William Andrew Nickols
June 19, 1938 - Dec. 19, 2024

William Andrew Nickols, better known as Bill, son of Albert and Ailene Nickols, was born in Scotia. Bill is preceded in death by parents Albert and Ailene, and brothers Jim Nickols, and Albert Nickols.

Bill was a lifelong Humboldt native and graduated from Eureka High school and then Humboldt State University in 1960 with his teaching credentials. He played football throughout his life and is recognized in the HSU Hall of Fame.

Bill served as the Humboldt County Constable in the 1970s. After college he attended barber school, earning his certificate and then barbered for nearly 50 years. His barbershop was as much a social gathering place as it was a place to get your hair cut.

When Bill was not at his barber shop you could find him at the family property in Ruth Lake, Nickols Big Oaks. He loved being at Ruth and spent most of his life enjoying the outdoors. Whether it was taking his children or grandchildren hunting and fishing, Bill’s favorite times were at Ruth.

Bill has always been a man of countless friends. Everywhere he went in the community, he was quick to make friends, and even quicker to say something that brought a smile to your face.

His easy-going attitude will forever be missed. Bill is survived by his sister, Vivian Christian; children Shawn, Rick and Tim Nickols; and daughter Alicia Idahosa and their families, including 18 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on January 18 th at 1:30 p.m. at Azeala Hall in McKinleyville.

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

Three days ago, the Outpost ran a Eureka Police Department press release about a sobriety checkpoint planned for yesterday. We were curious about how it went down and EPD was nice enough to share some stats, so here they are, courtesy of EPD’s public information officer Laura Montagna.

Yesterday, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the intersection of 4th and Commercial streets, EPD

-Screened 497 cars

-Stopped 20 cars

-Conducted three field sobriety tests

-Issued seven citations for driving without a license, or with a suspended license

-Towed one car

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Rex Bohn’s cell phone is getting flooded with incoming calls.

“An ungodly amount,” is how Humboldt County’s First District supervisor described the volume. The calls and texts started rolling in on New Year’s Eve and haven’t let up since, he told the Outpost (via phone) this morning.

The source of this deluge appears to be a flyer being distributed to residents of the Ridgewood Heights neighborhood south of Eureka. Headlined “NEIGHBORHOOD ALERT!” in all caps and printed on hot pink office paper, the handbill sounds the alarm about a residential mental health treatment facility that recently took over a former senior home on Berry Lane, about three blocks from Ridgewood Elementary School. 

The treatment facility is now open, with six clients scheduled to enter soon, according to Jack Breazeal, deputy director of the Behavioral Health Branch of the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Named The Lighthouse, it’s owned and operated by Yuba City-based nonprofit Willow Glen Care Center.

“This is a 16-bed facility, and DHHS Behavioral Health is contracted for all of them,” Breazeal said in a statement provided to the Outpost. He explained that those beds will primarily be reserved for people who are under the guardianship of the county per the terms of California’s Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (1967), which authorizes involuntary psychiatric treatment in very limited circumstances, and who ”have shown a degree of stability and treatment compliance with medications and other mental health services,” Breazeal said.

But the flyers being distributed to neighbors suggests that these new residents will be inherently dangerous, making it unsafe for children to play or walk alone to and from school. (The flyer contains some misinformation about the new facility, overstating the number of patients it will serve while understating its distance from Ridgewood Elementary, for example. Bohn noted that it also misspells his name.)

Bohn said that, like many of the people who’ve been calling him in recent days, he was unaware that the facility had opened, and he spent much of New Year’s Day and this morning tracking down information from the folks at DHHS. He said he’s annoyed at being caught off guard.

“I’m pretty frustrated, because I usually have my finger on things pretty good,” he said, later adding, “I’m mad at myself as much as the whole situation.”

Ridgewood Heights resident Robin Stockton is the woman behind the flyers, and she’s pretty frustrated, too. Reached by phone, she accused local officials of lying and hiding the truth about this new facility. She said she’s handed out 200 flyers and spoken with many neighbors who share her concerns.

