All articles tagged with #humboldt county
Humboldt County is currently experiencing low levels of respiratory viruses, but wastewater data indicates an upcoming increase in flu and other respiratory illnesses, with health officials warning of a potential surge in hospitalizations in the coming weeks due to limited case reporting and declining vaccination rates, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
Parents in Humboldt County face significant challenges in obtaining COVID-19 vaccines for young children due to limited local supply, healthcare system barriers, and logistical issues, leading some to travel hours out of the area for vaccination, despite official recommendations for pediatric immunization.
Humboldt County saw a nearly 40% decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2024, attributed largely to increased access to naloxone and syringe exchange programs, though concerns about drug use and enforcement remain among local officials.
In 2025, COVID-19 cases are rising again with a new variant called XFG or Stratus, but current vaccines remain effective. Vaccination efforts are ongoing, with booster shots available and accessible to high-risk groups, and public health officials encourage vaccination to reduce strain on healthcare resources amid seasonal spikes.
Fortuna’s North Pacific Dermatology in Humboldt County is the first in the area to offer GentleCure, a noninvasive, Medicare-covered Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT) for nonmelanoma skin cancer, providing an effective alternative to surgery with a cure rate over 99%.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Northern California's coast, affecting Humboldt, Mendocino, and Del Norte counties, but caused less damage than the 2022 quake due to its offshore location. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, though initial assessments show minimal infrastructure damage, with some road cracks and structural issues in buildings. Experts attribute the reduced impact to the quake's location and fault movement. Residents are urged to remain prepared for future seismic events, as delayed effects and winter conditions could pose additional risks.
Northern California is recovering after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Humboldt County, causing significant shaking but no major injuries or damage. The quake, described as a "big jolt" followed by prolonged shaking, led to road closures and damage to local businesses and homes. Residents are dealing with the aftermath, including toppled items and cracked headstones, while remaining on edge about potential aftershocks.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of northern California near Ferndale, prompting a brief tsunami warning for northern California and southern Oregon. Although the warning has been rescinded, the quake caused significant disruption, with reports of damage such as displaced fireplaces and broken items. Multiple aftershocks have followed, and California Governor Gavin Newsom is coordinating the emergency response. No widespread damage has been reported yet, but assessments are ongoing.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck near Petrolia in Humboldt County, Northern California, prompting a tsunami warning for coastal areas from Davenport, California, to Douglas/Lane Line, Oregon. The National Tsunami Warning Center issued the alert following the quake, which occurred at 10:44 a.m. local time. Subsequent aftershocks, including a 4.2 magnitude tremor, were also reported. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the state's Office of Emergency Services is actively responding, urging residents to heed local emergency guidance.
A recent discovery on Google Maps has revealed that a scenic spot in Humboldt County, known for its breathtaking views along the Mattole Road, is labeled as "Point of Cows." This has sparked curiosity and confusion among locals, as many claim they've never heard the area referred to by this name. A poll has been launched to determine if this is a common local term or a Google Maps anomaly.
Activision has released a new multiplayer map called "Humboldt Growhouse" as downloadable content for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, set in a marijuana grow operation in Humboldt County, California. The map features obstacles like an RV, pickup truck, water tank, and outhouse, but has received mixed reviews from gamers. Some concerns have been raised about the portrayal of environmental degradation and illegal activities in the area.
Filming for Paul Thomas Anderson's new movie, known as "BC Project," continued in Humboldt County with Leonardo DiCaprio spotted in character as a hippie rushing to a pay phone. The production has been described as very organized, with locals taking on roles as extras. Law enforcement vehicles with "Baktin Cross Police Department" decals were also seen patrolling the area, and filming is set to continue in Northtown Arcata.
In 1881, John Dolbeer, a mechanical genius from Humboldt County, invented the donkey engine, a steam-powered device that revolutionized logging operations along the West Coast. The donkey engine replaced oxen and increased the efficiency of logging by hauling logs with its powerful steam-driven spools. Over time, the donkey engine evolved and became more versatile, capable of herding rafts of logs, pulling logs along skidroads, and even loading logs onto railroad cars. The donkey engine played a significant role in the logging industry until the arrival of the internal combustion engine.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit the Northern California coast near Eureka, with a depth of 10.0 km. west of Petrolia in Humboldt County, according to the USGS. There was no threat of a tsunami. This is the same area where a 6.4 earthquake hit in December 2022, killing two people and injuring about a dozen people. So far, there have been no reports of any major damage or injuries.