More generous-than-expected raises for California state workers are nudging up the cost of public employee pensions, according to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.

But, for one year, Gov. Gavin Newsom has a plan to save some money that otherwise would have to be spent on those retirement plans.

He wants to take money set aside 10 months ago to pay down CalPERS’ debt and instead use it for part of next year’s state worker pension costs.

That’ll save the state general fund $1.7 billion, making it a small but important part of Newsom’s plan to manage California’s yawning budget deficit.

There’s one catch: the independent Legislative Analyst’s Office wrote that Newsom’s pension plan “appears unconstitutional” because of the way it relies on a previously scheduled debt payment.

Newsom’s accounting shift is possible because California has been paying down debt to comply with Proposition 2, the 2014 ballot measure meant to put the state’s fiscal house in order. It requires the state to make supplemental debt payments until 2030, even in years when it runs a deficit. Recently, Newsom has been using the Prop. 2 payments to chip away at the state’s substantial pension liabilities, including the $1.7 billion chunk earmarked for CalPERS’ debts in the current budget.

The analyst’s office contends the governor’s new proposal runs afoul of Prop. 2 by using a planned debt payment to “supplant, not supplement, what the state would otherwise have to provide CalPERS in 2024-25.”

The Newsom administration has a different view. “Put simply: it’s the Administration’s position that this proposal complies with Proposition 2,” said Finance Department spokesman H.D. Palmer.

The details on how much California will spend on state government pensions next year — regardless of whether lawmakers go along with Newsom’s proposal — are laid out for the CalPERS Board of Administration this week.

Altogether, the annual bill is expected to hit $8.7 billion. That accounts for raises that drove up the state payroll by about 4.7% last year, almost 2% greater than CalPERS anticipated. The wage increases will add about $124 million to the state’s pension tab.

CalPERS calculates that sum each year based on employees’ wages, how much workers contribute toward their pensions, how much the state chips in, how much it expects to earn over time and how much extra it needs to pay down its past investment losses.

CalPERS owes more money in benefits over time than it has on hand today. As of June 30, it had 72% of the assets it would need to pay out all of the benefits it owes.

Public employees don’t have to kick in money from their paychecks for the fund’s past misses. California Highway Patrol officers, for instance, put 13.5% of their paychecks toward their retirement. The state, meanwhile, is expected to pay a sum equivalent to 71% of a CHP officer’s wages next year both to fund that officer’s pension and to make up for past losses.

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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Ruby Nicole Brackenbury
Sept. 25, 1992 – April 3, 2024

It is with heavy hearts we sadly announce that Ruby Nicole Brackenbury unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 31. She had her best friend Shaggy, her dog, by her side. Ruby was a beaming ray of sunshine and she was very loved by all who knew her and everyone she met. Some of you may recognize her from Fortuna always walking with Shaggy. They were a team, Ruby Doo and Shaggy!

She was artistic, fun, loving, kind and absolutely hilarious. She could always make you laugh, even when you didn’t feel like it. She had a soft spot for animals and children. She was the kind of person who would do anything for the people she cared about. She was fierce and not to be messed with. She was the kind of person that you wanted in your corner. She hated injustice and liked to see people to always be treated kindly know matter what. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She had a special way of making you feel heard and loved when you needed it the most. We cannot say enough good things about her. We weren’t ready or prepared to lose her. She was so special to us and she will be sorely missed by her loving family, friends, and Shaggy her little dog.

Shaggy went with her best friend, Taylor Grimes, and is getting lots of love during this difficult time. Thank you, Taylor, for all that you have done and are still doing for Ruby. She loved and cared for you very much. She was lucky to have you. And thank you to all her true friends. You know who you are — Ruby loved you all. The world is dimmer without her here in it. But we all know that she wouldn’t want us to be sad because that’s who she was. The sun will shine again and the flowers and grass will grow. Take comfort every time you see a rainbow, dragonfly, butterfly or bird. It’s Ruby letting us know that she’s still here to comfort you whenever you need it the most.

Rest in peace, beautiful woman. Until we meet again. RIP, Ruby, we love you.

