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

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Campaign donations are both a measure of popular support and a sign of which candidates special interests believe they can influence. CalMatters analyzed campaign finance data in the California governor’s race. Here are five takeaways on where the money is coming from and where it’s going.

Outside money is shattering records

It’s a record-breaking election when it comes to spending by corporations and special interest groups trying to influence who becomes the next governor.

Outside groups, which unlike candidates can receive unlimited donations, reported spending $79 million so far — more than double the amount spent through the November 2018 general election when Gavin Newsom won his first term.

Billionaire Tom Steyer is the biggest target: A political spending committee called California Is Not For Sale, funded by the state Realtors association, the California Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Gas & Electric and the state’s electrical workers’ union poured $32 million into ads opposing him.

Steyer has vowed to lower electricity bills by challenging PG&E’s monopoly in much of Northern California. He’s also promised to pursue a ballot measure that would raise revenue for public services by requiring more accurate property tax assessments on business properties, a move that could upend the commercial real estate market.

Some of the same groups spending against Steyer are running ads for Xavier Becerra. Those groups — along with organizations representing doctors, contractors and several labor unions — have spent $13 million through PACs to boost Becerra.

Chevron, McDonald’s, dialysis giant DaVita and one of the state’s largest oil drillers, California Resources Corp., are funding one of the largest pro-Becerra groups, with each of them contributing $500,000. Meta and AirBnB chipped in about $1 million each and health insurance corporation Centene, which runs California-based HealthNet, put in $100,000.

Steyer is reveling in the spending against him, pointing to it as proof he’d stand up to utilities and big business. A climate activist, Steyer has highlighted Becerra’s support from Chevron.

The progressive unions California Nurses Association and United Domestic Workers have spent a comparatively modest $1.4 million on mailers and digital media boosting Steyer. Outside groups have also spent $1.8 million opposing Republican frontrunner Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and British political strategist.

Mahan fizzles out

The second-highest outside spending went to boost Mahan, the San Jose mayor and moderate Democrat who entered the race late to much fanfare from Silicon Valley.

California’s tech billionaires urged Mahan to run and backed him with millions in donations and two independent spending committees. They were enamored with his platform of government efficiency and opposition to new taxes — positions that would shield them from the Legislature’s push to regulate tech and raise taxes on the wealthy.

Donors included venture capitalists Michael Moritz and Brian Singerman, DoorDash CEO Tony Xu, Intuit founder Scott Cook, Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Los Angeles developer and former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso.

The committees spent nearly $22 million on ads supporting Mahan, significantly more than the $9 million his campaign has spent. But the money wasn’t enough to overcome his significant disadvantage in name recognition as the first-term mayor of a city that doesn’t get much attention. Strategists told the committees’ backers they needed at least $45 million to make a difference.

One of the PACs, California Back to Basics, last week returned $1 million from Netflix CEO Reed Hastings; Hastings cryptically posted on X that he hadn’t asked for the money back. The refund was an acknowledgement that the committee hadn’t succeeded in raking in a final $10 to $15 million the billionaire backers hoped to raise in the last weeks of the campaign, committee spokesperson Matt Rodriguez said.

Steyer spending breaking its own records

Yet despite his opponents’ deep-pocketed donors, no one has matched the $213 million Steyer has spent on his own campaign, allowing him to blanket the airwaves with ads, pay influencers to post videos with him and send billboard trucks to drive around gas stations highlighting Becerra’s Chevron support.

That makes his the most expensive primary campaign in California gubernatorial history, exceeding that of former eBay executive Meg Whitman, a Republican who spent about $94 million in the June 2010 primary — about $142 million in today’s dollars — spending tens of millions more before losing to Jerry Brown in the general election.

Swalwell donors flocked to Becerra

DaVita, the California Medical Association and the California Professional Firefighters Association all supported former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s gubernatorial bid before he dropped out over sexual assault allegations.

They were among the biggest Swalwell backers to quickly switch to Becerra, who has enjoyed surging support from social media and the Democratic establishment.

Small donors made a similar leap. The CalMatters analysis found that after Swalwell dropped out, more than 500 of his campaign donors went on to contribute to Becerra’s campaign. No other candidate received that much support from former Swalwell donors.

