The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Category: News

  • Humboldt County acquires 1000 acres for Community Forest

    Humboldt County acquires 1000 acres for Community Forest

    1000 acres of Green Diamond logging land could turn into a multi-use community forest

    Eureka will soon have its own version of Arcata’s established community park in the form of the McKay Community Forest. An initiative led by Deputy Director of Humboldt Public Works, Hank Seemann, looks to develop 1,000 acres of forest acquired from Green Diamond logging company into a multi-use community forest with trails for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers.

    Seemann said that Green Diamond initiated the land transfer after determining that some of its own property could be put to better use serving the community. The county is also looking to acquire an additional 197 acres from Green Diamond southwest of the current forest. Locals have been exploring the McKay tract for decades, there is currently a network of vague, carved-out single tracks running through the park.

    “A lot of those trails were not planned, so they may or may not be in appropriate locations or connect to access points,” Seemann said. “One of our goals with this trail plan was to link trails to proper access points so we’re not having impacts on adjacent neighborhoods.”

    On Jan. 30 the county released a draft trail plan for the McKay Community Forest. The planned trail network would contain 27 miles of trails and access roads and 1.5 miles of handicapped-accessible trail, with an additional 0.7 miles of improved access trail. The next month the county collected input from community members on what they’d like to see in their community forest.

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Hank Seemann” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]”It will probably take the McKay Forest 10 to 20 years to resemble today’s Arcata Community Forest.”[/perfectpullquote]

    “We received approximately 90 comments, with a large voice expressed from the mountain bike community,” Seemann said. “This group mostly was appreciative of new mountain biking trails near Eureka and offered to assist with further trail design and construction.”

    Some residents living near access points to the forest were concerned that there would be increased traffic in their neighborhoods, but the proposed plan looks to phase in other access points as properties adjacent to the forest get subdivided in coming years.

    “It will probably take the McKay Forest 10 to 20 years to resemble today’s Arcata Community Forest,” Seemann said. “We’re just in the infancy of figuring out the property and coordinating with community groups to ensure a robust development.”

    McKay%20Trail%20Plan%20Maps%201-30-2019_201901301332187290.jpg
    The proposed plan includes 27 miles of trails total with 1.5 miles being handicap accessible. | Map courtesy of humboldtgov.org

    Sean Tetrault owns Revolution Bikes and has been exploring the McKay tract since he was a kid attending Winship Junior High in Eureka. He says that after the county started its process of development he sees more use than ever before.

    “People are getting curious and walking in,” Tetrault said. “I still primarily see mountain bikers out there myself, once you get distanced from the developed areas.”

    For the most part, the unsanctioned trails running through the McKay tract are raw skid lines and singletracks, occasionally cleaned up by those who Tetrault affectionately dubs “Trail Gnomes.”

    “This project is going to give mountain bikers better options. Mountain bike specific routes are included in the plan, which is a step beyond what we’ve seen in the Arcata Community Forest,” Tetrault said. “For people that are nervous about being on an unauthorized route, this will make it easier. I think it will grow mountain biking, honestly.”

  • Letter to the Editor: Charmaine Lawson in response to APD’S press release

    Letter to the Editor: Charmaine Lawson in response to APD’S press release

    PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release

    Charmaine Lawson, mother of David Josiah Lawson: In response to APD’s Press Release

    Dear Humboldt County Community Members,

    I, Charmaine Lawson (Mother of DJ Lawson), was disheartened and outraged at the press release issued yesterday from the Arcata Police Department (APD). For the first time after almost two years of allegedly investigating the murder of my first born son, APD set up a 24-hour tip line and released images of potential witnesses. Why weren’t these actions taken two years ago? And, why is the APD primarily releasing images of African American attendees of the party?

    As a Mother who raised two ambitious, amazing, brilliant, outstanding, young Black men (that both went to college), I am deeply disturbed by the recent actions of the APD. When I viewed the blurry images from the press release, all I saw was Black and Brown young people leaving the scene. Why didn’t the officers on the scene that night obtain their names, contact information and statements at the time of the murder? Why – after two years – is the APD just now trying to identify people in attendance at the birthday party? This is beyond negligent.

    I was told by the three chiefs of police from APD and a city official that Kyle Zoellner’s DNA is on the knife that was used to murder my son. It is time that Humboldt County residents call out and address the Arcata City officials and Humboldt County DA Maggie Fleming regarding DNA evidence appearing on the knife that wasused to murder a young college student. I cannot bring my son back, but we can help take a murderer off the streets. Why should a murderer walk the streets with your loved ones? If he killed once, he will kill again. Do you feel safer as a result of the actions the APD has taken in connection with this case? If not, then I encourage you to demand answers from your local representatives.

    ***I demand that the DA’s office hand over a copy of the official Grand Jury transcript to my lawyers.***

    This case must be immediately turned over to the CA Department Of Justice (DOJ). DA Fleming has previously called in the FBI and State Attorney General for help during the Sheriff’s Office corruption investigation. Fleming emphasized the urgency of the need for assistance to these outside agencies during that investigation. Why did she not push for the DOJ to take over the investigation of the murder of my son (especially after she failed to present adequate and/or sufficient evidence at both the preliminary hearing and grand jury proceedings)? The DOJ will not decline a county official request.

    I have been informed that there are only two major DNA contributors on the knife. DNA does not LIE. But, the DA has decided that in order to take any further action on this case the investigators need to find an eye witness. In other words, District Attorney Fleming wants the public to believe that eyewitness testimony is more reliable than the results of scientific DNA forensic testing. This is beyond absurd.

    ● Ann O’keefe was 11 years old when she was strangled to death in Southern California in 1973. DNA evidence brought her murderer to justice about 3 weeks ago.

    ● Anna Hiavka was found murdered in Portland in 1979. DNA evidence identified her killer as Jerry “Animal” McFadden.

    ● Grim Sleeper, serial killer Lonnie Franklin, responsible for decades of murders, was caught through DNA evidence.

    ● The Golden State Killer – 13 murder counts from 1970s to the 1980s – was caught through DNA evidence.

    These are just a few examples of how DNA evidence can identify a person(s) responsible for committing crimes. How long will I have to grieve before my son’s murderer is brought to justice?

    Two years ago, my son and his friends were leaving a birthday party when they were approached by a young woman and her friends about a missing cell phone. My son lost his life over a cell phone. A phone that was later found by Lila Ortega.

    I will fight for justice for my son. I will fight for justice in Humboldt County. There are many murder cases on DA Fleming’s desk that she is unwilling to prosecute. I am fighting for those families as well. The failure of the APD to protect and serve this community is an issue that is greater than my son. I will not accept the lack of justice for families (like mine) that have suffered as a result of incompetence, lack of proper training, and/or intentional or negligent mishandling of serious criminal investigations. My son is not the only murder victim whose case has been buried and swept under the rug in Humboldt County, California. Enough is enough. It is time to speak truth to power.

    I would like to offer my condolences and heartbreak to the family of Brandon Brocious, for the loss of your son, and miscarriage of justice today. The Lawson family stands with you. Justice for Brandon.

    “To be a man is to be responsible, is to feel shame at the sight of unmerited misery” – David Josiah Lawson, my beloved DJ.

    REST IN POWER MY SWEET LOVE. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. ALWAYS AND FOREVER,

    MOMMYS ANGEL.

    In love and justice,

    Charmaine Lawson

  • Arcata Police seek community help

    Arcata Police seek community help

    APD is asking the community to help identify partygoers from the night of the Josiah Lawson murder

    The Arcata Police Department issued a press release asking the community to help with identifying individuals who may have witnessed the murder of Josiah Lawson. Lawson was murdered at a house party in Arcata on April 15, 2017. The APD press release reads as follows:

    City of Arcata

    PRESS RELEASE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    APD SEEKS THE PUBLIC’S HELP WITH LAWSON INVESTIGATION

    The Arcata Police Department has established a 24-hour tip line for any member of the public to call and provide information on the murder of David Josiah Lawson. Josiah Lawson, a Humboldt State University student, was killed at a house party in the 1100 block of Spear Avenue on April 15, 2017. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at (707)825-2590. Callers may remain anonymous if they choose. Additionally, the Arcata Police Department is releasing still images from video obtained near the crime scene in order to identify anyone in these images as potential witnesses. The photos are available on the Arcata Police Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/arcatapd/). If you have any information on the identity and/or whereabouts of anyone depicted in these photographs, please call the Arcata Police Department’s Lawson Tip Line (707)825-2590, or on the APD business line at (707)822-2428.

