The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Category: News

  • This is not the Humboldt State University you are looking for

    This is not the Humboldt State University you are looking for

    Humboldt State University no longer exists. On Jan. 26 at the hour of high noon, the California State University’s (CSU) Board of Trustees voted in unanimous agreement to allow HSU to become the state’s third official polytechnic university. Instantly, students all across campus within mere minutes after the vote could find that every website, social media, and program owned by HSU had changed their titles to Cal Poly University Humboldt.

    However, the name change is far from the only changes to come for Cal Poly Humboldt. Aside from furthering the school’s expansion into more hands-on learning approaches, the university also hopes to strengthen and add a plethora more to its collection of STEM majors including cannabis studies, applied fire science & management, data science, energy systems engineering, engineering & community practice, geospatial information science & technology, mechanical engineering, and software engineering.

    According to Provost Jen Capps, a substantial amount of funding towards this transition will also go to new student housing developments on campus, more diverse staff employment, and increasing tribal membership from the 13 local surrounding tribes. By 2029, they hope to at least double the current average enrollment rate.

    There’s no doubt that the change will spark a new era of existence for what was once Humboldt State University, though in the opinion of many students this development feels like nothing more than a simple name change.

    “It’s just a name I guess, it’s the same school,” said Brandon Patino, a major in environmental science & management, while playing pool with his friend in the Students Activity Center. His friend agreed and expressed honestly his own lack of knowledge regarding the whole change.

    “Honestly, I’m graduating this semester,” said Nataly Cruz, a major in zoology, explaining that the change will barely affect her. “Not sure if this is true but we’ll be graduating as Cal Poly [alumni].”

    Her friend, on the other hand, expressed a level of excitement regarding the university’s official change to a polytechnic.

    “I think the name gives it a type of prestige and I like that,” said Kamaya Killebrew, a major in cellular molecular biology. “I hope they hold true to the name.”

    Killebrew further explained that she hopes the school continues its hands-on approach to teaching as it was one of the key traits that drew her to enrolling to begin with. While speaking with her friend, she said that the two should obtain HSU labelled merchandise before it’s all gone.

    As should be expected, not everyone was as happy about this announcement. Over the past months, arts and humanities majors have been particularly anxious about this change as traditionally polytechnics largely focus on STEM majors. Many believe that this change could lead to even less budget and enrollment rates being allocated to these departments.

    Other anxieties such as tuition prices and alumni diploma validation have also sprung up, especially on Cal Poly Humboldt’s Instagram announcement post.

    “Can y’all keep tuition the same until I graduate please and thanks” commemted Anna Caro, a major in marine biology.

    While California polytechnics on average do run slightly lower than the average CSU university, it is hard to tell whether this change is general will cause prices to stay the same or rise over the coming years.

    In another comment, Jenny Martinez Cortes, an alumni in Spanish language studies and communications, asked whether or not their diploma under the name HSU would still be valid. The official Instagram stated, “Very. Arguably more than ever.”

  • Justice for Josiah

    Anyone with information regarding the David Josiah Lawson case is encouraged to call the APD’s 24-hour confidential tip-line at (707) 825-2590 or the APD Dispatch Center at (707) 822-2424

    On April 15, 2017, Humboldt student David Josiah Lawson was fatally stabbed at an Arcata house party around 3 am. McKinleyville resident Kyle Zoellner, 23, was taken into custody relating to the incident. After five days of the preliminary hearing, the judge ruled that there was not sufficient evidence to hold Zoellner and the suspect was released despite witness testimonies.

    Since this day, David Josiah Lawson’s mother, Charmaine Lawson, has fought endlessly to bring justice to her son. There have still been no arrests made and Charmaine Lawson pleads for those in the community who know something about what happened to come forward.

    Over the past four years, approaching five, there has been a documentary made about the injustice of David Josiah Lawson and the case has attracted the attention of a number of murder mystery channels.

    Danielle Hallan is a true crime YouTuber who investigates unresolved cases through news outlets, speculations of investigators, journalists and family members. Charmaine Lawson encouraged the video that was made by Hallan about the Lawson case to be shared to the Humboldt community to keep the case alive with hope that justice will be served.

  • Campus vandalism causes student outrage over school policy

    Campus vandalism causes student outrage over school policy

    A security camera was vandalized somewhere on campus, so the school responded to this by sending out an email to everyone who lives on campus. This email was simple— someone was messing with the security cameras, and if that person wasn’t caught, everyone who lives in the building would be fined for the damages.

    This announcement caught many students off guard. The email didn’t give out the information of which building was impacted, or what students would be getting charged.

    “Unless a specific individual’s responsibility can be determined, ALL members of a living area will be charged for damages,” said HSU Housing & Residence Life. “The cost to repair, relocate, adjust and/or clean damaged cameras is $150 per incident and identified individuals will be adjudicated through the conduct process.”

    Questions about how much individual students are going to be charged were left unanswered. Donyet King, the Senior Director of Housing & Residence Life says that the fine is regrettable but routine when it comes to vandalism cases.

    According to Section V of the license agreement, “Damage or loss of common area furnishings, equipment and physical plant unless specifically assigned to individuals shall be equally divided among all members of the living group that have reasonable access to the common area.”

    King stressed that faculty would prefer to charge students who were directly involved and are open to information from the public.

    “It’s helpful if students report any suspicious behavior or share any information they have with us that so we can address the issue with the responsible person,” said King.

    Several Cal Poly Humboldt students vented their frustrations with this arrangement on an Instagram page “HSU Confessions”. This page allows students to send in anonymous “confessions” which are then posted by the page’s creator for students to interact with. One post was a screenshot of the security camera email with the caption “Thanks guys…”

    The comments were brimming with furious students.

    “If these mf’s think they can force me to pay for repairs for something I had no hand in breaking, they better rethink, bc I am not afraid to contest this s***,” said one particularly upset student. A majority of the comments were thinking along similar lines. Students called into question why the school would come after student money instead of trying to solve the issues with the security that’s supposed to protect students.

    “Shouldn’t you literally have them on camera messing with them? So either the cameras are s*** or they just want us to snitch. Either way they f****** suck,” said one irritated student.

  • Polytech Budget Forum breaks down $433 million spending plan

    On Jan 28, a Polytech Budget Open Forum was hosted by the Budget, Finance, and Reporting Working Group. The forum broke down how funds for the Cal Poly transition would be distributed.

    The Budget, Finance, and Reporting Working Group is composed of 15 campus and community members. While their membership overlaps with the University Resources & Planning Committee (URPC), they are responsible for the oversight and management of $433 million and $25 million in collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt’s Chief of Staff and Provost.

    The forum was held to clarify any questions community members may have had. This discussion came before a proposal outlining the polytechnic transition was to be submitted to the Chancellor’s office on Monday. The funds for this proposal are currently held central at the Chancellor’s Office, which means that the Budget & Finance Team must make an annual request to disperse those funds to the university. Their initial request that was made in Fall 2021 was approved, however it was on the condition that they present financial planning updates to the Chancellor’s Office every January and July.

    Executive Director of Budget & Finance Amber Blakeslee broke down an overview of the $25 million Polytechnic Spending Plan to the attendees.

