California businesses are suing to halt a new state law that bars them from requiring employees to attend anti-union meetings at work.

The state’s Chamber of Commerce and California Restaurant Association filed the suit in federal court on New Year’s Eve, a day before the new law was to go into effect, seeking to block it from being enforced.

The law prohibits employers from disciplining workers who refuse to attend workplace meetings to hear about their bosses’ “opinion about religious or political matters” — including whether or not employees should unionize. Businesses could be fined $500 a day for violations.

Labor groups said these so-called captive audience meetings intimidate workers out of exercising their right to unionize; business groups argued it interferes with employers’ right to free speech, including discussing how political or policy developments affect their workplaces.

The law, authored by Hayward Democratic Sen. Aisha Wahab, was one of organized labor’s few victories in the 2024 legislative session. California joined about 10 other mostly Democratic states in enacting similar laws amid a surge of labor organizing in recent years. Expecting the Trump administration to be less favorable to them, unions have been counting on the state law to help preserve the more organizing-friendly environment of the past four years.

For example: the National Labor Relations Board, which has for decades generally allowed employers to hold so-called captive audience meetings, in November issued a ruling calling them illegal. But Amazon, the employer in that case, is contesting the ruling and labor experts expect the board to reverse its position under Trump. In that case, the California ban on the meetings would still apply.

But the suit challenging the law is no surprise. Businesses have already sued over similar laws in other states. Wisconsin in 2009 was one of the first states to ban such meetings; when employers filed suit the following year, arguing it conflicted with federal law, the state backed down and agreed not to enforce it. In Oregon, however, a court dismissed a similar challenge brought by the last Trump administration.

The California business groups, in their lawsuit, said the law violates the First Amendment and conflicts with the federal National Labor Relations Act. It prevents employers, they said, from “sharing true facts” with workers including the cost of union dues, “unions’ interference with employer-employee relationships, unions’ prioritization of the collective over the individual employees, and the financial impacts on employers.”

“Employers have the right to express their views and opinions on many issues,” said Jot Condie, president and CEO of the state Restaurant Association, in a statement.

Wahab could not immediately be reached for comment.

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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

It is with sadness and a heavy heart we announce, that after a short battle with congestive heart failure, the passing of our beloved mother Doris Elaine Benge on December 22, 2024 at St Joseph Hospital.

Mom was born on November 30, 1937 in Fernwood, Idaho to Kenny and Alma West. Mom grew up with her brother Richard and many cousins in Fernwood and attended St. Maries High School in St. Maries, Idaho. It was in Fernwood that mom met the love of her life, our father, John Benge. Mom always joked that dad was the first boy to come through town that wasn’t a relative, so she had to marry him. Mom and dad were married on August 2, 1952 and were married for 69 years. John and Doris had four children, Johnny K, Jerry, Jonda and Jason.

In 1954, logging brought mom and dad to Klamath, California. Dad worked in the woods while mom stayed home and took care of the kids. During the 1955 flood mom and dad met Dale and Jean Worker. The Workers became lifelong friends and were more like family. While in Klamath mom and dad made many lifelong friends.

In the late 1950s mom and dad moved to Humboldt County and eventually settled in their Sunny Brea home on Chester Avenue in Arcata next door to the Baileys, who were more like family then neighbors. Mom and dad lived in Arcata for the next 64 years.

In the early years mom was a home maker and volunteered with Girl Scouts and Job’s Daughters. In 1975 an opportunity arouses and mom took over the Coffee Shop at the Eureka Municipal Golf Course. After running the Coffee Shop for many years, mom started bar tending at the Eureka Elks Lodge and Art’s Tavern in Eureka.

After dad’s retirement, mom and dad started traveling the country including Alaska in their motorhome. Mom and dad were charter members of the Big Foot Good Sam’s Club and through the club mom helped raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind out of San Rafael Ca. After many miles in the motorhome, mom and dad started to spend winters in Yuma, Arizonaa with family and friends, and summers back home in Arcata. During this time mom and dad enjoyed many cruises to Alaska, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Mom had many talents. She could sew anything, cook anything and was a great painter, both pictures and wood crafts. She loved to make beaded jewelry. Mom would sell her crafts and jewelry at crafts shows here in Humboldt and in Yuma. Many people are wearing “Bling by Doris” jewelry.

