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

###

California’s port traffic is beginning to look worse now, under the effects of President Donald Trump’s fickle tariff policy, than it did at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The vessel calls, or cancellations, that we’re seeing today (are) starting to exceed the number that we saw in COVID-19,” Mario Cordero, chief executive of the Port of Long Beach, said in an interview with CalMatters in early May.

At Port of Los Angeles, Executive Director Gene Seroka said during a media briefing last week that the port expected 80 ships to arrive in May, but 17 have been canceled. By comparison, last year through May there were a total of 12 cancellations. There are 10 cancellations for June already, he added.

Farther north, the Port of Oakland saw a 15% month-over-month drop in container activity in April, spokesperson Matt Davis said. It was the first significant decline this year, as tariffs went into effect.

The challenges presented by Trump’s tariffs are “not like COVID,” said Martha Miller, executive director of the California Association of Port Authorities, at a business roundtable last week. The unpredictability of Trump’s edicts means there won’t be a surge of cargo, she said; many businesses are waiting to act, including to order goods for import.

Data for the state’s three biggest ports confirm that jobs are dwindling for longshore workers up and down the state. The numbers of gangs — teams of varied sizes that work to handle cargo — at each of the ports have declined in the past few weeks, and have dropped year over year. Besides the numbers of containers at the ports, gang numbers are another indicator of the amount of work available.

Gary Herrera is president of the International Longshore Workers Union Local 13, which represents port workers in both Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Part-time workers are not getting any hours right now, Herrera said during a media briefing with Long Beach officials. He told CalMatters that full-time workers — who get first dibs on jobs — may not be getting 40 hours a week, either. Herrera was also speaking on behalf of a couple of other locals; altogether they represent about 9,000 full-time and 6,000 part-time port workers.

As the tariff drama drags on, the impact will be felt by other workers along the supply chain, from truck drivers to the staff at warehouses to rail workers and those who work in retail. If and when people don’t have enough work or lose their jobs, their communities and local economies will suffer, port officials and workers say.

“We live and we work in our community,” Herrera said during a recent media briefing with Long Beach officials. “We spend in our community.”

Luisa Gratz is the president of International Longshore Workers Union Local 26, which represents most of the security on the docks in Los Angeles and Long Beach. The port security workers — who drive other longshore workers from parking lots to the ships, among other things — told CalMatters that her constituents are also struggling.

“When there’s no work for longshoremen, there’s very little work for us except gate monitoring,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s putting people out of work.”

Truckers are also feeling the squeeze from the tariffs.

Eric Tate is secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 848, which represents about 8,000 truck drivers in Southern California. He said truckers, especially part-timers who aren’t guaranteed any hours, are seeing less work, though he did say truckers saw a bit of a pickup in work after Trump temporarily reduced tariffs on China.

“We’re trying to gear up and quickly move stuff around,” he said in an interview with CalMatters. “We’re trying to save Christmas.”

He said the continued uncertainty means many truck drivers are barely working 40 hours a week. Some shipper drivers, who transport cargo off ships to ease congestion on ports, may be working one to two days a week, Tate said. “When there’s no ship, there’s no congestion,” he added.

But in the Bay Area, the Port of Oakland is seeing a possible pickup in activity in June — as of last week, the planned canceled ships for that month have been reduced from 12 to five, port spokesperson Davis said.

The decline in cargo traffic at the ports could change depending on how different industries and businesses respond to an agreement the Trump administration reached with China on May 12, which lowers the tax on imports from China from 145% to 30% for 90 days.

The volatility is a problem

Besides a decline in imports from places such as China, the ports are handling fewer exports from the state’s agricultural industry, thanks to retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Stephanie Magnien Rockwell, chief of staff at the Port of Los Angeles, said in mid-May that California farmers are taking a hit.

“One of our greatest exports are soybeans to China,” she said at a hearing held by State Treasurer Fiona Ma about tariffs. “(But) Brazil, in the month of March, exported more soybeans to China than they have in their entire history.”

The U.S. trade war with China has an outsize effect on California ports: Chinese goods have accounted for 40% of the imports at the Port of Los Angeles, 63% at the Port of Long Beach and 45% at the Port of Oakland.

Despite the temporary deal with China, the lack of clarity is a problem — and tariffs remain high, officials, business owners and others say. Continued changes in the costs of goods make it hard for businesses to plan. And only certain size businesses may be able to afford to take a leap and order goods from overseas now.

“We can’t generalize here, because of those 125,000 importing companies (whose) goods come through the Port of Los Angeles,” Seroka said to CalMatters. “But safe to say, if there was a little bit of a shortage on stock, or if some felt that the 30% average tariff might go higher, sure, people jump back in.”

