CASE ONE: THE SWALLOW

On Tuesday morning, something in the swirl of barn swallows over the Marsh caught Martin Ludtke’s eye, and he managed to get video of it. Check it out:

Video: Martin Ludtke.

Did you see that?

If not, watch it again, and note that one of those swallows is white.

Knowing nothing about birds, the Outpost went to its go-to Bird Man, Rob Fowler, who confirmed Ludtke’s ID. This is an ultrarare white swallow — hard to tell whether it’s albino or leucistic from this distance — and Fowler noted that other local Bird People have spotted this sucker around the bottoms as well.

“Pretty cool to see a Barn Swallow like this!” Fowler affirmed.

Indeed, once you think to pose the question the Internet shows that Bird People around the world habitually lose their shit over such a sighting. “One in a million!” enthuses Ebro Delta Birding. “Once in a lifetime!” NestWatch raves. “Lower mean phenotypic values than other birds!” gushes Evolution: International Journal of Organic Evolution.

CASE TWO: THE SEA LION

On a sadder note: Earlier this week people started to notice the strange sight of a California sea lion swimming in Klopp Lake.

The consensus seems to be that this sea lion has chosen this place to die.

This sea lion is known to science. According to a write-up by local biologist Dawn Goley, he was tagged up in Astoria in 2017, whence he wandered up to British Columbia and now down to Humboldt.

The important thing is to remember is that if you see this guy on your stroll around the Marsh, you must give him a very wide berth — not only for his sake, but your own. Sea lions can be aggressive and unpredictable and, as Goley says, they’re a lot quicker than you think.

There’s a chance that this animal could be suffering from leptospirosis. You’ll want to be especially aware of that if you’re bringing your dog to the Marsh, according to science-adjacent Friend o’ the LoCO Jen Kalt. As in: If your dog isn’t vaccinated for lepto, or if you aren’t sure if it is, you’ll want to avoid the area entirely.

Here’s a photo of an informational poster that the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center has erected at the site:

The Legislature and Gov. Gavin Newsom have significantly scaled back their eleventh-hour plans to reduce Californians’ electric bills and fast-track renewable energy projects.

Many experts said the proposed measures now amount to a political gesture or, at best, a small first step toward solving the problems, rather than nuts-and-bolts, enforceable steps that would give consumers financial relief or help speed solar and wind projects.

The main proposal addressing California’s rising electric bills would give each household a small, one-time credit of between $30 to $70, according to a person familiar with the bill. The measure would save an estimated $500 million.

It’s uncertain whether the scattershot, gut-and amend-approach will win the Legislature’s approval by Saturday, the deadline for when all legislation for the year must be approved.

For weeks, top lawmakers and the governor’s aides have negotiated a series of proposals aimed at addressing California’s twin clean energy challenges: meeting mandates for clean, carbon-free energy and reducing electric bills that are among the highest in the nation.

By the Wednesday night deadline, the state’s leaders unveiled six bills that address the cost of electricity and building of renewable energy projects.

Environmental groups, clean-energy businesses and consumer advocates have mixed feelings about all of them, with some saying they are largely ineffective and others saying they are a good first step.

“The last minute…backroom deals do not attack the root causes of California’s incredibly high energy bills. Instead, they take away key funds from programs that work to create a sham (consumer) bill reduction.”
— Loretta Lynch, former president of the California Public Utilities Commission,

Loretta Lynch, an environmental consultant and former president of the California Public Utilities Commission, told CalMatters that customer bills are climbing because the commission keeps giving the green light to rate increases. The Assembly measures wouldn’t address the biggest drivers of costs to consumers, she said.

“The last minute, gut-and-amend backroom deals do not attack the root causes of California’s incredibly high energy bills,” she said. “Instead, they rob Peter to pay Paul — taking away key funds from programs that work to create a sham (consumer) bill reduction.”

But Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network, supported the measures, saying they are “an important first step towards affordable energy for all California residents.” He has called lowering consumer costs an urgent priority because the state could lose public support for clean energy.