“It’s just a recipe for disaster,” she said. “Eventually, somebody is going to do something [harmful].”

Stockton said her concerns stem from her own experiences with people suffering from mental health issues, including her stepson. She also spent years operating a care home in Marin for people with severe mental health issues, she said, and she worries that local patients will stop taking their meds after being released from Sempervirens, the county’s inpatient mental health facility.

In a message sent to the Outpost via Facebook last week she wrote, “this facility does not belong in this community. it not only puts us at risk for violence, burglary, theft and vandalism, but it also lowers the value of our homed [sic].”

“Everybody else is concerned, too,” she said today. “People pay a lot to buy a house out here, and this is going to affect their property value. These people [Lighthouse clients] will be roaming the neighborhood. [Facility managers] can’t make ‘em take their medication; they can’t make ‘em stay home. I know for a fact.”

Stockton said she received most of her information about The Lighthouse third-hand — from a neighbor who spoke to an employee onsite who was not authorized to talk about it. 

Breazeal said the clients who will receive treatment at The Lighthouse “are known to the county and will have been in higher levels of care, including locked facilities, where they showed improvement prior to arriving … . The housing is supervised by three staff during the day and two staff at nighttime. Individuals who violate rules like wandering around without consent or notification to staff would need to be transferred to a higher level of care.”

Public notification about The Lighthouse was not required because mental health treatment facilities are allowed under the current zoning, according to a DHHS spokesperson. And Breazeal argued that the location will serve patients well.

“Facilities like this exist so that people can live near their families in their own communities in placements that are appropriate for them,” he said.

Bohn, meanwhile, responded to all the phone calls and texts he’s been receiving by arranging a community information meeting to be held Monday, Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Cutten Elementary School (4182 Walnut Drive). He shared a flyer of his own on Facebook. It says county officials will be on hand to discuss concerns and answer questions.

The Outpost also reached out to Willow Glen Care Center and spoke briefly with Program Director David Gilbert. In a follow-up email, Gilbert said his organization hosted an open house at The Lighthouse on Dec. 18, “and though we had about 25 or 30 folks who attended and got to tour the building and hear about the program, we know there are a lot of neighbors who were unable to attend and who might have questions.”

In an effort to answer some of those questions and to clear up some of the misinformation being spread, Gilbert forwarded a copy of a letter addressing neighbors of the newly opened facility. We’ve reproduced it in full below:

New Care Home in Town

Hello Neighbors,

My name is David Gilbert and I’m the administrator of a new 16-bed care home here in Eureka, “The Lighthouse”. Prior to our moving into 6253 Berry Lane, the building was home to another care home (Cutten Care Home) for the last 30+ years. When the owners/operators of that facility decided to retire, our non-profit organization, Willow Glen Care Center, started the process of moving in. Like Cutten Care Home, The Lighthouse is licensed by the Community Care Licensing Division of the California Department of Social Services.

Recently I was speaking to a few neighbors who had received some misinformation about our facility: words were used that we feel misrepresent the good people in Humboldt County who are working to improve their mental health and are seeking treatment. So, I thought I would try to get the correct information out there:

The Lighthouse is licensed as a co-ed adult residential care facility (ARF) and will serve dependent adults and elders who are connected to Humboldt County Behavioral Health. Most clients served at The Lighthouse will have a Humboldt County Case Manager and will also have a guardian assigned by the Humboldt County Public Guardian’s office. Though The Lighthouse is a new facility, Willow Glen Care Center has been working with Humboldt County since 1996. Willow Glen operates a total of 10 licensed facilities in northern California, including a second facility right here in Eureka.

The Lighthouse employs an Administrator (that’s me), a House Manager, a House Supervisor, a Medication Technician, and about 12 Mental Health Aides and Mental Health Workers. Staff are awake and onsite 24-hours per day and 7-days per week. In addition to the 24/7 awake staff, the premises are also monitored inside and out via a newly installed HD camera system.

