Kaelyn (Kale) Starshine Jones-Rios
Jan. 30, 2004 - Jan. 4, 2026

Kaelyn “Kale” Starshine, 21, of Eureka, returned to the stars on January 4, 2026. Born on January 30, 2004, Kale was a radiant soul whose warmth, creativity, and boundless kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. It feels impossible to do Kale justice and capture her essence in just words. Those who knew her, simply understand the magic that she was.

Kale was born and raised in Eureka, attending Pine Hill/South Bay schools before graduating from Academy of the Redwoods in 2022. A passionate learner with a fierce intellect, she briefly explored life in Los Angeles and San Diego before the pull of home brought her back to Humboldt County. She was pursuing her associate’s degree in behavioral sciences at College of the Redwoods with plans for a career in psychology. Kale had a deep love for her work with children and adults with different abilities. Her behavior clients adored her, and she brought genuine compassion, patience, and joy to her work. She was a natural caregiver with an open mind and kind heart.

Nature was Kale’s sanctuary. She found peace in the warmth of the sun at the river, the ocean breeze, stargazing with loved ones, searching for agates and rocks in the sand, and wandering through misty redwood groves. She often dreamed of “the commune” — living off-grid with her family, needing only the land and each other. She understood that life was meant to be filled with laughter, long hugs, peaceful afternoons, and simple joys. Animals brought Kale immense joy, especially horses, which she considered her soul animal. Her dog Comet and cats Pluto and Lucifer were her most recent cherished companions, her babies. 

A fierce advocate for human rights and community, Kale had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together. She created the Clown Bonfires during summer months — a beloved gathering where anyone with a pure heart could be weird, silly, and authentic in a judgment-free zone. Clowning wasn’t just about makeup and costumes for Kale; it was about finding joy, not taking life too seriously, and making others feel truly welcomed and valued.

Kaelyn was the only daughter out of five children born to Kelli. Through her childhood, Kaelyn and Kelli shared a deep bond that went beyond just mother and daughter. Growing up Kaelyn did everything with her mom: many road trips both terrifying and fun, dying each other’s hair fun colors, makeup and tea parties, countless concerts and events (anything Kaelyn wanted to do!), horseback riding, cooking, binge-watching shows late at night, camping, and river trips all summer long. Together Kaelyn and Kelli raised dozens of bottle baby foster kittens. While Kelli may have taught Kaelyn the basics of living, Kaelyn taught her mom the meaning of life, and love.

Kale had a special relationship with her brother Jaren. Their connection was easily observed by anyone who ever saw them together. The way they laughed together, and gave each other shit, but would have each other’s back at the drop of the hat, was a beautiful thing to get to experience. She also loved her little brothers, Kason, Rylen, and Rowen, so much. She would gush about them to anyone who would listen. Laughing about whatever silly message they left her in their minecraft server, or about their latest random text. They spent countless summers at the river together, and rainy winters spent creating art and music together. Her love for her younger brothers was everlasting, a love only a big sister can truly understand. Everything she did was in the spirit of making them proud and showing them how unconditional her love was. 

Kale shared deep bonds with her aunts Haley and Erin, who lovingly called her KK. Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend. She and Haley shared a birthday and a soul connection. Family dinners and game nights at Haley’s house were filled with laughter, love, and KK’s creative food suggestions — from pickle night to spaghetti tacos. Haley’s home became her safe haven. With her aunt Erin, KK treasured summers spent together, cooking, baking, and making beautiful memories. She loved Erin’s famous oat bars and learned to make them herself. Many of her most magical childhood memories were from holidays spent at Erin’s McKinleyville home.

Kale’s relationship with her cousin Grayson was more like siblings than cousins. Their bond deepened into a profound friendship as adults, and she was immensely proud of who he was becoming, especially loving when he shared his music recordings with her. She adored her Oregon cousins, Brannan, Addison, and Jake, sharing a special relationship with each of them. They loved how she was always ready for outdoor adventures and making priceless memories. Whenever they visited, Kale would be right there — spoiling them, being silly, and partaking in all the classic cousin shenanigans.

