###

Despite federal pushback and industry uncertainty, Humboldt County officials and international developers are moving forward with plans to bring floating offshore wind facilities to the North Coast.

This week, the county’s Economic Development Division hosted a renewable energy conference — POWER CA, an apt acronym for Partnering for Ocean, Wind and Energy Renewables in California — at the Bear River Tish-Non Community Center in Loleta to discuss the future of commercial-scale offshore wind development in California and how to navigate potential hurdles imposed by the Trump administration. 

“There are significant uncertainties created by the federal government in this moment. That’s why discussion is so important,” said Jana Ganion, senior offshore wind advisor for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office. “We deal with adversity; we ride through it, and we are stronger at the end of it. So when we talk about pathways and partnerships, we know that in this moment these things are recalculating.”

The project slated for our shores is still in the very early stages. Even if everything goes according to plan, it will be another 10 or 15 years before any turbines are spinning out in the ocean. 

Right now, local stakeholders are focused on getting the Port of Humboldt Bay up to snuff and laying the groundwork for the Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal Project, which aims to convert the old pulp mill Redwood Terminal I property on the Samoa Peninsula into a state-of-the-art industrial site for manufacturing, assembling and exporting the massive components needed for offshore wind development on the West Coast. 

Chris Mikkelson, executive director of the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District, acknowledged “policy challenges” imposed by the current administration but was optimistic that the project would move forward. 

“We have to build a great port — that’s a huge infrastructure challenge … but we have an opportunity to create a legacy project here,” Mikkelson said. “We’re doing this to replace antiquated marine infrastructure. This is rural economic development. It’s job creation. Why would we not want to have our children stay in this county? This is a legacy.”

Speakers also delved into workforce development strategies that aim to promote the trades in local schools to get aspiring workers in the pipeline. 

“We’re going to rely on a lot of local training opportunities here locally,” said Erik Peckar, director of West Coast external affairs for Vineyard Offshore. “We, as developer, want to ensure that we are training as many local folks as possible, so the local folks have the first opportunities to earn a living wage, buy a house, raise their kids here and live the dream.”

Jack Sheppard, Trades Academy coordinator with the Humboldt County Office of Education, is working with the Building and Construction Trades Council of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties to bring VR headsets into local schools to simulate the experience of working on a 525-foot floating turbine and drum up interest in the field. 

“The big goal is to get out there so these students can see what’s available,” Sheppard said.

On the state level, researchers and engineers are working to expand and reinforce California’s electrical transmission system, which isn’t equipped to handle the power generated by commercial-scale offshore wind developments. That issue is particularly important on the North Coast because local capacity is extremely limited, and Humboldt is relatively isolated from electrical load centers. There are only a handful of transmission lines running in and out of the county, and they’re old and undersized. 

CAISO, the entity that manages the flow of electricity on high-voltage powerlines and oversees infrastructure planning across the state, estimates the total cost of transmission development over the next 20 years, including transmission line and substation upgrades across the state, to clock in at a staggering $30.5 billion.

California regulatory agencies are also working out the state’s centralized procurement strategy to streamline access to renewable energy resources. 

“There will be a market for this energy, and we want to be involved in that process,” said Elizabeth Burks, executive director of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA). “We have a really distinct role to play to make sure the central procurement process works for our community and increases access to affordable energy that we can use. We also have to make sure that it’s a fair deal for the developer so they are incentivized to keep moving forward.”

As developers and stakeholders move steadily ahead on local planning efforts, Floventis Energy, a joint venture between Cierco and SBM Offshore, is testing the waters with a floating offshore wind pilot project in Santa Barbara County. The CADEMO Project, located in state waters roughly 2.8 miles off Point Arguello, is expected to host four wind turbines capable of generating 12-15 megawatts of renewable electricity apiece. 

The project will help developers and regulators understand some of the pros and cons of floating offshore wind as the commercial-scale projects take shape.

