Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On January 6, 2026, at approximately 9:53 a.m., the Eureka Police Department (EPD), Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF), and City Ambulance responded to a report of a vehicle-versus-pedestrian collision in the 3000 block of F Street.

The pedestrian, a 78-year-old female, sustained major injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Per standard protocol, personnel from EPD’s Criminal Investigations Unit and Major/Fatal Injury Team responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. The following are the preliminary facts known at this time:

• The pedestrian was walking westbound on the north sidewalk of Harris Street and entered the crosswalk to cross F Street.
• A truck was traveling eastbound on Harris Street and turned northbound on F Street as the traffic signal turned green.
• The truck collided with the pedestrian at a low speed.
• Alcohol or drug impairment does not appear to be a factor in this collision.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact EPD’s Criminal Investigations Unit at 707-441-4300.

Press release from the Arcata Chamber of Commerce:

Following the devastating fire that destroyed seven downtown Arcata businesses and displaced workers, a broad coalition of local organizations is mobilizing to support recovery, stabilization, and long-term rebuilding efforts. The Arcata Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Humboldt Made, the City of Arcata, the Humboldt Lodging Alliance, Pay It Forward Humboldt, the North Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and other regional partners, is working together to provide coordinated resources, clear communication, and community-driven solutions

The fire resulted in the loss of storefronts, inventory, equipment, and livelihoods for seven locally owned businesses. While the impact is significant, community leaders are moving quickly to ensure that affected businesses and employees receive both immediate support and long-term recovery assistance.

The Arcata Chamber of Commerce will lead a Needs Assessment Survey for businesses and employees directly impacted by the fire. Expected to be distributed by the end of the week, the survey will gather critical information about immediate operational and financial needs, employee impacts and job displacement, interest in temporary or shared work and storefront solutions, and updated contact information to ensure ongoing communication and follow-up. The data collected will help inform coordinated support from nonprofits, funders, and public agencies.

To support transparency and make it easier for the community to help, the Arcata Chamber will host an interactive map and resource page on its website highlighting all fundraising events happening throughout the county in support of businesses affected by the fire. In addition, the Chamber will maintain a centralized list of vetted funding and donation sites, allowing community members and donors to confidently support legitimate relief efforts.

Partners are also actively exploring temporary and shared space solutions that could help displaced businesses resume operations more quickly. Options under consideration include shared or co-op storefronts and the reuse of vacant or underutilized commercial spaces within the region.

Community-wide fundraising and visibility efforts are also underway. A series of collaborative events are being planned for January 30 through February 1, including a multi-day, “Porch Fest”–style crawl across a growing list of participating venues such as Humbrews, Richards’ Goat Tavern and Tea Room and Arcata Playhouse, breakfast events, live music and retail shop hosted fundraisers throughout the weekend, art open houses, and a community vigil and “Hero Parade” honoring impacted businesses, workers, and first responders. Local businesses interested in hosting fundraising activities will be encouraged to coordinate with the Arcata Chamber to ensure shared visibility and alignment.

“Our priority is listening first and responding with intention,” said Meredith Maier, Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce. “The Needs Assessment Survey will help us understand exactly what our businesses and employees need, and the interactive map will make it easy for the community to show up in meaningful, coordinated ways.”

“These businesses are not just storefronts — they are the heart of our local economy and culture,” said Rosa Dixon, Executive Director of Humboldt Made. “Humboldt Made is committed to standing alongside our makers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses as they navigate recovery and rebuild stronger than before.”

“Tourism, lodging, and small business are deeply interconnected,” said Meredith Mathews, Executive Director of the Humboldt Lodging Alliance. “Supporting these businesses is essential to the long-term vitality of our region, and we are proud to be part of a collaborative effort that keeps our local economy and community fabric intact.”

“After disasters like this, clear guidance and practical support can make all the difference,” said Wil Franklin, Executive Director with the North Coast Small Business Development Center. “We are here to help business owners evaluate their options, stabilize financially, and make informed decisions about recovery, relocation, and continuity.”

This coordinated response reflects the strength of the region’s partnerships, bringing together economic development organizations, nonprofit leaders, municipal agencies, and business advocates with a shared commitment to supporting Arcata’s small businesses during this devastating time.

Community members are encouraged to remain engaged, support local businesses where possible, and stay informed through the Arcata Chamber’s website and partner channels. Additional details, including the Needs Assessment Survey, interactive map, and fundraising event calendar, will be released in the coming days.

