As the pace of vaccination picks up, California state officials today announced the date they plan to fully reopen the state’s economy: June 15.

Reopening by then will largely depend on two criteria: Vaccine supply must be sufficient for anyone 16 and older who wants a shot and hospitalization rates must remain low and stable. The mask mandate would remain in place, however.

“It is incumbent upon all of us not to state mission accomplished, not to put down our guard, but to continue with vigilance that got us to where we are today,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said today from San Francisco.

The move would eliminate the complex web of county-by-county tiers and replace it with a statewide reopening of businesses.

Businesses would open up to full capacity, although individual counties can still opt to have more restrictions depending on their circumstances. Schools would be allowed to reopen to all in-person learning; however, the school districts will maintain control.

“I want kids back in school safely, and on June 15 we anticipate there will be no barriers to getting kids back in person, not just K-12…(also) including institutions of higher education,” Newsom said.

“What we could see is fully occupied settings, but yet still with masks.”
— Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of California Health & Human Services

Dr. Mark Ghaly, the state’s health secretary, said he feels comfortable allowing businesses to operate at full capacity in mid-June because the state will continue to track local conditions.

“What we could see is fully occupied settings, but yet still with masks,” Ghaly said today.

Until at least Oct. 1, events at large settings like convention centers will only be allowed if organizers can show that attendees are either vaccinated or are tested. There is still no plan, however, for large, multi-day events like music festivals to take place, Ghaly said.

As of Monday, the state had administered more than 20 million vaccines — more than entire countries. That includes 4 million doses in the state’s hardest-hit, disadvantaged communities. This progress allows the state to move forward, and leave behind its colored blueprint that has been determining reopenings by county.

State officials chose the June 15 date because it is eight weeks after April 15, when everyone 16 and older becomes eligible for vaccinations. That gives people three weeks to find an appointment, another three weeks in between their first and second dose and two more weeks after their second dose, which allows them to acquire full protection.

“It makes sense to me,” said Dr. George Rutherford, an epidemiologist at UC San Francisco. “On the one hand, vaccination is going gangbusters, I think that will give us the out, but we also have to see what happens with the variants, and if people who are vaccinated are getting infected.”

Infections are skyrocketing in some other parts of the country, with some of the outbreaks linked to new variants of the virus. But California has been able to keep its positivity rate under 2% for several weeks now.

“What we’re asking is for people to hunker down for another two months and when we get there, then it’s Miller time,” Rutherford said.

Nearly all of California currently is in the orange and red tiers, which allowed businesses to reopen with limited capacity. Only Merced and Inyo counties remain in the most-restricted purple tier after failing today to meet the health metrics required to move to red.

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

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

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We’re not out of the COVID woods yet, but state and local numbers for new infections and vaccinations are good enough to move Humboldt County from the red tier to the orange tier, further loosening public health restrictions and allowing more activities to resume, Public Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman announced Tuesday morning during a meeting of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.

Just two weeks after the state lowered our status from the most restrictive purple level to the second-strictest, red, we’re being allowed to open our doors a bit wider thanks in large part to progress made across California in vaccinating people who live in the most vulnerable areas. 

In early March, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a statewide equity initiative, devoting more resources to reach people living in zip codes that score lowest on a range of health metrics, including income level, education level, access to health care, distance from amenities and more. These measurements are captured in a ranking system called the Healthy Places Index (HPI).

Just this morning, Hoffman said, the state announced that it has reached its goal of vaccinating 4 million residents living in zip codes that score in the lowest quartile of the HPI. As he explained two weeks ago, reaching that goal means the state will move the goalposts for each tier in the Blueprint for a Safer Economy system.

Humboldt County’s daily case rate dropped last week from 4.5 per 100,000 residents to 3.5 per 100,000, Hoffman said. The cutoff for reaching the orange tier had been 4 per 100,000, and we’d need to accumulate at least two weeks below that to reach orange. But with the success in the equity initiative, the cutoff now moves to 6 cases per 100,000, a mark we have achieved. 

As of this writing, the state’s website still lists Humboldt in the red tier, indicating “substantial” risk, but Hoffman said he expects an announcement later today placing us in the orange “moderate” risk tier. 

