The duties of California’s lieutenant governor are light compared to other statewide elected officials: voting on the boards of three public higher education systems; serving on the commission that oversees millions of acres of land under state waterways; and stepping in for the governor when he leaves the state, as Eleni Kounalakis was doing this week when she joined CalMatters for an interview about her re-election campaign.

But the second-highest office in the state can also be a powerful launching pad for Californians with greater aspirations. Two of the last four governors served immediately prior as lieutenant governor, including current Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Kounalakis, a longtime housing developer and former U.S. ambassador to Hungary who was elected in 2018, made clear that she’s interested in being the next — which, if she succeeded, would make her the first woman to govern the biggest state in the country.

“I think if we are going to have a woman governor of California, that she shouldn’t be coy in her ambitions,” Kounalakis said. “I have found my first four years as lieutenant governor to be a very good training ground for the bigger job.”

That includes advancing higher education, environmental protections, gender equity and California’s engagement on an international stage, Kounalakis said, though she called rebuilding the lieutenant governor’s office the main accomplishment of her first term.

“By the time I came in, it was not fully functional. And so I started with what does the Constitution dictate that this office should be used for?” she said. “Being involved in learning and understanding what’s happening in state government is very important.”

First, however, Kounalakis will have to win a second term. Here is what the Democrat told CalMatters that she would do with four more years on the job.

Gregory Jon Montore
Dec. 13, 1972 – Sept. 1, 2022

On Sept. 1 we lost our son, brother and friend. He was 49 years young.

Greg moved to Humboldt County from New Hampshire in 2012 with his faithful companion Asa. He had a kind word for everyone that he met, he definitely had the gift of gab, his smile was contagious. He had a huge heart and would help anyone who needed a helping hand.

Greg loved all animals. He wanted to save them all. After Asa went over the rainbow bridge he adopted Jack, Hank, Big Kitty and Little Girl. They owned his whole heart and were his best friends. He loved photography, the beach searching for beautiful rocks of which he had many! He also spent many hours searching for driftwood, which he did as a kid with his dad. He would just about stop anywhere that he was to see a sunset. He had recently learned to use a lathe. If you could not find him all you had to do was check the shed and you would find him making a beautiful bowl, vase or pen. He worked part-time at the Blue Ox in Eureka teaching others his new passion and he was good at it. He talked often of Eric and the others who worked there and learned so much from them.

Greg died doing what he loved, it was a beautiful day out and he was happy. He will be greatly missed. He is now free to ride his Harley, eternally chasing sunsets and hanging with his dad looking for driftwood.

Greg is survived by his mother Judi, his brothers Keven and Michael along with his sister Donna, among other members in his family, friends, Joyce, Christophe, Bernie, Alisha, and many more. Greg Montore, you are loved and we will miss you.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. – Traditional Irish Blessing

The obituary above has been submitted by his family and his friend Joyce.

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

It is with broken hearts that the family of Carolyn Lowe (Brightenstine) announces her passing on July 1, 2022. All of her loved ones were by her side when she left this earth to rejoin her beloved husband, parents and other treasured family members in what must have been the most joyous reunion of love and laughter. Carolyn’s last moments were filled with incredible love and peace.

Carolyn was born in September 1939 in San Francisco to Ivan and Dorothea Brightenstine. One of Carolyn’s favorite stories to tell was how her father was very close to carrying the wrong baby out of the hospital doors due to the identification process of the babies at the time. A nurse came running down the hall shouting, “Stop Mr. Brightenstine, you have the wrong baby!” Poor Ivan was already frazzled from a long train ride where he had to ride in an open caboose as the train was overbooked and no seating was available. Carolyn loved her father dearly and her favorite stories to tell were of him.

The new family made their way back to their beloved Buck Mountain, where Ivan’s family had lived for many years. They lived there until they sadly lost the home to a fire. They moved to the small community of Mina after the fire, where they lived until Carolyn was old enough to begin school. Some of Carolyn’s happiest memories were of the time she and her parents lived in the mountains. In those days it was a place like heaven on earth. Between the people who lived there and the beauty and bounty of the land, there will never be another place or time like it. There were so many stories of raising animals, vegetables and beautiful gardens full of flowers. The neighbors shared their bounty with each other, and were always there to help one another. Back then everyone got together often to share a meal, play music, and sing and dance until the wee hours of the morning. Ivan loved to play the fiddle, and continued to play until his final days. They all loved each other and their lives together. It was truly a very special kind of life.

