Press release from Rep. Jared Huffman’s office:

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jared Huffman (CA-02) was announced as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee for the 119th Congress.

“It is the honor of my lifetime to win this election and be named Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee. My entire career has been centered around natural resources – from my time as an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council to the past twelve years serving on this committee,” said Rep. Huffman. “I am incredibly grateful to the many partners who have supported me in my journey – tribes from around the country, environmental allies, and the overwhelming majority of my colleagues I’ve served with here in the House. I will work day-in and day-out to honor the trust they have put in me to lead this committee. We have weathered many storms together and I believe we are better prepared than ever to tackle what lies ahead next Congress. This is a team sport, and I am excited and ready to lead this team.”

Rep. Huffman is a proven and qualified leader, earning commitments from over 170 of his colleagues in this election. Huffman has served on HNRC for the past 12 years and served as a Subcommittee Chair/Ranking Member for the past 10 years. Huffman also represents a district that gives him a unique perspective and comprehensive insight on the issues reflected in Natural Resources. His district:

• Has more indigenous tribes than any district outside of Alaska;
• Includes a vast array of public lands and waters;
  Experiences some of the worst impacts of the climate crisis;
• Is at the forefront of innovative climate solutions.

Prior to Congress, he worked as a California legislator chairing environmental committees, an environmental attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Board President for a major municipal water district.

This announcement comes after his challenger dropped out following a 44-17 vote in the Steering and Policy Committee last night. The outpouring of support Huffman received during this race has included:

• Current and former members of the House Natural Resources Committee  highlighting the importance of continuity, experience, and bold leadership for the Committee’s critical work ahead.
• 24 members of Congress who have been on the frontlines of Democrats’ toughest battles.
• Three former Chairs and Ranking Members of the Committee  underscoring the deep institutional knowledge and expertise they’ve entrusted Huffman to uphold.
• 32 tribes and tribal representatives joined a letter supporting Huffman’s candidacy, and several others, including the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Greenville Rancheria Tribal Council, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Mooretown Rancheria sent individual statements of support, emphasizing the critical importance of centering tribal sovereignty and the protection of cultural and sacred resources in his work.
• Endorsement letters from the Center for Biological Diversity, the Grassland Water District, Ecological Restoration Business Association, Save the Redwoods League, and CalTrout citing his leadership throughout his career fighting to uphold the nation’s bedrock environmental laws that protect public lands, air and water, and this nation’s endangered species.

John Alan Montgomery MD
January 24, 1944-November 16, 2024

Family and friends lost a multi-faceted, dedicated surgeon whose kind heart failed him after 80 years of a fun-filled life.

John was born in Los Angeles in 1944 to loving parents Ilah and Milford Montgomery. He grew up with his older sister Cheryl and younger sister Rita in Inglewood, California. He and Jean, his wife of 54 years, raised two children, Maggie and Max, in Fortuna. He was known by his family as smart, caring, supportive, competent, creative, logical, frugal, funny, optimistic and humble.

John graduated from UCLA in 1965 and spent the summer crewing and racing on his uncle’s 73-foot staysail schooner, before entering USC Medical School. During that summer he met his future wife, Jean, whom he married in 1970. He completed his General Surgery Residency at LAC-USC Medical School in 1974 and served in the Air Force from 1974 to 1976 as a major at the NATO base in Adana, Turkey.

In 1976, John began his general surgery career at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna. He was on the staff for almost 48 years and served in a variety of capacities: chief of staff, medical quality review committee, founder of the tumor board, founder of RMH Foundation, Benefit Ball committee. From 1998 to 2001 he joined the Humboldt County Cardiac Surgery Team. From 2008 to 2012 he was an independent contractor for EK Health-Utilization Review. He served on many boards: RMH Board of Trustees, The Ink People Advisory Board, Rohnerville School Board, Eel Valley Foundation Board, Redwood Art Association Board of Trustees. He made many dear friends during his time at RMH, but his work at RMH was just one facet of his extraordinary life.

From an early age, John demonstrated a keen sense of curiosity, tenacity and independence. His educator mother taught her children daily art and music lessons after regular school and enrolled John in tap dance classes from ages four to fourteen. Ilah later claimed that John was good on the varsity tennis team because of his dance training. To the amazement of his parents he learned sign language from their family’s deaf housekeeper. But John claimed he needed to learn it so he could get things to eat while his parents were out.

In junior high, John enrolled in a special project class that met one period a day for a year. His chosen project was origami. He researched local libraries and corresponded with resources in Japan. He learned to fold many intricate objects. He said the project was one of the most fascinating opportunities he had had. The love of origami challenged his structural visual acuity, his curiosity and his sense of wonder.