Kale had a deep connection with her grandpa Steve. He created fun crafts and imaginative worlds for her and the grandkids, including the legendary Box City. He took her fishing and shared his love of plants and cats with her. Her grandma Kathi supported and loved Kale in a way only a grandma can, and Kale always knew she could count on her. Grandma taught her how to ride a 50 and the quad. They went on grand adventures together, like spending a day on Alcatraz in San Francisco and experiencing the magic of Lake Tahoe.

Kale’s best friends Gabby and Chayslin were her soul sisters. She and Gabby had been inseparable since age three, while Chayslin — who she affectionately called “sister” or “Mama Chayse” in her friend group — was there for her through every season and loved her like a big sister. Kale effortlessly welcomed others into their found family, including Zan and Maren, who were inextricably tied to Kale’s heart. Kale forged family and community, making everyone feel loved and included.

She is continued to be held in love by her mother, Kelli Jones; stepfather, Dave Jackson; brothers, Jaren, Kason, Rylen, and Rowen; aunts, Haley Jones and Erin Jones; uncle, John Jones; cousins, Grayson, Brannan, Addison, and Jake; grandparents, Kathi Borges, Larry Christiansen, Steve Jones, and Laura Jones; her soul sisters, Chayslin and Gabby; her father, Michael Rios Sr.; sister, Nicole Rios; and many other beloved family members and friends, there are simply too many to name.

Her light now shines with those who went before her; her great-grandparents Joyce and Hal Rogers, Bill and Joan Borges; great-aunt Janice O’Hara; great-uncle David Jones; and beloved family friends Papa (Rob) and Uncle Mikey.

Kale’s beautiful light, contagious spark, and deep love for community will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. Her infectious laugh, creative spirit, and ability to make others feel seen and valued will be forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers or a go fund me, we ask that you live your life to the fullest to celebrate Kale every day. Advocate for human rights and don’t back down, our world needs that now more than ever before. Consider your impact and footprint on this earth in all you do. And, just be kind. If you would like to donate to a charity in Kale’s honor, consider a charity supporting children and youth, animal rescue, LGBTQIA2S, and/or suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. 

It feels impossible to say goodbye to someone so young, but we know she will live on through the love she gave to us all. Please remember, the world is a better place with you in it. If you need help, or support, please know it’s ok to say something. If you know someone who you are worried about, it’s ok to check in, it’s ok to ask the hard questions. There is hope - Call or Text 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline, or 988lifeline.org.

Resources for help: 

• Friends for Survival
• Suicide and Violence Prevention Program
• Grief and Bereavement Resource List  

A celebration of life will be held in the near future. If you would like more information about date and location please send an email to kalescelebrationoflife@gmail.com. 

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“’What do we do when our hearts hurt?’ asked the boy. ‘We wrap them with friendship, shared tears and time, till they wake hopeful and happy again.’”

— The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.

Julie Ann Baldy McKinnon
July 4, 1946 - January 19, 2026

Wake: January 22, 2026 at 280 Baldy Flat., Hoopa
Graveside: January 23, 2026 Baldy Flat, Hoopa
Officiators: Harold Jones and Filmore Harvey

Reception following graveside at the Hoopa Trading Post

Honorary Pall Bearers: Kenneth Doolittle, Frank Surber, Sr., Vernon Pratt, Lyle Baldy, Sr., Leroy Baldy, Dana Chisum, Sr., Loren McKinnon, Jr., Brian McKinnon, Loren Offield, IV., Ronnie Green, Jerry Maestas, Werner Leiner, Jackson Surber, Joe Surber, Arnold Davis, Jr., Herman Quinn, Sr., Ben Woodman, Nolan E. Colegrove, Hank Alameda, Jr., Francis Loren Colegrove, and Rich Mlakar.

