Map of Arcata’s Gateway District | From the City of Arcata’s website

Tonight’s special meeting of the Arcata City Council will really be special. Unlike the usual meetings, which take place in Arcata City Council chambers, this will be entirely outdoors and will consist of a walking tour of the City’s Gateway District Plan area.

What the heck is the Gateway District, you ask? Well, it’s a name coined by Arcata city staff to describe the part of town that includes and surrounds the Creamery District, roughly between K and Q Streets and 17th Street and Samoa Boulevard. The Gateway District includes a lot of prime real estate for housing, but  much of the land there is zoned for only industrial use. So the City wants to change the zoning to mixed use, allowing for housing and businesses to be built there. It’s all part of the City’s Strategic Infill Redevelopment Plan (SIRP), which focuses on building housing within unused and underutilized properties in the city’s urban areas.

Basically, because of the projected population growth of Arcata, the city needs to create a lot more housing to meet state requirements. And with limited property available, that will require more high-density housing on existing properties. Think four or five-story buildings, like the Danco development currently under construction at 7th and J Streets. Historically, some folks have not been too keen on huge developments being built near their homes. This is why it is very important to Arcata city staff that the public be as involved in this plan as possible and is holding a series of tours and public outreach sessions to help develop the SIRP.

Construction over the summer on the four-story Danco Development on 7th and J | Photo: Stephanie McGeary

If you have interest in learning more, the walking tour of the Gateway Plan area meets Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. in front of Arcata City Hall (736 F Street). You will have the opportunity to tour the area, learn about the City’s proposed changes,  ask questions or make comments.  Masks are required.

According to the meeting agenda, the tour will follow this path:

1. West on Seventh Street

2. North on L Street

3. West on Eighth Street

4. North through Creamery District

5. East on Ninth Street

6. North on L Street

7. East on 10th Street

8. South on H Street

9. East on Eighth Street

10. South on F Street to City Hall

If you are unable to attend, Arcata Community Development Director David Loya told the Outpost that there will be several other tour opportunities over the next couple of months. The best way to be informed of when those will happen is by signing up for e-notifications on the City of Arcata’s website, Loya said.

PREVIOUS: Aiming to Ship Coal Out of Humboldt Bay, Shadowy Corporation Makes Bid to Take Over NCRA Line

Press release from the office of Sen. Mike McGuire:

Senator Mike McGuire introduced legislation today to stop one of the largest environmental threats the North Coast has seen in decades — a proposal from a secret, clandestine operation, hiding behind an anonymous LLC out of Wyoming, that wants to ship millions of tons of coal through the Northern California counties of Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt. 

The shadowy rail operation would utilize a portion of the now defunct North Coast rail route, which runs approximately 320 miles between Marin and Humboldt counties. The coal would then be loaded onto ships in Humboldt Bay, sold overseas, and burned.

Senator McGuire’s SB 307, which was introduced last week, would help stop that proposal, or anything like it in the future, in its tracks.

“This toxic coal train would run through the heart of so many thriving communities and along the Russian and Eel Rivers, which are the main source of drinking water for nearly one million residents,” Senator Mike McGuire said. “This dangerous proposal must be stopped, which is why we have introduced SB 307. This critical bill will ban any state funding from being invested to improve the rail line for coal shipments north of Willits and it bans any state funding to buildout a potential coal storage terminal at the Port of Humboldt. No way, no how are we going to let this happen.”

The secrecy behind the toxic coal train is completely offensive, as well as the fact these bad actors have met behind closed doors with some local officials to try and make this toxic dream a reality. This anonymous group has also filed a request to kill the build out of the Great Redwood Trail. The Trail, which will be the longest contiguous rail-trail in America, would stretch from the bustling waters of San Francisco Bay to the fog-shrouded redwood shores of Humboldt Bay.

SB 307 explicitly states that state money can not be spent to initiate, improve or operate rail service on the now defunct North Coast rail line north of the City of Willits. Further, it bans state money from being spent on the buildout of any new bulk coal terminal facilities within the County of Humboldt.

