Remember that advice from the state’s Fair Political Practices Commission that resulted in a press release announcing that Arcata Mayor Stacy Atkins-Salazar would have to recuse herself from all matters relating to the city-altering Gateway Area Plan process? (If not, catch up here.)
Well, two out of six current candidates for Arcata City Council would very likely be in the same position, if either of them are elected. That’s because like Atkins-Salazar, those two candidates — Alex Stillman and Dana Quillman — also own real property that lies within 500 feet of the Gateway area.
If either of them are elected, that would leave the council with a bare quorum — three out of five councilmembers — able to consider and weigh in on the largest-scale and most ambitious planning projects in recent Humboldt County history, and certainly the most important topic facing the next iteration of the council. With only three members able to vote, any council actions on the project would have to be unanimous.
In the map above, the Gateway Area, as mapped by the City of Arcata, is in red. The green area is everything that is within 500 feet of the Gateway Area. The blue area is everything within 1,000 feet.
The map also shows properties owned by Stillman, a longtime property owner and landlord in the city. The parcels she owns are colored solid black. The properties owned in part by Dana Quillman, who lives on H Street south of Samoa Boulevard, are in solid purple.
As you can see, both Quillman’s home and at least one property owned by Stillman — the one on 12th Street, between J and K — are solidly within 500 feet of the zone that the city has drawn up as the Gateway Area. In addition. Stillman’s H Street buildings fronting the Arcata Plaza are partially (and just barely) within the 500-foot limit, at least according to the geographic files that city government sent us yesterday.
This matters because the California Fair Political Practices Commission currently takes a hard line on what people call its “500-foot rule,” in which elected officials are considered to have a conflict of interest in consequential planning decisions are taken within 500 feet of an official’s property. The rule is spelled out in Section 18702.2(a)(7) of the FPPC’s regulations, which states that an elected has a conflict when property in which they have a financial interest is
… located 500 feet or less from the property line of the parcel unless
there is clear and convincing evidence that the decision will not have any measurable impact on
the official’s property.
Atkins-Salazar owns property located within 500 feet of the Gateway Area; Stillman and Quillman do as well. Therefore they are almost certainly bound by the same state conflict of interest guidelines that prevent Atkins-Salazar from deliberating on the Gateway Area Plan.
There is an exception, in the regulation quoted above: There is no conflict if there is “clear and convincing evidence” that the city council’s work on the Gateway Area Plan will have “no measurable impact” on the candidate’s properties.
But according to Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger, a San Francisco-based law firm focusing on municipal government in California, that is a very difficult hurdle to clear, especially since the FPPC revised its regulations in 2019. In a review of FPPC advice letters issued since those revisions were adopted, the firm found that the exception does not apply when “there was evidence of increased intensity of use, traffic, noise, and changed market value of the official’s property.” If Stillman or Quillman are elected and wished to participate in the Gateway Area planning efforts, they would have to present “clear and convincing” evidence that the plan — which foresees thousands of new residents in the area — would have none of those effects on their properties.
Furthermore, it seems probable that Stillman’s commercial properties downtown would also disqualify her from participating in Gateway planning, whether or not the ones on the Plaza are counted as being within the 500-foot limit. Section 18702.2(a)(8) of the FPPC’s regulations deals with real property between 500 feet and 1,000 feet away from a project — the area shaded blue in the map above — and says that an elected official has a conflict if property they own meets the following conditions:
Involves property located more than 500 feet but less than 1,000 feet from the
property line of the parcel, and the decision would change the parcel’s:
(A) Development potential;
(B) Income producing potential;
(C) Highest and best use;
(D) Character by substantially altering traffic levels, intensity of use, parking, view,
privacy, noise levels, or air quality; or
(E) Market value
Stillman told the Outpost today that she has written to the Fair Political Practices Commission to ask for a solid determination on whether or not she has a conflict in this matter. But she says that even if the FPPC does make that determination, as it did in Atkins-Salazar’s case, there would still be much more that she could work on.
