While Republicans celebrated a red wave nationally, California voters affirmed the state’s solid blue politics with Democratic candidates seeing strong returns for state and federal office.

As the prospect of a second Donald Trump presidency loomed large over California, the state elected a new U.S. senator in Adam Schiff. A Burbank Democrat, Schiff made a national name for himself in the U.S. House by leading the prosecution of Trump’s first impeachment and for his key role investigating the Jan. 6th storming of the Capitol.

Democrats were also leading the most contested races to represent California in Congress, and they were leading in races that would expand their supermajority in the state Legislature, making the state well positioned to lead the resistance to a second Trump presidency.

But California’s voters were hesitant to fully embracing a progressive agenda. They soundly passed a ballot initiative to raise criminal sentences, a measure Gov. Gavin Newsom and the progressive wing of the Legislature had opposed. They once again rejected a ballot initiative that would have permitted an expansion of rent control.

And they also ousted a progressive prosecutor in Los Angeles County, the state’s largest.

“It’s just one of these things where the allegiance to Democratic candidates and supporting Democratic candidates doesn’t always mean an allegiance to every progressive cause,” said Paul Mitchell, an election analyst.

News outlets called Democrat Kamala Harris the winner of the state’s electoral votes the moment polls closed at 8 p.m., and also swiftly called the race to claim the U.S. Senate seat long held by Democrat Dianne Feinstein. Schiff cruised to victory against Steve Garvey, a former L.A. Dodgers star seeking to become the first Republican elected statewide in 18 years. Schiff won a six-year term to replace Sen. Laphonza Butler, who decided not to run for reelection after she was appointed by Newsom to replace Feinstein, who died last year.

Democrats took early leads in four of six contested Congressional races, key seats that could keep Democrats in control of that chamber and act as a bulwark against Trump.

The Associated Press still hasn’t called who controls the House of Representatives , and it could take days or more to determine the victors in several of those contested races, particularly in California.

On ballot measures, voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36, which progressives opposed, that increases sentences for certain crimes and partial vote totals show them rejecting progressive-sponsored Prop. 6 that would prohibit forced labor in prisons. Prop. 33, which would expand rent control, failed.

Prop. 32, which would raise the minimum wage, was too close to call, as were several other statewide propositions.

Meanwhile, Democrats were leading their Republican opponents in three contested Legislative seats, which would expand the supermajority they need to raise taxes or put initiatives on the ballot without a single Republican vote.

But should early vote totals hold, Mike Gatto, a former Democratic state lawmaker from Los Angeles, cautioned members of his party not to consider it an edict from the California electorate to embrace far-left policies in response to Trump’s return to office.Gatto noted that California’s voters appear to have signaled through the state’s ballot initiatives a more moderate platform. Taken with the national election results, Gatto said California’s elected Democrats should be mindful of appearing too liberal.

“I think it would be wise for California Democrats to try to moderate the agenda a little bit,” Gatto said.

In Los Angeles County, voters chose Nathan Hochman — a former federal prosecutor who ran for state Attorney General as a Republican in 2022 — to replace incumbent District Attorney George Gascón, a progressive.

Some experts say the votes show California has more nuanced political views than its national reputation as a liberal bastion suggests.

Christian Grose, professor of political science at University of Southern California, saw the mixed bag as fairly typical for California.

“The state in general seems like it’s still going Democratic, and might swing the U.S. House to the Democrats,” he said, “while also supporting policies sometimes that are a little bit more conservative and a little bit more liberal.”

One note of caution about overnight California election results: For some of the closest races, it may be weeks before we know the final outcome. Though this has stoked mistrust among voters, the reasons are not nefarious.

Since 2020, California has mailed a ballot to every registered voter — a convenience that requires additional verification by local elections officials when it’s returned, including authenticating the signature and checking that the voter has not already cast a ballot in another jurisdiction before counting it. The counting takes significantly more manual labor, as workers must open the envelopes, extract the ballots, align them for counting machines and duplicate any damaged ballots that cannot be read.

California accepts ballots that arrive up to seven days late, as long as they are postmarked by election day, and give voters an opportunity to fix missing or mismatched signatures. These delays are deliberate, to minimize the number of legitimate voters disqualified for procedural reasons and ensure a secure and accurate count.

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CalMatters Capitol reporter Alexei Koseff contributed to this story.

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

Press release from the California Highway Patrol:

On November 6, 2024, at approximately 3:17 AM, the California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area received a call of an injured male, lying within the southbound lanes of US-101, at the Greenlaw Vista Point (just north of Jordan Creek). Officers responded to the scene and located an adult male, identified as 23-year-old Max Wolfe of Fortuna, suffering from major injuries consistent with having been hit by a vehicle. Mr. Wolfe was transported by emergency medical personnel to Providence St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The California Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation and is asking for the public’s help in identifying the involved vehicle. Anyone that may have information related to this investigation should call the Humboldt Area CHP Office at 707-822-5981 or the CHP Humboldt Communication Center’s non-emergency line at 707-268-2000. You can also email Humboldt_Area@chp.ca.gov with any information.

