More about Arcata

Arcata is a city located in Humboldt County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 16,651. Visitors to Arcata frequently feel as if they had entered a time warp and emerged in the 60s era of granny-gowned, tied-died flower children driving VW busses adorned with peace signs. This college town is home to Humboldt State University, which accounts for approximately half of its residents. Arcata, which is adjacent to Humboldt Bay on the "redwood coast," is a bastion of liberal thought in otherwise conservative lumber country and is sometimes derided by outlying Humboldt residents as "The Peoples Republic of Arcata." It is the first city in the United States to elect a majority of its city council members from the Green Party. Established during the timber boom generated by the 19th centrury Gold Rush, Arcata features a large number of original Victorian structures, many of which have been lovingly restored. For its size, the city has many bookstores, coffeehouses, restaurants, galleries and music venues. It is also home to the beloved Humboldt Crabs of semi-pro baseball fame, who frequently play before sold-out crowds (of c. 1500) each summer. In order to preserve its community character, laws in Arcata limit the number of chain businesses allowed in the city. Residents hotly debate major issues, including protection of the physical environment, the domination of America by corporate culture, and legalization of marijuana. Arcata was the first city in the nation to pass a law purporting to nullify the USA PATRIOT Act in that city. The legality of this has not yet been tested.