Community News · Humboldt County
A new North Coast Regional Report, part of California's Fifth Climate Change Assessment released in October, identifies Humboldt Bay as experiencing the fastest relative sea level rise of any NOAA station on the West Coast. The report warns that roughly one foot of rise since 1970 is accelerating, with projections of 1.3 to 1.5 feet by 2050 already causing king-tide flooding on Highway 101 between Arcata and Eureka. The 221-page document covers Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Lake, Siskiyou and Trinity counties, flagging risks to drainage systems, sewage plants, roads and low-lying communities including King Salmon.
Public Safety · Humboldt County
The Humboldt County Association of Governments released a draft Vision Zero Action Plan after three years of research, aiming to reduce traffic fatalities by 50% each year until reaching zero. The plan identifies 10 intersections and 10 highway segments for priority fixes, with proposed countermeasures including protected left-turn arrows, brighter lighting, speed feedback signs, rumble strips, and curve warnings. County data shows 165 fatal crashes between 2018 and 2024, with fatalities holding steady at roughly two dozen per year despite an overall decline in total crashes. Community members may submit written comments on the draft through November 9, and the HCAOG Board is scheduled to consider final adoption on Thursday, December 17.
Public Safety · Eureka, CA
Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for Robert Willis Slavens, 51, following a domestic violence incident on Oct. 19, 2026, in Eureka. Deputies reported that Slavens held a woman against her will and discharged a firearm inside a residence in the 3800 block of Jacobs Avenue before fleeing on a white Honda motorcycle. The victim was not physically injured, but an arrest warrant has been issued for Slavens, who is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities urge residents to call 9-1-1 if they spot him.
Crime · Eureka, CA
On October 20, 2026, at approximately 10:45 a.m., an off-duty Eureka Police Department officer identified Carl Keeler, 35, of Eureka, as a suspect in a recent theft case near the 500 block of C Street. Officers responded to the scene and detained Keeler for a search pursuant to his probation terms. During the search, police discovered burglary tools, a loaded firearm, a replica firearm, and 1.37 grams of fentanyl. Keeler was arrested on multiple charges, including possession of controlled substances while armed, prohibited possession of a firearm, and violation of probation.
