A bittersweet experience
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10/4/2012
I spent approx. 4 yr's living in Eureka, although I would not call myself a "authority" on town, I would say that I lived there long enough to get a decent grasp on the social dynamic. Basically your quality of life in Eureka will be determined by which of the following group(s) you fall into.
1. Local- Even though logging and fishing are dead, you lived here when property was still affordable, so you own a home, and it is valued 10x what you paid for it, so at least you have a valuable asset.
2. Retired- you will like it here, except of course for the lousy medical care, which of course is HUGE when you are of a retirement age. Otherwise, a nice place to retire.
3. Student- you LOVE it here! you are on a pot smoking sabbatical from your rich parents in So Cal, and with all your infinite life experience, your ideology dominates the entire region.
4. Rich transplant- like the students you will love it here as well. Your money keeps you far removed from all the drug addicts, criminals, and undesirables that you will tirelessly support.
5. Poor/Middle transplant-the worst scenario of all. No decent work, so will will have to live in the same neighborhood as the drug addicts and criminals who walk on water in Humboldt.
6. Disability/Welfare- every poor persons dream in Eureka. Highest pay outs in California, maybe the whole country. There will be no negative stigma attached to you...its actually encouraged!
So that is my summary of Eureka. There are good people in this community with true grit and tenacity for life. It is a beautiful seaside community, filled with redwood's, and charming Victorian homes. However if you are not a person of means, the charm wears off quick. One could say my sentiment could describe America in general, but never in my life was the cold hearted, brutal ugliness of poverty, ignorance, and drug addiction more prominent than in Eureka, Ca.
nate | Ken Caryl, CO