Local Politics · Humboldt County
The Humboldt County Planning Commission approved a draft of the Humboldt Bay Area Plan at its Oct. 15 meeting, sending it to the Board of Supervisors for final approval. The most debated element was sea level rise risk categorization: commissioners downgraded the scenario from "intermediate high" to "intermediate," citing forecasting uncertainty and concerns about impacts on property values and development costs. A clause requiring review of the intermediate scenario every five years helped resolve the split, with Commissioner Jerome Qiriazi casting the sole dissent vote. Planning Director John Ford acknowledged the difficulty of planning so early in the sea level rise process, noting outcomes depend on global emissions reduction.
Local Politics · Humboldt County
State plans to upgrade Humboldt County’s power infrastructure for offshore wind energy are currently under review by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). EPIC climate attorney Matt Simmons presented the status of these plans during an Oct. 14 online meeting, noting that federal actions have created uncertainty but arguing that planning should continue due to low current costs and future ratepayer savings. Opponents include PG&E and the Humboldt County Farm Bureau, while supporters cite local infrastructure needs and emissions goals. The CPUC is expected to issue a proposed decision later this year for public comment, with a formal vote scheduled for early 2027.
Social Events · Humboldt County
The Mad River Union lists several community events and services in Humboldt County for late October. Highlights include a documentary screening at the Minor Theatre in Arcata on Oct. 28, a Stop Amazon Fair in McKinleyville on Oct. 24, and free household lead testing in Eureka on Oct. 29. Additional offerings include a Queer Dream Group online series, collaborative art making in Freshwater, drop-in respite care in Arcata, and neighborhood produce harvesting.