In the late 50s, Carolyn met her husband-to-be, Ronald Lowe, during a family outing at beautiful Bear River. Shortly after they met, Ron went into the service and went overseas. They kept in contact with many letters that are quite a treasure today.

Ronald Lowe and Carolyn were married in December 1964 just days after the famous and devastating flood. They purchased a home and property where they built a life raising two daughters, Mary Dishmon and Anna Dotson.

They raised animals, and enough fruits and vegetables to feed family, friends and the entire neighborhood for many years. Ron was a farmer and loved cows, and the cows loved to find their way out of the pastures. The neighbors called often to have him come and round them up. Luckily the cows never caused too much trouble, but Carolyn sure gave Ron a piece of her mind after every escape.

Ron and Carolyn welcomed their son-in-law to be, Jeff Dishmon, into their lives in 1985. They loved him dearly and considered him their son. He added a great deal of laughter and fun to their days. Carolyn loved to laugh and tell stories. Her father and Jeff share the gift of a wonderful sense of humor. After losing her beloved father, Jeff always kept Carolyn laughing. She was still laughing with him in her final days.

Ron and Carolyn were delighted to become grandparents to two beautiful granddaughters, Ashleana and Mariah Dishmon. The girls added so much happiness and joy to their grandparent’s lives. After becoming a grandmother, Carolyn became known forevermore as “Nanie.” It is a name chosen by two precious children and upon hearing it fills your heart with joy. The past generations of women in Carolyn’s family and Carolyn herself all had “Fire in their Veins.” Her spirited nature can also be found in the current generations.

Tragically Ron was taken much too early from the family in a car accident in 2006. His loss is still deeply felt today. His legacy will continue forever through his land … in his gardens, orchard, and pastures. With every passing season he is there guiding us.

There are always gifts and miracles around every corner. Carolyn was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to a boy who shares many personality traits and qualities of his Great Papa Lowe. Watch out world, this boy is also full of fire and will accomplish many great things in his life.

Carolyn and her family were extremely blessed to spend time together almost every day. Carolyn loved children. She loved playing with and reading to them, and baking special goodies for everyone’s delight. Her happiest days were spent with her granddaughters and great-grandson. These times and memories created a very special bond that will last for eternity. Carolyn was loved deeply by many people. There are not enough words or space to include and recognize all the special people that have been part of Carolyn’s life. You all gave Carolyn so much love. The family is deeply thankful to each and every one of you! Many special celebrations were shared over the years.

Carolyn loved to garden and inherited the love of beautiful flowers from many generations before her. She was fortunate to continue that love right up to a short hospitalization. Thankfully, she was able to return home to the love of her family. She was surrounded by all of her loved ones at the time of her passing.

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”

• Christopher Robin

Carolyn is survived by her daughters, granddaughters and great-grandson.

Arrangements were made by Humboldt Cremation. A private family service will take place.

If you would like to honor Carolyn’s memory, please consider donating to a local Hospice organization as they are truly angels here on Earth.

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

In loving memory of Delmar Gene Middleton Jr.

Gene, as he was known to friends and family, was born on June 4, 1960 and departed this world on September 13, 2022 from natural causes. He was preceded in death by his father, Delmar Gene Middleton Sr., and is survived by his mother, Mary Carter Middleton, and brother, Frank Allen Middleton, and numerous cousins and friends.

During his early career Gene worked as a custodian at a college in Oregon. Later he returned to Humboldt County and worked in the woods until his early retirement due to health issues. Among Gene’s favorite things were his interest and love of gems and jewelry. He loved to cook and travel with his mother and friends and also liked to fish with his brother.

Gene had a kind and generous nature and was well known for his endless repertoire of jokes. One would be hard-pressed to hear the same joke twice.

There will be a celebration of Gene’s life on Saturday, September 24, between 1 and 3 p.m. at Rohner Park at the picnic area between the skating rink and the rodeo grounds. There will be a potluck anybody wishing to contribute is welcome to do so. Anybody wishing to make a contribution in jeans memory please do so to your favorite charity.

Rest in peace, Gene, you will be missed by all.

