Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Bettie Anne Rutan died quietly in her home in Eureka on October 4, 2024. She maintained her love of family, profound sense of gratitude, and poise through her final days. Her deep faith filled her with hope and an abiding peace.

Bettie was born on December 3,1934 in Roanoke, Alabama to Naomi and Lamon Bailey. She spent her early years in rural Alabama. Her earliest memories included adventures following her adored older brother, Pete, and attempts to contain her mischievous baby brother, Tom. When she was 11 years old, her family decided to leave their small town in Alabama and move to Petrolia, where her maternal aunt and uncle lived. Bettie often recalled the train trip west, her young head full of dreams about living in sunny California. She laughed about her disappointment upon arriving at the family’s ranch in Petrolia, where it rained every day for six weeks straight.

When her father went to work for the Hammond Lumber Company, she moved with her family to Crannell. After a partial year at Little River Elementary School, Bettie was enrolled in Arcata High School, even though she was only 12 years old. She graduated at age16 and spent a year in Tujunga, California with a paternal aunt and uncle. She enrolled in community college and enjoyed great times with her cousin Maddox and friends. Bettie fondly recalled the sweet smell of orange groves which stretched for miles at that time around Los Angeles. Bettie returned to Humboldt County where she met Kenneth Cringle. They married in 1954. The large, loving Cringle clan became her family and she cherished those relationships to her last days. The addition of their daughters Brenda, Pamela and Daphne brought great joy to Bettie; children, especially babies, were one of her passions. Her greatest sorrow came with the loss of their 5 week old infant son, Kenneth Randall.

She married her second husband, JR O’Connell in 1964. They enjoyed many camping adventures with the girls, she expertly prepared the bounty of fish and game he brought home, and cheered for him as he raced stock cars at Redwood Acres. She even entered and won races herself!

Bettie began her work career in Arcata at a log scaling station in the early 1950s and recalled with pride working on one of the first computers in Humboldt County — it filled an entire room. She entered data using a card punch system. In the 1960s Bettie re-entered the workforce as an employee of the State of California, first for the Employment Development Department and later as a bookkeeper for CalTrans.

In 1979, Bettie married Don Rutan. She often said that she “finally got it right” as they enjoyed 29 years of adventure. Most of those years they lived in the Sacramento area where Don worked. They bought a property that had a pool, a large vegetable garden, and a horse pasture and barn. Their grandkids learned to swim in the pool, rode bareback on their horses, and developed a love for the taste of fresh tomatoes and corn from the garden. Nana and Papa’s home is central in every grandkids childhood memories. Those years of simple pleasures with family were some of Bettie’s happiest.Bettie’s green thumb was well known. Don took pride in her ability to grow anything, inside or out. He treasured her quick wit and remarkable memory. An animal lover to the end, she enjoyed many pets throughout her life and there was almost always a special dog by her side. She was an amazing cook. Her southern roots were often recognizable in flaky biscuits, homemade creamed corn and large bowls of gravy common at her table. None of these culinary delights included a recipe so daughters had to watch carefully to learn the secrets. Music was a constant in her life and she loved to dance, especially with Don. They attended numerous jazz festivals over the years but their favorite was the Redwood Coast Dixieland Jazz Festival in Eureka.

Bettie was a lifelong sports fan, knowing team players, stats, and standings. She and Don created and shared memories taking the grandkids to sporting events, as well as watching all of them compete in various sports. While each season or different grandchild brought interest in different games or competitions, none compared with baseball. Bettie’s love of the game began as a young girl at her Dad’s side, listening to the Brooklyn Dodgers. In her adult years the Giants were her team through good and bad. Her baseball card collection was enormous and well-cataloged. Naming her final doggie companion Buster Posey was not a surprise to those who knew her devotion.

Bettie and Don enjoyed many travels - driving across the country, Sacramento to Florida, cruising through the Panama Canal, sunsets in Tahiti, Barbados, and several Hawaiian islands, parasailing in the Bahamas, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and always the many drives to visit their children’s homes for holidays, celebrations and grandkid time.

Her enthusiasm for travel did not diminish after she lost Don. She took a cruise to Alaska with Pam, enjoyed a road trip on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with her daughters, and visited Kaitlin and the memorials in D.C. In 2013 Jim’s Mom, 80 year old Maureen, bought a week long stay for two at a safari lodge in South Africa. She immediately invited 79 year old Bettie to be her traveling companion. Brenda and Jim felt compelled to be guides. The trip evolved into a three week adventure that included four countries, numerous game drives, and Victoria Falls.

