Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office release:

Sheriff Honsal received official notice that the Department of State Hospitals has withdrawn its intent to place a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) back into Humboldt County.

Sheriff Honsal thanks the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for their strong advocacy, as well as the many community members who showed up and made their voices heard regarding the proposed release of this serial rapist, Richard Stobaugh.

Last week, Judge Kaleb Cockrum ruled that evidence presented by the District Attorney proved that Stobaugh possessed child pornography while in the SVP treatment program.

This outcome demonstrates the power of a united community standing up for public safety.

PREVIOUSLY

• Sheriff William Honsal Pens Open Letter to Express Opposition to Release of Sexually Violent Predator Into Humboldt
• TODAY IN SUPES: Board Opposes Relocation of Sexually Violent Predator to Manila
• Placement Hearing for Sexually Violent Predator Delayed by Missed Filing Deadline; Prosecutor Alleges Stobaugh Possessed Child Pornography in State Hospital
• Witnesses Testify That Sexually Violent Predator Richard Stobaugh Possessed Child Porn While Confined in State Hospital
• Stobaugh’s Release Denied: Judge Reverses Previous Order, Saying Serial Rapist Remains a Threat to Public

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

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California Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the state, lost all federal funding this week under a preliminary court order that allows the money to be withheld while a larger legal dispute plays out.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America sued the Trump Administration on behalf of its members earlier in July over provisions of the congressional reconciliation bill — also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — that prohibited Medicaid reimbursements for large nonprofit health clinics that provide abortions. The lawsuit argues that the law defunds Planned Parenthood’s services in violation of multiple constitutional amendments.

The ruling, which left both parties dissatisfied, partly blocked the law from taking effect but only for a small fraction of Planned Parenthood organizations. None of California’s Planned Parenthood health centers are included.

In the Monday night ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani stated that Planned Parenthood’s arguments show a “substantial likelihood of success,” but her order did not apply to most of the organization’s nearly 600 clinics. Instead the only clinics that may continue to receive funding while the lawsuit is ongoing are those that do not provide abortions because they are located in states where it is banned. Smaller health centers that received less than $800,000 in federal funds will also be allowed to receive federal reimbursements.

A previous temporary restraining order that blocked the funding cut for all Planned Parenthood health centers expired Monday. The new order replaces it.

In California, the funding loss amounts to roughly $300 million and jeopardizes the sexual and reproductive health clinic network’s ability to keep its doors open throughout the state, said Jodi Hicks, president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.

“The harsh reality is, the Planned Parenthood defund will be felt in every corner of the state and will disproportionately impact people who have low incomes, rely on Medicaid programs, or have no other options for health care,” Hicks said in a statement.

In a statement to The New York Times, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criticized the fact that funding for some organizations will remain, saying “States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care.”

On Tuesday, HHS filed a notice of appeal.

In the lawsuit, Planned Parenthood argues that the one-year funding ban enacted by Congress violates the organization’s First Amendment rights and the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment by allowing smaller, independent abortion providers to continue receiving federal funds.

The national Planned Parenthood federation said in a statement that it remains hopeful the court will block the funding cuts for other members, including California’s, in a future ruling.

Planned Parenthood operates 114 clinics in California, serving more than 1 million patients each year. About 80% of those patients use Medi-Cal, the state version of the federal Medicaid program for people with low incomes or disabilities.

While the organization is the state’s largest abortion provider, abortions make up a relatively small amount of its services, less than 10% annually. The bulk of patient visits are for contraceptive care, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, cancer screenings and other primary care check ups.

Federal law already prohibits using federal dollars for abortions except in extremely limited circumstances.

Hicks did not say how many or which Planned Parenthood clinics may be at risk of closure or service reductions. During a Los Angeles press conference Monday ahead of the court order, Hicks said “People in California should be so angry. This is a state where we have decided we value reproductive freedom.”

In 2022, two-thirds of California voters approved adding abortion rights to the state constitution.

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Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

Cole Foos passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Born in Redding, Cole battled schizophrenia from an early age and lived a complicated life. Outside what many people knew of him was a man who loved his family, and loved being free to follow his own lead. If the path Cole was on came to a fork, with one path worn and the other less used, Cole would invariably create his own path to continue.

Cole could and would talk to anybody, often making friends with people society would not. Cole was caretaker to several disabled and/or disadvantaged people over the years, even as he often neglected himself to do it. His heart was unquestionably large and open for anybody he thought was worse off than himself.

