After a decade of cost, schedule, technical, regulatory, personnel and legal problems, the California high speed rail project will be getting an inspector general soon as part of a deal between Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature.

The new investigative position is intended to intensify oversight and improve performance of the $105 billion railroad project. Enthusiasm for the change is high, but whether it will fix everything is uncertain, even among state leaders.

“There is nothing but problems on the project,” said Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Lakewood Democrat. “The inspector general provides oversight and some sense of what is going on with management. That has been missing for a long time.”

But will it work?

“We don’t know,” Rendon said. “We need to be vigilant. The IG will provide what we need to carry that out.”

Until now, a variety of outside agencies have advised the Legislature and the governor on the project, resulting in recommendations that often were not carried out. In some cases, they required changes that nobody had the power to make and in other cases carried too high a political price with outside interest groups.

In 2012, the Legislative Analyst’s Office recommended against an appropriation to start construction, arguing the California High-Speed Rail Authority wasn’t prepared. Gov. Jerry Brown lobbied the Legislature for it and won. Now, many agree the LAO was right. The Peer Review Group has long warned that the state needs a secure financing plan. But the project proceeds without one.

Such outside advisors have lacked the resources and the mission to intensively delve into the day to day work of the rail project, its army of consultants and its stable of international contractors.

“The IG will bring a level of oversight that we have not had before,” said Helen Kerstein, the lone bullet train expert at the Legislative Analyst’s office. “This is very powerful.”

The law creating the inspector general lists a wide range of authorities the new office will have: full access to all the project’s records; authority to review contracts and change orders; and issuing subpoenas for witnesses and records, among much else.

“It is not some person sitting in a basement,” said Laura Friedman, chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee who is widely credited with pushing through the inspector general idea. “It is going to be staffed. It is going to be real.”

That would include investigating waste, fraud and abuse, as well as working with law enforcement and prosecutors, she said.

What the position might look like

How big an organization will it require? So far, there is no budget. But the IG would be paid the same as the IG for the Bureau of Prisons and Rehabilitation, who makes $192,382 and will have a staff of 212 in the coming fiscal year.

Fred Weiderhold, a West Point civil engineer who served for 20 years as Amtrak’s inspector general, said if he were taking the California job, he would want to start with a staff of at least 50 people, half auditors, 30% investigators and 20% inspectors and evaluators.

“It is a daunting job,” Weiderhold said about the California project. “You have to follow the money. I guarantee you that on any project this large you will have fraud, product substitution and waste.”

By the time Weiderhold left as Amtrak inspector general, he had helped put several hundred people in jail and caused 2,000 people to be fired.

The high speed rail inspector general will not have authority to control actual spending, a decision that was considered and rejected by Newsom.

A more aggressive plan was followed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in 2015, when it faced a breakdown in Boston area service and spiraling capital cost overruns. State lawmakers fired the authority’s existing board and installed a new Fiscal and Management Control Board.

Estimated construction costs on a 4.3 mile extension of a light rail line had grown from $1 billion to $2 billion, said Joe Aiello, the board’s chair. The board stopped work, threw out existing contractors and put in an independent team to evaluate what was going wrong, he said.

“There was outrageous scope creep,” Aiello said.

By the time the board was dissolved last year, the construction cost had been hammered back down to $1 billion, he said.

State still needs actual train

Even while increasing oversight, the deal doubles down on the bullet train mission. An appropriation will release $4.2 billion from a 2008 bond fund, but only for completing a 171-mile Central Valley segment from Bakersfield to Merced.

“They need to deliver something soon that the public understands is a train,” Friedman said.

Newsom met another Assembly demand by adding $3.5 billion for transit projects in the Bay Area and Southern California, as well as $300 million to fix an Orange County Amtrak rail that is ready to fall into the Pacific.

“You can’t have enough oversight on a project like this,” Friedman said. “This is not a minor change. It will be a very big change for the project.”

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

Brett Austin Hall, born July 23, 1996, in Eureka to Brenda and Richard Hall, passed away peacefully in San Francisco surrounded by the love of his mom, dad, bonus mom Kris and sister Kacie on June 12, 2022. Brett was 25 when he passed after a lengthy battle to breath, a complication of the chemotherapy he was given to prevent the return of his cancer. It instead, robbed him and us of his life.

Brett had many family roots in Humboldt County and had made Rio Dell his home and where he lived with his two children at the time of his death. Throughout his young life Brett spent time and developed many friendships throughout California, but his love for Trinity County and the family cabin in Ruth was one of his very favorite places to be and where he will forever remain. Brett was challenged as a young man with many health issues, we his family were always amazed at how he took them, fought bravely, and overcame them. He wanted to be in this life for his family.

