Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued one of its most significant gun law rulings in more than a decade, tossing out New York state’s tight restrictions on who can carry a concealed gun in public.

Gun rights activists are celebrating the decision, while advocates for stricter gun laws decry it. Both agree that California’s similar law may be next to be challenged.

The ruling likely marks the most dramatic expansion of gun rights in the United States since 2008, when the Supreme Court clarified for the first time that the Second Amendment’s right “to keep and bear” firearms applies to individual citizens, not just state militia members. But that ruling only affirmed the right for “self-defense within the home,” leaving states with wide discretion over whether and how to restrict guns elsewhere.

This ruling brings that constitutional right outside the home.

Most states either issue concealed carry licenses upon request or do not require licenses at all. But in eight states, applicants are required to show a compelling need before being granted permission to tote around a concealed firearm. Until today’s ruling, New York was one of those states. California is another.

How easily a Californian is able to obtain a concealed weapon permit depends on where they live. That’s because in California these licenses are issued by local law enforcement — either city police chiefs or county sheriffs. And while state law requires applicants to demonstrate “good cause,” local law enforcement officials have wide latitude to define what that means.

In counties with Republican sheriffs — Sacramento and Tehama, for example — permits are issued to all qualified applicants so long as they pay the necessary fees, take a firearms safety class as required by state law and don’t have a criminal record.

San Francisco sits on the opposite end of the spectrum. According to county sheriff guidelines, an applicant living in the city must “supply convincing evidence” that they are at “significant risk of danger” that local law enforcement “cannot adequately address” and “cannot reasonably be avoided by alternative measures.”

The court’s ruling doesn’t immediately invalidate restrictive concealed carry policies like those in San Francisco. But it does make legal challenges against California’s entire discretionary system much more likely to succeed.

Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle & Pistol Association (the state’s National Rifle Association chapter), said he plans to file a supplemental brief in an existing challenge against Los Angeles County’s concealed carry licensing system.

At the same time the nation’s highest court expands the scope of the Second Amendment, Congress is on the verge of adding a few modest extra guardrails. In response to the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in which a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers with a semi-automatic rifle, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan gun bill on Wednesday over the objections of the National Rifle Association.

If passed by the House of Representatives and signed by President Joe Biden, as is expected, it would ratchet up some background checks for younger would-be gun buyers. It would also provide funding to states interested in introducing “red-flag laws,” which make it easier for authorities to temporarily remove firearms from those deemed to be a threat to themselves or others.

Democratic lawmakers in California are also considering their own raft of new gun bills. That includes legislation that would open gun vendors and manufacturers to an array of lawsuits for violating state gun rules or marketing guns and ammunition to minors or others who aren’t allowed to own them.

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

Come November, Californians will likely face the question: Should sports betting be legalized?

And then, a bit further down their ballot, there’s a good chance they’ll get asked again: Should sports betting be legalized?

Yep. Odds are that two measures to legalize sports betting will appear on November’s ballot. That’s pared back from earlier this year, when four different initiatives were in play.

Of the two remaining measures, one is already eligible for the November ballot, and the other is expected to be soon.

Here’s what each initiative does

The “California Sports Wagering Regulation and Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act” is backed by a group of Native American tribes and is currently eligible for the ballot. It would allow tribal casinos and the state’s four horse race tracks to offer sports betting. It would also allow tribal casinos to expand their gambling offerings to roulette and dice games.

Meanwhile, the “California Solutions to Homelessness and Mental Health Act” is backed by several large sports betting companies, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. It would legalize online sports betting outside of Native American lands, and allow gaming companies to offer online sports betting if they partner with a tribe. Election officials are reviewing the signatures for this initiative — if enough are valid, it too will be eligible for the ballot.

Here’s what happens if they both pass

California occasionally ends up with ballots that have multiple initiatives on the same topic.

If one passes and the others don’t, then there’s no problem: The one that passes goes into effect, the others do not.

If they all pass and don’t conflict with one another, they can all go into effect.

But, if more than one pass and they are in conflict with each other, the one that passed with the higher margin of ‘yes’ votes goes into effect and the other does not, per California’s constitution.

