Open Letter from the Eureka Teachers Association (ETA) to the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) Board of Directors:
A Call for Ethical Divestment and Alignment with Educator Values We, the undersigned educators, organizations, ETA and CTA union members, and concerned citizens of California, write to express our profound ethical concern regarding CalSTRS’s financial investments. As the custodians of our retirement funds, we believe our financial security must not be built upon the suffering of others.
Researchers have identified over $1.1 billion of CalSTRS’s $367.7 billion portfolio invested in entities that support the illegal occupation of Palestine and facilitate the ongoing genocide in Gaza. These investments include companies that manufacture bombs, munitions, military aircraft, and surveillance technologies, as well as Israeli bonds and banks operating in illegal settlements.
As educators committed to the well-being of all children and the building of a better future, we cannot in good conscience retire on investments that profit from violence and human rights violations. We demand that CalSTRS immediately divest from these assets and end its complicity in these injustices.
Our union, the California Teachers Association (CTA), is dedicated to advancing “the cause of free, universal, and quality public education for all students” and to ensuring that “the human dignity and civil rights of all children… are protected.” These principles are universal.
Since October 2023, this commitment to education has been rendered impossible for Palestinian children. Approximately 90% of schools and all universities in Gaza have been destroyed, depriving over 650,000 children of their right to learn. This systematic destruction of education is a profound tragedy.
The human cost is staggering. International organizations report that over 50,000 Palestinian children have been killed or injured. Over 19,000 have been orphaned, and more than 1,000 have undergone amputations. This horrific reality demands a moral response from all institutions, including our pension fund. Just since March 2025, at least 1,309 children have been killed. Each day 100 children are killed or injured by Zionist forces.
CalSTRS currently invests in numerous companies that are directly implicated in this crisis and in other human rights abuses globally. These include:
Caterpillar Inc. ($213.8M): Provides militarized bulldozers used for illegal home demolitions and the destruction of infrastructure in Palestinian territories.
Lockheed Martin Corp. ($176.9M) & Boeing ($198.6M): Major manufacturers of bombs, missiles, and munitions used in aerial attacks on Gaza.
General Dynamics Corporation ($84.8M) & Northrop Grumman ($110M): Supply key weapons systems, including missile delivery systems and munitions components, to the Israeli military.
Elbit Systems ($7.3M): Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer, providing 85% of its military drones and surveillance systems used in the occupied territories.
Palantir Technologies Inc. ($44.9M): Provides AI targeting software (“Lavender”) and surveillance technology to the Israeli military, and also enables human rights abuses against migrants by ICE in the U.S.
Valero Energy ($95M) & Chevron (~$267M): Provide jet fuel for military aircraft and are complicit in the exploitation of natural resources in occupied areas.
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services ($1.3M) & Maersk ($22.3M): Shipping companies that transport weapons and components for the arms industry.
Israeli Bonds & Banks: CalSTRS holds investments in Israeli bonds and banks like Bank Leumi that operate in illegal settlements, providing direct financial support to the government of Israel.
CalSTRS has a strong history of divestment, having previously divested from tobacco, Iran, firearms, thermal coal, and private prisons. This demonstrates a clear recognition that financial decisions carry moral weight. Although STRS’ investment in Israeli genocide is in the billions of dollars, it represents only 0.2% of their investment portfolio, a proportion that will be less noticed by stakeholders than by victims of the genocidal onslaught.
As of September 16th, 2025, a United Nations commission determined that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Furthermore, the International Court of Justice has found Israel guilty of apartheid and ordered an end to the occupation. Just as the world once applied economic pressure to end apartheid in South Africa, we now call on CalSTRS to use its influence for justice.
Our Demands
We call upon the CalSTRS Board of Directors to:
Immediately divest from all companies and bonds that enable, facilitate, and profit from weapons manufacturing, military occupation, apartheid, and violations of international human rights law.
Reinvest those funds into ethical and socially responsible investments that align with the values of educators and our commitment to justice.
Commit to a transparent and public timeline for the divestment and reinvestment process.
