Fall-run chinook salmon that died after their release in the Klamath River were only months old and one or two inches in length, similar to these winter-run salmon reintroduced to the McCloud River last year. Photo by Eric Holmes, University of California
The tiny Chinook salmon turned up dead downriver just two daysafter they were released from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s brand new Fall Creek Fish Hatchery, built to supply the Klamath River as it undergoes the largest dam removal in history.
The $35 million state hatchery, on a tributary just upstream of Iron Gate dam in Siskiyou County, was constructed to help the river’s threatened coho and dwindling fall-run chinook salmon, a mainstay of commercial and recreational fishing and tribal food supplies.
The hatchery’s first release ended with an unknown number of the 830,000 young Chinook salmon found dead, their eyes bulging, in a federal sampling trap about 9 miles below the dam.
California’s fish and wildlife officials said they suspect “gas bubble disease,” a condition similar to decompression sickness in scuba divers, is to blame — likely caused when the salmon traveled through a 9-foot-wide tunnel out of Iron Gate dam to reconnect with the Klamath downriver.
Gas bubble disease in fish is caused by “environmental or physical trauma often associated with severe pressure change,” officials said.
Jason Roberts, inland fisheries program manager with the state agency, said it’s an outcome that state, federal, and tribal scientists involved in the decision didn’t anticipate.
“The basin co-managers made the best decision they could with the information that they had, and unfortunately, it did not go well,” Roberts said. “I don’t think anyone thought water going through this tunnel would cause gas bubble disease, or we obviously wouldn’t have done it.”
“You see gas bubble disease at hatcheries when there’s flood flows and there’s tons of water,” he added. “I think everyone assumed, given Iron Gate reservoir was basically drained, that there wouldn’t be a problem.”
“I don’t think anyone thought water going through this tunnel would cause gas bubble disease, or we obviously wouldn’t have done it.” — Jason Roberts, California Department of Fish and Wildlife
It was a tragic, heartbreaking event for the fish biologists and a setback for a costly and high-profile project: The state had hatched and raised the salmon, then released them into a place where they died almost immediately.
“I feel really bad for the fish. And I feel really bad for my staff that spend all their time taking care of these fish, and for all the partners and stakeholders that are counting on us,” Roberts said.
Ecologists say that taking steps to restore nature or undo environmental damage — such as constructing new wetlands to replace bulldozed ones, building passages for wildlife and providing new habitat for endangered species — can be unpredictable and have unintended consequences. Failure is always a possibility.
“While there is a level of uncertainty in anything you do, especially a massive dam removal project like this, they’ve done a really good job of predicting what’s going to happen, especially with sediment movement and transport, poor water quality,” Soto said. Despite the tragedy, he said, “I’m overall really happy with the outcome so far.”
No wild salmon were harmed. And the consequences aren’t expected to be catastrophic for the Klamath hatchery project.
“This is just a sad reminder of the harm that these dams have caused, and continue to cause.” — Robert Lusardi, UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology
The hatchery is still raising 3.27 million healthy chinook salmon, more than the state’s annual goal of 3.25 million, to be released into the river. From now on, officials plan to bypass the dam and truck the remaining fish downriver.
“We believe the effects to salmon populations will therefore be minimal,” said Michael Belchik, senior water policy analyst with the Yurok Tribe, the largest tribe in California with a reservation that spans a 45-mile stretch of the lower Klamath River.
And by the end of the year, Iron Gate dam should be gone.
“Iron Gate’s killed its last salmon,” Belchik said.
The die-off came as four aging hydroelectric dams are being cleared from the Klamath River’s path, reconnecting a river that has been divided for over a century. The reservoirs have been drained, and the river is reclaiming its track. One of the dams is already gone.
California tribes and conservation groups have been fighting for dam removal for decades. Reconnecting hundreds of miles of habitat and restoring more natural flows to the river is expected to help revive the area’s salmon.