She is survived by her mother, Susan Dorsey (husband Grant Dorsey); sisters, Jessica Simpson (husband Matt Simpson), Lindsey Mallo (husband Dana Mallo and their daughter Hailey Mallo), Ashley Fraser Benson (husband Brett Benson) and J ill;ian Ray and her brother, John Brackenbury Jr. She is preceded in death by her father, John Brackenbury.

We will have a celebration of life at a later date. Please respect our privacy as we mourn.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ruby Brackenbury’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

Earl Catlett was born on August 2, 1946, and passed away suddenly in his home on the early morning of March 21, 2024.

Earl was born in Havana, Arkansas to Dee and Florence Catlett. He had four siblings. He spent many years working in the oil fields throughout Texas, Oklahoma and California. In 1989 he excepted a position with the State of California (CalTrans) and shortly after he was transferred here to Humboldt County. While working for Cal-trans he was able to continue doing what he loved most – being a driller aka roughneck!

During his retirement he spent many years tending to his beautiful flowers in the front yard, of which he was always so proud. You probably had a chance to visit with him if you ever walked by his home on Henderson. He even made room for a small vegetable garden in the alley of his home where you could always find onions, lettuce or fresh herbs to pick. He also enjoyed fishing, going to the local casinos, and taking road trips back to Arkansas to visit family and many other stops along the way. But most of all he was a family man. He spent countless years picking up grandkids from school (18 years of picking up grandkids at Grant Elementary) and taking them to get a cheeseburger or ice cream after school.

Earl is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon Catlett. His children; David Catlett (Deb Catlett), Kimberly Marshall (Heath Marshall), Lisa Catlett, Krista Catlett and Stephanie Peterson (Josh Peterson). He had eleven grandchildren: Jordan and Robert Christie, Joshua Jr., Madison, and Aubrey Peterson, Tisha and Christopher Smith (Molly), Spencer Vaughn (Emilie), Zachary and Jackson Callison, Ash Lee Hicks (Brad). He had five great-grandchildren, Brodie, Mia, Abigail and Benson Hicks, and the newest great-grandchild Tabitha Vaughn. His sister Ina Gail Hunt and her husband Delbert Hunt. His two sisters-in-laws, Regina Ross and Andrea Stuckey, who were more like sisters to him. And countless other family members.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents Dee and Florence Catlett, brothers, JD Catlett, Otho Catlett, Herbert Catlett, his sister Verzene Bell, his mother-in-law Lavon Hogge and brother-in-law Steven Ross.

Everyone who met him loved him. He never thought of anyone as a stranger. He was loved by so many. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. He will live forever in our memory by the stories he told, the love and life he created for his family, and his chocolate gravy!

The family would like to say a special thank you to Ayres Cremation for making a difficult time a little easier.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Earl Catlett’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

Bev Strubinger passed away at her home in Eureka on April 6, 2024.

She was born in Sacramento in 1947 to Fern and Del White. A highlight of Bev’s childhood was a trip from California to Europe on H.M.S. Queen Mary with her parents and sister, Barbara. She also enjoyed summer trips to Lake Tahoe as a child and throughout her life. She met her husband, Rich, in Sacramento in 1967. This year would have marked their 56th wedding anniversary.

Bev attended the University of California at Davis and was an elementary school teacher for many years. She primarily taught English as a Second Language at South Fortuna Elementary school. She was known for always having snacks in the classroom for her students.

Bev is survived by her husband Rich, daughter Julie, daughter-in-law Laura, Sister-in-law Sally, and niece Bonnie. Bev’s favorite activity was spending time with her family and friends. She was always planning the next special gathering. She loved camping, being outdoors, dogs, book club, gardening, and laughing. Bev was a special light to everyone she knew and she made them feel welcome and safe.

A memorial for family and friends is being held at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka at 520 Del Norte Street in Eureka on April 20th at 2 p.m.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marcia Mills. She passed peacefully on April 5, 2024. Marcia was born January 19, 1935 to Jack and Muriel Allen in Eureka. She grew up in McCann and graduated from South Fork high school, valedictorian of her class. She went to work for the County of Humboldt until she met the love of her life, Eldon Mills. They married August 15, 1953. They moved to Weott and started their family. In 1964 they moved to Eureka and finished raising their children.

