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Every eight years, state housing regulators give cities and counties across California an especially dreaded homework assignment: Make a plan for a bunch of new homes.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration assigns localities goals to hit at four different affordability levels. Collectively, the numbers represent the housing department’s best estimate of the number of new homes needed to match any expected population growth and to chip away at the state’s decades-in-the-making shortage of affordable places to live.

With these targets meted out to each region on a rolling basis, this summer, a massive chunk of the state, including all of Southern California, passed its halfway mark.

So in the spirit of a mid-term exam, how are cities and counties doing?

Bad news, California. If this were graded, the state would abound in D’s and F’s.

Less than a third of cities and counties are on track to permit enough “above moderate” units, the category that typically refers to market-rate housing, according to data submitted by locals to the state housing department.

The progress report for more affordable types of housing is even bleaker. Only 32 jurisdictions — less than 6% — are on track to hit their “very low” targets. That refers to housing within financial reach of anyone earning less than half the typical local income.

After years of nudging, political trolling and litigating, most cities and counties now have state-approved plans in place. But as the production numbers show, it’s one thing to plan and another to build. Almost nowhere in the state is actually seeing the new construction necessary “to meet the housing needs of all Californians,” as housing regulators have described these targets.

Only five jurisdictions in the entire state are permitting at a pace to hit all four income targets. Four are the lightly populated unincorporated bits of small, mostly rural counties: Plumas, Napa, Yolo and Mono. The fifth is Placerville, a town of roughly 11,000 people in the Sierra foothills east of Sacramento.

To be “on track,” a city or county needs to issue permits at a clip that, if sustained, would allow it to hit its state targets by the end of its planning cycle. State housing regulators told the city of Irvine in Orange County, for example, to plan for 8,671 market-rate units by 2030. Now halfway there, the city has issued more than 6,000, making it one of the minority of cities to be on pace to reach its target for above-moderate housing.

But for more affordable digs, Irvine, like most California cities, is far behind. The city has permitted just 9% of the very low-income housing needed to reach its target by the end of the decade. For the next most affordable category, which refers to units priced for those earning up to 80% of the regional median, it’s at a mere 3%.

What’s the housing hold up?

For anyone who has been monitoring the pace of new residential development in California over the last half century, the disconnect between housing planned and housing permitted won’t come as a surprise. The state’s total planning target adds up to nearly 2.5 million units over eight years, a reduction of the even more ambitious 3.5 million target Newsom set for his administration during his 2017 election. That 2.5 million figure works out to 312,500 new homes per year. Even during the state’s boomingest boom years in the early 1960s and mid-1980s, construction figures never reached such lofty heights.

This decade, despite a blizzard of state legislation and policy changes aimed at boosting the construction of new homes, the number of new homes built annually is still just north of 100,000.

Critics of the state’s planning process have long stressed that California’s targets are unrealistic and that local governments can only do so much.

“Cities cannot require developers to develop and cities don’t build housing,” said Jason Rhine, a lobbyist with the League of California Cities. You can lead a developer to a rezoned plot of land, in other words, but you can’t make them build.

Pro-development advocates counter that the uninspiring production numbers suggest that cities still aren’t doing enough to welcome more housing.

“Cities can argue that they don’t directly control production, but they do control fees, zoning and permitting,” said Laura Foote, executive director of YIMBY Action. The housing needs allocation process “is only as good as we have the political will to actually hold cities accountable.”

Foote directed some of the blame at state housing regulators for failing to compel cities to adopt more development-friendly policies.

In a written statement, housing department spokesperson Jennifer Hanson said regulators are “actively monitoring and enforcing” the commitments each jurisdiction has made in its housing plans. She also pointed to a couple of recent laws exempting many urban housing developments from environmental litigation and requiring local governments to allow for taller buildings near major public transportation stops. Both have already been used to “advance approved projects representing thousands of proposed homes,” she said.

There are many reasons that developers may or may not choose to build in a particular location. Some are in the power of local and state governments, like zoning and building codes, permitting timelines and fees. But many are not, said Hanson.

“Whether a project moves forward depends on interest rates, construction and land costs, access to capital, insurance and expected rents or sale prices,” she said.

Affordable housing construction faces an additional hurdle: A lack of public money. With very few exceptions, building homes that are affordable to those making below average incomes in California requires public subsidies, philanthropic capital or other lenders and investors willing to take a loss. Taxpayer support provided by the state has been in short supply after a voter-approved bond from 2018 that provided funding for California’s signature affordable development subsidy ran dry. That explains why the affordable production numbers are so much lower.

