In the latest state enrollment data released, California had 230,443 homeless students — a 9.3% increase from the previous year.

In Kern County, the first rule in counting homeless students is not saying “homeless.”

Instead, school staff use phrases like “struggling with stable housing” or “families in transition.” The approach seems to have worked: More families are sharing their housing status with their children’s schools, which means more students are getting services.

“There’s a lot of stigma attached to the word ‘homeless,’” said Curt Williams, director of homeless and foster youth services for the Kern County Office of Education. “When you remove that word, it all changes.”

Largely as a result of better identification methods, Kern County saw its homeless student population jump 10% last year, to 7,200. Those students received transportation to and from school, free school supplies, tutoring and other services intended to help them stay in school. For the purposes of this data, the definition of homelessness is broader than the state’s point in time count.

The trend is reflected statewide. In the latest state enrollment data released last month, California had 230,443 homeless students — a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Some of the increase is due to the state’s ongoing housing shortage, but most of the increase is because of better identification, advocates and school officials said.

Homeless students face numerous obstacles in school. They have higher rates of discipline and absenteeism, and fare worse academically. Last year, only 16% of homeless students met the state’s math standard, some of the lowest scores of any student group.

“Schools can’t solve homelessness, but they can ensure the students are safe in the classroom and getting the education they need to get out of homelessness,” said Barbara Duffield, executive director of Schoolhouse Connection, a national homeless youth advocacy group. “That starts with identifying the child who’s homeless.”

Challenges of counting homeless students

Under the federal McKinney-Vento Act, schools are required to count their homeless students throughout the school year and ensure they receive services. Homeless students also have the right to stay enrolled in their original school even if they move.

For many years, schools struggled to identify homeless students. Under state law, schools must distribute forms at the beginning of the school year asking families where they live — in their own homes, in motels, doubled-up with other families, in shelters, cars or outdoors.

Some schools were less-than-diligent about collecting the form, or reassuring families understood the importance. Often, homeless families were reluctant to submit the form because they were afraid the school might contact a child welfare agency. Immigrant families sometimes feared the school might notify immigration authorities. And some families didn’t realize that sharing quarters with another family — by far the most common living situation among homeless families – is technically defined as homeless, at least under McKinney-Vento.

A 2021 bill by former Assemblymember Luz Rivas, a Democrat from Arleta in the San Fernando Valley, sought to fix that problem. The bill requires schools to train everyone who works with students — from bus drivers to cafeteria workers to teachers — on how to recognize potential signs of homelessness. That could include families who move frequently or don’t reply to school correspondence.

The bill seems to have helped. Last year, the state identified 21,000 more homeless students than it had the previous year, even as overall enrollment dropped.

Still, that’s probably an undercount, researchers said. The actual homeless student population is probably between 5% and10% of those students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, according to the National Center for Homeless Education. In California, that would be a shortfall of up to 138,713 students.

Influx of funding

Another boost for identifying homeless students came from the American Rescue Plan, the federal COVID-19 relief package. The plan included $800 million for schools to hire counselors or train existing staff to help homeless students. Nearly all schools in California received some money.

About 120 districts in California won grant money through the McKinney-Vento Act, which last year dispersed about $15.9 million in California to pay for things like rides to school, backpacks, staff and other services. Districts are chosen on a competitive basis; not all districts that apply receive funds.

But those funding sources are drying up. Most of the pandemic relief money has already been spent, and President Donald Trump’s recently approved budget does not include McKinney-Vento funding for 2026-27.

The cuts come at a time when advocates expect steep increases in the number of homeless families over the next few years, due in part to national policy changes. Republican budget proposals include cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and other programs aimed at helping low-income families, while the immigration crackdown has left thousands of families afraid to seek assistance. For families living on tight budgets, those cuts could lead to a loss of housing.

And in California, the shortage of affordable housing continues to be a hurdle for low-income families. Even Kern County, which has traditionally been a less pricey option for families, has seen a spike in housing costs as more residents move there from Los Angeles.

Joseph Bishop, an education professor at UCLA and co-author of a recent report on homeless students nationwide, said the loss of government funding will be devastating for homeless students.

“California is the epicenter of the homeless student crisis, and we need targeted, dedicated support,” Bishop said. “Folks should be extremely alarmed right now. Will these kids be getting the education they need and deserve?”

