On Sunday morning, word came in from multiple sources about a big, weird airplane that had just landed at the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport in McKinleyville.

Then, this morning, word comes that a bunch of military personnel have been bivouacked at the Wolf Creek Education Center near Orick, which lies on Redwood National Park land. 

These two things are connected.

The plane, we are told, is a C-17 Globemaster III cargo hauler, which belongs to the U.S. Air Force. The military personnel, we have learned, are here — or were here? It’s unclear — to fix up the cabins at Wolf Creek, which are used every year by hundreds of children on class-wide nature campouts during the school year, as part of the military’s “Innovative Readiness Training” program.

Reached this morning at her home base — Dover Air Force Base, in Delaware — Veronica Aceveda, chief of public affairs for the 512th Airlift Wing told the Outpost that her people had in fact just gotten home from their two-week stay at Wolf Creek, during which around 30 Air Force and reserve personnel from Dover and Seymour Johnson AFB spent their time fixing up the cabins and generally improving the grounds.

Leonel Arguello, deputy superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks, describes — and praises! — the work of the 512th Airlift Wing getting Wolf Creek shipshape, via their Facebook page. 

Generally speaking, Aceveda said, these programs — which happen in communities all across the nation — are meant to last all summer, with different companies rotating in and out every two weeks. The 512th left yesterday, and it’s not immediately clear whether anyone has yet come in to replace them, or will be coming in to replace them. It’s an odd but true fact of life, here in Humboldt County, that it’s easier to locate and speak with a public information officer at a military base on the other side of the continent than it is to find and speak with a representative of many locally based federal or state agencies.

When he identified the aircraft for us, Ryan Cooley, Humboldt County’s director of aviation, told the Outpost that it was their understanding that would be some sort of activity associated with the project “bi-weekly, through August.” 

Though her squad’s part of the project is done, Aceveda said she would put us in touch with the people overseeing the entire Redwood National and State Parks/U.S. Military collaboration. We’ll update you when we know more.

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UPDATE: More from Redwood National and State Parks:

We were just made aware of your recent article about the Military in Orick and wanted to share a little more information. The National Park Service (NPS) at Redwood National Park is partnering with the Department of Defense (DOD), Air National Guard, Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program to provide infrastructure construction training opportunities to Air Force units at Redwood National and State Parks during the summer of 2025. The IRT program will provide skilled construction trade personnel, temporarily housed at NPS facilities, to assist with infrastructure improvements at the Wolf Creek Education Center, Kuchel Visitor Center and Redwoods Rising restoration areas.

Under NPS partnership with the Yurok Tribe, the Tribe will provide oversight, material, and specialized trades needed to complete these projects as a community partner for this IRT mission. Promoting the U.S. Department of the Interior mission of protecting and managing the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage, this partnership between the NPS, the DOD, and the Yurok Tribe, will highlight our ability to collectively train, build, and serve, with lasting benefits for our communities and increased deployment readiness of our military partners.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• In Response to Federal Program Cut, Food for People Receives $50K Pledge to Match Donations Made Through June 6

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Press release from Food For People:

A fundraising challenge launched by two friends of Food for People in response to federal funding cuts has raised more than double the original goal.

Supporters from all over Humboldt County and as far away as Plano, Texas and Seattle, Washington gave a combined $128,500 to the Farmers Fund Challenge including a last-minute contribution of $55,000 from one donor! Combined with the matching funds Food for People has $182,000 to purchase produce from local farmers.

Food for People supporters Melanie Williams and Barbara Goldberg were moved to create the $50,000 challenge after hearing local news about the elimination of the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) cooperative agreement. The federal program provided the food bank about $360,000 per year over the last three years to buy locally grown food from small farmers and other producers.

“The unexpected cut to LFPA was a huge blow for us, and it is harmful for the entire farming community too,” says Carly Robbins, Food for People’s Executive Director. “Many local farms had already planned their growing season around the funds we were contracted to spend, some already have crops in the ground.” Robbins says the overwhelming response from the community will allow Food for People to keep local produce in its pantries and child and senior nutrition programs, although less than under the USDA program.

