Engaging Local Government

In the realm of community engagement and understanding local governance, seizing opportunities to directly interact with public figures is paramount. These occasions offer a platform where public officials may be more inclined to address questions they would typically steer away from. The team at Lost Coast Populist (LCP) wholeheartedly embraces these opportunities, aiming to engage with local government and shed light on various essential matters.
Contents
Local Meet and Greet

One such opportunity arose when a public meet and greet was announced, hosted by District 4 Humboldt County Supervisor Natalie Arroyo and Ward 4 Eureka City Councilmember Scott Bauer, slated for September 18th. This event seemed ideal for engaging with our local representatives and delving into an array of critical topics.
Natalie Arroyo
In our conversation with Natalie Arroyo, we explored the differences in work and pay between her current role and her previous position as a Eureka City Council member. The discussion also encompassed the vital issue of free speech, especially in the context of the recent board meeting where Charles Wilson’s public comment was abruptly cut short. We delved into the nuances of how local media covers stories, using the Clinton Ellis Gilmore incident as a case study. Furthermore, we addressed concerns regarding the stereotyping of parents who oppose certain subject matter being presented to their children.
Contact Info:
Email: narroyo@co.humboldt.ca.us
Direct line: 707-476-2394
825 5th Street, Room 111 Eureka, CA 95501
Miles Slattery
Additionally, we had a brief conversation with Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery. While he declined to comment on the Clinton Ellis Gilmore indecent exposure incident due to its occurrence outside Eureka city limits, he provided us with updates on the repaving project in Oldtown and other initiatives, primarily aimed at creating additional housing in Eureka.
Contact Info:
- Email Miles Slattery
- City Manager’s Office Physical Address View Map531 K Street
Eureka City Hall
Eureka, CA 95501
Directions
Phone: 707-441-4144
Scott Bauer
Our conversation with Scott Bauer primarily centered around environmental concerns, including sea level rise, renewable energy, and fire and forest management. While we did touch on local legacy media coverage of the Clinton Ellis Gilmore incident, the core of our dialogue revolved around these pressing environmental issues.
Contact Info:
City Council
Title: Councilmember – Ward 4
Phone: 707-441-4167
Mayor & City Council
Email Scott Bauer
SOPI Picnic

A week before this event, the LCP team attended a Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence community picnic to gather reactions regarding a former member’s conduct and subsequent arrest. During this event, we had the opportunity to engage with G. Mario Fernandez, Eureka City Councilmember for Ward 3, and Renee Contreras-DeLoach, Eureka City Council Member for Ward 5.
G. Mario Fernandez
In our conversation with Mario, we discussed local media, Clinton Ellis Gilmore’s arrest, and his involvement in a 2018 drag queen story hour. The discussion also briefly touched on COVID-19 policies and the potential resurgence of related protocols.
Contact Info:
City Council
Title: Councilmember – Ward 3
Phone: 707-441-4171
Mayor & City Council
Email: G. Mario Fernandez
Renee Contreras-DeLoach
With Renee, our conversation centered around Clinton Ellis Gilmore’s arrest and the accountability of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as an organization to which he once belonged. She also emphasized the need to approach public officials for questions at appropriate times, considering their commitment to family and personal engagements.
Contact Info:
City Council
Title: Councilmember – Ward 5
Phone: 707-441-4170
Mayor & City Council
Email: Renee Contreras-DeLoach
Closing Thoughts
Engaging with these public figures shed light on critical issues and provided valuable insights into local governance. It is through such interactions that we aim to foster a more informed and engaged community, holding our public representatives accountable for their actions and decisions that shape our community’s future.
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