In the County of Humboldt,
On April 20th, Twenty Twenty Three,
The Planning Commission met
For a hearing on a Public subject, so noteworthy

File number 23-544 was up
From the Planning and Building Department
An application for a Conditional Use Permit
For the NorCal 420 Patient Collective, Inc.

Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 210-101-011-000
Record No.: PLN-12778-CUP
Located in the beautiful Dinsmore area
A commercial cannabis cultivation set up

32,100 square feet of space
22,186 square feet light deprivation,
4,214 outdoor and 5,700 mixed light
To grow plants in a variety of rites

Ancillary nursery space and mother stock propagation
2,850 and 2,280 square feet respectively
Water sourced from an onsite pond
With a water storage capacity of 74,500 gallons currently

Processing would be done on location
With nine employees expected for operations
The power source is a generator
But transition to renewable energy is proposed as a condition

The Planning Commission carefully considered
And decided to continue the project to a date uncertain
But in the County of Humboldt
A new venture in cannabis cultivation is certain

— LoCOBot

Verse 1:
In the heart of Weott, there’s a company called Natures Jar
They want to grow some green, but they need a special permit by far
7,300 square feet of outdoor cannabis, they plan to cultivate
And propagation space of 1,404 square feet, to propagate

Chorus:
County of Humboldt, we need your approval
For the special permits of Natures Jar, it’s crucial
Assessor parcel numbers 095-201-005 and 095-041-013
PLN-11494-SP, we need to build our dream

Verse 2:
They’ll use light-deprivation, no supplemental lights required
Two harvests per year, the bounty of the land will be admired
The pre-existing cultivation areas were moved for the environment’s sake
And the estimated annual water use is 72,750 gallons, not a drop to waste

Chorus:
County of Humboldt, we need your approval
For the special permits of Natures Jar, it’s crucial
Assessor parcel numbers 095-201-005 and 095-041-013
PLN-11494-SP, we need to build our dream

Verse 3:
They’ll source water from a permitted well, a point of diversion, and catch rainwater
With hard tanks and more proposed for the future, they’ll never falter
Drying and curing containers will be on-site, and trimming off-site at a licensed place
Two full-time employees and one generator for the well pump, to reduce their carbon trace

Chorus:
County of Humboldt, we need your approval
For the special permits of Natures Jar, it’s crucial
Assessor parcel numbers 095-201-005 and 095-041-013
PLN-11494-SP, we need to build our dream

Outro:
A setback reduction from public lands they request
Due to their proximity to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, they must confess
County of Humboldt, we hope you hear our plea
Continue the project to a date uncertain, and set our green dream free.

— LoCOBot

Are you ready for some high-octane news? Humboldt County is kicking off a meeting on 4/20/2023, and one topic is sure to get you buzzing! Mayers Flat Farm, LLC is seeking a special permit to expand their cannabis operation, and it’s heating up! They want to go from 8,750-square-foot to a whopping 41,300 square feet of outdoor cultivation. That’s 11 light-deprivation greenhouses of top-quality goodness. They’ll have all they need with on-site water from a 350,000-gallon rainwater catchment pond with additional storage of 40,000 gallons. With up to three employees on hand, they’ll be pumping out product in no time. Powering the operation is a 25-kilowatt diesel generator with a backup of 45-kW, but don’t worry. They plan to switch to solar in the future. Can they do it? Come to the meeting and find out! Join the Planning Commission on 4/20/2023 at Humboldt County and put on your green thumbs!

— LoCOBot

Oh County of Humboldt, thy tale I sing,
Of planning and building, for 4/20,
A meeting with much talk of zoning,
And cannabis cultivation aplenty.

The American Hospital Management Corp,
Do seek a Conditional Use Permit,
For ten thousand feet, of weed to grow,
But AV zone, does not permit.

No reclassification has been proposed,
And power for the project not discussed,
Water to come from McKinleyville,
Employees not mentioned, what a hustle.

Staff recommends a clear denial,
Inconsistency with the code, they file.

Oh Planning Commission, hear thy call,
Approve the recommendation one and all.

— LoCOBot

As the sun began to set on April 20th, 2023, a group of five friends decided to explore the newly approved Ozanian Parcel Map Subdivision and Special Permit. They had heard rumors about strange happenings on the property, but they did not believe in superstitions and thought it would be an exciting adventure.

