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For years the City of Eureka has been searching for ways to de-uglify the southern gateway, specifically the Herrick overpass, and create a more visually pleasing and inviting experience for those entering our fair city from the south. Many different design ideas have been entertained over the years, including adding a “landscape sign” to the greenway next to the overpass. Even a sculpture that we at LoCO thought strongly resembled a bluetooth earpiece was considered at one point. 

Last month the city announced that it had finally landed on and obtained funding for a project idea: to add a mural, along with a “Welcome to Eureka” sign, to the Herrick overpass. Now, after receiving more than 30 design submissions for the mural, the City has narrowed it down to three options and wants the community to decide on the winner. 

The first proposal is entitled “Elements of the Lost Coast” and was designed by Carl Avery of Cottonwood. The work features bright colors and designs influenced by Avery’s Yurok heritage. The design includes some quintessential Humboldt-related imagery, including redwood trees on the south-facing side of the overpass, and some California poppies and a crab on the north-facing side.

The second proposal, “Guardians of the Salt Marsh” by artist Honeybrush of Sacramento, focuses on our local marshes. Several of our marshes’ winged inhabitants are featured in the mural, with the iconic great blue heron as the focus. 

The third option comes from local artist Lucas Thorton and is entitled “Eureka Rising.” The mural depicts an aerial view of Humboldt Bay, with the sun rising over the coastal mountains in the background. The mural also includes a tribute to the Wiyot Tribe, with a traditional basket weave design wrapping around the center column.

So, there you have it! These are the top three contenders for the mural that will be travelers’ first impression of Eureka. Which one do YOU want representing our city? You can vote for your favorite design at this link. And waste no time, because the poll will close on Friday, July 7 at noon!

After the votes have been tallied, the City of Eureka’s Art & Culture Commission will hold a special meeting on July 11 at 12:30 p.m. to review the options and formally recommend a design to the Eureka City Council for approval. The council will then make its final decision for the mural design at its meeting on July 18. 

The mural will be painted between July 28 and August 5, during this year’s Eureka Street Art Festival, which will focus on beautifying the Southern section of Broadway. In addition to the mural, the City will also be adding new “drought-tolerant landscaping” to the greenways next to the overpass as part of the project. The mural and landscaping have already been fully funded by Caltrans and Clean California grants. The next phase will be installing a “Welcome to Eureka” sign on the overpass railing. The City says it is still seeking funding for the second phase and it will be completed at a “later date.”

You can view the full mural proposals here and direct any questions to Swan Asbury, Eureka’s economic development manager by calling (707) 268-1830 or emailing sasbury@eurekaca.gov.

And don’t forget to vote! Here’s that link again. Click on it and put in your two cents. This is really happening, people!

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 7/4/2023, at about 1:46 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a call regarding human remains found by a community member in the area of the Ferris Riffle on the Trinity River in Hoopa, approximately 25-feet from the riverbank.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies and a deputy coroner responded to the scene. A member of the community responded with a boat to assist deputies in recovering the remains. The decedent has not been identified, however is described as a male, approximately 5’10, 195 pounds with a tattoo of a fine line encircling the neck with an angel in a diamond shape at the center of the throat, “Yurok” tattoo on the left forearm, and monochromatic roses tattooed on the right shoulder.

Anyone with information about this case 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 and reference Case Number 202303072.

For many Californians, the proposal of a state-run single-payer health system remains a ‘pie-in-the-sky’ idea, and odds are it could remain that way, especially if leading advocates can’t agree on how to get there.

Democratic leaders and advocates who are looking to transform the current complex health care system are divided on their approach. On one side, a coalition of health, labor and civil rights advocacy groups is standing behind Senate Bill 770, which seeks an incremental path toward “unified financing,” where a statewide system would pay for health care for all residents. This could be single payer or a similar model. The bill would task a workgroup of experts and consumers to come up with next steps in advancing toward this goal and deliver a report to the Legislature by next June.

SB 770 also calls for the Newsom administration to engage the federal government, which would need to approve such a system in California, on this issue. The bill, authored by San Francisco’s Sen. Scott Wiener, is currently making its way through the Legislature — last week it received the green light from the Assembly Health Committee and is headed to a fiscal committee next.

