Founder and Managing Partner
On Saturday, public officials are hosting a town hall on public safety in Eureka. Hosted by Eureka councilmember Renee Contreras-DeLoach and 4th District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo, the event aims to answer questions about public safety concerns from a panel. The town hall will also provide an opportunity for the public to hear from newly appointed Eureka Police Chief, Brian Stephens, plus a representative from Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and a neighborhood watch program.
“I’m in the area where we get a lot of public safety concerns,” said Contreras-DeLoach. She added that with a brand-new chief of police, there’s an opportunity for people to ask questions about moving forward in Eureka.
Arroyo said that they aim to show people what resources are available with EPD, HCSO and neighborhood watch programs. She said she doesn’t think there are gaps between agencies in public safety but added the general public doesn’t often see the collaboration between the groups.
“That whole system works pretty well together. But there is, I think, a public perception that the city and the county are not always in lockstep with each other,” she said.
Contreras-DeLoach and Arroyo also noted that there hasn’t been a town hall dedicated to the issue in a while.
Public commenters often bring up public safety concerns during Eureka City Council meetings, and Contreras-DeLoach said that she wants to open communication on this issue as the council can’t respond directly to questions or concerns if it’s not on the agenda. She added that people get frustrated, and this town hall is a way to address the questions that get brought up regularly. Arroyo noted questions regularly surround when to call 911 or non-emergency numbers, plus concerns on keeping petty crime and theft down in neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Watch Program Coordinator Ginger Campbell will also be on the panel. Panelists will present and the public will be able to ask questions.
Arroyo noted that people in areas on the outskirts of Eureka like in Myrtletown or Fairhaven may also want to participate. She added she’d like to hear from people about a broader swath of concerns, from speeding cars to crime to reducing trash and graffiti in their neighborhood.
Contreras-DeLoach said she aims to do a town hall once a quarter, getting to the list of things that come up regularly.
If you go:
When: Feb. 17, 2024 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Eureka City Hall – Council Chambers 531 K Street Eureka
Zoom option:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87283371499?pwd=aU13T0dHSjFaY2FDTTF0Vks2RGw5Zz09
Meeting ID: 872 8337 1499
Passcode: 693498
Sage Alexander can be reached at 707-441-0504