Cal Poly Humboldt students continue to occupy campus buildings Tuesday, following last night’s clash between pro-Palestinian protesters and numerous local law enforcement agencies. The collision of worldviews has led to the cancellation of all the day’s scheduled classes and on-campus events.
One such event: CPH’s Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies Department (CRGS) was set to kick off its annual Hip Hop Conference today. The three-day event was supposed to be an opportunity to “create space for the Black and Brown diaspora in Humboldt to build community, and learn about the important cultural and sociopolitical history of hip hop.”
This year’s conference was to be highlighted by a Tuesday evening key note address in the Van Duzer Theatre by none other than Public Enemy frontman and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chuck D. The events of last night, however, have made his appearance impossible. This morning, people who had registered for free tickets to the event received an email from CRGS, containing the following message:
In light of current events on Cal Poly Humboldt’s campus, we are searching for an off-campus alternative location.
This event is not currently canceled and we will update everyone as soon as possible.
A few hours later, a second email announced that Chuck D’s appearance, as well as the remainder of this year’s Hip Hop Conference, have simply been canceled. “Thank you for your understanding,” the second email states.
The Van Duzer Theatre, where Chuck D was scheduled appear, covered in graffiti Tuesday morning.
Benbow Inn owners John and Teresa Porter, along with their partners, the Macdonald family, are thrilled to announce a new chapter in the rich history of the iconic 98-year-old Inn.
Effective May 1, Jill Macdonald, Polly Endert (Macdonald) and Sally Macdonald will acquire the Porters’ interest in the Southern Humboldt landmark and become the sole owners.
In 2020, Jack Macdonald passed away, leaving his ownership to his daughters, who then became partners with the Porters. For more than three decades, this partnership has dutifully served as proprietors, making it the longest-standing stewardship among all the owners of the Inn, even surpassing the Benbows themselves. The Macdonalds are eager to continue the stewardship of this remarkable property.
John and Teresa Porter.
Originally established in 1926 by the Benbow family, the Inn has remained a beacon of hospitality, attracting travelers from across the globe. Under the tenure of John and Teresa Porter, and their partnership with the Macdonald family, the Benbow Inn has thrived as a cherished destination, preserving its rich heritage while embracing the evolution of modern hospitality.
“John and Teresa Porter have established a legacy property cherished by travelers from near and far,” said the girls, “As new owners, we’re enthusiastic about preserving the rich traditions of our past while propelling our Inn into an exciting future. We grew up in the Humboldt County lodging industry and are thrilled to unveil new and unique experiences for our guests, showcasing the distinctive charm of our Inn and community.”
To commemorate this transition, the Benbow Inn cordially invites friends, patrons, and community members to a reception honoring John and Teresa Porter on Wednesday, May 1st, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The event will take place in the upper lobby of the Benbow Historic Inn, beverages and hors d’oeuvres provided. Special room rates will be available for attendees.
For further inquiries and information, please contact Jenny Early at 707-223-2332.
Cal Poly Humboldt issued the following press release, which notes that three protesters were arrested last night and a second building has been occupied.
Protestors continue to occupy Siemens Hall, an academic and administrative building on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt.
Three protesters were arrested overnight stemming from the occupation and confrontation with law enforcement both inside and outside the building.
Dozens of protestors remain inside Siemens Hall. Through the evening, they barricaded every entrance to the building with furniture, creating a hazardous situation for protestors inside.
An unknown number of students have occupied another building in the area.
The University is concerned about the safety of the students who remain in the building, and has been asking the students to remain open to dialogue around a peaceful resolution.
The University supports free speech through open dialogue that is respectful and constructive. There are many avenues and options to express views that don’t involve disrupting operations and vandalizing campus, which interferes with the campus community’s rights to a safe and peaceful environment.
University police continue to closely monitor an evolving situation. The University has had strategic meetings with law enforcement and fire officials about the health and safety of those barricading themselves inside the building.
The campus community is advised to avoid the area of the building.
On Monday night, the University announced that the campus will be closed through Wednesday, April 24 for the safety of the campus community. Buildings are locked down and limited campus services, such as Dining, are available.
At 4:50 p.m., University Police received reports of dozens of protesters occupying the first and second floors of Siemens Hall.
Classes in Siemens Hall were canceled. Students and faculty of five courses that were in progress and employees inside were evacuated. The building was shut down after protesters began disrupting classes and University operations, and vandalizing University property.
They blocked entrances and elevators with tents and at one point shut doors using chains and zip ties at various locations, violating fire codes and creating extreme safety hazards for those inside. Protestors were given multiple warnings and opportunities to exit the building voluntarily.
Those who are able to work remotely have been directed to continue to do so. In-person classes and activities are transitioning to remote where possible. Instructors are posting course updates online.
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Original post:
Video by Ryan Hutson/Humboldt Freelance Reporting.
