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This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $200 million plan to revive the state’s stalling electric-car market faces several fundamental problems: It isn’t enough money, it may not reach consumers quickly enough and the state hasn’t decided whether to subsidize – or exclude – wealthier buyers.

The Newsom administration’s budget proposal — rolled out after President Donald Trump dismantled federal electric vehicle incentives and blocked California’s clean-vehicle mandate — would cover rebates for only about 20% of last year’s EV sales. That CalMatters estimate assumes the state follows the model of the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which offered rebates of up to $7,500 toward some electric and hybrid cars before the California Air Resources Board ended it in 2023.

So far the administration has released few details about the proposal, leaving experts and lawmakers circling a basic question: Who should get the money?

“It is better than nothing, which is what a lot of things are getting right now,” said Mars Wu, a senior program manager with the Greenlining Institute, which advocates for investments in communities of color. “How far that $200 million goes really depends on how the program is going to be structured.”

A small incentive in a huge market

California’s electric car market is one the governor celebrates on the world stage. While at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland earlier this week, Newsom highlighted that California has surpassed 2.5 million clean car sales, saying the achievement came after the state “invested in this future when others said it was impossible.” He framed the number against a modest goal to get 1.5 million clean cars on the road, set more than a decade ago.

California officials remain confident the state’s policies will succeed in pushing the transition to electric cars. Even as sales have slipped, EVs will drive future electricity demand, according to a long-term forecast approved Wednesday by the California Energy Commission.

But the limits of the governor’s $200 million EV proposal become clear in the numbers. A CalMatters analysis found the incentive would cover only one out of every five EV sales, assuming similar sales to last year, and the same average rebate level as the state’s last mass-market rebate program.

Advocates are also raising concerns about how quickly the money can get to consumers. Christopher Chavez, deputy policy director at the Coalition for Clean Air, a California-focused advocacy group, warned that the proposed rebates may not reach consumers until 2027, given how long it takes to approve the budget and to set up a new program. If the funding only lasts a year, the program would leave out buyers who need time to plan or save, he added.

“It’s not going to be enough — just to be blunt about it,” Chavez said. “Two-hundred million for a mass-market program will go very quickly.”

The proposal comes as the latest sales numbers show an electric car market slump. Nationally, the loss of the uncapped, popular federal tax credit has accelerated manufacturer write-downs and sales declines as automakers adjusted to a tougher EV market.

In California, the slowdown has pushed the state further off course from its climate goals: even before Congress and President Trump blocked its vehicle mandate last year, California was struggling to hit a requirement that 35% of new cars sold in 2026 be zero-emission. Last year electric and other zero emission cars made up about 23% of new car sales in 2025, down from roughly 25% the year prior, California Energy Commission data shows.

Sales slowed down dramatically at the end of the year, when EVs and other clean cars accounted for just under 19% of new car sales in the fourth quarter of 2025 — the lowest quarterly share since mid-2022.

The Newsom administration will likely lay out the details of its proposal in a draft bill tied to the state budget. The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program would be “the foundation we’d be building from,” wrote Lindsey Buckley, an air board spokesperson, in an email, adding that the goal would be to deploy the $200 million “as soon as possible to support the market.”

Buckley said it is “speculative” to predict the impact of a new EV incentive or how quickly the money would reach consumers.

An environmental activist places signage calling for increased electric vehicle use outside the California Environmental Protection Agency building in Sacramento on June 9, 2022. Environmental activists urged the California Air Resources Board to push for a transition toward 100% electric vehicle consumer use. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

With limited funding, advocates say the question of who qualifies for the rebates becomes critical.

“What we really don’t want to see is that money going towards higher-income folks for whom it would just be kind of like a bonus coupon,” said Wu, of the Greenlining Institute.

Fast or targeted: lawmakers face a choice

How the Newsom administration and lawmakers design the state’s next EV incentive will determine how quickly the air board can deliver rebates — and whether the program avoids recreating past inequities. California ended its last, broad EV rebate program in 2023 over concerns it benefited higher-income buyers. Targeting lower-income drivers delivers the greatest benefits because they tend to drive the most, and switching to EVs saves them money on fuel and maintenance, said Ethan Elkind, a climate law expert at UC Berkeley.