In 2006 Bettie and Don decided to retire to Eureka, where they both lived the rest of their lives. They loved their house in Eureka and the community and family to which they returned. Bettie loved her greenhouse, her flowers, and the times that she could gather children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in her home. She always had bowls of candy, toys for kids, and hot coffee ready for visitors.

Bettie was preceded in death by her son Randy, her husband Don, and brothers Pete and Tom. She is survived by her three daughters: Brenda Yarnall (James, who she called “my boy”), Pamela McNaughton (Peter), and Daphne Aguilar, her grandchildren: Brent Gaylord (Bekah), Kaitlin Yarnall (Shikhin), Ryan Gaylord, Morgan Aguilar, and Megan Yarnall (Will), and her great-grandchildren: Romeo, Alina, Douglas, Sophie, Cylus, Carter, Neila, Isla, James, Madeline, and Samira. Also her sisters-in-law, Barbara Bailey and Sharon Bailey.The family would like to express special appreciation and thanks to Amanda James, Bettie’s primary care provider, but most of all her friend, advocate, and long-time supporter, and to John Mastroni for his compassionate and dedicated care. We are also grateful to the caregivers who allowed Bettie to remain in her home. Thank you Elibe for dancing with Mom, loving her so well, sharing your faith, and for your valued professional care and advice. Thank you Alisa for loving Posey, caring for Mom’s beloved flowers, feeding the birds where she could watch them and for all the deviled eggs. Thank you Kathy for always honoring Mom’s dignity and for being with her to the end. Thank you Michael and Gina for your vigilance and thoughtful deeds.

Hospice of Humboldt and Mom’s care team provided comfort for her and for family in her final months. Special thanks to Debbie, Bridgit, Itzel, and Julie Mastroni, for love and advice. A memorial service will be held on December 6 at Eureka Wharfinger Bay Room at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sequoia Park Zoo, Humboldt Botanical Garden or Hospice of Humboldt.

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

On Oct 9, Robert “Ralf” Henry died from a heart attack while riding his beloved electric bike in Eureka.

Ralf was born in Yokohama Japan on July 18, 1963. He grew up in Walnut Creek with his sister Kate and brother Doug. He lost his Merchant Marine father early in life and was forever fascinated with reading about war history. As a teenager, he began working at Tokyo Chicken and learned a profession he loved.

In about 1985 Ralf moved to Humboldt County. He enjoyed cooking at Parlato’s restaurant in Fortuna for many years. His favorite thing was grilling teriyaki chicken for his friends. He also enjoyed Grateful Dead shows.

Ralf treasured his grandfatherly relationship with Kai Ishii whom he knew from birth and his good buddy Max Fournier. Robert Henry was a gentle soul. He lived many more years than his doctors predicted. He was a generous and loyal friend.

An informal memorial for family and friends will be held next July 18 (his birthday) at Table Bluff South Spit.

Brian Eugene Sells passed away peacefully in his home just before work on September 23, 2024, following a recent heart attack. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, creativity, and adventure.

Brian was born in Coos Bay, Oregon to Al Sells and Nancy Robinson. He spent his early years in San Diego before moving to Humboldt County, where he spent countless days building cars and exploring the family wrecking yard in Arcata alongside his cousin Rick. He graduated from Eureka High School and went on to work with his father, Al Sells, and stepmother, Mary Ann Sells, at S&H Auto Glass. Brian loved his career as a Certified Master Glass Technician and took great pride in his work.

Brian met the mother of his children, Ida Thornton, whom he loved dearly, in Eureka. In 1980. They moved to Weitchpec, where they started their family. They had two sons together, Wesly and Brandon Sells. Though they went their separate ways, they remained friends and Brian always loved Ida.

Brian moved to Carson City in 2005 and started his own glass business that he grew into a successful thriving business over the last 22 years.

An avid outdoorsman, Brian loved hiking in the mountains, gardening, and spending time by the rivers, particularly in Weitchpec. He was a passionate motorcyclist, he enjoyed the thrill of riding his Harley and working on his bike. Brian was an excellent pool player and often enjoying matches with his sons, Wesly and Brandon.