On the other side, the California nurses union, a longtime driving force behind the single-payer movement, opposes Wiener’s bill, arguing it could derail its own legislation, Assembly Bill 1690. That two-year bill authored by Assemblyman Ash Kalra, a San Jose Democrat, would establish a single-payer system dubbed CalCare. The bill was introduced earlier this year, but won’t come up for a hearing until the next legislative session. There are currently no details in the CalCare bill, but union leaders said they are using their previous attempt at single payer, Assembly Bill 1400, as a starting point. AB 1400 died last year after its author, Kalra, opted not to take it up on the Assembly floor because he was short on votes.

Last week, Kalra joined the nurses union in publicly opposing Wiener’s bill, calling it a “detraction” from his and the nurses’ ongoing efforts.

With the full intention of moving forward with a single-payer policy bill in January, I respectfully express my opposition to SB 770 as further delay/detraction from our collective efforts to bring single-payer healthcare to California.
Statement link:https://t.co/uXIJYHUamC

— Ash Kalra 🌱 (@Ash_Kalra) June 26, 2023

Single payer has been politically dicey even in blue California because of pushback from the health industry, including health insurers and some physician groups, but also powerful business interests, such as the Chamber of Commerce, citing the tax hikes that would be needed to fund such a system. Still, the status quo costs too much and leaves too many people behind, experts and health advocates say.

Carmen Comsti, lead regulatory policy specialist with the California Nurses Association, said the two bills are conflicting because legislators can use Wiener’s bill as an excuse to vote down the bill backed by the nurses union next year.

“We do not believe the Legislature would pick up and pass single payer if they just authorized another work group to consider the program,” Comsti told CalMatters. Instead, it opens the door for legislators to say: “It’s too soon to talk about CalCare and single payer because we’re studying it,” she said.

“To get the Legislature to adopt a full blown single-payer program in one fell swoop has not proven to be viable politically.”
— Michael Lighty, president of the coalition sponsoring Wiener’s bill

But Wiener and those supporting his proposal see the two bills as complementary, not conflicting. For example, to carry out a single-payer system, California would need to eventually seek a waiver, or permission from the federal government, to skirt current rules that dictate how the state can spend federal health dollars. Wiener’s bill would start those conversations, the author said.

“If CalCare passes, then at that point California will go to the federal government and make waiver applications. The work here, having those discussions with the federal government will be helpful; it dovetails,” Wiener said during last week’s hearing.

Some Democrats who sit on the Assembly Health Committee noted they see Wiener’s bill as a way to get the ball rolling on single payer while they wait for wider support from their colleagues.

Kevin McCarty, a Sacramento Democrat, noted the nurses’ single-payer bill last year was “dramatically short” on votes. “It’s nowhere close,” McCarty said. “In the meantime, are we going to be purists or try to get more? That’s what I think (SB 770) is trying to do. I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive.”

Michael Lighty, president of the coalition sponsoring Wiener’s bill, said the point is to follow up on the findings from the Healthy California for All Commission, a group assembled by Gov. Gavin Newsom. The group’s work culminated last year in a 105-page report, but no action.

Lighty is a veteran in the single-payer movement and at one point worked as the director of public policy for the nurses union. The California Nurses Association is actually part of the health coalition he leads, but on this particular piece of legislation, they haven’t seen eye to eye.

Another main concern for the nurses union is the language used in the commission’s report and Wiener’s bill. “Unified financing does not equal single payer,” Comsti said. She argued that if “unified financing” includes programs that leave room for health insurers or any middlemen to profit, then that essentially goes against the single-payer system they’re seeking.

“There is this disagreement now and I hope in the future that rift heals, but we all want the same result. We want everyone to have true universal access to health care.”
— State Sen. Scott Wiener, Democrat from San Francisco

Lighty sees the language argument as an issue of nomenclature; ultimately both sides want the same outcome, he said. And after multiple failed attempts to get to single payer, perhaps it’s time for a new way in, he said.

“To get the Legislature to adopt a full blown single-payer program in one fell swoop has not proven to be viable politically,” Lighty told CalMatters.

By 2031 health care spending in California is projected to increase by $158 billion; a “unified finance” system can help slow down that growth, according to the Healthy California for All Commission report. Most importantly, extending coverage to all Californians could save about 4,000 lives a year, the report said.

“Folks on both sides of this bill have historically worked very closely together on expanding health care access,” Wiener said. “There is this disagreement now and I hope in the future that rift heals, but we all want the same result. We want everyone to have true universal access to health care.”

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Supported by the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF), which works to ensure that people have access to the care they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford. Visit www.chcf.org to learn more.

