Hillsdale Apartments renters Don Swall and Vanessa Vachon have filed a class action lawsuit against their new landlord, Anil Dwivedi. | File photo by Ryan Burns.
Renters of Eureka’s Hillsdale Apartments have filed a class action lawsuit against their new landlord — Dwivedi Tower, LLC, owned by 33-year-old real estate investor Anil Dwivedi — in order to prevent unlawful rent increases and other alleged violations of the California Tenant Protection Act.
Anil Dwivedi’s LinkedIn profile photo.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Humboldt County Superior Court, accuses Dwivedi of evicting tenants without just cause and refusing to provide relocation assistance as required by law. It also says Dwivedi has threatened and continues to threaten to evict tenants who refuse to sign the unlawful new lease terms.
The suit was filed by attorney Jeffrey Slack, a partner with the Eureka firm of Janssen Malloy, LLP, on behalf of tenants Don Swall and Vanessa Vachon, as well as any other state residents who are or were tenants of the two buildings recently purchased by Dwivedi: the Hillsdale Apartments, at 1140 E Street, and Eureka Central Residence, at 333 E Street.
“Since purchasing the Eureka Central Residences and Hillsdale Apartments, Defendants have systematically attempted to impose unlawful rental increases on its tenants through intimidation and threats of eviction if their demands for unlawful rental increases are not met,” the complaint says.
In an email to the Outpost, Slack says there’s a court hearing scheduled for Monday to request a temporary restraining to prevent Dwivedi from charging the unlawful rent increased and from evicting tenants who refuse to pay it.
Some of the residents, including Swall and Vachon, had already enlisted the help of Legal Services of Northern California, a nonprofit organization offering free legal assistance to low-income people and other vulnerable populations. However, this class action suit is broader in scope. It seeks a court injunction and financial damages while aiming to represent not just the current tenants but also those who were evicted or who moved out in response to the new lease terms.
The suit asks the court to void any and all of the unlawful new leases and award defendants triple damages, which it says are warranted because Dwivedi acted “willfully with oppression, fraud or malice.”
After purchasing the Hillsdale Apartments last month, Dwivedi imposed rent increases ranging from 59 percent to 82 percent, the lawsuit alleges. Unless he’s restrained, the complaint argues, Dwivedi actions will continue to present his tenants with “the impossible choice” of becoming homeless and risking their health “or foregoing necessities of life in order to afford their rent.”
An email seeking comment from Dwivedi was not immediately returned. We’ll update readers if and when he replies.
Scroll down for links to both the complaint and the application for restraining order.
The Hillsdale Apartments, a 106-year-old building on E Street in Eureka, were purchased last month by Dwivedi Tower, LLC. | File photo by Andrew Goff.
February
26, 2025 marks the 165th anniversary of the 1860 Wiyot Massacre. The
event remains one of the most appalling mass-casualty incidents in
California history and stands as a permanent scar on Humboldt
County’s collective memory. Where traditional narratives of the
massacre have centered around settler-colonial perspectives, it is
important to remember this event with emphasis on the experiences of
Wiyot victims. Essential to this perspective are the Wiyot
History Papers,
a collection of documents published and digitized through Cal Poly
Humboldt Digital Commons — they are a collection that everyone
should read. One of the testimonies included in these papers was by
Jane Sam, a 15-year-old Wiyot survivor.
During
the last week of February 1860, Wiyot people across Humboldt
converged at Tuluwat Island for the World Renewal Ceremony.1
This long-held tradition anticipated the continued prosperity of the
world. Days of jump dancing were hosted in honor of the Creator to
bring balance back into the world. In 1860, revelers may have prayed
for an end to the settler-indigenous conflict that had consumed the
area for a decade.2
Moreover, the World Renewal Ceremony served as a community gathering
of the Wiyot — people traveled from around Humboldt Bay, Eel River,
and Mad River to visit the island; even some Yurok were in
attendance.3
The ceremony was also a period of reunion with distant families. Some
took the opportunity to make new friends, share gathering methods,
and play celebratory games. After several days of intense
celebration, the renewal ceremony finally came to a close.4
Jane Sam, a Tuluwat survivor, was there the night before the horrific
massacre:
The
dance was 5 nights. The dance was over one day. The wind blew and
rough weather on account of this nobody went home. That night [after]
the dance all were asleep. There were four houses and one sweat house
making five in all probably including the dance house.
