County of Humboldt release: 

The Environmental Services Division of the County of Humboldt’s Public Works Department is excited to announce that the first set of recreational trails and the Northridge Parking Area of the McKay Community Forest are now open for public use.

The Northridge Parking Area provides access to the first set of officially designated forest trails, which are still a work in progress. The county will continue to collaborate with the Humboldt Trails Council’s Volunteer Trail Stewards and the Redwood Coast Mountain Bike Association (RCMBA) to further develop and maintain the trails at Northridge.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be looking at the potential for 31 miles of trails in the McKay Community Forest. The work we are doing in partnership with the county to develop these trails is really a labor of love,” said Michael Proulx, Board President of the Humboldt Trails Council. “The Volunteer Trail Stewards love trails and being outdoors, and we look forward to more trials being completed in the future for visitors of the forest to enjoy.”

The McKay Community Forest is located southeast of Eureka along the urban-forest interface near Myrtletown, Cutten, and Ridgewood Heights. The community forest was established when Humboldt County acquired a total of 1,194 acres of forestland from the Green Diamond Resource Company in a two-phase acquisition, with support from the Trust for Public Land and several federal and state funding agencies.  

“Green Diamond Resource Company is proud to see this vision become a reality and for the public to have safe access to this community forest,” said Peter Jackson, Vice President and General Manager of California Operations, Green Diamond Resource Company. “The multi-group public-private partnership formed by the county is a critical element to this project. It’s brought together several diverse groups and serves as a model of cooperation for mutual benefit and a ‘win’ for everyone.” 

The community forest is envisioned as a place that enhances quality of life by providing opportunities to experience a diverse, dynamic, and productive forest. The forest will be managed for multiple purposes including public access and recreation, sustainable timber harvest, and watershed and resource conservation. Revenues generated through timber harvest will offset the costs of management and maintenance and fund the development of trails, access points, and other amenities.
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the McKay Community Forest Trail Plan, Trail Plan Environmental Study, and McKay Community Forest Stewardship Plan.

The trail plan provides a blueprint for developing approximately 31 miles of trails to support recreational and educational activities. The forest stewardship plan addresses non-recreational aspects of managing the forest, including silviculture, fire risk reduction, and habitat restoration.

“We started discussing this project over 10 years ago, and we knew that the community had been visiting the McKay Community Forest for years. Now they can do that both safely and legally,” said Rex Bohn, Humboldt County First District Supervisor. “I would like to thank county staff, our partners at the Green Diamond Resource Company, the Trust for Public Land, RCMBA, the Volunteer Trail Stewards and everyone involved to bring this project to where it is now. This project has so many benefits for everyone, and I look forward to enjoying the trails and know the community will enjoy them too.”

For the near future, community members who wish to enjoy the newly opened trails may access them in the Northridge Parking Area, located on Northridge Road in Cutten, while other access points to the trails are developed.

The Northridge Parking Area and public trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Visitors are asked to be courteous to other people on the trail and respectful of the wildlife and plant communities. Bicyclists must yield to other trail users and travel at safe speeds. Dogs must be on a leash, and dog owners are asked to pick up dog waste for proper disposal. Camping, motorcycles, fires, and firearms are prohibited. 

Humboldt Trails Council’s Volunteer Trail Stewards meet every Tuesday and Wednesday to develop and maintain McKay Community Forest trails and host community volunteer workdays the first Saturday of each month. The next community volunteer workday at the McKay Community Forest will take place on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Community members with interest in joining are asked to meet at the storage container at Redwood Flats on Fern Street off Walnut Drive in Cutten at 9 a.m. For more information, please visit humtails.org/volunteer.

For more information on the McKay Community Forest, please visit humboldtgov.org/mckayforest or call (707) 441-7741.

One of my favorite things everyday is my bus ride to work. Seriously. I get 20 minutes to myself, where I can sit and read the New York Times (or, let’s be serious, scroll on Instagram). Because someone else is driving, I get to lazily look out the window at Humboldt Bay. I get a little exercise on the walk to my bus stop. And perhaps best of all, I save on gas (which makes me feel good, as I want to do things to address the climate crisis and I am cheap).

In efforts to bolster the league of bus riders, here’s a helpful guide on how to ride the bus!

