THE ECONEWS REPORT: The Beginning of the End for Eel River Dams

The EcoNews Report / Saturday, April 16, 2022 @ 10 a.m. / Environment

Scott Dam at Lake Pillsbury. Photo: PG&E.


On Thursday, we celebrated the expiration of PG&E’s 50-year license for the Eel River dams. Next up comes license surrender, decommissioning and ultimately dam removal.

Tune in to hear about what this process might look like and why it is so important to act swiftly to seize the opportunity for recovery of the Eel River’s wild runs of salmon and steelhead.

And in other celebratory news: Klamath dam removal is on track to begin by the end of this year. Two of California’s largest rivers are in for monumental change over the next few years!

AUDIO:

“The EcoNews Report,” April 16, 2022.

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OBITUARY: Russell Wade Hurley, 1966-2022

LoCO Staff / Saturday, April 16, 2022 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Russell Wade Hurley — “Rusty” — was born October 25, 1966 to Shirley McCovey-Parrish. He was born in Eureka and passed on April 8, 2022 in Napa.

Rusty resided in Hoopa until his final days. When he was younger he spent a short amount of his youth in Hoopa before moving with his mother Shirley, father Warren Parrish, and older brother Moses Hurley to Stewart’s Point in 1974. He graduated from Point Arena High in 1985 and soon after attended the Wyo Tech School for Collision and Auto Body Repair and received a certificate in 1986.

Rusty was a man of all trades. But his main focus was auto mechanics. He could fix a vehicle inside out and find out anything wrong with a vehicle quick. He had an indescribable love for classic cars, he could always point out and tell you the year, make, and model by just looking at it. Rusty loved to work; always finding new jobs, and any place or person that needed help with any sort of job. He eventually joined the Painters Union for a short amount of time and took pride in the work that he did there. One of the many projects he did was the Foresthill bridge, that is where he did a majority of his time with the Painters Union. He worked for the Hoopa Wildland Fire for only two fire seasons, but could tell you some good stories about his time. Rusty also helped coach youth football, which he took great pride in. Football was his favorite sport and playing football in high school was one thing about his life that he couldn’t stop talking about once he got started.

Rusty was a man full of life, always joking and teasing, and laughing. Nothing could take away his love of life and the good time he continued to have. Not even the issues he had with his health. The best part of his life was his kids, as he got older and more settled down, before health issues, he promised himself to spend his time with his kids as much as he could. He was proud of all three of them and their accomplishments. When they all became parents, his grandchildren then became the main focus for the remainder of his life. He was so happy to be a grandpa and spent every penny he could to make sure they had the coolest toys, or anything they wanted really.

Rusty is survived by his children Shirley (Angel) Yanez, Russell Hurley (Fayanna Duncan), Ka-shi Hurley (Cheyenne Lopez). His five grandchildren Maddison Yanez, Elijah Hurley, Alexandria Lopez, Leland Yanez, and Ash Lopez. His siblings Moses Hurley, Warren Parrish Jr, and MaryAnn Parrish. His Aunt Linda Lee whom he loved dearly and spent most of his time with, who helped him with his travels to appointments, and just checking on him and being his support person. Other Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins too many to name, but know who they are. His friends who became family to him that are too many to name, but know who they are. He is proceeded in death by his grandparents George McCovey Sr and Maryann Jackson-McCovey. His parents Shirley McCovey-Parrish and Warren Parrish Sr. Uncles George “Chet” McCovey Jr, Leonard “Specky”McCovey Sr, Pliny McCovey Sr, and Lincoln McCovey, and his Aunt Marjorie Attebury. His dear friend Allen Ricioli.

Pall Bearers: Fredrick “Freddy” Brown, Shane Anderson, Timothy Bussell Sr, Angel Yanez, Warren Parrish Jr, Robert Lee, Brandon Lara, Augie Lara, Loren “Giz” Colegrove, Bubba Riggins, Boyd Ferris, Bruz Aubrey, Kevin McConnell, Leonard “Chipper” McCovey, Doug Risling Sr, James McCovey, and Jesse McCovey.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Moses Hurley, Arden McCovey, James Hatter, Burt Snyder, Lester White Jr, Leonard Wonnacott, Pat Bellew, Richard Blake, Robert Jackson, Jody Jackson, Rodney Robbins, John Robbins Jr, Ronnie Robbins, and Filmore Harvey Jr.