The die-off also came amidst increased scrutiny of the dam removal, which opponents in Siskiyou County have called “the largest, most devastating dam removal experiment in modern history.” They warn that it is creating a “river of death” that will unleash sediment and other materials into the river — jeopardizing the fish.
A view of Iron Gate dam, one of three hydroelectric dams being removed on the Klamath River, on July 17, 2023. Photo by Semantha Norris, CalMatters
But wildlife officials say the river’s sediment and dissolved oxygen levels were suitablefor releasing the fish and weren’t a cause of the die-off. They say it’s likely that conditions within the Iron Gate dam’s tunnel killed the salmon — reinforcing the danger of these vestigial structures.
“This is just a sad reminder of the harm that these dams have caused, and continue to cause,” said Robert Lusardi, assistant professor of freshwater ecology at the University of California, Davis. “It does speak to the need to immediately remove the dam infrastructure from the Klamath River.”
Mark Bransom, CEO of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, the nonprofit formed to oversee the removal effort, said it also speaks to the challenge of undoing decades of human environmental interference.
“We cannot unwind over 100 years of environmental damage overnight,” Bransom said. “We really do have to take a little bit longer view of what restoration means when we are trying to unspool a century’s-worth of impacts to the environment and to the communities who depend on a healthy river.”
From healthy hatchery newborns to dead in the river
The salmon were healthy when they left the hatchery on Feb. 26. Only months old and an inch or two long, they were released as scheduled to give the remaining fish in the hatchery ample room to grow.
The salmon fry traveled down Fall Creek and into the Klamath River as it snakes through the footprint of the now-drained Iron Gate reservoir, before swimming through the roughly 200-foot long, 9 foot-wide tunnel through Iron Gate dam and back into the Klamath River.
They began showing up dead two days later in a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sampling trap miles downstream.
Roberts said their bulging eyeballs were a telltale sign of gas bubble disease. A definitive confirmation, though, is unlikely from carcasses that traveled so far.
Much like with the bends, gas bubble disease occurs when air bubbles form in blood and tissue. In fish, it can be caused by severe pressure changes or in water containing excess levels of gases.
Bransom said pressure conditions were normal where the river flows into the tunnel, which was flowing only about half full, he said.
“There has been no definitive conclusion that this was gas bubble disease and that the tunnel was responsible,” Bransom said. “It’s possible there was some hydraulic condition inside of the tunnel that produced a high pressure zone, meaning higher than atmospheric pressure, but again we don’t have any evidence of that, and we don’t know what the level of mortality actually was.”
Roberts said it’s “near impossible” to put a number on how many fry died at this point.
“It might not ever be a firm number that anyone knows,” he said. “The majority of the fish in the trap that were fry-sized were deceased, and they had visual signs of gas bubble disease. Therefore, it’s a safe assumption to think that if those fish swam through the tunnel, other fish that swim through the tunnel likely experienced a high rate of mortality as well.”
He added, “thankfully we have an extra 850,000 fish on hand so that will help offset the loss of these fish — from a production standpoint.”
“So far, we’ve been finding normal fish, healthy fish. So that’s really good — that the wild fish are not affected by this.” — Toz Soto, Karuk Tribe Fisheries
“While the project’s going through a lot of scrutiny, this is just another thing for naysayers to pile on to,” said Curtis Knight, executive director of California Trout, a conservation organization. “But I think it’s important to note the dam is not going to be there much longer — that’s what caused these fish to die, and conditions in the river below are improving.”
The dam removal nonprofit group reported on Feb. 15 that 5 million cubic yards of sediment is expected to be released during the months-long drawdown process, and that there had been a significant die-off in the reservoirs during the drawdown. Bransom said they were non-native fish that had thrived in the warm water and that the deaths were expected during the drawdown.
But officials said sediment levels and dissolved oxygen were reading at suitable levels when the fish were released. Also, older fish that had traveled from downstream of the dam and were snagged in the same sampling trap showed no signs of the disease, which suggested that river conditions were not to blame.
