The Gateway Area boundary, looking south | Images from the City of Arcata’s Draft Gateway Area Plan
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OK, so it might be a little last minute, but LoCO knows that you care very much about Arcata’s Gateway Area Plan – that controversial plan to rezone about 138 acres of land in and around the Creamery District to facilitate the development of high-density housing. And so we feel that we must inform you that the Arcata Planning Commission will be discussing the plan today during a special meeting at 4 p.m. Better late than never, right?!
The focus of this evening’s discussion will be the plan’s proposed Community Benefits Program. Community benefits are, just like they sound, features of a project that would generally benefit the community. This could include things like adding or improving trails, beautifying the area with more murals, or improving public transportation.
In the case of the Gateway Area Plan, planners and staff propose using community benefits as a way to incentivize development project by offering to streamline the approval process for projects that include certain benefits. The idea is that the benefits program would be tiered, so that if a developer offered more community benefits, they would be allowed to build taller and higher-density buildings.
The developers could select from a list of proposed benefits, which were drafted based on input from the community during previous workshops and outreach sessions. The list focuses on different categories of community improvement, including job creation, arts and culture and transportation. You can view the full list of proposed benefitshere.
Tonight the planning commissioners will review the list of community benefits, rank them based on how much value they would bring to the community and make a recommendation to the City Council based on their findings.
Some concerns brought up by the planning commission in the past have included whether or not the list should include features that would only really benefit the tenants, rather than the entire community. Commissioner Judith Mayer also expressed concern over some of the listed benefits, which she believes should be required for all new developments. You can read Mayer’s list of concerns here.
The Planning Commission meets today (Tuesday, Nov. 15) at 4 p.m. at Arcata City Hall – 736 F Street. You can view the full agenda and directions on how to participate here.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On Nov. 14, 2022, at about 6:46 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 100 block of Hansen Drive near Fortuna for the report of an unwanted person attempting to gain entry into a residence.
Deputies arrived at the residence and located 38-year-old Kristopher Sean Mobley Jr. nearby a broken window of the residence. When contacted, Mobley began acting erratically toward deputies and physically resisted them upon detainment. After a brief struggle, Mobley was taken into custody without injury.
During their investigation, deputies learned that Mobley and the resident were acquaintances. The resident told deputies that Mobley had arrived at the home that evening uninvited and the resident asked him to leave. Mobley refused to leave, began banging on the resident’s exterior door and then broke a window.
Mobley was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of felony vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)) and resisting a peace officer (PC 148(a)(1)).
Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On Nov. 13, 2022, at about 7:24 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant at a residence on the 2300 block of Togo Street, in the county’s jurisdiction of Eureka, to investigate the illicit sale of narcotics.
Deputies arrived at the residence and detained multiple individuals, including the subject of the search warrant, 41-year-old Jessiekate Hawk. During a search of the residence, deputies located over 58 grams of fentanyl packaged for sales, over 4 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and items consistent with the sale of controlled substances.
Hawk was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sales (HS 11351) and operating/maintaining a drug house (HS 11366.5(a)).
Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
Jacqueline “Jackie” Denise Watts passed away in Eureka on November 6, 2022
just one month before her 58th birthday.
Jackie was born in Eureka on December 28,
1964, the third of four girls. Jackie spent many adventurous and joyful years with her
siblings and friends. She often times would tell stories about the fun and sometimes
trouble she and her girls had. Jackie was always full of enthusiasm and dedication when it
came to her family and friends. It was her philosophy in life. Jackie graduated from
Eureka High School in 1983 with honors — the year that some of her most favorite music
groups staked their claim to fame on a large scale: Michael Jackson, Commodores and
anything Motown.
After high school, Jackie went to college at Humboldt State University, majoring
in mathematics while working at the Crown Simpson mill full-time with her father, A.V.
She was always a smart lady with loads of ambition. Jackie graduated from HSU in 1987.
Upon graduation Jackie worked multiple jobs until finding and building a successful
career at State Fund. She quickly rose to management and was the recipient of many
accomplishment awards. This is where she met many of her lifelong friends.
Her desire was to stay in Eureka to be close to her family. It was in Eureka that
Jackie met the love of her life, Todd. Jackie met Todd the evening after he returned from
a vacation in Hong Kong. It was a friendship that blossomed into so much more. Jackie
and Todd finally married after many years of being “together,” Jackie being Todd’s true
soul mate and Todd being hers. True best friends. He was her superman and she was his
wonder woman as many would say.
Jackie was known for her love and commitment to
family. They had their only child, Alliah in 2001. Jackie went out of her way to treat
Todd as her King and Alliah as her princess. When her husband passed in 2008, it quickly
became her and their daughter Alliah. Anyone who knows Jackie can tell you that she
and Alliah were inseparable. Alliah was Jackie’s reason for being. Jackie was devoted to
Alliah and they were each other’s biggest fans, but most importantly they were each
other’s best friend. She especially loved to watch Alliah dance. She even loved to school
Alliah in a game of monopoly, teaching Alliah her best playing moves. They went
through life together and enjoyed every minute of it.
