Press release from the City of Arcata:

The City of Arcata is pleased to announce that indoor restrooms at Redwood Park are now open to the public during regular park hours, from sunrise to sunset.

The restrooms are located at Redwood Lodge and can be accessed through the exterior entrances next to the picnic area. Redwood Park is a beloved gathering place for residents and visitors alike and these facilities will make it even more welcoming and family friendly.

This improvement responds directly to community feedback following the completion of the 2024 Redwood Park Playground Improvement Project which included a new playground that has quickly become a popular regional recreation destination. The increase in park use, especially among families with young children, highlighted the need for indoor restroom facilities.

Since the playground renovation was completed, both the Arcata City Council and the Parks and Recreation Committee heard strong public requests to prioritize restroom access. In response, the Committee made this improvement its top priority and the City allocated additional staffing resources to ensure the restrooms can be maintained and open during regular park hours. The existing portable restroom will continue to be provided in addition to the indoor facilities.

This is a great example of how community voices help make Arcata’s parks even better. The City invites residents and visitors to enjoy Redwood Park’s playground, trails and open spaces now with improved amenities for comfort and convenience.

For more information, please visit cityofarcata.org or call (707) 822-8184.

PREVIOUSLY

• Indigenous Kids Are Kayaking the Entire Length of the Klamath River For the First Time Ever

Press release from Rios to Rivers:

Klamath River, CA - This week, Ruby Williams, Keeya Wiki, and Kiahna Allen, participants from the Rios to Rivers Paddle Tribal Waters first descent of the Klamath River, head to Brazil to participate in COP30, the largest global United Nations event for discussions and negotiations on climate change. There, they will join scientists, world leaders, and activists to share the Klamath River Accord, a landmark declaration to protect free-flowing rivers and recognize dam removal as a powerful solution for climate resilience and environmental justice.

“The way our communities came together to undam the Klamath River can be done elsewhere,” said Ruby Williams, a Karuk person enrolled with Quartz Valley Indian Reservation. “I look forward to sharing our story, and helping others advocate for their home rivers”

Signed in July after the completion of the First Descent of the Klamath River, the Klamath River Accord is a call to action for global leaders and commits its signatories to protect free-flowing rivers, oppose construction of new dams, support dam removal as a climate solution, support river restoration, and uphold Indigenous rights. Inspired by the successful movement to remove four dams from the Klamath River. It was co-written by the Rivers for Climate Coalition, Native youth and staff from Ríos to Rivers, and river defenders and experts from around the world.

“Hydropower is often touted as a source of clean energy, but in reality, dams cause considerable harm to rivers, ecosystems, and communities.” Said Kiahna Allen, who is from the Confederated Tribes Of Warm Springs and San Carlos Apache Nation. “Putting a dam on a river is an act of theft. It denies the entire ecosystem—from the fish and wildlife to future generations—the right to clean, flowing water.”

Dams and their reservoirs drown landscapes, warm rivers, block fish passage, and create considerable amounts of Carbon Dioxide and Methane, both significant drivers in climate change. Although emissions from dams and their reservoirs are not yet fully understood, researchers estimate that they represent the 4th largest human-caused source of methane emissions globally.

“Undamming the Klamath River was a decades-long intergenerational fight,” Said Keeya Wiki, Yurok Tribal member “My greatest hope is that we can spare other communities from that fight.”

PREVIOUSLY: 

• ‘Treat Them With Dignity’: Humboldt Residents, Businesses Step Up to Help Local People at Risk of Losing SNAP Benefits
• Federal Court Orders Trump Administration to Pay SNAP Benefits During Ongoing Government Shutdown

###

Press release from Food for People:

EUREKA- In response to the prolonged delay of SNAP (CalFresh) benefits and the economic strain caused by the federal government shutdown, Food for People, the Food Bank for Humboldt County, partnered with College of the Redwoods and Hoopa Valley Food Distribution to hold two large-scale emergency food distributions on Thursday, November 13 to help families recover.

The distribution for central Humboldt County took place at the College of the Redwoods campus, with a drive-thru event in the main parking lot. A second emergency distribution was held the same day at the Hoopa Valley Food Distribution parking lot. More than 800 households received food assistance through the two events.