Better food, cleaner bathrooms

In Kern County, identification has only been one part of the effort to help homeless students thrive in school. Schools also try to pair them with tutors and mentors, give them school supplies and laundry tokens, and invite them to join a program called Student Voice Ambassadors. There, students can tour local colleges, learn leadership skills and explore career options.

As part of the program, staff ask students what would make school more enticing — and then make sure the suggestions happen. At one school, students said they’d go to class if the bathrooms were cleaner. So staff improved the bathrooms. At another school, students wanted better food. They got it.

Williams credits the program with reducing absenteeism among homeless students. Two years ago, 45% of Kern County’s homeless students were chronically absent. Last year, the number dropped to 39% – still too high, he said, but a significant improvement.

“Without McKinney-Vento funds, the Student Voice Ambassador program would go away,” Williams said. “How will we keep it going? I don’t know.”

Arthur Ray Winters—known as Art to his friends but to those who loved him most, he was dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, or big Papa—passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the age of 90 in his hometown of Fortuna, California.

Born April 2, 1935, in Waldron, Arkansas, Art moved to California during the Great Depression and spent his early years in the Reedley area. He moved to northern California at 18 and lived in and around Humboldt County for most of the next 70 years.

He attended Reedley High School and then Glad Tidings Bible School, laying the foundation for a life deeply rooted in faith. Art’s spiritual journey began early in life, and he spent the past 50 years serving faithfully at church, teaching adult Bible classes, serving on boards, and organizing men’s breakfasts. He was a member of Fortuna Church of the Nazarene for the past 10 years, where he attended with a large part of his family. He had a deep love for music, his rich singing voice was a familiar part of worship services, and at home, he often played his guitar or harmonica hoping for anyone willing to join in. 

A truck driver for over 70 years hauling logs, lumber and freight, in the 1990s Art owned and operated Art Winters Trucking. He was also an excellent mechanic. Art was always willing to try something new. In the mid 70s he owned the Circle K market in Crescent City and decided to learn how to fly airplanes. He took flying lessons and had two solo flights. In 1977 we moved to North Carolina to work at PTL television network. He had a blast running up and down the East coast for a few years hauling remote studios, Bibles, and other freight. In retirement, he enjoyed working on his 1968 VW Bug, working in the garage with the Bible on CD playing in the background.

In April, we all celebrated his 90th birthday, surrounded by family and friends who were the heart of his life. Known for his unwavering faith, sharp wit, and deep love for his family, Art had a special bond with his kids and grandkids. One of his grandsons wrote this about him, “My grandpa was one of the most influential people in my life. He was blue collar through and through. He was sharp, liked to growl a lot, full of advice, had a tool for everything, and always had a treat to give. Whether I was holding the flashlight for him, joyriding in the old pinto in the backyard, or playing him in chess, the feedback and the conversation was always positive. He was there to celebrate my milestones and remind me how proud he was. I’m sad my girls won’t grow up with Big Papa but I’m extremely grateful for the time we did have. We love you dearly.”

His special instructions to the kids were important to remember: “You need a Maglite” (light and weapon); “Check the oil”; “All when you get there”; “You have to work every day”; “Be generous”; and, “Choose Jesus.” And of course, “Stay and eat with us!”

Arthur is survived by the love of his life, wife of 52 years, Savannah Earlene Winters and nine of his 11 kids. Melody Wilcox (Ron), Kevin Winters (Rhonda), Joel Winters (Crystal), Rusty Davis, Susan Rios (Ruben), Julia Harrison, Sara Burroughs (Steven), Jordan Winters (Kelly), and Justin Winters (Renee). His legacy lives on through five generations, including 136 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Frankie Winters; His brother Roy Winters, and his children, Robin Winters and Vicki Howlett; one great-grandchild, Nathaniel Evanow; and son-in-law, Jon Harrison and Doug Hinson.

A private graveside service will be held at Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna. And a public Celebration of Life on July 11 at 3 p.m. at the Fortuna Church of the Nazarene. Stay and eat with us. 

Flowers may be sent to Goble’s Mortuary in Fortuna or the Fortuna Church of the Nazarene 1355 Ross Hill Rd. Fortuna, CA 

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Arthur Winters’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

A longtime resident of Ferndale, Lane died of sudden cardiac death brought on by years of chronic cardiovascular disease. His smile and wave will be missed.

Lane was born on April 27, 1937, to his parents, Walter Giulieri and Agnes (Tomini) Giulieri. He was the eldest of two children; he had a younger brother, Dale, who was born a couple of years later.

