# MendoLocal.News > Honest. Local. Fact-based news about Mendocino County. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### About MendoLocal.News URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/about/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T18:24:27.000Z *MendoLocal.News* is a project of Mendo Local Public Media, which was founded in 2025 to support independent journalism in Mendocino County. We are fiscally sponsored by the Tiny News Collective, EIN-85-3963369, a 501c3. #### Our Board of Directors ****The board of Mendo Local Public Media provides financial oversight and volunteers in support of our mission. The board has no control over or influence on editorial or coverage decisions, according to board bylaws.** ****Paul Brancato** is a professional violinist who joined the San Francisco Symphony in 1980\. He is a former concertmaster of the Oakland Symphony, a member of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and served as Music Director of the Berkeley Repertory Theater. ****Michelle Hickey** is a seasoned producer and writer who began her career in Bay Area television and news before moving to the agency side, where she led large-scale global events and media initiatives. She currently serves as Senior Director of Product Marketing for SAP BTP, leading global digital programs that reach audiences in over 45 countries. Her work reflects a deep commitment to public interest, sustainability, and social impact. She is also an Alfred P. Sloan Screenplay Fellow and a Disney and Chesterfield Screenplay Finalist, and an alum of NYU Tisch School of the Arts (MFA) and the University of Southern California. ****Sylvester Monroe** is a Senior Fellow at the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy. Before retiring from newsroom journalism in 2018, Monroe served as Assistant Foreign Editor at **The Washington Post* in charge of reporting from Europe and South Asia from August 2014 to December 2017\. During his storied career, Monroe has had a variety of important assignments with **Newsweek*, **TIME*, **The San Jose Mercury News*, the **Atlanta Journal Constitution*, **Ebony, and Marketplace,* the public radio show. ****Daniel Tynan** is an American journalist and commentator who specializes in technology. His work has appeared in more than 100 publications, including **The Guardian, Fast Company,* and **Wired*. Tynan is former editor in chief of [Yahoo Tech](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo%5FTech?ref=mendolocal.news), served as an Executive Editor at [**PC World*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PC%5FWorld%5F%28magazine%29?ref=mendolocal.news), and was a contributing editor for multiple periodicals that have gone on to the great magazine Valhalla in the sky. #### Our Corrections Policy Readers and listeners are encouraged to send corrections to editor@mendolocal.news. We also respond to corrections that are pointed out to us on social media as quickly as is practical. When a correction is made, we identify the correction with an editor’s note that includes the date and time the article was updated. 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Through coaching, tools and strategic support, Tiny News Collective nurtures a network of indie media founders to launch and grow community-rooted news organizations that endure.The Tiny News Collective will administer charitable contributions received on behalf of Mendo Local Public Media. Such funds will be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. You should confirm such deductibility through your own tax advisor.* ### How to Submit A Public Notice URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/notices-submit/ Last updated: 2026-09-05T18:39:34.000Z Get visibility for public notices that would otherwise not be widely available. MendoLocal.News offers digital-only notices. [Place a Public Notice](www.mendolocal.news) --- ## Getting Started 1. Click a "Place a Public Notice" button on this page 2. Provide your text 3. 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Please ensure a digital-only notice will satisfies your legal requirements under state or local law. ## Posts ### Mendocino Judge Halts New Logging in Coho Salmon Watershed URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-judge-halts-new-logging-in-coho-salmon-watershed/ Last updated: 2026-09-06T16:28:57.000Z A Mendocino County judge has ordered loggers to stop felling trees included in two timber harvest plans in the upper South Fork Eel River watershed, siding for now with a citizens' group that says state regulators approved the logging without adequately weighing the harm to coho salmon in the streams below. The preliminary injunction, issued Sept. 2 by Judge Charlotte Scott, freezes any further tree-cutting on the two plans — known as Hot Tuna (also called Lincoln Ridge) and Lincoln Logs — while a lawsuit challenging the plans’ approval moves ahead. The order stops what the court called "any new felling of trees," but lets the timber operators finish limited erosion-control and winterization work meant to protect water quality. The plans, covering 594 and 332 acres in the Dutch Charlie Creek and Little Charlie Creek drainages, were approved in early July by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE. The timberland is controlled by Redwood Timber Company and Redwood Forest Operating Company, which submitted the plans and are named in the suit as real parties in interest. The challenger is [Friends of Shaahnaa Lhook](https://www.savethecoho.org/?ref=mendolocal.news), an unincorporated association that describes itself in court papers as "concerned citizens" organized to protect forests and watersheds in the upper South Fork Eel. The association is named after the Cahto name for the creek, used by the Cahto Tribe of the Laytonville Rancheria, according to court filings. In the group’s petition, filed July 7, they contend that CAL FIRE violated the California Environmental Quality Act and the state's Forest Practice Act by signing off on the plans without adequately analyzing their cumulative effects on coho salmon and their habitat, along with the foothill yellow-legged frog, the northern spotted owl, and wildfire risk. The group argues that the plans glossed over how sediment from logging would reach salmon-bearing streams. CAL FIRE and the timber companies opposed the injunction, defending the environmental reviews behind the plans and warning of the cost of halting operations already underway. A registered professional forester for the companies told the court that, as of Aug. 25, the work was nearly finished: about 98% of the trees on the Lincoln Logs plan and 76% on the larger Hot Tuna plan had already been cut. Because so much had been felled, Scott's order restrains only new cutting and permits the companies, under CAL FIRE's supervision, to remove some downed logs, stabilize debris, and complete work needed to guard against winter erosion. The ruling capped two months of legal maneuvering that played out in two courts at once. The group first sought an emergency restraining order in July, but Judge Ann Moorman denied it on July 13, finding the group had not shown it was likely to win. The group then used a peremptory challenge — a one-time legal maneuver that lets a party remove a judge without proving bias — to take the case away from Moorman, who signed the order stepping aside. The matter was reassigned to Scott. At the same time, the group pursued a parallel track in the state Court of Appeal. After that court declined to issue an immediate emergency stay in late July, it granted a broader one on Aug. 17, ordering the companies to halt timber operations across both plans while the appeal proceeded, again with an exception for measures "to protect water quality and other resources." The appellate court declined to require the group to post a bond, and signaled that a trial-court ruling on the injunction would likely make its own order moot. Scott described the ruling as a hard one to reach. In the Sept. 2 order, the court wrote that it had "tremendous difficulty determining the true substance" of the group's claims, which it said were not clearly identified in the briefing and "shifted through the briefing and oral argument." The court also faulted both sides for the volume of their filings. Rather than narrowing the evidence, the order said, the group and the timber companies "overwhelmed the court" with successive briefs, declarations, and ex parte requests to file oversized memos, submitting "more than a thousand pages of proffered evidence." The court reminded the parties that the injunction motion was "not a trial on the merits" and said the paperwork had contributed to the delay in its ruling. Because the group won a preliminary injunction, state law required it to post a bond — money set aside to cover the timber companies' losses if the companies ultimately win the case and the halt is found to have been wrongly imposed. The companies argued the amount should reflect the roughly $5 million in harm they said a stoppage could cause; Scott set it at $1,000 — $500 for each plan — after the group's leader said in a sworn statement that it was a small nonprofit that could not afford a bond of that size. The group posted the $1,000 deposit the next day. The injunction does not decide the lawsuit. In granting it, the court found the group likely to prevail on at least part of its case, but did not rule on whether the plans were lawfully approved; that question awaits a later hearing. Under the order, the companies may still carry out winterization work on the two plans. A case-management conference is scheduled for Oct. 30. *Typos corrected 9:28 a.m. September 6, 2025* ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — September 5, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-roundup-september-5-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-05T21:13:55.000Z ### **🏛️ Mendocino County** **Mendocino County Receives $4.5 Million to Fight Illicit Cannabis Grows** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · Sept. 5* The board of supervisors approved a plan to spend $4.5 million in Prop. 64 grant funds on illicit cannabis grows, paying for enforcement personnel and a citation system to fine repeat offenders. Sheriff Matt Kendall told supervisors his office can't keep pace with sites that are raided and quickly replanted. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/09/05/mendocino-county-receives-4-5-mil-to-address-illicit-cannabis-grows/?ref=mendolocal.news) (*Ukiah Daily Journal* subscription required) **Tribal Co-Management of California's Demonstration Forests Now Rests With Newsom** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Sept. 4* Assembly Bill 2494, by Assemblymember Chris Rogers, has cleared the Legislature and awaits Gov. Newsom's decision; it would require the state to pursue co-management agreements with Native American tribes over California's 14 demonstration forests, including Jackson near Fort Bragg. The measure hardens the original language into a "good faith" mandate. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/tribal-co-management-of-californias-demonstration-forests-now-rests-with-newsom/) **State Recommends "Danger" Advisory at Lake Pillsbury as Toxic Algae Spreads** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Sept. 3* California's State Water Resources Control Board recommended a "danger" advisory — its highest toxic-algae level — for Lake Pillsbury ahead of Labor Day after tests found microcystin at 23.84 micrograms per liter, above the state's threshold of 20. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/09/state-recommends-danger-advisory-at-lake-pillsbury-as-toxic-algae-warnings-spread-across-lake-and-mendocino-counties/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Election Forums** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Sept. 3* Local groups have scheduled a run of candidate interviews and forums across Mendocino County through September and October, including Grass Roots Institute Zoom interviews with Fort Bragg candidates (Sept. 8–29) and in-person forums hosted by the League of Women Voters and others. A "Voting Matters" proposition workshop is set for Oct. 12 sponsored by CalMatters and Mendo Local Public Media. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/election-forums/) **Supes Approve 45-Day Data Center Moratorium** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Sept. 2* The board of supervisors voted unanimously on Sept. 2 to impose a 45-day moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas. A public hearing set for Oct. 6 will weigh extending the freeze up to two years while permanent regulations are drafted. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/supes-approve-45-day-data-center-moratorium/) **Gray Wolf Confirmed in Mendocino National Forest As the Species Returns to California** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Sept. 2* The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed a gray wolf in the Mendocino National Forest on Sept. 1, the latest sign of the species' natural return to a state where it was hunted to extinction by the 1920s. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/gray-wolf-confirmed-in-mendocino-national-forest-as-the-species-returns-to-california/) **Safety Standards Could Be Preventing Greater Safety in Mendocino County's Vineyards** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Aug. 31* Mendocino County vineyards are testing autonomous UV-light robots to fight mildew without chemical sprays, but California's safety code still requires a human operator at the controls, blocking fully driverless use. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/safety-standards-could-be-preventing-greater-safety-in-mendocino-countys-vineyards/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Judge Called Federal Farmworker Wage Cut Unlawful** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Aug. 30* A federal judge ruled in late August that the U.S. Department of Labor unlawfully lowered minimum wages for H-2A visa farmworkers but left the reduced rates in place, leaving Mendocino County vineyards operating under a $16.90 hourly floor, down from $19.97 a year earlier. Employers could eventually owe back pay, depending on replacement rates the Labor Department must still set. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/judge-called-federal-farmworker-wage-cut-unlawful-mendocino-vineyards-are-still-working-under-it/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### **⛰️ Covelo** **Round Valley Tribal Cemetery Vandalized North of Covelo; Sheriff's Office Logs Case** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Sept. 5* Vandals damaged multiple gravesites at Headquarters Cemetery on the Round Valley Indian Reservation north of Covelo on Sept. 5, scattering flowers, flags, and memorial items. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/09/round-valley-tribal-cemetery-vandalized-north-of-covelo-sheriffs-office-logs-case/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### **🌊 Fort Bragg** **One Person Hospitalized After Water Rescue at Jug Handle Near Caspar** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Sept. 4* One person was hospitalized after an evening water rescue at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve near Caspar, drawing Fort Bragg Fire, Fort Bragg Ambulance, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Officials did not disclose how the person ended up in the water or the severity of their injuries. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/09/one-person-hospitalized-after-water-rescue-at-jug-handle-near-caspar/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino County "Not Following the Law" at Fort Bragg Mill Site** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Sept. 3* Mendocino County recommended a “Negative Declaration” for the former Caspar mill site in Fort Bragg — a written statement prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) explaining why a proposed public or private project will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The 48-page recommendation did not mention previous contamination at the site, however, the planner did discuss that in a public hearing for a coastal development use permit. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/09/mendocino-county-not-following-the-law-at-fort-bragg-mill-site/?ref=mendolocal.news) **History in Motion: The Merlin Places the Iceberg Wave-Energy Desalination Device off Fort Bragg** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · Sept. 1* The contractor vessel Merlin was set to place the Iceberg wave-energy desalination device offshore near Fort Bragg on Sept. 1, testing whether ocean waves can turn seawater into fresh water without fossil fuels. The two-month pilot, launched from Noyo Harbor, will not supply any water to Fort Bragg during the trial. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/come-watch-the-placing-of-the-iceberg-wave-energy-device-tuesday-at-noon-history-will-be-made-and-fun-to-watch/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### **🏗️ Gualala** **Gualala Streetscape Project Fully Funded** *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer · Sept. 3* The Gualala Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Project has been fully funded and will begin advertising for bids in September. Caltrans announced Sept. 2 that $8.5 million is allocated to the project. [Read more](https://dot.ca.gov/news-releases/news-release-2026-019?ref=mendolocal.news) ### **👮 Piercy** **72-Year-Old Piercy Man Arrested on Child-Pornography Charges Wasn't on Megan's Law List — Why?** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · Sept. 2* John Louis Laudenschlager Sr., 72, of Piercy was arrested Aug. 19 after investigators found more than 600 sexual images of children on his phone and social-media accounts, and faces charges including possession of child sexual abuse material, firearm possession by a prohibited person, and perjury. The story examines why he was not on the Megan's Law registry, noting the law predates the internet and that possession wasn't criminalized until 1990. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/72-year-old-piercy-man-arrested-on-child-porno-charges-was-not-on-megans-law-list-why-when-looking-at-child-porno-became-a-felony-and-now-crackdown-on-ai-child-porno/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### **🎥 Point Arena** **Point Arena's Automated License-Plate Reader Camera Out of Commission** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer · Sept. 3* A license-plate reader camera normally mounted on a Highway 1 utility pole in front of Point Arena City Hall has been missing for weeks. Capt. Quincy Cromer of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said a work order was created in August to diagnose and repair it. [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required) ### **🎨 Redwood Valley** **Redwood Valley Artist Organizes "Appraiser's Art Show"** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · Sept. 2* Longtime Redwood Valley artist, potter, and radio host Knox Gillespie is organizing an "Appraiser's Art Show" to support the Redwood Valley community. The Ukiah Daily Journal profile traces Gillespie's path from a Pittsburgh childhood to New York City and, ultimately, a life as a Redwood Valley philosopher, musician, and maker. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/09/02/redwood-valley-artist-organizes-appraisers-art-show/?ref=mendolocal.news) (*Ukiah Daily Journal* subscription required) ### **🏙️ Ukiah** **Visit Ukiah Reports Flat County Tourism but 89% Jump in Social Media Views** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Sept. 4* Visit Ukiah executive director Katrina Kessen told the Ukiah City Council that Mendocino County's visitor economy has stayed flat even as the agency's Facebook and Instagram views jumped 89% to 7.6 million a year. Kessen cautioned that "tourism growth will not happen automatically," pointing to a gap between online engagement and actual visits. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/09/visit-ukiah-reports-flat-county-tourism-but-89-jump-in-social-media-views/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah City Council Members Respond to Concerns Regarding Flock Cameras** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · Sept. 4* Council member Mari Rodin said she has met separately with residents worried about data from the city's 14 license-plate-reading Flock cameras and with the Ukiah Police Department, and hopes to bring both sides together. Residents again voiced objections to the cameras at the council's Sept. 2 meeting. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/09/04/ukiah-city-council-members-respond-to-concerns-regarding-flock-cameras/?ref=mendolocal.news) (*Ukiah Daily Journal* subscription required) **$150,000 Raised for Cancer Resource Centers** *By Maureen Jennison, The Willits Weekly · Sept. 3* The 21st annual fundraiser for the Cancer Resource Centers of Mendocino County raised $150,000 at Nelson Family Vineyards last Saturday. State Sen. Mike McGuire led the live-pledge portion of the evening, rallying the crowd to give heavily to the 2026 fund. [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah Ends Annexation Push As Residents Request the County Exit Tax-Sharing Pact** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Sept. 2* The City of Ukiah announced Sept. 1 that it is ending a two-year effort to annex unincorporated county land in the Ukiah Valley, citing unresolved concerns over boundaries, costs, and public process. The same day, residents urged the board of supervisors to revisit the 2024 master tax-sharing agreement governing annexations, and the board agreed to take it up by Oct. 20. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-ends-annexation-push-as-residents-request-the-county-to-exit-tax-sharing-pact/) ### **🚂 Willits** **Willits Couple Identified in Fatal Crash** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Sept. 4* The California Highway Patrol and Mendocino County Sheriff's Office identified the Willits couple killed in an Aug. 30 crash as Phillip R. Colvard, 68, and Bernice D. Colvard, 57\. Their overturned vehicle was found at the bottom of a 150-foot embankment near Mariposa Creek and Bear Canyon roads. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-couple-identified-in-fatal-crash/) **Willits Moves to Extend Water Line to Mobile Home Park North of Town** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Sept. 1* The Willits City Council voted 4-0 on Aug. 26 to seek a state grant to extend city water to the Little Lake Mobile Home Park about a mile north of town, where the sole well failed in 2023 and roughly 38 residents rely on trucked water. The estimated $3.4 million project would run about 6,000 feet of new main along North Main Street. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-moves-to-extend-water-line-to-mobile-home-park-north-of-town/) **Young Army Veteran Seriously Injured in Highway 20 Crash** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 31* Thomas Montaudon, a 22-year-old Army veteran, was left paralyzed from the chest down after his Ford Mustang went off Highway 20 near Willits on Aug. 22 and rolled down a steep embankment. Montaudon, recently out of the 82nd Airborne and planning to attend college, is on a ventilator, and his family has started a GoFundMe for his care. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/young-army-veteran-seriously-injured-in-highway-20-crash/) ### **🐻 CalMatters** **California's Community Colleges Turn Against Bills to Expand Bachelor's Degrees** *By Mikhail Zinshteyn, CalMatters · Sept. 4* California's community colleges abruptly reversed course to oppose two bills, SB 960 and AB 2694, that they had backed to expand bachelor's-degree offerings, after late amendments capped new degrees based on student completion rates. Both bills — which would let colleges add two to 12 bachelor's programs starting in 2028 — passed the Legislature and now await Gov. Newsom's decision. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2026/09/community-college-bachelors-degrees-california/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Commentary: California Candidates Stay Quiet About the State's Job Woes** *By Dan Walters, CalMatters (Opinion) · Sept. 4* Columnist Dan Walters argues that California candidates are ignoring a worsening employment crisis, pointing to a 5.1% unemployment rate (second-highest in the nation), a labor force down 286,300 over the year, and a 10.3% U-6 underemployment rate. He contends that with only government-dependent health care showing strong job growth, voters are being left without any real debate on how to fix it. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/commentary/2026/09/california-politicians-job-numbers-shortages/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Tribal Co-Management of California's Demonstration Forests Now Rests With Newsom URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/tribal-co-management-of-californias-demonstration-forests-now-rests-with-newsom/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T22:44:06.000Z A bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature would, for the first time, write into state law a requirement that California pursue co-management agreements with Native American tribes over its demonstration state forests — formalizing, and expanding, a process CAL FIRE has already begun at Mendocino County's Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Assembly Bill 2494, by Assemblymember Chris Rogers, D-Santa Rosa, would empower the secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to enter into co-management agreements with California Native American tribes and would require the secretary "to make good faith efforts to collaboratively develop" them. The agreements would incorporate "local traditional ecological knowledge and local indigenous knowledge into the management direction of a forest in the demonstration state forest system," according to the bill. The amended bill goes further than the version Rogers introduced in February, which committed the state only to "seek opportunities for comanagement." As it now stands, the bill authorizes the secretary to enter the agreements and obligates the state to try, in good faith, to build them with the tribes. Co-management of Jackson is not a new idea for the state. CAL FIRE and the Natural Resources Agency, under Secretary Wade Crowfoot, have been in government-to-government co-management consultation with the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians since late 2021 and early 2022\. In September 2022, CAL FIRE floated a co-management offer for a 75-acre parcel it had pulled from the Caspar 500 timber harvest plan — an offer tribal advocates rejected as falling short of "true equal co-management." AB 2494 would move that engagement from a discretionary, contested process to a statutory obligation across all 14 demonstration forests. Jackson, the largest of the state's 14 demonstration forests, stretches between Fort Bragg and Willits and has been the site of years of conflict over logging, with Coyote Valley and other Pomo tribal members pressing the state to change how the forest is run, along with environmentalists. The same tribes are already partners in a separate land return a few miles west, on the Mendocino coast. In June, the California Transportation Commission approved transferring roughly 136 acres of Blues Beach — surplus Caltrans right-of-way the state acquired in the 1960s for planned Highway 1 scenic overlooks — to Kai Poma, a nonprofit formed by the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, the Round Valley Indian Tribes and the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians. State officials described it as the first time California has returned land managed by Caltrans directly to a Native-led organization; the transfer bars commercial development and requires public access to be maintained. The Newsom administration has pointed to a 2020 policy directing state agencies to "seek opportunities to support California tribes' co-management of and access to" their ancestral lands as the foundation for both the coastal return and the push for forest co-management. AB 2494 as introduced used nearly identical language, committing the state to "seek opportunities for comanagement" before later amendments strengthened it into the good-faith mandate now on Newsom's desk. Buffie Campbell, executive director of the InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council and a citizen of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians who testified for the bill in the Legislature, called AB 2494 "a huge step forward and long overdue." She said it strengthens and updates the state's intent on tribal co-management, and that it looks "very promising" Newsom will sign it. Campbell tied the measure to the formal apology California issued to Native people in 2019 and the ancestral-lands policy that followed. "That was just monumental," she said of the apology. "We have never gotten an apology from any government agency, let alone the government of California." The bill, she said, is a chance to change course: "We can't undo history, but we can start a new history for the generations who are coming, who we may never know." She framed forest protection as urgent and generational. "Everything we have today is borrowed from the future, and I think Governor Newsom realizes that," she said. Campbell said tribes are ready to take on a larger role. "We've always been at the forefront of stewardship of our lands," she said. "It is not going to be something we have to start from scratch." Tribes without federal recognition should also have a voice in how the forests are managed, she said, and the goal is cooperation: "We want to build bridges, we don't want to destroy relationships." "The Pomo and Yuki occupied and stewarded what is now known as the Jackson State Demonstration Forest in Mendocino County since time immemorial," Nikcole Whipple of the Round Valley Indian Tribes said in a statement released by EPIC, the bill's sponsor. "The land yearns for the guidance learned over millennia that we call 'traditional ecological knowledge' from the Yuki and Northern Pomo." Whipple said her hope is that Newsom "chooses a path forward for Demonstration Forest systems inclusive of Tribal co-management and surveys, meaningful consultation and conservation plans." Jaime Boggs, a tribal citizen of the Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians who represents his tribe on the InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, said the bill's core is putting tribes back in the room. "It's about tribes managing that land," he said. He faulted the state's approach directly: "The state of California has failed with the management style of the agencies," he said. "When there is no input from the tribal nations regarding the stewardship of any forestry land then we have natural disasters." Boggs described what tribal management would restore — chiefly the cultural burning that Pomo people used to keep the landscape productive. Tribes would "burn below the oak trees and redwoods," he said, "to ensure wild potatoes and wild herbs and medicines were grown." Looking at the demonstration forest, he said, "it is sad to see the cutting of trees and the stacking of the old growth." His prescription: "Give it to the tribes and let them manage it the way they see fit and we will regrow the trees and keep the atmosphere clean." The need for the change is urgent, he said. "Now is the opportune time with all the wildfires that are happening, climate change, lack of water, and lack of food" — and said the state and federal governments "can do better as long as they work with tribal authorities." Buffey Wright Bourassa, a District 3 supervisor candidate and a member of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, welcomed the expanded tribal role. "I appreciate that the final version of AB 2494 strengthens the opportunity for meaningful Tribal co-management of California's demonstration state forests," she said. "Including local Tribal knowledge and experience in decisions about these lands is important." However, Bourassa said funding is also concern. "Changing how Jackson is managed also raises the practical question of how the forest and the broader demonstration forest system will be sustainably funded over the long term," she said. She called for "a clear funding strategy that supports Tribal co-management, research, restoration, recreation, road maintenance and responsible forest management without creating unintended consequences for the forest or our local communities." CAL FIRE, which manages Jackson and would carry out any co-management agreements, declined to comment, saying it does not comment on pending legislation. ### Willits Couple Identified in Fatal Crash URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-couple-identified-in-fatal-crash/ Last updated: 2026-09-05T23:04:54.000Z A Willits couple died in a vehicle crash on Aug. 30, according to the California Highway Patrol. The couple’s vehicle was found around 4 p.m. at the bottom of a 150-foot embankment. The vehicle had overturned and came to rest on its roof. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Phillip R. Colvard, 68, and Bernice D. Colvard, 57. The crash occurred near Mariposa Creek and Bear Canyon roads. ### Election Forums URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/election-forums/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T14:54:28.000Z ## Upcoming election forums Sept 8, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Fort Bragg candidate interview: Tess Albin-Smith Zoom · Grass Roots Institute · [meet the candidates →](https://www.grassroots-institute.org/meet-the-candidates?ref=mendolocal.news) Sept 10, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Fort Bragg candidate interview: Mary Rose Kaczorowski Zoom · Grass Roots Institute · [meet the candidates →](https://www.grassroots-institute.org/meet-the-candidates?ref=mendolocal.news) Sept 15, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Fort Bragg candidate interview: Scott Mayberry Zoom · Grass Roots Institute · [meet the candidates →](https://www.grassroots-institute.org/meet-the-candidates?ref=mendolocal.news) Sept 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Fort Bragg candidate interview: Levi W. Cooke Zoom · Grass Roots Institute · [meet the candidates →](https://www.grassroots-institute.org/meet-the-candidates?ref=mendolocal.news) Sept 20, 2–4 p.m. Candidate night Little Lake Grange · LWV Mendocino, Mendocino Women's Political Coalition, Willits Economic Localization Sept 22, 6–7:45 p.m. FB council candidates forum Company Store, 2nd floor · Association for a Better Fort Bragg Sept 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Fort Bragg candidate interview: Richard Ulveling Zoom · Grass Roots Institute · [meet the candidates →](https://www.grassroots-institute.org/meet-the-candidates?ref=mendolocal.news) Sept 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Fort Bragg candidate interview: Mary Ann Schmidt Zoom · Grass Roots Institute · [meet the candidates →](https://www.grassroots-institute.org/meet-the-candidates?ref=mendolocal.news) Oct 1 FB council candidates forum Town Hall · League of Women Voters Oct 12, 6:30–8 p.m. Voting matters Fort Bragg Town Hall · CalMatters & Mendo Local Public Media · proposition workshop ### Supes Approve 45-Day Data Center Moratorium URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supes-approve-45-day-data-center-moratorium/ Last updated: 2026-09-05T23:05:01.