In high school John continued to pursue his many interests. His love of nature and endless energy provided many adventures. He combed the hills with the Grace Wylie Reptile Society snaring rattlesnakes, to clear the land which is now Palos Verdes. He frequented the tide pools along the southern California coast. He and a friend caught and donated the largest octopus known to Marineland. He collected tropical fish, reptiles, stamps, coins, comic books, puzzles, magic tricks, back bar bottles, recipes and cookbooks, whatever intrigued him. He rode buses all over Los Angeles in pursuit of treasures in pawn shops, junk stores and later in antique shops to add to his collections.

In his junior year at Inglewood High School, John was accepted to participate in Saturday entomology classes at the L.A. Natural History Museum. Thus began his enduring love of entomology. He was constantly on the hunt for insects: collecting, pinning, labeling and displaying his collections. He worked part time as a cook at Rib Junction BBQ, which launched his love of food and cooking. He found a guitar in a neighbor’s trash can and taught himself to play it, and later he learned to play the five-string banjo and played with many music-loving friends. He attempted to learn to play the fiddle, but declared it the most frustrating instrument.

John’s interests were numerous, and his elaborate, practical jokes were legendary and often got him into trouble. He was known as the “whisk” in the OR because he could stir things up.

During and before John’s demanding work years he found the most joy in his children. He thrived on the rewards and challenges of fatherhood. His other passions included: camping, traveling, concocting liqueurs, art, drawing, music, cooking, gambling, daydreaming, problem solving, jewelry making and collecting.

John is survived by his loving wife Jean; his daughter Maggie Montgomery; and his son Max Montgomery; his sister Rita Montgomery; his sister-in-law Mary Nishita; his brothers-in-law Ken Nishita and Bill Nishita (Kim); his nieces and nephews; and his collection of special friends who enriched his life with beauty, art, music, travel, writing, hunting, camping, ceramics, sculpture, cooking, partying, shenanigans and overall excellence.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ilah and Milford Montgomery; his in-laws Miye and Hideo Nishita; his sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Jerry Stone; and his beloved son-in-law Dan Hood.

At John’s request there will be no services.

John admired and respected, “those who are dedicated to the advancement of human knowledge through personal accomplishment, advanced enquiry and creative contributions.” (International Society for Philosophical Enquiry)

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

Edward Tucker Lee Spott, at the age 26, passed away on December 7, 2024.

Edward aka “Tucker” or “Tuckerman,” is a Yurok tribal member. He is also a Hoopa, Wiyot, Tolowa and Chimaroko descendant.

Tucker is survived by his mom, Bonnie Sherman; sisters Brittany Spott, Destiny Lewis Brother: Seeley Spott 3rd; nephew Tyler Taylor; great-uncles John Forster Jr., Arthur (Mark) Denman, Darrell (Joe) Sherman Sr., Robert Wilson, Carl Wilson; uncles Anthony Peters Sr., Dennis Sherman Jr., Patrick (Sonny) Kennedy Jr., Brandon Biondini; great-aunts Linda Forster, Diane (Susie) Wilson, Karen (Dobie) Wilson Aunts: Mary Spott, Brenda Sherman, Laura (Annie) Biondini, Rose Kennedy; first cousins Teresa McGinnis, Ralph (Toonz) Thurman Jr., Sabrina Thurman, Aubrey Sherman, May Peters, Dawnetta Carpenter, Kathy Spott, Alisha Jake Spott, Dwayne Kennedy, Victor (Moe) Kennedy, Ta-Teh Kennedy, Cienna Kennedy, Charlynn Kennedy; and his special friend Shyleen Ross.

Tucker is proceeded in death by his father, Seeley Spott Jr.; grandfathers Dennis Sherman Sr., Seeley Spott Sr.; grandmothers Charlene (Fiester) Markussen, Kathleen (Peters) Sherman; great-uncles Duane (Pete) Sherman, Robert Sherman, Cecil (Sharkey) Sherman Jr., Douglas James, Robert Fiester Sr., Richard Fiester, Gary Fiester, Sam Peters, Anthony (Tony) Peters, Bill Wilson; great-aunts Shirley Sherman, Donna Sherman, Diane Sherman, Ina Wilson, Carol Wilson; cousins Dennis (DenDen) Sherman 3rd, Debra (Sherman) Albers, Shannon Gorman, Stacey Gorman, Alex Lopez, Lonnie Wilson Sr., Isaac (Swifty) Wilson Sr., Michael Wilson, Crystal Wilson, Marie Marshall, Anthony Peters Jr., Hugh Grant 3rd and Pookayamch Spino.

Tucker was born on November 7, 1998 in Eureka. He has also resided in Hoopa, Long Beach and Riverside, Calif. A high school graduate, he attended Hoopa Elementary School and Sherman Indian High School.

