WHAT WOULD IT DO?

The measure would require the state to allocate at least 1% of Prop. 98 funding — money guaranteed for public schools and community colleges in the state budget — for music and arts education. That’s estimated to be a $1 billion annual set aside. Schools with high proportions of students from low-income households would get more funding. School districts will be required to spend 80% of the new funding on hiring arts and music instructors, and they will have to publish annual reports on how they spend the money.

WHY IS IT ON THE BALLOT?

State law requires instruction in visual and performing arts for grades 1-6. For grades 7-8, schools must offer arts classes either during or after school. High school students must take either a year of art, a foreign language or career and technical education to graduate. But most California high schools require students to take art to align with the admissions requirements for the California State University and University of California systems.

But when school district budgets are cut during economic downturns, arts and music programs are often the first to be downsized. So former Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner said he launched the Prop. 28 campaign to turn the arts into a core subject along with math, science and reading.

He said the push for more arts education was inspired by conversations he had with educators during his time leading the state’s largest school district. Citing a 2021 study by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Beutner said giving students the space to express themselves creatively leads to a sense of belonging, which in turn helps them in math and reading.

“Math has rules. Grammar has rules. Art is unbounded,” Beutner said. “And if you think about preparing students for critical thinking, art isn’t just the sprinkles on an ice cream sundae. It’s an essential piece.”

ARGUMENTS FOR:

Beutner, who donated more than $4 million to the campaign, and other supporters also say that arts and music instruction could help address the mental health crisis facing California’s youth as they recover from the pandemic.

Along with Beutner, supporters include Sylvester Stallone and other Hollywood stars and musicians such as Anderson .Paak and Barbara Streisand. Prop. 28 also has strong support from teachers unions, as the arts funding is expected to generate jobs for educators.

Fender Musical Instruments donated more than $1 million to the campaign. Fender CEO Andy Mooney said the company has donated more than 10,000 guitars to Los Angeles Unified and hopes Prop. 28 will allow Fender to donate instruments to other districts.

Supporters:

• Vote Yes on 28 committee
• SEIU California
• California Democratic Party
• Local arts organizations
• Local music and arts education groups

ARGUMENTS AGAINST:

No opposition filed.

It is with crushed hearts and unwaveringly love that we announce that our daughter and a sister passed away at the age of 26 on Friday, October 7, 2022.

Kira Yuja Norton was born in Arcata to parents Jack and Kim Norton on March 3, 1996. Her birth was followed by a brother, Jack Norton IV, 18 months later.

Kira was loved deeply by her family and friends. She was a proud member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, including her decendency of the Yurok, Karuk and Cherokee tribes. She was equally proud of her Korean heritage. Kira enjoyed participating in our spiritual and cultural ceremonies up and down river, from Sumeg to Ta’k’imil-ding to Katimin; Flower Dances, Brush Dances and Jump Dances.

Kira had a passion for learning and reading. Before preschool, Kira was learning the alphabet and teaching her younger brother to count to 10. She attended Hoopa Valley Pre-School and Hoopa Valley Elementary through first grade. She then attended Morris Elementary, McKinleyville Middle School and McKinleyville High School, where she enjoyed cheerleading and volleyball while in middle school and high school. Then also joined the track team in high school. She always lived a good life and enjoyed exercising. She was eager to participate in running group fitness classes, yoga, strength training and cross-fit.

In May 2018, Kira received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Health Administration at UC Merced. While attending college with a full schedule of classes, she also worked at two jobs on campus. One was with the research center, where she enjoyed having the opportunity to engrain her work experience with her degree. Her second job was with the activity center to help set up sport venues, gather tickets at the front entrance, and cheer with the mascots. This job, she said, was purely for fun as the people in that group were exciting, outgoing, and consistently made her laugh. She had the best of both worlds with these positions.