And conditions are improving, even over the last month, said Soto of the Karuk Tribal Fisheries Program.
“Our crews have been out sampling the main stem below the dam because we have concerns with sediment transport and poor water quality, so we really wanted to know how wild salmon juveniles are doing,” Soto said. “And so far, we’ve been finding normal fish, healthy fish. So that’s really good — that the wild fish are not affected by this.”
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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
Douglas D. Wilson — “Doug” — was born May 26, 1953 and left this world to be with the Lord on Feb. 17, 2024.
Doug was born and raised in Eureka. He was active in physical sports — football, dirt bikes … loved those bikes —but at the young age is 13, he was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and had to hang up his helmet, as the doctors told him it would increase his pain and speed up the progression of his disease. He wanted to stay healthy as long as he could.
Doug had really great friends he roamed the neighborhood with, and he was fortunate to continue those friendships throughout his life. He still told stories and spoke fondly of them. Mike Kubala, his lifelong best friend and brother at heart, was there through thick and thin, and we all love and appreciate the friendship and love he shared with Doug. He will always be our family.
Doug worked at the mill in Eureka for years then at North Coast Exterminators, where he developed great relationships with many of his clients. He continued working until his body just couldn’t do it anymore.
Doug fell in love with and married Margaret Toroni and the two of them as a couple provided so much fun and laughter to our family. Margaret loved our family and we loved her. He was a step father to Alicia and they still had a close bond at the time of his passing. Doug lost Margaret 15 years ago and that loss stayed with him every day. He stayed by her side through cancer treatments and wrapped his arms around her until she took her final breath. They have now been reunited.
Doug was an avid ‘49ers fan and could get really passionate in his talks about the state of the world today. He had a love for his family, was protective and never separated from anyone without an “I love you” and a “drive careful.” His siblings were his friends and his brother-in-law Rodney Ward was his brother, and the friendship they had was strong and at times hilarious. They loved each other so very much. Thank you, Rodney, for all you did for Doug and for your family.
Doug suffered greatly from the arthritis he had for 57 years as it progressed he had multiple surgeries and difficulty walking and doing things we all take for granted. We had never seen someone in such pain yet continue to keep his sense of humor and make others around him laugh so much. Along with his two sisters, Doug took the best care of his mother and they had a close relationship with so many funny moments.
The faith that Doug had in God, in Jesus, was unwavering. He kept his Bible close and would talk about his faith openly and with conviction. We, as a family know he is in heaven and reunited with passed loved ones and pain free for the first time in so many years.
We love and miss him more than we can express as his passing was unexpected and hit so hard. We are comforted by the love he showed and knowing where he is today.
Doug was preceded in death by his wife Margaret and his parents Paul and Louise Wilson and brother-in-law Duane McKay, all of Eureka.
He is survived by his step-daughter Alicia Toroni, siblings Connie McKay, Kelly Ward (Rodney), Ron Wilson (Lynn) Paul Wilson (Vickie) . Nieces and nephews: Mike Marcelli (Charity), Angela Gibson, Shane DePute (Tiffany) Sasha Africa (Brett) Ryan Wilson (Estelle) Steve Wilson and LeAnne Ives.. Great Nieces and Nephews: Lacey Gibson, Kody and Katie Marcelli, Capri Curtis and Aria Africa , Maxine Wilson, Kaden, Kinsley and Carson DePute, Kayla Wilson, Rebekah, Caleb, Jeremiah and Isaiah Ives and great-great-nephew Kareem.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr Beth Ables, who took such good care of Doug and showed care, compassion and determination to help him in every way she could. We are forever grateful to you and your staff for loving Doug and he knew you had his best interest at heart.
A memorial service will be held on March 9 at 1 p.m. at the Hospice of Humboldt Conference room at 3327 Timber Fall Court (behind Timber Ridge), with a reception immediately following at the same location.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Doug Wilson’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
My dad, Larry James Kight, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, just seven days after his 82nd birthday.