There will be a viewing at Paul’s Chapel in Arcata on April 22, 2022 from 5 p.m.-7 p.m., just for immediate family and close friends, so please get in contact with the family about attending the viewing. The funeral will be at the Neighborhood Facilities in Hoopa on April 23, 2022 at 11a.m., shortly after Rusty will be laid to rest at the Jackson Family Cemetery on Pine Creek Road in Hoopa. A gathering to celebrate Rusty’s life will follow after the burial at the Neighborhood Facilities in Hoopa and will be a potluck.

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



OBITUARY: David Wayne Edmonds, 1947-2022

LoCO Staff / Saturday, April 16, 2022 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

David Wayne Edmonds was born November 10, 1947, in Oakland. He was the son of Martha Storholm and Harold Edmonds. He married Kathleen Baggett on Sept. 6, 1970 in Crescent City. He graduated from Humboldt State University in 1964. He went to work for Pacific Bell the next week. He was an outside plant engineer, planner, and the Public Affairs Director for Pacific Bell, Pacific Telesis, SBC and AT&T. He engineered the first fiberoptic line for internet into Humboldt County.

Dave was a Scout Master for Troup 55 for many years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, City of Eureka Planning Commission, Chairman of the Eureka Planning Commission and Humboldt County Planning Commission. David was the Bishop for Eureka I Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Eureka for seven years.

The was proceeded in death by his parents Harold and Martha Edmonds, his brother William Edmonds, and his daughter Heather Edmonds. David was survived by his wife Kathy Edmonds, his sons Colin Edmonds and wife Kami Edmonds. grandchildren Kelsi, Haydin, Liam, Charlotte of Eureka. Micheal Edmonds and grandchildren Micheal and Ava of Eureka, son Paul Edmonds of Salt Lake City, Utah. Son Samuel Edmonds and wife Katelyn Edmonds all of Eureka. Son-in-law Jeremy Bishop and grandchildren Curtis, Aspen, Sarah, Cassie and Jacob of Layton, Utah, and Logan, Utah. And his Granddaughter Mimi Young of Provo, Utah.

David always planned for the worst but prayed for the best no matter what he did. He always told corny jokes and seemed to greet people he knew everywhere he went.

Funeral will be Saturday April, 23, 2022, 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2806 Dolbeer Street, Eureka. Viewing will be held at the Sander Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., 1835 E St., Eureka.

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



Charmaine Lawson Continues to Seek ‘Justice for Josiah’ Five Years After Her Son’s Death

Andrew Goff / Friday, April 15, 2022 @ 6 p.m. / Activism

“I’m not going away. However long it takes, I will be right here.”
-Charmaine Lawson


Five years to the day after her son Josiah’s killing, Charmaine Lawson was on the steps of the Humboldt County Courthouse to speak to gathered supporters and media, to let them know that she will continue to seek justice for her son. Standing behind a display of “Justice For Josiah” signs, t-shirts and lit candles, she also reasserted her disappointment with the way the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office has handled her son’s case. 

“The person that I hold responsible is not just my son’s murderer, but the person that has denied my son the justice that he deserves. It’s District Attorney Maggie Fleming,” Lawson said, turning her megaphone upward toward the courthouse. “Maggie Fleming has denied my son justice. She has denied this community, my family, our friends justice. Five years, Maggie Fleming! Five years! And I have to keep asking myself, why doesn’t my son’s life matter to you?”  

Lawson said she credits her supporters’ continued pressure on the district attorney’s office for Fleming’s decision not to run for reelection this year and she called on those in attendance to vet the slate of district attorney candidates to ensure “they have integrity and they want to do right by the BIPOC people here in Humboldt County.” She also offered up a new development. “Good news,” in her view.

“I’ve been reaching out to the [California] Attorney General, Rob Bonta, and I heard from him last week. He’s going to meet with me and my family on April 18,” Lawson told the crowd to cheers. “I am truly grateful.”

