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California’s 7th largest earthquake on record hit offshore of Humboldt County. For the third time in four years, a significant earthquake struck Humboldt County during the month of December. Damage assessments so far seem less severe this time, with cracked foundations, broken utility lines, school closures, and the governor declaring a state of emergency as a precaution to help respond to any damages. But thankfully this time Ferndale still had easy access to the highway. Earthquakes are a part of life here with aftershocks aplenty, but this was not the big one. Did you have to head inland during the tsunami warning? Were you respectful of others when doing so? *** RHBB
A young man who murdered a local teenager was arrested on drug and gun charges. The 21-year-old is facing felony charges as he was arrested in the Winco parking lot in Eureka with meth, fentanyl, and loaded guns. In 2019 the suspect killed a popular Eureka teenager during a cannabis deal that went sour, and last year concerns were raised about the killer’s early release from juvie. *** LoCo
The Trinidad Rancheria’s proposed coastal hotel has hit another snag. Plans for a five-story Hyatt Hotel overlooking the ocean in Trinidad is facing more delays after a state ruling saying the project needs better fire protection plans. This decision undid a 2019 California Coastal Commission approval of the proposed hotel by The Heights Casino. We’ll see if this hotel ever gets built. *** LoCo
A new documentary explores the unsolved murder of a local rancher. High Country Murder revisits the 2021 killing of 85-year-old rancher Richard “Dick” Drewry, whose property spanned the Humboldt-Mendocino County line. After he was found shot in his truck, theories about his murder involve disputes over water rights and marijuana farming. Sheriff William Honsal previously said the case has “Hollywood makings of a hit,” but no arrests have been made. *** RHBB
Humboldt County settled an excessive force lawsuit for $150K. This stems from a Garberville incident where a Sheriff’s Office deputy allegedly broke a homeless man’s car window, caused injuries, and impounded the vehicle in retaliation. Sheriff William Honsal noted the need for de-escalation improvements and will oversee additional deputy training. *** LoCo
Cal Poly Humboldt’s former president is getting $173K annually but isn’t teaching. Tom Jackson Jr. stepped down in summer 2024 and has not been assigned teaching duties in his new role as a tenured professor. He’s one of the university’s highest-paid faculty members. The university has said he’ll support global engagement efforts including international service-learning programs. Jackson helped the university’s transition into a polytechnic while facing criticism for his handling of pro-Palestinian protests. *** NCJ
Horseback riders in Old Town Eureka collected canned goods for Food for People. The organization has seen a 30% increase in demand since the pandemic, feeding over 21,000 people monthly last year. Locals can donate at locations countywide through December. *** LoCo
Garberville is hosting an ice skating rink through January 5. It’s open now and we can find it at the Sherwood Forest upper parking lot complete with skate rentals, craft vendors, food, drinks, and even live music at times. The attraction is called Humboldt's Gateway to the Redwoods Skating Rink. *** More info
YouTuber Peter Santenello amassed almost a million views with his Hoopa video. The guy with over 3 million subscribers visited the secluded Hoopa Valley Reservation, learning about the history and challenges. The piece highlights a tattoo artist and discusses the tribe’s 10,000-year connection to the land along with serious issues like fentanyl and heroin use. *** YouTube
A high schooler is a local history-making tennis champion. Northcoast Preparatory Academy junior Lily Bazemore is a tennis singles champ, making her the first player from Humboldt County to win a North Coast Section tennis title in any division or category. *** Humboldt Sports
Arcata High football is making a historic run. As of this writing they’re two wins away from their first-ever state championship as this year's team is the best in school history. As of this writing they play tonight. Hopefully by the time you hear this we’ll have good news. *** Humboldt Sports
Fog blanketing the hills along U.S. 101 earning widespread appreciation from commuters. The fog, which just randomly showed up in the redwoods and crushed it, made a super pleasing backdrop for Humboldt County locals pondering their place in the universe while navigating turns. "I was just heading into work but then I saw the fog and suddenly I was rethinking my entire existence.”
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