Brian had a remarkable talent for drawing portraits, a skill he often showcased. He cultivated a giant garden every year, generously sharing his produce with friends and family. Known for his humor, he often quoted lines from “The Simpsons,” bringing joy and laughter to those around him. Brian led a lively lifestyle, surrounded by friends, and embraced life with an adventurous spirit.

He is survived by his sons, Wesly and Brandon Sells; daughter-in-law, Jessica Sells; Daughter Angel Dickey; grandchildren, Katie and Jake Corona, Shaya Sells, Jesse Sells, Leah Sells and Stephanie Sells, Killian Dickey; great grandchildren Ezekiel, and Ezra Corona; brothers, Donald Sells and Ryan Sells (sister-in-law Christina Sells); sisters, Kathy Davis and Melissa Cole (brother-in-law Sean Cole); stepmother, MaryAnn Sells; Dear friends Paula Sells and Priska Sells and many more beloved family members, including Jon Sells, Stephanie Sells and Daniel French Jr.

Brian was truly original, the last of his kind. In recent years, he took great pride in growing a business alongside his oldest son, Wesly, cherishing every moment of their shared adventure. He will be deeply missed but will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Brian will be interred in Humboldt County. A memorial service and potluck will be held at the Eureka Women’s Club 1531 J Street, Eureka, on Saturday, November 9, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Bring your favorite dish (if you’d like) and join us in celebrating Brian’s life.

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PREVIOUSLY: 

• TODAY in SUPES: County Looks to Rein in Yee Haw, the Trinidad-Area Commune With a Long History of Health and Safety Code Violations
• County Supes Approve Civil Penalties on ‘Yee Haw’ Communal Living Property Near Trinidad
• (VIDEO) Humboldt County Officials Serve Inspection Warrant at Yee Haw Communal Living Property Near Trinidad

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The Yee Haw communal living property near Trinidad was back before the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors at today’s meeting as the county’s environmental health director, Mario Kalson, reported that a recent inspection of the 10-acre property revealed conditions that pose “urgent risks to the residents, to public health and to the environment.”

Specifically, Kalson reported unglued pipe fittings where sewage was being discharged to the ground; a pile of human waste covered by a tarp; more human waste accumulated in drums; vault privies where waste is leaching through the attached vaults; and a poorly maintained well that may not have an adequate surface seal. These code violations have the potential to expose the property’s roughly 33 residents to contaminants and pathogens while impacting the Trinidad-Westhaven watershed.

Kalson said his department “recommends immediate action to mitigate impacts to public health and the environment,” including requiring Yee Haw property owner Charles Garth to remove the vault privies, provide proper disposal of accumulated waste and bring in two portable toilets and a hand-washing station. 

Humboldt County Health Officer Candy Stockton acknowledged the tradition of building homes from scavenged materials, and like other county officials she acknowledged the ongoing housing crisis and the importance of providing people with a home.

But she said she also carries the traditions of our public health institutions, saying that while people have a right to choose their own living situations, “they also have a right to be protected from other people profiting off of the risk to them.”

The place Garth is providing “is placing those individuals at an unsafe risk of sewage contamination, of food-borne and fecal-contaminated illnesses [and] of a number of other public health risks,” Stockton said.

The board and the public then embarked on another hours-long debate that touched on such matters as the merits and risks of this property, the resources and shortcomings of Garth, the comparative values of western civilization and this particular hippie community and more.

Back in September the county established a 39-week timeline for Garth to either bring his parcel up to code or face code enforcement action, including tenant eviction and abatement measures such as environmental cleanup the possible demolition and removal of un-permitted structures. Garth and many of the residents hope to get the property qualified as an emergency shelter village, an allowable use (under certain conditions) during the county’s current housing crisis.

First District Supervisor and Board Chair Rex Bohn took a hard line with Garth, saying, “There’s been a lot of money taken [in rent] over the last 30 years with no, none, zero improvements.”

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone, meanwhile, sought ways to compromise, particularly on the matter of composting toilets, a technology for which he has long advocated.

“This particular situation is far more sanitary and safe than any [homeless] encampment I’ve ever run into,” Madrone said. He later asked, “How do we partner with people, rather than fine and charge fees and all this other kinds of stuff, right?”

Just yesterday Garth previously submitted an application to have his own privies permitted, but Kalson said that’s simply not possible given the conditions onsite. [CORRECTION: The application Garth submitted yesterday was to have his property rezoned to accommodate a dependent dwelling unit village.]