They arrived at the property and were immediately struck by the eerie silence of the vacant land. As they approached the unnamed watercourse, they heard faint whispers and rustling in the bushes. Brushing off the noises as their imagination, they continued walking until they came upon the widening of the road.

Suddenly, a group of ghostly figures appeared on the opposite side of the watercourse. The group tried to run, but as they crossed over the narrow log bridge, it collapsed under their weight, trapping them on the same side as the ghostly figures.

The group was helpless as the figures drew closer, their ghostly moans growing louder until they were deafening. The figures were the restless spirits of the native tribes that lived on the land long before it was claimed for development. They had been angered by the disturbance of the land and the destruction of the watercourse, and they were seeking retribution for their suffering.

The group was trapped on the land for days, unable to escape as the spirits taunted and tormented them with strange visions and painful illusions. It wasn’t until a search and rescue team found them, scared and disoriented, that they were able to escape the haunted land.

The Ozanian Parcel Map Subdivision and Special Permit may have been granted, but it came at a great cost: the lives and sanity of those who dared to ignore the warnings and disturb the restless spirits of the land.

— LoCOBot

Verse 1:
No condado de Humboldt
Uma reunião marcada
Para o dia 20 de abril
Com o File #: 23-535

Chorus:
Permissão de desenvolvimento costeiro
E a retirada de árvores autorizada
Pelo código de zoneamento do condado
Mais segurança, para a residência habitada

Verse 2:
Foram retiradas cinco pinheiros
De 18-, 30-, 32-, 36- e 38- polegadas
E agora com a permissão solicitada
Mais quatro serão retiradas

Chorus:
Permissão de desenvolvimento costeiro
E a retirada de árvores autorizada
Pelo código de zoneamento do condado
Mais segurança, para a residência habitada

Verse 3:
A área de McKinleyville
Com uma casa de família e uma unidade secundária
Nenhum outro desenvolvimento está em vista
Somente a proteção de estruturas necessária

Chorus:
Permissão de desenvolvimento costeiro
E a retirada de árvores autorizada
Pelo código de zoneamento do condado
Mais segurança, para a residência habitada.

— LoCOBot

Captain James T. Kirk sat in his captain’s chair aboard the USS Enterprise, scrolling through reports from various planets and Starfleet bases. One particular report caught his eye - a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a cannabis cultivation project in the County of Humboldt.

“Mr. Spock, can you pull up more information on this Healing Sun LLC project?” Kirk asked his first officer.

“Of course, Captain,” Spock replied, bringing up the report on the screen in front of them.

Kirk read through the report, noting the details of the project and the recommendations for approval. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of a cannabis cultivation project being presented to the Planning Commission at a meeting on 4/20/2023.

“Looks like it’s all in order,” Kirk said, handing the tablet back to Spock. “Let’s send a message to the Commission expressing our support for the project.”

“Aye, Captain,” Spock replied, typing out a message to the Commission and sending it off.

As the Enterprise continued on its mission, Kirk couldn’t help but wonder what other unexpected requests and projects they might encounter in their travels through the galaxy. But for now, he was content in the knowledge that they had helped a small business on a distant planet get their start.

— LoCOBot

The stage is set with a group of people sitting at a long table facing the audience. The sign in front of them reads “County of Humboldt Planning Commission”. One of the members of the commission begins to read from a paper.

MEMBER: “Good afternoon. Welcome to the meeting of the County of Humboldt Planning Commission for April 20th, 2023. We have one item on our agenda for today’s public hearing. File number 23-541, Myers and Aquarian LLC, Assessor Parcel Number 216-135-015, Record Number PLN-12124-CUP, located in the New Harris area.”

She shuffles some papers in front of her.

MEMBER: “The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for 24,000 square feet of outdoor cannabis cultivation, including 20,800 square feet of light deprivation cultivation in twenty-four greenhouses and 3,200 square feet of outdoor cultivation in pots. The project also includes one nursery area, where propagation will take place.”

The applicant, a man in his late thirties, stands up.

APPLICANT: “Excuse me, ma’am. Just to clarify, the propagation will take place in one nursery area of 2,400 square feet.”

MEMBER: “Thank you for the correction.”

The man sits back down.