“Given the above factors, CADEMO can fill a fundamentally important function to bridge risks and clarify unknowns,” the project website states. “Making an early launch of full-size offshore wind technology at a small-scale is a sensible proposition in California’s unique ecosystem and economy – but also globally, where CADEMO is likely to be the first floating wind farm using this size technology.”

CADEMO is expected to be fully operational by 2027.

Throughout this week’s conference, speakers emphasized the importance of fostering partnerships with the local fishing industry, North Coast tribes and other community leaders to create the best project possible. 

“I don’t feel discouraged,” Burks said. “I feel like there’s a lot of work ahead, but I feel like I’m in really great company to get it done.”

###

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office release:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is thrilled to announce that, for the second year in a  row, it has been awarded a generous grant from the Christine and Jalmer Berg Foundation to support its K-9 program. This year’s grant of $55,536 follows last year’s award of $53,021, further strengthening the program’s ability to serve the community. 

The success of this grant application is attributed to the dedication of Deputy Esget, who went above and beyond by personally delivering the application alongside K-9 Yahtzee. Deputy Esget’s proactive  engagement with foundation members, highlighting the critical needs of the K-9 program, played a pivotal role in securing these funds. 

Special recognition goes to the Humboldt Deputy Sheriff’s Organization (HDSO), a non-profit entity  that served as the primary applicant for the grant. The HDSO will receive the funds and donate them  to HCSO, ensuring the K-9 program’s continued success. 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office proudly operates four dedicated K-9 teams within the Patrol Division. Each K-9 is specially trained in protection, apprehension, searching, and either narcotics or  firearm detection. Our K-9 deputies dedicate significant time each day to training and building strong working relationships with their dogs to ensure peak performance. These highly skilled teams are a valuable asset that enhances the overall effectiveness and safety of our patrol operations. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the Christine and Jalmer Berg Foundation for their ongoing support,”  said Sheriff Honsal. “This grant will enhance our K-9 program’s capabilities, allowing us to better protect and serve Humboldt County.” 

The Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt thanks to the Christine and Jalmer Berg Foundation, Deputy  Esget, HDSO, and all partners involved in securing this award. For more information about the Sheriff’s Office K-9 program, please contact HCSO at 707-445-7251.

###

Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Timothy Canning this week rejected a motion from attorneys for St. Joseph Health Northern California asking him to dismiss a state lawsuit that accuses Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka of denying medically necessary emergency abortion care due to its religion-based policies.

Attorneys for the hospital, which is owned and operated by the Catholic not-for-profit organization Providence Health & Services, filed a demurrer (a legal term meaning a request to dismiss the charges), arguing that the state had failed to allege facts sufficient to justify a cause of action. They claimed that the matter should be investigated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) before coming to court, and that the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment protects care providers at Catholic hospitals.

In his ruling, filed Monday, Canning rejected those arguments, allowing the case to proceed.

To briefly recap the facts, the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued St. Joseph Health Northern California last September, alleging that hospital staff violated multiple California laws through their refusal to provide emergency abortion care to people experiencing obstetric emergencies.

Specifically, the suit accuses the Catholic health care organization of violating California’s Emergency Services Law (ESL), the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the Unfair Competition Law by refusing to provide medically necessary abortion services to Anna Nusslock, a Eureka chiropractor. 

The complaint says Nusslock was 15 weeks pregnant with twins when the amniotic sac for one twin broke prematurely. After arriving at St. Joseph Hospital’s emergency room, per her doctor’s direction, a doctor determined that the twins could not survive and that an abortion was necessary to save Nusslock’s life. 

One of the twins still had a fetal heartbeat, however, and due to Providence’s religious prohibition on performing “elective” abortions, the complaint says, the emergency room doctors refused to perform the procedure until either the heartbeat stopped altogether or there was a more immediate threat to Nusslock’s life.

The complaint further alleges that hospital staff told her she could either take a medical transport flight to San Francisco, at great personal expense, or her husband could drive her to Mad River Community Hospital, 20 miles north. She chose the latter option, and staff at Providence St. Joseph Hospital provided her with a bucket and towels to wipe up blood on the drive, according to the complaint.