Pall Bearers: Frank B. Surber, Sinjen Surber, Sr., Herman Quinn, Jr., Ramius Davis, Nigel Davis, Daniel McKinnon, Dana Chisum, Jr., Denny Colegrove, Sorren Richards, Rohlen Richards, Misgilo “Minot” Moon, Leslie McLaughlin, Sr., Caleb White, Pergish Surber, Keynuh White, AC McLaughlin, Leslie McLaughlin Jr., John Robbins, Jr., Rodney Robbins, Ronnie Robbins, Filmore Harvey and Leota McKinnon-Stevens.

She is preceded in death by her son, Dawone Martin “Tiger” McKinnon; parents Newton Baldy, Sr., and Nancy Gardner Baldy; her sisters Dolly Baldy Marshall, Kathleen Baldy Dean, and Mary Baldy Doolittle; and her brothers Newton Baldy, Jr., Clarence Baldy, Keith Baldy, Edgar Norton, Sr., Allen Davis, Alex Pratt; and her great-grandson Totehl Surber.

She is survived by her children: Valerie Richards-Leiner (Werner), Frank Richards, Juliet Maestas (Jerry), Connie McKinnon (Arnold), Lare “Toss” McKinnon; and sisters Valerie Harvey, Darcey Miller, Lulu Baldy, Sonja Baldy, Carol Courtney, Carole Nixon Baldy, and Roxanne Mike; and brother Lyle Baldy, Sr.; and her grandchildren Hakita Alameda, Denny Colegrove, Dana Chisum, Jr. (Ariel), Naishian Richards (Ben), Ariel Richards (Eric), Sorren Richards, Rohlen Richards, Francee Nance (Caleb), Frank B. Surber (Alexis), Sinjen Surber, Sr. (Anna), Shelby Surber (Misgilo), Julia McKinnon-Stevens (Leota), Chloe Davis, Ramius Davis, Nigel Davis (Cynthia), Herman Quinn, Jr., and Daniel McKinnon; and her great-grandchildren Kixinay Masten, Ashlyn Alameda, Pauiila Colegrove, Kaydence Bibancos, Kahloni Bibancos, Kamora Bibancos, Brooke Erickson, Hailey Chisum, Melody Phines, Purseus Phines, Tohsoh Henry, Pergish Surber, Sinjen Surber, Jr., Keynuh White, Satori White, Alyssa Moon, Ava Moon, Ann-Marie Moon, Leslie McLaughlin, Jr., AC McLaughlin, Isadore McLaughlin, Duane McLaughlin, Greyson Davis, Minahsto Davis, and Isla Mlakar. Julie is survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, far too numerous to name.

Julie was a direct descendant of the Main House of the Hoopa High Dances and took pride in her role as a camp cook, where she was especially known for her pies. She was well known throughout the community for her Indian tacos and homemade bread, which she lovingly prepared and shared with family and community. She enjoyed crocheting, and many of her handmade items could be found at the Hoopa Trading Post. She found joy in playing bingo and often spent her weekends casino hopping. She shared her life with her loving partner, awok “Injun Bill” (Bill Carpenter) whose companionship and care meant a great deal to her.

Her professional life included work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Central Point, Oregon. She later served her community as a Community Health Representative with the Hoopa Health Association. Above all, Julie was the matriarch and foundation of her family, offering strength, guidance, and unwavering support to those she loved.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Julia McKinnon-Stevens and Leota Stevens for their dedicated time with Julie during her hospitalization; the Hoopa Valley Tribe Plant Management Department; and to all those who helped coordinate the services and reception. We apologize to anyone we may have inadvertently overlooked.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Goble’s Funeral Mortuary in Fortuna.

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

Randall Galen Sheesley Sr.
Aug. 12, 1960 - Dec. 29, 2025

Randall Galen Sheesley Sr., 65, passed away at his home in Arcata on Dec. 29, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. at the clubhouse, Ocean West — 1090 Murray Road, McKinleyville.

