Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 10/21/2023, at about 9:01 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were patrolling the area of Walnut Drive in Eureka when they observed a vehicle driving without a license plate.

Coons

As the deputy turned around to perform a traffic stop on the vehicle, he observed the driver and passenger switch seats. The deputy stopped the vehicle and contacted the two occupants who were identified as 29-year-old Ryan Coons, and 23-year-old Felicia Garza. The deputy noticed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and both Coons and Garza were detained in handcuffs. Upon further investigation, it was discovered Coons had an outstanding felony warrant and Garza’s driver’s license was suspended. Deputies performed a search of the vehicle and located additional drug paraphernalia, cash, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Both Coons and Garza were arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

During the booking process at the correctional facility, Humboldt County correctional deputies discovered additional fentanyl and methamphetamine concealed on Coons’ person. The amount discovered was over 26 grams of fentanyl and over 3 grams of methamphetamine.

Garza

Due to the controlled substance charges and drug concealment, Humboldt County correctional deputies utilized the facility’s body scanner to check for further illicit substances. Coons was found to be in possession of contraband inside his person. Coons was asked to surrender the controlled substance which he refused. Coons was subsequently placed in a holding cell for further observation. While in observation, Coons suffered a medical emergency, and he was transported to an off-site medical facility for treatment. While at the medical facility a search warrant was obtained, and correctional deputies recovered an additional 318 grams of suspected fentanyl from Coons.

Coons and Garza were charged with possession of a controlled substance (H&S 11350(A)), possession for sales (H&S 11351), transportation of a controlled substance (H&S 11379(A)), conspiracy (PC 182(A)(1)), and possession of drug paraphernalia (H&S 11364(A)). Coons was also charged with possession of a controlled substance inside a correctional facility, (PC 4573.6) and concealing evidence (PC 135).

The involved correctional deputies are commended for their diligence and ultimate removal of a dangerous drug from the HCCF. The deputies’ actions potentially saved several lives, including Mr. Coons.

Not only is smuggling substances into the correctional facility a crime, but it is also incredibly dangerous. it can and has led to death. The Humboldt County Correctional Facility regularly utilizes a body scanner, in addition to other methods, to detect and mitigate illegal substances from entering the correctional facility.    

This case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office release: 

On 11/17/2023, at about 7:45 p.m, Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 3500 block of Edgewood Rd. in the Eureka area for the report of domestic dispute and attempted arson.

Deputies arrived at the property and contacted a 19-year-old female victim. During their investigation, deputies learned that the female victim’s ex-boyfriend, 39-year-old Ryan Smith of Fortuna, had arrived uninvited to her residence. While there, Smith reportedly poured a suspected liquid accelerant on the victim and attempted to ignite the substance before fleeing the area.

On 11/18/2023, at about 11:40 a.m., Smith was located by officers with the Fortuna Police Department and arrested on charges stemming from this incident. Smith was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of attempted homicide (PC 664/187(A)), and criminal threats (PC422(A)).

This case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

On Monday, just a day after the California Democratic Party Convention wrapped up in Sacramento, party Chair Rusty Hicks launched his campaign to succeed Jim Wood as the next representative of Assembly District 2, which comprises Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma and Trinity counties.

On Tuesday morning, we reached Hicks by phone, and over the course of a roughly 25-minute conversation he told us a bit about his upbringing, his personal and political history and his ideas for how best to represent the North Coast at the State Capitol.

The conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

###

California Democratic Party Leader and candidate for Assembly District 2 seat Rusty Hicks. | Submitted.

Lost Coast Outpost: I think a lot of folks here in Humboldt County were not aware until recently that you and your wife live here. Can you tell me a bit about yourself and how you wound up in Arcata?

Rusty Hicks: I initially came to know and in many ways love the North Coast when I ran for chair of the California Democratic Party. I had a campaign program that was [called] “58 counties in 58 days.” California’s a big state. Our delegates are spread all across all 58 counties, and so I wanted to ensure that I had the opportunity to connect with all of them. 

As part of that campaign I came through this part of the state and fell in love with the beauty that is the North Coast, and I brought my wife back shortly thereafter. And we came back again and stayed a little while longer and knew early on that this is [somewhere] that we wanted to make a permanent home. 

I think that, in combination with the change that we all experienced during the pandemic, really caused us to sort of reset and reevaluate what was important to us. And certainly quality of life became even more important, and being in this part of the state has certainly raised our quality of life, not the least of which is just simply being able to do a statewide job, which can be incredibly challenging, but having the opportunity to come home to Arcata to Humboldt County, and just to breathe that clean, crisp air when I step off the plane or come into the city has been a bit of a blessing. 

Obviously this seat opened up a lot earlier than anyone expected. And I certainly considered it and felt that I had had something to offer to voters for consideration.

When did you find out that Jim Wood would not be running for re-election?

