Press release from the office of Rep. Jared Huffman:

Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) today introduced the West Coast Ocean Protection Act to permanently ban oil and gas drilling in federal waters off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington.

“Offshore drilling poses unacceptable risks, and the science and public opinion are clear: we should not put our oceans and fisheries, coastal communities, economies, and planet at risk just to enrich the fossil fuel industry,” said Representative Huffman. “The world is transitioning to a green, clean energy future – and it is past time that we ban new offshore drilling and shift our investments to safe, renewable energy sources. Californians have experienced first-hand the environmental disasters caused by oil spills, and we are ready to put an end to that risk once and for all by permanently protecting our coasts.”

“The era of offshore oil and gas production in the Pacific is coming to a close,” said Senator Feinstein. “We’re in the midst of a historic transition to cleaner energy sources, including offshore wind. Offshore drilling and the risks it poses to the environment and our robust ocean and coastal economies are not part of that clean-energy future. It’s time to permanently ban new drilling leases in federal waters off the West Coast.”

California began efforts to block offshore drilling in 1969 when an oil rig off the coast of Santa Barbara leaked 3 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean, blanketing beaches with a thick layer of oil and killing thousands of marine mammals and birds. It was the largest oil spill in U.S. history until the Exxon Valdez spill 20 years later. After the 1969 Santa Barbara spill, California blocked all new offshore oil drilling in state waters, protecting our coastal waters up to three miles from the shore. The state reinforced that ban in 1994 by passing the California Coastal Sanctuary Act, which prohibited new leasing in state waters.

In October 2021, a ruptured pipeline from an existing oil well spilled more than 25,000 gallons of crude oil into the ocean and onto the beaches of Orange County. Despite numerous alarms, operators allowed oil to flow from the leak for over 14 hours. The spill covered more than 8,000 acres of the ocean’s surface and required more than a week of cleanup while local businesses and fisheries suffered.

No new offshore drilling has been allowed in federal waters along the Pacific Coast since 1984. However, the Trump administration released a five-year offshore leasing plan in 2018 that proposed opening up the entire West Coast to new drilling despite widespread opposition in Pacific coast states. That proposal was blocked by the courts but the threat of drilling will remain until a permanent ban is enacted.

The West Coast Ocean Protection Act would permanently protect these waters that are essential to coastal economies and healthy marine ecosystems. Nearly 70 percent of Californians opposed offshore drilling according to recent polling by the Public Policy Institute of California.

The bill is supported by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Oceana, Sierra Club, Environment America, Environment Washington, Environment Oregon, Environment California, Surfrider Foundation, League of Conservation Voters, Surf Industry Members Association, WILDCOAST, Business Alliance for Protecting the Pacific Coast, Paddle For Peace, and the National Aududon Society.

“Surfrider Foundation applauds the introduction of the West Coast Protection Act. We urge Congress to pass this and other legislation to protect U.S. waters from new offshore drilling. Stopping new offshore drilling will protect our nation’s environment, communities and businesses. The bill is also a key action to address climate change,” said Pete Stauffer, ocean protection manager, Surfrider Foundation.

“We can’t continue business as usual. With a climate and biodiversity crisis to address, and a clean energy economy taking off, this is no time to pursue a backward-looking energy strategy. The public has made it clear – communities oppose new offshore drilling and seismic blasting and don’t want to hand over our coastal waters to polluters. This bill would make significant strides in protecting the West Coast, coastal communities, and fragile ecosystems,” said Valerie Cleland, senior ocean advocate, NRDC.

“From soaring cliffs to sunny beaches, the Pacific coast is truly a national treasure. Sadly, this treasure has been threatened far too often, for far too long, with spills and pollution from offshore drilling. We’re glad to see the West Coast Ocean Protection Act reintroduced. We need to make ocean drilling a thing of the past,” said Kelsey Lamp, Protect our Oceans campaign director, Environment America.

