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There’s no question that the proponents of Proposition 50 have a partisan goal.

By seeking to adopt a map to put more Democrats in power in areas currently represented by Republicans, they are asking voters to temporarily bypass the state’s independent, nonpartisan redistricting commission, which for the past two decades has prioritized maps that keep similar communities together and provide more electoral opportunities for communities of color.

Does that mean that the proposed new congressional districts would be less representative of voters, beyond party preferences? We looked into some common questions.

Who drew the Prop. 50 map?

Paul Mitchell, a veteran Democratic redistricting expert in Sacramento, and a group of similar consultants drew the map. Mitchell explained in an interview that he took input from California’s Democratic congressional delegation before sending a proposed map to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

The committee then sent the proposal to the state Legislature, which adopted the map as part of its vote to put Prop. 50 on the November ballot. The proposition would allow the state to temporarily use those proposed district lines.

Isn’t California already gerrymandered?

Not quite.

Many Republicans, including Vice President J.D. Vance, already complain that under California’s current map, Democrats control over 80% of congressional seats even though the party got just under 60% of statewide votes in the 2024 presidential election.

But that doesn’t mean the maps are intentionally drawn to give Democrats an unfair advantage.

Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly two-to-one. The citizen commission that drew the maps, composed of equal numbers of Democrats and Republicans as well as four independents, were specifically forbidden from considering party registration in deciding how to draw the lines. They did have to consider geography, and Democrats and Republicans don’t live in an even distribution across the state. Plus, several of the current blue districts are highly competitive, with the incumbent Democrats winning them last year with razor-thin margins.

Two academic institutions that rate states’ redistricting plans say California’s current map is mostly fair. PlanScore found the map is tilted toward Democrats by two measures and balanced by two other measures. Princeton University’s Gerrymandering Project gave California’s map a “B” score on partisan fairness, docking it only for giving incumbent politicians an advantage. (The proposed new map got an “F” from the organization.)

Would the new map further divide communities?

Both proponents and opponents of Prop. 50 claim their favored map – the existing one or the proposed new one – keeps cities and counties together more often, resulting in better representation by keeping similar communities under the same congressmember.

So which is it? It depends how you look at it, and each side phrases their claims differently. The proponents of Prop. 50 are correct in saying their map splits fewer total cities and counties into two or more districts than the current map. That’s according to analyses of both maps by HaystaqDNA, the firm that assisted with the nonpartisan redistricting in 2021.

An analysis by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that difference to be nearly negligible.

But the Democrats’ map has more cities and counties that are split among three or more districts, rather than only two. That’s why opponents are also correct in saying Prop. 50 splits communities more times — though in their argument mailed to voters, they overcounted the number of times.

But keeping cities and counties intact isn’t the only way to judge the quality of a congressional district.

For starters, big cities have to be split into multiple districts to ensure that each congressmember represents the same number of people. Both maps give each district 760,066 Californians, give or take one constituent.

Plenty of California cities are split in both maps because the state constitution requires independent map-drawers to consider not just keeping cities and counties together but also “communities of interest,” which the law defines as “a contiguous population which shares common social and economic interests” that should be in one district to be represented fairly.

In any region that could mean everyone who sends their kids to the same school district, or everyone who works in farming, or everyone who relies on I-5 for their daily commute. But there’s no set definition of all communities of interest, so once you consider them, it becomes a matter of opinion how well each map represents Californians.

Prop. 50’s opponents have highlighted Lodi, a 66,000-person city north of Stockton currently represented in one congressional district that would be split among three districts under Prop. 50. The Lodi City Council opposes the measure.

Mitchell said the split stemmed from efforts to strengthen a northern Central Valley district for Democrats by moving in more voters from Stockton. The resulting shuffle forced Lodi residents to be split up, but also unified Antioch and Martinez residents into one district and Vacaville and Solano County together in another. All four of the latter cities and counties are split up under the current map.

“It’s a tradeoff,” he said. “You could have competing communities overlapping. Which one’s more important?”

But opponents say those tradeoffs should only be made with public input and without partisan goals. In deciding which cities, counties and communities to keep together or split up, 2021 independent redistricting commission member Patricia Sinay said the commission held numerous hearings and received tens of thousands of written comments.

“Saying one splits more than the other, it’s not that informative,” said Sinay, a political independent who opposes Prop. 50. “What did the people want? What did the communities of interest ask for?”

How does Prop. 50 affect representation for people of color?

In the weeks leading up to the election, opponents have highlighted regions that Prop. 50’s maps would split up against local community leaders’ wishes.

