The Eureka parking lot at Fifth and D, which is slated to be developed into multi-family housing by Dishgamu Humboldt Community Land Trust, a unit of the Wiyot Tribe. | Photo by Andrew Goff.
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Less than 48 hours before a judge was set to hear motions for preliminary injunction aimed at halting the start of several Eureka housing development projects, the local group Citizens for a Better Eureka (CBE) has issued a press release saying it has dropped those motions.
However, CBE says it will push forward with four lawsuits alleging that the city violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by failing to adequately evaluate the impacts of converting the city-owned properties into housing developments.
If a judge had granted the requests for preliminary injunction, the city would have been ordered to pause all work on the related housing development projects, pending the outcome of the CEQA suits. Now, the city can continue pursuing those projects, though CBE member Michelle Costantine doesn’t sound concerned about that, saying in the release that there’s “currently very little funding” for the projects.
Reached by phone, Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery said that’s simply untrue. Two of the three projects being targeted by the CEQA lawsuits — the Linc Housing developments slated to be built on parking lot sites at Eighth and G and Sixth and M — are largely funded already thanks to a $30.1 million grant awarded by the California Strategic Growth Council last year.
“That’s secured, ready to go, and we’re rolling,” Slattery said.
The city has applied for the rest of the needed funding on those projects — approximately $15 million — from the National Housing Trust Fund, a loan program financed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and the federal government.
“We’ve been in this process for many months, going back and forth with them,” Slattery said. “If that gets awarded, we’ll be fully funded and ready to roll,” by completing the design and starting construction.
“As part of proposal [the Tribe] made it very clear that a tax credit program has set aside specific money for tribes,” Slattery said, adding that this is probably the most “fundable” multi-unit housing project in development due to the Wiyot Tribe’s ability to secure funding that’s not available to non-tribal entities.
The CBE, meanwhile, is largely funded by Security National, a real estate loan acquisition and servicing company founded by Robin P. Arkley, II, who in 2021 declared his intent to fight the city’s plans in the courts and at the ballot box. His corporation is also funding “The Eureka Housing for All and Downtown Vitality Initiative,” which will appear on ballots this November.
Here’s the press release from the Citizens for a Better Eureka:
Citizens for a Better Eureka announced today they will continue with its lawsuits against the City
regarding the development of downtown but will withdraw the current motions for injunctions
against the City.
The CEQA lawsuits were pursued because the members didn’t believe the city had fully
considered the impacts its plan would have on the economic vitality of downtown. Although
members understood the likelihood of obtaining injunctions was low, they decided to pursue them
to secure more certainty that the City could not move forward with its plan. At the same time, the
CEQA lawsuits were still undecided.
“There’s an initiative qualified for the November ballot, and there is currently very little funding for
the downtown developments, so it is better not to waste the court’s time with these injunctions,”
Michelle Costantine, a CBE member, said.
After re-evaluating the injunctions in light of receiving additional information about the City’s plans,
the members did not feel it was necessary to continue with the current injunctions and elected to
withdraw them for the present time.
Citizens for a Better Eureka remains deeply interested in creating housing for City residents at all
income levels and the economic vitality of downtown. The members are focused on addressing
the misinformation that continues to permeate regarding their intentions with the initiative and the
lawsuits.
The Citizens for a Better Eureka is a nonprofit organization of more than 60 Eureka downtown
business owners and concerned citizens advocating for smart downtown planning and a vibrant
local economy.
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[NOTE: This post has been updated from its original version to include replies from Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery.]
Last week the Outpost let you know that we would, once again, be accepting submissions of election limericks, giving the public a way to share their opinion on local candidates and ballot measures while limiting the style to a shorter, more entertaining format than typical endorsement letters.
Now, since it is Valentine’s Day, we will show our love to those who answered the call by publishing the first round of limericks submitted to our inbox.
FIRST DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
There once was a Coastie named Gordon
Who once rescued folks from the ocean
Clatworthy’s his name
Housing folks is his game
To elect him would be our great fortune!
– Carol Ann Conners
THIRD DISTRICT SUPERVISOR
Mike is so involved in community
He listens to all with impunity.
Always logical and fair,
Despite chaos in the air,
Let’s keep Mike and seek unity!
– Christine Champe
SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE DIVISION ONE
I have a confession to make,
I don’t know April but here’s my take:
The incumbent is scum,
Look it up, he’s a bum!
The choice is a clear piece of cake.