The campus of Cal Poly Humboldt remains closed Tuesday morning following yesterday’s major pro-Palestinian student demonstration and occupation of Siemens Hall. A massive response from multiple regional law enforcement agencies eventually led to the violent confrontation seen in the video above.
Photos: Andrew Goff.
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A message posted to the university website says, “The campus will continue to be closed through Wednesday, April 24 for the safety of the campus community as protestors continue occupying Siemens Hall. Buildings are locked down and key cards will not work.”
It’s unclear how many students are inside, but since last night the entrances to Siemens Hall have been barricaded, as seen in the photos below.
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At least one protester was arrested at the scene last night by the Cal Poly Humboldt University Police Department and booked into jail for resisting arrest and trespassing.
The people behind the Instagram account @humboldtforpalestine posted the following statement this morning:
Calling on all students and community members! The occupation by Cal Poly Humboldt students is still ongoing and they need your support. Yesterday they and those showing up to be witnesses were met with violence by UPD and APD. This is a peaceful protest and the students would like it to stay that way. Our collective community power demanded the police to leave and they did. Let’s continue to show up to protect these students as they demand that Cal Poly Humboldt divest from “israeli” occupation and the ongoing genocide. Go to the campus as soon as you can!
Student demands:
We will not negotiate us leaving until they divest. After that is met, then we will have further demands. But we are not leaving or moving or talking until they have completely divested from israel.
Keep the momentum going, but stay focused. The liberation of Palestine is the focal point of this work at this time. Divest, sanction, embargo “israel.” Free Palestine from the river to the sea.
*to be clear, this was not a protest organized by Humboldt for Palestine, but is an organic CPH student organizing movement. We are a trusted community collective of organizers for amplifying their demands.
[CLARIFICATION: The person/people behind the @humboldtforpalestine Instagram account are not formally involved in the protest and occupation, as explained in a post from Tuesday evening, which read, in part, “While we stand in solidarity with the students of CPH who have taken this action, we want to make it clear that Humboldt for Palestine was not a part of the planning or execution of this action, and that we do not represent or speak on behalf of this student led movement.]
Graffiti on the Van Duzer Theatre.
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The Outpost will continue updating this story as it develops.
Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:
On April 22, 2024, Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Agents with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (HCSO MET), served a search warrant on Albert Boone (66 years old from Eureka). HCDTF Agents observed Boone travel from Humboldt County to Oakland, California. Upon Boone’s return to Humboldt County, Agents conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle as he entered the city of Fortuna.
Boone, Kauffman, Dickens
Inside the vehicle, Agents located Albert Boone, Lindsay Kauffman (39 years old from McKinleyville), Emerald Dickens (37 years old from Eureka), approximately three pounds of fentanyl, 5 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of heroin, a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $5,000.00 in U.S. Currency.
Albert Boone was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:
HS11351- Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales
HS11352(A)- Transportation of a Controlled Substance for Sales
HS11352(B)- Transportation of a Controlled Substance through Noncontiguous Counties
Lindsay Kauffman was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked on the following charges:
HS11351- Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales
HS11352(A)- Transportation of a Controlled Substance for Sales
Agents then served a search warrant on a hotel in Eureka that had been occupied by Albert Boone.
Agents located Emerald Dickens who was ultimately transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked on an active warrant from an outside agency.
Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On April 17, 2024, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served a search warrant to investigate illegal Indoor cannabis cultivation in the Berry Summit area of the County. The California Fish and Wildlife and Humboldt County Hazardous Waste assisted in the service of the warrant.
One property was investigated during the service of the warrant. The parcel did not possess the required county permit and state license to cultivate cannabis commercially.
During the service of the warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 8,334 growing cannabis plants. Deputies seized and destroyed over 75 pounds of cannabis bud, 55 pounds of cannabis shake, and 74 pounds of processed cannabis. Deputies located two large diesel tanks leaking fuel onto the ground. Along with several large oil spills. Fish and Wildlife Biologist located the following violations:
(4) FG 1602: Obstructing/Diverting flow of a stream
(10) FG 5650: Unlawful to pollute Waters of the State
(7) FG 5652: Unlawful to deposit any garbage, refuse, or waste in Waters of the State
Additional violations with civil fines are expected to be filed by the assisting agencies.
No arrests were made during the service of the warrant. The case will be forwarded to the DA’s Office for review.
Anyone with information about this case 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.
The
Blue Lake Rancheria will hold a full-scale emergency simulation
exercise on Wednesday, April 24, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2
p.m. It will take place in and around the area of the Blue Lake
Casino Hotel Sapphire Palace, located at 777 Casino Way in Blue Lake.
The
exercise will be loud and includes participation from local first
responder agencies from around the region.
During
the exercise, those in the vicinity of the Blue Lake Casino Hotel
should expect to hear simulated emergency conditions and actions, as
well as see
participants
with simulated injuries, law enforcement, fire and emergency medical
services personnel responding to the simulated emergency. First
responders may impede traffic flow for vehicles and pedestrians near
the casino.
