In this politically charged era, there’s one thing both parties agree on: the benefits of high school career pathways.

With strong bipartisan support, career and technical education programs are poised to be a centerpiece of education policy over the next few years — both federally and in California. That’s good news for students taking agriscience, cabinetry, game design and other hands-on courses that may lead to high-paying careers.

Education advocates hail this as a boon for high schools. Students enrolled in career training courses tend to have higher test scores and graduation rates. And business leaders say that strong career education can boost a local economy.

But there are still many unknowns, and some education experts worry that an expansion of career education will come at the expense of college-preparation programs, or lead to a return to “tracking,” in which schools steer certain students — often low-income students — toward careers that tend to pay less than those that require college degrees.

“This could be a great opportunity for career and technical education, but we have to do it right,” said Andy Rotherham, co-founder of Bellwether, a nonprofit educational consulting organization. “There’s a lot at stake.”

Funding is a primary question mark. While Republicans strongly support career education, it’s unclear if that enthusiasm will translate to more money — especially if Congress eliminates the Department of Education, as President-elect Trump has vowed to do.

Career education classes can be some of the most expensive programs in a school district. Supplies, up-to-date equipment, teacher training, smaller class sizes, operation costs and students’ certification exams can cost millions, and the costs only increase over time. Schools spend 20%-40% more to educate students in career programs than they spend on those who aren’t, research shows.

Most federal funding for career education comes from a 1960s law meant to improve career education. But that funding has not kept up with the escalating costs. Last year Congress allotted $1.4 billion, which was distributed to states through grants. California received $142 million, and supplemented that with an additional $1 billion.

“It’s wonderful to see this bipartisan support, but we’d like it to lead to continued investment,” said Alisha Hyslop, chief policy, research and content officer at the Association for Career and Technical Education, an advocacy group.

Career education and tracking

Career and technical education has waxed and waned since its inception in the early 20th century as a way to prepare students, usually from working-class or immigrant families, for jobs in skilled trades.

For decades, most high schools in the U.S. had some form of vocational education. Those programs came under scrutiny in the 1980s and ’90s as some complained about tracking practices that left many students without the option to attend a 4-year college because they hadn’t taken the required coursework.

Partly in response to that criticism, former President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act in the early 2000s encouraged schools to promote college for all students. As a result, many schools cut back their career education offerings and added more advanced academic classes.

Then the 2008 financial crisis hit. High unemployment coupled with the soaring cost of college led schools to revive their career training programs, but with less tracking. Schools started encouraging all students to take career education classes, and the classes themselves were updated. Welding and auto shop were joined by computer science, graphic design, environmental studies, health care and other fields. In California, students are encouraged to take a career pathway as well as the required classes for admission to public 4-year colleges, although last year only about 11% of students completed both, according to state data.

Welders vs. philosophers

Career and technical education is a focal point of Project 2025, the conservative policy roadmap written by the Heritage Foundation as well as the Republican party education platform and President-elect Trump’s nominee for education secretary, Linda McMahon. McMahon headed a pro-Trump political action group called America First Action, whose policies include an emphasis on career education in K-12 schools. The Republican platform reads, “(We) will emphasize education to prepare students for great jobs and careers, supporting … schools that offer meaningful work experience.”

Sen. Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, put it more succinctly: “Welders make more money than philosophers. We need more welders and less philosophers,” he said in 2015.

Sophomore student Mason Turner leads a steer through their pen at the Madera South High School 20-acre farm on April 2, 2024. Students raise livestock and grow oranges, corn, and pumpkins for school lunches and for the community as part of the school’s agriculture pathway, one of thousands of career-focused courses in California high schools. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Career education has also been a priority for Democrats. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the Legislature have all promoted career education. In 2022 Newsom created the Golden State Pathways program, a $470 million investment in high school career education, and followed up a year later with the Master Plan on Career Education, outlining a long-term vision. Newsom described it as “a game changer for thousands of students.”

In California, the goal is to link career training with college preparation coursework, and tie pathways — sequences of two or three classes — to the local job market. For example, a pathway at a high school near the Port of Long Beach includes classes in global logistics and international business. A pathway at Hollywood High trains students for jobs in the entertainment industry.