– Christine Champe
MEASURE A
We will vote NO on Measure A.
Despite the rhetoric they say.
This won’t help the county,
Or the farmers around me.
Join me and say NO way.
– Nathan Whittington
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In Humboldt, there’s a measure named A,
But confusion’s the game they play.
Farmers, take heed,
Don’t let them mislead,
Vote No, keep their tricks at bay.
Democrats, Republicans, Greens unite,
Agreeing this measure isn’t right.
For Humboldt’s sake,
A stand we must take,
Vote No and defend with all our might.
– Casandra Taliaferro
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The Cannabis Reform Initiative …
Well that seems to me as indicative
Of our need to grow weed
(‘cos it’s safer than speed)
And the current cost is so prohibitive.
– Bob Turvey
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Good intentions, galore, galore
Humboldt unites, the stuff of lore
At the end of day
Measure A — no way
Together voters: NO on A
– Dylan Mattole
MEASURE C
There’s a fire department in Fieldbrook
Whose value is oft overlooked.
But if we pass measure C
Then your next emergency
Will have a far better outlook.
– Teri Huber-Bundros
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So far it seems that Measure A, the Cannabis Reform Initiative, has sparked the most poetic inspiration in our readers. The candidates, not so much. We only received one (printable) poem related to the First District race, one for Third District, and not a single measly limerick for any of our Second District candidates.
The Superior Court Judge race also garnered just one limerick. Hey, inspiration can’t be forced! But perhaps after reading this first round, some of you will feel the need to write a little something for the candidate you support who hasn’t had any limerick love yet.
Did you send us a limerick that didn’t get published? It is probably because of one of these reasons:
It was too gross!
It contained libelous claims about one of the candidates!
It was not even close to being a limerick! And we were pretty lenient on this, so if yours didn’t make the cut, it must have been real off. (See Hank Sims’ post from last year shaming everyone and reminding them of proper limerick elements and meter here.)
It had absolutely nothing to do with the upcoming local elections! Not sure why, but this was surprisingly common and several people sent us some pretty strange limericks.
Now that we have outlined the minimum requirements for publication, maybe you want to take another stab at it. So write some great limericks — or, OK, even terrible ones — in support of your favorite candidate or initiative, and send them to news@lostcoastoutpost.com with the words “Election Limerick” in the subject line!
If you want to get some cute, heart-shaped mylar balloons for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day, make sure they’re secured to something sturdy and kept inside. If your balloon bouquet – or even a single balloon – wanders off and floats into some nearby power lines, you could knock out power for your whole neighborhood. A single mylar balloon caused a major power outage in Arcata just a few years ago.
Check out the video above to see what can happen if you’re irresponsible with your metallic balloons.
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Press release from Pacific Gas and Electric Company:
SANTA ROSA, Calif.— With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds customers that sparks – and not just the romantic kind – can fly on February 14 if improperly secured helium-filled metallic balloons come in contact with power lines.
Metallic balloons conduct electricity and if they float into powerlines, they can disrupt electric service to an entire neighborhood, cause significant property damage and potentially result in serious injuries. Here’s an example of what can happen when metallic balloons become loose and hit power lines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jzefJfBbNA
In 2023, metallic balloons striking electric lines caused 332 power outages in PG&E’s service area, knocking out power to more than 157,000 homes and business. On average, each customer outage caused by a balloon lasted about 83 minutes. Here are some outages by region:
Sonoma County – 10 balloon-caused outages, knocking out power to 5,638 customers.
Marin and Napa Counties - 10 balloon-caused outages, knocking out power to 8,233 customers.
Humboldt and Lake Counties - 3 balloon-caused outages, knocking out power to 255 customers.
“Balloons are a fun way to liven up Valentine’s celebrations, but if they aren’t tied down with a weight, it’s easy for them to float into overhead power lines and disrupt service to entire communities. Keep your holidays and hometowns safe by ensuring metallic balloons are secured by a weight,” said Ron Richardson, Vice President of Electric Distribution Operations at PG&E.
In order to significantly reduce the number of balloon-caused outages and to help ensure that everyone can safely enjoy their Valentine’s Day, PG&E reminds customers to follow these important safety tips for metallic balloons:
“Look Up and Live!” Use caution and avoid celebrating with metallic balloons near overhead electric lines.
Make sure helium-filled metallic balloons are securely tied to a weight that is heavy enough to prevent them from floating away. Never remove the weight.
