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FRIDAY UPDATE: Rejoice! The Broadway Cinema took to Facebook on Thursday afternoon to announce that the theater has reopened. Yes, you can now go see the newest Spider-Man. 

Original post: Moviegoers were forced to evacuate Eureka’s Broadway Cinema last night after a fire broke out in one of the theater’s restrooms around 7:30 p.m.

Humboldt Bay Fire Battalion Chief John Chambers told the Outpost that the fire started in the ventilation system near a light fixture in the ceiling. The fire triggered the sprinkler system in the restroom, keeping the small blaze in check while firefighters responded to the scene. There were no injuries reported.

“The fire was out within 10 or 20 minutes of arrival,” Chambers said. “We’re grateful to theater staff and [attendees] who were cooperative during the evacuation.”

The fire damage was “pretty minimal,” he added, estimating smoke and fire damage at $3,000 to $5,000. Water damage from the sprinklers will likely cost up to $15,000. 

“They’re going to have to remove all of the drywall and paint in the restrooms,” Chambers said, noting that damages appear to be isolated to the restroom area.

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UPDATE: After publication, Chambers texted the Outpost around 3:15 p.m. with additional information. He clarified that the fire originated in the women’s restroom, and the sprinkler head that activated was in a utility closet above the restroom area, spraying water into “both restrooms and some upstairs office spaces.” 

“The fire department spent extensive time with what we call salvage operations removing water from the facility,” he said. “They do currently have power [at the theater]; however, an electrician is [on] scene going through the electrical system to verify that it is safe and operating properly. … Two individuals were evaluated for smoke inhalation and received medical care from our personnel, one of which went to the hospital for further care.”

Chambers said he’d be hesitant to call it an “electrical” fire, so we’ve corrected the headline up top to reflect that. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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It’s not clear when the theater will reopen. Coming Attractions Theatres did not respond to the Outpost’s emailed request for additional information, but the Broadway Cinema’s Facebook page says the theater will be closed today “due to an unexpected power outage.”

The post does not indicate when the theater will reopen.

It’s also unclear whether moviegoers will be reimbursed. In a video shared with the Outpost, linked below, Jonathan Weltsch asks a theater attendant mid-evacuation if the tickets can be used at next week’s $5 movie night. “I would just hold on to your tickets and your receipts for right now,” the attendant said.

We’ll update this post if we hear back from Coming Attractions.

PREVIOUSLY

• Return of the Alibi: Greenview Market Owner Looks to Join Arcata’s ‘Tavern Row’ Revival By Reopening the Plaza’s Two-Sided Watering Hole

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Bar Row is staggering its way back. 

The Arcata Planning Commission voted unanimously last night to grant a conditional use permit to Bhupinder Singh, the owner of Greenview Market, that will allow him to reopen The Alibi. It’s split into two sides on the north side of the Plaza: one half, a darker-colored bar; the other half, a lighter-hued restaurant. It’ll take a lot of work to get the building into shape, Singh’s agent, David LaRue, said at the meeting. They’ll need to replace the roof, which has allowed years of rain to destroy the floors and walls. LaRue estimated that the total cost of repairs will be somewhere around a million dollars. 

He and Singh aren’t happy about how long it’s taking to get the project going. “I’m astounded at the red tape and hoops we have to jump through,” LaRue said. They’ve had to test for asbestos and apply for demolition permits, and go through the Alcoholic Beverage Control application process. 

The commissioners had their gripes. A couple pressed Singh and LaRue about their plans to reopen The Alibi’s restaurant, which the owners said should happen as soon as they could get it repaired. (In the meantime, just the bar will be open.) Commissioner Peter Lehman, in particular, wanted to add a condition to their permit that would force them to open the restaurant within a year; chair Matthew Simmons suggested that the city “encourage” them to keep a food truck operating out front. They didn’t add either to The Alibi’s permit because the city’s code  specifies that businesses with multi-step opening plans — like opening a bar and then adding a restaurant later — have 24 months to implement all of them.