Some
of the most industrious men left the island to gather food and water
for their families, leaving behind their exhausted families after
days of dancing. The lingering celebrants likely found comfort in
this extended time together, sharing some final stories and meals as
the February winds whipped across the bay. Children may have played
among the village houses, while elders shared news from their various
communities. In their homes and around the fire, the Wiyot people
could reflect on the profound connection they had reinforced with the
Creator and with one another. As the revelers fell asleep that night,
they were perhaps hopeful of the year to come: were their prayers
heard, and might they be fulfilled? The peaceful rhythms of their
ancestral ceremony, echoing across the waters of Humboldt Bay, seemed
to promise renewal and prosperity even in these challenging times.
None could have known that this particular ceremony would be their
last on Tuluwat Island for more than 150 years, or that the violence
they had prayed to prevent would descend upon them with such swift
and terrible force.
“Protecting the Settlers.” Illustration in Harper’s Magazine, Aug. 1861. Source.
Late
on the night of February 25, 1860, a group of men assembled at the
docks of Buhne’s Point (King Salmon).5
Armed with axes, knives, and clubs, the mob plotted attacks on Wiyot
villages across the county. Five or six men rowed to Tuluwat Island
around 3:00 AM in the early morning of February 26, intending to
ambush the Native Americans while they slept.6
A restless woman sitting on the shore spotted the marauders before
they landed, shouting to alert others.7
Some inhabitants awoke, fleeing to the nearby brush, diving into the
water, and hiding wherever they could. Many Wiyot were cornered in
their homes — the marauders entered the dwellings and
systematically murdered people where they lay.8
Jane Sam recalled the atrocity in detail:
The
doors was blocked by white men as the people were asleep, not
expecting any thing to happen. They were not on the look out. When
they found out what was up they began to scatter and was struck down
by clubs, knives, and axes, all met the same fate, children women and
men. I got out and hid in a [trash] pile. That is how I was saved.
When I got away from [the trash] pile I sneaked away near the edge of
the marsh by a blind slough [and] laid there.
I
did not hear any noise nor scream from the people. Must of all been
killed, sure enough. These white men took all things such as beads
baskets fur, hide, bows and arrows. all the property belonging [to]
the dead that was not taken was [destroyed] by burning. Woman and
children were killed when they lay asleep or they did not make any
effort to escape as they thought the white men would not molest them.
A few men got away, the exact number being forgotten. At break of day
I saw two boat loads of white men going across to Eureka. These were
the men that done the [massacring].
About
fifty-six people were killed at Tuluwat Island, three-quarters of
whom were women and children.9
The murderers acted in coordination with several other marauding
bands that night, continuing to target the Wiyot people for several
days. At the same time the island was attacked, a raid on the South
Spit killed sixty-eight Wiyot Natives.10
Villages near Buhne’s Point, at the mouth of the Eel River, and
along the Elk River were also attacked.11
Smoldering homes could be seen scattered across the bay. Three days
after the massacre, twenty-six were killed in an ambush at the Wiyot
village near Eagle Prairie (Rio Dell). The following day, there was
an attack at the “Slide” (Fortuna) resulting in an undocumented
number of deaths.12
A conservative estimate would put the total number of losses at about
two-hundred people.
