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Ray Olson’s trek along Jolly Giant Creek continues!

In today’s edition of “Humboldt Outdoors,” Olson takes us on the second leg of his four-mile journey from the headwaters of Jolly Giant Creek, located deep in the Arcata Community Forest, and follows the stream as it traverses through the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt, under Highway 101 and across downtown Arcata. 

Olson links up with Jack Murphy, a lecturer in Botany and Environmental Science at Cal Poly Humboldt, at Shay Park where the creek emerges after being confined to underground culverts for more than a half mile. 

Murphy and Olson chat beside Jolly Giant Creek.

“I love Jolly Giant Creek,” Murphy tells Olson. “We have a creek that has been here since water has fallen from the sky. … We’ve just temporarily impacted it with our civilization. It connects the Arcata Community Forest to Humboldt Bay. And if you love nature, why not invite that nature into the heart of your town?

Olson also chats with former Arcata City Council member and Mayor Julie Fulkerson about the city’s efforts to preserve and protect Jolly Giant Creek over the years.

“I thought it was important to protect the creek for a number of reasons, partly because I wanted people who would live here eventually in these apartments to have this experience,” Fulkerson says, referring to a 1987 city council decision to keep the creek open during the development of a nearby apartment complex at Ninth and J Streets. “But also, in a broader way, for people walking by to have this same enjoyable moment in the middle of an urban community.”

From there, Olson follows the creek over to the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, where it eventually flows into Humboldt Bay. 

Click the video above to learn more!

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NOTE: This article is reprinted from the January 16, 1918 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle.

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It was only a few days after the United States declared war against Germany that James Rolph, Jr., Mayor of San Francisco, entered the ranks of shipbuilders. He had long forseen what was going to happen to the shipping trade, and in other ways he had been preparing for it, in his capacity as head of the Rolph Navigation and Coal Company.

Seeing an opportunity to purchase the old Bendixsen shipyards, located at Fairhaven, across Humboldt Bay from the city of Eureka, he did so. And since then perhaps no individual has done more than he to increase America’s merchant marine by building vessels to replace those sunk by the enemy.

The plant now known as the Rolph Shipbuilding Company’s yards was established in 1868 by the late H. D. Bendixsen, one of the pioneer shipbuilders of the Pacific Coast. During his career up to the time of its being taken over by the Rolph Shipbuilding Company, it turned out and launched 208 craft of all kinds and sizes, both sail and steam.

A generation ago shipbuilding on Humboldt Bay was virtually all Bendixsen. Today it is virtually all Rolph, for Rolph dominates the field not alone in the size of the yards and their productiveness, but also in the number of employees, the up-to-dateness of the plant, and the fair and persistent manner with which he goes about to do things and do them right.

The original Bendixsen property, purchased by the Rolph Shipbuilding Company, has a water frontage of 850 feet. It was under lease at the time of the sale to another concern, which occupied it with a couple of half-completed ships.

Instead of sitting down and waiting until the lease should expire, Rolph, who was anxious to do his bit toward combating the submarine menace, negotiated for and purchased a frontage of 950 feet, the old Fay property, adjoining the Bendixsen place on the north.

A little later he bought another 250 feet directly south of the Bendixsen plant, giving him a water frontage of 2050 feet in all, with a depth of about 500 feet to the property.

In April the Bendixsen yards were purchased. On June 10 following, the keel of the first vessel was laid on the adjoining property and construction work began with a rush.

Four vessels were entirely in frame by October. On December 7, 1917, the lease on the Bendixsen property expired and the plant was taken over, the keels of three more vessels being laid there immediately, making seven in all on the ways.

When it came into being, the Rolph Shipbuilding Company fixed as one of its foundation policies the fair treatment of its employees. The men were allowed to unionize and were paid highest union wages.

The working day was cut to eight hours and each Saturday was made pay day. Moreover, the employees were given to understand that the company was their friend. They were told that, for instance, no charge would be made for hospital service, and that in every other way they were to be made to like their jobs. Just in passing it might be mentioned also that Rolph a few weeks ago made a standing offer of a $100 bank account for every baby born at Fairhaven.

The unionization of a plant that for decades had been nonunion made friends for the Rolph Shipbuilding Company in all but one or two quarters. Those who did not feel as Rolph felt about labor and its rights happened to control the lumber situation. But this availed themselves nothing, for barges were sent by the company to the Columbia River and Puget Sound and the necessary fir timber brought from there — and the Rolph yards continued thrive.

Of the four vessels first started, three are 2500-ton general cargo vessels (steamers). They are 250 feet long between perpendiculars, with a beam of 45 feet 6 inches, and a depth of hold of 19 feet 6 inches.

