Guy Freaking Out on Shrooms Near Blue Lake Safely Taken to the Hospital After Vandalizing Cop Car Last Night, Sheriff’s Office Says

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 @ 12:03 p.m. / Crime

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Oct. 31, 2022, at about 11:08 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 2400 block of Glendale Drive in Blue Lake for the report of a disturbance.

Upon arrival at the residence, deputies located an agitated 19-year-old male vandalizing a residence and exhibiting signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance. The male, who reportedly had consumed psychedelic mushrooms and other substances earlier in the evening, became aggressive upon deputy contact, vandalizing a patrol vehicle then charging toward a responding deputy. Deputies intercepted the male and detained him utilizing control holds. No one was injured as a result of the detention.

Due to his state of intoxication and self-inflicted injuries, the male was transported to a local hospital for medical attention. This case is being submitted to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.  

Use of psychedelic mushrooms is dangerous and is associated with many negative physical and psychological consequences, both for the user and those they are around at the time of use. The physical effects, which can last approximately 6 hours, include nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination. The psychological consequences include hallucinations and an inability to discern fantasy from reality. Panic reactions and psychosis also may occur, particularly if a user ingests a large dose. Combined, these physical and psychological effects can put others at danger if the user becomes agitated.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, help is available. Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or the Humboldt County 24-hour Substance Use Disorder Access Line at 1- 855-765-9703 for immediate assistance. To find treatment or support programs near you, visit findtreatment.gov.


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SORIA TRIAL: Jurors Find Attempted Murderer Guilty After Short Deliberations

Rhonda Parker / Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 @ 9:03 a.m. / Courts

Jurors deliberated for less than three hours Monday before finding Isreal Soria Jr. guilty of charges that could put him in prison for life.

Soria, a 22-year-old Crescent City resident, was convicted of attempted first-degree murder, attempted first-degree robbery, attempted first-degree burglary and shooting into an inhabited dwelling. On June 24, 2021, Soria shot and seriously injured McKinleyville resident Dylan Eubanks, who was in his own kitchen.

Soria.

The jury also found true several special allegations, including personal use of a firearm when committing the attempted murder and attempted robbery. That allegation alone carries a penalty of 25 years to life.

Soria was acquitted of conspiracy to commit murder.

Soria, who during the trial was always dressed in a dark suit and a white or pastel shirt, showed up for the verdict Monday wearing a sweatshirt, camo pants and athletic shoes. When the court clerk read the “not guilty” verdict on the conspiracy charge, he shed some tears. He sat there stoically as she read the “guilty” verdicts on the remaining counts.

Judge Christopher Wilson ordered Soria taken into custody and held without bail. His attorney, Christina DiEdoardo, had argued he had been out of custody on bail for some time and there had been no problem.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Soria told the officer who arrested him that the Norteño gang hired him to kill Eubanks for stealing from the gang. Soria also was planning to take back the stolen property. The type of property was never specified, but officers found 200 pounds of marijuana in four 50-pound bricks in Eubanks’s garage.

The jury got the case about 11 a.m. Monday after hearing the final prosecution argument from Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm, who said all jurors needed is some common sense to convict Soria of all charges.

Timm said Soria told the truth once: when he confessed to the arresting officer. When Soria took the witness stand during the trial, he offered not only “a brand-new defense heard for the first time,” but a story also contradicted by a massive amount of incriminating evidence.

When testifying, Soria said he fired 11 rounds into Eubanks’s kitchen because Eubanks was holding an assault rifle and cocking it back. At the time Soria was in Eubanks’s back yard, peering through a gap in the draperies. It was about 11 p.m. and pitch-dark.

Soria was carrying two fully loaded, unregistered pistols. He was dressed in red, the Norteño color of choice, and his left cheek was covered by a Norteño tattoo. While testifying he admitted being at Eubanks’s house. But he was on his own, to rob Eubanks of drugs and guns.

“They want you to believe this is dope ripoff,” Timm told the jury. “This wasn’t a dope ripoff. This was a murder ripoff.”

Timm said there was plenty of evidence to prove the charge of conspiracy to commit murder. “Someone” drove Soria from Del Norte County to Humboldt County. One of the guns was given to Soria by “someone” in Humboldt County. “Someone” showed Soria a photo of Eubanks’s house. “Someone” was a getaway driver, who apparently fled when law enforcement arrived one minute after shots were fired.

The prosecution maintains Eubanks had no assault rifle but was talking on his cellphone when shot. Examining the path of the bullet, it’s “physically impossible” Eubanks was shot while his arm was down, holding a rifle.

