[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6158782,"mediaKeyId","5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd","parentId",5457417,"title","Fortuna police chief declares staffing crisis; mandatory overtime instituted","audioSeconds",79,"startMs",3171000,"endMs",3250000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd&start=3171&end=3250","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd/thumbnail_3171000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6158782/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Fortuna-police-chief-declares-staffing-crisis-mandatory-overtime-instituted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158782-0dafa0724a1e862c4c7cecc1e97e19bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1776349650&Signature=DR9f15cJEvyz1uZObCMxtYKOGEA2Zg2Zmd~NNSBlKodmet2maQJOCkPbcBcyLrV78pBeKc2Su31-CpmujpaXQ6NaeLJqE5hOs-lNQP1dtqrNVogdZr2GuseuoWnnGX9P~3vWDfYokWZ8vbo5IUQ01qJzhhrCO6r5ydygHl9ZClJ6jRGo0oDxBRIhQOsMT8fWobLQBktdR271u763sh9apk-GBHK76t91oQzu2GpaQAtT4ewR0YprHyJoHEKUjFGkOr0CEJ2PThpMATASQH5EN8VuNyg585YohXCNJGTxB-aY-WAKO2Qq7cLlAZrL5-Zbok~AuwoxH0ve03mD1YiJKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Fortuna CA","date","2025-07-24T03:43:01.317Z","article","Fortuna’s police chief informed the city council on July 21 that the department declared a formal staffing crisis in June and has instituted mandatory weekly overtime to maintain public safety during the city’s busy event season.

Chief Everhard told council members his department has seen officers working 60 to 80 hours in some weeks and that neighboring agencies and state partners provided mutual aid during recent large events, including the rodeo and fireworks festival. The chief thanked agencies including the California Highway Patrol, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Eureka Police Department, Cal Fire and others for assistance.

Why it matters: The department’s staffing shortfall has operational implications for routine policing and event coverage. The chief said mandatory overtime is intended to maintain public safety while the city continues recruiting and addressing longer-term staffing and compensation issues.

Council reaction: Council members thanked officers and other staff for event coverage. The chief and council noted the staffing crisis as a factor to weigh in other budget and personnel decisions discussed later in the meeting, including potential park expansions.

Operational steps: The chief said the department is navigating the staffing crisis while relying on overtime and mutual aid. No formal change in personnel policy or new funding was approved at the meeting; council members expressed appreciation and concern and flagged the staffing situation in subsequent budget discussions.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fortuna City Council Meeting of 2025-07-21","oneSentenceSummary","Fortuna Police Chief reported a staffing crisis in June and said officers have been required to work mandatory weekly overtime. The council was briefed and thanked mutual-aid agencies for support during recent events.","taxTitle","Fortuna City, Humboldt County, California","taxId",72151,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6158784,"Fortuna weighs grant applications for Riverwalk, Newberg parks; council cautious about committing local matching funds",0,4757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd&start=4757&end=4757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd/thumbnail_4757000.jpg","/articles/6158784/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Fortuna-weighs-grant-applications-for-Riverwalk-Newberg-parks-council-cautious-about-committing-local-matching-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158784-1474f40f0de470be39fcea74be573c44/orig.mp4?Expires=1776349650&Signature=ZxdqFKyuse2XVjYr50wXiJqidYBl6NtGE2w3-EcUFwV4aA6Herz0FgK4srp5kDwpjwqplWQufXtlLs9M1G06BP-DXQehuWpgsxIrcdWMEQ-l56IZH4AcAQ6OO-ufT9v0dBc~JtMuRJIv4umTKaL1TJU-KexYmUuM~MVUa1ZR9~o-GVJeQG6Pdeap9jFTmHbM1CEqHDpEBE38hMW4eR7yJOy1U3HUJViYrldv4Wjs63SFhYwbQayY102ikE4Ll7O2lxtvV~8f5m3PjIuu9BfpK0~NAnKEfnev7DNr8d2nkMSWoO0SxOtwhT3L9pPPZmq5KcdFx76m74aeBS3MSchPmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Fortuna City Council on July 21 that the city is preparing three applications to the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, including development work at Riverwalk Park and a major expansion of Newberg Park, but warned the city lacks the full local match the grants require.

City Manager staff said the Riverwalk Park phase shown in the staff presentation would cost roughly $3.5 million with a 50% match requirement (about $1.9 million). The Newberg Park expansion is the larger project, with a total estimated cost of about $14.88 million and a required city match of roughly $7.4 million. Staff said the Land and Water Conservation Fund maximum award is $6 million and there is a 50% match requirement.

Staff presented potential match sources that, when combined, total roughly $2.5 million: an unreserved general-fund balance of about $266,000, unreserved Measure E funds of about $900,000, possible salary savings of $300,000–$500,000 pending year-end accounting, and Measure E funds set aside for Newberg Park acquisition and improvements of about $850,000. Those amounts fall well short of the full $7.4 million match needed for Newberg Park’s full scope.