What does that mean? Well, starting Wednesday, bowling alleys and family recreation centers can finally reopen, at 25 percent capacity. Indoor retail can operate with no capacity limits. Restaurants can allow indoor dining at 50 percent capacity, up from 25 percent in the red tier. More details on what’s allowed in the orange tier can be found on the state’s COVID website. 

The California Department of Public Health recently issued updated guidance on outdoor events, including youth and adult sports, graduations, rodeos and racetracks. Indoor venues will be allowed to reopen with limitations starting April 15.

That means Humboldt Crabs games are a go. Under the current guidelines, a Crabs game with no restrictions on attendees’ vaccination status or testing results could have a crowd of 33 percent capacity. If the game were only open to people who’ve been fully vaccinated or who recently tested negative, the crowd could be up to 67 percent capacity, Hoffman said.

Summer may not look entirely normal, given that we’re still being encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing, “but it’s a far cry from the last 13 months,” Hoffman said.

The key to getting all the way back to normal is continued focus on the vaccination effort, Hoffman said. More than 36,000 county residents have received at least one dose of vaccine. That amounts to about 38 percent of the eligible population age 16 and up. Vaccine supply has been inconsistent and erratic, Hoffman said, but production could double by early May.

The county announced Monday that it has transitioned to the state’s “MyTurn” platform for vaccine sign-ups. Meanwhile, businesses including Costco, Walgreens and CVS pharmacies are offering COVID vaccines through a separate, federal supply, and Safeway is offering vaccine appointments through Blue Shield.

Hoffman noted that people are still being admitted into local hospital intensive care units almost daily, and we still have a ways to go with vaccinations. 

“So do your part,” he said. “Get your vaccines.” He encouraged business owners to grant time off for employees to get their vaccines and said everyone should encourage friends and family members to get theirs.

And if you ceased to exist? Oh, the Universe would notice. The mess that would make. The hearts that would break.”

Larissa Ann Qualls was born on April 5, 1995 at Redwood Memorial Hospital to her parents Alicia Johnston and Jeremy Qualls. Larissa passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 21, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. To say our hearts are shattered does not begin to describe the loss. Larissa was incredibly beautiful, free-spirted, sassy, strong, giving, and loyal to a fault. She was so full of life and is gone way to soon from our lives.

Larissa graduated from Eureka High School in 2013 and moved to Sacramento for six months, where she attended Paul Mitchell Beauty School. She then decided beauty school was not what she wanted to do and followed her life-long dream of moving to Los Angeles. Larissa attended West LA Community College where she was just a couple credits shy of getting her AA degree in Business Administration. Larissa was a talented athlete who loved to play sports, including softball and basketball. She played on recreational and school teams growing up and won free throw shooting contests in Hoopsters. As an adult, her love for basketball continued and you could often find her shooting hoops by herself or with friends during her free time. Larissa was a cheerleader, loved the beach, enjoyed going to the river and loved attending Giants baseball games with her mom and family. Her unwavering passion and love for the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers, is something she shared with her mother Alicia. Larissa and Jaxon loved to video chat, spending endless hours laughing and playing with different filters. At the end of every call, they would race to say, “I love you too da moon and back, talk to you later, Bye”. She was a sweet, kind, loving girl, a true loyal friend, and a bright light. She was so very smart and excelled in school, competing in spelling bees and math competitions. Larissa was regularly found at the beach or lounging by the pool, working on her tan, blunt in hand, enjoying the good life.

Larissa is survived by her best friend and mother Alicia Johnston and her spouse Jeremy, the absolute loves of her life, baby brothers Jaxon (bubbas) and Zayden (papas); her father Jeremy Qualls; her grandma Martha Stephan and her boyfriend Robert; her grandpa Leonard Stephan and his wife Kathy; her grandpa Terry Qualls, her aunt Tonya Martin, Uncle Ira, cousins Austin, Preston and Mira; aunt Tammy Qualls and cousins Vanessa, Jocelyn and Trevor; her aunt Tara Qualls and her spouse Michael, cousins Ani, Jaxon, Addyson and Trace; uncle Tracy Qualls, cousin Torryn; uncle Shawn Shelton, uncle Ben Rodriguez and cousins Alyssa and Michael; Uncle Joe Rodriguez and cousins Joselyn and Jasmine; uncle Richard Steele his spouse Shauna, cousins Sophia and Linkoln, and many more family members that are so loved but too numerous to mention. She also had a wonderful group of best friends including Mallory, Jenny, Hailey, Paige, Carissa and Emma. Over the years, even as they became adults, this group of friends always managed to stay in touch with each other by a text or phone call and be there for one another, despite physical distance.