But the uncertainty persists, Seroka said. Case in point: On May 23, Trump complained about not being able to reach a deal with Europe on tariffs and threatened a 50% tariff on European goods — which he said over the weekend would be delayed to July 9. He also threatened a 25% tariff on iPhones unless Apple begins to make the devices in the United States.

A big deal

Long-term, the stakes are high and wide-ranging. Port of Long Beach CEO Cordero said a 10% decline in cargo could mean a 10% decline in jobs. “If you use a round figure of a million jobs stemming from the port operations, that’s a 100,000 job reduction,” he told CalMatters.

His port supports jobs worth tens of billions of dollars in income in the five surrounding counties, according to a report recently released by the port. The report estimates that in 2023, port activity contributed $84.4 billion in local, state and federal taxes. Those were taxes paid by individuals and businesses, said Kimberly Ritter-Martinez, the port’s manager of economics and funding, during the Long Beach media briefing.

“When workers and business owners earn income from working at the port or as one of our suppliers, they spend those dollars on groceries, entertainment, travel… and all of that activity supports the broader economy,” she said.

Jessie Viola Desadier (Summers) passed away on May 15th, 2025 surrounded by family at Mad River Community Hospital.

Jessie was born on April 30th, 1943, in Santa Rosa, CA to Ray and Viola Summers. Shortly after she was born the family relocated to Samoa, Calif., where Jessie would spend her childhood. Jessie was a middle child of 7. As a young child one of her fondest memories was when she and her siblings would ride the ferry to Eureka from Samoa to watch movies at the local theater before the bridge was constructed in 1971. She also loved playing on the log decks in the area.

She later attended Arcata High School. After high school she was blessed with two sons, Rodney Summers and Mark Maillie. She spent some time working at Weatherby’s, a restaurant, as a dishwasher. After working at Weatherby’s, she spent 10 years working at Crestwood Manor as a beloved nurse’s aide, but later settled on becoming a homemaker after her first grandchild was born.

In her spare time Jessie enjoyed traveling and visiting family. One of her favorite trips she ever took was a cruise to Alaska. She often told stories of her adventures there. She also enjoyed crafting and camping with her friends Ardith and Stacey.

Jessie was always known for also having the newest and coolest video games. Many of her grandchildren recall the hours of playing video games at her house. When she wasn’t spending time with her grandchildren, she also enjoyed gardening. Her garden was always full of plants and well maintained.

What her whole family remembers most about Jessie was her love for her cats. The last two cats she had, Regina and Slinky, were her best friends. She often took care of all the cats in any neighborhood she lived in.

Jessie is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Viola Summers, sisters Beth Harrison and Paulina Shipman, brothers Larry and Lester Summers, and son Mark Maillie.

Jessie is survived by son Rodney Summers, brothers Danny and Doug Summers, sister-in-law Leilani Summers, daughter-in-law Shirley Maillie, grandchildren Kelly Summers (Danielle), Stephanie Summers, Kyle Summers, Max Maillie (Catrina), Rex Maillie, Lindsey Ingraham (Grady), and great-grandchildren Cameron Hubbard, Olivia Summers, Tristian Reynolds and Jaxson Maillie.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Arcata Fire Department and Mad River Ambulance for their prompt responses over the years, and their kindness and understanding. We would also like to thank Mad River hospital for making her comfortable and their kindness to the family during a very difficult time.

A celebration of life will be held at Pierson Park in McKinleyville on July 12th from 1-3 pm. We will provide hog dogs, hamburgers, and drinks. Please bring a chair, side dish, and a story about Jessie you would like to share.

###

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

Kathleen Marie Fraser was born on August 7, 1956, in the historic town of Scotia, California, to Ernest Earl Fraser and Charlotte Grace Richmond. She lived her early years in Hydesville, California, until the age of 17, when she moved to Jefferson, Oregon, and got married.

At 21, she welcomed her first daughter, Michelle Dawn Hartzell. Less than a year later, Kathleen and baby Michelle returned to Hydesville, where she remained living for the rest of her life. At 30, Kathleen began working as a cashier at Murrish Market in her small-town of Hydesville.

During this time, she remarried and gave birth to her son, Jon Ernest Burns, followed two years later by her youngest daughter, Kayla Danielle Burns. Kathleen later joined the staff at Hydesville School as a teacher’s aide while her younger children attended school there. Like her children, Kathleen attended school herself and was the first person in her family to earn a college degree. Setting a good example for her children was a top priority. As a single mother, she proudly completed her degree in Computer Science.