Press release from the Humboldt-Del Norte League:

Humboldt-Del Norte League Letter to the Community — Concerns Regarding Spectator Behavior:

There has been a very disturbing trend at our local Humboldt-Del Norte League high school athletic events; the inappropriate behavior of adult spectators.

The four most egregious incidents:

INCIDENT ONE:

After reports from game officials and verification through an investigation by School Administration, it was found the SPECTATOR “… verbally assaulted, physically intimated and threatened the official during the contest.”

The North Coast Section, CIF, one of the governing bodies for local high school athletics, determined the SPECTATOR would be permanently banned from attending any CIF Interscholastic competition (i.e a Statewide ban for life).

INCIDENT TWO:

After reports from game officials and verification through an investigation by School Administration, it was found the SPECTATOR “…was ejected from the contest by school officials, was escorted to her car in the parking lot and remained in the parking lot and verbally harassed the officiating crew on their way to the locker room following the contest.”

The North Coast Section, CIF, suspended the SPECTATOR from attending any contests through the winter season (approximately 3 months).

INCIDENT THREE:

After reports from game officials and verification by School Administration, it was found the SPECTATOR “…proceeded to say vulgar things directed towards the referees” and “yelled political slurs and cursed at the on-site administrators”.

The “home” School determined their SPECTATOR would be suspended from attending any high school basketball contests for the remainder of the season (approximately 3 months).

INCIDENT FOUR:

A SPECTATOR was ejected by School Administration after refusing to stop yelling at the players on the court. The SPECTATOR then became “…argumentative, belligerent, accusatory and refused to leave the gym”.

The North Coast Section, CIF suspended the SPECTATOR for three contests.

As a response to this situation, the Humboldt-Del Norte League felt compelled to approve a Bylaw banning any ejected SPECTATOR refusing to leave the site of the contest for one year.

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Attending is a Privilege: Courts have consistently ruled that attendance at interscholastic athletics does not constitute a fundamental property or civil right. Athletic events are considered voluntary, extracurricular activities.

Authority to Regulate: As a privilege, individual schools and athletic associations (Leagues, Sections and States) have the authority to establish and enforce eligibility and conduct requirements.

Safety and Conduct: Spectators may be barred from attending due to identified inappropriate behavior, drugs/alcohol use, failure to follow spectator rules etc.

To maintain this privilege to attend, Spectators are expected to:

• Applaud good plays by both your team and the opposition

• Show respect for opponents, coaches, and officials.

• Avoid racial, sexist, or derogatory comments.

• Keep away from the playing area and team benches.

• Report concerns through proper channels, not via abusive social media posts.

The Humboldt Del-Norte League also recognizes that most of the unacceptable behaviors are directed at the Officials.

And the League wants to stress:

Officials come to our schools and game sites, providing a service which gives our student-athletes an opportunity to participate in educational athletics.

They deserve our respect, appreciation and gratitude; not abuse, insults and threats.

The League is also supported by a Student Athletic Advisory Council. This group has been a strong advocate and promoter for positive sportsmanship at our local high school contests.

In a recently released Sportsmanship Video, their message contained the following:

“Officials are a part of the game, just like athletes and coaches … They make mistakes just like we do … Without Officials there are no games … Whether you like the calls or not, RESPECT them.”

The traditional community support, as spectators, for local athletic events is an extremely valued aspect of our students’ high school experience.

And these recent acts of inappropriate behaviors MUST STOP.

They disrupt the event and tarnish the memories.

Your attention to this situation is appreciated.

Everyone is encouraged to view the Sportsmanship Video, not just for the message content but to also be exposed to the high quality product written and produced by student-athletes from every HDNL school.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,

Jack Lakin
Humboldt-Del Norte League Commissioner

The child in question has been found, according to the EPD. In accordance with the Outpost’s usual practices regarding missing children, the original post has been removed.

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Rep. Doug LaMalfa — a Republican rice farmer who has served in Congress since 2012, representing the Redding-Chico area — has died at age 65. Politico reports that he suffered a sudden aneurysm and a heart attack.

A climate change skeptic and election denier, LaMalfa was a solid vote for President Donald Trump. Trump paid tribute to him this morning:

“I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member — a great, great, great member — Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away yesterday… our hearts go out to his wife, Jill and his entire family.” 🇺🇸❤️pic.twitter.com/tySLWmchjV

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 6, 2026

The First Congressional District, which LaMalfa represented was dramatically redrawn with the passage of Proposition 50 last year, to give it a Democratic majority. In the election later this year, the First District will stretch from the Chico area — close to LaMalfa’s home — all the way over to Santa Rosa, Ukiah and Willits.