Jackie was known by many people and was involved in many organizations to
create a difference, such as NAACP and Redwood Coast Village. She was the treasurer
and lifetime member for the NAACP and on the executive board for Redwood Coast
Village. Those who knew Jackie knew that she had a lengthy battle with Multiple
Sclerosis (MS). She was diagnosed at the young age of 23, however she didn’t let that
stop her from living life large. Those who knew her knew that she was determined to
fight MS all while never complaining. She always had a smile on her face and kept that
sass that everyone knew and loved.You could always count on her to be energetic, sassy and independent all while having the biggest heart. She was our inspiration and our hero.
MS was not what defined her. Those who knew her are so lucky to have had her in their
lives. She will forever be our light. There is a whole in our hearts but we will carry her in
our hearts forever.
Jackie is survived by her loving daughter Alliah Watts, parents; Shirley and A.V.
Powell, sisters; Linda Menniweathers, Betty Herrera, Clarissa “Cheryl” Powell, and
numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She is preceded by
her husband and soul mate; Todd Watts, and grandparents; Pecola Givens and Lawrence
Givens.
Friends and family are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday December 3, 2022
at 1 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home, 1835 E Street, Eureka. A celebration of life will
directly follow at 3 p.m. at the Wharfinger, 1 Marina Way Eureka Ca. Please wear attire
that is fitting of Jackie’s style and personality.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The National MS Society.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jackie Watts’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
Januario Cardoso Pires, “Jay,” of Arcata went to be with our Lord on November 8, 2022 at the age of 90. At his side was his devoted wife Maria, and her son, Tony. He was preceded in death by his son, Januario Pires Jr. of Florida, his parents Januario Pires and Jesuina Borges of Terceira, Azores and his six older sisters.
Jay is survived by his wife, Maria Pires and her son, Tony Luis; Daughters, Mafalda Mann (Craig), Estelle Creel, and Lucinda Ribeiro. Grandchildren: Tishana Mann, Craig Mann Jr., Samantha Creel, Sarah Salas (Antonio), Amy Knight (Jaime), Jeff Cook (Sarai), Bill Cook, Alissa Morey. He was blessed with Great Grandchildren, Isaac Mann, Avyana Gray, Kaylee Cook (AJ), Emily Moore (James), Della Cook, and Owen Morey. Great Great Grandchildren: Jack Knight, Antonio Salas, Luis Salas, Baylee Stubbs, Jaycee Moore and many nieces and nephews throughout California and the East Coast.
Jay was born July 28, 1932 to Januario Pires and Jesuina Borges in Terceira, Acores. He was the youngest with six older sisters. Jay was industrious and a hard worker. He was a Fire Chief in Terceira for 22 years. He emigrated to the US and held many jobs throughout his life. Jay was a world traveler. He and Maria enjoyed ten cruises and many trips throughout the United States and Europe. He was an avid gardener with many fruit trees and greenhouses. He enjoyed the company of family and friends, parties, and celebrations.
Pallbearers will be: Isidro Homen, Michael Alves, Ernie Alves, Joe Borba, Alvino Borba, and Luis Adriano Careoso. Rosary to be held on Thursday, November 17 at 7 p.m. at Paul’s Chapel in Arcata. Funeral Service at St. Mary’s Church in Arcata Friday, November 18 at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Sunset Cemetery. Celebration of Life to be held following the services at Maria Pires home.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Januario Pires’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
City officials and trail fans gather with the ceremonial giant scissors for Saturday’s ribbon cutting. | Image via Facebook.
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Excellent news for fans of non-motorized locomotion and redwood forest bathing: A Saturday ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the much-anticipated completion of the Arcata Ridge Trail. Huzzah!
The five-mile pathway now stretches from West End Road at the northern edge of the city, south through the Arcata Community Forest, across Fickle Hill Road and down through the Sunny Brae Forest Tract, terminating at Buttermilk Lane.
Here, have a map:
There is no longer a gap in the yellow-marked trail path. | Image via City of Arcata.
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The City of Arcata boasts that this new trail will allow hikers, bikers and equestrians to travel from the northern edge of city limits to the southern border without leaving redwood-covered hillsides.
You can access at numerous locations, including Redwood Park (at the east ends of 11th and 14th Streets), Fickle Hill Road and California Street, near the Cal Poly Humboldt dorms.
You can even bring your dogs along, provided that they’re securely leashed.
In a Facebook post, the city notes that the newest segment of trail will be periodically closed through the rainy winter and spring months, allowing it time to dry out.
That said, get hiking! The redwood wonderland beckons.
The Assembly floor at the state Capitol on May 31, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters
Leading up to Election Day, advocacy groups were predicting — or at least hoping — that California voters would elect record numbers of women and LGBTQ people to the Legislature.