Around the age of 46, she made a career change and spent the next decade as a cashier at Ace Hardware in Fortuna, California.

Kathleen found her greatest joy in her family, especially her five beloved grandchildren: Isaac Jon Guzman, Jolissa Grace Guzman, Brody Jon Kenneth Warnow, Karson Charles Ernest Warnow, and Kyrie Grace Warnow, who affectionately called her “Nana.”

At 58, Kathleen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through strength and resilience, she beat it and spent the next ten years cherishing every moment with her loved ones. When the cancer returned, she fought with unwavering courage until her passing at the age of 68.

She is preceded in death by her beloved son Jon Ernest Burns, her father Ernest Earl Fraser, her best friend Ruth Sanders, and numerous extended family members who passed before her.

Kathleen is lovingly remembered by her mother Charlotte Fraser; daughters Michelle Hartzell and Kayla Warnow (Brian Warnow); her grandchildren Isaac, Jolissa, Brody, Karson, and Kyrie; her cousin and best friend Carlotta Heflin; and a wide circle of cousins, friends, and extended family.

Kathleen’s kindness, strength, and unwavering love leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Kathleen Marie Fraser’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 great sadness that we announce the passing of Etelvina Mateus, age 90, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Etelvina passed on April 16, 2025 in her home. 

Etelvina was born in Ponta da Faja Grande on December 9, 1934, to parents Jose and Eliza Furtado where she was one of eight children. Etelvina immigrated to the United States in 1966 with husband Joao (to whom she was married for 50 years) and daughter Maria where they created their new lives in Arcata.

Etelvina embraced God’s word and prayed daily for her family, friends and everyone else. She was a strong independent woman who enjoyed time with family and friends, gardening, cooking, baking, knitting, word seek puzzles and watching EWTN. But most of all, Etelvina loved her grandsons Jaime and Jeremy. They were truly the joy of her life. 

Etelvina is survived by her daughter Maria (Jim) Cacho, grandsons Jaime Cacho, Jeremy (Amy) Cacho, brother Antonio (Judite) Valadao, sisters Ines Furtado and Ema Freitas, brother in law Tony Furtado along with many nieces and nephews in California, Massachusetts and Flores, Azores.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Joao Mateus, parents Jose and Eliza Furtado, brother Jose Valadao and sisters Maria Fraga, Teresa Silveira and Lucy Furtado, nephews Larry Valadao and Gabriel Furtado.

Services will be held June 11, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church at 11:00 AM with internment immediately following at Greenwood Cemetary.

A special thank you to Antonio and Judite Valadao along with Elizabeth Long for the care and many acts of kindness in her later years. You were there when she needed you most. To you and all of the other family and friends that were helpful and a part of her life, we are forever grateful.

She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. 

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to St. Mary’s Church or the charity of your choice.

###

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

###

During the public comment period of tonight’s Blue Lake City Council meeting, three council members, including the mayor and mayor pro-tem, were served with legal notices of voter-initiated efforts to recall them from office.

Blue Lake resident Elissa Rosado, who recently described herself as the best friend of recently ousted City Manager Mandy Mager, stood at the lectern and delivered the news to Mayor John Sawatzky, Mayor Pro-Tem Elise Scafani and Council Member Kat Napier. 

Here are the key points from that statement:

Politics in the usually sleepy city of Blue Lake have grown contentious — some might say outright hostile — over the past couple of years. Last year’s election narrowly resulted in a new council majority, a revanchist group so skeptical of the city’s housing development plans that it opted not to adopt a fully prepared housing element update, thereby risking legal repercussions from the state.

Proponents of the recall effort met in Perigot Park on May 8 to strategize and start gathering signatures. The recall supporters were largely supportive of Mager, who’d been effectively terminated by the new city council majority during a closed session meeting the previous day — though the separation agreement wouldn’t be finalized for another week, in an apparent violation (or perhaps two violations) of California’s open meetings law, the Ralph M. Brown Act.

Tonight, Sawatzky, Napier and Scafani took the paperwork from Rosado. Both Sawatzky and Scafani skimmed the multi-page documents as the next public speaker addressed them.

Per state law, each recall effort must take place independently from the others, though they can occur simultaneously. No date has been set for the recall election. First, the city clerk must submit the trio of recall petitions to the Humboldt County Elections Office, which must verify that all three have enough valid, verifiable signatures to qualify. For Blue Lake, that threshold is 30 percent of the city’s registered voters, which amounts to about 252 people.

If the signature threshold is met then the city council must call an election within 14 days. That election must then be held between 88 and 125 days after it’s called, or up to 180 days later if there’s a date in there that lines up with a regularly scheduled election.