I certainly heard a rumor … but I got confirmation when he sent out a release saying, “I’m not running again.” So I really try not to — there’s that old saying that says, “Don’t believe anything you read and only half of what you see in politics.” And so I don’t buy into the rumor mill but certainly got confirmation with the rest of the world.

Some people are going to be skeptical [and apply] the “carpetbagger” label, wondering if you moved here deliberately with this seat in mind. Can you address that directly?

I can certainly understand those that are skeptical, and the only thing that I can do is share my truth and my story and what I believe I offer to voters and residents here on the North Coast.

I believe that I bring a unique skill set and a statewide profile that can uplift and in many ways empower the North Coast in a different way. We’ve had great leadership, but it has been from the southern part of this district. The role that I’ve played has been for rural communities, suburban communities and urban communities. And I think I bring something different that can help bring to the North Coast what it needs for some of the challenges that it faces.

I know the basic outlines of your professional life, from being an attorney and a labor organizer and then your move into state politics, but were you born and raised in Los Angeles?

I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. So, home of stockyards and daily cattle drives and the longest weekly rodeo in the country. And so, I mean, a guy with a name like Rusty Hicks could only probably be from Texas. So I hope your readers don’t ultimately hold that against me. I certainly got to California as fast as I could. In 2003 I came for the Coro Fellows Program, a public affairs leadership program … and then I was on the legislative side. I was in Sacramento for a short period of time and then I was a district director in a field office in Los Angeles.

So that is sort of where I kind of got my start here in California. But I think there are three pieces to my story that I think tell more who I am and that is as an educator, as an organizer and as a veteran. As an educator, I teach two American government classes through College of the Redwoods at Pelican Bay [State Prison].

I saw that in the release you issued this morning. [Note: Hicks’ campaign press release is published in full at the bottom of this post.] Tell me more about that.

When I moved here to Humboldt, I ended up having a conversation with President [Keith] Flamer at College of the Redwoods, and [Flamer], a former marine officer, said to me, “I want to use you.” And as a Navy officer I understood that and said, “Well, what have you got?” And he shared this program with me, the opportunity to teach incarcerated students at Pelican Bay. And for me, I felt like that was in many ways a full circle opportunity for me. My father was incarcerated most of my upbringing. I met him for the first time when I was 11 and he was in a Texas prison.

At 14 I actually got to attend my father’s high school graduation, his GED graduation. He was incarcerated but looking to improve his life and improve himself and hoping for a second chance at some point, when he was released. And, some 30 years later, I got the opportunity to walk into Pelican Bay and share my 20 years of experience with students who were trying to get their second chance. And that may come in two years or 20 years. But they’re all dedicated to try and improve themselves and I’m really proud to be a part of — just a small little piece, you know — their journey.

Was your father eventually released?

He was. And as one might imagine we do not have the closest of relationships, but we interact now and then.

Can I ask what he was convicted of?

I believe the charges were related to drugs and alcohol — you know, demons that he never could quite wrap his arms around. So, you know, between an incarcerated father and a single mother who raised me, it’s certainly a formative part of my upbringing. So I think that educator role — I think some will see me as the chair of the party, you know, a political figure. But that educator role was really an important part of my story. 

Can you tell me a bit about why you want to go from being the chair of the party to an elected representative? It seems like those might be very different jobs [requiring] different skill sets.

Well, certainly it’s another opportunity to serve, whether it’s in the classroom, in Pelican Bay, or trying to raise the wages of hard-working women and men — or, you know, answering the call when I was deployed to Afghanistan. This is another way in which I believe that I can serve. … 

I have a long history of navigating big pieces of policy through complicated environments in partnership with challenging partners and allies. … We need strong leadership, especially from rural communities, on the green carpet of the State Assembly, but also a leader who is battle tested [and] has a strong network of statewide relationships to ensure that the voices of rural communities, especially in the Democratic Caucus, are heard loud and clear. And so I believe I bring that record of service that can be put to good use for this part of the state.

You said the natural beauty and pace of life drew you here. Was there anything else about Humboldt County that you connected with?

I think there is an ethos, there is a deep-rooted belief in resilience and a dedication to hard work, a do-it-yourself mentality that drives the North Coast. And I think in many ways I identify with that from my own upbringing, whether it’s in Trinity County, where they have essentially rebuilt a high school over the course of the last school year, over in Trinity Alps. They have essentially done it, yes, with the help of others, but kind of done it on their own. 

And I think if you combine that [mentality] with more resources and support, I don’t think we can really imagine what can actually happen here. I think there is such opportunity here, especially as it relates to the climate crisis. The North Coast can be a leader in what it means to address the climate crisis. Obviously, the offshore wind project is probably one of the one of the most prominent opportunities for large-scale green energy, recognizing there are a lot of questions to be answered and a lot of bridges to be crossed before that project could be realized — and the North Coast has to get its piece of that.

