It was a big news day all the way around, even leaving aside the cilantro recall. (If you haven’t read that, do it now — there is a very small but potentially deadly chance that it could affect you and yours.) Quick roundup:

###

A big rig wiped out badly a bit east of Freshwater Park on the Kneeland Road, closing traffic for a good while this afternoon. Relive the magic in realtime through @HumboldtCHP, or get the more coherent wrap-up from KIEM.

###

A Coast Guard helicopter crew had a bit of a fright today over Humboldt Bay. USCG Press release:

A Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Humboldt Bay safely completed an emergency landing in a parking lot near Arcata Bay this afternoon following an electrical malfunction.

The aircrew launched one of their MH-65 dolphin helicopters to conduct hoist training at 12:45 p.m. and within 10 minutes noticed a significant amount of smoke in the cabin. The  aircrew, acting in accordance with the Coast Guard’s emergency procedures, landed in a parking lot in Manila near the northern end of Arcata Bay. All four members aboard the helicopter have been reported safe and without injuries.   

Maintenence crews from Air Station Humboldt Bay are developing a plan to return the helicopter to base and an investigation will follow to determine the cause of the mishap.

###

The murder of former Fort Bragg Jere Melo on Saturday has gone international. At this writing, police are still combing the woods for suspect Aaron Bassler.