Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release:

On February 27th, 2024, Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Agents with assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), served a search warrant on Maximo ESPITIA (63 years old from Eureka). HCDTF Agents observed ESPITIA travel from Humboldt County to Modesto, California. Upon ESPITIA’s return to Humboldt County, Agents conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle. HCSO Deputy McKenzie and his K9 partner Rex conducted an open-air sniff on the vehicle. K9 Rex alerted to the vehicle indicating drugs were present.  

Inside the vehicle, Agents located Maximo ESPITIA and over two and a half pounds of methamphetamine.

Maximo ESPITIA was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

• HS11378- Possession of a Controlled Substance
• HS11379(A)- Transportation of a Controlled Substances for Sales
• HS11379(B)- Transportation of a Controlled Substance through Non-Contiguous Counties 

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

PREVIOUSLY:

• Eureka Man Arrested With a Pound of Meth Stashed Inside Car Door After Month-Long Investigation, Drug Task Force Says
  
• Drug Task Force Serves Warrants on Multiple Eureka Residences, Arrests Four on Meth Charges

Map showing area for Humboldt Bay Trail Planning Study: Eureka to College of the Redwoods | Image provided by Carol Vander Meer

It was a big day when construction finally began on the Humboldt Bay Trail south – the long-planned portion of the Bay Trail that will connect Eureka and Arcata. But this big step doesn’t mean the work is done, and the county is already busy laying the groundwork for the next extension of the trail, which would run between Eureka and College of the Redwoods. 

Carol Vander Meer, projects coordinator for the Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA), which is helping coordinate public outreach efforts for the trail effort, said that the county is conducting a planning study for the potential trail area using funding provided by CalTrans. As a part of that study, planners are holding a public input meeting tonight to inform people about the proposed project and gather feedback from nearby property owners, CR students and other folks who would be impacted by the trail. 

“This is a really exciting opportunity to better connect the community to an important resource – College of the Redwoods,” Vander Meer told the Outpost in a phone interview Monday afternoon. “Having another option will help improve access for students without vehicles… and having more options for non-motorized transit improves health, reduces vehicle miles and reduces greenhouse gasses.” 

With the project still in the planning study phase, there aren’t currently any designs for the potential trail, but Vander Meer said that the dream is to construct roughly four miles of paved, multi-use trail starting at the end of the Hikshari’ Trail (the southernmost segment of the Humboldt Bay Trail) near Herrick Avenue, and ending at CR campus.

Like other segments of the Bay Trail, the CR leg would be constructed along portions of the former railroad, something made possible by the passage of Sen. Mike McGuire’s Great Redwood Trail Act, which eviscerated the North Coast Railroad Authority and facilitated the conversion of defunct railroad lines into a massive trail network. If McGuire’s dream is realized, the Great Redwood Trail will eventually consist of 320 miles of paved trail connecting the San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay and beyond. 

Of course, building the section of trail that would connect to CR will not be without its challenges. One big consideration, Vander Meer said, is that this section of the trail would need to cross Highway 101 to be able to connect to the college, which is on the east side of the highway. Vander Meer said that this is definitely possible and that planners are looking at “some key connectivity places” that need to be addressed. One of the goals of the input meeting, Vander Meer said, is to identify points where the crossing would be possible and gauge how the community feels about it. 

Another big consideration for building the trail, Vander Meer said, is how it would impact other properties in the area. The project would likely require construction near South Bay Elementary and Middle School, which might cause concern for some. Vander Meer said that outreach efforts will include things like holding a pop-up event at South Bay schools to show the public how the project will impact the school. The trail would also run through some culturally and environmentally sensitive areas, and Vander Meer said that a community advisory committee has been formed for the project and includes representatives from the Wiyot Tribe, as well as the Humboldt Bay Wildlife Refuge. 

After holding this community meeting, planners will work on the initial designs, before obtaining funding for the design completion and construction. Vander Meer said that if all goes well construction on the trail could begin in three to five years, but she admits that is a hopeful prediction and that, as we know from the Bay Trail, building trails can take a very long time.  