More ties to business?

But some educators worry about the fate of career education if the Department of Education, which administers the Perkins Act, is eliminated. Project 2025 suggests moving it to the Department of Labor, where it would likely have stronger ties to business and fewer ties to education organizations. That could impact whether pathway programs continue to have academic components, or include college preparation classes.

“This could be a great opportunity for career and technical education, but we have to do it right. There’s a lot at stake.”
— Andy Rotherham, co-founder of Bellwether

“Businesses love CTE because it socializes one of their big costs. Taxpayers are paying to train their workers,” said David Stern, education professor emeritus at UC Berkeley who’s an expert on career education.

Hyslop shares that concern.

“Certainly CTE has connections to the economy, but at its heart it’s an education program. It’s about preparing students for their future, whatever that future may be,” she said.

A broader question may be whether the push for career education is part of a backlash against college generally. College enrollment has been dropping steadily for a decade, coinciding with a surge in trade school enrollment.

Meanwhile, Trump has proposed big cuts to higher education, and has often expressed disdain for what he described as colleges’ leftward tilt. Project 2025 calls for the government to place trade schools on equal footing with 4-year colleges.

“This new interest in CTE captures the anti-elitist sentiment of the time,” Stern said. He added that preparation for college does not have to conflict with preparation for careers, and some programs, such as the California Partnership Academies, prepare students for both.

Rotherham agreed. “On the right, there’s definitely antagonism toward college,” he said.

But they both said regardless of the politics behind it, a national focus on career education could be transformative — if it doesn’t railroad students away from college opportunities. Ideally, students can gain career experience in high school, while also learning poetry and civics and other important academic subjects, Rotherham said.

“Power is having choices,” Rotherham said. “That’s what we want for kids. The option to change their mind if they want.”

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CalMatters.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media venture explaining California policies and politics.

Judy Ann Urynowicz of Arcata went in peace while surrounded by loved ones on November 26, 2024, leaving a void her family and friends cannot fill.

Judy, the “cutie patootie,” was born on October 14, 1950 in Jackson, Michigan. She graduated from St. Mary’s High school where she was one of 5 girls on the homecoming court (cute Jude). She moved with good friends Shirley and Vicki to Boston, Florida, then northern California where she found her “Nirvana” and settled, to raise her beloved children. She eventually moved back to Michigan, then returned to California ten years ago to be near her family.

Surviving Judy are her daughter, Kiki Urynowicz whose son Rocco and she also reside in Arcata, her daughter Larissa Urynowicz of Hawaii, and son Tyler Jamison-Urynowicz, his wife Kayla and their son River of Georgia. Judy’s loving brother Tom Urynowicz of Jackson, Michigan and sister, Mary Jo (Dennis) Steffens of Grand Rapids, Michigan will never forget their sister. Other survivors are nephews, Mark Kloack of Houston,Texas, Ryan (Liz) Steffens, Travis (Kaelee) Steffens and niece Sarah Steffens as well as great- nieces Melanie, Madelyn and -nephew, Christopher (Ryan/Liz’s children) and great-nephew Rohen and -niece Rosalie (Travis/Kaelee’s children) of Grand Rapids. The family will never forget the love Judy brought to their lives. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Alphons Urynowicz, brother Alphonse Jr.(Sonny) Urynowicz, sister Ann Kloack-Urynowicz, and nephew, Ansel Kloack.

Judy worked hard as a mother of three children. She was an antique and collectible dealer for 40 years, as the owner operator of Private Collections in Crescent City and Judy’s Eclectic Collection in Jackson. She was well known around the local Arcata flea market venues selling her wares and spreading her joy. Judy also volunteered at the McKinleyville Senior Resouce Center.

Judy was a good friend of Bill’s and many others with whom she shared her joyful personality, hearty easy laugh, big giving heart and kind soul. She was open, honest and “down to earth,” preferred to live a simple, natural lifestyle, and was an “original hippie” who was free-spirited, easygoing, warm-hearted and loving. She never lost her joy despite trials and tribulations. Judy loved going “garage sailing” and to estate sales. She enjoyed good coffee, eating, and sharing time and space with family and special friends, Nita, Ricky, Judy, Jennifer and Linda.