[UPDATE: Stillman writes to say that she has received this not very helpful response from the FPPC: “[S]hould you become an elected official you would need to seek advice in regard to the proposed plan and its potential financial impact on your holdings prior to engaging in any discussions or taking any actions in relation to the plan.”]
“There is more than the Gateway for the council to deal with,” Stillman said. “It’s slapped in front of everyone’s faces right now — the Gateway and homelessness — but the city has a lot more going than those two things.”
“I think that’s really screwed,” said Dana Quillman when reached this morning.
Quillman said that she believes the Gateway Area Plan, and other urbanist developments like it, is just one piece of a “globalist” plan that includes COVID, 5G technology and many other recent world developments with the aim of cowing the citizenry.
Quillman said she does not necessarily expect to be elected in a “city that has lost its soul,” but said that if she is she would continue to use her voice as a citizen and activist to advocate against the plan. She also would be open to supporting one of other candidates if they shared her views, she said.
On Wednesday, April 6th, 2022, Fortuna Police Detectives arrested 56 year old, Gary F. Landergen on
allegations of sexual battery on a minor. Landergen, who is a local teacher and coach in Fortuna had been
placed on administrative leave by his employer just prior to the arrest by police Wednesday afternoon. At
least two students came forward reporting they had been the victim of inappropriate and unwelcomed
groping and/or fondling by Landergen. During the course of this investigation, detectives were able to locate
and identify witnesses who had observed some of the alleged misconduct.
Landergen was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked without
incident for the following charges and suspected violations of the California Penal Code:
243.4(a) Sexual Battery.
647.6(a)(1) Annoying, Harassing, or Molesting a Child.
The Fortuna Police Department is asking for any assistance in identifying any other potential victims.
Victims and their families are urged to come forward with any information and to immediately contact
school administrators and the police department.
# # #
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, the North Coast Rape Crisis Team has local counselors who are available 24-hours a day:
Students at Piner High School complete a class assignment on Aug. 14, 2019. Photo by Anne Wernikoff for CalMatters
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As efforts to provide a guaranteed income spring up around California, a lawmaker who has pushed for such state-funded pilot programs has set his sights on another population he says should benefit — low-income high school seniors on the brink of adulthood.
State Sen. Dave Cortese, a Democrat from Campbell, is sponsoring a bill for the state to give no-strings-attached checks to about 15,000 high school seniors who have experienced homelessness, starting from around the time of graduation to their fall enrollment in college or vocational school or their entry into the workforce.
About 183,000 California K-12 students were homeless at some point during the 2020-21 school year, according to the California Department of Education.
The proposed legislation does not specify how high school seniors would apply for the payments or how much they would be. Cortese said he’s hoping the pilot program would offer $1,000 monthly checks for four or five months for the 2023 graduating class, possibly costing the state about $85 million a year.
The legislation passed out of the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday with little opposition and heads to the Senate Human Services Committee.
Cortese said he’s proposing it for graduating high school seniors instead to avoid interfering with students’ financial aid calculations; the bill could help students living in poverty rent an apartment or pay for food during college if they enroll, but there’s no requirement to do so.
Christina Torrez, a Bakersfield College student and former foster youth who experienced homelessness in high school, told lawmakers on Wednesday that a basic income program would allow students to concentrate on their schooling.
“Honestly, school wasn’t important to me at the time, because I had to figure out where I was going to eat, where I was going to sleep,” Torrez said. “What this does, it allows a whole burden to come off a youth that is homeless.”
It’s the latest guaranteed income proposal for California, which has seen several local governmentsstart pilots after a highly publicized experiment in Stockton from 2019 to 2021 giving 125 families $1,000 each month.
The aim is to alleviate poverty and give recipients more flexibility on how to spend the money than is offered by traditional social services. Critics have raised concerns the checks would discourage work.
“School wasn’t important to me at the time, because I had to figure out where I was going to eat, where I was going to sleep.” — Christina Torrez, a Bakersfield college student
Early results of the Stockton study found full-time employment increased 12% in the full year and participants reported less financial instability and improved health outcomes. Former Stockton mayor Michael Tubbs is now an adviser to Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Many of the local efforts are privately funded, but some cities are using federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Cortese said he’s looking for ways to incrementally expand the program toward other groups who could use a “soft landing” on the path toward financial independence, such as high school seniors.