Engage in ongoing dialogue with stakeholders through periodic reports on the progress of ethical investment review and divestment.
CalSTRS has the opportunity to stand on the right side of history. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively to ensure our pension fund reflects our values and does not contribute to the suffering of the Palestinian people or any oppressed nationalities across the globe.
Nearly $4 million of the state funding will go toward projects on Avenue of the Giants. | Photo: Caltrans District 1
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Press release from Caltrans District 1:
MERCED – The California Transportation Commission at its October meeting approved $4.9 billion to improve safety and mobility on local streets and state highways as well as fund new alternative transportation options and zero emissions projects.
More than half of the allocation will provide 600 local governments and regional transportation agencies with their annual funding to fix roads, bridges and other transportation needs statewide.
“This nearly $5 billion investment highlights California’s strong commitment to creating a modern, resilient transportation system that enhances local streets and strengthens connections between neighborhoods, job centers and schools,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “Thanks to Governor Newsom’s leadership, Caltrans’ work and the Commission, we are building a safer, more connected and future-ready transportation network that serves all Californians.” “Our local partners are steadfast contributors and valued partners in keeping California’s vast transportation network safe and efficient,” said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. “When added to the various highway projects also approved, this month’s action ensures that hundreds of essential improvements in our cities and neighborhoods will better enable people and goods to flow throughout the state and beyond.”
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that California’s transportation system is safe and reliable for everyone who uses it,” said California Transportation Commission Executive Director Tanisha Taylor. “Today’s nearly $5 billion investment in projects will improve multimodal access to schools and employment centers, boost our growing economy, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for all Californians.”
Among the projects approved is $700 million for repairs and critical upgrades needed for the Vincent Thomas Bridge, a 60-year-old span in the Port of Los Angeles that will soon undergo a major deck refurbishment. Another $140 million will fund truck climbing lanes among other improvements to Interstate 80 in the Sierra foothills between Applegate and Emigrant Gap, a major west coast freight thoroughfare.
Pedestrian facilities also received support from the allocations, including an award of $97 million to replace a pedestrian bridge that connects neighborhoods south of the City College of San Francisco campus and other improvements to Interstate 280 between San Francisco and San Mateo counties. And $6.3 million will be spent on new sidewalks, bike lanes and traffic controls in the cities of Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa and in Santa Clara County.
Other notable projects include:
$10 million to build a floating charging station for zero emission ferries in San Francisco Bay.
$9.7 million to purchase electric buses for use around the University of California, Los Angeles campus.
$8 million to restore fire-damaged irrigation systems and landscaping near Lake Forest in Orange County.
Projects approved in District 1 include:
Approximately $87 million including more than $77.4 million in federal IIJA funding and more than $9.8 million in SB1 funding toward roadway realignment and storm damage repairs on Route 299 near Blue Lake in Humboldt County.
Approximately $30.3 million including more than $4.6 million in federal IIJA funding and more than $16.3 million in SB1 funding toward replacement of the Albion River Bridge No. 10-0136 near Albion in Mendocino County.
Approximately $10.2 million including more than $9.1 million in federal IIJA funding and more than $900,000 in SB1 funding toward curb, sidewalk, signage and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements on Route 1 from the Route 20 to the Pudding Creek Bridge in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County.
Approximately $3 million toward rockfall mitigation, roadway improvements, and vegetation management on Route 96 in Humboldt County from t Route 299 to the Siskiyou County line. This project seeks to improve evacuation route preparedness on Routes 96 and 169.
Approximately $3 million toward roadway improvements on Route 128 near Philo Greenwood Road in Philo, Mendocino County.
Approximately $2.2 million in SB1 funding toward pavement, drainage and other improvements on U.S. 101 from Bell Springs Road to Route 1 near Leggett in Mendocino County.
Approximately $1.2 million toward culvert rehabilitation and removal of fish passage barriers on Route 254 from north of U.S.101 to north of Holmes Flat Road near Weott and Miranda in Humboldt County.
Approximately $1.1 million in SB1 funding toward revegetation along a 1.5 mile stretch of U.S. 101 at the Outlet Creek Bridge near Willits in Mendocino County.
Approximately $1 million in SB1 funding toward revegetation on Route 20 from the North Calpella Overcrossing to east of County Road 144 near Ukiah in Mendocino County.
Approximately $570,000 in SB1 funding toward revegetation along Route 254 at Maple Hills Road near Miranda in Humboldt County.
Approximately $500,000 in SB1 funding toward revegetation, culvert and erosion control improvements on Route 299 from east of Route 200 to east of Boise Creek Campground near Willow Creek in Humboldt County.
Approximately $23 million in SB1 funding for emergency allocations toward the design and construction of a retaining wall, drainage improvements and roadway repairs on Route 299 at Chezem Road near Willow Creek in Humboldt County.
Approximately $10.5 million in SB1 funding for emergency allocations toward the design and construction of a retaining wall, roadway repairs and culvert improvements on Route 175 east of Buckman Drive near Hopland in Mendocino County.
Approximately $4.8 million including more than $4.3 million in federal IIJA funding and $500,000 in SB1 funding toward the construction of a left turn lane at Timbers Boulevard, along with lighting and other roadway improvements on U.S. 101 from East Denney Street to Rowdy Creek Road near Smith River in Del Norte County.
Approximately $2.3 million in SB1 funding for emergency allocations toward erosion control and long-term solutions for stabilizing the embankment on Route 254 from Phillipsville Road to Maple Hills Road near Phillipsville in Humboldt County.
Approximately $2 million in SB1 funding for emergency allocations toward drainage improvements and roadway repairs on U.S. 101 near Big Lagoon in Humboldt County.
Of the total allocation this month, $470 million has come via Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and $4.2 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The larger than normal expenditure of federal money relates almost exclusively to the annual allocation provided to local governments and regional transportation agencies.
California is expected to receive nearly $42 billion in federal infrastructure funding over a span of five years. These investments will upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports and the electric vehicle charging network.
SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since 2017. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.
For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit build.ca.gov.
Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
On Oct. 19, 2025, at 4:52 p.m. Humboldt County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to an interrupted residential burglary in the 900 block of Spring Road in Shelter Cove.
The victim, a 40-year-old female of Shelter Cove called the Humboldt County Emergency Communications Center and reported that she arrived home and encountered an unknown male inside her house and that he fled the residence with some of her property.
As deputies were responding to the scene, a second caller identified the suspect as 39-year-old Matthew Hayes, a resident of Shelter Cove.
Deputies responded to Hayes’ residence located at 125 Eileen Rd. They obtained an arrest warrant for Hayes and a search warrant for his residence. During the investigation, deputies were advised by another citizen that Hayes had been seen inside an Airbnb located in the 800 block of Spring Rd. Deputies responded to that location and took Hayes into custody without incident.
Hayes was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charge: 460(a) – First Degree Burglary.
This is Hayes’ third arrest within a one-month period. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office thanks the citizens of Shelter Cove for remaining vigilant and proactive in keeping their community safe. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety and security of the residents of Humboldt County and urges the public to report any unusual activity in their neighborhoods.
Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
James (Jim) Louie passed away on September 23,
2025. He
was born August 7, 1948 in San Antonio, Texas. At a young age, Jim
became a proud resident of Humboldt County and deeply appreciated all
that the region had to offer.
His
greatest enjoyment came from taking his boat, The Hunky Dory, out on
the ocean for fishing and crabbing. Jim was a dedicated bowler,
actively participating in many leagues and attending tournaments
across California and Nevada. His wide range of hobbies included
fishing, visiting casinos, automotive work, photography, cooking,
motorcycling, attending concerts and more.
Jim
was a member of several organizations, including Moose International,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Fraternal Order of
Eagles.
