William Meyer Christensen, affectionately known as BC, passed away June 30, 2022 at the age of 80. The world has lost a wonderful husband, father, brother and grandfather. Not to mention the best bartender and friend ever. 

“Billy” was born December 12, 1941 in Bandon, Oregon, to Walt and Lena Christensen. The family moved to Eureka in the early 1950s and Billy later graduated from Eureka High School in 1960.

At 21, Billy started his bartending career at his family bar, The Snug, located in Old Town Eureka, and eventually moved to the Vista Del Mar on Humboldt Bay.

On July 9, 1986, Billy purchased the bar Fat Albert’s, and, after much convincing, named the bar B.C.’s. 

It takes a special kind of person to own and work in a bar for 60 years and he certainly was that. He shared all the crazy stories but kept the secrets to himself.

Billy enjoyed deer and duck hunting, but loved ocean fishing and crabbing. “The ship of fools,” as he called the gang, went down to the cape for bottom fish and out front for salmon and crab as often as the ocean would allow.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents Walt and Lena, his daughter Dina, and brother-in-law Phil Kable.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kris, his sons Troy (Randy), Chet (Penny), Jackie (Amy), Justin (Sara), his three sisters, Colleen (David), Tina and Linda (Bill). Billy also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Because Billy wanted his celebration to be at the old B.C.’s you must be 21 years or older to attend. Thank you for understanding.

The celebration of life will be at the now 707 club, located at 1st and C street in Eureka, Saturday July 30 from noon to 3.

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Steven Ray Kaleookuualohapoinaole Cordero passed away on June 16, 2022.

Steve, as he was known by loved ones and friends, was born December 10, 1961, in Wailuku, Hawaii on the island of Maui. He moved with his family to Eureka, California when he was two, but would continue to visit Hawaii and live for extended periods of time with family in Maui throughout his life. He graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1980 and then CSU Chico, in 1992. After graduating Chico State, Steve moved to the Bay Area to work for Sprint PCS. Work then took him to New Mexico, where he continued to be employed by Sprint PCS, and later went on to work for Intel and Intuit. He moved back to Eureka after five years to help care for his parents. In 2001 he gained employment with Humboldt County Social Services as an eligibility worker. Over the next 21 years he steadily promoted, with his final position being a Supervising Staff Services Analyst. His “work family” became his second family to him, and he enjoyed providing leadership and guidance to them and watching them excel and grow. Steve was planning to retire in February of 2023 and moving to the Seattle, Washington area once his wife, Casey Cordero, retired.

Steve enjoyed playing football for Jacobs Jr. High and St. Bernard’s in his youth. He also enjoyed hanging out with his friends and creating havoc around the Eureka area. He always looked forward to his annual “guy” fishing trips to Lake Sonoma with his best friend Dennis Clark of Eureka and their circle of friends. This tradition lasted over 20 years, nearly the same amount of time he was in his fantasy football league (his team won this year). Steve also liked having his friends over for poker games and potlucks. He had a passion for cooking, with Filipino, Hawaiian, Malaysian, and Chinese cuisine being his favorite dishes to prepare. He would also want it remembered that he took first place several times in the annual cookie baking contest at his workplace. In addition to fishing for salmon, crabbing, and just being out on the ocean, Steve loved spending time with Casey and their children, Hannah and Kaden. Steve was so proud of how the children grew into such kind, wonderful, and mature young adults. Steve and Casey traveled the West Coast and spent time in Maui and Seattle, and had plans to visit the East Coast, Canada, and Europe in the future.

Steve’s love of football is what brought him and Casey together. In 2001 they met, while they were both working for Humboldt County Social Services. Steve was a loyal 49ers fan, and Casey was a die-hard Seahawks fan. They made a bet when their teams played, and the person supporting the losing team would have to buy the other lunch. It was the only time Steve was not upset about his team losing. The two were married in July of 2006 and would have celebrated their 16th anniversary on July 29th.

Steve is survived by his wife, Casey Cordero and their children, Hannah and Kaden Underhill of Eureka; his brother Richard Cordero and his wife, Leilani of Kula, HI; sister-in-law Imogene Cordero of Kahului, HI; brother-in-law Gary Redenius of Kihei, HI; and over 100 nieces and nephews throughout Humboldt County and Maui.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Cordero; his brother Robert U. Cordero; sisters Janet Souza and Cherlyn Cordero-Redenius; brother-in-law James Souza; and sister-in-law Johanna Cordero.

