the population of Eureka Springs totaled 3,964 The latest count is a little over half that at 2,211 Such a decline most often would mark a community drifting slowly toward eventual extinction But today's Eureka Springs and environs have 182 hotels That's according to the popular Trip Advisor site Eureka Springs Historical Museum tells the roller-coaster story of this quirky community starting with the long Native American presence Then came white settlers' promotion of the local springs' healing powers in the late 19th century When Eureka Springs was incorporated in 1880 it ranked among Arkansas' 10 largest cities after the Great Depression and World War II a slow revival began as the city's wealth of Victorian architecture became an allure while also serving as a bastion of the state's gay and lesbian communities who had treated wounded soldiers from both sides after Civil War battles in Northwest Arkansas he bottled and sold the curative water from one of five dozen local springs as "Dr The new community thrived on that era's enthusiasm for spring-water resorts A listing of Eureka Springs businesses in 1898 suggests the prosperity the young city "had become one of the most popular health spas in the USA." A display focuses on the array of souvenirs that visitors bought fossils and the quintessential Ozarks souvenir: the cedar outhouse salt and pepper sets." The museum's "Burning Down" exhibit is devoted to four devastating fires that swept Eureka Springs in 1883 They were the worst of the city's "18 recorded fires in the 19th century Described as "a castle in the wilderness," the Crescent Hotel was spared the flames because it was built in 1886 atop West Mountain Said to be haunted and still welcoming guests today it closed at various times as tourism here dwindled after World War I It was bought for $40,000 in 1937 by medical charlatan Norman Baker Baker "had already operated two phony cancer hospitals in Iowa though he had no medical background," a display reports which supposedly provided treatments for almost all ailments Initially welcomed as a new business by the struggling city Baker touted his secret elixir involving corn silk He was arrested in 1940 for mail fraud and sentenced to four years in federal prison Another kind of chicanery was portrayed in "Pass the Ammo," shot in 1988 mostly in Eureka Springs described as "a satirical film about the hypocrisy and greed of televangelism." Stars included Tim Curry Visitors are invited to have their picture taken with a recently restored artifact The antique is a galvanized steam cabinet from the Palace Hotel and Bathhouse Its vapors of 115 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit "caused profuse sweating and elevated body temperatures A sign requests: "Speak with a staff member if you would like a photo in the steam cabinet." Info: visiteurekasprings.com/historical-museum-and-information-center/; (479) 253-9417 Jack Schnedler retired as the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's deputy managing features editor in 2011 he has written weekly for the Style section about Arkansas attractions and activities This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2025 audio and/or video material shall not be published rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use The AP will not be held liable for any delays errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing « Sheriff’s Office Warns Swimmers of ‘Serious Dangers’ in Fast-Moving Rivers TODAY IN SUPES: Humboldt County’s General Fund Balance is Expected to Dry Up in Two Years Due to Ongoing Deficits » by Rowdy Baribeau (KATV) — The Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Carroll County The Carroll County Sheriff's Office requested ASP CID's assistance after a shooting took place on Thursday at the 13000 block of Highway 187 in Eureka Springs Eureka Springs Police and Green Forest Police were serving a search warrant and an arrest warrant for 44-year-old Jeremy Coyle of Eureka Springs SWAT officers made contact and entered Coyle's residence after being noncompliant officers reported seeing a firearm on his person and proceeded to raise the firearm toward officers prompting an officers to discharge his service weapon Coyle was pronounced dead on the scene after paramedics rendered emergency medical treatment Coyle's body will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the manner and cause of death ASP CID special agents will prepare a case file for the Carroll County Prosecutor KARK – Special agents with the Arkansas State Police are investigating after an attempted search warrant in Eureka Springs led to a deadly officer-involved shooting Eureka Springs and Green Forest were serving a search warrant and an arrest warrant Thursday morning for 44-year-old Jeremy Coyle related to sexual assault charges Officers said they ordered Coyle to exit his home Special agents said officers entered the home and reported they found Coyle with a gun witnesses said Coyle pointed the gun at officers which prompted an officer to fire his weapon Coyle was pronounced dead at the scene after medical personnel provided assistance Special agents said Coyle’s body will be taken to the Arkansas State Crime Lab to determine the official manner and cause of death ASP investigators will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Carroll County prosecutor who will determine if the shooting was consistent with Arkansas laws Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" these are the actual most popular baby names so far in 2025 Whether it’s a short vacation or they’re jetting off to begin their career show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift National Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 5 take advantage of these freebies and deals Tucked among Arkansas’s hills these eight towns stand out as some of the coolest places to escape during the warm months each destination pairs small-town spirit with memorable experiences from historic museums to hidden city parks summer in Arkansas shines brightest in these laid-back yet lively spots Whether you are planning a quiet retreat or an active adventure these towns offer a refreshing mix of natural beauty and local flavor for your 2025 vacation Eureka Springs is unlike any other town in Arkansas Nicknamed the “Little Switzerland of the Ozarks” and later the “Stairstep Town,” this mountain escape is famous for its steep Its reputation began in the late 1800s when visitors first came to soak in its supposedly healing springs and that air of wonder still lingers in its stone alleyways and hidden gardens The town gives a cool vibe with lots of annual festivals The Eureka Mardi Gras celebration keeps things festive with masquerade balls and lively parades that roll through the heart of town the town goes into its eerie side with the Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl and Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival A walk through Eureka Springs Downtown feels like stepping back in time with quirky boutiques and carriage rides through tree-lined streets a glass-and-wood marvel tucked in the woods that attracts architecture lovers from around the world Nature enthusiasts gravitate to Lake Leatherwood City Park or casting a line on its calm 100-acre lake Animal lovers are also in for a treat with the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Mountain View has made a name for itself as the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” where music is a major part of daily life The event captures the soul of the region with a homespun parade and spontaneous music breaking out on every corner this lively small town has a steady rhythm of tradition The main attraction of this town is the Ozark Folk Center State Park which brings that heritage to life with artisans demonstrating blacksmithing and wood carving while musicians keep old-time tunes alive Blanchard Springs Caverns shows nature’s grandeur through its vast underground chambers and guided tours reveal every detail about the three-level cave system Families love exploring the Swinging Bridge over Sylamore Creek and a peaceful place to unwind right in town Tucked into the foothills of northern Arkansas, Batesville might just be the coolest town in the state The town offers a one-of-a-kind experience with a cool car museum and a fun aquatic park Auto enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Mark Martin Museum This modern space celebrates the legendary NASCAR driver with a collection of his iconic race cars from the '90 Folgers Thunderbird to the No Each vehicle is paired with exhibits that share the stories behind the races kids love to cool off at the Batesville Community Center and Aquatics Park there is something for swimmers of every age and ability For those wanting to move around amid open green space the Batesville Municipal Golf Course has nine scenic holes set against the White River backdrop The Champion Bermuda grass greens are perfect for a relaxed morning round or a quiet afternoon session History buffs can step back in time at the Old Independence Regional Museum where exhibits dig into the area’s rich past the displays highlight the stories and legacies that shaped the region long before the town became a hub Surrounded by the natural wealth of the Ozarks One of the town’s most photogenic spots is Bridal Veil Falls where water spills over rocky ledges just minutes from downtown A lookout deck gives visitors a fantastic view while nearby trails are ideal for casual walkers and seasoned hikers the falls feel different with every change of season Excitement continues for water lovers with the Dam Site Recreation Area & Campground it is a favorite spot for vacationers to enjoy boating it is a peaceful route to spend some good time in nature step into the Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum where colorful engines run through hand-built miniature towns It is a must-visit place for families with kids Siloam Springs rolls out a different kind of welcome with outdoors and just the right amount of small-town feel Built with a series of rapids perfect for kayaking a small parking fee helps keep the park in top shape quiet trails are better than rushing water and sparkling shoreline is the City Lake Park It is a favorite among visitors for fishing Saturday mornings buzz with life at the Siloam Springs Farmers Market and artisans turn the downtown into a colorful street fair It is the kind of place where homemade pies and handwoven goods all seem like necessities visitors who really like to discover Siloam Springs a visit to the Siloam Springs Museum ties it all together from Native American culture to the boom years of the healing spring resorts and every visit adds another layer to understanding what makes this town tick El Dorado is a town that is the state's liveliest arts and entertainment hub September’s SouthArk Outdoor Expo caters to outdoor enthusiasts while MusicFest in October transforms eight downtown blocks into a live music wonderland showcasing over 30 acts across five stages the Festival of Lights brings dazzling holiday displays to town capped off by Arkansas’s largest Christmas parade At the center of downtown's revival is the Murphy Arts District (MAD) which includes a state-of-the-art music hall and even the largest playscape in Arkansas the water park inside MAD becomes the perfect place to cool off before catching a live music show later in the evening Culture lovers will also want to stop by the South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) a 22,500-square-foot facility featuring three visual art galleries SAAC keeps the calendar full with stage performances The El Dorado Municipal Auditorium is another centerpiece for entertainment complete with a sweeping grand hall and balcony seating hosts everything from major music performances and dance recitals to local school productions It even has a history with the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra once calling the auditorium home after its founding in 1956 Paragould is best known for Crowley’s Ridge State Park a 291-acre natural retreat set along the distinctive ridge that runs through northeast Arkansas The park features modern cabins with kitchens and other amenities that make it easy to spend a weekend hiking In the heart of town stands the Paragould War Memorial a scaled-down but striking replica of the Statue of Liberty it is a surprising and meaningful tribute that feels just as iconic in its own way Visitors often find it a fitting stop for photos and reflection while exploring downtown History buffs will want to take time out for the Greene County Museum 14 themed rooms showcase artifacts from Paragould’s past covering everything from military service and Native American heritage to the golden days of local sports and railroads Every room feels like opening a different chapter in the county’s story And when you are ready to soak in everything where an ever-evolving menu of handcrafted meads awaits Whether you are sipping a new seasonal blend in the tasting room or picking up a bottle to take home it is an experience that feels both relaxed and a little bit adventurous perched along the shores of Lake Dardanelle and framed by the rolling hills of the Arkansas River Valley is a perfect destination to spend summer vacation in 2025 Held on the first Friday night of each quarter—March this lively event fills the historic streets with live music It is a night when the town’s artistic side steps into the spotlight and the community comes alive Another event that fills the skies with balloons is Balloons Over Russellville the Russellville Soccer Complex transforms into a festival ground where hot air balloons float across the skyline and even the Arkansas State Championship Chainsaw Carving Competition It is a weekend packed with energy and sky-high excitement that feels like a true celebration of Russellville’s adventurous spirit Outdoor lovers will find that Lake Dardanelle State Park is right at the doorstep one in Russellville and one in nearby Dardanelle and sits beside the expansive 34,300-acre lake making it an easy and scenic place to spend the afternoon fishing or boating If visitors are looking for even more outdoor escapes Francis National Forests offer thousands of acres to explore Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary is a more peaceful retreat This 186-acre wetland sanctuary is threaded with almost six miles of trails Arkansas is packed with towns that know how to make a summer vacation unforgettable Each of these eight towns brings its own flavor whether it is the Bridal Veil Falls adventure of Heber