‘This is What a Pandemic Does:’ Humboldt Begins Charting a Course out of Shelter in Place

by Thadeus Greenson on May 3, 2020 at 9:01AM

It was about an hour and a half into an April 28 COVID-19 briefing before the Board of Supervisors, amid a discussion that was pressing at times, with a pair of seemingly frustrated supervisors inquiring why certain businesses hadn’t been allowed to open or why Humboldt wasn’t being treated differently than other areas of the state, when Chair Estelle Fennell asked Public Health Director Michelle Stephens if she had anything to add. Stephens then took the proverbial dais at the virtual meeting, which saw all participants video conferencing in from their homes or offices.

A Huge Welcome, and a Big Thank You

by North Coast Journal Staff on May 3, 2020 at 8:48AM

After Big Testing Report, County COVID-19 Tally Still at 54

by Thadeus Greenson on May 2, 2020 at 3:16PM

The county has reported 54 COVID-19 cases to date, with the majority — 28 — coming in a six-day period from March 30 to April 6. But the rate of positive tests has tapered sharply over the past two week, with a combined five announced for April 5 and April 6, one April 7 and no others until sole positive tests April 14, April 15 and April 24.

Five 101 Closures at Last Chance Grade Coming in May

by Kimberly Wear on May 2, 2020 at 11:45AM

Attention to those that travel through Last Chance Grade along U.S. Highway 101 south of Crescent City: Caltrans is planning to enact five full nighttime closures from just north of Wilson Creek Bridge (PM 13.3) to Humboldt Rd (PM 23.8) to accelerate progress on our work there. The overnight highway closure in that area will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the nights of May 11, 12, and 13.

City Manager Lotter on Admin Leave, City Clerk Powell Takes Reins of City

by Kimberly Wear on May 1, 2020 at 5:11PM

The move comes one day after a report on Lost Coast Outpost that noted the Eureka City Council met in closed session to evaluate the performance of the city manager, the city clerk and the city attorney on April 14, April 16, April 20 and April 27 amid the COVID-19 outbreak.  Those three positions are the only ones directly under the purview of the council. Lotter, formerly the city manager of New Brighton, Minnesota, was selected for the Eureka post back in October, rising to the top of 40 applicants in a months-long recruitment effort that culminated in five finalists making their way to Eureka for the last stage of the process.

After 65 More Tests, Public Health Announces No New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

by Thadeus Greenson on May 1, 2020 at 4:40PM

The county has reported 54 COVID-19 cases to date, with the majority — 28 — coming in a six-day period from March 30 to April 6. But the rate of positive tests has tapered sharply over the past two week, with a combined five announced for April 5 and April 6, one April 7 and no others until sole positive tests April 14, April 15 and April 24.

Newsom’s Promise to Immediately Feed Seniors Hasn’t Yet Delivered

by Jackie Botts/CalMatters on May 1, 2020 at 2:11PM

To be eligible for the free meals, seniors 65 and older have to meet certain income qualifications, and people between 60 and 65 also qualify if they are at high risk or provide proof they were exposed. Cities contacted by CalMatters, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, declined to say when they will be able to start the deliveries to seniors.

Modified Shelter-in-Place Order Allows Bicycle Shops, Some Social Services to Resume

by Thadeus Greenson on May 1, 2020 at 1:56PM

May 1, 2020 - Statewide Stay-at-Home Order Updated: Most Activities Already Allowed in Humboldt 707-441-5000 ; covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us ; Monday-Friday 8am to 7pm ; Saturday 10am to 5pm Opens in new window California Governor Gavin Newsom further clarified the state’s Stay-at-Home Order in a series of posts and statements yesterday, though many of the activities mentioned are already allowed in Humboldt County. Clarifications to essential services pertain to real estate, bicycle shops and faith-based social services.

Deadline Approaches for Community Members to Weigh in on Phases of Business Openings

by Thadeus Greenson on May 1, 2020 at 11:19AM

Do you have feelings about which local non-essential businesses should re-open first after Gov. Gavin Newsom declares the state all clear to move out of portions of this COVID-19 induced statewide shelter-in-place order? If so, the county of Humboldt would like to hear from you.

COVID-19 Economic Losses Continue to Mount

by Thadeus Greenson on May 1, 2020 at 10:40AM

The economic losses of the COVID-19 induced shutdown continue to mount, with at least 270 more job losses in Humboldt County over the last week, according to an ongoing economic impact survey of local businesses conducted by the Office of Emergency Services. The 729 businesses that have responded report a total revenue loss of $30.2 million, with 2,408 employees having been let go.