When
dawn broke on February 26, 1860, the tragic scene was brought to
light. No one but the perpetrators and survivors of the slaughter
could imagine the gruesome horrors that covered Tuluwat Island and
surrounding villages. As one of the few survivors of the attack, Jane
Sam, described the aftermath:
It
took all the fore noon to gather up all what bodies men, women,
children and babies could be found. One living child was found in the
arms of his dead mother and today he is living. Two houses where its
occupants were asleep none escaped alive. It took all day to bury the
dead. The next morning they was through burying what bodies were
buried on the Island. The rest of the bodies that were not buried
there were taken to Mad River for burial. Some were taken to the
[Peninsula,] some taken to South bay, some to [Freshwater]. This same
night there was a massacre at the mouth of Eel river and at the south
jetty (now) where men, woman, and children, were killed. What got
away were taken to bucksport by the soldiers. I do not know how long
they were kept at bucksport. From there we were taken to the Indian
Reservation.
The
survivors of the Wiyot Massacre carried with them a profound
significance in the future of their culture. They were the
progenitors of a people, the sole hope from which the Wiyot way of
life could be carried on to posterity. Some survivors — such as
Jerry James, the baby found in the arms of his dead mother — would
go on to become influential tribal leaders, guiding the Wiyot in the
eventual reclamation of their ancestral lands. Other survivors
possessed essential knowledge of Wiyot craftsmanship; their expertise
served as the genesis of all future Wiyot material culture. Likewise,
many survivors went on to become the founders of immense lineages,
families who today make up the descendants and members of
contemporary tribes and rancherias throughout Humboldt County.
But
in the aftermath of the Wiyot Massacre, an arduous journey laid
ahead: after Wiyot survivors were congregated at Fort Humboldt and
Union (Arcata), they were forcibly expelled to the Klamath
Reservation in May 1860. The removal marked a decade-long struggle
within the California reservation system. Those who survived this
nightmare were then forced to contend with a new series of obstacles
in the form of convoluted legal structures, economic barriers, and
assimilatory forces like the federal boarding school system. The
experiences of those who overcame this cycle of abuse reveal a story
of grief and perseverance beyond comprehension.
###
Ryan
Bass is a historian of Yurok-Karuk descent at Cal Poly Humboldt.
After receiving the Charles R. Barnum Award for his research on the
1964 Flood and its effects on indigenous communities in Humboldt-Del
Norte, he has shifted his research focus to two particular topics:
the Hoopa Valley Boarding School (1896-1932) and the California
Genocide (1849-1873). Published works regarding these topics is
expected to be released later this year.
You like history?Consider a subscription to the Humboldt Historian, a journal of the Humboldt County Historical Society. The Humboldt County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to archiving, preserving and sharing Humboldt County’s rich history. You can become a member and receive a year’s worth of new issues of The Humboldt Historianat this link.
###
1
Raphael, Two
Peoples, One Place,
18-19, 168-169.
2
Kroeber, “Wishosk Myths,” 95; Raphael, Two
Peoples, One Place,
18.
3
Loud, Ethnogeography
and Archaeology of the Wiyot Territory,
331-332.
4
Jerry Rohde ed., Wiyot
History Papers, Statement
from Jane Sam.
5
Heizer, The
Destruction of California Indians, 156,
256.
6
Jerry
Rohde ed., Wiyot
History Papers, Statement
from Jane Sam;Genzoli,
Robert
Gunther’s Story, in
Genzoli Collection, Cal Poly Humboldt Special Collections, 3;Heizer,
Destruction,
255;
Loud, 330-331.
Jacques P. Debets
September 26, 1941- January 26, 2025
Early in the morning on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Jacques Debets passed away peacefully with his family around him, in his home, in Fortuna, California. He was 83 years old. Born September 26, 1941, Jacques (birth name: Johannes Jacobus Pietres) was the first born son of parents Johannes Debets and Hendrika van Kraiij of Kerkrade, The Netherlands.
Jacques and his family bravely immigrated to Fort Wayne, Indiana on a Catholic sponsorship in 1956. After completing high school, he immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. The military offered the promise of citizenship, education and the opportunity to see the world — and
they did not disappoint. From Vietnam to Waikiki, Hawaii, Jacques told stories of incredible
adventures and many valuable experiences during his military service.
