The long, gradual implementation of Arcata’s Gateway Plan has begun.

The Gateway Area Plan, passed in 2024 by the Arcata City Council, was a comprehensive zoning update that recategorized 139 acres into mixed-use and high-density zoning, with the intent to transform much of Arcata into a dense town that emphasizes walkability and infill projects. Now, a couple years later, the floor is open for public debate: How will we do it?

Last night’s meeting of the Arcata Planning Commission didn’t come to any big conclusions on that question, but it was one of the first steps in the process. The commissioners received a presentation from Lisa Wise Consulting (LWC), a consulting firm contracted to assist Arcata’s community development program, on what the process to implement the (often finicky and granular) details looks like. 

One of the first steps is updating the land use code, the set of regulations that govern how people can develop property. The list of recommendations LWC shared with the commission runs to a dense 17 pages; not all of them will be adopted. Arcata’s land use code was last updated in 2008. Though the city council and the commission are set to review the proposed changes next month during a joint session, they probably won’t be adopted until early next year.

If put into law, the updates would include eliminating parking minimums and maximum-density restrictions, prohibit the construction of new billboards on scenic roads, allow for restaurant sidewalk dining, encourage the daylighting of creeks and the planting of native plant species, ensure that buildings are constructed right next to sidewalks — that’s a tiny sample. In general, if altering something in the code would make Arcata friendlier to people wishing to walk around, enjoy the scenery, and spend money at small businesses, there’s probably something in those suggestions proposing a change.

It’s up to the commissioners to decide if they think it’s a good idea to recommend LWC’s outline to the city council. 

It’s worth taking a stroll through it for yourself, city staff said at the meeting; the process for adopting any code changes is generally a public one, but considering the scale of these ones, it’s especially vital.

“I feel like we made a pact with the community to share publicly the decisions that are being made, even if they are ministerial,” Arcata’s Director of Community Development David Loya said. “I wouldn’t recommend that we renege on that promise to the community at this point.”

A bill that sailed through the State Assembly could help people escaping domestic violence when filing restraining orders against their abusers, proponents say.

Assembly Bill 1657, authored by North Coast Assemblymember Chris Rogers, would prohibit courts from requiring people seeking Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) to provide advance notice to who they’re filing it against, before a court grants an emergency order.

Courts would also be prohibited from requiring explanations on why notice hadn’t been provided.

The bill passed the California Assembly May 4 without a single no vote, and next will make its journey through the Senate.

Organizations that support people leaving domestic violence say the change could help people during a key, dangerous time.

Jeffrey Delgadillo, safe haven coordinator for Humboldt Domestic Violence Services, said these orders are used to get somebody to stay away from them after leaving abusive relationships.

In some cases, when clients break off a DV relationship, the other person won’t accept it and continues harassing or stalking them, said Delgadillo. 

A key purpose of the restraining order, he said, is to make this harassment — like showing up to their ex-partner’s workplace to stare at them, looming outside their home, or finding them in public places — in violation of a court order.

“There’s a legal court order saying that somebody has to be 100 yards away from them,” he said, adding once the restraining order is granted police can now enforce it.

These orders are typically used at a time abusers feel their power and control slipping, and can lash out.

“That is one of the most dangerous times, when somebody is trying to leave,” said Delgadillo.

California law has special protections for these restraining orders.

Current law already states a court may not deny an application for a DVRO “based solely” on failure to provide notice, and DVROs do not always require advance notice, according to the assembly analysis.

But, according to Rogers, court paperwork in some counties includes a box to check indicating whether you’ve notified the alleged abuser ahead of filing your papers.

The average person would assume you need to do that, he said.

He said they’ve heard from domestic violence survivors who looked at the phrasing on the paper as they’re trying to file, and find “it makes it seem like they literally have to go tell the person, ‘Hey, I’m about to go file this temporary restraining order,’” Rogers told the Outpost.

Rogers argued, during the bill’s third reading, that ambiguity in the law has allowed for this.

Organizations who support domestic violence survivors say that telling an abuser in advance can be risky.

Requiring people to be notified before the temporary protective order has been issued and is not yet enforceable, “that’s when it starts getting dangerous for the survivor, because the person might get reactive,” said Delgadillo.

The sponsor of the bill is the California Family Justice Network, an organization that helps victims of interpersonal violence.

“It is well documented that the time of separation from an abusive partner, and the first several months that follow, is the most dangerous period for victims of domestic violence (DV). Requiring a survivor to notify an abusive partner of their intent to seek a restraining order before protection is granted creates a dangerous gap between notification and protection,” a California Family Justice Network statement in the Senate analysis says.

Delgadillo said the bill could minimize some of the risk.

Other supporters include California Civil Liberties Advocacy and the Peace Officers Research Association Of California.

One concern Delgadillo noted was abusers using DVRO’s against the other person. He said abusers have used a made-up story to get the other person in trouble “more than a handful of times,” in his seven years at HDVS. They can also use the orders as leverage to get temporary child custody. 

“Somebody who is manipulative and abusive is gonna take advantage of any system — which is not a fault of the legal system, I would say,” he added.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Family Law Section opposes the bill, arguing in a statement “there are certainly cases in which such notice is appropriate,” and advocates for the law to stay the same, to allow a judge to make the call.

