PREVIOUSLY

• (PHOTOS) GOLDEN SHOVEL TIME: Cal Poly Humboldt Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for $200 Million Student Housing Project on Old Craftsman Mall Site
• Cal Poly to Break Ground on Craftsman Mall Project Next Month, University Announces; Housing Facility Will Have Room for Almost a Thousand Students

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Half of Cal Poly Humboldt’s brand spankin’ new $226 million Hinarr Hu Moulik housing project is set to be open for residents this fall semester. 

Located on Spear Avenue, the entire 12.8 acre complex can house up to 964 students, but only the east building (with a capacity of over 600) will be open this fall. Work on the other wing should be done sometime during the fall and will open for residents starting spring of 2026. There are 241 total housing units in the complex, all of them either two-,  three- or four-bedroom apartments. The parking lot will have over 300 parking spaces. 

It’ll mostly be filled with third- and fourth-year students, to give newer students a chance to make some friends before they get moved. 

Vice President of Administration and Finance Mike Fisher did not know how full the east wing will be when it opens. 

Because it’s about a mile from campus, CPH will offer a shuttle service every half hour to campus, to a yet-to-be constructed 8-acre parking lot on Foster Avenue, and to the Plaza. The Humboldt Transit Authority will also include a stop there on the Green and Gold route, and the Annie and Mary trail will go right past the dorms when it’s finished. 

According to Fisher, CPH also gave the city of Arcata $17 million to help fund the Sunset Avenue project, which will replace the usually clogged and complicated stop signs on and off Highway 101 with roundabouts. Work on that will start in 2026.

Funded by the $458 million polytechnic grant, work on the Hinarr Hu Moulik (Soulatluk for “Our Home”, pronounced hee-Nad huh MOO-leek) dorms started back in 2023. 

It won’t be short on amenities; the outside spaces will have pickleball, cornhole, and ping-pong courts, there’s a bike storage locker on-campus with space for over 200 bicycles, and there will be a grab-and-go hot food dining facility, plus a gym and various community lounges and TV rooms. The green spaces will be expansive and cover most of the property. 

Vehicle traffic from Highway 101 made the outside loud, but Fisher said that the walls, almost a foot thick, will deaden the noise significantly.

Fisher admitted it didn’t look like too much right now, but said it would soon be somewhere really worth living.

“It may be hard to imagine now what this will look like soon,” Fisher said. “It just takes a little bit of vision.”

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PREVIOUSLY: There’s a Ticking Time Bomb in the Heart of Orick, and It’s Not Clear Whether Anybody Can Do Anything About It

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Two dozen residents gathered Wednesday at the Orick Community Hall to learn more about the Redwood Creek Estuary Restoration Project, a massive undertaking to reroute the creek and restore critical fish habitat — and, perhaps, provide some measure of enhanced flood protection for the vulnerable town.

“It’s been a big, long push to get here,” said Gregory Hufford, a civil engineer and representative of the families that own property on the north side of Redwood Creek. “It all started with a conversation with a person who works in restoration at California Trout … who said, ‘This is bad — it’s not going to get any better; it’s just going to get worse.’ And from my perspective, nothing could be worse than it is right now.”

Over the years, Redwood Creek has become inundated with sediment buildup and overgrown vegetation, significantly reducing flood capacity within the earthen levee system that flanks the lower 3.4 miles of the creek. The multi-million dollar restoration project aims to reverse decades of ecological degradation and revitalize critical habitat for threatened and endangered salmonid species by redirecting the main channel of Redwood Creek back to its original alignment.

When the Redwood Creek Flood Control Project was constructed in the mid-1960s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sought to simplify the configuration of the creek by redirecting the main channel through Middle Slough, straight out to the Pacific Ocean, as seen below. Doing so cut off overflow channels (Sand Cache Creek and Strawberry Creek) and drastically reduced the size and complexity of the estuary.

“Those overflow channels were important because, when we got a big flood on Redwood Creek, water would spill out and flush out Sand Cache Creek,” Conor Shea, a civil engineer with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, explained at Wednesday’s meeting. “We no longer have that happening … so there’s nothing coming in to push the sand out of Sand Cache Creek. That’s why we see a massive amount of wood and debris out there. [It] has effectively lost all function.”