Canning rejected the defense attorneys’ argument that the case should first be investigated by CDHP, saying the state’s Emergency Services Law expressly authorizes the Attorney General and anyone harmed by violations of that law to bring civil actions, such as this lawsuit.

Providence’s attorneys also argued that Nusslock was transferred to Mad River Community Hospital for medical reasons, which would negate the state’s argument that hospital staff violated ESL provisions regarding non-medical transfers. Canning disagreed, finding that the state offered “sufficient factual allegations to support a claim of a non-medical transfer.”

“The allegations in the complaint reflect the only reason that the emergency services were not performed by Providence’s emergency room physicians was because of Providence’s faith-based policies,” Canning’s ruling states.

As for the allegation that Providence violated the Unruh Civil Rights Act by denying Nusslock full and equal care because she was pregnant, Providence’s attorneys argued that its actions were motivated by “neutral religious directives” rather than Nusslock’s medical condition or sex. Canning dismissed that defense, as well.

Providence’s lawyers also sought to stand behind federal “conscience clause” legislation, which prohibits making the acceptance of federal funds conditional upon whether or not a facility performs abortion procedures. Canning found that this matter was not relevant in the case.

Lastly, Canning’s ruling tackles the constitutional question of free exercise of religion. Providence’s attorneys argued that the ESL interferes with that right by forcing its employees to perform procedures that contravene the tenets of the organization’s religion-based policies, as laid out in the Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives.

Legal precedent (Fellowship of Christian Athletes v. San Jose Unified School District Board of Education) says any law that burdens religious exercise must be both neutral and generally applicable. Canning found that the ESL complies with that requirement. He writes, “[A]llowing a hospital that is fully able to care for a patient to choose not to do so due to its religious doctrine would undermine the purposes of the ESL.”

That state law serves a specific and compelling government interest, Canning says: “to provide a comprehensive and high quality system of emergency medical services for the protection of the health and safety of Californians.”

None of the findings in this ruling prevent Providence from mounting these same arguments as the case proceeds. Rather, Canning rejected them as a basis for dismissing the suit ahead of trial. 

In a statement issued Thursday, Bonta applauded the decision.

“There was no legal basis to dismiss our lawsuit against Providence, and we are grateful that the court agreed with us on every ground,” he said. “California is committed to protecting reproductive rights and let me be clear: that includes emergency abortion care. … Denying emergency abortion care to pregnant patients who need it is both traumatic and unlawful under multiple laws. My team and I look forward to seeing this case through and holding Providence accountable.”  

The Outpost reached out to Providence seeking a comment on the ruling but did not immediately hear back. We’ll update this post if and when we do.

###

UPDATE, 1 p.m.: 

Shortly after this post was published, a Providence spokesperson sent along the following statement:

Serving the residents of Humboldt County is a privilege we don’t take for granted. That’s why we are deeply committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care, just as we have been for more than 100 years. 

We strongly disagree with the California Attorney General’s allegations against Providence St. Joseph Hospital Eureka. The denial issued by the judge simply means that the Attorney General may proceed with litigating their allegations as originally filed. The denial is not a judgment that Providence has been found liable for any of the Attorney General’s allegations. We are deeply committed to delivering care in accordance with federal and state law. This includes providing life-saving medical interventions that may indirectly result in fetal death.  

As a Catholic health care organization, we are transparent that we do not perform elective abortions. However, in emergencies, our care teams provide medically necessary interventions to protect pregnant patients who are miscarrying or facing serious life-threatening conditions. 

This is consistent with the California Emergency Services Law and the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. It is also consistent with the Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives, which include discussion of the importance of the physician-patient relationship as well as the circumstances in which certain medical procedures that could result in fetal death may be allowed in a Catholic hospital. 

As part of this commitment, we recently enhanced our training, education and escalation protocols to further ensure the best possible care. 

We take our responsibility as a vital safety net incredibly seriously and are committed to continuing to meet the needs of our community, just as the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange did when they established health care in the region more than a century ago.