While on leave in Hawaii, he met and later married his first wife, the late Shirley Sesna (1941-2021), a native of Fortuna, California. Jacques fell in love with the beauty and lifestyle he could build in Humboldt County with land, horses, a family, and a vibrant community. Shirley and
Jacques moved to Fortuna with their baby daughter, Jacqueline, in 1966. Jacques utilized the
GI bill to further his education, while pursuing a career in real estate. He was given a start with
broker, and mother-in-law, Ruth H. Sesna. Jacques expanded his real estate business with
close friend and investor-partner, Frank Rohner (1927-2007). Jacques and Shirley started their
American Dream with 10 acres, designed and built an iconic home, rode horses, raised cattle,
and spent summers at Ruth Lake, until their divorce.In 1979, Jacques married his second wife, Ineke Botschuijver, also a native of The Netherlands, and together they raised two daughters (Jasmijn and Janne) and one son (Jonathan), all
graduates of Fortuna High School and living locally. Together, Jacques and Ineke embarked on
an extremely active life in a house full of children participating in all of their many activities. He
never tired of hearing “Hey Dad, watch this!”
Jacques was a competitive athlete, keeping in shape well into his eighties — Judo, water skiing,
windsurfing, horseback riding, snow skiing, 4-wheeling, weight training, soccer, tennis, jogging,
triathlon, and yoga are just a few of his athletic pursuits. For many years, he played tennis,
along with Ineke. A few of his tennis comrades called his strong legs “redwood tree stumps.”
Jacques loved his career as a real estate broker and especially mentoring new agents. He
touched many lives and formed many lasting relationships through his work. He was a proud
member of the Humboldt Association of Realtors since 1967, served on many boards and
committees, and completed two residential housing developments in Fortuna. His American
dream was fully realized when he completed his first residential housing development, Rancho
Buena Vista, and moved his young family into a second house of his own design.
Jacques was a man full of optimism and could visualize opportunity. Those who knew him,
enjoyed a friend who was always up for a good time, jumping at almost any opportunity that
came his way. He was known for his year-round evenly bronzed tan, bright blue eyes, love of
food, music, and dancing, and his unique humor. He was a man who loved his family and lived
life to the fullest, taking his young family on winter adventures to Baja to play and fish in the
warm sand and surf, and enjoy relaxed time away from work.
Ruth Lake became a home away from home for Jacques, his family and extended community of
friends. He and Shirley were among the first to water ski on Ruth Lake when the first
campground opened in the 1960’s. Every summer after, many hours were dedicated to boating,
swimming, fishing, and teaching people to water ski. He loved each of his five grandchildren,
especially swimming with them, telling stories around the campfire, and fishing. He never tired of
hearing “Hey Opa, watch this!”
An artist early in life, Jacques rediscovered his love for drawing and painting his favorite places
from his childhood, Humboldt County, and his family. Jacques stayed active in the community
attending events and serving on boards, practicing his art, and attending his grandchildren’s
various sports games. He was proud of his family, military service, real estate career, and art,
but nothing compared to the pride he had for his five grandchildren. Seeing them love Ruth
Lake life as much as he did was the crowning jewel of his American Dream. Jacques’ legacy
lives on through them — athletes, friends, adventurous opportunists, and unseasonably tan.
Jacques was preceded in death by his beloved father, Johannes Debets, mother Hendrika van
Kraiij Debets, and brother, Michael Debets, as well as his first wife Shirley Sesna (mother of
Jacqueline Debets).He is survived by his wife, Ineke Botschuijver-Debets; his children, Jacqueline Debets (Richard
Bend), Jasmijn Kozlowski (Johnny Kozlowski), Marianne Janne Rasmussen (Brandon
Rasmussen), and Jonathan Debets; his grandchildren, Johnny Kozlowski, Luc Bend, Jameson
Kozlowski, Dean Rasmussen, and Clay Rasmussen; his brother John Debets, sisters Denie
Schach (Steve Lewis) and Carol Paris (Brian Paris), sister-in-law Cindy (Debets) Smeltzley, as
well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was especially grateful to the medical care offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs,
Providence Hematology Oncology, Medicare, and end of life care provided by Hospice of
Humboldt.