Molly Croll, director of Pacific offshore wind for American Clean Power, a renewable industry group, said she was surprised by the streamlining proposal and has no position on it, since it wasn’t anything the industry lobbied the Legislature for. “We haven’t had input,” she said echoing comments from other renewable energy groups.

“This is a two-year effort. Anything worth its weight in life, anything big and bold, takes time. But we’re committed.”
— Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuIre

Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, a Democrat from Santa Rosa, told CalMatters he would try again next year by bringing back more proposals.

“This is a two-year effort,” he said. “Anything worth its weight in life, anything big and bold, takes time. But we’re committed.”

Californians have seen their electric bills nearly double over the last decade as the state’s biggest utilities have passed on spending from reducing wildfire risks and transitioning rapidly away from fossil fuels. Rates are expected to continue to outpace inflation through 2027.

Two measures authored by Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, a Democrat from Irvine, aimed at reducing energy bills were introduced Wednesday night by gutting and amending two unrelated bills.

Assembly Bill 3121 would require consumers to be paid funds — reportedly amounting to the single $30 to $70 credit for each household — from a few consumer energy programs in areas served by Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric.

Included is a program that provides upgrades to school heating and air conditioning systems, and two programs that help low-income Californians save on their energy bills with incentives for installing solar panels and rebates for energy storage.

Advocates for the programs say the proposed cuts would harm low-income Californians and children.

“It is a pound-foolish decision that doesn’t address the systemic (energy) affordability crisis we’re facing,” said Stephanie Seidmon, program director for UndauntedK12, a nonprofit that helps public schools transition to clean energy. “It feels more like a political stunt and it’s unconscionable we would do that to our children, our staff members and our teachers who come to schools that are not always safe learning and working environments.”

Jennifer Robison, a Pacific Gas & Electric spokesperson, said the company hasn’t taken a position on AB 3121, but supports returning money to customers from the programs.

“PG&E shares the legislature’s and Governor’s focus on making energy bills more affordable for our customers. We’re working to stabilize bills and limit average annual bill increases to no more than 3% through 2026,” she said in a statement. She said the company has “adopted companywide savings initiatives to reduce our operating costs and limit unnecessary expenses” and is “supporting customers with ways to reduce energy use and bills.”

The second legislative proposal, Assembly Bill 3264, would require the Public Utilities Commission to study how to reduce costs of expanding transmission capacity and report to the Legislature on energy efficiency programs funded through consumers’ utility bills.

Two other Senate bills are aimed at consumer utility costs. Senate Bill 1003 would help address the cost of utilities’ wildfire plans, advocates said, and Senate Bill 1142 would prevent power shutoffs for consumers who agree to payment plans.

“It feels more like a political stunt and it’s unconscionable we would do that to our children, our staff members and our teachers.”
— Stephanie Seidmon, UndauntedK12

The Senate moved forward with a considerably scaled-back version of proposals to fast-track renewable energy projects. Those proposals aimed to streamline and assist solar, offshore wind, battery storage and other green energy projects.

Senate Bill 1272 would allow the California Energy Commission to adopt an overall environmental impact report that evaluates the potential effects common to a wide range of clean energy projects. The approach allows developers in most cases to rely on that analysis, saving time and money.

Renewable energy advocates asked for more time to craft better legislation given the bill “raises more questions than it answers.”

Instead, the clean energy groups wanted the state to update its tax code to align with federal rules that would allow them to take advantage of renewable energy tax credits that are part of the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, without being taxed on them as income.

“We appreciate the intent to facilitate project streamlining, which is definitely needed, but deserves more discussion,” Shannon Eddy, executive director of the Large-scale Solar Association, told CalMatters. “What clean energy projects need in that timeframe is tax conformity.”

McGuire backed away from proposals that would create the tax credits, streamline local and state permitting and grant “by right” approval to developers building in areas already zoned for them, which would eliminate the need for local approvals, according to a previous CalMatters report.