Randall was born in Manhattan Beach, Calif. in 1960. His parents are Janice and Galen Sheesley. In high school he loved to run track. After graduation Randall went into the plumbing trades but soon after became a mechanic. Randall moved to Humboldt county in 1984 with his family. He worked at Opie’s Fine Cars until they closed their doors around 2020. He worked until he retired in 2025.

Randall (Randy), sometimes known as Red or Big Red because of his fire-red hair, was a great husband, father and grandfather. He always loved making everyone laugh. He was an amazing cook, meatloaf being one of his favorites. Everyone always looked forward to his pumpkin bread around the holidays and his BBQ in the summer. He loved taking care of his home and could really fix anything! Randy cherished spending time with his wife, going to church and traveling to visit their family. Randall loved animals — he was especially fond of bearded dragons and his beloved dogs. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Randall is survived by his wife, Janine Sheesley; his children, Trisha Thurmond, Melissa Greenfield, Leslie Sheesley, Jessica Greenfield, Randall Sheesley Jr; his grandchildren, Ryan, Chloe, Taryn, Micah, Sierra, Malikai, Jaxon, Emmitt; his great-grandson, Brandon; his siblings John Sheesley, Sherri Ifversen, Richard Sheesley, Susan Roberts, Robert Sheesley, Diane Tauzer and Laurie Dutra.

Press release from KEET:

We at KEET PBS want to make you aware of a scam text message that some area residents have recently received claiming that PBS or public broadcasting is shutting down and asking for donations.

This message is NOT from KEET, PBS, or NPR.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting recently announced it will be closing its doors for good in January, as it no longer has federal grants to administer. But KEET and PBS are not going away. Together, we are committed to building and maintaining the trusted programming, public service, and community empowerment that are the core of our mission.

Please know:

• We do not send donation requests by unsolicited text message
• We will never ask for donations through links sent by unknown phone numbers
• Claims that PBS or KEET are “shutting down” are false

How to identify official KEET communications

You can trust a message is from KEET if:

• It comes from an official keet-tv.org email address
• It directs you to keet.org (not a shortened or unfamiliar link)
• It matches information you see on our on-air announcements, website, or official social media channels

What to do if you receive a scam message

• Do not click any links
• Do not reply
• Delete the message or mark it as SPAM on your device

If you’re ever unsure whether a message is legitimate, we encourage you to contact KEET directly through the contact information listed on keet.org.

Thank you for helping to protect our community from fraud — you truly make a difference! 

Let it be known: the Arcata City Council is not OK with offshore oil drilling. 

The city council unanimously adopted a resolution stating its opposition to offshore oil drilling at a special meeting this afternoon. The resolution emphasizes the city’s traditional commitment to the environment and its protection, and the dangers offshore oil drilling presents to marine life and ecosystems. 

The resolution will be sent to Gavin Newsom, the California Coastal Commission, state and local representatives, and relevant federal agencies. It’ll go on the record with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management as part of the public comment period as required by the Outer Shelf Continental Lands Act. (If you’d like to comment, you’ve got one day left: go here.)

This meeting follows a similar one on Sunday in Eureka, where politicians and local leaders heavily criticized the Trump administration’s plan to lease land off the coasts of California and Florida for offshore drilling in 2029.

Arcata City Manager Merritt Perry said the council wanted to be “reactive” to oppose drilling; Mayor Kimberley White and councilmember Alex Stillman asked that the resolution be brought to the table. They didn’t discuss the item before adopting it.

“[The council] strongly opposes any new or expanded offshore oil and gas drilling, exploration, or seismic testing along the Northern California coastline, including waters adjacent to Humboldt County,” reads the resolution. “And…the City of Arcata urges the President of the United States, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, members of Congress, and all relevant state and federal agencies to permanently prohibit offshore oil and gas drilling along California’s coast.”