Springs From outdoor escapes to rich cultural experiences and small-town warmth that is hard to find anywhere else these eight Arkansas towns set the stage for a summer getaway full of lasting memories in 2025 photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter E-edition PLUS unlimited articles & videos Personalized news alerts with our mobile app *Refers to the latest 2 years of stltoday.com stories Please subscribe to continue reading… Shellie Tippet poses in front of the chicken coop in the backyard of her home in Eureka on Thursday Tippet’s homeowners association is threatening to remove the coop if Tippet doesn’t comply with certain regulations EUREKA — The day after a new Missouri law overturned her homeowners association’s ban on chickens in August the association is threatening fines and legal action if she doesn’t take down the chicken coop she built for them Tippet acknowledges she hasn’t followed Windswept Farms Homeowners Association’s rules Her coop is larger than the size allowed and doesn’t match her home’s exterior And the coop needs to be shielded from view of neighbors and passersby But Tippet says her HOA is violating state law which allows up to six chickens in a single coop The coop her HOA wants is too small for six birds and the other rules are unnecessarily burdensome “They think they have way more power than they do.” The dispute comes at a time when interest in raising chickens has grown in response to egg prices climbing due to a combination of factors including avian flu outbreaks that have killed millions of birds Missouri now allows homeowners to have up to six chickens per every fifth of an acre and prohibits bans against them in property covenants deed restrictions or other binding agreements County and city governments can still ban chickens but neighborhood associations and other property contract arrangements can only set “reasonable” rules but can’t prohibit “a single coop designed to accommodate up to six” of the birds said he didn’t want to allow homeowners associations to ban chickens where cities or counties allow them enclosed and otherwise refrain from being a public nuisance But some property management associations are setting unreasonable rules because they “just don’t like chickens,” he said Why do they need permission from a homeowners association to do something that is entirely legal?” Murphy “This is an attempt to go around the state law by making it impossible for people to pasture chickens.” The Windswept Farms Homeowners Association and Omni Management Group a local company that manages the association did not make anyone available for an interview OMNI said the association consulted an attorney to draft the chicken coop policy to assure it met state law “and the HOA’s ability to adopt reasonable rules for the best interests of all homeowner members in Windswept Farms.” Neighborhood associations pushed back against the law that keeps them from prohibiting chickens before it took effect One HOA in the Lake of the Ozarks is suing to overturn it saying it runs afoul of state and federal laws governing private contracts an attorney who specialized in community associations law said each association should be allowed to decide what raising chickens should look like in their community “It comes down to the general nature of the community and how to make these things fit,” he said “I think it’s reasonable that associations are going to have rules for their communities that some people like and others might not.” mill around a chicken run outside of Tippet’s home in Eureka on Thursday Tippet got her chickens after a recent Missouri state law was passed allowing homeowners to keep backyard chickens regardless of HOA restrictions the Windswept Farms HOA is governed by a three-member board that includes one resident of the neighborhood and two employees of McBride Homes one of four companies building homes in the subdivision A sign at the neighborhood’s entrance advertises new homes for sale Many homes don’t have fences or extensive landscaping and trees along the street are young and short who moved to the neighborhood in March 2024 originally hadn’t wanted to live there because of the HOA and they both wanted their boys to attend Rockwood School District who grew up in rural Pennsylvania and worked on chicken farms in her youth She didn’t contact the HOA before getting her chickens and buying a coop “The law said I could have them regardless of the HOA,” she said Shellie Tippet collects eggs from her homemade coop outside her home in Eureka on Thursday Tippet typically collects two to four eggs a night from the coop she got a letter from the association with its rules including requiring Tippet to submit an application Tippet said her family asked for meetings with the association’s board of directors to negotiate which corresponded with them on the association’s behalf next to an enclosure of chicken wire where the birds can be outdoors Tippet said she knew the HOA would object and that she didn’t ask for permission maintaining that she didn’t need it under state law she designed her coop to meet Eureka regulations which don’t explicitly limit the size of a coop as long as it is at least 50 feet away from neighboring properties Bugs Morhen the Barred Rock chicken sits in a stall inside of Shellie Tippet's chicken coop at her home in Eureka on Thursday The Windswept Farms Homeowners Association limits coops from being taller than 4 feet and larger than 15 square feet in total area Tippet argues that’s only big enough for up to four chickens to live in healthy conditions has a disability and needs a coop tall enough to walk into And the chicken wire enclosure makes a fence unnecessary She refuses to downsize or give away any of her chickens an attorney hired by the association warned it would take legal action “We are obligated to enforce the community rules so that the character and value of the entire community remains high,” the association said in an April 1 letter Tippet said she believes the HOA is targeting her because they worry a chicken coop might make it more difficult to sell new homes there “They think people won’t want to move into a neighborhood that has chickens so they’re trying to make sure that nobody has them,” she said said they have no complaints about the chickens and were never contacted by the homeowners association about them “They take good care of them,” said Prince Moyo said he hears dogs barking in the neighborhood but rarely if ever hears the chickens prompting a surge in chicken sales as families turn to backyard farming raising chickens at home has become a popular alternative Email notifications are only sent once a day Following less than two hours of testimony Wednesday the Senate Children and Families Committee voted to pass the proposed constitutional ame… Louis County merger was met with hostility last week in a Missouri House hearing room A $3.2 million plan to help farmers produce fresh food in north St Louis County drew questions about connections Mayor Cara Spencer said recent changes have raised doubts that the effort can garner the federal grants needed to complete the billion-dollar line Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device « (PHOTOS) ‘No Kings, No Oligarchs’ Protest at the Courthouse Draws Hundreds When Will Democratic Lawmakers Make California More Affordable? Later, Leaders Say » An example of a Sprinter van, for reference. mark.mitchell.brown, CC BY-SA 2.0 Sutter Health Park. Photo: Quintin Soloviev - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Link Oracle Park. Photo: Chris6d - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link Dodger Stadium. Photo: Sammythecat7 - Own work, CC0, Link Petco Park. Photo: Mds08011 - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Link Tom Trepiak is the former sports information director at Humboldt State and a member of the Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics Hall of Fame « OBITUARY: Daniel E. O’Leary, 1951-2025 Sheriff William Honsal Pens Open Letter to Express Opposition to Release of Sexually Violent Predator Into Humboldt » The Redwood Harley-Davidson to DMV transformation is nearly complete After a five-and-a-half-year stay at the Bayshore Mall, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is relocating its Eureka office to its new home at 2500 Sixth Street — the former Redwood Harley-Davidson location at the north end of town According to a flyer posted at the Bayshore Mall office the DMV will shutter its current location at 5 p.m The new Eureka location will open at 9 a.m If you simply can’t put off your DMV duties during those three weeks, chances are you can get ‘em taken care of online you’ll have to drive an hour or more to a “nearby” office in Crescent City The Arkansas State Police is investigating a officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday in Eureka Springs Eureka Springs and Green Forest police departments were serving a search and arrest warrant for Jeremy Coyle Officers made contact with Coyle and tried to get him to leave his residence officers entered the home and reported that they found Coyle with a gun witnesses said Coyle pointed his gun at officers After paramedics attempted life saving treatment Daniel McFadin is a general assignment reporter who has been with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since October 2022 and has also been a writer covering NASCAR for Frontstretch — which is not affiliated with the Democrat-Gazette — since 2014 Daniel also has and continues to be involved in podcasting at the newspaper « How Labor Killed a Bill to Let California Wildfire Victims Sue Big Oil for Climate Change (PHOTOS AND VIDEO) PG&E Does Not Want You To Worry About Seeing Drones Near Power Lines, So They Staged a Flight For Us » Game On will host Eureka’s first black light mini golf course Some kids want to be astronauts when they grow up Others picture themselves as doctors or lawyers Day, a long-time construction worker and skilled tradesman, has spent months transforming the cavernous space at 411 First Street in Eureka, formerly home to HealthSPORT By The Bay into Game On —  a family fun center featuring black light laser tag “This is something I’ve always wanted to do I feel like this idea has been in the works for about 20 years now,” Day told the Outpost in a recent interview You know the story: Our parents kicked us out at daylight and told us to come home when the street lights came on A lot of our time was spent in [places] just like this … and we don’t have anything like that here in Eureka I’ve always wanted to do something like this but I had to wait for the opportunity to arise.” Day spotted his opportunity while driving around Old Town Eureka with his wife Traci Day “I saw the ‘For Lease’ sign on the front of the building and I just had a feeling it was the right spot,” he said pulled into the parking lot and asked if they wanted to see the building.  “He ran into his office next door to grab his keys and gave us a tour We knew almost instantly that this was the building because we spent so much time in here when it was Globe Imports,” Day said There’s something really special about this building I reached out to Robert about a week later and told him I was interested.” Day has spent countless hours prepping Game On for its big debut next month transforming the former gym into a glow-in-the-dark haven for game enthusiasts Rendezvous Music & Vending has supplied about a dozen arcade games for the new space several pinball machines and an air hockey table (Note to Skee-Ball fanatics: As it turns out there aren’t any Skee-Ball machines available for rent locally but Day said it’ll be “one of the first purchases we make once we bring in a little more revenue.”) The nine-hole mini golf course and laser tag arena located in a pair of backrooms on the West side of the building “I didn’t really have a plan; I just put my head down and started building what came to mind,” Day said gesturing to the ocean-themed mini golf course and “Rum Barrel Ralph,” a grinning pirate’s skeleton “The wife and kids have done most of the painting for me so that I can keep moving building anything that needed to be built … I decided to keep it at nine holes because anything more than that has a tendency to get kind of boring The laser tag arena is still a work in progress The equipment — infrared-emitting phasers (guns) targets and battle bases — is expected to arrive sometime this week The neon alien-themed artwork should be wrapped up soon thereafter.  