Steve will be remembered for his ability to make a friend wherever he went and his love of telling stories. He could hold a conversation on everything from obscure zombie movies to football to fishing and everything in between. His good nature and smile were infectious, and anyone who knew him would not be surprised by his love of polar bears. When it came to Steve, that just made sense. Steve was also known for his fairness, kindness, and being one of the “good ones.” He will be missed. He will be loved. He will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 2 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building in Eureka. Steve’s family would love for you to join them and share your favorite stories and memories of Steve.

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Leslie A. Rodrigues passed away peacefully on May 22, 2022.

She is survived by her loving husband, Tony Rodrigues, her children, Jeff Yellon, Hymie Yellon and Tony Rodrigues Jr., 12 grandchildren, her sister, Patricia Holmes, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Marty Hinderliter, her mother and her father.

Leslie was born on May 13, 1954 in Moline, Illinois. After living in southern California for many years, she relocated with her sons to Eureka in 1994 where she met the love of her life, Tony, on June 25,1995. They married on June 25, 1999 and together they raised their sons.

Leslie was a very talented person. She was an amazing cook, always making incredible dinners and treats for her family. She was also a creative artist, always painting and crafting.

Leslie was the rock of the family, always offering her support and loving arms to anyone in need.

Leslie will be greatly missed by her family and friends and will always be remembered as a loving spouse, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 9, 2022 from 1-5 p.m. for family and close friends.

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The Eureka City Council returned to the contentious topic of City-owned security cameras during its regular meeting on Tuesday night. The policy proposal, which was discussed during the council’s last meeting in June, seeks to define the ways in which City-owned cameras can be used and ensure the uses align with public interest. 

The policy proposal was brought before the council last month following City staff’s decision to erect an unsightly surveillance pole, popularly known as a “Lot Cop,” directly in front of Eureka’s Old Town gazebo without the council’s knowledge or approval. During the meeting, the council acknowledged multiple benefits and several downsides to City-owned security cameras and ultimately agreed to postpone the vote for further consideration. 

City Attorney Autumn Luna presented a slightly modified version of the policy proposal during last night’s meeting. The modified proposal reflects several concerns raised by the council during its previous meeting, including the definition of “security camera” itself. It specifies that the City-owned cameras will be used to “record video footage and images on City-owned property where the public generally has unrestricted access such as streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and squares.”

One suggestion that was not reflected in the modified proposal was a slight shift in the language surrounding facial recognition and license plate reading capabilities in City-owned cameras. Previously, Councilmember Natalie Arroyo had asked that the proposal state, “the City’s security cameras will not have facial recognition or license plate reading capability,” rather than stating that the cameras “do not” have such capabilities.

“I have put in that any additional data collection, use or sharing [has to] come back to council for further discussion before any expansion of that user collection,” Luna explained. “That’s what I opted for, in this case, rather than saying the word ‘never’ and I had several reasons for that. Namely, I think the term ‘never’ suggests to people that this policy can’t be changed and that’s not true. I thought it was better – and I hope that the council agrees although, of course, you’re free to not agree with me – that it was perhaps more honest.”

City Manager Miles Slattery added that “there is always a possibility that another council could back and want to change that policy.”

Councilmember Leslie Castellano was especially critical of the policy proposal, citing concern over how the security cameras could impact free speech in public spaces. 

“I think it will – whether we want it to or not – limit freedom of speech,” she said. “I think it is a deterrent [for undesirable behavior] but it is also a deterrent to things that we really don’t want to deter. As a society, we have to really think about the consequences of trying to take away the things we don’t want … and I think it’s a question of risk that comes to mind. What kinds of beauty will we lose?”

Castellano added that she would be more supportive of non-permanent security devices. “I do understand that there is a concern for staffing and I think I could support temporary uses … as we have used in the past in a problem area,” she said. “…For me, there’s a real line crossing with a permanent installation.”

New Lot Cop at the foot of Truesdale. Photo: Andrew Goff

Before the thwarted attempt to install a Lot Cop at the Old Town gazebo, City staff parked mobile Lot Cops at various problem locations around town – near the Wharfinger Building and the Carter House, on Fifth Street downtown, along the Hikshari Trail corridor and elsewhere, and it proved successful.

Councilmembers Kati Moulton and Arroyo tried to differentiate between surveilling a high-traffic town center versus trails and other open and desolate spaces.

“I find use in certain areas more appropriate than others,” Moulton said. “I do use [the Hikshari Trail] and it can get pretty nerve-racking to think that you’re just sort of completely out of sight, even if you are inside the city limits.”

