Neleen (Nel) Nichols for Fortuna City CouncilNOV. 5th
Campaign Pledges
If elected, I pledge to:
✔ Work with other council members to accomplish goals that are beneficial to our city and its citizens.
✔ Serve with honor and show respect toward everyone.
✔ Provide a fresh perspective on issues our city faces and when we are planning for the city’s future.
✔ Work hard to maintain a balanced budget.
✔ Assist in any way I can to see that our city continues to prosper.
Find us on Instagram @nel4fccouncil Email us: nel4fccounsil@gmail.com
Send campaign support to: Nel’s Campaign PO Box 232 Fortuna, Ca 95540
PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT NELEEN NICHOLS FOR FORTUNA CITY COUNCIL
The Fortuna Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization of individuals and businesses that come together to enhance economic growth through the promotion and support of our community, civic interests, and member businesses.
The Quarterly
ON THE COVER
This photos was taken in the early morning hours on Veteran’s Day in 2023, by Kristin Chambers from outside the Chamber of Commerce office after helping put up the flags.
The Fortuna Sunrise Rotary and a group of local business people, civic groups, and citizens worked together to line Main Street Fortuna with American flags from 8th Street to the Rohner Park entrance during major holidays and events. Flags are currently flown : Memorial Day, Independence day, Flag Day, Veterans Day, and September 11. Content about the flags was taken from the Sunrise Rotary Website.
President’s Message
As we roll into the fourth quarter of 2024 and the fall season, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the year so far. During the past 9 months, the Chamber has organized milestone celebrations, ribbon cuttings, helped with and promoted awesome annual tourism events, attended and supported vital fundraisers and city-wide events. As the President & CEO, I have had the privilege of having a first hand experience of seeing the effort that goes into the logistics of making all this happen. I am ever grateful for the opportunity to participate in many of these community activities!
We are also proud of our annual awards dinner and fundraiser that was a tremendous accomplishment and helped us with sustainability for the remainder of the year! Our Annual Chili Cook-off served over 1,000 attendees and had 23 awesome contestants! The lunches were changed to the first Tuesday of every month from twice a month to reduce costs and increase value. Our Ambassador program has been growing and playing a big
role in making Chamber events and celebrations possible. Another huge thank you to all of you who supported our events, you are truly Chamber heroes!
We have welcomed over 30 new members since January and are thrilled at the growth and diversity of our membership! I want to personally thank every single member of the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce for their support and let them know that their membership is extremely valuable to me and the organization. I also want to thank my awesome Board of Directors, and dedicated Ambassadors. I appreciate your efforts and countless volunteer hours in promoting our business community, strengthening community relationships, and making our town a better place to live. Our success in achieving our mission and purpose is due to a collaborative effort from the Chamber Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors, City of Fortuna and our Chamber members.
Wishing you all the happiest of fall holidays and a prosperous last quarter of 2024!
With kindest regards, Kristin
Welcome New Members
Buck Wild Boards – Our Story
Hello, my name is Kimberly Rossig Roth, owner of Buck Wild Boards. I am married to my husband of 9 years Larry Roth, Jr and have three kids Brent Rossig, Kaydence Rossig Roth and Karter Rossig Roth. We are locally owned and love supporting our community! I started Buck Wild Boards to do charcuterie food boards, boxes and tables after losing my mother-in-law in February 2023. She had been telling me that I needed to start my own business to be a party planner since I always would go above and beyond when we have gatherings, and I would help friends and family. Christmas of 2022, she bought me a few Charcuterie boards and told me that I would need them soon. Little did I know God had a plan. I put together her “Shindig” memorial and decided then while I was putting together a grazing table that she would want me to do this, so I started the process and opened Buck Wild Boards based out of her home where it was all meant to be.
Well, it all started when Kaydence (my 6-year-old daughter) & I took a class, we arrived, and the instructor said kids were not allowed to take the class or participate. We were bummed since Kaydence was ONLY 5 at the time but then things changed very quickly. She sat and listened to everything the instructor said, he saw very quickly that she was not your average 5-year-old. She was able to participate and her very first board is pictured below.
After the class, she said “Mommy, that was so much fun we should start making boards to sell.”
Well, if owning two businesses wasn’t enough, why not do another. So, we added to Buck Wild Boards and started making Charcuterie epoxy cut-
ting boards and more. She loves to pick the colors and pour; no piece will ever be the exact same and that is what she loves! Kaydence is the face of it all and it has turned into getting her older brother to pour with her on occasion, she involves her little brother, her grandma and grandpa both have a huge part and involvement and so does daddy! So, when you see her at events and living her best life, she will try to get you to buy a board or two or more! You may see her in the arena riding horses and donkeys or on a ranch helping her instructor or you may even see her doing silk aerials which is her just living her best life with all her activities.