Mom was a collector of cookbooks and a fan of any cooking show. Mom also loved to cook large meals. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Dinners will be missed.

Until just recently, Mom served on many different committees and on the Board for well over 50 years at the Northern Redwood Federal Credit Union. Mom loved serving and cared about all the staff both past and present at the credit union.

Mom is survived by her children Jerry (Lori), Jonda Fike and Jason(Yesenia). She also leaves behind her grandchildren Johnny Benge, Sara Fike, Dillon Fike, Krystal Mcmaster, Hailey Benge, Reylan Benge and six great-grandchildren. Her sister-in-law Dee West and former daughter in law Joann Snyder Lemos. Mom was preceded in death by her husband John Benge, son Johnny K, parents Kenny and Alma West, brother Richard West and son-in-law Arlis Fike.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph Hospital for their care for mom and family during this difficult time. And also, to Arlene “Cookie” Wilson for being a great friend to the family.

At mom’s request there will be no service. In her honor watch your favorite cooking show and cook a meal for your family and friends.

Matthew “Matt” Chipps was born in San Francisco, on September 2, 1950, and passed away in Eureka, on December 29, 2024.

After growing up in San Mateo, Matt served with the US Coast Guard abroad, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, and ended his service in Humboldt County. After his service, Matt began a career in the grocery business, first as a clerk, and worked until he became a manager. Matt then purchased Bonomini’s Market, followed by Cutten Family Market, Northcoast Catering and BBQ, and was involved in numerous businesses and rental properties in the greater Eureka area.

Matt was known as Uncle Matt to a collection of close friends and their families. He enjoyed working on his home in Eureka, his children’s homes, and attending family functions. Throughout the year, he could be found enjoying conversation and grilling on the deck, playing golf, taking the occasional hunting trip, and watching any sports, especially the 49ers and the Giants.

What most people didn’t get to experience, was the man his children called Dad. He was a kind man who raised his children to be honest, hardworking family people. He coached and sacrificed much of his time to ensure that those around him could enjoy a great life. Matt was a selfless man who valued his family and experiences over material things, and instilled this same trait in his family so that a legacy of love and friendship would be passed on.

Matt is preceded in death by his father, William “Clay” Chipps, mother, Phyllis Betty DeSchane, and his sisters, Marjorie “Jo” Parnello (Sacramento) and Diana Wertkin (Ben Lomond, Calif.).

Matt is survived by his sons Joshua Chipps and wife Jenn Kennedy (Campbell, Calif.), Bryan Chipps and wife Keri Chipps (McKinleyville), Clayton Chipps and partner Jamelle Dube (Eureka), and two grandchildren Brylynn Chipps and Kolby Chipps (McKinleyville).

The Chipps family would like to thank his care teams, too numerous to list who have been instrumental in his comfort and happiness in the last few years, and all of his friends near and far who’ve kept him and the family company.

Matt requested that there be no services. The family asks that anyone who knew Matt who may want to send a gift or flowers, instead recognize the support provided by Hospice of Humboldt and Palliative care teams by making a donation to Hospice of Humboldt in his memory at https://www.hospiceofhumboldt.org/

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

I’m talking about the environmental impact and usefulness of paper towels. And their alternatives.

Now don’t get me wrong — I believe there is a time and place for paper towels. When one of my cats ejects blades of grass and wet food onto my floor, I reach for a paper towel with zero remorse. That’s a truly appropriate time for single use, right? But many of us lean heavily onto paper towels for convenience. I grew up on paper towels and didn’t realize there was another way until I was an adult. But why does it matter? I’d be happy to tell you.

It takes about 17 trees to create one ton (about two thousand rolls) of paper towels. Then we must consider the water that went into nurturing those trees before they were harvested (around twenty-thousand gallons for the above amount). By the time they hit the store shelves, they’ve already had an impact on the environment.

But beyond that, it’s estimated that they create between 7 to 13 billion pounds of waste each year in the US alone, depending on the source. Much of that ends up in landfills, taking up valuable space in our dystopian mountains of garbage.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the harm associated with wiping things clean.

