There is no mystery on why another aviation director left

 

Justin Hopman started as Humboldt County’s Director of Aviation officially on January 5, 2026 and is resigning effective March 27. The County of Humboldt sent out a press release at 12:51 p.m. on 3/6/26.

Humboldt County announced his hiring in December 2025.

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2025/12/justin-hopman-to-be-appointed-as.html?m=1

Other than it is two months, many people who come from out of the area leave. Florida is not California. Humboldt is very different than living in San Francisco, LA or anywhere else in California that is not rural and isolated. I have spoken to people recruited here by Open Door, the County, businesses and they are not fully warned what to expect. They come here and there is instant regret.

I know Humboldt generationals and locals don't like hearing it but those of us who have lived outside Humboldt and traveled around the world to London, Zurich, Paris, Tokyo are used to options, excellent health care, good food, choices and customer service from people without an attitude of ex stoners or those used to getting big bucks in the good ole weed days and think providing medoicre, rude service is okay and get hired despite lack of talent in this cliquey county.

Nature is a plus here. It does not compensate for the walking dead on the streets or the don't you criticize Humboldt mob and complete lack of opportunity unless you suck up to the generations of those in charge and locals that keep this place stagnant, have their clique and are allergic to truth. This post will piss people off. What's new? Humboldt is in denial how it treats outsiders and how it affects other people.

I would move tomorrow if Humboldt cut me a check for what I have lost here, what it has cost me for over two decades and covers my expenses for a move. 

If you want people and qualified people to stay here like Hopman, Humboldt needs a change in attitude, stop electing the Rex Bohns, giving every job to the Gregg Fosters and start looking at itself without a filter to see the pros and cons.

Incumbents run with no challengers because Humboldt is so screwed that no decent person wants to deal with debt, the shit show and obstacles trying to change the Humboldt swamp.

The same group of people whether it is media, ranchers, businesses or elected officials won't even give many locals a chance. When I first moved here, I was warned there is a core group of people, they have each other's back and outsiders aren't welcome. I was told by a longtime local that I did not have blonde hair and blue eyes and was wasting my time.

Those who have held Humboldt in a grip for decades are fine if you are a sycophant and settle for crumbs and stroke their petty, insecure egos. The same failed group of people who keep Humboldt stuck with zero progress.

County of Humboldt Press Release:

Justin Hopman, C.M., ACE, will be resigning as Humboldt County’s Director of Aviation, effective Friday, March 27. 

Hopman joined the county as Aviation Director on Jan. 5.

"After much reflection and discussion with my family, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role as Humboldt County’s Aviation Director,” said Justin Hopman. “The needs and well-being of my family must always take priority. This decision was not easy to make, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity that was presented to me.”

The County of Humboldt thanks Hopman for his work and wishes him well in his future endeavors.

"While this outcome is not what we hoped for, we respect Justin's decision to prioritize what is best for his family," said Third District Supervisor and Board Chair Mike Wilson. "Aviation continues to be vital to Humboldt's connectivity and economic growth, and the Board remains committed to supporting the needs of the community and the Aviation Department."

Humboldt County's aviation system is experiencing transformative growth, with expanded air service at the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV) creating more opportunities than ever for the community to connect with destinations near and far. As this remains an important priority for the county, the Board of Supervisors will continue investigating the best path forward while the search for a new Aviation Director begins.