A star athlete in high school, Lane was quarterback and captain of the football team. It was in high school where Lane met—and eventually married—a fellow classmate, Frances Katri.

After graduation, Lane served his military stint in the U.S. Navy. He joined the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Hancock. During his time on the USS Hancock, the aircraft carrier toured the Pacific with a stop in Japan. Fortunately for Lane, he had taken a typing class in high school, which allowed him to secure a comfortable position as a typist. Once, when the ship was in dry dock for repairs in San Francisco Bay, Lane joined his crewmates to play the San Quentin Prison inmates’ football team at San Quentin. Lane enjoyed his time in the Navy. While in the Navy, Lane married Frances in March of 1957; they had two children, Mark and Laura.

Born into a dairying family, Lane was a third-generation California dairyman (the Giulieris began dairying in Humboldt County in the 1880s). Lane’s grandfather dairied in Beatrice and on Cock Robin Island, eventually settling on their property on Goble Lane. Lane quickly took to dairying, and it became his lifelong passion. He idealized his grandfather, Celete “Charles,” whom he said taught him the most about dairying.

Immediately after being discharged from the Navy in the late 1950s, Lane returned to Ferndale to join the family dairy business. He leased the Hendrickson brothers’ property on Goble Lane, a property adjacent to the Giulieri dairy. Lane dairied on this property for many years.

All of Lane’s lifelong plans came crashing down with the catastrophic 1964 flood. During this flood, his herd of Jersey cattle drowned in the barn, and both the Hendrickson brothers’ property and the Giulieri homeplace suffered extensive damage and destruction. To earn a living during this challenging time, Lane began working the swing shift as a forklift operator at Fortuna Veneer. He did this work for several years.

Lane eventually returned to the dairy business full time and quickly set to work building a very successful dairy operation. Upon the death of his father, Lane took complete control of the dairy. He had one goal—to become the biggest dairyman in Ferndale. He was inspired by Willie Trutalli, whom he idolized.

Lane was driven to succeed from a very early age, and to achieve his desired success, he worked long and hard hours, seven days a week. In addition, he was an avid reader of all things dairy and success-related, and he annually attended the Tulare farm show to keep up on new innovations in the dairy industry.

Through his hard work and intelligence, Lane transformed the shabby Grade B dairy he inherited into a shiny new Grade A dairy. To accomplish this, Lane had to overcome many obstacles. One of the first challenges was that, in order to obtain the Grade A quota, he would have to find a way to start milking in a Grade A barn well before his own was built. Lane was resourceful and fortunate to have good neighbors, Joe and Anne Godinho, who allowed him to milk a few cows a day in their Grade A pit barn until his own was completed. Lane acted as the general contractor and principal worker on the project. He learned all the necessary skills to build the barn, including taking a welding class at College of the Redwoods.

Lane continued to make improvements to modernize his dairy. He was one of the first dairymen—if not the first in the valley—to use calf pens. He also brought in the county to properly grade the dairy’s slough area so that the water would drain correctly to the river. At the peak of his dairy business in the early 1980s, Lane was the largest dairyman in the county, milking over 500 cows.

It was in the early 1980s that Lane’s life changed completely and permanently due to a very bitter and prolonged divorce. The ultimate outcome left his dairy a shell of what it had previously been. This event transformed Lane. Whereas before he had worked 24/7, he now began to enjoy a more relaxed and social life. He enjoyed the local nightlife and, while not a drinker, became a regular at the local bars and clubs. He immensely enjoyed the camaraderie, social life, and music. Lane liked to talk, and he had many stories and opinions to share. He was a big fan and regular of the Ivanhoe, Palace, Poppa Joe’s, and the Casino. Lane also became an avid follower of Bay Area sports.

Lane retired in his 70s when he permanently left the dairy business. He eventually resided on Frank Boldrini’s property, where he lived until his death.

Lane was helped by many people and institutions in his life, especially in his later years. He was—and his remaining family is—indebted to those who supported him. A few of those who helped Lane included Frank Boldrini, who deserves special recognition for his kindness and generosity in allowing Lane to reside on his property without charge. Others who assisted Lane include Maryanne Aegle, Julie Byers, Liz Brennen, Bill Fales, Julie Hadley, Nathlie Kuhn, Lori, Bobby Niles, Paulina and Arnie Peterson, Tom Renner, Ron Smith, Steve Sterback, and Deb Woods, as well as the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, the Poppa Joe’s staff, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, and many healthcare personnel and institutions.