Last year, the food bank purchased nearly 90,000 pounds of local produce through the LFPA program that equated to nearly $300,000 in local spending. The Locally Delicious Farmers Fund was created in 2010 by a group called The Heirloom Tomatoes. The fund supports purchasing from local farms and producers and giving people who use Food for People’s programs access to more local foods. Today, the fund is managed by Food for People, specifically for the purchase of locally grown and produced foods.

More information about where to find a food pantry in your area and other food distributions or how to support Food for People’s programs as a financial supporter, business sponsor, volunteer or advocate can be found at foodforpeople.org.

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Food for People, the food bank for Humboldt County, distributed 2.4 million pounds of food last year, and its services reach more than 21,000 people monthly. Food for People’s 18 programs include a countywide network of emergency food pantries, food distribution programs for children, seniors and homebound individuals, nutrition education and outreach activities, local food recovery, gleaning and disaster relief, as well as many partnerships throughout the community. For more information, go to www.foodforpeople.org.

Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:

On Saturday June 14th, 2025 at 23:27 hours, Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire at the 2100 block of Lisa Ct. in the Cutten area. Humboldt Bay Fire responded with three Engines, one Ladder Truck and a Battalion Chief.

Engine 8115 was the first arriving unit and found smoke coming from single story residence. Engine 8115 pulled a hose line and quickly initiated fire attack. Battalion 8105 arrived on scene and assumed Lisa Command, declaring an offensive fire attack.

Incoming units were assigned to establish a water supply from a fire hydrant, perform a search for victims, and provide ventilation. A unit was designated as the Rapid Intervention Crew in case of a firefighter emergency. The fire was located and contained to one bedroom and there was smoke damage throughout the house. Crews performed salvage operations, removing sentimental items from the residence to prevent further damage.

A second alarm was requested for coverage, bringing in units from Samoa Peninsula Fire and Arcata Fire to respond to additional emergencies. City Ambulance was on stand-by at the scene. PG&E was requested to the scene to secure gas and electrical utilities. Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank all of these agencies for their response.

An investigation was performed to find the cause and origin of the fire. The exact cause of the fire is undetermined but believed to be accidental in nature. There were no civilian or firefighter injures and damage is estimated at $50,000.

No one was home when the fire started, Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind everyone the importance of discussing with your family what to do if a fire occurs in your home. Working smoke detectors save lives, also have a pre-determined outside meeting place that everyone in your household knows.

There are millions of remote workers in the U.S., and many of them get their fix for human connection by camping at coffee shops. It’s a situation that baristas and owners don’t necessarily enjoy, nor can people always stay there long enough to finish whatever they’re grinding away at. Alternative places specifically designed for workers to use are common amenities in big cities; now, there’s one in Arcata too. 

Kate Frachon opened Darn Good Work back in March, and the space opened again this month after a break. It’s a cozy space with a cloistered view of some of downtown Arcata’s rooftops and tea and coffee, but that’s not what people really like to go there for. 

“I had a project that I had been previously committing three days a week to, and on my first day here with people here, I got everything that I would have done in three days done in one day,” Frachon said in an interview with the Outpost. “There’s almost that social pressure of having people around. You don’t get up and just, sort of, wander around….I see everybody else working, and I’m like, ‘OK, well, I could also work.’ It’s motivating.”

Frachon’s been a remote freelance worker since 2011, mostly for the easy flexibility and variety in her schedule. She moved to Humboldt from Seattle in 2013, where she had used co-working spaces before. She assumed there’d be one here; there wasn’t, and she spent about a decade floating around various cafes getting work done (mainly the Beachcomber and Northtown cafes, though if Cafe Brio had Wi-Fi she would’ve been there more). 

Then came the pandemic. 

Frachon was stuck at home with a baby and a two-year-old, trying to get stuff done and failing. She was distracted and alone and it was impossible to be productive. She was an introvert, and before she went remote, had never enjoyed working in-person at an office. A supervisor once told her during a performance review that she had to greet people when they walked past her, a task she found draining and pointless; so she was surprised when the pandemic ended and she found she wanted to be near other people when she was working. The idea energized her. 

“After the pandemic I became, like, an extrovert,” Frachon said. “I was like, ‘I gotta be with the people,’ even if I’m [not] interacting with them…I’m a person who likes to be alone. I crave ‘alone time,’ but I got way too much.”

