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This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters.

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A beloved teacher arrested for soliciting a minor. A coach convicted of sexual abuse. A school district hit with a multi-million-dollar jury verdict for failing to protect students.

The steady drumbeat of stories in recent years about educator sexual abuse in K-12 school districts across California shows the scope of misconduct is much wider than previously known. Yet the stories only hint at how common sexual harassment and grooming behavior has become in schools, with the best available data from the U.S. Education Department suggesting that 1 in 10 children is targeted for grooming at some point in their K-12 education.

A new bill, which is poised to pass the Legislature in the coming days, would give local and state officials more tools to identify and combat sexual abuse, and educate students to better identify the most common signs of grooming behavior. Senate Bill 848, or “Safe Learning Environments Act,” was authored by Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, a Democrat from Alhambra, in response to an investigative report in Business Insider, The Predators’ Playground. The 2023 story documented decades of sexual misconduct involving nearly two dozen different educators, ranging from lewd remarks about students’ bodies during class to statutory rape, at a single California school, Rosemead High, which is in Pérez’s district.

Since the article was published, at least five civil lawsuits have been filed by former Rosemead students, while the state attorney general’s Bureau of Children’s Justice opened a rare investigation into the handling of educator sexual misconduct claims, which is ongoing.

“California lacks a comprehensive standardized approach to preventing abuse in K-12 schools,” Pérez told fellow lawmakers in urging their support. “Several high profile cases continue to highlight systemic failures and underscore an urgent need for stronger preventative measures to protect children.”

In an interview with CalMatters, Pérez said she could personally relate to the Rosemead story. When she was in high school, a male staffer some 20 years her senior took an interest in her, asking her questions about sex and boys her age. Then one day, when she returned to campus soon after graduating, he stopped her to ask if she’d turned 18 and if he could take her to dinner. That’s when, Pérez said, it dawned on her that he’d been grooming her for a sexual relationship.

State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez addresses fellow lawmakers on the Senate floor at the state Capitol in Sacramento on Aug. 21, 2025. Lawmakers are expected to vote on a redistricting plan aimed at countering a similar move by the Texas Legislature. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

“I didn’t tell my parents or anything, but I talked about it with my friends,” she recalled. “And I remember talking about it, even at 17. That’s when my friends started sharing their own stories.”

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If it becomes law, Pérez’s bill would create a database of employee misconduct that district administrators must use to background prospective job candidates, require school district officials to report and track “egregious” instances of employee misconduct, mandate training for both educators and students on how to combat and recognize the signs of grooming, and require school districts to implement new written policies defining professional boundaries. It would also apply stricter prior employment check requirements for non-teachers, such as coaches, janitors and bus drivers, update the legal definition of “grooming” to include electronic communications and extend mandated reporter requirements to all employees.

Much of the policy changes in the bill are drawn from a January report produced by the state-funded Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team. The report studied the financial impact of a wave of lawsuits made possible through a landmark 2019 law that temporarily dropped the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims against school districts for failing to protect them. Many of the resulting jury verdicts and settlements have been in the tens of millions of dollars, with some much higher.

As CalMatters previously reported, insurance premiums have skyrocketed for school districts, pushing some to the brink of financial insolvency. Estimates for the total value of claims statewide are around $3 billion, with many cases ongoing.

Pérez said this grim reality played a key role in her decision to draft the bill. “There are now dollars and cents being assigned to these cases,” she said. “It’s really opened up this conversation about what can we do to better prevent this abuse from happening.”

Billie-Jo Grant, a professor at Cal Poly Pomona and a leading researcher in educator sexual misconduct, said the majority of grooming cases in schools go unreported. In many cases, a student is ashamed or feels complicit in the behavior, Grant said, while employees routinely fail to report suspicious behavior for fear of tarnishing a colleague’s reputation.

Because of a lack of federal data, Grant has tracked teacher arrests using published news clips, which show that more than 3,000 educators nationwide have been arrested since 2017 following allegations of sexual misconduct involving students. California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing, meanwhile, has opened more than 1,300 investigations of teacher sexual misconduct over the same time period – a figure that does not include cases which are never referred to the state by school district officials.

Grant, who frequently serves as an expert witness in criminal sexual abuse cases, described Pérez’s bill as a great start toward creating more complete data on the frequency of abuse. She stressed, however, that relying on school officials to determine whether misconduct allegations are “substantiated” will lead to underreporting.

