Eureka Mayor Susan Seaman Gives Weekly Address

This is a press release from the City of Eureka:

Hello. I’m Mayor Susan Seaman.  As I’ve shared with you in my previous communications, the City of Eureka is continuing to work tirelessly to support the health and well-being of our citizens, our community, and our economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Tomorrow is the first day of August and our annual celebration of Coast Guard Month, so I’m here today at Coast Guard Plaza.  It was twenty years ago that the City of Eureka was named the second ever “Coast Guard City” – a designation that was renewed in 2011 and last year in 2019. We are incredibly proud of that designation because it helps us demonstrate our pride in our local Coast Guard representatives from Sector Humboldt Bay.

Throughout the month, the City will be providing opportunities to recognize Coast Guard families.  Look for the Coast Guard Flags waiving on 4th and 5th Streets. Coast Guard families will also receive benefits like a day at the zoo and golf at the Municipal Golf Course. This year, Southwest, Old Town and Eureka Rotary Clubs have also created a video to honor the local men and women serving in the Coast Guard. Look for KIEM’s Spirit of the North Coast spots or find it on YouTube titled ‘Eureka Rotary Clubs Honoring Coast Guard 2020.

I would like to recognize that – the midst of the Shelter in Place – Captain Mark Hiigel became the new Commander of the Humboldt Bay Sector. Welcome to Captain Hiigel. The City of Eureka would like to thank you, the men and women who serve with you – and all of your families who contribute to the fabric our community. I would also like to thank those Coast Guard veterans who have since retired and made their permanent homes in Humboldt.  Finally, I would like to thank our own City Councilperson, Natalie Arroyo, a proud member of the Coast Guard Reserves, for her service.  To our community, I hope you join us in celebrating Coast Guard Month.

I would also like to take a moment today to recognize how we, as a community, really know how to work together to make things happen. When the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services sent personal protection equipment to distribute to local businesses, the community came together as one. City staff – from several jurisdictions including the City of Eureka, Chamber of Commerce representatives, economic development leaders, business owners, Red Cross volunteers and community members all came together for a week of hard work to make sure hundreds of local businesses were able to access free face masks and hand sanitizer. It demonstrated the generosity of our community with a true volunteer spirit. It also showed that we have the determination and strength to unite and get things done. These are the same characteristics that are fundamental to creating a truly Resilient Eureka. Sometimes we forget to look for the best in our neighbors, but it is truly uplifting to see what we’re capable of accomplishing together.

And, in appreciation of our neighbors, we want to keep them safe. We have power to do that. We can slow the virus and protect each other by practicing some simple habits – washing our hands for twenty seconds, staying home if we don’t feel well, and wearing a face mask indoors except in your home and outdoors if you can’t maintain a six foot difference. Sometimes, we may have to make bigger sacrifices like limiting travel or missing out on social gatherings. For those who are making those sacrifices, thank you.

As always, and in addition to our video updates and social media posts, you can find regular updates about COVID 19 at the City of Eureka’s website, which is ci.eureka.ca.gov, as well as links to other important community resources.

Again, I’m Mayor Susan Seaman, and I appreciate your attention to this message. Be safe, stay healthy, be patient with yourself and kind to your neighbors and family.  We’ll talk again soon.