California Department of Fish and Wildlife press release
The recreational salmon seasons have been set for 2018, and it appears to be a mixture of good news and bad for California anglers. Klamath River fall run Chinook are likely to be one of the better fishing opportunities due to higher returns that will support both ocean and inland salmon seasons. But returns for Sacramento River fall run Chinook – the main stock of salmon supporting California’s ocean and Central Valley river fisheries – have been low for the third consecutive year, pushing them into “overfished” status.
In order to meet conservation goals for Sacramento River fall run Chinook, some ocean salmon seasons have been shortened and the daily bag and possession limits for Central Valley river fisheries have been reduced.
“The goal is to get even more fish back to the spawning grounds this fall than would be required in a normal year,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Fisheries Branch Chief Kevin Shaffer.
In an effort to hasten the rebuilding process, the Pacific Fishery Management Council constructed conservative ocean salmon seasons for 2018, in the hopes of producing higher numbers of returning spawners. The California Fish and Game Commission set similar ocean seasons.
The 2018 recreational ocean salmon season for the California coast is as follows:
In the Klamath Management Zone, which is the area between the Oregon/California border and Horse Mountain (40°05’00” N. latitude), the season will open June 1 and continue through Sept. 3.
The Fort Bragg and San Francisco areas, which extend from Horse Mountain to Point Arena (38°57’30” N. latitude) and Point Arena to Pigeon Point (37°11’00” N. latitude), respectively, will open June 17 and continue through Oct. 31.
The Monterey area between Pigeon Point and the U.S./Mexico border opened on April 7 and will continue through July 2.
The minimum size limit is 20 inches total length in all areas north of Pigeon Point and 24 inches in all areas south of Pigeon Point. The daily bag limit is two Chinook salmon per day. No more than two daily bag limits may be possessed when on land. On a vessel in ocean waters, no person shall possess or bring ashore more than one daily bag limit. Retention of coho salmon (also known as silver salmon) is prohibited in all ocean fisheries off California.
The 2018 recreational inland salmon season for California inland waters is as follows:
Seasons for Central Valley fishery start on traditional dates on all sections of all rivers. Only one salmon per day may be retained and the possession limit is two salmon.
In the Klamath River the season will open Aug. 15 and continue through Dec. 31. The Trinity River season will be open from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. The daily bag limit is two salmon no more than one over 22 inches. The possession limit is six salmon, no more than three over 22 inches.
Regulations approved by the Commission since the 2017 season created a positive effect for the upcoming Central Valley salmon season. The new regulations – including a complete closure of Nimbus Basin on the American River to all fishing due to construction, a reduction in the daily bag and possession limit for the Central Valley, and a shortened leader length regulation intended to reduce snagging – were pivotal in setting seasons on the Sacramento River fall Chinook because they helped reduced potential harvest to meet stock rebuilding goals.
The 2018 sport seasons, dates, locations and bag limits will be published in the 2018-2019 Sport Fishing Regulations Supplement, which will be posted on the CDFW website in May. Additional season information can be found on CDFW’s ocean salmon webpage or by calling CDFW’s ocean salmon hotline at (707) 576-3429 or the Klamath-Trinity River hotline at (800) 564-6479.
Mercer-Fraser has abandoned plans to build a 5,000 square-foot marijuana manufacturing facility on a 13.5 acre parcel along the Mad River between Glendale Dr. and West End Rd. | Image courtesy County of Humboldt.
In a surprise announcement Wednesday morning, Fifth District Supervisor Ryan Sundberg tells the Outpost that Mercer-Fraser Co. has withdrawn plans for a controversial cannabis extraction facility along the banks of the Mad River, near Glendale, as well as a request to rezone the property heavy industrial.
Humboldt County Planning and Building Director John Ford confirms that the county received a letter from Mercer-Fraser’s attorney Tuesday night withdrawing both the proposed plans for a cannabis extraction facility and the request to have the property rezoned from agricultural to heavy industrial.
The project, which was narrowly approved by the Humboldt County Planning Commission earlier this year, has drawn a great deal of public scrutiny as well as an official appeal from the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (HBMWD), whose leadership has argued that heavy industrial use on the property threatens to “adversely affect the domestic drinking water supply for nearly two thirds of the population of Humboldt County.”
Reached by phone this morning, HBMWD General Manager John Friedenbach said he had not heard of Mercer-Fraser’s plans to abandon the project.