“Dirty and dangerous offshore drilling worsens climate change, threatens marine life, and results in environmentally and economically devastating oil spills. Oceana applauds Senator Feinstein and Congressman Huffman for reintroducing the West Coast Ocean Protection Act which makes important progress toward permanently protecting all our coasts from new offshore drilling. Ending new offshore drilling is a crucial step toward addressing the climate crisis. Our oceans can be part of the solution as we expedite our transition away from dirty and dangerous fossil fuels and toward clean, renewable energy like responsibly-sited offshore wind,” said Diane Hoskins, Climate and Energy campaign director, Oceana.

“Communities on the West Coast have been fighting for a long time to be free of the fossil fuel industry’s grip. LCV thanks Congressman Huffman and Senator Feinstein for reintroducing the West Coast Ocean Protection Act, which would prohibit new oil and gas leasing off the West Coast and prevent a massive 19 billion tons of greenhouse gases from fueling the climate crisis. Offshore drilling continues to pollute coastal waters, with devastating consequences for the economy and public health of coastal communities already bearing the brunt of Big Oil’s greed. This bill is a step towards a just, clean, renewable energy future,” said America Fitzpatrick, conservation program director, League of Conservation Voters.

“We thank Senator Feinstein and Congressman Huffman for championing this effort to protect our coasts from the environmental disruption of offshore oil and gas extraction. Offshore drilling puts wildlife in danger, threatens the health of coastal communities, and prolongs our reliance on climate-damaging fossil fuels. Congress needs to listen to the local communities and millions of Americans who have spoken out against offshore drilling and pass the West Coast Protection Act,” said Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program.

“Put simply, there is no room for more offshore drilling in a clean energy future. Rather we need to prioritize transformative and responsible actions that will move us away from fossil fuel production to renewable energy. Ocean Conservancy is excited to see the re-introduction of this critical legislation that would permanently ban risky offshore drilling on the West Coast, protecting our ocean health, and fostering the transition to cleaner energy sources. We look forward to working with Congress to advance this legislation,” said Jeff Watters, Vice President of External Affairs at Ocean Conservancy.

In the House, the legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Ed Case (HI-01), Judy Chu (CA-28), Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), William Keating (MA-09), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mike Levin (CA-49), Ted. W. Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Katie Porter (CA-47), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Adam Schiff (CA-30), Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and Juan Vargas (CA-52.).

In the Senate, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected loss of Donald “Donny” Thomas Ferguson. He departed the world on October 23, 2022, leaving just as he entered it — with a kind, compassionate soul, seeking adventure. Donny was born in Seattle, Washington on January 23, 1971 to Roberta and Robert Ferguson.

Those who had the chance to be acquainted with Donny knew he faced little hesitation to put others before himself. A fun memory shared with his sister, Robin Ferguson, happened on a particularly warm summer day spent in South Dakota. On this summer day, he swore to his sister that he would catch a fish using only his hands. With extreme focus, he watched the rippling water. Moments later, in one swoop, he pulled out a shiny little fish presenting it to Robin. He loved to bring her joy but, above all, he was protective of his older sister. During the earthquake of 1992, Humboldt experienced a higher magnitude earthquake. He held his sister’s hand throughout the duration offering her words of comfort.

The mother of his children, Karmen Davy, shared a memory that also spoke of his protective nature. Donny spent time with Karmen as she fed her beloved quarter horse Taffy. One evening, they heard a low, almost mechanical, rumble. While looking toward the tree line in disbelief, a mountain lion was stalking them. In calmness, Donny looked toward Karmen telling her not to panic. As most would, she ran toward the car leaving behind her jacket in the dust-covered pasture and — well, Donny too.

He loved to encourage his daughter, Kelsey, with her photography endeavors. He guided her with his kindness and wisdom which helped her push through difficult times. These stories show Donny’s nature: he was driven by kindness, compassion, and dedication to his loved ones.

Donny had a long list of hobbies that included BMX, fishing, clamming, cooking, birdwatching, technology, and motorcycles. He extended these passions to his two daughters: Kelsey and Jaycie Ferguson-Davy. From a young age, he had numerous accomplishments, some including but not limited to a black belt in jujitsu and winning numerous sprint car races.