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

Impassioned residents of Cutten, Eureka and Myrtletown packed into Eureka City Hall on Tuesday evening to weigh in on one question: Should Dolbeer and W streets transition to one-way traffic?

Eureka city staff conducted a one-way traffic experiment, or “couplet demonstration,” on Dolbeer and W streets between Chester and Hemlock streets back in August. The two-lane roads currently run parallel to each other, one block apart, with traffic rolling past the Sequoia Park Zoo and Washington Elementary School. During the couplet demo, staff reduced W Street to one lane heading southbound and Dolbeer to one lane heading northbound. Hemlock Street, which forms a sort of horseshoe connecting the two, was also restricted to one lane with vehicles going west-to-east.

Why do this, you ask? The city is trying to enhance connectivity between Cutten and Eureka and make the whole area more bike-friendly. City staff believe the couplet project would also alleviate pedestrian safety concerns in the area as “one-way streets tend to have lower collision rates,” according to the staff report.

The experiment was criticized by commuters and folks living in the surrounding neighborhoods who complained that the one-way alignment led to traffic jams and increased travel time. And, because the demo took place during summer break, parents and representatives of the Eureka City Schools District argued that the city did not have an accurate picture of how the couplet project would impact traffic during the school year.

The two dozen members of the public who offered their two cents were divided on the matter. Half of the speakers were in favor of the project, with several suggesting modifications, while the other half were opposed.

Rick Knapp, founder and president of Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association, expressed support for the project but asked staff to reconsider having the bike lane on the left side of the roadway.

“If we build a bike lane on the left side, it will be the only one in the city,” he said. “There’s a certain advantage to having consistency. I’m thinking about me riding on Hodgson [Street] eastbound and now I’ve got to get across the lane of traffic and get over into this other lane to the left. When I get to Hemlock [Street], I have to cross the lane of traffic again because I’m on the left side of the vehicles. I’m not convinced that this is a good way to go with a bike lane. I like being on the right side.”

Victoria Bryant also expressed support for the project but suggested a second traffic study take place during the school year to accurately observe traffic impacts.

“I thought the one-way change helped reduce a lot of conflicts at the intersections involved – which can be pretty high conflict intersections – not only between two lanes of two-way traffic but with pedestrians and cyclists as well. …Overall, I thought that it caused some disruption, which is to be expected, but I think that a lot of people would just end up rerouting themselves. …We’re talking about a couple of seconds or minutes.”

Susan Johnson, a member of the Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees, raised concern for student safety. 

“I just wanted to speak to concerns for child safety and kids getting in and out of the car with the passenger side being on the street side instead of on the curb,” she said. “[The kids would] have to walk between cars that are on and could move forward while they’re walking between. I think that’s the main concern that I have is the safety of the children coming in and out of the school.”

First District Humboldt County Supervisor Rex Bohn criticized the city for failing to include the county in initial conversations surrounding the project proposal.

“Our Public Works Department was kind of left out of this. Our director didn’t know anything – I didn’t know anything – about [the demonstration] ‘til the day it was happening and my phone started ringing. …I just think a little more collaboration because you’re going to need to feed into [the county’s] intersection to make this happen.”

Eureka City Schools District Superintendent Fred Van Vleck and Washington Elementary School Principal Teri Silvers echoed Bohn’s concerns over the city’s lack of communication and argued against increased traffic around the school’s campus. “I am not a traffic expert, I can guarantee Teri is not a traffic expert but we are school experts,” Van Vleck said. “Why do we want to put more traffic around students? It just doesn’t make sense.”

After about two hours of discussion – half of which was public comment – the weary council decided to continue the discussion at a future meeting. 

“There’s a lot to digest here,” Councilmember Natalie Arroyo said. “I think it might be helpful to provide a little bit of input to staff about what we’d like to hear a little more information about. … There are engineering solutions to almost all of the problems that were identified tonight.”

Councilmember Leslie Castellano suggested the council take part in a study session with the city’s Transportation Safety Commission. The council considered holding a study session on Thursday but ultimately agreed that the short timeframe wouldn’t provide staff with enough notice to answer their questions.

The council will schedule a study session in the coming weeks. A recording of the meeting can be found here.

Redwoods National and State Parks release: 

Redwood National and State Parks plans to conduct a series of prescribed burns this fall in the prairies and oak woodlands of the Bald Hills east of Orick, California. The prescribed fire season in the parks begins in late September or early October as weather conditions permit.