In addition to the laser tag arena and the mini golf course Game On will host an “adults only” area on the second floor of the building to give parents a space to “withdraw from the controlled chaos” of the arcade and gaze out at Humboldt Bay There’s also a private room for birthday parties and events on the first floor family-friendly environment that you could possibly have in Humboldt County,” Day said “We recognize that people are coming here to spend money so we want to give them a little something back and provide some free stuff and games — like this huge Connect 4 game — for them to fill their time if they’re waiting and we’re lucky enough to be booked out.” Game On will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on May 1. Keep an eye on their Facebook page — linked here — for updates Join us for a 12-hour food drive Friday, 6am to 6pm, in Redding or Chico. Help stuff a RABA or B-Line bus at Les Schwab with food donations! LIVE UPDATESCoffee and cannabis: new Eureka drive-thru might be a new favorite jointby Nazy Javid — A new drive-thru in Humboldt County is offering more than just coffee — it’s also serving cannabis allowing customers to pick up both a cup of coffee and cannabis products in one stop The business model sets itself apart by combining coffee and cannabis sales into one drive-thru location — a concept still uncommon across California Their opening follows the passage of Assembly Bill 1775 which permits licensed dispensaries in California to serve non-cannabis food and beverages Report a correction or typo the study uses experiments on eight diverse complex reasoning tasks on nine state-of-the-art models at the frontier of Artificial Intelligence today All these tasks were used to test conventional models like: Claude 3.5 Sonnet as well as reasoning models: Claude 3.7 Sonnet To estimate the future potential of all models we ran all experiments several times following two different scaling approaches we make N independent calls to the model and aggregate the results via different aggregators: average the model is set to sequentially attempt to solve the problem and if it is incorrect it receives feedback from another model inference call until the context budget is exhausted or N trials are done All experiment implementations and data are available on Eureka ML Insights (opens in new tab) which is an open-source framework for standardizing evaluations of large foundation models and for extracting insights beyond single-score reporting and rankings Finding 1: There exists a large gap between conventional models and models trained for inference-time compute (aka reasoning models) on complex tasks indicating a major update on the state of the art Improved reasoning also extends and generalizes to algorithmic and planning problems beyond math reasoning models surpass their conventional counterparts often by more than 50 percentage points in accuracy It is also interesting to see major improvements in algorithmic problems such as NP-hard problems like Satisfiability (3SAT) and Traveling Salesman Path Optimization (TSP) Improvements in spatial understanding (Maze and SpatialMap) and scientific reasoning however are less pervasive across model families but still often over 20 percentage points Finding 2: The effectiveness of inference-time scaling varies between domains and tasks with diminishing returns as task complexity increases an in-depth analysis on the GPQA benchmark for scientific problems reveals that while reasoning models all achieve an accuracy of higher than 90% for Physics they still lag behind on Biology and Chemistry In algorithmic problems and other problems that have a notion of difficulty model accuracy drops even for the best models as difficulty increases and the length of reasoning traces saturates Finding 3: A reasoning model that uses more tokens for a given problem is not always the most accurate one longer generations are on average less accurate than the shorter ones even across models with similar accuracies on a task we can observe that often there exist pairs of models that have similar accuracy but one of them uses a lot more tokens (e.g DeepSeek-R1 and Claude 3.7 Sonnet Thinking have an average accuracy across five repeats within a < 3% range but Claude 3.7 Sonnet Thinking uses at least 2.5 times more tokens) Figure 4 illustrates the average accuracy over generation lengths for the DeepSeek R1 model and O3-mini high on the GPQA task Finding 4: Repeated queries to the same model can yield highly variable token usage introducing cost nondeterminism for developers and users- even when the model consistently provides correct answers Horizontal whiskers in Figure 3 are a measure of cost nondeterminism as they show the variability within a single prompt (data instance) we summarize these charts and show the actual cost in dollars on average for 1000 prompts This shows that the variability on token length can translate to up to 40% variability in actual cost for almost all reasoning models Finding 5: There exists untapped potential for improving both conventional models and models trained for inference-time compute we run all our experiments 5 times and see whether a correct inference path exists by checking with a “perfect” verifier which has access to ground truth The existence of the inference path shows that it is possible to extract that skill or knowledge from the model with better fine tuning and RL techniques This emphasizes the importance of building improved and generalizable verifiers that can be used for further development investments in better verifiers for different domains can become the distinguishing factor in the current AI space that determine the speed of progress in generalizing reasoning for a broad number of use cases Finding 6: Current reasoning models (in our case O1) improve more efficiently upon receiving feedback on their solutions than conventional models on the most complex tasks Figure 7 shows results on experiments that simulate sequential iterations on O1 and GPT-4o where the model first attempts a solution and then receives feedback from another judge (of the same type) to make another attempt on the solution and its improvements are even faster with sequential feedback Assembly took around five minutes in total I only had to cut hair out of the brushroll two times day-to-day cleaning and obstacle avoidance the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra is a stand-out choice at this price range testing its technology and cleaning capabilities The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra review is a dream for those who love having total control over their robot vacuums The app allows you to tailor its functionality and journey perfectly while the camera ensures it avoids obstacles and cleans every corner only needing its water tanks emptying occasionally The biggest downside is how much it struggles with larger dirt spots and smears you might find maintaining them all difficult I used to have the same problem – until I started using the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra in my home Many robot vacuums nowadays have built-in vacuuming and mopping features and take care of their mop heads with self-cleaning bases These models tend to be on the higher end of the price point – and this model is no exception as Eureka is known for its high-performance vacuums I’ve been putting the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra robot vacuum through its paces in my two-story home for over four months. Here, I delve into how it performs in terms of vacuuming, mopping, and overall maintenance, and see how it compares to the best robot vacuums that we’ve tested It came out of cardboard packaging and had plastic covers on the base and the vacuum itself While I understand that this was to prevent scratches the cardboard packaging inside was robust enough to prevent any damage in my opinion Assembling it all together took around five minutes – including filling the water tank I did appreciate that there weren’t too many pieces that needed slotting together it took around an hour to get charged up and ready to use I actually didn’t pair the app up for a month as I wanted to see how it functioned without this once I did set it up it was super quick to do taking just a few minutes to download and pair up the robot with the app All you have to do is press a button on the vacuum and add the Wi-Fi password the initial mapping process of my lower floor (entryway but it does have a powerful 16,200 Pa suction and an aluminum fan which boosts motor performance This means it’s able to effectively tackle both hard and soft surfaces which allows it to map out the different rooms and navigate obstacles This can also be accessed on the app and viewed live as it cleans which makes for very interesting viewing – especially in those gaps of the house I don’t normally see meaning it can accurately detect dry and wet messes This allows it to switch between the mop and the side brush by itself while cleaning The app allows you to create schedules for the robot to go around and change how deep a clean it does you can also switch between a 2D and a 3D map the app allows you to adjust the suction power This is especially handy for those who are eco-conscious While it’s cleaning, the robot is a breeze to manage. Although usually you must keep floors clear with a robot vacuum I have never had to move any obstacles out of the way which is surprising as my floor often has boxes or bags lying around I only ever have to move it on the corners of my dining room rug it has no issues mounting onto my higher-pile living room rug I have an open-plan living room and dining room and the kitchen and entryway are on either side of this and both have thresholds that the robot vacuum easily moves on top of thanks to the Intelligent Mop-Lifting technology It normally takes 50 minutes to clean my whole downstairs area it auto-washes and dries its mop head itself The only maintenance I have to do is emptying the dirty water tank and topping up the normal water tank – both of which I only have had to do after 60 days Both tanks have a handle which makes for easy transportation I didn’t pair it up with the app for a month because I wanted to see how well it functioned without this If you really don’t want to bother with the app you can just press the power button on the vacuum and let it go around Its Intelligent Dirt Detection system means that it uses its vacuum or mop function depending on the debris at hand automatically However, I highly recommend using it with the app. You can change the suction level, adjust the mopping preferences, and adjust whether it vacuums and mops The map shows you where the vacuum is at all times and prompts you if the vacuum gets stuck It also allows you to view the camera of the vacuum so you can see exactly what it is cleaning whenever you want In addition to using the robot vacuum for everyday cleaning, I put it to the test with Homes & Gardens’ vacuum testing criteria First I poured a cup of flour on my carpet and my vinyl flooring (one cup in each space) to see how well it picked up fine debris I adjusted the power to turbo (averaged 80.1 db) before it started due to the amount of flour it was due to suck up it just dragged residue around my downstairs living space as it tends to go back and forth between the different rooms while cleaning I then cleaned up and tried it with two tablespoons of flour and it still struggled to fully clean everything up I did expect it to be able to gather thick pieces of dirt better it did a good job of mopping up after itself afterwards I then sprinkled cereal and lentils on the same carpet and vinyl flooring areas It did a thorough job of gathering up the different-sized working in a methodical pattern to pick them all up It did sprinkle a few to the edges on quick mode That being said, on its way back to the base station, it did drop little pieces of lentil and cereal, which I then had to clean up myself. This issue is something that was easily resolved with the eufy 3-in-1 E20 as it has a detachable handheld vacuum built into the robot for cleaning up those messes left behind and I often end up with dirt outside my backyard door When the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra went around the first time I was amazed at how well it picked up dirt that had got in the cracks in my vinyl flooring I put a tablespoon of ketchup and a tablespoon of mustard onto my vinyl kitchen floor to test how well it can handle stain removal pausing when it saw it (it’s alive!) and then methodically working its way through it While it did clean up the majority of the stain I did have to send it back round again to finish the job after it gave its mops a wash it didn’t drag any saucy residue back into the living room with it I have been using it to mop my home which has rugs downstairs and it always leaves them looking pristine which used to be a nightmare to maintain until I started using the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra robot vacuum Sending the vacuum around daily means that it stays pristine One of my favorite things about this vacuum has to be the lack of daily maintenance You don’t have to fill up the mop or empty the dustbin itself which is impressive considering I know how much hair I shed and how long it is Every couple of months the dirty water tank needs emptying and the clean water tank needs refilling they don’t take long at all to sort out I do recommend wiping down the base and the vacuum with disinfectant and a microfiber cloth every week, just so dust doesn’t gather up. Knowing how to clean your robot vacuum will keep it running at its best Its app functions and camera are also more advanced which averages under 60db in standard mode compared to the Eureka’s 74db in standard mode It also doesn’t clean up residue and stains as quickly needing to go around a couple of times to fully finish the job Like the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra it’s brilliant at cleaning and mopping as it doesn’t clean or dry its own mopping pad It also requires replacement bags and filters which can add up long-term The iRobot does have a much chicer design though and the cleaning station doubles up as a side table for those who are more conscious about aesthetics its app features aren’t as advanced as the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra and it doesn’t have a built-in camera but the Shark has stain-detection abilities If you’re looking for a robot vacuum that will allow you to customize your cleaning and control it completely the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra is a brilliant choice It maps out every room and identifies obstacles You can also choose whether you want it to vacuum The built-in camera is also very fun to watch it does have a few shortcomings in its cleaning capabilities considering its hefty price tag it struggled to clean up flour and sugar and had to be sent around twice to fully clean up a large sauce stain it does well cleaning daily dirt and debris and it’s just the right size for me – although the base station may be a little too big for those living in smaller homes or apartments It’s worth measuring up the space you want to put it in before purchasing it having a robot vacuum that requires little ongoing maintenance allows me to breathe a lot easier All I have to do is press the button on the app and let it do its thing I tested the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra for over four months in my home This meant I could experience using it day-to-day and see how it tackled a variety of different messes It also meant I could assess long-term performance I put the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra to the test with Homes & Gardens’ rigorous vacuum testing guidelines I measured how loud it was on the DecibelX app Not for you? I recommend learning how to choose a robot vacuum cleaner to find a better model for your needs Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups Eve SmallmanContributing editorEve is a freelance lifestyle editor and writer with over five years of experience working for digital and print titles Previously she was a content editor at Real Homes She has a keen eye for sophisticated style and is able to spot design trends before they go viral she loves solving pain points around the home she's the founding editor of The Notts Edit and is a lecturer in journalism at Nottingham Trent University you can find her decorating her rental with Scandi decor you will then be prompted to enter your display name « OBITUARY: Arlene Rose Muller Mock, 1944-2025 THE ECONEWS REPORT: New Timber Harvest Plan for Jackson State Forest » Shawn Leon is a Humboldt County resident and a Cal Poly