Brett had many things he had expressed were important to him, but in the last few months and weeks of his life he felt clarity on what in life was really important, being there for and building a life for his children, Robert and Ashlynn. Being a dad was natural for Brett, these two were his pride and joy, his everything. Most weekends, you would find him with his kids, whether they were enjoying family BBQ’s or pool parties, swimming, fishing or kayaking at the river, riding any number of ATV’s, spending time at the lake and giving the kiddos rides on his Sea Doo or simply spending time at the family cabin in Ruth, he felt at home and at peace doing these things. He was always teaching his kids about his love of hunting, fishing, running equipment, trucks and just being in the country. Brett was proud that he worked for Caltrans, at the time of his passing he was an equipment operator in Leggett, he enjoyed the people he worked with and considered them true friends.

This last November, after he was diagnosed with cancer, he was blessed to be able to take a hunting trip of a lifetime to Colorado with his dad Rich, uncle Rick and cousins Luke and Tommy. On opening day, he bagged a big 4X4 bull elk. He was in heaven for months.

Brett is survived by his children Robert and Ashlynn, his mom Brenda, his dad Richard and bonus mom Kris, his grandparents; Emma, Terry and Walter, his siblings; Kacie, Ashley, Tiffany and Cody, and bonus- siblings Ryan and Chelsea and all their spouses. He was blessed with 16 nieces and nephews many of which he had close relationships with and who helped make his life full. He wouldn’t want us to forget his extended family and the many special friends that made him feel complete.

Brett was preceded in death by his grandparents Ruth and Tony Hall and nephew Caleb Blake.

Life for all of us will never be the same without Brett, while we grieve him, we are choosing to honor him and celebrate his life on what would have been his 26th birthday. We invite all that knew Brett to join the family July 23 rd at 3:00 PM at the Rio Dell Fire Hall to celebrate his life. We encourage you to wear camo if you have it and bring a side dish if you’d like.

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Our hearts are broken as we all mourn the loss of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Donna Rene Morais, who passed away surround by all her loved ones on Wednesday June 29, 2022 at the age of 62.

Donna’s bright light and big heart left us too soon, but we will remember her warmth, love, and generosity that she gave to all she knew.

Donna was born on September 7, 1959 to Francis and Elizabeth Stram in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was raised in Orange County, California with her brother Mark and her sister Jolene. Later, Donna married and moved to Vista, California where she raised her two children, Michael and Ciara. While living in Vista, Donna was a sales rep for Eastman Office Products. Donna became PADI certified to scuba dive in 1990; she loved the ocean and anything in nature. In 1992, she moved to Loleta, California where she was able to work and put herself through school; she went on to earn her Masters degree in education at Humboldt State University. She spent the next 20+ years doing what she loved best: teaching special education students in several schools in Humboldt County.

Donna was most happy when she was surrounded by her family. Her 2 children and five grandchildren were her pride and joy and she beamed whenever she would talk about them and their latest accomplishments. She also loved spending time in her garden, it was relaxing for her and brought her so much joy to see the fruits of her labor.

Donna met the love of her life, Helder Morais, in Willow Creek in July 2011. They got married in a beautiful ceremony on October 6, 2018. Her family had never seen her happier than the time she spent with Helder. Together they enjoyed spending time with their dog, Duke, who she adored.

Donna never met a stranger and to know her was to love her. She loved to make others laugh and when she got to laughing hard she’d snort. She just had a way of making you feel so comfortable and loved. There was never a dull moment when Donna was around, she had fun no matter what she was doing. She loved music and recently had started learning to paint with watercolors and making terrariums.

Donna is preceded in death by her father, Francis Stram, her mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Stram and her best friend, Laura Paulsen.

Donna is survived by her husband, Helder, her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Missi Lockwood, her daughter and son-in-law, Ciara and Zach Weaver, her grandchildren, Maggie, Kaila, Elliot, Kira and Nash, her stepchildren Jarin and Sarah Morais, her brother and his wife, Mark and Shelly Stram, her sister, Jolene Towle, her nephew and niece, Matthew Stram and Courtney Stram as well as many many extended family, friends, and students in the education world.

Donna’s celebrations of life will be held at a later date.