LaMalfa was set to run against State Sen. Mike McGuire, the Healdsburg Democrat who has represented Humboldt County in the state legislature since 2014. McGuire issued a statement about the passing of his opponent on social media:

Erika and I extend our deepest condolences to Doug LaMalfa’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Public service is a noble calling, regardless of party, and Congressman LaMalfa’s dedication to serving the people of California deserves recognition, respect and gratitude.

Our…

— Mike McGuire (@ilike_mike) January 6, 2026

Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a press release:

Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement regarding the death of Congressman Doug LaMalfa:

“Congressman Doug LaMalfa was a devoted public servant who deeply loved his country, his state, and the communities he represented. While we often approached issues from different perspectives, he fought every day for the people of California with conviction and care. He will be deeply missed.

“Jennifer and I are holding Doug’s family, loved ones, and colleagues in our thoughts as California mourns his passing.”

In honor of Congressman LaMalfa, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff.

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

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In 2019, first-year Gov. Gavin Newsom inherited a state flush with cash. With a $21.4 billion budget surplus to play with, an ambitious Newsom invested billions in affordable housing, child care and health care expansion while paying down the state’s debt and shoring up reserves.

The next governor won’t be that lucky.

When Newsom unveils his last spending plan as governor Friday, he will do so with the spectre of a projected $18 billion deficit — the result of the state’s fast-growing spending, federal funding losses and heightened economic uncertainties under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The deficit could balloon to $35 billion annually in the next few years if state leaders don’t pursue long-term solutions, namely making sustainable revenue increases or cutting spending, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the nonpartisan fiscal adviser to lawmakers.

But neither will be appealing options to Newsom and legislative leaders this year.

They have repeatedly resisted increasing taxes on average Californians and high-income earners alike — a politically dicey pitch to make in a state with high tax rates and increasing revenue. Spending cuts are equally painful to swallow, especially for Democrats running for re-election in November who have fought to expand services, such as Medi-Cal, that may now be rolled back.

For Newsom, a lame-duck governor with presidential aspirations, there is even less incentive to address the state’s long-term budget health through major policy changes, political strategists say.

“It’s not an uncommon occurrence in California for a departing governor to leave a note on the new governor’s desk that they’ve got a budget deficit,” said longtime Democratic consultant Garry South.

But how Newsom tackles the structural deficit will almost certainly have implications for his expected presidential bid. State Republicans, such as Assemblymember David Tangipa of Fresno, are already blaming the budget problem on Newsom’s mismanagement. “A Newsom presidency would be a fiscal and governance disaster of historic proportions,” Tangipa wrote in a December op-ed.

It’s the fourth consecutive year in Newsom’s tenure that the state is projecting a deficit even as revenue grows. In the past, state Democratic leaders resorted to temporary fixes such as internal borrowing, deferring payments, one-time cuts and drawing from California’s rainy day fund to avoid cutting into the social safety net.

But that cushion is deflating: The state’s reserve stands at $14 billion, half its peak balance, after two years of withdrawals. State leaders have borrowed more than $20 billion from other state funds, debts that will come due in later years. Continuing to rely on those options would leave the state “undeniably less prepared” for an economic downturn, the LAO warned.

“Eventually you are going to run out of Band-aids,” said Steve Maviglio, a Democratic strategist who worked for then-Gov. Gray Davis during a massive budget deficit. “(Newsom) has used every trick in the book, and after a certain point, there’s nothing left.”

More health care cuts to come?

Newsom has not indicated whether he’ll consider cuts to Medi-Cal, the state’s primary health insurance program for low-income residents. But as the state’s most expensive program, it is an attractive target. More than half of the $200 billion program’s funding comes from the federal government.

Last year, as Newsom and legislators scrambled to close a $12 billion budget gap, they froze new Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented immigrants, charged immigrant enrollees a $30 monthly premium and delayed cutting certain benefits. The cost of Medi-Cal has been rising faster than expected, forcing the state Legislature to allocate $6.2 billion midyear to prevent a shortfall.

The decision was contentious, with some health care advocates and Democratic lawmakers slamming their leaders for creating a “two-tiered health care system” that deemed immigrants less worthy of quality coverage.

“That was an incredibly disappointing backslide,” said Amanda McAllister-Wallner, executive director of Health Access California, which advocates for universal health care.

This year, Trump’s budget reduced the federal government’s share of funding to Medi-Cal, requiring the state to pay more to provide the same benefits. California is projected to spend at least $1.3 billion more to implement that change, a figure that could reach $5 billion by fiscal year 2029-30, the LAO estimated.