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Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell took a no-nonsense approach, at one point grilling Garth on what actions he would actually commit to. She instructed him to get his well tested, put a seal on it and bring in the required port-a-potty and hand-washing station.

Planning and Building Director John Ford said he and his staff recognize that people’s lives are bound to be affected by any enforcement actions at Yee Haw.

“It is painful to confront this tension that exists between disrupting people, as Dr Stockton mentioned, and trying to bring a site into compliance,” he said. “And we’re trying to find a fine line there.”

Garth addressed the board directly, defending the conditions on his property and saying it has served as a village since “the beginning of the railroad days.” He insisted that a sewage dispersal field on his property converts human waste into perfectly good soil.

“I’ve got a bucket of it right now I’m taking to go get tested. It’s fine,” he said. “It doesn’t stink at all. It’s got great … you could put it on your garden. I don’t, right? [But] you could. Lots of people do.”

When pressed on whether he has the financial resources to make the changes being required of him, Garth cupped his hand around the microphone in a conspiratorial manner and confided, sotto voce, “Most of ‘em don’t pay me rent.”

He later suggested an easy solution: “A public nuisance is something that doesn’t have a permit. Give me a permit, I’m not a nuisance.”

Multiple residents of the property spoke passionately in defense of both Garth and the community they maintain on his land. One woman compared the residents to Ewoks, the Na’vi from Avatar or the magical creatures in the Dark Crystal. Other described it in similarly idyllic terms.

A male resident called on John Ford to resign, alleging that “he has endangered the lives of vulnerable women and children by photographing and publicly reporting photos of their homes.”

When the matter came back to the board, Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson questioned Garth’s capacity to address the issues on the property. 

Late in the discussion, Bushnell urged Garth to step up.

“Charles, you have a whole room full of people that love your property and want to stay there, and I hope that we can come to a solution,” she said.

The board unanimously accepted the report and directed staff to move forward with its inspection and remediation measures. They also directed Garth to comply with the environmental health measures and refrain from inviting in any new tenants or creating any new structures on the property.

Committee appointments

Board discord! The first wave of disagreement washed over the board fairly quickly, with any acrimony remaining mostly below the surface. It came as the board was being asked to consider appointments to the board of directors for the nonprofit Headwaters Fund, a revolving investment account that finances economic development projects.

The existing board had recommended reappointing current members Walter Geist and Brian Papstein to three-year terms, and a subcommittee had recommended appointing Rusty Hicks and Walter Gray III to two-year terms, with Serah Blackstone-Fredericks recommended as the alternate. 

Typically, such appointments are a matter of routine, but Papstein, the owner and general manager of Eureka Broadcasting Co. (KINS, KEKA radio), was unceremoniously booted.

No reason was given. Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo simply made a motion to appoint Geist, Hicks, Gray and Blackstone-Fredericks to the four vacant seats and leave the alternate position open until next year.

Wilson seconded the motion, but after a moment of (perhaps stunned) silence, Bohn said he would be going along with staff’s recommendation. 

“I also will not be voting [for] that motion,” Bushnell said. 

Nonetheless, the board voted 3-2, with Bohn and Bushnell dissenting, to approve the motion, effectively ousting Papstein from the Headwaters Fund board. 

The discord on the next appointment was more pronounced, and it involved Bohn directly. He’s the county’s current delegate on the board of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and two affiliated bodies: the Golden State Connect Authority (a joint-powers authority formed by multiple counties) and the Golden State Finance Authority.

This hodgepodge of regional agencies have formed yet another — Golden State Natural Resources — through which they are pursuing a controversial project to manufacture and export up to 1 million tons of wood pellets to global markets for use as biofuel. 

Humboldt County supervisors discussed this initiative at last week’s meeting and heard from a variety of concerned public speakers. The board didn’t take a position on the project yet but instead approved a letter asking the GSFA to extend the public comment period so the public can have additional opportunities to weigh in.

Today, Bohn said he’d like to continue to serve on the RCRC board and as one of five representatives on the Golden State Natural Resources board. But his fellow supervisors had some concerns. Arroyo said the wood pellet project — and Bohn’s advocacy for it — were “the elephant in the room.”

“I think it’s safe to say that there’s concerns about that project, and based on our code of conduct around advocacy … I think my request would be to not represent support for this project [from] Humboldt County on an ongoing basis — and if you’re going to support the project, to do so as an individual,” Arroyo said to Bohn.

