Map of spray spots in the Arcata-Blue Lake area by Soucy Biologique.

Press release from a coalition of local environmental groups:

On September 29, 2022, PG&E alerted Humboldt County that it was going to spray herbicides along its easements across the region. PG&E failed to alert landowners or tenants of this new threat; instead, local news broke the story just two days before spraying was set to commence.

Today, it appears that PG&E has postponed spraying and is requiring individuals to opt-in to the program. Many important details are still missing or are evidently still in flux.

We, like you, are alarmed by PG&E’s proposed herbicide spraying. The toxicants employed have a clearly established relationship with increased risk of disease, including cancer, and some have been banned in other countries as a result. Herbicide application is slated to start concurrent with the defined “wet period” in Humboldt County, risking runoff into adjacent streams. Humboldt County’s organic and cannabis farms are particularly at risk from spray drift, as even trace amounts of herbicides can ruin an entire year’s crop. Spray along roadsides places road users, particularly walkers and bikers, at risk and may contaminate wild-harvested foods, like berries, which can be picked from roadsides throughout the county. For these reasons and more, herbicide application has long been controversial in Humboldt County, with jurisdictions including Humboldt County and Arcata have adopted policies against herbicide application on their property.

Our organizations oppose herbicide application without the express permission of landowners, their tenants and adjacent landowners where there is risk of spray drift, and without measures to protect users of public streets and roads. We are at work to correct this situation and to reform larger processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. State law limits local jurisdictions ability to regulate herbicide application, however, we call on the Board of Supervisors to adopt a formal policy outlining its position regarding herbicide application. Email your Supervisor to register your concerns.

If you are concerned about herbicide application on your property, please contact PG&E at 1-800-564-5080 and email at treesafety@pge.com. PG&E has failed to provide readily usable maps where they will spray. A Google Earth file is available here. Redheaded Blackbelt and Soucy Biologique have provided maps for the community.

Tom Wheeler
Executive Director
EPIC

Caroline Griffith
Executive Director
Northcoast Environmental Center

Dan Chandler
Steering Committee Member
350 Humboldt

Colin Fiske
Executive Director
Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities

Alicia Hamann
Executive Director
Friends of the Eel River

Larry Glass
Executive Director
Safe Alternatives for our Forest Environment

Jen Kalt
Director
Humboldt Baykeeper

Patty Clary
Executive Director
Californians for Alternatives to Toxics

From the Humboldt County Superior Court:

The Humboldt County Superior Court is currently facing a shortage of prospective jurors like we have never seen before. The failure of summoned jurors to appear at court for Jury Duty is causing a barrier to justice for citizens who are facing criminal charges as well as those attempting to seek civil justice in our courts.

Jury Service is one of the most important ways to participate in local government while assisting your fellow citizens in obtaining justice. We realize that Jury Service can impact your daily life; however, we are imploring all summoned jurors to appear at the requested time and fulfill their civic duty.

Jay Aubrey Lewis, born December 3, 1972 in Ft. Bragg, was a gift from God, a reward from Heaven. (Psalm 127:3) Heaven sent.

Born to Michael Jay Lewis and Belinda (Crook) Lewis. A blessing from God.

Survived by his parents, stepmother, Anita Lewis, half brother Michael Lewis, half sister Natasha Lewis; his aunts Nancy (Crook) and her husband Jim Maas and their family, Lisa (Crook) and her husband William Larkin and their family; multiple cousins and maternal cousins. Preceded in death by his grandparents Aubrey Leon and Joan Grissom Crook, his mothers aunts and uncles and his fathers parents Jay and Nora Visher Lewis.

Jay loved playing in the dirt with his Tonka toys and his faithful pet, Mutt. Always easygoing, he loved working in the garden with his grandpa Aubrey.

He moved to Eureka when he was five to start a new, larger family with Lester D. Kruse and his two sons, Jeff and Clint.

Jay helped at the Palm Motel and Cafe while charming the guests and employees. He spent a lot of time in the pool and riding and racing his dirt bike.

As a child Jay had a Pygmy goat and dog that followed him on his bicycle while he did his paper route. Like a small one parade.

He attended Eureka High. Played a little football, basketball, baseball and soccer. Didn’t like soccer. Too much running.

Jay met Myriah Ashley while fishing on the Nanbellis Jo with David Wight. A fishing vessel built by his grandparents. He and Myriah had two beautiful sons, Kydan Aubrey Wayne Lewis and Noah Jacob Lewis, whom Jay loved and adored very much!

Jay worked construction, starting with being a “go for” for Neal McKenny as a teenager.