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted an urgency ordinance Tuesday imposing a 45-day moratorium on new data center uses in unincorporated areas of the county. The board scheduled a public hearing for Oct. 6, when supervisors could consider extending the moratorium for up to two years while the county develops permanent regulations governing data centers. Deputy County Counsel Matthew Kiedrowski said the county code currently does not define or specifically regulate data centers. As a result, an application for such a facility could potentially be processed as a building permit without additional land-use review. Under Government Code Section 65858, a four-fifths vote allows local governments to impose a 45-day interim freeze while developing permanent regulations. The ordinance passed 5-0. Public commenters expressed both support for the moratorium and concern that permanent regulations could foreclose potentially beneficial data center projects. Eileen Russell, representing Mendocino Redwood Company and Mendocino Forest Products, asked the board to consider potential beneficial uses, particularly the possibility of co-locating data centers with sawmills and using their waste heat to dry lumber. Representatives of the Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council and the Willits Environmental Hub supported the moratorium and called for a longer period of study. Gizmo, speaking on behalf of the Redwood Valley MAC, relayed written support from Chair Dolly Riley. Ellen Drell of the Willits Environmental Center asked the board to add the potential loss of farmland and the county's climate goals to the ordinance's findings. Drell also asked supervisors to narrow an exemption for public safety uses, arguing that broad language could provide a loophole for surveillance-focused operations. Supervisor Ted Williams proposed inserting the word “local” before “public safety” to prevent outside surveillance operations from claiming the exemption. Kiedrowski said the existing language — exempting “public safety, emergency communications, or emergency operations facilities” — would reasonably be interpreted as applying to county agencies. He said, however, that the board could tighten the language when it considers extending the moratorium in October. Anna Stockel, who called into the meeting, opposed the moratorium. She argued that data centers are effectively factories and should be regulated in the same manner. She also questioned whether an urgency ordinance was justified when there was no pending application for a data center. Another caller, Rex Gresset, said he initially suspected the ordinance was intended to facilitate data centers by creating new regulations for them. After hearing the board's discussion, however, he said he was less concerned. The board adopted the ordinance as drafted. Supervisor John Haschak said additional findings related to farmland and climate could be considered at the Oct. 6 hearing. Williams also invited Mendocino Forest Products to participate in developing the county's long-term data center regulations. ### Gray Wolf Confirmed in Mendocino National Forest As the Species Returns to California URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/gray-wolf-confirmed-in-mendocino-national-forest-as-the-species-returns-to-california/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T22:44:45.000Z A lone gray wolf has been sighted in the Mendocino National Forest and confirmed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, county officials said at the Sept. 1 Board of Supervisors meeting — the latest sign that a predator hunted out of the state a century ago is finding its way back on its own. Supervisor Madeline Cline told the board the animal had been "spotted in our county and confirmed by Department of Fish and Wildlife in the Mendocino National Forest." She noted that gray wolves remain listed as endangered under both the California Endangered Species Act and the Federal Endangered Species Act and "lethal take is prohibited." However, when a wolf comes within a quarter mile of livestock or within 100 yards of a dwelling, non-injurious hazing is allowed under CDFW guidance, she said. Agricultural Commissioner Angela Godwin said her office was working toward a possible "bi-county wolf task force," citing the risk of predation on livestock. The sighting is a small local chapter of a larger comeback. Wolves are believed to have been wiped out in California in the 1920s. They were first seen again in 2011, when a wolf known as OR-7 came into the state from Oregon. California's first modern pack, the Shasta Pack, formed in 2015\. As of July 2026, the state counted a minimum of 50 wolves in 11 confirmed packs, according to CDFW. The department is emphatic that the animals came back without human help. "Wolves have returned to California on their own by dispersal of individuals from source populations in other states," CDFW says on its website. "The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) did not reintroduce gray wolves to the state." The agency also stresses that the animal belongs here: "Gray wolves are a native species to California." Because wolves are habitat "generalists," CDFW says, "they can adapt to living in many kinds of habitat" — one reason a lone disperser can turn up far from the established packs of the northeastern counties. The protections are strict. The "take" of a gray wolf — to "hunt, pursue, harass, catch, capture, or kill" — "is prohibited anywhere in the state," CDFW says, and there is no hunting season for wolves in California. For ranchers, that leaves the non-lethal hazing Cline described as the tool of first resort if a wolf lingers near livestock. ### Ukiah Ends Annexation Push As Residents Request the County Exit Tax-Sharing Pact URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-ends-annexation-push-as-residents-request-the-county-to-exit-tax-sharing-pact/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T00:39:49.000Z The City of Ukiah has ended its two-year push to annex a swath of the unincorporated Ukiah Valley — and the morning after that announcement, three speakers, including the county's own treasurer-tax collector, urged the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors to go further and rescind the county's master tax sharing agreement. In an Aug. 31 statement, the city said its City Council Annexation Ad Hoc Committee was suspending work on the annexation initiative and would not advance further efforts to revise the draft proposal. Two years of technical, environmental, and fiscal analysis, along with workshops, hearings, and written comments, had raised questions about the proposed boundaries, costs, service capacity, land use, representation, and public process, the city said, and the feedback "made clear that the current proposal does not have the foundation of public support and shared understanding needed to proceed constructively." "People can disagree about the best long-term structure for serving the Ukiah Valley," City Manager Sage Sangiacomo said in the statement. "Continuing to advance the current proposal would not build the trust and shared understanding needed for a decision of this significance. At the same time, the regional service and infrastructure pressures that prompted this discussion have not gone away." The city said aging infrastructure, rising service demands, limited housing, and responsibilities divided among jurisdictions remain, and that it would keep working with regional partners. The next morning, at the board's Sept. 1 meeting, the annexation's end drew three speakers to the public-expression podium, each asking the county to act on the master tax sharing agreement — the 2024 agreement that sets how property-tax revenue is split when a city annexes county land. Chamise Cubbison, the county's elected treasurer-tax collector, told the board she was speaking as a resident of the City of Ukiah rather than in her official capacity, and asked the supervisors "to consider giving notice to rescind and get out of the master tax sharing agreement." Ross Liberty called the situation "accidental abdication." Unincorporated residents never got to vote for the Ukiah City Council that sought to annex their land, he said, and by signing the master tax sharing agreement the board had left those residents "somewhat powerless" to stop a future annexation. He asked the county either to exit the agreement — a step he noted takes five years — or to add a clause letting the board "at their discretion, opt out" of an annexation. He also faulted the protest-petition process, arguing it set a high bar because an unreturned form is counted as support for annexation. Julie Golden asked the board to terminate the tax-sharing agreement outright and begin the required notice to the cities and the Local Agency Formation Commission. Approved in June 2024, the agreement had been "sold as shorthand," she said, but "used as a proxy to push annexation of unincorporated land without the informed consent of the people who live and own property there." A 20-year blanket formula "is not a substitute for talking to landowners, looking at each parcel, and deciding whether annexation actually serves the public," she told the board, and once the county signed it, "we lost our voice through abdication." She urged the county to instead negotiate tax-sharing case by case, "one proposal at a time." The board returned to the subject later in the meeting, under a post-withdrawal debrief listed as Item R15 — but stopped short of rescinding anything. Supervisor Madeline Cline said the city repeatedly floated changes to the annexation map, including adding the Brush Street Triangle and dropping some Williamson Act land at the south end of town, without notifying the county's ad hoc committee, and never supplied a timeline despite being asked at every meeting. Chair Bernie Norvell agreed, saying the most frustrating part was learning the city had a timeline it disclosed only at a city planning commission meeting. Supervisor Ted Williams cautioned against a unilateral move, saying a collaborative rewrite with the city would produce better results than a rescission fight. "These are our neighbors," he said. "They're trying to make their city stronger and look at sustainability. Frankly, they're ahead of us as a county. I don't think we're looking at sustained sustainability 20 years out, right? The city is at least grappling with, if nothing happens, it's pretty bleak future." Williams said the county's own finances are not sustainable, citing law-enforcement costs rising "eight and a half percent a year" against revenue growing "more like four or four and a half percent," and deferred maintenance "in the hundreds of millions." Supervisor John Haschak moved to direct staff to bring the master tax sharing agreement back for board discussion on Oct. 20 — or as soon as possible after the county ad hoc can meet with the City of Ukiah — to weigh modifying the agreement or other options, including rescission. The motion passed 5-0. ### Willits Moves to Extend Water Line to Mobile Home Park North of Town URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-moves-to-extend-water-line-to-mobile-home-park-north-of-town/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T22:15:33.000Z The Willits City Council voted Aug. 26 to apply for a state grant to extend the city's water system about one mile north of the city limits to the Little Lake Mobile Home Park, whose sole groundwater well began failing in 2023\. The roughly 38 residents now depend on water trucked in by the state. The 4-0 vote authorizes staff to submit a grant application to the State Water Resources Control Board for the North Main Street Pipeline Extension Project and to execute related agreements. Council Member Bruce Burton recused himself and did not vote. Council Member Gerardo Gonzalez moved to adopt the resolution; Mayor Tom Allman seconded. Community Development Director Dusty Duley told the council the state has been supplying the park through its Urgent Drinking Water Needs Program, trucking in water after the park's single well began having structural failures. With no long-term alternative, Duley said, the state is now requiring the city to extend its utilities to the park. The project is estimated at $3.4 million — covering construction, environmental review, design, and city staff time. Duley said the grant would reimburse the city in full. According to the staff report, the project would run roughly 6,000 feet of new water main along North Main Street, connect to the city's existing 10-inch main, and install a master meter and backflow-prevention device at the park along with three fire hydrants. The vote does not authorize construction; a California Environmental Quality Act document is still in preparation. The park's water problems have come before the council before — twice raised by Burton in committee reports. On Sept. 10, 2025, Burton, reporting from the Water/Wastewater Committee, listed "the Little Lake Mobile Home Park water connection" among ongoing water projects. On Jan. 28, 2026, he reported that the park "has a water deficiency issue and is seeking to hook up to city water." At Tuesday's meeting, before Duley finished his presentation, Burton raised his own potential conflict. "I have a conflict of interest on this," he said, telling the council, "I own the property next door." The city attorney explained that an official who owns property within 500 feet of a matter that could have a material financial effect on them has a potential conflict; Allman asked Burton to step aside, and he left the hearing room. The extension's only immediate customer is the mobile home park. Under questioning from the council, Public Works Director Davey Bowles said the new city-owned pipeline could also serve growth over the long term. The benefit to the city, Bowles said, is that it "would be able to, in the future, way down the road, have this for any future development if that would be annexed." A council member asked whether an adjacent property owner could later tap the line to build housing; Bowles said an owner could apply to the Local Agency Formation Commission and, if approved by LAFCO and the county, receive a service lateral and meter. Properties between the city limits and the park — including at least one house and a second, smaller mobile home park — would be bypassed by the project and would not receive connections through it, Bowles said. Because the park's well has failed, its extension is a special circumstance. Normally, Bowles noted, out-of-city service agreements come with the expectation that the property will be annexed into the city. Other owners along the route would have to apply separately through LAFCO and pay those costs themselves. Read the [Willits City Council Full Report](https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-city-council-full-report-august-26-2026/) for August 26, 2026 ### Willits City Council Full Report — August 26, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-city-council-full-report-august-26-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T23:04:22.000Z **Willits City Council – Aug. 26, 2026** Mayor Tom Allman gaveled the regular meeting to order on Aug. 26, 2026\. (The [full meeting](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NCk-4rK-xc&ref=mendolocal.news) is available on YouTube.) **Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items** No members of the public stepped forward to comment on non-agenda items. **Consent Calendar** No public comments were offered. Council Member Bruce Burton moved to approve the Aug. 12, 2026 meeting minutes; the motion was seconded and passed 5-0. **Item: Fiscal Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee** Community Development Director Dusty Duley presented a resolution to establish a temporary Fiscal Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee — a two-member council body charged with identifying cost savings, revenue opportunities, and strategies to close the city's structural budget gap. The committee carries no independent decision-making authority and will bring recommendations back to the full council. Duley noted the committee would dissolve once it completes its work unless the council extends its mandate. Allman framed the urgency around Measure K, a local sales tax that expires in 2030\. Even with Measure K, he said, the city's budget is running more than $500,000 out of balance. Burton flagged potential revenue opportunities tied to city-owned assets, including land near the wastewater plant and watershed property. All four remaining council members voiced support. Allman nominated Council Member Gerardo Gonzalez to serve alongside him on the committee. Burton moved to adopt the resolution; Gonzalez seconded. The council voted 5-0\. Allman said he hoped to schedule the committee's first meeting within four weeks. **Item: Mobile Home Park Water Line Grant** The Willits City Council voted 4-0 on Aug. 26 to apply for a state grant to extend the city's water system about 1 mile north to the Little Lake Mobile Home Park, whose only well began failing in 2023\. See MendoLocal.News story. ## **Department Reports** **Administrative Services:** Administrative Services Director Joseph Park reported that the 2024-25 audit is on track. Financial consultant Andy Heath told Park that auditors have not requested additional sampling rounds, a sign the process is moving smoothly. Park said preliminary audit numbers are expected by the end of September, with a final findings report by the end of October. Council Member Larry Stranske pressed Park on how long it is taking staff to become proficient with the city's Springbrook financial software, noting the city has been working through implementation for at least two years. Park acknowledged the conversion from the legacy ACS system was not clean and required significant decoding. He said the city is now entering all transactions directly in Springbrook in real time for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which he said will make the next audit significantly faster. Park also noted the city uses multiple credit card processors and money collection points, which has created data flow problems; consolidating those processes is part of the optimization plan. Allman noted Park has been in the role fewer than 90 days. Helen Sims asked from the public whether any future Springbrook improvements or training modules would carry additional costs. Park confirmed that while the initial implementation contract is closed, training sessions for specific reporting needs — such as annual state controller reports — would require paid engagements with the vendor. **Airport:** Bowles reported that the California Department of Transportation Aeronautics division completed its annual airport inspection with no significant action items. A tree maintenance program previously completed was noted favorably by inspectors. A Caltrans-led east-side airport access project approved earlier this year has not yet begun; Bowles said the city has received no communication from Caltrans on a start date for the work. Duley added that city staff met with the Federal Aviation Administration to pursue funding for a pavement management plan at the airport — a prerequisite for additional FAA funding to rehabilitate airport pavement. He said the grant would cover city staff time as well. **Community Development:** Duley reported the city extended public pool hours through Sept. 11, pushing past an Aug. 7 closure date. He said the extension was funded in coordination with the school district. **Police Department:** Chief Brian Fay submitted June and July reports with no items flagged for discussion. He asked the public to slow down near schools now that the academic year has begun, and said the department will increase enforcement of distracted driving. On Flock Safety license plate readers: Fay said the city has seven cameras under contract but only three are operational — correcting the city's own transparency portal, which he acknowledged incorrectly lists four. He declined to disclose camera locations to prevent vandalism. Fay said all officer searches are tied to a case or incident number for auditing purposes, that the city owns its own data, and that the system is set to a 30-day retention with automatic deletion unless data is preserved for evidentiary use. He said a transparency portal is live on the city's website under the police department tab, showing search counts and plates read. **Public Works:** Bowles reported the repair of Willits' downtown park playground equipment, including overhead bars and a merry-go-round, and the addition of two truckloads of wood chips to bring fall protection surfaces into compliance. The city also received a signed $400,000 state agreement for a Local Partnership Program pavement preservation project on West Mendocino Avenue, Phase 2 — an 80/20 state-city cost share. Design work is underway on a 250,000-gallon clear water tank. The Great Redwood Trail project is on schedule, with a contractual completion date of Dec. 7; base rock is being laid and compacted toward the Bechtel Creek Bridge. A commenter raised the Mendocino Council of Governments-funded Highway 20 multimodal circulation study. Duley confirmed the study, funded through a MCOG grant, will involve community outreach along the Highway 20 corridor to identify desired improvements. Those findings will ultimately inform a Caltrans construction project expected within the next 10 years. ## **Council Member Reports** **Burton:** Nothing to report. **Gonzalez:** Attended a MCOG meeting; noted the agency had prioritized Willits' needs in long-term planning. An Mendocino Transit Authority meeting scheduled for the same day was canceled. Gonzalez flagged the Lions Club 50th anniversary celebration this Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., and the Sept. 5 Feast for the Beast fundraiser ahead of the next council meeting. He also disclosed he will be absent from the Sept. 9 council meeting due to a work conflict. **Stranske:** Raised a League of California Cities alert regarding legislation that could shift wildfire liability from PG&E to ratepayers, local governments, and individuals. Stranske said the comment deadline is Aug. 28 — before the council's next regular meeting — and asked that the city manager send a letter opposing the measure. Allman said the item was not on the agenda for a vote tonight but committed to placing it on the next agenda so the council could formally authorize the city manager to write such a letter on the city's behalf. **Allman:** Noted LAFCO did not meet in August but will meet next month. Asked that a future agenda item authorize the city manager to respond to League of Cities alerts on the city's behalf without requiring council action each time. **Moment of Silence** Before closing the regular meeting, Allman read a remembrance of Priscilla Lynn Rodriguez-Tarver, wife of longtime city employee Clarence Tarver, who died unexpectedly Aug. 17\. The council and those present observed a moment of silence. A viewing is scheduled Friday, Aug. 28, at Anker-Lucere Mortuary, 3 to 7 p.m.; a Celebration of Life follows Saturday, Aug. 29, 3 to 6 p.m., at Agape Church in Willits. **Closed Session** Following the regular meeting, the council convened in closed session pursuant to Government Code 54957 to discuss recruitment and potential appointment of a city manager. Upon returning, Allman announced direction had been given to staff. No further details were disclosed. Mayor Allman adjourned the closed session at approximately 8:22 p.m. ### Young Army Veteran Seriously Injured in Highway 20 Crash URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/young-army-veteran-seriously-injured-in-highway-20-crash/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T22:33:47.000Z A 22-year-old Army veteran is paralyzed from the chest down after the car he was driving went off Highway 20 and down a steep embankment near mile marker 24.3 on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 22. Tony Schultz, the veteran's brother-in-law, told *MendoLocal.News* that Thomas Montaudon was driving from Willits to Fort Bragg with his father, Chuck Montaudon, when the crash occurred. Montaudon was driving a 2000 Ford Mustang GT he had recently purchased to drive to school, Schultz said. The California Highway Patrol confirmed the basic details of the crash and said it is under investigation. Schultz said Montaudon was slowing down when a passenger-side tire went off the roadway. As Montaudon tried to correct, the vehicle was pulled completely off the road and down the embankment. "The CHP said it flipped 12 or 15 times," Schultz said. Chuck Montaudon escaped with a concussion and bruises, Schultz said. Montaudon suffered a spinal injury at the C6 level, is paralyzed from the chest down, and is on a ventilator, according to a[ GoFundMe campaign](https://www.gofundme.com/f/US-Army-Veteran-Support-after-devastating-crash?ref=mendolocal.news) Schultz started for his brother-in-law. Schultz said Montaudon was a 4.0 student at Taft Union High School in Taft, in Kern County, where he played baseball. He recently completed three and a half years of military service with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, and was living in Willits and planning to attend school in the area. Schultz, who is also a veteran, said the family is seeking financial help to cover expenses associated with Montaudon's recovery and long-term care. "Our family is small and close-knit, and we have limited resources," Schultz wrote in the fundraiser. "We are rallying around him in every way we can." The fundraiser says donations will help pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance, rehabilitation services, a hospital bed and other equipment for home use, in-home nursing visits, and transportation, including a wheelchair-accessible van. "Every contribution will help us give him the care, equipment, and support he needs as we work to get him as independent as possible," Schultz wrote. The family is asking those who cannot donate to [share the fundraiser.](https://www.gofundme.com/f/US-Army-Veteran-Support-after-devastating-crash?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — August 30, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-roundup-august-30-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T23:57:03.000Z ### 🏛️ Mendocino County **AB 2494 Awaits Newsom's Signature** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 30* AB 2494, the bill would broaden the mission of state demonstration forests to weigh tribal uses, recreation, and climate research on equal footing with logging, has passed the legislature and is waiting for Governor Newsom to sign it into law. Read [MendoLocal.News story](https://www.mendolocal.news/state-forest-management-overhaul-awaits-t-newsoms-consideration/), [Read MendocinoCoast.News analysis ](https://mendocinocoast.news/ab2494-passes-senate-awaits-newsom-bill-would-change-demonstration-forests-with-tribal-mandate-allowing-higher-camping-fees-and-putting-other-uses-on-equal-footing-with-logging-will-lawsuits-be/?ref=mendolocal.news) **New Mendocino County Psychiatric Health Facility Still Months From Opening** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · August 27* Mendocino County's new psychiatric health facility, under construction south of Ukiah since 2024, is on track to finish building by early September but won't admit patients for several more months while it completes state licensing. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/new-mendocino-county-psychiatric-health-facility-still-could-be-several-months-from-opening/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino County Issues Updated Scam Alert for Permit Applicants** *By Mendocino County Planning and Building Services · August 25* Mendocino County Planning and Building Services issued an updated scam alert warning that fraudulent emails impersonating Interim Director Richard Angley are pressing permit applicants to wire additional funds. Red flags include @usa.com sender addresses rather than official @mendocinocounty.gov ones, wire-transfer demands, and insistence on email-only contact; the department urges applicants to verify by phone and report the messages. [Read more](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Trump Administration Proposes Removing Prohibitions on Roads Throughout National Forests** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · August 23* The Trump administration has proposed rescinding the 2001 Roadless Rule, which would open nearly 45 million acres of national forest — including tracts in Mendocino and Lake counties — to road building and logging. Colorado and Idaho have state protections that would blunt the change, but California has none. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/trump-admin-proposes-removing-prohibitions-on-roads-throughout-national-forests-california-does-not-have-state-protections-that-would-thwart-trump-administration-effort-to-allow-roadbuilding-into-nat/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🎉 Elk **Great Day in Elk Turns 50** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · August 28* The Great Day in Elk community festival marks its 50th anniversary Aug. 29, with a new evening dinner added to the traditional benefit for the Greenwood Community Center. The origin of the event's name remains disputed, credited variously to part-time resident Bill Edison and to the Oasis Bar crowd. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/great-day-in-elk-turns-50-who-gave-it-that-great-name-its-a-great-night-now-too-chef-matt-cooks/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌊 Fort Bragg **From a Living Room Idea to a Healthcare Powerhouse: Winesong Celebrates 41 Years** *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice · August 27* Winesong, the annual wine-and-food fundraiser for the Mendocino Coast Healthcare Foundation, has raised more than $10.7 million over 41 years for coast health programs. The 2025 event netted $725,000 for uses including medical equipment, food banks, and emergency services across the coastal healthcare district. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/from-a-living-room-idea-to-a-healthcare-powerhouse-winesong-celebrates-41-years/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Fort Bragg Rewrites Its Coastal Zoning Rulebook in a Single Night** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 25* The Fort Bragg City Council unanimously adopted nine zoning changes in a single Aug. 24 session, legalizing short-term vacation rentals downtown for the first time and allowing formula (chain) businesses with city approval. The rewrite also permits detached garages on property lines and home cottage-food production, and refocuses sign rules on size rather than content. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-rewrites-its-coastal-zoning-rulebook-in-a-single-night/) **Fort Bragg Earns State Prohousing Designation** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 25* California has awarded Fort Bragg a Prohousing Designation, making the city eligible to compete for state housing grants of roughly $150,000 to $2 million. The designation follows two years of local policy changes meant to streamline development and expand housing options. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-earns-state-prohousing-designation/) **Fort Bragg's New Icehouse Is Generating Complaints as Well as Ice** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · August 24* The Noyo Harbor District's new 20-ton flake-ice machine in Fort Bragg is drawing noise complaints from uphill Trailer Cove residents. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/fort-braggs-new-icehouse-is-generating-complaints-as-well-as-ice/?ref=mendolocal.news) **A Letter to Georgia-Pacific the City Kept Confidential for Nearly 12 Years** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 24* A 2014 letter from Fort Bragg's mayor assured Georgia-Pacific the city would not press state regulators to require active cleanup of the contaminated Mill Pond — a position the council reversed in 2017 when it voted to demand full remediation. The letter stayed confidential for nearly 12 years until a railway company's lawsuit forced its release. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/a-letter-to-georgia-pacific-the-city-kept-confidential-for-nearly-12-years/) **Man and Dog Save Dog, Driver: Fort Bragg Police Give Update on Pudding Creek Crash** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · August 24* A 62-year-old man, Lloyd Lewis, and his dog helped rescue an injured driver and the driver's dog after a vehicle crashed into Pudding Creek in Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg police and volunteer firefighters brought the driver to shore, and the rescued dog was checked at the Humane Society. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/man-saves-two-dogs-driver-fort-bragg-police-give-update-on-pudding-creek-crash/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 📻 Gualala **KTDE Seeks Donations to Replace Antenna Mast** *By KTDE, The Independent Coast Observer · August 27* *Gualala* Tide Community Radio (KTDE) is raising $10,900 to replace an aging antenna mast. Contributions can be sent to The Tide Community Radio, PO Box 1557, Gualala, CA 95445. [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(*Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required*)* --- ### 💡 Point Arena **Four Options to Address Hwy. 1 Flooding at Garcia River** *By Karen Elowitt, The Independent Coast Observer · August 27* Caltrans presented a feasibility study on options to address chronic Highway 1 flooding near the Garcia River in Point Arena at the Mendocino Council of Governments' August 24 meeting. Three of the four alternatives are long-term projects — two viaduct designs and a relocation of Windy Hollow Road — while the fourth would replace the Hathaway Creek bridge and raise the surrounding grade. [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(*Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required*)* --- ### ⛽ Redwood Valley **Supervisor John Haschak Nominated Democrat of the Year** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly · August 27* About 80 local Democrats gathered at the Redwood Valley Grange on August 22 to honor retiring Third District Supervisor John Haschak as Democrat of the Year. Haschak is stepping down from the county Board of Supervisors. [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Jury Makes Quick Work of a Hay-and-Necessity DUI Defense** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 27* A Mendocino County jury quickly convicted a 60-year-old Redwood Valley woman of two misdemeanor DUI counts, rejecting a necessity defense that she drove drunk only to escape allegations that she was trespassing and taking hay that didn't belong to her. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/jury-makes-quick-work-of-a-hay-and-necessity-dui-defense/) **Residents File a Lawsuit in an Effort to Block Redwood Valley Gas Station** *By Alessandra Rizzo, The Mendocino Voice · August 25* Three Redwood Valley residents sued Aug. 17 to overturn the Board of Supervisors' May approval of a Chevron station permit, arguing it violates zoning rules meant to protect public health and safety. The suit cites operator Faizan Corporation's record of violations, including a $500,000 settlement over faulty leak-detection equipment and false octane labeling. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/residents-file-a-lawsuit-in-an-effort-to-block-redwood-valley-gas-station/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🏙️ Ukiah **Ukiah High Students Help Carry Forward Nearly Lost Northern Pomo Language** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · August 27* Four Ukiah High School graduates earned California's Seal of Biliteracy in Northern Pomo this year, a language nearly lost to historical suppression. The honor marks the fifth year of the school's Native Language program, built with local tribes and UC Berkeley researchers. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/ukiah-high-students-help-carry-forward-nearly-lost-northern-pomo-language/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah Planning Commission Won't Back Annexation Plan** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 27* The Ukiah Planning Commission voted 4-1 to reject the city's proposed pre-zoning plan to annex roughly 1,485 parcels. Commissioners said they remained open to annexing developed neighborhoods but objected the current map. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-planning-commission-wont-back-annexation-plan/) --- ### 🥳 Willits **The Munchery Celebrates Third Anniversary** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly · August 27* The Munchery at Brown's Corner marked three years in business with an anniversary party on August 21\. Lupine Driver provided live music for the celebration. [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **In Willits, Police Cars That Blend in Raise Questions About California Law** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 26* The Little Lake Grange is challenging Willits' low-contrast police vehicles, arguing they violate California's requirement that traffic-enforcement cars carry distinctive markings. Under state law, officers in improperly marked cars can be barred from testifying in speed cases, though how the rule applies to the Willits fleet remains unclear. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/in-willits-police-cars-that-blend-in-raise-questions-about-california-law/) **Why the City of Willits Wanted to Cancel the Election for City Council** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 24* The City of Willits city council missed the legal deadline to cancel the election and save $7,000–$8,000\. Candidates Robin Leler and Sherrie Ebyam will now appear on the ballot for two open seats, with write-in entries still possible. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/why-the-city-of-willits-wanted-to-cancel-the-election-for-city-council/) --- ### 🐻 CalMatters **Newsom Drops Utility-Cost Plan in Final Legislature Wildfire Deal** *By Jeanne Kuang and Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters · August 29* Gov. Newsom abandoned his plan to shield utilities from wildfire costs after opposition from lawmakers, insurers, and fire survivors, settling instead for a narrower agreement. The final deal creates a "fast-pay" program for survivors and bars private-equity investment in wildfire claims as well as executive bonuses at utilities responsible for fatal fires. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/08/final-legislature-wildfire-deal-newsom/?ref=mendolocal.news) **PPIC Study Links Prop. 47 to Rise in Homelessness and Drug Use** *By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters · August 27* *California* A new Public Policy Institute of California report estimates that Proposition 47 — the 2014 measure that downgraded many drug offenses from felonies to misdemeanors — likely drove a roughly 10% increase in street homelessness between 2015 and 2019, or about 7,000 additional unsheltered Californians. The study also ties the reform to a 7–8% rise in drug use and a 20% drop in people receiving drug treatment, though researchers cautioned the correlation does not by itself prove causation. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2026/08/ppic-prop-47-study-drugs-homelessness/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### State Forest Management Overhaul Awaits Newsom's Consideration URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/state-forest-management-overhaul-awaits-t-newsoms-consideration/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T22:33:39.000Z California would overhaul how it manages — and logs — its 14 demonstration state forests, including Mendocino County's Jackson Demonstration State Forest, under a bill that cleared the Legislature on Aug. 27 and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for approval or veto. Assembly Bill 2494, by Assemblymember Chris Rogers, D-Santa Rosa, would replace a decades-old mandate to manage the forests for "maximum sustained production of high-quality forest products" with a broader set of goals — biodiversity, carbon storage, wildfire resilience, recreation and research — while still allowing timber sales under the new priorities. Rogers's 2nd Assembly District contains two of the state's 14 demonstration forests: Jackson, the largest, which stretches between Fort Bragg and Willits, and the Ellen Pickett State Forest in Trinity County. Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, whose district also covers Mendocino County, is a coauthor, as are Assemblymembers Damon Connolly and Rick Chavez Zbur. Jackson has been the site of years of conflict over logging. AB 2494 would redefine "management" of the demonstration forests as the handling of "forest vegetation, water, and soils" for "public benefits," described in the bill to include watershed health and wildfire resilience. The current law defines management around "maximum sustained production of high-quality forest products." The bill would also reshape when timber can be cut. It would authorize harvesting within the demonstration forest system only "if in furtherance of specified objectives," and would allow research on forest land that informs biodiversity, carbon storage, habitat, water and soil quality, watershed health, and tribal stewardship. It would also modify the state's authority to allow mining on forest land. The initial version introduced by Rogers contained a full repeal, but a May 18 Assembly amendment restored a narrower exception. The final bill permits surface mining for forest-related and restoration work such as building watercourse crossings. Rogers has framed the measure as moving the demonstration forests away from relying solely on timber harvesting to manage them — principles his office says have not been updated in decades — while still allowing timber sales under the new priorities. "AB 2494 gets demonstration state forests back on track to meet climate goals and mitigate fire risks," Rogers said in a statement after the bill's final passage. "This bill aligns with Governor Newsom's 30x30 conservation framework and prioritizes the environment, recreation, and scientific research as the main focuses for these incredible and precious demonstration state forests." For the Soquel Demonstration State Forest in Santa Cruz County, the bill would shift the state's stated policy from establishing "an intensively managed" research forest to establishing and conserving the forest. The bill would require CAL FIRE's annual report to the Legislature to count the number of timber harvest plans approved each year and the median time to review them, replacing a current requirement to report plans reviewed and the average review time. Between its February introduction and the current version, the bill dropped an earlier provision that would have diverted all recreational user fees and timber-sale revenue from demonstration forests into the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund. The amended bill instead keeps that money in the existing Forest Resources Improvement Fund and lifts a cap that had barred CAL FIRE from charging camping fees above the cost of maintaining the campgrounds. The Assembly first passed AB 2494 on May 26 on a 58-20 vote, and the Senate passed the amended bill 29-10 on Aug. 26\. The Assembly concurred in the Senate's amendments on Aug. 27, 58-19, sending the measure to Newsom, who has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto it. Ted Williams, a Mendocino County supervisor, tied the measure to the county's rural economy in a statement released by EPIC, the bill's sponsor. "Rural economies have long been built on resource extraction, a model with a ceiling that keeps getting lower," Williams said. "AB 2494 offers something bolder: pursuing the highest and best use of our forests for the benefit of all Californians, while creating real, diversified economic opportunities that support greater self-sufficiency in rural communities. It keeps our existing forest workforce employed with more stable funding, while expanding research to meet the urgency of climate change." ### Ukiah Planning Commission Won't Back Annexation Plan URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-planning-commission-wont-back-annexation-plan/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T06:18:04.000Z City staff framed the vote as a routine procedural step. The public, and ultimately the Planning Commission, treated it as a referendum on annexation itself. After more than three hours of testimony from a standing-room crowd, the Ukiah Planning Commission voted 4-1 on Aug. 26 to recommend that the City Council deny the pre-zoning that underpins the "Ukiah 2026 Reorganization" — the city's plan to annex roughly 1,485 parcels north and south of the current city limits — and send staff back to redraw the map. The commission's vote is only a recommendation. The City Council can still move the project forward, and any annexation would ultimately be decided by the Mendocino Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO. But the commissioners used the vote to send an unmistakable signal that they were not prepared to endorse the plan as drawn. Following the vote, the [No Ukiah Annexation](https://www.noukiahannexation.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) group put out a call on for volunteers to join them putting up door hangers on Thursday, August 27 (today). They are meeting at 5:15 p.m. at Factory Pipe on 1307 Masonite Road. Chief Planning Manager Jesse Davis told the commission the request before it was narrow: pre-zoning assigns zoning designations to parcels outside city limits and takes effect only if annexation is later approved. Rather than apply city zoning, staff proposed keeping the county's existing inland zoning designations on annexed land, an approach Davis said would prevent properties from becoming nonconforming and would answer a recurring public complaint that "the city is changing my zoning." Of the 1,485 parcels identified, 88 carry mixed-use designations from the Ukiah Valley Area Plan, a county planning document the resolution would also fold into the city's General Plan. More than 20 people spoke during two rounds of public comment, all but a few urging the commission to reject the plan. Their concerns spanned money, services, and process. Several residents described sharp increases in water and sanitation bills — one North State Street-area resident said her Ukiah Valley Sanitation District bill jumped from $83 to $205 in a single month — and said they feared annexation would bring further city fees. Business owners warned that the city's gross-receipts business license tax would fall hard on the county's low-margin business. Eileen Russell, speaking for Mendocino Forest Products and Mendocino Redwood Company, asked that the Ukiah Sawmill Complex be removed from the annexation area, saying the proposal would split an integrated industrial operation across two jurisdictions. Others questioned whether the city could serve a larger footprint when, they said, it struggles to serve the area it has now, citing police response times, road conditions, abandoned vehicles, and homelessness. Property owners of agricultural and rangeland parcels — including land under conservation easements such as the Lovers Lane Vineyard and the Bricarelli Ranch — asked to be excluded. Ross Liberty cited a community poll of about 90 respondents that he said found 76.9% opposed to annexation. Speakers objected to the process itself: a 715-page staff packet released days before the meeting, the absence of a prior public hearing or workshop, and the LAFCO protest procedure, under which a resident who does not return a protest form is effectively counted as a yes. When the commission returned to its own deliberations, members were broadly open to annexing the developed neighborhoods that already look and function like the city — but not to this map. Commissioner Devery Montaño said that if a child were handed a crayon and a map, "I think we can all agree that it would include areas around the high school and areas around Grace Hudson." But she called the proposed boundary "financially motivated" and cited the "Strong Towns" argument that a city should annex only when it is already financially healthy. Despite Davis's instructions, she said it felt like the planning commission was being asked to approve the whole plan — not just a zoning technicality. Commissioner Mark Hilliker said the annexation discussion had been "kind of dropped like a bomb" and that the effort felt ahead of where it should be. Vice Chair Rick Johnson, who made the motion to deny, said the process felt "kind of rushed," adding, "I don't see a sense of urgency," and noted that the Ukiah Valley Area Plan was written to manage growth. Today, the county's population is instead shrinking. "There's going to be a reduction in tax revenue and things are going to be squeezed even further," he said. Chair Alex de Grassi said he did not "really agree with this map either," objecting in particular to the inclusion of rangeland and agricultural parcels, even as he argued the city is better equipped than the county to plan the areas on its edges. The lone dissenting vote came from Commissioner Jacob Brown, who described himself as "absolutely pro-annexation." Brown said the city had failed to address what he called the "elephant in the room" — the business license cost for large employers — and suggested a grandfathering provision. He argued the commission should approve the procedural step while attaching its objections, so the elected City Council could weigh them, rather than deny the resolution outright. On the city attorney's advice, the motion was framed as adopting a resolution to deny the recommended pre-zoning. Hilliker, Montaño, Johnson, and de Grassi voted aye; Brown voted no. The motion carried 4-1\. The meeting adjourned shortly after 8:30 p.m. ### Jury Makes Quick Work of a Hay-and-Necessity DUI Defense URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/jury-makes-quick-work-of-a-hay-and-necessity-dui-defense/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T21:12:26.000Z A 60-year-old Redwood Valley woman, who was found trespassing on one of her neighbor's properties, tried to fight subsequent DUI charges by raising a necessity defense — saying she fled from the scene to escape immediate harm. A Mendocino County Superior Court jury deliberated for only a few minutes before finding Jodine Rene Burkhart guilty of two counts: driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater, both as misdemeanors, according to a Facebook post by the Mendocino County District Attorney. The post said the property owner confronted Burkhart, who was trying to load hay into her truck. "She repeatedly insisted she had paid a 'homeless man' for the hay, but then fled in her pickup truck when she overheard the property owner talking to the 9-1-1 dispatcher," the post stated. According to the district attorney, Burkhart was discovered on the night of Sept. 26, 2025, trespassing and attempting to load hay at a private property in Redwood Valley. She was confronted by the armed property owner before driving off. Law enforcement located Burkhart and her vehicle a short time later in Calpella, the post said. Officers evaluated her at the scene of the stop and, based on their overall observations, field sobriety tests, and the results of the California Highway Patrol's evidential portable alcohol system, or EPAS, she was arrested by the CHP for DUI. Her blood alcohol concentration, tested by breath, registered at .13/.12, according to the district attorney. At trial, the defense argued necessity. Under California law, a driver arrested for DUI may attempt to defeat the charge by claiming necessity if the driver got behind the wheel to prevent severe and immediate harm arising from a sudden and unexpected emergency. But a driver claiming necessity cannot be the cause of the crisis. The district attorney said the prosecutor successfully argued that Burkhart had provoked the confrontation with a property owner who was "merely seeking to protect that which was his," and that a person cannot claim necessity to escape a dangerous situation he or she set in motion through criminal behavior. The office characterized the necessity defense as one "obviously found not to be credible given the verdicts that were returned." Court records show Burkhart was sentenced to 10 days in jail, with a turn-in date of Oct. 2, 2026, and work release or furlough authorized. She was also placed on summary probation and referred to an out-of-county DUI program. Judge Charlotte Scott presided over the trial. ### In Willits, Police Cars That Blend in Raise Questions About California Law URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/in-willits-police-cars-that-blend-in-raise-questions-about-california-law/ Last updated: 2026-08-31T21:12:15.000Z Bill Durham, chaplain of the Little Lake Grange in Willits, started noticing the small city's low-contrast police cars a few years ago. "I started seeing police cars that looked like regular SUVs and it bothered me," he said. Durham checked in with members of the Little Lake Grange, the local chapter of the National Grange, an agricultural advocacy group founded in 1867\. "Grangers all had stories about seeing the police come out of nowhere," he said. He looked up the law and learned that California requires motor vehicles used by police and traffic officers to meet a mandated color scheme when they are used for the "exclusive or main purpose" of enforcing the Vehicle Code — the provisions governing traffic accidents, the rules of the road, and offenses such as speeding. The requirement appears in more than one place. It is set out in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations and in Section 40800 of the California Vehicle Code, which provides that a traffic officer on that duty "shall wear a full distinctive uniform, and if the officer while on duty uses a motor vehicle, it shall be a distinctive color specified by the commissioner" of the California Highway Patrol. The members of the Grange voted on a resolution urging the Willits City Council to correct paint jobs they considered out of compliance. Nothing happened. The matter was not even added to the regular city council for discussion. Rob Smith, the Grange's current president, and Liam UiCearbhaill, a past president, brought the question to the Willits City Council again during public comment on Aug. 12, and invited the council to a town hall on the cars set for Aug. 27. Smith told the council he was there "to inform the city council and the police chief and anyone else that would like to join us at the Grange that we are having a town hall meeting on … the different colors on the police vehicles." He said he had heard Mayor Tom Allman say the city was purchasing "a new vehicle with better distinct colors," and called that "very proactive" — but said the objection to the existing fleet stood. "The Grange still believes that the old cars are out of this code," he said. "We believe that they're not following this code with the color scheme that it is now." He set the town hall for Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Grange. UiCearbhaill followed, telling the council he wanted to raise "the same issue." "Without a vehicle properly distinguished according to state law, it opens all traffic citations by those vehicles … to a challenge in law," he said. The council took no action; the comments came during the portion of the meeting reserved for items not on the agenda, when the Brown Act bars the council from acting. The Grange's theory — that citations from an improperly marked car can be thrown out — is rooted in real California law, but the cases that have applied it describe a narrower remedy than a blanket challenge to "all traffic citations." The key provision is Vehicle Code Section 40804, which says an officer who makes a speed-enforcement arrest while not in a distinctive uniform, or while using a vehicle "not painted the distinctive color specified by the commissioner," is "incompetent as a witness" in that prosecution. In People v. Tuck (1977), a state Court of Appeal held that Section 40800 "neither prohibits an officer not in uniform and not in a marked vehicle from detaining and arresting a driver for a speed violation nor makes his actions unlawful" — the stop is valid; the consequence falls on the officer's testimony. More than three decades later, in Dyer v. DMV (2008), the Court of Appeal restated the rule, holding that the statute "does not prohibit an officer in an unmarked patrol car from detaining a vehicle" for a suspected traffic offense, such as a DUI, "rather, it simply renders inadmissible the officer's testimony in a prosecution for a speed-related violation." Those cases confine the marking rule to speed prosecutions. A separate line of cases governs a different statute — the ones that make it a crime to flee a pursuing officer — and turns on whether a car is "distinctively marked," a broader test than paint color. In People v. Hudson (2006), the California Supreme Court held that a vehicle is "distinctively marked" if its appearance shows "one or more features that are reasonably visible to other drivers" identifying it as law enforcement, and rejected the argument that an"“insignia or logo" was required. "We conclude that a peace officer's vehicle is distinctively marked if its outward appearance during the pursuit exhibits, in addition to a red light and a siren, one or more features that are reasonably visible to other drivers and distinguish it from vehicles not used for law enforcement so as to give reasonable notice to the person being pursued that the pursuit is by the police," stated the decision, authored by Justice Joyce Kennard. *MendoLocal.News* submitted written questions on Aug. 24 to three officials. Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster was asked whether a vehicle-marking defect had affected, or could affect, the admissibility of an officer's testimony in a Willits case. Mayor Tom Allman, the former Mendocino County sheriff, and Council Member Gerardo Gonzalez — a former City of Willits police chief — were asked for comment on the Grange's concerns and the city's plans for the fleet. None had responded as of Aug. 26. The town hall is scheduled for Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Little Lake Grange. ### Fort Bragg Rewrites Its Coastal Zoning Rulebook in a Single Night URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-rewrites-its-coastal-zoning-rulebook-in-a-single-night/ Last updated: 2026-08-30T19:03:15.000Z The Fort Bragg City Council moved nine zoning ordinances through first reading on Aug. 24, a rewrite that reaches into both residential neighborhoods and the city's commercial districts. Every vote was 5-0, with all council members in attendance. Planning consultant Marie Jones presented the changes largely as a cleanup, bringing the coastal code into line with inland rules the city adopted years ago, alongside a second set of amendments meant to remove barriers to development. For homeowners, several rules loosen. Detached garages will be allowed on property lines with a minor use permit. Cottage food production — small-scale food businesses run out of a home kitchen — will be allowed in zones where residential use is permitted, generally with a use permit. Child care centers will be allowed by right in multifamily housing projects and community facilities across all zones, as required by a new state law, AB 750\. Nonconforming homes can expand by up to 250 square feet or 25% of their size, whichever is less, with a use permit, and a home that is involuntarily damaged or destroyed can be rebuilt in the same footprint. The rules on residential accessory structures, animal keeping, and landscaping were also updated to match the inland code. Yard signs change too. A political sign ordinance that regulated signs by the content of their message — which Jones said the city attorney flagged as legally indefensible — will be replaced with limits on size and number only: up to four square feet total per residential parcel. The rewrite also touches how housing gets built. The inclusionary housing ordinance, which can require developers to include affordable units, was updated to reflect 2017 state law requiring the city to show a project is financially feasible before mandating those units. Jones said the ordinance has been applied only once since it was adopted in 2009 — to the 1151 South Main St. project. The Fort Bragg Planning Commission asked the council to decide whether to keep it at all; the council routed that question to its community development committee. For businesses, the biggest change is that short-term vacation rentals will become legal for the first time in the coastal zone's central business district, capped at 10 permits to mirror the inland limit. Commercial signs will be allowed up to 16 square feet. Arts and antiques dealers gain a place in commercial districts, and bed-and-breakfast inns will be permitted in general commercial zones without a use permit. Bars, breweries, and contractor spaces will be allowed in highway commercial with a use permit. Light industrial zones gain caretakers' quarters and accessory retail by right. Nonconforming commercial buildings can expand by up to 500 square feet or 25% of their footprint, whichever is less, with a use permit. Commercial cannabis cultivation and retail rules were also brought into line with the inland code. One commercial change drew the night's only objection. Paul Clark told the council that the formula business ordinance — which regulates chain and franchise operations — had previously been voted down and should not ride into law inside a larger package. He said property owners in the coastal zone, including at the Boatyard Shopping Center, likely did not know it was being folded in, and asked for a standalone vote. Godeke noted that the ordinance is not a ban. A formula business — like Grocery Outle — can be permitted if it "will add to rather than detract from the overall economic and cultural vitality of the city" and "will not result in an over-concentration of formula business establishments." Essentially, he said, the city can "make room for a formula business if we feel it fits within our community." Godeke also acknowledged the tension: "a lot of small businesses … feel very threatened when formula businesses come to town." The council kept it in the package and passed it 5-0. Short-term rentals surfaced a second business dispute. Jones noted an illegal vacation rental that has been operating in the Company Store, which was recently purchased by the Skunk Train. "This would allow them to legalize that," she said. The rental was later brought up in public comment by a resident who characterized it as part of a pattern in which the railroad ownership acts as if it is above the law, Chris Hart of the Skunk Train later responded by phone that any violations predated its ownership of the Company Store. All nine ordinances were introduced by title only, with further reading waived. Each requires a second reading before it takes effect. --- Read additional coverage of the August 24, 2025 Fort Bragg City Council meeting [Fort Bragg Earns State Prohousing Designation](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-earns-state-prohousing-designation/) [Fort Bragg City Council — Full Report — August 24, 2026](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-full-report-august-24-2026/) ### Fort Bragg Earns State Prohousing Designation URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-earns-state-prohousing-designation/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T18:02:19.000Z California has designated Fort Bragg a Prohousing community, a state label the city spent two years pursuing and one that makes it eligible to compete for additional state housing funds. City Manager Isaac Whippy announced the designation at the [City Council's Aug. 24 meeting](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-full-report-august-24-2026/), crediting the council, planning staff, and the city's housing consultant, Marie Jones. He told the council the designation opens access to state housing funds. The state and the city released the news the same day. Fort Bragg is one of 10 California jurisdictions to earn the designation for the first time since October 2025, and one of 75 communities statewide that now hold it, according to the city. The state awards the designation to cities and counties that go beyond basic state requirements by adopting local policies meant to speed housing production, lower development costs, and expand housing options. "This designation affirms that work and demonstrates that even a small, rural coastal community can be proactive and innovative in addressing its housing needs," Whippy said in a statement, describing two years in which the city modernized its housing policies, reduced barriers, and took what he called a more proactive approach to working with developers. Mayor Jason Godeke said in the same statement that the city's policy changes "have aligned well with new State pro-housing initiatives, and we're continuing to look for ways to make it easier to build new housing of all types here in Fort Bragg." The city pointed to its approval last year of an 84-unit market-rate housing development as a turning point, calling it a scale of residential project Fort Bragg had not seen in many years. The designation itself does not come with a check attached. In California, it gives a city exclusive access to the state's Prohousing Incentive Program, which awards grants of $150,000 to $2 million sized by a jurisdiction's population and its designation score, along with priority for several other state grant programs, according to a November 2024 report by UC Berkeley's Terner Center for Housing Innovation. Because the awards scale with population, a small city like Fort Bragg would fall toward the lower end of that range. The governor's office announced the latest designations alongside $11.3 million awarded to Prohousing communities statewide. The Terner Center report, which compared six state Prohousing programs, cautioned that the tools remain unproven. The programs are too new to have been evaluated for their effect on housing production, the report found. It noted that California awards its designation based on the housing policies a city adopts rather than the homes it builds, and warned that such programs can end up rewarding jurisdictions for reforms they had already made. The report also found the programs generally lack enforcement mechanisms to ensure cities follow through on their commitments. The announcement came the same night the council moved a package of nine zoning ordinances through first reading, much of it aimed at removing barriers to housing and development in the coastal zone. ### Fort Bragg City Council — Full Report — August 24, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-full-report-august-24-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T21:38:51.000Z **Mayor Jason Godeke** called the regular meeting to order at 6 p.m. (The full meeting is available on the city's Facebook page.) ## Proclamations **Council Member Lindy Peters** read a proclamation designating the first weekend in May as Fort Bragg Blues Festival Weekend. Pam Bell, the festival's organizer, accepted the proclamation. **Council Member Tess Albin-Smith** read a proclamation recognizing Women's Equality Day and the 106th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. Charlene McAllister, president of the League of Women Voters, accepted and told the council that protecting voting rights "requires vigilance, participation, and a commitment to inclusive policies." ## Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items Six speakers addressed the council. **Mary Rose Kaczorowski**, a Fort Bragg journalist and city council candidate, asked the council to adopt a new resolution formally opposing offshore federal oil, gas, and mineral leasing and to direct the city clerk to transmit it to NOAA and other relevant agencies. She cited a 1987 resolution and a 2012 federal record identifying Fort Bragg's prior opposition. **Ron White**, who volunteers as a caretaker of Glass Beach and the Headlands Trail, asked the city to reconsider its e-bike signage approach. **David Gurney,** calling in remotely, alleged that combining the city manager, financial director, and community development director roles in one person creates "a system of one-stop shopping for corruption." He also accused Police Chief Eric Swift and Councilmember Peters of fabricating a vandalism claim to justify license plate reader cameras, and criticized the Highway 1 fence recently erected by Caltrans. **Jay McMartin-Rosenquist** welcomed newly sworn city clerk/HR technician Dorothy Jess and asked the council to explain why a scheduled Riptide concert at Harold Bainbridge Park was canceled on short notice. **Ann Marie Weibel** asked the council to hold a public hearing before finalizing any new fence design giving residents a chance to weigh in. She also raised questions about a letter a former councilmember sent regarding the former Georgia-Pacific mill site and toxic substance oversight. A fifth remote caller attempted to speak but could not be heard and dropped. ## Consent Calendar No public comments were submitted on the consent calendar. Peters moved to adopt; Albin-Smith seconded. The vote was 5-0. ## Council Member Reports **Peters** asked staff to research existing city ordinances restricting onshore support facilities and slant drilling for offshore oil, and flagged renewed federal interest in coastal drilling under the Trump administration. He said every council he has served on going back 26 years has been unanimously opposed and asked for a future council discussion. **Albin-Smith** said she recently testified before the state Senate Natural Resources Committee against offshore oil drilling in support of Senate Joint Resolution 12\. She noted a quorum failed and the measure's status is unclear. She also asked about the fence situation on Hwy 1 and asked about electric vehicle purchases for the police fleet (Swift said the department currently has eight and has not committed to more, and has moved to enterprise fleet management). Albin-Smith promoted an upcoming free Magic Market and Labor Day events including a parade, Belles of the Ball, and a logging show at C.V. Starr Community Center. **Council Member Scott Hockett** — no report noted in the transcript. **Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan** spoke from the podium and presented Ron White — the Glass Beach volunteer — with a plaque recognizing his years of unpaid trail maintenance, furniture repair, and litter removal. "He picks up a lot of extra slack \[taking care of things\] that the city can't get to," she said. "All he wants is nothing in return, not even a thank you." The plaque will be placed at the Headlands learning center. White, briefly at a loss for words, said volunteering at Glass Beach has been his mission for 28 years. **Godeke** noted he attended the farmers market and will be there again Sept. 9 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. ## Staff Comments **Police Chief Eric Swift** highlighted a weekend rescue in which a civilian, Lloyd Lewis, swam out to a car submerged in Pudding Creek and pulled both the driver and his dog to shore. Because the driver had a prior injury and could not swim, Sgt. Rory Beak and the fire department extracted him and later recovered the vehicle. **Heath Daniels,** operations manager for public works, said crews plan to resume patching on Franklin Street approximately one week out, weather permitting. **Sage Statham,** broadband director, reported that all fiber has been pulled in the distribution area, branch terminal installation begins Wednesday, and optical testing starts the following Monday. He said the project is within budget and no overrun is anticipated. He flagged a supply delay: poly boxes needed for customer installations were pushed to an Oct. 24 ship date by the original distributor. The city found an alternative supplier with a two- to three-week lead time, and installs will begin once those arrive. **City Manager Isaac Whippy** announced that California has [officially designated Fort Bragg a prohousing community ](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-earns-state-prohousing-designation/)— one of 10 jurisdictions receiving the designation for the first time and 75 statewide. (See MendoLocal.News story) ## Item: Coastal Zoning Code Cleanup Planning consultant Marie Jones presented a package of seven ordinances updating the city's Coastal Land Use and Development Code (CLUDC) to match changes already made to the inland zoning code over several years. ([See MendoLocal.News story](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-rewrites-its-coastal-zoning-rulebook-in-a-single-night/)) The council voted on each of the seven ordinances separately, all 5-0: Formula business regulations: 5-0 Commercial cannabis cultivation and retail: 5-0 Short-term rentals: 5-0 Animal keeping: 5-0 Telecommunications facilities: 5-0 Inclusionary housing and density bonus (with direction to route further discussion to the community development committee): 5-0 Signs, landscaping, residential accessory uses, and definitions: 5-0 All ordinances were introduced by title only with further reading waived; a second reading is required before adoption. ## Item: Economic Development Zoning Amendments Jones returned to present a second pair of ordinances amending both the inland and coastal codes to remove barriers to economic development. (See [MendoLocal.News story](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-rewrites-its-coastal-zoning-rulebook-in-a-single-night/)) The council voted 5-0 on both the inland and coastal ordinances, each introduced by title only with further reading waived. ## Item: Wastewater Collection System Master Plan Alex Johnson of HDR Engineering presented the city's 2026 Wastewater Collection System Master Plan, covering approximately 31 miles of gravity pipeline and six lift stations, the oldest sections dating to the 1960s and roughly 65 years old. The plan itself cost $750,000 to prepare, funded through the city's Wastewater Enterprise Fund. Johnson said the system is currently performing better than the state