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During its Tuesday night meeting the Eureka City Council unanimously passed an updated animal ordinance, which the Eureka Police Animal Control department has been working on for years.

In addition to updating the types and number of pets residents can own and creating more specific rules for proper animal care, the ordinance now also — at the request of council — requires cats to be vaccinated for rabies.

Cats were one of the main focuses of the council’s discussion, with several council members expressing concern over the lack of restrictions on cat ownership in Eureka. Unlike dogs, there is no requirement for cats to be licensed and during a public workshop held last month about the animal ordinance, some community members brought up concerns over the feral cat population and outdoor cats killing local songbirds.

“I think cats should be registered,” Councilmember Scott Bauer said during Tuesday’s meeting. “We’re essentially releasing thousands of tiny, cute predators across the landscape with a lot of repercussions.”

This “tiny, cute predator” is now legally required to have a rabies vaccine in Eureka | Photo: Stephanie McGeary

Eureka Animal Control Officer Celeste Villarreal and EPD Captain Brian Stephens explained to the council that, because of the large number of unlicensed cats in the city, it would be very difficult to impose a requirement for every cat to be licensed and that attempting to control the number of unregistered cats could result in an overburden on local shelters and the euthanization of many cats.

The updated ordinance does also address this issue a little with the “Cat Fancier” license section, Villarreal said, which requires owners of more than three cats to obtain a special license from the City. (The ordinance also requires a “Dog Fancier” license for owners of more than three dogs, and an “Exotic Animal Fancier” license for owners of more than 10 amphibians, reptiles or parrots.)

After some discussion the council agreed that the city could address some of the safety concerns surrounding the cat population by adding a section requiring that all cats be vaccinated for rabies.

Some council members also had concerns about the “fancier” licenses section that states an animal control officer may enter and inspect the owner’s property at any time during normal business hours.

Captain Stephens explained that existing law would require the officer to request permission to enter the property and if the person refuses, the officer would need to obtain a warrant. Councilmember Kati Moulton requested a friendly amendment to the ordinance that added language clarifying this fact and the council unanimously approved.

At the suggestion of EPD Chief Steve Watson,  the amendment will say something along the lines of “nothing in this section is intended to supersede existing Fourth Amendment or state law regarding search and seizure.” 

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On April 7, 2021, at about 4 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a probation search at a residence on the 4000 block of Salmon Creek Road in Miranda associated with 64-year-old Randall Allison Reese.

During the search of Reese’s residence, deputies located and seized over 48 grams of methamphetamine, 28 grams of heroin, 100 Oxycodone Hydrochloride pills and four firearms, one of which was reported stolen.

Reese was cited and released on charges of possession of a controlled substance while armed (HS 11370.1(a)), possession of a controlled substance for sales (HS 11378), felon in possession of a firearm (PC 29800(a)(1)), felon in possession of ammunition (PC 30305(a)), possession of a stolen firearm (PC 496(a)), possession of a controlled substance (11377(a)), possession of a narcotic substance (11350(a)) and violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)).

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Yowzers! Starting very soon, you can fly Humboldt to Burbank Airport for $19 each way. A brand-new airline — Avelo Air — is launching with Humboldt as one of its inaugural routes.

They’ll fly four times a week at first, and that pricing is your base, bare-bones rate. You’ll have to pay extra for luggage and such. Flights begin May 20, and you can buy tickets now.

Quick! That bonkers introductory rate is only for the first month.

Press release from Avelo Air:

America’s first new mainline airline in nearly 15 years — Avelo Airlines — premiered today at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) with travel-inspiring routes and bag-packing low fares. Introductory one-way fares start at $19 on all routes.

Avelo will offer everyday low fares coupled with a smooth and convenient travel experience, flying non-stop unserved routes between BUR and 11 destinations across the Western U.S. Flights are open for booking at aveloair.com starting today at 8 a.m. PDT / 11 a.m. EDT, taking flight starting April 28, 2021 with current availability through Sept. 15, 2021.

“Avelo has a simple purpose — to Inspire Travel,” said Avelo Founder, Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy. “People are ready to reconnect with family and friends and explore new places. Avelo is a different and better kind of airline, built from scratch to offer an affordable, convenient and caring travel experience.”

The Avelo leadership team represents more than 200 years of collective aviation experience. Previously co-founder and president of Allegiant Air and CFO of United Airlines, Levy brings more than two decades of airline leadership experience. In addition to Allegiant and United, Avelo’s leadership team includes former senior executives from Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Northwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines.