“I think what’s left out is all of the times where they simply don’t do an investigation, look at a complaint at face value, and ask the teacher if they’d resign. And that’s the end of the story,” Grant said. “The problem is there is no accountability for school administrators. Our system relies on them doing thorough investigations.”

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A primary element of Pérez’s bill addresses “pass the trash,” a well-documented process in which teachers accused of sexual misconduct quietly resign, only to be hired elsewhere and re-offend. Research funded by the U.S. Department of Justice shows that an educator will on average pass through three different school districts before they are ultimately stopped. Many of these teachers are able to be rehired because of confidential separation agreements, in which school officials agree to not disclose allegations of misconduct to would-be employers in exchange for the educator’s resignation.

That’s what happened earlier this year with David Pitts, a former Rosemead High choir teacher who was placed on administrative leave at a nearby school after he was named in Business Insider’s reporting. A school district investigation of Pitts’ behavior nearly led to an administrative hearing at the state level — a final step that most cases never reach because the teacher has quietly resigned — before Pitts settled. Under the terms of his settlement agreement, Pitts will remain on the payroll until 2026. District officials agreed that if they receive any reference check from a potential employer, they would respond only by “providing Employee’s dates of employment and assignments, and indicating that Employee retired from the District.” Both Pitts and the district’s head of human resources declined to comment.

Pérez invited Cindy Lam, a Rosemead alum who said she was groomed by Pitts when she served as his student piano accompanist in 2001, to testify in Sacramento in support of her bill.

“By the time he initiated sex with me, I was putty in his hands. And by the time I realized I had been groomed, I was completely isolated and psychologically destroyed,” Lam said. “A law like SB 848 would have adequately educated me about grooming behaviors. I would have known that these interactions were inappropriate and reported them.”

Opposition to the bill, which has bipartisan support, is focused on due process concerns raised by employee unions that have historically opposed similar attempts to strengthen pass the trash laws in California. The California Teachers Association — the state’s largest teacher’s union, which opposed similar legislation in 2012 and again in 2018, — notably does not oppose the bill. The California Federation of Teachers and California State Employees Association, however, which together represent both teachers and the non-credentialed educators who would be included in the disciplinary database that Pérez’s bill would create, recently opposed it. Both unions cited concerns over due process as the primary reason.

“We need to ensure a policy that captures individuals that are unfit to work in education while making sure innocent and unfairly charged employees have fair access to justice,” said California Federation of Teachers legislative director Tristan Brown. “We are committed to working with the senator to make that a reality.”

Numerous other states already rely on similar hiring databases, however, which regulators have cited as key tools in keeping students safe. California is one of just 16 states that lack a comprehensive pass the trash law, a 2022 report published by the Department of Education found.

Back in the Rosemead community, many have welcomed Pérez’s bill as a needed change in a community where boundaries between teachers and students have frequently been blurred. Kristy Rowe, a Rosemead alum who graduated before Lam, testified in support of Pérez’s bill as well.

Rowe said she had a sexual relationship with Paul Arevalo, a business teacher known on campus for inviting cheerleaders to sit on his lap in between classes. Not long after Rowe met him, Arevalo was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for allegedly offering to buy another female student condoms and sending her sexually explicit messages during class, disciplinary documents show. Arevalo went on to marry a former student and, after transferring to a nearby school in the district, was placed on leave in 2017 when administrators found he’d sexually harassed another student, records show. Arevalo declined to comment.

“Comprehensive legal reform is urgently needed to center the voices of potential victims, to mandate specialized training for educational personnel, and to ensure that future harm is avoided,” Rowe told lawmakers. “Addressing these gaps is not only a matter of justice, it is a moral imperative to protect children, empower survivors, and create a society where such abuse is neither tolerated nor hidden.”

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Matt Drange is a freelance investigative reporter based in the San Francisco Bay Area and an alumnus of Rosemead High School. He can be reached at mattdrange@gmail.com.

Trudi Lee Smith, 54, of Eureka, passed away on August 25,2025, surrounded by love, after a short but courageous battle with brain cancer.

Trudi lived her life with an open heart and a fierce love for her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her children and grandchildren. She worked hard throughout her life, but Trudi also knew how to embrace joy. She loved being surrounded by friends, laughter, and music. Many will remember her evenings with Danny, sharing a cocktail at 707 Bar with the crew after work, or swaying to live music on the boardwalk, her smile lighting up the night.

The beach was her place of peace — whether it was walking barefoot in the sand, listening to the waves, or watching the sun sink into the horizon, Trudi found comfort and joy by the water. Purple was her favorite color, and much like the ocean sunsets she adored, she carried its spirit — bright, bold, and full of life.

Trudi was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Nellie Hanson; her stepfather, Phil Hodgson; her son-in-law, Anthony Benelisha; and the true love of her life and soulmate, Danny Smith.

She leaves behind her children: Ashleigh Benelisha (Tyler), Cheyenne Jordan, Tyler Jordan (Sami), Kyle Karr, Cody Karr, and stepdaughter Kaylee Smith. Trudi was a proud and loving grandmother to Eleanor and Alex, who were the light of her life.

She is also survived by her mother, Nancy Hodgson; her father, Lornell Knaus (Elaine); and her siblings: Kent Knaus (Deb), Tory Knaus (Linda), Kelly Knaus (Sunni), Dan Hodgson (Collette), and Doug Hodgson (Thu). She will be deeply missed by her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom were touched by her big heart, her laughter, and her unwavering strength.

A celebration of Trudi’s life will be held at a later time, with details to come. This will be a time where family and friends will be invited to gather, share stories, and honor the incredible woman who gave so much love in her 54 years.

Her memory will live on in every sunset and in the crashing of the waves. And as her beloved Eeyore once said, “It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.” Keep looking for the sunshine as Trudi did in any situation, no matter the clouds.

A special thanks to Hospice of Humboldt, including the wonderful staff at the Hospice House for giving our Trudi peace and comfort at the end. Arrangements provided by Ayres Family Cremation.

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I have very fond memories of my aunt, Olive Hanna, who was born in Arcata in 1876, including her insistence that I learn to swim by diligently escorting me back and forth to the old Yacht Club salt water pool in Humboldt Bay when I was a small child.

Aunt Olive was given a journal by her step father, Jasper Davies, who later became principal of Winship School in Eureka, on her fifteenth birthday, June 18, 1891. She faithfully kept a day by day diary until Dec. 31, 1892, shortly after my uncle, Wesley Davies, was born, and the journal’s pages were filled.

Life for a teenager in the 1890’s was very dull compared to today’s standards. No pot, no rock concerts — just visits back and forth with cousins, walks downtown, an occasional overnight with friends in Eureka, and Sunday night parties at the Christian Endeavor.

However, in my aunt’s diary a story emerges that rivals one of today’s television soap operas.

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The first mention of Grace Gwinn occurs on July 3, 1891. Grace apparently was a close friend of Hattie Davies (later Plaskell), a young sister of Jasper Davies, who was however about the same age as my Aunt Olive, and my mother, Clarissa Hanna (later Dorais):

Grace Gwinn came this afternoon. Clara has seen her but I have not. She and Hattie went right to Janes Creek.

On July 8th:

Mama asked Grace to stay for supper. She stayed quite a while after supper and we had a real pleasant time. She expects to come down in the fall and if she does is going to stay at least a night with us.

Then, on November 2nd:

Papa got a telegram from Mr. Gwinn tonight saying that Jack Littlefield had run away with Gracie and to telegraph to all points to keep him from marrying her and share no expense. Gracie was so wild, pretty and dissatisfied living in the country that if she had been two or three years older I wouldn’t have been so surprised but I did not think she would do anything so dreadful so soon: she is about my age. I guess they will surely be caught now. I wonder where poor Grace is tonight, and who that wretch is. I feel so sorry for her mother, father and Bert. They are such nice people. I am glad that I am not pretty, and not the kind that boys run after. Perhaps if poor Gracie had been as ugly as Bert she would not have come to this. What will Hattie say, she had a letter not long ago, and would be more likely to know who that fellow is than anybody. It sounds kind of wicked but it seems as if Grace had better be dead than this, but she is so young she may yet be able to be something good if her father gets her before it is too late.

November 4th:

Bert stayed all night at Grandma’s last night and from him we know the whole story. Mr. Gwinn went to Blocksburg last Friday to be gone overnight. Mrs. Gwinn and Ethyl went to bed quite early and along in the evening the dogs commenced to make a fuss and Bert quieted them and went to bed, and Grace and Reggie sat in the sitting room reading, the dogs kept barking all evening, but they supposed the cattle smelled the salt in the yard and were trying to get at it. Reggie stopped them several times and finally went to bed on a couch in the room, and the dogs commenced again and Grace went to the door and scolded them, and Reg’s last recollections are seeing her in the doorway.

When Mrs. Gwinn went to call her she was gone. She found a note from Grace saying she was going to run away and would be in Woodland in four days. This fellow was discharged from there sometime ago, but a week ago came back to that neighborhood riding a horse and leading another. He had been seen several times and met them every day as they went to school. Bert thinks there is no love affair about it, for Grace wouldn’t be marrying a no account mountaineer, she would want some rich city fellow who could keep her in style, and she has been saying she would run away and go to Woodland for she hates the mountains, and this fellow has agreed to help her to it, and she has gone with him on his horse, and it was dark and stormy and there is no telling where the wretch will take her or what he will do with her.

Perhaps she would be glad enough to get home if she could now. Mrs. Gwinn was very near wild when she found Grace gone and Bert could not leave her, so he sent the only man on the place, a halfbreed, for his father, and later Saturday started out himself. He very near killed his horse riding it night and day. Last night he got word from his father that they spent the night at laqua and for Bert to come to Bridgeville. At noon a telegraph came saying Mr. Gwinn would be in Eureka tonight. That is all I know. I wonder what that wretch will do with Grace and if she will be found. Telegrams have been sent in every direction. They are anxious to get him before Mr. Gwinn does for they are afraid he will shoot him.

November 5th:

It’s all a mistake. Grace went of her own free will and is enjoying. They know about where they are but can’t get them. It has been going on for months and she has done such vile wicked things I can’t write them, they are not fit to read. Her father is very near crazy and they can’t do anything with him, and the only thing to do now is to let them get married. She is ruined now, and my mother will never let me even see her again if she can help it. I know it’s true but can’t seem to believe it. It don’t seem as if Grace could do it, and it will kill her father and mother or set them crazy. It seems like a horrible dream, and to think she was so low down when she was here in July, I can’t believe it.

November 7th:

Hattie and I had quite a talk about Grace. Hattie never wants to see her again and she just hates her and can’t understand how she has been deceiving her. Hattie burned all her letters tonight. She wanted to get rid of them yet found it hard. Hattie says as much as she hates her, that if she was to see her she would forget and speak to her, and I’m afraid I might on the spur of the moment, although I wouldn’t be seen with her nor would Hattie or any other respectable person. We heard that Grace passed through town Sunday night and have got a letter from Mr. Cummings saying that Grace stayed about four miles from their place Tuesday night.

Did Grace and her “no account mountaineer” live happily ever after? Who knows? There is only this cryptic notation on November 10th:

Grace is caught, but he isn’t, but she will get away again someday I think.

And that is the end of the story, except for one passing reference on June 18, 1892:

I am sixteen today and have kept my book for a year. Next year I am not going to put in anything but what I do or we do here at home. I wish I did not have that G.G. affair in November (in my diary) but I could not think of much else at the time.

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POSTSCRIPT from 2025: Local history buffs may have caught on the name of Grace’s suitor, Jack Littlefield. He was indeed the same man who was infamously murdered three years later in somewhat murky circumstances after beefing with the “Round Valley Cattle King,” George White — a psychopath.

The story of the Littlefield murder is told from numerous perspectives in Round Valley Retribution, a recent and wonderful book by local author Karen Campbell-Hendricks that also gives us the rest of Grace’s story. She did indeed find the “rich city fellow who would keep her in style,” eventually marrying a wealthy San Francisco civil engineer and setting up house for almost 25 years, before dying in 1933. —Ed.

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The story above was originally printed in the September-October 1980 issue of the Humboldt Historian, a journal of the Humboldt County Historical Society. It is reprinted here with permission. The Humboldt County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to archiving, preserving and sharing Humboldt County’s rich history. You can become a member and receive a year’s worth of new issues of The Humboldt Historian at this link.

Vanta Lea (Harvey) Schuetzle went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 2025 while surrounded by family after a brief illness. She was born March 10, 1934 in Greens Fork, Indiana to Leroy and Ruby Harvey. In 1948,her parents traveled to Carlotta, and she, her 2 brothers and their dog Muggins made the trip in the back of their Willy’s Jeep. She attended Fortuna High School after arriving in California. She met her future husband Raymond Schuetzle at John and Mable’s Store in Carlotta. They married in June of 1950, and after the ceremony he rolled her down Main Street in Fortuna in a wheelbarrow. They enjoyed a life of family and love until his passing in 2005.

