Proponents Stand by Cannabis Reform Initiative

Proponents of the Humboldt Cannabis Reform Initiative are standing by their proposal that would overhaul the county’s cultivation regulations if passed by voters next year, saying the county’s analysis of the measure is “packed with factual errors, untruths and distortions.”

A county staff report on the 38-page initiative presented to the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors last month warned it would have “dire consequences” for the industry, saying that in addition to capping the number and size of new cannabis farms in the county, it would also immediately render 400 of the county’s permitted farms “non-conforming.” Due to ambiguities in the initiative’s language, staff also posited the initiative could then prevent these already permitted farms from making environmental improvements — like adding solar arrays or increasing water storage — and obtaining non-cultivation permits that would allow for tourism or processing on site.

At the supervisors’ March 7 meeting, dozens of cultivators addressed the board to decry the initiative, warning it would have dire impacts on an already struggling industry.

The board appointed an ad-hoc committee — comprising Fourth District

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Supervisor Natalie Arroyo, Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell and Planning Director John Ford — to meet with the initiative’s proponents to see if they could find common ground and persuade them to pull the initiative from the March of 2024 primary ballot. (Because the initiative has qualified for the ballot it can’t be amended before going before voters, and if passed it could only be changed by another vote of the people.)

The ad-hoc committee reportedly met at least twice but does not seem to have moved the needle, as the initiative’s proponents sent a letter to the county last week alleging the county staff analysis contained “inaccuracies and mischaracterizations.” Further, the letter warned that continued efforts by the county to disseminate information about the initiative could run afoul of the California Political Reform Act, which prohibits public officials from using public resources to influence campaigns.

“The county can’t use our tax dollars to take sides in this fight,” said proponent Mark Thurmond in a press release. “They have to be thorough, accurate, and fair — and that’s why the board needs to retract its analysis of our initiative. The 7,000 people who signed our petition deserve to be represented too.”

Suspected Murder-Suicide in Fortuna: The Fortuna Police Department is investigating an apparent murder-suicide that left two men dead in a residence on the 23000 block of Newburg Road on April 23. Police responded to the scene after a report of a “suspected homicide” and the engaged in a standoff with an armed and barricaded suspect, who then reportedly shot himself. POSTED 04.24.23

If passed when it comes before voters in March of 2024, the Cannabis Reform Initiative would reshape cultivation guidelines in the county, capping the number of farms and their size, among other things. File

The letter from lawyers representing the proponents to the county takes aim at much of the staff analysis, from its “style and tenor,” which the letter dubs “primarily argumentative,” to its conclusions.

For example, the letter state states there is no ambiguity as to whether the initiative, if passed, would allow existing non-conforming farms to make environmental upgrades to their operations, pointing out that the initiative itself states it “shall be broadly construed to achieve its purpose,” which is to “promote environmentally responsible cultivation practices and support watershed health.”

As such, the letter posits, of course farms would be allowed to add to their solar arrays and water storage capacity without running afoul.

Eureka Death Investigation: The Eureka Police Department and the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office are investigating the deaths of two people found in a residence on the 2700 block of Fairfield Street on April 21 during a welfare check requested after someone was unable contact them for several weeks. There are no signs of “suspicious activity or foul play,” according to EPD. POSTED 04.25.23

As to the multiple permits provision, the letter states that the initiative language makes clear that is only in relation to cultivation permits, and the limit would not apply to ancillary permits to allow for tourism or sales. While the initiative would amend the county’s General Plan, the letter notes it also contains language authorizing the county to adopt implementation regulations as long as they are in line with the initiative’s objectives. The initiative’s proponents are demanding the county either retract staff’s analysis or “promptly correct the errors therein.” Where things go from here remains to be seen.

— Thadeus Greenson POSTED 04.25.23

Garberville Woman Found Dead: The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of a woman from the South Fork Eel River north of Garberville on the evening of April 18. The deceased was identified as Sarai Anne Combs, 37, of Garberville, though the circumstances of her death remain unknown, with an autopsy scheduled to determine Combs’ cause of death. POSTED 04.20.23

Digitally Speaking They Said It Comment of the Week

The number of people killed in three separate motor vehicle accidents this week, including single-car crash in Eureka and Fortuna, and a three-car collision on State Route 299. POSTED 04.24.23

“I loved this vivid depiction. The author captures the vast array of thoughts and emotions that arise while spending time with a loved one with dementia. … She conveys the bittersweetness of making the most of what turn out to be final moments together.”

POSTED 04.20.23

— “FLNMGA” commenting on the Journal’s website about Lauri Rose’s April 20 story “Driving with My Father.” POSTED 04.23.23