Bonnie Jean Sears (Schultz), age 72, of Holmes Flat, passed peacefully in her home with family by her side on December 27, 2022.

Bonnie was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, at the United States Naval Hospital, to Benny and Genevieve Schultz on August 24, 1950. She was the only daughter and oldest of three children. As the child of a Marine Sergeant, Bonnie lived in many different cities and states around the United States. Bonnie presented a fun loving personality and made friends easily everywhere she went.

Bonnie met the love of her life, John Sears, while living in Anaheim. They moved to Humboldt County in 1973 and were married in 1978. In 1979 Bonnie and John purchased their home in Holmes Flat where they raised three daughters — Michelle, Erica and Patrica.

Bonnie is best known for her fun personality and ability to make a meal out of anything. She was an amazing cook who didn’t need recipes or measuring spoons and always made the best meals. She worked at several restaurants throughout Humboldt County. Some of Bonnie’s favorite workplaces included the Redcrest Cafe, Hansen’s Truck Stop, the Fortuna Bowling Alley (where she met two of her dearest friends, Phyllis Branstetter and Billy Toller), the Country Kitchen, and the kitchen at Redwood Memorial Hospital.

Bonnie was always up for a good time and living life to the fullest with her friends and family. In her spare time, Bonnie loved to garden, boss around her oldest daughter (ha ha), watch movies with her youngest daughter, and watch Gunsmoke and cowboy shows with her husband.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, John Sears, daughters, Michelle Brazil (Eric), Erica Ferreira, and Patrica Sorci (Jeremy), and nine grandchildren: Stephen, Allen, Christian, Dustin, Serena, Trinity, Trinidad, Sam, and Ben, and two brothers, Steve Schultz and Mike Schultz. She is preceded in death by her parents, Benny and Genny Schultz.

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

Deborah Loomis Henehan died peacefully on February 8, 2023, two and a half years after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In her last months, she was lovingly tended to by her niece, and great niece (Tanya and Brynn DeNee). In death, just as in life, she was surrounded by loving friends and family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Frances and Francis Henehan of Victor, New York and her brother Brooks Henehan of Marathon, Florida. She is survived by her brother David L. Henehan of Henrietta, New York, her nieces, Tanya DeNee (Jeffrey) of Naples New York, and Kirsten Bulich of Catskill, New York; nephews Brendan Henehan (Michelle), of Hall, New York, Shawn Frazier (Candace) of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Ian McBride of Marathon, Florida, and many close and loving cousins, great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her former husband Stephen Brudney (her “sweetie”) with whom she remained very connected to, as well as Steve’s children; Adam Brudney (Katelyn) and Emily Brudney Gruppman (Nathan), along with five step-grandchildren. She leaves behind many treasured and loving friends.

Deborah was compassionate, generous, outspoken, and spirited. She had an infectious playfulness and love of life and was both child-like and wise. She was a fierce advocate for disenfranchised and underserved populations and environmental justice issues. Deborah would say that if she had a religion, it was kindness. She loved to dance, and deeply loved animals and being outdoors — walking, hiking, swimming, camping, and backpacking.

Deborah was born on June 18, 1947 in Victor, New York and lived on the family estate “Ingleside” where she was raised and able to spend her summers on Canandaigua Lake at the family cottage. Deborah graduated from Victor Central School, received her associate degree from Vermont College and her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University. After receiving her bachelor’s, she explored life and worked in various fields, including owning a health food store in State College, Penn.

Eventually she found her way to California, where she attended and graduated from University of California, Los Angeles with a Master’s degree in Social Work and subsequently gained her clinical license (LCSW). Deborah lived and worked in Los Angeles for 15 years as a therapist until she couldn’t ‘take LA anymore’ and moved north to Humboldt County. In the early 1990s she worked at Northcountry Clinic in Arcata and later at Willow Creek Clinic until she retired. There she formed many close and lasting friendships.