Vanta was active in community organizations. She was part of Cuddeback’s PTA, a Girl Scout Leader, and later in life a member of the DAR, and long time member of Fortuna Methodist Church.

Vanta enjoyed her many years working at Payless Drugs in Eureka. During this time she held several positions, but her favorite was being the warehouse manager. She made life long friends during her years at Payless.

Vanta enjoyed cooking for her family and neighbors, and is famous for her homemade apple pies. A skill she has passed on to several of her grandchildren. Over the years, she spent many hours baking thousands of cookies for her family, friends, and many organizations. She could be found enjoying her flower gardens, chickens, painting, canning and making jams and jellies. Each of her grandchildren held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leroy and Ruby, brothers Marvin, Butch, and John Harvey, husband of 55 years, Raymond, son-in-law Dan Carter, and Grandson Heath Browning. Vanta will be greatly missed by those who knew her. She is survived by her children, Suzie Woodward, Nancy Carter, Ernie (Valerie) Schuetzle, Randy Schuetzle, Keith (Angela) Schuetzle, and Regina Schuetzle. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren and their spouses, many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and brother Jerry Harvey. A memorial service will be held on October 18th at 12:00 at the Fortuna Monday Club. A potluck reception will immediately follow, please bring a potluck dish if you can.

A special thanks is given to PACE, Susanne Ross, Roxane Heiob, Dr. Jennifer Heidmann, and the staff at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House. Arrangements were handled by Ayres Family Cremation.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Ida Emmerson Hospice House or your favorite charity.

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Irene Marie Lavagnino Simoni passed away on August 28, 2025. She was born and raised in Arcata and celebrated her 95th birthday on June 22nd with family and friends. Irene was a graduate of Arcata High School in 1947. She attended Eureka Business College, following which she joined her dad, Angelo, and staff at A.T. Distributing Co. Soon after she caught the eye of a handsome red-headed fellow by the name of Gino Simoni. They were married on September 24, 1950 and became parents of son, Steve, and daughter, Gina. Years later her dad and Gino went into partnership and opened the L&S Beverage Co., where Irene was bookkeeper/secretary.

Irene was active in the Italian Catholic Federation and the Sons & Daughters of Italy, where she was treasurer for many years until her passing. She enjoyed the companionship of many friends, family BBQs, picnics and family gatherings and was well known for her hospitality and culinary skills. Irene also enjoyed traveling to Italy, Alaska, the East Coast and many outings with her daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Edgar Roden.

Irene is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Peggy Simoni, of Dayton , Nevada; her daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Edgar Roden of McKinleyville; and brother and sister-in-law, Angelo, Jr. and LeAnne Lavagnino of Clovis, California.

Other survivors are granddaughters and husbands, Kellie and Thomas Richards of McKinleyville; April and Nick Gonzalez of San Antonio, Texas; and Jenny Williams of San Antonio, Texas. Great grandchildren are Jaxon Richards; Sebastian and Amelia Gonzalez; and Kira, Jasmine, Kaylee and Jade Williams. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Irene was proceeded in death by her beloved Gino, parents, Angelo, Sr. and Rose Lavagnino, and her long-time friend and “sister”, Margie Adams. Irene and Margie were best friends for 92 years. She can now join her best friend and her mother for their Monday morning “coffee chats” and evening martinis in heaven. Irene was like a walking encyclopedia. We will miss the many childhood stories she told.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 12 at St. Mary’s Church, 1690 Janes Rd., Arcata at 9:30 a.m. followed by graveside services at Ocean View Cemetery, 3975 Broadway, Eureka. A reception will be held at St. Mary’s Church Annex from 1 to 4 p.m. Honorary pallbearers will be Edgar Roden, Thomas Richards, Peter Lavagnino, Tim and T.J. Hamel, and Mike Lagaz.

The family would like to thank Dr. Han and nurse, Miranda, who helped care for Irene while at Granada.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made in Irene’s memory to Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Eureka Lodge 1274, Scholarship account: P.O. Box 284, Hydesville, CA 95547, Attn: Scholarship committee.

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This week, Arcata will attempt to capture some portion of the magic Eureka has been able to perform over the last few years when it stages its own Friday Night Market. Now, should you attend, it will be natural for you to want to compare the Arcata Version to the Eureka Version. But let us caution you: That is a silly thing to do. These will be entirely different events and should be judged on their own merits. 