Affordable developers and other housing advocates are hoping voters will back an $11.25 billion state bond in November to replenish the coffers.

Meanwhile, “moderate” income housing is especially tough to build, facing the financial worst of both worlds. It often doesn’t qualify for affordable subsidy programs that prioritize projects serving people further down the income ladder. But rents affordable to those earning median incomes are often too low for unsubsidized developers hoping to turn a profit.

An escape valve

The state may force local governments to lay the groundwork for new development — identifying potential sites, rezoning to allow for denser housing, changing local laws that make construction more economically feasible. But historically, local governments haven’t faced any consequences if nothing actually gets built.

That changed in 2017, when state lawmakers passed a landmark housing bill aimed at boosting new housing production where it was most needed. In jurisdictions that are halfway through their planning process but have yet to permit at least half their housing targets for above-moderate, low- and very low-income housing (housing affordable to a “moderate” income level isn’t included), the law requires local governments to fast track most apartment and condo projects. In exchange, developers have to set aside a certain number of affordable units and pay their workers more.

Of the 212 Southern California cities and counties that crossed the halfway point this year, all but four failed to hit those numbers and are now subject to the streamlining law.

But if history is any guide, that alone isn’t likely to trigger a building boom.

Private developers have insisted that the affordability requirements and higher wage standards written into the law make projects infeasible everywhere but in the highest rent neighborhoods. Since 2018, the law has been used to green light 27,961 units, according to the state’s housing department. That’s a significant sum, but it’s far from enough to close the gap.

Pamela Lynn (Brockman) Yagotin passed away on August 4, 2026, at the age of 71, with her daughters by her side.

Pamela was born on December 30, 1954, to James and Patricia Brockman at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan, where her father was stationed. When she was just one year old, the family returned to the United States by ship, living briefly in San Diego before eventually settling in Redwood City, California.

In 1983, Pamela married John Yagotin. They welcomed twin daughters, Lauren and Amy, in December 1984. In 1986, the family relocated to Eureka, where they raised their daughters. Pamela and John later separated in the early 2000s.

Throughout her life, Pamela enjoyed a variety of careers, including banking and advertising. During the 1990s, she worked for the Arcata advertising and marketing agency MTC Associates. She later served as the Business Manager for the student-run Lumberjack newspaper at Humboldt State University from 1996 to 2003, where she formed many lasting friendships.

Pamela loved being a grandmother and was always eager for an adventure with her grandchildren. Whether attending local community events, visiting the zoo, spending time at the park, going to the movies, or enjoying local festivals and the county fair, she cherished every opportunity to make memories with them.

In early 2020, Pamela was diagnosed with early-onset dementia. This cruel disease gradually took away so much of the vibrant woman her family knew and loved long before her passing. Her daughters would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Pamela’s lifelong friends, Eileen and Ciro Giammona, and to her dear friend Leann Neff for their unwavering love and support throughout her illness. They are also deeply grateful to Redwood Coast PACE, the staff at Frye’s Care Home, and Hospice of Humboldt for the compassionate care they provided during the final years of Pamela’s life.

Pamela was preceded in death by her parents, James and Patricia Brockman, and her nephew, Darius Nikpour. She is survived by her daughters, Lauren Parker (Robert) and Amy Mixer (Jason); her eight beloved grandchildren, Mariah, Sienna, Jacey, Taylor, Riley, Ellie, Colton, and Jaxon; her sister, Debra Hansen; her brother, Michael Brockman; her nephew, Nicholas Hansen (Allison); and her great-nephew, Auggie.

In accordance with Pamela’s wishes, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Ravis Glenn Whitehead peacefully passed away on July 28, 2026 at the age of 91. He was born in Hall, Texas on October 12, 1934 to Ira and Nellie Whitehead, but moved with his family to Live Oak, California when he was eight years old. He never lost his soft Texan drawl. After graduating from Live Oak High School, he moved to Rio Dell and Scotia, California to work for the Pacific Lumber Company. He was drafted into the Army and was honorably discharged after two years, then returning to his previous employment in Scotia.

