The Eureka City Council will convene for yet another jam-packed meeting this week. Granted, most of the items on Tuesday’s agenda are likely to play out in long, drawn-out discussions surrounding municipal code and whatnot, but these are important discussions nonetheless! 

I’m sure LoCO can find an item or two that will interest you. Let’s take a peek at that agenda, shall we?

EaRTH Center Agreement

The California State University Board of Trustees has tentatively agreed to chip in up to $5 million in funding to cover development costs for the forthcoming Eureka Regional Transit & Housing Center, or EaRTH Center.

In February, the Eureka City Council gave staff the green light to move forward with the ambitious transit and housing development on two city-owned parking lots on Third Street between G and H streets, behind Lost Coast Brewery. Over the past few months, Servitas, the student housing development firm that led the design of the facility, has been working with Cal Poly Humboldt and the CSU Board of Trustees to finalize a pre-development agreement for the project. 

“The CSU Trustees have tentatively agreed to provide up to $5 million in development costs and enter into a master lease agreement guaranteeing 95% occupancy of the 96 student housing beds over the term,” the staff report states. “Over the term of the master lease agreement the revenue from the student housing will contribute 80% of the total operating revenue necessary to fund the project.”

Most of the project’s funding will come from a tax-exempt bond that will be repaid through the operating revenue from the project. All excess revenue – aside from operational and debt costs – will go back to the city. The money will be used to subsidize the project’s affordable housing and fund the shuttle service that will serve to project to make up for the loss of two downtown parking lots. After about ten years, the project’s revenue is expected to increase and exceed the funding necessary to subsidize affordable housing and shuttle service.

The council will consider staff’s recommendation to authorize the city manager to negotiate an agreement with the CSU Board of Trustees surrounding revenue sharing during Tuesday’s meeting. 

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Changes to EPD’s Command Structure

The council will also consider a change to the Eureka Police Department’s command structure aimed at improving operations and efficiency in the department “by adding increased capacity for administrative oversight and decision making” to provide more direct support for staff.

Currently, EPD’s command structure consists of one police chief and two police captains who oversee patrol operations and administrative functions. The proposed reorganization would establish two new classifications to replace the captain positions: police commander and assistant police chief. The modified structure would provide more direct administrative support and operational oversight to the chief of police, according to the staff report.

“This stratification of operational and managerial oversight will allow for a more responsive and streamlined administrative functionality at the executive level, while increasing managerial capacity and oversight capability for department personnel,” the staff report states. “Additionally, the City sees this restructuring as an opportunity to provide more stratification within the administrative/support classifications in the department, thereby creating more opportunity for advancement, and incentive for retention.”

If approved, the organizational realignment would deallocate two vacant police sergeant positions and one vacant police captain position, and reclassify the second captain position – which is currently filled by Brian Stephens – to assistant police chief.

The staff report notes that the reorganization “was designed to be cost-neutral.” The police commander’s salary will range between $97,267 and $118,229 annually. The assistant police chief will bring in between $112,407 and $136,631 annually.

The matter appears on the council’s consent calendar and will likely be approved in a single motion unless it is pulled by a council member for further discussion.

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The council will also endure a final public hearing to amend municipal code to prohibit new digital signs in the coastal zone, a second review session for the update to the city’s Coastal Use Plan and consider an amendment to the 2019-2027 Housing Element.

​​The Eureka City Council meets on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street. The agenda can be found here.

Elsie Anne McManus, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on October 6, 2022, in Eureka at the age of 85. She was born on November 19, 1936 to Joseph and Evelyn Brazil in Ferndale. Elsie, along with her sister Lucille and brother Rich, grew up on the family’s dairy farm in Grizzly Bluff where she acquired a deep love of animals that remained throughout her life. She had many beloved pets including dogs, cats, birds and fish. Elsie attended Grizzly Bluff School and graduated from Ferndale Union High School in 1954.

Elsie married Jack McManus in 1955 and they started their family in Eureka. In the 1960s, the family moved to Ferndale, acquiring their own small farm on California Street. As primary caretaker of the farm, Elsie worked tirelessly to raise our own chickens, beef, and produce along with instructing her children on the hard work of keeping up a small farm and home. Along with all her other efforts, Elsie was a wonderful cook. Each day her children returned home, Elsie had prepared homemade baked goods along with dinner; her fried chicken, pies, and cinnamon rolls were the best. She was an avid gardener and loved growing flowers throughout her life. Elsie had a knack for gift giving and delighted her kids and grandkids with her whimsical and unique gifts on birthdays and Christmas.