Larissa was predeceased by her loving great grandparents Raenelle Fowler and Richard Bones (Pops), great aunt Kay Sanchez, great aunt Cindy Gilbertson, grandma Marion Qualls, great grandparents Arvil and Mayne Qualls.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Cremation Garden at Oceanview Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life held for Larissa in the summer, with more details to come later.

We want to thank everyone who has come together to donate or support the family in anyway during this difficult time to make it more manageable.

“I love you too da moon and back! Rest in peace and love my perfect baby girl.” ~ Mommy

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

On the afternoon of February 6, 2021, after a brief illness, Mark breathed his last breath and moved on to his next adventure. Mark resided for several years in Arcata and Eureka. He eventually settled at the Crazy River Ranch in Blue Lake California where he was surrounded by loved ones and friends up until his passing at the young age of 66.

Mark was born January 27, 1955, to Merle Noyes and Mary Maxine Watkins, in Tacoma Washington. A country boy, he spent his youth playing sports and music, fishing, and enjoying the company of his cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mark attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Auburn, Washington, class of 1973, but not before ditching a portion of his senior year with his best friend to set out for a most memorable California adventure.

After High School, Mark learned the roofing trade and soon started his own company. Mark married Debra, his wife for 20 years, and continued to reside in Washington until moving to California in 1989. In 1994 he brought his roofing experience with him to Eureka and came under the employ of McMurray & Sons Roofing, first as a roofer, then a customer service representative until his retirement in 2018.

As with everything Mark did, he was “all in.” He enjoyed his job, loved people, and provided service not only to his clients, but to the larger community even more so. Mark loved soccer and almost more than playing and watching sports, he liked teaching the game. Mark utilized those skills and assisted in coaching a local youth soccer team. Basketball was his next choice, so he set up a hoop outside his residence and invited the nearby kids to come and shoot while he gave them tips on how to play.

Mark’s passion for singing and self-expression inspired him to organize and lead monthly soirees, providing friends and community a stage to perform on and gather in places including Merryman’s Beach Clubhouse, Trinidad Town Hall and The Trinidad Art Center on Friday nights. Mark delighted in singing old Frank Sinatra and Johnny Cash hits to a very special audience at the Eureka Senior Center, where he would perform on Tuesday mornings, many times pairing up with local talent. Mark was also very proud to have performed in the Humboldt Light Opera’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Fabulous Fifties.

Mark’s life changed dramatically in 2016 when he was in an accident which he referred to as the “the event”. He was humbled yet transformed by this experience. Touched by his own mortality, Mark realized he had a second chance at life, and so he purposefully chose to love it, live it to his fullest, and just as importantly to share it. If you are blessed to have known Mark, you know that he welcomed everybody with his big smile and boisterous laugh; his compassion as broad as his shoulders and his stature eclipsed by his deep capacity to love.

Mark is described as a mystic fisherman and nature lover, who found a peace while on the river in a drift boat. Always outdoors, Mark’s latest adventures involved setting up camp on the edge of a river or lake with easy access to fish and launch his boat from. He declared it an “event” and invited as many people as he could to join him as he retreated for a week or two.

Mark had the spirit to mentor a younger generation of boys and men and was a long-time member of the Arcata Men’s Group. He was dedicated to being a positive role model and facilitator by reflecting unto the world his true self, with integrity, honesty, and a genuine uncompromising love and compassion for self and others. Even as Mark struggled with his own health, he wanted to help lift up others, men and women, young and old. His counsel has left an unquestionable footprint felt throughout the community.

Mark loved life and although he left a little too soon, (he would say right on time), there is a part of him that remains with us all.

Mark was preceded in death by his three sisters Connie, Candy, and Claudia, and brother Merle. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews and countless friends and relatives throughout Northern California and Washington.