All clients referred to The Lighthouse will be assessed by a clinical and interdisciplinary team prior to acceptance. If that team feels that the client is not a good fit for The Lighthouse, that referral would be denied and the client may then be referred to a different level of care. Potential clients who might not be a good fit in this neighborhood, for instance, would not be admitted to this program.

Though we are not a drug/alcohol treatment facility, we recognize that some of our clients will have a history of addiction issues and we’ll work with each client on their individual goals. The Lighthouse is a sober-living environment. Potential clients who are actively using drugs or alcohol would not be admitted to The Lighthouse, and clients who relapse while residing with us (or who break other house rules) may be at risk of losing placement at this facility.

Though The Lighthouse is not a locked facility, clients will have to earn passes before going out into the community (that’s one of our house rules). All pass times will be monitored, and any behaviors while “out and about” will be considered when looking to continue/discontinue community passes. Clients will sign out and sign in for all passes, and client walks/outings will typically occur during normal daylight hours.

As mentioned above, Willow Glen Care Center operates 10 total facilities here in northern California, and at all of our facilities we strive to be good neighbors. I have personally worked for the organization for the past fifteen years, and it is very important to me that our programs add value to our local neighborhoods. The building will be well-maintained, and the yard and grounds will be kept in immaculate condition. There is ample off-street parking for our employees (10 paved spots) and our employees, clients, and visitors will be encouraged to be kind and respectful members of this neighborhood.

Of course, if there are any questions that you may have I want you to feel free to reach out to me directly. I will do my best to respond to any concerns, and the best way to reach me is via email: goodneighbors@wgcc.us

I apologize for not reaching out to our neighbors earlier, and I hope that my negligence has not been interpreted an attempt to deceive anyone. Many of our clients are at risk and have been mistreated or victimized in the past due to the stigma surrounding their diagnoses, so I often err on the side of discretion.

All that being said, I’m confident that The Lighthouse will become a point of pride for this neighborhood, and, as the name implies, a beacon of hope for the community members we serve.

Thank you,

David Gilbert

Press release from Providence St. Joseph:

Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka proudly announces the arrival of the hospital’s first baby of the new year, Madilyn Xiong, born on January 1, 2025, at 1:03 PM.

Parents E. Fong Chang (mom) and Tou Xiong (dad), residents of Eureka, joyfully welcomed their daughter, who weighed in at a healthy 6 lbs 15 oz and measured 19 inches long. Both mother and baby are in excellent health and spirits. Madilyn is the third child for the Xiongs.

“Welcoming a new life into the world is always a special occasion, and we are honored to have played a part in the birth of baby Madilyn, the first baby of 2025 at St. Joseph Hospital,” said Heather Davis, RN, BSN, nurse manager, Childbirth Center at St. Joseph Hospital. “Our amazing caregivers work tirelessly to provide exceptional care, and we are thrilled to see families like the Xiongs start their journey with us.”

A special call-out goes to Bev’s Real Kids in Eureka for generously providing a welcome basket for the Xiong family and commemorating this joyous occasion.

Last year was supposed to mark a milestone in the psychedelic movement. Lawmakers and advocates were set to make California the next frontier in allowing the use of “magic mushrooms.”

They were hopeful because Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023 — after vetoing a bill that would have decriminalized the possession of psychedelics — asked legislators for a bill that would prioritize the therapeutic promise of these drugs.

Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, responded to Newsom’s request with a proposal that would have allowed for psilocybin and other hallucinogens to be ingested in a controlled setting and under the supervision of licensed and trained facilitators.

But that bill, like three similar ones before it and after it, went nowhere. Skeptical lawmakers expressed concerns about funding, standing up a complex program and safety as they turned down the measures.

Undeterred, advocates now are regrouping to try again.

What exactly a new legislative proposal would look like in California is still uncertain, advocates and lawmakers say. Most agree that getting something through in California will have to be more narrow than what’s been proposed in the past, and likely will be centered on providing access to veterans.

