Press release from College of the Redwoods:

College of the Redwoods is proud to announce that its Fire Academy has officially been approved as an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) by California State Fire Training (SFT) under the Office of the State Fire Marshal. This recognition signifies that CR meets the highest state standards for fire service education and training delivery.

A Major Milestone for the North Coast

Becoming an ARTP means College of the Redwoods is now authorized to deliver State Fire Training curriculum and certify completion of coursework that leads to Fire Fighter I and other professional fire service certifications recognized across California and positioning it to serve as a regional training hub, supporting fire agencies across Humboldt, Del Norte, and Mendocino counties. The accreditation follows an extensive multi-year review of curriculum alignment, instructor qualifications, facilities, equipment, safety protocols, and partnerships with local fire agencies.

“This accreditation is a tremendous achievement for our students, our instructors, and the entire North Coast fire service community,” said Sean Robertson, Fire Academy Director at College of the Redwoods. “It is the result of years of work to develop a fire program that delivers Fire Fighter I certification and will open new doors for our graduates to immediately attain fire service careers.”

Robertson’s remarks were echoed by regional partners who have worked closely with the academy since its inception. 

“We’re incredibly proud of our strong partnership with College of the Redwoods and the dedication they’ve shown in achieving accreditation for their Fire Academy,” said Sean Wilson, Battalion Chief – Humboldt-Unit Training. “This accomplishment not only raises the standard of firefighter training in our region but also strengthens our shared commitment to serving and protecting the local community. Together, we’re ensuring that the next generation of firefighters is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and professionalism our residents deserve.”

As one of the academy’s key partners, CAL FIRE underscored the importance of regional collaboration in building a strong and sustainable training network for Northern California.

“CAL FIRE is proud to officially recognize College of the Redwoods as an Accredited Regional Training Program,” said CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit Chief Kurt McCray. “This accreditation reflects the College’s commitment to excellence and its critical role in preparing the next generation of firefighters for service in Northern California. CAL FIRE looks forward to leveraging progress toward local firefighter training and career opportunities through our partnership with College of the Redwoods.”

The CR Fire Academy, based at the College’s Eureka campus, provides immersive, hands-on training in structural and wildland firefighting, rescue operations, fire behavior, incident command, and teamwork under live-fire and simulated emergency conditions. Each cohort works closely with experienced instructors from local fire agencies including Humboldt Bay Fire, Arcata Fire, and CAL FIRE, building both technical proficiency and leadership skills.

“Receiving accreditation for our Fire Technology Program from a peer-driven organization is a significant milestone for College of the Redwoods and reflects our commitment to offering high-quality and innovative programs that meet the needs of our students and the workforce,” said Dr. Keith Flamer, President of College of the Redwoods. “Being in a position to offer an accredited Fire Technology Program has been a dream for the College for a long time.”

College of the Redwoods extends its deepest gratitude to CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit for its exceptional partnership and generosity. CAL FIRE has provided instructors, training support, equipment, and countless other resources that have been instrumental in the academy’s growth and success.

CR would also like to thank their partners, Humboldt Bay Fire, Fortuna Fire, Arcata Fire, the Humboldt County Fire Chiefs Association, and the Humboldt County Fire Instructors Association. Their collaboration has elevated the program’s capacity to deliver safe, effective, and realistic fire service training experiences. Special thanks to Humboldt Bay Fire and Fortuna Fire for providing access to their training grounds, which allows CR’s cadets to gain invaluable hands-on experience in real-world environments.

Supporting Student Safety and Program Growth

As enrollment in the Fire Academy continues to grow, so does the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and training resources. College of the Redwoods invites community members, alumni, and local businesses to support the program through two dedicated funds administered by the CR Foundation.

Fire Technology Scholarship Fund — This scholarship fund helps CR students cover the costs of their personal protective equipment necessary for fighting fires.

Fire Technology Operational Fund — This operational fund helps the department cover the costs of training equipment, supplies, and materials.

Donations to either fund can also be made through the College of the Redwoods Foundation at www.redwoods.edu/foundation by designating a gift to the Fire Academy Program.

###

Press release from the Office of Gov. Gavin Newsom:

As a significant storm moves through Northern California this week, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced proactive efforts to pre-deploy specialized emergency response crews to help protect communities in Del Norte and Humboldt counties including 32 personnel and nine fire engines beginning Tuesday evening until Thursday morning.

We’re taking early action to bring emergency resources and personnel to California communities ahead of the storm.

Local fire agencies identify when conditions in communities may require additional resources and submit requests to the state for support. The staging locations and response assignments are coordinated by local officials. The California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System remains available for local fire officials to request additional resources during an incident if necessary.