However, because comparing Arcata and Eureka is a favorite pastime here in Humboldt, we thought we’d give you 17 other opportunities to do so below. Finally, we will have an official tally on which of our county’s two most significant population centers is the coolest, friendliest, smelliest, etc. 

You have until Monday to get through all categories. Thank you in advance for playing. 

ARCATA vs. EUREKA

It’s been a while since we’ve had a COVID update, eh, readers?

Well, with the virus going around lately, and with changes in who is eligible for vaccine boosters (big changes? or maybe not?), we figured it was time to check back in with Dr. Candy Stockton, our county health officer, who was kind enough to catch the Outpost up earlier this week.

First up: You’ve probably noticed that the ’rona has been going around lately. Dr. Stockton said that although the county’s Public Health Division no longer tracks raw case numbers like it did in the bad old days of the pandemic, it has definitely noticed that the virus is on the rise.

In fact, Stockton says, Humboldt County seems to be falling into a coronavirus pattern. We usually get a smallish spike in the late summer – now – and a spike in January and February. [CORRECTION: This was a mistake. DHHS tells us that the spike in summer has been generally larger than the winter spike. The Outpost regrets the error. — Ed.]

“So far, the spike this summer is smaller than last summer’s spike, which is good, but it’s very definitely impacting people,” Stockton told us. “People are missing work. Kids are missing school. It’s impacting our hospitals.”

At least one Humboldt County person has died of the virus in the last month, Stockton said.

There’s a newish variant of the virus going around, one they’re calling the “XFG” or “Stratus” variant that seems to be quickly on the rise in the United States, and which is garnering some news attention. But Stockton is of the same opinion as the people quoted at the link in the last sentence: From the public’s perspective, there really isn’t much concerning about XFG. It’s not a particularly nasty version of the bug, and current vaccines should be effective against it.

Speaking of vaccines: This year’s crop of booster shots has been approved by the FDA, and vials should be reaching Humboldt County outlets within the next few days or weeks. But you’ve no doubt read about the Centers for Disease Control’s new guidelines about who should be receiving the shots – people 65 or older, or those with serious preexisting conditions. What does that mean for people under 65, or those who may or may not have those conditions? Can you still get your shot if you want them, even if you don’t meet those criteria? And where can you get it? And will your insurance pay for it?

There’s a lot that still not quite clear about all of this, but Stockton, right now, supposes that the coming year is actually not going to be all that different from years previous. She’s pretty certain that as in years past, pretty much the only thing you’ll need to get a COVID shot is the desire to have one.

“Some of the major pharmacy chains are waiting for a little bit more clarity and guidance from the states that they work in before they make that final determination,” she said. “But we do think that, yes, people probably will be able to walk into the pharmacy, let the pharmacist know that they’re at high risk or they live with somebody who’s at high risk, and be able to get the vaccine. And that’s what we’re working towards.”

Yesterday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order allowing that state’s pharmacists to administer the shot. California, Oregon and Washington – the states that make up the new “West Coast Health Alliance” – will probably do something similar, if they need to.

Likewise, Stockton said, insurance companies have signaled that they are willing to pay for shots, as they have in years past.

“[It] makes a lot of sense because vaccines are a relatively inexpensive, very cost-effective way to reduce medical costs,” Stockton said. “So if you’re an insurer and you choose not to pay for a vaccine that can save, you know, hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospitalization costs, it doesn’t take very long before you’re losing more money than you’re actually saving by not paying for the vaccine.”

So despite high-profile announcements coming from the Trump Administration, Stockton and others are fairly confident that nothing much is set to change in the short-term. Vaccines will be available in time for that big spike that the county’s expecting in the winter, and right now Stockton believes that if you want one, you will be able to get one.

And Stockton – coming at it from a public health perspective – very much hopes that you do.

“While I understand every person ultimately needs to make that decision for themselves, I do want to remind all of your readers that our healthcare resources — our hospital capacity, emergency room capacity — we’re stretched really thin as a county right now,” she said. “And it may not seem like a big deal if five or six people get hospitalized one week for COVID during the winter, if you’re just talking about numbers.

“But I think most people in this county have experienced, you know, having to go into the emergency room. And then having to spend a really long time in the emergency room because there are no open beds upstairs in the hospital. And so for those people who are able and willing, they could really help us out as a community by getting vaccinated to help our community. If they’re willing.”