Arcata   



Humboldt County's first residents hailed from the Yurok, Karuk, Wiyot, Chilula, Whilkut and Hupa tribes, among others. They settled on the coast and along the banks of the Trinity and Klamath rivers. The county was created in May 1853 and derives its name from Humboldt Bay, which was "discovered" by a sea otter hunting party in 1806 and rediscovered in 1849. Douglas Ottinger and Hans Buhne entered the bay in 1850 and named it in honor of naturalist and explorer Baron Alexander von Humboldt.

Del Norte County has been home to the Yurok and Tolowa peoples for thousands of years. Legendary explorer Jedediah Smith is credited with being the first non-native to enter the region, in 1828. Gold strikes on the Klamath and Smith Rivers in the 1850s led to the settlement of the county, which was created in March 1857. Its name, meaning "the north" is derived from its position in the northwest corner of the state.

Statistics
Population: 17,100
Settled: 1850, incorporated 1858.
Median home price:
October 2005-March 2006: $364,000
October 2004-March 2005: $350,000
October 2003-March 2004: $257,250
October 2002-March 2003: $209,500
October 2001-March 2002: $195,000

City Government
Mayor: Michael Machi
Vice Mayor: Harmony Groves
City Manager: Michael Hackett
City Council: Paul Pitino, Michael Machi, Dave Meserve,
Mark Wheetley, Harmony Groves.
The council meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 736 F St.

City Contacts
City Hall
736 F St.,
822-5953, fax 822-8018.
visit site

Chamber of Commerce
1635 Heindon Road
822-3619
visit site

Arcata MainStreet
791 Eighth St.
822-4500
visit site

Arcata Economic
Development Corp.
100 Ericson Court
822-4616
visit site

Library
500 Seventh St.
822-5954

Police:
736 F St.
822-2428

Fire:
631 Ninth St.
825-2000
Dance and music fill the Arcata Plaza at the North Country Fair.
  Located six miles north of Eureka on Highway 101, Arcata has long enjoyed a reputation as an eclectic combination of traditional and alternative lifestyles. The city center — known to everyone as the Plaza — hosts innumerable festivals, fund raisers, races and artistic events year round.
  The Plaza is home to one of California’s longest running Farmer’s Markets, which is held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from April through October. Locals, students and visitors turn out to enjoy local products and fresh produce as well as fine art and a wide variety of plants and trees.
  Arcata is also home to the northernmost California State University, Humboldt State University. Not only is HSU one of the largest employers in the county, but it brings alive the diverse and often eccentric atmosphere found only in a college town with education ranging from fine arts and sciences, to business and forestry.
  Victorian architecture, murals and a recently remodeled facelift for many downtown businesses draws thousands of tourists every year. Arcata welcomes the world renowned Kinetic Sculpture Race where the imagination is put to the test through art, engineering and wacky fun. Other events include the Oyster Festival, North Country Fair, Pastels on the Plaza and the annual 4th of July Jubilee.
  Arcata proudly promotes sustainability and protects its natural resources. Dedicated in 1955, the Arcata Community Forest is one of the only sustainable community forests in the Western United States. The forest is currently comprised of 1,800 acres and is still growing. The popular trails are marked for walkers or bikers.
  Located on the Pacific Flyway, the Arcata Wildlife Marsh and Sanctuary is home to more than 3,000 exotic birds. The marsh is an innovative wetland system and an environmentally sound wastewater treatment solution.
  The marsh is one of many activity locations for Arcata’s annual Godwit Days. The event draws bird lovers and enthusiasts alike for a weekend of exploration, sightseeing and education throughout the marsh and the community.
  For the traveler there is an abundance of resources available to make your trip to Arcata or the North Coast rich with art and culture. The California Welcome Center has a variety of maps, brochures and guides to make any tourist or voyager informed and excited about the area.
  For more information about the California Welcome Center or the Arcata Chamber of Commerce call 822-3619.