The opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mendocino Voice. We value the diverse opinions of our readers and we welcome robust, wide-ranging thoughts and ideas on subjects relevant to Mendocino County. Opinion pieces can be sent to info@mendovoice.com.
Jay Epstein serves as District 3 Trustee for the Mendocino-Lake Community College District. The views expressed here are his own.
On the June 2, 2026 ballot, voters within the Mendocino-Lake Community College District will consider the Mendocino College Career Training and Affordable Education Measure.
If approved, the measure would authorize $98 million in general obligation bonds to repair and modernize aging classrooms and labs, upgrade safety and accessibility, and strengthen career training facilities for programs such as healthcare, fire protection, EMT, construction, and other skilled trades. The measure includes independent citizen oversight and annual audits, and bond funds cannot be used for salaries or day-to-day operating expenses. If approved, the bonds would be repaid through a property tax based on assessed value, with a projected rate of approximately $24 per $100,000 of assessed value per year.
As the elected District 3 Trustee for the Mendocino-Lake Community College District — and speaking in my personal capacity — I support this measure because Mendocino College played an important role in my own life.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, I attended Mendocino College from 1994 to 1996. It provided an affordable, local foundation at a pivotal time as I transitioned into civilian life and determining my next steps. That opportunity allowed me to continue my education and build the career I have today.
Before being elected Trustee, I served on the Mendocino College Foundation Board for more than a decade. During that time, I saw firsthand how the college opens doors — whether students are transferring to four-year universities or gaining practical skills that lead directly to meaningful local employment.
As a local business owner, I also understand how vital workforce training is to rural communities like ours. Our region depends on well-trained nurses, first responders, and skilled trades professionals. Ensuring that students have access to modern, safe learning environments supports both individual opportunity and the long-term strength of our local economy.
The full ballot language and board-approved resolution are publicly available through the Mendocino-Lake Community College District website (and below).
This is ultimately a decision for the voters of the Mendocino-Lake Community College District. I encourage you to review the measure carefully and consider supporting it on June 2.
Resolution02-26-02
Property taxes is the one last safe area for Californians. All other taxes in California exceed the national average. Don’t raise this one too. Although renters will vote for it because it affects them less (until rent goes up), simply because it all sounds good.
You don’t need junior college to be a firefighter. Would you hire a junior college graduate to build your new house? Tuition is free under a couple of programs.
…
Psychological projection is the mental process in which an individual attributes their own internal thoughts, beliefs, emotions, experiences, and personality traits to another person or group.
Who’s acting like a Troll?
I want to commend Jay for his endorsement here on The Mendocino Voice. My wife Karen was able to work for twelve years as a computer programmer/analyst after training at Mendocino college in the 1980s when it was still in portables at the fairgrounds. Having been on the executive board of the North Bay Labor Council, I know what a benefit the job training for skilled trade work could be for the youth of our community; especially if an upgrade of Mendocino College could entice trades unions from the NBLC to offer apprenticeship programs through the college.