When we talk about forest management and land management, the North Coast has the opportunity to lead the way as to what exactly that means. How do you maximize the beautiful space that we have and enjoy from a recreational standpoint? How do we maximize that in support of addressing the climate crisis, the work that is being done on the Klamath and the Eel with regards to dams and bringing fish populations, salmon and otherwise, closer to where they originally were? These are all real climate environment leadership opportunities for this part of the state. And so I think it’s the beauty, I think it’s the ethos, and I think it’s the opportunity of the North Coast that is why I’m glad to call it home.

Do you have a sense of what your legislative priorities would be if you are elected?

Well, my body of work has been in the space of creating good jobs and improving the jobs that we have, so I believe that a good job can be can greatly assist in a whole host of other challenges. And in the part of the state where we have some of the lowest weekly wage rates, I believe that’s an incredible challenge, not just in the quantity of jobs that we have but the quality of jobs that we have at the same time. So jobs generation is incredibly important. 

Obviously, we have a housing crisis and challenge across the state, which is separate and apart from our unhoused and homeless challenge as it relates to mental health. Both of those challenges are incredibly important. And I do think the housing piece, ensuring that we have an adequate number of homes that people can actually afford would be a priority and a focus, and ensuring that we are building the right kind of housing, that we are incentivizing private industry, that we are appropriately regulating … and subsidizing in the places where it makes sense. 

I think rural health care obviously has to be a priority in this part of the state. We simply, at this point in time, don’t have the population centers to be able to attract the health care talent and assets that we need, so it’s a little bit of a “chicken and egg” challenge with regards to that. Certainly Assemblymember Wood in his role as the health committee chair has played such an important role there, and I would hope to continue that work. While not being a health care professional myself, I certainly think placing it as a priority and looking to work with partners in the health care space here on the North Coast would be a priority. And then, last, [the issue] that ties it all together is climate action that I spoke about before and the opportunity for us to play a leadership role on that.

Can you talk a little bit about the logistical implications of vacating your position as chair of the party in California?

Over the last week or so, while being focused on the convention, I wanted to ensure that the party continued to be in a strong position headed into an important election. And so I’ve been in consultation with my fellow officers and leaders, our executive director and staff and our legal counsel, and we’re in unanimous agreement that this is the appropriate way forward. I intend to remain in the role as chair until the outcome of the election is decided. 

There are no bylaws [or] legal prohibitions on that. In fact, a political party is a political party committee. An Assembly candidate has a candidate-controlled committee. So a candidate cannot have multiple committees because they would be tied to one. But in statute there are different kinds of committees, and statute specifically says that a political party committee cannot be a candidate-controlled committee. 

We have leaders you know, in our state — the governor, the speaker, the pro tem and others — that are active in the life of the party, and they have multiple candidate-controlled committees at any one time. And so, from a purely legal standpoint, there’s no issue related to that. 

I do recognize that there will be some “While you’re remaining in the role and your running as a candidate” perception-related issues. And I recognize there will be skeptics. It is the Democratic Party, after all, and we can often disagree with one another without getting disagreeable. I do think that is possible. But in the interest of, let’s say, fairness and transparency, I will suspend my pay and benefits as chair of the party and serve in the role in a volunteer capacity, certainly through the March election and then revisit it after that. 

Any decision made as it relates to Assembly District 2 or anything connected to this district, I’ll recuse myself from those decisions and those decisions will be made by my vice chair in consultation with our other officers. 

And then the last thing is, as it relates to the party’s endorsement: At this point in time it’s too late for the party to revisit the endorsement in the Second Assembly District for the March ballot. [Note: Incumbent Jim Wood, who is not running for re-election, secured that nomination.] And therefore, the party will not have an officially endorsed candidate. The party can’t move resources to a candidate that they have not endorsed. 

And on top of that, you know, I won’t be getting a salary or benefits from the party while I’m actively campaigning. So I believe those steps ensure that the work of the party moves forward, that we are addressing any legal-related issues and have gone above and beyond to make sure that we’re addressing any perception issues related to this. 

At the convention over the weekend, there were some news stories that mentioned protesters who were calling for a ceasefire, and It sounded like you had a pretty strong reaction to that. You were quoted as saying that the protest was “unacceptable.” Can you talk about why you considered the protest unacceptable? Was it because it was disrupting the proceedings?

We made it pretty clear that we uphold the constitutionally protected right to free speech and freedom of expression. I mean, that is a sacred principle for California Democrats. But when you use violence or intimidation or harassment or bullying to express that right or exercise that right, that is unacceptable.

Was there any violence?