“After more than 20 years of steadily shrinking consumer choice, the American flying public wants and deserves more options and lower fares,” said Levy. “Avelo offers both — along with a refreshingly smooth and convenient experience.”

LA’s Best Airport

Avelo has selected Hollywood Burbank Airport as its first base. BUR’s convenience to Greater Los Angeles, Customer-friendly compact size and lower costs were all important considerations. In fact, Fodor’s Travel named BUR the “Best U.S. Airport” in 2019.

“Locals know that BUR is LA’s best airport,” said Levy. “No airport is closer to downtown LA, Hollywood, Pasadena and Southern California’s many other attractions than BUR. As the San Fernando Valley’s hometown airport, BUR will give you easy access to an abundance of beautiful and relaxing new non-stop destinations across California and the Western U.S. And for those considering LA for their next vacation or long weekend getaway, BUR is the ultra-convenient, stress-free gateway to Greater LA and the world-famous fun-in-the-sun activities Southern California is known for.”

Whether Customers are departing or arriving, BUR promises a refreshingly hassle-free experience. BUR offers seamless curbside pickup and drop-off, smaller crowds, shorter walking distances from curb to gate, unrivaled speed for plane-to-carousel bag delivery, and shorter TSA security lines. Customers will be at their gate in a flash while also saving on parking and ground transportation traveling to and from the airport.

“Hollywood Burbank Airport exemplifies the convenient, caring and smooth experience that distinguishes Avelo,” said Levy. “We’re grateful for the enthusiastic partnership that BUR Executive Director Frank Miller, the airport’s commissioners and staff have welcomed us with. It’s not surprising why BUR is LA’s favorite airport.”

Recreational Destinations

Avelo will initially serve a collection of beautiful and relaxing destinations that are currently unserved from BUR. Avelo’s inaugural routes focus on outdoor recreation, national parks, and coastal and mountain terrain – as well as providing air service for an increasing population of remote workers:

• Arcata / Eureka, CA (ACV), Victorian charm in the heart of California’s Redwood Coast
• Bend / Redmond, OR (RDM), where the snow-capped Cascades surround the high desert
• Bozeman, MT (BZN), the onramp to Big Sky Country and Yellowstone National Park
• Eugene, OR (EUG), where the Willamette Valley begins
• Grand Junction, CO (GJT), where the Colorado River meets dramatic red rock landscapes
• Medford, OR (MFR), a launchpad to the Rogue Valley and Oregon’s wine country
• Pasco, WA (PSC), 300 days of sun in the heart of Washington’s wine country
• Phoenix / Mesa, AZ (AZA), a stress-free airport alternative to a year-round desert oasis
• Odgen, UT (OGD), a convenient Salt Lake City alternative to Utah’s famed mountains
• Redding, CA (RDD), 600 square miles of state and national parks beckon the adventure seeker
• Santa Rosa, CA (STS), the gateway to California’s wine country

Pay Less. Travel More

The airline will initially operate single-class, fuel-efficient 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft – offering a more comfortable experience than the regional aircraft often utilized by the airports Avelo serves. Avelo’s surprisingly low everyday fares include no change fees or call center fees for Customers who choose to make reservations by phone.

Avelo also offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options at industry-low prices that give Customers the flexibility to pay for what they value:

• First Checked Bag: $10
• Carry-On Overhead Bag: $35
• Priority Boarding: $10
• Pet in the Cabin: $95
• Seating Options: Customers may choose from several seating options. Avelo’s 189-seat 737-800 aircraft will offer 129 standard slimline 29-inch pitch seats. Pre-reserved window and aisle seating starts at $5. Avelo aircraft will also feature 60 seats with 31 to 38 inches of pitch. These seats start at $18.

Fly with Confidence

Avelo takes every precaution to protect Customer health at the airport and during their flight. Avelo airplanes are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Tray tables, galleys, lavatories and all other touch surfaces are sanitized every evening with Calla 1452 (hospital-grade) disinfectant. In addition to disinfecting and cleaning daily, Avelo treats the entire airplane regularly with an advanced antimicrobial protectant that kills viruses, germs and bacteria on all surfaces. This Zoono treatment forms a colorless, odorless protective shield and is safe to human contact.