Growing up, Jay attended Eureka First Baptist Church. He was saved and baptized when he was 15.

He is survived by Myriah Ashley Massei and his two sons, Kydan and Noah Lewis.

Jay was a joy, light and best friend to his mother. Also a contractor, mechanic and handyman for every need.

He had a gift of helps. Everyone knew to go to Jay for whatever they needed. He was happy to help.

Jay was blessed by and a blessing to many. He loved the ocean, fishing and hanging out with his friends.

We mourn the loss of this beautiful “blessing from God.”

The good news is, everyone who believes Jesus is Lord, asks Jesus to be Lord of their lives, and trusts in Him will have eternal Life and see Jay again, FOREVER!, without tears:

Revelation 21:4, God will wipe away every tear, no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.

Thank You, Jesus! Amen!

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jay Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at Faith Center on Bay Street in Eureka from 11 p.m. to 12 p.m.

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

Joan J. Rasmussen
Sept. 24, 1932-Oct. 1, 2022

How often have any of us said, “If I have a choice, I want to go to sleep and not wake up”?

That is exactly what Joan did. She didn’t wake up on October 1, 2022.

The day before, September 30th, was a most amazing day after a horrible week. Joan hadn’t been feeling well. So unwell, she missed going to her great-grandson’s wedding, with regrets. And had to cancel her 90th birthday party because she was admitted to the hospital two days prior to it.

She had her hair washed and styled at the hairdresser’s. Went for her follow-up appointment. Then joined her friend Rita Coleman, giggling, for a long-anticipated jaunt to the casino. She was winning at the slots. She stayed until she wanted to go home. It was a most fun and amazing day for her. After she got home, she got everything ready for the next day. She laid down, went to sleep, and closed her eyes forever. Peacefully and finally as she wished.

Joan had many hardships in her young life. She was 13 when her mother died in childbirth. There were 6 girls, one boy and a father who chose not to raise them. Joan was passed from one relative to another. Teenage girls weren’t looked upon as anything but a burden at that time. She lied about her age to work to survive at 14. She truly was a strong woman.

She met and married Jim Lake when she was 19. They moved to South Dakota where they set up a household. They had three sons, Mike, Tony and Neil. She and Jim divorced.

She migrated to Fortuna, where she met John Rasmussen, the love of her life. They married and had two children, Ken and Nancy (Carswell). She was proud of her three children and loved them very much.

Joan was proud of her home. She was a voracious reader and proud of her books. She volunteered at Redwood Memorial Hospital as a Pink Lady for 12 years.

Joan had a sharp wit, often giving family and friends a bad time followed by her trademark chuckle.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Rasmussen, her two infant sons, Tony and Neil Lake, and her sisters, Delores, Myna, and Della Jane.

Joan is survived by her sons, Mike Lake (Debra), and Ken Rasmussen (Cindy) and daughter, Nancy Carswell (Roy). Her grandchildren are Heather McTigue (Patrick), Isaac Lake (Shannon), Ashley Rasmussen, Dave and Neal Thomsen, Kenny and Brian Carswell. Her great-grandchildren are Ty Lake (Kelly) and Kyle Lake; Justin, Kaden, and William Thomsen; and Cole Petlichkov. She is also survived by her dear best friend, Rita Coleman.

At her request, her ashes will be scattered with John’s at a private service.

“Live a good life. In the end, it is not the years in the life, but the life in the years.”

Fred Paul DePucci passed away on June 28, 2022 at the age of 87.

Fred was born September 18, 1934 to Alfredo and Emilia DePucci in Arcata. After two years of service in the United States Army as an airplane and helicopter mechanic, Fred returned to the Rio Dell/Scotia area where he worked for and eventually retired from Pacific Lumber Company as head mechanic.

If you knew Fred you knew he was always either behind the wheel of a car, behind the wheel of a boat or repairing or restoring cars and trucks. As a young man, Fred spent many summers water skiing at the Rio Dell river bar and later Ruth Lake. As an excellent water skier himself, Fred thoroughly enjoyed pulling people behind the boat on either skis or a tube. His friends, children and their friends were always made to feel welcome.

As a passionate car enthusiast, he restored many classic cars including his own 1941 Chevy Coupe. He took great pride in his work and was well known for the body, fender and paint work that he enjoyed. Fred attended numerous car shows with his Chevy Coupe and won multiple awards he was very proud of. In his later years, he enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his home in Rio Dell. Anytime there was a holiday, birthday, wedding, or reunion the party was at Fred’s. To say Fred was always up for a good time was an understatement. He enjoyed life to the fullest and wanted to be around others with the same zest for life. He will be greatly missed.