Find Your Route: Let’s say you want to get somewhere but you don’t know the schedule. Never fear! Using Google Maps, you can find directions by public transit. (Google Maps is even so kind to tell you when you need to walk out the door to make it to your bus stop.) Prefer to look at route maps instead? I got you, fam.

Where’s My Bus? Now that you are at your bus stop, you might be curious when your bus will arrive. There’s an app for that! Track the location of your bus in real time on the Transit app, available for Android and iPhone. (Or just chill. The bus will get there, almost always on time.)

How to Pay: There are three ways to pay your fare: (1) Purchase discounted multi-ride or monthly passes online, onboard the bus, or at the Humboldt Transit Authority office; (2) Use the Token Transit app on your mobile device (my preferred method); or (3) Pay on the bus with exact change. Pro tip: You get a price discount for both passes and for Token Transit, available on Android or iPhone.

Want to Bring a Bike? I like your style. Buses are equipped with front-mounted bike racks. Remove panniers and anything else that might fall from your bike. Pull down the front rack by squeezing the latch handle, lift your bike so your front wheel matches the location marked on the bike rack, raise the support arm and lower it onto your wheel. When getting off, be sure to let the bus driver know that you will be collecting your bike.

Bus Etiquette: Pull the cord with plenty of time before your stop (and if you don’t know what stop is best, ask the driver when getting on). Don’t man-spread. Don’t block a seat with your bag if the bus is full. Get off using the backdoor (unless you have a special reason) to avoid a traffic jam with those getting on. And thank your bus driver for ferrying you safely.

I hope to see you on the bus!

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Tom Wheeler is the vice-president of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities and the host of The Econews Report.

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Press release from Nordic Aquafarms:

In a special public hearing on September 28, 2022, the Humboldt County’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to uphold the Humboldt County Planning Commission’s decision.

The Board of Supervisors met to consider an appeal filed by three local organizations regarding certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), the Coastal Development Permit, and Special Permit for the Nordic Aquafarms project.

The EIR, a culmination of over a thousand pages, required many months of collaborative work done by Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District and the County of Humboldt. The document is a deep, comprehensive analysis of impact studies done by experts in the relevant fields and a monumental step forward on the journey towards a sustainable, forward-looking agricultural project.

“Nordic’s project, as shown in the EIR and further reinforced by today’s overwhelming vote of support by the Board of Supervisors is meeting, if not exceeding, the CEQA guidelines,” states Brenda Chandler, Nordic Aquafarms’ Interim CEO. “For example, we are committed to 100% renewable and/or carbon free energy and will always strive to be progressive in meeting our goals as a sustainable and traceable source of fresh fish, in the US market.”

One proposal accepted by the Board was an annual Sustainability Summit that Nordic will sponsor, bringing together local NGOs, Humboldt County’s community leaders, academia, tribal government leadership and members of the public. In addition to reviewing Nordic’s Annual Sustainability Report, this forum will be a place where environmental issues and solutions can be proposed by all attendees.

“The universal goal would be to create a cycle of sustainability improvements; and agreed upon elements will be incorporated into our sustainability goals.” states Chandler. “These collaborative solutions are not exclusive to Nordic, leaving opportunity for development of community wide initiatives.”

“Nordic Aquafarms has been clear from the very beginning, that we will always look to balance what is possible and practical in all areas.” Chandler states. “We have listened to the voices of the community, both in support for this project, and those with concerns. One very clear consensus is that this project is needed here. We will continue to listen to the Humboldt community — it is that feedback that inspires evolution.”

Nordic Aquafarms would like to thank all those that submitted support in person, in writing, and virtually at the hearing. We would also like to express our thanks to the Board of Supervisors for the thoughtfulness of inquiries on behalf of their constituents. Community support is integral to the success of this project and addressing concerns and working together to provide solutions is paramount.

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PREVIOUSLY: 

• Nordic Aquafarms Lays out Next Steps After Planning Commission Gives the Thumbs-Up to Their Samoa Fish Farm Plans
• Fishermen and Conservation Groups Appeal Nordic Aquafarms’ Environmental Report Certification to Humboldt County Supervisors
• Supes Scheduled to Hear Appeal of Nordic Aquafarms Project at Special Meeting Wednesday
• Supervisors Deny Appeal of Nordic Aquafarms Project

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Strap in, folks, because it’s time for another episode of Humboldt Baywatch! That’s weekly feature on KHUM, the LoCO’s sister station of the FM airwaves, wherein DJ Midge Martin indulges her passion for the natural world by getting the 411 on this creature or that.