Council discussion: Several council members said Newberg Park could serve more regular users and potentially host tournaments that bring visitors and revenue. At the same time, members and the police chief cautioned that the city is facing staffing and payroll shortfalls and that adding park acreage would likely require additional parks staff and operating funds. The council requested the city manager continue pursuing outside partners (including the McLean Foundation and Bear River, which staff had contacted) and other grants rather than committing to fully fund Newberg Park from current reserves.

Deadline and next steps: Staff said the Land and Water Conservation Fund application deadline is Aug. 5. The city manager asked for council direction on which park to prioritize; council members expressed preference for Newberg Park but emphasized they do not want to deplete reserves needed for payroll, vehicle maintenance and other operational needs. Staff will continue to pursue partnership funding and bring back more detailed options and phasing scenarios for council review.

Budget and operations: Council members and the police chief raised concerns about the city’s ability to add staff for maintenance and operations if the projects proceed. Staff acknowledged that adding two parks positions would be difficult with the current budget and that any grant acceptance would need to consider long-term operating costs and potential revenue from field rentals or events.
","City staff outlined two Land and Water Conservation Fund grant applications for Riverwalk Park and the Newberg Park expansion. The projects carry multi-million-dollar price tags and a 50% local match requirement; council favored Newberg Park in principle but raised concerns about depleting reserves and ongoing maintenance costs.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6158789,"Fortuna council adopts state fire hazard-severity maps; maps intended for local planning, not immediate insurance changes",319,3246000,3565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd&start=3246&end=3565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd/thumbnail_3246000.jpg","/articles/6158789/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Fortuna-council-adopts-state-fire-hazard-severity-maps-maps-intended-for-local-planning-not-immediate-insurance-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158789-aca29974a271002453e138a9cfbae5b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776349650&Signature=BV~dW52Qvi7e3vFlY4KUCmvoa17DBoNANPVr1K1aSreCSIO2AoMI9lrahh9sOeT1n3m6aoRJF8F-T2i3VXaXz~RAvvwqZtgNepvVCTRIgqQXad8nK6GJneTE1vNeRLEatW~2QlAG5imHENTqp5GIOGChq-Fh6DUoK78aakfR-ORAYCJsbcpSA0w87aNIfR3NC1WTvrRDCfMwiFCfVXBPJFIDqsXvMb5J236POfiTa~I3s62v2eZtRRJk6OzzoMUJ0MeqFIPRVHpORcxoihsCPLQdeTdchQI5w2i~ieuZCL8F-OlOBKDTNAZg5k1N3-013uyL5d2uAN8vn9IrKPv98g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fortuna City Council on July 21 adopted an ordinance formally accepting fire-hazard severity zone maps prepared by CAL FIRE and issued by the State Fire Marshal, a change that newly designates parcels within the city for planning purposes.

Sherry Meads, Fortuna’s community development director, told the council the February update identifies about 1,935 parcels within the city limits as being in a moderate fire-hazard severity zone. The maps are a state-required planning tool and, she said, do not by themselves impose new building requirements or trigger immediate project changes.

Council members voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2025-775, which the staff report characterizes as exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. Council member Connolly and Council member Stevens recorded affirmative votes; Mayor Pro Tem Trent and Mayor Johnson also voted yes.

Why it matters: The maps are intended to help jurisdictions target long-range planning, defensible-space efforts and evacuation routes. Meads said higher-designated zones could later prompt building-code or defensible-space requirements, but at this point no such local changes were required.

Insurance question: A council member asked whether the maps can be used to change homeowners’ fire-insurance rates. Staff said the city has no control over insurance ratemaking and that planners were told the maps are for local planning; staff indicated they were not aware of a direct mechanism by which the maps would automatically change insurance rates. Meads said the maps are generally updated about every five years.

Public comment and follow-up: A Royal Crest resident asked whether the park appears in the mapped area; staff offered to provide a parcel-level check after the meeting and noted an online lookup tool that reports a property’s designation when an address is entered.

