Mary was born September 9, 1933 to Joseph & Mary Arruda in Eureka. She passed away on July 17, 2025.

She spent many of her childhood years living on the Fort Humboldt grounds with her parents and brothers, Joe, John and Frank. It was in her early teens when she met her future husband, Delbert Rocha Sr., who happened to be best friends with her brothers. Delbert and Mary later married in 1952 and had three children — Janet, Susan and Delbert Jr. Mary was a bookkeeper for various businesses and beside her husband ran dairies in Ferndale and Orland, and finally retiring in Orick.

After retirement they moved to Mckinleyville to be closer to town and doctor appointments. They attended Christ the King for many years until health issues caused her to stay home. She also enjoyed going to the casino on occasion, crossword and word puzzles, craft painting and watching the Game Show Network at home.

Mary passed away peacefully in Fortuna at her residence in Sequoia Springs Assisted Living. We would like to give a huge thank you to the staff there and Hospice of Humboldt for their loving care and support for the past few years.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Janet Rocha, granddaughter Amanda Harpe and grandson Christopher Lyons, along with great-grandchildren Kyndel & Landen Harpe and Gavin & Owen Lyons. She is preceeded in death by her husband Delbert, son Delbert Jr. and daughter Susan.

Per her wishes, no services will be held.

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U.S. Coast Guard release below:

A Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay aircrew rescued one child from the water near Big Lagoon County Park, California, Thursday, July 17.

Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders received a report at 4:06 p.m. of an 11-year-old female in the water from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched an Air Station Humboldt Bay MH-65E Dolphin helicopter aircrew and a Station Humboldt Bay 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew.

California State Parks Lifeguards initially responded to remove the girl from immediate danger in the surf zone to position themselves in safer waters until rescue crews arrived.

The helicopter aircrew arrived on scene at 4:36 p.m. and deployed a rescue swimmer via freefall. California State Parks Lifeguards transferred the child to the rescue swimmer, and the two were hoisted into the helicopter where the aircrew began treating the child for hypothermia-related symptoms.

The helicopter aircrew transferred the child to awaiting emergency medical services personnel for further transport to a higher level of care.

Press release from Six Rivers National Forest:

Butler Fire: 18,855 acres; 10% containment

Red Fire: 116 acres; 80% containment

Personnel: 1,821

Butler Fire: Firefighters worked directly to reinforce established lines July 23 near Quail Flat up toward Yellow Jacket Ridge. Crews actively worked to hold line and mop up down from Yellow Jacket Ridge along Murderers Gulch and along Sawyers Bar Road. The fire continued burning from the previous night’s firing operation in the upper portion of McNeal Creek.

Crews are constructing and reinforcing lines along the ridge between Knownothing and McNeal Creeks. Helicopters assisted firefighters in these areas with bucket drops. Fire activity was minimal along the northwest portion of the fire. Firefighters will monitor and mop up along the northwestern edge of the fire and along the Salmon River. Additional containment was achieved near Butler Flats.

Today firefighters will focus on reinforcing and mopping up containment lines along the Salmon River and the ridge going to Yellow Jacket Ridge, Murderer Creek and the ridge above Knownothing Creek.

Weather:

The fire area is under a red flag warning today with a 40 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms, bringing lightning, hail, and outflow winds up to 40 miles an hour. Maximum temperatures are expected in the 90s, and minimum relative humidity will be 20 percent.

Evacuations:

Below are the current evacuation order and warning zones for the Orleans Complex.

Evacuation ORDERS: FRK-1709 (Forks of Salmon), SIS-1703, SIS-1704-B (Butler Creek, Lewis Creek, Bloomer Mine residents and Nordheimer Campground), SIS-1707-A, SIS-1707-B, SIS-1708, SIS-1710, SIS-1802, SIS-1803-A, SIS-1804, SIS-1805, SIS-1808 and SIS-1903.

Evacuation WARNINGS: SAW-1713, SIS-1704-A, SIS-1705, SIS-1712, SIS-1803-B, SIS-1811, SIS-1906 and SIS-1907.

The latest evacuation information can be found at this link.

Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services for fire-related resources and general safety information.

If you are in an Evacuation Order Zone, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. This lawful order is not only to protect your life, but the lives of firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel.

For shelter information and resources related to the fire evacuations, please call (530) 340–3539.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On July 20, 2025, the County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to the city of Trinidad on reports of multiple break-in attempts to occupied homes and vacation rentals.