average, logging about 1.2 sanitary sewer overflows per mile over the past decade — a rate he said compares with a statewide average of 1.7\. By comparison, Johnson said a similarly sized sanitary district serving the Tiburon area in Marin County logs about 4.5 to 5 overflows per mile. But he said the infrastructure is reaching the end of its design lifespan and identified several urgent priorities. The most pressing concern is corrugated metal pipe near the treatment plant, which the hydraulic model flagged as having both capacity and condition issues. The plan also flags the city's aging Techite force mains, a fiberglass-reinforced plastic pipe the plan warns can fail catastrophically and without warning as it ages. The city has already replaced its Pudding Creek Techite line. The plan also identified groundwater infiltration in several areas — possibly via old connections between the storm and sewer systems, or through cracked pipes — and calls for targeted lining projects. The 10-year capital program totals approximately $35 million, broken into near-term (years 1–5) and long-term (years 6–10) phases. A $100,000-per-year placeholder for ongoing CCTV inspection is included. Johnson recommended updating the master plan at the five- and 10-year marks. During public comment, **Jay McMartin-Rosenquist** raised concerns that recent sewer rate increases — which she said pushed her bill up more than $60 — could force a developmentally disabled tenant off a housing voucher and out of his home. She said city staff told her in July she would not see an increase, then her bill arrived higher. **Jacob Patterson,** an attorney and Fort Bragg resident, suggested the city review its settlement agreement with River Watch — an environmental legal organization that previously sued the city over Clean Water Act violations — before finalizing project priorities, to avoid renewed litigation. **Andrew Jordan** said public works is doing a good job but echoed concerns about utility rate increases pricing residents out of housing. Peters responded to Patterson's comments by describing River Watch as "ambulance chasing attorneys" who monitor public spill reports and file suit, saying there is little the city can do to prevent that if it is required to report overflows. The council voted 5-0 to accept and file the report and direct staff to incorporate its recommendations. Mayor Godeke adjourned at approximately 9 p.m. ### Why the City of Willits Wanted to Cancel the Election for City Council URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/why-the-city-of-willits-wanted-to-cancel-the-election-for-city-council/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T17:18:54.000Z Everyone knows the City of Willits is experiencing hard times. So when the two incumbent council members who were up for re-election decided not to run again — and only two candidates stepped forward — the city clerk began preparing an agenda item that would have enabled the council to cancel the election and save between $7,000 and $8,000. But it turned out there wasn't enough time. "Last Thursday was the last day to cancel the election," said City Clerk Delores Pedersen. In an uncontested election, the California Elections Code allows municipalities to make appointments "in lieu of election." That's how Council Member Bruce Burton ended up on the council in 2025\. But the appointment must be made on a strict timeline. Under California Elections Code Section 10229, which governs general-law cities such as Willits, a city council may appoint uncontested candidates in lieu of an election only up to the 75th day before that election. After that point, the code states, "if, by the 75th day before the municipal election, no person has been appointed to office … the election shall be held." The complication began with the incumbents. When Burton and Council Member Larry Stranske did not file for re-election, Pedersen said, she had to extend the candidate filing deadline by another week. That left little time for the steps state law requires before an appointment, including publishing public notice and observing a waiting period. The rules themselves had also changed recently. State law requires such notices to run in a newspaper a court has adjudicated as one of general circulation — a status held by legacy print papers, not digital outlets. *MendoLocal.News*, which publishes this article, reaches a larger local audience online but is not adjudicated to carry legal notices. It will gladly publish such notices for public awareness, but doing so won't fulfill the requirements set by election law. "To be sure, this was an error, a mistake," Council Member Matthew Alaniz wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday. "I understand that some people will be upset but there is nothing behind the oversight beyond a complicated and recently changed timeline." The race is not necessarily settled. A write-in candidate could still enter: the write-in candidacy period runs from Sept. 7 to Oct. 20, according to Mendocino County Registrar of Voters Katrina Bartolomie. Robin Leler, who ran in the last election and lost to Alaniz by a handful of votes, said she is glad to be on the ballot. "I want people to be able to vote for me," she said. She said Alaniz's record as a council member is one of the things that has inspired her. She said she appreciated his willingness to [challenge a new consulting contract](https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-postpones-consultant-vote/) with one of the city's former interim city managers, and the contract with Muchmore Than Consulting, which was already doing human resources consulting work for the city, in the absence of more than two competing bids. Alaniz said he was concerned by the perception that Muchmore might have an insider's advantage. Leler, who ran for the Willits City Council three other times, has long been willing to stick her neck out for her community. In 2015, she and her partner, Tom Fristoe, published a detailed letter in *The Willits News* questioning the safety of the city's drinking water — citing violations for a class of cancer-linked disinfection byproducts and calling for a granular-charcoal filter, an audit of the city's Water Enterprise Fund, and more transparent oversight. The letter drew a sharp public rebuttal defending city staff. What matters, Leler said, is that the problem got fixed. After the election, she said, the city manager "cleared up and authorized everything that needed to be done." A decade later, she was still pressing. In November 2025, Leler co-wrote a letter — which she read to the council on Nov. 12 — alleging conflicts of interest and "back room irregularities" in the council's approval of a project she said would convert a buildable housing site near the high school into heavy industrial use. "The reason I keep running is I get to talk about the real issues," she said. The issues she raises, she said, range from the safety of the city's drinking water to the Willits Farmers Market's return to City Park to what she calls questionable use of contractors. Sherrie Ebyam, a retired finance director and former math teacher, summed up her interest in serving on the city council in three words: "budget, budget, budget." She said she has already started creating the spreadsheets needed to understand the big picture and the granular details — both necessary to help Willits navigate current cost pressures. As *MendoLocal.News* has [repeatedly](https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-city-council-june-24-2026j/) [documented](https://www.mendolocal.news/city-of-willits-prepares-for-layoffs/), the city's revenue streams are not keeping up with its rising costs. Mayor Tom Allman said he is looking forward to serving with both Ebyam and Leler. "I worked with Sherrie Ebyam on Measure B and I'm so happy she made the decision to run for city council," Allman said. He also praised Leler for her dedication to the city and for "asking good questions." ### A Letter to Georgia-Pacific the City Kept Confidential for Nearly 12 Years URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-letter-to-georgia-pacific-the-city-kept-confidential-for-nearly-12-years/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T21:07:36.000Z On Sept. 10, 2014, the City of Fort Bragg sent a letter to Georgia-Pacific, the company whose lumber mill left a legacy of contamination on the coastal bluffs at the edge of town. The two-page letter, signed by then-Mayor Dave Turner and addressed to a Georgia-Pacific senior vice president, was written to end a lawsuit. But its most important passage concerns Pond 8 — the old Mill Pond, the contaminated water body at the center of the town's fight over its coastline — and what the city told the company it would, and would not, ask the state to do about it. Georgia-Pacific was worried, the letter acknowledges, that once "the threat of litigation is removed, the City will urge the Department of Toxic Substances Control to require active remediation in Pond 8." Turner offered reassurance. "I am informed by the City Manager that neither she nor the City's consultants anticipate that active remediation should or will be required in Pond 8 but that some monitoring may be required," the letter reads. "The City does not intend to advocate for a remedial action that is more extensive than required by the scientific and engineering evaluation of the site," the letter states. And then the letter's most striking line: "While the Remedial Action Plan for OU-E has not yet been prepared, as of today, we understand that neither science, engineering nor the public interest require active remediation of Pond 8." Though Turner is the sole signatory, the text makes clear he had the council's full backing. "The City Council accepted this recommendation and authorized me to send this letter conveying it." At the same time, the letter is careful to note the limits of the council's approval. "Please understand that I cannot bind future City Councils, and I can only speak with regard to the facts as we know them today," Turner wrote. The offer itself was a mutual walk-away — each side would dismiss its claims against the other, with prejudice, and each would pay its own legal costs. In October 2014, that is what happened. The letter carried two stacked headers — "CONFIDENTIAL MEDIATION COMMUNICATION" and "CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT COMMUNICATION (FED. R. EVID. 408)" — and for nearly 12 years its text stayed out of public view. A lawsuit by Mendocino Railway forced it into the open. The Skunk Train operator bought the mill site from Georgia-Pacific in 2021, and, together with Sierra Northern Railway, is now suing the city in federal court over who should pay to clean up the site. In February 2026 the railways subpoenaed Georgia-Pacific for the 2014 letter. The city fought to keep it from being produced, asserting a mediation privilege that Georgia-Pacific itself never claimed. Georgia-Pacific declined to comment for this story. On July 6, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar ordered Fort Bragg to turn the letter over. But Tigar let the city produce it under a protective order — meaning the document would be stamped "confidential" and handed to the plaintiffs' attorneys directly, seen by the railways' lawyers but shielded from the public. The letter would have remained hidden from view, but on Aug. 10, 2026, the City Council voted unanimously in closed session to release it outright. The letter was provided to *MendoLocal.News* upon our request with a written statement. In that statement, the city framed the release as a matter of transparency and played down the letter's significance. "In response to public interest in the 2014 letter, the City Council authorized the release in the interest of transparency," the city said. "The letter was written in the context of settlement discussions with Georgia-Pacific nearly twelve years ago and reflected the information available to the City at that time." The city stressed what the letter does not say: "Importantly, the letter does not state that the City accepted responsibility for contamination or cleanup of the Mill Ponds. It specifically acknowledged that future City Councils could not be bound and that decisions regarding remediation would need to be based on the scientific and engineering information available." The city argued the document changes nothing: "The letter does not materially change the City's current position or the ongoing legal and environmental issues surrounding the Mill Ponds." Two of those claims are reflected in the letter's own text. The letter admits no liability, names no dollar figure, and does not accept responsibility for the contamination, and it states plainly that it "cannot bind future City Councils." Here's what has changed since the letter was written. In 2014, the city told Georgia-Pacific that it did not expect Pond 8 to need active cleanup and would not push the state's toxics regulator to require one — an assurance offered five years before the engineering study of the pond existed. Three years later, the city's public position reversed. Georgia-Pacific saw it coming: on Nov. 16, 2017, a company senior vice president warned the council in writing that petitioning DTSC would put the city in "breach" of the settlement. The city didn't blink. Eleven days later, on Nov. 27, 2017, the council voted 5-0, on Turner's own motion, to adopt a resolution asking DTSC to require the thorough cleanup the 2014 letter had called unnecessary. Georgia-Pacific never sued. A 2019 feasibility study prepared for Georgia-Pacific by its own consultants, and submitted to the state Department of Toxic Substances Control, the agency overseeing the cleanup, selected monitoring and land-use controls for Pond 8 rather than active excavation — roughly the outcome predicted by the 2014 letter. Dioxin and one metal remain above unrestricted-use levels, and the site carries permanent land-use covenants, underscoring that it has not received a clean bill of health. Two years later, the mill site itself changed hands, passing to Mendocino Railway. The railways' 2024 lawsuit now pleads that cleaning the Mill Pond could cost $10 million to $50 million. While the remedy is still undecided, the fight over who will pay is moving toward trial: a 20-day jury trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 2, 2028, in federal court in Oakland. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — August 22, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-roundup-august-22-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T21:06:05.000Z ## 🏛️ Mendocino County **Access to STEM Kits Expands for Teachers in Mendocino County** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · Aug. 22* Access to hands-on STEM kits is expanding for teachers across Mendocino County. The kits include projects that teach students how to build and repair the electronics used in automotive systems. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/access-to-stem-kits-expands-for-teachers-in-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Judge Denies Petition to Strike Hart From the District 3 Ballot** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 20* A Mendocino County Superior Court judge rejected Clay Romero's petition to remove Eric Hart from the November ballot for 3rd District supervisor, ruling Hart established legal residence in the district before the filing deadline. Judge Ann Moorman found Hart's testimony "believable and credible," clearing the way for a November runoff between Hart and Buffey Wright Bourassa. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/judge-denies-petition-to-strike-hart-from-the-district-3-ballot/) **An Oxford Historian Captured Mendocino's Weed Stories Before They Disappeared** *By Richard Miller, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 19* British historian Charlie Harris has documented Mendocino County's shift from timber country into the heart of California's cannabis trade in a new book, "Mendo," published by Counterpoint Press in June. Harris raced to capture the black-market stories of loggers and Back-to-the-Land newcomers before they vanished, chronicling how marijuana became the region's economic lifeline until legalization crashed prices. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/an-oxford-historian-captured-mendocinos-weed-stories-before-they-disappeared/) --- ### 📰 Anderson Valley **Anderson Valley's Earliest Harvest Meets Its Oldest Problem: Visibility** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Aug. 21* Anderson Valley's grape harvest is arriving earlier than growers can remember, ripening one of the world's renowned appellations at record speed. Yet the region still fights an old problem — visibility — with its acclaimed wines remaining hard to find on mainstream shelves like Safeway. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/anderson-valleys-earliest-harvest-meets-its-oldest-problem-visibility/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌲 Caspar **What Belongs on a Contaminated Mill Site in the Middle of a Neighborhood?** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 19* Mendocino Forest Products is seeking county permits to use a former 36-acre lumber mill near Caspar for forestry-material storage, private fleet parking, and a firefighter-training facility built without permits in 2022\. Neighbors and nearly all 29 public commenters objected, citing the site's history as a leaking-underground-storage-tank cleanup area where petroleum has contaminated residential wells. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/what-belongs-on-a-contaminated-mill-site-in-the-middle-of-a-neighborhood/) --- ### ⛰️ Covelo **Covelo's Award-Winning Library Raises $10,000 to Fix Its Solar Power** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 19* Covelo's Round Valley Public Library — named the Best Small Library in America by Library Journal in 2024 — raised $10,000 to repair the failed solar inverter powering its historic Commons building, beating its $6,000 goal. The Friends of the Round Valley Public Library, which owns and maintains the building, raised the money through farmers'-market outreach, a banner on *MendoLocal.News* and news articles. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/covelos-award-winning-library-raises-10-000-to-fix-its-solar-power/) --- ### 🚨 Fort Bragg **Mendocino Coast Clinics Buys the Mendocino Coast Pharmacy for Undisclosed Amount** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 21* Mendocino Coast Clinics has bought the Mendocino Coast Pharmacy, adding a retail drugstore to the federally qualified health center's operations for the first time; Executive Director Lucresha Renteria declined to disclose the price. *Disclosure: Elise Cox, editor of MendoLocal.News, is a patient at Mendocino Coast Clinics.* [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-coast-clinics-buys-the-mendocino-coast-pharmacy-for-undisclosed-amount/) **Mendocino Cove Completes Reimagining of Former Pine Beach Inn** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · Aug. 20* Teresa Raffo and partner Chris Hougie — owners of Mendocino Grove — have reopened the former Pine Beach Inn as Mendocino Cove, a reimagined 9-acre lodge on the coast south of Fort Bragg. The property opened to the public after a soft launch last Labor Day, with final renovations and amenities still being completed. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/08/20/mendocino-cove-completes-reimagining-of-former-pine-beach-inn/?ref=mendolocal.news) (*Ukiah Daily Journal* subscription required) **After Backlash, Caltrans Agrees to Modify Fort Bragg's Highway 1 Fence** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 19* After public backlash over a new wooden fence blocking ocean views along Highway 1's southern entrance to Fort Bragg, Caltrans and city officials said they will work together to modify the $97,000 structure. Neither agency has specified the changes yet; Caltrans District 1 said it was "receptive to community concerns" and will consult its contractor. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/after-backlash-caltrans-agrees-to-modify-fort-braggs-highway-1-fence/) **Fort Bragg Tsunami Preparedness** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Aug. 17* The Fort Bragg police department successful evacuated residents in the wake of a Tsunami warning following the Dec. 5, 2024, magnitude-7.0 quake. However, a *Mendocino Voice* examination found an annex to a 49-page emergency plan was never written. The tsunami siren sounded just six to eight seconds, and officers evacuated neighborhoods street by street with patrol-car sirens. In addition, the city didn't open its emergency-operations software until 14 minutes after the first surge arrived. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/the-warning-plan-fort-bragg-never-wrote/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🔨 Gualala **Gualala Community Center Rebuild Awarded to Warner Construction** *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer · Aug. 20* The Board of Directors of the Gualala Community Center awarded the project to rebuild the center to Chad Warner of Warner Construction. [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required) --- ### 👮 Laytonville **Ben Miller Back in Custody** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 19* Benjamin Austin Miller, 48, was captured Tuesday night, Aug. 19, in a wooded area south of Lucas Lane in Laytonville, ending an intensive manhunt that began after he allegedly tried to enter a home while armed in violation of a restraining order. Deputies found him with a loaded .22-caliber rifle nearby; he was booked on new felony charges including first-degree burglary and felon in possession of a firearm and held without bail. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/ben-miller-back-in-custody/) --- ### 💐 Leggett **A Trip to Reggae on the River Ends in Tragedy** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 19* Jose "Johnny" Mandujano, 40, of Willits was found dead Aug. 18 at the bottom of a 35-foot cliff off Highway 101 near Leggett after attending the Reggae on the River festival. His vehicle had been in a collision near the same spot early on Aug. 16; the cause and manner of death remain under investigation pending autopsy. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/a-trip-to-reggae-on-the-river-ends-in-tragedy/) --- ### 🚗 Little River **Another Car Goes Off the Road Onto Van Damme Beach** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · Aug. 20* A vehicle went off the road onto Van Damme Beach near Little River around 9:51 p.m., leaving both occupants with minor injuries; the roadway stayed open. It was the second vehicle to go off the road at the beach in recent months, after another went off near Little River Bridge about a month earlier. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/another-car-goes-off-the-road-onto-van-damme-beach-no-serious-injuries-road-open/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🔧 Mendocino **State Parks Sued Over Sewer Pipe Near Jack Peters Creek** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · Aug. 20* Oceanfront property owners near Jack Peters Creek Bridge, along with a prospective buyer, are suing California State Parks, alleging the agency secretly ran a sewage pipe beneath their land about 50 years ago without permission — an ongoing trespass. The suit, over a line carrying sewage from Russian Gulch State Park, seeks at least $2 million in damages or the right to connect to the pipe; a case-management hearing is set for Dec. 4 before Judge Ann Moorman. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/your-thursday-newspaper-fort-bragg-faces-small-claims-demand-over-unpaid-plumbing-bill-state-parks-sued-in-odd-sewer-pipe-case-near-jack-peters-creek-nothing-new-on-the-f/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 💧 Potter Valley **Potter Valley Elementary School's Water Fix Finally Comes Together** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Aug. 17* Potter Valley's elementary school has finished installing a three-stage water-filtration system, the final piece of a treatment plant the state ordered five years ago after classifying the campus's only well as surface water. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/potter-valley-elementary-schools-water-fix-finally-comes-together/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚗 The Sea Ranch **Entrance to The Sea Ranch Lodge Damaged by Vehicle Collision** *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer · Aug. 20* *The Sea Ranch* The iconic Marker Building at the entrance to The Sea Ranch Lodge was damaged the morning of Sunday, Aug. 16, when a southbound Ford Mustang veered off Highway 1 just north of Sea Walk Drive. [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required) --- ### 🏙️ Ukiah **Ukiah Dog Toast of the Big Apple. Welcome Home, Jinny Lu!** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · Aug. 18* Jinny Lu, a 6-year-old rescue pug from Ukiah, was crowned World's Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on Aug. 14 and returned home at 2 a.m. Tuesday after two days of national television in New York. She spent her first morning back asleep in her pearls at Ukiah's Pug Hotel, unbothered by the 11 other pugs working the room. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/ukiah-dog-toast-of-the-big-apple-welcome-home-jinny-lu/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Amazon Facility Opens North of Ukiah** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · Aug. 17* A newly built Amazon delivery center just north of Ukiah began sending and receiving vehicles on Aug. 14\. Amazon bought the property from previous owner Ross Liberty in 2025 and finished construction earlier this year; branded semitrucks and vans now move in and out of the lot. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/amazon-facility-opens-north-of-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚂 Willits **Willits City Council — August 12, 2026 — Full Report** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 22* The Willits City Council appointed Helen Sims and Kevin Copperfield to the Cannabis Dispensary Selection Committee, worked through the June and July accounts payable, and pulled an item on relocating the Mark Walker sculptures to Highway 20 Park for further research. Council Member Bruce Burton flagged the erroneous rezoning of a Lopez Road property, and Mayor Tom Allman raised sidewalk liability and 72-hour parking enforcement, in a meeting that ran to 9 p.m. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-city-council-aug-12-2026-full-report/) **Willits Grocery Outlet Has Grand Reopening** *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly · Aug. 20* Willits Grocery Outlet held a grand reopening on Aug. 12, cutting the ribbon after repairing damage from June's earthquake. The Willits mayor and the store's Karen McKinney did the honors. [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Two Candidates for Two Seats on the Willits City Council** *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly · Aug. 20* *Willits* Two candidates filed for two open seats on the Willits City Council: teacher Robin Leler, who filed by the Aug. 7 deadline, and retired finance director Sherrie Ebyam, who filed during the extended period. [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Tito, the White-Faced Capuchin Monkey, Visits the Willits Library** *By Maureen Jennison, Willits Weekly · Aug. 20* Gabe Kerscher of the Colfax-based nonprofit Conservation Ambassador's Wild Things brought six displaced animals — including Tito, a white-faced capuchin monkey — to the Willits library for a wildlife-education presentation. Willits was one of five county stops, alongside Round Valley, Point Arena, Fort Bragg, and Ukiah. [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🐻 California **Homeless Counts Dropped in These California Counties This Year** *By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters · Aug. 21* More than half of the 28 California counties that released preliminary 2026 point-in-time homeless counts reported declines, extending a statewide drop that began in 2025\. Officials credited new shelter beds and low-income housing funded by recent state money, though some activists warned that intensified encampment enforcement may be scattering people and skewing the tallies. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2026/08/pit-counts-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Lawmakers Gut Major DUI Reform Through 'Hostile Amendments'** *By Lauren Hepler and Robert Lewis, CalMatters · Aug. 20* A California Senate committee gutted one of the state's most substantial DUI reform bills in years through "hostile amendments," stripping a provision that would have required in-car breathalyzers for all first-time DUI offenders and brought the state in line with most others. The committee is chaired by Sen. Sabrina Cervantes — herself arrested for DUI in 2025\. The move dismayed victims' families as alcohol-related road deaths in California have jumped more than 50% in a decade, killing over 1,300 people a year. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/investigation/2026/08/california-lawmakers-gut-major-dui-reform/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Willits City Council Full Report — Aug. 12, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-city-council-aug-12-2026-full-report/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T21:15:45.000Z Mayor Tom Allman gaveled the Willits City Council to order on Aug. 12, 2026\. (The full meeting is available via the city's video archive.) **Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items** Two speakers addressed the council regarding a town hall at the Willits Grange on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m., organized to discuss whether Willits Police Department vehicle markings comply with state law on distinguishing colors. A third speaker described refurbishing used electronics. **Consent Calendar** The council split the two consent calendar items. Councilmember Burton moved to approve the July 22 meeting minutes; Councilmember Gonzalez seconded. No public comment was offered. The vote was 5-0. A second item — appointment of two at-large members to the Cannabis Dispensary Selection Committee — was pulled from the consent calendar for discussion (see below). **Item: Cannabis Committee Appointments** Community Development Director Dusty Duley explained that Willits caps cannabis dispensaries at three. Two are currently operating, two applicants are competing for the third license, and the selection committee requires two community at-large members. After advertising in a local newspaper produced zero applicants, Duley said staff recruited Helen Sims and Kevin Copperfield directly. Mayor Allman pressed Duley on whether the committee is subject to the Brown Act. Duley acknowledged he was not certain. Allman initially moved to table the item until the city attorney could answer the question. Council Member Burton suggested the council could approve the appointments and resolve the Brown Act question afterward, with Duley committing to report back at the next meeting. The council agreed to proceed. Councilmember Burtom moved to appoint Sims and Copperfield; a second was offered. The vote was 5-0\. Allman directed staff to report the Brown Act determination at the next meeting. **Accounts Payable / Monthly Expenditure Reports** Council Member Bruce Burton walked through a series of line items from the June and July accounts payable reports. **Item: Mark Walker Sculptures — Highway 20 Park (Pulled)** The council pulled agenda item 9A — consideration of relocating the Mark Walker sculptures to Highway 20 Park — for further research. No date was given for its return to the agenda. No vote was taken. **Council Member Reports** Councilmember Burton asked about a property on Lopez Road that was inadvertently rezoned from heavy industrial to R-2 during a citywide zoning cleanup. Burton also noted that Councilmember Matthew Alaniz had resolved questions about a conflict of interest related to the Brooktrails contract and suggested the mayor appoint an ad hoc committee to address the city's long-term settlement agreement with Brooktrails Township Community Services District over sewer treatment. Allman directed the city clerk to add the item to the next agenda. Tamara Alaniz, general manager of the Brooktrails Township CSD, thanked Conner for initiating settlement discussions. Council Member Alaniz reminded the public that the Finance Committee meets Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 4 p.m. in city council chambers, open to the public. Mayor Allman noted Grocery Outlet had reopened and credited Bowles and city staff for expediting permitting and construction review. Allman reminded residents that vehicles parked on public streets more than 72 hours are subject to citation and towing, and said campers, boats, and disabled vehicles are subject to citations and possible towing. Allman raised sidewalk maintenance responsibility, asking who bears liability for cracked or lifted sidewalks — particularly where trees are the cause. Bowles cited California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610, which places responsibility on adjacent property owners, not the city. He said an encroachment permit — typically around $300 — is required for sidewalk work in the city right-of-way. Bowles noted the city had spent $38,000 on precision grinding of city-owned sidewalks roughly two years ago, covering parks, school frontage, and city properties. Allman flagged a press conference the following morning at Artefex, a metal-canvas fabrication business on East Hill Road, noting the company currently employs six and may double its workforce within a year. The Mendocino County Economic Development Finance Corporation, on which Allman sits, has supported the business. A letter from Marcy Barry of Willits Frontier Days, read into the record, thanked the city for its support during the event and reported the rodeo had been a success. **Adjournment** The council moved into closed session at to discuss the recruitment and appointment of a city manager. Mayor Allman announced that the closed session had concluded and direction had been given to staff. ### Mendocino Coast Clinics Buys the Mendocino Coast Pharmacy for Undisclosed Amount URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-coast-clinics-buys-the-mendocino-coast-pharmacy-for-undisclosed-amount/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T17:49:14.000Z Mendocino Coast Clinics (MCC) has bought the Mendocino Coast Pharmacy, adding a retail drugstore to the health center's operations for the first time. Executive Director Lucresha Renteria declined to disclose the purchase price. The purchase closed in early August, capping a process Renteria said began about three years ago. In an Aug. 10 interview, Renteria said the pharmacy's longtime owners Gary and Kelly Brodetsky approached the clinic as they looked toward retirement. Mendocino Coast Clinics, a federally qualified health center, has absorbed retiring providers' practices before, Renteria said, but this is the first time it has expanded outside direct medical, dental, and behavioral health care. The Brodetskys could not be reached for comment. *MendoLocal.News* sought them through the pharmacy and asked Renteria to provide contact information; she said she would but had not done so as of publication. Renteria said the clinic is financing the purchase over five years. Under the arrangement, she said, 90% of what she described as the pharmacy's monthly profit will go to the sellers until the purchase is paid off, with the remaining 10% going to the clinic. She said the deal does not draw on or put at risk the federal grant funding that supports the rest of MCC, and that no jobs would be cut. The clinic employed about 125 people before the purchase and picked up roughly a dozen more with the pharmacy. Its two pharmacists, technicians, and clerical staff are staying on, Renteria said, and hours will not change to start, though she said she has heard requests for evening and Saturday service. Asked what the clinic paid, Renteria said she preferred not to give a figure, and as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Mendocino Coast Clinics is not legally required to disclose the purchase price. Renteria did say the price was based on a valuation by an independent certified public accountant who reviewed three years of the pharmacy's financial statements and audits, but she did not identify the accountant. The pharmacy operates at 350 Cypress St., a building the Mendocino County assessor's roll lists as owned by Parents and Friends, Inc., a Fort Bragg nonprofit. *MendoLocal.News* asked MCC whether the acquisition included the building or only the pharmacy business, and, if MCC is leasing the property, what it will pay in rent. MCC had not responded to those questions as of publication. “We see this as a huge opportunity for MCC and the community,” said Jesse Martin, CEO of Parents and Friends. “Our understanding is that the acquisition will help MCC become more financially stable while also allowing it to provide more comprehensive services to our community.” Renteria framed the purchase as a way to protect drug access on a coast that lost a pharmacy when Rite Aid closed, dropping Fort Bragg from four pharmacies to three and pushing many customers onto Safeway. She said owning a pharmacy also lets the clinic expand a discount-drug program it already ran through the Mendocino Coast Pharmacy under the federal 340B program, which allows qualifying health centers to buy medications at reduced cost. Renteria said that program helps uninsured patients — a group she expects to grow as changes to Medi-Cal and Affordable Care Act subsidies take effect — fill prescriptions for a fraction of the retail price. The clinic's own finances form part of the backdrop of the deal. MCC is expanding into a new business while reporting a significant deficit. Based on revenue and expenses included in Mendocino Coast Clinics' Form 990s for fiscal years 2021 through 2024, obtained through ProPublica, the clinic reported a surplus of about $842,000 in fiscal year 2022, roughly broke even in 2023, and then reported deficits of about $12,000 in 2024 and about $1.31 million in 2025. Renteria said the purchase does not use or risk the clinic’s other funding and that the pharmacy's revenue would be tracked separately. She did not respond to questions about the Form 990s, which *MendoLocal.News* originally had difficulty locating. In the Aug. 10 interview, Renteria characterized the pharmacy acquisition as a way to diversify MCC’s revenue over the long term. The acquisition comes as voters are being asked to consider a statewide proposition that directly addresses how community health centers spend their money. Proposition 44, on the November ballot, would require private nonprofit safety-net clinics to spend at least 90% of their total revenue on health care services, capping other spending — the measure's official title calls it "program services" — at 10%. According to the Legislative Analyst's Office, the state attorney general would define which costs count as health care, and clinics that fall short would pay a penalty equal to the shortfall, with five years to come into compliance and recover those payments before the state keeps the money. The measure applies to roughly 2,000 nonprofit clinics statewide, which the analyst's office says currently report spending about 80% of revenue on care on average. County-run clinics are exempt. Renteria opposes the measure. She said its 90% definition would exclude costs such as executive compensation — including her own $295,000 salary — as well as mortgage and lease payments and referral coordinators, though the measure leaves those definitions to the attorney general. She said Mendocino Coast Clinics spent about 73% of revenue on qualifying care in 2023, roughly $3 million short of the threshold on a budget of about $15 million to $16 million, and that falling short would have meant a penalty of about $2.8 million — a hit she said the clinic could not absorb for more than a year. Renteria said she believes the measure would push 91% of California's health centers into deficit spending, and that the California Democratic Party, the California Primary Care Association, and the California Hospital Association oppose it. *Disclosure: Elise Cox, editor of MendoLocal.News, is a patient at Mendocino Coast Clinics.