Del Norte County Highlights $2.99 Million Prop 64 Grant to Strengthen Youth Programs

Del Norte County Probation, in partnership with the Del Norte County Office of Education (DNCOE), presented a comprehensive overview of how the County will utilize its $2,998,752 Prop 64 Public Health & Safety Grant to expand youth prevention, intervention, and development programs. The presentation was delivered by Chief Probation Officer Lonnie Reyman, Superintendent Jeff Harris, and Program Supervisor Jennifer McGrew, who outlined the broad range of services now available to local youth through this multi‑year state investment.

According to the presentation, Prop 64 — the Adult Use of Marijuana Act — directs retail cannabis tax revenue toward public health, safety, and enforcement programs statewide. The California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) awarded approximately $94 million in Cohort 3 grants, with Del Norte County receiving nearly $3 million to support youth‑focused initiatives .

A Multi‑Agency Partnership Focused on Prevention and Opportunity

Chief Reyman emphasized that the grant strengthens the County’s ability to address cannabis‑related impacts through evidence‑based prevention and youth development programs. The partnership with DNCOE ensures that schools, community organizations, and justice‑involved youth all have access to structured, supportive services.

Superintendent Jeff Harris highlighted DNCOE’s role in education, prevention, diversion, and juvenile justice, noting that the Prop 64 program is guided by an advisory committee and overseen by a dedicated program supervisor .

DNCOE’s Prop 64 Supervisor Jennifer McGrew underscored that all youth programs are trauma‑informed, culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, community‑driven, and evidence‑based, with a focus on increasing protective factors for young people .

Six Funded Youth Programs Across Del Norte County

The presentation detailed six major program categories funded through the grant, each serving different age groups and needs:

1. Trillium: John Wilson Teen Court – $168,540

A restorative justice diversion program for first‑time, nonviolent youth, referred by schools, probation, and law enforcement. Youth up to age 20 participate in peer‑run court sessions designed to build accountability and resilience .

2. Trillium: Teen Drop‑In Center – $700,000

A prevention‑focused after‑school program offering mentorship, substance‑use prevention, and positive youth development for ages 10–17. Youth may self‑refer or be referred by community partners .

3. Del Norte Reads Youth Tutoring Program – $830,000

A paid youth employment and literacy program operated through the Del Norte District Library. Youth ages 12–20 receive tutoring experience, mentorship, and job training .

4. Crescent Elk Middle School Distance Running Club – $40,000

An evidence‑based youth development program providing supervised after‑school activities, mentorship, and positive peer connections for ages 11–18 .

5. UCSF Northern Voices Curriculum – $20,000

A trauma‑informed behavioral health curriculum focused on emotional regulation, healthy relationships, and youth mental health for ages 12–18 .

6. Del Norte County Recreation Programs – $304,000

Structured youth recreation programs — including KIDS Camp, basketball, and Teen League — with added cannabis‑prevention curriculum. Programs serve ages 6–18 and accept referrals from schools, social services, tribal organizations, and families .

Building a Sustainable Prevention Infrastructure

The Prop 64 grant also funds a Virtual Binder, providing subgrantees with administrative guidance, reporting schedules, fiscal tools, data collection requirements, and evaluation support. DNCOE is partnering with the California Center for Rural Policy at Cal Poly Humboldt to conduct program evaluations and ensure accountability .

The timeline extends through October 31, 2028, with quarterly advisory meetings, annual site visits, and ongoing communication between DNCOE and program partners.

A Commitment to Youth Health, Hope, and Possibility

The presentation closed with a message that prevention is not simply about saying “no” to drugs — it is about saying “yes to health, hope, and possibility,” reinforcing the County’s commitment to supporting youth through positive, structured, and community‑driven programs .