    Screen Shot 2019-03-27 at 3.42.14 PM.png
    Photo courtesy of Arcata Police
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    Photo courtesy of Arcata Police
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    Photo courtesy of Arcata Police
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    Photo courtesy of Arcata Police
    Screen Shot 2019-03-27 at 3.42.29 PM.png
    Photo courtesy of Arcata Police
  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    Oh man, there must have been something in the air the week before Spring Break. Someone turned himself in for an outstanding warrant, there were multiple fights on campus and on the bus, slit car tires, drunk people on campus and finally, multiple skateboard violations. Oh yeah, and some folks got their pieces seized, bummer! But don’t worry, the week of Spring Break had its own eccentricities.

    The Rolling Count:

    · Possession charges = 5

    · Contraband/paraphernalia seizures = 6

    Holler hootie hoo!

    Monday March 18

    · RAAAGEEEE FACE!!— “A vehicle owner who was irate with Parking staff regarding a parking citation was warned and advised of proper complaint procedure.” I get it, tickets suck. However, the parking staff are just doing their jobs, don’t scream at them.

    · The circus is in town— “A male who was balancing on a large red ball while juggling bowling pins in the parking lot was asked to move to a safer location.” I don’t know what a “safer location” would entail, but the dude is literally standing on a ball while juggling. I think he has it under control. But maybe not, ya’ never know.

    Tuesday March 19

    · This isn’t your room, it’s down the hall—So someone in Fern Residence Hall was “staying in a different room than the room which was rented to him.” Dude, just go home. If it smells, tell your roomies to clean the eff up.

    Wednesday March 20

    · Someone stole a scooter and that is about it for Wednesday.

    Thursday March 21

    · Open window policy?—Someone was spotted climbing through a window at the Fern Residence Hall. UPD was unable to find the person but concluded, “it was a resident who possibly lost his key.”

    Friday March 22

    · Take it outside—Someone was warned for skating inside of the Science D building.

    Saturday March 23

    · Stop it kid!—Literal children called UPD from one of those blue light emergency post things. UPD heard the “voices of children” in the background. Don’t worry, “the parents will admonish their children.”

    Sunday March 24

    · GHOSTS!!—I freakin’ knew it!! One of the librarians called UPD because she believed “there may be someone on the second or third floor.” UPD showed up… and found someone on the third floor. Dang it, I was psyched for some paranormal activity. One of these days, we will find some legit ghost activity.

  • J4J speaks at city council meeting

    J4J speaks at city council meeting

    Justice For Josiah committee urge the city to send Josiah case to the Department of Justice

    Over a dozen of Justice For Josiah Committee members filled the chambers at city hall during Arcata City Council’s Wednesday meeting. The open to public meeting was met with dissatisfaction from J4J supporters and a call to send Josiah’s case to the Department of Justice or DOJ J4J member Karpani Burns was the first to speak and told Arcata City Council to connect with their humanity.

    “I am here to express my disappointment in the J4J decision not to prosecute,” Burns said. “My feelings of the disconnect in this town, county, and country is truly becoming an epidemic. It is beginning to implode on its self.”

    Karpani.jpg Karpani Burns urges Arcata City Council to seek help from the DOJ for David Josiah Lawson’s case. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    It has been nearly two years since the murder of David Josiah Lawson without a conviction. On March 13, Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced there would not be any charges filed in Josiah’s case, sparking protests in Eureka and gatherings at HSU.

    J4J organizer Jill Larrabee urged Arcata City Council to send letters to the DOJ asking for assistance in the case.

    “We ask you to do all you can,” Larrabee said. “All of you have connections and all have the power to write letters.”

    Larrabee went on to say although she was angry and frustrated, she wasn’t surprised with DA Fleming’s decision. She told the city council that Fleming isn’t here for black people or justice.

    “This is a recognition of racial inequality,” Larrabee said. “ We need this case out of Humboldt County. We are not going anywhere. Charmaine is not going anywhere.”

    J4J member Kelsey Reedy was also not surprised with Fleming’s decision. Reedy said the system in place is not here to help people of color but people of power and that no entity in Humboldt County can handle Josiah’s case.

    “We have been told multiple times this is an open and shut case, obviously it’s not,” Reedy said. “We demand you call the DOJ, however that works, either individually or as a council. We cannot let Charmaine wait any longer.”

    External affairs representative for HSU’s Associated Students and J4J member Oliver Winfield-Perez agrees with Reedy and told Arcata City Council the lack of support for Josiah’s case shows the lack of capability to solve it without the DOJ.

    Winfield-Perez said the friends of Josiah’s who were with him when he was murdered have to live with that trauma everyday and weren’t given the support they needed.

    “I wonder about those students a lot,” Winfield-Perez said. “They were disrespected by APD and the community at large. They had to create their own network and space for healing without city council.”

    Mayor Bret Watson told J4J committee members Arcata City Council has some letters already drafted to the DOJ as well as local elected officials.

    “We will make sure we’ll get some refresh calls for help,” Watson said.

    Letters to be sent to the DOJ wasn’t the only thing J4J committee members were asking for. Retired Attorney and J4J member Richard Kossow, urged Arcata City Council to release the Police Foundation report on APD’s case.

    “Its time we have some kind of understanding of this investigation,” Kossow said. “Is there an action step to close this?”

    IMG_8746.JPG Over a dozen Justice For Josiah committee members attended the Arcata City Council meeting on Wednesday March 20 2019 to urge them to seek the help of the DOJ in Lawson’s case. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    The Police Foundation is a national organization built to hold police forces accountable. They were called in by Arcata City Council in 2018 once APD’s investigation was wrapped.

    City Manager Karen Diemer said the report would be out by May. Arcata Chief of Police Brian Ahearn said he supports the decision of asking the DOJ for assistance if that is what city council decides.

    “If that determines to be the best course of action for the city than I support it,” Ahearn said. “As long as we are on the case we will look for outside help.”

  • Gathering for Justice For Josiah

    Gathering for Justice For Josiah

    By T. William Wallin and Freddy Brewster

    Although no indictment, Charmaine Lawson vows to keep fighting

    “My son needs you more now than ever, stand for him and fight for him.” These words were spoken by Charmaine Lawson to a crowd of grieving students, faculty, administrators and community members at the UC quad on Friday March 15.

    IMG_9139.jpg
    Justice For Josiah Committee stand in solidarity with Charmaine Lawson as he addresses a crowd of students, faculty, administrators, and community members about keeping up the fight to find justice for her son David Josiah Lawson. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    “Thank you everybody for being here,” Lawson said. “We will see how the system treats people who aren’t from here, we shouldn’t be judged by the color of our skin but by our character. My son was a man of character.”

    On Wednesday March 13, a grand jury declined to indict any person in the fatal stabbing of Charmaine Lawson’s son and murdered HSU student, David Josiah Lawson. This lead to protests at the Humboldt County Courthouse and Justice For Josiah Committee to hold a gathering for Justice For Josiah on campus.

    IMG_9203.jpg
    Students, faculty, administrators, and community members join hands in a moment of silence for David Josiah Lawson. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Lawson has been a presence in Humboldt County in the last 23 months since her son was murdered. She has brought attention of her son’s death to CSU Chancellor, Timothy White, CSU Chairman, Adam Day, as well as California’s attorney General Xavier Barrera.

    “Your life is not supposed to be taken like my son’s,” Lawson said. “I am not going anywhere, I’m a fighter and will be fighting until the end. I need you help and your support. We have to let people know about Josiah.”

    IMG_9182.jpg
    Lorna Bryant, who has been spreading the story of David Josiah Lawson through KHSU, stands with Charmaine Lawson. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Justice For Josiah Committee member Nathaniel McGuigan said his thoughts on the grand jury’s decision was unforgivable. He said this stops the progression of the efforts of Justice For Josiah and “shows how the system supports white supremacy and the capitalist state”. Although McGuigan is disappointed with the decision he is optimistic on moving forward.

    “As long as we hold them accountable there is hope,” McGuigan said. “Without pressure nothing can be done.”

    IMG_9160.jpg
    Charmaine Lawson addresses students, faculty, administrators, and community members that she will not give up fighting for justice for her son David Josiah Lawson. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    A.S. President Jazmin Sandoval shares McGuigan’s disappointment. She said that the University has not been involved with the students since Josiah’s murder and students have been having to help other students.