Well, there were at least two security agents that were injured as a result of their interaction with a large number of non delegates. You know, to be clear, the vast majority of those that fully disrupted the proceedings or sought to cancel or end the activities were non-delegates. Now, my understanding, and there will be a process to look at this, but my understanding is that there were some number of delegates that were a part of those activities and went beyond the simple expression of, their freedom of speech and their right to speak their mind. 

We do have a process, we do have a strong code of conduct, which everyone was aware of. It is a complaint-driven process with an ombudsperson and an investigation process. … So, there is a process by which these issues are adjudicated within the party. But I did not — just to be clear — I did not say the protest was unacceptable. Going beyond the peaceful expression of those rights in a way that inhibits the rights of others is unacceptable.

Okay, I appreciate that clarification. Is there anything else you want to say about your candidacy or yourself personally?

No … I appreciate the time and look forward to the conversation going forward. I’m sure we’ll have the opportunity to chat again more.

###

Here’s a press release issued by Hicks this morning:

Rusty Hicks launches campaign for State Assembly with broad local support

Following Assemblymember Jim Wood’s announcement that he will not run for re-election, Arcata resident and California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks announced today that he is a candidate for the 2nd Assembly District.

Rusty enters the race with endorsements from former North Coast State Senator and Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro, Humboldt County Supervisor Natalie Arroyo, Arcata Councilmember Alex Stillman, Eureka Councilmember Scott Bauer, Ukiah Councilmember Juan Orozco, Trinidad Mayor Steve Ladwig, Trinity Alps Unified Schools Superintendent Jaime Green, and other local leaders and organizers. 

“Rusty Hicks will offer the seasoned and experienced voice we need in Sacramento to represent our sprawling rural North Coast Assembly District,” Chesbro said. “Rusty knows us, and so I am pleased to offer him my full and enthusiastic support.”

“Rusty has a great background to serve the district, with robust policy experience on statewide issues, a background in law that’s incredibly helpful for an elected leader, and service to our nation as a veteran,” Supervisor Arroyo said. “His lived experience in rural and urban settings can really serve this diverse district!”

“I look forward to Rusty keeping the North Coast in the forefront and working with us to gain the resources to meet our many challenges,” Councilmember Stillman stated. 

“I’m proud to be an educator, a veteran, and an organizer – each down to my core,” Rusty said. “As I look around our beautiful North Coast, I see the struggles that our communities face every day. The rising cost of living, the challenges in accessing healthcare, and the constant threats to our planet. Bottom line, we face more challenges and need more help than ever before – and that’s why I’m running for State Assembly.” (Read Rusty’s full statement).

The 2nd District stretches across five counties: Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Trinity. Rusty and his wife, Sandra Sanchez, live in Arcata, with their dog Charlie.

In 2021, Rusty was reelected as Chair of the California Democratic Party - the nation’s largest State Party comprised of more than 10 million California Democrats. But his experience runs much deeper. He continues to serve as an Associate Professor at College of the Redwoods, teaching at Pelican Bay State Prison, doing his part to reduce recidivism. Rusty previously ran one of the largest labor councils in the U.S. and served as a Vice-President of the California Labor Federation. 

In every role, Rusty has a proven record of accomplishment delivering real results for real people.

• Rusty led a successful campaign to raise the wages of millions of workers to $15 an hour throughout California, pushing and helping spread the national Raise the Wage campaign, helping people to lift themselves out of poverty.
• He helped lead a groundbreaking ballot effort to invest in affordable and permanent supportive housing to tackle homelessness – which also provides good paying union jobs.
• As Democratic Party Chair, Rusty helped guide Proposition 1 to victory, adding the right to a safe and legal abortion to the California State Constitution.
• A believer in the power of a second chance, Rusty built a program to help formerly incarcerated workers rejoin the workforce and secure a good union job.
• Rusty has fought for and built a coalition to win greater worker protections against sexual harassment and assault for vulnerable workers in the hospitality industry.
• Rusty fights for environmental justice and has helped lead campaigns for safe and clean water. He supports a Green New Deal to maximize the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act to prevent climate disaster and create jobs.
• As a member of the Democratic Party’s Veterans Caucus, Rusty has been an advocate for veterans’ housing, education, health care, and mental health care.

In addition to his organizing work to empower working people through political action, Rusty has played a leading role in a number of important political and policy efforts. In 2008, Rusty served as the California Political Director for Obama for America. 

And of course, Rusty is a Veteran of the United States Navy and deployed to Afghanistan in 2012-2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is a graduate of Loyola Law School and a member of the California State Bar. 

Over the past five weeks, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has sparked vigils, sit-ins, walkouts, protests and counter-protests at college campuses throughout California. At some campuses, emotions are high and students are divided — some even experiencing violence, hate speech and fear. Meanwhile, at other campuses, students are gathering to grieve and learn in more peaceful ways.

At CalMatters, student reporters in the College Journalism Network fellowship program have filed the following dispatches about the climates at their campuses.