The configuration of the levee system has also caused ocean sand to fill the Redwood Creek Estuary, Shea said, limiting its ability to push out accumulated sediment.

“In the original configuration, the estuary was able to maintain its shape and flush that sand out to keep it moving,” he continued. “Now, because the channel [goes] straight out and makes a big opening, during the winter, waves can bring all that sand that’s moved along the shoreline directly into the estuary, deposit it and cause this blockage.”

On top of that, the accumulation of invasive vegetation has limited flows in Redwood Creek and its tributaries, which provide critical habitat for several salmonid species, including federally listed coho salmon. 

“Historically, the estuary played a really important role in allowing those fish to grow, fatten up, and attain the condition that would allow their survival in the ocean into adulthood and have them return as spawners that increase the population,” said Leslie Wolff, a local hydrologist with NOAA Fisheries. “That key life history phase that the estuary provides … we can’t recreate that system through a mitigation anywhere else.”

At the end of last year, after nearly 10 years of legwork, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Redwood Creek Estuary Collaborative — a group comprised of private land owners and representatives of California Trout, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the County of Humboldt, the National Parks Service, NOAA Fisheries, the North Coast Regional Land Trust, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Yurok Tribe — launched a feasibility study to assess the magnitude of a restoration project and potential configurations for a new estuary. 

“This is a long process, but it’s set up to try to support big projects like this and make sure they’re effective. That means they have to go slowly,” said Hank Seemann, the county’s deputy director of environmental services. “This feasibility study is looking at options and really trying to identify where the problems are, potential measures to address them, and, ultimately, to select a preferred project.”

The collaborative will have to consider a wide range of factors in its analysis, including environmental impacts, budgetary constraints and real estate boundaries. Not only that, but there are dozens  — perhaps hundreds — of potential design features to consider. Should portions of the levee be removed? Should a setback levee be constructed? Should South Slough be excavated, or should the creek be rerouted through South Slough?

“Now, we’re at this part of the process where we’re trying to collect ideas, and this is where your community input is really important,” said Savannah Fahning, an environmental manager with the Army Corps of Engineers’ San Francisco office. “We start with a bunch of ideas and narrow it down to just a few. We analyze those very thoroughly and send that analysis to the public for review and comments.”

Fahning emphasized that the restoration project cannot “lessen the original intent” of the flood control project or increase flood risk for surrounding communities. 

Once the feasibility analysis is complete, likely in the next two years, the design plans will be finalized, and the Army Corps of Engineers and the county will apply for the permits needed to move forward with construction. That process will take another couple of years. If everything goes according to plan, construction will begin in the summer of 2029. 

The project is expected to cost between $15 million and $20 million, Seemann, adding that restoration “may need to be broken up in phases.”

During the Q&A portion of the meeting, several community members asked whether the restoration project would alleviate flood risk for folks living upstream, with a few folks noting that the levee came within just a few feet of overflowing during a big storm in January of 2024. 

“It’s the shape of the flood control channel that controls the height of the water as it passes through the the levee system. The estuary is so far downstream that it doesn’t really impact how water moves through that flood control channel,” Shea said. “We could change the configuration of the estuary and remove [a portion] of those levees down there, but it doesn’t change what happens upstream.”

However, if there’s more space for water to flow in the lower portion of Redwood Creek, including secondary channels within the enlarged estuary, there could be some upstream benefits, Seemann told the Outpost in a follow-up interview.

“In fact, from the county’s perspective, achieving enlarged capacity at the lower end is a desired outcome if it can be achieved as part of the estuary restoration project, and we will be trying to see if it can be incorporated,” he said. “We’ll know more after we get more into the design process and can evaluate how the flows will respond. My guess is that the upstream benefit would be fairly limited, possibly extending upstream as far as the Shoreline Market, but I would not expect the enlarged capacity to extend further upstream into town due to the distance.”

A few other meeting attendees, including one gentleman with a crushed red Solo cup in hand, attributed flow issues to overgrown vegetation in Redwood Creek and asked why county staff wouldn’t let locals come in and cut the trees back themselves like they used to. Seemann said the county is now required to apply for a permit for tree removal along Redwood Creek because it provides habitat for federally listed salmonid species. 