What’s most feasible is “some sort of pilot program, or something on a smaller scale to prove it out,” said Jesse Gould, founder and president of the Heroic Hearts Project, which has sponsored psychedelic proposals in California and other states. His nonprofit connects military veterans struggling with post traumatic stress disorder with psychedelic programs in other countries.

Psychedelics remain illegal at the federal level, but voters in two states have authorized them for certain uses and several California cities have passed measures decriminalizing them. President Joe Biden in late 2023 signed a defense spending bill that included money to study how psychedelic drugs could be used to treat veterans and military service members.

What Gould and other advocates envision as a first step for California might look like a proposal Sen. Josh Becker, a Democrat from Menlo Park and Sen. Brian Jones, a San Diego Republican, submitted last summer. Their bill, dubbed Heal Our Heroes Act, would have allowed the counties of San Diego, Santa Cruz and San Francisco to launch up to five centers each where licensed staff could facilitate psilocybin to veterans and former first responders over 21 who passed a screening test.

Their bill did not move forward, but their concept could return.

Prioritizing and limiting this experimental access to veterans and former first responders is the most responsible route, Jones said. He does not support decriminalizing psychedelics for recreational use.

“I want to serve our veterans who are suffering from these mental ailments and do everything we can so that they get the attention they need when they come home,” Jones said.

As of publication, Jones and Becker said they had not yet decided whether they’d re-introduce the Heal Our Heroes bill this year. Wiener’s office did not respond to requests for an interview.

States legalize psychedelic therapies

Approximately 8 million Americans used psilocybin mushrooms in 2023, according to RAND, a research organization, and a UC Berkeley poll showed that 61% of voters support regulated therapeutic use of psychedelic substances.

Since 2020, at least 37 states have introduced bills or ballot measures pertaining to psychedelics. These range from funding research to reducing penalties for possession. Not all proposals make it through, but some researchers predict this momentum will lead to change in state laws over the next several years. One 2023 analysis published in the Journal for the American Medical Association Psychiatry forecasted that a majority of states will have legalized psychedelics by 2037.

In the Golden State, drug reform advocacy groups and researchers have tried at least three times since 2022 to place psychedelic-related measures on the ballot, but have failed to meet the signature-gathering deadlines.

Going to voters is expensive and a major undertaking with no guarantee. The ballot box strategy proved successful in Oregon and Colorado, where voters, in 2020 and 2022, approved measures to allow the facilitated use of psychedelics.

Voters in Massachusetts, however, recently rejected a measure that would have allowed the state to legalize and regulate five plant-based psychedelics for people 21 and up.

Part of the issue with the Massachusetts ballot initiative was that it was too broad, said Jared Moffat, deputy policy director of New Approach, a political action committee dedicated to drug reform. Voters were confused about what exactly the measure would do and who it would apply to, he said. He didn’t view the measure’s failure as a sign that people would reject legalizing psychedelics for specific uses.

“I think that there’s still a ton of support for therapeutic access,” he said. “I think that people, broadly speaking, have a deep understanding that there is a mental health crisis, and that the existing tools that we have help some people, but there are a lot of folks that aren’t being helped.”

Veterans seeking new PTSD treatments

Gould started his nonprofit, Heroic Hearts Project, after his own journey with PTSD led him to the Peruvian Amazon for nontraditional therapies.

Two years after leaving the military, Gould was diagnosed with PTSD. He was also dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury. The former Army Ranger sought therapy from the Department of Veterans Affairs mental, but even before he could see a therapist, he was being offered prescription drugs, he said.

“This didn’t seem like the first, next best step, and I was sort of disillusioned by what was offered,” Gould said. “It was just sort of an acquiescence of, ‘oh yeah, you’re messed up, and you’re going to be messed up,’ as opposed to building tangible steps forward.”

