John Richard Grimm
June 25, 1964 – December 7, 2025

It has taken time for us to process the unexpected loss of John Richard Grimm, who passed away on December 7, 2025. Beloved father, devoted friend, cherished brother and loving nephew, John touched the lives of everyone who knew him with his warmth, kindness and quiet humor. Though his passing was sudden, we now share this tribute to honor the remarkable life he lived, the love he gave and the many ways he made the world brighter.

John was born on June 25, 1964, in Ohio, the son of Judson Grimm and Ruth Gardner, both of whom preceded him in death. He later came to Humboldt County to attend Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt), and he fell in love with the area, ultimately making his home in Trinidad, California, drawn by the beauty of the coastal beaches and nearby redwood forests, just steps from his residence.

John was a devoted father to his daughter, Ariel Grimm. Being her dad was one of the most meaningful and cherished roles of his life. He took pride in guiding her, sharing experiences and creating memories filled with laughter, love and connection that will remain her lasting legacy.

Despite being visually impaired (legally blind), John never let it limit him. He was an avid hiker and backpacker, exploring the rugged wilderness of Northern California, including the Trinity Alps and Marble Mountains, where he embraced every challenge and the joys of nature. He even mountain biked through the redwoods and completed solo backpacking trips in the Trinity Alps — remarkable accomplishments that reflected his determination and courage. His German Shepherd, Jo, was his constant companion on these adventures, helping him navigate the trails and sharing in his love of the outdoors. John had a deep affection for animals, finding joy and connection in both pets and wildlife. He also held a black belt in karate, enjoying the discipline and focus of the martial arts.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration from Humboldt State University. An avid reader, John especially loved science fiction, admiring authors such as Isaac Asimov.

John is survived by his daughter, Ariel Grimm; his uncle, Joseph Grimm of Pennsylvania, to whom he was a beloved nephew; his younger brother, Ronald Grimm of Long Beach; and other family members. He is also lovingly remembered by the mother of his daughter, who remained one of his closest and most steadfast friends throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents. His aunt, Marcia Grimm, passed away shortly after John.

A private service will be announced at a later time, with his ashes to be scattered in the natural places he loved. Those who wish to honor John’s memory are encouraged to do so in a way that feels meaningful to them.

John Richard Grimm will be remembered for his intellect, curiosity, love of nature and animals, his discipline and the quiet yet profound ways he touched the lives of those around him.

Gloria Ann Allen (Benson)
March 14, 1937 to February 19, 2026

We are sad to announce that our beloved mother, widow, and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep just shy of her 89th birthday on February 19, 2026 in Fortuna. She was born at Farrar’s Maternity Home in Fortuna on March 14, 1937 to parents Jack and Sophie Benson, who are both deceased. She was active while attending Fortuna Elementary School, joining Campfire Girls holding offices of secretary, vice president and president.

At that time she began a pen pal relationship with a girl in England. They corresponded regularly and remained life-long friends. She finally met Shirley in 2016 on a trip with her daughter Julie to Oakham, England, which made the local paper with an interview showing pictures and an article about their unique pen-pal relationship over many decades.

Gloria attended Fortuna High School where she belonged to several clubs including Girls’ League, Girls’ Athletic Association, Semper Amice, Future Homemakers of America, and the Better Business Bureau. She was a life member of the California Scholarship Society. Gloria was married to Don Allen (deceased) for 67 years and they raised their children in the house that Don built on the street that he also built and bears the Allen name. They had three children, Julie Allen (Portland), Leslie Allen (Eureka), and Steven Allen (Keri, son Bode) in Cutten.

She received an achievement award in business from Bank of America in 1955 and worked at the California Division of Highways, now better known as Caltrans, as a personnel officer where she met life-long friends. When the kids were in school, she volunteered with the Cutten Elementary School PTA where she spearheaded hamburger day, getting the kids hamburgers delivered when the school had no cafeteria. The entire family rode horses in the Fortuna parade as part of the Fortuna Rodeo in 1974 and won a trophy for Best Family Group. Both Gloria and Don were San Francisco Giants and 49’ers fans and enjoyed going to games and watching them on TV.

Gloria had the spirit of a world traveler, loved to see new horizons and meet interesting people along the way. She also loved reading, dancing, painting, picnicking, camping, and especially going to “The City” every summer with her mother to visit relatives and friends in the Bay Area. Mom cherished her trips to Europe, as well as their travels around the country with friends after retirement in their motor home. She looked forward to spending several weeks each fall on the Oregon Coast.

She loved her family and her friends. She had regular lunch meetings with her girlfriends and liked to host events that allowed them to dress up, eat good food, drink some wine, and enjoy their company such as hosting dinners for the Academy Awards or New Year’s Eve.