This week, Michelle Kunst of the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust stops by to drop some knowledge on one of Midge’s very favoritest animals — the humble ant! Specifically the thatcher ant, a regular denizen of the dunes who also makes her home on higher land, from time to time. 

Man, are these thatcher ants ever weird! Let’s tune in!

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Odds are, one of the many ads for legalizing sports betting has snagged your attention, given their ubiquity on TV, websites and billboards across California.

You’d be forgiven, though, for still not having a clear sense of what either of the initiatives do. Some of the ads don’t mention sports betting at all, potentially leaving Californians foggy on what exactly it is they’re being asked to decide.

The ads are “oversimplified to a point of not being fully accurate,” said Mary Beth Moylan, an associate dean and professor at the McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific who oversees a journal dedicated to California’s initiatives.

Proposition 26 would legalize sports betting at tribal casinos and at California’s four private horse race tracks. It is being paid for by about a dozen Native American tribes. It would also allow tribes to begin offering roulette and dice games.

Proposition 27 would legalize online sports betting across the state and is being paid for by a handful of large gaming companies. Under Proposition 27, both gaming companies and tribes could offer online and mobile sports betting.

But how truthful are the ads? Here’s what you need to know about some of the often-repeated claims.

Claim: “Tribal leaders support the Solutions Act (Prop 27)”

Leaders from three of California’s 110 federally recognized Native American tribes — Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe, Middletown Rancheria of Pomo Indians and Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians — support the online sports betting proposition.

Chairman Jose “Moke” Simon III of the Middletown Racheria of Pomo Indians said in an interview with CalMatters that he supports Proposition 27 because it gives the tribe an opportunity to bring in more funds. The tribe is rural and has a casino about an hour’s drive north of Napa.

“Our brick and mortar (casino) is limited by just our area where we’re located and the mobile sports betting would allow us to reach a much broader audience,” said Simon III.

But, over 50 tribes and tribal organizations oppose Proposition 27. They say it would disrupt the gaming that has been operating on tribal lands for decades and would drive business away from Indian casinos.

True?

It is true that a few tribal leaders support Proposition 27, but far more tribal leaders oppose the measure.

Claim: Proposition 27 “supports every California tribe, including financially disadvantaged tribes that don’t own big casinos”

It’s true that every tribe would see some kind of benefit from Proposition 27. Tribes that have compacts with the state of California that allow them to offer gambling could create their own mobile sports betting app or website. Or, they could partner with a gaming company that wants to offer online sports betting in California.

The initiative also taxes online sports betting and sets aside 15% of the money for tribes that aren’t involved in sports betting. But, because it’s hard to know exactly how many people will place bets, how many companies and tribes will want to offer sports betting, or how many tax deductions companies will take, it’s impossible to know exactly how much money that will be.

True?

Every tribe has the potential to benefit from Proposition 27, yes. It’s unclear to what degree each tribe would benefit.

Claim: Proposition 27 provides “hundreds of millions in yearly funding to finally address homelessness in California”

This one is a bit complicated. It’s possible the proposition will generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually to address homelessness, but it’s not guaranteed.

Each election cycle, the non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office reviews each proposition and estimates the new costs and revenue each could create for the state. They found that Proposition 27, via taxes and fees, would increase money flowing to the state by “possibly in the hundreds of millions of dollars but likely not more than $500 million annually.” The office didn’t include a lower-end estimate.

First, that money would be used to cover new costs related to regulating sports betting, which the analysts estimate could reach tens of millions of dollars annually.

Out of the money that remains, 15% would go to tribes that don’t participate in sports betting and 85% would go to homelessness solutions. The Legislature could also choose to direct some of it to gambling addiction treatments.

True?

It is possible that Proposition 27 would wind up generating hundreds of millions of dollars per year for the state to address homlessness. But if taxes and fees end up bringing in $100 or $200 million a year — as opposed to $500 million — then it would not. Also, if the Legislature decides to direct a large portion to gambling addiction treatments, that would reduce the amount that goes to homelessness solutions.

