Humboldt County

Humboldt budget hearing surfaces nearly $12 million deficit, library cutbacks and debate over one-time spending

Supervisors advanced Humboldt County’s proposed FY 2026-27 budget while weighing whether to spend or save one-time money and hearing warnings that library service reductions are already underway.

The Sidekick18 days ago

Humboldt planning commission set to weigh countywide housing-density ordinance for inland zones

The May 21 agenda asks commissioners to recommend a mixed-residential-density ordinance that would allow up to 25 units per acre in select residential zones inside designated Housing Opportunity Zones.

CPUC approves community renewable energy tariff in 3-1 vote, with Hauke dissenting

The commission adopted a new community renewable energy tariff on June 11, setting up questions about funding, subscriber rules and ratepayer impacts.

Arcata school board to hold hearing on Redwood Coast Montessori renewal

The June 16 agenda also tees up a separate charter authorization MOU for 2026-29, making the meeting a key checkpoint for the district and school.

CPUC orders revised SoCal Gas safety culture plan, quarterly reports through 2029

The commission unanimously approved the updated plan tied to the Aliso Canyon aftermath and said ratepayers will not bear its cost.

Rio Dell agenda puts $690,335 chlorine basin repair contract before council

Council is scheduled to consider awarding Wahlund Construction a contract to repair earthquake damage at the Chlorine Contact Basin.

Ferndale council approves emergency kennel construction after animal housing arrangement ends

The council unanimously backed an emergency kennel build to keep impounded dogs housed locally while the city transitions animal services.

Humboldt planners to consider Emerald Dragonfly Farms cannabis expansion

The June 18 Planning Commission agenda includes a permit modification that would add distribution, non-volatile manufacturing and non-storefront resale to an existing Carlotta-area cultivation site.

Arcata council asks staff to draft rental inspection ordinance changes

After an update on the city’s Residential Rental Inspection Program, the council directed staff to return with ordinance language reflecting proposed changes.

Humboldt planners to weigh Carlotta Gardens cannabis expansion with enclosure exception denial recommended

Carlotta Gardens, LLC is seeking to expand cultivation in the Carlotta area to 70,000 square feet, while staff recommends denying an exception to the fully enclosed cultivation requirement and approving the permits with conditions.

Northern Humboldt agenda bundles policy rewrites with 2026-27 budget, LCAP approvals

A June 18 special-session packet shows the board weighing conflict-of-interest, discipline and conduct updates alongside next year’s budget and planning documents.

Humboldt supervisors launch FY 2026-27 budget hearings, target June 18 adoption

The June 15 agenda opens public hearings on the county budget and special-district budgets and sets a June 18 adoption date.

Humboldt planners to weigh Redway redwood removal permit

The June 18 Planning Commission agenda includes a special permit request to remove a hazardous old-growth redwood in the lower Redway Q Zone area.

California youth mental health panel hears CYBHI gains, but funding concerns remain

State and local witnesses said the youth mental health initiative is scaling, while warning that billing complexity and ongoing funding gaps could limit its reach.

Fortuna council agenda packs budget, fee hearing, water plans and River Lodge lease discussion into June 15 meeting

The June 15 agenda includes budget adoption, a public hearing on city fees, an animal-control ordinance update, water-plan approvals and a discussion of River Lodge lease options.

HCAOG agenda puts $18,009 Arcata transit funding reallocation before board

The June 18 agenda would move City of Arcata State of Good Repair money to Humboldt Transit Authority, but the board has not voted yet.

Assembly adopts resolution welcoming 2026 World Cup to California after adding 64 coauthors

The Assembly voted to adopt HR 118 by voice vote on June 11, formally welcoming the 2026 FIFA World Cup to California.

Humboldt supervisors approve former Kmart purchase after 4-1 vote

County officials say the Broadway Street site could become a one-stop permitting center, though concerns remain about tsunami exposure, access and upkeep.

Humboldt supervisors hear $657.8 million budget proposal with 33.6-position net reduction

The county’s first budget presentation outlines a 4.4% spending increase, general fund growth, staffing changes tied to DHHS restructuring and millions in one-time requests before June hearings.

Assembly approves AB 1534 with urgency, advancing Pell Grant access for short-term training

The Assembly passed AB 1534 and backed urgency language for the bill, which would create a state approval process for short-term workforce training programs seeking Pell Grant access.

Assembly committee advances bill to bar utility ratepayer money from anti-municipal lobbying

SB 327 would expand the Public Advocates Office’s access to utility information and prohibit investor-owned utilities from using ratepayer funds to oppose municipal utilities.

Assembly Public Safety Committee advances SB 562 after sharp bail industry opposition

The committee moved the bail-reform bill to Appropriations after hearing from supporters who called it a path to financial relief and opponents who warned of unintended consequences.

CSU AI bill advances after hearing on faculty protections and OpenAI contract

The Assembly Higher Education Committee sent SB 928 forward 10-0 after lawmakers weighed how California State University uses AI and whether human faculty protections should be written into law.