She was a steadfast, fun and caring friend to so many people. There is a graveside service planned at the Catholic Cemetery at 1715 Rohnerville Road at 10 a.m. on March 11, 2026. Those wishing to come celebrate her life are welcome.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Gloria Ann Allen’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Gail Fleming Turner, was born on June 25, 1947 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Julius August Fleming and Pearl Luella Fleming. She passed away in Humboldt County on December 5, 2025, at the age of 78.

Gail graduated from Brown Deer High School, in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, the Rosemary Bishcoff Modeling School, in Milwaukee, and the Prospect Hall School of Business, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

She met her husband, David Turner, in Milwaukee while working at Continental Can Company. Dave was taken aback by her beauty and grace from the first time he met her. They were married on October 4. 1969, at Fox Point Lutheran Church, in Fox Point, Wisconsin.

Gail lived a full, rich life, with dignity, style and humor. She was known most recently to her friends in Humboldt County as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. She and her husband raised a total of fourteen puppies, of which many went on to assist sight-impaired individuals move through the world safely and confidently. Gail always welcomed her “career changed” and retired dogs to live out the remainder of their lives with her, in a loving and caring home.

Gail’s other special interests included professional dancing, ice skating, horses, Broadway musicals, travel, walking with Francene, watching “Days of Our Lives” and “Dancing With the Stars”, playing video poker, Rombauer Chardonnay, Friday Night Margaritas and spending time with her friends and with Dave and “the boys.”

Gail was also a supporter of many philanthropic causes, including but not limited to Planned Parenthood, Hospice of Humboldt and many local and international animal rescue organizations.Gail was preceded in death by her parents Julius August Fleming and Pearl Luella Fleming, brothers-in-law Edward Hipke and Phillip Turner, best buddy, Sally Mueller and her beloved pets: Grizzly, Hoover, Crackers, Casey, George, Kirk, Rembrandt, Zane, Scooter, Tango, Gifford, Tornado, Kona, Cutlass, Clyde, Barlow, Micki and Oliver.

Gail is survived by her husband, David Turner, sisters Sharon Hipke, of Fox Point Wisconsin and Jan Manske, of Palm Springs, California, sister-in-law Paula Turner, of Chicago, Illinois, niece Heather Kohls, nephew David Hipke, grandnieces Erica Kohls and Sophia Hipke, grandnephews Christopher Kohls and Joshua Hipke and her beloved Labrador Retrievers: Caribou and Rollo. She is also survived by special friends Julie and John Mastroni, Susan and Jim Aste, Marti Massey, Francene and Jim Rizza, Chuck Powell, Stephanie Wyse, Susan and Peter Lawsky, Helen and John Grootveld, Heidi and John Fransway, Frances Nicolini, Julie Kastler, Pat Fredericks and Barb Paulson.

A special thank you is extended to the medical staff at Redwood Memorial Hospital and the staff at Hospice of Humboldt, all of whom gave Gail tender, loving, professional care, A Remembrance Celebration will be held for Gail on Saturday, March 14 at 4 p.m. at Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Court, Eureka, CA. All who knew and wish to honor her are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, a gift in Gail’s honor, to Hospice of Humboldt, located at 3327 Timber Fall Court, in Eureka, California, 95503, is suggested.

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

PREVIOUSLY:

• Eureka Police Department Launches New Initiative to Improve Safety, Reduce Blight Along Hwy. 101

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Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

Last night, the Eureka Police Department (EPD) presented Operation Gateway 101 to City Council, highlighting a coordinated, proactive effort to improve traffic safety and quality of life along the U.S. Highway 101 Corridor. The corridor has historically faced traffic safety challenges, including collisions involving motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, as well as unsafe driving, bicycling, and pedestrian behaviors. Quality-of-life concerns—such as encampments, graffiti, debris, and aggressive conduct—have also affected local businesses, employees, and patrons.

Additionally, the area experiences elevated levels of theft, vandalism, and property-related crimes, negatively impacting overall community safety and livability.

Operation Gateway 101 is a collaborative initiative involving EPD, Public Works, Code Enforcement, other City departments, and community partners. The program is designed to address traffic safety and quality-of-life concerns along the Highway 101 Corridor, the city’s primary gateway, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

While Operation Gateway 101 provides focused attention along this critical corridor, the Eureka Police Department continues to actively address crime, traffic safety, and quality-of-life concerns throughout the entire community. Citywide patrol operations, targeted enforcement efforts, community engagement, and investigative follow-up remain ongoing to ensure public safety across all neighborhoods in Eureka.

As part of the Operation Gateway 101 initiative, on March 3, 2026, at approximately 10:54 PM, officers conducted a bicycle stop on the 2400 block of Broadway for a lighting violation. The individual, later identified as 30-year-old Jabril Abdallah Lovern, was searched incident to his probation status. The search resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine packaged for sale, additional packaging materials, and cash in various denominations.