Once Kira graduated, she enjoyed working at the Priority Care Center at Humboldt Independent Practice Association. She learned a lot of good work habits, especially from Rosemary, whom she modeled. A few years later, she was recruited by the Blue Lake Rancheria to oversee their health benefits program and learn how to administer worker’s compensation claims. This enabled her to build another layer of a fantastic work-family, where she could work with her Mom, Kim; Dad, Jack; Grandmother, Arla and Uncle Art.

Kira participated in local and national boards. About two years ago, she was recruited by John McGuire to serve on the board of directors for Changing Tides Family Services. And almost a year ago, she was nominated and appointed to the Native American Advisory Board for the Health Resources and Service Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Kira wanted to help improve the health and quality life of everyone.

She joined the Six River Running Club and would run a variety of venues through the town, along beaches and through the Redwood Forests. She would run at the Relay for Life, gather a group of people to support the cause, and run all day and night for it. She would always jog in the neighborhood or exercise with her father at the gym.

Kira had a fantastic group of positive, supportive, and loving friends. Just know that she loved all her friends very dearly. From her longest friendship with Shayna since kindergarten to high school friend Stephanie and Tristan, her dynamic college friends Amber, Nia, Isaura, and Daisy, her professor Sidra, to her work friend Lili.

Church was where she was able to praise Jesus and go to the Lord’s house, and she always wanted to give her own tithing and pray with hope. Every Sunday after church, Kira liked to pick out a place for the family to eat breakfast. Reading was also enjoyable for Kira; ever since middle school, she was trying to recently read as many classical books as possible, from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to fun, lighthearted books like Princess Dairies. Other pastimes Kira enjoyed were putting on her Disney music or the Big Bang Theory and working on basket weaving projects with her mentor, Denise. She enjoyed gathering basket materials throughout the year with her father. She appreciated the support of her family in working with her Native American dress, Mom Kim, Dad Jack, Brother Jack, Grandma Jana, and Grandpa Jack. Her Grandfather, Jack, would sing to her from when she was a baby to the last time he was with Kira.

Kira’s Grandpa and Grandma Harris have been amazingly supportive. They often drove over from Ohio to help for weeks at a time to help wherever they could with driving to appointments, cooking, cleaning, or playing board games. Her Grandmother Yuja was the best Korean cook ever. Kira would say she loved how her Grandpa Bud made her smile with his jokes and always wanted to sneak out to go get donuts with her before Grandma woke up. Grandpa’s first words to her every time were, “Hello, Beautiful.” Which made her happy.

A standout family relationship with Kira was with her Auntie Katie, where they would talk and talk on the phone frequently. Recently, Kira told a nurse, “outside my Mom, Dad, and Brother, I’m probably the closest to my Auntie Katie because she reminds me of my mom so much.” The comfort level and love of her Auntie Katie made her feel grateful. From there, she built a close friendship with her cousin Dominic. Recently, Kira shared she would dream of sitting comfortably with her cousin Dominic just talking and enjoying each other’s time together.

He would hold her hand whenever he got the chance to and loved to make her smile, she would say. What her amazing family would not do for her was boundless.

Disneyland and Hawaii were her two favorite places to visit. We told her she should go again with her girlfriends. But she said those places I want to always go with my family and bring her friends along so they can experience the kind of family vacation she loves. Kira would say her most calming, an enjoyable time was with her family, whether sitting around the living room together, out to dinner, the ocean or river, shopping in the city, or site seeing.

When Kira needed a rock, she always asked for her brother Jack. When she went through extremely tough situations, she would tell her family her brother Jack’s face would pop up in her mind telling her, “You can do this, Kira. You got this.” When Kira felt a bit fearful, she would first ask for her brother Jack; the sibling relationship was unique, supportive, strong, and loving. She was so proud of her brother, and their relationship was unbreakable. Kira would frequently talk to others about her family. We all knew that her Dad, Jack, was the one that would make the family laugh all the time and always had her back. There was nothing her dad wouldn’t go get, buy, or do for her.