Around the same time, he was hearing about Ayahuasca retreats in Peru. After lots of internet research and a leap of faith, Gould made the trip to Iquitos, a remote town in the northwestern part of the country. He described the experience as one of the most challenging things he’s ever done. Immediately after he felt lighter, more at peace and more connected to everything around him, he said. In the following months, he noticed that the things that would trigger anxiety, hypervigilance or depression, didn’t affect him to the same degree as before, he said.

Groups including Heroic Hearts and Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS) provide “healing grants” to veterans from across the country seeking to try guided psychedelic retreats in other countries. More recently, Heroic Hearts has also started helping vets access psychedelic programs in Oregon.

“There are a lot of veterans from California going to our retreats in Oregon,” Gould said. “I feel like if I was a politician in California, that’d be a little bit embarrassing.”

But demand currently outstrips the availability of these grants, said Kurshid Khoja, director of public policy at Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions, an organization that focuses on veteran suicide prevention.

“We are saying no to a majority of the folks who are applying because we simply don’t have the funds to be able to send them,” Khoja said. “We try to identify folks who have tried everything at this point, and they need a Hail Mary because they are experiencing a suicidal ideation.”

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In California, 449 veterans died by suicide in 2022, the most recent federal data show. By some estimates 1 in 5 U.S veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan experience PTSD and major depression.

The goal, Khoja said, is get to a point where the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves a psychedelic product for therapy that can be available and covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but in the meantime, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions is looking to states to create psychedelic programs.

One of the first things on advocates’ wishlist is a memorandum promising states that the federal government would not pursue charges in states that legalize and regulate psychedelics, said Sam Chapman, a political strategist and former campaign manager for Oregon’s measure that legalized psilocybin use there. The Obama administration issued that kind of guidance to states in 2013 with regard to marijuana.

“The states are going to continue to lead,” Chapman said. “The states passing laws are the reason that the federal government will eventually get off the bench and do something.”

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Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

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

Heather Mae Lenardo, a beautiful baby girl with a full head of hair, was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1975, to Kathy Jorgensen (Bowser) and David Lenardo of Ferndale. With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce her unexpected passing on November 23, 2024.

Heather was born at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna, and grew up in the small communities of Ferndale and Eureka. As a child, she was full of energy and love, but she was a tough little girl. Heather liked playing with her older brother Jereme, who lovingly endured her spirited bossiness. She attended St. Bernard’s High School, where she discovered her passion for sports. Heather excelled on the softball diamond and volleyball court, winning many championships and earning the Top Gun award. She later found joy in coaching her younger sister Meggan in softball, passing on her love for the game.

After high school, Heather entered the workforce with determination and a strong work ethic. She started her career in food services, working at Hometown Buffet in both Eureka and Chico. During her time in Chico, she lived with her sister Meggan, further strengthening their bond. Heather eventually returned to Eureka and took on the role of deli manager at Murphy’s Market in Cutten, a position she was truly passionate about. She adored her customers, and they adored her in return. Whether personally handing out holiday dinners on Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve or going the extra mile to ensure her customers were cared for, Heather’s kindness and dedication shone brightly.

A couple years later, Heather met Ian Meister Baetge, through a mutual friend. Together, they built a life filled with love and welcomed their son, Hunter, who was the light of Heather’s world. She often said, “Isn’t he handsome?” — a sentiment everyone who met him would agree with. Heather was a proud and devoted mother, attending Hunter’s baseball, soccer, and basketball games, always cheering him on with pride and joy.

Outside of her family and work, Heather had a deep love for gardening. She delighted in growing vegetables, flowers, and plants, particularly her prized artichokes and even an avocado tree she grew from seed. Her compassion extended to animals as well — her beloved cats were always well cared for, and she made sure even stray visitors never went hungry.