1. Use rags and dish towels instead: If you already have them in your possession, these are the better option for wiping things down. The great thing about them is you can use them over and over. Divide them into those that are more presentable, and those that are stained beyond belief. I use the “nice” ones to hang for drying my hands. The others are stashed in a cabinet, handy for wiping down counters, sopping up spilled drinks, and dusting. When they’re appropriately filthy, toss them in your hamper and throw them in with the laundry.
2. Make your own rags: No need to buy anything new. If you don’t have enough to satisfy your needs, you can cut up old shirts, bedsheets, or towels. Those who are handy might opt to sew the edges to keep them from fraying. Fold them up into little squares and you’re good to go.
3. Compost paper towels when possible: Many folks believe paper towels are recyclable. They are unfortunately wrong. On the bright side, you can compost them in many cases. If you’re wiping down most food products or using environmentally friendly cleaning sprays, then you’re fine to chuck them in the green bin. But if they come into contact with meat, oil, grease, butter, chemicals, or waste from living creatures, harmful pathogens or bacteria could get into the compost. These are best exiled to the landfill.
4. Invest in recycled paper towels: There are tons of brands that sell 100% recycled paper towels these days. And if you’re using them less often, it can offset the fact that they’re a little pricier.

Life is messy! But cleaning it up doesn’t have to create unnecessary messes in our environment. Fewer paper towels mean less waste and more trees, and I think that’s something most of us can agree is better for everyone.

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Press release from Humboldt Special Olympics:

Humboldt County Special Olympics is devastated to announce that our equipment storage unit was broken into on New Year’s Day around 1:00 am. Essential sports equipment, uniforms, and vital supplies for supporting our athletes and program activities were stolen.

This theft strikes at the heart of one of our most vulnerable communities. Special Olympics provides a safe, empowering environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, allowing them to thrive through sports, camaraderie, and inclusion. Stolen items are essential to maintaining the programs that inspire and uplift our athletes.

This incident represents a significant loss for our program. Items stolen include first-aid kits, uniforms, pop-up tent canopies, travel bags, softball helmets, swimming gear, and our beloved Special Olympics torch. Unfortunately, replacing the stolen items is a significant financial burden, and we currently lack the funds.

We are urgently appealing to the community for assistance—whether through donations, sponsorships, or spreading the word about this incident. No matter the size, every contribution will help restore the resources needed to continue supporting our athletes and their families. For donations, we have set up a GoFundMe account. You can contact us directly.

We are also asking for the community’s help in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice. If anyone has any information about the burglary or the stolen items, please get in touch with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (707) 445-7251 (Case#: 2025-00028).

Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Together, we can rebuild and deliver critical health, wellness, and sports programs that change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities within our community.

Rain fell, wind blew, and muddy rivulets flowed down Eureka’s streets on the night of December 22, 1893. Nevertheless, drenched horses and buggies kept pulling up in front of the brightly lit Russ Hall, which by nine o’clock was filled with “clowns cutting all kinds of capers, flower girls, dancing girls, and ladies from oriental regions frolicking gaily with old tars and dudes galore.” Welcome to an early-day masquerade ball!

At eleven o’clock on this night the masks were removed and the capering “Clowns” revealed to be Messrs. Ricks and Falk; the elegant “Birds of the Forest” to be Ivy Cutten; and the mysterious “Stranger” to be P. Stiger. According to the next day’s Eureka Nerve: “The floor was now at the disposal of all who cared to trip the light fantastic, and when the music of the Ideal Orchestra again pealed forth ‘with its voluptuous swell’ there was no end to the merriment until the wee sma’ hours.”

The Victorian-era ballroom exerts a certain fascination,perhaps because events there are always prefaced with the word “grand.” In a dreamy moment, we may even imaginatively transport ourselves to one of these grand balls, where of course we have striking figures, dashing attire, and expert knowledge of all the dances. In fact, this last attribute may well have been true. Male or female, had we grown up in Humboldt in the early 1900s, we probably would have learned to dance as children at Miss Fish’s dance academy in Eureka, or at Professor Gustin’s dancing school — though as ten-year-olds we may not have viewed the opportunity in a romantic light. Dancing classes, held on Saturday afternoons, required ones best clothes and deportment.