    “Charmaine just wants our support and she’s got it,” Sandoval said. “I’m hoping we are going to do our best. I don’t have faith in the criminal justice system but I have faith in the people.”

    IMG_9187.jpg
    J4J committee member, Daniel Segura, embraces Charmaine Lawson at the Gathering For Justice For Josiah. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Sandoval said HSU administrators wanted to have a moment of silence for Josiah but students rejected their plan because of their absence in the past 23 months. The Gathering For Justice For Josiah was put together by Lawson and the J4J Committee.

    “We did this gathering so students could be there for Charmaine,” Sandoval said. “We aren’t going to stop until we get justice for Josiah.”

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    Charmaine Lawson holding flowers someone gave her during the moment of silence for her son David Josiah Lawson. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    HSU President Lisa Rossbacher was among the crowd listening to Lawson and said “there is no such thing as enough for times like this.” Rossbacher said she was sad for Charmaine and her family and the friends of Josiah.

    “The city and university are working together to make sure that this place is safe for all of our students,” Rossbacher said. “When we talk about justice for Josiah I think we need to make sure we change society into something that is fair and equitable for all.”

    Arcata Police Chief Brian Ahearn agrees and said UPD and APD have been working together and have a healthy collaboration in place. Ahearn said he attended the Gathering For Justice For Josiah to stand in solidarity with Lawson, Josiah and the HSU community. Ahearn said he is confident they will solve this case and bring justice for Josiah.

    “We are going to get this done,” Ahearn said. “We are going to identify without any doubt who killed Josiah.”

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    Arcata Chief of Police Brian Ahearn and University Police Chief Donn Peterson mourn the death of Josiah Lawson at the Gathering for Justice for Josiah at the HSU quad on March 15. | Photo by Freddy Brewster.
  • Letter to the Editors

    Letter to the Editors

    SQE students demand disarming campus police as part of statewide campaign at Board of Trustees

    Starting at 10:00 am on March 19th, members of the Students for Quality Education will be advocating for disarming campus police and security along their peers at the Board of Trustees meeting at the Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, California as part of their “No Harm, Disarm!” campaign. The demand is one of many to address student safety on campus, which also includes working to create community-led crisis intervention and response teams, investing in more mental health counselors and supports, investing in Black resource centers and other cultural centers, mandatory de-escalation and unconscious bias training for all campus police and security, and more.

    Members of the campus and local news media are invited to attend:

    Board of Trustees meeting/March 19th at 10:00am

    Office of the Chancellor/Long Beach

    Office map with parking information: https://www2.calstate.edu/maps-and-directions-to-chancellors-office

    Members of the Students for Quality Education will be at the meeting.

    Following the meeting, SQE students will be available to speak to media and reporters.

    BACKGROUND

    We want ALL students to feel safe on our campus. Instead of funding more firearms and officers on our campuses, our CSU’s should be investing in proactive and preventative solutions, like more mental health counselors and cultural centers for students.

    Regardless of how students react to police, campus police officers should undergo mandatory de-escalation and unconscious bias training to adequately deal with situations regarding all students. We recognize the over-policing of black and brown students and demand our CSU work with communities to explore alternatives to police and find solutions to police and student disparities. We want our schools to start adopting restorative justice practices to redefine what justice looks like in our communities, focusing less on punishment, and more on healing and repairing harm.

    More information about our “No Harm, Disarm!” campaign and our demands can be found here: http://csusqe.org/noharmdisarm/

    ABOUT STUDENTS FOR QUALITY EDUCATION (SQE): Students for Quality Education was formed in the 2007-2008 academic year by students in the California State University (CSU) system to build the student movement for educational rights in public higher education. They are assisted in their efforts by the California Faculty Association. For more information about SQE and information about chapters, go to http://csusqe.org.

    For more information contact: ealcantar@calfac.org

  • Breaking: No justice for Josiah

    Breaking: No justice for Josiah

    No indictment, but APD Chief vows to bring justice

    By: T.William Wallin and Freddy Brewster

    Humboldt County District Attorney Maggie Fleming announced that there will not be any charges filed in regard to the 2017 murder of Josiah Lawson. A Grand Jury met on Feb. 28 and reviewed “testimony from 25 witnesses, including experts in forensics and DNA,” according to a released statement.

    Arcata chief of police Brian Ahearn said that he takes full responsibility for the shortcomings in the investigation and has called for additional witnesses to come forward.

    “I have fallen short and have not delivered a final product to hold someone accountable for murder,” Ahearn said. “We need witnesses to come forward and we need the public’s help.”

    HSU student activist and member of Justice for Josiah Deema Hindawi was dismayed by the announcement.

    “I feel sick to my stomach, I am disgusted and feel betrayed,” Hindawi said. “A black man was murdered. What we are learning here at HSU is that there is system that only works for certain people.”

    Josiah Lawson was stabbed multiple times at an off-campus party in Arcata on April 15, 2017. Since the beginning of the investigation there has been controversy involving how the Arcata Police Department handled the homicide.

    Former APD chief of police, Thomas Chapman abruptly resigned in 2018 as well as former FBI special investigator Tom Parker. Parker resigned due to frustration with how the case was being handled, and said it was “clear [APD] was holding back things and not telling me the truth.”

    Chief Ahearn is new to the Arcata Police Department having started in late 2018. However, he has pledged to bring justice.

    “We are not going to rest until justice is brought to Josiah,” Ahearn said. “We are going to solve this case, we are not going to give up. We will get this. This investigation is far from over.”

    Humboldt State will be offering support in the Jolly Giant Commons this evening from 7 to 11 p.m.

  • Preventing death

    Preventing death

    HSU is taking the initiative to prevent opioid overdoses with Narcan training

    Hold it like a cigarette, shove it up the nostril as far as you can and blast the plunger. These are the directions on how to properly administer Narcan nasal spray to a person overdosing on opioids.

    Ocean Capewell, masters of social work and intern for HSU Health and Well Being, and Mira Friedman, lead for Health Education and Medical Clinic Support Services at HSU, hosted the second-ever Narcan training at HSU on March 11.

    “As far as we know there are no other CSU campuses that offer this type of training,” Capewell said. “This is new to Humboldt and very exciting.”

    IMG_9021.jpg
    Ocean Capewell, masters of social work intern for HSU health and well being, and Mira Friedman, Lead for Health Education and Medical Clinic Support Services at HSU, hold a box of Narcan nasal spray at the second ever Narcan training at HSU on March 11 2019. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Narcan is generic for the drug Naloxone which Capewell said is an opioid antagonist. Capewell said our brains have opioid receptors and Naloxone confuses the receptors so they do not attach to opioids coming into the brain. The easiest form of Naloxone, demonstrated by Capewell and Friedman during the training, is through a nasal spray. Capewell said they wanted to have “the lowest barrier form” on campus so anybody can use it.

    “It is very safe and has had no problems for people using it,” Capewell said. “It is only useful for people using opioids but more important it’s for loved ones, house mates and friends to have. Once you overdose you wont be able to administer it yourself.”

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    Narcan nasal spray is a safe and easy preventative of death for those overdosing from opioid. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Capewell instructed those at the training on what to do when someone is overdosing. Capewell said to first call 911 and then hold the Narcan nasal spray in between two fingers so you don’t accidentally deploy it. Next you place the spray as far up the nostril as you can and hit the button. Capewell said “they don’t have to be breathing” for the spray to work because it gets in the mucous membrane. Afterwards lay them on their back and apply rescue breathing, which is two quick breaths and then one breath every five seconds for the next two minutes.

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Mira Friedman” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]“Eureka police just got Narcan and saved someone over the weekend. The Eureka library has saved someone recently who was using in the bathroom. It’s pretty amazing.”[/perfectpullquote]

    “They are going to feel terrible when they wake up,” Capewell said. “They will most likely be withdrawing, which is one of the worst experiences a person can have. They may be vomiting, shaking and unable to control their bowel movements but they’ll be alive.”

    Friedman said Naloxene distribution began in 2003, and within the first year overdose deaths decreased by 42 percent. Friedman said local distributors in Humboldt County include Public Health North Coast Aids Project, Redwoods Rural Health Center, Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction (HACHR), and Cloney’s Pharmacy.

    “Eureka police just got Narcan and saved someone over the weekend,” Friedman said. “The Eureka library has saved someone recently who was using in the bathroom. It’s pretty amazing.”