Kira’s mom, Kim, was the super-mom, the momma bear, the strongest advocate, always wanting to constantly care and love for her, pray faith-filled prayers and scriptures, and brush her beautiful long shiny hair. Her Brother, Jack, was her confidant, her person to talk to and bring her calmness, her solid to lean on, and her brother to talk confidence into her. She told her Auntie Katie, “Her brother Jack was her most favorite person in the whole world. And I feel better when he’s next to me by my side”. She often told us, “I couldn’t have been blessed with a better father, mother, and brother.”

Kira Yuja Norton is survived by her parents, Jack & Kim Norton; her brother Jack Norton IV; grandparents Jack & Jana Norton, Elbert (Bud) & Yuja (Mia) Harris, Arla Ramsey, Marcellene Norton; her aunts and uncles, Jerry & Katie Benoit, Loren & Patty Norton, Kenny & Eddie Norton, Pauli Carrol, and Valerie Blevins. Her first cousins Dominic Benoit, Alexis Swantack, Dana Norton, Damien Norton, Cheyenne Norton, Sherman Norton, Tasha Norton, Sophia Swantack, Ava Swantack and Lyla Swantack, Suzanne Chang, Danny Knox, Leilani Jones, Sam Jones, Louisa Jones, Carina Carrol, and Lily Carrol. Her friends Amber Labra, Shayna McCollough, Lili Chen, Stephanie Bailey, Nia Jones, Isaura Macias, Daisy Pineda, Andrea Munoz, Jaime Reeves, Kim Perris, Jessica Jones, Emily Stokes, Tiffany Huff, Mellanie Gomes, Itzel Garcia-Ocampo, Faan Chan, Tristin Timm, Kara Forbes, Courtney Wilson, and Yvette Garcia. Special thanks to the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal Council, and especially Claudia Brundin, Arthur Ramsey, Jason Ramos, Phil & Judy Aycock, and Stacey Edgmon.

We will forever miss our “Precious Princess” until we are together again in Heaven with God and our Lord Jesus Christ, provided we live a good life in our thoughts, reactions, and deeds as you have done.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 15 at 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata. Following will be a gravesite service at St. Bernard – Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka.

Pallbearers: Jack Norton III, Jack Norton IV, Jerry Benoit, Dominic Benoit, Kennedy Poston, and Marques Mathes.

Honorary Pallbearers: Jack Norton Jr, Elbert (Bud) Harris, Loren Norton, Kenny Norton, Dana Norton, Damien Norton, Cheyanne Norton, Sherman Norton, JJ Swantack, John Lee, Ben Lee, Kwon Lee, Calvin Lee, David Chang, Phil Aycock, Jason Ramos, Arthur Ramsey, Jim Poston, Jake Poston, Kasey Poston, David Stiles, Ramiro Melecio Sr, Abel Melecio, Dillion Calvert, Ryann Bauman, Quinten Steele, John Milender, Logan Bailey, Kyb Fugfagosh, Robbie Harrison, Bruce Ryan, Todd Greenwood, Jim Bell, Danny Sanchez, Don Knox, Danny Knox, Danny Cota, Ethan Cota, David Huff, Jed Huff, Mike Bailey, Brandon Bailey, Rocky Colegrove, Jake Colegrove, Everett “Muss” Colegrove, Tyrin Stevenson, Randy Cox, Whelan Gilkerson, Jaime Osorio, Faan Chan, Robert Pollard, Tim Hadley, Josh Reed, Gary Stubbs, Jimmy Midtun, John McGuire, Orion Cosce, Norman Lewis, Clarence “Slinger” Lewis, Matthew Lewis, Sam Jones, Samuel Jones, Salich Jackson, Nah-Tes Jackson, Thomas Joseph Jr, Carlo Migulena Sr, Carlo Migulena Jr, Roger Houston, Virgil Pole Jr, Aaron Pole, Nathan Pole, Ames Pole, Virgil Moorehead Sr, Boyd Ferris, Arnold Deacon Ferris, and Joe Davis.

