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Cal Poly Humboldt?

Humboldt State University may become the state’s third polytechnic university (and the only one in Northern California) after the California

State University system asked the school to undertake a self-study toward becoming a designated polytechnic university.

Polytechnic institutions usually feature hands-on and career-focused programs, an emphasis in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) studies, applied science programs and a strong liberal arts foundation.

Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis

Obispo are currently the only polytechnic universities in the CSU system.

If HSU becomes a polytechnic university, it would “better position HSU to meet specific workforce needs on the

North Coast and statewide, and it would significantly raise HSU’s profile among prospective students and grant-funding organizations.”

According to a release, the request for the survey came in a recent letter from

CSU Chancellor Timothy White.

“Humboldt State University is a vital institution on the North Coast and for

California. The campus currently has many distinct strengths in the sciences, with a special capacity for matters pertaining to forestry, oceanography, energy, and agriculture,” White said in his letter.

In a letter to the campus community, HSU President Tom Jackson Jr. said that he was excited about the opportunity.

“This is our moment. First, let’s allow ourselves to imagine, dream, and consider Humboldt as a polytechnic. What are the possibilities for this region and future students? What are the possibilities for new grants and research,” Jackson wrote.

HSU’s announcement drew praise from a host of North Coast o ocials.

“HSU already has the third highest percentage of students in the entire CSU system enrolled in STEM programs (science, technology, engineering and math), behind the other two polytechnic schools — Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona,” said North Coast state Sen. Mike McGuire in a statement. “We are thrilled at this prospect and look forward to the launch of the feasibility study this coming spring.”

North Coast Rep. Jared Hu man, meanwhile, said becoming the state’s third polytechnic university would be “an exciting way forward” for the university, which

A Happy Tail

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office deputy Tristan Smith climbed down a 50-foot ravine in McKinleyville’s Hiller Park to retrieve Kari, a missing 2-year-old hound, and reunite the wayward pup with her owner, Berti. POSTED 11.24.20 Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office

he noted is facing “unique challenges due to COVID and changing conditions for higher education.” Third District Humboldt County Supervisor Mike Wilson deemed the move a “natural fit.”

“To me, it’s a recognition of the important role this institution continues to play in our understanding of natural systems, our impacts on the planet and the quest for solutions to make all communities more resilient,” he said in a statement.

— Iridian Casarez POSTED 11.24.20 Read the full story online.

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Eureka Man Killed in Crash: The California Highway Patrol reported that 34-year-old Shawn Kelly Ryan died after his 2002 GMC pickup truck drifted o State Route 36 and hit a tree just before 11 a.m. Nov. 24. The crash — and whether impairment was a contributing factor — remain under investigation. POSTED 11.25.20

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No Charges in AG Probe: The California Attorney General’s O ce has indicated it will not pursue criminal charges following an investigation into the county Public Administrator’s O ce’s handling of estates. The AG’s O ce did not say that investigation, which began in August of 2017, had cleared involved county employees of criminal conduct but touted “significant steps” the Sheri ’s O ce had subsequently taken to “increase controls and accountability.” POSTED 11.30.20

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New Supervisor-elect in Second District: The Humboldt County Elections O ce released its final results Dec. 1 for the November election, with challenger Michelle Bushnell besting two-term incumbent and current Board of Supervisors Chair Estelle Fennell, having taken 52 percent of the vote to Fennell’s 48 percent and winning by 416 votes. Bushnell, a rancher and business owner, will be seated in January. POSTED 12.07.20

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Digitally Speaking

The number of COVID-19 cases Humboldt County Public Health confirmed in November, far outpacing October’s 59 and more than doubling the county’s prior single-month record of 155 set in August. POSTED 11.30.20

They Said It Comment of the Week

“Our unparalleled partnership is a prime example of how tribes can lift each other up in the 21st century.”

— Yurok Tribal Chair Joseph James on an agreement under which the tribe’s Mad River Brewing Co. will distribute beer to the the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ casino near Los Angeles that both tribes hope will bring economic benefits to their members. POSTED 11.26.20

“Oh, Humboldt, you blew it!”

— Claire Perricelli commenting on the Journal’s Facebook page on a post about Humboldt County confirming a single-week record 122 COVID-19 cases from Nov. 22 through Nov. 28. POSTED 11.28.20