It’s whale season once again along our shores, and once again we are indebted to Kayak Trinidad for sending along video of some lucky oceangoers’ close encounter with one of these behemoths.
Kayak Trinidad’s Hallie Heath shot the video above early today. Check out that blowhole action! Also kind of a tepid tail-flop in there.
Says Kayak Trinidad:
We run whale watching kayak tours daily coinciding with the gray whale migration March through May. This was an especially good close encounter with a cow & calf pair and another adult feeding near our group for about an hour, but there are 25,000 gray whales passing by over the next month and a half or so odds of encounters and sightings are easy to come by.
We’d also like to remind folks on the water to keep it safe for the whales and maintain distance. If you find yourself in close proximity the best thing to do is stop your motor or stop paddling to avoid causing any harm to these awesome giants of the sea.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports today of a phone scam targeting our community, claiming to be a Sheriff’s Office Sergeant.
As part of this scam, the caller claims they are from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and may identify as current and/or former employees. The scammer tells the victim that he is with the “Citations and Warrants Division” of our office and claims the victim has a warrant for their arrest. The scammer uses fear of being jailed to elicit personal information and money from the victim. Some victims even report the scam to have spoofed the HCSO’s phone number (707-445-7251), with their caller ID identifying the caller as our office.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like the community to know that this is a scam. While law enforcement may contact you regarding a warrant or investigation, we will never demand payment in exchange for dropping a warrant or stopping an investigation, nor will we encourage you to seek a bail bond to avoid being booked into our correctional facility. Additionally, no government agency will ask you to mail large sums of cash or pay with gift cards.
Remember these tips to help protect yourself from fraud:
1. Spot imposters
Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, like a government official, a family member, a charity or a company with which you do business. Don’t send money or give out personal information in response to an unexpected request – whether it comes as a text, a phone call or an email.
2. Do online searches
Type a company or product name into your favorite search engine with words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” Or search for a phrase that describes your situation, like “IRS call.” You can even search for phone numbers to see if other people have reported them as scams.
3. Don’t believe your caller ID
Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the name and number you see aren’t always real. If someone calls asking for money or personal information, hang up. If you think the caller might be telling the truth, call back to a number you know is genuine.
4. Talk to someone
Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry. They might even threaten you. Slow down, check out the story, do an online search, consult an expert — or just tell a friend.
5. Don’t rely on personal information
Living in the digital age, access to information is easier than ever. Scammers are often able to get their hands on very personal information, providing it to their victims to make their scam look more legitimate. Don’t trust a scammer who is able to provide your personal information. If you followed the above tips and still aren’t sure, call back at a publicly listed number for the organization from which the scammer claims to be or contact your loved one directly.
Sign up for the Federal Trade Commission’s scam alerts at ftc.gov/scams.
The Humboldt County COVID-19 Joint Information Center (JIC) will close its doors at the end of the day Friday, April 1, after taking thousands of calls from county residents over the past two years.
Starting Monday, April 4, callers can contact Public Health at 707-445-6201 with COVID-related questions. Case count news releases will continue to be issued weekly.
Humboldt County Public Health Director Sofia Pereira said, “We are at the stage now where we can incorporate the JIC Call Center and media functions into our normal business operations. As case counts have continued to drop and vaccination demand has slowed, inquiries to the Call Center have diminished substantially. We are still managing Public Health’s response to COVID-19 and paying close attention to the state and local trends, and we are scaling our operations to meet the community’s needs.”
On Feb. 20, 2020, Humboldt became the first rural county in the state with a confirmed COVID-19 case. The JIC, staffed by employees from the Department of Health & Human Services, and other county departments and partner agencies, opened soon after when the County of Humboldt activated its Emergency Operations Center in response to virus spread. Since March 2020, JIC staff have answered more than 61,000 calls and emails from the public.
At its height in March 2021, Call Center staff were answering more than 2,000 calls a week, assisting in signing up thousands of county residents for vaccine appointments, directing callers to testing locations, providing guidance to area businesses about state and local health orders and more.
Pereira said the efforts of the JIC are credited with diverting thousands of calls from the 911 system. “Thank you to our Joint Information Center staff for providing two years of public information for Humboldt County and answering the call to serve during a critical moment.”
As of April 1, at 5:01 p.m., the 707-441-5000 number will no longer field COVID-related questions. Callers can direct their questions to Public Health at 707-445-6201. Calls will be answered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public Health is closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.
Weekly case count numbers will continue to be issued on Wednesdays and social media will be updated as needed. For additional information about COVID-19 in Humboldt, visit humboldtgov.org/COVID.
Please note, the JIC will be closed Thursday, March 31, in honor of Cesar Chavez Day. Operations will resume the following morning at 8 a.m.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 27, 2022, at about 09:11 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies on patrol on the 1800 block of Central Avenue in McKinleyville conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation.
While speaking with the driver of the vehicle, 32-year-old Daniel Alan Byrd Jr., the deputy observed an open bag of approximately two pounds of cannabis underneath the driver’s seat of the vehicle.
Deputies detained Byrd Jr. and conducted a search of the vehicle for any additional prohibited substances. During the search of the vehicle, deputies located multiple ammunition rounds.
Byrd was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of cannabis (HS 11357(b)(2)), felon in possession of ammunition (PC 30305(a)) and possession of cannabis while driving (VC 23222(b)(1)).
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.
Cappa tries Cincinnati’s chili cheese spaghetti. | Bengals Twitter
Former Lumberjack Alex Cappa is officially an honorary Cincinnatian after bravely partaking in the city’s regional fare of chili and spaghetti.