How does this money fit into what California is already spending to address homelessness? California spent $7.2 billion on homelessness-related programs in the 2021-22 budget year, according to state analysts. If Proposition 27 added, say, $300 million, that would translate to a 4% boost.

Claim: “90% of the profits [of Prop. 27] go to out-of-state corporations”

This claim is based on the fact that Proposition 27 taxes online sports betting at a rate of 10%. So the question is: Where exactly will the other 90% go? The truth is that it’s impossible to know precisely.

If Proposition 27 passes, gaming companies headquartered in other states will want to get in on the action, since they are the ones funding the measure. The companies bankrolling the initiative have some of the most popular online sports betting platforms: FanDuel commands 31% of the U.S. market, followed by DraftKings with 26% and BetMGM with 16%, according to Eilers & Krejcik, a research firm focused on gaming. So, it’s reasonable to expect their platforms would be popular in California, too.

Does that mean those companies would reap all of the profit? The initiative also allows California tribes to offer mobile and online sports betting on their own. If tribes choose to do that, they’d be earning some of the profits.

Gaming companies headquartered in other states might also wind up needing to spend money in California to do business here. For example, companies will need to make a deal with a tribe in order to legally operate, and that deal could include some kind of payment or revenue sharing. Gaming companies may also need to pay employees or contractors in California to get their business going here.

True?

The companies funding the campaign are headquartered outside California. What percentage of profits would actually go to them is impossible to know right now.

Claim: Tribes are “pushing Prop 26 to guarantee themselves a virtual monopoly on all gaming in California by giving private trial lawyers the powers of the Attorney General to bury their licensed cardroom competitors with frivolous lawsuits.”

This argument contains several claims. It’s based on a part of Proposition 26 that allows any person (or organization) that believes someone else is breaking California gambling laws — by offering an illegal game, for example — to sue. Before they could sue, though, they’d need to first ask the state Department of Justice to act, and could only move ahead if the department doesn’t take action, or the department does file a case and the court rejects the case but allows it to be re-filed. It’s complicated legal stuff. But it’s not a totally novel idea; California has used a similar process to enforce labor laws.

True?

Buckle up.

Are tribes trying to “guarantee themselves a virtual monopoly?” In 2000, Californians voted to allow tribes to offer certain forms of gambling — including slot machines and card games backed by the casino — that no other entity in California is allowed to offer. Proposition 26 would allow tribes to begin offering roulette and dice games, which no other entity can offer, so long as they renegotiate their agreement with the state. So, the initiative would expand tribes’ exclusive rights to offer certain forms of gambling.

Would the new lawsuit process give “private trial lawyers the powers of the Attorney General to bury their licensed cardroom competitors with frivolous lawsuits?” It would allow private attorneys to bring cases that are currently under the purview of government lawyers. The Proposition 26 campaign hasn’t hidden the fact that tribes intend to sue cardrooms, which compete with tribal casinos.

The lawsuit process was “crafted to settle the house bank games law that governs cardrooms,” said Kathy Fairbanks, a spokesperson for Yes on 26 campaign, at a recent debate. The rules over exactly how cardrooms are allowed to offer certain games has long been a source of disagreement between cardrooms and tribes. The tribes don’t have standing to challenge them in court, Fairbanks said, so they want a way to do that.

The notion that this would unlock a slew of meritless lawsuits, though, assumes that courts don’t already have a process in place to handle frivolous lawsuits, said Moylan, the law professor. Courts can sanction lawyers who bring frivolous lawsuits, for example, Moylan said.

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

Sonja Katrina Dahlbacka
December 28th, 1960 - September 13th, 2022

Sonja Dahlbacka passed away in the early hours of September 13, 2022, at the age of 61. Sonja was born in Eureka and was adopted by Finnish immigrants Erik and Kaija Dahlbacka.

Sonja is survived by her son, Morgan Beebe, and his daughter Genevieve, and her adopted son Trevor Beebe, and his children, Finn, Henry, Arya, and Kahlan. Sonja loved her five grandchildren so much and spoiled them as much as she possibly could. She prayed that her children would instill the memory of her in their children; her grandchildren were her pride and joy. As a mother she was generous, loving and kind. Sonja loved her children and loved to spend time with them more than anything. She loved family dinners with Morgan and her daughter-in-law Anastasiia, going for a drive with them or to the North Jetty to watch waves. Sonja prepared amazing traditional dinners for holidays that will be greatly missed. She enjoyed going to Faith Center Church on Saturday nights, and then going out for dinner or a drive afterwards.