The statement noted current laws already allow a Court to grant a restraining order without prior notice, and argues the change infringes on the Constitutional due process rights of a defendant unnecessarily.

Rogers said he picked up the idea from a town hall in Sonoma County, after attorneys at Sonoma County’s Family Justice Center told him the law was having a chilling effect on domestic violence victims seeking temporary restraining orders.

“It’s such a commonsense, easy fix,” he said.

“What we can hope the most for, from this bill, is that for folks who need this remedy, for folks who are experiencing domestic violence, that they understand that the law supports them and gives them additional tools to seek justice and to build a better life, and that they don’t feel trapped by the system putting them in potentially dangerous situation in order to seek that remedy,” he said.

Humboldt Domestic Violence Services’ 24 Hour Support Line can be reached at 707-443-6042

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Eureka’s prized Pink Lady Mansion is going pinker than ever before.

A makeover is currently underway to transform the Queen Anne Victorian from its iconic rosy hue to a vivid hot pink. The new paint job is a part of a years-long effort to revamp The Pink Lady, which rebranded as “The Pinc” shortly after Jacqueline Kretchmer took its helm in 2020. The boutique hotel now hosts guests in its four rooms and, eventually, Kretchmer plans to open a café in its basement and a gift shop in the carriage house out back.

“I think it’s essential that we invite people into this space because it’s the only way it can be saved and preserved,” she told the Outpost during a tour of the mansion. “There are very few [Victorians] that are all original. You can go to San Francisco, and [those houses] have maybe an original façade, but they’ve been gutted on the inside. This is unique, and we love to have people come and visit.”

Believe it or not, The Pink Lady wasn’t always pink. After the mansion was built in the late 1880s, a gift from lumber baron William Carson to his son and bride-to-be, the redwood exterior was stained a dark brown. There are some conflicting reports, but it seems the pink color scheme was adopted after former Eureka Mayor Robert Madsen purchased the property in the 1960s.

The recent color change has sparked fierce debate among Facebook’s esteemed design experts. In a community page comment section, some described the flamingo pink as “garish,” “gaudy,” “yuck bummer” and “not classy at all.” Many others were in favor of the transformation, with some saying “She’s beautiful no matter what!” and others likening the mansion to a real-life Barbie Dreamhouse. 

“I think it’s beautiful,” said one of the more practical commenters. “For those upset, remember in just a few years even that hot pink is going to fade. I think it’s good to let her shine for a while.”

Asked to share her thoughts on the negative comments, Kretchmer felt the new shade is in keeping with vibrant homes throughout Eureka and in other coastal communities.

“Not too long ago, I spent about three weeks driving the entire coastline around the United States, and every coastal town has bright, vibrant beach houses,” she said. “This is no different, and that’s what I love about it! It’s coastal, but it’s historical, and I think that’s most important. The Pink Lady stands out even better now.”

“The Carson Mansion looks a little dated now,” she joked. 

Kretchmer’s son, Mario Jarak, is doing most of the painting himself. While I took pictures of the exterior of the mansion, he pointed out some of the ornamental bits he had painted pink along the roofline that were previously washed over with white. He said it’s been “an honor and a privilege” to restore a piece of local history.

Kretchmer is still working out the details for the café planned for The Pink Lady’s basement, but she’s hoping to serve chowders and crepes once it opens, sometime after the renovations wrap up.

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Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On May 12th, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Eureka Police Department Animal Control Unit responded to a residence in the 1700 block of H Street for a report of several dogs running loose in public in front of the residence.

Upon arrival, the Animal Control Officer observed what appeared to be hazardous and unhealthy living conditions inside and around the residence. Patrol and Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) Officers responded to assist with the investigation. During the investigation, officers learned that a juvenile and an infant were living at the residence with two adults identified as Karen Asbury, 53 years old of Eureka, and Shawna Brink, 45 years old of Eureka.

Due to the hazardous conditions inside the residence, City Code Enforcement responded and deemed the residence uninhabitable. Humboldt County Child Welfare Services responded and took protective custody of the juvenile and infant. The dogs located at the residence were transported to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter for care.

Karen Asbury and Shawna Brink were both taken into custody and booked for felony child endangerment and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4300.

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Press release from Humboldt Made:

Humboldt Made is proud to announce the return of the Eureka Friday Night Market, kicking off May 22nd, in Old town Eureka, in partnership with the City of Eureka and the North Coast Growers Association. Now in its most exciting season yet, Friday Night Market continues to grow as one of Humboldt County’s most beloved community events, celebrating local creativity, supporting small businesses, and bringing people together week after week.

This year, the market is bigger and better than ever, with thoughtful updates designed to enhance both the visitor experience and opportunities for the incredible community that makes this event so special.

At the heart of the Friday Night Market are more than 150 local vendors, a vibrant mix of farmers, food producers, artists, makers, and small businesses. From handmade goods and locally grown produce to prepared foods and specialty products, the market offers a true snapshot of Humboldt’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

One of the most exciting changes this season is the new main stage location at the corner of 2nd and G Street, creating a more dynamic and central hub for live music and performances. In addition, the beloved Gazebo will be transformed into a Non-Profit Spotlight Zone, giving local organizations a dedicated space to connect with the community and share their work.