If you have strong feelings about this proposed trail, or just want to learn more about the project, you’ll want to attend the Community Input Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Agricultural Center Conference Room – 5630 South Broadway, Eureka.

Here we go again: Conservative activists who worked on the failed recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021 have launched another attempt, arguing that conditions in California only worsened in the two-and-a-half years since then as Newsom’s attention shifted to national politics.

Rescue California, one of the main political committees behind the 2021 recall, announced yesterday that it was pursuing a campaign to remove Newsom from the governor’s office before he terms out in early 2027.

“We’ve got to do it again, because he’s a better governor when he’s under a microscope,” Anne Dunsmore, a fundraiser and campaign manager for Rescue California, told CalMatters. “We cannot do this trajectory for three more years.”

Newsom defeated the 2021 recall, which was fueled by anger over his response to the coronavirus pandemic, by nearly 24 percentage points. Then he won a second term a year later by almost the same margin, suggesting overwhelmingly liberal California voters have little appetite to toss the governor.

But Dunsmore said she has been frustrated to watch Newsom tout California’s success in the national media and become a surrogate for other Democratic candidates across the country when the state is losing population, smash-and-grab robberies are out of control and there is a high rate of homelessness among veterans. She said extending health coverage to undocumented immigrants while California is facing a budget deficit estimated to be tens of billions of dollars was a breaking point.

Dunsmore said she hopes the recall campaign will either force Newsom to refocus his attention on solving California’s problems, or damage what many presume are his ambitions to run for president in the future.

“He cannot own any bragging rights on a national level,” Dunsmore said. “If he stays home and fixes these problems, he’ll be a political rock god. I have no problem with that.”

Prominent California Democrats immediately circled the wagons, dismissing the recall petition as political gamesmanship by Republicans. In a fundraising email, Newsom asked supporters to help him keep “some anti-science, anti-woman far-right conspiracy theorist from becoming governor of California.”

“We are taking it seriously,” Newsom spokesperson Nathan Click said in a statement. “These Trump Republicans are targeting Gov. Newsom because he is out there defending democracy and fighting for the reelection of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. He’s not going to be distracted from that fight. Democracy’s on the ballot, and he’s going to keep fighting.”

Rescue California could begin gathering signatures on its recall petition within a matter of weeks. The committee needs about 1.31 million valid signatures from registered California voters to qualify for the ballot, some 180,000 fewer than last time — though that attempt only qualified after a judge granted proponents additional time to collect signatures.

Dunsmore brushed off the notion that another recall campaign would primarily be a financial boon to political consultants and said her team “learned so much about what we went through two years ago,” including how to qualify their petition at less cost.

She blamed the failure of the 2021 recall on voters’ distaste for Larry Elder, the libertarian radio host who was the leading replacement candidate, and suggested things could go differently with a more viable alternative to Newsom on the ballot.

“The job now is to find someone who’s qualified,” Dunsmore said.

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

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Steve Hoopes on December 3, 2023.

Steve was born on December 17, 1953, to Herbert and Bonnie Hoopes. He was the youngest of four and their only son.

Donna, Steve’s older sister, described him as very determined and a daredevil at an early age. He also developed a profound love of water when he was young.

His love of adventure and the water carried over to his teen and adult years. It was quite common for Steve to spend time with his dad and stepmom, camping, hunting and fishing. During salmon season, their plan was to catch all their salmon limits, and then freeze them. After the season was over, they picked a date to clean and smoke them. That usually took one weekend. The next weekend they canned them. The bounty would be shared with family and friends who claimed, “This is the best smoked salmon ever!” This tradition carried over when Steve married Arlene and they made many memories partnering with his parents in the fishing, smoking and canning of salmon. This kind of generosity was common for Steve. He took great pleasure in sharing what others enjoyed.