Arroyo agreed, noting that the “public gathering spaces and centers of town are one thing” but outlying areas are another. “I think about our Old Town and downtown where we have a lot of calls for service and a lot of concerns from some folks who spend a lot of time there. … And then I think about our trails and open spaces that are much less frequented by people. … I really appreciate seeing the cameras at some of the waterfront locations.”

She added that the policy proposal “is a step in the right direction,” but acknowledged that the location of the security cameras “seems to be the main sticking point.” 

Moulton asked if the policy proposal could include some criteria surrounding aesthetics and security camera locations. Although Councilmember Bergel expressed strong opposition to the gazebo becoming a surveillance site, she did not like the idea of excluding specific locations within the policy.

“What’s really important is to look at criteria for why [a security camera] would be there,” Bergel said. “How many police calls or what would be the determination that something would go in? If it was permanent, could it be reevaluated over time if that were to change?” 

Slattery noted that the policy could be subject to change by future councils. 

During the last meeting, the council asked the City counsel to include a provision that would require the City Manager to present an annual report to the council regarding the “use, number, placement, and effectiveness of the security cameras” to the City Council. Arroyo suggested “rationale” be added to the list and made a motion to approve the item. Bergel offered a second.

The council passed the policy proposal in a 3-1 vote with Castellano dissenting and Councilmember Scott Bauer absent.

PREVIOUSLY:

• (UPDATE: POLE TO BE MOVED BEHIND THE GAZEBO) Eureka Installs Surveillance Tower at the Gazebo; Four More Permanent ‘Lot Cops’ to be Built Around Town
• (PHOTOS) Oh No! The City of Eureka is Taking Its Wild Security Camera Pole Placement Aesthetic Worldwide!
• Eureka City Council Tables Vote on City-Owned Security Camera Policy
• TONIGHT in EUREKA CITY COUNCIL: City Revisits Security Camera Policy Proposal, Considers New Land Designation for Pierson Properties and More!

Eureka Police Department press release: 

On July 4, 2022 at approximately 2230 hours, officers with the Eureka Police Department came upon an assault that was taking place in the gravel lot at 1st and D Streets involving multiple people. Officers were able to quickly get the involved parties separated and identified. One involved party had suffered a visible head injury and medical personnel were summoned to the scene to render medical attention.

Officers identified the involved parties and obtained information necessary to begin an investigation into the incident. At the time, conflicting information was being relayed to the officers and no independent witnesses came forward to provide statements that would help clarify the events that happened. All the involved parties were released at the scene and an investigation into the incident was initiated.

On July 6, 2022, EPD became aware of a video that was released on YouTube by a citizen who was on scene and recorded this incident. The link to the video has been shared with our department and is a part of the investigation. While the video sheds light on portions of the incident, it appears to have been edited or possibly didn’t capture the event in its entirety and we are interested in speaking to the individual who recorded the video. If you recorded the video please contact the Eureka Police Department.

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On the morning of July 4, Amy left her house for work and found a ziplock bag in her driveway. Inside the bag she could see a pair of pennies and a sheet of paper folded neatly in half. Printed along the top was a blue Star of David, a red pentagram and a headline in all-caps: “EVERY SINGLE ASPECT OF THE COVID AGENDA IS JEWISH.”

Beneath the headline was a list of people, including CDC officials, politicians and business executives, all of whom were identified (or mis-identified, in some cases) as either Jewish or “Shabbos goy,” a Yiddish term for a non-Jew employed by Jews for certain tasks.

“My first thought was, ‘Oh my god, these people are morons. What idiots,’” Amy told the Outpost in a phone interview. But after she thought about it for a moment, she began to wonder whether she’d been specifically targeted. While she considers herself agnostic, Amy is of Ashkenazi heritage and on the Chabad of Humboldt mailing list. (We’re using a pseudonym to protect her identity.

When Amy’s friend took her dog for a walk later that day she spotted two more of the antisemitic flyers that had been places in baggies and tossed in front of people’s homes. Other Arcata residents have since posted photos of the hateful material on social media.

“Went outside today and found ANTISEMITIC propaganda all over my neighborhood,” reads one Instagram post. “Feeling very hurt, scared and confused [right now].”

Photos in the post showed the same distribution method: two flyers, each carefully inserted in a plastic bag along with a pair of pennies, presumably to weigh them down. Printed in the same format as the one Amy found, one claims, “Every single aspect of the Biden administration is Jewish” while another says, “Every single aspect of Disney child grooming is Jewish.” 

Teresa Drenick, deputy regional director for the Central Pacific region of the Anti-Defamation League, is quite familiar with the spread of these bigoted baggies.