Humboldt graduate You like history? Consider a subscription to the Humboldt Historian, a journal of the Humboldt County Historical Society. The Humboldt County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to archiving, preserving and sharing Humboldt County’s rich history. You can become a member and receive a year’s worth of new issues of The Humboldt Historian at this link these towns weren’t built to dazzle; they were built to linger and locals who’ll point you to a pie shop before you even ask Main Street in Eureka Springs is full of surprises with hidden tunnels and offbeat art galleries and passersby converge just steps from the heart of downtown Then visit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum to glimpse some of the town’s rowdier chapters Book a reservation on the Underground Eureka Springs Tour which takes you beneath the sidewalks into hidden tunnels and antique storefronts tucked under modern facades and beads showering down over narrow streets Batesville’s Main Street is the oldest existing one in Arkansas a beautifully restored 1940s-era venue where locals gather for Saturday movie nights the Independence County Library stays busy with book clubs Drop by the Batesville Area Arts Council to browse gallery exhibits and handmade work from regional artists the Levitt AMP Batesville Music Series fills the Riverside Park amphitheater Magnolia adds bold color to its historic square then explore six larger-than-life murals that tell the story of the town; including one hidden inside the Coachman’s Inn Every turn reveals another piece of the past painted on brick community theater and exhibitions add culture to the scene Visit during the Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cook-Off when teams grill for glory and up to $10,000 in prizes Then head to the Drennen-Scott Historic Site to tour a riverside homestead and learn about 19th-century frontier life a cozy bookstore with a tucked-in coffee bar Come in May for the Old Timers Day Steampunk Festival or return in fall for the Van Buren Fall Festival If it’s a thriving downtown you’re after, El Dorado delivers year-round The Murphy Arts District sets the pace with live music the South Arkansas Arts Center hosts community theater and rotating exhibitions while the Union County Sports Hall of Fame salutes local legends at the Chamber of Commerce a 1849 home from El Dorado’s oil boom days Come during MusicFest El Dorado or May on Main both of which pack the streets with food vendors Paragould’s Main Street knows how to mix small-town grit with celebration Recognized as a Main Street America community since 1999 it’s a lively mix of civic pride and quirk where jail cells and moonshine stories keep things weird Catch a show at the Collins Theatre or wander through the Paragould Farmers Market Seasonal events like Plates on Pruett and Dingo Bingo turn the square into a community-wide party; whether it’s dinner under the stars or a bingo bash on the street Fiddle music and handmade crafts fill the sidewalks in Mountain View where broom makers and blacksmiths keep frontier skills alive Then swing by the Arkansas Crafts Guild and Gallery the state’s largest craft co-op housed downtown Browse vintage finds at Rainbow Antique Mall then stop into the Mountain View Music Store where you may catch a spontaneous jam session join locals at Pickin’ Park for free folk music under the stars when the banjo is briefly replaced by engine revs and leather jackets Mena’s Main Street feels like a hidden postcard Tour the Mena Depot Museum & Visitor Center a renovated 1920s train station filled with local artifacts and railroad history Catch a play or indie film at the Ouachita Little Theatre which still operates inside its original 1929 building Don’t miss the Ouachita Arts Celebration each fall and food vendors bring Main Street to life with energy and color These Main Streets aren’t about flash or fuss and diners where locals dish out both gossip and gravy they offer small-town stories worth stopping for So skip the highway and take the scenic detour Arkansas’s most charming Main Streets are still going strong Join us as we head to Arkansas Bike Week at The Cathouse Longe in Eureka Springs for the Big Spring Fling Motorcycle Rally In this video we will see a ton of cool Harley-Davidson motorcycles a 17 year old new female motorcycle rider on a Harley Nightster lots of couples enjoying the scene together motorcycle fans asking riders and even Police for high fives merchandise vendors and lots of great live motorcycle rally music We even see the bikers unfortunately get wet as a big rain moves in at the end of the night Finally we catch up with Jeff Gregory of the Cathouse to ask about upcoming motorcycle rallies Our site uses cookies. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy Spectators line Main Street in Eureka as the city's first responders drive by in the 2022 Eureka Memorial Day Parade EUREKA — Eureka American Legion Post 466 is seeking participants for the 88th annual Memorial Day Parade Participants will need to report to the Eureka High School parking lot a ceremony will be held at Olio Township Cemetery No lunch will be served at the legion this year Eureka Marching Band gets ready for upcoming season Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter A Bloomington man is being detained on 10 charges involving physical and sexual assault of a woman The Normal Police Department and Illinois State Police have recovered a person believed to be the victim of human trafficking to the 500 block of East Monroe Street following a report of a person shot A Bloomington man has been detained in McLean County accused of punching a woman in the face and stabbing a man in the back Police continue to investigate after one person was shot Sunday night on the Illinois State University campus Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account « THE ECONEWS REPORT: Coastal Commission Under Attack OBITUARY: Dana K. Bott, 1949-2025 » Photos (unless noted otherwise): Andrew Goff It’s safe to say that the Anti-Donald Trump/Elon Musk protest that stretched for blocks around the county courthouse on Saturday was among the largest political demonstrations Humboldt has ever seen only the Headwaters Rallies of the ‘90s the Iraq War protests of the ‘00s and the Women’s March that marked the dawn of the first Trump presidency rival the day’s turnout locally.  The first weekend of truly glorious Humboldt weather of 2025 enhanced the hopeful spirit of Saturday’s proceedings the event was one of hundreds of “Hands Øff!” protests taking place across the country in opposition of the Trump administration’s attempts to quickly and aggressively reshape American life those who gathered in Eureka each brought their own motivations.  The Outpost attended the festivities and took too many photos of the colorful signs waved by our neighbors local students should never have to wonder whether a college education is within their reach.” ECS high school seniors who are on track to finish A-G coursework with at least a 2.5 GPA or meet the California State University (CSU) standards for admissions or who also meet the University’s current admission requirements may qualify for direct admission to Cal Poly Humboldt This means students will know in advance of an application that they will earn admission reducing uncertainty about their path to college The Direct Admissions program removes common barriers to college admissions by ensuring ECS students are prepared and eligible to enroll at Cal Poly Humboldt upon graduation “This partnership with Cal Poly Humboldt represents a transformative step in ensuring local students have seamless access to higher education By removing barriers and providing personalized support we are empowering students to envision and achieve a brighter future,” says ECS Superintendent Gary Storts ECS has also integrated with the California College Guidance Initiative a statewide system for tracking student progress This will ensure that students receive the support they need to stay on track for college and apply to Cal Poly Humboldt It will also allow the institution to communicate more easily with qualified students and their families before admission This collaboration marks a shared commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local students Both institutions will work closely to ensure the program's success and adapt to the needs of the community. Through efforts of the Redwood Coast K-16 Educational Collaborative Executive Director Angela Shull has facilitated communication between the institution and regional high schools The Collaborative’s mission of nurturing a college-going culture is deeply rooted in the region’s local high school students’ success at Cal Poly Humboldt Cal Poly Humboldt will collaborate closely with other districts in the area to develop similar direct admissions programs for their students.  For more information about Cal Poly Humboldt admissions, visit admissions.humboldt.edu or contact the Admissions office by calling (866) 850-9556 or (707) 826-4402 or emailing apply@humboldt.edu. Learn more about the Green & Gold Guarantee by visiting humboldt.edu/guarantee « Humboldt County Wants to Hear Your Thoughts on Its Plans for the Long-Awaited McKinleyville Town Center Arcata Residents Might be Facing Higher Water Rates — Or Are They? » The Outpost received an email after business hours Friday from a family member Many of us received a loud alert on our phones and laptops around 3:13 p.m These were “Silver Alerts” notifying the public of a missing who was last seen this afternoon around 12:45 behind the Ace Hardware at Harris and Harrison streets in Eureka The alert was activated by the Eureka Police Department Members of the public are asked to call 9-1-1 if you see her There is something magical about small-town Arkansas Maybe it’s the way the screen doors still creak open to welcome you in or how every corner diner feels like a second kitchen These are places where folks wave at you from their porches strike up conversations in the grocery line Genuine Southern hospitality isn’t just a gesture here—it’s a way of life several small towns open their arms a little wider and smile a little brighter From mountain hideaways to riverfront communities these towns offer more than scenic views and local flavor—they offer a sense of belonging Whether you are wandering through a craft fair or chatting with a shop owner who treats you like kin you will find that hospitality is alive and well in Arkansas Find nine towns where friendliness flows like sweet tea and where “make yourself at home” is more than just a phrase—it’s a promise Eureka Springs feels like a storybook village tucked into the Ozark Mountains and its hospitality is just as enchanting as its winding streets This artsy mountain town is known for its historic Victorian homes and you are likely to be greeted with a smile and a bit of friendly conversation Locals here genuinely love where they live hidden in the woods and built almost entirely of glass There is a kindness to the pace of life here—slow enough to savor try the Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave This excellent farm-to-table restaurant has turned Eureka Springs into a culinary delight and is not to be missed and neighborly kindness come together in harmony Known as the "Folk Music Capital of the World," this Ozark town welcomes everyone with front porch pickin’ and good old-fashioned hospitality The town square often becomes an informal stage where locals and visitors gather to share tunes and stories artisans and musicians keep traditional skills alive—and are more than happy to share them with a smile The community celebrates its rich musical heritage with different festivals almost every month like the Arkansas Folk Festival in April or the Sock Hop and Car Show in June Whether you are grabbing breakfast at a local diner or stopping by the Saturday crafts fair Mountain View doesn’t just sing songs of the past—it lives them with heart and warmth Batesville is one of the oldest cities in Arkansas and it has a deep sense of place and pride The people here are the kind who remember your name after one introduction and ask how your mama’s doing the next time they see you The historic Main Street is dotted with local shops all run by folks who seem genuinely glad you stopped by a charming local eatery known for its Southern comfort lunch fare and homey Louisiana atmosphere Nascar enthusiasts will want to check out the museum honoring Batesville's hometown boy Community gatherings are a big deal here—whether it’s the annual White River Water Carnival or Friday night football games and share laughs under the glow of string lights and starry skies and its involvement in community events brings a nice blend of tradition and fresh perspectives Magnolia is in the southwest corner of Arkansas the heart of town is the historic downtown square lined with flowering magnolia trees and a mix of boutiques For a smoke-kissed lunch that smells as good as it tastes small cafe with freshly made burgers and hand-cut fries The annual Magnolia Blossom Festival is a true celebration of the town’s warmth with barbecue smoke curling through the air and the World Championship Steak Cook-Off bringing neighbors together for food Lake Columbia is a short drive away and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreational activities Camden is the kind of place where the past lingers gently in the air and the people treat you like you’ve been around forever The community sits along the Ouachita River in southern Arkansas and was once a bustling port for steamboats and a stagecoach hub you can still feel echoes of that golden age in its historic buildings History buffs will want to tour the McCollum Chidester House The original owner built the home in the late 1840s it served as a temporary headquarters for the occupying Union troops and most of the staff don’t just give tours—they give personal anecdotes and local lore passed down through generations The Daffodil Festival in early spring fills the town with color Try the Postmaster's Grill for lunch or dinner housed in a historic building that was once the town's Post Office Camden wraps you in a sense of comfort that’s hard to leave It’s not trying to impress—it’s just being itself And that’s precisely what makes it so welcoming Paris sits at the base of Mount Magazine—the highest point in Arkansas—and it is a little town with a big heart and a whole lot of charm and flower-filled planters lining the sidewalks and you will likely get into a conversation about where you are from—and where you should go next