Barbara Karnum advocates for protester safety at County meeting

During the recent Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting, a significant public concern was raised regarding the safety of protesters outside the courthouse. Barbara Karnum, a local resident, urged the board to consider installing barriers on the sidewalk to protect individuals exercising their First Amendment rights. She highlighted the increasing incidents of violence associated with protests nationwide and argued that such measures could prevent potential tragedies. Karnum emphasized that while complete safety cannot be guaranteed, proactive steps could mitigate risks and potentially save the county from costly lawsuits in the event of an incident.

The board acknowledged her comments but noted that public input would not lead to immediate action. Instead, they encouraged Karnum to reach out via email for further discussion on the matter.

In addition to public comments, the meeting included discussions about the board's upcoming closed session, where they planned to review labor negotiations and address ongoing litigation related to the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project and a case involving the county.

Ken Sawatzki, another community member, criticized the board's decision to allocate $225,000 for legal services, suggesting that the funds could be better spent on fair negotiations with county employees. He expressed concern over the board's approach to labor relations and called for more equitable treatment of workers.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the upcoming Annie and Mary Day event in Blue Lake, fostering community engagement and celebration. As the board moved into closed session, they indicated that discussions would take approximately three to four hours, underscoring the importance of the issues at hand.