Lovern was arrested and booked on charges of: HS 11378 – Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale, HS 11379 – Transportation of Methamphetamine for Sale, PC 1203.2(a) – Violation of Probation.

The Eureka Police Department emphasizes these proactive efforts—both along the Highway 101 Corridor and throughout the broader community—are part of an ongoing commitment to reduce crime, improve public safety, and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit the City of Eureka.

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National political intrigue broke into full stride this week, with high-stakes primaries in Texas and North Carolina, but here in Humboldt it’s looking like the “race” for two seats on the county’s board of supervisors may be a snooze-fest.

As things currently stand, incumbent Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo is running unopposed as she seeks a second four-year term on the board. Time is quickly running out for any aspiring challengers. (The Fourth District encompasses Eureka, Myrtletown, Fairhaven and environs. See map here.)

Friday at 5 p.m. is the deadline to file the necessary paperwork with the Humboldt County Office of Elections if you’re planning to challenge Arroyo. (You’ll need a declaration of candidacy and candidate statement of qualifications. More info here.)

Up in the Fifth District (which includes McKinleyville, Willow Creek, Orick and everything in between), incumbent Steve Madrone is not seeking re-election. However, he nominated an heir apparent nearly a year ago, endorsing McKinleyville ecologist Mary Burke. 

Burke, who has served on the McKinleyville Community Services District, the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee (MMAC) and the Friends of the Arcata Marsh Board of Directors, also has no challengers at this relatively late stage in the race. 

However, because the incumbent (Madrone) is bowing out, candidates are given a few extra days to submit their paperwork. If you’re hoping to run against Burke, you’ll need to get your declaration of candidacy and nomination documents in to the Elections Office by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11.

Again, more information on the statewide June 2 primary election can be found on the Elections Office website. 

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The Eureka Police Department is ramping up enforcement on Hwy. 101 to address ongoing traffic safety issues — namely, fatal collisions — and reduce blight along the city’s main corridor. The initiative: “Operation Gateway 101.”

During a presentation at last night’s city council meeting, EPD Commander Leonard La France said the department has recorded 10 fatal traffic collisions on the 101 corridor since 2020 — five involving pedestrians, three bicyclists and two drivers. The department saw a “massive increase” in traffic enforcement last year after Police Chief Brian Stephens launched a department-wide effort to boost officer-initiated activity. Traffic stops are up by 241%, but the new enforcement tactic has done little to reduce collisions.

“Even though we had a massive increase in traffic enforcement last year, we only lowered our traffic collisions by about one to 2% overall,” La France said. “For a city our size, 10 fatals on the 101 corridor is not positive, so we need to change that. … We’re going to focus a little bit more on Broadway and Fourth and Fifth [streets]. Again, these areas where we have pedestrian fatalities, bike fatalities [and] vehicles that are having collisions.”

By increasing visibility in “hotspot areas,” the EPD hopes to deter speeding and reduce other “problematic behavior.” A new method the department has deployed is “rear amber deterrence” to improve officer visibility.

La France | Screenshot

“You’ll see officers driving around daytime and nighttime with their rear ambers activated, similar [to what] you see at the mall with mall security,” La France explained. “People drive by my car very fast — even though it’s pretty clear it’s a police car — and once you throw those rear ambers on, you quickly change behavior for people. It’s a system that’s worked in other areas.”

“We are not going to prevent every single collision through enforcement, but we don’t know what we don’t know,” he added. “The chance of preventing one fatal collision, that for us is a huge benefit.”

The department also aims to reduce blight through the new initiative by partnering with the city’s code enforcement team, public works and other community partners. That means tearing up weeds, tending to unkempt properties and addressing “general disruptive behavior.”

“We see our folks that CSET [Community Safety Engagement Team] works with … but again, their behavior is often unacceptable,” he said, referring to the city’s unhoused community. “It often creates a safety issue for the community, and especially for traffic. … We’re looking at how we can address these issues for either people living in the city and people visiting our city.”

Councilmembers Kati Moulton and Renee Contreras DeLoach attested to the uptick in enforcement, both noting that they were recently pulled over. 

Moulton asked La France how EPD officers will deal with “blight abatement” around town, like picking up trash on the city’s sidewalks. “What [are] the carrots and sticks involved there?” she asked, adding that there are some pushes in front of a shopping center on Harris Street that are “packed with garbage.”

“If we have the complaint, we’ll [send that] over to code enforcement to address, and then on the backend, we’ll see what’s causing the trash,” La France said. “Once we have that piece of it, then we can start the enforcement end of it to stop the behavior. … They really try to get voluntary compliance, just like we do, but once they hit that compliance route, they have their whole process to actually start addressing it from an accountability standpoint.”