Lawson hugs local pastor Bethany Cseh


PREVIOUS LoCO COVERAGE OF THE LAWSON CASE:



YET MORE ELECTION LIMERICKS! Readers’ Verses in Honor of Their Favored Candidates Continue to Pour Into Our Inbox Like the ‘64 Flood

LoCO Staff / Friday, April 15, 2022 @ 2:53 p.m. / Elections

District Attorney

There is one contender with vision—
Fresh ideas he’s thought out with precision!
So I’ll vote for Kamada
because, surely, I want a
D. A. with a high-minded mission.

— Amy Hunt

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There once was a man quite well-read.
Kamada for D. A.! It was said
he had lots of heart—
the proof: his passion and smarts
had burned all the hair off his head.

— Amy Hunt

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Kamada, he’s a great Defender,
Though he is of the lesser gender.
This campaign is a slog,
His opponents hate dogs,
And should probably all surrender.

— Cody Johns

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The choice for D.A. isn’t that hard.
I like the one who looks like Picard.
Kamada is the one to beat,
for this very important seat,
because he also speaks like The Bard.

— Steven A. Santos

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There once was a man of good deed
Who showed up in Humboldt for weed
We met for a pint
And talked half the night
On how we should all vote for Eads.

— Jim Spencer

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For a leader who’s ready to lead
The one solid choice is Ms. Eads
The others just talk
Stacey Eads walks the walk
Twenty years of good judgment, good deeds

— Andrew Isaac

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There’s a DA to fullfill our needs
Her last name exactly like Eads
The others are sad
The both of ‘em bad
Vote Stacey, the best choice, take heed

— Bob Felter

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Ms. Fleming’s been great as D.A.
Maybe “the best”, people say,
It’s good, then, to hear
Her advice for this year
As we choose our top lawyer today.

We need one who’s more than “okay”,
Dear Humboldt, let’s put it this way:
Strength, heart, and true grit—
Ms. Eads proved that she’s “it”
As she’s worked for us, hard, every day!

— Marian Barnes Hancock

Fourth District Supervisor

Elect Arroyo of the Coast Guard,
AKA Derby’s ‘Brawn Luc Picard,’
Our next Supervisor?
(Please, no more old misers)
For no rival works nearly so hard.

— Cody Johns

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Please take some time to consider
Arroyo, there’s nobody fitter
With a nose in the books
And Portlandia looks
She’s most certainly not a quitter

— Daniel Braden

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From north of the Noyo
There’s none beats Arroyo
she works hella hard
she’s in the Coast Guard
and likes enchiladas con pollo

— Scott Greacen

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When voting for your supervisor,
Your best choice is this keen early riser
Arroyo gets all the facts
Speaks with insight and tact
Jobs, housing, and art energize her.

— Erin Kelly

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Arroyo is one who knows how to lead
A mover and shaker with the skills we need
All those answers on LoCo
Anything she don’t know?
Natalie’s the best Supe guaranteed

— Stevie Luther

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Arroyo “council”ed our city so nicely
and made all of her points so concisely
with smarts, dedication
gusto and education
She will supervise our county precisely

city council is how she began
to help the whole county now is her plan
excitement, accountability
knowledge and creativity
Are the reasons I know Natalie can.

city council is how she began
to help the whole county now is her plan
excitement, accountability
knowledge and creativity
Are the reasons I know Natalie can.

— Rachel Griffith

###

Let Natalie take up the slack
Her mind is as sharp as a tack
She’s “A” number one
And will get the job done
‘Cause she’s miles ahead of the pack

— Don Christensen

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Mike has weird stick figure signs.
And Kim, too, wants to be mine.
On voting day, it will be so,
I support Natalie Arroyo.
Leaving the others to opine.

— Steven A. Santos

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Vote for Mike, he’s the one for Eureka
All others, they sort of, you know, reeka
Mike’s served in the past
He can get things done fast
When he wins, we’ll celebrate with Margaritas!

— Karen Brooks

Fifth District Supervisor

Your 5th District Sup thinks he’s your boss,
And that means he needs to be tossed,
The one you should elect
Serves everyone he’s met
So Team Up Humboldt for Larry Doss!

— Karen Brooks

###

Madrone is a man of his word
Your voices will surely be heard
The good old boys
Will use their ploys
But voters will not be deterred

— Diane Higgins

###

Everyone needs an abode
And to choose their traveling mode
Madrone’s the one
Who gets it done
Another good term he is owed

— Diane Higgins

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Our wonderful Super-Madrone
Has a record that is well known
He built us a trail
Which all can avail
So vote for the man who’s homegrown

— Debby Harrison

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Re-elect Madrone from Westhaven,
If he were to lose it’d be graven.
Let’s win in a rout,
Keep the good ol’ boys out-
If you find our county worth savin’.

