"I need to use the bathroom or I am going to shit in my pants"

Loiterers, transients, panhandlers, are there all the time near 4th and R, S and nearby streets.

McDonald's is their favorite hangout. I was there late morning and talking with local McDonald franchise owner, Jesse Klair.

McDonald's does lock their restrooms now and you have to ask for a key. While employees were busy attending to customers, this woman, a "regular" I have seen all over Eureka was screaming to use the restroom. "I need to use the bathroom or I am going to shit in my pants." She had just walked in and didn't even give employees a chance to respond.

She had a whip-it can. She then tried to barge in the area where employees take orders. She was told firmly but politely that she could not enter in that area.

She was told by an employee that restrooms were for paying customers. She started arguing with the employee.

Mr. Klair told the employee,"give me the key." When he returned, I asked him why he handled the situation the way he did. Mr. Klair informed me that they do try and accommodate anyone who needs to use the restroom. This despite issues of having to fix the bathrooms, the ladies at least five times after a complete remodel. They had to lock the restrooms and enforce rules after repeated drug use and vandalism. Employees having to clean up.

"I want this place to be safe for customers and families. The businesses in this area need support."

He was planning to call Eureka City Manager Greg Sparks to see what assistance the City could offer, even before this woman came in.

Regarding this woman, Mr. Klair balanced compassion with rules. He told her she could not take the whipit can inside the restroom. He told me he chose to make an exception to the paying customer policy and if the restroom needed cleaning, he would do it, not his employee.

Mr. Klair's employees are local. Humboldt County is his home.  He gives back to the community in many ways. At local rotary clean ups, Mr. Klair donates refreshments for the volunteers.