Glenn married Phyllis Ingraham in 1958 and had two daughters. Phyllis passed away in 1972 and he later married Louise Barnes and helped raise her two sons. He worked for Pacific Lumber Company for 47 years primarily as a carpenter. He was a volunteer fireman for the Scotia Fire Department for 31 years serving many of those years as the assistant fire chief. Glenn enjoyed gardening and working in his workshop. He loved to research information and could talk on many scientific topics. He was kind, generous and helpful to all who knew him. Glenn and Louise were married 49 years, living their retirement years in Fortuna. Family and friends will miss him dearly.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Phyllis Whitehead; his daughter, Vickie Bennett; his step-son, Eddie Sanderson and his brother, Eldon Whitehead. He is survived by his second wife, Louise Whitehead; his daughter, Teri Hofstetter (John); his step-son, Boyd Sanderson, eight grandchildren: Darren, Tyler, Glenn, Cassie, Stephanie, Amanda, Summer and Skyler plus six great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Hospice, Sequoia Springs Memory Care and Fred and Michele Robinson for the care and assistance they provided. At Glenn’s request, there will be no memorial service. Inurnment will be at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka.

He was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on July 7, 1935

He passed away peacefully at home on July 18, 2026 with his loving daughter-in-law Kathy by his side at the age of 91.

Gary spent most of his childhood in Klamath Falls, Oregon. His parents moved to Crescent City in 1950. Gary attended Del Norte High School. During his senior year he decided to be rebellious and grow a beard. He was told he could would be expelled from graduation. His mother (Jane) went to the school board and won his right to graduate with his beard.

Gary graduated from Del Norte High School in 1953. He joined the Army in December 1953. He was stationed at Camp Hanford Army Base in Washington. He went to Harbor Craft School in Ft. Eustis, Virginia — this was a U.S. Army Transportation School to become a heavy vehicle driver. He received two medals while in the Army. One was a National Defense Service Medal and the other one was a Good Conduct Medal.

He came home on leave and married his first wife Jan in 1954. They lived on base after they got married and had their first daughter, Pamela, in 1954. They moved to Crescent City when Gary got out of the Army in 1955. He went to work with his dad (Virgil) at the Crescent Plywood Mill in Klamath. Gary and Jan had their second daughter, Cynthia, in 1956. Cynthia passed away at 1 month and 17 days due to crib death. In 1956 Gary’s dad (Virgil) and Mom (Jane) moved to Korbel, as Virgil got a job at Simpson Timber Co. Gary and Jan soon followed them and Gary also got a job at Simpson Timber Co. They had their third daughter, Tammy, in 1957 and their son Wade was born in 1959. The marriage did not survive and they got divorced in 1959.

Gary’s parents bought some land in Blue Lake in 1959. Gary moved in with them after his divorce and helped build the family home. Gary built a room on the back of the house which he called home for 20 years.

Gary filled in as a bartender on occasion at the M & M Club when needed.

Gary bowled league for a couple of years at E & O Lanes in 1977 and 1978 with his sister-in-law, Sharon, but he gave it up due to it getting in the way of his hunting. Gary was an avid hunter. For 28 years he took six weeks of work to go hunting. He loved going to the Gun Club at Pilot Rock. Wade’s fondest memories are going to the Gun Club with his dad and all the great talks they had. Gary enjoyed hunting with his son (Wade), his good friend Stu Schnieder in Idaho, and his Uncle Wayne in Oregon.

Gary met his second wife, Mardell, and married her on Feb. 14, 1980. He gained two stepsons, Mitch and Mike. They were married for 30 years before Mardell passed away in August 2010. Over the years they took about two dozen cruises to various points around the Western Hemisphere. They would get family members and good friends to go with them on their cruises.

Gary and Mardell bought the Alibi Lounge in Arcata in 1976 and ran it and the restaurant until they sold it in 1998 and they both retired. They also owned and operated the Red Carpet restaurant in Eureka for a short time.

Gary worked at Simpson Timber Company for over 45 years. He loaded rail cars with lumber and later moved to maintenance of the mill. He was a dedicated employee.

After Mardell’s passing Gary enjoyed his traveling adventures with his best friend, Ron Roland. Gary loved to tell the stories of their travels together and how much fun they had.

Gary also cherished his time going to his son Wade’s house for 49er’s football games and spending the holidays with Wade, Kathy and their kids.

Gary was a beloved member and supporter of the Moose Lodge in McKinleyville for 28 years. He would go to the Moose Lodge every afternoon around 3 pm to visit with his good friends Larry Connolly and Allen Guiles. He would have his two beers, visit for an hour and then go home. He always had friends coming up and talking to him while he was there. He enjoyed this camaraderie with all his friends there.

Gary was a devoted son, husband and father.

