Press release from the District Attorney’s Office:

Combs.

Today, a Humboldt County jury convicted 31-year-old Jake Henry Combs of first degree murder for the January 6, 2022 killing of 25-year-old Trevor John Earley of Alderpoint. Additionally, the jury found Combs intentionally discharged a firearm, causing Earley’s death. Combs faces 50 years to life in prison.

After hours of socializing together, Earley, Combs and others, were at Combs’ home when his large aggressive dog bit through Earley’s nose. Earley became upset and threatened the dog. Sometime later, while Earley chatted on the front porch with a friend, Combs retrieved his loaded 9mm pistol from his backpack, walked up to Earley from the side, and, without warning, Combs shot Earley in the head. Combs immediately fled the scene, but was apprehended by law enforcement on Highway 36.

Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm, who prosecuted the murder, said: “I am grateful for the excellent investigative work of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Justice - Bureau of Forensics. I extend my deepest condolences to Trevor Earley’s family.” District Attorney Stacey Eads hopes the family and loved ones of Mr. Earley find some degree of peace and closure in today’s outcome and expresses her appreciation for the jury and their service.

The case was prosecuted with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Martin Morris and Victim Witness Advocate Michala Pelren. Local defense attorneys Ben McLaughlin and Emery Welton represented Combs, who is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Kaleb Cockrum on September 15, 2023.

PREVIOUSLY:

• 29-Year-Old Arrested in Connection With Alderpoint Homicide This Morning
• Friends and Family of Alderpoint Murder Victim Pack Courtroom as Suspect is Arraigned
• TODAY in COURT: Two Local Murder Cases Moving Forward
• TODAY in COURT: Man Convicted of Rio Dell Murder May Finally be Sentenced Next Month; Alderpoint Murder Suspect Scheduled for Preliminary Hearing
• Alderpoint Murder Suspect Told Cops He Shot Man in the Head to Save His Puppy, Investigator Testifies

Rex Bohn, Humboldt County’s longest-serving current supervisor, launched his re-election campaign today surrounded by supporters in the sunshine at the Redwood Fields recreation facility in Cutten.

Bohn is seeking his fourth straight term representing the county’s First District, which includes a southern sliver of Eureka and covers the county’s south and west portions, including the communities of Ferndale, Loleta, Scotia, Redway and Petrolia.

With hot dogs cooking on the grill and picnic tables hosting bowls filled with peanuts and tiny bags of chips, the event featured introductory remarks from friends and colleagues, including former Eureka City Manager David Tyson, Ferndale Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dennis DelBiaggio and Humboldt County Sheriff Billy Honsal.

To date, no one has announced their intention to challenge Bohn in the primary election, which will take place earlier than usual next year — March 5. Nonetheless, Bohn encouraged attendees to donate to his campaign as they signed his endorsement sheet, grabbed baseball-themed campaign stickers and snacked on cookies adorned with edible decals that read, “1 More in ‘24!”

As for a fifth term? Bohn threw cold water on that notion. “I can pretty much guarantee,” he said before starting over: “They say ‘Never say never,’ so I’m not going to say “never,” but I ain’t runnin’ again.”

Watch highlights from the campaign launch in the video above, and see photos from the event, snapped by the Outpost’s Andrew Goff, below.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Aug. 21, 2023, at about 12:05 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a gas station on the 39000 block of State Highway 299 in Willow Creek for the report of an assault.

Deputies contacted a 73-year-old male victim who had sustained minor injuries as a result of the assault. The victim told deputies that he was outside of the gas station when he was approached by the suspect, 37-year-old Chase Andrew Fullerton. Fullerton reportedly asked the victim for change. The victim declined and Fullerton then reportedly punched the victim in the head prior to fleeing the property.

Deputies located Fullerton walking on Sunset Lane near Village Way. He was taken into custody without incident.

Fullerton was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of elder abuse (PC 368(b)(1)) and violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)), in addition to warrant charges of vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)). 

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.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding a recent vandalism to a Southern Humboldt power station.

According to a representative from Pacific Gas & Electric Company, an unknown suspect(s) reportedly shot at several electrical components within the Fort Seward substation, causing upwards of $200,000 worth of damages. The vandalism is believed to have occurred sometime between August 14-22, 2023.  

Anyone with information about this case, the suspect’s identity 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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Press release from the Humboldt County Administrative Office:

The County of Humboldt yesterday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with RWE and Vineyard Offshore – two leading offshore wind developers with lease areas off the coast of Humboldt. This collaboration supports a community-led effort to identify offshore wind’s potential benefits to successful, sustainable, and equitable economic growth across the Humboldt County wind energy area. Furthermore, it seeks to align with the region’s existing economic development and workforce planning activities to address Humboldt County’s unique character, communities, and history. 

“The County of Humboldt is proud to take a leadership role in the development of offshore wind on the West Coast, both to help achieve state and federal renewable energy targets in our ongoing fight against climate change, and to bring substantial benefits to our community,” said Michelle Bushnell, Humboldt County Second District Supervisor and Chief Elected Official to the Humboldt County Workforce Development Board. “Partnering with RWE, Vineyard Offshore, local governments and stakeholders at this early stage will ensure that Humboldt remains front and center as this globally significant project moves forward.”