— Cody Johns

Clerk/Recorder/Registrar

Recorder, Clerk, and Registrar of Voters, you choose.
Vote for my candidate Juan and you can’t lose.
He’ll build confidence in Humboldt elections with transparency too.
He’s experienced, prepared, and an advocate for you.
Democracy is so important, don’t snooze!

— Joan Tyson

Auditor-Controller

Paz Dominguez is her name,
Auditor Controller’s her game.
She’s Xtra hard workin’
The Truth she’s not shirkin’
So vote KAREN! helpin’ in perfectin’ her aim!

— Nancy Pelletier

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This A-C race is not that complex.
County workers? Hey, they deserve checks!
Now, we get it. You’re woke.
But check this out, folks:
You can vote Cheryl and still not like Rex

— Terrence McNally

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Karen, as you run from the mob,
shouting for you to do your job,
I vote for Dillingham,
as LoCO posts like spam,
looking for new topics to blog

— Steven A. Santos

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Have you written a great or terrible limerick in support of your favorite local candidate for office? Send it to news@lostcoastoutpost.com, and put the words “Election Limerick” in the subject line!

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PREVIOUSLY: 



Kneeland Homicide Suspect Transferred Back to Humboldt, Will Be Arraigned Next Week

Rhonda Parker / Friday, April 15, 2022 @ 11:27 a.m. / Courts

Murder suspect Austin Michael Medeiros, accused of killing a disabled woman in her Kneeland home, has been transferred from Santa Cruz and booked into Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

Medeiros, 27, was booked last night on charges of murder, assault and battery, possession of a controlled substance and fleeing from law enforcement. He allegedly murdered 28-year-old Emily Rose May Lobba, who was found dead the morning of April 3 in her home on Greenwood Heights. Medeiros also is accused of assaulting Lobba’s caretaker, then fleeing in Lobba’s van.

Medeiros abandoned the van during a police pursuit and managed to escape on foot into the Arcata Community Forest. He was arrested a week later in Santa Cruz as he was reportedly trying to steal a boat.

Medeiros is from Warwick, Rhode Island, but had been in Humboldt County for an unknown period of time and had been spending time with Lobba.

Lobba’s parents, Alex Lobba and Mary Jackson, live in Ventura and held a memorial service for her yesterday. In a Facebook post, Jackson said “You may or not have heard yet that our precious fierce daughter Emily Lobba has passed to the other side. It was a tragic homicide death … she loved and was loved by so many people around the world.”

Emily also leaves behind an older brother, Marco Lobba.

Medeiros will be arraigned early next week, District Attorney Maggie Fleming said this morning.

PREVIOUSLY:




Arcata Police Department Releases Statement on the Five Year Anniversary of Josiah Lawson’s Death

LoCO Staff / Friday, April 15, 2022 @ 11:06 a.m. / News

EARLIER:  Courthouse Gathering Planned for Fifth Anniversary of Lawson Death

Arcata Police Department press release: 

Five years ago today Cal Poly Humboldt sophomore student David Josiah Lawson was murdered while attending a house party in Arcata.  The Arcata Police Department continues to investigate this open murder case and continues to consult with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office and the State of California’s Attorney General’s Office on investigative resources that may lead to justice in this case.

A 24-hour tip line remains open whereby information from confidential sources can be provided to APD investigators that may lead to additional tips and leads.  According to Arcata Chief of Police Brian Ahearn, the need for witnesses to come forward is necessary in order to move closer to achieving justice.  “It is paramount that witnesses come forward.  Our investigative team remains at the ready to respond to anyone at any time to document their statement as we continue the fact-finding process.”    

Anyone with information regarding the murder of Josiah Lawson is asked to call the Arcata Police Department’s confidential tip line at (707) 825-2590 or APD Dispatch at (707) 822-2424.  Eyewitness accounts of what led up to, and including the murder of Josiah are crucial to bringing this case back to court. 

PREVIOUS LoCO COVERAGE OF THE LAWSON CASE: