Friday was the deadline to file candidacy papers for Humboldt County city council seats — as long as the incumbent filed to run. The Humboldt County Office of Elections still needs to verify the signatures of some candidates. For most cities, this is a first chance to see which candidates will be on the ballot for the November election.

In Trinidad, no one had yet returned paperwork for two open city council seats Friday. Both incumbents are not returning, pushing back the Aug. 13 deadline to file with the clerk. Local attorney and longtime Trinidad resident Bryce Kenny, who has led legal proceedings against the Trinidad Rancheria over public access, took out the paperwork on Friday.

“It’s only one! We have two locations,” said City Clerk Gabe Adams.

Eureka

In Eureka, two council seats are up. Four candidates were qualified by the city of Eureka on Friday. Incumbent Kati Moulton and Security National employee Kenny Carswell each running for Ward 2. In Ward 4, incumbent Scott Bauer and realtor Thavisak Lucky Syphanthong will run, according to the city clerk. Eureka will use ranked electoral voting for the race.

Arcata

The Arcata City Council has three seats open. Seven people filed their papers to run. Incumbents Stacy Atkins-Salazar, Sarah Schaefer and Alexandra Stillman have returned candidacy papers for Arcata city clerk. Additionally, regular public commentator Gregory Daggett, Shea Freedomhowler, former candidate/astrologer Dana Quillman and Genevieve Serna have all returned paperwork to run, according to the clerk.

Fortuna

In Fortuna, four people have returned nomination papers to the city clerk. Incumbent Tami Trent, Jerry D. King, Fortuna Planning Commissioner Neleen (Nel) Nichols and former candidate/bookkeeper Arlene Spiers all returned their papers. Fortuna residents will elect representatives for two seats, each for four years. Three have so far been verified by the Humboldt County Office of Elections, according to the Fortuna City Clerk.

Rio dell

In Rio Dell, two existing operators were the only two who collected or returned paper, according to the clerk. Mayor Pro Tem Amanda Carter and Council Member Frank Wilson each returned packets, both verified with the Humboldt County Office of Elections as valid.

Blue lake

Blue Lakes city officials did not return an email or phone call before the Times-Standard’s print deadline.

Ferndale

The Ferndale city clerk did not return an email.

Sage Alexander can be reached at 707-441-0504

Originally published: August 10, 2024 at 12.25