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

Charlene Rae Arruda passed away on June 16, 2023. Her prayers were answered when it was not her cancer that took her from this earth.

Charlene was born in Kingfisher on December 20, 1938 to James (J.C.) and Thelma Jacobs. Her family moved to California when she was three years old. The cute little blonde girl was popular with the soldiers on that train ride. So much so that she could remember the happy experience all her life.

Charlene met Alfred (Al) Arruda while she was still in high school and he was in the Marine Corp. Shortly after meeting they were married in 1956. They had two daughters, Jacquee (Hagans) and Sheila (Arruda-Russell). They moved to Eureka from the Sacramento area in 1970. It was here that the entire family found the miracle of God’s love and forgiveness. Many people’s lives were touched through Al & Charlene’s gift of hospitality. Charlene and Al were able to celebrate 50 years of marriage together and take their dream vacation to Alaska before Al passed away in 2007. Charlene missed being with her dance partner and traveling buddy.

Not only was Charlene a very caring mother and grandmother; but she was also very gifted. She was an excellent seamstress even sewing Jacquee’s wedding dress and able to display her creativity in the many quilts she made and enjoyed many types of crafts and painting. Besides teaching her girls how to be successful, confident women, she taught others as well. Charlene taught a 4-H cooking class, sewing to her children and local great grandchildren, craft projects with her grandchildren, and was a big support when two of her great grandchildren were being home schooled.

Charlene worked most of her life wearing many different hats throughout her career in addition to keeping the books for Al’s business adventures. Charlene was also an active member and volunteer at Bethel Church and Faith Center. She was willing to serve in any capacity needed from being a co-leader, to having a supportive role, and teaching preschoolers. Charlene was a great example of one who walked in forgiveness and with courage. Her loving support will truly be missed.

Charlene is survived by her brothers, Jerry & Bob Jacobs, and sister, Sheila Hoak; her daughters and their husbands, Jacquee & Duane Hagans and Sheila & Kevin Russell; three grandchildren and their spouses, April Hagans & Stephen Jones, Sean & Virginia Hagans, and Matthew & Ashley Russell; nine great-grandchildren: Samahri & Calvin Brice; Nico Hagans; Nolan, Kambria, Hudson & Malia Russell; and Shara and Nathan Jones; and her nephews and nieces whom she loved as well.

On Sunday July 23, 2023 at 3 p.m., a memorial service celebrating Charlene’s life will be held at Life House Church, 2734 Hubbard Lane in Eureka.

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John A. Soderholm of Eureka passed away after a long battle with cancer on June 16, 2023, surrounded by his surviving children. He was 75 years old.

John was born to Carl and Martha Soderholm on February 28, 1948 in Alexandria, Minnesota. He was the 6th child added to the large family of a total of seven children. He moved with his family to Eureka California at the young age of two where he grew to meet the love of his life Cheryl (Gabrielson) Soderholm and begin his own family. Together they adopted four children and fostered many more. John worked at the Simpson Mill in Arcata as a Grader, then moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to further his career in communications where he retired as a Communications Manager at Santa Clara Valley Medical in 2011. He spent his retirement doing what he loved at his family cabin on the Trinity River in Hoopa, working in the yard and making friends.

Anyone who knew John knew he had a huge heart and always wanted to help his family and friends in whatever way he could. He was a kind soul who could see the good in anyone and took great pleasure in helping others.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Soderholm (2005), his daughter Tanya Burson (2011) , daughter Donna Soderholm (2020), and three brothers and one sister. John is survived by two sisters Velma Erb and Ivalene Zimmerman, his son Shawn (Kat) Soderholm, son James (Jen) Soderholm, his grandchildren, Anthony Elneel, Breanna Soderholm, Christopher Soderholm, Laura Soderholm, James Soderholm II, Thomas Soderholm, Chase Soderholm, Chance Soderholm, bonus grandchildren Trent, Taryn, Trinity, and great granddaughter Violet Soderholm as well as several dear nieces and nephews.

Private, intimate services will be held by the immediate family at a later date.

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It is with great sadness that on June 29, 2023 we lost our family legend Antonio “Tony” Soares Lourenco, at home surrounded by the loving presence of his family. Tony was the seventh of twelve children born to Amelia and Jose Homem on October 15, 1934, in Terceira, Azores. His childhood was filled with many wonderful moments with his brothers and sisters and despite not having much wordly wealth he would always have gratitude for all of the immaterial wealth that was bestowed upon him.