Also gone are proposals to consolidate the process by creating a “one-stop shop” system that would consolidate applications, hearings and decision-making.

McGuire told CalMatters that creating tax credits was difficult given the state’s large fiscal deficit. He said he would bring back the rest of the measures next year.

To meet its ambitious greenhouse gas targets, California must supply 60% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2045. Californians are facing the highest energy bills in continental America.

Another proposed measure, Senate Bill 1420, would allow hydrogen-producing facilities to benefit from some streamlining under the California Environmental Quality Act. One environmental group, California Environmental Voters, said they would oppose the measure because it could open the door to hydrogen facilities powered by fossil fuels getting expedited.

It was not clear Thursday whether any of the measures would come to a vote by Saturday — or whether they would pass — given tense negotiations and competing priorities of legislators.Newsom warned legislative leaders he would call a special session to address energy issues unless Senate Bill 950 aimed at gas prices was passed — a prospect the state Senate’s leader, McGuire, publicly opposed. A spokesperson for Speaker Assembly Robert Rivas declined to comment.

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

Natural disasters have affected nearly 90 percent of U.S. counties since 2013, and while many households know about preparing emergency kits, a recent FEMA survey found a large drop in how many people are signed up to receive emergency alerts and warnings.

Early warning systems save lives during disasters. To ensure you can receive these warnings via your phone, text, or email, we recommend turning on your phone’s alerts and signing up for your county’s emergency alert system.

QUICK LINKS: Turn on your iPhone’s Wireless Emergency Alerts | Turn on your Android’s Wireless Emergency Alerts | Sign up for your county’s alerts

Turn on your phone’s emergency alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are one way authorities spread information to the community during an emergency. Most mobile phones are WEA-capable devices, and alerts are typically enabled by default. But if you’ve ever received an alert or test alert, there’s a chance you may have disabled them after hearing their signature alarm: an insistent and loud blare, accompanied by vibrations, that goes off on every phone in your vicinity. You can turn off some of the alerts you don’t want, while receiving the ones you do, so it’s worth checking your phone’s settings.

WEAs use cell towers to send notifications to all WEA-capable mobile phones within a specified target area, meaning you receive alerts for your current location, not your home address. WEAs may also occasionally reach some community members outside the target area, depending on the phones’ technology.

Here’s how to make sure your phone can receive WEAs.

On iPhones

1. Navigate to iPhone Settings.
2. Select Notifications.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the Notifications section to GOVERNMENT ALERTS.
4. Next to Public Safety Alerts, toggle the button on (it turns green). These alerts convey “recommendations for saving lives and property.”
5. Select Emergency Alerts.
6. On the following screen, ensure that Emergency Alerts are toggled on.
7. The Local Awareness option improves the timeliness and accuracy of emergency alerts in the United States, according to Apple. Toggle to enable or disable.

Here’s Apple’s page on how to turn on emergency alerts.

On Androids

1. Navigate to Android Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Safety & emergency.
3. Select Wireless emergency alerts at the bottom of the screen.
4. On the following screen, ensure that Allow alerts is toggled on.
5. Toggle Extreme threats and Severe threats to enable or disable alerts for threats to life and property.
6. Toggle Public safety messages to enable or disable alerts with recommended actions to save lives or property.

You can also visit this “Android Help” page and select the blue “Control emergency broadcast notifications” option for instructions on how to manage WEA alert settings on Android.

Local text or email alerts

Authorities may not always use WEAs to circulate information, so it’s also important to enroll in your local government’s emergency alert system. During the deadly 2018 Camp Fire in California, authorities issued evacuation orders through Butte County’s emergency alerts, door-knocking, vehicle-mounted speakers, and social media posts — but did not send any WEAs. At the time, fewer than 40 percent of residents in Paradise, one of the towns destroyed in the fire, had signed up for the county’s alerts, according to a 2023 report.