The initiative backed by FanDduel, DraftKkings and BetMGM asserts that it does not conflict with the measure allowing sports betting on tribal lands, and that if both pass, both go into effect. The measure backed by the tribes doesn’t say anything about whether it conflicts with other measures.

So, if both initiatives pass — and the initiative backed by FanDuel and DraftKings passes by a higher margin — odds are that both measures will go into effect, said Ian Imrich, a Southern California attorney whose practice includes gaming law. But if both pass and the tribal measure passes by a higher margin, lawyers for the tribal measure could argue in court that the two measures are in conflict, to try and prevent the measure backed by FanDuel and DraftKings from going into effect.

Other ballot double ups

This isn’t the first time there’s been more than one initiative on the same subject. In 2016, there were two initiatives related to the death penalty and two about plastic bags.

Legislators also can broker deals between initiative proponents. In 2014, lawmakers passed a bill that allowed backers to yank their measures off the ballot closer to the election, giving them more time to potentially work out a deal. In April, for example, lawmakers negotiated a deal between patient groups, consumer lawyers and medical professionals, passing a law that increases the penalties victims of medical malpractice can seek and averting a costly initiative battle on the subject.

In February, when four sports betting initiatives were in the mix, state legislative leaders Anthony Rendon and Toni Atkins voiced interest in pursuing a compromise over sports betting.

“I think it’s always confusing to the voters when there’s multiple ballot measures along the same item,” said state Senate leader Toni Atkins, a Democrat from San Diego, at a Sacramento Press Club event. “If you want to see progress, it’s helpful for it to be more simple so I think maybe there will be an opportunity (to negotiate a deal),” Atkins said.

When CalMatters asked Atkins’ office if legislative leaders were still considering a deal, a spokesperson said they were still looking into it.

How Californians feel

The vast majority of Californians think the initiative process needs to be changed, according to a survey conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California in April. Over 90% of Caliornians somewhat or strongly agreed that the wording of ballot measures is often too confusing for voters to understand what happens if the initiative passes, and 56% said that special interests control a lot of the process.

Most initiatives don’t pass, and Mark Baldassare, president of the institute, said the likelihood of a measure passing goes down further if voters are confused by it.

The fact that initiatives can be confusing to voters — and that the process can be further muddled by having more than one initiative on the same subject — is “a huge problem,” said Mary-Beth Moylan, associate dean at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

“People don’t tend to read things closely. And oftentimes, what is included in the ballot title is arguably misleading,” Moylan said. “So that’s particularly dangerous in a situation where you have multiple initiatives about the same or similar subject matter.”

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

The family and friends of Sheila Alcantar are sad to announce that she passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at the age of 69 years old.

Sheila was born on July 13, 1952 in Eureka to Calvin Lavern Sand I and Lucy Vitta Wilkinson Sand. She was a proud member of the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria Tribe.

She grew up in Humboldt County spending most of her younger years in McKinleyville, graduating from McKinleyville High School. As an adult she moved to Orland where she raised her son Tony and niece Sarah who she came to know as her only daughter. She moved back to Humboldt County in 2002 where she lived with her brothers Calvin (Bubby) and William (Billy) in McKinleyville. In 2018 Sheila’s grandson Izaiah became part of their home. In 2019 she, her brother Bubby, and Izaiah moved to Eureka, where she resided until her passing.

Over the years Sheila held many jobs. One of her most enjoyable jobs was the time she spent working at Northern California Indian Development Council (NCIDC). Not only did she love the people she worked with, but she also took great pride in working with her native culture.

Sheila loved to ride horses. Baldy was the name of her horse, and she would often take off riding all day long up Bald Mountain near McKinleyville. Sheila loved animals as if they were her children. Not only did she raise many cats over the years that were part of her family, she would also feed any stay cat that needed a place to eat. Sheila’s love and dedication to taking care of cats deemed her the title “Cat Lady”, a title she wore proudly. Ms. Priss, who passed away two days before Sheila, was one of those fortunate stray kitties that Sheila took in over 10 years ago and gave an amazingly spoiled life to. Most recently Sheila befriended a raccoon that she named Rosie that provided her many hours of joy, companionship, and true happiness.

