WHAT WOULD IT DO?

Prop. 30 would impose a 1.75% personal income tax increase on Californians making more than $2 million per year to fund a suite of climate programs. The goal is to clean up the state’s dirty air and help meet ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The proposition creates a new revenue stream to subsidize zero-emission vehicles and fund wildfire response and prevention — between $3.5 billion to $5 billion annually, growing over time, according to state analysts.

Most of the money — about 80% — would go towards rebates for people buying zero-emission cars and to build more charging stations. Half of that funding will go to low- and middle-income residents, who are disproportionately affected by poor air quality and heavy pollution. The state already spends millions each year on zero-emission vehicle programs and dedicated an additional $10 billion over the next five years to those programs in this year’s budget.

A quarter of the tax money would provide funding to hire and train firefighters, who are battling increasingly worsening wildfires. On average, the state spends about $2 billion to $4 billion annually putting out wildfires.

The tax would go into effect in January 2023 and would end by January 2043, or possibly earlier, if the state is able to slash its emissions to at least 80% below 1990 levels for three consecutive calendar years.

WHY IS IT ON THE BALLOT?

As part of its strategy to address climate change, California has made bold promises to cut emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. But transportation remains the largest source of the state’s planet-warming emissions, representing nearly 50% of California’s greenhouse gases.

The state won’t be able to meet its goals if it can’t transition away from fossil fuels. Affordable and efficient electric vehicles are critical to California’s efforts to tackle climate change and clean up its polluted air. By 2035, the state plans to ban all new sales of gas-powered cars. The state will also require Lyft and Uber drivers, by 2030, to log 90% of their miles in electric vehicles. But for many low and middle-income residents, purchasing an electric car is still out of reach. Many barriers still exist that make it difficult to obtain an electric vehicle, including low vehicle supply and high costs, lack of enough charging stations and surging demand.

At the same time, the state is increasingly facing more deadly and catastrophic wildfires, which contribute to air pollution, poor air quality and worse health outcomes for millions of residents.

ARGUMENTS FOR

Supporters say Prop. 30 would generate much-needed funding to address the state’s two leading causes of air pollution: Gasoline-powered vehicles and wildfires. They say the money would help accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, beef up the state’s charging infrastructure and provide more resources to firefighters, who must now work year-round to fight and prevent deadly wildfires. They argue that these investments will better put the state on track to meet its ambitious climate goals.

Supporters

• Yes on 30 Clean Air Coalition
• Cal Fire Local 2881
• California State Association of Electrical Workers
• Unite HERE
• California Democratic Party
• Lyft
• State Building and Construction Trades Council
• California Environmental Voters

ARGUMENTS AGAINST:

Opponents say that Prop. 30 is an unnecessary tax hike that Californians don’t need because everyone is feeling the effects of high inflation and surging gas prices. They say Californians continue to grapple with exorbitant cost of living expenses and already pay some of the nation’s highest personal income taxes. They argue that the tax would drive many residents out of the state to benefit a special interest: ride-share companies. In his opposition, Gov. Gavin Newsom also calls the measure a “cynical scheme” by Lyft. In addition, many opponents say Newsom’s recent $10 billion climate investment and a $97.5 billion surplus in this year’s budget makes the state well-equipped to pay for the transition to electric vehicles and additional wildfire prevention efforts. If the state should need more money, opponents argue that it could tap into budget surplus funds to pay for these ongoing programs.

Opponents

• No on Prop 30 committee
• Gov. Gavin Newsom
• California Republican Party
• California Teachers Association
• California Chamber of Commerce
• California Small Business Association
• Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
• State Treasurer Fiona Ma

Jerry Reece passed away at his home on October 1, 2022 after battling cancer.

Jerry was born in San Diego on December 13, 1950. He liked to call himself a “Navy Brat.” He moved around as a child, but loved his time in Florida and Alabama. Later in his childhood, his dad was transferred to Hunter’s Point and the family settled in San Mateo, firmly planting Jerry in the Bay Area. The family later moved to East San Jose, where Jerry attended Overfelt High School. He loved his time there, where he was Class Valedictorian and Student Body President.

Jerry went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for his first two years of college. He loved the campus and made many life-long friends. He transferred to San Jose State where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in mathematics.

Before graduating from college he started working for McDonald’s. He spent 19 years working for the corporation and loved it. He cherished his experiences and all the friends he made during that time.

Jerry married his wife Becky on November 29, 1975. They first settled down in Concord then in San Ramon, where they started their family. Their first daughter, Jennifer was born in 1980. Their second daughter, Stacey, followed in 1983 and son Trevor was born in 1986. While he was so proud of his kids, what he truly loved was teasing them and getting eye rolls with his comments.