But income-based “means testing” can slow programs down, requiring income verification and layers of bureaucracy that eat up funding and discourage participation.

That’s a critique of one California program aimed at low-income buyers, Clean Cars 4 All, which offers grants to help drivers trade in older, more polluting vehicles for cleaner alternatives. As the state moved from budget surplus to deficit, the Newsom administration and lawmakers never adequately funded it, advocates say.

Lawmakers provided no new funding in the 2024–25 budget year, and in the current budget cycle, the state provided only about $45 million through a combination of funds and one-time budget actions, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. That falls well short of a sustained, long-term commitment, said Chavez, of the Coalition for Clean Air.

“It’s become — especially as the budget has become more difficult — more of a secondary priority, which is unfortunate,” he said.

Competing ideas, no clear consensus

California’s EV problem has no shortage of potential solutions — only disagreement over which one to choose.

Some policy analysts argue the state should focus on first-time adoption. A recent brief from Atlas Public Policy found that incentives are most cost-effective when they bring a household’s first electric vehicle into the garage — because once a family owns one EV, it is far more likely to buy another.

Elkind, of UC Berkeley, said a simpler approach — a point-of-sale rebate tied to lower-priced vehicles — would be easier for the air board to administer while avoiding subsidies for high-income buyers.

“If it’s just tied to the price of the vehicle, that’s pretty straightforward,” Elkind said.

Some lawmakers told CalMatters the air board should tightly target the rebates to communities most affected by pollution and transportation costs. State Senator Ben Allen, a Democrat from El Segundo, said incentives should focus on communities that suffer the most from air pollution, “so as to increase the bang for air quality buck.”

Senator Josh Becker, a Democrat from Menlo Park, said new incentives should go to the people “who are most burdened by transportation costs and drive the most.”

Fewer easy EV buyers in California

California needs to design its next rebate program well because its most eager EV buyers are gone and the state now faces a harder, more price-sensitive market, experts said.

“California is one of the first states to sort of get into that mainstream market: and it’s a harder market to convert,” said Loren McDonald, a Danville-based EV analyst. Potential buyers now expect seamless charging and balk at waiting 30 to 40 minutes. They also are not keen to install home chargers or pay more upfront. Many, he says, stick with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

“We burned through the innovators and the early adopters — those people who want to save the planet, those people who make good money,” McDonald said.

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Staff writer Erica Yee contributed to this report.

Kaelyn (Kale) Starshine Jones-Rios
Jan. 30, 2004 - Jan. 4, 2026

Kaelyn “Kale” Starshine, 21, of Eureka, returned to the stars on January 4, 2026. Born on January 30, 2004, Kale was a radiant soul whose warmth, creativity, and boundless kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. It feels impossible to do Kale justice and capture her essence in just words. Those who knew her, simply understand the magic that she was.

Kale was born and raised in Eureka, attending Pine Hill/South Bay schools before graduating from Academy of the Redwoods in 2022. A passionate learner with a fierce intellect, she briefly explored life in Los Angeles and San Diego before the pull of home brought her back to Humboldt County. She was pursuing her associate’s degree in behavioral sciences at College of the Redwoods with plans for a career in psychology. Kale had a deep love for her work with children and adults with different abilities. Her behavior clients adored her, and she brought genuine compassion, patience, and joy to her work. She was a natural caregiver with an open mind and kind heart.

Nature was Kale’s sanctuary. She found peace in the warmth of the sun at the river, the ocean breeze, stargazing with loved ones, searching for agates and rocks in the sand, and wandering through misty redwood groves. She often dreamed of “the commune” — living off-grid with her family, needing only the land and each other. She understood that life was meant to be filled with laughter, long hugs, peaceful afternoons, and simple joys. Animals brought Kale immense joy, especially horses, which she considered her soul animal. Her dog Comet and cats Pluto and Lucifer were her most recent cherished companions, her babies. 

A fierce advocate for human rights and community, Kale had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together. She created the Clown Bonfires during summer months — a beloved gathering where anyone with a pure heart could be weird, silly, and authentic in a judgment-free zone. Clowning wasn’t just about makeup and costumes for Kale; it was about finding joy, not taking life too seriously, and making others feel truly welcomed and valued.