Cal State Long Beach

The slow and repeated sound of a stick hitting a plastic paint-bucket-turned-drum and a voice over a megaphone leading chants in support of Palestine while voices chanted back, engulfed the pathway from Cal State Long Beach’s upper campus to the ‘Go Beach’ sign on Oct. 10. Over 50 protestors holding Palestinian flags and signs gathered at the monument just three days after the Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in 1,200 dead and about 240 taken hostage.

The protest began shortly after university president Jane Close Conoley described the event, along with social media posts, as “deeply offensive in light of the loss of life and unspeakable violence during this conflict“ via an email sent to the entire student body. There have since been several demonstrations from pro-Palestinian and Jewish groups including another pro-Palestine rally on Oct. 25 followed by a vigil for the lives that have been lost in Gaza, and the most recent walkout led by the CSULB chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine on Nov. 9.

On Nov. 13, a violinist played the Hatikvah — Israel’s national anthem — amid a sea of blue and white balloons on the grass lawn on upper campus. Each balloon was pinned down with a poster of one of the 239 hostages taken by Hamas and was part of a display set up by Beach Hillel, the campus chapter of the Jewish religious organization.

A statement from the campus Jewish Employee Association called on the campus to “temper inflammatory language that fans the flames of an antisemitic backlash, puts us in danger and also threatening our Arab and Muslim brethren.”

Each demonstration has ended peacefully. However, student activists say their involvement in pro-Palestinian activism has put them at risk and they are receiving death threats. A third-year student activist, who asked to remain anonymous for her safety, said the climate has turned a little bit scary.

“It’s been different in the sense that we need to be very careful and very cautious, very under the ropes and under cover, masked up,” she said. “All you need is one picture of yourself at these protests and that’s all it takes to get doxxed.”

— Briana Mendez-Padilla

Stanford University

At Stanford, students have turned to vigils, art installations, protests, walk-outs, car parades and chalking to advocate for their beliefs and demand university action since the conflict broke out. The most enduring student action has been the four-week-long “Sit-in to Stop Genocide” in White Plaza at the center of campus. Sophomore Alisha Service joined the sit-in on its first night after participating in a protest attended by nearly 1,000 Stanford affiliates on Oct. 20. She is one of 50 participants of Arab, Muslim, Jewish, and other backgrounds who now spend varying amounts of time at the sit-in, some staying overnight every night.

“It’s not on the burden of Palestinians to continuously advocate for themselves alone,” said Annabelle Davis, a Jewish senior who joined the sit-in a few weeks after it began and spends as much time as she can there. “I felt that it was important to visibly be in support, not only as someone who believes in the cause and believes that the demands that we’re making to Stanford are necessary but also to be a visible Jewish presence within the sit-in and its actions.”

The sit-in is demanding university officials condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza as war crimes and call for a ceasefire, provide resources for Palestinian students, launch a committee to investigate and address research initiatives that contribute to the subjugation of Palestinian people, and commit to the Boycott, Divest and Sanction movement against Israel. The sit-in also serves as a hub for writing op-eds, planning events, and supporting those affected and interested in learning more. But student life continues: it’s not uncommon to find students finishing their homework or studying for midterms.

Students involved in the sit-in have also faced threats of physical violence, including rape, and insults calling them terrorists from faculty and community members, Service and Davis told CalMatters. They have reported several threats to the university but only a handful have been sent out as alerts to the campus community under the federal Clery Act.

One student, who asked to not be named, said university officials asked the sit-in participants to end the encampment by Nov. 6, per a university policy against camping on the grounds. However, the sit-in is still ongoing while the students negotiate with the university.

On Nov. 12, a group of Jewish and Israeli students set up a tent 15 feet away from the sit-in. Isaac Deutsch, a junior who co-organized the tent, said that their tent is intended to amplify Jewish and Israeli perspectives and to be a space for open discourse. Members of the sit-in say that the new tent feels like an attempt to oppose their efforts, which Deustch denied, pointing to the fact that the university offers limited spaces for student advocacy and their chosen spot, which does not face the sit-in, was the most respectful option.

— Jacqueline Munis

UCLA

Muslim, Jewish and Arab student groups, along with Westwood community members, have held multiple vigils and rallies within the last month at UCLA. Hundreds of impassioned, flag-bearing students affected by the crisis attended mass walk-outs and marches to support either Palestine or Israel.

According to Salma, a fourth-year UCLA student who declined to give her full name out of fear of being doxxed or retaliated against, said there was little confrontation from pro-Israel student groups while attending protests and vigils hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA. However, she added that most anti-Muslim sentiments and harassment are coming from unknown Westwood community members on and off campus, such as student demonstrators and peers being berated by older men with photographs of hostages and Israeli flags, accompanied by aggressive accusations of terrorism.

“They act with impunity because they know the administration won’t do anything about it,” Salma said.