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Heaven welcomed a new angel on Sunday June 12, 2022. Patrick H.B. Porter was born in Los Angeles on June 7, 1952 to a family of writers, artists, readers and theater people. He grew up in Echo Park in the Silverlake area, as an only child with a vivid imagination. He read, drew, created, wrote and was always busy. In 1963, he attended the first Renaissance Pleasure Faire. The faire impressed Patrick - a lover of history, inspired him to return as a performer and director. He created props and handmade costumes. He created original plays and entertainments. He taught workshops there, and taught living history (in costume!) to the LA city schools. Patrick traveled with fair friends to San Francisco every winter to perform at the Great Dicken’s Christmas fair.

At Los Angeles City College Patrick met many friends with the same interests. He made puppets, proofread, and wrote resumes. His passion for history included the Italian renaissance, England’s Tudor, Elizabethan, and Victorian Eras. He loved words and was a voracious reader. He would read backwards without thinking (Latin, French, some Spanish). For a while, he owned a small croissant/coffee shop in downtown LA. Settling in Ferndale in 1990, he wrote and published five books. He continued his passions for theater and teaching, as best as he was able.

Those who knew Patrick well found him to be a kind, gentle soul with a wonderful, and quirky sense of humor. Multi-faceted and talented, he was a true brilliant, renaissance man. He survived by his cat “Monkey” and a friendship with Ellie Green and family that lasted many decades. Heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Renown Medical Center in Reno Nevada, for the care they gave to Patrick.

A celebration of life will be held at the Ferndale Community Church on Sunday, July 17, at 11:45 a.m.

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Lois Jean (Davis) Genzoli died July 3, 2022. She was born May 2, 1928 to Sarah (James) Davis and Warren Davis in Loleta. At two years of age she and her family moved to Ferndale where she lived and went to school.

After she graduated school she went to work in the Ferndale Laundry. Two years later she married her life long love and partner Earl Genzoli, Feb 19, 1948. They moved to Coos County Oregon where they made their home on the family dairy. 

In 1950 Lois and Earl moved to Alton where they bought a 20-acre dairy ranch and started their family. In 1960 they moved to a bigger ranch in Ferndale where she lived and worked with her husband until 1976 when they retired from dairy farming. Then time was spent taking driving trips all through the western states camping and fishing. One of their favorite spots was at Deerlick Springs in Trinity County, where many summers were spent enjoying the sun and visiting with good friends. Lois loved watching sports and could always be found at her grandson’s football, soccer or baseball games. She was his #1 fan!  She loved watching Wildcat football and sometimes would just sit in the bleachers and watch the boys practice. Later when the great grand kids started to play sports she could be found on the sidelines cheering their teams on. 

In 2014 she had the opportunity to move back to her childhood home. She joyously told people “They say you can’t go home again, but I did!” It was here she spent her last years happy and content, surrounded by her family and friends. She loved walking uptown or riding her scooter to the store greeting friends along the way. 

She is survived by her daughter, Marleen Hall and Randy, grand daughter-in-law Megan Hall and Peter, great grandchildren, Tanner, Aubrie, Kelsie, and Skiler Hall, and great great grandson Jasper Hall. Also three brothers, Don Monson and Jack Monson and Warren Davis and two sisters Sheri Mendelsohn and Connie Lawrence and their families with numerous nieces and nephews and friends. 

Preceded in death by her parents Sara (James) Monson and Warren Davis and step father John Monson, Her husband Earl Genzoli. Daughter Pauline Ruth Genzoli, Grandson Christopher (Hoss) Hall. Brother Richard Davis and sister Janice Adams and son-in-law Leroy Hall.

Private graveside services will be held later in the week at Table Bluff Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ferndale Volunteer Fire Dept. PO Box 485, Ferndale, CA 95536.

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PREVIOUSLY: Top Executives at Nordic Aquafarms’ U.S. Operations Mysteriously Part Ways With the Company

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News broke over the holiday weekend that Erik Heim and Marianne Naess, the two people who have been the face of Nordic Aquafarms here in Humboldt County for the past three and a half years, had suddenly and inexplicably parted ways with the company.

The announcement comes just weeks before a massive land-based fish farm on the Samoa Peninsula is due to come before the Humboldt County Planning Commission for approval. While this executive shakeup seems to come at an inauspicious time for the Norwegian company, spokespeople have sought to assure the public that nothing of significance has changed.

Today the company issued the press release below, announcing that Maine native and current Nordic Aquafarms Chief Financial Officer Brenda Chandler has been appointed interim president. In an email, Stacy Atkins-Salazar, Arcata’s mayor and an independent contractor working for Nordic as a community liaison, offered more assurances, echoing a statement that fellow community liaison Lynette Mullen sent on Monday.