in town Whether you are hiking up Mount Magazine or browsing local shops you will find that the spirit of togetherness is what sets this town apart The Eiffel Tower replica in the town square is a nod to its international namesake but the true monument here is the community itself Clarksville is one of those places where you can roll down your windows Located along the Arkansas River and surrounded by rolling hills it has all the ingredients for a peaceful getaway—but what keeps people coming back is the town’s open-hearted hospitality turn-of-the-century brick buildings that hold several quaint shops and boutiques The community is home to the University of the Ozarks a small private Presbyterian college with an excellent reputation for academic excellence Nearby Lake Dardanelle and the Ozark National Forest offer hiking and scenic overlooks that seem to stretch on forever Clarksville rolls out the red carpet for its beloved Johnson County Peach Festival and the kind of community fun that makes you forget to check your phone Heber Springs is best known for the glistening waters of Greers Ferry Lake and the trout-filled Little Red River—but the real gem here is the laid-back Downtown Heber Springs is cozy and colorful It’s the kind of place where you stop in for a snack and end up staying an hour just talking with the owner The World Championship Cardboard Boat Races are a hilarious and heartwarming display of creativity and camaraderie Families and friends come together to build whimsical boats—and then cheer each other on as they attempt to float across the lake and full of laughter from people who love being together Heber Springs offers more than just outdoor beauty The small community gives you a sense of belonging Van Buren feels like stepping into a living postcard—complete with a charming Main Street and some of the friendliest folks you will ever meet Perched on the banks of the Arkansas River in the northwest corner of the state this town has a rich frontier history and a strong sense of community spirit The heart of Van Buren is its beautifully preserved Historic District Brick-paved streets lead you past antique shops and little cafes where the owners will likely greet you by name if you come back twice (and you probably will) One of our favorites is Wagon Willie's Cafe for a nice lunch or dinner Stop by the old train depot and hop aboard the Arkansas Missouri Railroad for a scenic ride through the Ozarks—don’t be surprised if fellow passengers strike up a conversation like you are long-lost friends The Old Timers Steampunk Festival is a yearly favorite and that special kind of joy you only find in small towns that genuinely love sharing their traditions where local musicians and makers are supported and celebrated Whether you are just visiting or thinking about staying longer Van Buren will make you feel right at home hospitality isn’t just something you find—it’s something you feel The spirit of these communities is evident in how a stranger offers directions like an old friend or how a quiet town square transforms into a gathering place filled with laughter and local pride From the misty Ozarks to the winding bends of the Arkansas River and community are alive and well in the Natural State Whether you are wandering through the antique shops of Van Buren or cheering on a cardboard boat in Heber Springs you will quickly discover that these towns offer more than scenic beauty and Southern flavor And in a world that moves faster every day that kind of welcome is something truly special that the platform could adapt to fight RSV “It isn’t a eureka moment in terms of approaches,” said Dr. Arnold Monto … . “It’s going back to the way certain vaccines were produced in the past.” Whole-virus vaccines can be produced quickly which makes them potentially useful in a pandemic context They also provoke a good immune response from the body However the trade-off is that they more frequently produce mild side effects such as pain from the jab and fever This is an excerpt. Read the original post here An interview with the playwright of ‘Eureka Day’ about creating the play in a pre-Covid world and seeing the show anew through a changed society Jonathan Spector’s play Eureka Day follows several contentious parents’ meetings about vaccine policies at a Berkeley private school. Originally staged in 2018, the play is currently running on Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club He spoke before rehearsals began—and before the 2024 presidential election—with the play’s director SHAPIRO: It’s hysterical to me that I’m talking to you from my Covid sick bed and how long you’ve been living with it and where it started in terms of what questions you were asking with it and where you find yourself as it’s about to go to Broadway on an issue I had become obsessive about but most people don’t really care about that much an issue the entire world is obsessed with was very strange Although there’s also a way in which this may be a perfectly goldilocks moment to be doing it and people at that time were more able to see the vaccine debate as sort of a metaphor for democracy and society it seemed like all anybody could see was it being somehow a play about Covid But now we’re in this very weird place where we’re “over” Covid—but obviously not since you have it—and we’re trying to navigate this strange space of making choices about balancing the needs of society to get back to life and the need to allow people who are immunocompromised to exist in society We’re in this place of nobody really being sure anymore what the answers are to those questions and everybody kind of navigating it differently and people still feeling very intensely on one end of the spectrum or the other about what everyone should be doing I think that makes it an interesting time to do the play the experience of watching the play with an audience is very similar to the experience of watching it with an audience pre-Covid The audience is responding to the same moments in the play in largely the same way because people react to specific things humans do onstage and not to their shifting feelings about abstract ideas on viruses and public health it’s reminding me how linked now our identity is to our belief and the crisis that exists now around who we are being linked to what we believe The people in this play are struggling toward something beautiful—for a place where everybody’s okay Yet the question that keeps getting begged is who gets to decide what everybody being okay is I’ve encountered so many people throughout Covid where I thought I shared every political position with them in the world and then I found out they didn’t believe in them So what do you do when there are these outliers who just blow everything up I feel like that’s what the play wrestles with a lot and with how these past eight years have changed us—the acceleration of how media and technology work and how the algorithms create a reinforcing mechanism that makes us believe that almost everybody thinks exactly like we do about everything This makes it much more jarring than it used to be to encounter somebody who doesn’t think like you do you would talk to somebody at an airport bar and you did not assume you were gonna have the same view about anything and that was fine whereas now I think we have become very apprehensive about people who don’t believe the things that we believe There’s the concern of where this whole chain of belief is going to lead; if you believe that the health risks of vaccines are being hidden as part of an enormous conspiracy If you’re in a conspiracy theory frame of mind and then suddenly you’re supporting Trump because he’s endorsed him It’s a very easy slippery slope to fall down everybody feels that way about everybody else I’m not gonna pretend that I don’t think certain things are right and certain things are wrong I love people who don’t believe that—I would I blame the internet and social media for this—our sense of how important it is that we believe something or get somebody else to believe it We can get into these vociferous fights with people “I can’t engage with this person because this issue is so important and I will end this relationship with this person over it,” as though convincing that person to see that you are right is actually going to impact the issue in any tangible way Has there been anything surprising to you in the responses to the play or anything you heard that made you change things in it but I didn’t know how people who don’t vaccinate their children would respond to the play I have mostly been pleasantly surprised that those people feel like my point of view is represented authentically—I feel like everybody’s ganging up on me all the time and not treating me fairly and that’s what’s shown in the play.” I appreciated that I would rather hear that than somebody say is the range of responses based on where the play has been done It’s such a gift to get any production of any play at all and then to get a second production is amazing It’s this incredible privilege to have had multiple productions that I’ve gotten to be involved with and learn from and think about Getting to see the play live through so many productions is like one of those dreams where you discover there are extra rooms in your house you didn’t know were there “These have been here the whole time?” You begin to form a very different kind of relationship to the play Whereas if a play has only had one or two productions the play and production become kind of inseparable and their perception of the U.S.—there was a lot of agreement among the press both from the critics who loved it and those that didn’t that this was an exaggeration of liberals in California I think the British don’t really understand Americans as much as they like to think they do Then the play had a German-language production that was very stark and strange in meetings—whenever anybody wants to get you to lock down to an un-nuanced position and earnestly explain to them that that’s not your interest I think you want people to be their best selves when you don’t let them reduce the play to a position the thing that I’m cagey about in those conversations isn’t the stance on vaccines It’s about what the characters do in response to it Whenever you’re writing anything that has any kind of political valence the danger is always that you’re gonna offer up some neat answer on a platter to an audience—which leaves no space for the audience I’ve had a number of moments of talking to people who were surprised to learn the play was written before Covid I could never have written this play after Covid because I personally would have had too many intense feelings about what was happening but also because everybody was talking about it it’s on every podcast and every news show and article I’m unfortunately in the middle of writing a commission that is very much in the zeitgeist right now because it’s just so hard to be able to carve out the space to have your own private thoughts and there’s absolutely nothing literal about Eureka Day It’s through those really specific experiences that we find these universal questions It’s a reductive thing to talk about it as kind of “about” those issues in the same way that we’re being reductive every day talking about how everything’s got to be black or white All these conversations have become so binary This is the weird part of talking about plays in this way—like you talk about it in this intellectual way it’s much more like: Are you carrying the energy from this moment to next moment without letting it drop That’s 90 percent of the work of both the writing and the whole process you start out with whatever intentions you have It might be that you really want it to go this way There have been a lot of times where I have a feeling of “There’s this idea or this point I would really love to articulate somewhere in the play,” but then you discover there just is no space for it So I need to accept that the play gets to have what it wants versus forcing it to have what I want I think that what really great dramatists are doing is they’re taking their best shot at what the outcome would be for a person who went through a sequence of events Your entry point may be very different and not as intellectual or reductive as that but the best writers know that once they’ve watched an actor move through that sequence of events they can look at the other actor or the director or themselves in the mirror and go that’s not the outcome I thought that was going to be the outcome.” Liveness is the best part of doing a new play the outcome does actually have to shift a little bit It doesn’t change the what of what you’re doing It just changes the how of what you’re doing And you never understand how play works until you get to see it in front of an audience Getting to see different versions with different audiences what is the play—this thing that hovers above all the productions—and how does it work There’s a change I made to the end of the play for our production I’m so stupid for not having thought of it sooner.” And then later I realized: This rewrite is actually in response to a note that has been articulated to me 1,000 different ways I thought back to an actor friend of mine saying something about the final moment at the first preview of the first production and people have been sort of giving a note like that all the way along It just took a long time to figure out what it meant If you’re hearing a note about the same moment people are generally responding to something real They just very rarely can tell you specifically what the thing is they’re responding to People’s notes are also sometimes their wishes for what the play should be I watch writers wrestle with: Is this a note for my play There’s been a lot of that with Eureka Day I’ve watched the play tap into people’s deep shit and they will give you a note that’s not connected to what you’ve written at all I know that’s probably frustrating for you when that happens because I know what’s starting to happen in the early observers of our process is that something is being really activated in them and they’re desperately reaching to you to help them deal with it I’ve also had the chance to futz endlessly with the live-stream scene That scene taught me the humility of being a writer and believing that you can get it perfect on the page For the first production I worked really hard to get the timing precisely right and now it’s not right.” And I realized: It was right for the cadences and rhythms of those actors It’s always going to need to be adjusted a little bit based on who those people are and how they talk The first thing that I say to an actor coming in is “I’m not going to tell you how everything needs to happen There are certain events in each scene that need to happen.” I think that’s what you know about that section now The most out-of-body experience I’ve ever had in the theatre was during the first preview of this play I really did not understand how that live-stream scene works and none of us working on the production had any idea that the audience was going to respond in the way they did They were laughing so intensely that you could not hear a single word onstage for the whole scene I don’t know how those poor actors even got through it You just cannot understand what a play is until you have an audience Support American Theatre: a just and thriving theatre ecology begins with information for all. Please join us in this mission by joining TCG which entitles you to copies of our quarterly print magazine and helps support a long legacy of quality nonprofit arts journalism ©2025 Theatre Communications Group Each gift is a stitch in the tapestry that celebrates our resilience Donate to TCG! « (UPDATE) Cal Poly Humboldt On Trump Administration’s List of 45 Schools to be Investigated for ‘Race-Exclusionary Practices’ OBITUARY: William Leslie ‘Burgie Bill’ Hebard, 1950-2025 » Officers with the Eureka Police Department’s Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) peer into an empty tent while conducting patrols on the Hikshari’ Trail As cities across California crack down on homeless encampments the City of Eureka is trying to strike a balance between compassion and effective enforcement.  