* ### Judge Denies Petition to Strike Hart From the District 3 Ballot URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/judge-denies-petition-to-strike-hart-from-the-district-3-ballot/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T22:27:40.000Z # A Mendocino County Superior Court judge has denied Clay Romero's petition to remove Eric Hart from the November ballot for 3rd District supervisor, ruling from the bench that Hart proved he had moved his legal home into the district well before the filing deadline. "The court looked at every bit of evidence and rendered a decision," Hart said in an interview after the hearing. He added that he had wanted Romero's allegations to be reviewed by the court, and that he is grateful for judge's ruling. The ruling leaves Hart on the Nov. 3 ballot alongside Buffey Wright Bourassa, the two candidates who advanced from the June primary. Romero, who finished third, had asked the court to strike Hart and install him in Hart's place, arguing Hart's true domicile when he filed his nomination papers was a home in the 4th District. Judge Ann Moorman said she would put the decision in writing and told Romero he could seek review in the Court of Appeal. Romero told *MendoLocal.News* he was disappointed with the outcome, but will continue to remain active in politics. The dispute turns on two adjoining properties Hart and his wife occupy on a hillside outside Willits. The couple own a parcel on Northview Drive, which the 2021 redistricting placed in the 4th District, and rent an adjacent home on Williams Ranch Road, in the 3rd District, under a lease with an option to buy. Hart registered to vote at the Williams Ranch Road address in November 2025\. Romero's petition, filed July 24 under Elections Code section 13314, contended that Hart never genuinely changed his domicile and that his registration in the district was a "legal fiction." Moorman opened the hearing by narrowing the case. To win a writ of mandate under section 13314, she said, Romero had to show both that an error violated the Elections Code or the Constitution and that a court order would not substantially interfere with the conduct of the election. She dismissed the Registrar of Voters, Katrina Bartolomie, as a target of the writ, finding her office had done what the law requires — verify that the address on a candidate's papers is in the district and that the candidate is registered there. The registrar had no duty to investigate whether Hart actually lived at the domicile he declared under penalty of perjury, the judge said. On the central question, Moorman explained, the law recognizes a single domicile that continues until a person establishes a new one through both an actual move and the intent to remain. Because Romero had shown Hart was previously domiciled at the Northview Drive property, Moorman said, the burden shifted to Hart to prove he had changed it in time. Before taking testimony, Moorman ruled on written objections Hart's attorney, Christopher Neary, had filed to Romero's sworn declaration, sustaining most of them. She set aside statements Romero attributed to unnamed people — including a delivery driver — whom Romero said wished to remain anonymous, ruling the court could not consider out-of-court statements from unidentified people. She excluded Romero's assertion that an unreturned mail ballot showed Hart was "not being present enough" to receive it, calling it speculation, and also set aside a claim built on the absence of family-court records. Moorman questioned Romero most sharply about a single assertion. His petition had stated that Hart's driver's license listed the Northview address. Hart's attorney had filed a supplemental memorandum pointing out that the law makes driver's-license information confidential. "You can't just go in and get it," Moorman said, and she asked Romero directly how he had reached that conclusion. Romero, representing himself, conceded it was "a combination of oversight and clerical error." He said he did not in fact have Hart's license information, and explained that he had put it in his declaration as a "potential source of identifying information" he thought law enforcement could later verify. He asked to strike it. Moorman allowed the correction but warned him that a party who submits a sworn declaration and later learns it contains inaccurate information must notify the court, or risk sanctions, including having the entire declaration thrown out. "That is not an acceptable practice," she told him. Called to the stand, Hart traced the couple's ties to the two properties back more than a decade. He testified that he had met one of the Williams Ranch Road home's owners in Oakland 15 to 20 years earlier, and that he and his wife visited and stayed at that home over the years before deciding to move north. It was those friends, he said, who told the couple that the adjoining parcel on Northview Drive had come up for sale. Having already talked about finding a place in the area, the couple bought the Northview property and moved from Oakland to Mendocino County in 2019\. Years later, after his friends left Mendocino, they agreed to rent the Williams Ranch Road house to Hart and his wife with an option to buy. Hart testified that he signed the Williams Ranch Road lease in October 2025, slept there within a few days, and moved furniture and clothing over the following days. He described two reasons for the move: he wanted a home with a view and water, which the Northview house lacked. The couple also wanted to separate their work and home lives. The couple now use the Northview house as an office and guest space, he said. He testified renewed his driver's license when it came up on his birthday in June and that he registered to vote at Williams Ranch Road the day after the November 2025 election. Asked where he sleeps, cooks, and returns after trips, Hart answered each time: Williams Ranch Road. Romero, who also testified, claimed that county records showed a homeowner's exemption on the Northview property as of early June. While Hart was not asked to address the exemption during the hearing, he later told *MendoLocal.News* that the exemption is in his wife's name and when they realized it was still in place on the Northview property, they removed it. In denying Romero's petition, Moorman said Hart had met his burden with testimony the court found "believable and credible" that he resides on Williams Ranch Road and intends to remain there. She told Romero she was not critical of the challenge — as an elector Romero was entitled to file it. However, she said the evidence established Hart's domicile in the district before the eligibility date. ### Covelo's Award-Winning Library Raises $10,000 to Fix Its Solar Power URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/covelos-award-winning-library-raises-10-000-to-fix-its-solar-power/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T22:49:03.000Z A community drive to repair the solar power system at Covelo's award-winning library has raised $10,000, well past its original goal. The Friends of the Round Valley Public Library started the appeal after the solar inverter that runs the Library Commons — the downtown building that houses the Mendocino County Library's Round Valley branch — failed this summer. The group had set out to raise about $6,000 to replace it. The branch was named the Best Small Library in America in 2024 by Library Journal, an award sponsored by Ingram Library Services. The Friends, a local nonprofit, own and maintain the historic Commons building, so the repair fell to them rather than the county. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1d64.jpeg) An exhibit celebrating the confederated tribes of Round Valley (Photo courtesy of Lew Chichester) "The response has been overwhelming. Seems like a lot of people love our little library," said Lew Chichester, the Friends' vice president. "We only started this attempt to raise some money about ten days ago, just showing up at our local farmers' market and posting a graphic for the local Facebook pages, then the county-wide media picked it up." With the wider exposure the response accelerated. "With the QR code in the graphic we received a few donations from people and places far away," Chichester said. *MendoLocal.News* joined the fundraising campaign last weekend by running a banner on its site to help raise awareness of the campaign. ### A Trip to Reggae on the River Ends in Tragedy URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-trip-to-reggae-on-the-river-ends-in-tragedy/ Last updated: 2026-08-22T19:08:24.000Z Jose "Johnny" Mandujano, the 40-year-old Willits man reported missing after attending the Reggae on the River festival last weekend, has been found dead near Leggett, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said. Mandujano was located on the morning of Aug. 18 at the bottom of an approximately 35-foot cliff off Highway 101, near Mile Post Marker 83.4, according to a sheriff's office press release. Personnel from CAL FIRE traversed the terrain to reach him and determined that he was deceased. Sheriff's deputies opened a coroner's investigation. The cause and manner of death have not been determined, the sheriff's office said, and an autopsy is being scheduled. Mandujano's family and legal next-of-kin have been notified. Mandujano had attended the festival and was overdue to return home when the Willits Police Department opened a missing-person investigation. During the early morning hours of Aug. 16, his vehicle had reportedly been involved in a traffic collision near Mile Post Marker 83.5 of North Highway 101 near Leggett, the sheriff's office said. On the afternoon of Aug. 17, Willits police followed up at the tow yard where Mandujano's vehicle was stored and at the collision scene. After exhausting investigative leads, the department contacted the sheriff's office to request its Search and Rescue team to search along the freeway where the collision had reportedly occurred. Because of the dangers of searching the freeway in the dark, the search was set for the following morning. As the Search and Rescue team headed toward Leggett on Aug. 18, deputies received word that Mandujano had been located by CAL FIRE personnel. *This account is based on a Mendocino County Sheriff's Office press release issued Aug. 19, 2026.* ### After Backlash, Caltrans Agrees to Modify Fort Bragg's Highway 1 Fence URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/after-backlash-caltrans-agrees-to-modify-fort-braggs-highway-1-fence/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T15:16:08.000Z The new wooden fence that runs along Highway 1 near the southern entrance to Fort Bragg is going to be changed. The City of Fort Bragg and Caltrans both said Wednesday that they are working together to modify the fence after residents objected to its height, appearance, and impact on the view. In a press release, the city said the fencing is part of Caltrans' Fort Bragg sidewalk and Americans with Disabilities Act improvement project, and that it replaced an existing fence removed to widen the sidewalk. The fence and its cost, the city noted, are components of Caltrans' broader contract and "are not a separate city construction project." The city issued a coastal development permit based on a project description calling for the fence to be replaced "in kind and in the same location as the previous fence," the release said. After residents raised concerns, city staff reviewed the permit and related documents, which the city said indicate the replacement fencing was intended to match the previous conditions. --- ### "Take a breath. Remember there be beauty here." — Jean Arnold, Mendocino --- City Manager Isaac Whippy has spoken directly with Alex Arévalo, a Caltrans District 1 program and project manager. Whippy reported Arévalo was receptive to community concerns and committed to working with the city and Caltrans' contractor to identify and implement modifications. "We appreciate residents bringing this issue forward and Caltrans' willingness to respond," Whippy said in the release. "Alex has listened carefully and made it clear that Caltrans wants to make this right for Fort Bragg. We will continue working together to ensure the modifications address the community's concerns and respect the coastal views and character of this important entrance to our city." Caltrans confirmed it is engaged. "Caltrans is actively working with the City of Fort Bragg to address the concerns of the recently installed wood fence along Route 1," spokesperson Manny Machado said Wednesday. "We continue to have ongoing collaboration with the city, stakeholders, and the California Coastal Commission." That last reference picks up a thread from earlier in the dispute. The Coastal Commission's Peter Allen told *MendoLocal.News* that the fence was authorized under the city's own coastal permit, and that "the replacement should have been in-kind, that is matching the existing fence." Neither the city nor Caltrans has said what the modifications will be, or when they will happen. Caltrans will work with its contractor to determine the specific changes and a construction schedule, the city said, and the city "will remain engaged throughout the process." [Show your support for our local news reporting — sign up for a free subscription](#/portal/signup/free) The fence has drawn scrutiny partly for its price. Caltrans bid it at $82,450 to install, plus $15,035 to remove the old fence — roughly $97,000, both line items inside a larger, roughly $8.71 million Ghilotti Construction contract along Highway 1. For some residents, though, the objection is less about dollars than about what the entrance to town says. Jean Arnold of Mendocino said the open stretch of ocean had felt like a greeting. "That stretch of ocean view as you enter Ft. Bragg proper always struck me as a natural, quiet, yet huge, 'Welcome!' sign, something that differentiated the town from other municipalities," she wrote to *MendoLocal.New*s. "To me, it said, 'Take a breath,' and, 'Remember, there be beauty here.'" --- *Typo fixed in pull quote, 9:27 p.m. August 19, 2026* Read our previous reporting: [Fort Bragg's New Highway One Fence Cost More than $80,000 — And Hid a Priceless Ocean View](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-braggs-new-highway-1-fence-cost-more-than-80-000-and-hid-a-priceless-ocean-view/) ### Ben Miller Back in Custody URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ben-miller-back-in-custody/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T20:11:36.000Z # *Editor’s Note: This story was extensively updated with information from a press release issued by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office after we published. (13:08 p.m., August 19, 2026)* Benjamin Austin Miller, 48, the wanted man who has been the focus of an intensive search in the Laytonville area since Monday, was arrested Tuesday night. Miller was released on his own recognizance on August 7 under court-ordered conditions that barred him from possessing firearms or ammunition and required him to obey all laws. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail at 10:27 p.m. Tuesday, according to the county booking log. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said he is being held without bail on a felony arrest warrant. (This contradicts the jail booking log which said he was being held on $17,500 bond, as we previously reported.) Sheriff Matt Kendall told [Redheaded Blackbelt](https://kymkemp.com/2026/08/19/wanted-man-ben-miller-captured-near-cahto-reservation-sheriff-says/?ref=mendolocal.news) that two deputies responded to a citizen's tip reporting that Miller was in a creek near the Cahto Reservation. "They were able to sneak up on him and get him in custody," Kendall said. Miller "put up a little bit of resistance," but the deputies were able to overcome it, according to Kendall. In a press release, the Sheriff's Office said deputies searching south of Lucas Lane in Laytonville at about 8 p.m. Tuesday heard movement in a wooded area near a creek. They entered the area and found Miller lying on the ground with a loaded .22-caliber rifle within his immediate reach. Deputies ordered Miller to surrender, but he did not comply and instead tried to walk past them, according to the Sheriff's Office. Deputies then took him into custody after a brief struggle. ### Search Began Monday The search for Miller began early Monday morning after deputies received a report that he was attempting to enter a Laytonville residence while carrying a .22-caliber rifle, according to the Sheriff's Office. An active restraining order barred Miller from being on the property. A reporting party told deputies that Miller entered the home looking for a flashlight before leaving ahead of their arrival. Over the next several hours, the Sheriff's Office received multiple reports of Miller being seen around Laytonville, but deputies were unable to locate him. Later Monday, multiple Sheriff's Office units converged on the area after receiving information about Miller's location. Deputies again failed to apprehend him and reportedly missed him by only a few minutes. Two arrest warrants were issued for Miller that same morning after he failed to appear in court on two previous cases. According to the Sheriff's Office, Miller was booked on the two outstanding warrants as well as new charges of first-degree burglary; being a felon in possession of a firearm; possession of ammunition by a prohibited person; committing a felony while out on his own recognizance; resisting, delaying or obstructing a peace officer; loitering on private property; violating a court order; and two counts of contempt of court. The warrants stem from Miller's failure to appear in his two open cases — 26CR11459, a felony, and 26CR11176, a misdemeanor. Both cases are before Judge Victoria Shanahan. The Sheriff's Office thanked Laytonville residents who reported sightings and provided information that helped deputies locate Miller and take him into custody safely. As of Wednesday, no court date had been set on the new charges. The allegations against Miller have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty. *This account draws on Mendocino County Sheriff's Office press release, an interview with Sheriff Matt Kendall on August 17, reporting by Kym Kemp of Redheaded Blackbelt, the Mendocino County booking log, and Mendocino County Superior Court records reviewed by MendoLocal.News.* ### An Oxford Historian Captured Mendocino's Weed Stories Before They Disappeared URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/an-oxford-historian-captured-mendocinos-weed-stories-before-they-disappeared/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T15:39:05.000Z *British historian Charlie Harris — a onetime North Coast cannabis trimmer who studied the war on drugs at Oxford — spoke with* Dr. Richard Louis Miller, a longtime Mendocino County resident, *on* [*Miller's Mind Body Health & Politics podcast*](https://www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/podcast?ref=mendolocal.news) *about Harris's book* Mendo *(Counterpoint Press, June 2026), a history of how Mendocino County became the cannabis capital of the Emerald Triangle. Miller, who says he has been coming to the county since 1975, draws on his own memory of the era throughout. Edited and condensed for clarity from an auto-transcript of the \~60-minute conversation.* --- **Miller:** How did a guy from England come to write a book about cannabis in Mendocino County? Take it from the top. **Harris:** I started the way a lot of people did — I really liked cannabis. I was 21, studying abroad in Vancouver, and hitchhiking up the West Coast in 2014\. A guy picked us up near Bodega Bay and, as we got into southern Mendocino County, offered to let us stay with him. It turned out he lived on a pot farm. I'm from the UK, where buying cannabis then meant parking-lot deals and hustling all day for a gram — so the abundance stunned me. I started coming back to trim. I was a lousy trimmer, honestly — too interested in smoking pot and surfing — but I kept coming back. **Miller:** And then you went to graduate school? **Harris:** I went to Oxford for a master's in U.S. history, and I worked for the Global History of Capitalism project there for about eight years. I got into the history of informal markets, which led me to war-on-drugs history — and back to Mendocino, this time as a researcher. **Miller:** Why write the book? **Harris:** When I first started going to Mendo, everything was paranoid and closed — it was still illegal. Then it became legal, even "nauseatingly mainstream." But all these people had extraordinary stories about black-market living and building a community around cannabis, and almost none of it had been written down. My pitch to growers on the North Coast became: we need to get these stories down before they disappear. People who'd spent their lives keeping this secret trusted me to record it. That was the great privilege of my life. --- 💡 **Mendo: How an Unlikely Group of Rebels Turned Cannabis into California's Cash Crop* by Charlie Miller is available at ****The Book Juggler** in Willits and other local independent bookstores. **Miller:** How did a fishing and logging area for over a century become the epicenter of American marijuana production? **Harris:** Mendocino's whole story is new people moving in. It didn't have gold, but it had old-growth redwoods — the tallest trees in the world, fed by the Pacific fog. The loggers saw a bounty and pulled them out. But when you cut a redwood, several identical trees spring from the stump and grow too close together to get big — so you're left with an unproductive forest. The logging boom ended suddenly in the 1960s, and it took fishing down with it: logging debris wrecked the salmon streams. By the late '60s the land had been stripped, nobody wanted it, and North Coast property prices collapsed. Meanwhile, down in San Francisco, the joyful hippie thing was turning sour — hepatitis outbreaks, a housing crackdown, violence in 1968\. Out of that came the Back-to-the-Land movement: the idea that hippies should reconnect with the earth and live off the land on communes and farms. It was, believe it or not, the largest urban-to-rural migration in human history — human history normally runs the other way. **Miller:** And they used marijuana as currency. **Harris:** They tried to live off the land and discovered, as one ex-commune member put it beautifully, "we couldn't grow gasoline." Traditional farming was hard. But back then almost every bag of weed had seeds in it, so everyone planted some — and it was the one crop they could trade and sell. People paid rent with it, got their cars fixed with it. That was the beginning. **Miller:** You were here for the homesteading wars. **Harris:** The county tried to drive the hippies out by red-tagging their hand-built houses as "unfit for human habitation" — inspectors would literally fly into the woods in single-engine planes and tag people's doors. But it backfired. Locals hated the hippies, but they hated the government more. To those old libertarian loggers, nothing is more American than building your house with your own two hands — and the idea the government could order you to tear down your family home was unacceptable. So a coalition formed. The way it's told in Mendocino is: you had the hippies and the rednecks, and they didn't get along — until they did, and formed a new generation, the "hipnecks." The rednecks saw the hippies were making real money growing pot, and the county had been brutally poor. Pot became the way to make a living. **Miller:** Then the mills closed. **Harris:** They'd over-logged, so the mills went out of business and hundreds of logging families were suddenly out of work. Many went into marijuana — and nobody knew the timberlands like them. You didn't grow on your own property; you'd hike or dirt-bike out to a clear-cut, run a trickle of irrigation from a summer-running stream, and tend it every few weeks. Laid-off loggers knew every inch of that forest. And community knits together generation by generation — one man told me nothing did more for relations between old-timers and newcomers than the high-school quarterback being a hippie. But he was fast. **Miller:** Was there a political change in the 1980s? **Harris:** You get Ronald Reagan and an intensification of the war on drugs. Local sheriffs didn't much care — their buddy from the mill growing a little weed didn't hurt anyone. But Reagan sent in the National Guard and formed CAMP, the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, in 1982; its first real year was 1983\. It was the largest domestic law-enforcement operation in the country and the first to use military equipment — Huey helicopters straight home from Vietnam, guardsmen hanging out the side. They'd play "Ride of the Valkyries." They loved playing soldier in the woods. **Miller:** And this is where asset forfeiture comes in. **Harris:** CAMP was a testing ground for new ways of fighting your own citizens — and one of them, civil asset forfeiture, was first used in Mendocino County. The very first application was a young couple making an honest go of ranching who had a corner of pot plants; the federal government offered to drop charges if they signed the ranch over. Eventually they did. What's crazy is CAMP arrested very few people but claimed a lot of property. I spent weeks in the records asking what the point was — until I found the budget reports. Every single year those choppers flew, it turned a profit. Growers had a nickname for it: the Campaign to Aid Marijuana Prices. Every plant they cut made the rest worth more, and every night they were on the news calling California weed dangerously potent — which just made everyone want it. **Miller:** Is that when California weed started beating Mexican weed? **Harris:** It knocked it out of the park. At the same time, growers switched genetics — going from equatorial sativa to indica seeds from places like Nepal and Pakistan, which grew far more happily in the Northern California photoperiod. That's when you get the kushes. By the mid-to-late '80s, California weed got really, really good. **Miller:** What changed after Reagan? **Harris:** The politics fragmented — a firmly anti-pot federal government, a famously relaxed Mendocino County, and a state of California slowly softening. The county practically functioned as a narco-state: a local radio station ran a "traffic report" where people phoned in the location of CAMP helicopters and police convoys, and juries would never convict a grower they liked. In 1996 California legalized medical marijuana, and things really changed. DA Norm Vroman made it publicly known he had no interest in prosecuting growers — he was almost certainly a grower himself; the feds were preparing a warrant on his home when he died — and he built the first medical-marijuana permit system in North America, which was, of course, entirely illegal under federal law. **Miller:** And prices started to fall. **Harris:** People planted much more. Ballot measures let you grow, say, 25 plants without the sheriff coming after you — and 25 plants outdoors could net you $100,000\. Word spread, more people came, and homes got scooped up as grow sites, which priced out teachers and bus drivers. The middle class held up through the subprime crisis, but the working class suffered. Then legalization crashed prices for good. Part of it was hedge funds — believe it or not, they helped ruin American cannabis, propping up operations like Flow Kana that sold below cost and undercut traditional farmers, the way Uber undercut taxis. Part of it was simple overproduction as other states legalized. Everything that made Mendocino a great place to grow outlaw weed — remote, rugged, permissive — made it a terrible place to run a legal farm. A pound that brought $5,000 in the '80s recently sold for under $500\. When you think about it, the grower is paid a fifth of what they used to be, while the consumer pays about the same — the dispensaries, transporters and the state's brutal taxes take the middle. **Miller:** What's your concern about the product today? **Harris:** Potency. Nobody actually wants stronger weed — but it keeps getting stronger because of the economics. Weed today is comfortably more than ten times as strong as in the '70s and '80s: back then it was 1 to 3% THC; now 22% is a baseline in a California dispensary, and vape concentrates advertise 90% THC. A huge amount of our legalization case was built on studies of something completely different — it's like repealing alcohol prohibition on the promise that all you'd drink is Bud Light, and then all you drink is absinthe. Those 90% vapes, often made with butane-extracted hash and glycerol, have a very different effect on the lungs and brain than 2% organically grown pot — and the research isn't keeping up. I've smoked cannabis daily for 16 years; I'm not a square. But I suspect people with kids, are saying "I'm not so sure about this". **Miller:** Give us a quick word on marijuana in England. **Harris:** Our culture's shaped by Amsterdam's proximity — mostly sativas: amnesia haze, super silver haze, a lot of "cheese." We used to get great Moroccan hash, but less now. More and more is grown indoors in the UK. It's still very much illegal — you still buy it from a guy in a hatchback playing loud music with an annoyed-looking girlfriend in the passenger seat — but medical permits are starting to appear, mirroring what happened in America: legalization comes bottom-up, once enough people are just doing it. And as in the States, the racial disparities in policing and arrests are huge. **Miller:** The name of the book again? **Harris:** It's called *Mendo*, published by Counterpoint Press. You can get it from Counterpoint, Penguin Random House, or Barnes & Noble — but please support your local indie bookstore first; if they don't have it, ask them to order it. And honestly, even more than the book, I recommend visiting Mendocino County. Tourism is about all it's got left. **Miller:** Any last thing? **Harris:** I'm just so grateful to Mendocino County — for the people, the community, the years of inspiration and friendship, and yes, the great waves and sunburns. In an age of reactionary politics, a lot of us have a difficult relationship with America. But I have real hope for it, and it endures in Mendocino County. It's one of the most special places on earth. *Editor's note: The transcript was edited to reflect that concern that parents with children may have about the increased potency of cannabis. The Q&A incorrectly stated that Miller has children. He does not. (12:27 p.m. August 19, 2026)* ### What Belongs on a Contaminated Mill Site in the Middle of a Neighborhood? URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/what-belongs-on-a-contaminated-mill-site-in-the-middle-of-a-neighborhood/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T22:11:06.000Z What are acceptable ways to use a site in the middle of a coastal neighborhood that is zoned industrial but is still being monitored by the California State Water Resources Control Board? That is the question before the Mendocino County Planning Commission in Case No. U\_2024-0007, involving a former 36-acre lumber mill at the corner of Gibney and Holquist lanes, about a mile northeast of Caspar. The mill dates to 1955, when the Aborigine Lumber Company completed it after several years of portable sawmill operations on the property. Ownership passed to Georgia-Pacific Corp. in 1968 and soon afterward to Louisiana-Pacific Corp. — the name many neighbors still use for the site — before Mendocino Forest Products purchased it in 1998. Mendocino Forest Products operated the mill until it closed in 2003 and dismantled most of its structures the following year, leaving only a shop building and a pump house. But contamination from the mill's years of operation remains a concern. [Show your support — subscribe for free](#/portal/signup/free) The property is listed in the state's GeoTracker database as a leaking underground storage tank cleanup site (Global ID T0604500076) and remains under a Regional Water Quality Control Board cleanup order. Monitoring wells and a filtration system are used to monitor and address contaminants in groundwater. According to comments submitted to the Planning Commission, groundwater is less than 20 feet below the surface and supplies private wells in the residential neighborhood that developed around the mill after it closed. Mendocino Forest Products is asking the commission to approve a Coastal Development Use Permit with three primary components. The first is storage of forestry materials, including culverts, timbers and fencing, along with servicing the heavy equipment used to move them. The second is fleet storage for Family Tree Services, a private company that operates from the site with about 30 employees and 15 vehicles. The third is legalization of a firefighter training facility — a stack of shipping containers configured for live-fire drills — that was constructed on the property in 2022 without permits. The application also seeks to legalize a storage container and a mobile office and to remove asphalt grindings that had been spread on an interior road for dust control. For many neighbors who submitted comments, the central concern is that renewed industrial activity on a site with a history of contamination could worsen existing groundwater problems. In a comment letter, Marie Jones — a 50-year neighbor and professional land-use planner — wrote that groundwater "serves many wells that are west of the property" and that "many of these homes already deal with contamination to their wells from petroleum products released from prior operation of a lumber mill at this site." Some residents, she wrote, "cannot drink or cook with the water from their wells." Other neighbors described living with the aftermath of the mill's operation. Sy Scaramella, whose family built a home on Mallory Drive 75 years ago, wrote that "we still receive drinking water from the mill site owners today, because of damage caused during that last period of commercial use." Norma Leah Andres, who lives on Pine Drive, wrote that "close neighbors have been getting bottled water for years" because of contamination in the water table. Roslyn Moore wrote that her own well is "not yet contaminated, but some of my neighbors' wells are." Randy and Stacey Hanks, whose property abuts the site, pointed the commission to the same GeoTracker record, writing that "ground water is already polluted." Tom Winters, a retired economics teacher who owns a home adjacent to the project, wrote that "some monitoring wells and local private wells still test as polluted." He also raised concerns that disturbing the site could spread contaminants through the air, including dioxin. [Show your support — subscribe for free](#/portal/signup/free) The commission did not decide the permit at its Aug. 6 hearing. Instead, commissioners — Kay Richards, Diana Wiedemann,and Michelle Johnson — voted 3-0 to continue the application to a date yet to be determined and ordered the entire project to be re-noticed to the public, opening a new 30-day comment period. Before voting, commissioners directed county staff to return with answers to a list of unresolved questions, including how often the fire department would use the training facility, what would happen to the asphalt grindings, and how vehicle maintenance at the site would be conducted without creating a risk of reintroducing contaminants into soil or groundwater. ### **Environmental review questioned** The application had been reviewed under a proposed negative declaration, the lowest level of environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. The county's proposed finding was that the project's environmental impacts would be less than significant. Nearly all of the roughly 29 written comments submitted to the commission challenged that finding and urged the county to require additional environmental review, including either a mitigated negative declaration or a full environmental impact report. Several commenters also asked for more time to review a 183-page project document, saying they had only weeks to study it. The proposed negative declaration will be re-noticed along with the rest of the project when it returns to the commission. The project before the commission is already smaller than what Mendocino Forest Products originally proposed. Senior Planner Russ Ford said the original 2024 application called for using the property for log decking, which would have involved trucking raw logs to and from the site for storage. The company dropped that use after a community meeting in October 2024 and a downturn in the timber market, Ford said. The revised application is limited primarily to storage and legalization of existing structures and uses. ### **Dispute over Planning Commissioner** The hearing also opened with a dispute over Planning Commissioner Marie Jones, who represents the Fourth District and lives near the site. Jones submitted comment letters about the project as a member of the public rather than as a commissioner. She did not attend the Aug. 6 hearing. Attorneys for Mendocino Forest Products sent the county a letter arguing that Jones' participation presented a conflict of interest. They asked that she recuse herself and that her comments be disregarded. Deputy County Counsel Matthew Kiedrowski told the commission that such disputes are matters for the Fair Political Practices Commission to resolve. Because Jones was not present at the hearing, he said, she could neither recuse herself nor participate in the commission's deliberations. Her comments could be considered, he said, but given no greater weight than comments from any other member of the public. The hearing also included a broader discussion about the county's environmental review process. One commissioner said that, for more than a year, responsible agencies had not been returning comments on projects before the Planning Commission and pressed staff on how to get more agencies to respond. Staff said they follow up with agencies but eventually must bring projects before the commission. The motion to continue the project passed with Chair Kay Richards and commissioners Diana Wiedemann and Michelle Johnson voting yes. No new hearing date has been set. *Editor's note — The story was updated to include the names of the commissioners who were present and voted at the meeting. (August 19, 2026 2:54 p.m.)