Additionally, the cabin air is refreshed every two to three minutes by the Boeing 737’s top-down air filtration and ventilation system. The system directs air flow from the ceiling to the bottom of the seat — not front to back — and greatly reduces particle movement throughout the cabin. All Avelo airplanes operate with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters that remove 99.9% of air particles, including viruses like the coronavirus, in accordance with manufacturer recommendations.

All Customers will receive a convenience package containing a hand sanitizer, as well as a bottled water and small snack.

Federal law requires everyone — including Avelo Customers and Crewmembers — to wear a face mask at the airport and on the aircraft (unless eating or drinking). Avelo also encourages social distancing best practices whenever possible.

Flight Routes and Pricing

* $19 fares may be unavailable or less available over Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31, 2021. $19 is a one-way fare only – additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other modestly-priced optional services apply. See aveloair.com.

About Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines was founded with a simple purpose — to Inspire Travel. Operating a fleet of next-generation Boeing 737 aircraft, Avelo offers Customers a refreshingly smooth experience, time- and money-saving convenience, and surprisingly low everyday fares. Avelo will provide non-stop service between 11 destinations across the Western U.S. and its initial base at Hollywood Burbank Airport. For more information visit aveloair.com. 

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Now that more than 7.5 million Californians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Newsom administration has set a goal of reopening the state’s economy by June 15. So what does the state plan to do when it comes to proving that people are vaccinated?

State health officials said Tuesday that verification of immunization or testing may be required before some large events are allowed. But so far, they haven’t issued any guidelines or advice for businesses on how to do that.

A theater, for example, could create a section of vaccinated people who may sit shoulder to shoulder for a performance, while requiring unvaccinated people to socially distance in a separate section.

A convention center could hold a conference for more than 5,000 people — but only if it establishes that everyone has been vaccinated or tested, according to a state order.

How will those venues verify who’s vaccinated and who isn’t? And what about travel? Public health experts, regulators and businesses are wrestling — in a highly politicized environment — with logistical, ethical and legal questions about how and whether to verify COVID immunization status.

For now, California has no plans to create a statewide vaccine passport or other credential. But private businesses, especially airlines, could require them in the near future.

Here are answers to six questions you may have about vaccine passports.

What is a vaccine passport, and what are their pros and cons?

A vaccine passport or credential verifies that the person carrying it has been fully immunized against COVID-19. A related “health pass” also could verify immunization, or could confirm a negative COVID-19 test or recovery from COVID-19 and some subsequent immunity.

Supporters of vaccine passports say they can help reopen the economy more quickly, portraying them as a temporary fix needed only until enough people have been immunized to reach herd immunity. The travel industry, including airlines and cruise lines, is particularly keen to get countries to ease restrictions on international travel and has said vaccine passports could help.

Critics say that credentials based on health status — especially if they’re digital-only — reinforce racial and economic inequities already seen throughout the pandemic and raise civil liberties and privacy concerns.

The U.S. debate over vaccine passports has a distinctly partisan tinge, with many conservatives decrying them as government overreach.

Does the U.S. government require any kind of vaccine passport? What about other countries?

No. White House officials have said repeatedly that the federal government will not create any kind of national vaccine passport. There is no federal mandate to be immunized against COVID-19.

However, federal officials are working with private companies to create privacy and equity standards for private passports that are now being developed, the Washington Post recently reported.

Other countries or regions are planning or already have developed national vaccine passports or health passes, including Israel, China, Japan and the European Union. Some of these countries are linking the digital passports to their national health care systems or immunization registries.

Requiring proof of vaccination for travel isn’t new: A number of countries mandate yellow fever or other vaccinations for incoming international travelers, and the United States requires numerous vaccinations for new immigrants.

Will California require any kind of vaccine passport?

California’s top health official, Dr. Mark Ghaly, said Tuesday that the state has no plans to develop its own vaccine passport.

Despite this, Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, a Republican from Rocklin, tweeted Tuesday that he plans to draft legislation “to stop the madness of vaccine passports before it starts.”

However, the state also sent some mixed messages: Businesses by June 15 “may return to usual operations…with limited public health restrictions, such as….testing or vaccination verification requirements for large-scale higher-risk events,” according to the state’s announcement.

In addition, the state would specifically require conventions of more than 5,000 people to verify attendees’ vaccination or negative COVID test status. “Unless testing or vaccination status is verified for all attendees, conventions will be capped at 5,000 persons until October 1,” according to the state order.