The investigation revealed that at least three incidents occurred in two days, with owners reporting that an unknown suspect(s) had broken windows and caused vandalism to their homes. In one case, a concrete object was thrown through a rear window, damaging the interior wall of the home. No items appear to be stolen and it’s unclear whether the suspect was able to gain entry to any of the homes. In response, HCSO has ordered extra deputies to patrol the area while the investigation is under way.

HCSO would like to remind the public that a few preventative measures can go a long way. Please be on the lookout for suspicious activity in your neighborhood and report any incident to law enforcement immediately.  Homeowners should consider motion-activated lights around entrances, security cameras, and reinforcing windows and doors with secured locks. Before residents leave on vacation, they should always notify a trusted neighbor to check on the home.   

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

To form your own Neighborhood Watch group, contact the HCSO Neighborhood Watch Program at 707-441-3035.

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

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California State University says it’s short $2.3 billion, a staggering budget gap that’s grown sharply since the system first revealed two years ago that it didn’t have the money to properly educate its students.

How the nation’s largest public four-year university system will generate that revenue is anyone’s guess, as annual tuition increases of 6% that kicked in last year and an influx of state taxpayer support have been insufficient to pay for Cal State’s growing labor, energy and education expenses.

The details of that cumulative gap were unveiled at the bimonthly Cal State Board of Trustees meeting this week. More state support is increasingly unlikely, as California budget experts forecast multi-billion-dollar budget shortfalls worsened by severe federal cuts to major public safety-net programs, like Medicaid, and possible federal cuts to public research and financial aid.

The funding shortfall, which doesn’t include billions of dollars in building maintenance backlogs, is a large portion of the system’s roughly $9 billion operating budget.

“This growing gap demonstrates why we need immediate action to achieve financial sustainability,” said Jeni Kitchell, an assistant vice chancellor for finance of Cal State. “We cannot sustain our current level of funding, especially while operating from a position of underfunding.”

The system fought off a $375 million proposed cut to its state allocation this year, instead receiving a $144 million cut — a 3% reduction in its state support. Lawmakers are offering Cal State a zero-interest loan to make up for that cut and promised to restore the money next year.

Already Cal State has cut more than 1,200 staff positions across the system in the past two years, reduced student support staff by 7% and terminated 1,400 courses during a period of ongoing budget deficits.

Without an infusion of cash, the system will have to shift money from some of its initiatives — including improving graduation rates — just to cover mandatory costs, such as health care, insurance, utilities, financial aid and agreed-upon union raises, Cal State leaders said. In such a scenario, system documents show, campuses may have to continue the cost-cutting they’ve implemented, which has included layoffs, reducing job categories, cutting courses and leaving job vacancies unfilled.

This year’s budget gap is $164 million.

State promises of more funding ‘violated’

Some Cal State trustees said they are frustrated that Gov. Gavin Newsom delayed his promises of five years of increasing state support, which was supposed to total more than $1 billion. Only three years of that compact have been funded to date; the fourth, which was supposed to kick in this year, will instead be spread out between 2026 and 2028, lawmakers and Newsom decided in the most recent state budget deal. Lawmakers didn’t signal a fifth year of compact funding, though they may in next year’s budget deal.

“We were promised a five-year compact,” said Jack McGrory, a Cal State trustee. He argued that Cal State trustees approved 10% or more in salary increases for workers the past two years based on those promises.

“We did rely on the promise, and the promise was violated, and that’s the story that we have to tell, and it’s unfortunate, and it’s going to put our relationships with the unions and our employees in a really bad situation,” McGrory added.

If the compact money or the $144 million state spending cut aren’t restored, Cal State won’t be able to grow student enrollment at a time when more high school graduates are completing the courses needed to be eligible for Cal State admissions. The system currently enrolls 460,000 students.

“How do we enroll more students if we do not have the resources to hire more faculty, to provide more staff support,” add mental health counselors and more free-food programs for Cal State’s largely low-income students, asked Patrick Lenz, the interim chief financial officer of Cal State.

Cal State has been trying to slow its spending. The chancellor’s office is cutting its budget by $18 million, or 8%, trustees learned at this week’s meeting. Several campuses in the Bay Area are consolidating their administrative offices to lower expenses. And last fall the system approved the merging of two campuses to avoid millions of dollars in new spending.

Unions say they’re owed raises

Meanwhile, thousands of employees are in a dispute with Cal State leadership over whether their union contracts guarantee them raises this year. The contracts say that if lawmakers fully fund the Cal State system, some of its workers get raises.