“We are seeing that happen all over California and pretty much all over the United States at this point,” Drenick said when reached by phone on Wednesday. The organization behind the flyers has been identified and extensively researched by the ADL, but the Outpost has chosen not to identify it or the people behind it since they so clearly crave such attention and use it to recruit other lost souls into their hate-filled ideology.

“The stunt is the work of a cowardly group that espouses white supremacist themes and Holocaust denial,” Drenick said. “It’s known to focus its hatred and vitriol toward the Jewish community and other marginalized communities — oftentimes the LGBTQ-plus community as well.”

Based in Northern California, the group is “small and fringe,” a loosely knit group of individuals that has nevertheless managed to distribute its materials in communities from Florida to Texas, California and beyond, according to reports compiled by the ADL. The group’s aim, Drenick said, is to intimidate and sow fear in the community.

The ADL conducts an annual audit of antisemitic incidents for each of its regional divisions as well as the country as a whole, and Drenick said the numbers have never been higher. The organization’s Central Pacific region, which includes Northern California, Utah and Hawaii, saw a 27 percent increase last year, seeing 367 reports of antisemitic incidents including harassment, vandalism and assault.

Here in Northern California, the Jewish community encountered “a persistent drumbeat of hatred,” Drenick said. Last year there were 70 reported incidents of antisemitism in the region, including 28 instances of vandalism and 42 cases of targeted harassment, both online and in person — “everything from swastikas being spray-painted on the walls of places of worship and schools to people being directly targeted.”

Nationwide, the organization documented 2,717 antisemitic incidents last year — the highest figure on record since the ADL started tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979.

The flyer Amy received is indicative of one aspect within this larger trend — a rise in antisemitic reactions to some of the public health measures implemented in response to the COVID pandemic. By way of example, Drenick pointed to recent incidents that took place in our NorCal neighbor, Siskiyou County.

Last summer, four of that county’s supervisors participated in a public demonstration protesting the state’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers. A number of attendees wore yellow Stars of David, which Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe. 

“The exploitation of the yellow star as political prop is entirely inappropriate,” Drenick said. The comparison between a measure aimed at protecting public health and the horrors of Holocaust serves to minimize those atrocities and is itself an form of antisemitism, she added, noting that swastikas have likewise been invoked by many protesting public health measures.

Amy wound up reporting the flyer in her driveway to the Arcata Police Department, which Drenick said is a good idea. While the distribution of hate speech is not in itself a crime (unless there’s a specific incitement to violence), such incidents are still worth reporting.

“Any police agency wants and needs to be very aware of hate-related activity taking place in the community it protects,” Drenick said.

An Arcata police officer stopped by Amy’s house on Tuesday to collect the flyer and take a report. Amy’s neighbor captured security camera footage of the car she believes was driven by the culprit, and she turned that over to the police as well. 

A message at the bottom of the flyer says, “These flyers were distributed randomly without malicious intent.” It may well be true that they were randomly distributed, but Amy isn’t buying the claim about an absence of malicious intent. 

“It’s a little threatening,” she said. “It’s meant to make people like me feel unwelcome and unsafe.”

Arcata Police Chief Brian Ahearn told the Outpost via email that the agency is in the early stages of an investigation into the flyers and “evaluating if there is a criminal nexus.”

Drenick said that in addition to notifying law enforcement, anyone who receives such material should report it to the ADL via its website to help the organization track such actions. 

Amy said it’s important for the public to be made aware of such things, too.

“The whole thing is so sad and really embarrassing, to be somebody who does that — it’s just so cringey and lame, but it’s sad,” she said. “I feel like it’s worth making a big fuss and reporting it because people should know this is out there. Even in Humboldt there are people who are both stupid and hateful.”

Humboldt County Drug Task Force release: 

On Thursday June 30th , 2022 the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) with the assistance of the Fortuna Police Department POP Team served a search warrant in the 100 block of 1 st St. in Rio Dell. This warrant was for suspected methamphetamine sales by the resident Jeffrey Newell (59 years old).

Agents detained Newell inside of his residence without incident. Agents conducted a search of the residence and located approx. one pound of methamphetamine, a digital scale, packaging materials, and a loaded shotgun. Newell is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess firearms.

Newell was arrested and booked at the Humboldt County Jail for the following charges:

• H&S 11378 Possession of methamphetamine for sale
• H&S 11370.1 Possession of a controlled substance while armed
• PC 29800 Felon in possession of a firearm

The HCDTF would like to thank the Fortuna POP Team for their assistance.

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.