Eubanks did not testify. But he told an ambulance crew he was shot while talking on his phone, and he had no idea where the bullet came from.

“He didn’t even see the guy who shot him, Timm said.

Although the prosecution says Eubanks was unarmed, Timm said it wouldn’t have mattered if he was.

“One person has the right to self-defense,” Timm said, “and it’s not Mr. Soria.”

Soria gave up his right to self-defense, the prosecutor said, the second he set foot on Eubanks’s property.

“He forfeited his right to self-defense. He forfeited it.”

Timm called the shooting “ a gang hit” meant to raise Soria’s status in the Norteños and raise the gang’s status in the community. Also it was meant as a warning: Don’t mess with Norteños.

After the shooting, Eubanks ran outside and screamed for help, even banging on one terrified neighbor’s door.

“He sounds like somebody who got shot. Somebody who doesn’t want to get shot again. Somebody who doesn’t want to bleed out and die.”

Instead of fleeing, Soria followed Eubanks to finish the job, Timm argued. As to Soria’s claim that he was high on a huge amount of drugs and alcohol, “he would have been comatose in a hospital” if he had ingested what he claimed.

Instead, Soria was jumping fences, jumping off the roof a shed, running.

“We have an Olympian out there,” Timm said.

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OBITUARY: Cindy Sue Manos, 1956-2022

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Cindy Sue Manos, 65, of Eureka, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2022 in the presence of her family. 

Cindy was born on December 10, 1956, to Glen and Wanell Wasson in Fort Bragg. Soon after Cindy was born, the family moved to Crannell and shortly after McKinleyville. After graduating from McKinleyville High in 1975, Cindy went to work at Simpson Timber Company in Arcata. Following her time at Simpson, Cindy enlisted in the Marine Corps, where she was stationed in Japan.

Cindy served as a Marine for four years which prepared her for a career in law enforcement. Cindy attended College of the Redwoods Police Academy and then joined the Eureka Police Department.  She served the Eureka Police Department from August 25, 1986, until her retirement on December 14, 2007.  After retirement she continued to serve Eureka Police Department until, May 20, 2013, running background checks and working closely with animal control.  Cindy took pride in serving her community and loved the many coworkers and friends she met along the way. 

During Cindy’s years at Eureka Police Department, she met James “Butch” Manos, her soul mate, best friend, and the love of her life. Cindy and Butch lived life to the fullest and enjoyed times spent together, including abalone trips, touring Humboldt to see the numerous Christmas light displays, skiing with the grandkids and visits to Fredrickson Ranch, in Kneeland. They adored the ranch, and this is where they chose to get married.  The most cherished place for Cindy and Butch was Ruth Lake, where they spent many summers with their dogs Olive, Ladybug, and Chester, eventually buying property. Later in life Cindy was able to build a cabin and spend her days in retirement with her most recent faithful furry companion Moppet. 

Cindy had a passion for music, traveling, and animals.  She loved going to concerts and would talk about all the amazing artist she got to see over the years, including Eric Clapton, Lynrd Skynrd and The Scorpions or as Cindy would say “The Scorps.” Cindy was able to travel abroad and explore the countries of Italy, Greece and Turkey, where she made some of her fondest memories. Cindy’s compassion and love for animals was unmatched and she would make endless trips across the state to transport animals in an effort to save their lives. Cindy’s life was full and adventurous, and she lived by the words she would often quote “don’t sweat the small stuff”.

Cindy is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Lola and Roy Shumard, paternal grandparents, Corbet “Rusty” and Agnes Wasson, father, Glen Wasson, mother-in-law Dorothy Sousa and husband, Butch Manos. Left to cherish her memory is her mother, Wanell Wasson, sister, Glennell and her husband Bobby McConnell, brother, Torrey Wasson, niece, Teah and her husband Mark Distefano and their children, Maddox, Lola, and Audrey, nephew, Larrin and his son Austin McConnell, nephew, Coby and his wife Logan McConnell and their children, McKenna and Grady, father-in-law Abe Sousa, step-son, Larry Manos, grandchildren Ashley and Brandon Manos and the many close friends who became family.

The family would like to thank Mercy Medical Center in Redding for their compassionate care during Cindy’s short stay. They’d also like to thank all the family and friends for their prayers and condolences, particularly Kevin Smith and Mike Stevens for all of their kindness and support during this difficult time. 

Cindy was strong, independent, and cared for those in need. She will be missed deeply, and we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace surrounded by light.