Food for People organized the events to help households facing sudden gaps in food support as CalFresh benefit delays impacted families throughout Humboldt County. “Families are under tremendous pressure right now,” said Carly Robbins, Executive Director of Food for People. “Delays in CalFresh benefits and the financial uncertainty impacting federal employees mean many households have been struggling to keep food on the table. We’re committed to showing up for our community however we can.”

Food for People would like to thank College of the Redwoods, the team at Hoopa Valley Food Distribution, the Hupa Family Resource Center, Hoopa OES, CERT, UpLift Eureka, CSET, Humboldt Amateur Radio Club, Humboldt Neuro Health, United Rentals, Gosselin Transportation and the dozens of volunteers who helped make the distribution possible.

Food for People will continue monitoring community needs. For updates on ongoing food distributions or ways to support local hunger relief, please visit FoodforPeople.org.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On November 13, 2025, at approximately 4:54 a.m., Eureka Police Department Patrol Officers responded to the 2900 block of G Street for a report of an attempted vehicle theft involving a Kia. The suspect fled in a separate vehicle after being confronted by the reporting party. While responding, officers observed two Kia vehicles speeding away from the vicinity and attempted a traffic stop on one of them.

During the stop, occupants began switching seats, and the vehicle fled from officers, leading to a pursuit through several residential streets. At two separate dead ends, the driver turned the vehicle toward officers, nearly striking them and damaging a patrol car to the point it was taken out of service. Due to increasingly dangerous driving, the pursuit was ultimately terminated.

Shortly afterward, the suspect vehicle, later confirmed to be stolen out of Eureka, was found abandoned on the 700 block of N Street. A tracking K9 was deployed but was unable to locate the suspects. Around the same time, a separate victim reported interrupting another attempted theft of their Kia.

Due to the integrity of this investigation, additional specific details are not being released at this time. If you have information, please contact EPD’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) at 707- 441-4300.

As noted in a previous press release from March, 2025, Kia and Hyundai models continue to be heavily targeted in vehicle thefts nationwide. Owners are encouraged to contact their dealership to determine whether their vehicle qualifies for a software update, ignition cylinder protector, or a steering-wheel lock.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of theft:

• Always remove keys from the vehicle.
• Keep windows closed and doors locked.
• Park in well-lit, visible areas.
• Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
• Use audible or visible alarm systems.
• Consider immobilizing devices that prevent ignition bypass.
• Install a vehicle-recovery system to help locate the car if stolen.

Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of vehicle theft.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On November 13, 2025, detectives from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division, and officers from the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police, assisted the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in executing a federal search warrant in the Big Hill Road area of Hoopa, California.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., FBI agents conducted a traffic stop of the target subject on State Route 96, just south of Big Hill Road. The adult male subject was detained without incident. FBI agents subsequently searched the subject’s person, vehicle, and residence. The subject was later released at the scene.

The execution of the search warrant marked the culmination of an extensive suspected child pornography investigation led by the FBI. Due to the nature of the evidence collected and the substantial time required for its processing, no physical arrest was made at the time of the warrant service. The investigation remains active, with the FBI serving as the lead agency.

Any inquiries regarding the investigation should be referred to the FBI at media.sf@fbi.gov.

Press release from the McKinleyville Community Services District:

The McKinleyville Community Services District (MCSD) today announced it has been awarded $1 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS), secured through the strong advocacy of U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02), to implement its comprehensive Forest Management Plan for the McKinleyville Community Forest.

This critical federal funding will be directed toward executing the core priorities of the newly established community forest, including habitat restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and the development of sustainable, accessible public recreation infrastructure.

The 599-acre Community Forest is managed by the MCSD for multiple objectives, including public recreation, timber production, fish and wildlife habitat, and carbon sequestration. The federal funding will specifically enable the district to purchase specialized equipment, fund restoration work along sensitive stream corridors, and begin initial phases of planned trail construction to ensure safe and managed public access.

Congressman Huffman, a steadfast champion of North Coast natural resources, emphasized the strategic importance of the funding. “The McKinleyville Community Forest is a gem for local residents of this growing community,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “I’m glad I could get these funds to help the McKinleyville Community Services District put its broadly supported plans for recreation, fire protection, and restoration into place to the benefit of the people and wildlife of the North Coast.”