Kaelyn was the only daughter out of five children born to Kelli. Through her childhood, Kaelyn and Kelli shared a deep bond that went beyond just mother and daughter. Growing up Kaelyn did everything with her mom: many road trips both terrifying and fun, dying each other’s hair fun colors, makeup and tea parties, countless concerts and events (anything Kaelyn wanted to do!), horseback riding, cooking, binge-watching shows late at night, camping, and river trips all summer long. Together Kaelyn and Kelli raised dozens of bottle baby foster kittens. While Kelli may have taught Kaelyn the basics of living, Kaelyn taught her mom the meaning of life, and love.

Kale had a special relationship with her brother Jaren. Their connection was easily observed by anyone who ever saw them together. The way they laughed together, and gave each other shit, but would have each other’s back at the drop of the hat, was a beautiful thing to get to experience. She also loved her little brothers, Kason, Rylen, and Rowen, so much. She would gush about them to anyone who would listen. Laughing about whatever silly message they left her in their minecraft server, or about their latest random text. They spent countless summers at the river together, and rainy winters spent creating art and music together. Her love for her younger brothers was everlasting, a love only a big sister can truly understand. Everything she did was in the spirit of making them proud and showing them how unconditional her love was. 

Kale shared deep bonds with her aunts Haley and Erin, who lovingly called her KK. Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend. She and Haley shared a birthday and a soul connection. Family dinners and game nights at Haley’s house were filled with laughter, love, and KK’s creative food suggestions — from pickle night to spaghetti tacos. Haley’s home became her safe haven. With her aunt Erin, KK treasured summers spent together, cooking, baking, and making beautiful memories. She loved Erin’s famous oat bars and learned to make them herself. Many of her most magical childhood memories were from holidays spent at Erin’s McKinleyville home.

Kale’s relationship with her cousin Grayson was more like siblings than cousins. Their bond deepened into a profound friendship as adults, and she was immensely proud of who he was becoming, especially loving when he shared his music recordings with her. She adored her Oregon cousins, Brannan, Addison, and Jake, sharing a special relationship with each of them. They loved how she was always ready for outdoor adventures and making priceless memories. Whenever they visited, Kale would be right there — spoiling them, being silly, and partaking in all the classic cousin shenanigans.

Kale had a deep connection with her grandpa Steve. He created fun crafts and imaginative worlds for her and the grandkids, including the legendary Box City. He took her fishing and shared his love of plants and cats with her. Her grandma Kathi supported and loved Kale in a way only a grandma can, and Kale always knew she could count on her. Grandma taught her how to ride a 50 and the quad. They went on grand adventures together, like spending a day on Alcatraz in San Francisco and experiencing the magic of Lake Tahoe.

Kale’s best friends Gabby and Chayslin were her soul sisters. She and Gabby had been inseparable since age three, while Chayslin — who she affectionately called “sister” or “Mama Chayse” in her friend group — was there for her through every season and loved her like a big sister. Kale effortlessly welcomed others into their found family, including Zan and Maren, who were inextricably tied to Kale’s heart. Kale forged family and community, making everyone feel loved and included.

She is continued to be held in love by her mother, Kelli Jones; stepfather, Dave Jackson; brothers, Jaren, Kason, Rylen, and Rowen; aunts, Haley Jones and Erin Jones; uncle, John Jones; cousins, Grayson, Brannan, Addison, and Jake; grandparents, Kathi Borges, Larry Christiansen, Steve Jones, and Laura Jones; her soul sisters, Chayslin and Gabby; her father, Michael Rios Sr.; sister, Nicole Rios; and many other beloved family members and friends, there are simply too many to name.

Her light now shines with those who went before her; her great-grandparents Joyce and Hal Rogers, Bill and Joan Borges; great-aunt Janice O’Hara; great-uncle David Jones; and beloved family friends Papa (Rob) and Uncle Mikey.

Kale’s beautiful light, contagious spark, and deep love for community will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. Her infectious laugh, creative spirit, and ability to make others feel seen and valued will be forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers or a go fund me, we ask that you live your life to the fullest to celebrate Kale every day. Advocate for human rights and don’t back down, our world needs that now more than ever before. Consider your impact and footprint on this earth in all you do. And, just be kind. If you would like to donate to a charity in Kale’s honor, consider a charity supporting children and youth, animal rescue, LGBTQIA2S, and/or suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. 