Swalwell, who has also since resigned from Congress, continues to use his gubernatorial campaign to pay more than $313,000 to attorney Sara Azari, who is defending him against the allegations. He has also refunded about $250,000 to nearly 50 donors.

Republican Steve Hilton had the most donors

The Republican frontrunner amassed the highest number of campaign donors in the race: more than 20,000. Nearly a quarter of them live outside California.

The former Fox News host seeks to slash state environmental regulations, build housing on undeveloped suburban land and cut income taxes for the middle class. He received a slight uptick in donations after President Donald Trump endorsed him on April 6.

Katie Porter, the Democratic former congressmember from Orange County and consumer protection attorney, had the second-highest number of donors, with more than 15,000.

She also has the highest share of donors outside California, reflecting her relative national fame from her headline-grabbing time grilling corporate CEOs in Congress.

But fundraising stalled for the onetime progressive darling, who touts her reliance on grassroots donors and refusal to take corporate contributions. From April 18 through May 19 she brought in less money than Mahan.

Betty Jean McKinnon, an enrolled member of the Karuk Tribe, was born on December 8, 1946, in Los Angeles to Trella Aubrey and Loren Offield. She passed away on May 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and community.

Although born in Los Angeles, Betty was raised along the Klamath River, where she built lifelong roots and connections. She remained a lifelong resident of the Klamath River region and spent much of her adult life between Yreka and Happy Camp, creating memories and friendships everywhere she went.

Betty was a deeply caring person who loved to laugh, joke around, and enjoy life with the people around her. She was often surrounded by family and friends who shared her love for being silly, teasing one another, and simply having fun together. Betty had a long life filled with stories, memories, and laughter. She loved playing dice and solitaire and was someone who truly enjoyed the little moments in life.

Betty entered marriage at the young age of 16 when she married Carl Steel. During that marriage, she quickly stepped into the role of stepmother to seven children before the marriage later ended in divorce. After welcoming her children, Ricky and Carla, Betty later married Duane McKinnon in the early 1980s and continued building a life centered around family, resilience, and love. Through her marriage to Duane, she became a loving stepmother to Velda McKinnon, Deanna McKinnon, Juliet McKinnon Maestas, Dawone McKinnon, Connie McKinnon, Lare “Toss” McKinnon, and Valerie and Frank Richards.

Betty was a tremendous woman who faced many hardships and obstacles throughout her life, yet she always came out stronger and more resilient. She never let her struggles define her or bring her down. Through every challenge, Betty carried herself with strength, humor, and determination, continuing to care for those around her no matter what life handed her.

She was a woman who could be both outspoken and quietly observant. Known as a woman of few words until she decided she had something to say, Betty never held back from speaking her mind. Her honesty, humor, and strong personality made her unforgettable to those who knew her. Beneath that tough honesty was one of the kindest and most generous hearts. If Betty had something and someone needed it, she would give it without hesitation.

In her younger years, Betty worked as a roller-skate waitress at a root beer shop and later at a train diner, jobs that matched her lively spirit and gave her many stories to share over the years. She loved yard sales, thrift shopping, and shopping until she dropped. Betty enjoyed listening to rock and roll music and loved to dance. She had a way of amusing herself and everyone around her with her personality and humor.

Family meant everything to Betty. She was proud of her family and loved watching the younger generations grow. She was especially known in her younger years for making enchiladas that family still remembers fondly today. Betty was also a wonderful sister who was deeply cherished by her family. Though life dealt her a difficult hand at times, she continued moving forward with resilience and heart. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and is finally at peace.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Duane McKinnon; her mother, Trella Aubrey; her father, Loren Offield; her brother, Loren Offield Jr.; her daughter, Carla Smart; her stepson, Dawone McKinnon; her nephew, Nakima Frye; great nephew Anthony Gillespie; her niece, Tessa Donahue; and many beloved cousins and relatives.

She is survived by her son, Ricky Offield (Cecilia Arwood); her stepchildren, Connie McKinnon, Lare “Toss” McKinnon, and Juliet McKinnon; her sisters, Bessie Munson, Shirley Clark, and Donna Smith; and her loving nieces and nephews Talonna Marshall (Whits Marshall), Sonia Donahue, Shalayna Offield, Stephanie Sorrenson, Kelly Burns, and Loren “TwoFeathers” Offield.