They are being equipped with 1000-horsepower reciprocating engines and Heine water-tube boilers built and installed by the Union Iron Works of San Francisco.

The fourth vessel is a barkentine, four-masted, of about the same dimensions. It will carry 1,650,000 feet of lumber, or some 2200 tons dead weight.

The three vessels, whose keels were but recently laid, will all be barkentines. Not one of the craft but is being built to the highest classification of the American Bureau of Shipping, the American Lloyds. For instance, other shipyards leave as much as ten inches between the frames of their wooden vessels. In the vessels built at the Rolph yards, six inches is being left between ribs, so that all the ships will be given the maximum of sturdiness, though at a greater cost to build.

The first vessel to be launched will be a barkentine, which will take to the water on Washington’s birthday, February 22. Then one steamer will be launched each month until the three under construction are in the water As soon as one craft is afloat another keel will at once be laid on the vacant ways.

Besides the new construction going on at the yards, old craft are being overhauled and remodeled and made fit for sea again. The once famous clipper ship May, which for the past few years has been used by the Rolph Navigation and Coal Company as a barge, was recently repaired and fitted out as a three-masted barkentine.

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The reprint above appeared in the January-February 1977 issue of the Humboldt Historian, a journal of the Humboldt County Historical Society. It is reprinted here with permission. The Humboldt County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to archiving, preserving and sharing Humboldt County’s rich history. You can become a member and receive a year’s worth of new issues of The Humboldt Historian at this link.

It sure feels like Humboldt has been ultra generous with the toys this season. And now we can add the dozens of barrels gathered by the Humboldt Bay Fire Department to our collective haul. Score! 

For the past month community members have been filling receptacles spread across the county with fun goodies as part of HBF’s “Share the Magic of Christmas Toy Drive,” a tradition the department has partnered with the Salvation Army for for decades. 

Watch HBF bask in the culmination of their efforts in the clip above. 

Lt. Bart Silvers will soon be Chief Silvers | Photo submitted by the City of Arcata

Today the City of Arcata announced that Lieutenant Bart Silvers, who has been with the Arcata Police Department for more than 20 years, will be sworn in as the new Chief of Police during a special meeting next week. 

Silvers will succeed former Chief Brian Ahearn, who was recruited for the position in 2018. After working with APD for nearly five years, Ahearn retired on October 18. 

Press release from the City of Arcata:

The City of Arcata announced today that Bart Silvers has been appointed Arcata Police Department’s new Chief of Police.

The incoming Chief of Police will be responsible for ensuring that the Arcata Police Department is supporting the Arcata community’s core values essential to contemporary law enforcement, continuing the community’s high level of policing services, building vital community partnerships and growing successful public safety programs focusing on business safety, neighborhood crime, property theft and drug use.

Recruitment for the Chief of Police position was conducted by an outside recruiting firm, Bob Murray and Associates, who specializes in executive police recruitment. The recruitment process included a nationwide search which resulted in 10 applicants.

“Chief of Police is a vital and engaged position in Arcata. It was critical to select a leader with proven experience and the ability to bring specific skills and qualities to Arcata that could allow the department to build on the success that they have generated these past few years under Chief Ahearn. After considering valuable feedback from community members, department and non-department staff, we found that Bart Silvers’s commitment to community policing and his proven dedication to the City and the University community was the best fit for our City,” said Karen Diemer, Arcata City Manager, of Silvers’s appointment.

Silvers has over 22 years of public safety and progressive law enforcement experience with the City of Arcata. He was hired as a Police Officer in 2001. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2005 and then to Lieutenant in 2010. He has served as Acting and Interim Chief numerous times throughout his career.

During his tenure at APD Silvers has held many positions within the department including, Field Training Officer, Sexual Assault Investigator, Background Investigator, Internal Affairs Investigator, Critical Incident Response Team Member, Firearms Instructor, Sexual Assault Response Team Supervisor, Detective Sergeant and most recently Patrol Commander.

As Lieutenant, he implemented numerous initiatives to enhance Arcata’s police department including streamlining the recruitment and hiring process, implementing de-escalation training, enhanced Advanced Officer Training and recently secured a contract for a wellness program for the department.

Silvers said, “I look forward to continuing to work with our dedicated staff and the community to make Arcata a safe place to live and work.”

Bart Silvers graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Sherman Block Leadership Institute. He holds POST Basic, Intermediate, Supervisory and Management Certificates. He has been married to his wife, Teri, for 31 years and they have three adult children. He enjoys outdoor recreation, fishing and time with family, especially his new grandchild.