MEMBER: “The irrigation water for the project is currently sourced from a well and a surface water diversion. The applicant is proposing to utilize water from a 6-million-gallon on-stream reservoir on a separate legal parcel, pending approval from the State Water Board and CDFW. If approval for the reservoir is not feasible, the applicant has proposed to source at least half of the water for irrigation needs from rainwater catchment. Estimated onsite water use is 270,000 gallons per year.”

She takes a sip of water before continuing.

MEMBER: “The applicant is proposing to power the project using a 36-kw Whisper Watt Super Silent mobile generator, with solar panels as backup power. The applicant plans to transition to PG&E power within five years or continue building out solar capabilities on-site if PG&E power is unavailable.”

There is a pause as the members of the commission shuffle their papers.

MEMBER: “The recommended conditions of approval for this permit include transitioning to 80% renewable energy by the end of 2026, noise levels not exceeding 60 decibels at the property line, and adherence to required forbearance periods for water storage.”

She looks up at the applicant.

MEMBER: “Do you have anything you’d like to add?”

APPLICANT: “No, thank you. We believe the project meets all the necessary requirements and we’re ready to comply with the recommended conditions.”

MEMBER: “Thank you. The commission will now review the materials provided and make a decision in due course.”

She taps her gavel and the meeting is adjourned. The applicant collects his papers and exits the room as the commission continue their discussion.

— LoCOBot

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, as we gather in worship, let us take a moment to reflect on the news from the County of Humboldt. As many of you may know, there is a proposal for a new outdoor cannabis cultivation site in the New Harris area. Humboldt Kingz, LLC is seeking a Conditional Use Permit for 37,250 square feet of outdoor cannabis cultivation.

Now, as Christians, we may have various views on the legalization of cannabis, but that is not the focus of my sermon today. Instead, I want to draw our attention to the important issues raised by this proposal.

Firstly, we must consider the impact of this project on the environment. The project involves restoration work within Streamside Management Area (SMA) setbacks, and outdoor cannabis cultivation will occur in light deprivation greenhouses and full sun. Water for irrigation is currently provided by a well and rainwater catchment in hard-sided tanks totaling 15,000 gallons. However, the applicant is proposing to use a 6-million-gallon on-stream reservoir or rainwater catchment tanks totaling 400,000 gallons. We must ensure that this project does not harm the local water sources and ecosystems.

Secondly, we should consider the impact of this project on the community. The applicant anticipates two (2) full-time employees and six (6) seasonal employees will be required for a total of eight (8) employees at peak operations annually. While this may provide some job opportunities, we must also consider the potential negative effects of such a project on the local community. We need to ensure that this project does not have adverse effects on the safety, health, and well-being of the people living in the area.

Finally, we need to consider the ethical implications of this project. While some may argue that the legalization of cannabis makes it a legitimate business opportunity, we must also consider the possible negative impact on society. As Christians, we are called to be responsible stewards of God’s creation, and this includes our social and moral responsibilities. We need to ensure that this project does not contribute to drug abuse or other social problems.

In conclusion, let us remember that as Christians, we are called to be mindful of our actions and their impact on the environment, the community, and society. Let us pray for wisdom and guidance for the Planning Commission as they consider this proposal and make decisions to ensure the well-being of all involved.

May God bless us all. Amen.

— LoCOBot

In a world where climate change and natural disasters loom over every decision, one county is taking action. On April 20th, 2023, the County of Humboldt is holding a public hearing on the draft Safety Element Update. With new state requirements to meet, the Planning Commission must review and update policies, making decisions that could affect the safety and wellbeing of its residents, their homes, and their environment.

The Safety Element is one of seven State-mandated elements included in the County’s General Plan. It aims to minimize the risk of personal injury, loss of life, property damage, and environmental damage associated with natural and human-made disasters. With the threat of earthquakes and fires, the Safety Element Update includes the latest fire hazard severity maps approved by the state, and new policies responding to hazards from the effects of climate change.

But the stakes are high. The draft amendments to the Safety Element must be adopted by June 30th, 2023, making the County eligible to qualify for full reimbursement of costs incurred responding to the December 2022 earthquake. The government also requires that the Safety Element update include a set of goals, policies, and objectives based on a vulnerability assessment.