The MoA states that the parties agree to cooperate to ensure that development of floating offshore wind seeks to avoid, minimize, and mitigate impacts to the surrounding community while promoting sustainable economic growth. This goal will be accomplished by engagement and consultation with Tribal Nations, local residents and community organizations to plan and promote a diverse economic landscape as offshore wind development moves forward. 

“Humboldt County is well positioned to drive forward economic development that champions sustainable and collaborative growth for the North Coast region,” said Rob Mastria, California Project Director at RWE. “By working together from the start, our goal is to maximize opportunities for our community to shape offshore wind projects in a way that best addresses the needs and opportunities for the people of Humboldt.” 

“We’re proud to partner with the County of Humboldt and RWE on an agreement that will build out a sustainable and equitable offshore wind industry on the West Coast,” said Christian Scorzoni, Vineyard Offshore Vice President and Head of External Affairs. “There’s a real opportunity here to create jobs and economic opportunities that will benefit everyone, and we’re excited to start this next chapter.”

The economic development and workforce planning efforts will include local oversight. The MoA is the beginning of a community-wide workforce planning and development effort that both welcomes and anticipates additional partnerships and collaboration.

“I’m thrilled about the MoA between the county, RWE and Vineyard Offshore,” said Humboldt County Workforce Development Board Chair. “This agreement propels us towards enhanced collaboration, focused communication, and vital financial support. This is a big step forward in forging a path to amplify economic development, workforce planning, and community engagement, fostering a prosperous future for all.”

“After months of negotiating, county economic development staff have reached an agreement with both of the offshore wind developers for the Humboldt County wind energy area to promote a mutually supportive relationship in planning for the region’s economic growth, workforce development, and overall prosperity,” said Humboldt County Economic Development Director Scott Adair. “This agreement is a momentous step forward as our community seeks ways to minimize and mitigate any adverse impacts of offshore wind development to our community while also promoting sustainable economic and workforce growth for Humboldt County residents and businesses.”

Background

In December 2022, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held the first federal lease auction for offshore wind energy areas in California. RWE and Vineyard Offshore successfully acquired lease areas off the coast of Humboldt County to develop commercial scale floating offshore wind projects. These projects will contribute toward California’s target to reach 25 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2045. 

RWE is a leading renewables developer in the U.S. with 8 GW of operating capacity and an ambitious project pipeline of more than 24 GW of onshore wind, solar and battery storage. The company is a pioneer of offshore wind with over 20 years of experience across the entire value chain resulting in 19 successfully completed projects globally. In the U.S., RWE is the fastest growing new entrant in the offshore wind market, with a development portfolio of over 4 GW, including the largest lease area off the coasts of New York and New Jersey.  

Vineyard Offshore is leading the development of two lease areas in the Northeast, in addition to a recently acquired lease in Northern California, OCS-P 0562. Lease area OCS-A 522, known as Vineyard Northeast, is located off the coast of Massachusetts. OCS-A 544, known as Vineyard Mid-Atlantic, is located in the New York Bight. All three lease areas are owned by funds managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). Combined with its joint venture development of the first-in-the-nation offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind, now under construction, Vineyard Offshore has the potential to develop more than 6 gigawatts of clean, renewable and affordable energy on the East and West Coasts of the United States.  

About RWE

RWE is leading the way to a green energy world. With an extensive investment and growth strategy, the company will expand its powerful, green generation capacity to more than 50 gigawatts internationally by 2030. RWE is investing more than €50 billion gross for this purpose in this decade. The portfolio is based on offshore and onshore wind, solar, hydrogen, batteries, biomass and gas. RWE Supply & Trading provides tailored energy solutions for large customers. RWE has locations in the attractive markets of Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. The company is responsibly phasing out nuclear energy and coal. Government-mandated phaseout roadmaps have been defined for both of these energy sources. RWE employs around 19,000 people worldwide and has a clear target: to get to net zero by 2040. On its way there, the company has set itself ambitious targets for all activities that cause greenhouse gas emissions. The Science Based Targets initiative has confirmed that these emission reduction targets are in line with the Paris Agreement. Very much in the spirit of the company’s purpose: Our energy for a sustainable life.

About Vineyard Offshore

Vineyard Offshore is leading the development of two lease areas in the Northeast, in addition to a recently acquired lease in Northern California, OCS-P 0562. Lease area OCS-A 522, known as Vineyard Northeast, is located off the coast of Massachusetts. OCS-A 544, known as Vineyard Mid-Atlantic, is located in the New York Bight. All three lease areas are owned by funds managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP). Combined with its joint venture development of the first-in-the-nation offshore wind project, Vineyard Wind, now under construction, Vineyard Offshore has the potential to develop more than 6 gigawatts of clean, renewable and affordable energy on the East and West Coasts of the United States. To learn more, visit: www.vineyardoffshore.com.