He is preceded in death by his father Robert Ferguson and brother Randy Ferguson. Donny leaves behind his children Kelsey and Jaycie Ferguson-Davy, his mother Roberta Ferguson, brother Vance Ferguson, sister Robin Ferguson, niece Josie Ferguson, his uncle Ray Tyson, his aunt Cheryl Tyson, and his six grandchildren. Donny also leaves behind his sober living community which had become an extension of his family.

In lieu of flowers, please hug someone you love and tell them how special they are to you.

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

Joan Katri was born in 1939 in Eureka to Bernard and Mary Katri. She grew up in Ferndale, graduating in l957 from Ferndale High School.

Joan attended and graduated from California School of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. She then worked in commercial art in San Francisco for several years after which she lived on the East Coast for a number of years.

Joan returned to Ferndale about 40 years ago and became involved with the art community. She was active in the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce , the Ferndale Museum and the Art Co-op.

She is survived by her twin sister, Janice Holdaway, of Magnolia, Texas and brother, Dennis Katri, of Fortuna.

A memorial gathering will planned at a later date.

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

Helen Louise Watson, age 64, passed away on January 22, 2023. Louise was born December 14, 1958 in Eureka to Frank and Helen Wingo. She lived almost her entire life in Manila, from birth, until 2011, when she moved to Eureka. Louise married her high school sweetheart, Larry Watson, in 1974. She was known to many as “Aunt Lou” and was always willing to feed you, let you sleep on the couch, take a shower or help if she could. To her she had many kids and she loved them all, but she would also tell your ass off if you needed and sometimes even if you didn’t.

Louise was known for her loud personality and no-nonsense kind of attitude. She had many hobbies in her early years — she loved her horses and grew up riding on the beach of Manila. Later in life she loved beading, art and spending lots of time with her grandchildren whom she taught many naughty things and loved more than this world could ever imagine.

Helen is survived by her daughter Alisha Watson and her husband Mike Plante Jr., daughter Erica Fike, son Terry Watson, granddaughters Kiarra Plante, Abigayle Plante and her partner Alivia Seymore, grandson Mike Plante III, great-grandson Michael Plante IIII, brother and his wife Bill & Kathi Wingo, brother Franklin Wingo JR., brother Jim Wingo, niece Trisha and her husband Josh Dane, great-niece Maddison Dane, great-niece Taylor Dane, great -nephew Jacob Dane, great-nephew Colt Dane, niece Tanya Nottingham, nephew Franklin Wingo 3rd, nephew Robert Hunt and his wife Jeni Hunt, great-niece Kaetee Hunt, great-nephew Shane Hunt and his family, niece Violet Glass, great-niece Kashandra Darity, great-nephew Brayan Wade, great-niece Mahaylah Flood, cousins Hazel & Russel Fry, very close friends Danny Moss and family, Tom Stover and family, Jamie Peters & Karen Nichols.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Watson, parents Frank & Helen Wingo, in-laws Gerald and Violet Watson, nephew Bill Wingo Jr., brother -in-law Gerald “Punky” Watson, sister-in-law Laverna Beach, sister-in-law Ethel Miller, nephew Wayne Frisbee, nephew Carl Frisbee, and dear friends Curt Nottingham and many other close friends.

A special thanks to hospice of Humboldt and all of the other very special people that have helped throughout Helen’s illness.

There will be no services at this time.

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

HUMBOLDT TODAY: Humboldt’s Queer community communes in Ferndale, protesters gather in front of Wildberries Marketplace, and a week of sunshine ahead, as told in today’s LoCO newscast by John Kennedy O’Connor.

FURTHER READING:

• (VIDEO) Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Hold Community Communion in Ferndale 
• Second Suspect in Attempted Freshwater ATM Burglary Arrested, Sheriff’s Office Says
• Humboldt Supes to Consider a Grant Application Request for a Local Behavioral Health Triage Center at Next Week’s Jam-Packed Meeting

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Good news for fans of non-motorized transportation: The last stretch of trail needed to connect Eureka and Arcata is getting closer to realization.