She also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved deeply and was proud of, including April Gillespie, Nicholas Gillespie, Lydia Nulph-Abbott, Lucas Burns, Cassie Burns, Panther Risling, Trella Gillespie, Gladys Dunn, Juni Black, Unchnanna Thom, Helen Thom, Jack Thom III, Yaa-Mitch Jackson, Ashley Donahue, Qosos Drake, Xatimniim Drake, Wallace Marshall, Ishyuux Marshall, Iim’nih Marshall, Ikchaxvaan Marshall, Vanessa Offield, Michael Offield, Marcus Offield, Dakota Offield, Chase Offield, Ketnu Offield, Lennox Offield, Leilanie Dalizon, Nathan Dalizon, Nicholas Dalizon, as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Betty’s strength, honesty, humor, kindness, and generosity will never be forgotten. Her memory will live on through the stories shared by family, the music that reminds people of her, and the love she gave so freely throughout her life.

Funeral services for Betty Jean McKinnon were held on May 24, 2026, with graveside services at Aubrey Ranch followed by a potluck meal at the Orleans Department of Natural Resources.

Evelyn passed away May 22 at Redwood Memorial with her family by her side.

She was born and raised in Fortuna on Carson Woods Road. She graduated from Fortuna High. Her brother Andy introduced her to his friend Chuck Ogle. They fell in love, and were married on June 6, 1952. The built their home on the family property on Carson Woods Road. Chuck and Evelyn enjoyed camping, spending time with family and friends, and being involved in their church. Chuck retired from Pacific Lumber, only to pass away several years later at 69 of cancer. Evelyn’s faith and positive spirit kept her going.

She continued serving in her church, assisting in the senior lunch program, & visiting with her cronies at L’s kitchen. In 2025 she moved to Fortuna Rehab and Wellness as she was on oxygen full time. She loved the residents and workers. Her favorite activities were the dice game, bingo, and the balloon game. She loved to win at Bingo, but then would donate the prizes back for some else to enjoy.

Knowing her time was short she made these requests:

• A celebration of life with her church family and loved ones.
• Mike Gibbs to sing her favorite songs, “Victory in Jesus,” and “When I Get to Heaven”
• To be buried along side her beloved husband, Chuck.

In her 97 years of life she had a lot to be thankful for:

Craig and Tammy Hall (Calvary Chapel) and her church family

• Her dearest friends Rita Hefley and Doug Smith (Cowboy)
• Fannette Downie for her care
• L’s kitchen and gang for all the good food and laughter you all added to her life
• Risa, her granddaughter who traveled to see her over the years, and made special memories together
• Fortuna Rehab & Wellness for their loving care and fun times together!

We, Dennis & Doris Miller, her niece and nephew are writing this. We have felt so blessed to have her as our auntie, and neighbor on Carson Woods road. We hope to carry on with her positive spirit, joy and laughter, and most of all a little spunk! We are going to miss your rocky road candy, no one could make it like you! We cannot wait to see you in Heaven, our sweet auntie!

Please join us for Evelyn’s celebration of Life:

Date: Saturday , June 13th
Location: Calvary Chapel, 914 9th Street, Fortuna
Time: 2 p.m.

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

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People from all walks of life gathered at St. Vincent de Paul’s Third Street dining facility in Eureka today for the unveiling of the city’s newest — and perhaps cutest — mural, “Share the Bounty,” a whimsical scene of woodland critters enjoying tasty foods by local artists Blake Reagan and Christopher Dmise. 

The mural, which received grant funding from the Eureka Cultural Arts District, was inspired by the folks who frequent the St. Vinny’s dining hall during Free Meal and features some of their favorite meals, including spare ribs and macaroni and cheese.

“They wanted a bunch of animals eating at the table, sharing food and the bounty, and so we wanted to capture that in the mural,” Reagan said. “I think there’s food all around us, but I think there’s also hunger all around us, and I think it’s easy for us to avoid these situations just by opening your heart and giving a little to people in need.”