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    Ocean Capewell, masters of social work intern for HSU health and well being, during the second Narcan training at HSU. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Friedman said that there is a stereotype of people who use opioids as all needle users or living on the street. She said that 40 percent of opioid overdoses involved a prescription drug and that really challenges the myths and stigmas revolving around opioid addiction. Friedman also said that Naloxene is not treatment but something used to prevent death.

    “We’re interested in giving people information on harm reduction like data and statistics,” Friedman said. “Especially being in Humboldt because this issue is so great.”

    Psychology senior Victor Ahumada was one of the attendees at the training and said he was there because he knows there is an opioid crisis, especially in Humboldt. Ahumada said when there are available trainings he wants to take advantage of them. Although he has never dealt with anybody overdosing, Ahumada now carries Narcan with him just in case.

    “I think this is something everyone should know about,” Ahumada said. “Everyone may not necessarily have to carry Narcan but they should know this is a huge problem. It’s important to be aware and be a part of the prevention.”

    The next Narcan trainings will be held in April:

    Tuesday, April 6 at 12 p.m. Nelson Hall room 106

    Tuesday, April 23 at 5 p.m. Library Fishbowl

  • Humboldt Startup Weekend

    Humboldt Startup Weekend

    Entrepreneurs showcase their business ideas in weekend long event

    Humboldt Startup Weekend took place March 8 through 10 on the third floor of the HSU library. Students and community members came together to create their startup business. There were many different businesses that all had the same hopes of solving the problems people face every day.

    One example of this is Heather’s Hemp Alternative created by Heather Rubialles, a Cal Poly alumni, as way to combat the individual non-recyclable plastic that is given in dispensaries. With legalization, it means cannabis must be put in a child-safe container. These containers are non-recyclable and non-reusable. Heather’s Hemp Alternative plans to sell hemp as biodegradable alternative to the plastic containers in dispensaries.

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    A team of students collaborating to start their hemp alternative business. | Photo by Amanda Schultz

    Fourth year Humboldt State student Yomira Rodrigez said that, child-proof packaging is not recyclable and can end up in the ocean. With the environment being on just about everyone’s minds, this start-up plans to help combat some of the plastic waste in our oceans.

    “I’ve been researching this for about eight months,” Rubialles said. “Hemp plastic really depends on the shape and sizes, but the packaging would be child proof and bio-degrade in four to six months.”

    This group received third place in the start-up competition. Another startup that plans to change how the world lives is the Tiny Village Project. With the current homeless student epidemic, they plan to build sustainable affordable short-term housing for transitioning and homeless students. The program would follow the “Betty Chin Model,” which is a Eureka shelter that gives people the tools to get out on their own.

    Humboldt State student Nicole Adler is apart of the Tiny Village Project.

    “The rooms would be small individual rooms with a shared living, kitchen and bathroom space,” Adler said.

    IMG_3488.jpg
    Students in the group “Tiny Village Project” having fun during Startup Weekend as they brainstorm ideas of how to end student homelessness. | Photo by Amanda Schultz

    They’re hoping that by giving students housing, they’ll be able to gain other opportunities, such as employment.

    Learn to Achieve was another startup, who is following the non-profit model to get their idea started. The goal is to help struggling students ages 9 through 13 by giving them real-world life skills that correlate to what they’re learning in the classroom.

    Sean Dan, a Gear-up coordinator at Del North High School, envisioned a “supportive service” that encouraged students to follow what they are passionate about when he created Learn to Achieve with his team.

    There was even a startup that wanted to infuse honey with herbal medicines, called Honey Herbal Twigs. This group received second place. Plastic to Life received first place. Despite these teams winning the top prizes, all the groups who participated won by creating real world businesses that solve many relevant problems.

    IMG_7609.JPG
    Humboldt Startup Weekend prize board. | Photo by Amanda Schultz
  • Forum discusses border wall

    Forum discusses border wall

    A student-run economic forum explored the impact of border wall expansion

    Economics majors discussed a recently-released study regarding the effects of the 2006 Secure Fence Act at an open forum, held last Friday at Fiesta Grill and Cantina.

    The Secure Fence Act added 548 miles of wall, fencing or other physical barrier to the existing barriers along the southern border. Carlos Rodgers was one of the two economics majors hosting the panel, and found much of the information in the study to be surprising.

    “I was surprised that the impact per worker was so small,” Rodgers said. “The gain in wages felt by uneducated Americans is small compared to the wage reduction for college-educated Americans.”

    The study, released last November, found that wall expansion harmed college-educated U.S. workers by $4.35 per person annually, and boosted the wages of uneducated Americans by 36 cents. The construction itself cost the nation $2.3 billion, or about $7 in taxes per person according to the study.

    MVIMG_20190308_165207.jpg
    Economics professors, students and others gathered to discuss the economic effects of border barriers in the back of the Fiesta Grill and Cantina. | Photo by Jett Williams

    Economically, Mexico didn’t benefit from the wall expansion either. The study found that educated Mexican workers lost roughly $2.99 in annual income, and less-educated Mexicans lost $1.34.

    Estrella Corza, another economics major who attended the forum, recognized the ineffectiveness of walls as a solution.

    “On both sides of the wall, there wasn’t progress,” Corza said. “No one benefited from this.”

    In addition to being economically unfavorable, the study found that the wall expansion barely changed the number of people who illegally cross the border. According to the study, the new pieces of wall built after 2006 reduced the number of Mexicans living in the United States by just 0.6 percent, or about 82,650 people.

    As the forum continued, it became clear that the wall was ineffective as a solution to the illegal immigration problem.

    Attendee David B. joked, “Has anyone considered a moat?”

    Nicola Matthews, an economics professor at HSU, stated what some people were thinking about halfway through the forum.

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Nicola Matthews” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]”Politicians often blame immigrants for the shrinking middle class. They are looking for someone to blame.”[/perfectpullquote]

    “Assuming calculations are correct, moving forward we don’t want to build more walls,” Matthews said. “Isn’t that the consensus?”

    With that, the discussion moved to alternative solutions. Ideas like cracking down on illegal-immigrant-hiring businesses and guest-worker programs were floated, but the final consensus was that the best way to curb illegal immigration would be to improve the wages and quality-of-life in Mexico, so less people would feel the need to immigrate.

    Despite being a charged topic the forum didn’t get heated or argumentative, and the participants saved political discussion until the forum was wrapping up. They acknowledged that many other factors like xenophobia, bias and racism play a role in the decision to build a wall.

    “Politicians often blame immigrants for the shrinking middle class,” Matthews said. “They are looking for someone to blame. ‘Why is my family suffering?’”

  • J4J protests

    J4J protests

    Protestors gather to demand Justice for Josiah

    By: Freddy Brewster and T.William Wallin

    Nearly fifteen people gathered outside of the Humboldt County Courthouse Wednesday night to protest the grand jury’s decision to not bring charges in the murder of Josiah Lawson.

    Lawson was stabbed during a house party in Arcata on April 15, 2017. Among the protesters is Jill Larrabee, a Justice for Josiah (J4J) organizer and friend of Charmaine Lawson.

    “I am infuriated with the decision, I don’t have words for it,” Larrabee said. “We have been out here for almost two years and it feels like we are getting robbed of justice. It’s the same story that has been happening for forever.”

    Larrabee said she has been involved in the J4J movement in since the beginning but became more intimately involved in January of 2018.

    “It is my duty to get involved,” Larrabee said. “I wanted to pick up when the students had to focus on school.”

    Eric Martin of McKinleyville also showed up to protest the grand jury’s decision. Martin grew up in Burlingame, Calif. and move to Humboldt to attend school at HSU. Martin graduated in 2007 with an art degree and became involved in the J4J movement last summer.

    “I am upset and I feel really angry that they aren’t going to do anything,” Martin said. “I thought there had been enough of an investigation to bring the murderer in.”

    Meg Stofsky is a member of the local NAACP chapter and showed up to demand for something to be done in this case as well. Stofsky is relatively new to Humboldt county having moved here from Upstate New York in 2017.

    “I’m shocked about how far behind the times the racial issues are here,” Stofsky said. “I love Charmaine Lawson and she needs justice, but it wasn’t served yet again.”

  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    No new weed incidents to report. However, there was a report of a mountain lion on campus, a guy throwing a brick through his car window and some “suspicious circumstances.” A few incidents of mental health breakdowns also took place. If you are experiencing a tough time and need someone to talk to, reach out to the Counseling and Psychological Services folks at (707) 826-3236. Hopefully the blotter bytes can bring a few laughs to your life!