Elsie will always be remembered for her tenacity and self-sufficiency. While she never drove a car, she didn’t let that stop her from doing what needed to be done for her family and herself. She went back to school after raising her family and worked two jobs: at Capital Business Machines during the day, and the Sheriff’s Department in the evenings. Elsie had a deep empathy for those less fortunate than herself. Without fear or judgement, and despite the concerns of her children, she always had a dollar, smile and a kind word for those she met along the way on the streets of Eureka. She gave whatever support she could to her large family, especially when someone was going through a hard time.

Her children will be forever indebted to her for instilling her ethics of hard work, honesty, and caring for others. While Elsie enjoyed and loved her children, her most cherished role in our family was that of grandmother and according to her grandchildren she was the best. Even though she had 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, she always acknowledged their birthdays and special occasions. There are no words to describe the loss of this dear woman to her family, as she was our rock and the glue that binds us together.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Evelyn Brazil, her brother Richard Brazil, the father of her children Jack McManus, her infant son Patrick McManus, and her beloved son John McManus.

Elsie is survived by her sister Lucille Uldrick; sisters-in-law Mary Brazil and Marah McManus, daughters Ellie and husband Bill Bustin, Maureen Lichtenwalter, Cindy and husband Ken Dunn; son Joe McManus; and step daughter Kathleen Meredith; grandchildren Kenneth, Leslie, Geoff, Daniel, Nicole, David, Sarah, Erin, Christopher, Jacob, and Johnny; her 14 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness and Hospice of Humboldt for their care of Mom during the last six months. Elsie’s life will be celebrated in a private ceremony in November, with burial at Oceanview Cemetery. If you would like to make a donation in her memory please consider a local homeless shelter or Miranda’s Animal Rescue.

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

Gregory Roland Haga was born on July 10, 1961, and passed away on September 27, 2022 in Eureka.

Greg grew up on a dairy farm in Ferndale, where he worked with his father Jim. He was an avid football player and absolutely loved the sport! He went on to play on the All County Team for the Wildcats! He loved it! He also loved fishing, hunting, camping, and pretty much anything that involved the great outdoors. He was a wonderful uncle to his many nephews and nieces.

He held many jobs throughout the county, starting out with the Eel River sawmill, pulling planer chain right after graduating high school. He worked for Wycoff‘s Plumbing and then McNaughton‘s Plumbing. He was also appreciated for his handyman skills at many dairies in Ferndale. Eventually he took a job at the Bayside Golf Course, where he worked until his recent passing.

Greg is survived by his brother Gary Haga, sister-in-law Ladonna Haga, their daughter Nicole and her husband Orliff Snell, his brother Earl Haga, his sister Jennifer Haga, his brother Randy and Lisa Griffith, his uncle Mark and aunt Michelle Roland, and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Julieann Haga, his nephew Gary “Bub“ Haga Jr., and great niece Annabelle June Snell.

“MAY YOU ALL REST IN PEACE”

There will be a celebration of life for all of his many friends and family members on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 1 p.m. Please join us at “The Barn by Fernbridge“ 26 Goble Ln. Ferndale. It will be a potluck so please bring a nice dish or dessert to contribute to the celebration.

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

It is with great sadness that I announce that Cindy Rae Whelihan passed away on Sept. 14, 2022 at the age of 62.

Cindy was a lifelong native of Eureka and a graduate of Eureka High School in 1978.

Cindy had many jobs over the years. She worked at the Times-Standard as an inserter, Bayshore Mall as a security guard, as a runner for Humboldt Central Laboratory and her last job was as a lab technician with St. Joseph’s Hospital. Cindy loved working for St. Joe’s. It was definitely a second home to her over the years. Cindy made many friends at the hospital over the years.

Cindy was known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She had many friends and people were drawn to her.

Cindy was preceded in death by her father Patrick Whelihan, mother Kathleen Whelihan, sister Patricia Minton and her ex-husband Larry Duncan. Cindy is survived by her sister Laura Knight, numerous nieces and cousins.

Cindy will be dearly missed by many, but she is now back in our mother’s loving arms.

My sincere thank you to Mad River Community Hospital for their heroic efforts in trying to save her.

At Cindy’s request there will be no service.

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Patricia Ann Sears (Keisner) peacefully passed on October 7, 2022.

Patricia was born July 3, 1952 to George Keisner Sr and Madilene Emma Keisner Bowie in Eureka. Patricia grew up and was raised in Los Angeles with her auntie Faye Affleck and Marvin Bowie. Patricia was born into a family of 10. As many knew her as “Patty,” she had worked at Luke’s for many years in the kitchen department, doing many different tasks. She had also worked at the Eureka Fisheries for many years packing fish.

