson Insurance Agency, Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation, Humboldt Builders’ Exchange, Humboldt Senior Resource Center, Mapleservice Plumbing & Heating, New Life Service Company, North Coast Co-op, Premier Financial Group, Quality Body Works, Redwood Capital Bank, Six Rivers Solar, and Scrapper’s Edge.

About the ‘Boldt Gala: Coastal Alchemy

This year’s awards gala theme, Coastal Alchemy, gave a nod to the Redwood Coast’s wild natural beauty and its ever‑shifting, mystical moods — where sea mist meets moonlight, and imagination transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The ‘Boldt Gala is the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year, enabling the organization to serve the Greater Eureka business community year‑round.

About the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce advances the economic vitality of our community by serving as a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders, a champion for development and an advocate for a thriving place to work and live.

Ruth Evelyn Squires
November 5, 1927- January 27, 2026

Ruth Evelyn was born on November 5, 1927, in Spivey, Kansas. After the heartbreaking loss of her mother during childbirth, she was lovingly welcomed into the care of her extended family. At just two weeks old, she traveled by train to Hayden, Colorado, where she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Albert and Martha Baierl, along with her grandfather and grandmother, whom she affectionately called “Mom.” With grandparents who had immigrated from Basel, Switzerland, Ruth grew up in a home where German was often spoken, enriching her childhood with cultural depth and tradition.

At sixteen, Ruth married the love of her life, Floyd Squires Jr. Their first child, Floyd Squires III, was born while they lived in Colorado. When Floyd enrolled at Stanford University, the young family moved to California, where they later welcomed their daughter, Susan Johnson. Though they once planned to relocate to Alaska, a stop in Eureka, California, changed the course of their lives. They chose to settle there, and Floyd began a career in car sales before returning to the university to earn his teaching credential. During their time in Eureka, they joyfully welcomed their third child, Rodney Squires. Together, Ruth and Floyd purchased a property and transformed it into a nursing home, where they dedicated themselves to caring for elderly community members.

At a young age, with three little ones at home, Ruth enrolled at Humboldt State University, earning her bachelor’s degree and a multiple subjects teaching credential. She began her teaching career at Freshwater Elementary School, where she created lasting memories and valued the lessons she learned. Later, she and her husband accepted positions in Weitchpec at the two-room schoolhouse. Mrs. Squires was widely admired for creating delightful Christmas programs, where she taught students to tap dance and sing. She ensured every child had a role in the performances, which became cherished events enjoyed by the entire river community.

Ruth went on to serve Klamath-Trinity for 25+ years as a primary teacher. In retirement, she often reflected fondly on her career, sharing that she “enjoyed every minute of teaching.” On the weekends, Ruth loved fishing steelhead on the Klamath River and riding her horse, Red Bones in the mountains.

During their early years together, Ruth and Floyd began investing in rental properties. Floyd immersed himself in learning every aspect of construction becoming a general contractor, while Ruth skillfully managed the business operations. Together, they formed a dynamic and committed team — Ruth’s sharp business sense and Floyd’s hands‑on expertise complementing each other perfectly. Ruth continued running the business until age 94.

Ruth and her husband loved exploring the country together, traveling throughout America and camping in the Marble Mountains before eventually venturing abroad. One of her most cherished memories was a trip to Asia shared with Susan, Rod and his wife Renee, where she delighted in experiencing new cultures and places.

Family was at the heart of Ruth’s life. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, and she dedicated herself to supporting them—including helping her grandchildren earn their college degrees. Ruth was dependable, loving, and always willing to do anything for the people she cared about.

Ruth experienced a full life that included, living through the Great Depression, World War 2, living on a farm and driving a wagon, internet and cell phones to name a few.

Ruth is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Floyd Squires Jr., and her son, Floyd Squires III. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Johnson; her son and daughter‑in‑law, Rod and Renee Squires; her grandchildren, Shane and Jacqueline McCullough, Zachary Squires, Peter and Danielle Cress and Kristopher Squires; and her great‑grandchildren, Hannah McCullough, Abigail McCullough, Isaac KC, Colton McCullough, Emmalia McCullough, and Isabel Cress.

Thank you to all the staff at Especially You Care Home and Ruth’s roommates, Irma and Star. A private family burial is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026.