Lane was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Agnes (Tomini) Giulieri. He is survived by his children, Laura Metcalf and Mark Giulieri; his brother, Dale Giulieri; and his nephew, Brian Giulieri.

The Remembrance Memorial for Lane will be held at the Ferndale Veterans Memorial Hall on Saturday, July 12, 2025, starting at 11:00 a.m.

Todd Alyn Coleman, born August 11, 1962, passed away on June 8th, 2025, of natural causes. Todd was born in Yuba City, CA, to Ronald Coleman and Alice Jane Dorsey.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice.

Todd and Jamie Wright shared the love of their daughter, Ella Sophia Adeline Coleman, born in 2005. He is survived by his father Ron (stepmother Marian), his brother Chad (Diana), his sister Jennifer Coleman Noble (Scott), and his sister Laura Coleman. He’s also survived by his niece Samantha Byron, his nephew Zachary Coleman, and his niece Kristin Borg.  

Todd attended Eureka High School, graduating in 1980. After a failed hod-carrying career (Craig, Colorado, in winter), he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps as a court reporter, attending College of the Redwoods and College of Marin. He had a long career in reporting, working both as a freelance and official reporter in Siskiyou, Humboldt and Shasta counties.

He had a fervent love of outdoor sports, particularly skiing and motorcycles. The family had learned the hard way that on the slopes: when Todd said, “Follow me,” don’t—just go the other way.  

Todd was an adventurer and enjoyed the love of travel. But his very favorite pastime was spending time with his daughter—all roads led to Sophia, always.

He was loved by family and friends through thick and thin. We will all miss him.

A celebration of Todd’s life will be held on July 19 at 3:00 at Old Growth Cellars, 1945 Hilfiker Lane, Eureka, CA.  

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Todd Coleman’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.

In an effort to attract new police officers from out of state, the Arcata City Council recently amended a program that gives recruits a $50,000 bonus.

Snagging officers who have already passed California’s Peace Officer’s Standards and Training course (or putting out-of-state cops through requalification classes) is vastly more economical than starting with a totally green officer. According to the staff report shared at the meeting, it’s $15,000 cheaper than sponsoring a new recruit through a police academy. It also allows police officers to start working sooner. Many states have similar training programs to California’s, and getting them certified to work in California can take less than a month. 

APD has offered the bonuses since 2023, but the previous language of the policy didn’t include out-of-state lateral hires. Six officers have been hired through the program, although APD Lt. Chris Ortega told the Outpost in an interview today that not all of them are still with the department. 

New hires don’t get all $50,000 at once. They receive $10,000 five different times over two and a half years: when they get their first paycheck, on completion of a Field Training Program, and after being employed for nine months, 18 months, and two and a half years. 

“Arcata Police Department needs a continuous infusion of sworn personnel to maintain patrol and specialty positions,” reads the staff report. “…Like many Public Safety Departments throughout the state and nationwide, the Arcata Police Department (APD) has a shortage of sworn police officers.”

Ortega said APD was hovering around 27 officers, though they’d like to have around 30. Around four officers either have retired or plan to this year. 

The city council didn’t discuss the policy during the meeting, held on June 18, which was approved as part of the consent calendar.

“As far as our objective to put officers on the streets, this will have a huge impact to our community,” Ortega said. “This will allow us to provide the level of service our community expects.”

Matthews. | LinkedIn.

Meredith Matthews, a former Arcata mayor and current City Councilmember, has submitted her letter of resignation as executive director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce.

In a brief phone interview with the Outpost, Matthews described her chamber gig as “probably the best job I’ve ever had,” adding, “I love the staff, the board and the community.”

Matthews, who has served as the Arcata Chamber’s ED for a little over two years, plans to continue in the role through July 15.

“I’m committed get through the Fourth of July and make sure the chamber is set up for success,” she said. She also plans to help the organization hire her replacement. The chamber has already begun a search and has issued a press release with details. Click here to download that.

As for her own plans, Matthews has been hired as the next executive director of the Humboldt Lodging Alliance, a nonprofit focused on boosting local tourism. She’s scheduled to start that job on Aug. 4. 

Below is her letter of resignation from the Arcata Chamber:

Dear Chamber Members,

It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you over the past two years. Together, we have strengthened the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, not just as an organization, but as a true cornerstone of our community.