    “Collaboration is really at the heart of what we’re doing. The polytechnic transition is being implemented with a $25 million plan. This is being spent over a six year period,” Blakeslee said. “This is an iterative planning process. These plans will continue to be refined as we go.”

    The updates to the prospectus are intended to reinforce polytechnic prosperity in the first two years (2021-22 and 2022-23) in areas such as faculty for program development, staffing, information technology, recruitment, advising, infrastructure, e.t.c. One of the working group’s goals is to launch and sustain new academic programs in Fall 2023. Previously, students had uncertainties of what tuition rates would look like as we make the transition to polytechnic.

    “Tuition rates are set at a system level, not a campus level. Becoming a polytechnic would not increase tuition.” Blakeslee said.

    The Budget, Finance, and Reporting Working Group also tried to highlight the change from the prospectus in terms of cause and impact. Investments to faculty and staff and are central to their planning, and additional investments are to be made in the future.

    “We’re actively hiring 16 new positions to help out with the plan’s new buildout,” Blakeslee said. “The marketing and rebranding is everything.”

    Thirteen staff positions have recently and are currently in the process of being filled, with additional recruitments forthcoming. In the initial planning estimate, the Budget and Finance Team is working to implement a total of $2,993,000 in ongoing expenditures for year 1 (2021-2022). Meanwhile, they are also refining plans for a total of $8,469,000 in ongoing expenditures in year 2 (2022-23). This is to align with iterative planning needs.

    If you have polytechnic related questions or ideas, you can email poly@humboldt.edu or reach out to the applicable implementation team.

  • Free iPads pop up at HSU

    Free iPads pop up at HSU

    Humboldt State University set up tents in front of the library and gave out free iPads to incoming freshman and transfer students on Jan. 19.

    The iPads were provided by the California State University Connectivity Contributing to Equity and Student Success (CSUCCESS) Initiative. CSUCCESS was created by the CSU in partnership with Apple. It debuted at HSU’s campus last fall and returned this semester.

    Oceanography junior and transfer student Angelina Mayo got an iPad from CSUCCESS. She just transferred from Shasta College, where she worked as a tutor while attending school. A student that she tutored during the time used an iPad to take notes.

    “I think it was just an incentive, and I wanted to try it because I saw a student at Shasta College use it and help keep her organized,” Mayo said. “She was more prepared for our tutoring sessions than some of my other students because of keeping her files together.”

    HSU Library Student Assistants adorned the cardboard iPad boxes with HSU stickers. Stickers that are free for the taking at the Information Technology Services desk on the first floor of the library. Mayo stuck a green ‘H’ sticker on the h-button of her keyboard.

    Photo by Alexis Valtenbergs | Apple Senior Account Manager Jenni Beck (back) helps transfer student Angelina Mayo (front) set up her free iPad outside the library on Jan. 19.

    “I signed up for EOPS and got ‘swag,’ that’s what they called it,” Mayo said as she typed in her HSU ID and password on her new iPad. “And amenities.”

    One of the amenities that Mayo opted for was the free iPad.

    The goal of the CSUCCESS Initiative is to make technology more accessible to higher education students in the CSU system, especially in the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that relegated students and faculty alike to remote Zoom classes.

    “The biggest reason for that is to ensure equity and access,” Apple Higher Education Senior Account Manager Shawn Vandergriff said. “To provide the same level of technology to every student.”

    According to Vandergriff, HSU has provided iPads to approximately 700 HSU students since CSUCCESS came to campus last semester. His goal is to bridge what he referred to as the ‘digital divide’ in higher education, which is often overlooked.

    Eligible HSU students get to keep their free iPad throughout the duration of their academic career at HSU. Apple Care insurance will cover up to two instances of breakage, according to Vandergriff.

    The CSUCCESS program is expected to return to HSU again in the fall.

    “As long as we have a budget to do that, I can see it happening into the future,” HSU Customer Care IT Consultant Andy Pierce said.

    To learn more about CSUCCESS at HSU, visit its.humboldt.edu/csuccess.

  • Students support community on MLK Day of Service

    Students support community on MLK Day of Service

    MLK Day is more then simply a day off, it holds an important message

    “These are revolutionary times. All over the globe men are revolting against old systems of exploitation and oppression, and out of the wounds of a frail world, new systems of justice and equality are being born.” said Martin Luther King Jr. in his A Time to Break the Silence speech.

    Last Monday marked the country’s annual day of recognition towards civil rights leader and minister Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A contention day to some as increasing more citizens have come to see the commodification and sanitization of MLK’s legacy to be problematic. Many efforts have been made across the nation to realign this day with his actual messages of racial and economic justice, not only through the medium of peaceful protest, but also civil disobedience and radical structural change. Many of the MLK events in Humboldt could be found partaking in this national movement.

    Local bilingual and charter elementary school, Fuente Nueva, last Friday celebrated the upcoming holiday through a series of black guest speakers from organizations ranging from Black Humboldt, Eureka’s NAACP, B-Men, and many more. After the event’s collection of inspiring speeches, delivered to the awaiting children located in the front rows, all attendees were invited to walk a mile march in remembrance of MLK’s own March on Washington.

    HSU held its own MLK event on Monday as well. Starting in the early hours of 8am and hosted by Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S), the event was labelled “A Day On, Not A Day Off” and focused on community service volunteering. Guest speakers included our own Dean of Students, Dr. Eboni Ford-Turnbow, and prominent activist Bree Newsome. Volunteering activities ranged from on campus to off, Arcata to Eureka, and included a variety of public services. For many students and community members in Humboldt, MLK Day was not simply a vacation but an opportunity to give back and to keep Martin Luther King Jr’s dream truly alive.

    Photo by Morgan Hancock | HSU student volunteer on MLK day Monday Jan. 17.

  • The HSU Library is finally open

    For the first time since 2017, the HSU library is fully open to students.

    The HSU library reopened on Jan. 18th after the completion of the Seismic Retrofit project. This project was undertaken to reduce structural damage from seismic activity.

    Changes to the library are mostly structural apart from the lower floor, which underwent a complete remodeling. This included repainting, new carpet and flooring, and new window coverings. A new sprinkler system was implemented throughout the entire building as well as new roof tiles and lighting.

    Jason Maugh was the Project Manager and was brought on board to work for HSU in 2016. This project has been in the works for years before this and was originally brought to attention in the 90s. According to Maugh, In 1993 CSU did an evaluation of all of HSU’s buildings and found that the library posed a risk to the general public in the event of serious seismic activity. They were not able to provide the funding for fixing this problem until 2015, over 20 years later.

    The project was dragged on for even longer after the completion of the original plans in 2020.

    “The state fire marshal looked at the changes as a building addition which triggered sprinkling the whole four story building,” said Maugh. This is the reason the library has been in construction for so long, since the school did not originally plan on putting in new sprinklers and had to request additional funding from CSU. Despite the arduous process, the library is now mostly complete and much safer in the event of a serious earthquake.

    There is still some exterior construction being undertaken but it has no impact on students’ accessibility to the library and all facilities are available to students regardless.

    Due to recent spikes in COVID-19 throughout Humboldt county, access to the library has been limited exclusively to HSU students and faculty for the foreseeable future. Each student must have their student ID ready in order to access the facilities.

