Humboldt County: Tradition Meets Technology

Humboldt County has always shown so much potential. From its rugged coastline and peaceful redwoods to its unique people and small-town charm, this place has long been an incredible spot to visit, or in my case, to call home. I was born and raised here, and seeing how far we’ve come with technology makes me proud that the community decided to take steps forward.

When I was a kid, classrooms ran on overhead projectors. We traced vocabulary words on transparency sheets and squinted at chalkboards that screeched when the teacher pressed too hard. The textbooks we carried had signatures from the 1980s sometimes even earlier. And yes, I always lost my library card.

Fast-forward to today, and everything looks different. Students bring home laptops and tablets. Homework is online, timed, and multiple choice. Tests happen on screens instead of paper. Some writers still cling to their pens, but the truth is clear: this is the age of glass. Screens are everywhere, and technology isn’t going away.

Where Humboldt Stands Now

Our schools have made progress, but as a community, we haven’t fully caught up. Sure, we can all DoorDash or Uber Eats dinner, but are we using that same technology to share what makes Humboldt special?

• Are all our local restaurants online, showing off their amazing food?

• Do our wedding venues have websites that showcase their breathtaking spaces?

• Are our skilled craftsmen, nail salons, jewelers, and builders reaching new customers? Or are they hidden away, waiting to be discovered by accident?

Too often, the answer is no. Businesses that should be packed with customers stay quiet because no one knows they exist. Marketing your work isn’t complicated anymore. A simple Facebook page, Instagram account, or Google Business Profile can make a huge difference. Even something as old-fashioned as joining the Chamber of Commerce is still one of the best ways to connect.

The Takeaway

Humboldt is still the diamond in the rough of California. The redwoods are as majestic as ever, the beaches as peaceful as they’ve always been. But to shine brighter, we need to embrace the tools available to us.

The heart of Humboldt will always be its people, its natural beauty, and its creative spirit. The next step is making sure the world can see it, too.