I am so proud of all we have accomplished to serve our members better. We have built a robust social media presence that tells the stories of our local businesses and shares the spirit of Arcata far beyond our city limits. We’ve expanded events on the Plaza and throughout the city, creating opportunities for connection, celebration, and economic vitality. We’ve broadened our outreach and deepened our partnerships, including our work with Cal Poly Humboldt, the City of Arcata, and countless local organizations to support business growth and build a stronger, more resilient local economy. Together, we’ve reimagined what the Chamber can be—a resource, an advocate, and a place where members feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

The love I have for our business community and the City of Arcata is immeasurable. I’m excited to continue serving this region as the new Executive Director of the Humboldt Lodging Alliance, where I will have the opportunity to work with partners across Humboldt County to promote sustainable tourism, support local businesses, and bring more overnight visitors to our community.

I am confident the Chamber will continue to thrive in the capable and dedicated hands of Gloria, Zach, and our incredible Board of Directors. I look forward to supporting their work as a Chamber member and as a continued advocate for our local business community.

Please feel free to reach out to me in the coming weeks if you have any questions, or simply to stay connected. I’ll look forward to seeing you at mixers, workshops, and community events around town.

Thank you for trusting me with this role. It has truly been one of the greatest honors of my career.

Warmly,

Meredith Matthews

Six Rivers National Forest release:

Yesterday, the Six Rivers National Forest received  lightning from thunderstorms that passed over Northern California.  

As of 7:30 a.m. PDT this morning, there were approximately 282 lightning strikes over the  North Coast. Firefighters are responding to lightning fires as they are discovered by both ground and aerial resources. At this time, there are five confirmed lightning fires on two Ranger districts.  

Gasquet Ranger District 

Myrtle Fire – Approximately .1 acre with ground resources on scene. The fire is located   northeast of Crescent City on Low Divide Road near Forest Route 17N21 near the top of the   ridge. Fire is controlled and in patrol status. 

Goose Fire – Approximately .25 acre located northeast of Klamath near Red Mountain Road   (forest road 15N13). Forest Service resources include three engines, one handcrew, one   watertender, an air attack and two helicopters responding. CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit  is providing two additional handcrews and two dozers to clear paths for access to the fire. 

Goose Two Fire – Approximately .1 acre located east of Rocky Saddle. Currently one Forest   Service engine onsite, and fire was detected using interagency aircraft. Fire is contained and   firefighters are working on mop up and control.  

Broken Fire – Currently the size is unknown, located northeast of Klamath near the east fork  of Goose Creek. Forest Service resources include three engines, two handcrews, and one   watertender responding. CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit is also assisting with two   handcrews and 2 dozers to clear paths for access to the fire. 
Orleans/Ukonom Ranger District  

Orleans/Ukonom Ranger District 

Wooley Fire – Currently unknown size, this fire reported in the Marble Mountain wilderness  near the Black Mountain Trailhead. Aircraft patrolled the area and were unable to locate,   however, aircraft will continue to patrol.  A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. tonight and more lightning is in the forecast  today over the Six Rivers National Forest. 

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Holdover lightning fires can smolder for days and even weeks following a thunderstorm. It can  take several days of dry and warm weather for these fires to become visible. 

Firefighters will continue to monitor conditions and respond to lightning fires as they are  discovered in the coming days.  

“The Six Rivers National Forest has steep, challenging terrain where access can be a challenge,  especially with lightning fires burning in remote areas,” said Six Rivers National Forest Fire  Management Officer Josh Eichamer. “We are committed to swift suppression with public and  firefighter safety our top priority.” 

Firefighters will make appropriate risk-informed efforts to fully suppress small fires before they  become large, complex incidents to ensure protection of lives, property, valuable timber and  natural resources. This means suppressing fires as swiftly as possible to minimize fireline  exposure and readiness for the next ignition. 

“This is the annual week of remembrance honoring fallen wildland firefighters,” Eichamer said.  “It is a somber reminder of the risk wildland firefighters face and as we respond to lightning  fires our ultimate goal is for every firefighter to make it home safely to their family and friends at  the end of the incident.” 

To help firefighters focus on lightning fire response, area residents and visitors are asked to be  careful with anything that can spark a wildfire and to help prevent additional fires. The public  can also report suspected wildfires by calling 911. 

As a reminder, all fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands, including the Six  Rivers National Forest and developed recreation sites. This includes poppers, sparklers and  other fireworks. 

The Forest is not currently under fire restrictions, but preventing human-caused wildfires is  important, especially as firefighters are responding to lightning fires. Campfires should never be  left unattended and should be dead out and cold to the touch before leaving.