Moving to Humboldt County in 1994 at age 9. Cole spent most of his life in Humboldt, graduating from McKinleyville HS before moving to Siletz, Oregon to learn the construction and farming from his father. Returning after, Cole worked for several local companies over the years. Cole was an extreme animal lover, mostly preferring the company of animal companions over human. His love of babies and children was far and above what anyone would have believed possible from an unwed young man.

Cole leaves behind his mother Karyn of Eureka, his father Daniel of Sacramento, and half sister Lauren in Mendocino. Also left are multiple extended family members scattered throughout California and Washington states, and as far away as Jersey Island, UK.

Cole wished for no public services. He asked to be cremated and spread along the coastline. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an animal sanctuary or adoption agency of your choice.

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Carolyn Sue Lucas (Gibbs), age 82, peacefully made her way to heaven on May 4, 2025, in McKinleyville. Surrounded by love, sunlight, cherished photographs and the sound of her favorite hymns, she was comforted in her final moments by her devoted daughter, Angela.

Born on April 3, 1943, in Holland, Arkansas, Carolyn was the fourth of five children of Vernon and Velma Gibbs. Her early years were spent on the family farm, immersed in the rhythms of rural life and the warmth of a close-knit household. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse before the family relocated to California in 1955. Carolyn moved west with her father first, later joined by the rest of the family when Vernon transitioned from farming to carpentry and then to insurance work in Sebastopol. By 1957, they had settled in Eureka, where Vernon eventually opened Vern’s Trading Post, where Carolyn occasionally helped out and later Vern’s Furniture-a business that is a local fixture still to this day.

Carolyn graduated from Eureka High School in 1960. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, John Lucas, who a few years earlier spotted her at a local skating rink and declared he would marry her someday. During their early years together, John served in the National Guard while Carolyn worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Simpson-a time she remembered fondly.

Their life together was marked by both joy and sorrow. After the heartbreak of losing two babies, Carolyn gave birth to their daughter Angela in 1964. In 1970, after years of perseverance and medical challenges, their son Lonnie was born prematurely but survived against all odds.

Carolyn and John built a life rooted in family and community. They purchased their first home in Eureka and later moved to a new Arcata home in 1974. Carolyn was deeply involved in her children’s lives-attending school events, volunteering at functions, and co-leading a Camp Fire Blue Jay group for Lonnie and his friends. She was a steadfast presence of support and love.

In the early 1980s, Carolyn and John transitioned from owning a Coca-Cola distributorship to running a Chevron station in Fortuna. Carolyn surprised many by donning coveralls to pump gas, check fluids, and wash windows with confidence and grace. Eventually, they partnered with Fortuna High School’s HROP program to give students some technical work experience, often taking them on as regularly paid employees. Meanwhile, while their daughter was off to college, they rented out her room, and then started turning their home into rental spaces for many college students, pouring love into those who needed it. Many years later, they opened The Oil Well Lube Center-formerly The Dipstick-which became a thriving local business. Carolyn’s keen business sense helped train not only employees but also her grandsons Derrick and Dillon in the value of hard work.

Carolyn’s love for music began early when she sang on the radio as a child in Arkansas. In high school she joined the Eureka High Glee Club and continued singing throughout her life-performing solos at church and participating in various choirs. She passed this passion on to her children through song and piano lessons.

Her faith was central to her life. Raised attending Southern Baptist churches, Carolyn was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Eureka alongside her siblings and their families. She later served as worship leader there before moving to Trinity Baptist Church in Arcata, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and directed Vacation Bible School for many summers. She ministered with compassion-offering support to youth from difficult homes, organizing events for young couples, and caring for the elderly.

Carolyn was known for her warmth, generosity, and tenacity. Whether advocating for someone in need or comforting loved ones during illness or hardship, she was always ready to lend a hand or listening ear.

She also found joy in cooking-especially during holidays when she made chocolate fudge, sugar cookies with homemade icing, and peanut butter blossoms with her grandchildren. A savvy shopper with an eye for sales, she took pride in dressing stylishly with coordinating costume jewelry.

Carolyn’s life was filled with memorable adventures: family camping trips (with showers and electricity only!), visits to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, and travels to Victoria and Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

The late-1980s and 1990s brought new joys: Angela’s marriage to David Carbiener, Lonnie’s marriage to Shaila Kliewer; the births of grandchildren Derrick, Dillon, and Carson; and Carolyn’s growing role as a grandmother who cherished outings to restaurants and parks with her grandkids.