“I’m surprised,” he said before quickly adding, “I reserve final judgment pending seeing that in writing.” Friedenbach added that if it proves to be true, “obviously the district is very glad to hear that.”
Sundberg recently has been alluding to an agreement that would please everybody, though earlier this week Mercer-Fraser President Justin Zabel said he couldn’t discuss what was in the works.
“We’re working on a good solution right now,” Zabel said on Monday. “So I guess stay tuned.”
He went on to say that he felt the project has been largely misunderstood, especially the request to rezone the property heavy industrial, which he said was a natural extension of changes made to the the underlying land use designation during the county’s general plan update.
Mercer-Fraser has operated a gravel yard and concrete batch plant on the premises for years.
“People talk about how the public should know what’s going on; this general plan [update] was going on for 10 years,” Zabel said, noting that Mercer-Fraser and other property owners in the Glendale region filed rezone requests as part of the open public process.
Zabel added that the company had no plans to operate the proposed cannabis extraction facility itself; rather, it was building it to lease. The proposal proved controversial largely because of plans to use volatile solvents, including butane, propane and carbon dioxide, in the extraction process.
HBMWD staff said heavy industrial activity near their Ranney Collectors (pump houses) threatened to contaminate the drinking water for up to two-thirds of the population of Humboldt County. These pump houses draw water up from the aquifer through the sands and gravel of the riverbed, providing filtered drinking water to residents of Eureka, Arcata, McKinleyville, Blue Lake, Manila and other communities in the north bay region.
Mercer-Fraser’s property sits within the Mad River’s 100-year flood zone, though Zabel said the company had agreed to build the cannabis extraction facility two feet above that designated elevation and had gone above and beyond state regulations in designing a septic disposal system.
“I am very happy to have this issue come to a successful conclusion,” Sundberg said. “It took a little more time because Mercer-Fraser wanted to look into withdrawing both the permit and the rezone. I want to thank them for working with me through the issues and their responsiveness to the community.”
Ruth
Davis, of Hydesville, passed through the gates of heaven on April
12, 2018, at the age of 96. Ruth was born December 22, 1921, in
Edgerton, Minn. to Samuel and Jenny Kreun, the eighth child of ten. She
grew up on the family farm, living in a large two-story house her
father built from a Sears and Roebuck kit. When the depression hit,
her family lost the farm and moved into town, enduring all the
shortages those times incurred. In her late teens she moved to
Pipestone, Minn., and was a food tabulator clerk for the Forum
Cafeteria. It was at that time that she met a handsome young man from
Leggett, Hobart Davis, who was in an Army engineering
school, preparing to be shipped off to the European theater of WWII.
When he shipped out, she thought she’d never see him again.
Ruth
and two friends traveled out to Los Angeles to find jobs. She was
working as a secretary there when she heard Hobart was in a military
hospital just down the road. They rekindled their romance and he took
her up to San Francisco to be married in his aunt’s house. The
newlyweds settled into a tiny cabin in Leggett Valley and started
their family. In the next six years they had five children; Donna,
Kris, Terry, and twin girls, Sandra and Susan. Five years later,
their younger son, Randy, was born, rounding out the family to eight.
By this time they lived in Eureka.
In
1961, Hobart (Bert) and Ruth bought an old Victorian-style farmhouse
and in Hydesville and began a busy and fulfilling life on the
farm.
Ruth
became very active in the local 4-H club and was the Community Leader
for 17 years, as all six of her children had various projects to
round out their education. When her youngest child entered high
school, she started working at Hydesville Elementary as their
librarian. She had a great passion for teaching little ones the joy
of reading.
But
her greatest passion in life was serving Jesus, by teaching Sunday
School at Hydesville Church for many years. She loved producing
Christmas plays with the Sunday School children. She also taught
numerous Ladies Bible Studies and found great joy in sharing her
faith in Christ. Later in life she was very active in organizing
monthly Senior Luncheons.
Having
six children inevitably led to her having many grandchildren and
great grandchildren to love and spoil, the youngest of which are twin
boys born just this week.
After
Ruth and Bert retired, they traveled all around the US in their
travel trailer, but they always came back to Hydesville. They were
married for 61 years until Bert passed away. Ruth continued to live
on the farm until in 2011 she moved up to Roseburg, to be cared
for by her daughter Sandra as Alzheimer’s slowly took away all her
precious memories and way of life. She now lives in heaven with a
fully restored mind and body, being reunited with her husband and her
daughter, Susan, who preceded her.