This is our story and how it all started!!
Kaydence, 6 years old
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-Raquel
City Manager Update
City of Fortuna staff have received several questions about the City’s Sales Tax Measure, Measure P, and thought it would be helpful to provide answers to questions about the proposed sales tax measure on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
What is Measure P?
Measure “P” will increase the existing voter-approved sales tax measure (Measure E) by 0.75% for a total rate of 1.5%, and will generate an additional approximate $1.8 million per year. Measure “P” is a general tax that the City intends to use to improve and maintain essential City services including police services, nuisance abatement, repairing aging/deteriorating streets and potholes, drainage system repairs, park maintenance and improvement, and programs for youth and seniors. An advisory committee was previously formed by the Council to solicit public input and ensure that funds derived from Measure P are spent in a manner consistent with the intention of the measure. The Council has consistently implemented the recommendations from the
committee. Measure P expires by its terms on March 31st, 2033, unless sooner repealed by the Council or voters.
Why was Measure P placed on the November 5, 2024 ballot?
Sales tax revenue, a significant source of revenue for the City’s general fund, has declined over the last three years by 3.8%, or $100,000. Expenses have increased due to inflation by over 8% in just one year, or $600,000. Revenues declining and expenses increasing results in a widening and accelerating funding shortfall. In addition, other local cities are offering significant hiring and retention bonuses for police officer lateral transfers and typically pay higher salaries in excess of 10% or more, making it difficult to recruit and retain critical public safety staff.
What essential services will Measure P maintain?
Measure P will provide additional funding for public safety, nuisance abatement, and emergency response communications for first responders.
Measure P will provide Parks and Recreation services such
as safety improvements and programs for youth, like playgroups, summer and sports camps. Measure P will support community partnerships, provide services for seniors, and support the City’s senior and para-transit service to provide medical and shopping appointments to Eureka.
Measure P will provide funding for street and roads maintenance such as pavement restoration and pothole repair. Measure P will also provide funding for storm drain repairs and replacements.
What services will Measure P improve?
Measure P will provide funding for recruitment and retention of police officers, enhance training, and new equipment for first responders.
Measure P will be used to improve Parks and Recreation by expanding Newburg Park and helping to acquire and improve Riverwalk park area, preserving river access for Fortuna residents, and improving transit and recreational services such as pickle ball for seniors.
Measure P will be used to improve road safety, maintain road quality, and repair aging drainage infrastructure.
What does Measure P cost?
MeasurePisnot ataxonproperty orataxonprescriptionmedication orfoodpurchasedas groceries. Measure P is a sales tax on the purchase of taxable goods at retail and is paid by visitors to the City as well. If $100 is spent on taxable goods, Measure P will cost $0.75. If $1,000 is spent on taxable goods, Measure P will cost $7.50. If $10,000 is spent on taxable goods, the cost is $75.00. All proceeds form the tax are remitted to the City with no portion being retained by the State.
Meet the 2024 Fortuna City Council Candidates!
Incumbent, Tami Trent
Contact: tamitangles@aol.com
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
“Iam running for reelection because I love Fortuna. I want to continue my efforts to improve our city so that current and future generations will be proud to call Fortuna “home”. I have owned a business in Fortuna for 30 years. I spent 10 years on the Planning Commission prior to being elected to the City Council. While serving as a councilmember and as Mayor I successfully lobbied for Measure Z funds from the county Board of Supervisors for a drug task force officer and a school resource officer. Both of these positions have been proven to be vital to our community, and I continue to advocate for the funding of these positions each year. I know how budgets work in public entities, and have made tough decisions in order to remain fiscally responsible to the citizens of Fortuna. I strongly support public safety, the need for economic development, roads and recreation. I am involved with the League of California Cities, Humboldt Transit Authority, American Legion Auxiliary and many other organizations and events. If reelected I will continue to study the issues in order to make informed decisions for the betterment of Fortuna. I respectfully ask for your vote.”
Business Owner, Jerry King
Contact: jdkhardwareguy@gmail.com
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
“Iexperience left an indelible impression on what it means to serve and make a difference. I am a father of 3 and grandfather of 8. About 26 years ago I began my business career with ACE Hardware starting in Arcata then in Fortuna by opening Fortuna ACE Hardware in 2005. I enthusiastically support many great charitable causes in the community. I am a member of the Fortuna Legion Hall, Fortuna Noon Rotary and the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce. When not working, I enjoy playing golf, hiking with my dog Mylah, flying in my plane and spending time with family and friends. Having served this great country and community for most of my adult life I feel it is time to give back to this community by serving on the City Council. If elected, I will use my business and leadership experience to faithfully serve the citizens of Fortuna with diligence, common sense and integrity.”