The Martin Luther King Community Hospital in Los Angeles on July 26, 2022. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Assemblymember Mia Bonta, an Oakland Democrat who chairs the Assembly Health Committee, said solving the state’s budget crunch shouldn’t come at the expense of health care.

“California needs its state and federal leaders to look for more innovative solutions to fill the gaps, make health care affordable, and keep our families healthy,” she said in a statement that did not offer specific alternatives.

Any cuts to Medi-Cal could bring political consequences for Democrats who often pride themselves on expanding social services. Rolling back Medi-Cal could hurt Newsom’s legacy, too, since it was under him that the state began offering Medi-Cal to immigrants.

“Democrats are the party of expanding health care,” Maviglio said. “To slash it goes against everything they stand for.”

McAllister-Wallner acknowledged she isn’t optimistic about the budget outlook. But she said she hopes the state finds new revenue through taxing corporations instead of making cuts to vulnerable populations.

If “we are addressing this through cuts only, and cuts to the most vulnerable, that’s … not the leadership that we are looking for,” she said.

State leaders could also walk back some of last year’s funding commitments in other areas. While state lawmakers negotiated $500 million for homelessness to counties and delayed it until next year, it is not guaranteed. Newsom, who has blamed the state’s homelessness problem on local governments, could withhold the money.

Newsom also promised last year he’d reach a deal with Bay Area transit advocates over state funding to save the area’s transit net from collapsing. But last month, in light of the budget shortfall, Newsom urged advocates to dip into previously allocated dollars to save the regional transit network, instead of a $750 million loan the advocates had requested.

Taxing the rich a nonstarter for Newsom

It’ll be hard to muster the political will in Sacramento to raise taxes.

Former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Los Angeles Democrat running for state superintendent of public instruction, said he’s long supported higher taxes on industries that have “skated away from taxation for a long time.”

But even the most progressive Democrats in California have had little appetite to raise taxes, he said, because many represent affluent areas such as Silicon Valley where their wealthy donors live.

Even when the state faced a projected $56 billion deficit over two years in 2023, Rendon said Democrats were “shrugging” at the problem and pointing to the state’s reserves as a solution, which he said reflected a culture of reliance on the rainy day fund.

This year, Newsom has Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media as he releases last year’s budget revision in Sacramento on May 14, 2025. Photo by Fred Greaves for CalMatters already spoken out against a proposed labor-backed wealth tax ballot measure, consistent with his past opposition to similar proposals.

The ballot measure, titled “The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act” and filed with the state attorney general’s office in October, seeks to tack a one-time 5% tax on those with a net worth of at least $1 billion and use the money to fund the state’s health care and education programs. The effort is led by the SEIU-UHW, a powerful labor union representing health care workers, and St. John’s Community Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care providers in Los Angeles County.

State. Sen. Roger Niello, a Roseville Republican and vice chair of the Senate Budget Committee, applauded Newsom’s opposition to the proposed tax increase.

“To have a situation where we have developed an increasing deficit in the face of an economy that is not in recession, and revenues are increasing, it would seem to be silly to solve that by further increasing revenue,” he said.

While taxing the rich is a popular Democratic talking point, backing a proposal like that could mean alienating the wealthy donors Newsom will likely rely on for his presidential run.

There would also be no political gain for Newsom in his last year to stabilize the state’s progressive tax structure, which heavily relies on high-income earners, despite him promising to do so when he took office.

“He’s going to make more enemies doing it than he would not doing it,” Maviglio said.

Christopher Drew Smith was born on May 13, 1946. He passed away November 1, 2025 in Eureka, at Frye’s Care Home.

Chris was born in Washington D.C. to his parents Daniel Laws Smith and his mother, Frances Brooks Smith. The oldest son of an army colonel, the family moved every three years during his childhood. His places of residence included The Army War College in Carlisle, Penn., and Fort Lee, in Virginia. The family also lived in Orleans, France, and Frankfurt, Germany. He graduated from high school in Newport, Rhode Island. He became very adept at making friends because of his frequent family moves. He had an outgoing personality, quick wit, and an easy sense of humor. Some friends described it as zany, but humor and laughter just encompass who he was. In high school, he found a passion for theater and was cast in Oklahoma and Carousel.

After high school he attended Ohio Wesleyan University, and Ohio State. In 1965 he enlisted in the U.S. Marines. His father was an army man but his choice to enlist with the Marines had to do with his belief he was more likely to survive the conflict in Vietnam as a Marine. He was the top soldier in his platoon and received distinction as a marksman.