The employment contract for Chief Silvers will be reviewed by the City Council for ratification on Dec. 20, an official swearing-in ceremony will be held Dec. 21. Further details will be announced as they become available.

PREVIOUSLY:

• ‘Cannabis Reform Initiative’ Legal Challenge Filed: Small Farmers, Industry Reps Ask the Court to Kick Next Year’s ‘Measure A’ Off the Ballot
• Pressured by Upcoming Ballot Measure, County Supervisors Look to Improve Existing Cannabis Regs
• Proponents and Opponents of Measure A, the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative, Square Off at a Public Forum in Arcata
• Humboldt Supervisors Scrap Proposed Cannabis Initiative Following ‘Rushed’ Process

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The fate of Measure A, aka the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative, will be decided at the ballot box.

On Wednesday a Humboldt County Superior Court judge denied a petition aimed at getting the controversial ballot measure removed from the March 5 primary election ballot.

Petitioners, including the Humboldt County Growers Alliance (HCGA) and seven local cannabis farmers, argued that the backers of Measure A misled the public during their signature-gathering campaign by falsely claiming it would only impact large-scale growers and by failing to provide signatories with the “full text” of the provisions that the initiative would enact.

In his brief ruling, which you can access below, Judge Timothy Canning rejected those arguments, concluding, in part, that, “Unless it is clear that a proposed initiative or ballot proposition is unconstitutional, the courts should not interfere with the right of the people to vote on initiatives.”

He also found that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the initiative is deliberately deceptive.

“Opinions may (and do) differ as to whether Measure A effects only large scale grows or whether it effects smaller farms as well, and whether Measure A is or is not good policy for Humboldt County,” Canning writes. “However, there is insufficient evidence that the language of Measure A is deliberately false or misleading.”

Citing as precedent the 1999 case of San Francisco Forty-Niners v. Nishioka, Canning continues:

To be clear, the Court makes no findings on the merits of Measure A, as that is for the voters to decide. But the Court does find that there is an insufficient showing of objectively and deliberately untrue facts or statements in Measure A such that this Court should prevent Humboldt County voters from deciding whether or not to adopt it.

Betsy Watson, one of the two primary sponsors of Measure A, released a statement today, saying, “We’re gratified that the court saw through the growers’ attempt to deprive the people of their right to vote on Measure A.”

Watson said the thousands of voters who signed petitions forthe “Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative” were neither ignorant nor misled.

“People may disagree about whether Measure A is the right thing for Humboldt County,” she said, “But it’s time to move past the lawsuits and personal attacks. The people have a right to decide.”

Reached for comment, Natalynne DeLapp, executive director of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance said, “While we are disappointed with the ruling, we believe voters will conclusively reject the misleading tactics being used to sell Measure A. We join with local environmental groups, law enforcement agencies, small businesses & farmers, and political leaders in asking the public to vote NO on Measure A in March.”

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DOCUMENT: Ruling, Order and Judgment, John Lee Casali, et al. v. Juan P. Cervantes, et al.

Press release from the Humboldt Crabs:

The Humboldt Crabs are excited to announce that beginning this summer we will be joining the brand new Pacific Empire League! Joining the Crabs in this new alliance are five additional West Coast organizations with whom Crabs fans are already familiar – the Healdsburg Prune Packers, Lincoln Potters, Medford Rogues, Solano Mudcats, and West Coast Kings.

“The Humboldt Crabs organization is incredibly proud to be a part of the Pacific Empire League,” said Crabs president Scarlet Palmer. “We look forward to moving into our 80th season with a well-executed schedule and vigorous competition for the benefit of both our fans and our players.”

Since their last year in the Far West League in 2013, the Crabs have played as an independent team for the last decade, but have always maintained close ties with several West Coast teams. And when the opportunity arose to join forces with several of those teams, the decision was a no-brainer.

The league affiliation will assure strong competition at the Arcata Ball Park, as well as bring other enhancements to the fan experience, not the least of which is the potential to participate in a three-game championship series at the end of each season between the top two teams in the league.

“The Humboldt Crabs are honored to be a part of the Pacific Empire League in 2024 and years to come,” said Crabs assistant coach Eric Giacone. “We’re excited for the opportunity to compete against the best collegiate teams from Northern California and Southern Oregon. The PEL is going to create rivalries that will increase the fan experience at the Arcata Ballpark moving forward.”

A press release from the Pacific Empire League is below. The 80th season of Humboldt Crabs baseball season begins on Friday, May 31. See you at the ballpark! Pacific Empire League Release: West Coast Baseball Powerhouses Unite to Form Pacific Empire League (PEL) Best Coast, USA - Today marks the union of six top-tier Summer Collegiate Baseball franchises on the West Coast as they join forces to launch the Pacific Empire League (PEL). The Healdsburg Prune Packers, Humboldt Crabs, Lincoln Potters, Medford Rogues, Solano Mudcats, and West Coast Kings will anchor the league in a groundbreaking collaboration.