He was born on February 17, 1942 in Coquille, Oregon, to George and Dorothy Kight.
As many of you may know he enjoyed spending his free time at his cabin in Maple Creek, chopping firewood, deer hunting and tinkering in his garage, with anything that has a motor.
He was a volunteer at the Blue Lake Fire Department in his earlier years, and he liked to catch up with the guys for coffee at Toni’s.
He will most likely be remembered for his gruff exterior, his cantankerous demeanor and his no-bullshit attitude. And of course those striking blue eyes!
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Kight, and brother Bernie Kight. Also his parents George Kight, and his mother Dorothy Kight (Sacchi).
He is survived by his sister, Marie Henson of McKinleyville; daughter Shara Hammond and grandson Tyson Hammond of Las Vegas; along with several nieces and nephews — Jeremy Henson, Nicole Henson, Cody Washburn, and Craig Kight.
Anyone who would like to say a final goodbye to Larry is welcome to come by the Blue Lake Fire Department, on Saturday March 9, 2024, from 1-4 p.m.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Larry Kight’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
The Office of Elections has just published what it calls its “Election Night Final Report” — here — and it adds 2,205 to the total we’ve already counted. They’re packing it in for the night, understandably, and we still have thousands and thousands of votes left to count. That’s the way elections work these days, guys. There are four weeks before the election results need to be certified.
What can we say?
We can say that there is no way Measure A, the Cannabis Reform Initiative, is going to pass. With 20,258 votes tallied, it trails by almost 3 to 1.
We can say that Mike Wilson, with 80.88 percent of the vote, will be reelected as supervisor.
We can say that Supervisor Rex Bohn, with 64.39 percent, will also be reelected.
We can say that Supervisor Michelle Bushnell, with 58.18 percent of the vote, will almost certainly avoid a runoff.
We can say that April Van Dyke, with 60.39 percent, is very very likely to take Gregory Kreis’s seat on the Humboldt County Superior Court bench. We hedge just a little bit in this case because the late-counted votes, few as they are, have swung the race very slightly toward Kreis, away from Van Dyke’s original commanding lead. Still: Not near enough, in all likelihood. Also those “unresolved write-ins” are gonna largely resolve for Jessica Watson, eventually, which will reduce Van Dyke’s percentage somewhat.
We can say that it’s still on a knife’s edge which of two Democratic candidates — Sonoma County Supervisor Santa Rosa City Councilmember Chris Rogers or Arcata’s Rusty Hicks — will appear on the November ballot alongside Del Norte Republican Michael Greer. Per the Secretary of State, Greer currently has about 27.4 percent of the vote tallied so far, as against Rogers’ 20.1 percent and Hicks’ 19.2.
Good night, everyone! Check back again in the weeks to come for more definitive results!
— Hank Sims
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UPDATE, 10:42 p.m.: Third Report In — Only 515 More Votes Counted
A mere 515 more votes counted in the third Elections Office report — here — and of course only extremely incremental changes. Van Dyke continues to slide a bit, down to 60.73 percent, which I suppose you can either take as a trend or not, as per your predilections.
— Hank Sims
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UPDATE, 10:18 p.m.:
Photo: Andrew Goff.
Supervisors Rex Bohn and Mike Wilson have ditched their own shindigs and joined the wild party at the Pearl Lounge, where the No on Measure A people continue to celebrate their almost certain victory.
— Hank Sims
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UPDATE, 9:50 p.m.: Second Report In!
The second report from the County Elections office is out — see it here — and with about 621 more votes counted out of 17,718, of course not much has changed.
Worth noting, maybe: Superior Court Judge challenger April Van Dyke has slid down just a tad, from 61.04 percent of the vote to 60.86. Likewise, Rex Bohn falls 0.15 percentage points.
Does it mean anything? Seems unlikely, but it’s a very dim ray of hope for their opponents!
