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Humboldt County’s DA declined to prosecute 27 of the 39 people arrested during Pro-Palestinian protests at Cal Poly Humboldt. The county’s top prosecutor cited insufficient evidence or interest of justice grounds stemming from the dropped cases related to international newsmaking incidents in Arcata in late April. The protests involved a week-long occupation, clashes with police, vandalism, destruction of property, controversial rhetoric, and critiques of university leadership. Cal Poly Humboldt’s president has since resigned. We’ll see what happens with the remaining cases of those arrested. *** NCJ
A toddler is finally home from the hospital after an illegal fireworks fiasco in Crescent City. The three-year-old spent nearly a month in hospitals recovering from life-threatening injuries allegedly caused in part by two people facing multiple charges including willful cruelty to a child and use of a destructive device. During the illegal fireworks explosion gone wrong at the beach, the kiddo suffered severe burns, a collapsed lung, and cardiac arrest, while the local community raised over $30,000 to help with his medical expenses. Thankfully he’s now able to walk, eat, and play again. *** TS
Nearly all of the judges in Humboldt County recused themselves from a shocking vehicular homicide case. The judges cited impartiality concerns as a local lawyer was one of the victims of this recent incident reportedly involving the use of ‘whip-its.’ Officers say 30-year-old Maria Cuevas admitted to using nitrous oxide or ‘whip-its’ before killing a pedestrian with her car, crashing into other cars and a building, and injuring the aforementioned lawyer along I Street in Eureka. We’ll see how things proceed in court. *** TS
SFGate covered social media influencers who illegally climb the world's tallest tree for internet fame. Climbers, park rangers, and botanists are the focal points of the piece, as Loco wrote: “It turns out that there are social media influencer dipshits who regularly come to the North Coast to illegally climb tall trees in Redwood National Park — specifically Hyperion.” The tree is reportedly almost 380 feet tall. The shaming is thick regarding these climbers' negative impacts on our local marvel. *** SFGate
A family targeted by violent antisemitic threats is fearful as the suspect was released into the community. Awaiting trial, the Arcata suspect has been arrested previously for violent assault and allegedly messaged things such as “I will kill your dad,” “he’s an (N-word),” “(the victim) must die,” “die, jews” — that’s just a taste of the shocking DMs reported in this article. The victims are encouraging action that keeps them safe. A defense lawyer noted he believes the suspect suffers from mental health issues while the victims fear that path could lead to dropped charges. *** NCJ
A local cannabis tourism company says it hosted around 400 people last year. He said he mostly attracts visitors from states with stricter cannabis laws. The tours involve visiting various farms where guests learn about cannabis regulations and science, interact with plants, and visit dispensaries. It’s been the hope of many that cannabis tourism among our coveted redwoods would be one of our saving graces for the struggling local cannabis industry which once thrived before recreational legalization in 2018. *** Redwood News
Statewide media covered Eureka's housing battle with a ‘ticked off’ millionaire. As Eureka works to meet housing demands, controversial tycoon Rob Arkley rallied signatures to thwart the city’s efforts via November’s ballot. If the Arkley-supported and oddly-named “Housing For All” initiative passes, it would prevent some city-owned parking lots in Old Town Eureka from being replaced by affordable housing and would assist another Arkley-supported development at a former school campus in southwest Eureka. *** CalMatters
Humboldt County may be the first in the nation to have a tiny house ordinance. After planners moved the idea forward, it’s now up to Humboldt County Supervisors. Two associated zoning ordinances are pending with possible approval in September. *** Loco
Eureka officials have been flying flags at half-staff to honor former Eureka Police Chief Murl Harpham. Murl died at the age of 91 last week. He spent over 56 years with the Eureka Police Department and at the time of his retirement in 2014 was the longest-serving officer in the state. *** RHBB
Humboldt County Supervisors debated civilian oversight for the Sheriff's Office. This stems from a Civil Grand Jury report claiming county law enforcement could use more independent scrutiny. Supervisors Arroyo, Madrone, and Wilson supported such oversight but Supervisors Bushnell and Bohn wanted to wait to hear more from Sheriff’s Officers at a later date. Speaking of transparency, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is set to appear in the ‘Cops’-like TV show “On Patrol: Live,” and we’ll see what’s decided at a future meeting. *** Loco
A plane crash in Kneeland took two lives. Responders hurried to a fiery scene where a small plane crashed in a steep ravine causing scattered debris and rising smoke. The site was tough to get to. Per reports, the deceased were Cal Fire contractors. *** RHBB / KCRA
The Klamath River will see 420 miles of fish habitat reconnected by September. Historic dam removals should bring fish to their ancestral waters soon: “...We may have some Chinook salmon and steelhead moseying upstream and checking things out for the first time in over 60 years.” *** NOAA
A state report says PG&E bills are projected to rise and outpace inflation in the coming years. PG&E disputes the predictions and says measures are in place to stabilize rates. *** Bay Area News [As critics say PG&E’s spending will continue to burden customers and PG&E says it’s working to lower bills, who do you believe?]
Humboldt County’s top federal and state reps have endorsed Kamala Harris for president. U.S. Congressman Jared Huffman said “I respect her values. I respect the skill and excitement that is just part of who she is, including her prosecutorial skills, which are going to come in very handy taking the case to Donald Trump and his Project 2025 agenda.” State Senator Mike McGuire said “48 hours into (Kamala’s) candidacy, she already scared Elon Musk out of funding Trump. The whiplash would hurt if it wasn’t so comical.” And State Assemblymember Jim Wood said, “(Kamala) will continue the tremendous work of this administration and provide the leadership we need right now.” *** X / TS
Longtime local bluegrass musicians Old Dog are back in the studio. Formed in 1996, the fellas were in Bongo Boy Studio in McKinleyville recording new original songs. Bongo Boy’s Dominic Romano has engineered for Sara Bareilles, Jimmy Foot has opened for Fishbone and Jimmy Cliff, and Susie Foot once engineered for Santana and booked Tupak and Too Short. Bongo Boy Studio is a Humboldt Last Week sponsor. *** Instagram / TS
An Indian-flavored pizza restaurant with arcade games is opening in Eureka. Tandoori Bites Pizza, an added spinoff of the existing Tandoori Bites restaurant in Eureka, is opening at the former Angelo’s Pizza location near Grocery Outlet. Tandoori Bites is Humboldt’s Indian restaurant, and they’ve been Humboldt Last Week sponsors in the past. The owners are saying Angelo’s arcade games will remain. *** Humboldt Foodies
Arcata’s former Japhy’s location will soon host a Japanese food restaurant. Describing their cuisine as “authentic and affordable,” the new spot will be run by the minds behind Obento which has operated in recent years out of The Depot at Cal Poly Humboldt. If they stay on schedule and open by early September, it'll be their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. With sushi, bento boxes, and more, get your chopsticks ready for Obento along G Street in Arcata near Stars Hamburgers. *** Loco
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