Early in life, Steve developed a strong work ethic. He worked two summers for Dick Young on his fishing boat (City of Eureka). He and his best friend, Rick Lewis, cleaned fillet lines at the Paladini Fishing Company, after school and into the evening. When he was a senior, he worked as an apprentice at Simpson Lumber Mill, as well as taking welding classes and courses on reading blueprints for metal machinery at College of the Redwoods.

After graduation from Eureka High School in 1972, he went to work for Keith Parker at Parker and Son. Steve told the story of his Dad, saying, “If you don’t go to school, you will end up digging ditches all your life!” Steve loved that story and often added, “I got my degree in Tractorology!” and then laughed. He eventually became a partner of Parker and Son and ultimately purchased the business.

Steve loved his tractors and his career. He would often say before leaving for work, “I’m off to build America.” Jim Fuller, his good friend and fellow contractor said of Steve, “He was integral in establishing new subdivisions from Fortuna to McKinleyville, reputable in the digging of underground.” He recalled one job, in which the primary water main blew at College of the Redwoods, causing a bank to wash out and the lake to completely drain. They had to put in a new outlet of 5-foot round pipe running 600 to 800 feet. The job was so big that Hilfiker Pipe Company had to pour pipe everyday to keep up with the daily demands. In 1995, Steve was instrumental in installing the radar station in Petrolia off Wildcat Road. It can be seen when driving on Highway 101 south.

Steve loved working with wood and metal. He could fix anything, as his grandchildren would say. He made wind chimes, bowls, jewelry boxes, lamp bases out of redwood burl for Arlene. He made so many, that he was always sharing them with others. He was especially proud of milling the redwood siding for their home they built together.

The stories of Steve’s willingness to help others with his trusty tractor are endless. The heartfelt experiences, interactions, his way of making one smile and feel special, the foundation poured into his children, stepchildren and grandchildren, cherished friends and extended family, are indelible marks that will never fade. Steve loved as hard as he worked.

He was the rock of our family and fondly called, “Pop.” He is greatly and forever missed. Arlene was truly the love of his life. For Arlene, their love story includes memories of dancing, road trips searching for lighthouses and always opening their home to family and friends.

The day of his passing, December 3, Steve could be found doing the thing he loved most, helping others. He spent the day on his tractor helping his good friend and neighbor Darby Mintey with a project, before returning home to barbecue for his family. When it came to helping others, Steve’s philosophy was, “it’s no big deal, ” but it was to all of us who knew him.

Preceded in death by his father, Herbert Hoopes, mother, Bonnie Hoopes and stepmother, Verladene (Deinie) Hoopes.

Survived by his loving wife, Arlene Hoopes; sons, Jeremy Hoopes (Windy), Ryan Hoopes (Julie); stepchildren, Jennifer Lester, Joshua Wendt and Larry Ford; his 15 grandchildren; sisters, Donna Shipley, Bonnie Eddie (Jim), Carol Deines (Darrell), Kitty Lyons; step sister Joy Flennikin (Clay); numerous nephews and nieces, and his sweet dog Abigail (Abby).

Memorial services will be held at the Moose Lodge in Eureka located at 4328 Campton Road at noon on April 20, 2024. Potluck, bring a favorite dish if you would like.

“If love could have kept you alive, you would have lived forever!”

William Jay Cox (Jay) was born on January 4, 1969 in Olongapo City, Zambales, Philippines. He passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2024, at the age of 55, in Fortuna, surrounded by his family.

He moved to the United States when he was one and grew up in Hydesville with his parents ,Maria (Mary) Bangate Cox and William Ronald (Ron) Cox, and his two sisters Sharon and Marichu (Chu) Cox. In his early days he attended Hydesville Elementary School with his sisters and he also spent lots of his free time playing outside with his friends and cousins. After graduating from Fortuna Union High School in 1987, he enlisted and served two years in the Army from 1987-1989, at which point he was honorably discharged from his service.

After his service Jay traveled around the United States and held several interesting careers. He worked as a diver on offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, at an Air Base in New York, and in construction as a heavy equipment operator, all careers in which he excelled.