Prepare now

Governor Gavin Newsom urges all Californians to stay alert and take proactive steps to stay safe as heavy rain and flooding potentially impact the state this week. Protect yourself and your loved ones by following these official California safety recommendations:

• Sign up for emergency alerts and follow instructions from local officials.​
• Prepare an emergency go-bag with essential supplies, water, medication, and important documents. Find a full checklist here.​
• Stay off the roads whenever possible. If travel is unavoidable, check real-time conditions and drive at reduced speeds, avoiding standing water or debris on the roadway.​
• Never walk or drive through floodwaters—turn around, don’t drown. Even six inches of moving water can sweep a person off their feet, and as little as one foot can carry a vehicle away. ​
• Avoid parking under trees or power lines during high winds or heavy rain, as saturated soil can cause trees to uproot or fall unexpectedly.​
• If you see a downed power line, always assume it is energized—stay back at least 30 feet and call 9-1-1 or your utility provider.​
• Check on neighbors, especially older adults or those with disabilities or access and functional needs, to ensure they are safe.​
• Stay updated on storm impacts and emergency information at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services or prepare ahead through Listos California. /li>

For more information on fire safety and general preparedness, visit Ready.ca.gov.

###

Despite President Donald Trump’s repeated attempts to thwart California’s burgeoning offshore wind industry, local leaders and renewable energy advocates remain steadfast in pushing for a floating wind project that benefits North Coast residents.

While the U.S. Department of Transportation’s recent decision to cancel nearly half a billion dollars in federal funding dealt a major setback to the heavy lift marine terminal planned for Humboldt Bay, some renewable energy advocates see the extended timeline as an opportunity to work with coastal communities to build a stronger, more inclusive offshore wind project.

“The silver lining that I see: Maybe what the President is doing is giving us the gift of time,” Dan Jacobson, senior advisor with nonprofit political organization Environment California, told the Outpost. “A lot of these clean energy projects — geothermal, battery storage, offshore wind — take a long time to develop … and if you don’t do them right, then they’ll never get off the ground.”

Jacobson spends most of his time lobbying for environmental policy at the state capitol, but every so often, he heads up to Humboldt to talk offshore wind with a coalition of elected and tribal officials, environmentalists, workforce organizers and other local stakeholders. This week, he’s meeting with local stakeholders to discuss next steps for offshore wind planning.

“I can appreciate the sort of static that we’re getting from the federal government, but let’s come back and … build the coalitions that need to get built,” Jacobson said. “The demand for energy is hockey-sticking up, and the people who seem the least interested in clean energy issues — like these data centers — they’re going, ‘We don’t care where we get the energy, we just want it.’ And even at the federal level, you see a lot of bipartisan support for these programs, and I think we’re going to see more of that.”

To set the solid foundation needed for a successful floating offshore wind project, local stakeholders and energy developers need to meet with the folks who will be most affected by port development, including Samoa Peninsula residents. 

Colleen Clifford, a representative of the Peninsula Community Collaborative, lives just down the road from the site where the gigantic floating wind turbines would be assembled. She’s been working with the Humboldt Bay Harbor District and other stakeholders to find “innovative” ways to reduce potential impacts wherever possible.

“We want to have a voice at the table when we determine community benefits or any funding opportunities that could help offset problems associated with the development,” Clifford said. “It’s really important to be a part of these coalitions. … I think a lot of the people who come out against [the project] are among the most misinformed. Our mission is to keep people abreast of what’s going on, and I think our biggest challenge is people’s capacity to pay attention because there have been a lot of changes and there’s a lot of misinformation out there.”

Another key component in creating a successful project is assembling a homegrown workforce that will support it. Cody Freitas, district representative for Operating Engineers Local #3, said the floating wind project presents a unique opportunity to bring back our underutilized port.

“There used to be jobs for people, and they could stay, they could raise a family and sustain themselves in this area. We need to bring some of that back,” Freitas said. “If we have industrialization on our bay, renewable energy is a great way to do it. Other projects have come into this area, and they’ve died for multiple reasons. And a lot of that is because there hasn’t been a really strong alliance between labor and environmental groups in the community.”

That alliance is key, Jacobson said.

“These coalitions have to be built and organized, and legislators — just like community members — have to be educated,” he continued. “What I want to do is make sure all of these folks — not only here, but on the Central Coast and down in Long Beach — know [when and where] they can provide public comments because the more community input we have on this, I think the better it’s going to be. It’s never going to be 100 percent perfect, but it’s going to be a lot worse than perfect if we don’t have the engagement.”

So that’s where things are at for now. There may be some offshore wind legislation coming up early next year, but, for now, local stakeholders are still meeting and looking for new funding opportunities to move the project forward. 

