@NJWrestlingmom I haven’t seen the show myself, but from what I’ve read online about the show and the area, it is scary stuff. But, like you said unless he’s buying/selling/stealing weed from the locals (which he won’t be doing, I’m sure) there likely isn’t anything to worry about and the place the show is talking about is 2 hours away from campus…so we’ll see. Yeah, the main problem is the distance and logistics getting there and back…
Actually, he’d be quite safe to buy weed from the Arcata “locals” — as there are well-established legal recreational cannabis dispensaries in town. (These were medicinal marijuana dispensaries that are now also authorized to sell recreational marijuana). There is a still a minimum age limit for purchasing – but college kids have always managed to figure out how to get around the age problem for buying alcohol, I assume they’ll do the same for marijuana.
I’m not advocating that he do so, of course – but marijuana is now legal in California, which might make life harder for the mountain growers, who will face competition from legal cultivators.
And of course that’s not an Arcata thing. California law allows sales to be regulated on the local level, but I assume that pretty much every region throughout the state now has reasonable options for purchase.
Humboldt County is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Northern Humboldt County, including Arcata and HSU, is a far cry from southern Humboldt County, the setting of Murder Mountain.
You and your student should focus on HSU and what it can offer you. What is your son’s likely major? HSU is good in most areas, and especially excellent in natural sciences. They have an ocean-going research vessel and campus is adjacent to a redwood forest. Most first-years live on campus. Arcata is a college town, pedestrian friendly, and a car is not necessary.
There are so many colleges in this country.There is no reason to send a child someplace with a high crime rate. I thought Trinity College in CT looked interesting, but when I read about the surrounding area I didn’t even suggest my D look at it. Who needs that extra worry?
I’m not really worried about it…its more my son who is worried. And Humboldt state isn’t his top choice, so we’ll just leave it on the list and go from there. It’s not like he would be going to area where murder mountain takes place…so we’ll see. I do know that Arcata is a nice college town and I’ve heard nothing but good things about the town…
To give perspective on the distance Arcata is from Murder Mountain (2 hours driving) - Princeton is 11 miles, 15 min, drive straight shot into downtown Trenton. Talk about high crime! Nobody would ever send their kid to Princeton! LOL
@NJWrestlingmom well, my S is the one who seems put off by it…so I’ll let him decide…
Yep, and isn’t Princeton pretty safe?
It’s like most places - a mix. They’ve had their share of issues, but overall a beautiful, very wealthy area. I totally get why the show turned him off. You’ve gotta get the list down somehow! Lol