Tucker has worked many jobs — porter, cashier, barista, maintenance and counselor — working for NCIDC, Bear River Casino, UIHS, as well the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians.

A sports fanatic, Tucker knew players stats and enjoyed watching first-round draft picks. Tuckerman is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and an LA Lakers fan. Tuckerman loved pumpkin pie w/whip cream — he often chose this, instead of cake, for his birthdays.

Edward’s WAKE will be December 17, 2024 from 5 p.m.- 7 a.m., held at his home: 3390 E Street, Eureka. SERVICES: Hoopa First Baptist Church, located 0 Loop Road, Hwy 96, Hoopa, Ca. BURIAL: Laura Young Cementary located Lower Kepel Weitchpec, Ca. Followed by a potluck. Celebration of Edwards Life located @ Hoopa Fire Department Hall Hwy 96 Hoopa.

Pallbearers: Ralph (Toonz) Thurman Jr., Chayce McGinnis, Orion ONeill, John McGinnis, Ethan Bush, Victor Jones, Kenek Thurman, Keget Thurman, Chip McCovey, Paul Valles, Melvin Farmer Sr., Melvin (Monster) Farmer Jr., Dakota Farmer, Levi Farmer, Rodney Dan, Jeremy Walter, Rueben Williams, Jerome Williams, KaMuh Williams, Eric Amos, Lonnie Wilson 2nd, Isaac Wilson 2nd, Rafey James.

Honorary Pallbearers: Seeley Spott 3rd, Shawn Taylor, Tyler Taylor, Dennis Sherman Jr., Patrick (Sonny) Kennedy Jr. Arthur (Mark) Denman, John Fiester Jr., Darrell (Joe) Sherman Sr., Robert Wilson, Carl Wilson, Anthony Peters Sr., Toni Rae Peters, Chris Peters, Brandon Biondini, Edward (Gusto) Bowie, Dennis Moffett.

Bonnie Sherman, Edward’s mother, would like to send a special “Thank you” to: Dennis Moffett, Robbie Lara, Kelly King, Tammy Valles, Teresa McGinnis, Edward (Gusto) Bowie, Yurok Tribe, NCIDC, UIHS, her NA Family, Debra (Sherman) Albers for being there for her when Tuckerman was born, and everyone who donated to the GO FUND ME app.

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

Dao Vang
September 3, 1991- December 4, 2024

Dao Vang, born on September 3, 1991, to Kia Vang and Ia Yang, passed away unexpectedly on December 4, 2024, at the age of 33, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Born and raised in Eureka, Dao attended Eureka High School, where he found joy in playing football and building lifelong friendships. He continued his education at the College of the Redwoods, earning his associate’s degree and making his family proud. Dao married his high school sweetheart, Xee Lee, in 2011. Together, they shared 16 beautiful years of love and partnership, raising three wonderful children: Vivian, Vincent and Winston. Dao cherished his role as a father and embraced every opportunity to guide his children through life’s lessons. With great anticipation, Dao and Xee were expecting their fourth child in January 2025 but his life was tragically cut short far too soon.

Dao’s life was defined by kindness, laughter and a deep love for those around him. He brought light and warmth to every moment and left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Dao was known for his uplifting and positive spirit, bringing joy and inspiration to everyone around him. He found his greatest happiness in spending time with his wife and children, whether through laughter-filled family gatherings, playful jokes, or heartfelt moments of connection. His love extended beyond his immediate family, as he made friends across all generations, from children to elders.

A man of boundless generosity, Dao was always the first to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. In his free time, he could often be found outdoors, fishing with his children, hunting alongside his brothers and brothers-in-law, or heading out to sea to go crabbing with friends and family. His presence wil be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the memories and hearts of those he touched

Dao is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Xee Lee; and his children, Vivian Vang, Vincent Vang and Winston Vang. He is also survived by his parents, Kia Vang and Ia Yang, as well as his five siblings: Tong Vang, Nhia Vang, Nancy Vang, Sandy Vang and Xia Vang. Dao’s legacy of love and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.

A Hmong traditional funeral ceremony will be held at Redwood Acres Fairground Franceschi Hall in Eureka on December 21st- 23rd, 2024. Dao’s burial ceremony will precede afterward on December 23, 2024, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Grants Pass, Oregon.

Dao’s warmth, love and unwavering dedication to those he cared for will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly accepts donations to Dao’s Vang Family Go FundMe account at this link .

A very special thank you to the dedicated staff, nurses and medical doctors of St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, who so lovingly cared for Dao during his last few days. Thank you for your understanding and accommodating family members who traveled near and far to be by his side, offering prayers and support. Your acceptance of these visits and consideration of the Hmong culture’s end-of-life rituals have shown us so much empathy and respect. Your acceptance of these traditions and compassion did not go unnoticed and will remain in our hearts forever.