In 2024, Frachon set up around six “pop-up coworking events” around Arcata. She rented a few different businesses and said it was a chance to meet and work alongside some other people. They all sold out. Hungry professionals were eager to have some face-to-face time with their compatriots and said they wanted more. She decided it was a good enough proof of concept and decided to rent an office.

Her clientele is fairly diverse, mostly 30- and 40-year-old graduate students working at MBAs or counseling degrees, or workers in a variety of different jobs. Many of them are in tech or are freelancers or consultants. Many remote workers work away from offices because they don’t really want to be around people, but there is a sizable subset who aren’t that way. Many just need a place to get out of the house, especially if they have children. 

The space is small, but a nice place to get things done. Frachon said many of her regulars book it because they get distracted at home, or because having a few pairs of eyes on them makes them work harder. 

“I’m kind of an anti-productivity, anti-focused person,” Frachon said. “We’re human beings. We’re not robots. But maybe I err too far on that side…I get up from my desk and wander around a lot. Or I just sort of stare off into space a lot. But having other people in here, and looking over and seeing [someone] typing away and getting stuff set up; I could do that too!”

Despite the success of her pop-up events, business has been rocky. There’s been little overlap between the attendees of her previous events who said they wanted a permanent co-working space and the people who have actually been booking the office, and so far no one has been willing to pony up the money for a monthly membership, but Frachon isn’t ride-or-die about its success.

“I don’t put all my eggs in one basket,” Frachon said. “It’ll always be a side thing to my main career, but I’m open to it becoming a bigger thing. I’m also open to it failing. It’s been an experiment, and if the market doesn’t support it, then that’s OK…Remote work is wonderful and terrible. There are good things about it and bad things, and I hope that this space will be a place to get more of the good and less of the bad.”

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

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Both Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature have proposed gutting the state’s main source of homelessness funding in the 2025-26 budget, sending a wave of panic through the cities, counties and service providers that have been relying on that money for years. Now, those critics warn that thousands of Californians could end up back on the streets, undoing the tenuous progress the state has made in addressing the problem.

“It’s extremely frustrating,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, whose city had been receiving about $30 million a year from that pot of homelessness funding — enough to pay for about 1,000 interim housing placements. “Residents of California tell us consistently that ending unsheltered homelessness is one of their very top priorities…So the idea that the state can’t make a substantial, consistent investment in residents’ top priority makes me question whether or not they’re really listening to the people of California.”

The Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program has doled out funds for cities and counties to spend on everything from temporary shelter to services to permanent housing since its creation six years ago. It started with $650 million in the 2019-20 budget, and has since grown to $1 billion last year.

Since 2023, the program has provided housing for more than 57,000 Californians, according to the Bring California Home Coalition, made up of affordable housing providers, advocates for homeless individuals and government staff.

But with the state facing an expected deficit of $12 billion this year, those funds ended up on the chopping block. The 2025-26 budget proposed by the Legislature June 9 allocates $0. Lawmakers passed a placeholder Friday, but the budget still has to undergo additional negotiations between Newsom and lawmakers before it becomes final. Even so, the governor already has indicated he’s fine with stripping homelessness funding.

At the same time, California could soon also be reeling from federal cuts. President Donald Trump’s proposed budget would reduce funding to the Housing and Urban Development department by 44%, slashing the rental subsidies and federal homelessness funding that flows to California.

Newsom has, in a sense, been preparing cities and counties for a blow to state funds. He has for years resisted calls to make homelessness money permanent, instead preferring to dole it out year by year in a one-time grant — making it easier to cut in a tough budget year.

Despite ramping up spending on the issue to unprecedented levels after taking office (last year the Legislative Analyst’s Office found the administration had spent $24 billion on housing and homelessness), the governor changed his tune in recent months. His message now is more along the lines of: I’ve done my part, now cities need to step up and take care of the crisis on their streets.

Newsom recently suggested cities do that by passing ordinances banning encampments.

“I’m not interested anymore, period full stop, in funding failure,” Newsom said last month, a refrain he’s been repeating often.

But the cities and service providers that rely on those funds say it appears he’s no longer interested in funding success, either: While California’s homeless population remains the biggest in the nation — with more than 187,000 people sleeping on the street and in shelters — it increased just 3% last year, compared to a nationwide increase of about 18%.