In the early 2000s came profound loss with the passing of her son Lonnie after his battle with melanoma in 2006-a year that also saw the deaths of other beloved family members, including her mother, Velma. Despite deep grief, Carolyn remained steadfast for her grandchildren, which had grown in number with the births of twin girls, Cambria and Canon, helping care for them during their early years.

Later in life, Carolyn found companionship with Leonard Oliphant. Together they enjoyed simple pleasures-antique shopping, long walks, backyard projects-and even bought a boat despite Carolyn never learning to swim. They returned to Humboldt County in 2017 just as Carolyn began experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Dementia. Leonard lovingly became her caregiver until his passing in 2021.

In her final years at Timber Ridge Assisted Living and Renaissance Memory Care, Carolyn continued to find joy through scenic drives with Angela and her husband, Michael to church services, beach overlooks, shopping trips, or out for strawberry frappes. She delighted in holiday parties, music programs like Music with Mary and The Timber Ridge Boys, as well as visits from grandchildren, nieces, nephews-and especially from her beloved brothers Doug and Dusty.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter Angela Burkhart and husband Michael; brothers Doug Gibbs (wife Kim and daughter Lindsay) and Ray “Dusty” Gibbs (wife Karen); daughter-in-love Shaila Brandon (husband Scot); grandchildren Derrick Carbiener (wife Alison), Dillon Carbiener, Carson LucasBrandon (wife Kirsten), Cambria Brandon, and Canon Brandon; nieces and nephews Larna Acklin (Daniel), Pansy Brannon (Terri), Steve Acklin (Laura), Bryce Gibbs (Debbie), Lane Gibbs (Shanna), Richard Gibbs (Shannon), and Rene Gibbs.

She was preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Velma Gibbs; sisters Lynn Spring and Jean Acklin; sons Johnny Lucas Jr. and Lonnie Lucas; nephew Rudy Brannon; and partner Leonard Oliphant.

Private burials of Carolyn’s ashes will take place at future dates in Eureka and in Kingsburg, California.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. O.L. Puttler; Charmaine Mosher-Carbiener, NP; caregivers at Timber Ridge Assisted Living and Renaissance Memory Care; Hospice of Humboldt; and Ayres Family Cremation for their compassionate care.

In honor of Carolyn’s love for music and children, donations may be made in her name to programs supporting those causes.

Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, laughter, music, service-and above all-love. She is dancing and rejoicing in heaven with her loved ones and her Heavenly Father.

Rose Ann Burger Hurst
July 19, 1927 – July 18, 2025

Rose Ann Burger Hurst passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, hours before her 98th birthday, surrounded by her loving family. A lifelong resident of Eureka, Rose Ann lived a life of deep devotion to family, education, and community.

Born on July 19, 1927 to Ernest Burger and Frances Cabrera Burger, Rose Ann was raised in the apartment above her family’s grocery store at Harris and California Streets, where she developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of learning. She attended Nazareth Academy and graduated from Eureka High School in 1945.

She pursued higher education at Dominican College, majoring in Spanish and minoring in music. She later earned her master’s degree and teaching credential from Stanford University, where she formed lifelong friendships and became an avid Stanford sports fan.

In 1950, she met WWII veteran Bob Hurst at her parents’ anniversary party. They married in 1952 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and went on to raise six children. Rose Ann balanced motherhood with a career in education, teaching Spanish and music in local schools and later substitute teaching well into her eighties, being known for her dedication to her students.

When Bob passed away in 1968 after a battle with cancer, Rose Ann stepped into his role at the family grocery store, working alongside her brother Tom until her retirement in the early 1990s. All six of her children worked alongside her in the store, learning from her example of resilience, discipline, and compassion.

Rose Ann had a love for adventure and travel. She toured Europe in 1949, visited family in Switzerland and Mexico, and later traveled across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. She never missed a chance to attend her grandchildren’s celebrations, join a cruise, take a train ride, or travel with her bridge friends.

Her legacy continued, as she was a proud member of the American Association of University Women, served on the board of the Humboldt Literacy Project, volunteered at the Food Bank, and was active in the Young Ladies Institute. Rose Ann was an enthusiastic and devoted member of St. Bernard’s Parish.

She was also a talented pianist, a dedicated bridge player, and a joyful berry picker and jam maker and fruitcake baker. Rose Ann was deeply proud of her Mexican and Swiss heritage and instilled that pride in her children and grandchildren.