Ghaly said state officials will monitor private sector development of passports for privacy, equity and fairness.

Denise Davis, a spokeswoman for California Chamber of Commerce, said the business group will discuss with its members about whether vaccine passports are beneficial for employers and the economy. “We’ll be talking about this in the weeks to come,” Davis said.

The San Francisco Giants will require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 for fans 12 and older attending home games, which start Friday. The condition was set by the local health department, which allows Oracle Park to reopen at 22% capacity.

San Jose’s convention center, which can accommodate more than 20,000 people but is now closed, will await more guidance from the county health department before deciding on any kind of vaccine credential, said Frances Wong, director of marketing & communications for Team San Jose, which manages the center. Logistics would be coordinated with convention sponsors, she said.

“It’s definitely a light at the end of the tunnel,” Wong said. “All convention centers are excited for this.”

What are other states doing?

Other states are considering vaccine passports, but so far only New York has actually created one: The “Excelsior Pass” verifies vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, recently signed an executive order banning any government entity from issuing a vaccine passport and any business from requiring them. Texas’ Republican governor issued a similar order.

What would a vaccine passport look like?

That depends on its purpose.

New York’s Excelsior Pass verifies vaccination or COVID test status and allows users to print a pass – like an airline boarding pass – or save it on a digital app to display to businesses before entering.

The CLEAR company, which markets an identity verification system to travelers to speed their path through airport security, is creating a digital health pass that could link to your vaccination record and laboratory to provide timely testing results. The CommonPass, developed by a Swiss nonprofit and the World Economic Forum, would employ a digital bar code that travelers could show to border officials or airline staff. Both American and international airlines are testing the pass.

I already have a vaccine card. Is it the same as a passport? What should I do with it?

Yes and no. The paper record that you receive when you’ve been vaccinated can be lost or faked, so companies are trying to develop verification systems that are harder to game as reports surface of fraudulent vaccination cards.

That said, for now, the card you receive is the only easy way to show that you’ve been vaccinated. To protect it, keep it in a safe place. Take a picture of your card and keep it on your cell phone.

You can also document your vaccination by registering with V-safe, a digital vaccination side effect reporting system run by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

If you lose your card, you may be able to get a copy by contacting the California Immunization Registry. And it may be too late for this advice, but don’t post your card on social media because it can invite identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

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CalMatters COVID-19 coverage, translation and distribution is supported by generous grants from the Blue Shield of California Foundation and the California Health Care Foundation.

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

Prepare to shout your good-natured post-pandemic heckles through a red and blue mask. Humboldt is going to have a summer after all.

On Wednesday night, the Humboldt Crabs added to the wave of promising local news with their announcement that, yes, there will be a 2021 season and, yes, you will be allowed to watch it in person at the Arcata Ball Park when said season kicks off in two months. 

“We are beyond excited to announce that Humboldt Crabs baseball will return on June 4!” reads the excited post on the Crabs’ official website.  “Though there is much to still be worked out, our re-opening plan has been approved, and the team expects to be able to play a full, two-month season, starting the first weekend of June.”

As the announcement alludes, there are still plenty of safety measures and logistics to be considered, but Crabs president David Sharp says his club has “been approved by the county to re-open and we’ve got a plan to follow the guidelines and bring fans back to Crabs baseball.” In an interview with Ray Hamill of Humboldt Sports released subsequent to Wednesday night’s announcement, Sharp revealed that the current plan is to initially restrict attendance at the Arcata Ball Park to 500 masked and socially distanced fans, but he notes that that number could fluctuate based on the latest COVID developments. Those hoping to attend games in person will be required to reserve tickets in advance for their household pods. 

Will there be peanuts? Cracker jacks? Ahem… beer? Again, there are still plenty of details to be worked out. When the season’s schedule and plans become more fully formed you’ll be able to find out all about it here on LoCO and at the Humboldt Crabs’ website. For now, just know that, barring a COVID resurgence, you’ll soon be able to soak up some sunshine while your local boys of summer thoroughly spank some lesser squad for your pleasure. This is good.

For more, head on over to Humboldt Sports. And now, for a reminder of some of the reasons why Crabs baseball is worth your devotion, let us relive that time Jay Leno sent his cameras to the Arcata Ball Park:

Kay Eileen ‘Haline’ Sundet passed away peacefully at home on March 26, 2021 at the age of 84, one month after suffering a stroke.