* ### Body Found on U.S. 101 During Search for Missing Willits Man URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/body-found-on-u-s-101-during-search-for-missing-willits-man/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T18:02:21.000Z A 40-year-old man was found dead Tuesday morning, Aug. 18, along U.S. 101, where the family of a missing Willits man and a Mendocino County search team had both been searching. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office confirmed the death but said it was withholding the man's name pending notification of next of kin. It was not clear whether the family or the search team found the body. The search centered on Jose "Johnny" Mandujano, 40, whom the Willits Police Department had listed as missing. Mandujano was driving home from the Reggae on the River festival when his 2007 silver Toyota Yaris crashed about half a mile north of the Empire Camp Rest Area on U.S. 101 in the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 16. A passerby reported the crash, and the California Highway Patrol responded, but Mandujano was not at the scene. His family later reported him missing, and Willits police issued a missing-persons bulletin with his name and photograph. The family was searching for Mandujano when the Sheriff's Office deployed its Search and Rescue Team (SART) on Tuesday morning. The man was found a short time later. The Sheriff's Office has not said whether it has determined the man's identity or released any details about the cause of death. *This story was based on interviews with Chief Brian Fay of the Willits Police Department, Captain Quincy Cromer of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol personnel.* ### Fort Bragg's New Highway 1 Fence Cost More Than $80,000 — And Hid a Priceless Ocean View URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-braggs-new-highway-1-fence-cost-more-than-80-000-and-hid-a-priceless-ocean-view/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T18:48:10.000Z *Editor's update: We included the construction drawing of the fence approved by Caltrans that shows four-foot fence posts above grade and six-foot pickets, and also added that information to the body of the story. (August 18, 2026, 8:44 a.m.)* For a few weeks this summer, drivers coming into Fort Bragg on Highway 1 could look west and see the ocean. The weathered wooden fence that had previously blocked the view was torn out for a Caltrans sidewalk project, revealing the Noyo headlands and the water beyond. "For decades, Fort Bragg turned its back to the ocean — a timber mill, stacks of felled trees, and rows of planted ones hid the view," Jim Heid commented to *MendoLocal.News*. "With the beautiful Noyo Headlands trail, the city is beginning to rediscover the ocean." Then a new fence went up and the ocean was gone again. "It's ironic," Heid says. "Fort Bragg has the best pedestrian access it's ever had on the west side of Highway 1, and what do pedestrians get to look at? A fence that blocks the view of the headlands and ocean beyond it." The cedar plank fence that some residents complain sends a message that "there's nothing to see here" cost more than $80,000. According to Caltrans, the new fence was bid at $85 a foot for 970 feet, or $82,450 to install, with a separate line to remove the old fence at $15.50 a foot, another $15,035\. Together, removal and replacement come to $97,485. The fence is not a standalone project; it is a pair of line items inside a much larger job — Contract 01-0B22U4, a roughly $8.71 million Ghilotti Construction contract for retaining walls, concrete, earthwork, and electrical work along Highway 1 from Route 20 to the Pudding Creek Bridge. The winning bid came in nearly 18 percent under the state's own estimate. Chase McPhaul of Ghilotti, the contractor, said the figure covers labor, equipment, and office management, along with a substantial amount of documentation — submittals and a certification that the materials meet Caltrans specifications, which call for boards of a set thickness and grade. The new fence looks much like the one that was there before — the two are easy to compare on Google Earth — and the Caltrans specifications for the job match the old fence. They call for a cedar fence with dog-ear pickets, fastened with galvanized nails to posts set in concrete: 4-by-6-inch posts spaced 8 feet apart, 2-by-6 rails and 1-by-6 pickets. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/image.png) ****Elevation View of Sheet C-71**, Caltrans Contract 01-0B22U4 ( The construction drawing an agency engineer signed off on in June 2025 shows the fence standing about 4 feet tall above grade, its posts sunk some 3 feet into concrete footings. But there is one key detail — the construction drawing of the 4-foot-tall fence included 6-foot-tall pickets. The project description the city relied on for the permit says the old fence would be "removed prior to construction and replaced" in the same location — a permit the Fort Bragg Planning Commission approved at a public hearing in July 2024. McPhaul described the new fence as a one-for-one replacement of the old one — same boards, same height. But residents contend that the former fence provided an ocean view, even if it was limited. And the new one doesn't. One sent in a picture that shows a section of the new fence side by side with a section of the old fence. The new fence looks to be a foot or two taller. Under Section 30251 of the California Coastal Act, the California Coastal Commission protects public scenic and visual resources. However, the California Coastal Commission's Peter Allen said the Highway 1 fence was authorized by the City of Fort Bragg's own coastal permit — and that "the replacement should have been in-kind, that is matching the existing fence." What can be done is an open question. Lydia Ruby Shepard suggested in a message to *MendoLocal.News* that the cheapest fix might be to lower the fence to half its height in a wave pattern. Another resident argued for open slats. Still others recalled the days when the view was marred by industrial machinery and stacks of lumber. They said people should realize that a fence, no matter how high, is an improvement. The City of Fort Bragg, whose permit authorized the work, did not respond to a request for comment. ### Deputies Search Laytonville for Armed, Dangerous Felon After Judge Orders His Release URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/deputies-search-laytonville-for-armed-dangerous-felon-after-judge-orders-his-release/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T16:19:45.000Z *Editor's update: We added a comment from a landowner who was present during the search conducted by sheriff's deputies. (August 18, 2026, 11:39 a.m.)* It took a SWAT team to arrest Benjamin Austin Miller on Aug. 1\. It may take another to put him back in jail after a judge ordered his release six days later. A week after Judge Victoria Shanahan granted a request to release Miller on his own recognizance, Mendocino County sheriff's deputies were back in the field on Monday morning, searching the woods and trails around Laytonville for him. Sheriff Matt Kendall said Miller, 48, should be considered likely armed and dangerous. Members of the public should not approach him, Kendall said, but should instead call the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. Court records reviewed by *MendoLocal.News* show Miller has a Mendocino County criminal history stretching back nearly three decades, including multiple prior felony convictions and state prison terms, a 2016 felony domestic-violence conviction and a 2024 felony conviction for vehicle theft. “Some people do life in prison,” Kendall said in an interview with *MendoLocal.News*. “And some people do it on the installment plan.” Kendall said he has had to pull deputies and detectives from other assignments to take Miller back into custody. “We don’t have enough people to cover calls for service,” he said. “I’ve got almost all my resources dealing with him when he should be sitting in jail.” Kendall said he was worried for the safety of his deputies and for Miller's own safety, given his history of resisting arrest. *MendoLocal.News* asked Judge Shanahan and the Mendocino County Superior Court whether they wished to respond to the sheriff's criticism of the release decision. Judges generally do not comment on pending cases, and the court did not respond by our deadline. According to Kendall, Miller's father reported early Sunday that his son had come onto the family's Laytonville-area property despite a restraining order and appeared to be carrying a rifle. Deputies rushed to the property after the report, Kendall told[ *Redheaded Blackbelt*,](https://kymkemp.com/2026/08/17/sheriff-warns-ben-miller-may-be-armed-and-dangerous-after-alleged-court-order-violation-near-laytonville-saturday/?ref=mendolocal.news) but Miller — whose father had told him he was not allowed there and that law enforcement had been called — fled before deputies arrived. Deputies searched the area but did not find him. A Laytonville landowner who asked for his name to be withheld from publication said he gave the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office permission to search his property for Miller and was present for the search. "He fired the shots while being asked to leave" the landowner said in a message to *MendoLocal.News* on Tuesday. Kendall said Miller grew up nearby and knows the surrounding trails and woods. Gunshots were reported in the area during the search, but Kendall stressed that investigators have no evidence Miller fired them or assaulted anyone. “We're aware that people were reporting gunshots,” he told *Redheaded Blackbelt.* “We have absolutely no evidence of felonious assault.” A Laytonville resident told [*Redheaded Blackbelt*](https://kymkemp.com/2026/08/17/sheriff-warns-ben-miller-may-be-armed-and-dangerous-after-alleged-court-order-violation-near-laytonville-saturday/?ref=mendolocal.news) that multiple law enforcement units had gathered near 2000 Branscomb Road while other personnel appeared to be operating a drone, describing “an active dragnet search for Ben Miller.” The resident also said Miller had been spotted running along a creek bed near the Laytonville Rancheria. As of late Monday afternoon, Miller remained at large. ## Miller's arrest Miller's latest encounter with the Mendocino County judicial system began at about 2:30 p.m. July 31. According to a [Mendocino County Sheriff's Office press release](https://kymkemp.com/2026/08/04/burglary-investigations-lead-to-swat-standoff-in-willits/?ref=mendolocal.news), a deputy contacted Miller near Tomki Road and Cave Creek Road in Redwood Valley. Miller was being sought in connection with several ongoing burglary investigations and was named in a misdemeanor warrant alleging destruction of evidence. Miller fled in a Dodge SUV, the Sheriff's Office said. Deputies later seized and searched the vehicle, reporting that they found property and documents associated with Miller, along with live ammunition. Because Miller's prior convictions bar him from possessing firearms or ammunition, investigators obtained an arrest warrant and a search warrant for a Willits residence associated with him. About 4 a.m. Aug. 1, the Mendo-Lake Regional SWAT Team served the warrant at a residence on East San Francisco Avenue in Willits. After a brief standoff in which Miller initially refused to come out, he was arrested without further incident, the Sheriff's Office said. Deputies reported recovering multiple firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories inside the residence, including an SKS rifle that they said they were examining as possible evidence in a residential burglary investigation. Miller was booked on allegations that included being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as destruction of evidence. Bail was set at $37,500. ## Release and missed court appearance Roughly a week later, on Aug. 7, a Superior Court judge released Miller on his own recognizance. Kendall said the District Attorney's Office had opposed the release and that the Probation Department had assessed Miller as having a high likelihood of reoffending. “A blind man could see this coming 100 miles down the road,” Kendall said in an interview with *Redheaded Blackbelt*. Miller did not appear for a court hearing on Aug. 13, when the court ordered a warrant for his arrest. “I feel like the system is absolutely not working,” Kendall told *Redheaded Blackbelt*, noting that the jail had room for another 106 detainees. ## Previous search It is not the first time Miller has prompted a manhunt. In January 2025, deputies searched a rural property in the 24,000 block of Sherwood Road near Willits after a man rang a homeowner's doorbell asking for gas and money and mentioned a firearm on the home's Ring camera, *Redheaded Blackbelt* reported. Deputies identified the man on the camera as Miller, then a fugitive with multiple felony warrants, according to Capt. Quincy Cromer. Miller had abandoned his truck and vanished before deputies arrived. “After numerous hours, we did not find him,” Cromer said at the time. Anyone who sees Miller or has information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office at (707) 463-4086, option 1, or the anonymous tip line at (707) 234-2100. The allegations against Miller have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty. *This account draws on an interview with Sheriff Matt Kendall, a Mendocino County Sheriff's Office press release, reporting by Kym Kemp of Redheaded Blackbelt, and Mendocino County Superior Court records reviewed by MendoLocal.News.* ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — August 15, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-roundup-august-15-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T18:28:07.000Z ## 🏛️ Mendocino County **Two Mendocino Soccer Coaches Faced ICE Detention. Then Their Cases Diverged.** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 13* Two Mendocino County youth soccer coaches who faced federal immigration detention saw their cases reach the same appellate court in July with opposite results. Juan Jose Cienega-Arenas was deported to Mexico despite pending court dates, while Otis Ffriend won a court order blocking his removal to a third country. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/two-mendocino-soccer-coaches-faced-ice-detention-then-their-cases-diverged/) **Local Officials Report "Stunning" Results From Water Diversion Models** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · August 12* New Sonoma County Water Agency modeling shows the proposed New Eel-Russian Diversion Facility would deliver a surprisingly large water supply — even in drought years — after the Potter Valley Project dams come out. Officials cautioned that capturing that water depends on new storage, most importantly raising Coyote Valley Dam. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/08/12/local-officials-report-stunning-results-from-water-diversion-models/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Ukiah Daily Journal* required) **"Super El Niño" — A Glimpse of the New Normal?** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · August 6* State Sen. Mike McGuire drew roughly 5,700 viewers to an Aug. 4 virtual town hall where climate scientist Daniel Swain outlined the risks of a potential "Super El Niño" for California. Swain described the pattern as a temporary warming of the tropical Eastern Pacific that can drive large-scale weather impacts. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/08/06/super-el-nino-a-glimpse-at-the-new-normal/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Ukiah Daily Journal* required) **Romero Seeks Court Order Removing Hart From the November Ballot for District 3 Board of Supervisor's Open Seat** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 5* Clay Romero has asked a Superior Court judge to strike Eric Hart from the November ballot for Mendocino County's 3rd District supervisor seat, contending Hart lacked proper domicile in the 3rd District when he filed nomination papers. A hearing is set for Sept. 1\. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/romero-seeks-court-order-removing-hart/) --- ## ⛰️ Covelo **Gunman at Illegal Covelo Grow Pleads No Contest** *Willits Weekly · August 13* Edher David Lozano Arena, 22, of Ukiah and Clearlake, pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in an armed robbery at an illegal Covelo marijuana grow. One of the assailants was killed by friendly fire during the incident. [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **A Failed Solar Inverter Has Covelo's Award-Winning Library Passing the Hat** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · August 12* Covelo's Round Valley Library Commons, named the best small library in America two years ago, is raising money to replace a failed solar inverter. The Friends of the Round Valley Public Library are seeking about $6,000 through Facebook, in-person collections, and this weekend's Blackberry Festival. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/a-failed-solar-inverter-has-covelos-award-winning-library-passing-the-hat/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🐟 Fort Bragg **Fort Bragg Eyes $8.5 Million Grant to Rebuild Aging Timberwolf Stadium** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 14* The Fort Bragg City Council voted unanimously to pursue an $8.5 million state grant to modernize Timberwolf Stadium, which has served the community since 1999\. The project would replace the dirt track with an all-weather surface, add synthetic turf, and upgrade facilities that now limit athletics during the rainy months. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-eyes-8-5-million-grant-to-rebuild-aging-timberwolf-stadium/) **Who Built That Fence? The Highway One Mystery Has an Answer** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 14* A new wooden fence along Highway One in Fort Bragg that fueled local speculation turns out to be tied to a Caltrans sidewalk-widening project. Robert Pinoli of Mendocino Railway, which owns the land, said the fence replaced one removed for ADA-compliant sidewalk work. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/who-built-that-fence-the-highway-one-mystery-has-an-answer/) **Fort Bragg City Council — Full Report for August 10, 2026** *By MendoLocal.News · August 14* Mendo Local Public Media is rolling out full city council coverage, starting with Fort Bragg. These reports are available on the web and as a special opt-in newsletter for subscribers. If you are a free or paid subscriber and you'd like to receive coverage of the Fort Bragg City Council meetings in your inbox, please log into your account at MendoLocal.News and select the Fort Bragg "Full Report" newsletter. If you have difficulty accessing your account, please email editor@mendolocal.news. We've switched our backend infrastructure and sometimes there's an extra step we need to take to connect you. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-full-report-for-august-10-2026/) **Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Celebrates 33rd Annual Art in the Gardens** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · August 13* Hundreds gathered at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in early August for the 33rd annual Art in the Gardens, one of the nonprofit's marquee fundraisers. The event paired music, wine, and artwork with the gardens at peak bloom, supported by dozens of local sponsors. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/08/13/mendocino-coast-botanical-gardens-celebrates-33rd-annual-art-in-the-gardens/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Ukiah Daily Journal* required) **Forest Reform Bill AB 2494 Moving Along; Cutting Ready to Start in Jackson** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · August 10* CAL FIRE is preparing to resume logging in Jackson Demonstration State Forest under the AMEX timber harvest plan as activists press for stronger protections in the pending state forest-reform bill AB 2494\. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/forest-reform-bill-ab-2494-moving-along-cutting-ready-to-start-in-jackson-take-the-tour-tuesday-before-you-decide-whats-happening-with-the-jag-and-environmental-protest/?ref=mendolocal.news) **New Telehealth Site in Fort Bragg Brings VA Health Care Access to North Coast** *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice · August 9* A new VA ATLAS telehealth site opened in Fort Bragg on Aug. 6 after two years of planning, giving North Coast veterans local access to expanded Department of Veterans Affairs care. The station connects patients to the San Francisco VA Health Care System without the long drive south. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/new-telehealth-site-in-fort-bragg-brings-va-health-care-access-to-north-coast/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Salmon Season Closes Tomorrow — Join the Pink Rush Before It's Too Late** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · August 8* The California Department of Fish and Wildlife closed the recreational ocean salmon season off Fort Bragg a week early, ending Aug. 9 instead of Aug. 31\. Fishing stayed active out of Noyo Harbor despite a small craft advisory, with party boats offering the safest option for anglers. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/salmon-season-closes-tomorrow-join-the-pink-rush-before-its-too-late/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏎️ Gualala **Cars & Coffee Raises Funds for Grange Roof Repair** *By David Torres, Independent Coast Observer · August 13* Dozens of car enthusiasts gathered behind the Gualala Hotel on Sunday morning for a Cars & Coffee meetup raising money for the Manchester Grange roof project. Former Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka showed his yellow 2001 C5 Corvette, and Bruce Khanvali drove from Portland to present his 2012 Lotus. [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required) --- **County's Broken Promises to Maintain Bower Park Discussed at GMAC Meeting** *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer · August 13* Renovations at Bower Park in Gualala are inching forward, but whether the county will honor a maintenance agreement remains an open question. The matter came up at a recent Gualala Municipal Advisory Council (GMAC) meeting. [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required) --- ## 🌲 Laytonville **Lawsuit Challenges Logging in Dutch Charlie Creek** *By Willits Weekly · August 13* Friends of Dutch Charlie Creek filed a lawsuit against CAL FIRE seeking to halt the "Hot Tuna" and "Lincoln Logs" timber harvest plans west of Laytonville. The group calls the area one of the most critical endangered coho salmon habitats left in California. [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💧 Point Arena **Point Arena's Wastewater Treatment Plant Burglary Represents a Significant Loss** *By Alessandra Rizzo, The Mendocino Voice · August 15* Thieves broke through a fence and window at Point Arena's wastewater treatment plant on Aug. 3, making off with about $14,000 in maintenance equipment. The haul included chain saws, weed whackers, extension blades, and socket sets. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/point-arenas-wastewater-treatment-plant-burglary-represents-a-significant-loss/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ⚖️ Redwood Valley **Redwood Valley Crisis Call Ends in Elder Financial Abuse Arrest** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · August 10* James Hoffman Jr., 35, was arrested Aug. 6 on felony counts of elder financial abuse, grand theft, and embezzlement after deputies responded to a crisis call in Redwood Valley. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and released the same day on a $25,000 bail bond. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/redwood-valley-crisis-call-ends-in-elder-financial-abuse-arrest/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏙️ Ukiah **Mendocino Spirits Wins Distillery of the Year, and More** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · August 12* Tamar Distillery/Mendocino Spirits, owned by locals Tamar Kaye and Crispin Kane, was named 2026 Craft Distillery of the Year at the New Orleans Spirits Competition. The distillery also took a Double Gold and Whiskey of the Year for its Low Gap Straight Bourbon "Old Fussbudget," aged eight years. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/08/12/mendocino-spirits-wins-distillery-of-the-year-and-more/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Ukiah Daily Journal* required) **City of Ukiah Makes Changes to Proposed Annexation Map** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · August 7* The City of Ukiah released a revised annexation plan, dubbed "Sapling 2.0," that would add about 70 acres north of the city near the Brush Street Triangle while dropping 15 acres of protected farmland to the south. The proposal still needs approval from the county Local Agency Formation Commission and environmental review. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/city-of-ukiah-makes-changes-to-proposed-annexation-map/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Dogs, People Escape Plane That Crashes on Main Street Downtown Ukiah** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · August 7* A small plane apparently lost engine power and came down on Main Street in downtown Ukiah around 10:34 a.m., and everyone aboard — including dogs — got out safely. The crash knocked down power lines and caused outages in the surrounding area. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/dogs-people-escape-plane-that-crashes-on-main-street-downtown-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🪵 Willits **Former Willits Respiratory Therapist Sentenced to 11 Years for Rape, Drugging and Distributing Intimate Photo** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · August 13* A former respiratory therapist at a Willits hospital was sentenced to 11 years in prison for drugging an incapacitated coworker with prescription sleep medication and raping her in 2020\. He was convicted on three counts, with the judge saying he "deserve\[s\] every year of the eleven." [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/former-willits-respiratory-therapist-sentenced-to-11-years-for-rape-drugging-and-distributing-intimate-photo/) **Willits Grocery Outlet Reopens** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · August 11* The Grocery Outlet in Willits reopened last week after more than a month closed for repairs to warehouse damage from the magnitude-5.6 earthquake that struck June 24\. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/08/willits-grocery-outlet-to-reopen-wednesday-morning-after-june-earthquake-damage/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🐻 CalMatters **Medicaid Cuts Stand to Hit Everyone (Yes, Even You). Here's Why** *By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters · August 7* Federal legislation known as H.R. 1 is expected to cut roughly $1 trillion in health care funding, potentially pushing about 2 million Californians off Medi-Cal. The story traces the ripple effects, noting how a single hospital closure in Los Angeles strained every neighboring facility. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/08/the-cut-medi-cal-ripple-effects/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Nearly Achieved Universal Healthcare. Now, Millions Are Losing Coverage** *By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters · August 4* California's insured rate hit a record 95% two years ago after the state extended coverage regardless of immigration status or income, but that progress is now reversing as millions lose coverage. Analysts project the state's uninsured rate could nearly double to almost 15% by 2030, hitting undocumented and low-income residents hardest. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/08/medi-cal-the-cut-healthcare-threatened/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Fort Bragg Eyes $8.5 Million Grant to Rebuild Aging Timberwolf Stadium URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-eyes-8-5-million-grant-to-rebuild-aging-timberwolf-stadium/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T04:06:30.000Z The Fort Bragg City Council voted unanimously Monday to pursue a state grant of up to $8.5 million to modernize Timberwolf Stadium, agreeing to serve as lead applicant on a project that would replace the community-built field's dirt track with an all-weather surface, install synthetic turf, upgrade restrooms and expand the aging complex's role as an emergency evacuation site. The council's approval does not encompass construction. Instead, the 5-0 vote authorizes City Manager Isaac Whippy to begin a new round of community engagement and to negotiate a partnership and site-control framework with the Fort Bragg Unified School District and the Mendocino Coast Sports Foundation, which owns the maintenance agreement for the fields. Staff expect to return to the council in September, ahead of a state grant portal that is scheduled to open by the end of August. At issue is the condition of a stadium that residents built largely themselves. The sports foundation was established in 1991, and after a local businessman donated the property and roughly eight years of volunteer labor — including refurbishing salvaged light poles and installing stadium seats from Anaheim Stadium — the stadium opened in 1999\. Whippy said the facility is now valued at more than $15 million but was built with about $1.3 million in donations. Read the [full Fort Bragg City Council Report](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-full-report-for-august-10-2026/) on MendoLocal.News Nearly three decades later, officials and coaches say the original vision was never finished. The stadium still has a dirt track and a natural grass field that floods in the rain, limiting use through the wet winter months and requiring heavy maintenance. "It rains so much that most of the time we are unable to practice on our dirt track and flooded field," said Tara Larson, a 1989 Fort Bragg High graduate who now coaches the school's track team. She said the program has grown to more than 125 athletes and, because it lacks an all-weather track certified for automatic timing, must travel to every league meet. "This puts us at a disadvantage and makes it so parents and the community are unable to support their kids at home meets," Larson said. She added that all-weather surfaces reduce injury risk by eliminating "hidden tripping hazards like potholes, rocks or uneven terrain." Larson said football, cheer and soccer squads that use the field, together with track, account for well over half of the high school's student body, and that the stadium also serves physical education classes, elementary schools and the wider community. Whippy told the council the sports foundation applied for the same state grant in 2020 but fell short. That earlier application estimated the project at about $6.2 million, including $3.2 million to replace the track, $1.5 million for field upgrades, $650,000 for LED lighting and $400,000 in construction management. The lighting has since been completed by the foundation and the school district, Whippy said. With inflation, he said, the remaining work would likely consume most of the $8.5 million maximum available under Round 5 of the state's Parks and Community Spaces, or PACS, program, which has about $188 million available statewide. (min of $200k and max $8.5 million) Whippy said having the city as lead applicant could strengthen the bid in the areas where the foundation's earlier attempt lost points. He also noted the same grant fund could cover two proposed downtown urban parks, and that the projects might be packaged into a single application. Joe Chacon, president of the Mendocino Coast Sports Foundation, urged the council to move forward. "This project means a lot to me personally. I grew up here in town, playing on that field," he said, adding that he now watches his own children play there. He described the stadium as built by "community volunteers, local donations and people coming together." Council Member Lindy Peters raised the stadium's potential as a disaster shelter, asking whether that use had been built into the application. Whippy confirmed it is part of the grant plan and that the county emergency services office is expected to provide a letter of support. Larson noted that the city and fire department have formally designated the stadium as a community evacuation center for serious emergencies, "yet it's muddy and wet for many months out of the year." Council Member Tess Albin-Smith, reminisced about coaching the high school girls' soccer team for 14 years — until the field became unusable. "We had to stop doing tournaments," she said, because "no one would come." She said she ran soccer tournaments from 1997 until 2016, some bringing as many as 5,000 people to town — "bigger than the salmon barbecue," she said — with nonprofits staging barbecues and fundraisers alongside the games. Restoring the field, she said, could bring those events — and their economic lift — back. Kathy Westfall, a parent of four student athletes, asked the city to publicize its surveys more broadly, warning that low participation skews results, potentially jeopardizing support for the project. "Let's get more people on these surveys," she said, "rather than four people, and then you say 90% say no." Whippy said the coming engagement effort would include at least five public outreach meetings — at the school gym, the stadium, the farmers market and City Hall — along with a survey included in the council's agenda packet asking residents what additional uses the upgraded facility should serve. The school district would retain ownership of the property, while the city would take on the role of lead applicant, grant compliance, and project coordination. Whippy said the proposal would also go before the school board in September. Read the [full Fort Bragg City Council Report](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-full-report-for-august-10-2026/) on MendoLocal.News ### Fort Bragg City Council — Full Report for August 10, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-full-report-for-august-10-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T05:54:23.000Z Mayor Jason Godeke called the regular meeting to order with all five members present. (The full meeting video is available through the city's Facebook page.) City Attorney Baron Bettenhausen reported that the council voted unanimously in closed session to release a letter previously marked confidential by the city. No further action was taken. The Fort Bragg City Council — Full Report is available on the web and as a newsletter for subscribers. Simply log in to your account and signup. Please email editor@mendolocal.news if you have any issues with the login process. ### Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items Eight speakers addressed the council. **Ron White**, volunteer caretaker of Glass Beach and the Headlands Trail, objected to new signs banning e-bikes, scooters, and skateboards on the coastal trail. White argued the city to adopt should adopt positive trail-etiquette language — speed limits, right-of-way rules — rather than blanket prohibitions. **Levi Cook,** a Fort Bragg resident and city council candidate said he was concerned about internal discrepancies after reviewing 958 documents about municipal broadband expenses. Cook asked the council to agendize an accountability and closeout report for the Aug. 24 meeting and consider an independent line-by-line reconciliation before releasing final funds. **Evan Dick**, a Fort Bragg resident, said his mother was struck by a vehicle in a Fort Bragg crosswalk about a month ago. He directed his frustration at Councilmembers Lindy Peters and Tess Albin-Smith, saying he had complained repeatedly about pedestrian safety on North Harbor Drive for years without result.. **Jay McMartin-Rosenquist** praised City Manager Isaac Whippy for quickly arranging closure of the Franklin Street block for the First Friday entertainment zone and urged the council to repeat the closure for the Labor Day weekend. **Paul Clark** said he was shocked to learn that Formula Ordinance provisions passed for the inland zone had been folded into a general coastal plan amendment now before the Coastal Commission. The Formula Ordinance regulates chain stories and restaurants in order to preserve local character. **David Gurney** repeated a prior claim that the city violates California Government Code 1099 by having one person hold the roles of finance director, community development director, and city manager simultaneously. Note: City Attorney Bettenhausen, responded later in the meeting to Gurney's claim; he said Government Code 1099, subsection C, specifically exempts positions of employment — and that no violation exists. **Mary Rose Kaczorowski**, a candidate for city council, asked the council to consider a flashing-light crosswalk at Cypress and Franklin streets before the new Grocery Outlet opens, citing increased bicycle and pedestrian traffic in that corridor and a recent pedestrian fatality nearby. The Fort Bragg City Council — Full Report is available on the web and as a newsletter for subscribers. Simply log in to your account and sign up! . Please email editor@mendolocal.news if you have any issues with the login process. ### **Consent Calendar** No public comments were offered on the consent calendar. Peters moved adoption; Albin-Smith seconded. The council approved it 5-0. ### **Staff Comments** **Police Chief Eric Swift** noted the department has three open officer positions — four after Friday — with several candidates in background screening. A part-time transport officer started the same day as the meeting. Swift also flagged the launch of a drop-in center at C.V. Starr open Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m., for youth ages 15 to 24\. Sergeant Beak recently completed gang resistance education and training and will bring six-week programming to elementary schools and 13-week programming to middle schools. The department also launched a community academy and a volunteer program, both open for online sign-up. **Heath Daniels,** Operations Manager for Public Works reported that a new skid steer and attachments have arrived; a thermal lay truck is expected Sept. 1, a dump truck in October, and a trailer shortly after. The dog park at the coastal trail has new fencing and fresh wood chips. Two seasonal laborers have been painting curbs and crosswalks — the downtown business district is nearly done, with schools next. Solar installations at City Hall, the Police Department, and the Water Plant are complete; PG&E bills are running negative. In July alone, the city saved $20,000 compared to the prior year. The Wastewater Plant solar system recently went online. **City Clerk Diana Paoli** reported eight confirmed candidates for the November ballot: Tess Albin-Smith, Levi Cook, Jason Godeke, Mary Rose Kaczorowski, Scott Mayberry, Marcia Rafanan, Mary Anne Schmidt, and Richard Ovling. One candidate pulled papers during the nomination period but withdrew within a week. The Secretary of State sets candidate ballot order Aug. 13\. Coastal-zone political signs may go up Sept. 4; official ballots mail Oct. 5; the last day to register is Oct. 19. **Parks and Recreation Director Moneque Wooden** recapped a summer that included swim lessons that filled with waiting lists (most seats covered by scholarships), four free Friday night pool parties averaging 70 attendees each, sold-out summer camp sessions at half price, a library reading partnership that distributed more than 40 free swim passes, and soccer skills camps. Upcoming events include a log-rolling contest Labor Day weekend, the second annual Longest Table celebration Sept. 27 from 1-5 p.m., and a post-parade community barbecue at Bainbridge Park on Labor Day Monday in partnership with the chamber of commerce. **City Manager Isaac Whippy** added that a series of community meetings on the municipal broadband network is scheduled through August and September; details are on the city's website. The Fort Bragg City Council — Full Report is available on the web and as a newsletter for subscribers. Simply log in to your account and sign up. . Please email editor@mendolocal.news if you have any issues with the login process. ### **Council Member Reports** **Council Member Lindy Peters** noted the First Friday entertainment zone was well attended. On the e-bike signs, Peters said the coastal trail and haul road are governed by a city ordinance that bans motorized vehicles — a law that predates e-bikes — and that the signs were posted in response to complaints about speed and specific incidents. Peters welcomed the Fort Bragg High School football team in the audience and said the council plans to present them a league championship certificate at a future meeting. **Council Member Scott Hockett** announced the Public Works Committee meets Thursday, Aug. 13 at 4 p.m. and the Public Safety Committee meets Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. **Council Member Albin-Smith** said she had been traveling in Vietnam and Thailand. She said she received significant community feedback about the e-bike signs and, noting that Peters had also raised concerns, asked that the matter be brought back to the council for a formal discussion — pointing out that the council never voted on the signs. "We talked about it. We never voted on anything," she said. "My recollection is that we wanted educational signs." **Mayor Jason Godeke** said the mayor's Well Done Awards will roll out again in late August, and he will hold an informal constituent meeting at the farmers market Aug. 19 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. ### **Item: Youth Internship Program** Public Experience Liaison Adelaide La Torre presented the city's "Leading the Next Wave of Leaders" summer internship program. Eight interns worked across Community Development, Public Works, and the water plant over eight weeks on a $12,000 budget, with an additional $3,000 set aside for a forthcoming Youth Council. No formal vote was taken; the program is already budgeted at $15,000 for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Council members offered supportive comments; Godeke noted the interns were actively working in departments rather than just observing. ### **Item: $8.5 Million Grant to Rebuild Aging Timberwolf Stadium** [**(See MendoLocal.News story)**](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-eyes-8-5-million-grant-to-rebuild-aging-timberwolf-stadium/) ### **Item: C.V. Starr Community Resiliency Center Grant (Phase 3)** The Fort Bragg City Council voted 5-0 Aug. 10 to authorize the city to apply for a state Community Resilience Centers grant to advance the long-planned Phase III expansion of the C.V. Starr Community Center. Funded by Proposition 4, the 2024 climate bond, the program offers Planning Grants ($100,000–$500,000) or larger Implementation Grants ($1 million–$10 million) with no local match required. About $55 million is available statewide in this round. The idea is to pair the center's everyday recreation, aquatics, and health services with disaster functions — clean-air shelter, heating and cooling, drinking water, food and medication storage, and emergency communications during wildfire, extreme heat, or extended power outages. The city has a 2016 master plan for a roughly 20,500-square-foot expansion to build from, though staff say it needs updating. Staff is also weighing whether Fort Bragg is competitive for the larger implementation award. The resolution lets the city pursue *either* a Planning or an Implementation grant, depending on readiness and competitiveness. A Planning Grant would fund community engagement, technical studies, architectural and engineering design, cost estimating, environmental review, permitting, and operational planning to prepare for future capital funding — it would not approve a design or authorize construction. An Implementation Grant runs about six years (a roughly nine-month funded pre-development phase, a four-year construction/implementation phase, and a closeout year) and can pay for construction, renovation and expansion, plus solar, battery storage and backup power, broadband, potable-water storage, HVAC and clean-air systems, medical refrigeration, emergency communications, a commercial kitchen and emergency food distribution, and emergency shelter, sanitation, and shower facilities. ### **Item: Parks and Recreation Service Delivery Policy** Whippy and Wooden presented a policy framework to govern how the city evaluates, coordinates, and delivers parks and recreation programming. The policy includes a staff checklist to assess whether a proposed program duplicates services already offered by other providers — specifically the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District — before moving forward. An 82% majority of roughly 180 survey respondents in March rated parks and recreation as somewhat or very important. The C.V. Starr Community Center carries a roughly $2.9 million operating budget; a $40,000 general fund **c**ontribution supports the broader parks and recreation department. Whippy said LAFCO's recent municipal service review of MCRPD specifically flagged the need for coordination rather than duplication, which he said this policy addresses. He acknowledged meeting regularly with the MCRPD manager to discuss programming coordination. Paul Clark, speaking online, said the city is "in direct competition with MCRPD" regardless of stated intent, citing two full-time city employees with benefits running C.V. Starr and noting the city had also purchased the Highway 20 property. Mary Rose Kaczorowski suggested a cleaner model: the city owns facilities, and MCRPD provides programming inside them. Albin-Smith raised what she called "an elephant in the room" — the city's old gym, used heavily by MCRPD, is not listed among city facilities in the policy document, and fees to use it were recently increased. She asked whether the city could offer the gym at reduced or no cost to MCRPD as a gesture of good faith. Whippy said a formal subsidy or fee-waiver framework for partner organizations is being developed for the Parks and Recreation Ad Hoc Committee and will return to the full council separately. The council voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution. Albin-Smith moved; Hockett seconded. ### **Adjournment** Mayor Godeke adjourned the meeting at approximately 10 p.m. ### Who Built That Fence? The Highway One Mystery Has an Answer URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/who-built-that-fence-the-highway-one-mystery-has-an-answer/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T05:08:14.000Z A simple wooden plank fence running along Highway One as drivers enter or exit Fort Bragg has become the talk of the town. Who is building the fence? Why are they building the fence? Does the City Council know about it? Is it part of the broadband installation project? If so, why? The mystery of the fence, which is as noticeable as it is modest in its construction, has prompted speculation everywhere people gather, whether in online Facebook groups or at a recent mixer sponsored by the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce and the Symphony of the Redwoods. Robert Pinoli, president of Mendocino Railway, which owns the land, said the answers are straightforward. The fence is a Caltrans project. The agency chose the materials and is doing the work. The railway was not consulted — and it’s not complaining. And yes, it’s related to the middle-mile broadband installation project. “While the fence is on Mendocino Railway’s property, its construction stems from the previous fence being removed for the sidewalk-widening project,” he said. “The project wasn’t to replace the fence, rather to put in sidewalks that are ADA compliant. We willingly supported that and conveyed a strip of land for the much-needed improvement.” Sometimes, even in Fort Bragg, a fence is just a fence. ### Former Willits Respiratory Therapist Sentenced to 11 Years for Rape, Drugging and Distributing Intimate Photo URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/former-willits-respiratory-therapist-sentenced-to-11-years-for-rape-drugging-and-distributing-intimate-photo/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T16:19:38.000Z A former Willits respiratory therapist was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in state prison after being convicted of raping an incapacitated woman, drugging her and distributing an intimate photograph without her consent. Matthew Ryan Mayo, 46, formerly of Hopland and Sonoma County, was convicted by a Mendocino County Superior Court jury in May of three crimes stemming from a 2020 incident: felony rape of an incapacitated person, felony drugging another person to facilitate a felony, and misdemeanor distribution of a photograph of an intimate part of another person without consent. Judge Victoria Shanahan imposed the maximum sentence allowed by law during a sentencing hearing Wednesday afternoon. At the time of the crimes, Mayo was a state-licensed respiratory therapist working at Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits. According to evidence presented at trial, Mayo invited a female co-worker to his home after work to watch a movie. The Mendocino County District Attorney's Office said Mayo put the prescription sleep medication zolpidem, commonly sold under the brand name Ambien, into a beer he gave the woman without her knowledge. After she became incapacitated, Mayo sexually assaulted her and gave her additional liquid containing the drug before raping her repeatedly, according to the DA's office. Zolpidem is a central nervous system depressant that can cause sedation, impaired coordination and memory loss. When combined with alcohol, its effects can be intensified. The case was investigated by the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, the California Department of Justice DNA laboratory in Redding and the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigations. The prosecution presented testimony from several expert witnesses, including Dr. Kristen Marin of Adventist Health Ukiah Valley's Sexual Assault Response Team; Carolyn Heitsman, a DNA analyst with the state DOJ crime laboratory; Richard Kreutzer, a digital-forensics expert from Lake County; and Dr. Marc A. LeBeau, a toxicology expert from Missouri. Mayo's professional license had already been restricted during the criminal case. The Respiratory Care Board of California obtained a court order preventing him from working as a respiratory therapist while the charges were pending. The District Attorney's Office said it expects the board to permanently revoke Mayo's license following his conviction and sentencing. District Attorney David Eyster, who prosecuted the case at trial in May, returned to court Wednesday to argue that Mayo should receive the maximum prison sentence. The victim attended the sentencing hearing. As the hearing concluded, Shanahan addressed Mayo directly. “You deserve every year of the eleven I have imposed,” she told him, according to the District Attorney's Office. The DA's office credited the victim's cooperation with making the prosecution possible. “Prosecutions like this are not possible without victims having the courage and confidence to come forward and cooperate,” the office said in its announcement of the sentence. **Editor's note:* This story is based entirely on information provided in a press release issued by the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office. MendoLocal.News did not have the resources to independently report on or attend the trial or sentencing hearing. We have identified the information as coming from the District Attorney's Office where appropriate.* ### Two Mendocino Soccer Coaches Faced ICE Detention. Then Their Cases Diverged. URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/two-mendocino-soccer-coaches-faced-ice-detention-then-their-cases-diverged/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T17:38:53.000Z Two volunteer soccer coaches from Mendocino County, detained by federal immigration authorities months apart, went before the same federal appeals court in July — but for very different reasons, and to very different ends. Juan Jose Cienega-Arenas, 46, of Fort Bragg, entered the United States from Mexico without legal status nearly three decades ago. After being detained in mid-July, he asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to overturn his deportation order. Before the court could consider his request, Cienega-Arenas was removed to Mexico. His attorney, Kevin Crabtree of San Francisco, declined to comment through the office receptionist. Otis Ffriend, 39, of Willits, also entered the country without legal status, applied for asylum, and was granted protection from deportation to Jamaica. The federal government is now asking the Ninth Circuit to overturn a ruling that has so far prevented officials from deporting him to a third country, after immigration authorities detained him in May. The cases shine a light on the legal machinery that determines how people who enter the United States without legal status — and then remain, sometimes for decades, building lives, starting businesses, and raising families — are treated. **Who will bring in the firewood?** Cienega-Arenas came to the United States from Mexico when he was 19, around 1999\. He raised three children in Fort Bragg and has made a living doing everything from gardening and groundskeeping to cooking for private parties and community events. People who started out as his clients now describe themselves as friends. They are willing to go out on a limb to sing his praises. Norma Rannie, a 103-year-old woman who lives independently in the house she designed herself south of Fort Bragg, says Cienega-Arenas has been an integral part of her support system. "What am I going to do without him?" she asked in a heartfelt letter to ICE dated July 20, 2026\. "Who will bring my firewood and cut my kindling? Who will cut the grass in the meadow and trim the trees? Who will mend the broken fence and fix the porch rail? Who will check on me and stay to visit and cheer me up?" Tracey Coddington, who employed Cienega-Arenas as a gardener, said working beside him "made my heart sing" and described his gentle, considerate temperament. Milton and Christine Mendes said he was an exceptionally hard worker and an equally valued friend who went above and beyond to take care of other people — whether they wanted to create a water feature in a garden or live independently in old age. **An early morning arrest** Cienega-Arenas was arrested on July 15 in the Cleone trailer park where he lives with his family. A family member who spoke with *MendoLocal.News* said federal agents arrived early in the morning and parked behind his truck, blocking him in. The family member, who asked not to be identified because of concerns about being targeted, said the agents mentioned a DUI when they arrested him. ICE later said Cienega-Arenas has multiple DUI convictions as well as domestic violence convictions. The agency posted the same information on X through its @EROSanFrancisco account. Court records reviewed by *MendoLocal.News*, however, show one DUI conviction, from 2023\. Cienega-Arenas admitted having a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher. He was sentenced to a nine-month first-offender DUI program and four days in jail, and completed 88 hours of community service at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The family member said this was Cienega-Arenas' only DUI conviction. The court record supports that account; the 2023 conviction qualified him for a first-offender program. The family member and Cienega-Arenas' clients and friends said he has remained sober since the DUI, and that he was open about his conviction and his desire not to drink again. The family member also confirmed that Cienega-Arenas had a domestic violence case more than 20 years ago. The family member said the incident was related to drinking, that it did not happen again, and that Cienega-Arenas and his wife later reconciled. The family member's account, however, does not explain why Cienega-Arenas was subject to removal. A single DUI conviction does not appear to account for the removal order. His immigration history may have been more significant. The family member said Cienega-Arenas left the country about 11 years ago to be with his dying grandfather in Mexico. When he tried to return, he was stopped at the border and sent back. It is not clear from the public record whether that encounter resulted in a formal removal order. **A detainee with protected status** Ffriend arrived in the United States by a very different route, one his family has documented in detail. A former professional soccer player in Jamaica, Ffriend earned a B-1 visitor visa that allowed him to visit the United States for specific periods of time. Around 2018, he used it to visit his father, who is a U.S. citizen, and later his cousin, Willits attorney Colby Friend. Although the two men are related, they spell their names differently. Ffriend played well enough locally that a Mendocino College coach recruited him, and a top amateur club offered him a spot, Colby Friend said in an interview with *the Redheaded Blackbelt.* As Ffriend's visa neared its expiration, he returned to Jamaica to apply for longer-term status through legal channels. But the application was denied. Facing what his family described as personal danger in Jamaica, Ffriend crossed the southern border in 2022 and requested asylum. In 2024, a judge granted him withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture, a protection barring his deportation to Jamaica. Ffriend settled in Willits, where he lives with a wife who is a U.S. citizen and stepchildren, and where he coaches and referees youth soccer. His cousin said Ffriend has no criminal record: "not here, not in Jamaica." **The legal machinery** The last step in the deportation process is a petition for review. It usually comes after a case is decided by an immigration court, which is run by the U.S. Department of Justice rather than the independent federal judiciary. After an immigration judge — or the Board of Immigration Appeals — issues a final order of removal, a person can ask a federal appeals court to review that decision. But Cienega-Arenas' case did not come from an immigration court. His petition for review, docketed July 23, along with a motion to stay his removal, challenges a Department of Homeland Security removal order dated July 13\. Immigration officers can issue these orders directly, without a hearing before an immigration judge. That made the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals the first court to review Cienega-Arenas' case independently. Under the court’s General Order 6.4, a temporary stay of removal took effect "until further order of the court." No such order followed. On July 30, government lawyers filed papers opposing his motion to stay. That same day — with the temporary stay still in effect and the motion unresolved — Cienega-Arenas was deported to Mexico. Crabtree's office declined to comment. **A judge demands due process** Ffriend reached the Ninth Circuit on a different path. In May, U.S. District Judge William Orrick granted him a preliminary injunction blocking the government from deporting him to a third country, St. Kitts. Orrick found that the proposed removal was counter to Ninth Circuit law. The ruling turned on a distinction between the government's authority to deport Ffriend and the procedures it must follow in doing so. Ffriend was not challenging the underlying order that allowed him to be removed from the United States. Instead, he challenged how the government was attempting to carry out that removal. His 2024 immigration case had named Jamaica as the country to which he could be sent. The judge in that case had blocked his removal to Jamaica after finding that he was likely to face persecution there. St. Kitts was not part of the case. Ffriend first learned the government intended to send him there on May 1, after he was taken into custody. Orrick found the Constitution requires the government to provide a person with notice and an opportunity to argue that he would face danger in a new country before deporting him there. Ffriend had not been given that opportunity regarding St. Kitts. Orrick wrote that Ffriend "made a strong showing that he is likely to succeed on the merits \[of his case\], that he faces irreparable harm in the absence of injunctive relief, and that both the balance of equities and the public interest weigh in his favor." The government argued it had followed its own procedures. A March 2025 Department of Homeland Security memo says that once a third country promises not to persecute or torture a deportee, and the State Department finds the promise credible, the person can be removed with no further proceedings. St. Kitts had signed such an agreement. Orrick rejected the argument, finding that the memo conflicts with binding Ninth Circuit precedent requiring due process before a person can be removed to a third country. **Overlapping timelines** On July 14, federal officials appealed Orrick's ruling to the Ninth Circuit. The court opened the case, No. 26-4459, and set an expedited schedule. The government's opening brief was due Aug. 11\. The government did not meet the deadline and filed a motion to extend the time. Orrick's injunction remains in effect unless a court pauses it while the appeal proceeds. Among the questions ahead: whether Cienega-Arenas' petition survives his removal and whether government will succeed in overturning Orrick's injunction — and if not, whether Ffriend will continue to be allowed to stay in the United States. Together, the two cases trace the limits of due process in the absence of immigration reform. Due process governs how people are removed; it doesn't determine who gets to stay, or why. ### Editor's Note: Mendo Local Celebrates Its First Anniversary and New Infrastructure URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/editors-note-mendo-local-celebrates-its-first-anniversary-and-new-infrastructure/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T16:35:19.000Z Dear Mendo Local supporters, We have hit a milestone! Two weeks before MendoLocal.News celebrated its one-year anniversary, we have moved our publication onto a brand-new infrastructure designed to carry us into the future. To be clear: **we haven't moved. We've changed our infrastructure.** It's a wonky change, but an important one. We're still at the same address, but we're now housed in a spanking-new building designed for long-term sustainability. The new infrastructure will allow us to launch new programs, including prominent announcements from our sponsors, and gives us much more room to grow. ### You helped us get here We asked you to support local news, and you did. **Together, you raised $10,000.** Combined with external grants, that was enough to cover our operating costs for our first year. Together, we made it through that first year, and we didn't just survive, we thrived. In the past year, we published almost 400 stories and built an audience of thousands of people who turn to Mendo Local for fact-checked local news. We have more good news to share. We received a **$5,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation through the Tiny News Collective**. And we've been selected to participate in **INN NewsMatch**. This is a big deal. During November and December, **every donation you make to Mendo Local will be matched, doubling your contribution** (up to a finite amount that will be shared closer to the date).NewsMatch is a great time to renew your annual subscription. We're also launching a **Founder's Campaign** that could allow us to triple or even quadruple the impact of your NewsMatch donation. The dream of a sustainable, collaborative infrastructure for fact-checked local news is within our collective reach. ### Two things we need from you **1\. Please check your email preferences.** When you have a chance, log into your account on the new site and make sure your email preferences are what you want them to be. This is particularly important if you **only want to receive the weekly roundup**. The migration opted some readers into news alerts, so you may need to change your settings. **2\. Tell us if you find something weird.** If you notice a broken link, a missing story or anything else that doesn't look right, please email us at [editor@mendolocal.news](mailto:editor@mendolocal.news). All of our original stories are in the archive, but the regional sections are still being populated. Building these section is manual process, and with 350+ stories published in our first year, it's going to take a while. In the meantime, you can find older stories through the site's search function. Thank you again, again and again. Local News only works in partnership. I treasure ours. Elise Cox Editor, MendoLocal.News ### Romero Seeks Court Order Removing Hart From the November Ballot for District 3 Board of Supervisor's Open Seat URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/romero-seeks-court-order-removing-hart/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T05:36:58.000Z In the June primary election, Clay Romero finished third in the four-candidate race for Mendocino County’s 3rd District supervisorial seat, receiving 1,030 votes — behind Eric Hart and Buffey Wright Bourassa. Under the rules for the office, a candidate who wins a majority of the primary vote — more than 50% — is elected outright; when no one does, the top two vote-getters advance to the November ballot. That is how Hart and Bourassa reached the general election and Romero did not. Now Romero is asking a Superior Court judge to remove Hart from the November ballot, arguing Hart was not legally qualified to run because he was allegedly not domiciled in the district when he filed his nomination papers. Romero filed the petition July 24, asking the court to order Mendocino County Registrar of Voters Katrina Bartolomie to remove Hart’s name from the Nov. 3 ballot and replace it with his own. Bourassa, who finished second, has already advanced to the November ballot and is unaffected by the petition; Romero’s filing targets only Hart’s spot, arguing that if Hart is disqualified, he — as the next-highest finisher — should take it. The petition asks the court to declare that Hart was not qualified to run “because he was not domiciled and qualified to vote in District 3 when his nomination papers were issued.” > Judge Ann Moorman is scheduled to hear the petition Sept. 1. “I’m looking forward to the hearing to clear this up once and for all,” Hart said in a text message. “Until then, I’ve been advised not to talk about the case publicly. Check back with me after the hearing, and I’ll be happy to talk about it.” Romero declined to discuss the legal arguments in his petition but said he remains committed to serving the 3rd District. “I look forward to serving the people as their next 3rd District Supervisor, and not simply filling a seat,” Romero wrote in an email. “I work diligently and solve problems that face the people of Mendocino County. I’m persistent and never allow these problems to go unresolved or ignored.