###

Press release from the Yurok Tribe:

The Yurok Tribal Council voted to provide $300 food assistance cards to Yurok citizens experiencing disruptions in access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP and CalFresh benefits due to the federal government shutdown.

The prepaid cards are available to each Yurok household with one person enrolled in these supplemental nutrition programs, regardless of where they reside.

“Our goal is to help our most vulnerable citizens get through this challenging time,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe. “We are working day and night to mitigate as much as possible the near and far-term negative impacts that the federal shutdown is having on our families.”

“The Tribal Council and staff are committed to doing everything we can to alleviate the burden that the federal shutdown is placing on economically insecure families. We know the heads of these households are working equally hard to provide the best quality of life for their loved ones,” added Yurok Vice Chair Rose Sylvia.

The food cards can be used at Safeway, Grocery Outlet and Walmart. Please note that the number of Walmart cards is limited, as they cannot be purchased in bulk. To acquire a card, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.

• One applicant per household
• Must have one enrolled Yurok citizen in the household
• Applicants must provide proof of participation in SNAP or CalFresh
• Applicants must not receive benefits from Yurok Tribal TANF as they will automatically receive a $300 food gift card.
• Apply before November 20, 2025

Starting today, tribal citizens may apply for a food card. Please complete the Emergency Food Gift Card application online at this link. The Tribe will be processing applications as quickly as possible. Tribal staff will contact local applicants to arrange a time to pick up the card at one of the following locations: Klamath Tribal Office, Weitchpec Tribal Office, Willow Creek Tribal Office, Eureka TANF Office and the Aawok Marjorie Buckskin Building in Crescent City. The application is available at these offices too. Cards will be mailed to applicants who reside outside the service area.

If you have any questions, please call the Client Services Receptionist at 855-55-YUROK, ext. 3068.

This measure is intended as temporary support and does not replace or replicate federally funded programs or services. Last week, the Tribal Council issued an emergency declaration to mobilize tribal resources for those in need. Concurrently, the Tribe is seeking emergency grant funding to bolster its response efforts.

Also last week, two judges ordered the federal government to continue funding SNAP during the shutdown. The 42 million Americans enrolled in the program may receive a portion of their November benefits, although the exact amount and timing of the payment remains unclear.

###

Following yesterday’s meeting of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, at which Second District Supervisor Supervisor Michelle Bushnell was censured by her colleagues and removed from her position as chair, Bushnell posted the following statement to Facebook:

I want to start by saying I understand the board’s decision, and I take responsibility for the part I played in the incident that brought us here. I’ve already acknowledged that my behavior that day wasn’t appropriate, and I’ve taken steps to address it personally and professionally.

That said, I don’t agree with all of the findings or with how this process was handled. I’ve retained legal counsel because I believe there is a significant issue with due process — and that matters, not just for me, but for the integrity of this board’s procedures going forward.

I also think it’s unfortunate that some of my colleagues have chosen to go beyond the facts of the investigation and make additional, unsubstantiated claims in public.

My focus remains on serving the people of the 2nd District, who know my commitment to this community. I’m going to keep doing the work I was elected to do — with transparency, professionalism, and respect.

Note: Bell gave a statement to Redheaded Blackbelt yesterday, saying that he can’t share much information on the advice of legal counsel, but did say, “The people that were present and saw what occurred know that I am innocent … I look forward to clearing my name when the truth ultimately comes out.”

Find that story here.

###

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On November 2, 2025, at approximately 1:26 a.m., Eureka Police Department patrol officers responded to a report of a physical altercation between two males on the 100 block of 2nd Street in Eureka. The investigation revealed that the incident began as a verbal dispute and escalated into a physical confrontation. During the altercation, one of the individuals struck the other multiple times with his fists and, while the victim was on the ground, kicked him in the head, causing injury.

Following the investigation, officers issued a county-wide probable cause arrest for 38-year-old Cassion Jehial Bell.

On November 3, 2025, Bell turned himself in to the Eureka Police Department. He was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for felony assault causing injury.

If you have any information in regard to this incident, please contact Eureka Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at 707-441-4300.

###

This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

###

[NOTE: With 23,259 Humboldt County ballots counted by last night and many more to go, Prop. 50 is easily passing locally as well, with 61.2% of the vote. —LoCO.]

###

California voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s measure that allowed the state to redraw its congressional map in favor of Democrats, pushing back against President Donald Trump’s effort to hold onto a Republican-controlled Congress by urging redistricting in Texas.

Tuesday capped off a whirlwind, hyper-partisan two-and-a-half-month campaign for one of the most expensive ballot measures in state history. Supporters poured more than $120 million into Newsom’s committee supporting the measure. Opponents raised just $44 million. Outside groups spent $27 million to try to sway the vote.

Here’s what you missed.