At the age of 26, after experiencing much of the U.S., he moved back home to Humboldt County and settled down. He then began working at Wildwood Feed Store in Rio Dell where he met his future wife. He was married in 1996, at the age of 27, to Sarah (Grundman) Cox. Jay and his wife welcomed their first child Madeline Jay Cox in 2001, their second child Bowdrie Jaxxon Cox was born in 2003, and in 2006 they had their last two children, the twins: Allison Alexis Cox and Chloe Aspen Cox. Together Jay and Sarah raised their family in Rio Dell.

Jay was also an avid outdoorsman and animal lover. He spent many weekends with his family and friends hunting and fishing. This passion for the outdoors led him to careers in both taxidermy and logging, both of which he enjoyed greatly. However, the career Jay is most known for, was his job as a hardwood floor installer. He truly enjoyed his career and took great pride in it. He was known for his attention to detail. Originally, he worked for Wise Flooring and then for Johnny’s Flooring. In these last few years Jay successfully ran his own hardwood flooring business, “Cox Hardwood Floors,” (as an independent contractor).

Jay was an incredibly hard working, authentic, and caring man. He succeeded in all aspects of his life. He genuinely enjoyed working with many wonderful contractors, tradesmen, and clients. Throughout his life he held a very dedicated work ethic and thus became a man of many skills. He had a “can-do” attitude and often said “Where there’s Jay, there’s a way.” This quote of his always held true as he was well known for his perfect work.

His greatest joy in life was being a father to his four children, whom he was extremely proud of. Jay had strong relationships with all of his children and spent much of his life supporting them in both their academic and athletic endeavors. Jay thoroughly enjoyed cooking for his family and made it a priority to take his children to lunch, so he could spend more time with them. He also supported his children’s hobbies; he particularly loved hunting with his son Bo, creating art with his daughter Chloe, watching movies with his daughter Allie, and working with his daughter Maddy. He was a wonderful father and never failed to make his children feel loved. His kindness, intelligence, and his witty sense of humor will never be forgotten.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents William R. Cox and Maria B. Cox of Hydesville, as well as his mother in law Allison L. Grundman of Fortuna. He is survived by his children: Madeline Cox, Bowdrie Cox, Allison Cox, and Chloe Cox; his wife Sarah A. Cox, his father in law Thomas C. Grundman, his brother in law John Grundman and wife Amber Grundman, and his sister in law Molly Gerbosi and husband Michael Gerbosi; as well as his older sister Sharon Cox and her children Hannah Biddle and Garrett Cox; along with his younger sister Marichu Cox.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jay Cox’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

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Last Thursday was the final pre-election deadline for candidates to file financial disclosure forms in the California Primary Election, revealing how much money they’ve raised, where it came from and how they’ve spent it.

Among the candidates for county supervisor – including three incumbents and five challengers – each current office-holder has raised and spent more than their competitors, in some cases by tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, only one of the four challengers has even filed a Form 460, the campaign disclosure statement required of any and all candidates who intend to raise and/or spend $2,000 or more over the course of their campaign.

In at least one case, that of Third District supervisorial challenger Rogelio “Roy” Gomez, Jr., there’s cause to question whether he should have submitted those forms: His campaign has been soliciting donations for at least two months, and a local graphic design company created a series of custom logos that have been reproduced on yard signs, fliers and more. However, Campaign Manager Jessica Gomez (Roy’s wife) declined to answer questions on the matter. (More on that below.)

Here’s a rundown of the latest numbers:

DISTRICT ONE

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Incumbent Rex Bohn, seeking his fourth four-year term on the board, has a huge financial advantage over his challengers, who include former Coast Guardsman Gordon Clatworthy and reclusive Fields Landing resident Gerald McGuire.