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

Spencer Lee Koch was born March 11, 1947 to Bill and Bette Ann Koch. He lived in Everett, Washington and St. Joseph, Missouri, joining the Navy in 1966 and serving proudly until 1970. In 1968, while serving on the USS Hancock and stationed in San Francisco, he met his future wife, Stephanie Toste. They were married and lived their early years of marriage in San Jose where their sons Steven and Sheldon were born. In 1977 they moved to Ferndale to raise their family and later had their third child, Sherman.

Spence worked for AT&T for over 43 years, retiring in 2013. He had become an expert in fiber-optic communication and was well respected by his co-workers for his knowledge and willingness to help them solve their problems with technology.

He was very active in the Scouting program serving as Cub Master and Scout Master for several years. He truly enjoyed the weekend camping expeditions and helping all the boys earn their merit badges. He coached Pop Warner football and loved watching all sporting events that his sons participated in.

He decided that he wanted to serve his community by becoming a licensed Ham Radio operator and spent many hours volunteering his time to ensure communication amongst agencies during an event was maintained. He truly loved talking with folks all over the world.

Spencer was a member of Kenneth Rasmussen VFW Post 6353 for over 20 years. He served as Quartermaster and Commander. He took great pride in serving his country and participating in activities sponsored by the VFW.

He was preceded in death by both his mother (Bette Ann) and father (Bill Koch), brother Stanley Koch, niece Jessica Toste, brother-in-law Pete Toste, niece Michelle Koch Hardy, and his son Sheldon Koch.

Spencer is survived by Stephanie, his wife of 52 years, sons Steven and Sherman (Priscilla), daughter-in-law Sarah Koch-Schaapveld, grandchildren Scout, Rocco, Rubylove and Cash Koch, brother Scott Koch (Sheila), brothers-in-law Mike, Ken and George (Tina) Toste, sister-in-law Rebecca Koch, nieces Lindsey Scampini Melanie Magdaleno and Kayla Koch and nephews Tyler Toste and Ian Koch.

Friends are invited to celebrate Spencer’s life on Sunday October 23, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Ferndale Community Church 712 Main Street Ferndale, followed by a luncheon reception at the Portuguese Hall on Ocean Avenue in Ferndale.

If you wish to contribute in memorial for Spence, please donate to VFW Kenneth Rasmussen Post 6353, PO Box 624 Ferndale 95536 or to Ferndale Community Church PO Box 1273 Ferndale 95536.

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

Pamela R. James was born July 8, 1956 in Scotia and passed surrounded by family that truly loved her on October 10, 2022 in Eureka.

Pam was a member of the Wiyot Tribe and lived in Humboldt County nearly her entire life. Pam attended Loleta Elementary and graduated from Fortuna High School. Pam worked at Fidjeland Farms and Eureka Fisheries, where she would tell us stories about how she was one of the fastest crab pickers there was. Pam also did in-home care and did up until she could no longer due to her health. Pam also served on the Wiyot Tribal Council as treasurer and councilmember-at-large. During that time she wrote a JOM grant and the tribe received it. She also advocated for foster care and traveled when needed, but had a hard time leaving her children, so she decided to step away.

Pam lived in the fast lane and lived life to the fullest. She slowed down when her first granddaughter Pilar was born and they were always together. Everywhere Pam “Nana” was, so was Pilar! Pam spoiled Pilar and gave her everything she could!

Pam always had an open door policy and would take anyone and everyone in when needed, she was always willing to lend a helping hand when someone was in need.