  • University requires booster by January 23

    University requires booster by January 23

    Starting Jan 23, students, faculty, and staff must be fully vaccinated to use campus facilities. This Humboldt State announcement was made in December shortly after students left for break. Anyone not able to receive a vaccination or booster can submit for an appropriate exemption. Following an updated certification date, the university said the likelihood of infectious spread in the classroom will be low given vaccination requirements, mandatory testing, masking, and other efforts made by the school.

    In a press release sent to all students earlier this week, HSU clarified full vaccination status as ”attesting that you are fully vaccinated (including a booster if eligible) or have submitted for the appropriate exemption.” Recipients of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are eligible for boosters five months after completing their initial series. Johnson & Johnson recipients can get a booster two months after their initial dose.

    The university asked that those who have already received the booster should go into their student portal and complete the attestation about vaccination status. Students can do so by logging into their Health Portal at myhumboldt.edu. To find a vaccination clinic in your area, visit My Turn California (myturn.ca.gov). However, clinic availability in some areas is limited, including Humboldt County.

  • Learning in the face of Omicron

    Learning in the face of Omicron

    Humboldt State intends to return to in-person classes as a growing list of California schools start the spring semester remotely. In a letter addressed to the student body and campus community, the school announced that spring instruction will not change. Classes will begin as planned on Jan. 18, despite growing concern from students and the community. Cal State Long Beach, San Diego State, Sacramento State, Cal State Channel Islands, Fresno State, Cal State East Bay, Cal State San Marcos, and San Francisco State will not be returning to in-person instruction yet.

    Humboldt county has seen a recent spike in cases after the holidays. Last week the Humboldt County Health Department recorded 1,113 new cases of COVID-19. A new local record for new cases in a week. The omicron variant is responsible for the surge according to the health department website. The letter from HSU administrators says the decision was made in consultation with Humboldt County Public Health.

    “[Humboldt County Public Health] is in full support of these plans,” the letter read. “Vaccine and booster requirements, mandatory testing, masking, and other mitigating factors make the likelihood of infectious spread in the classroom low.”

    Students and the community are critical of the administration’s decision. Immunocompromised students will have to evaluate if risking health is worth the education. Ash McElroy is a freshman who works at the Social Justice Equity and Inclusion Center. McElroy is immunocompromised thanks to multiple chronic illnesses.

    “I do feel like the administration is putting all immunocompromised students at risk by not even considering staying online,” McElroy said. “Too often disabled students are treated as an afterthought. During this pandemic, we are treated as expendable. Disabled students are still paying the same tuition abled students are, and we should get the same amount of consideration.”

    Madeline Claire is an immunocompromised bio major who felt that the administration was not taking community concerns seriously. Claire reached out to the campus coordinator but did not feel she was offered solutions or help.

    “As an immunocompromised person I’ve worked so hard and sacrificed so much to stay safe, and to me, this feels like the University is forcing me to choose between my education and my health,” Claire said. “It seems like the administration either doesn’t know what to do about Omicron or doesn’t care, and frankly I don’t know which is worse.”

    A petition to “Delay the start of face-to-face instruction at HSU to protect students and faculty” has been circulating through social media. Students and community members explained their reasons for signing on the petition site. Mariano Marroquin gave a reason for signing.

    “I’m a student who wants to return to classes but doesn’t want to risk my health,” Marroquin said.

    Johann Waltberg commented, “As a local resident, the availability of medical services is important to me. An outbreak at HSU will negatively affect all of us.”

    A few hundred signatures accompany comments supporting an online start to the semester. The push for online classes was expected as HSU faced a challenge to its accreditation. Last semester WASC expected HSU to offer more than fifty percent in-person classes by the spring semester.

    WASC evaluates and accredits colleges and universities to ensure they meet educational goals and standards. For nearly two years students have been learning with online accommodations in response to social distancing protocol. The Department of Education required an end to the temporary authorization of remote instruction by December 2021. To meet WASC accreditation standards, HSU must offer more than 50% in-person classes.

  • Local Bilingual Charter School Teaches Children and Community About MLK’s Message

    Local Bilingual Charter School Teaches Children and Community About MLK’s Message

    The 5th grade students of Fuente Nueva lead the one mile march for Peace & Justice in Arcata on Friday, Jan 14th. Photo by Morgan Hancock.

    “So often MLK is portrayed in a very white-washed and sanitized way. I think he was portrayed in a very true way here today.” said Marche Hines, a mother of two children who currently attend Fuente Nueva Charter School. 

    On Friday, January 14th, three days prior to the upcoming national holiday of revered civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, bilingual charter school Fuente Neuva hosted an event entitled “Dreams Coming Alive” in his honor. Students, parents, and community members alike were invited to come and participate and to hear the voices and words of many important black community members and organizations from around the county. 

    One such speaker was James Braggs, an active member of Black Male Empowerment Network (B.MEN) and Black Humboldt, who opened the outdoor event at 8:30 am with a short land acknowledgement and prayer. Braggs expressed in both portions of his speech the importance of remembering history and learning from it. Reflecting on where we have grown, and being grateful, and reflecting on where we can improve, and changing it. 

    “Remembrance is critical,” Braggs said later that day during a personal one-on-one interview with the Lumberjack. “It’s important to acknowledge the history.”

    “King existed due to the work of thousands of ordinary people,” Braggs said as well, explaining how we often fail to see the bigger picture behind MLK’s events and actions. “[It] wasn’t just super smart politicians and leaders. It was mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters.”

    After Braggs opening prayer, president of the Humboldt county’s NAACP, Sharrone Blanck, stepped up to the stage, greeted by the children in the front and adults in the back. Blanck’s speech revolved around the ideas such as the importance of diversity in groups and the freedom for everyone to live life as their full selves.

    “We exist here as individuals and we have the privilege to be a part of groups,” Blanck’s said. “Who we are connects us to other people. I’m a black woman, I’m a Jewish woman, I’m a mom and a wife, I’m a friend, and all those parts of me I bring wherever I go.”

    April Koepke, attendee and parent of two students, noted this particular speech as being her favorite. 

    “[It’s] important for young people to know the values of working together and the equality of all.” she said, hoping that this speech will become an inspiration to her own children over the years.

    Students, staff, and community members participant in a short yoga session before the start of the march. Photo by Morgan Hancock.

    Other important speakers included Dr. Kintay Johnson, current director of CR’s Multicultural Center, Lorenza Simmons, youth coordinator at HC Black Music & Arts, and Mo Desir, co-founder of Black Humboldt. Each telling their own unique story of how they empowered themselves and the people around them in Humboldt county in the struggle to have their voices as black people be heard. Never being afraid to point out the changes that still need to be made and the injustice still faced by their community everyday, in a way that not only adults could understand but the children as well.

    “[The event] let students of color know [that] they’re heard,” Hines said

    Cybele Porpee, another attendee and mother of a student, found the event inspiring.

    “It helped me review my own goals, hopes for the future, and engagement towards the community,” Porpoise said.

    “Diversity, multiculturalism, acceptance, everything he taught is important,” she added.

    The event hit its peak at 10:30, when students, staff, parents, and attendees alike were asked to participate in a mile march around the school, a moment to show students MLK’s often used tactic of righteous civil disobedience in practice and for both young and old alike to walk in the footsteps of not only him but of his many fellow protestors too.