When possible, keep metallic balloons indoors. Never permit metallic balloons to be released outside, for everyone’s safety.
Do not bundle metallic balloons together.
Never attempt to retrieve any type of balloon, kite or toy that becomes caught in a power line. Leave it alone, and immediately call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to report the problem.
Never go near a power line that has fallen to the ground or is dangling in the air. Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Stay far away, keep others away and immediately call 911 to alert the police and fire departments. Other tips can be found at pge.com/beprepared.
UPDATE 1:45 PM: Humboldt Bay Fire has provided additional information in the following news release:
On February 12th, 2024 at approximately 04:23am Humboldt Bay Fire responded to the
report of a possible explosion with vehicles on fire at H and Second Street in Eureka. HBF
responded with 1 Truck, and 1 Chief Officer. While en-route the Truck requested one
additional Engine to respond.
The first unit arrived on scene and reported multiple vehicles on fire in an outdoor parking
area. Fire personnel made entry through the locked gate and began setting up for fire
suppression. The second arriving engine assisted with fire attack. The fire had damaged
several other vehicles before fire control was obtained. The fire was controlled about an
hour after the initial dispatch. Crews remained on scene until approximately 06:20 a.m.
After the fire was extinguished HBF investigators assisted CHP with the initial
investigation. There is an active investigation going on at this time and HBF can not
speculate as to the cause of the fire. Total estimated property damage value is $250,000.
There was no civilian or firefighter injuries.
Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind everyone to report any and all suspicious
activity. If you have any information regarding this incident please contact CHP Officer
Aaron Telloian at (707)822-5981, additionally information can be sent via email to
humboldt_area@chp.ca.gov. We would also like to thank EPD and CHP for their
assistance during this incident.
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Original post:
It’s been tough to get much information from the local government offices involved in responding to the very burned-up vehicles parked outside of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offices on Second Street in Eureka.
As first reported on Redheaded Blackbelt, five or six government vehicles were found burned in the early morning hours Monday, even though they were parked behind a locked fence overnight.
Calls and emails to CDFW, CalFire Humboldt Bay Fire and CHP went unreturned on Tuesday, but this morning CHP issued the following press release, which doesn’t tell us a whole lot more:
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is actively investigating the suspected arson of several Department of Fish and Wildlife vehicles at their offices located at 619 2nd St. in Eureka. This incident occurred in the early morning hours between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM, on Monday February 12, 2024.
Anyone who believes they may have information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact CHP Officer Aaron Telloian at the California Highway Patrol Humboldt Area office at 707-822-5981, or the non-emergency public dispatch line at 707-268-2000. Additionally, information may be sent via email to Humboldt_Area@chp.ca.gov.
We understand there is an increased media interest into this investigation and additional details may be released as the investigation progresses. All press inquiries may be forwarded to CHP Officer Paul Craft at pcraft@chp.ca.gov.
In the early morning hours of January 29th, 2024, CHP Trinity River Area units were notified by CHP Redding Communications Center of a missing/overdue party reported to have been traveling through Trinity County along the State Route 299 corridor. The missing person, 40 year old Roxana Miller of Garberville, CA, was reportedly driving a maroon 2005 Toyota Tundra with a camper shell. CHP Trinity River units scoured State Route 299 and at approximately 1332 hours, an officer located a partially submerged maroon camper shell in the Trinity River near mile post marker 18. The officer scaled the near vertical embankment to the river in an attempt to verify whether or not the camper shell was associated with Miller’s vehicle. The camper shell appeared to have been detached from the vehicle which was not visible. Given the recent storms in the area, the river was high and turbulent with near zero visibility. Trinity County Search and Rescue divers responded and assessed the scene, determining the river conditions were too unsafe to attempt a locate and recovery operation.
On February 13th, 2024, it was determined river conditions were safe enough to attempt a full recovery operation. Trinity County Search and Rescue, Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, and Trinity River CHP personnel conducted a successful extraction of the vehicle with the assistance of recovery divers. Once the vehicle was recovered, it was discovered Ms. Miller was deceased inside the vehicle. The CHP would like to express our sincere sympathy to the Miller family in the loss of their loved one.
The cause of the collision is under investigation. It is unknown at this point if alcohol and/or drugs were a contributing factor in this collision.
Clare Francis Marie Alder (Petersen) was born at St. Mary’s Hospital on July 15, 1983 in Reno, Nevada and passed from this world on February 8, 2024 in Arcata.