Critics worry gutting funding will erode that modicum of progress.

“Simply put, this choice will lead to more people moving onto California’s streets and fewer avenues off the streets,” the Bring California Home Coalition said in a statement.

In San Jose, the state homelessness funding has been crucial in the city’s push to move people out of encampments and into temporary placements in tiny homes and converted motels. Like other cities, San Jose still is waiting to receive its homelessness allocation from the last budget. But once that money is spent, probably by next summer, San Jose will feel the hit, Mahan said. When that happens, the city probably won’t have to close existing programs, because it’s lucky enough to have other funding sources, he said. But it won’t be able to build new units, effectively stalling the city’s plan to get everyone off its streets.

Mahan and other California mayors have for months been urging state leaders to reconsider ever since Newsom’s initial January budget proposal zeroed out the homelessness funds.

Instead, the Legislature suggested adding $500 million back into the state homeless funding program — but not until in the 2026-27 fiscal year. That would be a 50% reduction from last year’s allocation. And there’s no guarantee that money will come through at all. In addition, lawmakers proposed reducing another, smaller homelessness program — which provides money to cities specifically for cleaning up encampments and moving occupants indoors — by $100 million.

It’s not all bad news, pointed out Ben Metcalf, managing director of UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation. The Legislature’s budget includes $500 million in low-income housing tax credits to fund the construction of new affordable housing, and $120 million for the Multifamily Housing Program, which provides loans for low-income housing.

But the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program may have been politically easier to gut, Metcalf said. That program doesn’t benefit from deep-pocketed lobbyists defending it in Sacramento.

And because of the complex, intractable nature of the homelessness crisis, the money hasn’t produced the kind of tangible, grand-slam results voters want to see on their streets. Instead, homelessness remains a persistent problem, and encampments still dot California’s cities.

But without that money, some shelters and housing programs are likely to close, Metcalf said. Others could simply become less effective. The state program provided funding for the types of counseling, case workers and other services that help people transition from shelters into permanent housing, he said. Without that extra help, people often languish in shelters.

“So what you end up with, probably, is more Band-Aids,” Metcalf said, “or patchworks of systems that are providing some modest amount of (improvement in) the quality of life but not really helping transition people permanently out of homelessness.”

Carl Aldon Smith
June 22, 1947 – June 2, 2025

Carl Aldon Smith, a devoted husband, loving father and grandpa, brother, veteran, and dedicated community servant, passed away on June 2, 2025, after a courageous year-long battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing, just shy of his 78th birthday.

Born in Southern California on June 22, 1947, Carl’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to service and his love for others. After returning from his service in the Vietnam War (1968-1970), Carl met Joan at church and were married on February 12, 1971. They moved to Humboldt County shortly after, where they built a life together and had their two children Matt & Mendy. Carl went on to serve the community by working for the Arcata Fire Department for 30 years a role that reflected his deep sense of duty and his hands-on nature.

In 1979, Carl started Northcoast Chimney Sweep, a business he ran on his days off from the fire department. Joan supported him as the company’s secretary, and over the years, other family members joined in and helped with the business. Carl ran the business for 32 years, providing expert services to the community with honesty and integrity. In 2011, Carl sold the business to his daughter Mendy and her husband Loren, who continue to run Northcoast Chimney Sweep today, honoring Carl’s legacy of hard work and dedication.

Carl and Joan shared 54 years of marriage, building a family and life together. They often enjoyed traveling in their travel trailer and visiting different National Parks as well as their family in Utah & Colorado. Carl loved to make jokes and pull pranks; he found happiness in bringing laughter to those around him. His favorite thing to tell everyone was that his wife was “older” than him, even if it was only by 7 months.

There wasn’t anything Carl couldn’t do. Whether it was building a house, lending a hand to friends, or taking on new challenges, Carl approached life with a can-do attitude and a determination to get things done. His resourcefulness, strength, and problem-solving ability were qualities admired by all who knew him.

There wasn’t anything Carl wouldn’t do for his family — he loved them deeply and wholeheartedly. No matter what he was doing, he would drop everything to help them or simply to spend time together. His devotion and kindness were a constant presence, shaping the lives of those he cherished most.