In addition, Senator McGuire has made significant progress on the Great Redwood Trail. SB 69, which was approved in the Assembly by a vote of 71-0 and then in the Senate by 38-0, will close down the North Coast Railroad Authority (NCRA) once and for all, and transfer their property and rights to the Great Redwood Trail Agency and to Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART).

The Great Redwood Trail will meander through ancient redwoods, state and national wildlands, oak-studded golden hills and along our incredible rivers. The Trail will also be an economic driver for the dozens of rural communities it runs through.

“Coal is the dirtiest and most damaging source of energy out there. It’s the number one cause of global warming and it’s the number one contributor to our climate crisis. The people of the North Coast won’t stand for this. We rallied against Big Oil to protect our coast from offshore drilling – and won. And we will win this fight against Big Coal,” Senator Mike McGuire said.

Sally Jo Arnot was born Nov. 8, 1938, in Eureka to Dick and Ida Watson. She was married to Philip M. Arnot for 64 years, passing away early in the morning of Sept. 15, 2021. She was a loving mother to her sons Michael and Stephen Arnot, and a supportive sister to her brothers, Rick and Chris Watson.

Sally was a passionate advocate of the arts in Humboldt County. She was the President of the Humboldt Arts Council for many years and spearheaded the purchase of the Carnegie Library, now the Morris Graves Museum of Art. Sally committed years raising and donating funds to retrofit and restore the museum. Sally was appointed by Governor Deukmejian to the California Arts Commission, where she was able to highlight the rich arts community in Humboldt County. Sally also served on the board of directors for the Bank of Loleta, prior to its merger with US Bank.

After her marriage to Philip in 1955, she worked as an escrow officer at the Humboldt Land Title Company, owned by her in-laws, Jocko and Lucille Arnot. While Phil attended law school in San Francisco, Sally worked for California Pacific Title Insurance Company and Draper Company real estate. She loved the Bay Area. A little-known secret about Sally was that she did not want to leave San Francisco. Instead, she made a deal with Philip that upon returning to Eureka, they would continue traveling each and every year. Sally and Philip have been to more than 50 countries during their marriage. And so, the adventure began, and did not end until their recent move to Lake Oswego, Oregon, to be closer to her two sons and five grandchildren.

Sally was known as “mom” or “grandma” to the family. She was the backbone of the Arnot clan, always giving of her time. She was a strong advocate and cheerleader for her children and provided that motherly guidance from her life experiences. Yet, she also knew when it was time for her children and grandchildren to learn from their own life experiences. Sally believed, “It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful”.

Her untimely passing came as a surprise to all the family, especially given her good health and great attitude. But as she always said, it is better to leave this life worn out, exhausted yet fulfilled with memories than with regret. Sally accomplished just that and even though she leaves behind her husband of 64 years, both sons and younger brothers, this impression will never fade.

Sally Arnot was a special lady who captivated you with her elegant style, beautiful smile, and vivacious personality. You will be missed, and your impression, like a masterpiece, will never leave us.

Sally is survived by her husband, Philip Arnot, her sons, Michael and Stephen and his wife, Andrea, her grandchildren, Eloise, Samuel, Camille, Nicholas and Alexis Arnot, her brothers, Rick and Chris Watson and numerous nieces and nephews

There will be a graveside memorial service at Ocean View Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at 2 pm. Friends and family are welcome to attend. A “Celebration of Life” honoring Sally will be held at the Morris Graves Museum of Art. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that all donations be made to the Humboldt Arts Council - Morris Graves Museum.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Sally Arnot’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

David was the third of seven kids. He was born April 24, 1952 in Eureka. He spent most of his youth in the Cutten/Ridgewood area. On the weekends his dad Hans and his siblings would spend the day surf fishing or digging for clams. David loved his dad’s clam chowder! They would also spend time playing baseball or just hanging out. His cousins and aunts — Pansy, Ester, Irene, Mary — and uncles — Hiram, Allen, Phillip — and Grama Gretta would come, too. The family was very close back then.