“[T]he project has not changed and agreements made regarding additional discharge monitoring, renewable and non-carbon energy use, commuting incentives and more are now part of the final EIR,” Atkins-Salazar writes. “The rest of the Nordic team also remains in place, so the project’s technical experts are still on board.”

Here’s the press release from Nordic Aquafarms:

Chandler | LinkedIn

PORTLAND, MAINE July 5, 2022, with ongoing success in the permitting process for projects in Maine and California, Nordic Aquafarms Inc announced today a change in U.S. leadership. Brenda Chandler, who has served as Nordic’s Chief Financial Officer for the past three and a half years, has been appointed interim president.  Chandler assumed her new position over the weekend and will split her time between Humboldt, California and the Nordic corporate office in Portland, Maine. Erik Heim and Marianne Naess have left the company to pursue other opportunities.

Chandler is a Maine native with family roots in Belfast and Jonesport.  She joined Nordic Aquafarms as Chief Financial Officer in March 2019 after a broad and successful career in the technology and paper sectors.  She has progressive experience in treasury, risk management, finance, accounting and real estate.  She has also served on the boards of non-profit youth organizations whose mission is enabling education for “at risk” teens.  She and her husband, Anthony (Tony) Lyons live in Auburn, Maine, have six adult children and nine grandchildren. Chandler holds Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degrees from the University of Maine at Augusta.

“We are thrilled to have Brenda step into this important role,” said Bernt Olav Rottingsnes, CEO and Chairman of the Board for parent company, Nordic Aquafarms Group, AS.  “She is a proven leader who has served as key counsel in our permitting and project planning efforts to date.  Her knowledge and understanding of developing bi-coastal sustainable land-based aquaculture in Maine and California is unmatched.  She is exactly what we need at this time as we move towards project completion.” 

“Nordic Aquafarms has a strong organization in Maine, California and the Nordics (Norway and Denmark), and continues to work closely together to develop NAF into a leader in the production of high quality locally sourced seafood” said Chandler. “This is an exciting time in our industry.  I am honored to have been chosen to lead the company and I look forward to working alongside the good people in Belfast and Humboldt to develop projects their communities can be proud of.”
Bernt Olav Rottingsnes, the CEO and Chairman of the Board for parent company, Nordic Aquafarms Group, AS, will continue to serve as Chairman of Nordic Aquafarms Inc., while the remainder of the company leadership and staff in California and Maine remain unchanged.  

Nordic Aquafarms, Inc. was awarded all permits for their Belfast, Maine project in 2021 from State, Local, and Federal agencies allowing them to continue development of the 56-acre site.  The company is currently engaged in project planning with detailed design and pursuit of building permits upcoming.  A similar project is underway in Samoa, California where the company is currently pursuing permits.  

These salmon farms will complete Nordic Aquafarms bi-coastal production service initiative, providing a delivery of sustainably grown salmon to major populations on the east and west coast.  The U.S. market for salmon is stronger than ever, and Nordic Aquafarms looks forward to being a leader in the production of high quality, locally sourced seafood.  In addition, the projects will provide significant economic impact to the local areas. 

Additionally, Nordic Aquafarms is pleased to share that Humboldt County, California has published the completed and final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) which can be viewed on the county website https://humboldtgov.org/3218/Nordic-Aquafarms-Project . Nordic Aquafarms would like to thank the collaborative effort of the Humboldt County Planning Department, our local consulting partners, and efforts of the joint applicant- the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District and their consultant partners. The EIR will be reviewed by the Planning Commission as part of the next steps. The entire Nordic Aquafarms team looks forward to continuing to demonstrate its commitment to this exciting project in Humboldt County. 

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On July 2, 2022, at about 6 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a business on the 4000 block of Walnut Drive in Cutten for the report of a robbery in progress.

According to the reporting party, a female suspect later identified as 40-year-old Sara Rose Hoyos was observed shoplifting from the business. When confronted about the theft, Hoyos reportedly physically assaulted an employee, causing injury. Hoyos was detained by employees until deputy arrival.

Deputies arrived at the business and took Hoyos into custody without further incident. During a search of Hoyos, deputies located over 3 grams of methamphetamine and approximately .42 grams of suspected fentanyl.

Hoyos was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of robbery (PC 211), possession of a controlled substance (HS 11377(a)) and possession of a narcotic controlled substance (HS 11350(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.

Sara Rose Hoyos Booking Photo | Humboldt County Correctional Facility