Most people of the Fortuna area have known my father, Greg Eastham. They know him as Greg. I just know him as Dad.

My father had a huge heart, and was very sensitive to the needs of others and would give his last dollar, meal or clothes to help someone else in need. As he did live a hard life and lifestyle which made it challenging for him to form lasting relationships and connections.

My Dad was born in Miranda and lived there as a young boy with his parents and siblings until they moved to Fortuna, where he completed high school and got married shortly thereafter while working at Safeway.

He worked with other friends at Safeway and was well liked by coworkers and colleagues. He was well known as a prankster and always had a good sense of humor. He mostly lived in this community, and briefly moved with his daughter in Solano County, to obtain some family connections and have a new work opportunity. He was able to be a grandfather for two of his grandsons and lived comfortably with them until again relocating to Fortuna.

There were many years of in/out of different and sometimes difficult living situations where family needed to give him some time for his healing process, but would be nearby to help in times of need. He loved going to the beach, driving fast and going out Highway 36 to swim in the rivers. He sought out peace, solitude and connecting with others in the ways he knew how.

My dad was known as Gramps to my daughter and his grandsons, and they would have fun together when he needed help with grocery shopping, companionship or going to church together. As he’d had times of difficulty with addictions, our families’ hope for him had always been to give him love and support, while offering dignity and respect for his own life choices whether or not we agreed with him.

After many health crisis, in and out of rehabilitation, and without constant health needs met, he passed away September 15, 2024.

My dad taught me what unconditional love means — to make time for myself, to set healthy boundaries, and to hold space for my emotions. To respond to negativity with calmness. To appreciate the present moment. To not be easily swayed by others’ opinions, and to feel content with who you are and where you’re headed. He taught me to show up just for yourself and accept yourself as you are, to choose yourself. He taught me to not feel the need to prove yourself to anyone and to enjoy solitude without feeling lonely. Of course, these lessons weren’t learned easily, and they were through the trials and tribulations of challenging life struggles, traumas and experiences.

There’s currently no date for services. Once that decision is made an announcement will be made if that is what we feel is best. At this time our family asks for prayers of peace, in times of deep grief, for all to know how fragile life can be and to prioritize peace.

Dad, we are sending you light, to heal you, to hold you.

We are sending you light, to hold you in love. Blessings on to you.

Love, your family

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Terry was born May 23, 1953 to Shirley Jean and Robert Trout in Monterey. He passed September 21, in Eureka, way too soon. He resided in Humboldt County for the last 55 years. He and his brothers and sister were all born on military bases while Robert served his country.

Terry was known to be an excellent pool player, making many friends over the years. He was a talented woodworker. He was very intelligent. He could fix just about anything. He was an avid Nascar fan, traveling to Phoenix and Fontana to see Dale Jr. race. He was also a Dallas Cowboys fan. During COVID, he was a home school teacher for his granddaughter Mackenzie, who adored him.

He was known to be the best locksmith in town, working for Davidson Brothers and then Security Lock and Alarm for over 35 years. His co-workers are heartbroken as they looked up to him and his meticulous skill with any lock you put in front of him. Best lock picker around, so knowledgeable that he was known throughout Humboldt County.

Terry is survived by wife, Lisa, of 30 years; his brothers David (Lola) of Freshwater, Robert (Mary) of Oxnard, George Trout of Kingman, Ariz., Jon Trout (Chi) of Bakersfield; and sister Kathy Rinkes (George) of Republic, Wash.

He was the proud father of Eli Trout (Brenda) of Bullhead City, Ariz., Jarrod Trout of Las Vegas, Terra Jones of Newport, NC and Sara Trout of Eureka. His grandchildren were Jasmine, Deana, Daniel, Eliza, Gabriella, Jarrod II, Preciliano (Silly), Summer and Mackenzie Great-grandchildren: Noah, Rene, Jaylene, Xander, Jaxon, Mateo and Daniel. Terry had a large extended family with many nieces and nephews throughout southern California and Washington.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Shirley, along with his best friend, John Towns of Eureka.

There will be no funeral service, but we will honor him with a memorial service, to be scheduled at a later date.