Kay was born in Toledo, Washington in 1937 to Harold and Helen Ames, and grew up in Kelso, Washington in a household of musicians. After graduating high school with honors, Kay earned a scholarship to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in commercial art, and met fellow art student Edwin “Stuart” Sundet. Kay and Edwin were married in 1961 and lived in Seattle, where Kay worked as a secretary for IBM and law firms in the area before moving to Oakland, California for her husband’s teaching job. In 1968 the couple moved to Humboldt County where Edwin was employed as an art professor at HSU. An intelligent, creative, and award-winning artist in her own right, Kay chose to forego a career to focus on raising her three daughters and supporting her husband in his creative endeavors (including an arts-centered elementary school in Arcata). Over the years Kay and Edwin explored various avenues in their search for spiritual truth, and finally came to know Jesus Christ as their savior in the late 1970s. Their faith and their love for people led them to volunteer regularly at their church, at the Eureka Rescue Mission, and with The Gideons International.

A lifelong student, Kay enjoyed taking classes where she explored and pursued a variety of interests. While working toward her second degree, she collaborated with her professors at HSU on a research study of altruism. At the age of 60, Kay attained her master’s degree in psychology. She was an active member of the Redwood Empire Quilter’s Guild, the Humboldt County chapter of the Embroiderer’s Guild of America, and enjoyed working with the Republican Women, gardening, piano, swimming, dance, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Radiant and quick to smile, she was a tropical flower who was drawn to color, design, and the camaraderie of her fellow creatives.

Kay’s daughters remember her as a warm and comforting presence who brought beauty into their lives. Some of their earliest and fondest memories are of their mother singing “Moon River”… holding hands while taking her daughters on daily walks and letting them enjoy all the little things along the way… sharing her love of the “oldies” in song and cinema…her love and lifestyle of simple, healthy, and whole-food cooking and nutrition… enjoying the beauty and art seen in nature…her love of children’s artwork which has always adorned her homes…piano…dance…soaking up the sunshine…love of kitties, textiles, yellow and red and all the bright colors…her easy and lovely sense of style…sharing her encouragement with everyone around her…and her lifelong practice of living in the joy of the moment: seeking sunshine, laughter, the outdoors, smiles, a cup of tea, exercise, thinking the best, all to keep her positive outlook.

Kay is survived by her beloved brother Don (Ames) and his family, as well as her three daughters and their families: Laura and Gregg (Richardson) and their children Christiana, Janelle, Karina, Rachel, Luke, Lee, James, Anna, Will, Ben, and John; Robin and Gary (Nelson) and their children Moriah, Courtland, Madeline, Hunter, Brinn, Daisy, Shepherd, and Sparrow; and Rochelle and her children Nadia, Gabriel, Maizie, Sebastian, Anneliese, Thomas, and Irena. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and her late husband’s five siblings. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Following appropriate safety precautions, a memorial for Kay will be held at Faith Center Foursquare Church in Eureka at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 9th. All those who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.

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

Ruth Marie Hall, age 77, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2021 with family by her side.

Ruth was born June 4, 1943 in Dallas, Oregon to Edison and Nina Roberts. During her early years, Ruth enjoyed spending time at the local park where she also attended bible school. Her family moved to Fortuna during the summer of 1954. Ruth attended Fortuna High School where she graduated in 1960.

During Ruth’s senior year in high school, she met and fell in love with Richard Anthony Hall (Tony). Ruth and Tony married on January 4, 1963. Ruth soon gave birth to her first child, Debra, followed by four more children, Richard Jr, Michael, Teresa, and Terry. Ruth and Tony enjoyed 49 years of marriage until Tony’s passing in 2012.

Throughout Ruth’s life, she enjoyed ceramics and crocheting. Over the years, both of these hobbies became difficult. She then started enjoying playing Bingo and the slot machines at the Casino. Ruth met her loving companion Walter Godsey (Smiley) in 2014 and they were able to spend her remaining years together.

Ruth is preceded in death by husband, Tony Hall; parents, Edison and Nina Roberts; brother Paul Roberts and sister Pat Quen.

Ruth is survived by her children, Debbie Hall, Richard Hall (Kristene), Michael Hall, Teresa Johnston (Howie), and Terry Hall (Susie); 15 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Carter; numerous nieces and nephews; Family Friend Gret Horisk (John); and loving companion Walter Godsey (Smiley).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Hydesville Community Church, 3296 Highway 36, Hydesville, CA 95547.