They were also concerned about the sanitary conditions on that side of the Plaza. The sidewalk there is often covered with cigarette butts and trash, and the commissioners said they didn’t like the generally dank vibe. Commissioner Dan Tagney likes the modern half of The Alibi, he said, because it has a lot of windows. It seems friendly and inviting. The other side? Not nearly as much. The still-shuttered Toby and Jack’s and Sidelines bars don’t help, he said. “That side of the Plaza has some kind of energy problems we all recognize,” he said. 

LaRue said the Alibi would be repainted, but that wasn’t enough. The commissioners decided that they would have to add outside lighting to the bar’s facade, which also fulfills an obscure code requirement that mandates new businesses on the Plaza add some aesthetic details that beautify the Plaza. (It was “buried in the depths of the code,” city planner Delo Freitas said.) Other ordinances that attempt to keep the noise levels down and the street clean will be monitored if people start complaining about them to the city, staff said.

Reopening The Alibi, a longtime Plaza fixture, fits with the city’s mission to keep its economy pumping and downtown lively, staff said. Though its former neighbors Toby and Jack’s and the Sidelines had some issues controlling their patrons, The Alibi rarely did, staff said, and the Arcata Police Department and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board had no qualms with letting the establishment make a comeback. 

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is warning community members, businesses, healthcare providers, and partner agencies about a fraudulent email scam in which an unauthorized individual is impersonating a Sheriff’s Office employee in an attempt to solicit payments.

Sometimes you wish that Sheriff’s deputies would learn to throw these things like ninja stars and that — thwonk! — they’d plant one right in the forehead of some dude trying to scam an elderly person out of their savings. But let that wish pass right through you, because it wouldn’t be right for deputies to do that.

The Sheriff’s Office has recently received multiple reports from members of the public and government agencies regarding suspicious emails that appear to come from Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office employees. The emails include an attachment that is falsely represented as an invoice or payment request.

These emails are fraudulent, and the sender is using a Sheriff’s Office employee’s identity without authorization.

In addition to reports from local businesses, the Sheriff’s Office has received inquiries from other law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and federal partners who have received similar emails. The County of Humboldt’s Information Technology staff is actively investigating the incident and working to mitigate the issue.

If you receive one of these emails:

• Do not open the attachment or click on any links contained in the email.

• Do not send payment or provide personal or financial information.

• Delete the email after reporting it.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to exercise caution when receiving unexpected emails requesting payment or containing attachments.

Anyone with information about this email scam or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251.

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Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On July 28, 2026, at approximately 8:15 p.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to a business in the 2600 block of Broadway for a report of a man who appeared to be passed out on the ground near the drive-thru.

Upon arrival, officers contacted the man, identified as Austin Porter, 28, of Eureka. Officers recognized Porter from prior contacts and knew he had multiple outstanding felony warrants for his arrest. Porter initially appeared to be asleep; however, when officers attempted to wake him, he fled on foot and physically resisted officers’ efforts to take him into custody. After a brief physical struggle, officers successfully arrested Porter for resisting arrest.

As the incident quickly escalated from a welfare check to a foot pursuit and physical arrest of a suspect with multiple felony warrants, additional officers from the overlapping C Watch (Swing Shift) and E Watch (Graveyard Shift) responded to assist in safely taking Porter into custody and securing the scene.

Porter was subsequently booked on charges of resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, violation of probation, and the outstanding felony warrants.

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As Chuck might have said, echoing Yogi Berra, “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Charles “Chuck” Smith passed away peacefully after a long battle with Parkinson’s on Sunday, May 17, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Melinda “Mollie” Smith, daughter Jennifer Smith, son Jeff (Jolene) Smith, step-daughter Jennie Livingston, step-son Greg “Dane” (K.T.) Livingston and step-siblings Kathy Youngberg, Jerry Smith and Sandy Ro- driguez. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Paxson and Atlas Yee Smith, James Rex and Ofelia and Gabriel Livingston. He is preceded in death by his brother Fred Smith, with whom he had many adventures, with an especially memorable trip to Easter Island.

