Juanita L. Coyles
January 18, 1930 - April 6, 2025

Juanita L. Coyles, 95, passed away peacefully in her home on April 6, 2025. Born in Oklahoma on January 18, 1930, Juanita moved to Colorado when she was just 9 months old and later to Stockton to help with the family business during World War II. She then settled in Humboldt County in 1949.

On December 2, 1950, she married Ronald Coyles, the love of her life, after he wooed her and showed her in every possible way that she was the one for him. Their beautiful union lasted 47 years. They began their life together living behind Tapman Bakery in Arcata before purchasing their first home four years later in McKinleyville for $5000. After 15 years, they moved to their home in Eureka, where Juanita resided until 2014 when she relocated to Summer Creek Place.

Juanita led a rich and purposeful life, as a loving foster mother to 11 children before she and Ronald adopted their daughter Ronda. Her nurturing spirit knew no bounds. Throughout her working years, she served as a teacher’s aide, telephone operator, and worked in the medical field as a nurse’s aide and ultimately in physical therapy.

A woman of unwavering faith, Juanita was a lifelong member of the Nazarene Church. Although she could be stubborn about most things, she was steadfast in her beliefs and walked in faith throughout her life. She loved God and lived a spirit-filled life that touched everyone around her.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Lilly May Poff; her beloved husband, Ronald; 11 siblings and their spouses; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. As the last of her matriarch family, she leaves behind her daughter, Ronda Rex; grandson, Nick Hughes; granddaughter, Jessica Rex Altholff (Steven); and five great-grandchildren: Edward, Donovan, Christian, Steven, and Andrew. She also held a special place in her heart for her nieces Bonnie Vukonich and Elaine Nelson, as well as dear friends Sheila Darling, Pam Ross, and Debra Thompkins.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Juanita’s Nazarene family whom she held very dear, with special gratitude to Steve Berti, whom she held in the highest regard.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 18 at 11 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 2039 E Street, Eureka.

Though she has left this earth, Juanita’s spirit, faith, and love continue to inspire all who knew her.

Juanita’s favorite Bible verse was John 10:27-30: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one. 

Jason Evan Kirkpatrick
July 23, 1975 – March 30, 2025

Jason Evan Kirkpatrick, age 49, of Garberville, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2025, in his hometown, where he spent a majority of his life. Jason was a devoted father, beloved son, and a true friend to many.

Known to many as “J-Bird” in his younger years, Jason was born on July 23, 1975, to Kurt Evan Kirkpatrick and Carlene Glasgow. A proud member of a multi-generational Southern Humboldt family, Jason was a gentle soul with a generous heart and a love for building — especially homes alongside his father. He cherished time outdoors, whether it was abalone diving during family campouts, fishing off the boat at Shelter Cove, or relaxing with loved ones at Ruth Lake.

Jason had a passion for working on vehicles and motorcycles, a passion in which he deeply shared with his youngest son, Kodee. Known for his incredible generosity, Jason would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need—offering rides, meals, shelter, or even his last dollar. His acts of kindness were often paired with prayer, laughter, and a deep, unwavering love for God. Worshiping and praising the Lord brought him true joy, as did being silly with his children and making people smile.

Jason is deeply missed by his children, Kodee Kirkpatrick and Emilee McCormack; his granddaughter, Avonaleah Moore; his father, Kurt Kirkpatrick; his brother, David Glasgow; his sister, Becky Kirkpatrick; his fiancée, Tiffany Collver; and the mother of his children, Valerie Graham.

He Is also survived by many beloved cousins: Roger, Ehlana, Daniel, Elisha, Shiloh, Jameson, Marvin, and Butch Kirkpatrick; and Mike and Liz Cuddihy. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carlene Glasgow; his older son Kyle Wildey Kirkpatrick; and his uncle Robert Kirkpatrick. He will also be remembered with love by extended family including Jason Gallagher, Rebecca Sallee, LaDonna Avera, and many more who were touched by his life.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the community for the overwhelming love and support during this difficult time. We ask for your prayers during this incredibly difficult time for all of Jason’s family. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this profound loss. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the days ahead.

A celebration of life will be held in the warmer months, Jason’s favorite time of year, to honor and remember the warmth, kindness, and spirit he brought to all who knew him.

Lawrence “Abe” Sousa — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather — went home to Dorothy on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, having celebrated his 93rd birthday just a few days before.