The McKinleyville Community Services District is grateful for Congressman Huffman’s invaluable support and looks forward to the immediate positive impacts this funding will have on the health and accessibility of the Community Forest.

Press release from the Humboldt County Office of Education:

On November 8, 2025, the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) hosted Carrying Our Stories Forward: Celebrating the Launch of the Native American Studies Model Curriculum (NASMC), a landmark event honoring California’s first state-sponsored curriculum designed to center and uplift Native American voices, histories, and perspectives in public education. The event brought together Tribal leaders, educators, youth, and community members for a day of celebration, dialogue, traditional foods, and professional learning — made possible by $30,000 in community donations supporting this historic milestone.

The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Cutcha Risling Baldy (Hupa, Yurok, Karuk), a Guiding Leader of the NASMC development, spoke from the heart, encouraging educators to embrace the curriculum even when the content feels new or challenging. She reminded participants that learning Native American Studies is an ongoing process and that the NASMC was intentionally designed to support that journey. “You don’t have to redesign your entire curriculum overnight,” she shared. “Start small by integrating one lesson, one unit, or one Indigenous author—and build over time. Use this curriculum as an opportunity to model what learning looks like for students: enthusiasm, reflection, and growth.”

“The NASMC represents far more than a new curriculum, it’s a movement toward truth, healing, and educational justice,” said Michael Davies-Hughes, Superintendent of the Humboldt County Office of Education. “We are honored to stand with California’s Tribes, educators, and students to ensure Native voices are not only represented but centered in our classrooms.”

Developed by the Humboldt County Office of Education in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and California Tribal partners, the NASMC is one of four new Model Curricula funded by the state under Education Code §51226.9 and available on the We Are California website hosted by UC Davis. The NASMC includes hundreds of standards-aligned lesson plans and primary source materials, commissioned and licensed Native art, poetry, and oral histories, as well as planning guides and culturally grounded professional development resources.

Created by and with Native educators, youth-serving organizations, and cultural knowledge keepers, the NASMC ensures accuracy, respect, and authenticity. By reflecting Native students’ cultures and worldviews in the classroom, the curriculum supports positive identity development, mental health, and belonging and guides all students to build empathy, awareness, and a deeper understanding of our shared environment.

Humboldt County’s participation in the project reflects its deep commitment to educational equity and community partnership. With 8.8% of Humboldt County students identifying as Native American or Alaska Native and with chronic absenteeism among Native students more than double the countywide rate, HCOE recognized an urgent need to create learning environments that affirm Native identity and strengthen school engagement.

HCOE’s Native American Studies Model Curriculum Learning Specialist, Maggie Peters, continues to expand this work by leading monthly professional development sessions for educators across the state. These sessions offer lesson deep dives, collaborative learning spaces, and Cal Poly Humboldt course credit to deepen teacher capacity in implementing the NASMC.

“This moment is an affirmation of truth, resilience, and shared commitment to the future,” said Peters. “The NASMC shows what’s possible when Tribes, educators, and communities work together to restore balance through education.”

“I was astounded at the breadth of the NASMC project,” shared educator and curriculum writer Cheryl Tuttle (Yurok/Karuk), who was honored for her contributions to the NASMC at the event. “It really hit me at the event—the variety, the age differences, the different mediums, and the complexity involved!”

As the NASMC takes root statewide, organizers invite the public to carry this work forward by honoring Indigenous communities and strengthening relationships with Tribes and Indigenous-led networks to uphold culture, tradition, and sovereignty. Supporting the First Peoples of Humboldt County and California means affirming Native identities through accountability, curiosity, and respect for community and place.

This effort also calls for integrating Native perspectives into education and policy by moving from consultation to true collaboration with Tribes and Indigenous-led networks to ensure accurate representation and co-created approaches. Most importantly, advocates are encouraged to ensure this first step becomes a foundation, not a finish line, by supporting continued funding so that the NASMC grows into a comprehensive curriculum representing all Tribes and reaching every school in California.

We all share the responsibility and have the opportunity to grow, unlearn, and reimagine how we understand history, place, and belonging. This event marked not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but also a call to sustain and expand this work. Together, we can ensure that Native American Studies remains a living, evolving part of California’s classrooms for generations to come.

For more information, please visit this link or contact HCOE’s Native American Learning Specialist, Maggie Peters mpeters@hcoe.org or 707-441-4503.