Bohn bristled against this suggestion, describing it as a carrot being dangled in front of him as a precondition to his reappointment. He spoke in defense of the wood pellet project and argued that plenty of people in the county likely support it. But reluctantly, he acquiesced.

“I will do that if that’s what would make you sleep easier,” he said.

Arroyo clarified that she was asking for Bohn to recuse himself from any votes on the wood pellet project until the county decides what position it will take.

Wilson noted that the whole purpose of Golden State Natural Resources is to pursue this wood pellet initiative, adding, “If [Bohn] is to remain on that particular nonprofit, then I don’t know how he couldn’t advocate for the project.”

Wilson also brought up a controversy from last year, when Bohn, as Humboldt’s RCRC representative, included a handgun in a charity auction basket after being told that firearms were not allowed.

During the public comment period, several people said that asking Bohn to recuse himself on decisions related to the wood pellet export project was a reasonable compromise for his reappointment.

Ultimately, Bohn said he’s willing to recuse himself on such votes, and he was reappointed unanimously.

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UPDATE, 10:56 p.m.: Third Election Report! More Than Two Thousand More Votes Counted, Not Much Change in Eureka

At the North of Fourth party, Kati Moulton holds a recent comic she drew. Photo: Andrew Goff.

About 2,300 more votes counted — 1,100 in Eureka — and it’s fairly static, at least in Eureka. See the Third Election Night Report here.

Measure F now has 31.8 percent of the vote, up 0.3 percentage points from the last report. In the Fourth Ward race, incumbent Scott Bauer now stands at 69.7 percent, and Second Ward incumbent Kati Moulton leads by a narrower margin, with 58.84 percent.

— Hank Sims

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UPDATE, 8:29 p.m.: Ward 2 Eureka City Council Kenny Carswell is Kickin’ it at the 707 Bar

Photo: Isabella Vanderheiden

It’s a surprisingly quiet night over at Old Town’s 707 Bar where Second Ward candidate Kenny Carswell was awaiting election results with a small group of friends. He’s competing for the city council seat held by incumbent Kati Moulton.

Asked how he’s feeling about tonight’s election, Carswell said he’s optimistic and “really looking forward to being a voice for Eureka if elected.”

“I’ve just really enjoyed getting to dig deeper into local issues [during my campaign],” he told the Outpost. “I’ve had really good conversations while out talking to people in the neighborhood. Being someone that’s from here, it means a lot to me and I look forward to continuing to learn more.”

We’ll check back in later tonight!

— Isabella Vanderheiden

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UPDATE, 9:44 p.m.: Eureka City Council Incumbents Gettin’ Down at North of Fourth with the “No on F” Campaign

From left to right: Ward 2 candidate Kati Moulton, Ward 4 candidate Scott Bauer, and “No on F” representative Solomon Everta. | Photo: Isabella Vanderheiden

Spirits are high at North of Fourth in Eureka where city council incumbents Kati Moulton (Ward 2) and Scott Bauer (Ward 4) are hosting a joint election party with the “No on F” campaign. As if things aren’t exciting enough, they’re even hosting trivia!

The incumbents are leading in both city council races, according to the second round of election results. Moulton is leading in the Ward 2 race with 60 percent of the vote, compared to Carswell’s 39 percent. Bauer is leading with 71 percent, to Syphanthong’s 28 percent. 

“I’m feeling humbled,” Bauer told the Outpost. “I just want to thank the residents of Ward 2 for giving me a chance to represent them for another four years.”

Similarly, Moulton said she’s feeling “very hopeful” about tonight’s results. “If nothing else, the people of Eureka have been very engaged through this entire election process,” she said. “So, whatever happens [with this election], it is going to be what the people of Eureka want to see happen.”

Both candidates were happy to see Measure F tanking, with Moulton happily saying, “Eureka is no-nonsense. We don’t like being bamboozled.”

— Isabella Vanderheiden

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UPDATE, 7:54 p.m.: Thavisak “Lucky” Syphanthong’s Crew Turns Out at Chapala Café

Photo: Isabella Vanderheiden

Turning the anxious gaze away from the national polls for a moment…

Eureka’s city council candidates are gathering for election parties throughout Old Town. Ward 4 council candidate Thavisak “Lucky” Syphanthong is awaiting tonight’s election results alongside family and friends at Chapala Café.