Marcia and Eldon loved to travel. They had many travel friends to travel and cruise abroad with. Marcia had her favorite place, Kauai, Hawaii. Marcia and Eldon went many times to Kauai together before Eldon passed in 2009. She continued to go every year with her best friend, Maudie Walker, for many years after.

Marcia is survived by her children, Lisa (Mike) Barreto, Frank Mills, and Leslie (Dan) Scott; grandchildren Brian (Bethany) Barreto, Wiatt (Jasmine) Barreto, Shannon (Tony) Mills, Haley (Matt) Pedamonte, Wylee Scott, Ashtyn Scott, and Lindsey (James) Harris. great-grandchildren Jerykah (Austin), Bryson, Jayla, Kira, Bristol and Nash; and great-great-grandchild, Tatum.

Marcia is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Eldon Mills, and her son, Steven Mills.

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Marcia Mills’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

Angela Christine Knapp
Jan 25, 1969 – Apr 4, 2024

Angela was born in Eureka to Rick and Mary Lou (Mitchell) Knapp on January 25, 1969. Angie, 55, died tragically as result of major complications associated with a traumatic brain injury caused from a fall six months earlier. Until just recently due to her injury, she lived her entire life in Humboldt County.

Angie gave her parents and grandparents great joy growing up, especially with her natural athletic ability. In her early years, she played baseball, basketball and soccer, mostly with boys. As a teenager, she lettered in varsity basketball, volleyball and tennis at Eureka High. In spite of her 4’11” stature, she played every sport “big.” She graduated from Eureka High in 1987.

After high school, Angie was closest to Monica Hurst. They did everything together. They often worked at the same place and lived together much of the 20 years they knew one another. Tragically, Angie lost her best friend from cancer far too early.

After her brain injury, Angie spent three months at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. She received excellent care there, especially from Dr. Shin, who was committed to trying everything possible to help her. Afterwards, she was transported to a small skilled nursing facility in the San Fernando Valley. At the time of her death, she was a patient at West Valley Congregate Living for several weeks. She suffered cardiac arrest on April 4th while in a hospital awaiting a medical procedure. Her dad had visited her two weeks earlier at West Valley. He was very impressed with the facility and the dedicated nurses who were caring for her.

Angie’s death was preceded by her mother. She is survived by her partner, Kenny Hansen, father & step mother, Rick and Jean (Eureka); her brother, Randy & his son, Caleb (Bend, Oregon); and aunt & uncle, Vicki & Terry Johnston (Roseburg, Oregon).

No public services are planned.

Press release from the Bureau of Land Management:

Madeleine Grace Kelly, a painter and art instructor, has been selected for the spring session of the Bureau of Land Management Artist in Residence program at the King Range National Conservation Area. During her four-week residency, she will lead two community art workshops and plein air painting outings and offer a gallery showing of the art she creates while staying on the Lost Coast.

The residency begins April 24 and ends May 18 with a gallery showing at the Shelter Cove Arts and Recreation Foundation Gallery. Dates for the public workshops and outings will be announced as details are finalized.

“We are looking forward to hosting Madeleine with the Artist in Residence Program,” said Paul Sever, manager of the King Range NCA. “Her artistic approach should be well received at the community workshops.”

Kelly described a unique aspect of her residency in her AIR proposal.

“I collect water everywhere I go… I mix that water with paint to imbue my objects with the essence of time and place and the memory that the water carries,” she wrote. “I paint the spirit of the land to reflect our interdependence and kinship.”

Some of Kelly’s work can be viewed on her website, www.madgkelly.com

Kelly has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Francisco and will complete a Master of Fine Arts degree in May at the University of New Orleans, La. where she’s been an art instructor since 2021.

She will be the eighth artist to participate in the King Range AIR program, in which artists draw inspiration from the beauty of the Lost Coat. The program is a partnership between the BLM and the Shelter Cove Arts and Recreation Foundation.