Our beloved Sheila was one that had the gift of gab. She would befriend strangers and not long after, they would be added to her list of many friends. She would often tell her brother stories about her new friends and when asked what their name was, she would reply with “I don’t know their name, but they are still my friend.”

Sheila had a wonderful personality that drew many people to her. Her laughter inspired others to laugh along with her. She was such a joy to be around all the time with her big smile.

Sheila loved to take long walks on the beach with her nephew Casey who was her best buddy and when he passed in 2003, she missed him dearly. There is comfort in knowing that she is now able to be with Casey again, returning to their long walks on the beach together.

She loved all her grandchildren with all her heart. She enjoyed hearing their stories and spending as much time as possible with them. She was always so proud of them, they were her pride and joy.

Sheila lost her only son Tony in 2021. With a broken heart, her health continued to deteriorate. Sheila and Tony are forever united in happiness again.

Sheila was preceded in death by her son Tony Sand, her parents Calvin Lavern Sand I and Lucy Vitta Wilkinson Sand, her stepdad Rodney Walker, brother Billy Sand, and nephew Casey Sand.

She is survived by daughter Sarah Sand Orr (Dylan), sister Shay Freeman (Wendy), brother Calvin (Bubby) Sand, sister Marlena Barrow (Russ), brother Dennis Sand (Norma), grandchildren Mercedes (Coleman), Isaac, Zeila, Izaiah, Adia, Ace, Abby, and great grandchildren Emmitt, Lincoln, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Sheila will be missed by all that knew her. The family would like to express a heart felt thank you to all the staff at St. Joseph Hospital, especially the nurses for all the care and comfort provided to Sheila in the last days of her life.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

With sincerity,

The Family of Sheila Alcantar

Donald Scott Collins, was born in Monrovia, Calif. on February 24, 1935 to Abraham Lincoln Collins and Sara (Sally) McIntire. Scott, as he was known to his family and friends, will always be remembered as one of the most generous and forgiving men to those who really knew him. Those who also knew him will always chuckle when they think of his sense of humor, his laugh and his stubbornness.

Our dad loved to tell stories of his childhood growing up in Whittier, Calif., surrounded by avocado orchards and filled with family adventures with his three younger siblings, Mary (known to family as Marny because he couldn’t pronounce Mary at a young age), Karen and Lee. Scott joined the Air Force at the age of 21. He had one short marriage which gave him his first daughter, Sherry, and ended during his first enlistment. Eventually the Air Force brought him to San Jose where, attending the Salvation Army church with a friend, he met his best friend and the woman he would be married to for the rest of his life, a young Dutch woman named Theodora Prins. Their time together in the Air Force brought them and their growing family to New York, New Mexico and Michigan. For a time, Scott served in Okinawa and Thea and he sent each other letters every day for more than a year. He spent over 13 years in the Air Force in all and they enjoyed their life together on military bases as they had their first four children together, Kevin, David, Sheryl and Dorian.

In 1972, Scott’s father and brother-in-law, Bill Sauer, purchased a McDonald’s franchise in Eureka and offered Scott a position running the business. Scott and Thea moved to Eureka that year. Over the next 20 years, Scott ran the business as a generous and kind employer. They brought three more children into the world — Galen, Mark Aaron (who passed at birth) and Loren. Scott and Thea’s long commitment to their faith led them to be involved in a few local churches, including the Salvation Army, Arcata First Baptist, Faith Center, Gospel Outreach and in their later years, Life Church. In many of these places they served as deacons, youth leaders and long-term members.

Their faith and compassion often saw them giving to many out of their own need. They are known for giving away cars, rooms in their home, endless amounts of food and a place for many to land on their feet. They are known for having more than 20 different people living in their home over the years, beyond their own large family. Notably, two nephews, Frank and Billy Prins, lived with the family for more than six years. After McDonald’s sold and they found themselves with much less income, Scott provided for his family through working as a screenprinter, landscaper and managing thrift stores for the Salvation Army. They continued to give to others out of their own need with holidays often seeing 20-30 people in their home on Walnut Drive in Cutten. There was always enough food and enough room for anyone without a place to be.