    The Rolling Count:

    · Possession charges = 5

    · Contraband/paraphernalia seizures = 4

    Holler hootie hoo!

    Monday, March 4

    · Aww pretty kitty—A mountain lion was hanging out on the softball field around 8:30 p.m. Don’t try to pet wild animals, please.

    · Good guy alert x5—UPD helped with some jumpstarts and locked doors. Thanks!

    · Skating is not a crime…yet—Three people were warned for skating on campus. One blew through a stop sign and two “juvenile boys” were “riding tricks on the front steps” of the library.

    Tuesday, March 5

    · Nothing really happened on Tuesday. A couple people didn’t like stop signs and decided to ignore them and one person had a speeding problem. Maybe Wednesday will have something more interesting?

    Wednesday, March 6

    · Hit by car—A pedestrian was hit by a car on Plaza Ave. around 5:00 p.m. and was taken to hospital via ambulance. Listen up everyone, make sure to drive slow on campus and to be aware of your surroundings.

    · You get the boot!—Two vehicles received “vehicle immobilization” boots due to unpaid parking tickets. A lot of us are guilty of not paying parking tickets (what up Denver, CO!), but UPD can be lenient at times. Check in with them if you get one, or two. But after that you too may get the boot!

    Thursday, March 7

    · “Suspicious circumstances”—Two people were standing in the parking lot talking and “watching passersby.” So, someone called the cops. Pretty lame…

    · Harassment—Someone reported being harassed by an “unidentified male subject.” If you feel unsafe at night, or at any other time for that matter, don’t hesitate to call UPD for a safety escort. The phone number is (707) 826-5555.

    Friday, March 8

    · Loud noises!—There was a report of a man yelling at women near the Plaza Circle. However, when UPD showed up “no subjects were yelling.”

    · Maybe it was a fart?—Someone reported a gas leak near the sculpture lab on LK Wood. UPD showed up and were “unable to locate any issue.” The smell must have “up and vanished like a fart in the wind.”

    · Does it look like I’m camping?—Two people were thought to be camping on campus. Turns out one guy was charging his phone and the other was just in the Art B building around 6 a.m. Art is like the news, it doesn’t wait for anyone. Or something like that.

    Saturday, March 9

    · WTF?—Someone reported seeing “an unknown subject throwing a brick through the window of his vehicle.” Y’know, UPD will unlock the doors for you. You don’t have to shatter a window bro. There is another way.

    · Mistaken identity… kind of—UPD arrested a man for 148.9 PC. Which means that he falsely identified himself “as a fictitious person to…evade the process of the court, or to evade the proper identification of the person by the investigating officer.”

    Sunday, March 10

    · Outside assist—UPD helped the Arcata police look for four people who were “looking into vehicles.” I looked into a vehicle once, I wonder if the cops were called on me?

    · Mental health awareness—There were two incidents on Sunday that touched on aspects of mental health. Reports of mental health incidents have gone up in the last few weeks. Reach out to friends or family or the folks in the Student Health center. Also check out the mental health art exhibit outside of the Kate Buchanan room. It is titled Invisible Battles.

  • It takes a village

    It takes a village

    Proposed housing project survives but gets thrown back for modifications

    The controversial housing project, The Village, survives another round of votes from Arcata City Council. March 6 was the second public meeting at City Hall this year after The Village’s development was voted against last October. Although most community members who spoke out opposed the project, city council members, Sophia Pereira, Paul Pitino, and Susan Ornelas, voted to keep the project as long as it was sent back to developers, AMCAL, for alterations.

    “I appreciate looking at the other options AMCAL brought forward,” Pereira said. “But given the high demand for housing students will live in any type of housing that is available. We have homes built specifically for single families but we see students living in them because they need a place to live. We need to consider moving forward.”

    The Village’s original project called for a four 4-story building, 240 unit and 800 beds for purpose built student housing. Last year the community was divided on whether or not they wanted such a large infrastructure to be built in residential neighborhoods off campus.

    The plan was untimely voted against but the city council proposed a revision that included both students and open market housing. Mayor Bret Watson was the only person to vote against his fellow city council members but was originally a proponent for the revision.

    “Everyone needs housing and we have heard this on all levels,” Watson said. “But the only way that I am interested in this project is if it is 65 percent and 35 percent (student to open market ratio) and doesn’t exceed over 602 beds.”

    The new revisions for The Village has 400 beds strictly for student housing and 150 beds for open market and families. Of the 150 beds, half of them must be single bedroom and the other half available for units with two or three bedrooms.

    Although Watson wouldn’t budge from 602 beds, the rest of the city council allowed for a 5 percent increase or decrease to that number, which would make it around 630 beds in total. This allows AMCAL developer, David Moon, and his partners to develop a new plan that they can resubmit with Arcata City planning commission.

    “Our Turlock project is rated the number one student housing project in the state of California,” Moon said. “The property that sits behind the project has gone up in value by 10 percent and in two years we have had it 100 percent leased.”

    Not everyone is convinced with what Moon said. President of Arcata Coalition for Responsible Housing, Eric Jules said The Village is too big and ACRH does not support the project moving forward. Jules reminded the city council that HSU was once a partner of the project but is no longer involved.

    “This is a lot to ask for one area of the city,” Jules said. “We want a healthy development for the site and The Village isn’t that.”

    Other community members voiced concerns about traffic, pollution and effects on climate change that The Village might bring. Keenan Milton of Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities said the current climate change is occurring because of the last 100 years of building design.

    Milton said projects like The Village contribute to this and we need to change the way we build our infrastructure. Milton was also concerned with the amount of cars that would be added to the city because of The Village.

    “If you build a parking lot people will fill it up with cars,” Milton said. “Having parking attached to an apartment is a subsidy for people owning cars. People without cars should pay less rent.”

    There was one community member who fought for The Village project, Rollin Richmond. Richmond is a board member at The Betty Kwan Chinn Homeless Foundation and said housing is pertinent for the community and we need to provide housing for students.

    “Housing is an important issue and particularly in Arcata,” Richmond said. “Nineteen percent of students are homeless. I don’t have advice on the plan options to pick but we need housing.”

  • Gender-neutral bathrooms

    Gender-neutral bathrooms

    Bathrooms are changing all across campus

    The social norm of bathrooms has always been one restroom strictly for women and one for men. Humboldt State University has not put a gender-neutral bathroom with multiple stalls within the campus.

    There are plenty of unisex single-stalled restrooms but not multi-stalled gender-neutral bathrooms. Cory Strauss, a rangeland resources major with an emphasis with soil, is on his last year at HSU. Strauss was one of the first to push gender-neutral bathrooms into place and recruit more people to become aware of this issue.

    Strauss said that facilities management were hesitant to put gender-neutral bathrooms on campus due to unsure coding.

    “They wanted me to do a school-wide survey to see if there was even a need for these bathrooms,” Strauss said. “There wasn’t anyone within facilities opposed to this idea, just uncertainty and they were just very busy to hurry this process along.”

    IMG_4573.JPG
    Left to right: Neesh Wells, Jazmin Sandoval, and Cory Strauss in front of women’s bathroom in Harry Griffith Hall. | Photo by Delaney Duarte

    A lot of people don’t know that much information on gender inclusivity or the LGBTQ community, so people like Strauss also want to get these problems known so people are aware of issues like these.

    “It gives a physical space to start meeting and understanding one another,” Strauss said. “We want to have workshops to get information out there about the LGBTQ community, information in the bathroom about these things. If people have never looked into what these different words means, such as binary versus trans versus cis, it is an easy area to give out information on this.”

    The main buildings being focused on putting gender-neutral bathrooms are the Behavioral Social Science, Music A and B, Science A, B, C, and D, the library, the Theatre Arts building and the Harry Griffith Hall.

    Film major Jazmin Sandoval, also the president of the Associated Students, continuously fights for gender-neutral bathrooms.

    Sandoval said the the library and theatre arts are the easiest buildings to add gender-neutral bathrooms to because they are currently being retrofitted and remodeled.

    “The BSS because it is on top of a hill and it is very secluded and it has a ton of bathrooms but no gender-inclusive restrooms,” Sandoval said. “Harry Griffith hall might be a pilot project just to feel it out because there is an excessive amount of bathrooms in there where there is four bathrooms by each other”.