Ruth Brown (Chapman) of Arcata was a young student of Miss Fish in 1918. Every Saturday she made the trip around the bay to Eureka with her friend Mary Brizard (Duke) in grandmother Brizard’s four-cylinder, seven-passenger Cadillac, chauffeured by long time Arcata resident Frank Anderson. Miss Fish and her assistant, Dorothy Heasman, taught the children the fox trot, waltz, two- and three-step, Virginia reel, Highland fling and more. After class, the Cadillac made what the girls considered its most important stop — at the Hinch, Salmon, and Walsh grocery store where, in Ruth’s words, “We bought the biggest, most delicious homemade cream puffs we had ever eaten.”

Dancing was central to social life in these early days, and if a fellow didn’t have the opportunity to take lessons as a youngster he might seek them out on his own as a teenager, as did Rudolph Hipp of Eureka in the early 1900s. At age fourteen, Hipp signed up for dancing lessons with Professor Gustin, who had a dancing school in Russ Hall at Third and G Streets in Eureka. Gustin is listed as a dancing teacher in the county directories as early as 1902 and as late as 1917. With his tall, graceful bearing, his swallowtail coat, and his impeccable manners. Professor Gustin recalls Charles Dickens’s iconic Victorian dancing master, the nimble Mr. Turveydrop, always seen “in the full luster of his deportment.”

When the music started. Professor Gustin showed the boys how to cross the room graciously and ask the girls on the other side, “May I have the pleasure of this dance?”’ He taught the waltz, two- and three-step, quadrille, and lancers.

Once equipped with the necessary steps and deportment, Rudolph Hipp joined his fellow Humboldters in attending dances all over the county. Even on ragged winter-time roads, folks eagerly traveled from outlying towns to Eureka’s well-appointed halls, like Loheide’s on 5th Street, where the Winter Night Social Club balls were held. Conversely, Eurekans headed out of town to the open-air dances at Scotia, Blue Lake and Rohnerville. In the summertime, everyone jumped on a Coggeshall and Cousins lumber scow, offered for the day to dancers and picnickers, for a ride to the big dance pavilion at New Era Park in Fairhaven.

Most intoxicating to read about for the would-be time traveler are Humboldt’s masquerade balls of the 1880s, 1890s, and early 1900s, especially popular during the winter holidays. These balls began at 8 or 9 p.m. with the grand march. Maskers promenaded through the hall showing off their wondrous costumes, while a hundred or more spectators — those of less fortunate stations and means — looked on from the gallery and sidelines and endeavored to guess the true identities of the maskers. But costumes were more than just ornate garments: They indicated specific characters from “Queen Elizabeth” to “Hayseed,” which the maskers would “put on,” endeavoring to sustain their characters as long as possible through the night.

Where did these extravagant costumes come from? When a masquerade ball was announced, local merchants, such as McLaren’s music store in Eureka, would order costumes from San Francisco, and they would arrive on steamships at Eureka’s docks. At a mask ball at Buhne’s Hall in the early 1880s, Mrs. McLaren, who may have enjoyed first choice of costumes when they were unpacked in the McLarens’ shop, arrived as “Gypsy” in a “Turkey red dress with black sash and cap.”

Costumes, of course, can provide an exhilarating sense of freedom, and this must have been especially true for women in the strait-laced 19th century. The masquerade ball was a chance for a respectable woman to let down her hair, as Mrs. G. F. Roberts did at Buhne’s Hall when she dressed as “Folly” in a “short pink dress trimmed in black silk points and bells, bullion fringe and black lace, a Foily cap of black and pink silk, and hair flowing.” One feels certain that Mrs. G. A. Knight enjoyed herself that same evening as “Jockey Girl,” in a “short white skirt, blue silk basque trimmed with blue fringe, puffed bosom, high boots, horse shoes, and a whip.” And Miss Garrie Pratt gave herself ample opportunity to cavort when she assumed the role of “Dolly Varden,” the flirtatious and flashy Dickens character from Barnaby Rudge. Her lively costume featured a “short red skirt trimmed with black velvet, blue stockings, and big boots.”