Gary is proceeded in death by his daughter Cynthia, parents Jane & Virgil Blickenstaff, sister Coralie (Corky) Smith, nephew Brian Netz, niece Michelle Calvert, great niece Wendy Nemcosky.

He is survived by his son Wade and Kathy of Arcata and their children Desree, Katrina, & Chad, and Wade’s daughter Malania, his daughter Tammy and Rodger of Ramona, CA and their children Kris & Keith, his daughter Pam Robblee of Arcata and her children Misty, Veronica, & Ryan. He also has 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Plus numerous nieces and nephews.

In Gary’s own words: HE SAID HE HAD A GREAT LIFE WITH NO REGRETS.

The family would like to give a special thanks Donna Johnson, Gary’s next-door neighbor for the love and care you showed Gary over the last 20 plus years.

The family would also like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for all their support and care of Gary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the local American Cancer Society in Gary’s name.

There will be a wake for Gary at the Moose Lodge in McKinleyville at 1791 Sutter Rd., McKinleyville on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m.

It will be officiated by Ron Roland. Color Guard by Mad River Community Veterans Honor Guard.

Food will be served at 2 p.m.

Benjamin Jacob Hungness was born August 16, 1981, in Harvey, Illinois, to Erling and Kathryn Hungness. Preceded in death by his beloved Sara Guffey and best friend, Mike McNery.

Benjamin is survived by his children, Indica, Azmadeaus and Tilly; many grandchildren; his parents, his siblings, David Hungness (JoAnn), Christina Hoeffel, Stephen Hungness (Jane), Scott Wasinski (Kristen), Michael Hungness (Amber) and Trinity Willette (Bill); and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends whose lives he forever changed.

Benjamin made it his life’s work to explore and his adventures brought him to Humboldt County in 2002 where he did what came naturally to him — he built community. Benjamin had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together. He made friends wherever he went, and often those friendships became family.

To his three children, he was simply “Papa.” Being their father was one of the greatest joys and proudest roles of his life.

Benjamin was known by many names. To his best friend, Faith Robb, he was affectionately “Beba,” a nickname that reflected years of unwavering loyalty, laughter, trust and love. To countless others, he was “Benjamin the Badass” — a name that perfectly captured the fearless, generous and fiercely loyal way he lived.

Benjamin showed up. He didn’t just tell people he cared. He proved it through his actions. His kindness wasn’t performative — it was simply who he was.

He loved to laugh, tell stories, make people smile and encourage those around him to experience more of life. He inspired others to learn, grow and become the best versions of themselves. His optimism, creativity, adventurous spirit and ability to connect people made him unforgettable. He loved deeply, felt intensely and carried burdens that were often unseen.

Benjamin’s life is measured by the love he poured into his family, the children he adored, the friendships he nurtured, the communities he built, the laughter he shared and the countless lives made better because he was part of them.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in believing Benjamin is finally at peace.

If he taught us anything, it was that love is something you do. It is answering the phone. It is getting in the car. It is helping someone when there is nothing to gain. It is bringing people together and standing beside those who need you most.

Benjamin did that for so many of us.

Now it is our turn to carry that legacy forward.

He was Papa. 
He was Beba. He was Benjamin the Badass. He will be deeply missed, forever celebrated, fiercely loved, and never forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held at Siren’s Song Tavern beginning at 12 p.m. on August 16. Family, friends, and all whose lives Benjamin touched are warmly invited to come together to laugh, cry, share stories and celebrate this remarkable man.

Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt:

Housing & Residence Life at Cal Poly Humboldt will hold its annual emergency simulation on Wednesday, Aug. 12 to test campus and community response teams.

The exercise will take place at 6 p.m. in a residence hall. 

The simulation will be loud and include participation from Cal Poly Humboldt’s Housing & Residence Life, University Police Department, and Campus Resilience & Response, Arcata Fire Department, plus first responders from local agencies. 

Passersby may see smoke coming out of a residence hall and actors crying for help. First responders will use emergency radios and campus traffic flow may be affected.

The exercise aims to train University Housing staff and local first responders on how to respond to a University housing emergency. The emergency simulation is intended to provide a real-time, realistic experience of an emergency as well as provide the opportunity to test and evaluate a practical plan and practice communication among agencies.

Housing & Residence Life began holding multi-agency emergency simulations in 1986. The exercise takes place each year in August. During a real campus emergency, the University will send timely messages to the campus community and post  information on Cal Poly Humboldt’s homepage.

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Opposition is mounting after Open Door Community Health Centers stopped offering new patients under the age of 19 gender-affirming medication prescriptions.

