###

The Port of Humboldt Bay, once a bustling shipping hub for the region’s timber industry, may soon get a wholesale overhaul, complete with modern port facilities designed to support a major offshore wind energy project.

Granted, that project doesn’t exist yet. While the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) is pursuing a commercial offshore wind lease from the federal government, details for such a major development have yet to be proposed, much less approved.

But on Thursday evening, the Board of Commissioners for the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District will consider hiring local engineering firm LACO Associates to develop a conceptual master plan for a completely reimagined port — one with a modern, seven-acre dock capable of handling large cargo vessels and assembling offshore wind platforms, turbines and blades.

The air blowing off the North Coast is considered one of the best wind resources in the world, and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has established a 207-square-mile “Call Area” for potential wind energy projects. An upcoming commercial lease auction will determine which bidder(s) can develop what could be the first floating wind farm in the United States. Industry professionals say Humboldt Bay could become the West Coast hub for research and development in the emerging offshore wind industry.

The Harbor District is aiming to be prepared for such an opportunity. According to a staff report, the agency recently received a $65,000 grant from the Headwaters Fund to prepare the port for exactly that prospect. The Harbor District has committed $30,000 in matching funds for the effort. On Thursday, the commissioners will be asked to authorize a contract with LACO Associates for up to $37,500, plus a 15 percent contingency fund of $5,625.

Harbor District staff says Humboldt Bay is “ideally positioned” to host a turbine assembly facility and serve as a deployment port to the proposed BOEM lease areas. 

“Coastal Humboldt County has world-class offshore wind resources and the Samoa Peninsula has under-utilized Coastal Dependent Industrial (CDI) lands that are perfectly situated to support the operations necessary to assemble, deploy, repair and maintain wind energy turbines,” the staff report states.

If constructed, the new port facilities would replace the existing Redwood Marine Terminal I — an 1,800 foot-long dock whose wood pilings are eroding — with a reconfigured, seven-acre, cement-pilings dock capable of handling up to three large, heavy cargo vessels at a time. 

If LACO Associates gets the contract, they will also conduct a “site opportunity and constraints analysis,” exploring everything from tribal cultural resources and greenhouse gas emissions to geology, noise, aesthetics and hazardous materials. 

Port redevelopment would include adaptations for sea level rise. Specifically, district staff says approximately one mile of coastal-dependent industrial shoreline will need to be elevated, and design features could be included to incorporate a “living shoreline” that would soften the current hard barriers. The district also aims to protect the bay’s eel grass while ensuring that the port is compatible with maritime shipping, coastal dependent heavy industries and aquaculture operations such as Nordic Aquafarms’ proposed land-based fish farm.

Of course, the offshore wind energy prospects are still far from reality. Any such developments would be subject to extensive public review. In community meetings held over the past couple of years, plenty of locals have expressed concerns about potential impacts to the environment and the region’s fishing industry. 

Reached Monday, Jennifer Kalt, the executive director of local environmental nonprofit Humboldt Baykeeper, said the Harbor District appears to be looking a ways into the future.

“I would say that this plan will be years in the making,” she told the Outpost. “Early and frequent consultation with various stakeholders, including tribes, commercial fishermen and environmental groups, will be critical for such a major project to succeed.”

Jennifer Savage, California policy director for the nonprofit Surfrider Foundation, noted that the district’s plans depend on unapproved projects as the anchor industry, and they call for further industrialization atop coastal dunes and wetlands that protect against sea level rise.

“We hope that in the pursuit of renewable energy to replace our dependence on fossil fuels, the Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District ensures its own plans are sustainable and supportive of the critical coastal habitat, recreational opportunities and existing economic resources in and along Humboldt Bay,” she said in an emailed statement.

Is the Harbor District counting its eggs before they hatch? The Outpost on Monday left a voicemail for Harbor District Executive Director Larry Oetker, seeking more information about the timeline and the possibility that offshore wind energy projects could fall subject to the same fate as Terra-Gen’s rejected wind energy project. The voicemail was not returned by the time this post was published. 

The regular session of the Harbor District meeting will be held via Zoom (link here) and is scheduled to begin Thursday at 6 p.m.