Bohn’s campaign raised $44,619 through Feb. 17, the end of the most recent reporting period. His biggest donors include:

• $1,500: James Morrison (Eureka)
• $1,050: Suzie Jones (Eureka)
• $1,000: Scott Moore Trucking
• $1,000: Russ Cattle Co.
• $1,000: David W. Morris (Fortuna)
• $1,000: Jim Furtado (McK)
• $1,000: GR Sundberg, Inc.
• $1,000: Debbie Provolt (Blue Lake)
• $950 each from Cassandra and Larry Doss (Orick)

His campaign spent less than $13,000 of that amount through Feb. 17, mostly on radio and print advertising, yard signs and fundraiser events. His campaign ended the filing period with more than $21,000 still in the bank.

Neither Clatworthy nor McGuire have submitted any Form 460s, though Clatworthy did file the short form campaign statement (470) required of candidates who don’t plan to raise and/or spend at least $2,000. Reached by phone he confirmed that he has not raised any money more than that threshold.

“I’ve turned down a lot of donations,” Clatworthy said. 

McGuire could not be reached by deadline.

District Two

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Incumbent Michelle Bushnell has a narrower lead over her closest competitor, financially speaking, having raised $42,710, including a $10,000 loan to her own campaign, while Fortuna business owner Jeana McClendon raised $33,142, including $28,853 in loans to her own campaign.

McClendon’s self-loans account for 87 percent of her total fundraising to date. Beyond that, her three top donors are Cheryl A. Christina and Anthony M. Christina of Carlotta and Ivan Brownell of Fortuna, all three of whom chipped in $1,000 apiece.

McClendon’s campaign spent $10,000 to hire Jay Townsend, a New York City-based political consultant and personal development expert. Her campaign also spent more than $4,500 on mailers.

The Bushnell campaign’s biggest expenditures have been on local print and radio advertising.

Bushnell’s top donors include:

• $1,500: James and Marie Johnson (Garberville)
• $1,500: Kurt Kramer (Eureka) 
• $1,500: David Doolaege (Carlotta)
• $1,500: Dean and Dana Hunt (McK)
• $1,500: Nacona Mendes (Whitethorn)
• $1,498: Henry Schmitt (San Anselmo) 
• $1,000: Double S Propane Transportation (Fortuna)
• $1,000: Lost Coast Organics (Hydesville)
• $1,000: Russel Colmen (Fortuna)

Roberts has submitted no campaign finance forms. Reached by phone on Monday he said he has spent $450 of his own money, and if he makes it to a runoff he’ll spend some more without exceeding the $2,000 threshold.

District Three

Wilson and Gomez

Incumbent Mike Wilson’s campaign brought in $19,948.50 through Feb. 17, including a $5,750 loan from himself.

His big-money donors – those who contributed the maximum amount for county supervisor campaigns at $1,500 apiece – include labor unions (Laborers International Union of North America Local No. 324, AFSCME Local #1684 PAC and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Humboldt-Del Norte Counties PAC) and the Trout Political Action Committee.

Wilson loaned his campaign $5,750 last year, and he had $11,626 still in the bank as of Feb. 17. His campaign’s biggest expenditure was $2,756 to Times Printing Company for campaign literature.

The Gomez campaign, as mentioned above, has submitted only a Form 470, which is for candidates who don’t plan to raise and/or spend $2,000 or more. Yet, back on Dec. 27, the Roy Gomez for Third District Supervisor Facebook page began soliciting donations, saying, “we are in full campaign fundraising mode and would greatly appreciate anything that our supporters can donate to help us win this election!”

The post linked to a PayPal account page asking people to donate $5, $50 or $200 or more to his political campaign.

Juan Cervantes, the Humboldt County Registrar of Voters, told the Outpost on Monday that it’s generally not a good idea to use PayPal for political fundraising, in part because state law requires campaigns to list the name and occupation of anyone who donates $100 or more.

Meanwhile, local graphic design firm Visual Concepts created at least five campaign logos for Gomez, which have been printed on campaign literature and advertisements. In a Facebook post from Feb. 9, owner Noah Samson indicated that the designs may have been a gift, writing, “A few months ago [Gomez] told me he was running for 3rd District Supervisor so of course I was down to help an old friend.”