In a press release issued by the other No on 50 campaign funded by House Republicans last month, local politicians in Temple City and Azusa denounced the proposed maps for drawing lines through Asian American and Latino communities in east Los Angeles County.

But in general, the proposed map doesn’t actually change much, according to the analysis by PPIC.

If there are enough minority voters in a region to make up the majority of a congressional district, it could trigger the federal Voting Rights Act, which requires states to draw districts protecting the communities’ ability to elect representatives of their choosing. There are 16 such congressional districts in California, all with a majority of Latino voters.

Other concentrated racial communities that don’t have enough numbers to be in the majority still have districts that are drawn with their interests in mind, like Asian voters in east Los Angeles County, or Black voters in south L.A. In six districts, Asian voters are at least 30% of the population — enough to influence an election. California also has two districts where Black voters reach that threshold and seven where Latino voters do.

Prop. 50 wouldn’t change any of that. The public policy institute even found the proposed map would add one more district where Latino voters make up at least 30% of the population.

“Some communities may have complaints about specific lines drawn by the proposed plan,” senior fellow Eric McGhee wrote. “But the plan as a whole is very similar to the current one in most respects: it deviates mostly by creating more Democratic seats.”

Orion Morrissey Nelson
August 13, 1999 – August 29, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Orion Morrissey Nelson, who departed this world after an intensely fought battle with cancer.

Born on August 13, 1999, Orion brought light, laughter, and love to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Orion was the second-born son to Thomas and Shelanda Nelson, and the final addition to their family. From a young age Orion cemented himself as an active community member. From local basketball and baseball teams as well as Boy Scout Troop 180. He didn’t stop there. His love for sports and his community would only continue to grow as he did.

Orion lived with intention, curiosity, and compassion. Through his sharp wit, and acts of kindness, he left a mark on everyone he met. With a smile alone, he could make those around him feel seen, heard, and understood.

In 2016, at the end of Orion’s junior year of high school, he suffered a shoulder injury during a baseball game, which led to him retiring from competitive sports and pivoting into acting during his senior year. He would perform not only in McKinleyville High School’s play, but also in the Advanced Theater Workshop (ATW) shows, which were composed of originally written and popular pieces Through ATW Orion would make numerous lasting friendships, including a friendship with Jeweleanna, who he would later marry.

Orion graduated from McKinleyville High School in 2017. He would go on to be the sous-chef at Six Rivers Brewery in McKinleyville, a favorite place of his family’s while growing up. There he would serve the community daily. You could spot him at almost every community event in the SixRiv booth, laughing, smiling, and singing along to the surrounding music. While working as a sous-chef, Orion would also graduate with an Associates degree in Liberal Arts: Science Exploration. His studies were not his true passion. Instead, Orion had a deep love of music and sports. He could name a song, the album it was off of and the year it was produced, for nearly any genre. The Warriors, the Giants, and the Buccaneers were his teams, and he would often speak about how football was his favorite to watch, and baseball was his favorite to play. There was hardly a time where he missed a game.

Orion is survived by his wife Jeweleanna Nelson, his parents Thomas Nelson and Shelanda Nelson, his brother Connor Nelson, and numerous close friends. His loss leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will be cherished, honored, and carried forward by the many people who loved him.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Six Rivers Brewery, where friends and family are welcome to come together in remembrance and celebration of Orion’s life.

Please, do not feel the need to wear black, as it is not that kind of service. Instead, remember Orion’s favorite color was orange and he loved sports, even if your gear rivaled his teams.

Final arrangements were provided by Goble’s Fortuna Mortuary.

Daryl Arrance, 76, passed away on September 14, 2025, in Arcata. Born on February 22, 1949, Daryl was born and raised in Long Beach. He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War at the height of its operations. In spite of the impact of experiencing wartime, he valued the rigorous physical challenge and broadening of his awareness of other countries and cultures that military life provided. After his service, he settled in Humboldt County, where he spent the next 47 years of his life.

For over 28 years, Daryl worked in airport operations at Humboldt County’s Regional Airport. He took pride in his work and was appreciated for his conscientiousness and reliability. Outside of work, Daryl found peace and joy in nature. He enjoyed exploring and photographing the beaches and the redwood forests of Northern California.

Daryl had a life-long interest in learning about regional Indigenous cultures and traditions. He attended annual Powwows and read many books on native histories and traditional crafts. He enjoyed working in his yard and volunteering on archeological sites near Lava Beds National Monument.