Everyone knew Sonja and Sonja knew everyone. She loved baking, especially Finnish “Bulla,” the most beautiful cupcakes, and delicious cheesecakes. She loved making various handmade crafts, holiday wreaths, her famous jeweled Christmas spiders, earrings and more. She loved laughing and staying positive. She had a beautiful style for home decorating and made every space beautiful and cozy. She loved helping everyone as much as she could. She worked as a medical transcriptionist for 30 years and then she worked for a family business that she and her sister Lisa inherited. Sonja loved pets, especially dogs.

A dear friend of Sonja’s offered that: …”Sonja was a special gal to all who were fortunate enough to call her a friend and had a bright smile. She was generous and spontaneous and there were many fun outings through the years. She frequently redecorated her home with varied paint combinations and changed her furniture around in her home often.

She was a loving mother and grandmother, a caring sister, and a treasured friend, she was dedicated and loyal to her parents and to her employers. Sonja worked as a transcriptionist for over 20 years at North Coast Family Practice. Sonja loved her very special pets Pearl, Muppy and Otis. Sonja was very proud of her Finnish ancestry, speaking a little of the language. She would always happily share memories of her trips to Finland as a child and continued to stay connected with relatives in Finland. She belonged to the Order of Runeberg Lodge No. 102 in Eureka.

Sonja lived for her loved ones and friends. She made the best of every day; when she needed solace from sadness or pain, she put it in God’s hands. Family traditions were so important to Sonja. She lived every day to the fullest, reaching out to family and friends daily. She always wanted to stay in touch and spread kindness. She was very proud of the young men her sons had become and she treasured the time she spent with her sister Lisa, running the business they had inherited when their parents passed away.”

She would want her family and friends to take a moment, remind their loved ones they are loved, and to pay it forward.

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

After a full 93 years of life, Ernest (Ernie) Victor Domenichelli, born March 18, 1929 in Geyserville, passed peacefully on September 24, 2022 in McKinleyville.

If you had time, Ernie would love to tell you a story or two about baseball which was his passion. Ernie was drafted out of high school by the San Francisco Seals (San Francisco Baseball Club, Inc.), and he played for the Salt Lake City Bees, Yakima Bears and the Seals. Ernie was drafted by the Army and spent time stationed in Germany where he was recruited for his baseball skills as an ace pitcher. His Army team would travel around Europe playing other Company teams. After returning to California with the Army Reserves, he continued playing for Sacramento Solons; Salem Oregon; Sacramento Bees; Visalia Reds; Amarillo, Texas; and Eugene, Oregon, finally retiring in 1958.

After retiring from baseball Ernie returned to his hometown of Geyserville and began working for the Italian Swiss Colony Winery in Asti, where he met the love of his life, Diane. At first Diane refused to go on a date with Ernie, but he persisted and Diane finally agreed. After their first date, Ernie knew he was going to marry Diane. They soon married in 1959 and settled in Cloverdale to start their family.

In 1991, after raising their children, Ernie and Diane relocated to Humboldt County, which is where Diane was born. While living in McKinleyville, Ernie worked at Fortuna Chevron, Charlie Dame’s Redwood Burl Inc., Mickey’s Quality Used Cars and Cher-Ae Heights. He retired for good in 2011. Ernie and Diane loved to go agate hunting at Dry Lagoon and Agate Beach.

Ernie was proceeded in death by father Albert Domenichelli and Mother Rose (ne’e Buchignani) and son Dennis Domenichelli. He leaves behind wife of 63 years Diane (ne’e Francis), daughters Lisa Perkins and Tina (Johnny) Garrett. Grandchildren Matthew Perkins; Kelly (Eric) Dickey; Josh Winter; Trevor (Katie) Garrett; and Jenna Garrett. Great-grandchildren Avery, Aubrey and Wyatt Perkins; Kennedy and Corinne Dickey; and Karson and Talon Garrett. Close family friends Yvonne Winter and Mark Perkins. We would like to also thank dear neighbors Kari, Mike and John.

A private family viewing was held on September 27, 2022 at Ayers Family Cremation.

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