He
was predeceased by his parents, Wa Hing and Shun (Sunny) Yau Louie,
as well as his brothers Tom and Jon. He is survived by his children:
Angela Christie (Brian) of Coos Bay, Oregon,
and Jamie Louie (Kimberley) of Vancouver, Washington;
four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother Doon Louie;
and Doon’s children.
A
Celebration of Life will be held on November 8, 2025, from noon
to 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge — 4328 Campton Road, Eureka CA
In
lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Parkinson’s
Foundation or to your local Hospice.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jim Louie’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.
Harmonic Howl performs at Saturday’s “No Kings” rally in Eureka | Photos/video: Isabella Vanderheiden.
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Thousands of sign-wielding demonstrators swarmed the Humboldt County Courthouse in Eureka this afternoon for the “No Kings” rally, joining cities across the nation in condemning the policies and actions of the Trump administration.
Demonstrators waved colorful, handmade signs and sang along to protest songs led by Harmonic Howl and the Raging Grannies as passersby honked in support. Many attendees sported inflatable animal costumes, including at least a few frog costumes popularized by Portland’s self-proclaimed frog brigade. The sprawling crowd wrapped around the courthouse, stretching along both sides of Fifth Street for several blocks.
It’s always hard to say how many people actually attend these things. From our guess, it looked to be a few thousand? The Outpost ran into Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens, who stood on the periphery of the demonstration with a group of EPD officers, and he guessed that the crowd was slightly bigger than the protest held back in June. “Maybe 2,500 or 3,500 people?”
Asked if there had been any issues with the protest, Stephens shook his head and said everything was going smoothly.
As per usual, your LoCO took lots and lots of photos of all of the crafty signs you made. You may peruse them below.
Approximately a third of U.S. residents are non-drivers. Some by choice, but many are physically incapable of driving or financially cannot afford to. The Week Without Driving is an annual campaign that encourages people, especially those who drive, to go a week without their car — use alternative methods, like public transit, walking, biking, or riding-sharing to meet their transportation needs — to see what life is like for non-drivers. The week highlights barriers to transportation and aims to promote better-designed transportation systems and infrastructure for everyone.
This year, Humboldt County Supervisor Natalie Arroyo attempted a week without driving. She joins hosts Tom Wheeler and Colin Fiske to discuss her experience and the work of local governments to make our transportation system better.
In today’s episode of Humboldt Outdoors, local documentarian Ray Olson takes us back to the anti-Vietnam War movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s — a period that sparked mass demonstrations and student strikes across the country, including the largest student protest ever held on the Humboldt State campus.
“In this very plaza, almost 60 years ago, 3,000 to 4,000 students and faculty gathered for the largest one-day political protest in the history of this campus, among the largest ever to occur in Humboldt County,” Olson explains in the video above. “At the time, this was known as Sequoia Plaza on the campus of what was then known as Humboldt State College. Today, we’re going to journey back to that charged moment in time … and meet some of the students who stood on this very ground and raised their voices against the Vietnam War.”
Olson speaks with some of the Humboldt State College students who “became the stewards of change” and led the local anti-war movement, including former state senator Wesley Chesbro, local author Katy Tahja and Zach Zwerdling, founder of the Zwerdling Law Firm.
Nationwide protests erupted in early 1970 after the United States invaded Cambodia, and increased dramatically after Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire at a Kent State University protest in Ohio, killing four students. The day after the shooting, Humboldt State students filled the Sequoia Theatre (what is now Van Duzer Theatre) to figure out how to take meaningful action.
Chesbro | Screenshot
“I remember that energy,” Chesbro recalls. “There was just a really powerful sense that we had to do something, that we couldn’t just sit by and watch. That led to a student body president Bill Richardson calling for a campus meeting … and it was packed. There was an hours-long discussion about what to do, and there was an agreement to call a rally for the next day to try to bring the student body together.”
“Not only were we very aware that we were at risk of being asked to go fight the war, but now the war was actually coming home and coming to us,” he added. “That was really the spark that began the discussion and a rapid series of events that led to the student strike at Humboldt State.”
The big protest took place on May 6, 1970. Click “play” on the video above for the full story.