Deborah is deeply missed by all who love her. The world has truly lost a profoundly loving soul - as if a light has gone out. But with this loss comes a continued gift – her legacy of love , playfulness and wisdom. Her precious presence remains here with us.

Special thanks for the extra loving help of a circle of close friends and relatives who assisted greatly at the end of Deborah’s time in this life plane.

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

Linda Darlene Emerson (Rush)
Nov. 5, 1950 – Feb. 13, 2023

Linda Darlene Emerson was born Nov. 5, 1950 in Eureka to Harvey Dee Emerson and Darlene Whelihan. Linda was the first born of five brothers — Larry, Timothy, Steven and Michael Emerson and Anthony Whelihan — and one sister, Donna Porter.

Linda attended Eureka City Schools and graduated from Eureka High School in 1968. Linda loved vacationing with family in Junction City and Willow Creek. She also loved to go four-wheeling and to the beach.

Linda and Andy Cudney met in June of 1986 and were inseparable for the next 37 years.

Linda has three children Gary Rush, Tracie Smith (Rush) and Jason Cudney. Linda also has seven grandchildren — Samantha , Maddie, Mason, Carson Rush, Tyler and Tavin Smith and Addysen Cudney. She also has three great-grandchildren — Ellie, Emma and Khloe.

Linda and Andy spent lots of time going on trips to Gold Beach for vacations. Aside from her family Linda was most proud of her 1949 Studebaker pickup.

We will hold a small ceremony Wednesday March 15 from 1-3 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home.

HUMBOLDT TODAY: Good job, people! Humboldt Today viewers correctly picked this year’s Academy Awards Best Picture. As reward, Humboldt now boasts the most-accessible beach in Northern California. We’ll tell you about that, plus a round up of all the winter weather-related drama and more on today’s newscast with John Kennedy O’Connor.

FURTHER READING: 

• Clam Beach Just Became Wheelchair-Friendly Says County, Which Says it Believes That the County Park is Now the ‘Northermost Accessible Beach in California’
• FLOOD WATCH: Excessive Runoff Fills Creeks and Streams; Eel River Forecast to Overrun Its Banks at Fernbridge
• SUPES PREVIEW: Several Offshore Wind-Related Actions Up For Consideration During this Week’s Meeting

HUMBOLDT TODAY can be viewed on LoCO’s homepage each night starting at 6 p.m.

Want to LISTEN to HUMBOLDT TODAY? Subscribe to the podcast version here.

Press release from the County of Humboldt:

The County of Humboldt has completed the installation of a beach access mat along the beach access corridor at the northern parking lot of Clam Beach County Park, and the mat is now open for public use.

The beach access mat allows individuals with disabilities to travel from the accessible parking lot to the high tide line of the beach. With the installation of the beach access mat, it is believed that Clam Beach County Park is now the northern most accessible beach in California.

“It is incredibly important that we as the county provide accessible public spaces, and I couldn’t be more proud that this project is ready for use,” said Fifth District Supervisor and Chair of the Board Steve Madrone. “It took years to research and install this beach mat, and seek and respond to public feedback, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their work to bring this project to fruition. The result of that work will allow all Humboldt County residents and visitors to experience Clam Beach County Park, which is such a gem within the state.”

This project is a part of the county’s continued efforts to provide recreational access for all users to the greatest extent possible and bring all county-owned and leased facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Humboldt County Administrative Office’s ADA Compliance Team and the Humboldt County Department of Public Works’ Environmental Services Division coordinated these efforts with several oversight agencies, including California State Parks, the California Coastal Commission, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to ensure natural resources in and around the coastal project area were protected while providing improved beach access to beach visitors.

About the Accessibility Mat

The mat consists of a series of removable and adjustable woven polyester segments designed in a way that allows for accumulated sand to sift through the mat surface. A removable access mat design was selected for use at Clam Beach in an effort to reduce environmental and aesthetic impacts and to provide more flexibility for adjustments in response to changing environmental conditions. The beach mat is five feet wide, and its length will vary between approximately 400 to 500 feet based on the environmental conditions at Clam Beach. The mat will require ongoing maintenance and adjustments to account for high tides and blowing sands.