What costumes and characters did the men inhabit on this occasion? Theodore Minor of Arcata was “Romeo” in a “black velvet frock trimmed with silver, white tights, and black cap with an ostrich plume.” W. J. McNamara was “Shylock” in a “purple turban trimmed with white, purple coat, red balloon pants, and a fierce mask.” Herbert Butterfield was “Spanish Lord” and Henry Buhne was “Red Devil,” while Harrison Jones and Fred Inman were “clowns,” M. S. Taylor was “Dunce” and F. H. Gibson was “Harlequin.”

Men also relished the chance to cut loose, dressing as clowns, monkeys, devils and drunkards. The many fine points of ballroom etiquette, listed below, must have been difficult to adhere to while enacting some of these comical characters.

A high point of every masquerade ball came at 11:00 p.m., when masks were removed, identities revealed, and prizes awarded. At the April 18, 1892 Grand Masquerade Ball at Armory Hall in Eureka, with music by tbe 10th Battalion Band, the prize for best dressed lady and gentleman went to Mrs. Heber as “Moorish Princess” and Charles Jackson as “King Philip,” while the most original character award went to Joseph Meyers as “a candidate for the home of the inebriate.”’ At the Thanksgiving Masque Ball in 1893, also at the Armory and attended by four hundred people, Asa Stemmons as “Old Soak” won a pair of gold cuff buttons for the best sustained character, and Mrs. M. Minard won a silver plush jewel casket for her costume, which, reports the Nerve, “would consume more space than is available to describe.”

After prizes came a midnight supper. For dances at the Armory, hot chicken and turkey suppers were served across the street at the Grand Hotel at tables serving two hundred guests at a time. After supper, dancing resumed until 4:00 a.m. Admission prices to an 1892 ball at the Armory were as follows: “Gents, $1; ladies in costume and mask, free; spectators, gents 50 cents, ladies & children, 25 cents.” Supper was fifty cents per plate.

Inevitably, rowdies were attracted to dances no matter where they occurred in Humboldt County. The Union’s report on the Christmas Eve Ball at the Trinidad Town Hall in 1900 expresses amazement that “everything passed off pleasantly, the absence of everything approaching hoodlumism being remarkable.” The announcement in the Humboldt Standard for the 1992 Easter night masquerade ball at Armory Hall proclaims: “A policeman will be in attendance to keep out disreputable characters, as this must and shall be a select and grand masquerade ball.”

For security purposes, special invitation cards were required for admittance to the ballroom. These passports to grandeur could be acquired by “all respectable ladies and gentlemen” at the shops, like McLaren’s or Dayton’s music stores, where one rented one’s costume. But invitation cards could fall into the wrong hands; interlopers, hidden behind masks, could walk in undetected. Therefore, at some masquerade balls, guests could not gain entrance to the ballroom until they first passed through a private entry room, where a floor manager discreetly checked their true identities.

Humboldt County dances continued to be central to community life right up through the 1950s. But the golden age oí masquerade balls with their grand marches, midnight suppers, and dancing until 4:00 a.m. seems to have come to an end as the twentieth century got underway. As the population grew beyond the scope of everyone knowing everyone else, and community life became more complex, a need for boundaries and regulation was voiced. In 1915, a dance hall ordinance was adopted in Eureka which prohibited the attendance at dances of unchaperoned girls under age sixteen, and forbade public dances to run after midnight without a special permit from the mayor.

But once upon a time on the Humboldt frontier, masquerade balls held sway. These extravagant affairs attracted just about everybody, from the social elites to the simple ordinary folk. Each ball, after all, brought a fresh chance to adopt a new persona. One must decide what one will become — queen or gypsy, king or clown, knight or inebriate?

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SIDEBAR: The Etiquette of the Ball

Most early-day households had an etiquette book at the ready. These rules of ballroom etiquette are from Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms by Thomas E. Hill, published in 1881. The book, now on file at HCHS, is from the home of a 19th century Humboldt County family.