Scott loved his family and loved to be surrounded by them for meals or even better, camping out by Willow Creek, Ruth, Mendocino or in the redwoods. Many of our fondest memories will be out in those spaces with so much camping equipment we could barely fit in the car and it felt more like home. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, his siblings, seven children, 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In his final days, he mentioned excitement about seeing his grandson Elias and his son Mark Aaron again, both having preceded him in death.

A special thanks from our whole family is owed to Dorian and Nanci Collins as they moved here, prepared a place for Scott and Thea, and cared for them for the last four years.

Scott often spoke of the times they were able to help people, and the many loving members of his family with pride and as the best investments of his lifetime. On May 6, 2022, at the age of 87, Scott felt this same love when he was surrounded by many of them, including his brother Lee and wife Susan. Scott spent his final day in a family home and his last strength and efforts were dedicated to making eye contact and expressing his love to family members and friends, including his pastor Bob Sirine. One of his final efforts was to reach for his brother’s hand and hold it, hours before he passed in his sleep in the company of his eldest son, Kevin. Our family is grateful to Hospice, the PACE program, and Agape Home Care for their support in his final years. Thank you to Ayer’s Family Funeral Services for handling arrangements. We are forever grateful to our dad, he taught us so much about love, generosity and what truly matters. Dad, you fought the good fight, you kept the faith, and you finished the race.

A memorial service for Scott will be held at the Elk’s Lodge in Eureka, on Sunday, July 24th, at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP through text to his son Loren at 707-502-8844.

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Katherine “Kathy” Pitlock, loving mother of two, passed away, on June 17, 2022, at the age of 82 in Eureka. Kathy was born to Bernard and Gladys Miles on October 3, 1939, in Oakland. Kathy’s father died when she was 5 and Gladys remarried Edward Selvage.

Kathy attended Eureka High and was runner-up for Miss Humboldt. She spent her childhood summers in Mattole and Richardson’s Grove. She loved to attend the weekend dances held in Mattole and spoke often of her fond childhood shenanigans. After graduating high school she attended Humboldt State University, studying music and business. She married her first husband Robert Kunkel and they had two daughters. They moved to Walnut Creek, where the marriage ended. Kathy and her girls moved back to Eureka where she met the love of her life, Jerry Pitlock.

They married August 8, 1970. Kathy was the perfect hostess. She loved to entertain, and there were many parties, potlucks and family get-togethers at the Pitlock home. Her best and most memorable event was her annual Christmas Eve bash. Her home was decorated, and there was plenty of good food, music and good cheer. Kathy would play the piano and all would gather around and sing Christmas Carols.

Kathy and Jerry bought property in Willow Creek and Jerry build their retirement home. They loved spending their days together at the Willow Creek property. They had found paradise, and enjoyed gardening, and canning their harvest in the fall. Friends, family and neighbors visited often for good conversation and cheer on their beautiful deck over looking the garden, trees and perfectly manicured lawn. You could find Kathy often on the riding lawnmower tending to her perfectly manicured lawns. The property always looked like a park. In the morning and evening she shared her yard with herds of local deer that she fed. It was quite the sight.

Kathy was widowed in 2010 and found companionship with Bill Wright of Willow Creek. They travelled often to Bill’s second home in Phoenix and enjoyed each others’ company for many years.

A special thanks to neighbors, Jeff Powers, Linda Cade, Billy and Kathy Hilfiker, Tiffany Rittenhouse, and Lou and Jackie Tirado for helping and watching over mom her last years in Willow Creek.

Kathy was forced to leave her beloved country home due to health issues and resided the last years at Frey’s Care Home. She was happy and content and made many special friends during her stay. Gratitude and thanks go out to Teara, Sarah, Katelyn, DeeDee and the entire staff. You made a tough situation manageable.

Kathy is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Sanders, and Julie King, her stepson Ned Pitlock, and two grandsons, Tyler Sanders and Caden King.

Kathy requested no memorial service.