According to Riverside County’s alerts and warnings page, “Wireless Emergency Alerts are important, but some of the most locally-specific and timely information can come from opt-in mass notification services like RiversideAlert.” Although some of these systems automatically enroll landline numbers, Californians must opt in to receive notifications on their mobile devices or via email.

There is no standardized emergency alert system across the United States; the enrollment process and your notification system’s features differ based on where you live. Different governments’ mass notification systems may include different types of alerts. Some only notify you in extreme situations, such as disaster evacuations, while others may also send alerts for missing persons or police activity. Note what kind of alerts your local system offers before signing up, and keep in mind you can often choose what type of alerts you’d like to receive.

Users will typically be asked to provide their mobile number, email, and street address. Many emergency alert systems have the option to register multiple street addresses, allowing you to keep tabs on other significant locations like your workplace or kids’ schools. Some also allow you to customize whether you’d like to receive alerts via phone call, text message, or email, and offer language and accessibility options. If customization options are not offered during initial enrollment, you may be able to log in after enrolling to change your settings and add additional information.

Emergency alert systems are often run through third-parties. Common ones include OnSolve CodeRED, Everbridge, Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart 911, and Genasys. If your local government uses a third-party system, you will generally be directed to that company’s website to enroll. Once you receive an emergency alert (or a signup confirmation), we recommend that you save the number to your Contacts and exclude it from being blocked when using your cell phone’s Do Not Disturb features.

Even if you’ve signed up for alerts previously, it’s worth checking to make sure you’re still registered with your county. Some governments may have transitioned to new systems and might not have migrated residents’ information.

How to sign up for your county’s alerts

Follow our instructions below to sign up for the most up-to-date alerts as of August 2024.

The list only includes information for California counties’ primary emergency alert systems. Some local governments may offer additional alerts through systems like Nixle or Notify Me, but no county in California uses either of these as their primary emergency alert system. If you are only registered with Nixle or Notify Me, you may miss crucial emergency alerts.

Find your county

Del Norte County: Click the “SIGN UP NOW!” link in the Del Norte Community Alert System Section to get to the Everbridge registration portal. Create an account, then follow instructions to register.

Humboldt County: Scroll down to read Humboldt Alert Sign Up Instructions or click on the “SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS” button to proceed to the Everbridge registration portal. Click on the red “SIGN UP HERE” link to create a new account. You can add up to five addresses, include pertinent information about family members’ needs, and choose how you would like alerts delivered. If you previously registered with VESTA Alert, you need to register for the current system, Humboldt ALERT, to continue to receive notifications.

Mendocino County: In the “How to Sign Up” section, follow the green “Visit the Everbridge Registration page to Sign up for the MendoAlert, the Mendocino County Emergency Notification and Alert System” link to get to an Everbridge registration portal. Follow instructions to create an account. In your account, you will be able to register multiple addresses and have the option to add information about your family’s access or functional needs.

Siskiyou County: Click the “ReadySiskiyou-Alerts (Smart911)” link to get to the Smart911 registration portal. Click the green “SIGN UP NOW” button. Follow instructions to register.

Trinity County: Click the blue CodeRED link next to “CodeRED Signup” and select“OK” to proceed to the CodeRED registration portal. Creating a managed account allows you to change notification settings in the future and add additional addresses. You can also create a guest account. In addition to emergency notifications, you can choose to receive “General Notifications” and severe weather alerts.

One note: Listos California, part of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, provides a look-up tool to find alerts in California. Daniel Gutiérrez, Project Manager at Listos California, said that the office relies on counties to reach out when they change alert systems. This may occasionally lead to the tool providing outdated information.

Signing up for emergency alerts is a crucial first step in preparing for a natural disaster, but it’s not the last. Alerts delivered via phone or email rely on some combination of phone service, internet, and power, all of which could go down during a natural disaster. Government agencies, however, have also used non-electronic emergency alerts for a long time, including door-to-door knocking or vehicle-mounted speakers. But you may find yourself in a position where you need to evacuate an area before an official order has even been issued. So don’t forget to develop a comprehensive disaster plan and review it with your household.