Cal State’s leadership says that because state lawmakers cut the system’s funding by $144 million, they can’t give raises. Unions say because the state is allowing Cal State to borrow that money as a zero-interest loan, the system is fully funded. Cal State says borrowing money isn’t the same as being fully funded by the state. System leaders also lack confidence that the state will repay the system for that 3% cut next year. If the money doesn’t appear next year, Cal State is stuck with a loan that adds to their budget crisis.

At least two state lawmakers are siding with unions. “Damn it, we are here to send a clear message. Do you hear us? Because guess what, if they don’t get what they deserve, we’re going to shut the s — down,” said Assemblymember Mike Gipson, a Democrat from Gardena, at a press conference outside the system’s headquarters Tuesday morning. He was addressing Cal State’s chancellor and other leaders who were assembled yards away for their meeting.

“With everything going on with ICE, we don’t need to add additional pressure on not only the students but the faculty here. They’re already traumatized. Our state is already traumatized,” Gipson added.

Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, a Democrat from Torrance, said he stands in “solidarity” with union workers to “to call on the chancellor and the trustees to keep your promise.”

The California State University Employees Union, with 35,000 clerical, custodial and student assistant members, says that the raises they think they’re owed are worth $30 million more than what Cal State plans to give them.

Erin Foote, a vice president for organizing for the union, said in an interview that Cal State leaders should partner with the union in pushing for legislation or a ballot measure to ensure Cal State and University of California have guaranteed funding. “It costs millions of dollars to run a revenue measure, and we would need the CSU to be our partner,” Foote said.

Cal State’s cash reserves are at $760 million — enough to operate the system for a month.

How Cal State’s budget shortfall grew

How did Cal State’s cumulative funding gap grow from $1.5 billion to $2.3 billion since 2023? Chancellor’s office staff point to these latest budget realities:

• $143.8 million: the amount of Cal State’s cut in state support this year
• $310.5 million: the growth in labor costs
• $322 million: the budget shortfalls at Cal State’s campuses the past three years

In that same time, Cal State’s revenue grew, but not by enough to cover the increase in costs. State funding that goes to the system’s operating budget — the corpus of money to pay for its education mission — grew from $4.5 billion to $4.87 billion last year. State support is Cal State’s largest source of funding for its operations. And the system’s tuition revenue jumped from $3.24 billion to $3.53 billion. Combined, those are increases of almost $700 million, according to the system’s financial transparency portal.

Next year is projected to be more of the same fiscal hurt.

Cal State budget officials say that the system will incur $365 million in new, mandatory costs in 2026-27, including $63 million in increased staff health care premiums and about $160 million in wage increases. That amount doesn’t include growing enrollment by the 3,500 students that the compact requires, which would cost $56 million.

For Cal State to afford the new, mandatory expenses, the state would need to return the 3% cut and a portion of the compact funding the system was supposed to get this year. None of that is a sure bet.

The funding they can rely on is new tuition revenue: students will be charged another 6% increase next fall.

In Loving Memory of Annette E. Stainbrook
July 9, 1966 – July 15, 2025

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Annette E. Stainbrook on July 15, 2025. Surrounded by her beloved husband and sons, Annette departed this life with peace and love.

Born to David Kliewer and Susan Killick on July 9, 1966, in Sacramento, California, Annette lived a life rich in faith, music, and kindness. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 41 years, Jay Stainbrook, and their sons Jared and Cameron Stainbrook.

Her love continues through grandchildren Aubree, Kamryn, and Carson Stainbrook. Annette is also survived by her mother Susan Fuller, father David Kliewer, sisters Sarah Fuller, Danielle Kuntz, and Jennifer Marquez, brother Evan Fuller, and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A 5th generation Californian, Annette, made Humboldt County her lifelong home. She owned Reel Videos in Fortuna for many years, a beloved local business. Jay and Annette first met when she was 15 and he was 17 — a love that began in high school and endured for over four decades. She attended Ferndale Elementary and graduated from Fortuna High School in 1984.

Annette loved to crochet, gifting her time and warmth through handmade blankets to friends and family. No matter how she felt, she was always quick with a smile. In high school, she found joy in music and theatre, and one of her fondest memories was gathering with both sides of her family. She especially cherished traveling to Wyoming for a family reunion at her brother-in-law John Stainbrook’s ranch. Growing up, she loved days at Swimmer’s Delight, visiting local beaches, and going camping. Her love for music shone through her talent for playing multiple instruments and the beautiful voice she shared so generously.

Annette’s compassion knew no bounds. She was a light in every room — always offering help, kindness, and her gentle spirit. She was lovingly called “my girl” and “the love of my life” by Jay and will be missed.