California Highway Patrol release: 

On October 2, 2024, at approximately 1930 hours, CHP Trinity River Area units were notified by CHP Redding Communications Center of a traffic crash involving a motorcycle in the area of SR-299 and Burnt Ranch. The crash scene was located on SR-299 at mile post marker 299 TRI 12.97 (Trinity County). CHP, Hawkins Bar Volunteer Fire, and a Hoopa Valley Ambulance responded to the scene to provide medical and traffic control services.

CHP units arrived on scene at 1946 hours and assumed Incident Command. Through investigation, it was determined the driver and sole occupant of the motorcycle, David Wilkie, had been traveling westbound on SR-299. For reasons still under investigation, Wilkie lost control of his motorcycle and drove off the south roadway edge of SR-299. The motorcycle collided with the steep ascending rock embankment, which ultimately caused Wilkie to be ejected from the motorcycle and collide with the embankment. Emergency personnel and civilians who witnessed the crash performed CPR and life saving efforts for approximately 30 minutes. Wilkie unfortunately succumbed to his injuries sustained as a result of this crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Wilkie was wearing a DOT approved helmet at the time of this crash and it is unknown at this point if alcohol or drugs are a contributing factor.

This crash remains under investigation by the CHP Trinity River Area office.

Trinity River CHP would like to thank our allied agencies for their assistance with this incident and express our sympathy to Mr. Wilkie’s family in the loss of their loved one.

Two social service programs celebrated an official grand opening of their (sort of) new location this morning when mayor Kim Bergel cut the “Police Line — Do Not Cross” tape on the Waterfront Annex.

Crisis Alternative Response of Eureka’s (CARE) new-ish location at 7 Commercial, near the Vista Del Mar. It shares the building with the Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET). Both teams work closely with one another, so city manager Miles Slattery told the Outpost that it made sense for them to be in the same building. The location was selected because most of the calls for their services are around the area where the new building is.

CSET has been based out of the location for five months and CARE for three, but the ribbon cutting wasn’t until today because it’s taken some time to refurbish the space and put up some signage. The move and upkeep was paid for by 2020’s Measure H and American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“This is an opportunity for our teams to be together in the same location and to be able to work better together,” Bergel said. “It’s going to be an amazing opportunity. We’re down where we can meet people where we’re at. I’m just so forever grateful that we have moved in this direction with our department and that we are making a difference every day. I think this is one more opportunity to move that in the right direction.” 

The Eureka Police Department runs CSET, and CARE is a division of Eureka city government. CARE provides mobile mental health services, such as sending clinicians to 911 calls or helping people find more permanent psychological health. CSET focuses on homeless crime and quality-of-life issues in Old Town Eureka, the waterfront and city parks. 

PREVIOUSLY: Attorney General Sues St. Joseph Hospital for Denying a Woman Emergency Abortion Care

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Earlier this week, after being sued by the State of California for refusing emergency abortion care to a woman whose water had broken months prematurely, executives with the Catholic health care system Providence reached out to her in an effort to apologize, according to a statement forwarded to the Outpost by Providence’s national public relations office.

On Tuesday, one day after the state’s suit was filed here in Humboldt County Superior Court, Providence Northern California Service Area Chief Executive Garry Olney sent the following message to all Providence employees in the Northern California Service Area:

As you have likely heard, yesterday we learned that the California attorney general filed a lawsuit alleging that we denied emergency care to a pregnant patient in Humboldt County earlier this year.

We are heartbroken over the experience this patient had while in our care and reached out to her today in an effort to express our profound apologies.

This was a tragic situation that did not meet our high standards for safe, quality, compassionate care. We are immediately re-visiting our training, education and escalation processes in emergency medical situations to ensure that this does not happen again and to ensure that our care teams have the training and support they need to deliver the best possible care for each patient we serve.

As devasted [sic] as we are, we can’t begin to imagine what the patient and her family have been through. We will learn from this and renew our commitment to ensuring that the care and experience we deliver are aligned with our high standards, every time and in every care setting.