City Council Member Christopher Firor was absent from tonight’s meeting. Check back tomorrow for a writeup on other matters discussed.

###

• Highly Contentious Blue Lake City Council Race is a Nail-Biter, With Many Votes Yet to Be Counted
• Blue Lake’s City Council Election Tie Will Be Resolved By Pulling a Name From a Hat, Essentially
• NAPIER DEFEATS JONES: Blue Lake Election Tie Resolved By Pulling a Name From an Envelope Pulled From a Box
• Flouting State Guidance, Blue Lake City Council Votes Not to Adopt Its Own Updated Housing Element
• The Blue Lake Community is Under the Impression That Its City Manager Has Been Fired, But City Hall Won’t Say Whether She Has Been Or Not
• With the City Manager’s Abrupt Exit, Blue Lake Residents Mount Recall Effort Against Three Council Members
• Blue Lake City Council Finalizes Separation Agreement With Former City Manager Mandy Mager, Appoints Finance Manager Dani Burkhart as Acting Replacement

###

Press release from CASA of Humboldt:

CASA of Humboldt is honored to announce it has been selected as a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Chris Rogers of the 2nd Assembly District.

CASA of Humboldt is one of more than one hundred nonprofits across the state being recognized for their outstanding contributions to their communities. This honor highlights the organization’s unwavering dedication to supporting children and families impacted by the child welfare system throughout Humboldt County.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Humboldt recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who mentor and advocate on behalf of local children and youth living in foster care. CASAs walk alongside children during some of the most uncertain moments of their lives— reminding youth that they are never alone, and they have a say in deciding their future. So far this year, CASA of Humboldt has served more than 100 children, ensuring their voice is heard in court, advocating for their best interests, and helping them access essential services and resources.

“Our advocates are often the only consistent adult presence in a child’s life during a time of incredible uncertainty,” said Jeanne Gordon, Executive Director of CASA of Humboldt. “To be recognized by Assemblymember Chris Rogers as a 2025 Nonprofit of the Year is deeply meaningful. It is a testament to the heart and resilience of our volunteers, the unwavering dedication of our staff, and the strength of the children we serve. We share this honor with every person who has ever stood beside a child and reminded them that they are seen, they are valued, and they are not alone.”

Assemblymember Chris Rogers applauded CASA of Humboldt for its life-changing impact on youth in the 2nd District. “CASA of Humboldt gives children a voice and an advocate when they need it most. Their impact in our community is profound and lasting, and I’m proud to recognize their incredible work.”

Now in its tenth year, the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative gives each state legislator the opportunity to spotlight a nonprofit making a significant difference in their district. CASA of Humboldt was honored alongside fellow changemakers and legislators at a celebratory event at the State Capitol on California Nonprofits Day, May 21.

CASA of Humboldt volunteers come from all backgrounds, united by a shared belief that every child deserves to be safe, nurtured, and heard. The organization is always looking for more volunteers and provides all the training and support needed to make a lasting difference.

To learn more about CASA of Humboldt or how to become a volunteer advocate, visit www.humboldtcasa.org.

###

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On May 26, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy conducting routine patrol in the Samoa Dunes Recreational Area observed a suspicious vehicle. Upon investigation, the deputy identified the occupants as Rick Camy, 38, who was on formal probation for a prior drug-related conviction, and Keara Loudon, 43, who initially provided false identification. Further inquiry revealed that Loudon was out of custody on bail and had an active arrest warrant.

Pursuant to Camy’s probation terms and Loudon’s arrest warrant, the deputy conducted a search of the vehicle, uncovering significant quantities of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl inside their vehicle. Camy and Loudon were subsequently arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

Keara Loudon:

• PC 148.9: Providing False Identification to a Peace Officer
• H&S 11350: Possession of a Controlled Substance
• H&S 11377: Possession of a Controlled Substance

Rick Camy:

• H&S 11395(b)(1): Possession of a Controlled Substance with Prior Drug Convictions
• H&S 11377(a): Possession of a Controlled Substance
• H&S 11350: Possession of a Controlled Substance
• PC 1203.2: Probation Violation

Following the arrests, the deputy obtained a search warrant for Loudon’s residence in the 900 block of Rio Dell Avenue, Rio Dell. The search yielded additional narcotics, a digital scale, and drug paraphernalia, resulting in the following additional charges against Loudon:

• H&S 11351: Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale
• H&S 11378: Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale
• PC 12022.1: Committing a Felony While Released on Bail

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive patrols and narcotics enforcement to enhance public safety and address illegal drug activity in our communities.

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.