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

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Paul Lee “Louie” Louis Bowie. Louie passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital at the young age of 28 surrounded by family and loved ones.

Louie was born May 7, 1996, at Eureka General Hospital, to Lorrie Sue Nix-Sauers and Edward “Gus” Bowie. He was a proud member of the Bear River Rancheria and was raised on the Table Bluff Reservation.

He graduated from Fortuna High School in 2015 where he played varsity football and wore the number 62. He was very competitive and athletic, making him naturally good at anything he put his mind to. Two of his greatest passions in life were the 49ers and golf. He was an avid golfer and would walk a hard mile for a round of 18 holes, and he would never pass on an invite to drink a beer and watch a Niner game.

Most of all his truest talent was being a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend. He was fondly known to his nieces and nephews as Uncle Woolly Bear. When attending their games he was their number one fan, the loudest in the crowd, shouting incentives to them and following through after their games. It was all in fun. Louie loved to make people smile and laugh and he had a way of bringing people out of their shell. He loved to sing and dance to all types of music. He would dance with anyone and loved to have a good time. He could turn any gathering into a banger. Louie never backed down from a fight and was very protective of his mother and family. If you were lucky enough to have crossed paths with Lou Boo you are a better person for it. To name all of his family and friends are too many to mention but you know who you are, and he would never forget you. “It’s all Lou Boo now you’ll always be my hero hunny boy.” And that’s a go for Lou.

Louie is survived by his mother Lorrie Sue Nix-Sauers and his father Edward “Gus” (Ruth) Bowie; his girlfriend, Relee James; his 5 brothers on his mother’s side, Brandon (Candy) Sauers - sister-in-law Jamie Sauers, Crayton (Tamma) Sauers, Travis (Trynn) Sauers, Jacob (Stacie) Evenson, Leo (Jada) James; and his five siblings on his father’s side, Harinay (Kyler) Bowie and her mother Jodene, Eddie Bowie, Shyarra Bowie, and their mother Jennifer, Lillian Bowie, Joseph Bowie; his Auntie Tammy and her two daughters Natisha and Carol Ann and their families.

Louie is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Carol Ann Evenson and Spud Mitchell, and his paternal grandfather Duane Bowie.

There will be a celebration of life to be held at Bear River Tish-Non Community Center Saturday August 31, 2024 at 1 pm. Food and drinks will be provided. If you would like to bring a dish you are more than welcome to.

Pallbearers are Crayton Sauers, Travis Sauers, Jacob Evenson, Leo James, Eddie Bowie and Guy Dowd.

Honorary Pallbearers are Brandon Sauers, Chad Sauers, Clinton Sauers, Brenden Walker, Trevyn, Esteban, Tony, Manny, Matt, Damon, Alejandro, Daniel, Jose, Humberto, Jorge and Sinoe.

Janet Cynthia (Hay) West was born on March 1, 1947, in Eureka. She was part of the fifth generation of her family born in Humboldt County.

On August 8, 2024, the angels called her to her heavenly home. She was 77. She entered through the pearly gates and is walking on streets of gold with her family and friends, who were there to welcome her and say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

Janet was born to Erwin G. Hay and Carol (Hannah) Hay, the second child of six, in Eureka.

Janet began kindergarten at Trinity Valley School. Her mother, Carol Hay, was instrumental in the creation of the kindergarten and was Janet’s teacher.

Janet attended Blue Lake School from 2nd through 7th grade. She returned to Trinity Valley and graduated from the 8th grade. As a child, people described her as independent, precocious, strong-willed and talented. She taught herself to knit as a child in her special hideaway, where she loved to read books.

She attended Hoopa High School where she met the one and only love of her life, big Jim West. They were married for 60 years, taking their vows on February 1, 1964. During those 60 years they had many wonderful and daring adventures.

Jim and Janet had three beautiful and mischievous children: Jennifer Lee, Jay Allen and Jeffrey Thomas.