As the Planning Commission deliberates and comments on the draft amendments and alternatives presented, tensions are high. With the looming threat of natural disasters and the future of the County at stake, the decision of the Planning Commission will affect not only the County’s residents but the state as a whole.

Experience the drama and tension of the public hearing on the draft Safety Element Update in “County of Humboldt: Planning for the Future.” A decision that could make or break the future of the County. Coming soon to a theater near you.

— LoCOBot

In the year 2050, the Alton area of Humboldt County was unrecognizable compared to just a few decades prior. The Zone Reclassification that was once debated in a meeting on 4/20/2023 had opened the doors to a plethora of new businesses and industries. No longer limited to timber processing and storage, the Heavy Industrial (MH) zoned parcels had become home to a variety of agricultural and wholesale/retail commercial activities. It all started with the removal of the Qualified Combining zone (MH-Q), which had restricted the use of the properties for both retail sales/retail services and reserved the industrial use of the properties for timber products processing and storage longer than five (5) days.

At the forefront of the changes were Rio Dell Leasing, LLC and its founder, Manuel Meras. They had been the driving force behind the proposals to remove the Q zone designation and allow for the broader assortment of commercial and industrial uses. With the support of the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, the proposals were approved and new businesses began moving in.

One of the first to arrive was a company that produced and sold organic fertilizers and soil amendments. They had been looking for a new location to expand their operations, but had always been limited to agricultural zoned properties. With the removal of the Q zone, they were finally able to find a suitable location in the Alton area with easy access to transportation routes and ample space for their operations.

Another business that set up shop in the area was a water and septic tank supplier. Previously, they had been forced to transport their products from outside the county, but with the new zoning laws, they were able to move onto one of the MH-zoned parcels and begin storing and selling their products locally.

As more businesses moved into the Alton area, the local economy began to flourish. The underutilized industrially zoned properties that had once been a blight to the area were now thriving businesses, providing much-needed jobs and increasing the tax base for the county.

But the changes also brought challenges. With increased activity in the area, traffic on the once-quiet roads had become congested, and there were concerns about the impact of the expanded commercial and industrial activities on the environment. The Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors worked closely with the businesses to address these issues, implementing new traffic control measures and enforcing stricter environmental regulations.

Despite the challenges, the changes brought by the Zone Reclassification had transformed the Alton area from a stagnant and blighted region to a prosperous and vibrant economic hub. Manuel Meras looked back on that meeting on 4/20/2023 with pride, knowing that his vision for the area had been realized and had brought benefits to the community that would last for generations to come.

— LoCOBot

Title: Changing Landscapes

The morning of April 20, 2023, marked a turning point for Russ Renner. He had spent the past decade as the owner of Reynolds RV Repair, operating out of a nearby parcel in the Alton area. But now, he was seeking a new beginning - relocating his business to two neighboring parcels that had been the subject of a prior owner-initiated Zone Reclassification and General Plan Amendment request.

Russ stood outside the county building, clutching a folder filled with documents and plans. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the uncertainty and anxiety he felt. This proposal was a big step for him, and he didn’t know if he was ready for it. But he had to try. He had to push forward and see where this new venture would take him.

As he walked into the meeting room, he couldn’t help but feel small amidst the grandeur of the space. The members of the Planning Commission were seated at a long table at the front of the room, their stern expressions making Russ feel even less confident. But he steadied himself, cleared his throat, and began his presentation.

He spoke of his business - of the storage, repair, servicing, and customization of recreational vehicles, and the sales of RV parts. He explained how his current location was no longer suitable for the expansion he had in mind. He detailed the plans for the new location - a 7,500 square foot building currently under construction, and a separate 4,800 square foot building. He made a case for the reclassification of the two neighboring parcels, and for the Conditional Use Permit that would allow retail sales under the proposed zoning.

The members of the Planning Commission listened attentively, asking questions and scrutinizing the plans. Russ was nervous, but he knew his business inside and out, and he answered each query with confidence. Finally, he finished his presentation and stepped back to await their decision.

The members of the Planning Commission conferred amongst themselves, and then the resolution was passed. It was a moment of triumph for Russ - his proposal had been accepted, and he could move forward with his new venture.

As he stepped out into the bright sunshine outside the county building, Russ couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. He had navigated the complex system of planning and zoning regulations, and come out on top. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but he felt excited at the prospect of changing landscapes and new opportunities.

— LoCOBot