“I’m feeling excited and happy – a lot of emotions at the same time,” Syphanthong told the Outpost. “This is my first time running for public office … I wish I had more time to do some things, like door knocking and more public events, but I got to meet a lot of neighbors and citizens of Eureka throughout my campaign. I started my campaign in August, I can’t believe it’s gone by so fast.”

We’ll check back in with Syphanthong when the first round of election results rolls in!

— Isabella Vanderheiden

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UPDATE, 5:42 p.m.: LONG LINES

Photo: Andrew Goff.

Pretty long wait at the Elections Office right now, at least by Humboldt standards. Seems to be a good turnout election!

— Hank Sims

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UPDATE, 12:34 p.m.: Chris Rogers Makes Election Day Stop at Los Bagels

Chris Rogers talks to passers-by outside of the Eureka Los Bagels. By Dezmond Remington.

California Assembly candidate Chris Rogers, who is touring through all five of District Two’s counties today,  made a stop at the Eureka Los Bagels.

For Election Day, Rogers is visiting Trinity, Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties in 24 hours. Last night, he hosted a happy hour at The Diggins in Weaverville and this morning he was at a cafe in Crescent City. He’s off to Ukiah and then Santa Rosa, where he plans on waiting out the election results.

At Los Bagels, Rogers talked with passers-by outside and served some bagels. 

“I’m just happy it’s Election Day,” Rogers said. “We feel good about [our chances], but if this district doesn’t go Democrat, that means there may be bigger problems. We may have lost Congress or maybe the presidency. This election is bigger than one race. We’ve done everything we need to do. Now we just wait.”

— Dezmond Remington

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UPDATE, 10:29 a.m.: Early Morning Vandalism in Arcata, Where Voting Seems Brisk

Photo: Dezmond Remington.

Pro-Palestine, anti-voting graffiti popped up around Arcata polling stations and drop box locations this morning, including at grocery stores in the city. The Mad River Union has a report with photos. Police are investigating.

The defacement of the Arcata Community Center was all cleaned up by the time Outpost reporter Dezmond Remington arrived. But there was a line out the door of people waiting in line to vote, which was a perhaps a sign that more people are choosing to vote in-person than they did four years ago.

Your correspondent dropped a ballot off at the Jefferson Center this morning. They seemed to be doing pretty good business there as well. It was more active than I remember it being in 2020. No lines, though!

— Hank Sims

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It’s Election Day! 

Election Day is always a big party here on the Lost Coast Outpost, and this year the party happens right here on this thread. We’ll be updating throughout the day with various election news from around the county. Once polls close, we’ll head out to the various election parties for scene reports, and we’ll follow the results as they come in.

Maybe we’ll even cast an eye toward a certain national race! Who knows!

As a reminder: The first wave of Humboldt County results should be published shortly after 8 p.m. — let’s say sometime between 8:30 and 9, if past history is anything to go by. This will be the biggest tranche of votes — probably more or less half of all votes to be counted — and it should give us an idea if any of the local races are total blowouts. Here was the early voting state of play as of yesterday.

Are you a Eureka or Arcata voter trying to figure out who to vote for for City Council? You might want to check out this cycle’s LoCO Elections, in which the various candidates answered questions from readers.

Having trouble figuring out how to vote on those darned state races, or the state propositions? Check out the great resources made available by our friends at CalMatters. Also, the local HOPE Coalition has a comprehensive rundown of various organizations — political parties, nonprofits, unions, newspapers — and what they’re recommending on the props.

Already filled out your ballot but wondering how to get it back to Election Central to be tabulated? Check out yesterday’s post for a full list of options.

Eligible to vote, but not registered to vote, but still wanting to vote? California has same-day registration — instructions here. It’s kind of a headache for all concerned and you really should get your act together in advance next time, but no one’s going to hold it against you this time. Everyone wants you to vote.

OK, check back here throughout the day and night! Let’s do this!

Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On Monday, November 4, at 1103 hours, the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Humboldt Communications Center received a call involving a solo-vehicle traffic crash on southbound State Route 169, south of Notchko Flat Road. CHP Humboldt Area units responded to investigate the incident.