Rose Ann was predeceased by her husband Bob, her parents, and her brothers Arthur and John. She is survived by her brother Tom Burger (Tina), her six children Terri Matson (Byron), Bob Hurst Jr. (Holly), Patti Randall (Peter), Marcia Skavdal (Stan), Carolyn Marley (Jon), and Frances Casey (George); 12 grandchildren: Beth Weitz (David), Nick Matson (Jessica), Madeleine Smith (Ben), Tyler Randall (Danielle), Greg Randall (Avery), Nathan Skavdal (Becky), Dan Skavdal (Kelly), Hannah Skavdal (Zach), Matt Seneca (Thia), Krietta Marley (Niral), Amelia Casey Hinks (Ben), Georgina Casey (Cass), and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Arlene Burger and Brenda Burger.

Rose Ann’s life was a testament to family, love, service, and strength. She will be remembered for her sharp wit, generous heart, and unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Rosary and funeral services will be held on August 28 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Eureka. Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humboldt Literacy Project or the American Association of University of Women Humboldt Branch.

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Robert “Rick” Parsells, born September 14, 1951, of Rio Dell, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on July 15, 2025.

He was a carpenter by trade. He helped build the Fortuna Best Western Country Inn and Best Western Bayshore Inn along with many homes in the county. He loved to hunt and fish.

He was chaos and comfort in equal parts. And somehow, through all the madness, he always knew exactly what to say to make life a little lighter.

He is survived by his life partner, Karen Hower; his children Tina Burns (Trevor), Heidi Elick (Truman), Kenny Hower (Rechelle), Coley Town (Leah), Terra James (Sean), Houston Town, Raina Parrott; his grandchildren Tristan Jeffers, Wyatt Burns, Dannon Parsells, Klayton Miller, Micheline Elick, Tyler Wilford, Gage, Chase and Jace Hower, Gabe, Shiloh and Selah Town, Forrest and Dakota James; his cousin Russell Parsells and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert “Bob” Parsells and Ruby Pauline Parsells, and by his daughter Kristi Parsells.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Rio Dell Fire Hall. In true Rick fashion, we invite everyone to bring their funniest stories, memories, or one of his classic one-liners to share- he would want us laughing.

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Germaine Marie (Rivet) Mix, 88, a resident of Eureka, was called peacefully home to heaven with her daughter and son-in-law at her side on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Germaine was born on April 8, 1937, in Coleman, Wisc. to the late Edward Rivet and Delima (Woulf) Rivet.

Germaine married William John Mix on October 14, 1961, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Coleman, Wisc. He preceded her in death on April 10, 1981.

After a brief time in Milwaukee, Germaine and William settled in Menomonee Falls, Wisc., where they raised their family. In Menomonee Falls, Germaine worked as an office manager/receptionist for Dr. Lee Dannenberg, ophthalmologist, and later as a receptionist/medical assistant at Medical Associates. After retirement in 2004, she lived in Wauwatosa, DePere and Oconto Falls before relocating to Eureka in late 2013 to be closer to her daughter and her family.

Gerry was raised on their family farm in Coleman, Wisc., with her sisters, Audrey and Marie, and her two brothers, Allen and Don. She had many stories of the farm work that she and her siblings assisted with: picking rocks from the field, bailing hay, cutting corn, caring for the farm animals and harvesting produce from the garden. Some of her favorite times were spent when family and neighbors came to their farm to complete a large task. Gerry’s mother Delima, would prepare a generous meal for everyone. The kids would play as the adults worked; those were treasured times for all the kids as time spent together was rare.

She talked often of enjoying time with the Woulf side of the family, putting on “amateur shows” as part of family gatherings to entertain the adults. She would sing with her sister Marie; Gerry sang harmony while Audrey and Allen played the guitar. Gerry never lost her love of music and spent a great deal of time enjoying a variety of genres.

One of her fondest memories was coming home from school to a home smelling of homemade bread almost every day and enjoying some warm from the oven. Of course she had many stories of walking to school in the cold winter months for miles in the snow often laughing at the lack of warm winter gear we have today. All of those experiences made her the strong, independent lady she was throughout her life. She enjoyed school and graduated from Coleman High School in 1955. She was prom queen her junior year of high school in 1954.