###

UPDATE, 5:12 p.m.: Oetker reached us shortly after this post went up. He said that, as part of the district’s role in developing the port for maritime commerce, master planning efforts such as this one aim to take advantage of the area between the Samoa Cookhouse and the former pulp mill property, which is all zoned coastal-dependent industrial (CDI) and owned by the Harbor District, the Town of Samoa Co. and the Snyder family.

While the main focus of this conceptual master plan is the potential offshore wind project, Oetker said such planning will not go to waste. “If offshore wind doesn’t happen, we’ll look for the next compatible user,” he said.

Shipping companies all want modern docks and “a big, flat area where they can load or unload things,” Oetker said, “It doesn’t matter if it’s wind energy or we’re shipping solar panels. … We’re really looking at this far into the future, looking at developing the facilities that will be with us for the next 100 years.”

 He also said that there will be ample opportunity for public input. If the board approves the contract with LACO Associates, the Harbor District will likely have conceptual designs by May or June, at which point they can be circulated to the public for review. 

We want to get something on paper that’s not finalized so we can have conversations with tribes, fishermen and other people around the bay,” Oetker said. “It’s always the dilemma: People say you should have started the public process early. [But] for the most part, until you put something on paper, it’s hard to comment on something.”

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Feb. 6, 2021, at about 12:30 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a probation search at a residence on the 100 block of Palmer Boulevard in the county’s jurisdiction of Fortuna.

Deputies contacted and detained two people on scene. During a search of the residence, deputies located approximately 5.3 ounces of heroin, prescription medication, items consistent with the sale of controlled substances and a large amount of cash.

William Henry Jeffers, age 25, was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sales and violation of probation.

Jessica Renee Peters, age 38, was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sales.

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.

###

Note: The family of the victim have posted a GoFundMe at this link.

###

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Feb. 5, 2020, at about 7:10 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 3300 block of Little Fairfield Street, in the county’s jurisdiction of Eureka, for the report of a dog attack in progress.

Deputies arrived on scene and located a 59-year-old female victim with serious injuries related to a dog attack. The victim was given emergency medical treatment by first responders on scene and then was transported to a local hospital in unknown condition. The dog, identified as a pit bull, had already been contained upon deputy arrival.  

While conducting their investigation, deputies learned that the dog’s owner was outside with the dog when the victim reportedly walked by. For unknown reasons, the dog reportedly escaped its harness and attacked the victim.

Deputies took custody of the dog and it was transported to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter where it is being held pursuant to Humboldt County Code § 542-13 and § 547-14.

This case is still under investigation. Anyone with information about this case 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.

 

Watch your fingers! Your President of Positivity is starting off the week catching some crustaceans kayaking on Humboldt Bay with her bud Eric Stockwell of Loleta Eric’s Guide Service. Did she snag dinner? Well, not exactly. But sometimes life is about the attempt. 

Crab Bella, y’all!

# # #

Perhaps You’d Like to Explore Previous Mondays With Michaele For Some Reason!

Humboldt State University press release:

UPD received a call around 9 p.m. reporting a group of men causing a disturbance in the Mendocino Residence Hall and a gun being brandished. Officers responded and detained four non-students in a parking lot near the residence hall and two additional subjects at 14th St./LK Wood.

One of the subjects, Vincent Michael Olivo, was found in possession of a loaded magazine. After a search in the area, a handgun was found and Olivo was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm on campus and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Two of the other subjects were arrested on suspicion of public intoxication. The other three were released.

There were no reported injuries. A quick response by UPD and members of the campus community prevented what could have been a worse outcome.

Upon further investigation it was determined that an on campus resident invited a non-student to her campus residence and that guest brought additional friends.

For the safety of the campus community, residents are not allowed to have any guests or visitors in their residences, including rooms and community spaces such as lounges or outdoor recreation areas. Weapons, including firearms, are never allowed in residence halls or on campus. Any non-criminal violations of campus policies will be adjudicated through the campus discipline system.

If you need a safety escort at any time or need crime prevention tips, please contact UPD at 707-826-5555.

In case of emergency, contact University Police immediately by dialing or texting 911, calling (707) 826-5555 or extension 5555 from any campus blue light phone.

It’s also critically important to remain vigilant about protecting yourself and others from spreading COVID-19. Community risk is considered widespread. Please continue to follow basic health and safety precautions (i.e., wear a face covering, practice social distancing, etc.), don’t forget to do a daily wellness self-check before coming to campus, and follow these guidelines if you fail your wellness check.