After 19 years with the McDonald’s Corporation, Jerry had the opportunity to purchase his first McDonald’s franchise which brought the family up to Eureka in 1990. Through the 23 years he was an owner/operator, Jerry owned five restaurants and employed many people in Humboldt County, including his three kids. His McDonald’s franchise actively supported the community, providing sponsorships of sporting teams, meals to students, and donations of his time and energy to better his community.

After selling all the restaurants in 2013, Jerry helped his wife run their Cruise Planners Travel Agency. He always liked to say he was the face of the business.

Jerry’s love of the San Francisco Giants started early in his life, and he loved to share that his mom babysat several of the Giants children when the team played at home. One of his greatest thrills was watching the Giants finally end their San Francisco drought by winning three championships between 2010 and 2014. He would always watch the game at home, but nothing beat taking his family to see games in-person, a tradition they did their best to continue every season.

Of all the perks of being a parent, what Jerry loved the most was coaching and watching his children play softball and baseball. Jerry knew the rules of baseball/softball inside and out. He was very active in the Cutten Ridgewood Recreation Association baseball and softball league for the past 30 years. His kids joined the league when they moved to Eureka and Jerry quickly became involved, starting out as a coach, moving to league director and finally up to league President. He was very passionate about helping kids develop a love for the sport. Many of the kids he coached eventually registered their own kids to play in the league years later. For many years, he regularly umpired games. He was excited every year to work the CRRA fireworks booth, where he could be spotted every Fourth of July.

Jerry joined the Rotary Club of Eureka in 2014. He enjoyed the friendships he had with his fellow Rotarians and enjoyed attending weekly meetings and social events. He really valued the work of the Rotary Club and believed in their mission. When he passed, he was the current President of his Rotary Club in Eureka.

Jerry was a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. He was very proud of his Native American heritage. He enjoyed researching the history of the tribe, and sharing what he learned with his children and grandchildren.

Jerry was thrilled to become a Papa with the birth of his first grandchild, Owen, in 2010. Jerry was meant to be a grandpa and he loved every minute of it. He was so excited when “The Twins,” cousins Liam and Nathan were born, only two weeks apart. When his granddaughter Abby came into the picture in 2017, his life as Papa was complete. The grandkids had their Papa wrapped around their little fingers. He loved them so much and they loved him.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Becky, and their three children, Jen Hastings (Mike), Stacey Gabbert (Bill), and Trevor. He is also survived by his three grandsons, Owen, Liam, and Nathan, and his granddaughter, Abby. He was loved by his family. His sarcasm, wit, and love of life will be greatly missed.

People who knew Jerry are welcome to attend his Celebration of Life service. It will be held on November 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building at 1 Marina Way in Eureka. To honor Jerry, the family will be wearing their favorite San Francisco Giants gear; please feel free to join them. He would love a strong Giants showing!

In lieu of flowers, you can donate to the CRRA Youth Baseball League at P.O. Box 215, Cutten, CA 95534. You can also donate in Jerry’s honor to The Rotary Foundation at P.O. Box 65, Eureka, CA 95502.

###

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

Janice H. Sams died peacefully in Eureka on September 29, 2022. She was 88 years old.

Janice was born in Myrtle Point, Oregon to Fred and Dorothy Hollister in 1934. She was the eldest of 4 children with younger siblings Carol, Don and Diane. She graduated from Springfield High School in 1952, went on to attend the University of Oregon and studied Biology/Medical Technology.

She met David Sams on a blind date in 1953 and they married the following year, just as David was heading off to the war in Korea. When David returned, he accepted a teaching position in Springfield, Oregon and taught there for three years. Their first son, Jerry was born in 1957 and Phil followed in 1960. David applied for and accepted a position at Ferndale High School teaching Art in 1961, and their lives were changed forever. Many of their lifelong friendships were formed during those early years of teaching, including with Dottie and Bob Riffenburg, Bruce and Nelda Palmer, Errol and Myrna Summy and many others. Two more sons arrived, Steve in 1962 and Pat in 1964 and their family was complete. Luckily, the houses in Ferndale were a perfect fit for their large and active family. Janice and David rented their first home at Market Street in Ferndale from Don Clausen’s mother, Marie and lived there for two years, then moved to a mansion at Main and Van Ness where they spent another two years, then purchased their first home in 1968, a beautiful Victorian on Shaw Avenue where they spent the rest of their time in Ferndale.