    These students have a lot of future planning for these bathrooms to take place. They want this campus to cater to all students who are in the LGBTQ community and even single parents who want to take their kids to the bathroom without feeling uncomfortable. They want everyone to feel safe and comfortable while attending Humboldt State University.

    Sandoval said that potentially there may be gender-neutral bathrooms in fall 2019 but there’s no guarantee.

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Neesh Wells” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]”It has been statistically proven that zero percent of trans people have not attacked or used these bathrooms to take advantage of anyone.”[/perfectpullquote]

    “That’s why we’re doing all the planning now so we can have things structured and we can start to implement it next fall,” Sandoval said. “We are hoping to start Harry Griffith Hall sooner, rather than later because it would be very easy to convert one of the multi-stall into a gender-inclusive bathroom, but we have out eyes set on next fall.”

    Many people get the wrong idea as to why these gender-neutral bathrooms are necessary. Neesh Wells, the director for EDC and a business administration major emphasizing in marketing, takes part in trying to get gender-neutral bathrooms.

    “It has been statistically proven that zero percent of trans people have not attacked or used these bathrooms to take advantage of anyone,” Wells said. “Trans people have never assaulted anyone in a bathroom, most attacks are actually from people who are non-trans attacking those who are trans.”

    If you have any questions or want to get involved with this movement, there are meetings every Friday, 11:30-12:30 at facilities management in the facilities conference room. You can also contact Cory Strauss at Cds383@humboldt.edu, Jazmin Sandoval at js3852@humboldt.edu, or Neesh Wells at inw7@humboldt.edu.

  • A night of appreciation

    A night of appreciation

    HSU sisterhood, The Legacy celebrates men and women of color

     

    As the sun set and people shuffled into the KBR HSU club and sisterhood, The Legacy welcomed about 50 students and community members to their annual Brotha’s and Sista’s Appreciation Night.

    This was a night filled with gospel music, good food and love spread all throughout the crowd. Every seat was filled and the room was bustling with noise as The Legacy ladies opened up the night with the Nu Heavenly Tone singers.

    As the night went on a table filled with food was open and the members of The Legacy served everyone while enjoying a Black History Month playlist. As community members and students ate fried chicken, potato salad and bread rolls there were a few videos that started to play. One video in particular showcased The Legacy and why their members thought it was important to appreciate black students.

    CAUDILLO.APP.NIGHT.201920190227 (2).jpg
    The Legacy provided free fried chicken, potato salad and bread rolls to the community members and students who attended. | Photo by Cassaundra Caudillo

    Taye Triggs, the director of student life, attended the event with her daughter who will be giving her own workshop Saturday afternoon on how it is to be a young black girl in Humboldt County. Triggs mentioned that this event was not closed off to those who are not black.

    “It’s an opportunity for people to come together for all people of all races,” Triggs said. “To bring awareness to some very pertinent people for Black History Month.”

    As people cleared off their plates The Legacy played videos of spoken word that pertained to Black History Month and the empowerment of men and women of color who might feel otherwise. A spoken word video in particular touched on the need for men to be open with their emotions and not be afraid to express how they truly feel.

    Spanish major and first year Legacy member, Monze Garcia shared that this event has been in the works since the end of last semester. Having collaborated with the Social Justice Summit’s week-long event, they were able to settle on a date to bring this celebration to fruition. Being a part of a group of women that do volunteer work constantly and trying to bring together community members, this event was a success.

    “We try to promote a good community for women of all ethnicities that need empowerment and encouragement and be there for each other,” Garcia said.

    As the event came to an end The Legacy led with a saying that the audience was welcome to join in. The Legacy members would start by saying, “My love is…” and the audience would shout out words for how they would finish off the phrase. The night was one of self-love and appreciation of others and ourselves.

    “To come together and know the community that’s around us,” Garcia said, “and support one another as minorities.”

    For transparency Editor-in-Chief, Dajonea Robinson is a member of The Legacy.

  • Humboldt Startup Weekend

    Humboldt Startup Weekend

    Have you ever had an idea for a business and want to find out how to start?

    Humboldt Startup Weekend is your chance to create the dream business you always imagined. The 54-hour weekend event takes place from March 8 through 10 and is hosted by Humboldt State’s entrepreneurs club and sponsored by Google. People are put into teams where they create a start-up business plan that can be used in real life.

    The weekend starts at 5 p.m. Friday, March 8. This is when the participants check in and meet each other. The first night is where ideas are pitched and teams are formed to start working on the business plans. Saturday from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. is when teams put together the bulk of their business plans.

    Copy of busi032318_0103.jpg Mentor Speaking at 2018 Humboldt Startup Weekend. | Photo courtesy Natalie Dubbel

    Community entrepreneurs will serve as mentors to offer hands-on advice for successful businesses. Sunday is the final day where teams finalize their plans to be presented to a panel of community judges in a “Shark Tank”-style presentation. The weekend ends when the awards are handed out to the top three teams.

    Nancy Vizenor is the adviser of Entrepreneur’s Club Institute for Entrepreneurship Education and one the lead coordinators of the event. She highlights the inspiration the event creates for students.

    “Whether you come with a business idea or not, you get a team on Friday night and go from idea to near launch by Sunday,” Vizenor said. “It is absolutely a transformational experience. It’s definitely something our students look back on as being a highlight of their time at HSU.”

    Startup Weekend is not just for HSU students, It’s open to anyone who has an idea they want to share. Natalie Dubbel is the president of the HSU Entrepreneur’s Club and the events student coordinator.

    “Typically other majors have the best ideas,” Dubbel said.

    Some of the ideas presented get turned into real businesses. Like Humbots, a company that uses drones to survey the forest. This started as an idea that students first pitched at the Humboldt Start-up weekend two years ago. Now, they are a real business that does surveying in Humboldt County.

    Copy of IMG_0948.jpg Taken at Humboldt Startup Weekend 2018. | Photo courtesy Natalie Dubbel

    Tickets start at $55 with food, a t-shirt and all materials being provided. This event takes place all over the world and gives people the opportunity and inspiration to turn their ideas into reality.

    “It is absolutely a transformational experience where learning is at its highest because you are actually working to start a business,” Vizenor said.

    For more information and tickets on how to be a part of Humboldt Startup Weekend visit http://communities.techstars.com/usa/humboldt-ca-usa/startup-weekend/14156

  • Coalition looks to improve pedestrian safety

    Coalition looks to improve pedestrian safety

    New criteria, if adopted, could lead to pedestrian-focused modifications for Arcata square

    Colin Fiske has a vision for a safer, cleaner and more pedestrian-friendly Arcata. Last Thursday the Plaza Improvement Task Force looked into adopting criteria focused on protecting pedestrians and cyclists, bringing Fiske’s vision closer to reality.

    Fiske is the executive director and co-founder of the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities, or CRTP. Fiske said the project started to challenge a move to widen sections of the 101 highway near Richardson Grove that would allow oversized truck access. From there, it grew into a multifaceted coalition focused on advocating for non-vehicular commuters and transportation mode shifting.

    “Getting into a car is the most dangerous activity most people do every day, statistically,” Fiske said. “Even if you’re walking, taking the bus or riding a bike, you’re still affected by our landscape which is built for and dominated by cars.”

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”David Miller” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]“We’re in a culture where people are comfortable walking right out into the street without looking first.”[/perfectpullquote]

    Soon, the city will make moves to revitalize the plaza as a more inclusive space, where families can let their kids play freely without worrying about shady people or heavy vehicle traffic. Proposed modifications range from small changes like clearly marked public restroom signs and motion-activated lighting to big overhaul projects, like closing 8th and 9th streets to vehicular traffic.

    Police officer David Miller has spent many hours on the plaza as a member of Arcata’s homeless liason and said pedestrians and bicyclists must exert due diligence before entering the roadways, lest they place themselves in danger.

    “You probably heard me yelling at two people for jaywalking as you pulled up,” Miller said. “We’re in a culture where people are comfortable walking right out into the street without looking first.”

    For pedestrians, jaywalking poses the biggest risk, as it exposes you to vehicle traffic without the protection of an intersection. Many drivers are distracted by cell phones, food or a passenger. This could mean disaster for someone jaywalking.

    [perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”David Miller” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]“I saw a woman on a bike who struck a pedestrian crossing the crosswalk, and ended up with a seven year sentence for vehicular manslaughter after killing the pedestrian.”[/perfectpullquote]

    Miller said that cyclists have an even greater responsibility when commuting, as they must comply and assume all the responsibilities that motor vehicles have according to California Vehicle Code 21200.