David’s class was the first to attend Winship Jr. High. He got to help choose the colors for the school. Sometimes David would get into trouble. Ninety-nine percent of the time it was defending his younger brother Randy who had MD. One day, people still remember, someone picked on Randy. David fought him from one end of the gym to the other. A teacher intervened and was knocked out. Police were called, David was handcuffed and taken away. Two blocks later they let David go. The officers knew David and understood why he did it. David always took care of Randy. David and his friends would sometimes cut class and go to the woods behind Winship. There they would smoke and fish. Weekends they would go and camp out. David always wished his daughters and grandkids could have gotten to experience what he did. When times were simpler and safer. David had fond memories of those days.

When David was 16, he ran away and ended up in Reno. There he met three nurses that he lived with. He got his first job at a steakhouse.

In May 1969, David joined the Army. After basic training he was on a plane to Vietnam. He was there a year , in the Army for seven. He was proud to be in the First Cavalry infantry division. Little did David know that one decision would impact his life ,and forever change it. He remembered being sprayed with Agent Orange. He and the other soldiers didn’t know they were being poisoned. After Nam, he was stationed many places. One of his favorites was Sandhofen, Germany. He loved the food, culture and the women, especially a special woman, Sonja. Eventually he ended up stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was a bailiff for the courts.

He also was a driver for Colonel Mundt. They formed a very special bond and to this day still stayed in touch. That meant so much to David. He also met Mike Cheatum and they became friends and were still close. They spoke often about everything, even religion and politics! In November 1974 David came home on leave. During that time his brother Randy introduced him to the love of his life, Darlene Houston. In March of 1975, David was in a terrible motorcycle accident. He spent a month in the hospital. During that time he sent an engagement ring to Darlene, making her the happiest girl on earth! That August 14, 1975 they were married. Some thought it was too soon, they knew it wasn’t!

That February 1976, Darlene was able to join David in Colorado. He had rented a cute mother in law unit and had everything ready for Darlenes arrival.They got to visit his friends AL Jones, Mike, Denise and others. Go to Pikes Peak and Garden of the God’s and enjoy being newlyweds. It was a time they cherished forever. In August 1976 David received his second honorable discharge.

David is survived by his wife of 46 years, Darlene, their daughters Amy, husband Rich, Jodi. husband Jake. Granddaughter Alice, Grandsons Dillon and Brandon, who all three lived with David — he was more of a dad to them than a Papa. He so loved having all three around. They each had a special bond with their Papa. He loved when his other grandsons would visit or call. Bruce, Jonah and Jacob he missed them. His sister Lisa and her husband Rick. Brother Danny Floren, nieces Stephanie, Rebekah and Charlene. Nephews, Eddie, Clifford, David, Dan, Gregory, Joseph, James, Gately, and August. Many great nieces and nephews. Cousins, Harold, Jimmy, Glen, Carolyn, Ernie, Joanie, Bobby Laverne Friends, Carl and Lucy, Jim, Mike and Margie, Denise, Lizzy and Marsha, Sue and Rusty, Jonah Billy and family, Greg Williams and family, Chuck Dennison, Floyd S., Raymond, Diane, and many more. He loved you all so much.He is also survived by his precious cat 50/50, they adored each other and Jim’s fog pumpkin .

The family wants to thank Aubree from Sanders Funeral Home. Aubree turned an unbearable situation into something more tolerable. His kindness was very much appreciated. Also a big thanks to Karla and Sandra from Ocean View Cemetery. They were both very helpful at such a terrible time.

Due to COVID there was a very small service for David. He did get his military honors that he deserved so much. Thanks to the honor guard, David was laid to rest at the Devotion Garden at Ocean View Cemetery. The family is hoping to have a celebration of.life sometime next year. They will keep everyone informed as to when and where. So sorry if anyone was forgotten.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of David Johannsen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

With deep sorrow the family of Loie Kay Jacobsen of Fortuna announces that our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie and friend passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on August 21, 2021 at the age of 82.

Loie is preceeded in death by her loving parents, Harold and Frances Ericcsen.