All
Blue Lake Rancheria businesses will remain open during the exercise.
The
community should be prepared for a large emergency response and
temporary traffic controls on the day of the event. The training
simulation will require flexibility near the location of these
closures. Please follow signage on the day of.
The
purpose of the exercise is to train casino staff and local first
responders on how to respond to an emergency at the Blue Lake Casino
complex. The emergency simulation is intended to provide a real-time,
realistic experience of an emergency and allow first responders from
several partnering agencies to practice together, evaluate their
emergency response procedures and solidify strong operational
relationships.
For
more information regarding the emergency simulation exercise, please
email Andrew Bogar, mailto:abogar@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov
or call 707-668-5101 x1065.
Due
to the sensitive nature of the exercise, it will be closed to the
media. For media inquiries, please contact Isak Brayfindley,
ibrayfindley@bluelakerancheria-nsn.gov
About
the Blue Lake Rancheria
The
Blue Lake Rancheria, California (BLR) is a federally recognized,
sovereign Native American tribe and government located in northwest
California. BLR was originally established as a refuge for homeless
Indians by Executive Order in 1908. In 1958, during the ‘era of
termination,’ BLR was terminated as a Tribe by the federal
government. After 25 years of termination, and as a result of the
Tillie
Hardwick v. United States of America
decision, BLR was reinstated as a federally recognized Tribe in 1983.
Today, BLR has ~100 acres of trust lands spanning the Mad River in
Humboldt County, California, within the ancestral territory of the
Wiyot people. For more information please see this link.
Supporters of transgender rights gathered at the Capitol during a press conference on March 17, 2022. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters
A group working on a fall ballot initiative that would limit the rights of transgender students lost a round in court Monday when a judge sided with the state in its description of the measure.
Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Stephen Acquisto ruled that Attorney General Rob Bonta’s title, “Restricts Rights of Transgender Youth,” is a fair description of the initiative, which would require schools to notify parents if a student identifies as transgender, ban gender-affirming care for those under 18 and place other limits on students who identify as a gender other than what they were assigned at birth.
The ruling is a setback for the group, dubbed Protect Kids California, as it tries to meet a May 28 deadline to collect 550,000 signatures to qualify for the fall ballot. The group has so far raised just over 200,000 signatures, organizers said.
Protect Kids California, led by Roseville school board member Jonathan Zachreson, put forth the initiative in November, calling it the “Protect Kids of California Act,” but a day after the group filed its paperwork with the Secretary of State, Bonta gave the initiative a new name and summary. The new name, Restricts Rights of Transgender Youth, and description made it harder to collect signatures and donations, Zachreson said, leading the group to sue for a name they said would be more reflective of the initiative’s goals.
It’s not unusual for groups to sue the state attorney general over ballot initiative language, in hopes of getting a more persuasive name or summary. Ballot language can significantly influence voters’ opinions of initiatives, according to polling by the Public Policy Institute of California, especially among voters who aren’t well informed on issues. Judges usually side with the attorney general, citing a state election code that says the court should overturn the attorney general’s ballot language “only upon clear and convincing proof that the material in question is false, misleading, or inconsistent.” As Sacramento Superior Court Judge Laurie Earl put it in 2020, “The court is not a copy editor.”
Beyond the current initiative, challenges to LGBTQ student rights have been erupting at school boards up and down California for at least a year, largely at the behest of Assemblyman Bill Essayli, a Republican from Riverside. Essayli proposed a bill in 2023 that would require schools to notify parents about students’ gender identity, and when the bill didn’t get a hearing in the Assembly education committee he took his campaign directly to school boards.
School boards in Chino, Temecula, Roseville, Rocklin and Anderson are among those that have recently passed parental notification policies, stoking the wrath of Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom. In September, Bonta sued Chino Valley Unified over its policy, claiming it’s discriminatory, and a judge granted a preliminary injunction in October.
Protect Kids CA originally proposed three separate initiatives addressing the rights of transgender students but last fall combined them into one. If it passes, the initiative would:
Require students to use bathrooms that align with the gender they were assigned at birth
Prohibit transgender girls in seventh grade or older from participating in girls sports or other girls-only activities
Ban gender-affirming health care — including surgery or hormone treatment — for transgender students under age 18, even if parents consent or the treatment is recommended by a doctor
Require schools to notify parents if students change their pronouns or otherwise signal they identify as a gender other than what’s on their official student records
At a hearing Friday, Zachreson’s group argued that the state’s ballot language is biased and misleading, and doesn’t accurately reflect what the initiative would do. Bonta’s summary says the initiative would require parental notification “without exception,” but Zachreson’s group argued that schools would be required under existing law to not inform parents if students would be subject to abuse or neglect at home as a result.
Attorneys also argued over the definition of “privacy.” The California Department of Education says that students have a right to privacy on issues related to their gender identity. Attorneys for Protect Kids CA argued that the policy was never approved by voters, courts or the Legislature, and in fact federal law says parents have a right to view student records.