At next week’s meeting, the Eureka City Council will consider an ordinance that would increase penalties for “unlawful camping and lying in public spaces” from an infraction to a misdemeanor The modified ordinance would allow the city to redirect offenders to community-based rehabilitative services instead of jail through a municipal program called Law Enforcement Alternative Diversion (LEAD) “This adjustment aims to assist individuals … where other forms of treatment or intervention have not been accepted or proven effective,” the staff report states “The City remains committed to a compassionate approach prioritizing access to comprehensive support services job training and other essential programs.” which held that local governments cannot punish someone for sleeping outside when no alternative shelter is available More than two dozen California cities have passed new measures restricting encampments It remains to be seen what Eureka will do with the newfound new enforcement powers The Eureka Police Department and the city’s team of mental health clinicians view the proposed ordinance as a potential solution to some of the city’s most persistent issues with the unhoused community critics worry that the “criminalization of homelessness” will put vulnerable people at risk.” The proposed ordinance was first presented to the city council during a special meeting in January. At subsequent meetings including representatives from Affordable Homeless Housing Alternatives (AHHA) and the Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction (HACHR) have urged the city to adopt a more compassionate approach to the city’s homelessness crisis.  told the Outpost she’s seen an uptick in “sweeps” at encampments behind the Bayshore Mall and in Old Town Vincent de Paul’s dining facility and the Eureka Rescue Mission People living in their vehicles are also being targeted “People leave for a bit because they have to but there really isn’t an option to camp legally or park legally for anyone who doesn’t have money or resources,” Wade said we do not have shelter [and] we do not have adequate supportive services for everyone to have a case manager.” which provides mobile outreach and syringe exchange services in Arcata and Eureka we’ve had multiple people coming up to us with a story about … a negative interaction with law enforcement,” Makulec told the Outpost “People’s belongings are getting taken people’s communities are being disrupted people’s lives are being thrown into further instability and from our end that certainly sounds like an increase [in enforcement] or at least a continuation of violence that unhoused people are constantly facing.” EPD Commander Leonard LaFrance and Sergeant Jon Omey, who leads the department’s Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) disputed claims that EPD has increased enforcement at local homeless encampments “Nothing has changed with the way we approach those situations,” Omey told the Outpost we repeatedly contact the individual in person to let them know what resources are available,” he continued that outlines the municipal code and [provides] 24 hours for them to stop storing their belongings in the current location or else it will be picked up by the police department The 24-hour “notice to vacate” is rarely enforced because most people voluntarily comply “There’s never a hard line unless [they’re] in an area where there’s absolutely zero tolerance [for encampments] “We’re not going to tolerate them camping out next to the playground … For the most part — especially if the individuals are out of sight — if we receive a complaint but depending on the size of the encampment and the person’s condition … we’ll work with them We don’t just come back the next day and take all their stuff and arrest them.” If the situation escalates and someone is arrested their belongings are confiscated and stored at EPD If the individual isn’t there when their belongings are taken officers will leave another form to let them know where their stuff has been taken and when they can pick it up When CSET was formed in 2018, the city was looking to address problematic encampments that had spread into Old Town after hundreds of people were forcibly evicted from a blighted piece of city property in the Palco Marsh known by some as “Devil’s Playground.”  An abandoned encampment in the greenbelt behind the Bayshore Mall “The difference between when we started in 2018 and now is we’re bringing a lot of resources to people whether it’s assistance with housing “Our foundation is still the same: we aim to balance accountability with compassion We want to find the underlying causes of why people are on the street and help connect them with resources directly Once you get them stabilized and they’re doing better in life EPD hasn’t always employed the compassionate approach There was a time not so long ago when the department would conduct “sweeps” of encampments on public property forcibly removing everyone and everything in sight “I remember when I started here in 2007/2008 eight of us would go out there and do sweeps,” LaFrance said I find the word ‘sweep’ offensive because we don’t do sweeps anymore Asked to explain the difference between the two LaFrance described “sweeps” as “full-on removal” of people and property where “everyone is either taken to jail or tagged.” Targeted enforcement is focused on “problematic individuals” who’ve had numerous encounters with police “We offer resources for a couple weeks and talk to them then we tagged their property,” LaFrance explained we’ll probably tag their property again because it’s usually not a one-time go That could [apply to] one individual or one camp that is causing problems We’re trying to understand why people are homeless and the underlying causes.” People living on the street may refuse services for a variety of reasons Some people might have safety concerns stemming from negative encounters with law enforcement or bad experiences at shelters Others aren’t willing to abide by the rules imposed by shelters some of which only let people in if they’re sober.  “You can only lead people to water so much,” LaFrance said What’s the next step?’ We’ve tried to help but there’s still a huge impact on society … When an individual commits a serious crime that’s when we work with the [district attorney’s] office and say How do we solve this problem to stop it from occurring in the future Does this person need to be locked away because he’s unwilling to make the decision on his own?’” LaFrance emphasized that the proposed changes won’t change EPD’s enforcement strategies or the people they target Increasing the penalty from an infraction to a misdemeanor will provide the department with a more effective tool to deal with “problematic individuals,” he said “I know a lot of people are worried that this is gonna be our primary strategy but our strategy is not changing,” he said We have people in Old Town — like the older gentleman I often see sweeping out in front of Ramone’s — who have no impact and keep stuff clean It doesn’t make sense for us when we have 20 other people we need to deal with.” Makulec feared the proposed ordinance would actively harm vulnerable people by “furthering the cycle of criminalization against the unhoused community.” If someone is struggling with substance abuse and they’re taken out of the community they trust involuntary treatment could put their lives at risk “One of the most common times for people to overdose is within 48 hours after having to leave a forced detox situation whether that’s involuntary detox in a hospital a forced treatment program that you did not choose to go to of your own free will [or] jail those are scenarios that are much more likely to increase the risk of death for people,” he continued “And when [encampments] are constantly being disrupted and people don’t have a place to go … there’s no one to check on them to make sure they’re okay if something goes wrong.” Makulec also disputed the notion that a harsher punishment would motivate someone to turn their life around People need supportive services and a safe place to live “There needs to be places where you can set up your camp and it’s not going to be labeled as problematic by the police because it’s inconvenient to a passerby or to them.” The proposed ordinance says the city’s LEAD program would provide “proactive rehabilitative alternatives to criminal prosecution by connecting individuals with case management and supportive services that foster long-term personal growth and stability.” However Wade questioned whether the city has adequate resources to support such a program.  “What are the diversion options for housing detention or retention ‘services’?” she asked there are generally more options for folks Are they planning on sending people out of the area Who pays for the diversion programs or services since many of the folks who will be impacted are without money and resources?”  While the ordinance doesn’t explicitly state which diversion programs participants would be sent to consenting individuals “charged with a violation” would be taken to a “facility providing social services related to mental health Eureka’s Managing Mental Health Clinician Jacob Rosen, who oversees Crisis Alternative Response Eureka (CARE) was sympathetic to concerns surrounding the ordinance but said he was “very confident” that city staff and EPD “are up to the task.” “This is something that has to be implemented delicately that’s something that is very important to me,” Rosen told the Outpost “I think [EPD] has demonstrated over the last many years that they have really made shifts in department priorities and training The goal of consolidating these ordinances is really to be able to give new tools for very select situations This isn’t going to be for the person who’s contacted for the first time for camping This is going to be for the person who’s contacted for the 20th time.”  The proposed changes to the ordinance would help the city reach the “narrow demographic” of people who are resistant to services many of whom aren’t willing to change their lifestyle because of substance abuse or significant mental health issues.  “Some people may be experiencing something called anosognosia,” he said referring to a neurological condition that affects someone’s ability to recognize their own mental illness or disability we’re not so much looking at misdemeanors for camping; we’re more looking at does this person need to be detained for psychiatric treatment Officer Jayme Clark walks through a recently abandoned encampment the Outpost joined two CSET officers out in the field to get a better understanding of how EPD conducts enforcement and interacts with the people living in encampments.  Vincent de Paul’s Third Street dining facility Officer Jayme Clark pointed out several waterlogged tents lining the sidewalk across the street but we don’t do tent enforcement when it’s raining,” she said “We don’t have people take their tents down in the rain CSET officers usually ask people camped on the sidewalk to take down their tents and stow them against the wall or fence to provide access to the sidewalk.  Asked about previous claims of increased enforcement at encampments Clark emphasized that the people being arrested “have committed crimes at one point in time.” She recalled one person who after numerous interactions with CSET officers and I’d been trying to see if he would be willing to go back into treatment,” Clark explained Clark tried to salvage what she could of his belongings “We can’t store something that has animal or human waste on it because it’s a health and safety hazard,” she said Clark recalled another instance where she arrested a man for a felony warrant he was a ways away from his camp and asked if she would pick up his things but said she was able to salvage his sleeping bag as well as his children’s birth certificates and social security cards “We really care about people; that’s why we do what we do,” she said “The last thing we want to see is [unhoused people] with nothing … but there comes a certain point where we have to say ‘This isn’t safe for anybody anymore and it has to be removed.’ But before we even get to that point of making any decision We don’t take things to just take things Officer Dillon Huffman drives a side-by-side on the Waterfront Trail We met up with Officer Dillon Huffman at the corp yard and piled into a side-by-side emblazoned with EPD’s logo We stopped by a few abandoned encampments tucked in the trees along the Hikshari’ Trail some of which were in the process of being cleaned up by the city and volunteers with the PacOut Green Team “This was a really large camp with a lot of criminal activity that was creating a lot of issues,” Huffman said as he looked out over the cleared area “I found a $5,000 generator that was stolen from one of the local businesses here We also found equipment that was stolen from the Special Olympics’ storage unit The PacOut Green Team came out here and did a wonderful job with the cleanup … I heard they filled multiple dumpsters with trash.” While the greenbelt is known as a popular camping spot we only encountered one person in their tent though there were surely others further down the trail Huffman could hear their dog barking and made our presence known Eureka Police Department,” he shouted as he made his way into the trees I asked if he was familiar with the man in the tent and I know he’s waiting on some resources,” he said and he just told me he’s trying to stay dry but that’s not something I’m going to try to address today I don’t want him to get soaked and ruin his stuff when it can be done another time.” Clark pointed out another abandoned camp and said CSET spent months trying to relocate a pregnant couple that lived there They were able to able to convince the mother to seek prenatal care “It was a really difficult situation,” Clark said.  The Eureka City Council will discuss the proposed ordinance — linked here — at its upcoming meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18. The full agenda can be found at this link Eureka is where it is all going down today. At noon, the courthouse will see its monthly — or bi-monthly? — anti-Trump protest, which had very high attendance the first couple of times around. People of that political persuasion have found the events encouraging and affirming. The country is not changing them When you’re done soaking in the honks where the Cinco de Mayo Festival will be well underway hear good music and rest up … because at 4 p.m. you’ll be wandering up to the Clarke Museum for the Fourth Annual Chinatown Festival And then it’ll be time for Arts Alive plus a couple of good options for fans of the sweet science    Thumb Leader    As tariff-induced tensions escalate between the two countries business owners in Eureka say they continue to see regular Canadian customers attributing a drop in travel to the pandemic-era border closure and the weak dollar that has chilled Canadian spending in recent years When the U.S.-Canada border closed to most travelers at the start of the pandemic in 2020 Eureka business owner Mike Volsky lost a large chunk of his customer base at Four Corners Casino and Grill a market that heated up when a slew of Canadian property owners sold their northwest Montana homes With a population of roughly 1,500 residents business owners in the town situated 9 miles south of the border located in Roosville have endured peaks and valleys over the past five years After suffering lows during the pandemic when the border was closed followed by a post-Covid surge real estate was more active and restaurants were slow,” Volsky said “Most of our inventory was Canadian and a lot of them sold their properties Volsky said even after the border reopened in early 2022 tourism never recovered to what it was after second homeowners sold their lots and the Canadian dollar grew weaker dropping to a two-decade low of $1.44 by the end of 2024 Sign up for our newsletter and get the best of the Beacon delivered every day to your inbox But when ongoing trade wars between the two countries triggered tension and the U.S. Travel Association warned of a potential drop in Canadian tourism demand in the states with an estimated nationwide reduction of 10% “A lot of our Canadians are pretty committed to coming – some of them still have homes here,” Volsky said “Most of the Canadians I know personally through the restaurant are still coming down.” Volsky said the drop in Canadian tourism in recent years is likely related to the weak dollar combined with fewer homeowners and he doubts Eureka will be subject to much boycotting “We’ve been through a lot of years of the same kind of question marks,” Volsky said “It feels like there are less Canadians here than there used to be pre-Covid The Trump Administration in January announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canada which were planned to take effect on March 4 While the tariffs on most goods have been put on hold steel and aluminum tariffs were imposed on March 12 Canada has imposed 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods President and CEO Racene Friede said while there is no data available yet to determine if trade war tension is contributing to a decline in tourism she is monitoring traffic counts and visitor spending According to the University of Montana Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Canadian visitation accounts for $200 million and 4% of total visitor spending in Montana While Friede said there’s no direct evidence of lower tourism demand she said the trade war-induced tensions have created frustration across all industries “We really don’t think of Canadians as international visitors – they are family,” Friede said As Eureka’s service industry starts to emerge from the slow winter season owners Andi and Jim Monroe said they haven’t noticed a difference in business demand After the last five years of up ands and downs the Monroes are hopeful travel won’t be impacted and they describe the border as a boundary where Canadians and Americans regularly come and go “We’ve learned not to expect anything,” Jim said At the Treasure Outpost Rock Shop in downtown Eureka which she suspects is due to the weak Canadian dollar “I’m hoping it will be busy but with the Canadian dollar being so bad and the trade war I really don’t know what to expect this summer.” Operations Manager Brandon Baker said he’s seen a strong demand in Canadian memberships and bookings so far this year with business continuing to grow after the post-pandemic surge With Canadians accounting for 65% of green fee rounds and 25% of memberships Baker said demand is high and he remains optimistic [email protected] The continued support from our readers keeps our lights on and helps sustain local independent journalism in northwest Montana Please consider a one-time gift or sign up for a recurring contribution and join more than 500 readers in the Editor’s Club Click here to read about the impact the Beacon has on the community. © 2025 Flathead Beacon, All Rights Reserved. Use of this site is subject to the Flathead Beacon's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy « Here’s the Design For the Eureka South Gateway Monument OBITUARY: Vernon Lee ‘Bungee’ Broyles, 1952-2025 » Screenshot of Tuesday’s Eureka Council meeting PREVIOUSLY: Eureka’s Homelessness-Related Laws Could Soon be Toughened Up a Bit. Here’s What Critics Say They Fear Will Happen, and What Cops and Other City Employees Say They Want to Do After hearing three and a half hours of impassioned — and at times enraged — public testimony from concerned residents and homeless advocates at last night’s meeting the Eureka City Council unanimously voted to postpone its decision on an ordinance that would increase penalties for people living in unauthorized encampments.  The draft ordinance — linked here — is a “streamlined” version of two existing policies that restrict unlawful camping Staff believes the modified ordinance would serve as an “additional tool” to encourage unhoused community members to “engage with available services” by upgrading penalties from an infraction to a misdemeanor could result in up to a year in jail or a fine up to $1,000 The proposed ordinance would allow the city to redirect offenders to rehabilitative services instead of jail through its Law Enforcement Alternative Diversion (LEAD) program “I hope that [it’s] clear to our entire community that the City of Eureka is 100 percent committed to balancing accountability with compassionate support for individuals experiencing homelessness,” said City Manager Miles Slattery “This recommendation comes from the endorsement of your professional staff with decades of experience in the field of progressive police practices All of these professionals are intimately familiar with our unhoused community members and interact with them daily Managing Mental Health Clinician Jacob Rosen, who leads Crisis Alternative Response Eureka (CARE) went over the finer points of the proposed ordinance and the LEAD program He acknowledged homeless advocates’ concerns surrounding increased penalties for offenders but offered reassurance that it would “increase the efficacy of the accountability interactions with EPD.” “The idea behind having the misdemeanor is it provides more motivation for the individual to then participate with LEAD This isn’t something that is necessarily meant to be a one-off except in extraordinary circumstances,” Rosen said referring to a “one-off” interaction with EPD as opposed to someone who has been contacted or cited on numerous occasions “The first step in this process is the referral … the second part is intake We then have the ‘plan development phase’ … and then talk about engagement — getting the client engaged in the community with the services that they desire Rosen emphasized the importance of “reducing barriers” for people who choose to participate in LEAD to increase the program’s chances of success. The city is hoping to expand drop-in hours at the city’s new community resource center located in the Municipal Auditorium at 1111 E Street “Or we can go out in the field and meet them there,” he said LEAD staff will work with the individual to determine what resources they need and help them set long- and short-term goals to get to their eventual graduation from the program.  “Completion of LEAD is based on participation towards the individualized goals “This isn’t something where people are going to come and do community service This is going to be something where they identify what they need and then work toward those specific goals It’s going to look different for each individual.” Rosen reiterated Slattery’s previous point emphasizing that the purpose of the ordinance is to balance accountability with compassion and “increase the efficacy of accountability interventions.” He added that the LEAD program will use programs and systems that are already in place and will not require the city to bolster other services The program could be ready for implementation as soon as May 1 Special Program Manager Jeff Davis, who heads Uplift Eureka 1 goal” is to get the city’s unhoused community into affordable housing “This is how we move towards ending homelessness especially low-income and very-low-income housing.” Davis said staff has made “significant strides” in getting people housed through the city’s Homeless, Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) programs. The city has housed over 200 people through its Rapid Rehousing Program, which offers assistance to people experiencing “Category 1” homelessness Another municipal program launched at the end of last year has helped prevent 16 households “at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness” from losing their homes Renderings of the tiny house units at the Crowley site Davis added that there are shelter beds available for people who need a safe place to sleep at night The Eureka Rescue Mission currently has 120 beds with an eight-bed overflow on the women’s side.  the city has an overflow of 25 additional beds at St and that has not been activated in over two years,” Davis said adding that the Betty Kwan Chinn Foundation provides another 96 beds Councilmember Kati Moulton asked why it is necessary to increase the penalty from an infraction to a misdemeanor “You can still get engaged with services with or without that infraction,” she said “Why do you feel that we need to have a misdemeanor level added to or in place of that?” “The hope is that this tool can be used selectively and sensitively adding another tool to the toolbox,” Rosen continued “We’re not planning on changing how we operate In the extensive meetings we’ve had with CSET there really isn’t a goal to change because we know that what we’re doing right now works for a lot of folks.” Dozens of people packed into council chambers spoke during the three-and-a-half-hour public comment portion of the meeting Most of the commentary came from homeless advocates and allies who feared the proposal would “criminalize people simply for existing.” but I will be for being homeless,” said one speaker who only identified herself as Jammie “These organizations that you guys have are not gonna apply for me I have a child but I can’t get housed … I’ll tell you one thing: If you gave some people just a chance to fucking live and exist in a community space I betcha you’d see some differences.” Other people talked about their own experiences living on the streets and shared stories of police brutality while others criticized the city for failing to provide adequate resources for people in need A handful of speakers drew comparisons between the criminalization of unhoused people and the ongoing war in Gaza and dedicated a portion of their three-minute speaking time to the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been killed several people spoke in favor of the ordinance and praised staff’s approach to addressing the city’s homelessness crisis president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Humboldt said she’s worked with families across the country and has been told that Humboldt County and Eureka have “some of the best programs for homeless people in the whole United States.” “I went to a crisis intervention training in Denver we don’t know what you’re talking about.’ I just want to applaud the people here — everybody here cares about the homeless,” Nagy said “I really support you guys in the City of Eureka a local business owner and volunteer with PacOut Green Team spoke in favor of the ordinance and praised the city for taking a “progressive” approach to confronting homelessness and dealing with encampments “You’ve come up with some fantastic solutions nuanced solution to addressing the homeless encampment problem,” he said “I feel like you guys are positioned to be leaders within the community — even the state — in how you’re dealing with the homeless crisis … I think this is a very progressive way to reduce arrests and get them into beds and get them into services.” As the meeting approached the seven-hour mark the discussion returned to the visibly exhausted city council Moulton made a motion to continue the discussion at the council’s next meeting on April 1 “I don’t think sleeping on [this decision] is going to do any harm.” Councilmember Scott Bauer seconded the action Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach asked for the discussion to be pushed out even further noting that the newly formed ad hoc committee for encampment alternatives hasn’t even had its first meeting She made a motion to table the discussion “for a length of time.” Councilmember G “I’m not comfortable passing an ordinance like this until we start addressing some other things first,” Contreras-DeLoach said it’s a ‘not right now’ because I think there’s some structural things that need to be worked on I feel that we should involve other members of the community in this conversation … I also want to talk to our chief and city manager about the managed encampment possibility.” Councilmember Leslie Castellano asked for the motion to include several points of direction for staff to consider before the item comes back to council She asked for the formation of a working group comprised of people with lived experience on the streets people from the faith community and others to help staff create an ordinance that addresses some of the concerns brought up at the meeting She also asked about the possibility of bringing back the homeless court sanctioned camping and starting LEAD as a pilot program “It looks like we could potentially work with the [District Attorney] to look at opportunities to implement LEAD-type programs for people who are already … entering the system,” she said we’re not adding people to the system; we’re helping to divert people away from those systems.” After a bit of additional discussion and some confusion about the motion on the table the council agreed by consensus to direct staff to look into Castellano’s suggestions and voted 5-0 to table the ordinance discussion to a date uncertain « (PHOTOS AND VIDEO) PG&E Does Not Want You To Worry About Seeing Drones Near Power Lines, So They Staged a Flight For Us OBITUARY: Deborah Flo Freeman, 1951-2025 » PREVIOUSLY: Eureka City Council Tables Decision on Controversial Ordinance That Would Increase Penalties Against Unhoused Residents Weeks after the Eureka City Council’s grueling seven-and-a-half-hour discussion over a proposed ordinance to increase penalties for people living in unauthorized homeless encampments While discussing future agenda items near the end of last night’s city council meeting Councilmember Scott Bauer said he has experienced “many restless nights thinking about what transpired” at the Mar 28 meeting and apologized for not doing more to stand up for staff who were subjected to “acrimonious testimony” and “tremendous disrespect” from members of the public.  I thought our community was better than that I sincerely apologize to all staff involved in [the] meeting [who] dedicated so much time to crafting this ordinance You simply followed a council request to develop this law and present it to us and you should not have been treated so poorly … What I do find completely baffling is the lack of trust expressed during public comment in our staff [who] have dedicated [their] heart and soul to working with our homeless population.” Many of the speakers who spoke during the three-and-a-half-hour public comment period at last month’s meeting opposed the ordinance and criticized the city for “criminalizing people simply for existing.” The draft ordinance — linked here — would increase penalties for “unlawful camping and would allow the city to redirect offenders to community-based rehabilitative services instead of jail through a municipal program called Law Enforcement Alternative Diversion (LEAD) Bauer acknowledged concerns about the criminalization of homelessness but emphasized that the proposed ordinance would “be used as a tool not a bludgeon” to help law enforcement get people off the street and into housing.  believe EPD is a wholly necessary part of the social fabric of our city and sleep better knowing our women and men in blue are out there doing their best to care for and protect our citizens,” he continued “This council has been nothing but supportive of CSET [Community Safety Engagement Team] CARE [Crisis Alternative Response Eureka] and a myriad of programs that have the sole mission of getting community members off the streets … I believe Eureka and its public servants are doing more for its homeless population than most — if not all — cities in this great state.” Bauer urged his fellow council members to avoid “kick[ing] the can down a long and apparently endless road,” and asked that the council revisit the ordinance next month we are sentencing our most vulnerable to a life in the willows wetlands and green spaces of our community,” he said “Do we really think this is in the best interest of our city and [our] citizens?” Councilmember Kati Moulton defended the council’s decision to table the item and “emotions were running really high” after the lengthy public comment period “I thought it would be more useful for us to have a delicate and nuanced conversation with a fresh head at the next meeting,” Moulton said I would say that the ordinance is either useful and we should … adjust it and pass it or we should take an entirely different path Mayor Kim Bergel asked if the rest of the council was in favor of the proposal and was met with two thumbs up from Bauer and Moulton and two thumbs down from Councilmembers Leslie Castellano and Renee Contreras-DeLoach Castellano acknowledged Bauer’s frustration with the way that staff were treated but felt it would be “disingenuous to the community” to bring the ordinance back prematurely “I do feel like we set upon some things that we told the community we’re going to be working on,” she said “I do think distrust of government in general is and I don’t think that trust is going to be built by bringing [the ordinance] back so soon.” Mayor Bergel took a few moments to collect her thoughts before explaining her stance She described how EPD has changed its policing tactics over the years “I’ve watched staff go from slashing tents I’ve watched our [police] department change over the last 10 years and I’ve watched our city grow in compassion over the last 10 years,” she said “I was very disappointed about the meeting … and I had people call me on the phone very upset that … it would be put off to some [date] far Bergel agreed that the ordinance should be brought back to the council sooner rather than later “I would like to see some resolution with it,” she said but I think that the discussion … needs to happen.” staff agreed to add the ordinance discussion to the council’s May 20 agenda.  Other notable bits from last night’s meeting: Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here « Wanted Samoa Man Arrested for False ID and Meth Possession, Despite Tossing Plastic Bag Containing the Drugs Over a Roadside Barricade, Sheriff’s Office Says (PHOTOS) Cal Poly Humboldt’s New Research Vessel, The R/V North Wind, Docks in the Bay » A commenter addresses the Eureka City Council on Tuesday | Photos: Andrew Goff At the tail end of last night’s five-hour meeting the Eureka City Council unanimously passed a “sanctuary city” resolution to protect undocumented immigrants living in the city.  The resolution — linked here — bars the city from using its resources for immigration enforcement and prohibits the Eureka Police Department from sharing immigration-related information with U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “unless required by federal or state law.” The resolution does not prevent enforcement against people convicted of serious and violent crimes Dozens of residents filled the Eureka City Council Chambers City Manager Miles Slattery and City Attorney Autumn Luna “[T]hese issues are being litigated currently and there has been no judgment from any court that would prevent the city from taking the action today I just want to be clear about that,” Luna said adding that she and her staff will continue to monitor the situation “[N]othing about this policy prevents enforcement against folks who have committed crimes This is about civil federal immigration policy and the city’s directive that we not use city resources to assist in civil federal immigration policy enforcement I think that’s a really important distinction.” Councilmember Kati Moulton asked EPD Chief Brian Stephens if he thought the resolution would make Eureka less safe.  “I don’t believe the resolution will change the way the community members will feel — definitely not feel unsafe,” Stephens said “It’s our mission to continue to serve the community no matter whether the resolution is in place or not … Nothing has changed [in] the way the Eureka Police Department serves our community We’re open to anyone that’s victimized to come forward and we’ll take care of them and do all we can to solve their crime.”  Stephens also shared a brief statement emphasizing his department’s “ongoing mission” to foster trust between residents and law enforcement and ensure “that everyone feels safe to seek help with crimes More than three dozen people spoke during the hour-long public comment portion of the meeting who immigrated to the United States from Mexico called on the city council to “push back against the systems that seek to divide and dehumanize us.” “Let’s be honest about why so many immigrants are here in the first place,” Elena said political upheaval [and] conditions created or worsened by U.S From military interventions to trade agreements that have gutted local economies our government has played a direct role in forcing people to leave their countries of origin or are merely welcomed as a surplus disposable labor force.” Members of Centro del Pueblo hold a banner displaying the organization’s rapid response number as Perez addresses the council praised the city council for considering the resolution noting that the sanctuary city movement is a way to “repair historical mistakes.” “My hope with this resolution … is that the local law enforcement [will] stop the racial profiling,” Perez said “[I]t is time that we are equal in front of the law for every institution [to] treat us as equals … I will say that for the first time since I migrated here documented and undocumented — we are all the same in front of a sanctuary status.” Several other speakers drew comparisons between U.S Eureka resident Peter Pennekamp said his father came to the U.S as a political refugee after his “whole family died in Auschwitz.” He added that current policies make it extremely difficult for people to immigrate to the United States.  “We do not make it easy for people to come here [and] they don’t get treated well,” Pennekamp said … Anything we can do that provides us comfort that gives people the message that they count and that this country actually has an ideal or two that’s left alive — it’s going to be found in places like this I commend you for looking at this and I stand totally behind [you].” also shared his family’s story of fleeing Nazi Germany Loewenstein said he stands for immigration “as long as it’s legal” and advocated for increased enforcement “Why should I jump through all the rules?” he asked … It is shameful to even consider to break federal immigration law I hope that [border czar Tom] Homan comes after you … I hope you will be held accountable for being the anti-American pieces of filth that you are Cornelius Loewenstein shouts at the city council during public comment Eureka resident Stephen Parr also spoke against the resolution He falsely claimed that the only people at risk of deportation are illegal immigrants who’ve committed crimes “The only people they’re talking about deporting are the people that have committed further crimes (To be clear, anyone without legal status could be subject to arrest or deportation. While the Trump administration has targeted people with criminal convictions, thousands of others have been arrested. An article recently published in ProPublica states that “less than half of the approximately 8,200 people arrested from Jan Mario Fernandez made a motion to adopt the resolution and declare Eureka a sanctuary city The action was seconded by Councilmember Moulton.  Fernandez also disputed a previous commenter’s assertion that undocumented people are soaking off the government “These are people who willingly work and contribute without reaping much — if any — benefits other than the hopeful feelings that they have of safety and community.”  Addressing Parr’s accusation of “virtue-signaling,” Councilmember Moulton rhetorically asked why “displaying your ideals and principles is somehow a bad thing.” “The virtues that I would like to signal right now are compassion and community,” she continued “I would like to communicate to all members of our community that they are valued [and] they deserve equal access to opportunity and equal protection under the law grateful that we’re here with you and grateful that my human family is so big and diverse.” Councilmember Leslie Castellano joined the chorus in underscoring her support for the resolution and thanked Chief Stephens for continuing to build trust with all residents She also encouraged the city manager to collaborate with local rapid response networks to combat misinformation surrounding ICE activity in the city.  Councilmembers Contreras-DeLoach and Bauer Councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach talked about her family’s roots in Mexico and how immigration policies have flip-flopped over the years “based on the values [of] the elected leaders of those times.” She shared an emotional story about an unexpected ICE raid that occurred during her time as an elected official in Utah in the early 2000s “They had gone to a factory and just rounded people up “It’s something that I’m never going to forget waiting for parents that didn’t show up and there were children at school who were waiting who didn’t get picked up shape or form to something like that happening to anybody in our community.” Councilmember Scott Bauer also spoke in favor of the resolution quoting from the inscription on the Statue of Liberty’s tablet: Give me your tired your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.  “That’s the value that we’re talking about here “And I think about people who say you should [immigrate] legally ‘What would you do for your … family to make them safe to make them hope for a better life?’ … You know what you would do Mayor Kim Bergel also shared an emotional story about one of her students who feared their parents would be deported ‘My parents won’t leave the house,’ and I felt so upset about that because what can I do Not a heck of a lot,” she said.  “But tonight I’m proud and honored to be here with all of you and to be able to go to school tomorrow and say This is what our council … community came together to make happen.’” The council approved the resolution in a unanimous 5-0 vote What else happened at last night’s meeting Explorers can paddle and fish on the water or hike around it during a visit to Black Bass Lake Game Recap: Baseball | 4/16/2025 7:51:00 PM Thanks for visiting