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PREVIOUSLY

• TODAY in SUPES: Board Censures Bushnell, Removes Her From Chair Role and Asks Grand Jury to Review the Board’s Own Code of Conduct

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Press release from the Humboldt Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors’ Association of California:

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury has been in the news lately. On November 4, 2025, the Board of Supervisors asked two of its members to draft a letter to the Civil Grand Jury. They requested that the Grand Jury not only study the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct and Ethics to see if it needs improvement, but also to recommend any possible changes. To read the Code yourself, go to [this link].

This request is not a slam dunk; the Civil Grand Jury may or may not act on this request. The Board of Supervisors can only request a study from the Civil Grand Jury; they cannot demand or commission a study. The Civil Grand Jury is an entity unto itself, it does not answer either to the County or the Board of Supervisors. Instead, it is a part of the Humboldt County Superior Court, and the Civil Grand Jury decides for itself what it will study, investigate and issue reports on. 

By law, the Civil Grand Jury acts by a supermajority vote. Here in Humboldt, our jury is considered full at 19 members, making a supermajority consisting of 12 people. No public action can be taken until at least 12 agree. Even if the membership falls to less than 19, any and all actions must be approved by the supermajority of 12. This ensures a Grand Jury that acts slowly and deliberately, not on a whim or impulse.

When the Board of Supervisors sends its letter, it may also request a meeting with the Civil Grand Jury. This meeting would be confidential as are all Grand Jury meetings and interviews. The Grand Jury does not explain or publicize any of its meetings or actions.

All complaints and requests for an action are handled exactly the same way, no matter who makes them. All complaints are judged only on their merits. Complaints are submitted several ways. You may use the form shown on the Civil Grand Jury website. But it can also be in the form of a letter, email, or phone call.

The State Penal Code requires that the Grand Jury discuss them all; then vote by supermajority whether or not to pursue a study. The Grand Jury will only send out a confirming letter or phone call that the complaint was received but not what was decided. Instead, if the specific complaint or request for an action was studied, it may be included in a Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury Report. These Reports are usually released beginning in the Spring of each year. 

Because the Civil Grand Jury sessions run from July 1st of one year through June 30th of the following year, some complaints or requests for action may be received too late in the session for the Grand Jury to study. When that happens, the Grand Jury may vote (again by supermajority) to carry the complaint over for next year’s Grand Jury to consider. 

A complaint to the Civil Grand Jury may start an investigation and even result in a report. The Grand Jury investigates a variety of subjects during its term but only decides to issue reports on only a few. Reports require much time and preparation and are released only by a supermajority vote. Prior to publishing, each report is sent to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Once the Judge has signed it, the report will be released to the public and published on the County’s website. 

Please read the 2024-25 Grand Jury reports on that same website. Responses to the various recommendations and findings are published there, too. The reports are the culmination of a year’s work, thought, effort, and commitment. If this sounds interesting to you, please contact the Humboldt County Superior Court for an application. You may also pick up a paper copy on the Grand Jury’s door on the first floor of the Courthouse, or download an application at [link].

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We’re nearly two decades into the pitched legal battle over a proposed highway realignment project through Richardson Grove State Park, and while Caltrans says its ready to finally start construction this spring, a local environmental group is saying, “Not so fast.”

This week, Caltrans construction crews have been marking and removing small trees along the one-mile stretch slated for realignment. In an emailed statement, the agency said this “limited” tree work is necessary to protect birds ahead of construction.

“Crews are marking and removing only younger, newer-growth trees in advance of nesting bird season. No old-growth trees are being removed, nor will any be removed by the project itself,” Caltrans spokesperson Myles Cochrane said.

But representatives for the Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC), which has been the primary litigant challenging this project in court, say this tree-removal work violates an established agreement to provide at least a 45-day warning for activities affecting the project site. 

Members of EPIC who recently drove through the grove noticed at least two redwoods removed along the north shoulder of the road near the former Singing Trees Recovery Center, prompting group leaders to question Caltrans about the work.