The big mural reveal coincided with Unity Day, Uplift Eureka’s community resource fair. The monthly pop-up features local organizations and volunteer groups that work with the city’s unhoused community, but Siena Parish, Uplift Eureka’s outreach coordinator, emphasized that Unity Day is for the entire community. 

Parish

“Unity Day is just a chance for community members to come down [to the dining hall] and really just experience our community here, connect with nonprofits, connect with folks who care and really put our best foot forward. Community works as well as how we treat those who need it most,” Parish said. “To be able to do this at St. Vincent de Paul’s is such an honor. … This is an absolute dream come true.”

“And I will say, I’m happy the mac ‘n’ cheese is on the wall,” she added, referring, of course, to the painted pile of cheesy goodness beneath the window.

Recognize that blue bowl? Hannah Ozanian, Uplift Eureka’s social services coordinator, said it’s a tribute to the late ceramicist Mark Campbell, who used to coordinate the local Empty Bowls fundraiser for St. Vincent de Paul and the Jefferson Community Center.

“We’re grateful to be able to show off this new piece of work that’s brightening up our street and community,” Ozanian added. “This is an important part of town that has sheltered many people for many decades, and this art is representative of our group’s tie to art, community, culture and this bigger idea of beautification throughout Eureka.”

The mural is a part of the You Found It! Festival, a two-month arts festival produced by the Eureka Cultural Arts District. Keep scrolling for more photos!

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Note: This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Father Mike Cloney’s name. The Outpost regrets the error.

Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire:

Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) crews responded to a first-alarm structure fire near the 3500 Block of M Street in Eureka shortly after 5:15 am this morning.

Upon arrival, the first arriving unit encountered heavy fire conditions with approximately 40% of the single-family home fully involved. Crews initiated a quick transitional fire attack, rapidly knocking down the bulk of the fire before transitioning to an interior offensive operation. Interior crews conducted a primary search of the structure and achieved a primary and secondary all clear, confirming no occupants were inside. The Incident Commander confirmed through Eureka Police and Fire Dispatch that the homeowner was safely located elsewhere.

Following the fire extinguishment, crews faced challenging conditions due to extensive hoarding inside the residence and conducted a labor-intensive overhaul operation. PG&E responded promptly to the scene and removed the electrical meter, enhancing safety for fire personnel. City Ambulance provided standby medical support throughout the incident. No injuries to firefighters or civilians were reported.

Humboldt Bay Fire would like to thank our dispatchers, PG&E, and City Ambulance for their assistance during this challenging early morning fire. Their quick and professional support helped ensure a safe and effective operation.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Humboldt Bay Fire reminds residents to maintain clear access for emergency personnel around their homes. Keeping ornamental vegetation, personal belongings, and pathways clear can help prevent delays during emergencies and reduce fire risk.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Over the course of a single 12-hour shift, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) proactively conducted enforcement operations throughout Humboldt County, resulting in multiple arrests related to outstanding warrants, narcotics offenses, and other criminal activity. These actions reflect HCSO’s ongoing commitment to proactive policing strategies aimed at improving public safety and addressing crime in our communities.

On May 26, 2026, approximately 20 minutes into the shift, a patrol deputy assigned to the Eureka Main Station observed Michael Thomas Banyard (DOB 03/05/1991) walking near the intersection of Tydd Street and V Street in Eureka. Deputies determined Banyard had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was detained without incident, arrested, and subsequently booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF).

Shortly thereafter, deputies assigned to the Eureka Main Station conducted a foot patrol at a known transient encampment located behind Walgreens Pharmacy at 2525 Harris Street in Eureka. During the contact, deputies located Allen Walter Yochum (DOB 06/03/1964), who was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and used hypodermic needles that were in plain view. Deputies also learned Yochum was on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for prior drug-related convictions and had absconded from supervision. In addition, Yochum had five outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the HCCF.

Later in the shift, patrol deputies assigned to the Hoopa Valley area were conducting proactive patrols near Pine Creek Road and River Road when they initiated a traffic stop for an observed traffic violation. Deputies contacted the driver, Gary Keith Parson (DOB 08/29/1975), who admitted to possessing methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of more than 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine (photo attached). Parson was arrested for possession of controlled substances and booked into the HCCF.

