Local Politics · Humboldt County
At its Oct. 20 meeting, Humboldt County's Board of Supervisors received a briefing from legislative consultants about potential federal actions affecting local funding. Key concerns included the fate of $750,000 secured by Rep. Jared Huffman for the county's Public Health Lab, which depends on a full budget being finalized before a Dec. 11 continuing resolution expires. Consultants warned that proposed census changes limiting participation to citizens and green card holders could reduce federal funding allocations and congressional representation for California. A $2 billion CalFresh cost shift tied to state payment error rates could ultimately fall on the county, and a new OMB rule would give political appointees greater influence over federal grant decisions.
Transportation · Humboldt County
Caltrans has raised the speed limit on US 101 between Eureka and Arcata from 50 mph to 60 mph, reversing a reduction implemented in 2002 after a series of crashes. The change was announced Friday afternoon with new signs installed Monday, according to Colin Fiske, executive of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities. Caltrans states an engineering and traffic survey will be completed by the end of 2027. Fiske argues the increase may violate California law requiring a completed study before speed limit changes, noting the higher limit could make it harder to lower again after a future survey.
Crime · Eureka, CA
On October 31, 2026, at approximately 5:50 a.m., gunfire struck a residence and a vehicle in the 500 block of Higgins Street in Eureka, according to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office. Witnesses described a white sedan with a red top traveling eastbound on Higgins Street immediately after the shots; no injuries were reported. Later that afternoon at approximately 1:35 p.m., deputies located a stolen white and red 2016 Kia Soul matching witness descriptions in the 2200 block of McKinleyville Avenue in McKinleyville. The Sheriff's Office is actively seeking public tips to identify those responsible.
Local Politics · Fortuna, CA
Fortuna City Manager Amy Nilsen confirmed that Lt. Jason Kadle, a 24-year member of the Fortuna Police Department with a 30-year law enforcement career, has been preliminarily selected as the department's next chief. The appointment is contingent on mutually agreeable terms to be discussed at a closed-session hearing at the Nov. 2 City Council meeting, with an employment agreement expected before the council at its Nov. 16 meeting. Kadle would become FPD's 20th chief, succeeding Interim Chief Matthew Eberhardt, who was appointed in March 2025 and plans to leave by year's end. A badge-pinning ceremony is planned for Dec. 7.
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Transportation · Humboldt County
The Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) is soliciting public feedback on three transit-related surveys, including the PAACT Project (open through Dec. 5), the Coordinated Public Transit–Human Services Transportation Plan (open through Nov. 30), and Unmet Transit Needs (open through Dec. 31). HCAOG has also released a draft Vision Zero Action Plan for public review, with comments accepted through Nov. 9. The plan aims to eliminate traffic fatalities, citing 165 fatal crashes in Humboldt County between 2018 and 2024. Additionally, regional climate efforts are advancing with new hires at the Redwood Coast Energy Authority and city-funded Climate Manager positions.
Community News · McKinleyville, CA
An estimated 150 people gathered near the proposed Amazon "Last Mile" facility site off Boeing Way in McKinleyville on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to oppose the project. Organizers collected 112 petition signatures and 164 postcards addressed to the Humboldt County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, asking them to deny permits for any Amazon facility in the county. Participants raised concerns about traffic, exhaust emissions, environmental impacts, and effects on local employment through informational displays, a silkscreen station, and music by local activist James Zeller.
Local Politics · Arcata, CA
The Arcata City Council meets Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m. in its chambers at 736 F Street to hold a public hearing on unmet transit needs as part of the Humboldt County Association of Governments annual survey process. Residents can share how local bus service could be improved or submit comments via email at info@hcaog.net. The council will also consider restructuring city departments, including renaming Engineering and Building to Public Works, absorbing Streets/Utilities/Fleet Management from Environmental Services, and merging the Building division into Community Development. Additionally, several city employees may receive salary adjustments, with department directors getting an immediate 8% increase and mechanics receiving 2.5–4% raises.
Housing & Development · Humboldt County
The Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District will hold two public scoping meetings for the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal Project's Draft Environmental Impact Report. The first meeting is Wednesday, November 4, at Eureka Veterans Memorial Hall (1018 H Street), and the second is Thursday, November 5, at Samoa Cookhouse (908 Vance Avenue). Both begin at 5:30 p.m. and allow residents to submit comments on environmental issues addressed in the DEIR. A Zoom option is available, though the District notes sound quality cannot be guaranteed due to off-site meeting locations.
Community News · Humboldt County
At its Oct. 19 meeting at the Fairhaven Firehouse, the Peninsula Community Collaborative discussed a potentially historic El Niño winter with increased coastal flooding risks for the Samoa Peninsula, along with earthquake and tsunami preparedness urging residents to evacuate within 10 minutes of strong shaking. The Humboldt Bay Harbor District released a notice of preparation for an offshore wind heavy-lift marine terminal on the Samoa Peninsula, opening public comment through Dec. 7 with scoping meetings Nov. 4 at Eureka Veterans Memorial Hall and Nov. 5 at the Samoa Cookhouse. Manila Community Services District is seeking grants and gathering input for park improvements, including a proposed pump track. Planning continues for extending the Great Redwood Trail from Arcata through Manila toward Samoa.
Community News · Eureka, CA
California CareForce will host its 2026 Humboldt County Clinic November 6-8, 2026, at the Eureka Municipal Auditorium, 1120 F St., Eureka. Free dental, vision, and medical services—including fillings, extractions, full eye exams with onsite eyeglasses, and basic physical screenings—will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7:00 a.m. No ID is required. Volunteer registration for the clinic is currently open.
Community brief · McKinleyville, CA
The McKinleyville Senior Center will host "Staying in Touch as Landlines Change" on Friday, Dec. 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. The presentation covers why telephone companies are phasing out traditional copper landlines, what the transition means for consumers, and available alternatives including mobile phone options and number-retention services. Certified Senior Planet instructor Trevin Maciel will lead the session. Registration is available at (707)…
Community brief · Arcata, CA
TruAshva, an equine-facilitated learning center at 1963 Buttermilk Lane in Arcata, held its opening Sunday with a community blessing, garden planting, and potluck lunch. Jacqueline Debets offered remarks alongside colleagues Ashva and Tru as new barn and other facilities rise at the site. The center's programming focuses on natural horsemanship, emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership, yoga, and meditation.