Join us, not in mourning for the end of life, but in celebration of a life fully lived — turn on some
Elvis Presley music, put on a cowboy hat, and proost to Jacques Debets.
A service will be planned for a later date. If you would like to attend, please email
jacqueline.debets@gmail.com to be put on a list for invitations.
###
The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jacques Debets’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
David
Dale Karr — beloved dad,
PaPa, brother,
uncle,
cousin
and friend to many — peacefully left on his final journey from his
long-time McKinleyville home on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
The
youngest of four children born to Robert & Mary Karr, he entered
life on November 12, 1957 at Trinity Hospital in Arcata and was a
McKinleyville resident for most of his life. Dave always lived his
life to the fullest, never giving thought to any potential perils his
actions might bring. Later in life, we’re certain his proud
fulfillment of fourteen years of sobriety and his newly found faith
in Jesus gave his family and friends the enjoyment of his company for
many additional years. During a recent hospital stay when nursing
staff made a comment about Dave’s nine lives, Dave responded, “Oh
no sweetheart, I’m on life number fifteen!”.
Dave’s
greatest joy in life was raising his daughter despite many
life-changing events. The births of his three grandchildren added to
his joy and he loved them wholeheartedly and in return they truly
loved their PaPa. Despite the physical distance, the close
relationship that Dave had with his daughter “Boo Boo” and her
children was extraordinary.
Dave
is survived by his daughter Kayla Karr (Marty Kemp) of Barnard,
Missouri along with her children, Kylee Moreland-Baker of McKinleyville,
and Dawn and Christopher Kemp of Barnard, Missouri. He is also
survived by his siblings Tom Karr (Jessica) of Selma, Oregon, Sharon
Hiney (Bill) of Eureka, and Kathy Bubenik (Mike) of McKinleyville,
his mother-in-law Anna Sparks of Mexico and step-mother-in-law Wendy
Sparks of Brookings, Oregon. He is also survived by a large
close-knit family of cousins, nieces and nephews both near and far.
Dave
was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Dawn, his step-son
Michael Duffy, and his father-in-law Don Sparks. He was also
pre-deceased by his second wife, Jackie.
Dave
was passionate about so many things in his life. From timber falling
in his younger days, agate-hunting and rock collecting throughout his
life, watching Nascar (or any other form of auto racing), golf which
he enjoyed not only as a spectator but also as an active participant
in past years, his love of the KC Chiefs in recent years, working on
the family farm in Missouri and sunrises and sunsets were integral
parts of the life that Dave enjoyed.
Dave
touched a great many lives and although some relationships may have
started out in adversarial ways, invariably Dave’s big heart would
shine through and create friendships that lasted throughout his life.
Although an amateur photographer, Dave’s pictures and drone videos
of local scenes brought incredible joy to the many individuals
fortunate enough to view his photos and videos on social media. The
comments from former Humboldt County residents on social media
relating to his efforts were especially touching. We truly believe
that some of his photos had a higher power involved, for instance a
sunrise photo that when viewed closely, reflected a perfect cross in
the sky.
Although
there will be no formal services held, the family will hold a
celebration of Dave’s life on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Azalea
Hall located at 1620 Pickett Road in McKinleyville. The celebration
will be from 2-4 pm in the afternoon and friends and family are
invited to bring their favorite potluck dish and share any “Dave”
stories. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
We
know that Dave is at peace now and joined with all of the family and
friends that have gone before him. Please think of Dave when you see
a beautiful sunrise or sunset, he is probably taking a picture from
up above.