    Fifth graders led the march through the school’s neighborhood. Each carefully held the main banner heralding the beginning of the protest. Towards the caboose of the group were the younger first grade students, carrying their own posters with messages for peace and equality. Each student along with their parents, staff, and attendees stepped in sync crying out for the peace and equality of all, and the respect, dignity, and right to life of every black and brown person locally and nationally.

  • Citizen scientists assist the HSU Wildlife Department in River Otter research

    Since 1999, the River otter demography study headed by HSU professor and wildlife researcher Jeff Black and various others has collected reports of river otter (Lontra canadensis) sightings from citizen scientists in Humboldt and surrounding counties. In their online survey, the study asks people who have seen river otters for a variety of information. This includes the location of the sighting, the type of habitat, the number of animals in the group (or “bevy”,) behavior, prey items, and whether there were any pups present. Most of the papers based on this data have zeroed in on demographics, but Black says that his recently-published paper focuses more on behavioral observations.

    The study is citizen science-based. It depends on information submitted by people who stumble upon otters in their natural habitat: along rivers or in coastal marine environments like estuaries and marshes. Researchers advertise by posting signs
    near otter habitats as well as promoting the study online. Black says that most submitted sightings from non-researchers or students come from those involved in outdoor recreation, like kayakers, surfers, and hikers. Given that not all sightings come from individuals with a strong scientific or wildlife background, the study has established criteria for what information it considers scientifically valid. A paper published by Black based on the study in 2009, “River Otter Monitoring by Citizen Science Volunteers in Northern California: Social Groups and Litter Size,” states that “records of pups were included only when observers commented on their size,” for example. This rule eliminated 27% of litter observations in an effort to ensure the accuracy of reports.

    “Some records would come in where for example they’d be describing a seal instead of an otter,” Black said.

    He described a record he once received which counted over one-hundred otters—which normally exist in much smaller groups—sighted at the location of a well-known seal hangout above Arcata.

    According to Black and the study’s website, the population of river otters can indicate the health of an entire ecosystem, making the information which is gathered extremely important.

    “It’s argued that when otters disappear from the habitat, there’s probably heavy pollution involved, which kills the fish, and then there’s nothing to eat for the otters,” said Black.

    The study has been monitoring northern California otter populations for over 20 years. Another paper which utilizes the study’s data, “Fifteen Years of River Otter Monitoring by Citizen-Science Volunteers in Northern California: Litter Size,” by Jeffrey M Black, Erin Wampole, and Jeanne E Mayer, states that “an average of 234 records was received per year, amounting to 3540 observations.”

    “All our limited evidence from our citizen science group indicates [populations are] stable,” said Black.

    The study is a very useful tool for researchers, especially as information on river otters in Northern California has historically been scarce, according to the study’s website. However, it’s only one of the methods utilized to study these creatures, and does not accurately catalogue every individual in the study area.

    “We thought from the citizen science records that maybe we had 24 otters living in Humboldt Bay. Through collecting scat and then extracting DNA from the individual otter that put that scat down, we found that there were 48 individual otters,” said Black.

    The study allows researchers to track trends in otter populations based on how many are seen each year, regardless of whether reports yield an accurate count. Those interested in submitting reports to the study can find the survey linked on the study’s website, https://wildlife.humboldt.edu/people/jeffblack/research/otter, or email otters@humboldt.edu.

    The study plans to keep collecting data for the foreseeable future.

    “I’ll be involved in it until I die,” said Black.

  • Music plays through fall break

    Music plays through fall break

    Students took a break but local bands did not. The fall break music scene offered a variety of shows and genres. Venues hosted new wave post-punk, city pop, minimalist drone, psychedelic krautrock, and rural punk. Most shows saw a mix of touring bands and local staples.

    On Monday an indie rock show at Siren’s Song hosted local band Biomass and touring bands Chronophage and Behavior & Mayako XO. Luke Aronie plays for Biomass and can be found at any hardcore show in Humboldt. Aronie played the show and described the Humboldt music scene this week.

    “The local music scene this week was mostly quarantined, several prominent bands came down with Covid,” Aronie said. “I believe they’re all doing well though.”

    Kit Lamb, who also plays for Biomass, described their Morpheus sound for this night in particular. Biomass plays such a collective of sound that not one show carries the same sound as the other. The band what it feels each show, often based on the energy of the crowd. Lamb saw a decent crowd to draw from on Monday night.

    “From what I can tell there is a healthy amount of creative energy going around” Lamb said. “I was pleasantly surprised at the decent turnout to a Monday night show, and when college students are out of town,”

    On Friday, Nov. 20 Blondies saw a decent mosh turnout for a trashy show. Something Wicked and East Brothers kept the crowd’s energy up with some interactive moshing.

    On Nov 16 the Clam Digger Tavern hosted a show that had been postponed until it could safely navigate COVID-19 concerns. Ray Triana opened up the night’s show. Skye Freitas, as Cowboy Daddy, wooed the crowd with some experimental indie. Rottwyler came in with the rural punk sound trademark of Arcata. To finish, Morning Forever brought a dreamy sound all the way from LA.

  • Safewords and shibari, the quad gets kinky

    Safewords and shibari, the quad gets kinky

    A group of students eagerly scribble their names on blue raffle tickets surrounding tables and a mattress draped with flower petals positioned in the quad on Wednesday Nov 17. The raffle prizes on display are not your usual baskets of baked goods or reusable water bottles, instead including a selection of dildos, bright pink fuzzy handcuffs, ball gags, vibrators, and even a jewel adorned butt plug.

    The Humboldt State women’s resource center put on their annual Kink The Quad event after being unable to put on a 2020 event due to the pandemic. Isabela Acosta, a sophomore art history major, is this year’s body politics and health educator for the resource center. Acosta helped coordinate the event and hopes it encourages discussions about consent culture on campus and education about safe sex.

    “People are weird with sex especially kinky sex and ropes, I see people get really guarded and that’s fine,” Acosta said. “It’s not everybody’s thing but it’s not something you should be ashamed of or make someone else feel shamed for it.”

    Acosta mentioned how this year’s Kink The Quad event has collaborated with other on-campus associations like CHECK-IT Violence Prevention and the Benjamin Graham Sex Research and Education Lab to table alongside the demonstration. Acosta put an emphasis on a bondage theme for this year with a focus on shibari – an ancient Japanese form of rope bondage.

    “I was worried about negative opinions and negative feedback but everyone was really excited, especially the staff I met with, they were all really looking forward to this event,” Acosta said.

    The event included a sex toy raffle, all provided from Good Relations storefront in Eureka, free condoms and lube, CHECK-IT resource booklets, and a live shibari demonstration every hour until the event concluded. Acosta was leading the shibari demonstrations with fellow student staff members and even a student volunteer, art studio major Livia Stella Miller. The shibari demonstrations focused on the importance to use safewords during kinky sex for consent and comfort as well as tools for safety when participating in certain kinks, like scissors with bondage. Volunteers who were being tied up also did demonstrations using their safe word for breaks or to stop completely. ’Apple’ was the safe word for volunteers.

    “It was a little less itchy than I expected and really fun,” Miller said. “Kinks in particular revolve around a lot of power dynamics especially bondage so it’s important to know how to make your partner feel good and not bad, even in kinks that aren’t involved with power dynamics it’s just important to make people feel good.”