Charles was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on March 15, 1945, at the close of World War II. He moved with his brother Fred to Eureka, California, as many did during the aftermath of the war. They lived with their Aunt Myrtis during his childhood, and he told great stories about his adventures selling newspapers and collecting coins on the streets and bars of Eureka. One of his favorite stories was believing that Frederick & Charles Beauty College was named after his brother Fred and Chuck himself because it was built on the site of the former apartment they lived in!

Chuck was in the first graduating class of McKinleyville High School in 1963. He was quite proud of his class and helped plan multiple memorable reunions. He excelled in athletics, enjoying football, basketball, wrestling and gymnastics. He was quite proud of his ability to do an iron cross on the rings. He also ran many marathons and the annual Clam Beach run. After high school he and his best friend Dave Silva enlisted in the Army Reserves. They both enjoyed leave and learning to drive and fix landing craft. He later married, worked at PG&E, and earned his teaching credential.

He taught math and science at Winship Junior High School and Zoe Barnum Continuing Education High School, from which he eventually retired. During this time he coached track and field, helping students with any issues, even taking them on their first-ever backpacking trips. Their annual jetboat ride up the Klamath River was the highlight for his students, along with the cupcakes he baked every year for his birthday to share with the kids and staff.

A “jack of all trades” and a self-taught, lifelong learner best described Chuck. During his off time from teaching he worked a variety of jobs, including ATM repair, apartment maintenance and as a general contractor. He could build anything, including his house, neighbor’s decks, additions and remodels. He passed on his love for fixing things to his children and grandchildren.

Even before retirement as a teacher, some of his greatest days were spent traveling. His best advice was to visit the blue highways, the ones less traveled, as Steinbeck chronicled in his book, “Travels with Charley.” His vehicle of choice was his Ford diesel pickup with a cab-over camper, and he drove it skillfully from the Rocky Mountains to the “goat trails” in New Mexico. He also enjoyed camping with his grandchildren in Big Sur and extended trips to farflung relatives in the Midwest and South.

Chuck loved his wife Mollie dearly, and their favorite adventures included camping on the Colorado River and all over Oregon and Washington states, as well as enjoying trips together to Hawaii, Mexico, Spain, France, Jamaica and British Columbia. In recent years he and Mollie spent time playing cribbage and hosting friends for fun at their cabin on the Trinity River.

Chuck was a loving, caring, kind and patient person to everyone he met. He was an amazing dad. He loved his children and enjoyed spending time with them and supported all their dreams. Chuck was blessed with many friends from softball teams, bowling, golf and yoga. Chuck was always willing to lend a hand to anyone and had a knack for bringing people together to have a good time, what Chuck called a “work party.”

The family extends special thanks and appreciation to the Hospice team who helped care for him, especially Nurse Geena and Social Worker Katie. The supportive staff at Sequoia Springs, including Madison, Krista, Janelle, Summer, Olivia, Jada, Melissa, Perlita, Armando, Danielle and Kelly, provided excellent care and a warm environment. Family friends and caregivers Taylor Randall and Ashley Hickey adored Chuck and loved caring for him.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 31, at the Lutheran Church of Arcata, 151 East 16th Street, with a reception to follow at Baywood Golf and Country Club, 3600 Buttermilk Lane, Arcata. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Humboldt, The Humboldt Historical Society or a charity of your choice.

Obdulia R. De Walters, 92, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, surrounded by her three surviving children, Bill, Jeffery and Lisa.

Obdulia was born on October 29, 1933, in Santiago Ixcuintla, Nayarit, Mexico. She was the oldest of six children and, at the time of her passing, was the last surviving sibling. She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and extended family in Mexico, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

In 1962, Obdulia met the love of her life, William G. Walters, while he was vacationing in Mexico. Their chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong love story, and they were married on April 7, 1962, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Within a year of their marriage, they welcomed their first son, William “Bill” Walters Jr. A year later, they welcomed their second son, Jeffery “Jeff” Walters. Five years later, while living in McMinnville, Oregon, they welcomed their third son, Alan Walters. After the family moved to Eureka they were blessed with their only daughter, Lisa Hall, completing their family.