Following high school Gerry moved to Green Bay to live in an apartment with her cousins and work at the Northern Paper Mill. She met her husband Bill and initially settled in Detroit, Michigan. She missed home and her family, so they swiftly moved back to Wisconsin, living in an apartment in Wauwatosa where she and Bill started their family. They settled and raised their family in Menomonee Falls, remaining close to her sister Marie and her family. The sisters kept their families close sharing holiday meals, celebrating achievements and milestones as well as enjoying Sunday dinners consistently and enjoyed just being family. Gerry and Marie talked almost daily discussing family events and keeping current in the lives of their extended family. She prayed for everyone through her years and was deeply moved by the current local and world news.

Despite her move to California in 2013 when she was 76 years old, her heart remained in Wisconsin. She adored time spent with her sisters, nieces, daughter and daughter-in-law in Door County, Wisc., one of her most treasured places on earth. Many of us hold so many happy memories of those times. She loved visiting special places like Kelly Lake, the family farm, schools and churches she had attended. She enjoyed attending her class reunions and catching up with family and friends.

She adored traveling; she loved the beauty and the peacefulness of the mountains. She traveled to Yosemite, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park and Crater Lake, to name a few. Another favorite place was Jenny Lake in the Grand Teton National Park. She enjoyed listening to music and watching the scenery while looking for wildlife. She remained a loyal Green Bay Packer fan throughout her life among a sea of San Francisco fans. She remained true to the green and gold! Gerry loved making puzzles; (the family rule is no greater than 1000 pieces :-) reading and playing cards. Cribbage and Scrabble were two of her favorites. She loved painting pottery, painting rocks, bowling and playing golf in her younger years. She enjoyed trying new recipes through her life; entertaining and making special dinners and treats for family always served with a beautiful table setting. She enjoyed visiting with friends and attending local events. She loved walking the dog most dear to her heart, Luna Star. She is now taking her on heavenly walks as they are together in heaven. She enjoyed attending church services at the Faith Center as she focused on her relationship with GOD. She appreciated and enjoyed the worship music that set the tone for the sermon.

None of life’s adventures would compare to the love she had for her grandson Hayden. Her move to California was to be able to share in his life and play an active role in his care; and that she did! She loved teaching him, laughing with him on adventures and cherished each special milestone as he grew up. She devoted much of her time cheering for him at all of his sporting events: baseball, basketball, BMX biking and watching him ride his dirt bike. She was only kept home with severe weather, like rain, wind and cold. She sat in the front row and all could hear her cheering him on. She enjoyed supporting Hayden through his years of school and participated in fundraising events to support not only Hayden, but many of his friends. She arrived here in California as Gerry Mix. But as the years passed and her love for Hayden and his friends and their families grew she became known to all lovingly as “Grammy Gerry.” She loved watching Hayden and his friends grow up through the years. She attended plays and sporting events to support each one of them with encouraging words and hugs.

Thank you to all of our friends and family that were so caring and supportive of Grammy Gerry through her years here with us. She adored her name and her role as Grammy to each and every one of you. Grammy Gerry is greatly missed- her smile, her giving spirit and her constant support for each one of us. We pray she is peacefully in her heavenly home watching over those she loves and enjoying the beauty of heaven.

Germaine is survived by her son David (Marilyn) Mix of Wausau, Wisc.; daughter, Jean (Michael) Flynn of Eureka; son, Paul (Rachel) Mix of Tulsa, Okla.; sisters, Audrey Rhode and Marie Janik of Oconto Falls, Wisc.; brother, Donald Rivet (Judy) of Green Bay, Wisc.; grandchildren Connie Mix, Billy Mix and Hayden Flynn as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Germaine was preceded in death by her brother, Allen Rivet; sister-in-law, Patricia Rivet; brothers-in-law, Ransom (Buck) Rhode and Donald Janik.

We would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their support not only for Gerry, but for our family. Your guidance and care was amazing and made each day easier allowing us to focus on our time together.

We would also like to thank Gerry’s special caregivers Megan and Jennie. You were both angels to us! Your kindness, professional care and loving personalities truly carried us through. You are so very appreciated and loved.

In lieu of owers, donations can be made in Germaine’s name to Hospice of Humboldt.

Services for Germaine will be held

July 25, 2025

Rhode’s-Charapata Funeral Home and Cremation
235 E Main Street, Coleman, Wisc. 54112
Visitation: 1 p.m.
Service: 2 p.m.

August 6th, 2025

Faith Center Foursquare Church
1032 Bay Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Visitation: 10:30 a.m.
Celebration of Life 11 a.m.
Refreshments to follow