An avid book collector, Daryl could often be found with a strong cup of coffee in hand, immersed in reading. Daryl enjoyed researching family genealogy, creating traditional crafts and beaded works, and woodworking. He loved his pet cats, and welcomed them into his life as family members.

Daryl was known as a kind person who lived simply but meaningfully. In one of his final conversations with his brother Elvin, he shared words that encapsulate the essence of his life: “Show kindness to others and do good in the world.”

He is survived by his brother and sister-in law, Elvin and Susan Arrance, nephew Andy Arrance and Mackenzie Jacobs, nephew Austin Arrance, and grand-nephew Milo Arrance, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Vada Arrance, and father Daniel Arrance.

May Daryl’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him and may his legacy of kindness continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.

Born June 21, 1931 in Montrose, Colorado to Horatio “Oly” Babcock and Marie Elizabeth (Robbins) Babcock. He was one of five brothers: Bob, Noel, (Merel), Don and Delbert.

Merel’s younger years were spent in Colorado moving around to allow his father to earn a living for the family. Merel had many stories of this time in his life from learning to swim in the river to the boys warming their hands in uranium slag piles on their way to school.

Merel was no stranger to work while growing up to help earn money for the family. One of his first jobs was delivering coal. Merel also accompanied his father following migrant workers, driving farm equipment and picking vegetables and fruit to earn money.

After leaving home, Merel worked for the United States Forest Service fighting fire, packing mules and building trails.

In 1948, at seventeen, Merel entered the Army and headed to Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

During his service tour, Merel met and married Gladys Frank and they had two boys, Gary and Randy. The marriage didn’t last and Merel moved to Provo, Utah to work for the government. Merel had a short career as a police officer and then was hired as a communications repairman with a high security clearance. This latter position took him all over the United States repairing classified communications equipment.

In Utah, Merel met Thelma (Moore) Bitner, recent divorcee. Thelma had four children from her previous marriage: Sherry, Bill, Sandy and Ted. Merel and Thelma married and became an instant family. Thelma and the kids went with Merel on his government jobs, often camping out at State and federal parks to save money.

The family moved to Rio Dell, California in 1962. There Merel worked in lumber mills pulling green chain to earn a living. In 1963 a daughter was born into the family, Anita. In 1964, the family moved to Blue Lake, California so Merel could be closer to his work.

From his mill job, Merel made his way into the cab of a logging truck where he spent the next 36 years, first driving for Elmer Height and then for Wayne Bare Trucking (Arcata). Merel was with Wayne Bear for 35 years. Over his career with Wayne Bare, Merel worked his way up to number one driver, taught the younger crowd how to drive logging trucks and made many friends and acquaintances.

Merel retired from Wayne Bare, but didn’t stay retired for long. He went on to work for Gary and Sam Giannandrea, hauling straw, feed and whatever else was needed for 3-G’s Hay & Grain in Arcata. It was during this time that Merel lost Thelma to a stroke.

Widowed for a year, he met and married Vernie (Saucier) Costa. Merel and Vernie would go on long haul trucking trips, traveling to visit family and for fun and spent time at the local casinos with friends.

After fifteen years together, Merel stayed home to care for Vernie in her declining health.

Upon becoming a bachelor again, Merel moved to the family ranch at upper Redwood Valley in Humboldt County where he had a home. Here Merel spent the remainder of his life cared for by his family and hanging out with his “partner”, his Chihuahua, Bella.

Merel passed away at home surrounded by family on September 27, 2025. He was ninety-four years old.

Merel was proceeded in death by his parents, Oly and Marie Babcock, his brothers, Bob, Noel, Don and Delbert Babcock, his wives, Gladys Rice, Thelma Babcock, Vernie Babcock, children, Sherry Ring, Bill Bitner II (Marlene), grandchildren, Bobby Ring Jr., Jeffery Dick, Ruben Bitner, great, great grandchild, Orion Ring, nephew Steve Babcock and nephew in law Dean Chapman.

Merel is survived by his favorite cousin, Berta Criswell, sons, Gary (Carolyn) Rice, Randy (Mary) Rice and Ted Bitner, daughters, Sandy Bitner and Anita (David) Huff.

Grandchildren, Rena Williams, Steven (Jan) Ring, Monte Box, Bill III (Heather) Bitner, Stacie Vogt, Jed (Tiffany) Huff, Mana (Kevin) Hoskins, Gary Jr. (Nicole) Rice, Ben (Annie) Cluff, Raymond (Sylvia) Rice, Junior Rice, Randy Jr. (Patty) Rice, Angel Rice, Maricela (Eric) Caballero and Crystal Rice.