Obdulia devoted her life to her family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, and the heart of her home. She found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved and was known for her strength, compassion, generosity, and unwavering love.

Over the years, Obdulia created many lifelong friendships through her church and her involvement with the Latin American Club. She had a warm smile, a welcoming spirit, and a gift for making people feel like family. Her faith, friendships, and connection to her community were an important part of her life, and she touched many people with her kindness and generosity.

After William’s retirement, he and Obdulia moved to Fortuna, where they built the home, they had always dreamed of. They enjoyed many wonderful years together there, creating memories and sharing life side by side. After William’s passing, Obdulia moved back to Eureka to be closer to her children and grandchildren, where she continued to be surrounded by love.

As the family grew, so did the love that surrounded her. It was her granddaughter, Marissa, who lovingly gave her the nickname “Abuele.” The name quickly became cherished by all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family members and close friends. To everyone who knew her, “Abuele” represented unconditional love, warmth, wisdom, a little sass and the special ability to make everyone feel cared for and at home. It became more than a nickname — it became a reflection of the remarkable woman she was.

Obdulia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William G. Walters; her son, Alan Walters; and her daughter-in-law, April Walters.

She is survived by her children, William “Bill” Walters Jr., Jeffery “Jeff” Walters and Lisa Hall; her daughter-in-law, Lisa Walters; and her son-in-law, Bryon Hall.

She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren and their loved ones: Stacy Walters and her partner, Dustin Stone; Devin Walters; Paige Leach and her husband, Chris Leach; Reese Walters; Miles Walters; Alexis Coker and her husband, Austin Coker; Marissa Hall; and Marlee Hall. She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren: Nia Malsol, Blakely Walters, Ronin Sies, Kingston Stone, Konnie Stone and Ariya Coker.

Obdulia’s greatest legacy was the family she loved so deeply. Her kindness, resilience, faith, laughter and unconditional love will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and the many friends whose lives she touched.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Caring Companions for the loving care, compassion and support they provided to Obdulia. A special thank you is extended to Hospice of Humboldt, especially her nurse Hannah, for the exceptional care, comfort and dignity they provided during the final six months of her life. Their kindness and dedication brought peace and reassurance to Obdulia and her family during that time.

A Mass celebrating Obdulia’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a small reception to share memories, stories and celebrate the life of a woman who meant so much to so many.

Though she will be deeply missed, Obdulia’s love will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Forever our Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma and always our beloved Abuele.

Lynette Maureen Cahill
Jan. 13, 1965 - June 11, 2026

Lynette Cahill, who bravely fought cancer for six years, passed away June 11, 2026 at her home in Eureka, with her family and dear friends by her side.

Father Bernard respectfully provided the last rites, and the family sincerely appreciates his service. The family would also like to extend thanks to Dr. Sudo for his care and treatment in Napa over the years. Thank you to the Doctors and nurses of St. Joseph Hospital for the extraordinary care they administered which gave us more weeks with her.

Lynette was proceeded in death by her father, Bill Cahill, grandparents Leonard and Bridget Cahill and Lawrence “Pete” and Linna Peterson.

She is survived by her mother Carole Cahill, her brothers Tom and his wife Jacki and Scott Cahill of Arcata, and her half-sister Linda Ann Ellis Westeren and husband Eric of Redmond, Oregon. She had many aunts and uncles and numerous cousins that she held dear.

Lynette was full of life and never said no to an adventure. She brought happiness to so many people and would happily involve anyone in her shenanigans. She loved the water. At age 4 she talked a swimming instructor into letting her take lessons. From then on it was full on “take me to the river, put me in the water.” She was especially fond of Hawaii where she learned to scuba dive and after one lesson she went diving with her instructor and his friends.

She also loved her place at Freshwater Lagoon. Having built her “she shed” just last year. Decorating it in an ocean theme. She enjoyed sharing her place with family and friends and was looking forward to this year’s 4th of July party.

On August 29 there will be a rosary at 10:30 a.m. followed by mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Arcata. A private internment to follow.

Her family and friends are invited to a luau at the Barn by Fernbridge starting at 1 p.m.

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