City Grocery Store

There’s been some tossing around in the last year of having a grocery store run by the City of Eureka. In broad strokes, would you support a city run grocery store? Why or why not?

Thank you for the question. 

I am 100% opposed to city run grocery stores. The government should not be able to control our local stores more than they already are. When was the last time someone said, thank God the government took over or thank God the government is here? The city should stay out of this category. I would rather work with local businesses to see what we can do to help them out than let city have its own personal grocery store. Socialism is not the answer.  The government does not need to control everything. 

So, to answer your question. IF elected, I will vote no if this is ever proposed. 

I see an opportunity to think beyond simply whether the city should operate a grocery store. Eureka already has established crisis intervention programs such as CSET, UPLIFT, and CARE, but I believe we need to take these efforts one step further.

Through my work with NAMI Humboldt and conversations with healthcare professionals, veterans’ organizations, nonprofits, and community partners, I’ve recognized a critical gap in what happens after individuals receive mental health treatment. Too often, people leave facilities such as Sempervirens without the stable housing and ongoing support necessary for long-term recovery.

My vision is to explore developing a voluntary, supportive community that integrates transitional housing, mental health case management, a grocery store, workforce development, and employment opportunities. Residents could build skills and find purpose through jobs in retail, landscaping, facilities management, and other community services while receiving the support they need to regain stability and independence.

This approach could complement Eureka’s housing development goals while helping reduce homelessness, improving public safety, and alleviating pressures on our downtown and Old Town businesses.

Rather than viewing a city-run grocery store as a standalone business, I see its potential as part of a larger, collaborative solution involving nonprofits, healthcare providers, private businesses, and government agencies. My goal is to create pathways toward recovery, independence, and meaningful employment while strengthening our entire community.

Crisis intervention shouldn’t end when someone is discharged from treatment. It should be the beginning of a pathway toward stability, purpose, and belonging.