In 1972 they sold their home in Eureka (purchased on trust and a handshake) and moved to Trinity Village. Their home, a gathering place for family and friends, was always abuzz with activity and great food.

Janet loved camping. She and Jim introduced a menagerie of family and friends to Idlewild campground on the Salmon River, where they fished for dinner, hiking from there to the lakes in the Marble Mountains. She enjoyed hunting with her family, motorcycle rides and foraging firewood for their family and others in need.

Janet was self-taught, had a determined spirit and could accomplish, with perfection, that to which she put her heart and mind. She could shoot, skin and cook a deer (one of which was eating her roses). She did professional seamstress work, creating custom one-of-a-kind wedding dresses for brides. Janet was an amazing cook and baker, using her early 1900s era cookstove. She was specially known for her doughnuts, pies and sugar cookies.

We cannot overemphasize her many diverse passions and talents and her willingness to lend a helping hand to her family and friends. She wallpapered many a wall out of the goodness of her heart and gave haircuts in her home to family and friends. She put on spectacular Christian Women’s Club events and owned her own Famers Insurance business in Willow Creek at the Rite Spot.

She loved the old west, westerns, books and Gunsmoke. She was a pioneer woman at heart which included her love of horses. She had her beloved horse, Chick. She helped corralling cattle and taking them into the Trinity Alps with their friend’s cattle company. She and Jim spent many a joyful and hard-working weekend with Chick, Jim, and his horse Big Red and the cattle.

Janet influenced several generations, from teaching Bible club at Burnt Ranch School to creating a meaningful arts and crafts program for Vacation Bible School for several years at the Willow Creek Bible Church, where she also taught Sunday School.

In later years Jim and Janet shared the love of travel, he the driver and she the copilot. They enjoyed traveling to Tennessee, Lake Havasu and all over the greater United States, often taking their friends, family, adult children and grandchildren. They took a trip to Hawaii and fell in love with the Islands but especially Kauai. On their 50th wedding anniversary Jim and Janet and their three kids and spouses traveled to Kauai, where they danced to the Hawaiian Wedding song in front of an enormous luau audience.

Janet was a huge Elvis fan. One of the highlights of her life was attending an Elvis impersonator show in Hawaii. Her son Jeff and wife Samantha purchased tickets for her and arranged for her to go on stage and dance with him. Jim was a little jealous when she said she would not wash her face after Elvis kissed her.

She was known to stretch a dollar like nobody’s business but not afraid to spend one either — especially on dishes, teacups and chintz brought back from England while on a trip with lifelong friends.

Janet lived a full and beautiful life with her soulmate Jim and her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Judy Hay Giacone. She is survived by her husband, Jim West; her three children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; her sister and best friend, Georjean Corsetti; brother Jack Hay; sister Joan Hersey; and brother James Hay, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

A part of her will still live on in all of us. Let us never stop sharing our memories of Janet and she will remain in alive in our hearts.

We would like to thank Trinity Alps Mortuary for their kindness and service at this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Redwood Adult and Teen Challenge.

There will be a celebration of her full and beautiful life on Saturday, September 7 at noon at the Ranch on Fountain Ranch Rd. A feast will be provided.

Nancy J. (Vance) Evans-Sundberg
August 31, 1946 - August 11, 2024

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Nancy (Vance) Evans-Sundberg. Nancy was born to John M. and Laura Vance on August 31, 1946 in Eureka. She was the youngest of four children. Nancy was a fifth generation of the Vance and Ohman families of Humboldt County. Her favorite childhood memories were of the family house and ranch in Carlotta and spending her summers camping at “the acre” on the Van Duzen River.

Nancy attended Elk River School, Jacobs Junior High, and Eureka High School where she graduated in 1964. She married Gary Evans after graduation and they had two daughters; Janie in 1965 and Jennifer in 1967. They spent 10 years in the Bay Area and returned to Eureka in 1976 to start the CPA firm Aalfs, Evans & Co. Nancy and Gary later divorced, but maintained their friendship.