Moments later, additional deputies assigned to the Hoopa Valley area conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of Tish Tang Road for another observed traffic violation. Deputies contacted multiple occupants inside the vehicle, including Terra Yvette Hescock (DOB 09/14/1983) and Jasmine Beatrice Faye Smith (DOB 09/07/1975). Deputies learned Smith was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. During the investigation, deputies observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. HCSO K9 Yahtzee was on scene and conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle, alerting deputies to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent vehicle search resulted in the discovery of additional drug paraphernalia and ammunition. Both subjects were arrested and booked into the HCCF on various charges.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive, intelligence-led policing and targeted enforcement efforts designed to protect the public and improve quality of life throughout Humboldt County. Through increased patrol activity, strategic enforcement, and continued community engagement, HCSO will continue working to deter criminal activity, hold offenders accountable, and keep Humboldt County communities safe.

Anyone with information about these cases or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Press release from the Humboldt County Agriculture Commissioner:

The County of Humboldt’s Agriculture Commissioner is urging residents to take immediate precautions after the invasive glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) was discovered on grape plants sold at Costco stores throughout California. 

The Costco store in Eureka, located at 1006 W. Wabash Ave., was among those that received these grape plants from Burchell Nursery, a wholesale nursery located in Fresno County. The issue occurred at the nursery supplier level, and the local food supply has not been affected by the discovery of this insect.

The glassy-winged sharpshooter, a type of leafhopper, spreads Pierce’s disease which kills grapevines and can also harm almond, citrus and ornamental plants, creating a serious risk for agriculture and home gardens in Humboldt County and across the state. There is currently no known cure for Pierce’s disease. Due to the clear and present danger the pest and disease pose to local vineyards and backyard growers, it is important that any potentially affected plants are inspected as soon as possible. 

What To Do

Early detection is critical for protecting Humboldt County and California’s agricultural and natural resources. Anyone who purchased grape plants from the Eureka Costco location on or after Tuesday, April 21 should contact the Humboldt County Agricultural Commissioner’s office to help stop the pest from spreading further. 

Please do not plant your recently-purchased grapevine if you have not already done so. Residents who purchased grape plants from Costco on or after April 21 should not move or throw away the plants. Residents should place two garbage bags over the plant, secure them tightly and immediately contact the Humboldt County Agricultural Commissioner’s office for further guidance and to schedule an inspection. 

You can reach the Agriculture Commissioner’s office on the phone at 707-441-5260 or by email at AGCommisioner@co.humboldt.ca.us. 

More Information

Humboldt County has a restriction against the glassy-winged sharpshooter to protect both commercial growers and home gardeners. Native to the southeastern United States and Mexico, this invasive species was first identified in California in the 1990s and is now established in central and southern parts of the state. This pest threatens California’s grape industry and is known to feed on more than 250 plant species, causing damage to vineyards and ornamental landscapes. As part of the Humboldt County Agriculture Department’s Pest Detection Program, yellow panel sticky traps are placed at nurseries and throughout the county to detect the presence of this pest, which has never been detected in Humboldt County.

“The glassy-winged sharpshooter poses a serious threat and it’s important that we move quickly to prevent it from spreading,” said Humboldt County Agricultural Commissioner Weylan Shaw. “Staff is working closely with Costco and our state and local partners to protect Humboldt’s farms, home gardens and landscapes. If you purchased grapevines from Costco on or after April 21, please contact us. We know this may be an inconvenience and we truly appreciate your help to keep Humboldt’s agriculture and gardens healthy.”

Additional information about the glassy-winged sharpshooter and Pierce’s disease can be found at the California Department of Food & Agriculture’s website. 

About the Humboldt County Department of Agriculture

The Humboldt County Department of Agriculture’s purpose is to protect Humboldt’s agricultural industry, human health and the environment through various regulatory programs. The department fosters consumer confidence and equity in the marketplace through education, community engagement and through the fair and uniform enforcement of laws, regulation and ordinances that have been enacted by the people of California and the County of Humboldt. For more information about the Humboldt County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures, visit HumboldtGov.org/AgCommissioner.