Retired Transit Manager, Neleen (Nel) Nichols
Contact: neleen.nichols@gmail.com
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
“My mother’s ancestors were pioneers
have been a resident in Fortuna since 1998 and have a master’s in business administration. Upon graduation, I felt compelled to serve my Country so I enlisted in the U.S. Army where I earned my Commission as an Infantry Officer. This
in Humboldt County in the 1800s. My father’s family came here from Oklahoma during the great depression. Both of them raised me to have a strong work ethic, be honest in everything, do the best job I could do, and to love and appreciate my hometown. While raising 3 children, I worked in the public sector for 24 years. I am very familiar with local government and how it functions. I understand how important it is to plan for the future of our town, for its growth and financial stability. How to ensure that we live as well as possible and can sustain that way of life. I have two main goals I want to accomplish, if elected. 1) reduce spending. My pension doesn’t cover what it used to. Citizens can’t continue to endure cost increase after cost increase. Something must be done, and I plan to work as hard as I can to find a solution. 2) represent the people who are being
forgotten or ignored. I want to represent everyone. In both big government and small government, certain sectors of people seem to get better representation than others. Let’s fix that.”
Fiscal Analyst, Arlene Spiers
Contact: vote4spiers@gmail.com
CODE OF FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
“Having called Fortuna home for over forty years, I’ve seen our community flourish with positive transformations. My gratitude for our city’s efforts, from park maintenance to public safety, inspires my commitment to service. I advocate for a united community where
every individual is valued, and decisions are made for the collective good. My goal is to enhance our city’s achievements with forward-thinking leadership and policies that embody our core values of equality, justice, and opportunity. Together, we can forge a future that respects our heritage and looks forward to new possibilities. I am committed to fostering a collaborative environment where every voice is heard, and decisions are made with the wellbeing of all our citizens in mind. I will listen to your thoughts and ideas. I will be responsive to your concerns and criticisms. Everyone deserves to feel validated. Everyone deserves to feel that they matter. Although I do not own a business or work in Fortuna, my stake in Fortuna is that it is my home. I, Arlene Spiers, seek your support to continue serving our community with integrity. Your vote is not just for me, but for our shared vision of a thriving Fortuna. Thank you.”
Presidential General Election November 5, 2024 Link to County of humboldt candidate filing page
Build to edge of the document Margins are just a safe area
Ribbon Cuttings
Explore the Future of Business at Fortuna Mill Commerce Center
Unlock the Door to Innovation and Growth in Fortuna ~ Dynamic Opportunities Awat!
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We are attracting national and regional businesses! More exciting updates to come!
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For more information and to discover how Fortuna Mill Commerce Center can transform your business contact:
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Fortuna Mill Commerce Center, Where Business Meets Opportunity!
48 th Annual Fortuna Christmas Music Festival
Every second Sunday in December, the River Lodge hosts the Fortuna Christmas Music Festival. The annual festival features local community musical organizations and school groups performing holiday music. The event is free to the public. “We think of our festival as a Christmas gift to the community,” says Michael McClimon, Chairperson of the Fortuna Christmas Music Festival Committee. McClimon and eight other volunteers work behind the scenes to produce this event.
This year the festival will take place on Sunday, December 8th. from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. The Scotia Band, our local townband founded in 1935, will perform at 1:00 p.m. At 1:45 p.m. the Fortuna High School Concert Band will perform followed by local swing band College of the Redwoods Jazz Band at 2:30 p.m. The group performing at 3:15 and for the Festive Finale at 4:00 p.m. is the Partnership In Music Orchestra, All Seasons Orchestra and Cal Poly Humboldt Symphony Orchestra.
The Festive Finale has been a tradition at the festival. Since the first festival in 1977, audience members have been invited to come forward to sing George Frideric Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Immediately following candles are lit, lights are
turned down, and the entire audience sings Franz Gruber’s Silent Night.
The Fortuna Christmas Music Festival was founded in 1977 by Dorothy Early. She organized the festival single-handedly until some health issues caused her to form a committee. In 1993 Dorothy held the first committee meeting. “For years this festival has been supported by the Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fortuna, Fortuna Business Improvement District, both Fortuna Veterans organizations, the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, and about 20 additional businesses, known as our ‘Christmas Angels’ to the committee”, McClimon said.