As reported by Robert Schaulis of the Times-Standard, the change went into effect in July. The health system, the largest provider of primary care in Humboldt County, no longer will accept new patients under the age of 19 for hormone treatments, prescribed to transgender patients to better align with their gender identity.

Open Door CEO Tory Starr said federal funding that Open Door relies on was at risk.

“As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Open Door must comply with federal laws, regulations, funding requirements, and contractual obligations,” Starr said in an email.

“Recent changes in the federal environment related to gender-affirming medication treatment for individuals under age 19 have created significant compliance concerns for FQHCs. After careful review, Open Door determined that discontinuing the initiation of new gender-affirming medication treatment for youth is necessary to maintain compliance and protect our ability to continue providing comprehensive healthcare services across our communities,” he said.

This follows a series of efforts by the Trump Administration targeting transgender people. A Jan. 28, 2025 executive order laid the groundwork to significantly limit gender-affirming care for people under age 19.

The administration has taken steps to pressure healthcare organizations to stop offering gender-affirming care for young people through federal agencies, including the Department of Justice. One proposal from the Department of Health and Human Services would withhold Medicaid and Medicare funds from hospitals offering gender-affirming care to youth.

Executive orders and federal directives have caused hospitals and organizations to cut the treatments across the country, even as federal judges blocked enforcement of the order while a lawsuit filed by civil rights groups progresses.

“Our decision was based on a careful review of risks, including new federal contractual language related to gender-affirming care and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives,” Starr said.

But an opposition letter, signed by 350 people and sent to Open Door leadership last week, urges the organization to reinstate the care. Signed by employees, patients, parents, medical providers, councilmembers and community members, the letter argues the health center could’ve kept the practice intact.

“Capitulating is a choice. Open Door is among the first health centers in California to abandon care for transgender young people. Clinics across the country are finding ways to continue care despite federal pressures,” the letter said.

Advocates are calling on Open Door to reinstate the care.

“Leadership at Open Door is pushing a disingenuous narrative that the federal government is requiring them to do this. That is not the full truth,” said Lark Doolan, executive director of Queer Humboldt, in an interview with the Outpost.

“There are multiple solutions, identified by members of Open Door’s leadership, that both meet federal requirements and result in not one child losing access to the healthcare that they need,” he said.

Starr emphasized that the change does not affect the care of current patients.

He said Open Door decided to keep treating patients already receiving care after thoughtful consideration. He said Open Door remains committed to supporting youth and their families through a range of services, including primary care, behavioral health, care coordination and referrals for patients experiencing gender dysphoria.

New patients 16 and older can access hormones at Planned Parenthood, and others can be treated online through True U Clinic.

“Our commitment to caring for youth patients and their families has not changed. We will continue to provide compassionate, comprehensive care and will do everything we can to help patients access the services and support they need,” Starr said.

Of over 60,000 patients, approximately 500 receive gender-affirming care services at Open Door, he said. “The number of patients under 19 currently receiving medication management is small, and their care will continue without interruption,” he said.

Doolan said as a result of this policy change, transgender youth in Humboldt County seeking to start hormones will only have the option of telehealth to start care. He said they will lose out on Open Door’s help with taking injections, and won’t be able to get bloodwork done at Open Door health centers.

He said it will be “virtually impossible for youth in rural outlying regions of Humboldt to access the healthcare that they need,” he said, because of a lack of non-Open Door locations to get lab work done, necessary for hormone treatment.

“Some people are able to access prescriptions and services elsewhere, but not every patient that Open Door turns away will overcome the obstacles that are being created in their path,” he said.

Advocates point to research showing the treatment reduces depression and suicide risk among transgender and nonbinary youth.

“All children deserve the medications and care that they need in order to be happy and healthy and thriving. Refusing medical care for a young person just because they’re trans is morally reprehensible. Refusing to run lab work for a child because they’re transgender is ethically and morally reprehensible. Refusing to offer a needed prescription to a young person just because they’re transgender is discriminatory,” said Doolan. 

He said there’s been an outpouring of opposition to the change, which he described as “a calamity” for trans youth.

To read the letter, click here. The Outpost has reviewed signatures attached to the letter, but has published a version excluding individual names as per a request by Queer Humboldt, who said some that signed are afraid of retaliation.

Meanwhile, Starr said those seeking information about gender-affirming care services can contact Open Door’s Member Services Department. He said community members who would like to express concerns regarding this change in services can call a hotline at 844-973-2721.