Keith Allen Hostler Jr. “Lil Boozer” began his journey to the other side on June 17, 2022 at the age of 36 in San Jose. Born November 19, 1985 to Mildred and Keith Hostler Sr., Lil Boozer was an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. He attended Hoopa Elementary School and graduated from Captain John High School. After high school Keith pursued many ventures, but he most enjoyed his time working on the Trinity River for the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s Fisheries Department.

Keith enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and will be remembered as a man of wisdom, love, respect and humor. He was at home on the Trinity River and loved to fish and hunt to provide food for his family.

Lil Boozer is survived by his daughter Karmyn Hostler, his parents Keith Sr. and Mildred Hostler, his siblings Trish and Kristi Hostler, aunts Cindy Masten, Sandra Calvin, Linda Masten, Paulette Bowy, uncles Clarence Hostler Sr., Romaine Calvin, Danny Masten, nieces Naomi and Caprice VanPelt, Qosos Hostler, Samantha Calvin, Kidiwishe Davis, Aliya Hostler, Valin Davis Jr., Dusty Rhoades, Gia, Rose and Bud McCovey, Great nieces and nephews Callie, Divinity, Kyson, Joseph, Julian, Penelope, KeehL, Melody and numerous cousins and close friends.

Keith is preceded in death by his eldest sister Sandra Hostler, his grandparents Carmen and Darrell Hostler, and Paloma and Paul Masten Sr., uncle Samuel Masten Sr. Aunt Ada, uncles Darrell Hostler Jr. and Loren Hostler Sr., aunt Vicky Burnette, and best cousin Darrell Dwight Hostler III.

Pallbearers are Norvin Hostler, Clarence Hostler Jr., Nikwe Hostler, Mike Hostler, Chris Cooke, Ronnie Nulph, Keoki Burbank, Loren Hostler Sr., and Dylon Malnourie.

Honorary pallbearers are Roger Sanderson, Rick Sanderson, Corey Surber, Roger Surber, Wolf Colegrove, Punky Colegrove, James O’Neill, Shan Davis, Orico Bailey, Artie Jones, Sam Jones, Phil Donahue, Bud Hostler, Andrew Pacheco, Kevin Pacheco, Rubin Williams (and sons), Ben Nix, Oscar Hostler, Loren Hostler Jr., Robert Masten, Stoney McCoy, Ceasar Flores, Phillip Donahue, Paul Donahue Sr. and Jr. Leonard Ferris (and sons), Josh and Steven Hostler, Steve Crayton, and E-wee Donahue. Advanced apologies to those who we may have overlooked.

Funeral services will be announced when available. 

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JoAnne Carol Boots passed away peacefully in her home on June 16, 2022 at the age of 85. She was born on February 20, 1937 in San Francisco to Jack and Elizabeth Breschini.

Mom lived in many places during her childhood as her father was a member of the Coast Guard.

Mom met our father, Wendell Boots, the love of her life, in 1955 and they were married on February 21, 1956 in Reno. They had been married 49 years at the time of his passing in 2005. They settled in his hometown of Ferndale and together raised five children.

In addition to raising a family, Mom was also employed by St. Joseph Hospital in patient accounts after we were older, retiring after 20 years. She also taught catechism to the First Holy Communion class at Assumption Church for several years and was a Cub Scout den mother.

JoAnne is survived by her children Gloria Boots of Fortuna, Steve Boots of Murphy, Ore., Jennifer Boots of Ferndale and Pam (Jerry) Lema of Ferndale, her grandchildren, Dan Bell, Jamie Bell and Dustin (Kimber) Bell all of Fortuna, Melissa Lema of Ferndale, Rachele Lema of Vacaville, Andrew Lema of Kent, Wash. and Ashley McEntyre (John) of Onalaska, Wash., her great-grandchildren Hunter, Bryce, Sierra, Lilith, Aiden, Gavyn and Kinlae and her brother Steve Breschini and several nieces and nephews.

JoAnne was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Elizabeth Breschini, her husband Wendell Boots and her son Wayne Boots.

Mom will be dearly missed by her family but we take comfort in knowing she has been reunited with Dad and Wayne.

A viewing will be held on Thursday June 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Gobles Mortuary in Fortuna. Private interment will follow at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their care during the past few weeks.

In lieu of flowers we request that donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt or a favorite charity.

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