Great-grandchildren, Shalimar Stevens, Jerome (Kyla) Malone, Damon (Reva) Ring, Brittany Ring, Katie (Andrew) Turner, Kevin Ring, Jenilee Ring (Ou), Kyle Ring, Sydnee (Jacob) Kriese, Ryan Hoskins, Nathan Hoskins, Leila Rice, Carter Rice, Shayla Cluff, Lillianne Cluff, Weston Cluff, Alexander Rice, Alexis Rice, Aubrey Davidson, Zoie Rice, Daniel Quintero, DeSean Rice, Versell Coleman, Jimmie Valdavinos, Annalisa Caballero, Aden Caballero, Joshua Caballero, Anaya Rice, Malayah Rice, Nova Husky, Avery Huff and Henry Huff.

Great-great grandchildren, Jason Stevens, Dominic Malone, Maria Ring, Reina Ring, Henry Kriese and baby girl Kriese, due any day.

Nieces, Janeen Chapman, Leann Blackmon, Trina (Randy) Kizer, Marcy Babcock (Leo), Dana (Darryl) Burt and Deidra (John) Barnhart.

Special thank you to Merel’s healthcare team at the Eureka VA Clinic, Adult Day Healthcare of Mad River, Arcata, caregivers Gabriel and Alex from Care Planning Institute for helping provide Merel with a wonderful life while living out the remainder of his years at home, and Blue Lake Rancheria Elder Programs for providing support and resources that enabled Merel to stay at home.

At Merel’s request no services will be held.

In memory of Merel, donations can be made to Adult Day Healthcare of Mad River, P.O. Box 1115, Arcata, CA 95518-01115.

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Imagine a flame that burns brightly every minute of every day for 66 years. A flame that warmed a home, a sparkle of creativity, a torch held high against injustice, a hearthfire baking bread and cakes to nourish family and friends.

Such was the light of Angie Depew. And that light left this world on September 26, 2025.

Angie (Jimi A Greene) Depew was born on January 10, 1959, in Los Angeles. Her parents were James and Lillian Greene, and her younger sister, Mary. She lived her early life in Southern California and various towns in Colorado. But Humboldt captured her heart and was where she and Mike made a home.

Angie held the hand of the love of her life, Mike Depew, as he passed away in 2012. She kept a candle burning for him in her home around the clock for a full year after, and a flame in her heart ever since.

Angie was absolutely dedicated to her children: Taylor Depew, Mason Depew and Klark Depew Swan. These are some of the words her children use to describe their mom: Independent. Leader. Strong. Confident. Magical. Educator. Caring. Protester. Protector. Caregiver. Inspirational. Giving. Kind. Selfless.

Taylor noted that her mom’s kitchen was always full of people, bread, kids, animals and food. Their father was an artist, and Taylor noted that “to love an artist is a lifetime of work,” and that her mom was devoted to her dad.

Mason, who is also a talented artist, treasured the fact that his incredible mom became his best friend in his adult life.

Klark loved the way her mom leaned all the way into a theme - themed parties, themed costumes, themed gifts. Gift-giving and service to others was important to Angie, and she instilled that into her kids. As Klark said, “Being of service doesn’t just feel good, it feels right.”

Angie’s grandchildren, Charlie and Lincoln Swan, held a special place in her heart. She delighted in them, and did her best to pass the torch on to them by modeling acts of kindness, service, creativity, fun, and generosity.

Angie had a lifelong friend in Cathy DeLaurentis. For 60 years they shared their lives and love. Life without Angie’s warmth and sparkle will be profoundly dimmer.

Angie was a friend to many, even to people she didn’t know. She kept bags in her car full of snacks, coins, socks, and personal care items that she gave to people she saw on the street who were in need. She took freshly baked bread to neighbors and friends daily. She baked and decorated cakes for anyone who had an occasion.

It has been said that “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Angie was that sort of flame who gave of herself to warm and illuminate others. So when you see the spark of a match, the flicker of a candle, or feel the warmth of a wood stove, think of Angie.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at The Samoa Women’s Club, 115 Rideout Ave., Samoa, from 1 to 4 p.m.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• Big Police Presence on Broadway as First Responders Deal With Person Apparently Barricaded Inside the Flamingo Motel

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Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On October 9, 2025, at approximately 10:55 a.m., a Eureka Police Department Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) Officer responded to the Flamingo Motel, located in the 4200 block of Broadway, for an Agency Assist. The report indicated that a male subject was in an altered state and actively damaging property. A Patrol Officer also responded to assist.

