Weekly Roundup — Nov. 2–7, 2026
Nearly half of ballots still uncounted, the registrar rebuffs a federal ballot demand, and a balanced budget built on defunded roads.
A Magnitude 5 Quake off the North Coast
A magnitude 5 earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean about 69 miles west of Petrolia on Nov. 4, 2026, drawing 145 "felt" reports from the North Coast. The USGS logged no significant damage, and the National Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami danger.
In Mendocino County: Uncounted Ballots and Called Races
With nearly half of Mendocino County's ballots still uncounted, the 3rd District supervisor seat and the Ukiah and Fort Bragg city council races remain undecided. The county's legislative and congressional contests are settled, and six of 14 statewide propositions have been called.
Misdemeanor Case Against Ex-Ukiah Teacher LaFever Inches Toward a Disposition
Former Ukiah High teacher and MendoFever publisher Matthew LaFever's misdemeanor case was continued to Nov. 19 for a possible disposition.
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The 2026 Midterm Broke Turnout Records. Here’s Why That’s Not Enough
Voter turnout in the 2026 US midterm election reached near-record levels. Nevertheless, less than half the eligible adults in America participated in the election.
Willits Council Rejects Highway 20 Sculpture Plan, OKs Airport Hangar for Air Ambulance
Willits’ council turned down a plan to move the Mark Walker sculptures to a Highway 20 park, and approved an airport hangar to keep REACH’s air ambulance based in town.
Fiery Highway 20 Crash Seriously Injures Driver, Leads to DUI Citation
A fiery two-vehicle crash on Highway 20 east of Fort Bragg seriously injured one driver and led to a DUI citation Tuesday evening.
Bail Stays at $75,000 for Mendocino Man Whose Wife Died of Overdose
A judge kept Clayton Lowell's bail at $75,000 after prosecutors sought to jail him over a new drug arrest.
If Eric Hart Wins
Electing Eric Hart is a defeat of the cronyism and nepotism that characterizes governance here in Mendocino County— a government of little accountability and transparency.