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Below is video of California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s Monday press conference with Eureka chiropractor Anna Nusslock, the woman who was allegedly denied the emergency abortion care. Nusslock tells her story in her own words starting shortly after the 13-minute mark:

Press release from Eureka Main Street:

Eureka Main Street is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of Taste of Main Street on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 5 PM to 8 PM. This beloved event invites food lovers to indulge in a culinary adventure throughout the vibrant Downtown and Old Town Eureka districts. Guests can savor mouthwatering bites from over fifteen participating restaurants, including favorites like Familia Cafe, Wok In Wok Out Asian Eatery, The Hood Eureka, Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate, GuateMayan Yum Yums, Taco Town Fruteria, Kaptain’s Quarters, The Madrone Brick Fire Pizza & Taphouse, Living the Dream Ice Cream, Los Bagels, The Greene Lily Café, Surfside Burger Shack and Sweet Greens Juice Bar—all for just $35 per ticket.

“Taste of Main Street is a celebration of our local culinary scene and an excellent opportunity for restaurants to showcase their signature dishes,” said Amanda Kruschke, Executive Director of Eureka Main Street. “We can’t wait to bring our community together for an evening of fun, food, and connection!”

Event Highlights:

• Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
• Time: 5 PM - 8 PM
• Location: Downtown and Old Town Eureka
• Ticket Price: $35
• Pick-Up Information: Tickets must be picked up at the Eureka Welcome Center (108 F Street) from October 1st to 3rd.

Tickets can be purchased online at NorthCoastTickets.com or in person at the Eureka Welcome Center. Guests are encouraged to act quickly, as tickets are expected to sell out fast!

In addition to tantalizing food, the event promises a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for friends, families, and food enthusiasts alike. Guests will receive a map of participating restaurants and can present their tickets at each location to enjoy delicious “tastes” from each establishment. Note: Valid IDs are required for alcoholic beverage tastings.

Taste of Main Street also serves as the kickoff for the Redwood Coast Music Festival, which runs from October 3-6 and features four days of live music across seven venues, showcasing over 100 sets of New Orleans Jazz, Blues, Swing, Zydeco, Western Swing, Rockabilly, Americana, and more! For more information about the music festival and to purchase tickets, visit rcmfest.org.

For more updates about Taste of Main Street, follow Eureka Main Street on social media or contact us at 707-441-4187 or eurekamainstreet@eurekaca.gov.

Join us for a night of unforgettable flavors, community spirit, and fun at Taste of Main Street 2024—Mmmm…Tasty!

Social media sites are ablaze with complaints about speeding. Near misses, run-over kitties and general anger at speeders get lots of attention. Nobody, except perhaps a speeder, likes speeders.

What can we do to stop speeders? Most of the commonly suggested solutions don’t work. Signs are ignored. Policing traffic is an additional burden to already underfunded police forces. Being pulled over frightens a good portion of the community. Harsh penalties, meaning costly tickets, are not effective for people who can afford fines. And people who can afford fines are frequently also people who can afford hot cars that go fast.

What does work is good road design. Given a wide, straight, smoothly-paved asphalt expanse, with few or no visual obstacles, many will accept the invitation to go fast.

Narrower lanes, curves or protrusions, vegetation and speed humps all slow people down. Sad to say, potholes also slow traffic. Narrower lanes cause drivers to be more attentive and drive more slowly. A so-called “road diet” reallocates excessive lane width to wider sidewalks and bike lanes. This gets people out of their cars and feeling safer walking, running and rolling.

The feeling of increased safety does encourage active transportation. And every person walking, cycling, rolling or riding public transit is a person who isn’t speeding down the road in a car. Complete streets policies are aimed at equal rights for all road users, motorists included, but not prioritized. The governor just signed a bill moving us in that direction.

The faster a gasoline-powered vehicle goes, the bigger its carbon footprint, so greatly reduced speeds both increase safety and protect air quality. Slower drivers are more observant of their surroundings. A shift from the last-century idea of faster, faster, faster is slowly happening. Maybe not fast enough.

Recent horrendous accidents, including the death on Harris, have really brought to light the importance of making changes to road design a priority. Nobody can control drivers who make poor choices, but good road design can ameliorate the outcomes of those choices and maybe keep people alive long enough to become thoughtful, measured drivers.

If you feel that a location seems unsafe to walk, roll or drive, be sure to make a report on Street Story.

Carol Moné
Trinidad, Calif.