The Humboldt County Human Rights Commission met to consider administrative items, committee reports and community concerns. The commission approved corrected minutes, received routine financial and committee updates, raised concerns about SB 707 and remote participation, and voted to cancel the January 1, 2026 meeting.

Minutes and treasurer’s report
A commissioner moved, and another seconded, to approve the minutes for the September meeting as corrected; the commission approved the motion by voice vote. The treasurer reported that two checks (for a workshop and a grant) will be deposited, including a Grama check from the Humboldt Area Foundation and a family donation; the deposit activity was described as the only change to the account balance noted at the meeting.

Committee reports and community concerns
- Sanctuary/ordinance committee: Commissioners noted a Latino Heritage Month celebration and encouraged outreach. No ordinance action was taken.

- Youth Human Rights Commission: Commissioners said the youth commission now has three commissioners (all from Southern Humboldt) and a partnership with the social work and addiction‑studies program at College of the Redwoods; three students are involved. The committee plans recruitment and outreach to high schools, a monthly meeting cadence (one in‑person, one on Zoom) and materials for schools.

- Constructive Conversations workshop: A public workshop is scheduled for Oct. 22 at the Humboldt Area Foundation community center. Panelists listed on the registration materials include local officials and city attorneys; organizers encouraged additional community registration.

- Inhalant/nitrous‑oxide concerns: Commissioners and members of the public described a local rise in inhalant misuse (nitrous oxide and aerosol products). One attendee described repeated emergency visits and urged the commission to invite a public‑health speaker and to consider writing the Board of Supervisors to request restrictions on retail sales; the commission agreed to seek a guest speaker for education.

- Homelessness and behavioral health: Commissioners discussed a county letter about ongoing housing disputes and cited a general concern about winter shelter capacity. No formal action was taken; commissioners said they had not yet received a response from the Board of Supervisors on a prior homelessness letter.

Brown Act and SB 707
Commissioners discussed SB 707 and local implementation questions under the Brown Act (remote participation rules). They said the commission had sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors suggesting improvements to the county’s legislative platform language and that they were awaiting a response; commissioners expressed the need to document local implementation costs if the bill becomes law.

Other administrative business
The commission moved and seconded to cancel the regular January 1, 2026 meeting; the motion passed by voice vote. Volunteer schedules for message‑line coverage and other routine operational items were set.

The meeting adjourned after brief commissioner announcements and reminders about upcoming events.