“The county maintains three levee systems … and our highest priority is Orick,” Seemann continued. “We spend the biggest portion of our maintenance funding up here. And we really think the best value for our limited maintenance money is mowing the sides of the levees. … We’re going to continue to work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to see what we can do [about] tree removal in the channel, but it’s all regulated by state and federal law so there has to be a balance between leaving some trees and doing some removal.”

Supervisor Steve Madrone.

As the meeting wrapped up, Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone emphasized the importance of creating a project that enhances fish habitat while offering protection for the surrounding community. 

“We have heard — I have heard as your supervisor over and over again — a lot of the same concerns that are being expressed here today about … the capacity of these existing levees,” Madrone said, turning to the Army Corps of Engineers representative. “Savannah, I just want to make sure that you are hearing the community in that there’s this great project happening in the estuary, but there’s also this whole levee system. … There are very serious concerns about the levees and their capacity to protect the town during a serious flood.”

Madrone concluded the meeting by encouraging residents to stay engaged in the project. “It’s not all going to happen tonight, but we heard you, and we appreciate your comments,” he said.

Surprisingly, Ron Barlow, chair of the Orick Community Services District, didn’t speak up at the meeting. If you know Barlow, you know he’s a passionate advocate for his little community. For the last 30 years, he’s written countless letters to sound the alarm over maintenance issues with the Redwood Creek levee system. I interviewed him for a story on this very topic last year, which you can find here.

Asked how he felt about Wednesday’s meeting, Barlow said he thought it went “okay” and spoke highly of the presenters. “I always think Hank Seemann does a good job and Steve Madrone, I think there’s gonna be quite a loss when he isn’t our supervisor anymore,” he said. “I’m really happy with the job he does.”

Barlow spoke in favor of estuary restoration, adding that the configuration of the levee system needs to change to ensure it functions properly. However, his primary concern is flood protection.

“I was told that county would not sign on with this if it decreased flood protection, and that was addressed a little bit at the meeting,” he said. “Our biggest problem is all these trees in the channel. … I’m hoping Hank and Steve can help us get through these regulatory issues because we’ll jump in and do the work.”

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In Loving Memory of Robin Lyn Andrews
November 25, 1965 – April 7, 2025

Robin Lyn Andrews was a fierce, compassionate, and vibrant Lakota woman. She passed away peacefully at 7:50 p.m. on April 7, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Memorial Hospital in Eureka. She was surrounded by her loving family who stood by her to the end. This reflects the love she gave so freely throughout her life.

Robin was born in Winner, South Dakota on November 25, 1965, to her parents Patricia and Bernard Andrews. Her early teenage years were filled with disco, funk music and weekends spent at the local roller rink, where she danced her way through life with joy and style regardless of what was going on in life. Her favorite movies were Grease and she was in love with Elvis. At 16, she joined Job Corp in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she met her first husband, Ignacio. They were married for 13 years and had two beautiful children together, Sanau and Luke.

Robin loved to tell stories. One of her favorite stories to tell was about meeting her second husband, Tom. After moving to Reno, Nevada, there was a twist of fate that could only be described as destiny. The story goes that one day on the way to her mother’s house, she caught sight of a man working in his parents’ yard. She watched him through her rearview mirror as she drove past, not knowing that moment would one day become part of their love story. They crossed paths again nine years later in the middle of the Nevada desert by pure chance. Their relationship blossomed and the pieces of their story fell into place. As their relationship progressed, they went on to have a beautiful child named Amanda Sage. That spark led to a deep love that lasted for 28 years.

She was a proud member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. She was a woman who carried the strength and wisdom of her ancestors. Her spirit was deeply rooted in her Native identity. While the soul of the 1970s lived in her heart, it was Native American music that truly moved her, keeping her grounded and connected to her culture.

Robin put herself through college with unmatched determination, earning a Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Native American Studies and a Masters in Social Work from Humboldt State University. She found a community rich in Indigenous culture and understanding in Humboldt County. a place where she called home and resided in since 2005.

She dedicated over 15 years of her life to Humboldt DHHS Child Welfare Services, where she became a pillar of strength for the families she served and the colleagues she mentored. As a social worker and eventual supervisor, Robin used her compassion and cultural knowledge to lead with heart. Her boisterous laugh was unforgettable, and her presence brought light even during the most difficult times.