The mat provides users of commonly used mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches, the ability to travel from the northern parking lot at Clam Beach County Park through the established trail corridor to the high tide line. The mat is also designed to allow horses and emergency vehicles to cross and travel.

“Tri-County Independent Living (TCIL) was excited to try out the mats during a public comment and demonstration day back in February of 2022,” said TCIL Assistive Technology Coordinator Juliannah Harris, who is low vision. “The uneven terrain of typical beaches makes me fall. For the first time ever, I felt secure and safe independently walking on the beach. This unique mat system will really benefit the disability community. Tri-County Independent Living is very pleased to see this transformational project move forward to completion and look forward to future inclusive projects in Humboldt County.”

This project is an example of the County of Humboldt’s commitment toward providing equal access to all county programs, services, and activities regardless of an individual’s ability. Please visit humboldtgov.org/ADA to learn more.

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With local rivers already swollen from three weeks of above-average rainfall, Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties are all under an active flood watch this morning as continued downpours are projected to flood rivers, creeks, streams and low-lying areas.

Cue the ark jokes.

A “severe” flood warning has been issued for this region. | NOAA

As you can see in the graph above, the Eel River is forecast to reach flood stage at Fernbridge sometime tonight and continue rising through Tuesday, finally peaking at above 23 feet late Tuesday or early Wednesday. A “severe” flood warning has been issued for the Eel River Valley, lasting from 5 a.m. tomorrow to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

A Special Action Advisory is being issued to people who own livestock in all low-lying areas adjacent to the Eel River. The National Weather Service says “appropriate action” should be taken to protect livestock.

Of course, the forecast can change quickly, so keep tabs at this link to stay up-to-date.

The City of Rio Dell issued a flood warning this morning, saying portions of State Route 211 between Fernbridge and Ferndale could go underwater, along with much of the Eel River Valley, including areas northwest of Loleta and the western portion of Cannibal Island Road.

This deluge looks a lot like the conditions we saw six years ago, when the Eel crested at 23 feet, turning the Eel River Bottoms into one big lake, nearly submerging Duluwat (aka Indian Island) and turning the Arcata Bottoms into a soggy bog.

We’ll be keeping tabs on local conditions as the water levels continue to rise. 

If the latest public polling is to be believed, Republican voters in California, like party faithful across the country, are swinging rapidly toward favoring Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in next year’s presidential primary.

But if the attendees at the latest California Republican Party convention — a gathering of the GOP’s most dedicated activists, volunteers and local officials that took place over the weekend in Sacramento — are anything to go by, former President Donald Trump is still unquestionably the man to beat as he seeks his party’s nomination for a third time.

“Nobody comes up to me and says, ‘What about DeSantis?’” said Deborah Baber, a delegate from Ventura County, as she hawked MAGA Republican buttons outside a Saturday lunch banquet headlined by the new House Speaker (and Bakersfield’s favorite son) Kevin McCarthy, the weekend’s marquee event.

Clad in a stars-and-stripes “Make America Great Again” jumpsuit and flashing a red, white and blue rhinestone Trump purse, Barber’s unmissable display of support for the former president was a common motif at the convention. Trump’s name and slogan were everywhere to be seen, on signs and apparel and campaign paraphernalia; DeSantis, who it should be noted has not yet declared that he is running for president, not so much.

Outside the entrance to the convention center downtown, in a light drizzle, Ed Malik stood beside a handwritten poster declaring that “Trump is the ONLY anti-war candidate” and handing out a four-page packet warning that “Ron ‘DeSanctimonious’ is not what his manufactured persona suggests he is.”