UC President Michael Drake announced Wednesday that the UC is investing $7 million into developing means to ease conflict on campuses, such as mental health services, educational programs and training for UC faculty. The UCLA Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs sent an announcement to notify students of on-campus resources for reporting physical violence or verbal harassment, and that campus police would increase its visibility and presence on campus to diffuse tensions.

Members of the pro-Palestine group alleged multiple incidents of physical and verbal assaults against students at protests and in Westwood. “What I feel is most unfortunate is that this very aggressive behavior — even going to the extreme of physical assault — has happened to Muslim and Arab students on campus,” Salma said.

Ellie, a fourth-year student who also declined to give her full name, said she believes this conflict will give rise to both Islamophobia and antisemitism at UC campuses, citing accusations of each from fellow students personally and online.

“There is probably going to be rising antisemitism. I haven’t heard any personal stories, but I do think it’s very possible, but there’s also going to be a rise of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism,” Ellie said.

Both Salma and Ellie added that it will be difficult to improve the deteriorating relations between students situated on different sides of the conflict. “I’m not going to defend someone who won’t educate themselves with reliable information,” Salma said.

— Christopher Buchanan

Cal State Fullerton

As protests, demonstrations and gatherings have increased at universities throughout the state, campus leadership at Cal State Fullerton continues to show support for its grieving students — with faculty playing an increased role in dampening tensions on campus.

Following a candlelight vigil held on Oct. 23 for all who have died in Israel and Gaza, Shana Charles, a Fullerton professor in attendance, said the inclusion of Jewish and Muslim communities on campus offers everyone a pathway to healthy dialogue with those grieving. While faculty members have been encouraging student voices through educational seminars and public forums, the university has maintained neutrality in support of their students, an act noticed by many.

“As an inclusive community, it is important to recognize and communicate our empathy for how these events are experienced by our diverse Titan community. We are bound together by our shared Guiding Principles for Social Justice and commitment to a safe and inclusive learning and working environment,” said President Sylvia Alva in a university-wide email.

“I’m very thankful that Fullerton is more aware of the realities of what’s going on,” said senior Cal State Fullerton student Dunia, who is Palestinian and consented to only give her first name in fear of backlash from the community. “If they weren’t, they would’ve let out the same tone-deaf statement being seen at other schools. When I look at [the university] statement itself, I think it’s prevented a lot of escalation from happening.”

— Hugo Rios

Cal State Bakersfield

Some students at Cal State Bakersfield have participated in informational events and a vigil in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Publicized events have been largely pro-Palestinian, with no vocal pro-Israeli actions. Over the past month, students have stood on campus with signs that read, “Ask me about Palestine.” Sarah Alame, a biology graduate student leading the actions, said that most students who approached them did not feel that they were informed enough to talk about the topic.

“A lot of people came up to us and they just told us, ‘We don’t understand what’s happening. Can you please explain to us what’s going on?’” said Alame.

Alame also organized a candlelight vigil on Nov. 14 with two student organizations on campus to honor the Palestinian lives lost in the Gaza Strip. Alame said she believes that honoring the loss of Palestinians does not diminish the loss of Israelis, but rather brings attention to those that have not received as much media coverage and support.

“I wanted to create a safe space for students to come and express their concerns and to express their grief or, I guess, to grieve in unison,” said Alame. “I also wanted to make a statement to our university leaders that students care about this. Our university leaders have been silent about this since the very beginning.”

— Haydee Barahona

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

In San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly students and community members have publicly gathered for marches, protests and teach-ins since Oct. 7. One month later, multiple Jewish organizations at Cal Poly hosted a march on campus to demand the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Two days after that, at the weekly farmer’s market in downtown San Luis Obispo, nearly 300 community members called for Palestinian liberation.

Freshman Sameeha Siraj attended the march for Palestine, and brought along two friends, in hopes of forming a sense of community and spreading awareness. Siraj said she has a friend in one of the Palestinian territories who has had multiple family members who died in the conflict, emphasizing that having a tangible connection to someone “feels really real.” The last time she heard from her friend was two weeks ago and she hasn’t been able to contact her since.

“I have kind of a privilege of where I am and I just thought it was imperative that I also step in and do what I can,” Siraj said. “It’s just the bare minimum and I think the march is a great way to really form as a community and go together because you feel stronger that way.”

Another Cal Poly freshman, who declined to share her name for safety concerns, explained her reasons for attending a community event in support of Palestine.

“I felt like it was important to show my support for the people that the genocide is happening to,” the student said. “It’s important to bring this attention to the issue over here because we have a lot of power as Americans and since America is such a big supporter of the Israeli government.”

Following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong sent out an initial response stating that Cal Poly’s “practice… is not to comment on current national and world events that do not directly impact a critical mass of our students and employees.”

