Local Politics · Humboldt County
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Tuesday to approve a long-term plan to move Centerville Road inland away from rapidly eroding coastal cliffs, rejecting a previously approved short-term beach parking lot repair project. Deputy Director of Public Works Hank Seemann presented the options, noting that a 2024 landslide at Fleener Creek Overlook and ongoing bluff erosion threaten access to the Lost Coast Headlands, residences, and agricultural land. The county must now seek federal and Caltrans approval to redirect storm-recovery funding originally allocated for beach repairs; if denied, the road would remain open until erosion makes it impassable. Separately, the board appointed 16 members to a newly formed 20-person Humboldt County Tourism Advisory Board tasked with advancing the Countywide Travel and Tourism Marketing Strategy.
Crime · Rio Dell, CA
Ocean Del Castillo, 24, pleaded guilty Oct. 28, 2026, to vehicular manslaughter and driving the wrong way on a divided highway causing death, stemming from a head-on collision near Rio Dell on Highway 101 that killed 19-year-old passenger Anisha Gutshall on Oct. 28, 2025. The open plea was entered at Humboldt County Superior Court before Judge Lawrence Killoran in lieu of a scheduled preliminary hearing. Del Castillo remains in custody without bail, with sentencing set for December 15. Prosecutors intend to present aggravating circumstances seeking a harsher sentence, while Gutshall's family pursues a separate civil lawsuit against Del Castillo and a nitrous oxide manufacturer.
Local Politics · Eureka, CA
The latest campaign finance disclosure filings for City of Eureka candidates show Victor Garcia leading fundraising with $11,512 in contributions, followed by Janelle Jackson at $10,669 and G. Mario Fernandez at $8,774. Incumbent Mayor Kim Bergel has raised $6,813 and spent $6,700.64, while Anil Dwivedi raised $5,556 including a $3,000 self-loan. Jason McCutcheon logged $8,522 in contributions and Jeff Leonard raised $4,525. Candidates Casey Dresser, Audra Sisson, and Kathleen Herrera have not filed campaign finance disclosure forms with the City of Eureka. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Local Politics · Humboldt County
Humboldt County residents have multiple voting options ahead of the November 3 election. The Humboldt County Elections Office (707-445-7481) operates vote centers Monday through Friday from October 5 through Election Day, with extended hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day itself. Additional vote centers are open October 24–November 3 and October 31–November 3. Secure ballot drop boxes at various locations accept ballots starting October 5 during regular business hours and close at 8 p.m. on Election Night.
Public Safety
The National Weather Service in Eureka issued an updated frost advisory on Wednesday at 10:53 a.m., valid from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Thursday for portions of Del Norte, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties. Temperatures as low as 33 degrees are expected, with frost formation possible in valleys farther from the coast where cloud cover is limited. The NWS warns that sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered and advises residents to cover tender plants before sunset or move them indoors.
Community brief · Humboldt County
Timber Ridge senior living facilities in Eureka and McKinleyville are hosting a free Halloween trick-or-treat event for children on Friday, October 30, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Kids can dress in costumes and visit the front lobbies of either location, where residents will hand out candy. The event is open to local families at no cost.