She
is survived by her children, Donna and Barry Neel of Long Beach, Kristine and Robert Dietz of Hayden, Ida., Terry and Janie Davis of
Hydesville, Sandra and Ronald Gundlach of Roseburg, Ore., and Randy and
Crystal of Thaxton, Va. Grandchildren who grew up locally include
Pamela and Brent Gundlach and Sarah and Bryan Davis.
A
memorial service is being planned for Saturday afternoon, April 21, 3
p.m., at the Hydesville Church. She will be interred at the IOOF
Cemetery in Hydesville.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ruth Davis’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
Don flew over the
Rainbow, January 8th @ 10:18, 2018.
Don lived in the
Humboldt County area since 1984. As an artist in the Los Angeles
area his designs were on fine glassware, etched and signed. His
designs of stained glass windows were popular and can be seen in many
of the homes in Orange County and other LA areas. Don worked at the
LA Times as a printer while attending Art School. During this time
he had the opportunity to help Ansel Adams develop and convert his
large negatives into the well-known prints that we all love.
But he
loved it here. He had a home / shop across from where Amelia’s
Gourmet to Go is now. I have heard from neighbors of that time; that
he was called the unofficial mayor of Garberville. They formed the
“Back Street Rowing Club”. A good time had by all. Friends
forever.
Eventually, Don
hid all his art equipment in the farthest corner of storage, as is
was hard to find technicians up here to etch the designs using Garnet
sand on the glassware. He retired from this about 1988.
At Music for
Little People, Don did the returns. Checking for what was ruined or
what could be put back in stock. One of his stories was how on
Christmas one year he sent drums and noisy things to all the
Grandchildren, a payback to the parents for when they were young
themselves.
Don was active
with many local music events as a volunteer. At Reggae, he worked
running the water truck, which was a paid position, and as security
backstage.
As President of
Kiwanis in Garberville and other chairs, Don volunteered at the
Redwood Run. He was there building the wood booths, and the
landscaping. His camping spot was perfect, located next to the
stage. It attracted many more campers there. A central spot to
listen to music, watch the bikes zooming down the hill, keeping peace
with the Biker Clubs and Kiwanis.
Don sold his
etched glassware at the Summer Art Festival in the 80s. Set up
the street barriers at Kate Wolf Festival, Earth Dance and other
Music Festivals at the Black Oak Ranch. The volunteers he met and
camped with are many and continued to be good friends after his days
working / playing at the great musical festivals we are blessed to
have here in the Emerald Triangle.
Don was a pet of
Lagunita’s Beer, or so it seemed. A case would appear in his trunk
or porch, so he could share the beer with the thirsty. When in
Petaluma he was caught by a camera hugging a huge vat of beer. He
loved good beer. Other local Breweries, Eel River, Lost Coast, Mad
River, Six River were visited on the way home from McKinleyville. It
would sometimes take 5 hours. An hour a beer, shit stirring his way
with the many friends who paused for a bit to enjoy the camaraderie and
good taste of our local products.
Don was a Radio
guy! He listened all day and had his favorites: KMUD-Jo Mama’s
Blues. KHUM-Amy and Cliff, KHSU-Saturday Afternoon Shows. No TV for
him! Radio was a part of his life. We moved here because he could
still get KOST out of Fort Bragg.
Don gardened for
many years. His flowers flourished in the good soil and natural
sunlight. He watched as the years recorded history being made in
these rural mountains and ridges. Interesting times that brought
folks from far flung corners, to meet and develop in artistic,
liberal, educated culture. Don saw people who cared for the land,
cared for the animals, cared about work, music and fun.
After the turn of
the century Don’s home in the S.W. Trinity County Mountains kept
him as a Gentlemen Farmer. His joy in this quiet place with the
views forever, and the four seasons never left him.
Don was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Helen and
“Mike”. His baby brother, Monte. Sister, Mary and her husband,
David Kulczycki. Don is survived by the last love of this life, Judy
Davis, his brother Jack and wife Mary. Son’s: Donald (D3) and wife
Amy, Miles, Greg, Scott and a daughter he never met but included as
family. Grandchildren” Donald Mark IV, Randall Scott, Erica Lynn,
Steven Ray, James Clayton and Sara Nicole, Samantha. Great
Grandchildren; Jake Katsuya Heberlein, Kaeden Kikumoto, Olivia Marie
Campbell, Ehtaniel David and Harrison Robert Heberlein. Niece and
Nephew, Todd Heberlein and Kimberly Noles. During his life with
Judy, he included: Deena, Nicol and John as his family, with their
children Ruthann, Ashley, Nicholas, and Amber as their Grandpa.
