Economic Woes Mount: Responding to an ongoing survey conducted by the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services, 668 businesses have combined to report more than $28.3 million in lost revenue and the permanent loss of 2,130 jobs. At last report, 15 businesses had been forced to close permanently. The survey results — which indicate a 6-percent reduction in Humboldt County's workforce — are based on just 21 percent of of local employers having responded. Statewide, roughly 530,000 people filed new unemployment claims last week.

Striking a Chord: "Alone Together," a locally produced music video featuring 22 musicians living in or tied to Humboldt County, has been making the rounds on social media. The video, which features a host of recognizable faces from musicians (John Elliott, Lila Nelson and Deb Waxman, among others) to politicians (Mike Wilson, Mark Lovelace and Jared Huffman), was the brainchild of Mike Dronkers and the Bayside Music Collective. Check it out at www.northcoastjournal.com.

A Virtual Commencement: Humboldt State University will host a virtual graduation ceremony May 16, the same day it had planned to honor graduates in person at the Redwood Bowl. The virtual commencement will feature a message from President Tom Jackson Jr. and 10-second video clips of students saying their full names and offering a short message while clad in caps and tassels, if they have them.

Property Tax Shortfall: The county of Humboldt saw 89 percent of local property tax payments show up by the April 10 deadline, which came amid the COVID-19 outbreak that has shuttered businesses and left thousands in the region out of work. The number marks a roughly 4-percent drop from last year, and leaves a shortfall of roughly $8.7 million. Those who were unable to pay and plan to request a COVID-19 late payment waiver must submit documentation — like a layoff notice, school registration papers or a doctor's note — and a signed affidavit available on the county's website along with their payment by June 10.

North Coast Journal Staff