However, the next day, after an unidentified male from a passing truck shouted “Death to Israel” at two Jewish-identifying students, Armstrong emailed a follow-up message addressing the incident and his previous message. He apologized for having “added to your burden in any way” and stated that the initial letter “failed badly” to reassure the campus community.

— Amelia Wu

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

Kenneth “John Man” Roberts, born on March 11, 1941, in Hoopa, to Eleanor Logan and Henry VanPelt. He passed away on November 15, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. He was a cherished member of the Yurok Tribe, leaving a mark on the community he called home.

A man of many talents and passions, John Man was known for his skills on the pool table and his love for teasing the kids in the community. He worked at various times as a truck driver, for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), as a water truck driver for his uncle Ellis, for Fish and Game, and with NCIDC. His commitment extended to his roles on the UIHS Board of Directors, NCIDC Board of Directors and with the Yurok Tribal Council.

John Man began his journey in the Air Force right out of high school, where he not only served his country but also excelled as a golden glove boxer. Beyond his military service, he had a passion for working on cars, possessing the ability to decipher manuals to take apart and put cars back together, and if there were some extra screws he would not worry about where they belonged.

For two years, John Man lived in Siletz, Oregon where he quickly made friendships that made him feel like a lifelong resident.

He did not care if he was driving or riding or how long or short, he was always ready to go for a ride. He always liked driving his Gram and old Aunt Ollie all over to attend Indian Shaker Church.

John Man is preceded in death by his grandmother, Francis Roberts; mother, Eleanor Logan; father,  Henry VanPelt; stepfather, John Logan; nephew, Donald “Beanie” Kentta; brothers; Rafey Roberts, Joe Sorrell, Charles “Mike” Sorrell, and John “Buck” Logan; sister, Arlene Kentta; and nephew, William “Bum Bum” Logan.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Evelyn Roberts; daughter, Kella Bessette (Joey); grandchildren, Isaac Scott, Sarah Scott, and Carol McCovey; and great-granddaughter, Stella McCovey. His son, John “John Kan” Roberts (Witweat), and grandchildren, Basil Conrad, Julien and Pergish Salinas, and Eleanor Roberts. He is also survived by his aunt, Frances “Honeygirl” Snider; sisters, Darlene Magee and Lillie Butler (Reggie Sr.); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Preston Ruiz, Dennis “DJ” Ruiz, Steven Osburne, Lil Shawn Logan, Chemooch Logan, Lil Buck Logan, Finley Logan, and Sly Logan.

Honorary Pallbearers: Louie Myers, Shawn Logan, John John Logan, Rafey Logan, Leo Canez, Reggie Butler Jr., and Lee Butler.

Services and a wake will be held at Johnson’s Indian Shaker Church. The wake is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21, 2023, with services on Wednesday, November 22, at 11 am, officiated by Rodney Vigil and Dr. George Blake. A potluck will follow the service.

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Kathleen Hazel Duncan was born prematurely at Loma Linda Hospital on September 18, 1929.  The only child of Carrie Leroy Stucker Lollar and Glen Lollar, Kathleen clung to life in an incubator for  weeks.  Determined Carrie, raised on a farm in Hotchkiss, Colorado and intent on saving her tiny baby, walked to the hospital every day to nurture Kathleen.  A miracle baby, Kathleen appreciated every day and was full of gratitude and joy in living for 94 years.   She died at home in Trinidad peacefully on November 17. 

Kathleen received a fine educational start at a Seventh Day Adventist School and then public school in Norwalk, California.  She graduated from Excelsior Union High School in 1947.  During the Depression Kathleen’s father Glen dug post holes and drove a slow-going delivery truck, before there were vast southern California freeways, for Alliance Dairy in Norwalk serving Arden Farms.  Kathleen was allowed to ride on top of the 10-gallon milk cans and remembered being treated to ice cream at the end of the route.  Her father opened Glen’s Car Garage in 1941 and passed on to his daughter a life-long love of automobiles and much practical knowledge.  She learned to drive in a 1937 Chevrolet coupe stick shift.  A classic 1957 Thunderbird with port hole was a gift from her father.

Kathleen married Chuck Koss in 1948 and they lived in Downey, however they divorced after two years (“we were too young” said Kathleen).  She learned about hard work and resilience while working at a Super Burger restaurant, the Los Angeles Meat Company, and an office supply company in Santa Monica.  After her father died in 1967, Kathleen learned cosmetology and for years she worked at the Beverly Hills Hotel and for a Palos Verdes salon specializing in “Sebring” cuts.  During her years working in cosmetology, she encountered many clients in the entertainment industry: Fred Astaire, Steve Lawrence, Edydie Gorme, Audrey Meadows, Raquel Welch, Count Basie and many others.    A life-long music and dancing enthusiast when Big Bands performed live, she danced to Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman music and heard Lionel Hampton and Frank Sinatra in person. 