— Hank Sims
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UPDATE, 9:34 p.m.: Garvey Through to Face Schiff in California Senate Race; Rusty Hicks and Chris Rogers Battling for Second Spot Against Republican
Republican Steve Garvey, a former baseball player, will face Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff in the race for California’s open Senate seat, the Associated Press reports.
In a kind of similar situation, Republican Michael Greer is currently leading against the field of six Democrats for the North Coast’s open seat in the California Assembly, according the the Secretary of State’s count as of right now — which, to be clear, is still very early. Greer has about 25 percent of the vote tallied; a little ways behind him, Sonoma County Supervisor Chris Rogers and Arcata’s Rusty Hicks are neck and neck for the second open slot on the November ballot.
— Hank Sims
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UPDATE, 8:46 p.m.:
The Associated Press is calling at least half of the California Senate race — Adam Schiff is going to make it through, the AP forecasts, with Katie Porter and Republican Steve Garvey battling it out for the second slot on the November ballot.
— Hank Sims
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UPDATE, 8:41 p.m.: First Results In
The first election results are in, and — so far — they show Measure A going down to massive defeat. With 16,702 votes counted, the “no” side have 72.81 percent.
Also: Challenger April van Dyke has a big, big lead against incumbent Superior Court Judge Gregory Kreis — 61 percent to his 39.
Elsewhere: Mike Wilson and Rex Bohn have big leads (82.67% and 63.7%, respectively), which Michelle Bushnell has a somewhat smaller one (58.24%).
Might be a very short night.
Happy No on A people. Photo: Andrew Goff.
— Hank Sims
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UPDATE, 8:27 p.m.: It’s Popping Off at the Pearl Lounge
The Outpost’s Andrew Goff sends this video report from The Pearl Lounge, where the No on A Campaign is throwing their soiree. Looks to be the biggest — and potentially most raucous — campaign party of the night.
— Hank Sims
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UPDATE, 8:15 p.m.:
Photo courtesy Alex Stillman.
It was still pretty subdued affair at the Plaza Grill, home of the Mike Wilson reelection campaign, at about 7 p.m. The candidate hadn’t shown up yet, but one table of supporters were pregaming.
Arcata Mayor Meredith Matthews and City Councilmember Alex Stillman were at the bar. Both predicted victory — “at least 51 percent,” Stillman said — and both were delighted with the prospect of another four years of Wilson.
“I will return the compliment he gave me when I was running,” Matthews said. “Mike has an Arcata heart and an Arcata mind.”
Later on the candidate arrived and the party moved over into the front room, overlooking the Plaza. Here’s the spread:
Photo: Stephanie McGeary.
An Arcata belly too, evidently.
Here is the candidate associating with known Eureka City Councilmembers Leslie Castellano and G. Mario Fernandez. Photo: Stephanie McGeary.
— Hank Sims
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Voting at the Arcata Community Center this morning. Photo: Andrew Goff.
Super Tuesday? More like Super SNOOZEday.
It seems insane to say it, but I have been a working reporter in Humboldt County for 22 years now, which means that I have covered 20+ primary and general elections here, and it’s hard for me to think of a single one that has been less engaging, with conclusions more foregone — possibly with the exception of the race for superior court judge, with its late-breaking fireworks.
Or I dunno — maybe I’m just getting old and insensate. Prove me wrong, Humboldt!
But, again: Election Nights are not what they once were, either. Did you know, kids, that back in the day we used to have almost all the vote tallied at the end of the night and could almost invariably declare a winner? Post-pandemic universal vote-by-mail laws, and the great expansion that makes it easier and easier to Vote Using Any Method You Like (a good thing, don’t get me wrong!), means that we don’t have anything like a definitive count for weeks and weeks. If a race is at all close, we have to stick a wet finger in the air and gauge the speed of the Blue Shift to make a semi-informed guess about the way the election has panned out.
