Veronda Mae Williamson was born on August 16, 1953 in the small town of Dragerton, Utah but spent the majority of her life in Eureka. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, who entered into her everlasting life on October 3, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born to Walter and Jacquetta Bennett, Veronda lived a life full of faith, love, and devotion to her family, friends, and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in everlasting life by her husband, Mike Williamson, with whom she shared a beautiful life filled with love and partnership. She is survived by her two sisters Tina Strombeck and Lynda Pruitt, her cherished children, Michael Williamson and his wife, Heather Williamson, and her daughter, Cyndee Poletski, and her husband, Ken Poletski. Her greatest joy was her role as “Memee” to her four grandchildren, Bradley, Olivia, Caleb and Jaeden, who brought light and laughter to her days.

Veronda had lifelong friends who brought her immense joy and with whom she spent countless hours creating beautiful memories whether it was decorating cakes, sewing, ceramics, decorating for weddings and entertaining in her home. Her friendships were filled with laughter, love, and unwavering support, reflecting her deep commitment to the people she cherished most.

Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith and the love she shared with everyone she met. Veronda knew with certainty that her eternity was secure with Jesus, and her life was a reflection of the grace and peace found in Him.

She will be laid to rest at Oceanview Cemetery. A memorial ceremony to celebrate Veronda’s life will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 1 p.m., at Faith Center Church, 1032 Bay St, Eureka. The family invites all who knew and loved her to join in honoring her remarkable life and rejoicing in the glorious home she now has in Heaven.

In Veronda’s memory, let us carry forward her legacy of love, faith, compassion, and friendship, as we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now living her eternal reward.

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Dozens of Kernen Construction employees filed into the Humboldt County Courthouse this morning, many wearing bright, safety-orange t-shirts and hoodies. They’d arrived en masse — soon overflowing the Board of Supervisors chamber and filling an anteroom — to advocate for their employer, which is facing potential permitting restrictions following a series of community complaints about its operations in Glendale. 

But the hearing on the matter proved to be anticlimactic. Planning and Building Director John Ford announced up front that Kernen had made a settlement offer, and that county staff would be requesting a continuance so they had time to research the matter. 

As we reported last week, neighbors of Kernen’s Glendale property have submitted a series of complaints about alleged permit violations related to the rock aggregate processing onsite. The complaints alleged ‘round-the-clock noise in violation of the permitted hours of operation, as well as light pollution and alleged violations of environmental laws.

The county, meanwhile, says Kernen constructed a water impoundment feature and berm on its northern yard without permits and in violation of County Code.

With a settlement offer on the table, though, the Board of Supervisors postponed a decision on the matter to early next year, scheduling a follow-up hearing for Feb. 4. 

Ford was reluctant to delve into the details of the proposed settlement without first researching the plan’s viability, but he said a key component would involve collaboration between Kernen and the county to replace a culvert on the property, which would hopefully alleviate flooding issues.

Ford also clarified that county staff no longer believes that Kernen has been violating its permitted hours of operation. He said the operations plan specifies that the hours of operation govern only the actual materials processing — the grinding of rock — and not equipment maintenance or other activities taking place there. 

“The only thing that’s potentially a violation of the conditional use permit is monitoring the soils that are moved on and off the site and having a record of where those came from and whether they’ve been tested or not,” Ford said.

After some discussion among the supervisors, the board proceeded to allow public comment. First District Supervisor and Chair Rex Bohn limited each speaker to two minutes apiece, but so many people had come to talk that the public comment period still lasted for roughly an hour. 

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As suggested by the sea of safety orange attire, most of the speakers were employees of Kernen. They spoke about the property’s long and proud history as a source of jobs and industry, from its days as a lumber mill through its recent work to supply aggregate for Caltrans’ Indianola undercrossing project and the Humboldt Bay Trail South. 

Kernen employees also spoke about the company’s economic value to the county and to families who are supported by workers’ wages. Some speakers characterized the neighbors who’ve complained as whiners who don’t appreciate the value of the operation.

“We’re out here trying to make a living,” said a neighbor named Gary Johnston. “We spend our time working while these other people spend their time bitching.”

But the critical neighbors held their ground. Cindy Trobitz-Thomas said her family has lived across from this industrial site for 68 years, mostly in harmony, but Kernen recently expanded its operations into the flood zone and has been stockpiling dirt, debris and aggregate in violation of their permit. She also said the amount of dust, noise and vibration at all hours of day has become untenable.