Next steps: The ordinance adoption fulfills the state requirement that cities formally adopt the CAL FIRE maps. Staff said the maps will be used in future planning work, including the city’s general-plan update and evacuation and defensible-space planning.
","The council adopted CAL FIRE-drawn fire hazard severity zone maps as required by the state. Staff said the maps are for long-range planning and currently do not change local building requirements; the ordinance was adopted unanimously.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6158794,"Royal Crest residents ask Fortuna council to study rent-stabilization; council directs staff to return with workshop",4257,572000,4829000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd&start=572&end=4829","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5457417-66e9cb6c5911462cfad65ed450cccccd/thumbnail_572000.jpg","/articles/6158794/Fortuna-City/Humboldt-County/California/Royal-Crest-residents-ask-Fortuna-council-to-study-rent-stabilization-council-directs-staff-to-return-with-workshop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6158794-6bee3a86a0ede6af42ff2dca9ea721ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1776349650&Signature=Pkhrqtjn0V697OPZ65D5G5b4QkfdRMLCHtGCrs2xboBQMAKd~k6BpOgTWf9nPXm-25yWyedgB5HHa~l-04Yr4~NtDR88X97PWVTN9l20yCQStjb2s7lYqJoqEXoF6yHxejRdIkB5gACkJ1WBFuY3kWj5tqBnaumtD4iNxFqJso0kTUnjW4fuhJ8DcF2f7oQRltdvnnzqGQ9rmQ7vFLopV7~~j3eiekkXSTzkck1mPzzqUo30qIgm4-ub2ouFX5LEsSp~q2zb7U2W73t5lnL9o7EKfzdsTZ-8uHxaOrdkIK-AEYp-nOIY9ziJbLdUVWEHA6GNC5kwR6HMLtfFTCOrNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents of Royal Crest Mobile Home Park and tenant advocates urged the Fortuna City Council on July 21 to place consideration of a rent-stabilization ordinance on a future meeting agenda, saying rising lot rents are forcing seniors to return to work, cut necessities or risk homelessness.

The request followed a string of public comments describing recent increases in lot rent and alleged deferred maintenance at the park. Residents and advocates asked the council to schedule a workshop and to consider limiting annual lot-rent hikes, formalizing a process for “fair return” petitions and prohibiting pass-through charges without homeowner approval.

The council unanimously approved a motion directing staff to return with a discussion/workshop item on mobile-home rent stabilization at staff’s earliest convenience. Council members and staff said whether that item can be heard in August will depend on the city attorney’s and outside counsel’s availability.

Why it matters: Royal Crest is home to scores of older residents who pay lot rent for the land under privately owned manufactured homes; speakers said those residents have limited options to move. At the meeting, residents said the park has about 205 spaces and that many occupants live on fixed incomes. One resident, Karen Denney, calculated monthly revenue for the park from rents as follows: “$822 times 200 units is over $160,000 a month,” which she said totals more than $1.9 million a year.

What residents told the council: Lane Moon, who identified herself as a Royal Crest resident, said manufactured homes are “central to Fortuna’s economy” and asked the council to place an RSO on the August agenda. Laura, another resident, told the council she must work at age 82 to afford her rent. Deborah Thomas described returning to full-time work after rent increases and a recent cancer diagnosis. Hilary Mosier, a volunteer with the Golden State Manufactured Homeowners League and an author of Humboldt County Measure V, rebutted a letter from the park owner’s attorney and presented property-record research suggesting the park is connected to a larger management corporation; she urged the council to follow Fortuna’s General Plan housing goals when evaluating next steps. Salo, representing a trade organization for park owners and managers (WMA), and other speakers representing management urged the council to consult the park owners’ materials and warned that rent regulation can distort housing markets.

Council response and next steps: City Manager staff said the city attorney lacks specific experience with mobile-home RSOs and is reaching out to outside counsel the city could retain. Council members expressed sympathy for residents and concern about legal complexity and timing. Council member comments indicated support for a workshop-style staff report that would include legal analysis and options; no regulation or ordinance was adopted at the July 21 meeting.

Details stated at the meeting: Speakers cited several specific policy features they favor or oppose. Lana Craig (Royal Crest resident) explained that some standard RSOs cap annual increases at a share of the CPI and provide a fair-return petition process; residents asked that pass-through expenses require homeowner majority approval. Hilary Mosier cited Fortuna General Plan housing-element goals H3.4, H5 and H6 in support of preserving affordable housing for retired Fortuna residents. Several speakers said the park’s rent increases have eroded resale value and household budgets and described safety and maintenance concerns raised previously with management.

What the council formally did: The council directed staff to return with a discussion/workshop item on mobile-home rent stabilization at staff’s earliest convenience. The council’s city manager advised that a full ordinance would follow only after staff and legal review and that outside counsel availability will affect timing. The possibility of an August 18 workshop was mentioned but not guaranteed.

The meeting record shows broad public interest and differing stakeholder views. The council’s next step is a staff-led discussion/report; any ordinance, hearings or adoption would follow separate formal steps.","Seniors and tenants from Royal Crest Mobile Home Park urged the Fortuna City Council to place a rent-stabilization ordinance on a future agenda. The council voted to direct staff to return with a discussion/workshop item; a full ordinance was not adopted.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Fortuna police chief declares staffing crisis; mandatory overtime instituted

Fortuna weighs grant applications for Riverwalk, Newberg parks; council cautious about committing local matching funds

Fortuna council adopts state fire hazard-severity maps; maps intended for local planning, not immediate insurance changes

Royal Crest residents ask Fortuna council to study rent-stabilization; council directs staff to return with workshop