In 1982, Nancy attended Frederick and Charles Beauty College and became a licensed Cosmetologist. She returned to get her cosmetology teaching license and taught at the local beauty college. She enjoyed teaching and sharing her knowledge with others. In 1984, Nancy purchased Valley West Hair Care and in 1985 her daughter Janie joined her at the salon. They worked side by side for 33 years.

In 1991, Nancy reconnected with Victor Sundberg, a longtime family friend, and they married in 1993. They were able to blend their families and create fond memories over the next 31 years. They enjoyed spending time with their family, taking trips to visit Vic’s children in Alaska and the San Juan Islands, spending summers at the cabin in Trinity Village, taking drives, and boat and bird watching at Humboldt Bay.

Nancy enjoyed her profession and looked forward to socializing with her many regular clients. In her own words, “I truly love my job! I suspect it will be one great event that will get me out from behind the chair for good.” In 2018, Nancy was diagnosed with Fallopian tube/Ovarian cancer and spent the following nine months living with her daughter Jennifer, and son-in-law Carl, in Sacramento while receiving care at UC Davis. She closed the salon in 2019 after 36 years in business.

Nancy was naturally artistic and creative. During her time living in the Bay Area, she took art classes at the University and continued to explore all forms of art throughout her lifetime. She had many hobbies: reading, gardening, knitting, cooking, painting, drawing, and jewelry making, to name a few. Her latest hobby was making ‘Stamping Up!’ greeting cards. She enjoyed her yearly crafting trips with her daughters and friends, going to craft fairs, open artists tours, and antique fairs with her daughter Jennifer and researching genealogy with her daughter Janie. Nancy had been a proud member of Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay, where she enjoyed giving back to the community and socializing.

Nancy loved being a mom, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was very involved in raising her granddaughter Brittney, and then her great-granddaughters Kynadi and Austyn whom she adored. She loved spending time with the girls and was affectionately given the nickname “WaWa.” The great- grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved to tell anyone who would listen the funny things they did or said, and looked forward to their next adventure. She attended every school and sporting event, dance recital, picked the girls up from school, read every book, and sewed every overly loved doll, blanket and stuffed animal. She was the only great- grandmother on the playground climbing equipment or going down the slide. All the girls were given the most precious gift in this world- her unconditional love.

Her daughters describe her best: “Her laugh was the first thing you would hear when she came into the room, it would make your heart smile. Her generosity, kindness and fairness kept those she knew on the right path. She stood up for those who couldn’t fight for themselves, and somehow made you like yourself more after being with her. She built you up, she made sure you knew how special you were, and she always saw the good in everyone; even those that didn’t have much ‘good; to show. She was the best mom, making the simplest nights into lifelong cherished memories. She overly celebrated every holiday, made every birthday a special event, and built so many family traditions that we still cherish: Friday night popcorn and root-beer float night, advent calendar gifts at Christmas, stocking stuffers of Mandarin oranges and nuts, and your favorite homemade birthday cake. She had a hug that can could be felt to your core. She brought love, laughter, understanding, compassion, and the ability to make even the bad situations feel ‘OK.’ Her spirit will live on in those who knew her, because a love that strong will be felt for a lifetime. She touched our souls and we are forever thankful, and blessed beyond words, to have felt that kind of love.”

Nancy battled cancer for six years yet always maintained her positive, happy, and stoic outlook on life. As she and her body grew more tired, she opted to be home on Hospice where she passed surrounded by her family.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Victor Sundberg; Daughters: Janie Johnson and Jennifer (Carl) Stolnacke; Step-children: Shan (Steve) Wilbur and Shawn (Eileen) Sundberg; Grandchildren: Brittney (David) Duran, Rachel (Brendan) Flynn, Erin (Tanner) Jitmongkonul, Taylor (Jason) Monie, and Lexi Sundberg. Great-Grandchildren: Kynadi, Austyn, August and Cooper; Sister Patrica Briggs; Brothers: Harry Vance and John (Sharon) Vance; Brother-in-law Scott (Pat) Sundberg; Nephews: John Vance, and Stephen Sundberg; Nieces: Penny (Troy) Combs, and Sara (Drew) Alldredge; Great-Nephew Tyler (Kammi) King; Cousins: Evelyn Ley Coleman and Bill Ley; and ex-husband and friends Gary (Debra) Evans.