Several other neighbors concurred, saying the company’s operations have changed over the last year and a half. Glendale resident Linda Miller acknowledged that the company employs many people and provides a needed service but said that’s not enough.

“We only ask that Kernen abide by their permitted operating hours, light and noise restrictions and local, state and federal laws, which they have not always done,” she said, later adding, “There is no one else to blame, here, but the company itself.”

Fellow neighbor Mark Cortright alleged that while Kurt Kernen has “a sense of community,” his business partner, Scott Farley, who has recently taken over operations, has expanded “with zero thoughts [about] the community.”

These speakers were followed by more Kernen employees as well as workers with other companies, who stood in defense of the business. For example, John Nichols, a driver and dispatcher with Nichols Trucking, said, “Let me be clear: This is not just about one company. It’s about the livelihood of all their employees, the economic benefits Kernen brings to our community and the broader impact on local businesses. … If we allow these restrictions on Kernen, we are setting a dangerous precedent that could harm other businesses across the county.”

When the long list of speakers finally wrapped up, Fourth District Supervisor Natalie Arroyo expressed appreciation for the testimony, and she explained that the issue isn’t about the value of Kernen; rather, it concerns possible permit violations and impacts to public trust resources. She and her fellow supervisors said they look forward to a possible negotiated resolution.

Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone said some of the issues onsite — such as the undersized culverts — are not the company’s fault, and he described the current situation as “an intersection of opportunity” to resolve those matters.

After some discussion about scheduling conflicts and the amount of time necessary for staff to investigate the matter, the board unanimously passed a motion to continue the matter to Feb. 4, 2025.

North McKay Ranch Subdivision

Earlier in the meeting, the board unanimously approved a development agreement for the North McKay Ranch Subdivision Project, a planned mixed-use development in Cutten that could eventually include 174 multifamily residential units and two commercial parcels supporting 22,000 square feet of commercial space.

The board had already approved the project, back in March of 2023, but Ford explained that approval of the development agreement required a second public reading.

Per the terms of the agreement, project developer Kurt Kramer will assume various obligations, including dedication of some property to the county for open space and trails as well as installation of off-site water storage tanks and sewers. 

“And in exchange for that … the applicant would get a 20-year vested life for this permit,” Ford said.

Remarkably, the folks over at Access Humboldt have already uploaded video of the full meeting, so if you’re so inclined you can watch the two-hour, 51-minute proceedings below:

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Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On December 2, 2024, at approximately 1:04 a.m., an Officer from the Eureka Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the Winco parking lot for a traffic violation. Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, the Officer learned that one of the occupants was on searchable probation and the other had an active warrant for their arrest. The occupants were detained and the vehicle was searched. During the search of the vehicle, Officers located two handguns, one of which was loaded, over 7 ounces of suspected Methamphetamine, 390 Fentanyl pills, and approximately two pounds of processed marijuana.

Logan Rain Brewerhearst, 21 years old from Eureka, was arrested and booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of methamphetamines with intent to sell, felony possession of a usable amount of a controlled substance while being armed with a loaded and operable firearm, sale (or transportation for sale of methamphetamine, possession for sale of a controlled substance, concealed carry of a firearm on your person or in your vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm by a non-registered person.

Ronald Steven McNair, 21 years old from Eureka was taken into custody and booked on probation violation.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Dec. 1 at about 8 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on Larson Heights Rd. near Blue Lake regarding a wanted person investigation. Sheriffs’ deputies were looking for Curtis Lawson, age 30, of Blue Lake, who had a felony warrant for his arrest, and he was on active parole for felony assault.

Deputies arrived at the residence, they knocked at the front door and announced their presence. Lawson was then observed running out of the back door toward a wooded area. Deputies were pre-positioned in the wooded area; they ran towards Lawson in the backyard and ordered him to stop. Contact was made between Lawson and the responding deputies, and Lawson refused to comply with a lawful order, and he put his hands on the deputy. Lawson actively resisted the deputies and refused to submit to arrest. The deputies took him to the ground and subsequently secured him in handcuffs. Deputies then conducted a parole search of the space Lawson was using inside the residence’s garage. Lawson’s identification was located near a meth pipe and 4.7g of methamphetamine.

Lawson was subsequently booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on his parole violation arrest warrant and the following charges:

• Obstructing/resisting a public officer—PC 148(a)(1)
• Possession of a controlled substance—HS 11377(a)
• Possession of controlled substance paraphernalia—HS 11364(a)
• Parole revocation—PC 3000.08(f)

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.

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.