As a child it became evident that soccer was his gift, (or maybe a curse!) He was notorious for sneaking away to play rather than helping in the fields that provided the family’s food. He felt dealing with the consequences he would face from his father was worth fulfilling his passion. His talent continued to develop and teammates from his Sport Club “Barreiro” in Portu Judeu, granted him the nickname “Finoca.” He became so legendary that fans in the Azores would still recognize him 30 years later and yell “Finoca! Finoca!” Photos of Tony still hang on the club wall.

In 1958 he emigrated from from the Azores to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where he worked as a butcher with his brother Joe. His heart was full being reunited with several siblings there until in 1968 when he was sponsored by his beloved sister Gabriela and brother-in-law Robert Murphy and immigrated to the United States, settling in Arcata.

Upon moving to Arcata, he began his employment with Simpson Timber in Korbel, where he retired after 30 years. He was introduced to his future wife Judy by his sister Natalia. Tony and Judy were married on June 28, 1975, in Arcata at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They were blessed with two children, Anthony and Carlos. Tony was very proud of his children and enjoyed traveling with them.

Tony continued to play soccer in Arcata and in the early 1970s became part of the Club Team “Acoreano’s.” He was known as an intense mid-field player and was an excellent defender. His legendary status followed him everywhere. He was constantly stopped by past teammates, competitors, and fans up until his death and was always complimented on his soccer skills and sportsmanship. Tony hung up his cleats in his 70s, but continued to share his skills with his younger family members who followed in cleat-steps.

Family was everything to Tony. He adored his siblings and their families. He was put on this earth as a servant and serve he did. Tony was a family Uber and would take his sisters that did not drive to grocery shop, doctor’s appointments, and hair salons. He could always be counted on.

He had a natural ability to do anything he put his mind to. Although he was not formally trained, he could build, paint, landscape, and garden as well as any professional. His happiest days were to share those talents with the people he loved the most. It would be hard to find a family member’s home that did not have his finger prints on it.

Many may remember Tony as someone who was always in search of a good bargain or treasure. He loved thrifting and sharing his good finds with his loved ones.

Tony was the epitome of light, love, laughter and joy. He showed us all how to have fun, be goofy, live light-hearted, not take things too seriously, give everyone a great nick name, speak in code (onomatopoeia).

As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

He was preceded in the death by his wife Judy, father Jose and mother Amelia Homem, his sisters; Maria Jose DeMatos, Maria dos Santos Rafael, Natalia Oliveira, and Fatima Borges, his brothers; Manuel Homem and David Homem.

He is survived by his children; Anthony and Carlos Lourenco. His siblings; Gabriela Murphy, Jose Homem (Gloria), Fernando Lourenco (Jorlanda), Durvalina Machado, Avelino Homem (Ana), In-laws; John DeMatos, Maria de Lourdes Homem, and Ana Paula Homem. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews that lost their “favorite Uncle Tony.”

A recitation of the Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 6th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata with The Mass of Christian burial immediately following at 11 a.m. Internment immediately following at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• Suspect in Tonight’s McK Homicide Named; Residents Urged to be Vigilant

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Search efforts continued today, July 4, 2023, for the suspect of a homicide yesterday evening in McKinleyville.

Jasen Dwain Coley, age 26, is suspected of fatally shooting an adult male victim outside of a home on the 2200 block of Silverbrook Court. Late last night, law enforcement located the vehicle believed to be associated with Coley parked and unoccupied on Trinidad Frontage Road near the Strawberry Rock Trailhead.

Since last night, ground and air crews have been searching the Strawberry Rock area for any signs of Coley. Resources utilized during this search include tracking K9s, HCSO and CAL FIRE unmanned aerial systems (UAS), California Highway Patrol air resources, and rangers with California State Parks and the National Park Service. Despite an extensive search, Coley has not been located. At this time, HCSO investigators have scaled-back the search of Strawberry Rock and the investigation is ongoing.

McKinleyville and Trinidad residents are asked to take extra precautions such as locking all doors to your residence and not opening your door to strangers. Please report any suspicious persons or circumstances immediately to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251, ext. 0.

Jasen Coley is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, heavy-set, with brown hair, brown eyes and facial hair. He was last seen wearing a black shirt, dark pants and a light-colored hat. He may be in possession of a rifle or a shotgun.

Anyone with information about Jasen Coley’s whereabouts 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.

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