She was a champion of culture and healing. Robin spearheaded cultural trainings at CWS to ensure social workers were not only informed, but deeply respectful of the Native communities they served. She also had a unique way of lifting the spirits of those around her—introducing laughter therapy into the workplace. With unapologetic cheer and contagious enthusiasm, she would often lead the room with a hearty “Very good, very good, yay!” while joyfully clapping. Though some may have rolled their eyes at first, her playful spirit had a way of clearing negativity and reminding everyone not to take life — or themselves — too seriously. She made sure that they knew that they mattered especially for whatever time they had together.

Above all else, Robin was a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a friend who loved fiercely and gave endlessly. She is survived by her three children, Sanau (NuNu), Luke (Cookie Mon), and Amanda Sage (Manda Panda Bear) whom she raised with warmth, humor, and unwavering guidance. Her husband Tom, who shared the story of their love with pride, stood by her through this life’s journey till the very end. Her mother Pat remained a steadfast source of strength and love. Her chosen sister Pam, whom Robin mentored, was her lifelong companion in heart and spirit.

Robin is also survived by her siblings Marty, Todd, Rodney, Steffie and Casey; alongside a vast network of uncles, aunties, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Each of them carries a piece of her light.

Robin Lyn Andrews lived a life that honored her ancestors and nourished her community. She was a warrior for justice, a soul of boundless empathy, and a keeper of stories. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every child she uplifted, every laugh she sparked, and every heart she held close.

She will be missed beyond words, but her spirit will echo and be heard for generations.

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

Juanita L. Coyles
January 18, 1930 - April 6, 2025

Juanita L. Coyles, 95, passed away peacefully in her home on April 6, 2025. Born in Oklahoma on January 18, 1930, Juanita moved to Colorado when she was just 9 months old and later to Stockton to help with the family business during World War II. She then settled in Humboldt County in 1949.

On December 2, 1950, she married Ronald Coyles, the love of her life, after he wooed her and showed her in every possible way that she was the one for him. Their beautiful union lasted 47 years. They began their life together living behind Tapman Bakery in Arcata before purchasing their first home four years later in McKinleyville for $5000. After 15 years, they moved to their home in Eureka, where Juanita resided until 2014 when she relocated to Summer Creek Place.

Juanita led a rich and purposeful life, as a loving foster mother to 11 children before she and Ronald adopted their daughter Ronda. Her nurturing spirit knew no bounds. Throughout her working years, she served as a teacher’s aide, telephone operator, and worked in the medical field as a nurse’s aide and ultimately in physical therapy.

A woman of unwavering faith, Juanita was a lifelong member of the Nazarene Church. Although she could be stubborn about most things, she was steadfast in her beliefs and walked in faith throughout her life. She loved God and lived a spirit-filled life that touched everyone around her.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Lilly May Poff; her beloved husband, Ronald; 11 siblings and their spouses; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. As the last of her matriarch family, she leaves behind her daughter, Ronda Rex; grandson, Nick Hughes; granddaughter, Jessica Rex Altholff (Steven); and five great-grandchildren: Edward, Donovan, Christian, Steven, and Andrew. She also held a special place in her heart for her nieces Bonnie Vukonich and Elaine Nelson, as well as dear friends Sheila Darling, Pam Ross, and Debra Thompkins.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Juanita’s Nazarene family whom she held very dear, with special gratitude to Steve Berti, whom she held in the highest regard.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 18 at 11 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 2039 E Street, Eureka.

Though she has left this earth, Juanita’s spirit, faith, and love continue to inspire all who knew her.

Juanita’s favorite Bible verse was John 10:27-30: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one. 

Jason Evan Kirkpatrick
July 23, 1975 – March 30, 2025

Jason Evan Kirkpatrick, age 49, of Garberville, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2025, in his hometown, where he spent a majority of his life. Jason was a devoted father, beloved son, and a true friend to many.