Memorial services will be held at Sanders Funeral Home (1835 E Street Eureka, CA 95501) on Friday, November 4th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a burial at 11 p.m. at Ocean View Cemetery with a reception immediately following.

The family requests flowers and notes are sent to Sanders Funeral Home. Contributions in memory of Cindy can be made to United Veterans of America (https://www.uvamerica.org/) or Humboldt SPCA (https://www.humboldtspca.com/donate/ ).

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Cindy Manos’ loved onesThe Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.



OBITUARY: Kathyrn (Johnita) Kern, 1928-2022

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Kathyrn (Johnita) Kern
Nov. 12, 1928 - Oct. 17, 2022

Johnita passed at the age of 93. She was born in Okaloosa, Iowa, to Homer and Ada Morrison. She moved with her family in 1936 to Eureka, where she attended Eureka City Schools.

She met her first husband, Milard Olson, at a young age and moved to Los Angeles, where she had two sons. A few years later, after divorcing her first husband, she moved back to Arcata, where she met and married Clifton M. Kern and had three more children. Johnita was blessed with five children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

She lived a long and colorful life. Spending most of her years waitressing and raising her family until her husband Cliff passed in 1974 when she decided to return to school to obtain a realtor’s license.

She loved being a realtor and helping others find that perfect home. She worked for Sellers Realty in Arcata until retiring in 1988. After retiring, she moved closer to her youngest and eldest boys in Santa Rosa, where she spent most of her time volunteering and traveling the United States and Canada in her motor home.

In 2015 she decided to move back to Eureka to be closer to family and friends. She enjoyed spending time at the Eureka Senior Center, where she made some great new friends — or with her friends Sue Scott and Greg Anderson. She kept in touch with her good friend John Lowry from Colorado via email and phone calls. In 2019 she could no longer live alone and decided to move to Timber Ridge in Eureka, where she lived until moving to the Hospice House.

Johnita was predeceased by her parents, three sisters, husband Clifton M. Kern, son Larry Kern, daughter Kathy Richards, granddaughter Heidi Olson, and daughter-in-law Pam Olson.

She is survived by her children Thomas Olson, Jim Olson, and Pamela Bower (Wayne). Grandchildren Chad Olson (Marcia), Cheryl Steiner-Olson, Ian Olson, Stacy Juchtzer (Rick), Lori Davisson-Orozco (Billy), and Justin Mather (Christina). Great-grandchildren Kaylee Steiner Olson, Logan Juchtzer, Halie Juchtzer, TJ Curran, Holly Davisson, Michael Mather, Jordan Mather, Hailey Vonaseek, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity or consider donating to one of the following: Hospice of Humboldt 3327 Timber Fall Ct. Eureka, CA 95503, or Humboldt Area Foundation-Dr. Richard Wolf memorial fund. This fund started the Eureka Dialysis Center. https://www.hafoundation.org

The family would like to thank Dr. Alan Matthews, Hospice House, Timber Ridge of Eureka, and Eureka Dialysis Center.

A special thank you to her good friend Sue Scott for all the hours spent visiting and checking in. Her nieces who took the time to visit and help in any way they could Vicki Dobrec, Irene Stevens, Willa, and Karen Kern-Steadman. No services are scheduled at this time.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Johnita Kern’s loved onesThe Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.



OBITUARY: Matthew Gardner Winney, 1953-2022

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Matthew Gardner Winney, Born October 13, 1953. Aged 68 years. Died September 16, 2022. Survived by family and friends also native to the Humboldt area.

My Dad had the most beautiful green eyes. They were teal, almost turquoise. They reflected his love of the six rivers, the sloughs that feed the bay, the redwoods, mountains and secluded spots that make Humboldt one of the most majestic places on earth. Where the redwoods meet the sea, he wanted to stay behind the redwood curtain. He died at his beach house in Samoa, proving he would never leave that beautiful place.

I will remember him in the wind, the kind of wind that makes you want to be out on the sail boat. I will remember him along the mountainside in the breeze that blows the wild flowers, in the wind that caries the dragon flies.

I will remember him in his flannel, hat and jeans, paddling the canoe out on the slough, with a rollie cig in his mouth and a young sea lion begging for pieces of his sandwich.