We’re also welcoming our new Market Coordinator, Olivia Gambino, whose energy, organization, and passion for community are already helping shape what promises to be an incredible season.

“We are proud to produce an outstanding event that celebrates Humboldt creativity, supports local makers, and fosters economic opportunity within our community,” said Olivia Gambino, Friday Night Market Coordinator.

Humboldt Made Executive Director Rosa Dixon added, “There’s an energy at Friday Night Market that you can’t replicate—incredible food, live music, and makers all coming together in one place. It’s where you feel the heartbeat of this community, and it’s something we’re truly passionate about continuing to grow.”

In a continued effort to make the market more accessible and sustainable, Humboldt Made is launching a Punch Card Rewards Program in partnership with Humboldt Transit Authority, encouraging attendees to ride the bus and earn rewards for participating.

The 2026 season will feature an exciting lineup of weekly themes and live music, including opening night with the Kinetic Grand Championship, Juneteenth celebrations, Pride Night, and themed evenings like Neon Night, 90’s/Y2K Throwback, and Resort Wear Chic. With performances from local favorites and regional talent, the music lineup promises something for everyone.

Humboldt Made Marketing Director Charlene Cook shared her excitement for the season:  “We have some stellar vendors this year along with a really fun lineup of music. It’s going to be another great season of community fun!”

Friday Night Market runs weekly throughout the summer in Old Town Eureka and continues to serve as a vital platform for local entrepreneurs, artists, farmers, and nonprofits.

Whether you come for the food, the music, the shopping, or simply the atmosphere, Friday Night Market is where Humboldt comes together.

Join us May 22nd for opening night and experience what it means to Choose Humboldt.

Press release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Following three consecutive years of closure, salmon fishing will return to the Klamath River Basin and Sacramento River for the upcoming summer and fall seasons. More good news comes for inland anglers with a full season on the Feather, American and Mokelumne rivers after a shortened season in 2025. These added fishing opportunities come as a result of an increase in numbers of adult Chinook salmon returning from the ocean to the Klamath Basin and Central Valley.

The California Fish and Game Commission at its May 6 meeting adopted amendments to sport fishing regulations specifying season dates, bag and possession limits for the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley, and a quota for the Klamath and Trinity rivers. The adopted regulations aim to protect salmon as populations are expected to continue to rebound as a result of actions guided by California’s Salmon Strategy for a Hotter Drier Future (PDF)(external link).

“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is incredibly encouraged to see our public and private collaborative efforts pay off, allowing us to expand opportunities for California’s dedicated angling community while maintaining a steadfast commitment to long-term population recovery,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “It is a moment of genuine celebration for everyone invested in the health of our watersheds. CDFW looks forward to seeing anglers return to the Klamath Basin and Central Valley for fishing and fun on the river.”

Increases in hatchery production, investments in salmon research and habitat restoration projects, a series of good water years, dam removals and inland and ocean fishery closures have all aligned to bring Chinook and with that, Chinook fishing, back to the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley.

For the Klamath Basin, fishing will open for late spring-run Chinook salmon July 1 and will continue until Aug. 14 on the Klamath River and Aug. 31 on the Trinity River. Fall-run Chinook salmon fishing will begin on Aug. 15 on the Klamath River and Sept. 1 on the Trinity River and continue until Dec. 31. The fall-run adult quota is 3,248 fish, though fishing for jacks will continue after the adult quota is met. For the late spring-run salmon fishery, the daily bag limit is one fish of any size and the possession limit is two fish. For the fall-run salmon fishery, the daily bag limit is two fish, only one of which can be an adult greater than 23 inches; the possession limit is six fish, of which only three may be adults greater than 23 inches.

For the Central Valley, the general fall-run salmon fishing season will open on July 16 and close on Dec. 16, with some variation for upper and lower stretches of the rivers. For each tributary a daily bag limit of two fish and a possession limit of four fish of any size has been set.

All regulations, season dates and boundaries will be printed in the Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF)(external link) when available.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council finalized its recommendations for California’s recreational and commercial ocean salmon seasons and harvest limits at its April 7-12 meeting. For more information about the 2026 ocean salmon fishing season, see the press release.

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On May 11, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to St. Joseph’s Hospital to meet with a 40-year-old victim of a reported sexual assault.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the deputy contacted the victim, who was accompanied by a member of the North Coast Rape Crisis Team. During the investigation, the suspect was identified as 32-year-old Rashad Carter of Eureka.

Based on the victim’s statement and evidence collected, a Ramey warrant (arrest warrant) was issued for Carter’s arrest.

On May 12, 2026, at approximately 9:32 p.m., deputies responded to Carter’s residence in the 2100 block of Fern Street in Eureka and arrested him on the warrant.

Carter was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

• PC 261(a)(2) — Rape by Force or Fear
• PC 287(c)(2)(A) — Oral Copulation by Use of Force or Fear
• PC 289(a)(1)(A) — Sexual Penetration with Force or Fear

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.