    CHECK-IT Violence Prevention was also tabling at the event and handing out booklets for supporting victims of dating violence and normalizing consent culture. CHECK-IT staff member Sophia Effa, a psychology major, was running the table and has been working with the program for around two years. Effa feels Kink The Quad has destigmatized the mentioning of kinks by just being present on campus for the student body.

    “I think it’s important because I feel like not a lot of people have access to education revolving around kinks that’s ethical and safe, so I think an organization on campus like the women’s resource center is really important for educating our students because not a lot of people have access to that,” Effa said.

    Hannah Craven, an HSU psychology major who showed up for the event and demonstration, was surprised to see how many students were also there and was glad to see education about harm reduction when using sex toys with a partner or initiating kinky sex.

    “I thought this was really interesting because its almost strange to me a school would have this,” Craven said. “In the past schools I’ve been to they have very much shied away from sex education especially in this way. It’s interactive and kink focused. I also feel like this is very inclusive to same sex partners which is nice because you know we were never really taught those things.”

    Kink the Quad is an annual event on campus every November but Acosta hopes to get more kink spaces on campus in the future while working with the women’s resource center.

    “There will definitely be more kinky events on campus in the future,” Acosta said. “I’m gonna try and plan something for the spring semester and see what happens.”

  • Home sweet home

    Home sweet home

    There’s no place like home.

    That at least is the consensus among HSU men’s basketball head coach Tae Norwood and his squad, who finally got the opportunity to play a game in front of the Lumberjack faithful with their home opener against visiting Lincoln University on Saturday, Nov. 20. The game marked the first home event for the team since February of 2020, and an amped crowd of over 800 fans was treated to an instant classic, as the Lumberjacks closed a seven point deficit with just under three minutes remaining to defeat the Oaklanders 81-78.

    It’s also not every day that your first home game features an NBA hall-of-famer. Gary Payton, a 17-year veteran of the NBA best known for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, roamed courtside for Lincoln.

    After the game, Payton said he was excited to compete with his young team against a difficult road crowd in order to battle test them.

    “I love it [the hostile road environment], that makes me even more pumped,” Payton said. “You want to be able to make the crowd quiet, and we had them quiet for a long time.”

    The win is the third straight victory so far in this young season in which the ‘Jacks have prevailed by only four points or less.

    “I’m gonna have to go call my cardiologist,” Lumberjack coach Tae Norwood said. “It’s our third game down to the wire. All credit to our guys, their resilience and just the competitiveness and the will to win the game and the will to never quit, it paid off for us.”

    The ‘Jacks led by as much as 17 in the first half before Lincoln closed the frame by going on a 25-8 run in the final seven minutes to enter halftime with a 40-38 lead. Lincoln led by as much as eight in the second half, but a 12-3 run closed the gap to one with 7:28 remaining. The Oaklanders brought the lead back to seven over the next five minutes, but a 3-pointer by senior Amari Green and a tip-in by transfer AJ Sims closed the deficit back to one. Sims proved to be key on the defensive side, drawing an offensive charge on Lincoln’s next possession to regain the ball. Jaden Edwards hit a jumper with just seven seconds remaining to give the Lumberjacks the lead for good, as the team improved to 3-0 with an 81-78 victory.

    Coach Norwood credited Sims’ drawing a charge as the highlight play of the evening.

    “AJ picked up two big time charges on the defensive end in that last four minute stand to give us back the ball,” Norwood said. “Those things aren’t sexy. They’re not the sexy play.”

    Jaden Edwards led the squad again with 22 points. Three other Lumberjacks scored in double digits, including 10 by Sims and Green and a season high 12 points for Thomas Melonja.

    Norwood and Sims both credited their team’s identity, which includes constant full-court pressure, as a driving factor in the victory.

    “We were trying to get stops,” the coach said. “I didn’t want to take the press off. I just thought, ‘this is who we are.’ Credit to them [Lincoln], they did a really good job of handling our press for 40 minutes.”

    “The press kinda does scare you,” Sims said. “The reason I can say that is because I deal with it every day in practice. Even the best guards, it can make you tumble up in there. Once we get about one or two steals, that energy keeps going and we want to keep attacking you, keeping the pressure on you.”

    For many players on the roster, as well as Norwood himself, Saturday’s game was also their first glimpse at the home crowd advantage that Lumberjack Arena can bring.

    “They were loud,” Norwood said. “Sometimes they were loud even when we were shooting free throws. If we get that excitement and that type of environment every game then we are going to be tough out every night at home.”

    Sims also agreed with his coach about the crowd’s energy.

    “I can honestly say that was probably the biggest, loudest supportive crowd I’ve ever played in,” Sims said. “They bring a lot of energy that makes you want to keep playing harder. Whether it was offensively or defensively, I felt they [the crowd] were a big part of us winning tonight.”

    Even Payton, who knows a thing or two about tough crowds, admitted how much they can impact a game if you let them get loud.

    “When you lose focus and you let a crowd get into it, you get rattled and then you pick up stuff,” Payton said. “They start running around doing everything, putting their hands on balls and we just didn’t accept it right.”

    “It was as good as advertised,” Norwood said. “This is an unbelievable environment that supports its basketball program, that loves this HSU brand.”

  • Student documentary, Homeless in Humboldt: In the time of COVID-19, debuts

    Student documentary, Homeless in Humboldt: In the time of COVID-19, debuts

    Humboldt State students Gabe Kim, Valentina Dimas, Rachel Marty, and Skylar Gaven have released the film they’ve worked on since September of 2020. The multi-episode documentary follows the lives of Humboldt-area homeless men and women. The first episode was released Nov. 26.

    The pandemic created challenges for everyone. It harshly impacted unhoused communities as the nation was ill-prepared for a public health crisis at this scale. With learning opportunities and internships inhibited by the pandemic, students found their own opportunities. Through their lens, they were able to find compassion and perspective by engaging with the unhoused community in Humboldt. Gabe Kim worked as the project director and spearheaded the effort.

    “We often see people begging on the street or curled up in a ball and we just walk by and don’t give it much thought, but just stopping and smelling the roses, it’s really valuable,” Kim said.

    Initially, the time frame for production was undefined. The students became more invested and worked on the project through breaks. Through the pandemic, it was a challenge to just stay afloat, let alone make a documentary. Journalism professor Vicky Sama advised the students through the process.

    “You can’t do a documentary about homelessness by using Zoom,” Sama said. “The students had the extra challenge of trying to find subjects for the documentary while taking extra safety precautions so that they could also be on the streets and see the lived experiences of the homeless so they could tell the true stories.”

    The learning opportunities from making a documentary helped to prepare students for a career in a tangible way. They engaged with their community and built trust with individuals to create a powerful documentary. The student showed compassion and effort for the communities they are trying to uplift. Rachel Marty worked on the project as a videographer and producer and described it as an eye-opening experience.

    “Homelessness isn’t something most of us think about every day, but for some, it is a constant reality,” Marty said. “This project has been a chance to rebuild empathy and humanity in our community. This all starts with an understanding.”

    Journalism major Skylar Gaven, who worked as an editor, wants to show the public what homelessness in Humboldt county is like.