Upon arrival, officers observed the male—later identified as 52-year-old Christopher Slocum of Eureka—actively setting fire to items inside his apartment. During the encounter, Slocum threw an object at officers, striking one. He retreated into the apartment, shut the door, and attempted to ignite additional items. Due to the dangerous and escalating nature of the situation, additional resources were requested, including additional Patrol and CSET Officers, the Crisis Alternative Response of Eureka (CARE), Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF), and City Ambulance.

Upon their arrival, Slocum barricaded himself inside the bathroom. Although the fire appeared to have been extinguished, smoke and powder from a deployed fire extinguisher remained present. To aid visibility and facilitate potential entry, windows were opened and HBF personnel deployed water into the room. Officers, including members of the county-wide Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT), made multiple attempts to communicate with Slocum and gain his voluntary compliance. Despite ongoing negotiation efforts, Slocum refused to cooperate and remained barricaded.

After more than two hours of failed negotiations, officers deployed a chemical agent into the bathroom. The agent was ineffective, and Slocum continued to resist surrender. Officers ultimately made entry into the bathroom and took Slocum into custody. Following his arrest, Slocum was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance. While at the hospital, he assaulted medical personnel by spitting on staff.

Slocum was subsequently booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for arson, felony resisting a peace officer, and violation of probation.

Additional charges are being requested for assault on medical staff. No other victims were involved in this incident aside from the officer who was struck during the initial response and the medical staff who were assaulted.

The Eureka Police Department thanks all partner agencies for their support in resolving this incident safely and professionally.

Humboldt County has an infamously long missing persons list. Vast uninhabited swaths of forest, unpredictable frigid oceans and swift rivers are oft-cited sources for the backlog. Less frequently noted are beams of light that make people vanish. But it’ll soon be a factor for a few unlucky people in Ferndale — or, at least, for a few characters in the film Dark Light, set to start filming there next week. 

Details are scant, but if IMDb is to be believed, the basic premise is as outlined above: a mysterious beam of light starts making small-town locals disappear, and “a defiant teen must lead the frantic survivors through a collapsing world where the slightest misstep could mean disappearing forever.”

Scenes will be shot outdoors on the 300 block of Main Street in front of the Valley Grocery store from Oct. 14-17 and again on Oct. 20, and inside of it from Oct. 21-Nov. 7. Another day of shooting will happen at the Charpentier House. Most of the outdoor scenes will be shot late at night and into the morning.

On Sept. 23, the Ferndale City Council approved an application from Tabooma, the independent film studio behind the production, granting them permission to close a block on Main Street to traffic and parking for the sequences set outdoors. Pedestrians will be allowed access in between takes. 

This is Tabooma’s second film. The first, another sci-fi film called Xeno, about a girl who befriends an alien, premiered three weeks ago and has an 86% on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Both Dark Light and Xeno were directed and written by Matthew Loren Oates. 

Reactions to the news have been mixed. Some residents and business owners are concerned about the noise the production will make while shooting at night and what economic damages frequent closures of an entire city might wreak on local businesses. 

Owner of the Ferndale Enterprise and the Humboldt’s Hometown Store Melissa Sanderson wrote in a letter to the production team and the city council that she thinks the altered traffic patterns and potentially limited access to her store would impact profits and employee hours. Sanderson thinks businesses should be compensated for any impact. 

“We are proud to be part of a community that attracts attention for its charm and character,” Sanderson wrote, “but that community must be respected and protected first.”

The planned shooting schedule and Humboldt’s Hometown’s business hours overlap for four and a half hours on Oct. 14.

Humboldt County Film Commissioner Cassandra Hesseltine was more optimistic, focusing in a letter to the city council on the money the eight cast and 45 crew members will spend in Ferndale (the film has a $180,000 lodging budget, $30,000 for locally-based catering, and another $100,000 for location and labor fees).

“Humboldt is facing financial challenges, and productions like Dark Light bring outside dollars to our communities,” Hesseltine said. “With thoughtful planning, the city can minimize disruption while benefiting economically. If the film succeeds, it could also bring long-term value through film tourism, as we’ve seen with other productions in the region.”

As of publication, Dark Light producers Matthew Hsu and Ken Farrington have not responded to requests for comment; production coordinator Kev Magee is responding to an email from the Outpost. We’ll update this article when it’s received.