Though not a delegate to the convention, Malik and a friend had driven up from Alameda County as volunteers for the Lyndon LaRouche Political Action Committee, to shore up support for a man that they worried might get pushed aside by party insiders after his contentious loss in the 2020 presidential election.

“It’s going to be a battleground,” Malik said.

By the only real metric we have at this point, roughly a year before Californians weigh in with their primary ballots next March, that is certainly the case.

The UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies released a poll in late February that found DeSantis leading a list of 11 possible candidates among GOP voters in the state, with 37% support, ahead of Trump with 29%. That was a reversal from six months earlier, when Trump led DeSantis by nearly the same margin.

The spiked barbs that DeSantis regularly trades with California’s Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, over policy and hair care routines, has only solidified his standing among conservatives in the Golden State over the past year. He made a brief swing through Southern California last week, including a sold-out event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library to promote his new book.

By more unscientific measures, however, it’s not even close — at least here among the most committed and hardcore Republicans in the state.

Take the grassroots straw poll that Orange County delegate Evelyn Nunez Jones and Los Angeles County delegate Rudy Melendez were organizing at the convention by handing out business cards with a QR code link to an online survey. Early results, with about 150 participants, showed Trump running away with three-quarters of the vote, they said, ahead of a field including DeSantis, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley (who is running for president) and former Congress Member Liz Cheney (who has not announced a campaign).

Or consider merchandise sales. Marty Miller’s “My Campaign Wear” booth in the convention hall featured Trump 2024 flags and powder blue t-shirts with “DeSantisland” written in the Disney script above a map of the United States — a nod to the Florida governor’s star-making battle against the corporate giant — alongside “Let’s Go Brandon” baseball caps and hot pink buttons proclaiming “hot chicks vote Republican.”

Miller estimated that Trump gear was outselling the DeSantis offerings 85% to 15%. He had loaded up on DeSantis items because his supplier, who is based in Florida, “thought the DeSantis stuff would go really big out here. And it hasn’t.”

Among those shopping was Napa County Republican Party chair Doris Gentry, sporting a Trump lanyard for her convention credential and a sparkling American flag brooch. She remained loyal to the former president, she said, because “we know what he did, so we know what he will do.”

Like many other Trump supporters in attendance, she did not dislike DeSantis. But she urged him to hold off running for president and continue to build his power in Florida, which would make him an even more powerful contender four years from now.

“When he went to the bathroom” at the Reagan Library, she joked, “Reagan whispered, ‘It’s not your turn. Wait until 2028.’”

“Then in 2028,” she added, “he’ll be jet fuel.”

Heather Matsen, a volunteer for the Sacramento County GOP who was staffing a neighboring booth, agreed that Trump’s experience made him best suited to take on President Biden next year and then fix the direction of the country in a second term.

“We’re not going to have four years to find his footing,” Matsen said. “He learns from his mistakes. So where (the) house didn’t get cleaned before, he’s going to clean house right away.”

Mingling with other delegates outside committee meetings, Mark Rizk of Los Angeles County was a rare DeSantis supporter. He had purchased a t-shirt (“Ron DeSantis For President: The Courage to be Free”) earlier in the day, which he proudly pulled out his bag to show off.

DeSantis is “someone who has a lot of the same great ideas that Trump has, but not the baggage that he has,” said Rizk, who began drifting away from the former president after the Jan. 6 “fiasco” where rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to help Trump overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Rizk said he has been making a strategic case to his fellow Republicans: that DeSantis would do better among independent voters, while nominating Trump again would only alienate them and hurt down-ballot GOP candidates in 2024. It did not seem to be resonating at the convention.

“They have vested their heart in it. Their heart is so into Donald Trump,” he said. “They’re basically going to throw the party under the bus for his ego.”

But there’s still a year — and a formal campaign — left to change those hearts and minds. Rizk sees it in Biblical terms, with DeSantis as the Israelite leader Joshua.

“Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, but God anointed Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land,” Rizk said. “He will be our Joshua leading us into the Promised Land.”

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