She will forever be remembered and missed by her children, Leon Swartz and Debbie Chisum (David Cordeiro); grandchildren, Amber Chisum, Alexis Lightener (Justin Lightener) and Tanner Cordeiro; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Cassie, Callie, Brantley and Bryson; brother Robert Ericcsen; nephews and niece, David, Jeff and Keri; as well as numerous other relatives and her very dear close friends who always called her Kay.

Loie’s love for her family was unconditional. She undeniably always loved and cared for them more then herself. Spending time with them was her happy place. Her sense of humor was priceless, many of times leaving us in tears of laughter.

Loie was born in Fortuna on June 9, 1939. Loie started playing the piano at a very young age and played beautifully. She loved to read, especially scary or crime scene novels. She loved to travel whenever she could. Loie attended grade school and high school in Fortuna, graduating from Fortuna Union High School in 1957. At 18 she married her love, Leon Swartz, and moved with him while in the Service to Frankfurt, Germany. Returning to Fortuna in 1959 she worked part time at The Fortuna Theater and was a stay-at-home mom. She had many great stories and memories of the time she and her dear friends Sharon and Sheryl all worked their together. In 1975 Loie began working at Seaview Convalescent Hospital, where she had a 25-year career as a nurse’s aide. She loved helping people and took great pride in her job there, later in life continuing this love caring for her mom.

The family wishes to thank everyone for all the flowers, cards, gifts, calls and messages. We also wish to send a special thank you to Theresa Holland for your love and compassion as you helped us care for our beloved momma and grandma. We love and appreciate you.

In honor of our beautiful momma, the familly will be having a celebration of life at Double D Steak at 320 Main St. Fortuna on Sunday, October 3, at noon. Come celebrate our beautiful momma’s life with us.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Loie Jacobsen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

Jacob (Jake) Rodriguez
June 6, 1952 - Sept. 3, 2021

Jacob (Jake) Rodriguez was born on June 6, 1952. He passed away on September 3, 2021 after a long battle with illness.

He was number nine of eleven children. He was raised on a farm where he and his brothers liked to play in the mud and made games of riding the mules they had. He spent a brief time in the Marines.

Jake lived in Fresno until his friends and family persuaded him to apply for CalTrans, here in Humboldt County. He loved working there and did until he was unable to due to a disability almost 11 years later. During that time, he made countless friends, “adopted” a family and became a rock for many people that knew and loved him. He was always willing to help or lend an ear to someone in need.

His friends and family will be holding a memorial service at Rohner Park in Fortuna October 3 at 1 p.m. We would love for anyone who knew him to come share stories as well as celebrate the man he was and will continue to be in our hearts and memories. For more information please text Susan at (707) 601-8101.

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Two things are certain about the second trial of Arcata rancher Ray Christie: It won’t include misdemeanor charges of dumping cattle carcasses, and it won’t happen on Oct. 4.

What’s still uncertain is whether the jury that hears evidence of alleged animal cruelty will also learn that Christie was convicted of piling dead cattle within 150 feet of state waters.

This morning Judge Christopher Wilson denied a motion for new trial filed by Christie’s former attorney, John Cogorno. With that decided, Deputy District Attorney Steven Steward moved to dismiss 10 misdemeanor charges the first jury couldn’t decide.

Wilson also granted a motion to continue filed by Rick Richmond, Christie’s new attorney from a Los Angeles law firm. The trial-setting is scheduled for Oct. 6, and on that day dates may also be set for pretrial motions.

The main issue is whether the second jury will hear about the carcasses, and also that there was evidence Christie altered identification tags on some cows.

“I don’t think (that evidence) can come in,” Richmond told the judge. But Wilson said it could be argued that the carcass issue “Is part and parcel of the offense.”

In 2018 Christie’s ranch on the Arcata Bottoms was raided by numerous law enforcement agencies. They also raided properties Christie owns or leases throughout the county. Along with many carcasses, officers found cows that were near death from apparent starvation.

Christie’s first trial ended with convictions on some misdemeanor charges, but the jury deadlocked on 10 misdemeanors and all four felonies. On the felonies the jury voted 11-1 for guilt.