###
The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dave Karr’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
Ross Creech, chamber board chair, presiding over the gala | Photos courtesy GECC
Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce release:
On Friday, Jan. 31, local businesses and individuals from across industries were recognized for their exemplary work and service to the community at the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce annual business awards ‘Boldt Gala.
Per tradition, the awardees were selected by fellow members of the Greater Eureka Chamber and were awarded on stage in front of an audience of nearly 400 people.
“The winners of the 2025 business awards are all very deserving of this honor,” said Nancy Olson, CEO of the Greater Eureka Chamber. “I am deeply grateful for what they each bring to our community and how they model a commitment to excellence, creativity, and resilience.”
Business Award winners are as follows:
O & M Industries, Large Business of the Year
Scrapper’s Edge, Small Business of the Year
Cafe Waterfront, Customer Service Award
Scott Hammond - State Farm Insurance, Positive Community Impact - For Profit Award
Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, Positive Community Impact – Nonprofit Award
Schmidbauer Lumber, Extraordinary Business Award
# # #
Three special awards were also presented, including:
Florence Parks - Big Brothers Big Sisters of the North Coast, Leadership Impact Award
Jose Zapata - Coast Central Credit Union, Ambassador of the Year
Dane Valadao of ReProp Financial was also recognized for his service as Board Treasurer from 2020-2024.
# # #
The ‘Boldt Gala was an haute couture-inspired evening at The Acres modeled after a renowned NYC fashion and fundraising gala held annually on Fifth Avenue. It focused on bringing a high-fashion and elegant experience for attendees. As they entered the event, local business and community leaders walked the red carpet and were swarmed by paparazzi (Eureka High School students) who captured their creative and chic outfits.
Awards were presented by 2025 Board Chair, Ross Creech of Quality Body Works and Vice-Chair Teresa Conley of Premier Financial, accompanied by an event soundtrack provided by Accurate Productions. After the inspiring ceremony, Thomas Nicholson Stratton of the Foggy Bottoms Boys facilitated an exciting live auction, using his freshly-minted auctioneer chops to help make the fundraising portion of the evening a smashing success.
DJ L Boogie AKA Lorna Bryant, kicked off the party portion of the evening and set the tone for Elle & Ëlle Productions and CAVE Productions to put on a striking fashion show, showcasing clothes from local Chamber member businesses including Belle Starr, Ciara’s Irish Shop, Good Relations, Living Doll, and Proper Wellness. Attendees got the chance to walk the runway themselves and enjoyed specialty cocktails, mocktails, and bourgeois bites coordinated by Meredith Maier of Six Rivers Brewery. Personalized poetry was created for attendees by Peculiar Poets.
The Greater Eureka Chamber thanks its presenting sponsors, Canopy RWE and Vineyard Offshore for their generous contribution to the ‘Boldt Gala. More than 75 other Chamber members provided sponsorships, in-kind donations, and auction items as well. The Annual Awards Gala is the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of the year and allows it to serve the Greater Eureka business community year-round.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On Feb. 19 at about 1 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy was on patrol near New Navy Base Rd. and Bay St. in Samoa where a vehicle investigation was initiated. While in contact with the vehicle’s occupants, the deputy observed methamphetamine paraphernalia in the vehicle.
The driver, identified as Ronald Patterson, 45, of Eureka, was detained for possession of paraphernalia (H&S 11364(a)) and notified the deputy that there was also an unregistered and loaded handgun in the vehicle.
Patterson admitted that he used methamphetamine and that he was in fact in possession of a loaded firearm in the vehicle. Patterson also exhibited signs of being under the influence of a central nervous stimulant. Patterson was subsequently placed under arrest without incident. He was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for the following charges:
Carrying a loaded firearm, not registered owner—PC 25850(c)(6)
Possession of firearm while under the influence—HS 11550(e)
Possession of controlled substance paraphernalia—HS 11364(a)
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.