Kathleen lived in Manhattan Beach when she decided to “move to the country” and Trinidad became her home in 1979.  She met the love of her life, John Harvey Duncan, owner of Park Cafe and Big D RV Park (now Azalea Glen) while jogging to Patrick’s Point State Park (Sumeg).  John spotted the beautiful Kathleen and called to her to stop for a cup of coffee by saying “Come on in, I just might change your life.”  And he did. 

John, a career Army veteran who served in both World War II and the Korean War, and Kathleen were married on Valentine’s Day 1982 in Mickey and Patti Fleschner’s home, and enjoyed 28 years together at their Park and later at their home off Scenic Drive until 2010, when John died at their home.  Kathleen and John were active in the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce and accommodated visiting fishermen at their wooded park with duck ponds, making many friends and hosting several outdoor hog roasts. 

Kathleen sang in Dottie Haukenberry’s Trinidad Community Choir for 22 years, served as President of the Trinidad Civic Club, volunteered in the gift shop at Mad River Hospital for over 15 years and was a life-long member of Trinidad Museum Society, having served as its first secretary in the early 1980s.  For 15 years she line-danced in Trinidad Town Hall with a group of friends. She and John shared many road trips and Army reunions.  They traveled to Germany to visit the places where John captained tanks during World War II.  The couple was grateful every day for the opportunities and freedoms afforded to citizens of the United States of America.

Kathleen leaves behind an affectionate family of step-children:  Lucille Annette “Tina” (James) Wilson of Magalia; Russell (Anita) Duncan of Whitesville, New York; Hal (Marsha) Duncan of St. Augustine, Florida; Brian Eric (Karen) Duncan of Las Vegas; Dustyn Marcus Duncan of San Francisco; and Bruce Allen (Michelle) Duncan of Salem, Oregon; step-grandchildren James Powell Wilson, Matthew (Martina) Wilson, Nicholas Parker (Melissa Jauregui) Duncan, Air Force Captain Keenyn Duncan. Kellyanne (James) Howarth, Tristram Duncan, Aaron (Lesley Jade) Duncan, Eric (Alison) Duncan, and Patty Reynolds; and step-great grandchildren Austin Arnold Duncan, Hunter Rose Duncan, Olivia James Duncan and Olivia Jeanne and Charlotte Ann Duncan.  She was close to her cousins, Carolyn Moore of Norco, California and daughter Jean (Bret) Burns, Danny (Mary) Moore, Glenda (Dave) Cowan of Emporia, Kansas and Gale Penfield of Novato and to her Nevada family Sam (Shae) and Owen Lompa and Greg (Stephanie) and Corbin Lompa as well as friends Dr. Michael and Kathrin Burleson of Trinidad, Bill and Sue Scott, Kirsten Trump, Donna Haddock, Nina Groth, Dick & Margie Kieselhorst, Christie Duray, and her friend of 50 years, Patricia Fleschner and her children Ashley (Andrea) Fleschner and Michael David Fleschner of Portland, Oregon and Michael David and Gina Duvoisin Fleschner’s children Sebastian, Eloise, Georgia Fleschner and all of the extended Fleschner family.  Her friend since kindergarten, Polly (Chuck) Donley of Seal Beach, California, predeceased Kathleen, who introduced the Donleys when they were seniors in high school.

Hospice of Humboldt has been exemplary in their care of Kathleen since October 31.  Tina Wilson has been a constant and kind companion for over a month, and Anita Duncan flew from New York to lovingly care for Kathleen as well.

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Sheila I. (Schuler) Darling was born in Eureka, CA on January 26th, 1947 to Donald K. Schuler and Laura Larsen Schuler. She died peacefully surrounded by family on November 14th, 2023 in Santa Rosa.

Sheila attended Washington Elementary School for the first two years and then the family moved to Willow Creek where she attended Trinity Valley Elementary, graduating from 8th grade. She then attended her freshman year of high school at Hoopa Valley High School.  Her family moved back to Eureka in 1962 where she completed high school at what was then known as Eureka Senior High School. She attended College of the Redwoods and Humboldt State University.

She was employed by Humboldt County for over 33 years until her retirement in 2002. She enjoyed keeping in touch with special friends she had made during her long career. She is a member of the Eureka First Church of the Nazarene.  She enjoyed church, friends and family, traveling, gardening, and spending time at their winter home in Arizona where many fond memories and cherished friendships were made.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents Donald and Laura Schuler, and her husband, Keith R. Darling of 47 years.

She is survived by her stepson, Keith F. Darling, stepdaughter, Lynn Darling Wolfe, and her husband, Daryl Wolfe, as well as her grandsons, Andrew Darling, and Jake Darling (Pyper), along with many cousins in and out of the area. 

Services will be held on November 28th, 2023 at the Church of the Nazarene in Eureka at 11 a.m.

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