AH In The News

Sean McLaughlin, executive director of Access Humboldt, is one of 16 leaders from across the state of California selected by the Community Technology Foundation to join Class III of the ZeroDivide Fellowship. This highly sought-after two-year fellowship increases the capacity of leaders in California to promote social justice through the use of information and communications technology.

“The ZeroDivide Fellowship is about building a movement of technology users who can turn information into action to improve society,” said Tessie Guillermo, CTF president and chief executive officer.  read more »

EUREKA -- Sean McLaughlin, executive director of Access Humboldt, has been selected by the Community Technology Foundation to join the ZeroDivide Fellowship.

The two-year fellowship aims to increase the capacity of leaders in California to promote social justice through the use of information and communication technology.  read more »

Oysters & Ale, a fundraising event to help make free Wi-Fi and broadband services possible at Humboldt County libraries, will take place at Woodley Island Marina, Sept. 14, from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Debi Farber-Bush and Kitty Yancheff began raising money for the event through the sale of “oyster beer,” which was donated by Lost Coast Brewery, at the Arcata Bay Oyster Festival on June 16.

When Access Humboldt Executive Director Sean McLaughlin explains his ambitious plan to link governments and educational institutions and at the same time grow a “network” that gives community residents an outlet, he often traces intricate informational spider webs on his office’s whiteboard.

Some might consider that rather ironic when the plans he articulates will come into their own with the help of digital technology — wireless broadband communications and Access Humboldt’s planned Public Education and Government Network.

Producing a program for public access television in Humboldt County is about to become kid's stuff this fall when Access Humboldt completes its new studio on the Eureka High School campus.

In addition to providing educational opportunities for students, this new studio will allow any Humboldt resident with an idea to produce their own show.

Access Humboldt recently installed new audio and visual equipment in the Eureka City Council Chamber.

City Clerk Kathleen Franco Simmons said the system broadcast beautifully the five times it has been used so far.

“This is a project that through the past three budget years we have been trying to budget money toward, and last budget year we received the funds to replace our camera system,” Franco Simmons said.

Blue Lake may be in the running for broadband access in the near future.
Access Humboldt presented the Blue Lake City Council with an update at the council’s regular meeting Tuesday evening.

Created a year ago, Access Humboldt is a nonprofit organization that manages cable franchise benefits throughout Humboldt County.

Sean McLaughlin, executive director of Access Humboldt, said the organization is looking at the infrastructure necessary to provide access to more areas in Humboldt County, offering the example of the Digital Rio Dell project.

Humboldt is the first county invited to join an international collaboration known as the Digital Sister Cities initiative.

There are those who believe that the Redwood Coast can become a global leader with respect to innovation and development for next generation digital media. Believers include the supporters of Access Humboldt (www.accesshumboldt.net) along with key leaders at Humboldt State University, and the Humboldt Film and Digital Media Commission.

EUREKA -- Those tuning in to watch Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meetings on cable got a fresh view of their public servants due to a fresh investment in technology.

The county, as well as the other municipalities that participated in the recent franchise agreement with Suddenlink Cable, received $25,000 to update the audio and video systems that put those meetings on television.

FORTUNA -- Watching the City Council at work will soon be as easy as finding the remote and kicking that recliner into its natural position.

Beginning Monday, at 6 p.m., the City Council will be broadcast on Access Humboldt's cable Channel 10.

To commemorate this move into the world of prime time, the public is invited to a pre-meeting reception and open house, complete with refreshments, at 5 p.m. Monday.  read more »