Upon initial investigation, it was determined that the driver of the Nissan was traveling southbound State Route 169, south of Notchko Flat Road, approaching a left curve in the roadway. For unknown reasons, the driver allowed the Nissan to travel off the west edge of the roadway and down a descending embankment. This caused the Nissan to overturn until the roof of the Nissan collided with, and came to rest against, a tree. Responding emergency medical personnel declared the driver of the Nissan deceased on the scene.

State Route 169 was closed periodically for approximately three and a half hours and has since been reopened. The use of alcohol and/or drug(s) is unknown at this time. This incident is still being investigated by the CHP Humboldt Area.

For additional information, contact CHP Humboldt Area Public Informations Officer P. Craft at (707) 822-5981.

Whoever wins the presidency, the 2024 election has outsized implications for California.

The elevation of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris to the highest office in the land would make her the most powerful Californian in nearly four decades. Former President Donald Trump’s return to the White House would thrust the state back into leading the resistance against his Republican administration, as it did during his first term from 2017 to 2021.

With public polls showing the two candidates in a dead heat and a distinct possibility that the outcome of the race won’t be called for days — not to mention the weeks or months of legal wrangling that could follow — state officials, industry leaders and activists are already preparing for either scenario.

What lies ahead is a nerve-wracking fork in the road that hinges on perhaps tens of thousands of voters in a handful of states thousands of miles away. If Harris wins, a political perspective honed in California would shape the future of the entire country, potentially bringing the state’s priorities nationwide and additional resources home. If Trump wins, Californians would face another four years of governance consumed by combative showdowns between the state’s Democratic leadership and Washington, D.C., potentially distracting from or even setting back progress on addressing California’s own problems.

“No state has more to lose or more to gain in this election in November,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a press conference last week, as he reflected on the “chilling effect” that Trump’s mass deportation plan would have on California’s economy.

Newsom’s office declined to discuss the stakes of the presidential election for California. Nor did representatives make Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire or Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, both Democrats who will shape the legislative agenda and state budget next year, available for interviews.

But across state government, officials are gaming out California’s response, especially if they find themselves once again trying to “Trump-proof” the state. Newsom and his budget team are developing a proposal for a disaster relief fund after the former president repeatedly threatened to withhold emergency aid for wildfire recovery from California because of its water policy.

“The best way to protect California, its values, the rights of our people, is to be prepared, so we won’t be flat-footed,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose team has been working with advocacy organizations and attorneys general in other states on how they would answer another Trump administration. “We will fight as we did in the past if that scenario unfolds.”

During Trump’s first term, California sued more than 100 times over his rules and regulatory rollbacks. Bonta said his team has preemptively written briefs and tested arguments to challenge many of the policies they expect the former president could pursue over the next four years: passing a national abortion ban and restricting access to abortion medication; revoking California’s waiver to regulate its own automobile tailpipe emissions and overruling its commitment to transition to zero-emission vehicles; ending protections for immigrants brought to the country illegally as children; undermining the state’s extensive gun control laws, including for assault weapons, 3D-printed firearms and ghosts guns; implementing voter identification requirements; and attacking civil rights for transgender youth.

“Unfortunately, it’s a long list,” Bonta told CalMatters. “We are and have been for months developing strategies for all of those things.”

“Hopefully we’ll never need it because it will be President Harris,” he added. “It’ll gather dust on a shelf.”

What does a Harris presidency mean for California?

The impacts of a Harris presidency on California are less certain. While Trump routinely made the state a punching bag in his campaign, Harris distanced herself from her deep California roots as she sought to strike a more moderate image for swing voters.

“It’s always great to have someone from your state in the highest office,” said Jennifer Barrera, president and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce. “Whether or not that would benefit California, it’s hard to say.”

Many elected officials and other political figures, including outgoing U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler and Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland, developed close ties with Harris during her decades rising through the state and could jump to her administration, giving California a further voice in national policy.

That in turn could help drive more resources home on priorities where California is closely aligned with Harris’ platform, such as expanding access to abortion, and ensure extra attention for issues of greater importance to the state’s economy, such as tourism, international trade and skilled immigration.

Adam Kovacevich, founder and CEO of Chamber of Progress, a left-leaning tech industry association, said that while Trump is viewed as a wild card who could punish major companies that he believes opposed him, “there’s widespread optimism that Harris will care again.”

Tech hopes for a more productive relationship with Harris, who “had an open door for the industry” during her time in California, than the Biden administration, which is regarded as antagonistic, Kovacevich said — and that could pay dividends for the California budget.