At its regular meeting tomorrow, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors is slated to approve plans for the Humboldt Bay Trail South, a paved, four-and-a-quarter mile waterfront pathway between the two bayside municipalities. The agenda item also calls for the board to authorize the public works director to put the project out for bids, pending authorization from the Federal Highway Administration.

“It’s a really big step,” said Hank Seemann, the county’s deputy director of public works. If all goes to plan, he said, people will be cycling, jogging, roller-skating and skateboarding between the Arcata Plaza and the Eureka boardwalk before long.

“I would fully expect it to be complete by summer of 2024,” Seemann said, adding that construction could begin on or around May 1.

The project is expected to cost $16,046,902, and the funds are already lined up. The California State Coastal Conservancy has authorized $2 million dollars for the project, and in October the California Transportation Commission allocated nearly $13.3 million. Add in $1.25 million committed by the California Department of Transportation and the total construction budget stands at $16,396,000. (Caltrans will administer the funding.)

Like the other stretches of trail that have been built in recent years, this paved, standalone path will be separated from the roadway, offering users a buffer for the noisy, dangerous traffic on Hwy. 101. The majority of the trail will be situated between the highway and the defunct railroad corridor, though as you can see in the diagram above, one mile-long segment will skirt around the far side of Brainard mill site.

Here’s that stretch of shoreline:

At the southern end, the trail will cross the Eureka Slough railroad bridge, connecting with the Eureka Waterfront Trail. The plans call for replacing about 125 of the bridge’s treated timber crossties. That represents about a quarter of the total number of crossties — those in the worst shape. The county’s request for bids will include an “additive bid item” to replace more like 75 percent of the crossties, including ones that are in “fair to good condition,” according to a staff report.

That extra work — estimated to cost another $353,000 — will be completed if the winning bid comes in below the available construction budget.

The project calls for major modifications to the Eureka Slough Bridge, construction of three new trail bridges and removal of the northernmost stretch of the eucalyptus trees lining Hwy. 101. County staff previously concluded that those towering trees represent a safety hazard and must be removed in order to complete and maintain the trail.

Construction will also include widening of the railroad prism, repairs to the shoreline armoring along that prism and elevating the section between Brainard and Bracut to address flooding hazards.

The intersection with the driveway for the Bracut Industrial Park is the one place where trail users will have to deal with cross-traffic. Seemann explained that the project will include several traffic-calming measures there, including solar-powered streetlights to improve visibility.

The item is listed on the consent calendar for tomorrow’s agenda, meaning the board could approve it early in the meeting, along with a slate of other items, without specific discussion. But Seemann said the matter will be pulled for discussion because staff needs to make a slight change to the recommended action.

The change relates to the steel rail lines, which technically belong to the Great Redwood Trail Agency (or GRTA, formerly the North Coast Railroad Agency). About a mile and a quarter of these rail lines will be removed in order to raise the rail prism and repair shoreline armoring between Bracut and the Brainard mill site. 

Old though it is, these rail lines have scrap metal value. The bid documents call for the contractor to take possession of the rails and cash in on them to help offset costs, but GRTA staff weren’t keen on that, Seemann said.

“After further communication with them Friday and today, we decided to change that approach so that we’re going to stockpile the rails and then GRTA will come in and take possession and manage the salvaging for the net revenue,” he explained.

The Federal Highway Administration needs to authorize the project before the request for bids can be issued, but Seemann said he expects that authorization to come in within a week. 

“We also have an agreement with the California Conservation Corps to start vegetation removal in mid-February,” Seemann added. “So motorists will start seeing some [trail-related] activity by the [Corps] in about a month.”

PREVIOUSLY: Ferndale Drag Show Canceled After ‘Beware’ Sign at Local Church Prompts Concerns About Extremist Response

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Following complaints from a local church about an ultimately canceled drag show in Ferndale, Humboldt’s queer community and allies held a “community communion” in the Cream City on Sunday.

The Eureka Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence-organized event drew around 150 people to Ferndale City Hall for a morning of songs and celebration of diversity. Sample the tone of the event in the video below.