As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Annette served faithfully and joyfully. She attended conventions in San Francisco and Sacramento and pioneered whenever possible We do not say goodbye. We await the promise of resurrection, as shared in John 5:28–29 and Revelation 21:3–5.

Special thanks to her medical providers Dr. Allen Mathew and Dr. Andrew Johnston, especially Judy Renner, who set Jay and Annette up on a blind date 43 years ago, and Collyn Carey, a lifelong and treasured friend. Also, to Open Door Heath Centers for allowing Jay to take off so much time at work over the last 5 years to care for Annette Thank you to all who have expressed condolences, sent cards and flowers, and shared in honoring her life.

Memorial Service

Date: August 16, 2025
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Fortuna Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses
1475 Ross Hill Rd.

Please join us as we celebrate Annette’s life and legacy. All who knew her are welcome. Her family will be scattering Annette’s ashes on September 20, 2025, at the “Family Tree.”

In Loving Memory of “Yogi” Eugene Arthur Saxon Jr.
June 5, 1963 – July 18, 2025

“Yogi” Eugene Arthur Saxon Jr. was born on June 5, 1963, to Michelle Linda Saxon and Eugene Arthur Saxon Sr. in Hoopa. He spent his entire life in Hoopa, deeply rooted in the place he called home. Raised on Bald Hill in a home built by his father, Yogi later raised his own children in that same home, surrounded by the peace and beauty of the mountains. Bald Hill wasn’t just where he lived — it was a sacred place filled with memories and tradition. The land itself carries his family’s legacy, including the piece of land that homes the cell tower that was sold to the Hoopa Valley Tribe by his father.

Yogi was a proud athlete during his school years, forming lifelong bonds with friends like Monty Jarnaghan and Joe Joe Jarnaghan Sr. Though he didn’t graduate high school, he found a second home with Glen and Susie Sanchez at age 18. They embraced him as family and taught him about the richness of Hoopa culture, values he carried with pride and shared generously throughout his life with anyone who was willing to listen.

Cultural to his core, Yogi lived by traditional teachings. He was known for his unwavering kindness, compassion, and inclusive spirit. His home was always open — to friends, family, and even strangers. His heart was boundless, and he treated all people with love and respect.

Yogi found his passion working as a laborer in the mountains, falling trees and brushing. He believed, as he often reminded his children, that Native people should rise with the sun. He lived by that principle — up before dawn and working until sunset. In 2000, after a serious health scare due to alcoholism, he made the courageous decision to become sober in order to raise his children and live a longer, healthier life. He never turned back. He was proud of his recovery and made it his mission to speak out against drugs and alcohol abuse, especially to protect and guide the youth.

Although he used marijuana for medicinal purposes, he was never against it — in fact, he turned to it for pain relief instead of relying on prescription medications. At the time, he was preparing for both knee and hip replacements, enduring a great deal physically. But despite the pain, he made real sacrifices to participate in the big dances, just like the rest of us. He was Especially proud of the fact that he went the entire duration without smoking, and he would often share that with a sense of pride. His dedication and spirit were truly inspiring.

Yogi was deeply spiritual, loyal to his cultural roots, and a humble teacher of traditional values. His life was a living example of resilience, redemption and unconditional love.

He later discovered a deep passion for coaching the Traditional Hoopa Stick Games — an honored tradition passed down through generations by our Hoopa ancestors. This passion was ignited through the guidance of his nephew, Lil Alren Doolittle, and supported by many dedicated men in the community who volunteered their time to help teach the youth. Their collective efforts forged a strong bond between him and the young players, one built on cultural pride, mentorship, and shared purpose.

A special thank you to his nephew, Lil Ar, for teaching him how to gather and prepare the materials used to carve the traditional sticks and tassels — essential pieces in the sacred game. Gratitude also goes out to Lester & Nick White, Wilfred Ferris, and Andrew Gordon for standing beside him in coaching and sharing their knowledge.

Yogi held a special place in his heart for each and every player, including: Manny Peralta, Orien O’Neil, Jayden Dauz (his great-nephew), Kenny Doolittle (his nephew), the twins Vernon and Joe, Joe Smith Jr., Sam Pratt (his grandson), Chicken, Victor Campos, Jason Warren (his nephew), Thomas, Kika Miguelena, Braydon, Terris Ballard, Tillis, Sylvester, Henry & Oliver, Sebastian Ferris, and Cayden Beck. I apologize if anyone was left out. Their were many players on the field over the last few years.

He also cherished the many kids from the Hoopa Housing Neighborhood who would visit him regularly. Though too many to name, they know who they are. These children brought him joy by simply sharing their day-to-day lives with him. Every morning, he could be found sitting on his porch, soaking in the sun. The kids knew he would be there, always ready with a warm welcome and a listening ear. Those moments meant the world to him.

He is preceded in death by his father Eugene Arthur Saxon Sr.; siblings Nathaniel “Nat” Saxon, Rachel Saxon, Endora “Sam” Saxon, and Genivieve “Gee Gee” Saxon; his beloved daughter Aeriael Agnes Saxon and son “Lil Yogi” Eugene Saxon; Aunt Eleanor “Mouse” Abbott, Uncle Warren Abbott; niece Angel Aubrey, nephew Isaac Saxon; the mother of his children, Charlotte Abby Frank; and his brother Smidge Colegrove.

He is survived by his loving life partner, Monica Matilton; his mother, Michelle Linda Saxon; his children Gina Saxon (Howard “Howie” McCovey), Angela Saxon-Pratt (Saul Peralta), Charlotte Saxon (Skyler Mosier), Cameron “Sats” Saxon, Jessie Mosier (Nikki Risling), Stormie Mosier, and Jennie Saxon (Francis Colegrove); and his many grandchildren: Joel Mosier (Lorencita Perry), Malia Mosier (Rodney Clark), Jerome Mosier, Mariah Mosier, & Baby Skyler Mosier Jr., Harmony, Na:nyay, Chime:chwing, Samuel “Samuria” Pratt, Emilee & Donavon Lonewolf (Lacey McKinnon), Lilia, Elicia, Jada Brown, Nathaniel, Warren Saxon, Quentin, Julious, Aiyana, Cheyheila, Laheila, Jessie Mosier Jr., and Elijah Martin.

He is also survived by great-grandchildren Brielle Mosier, Joseph Mosier, Julious Jackson, and Drew Mosier; numerous nieces and nephews, including Shawnday & Andrew Lonewolf, Roseanna & Antone Aubrey IV, Virgil Doolittle, Arlene Doolittle (Jimmy Sanders), Starlene Bussell (Isaac Bussell), Lil Arlen Doolittle (Melissa Phines), Robert “Wolf,” Panther, Sissiliyia, and Christian Colegrove, along with many beloved great-nieces and nephews. He is also lovingly remembered by his aunt and uncle, Dr. Eva Smith and Emmett Chase.

Pallbearers: Cameron “Sats” Saxon, Jessie, Skyler, Joel, Jerome, Quentin, and Julious Mosier, Elijah Martin, Andrew “Beaver” Lonewolf, Virgil & Lil Arlen Doolittle, EFC, Carlyle, Suagi, Wolf, Panther & Francis Colegrove, Howard McCovey, Donavon Lonewolf, Warrior & Bubba Sanchez, Tic Mil Ashley, Blaze & Duane Carpenter, Lester White, Kenny & Freddy Doolittle, To’nehwan Dawz, Terry “Scruff” Ballard, Rodney Clark, Isaac Bussell, Jimmy Sanders, Dylan Moon, Aaron Jr. Peterson, RJ Marshall, Shan Davis, and Sport Surber.

Honorary Pallbearers: Glen Sanchez Sr., Carl Colegrove Sr., Carlyle & Robert “Blake” Colegrove, Ruben Sanders, Saul Peralta Sr., Keg Super, Joe Davis, Lyle & John Matilton, Michael Brown, Clayton James, Carlo Miguelena Sr., Bruz Aubrey, Ralph Peters Sr., Super Bibancos, Antone Aubrey IV, Frank Surber Jr., Frank Surber Sr., Dwight “Corky” Vanpelt, Emmett Chase, Stone Wallace, Merve George Jr., Craig Merrick, David Maloney, Boyd Ferris, Phillip Vigil, Ian Moore, Freddy Brown, Sylvester “Flabs” Brown, Loggy Jackson, Benjamin Spencer Sr., Jack McNertney, Johnny Pratt, Joe Joe Jarnaghan Sr., Jason Peterson.

My apologies if I left anyone out. He loved everyone.

The Wake will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities Wednesday July 23rd, 2025 @ 6 p.m.

Services will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities Thursday July, 24th, 2025 @ 11 a.m.

Burial Location: Hoopa Tribal Cemetery

Reception to fallow at Hoopa Fire Hall.

“Love everyone, judge no one, and rise before the sun.”

His memory will live on in every heart he touched. May he complete his journey peacefully to the Happy Hunting Grounds to dance for eternity with our ancestors and loved ones who went before him.

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