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

Karen Lynn Hunter (Hughes)
July 18, 1954 – December 12, 2024

Our beloved wife, daughter, mother and grandmother, Karen Lynn Hunter (Hughes), of Eureka, lost her six-year battle with cancer on Thursday, December 12. Her husband, Dennis, was by her side.

Karen was born on July 18, 1954, in Scotia, to Barney and Janice Hughes. She grew up in Humboldt County and graduated from Fortuna High School in 1972.

Karen worked in administration and accounting for the Times-Standard and Redwood Equipment Company before starting her career at Cox Communications Humboldt (Suddenlink) for over 20 years. She also served on the Board of the Humboldt County Office of Education for six years.

Karen had a strong belief in giving back to her community. She spent 18 years by her husband’s side during Easter Seals Telethons and had a five-year involvement in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. She and her husband joined the Eureka Elks Lodge in 2013, where she was an active volunteer for several years. She was awarded the Eureka Elks Lodge’s Mother of the Year in 2023 and served on the Lodge’s Board of Trustees.

She loved creating greeting cards, reading and listening to her favorite music. She was a true Jimmy Buffett “Parrott Head.” Karen also love traveling. She and her husband had the opportunity to cruise throughout Europe, Mexico and cruised twice to Alaska. Her favorite place on the planet was on Trinity Lake, where she spent her summers aboard the family’s houseboat, “Summer Breeze.”

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Dennis. She is also survived by her mother, Janice Hughes, her brother, Kenneth Hughes, and our blended family: her children Yvonne (Chris) Evenson and Alex (Meadow Bell) Johnson and stepdaughters Pamela (Chris) Payne and Michelle (Raul) Ruelas; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and her four-legged canine children, Buster and Posey.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt and Dr. Thomas Rydz for their excellent care.

A celebration of life will be held at the Eureka Elks Lodge at a later date.

It is with deep sadness and love that the DeMello family announces the passing of Joseph DeMello, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Joseph passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. His presence was a quiet strength for all who knew him, and he will be profoundly missed.

Born in Arcata on April 24, 1932, to Frank and Maria DeMello, Joseph was raised on the family ranch on West End Road. He was the youngest of six siblings, with three brothers and two sisters, all of whom were part of a hardworking ranching family in the Arcata bottoms.

Joe was not only a dedicated worker in the lumber industry, where he spent many years before retiring, but also a great community member with many dear friends. His warm, genuine nature and the best laugh anyone could remember made a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 74 years, June; his son, Dennis, and his wife Lynn; his grandchildren, Troy DeMello, Maren Goodman, Melissa Kaiser, and Jaret DeMello; and their families which include their spouses and 9 great grandchildren; his brother in law Mike Stover, his nieces Rhonda Hampton, Debbie Stover, Dana Francis, and nephews Ryan and Matt Stover.

He will be missed by many, and his legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength will continue to live on in all who were fortunate to know him. A Mass in his honor will be held at St. Mary Church, 1690 Janes Road, Arcata, on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Elk Lodge, 445 Herrick Avenue, Eureka at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome to join in any or all parts of the celebrations as we honor and remember Joe.

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

Nearly 7 million adults in California lack a college degree — and they typically make less money as a result. Today, standing in a welding classroom at Shasta College, a community college in Redding, Gov. Gavin Newsom presented an outline of the state’s Master Plan for Career Education. He said the plan will overhaul the state’s convoluted job training programs and help get adults “the benefit of a life well-lived without some fancy degree.”

One focus of the new plan is on translating students’ work experience into college credits. It’s already a priority for California’s 116 community colleges, which have a goal to provide at least 250,000 students with college credits for certain kinds of work experience.

In a press release, Newsom said the state would put more money into this goal and that he would roll out a new kind of transcript, known as a “Career Passport,” to help workers showcase both their academic and professional know-how. The new “Career Passports” would also help increase the number of apprentices — a key goal of his administration — according to the press release.

The jobs plan also continues a years-long effort to make state employment more accessible to adults without college degrees. Research shows these adults often have the right skills, even if they lack the right diploma. In an executive order last August, Newsom asked the California Department of Human Resources to move faster — catching up with efforts that other states have already made.

“California’s been a leader in that space and we’re going to continue to lead in that space,” he said in Redding today, after noting the state has already removed education requirements from about 30,000 jobs. He said he plans to remove requirements from more than 30,000 new jobs in the next year.

Still, it’s just a fraction of the state’s total workforce. This year, the Legislature failed to pass a bill by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, a San Ramon Democrat, that would have gone much further, making college degree requirements an exception rather than the norm. Camille Travis, a spokesperson for the state’s human resources department, said the bill would have forced the state to re-evaluate the qualifications of roughly 200,000 state jobs.

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