This year fire will be used as a management tool in four specific burn units in the Bald Hills: Coyote, Child’s Hill, Lower Elk Camp, and South Boundary. The four units combined are approximately 1,950 acres.

For thousands of years, Yurok, Tolowa, Chilula, and Hupa people managed prairies, oak woodlands, and some coastal areas that are now within the parks with periodic fire to keep them open. Intentional burning provided grazing and hunting areas for elk and deer, maintained important resources like tanoak trees and various basket weaving materials, kept trail and travel corridors open, and lessened the prevalence of parasites like ticks in the prairies. Early European Americans who later ranched these same lands continued the practice of broadcast burning until it was outlawed by the state in the 1930s. Since then, many of the prairies and oak woodlands have become encroached with Douglas fir and other conifers which can eventually eliminate these important plant communities.

The park’s 2021 Fire Management Plan provides for the use of fire to restore natural and cultural processes, manage exotic plants and conifers encroaching into prairie and oak woodland plant communities, and to educate the public about the role of fire in the parks. The parks have successfully used prescribed fires to achieve these objectives since the early 1980s.

If you are in the parks over the next couple of months, there will likely be additional activity and equipment on and near Bald Hills Road. Smoke may linger on the roadways and traffic control may be in place. Please be cautious for your safety as well as the fire crews working on the prescribed burns.

For further information, please contact Bryan Boatman at (707) 496-0258.

The location of two parcels owned by Security National Properties, now the site of a housing development proposal.

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We’ve been hearing whispers about this potential development for months, with local residents getting phone calls from an unidentified polling firm asking questions about a housing development project near the Indianola Cutoff between Eureka and Arcata.

Well, now we know a bit more. Security National Properties, one of numerous subsidiaries of sometimes-Eureka-resident Rob Arkley’s Security National Master Holding Company, LLC, issued a press release this morning announcing plans to build a community housing project on land it owns east of Highway 101.

While the Indianola Cutoff area is located just minutes from both Arcata and Eureka, it also lacks much in the way of community services within walking distance — no grocery stores, shopping districts, playgrounds, daycare centers, etc.

But the company notes our county’s housing shortage, saying the best use for this land is community housing “to support the area’s general, workforce, and student population needs.” And it does appear to fall within the service boundaries of the Humboldt Community Services District.

Reached by phone, spokesperson Gail Rymer said the company doesn’t yet know exactly how many units will be built. “We’re at those very initial stages,” she said, “Once we’re able to do technical studies and design, then we’ll have an idea of how many [units] we can do and still keep the aesthetics we want.”

The press release below says initial design ideas include a mix of apartments and townhomes surrounded by native landscaping, trails and access to public transportation.

Here’s the press release from Security National Properties:

Eureka, Calif., Sept. 21, 2022 — In response to the housing shortage in Humboldt County, Security National Properties (SNP) has taken initial steps to begin development of a community housing project on its vacant property located between Arcata and Eureka, east of the Indianola Cutoff and Highway 101. The company today submitted to the Board of Supervisors a request to authorize the County Planning Department staff to begin the planning process for the project.

“Humboldt County, like much of California, is experiencing a housing crisis,” said Tim Callison, project manager at Security National Properties. “Based on our initial research, we believe the best use at this location is community housing to support the area’s general, workforce, and student population needs.”

The development will be built in compliance with the CalGreen requirements of the California Building Code and support the smart development already underway in the Humboldt area. SNP is committed to using high-quality sustainable systems and materials, electric energy and renewable resources, and building with carbon-reducing transportation options in mind.

“As residents of Humboldt County ourselves, we are committed to a development that is economically sound, environmentally friendly, and supportive of quality community housing,” added SNP Project Manager Kenny Carswell. “The development will be designed in a way that respects the character of Humboldt County.”

SNP is looking at a community housing development with easy access to Arcata and Eureka. Based on input from recent polling, as well as discussions with community members, initial design ideas include a mix of unit types in both apartments and townhomes, surrounded by native landscaping, pedestrian trails, and access to public transportation.

The planning process will include conducting extensive technical studies on the property. SNP will be providing opportunities for community input as the project progresses in addition to community input opportunities provided by the County. Security National Properties is a commercial real estate firm with operations in downtown Eureka.

SNP focuses on transforming properties to serve local market and housing needs.