The PEL is dedicated to delivering robust competition and fostering player development in fan-focused communities.

In its debut 2024 season, the PEL will unite three former CCL teams (Prune Packers, Potters, Mudcats), leading Bay Area squad, the West Coast Kings, and two thriving independent teams (Crabs and Rogues). The summer schedule, featuring a climactic 3- game Championship Series, will provide a dynamic summer game range of up to 55 high- stakes matchups.

“The Pacific Empire League checks all the boxes as a topnotch collegiate baseball league, featuring historic teams with devoted fan bases, and strong ties to college coaches and scouts. Our integrated tech further enhances player exposure and development.” - Joey Gomes, GM/Head Coach, Healdsburg Prune Packers

Meet the Teams

• Healdsburg Prune Packers: Dominated the CCL for six seasons, finishing atop the northern division each year while claiming the league championship the last three consecutive seasons. Over 70 players drafted or signed pro contracts.
• Lincoln Potters: Seven-season winning record, three CCL playoff appearances, leading in fan engagement, and 15 drafted players in the past two years.
• Humboldt Crabs: America’s oldest continually-operated Summer Collegiate Baseball team since 1945, fostering over 300 pro players.
• Medford Rogues: Independent trailblazers with nearly a thousand fans per game, 39 players drafted or signed since 2013.
• Solano Mudcats: A Summer Collegiate Baseball staple since 1990, boasting 31 D1 players in the last three seasons.
• West Coast Kings: 2021 and 2023 West Coast World Series champions, featuring 61 D1 talents in the last three seasons.

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Press release from the Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt:

A new report from the Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt evaluates potential scenarios for electric grid transmission development to support floating offshore wind along the northern coast of California and the southern coast of Oregon. The scenarios include onshore and offshore (undersea) transmission systems, with interconnections ranging from 7.2 to 25.8 gigawatts of generation capacity. The study encompasses multiple possible wind farm sites between Coos Bay, Oregon and Cape Mendocino, California, including the two currently awarded lease areas located 20 miles off California’s Humboldt Bay, and two Draft Wind Energy Areas near Brookings and Coos Bay, Oregon.

Because the existing transmission infrastructure in these rural, coastal areas is very limited, major investments will be required to support offshore wind development. This report estimates that transmission infrastructure costs could range from $7.5 billion for a 7.2 gigawatt wind farm to as much as $41.3 billion for a 25.8 gigawatt buildout. For the 7.2 gigawatt scenario, annual system-wide benefits are estimated to be roughly $1.2 billion, when compared to a base case without offshore wind generation. These savings include both production cost savings and greenhouse gas emissions savings; the latter is valued at $72 per metric ton of avoided emissions, based on the EPA’s projected social cost of carbon.

The report examined combinations of onshore and offshore transmission solutions, utilizing both high-voltage alternating current (HVAC) and high-voltage direct current (HVDC). Estimates also included the costs to deliver wind power to nearby coastal communities. The analysis indicated that coastal communities near wind farms could be connected to the new transmission infrastructure, thereby increasing the reliability and available capacity of electricity in those areas, for only 0.4% to 2.4% of the overall cost of the transmission upgrades.

This study also includes a preliminary assessment of anticipated permitting challenges related to environmental impacts, land use conflicts, and undersea cable routing. The findings indicated significant variations in permitting difficulty, ranging from low to very high among the various possible routes.

Because the Pacific offshore wind buildout will take decades to accomplish, the report emphasizes that infrastructure investment decisions made in the early phases must be informed by expected long-term strategies—both to minimize cost and impact, and so that developments do not become stranded. Proactive, regional transmission planning is critical. Likewise, technologies installed today must be designed to adapt to future solutions.

Recommended next steps include taking a more detailed look at near-term transmission needs for the first phase of offshore wind development; a detailed analysis of transmission routes, land ownership, and rights-of-way; and an assessment of the potential to couple battery energy storage with offshore wind.

This study was funded by the California Energy Commission and the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation of the U.S. Department of Defense, and developed in close collaboration with the Oregon Department of Energy. Technical project partners included the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Quanta Technology, H. T. Harvey & Associates, Mott MacDonald, and Conaway Geomatics.

The Schatz Energy Research Center is located in Arcata, California on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt. Since 1989, the Schatz Center has led innovative research and design programs in offshore wind, microgrids and resilience, clean transportation, emissions and air quality, and off-grid energy access.