Known to many as “J-Bird” in his younger years, Jason was born on July 23, 1975, to Kurt Evan Kirkpatrick and Carlene Glasgow. A proud member of a multi-generational Southern Humboldt family, Jason was a gentle soul with a generous heart and a love for building — especially homes alongside his father. He cherished time outdoors, whether it was abalone diving during family campouts, fishing off the boat at Shelter Cove, or relaxing with loved ones at Ruth Lake.

Jason had a passion for working on vehicles and motorcycles, a passion in which he deeply shared with his youngest son, Kodee. Known for his incredible generosity, Jason would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need—offering rides, meals, shelter, or even his last dollar. His acts of kindness were often paired with prayer, laughter, and a deep, unwavering love for God. Worshiping and praising the Lord brought him true joy, as did being silly with his children and making people smile.

Jason is deeply missed by his children, Kodee Kirkpatrick and Emilee McCormack; his granddaughter, Avonaleah Moore; his father, Kurt Kirkpatrick; his brother, David Glasgow; his sister, Becky Kirkpatrick; his fiancée, Tiffany Collver; and the mother of his children, Valerie Graham.

He Is also survived by many beloved cousins: Roger, Ehlana, Daniel, Elisha, Shiloh, Jameson, Marvin, and Butch Kirkpatrick; and Mike and Liz Cuddihy. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carlene Glasgow; his older son Kyle Wildey Kirkpatrick; and his uncle Robert Kirkpatrick. He will also be remembered with love by extended family including Jason Gallagher, Rebecca Sallee, LaDonna Avera, and many more who were touched by his life.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the community for the overwhelming love and support during this difficult time. We ask for your prayers during this incredibly difficult time for all of Jason’s family. Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this profound loss. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the days ahead.

A celebration of life will be held in the warmer months, Jason’s favorite time of year, to honor and remember the warmth, kindness, and spirit he brought to all who knew him.

Lawrence “Abe” Sousa — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather — went home to Dorothy on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, having celebrated his 93rd birthday just a few days before.

A lifelong resident of Eureka, he was born on the first day of spring in 1932. His life was busy! Many years with Operating Engineers Local 3, and then into real estate, where he eventually became a broker. His entire life revolved around people.

Abe was a member of the Eureka Moose Lodge, Eureka Elks Lodge, a former Elk of the Year, Eureka Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and many other organizations. We lost track of how many antique cars he bought, rehabbed, drove around and eventually let go.

Abe was predeceased by the center of his universe, Dorothy, his oldest son Ed Sousa, son Jim “Butch” Manos, daughter-in-law Cindy Manos, son-in-law Wayne Wilson, son-in-law James Barry, great-granddaughter India Rose Pidgeon James, sister Margaret Johnson and her husband Jack, sister Eleanor Klein and her husband Harold, and his brother, Edward Sousa. He is survived by his son Robert and his wife Wanda Sousa, daughter Linda Barry, son Michael and his wife Maria Sousa, and daughter Judy Sousa, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

There will be a private family gathering to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

There will be an open celebration of his life at the Eureka Elks Lodge at 445 Herrick Avenue on July 27th from 2 to 5 p.m. Please RSVP to robsousa53@gmail.com to make sure we have enough seating and food for everyone. 

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

Barbara Thomas Smith Nienburg
Sept. 20, 1937 - Feb. 24, 2025

Barbara Thomas Smith Nienburg was the daughter of William and Lois Thomas. They moved here in 1942, when Barbara was five years old. Her father bought a small ranch on Tompkins Hill in Fortuna. She loved being on the ranch with all the animals. Then, about six years, later her sister Marilyn (Duval) came along. She enjoyed having a younger sister to watch over.

She attended school in Fortuna and graduated at Fortuna High in 1955. After graduating she married George Veldon (Bud) Smith, and gave birth to Michael Veldon (Julie) Valerie Leigh and is preceded in death by Stanley Neil. She was grandmother to Brook, Brianna, Shennon, Katie, Veronica and is preceded in death by George.

She was a homemaker for many years raising the children in Carlotta, gardening and canning food. When we were younger she would sew most of our clothes.

She divorced George in 1973 and married Frank Nienburg. She worked as his secretary. He had a house painting business in the Bay Area.

She wished to be cremated by Ayres in Eureka .There will be a family celebration of life in the next following week, for the immediate family.

We would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their care in this difficult time.

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