Pam was a huge fan of WWE, especially Roman Reigns, and you could always find her watching the big event with her wrestling buddy, her nephew “Sonny Man,” and then they would get together with Ted Hernandez and argue over the matches. They would spend hours arguing over who cheated or who was better. Pam enjoyed going over to her daughter Fawn’s house for some party they would be having and visiting with everyone, she would catch up on the local gossip going around the rez, but little did we know she already knew the gossip before us. For someone that didn’t go out sure knew a lot! Pam was known as Nana to all her grandchildren’s friends and always tried supporting them with their fundraising adventures.

Catalina surprised her nana with an iPad and she would spend hours playing games. She also had Catalina download music and they would spend hours and hours creating different playlists. Out of all her grandkids she held a special bond with Catalina, they talked multiple times a day and wouldn’t go a day without talking. Pam and Catalina never went to sleep without calling each other to say goodnight and telling each other I love you.

Pam is survived by her daughter’s Melinda Ramirez, Fawn and Jorge Lopez. Pam’s grandchildren Pilar James, Shane Jamestalina Lopez, Jorge Lopez Jr. “Little Man” and Dalila Lopez. Pam’s bonus grandkids Kathy Spott, Amanda and Reyna James. Her siblings Lori Clark (Donut), Marie Pike (Irv), Louie Seidner & Family. She also leaves behind her nieces Ramona Clark and Hazel Garcia (Raul). Hazel was more of a daughter than niece and she could always count on Hazel for anything, especially sneaking in the sweets when she wasn’t supposed to have them. Hazel always spoiled her and made sure she got whatever she wanted. Nephews Levi & Andrew Clark, Brian & Rosie Mead and Family, William Frank IV “Sonny Man”, George Mendez and Anthony James (Libbie). Pam’s special friend Leslie Cochrane Burchfield, who they considered each other’s twin. Leslie, we thank you for being there for her throughout the years especially when she was sick, you never left her side and for that We love you! Her best friend/sister Diana Santos, they would call each other and check in daily. Also, Michelle Vassel: you held a special place in our mom’s heart and was always there when she was ready to fight the County on any issue.

Pam is preceded in death by her only son, Steven James, her parents Edna & Stepfather Oscar Seidner, Father Melvin James Sr. Her Aunts Ramona “Blue Jay” Peonermen Moorehead, Mary Kibby and special aunt that raised her Alberta McDonald. Brothers Melvin James Jr. and Gary Anthony James.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday October 15, 2022 at 1 p.m., at the Wiyot Tribal Community Center, 1000 Wiyot Dr., Loleta. Bring a dish and memories to share.

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

Clarissa Woodham peacefully passed away at home with her family at her side on September 9, 2022, after an extended illness. Clarissa was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on November 11, 1944, to Clara and Lee Murrell. Clarissa was known for enjoying life, having a generous spirit, a kind heart and beautiful smile. Before her illness she enjoyed gardening, cooking, crafts, walking the beach, traveling, and family gatherings. She loved the holidays and spending time with her family and friends. She attended the Faith center church in Eureka. She was a member of the Faith Center Prime Timers and a member of the local Red Hat Society. Clarissa also enjoyed her work as a volunteer at St Joseph’s Hospital after retiring from Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center as a C.N.A.

Clarissa was preceded in death by her parents Clara and Lee Murrell, brother Albert Murrell, husband Roy Woodham, first husband and father of her children James Pannell Sr., great-granddaughter Leeann Byford, great-grandson Kyle Blanton, and great-granddaughter Trianna Burnett.

She is survived, by her children Missy Boynton of (Eureka), Theresa and Bob Howard (Amity, Arkansas), Becky and Kevin Wright (Mckinleyville), James and Nicole Pannell (Gridley,) and Timothy Pannell (Mckinleyville). She is also survived by her grandchildren Justin and Stella Wright (Virginia Beach), Jay and Megan McCutchen (Gilbert), Stephanie Wright (Arcata), Cassie and Cody Curteman (Bandon), Carly Boynton (Eureka) Dylan and Anissa Pannell (Magalia, Calif.), Taylor and Kristian Kessler (Tracy, Calif.), Camille O’Neale (Murrieta), Claire Pannell (Gridley), Jim and Danielle Byford (Yreka), Emma and Jeremy Burnett (Yreka), Theresa Howard (McMinnville), Jake and Lynn Howard (Glenwood, Arkansas), and Casey Howard (Eugene). She is also, survived by numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many great nieces and nephews as well as her neighbor and friends Mike and Peggy Alcorn.