Some of the hobbies Patty had and enjoyed doing was crocheting blankets, candleholders, potholders and many different cool things for her family and loved ones. She also loved going to the fair, the races, the casino and always enjoyed the shopping time she would spend with her sisters. She also enjoyed playing bingo with her grandchildren and her sisters.

Patty was a proud tribal member of Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria.

Patty is survived by her children Jimmy Stueckle, David and John Hanley, her Daughter Krissey Hanley, her Sister Gail Keisner, her Brothers Ronnie and Glenn Keisner, her Nephews Eugene Hatfield, Alan and Edward John, grandchildren Brittany, Carole, and Little John Hanley; Shawn,Billy, Grace and Treasure Robinson; Alisha, Leah, Alan-David, Jamie, Jesse and Kayla John; and her great-grandchildren Emmett and Calliope Robinson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Madilene Emma Bowie Keisner, her father,  George Keisner Sr, her daughter Candy Ann Stueckle; her brothers George (Sunny) Keisner Jr, Henry (Hank) Keisner, Delmar Keisner and Lornie Keisner; her sisters Judith (Judy) John and Georgina Bartolli; half-sister Dorthy Cordie, her granddaughter Emma Arlys John, auntie Faye Bowie Affleck, nephews Raymond Hatfield and George John, and great-nephew Nikki Metcalf.

Patty will be truly missed, loved and never forgotten! Services was held Monday, October 17, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Sanders Funeral Home 1835 E Street, Eureka, with a celebration of life following after at Patty’s house.

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

California’s COVID-19 state of emergency will end Feb. 28, 2023, nearly three years from its initiation, officials from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced today.

The announcement came as new variants spur concerns that there will be another deadly winter surge across the country and as test positivity rates plateau in California following a nearly three-month decline. More than 95,000 Californians have died as a result of COVID-19, according to state data.

The state of emergency gave Newsom broad, often controversial, powers to issue masking mandates and temporary stay-at-home orders in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. It also enabled the governor to enter into billions of dollars of no-bid emergency response contracts with testing facilities, personal protective equipment suppliers and temporary workforce agencies. Some of those contracts were with untested vendors who failed to deliver services.

Today, 27 provisions from the 74 executive orders issued under the state of emergency remain in effect, officials said. More than 500 provisions have already ended. The Newsom administration would not allow the press to name the senior officials who participated in an embargoed media briefing about ending the state of emergency.

“The State of Emergency was an effective and necessary tool that we utilized to protect our state, and we wouldn’t have gotten to this point without it,” Newsom said in a statement. “With the operational preparedness that we’ve built up and the measures that we’ll continue to employ moving forward, California is ready to phase out this tool.”

The duration of the state of emergency has been controversial among state Republican leaders who attempted to overturn the governor’s power during a Senate emergency meeting in March. The resolution to terminate the state of emergency was voted down 8-4, with senators voting along party lines.

At the time, representatives for frontline health workers, including the California Hospital Association, stated flexibilities allowed under the executive orders were critical to expanding capacity. It allowed health care officials to hire thousands of out-of-state workers who typically need to be licensed in California to practice, among other emergency measures.

“The State of Emergency was an effective and necessary tool that we utilized to protect our state, and we wouldn’t have gotten to this point without it.”
— Gov. Gavin Newsom

In February, the administration unveiled the SMARTER plan, its $3.2 billion long-term strategy for combating COVID-19. The strategy outlined preparedness measures such as stockpiling 75 million masks, increasing testing capacity to half a million tests per day and investing in the health care workforce and local community health organizations. The SMARTER plan’s rollout has been a key component in eliminating the need for emergency provisions, officials said.

“The administration has determined that rolling back the remaining 27 executive order provisions will have largely minimal operational impact,” an unnamed official said.

The administration plans on pursuing permanent legislative changes for two temporary provisions allowed under the executive order: allowing nurses to order and administer COVID-19 antiviral treatments like PAXLOVID and allowing laboratory assistants to process COVID-19 tests.

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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Oct. 17, 2022, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team conducted an operation at a property in the area of Cemetery Road in Blocksburg to locate a suspect known to be armed and dangerous.

 

While on scene deputies located and arrested Kip Branson, 50, without incident. The arrest and search warrant were related to a shooting reported last week in the 1200 block of Fox Creek Road in Carlotta.

 

Branson was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of robbery (PC 211), carjacking (PC 215(a)), possession of firearm silencer (PC 33410), person prohibited in possession of ammunition (PC 30305(a)), possession of a controlled substance armed (HS 11370.1(a)), convicted felon in possession of a firearm (PC 29800(a)), criminal threats (PC 422(a)), assault throwing acid (PC 244), attempted murder: premeditated (PC 664/187(a)) and assault with a semiautomatic firearm (PC 245(b)).

 

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

 

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