Heather’s headstrong determination, big heart, and love for her family defined her. She cared deeply for those around her and made a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Heather is survived by her loving son, Hunter, who was her pride and joy; her life partner, Ian Meister Baetge; her mother, Kathy Bowser, and stepfather, Jeff Bowser; her brother, Jereme Lenardo, and nieces Shaylynn and Kelsey; her half-sister, Meggan (Bretney) Johnson, nephew Xander and niece Malloree; her stepmother, Mary Enos-Lenardo; her half-sisters, Shawna Lenardo and Bernadette Lenardo; her half-brothers, Kevin Lenardo and Bradley Lenardo (Tricia), along with their children, Bradley Jr., Casey, and Kelsey; and Ian’s mother, Jeri Meister. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, extended family members, and countless friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Heather was preceded in death by her father, David Lenardo, as well as her maternal grandparents, Gunnar and Clara Jorgensen and her paternal grandparents.

A celebration of Heather’s life will take place at the Elks Lodge in Eureka on February 1, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. All who knew and loved Heather are welcome to attend to honor her remarkable life and the legacy she leaves behind. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple in honor of Heather.

Heather Mae Lenardo, born on Christmas Day, was truly a gift to this world. She had the best laugh — bold and delightful, just like her.

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

Leesa Ann Gleaton
July 7, 1957 – December 17, 2024

Leesa Ann Gleaton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2024, at the age of 67 after an 11-year battle with a rare kind of Alzheimer’s called Benson’s Syndrome. She was the loving wife of Larry Gleaton for 50 years, and a proud mother to three sons — Jacob (Jessica), Justin, and Brant (Tawny) — whom she cherished with all her heart. Her family was everything to her, and she found joy in being surrounded by her grandchildren: Brooklynn, Branson, Baylor, Alexis, Jason and Aubrey.

Born on January 30, 1957, in Corning, California to Jack and Jessie Martin, Leesa grew up with a deep love for adventure and the great outdoors. She was the third of five children, with three sisters — Cindy (Denny), Yvonne (Steve) and Jeanne (Orin) — and a brother, Tony. Together, they shared a bond that was strong and everlasting, and Leesa’s love for her family was unconditional.

Leesa’s passions were many. She loved the ocean and could often be found near its waves, even though she had a particularly humorous relationship with the infamous sneaker waves. She would always remind her sons to respect and appreciate the ocean for both its beauty and danger. Constantly repeating the warning to not turn your back on the ocean. She found peace in the rhythm of the ocean, and her love for it was contagious, as she shared her joy for coastal walks with family and friends. It wasn’t unusual for her to spend hours at the beach, enjoying the water and watching the tides.

In addition to her love for the ocean, Leesa was a true outdoor enthusiast. She enjoyed camping and swimming in rivers, lakes, pools and oceans, and her physical energy was boundless. On one outdoor adventure, Leesa went aboloning at Shelter Cove where she found an impressive 7-gram pearl in one of her abalones. You could always find Leesa running, working out, or going on long hikes, her commitment to staying active and healthy reflected her inner strength. She lived with vitality and grace, always encouraging those around her to do the same.

Leesa’s adventurous spirit also led her to travel widely, visiting many beautiful destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas and Las Vegas, where she often found herself exploring new cultures and relaxing with loved ones. But no matter where she went, her favorite place to be was with family, especially during the holidays and family gatherings. She was always thrilled to visit her children and grandchildren, finding joy in watching them grow and sharing in their milestones.

After graduating from the College of the Redwoods with her Associate in Science. Leesa began a 27-year career in the medical field starting as a medical assistant and working her way up to office manager. She found the most satisfaction in working with patients daily, but her drive to seek new challenges led her to management.

Leesa was a loving daughter to Jack and Jessie Martin, who preceded her in death. She was also a cherished sister, aunt and friend to many. Her vibrant personality, infectious laugh and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Leesa’s legacy of love, laughter and adventure will live on through her family, who will continue to honor her memory by embracing life with the same zest and joy that she did. A celebration of Leesa’s life will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Fortuna Monday Club, her family invites those who knew and loved her to join them in remembering the incredible woman she was.

In place of flowers, donations may be made in Leesa’s honor to her favorite charity, supporting youth sports and outdoor recreation programs.

Rest in peace, Leesa. Your waves of love will continue to ripple through the hearts of those you touched.