“My vision is that you start installing guaranteed income at the proper point in a person’s life,” to avoid the need for them to cycle through shelters, he said.
“It feels a lot more like a movement,” Cortese said of basic income efforts across the state. “I just need to come back each legislative session and try to add another brick in the wall.”
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This article is part of the California Divide project, a collaboration among newsrooms examining income inequality and economic survival in California. CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
Our
family is sad to announce the unexpected passing of Carlie Noelynne
Kelley. She was in a fatal car accident on January 15, 2022. Carlie
had just turned 18 years old.
Carlie
was born September 16, 2003 in Eureka to Charlie Kelley and Jamie
Mazzone of Weitchpec.
Carlie’s love and light made this world a better place for all that knew her.
She was a bright, sweet, powerful and constant love source in so many
of our lives. Even as a baby and young child, she loved BIG. Carlie
saw goodness in everyone and formed relationships that will last
beyond our lifetime. She definitely “paid it forward” through
her heart!
Carlie
is survived by her father, Charlie Kelley, her mother, Jamie Mazzone, her grandparents, Richard and
Patti Kelley and Ron Sharp and Debi Mazzone, Granny Winona French,
her great-grandparents, Barbara and Robert Soos. Her brothers, Kyle
Muth (Kirstin), Taylor Muth (Jennifer) Thomas Kelley (Emily), and her
sister, Taleena French. Carlie will also be sorely missed by her soul
sisters, Tenaya Gensaw, Kaya Norris-French, Mi-kayla French and
Tashena French.
Thomas
Morrison, Carlie’s childhood sweetheart, was blessed to have and
share her love for years.
Carlie
is also survived by her extended family and dear friends, Dana Klein
and her crew, Elijah, Georgia, Kameko, Joey and her long-time anchor,
her solid, steady bestie/sister, Lily. Thank you all for sharing your
homes, hearts and guiding her to her peace place.
Carlie
was preceded in death by her Uncle Richie Kelley, Jay-Jay Price,
Stevie Eli Burton, Damian French and her great-grandparents Janice
and Joseph Burton and Ruth Agnes and Charles Kelley. We are certain their reunion has been joyous with
all the family and friends welcoming her. A friend recently shared
something his father shared with him as a child. He was told that
Heaven can’t just be filled with old people. That some young need
to be there to bring joy. Carlie will certainly bring Joy!
Carlie
shared a deep love with her aunts and uncles, growing up with some of
them. Tim, Richie, David and her very special Auntie Menetta. She
leaves so many loving cousins, great aunts and uncles, and those
friends she considered family. We are grateful for each of you that
formed Carlie’s “Village”, as it truly does take a village to
raise a child!
Carlie
had a special way with the little ones in her life, and they brought
her great joy. She loved her “littles”! Kyle and Kristin, Taylor
and Jennifer, Morgan and David, Tim and Kassie, Kevin and Menetta,
Rachael, Denise, Jamie and William, Analyn and Jeremy, Tessa, and so
many others… Carlie loved you all and loved loving your babies!
May
Carlie’s energy and presence continue to shine through all that
knew and loved her. Let us always have faith in the goodness offered
in our daily lives. Let us be our best, love our best and be good to
one another and continue sharing her goodness.
A
Celebration of Carlie’s Life will be held this Sunday, April 10 at the Trinidad Town Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join us to Celebrate
Carlie’s goodness, her heart, her spirit, her shine, her giggle,
her spunk and her love. There will be a pot-luck meal, so please
bring your favorite dish, side, salad or dessert and a beverage. We
plan to move the celebration to Moonstone Beach after the luncheon,
so be prepared for any weather. Please bring your family, stories,
perhaps a kite or bubble wand and your love for Carlie!
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The obituary above was submitted by Carlie Kelley’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
Vonda
Glee Wilson of Eureka peacefully passed away on the night of March
13, 2022, surrounded by her family.