Many people thought Carl was a devoted Christian because of his consistent church attendance and the way he lived a Christian-like life. However, it wasn’t until a year before his passing that Carl made a personal commitment and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. He said, “this is one of the best days of my life,” as he experienced the joy and peace that came with his newfound faith. His decision was a deeply significant moment in his life, bringing him a sense of fulfillment and a lasting connection with the Lord.

Carl is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Smith, his son Matt Smith (Nicole), and their children Peyton, Jayden, and Mikayla; his daughter Mendy Gerard (Loren), and their children Lexi, Lacey, and Caden. He also leaves behind his sister Mary Baxter; sister-in-law’s Linda Brown (Tom), and Billie Jessup; Niece Jenny Jessup; Nephews Mike Brown (Becky), Scott Brown (Laura) and Ed Krusey (Hana). He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Norvelia Smith.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Arcata Fire Department for their unwavering support, love and care during this hard time. The department was not only Carl’s workplace but a big part of their family’s life. The family would also like to thank the Eureka Nazarene Church family for their love, prayers, and support throughout this challenging time. Their kindness and compassion were a great comfort.

The family also wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to Hospice for going above and beyond with Carl’s comfort in the last couple of months and for supporting them. Also, to their dear friends who supported them over the past year with cards, flowers, visits, food, etc.. Your love, thoughtfulness, and generosity have meant so much.

Carl’s legacy is one of strength, humility, faith, and selfless love, qualities that will live on in the lives of those he touched.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Eureka Nazarene Church, 2039 E St, Eureka, CA 95501, where family and friends will gather to honor a life well-lived and a man deeply loved.

Danny Bradbury
October 9, 1944 – June 10, 2025

Danny Bradbury, a man of strength, grit, and unmatched heart, passed away on June 10, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on October 9, 1944, in San Francisco, California, to his parents Arthur and Viola (Bentley) Bradbury, Danny lived a life defined by fierce loyalty, deep love for his family, and a relentless drive to live life on his own terms.

A gifted athlete in his youth, Danny pitched multiple no-hitters as a teenager and stood out as a natural competitor. That same spirit propelled him to become one of the top short track race car drivers in Northern California and Southern Oregon, where he earned a reputation for his skill, fearlessness, and command of the racetrack.

Danny spent his career working in construction, operating heavy equipment alongside his brothers and his son, Jimmy. Whether on a job site or at home, Danny was a strong leader—respected as a great boss who pushed those around him to be their best, not only in work but in life.

He was a devoted father who coached his sons in Little League and Babe Ruth baseball for over a decade. He never missed a game, regardless of how far it was, and he was always the loudest voice in the stands cheering them on. He was a fierce advocate for his family, and his loyalty and pride in their accomplishments were unwavering.

Danny’s joy only grew as his family did. He was exceedingly proud of his grandchildren, Jessica and Dalton, and followed their educational and professional successes with immense pride. The light of his later years was his great-granddaughter Sophie, whose name brought him unfiltered joy every time it was spoken.

For 61 years, Danny shared a remarkable marriage with his wife, Maureen, his best friend, and love of his life. Together, they spent their days going on drives, enjoying each other’s company, and especially loved grabbing lunch at Peppers. Their bond was unbreakable, and the life they built together was filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Danny was generous and kind to anyone willing to help themselves. He loved hunting with his children and grandchildren, and he lived life fully, with a larger-than-life personality that left a mark wherever he went. He commanded respect, gave his whole heart to those he loved, and left behind a legacy of toughness, generosity, and unshakable family devotion. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Viola Bradbury; his brothers John T. (Jerry) Bradbury and Burl Bradbury; his twin sisters Janice Bradbury and Annice (Annie) Williamson; and numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Maureen Bradbury; his sons Jimmy Bradbury (Shonnie) and Darin Bradbury (Marcy); his grandchildren Jessica Maciel (Jordan) and Dalton Bradbury; and his great-granddaughter Sophie Maciel. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward.

A graveside service will be held in Danny’s honor at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka on Monday, June 23, at 11 a.m. All who knew him and wish to pay their respects are welcome to attend.

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