She is survived by her husband, Zachary Ronald Alder, her son, Gabriel “Bo” David Johnson, her uncles, Randall D. Petersen and David A. Petersen (wife June Petersen), and aunt Dawn Petersen Ellingson (husband Gordon Ellingson) and great-aunt Doris Gertsch, cousins Amy (Petersen) Messer and Jennifer Petersen. She was preceded in death by her mother, Diane D. Petersen, her grandmother, Laura Victoria Petersen and grandfather Donald Dale Petersen. She is lovingly remembered by her extended family, numerous friends, close community and fans.
Clare was born into a strong catholic faith, having been blessed by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, when she was still in her mother’s womb. Her faith remained an important part of her life.
As a child, Clare grew up in the dressing rooms where her mom performed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. She met people like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and the Temptations. Once she was old enough, Clare took to the stage herself in keeping with the family legacy. She had a love for music of all kinds but loved to sing opera most.
Clare brought her own finesse to her art, delivering operatic scores in Latin, German, French, and Italian, (and of course English). In 2011, Clare bravely took the stage on the TV show America’s Got Talent and completely floored the audience. The camera loved her, and she made it to the top three under the stage name Lys Agnes. Clare emanated beauty in this world and showed incredible strength even though parts of this life were unkind to her.
Clare and Zach met as neighbors and fell passionately in love. They were the light of each other’s lives and were married on July 13, 2023 on a tiny beach near Homer, Alaska. They shared in their love of music and love for performing and found great joy in coming together to perform often. They shared a love for art and culture, often spending entire evenings looking up favorite songs and making each other laugh.
Clare lit up every room she walked into, smiled with her soul, was incredibly kind, gave the best hugs, and cared about people with her whole being. She is and will be missed forever and always.
A closed casket visitation with a Rosary will be held at Goble Funeral Home, 560 12th St, Fortuna at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 16. A Funeral Mass (in Latin) will be held on February 17 at The Church of the Assumption, 546 Berding St, Ferndale at 4 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 18 at The Eagle House, 139 2nd St, Eureka at 12 p.m.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Claire Alder’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
Marlene Culver October 4, 1949 - December 27, 2023
Marlene was one of ten children. Her siblings were Linda, Colleen, Marilyn, Durla, Sharon, Sandy, Billy, Shawn, Jimmy, and Chuck. At the age of twelve, she and three of her sisters and one brother moved from Rockford, Illinois to Eureka, which is where she called home for the rest of her life. While living in Eureka, Marlene started her family who still have ties to Eureka, most of which remain locally to this day.
Marlene had many different jobs throughout her life including working as a waitress at Volpes, Stanton’s, and the Benbow Inn. In addition to waitressing she worked at Montgomery Wards and Kmart. In one of her more notable jobs, she tended the bar at Bus’s Place in Willow Creek, where she could control the pool table for hours on end. Anywhere Marlene went she helped others and made the most out of her many talents.
She was huge on family and is survived by her children Jason & Kevin Foster, and Damon Culver. Marlene took a lot of pride in her grandchildren, Jaymee Foster, Brandin Foster, Cierra & Killian Culver, and Madyson LaChapelle. She took the greatest joy in helping raise her grandchildren and was very proud of all of their accomplishments.
Marlene was proud of her photography collection, especially the ones of her family! In her free time she loved to create colleagues out of anything she could find, and every year you could bet that you were going to receive something crafty with your face on it. No matter how many photos she had, every one of them had a story behind it, and she would love to tell you all about it.
In about 1967, Marlene married Jack Foster. During their marriage Jack and Marlene found themselves in many places throughout Humboldt County, traveling for work. This led to them having many stories to tell, and their children will cherish these memories for many years. Years later, Marlene met Mike Kowtko and enjoyed being in the family and helping with the raising of his and Robin’s children; Jennifer, Rosanne and Mike Jr.
No matter where Marlene called home she would put her touch into it, finding crafty ways to decorate and tailor it to her style. She was proud to call herself a lover of hunting and fishing and was quite a great shot in her younger years. She also enjoyed everything from painting to sewing and was a great seamstress, and enjoyed making blankets, and pillows, and fixing up old clothes. Anytime someone needed something to be sewed, Marlene would be more than happy to help. In her later years, Marlene enjoyed spending time with family and watching everything on television from old westerns to Law and Order.
Please note that there is no service scheduled at this time, if you would like to share stories about Marlene’s life with her family, please reach out to any member of the family that you know.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Marlene Culver’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