Judy appreciated old, beautiful, or cute, unique and varied items and built collections of roosters, books, greeting cards, holy cards and religious statues and pictures, jewelry, doilies and numerous chotskis. You name it — she had it! (in multiples!) and would probably give it to you if you liked it, as the generous, giving soul that she was. Judy was a “rosary baby,” as her mother prayed the rosary during her pregnancy; she blessed many who knew her. Judy was a kind helper and caretaker at times for her mother, her sister, and once her nephew who broke his arm. She truly lived the Golden Rule, to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

We trust and believe her kindness has been rewarded with a special place in heaven where she is healthy, happy, and full of peace and contentment. Her smile and laughter will be sadly missed, yet she will remain in our hearts. Eternal rest grant unto Judy oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A celebration of life and light in Judy’s honor will occur Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Humboldt Grange #501 at 5845 Humboldt Hill Road in Eureka at 2 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Judy Urynowicz’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Leonidas (Lonnie) Phillip Chester, born January 11, 1953, passed away on November 28, 2024, after a quad accident. He left behind a legacy of hard work, love and cherished memories. A lifelong resident of the Hettenshaw and Ruth areas, Lonnie was known for his dedication to his craft as a logger. He earned a reputation as the best loader operator in the region. His work ethic and skill were admired by all who knew him.

Lonnie was a man of many talents. He was always tinkering, fixing and building, embodying the spirit of a true craftsman. His hands were never idle, and his mind was always engaged in creating and improving. Beyond his professional achievements, Lonnie was a great storyteller. He often regaled family and friends with tales of his childhood adventures growing up in Hettenshaw Valley alongside his many siblings and cousins. His stories were a testament to his vibrant spirit and deep connection to his roots.

For 47 years, Lonnie shared his life with his beloved wife, Diane, who stood by his side through all of life’s joys and challenges. Their enduring partnership was a source of strength and happiness, and together, they built a life filled with love and laughter.

Lonnie leaves behind his devoted wife, Diane, and a wide circle of family and friends who will miss him dearly. His passing marks the end of an era, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. As we say goodbye to Lonnie, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man who touched the lives of many.

A potluck memorial service will be held at the Mad River Community Hall on December 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. Meat will be provided; please bring a salad or side dish.

Minnie Wolf
April 25, 1942 - October 26, 2024

Minnie Jean Watkins was born April 25, 1942 in Sona Bata, Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) in the Mission Clinic/hospital. Her parents, Marry and Linda Watkins, wer missionaries to the Belgian Congo. She had an older sister, Charlotte Ann, who died this past April, and a younger brother, Daniel. Minnie spent her early years in the American Baptist Mission near Leopoldville (now Kinshasa). All the natives spoke Lingala, which became her primary language. English was only spoken at home. She usually sat in the daily Bible and/or sewing classes that her mother taught the women. She was homeschooled by her mother for two years, until the government required all white children to attend a French-speaking government school miles away. This required Minnie and her two siblings to walk through the village to a school bus stop and ride the bus to school, about an hour each way. Since she spoke Lingala, not French, it was difficult for her until she learned to speak French.

Her family lived in a house shared with another family on the banks of the Congo River. There was no dependable electricity, thus no refrigerator, radio, telephone or washing machine. The family had no car, but could occasionally get a ride with neighbors. Minnie learned to watch out for snakes, wild dogs and numerous crawling creatures. A wild dog attack accounted for her life-long fear of dogs.

Her family came to America in 1952 and lived in San Jose for a year and a half before moving to Denair, a small town near Modesto, Calif. Minnie quickly adjusted to life in America. She enjoyed having a radio, telephone, electric lights, washing machine, family car and English-speaking friends. She made many life-long friends in church and school. She enjoyed going to church summer camp each year and was active in social events. She was on the homecoming court all through high school.

Her parents remained very active in church and foreign mission work, traveling to speak in different churches and conferences. Minnie and her sister often went along dressed in authentic native clothes. They would sing duets in Lingala and/or French. Her younger brother was glad he couldn’t sing.