Still and all, the Outpost is going to be doing its usual thing tonight, jotting around to various election parties, despite the fact that fewer and fewer candidates are actually bothering to throw them, and we’ll bring you pictures of the great and the good out celebrating their triumphant campaigns.
That, plus election results as they come in, or for as long as we stay awake. County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters Juan Pablo Cervantes is promising first results at around 8:30 p.m., with hourly reports following as ballots from the county’s Voting Centers make their way back to home base.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 3, 2024, at about 8:41 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to a reported home invasion robbery that occurred in the 1700 block of River Bar Rd. in Hydesville earlier that morning.
Upon arrival, deputies met with the 47-year-old victim who reported he answered a knock on the door at about 5:00 a.m. and was confronted by a male subject wearing a neck gator around his face. As he opened the door, another subject approached and pointed a shotgun at him and demanded entry into the residence.
The victim told deputies a third suspect had also entered the house. Once inside the house the suspect’s zip tied his hands behind his back and forced him to sit on the couch while he was held at gun point by one of the suspects while the other suspects searched the house.
The first suspect was described as a white male adult, approximately 45 to 50 years old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, heavyset, wearing a flannel shirt with a green lucky shamrock shirt underneath and a beanie.
The second suspect was described as a white male adult, approximately 55 to 65 years old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, with brown hair, wearing a black jacket, black snow pants, black boots, and a black beanie.
The third suspect was described as a white male adult, mid to late 30’s, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, 170 pounds, with red hair. He was wearing a dark brown jacket with a hood, tan Carhartt pants, brown boots and a baseball cap.
The victim reported that the suspects stole approximately 5 to 6 pounds of trimmed marijuana and an amethyst crystal valued at around $3000.
No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
This case is still under investigation.
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.
Many residents in the remote regions of the Yurok Indian Reservation still lack electricity and phone service. | File photo.
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Press release from the U.S. Department of the Interior:
WASHINGTON— Today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced $72 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Tribal communities electrify homes. This investment from the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest ever investment in climate — is a critical step toward the goal of electrifying all homes in the United States with clean energy sources and advances the Biden-Harris administration’s work to reach a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035.
This first round of funding from the Office of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Electrification Program will provide financial and technical assistance to 21 Tribes to connect homes to transmission and distribution that is powered by clean energy; provide electricity to unelectrified Tribal homes through zero-emissions energy systems; transition electrified Tribal homes to zero-emissions energy systems; and support associated home repairs and retrofitting necessary to install the zero-emissions energy systems. The program will also support clean energy workforce development opportunities in Indian Country.
“Every home deserves to have access to reliable, affordable electricity – and now, with historic investments from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we’re bringing much-needed resources to Indian Country to electrify homes with abundant clean energy sources,” saidSecretary Deb Haaland. “As we implement this new and innovative program, we will continue to support Tribal communities as they work to develop their electricity infrastructure and help meet our shared clean energy goals.”
Secretary Haaland made the announcement during a visit to the Hopi Tribe in Arizona, which is receiving $4.2 million through these awards. The visit comes as Secretary Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland conclude a multi-day trip that included visits with the White Mountain Apache and the Pueblo of Zuni in New Mexico to highlight how historic resources from the President’s Investing in America agenda are supporting Indigenous communities.
“Indian Country’s revitalization and future depends on Tribal households, schools and businesses having access to clean, reliable power,” said Assistant Secretary Newland. “The Tribal Electrification Program is important for providing Tribes a much-needed boost to their efforts of closing the access-to-electricity gap in their communities.”
In 2000, the Energy Information Administration issued a report which estimated that 14 percent of households on Native American reservations had no access to electricity, which was 10 times higher than the national average. In 2022, the Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy issued a report citing that 16,805 total Tribal homes were unelectrified, with most being in the Southwest region and Alaska. By recognizing that each Tribe has its own energy- and electrification-related needs and implementation capacity, this program will meet the unique needs of individual Tribal communities.