Newsom declares victory

In a triumphant speech, Newsom proclaimed that Prop. 50’s victory was not just a win for California, but a win for the entire country. He called on leaders in other Democratic-held states — Illinois, Virginia, Maryland and New York — to “meet the moment” and redraw their congressional districts, too.

“Instead of agonizing over the state of our nation, we organized in an unprecedented way,” Newsom said. “Tonight, I’m proud. But I’m very mindful and sober of the moment we are living in. Donald Trump does not believe in fair and free elections, period and full stop.”

Prop. 50’s passage marked a significant victory for the governor, who took a political risk on the measure, calculating that it would give the state’s Democratic voters who are frustrated with the Trump administration a way to “fight back.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to the press, alongside his partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, after Proposition 50 was passed by California voters, at the California Democratic Party headquarters in Sacramento on Nov. 4, 2025. Photo by Jungho Kim for CalMatters

Though opponents criticized him for using the measure to burnish his national profile, Newsom was joined in his effort by numerous liberal groups, who argued that helping Democrats win the House could counter the administration’s aggressive immigration raids, cuts to social services and erosion of democratic norms.

Republicans vowed they will still challenge Democrats statewide, and said the election distracted from issues like the cost of living.

“Even under this new map, Republicans have clear opportunities to flip seats because Californians are fed up with Democrat chaos,” National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Richard Hudson said in a statement.

What this means for incumbent Republicans

Five GOP congressmembers now face steep odds to re-election and are more likely to lose their seats after next year’s midterms:

• Rocklin Rep. Kevin Kiley reaffirmed Tuesday night he’ll run for re-election despite his 3rd District becoming more liberal: “Politicians can change the lines on a map, but they can’t tell you how to vote.”
• Chico Rep. Doug LaMalfa, whose 1st District in the vast rural northeast corner of California, will lose several conservative counties and take in liberal Santa Rosa, has also said he will run again.
• Corona Rep. Ken Calvert will have to decide whether to run in a primary against a fellow Republican after his Riverside County district moves completely. He’ll instead be in the safe Republican 40th District held by Rep. Young Kim.
• Hanford Rep. David Valadao’s district in the southern Central Valley will become slightly more Democratic and stretch closer to Fresno. The race could still be competitive; the Republican has held onto his seat despite a Democratic registration advantage.
• Escondido Rep. Darrell Issa’s eastern San Diego County district will lose conservative pockets and gain liberal voters in the Coachella Valley. He said Tuesday night that he’s “not quitting.”

An election worker puts two ballots in a curbside ballot drop box outside a vote center at the Huntington Beach Central Library in Huntington Beach on Nov. 4, 2025. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters

What this means for Democrats

Five Democratic House incumbents have seen their districts grow safer under Prop. 50:

• Rep. Josh Harder, a Stockton Democrat, was swept into Congress during the 2018 Democratic wave and he has held onto his Stockton-based seat despite being a perpetual Republican target.
• Rep. Adam Gray of Turlock had the closest 2024 House race in the country. With more Democratic voters from Stockton, it will be much easier for him to hold the seat next year.
• Rep. George Whitesides of Santa Clarita represents northern Los Angeles suburbs in the 27th District that have grown gradually more liberal. His new seat brings in more Democratic voters from the San Fernando Valley.
• Rep. Derek Tran of Cypress should have an easier time defending his seat in the heavily Asian 45th District, which straddles Orange and Los Angeles counties.
• Rep. Dave Min of Costa Mesa won his 47th District seat by fewer than three percentage points last November. The new map shifts his district away from Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.

While numerous Democrats have been running assuming the new maps would apply, several are poised to switch districts now:

• Rep. Ami Bera in Sacramento County, will shift from the 6th District to challenge Kiley in the 3rd District.
• In turn, Dr. Richard Pan, a prominent former state senator who had already declared a challenge against Kiley, said he will now run in the 6th District.
• Two candidates challenging Calvert in his current district — Brandon Riker and Anuj Dixit — have said they will instead challenge Issa in the newly drawn 48th District.

Trump threatens ‘legal and criminal’ review

Trump threatened Tuesday to challenge California’s mail-in ballot results, claiming without evidence that it was fraudulently conducted — even before any results were in.

The president said there would be “very serious legal and criminal review” of the state’s use of universal mail ballots. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt later said Trump was working on an executive order to strengthen elections and assure there isn’t “blatant fraud” in California’s universal mail-in ballots.

About 7 million Californians had already voted by Election Day, 4.6 million of whom put their ballots in the mail. Another 2.3 million put a ballot they received in the mail at a ballot drop-off box or at an elections office. For more than a decade, the majority of voters in California elections have participated by mail. Voter fraud is extremely rare, and studies have found no evidence that voting by mail increases fraud.