It feels impossible to say goodbye to someone so young, but we know she will live on through the love she gave to us all. Please remember, the world is a better place with you in it. If you need help, or support, please know it’s ok to say something. If you know someone who you are worried about, it’s ok to check in, it’s ok to ask the hard questions. There is hope - Call or Text 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline, or 988lifeline.org.

Resources for help: 

• Friends for Survival
• Suicide and Violence Prevention Program
• Grief and Bereavement Resource List  

A celebration of life will be held in the near future. If you would like more information about date and location please send an email to kalescelebrationoflife@gmail.com. 

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“’What do we do when our hearts hurt?’ asked the boy. ‘We wrap them with friendship, shared tears and time, till they wake hopeful and happy again.’”

— The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.

Julie Ann Baldy McKinnon
July 4, 1946 - January 19, 2026

Wake: January 22, 2026 at 280 Baldy Flat., Hoopa
Graveside: January 23, 2026 Baldy Flat, Hoopa
Officiators: Harold Jones and Filmore Harvey

Reception following graveside at the Hoopa Trading Post

Honorary Pall Bearers: Kenneth Doolittle, Frank Surber, Sr., Vernon Pratt, Lyle Baldy, Sr., Leroy Baldy, Dana Chisum, Sr., Loren McKinnon, Jr., Brian McKinnon, Loren Offield, IV., Ronnie Green, Jerry Maestas, Werner Leiner, Jackson Surber, Joe Surber, Arnold Davis, Jr., Herman Quinn, Sr., Ben Woodman, Nolan E. Colegrove, Hank Alameda, Jr., Francis Loren Colegrove, and Rich Mlakar.

Pall Bearers: Frank B. Surber, Sinjen Surber, Sr., Herman Quinn, Jr., Ramius Davis, Nigel Davis, Daniel McKinnon, Dana Chisum, Jr., Denny Colegrove, Sorren Richards, Rohlen Richards, Misgilo “Minot” Moon, Leslie McLaughlin, Sr., Caleb White, Pergish Surber, Keynuh White, AC McLaughlin, Leslie McLaughlin Jr., John Robbins, Jr., Rodney Robbins, Ronnie Robbins, Filmore Harvey and Leota McKinnon-Stevens.

She is preceded in death by her son, Dawone Martin “Tiger” McKinnon; parents Newton Baldy, Sr., and Nancy Gardner Baldy; her sisters Dolly Baldy Marshall, Kathleen Baldy Dean, and Mary Baldy Doolittle; and her brothers Newton Baldy, Jr., Clarence Baldy, Keith Baldy, Edgar Norton, Sr., Allen Davis, Alex Pratt; and her great-grandson Totehl Surber.

She is survived by her children: Valerie Richards-Leiner (Werner), Frank Richards, Juliet Maestas (Jerry), Connie McKinnon (Arnold), Lare “Toss” McKinnon; and sisters Valerie Harvey, Darcey Miller, Lulu Baldy, Sonja Baldy, Carol Courtney, Carole Nixon Baldy, and Roxanne Mike; and brother Lyle Baldy, Sr.; and her grandchildren Hakita Alameda, Denny Colegrove, Dana Chisum, Jr. (Ariel), Naishian Richards (Ben), Ariel Richards (Eric), Sorren Richards, Rohlen Richards, Francee Nance (Caleb), Frank B. Surber (Alexis), Sinjen Surber, Sr. (Anna), Shelby Surber (Misgilo), Julia McKinnon-Stevens (Leota), Chloe Davis, Ramius Davis, Nigel Davis (Cynthia), Herman Quinn, Jr., and Daniel McKinnon; and her great-grandchildren Kixinay Masten, Ashlyn Alameda, Pauiila Colegrove, Kaydence Bibancos, Kahloni Bibancos, Kamora Bibancos, Brooke Erickson, Hailey Chisum, Melody Phines, Purseus Phines, Tohsoh Henry, Pergish Surber, Sinjen Surber, Jr., Keynuh White, Satori White, Alyssa Moon, Ava Moon, Ann-Marie Moon, Leslie McLaughlin, Jr., AC McLaughlin, Isadore McLaughlin, Duane McLaughlin, Greyson Davis, Minahsto Davis, and Isla Mlakar. Julie is survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, far too numerous to name.