###

DOCUMENT: Ruling on Defendant’s Demurrer to Complaint

###

Eric “Gunner” Cunningham passed unexpectedly and far too soon on May 5, 2025, in Fortuna, at the age of 45.

Eric is survived by his mother, Laura (Tom) Oliver, and his stepmom, Holly Cunningham; his sisters, Erin Squire and Kristin (Rob) DeCou; and their children, Magnus Squire, Hudson DeCou, and Kalea DeCou. He is preceded in death by his beloved father, Henry “Clay” Cunningham.

Born in Fortuna, Eric was a lifelong 49ers fan who loved cooking for his family, hunting with his father, and had a particularly green thumb. In his early teens, Eric was a HAM radio enthusiast. After graduating from high school, Eric attended Wyoming Technical Institute. When he returned home, he worked as a diesel mechanic and became an avid bodybuilder who competed in competitions across the Pacific Northwest.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, 12:30-2 p.m., at 229 Church Street, Loleta. All who knew and loved Eric are welcome to attend and are invited to bring a dish to share.

###

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

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Grace Fridley on April 9, 2025. Grace was born on February 19, 1954, to the late Ernest and Lill Hoffman. She was a proud, loving, and devoted wife to her surviving husband, Tom Fridley. Known to many as “The Fiery Redhead,” Grace lit up every room she entered and warmed the hearts of all those she knew.

Grace grew up in Eureka and graduated from high school there in 1972. She was a beacon of resilience, intelligence and wit, setting an admirable example for others in her community. She left an indelible mark on every person she met, and her memory will continue to inspire everyone who knew her.

Grace had an adventurous spirit, and one of her favorite recreational activities was long-distance motorcycle touring with her loving husband, Tom. The two shared countless journeys, creating unforgettable memories along the way. Their spirited adventures on the open road expressed their shared fervor for life. They were not merely husband and wife, but true companions in every sense.

Grace Fridley was an incredibly bright and fiery soul whose impact on our lives cannot be overstated. She will be sorely missed, and her memory will linger in the hearts of those she touched. Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her zest for life, fiery personality, and enduring love will forever remind us of the remarkable woman she was.

Grace was preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother Art Hillman.

She is survived by her sisters Darlene Rolfsness and Helen Smith, and brother John Hoffman.

Her very best long-Time friend Diana Jefferson had been such a great help and companion through the years from high school to Grace’s passing.

A celebration of life for Grace will be held on June 7th at the Moose Lodge, located at 4328 Campton Rd. in Eureka, at 2 p.m.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Grace Fridley loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Don Bullard passed away peacefully at home in Eureka on April 13, 2025.  He was 82 years old.

Don was an avid sports enthusiast. He played tennis and golf, earning trophies of achievement in both sports. He was also an avid football fan, especially the Dallas Cowboys. He collected John Wayne memorabilia, Tarzan books, and mini helmets from all the football teams but he had a huge collection of memorabilia from the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed reading and outdoor activities. He also loved watching good movies with friends.

Born in Oklahoma, Don lived most of his life in Humboldt County. After returning from his service in the US Army, he worked for Pinkerton and then the Humboldt County Transportation Company. After his retirement he enjoyed spending his time with friends. He especially loved his games of poker with his dear friends of many years.

His loving sister, Patricia DeMarzi and her husband, Curtis, predeceased Don. His niece Lisa, his nephew Robert, and step-niece Corinne survive him. His family and long-time friends will miss Don dearly.

Based on Don’s request, no services will be held. Donations in his honor may be sent to your favorite charity.

###

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

###

UPDATE: The Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees voted to approve the resolution and move ahead with the waiver process.

At tonight’s meeting, the Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing to discuss the future of the long-disused Jacobs Middle School Campus. The board will consider a waiver that, if approved by the State Board of Education, would give the district “maximum flexibility” in selecting a potential developer for the blighted site. 

The waiver would allow the district to sidestep a bit of Education Code that “restricts the District’s flexibility in negotiating price, payments, and other terms that may yield greater economic and other benefits to the District than a sealed bid process,” the proposed waiver states. 

