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A new pro-Israel billboard went up in Arcata after the previous one was torn down. The original sign read, “Call me a Zionist. It only makes me prouder.” The new sign states, “Israel. The Eternal Jewish Nation. Fighting terrorism. Seeking peace.” The billboards have sparked heated debate over the Israel-Palestine conflict in the wake of largely reported pro-Palestine protests at Cal Poly Humboldt last year. *** MRU
Fortuna cops reported new info regarding a woman believed murdered in 2014. Reportedly, Danielle Bertolini was last seen getting into a car with Fortuna resident James Eugene Jones, who’s believed to be the last person to see both Danielle and another woman, Sheila Franks, alive. But Fortuna cops are hoping for more info that’ll lead to charges. *** RHBB
Trump layoffs and cuts are hitting home. Workers, including those with Six Rivers National Forest, Redwood National and State Parks, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, were caught off guard, losing jobs and even housing overnight. Critics are warning of potential local impacts on tourism, fire preparedness, the environment, and the economy. Also, considering proposed changes to Medicaid, critics are worried about major local impacts to healthcare. These layoffs and cuts at the hands of Trump and Elon Musk were framed as necessary to reduce bureaucracy, but time will tell if the sweeping federal changes will go down in history as reckless or harmful. Meanwhile, our U.S. rep Jared Huffman has been speaking of legal challenges and staying engaged while noting fears of a potential constitutional crisis. *** LoCo (1) / Loco (2) / NCJ / RHBB
Hundreds of locals protested Trump in Eureka. Concerns were raised about cuts to programs, attacks on civil rights, rising extremism, wealth inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, and government accountability. The anti-Trump protest was part of a broader movement nationwide. *** RHBB
Reddit Humboldt sparked a debate over boycotting Trump-supporting businesses. The list saw some users defending the right to choose where to spend money based on politics, with others arguing that businesses should be judged by their products and services, not their owners' beliefs. Some worried about false accusations potentially hurting businesses unfairly, and one commenter said the list works both ways, helping Trump supporters find like-minded businesses. *** r/Humboldt
Threatening notes left on Teslas in Arcata sparked a police investigation. Multiple Tesla owners found notes from a group calling itself Students Against Nazi Extremism (or SANE), who claimed responsibility, called Elon Musk a “nazi,” and made plans to damage Teslas. One Tesla owner said there was irony in being threatened despite supporting progressive causes and being of Jewish descent. Cops are investigating. *** LoCo / RHBB [In related news, Only In Humboldt posted a video of someone appearing to spread dirt and mud over a local Tesla, which prompted some 28,000 comments. -MC]
Humboldt’s community radio station KMUD is facing federal pressure and funding uncertainty under Trump. The president’s associates have discussed eliminating public media, while KMUD gets a big chunk of their budget from the feds. At the same time, the SoHum station is emphasizing its role in emergency communication and informing rural communities. *** RHBB
A judge temporarily blocked a Eureka landlord from huge rent hikes. Some of these increases at Hillsdale were up to 80 percent and well beyond the legal limit. While the landlord said he’s already rescinded the hikes, there are reportedly tenants who, before knowing their rights, paid these higher rents or moved out under pressure. The ongoing class-action court process stems from a social worker who flagged this as potential elder exploitation. *** LoCo
The state’s battle with the Providence hospital in Eureka is still ongoing. Due to religious reasons, a local woman was allegedly denied emergency abortion care. She and California’s AG believe the hospital’s denial and her delayed care significantly lowered her chances of survival, and St. Joseph should change its policies. A judge is now deciding on the hospital’s call to dismiss the case in the name of religious freedom. The courtroom and streets were recently packed with activists lining up against the hospital. *** T-S
A Fortuna family lost their home and pets in a fire shortly after their insurance was canceled. The fire took half their house, along with their cat and pet bird. To make things worse, their insurance was canceled just nine days before the fire, even though they tried to adhere to the company’s demands. A class-action lawsuit has been filed against this company, Safeco, over allegedly dropping homeowners unfairly.*** RHBB and a GoFundMe
The county married 17 couples among coastal views on Valentine’s Day. Supervisors Natalie Arroyo, Rex Bohn, and Mike Wilson officiated some of the ceremonies, while local businesses donated flowers and other decorations. It looks like this is the beginning of more and even expanded upcoming county wedding services. *** LoCo
A new bill could make Bigfoot California’s official cryptid. Humboldt’s new Assembly rep Chris Rogers introduced this effort as AB 666. Similar in lore to the Loch Ness Monster, the legendary but unproven creature has netted 48 reported Humboldt County sightings, including those in the Bigfoot capital of the world, Willow Creek. It’ll take 41 votes in the Assembly to make this official. *** CBS News
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