Fred is survived by his sister, Nancy Kurtz, his children Sherry and Gaylon Rock, Tony and Carolyn DePucci, Rick Machado, Kim Beagle, Arnie and Terri Parks, Robin Parks, Curt and Paula Parks and his numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfredo and Emilia DePucci, daughters, Vicky Machado and Terri Parks, brother-in-law, Albert Kurtz, Sr, sister and brother-in-law, Rena and Gene Miller, and nephew, John Miller.

A celebration of life for Fred will be held Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Rio Dell Fire Hall.

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

Deanna J. Thomson
April 3, 1943 — Sept. 26, 2022

Deanna was a most wonderful friend and helpmate to her husband David during their 57 years of marriage. She was there to encourage him with a pat on the back (high back or low back, as appropriate). She was his rock of stability during difficult times.

During their 21 years of active duty, U.S. Air Force, they visited and lived in many U.S. states and foreign countries. She enjoyed sharing with her friends tales of their travels. They retired to Fortuna in 1987.

Deanna had a lifelong interest in the Bible and its teachings. She became interested in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She felt comfortable with their philosophy of witnessing and was baptized in 1993.

Deanna is survived by her husband of 57 years, David F. Thomson; brothers Rod Schultz and Doug Schultz (Melinda), both of Eugene, OR; sister-in-law Elsie Thomson, Middletown, CA; brother-in-law Jim (Dellie) Thomson (Jeri), Fortuna, CA; and step-sister-in-law Elaine St. Aubin, Fortuna, CA; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her easy, wonderful smile and laughter will be greatly missed.

A memorial will be held on a date yet to be determined. The services will be under the guidance of the local Kingdom Hall.

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

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Embattled Humboldt County Planning Commissioner Alan Bongio says he will step down from his longtime chair position at Thursday’s meeting, acquiescing to a recent request from the Board of Supervisors in response to racist remarks Bongio made during an August 18 hearing.

Reached by phone this afternoon, Bongio was terse, but he confirmed that he plans to step down and hand over control of the meeting to Vice Chair Noah Levy, the commission’s Third District representative. Bongio said he doesn’t know what the process will be to select the commission’s next full-time chair.

Bongio downplayed the drama of this latest turn in an ongoing controversy. “There’s not gonna be any big fireworks,” he said.

The agenda for Thursday night’s meeting includes a draft letter of apology to three Wiyot-area tribes — namely, the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, the Blue Lake Rancheria and the Wiyot Tribe — for Bongio’s August 15 comments, which the letter calls “inappropriate” as well as “insensitive, racist, and biased.”

“The comments added to past injury and injustices resulting from governmental actions,” the draft letter continues. “We as the Humboldt County Planning Commission recognize we did nothing to address the problem in the moment and so are all responsible. We understand this has damaged the relationship between the Planning Commission and the Wiyot people.”

At the August 15 hearing, which concerned permit violations by local business owner and developer Travis Schneider, Bongio accused the local tribes of playing games and manipulating negotiations in talks about potential damage done to a designated archaeological site and tribal cultural resource on Schneider’s property. He made several derisive comments about “the Indians” and accused two of the tribes of reneging on an agreement, adding, “I have a different term for it but, you know, whatever.”

The Board of Supervisors formally censured Bongio by unanimous vote last month, and First District Supervisor Rex Bohn, who appointed Bongio to the Planning Commission nearly a decade ago, said that county staff had arranged for Bongio to participate in diversity, equity and inclusion training.

In today’s brief phone conversation, Bongio said he has read the draft letter and is prepared to talk about it Thursday evening. “We’ll have a discussion and if everyone agrees [with it] we’ll sign it,” he said.

Asked if he has any personal opinions about the language of the draft apology, Bongio offered a one-word reply: “No.”

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DOCUMENT: Draft Apology Letter to Tribes

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PREVIOUSLY:

• Heated Meeting Sparks Accusations of Dishonesty and Discrimination, Opening Rift Between Tribes and Humboldt County Planning Commission
• Despite Silence From Tribes, Mega-Home Builder Optimistic Ahead of Tonight’s Continued Planning Commission Hearing to Address Permit Violation Fallout
• After Rebukes and Apologies for Bongio’s ‘Disrespectful’ Comments, Planning Commission Defers Decision on Mega-Home Permits
• County Supes to Consider Censure of Planning Commission Chair Alan Bongio for Inappropriate Conduct
• Bohn Makes the Motion, Supes Unanimously Censure Bongio for Racist Remarks, Move to Remove Him as Chair of Planning Commission