His memories will forever be with me, in every natural beauty that makes Humboldt so spectacular- my Dad is now those rivers, those trees, that breeze. Those winding roads down Highway 36, Fickle Hill, Big Rock, Sandy Bar, Kneeland, Pigeon Point, Happy Camp, Weitchpec, College Cove, Strawberry Rock, Big Lagoon, the rocks off Patrick’s Point, all the epic swimming spots that you never want tourists to find out about. Sack lunches and day trips out exploring. The young bears on the river fishing. The blue jays that mock you. The crows that caw at dawn. That’s my Dad, he has returned to the oneness. Humboldt was his favorite place on earth. He never wanted to leave.

My Dad was a fantastic photographer. He captured all the ways I will remember him, in the old school film he loved to use, and the thousands of photos that he amassed thru his lifetime. He was a mechanic, he loved working on cars, restoration work and making demolition derby cars. He was a local historian, in his own right, and has ties to the Humboldt area that go back generations, before the great 1906 earthquake. Before California was a state.

Although his body aged, he was still young in his mind and he hated that his body couldn’t keep up with him.

A private reception will be held at the location of the family plot along with a gravestone placing ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help support the Samoa Peninsula Fire District.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Matthew Winney’s loved onesThe Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.



OBITUARY: Stephen James Brinton, 1947-2022

LoCO Staff / Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 @ 6:56 a.m. / Obits

Stephen James Brinton passed away on October 14, 2022, with his daughter holding his hand. He was a wonderful father and an amazing Grandpa. Since he developed an extremely rapid form of dementia in mid-May of this year, we have already been missing the man he was. Now, we will miss the man he became and miss the opportunities to give him hugs and see his wonderful smile. He was a good man.

Steve was born on September 10, 1947, to James and Mable Brinton. He and his sister Linda grew up in Southern California. He attended St. Jerome’s Elementary School in Los Angeles. He graduated from St Bernard High School in Playa del Rey in 1965. He then moved to Orange County in the summer 1965 and attended Cal State Fullerton, from which he graduated in 1969 with a BA in Political Science.

Dad lived a life full of love and caring as attested to by his long-time friend and first wife Sherryl, whom he met as a senior in college in 1968. He was a published songwriter and enjoyed a wide variety of musical genres. He loved 1950s cars and collected books and models, and even owned a few over the years. Dad and Mom (Jan) met when I was seven years old. Although they separated, he always remained a wonderful and dedicated father to me. As Grandpa, he taught his oldest grandson to play guitar and bass and encouraged both of his grandson’s interest in musical instruments. He loved learning about the music and games that the boys were getting into and exploring it after their visits via YouTube. The hardest thing for him at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was not being able to give his family hugs.

Steve worked many different jobs, but closest to his heart were his time at HCAR where he met his fourth wife, Claudia, and his position at Coast Central Credit Union in the Card Services division where he met his dear friend Lynn. After his retirement, Steve moved to the Lazy J Mobile Home Park in Arcata, where he became friends with many of his neighbors. He served on the homeowner’s council both as a member and as the HR Council president for two years. We wish to extend our deep thanks to his friend Suzanne who was a great support to our family during this process. Steve is survived by his daughter Halona Rude (Michael), his grandsons Joe and Jamie Rude, his sister Linda Edelman (Bill), his niece Maya Pell, and many dear friends who were like family in many ways.

Many thanks to everyone who has supported our family through this unexpected and difficult journey. Special thanks to the wonderful team at Hospice of Humboldt, just knowing we could call you at any time made this a little easier. Special thanks also to the caring staff at Timber Ridge Eureka in the Renaissance unit, you all saw the wonderful man my Dad was.

No memorial service is planned at this time. Steve’s family requests that any donations be made in his honor to Hospice of Humboldt, Breast and GYN Health Project, or the community charity of your choice.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Steve Brinton’s loved onesThe Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.



THIS WEEK in EUREKA CITY COUNCIL: Homeless Action Plan Up for Review, Digital Signs Could Be Banned, and More!

Isabella Vanderheiden / Monday, Oct. 31, 2022 @ 3:45 p.m. / Local Government

Eureka City Hall | Photo: Andrew Goff


The Eureka City Council will convene for another riveting round of civic engagement with its impassioned constituents tomorrow night.

This week’s agenda includes a couple of hot-button items, including a proposal to address homelessness in Eureka. The council will also discuss a few less interesting but nevertheless important items. Yes, I’m looking at you 2022-23 fee schedule update.

Let’s take a look at that agenda, shall we?

Eureka’s Homeless Action Plan

Back in 2016, the Eureka City Council signed a joint resolution with the County of Humboldt to adopt the Housing First model as a means of addressing homelessness in the region. In the time since, staff has worked to develop a city-specific Homeless Action Plan to expand efforts to address mental health and housing needs in Eureka.