Janice was a wonderful writer. Her own mother’s saved letters tell the story of an active mom raising four busy boys with diverse interests and talents. Many a weekend was spent running them in four different directions, from Scotia to McKinleyville for school and extra-curricular events. Janice was very active in Ferndale and was a founding member of the Ferndale Community Choir, another source of lifelong friends including Betty Diehl and Beverly Carlson. She sang with the Choir for over 40 years. Janice’s faith in God was a cornerstone of her life. She attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Ferndale where she sang in the Choir, went to Bible Study, helped with potlucks, Sunday School, Christmas Pageants and attended the Lutheran Women’s Retreat in Miranda each year. In 1977, she went to work at Eureka Family Practice as the in-house Lab Technologist. She poked the arms of many patients and was appreciated for her phlebotomy skills and gentle hand with a needle. David worried about Janice commuting back and forth from Ferndale to Eureka, so they sold their Ferndale home and agreed on a place in Cutten with enough property to add a garage and create the nest where they would spend the next 30 years and they were happy there. Janice continued to work and was very active and served as President of the local chapter of the California Medical Assistants Association and trained many future Phlebotomists.

She loved having her family together and hosted Family Dinner every Sunday night for years before agreeing to every other Sunday to accommodate busy kids and grandkids. Janice was a wonderful cook and baker, renowned for her Red Velvet Cake which was the center of every family holiday, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Singing Christmas Carols with son Phil on the piano was another treasured family tradition. Four sons meant four daughters-in-law and Janice loved and cared for each one of them, as they did for her. Six grandchildren followed and Janice enjoyed sewing for them all, including Halloween costumes and pajamas at Christmas.

Janice retired in 2001. She and David enjoyed countless travels, including pursuing David’s love of old cars and vintage license plates, and visiting friends from their early days in Oregon. In 2017, she and David moved to Alder Bay where she was content to spend her remaining years. Looking back, there were not many unhappy days.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, David Sams and sons Jerry (Carrie), Phil (Lani) and Steve (Elaine), grandchildren Emily (Jonah), Matthew, Lucas (Ashley) Stephanie (Tristan), Kelly (Tyler), David (Ariel) and great-granddaughters, Jude and Maya, sister Diane and brother Don. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Carol and by her beloved son, Patrick Sams.

A celebration of Janice’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 23rd at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Ferndale with a luncheon immediately following.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Janice Sams’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Ruth A. McHenry, Aug. 30, 1925-Oct. 6, 2022. Born in Masterton New Zealand, Ruth was preceded in death by her parents John William Andrews and Margaret Andrews, her brother Latham Andrews, three husbands, a stepson, son-in-law, grandson and numerous friends and relatives.=

At age two, Ruth moved with her family to Lower Hutt near Wellington, New Zealand, where her father founded a joinery factory and served as mayor for 14 years. She graduated from Hutt Valley High and worked for a bit in a physics lab there during the war. She came as a war bride to the United States and began raising four children, all born by the time she was 24, in San Jose. For a while she additionally took on the care of two children belonging to friends, so there were six kids under six in the household. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout den mother, and a Sunday school teacher. She cheered her sons on in wrestling matches and transported her kids and others to and from various activities. She loved camping and trips to the beach, singing while washing dishes with her youngest daughter, and she poured merthiolate over the wounds acquired during the adventures of her mischievous kids — Susan, John, Stan and Kathleen; later she could be found picking berries, reading, kayaking and playing in the ocean with grandkids and at least one great-grandchild.

Over her many working years — which began, following divorce, with cleaning houses and ironing for others — she designed knitting patterns and instructed others in the art of knitting; and she worked in sales at the Stanford Emporium in Palo Alto and Dillards in Tempe. On the side, she participated in and taught Scottish country dancing. And she drove and delivered for Meals on Wheels. She took college classes in her 50s and 60s, married Bill McHenry in her 70s and enjoyed so many adventures with him—including another trip to New Zealand.

Her parents came to the US from New Zealand when her kids were young and she took her kids and some of her grandkids to her native land. She hiked the Milford Track there with her son, John, when she was in her 70’s, and she attended Hutt Valley High’s 75th Jubilee in 2001. She also traveled to England with Bill for a reunion of WWII veterans; and in her 80’s traveled to Poland for the wedding of her daughter-in-spirit, Jola Drzewiecka.

In Tempe, where she lived for many years before coming back to California, she was very active in the University Presbyterian Church, serving on the Board of Deacons and volunteering with their Family Promise Program. She worked there at the community-backed Paz de Cristo with others in her church, cooking for and feeding hungry neighbors in need.