“Only after the agency was approached did it admit that it had begun construction and that trees were logged to prevent birds from nesting prior to road widening,” EPIC said in a prepared statement.

EPIC’s executive director, Tom Wheeler, went further.

“For years, Caltrans has maintained that they should be trusted on this project — that the public should take their word for it that no old-growth redwoods will be harmed. But Caltrans apparently can’t even be trusted to warn the public when construction activity begins,” he said.

“The bulldozers of ‘progress’ are firing their engines, ready to scrape over State Park land to allow for ever-bigger trucks, despite speculative economic justification and skyrocketing costs,” Wheeler continued. “It’s long past time for the folks in Sacramento to put a stop to this boondoggle before Caltrans does irreparable harm to Richardson Grove.”

The state has long argued that the Richardson Grove Improvement Project amounts to a minor but necessary modification to the narrow and winding roadway. The project intended to address a longstanding bottleneck on U.S. 101 where industry-standard STAA truck tractor-semitrailers are currently unable to travel through the park.

“Because of that restriction, some suppliers and carriers don’t serve the North Coast or need a separate fleet just for this stretch of highway,” Caltrans said in its statement to the Outpost. As currently designed, the project calls for for the removal of 38 trees, including two small redwoods of 4-8 inches in diameter at breast height [a Caltrans measurement].

“Methods such as hand digging and air spades are planned to minimize impacts to roots and surrounding resources, which extends the construction timeline compared to similar work elsewhere,” Caltrans says. The agency, which has produced before-and-after photo simulations of the project, says its ready to start construction this spring.

It will take two years to complete, Caltrans says. “While the scope of the project is relatively small, the work entails a careful approach due to the sensitive setting within Richardson Grove State Park.”

But environmental groups have repeatedly argued that the construction work could still damage ancient redwoods by severing roots and paving over them. A series of lawsuits have challenged the agency’s environmental analyses, forcing the state agency to prepare multiple Environmental Impact Reports.

In recent years, however, the courts have tended to rule against EPIC and its allies. In 2021, for example, a federal judge granted a summary judgment in favor of Caltrans, and in 2024 Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning dismissed a writ of injunction that challenged Caltrans’ compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). 

Wheeler says the fight’s not over.

“Litigation has stopped the project for more than a decade, with multiple court rulings finding that Caltrans failed to take a hard look at the likely impacts to old-growth redwoods,” he said. “The current lawsuit challenging Caltrans’ shoddy environmental review will be decided in state appellate court in the coming months.”

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PREVIOUSLY

• Caltrans Ordered to Redo Richardson Grove Environmental Documentation
• EPIC Claims Victory in Latest Richardson Grove Ruling
• EPIC: Richardson Grove Realignment Project “Not Active At All” Anymore
• Caltrans: Richardson Grove Realignment Project Still Going Forward
• Judge Denies Environmental Groups’ Request for Attorney Fees in Richardson Grove Case
• Caltrans Relaunches Richardson Grove Project; Agency Issues New Environmental Documentation For Controversial Highway 101 Realignment at the South End of the County
• As Expected, EPIC and Others Launch New Lawsuit Against Caltrans’ Richardson Grove Improvement Project
• Here We Go Again: Fifth Lawsuit Filed Against Caltrans’ Richardson Grove Project
• Court Halts Richardson Grove Highway Project Yet Again; Environmental Groups ‘Elated’ at Federal Judge’s Order
• Another Court Puts the Brakes on Caltrans’ Richardson Grove Project; Local Judge Orders Agency to Revise Environmental Impact Report
• Federal Judge Rules For Caltrans in Lawsuit Over Road-Widening Project Through Richardson Grove
• Richardson Grove Conflict Heads to Round Four as Conservation Groups File Legal Challenge to Caltrans’ 101 Realignment Project
• Judge Tosses the Latest Injunction From Environmental Groups Over Caltrans’ Richardson Grove Improvement Project