An enormous thank you to the UC Davis doctors and staff, chemotherapy staff at Providence in Eureka, and Hospice of Humboldt. At this time no services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Nancy’s favorite local organizations in her name: Humboldt County Historical Society, Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay, or Hospice of Humboldt.

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Eureka has officially joined the big leagues! At a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon, city officials and community leaders celebrated the grand opening of California Welcome Center Eureka – the city’s state-designated visitor center.

“I think it’s huge for our area,” Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery told the Outpost. “This is going to be a real game-changer for the City of Eureka and will help us promote the beauty of the entire region. It’s an honor to have this designation, and it’s going to be great for the city.”

As a newly minted Visit California Welcome Center, the Eureka Visitor Center will help service travelers and by providing destination, attraction, performing arts and accommodations brochures, as well as regional merchandise and tickets to local attractions and events.

Although California Welcome Centers are independently operated – usually by visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, city governments, private entities or some combination thereof – each center is subject to strict standards developed by the California Office of Tourism. Under these rules, the “California Welcome Center” designation must be prominently displayed on the outside of the building and the visitor center must be open seven days a week with established hours of operation.

It took the city three years to get through the state’s lengthy designation process. First, the city had to relocate the visitor center from its former location on Broadway, next to Harbor Lanes, to a space that met Visit California’s requirements. After the big move to 108 F Street, the city had to wait for a request for proposals (RFP) for new state-designated Welcome Centers. In November 2023 the city submitted a proposal and hosted Visit California’s RFP selection team for a site visit. And, as it turns out, Eureka’s proposal was the only one chosen to receive the state designation!

“This is something we’ve hoped for for a long time,” Swan Asbury, the city’s economic development manager, told the Outpost. “This helps promote Eureka across the state, and it also plugs us into the Visit California marketing efforts. It just helps get Eureka out there further and helps us up our game.”

Keep scrolling for more information from the City of Eureka and pictures from today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony!

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Press release from the City of Eureka:

The City of Eureka, in partnership with Eddy Alexander, is thrilled to announce that the Eureka Visitor Center has officially been designated as a Visit California Welcome Center.

We have worked for the past three years to achieve this designation as a key tourism goal and are excited to see it come to fruition. The journey began with relocating the Visitor Center to a space that met Visit California’s requirements. We then waited and prepared for Visit California to announce a request for proposals (RFP) for new Welcome Centers. In November 2023, Eureka submitted a proposal and welcomed a site visit from Visit California’s RFP selection team. We are proud to share that Eureka’s proposal was the only one chosen to receive this designation!

This milestone elevates Eureka’s profile as a tourist destination, demonstrating our dedication to our local hospitality industry and showcasing our city’s unique charm and attractions to residents and visitors alike.

We are also proud to join Visit California, which will help promote Eureka across the state and provide opportunities for Eureka to be included in Visit California’s extensive marketing efforts. The 22 California Welcome Centers throughout the state share the mission of ensuring every visitor has the best experience possible. They prioritize the local perspective and are staffed with personal travel concierge experts prepared to offer information to enhance and enrich your visit, regardless of your interests in the arts, local culture, or ecological attractions.

If you haven’t visited us yet, we invite you to do so. We are located in the heart of Old Town, next to the Gazebo, at 108 F Street. Our doors are open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm, and we often stay open later to support events happening in the area. 

This location is also home to part of our City of Eureka Economic Development Team and Eureka Main Street. We welcome our community to visit, explore our services, and to direct visitors to our location.

We can’t wait to welcome you soon!

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