When she moved to McKinleyville at age 90, to be near family, she became a member of the Grace Good Shepherd Church and served on their Board of Deacons 5 ½ years. She also worked with The Gathering, sponsored by The Church of the Joyful Healer, making a variety of soups from scratch to support their weekly efforts on behalf of the unhoused. She continued to make the soups every week even after she could not physically attend during the early throes of COVID. Her soups were delivered weekly by her son John until not too long ago when her stamina finally waned. Her spirit, though, remains with all these people, supporters and supported alike.

Ruth is beloved by and survived by four children, five stepchildren, twelve grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom are blessed to have been loved by and connected to each other through her. Her family is very grateful to Frye’s Care Home and Hospice; and to Adrianna and Vickie for their special love and care. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider supporting an organization that supports your neighbors in need.

Jeanne Loraine (Allen) Skutt passed away peacefully at home in Eureka on September 26, 2022. She was 94 years old. Born September 30, 1927 in Pontiac, Michigan to Warren Hugo Allen and Veivai-Inez (Rhodes) Allen, Jeanne graduated from Pontiac Senior High School with “The Greatest Generation” during World War II. After graduation, she was employed by Bell Telephone Co. in both Michigan and California for six years, Valley College in North Hollywood for seven years, and part-time at Eureka City Hall for twelve years. She also volunteered as a Pinafore at General Hospital in Eureka, and was a long-time member of the congregation of Grace Baptist Church in Eureka.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy Waldron Skutt, her parents Warren Hugo and Veivai-Inez Allen, her brother Wayne Edwin Allen, and great-granddaughters Brittany Joeleen Sharp and Katie Nichole Sharp.

She is survived by her sister Shirley JoAnne (Harold) Collom of Novi, MI, daughters Janice Eileen (Craig) Newman of Arcata, Dawn Marie (Steven) Reed of Eureka, and Susan JoAnn Skutt of Lexington; grandchildren Michael Glen Newman, Ryan Craig Newman, Trisha JoElle Riley, Erik Michael Messina, Scott Alan Messina, Michael James Messina, Erin Lorraine Messina, Jimmy Allen Skutt, Stephanie Kay (Patrick) Gareis, Tammy Jo Reed, Chrissy Ann (John) Genaro, Patrick Jack Reed, Timothy Michael Reed; great-grandchildren Vincent Scott Messina, Jessica Kaitlyn (Johnny) Silba, Mariah Patricia Gareis, Ruby Jeanne (Jordan) Green; and great-great granddaughter Jayden Joeleen Nichole Silba.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt. No service will be held.

###

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

Henry Lawrence Kane
January 25, 1935 - October 4, 2022

Henry Lawrence Kane went home to be with the Lord with family by his side on October 4, 2022. Henry was born on January 25, 1935 to Robert and Iola Kane of Hoopa. He was a devoted Christian and a proud member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. As a young man, he attended school in Hoopa, graduating from Hoopa Elementary and Hoopa Valley High School. While in high school, he was active in student activities and a natural athlete playing football, basketball, and tennis. After High School, he attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and later attended Humboldt State University where he studied Finance. He then enlisted in the US Army in 1956; he was honorably discharged and returned home to work for the Humboldt Fir Mill.

In 1960 he moved to Oakland with his sister Margaret and went to work for Foremost Chemical Company. Later that year, he married Mildred Grant of Somes Bar. Together they had three children Tanee, Robert, and Michael. His children were his pride and joy in life. In 1964 the family moved to Hayward and made many great memories together. He enjoyed watching his sons’ sporting events and taking his daughter to the theater. He held season tickets to the Oakland Raiders games for several years. He was an avid gardener and took pride in having the most beautiful yard on the block. He also had a beautiful singing voice and sang in church choirs all his life. In 1961, he entered a TV talent competition on the Oakland KTVU Network and was offered to tour all over the US. But, being the family man he was, he chose to stay home with his growing family.

Some years later, Henry met Frances Shelton while attending Central Baptist Church in Alameda. He sang in the choir while she was serving in a children’s church. They were married two years later. So started a wonderful and rewarding life teaching Sunday school and doing Rest Home Ministry at the Shoreline South Convalescent Home in Alameda. Then, in February 1986, God took them on an amazing journey by bringing them to Sebastopol. They became active members of Sebastopol Christian Church and continued teaching Sunday School together. They were married for 27 loving years before Fran lost her hard-fought battle with cancer.

Henry filled his time with physical activity and providing service to his community. He enjoyed playing in the Sebastopol Tennis league and volunteering at the Sebastopol Food Bank. He was active in both until his health brought him home to Hoopa to be closer to family.