“Fines?” Moulton asked.

Not necessarily, said City Manager Miles Slattery. “We could abate it and then bill [the private property owner] for the cost of abatement, [though] that’s a last resort,” he said. “The intent of this is to programmatically let everybody know that it’s not only a benefit to the city, but it’s a benefit to their business.”

Turning back to 241% increase in traffic stops, Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez asked what drivers were being pulled over for. La France said stops ranged from speeding to expired tags to a busted taillight. “If there’s a reason to pull you over, you’re probably gonna get pulled over.”

“If you’re doing 30 miles over the speed limit, you’re gonna go to jail for reckless driving. Hands down. There’s no reason do 60-plus in our city,” La France continued. “We give a lot of warnings out. We only cite 16% or 20% of people we actually stop, so it’s not very high. The people we’re citing are for excess, usually excessive speed.”

La France and Slattery noted that EPD will be in touch with Eureka Main Street and the Great Eureka Chamber of Commerce to improve communications between the department and local businesses.

The council accepted the report but did not take any action on the item.

Update 4:59 pm:

Ryder Dschida, a lecturer in Cal Poly Humboldt’s history department and president of CFA Humboldt, said the organization stands in direct opposition to the federal government pressuring universities to cut ties with racial equity groups.

“Since the federal government provides a huge amount of funding for higher education, they use that as essentially a pressure point to make universities remove these programs that honestly have been extremely successful in  getting minority groups into good careers,” said Dschida.

Dschida pointed out many hadn’t heard of the organization before the federal investigation, and said the PhD project was swept up in the buzz of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion cuts of early 2025.

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PREVIOUSLY 

Cal Poly Humboldt On Trump Administration’s List of 45 Schools to be Investigated for ‘Race-Exclusionary Practices’

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The U.S. Department of Education announced last month 31 universities across the country agreed to cut ties with the PhD Project, an organization that helps racial minorities earn doctorate degrees, amid a federal investigation into alleged racial discrimination.

This includes Cal Poly Humboldt. A CSU spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday the system had ended its membership in the PhD Project, which was used to “advertise academic employment opportunities,” according to spokesperson Amy Bentley-Smith.

Last year, the federal education’s department’s Office for Civil Rights announced 45 universities including Cal Poly Humboldt were under investigation for partnerships with the nonprofit, alleging it “unlawfully limits eligibility based on the race of participants.”

This followed a Trump Administration directive that aimed to prevent institutions that receive federal funding from practicing so-called Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, alleging they discriminate against White and Asian students.

And two weeks ago, the department celebrated 31 resolution agreements with institutions of higher education. According to the department, the institutions told the department they’d cease their partnerships with the PhD Project.

“This is the Trump effect in action: institutions of higher education are agreeing to cut ties with discriminatory organizations, recommitting themselves to abiding by federal law, and restoring equality of opportunity on campuses across the nation,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in a prepared statement.

In the statement, McMahon said the other 14 universities are in ongoing negotiations with the Office of Civil Rights.

CSU said they’d accepted an invitation from the Office of Civil Rights to “resolve the investigation by conducting a self-review to determine whether there are organizations with whom CSU has a membership or partnership where the organization limits participation by race. CSU has completed that review and is awaiting a response from OCR,” the statement said. 

The spokesperson noted no fines or monetary penalties have been assessed against the CSU.

Bentley-Smith did not respond to an inquiry as to what the results of the self-review were by publishing time, but noted in the statement “CSU complies with all state and federal nondiscrimination laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity in any CSU program or offering.”

According to a CSU press release, the agreement was signed on October 3, 2025.

The partnership itself encouraged Black, Native American and Latino students to get business degrees. The PhD Project said in early 2025, “we opened The PhD Project application to anyone who shares our vision,” and a more recent statement says the organization “remains focused on our mission to expand the pool of workplace talent by developing business school faculty who inspire, mentor, and support tomorrow’s leaders,” according to an email from a spokesperson.

The once little-known program became a target of Trump Administration in an agenda to root out “DEI” in colleges, leveraging the threat of losing federal funding.

The California Faculty Association said the CSU was capitulating to the Trump Administration in a press release on the agreement.

A New Hampshire federal court last month issued a ruling permanently invalidating the Feb 14, 2025 DEI directive.

The American Civil Liberties Union said “the challenged guidance is no longer in effect and cannot be enforced against anyone, anywhere nationwide,” in a press release. The directive was challenged in court early on by attorneys from the ACLU and National Education Association, which obtained a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement in April 2025.

Regardless of the lawsuit, many universities cut ties early on with the PhD Project, according to reporting from the Associated Press.