Don’t miss this free event. Make attending the festival one of your Christmas traditions. Come and support your local community groups and enjoy cookies and coffee in between groups.
Fortuna Christmas Music Festival Schedule
1:00pmScotia Band
1:45pmFortuna Union High School Concert Band 2:30pmCollege of the Redwoods Jazz Band 3:15pmPartnership In Music Orchestra 4:00pmFestival Finale
Scotia Band at the 2023 Fortuna Christmas Music Festival. PHOTOBY: SIMON RIOS
FORTUNA: A Safe Place to Live and Work
Asafe community is the foundation of economic prosperity. When businesses and their customers feel secure, it creates a positive environment that attracts new investments, tourism, and job opportunities. In Fortuna, we’ve seen the direct impact of our public safety efforts on the local economy.
For example, following increased patrols and a focus on community policing in Fortuna, there has been a noticeable reduction in crime. This has been particularly evident during major events like the annual Fortuna Rodeo Week, where enhanced security measures have helped ensure a safe environment for visitors and businesses alike. The success of these efforts contributes to the growth of local businesses during such events, reinforcing the importance of a secure community.
As the Chief of Police in Fortuna, I am honored to serve alongside our community’s dedicated business owners and residents who are committed to making our city a safer and more vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Public safety plays a crucial role in the economic development of any community, and here in Fortuna, our police department is focused on creating an environment where businesses can thrive and residents feel secure.
I’m pleased to share some encouraging news about the safety and security of our community. Thanks to the combined efforts of our dedicated
officers, community members, and local businesses, we’ve made significant strides in reducing crime and ensuring that Fortuna remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Positive Trends in Public Safety
Our recent crime statistics highlight the progress we’ve made over the past year:
Crimes Against Persons are Down by 20.45%: We’ve seen a significant reduction in violent crimes, including assaults and other offenses that directly impact the safety of our residents. This decrease reflects our commitment to community policing and targeted enforcement efforts.
Total Group “A” Crimes are Down by 7.83%:
Group “A” crimes encompass a broad range of offenses, including serious felonious crime. The reduction in these crimes is a testament to the effectiveness of our crime prevention strategies and the strong partnerships we’ve built with local businesses and residents.
Total Crimes in Fortuna are Down by 14.81%: Overall, the total number of reported crimes in Fortuna has decreased by nearly 15%, a significant achievement that underscores the positive impact of our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety.
While we celebrate these successes, we are also aware of the areas where we must remain vigilant. Notably, Crimes Against Property have increased by 7.14% over the past year. Property crimes, including
Officer Dalton Palmer – Most recent awardee “Officer of the Quarter”
School Resource Officer Ryan Richardson with Fortuna Police Explorer now recently hired HCSO Corrections Officer Turner Gurney
Winners Cory and Nicole Baird of the 2024 Rodeo K9 Raffle with Chief Day
theft and burglary, are a challenge we are actively addressing through increased patrols, community education, and collaborative initiatives.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
These achievements wouldn’t be possible without the strong partnerships between the Fortuna Police Department, local businesses, and the community. Our positive relationship with local businesses, for example, has been instrumental in fostering communication and cooperation among business owners, allowing us to respond more efficiently to emerging threats and prevent crime before it occurs.
We’re also continuing our work with local schools through our School Resource Officer Program, ensuring that our youth are supported and guided towards positive choices. The decline in crimes against persons suggests that these preventive
measures are making a real difference in keeping our community safe.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, I encourage all members of the Fortuna community to stay engaged and work with us to maintain this positive momentum. Whether it’s participating in police led prevention programs, attending community meetings, or simply staying informed about local crime trends, every effort helps to build a safer and stronger Fortuna. Together, we can continue to make Fortuna a place where families thrive, businesses prosper, and everyone feels safe.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
— Sincerely, Casey J. Day, Chief of Police Fortuna Police Department
Mayor Trent drawing the winning ticket from the 2024 Rodeo K9 Raffle with Sgt. Kadle and Chief Day
Chief Day presenting Sgt Primofiore and Sgt Phinney with the departments commendation for professional development in front of City Council
Pursuit – Arrest after 3 stolen vehicles recovered from a residence in Fortuna
Chief Day handing out coffee at Starbucks for National Coffee with a Cop Day
New line(s) or new account, eligible smartphone purchase(s) via 36-month installment contract, eligible postpaid service plan, credit approval, autopay and Paperless Billing required. Device credit paid via 36 monthly bill credits up to $23.06 per device. Service credit paid via 12 monthly bill credits of $7.50 per line. Taxes, fees and additional terms apply.