    “I saw a woman on a bike who struck a pedestrian crossing the crosswalk, and ended up with a seven year sentence for vehicular manslaughter after killing the pedestrian,” Miller said.“For bikes, the fines are the same, the points on your license are the same and the courts don’t offer leniency,” Miller said.

    This high stakes environment is what Fiske is trying to change. He envisions a plaza and community where bikes, cars and foot traffic can coexist peacefully. The addition of his criteria to the list was a victory, but the battle is not yet over.

    The task force that has been assembled to rate and approve changes to the plaza is conducting a survey of all Arcata residents and community members to see what they want changed in the plaza. Anyone who uses the plaza is encouraged to take the survey, as the results will affect the final decisions of the task force.

  • Blotter bytes

    Blotter bytes

    So, this week did not have any marijuana-related incidents. Good job guys! However, there was a stuck raccoon in a sewer grate, some ghosts and a few incidents of actual crime on campus, one involving a man trying to break into a vehicle while someone was in it. Make sure to avoid traveling alone at night and if you have to, call UPD for a late-night escort. They can be reached at (707) 826-5555.

    The Rolling Count:

    Possession charges = 4

    Contraband/paraphernalia seizures = 2

    Holler hootie hoo!

    Monday Feb. 25

    · HELP I’m stuck!—“Solo female stuck inside the elevator” in the Jolly Giant commons. Guys, take the stairs.

    · HELP that thing is stuck!—Someone around 17 and B streets called UPD to report “a raccoon that appears to be stuck in a sewer grate.” Must have been a chubby bubby.

    · Good guy alert—Someone locked their keys in their car and UPD helped them out. Thanks fellas!

    Tuesday Feb. 26

    · Good guy alert x2—UPD helped with a late-night escort and locked car doors. And that was all that really happened this day…pretty chill really.

    Wednesday Feb. 27

    · Car troubles—Someone backed into a parked car around Laurel Drive and B Street and that’s all that really happened this day.

    Thursday Feb. 28

    · Whose dog is that?—A dog was “running loose” near Founder’s Hall. Parking officers caught the lil’ buddy and it was returned to the owner.

    · Ghosts again—UPD responded to an emergency call from the elevator at University Plaza. No one was there when they showed up so it has to be ghosts.

    · Danger bike—You know that bike that someone puts in the top rack of the skateboard rack outside the library? Yeah someone called the cops on it. Someone called the cops on a bike…locked in a rack…

    Friday March 1

    · I’m not leaving—Someone refused to leave the Kinesiology and Athletics building at 11:49 p.m., so the custodian called UPD. Late-night swole sessions have to end at some time guys.

    · Fun police!—UPD assisted the Arcata Police in breaking up three parties. Freakin’ buzzkill guys. Let us rage in peace.

    · Actual crime—Someone was caught trying to steal bikes near the Madrone Residence Hall. The person was arrested and had outstanding warrents.

    · Actual crime part deux—Someone stole a bike an hour after the other guy was arrested.

    · That is not my post—Someone called UPD because they noticed that there was a Facebook post that they did not make. I’m not a lawyer but I don’t think this is a crime and the person probably didn’t log out of their account or their friend is messing with them. Lighten up!

    Saturday March 2

    · Fun police x2—UPD helped break up more parties! This one was on 12th Street. Lame!!!!!

    Sunday March 3

    · Actual crime—Someone was “inside of his vehicle when a male attempted to break [in].” The person fled the scene but was later arrested and had an outstanding warrant. Be careful out there everyone, it seems like crime is on the rise lately. I wonder if it has to do with the lack of sunshine?

    · Graffiti—Someone called the cops because “a large piece of plastic… was spray painted” in the forest near Creekview. Really? The graffiti probably made that “large piece of plastic” look better.

    · “Suspicious circumstances”—Someone knocked over some bikes at the Tan Oak Residence Hall and someone may or may not have stolen a tire.

  • Backpacking not Ruck marching

    Backpacking not Ruck marching

    Outdoor program creates community for HSU veteran students

    Driving back to Humboldt County after the Lightning in a Bottle music festival, Sean Dent found out his roommate kicked him out for no reason. Immediately after hearing the news he got into a car accident. Fresh out of the military and brand new to Humboldt State University, Dent felt lost in 2016. After weighing out his options he went straight to the VETS Office’s outdoor program and went on his first hiking trip with other veterans. The trip changed his life forever.

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Sean Dent” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”18″]”I lived in my car a few months while looking for a place. It wasn’t until I found a community here that helped my mindset. That community was other vets.”[/perfectpullquote]

    “It was my first trip and my favorite trip,” Dent said. “I was foreign to California and recently out of the Army. The hike was beautiful. A mentor brought me in and gave me strength. He physically reached out because it helped him in the past.”

    Dent is an environmental science and management major with an emphasis in ecological restoration. Originally from Virginia, Dent enlisted in the Army “out of necessity” because that was his best option. While enlisted in the military from 2012-2015, Dent was stationed in Louisiana until he was deployed to Afghanistan.

    “It was a hard transition into college,” Dent said. “I lived in my car a few months while looking for a place. It wasn’t until I found a community here that helped my mindset. That community was other vets.”

    IMG_9699.jpg The Veteran’s Office gives out free pint glasses for veterans. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Environmental resource engineer Paulo Martin had a similar experience when first enrolling at HSU. Martin was born in the Philippines and was stationed in South Korea from 2009-2013. He now handles the VETS Office’s social media and promotes the positive events they’e doing, such as the outdoor program. Martin said the VETS Office takes care of soldiers transitioning into students but would like to see more vets coming in.

    “It’s weird coming from a soldier training for war or getting gassed everyday,” Martin said. “We are told what to think everyday and as a student it isn’t like that, we are told to think for ourselves. The outdoor program helps with that transition.”

    Both Dent and Martin didn’t think they would like backpacking or hiking because of all the ruck marching they had to do in the military. But as civilians Martin said his favorite trip is the hiking trip. Through the outdoor program HSU veterans take multi day trips to places like the Trinity Alps or for the upcoming spring break, Mt. Bachelor, for snowboarding. After a three day hike they will end the trip with white water rafting.

    “At first if you tell someone in the army you’re going hiking they roll their eyes,” Martin said. “But being able to hike without a weapon and a 50 lbs. bag has made me love hiking.”

    Coming from a military background Martin is used to being with a squad and the outdoor program creates a similar community for him. Martin said vets have more pitfalls and rough personalities, having a platform to go out in nature that is different than the toxic state of the army is refreshing.

    “I don’t like to talk to regular citizens about my military experience,” Martin said. “But with other vets we’re on the same plane and can relate with one another. Some people freak out about my stories.”

    IMG_9700.jpg Kim Hall founded the HSU’s veteran’s resource center over 30 years ago and started the outdoor program in 2009 as a therapeutic program for soldiers transitioning into students. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Veteran program administrator Kim Hall created the outdoor program in 2009 through Outward Bound. The program was created as a wilderness therapy to support veterans transitioning as HSU students. Hall also established the HSU VETS in 1990, the veterans resource center on campus. It was one of the first in the state as well as being one of the largest today, serving around 500 military affiliated students.

    “At the time there was a lot of vets coming in trying to navigate the CSU system,” Hall said. “I was working in administration and saw the need for more. I liked working with them better than traditional students. What keeps me coming back to campus are the vet students.”

    Dent said the outdoor program has brought a lot vets who are new to the area together and life long friendships have bonded. Dent said he has met his best friends in the outdoor program, like Paulo Martin.

    “I can’t even explain what the outdoor program has done for me,” Dent said. “We’re always looking for a challenge. Going through a challenge together like hiking or snowboarding builds camaraderie deeper than normal friendships because we’re going through the same things. I now have life long friends.”

    Next Veterans meeting is at E&O bowling in Blue Lake on March 8 at 7:30 p.m.

  • Earth First!

    Earth First!

    Two free events promoting a new HSU scholarship in memory of slain environmental activist

    A new scholarship is available for HSU students in memory of slain environmentalist David Nathan “Gypsy” Chain. Chain was was a young forest activist killed in 1998 while trying to prevent illegal logging near Grizzly Creek in the Van Duzen River valley.

    On the 20th anniversary of his death community leaders, friends and fellow activists established the David Nathan “Gypsy” Chain Memorial Scholarship to provide an annual $1,000 scholarship for students who have demonstrated commitment to issues of forest ecology through volunteer or academic projects.