Julie was a direct descendant of the Main House of the Hoopa High Dances and took pride in her role as a camp cook, where she was especially known for her pies. She was well known throughout the community for her Indian tacos and homemade bread, which she lovingly prepared and shared with family and community. She enjoyed crocheting, and many of her handmade items could be found at the Hoopa Trading Post. She found joy in playing bingo and often spent her weekends casino hopping. She shared her life with her loving partner, awok “Injun Bill” (Bill Carpenter) whose companionship and care meant a great deal to her.

Her professional life included work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Central Point, Oregon. She later served her community as a Community Health Representative with the Hoopa Health Association. Above all, Julie was the matriarch and foundation of her family, offering strength, guidance, and unwavering support to those she loved.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Julia McKinnon-Stevens and Leota Stevens for their dedicated time with Julie during her hospitalization; the Hoopa Valley Tribe Plant Management Department; and to all those who helped coordinate the services and reception. We apologize to anyone we may have inadvertently overlooked.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Goble’s Funeral Mortuary in Fortuna.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Julie McKinnon’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Randall Galen Sheesley Sr.
Aug. 12, 1960 - Dec. 29, 2025

Randall Galen Sheesley Sr., 65, passed away at his home in Arcata on Dec. 29, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. at the clubhouse, Ocean West — 1090 Murray Road, McKinleyville.

Randall was born in Manhattan Beach, Calif. in 1960. His parents are Janice and Galen Sheesley. In high school he loved to run track. After graduation Randall went into the plumbing trades but soon after became a mechanic. Randall moved to Humboldt county in 1984 with his family. He worked at Opie’s Fine Cars until they closed their doors around 2020. He worked until he retired in 2025.

Randall (Randy), sometimes known as Red or Big Red because of his fire-red hair, was a great husband, father and grandfather. He always loved making everyone laugh. He was an amazing cook, meatloaf being one of his favorites. Everyone always looked forward to his pumpkin bread around the holidays and his BBQ in the summer. He loved taking care of his home and could really fix anything! Randy cherished spending time with his wife, going to church and traveling to visit their family. Randall loved animals — he was especially fond of bearded dragons and his beloved dogs. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Randall is survived by his wife, Janine Sheesley; his children, Trisha Thurmond, Melissa Greenfield, Leslie Sheesley, Jessica Greenfield, Randall Sheesley Jr; his grandchildren, Ryan, Chloe, Taryn, Micah, Sierra, Malikai, Jaxon, Emmitt; his great-grandson, Brandon; his siblings John Sheesley, Sherri Ifversen, Richard Sheesley, Susan Roberts, Robert Sheesley, Diane Tauzer and Laurie Dutra.

Press release from KEET:

We at KEET PBS want to make you aware of a scam text message that some area residents have recently received claiming that PBS or public broadcasting is shutting down and asking for donations.

This message is NOT from KEET, PBS, or NPR.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting recently announced it will be closing its doors for good in January, as it no longer has federal grants to administer. But KEET and PBS are not going away. Together, we are committed to building and maintaining the trusted programming, public service, and community empowerment that are the core of our mission.

Please know:

• We do not send donation requests by unsolicited text message
• We will never ask for donations through links sent by unknown phone numbers
• Claims that PBS or KEET are “shutting down” are false

How to identify official KEET communications

You can trust a message is from KEET if:

• It comes from an official keet-tv.org email address
• It directs you to keet.org (not a shortened or unfamiliar link)
• It matches information you see on our on-air announcements, website, or official social media channels

What to do if you receive a scam message

• Do not click any links
• Do not reply
• Delete the message or mark it as SPAM on your device

If you’re ever unsure whether a message is legitimate, we encourage you to contact KEET directly through the contact information listed on keet.org.

Thank you for helping to protect our community from fraud — you truly make a difference! 

Let it be known: the Arcata City Council is not OK with offshore oil drilling. 