Henry is survived by his children Tanee Kane and Billy Joe Peters, Robert Sr. and Ella Kane; his brother Dennis Kane Sr. as well as his grandchildren Robert Jr. and Brandice Kane, Curtis and Melissa Kane, Chelsee Gibbens and Travis, Haylee and Billy Aubrey, Mariah and Kris Mitchell, William Peters and Felice, Jurnie Wilder and Fernando, Jesselyn Peters and Joseph, Cole Kane and Laura, Vernon Peters and Salina, Madison Kane and Talon. Henry is also survived by his great-grandchildren Maile, Grace, Allen, Bunny, Curtis, Emma, Kristofer, Davonte, Fayelynn, and Yvonne; and by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Frances, and his parents, Robert Kane Sr and Iola Moon; his siblings, Corene Miguelena, Robert Kane Jr, Margaret Powell, Carlson Kane, Hugh Moon Jr, and Cheryl Rose; his son Michael Kane, his grandson Clinton Kane and his lifelong friend William “Injun Bill” Carpenter.

The family would like to sincerely thank the many people who visited and cared for Henry in his later years. Thank you, Travis Simms-Burton, Amber Baker, Ethel Ruth Davis, The Nelsons and the IlTuq community, the Staff of Senior Nutrition, Dr. Chase and Dr. Smith, the Staff of Timber Ridge and Hospice of Humboldt, Pamela Mattz and Wiliam Pecos Carpenter, Tory Colegrove & Family, Kemberlee Beckwith, Janice Yerton, Joe and Stevie Jarnaghan, Tracey Ramone and Stan and Sara Warne.

There will be a celebration of life on October 15, 2022, at the Tish Tang Campground at 1 p.m. At a later date, Henry’s ashes will be taken to Bodega Bay and scattered at sea.

###

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

The big day is finally here. Just over two years since taking over the space, the Wiyot Tribe’s shiny, new Da gou rou louwi’ Cultural Center — located in the heart of Old Town at 417 Second St. — is scheduled to finally open its doors to the public on Tuesday, Oct. 11. 

In anticipation, Marnie Atkins has folded a lot of Wiyot merchandise. As the center’s manager and its sole employee she’s been hustling to tend to countless last-minute tasks before opening day. But after all the pandemic-related obstacles that slowed the center’s building renovations — from the labor shortages, to supply chain woes — she’s excited to see what might now happen in the space she’s conceived. 

“We’re here,” Atkins told the Outpost. “Folks will finally be able to come up to the door, actually open it and come on in. We want to welcome people into a space that’s dedicated to Native folks — a place where people can come in and learn and ask questions about the tribe.”

Part of Atkins’ goal for the center can be found right in its name. In Soulatluk, the Wiyot language, Da gou rou louwi’ translates to “the ongoing return of all” and Atkins hopes that the center will help introduce more people to the tribe’s sacred and ceremonial practices and also further the discussions of recent years about how best to continue reclaiming the tribe’s influence in the region. 

“Being right in the heart of Old Town is fantastic,” Atkins said. “Sometimes I think you don’t realize there’s a void until it’s filled and then you’re like, wait, how did we get along without that? You know, our community struggles with a history that is uncomfortable and full of violence. This space is dedicated to resiliency and survivance.”

This Wiyot girl’s Brush Dance skirt is thought to date from the 19th century | Photo: Brooklyn Museum

A testament to the tribe’s resiliency can be experienced through the numerous Wiyot cultural items on display at the center, including tribal baskets (gi’y), ceremonial clothing and an ornate pole sculpture built by Native artist Rick Bartow. One item Atkins excitedly highlighted for us was a brush dance skirt that had been in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum for around a hundred years that was repatriated to the tribe, in part thanks to a grant from the National Park Service. 

“She’ll be up for people to see,” Atkins said, referring to the dress. “We believe that once these items are danced in ceremony they are imbued with a spirit, with a personhood. So that’s why I say ’she.’ And she’s older, so she’s like a grandmother dress because she’s been around for a really long time.”

Another aspect of Wiyot culture Atkins plans to help return are native plants. The planter boxes between the center and the Old Town gazebo have already been freshly mulched and are ready for planting. 

Ready to stop by Da gou rou louwi’? The center will be open Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Going forward, if you want to plan a visit you’re advised to check the center’s Facebook page which will be regularly updated with the schedule. (Until the center can hire more staff, Marnie will be running the operation as a one-Wiyot show.) 

“My grand vision is to be a central hub for the exchange ideas, information and cross-cultural understanding,” Atkins said. You’re encouraged to come in and say Ha’wa’lou (hello).