However, Cervantes said that doesn’t necessarily mean the contributions don’t have to be reported. If someone donates anything of value beyond the $99 threshold, it’s considered an “in-kind” donation and should be reported as such. We reached out to Samson around noon Monday to ask how much time he spent designing the Gomez logos and how much he’d usually charge for such work but did not immediately hear back before publication time.

Here’s a photo of Gomez’s Eureka cannabis dispensary, Heart of Humboldt Heart of the Emerald, with campaign signs in the window and one on the street, the latter of which, incidentally, violates the Eureka Municipal Code’s provisions on political advertising.

When we reached Campaign Manager Jessica Gomez via Facebook Messenger on Monday, she said that before answering any questions about campaign financing or anything else, the campaign “would first require” the Outpost to report on the fact that Eureka City Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez is an author and organizer with Humboldt Grassroots, a community organization that promotes anarchy. 

Roy and Jessica Gomez have been sounding the alarm about this for months at local government meetings, complete with visual aids outlining a supposed network of co-conspirators, including elected officials, the nonprofit Ink People, Eureka Books and the City of Eureka. (Fernandez has responded directly to Gomez, saying he has no intention of abolishing local government, cutting off funding to the Eureka Police Department or engaging in political violence of any kind.)

We again asked Jessica Gomez why their campaign hasn’t filed any financial disclosure forms despite actively soliciting donations and spending money on advertising and she replied, “We will happily reply to all of your questions provided you report on the above,” meaning Fernandez’s anarchism.

Jay Wierenga, communications director with the Fair Political Practices Commission, said his organization receives a couple thousand complaints per year about alleged violations of the Political Reform Act. If a candidate is found to have violated the act – by failing to disclose more than $2,000 in campaign activity, for example – they can be fined up to $5,000 per violation, though an investigation would precede any hearing or penalty.

Wierenga also confirmed than any donation of $100 or more – including “in-kind” or non-monetary donations worth that much – must be reported via a Form 460.

Superior Court Judge

Incumbent Humboldt County Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis, whose re-election campaign has been destabilized by an ethics investigation from the California Commission on Judicial Performance, has raised slightly more than his closest challenger, April Van Dyke, but only because he loaned his campaign $25,325.

In total his campaign raised $34,925 through Feb. 17, including a $20,000 loan from himself on Jan. 31, 2024. His largest single donation was $5,000 from an organization called Judicial Excellence Together. Kreis addressed that donation over in our LoCO Elections forum. His campaign also received a $1,000 donation from Eureka resident Rory Hanson and a $500 donation from Eureka resident James Morrison.

Kreis has spent money on print and radio advertising. At the end of the reporting period he had just $318.52 in his war chest.

Van Dyke, meanwhile, reported raising $32,118.37 through Feb. 17, including $3,050 in loans from herself. In addition to a $5,000 donation from Arcata resident Nancy Noll and $500 from the Humboldt Democratic Central Committee, Van Dyke brought in a number of large out-of-county donations, including:

• $5,000: Brendan Barrett (San Jose)
• $5,000: Law Office of Leah N. Gillis (San Jose)
• $2,250: Calvin Itzaina (York, PA)
• $1,000: Lorna Decker (Napa)

Van Dyke’s campaign spent $1,700 with progressive political campaign firm Political Data Intelligence and $1,288 with local consultant Thomas Edrington. She also spent more than $7,200 on campaign literature and $1,500 on print ads. At the end of the reporting period her campaign had a little over $4,600 in the bank.

Jessica Watson, a late entry candidate running an official write-in campaign, submitted the 470 short form, meaning she does not intend to raise and/or spend more than $2,000.

Head on over to the Humboldt County Office of Elections website to access all the financial disclosure forms from the current election cycle. Election Day is next Tuesday, March 5. 

Over the weekend, a huge chunk of the perpetually eroding cliffs near Ferndale’s Centerville Beach collapsed onto Fleener Creek Beach below. Local drone pilot Brandon Rice captured some of the aftermath of the still actively sliding earth from the safety of the air. Watch above.

Below are some photos showing the extent of the collapse.