    “These are real people and I think that this whole process has been a great educational experience,” Gaven said. “They’re sharing their story, which is honestly very important because this could relate to any other homeless individual’s life. They’ve shown so much of what homelessness is like up here, and perhaps we can change the perspective of how people think of homelessness.”

    More information about the project and the first episode can be found on their website.

  • Getting Polytechnical

    Over 130 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members tuned in to the polytechnic open forum last week. The forum provided an opportunity for students and faculty to come together and discuss perspectives. Participants came with varied feedback and concerns about the polytechnic change.

    Several graduate students came prepared with a statement and questions about the Polytechnic designation. Their concerns were about the polytechnic emphasis on Indigenous traditional ecologic knowledge (TEK). Provost Jenn Capps explained that Humboldt would be different from other polytechnics. Emphasis on unique location and relationships with TEK and CAHSS would set Humboldt apart from other polytechnic universities.

    “The focus is on making sure that we infuse concepts of sustainability traditional ecological knowledge, making sure that liberal arts and social sciences and humanities remain at the center of what we’re doing,” Capps said.

    The group of graduate students wanted to understand how the polytechnic transition will support, uplift, and provide funding for indigenous and sustainability programs. Concerns were for programs such as Native American Studies (NAS), the Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP), the Indian Natural Resources, Science and Engineering Program (INRSEP), the Food Sovereignty Lab, and Critical Race, Gender and Sexuality Studies (CRGS).

    “If TEK and Indigenous knowledge are integral to this transition, how is the university funding, staffing, and filling positions to aid these core programs?” the letter reads. “Where are the cluster hires and faculty positions for NAS and CRGS? Where are the funding initiatives that support Indigenous students and all students within these programs?”

    The forum did not have enough time to fully address these students’ questions or the letter.

    Graduate student Marlene Dusek spoke on behalf of the student group in the forum. Dusek pointed out NAS and TEK seem to be integral in the polytechnic transition, yet will not receive the same attention and funding as the new natural resources and STEM programs soon to be rolled out.

    “Native American studies and TEK is mentioned more than sustainability in the prospectus, where is the Native program state of the art remodel and buildings as a part of this plan?” Dusek asked during the forum. At the end of the forum, Dusek’s peers noted that these questions were still unanswered.

    Provost Capps explains why STEM-based programs are being propped up in this stage of the polytechnic transition.

    “In order for us to seek the designation, there were some programs that we needed to offer,” Capps said. “More engineering and technology programs, otherwise we wouldn’t be eligible for the designation, so we did. A large portion of the funding that we received was to support that.”

    The students and administration will continue to discuss these matters. In a separate interview, Capps discussed communicative efforts with students about polytechnic changes.

    “I suspect that a lot of [polytechnic] communications are going to faculty staff and community members, and not to students,” Capps said. “It makes me realize that we need to target specifically to students and perhaps do some open forum sessions.”

    Faculty member and attendee Daniel Barton spoke up about this being an opportunity to reflect on this school’s image. Barton challenged the mascot, and if it reflects Humboldt’s values.

    “Can we rethink whether we want to keep using a gendered symbol of colonial, natural resource extraction?” Barton said. “[Let’s] assemble something other than patriarchy. The lumberjack is gendered as a noun and as our mascot, violent colonialism, and exploitation of labor because that’s what the lumberjack symbolizes in a contemporary context.”

    A presenter responded that a logo change will be a further examined item. There are arguments in favor of both sides and will be covered in depth at an unspecified later time. Changes are happening university-wide, giving students and faculty opportune time to address the school’s image and values.

  • Company cancels plans to build Josiah Lawson billboard

    Charmaine Lawson and Justice in Humboldt plans to raise money for a billboard located on Hwy 101 between Arcata and Eureka were cut short when the company in control of the billboard refused last-minute to accept their artwork due to its “negative opinion” on D.A. Maggie Flemming. Charmaine Lawson announced this via a post on the Justice for Josiah Facebook page on Nov. 8.

    “Censorship has delayed our project to broadcast our message to the public,” Charmaine Lawson said in the post.

    She said that for now, the money that has been raised for the billboard has been refunded back to her and Justice in Humboldt. They intend to use the funds for another billboard owned by another company or alternate published media to promote Justice In Humboldt.

    Justice in Humboldt is a new project to assist in holding County officials and institutions accountable for wrongdoings and incompetence.

    Originally, the project said on their website that they intended to strategically place the billboard on Hwy 101 between Arcata and Eureka then another along the freeway in Southern California. Their intention was to target students who return home from college to enjoy the holidays. Lawson and Justice in Humboldt hoped to prompt a discussion outside of Humboldt County as well as within the community.

    According to Justice in Humboldt, the billboard would advertise 3 points of importance. It would promote the Justice in Humboldt website, advertise the unresolved murder of David Josiah Lawson, and address the need for a Humboldt DA who fights for the rights of all equally.

    On Nov. 14 Charmaine Lawson went live on Facebook again to speak to the Justice for Josiah community.

    “I shouldn’t have to beg for justice for my child, but here i am begging for justice for my son,” Charmaine Lawson said. “Whoever is listening that can help me, I am pleading for help.”

    It’s been four and a half years since the untimely death of HSU student David Josiah Lawson. His family and friends, as well as advocates within the community have never given up hope in seeking justice for his death.

    Charmaine Lawson said on Facebook that if you made a donation towards the billboard and would like your money back or want to contribute your idea(s) on how the money should be used, please contact us at justiceinhumboldt@gmail.com.

  • HSU Theatre returns

    After two years of no live performances due to COVID-19, the HSU Theatre Arts Department is returning with the musical comedy Something Rotten!, which opened on Broadway in 2015 with music by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. According to an email announcement:

    “Set in 1595, this hilarious show tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first MUSICAL!”

    There are roles available for approximately 20 performers. Aspiring actors do not have to be in the theatre program, but must be at least 18 years old and have proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

    “Those auditioning should prepare a monologue (maximum two minutes) and a song excerpt in English (maximum one minute) and come prepared to learn a short dance routine. Bring sheet music for the pianist (or pre-recorded accompaniment and portable speaker, etc.),” the email read.

    Auditions will take place in the Gist Hall Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 8pm and on Monday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 7pm. Callbacks will take place at 8pm on Dec. 6. Schedule an audition time by contacting stage manager Ian Aguilera at daa63@humboldt.edu.

  • Jacks sport rundown

    Jacks sport rundown

    Men’s Basketball

    The Lumberjacks opened their season with a pair of non-conference victories over Western Washington University and Simon Fraser University as part of the CCAA/GNAC Challenge on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills this past weekend.

    The squad started things off on Friday by squeaking past Western Washington 70-69 off a pair of late free throws by junior Jaden Edwards with three seconds remaining in regulation. The 6’4” guard scored 16 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to record his first double-double in a Lumberjack uniform. AJ Sims scored a team high 17 points off the bench to lead a balanced offense that saw four ‘Jacks score in double digits.

    Head coach Tae Norwood talked about the team’s effort in a postgame press release and described how excited he was with the season start.

    “I thought our guys were resilient down the stretch,” the coach said. “We overcame a five-point deficit with less two-minutes to go in the game. Their effort was a microcosm of who we are as a unit. We preach toughness, selflessness and a commitment to excellence. Tonight, I learned a lot about this young team. They refused to quit!”