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PREVIOUSLY:

• Harbor District Announces Massive Offshore Wind Partnership; Project Would Lead to an 86-Acre Redevelopment of Old Pulp Mill Site
• Offshore Wind is Coming to the North Coast. What’s in it For Humboldt?
• ‘Together We Can Shape Offshore Wind for The West Coast’: Local Officials, Huffman and Others Join Harbor District Officials in Celebrating Partnership Agreement With Crowley Wind Services
• SOLD! BOEM Names California North Floating and RWE Offshore Wind Holdings as Provisional Winners of Two Offshore Wind Leases Off the Humboldt Coast
• California’s Aging Electrical Infrastructure Presents Hurdle for Offshore Wind Development on the North Coast
• Crowley — the Company That Wants to Build a Big Wind Energy Facility on the Peninsula — Will be Opening Offices in Eureka
• Harbor District to Host Public Meeting Kicking Off Environmental Review of Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal Project
• Humboldt Harbor District Officials Talk Port Development As Offshore Wind Efforts Ramp Up
• Harbor District Officials Extend Public Comment Period for Environmental Review of Humboldt Bay Port Development Project
• Harbor Commissioners Approve ‘Once in a Generation’ Project Labor Agreement for Humboldt Offshore Wind Terminal Project; Union Reps Laud Unanimous Decision

Kimberly Kramer, a devoted mother, loving wife, and loyal community member, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 23 at 9:35 a.m. She was surrounded by her mother, three children, and husband of 37 years.

Kim was a local girl through and through – with a rich Italian heritage and Hungarian roots. Born in Eureka on December 20, 1962, to her beloved mother, Lorene “Renie” Luster, she attended Worthington Elementary, Zane Junior High, and graduated from Eureka High School in 1981. Kim spent her formative years active in the community, embarking on a newspaper route at age 5 and working at Globe Imports and Redwood Motors in her teenage years. During childhood, Kim’s active involvement in 4-H led to awards for her sewing and baking skills.

Kim met the love of her life and, according to her, the “cutest boy in the 7th grade,” Kurt G. Kramer, while attending Zane in 1976, and they would spend the next 47 years together. The couple were crowned Eureka High Senior Prom King and Queen in the spring of 1981.

After she attended College of the Redwoods and Sacramento State University for college, Kurt convinced Kim to move back to Eureka to purchase and operate Le Croissant Bakery in Henderson Center, and thus began their many years of business ventures.

Kim and Kurt were married on October 18, 1986, at St. Bernard’s Church in Eureka. The couple spent the following years building a life together - working hand in hand for 4 decades building Kramer Investment Corporation, and raising their 3 daughters: Kate, Laura, and Megan.

Kim and Kurt loved to travel and explore. They split their time between Trinity Lake in the summers and Rancho Mirage in the winters, and loved going to places from Italy to Hawaii and everywhere in between. Most recently they found a lot of joy traveling the country in the RV customized for all Kim’s needs. Whether it was reuniting with family, childhood friends, John Hill Road Crew, Pinky Chicks, Thunderbird Family, or fostering connections with countless other friends along the way, each encounter were cherished memories.

As we mourn Kim’s passing, we celebrate the beautiful life she lived, and her resilient, positivity and fighting spirit. Her generosity, kindness, and unwavering love will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends and have a lasting impact on her beloved community.

Kim is survived by her mother, Lorene Luster; her husband, Kurt Kramer; and her daughters and their spouses: Kathleen & Brett Arendt, Laura & Travis Green, and Megan & Jairo Salas. She also leaves behind five, soon to be six, grandsons, who she doted on for the last seven years: Hudson Arendt (7), Noah Arendt (5), Aiden Green (3), Ryder Arendt (2), Brooks Green (1), and baby boy Salas due in November.

A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Baywood Golf and Country Club. In remembrance of Kim and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kim’s name to Tisch MS Research Center of New York (www.tischms.org), which is working toward finding a cure for MS under the leadership of Kim’s doctor, Dr. Saud Sadiq or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (nationalmssociety.org). For a local option, please consider the Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation.

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

Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On August 19th, 2023, Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Agents with assistance from the Fortuna Police Department (FoPD) served a search warrant on David Scott FOURNIER (58 years old from Fortuna). HCDTF Agents observed FOURNIER travel from Humboldt County to Sacramento, California. Upon FOURNIER’S return to Humboldt County, Agents conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle. FoPD Officer Moore and his K9 partner Blitz conducted an open-air sniff on the vehicle. K9 Blitz alerted to the vehicle indicating drugs were present.

Inside the vehicle Agents located FOURNIER, 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, 55 grams of Fentanyl, and one functioning digital scale.

David Scott FOURNIER was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

• HS11351- Possession of Fentanyl for Purposes of Sales
• HS11352(A)- Transportation of Fentanyl for Purposes of Sales
• HS1152(B)- Transportation of Fentanyl Through Noncontiguous Counties
• HS11378- Possession of Methamphetamine for Purposes of Sales
• HS11379(A)- Transportation of Methamphetamine for Purposes of Sales
• HS11379(B)- Transportation of Methamphetamine Through Noncontiguous Counties

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.