A family tradition was to read aloud the Christmas story from Luke in French or Lingala prior to reading in English. Christmas carols were also sung in three languages. This tradition faded with the loss of family members who knew all the words.

After high school Minnie enrolled in Modesto Junior College. In her first semester, on her way to school one foggy morning, a Caltrans truck came across the line on Highway 99 and hit her head-on. Minnie sustained serious injuries that plagued her all her life. She was in the hospital three months.

She lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, then Colorado for a few years, and then back to the the Bay Area. She worked for Wells Fargo Bank for over thirty years. In 1979, as Personal Banking Officer, she met Chuck, who had just moved to California. She introduced him to Jesus. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 1981. They lived in San Bruno until 2004, when they retired to Eureka.

Minnie was passionate about many things: Her strong faith in Christ, singing classic hymns, making soup, healthy eating and travel. They vacationed several times each in Cabo San Lucas, England, France and Italy, plus Panama Canal and St. Lawrence Seaway cruises. She had to give up traveling as her bones became more and more fragile. She became very involved with Humboldt County Republicans. From her hospital bed, she told almost everyone who came into her room who and what to vote for as long as she was able. Her pain was great and she is now with her sister in a much better place.

Services will be held at the First Covenant Church, 2526 J Street, Eureka on Saturday, December 7 at 4 p.m. Refreshments to follow.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Minnie Wolf’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office release:

On Dec. 1 at about 3 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Ace Hardware store on Central Ave. in McKinleyville for the report of theft.

A store employee reported that a male suspect, later identified as Thomas Long, age 74, of Blue Lake, had entered the store and grabbed a Milwaukee chainsaw before quickly walking out of the store. Another store employee was on a break outside when he witnessed Long leave the store through an unauthorized exit and place the chainsaw into the bed of his truck. The employee was able to retrieve the chainsaw out of the truck bed before Long drove away.

Surveillance footage corroborated the eyewitness reports, and deputies responded to Long’s residence in Blue Lake and apprehended him without incident. Long was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility to be booked for petty theft (PC 484(a)). While booking Long into the facility, a Correctional Deputy located a plastic bag containing methamphetamine tucked in Long’s sock, resulting in an additional charge of PC 4753.6(a). 

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.

Eureka Police Department:

On November 29, 2024 at approximately 2:52 PM, Eureka Police Department Officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of G Street for a Missing Person report. Michael Bounds’ family indicated he was last seen November 27 at approximately 6:00 PM. Michael is a 60-year old white male, 5’10”, approximately 190 lbs. with a health condition that requires daily medication.

On November 30, a family member contacted EPD in regard to Bounds’ 2006 silver Dodge Charger being located on Vance Avenue near Eureka Street in the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. With his vehicle located, in collaboration with HCSO Search & Rescue and CHP, greenbelts near where Bounds was last seen was searched. Bounds’ vehicle was towed to a secure facility. The search of these greenbelts is still active.

As EPD’s Criminal Investigations Unit Detectives and Forensic Analyst are actively working on locating Bounds, they are looking to speak with any potential witnesses who may have observed or had contact with Bounds since the night of November 27. They are also working on locating surveillance footage of the area where Bounds’ vehicle was located.

Currently, this is an active At-Risk Missing Person incident. If anyone has any information or video footage, please contact EPD Criminal Investigations Unit at 707-441-4300.

Video: Tex Kelly

Many congratulations to the Arcata High Tigers football squad, who made history by winning the North Coast Section’s Division 6 championship on Saturday, at home, by a score of 28-21.

Your best coverage of the game can be found on Ray Hamill’s website, HumboldtSports.com, and if you want the drive-by-drive, stand-by-stand recap, that’s where you want to go.

But if you want a blast of emotion from the game, Best Friend o’ the LoCO Tex Kelly — a former AHS quarterback himself! — was at the game taking photos and videos, including the one above, which he agreed to share with us.

Check out Kelly’s really nice photo spread at his website.

The Tigers now move on to the state championship bracket. According to Hamill, they’re facing off against Winters High School on 7:30 p.m., on Winters’ home turf. If they win that game, it’s on to the state AA championship weekend after next.

ALL HAIL TIGERS. We showed the whole, wide world this is Tiger Territory.