Claudia Darlene Brundin
Oct. 10, 1945 — Oct. 30, 2024

Claudia was born in Arcata to Oscar Eric Brundin Sr. and Margaret Annie Champion Brundin. At only 4 pounds she was a miracle baby. She was also affectionately known as “Sister” and “Auntie.”

Claudia lived in Blue Lake most of her life, lived on family property that is on the Blue Lake Rancheria. She loved animals — she will be greatly missed by her dog Betsy and parrot Brat. Betsy would look forward to the daily trip to the Riptide Café where Auntie got a hot mocha and Betsy got a treat.

Claudia had a really rough last year — with fluid buildup in her body, weakness, asthma and COPD.

She worked many jobs before starting at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Eureka. She went on to be Head of Housekeeping, working there for 34 years. Also during those years she worked tirelessly for the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe. As chairperson she was involved in all aspects of the planning and building of Blue Lake Casino and Hotel and worked as the Director of Housekeeping for the Casino and Hotel.

Auntie was the Secretary for the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal council and then Tribal Chairperson starting in 1994. She was part of the founding members for the Blue Lake Rancheria. She was very proud of the accomplishments of the Rancheria.

She had many interests – collecting stamps, making and painting ceramics, crocheting, collecting coats, movie theatre popcorn, basket weaving and Christmas. Claudia loved taking trips first with her parents to get out of doing chores. She took many trips with Penny Stephenson and her father Robert (good friends). On trips that her dad drove – he wouldn’t let her open the windows or stop for the restroom … or get out of the car to see the cousins or anything else.

Diane Holliday was a huge part of Auntie’s life. Diane came to live with the family when she was 18 years old and never left. Diane was our honorary aunt. They had many adventures together from driving cars that would break down to trying to ride canoes down the Russian River and losing everything – including wallets and glasses. Trips with Arla Ramsey who would walk everywhere very fast and the hotels were terrible but they were the cheapest.

There were lots and lots of trips to Disneyland with all of the nieces and nephews. Other favorite destinations were Washington D.C., Las Vegas and Reno. Dorothy McKinnon was her partner in crime at the casinos.

Auntie spent many years caring for her mother, Margaret. Auntie also liked to bake. The AT& T repairman was at our house once and, pointing to Auntie’s house, he said “That is where the cream puff lady lives.”

Auntie loved taking care of us kids. Rusty and Jody spent a lot of time here when they were young. She just loved all of us kids. The great nephews were the beasty boys. Auntie and Aunt Diane would take us to the movie theatre often – we just loved it. They would show up at our house on Christmas morning at dark thirty (they had to work) and wake us up to be able to share Christmas with us.

She would occasionally call and start the conversation with “You know how I hate to complain” and then she would let you know what was bugging her – usually that Jeopardy was moved or not on - then she would laugh and laugh!

“Hello cutie” was another salutation.

She spent most of her life taking care of others. It was a privilege to be able to take care of her the last couple of years. A big thank you to Charise for being there and taking care of Auntie especially over the last 3-4 months. We loved her so much. We will all miss her. She leaves a big hole in our family and our hearts.

Claudia leaves behind numerous family and friends including:

Brother – Howard “Mike” Brundin and Nikki, Aunt Martha Losh, Cousins – Lois Crawford, Linda Ainger, Rosemary Graves, Vern Losh(Teresa), Vanessa Freeland, Melissa McCann, Carrie and Kristi Hoerauf

Nieces and Nephews – Charise Shackelford, Audrey (David) Baldosser, Jody (Kristy) Brundin, Rusty McMorrow . Great nephews – Gabe Shackelford, Mike ( Kelsay) Shackelford, Jace Baldosser and Fiancé Ana Avila, Nathan Baldosser, Andrew and Sean Brundin ,Shanna Morrill, Tanya Ganfield, Amber Burgess, Ron and David Ainger

Friends too numerous to name – but a few, Jacqueline Perez, Julie Soper, Linda Daggs, Chong Pyon, Maria Trip, Arla Ramsey

The Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe has been a great part of her life. Thank you for being there for her all of these years.

Preceded by: parents Oscar Eric Brundin Sr. Margaret Annie Brundin (Champion), Brothers- Butch and David Brundin, Aunt Norma Hoerauf (Roger), Aunt Cora Harris, Aunt Irene Wilson, Uncle Vern Losh, Best friend- Diane Holliday

A celebration of life will be held at the Sapphire Palace at the Blue Lake Casino at 1 o’clock on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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PREVIOUSLY: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Committee appointments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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