With eight openly LGBTQ candidates winning, including four potential new lawmakers, plus four holdovers, the Legislature is on track to have at least 10% LGBTQ representation for the first time ever, according to Equality California. If that happens, California would be the first state to achieve proportional LGBTQ+ representation in its legislature — and the number could go as high as 14 of the 120 legislators.
And the number of female lawmakers is headed toward at least 43, a record, and as many as 52, according to Close the Gap California. This past session, women made up 39 of 120 legislators — up from a recent low of 26 seats in 2017.
The likely surge in diversity is partly due to new districts and open seats that created a window of opportunity for new candidates.
In the June primary, an unprecedented 113 women ran for legislative seats, 38% of all candidates, and 80 made it to November. In districts without an incumbent, 61% of female candidates advanced out of the primary — nearly double the success rate of 33% in 2020, according to Close the Gap, a political advocacy group that works to elect Democratic women. Nine legislative races on the Nov. 8 ballot featured two women running against one another, including Jasmeet Bains, a Democratic state Assembly candidate in Bakersfield, who would become the first South Asian woman in the Legislature.
“The reality is women win just as often as men when they run,” said Susannah Delano, Close the Gap’s executive director. “What we’re seeing now is more women running, therefore competing on the field and getting elected in equal numbers.”
Also this year, a record number of LGBTQ+ candidates ran for office in California — 178, more than any other state, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund. That wasn’t by chance, said Samuel Garrett-Pate, managing director of external affairs for Equality California, a political advocacy and civil rights group. It spent the past two years working to recruit and support LGBTQ+ candidates, and pushing for new districts that would empower LGBTQ+ voters.
‘Representation is power’
More women in the Legislature will help shape policy priorities, which Delano believes will include reproductive health care, pay equity and family economic issues. More than half of the projected new class will be women of color, and the vast majority will be Democrats.
“Representation is power,” Tony Hoang, executive director of Equality California, said in a statement.
Garrett-Pate said that the shift in the Legislature will impact “any number of issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community.” This past session, the LGBTQ caucus successfully pushed landmark legislation to make California a refuge for transgender health care.
“There’s a lot of work for us to do to achieve full equality. It’s not as simple as just passing civil rights protections,” Garrett-Pate said. “It’s tough work that takes a long time, but we know that we can make greater progress when we have more people in the room helping make these decisions.”
In the new representation, there would be a host of firsts.
Those leading in their races include Palm Springs City Councilmember Christy Holstege,a Democrat who would becomethe first out bisexual woman to be elected to the Legislature, representing Assembly District 47.
There’s also Democrat Corey Jackson, about to become the first Black openly LGBTQ+ person elected, who is ahead in the Assembly District 60 race. A member of the Riverside County Board of Education and founder of a nonprofit focused on youth services, Jackson said he has a “double-marginalized perspective,” since African Americans are often also marginalized within the LGBTQ+ community.
He said his priority will be to uplift the “most historically marginalized and oppressed.” “California still has a humanity problem in which we believe that there are some of higher quality, some of lower, some thought of as more human than others,” Jackson told CalMatters. “My goal is to do my darndest to put a stop to that.”He also led the fight in Riverside County to declare racism a public health crisis. And the California Nurses Association is counting on his support for single-payer health care — a priority for progressives that has failed to make much progress in the Legislature.
Jackson said he faced numerous whisper campaigns that cast him in a negative light for his sexuality, but was able to overcome them because of his public service: “People don’t say, ‘Oh look, there’s Corey, he’s gay. They say, ‘This is Corey. He’s one of our leaders in the community. He’s one of our fighters or civil rights leaders.’”
Caroline Menjivar, who is leading in an all-Democratic race for a state Senate seat, would be the first ever out LGBTQ+ legislator to represent the San Fernando Valley. She’s also a military veteran and Salvadoran Latina.
She said her intersectional identities allows her to bring in “the voices of other groups” and look at issues “through other lenses.”
Caroline Menjivar, candidate for state Senate.
That’s been helpful, she said, in a race competing against Daniel Hertzberg, also a LGBTQ candidate and the son of outgoing state Sen. Bob Hertzberg. “The door was shut on me so many times,” Menjivar told CalMatters. “People didn’t want to give money because, well, ‘Bob is my friend. Well, you know, you’re running against my friend’s son. Oh, you know, Bob would be so mad at me, no.’ Everything was ‘Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob.’”
“Not once was it, ‘He’s a better candidate.…’ So it was as if I was running against an incumbent, without running against an incumbent.”
“Legislators need to hear these stories, to be able to be pushed towards … a vote,” Menjivar said.
The increases in diversity from the 2022 election aren’t guaranteed to last, but could also grow.
Largely due to 12-year legislative term limits, enacted in 2012, Delano expects at least 24 seats to turn over in 2024, and another 20 in both 2026 and 2028. Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins of San Diego, the first openly gay Senate leader, is among those terming out in 2024.
Though women will have to wait for parity in the Legislature, Delano said this election is a “huge step forward.”
“Women are really just getting started,” she said. “We’re just beginning to see the kind of transformation that we’ll have.”
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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