    Norwood’s squad capped the weekend with another close victory on Saturday, overcoming a small halftime deficit to defeat Simon Fraser University 63-59.

    A stout Lumberjack defense headlined the victory, with the team holding Simon Fraser to just a 38.6% field goal percentage and a measly 22% from beyond the 3-point line. Edwards recorded another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead the ‘Jacks in both statistical categories.

    “I thought the key to tonight’s win was our resiliency and depth,” Norwood said. “John (Riddick), Amari (Green) and Alonzo (Washington) gave us a much-needed spark off the bench.”

    The Lumberjacks (2-0, 0-0 CCAA) return home for their first official game at Lumberjack Arena in nearly two years with another non-conference match against Lincoln University on Saturday, Nov. 20.

    Women’s Basketball

    Michelle Bento-Jackson’s squad traveled to Seattle to play a pair of non-conference games on the campus of Seattle Pacific University this past weekend. The Lumberjacks dropped both contests, losing to Western Washington 56-68 on Friday, Nov. 12 and dropping a nailbiter to Seattle Pacific, 52-54 on Saturday, Nov. 13.

    Coach Bento-Jackson attributed Friday’s loss to a lapse of defensive concentration.

    “There were pockets of time where our defense was fairly solid,” Bento-Jackson said. “However, it is a 40 minute game. We need to fully understand the importance of each and every possession and can not afford mental lapses in our defensive execution. Overall, we had too many careless turnovers and our offensive execution struggled.”

    Citlaly Davalos scored 16 off the bench to lead the Lumberjack offense.

    Saturday’s game saw the ‘Jacks go on a 10-2 run to take the lead 52-51 with two minutes remaining. However, Seattle Pacific’s Hailey Marlow nailed a jumper to put the Falcons back up 52-53. The Lumberjack’s next possession came up short and the team was forced to foul. A free-throw by Kaprice Boston sealed the loss for the green and gold.

    Once again, Coach Bento-Jackson preached execution as part of the team loss.

    “We put ourselves in a position to win the game,” the coach said. “Unfortunately, we had quite a few mistakes with execution down the stretch. It is the first time this team has experienced end of game situations and we will absolutely learn from this.”

    The team (0-2, 0-0 CCAA) remains on the road with a midweek matchup against Dominican University on Wednesday, Nov. 17 in San Rafael, CA.

    Women’s Crew

    The Lumberjacks traveled to Foster City, CA to participate against strong Division I competition at the Head of the Lagoon. The squad raced in four different categories: Collegiate 4+, Novice 4+, Collegiate 8+ and Novice 8+. For many on the roster, it was their first taste of collegiate rowing competition.

    Head coach Matt Weise said he was impressed with the race results, and stressed the importance of getting out aggressive early on.

    “Stepping on the gas at the beginning of the race was the goal of ours heading into this race,” Weise said. “The experience piece is what we’re missing as for most of our rowers this is the first time being in this environment. I am extremely pleased with how we performed this afternoon.”

    Both collegiate teams finished 8th in their respective categories, while the Novice 4+ squad placed third. The highest placing Lumberjack team of the weekend was the Novice 8+ team who placed second behind UC Davis.

  • Lumberjacks celebrate seniors

    Lumberjacks celebrate seniors

    Humboldt State Volleyball concluded the 2021 campaign this past weekend with a pair of home matches on Thursday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 13. The team dropped both matches, losing in four sets on Thursday to Cal State Dominguez Hills and in three straight sets on Saturday to Cal State Los Angeles.

    Saturday’s final home match also stood as Senior Day, as the Lumberjacks celebrated their five graduating seniors before the game: outside hitter Christa Pilgrim, middle blocker Jasmine McNeal, libero Carla Crespo, outside hitter Lenox Loving and outside hitter Hannah Cantrell.

    For head coach Kelly Wood, it was good to be able to send her seniors off after a difficult year on the court.

    “It’s always one of the most challenging days of the year, your final day of season,” Wood said. “No matter how it ends, it’s just so emotional and difficult because you’ve had so many of these girls in your program for so many years and you just develop strong relationships with these kids.”

    Coach Wood also said she was proud of the resilience her team showed throughout a long, tough season.

    “I was just so impressed with the resiliency of our older girls,” the coach said. “They stay positive. They kept working hard. We all stayed unified as a group and I was just really impressed with the way they handled this season.”

    For senior Iibero Carla Crespo, the memories she made at Humboldt on and off the court will remain.

    “I’ve definitely made some of the best friends in my life,” Crespo said. “I’ve learned so much, just from the community and volleyball, and I’ve met just so many amazing people. I would never ever ever take it back.”

    Senior transfer Hannah Cantrell also said how rewarding the experience at Humboldt was.

    “I went to the University of Montana before this,” Cantrell said. “But Humboldt was always the dream. I love it here. When I was a kid, I used to come up here and visit, and in high school I was always like, ‘Oh I wanna go to Humboldt State!’ I ended up transferring here and I don’t regret it one single bit.”

    For many of the seniors, having the opportunity to compete and finish their career at home in front of fans after so much Covid uncertainty made the moment extra special.

    “With the Covid year, it was kinda like, ‘ok, maybe that was the last one,’” Cantrell said. “It’s kinda been touch and go for a minute their. I’m just so grateful I got one last season with the crowd, with the fans, with the girls and with our coaches. We weren’t really expecting at the beginning of the year to even have a crowd. It was kind of a surprise, and it wouldn’t have been the same environment without them at all.”

    The team finished the 2021 campaign with a final record of 3-18 and 2-16 in conference play.

  • Extreme weather challenges Humboldt power grid

    Increased extreme weather is stressing power grids throughout the United States, and Humboldt is no exception. Recent weather saw many Arcata residents without power during a storm. Though it is not uncommon for the weather to impact power, it is happening more often and for longer periods of time. A PG&E electric reliability report saw increasing trends in power outages for Humboldt county since 2017.

    Power outages are becoming more common nationally. According to the US Energy Information Association, outages have been on the rise in frequency and duration. California saw frequent public safety power shutoffs in the fire season. Texas and Oklahoma saw a power grid collapse in response to a cold snap. East coast grids faced stressors from a pronounced increase in Category 4-5 hurricanes according to NOAA.

    A 2018 National Climate Assessment mandated by the USGCRP summarized what continual extreme climate and weather patterns might mean for US power grids.

    “Climate change and extreme weather events are expected to increasingly disrupt our Nation’s energy and transportation systems, threatening more frequent and longer-lasting power outages, fuel shortages, and service disruptions,” the report said.

    The three main transmission lines importing power to Humboldt County are all located in wildfire hazard areas. This complicates hazards as power infrastructure ages over time. Aging powerlines coupled with drought conditions create extreme fire hazards. It’s these exact factors that led to the Camp fire in 2018 and a fire in Blue Lake in 2017. Jeremy Ward, a Fire Captain with the California Forest Service determined the cause of the Blue Lake fire was a faulty connector on a PG&E transmission line.

    “[A PG&E troubleman] said they were not supposed to use those anymore, and now use a different style connector,” Ward said in an investigation report. Since 2018 PG&E has created a Community Wildfire Safety Program and plans to upgrade powerlines. Currently, up to one-third of PG&E powerlines are in high fire-threat divisions.