Go to Campus Ready for comprehensive information about HSU pandemic planning, preparedness, and operations.

UPDATE, Monday:

The Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 yesterday, making Alex Cappa Humboldt State’s second Super Bowl champion.

The Humboldt Crabs shared this photo of Cappa holding the Vince Lombardi trophy with his wife Emily last night after the game.

###

Despite an ankle injury that will keep him out of Super Bowl 55, former Lumberjack lineman Alex Cappa will still earn a Super Bowl ring if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs today.

The win would make Alex Cappa HSU’s second Super Bowl champion. Before Cappa, there was Wendell Hayes — an undrafted running back out of Humboldt State who most notably went on to play fullback for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1970s.

Hayes earned his ring in Super Bowl 4, where the Chiefs bested the Minnesota Vikings and their infamous “Purple People Eaters” defensive line by a score of 23-7. In the game, Hayes had one kick return for 18 yards, one reception for three yards and rushed the ball eight times for 31 yards.

Super Bowl 4.

Sadly, according to Wikipedia, Hayes passed away in December of 2019 at the age of 79.

During his 11-year career in the NFL, Hayes played in 133 games, rushed the ball 988 times for 3,758 yards and scored 28 rushing touchdowns. Hayes also totaled 1,461 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions.

It’s unclear if Cappa will be on the sidelines due to the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol, but keep an eye out for him in today’s big game.

Cappa was a notable part of the Bucs offense this year, serving as the teams’s starting right guard before breaking his ankle in a playoff game one month ago.

Cappa, a third round pick in the 2018 NFL draft, has developed a reputation as a fan favorite and a humanitarian during his three years in the league. He led Pro Bowl fan voting among all NFC guards this season. In April of 2020, he helped feed the hungry and support local businesses during the pandemic by starting an NFL trend where players and coaches ordered food for homeless shelters.

If that wasn’t enough, Cappa is also a member of the Bucs Social Justice Player Board. This season, he and other teammates donated money to former Florida death-row inmate Robert DuBoise, who was freed from prison with help from the Innocence Project in 2020 after serving 37 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit.

Watch Cappa in the NFL Network special about Du Boise’s case embedded below. Go Bucs!

How safe are Covid vaccines?

According to the NYT, no one died out of 75,000 people in trials of all all five vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Novavax and J&J. Compare that to a representative group of 75,000 American adults, of whom about 150 have died from Covid. Also, last Tuesday, The Lancet reported that the Russian Sputnik V vaccine “appears safe and effective.”

Do you take vitamins to protect against Covid?

Protect? Probably not. They might, however, minimize the effects if I do get it. FWIW, I take vitamins C (1000 mg) and D3 (2000 IU) daily. See here.

What happened to The Seekers?

They’re still around — probably the only ‘60s group still performing with its original (1962) line-up. The pop-rock quartet had a bunch of Top Ten hits, including I’ll Never Find Another You, Morningtown Ride, Georgy Girl and The Carnival Is Over.

Why do quarters and dimes have milled edges?

Milling (more properly, reeding) dates from Roman times, when hustlers would clip off the edges of coins for their gold and silver value. Milling made this scam obvious. Although the US stopped using silver in “silver” coinage in 1965, the practice still persists.

What’s Plymouth Hoe?

(a) A grassy area next to Plymouth town in Cornwall, UK, where (supposedly) Sir Francis Drake finished his game of lawn bowls before sailing out to defend England against the Spanish Armada

(b) A place-name banned by Facebook last week under its “offensive terms” policy. (Wonder what FB will make of other well-known UK place names, e.g. Offa’s Dyke? Knob Hill? Cockfosters? Scunthorpe?) FB later apologized.

What climate change effect concerns you most?

Ocean acidification. See here.

When do we start getting exposed to microbes like viruses and bacteria?

In the mother’s birth canal en route to being born. Until then, we’re “germ-free,” the result of some 23,000 genes inherited from our parents. (Vaginal bacteria are good: allergies and asthma are far more common in C-section babies than vaginal-birth babies.)

Who took that photo-meme of Bernie at the inauguration?

Brendan Smialowski. a Washington-based photojournalist. “That picture is really not that great, it’s not the nicest composition in the world,” he told CNBC.

Where’s Bernie?