The family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Jennifer Heidmann, PACE Center and in-home care team, Agape in home Services and aides, and Hospice of Humboldt for supporting Clarissa and her family during her illness and passing.

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

Mary Elaine Nelson
Feb. 9, 1943 – Aug. 20, 2022

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Mary “Elaine” Hemphill Nelson. Elaine was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022. Elaine was born in San Bernardino and raised in Colorado before moving to McKinleyville with her family as a teenager. She attended Arcata High School graduating with the class of 1960. As a junior at AHS, she met a dashing young man from Eureka High School while roller skating at what is now the old creamery building in Arcata. Elaine and Mark Nelson were soon engaged and were married for 61 years before his passing in 2021.

Elaine was retired after early years of working in the restaurant industry and then alongside her husband in later years at various retail businesses they owned and operated in Humboldt County. Elaine enjoyed her time in retirement walking her furry companion Tige, shopping and lunch dates with friends and attending services at the Church of the Nazarene.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Mark Nelson, her parents Mary Poff Coyles and Carl Hemphill, her in-laws Leo Nelson and Olga Nelson, her brother in-laws Roger Nelson and Greg Nelson and her son-in-law Michael Jones. She leaves behind her daughters Nanette Jones and Suzanne Lovitt, son-in-law Chris Lovitt, grandsons Travis Jones, Tyler Jones (Angie) and Jordan Jones (Jessica) and granddaughter Carly Lovitt (Justin). Elaine is also survived by her sister Melba Hopkins and brother-in-law Charles Hopkins, nephew Sean Hopkins (Christine), niece Kristin Gennari (Steve) and her aunt and best friend Juanita Coyles. She will be missed by her four great grandchildren and especially by her dog Tige.

Special thank you to the caring staff at Hospice of Humboldt.

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

The contentious Dolbeer/W Street couplet project is dead … for now.

The City of Eureka sent out a news release this afternoon (more on that below) to announce that the project, which aims to change the current configuration of Dolbeer and W streets to one-way traffic, will not move forward.

“Striping to continue with two-way traffic in the same configuration that now exists will begin in the next several days,” according to the news release. “The City of Eureka is committed to creating safe streets for all modes of transportation and as directed by Council, this project may be re-considered at a future date.”

If you recall, the couplet project seeks to transition Dolbeer and W streets to one-way traffic. The two-lane roads currently run parallel to each other, one block apart, with traffic rolling past the Sequoia Park Zoo and Washington Elementary School. During the couplet demo that was conducted in August, staff reduced W Street to one lane heading southbound and Dolbeer to one lane heading northbound. Hemlock Street, which forms a sort of horseshoe connecting the two, was also restricted to one lane with vehicles going west to east.

Wait, didn’t the council vote against the item last month? 

Yes, it did. However, during last week’s regular meeting, Councilmember Kim Bergel asked if the council would be willing to discuss the item once more. Bergel initially received four thumbs up from her fellow council members but lost one when Councilmember Leslie Castellano realized the discussion would take place on Oct. 18, which she felt was too soon to adequately address the community’s concerns with the project. The remaining members agreed to discuss the item on Oct. 18.

The Eureka City Schools District Board of Trustees was incensed.

After catching wind of the council’s decision to reagendize the item, the school district made a last-minute modification to their regular agenda to discuss the project. Ironically, the board’s Oct. 6 agenda contained a resolution thanking the City of Eureka and the council for denying the project proposal. 