The 24-page document outlines the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce homelessness in the City of Eureka by expanding affordable housing, bolstering outreach efforts and expanding partnerships with organizations that provide services to people experiencing homelessness.

“Significant progress has been made toward meeting the needs of community members experiencing homelessness in Eureka. …There is still important work to be done,” according to the plan. “The City of Eureka’s Homeless Action Plan outlines priorities in addressing issues related to homelessness and was created to provide a road map for use in working to address the issue of homelessness in Eureka. This plan details common unifying principles that define our purpose, connect our city and create a positive impact on the quality of life for all Eureka residents.”

The plan also acknowledges the community-wide impacts of homelessness, including compromised public health and safety as a result of environmental degradation.

“Without access to proper waste disposal, homeless encampments near neighborhoods and publicly used lands pose serious health and safety hazards to the community,” the plan states. “Homelessness causes significant fiscal impacts to the public sector and affects local businesses. … Local businesses report a range of problems associated with homelessness including individuals sleeping on the premises as well as the presence of needles and other hazardous/human waste, deterring customers from entering businesses.”

One of the biggest components is increasing engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness. UPLIFT Eureka and the Eureka Police Department’s Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) have made strides in guiding homeless individuals to critical resources and assistance with navigating those services. Working in tandem with CSET, the city’s new Crisis Alternative Response of Eureka (CARE) team hopes to provide rapid support and therapeutic problem-solving to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

The plan outlines eight specific goals to address homelessness in Eureka, such as increasing the city’s affordable housing stock, bolstering UPLIFT’s rehousing program and implementing a homeless prevention program, among others.

The council will review the plan and consider its adoption. The full document can be found here.

Ban on Digital Signs

The council is slated to approve a resolution that would ban new digital signs in the city’s coastal zone. The council reviewed the proposed resolution during a public hearing earlier this month and, despite strong opposition from a single community member, agreed to move the item forward.

The matter was initiated two years ago when the council adopted an ordinance that rescinded and replaced a section of the city’s municipal code with a coastal sign amendment. 

The ordinance was reviewed by the California Coastal Commission in July 2022. At that time, city staff was looking to restrict the number of illuminated digital billboards allowed in the city’s coastal zone and limit the brightness of said signs. Coastal commissioners, including Humboldt County Supervisor Mike Wilson, urged city staff to take the ordinance even further and ban new digital signs in the coastal zone altogether. 

Staff agreed and drafted the resolution that will be up for consideration during this week’s meeting. If approved by the council, the resolution will move forward to the California Coastal Commission for certification. 

“Because the Local Coastal Program amendment must be certified by the Coastal Commission, staff is asking the City Council to adopt a Resolution of Transmittal sending the Local Coastal Program Amendment to the Coastal Commission for certification,” according to the staff report. “The City Council’s action to adopt the Local Coastal Program Amendment would become effective immediately upon Coastal Commission certification.”

The council will also consider a second separate item that would update the city’s zoning code to ban new digital signs in the city’s inland areas as well. 

Zero Waste Action Plan for Local Schools

The council will also receive a report on the city’s Zero Waste Action Plan and efforts to reduce food waste in local schools. 

The draft Zero Waste Action Plan has been broken into several sections that will be presented to the council for consideration over the coming months. The section up for consideration this week focuses on schools and how the city can best serve, support and guide local schools in waste reduction.

“Studies show that introducing and teaching environmental topics and waste reduction behaviors earlier in development can foster environmental stewardship in youth, which is then shared with their family and community,” according to the staff report. “Staff [has engaged in] direct outreach, stakeholder interviews, and on-site tours which helped facilitate a realistic understanding of the current state of waste diversion programs, education, and opportunities at local schools.”

The staff report notes that public schools and districts are distinct government entities and not subject to the city’s waste management requirements. 

The draft Zero Waste Action Plan is tentatively scheduled for completion at the end of this year.

CORE Hub Presentation

The council will also receive a presentation from the Redwood Region Climate & Community Resilience Hub, better known as CORE Hub

Although the agenda doesn’t indicate what exactly the presentation will cover, it’s probably safe to assume that it has something to do with offshore wind development on the North Coast since the council recently agreed to sign on as a supporter of the CORE Hub’s North Coast Offshore Wind Community Benefits Network (the Network) strategy. 

You can read all about the Network’s community-centered benefits strategy at this link.

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​​The Eureka City Council will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street. The agenda can be found here.