    Power outages are an inconvenience on their own, but living in Humboldt means that a power outage may coincide with other disasters. Humboldt is located on a triple junction fault, home to the Pacific plate, North American plate, and Gorda plate. Proximity to the ocean also introduces tsunami risk. All of this coupled with a deactivated nuclear power plant built on a fault create a precarious situation.

    Given any seismic activity, there is a good chance that a power outage could soon follow. When preparing a “go bag,” don’t count on reliable electricity. Emergency kits should account for all intersections of disaster that could impact the area. Amanda Admire is an instructor at HSU teaching preparedness in her classes. She specializes in physical and geological oceanography, specifically tsunami current dynamics and hazard mitigation.

    “It’s very unique to live here geologically,” Admire said. “In terms of preparedness, the same rules apply. Creating an emergency kit in your home is very important in this area. Power outages are a great time to consider your emergency kit.”

    Living in the Humboldt area means you should have a well rounded go-bag. Always make sure to have flashlights and extra batteries. The best place to store extra batteries is in an extra flashlight. Be sure to have shelf-stable food and water. Due to the nature of Humboldt’s geography, access to water can rely on pumps. When the power is out, water is not guaranteed. It is also important to carry first aid kits and rechargeable batteries for phones in case you need to contact emergency services.

  • Students feel uninformed about the next polytechnic stages

    As HSU makes its transition to a polytechnic university, several new undergraduate and graduate programs are being proposed. The courses are majority STEM-based with interdisciplinary elements. The polytechnic has the potential to bring new opportunities to Northern California. New programs are being introduced as soon as Fall 2023. Some students have concerns about the polytechnic change. For many students, there is a lack of communication and uncertainty about what the transition to a polytechnic means.

    Madeleine Fisher is a fine arts student feeling confused about the process.

    “I don’t know what it means, is it gonna change tuition, when is it gonna happen?” Fisher said. “I feel like there is not a lot of communication to current students.”

    Another large concern for many students is housing. Arcata already faces a stressed housing situation. The prospectus estimates that Humboldt State University would expect to see an enrollment increase of 50% within three years and 100% within seven years. The student body would be somewhere over 11,000 with these numbers. Art student Emily Rune feels like there is no space for new enrollees to move to Arcata.

    “It feels like 99% of everyone I know here struggles to find housing,” Rune said. “There is no space here, nowhere to live. The housing is getting so much more expensive.”

    Vivian Spear is a senior working on her bachelor’s in studio arts. Spear feels that arts are already being pushed to the side as it is, and seeing the polytechnic transition also brings concerns about how it might impact Arcata’s artsy community. Arts students have always been involved in the community and organizing events.

    “The painting department is just one teacher right now,” Spear said. “There are no studio classes for painting. I feel like the artists who are here are connecting to the community, but the school isn’t helping with that.”

    According to an announcement from Humboldt State Now, the timeline for implementing these programs has been accelerated based on proposed state funding by Governor Newsom. At this time the funding is being considered by legislature. The programs still need to be approved by the CSU Chancellor’s Office, CSU Board of Trustees, and receive accreditation before they can be implemented.

    The new programs are Cannabis Studies, Applied Fire Science & Management, Data Science, Energy Systems Engineering, Engineering & Community Practice, Geospatial Information Science & Technology, Marine Biology, Mechanical Engineering, and Software Engineering. The goal is to see them in course catalogs by Fall 2023.

    “In the workforce, the arts and humanities play a crucial role in helping companies and organizations understand these complex discourse and attitudes, and their insights will increasingly shape decisions made by politicians, entrepreneurs, civil society activists, consumers, and citizens,” it said in the prospectus, highlighting the need for arts and humanities in STEM.

    The transition has the potential to make great strides for Humboldt students and communities. There is however the risk of losing part of what makes this school so special, our quirky art space and integrated communities. Students feel left out of this conversation and powerless against the changes to be faced. Maintaining identity is a major concern that students have.

  • Brace yourselves: January 2022, “HSU” will be a thing of the past

    Brace yourselves: January 2022, “HSU” will be a thing of the past

    Humboldt State has presented the initial movement to officially change HSU into California’s third polytechnic university. On Nov. 9 the California State University Board of Trustees met to discuss the name change of Humboldt State University to California State Polytechnic University Humboldt, or Cal Poly Humboldt. If approved by the trustees at the next meeting in Jan. 2022, the name change would be effective immediately.

    Starting in Jan. 2021, HSU began a self study program to decide if they had the qualities to fulfill the role as a polytechnic university. President Tom Jackson expects the turning of HSU into a polytechnic to assist in stimulating the economy of Northern California. Currently HSU is the largest employer in the area, boasting $495 million annually.

    On June 25 Governor Newsom and the state legislature designated $433 million in one time funding for facilities as well as $25 million in recurring operating costs to help transform HSU into a polytechnic university. At the November board of trustees meeting Provost Jenn Capps, President Tom Jackson, and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Sylvia Alva presented an item to officially request the name change of Humboldt State University. The action will be taken in the January 2022 Board of Trustees meeting.

    A polytechnic university is one that embraces a learn-by-doing approach. This allows students to apply learned concepts in preparation for careers. It includes natural and applied sciences, technology, engineering, and also focuses on liberal arts curriculum. According to Jen Capps, HSU will be a different kind of polytechnic university.

    “We don’t deem to replicate the excellence at Pomona and San Luis Obispo,” Capps said. “But strengthen our expertise in sustainability and traditional ecological knowledge, and social justice and who we include and not who we exclude.”

    Within the first seven years of becoming a polytechnic, HSU projects to bring up the enrollment to 11,000 students, nearly doubling the current enrollment numbers. This has been a key goal since the recent years have seen steadily declining enrollment numbers.

    HSU plans on hiring more diverse staff and faculty to increase inclusion. Another objective for the university is increasing tribal partnership with the thirteen tribes in the surrounding areas. The university offers education to the tribal populations to help them grow and flourish. Both the university and the tribes will work together to fuse their knowledge of science and the environment to help support the community.

    The board of trustees seemed generally supportive of the HSU name change, although they did have key questions for the presenters. Questions posed addressed student housing concerns, giving back to tribes, supporting higher education in tribal communities, as well as strategies to improve enrollment.

    Although many questions are yet to be answered, trustees were overall supportive. One trustee, Adam Day, voiced his support of the polytechnic change.

    “It just makes so much sense for so many reasons,” Day said. “The special place this campus holds in that physical geographical location. Historical issues, the economic issues, social economic issues, environmental and ecological. Your campus is so unique.”

    With the incredible amount of money designated to the school and the immense pressure to properly create a new polytechnic, HSU president Tom Jackson seems up for the challenge.

    “This is a huge responsibility,” Jackson said. “HSU will be deliberate and respectful and responsible and forthright as we accept the investment by the people of California in this incredible university and the emerging region. This is our moment.”

    There will be a virtual open forum held by Provost Jen Capps and Chief of Staff Sherie C. Gordon on November 19th at 10:00AM. This is an opportunity for students, staff, faculty and members of the community to share their thoughts and ask questions about the upcoming changes. Register for the Zoom meeting in advance, online. If you have further questions call or email poly@humboldt.edu or 707-826-3300.