Vonda
was born on September 14, 1939 to Vivian and Fred Broyles in Olympia,
Wash. She moved with her family to Humboldt County in 1954. After Vonda
graduated from Eureka Senior High in 1958, she married Lawrence
“Larry” Wilson on July 13, 1958. Vonda and Larry were married for
49 years and had two daughters, Lori Ann
and Vonda J. Wilson.
When
her youngest daughter started school, Vonda enrolled at Humboldt
State University and majored in education. She graduated at the age
of 40. After graduation, she worked as a special education teacher at
South Bay and in various preschool and after school programs in
Humboldt County. Vonda
enjoyed
working with children and loved her career. She often reminisced
about the time she spent at South Bay and how honored she was to have
had the opportunity to work with such great people.
Vonda
worked
in local schools for 20 years. After she retired, Vonda had time to
pursue her many interests. She especially loved to travel, was an
avid reader and enjoyed gardening. Among her favorite activities was
spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether
it was watching movies on the couch or helping them with their
schoolwork. She also really enjoyed baking treats for them, they
especially loved her cupcakes. Vonda was the type of person to love
and care for others. She spent most of her recent time with her
family and little ‘maltipoo’ Mimi.
Vonda
was predeceased by her parents Vivian and Fred Broyles, husband
Lawrence Wilson and daughter Lori Ann
Asbury.
She is survived by her daughter Vonda J. Liles, brother Fred Broyles
and his wife Joan, sister Arlene Broyles, niece Heidi Broyles-Ortega
and her wife Julieta. She is also survived by her grandchildren
Daniel Asbury and his wife Staci, Heather Asbury, Ashley Carlson,
Alyssa Liles, Jordan Liles, and her great-grandchildren Bradley
Edwards, Haili Asbury, Jayden Edwards, Jonathan Martinez, Josiah
Carlson, Juan Martinez and five other great-grandchildren.
Vonda
was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. She will be remembered
and honored by her friends and family.
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The obituary above was submitted by Vonda Wilson’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
Richard (Rich) Todd
Born February 5, 1951
Died March 6, 2022
Rich lived in the Fresno area until 2000 when he moved here to help his sister, who was going blind. The first time I heard Rick sing I turned around and asked him to marry me. He had the most beautiful singing voice I ever heard. I was kidding at the time but history tells a different story. We married in September 2002.
Rick learned to love cats and cruising. That could have been a deal breaker for me. We went on over a dozen cruises together. He was always up for the next adventure — including camping twice, which he didn’t like.
Rick was a very kind, loving, generous person. He spoiled me rotten, which we both loved.
Rick went to be with the Lord whom he loved. He is well and free from pain for the first time. I cant wait to see him again someday. I miss him terribly. Life isn’t much fun without him. It’s hard to sum up someone’s life in a few paragraphs. He was a wonderful, hard working man.
There will be a memorial for Rick on April 19 at 11 a.m. at Lifehouse Humboldt Church, 2734 Hubbard lane, Eureka
He is proceeded in death by his mother Alene, father Merle, sister Linda Osborn, son Shawn and his grandparents.
He is survived by his wife Margie Omstead, his children Tim, Leslie and Micah, aunts Sue and Kay, nephew Ryan.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Rich Todd’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 30, 2022, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Division received information regarding the illegal dumping of a vehicle near the Eel River in Ferndale.
Through their investigation, deputies obtained video surveillance depicting a truck towing a broken-down vehicle near the river’s edge on East Ferry Road and negligently abandoning the vehicle on the river bar. Deputies were able to identify the owner of the truck, a 22-year-old Eureka man, and determined the man to be the driver of the truck at the time of the incident. Deputies contacted the man and issued a citation for Illegal Dumping of Commercial Waste (PC 374.3(h)(1)). The man agreed to remove the vehicle from the river bar for proper disposal.
This case is being forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office takes seriously the illegal dumping of vehicles in our public spaces. Not only does illegal dumping of all types of waste endanger our environment, it also threatens to close the public use of these areas permanently.
Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity 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.