The Tribal Electrification Program also advances the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which was established by President Biden as part of his January 2021 Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that have been marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution, including federally recognized Tribal Nations, which are recognized as Justice40 communities.
The 2024 grant recipients are:
Tribe or Tribal Organization
State
Funding
Levelock Village
Alaska
$333,813
Kootznoowoo, Incorporated
Alaska
$500,000
Chickaloon Native Village
Alaska
$7,767,520
Tanana Chiefs Conference
Alaska
$9,922,060
San Carlos Apache Tribe
Arizona
$360,000
Hopi Utilities Corporation
Arizona
$4,200,000
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
Arizona, New Mexico and Utah
$10,000,000
Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, Colusa Rancheria
Supporters of Prop. 1 hang banners before the start of a rally at the state Capitol on Jan. 31, 2024. Photos by José Luis Villegas for CalMatters Credit: José Luis Villegas
California voters today are considering Gov. Gavin Newsom’s $6.4 billion plan to build mental health treatment beds and housing through a ballot measure that he characterizes as critical to addressing the state’s homelessness crisis.
Newsom has previously said Prop. 1 will help California fulfill a decadeslong promise to get “people off the streets, out of tents and into treatment.”
The Yes on Prop. 1 campaign amassed a nearly $21 million war chest for the ballot measure, drawing support from law enforcement groups, major health care organizations and the mental health advocacy group NAMI California.
In contrast, the opposition campaign raised very little money. Opponents are led by clients of mental health services and some small mental health agencies who worry their programs could lose funding if the measure passes. Others, including the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, opposed the measure because of its cost.
Recent polling casts uncertainty over what many initially considered an easy win for the governor. Fifty percent of likely voters supported the measure a week ago, according to the latest poll by UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies. The poll tallied opposition at 34% and undecided at 16%.
Prop. 1 needs a simple majority of the vote to pass.
Here’s a look at what the measure would do.
What does Prop. 1 promise?
The dual bond measure and change to California’s so-called “millionaire’s tax” are Newsom’s attempt to increase the state’s mental health and addiction treatment capacity and get people living in encampments into stable housing.
The number of unhoused Californians had ballooned to 181,000 people in 2022 during the most recent point-in-time count, a 60% increase over the past decade. New research from UCSF estimated that more than 21,000 homeless people currently experience hallucinations. Meanwhile, the number of acute care mental health hospital beds decreased by at least 30% between 1995 and 2016, according to the California Hospital Association.
The bond measure is supposed to build a combined 11,150 treatment beds and housing units with some set aside for veterans.
Where will the money go?
Money raised by the bond would be funneled into two existing state programs: the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program and Project Homekey.
The behavioral health program would get a $4.4 billion infusion to build 6,800 in-patient mental health and substance use disorder treatment beds. The Department of Health Care Services will award grants to counties and local organizations to construct, acquire and expand treatment capacity. To date the department has awarded more than $1.6 billion to a variety of programs including crisis care and children’s facilities as part of a pre-existing budget investment.
Project Homekey would get $2 billion to build 4,350 units of supportive housing for people with mental health and addiction challenges. A little more than half of the units will be reserved for homeless veterans. Project Homekey is an extension of Newsom’s pandemic-era efforts to house people living in encampments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state budget previously gave the Department of Housing and Community Services $736 million to convert hotels, motels and other buildings into housing.
How much will it cost?
Bonds allow government agencies to borrow money and repay debt over time. Prop. 1 is estimated to cost $310 million annually over 30 years, totaling $9.3 billion, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office. Payments would be made from the state general fund.
Last year, Newsom signed a law easing restrictions on California’s decades-old’ conservatorship law, which limits who can be placed in involuntary treatment programs.
A coalition of small mental health organizations, disability advocates and current clients of county mental health programs opposed Prop. 1. They argued that the measure would increase the amount of involuntary treatment and divert money from local organizations that serve hard-to-reach populations, such as LGBTQ people and communities of color.
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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.
