Local Politics · Eureka, CA
Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel and challenger Anil Dwivedi will debate in the League of Women Voters Humboldt County candidate forum, broadcast live on KEET-TV from 7 to 8 p.m. Pacific on Oct. 13, with recordings available afterward on Access Humboldt and YouTube. Third candidate Casey Dresser declined the invitation; he also skipped a Humboldt Association of Realtors forum earlier this month. Dwivedi recently settled a class action lawsuit filed by tenants alleging rent increases beyond California's 8.8% cap, paying $102,750 into a settlement fund without admitting fault. Bergel has highlighted programs including the Community Safety Engagement Team and CARE team while noting her limited voting power on the City Council. Dwivedi's campaign emphasizes accountability and measurable results, while Dresser's public activity has focused largely on documenting street littering.
Public Safety · Humboldt County
The Surgone Fire, first discovered at 12:25 p.m. on Oct. 11 along State Highway 169 in Surgone, Humboldt County, California, has scorched 65 acres. As of 7:09 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Cal Fire's Humboldt-Del Norte Unit reported 35% containment, meaning 65% of the fire perimeter remains uncontrolled. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Public Safety · Humboldt County
A new wildfire named the Hilton Fire was discovered at 5:01 p.m. on October 13, 2026, burning on private land in Humboldt County, California. As of publication, no containment information was available and the cause remained unknown. The report is sourced from the National Interagency Fire Center.
Public Safety · Eureka, CA
The City of Eureka is hosting a free Earthquake & Tsunami Preparedness Workshop on Wednesday evening, October 14, 2026, at the Wharfinger Building for residents, workers, and business owners. The workshop follows previous tsunami warnings that revealed gaps in local preparedness, according to the city. Attendees will have access to resource tables, can speak directly with local emergency-preparedness experts, and take away information to develop personal and family emergency plans. The event takes place the day before the annual Great California ShakeOut.
Public Safety · Humboldt County
The Leary prescribed fire has been burning on federal land in Humboldt County, California, since January 19. The project, managed by the United States Forest Service, is a controlled burn intended to minimize the risk of catastrophic wildfires. As of the October 13 update, the fire has been active for nine months.