“Where did this project [originate]?” board representative Susan Johnson asked City Manager Miles Slattery during the meeting. “From all of the surveys that you’ve done, it clearly isn’t something that the community wants.”

City staff believe the couplet project would alleviate pedestrian safety concerns in the area as well as enhance connectivity between Cutten and Eureka to make the whole area more bike-friendly. However, out of 934 people surveyed after the one-way traffic experiment, only 14.3 percent of respondents were in favor of a permanent realignment of Dolbeer and W streets. Less than 10 percent of respondents said they felt safer with the one-way traffic orientation. (More survey results can be found at this link.) 

While some folks surveyed complained that the one-way alignment led to traffic jams and increased travel time, the school board’s chief concern surrounded student safety in the drop-off zone.

“You’re putting so many people at risk,” board representative Jessica Rebholtz said to Slattery. “I know when you have a study that you have recommendations … and you have the discretion to do what you’re going to do, but I feel like you are abusing discretion. You are overreaching.”

Slattery maintained that the decision would ultimately be made by the city council, adding that the council “goes against [staff’s] recommendations all the time.” He also insisted that, according to the traffic study conducted by TJKM Traffic Consultants, the proposed one-way alignment would be safer than it is now.

“Based on the experts that do this – which is TJKM, as well as our traffic engineer, as well as our city engineer who has the responsibility of stamping these plans – they feel that this is the safest option.”

But the school board insisted that the project proposal put children at risk. After about 45 minutes of heated discussion, the board unanimously voted to “adamantly oppose” the project.

“We are certainly very opposed to this,” Superintendent Fred Van Vleck told the Outpost in a follow-up interview. “Besides the issue with the drop off areas, the 175% increase in traffic on Dolbeer, the 300% increase in traffic on Chester, [there] is going to be a delay in emergency vehicles. So if you take for instance Glen Paul, which is a school for students with disabilities – some of whom are medically fragile – and you increase the amount of time it takes for an ambulance to make it to the site … that could be life-altering for some of those students.”

Van Vleck added that the school district “just doesn’t understand why this is such an important issue” to the city “when the downside of it is so much higher than the upside.”

Reached for additional comment this afternoon, Slattery told the Outpost that he felt as though last week’s board meeting had gotten out of hand, calling the board’s response “unfortunate and unexpected.”

“It’s clearly gone to the realm of politics as opposed to the actual project and I think it’s taken away from the intent of the project,” he said. “Seeing as it is silly season with politics right now, it really took on a life of its own and took away from the merits of the project. We didn’t want it to be put forward in that environment.”

However, Slattery said the city hopes to move forward with some form of the project in the future.

“Almost every road project, whether it’s painting, adding additional vehicle lanes or adding bike lanes or anything like that, there are always going to be naysayers,” he said. “I will reiterate that the city is committed to projects like this and this decision does not mean that similar projects like this won’t move forward. It will be coming back.”

Press release from the City of Eureka:

At the October 4th meeting, Council directed staff to agendize the Dolbeer and W Street One-Way Couplet for possible action to change the current configuration of the streets to one-way. Further instructions requested that staff work with Eureka City Schools with project details and then to schedule a Council meeting at staff’s discretion in the future.

Per Section 30.01(D) of the Eureka Municipal Code, “the City Clerk in consultation with the City Manager, shall prepare an agenda to be presented to the Council”. Through the City Manager, the Dolbeer and W Street One-Way Couplet will not be included on the agenda for the October 18th meeting or considered during a special meeting. The decision made on September 27, 2022 to not approve the one-way couplet will go forward. Striping to continue with two-way traffic in the same configuration that now exists will begin in the next several days.

The City of Eureka is committed to creating safe streets for all modes of transportation and as directed by Council, this project may be re-considered at a future date.

Thank you to the many community members who reached out over the last several weeks to express their interest in this project.