His ashes will be
planted, per his request, on the property’s mountain top. A
Celebration of Life will be at noon, Earth Day, Sunday, April 22,
2018. Friends are welcome to attend.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Don Heberlein’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
On
February 17, 2018, Steven Alvarado Sr., 70, passed away peacefully in
his sleep at his home in Weitchpec. Steven was born a
Yurok Tribal member on January 28, 1948 to Manuel Montalban Alvarado
and Norma Minard Offins. Steven was a man of few words, but when he
spoke everyone listened. Steven worked in the logging industry for
over 50 years and worked for many logging outfits throughout Humboldt
County. He was falling trees up until a few days before his passing.
Age was not going to stop him from doing what he loved and anyone who
knew him would say the same thing.
He
is preceded in death by his mother, Norma Minard Offins; father, Manuel Alvarado; brother, Chet Alvarado; sister, Laura Offins; nephews Maurice and Manuel Alvarado Jr.; mother-in-law Wanda (hubby)
Gillespie and his best friend, Dennis O’Rourke.
Steven
is survived by his wife Linda Alvarado, stepmother Dorthy “Dot”
Alvarado; sons Robbie Robbins, Talbert Dean Alvarado Sr, Steven
Alvarado Jr and daughter Tina Graves (Eric); grandchildren Talbert
Dean Alvarado Jr (Patesha), Taqurri Alvarado, Lakia Solomon,
Julie-Onnah Solomon, James M. Solomon Jr, Jerica Graves, Steven
Graves ll and Nathan Alvarado; great-grandchildren Alayha Alvarado
and Gigi Alvarado. Steven is also survived by his brothers Tim
Minard, Harlan Alvarado, Arnold Offins, Jessie Alvarado and sisters
Lucinda Myers, Sam Alvarado, Morneen Wilson (Tommy), Sharon Alvarado
and Joyce Hosoda (Lyle). He is also survived my many nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
The
family would like to invite family and friends to services on April
29th, 2018 @ 1 p.m. at the Yurok Tribal Office in Weitchpec. All are welcome to come and pay their respects. A potluck will follow services at same location so please feel free to
bring your favorite dish.
###
The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Steven Alvarado Sr.’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), in partnership with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force and Arcata Police Department (APD), have arrested 12 individuals in connection with a ten-month long investigation of activities surrounding two ABC licensed premises in Arcata.
In February 2018, authorities arrested nine patrons and three employees in connection with the Sidelines Sports Bar and Toby & Jacks Bar, both located on the 9th Street block of Arcata’s Plaza.
Arrests made were for sales and possession of illegal drugs, facilitation of drug sales, outstanding warrants, conspiracy, driving under the influence and weapons violations. One suspect is currently at large with a warrant issued for arrest, and the suspect is not believed to be in Humboldt County.
Due to heightened concern about public safety on the plaza, and specific concerns regarding drug sales on the plaza from the community and local businesses, ABC, the Humboldt County Drug Task Force and APD, initiated this investigation in 2017. In recent months, ABC Agents conducted an undercover investigation to develop the information leading up to the arrests.
During the investigation, undercover ABC Agents were able to purchase illegal drugs with assistance from bar employees and bar patrons on multiple occasions. Agents confiscated cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, ecstasy and a “psychedelic” schedule one narcotic known as DMT or Dimethyltryptamine. The methamphetamine is known as MDMA or methylenedioxy/methamphetamine.
In addition, ABC has filed accusations against both licensed businesses. The penalties could range from fines to the revocation of the licenses. More information will be provided when it becomes available.
As in all cases, persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. While arrests have been made, this remains an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Arcata Police Department at 707-822-2424.
Breathe easy, tax procrastinators! You have one (1) more whole day to remember where you chucked your W2 and get your financial life in order.
Why? Well, the Internal Revenue Service has acknowledged a website outage has occurred on the worst of all possible days and is stifling specifically people attempting to pay taxes directly from their bank accounts, as well as those utilizing the online services of TurboTax and H&R Block. Many who attempted to navigate the IRS website Tuesday were greeted with a discouraging message.
That is a long outage!
In response to the freaking out masses — it’s been estimated that somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 million people wait until the deadline day to file — the IRS initially released a message apologizing for the inconvenience but reminding folks that they still needed to send payment by midnight. Now, however, they’ve switched to full “our bad” mode and are granting latecomers a one day’s worth of leeway.