A lifelong resident of Eureka, he was born on the first day of spring in 1932. His life was busy! Many years with Operating Engineers Local 3, and then into real estate, where he eventually became a broker. His entire life revolved around people.

Abe was a member of the Eureka Moose Lodge, Eureka Elks Lodge, a former Elk of the Year, Eureka Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and many other organizations. We lost track of how many antique cars he bought, rehabbed, drove around and eventually let go.

Abe was predeceased by the center of his universe, Dorothy, his oldest son Ed Sousa, son Jim “Butch” Manos, daughter-in-law Cindy Manos, son-in-law Wayne Wilson, son-in-law James Barry, great-granddaughter India Rose Pidgeon James, sister Margaret Johnson and her husband Jack, sister Eleanor Klein and her husband Harold, and his brother, Edward Sousa. He is survived by his son Robert and his wife Wanda Sousa, daughter Linda Barry, son Michael and his wife Maria Sousa, and daughter Judy Sousa, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

There will be a private family gathering to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

There will be an open celebration of his life at the Eureka Elks Lodge at 445 Herrick Avenue on July 27th from 2 to 5 p.m. Please RSVP to robsousa53@gmail.com to make sure we have enough seating and food for everyone. 

###

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

Barbara Thomas Smith Nienburg
Sept. 20, 1937 - Feb. 24, 2025

Barbara Thomas Smith Nienburg was the daughter of William and Lois Thomas. They moved here in 1942, when Barbara was five years old. Her father bought a small ranch on Tompkins Hill in Fortuna. She loved being on the ranch with all the animals. Then, about six years, later her sister Marilyn (Duval) came along. She enjoyed having a younger sister to watch over.

She attended school in Fortuna and graduated at Fortuna High in 1955. After graduating she married George Veldon (Bud) Smith, and gave birth to Michael Veldon (Julie) Valerie Leigh and is preceded in death by Stanley Neil. She was grandmother to Brook, Brianna, Shennon, Katie, Veronica and is preceded in death by George.

She was a homemaker for many years raising the children in Carlotta, gardening and canning food. When we were younger she would sew most of our clothes.

She divorced George in 1973 and married Frank Nienburg. She worked as his secretary. He had a house painting business in the Bay Area.

She wished to be cremated by Ayres in Eureka .There will be a family celebration of life in the next following week, for the immediate family.

We would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their care in this difficult time.

###

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

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On April 05, 2025 at approximately 2:22 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to the 800 block of 5th Street for a physical altercation occurring at the “Hands Off” demonstration being held at this location. Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle parked in the roadway and numerous individuals attempting to separate subjects that were on the ground.

Officers worked to quickly separate all involved in the incident, get the truck’s occupants back in the vehicle, and clear the roadway. Once the truck was removed from the scene, officers got participants from the rally to clear the roadway so that traffic could safely move through the area. While on scene, one of the organizers was contacted and given a business card so those with any information about the incident could report it to EPD. Officers then cleared the scene.

EPD’s Detective Sergeant had instructed the driver of the truck involved in the incident to respond to EPD Headquarters. He responded to that location and conducted an interview and obtained all the necessary information regarding the occupants of the vehicle.

Additionally, a video was received from a bystander at the event and added to the investigation. While we have videos from witnesses and media outlets, none of these videos have shown the precipitating event that lead to the altercation. We believe that some sort of exchange occurred between the driver of the truck and one or more individuals attending the demonstration, which lead to the physical altercation in the street.

Additionally, just prior to this incident, EPD’s Communication Center received a call from an individual attending the demonstration reporting a driver of a vehicle passing through the area made threats of a serious nature to return and cause harm to those attending the demonstration. The reporting party was able to provide us with a description of the vehicle as well as the license plate. This information was quickly shared with officers in the vicinity of the demonstration. This threat has been assigned to an officer for further investigation.

Both of these incidents are being actively investigated. EPD is asking if anyone has any further information on either one of these incidents to please contact our Criminal Investigations Unit at 707-441-4300.

Coming this summer: Bike it, walk it, rollerblade it.