Mark’s memorial was held at Camp Noyes on Crazy River Ranch, in Blue Lake on Sunday February 7, 2021 and was attended by a small circle of Mark’s closest. Funeral arrangements were made at the Ayres Family Cremation in Eureka. His ashes are planned to be spread and rejoin with the waters of the great rivers that he loved so much. From the Earth, back to the Earth, and from the Earth again.

We long for your laugh, with deep respect buddy, Adios.

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

Leigh was born in Denver on August 8. 1942. He was a fourth-generation native of Denver, growing up in a number of places including Denver, San Diego, and St. Joseph, Mo.

He died March 29, 2021 of a sudden heart attack, after many years of surgeries and declining health due to back problems. He had a strong faith in the Lord. One of the last things he said to his wife, Diane, shortly before he passed was “maybe today I get to go home to the Lord and get rid of this body of pain.”

For many years he was a SeaBee in the US Navy, where he learned his trade as an electrician. He had wonderful stories to tell about the years he was stationed aboard the USS Tallahatchie County, a converted LST which sailed the Mediterranean where they could pull onto any beach and set up a portable landing strip for Navy planes during the 1960s. Leigh also had many stories to tell (some not so great) of the time he was stationed in Reykjavík, Iceland.

After their retirement, Leigh and Diane took several small ship cruises — including around the Mediterranean, visiting several of the places he remembered fondly, with the last cruise being around Iceland, a starkly beautiful country. His favorite cruise was from the west coast of Panama to Tahiti, on a sailed motor yacht, lasting 27 days.

Leigh and Diane moved to Humboldt County in 1986, shortly after they married in San Francisco. They moved here to buy Old Town Bed & Breakfast Inn, on Third St, the original home of William and Sarah Carson, built in 1871. He loved being an innkeeper, meeting new friends, many who returned often; becoming Residents-in-Absentia (our term for frequent returning guests). During the 14 years of operating and renovating the Inn, they had guests from all 50 states, and 28 foreign countries. Leigh had a trademark leather top hat which he wore while greeting guests. Merchants in Eureka knew him by his hat. 

He is survived by his wife, Diane, and adult children living on the east coast: Vicky Glisson, Kelly Benson, and Michael Benson; 13 grandchildren, and 2+ great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be April 9, 1 p.m., at Telios Christian Fellowship, 1575 L St, Arcata; with burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnel 2 Towers are appreciated.

At 85 years old, Bonnie Schinaman passed away peacefully at her home Saturday, March 20, 2021, with her husband by her side. Bonnie was born in Dearborn, Michigan, went to North Hollywood High School and in 1962 moved to Northern California with her five children, choosing to raise them in the redwoods.    

In 1971 she took the position of office manager at Plant Operations at HSU, retiring after 25 years.  This is where she met the love of her life, her soul mate, along with his 3 sons.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Schinaman, of 46 years, and all eight of their children — Joe, Cathi, Cindy, Paul and Carey Callens and Tom Jr., Michael and Scott Schinaman. She also is survived by all 16 of her grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  

Bonnie lived a full, rich life as a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She loved to cook, camp, garden, read and travel. She was always such a happy person and had the most delightful laugh! She loved her family dearly and enjoyed traveling to visit them. Bonnie had a thoughtful and gracious spirit and made everyone in this blended family feel wanted and welcomed. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

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

PREVIOUSLY: 18-Year-Old Arrested For Attempted Murder After Allegedly Shooting at Indianola Man, Sheriff’s Office Says

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Arraignment was delayed today for a teen suspected of firing a gun at a man who had confronted him for being on his property.

Gage Sand

Gage James Sand, 18, was scheduled for arraignment this afternoon in front of Judge Larry Killoran, but the hearing was reset for Thursday at the request of Sand’s potential attorney Heidi Wells, who said she wanted to speak with Sand before entering a plea to the charge.

Sand was booked on suspicion of attempted murder but has been charged with assault with a firearm. He was arrested April 1 in a mobile home near Indianola Cutoff, allegedly after firing at a 51-year-old man who had spotted a stranger on his nearby property and confronted him.

Wells, appearing via Zoom, told Sand she had been contacted by his mother “to help today in court.”

“Is that OK with you?” she asked Sand, who appeared by video from the jail.

“Yes, Ma’am,” Sand replied.

Killoran set Sand’s bail at $165,000.

Deputy District Attorney Emily Norgaard was in court for the prosecution.