After serving in Vietnam he moved to Petoskey, Michigan. His family spent summers in Bayview, Michigan on Little Travers Bay from 1960 through his high school years. In 1961 his family bought a cottage in the Methodist community of Bay View, Michigan. The community was important to his formative years. His aunt and uncle Bronson and Harriet Smith also had a cottage in Bay View. Between the two families, the seven cousins had many happy times together.

Chris was introduced to the restaurant business at an early age. A local  young couple, Stafford and Jan Smith (no relation), purchased the historic Bay View Inn. At first they hired Chris to help them paint and get the Inn ready to reopen. Once open, Chris spent a summer washing dishes at the inn. Chris was able to observe how Stafford and Jan ran the kitchen, trained the staff, and observed all facets of running a successful inn and restaurant. After Chris returned from Vietnam in 1968, he worked for Stafford and Jan bartending and catering private parties for wealthy summer residents. Stafford and Jan had many great stories to tell about Chris, and they stayed in touch for many years.  

Chris decided to stay in the Bay View and Petosky area. It seemed like a good place to settle down after Vietnam. He worked for three years at WMBN as news director. He had a unique and colorful banter on air, and it led to his own radio show. At that time he also became involved as a cast member of The Little Travers Civic Theater. Among other roles he starred in the Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, The Music Man, Cactus Flower, Barefoot in the Park, and Little Foxes, among others. In most he was the lead or had important supporting roles. There were many glowing reviews of his performances in the local paper.

Here’s a sample:

“In the Music Man, he played the part of Marcellus Washburn, a friend and confident of Harold Hill and as usual Chris puts everything he has into the part. I always enjoy his acting, he is a natural ham, and he got his share of applause for his presentation in this production.”

Of his role in “My Fair Lady”:  

“As Col. Pickering, Chris Smith masters all of the mannerisms commonly stereotyped for English Military men, the puffy facial expressions and stiltified body movements. The structured role becomes believable under his hand.”

He made and kept many lifelong friends during his time in the theater company.

Hoping to break into theater in Chicago, he moved there in 1971. It’s also where he found his career in restaurants. Initially it was just a job but after a time it became his calling. His first Chicago restaurant job was at the very popular “Waterfront,” where his brother was part owner. He had a natural aptitude for all facets of restaurant work. At “Tango,” an upscale Chicago restaurant, he met Curly Tait. When Curly moved to Ferndale, Chris soon followed and what at first what was just a place to visit became his home. The two eventually opened the bar “The Vance Log Cabin” in 1975 on the ground floor of the historic Vance Hotel in Eureka’s Old Town. Chris and Curly made it a happening place to be. They had live bands seven nights a week. Notable among musical acts playing regularly was Robert Cray, the Grayson Street House Rockers, and many others. After several stops managing different bars and restaurants in Eureka and Arcata, he was hired to manage Bergie’s Cafe, in the basement of The Jacoby Storehouse, for several years. It was while working as manager of Bergie’s that he met and fell in love with Doralee, who he married in November 1987. After he left Bergie’s he and Bill Chino owned and operated The Far Side Cafes in Arcata and Eureka. The Far Sides did very well, but they had a chance to lease the former Bergie’s location, so they sold the Far Side cafes and opened Abruzzi in 1988. Abruzzi proved to be the jewel in the crown of his career. In a whirlwind of entrepreneurship, the successful pair opened The Plaza Grill in 1989, and later Moonstone Grill, rebranding the very popular and enduring dinner house that had been Merryman’s.

In over 40 years as a professional restaurateur, Chris was known for his graciousness and charm. His high standards, meticulous attention to detail and oft-repeated conviction that “the customer is always right” were keys to the success of his restaurants. He was dedicated to his profession, bringing his energetic optimism and impressive work ethic to work seven days a week. He served as a mentor to many of the young people who worked for him over the years, not only teaching them the ins and outs of the restaurant business but offering wisdom and encouragement when they faced personal challenges and were in search of advice.

Chris never planned to retire, but eventually his Alzheimer’s prevented him from continuing to work. It was very hard for him to let go of such a central part of his life. He continued to go to the restaurant and hang out for hours every day until he was no longer able.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Col. Dan Smith, and mother, Frances Jane Smith. He is survived by his wife, Doralee Smith, sister Jane Christie Faust, brother Roy Smith, nephew Patrick Smith, stepdaughter Kim Pinches, granddaughter Emma Pinches, and numerous cousins and beloved friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held February 7, 2026, at The Basement (formerly Abruzzi) from 2 to 5 p.m. Please RSVP by texting (707) 845-2309 no later than January 28.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to Walk to End Alzheimers Team Smith21 in honor of Chris Smith at tinyurl.com/CDSmith21