“It’s tech industry success that plays a huge role in funding the state’s social safety net,” he said.

Lowering the cost of housing, which voters routinely rate as the biggest problem facing California, is a central plank of Harris’ agenda. Though federal regulations, namely updated code requirements, only make a marginal difference, according to Dan Dunmoyer, president and CEO of the California Building Industry Association, he believes the spotlight could encourage a change in approach at the local level, where permit delays and excessive fees are the most significant impediments to development.

“Rhetoric is powerful and it can focus the attention,” Dunmoyer said. “It’s nice to have candidates fighting over who is going to do the most for housing.”

Some advocates hope that a Harris administration would provide a sympathetic channel to export more of the California way to the rest of the country.

After organized labor scored major wins under Biden, Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Labor Federation, said unions would push a Harris administration to continue expanding workers’ rights. Many of their priorities are policies California already adopted, including extending organizing rights to farmworkers and domestic workers, rewriting classification rules for independent contractors, and creating protections for employees that refuse to attend anti-union captive audience meetings.

“The amazing thing about Kamala Harris is that she was in California while we were passing all these forward-thinking bills,” Gonzalez said.

What does a Trump presidency mean for California?

With Democrats in control of every state office and holding supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature, a Trump victory would completely upend policymaking in California. During his first term, legislators focused on counteracting his federal agenda — though not always successfully. Jerry Brown and Newsom, whose governorships both overlapped with Trump, took executive actions to limit the fallout of his rollback of environmental regulations, including launching a pollution-tracking satellite and negotiating with auto companies to maintain higher mileage standards.

CalChamber’s Barrera said those conflicts between federal and state rules that put business in the middle — such as a law that restricted employer participation in workplace immigration raids — are a greater concern for industry than any particular policy a president might pursue.

“Having the state react, it sort of puts things in limbo,” she said. “When the two aren’t aligned, it creates some problems for our members that operate on the national level.”

“The best way to protect California, its values, the rights of our people, is to be prepared, so we won’t be flat-footed.”
— Attorney General Rob Bonta

Others worry that California would resist Trump’s plans by going further in the opposite direction, in potentially counterproductive ways. In 2019, as the Trump administration narrowed federal water protections, California adopted even more expansive state regulations that developers complained made it more complicated and costly to get building permits.

“The anti-Trump factor is real,” Dumoyer said. “I expect that if Trump says the sky is blue, they’ll say it’s black today.”

Divided partisan control could also further gridlock Congress, setting up the nation’s largest state as the battleground for major policy fights, especially in areas that are not of interest to Trump.

Kovacevich, from the tech association, said advocacy groups seeking more oversight of the industry have been very active in Washington, D.C., for the past four years and enjoyed a lot of success with the Biden administration. If Trump wins, they will turn to California to lead the way on regulating artificial intelligence and children on social media, as well as enforcing antitrust law.

“Congress is an environment of legislative scarcity,” he said. “California is an environment of legislative abundance.”

In many ways, California is more protected from swings in federal regulations than other states, because it has a robust regulatory framework of its own that often goes much further than the federal government.

Gonzalez said unions see an ongoing challenge to the constitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board as a much bigger threat than any actions Trump might take, given that California law is already stronger than federal law on minimum wage, overtime pay and wage theft protections.

“He can’t do anything through the Department of Labor that would undo that,” she said.

Immigrant community on the defensive

With frustration and anger over the U.S.-Mexico border growing among voters and both candidates emphasizing tougher enforcement, immigration is likely to be a major issue regardless of who wins the presidency, plunging California’s large immigrant community into an uncertain and terrifying moment.

As Newsom put it last week, “the impacts from valley to valley, Silicon Valley to Central Valley, will be outsized” — particularly if Trump also revives his push to limit legal immigration, including refugees, foreign workers and international students.

The California Immigrant Policy Center, an immigrant rights advocacy group, has already led 15 scenario-planning exercises with hundreds of people from organizations across the state to prepare. Executive Director Masih Fouladi said the immigrant community, millions of whom are undocumented, will be on the defensive either way the election goes, though the mass deportations Trump has threatened are a more immediate concern.

“We know that the Trump administration is going to target California. They’ve been targeting California throughout this election cycle,” Fouladi said. “We need to do a lot in California to make sure that we are defending, protecting our communities.”

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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.