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A local resident somehow survived a 1,000-foot fall while hiking in Hawaii’s mountains. It’s reported Ian Snyder of Ferndale suffered a broken arm, a swollen eye, and was stranded and missing for days near a waterfall while drinking stream water to stay alive. He has no memory of the fall and was eventually airlifted to safety following a search effort. *** People [I’m fairly certain I recognize Ian from recreational soccer and I’m so happy he survived]
A truck full of toys for less fortunate families was reportedly stolen north of Eureka. A man with priors was later arrested and accused of a crime spree that amounted to an estimated $9,300 worth of stolen goods — including the aforementioned Toys for Tots donations. The news prompted many donations to Toys for Tots, including $5,000 from Bill Davidson Bail Bonds and $200 from Redheaded Blackbelt. *** Loco / EPD release
IHOP opened in Eureka where Denny’s resided for 50 years. With those sugary signature pancakes, IHOP’s opening in Eureka occurred as other chains head to the city including Wingstop, another Starbucks, and a Habit Burger Grill. *** Redwood News
Eureka might construct a parking garage in Old Town. At two to three stories high, the garage could address the potential loss of around 200 parking spaces due to housing developments. One proposed location is at Third and G Streets near Lost Coast Brewery’s restaurant. Another is at Second and H Streets near Smug’s Pizza. *** Loco
Officers said they're close to identifying who’s behind those false threats at McKinleyville High. Amid heightened tensions, the investigation has been aided by the FBI with search warrants processing. *** Loco
New details emerged about brothers facing charges over a wild Eureka rampage and police shootout. In April 2023, officials say these two brutally robbed, pistol-whipped, and repeatedly kicked a man in the Bayshore Mall parking lot to the point of serious hospitalization, they ran over a cyclist, they T-boned a car, they opened fire at officers sending two to the hospital, and they themselves were shot and taken in. While the defense criticized the lack of officers turning on their body cams for this, these brothers are awaiting trial in jail. *** TS
Hateful incidents have continued at Arcata’s Centro Del Pueblo. Recently and caught on video, bags of excrement and a jug of urine were placed near their entrance. A series of vandalism acts have been directed at the organization including cutting crops, theft, and spray-painted political messages. Centro Del Pueblo promotes awareness of the rights and culture of Latin and Indigenous people. *** TS
A man’s organs were successfully transplanted into three recipients after a lot of publicity. The man died following a reported suicide attempt at the jail in Eureka and it’d been his wish to donate his organs. Sheriff Honsal, also our Coroner, noted an investigation and policy paused the donation which prompted criticism from the man’s family. His family says the delay impacted a potential heart match. *** Loco
Pro golfer Scottie Scheffler has been using a putter made in Humboldt County. Local artisan Logan Olson of Fortuna was approached by the golfer’s team and they collaborated on a customized club. Some have speculated whether the Olson putter played a role in Scheffler's recent successes as the golfer is currently number one in the world. *** Loco [As of this writing a Logan putter was for sale on eBay for over $3,000]
A true crime podcast called The Vanishing Point released an episode called Hoopa Valley. From the description: “It is a beautiful place with a rich history and culture but this land holds a dark secret, the high rate of missing and murdered Indigenous people.” The episode is 40 minutes long and The Vanishing Point is a pretty popular podcast. The brands behind it, including Tenderfoot TV and Up and Vanished, have hundreds of thousands of social media followers. *** Episode [thanks to friend of the show Jessa for the tip]
State Senator Mike McGuire penned an open note to Donald Trump. “Just making sure you’re tracking: Gas prices are down, unemployment in CA is at its lowest in years, inflation is down to 3%, interest rates are heading down, (and the) Dow Jones just hit its highest peak ever. Dark Brandon strikes again. Thanks, Joe Biden.” McGuire will soon be the first North Coast rep to lead the California Senate. *** X
Eureka High grad Jake Hanson had a nice start with the New York Jets. Jake signed with the Jets after a few years with the Green Bay Packers and an impressive college career with the Oregon Ducks. Blocking for Zach Wilson against the Texans, Jake picked up a 30-6 win while starting at right guard instead of his usual spot at center on the offensive line. *** Sports Illustrated
College of the Redwood football won their first bowl game since 1993. The community college defeated Hartnell 63-0 in the 2023 Grizzly Bowl. The historic win for Eureka’s Corsairs was played in rainy conditions at Cal Poly Humboldt’s Redwood Bowl in Arcata. *** Humboldt Sports
Ferndale High football earned their first ever state championship after overcoming a 21 point deficit in Los Angeles County. The Wildcats returned to a victory parade in the Victorian Village as LA Times even covered their dramatic and triumphant small-town football saga. Also fun: Celebrity chef and Ferndale export Guy Fieri paid for their travel expenses. *** RHBB / TS
Recently Humboldt Last Week was able to donate $500 to the local nonprofit Food for People. Despite disappointing merch sales that were supposed to bolster the donation, I was committed to it personally because of the food insecurity that’s been going around. Just like Food For People Executive Director Carly Robbins told me: “More and more people are experiencing hunger and food insecurity locally as the costs of food and other life essentials are on the rise. (With help) we’re able to meet this increasing need by providing vital hunger relief programs across the county.” If it’s within your means to donate to Food for People or another local organization that makes this place better, please do. *** HLW / Loco / RHBB