The city council unanimously adopted a resolution stating its opposition to offshore oil drilling at a special meeting this afternoon. The resolution emphasizes the city’s traditional commitment to the environment and its protection, and the dangers offshore oil drilling presents to marine life and ecosystems. 

The resolution will be sent to Gavin Newsom, the California Coastal Commission, state and local representatives, and relevant federal agencies. It’ll go on the record with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management as part of the public comment period as required by the Outer Shelf Continental Lands Act. (If you’d like to comment, you’ve got one day left: go here.)

This meeting follows a similar one on Sunday in Eureka, where politicians and local leaders heavily criticized the Trump administration’s plan to lease land off the coasts of California and Florida for offshore drilling in 2029.

Arcata City Manager Merritt Perry said the council wanted to be “reactive” to oppose drilling; Mayor Kimberley White and councilmember Alex Stillman asked that the resolution be brought to the table. They didn’t discuss the item before adopting it.

“[The council] strongly opposes any new or expanded offshore oil and gas drilling, exploration, or seismic testing along the Northern California coastline, including waters adjacent to Humboldt County,” reads the resolution. “And…the City of Arcata urges the President of the United States, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, members of Congress, and all relevant state and federal agencies to permanently prohibit offshore oil and gas drilling along California’s coast.”

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• TODAY in SUPES: Board Censures Bushnell, Removes Her From Chair Role and Asks Grand Jury to Review the Board’s Own Code of Conduct

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Press release from the Humboldt Chapter of the Civil Grand Jurors’ Association of California:

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury has been in the news lately. On November 4, 2025, the Board of Supervisors asked two of its members to draft a letter to the Civil Grand Jury. They requested that the Grand Jury not only study the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct and Ethics to see if it needs improvement, but also to recommend any possible changes. To read the Code yourself, go to [this link].

This request is not a slam dunk; the Civil Grand Jury may or may not act on this request. The Board of Supervisors can only request a study from the Civil Grand Jury; they cannot demand or commission a study. The Civil Grand Jury is an entity unto itself, it does not answer either to the County or the Board of Supervisors. Instead, it is a part of the Humboldt County Superior Court, and the Civil Grand Jury decides for itself what it will study, investigate and issue reports on. 

By law, the Civil Grand Jury acts by a supermajority vote. Here in Humboldt, our jury is considered full at 19 members, making a supermajority consisting of 12 people. No public action can be taken until at least 12 agree. Even if the membership falls to less than 19, any and all actions must be approved by the supermajority of 12. This ensures a Grand Jury that acts slowly and deliberately, not on a whim or impulse.

When the Board of Supervisors sends its letter, it may also request a meeting with the Civil Grand Jury. This meeting would be confidential as are all Grand Jury meetings and interviews. The Grand Jury does not explain or publicize any of its meetings or actions.

All complaints and requests for an action are handled exactly the same way, no matter who makes them. All complaints are judged only on their merits. Complaints are submitted several ways. You may use the form shown on the Civil Grand Jury website. But it can also be in the form of a letter, email, or phone call.

The State Penal Code requires that the Grand Jury discuss them all; then vote by supermajority whether or not to pursue a study. The Grand Jury will only send out a confirming letter or phone call that the complaint was received but not what was decided. Instead, if the specific complaint or request for an action was studied, it may be included in a Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury Report. These Reports are usually released beginning in the Spring of each year. 

Because the Civil Grand Jury sessions run from July 1st of one year through June 30th of the following year, some complaints or requests for action may be received too late in the session for the Grand Jury to study. When that happens, the Grand Jury may vote (again by supermajority) to carry the complaint over for next year’s Grand Jury to consider. 

A complaint to the Civil Grand Jury may start an investigation and even result in a report. The Grand Jury investigates a variety of subjects during its term but only decides to issue reports on only a few. Reports require much time and preparation and are released only by a supermajority vote. Prior to publishing, each report is sent to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Once the Judge has signed it, the report will be released to the public and published on the County’s website. 

Please read the 2024-25 Grand Jury reports on that same website. Responses to the various recommendations and findings are published there, too. The reports are the culmination of a year’s work, thought, effort, and commitment. If this sounds interesting to you, please contact the Humboldt County Superior Court for an application. You may also pick up a paper copy on the Grand Jury’s door on the first floor of the Courthouse, or download an application at [link].