“The District will work closely with consultants to ensure that the process by which the Property is sold is fair, open, and competitive,” the proposed waiver continues. “The process the District will use will be designed to get the best result for the District, the schools, and the community. … With a waiver of the requirement that sealed proposals be received, and that the highest bidder be awarded the contract, the District will be able to sell the Property to the party that presents the most favorable proposal to the District.”

As many of our readers will recall, last year, the Jacobs Campus was at the center of a controversial land exchange agreement between the school district and AMG Communities - Jacobs, LLC, the anonymous private developer who had promised nearly $6 million for the eight-acre site. Eight months after the deal was struck, the Board of Trustees backed out of the deal, voting unanimously to reject AMG Communities’ fourth request to extend the escrow deadline. 

Shortly thereafter, the district resumed property negotiations with the California Highway Patrol, which intends to build a new Humboldt Area headquarters on the site if the sale eventually goes through.

Reached for additional comment, Eureka City Schools Assistant Superintendent Paul Zielger confirmed that the district is still in “ongoing” negotiations with the California Department of General Services, the entity representing the CHP, but said the district is “exploring avenues for a possible sale of the former Jacobs Middle School site in the event it is unable to reach an agreement” with the state.

Asked if the proposed action is an indication that the district is looking for a developer that would build more neighborhood-friendly features (mixed-use housing, communal amenities, etc.), Ziegler reiterated that the waiver would provide another option for the district if negotiations don’t pan out.

“The waiver would permit the District to partner with someone that will be most acceptable to the Board, the community, and consistent with the District’s educational purposes, rather than being locked into selling to whomever presents the highest offer,” Ziegler wrote in an emailed response to the Outpost. “Since the property is adjacent to our elementary site, we want to ensure the appropriateness of any potential new neighbor.”

The Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees will meet for its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the District Office – 2100 J Street in Eureka. The agenda packet can be found here.

###

PREVIOUSLY:

• Who Will Get the Former Jacobs Campus? Bidders for Blighted Site in Highland Park Are the City of Eureka and the California Highway Patrol, With a Decision Coming Soon
• The CHP Would Like to Build New Headquarters on the Property Championed by People Opposing Downtown Housing Development, and There Was a Meeting About it Yesterday
• Open Letter Urging Eureka Voters Not to Sign the ‘Housing For All’ Petition Endorsed by 100+ Humboldt County Residents, Including Local Leaders in Politics, Business and Culture
• New Coalition — ‘I Like Eureka Housing!’ — Formed to Oppose Arkley-Backed Pro-Parking Lot Initiative
• Mystery Item on Tonight’s Eureka City School Agenda Suggests Imminent Action on Jacobs Campus, but the School District Won’t Share Details
• Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees Unanimously Votes for So-Called ‘Land Exchange’ With Mystery Developer
• The Eureka City Schools Board Voted on a Resolution Last Week That Was Not Published Before the Meeting. Is That Legal?
• At Town Hall Meeting, Frustrated Residents Discuss Future Development of Eureka’s Jacobs Campus; Mystery Developer Still Mysterious
• Security National Has Spent at Least $236,000 on the Pro-Parking ‘Housing for All’ Initiative So Far
• Grand Jury Slams Eureka City Schools For ‘Secretive’ Jacobs Campus Deal
• League of Women Voters Chimes in on Lack of Transparency in Eureka City Schools Property Transfer
• Rob Arkley Pursued Purchase of Jacobs Middle School Property Before Eureka City Schools Entered Land-Swap Deal With Secretive Corporation
• Eureka City Schools and AMG Communities Delay the Close of Escrow on Jacobs Campus Yet Again
• Eureka City Schools’ Deal With a Mystery Developer For the Jacobs Campus is Dead
• Anonymous AMG Communities Confirms Death of Jacobs Campus Deal, Vows to Try Again After Election Results
• What’s Next for Jacobs Campus? Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees Will Consider Five Options at Thursday’s Meeting