State Parks, Trinidad Rancheria Sign Agreement on Tribal Access to Ancestral Lands

By Kimberly Wear on April 28, 2023 at 12:57PM

The announcement notes Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2019 formal apology to California’s Indigenous tribes for the state's systemic role in the attempted genocide of Native communities and efforts to annihilate their cultures, and the state’s Reexamining Our Past Initiative to address what California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot described as "historic names that stem from a dark legacy that includes discrimination, violence and inequity." Newsom's initiative also set up the tribally-led Truth and Healing Council to "correct the historical record and acknowledge wrongdoings."

Father, Son Identified as Those Killed in Fortuna Murder-Suicide

By Thadeus Greenson on April 25, 2023 at 12:05PM

The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has identified the two people found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in Fortuna on Sunday as Wendell Bott IV, 48, and his son, Wendell Bott V, 20. Fortuna Police Chief Casey Day said police were alerted to the possible murder of Wendell Bott V by a family member who came into the station about 4:40 p.m. asking to speak to an officer.

Proponents Stand by Cannabis Reform Initiative, Warn County to Correct 'Distortions'

By Thadeus Greenson on April 25, 2023 at 10:17AM

Proponents of the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative are standing by their proposal that would overhaul the county’s cultivation regulations if passed by voters next year, saying the county’s analysis of the measure is “packed with factual errors, untruths and distortions.” A county staff report on the 38-page initiative presented to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors last month warned it would have “dire consequences” for the industry, saying that in addition to capping the number and size of new cannabis farms in the county, it would also immediately render 400 of the county’s permitted farms “non-conforming.” Due to ambiguities in the initiative’s language, staff also posited the initiative could then prevent these already permitted farms from making environmental improvements — like adding solar arrays or increasing water storage — and obtaining non-cultivation permits that would allow for tourism or processing on site.

Death Investigation Underway After Two Found Dead in Eureka Home

By Kimberly Wear on April 24, 2023 at 12:58PM

Driver Killed in Solo Vehicle Crash Off the Eureka Waterfront Trail

By Kimberly Wear on April 24, 2023 at 12:46PM

Fortuna Police Investigating Apparent Murder-Suicide

By Thadeus Greenson on April 24, 2023 at 9:14AM

The Fortuna Police Department is investigating an apparent murder-suicide that left two men dead in a residence on the 2300 block of Newburg Road yesterday afternoon. Police were called to the scene after a “suspected homicide,” with an adult male suspect reportedly armed and barricaded inside the residence, according to a press release.

McKinleyville Residents Killed in 299 Crash

By Kimberly Wear on April 21, 2023 at 1:37PM

Legislators Step in As Trust Erodes Between Community Colleges, California State University Systems

By Adam Echelman/CalMatters on April 20, 2023 at 3:43PM

A ‘red herring’ To the CSU Academic Senate, the debate is also about enrollment and money. 

Sheriff's Lieutenant Arrested After Allegedly Pulling Gun During Domestic Disturbance

By Thadeus Greenson on April 20, 2023 at 1:30PM

A Humboldt County Sheriff's Office lieutenant has been arrested on charges of brandishing a firearm and making criminal threats during a domestic disturbance in McKinleyville. According to a press release, Lt. Samuel David Williams, 46, turned himself into the jail today after an arrest warrant was issued in the case, which stems from a March 24 incident.

Body of Garberville Woman Recovered from South Fork Eel River

By Thadeus Greenson on April 20, 2023 at 10:37AM

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office recovered human remains in the South Fork Eel River north of Garberville on Tuesday evening. According to a press release, the deceased has been identified as Sarai Anne Combs, 37, of Garberville, though the circumstances of her death remain unknown.