    Environmental activist Rabbi Naomi Steinberg said the idea started from a conversation between friends who were active in the Headwaters efforts 20 years ago.

    [perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”Rabbi Naomi Steinberg” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]”We don’t want anyone else to lose their life, God forbid. Students need to understand making change requires great effort, dedication and certain kinds of sacrifice.”[/perfectpullquote]

    “Gypsy’s death practically happened in my backyard…it was heart wrenching,” Steinberg said. “When I realized it was going to be the 20th anniversary of his death I said to my friends we should do something positive to immortalize him.”

    Gypsy moved to Humboldt County in the 1990s from Texas to join Earth First! in the midst of the timber controversy. He learned non-violent protesting tactics and how to climb 200 foot redwood trees, and participated in tree sittings.

    In 1998 Gypsy and other activists were in Grizzly Creek National Redwood Park to persuade tree loggers to stop cutting down trees and to wait for the California Division of Forestry. This is the state agency charged with overseeing timber harvest plans on non-federal land throughout the state, to assess the land for endangered species.

    Pacific Lumber Company logger Arlington Earl “A.E.” Ammons argued all morning with activists and decided to start cutting down trees that were positioned on slopes. The last tree Ammons cut fell directly onto Gypsy, killing him on Sept. 17, 1998.

    “We want this scholarship to keep Gypsy’s story alive because he was a wonderful idealist and young person,” Steinberg said. “We want students to understand 20 years ago a young man was willing to put his life on the line at great risk to prevent illegal logging. We don’t want anyone else to lose their life, God forbid, students need to understand making change requires great effort, dedication and certain kinds of sacrifice.”

    Two upcoming events will be taking place to benefit the scholarship. The first event is part of HSU’s Social Justice Summit on March 2 with a showing of “Who Bombed Judi Bari?” followed by a workshop and singing. The second event will be a benefit show at the Arcata Playhouse on March 9. Local activist and musician Darryl Cherney will be hosting both events and playing music.

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Judith Mayer” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]”It was a nonviolent movement and remains so, yet many of these activists had been labeled as eco-terrorists.”[/perfectpullquote]

    Judith Mayer, environmental planner and HSU lecturer in environmental science and management, said that the benefit is meant to honor Gypsy’s memory and the forest defenders.

    “This is to support local students at HSU and CR who are pursuing further studies and have a commitment to environmental activism and protection,” Mayer said.

    Mayer organized the event for the Social Justice Summit and said Gypsy was emphatic in his forest defense and one of hundreds of young people in Humboldt at the time involved in the movement.

    “It was a nonviolent movement and remains so, yet many of these activists had been labeled as eco-terrorists,” Mayer said. “The bottom line is to see the defense of the forest in our ecoregion of the north coast not only in terms of environment, but social justice and sustaining life on Earth.”

    Mayer wants to encourage students to apply for the scholarship soon. She said the scholarship is for students who are graduating from any Humboldt high school and planning on attending HSU or CR. The scholarship is also available for first year students at HSU or CR who are planning on continuing.

    “The people who established the scholarship initially conceived it as an academic landing pad for environmental activists in college,” Mayer said.

    One of the creators of the scholarship, Marion Nina Amber, wanted the scholarship to bring awareness of environmental issues and help students understand activism. Amber’s son was friends with Gypsy and said it could have been anyone else at that time getting killed due to the high tensions between activists and loggers. Amber said students are unaware of the timber wars that occurred in Humboldt County and this scholarship will help teach history.

    “Those ancient redwoods cannot reproduce themselves, we are planting more but the conditions are not like they were back then due to climate change,” Amber said. “People need to know about the value of the natural landscapes. Gypsy is a symbol and was willing to put his life on the line and defend this. We need to teach about him and people should know about him.”

    More info on the scholarship: http://www.wildcalifornia.org/about-us/who-we-work-with/david-nathan-chain-scholarship-fund/

  • Murder Mountain demystified

    Murder Mountain demystified

    The other side of the mountain gets a turn to share its story

    The latest documentary to depict Humboldt County investigates a murder within the cannabis culture atop the infamous Murder Mountain. But Murder Mountain, named after the actions of the Carson serial killers in the Rancho Sequoia area of Alderpoint, is only a small piece in Humboldt County’s cannabis culture. On Wednesday evening in the Kate Buchanan Room a group panelist of media practitioners and active members in the cannabis community discussed the other side of that mountain.

    [perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Chrystal Ortiz” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”17″]”Instead of finding a way to bridge our likeness, it has built on the fact that we are different… Local press should recognize they do shape culture.”[/perfectpullquote]

    The event, The Other Side of Murder Mountain, was part of HSU’s 25th annual week long Social Justice Summit. Panelist Chrystal Ortiz, a board member of the International Cannabis Farmers Association, said as a resident of Humboldt County she is impacted by the local press on cannabis.

    “Local opinions and local press has shaped the world view of the people who live here in the ability to continue to create discord,” Ortiz said. “A cannabis leaf on the cover sold newspapers. The representation in the press was negative because cannabis was in the crime section. If we went back 20 years we would be hard press to find any positive press of cannabis.”

    Ortiz believes local press has a responsibility and perspective with covering cannabis and has an effect on how we relate with one side or the other. She said local press has had an impact on how our community relates with the cannabis culture within Humboldt County and plays a part in shaping it.

    “Instead of finding a way to bridge our likeness it has built on the fact that we are different,” Ortiz said. “Such as what we do for our kids is different than what they do for their kids or what our jobs are like with what their jobs are like. But I am glad to see that changing and it has been changing. Local press should recognize they do shape culture.”

    Hank Sims, Dr. Deidre Pike, Chrystal Ortiz, and Rio Anderson made up the panel of media practitioners and active cannabis community members at the event “The Other Side of Murder Mountain” during HSU’s 25 annual social justice summit. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Panelist Rio Anders, Co-founder of SoHum Guild, agreed with Ortiz and said it’s hard to live in a bubble in Southern Humboldt and hear a story like Murder Mountain because it has no real reality based on his life. Anders said recently there’s been a constant feedback of negativity but recognizes that crimes like that in Murder Mountain are real.

    “It’s real and I’m not saying it isn’t but it didn’t bring people into conversation,” Anders said. “It only allowed people to cast judgment on each other. This shapes the discourse between the cannabis community which is a part of this community.”

    [perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”15″]Not all stories of Humboldt County are that of vigilantes and missing persons that happen in places like Murder Mountain.[/perfectpullquote]

    Moderator Dominic Corva of the Center for the Study of Cannabis Policy, asked the panelists what does it even matter what people outside of Humboldt County think of people in Humboldt County in media representations. Editor for the Lost Coast Outpost Hank Sims said stories like that of Murder Mountain are the stories people hear outside of Humboldt County and have ramifications.

    “People in the Marijuana industry in particular are sometimes facing backlash and competition in the industry who say growing in Humboldt County is unsafe,” Sims said. “Murder Mountain and stories like it has shaped perception of Humboldt County from those outside of Humboldt County.”

    IMG_9633.jpg
    Sociology professor and co-director of Humboldt Institute for Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research Josh Meisel reads questions from the audience at the event The Other Side of The Mountain during HSU’s 25 annual social justice summit. | Photo by T.William Wallin

    Not all stories of Humboldt County are that of vigilantes and missing persons that happen in places like Murder Mountain. Chrystal Ortiz was quick to respond with positive representations she’s experienced when in 2016 a journalist for NPR camped on her property in the Avenue of the Giants because he couldn’t find open camping.

    “When he [NPR reporter] came through he camped on my farm and the California Report then became his experience on my farm and how different it was than he expected,” Ortiz said. “When that aired I got call after call after call…about how my friends wanted to come visit and how proud they were.”

    Panelist Deidre Pike, department chair of the HSU Department of journalism and mass communication, said the NPR California Report on Ortiz’s farm was a great example of how culture is shaping our story telling and there’s a feedback loop of shaping going on. Pike suggested a positive spin on Murder Mountain in which a theme park is built with a memorial for Garret Rodriguez.

    “Maybe you can make Murder Mountain a tourist attraction,” Pike said. “You already have in place farms with farm tours. You can do an educational tour with permaculture and train folks to do permaculture and then they show others. It’s an idea that may demystify that culture of the scary outlaw culture and maybe honor the good outlaw culture.”