Days after signing Cappa to a four-year, $40 million deal, the Bengals’ social media channels shared footage of Cappa earning his stripes by sampling several local dishes.
“No better way to welcome the guys to Cincinnati than a proper chili tasting,” the Bengals wrote on social media.
First, Cappa tried a “Coney dog.” Known as a chili dog in most parts of the country, the “Coney dog” was reportedly brought to the Midwest from New York by migrating European immigrants.
“Are these mini dogs, what’s the deal?” the 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound guard asked before taking his first bite.
Cappa’s verdict: They’re “pretty good.”
“People have had me skeptical about Cincinnati chili, I’m sorry to say,” he added. “But this [Coney dog] is good right here. I’m going for a second bite.”
Cappa followed up the Coney dog with a taste of his first “Cincinnati 3-way,” a blend of Cincinnati’s “famous” chili and cheese piled on top of spaghetti.
“I can tell this thing’s heavy already, and I love that,” he said twirling his fork into the pasta.
While the meal may seem like a last-minute creation thrown together by an overwhelmed parent on a school night, the culinary hodgepodge is apparently known as Cincinnati’s signature dish. And that’s okay.
“Very good,” Cappa said of the chili cheese spaghetti. “I’m a fan of Cincinnati already, I’m not gonna lie.”
Cappa’s appreciation for Cincinnati’s food may earn him some points with local fans. However, Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow proved that Bengals fans are more interested in on-field play than personal taste, after the Ohio native bashed Cincinnati’s beloved restaurant chain Skyline Chili.
“I hate it, I hate it,” Burrow told reporters in 2020. “Cincinnati is gonna hate me, but I hate that stuff. It’s not real chili, it’s just sauce.”
O’Neill (left) and Sanchez. Photos: Eureka Police Department.
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The two police officers mentioned in the press release from the City of Eureka, below, are Capt. Patrick O’Neill and Sgt. Rodgrigo Sanchez.
Press release from the City of Eureka:
In March of 2021, the City of Eureka retained Todd Simonson of Sacks Ricketts & Case, LLP to
conduct an independent investigation into certain text messages between an EPD Sergeant and
members of the department, between January and August of 2020. Some of these text messages were
published by the Sacramento Bee in a March 17, 2021 article. After the commencement of the
investigation, the initial scope was expanded to include allegations of misconduct by a Department
Captain, Sergeant and three Officers. Mr. Simonson interviewed members of the Eureka Police
Department and other witnesses as part of this comprehensive and independent third-party
investigation.
Based on findings within the investigative report, then Chief Steve Watson recommended disciplinary
action of both the Captain and Sergeant. Interim Police Chief Todd Jarvis was tasked with reviewing
the matter and determining the final discipline after Chief Watson’s retirement. On March 25, 2022,
while disciplinary action was pending, both the involved Captain and Sergeant contacted Chief Jarvis
and requested to immediately retire from EPD. Their retirements are effective March 25, 2022. One
officer who was placed on administrative leave pending investigation in March of 2021, terminated
employment with the City on September 17, 2021. Appropriate corrective action has been taken on
all other individuals involved.
Chief Jarvis stated, “the text messages brought to light by the article and confirmed during the
independent investigation were abhorrent and are not representative of the respect that members of
EPD have for our citizenry. These actions fly in the face of the extensive efforts that our team has
taken to ensure we address every challenge with a clear focus on human dignity, professionalism, and
respect for the individual.”
The City of Eureka would like to thank the public for their patience during this extensive investigation
and as it navigated through the many regulations surrounding police employment. “Thank you for
standing with us, as together, we weathered this storm. Your continued support of the Eureka Police
Department has not gone unnoticed and is deeply appreciated,” stated City Manager Slattery.
City Manager Slattery intends to ask the Independent Police Auditor (IPA) to conduct a complete
review and audit of the entire process surrounding this investigation and its disposition. The results of
this review will be made available per the guidelines and agreement between the IPA and the City of
Eureka.
R to L: Jared Dwayne, Brandi Gunther and Ajay Wesley | HCSO
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 27, 2022, at about 8:36 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol in the Blue Lake area conducted an investigation on an occupied vehicle parked in the parking lot of a business on the 700 block of Casino Way. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy observed an adult male passed out in the front seat of the vehicle, with a juvenile asleep in the back seat.
The deputy awoke the male driver, 31-year-old Jared Dwayne Downs, and learned that the juvenile’s parents were inside the business. During the investigation, the deputy also learned that Downs was in possession of a controlled substance.
During a search of Downs’ belongings, deputies located approximately 20.6 grams of suspected Fentanyl, 5.2 grams of methamphetamine and various drug paraphernalia.
While investigating, deputies were contacted by an additional male, 39-year-old Ajay Wesley Lawson, who identified himself as the juvenile’s father. Following this contact, deputies conducted a search of the entire vehicle, locating a large amount of drug paraphernalia, including numerous used hypodermic needles and items containing residue of suspected heroin.
The juvenile’s mother, 38-year-old Brandi Marie Gunther, was located inside the business and was taken into custody.
Downs was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of child endangerment (PC 273a(a)), possession of a narcotic controlled substance (HS 11350(a)) and possession of a controlled substance (HS 11377(a)).
Lawson was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of child endangerment (PC 273a(a)) and possession of a controlled substance paraphernalia (HS 11364(a)).
Gunther was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of child endangerment (PC 273a(a)) and possession of a controlled substance paraphernalia (HS 11364(a)).
The juvenile was placed in safe custody.
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.