No gentleman should play the clown in the ballroom. Dancing a break down, making unusual noise, swaggering, swinging the arms about, etc., are simply the characteristics of the buffoon. A gentleman who goes to a ball should dance frequently; if he does not, he will not receive many invitations afterwards; he is not invited to ornament the wall and “wait for supper.”

Ladies will consult their own pleasure about recognizing a ballroom acquaintance at a future meeting.

No gentleman should enter a ladies’ dressing room at a ball. It is not necessary to bow more than once, though you may frequently meet acquaintances upon the promenade; to bow every time would be tiresome.

No gentleman should use his bare hand to press the waist of a lady in the waltz. If without gloves, carry a handkerchief in the hand.

No gentleman whose clothing or breath is tainted with the fumes of strong drink or tobacco, should ever enter the presence of ladies in the ballroom.

When the company has been divided into two different sets, do not attempt to change from one set to the other, except by permission of the master of ceremonies.

Ladies should not be allowed to sit the evening through without the privilege of dancing. Gentlemen should be sufficiently watchful to see that all ladies present are provided with partners.

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The story above is excerpted from the Winter 2008 issue of the Humboldt Historian, a journal of the Humboldt County Historical Society. It is reprinted here with permission. The Humboldt County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to archiving, preserving and sharing Humboldt County’s rich history. You can become a member and receive a year’s worth of new issues of The Humboldt Historian at this link.

Margie passed away peacefully at her home on October 11, 2024. She was born February 27, 1935 in Renton, Washington. She attended Renton Grammar school and Eatonville high School until 1952, when the family moved to Blue Lake to work in the booming logging industry. Margie finished high school at Arcata High School and soon married Albert Francis Jensen (Fran) and raised four children: Monica, Jerry, Karl and Dana.

She was a homemaker until 1972, when she went to work for Miller Farms in the potato fields. From there she went to the florist shop, making and delivering bouquets and floral arrangements until the department closed. Margie continued her work with Miller Farms in the nursery, where she served for over 30 more years, and where she made a name for herself as “Margie,” the Miller Farm’s Nursery expert. After divorcing Fran in 1974, She was single until her sister Maxine Harnden and brother-in-law Pete Harnden set up on a double date with their widowed friend, Ken Craig. Margie and Ken were married in 1982 and she moved from Blue Lake to Arcata, where she lived with Ken until his passing in 1997.

Margie was active in the Blue Lake community, where she belonged to the Wha-Nika Club, Chamber of Commerce, and supported the skating program located at Prash Hall, which was named after her father. Margie was a civic-minded person who gave to her community, sewing Christmas stockings for students since 1998. She had a fond love of dogs and supported the Arcata Police Department’s K-9 unit since its beginning.

During her leisure time, she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and needlework. Her green thumb transferred from her experience in the nursery at Miller Farms to her home where she always had a flourishing garden. Margie enjoyed spending warm summer weekends with family at her son Karl and her daughter-in-law Tedi’s property in Redwood creek where she would lounge in her swinging chair overlooking the meadow and enjoy Janet Evanovich novels and naps.

Margie is preceded in death by her son Jerry Jensen (lost at sea in 1972), father Victor A. Prash (lost at sea in 1972), nephew Kim Harnden (lost at sea in 1972), mother Emma Prasch, husband Kenneth Craig, sister Doris Keblebek and brother-in-law Robert Keblebek, and brother-in-law Pete Harnden. She is survived by her children Monica Roorda and husband Bill of Gilroy, son Karl Jensen and wife Tedi of Blue Lake, son Dana Jensen of Blue Lake, Daughter-in-law Sheri Jensen of Eureka, grandchildren Jonathan, Breanna and Darby Roorda, Nicole and Kyle Jensen, Jenna Sutton and Joshua Jensen, great grandchildren Ryder, Kolton and Kenna Jensen, Abbie, Hunter, and Bryson Sutton. She is also survived by her sister Maxine Harnden, niece Vicki Hutton, nephew Randy Harnden, nephew Robert Michael Keblbek and family.

As per her request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers or cards please make a donation to:

Arcata Police Department K-9 Unit
736 F Street
Arcata, CA 95521