Press release from the Redwood Community Action Agency:

CELEBRATION TIME – HUMBOLDT BAY TRAIL SOUTH OPENING – SAVE THE DATE

The eagerly awaited opening of the Humboldt Bay Trail segment connecting the cities of Eureka and Arcata will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28. This segment of the Humboldt Bay Trail, also part of the Great Redwood Trail, will be celebrated through a series of activities throughout the day, culminating with a trail party at the Adorni Center, 1011 Waterfront Drive in Eureka from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. The party will include music, food trucks, trail partner tabling and brief comments by invited speakers recognizing the decades of work to make the trail possible. Following the recognition program, dance to the musical stylings of Pandemonium Jones. Refreshments will be available. Individuals or organizations interested in being a part of this day should contact Carol Vander Meer at: cvandermeer@rcaa.org. More details about the event will be available at our website: tinyurl.com/trailparty

Organizers & supporters of the Humboldt Bay Trail Grand Opening Celebration include the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities (CRTP), Great Redwood Trail Agency, Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA), Humboldt Trails Council, Ink People Center for the Arts, Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), County of Humboldt, City of Eureka, City of Arcata, Bike Month Humboldt Coalition, Friends of the Eel River, Humboldt Waterkeeper, Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC), Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association, Redwood Coast Energy Authority, and Mir de Silva.

###

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

###

President Donald Trump has issued an order that takes aim at state and local climate change laws and policies, including California’s landmark market program for reducing greenhouse gases.

Trump’s executive order directs U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify state and local acts that may be unconstitutional or preempted by federal law. Within 60 days, the attorney general must report back to the president with findings and recommendations for action.

Trump’s order names California’s cap and trade program, a market-based system created in 2012 that is considered one of the state’s key policies for combating climate change. The program sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions and allows companies to buy and sell credits. Twelve other states have similar trade programs for cutting greenhouse gases.

“California, for example, punishes carbon use by adopting impossible caps on the amount of carbon businesses may use, all but forcing businesses to pay large sums to ‘trade’ carbon credits to meet California’s radical requirements,” Trump’s order says.

The order comes as the Trump administration moves to boost domestic oil and gas production while sidelining efforts to develop wind and solar.

Trump’s order says states have mounted “illegitimate impediments” to domestic energy production for oil, natural gas, nuclear power and other energy sources. Notably, the order derisively placed the term “climate change” in quotation marks.

Some legal experts called the order an overreach, disputing the president’s claims that states are exceeding their authority or that their climate programs are unconstitutional.

“The implication that the attorney general can just go out and declare this state law is unconstitutional and that therefore it’s no longer a valid law — that is the big problem with this,” said Margaret A. Coulter, a senior climate attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. “It’s more of an intimidation tactic.”

Amy Turner, director of the Cities Climate Law Initiative at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, said the Constitution’s 10th Amendment grants states the authority to set their own rules in areas where the federal government has not acted. “In other words, the federal government cannot simply grab powers because it wants to; doing so would in no uncertain terms represent a constitutional crisis,” Turner wrote.

Still, they say the order could have an overarching effect on the states. Turner wrote that Trump’s order “does not directly challenge, prohibit, argue preempted, or enjoin any state or local law. But it is likely a forerunner to litigation, lawmaking, or the withholding of federal funds.” This, she wrote, will have “a significant chilling effect on local climate policy innovation.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta did not immediately return CalMatters’ calls seeking reaction to the Trump order.

The first Trump administration sued the state of California challenging its cap-and-trade program, which is linked to a program in Canada, on the grounds that the state was entering into an international treaty. Trump lost that lawsuit.

Trump said state climate policies and laws “unduly discriminate” against fossil fuel companies and “impose arbitrary and excessive fines without legitimate justification,” which raises energy costs for Americans.

“These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration’s objective to unleash American energy. They should not stand,” it says.

Trump also singled out laws in New York and Vermont that created climate funds requiring fossil fuel companies to contribute to a fund for climate adaptation. The goal is to cover the rising costs of extreme weather events.

In addition, the order targets civil actions against fossil fuel companies. California is leading efforts to make fossil fuel giants pay billions of dollars for the climate damage they have long denied.

Trump said these programs “extort” money from oil companies.

The oil industry has been pushing the Trump administration to take a more aggressive legal stance against these state climate accountability efforts. Industry groups are encouraging the Justice Department to either back their lawsuits or initiate federal challenges of its own against states like New York and Vermont, The Wall Street Journal has reported.

California is considering similar legislation. A bill introduced by Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat from Van Nuys, would require companies to pay for the damage that greenhouse gas emissions have caused in California since 1990.