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/399a9e2e-2dfd-440c-8831-9bb0be1edf6b_518x515-jpeg.jpg) Eric Hart participating in the Mendo Local Candidates Forum ### One Candidate, Two Residences Romero’s argument rests on the fact that Hart is registered to vote on Williams Ranch Road, where he lives with his wife, Dr. Jillian Cipa-Tatum, and their dog. The home is a modest one-bedroom with a deck that provides sweeping views of the forested hills below. To an unexpected guest arriving on a weekend afternoon, it appeared tidy and lived in. The couple rent the 72-acre property with an option to buy. They also own an adjoining 34-acre parcel on Northview Drive. The setup suits a couple who value their privacy. Their closest neighbors on Williams Ranch Road are a friendly family with a large pack of guardian dogs. The canines appear to share genetics with the ancient Kuvasz breed, which served as guardians for the royal family of Hungary in the 15th century. When a visitor enters their territory, the canines are quick to make their presence known. Hart and his wife lived on the Northview Drive property until moving to the Williams Ranch Road home in the fall of 2025\. Hart updated his voter registration after the move. California law does not prohibit candidates from moving into a district before running for office. In Willits, in particular, it is not uncommon for people to change their residence and decide to run for office based on their new address. Willits Mayor Tom Allman moved into the city in May 2024\. He adjusted his voter registration weeks later, filed his paperwork, and successfully ran for city council. That same election, incumbent Council Member and Mayor Saprina Rodriguez was left off the ballot due to questions about her voter registration after she changed her residence within city limits. ### The Letter of the Law To run for county supervisor, a candidate must be both a registered voter in the district and legally domiciled there. Elections Code section 201 requires candidates to be registered voters in the district when nomination papers are issued. Government Code sections 24001 and 25041 impose additional residency requirements for county offices, including that supervisors be registered voters in their district for at least 30 days before the nomination deadline. Hart cleared the deadline easily. The central issue in Romero’s petition is domicile. Under Elections Code section 349, a person’s voting residence is their domicile — the one place where they physically live and intend to remain. A person may own or occupy multiple homes, but can have only one legal domicile. California law says changing domicile requires more than updating a voter registration card. Elections Code section 2024 provides that both an actual move and the intent to make the new location a permanent home are required. The court will have to decide whether Hart established his legal domicile at the Williams Ranch Road residence before his nomination papers were issued. ## The County Counsel’s Guidance The residency question first reached the Board of Supervisors on July 21, when certification of the June 2 primary came up on the consent calendar. Supervisor Mo Mulheren pulled the item — Item C9 — and asked county counsel to address an email the board had received “because of one of the candidates.” Interim County Counsel Katharine Elliott told the board state law required the election to be certified regardless of the board’s vote. She also explained that the concern “was related to the third district and whether there was residency there.” Elliott also clarified that the registrar “is not required to verify or determine if a candidate meets the qualifications” and may rely on a candidate’s declaration under penalty of perjury. If citizens have concerns about a candidate’s residency, they can take action through state court. Registrar Katrina Bartolomie did not referee the dispute. Addressing the board later that morning in her department’s report, she said only that her office had certified the primary on time despite being short-staffed, with her chief assistant registrar out on medical leave. “We certified the election,” she said. “We closed the roll.” --- *Read our coverage of the questions about Eric Hart’s residency:* [D3 Candidate Eric Hart Lives in a House in District 3](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/d3-candidate-eric-hart-lives-in-d3), July 23, 2026 ### Hopland Evacuees Return as Feliz Fire Reaches 50% Containment URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/hopland-evacuees-return-as-feliz/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T05:59:51.000Z Evacuees from the Feliz Fire in Hopland returned home Sunday night to scorched vineyards and golden hills blackened with burn scars, prompting jokes about “Char-donnay.” By Monday, life had begun returning to normal, even as firefighting continued. As of Monday evening, CAL FIRE reported the fire had burned 872 acres and was 50 percent contained. Sherri Wise, a spokesperson for the CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit, said containment means firefighters have established barriers between burned and unburned areas to limit the fire’s spread. It does not mean the fire has been extinguished, she said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/cc7c347a-1426-4da1-b86c-bc506d994aeb_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) A fire engine crew extinguishes hotspots in larger burn areas of the Feliz Fire (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) Wise said evacuees would not have been allowed to return home if doing so would have put them at risk. During a tour of the fire with CAL FIRE, this reporter observed several small fires still smoldering within larger burned areas. A crew of volunteer firefighters from the Telegraph Ridge Fire Protection District in southern Humboldt County was extinguishing hotspots near Saracina Vineyards on Sunday afternoon. Tanner Speas, the department’s fire chief, said it was rewarding to be part of the regional response. Five engines left Humboldt County at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, he said, to relieve Mendocino County firefighters, many of whom had worked through the night. “I’m glad to be part of Cal OES,” Speas said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/8075b3ba-bdde-4aff-a55b-485fce2bbb28_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) Fire Chief Tanner Speas from the Telegraph Ridge Fire Department (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) Along with Telegraph Ridge, fire departments from Shelter Cove, Salmon Creek, Briceland, and Redway deployed firefighters and engines to assist with the Feliz Fire. Members of a crew from a CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity unit suffered minor injuries Sunday afternoon after their engine overturned, *The Press Democrat r*eported. As of Monday evening, CAL FIRE said 642 people had fought the Feliz Fire, supported by 50 engines, 15 air tankers, and two dozers. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — Aug. 2, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-aug-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T17:01:52.000Z *Editor’s note: MendoLocal.news will be migrating over to a new website over the next few days, please be patient with any glitches! And, we’ll be on vacation August 6 through 9 and largely out of communications range. If the glitches persist on August 11, please let us know so we can fix them!* ### 🏛️ Mendocino County **Mendocino County’s Broadband Backbone Takes Shape Along Highway 20** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 30* Crews have just 8 miles left to finish installing state-owned middle-mile fiber along Highway 20 — part of a 250.7-mile Mendocino County network within California’s 8,200-mile backbone — with the segment on track for completion by Christmas 2026\. Once done, the line will connect to last-mile projects like Fort Bragg Fiber, linking local communities to national and international networks. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-countys-broadband-backbone) --- ### 🌊 Fort Bragg **Identity of Woman Released After Fatal Traffic Collision in Fort Bragg** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 28* Stephanie Sprague, 67, of Fort Bragg was struck and killed by a westbound GMC Sierra while crossing the 100 block of Cypress Street Thursday evening. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office investigation.[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/identity-of-woman-released-after-fatal-traffic-collision-in-fort-bragg/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Catherine Breed Will Set a Record by Swimming the Length of California’s Coast** *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice · July 27* Mill Valley open-water swimmer and former NCAA champion Catherine Breed is attempting to swim California’s entire \~900-mile coastline, a historic first, on an expedition running July 1 to early November. She stopped July 26 at Noyo Harbor’s Noyo Center for Marine Science, addressing more than 100 people amid talks on Mendocino Coast kelp forest restoration.[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/catherine-breed-will-set-a-record-by-swimming-the-length-of-californias-coast/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🔥 Hopland **Feliz Fire Holds at 841 Acres Near Hopland; Coyote Valley Tribe Opens Shelter** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · Aug. 2* The Feliz Fire, which broke out near the 3600 block of Feliz Creek Road in Hopland and closed U.S. 101 for several hours, stabilized at 841 acres with 10% containment Sunday as more than 400 firefighters held the line. No structures were reported damaged as of Sunday morning. Roughly 500 people were evacuated, and the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians opened its Redwood Valley tribal gymnasium as an overnight shelter after other Ukiah-area evacuation centers closed.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/feliz-fire-holding-steady-at-841) --- ### 🏕️ Irish Beach **Irish Beach Owners Cited for Camping on Their Property** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer · July 30* Following multiple complaints about aggressive canine behavior, the Mendocino County Building Department cited Moira Megan McNamara and Rick Edward Thompson, owners of 15381 Forest View Road, for unpermitted development on their Irish Beach lot.[ Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required) --- ### 🎨 Mendocino **Mendocino County Superior Court Justice Patrick Pekin Swears in Canine Mayor** *By Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice · July 29* Superior Court Judge Patrick Pekin officiated the July 19 swearing-in of Bodhi, a 120-pound Giant Alaskan Malamute, as honorary mayor of Mendocino, capping a five-month fundraiser in which each dollar donated to the dog park counted as one vote. Bodhi — who ran on adoption-first initiatives, shelter fundraisers, and foster recruitment — cleared the 2,500-vote threshold on July 5, and proceeds will buy new bark for the park’s two play areas.[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/mendocino-county-superior-court-justice-patrick-pekin-makes-it-official/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 💡 Point Arena **It’s “Baby Season” at the B. Bryan Preserve** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer · July 30* This year’s baby season at the B. Bryan Preserve has so far produced five roan antelope calves, three sable antelope calves, one Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal, and one Cape buffalo calf. Another zebra foal is still expected.[ Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required) --- ### 💧 Potter Valley **FERC Says a Southern California District Can’t Intervene in the Potter Valley Fight** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 31* Federal regulators rejected the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s bid to intervene in PG&E’s plan to decommission the Potter Valley Project, ruling the Southern California district missed the December 1 deadline by more than seven months without explanation. EVMWD, which valued the project’s senior water rights at $500–850 million, may now pressure PG&E to sell rather than dismantle the century-old Eel River hydro facility.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ferc-denys-evmwd-intervention) **Three’s a Charm: Siblings Compete for Grand Championship Title** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 30* Three Potter Valley siblings — Whitney, 16, Aubrey, 18, and Ethan Fansler, 14 — will compete head-to-head for Grand Champion at the Redwood Empire Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction, which fair CEO Jennifer Seward says outpaces any similar program in California. The siblings noted sharply rising costs, with a bag of feed doubling to $50 and low-end animals now starting around $25,000.[ Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/30/threes-a-charm-siblings-compete-for-grand-championship-title/?ref=mendolocal.news) (*Ukiah Daily Journal* subscription required) --- ### 🏙️ Ukiah **Ukiah High Athlete Raising Award-Winning Poultry** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · Aug. 2* Ukiah High junior and cross-country runner Chase Vagt, 16, a third-generation fair participant, will show breeding bantams and about 50 market birds at the Redwood Empire Fair, competing in poultry showmanship Wednesday and the Junior Livestock Auction on Aug. 8. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/08/02/ukiah-high-athlete-raising-award-winning-poultry/?ref=mendolocal.news) (*Ukiah Daily Journa*l subscription required) **Building Supervisors Illuminate Craftsmanship at Redwood Empire Fair** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · Aug. 1* Longtime Redwood Empire Fair supervisors Katrina Tindall (Junior Building) and Loraine Patton with Nancy Trumble (Home Arts, 31 years) described the behind-the-scenes work of cataloging, judging, and artfully displaying hundreds of youth and home-arts entries. Tindall has nearly filled the Junior Building through years of outreach, while the Home Arts Building this year features roughly 62 quilts and 60 preserves entries.[ Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/08/01/building-supervisors-illuminate-craftsmanship-at-redwood-empire-fair/?ref=mendolocal.news) (*Ukiah Daily Journal* subscription required) **Brenda Hodges Retiring as Redwood Empire Fair Fine Arts Building Supervisor** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 30* After about 25 years as the Redwood Empire Fair’s Fine Arts Building supervisor — and 22 at the Mendocino County Fair — Brenda Hodges is retiring, capping a tenure in which the self-taught artist also served as the fair’s poster artist for nearly a quarter century. The fair’s Beading Group created a tribute poster of her decades of fair posters, on display in the building for visitors to add their own notes of thanks.[ Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/30/brenda-hodges-retiring-as-redwood-empire-fair-fine-arts-building-supervisor/?ref=mendolocal.news) (*Ukiah Daily Journa*l subscription required) **Ukiah Valley Fire Authority Has New Acting Chief** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 28* Battalion Chief Justin Buckingham was appointed acting fire chief of the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, effective immediately, after seven-year chief Doug Hutchison departed. Buckingham brings 28 years in fire service, including 17 with the authority, while the city begins its search for a permanent chief.[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/ukiah-valley-fire-authority-has-new-acting-chief/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🐖 Willits **Willits Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Serial Child Abuse** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 30* Neil Kiger, 42, received the maximum 24-year prison term after a jury convicted him of 11 felony counts, including lewd acts and continuous sexual abuse of a child he acted as a stepfather to between 2020 and 2023, when the victim was 10 to 13\. Kiger, who had been hiding in Florida, must register as a sex offender for life and is limited to 15% good-time credits as a violent felon.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-man-sentenced-to-24-years) **Goat, Pig, Horse or Turtle? Willits to Vote on New Playground Sculpture** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 28* Local artist Gary Martin is donating a climbable bronze animal sculpture to the Willits City Park playground at no cost to the city, and residents will pick from three or four finalists — goat, pig, turtle, and possibly a horse — through local media in the coming weeks. Martin, inspired by a century-old bronze goat in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square, said his own favorite is the pig.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/goat-pig-horse-or-turtle-willits) **Horse Show in Willits** *By Maureen Jennison, Willits Weekly · July 26* *Willits* Riders competed in the Willits Frontier Days Horse Show on Sunday, July 26, showcasing their own riding skills and those of their horses. Winners are listed in the Willits Weekly.[ Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🐻 CalMatters **David Valadao Lost in the Last Anti-Trump Blue Wave. Will Farmers Help Him Win This Time?** *By Maya C. Miller, CalMatters · July 31* Republican U.S. Rep. David Valadao, the only sitting dairy farmer in Congress, is betting his farming credentials can hold California’s 22nd Congressional District in the Central Valley against Democratic challenger Randy Villegas, a community college professor and school board trustee. Rising fuel, fertilizer, and crop prices, tariff uncertainty, and Valadao’s decisive vote for a Trump budget bill that cut $28.4 billion from Medi-Cal and 20% from SNAP are shaping the race.[ Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/07/central-valley-congressional-race-agriculture-concerns/?ref=mendolocal.news) **CA’s Privatized Public Defense Leads to Caseloads 3x the Most Basic Standards, Report Finds** *By Anat Rubin, CalMatters · July 29* A new report from The Wren Collective found that California’s privatized public defense system produces caseloads up to three times the most basic standards, with one Kings County attorney representing nearly 600 defendants in 2025 — triple the recommended maximum. Two dozen counties use flat-fee contracts that pay lawyers a fixed amount regardless of work, an arrangement critics say discourages investigation and pressures defendants toward plea deals — and seven of the eight counties with the highest incarceration rates use it.[ Read more](https://calmatters.org/investigation/2026/07/california-public-defender-caseloads/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Feliz Fire Holding Steady at 841 Acres URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/feliz-fire-holding-steady-at-841/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:16.000Z More than 400 firefighters from across Mendocino County and the state converged on the Hopland area Saturday night to contain an explosively spreading wildfire. By Sunday morning, their efforts had paid off. Sherri Wise, a spokesperson for CAL FIRE, said the fire, which started near the 3600 block of Feliz Creek Road on Saturday afternoon, remained at 841 acres with no additional growth. “We have not had any reports of damaged structures at this time,” Wise said. Wise estimated that about 500 people remain under evacuation orders. She said the fire’s rapid spread was driven by spot fires, with wind-blown embers igniting new fires ahead of the main blaze. Firefighters were dispersed throughout the area overnight, extinguishing those hot spots to prevent further spread. ### Coyote Valley Tribe Opens Temporary Shelter URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/coyote-valley-tribe-opens-temporary-shelter/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:16.000Z The [Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians announced on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CoyoteValleyTribe) that it has opened the Tribal Gymnasium, 415 Coyote Valley Blvd. in Redwood Valley, as a temporary shelter for individuals and families displaced by the Feliz Fire. According to [United Disaster Relief of Northern California](https://www.facebook.com/UnitedDisasterRelief), all other evacuation shelters are closed for the night. The temporary evacuation point at the Disaster Resource Center, 650 Babcock Lane in Ukiah, closed at 8:30 p.m., according to United Disaster Relief of Northern California. The temporary evacuation point at the Mendocino County Office of Education also closed for the evening at 8 p.m. Meanwhile, incident command reported that forward progress on the Feliz Fire had stopped at 841 acres, according to Watch Duty reporter Dan Husum. CAL FIRE said the fire is 5 percent contained. [The Genasys map ](https://protect.genasys.com/en/map/38.974707%2C-123.127616?lat=38.9736&lng=-123.1149&z=13.2&ref=mendolocal.news)is listing three road closures: U.S. 101 at Feliz Creek and Mountain House Road, Hewlitt Sturtevant and US 101, and mile 12, US 101 south. Please check the [Caltrans map ](https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/?view=39.1874%2C-122.8822%2C11&layers=full%5Fclosures%2Clane%5Fclosures%2Cspeed&ref=mendolocal.news)for additional information on the status of U.S. 101\. The Watch Duty app is reporting that U.S. 101 is fully open from Largo Road to Hewlett Sturtevant Road. For the latest evacuation information and fire updates, visit mendoready.org, download the Watch Duty app, or check the[ CAL FIRE Incident Update page.](https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/1/feliz-fire/updates/0d3b3a4f-9ff7-48d9-9fcb-107c24ac14d0?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Wildfire Prompts Closure of Highway 101 in Hopland URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/wildfire-prompts-closure-of-highway/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:17.000Z A rapidly spreading wildfire that began near 3600 Feliz Creek Road has grown to more than 500 acres, prompting the evacuation of downtown Hopland and surrounding areas. Caltrans issued a traffic alert around 5:15 p.m. stating that Highway 101 is fully closed from Burke Hill Road to the Route 175 junction in Hopland. A temporary evacuation point has been established at the Mendocino County Office of Education, 2240 Old River Road in Ukiah. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for zones MEN-2UKV29 and MEN-2HOP04\. Evacuation warnings have been issued for zones MEN-2UKV20, MEN-2UKV21, and MEN-2UKV23. A small animal shelter has been established at the Mendocino County Animal Shelter, 298 Plant Road, and a large animal shelter has been established at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1055 N. State St., in Ukiah, according to the [Genasys Evacuation Map.](https://protect.genasys.com/en/map/39.162742%2C-123.208132/poi/animalShelter/7927?lat=39.1627&lng=-123.2081&z=9.8&ref=mendolocal.news) NorCal Livestock Evacuation posted a note on their Facebook page: :If your animals are in danger, NorCal Livestock Evacuation team is mobilizing for evacuations. If you need to get your animals out of the fire zone, our Evac number is 707-234-7193.” For up-to-date information, visit the [CAL FIRE Incidents Report page ](https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/1/feliz-fire/updates/0d3b3a4f-9ff7-48d9-9fcb-107c24ac14d0?ref=mendolocal.news)or download the Watch Duty app. You can also check out [mendoready.org.](http://mendoready.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) *Editor’s note: an early version of this story mislabled the CAL FIRE Incidents Report page. August 1, 2026 6:43 p.m* ### FERC Says a Southern California District Can’t Intervene in the Potter Valley Fight URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ferc-denys-evmwd-intervention/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T18:15:05.000Z A Southern California water district’s bid to acquire PG&E’s water rights to the Potter Valley Project hit a setback this week, when a federal agency blocked the district from intervening in the proceeding that will decide whether and how the project’s dams are removed. In a one-page notice issued July 27, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission denied Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District’s motion to intervene in PG&E’s application to surrender its license and decommission the century-old hydroelectric project on the Eel and East Fork Russian rivers. The district filed its motion July 9 — more than seven months after FERC’s Dec. 1 intervention deadline. Parties who miss that deadline must “show good cause why the time limitation should be waived,” the commission wrote. Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD), however, “did not provide any explanation for the untimeliness of its motion.” FERC said it would still consider the written comments the district filed the same day. By denying intervention, FERC stripped EVMWD of the right to seek rehearing or challenge the commission’s eventual decommissioning order in court. The notice “constitutes final agency action,” leaving the district 30 days, until roughly Aug. 26, to ask the commission to reconsider the denial. EVMWD — headquartered in Lake Elsinore roughly 600 miles south of the Eel River — has spent months building a case to take over the project rather than see it dismantled. The effort traces to a Dec. 4 memo from EVMWD board Vice President Darcy Burke to the district’s general manager, Greg Thomas, laying out what Burke described as “a Federal Water-Security Issue” and valuing the project’s senior, pre-1914 water rights at $500 million to $850 million. Burke wrote those rights would become “functionally worthless” once the dams are removed. The memo and other internal records were obtained by *MendoLocal.News* through a California Public Records Act request. The district’s campaign became public this spring after U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins posted on X that she supported saving the project and transferring it to “a legitimate buyer” — EVMWD. By the district’s own account, the announcement caught it off guard. “These things are to be expected after the USDA Secretary\[’s\] post, but it took all of us by surprise,” Thomas wrote to a colleague in April, in an email among the records the district released. “Would have been nice to \[be\] included on the plan.” In a statement, EVMWD spokeswoman Sylvia Ornelas said the district had “just received information regarding the denial” and that “it is imperative that EVMWD continue to do the required due diligence and evaluate all options available,” adding that “it would be premature to comment any further at this time.” The parties on the other side welcomed the ruling. “We are pleased that FERC rejected Elsinore Valley’s late attempt to intervene in this proceeding,” Round Valley Indian Tribes President Joseph Parker said in a statement. “This decommissioning process should be guided by the communities and Tribal Nations that live with its consequences, not by interests seeking to reshape it from outside the region.” Charlie Schneider of CalTrout said there was “no basis to allow an agency hundreds of miles away with no connection to the project to participate. It’s time for this process to move forward.” But Friends of the Eel River Conservation Director Scott Greacen cautioned that the procedural setback does little to end Elsinore Valley’s pursuit. The denial, he said, was “the normal and expected outcome,” given that FERC had turned away late filings from the Round Valley and Wiyot tribes earlier in the same docket. Elsinore Valley, he said, is “coming very late to the party, didn’t bring a covered dish, just bought a bag of chips.” The FERC proceeding, Greacen argued, was never where the district could win. “This process is not where Elsinore goes to get the result it wants,” he said. “The last chance for that was in 2019.” Instead, Greacen said, the district’s goal is to persuade — or pressure — PG&E to abandon decommissioning and instead transfer the project — including its dams, tunnels, penstocks and, most importantly, its water rights — to EVMWD and its partner, the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. “It’s the water right that PG&E has held since it bought the project in the 1930s,” Greacen said. If the district can get PG&E to convey the project, he said, “they can change the facts on the ground” and return to FERC as the new owner “and say, hey, we are the owner, and we have a different idea.” PG&E said no such deal is on the table. The company “received one proposal from a diverse group of stakeholders” for the New Eel-Russian Facility — the replacement diversion at the center of the negotiated Two-Basin Solution — and “has not received any proposal from EVMWD,” spokeswoman Megan McFarland said. Nor, she said, has PG&E entered into a nondisclosure agreement with the district. Any sale, McFarland added, “would need to include support of diverse regional stakeholders, and the future owner would need to have the financial and technical capability to own and operate the project.” For now, Greacen said he is closely watching FERC’s recent decision, made at the request of the U.S. Department of the Interior to extend the scoping comment period. “Why does the U.S. Department of the Interior need extra time for a scoping period for a state dam in California that they have repeatedly said they don’t have an interest in?” he asked. “There’s going to be something ugly coming down the pike.” ### Willits Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Serial Child Abuse URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-man-sentenced-to-24-years/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:17.000Z A former Willits man was sentenced Thursday to 24 years in state prison for sexually abusing a child over a three-year period, the maximum term allowed by law for his crimes. Christopher Neil Kiger, 42, also known as Chris King and Jesse Goff, was sentenced by Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder at a hearing in Ukiah. A jury convicted him in March of 11 felony counts following a two-week trial: three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child under 14, two counts of penetration with a foreign object involving a child under 14, and six counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Prosecutors said the crimes occurred in and around Willits from 2020 through 2023, when the victim was between 10 and 13 years old. District Attorney David Eyster, who prosecuted the case, said Kiger acted as a “stepfather figure” to the victim. Formerly of Willits, Ukiah and Clearlake, Kiger had been living in Florida while hiding from investigators, according to the DA’s office. Because continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 is classified as a violent felony, any good-time or work-time credits Kiger earns in prison are limited to 15 percent of the 24-year term. When eventually paroled, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life in any jurisdiction where he lives, and he will face Three Strikes penalties for any new felony. The victim, her older brother and her maternal uncle testified at trial, some traveling from out of state. The case was investigated by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Sacramento County SAFE Center and the DA’s Bureau of Investigations and Victim/Witness Unit. ### Prius Catches Fire on Highway 101 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/prius-catches-fire-on-highway-101-6a7394c7402617000f5c6cad/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T20:02:24.000Z The Willits Volunteer Fire Department responded Thursday morning to reports of a Prius engulfed in flames on southbound Highway 101, just north of Reynolds Highway. Fire Capt. Harry So said the call came in at 10:08 a.m. The fire appeared to have started in the engine bay, So said. The driver pulled over and was able to retrieve items from the car. “At that point, the fire became more than he could handle,” So said. Firefighters took about 15 minutes to fully extinguish the blaze, using roughly 1,000 gallons of water, and remained on scene for about an hour. So said car fires are relatively uncommon — more often, an overheating vehicle is mistaken for a fire. The car was towed from the scene, So said, and firefighters did not determine the cause of the fire, which was confined to the vehicle and did not spread to nearby vegetation. *This story was originally reported by* [*Redheaded Blackbelt,*](https://kymkemp.com/2026/07/30/prius-fully-engulfed-in-flames-on-highway-101-in-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news) *which also kindly shared video of the fire with us. The video was taken by Redheaded Blackbelt reporter Lisa Music.* ### Mendocino County's Broadband Backbone Takes Shape Along Highway 20 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-countys-broadband-backbone/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:18.000Z *Editor’s Note: Information about the drop-in events in Fort Bragg to learn more about the MCN fiber-to-the-home service was added shortly after this afternoon’s publication. Also, a typo in the subhead was corrected.* Construction crews from across California are on pace to finish installing the broadband middle-mile network along Highway 20 in Mendocino County in time for the holidays. “We just finished 18 miles in 44 working days,” said John Cipollina, a construction manager for HP Communications overseeing underground construction for the middle-mile network. The work on Highway 20 is just one segment of the largest publicly owned broadband project in the country. California’s Middle-Mile Broadband Network is a state-owned, open-access fiber backbone that, when finished, will run more than 8,200 miles through all 58 counties. The broadband network is analogous to the highway network — it won’t connect directly to homes, neighborhoods, or business districts. Instead, local governments and internet providers must build the so-called “last mile” to the end user. That’s what Fort Bragg Fiber, Fort Bragg’s municipal broadband project is all about. Fort Bragg’s project will plug into the newly built “middle mile”, which will connect homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals to the larger pre-existing national and international networks. The California Department of Technology is leading the middle-mile project, and Caltrans is building it along state highway rights-of-way. The state Legislature launched the effort with Senate Bill 156 in 2021 as part of a $6 billion broadband package that dedicated $3.25 billion to build, own, and operate the middle-mile backbone. The state later added $550 million from the General Fund to address rising construction costs. CDT also secured a $73 million federal grant. As of late July, crews statewide had roughly 4,500 miles in active installation. About 1,250 miles were finished and ready to connect. The network is farthest along in the Eastern Sierra. On April 2, California switched on its first operational segment — a 423-mile stretch that runs along the east side of the mountains along U.S. 395 — and the Bishop Paiute Tribe became the network’s first paying customer and the first rural community in the state to plug into the new backbone. State officials described the moment as the project’s shift “from construction to commerce.” Mendocino County remains in the construction phase. Of its 250.7-mile planned network, about 136 miles are in active installation and another 115 miles are in design and permitting. None of the segments are yet ready to connect — but the Highway 20 segment — at least — could be ready by Christmas, Cipollina said. Just outside Fort Bragg, a crew this week finished 3,000 feet of underground construction on Highway 20 leading up to an aerial portion. “We have eight miles left on Highway 20 and a little section of Willits,” Cipollina said. “We’ve got a lot of good guys working from 8 in the morning to 7 at night.” Two dozen crew members will work on the next segment, tackling it from each end. After they are finished, cable placement can start. For Fort Bragg residents, the last mile is nearly in hand. Fort Bragg Fiber, the city’s own community broadband network, is nearing completion after months of construction, the city announced July 24\. Conduit is now installed citywide, fiber has been pulled through most neighborhoods, and crews are preparing to begin connecting homes and businesses. The network is operated by Mendocino Community Network, or MCN, a Fort Bragg internet provider that has served the Mendocino Coast for more than 30 years. It offers fiber-to-the-home service across the city at symmetrical speeds — the same rate for uploads and downloads — from 1 gigabit to 10 gigabits per second. Pricing starts at $50 a month for 1 gigabit, with no contracts, no data caps and no equipment or installation fees, the city said. “We’ve asked a lot of the community’s patience during construction, and now we’re excited to show what all that work has created,” said Sage Statham, the city’s director of broadband. “These events are a chance to see the equipment, ask questions, and get on the list so you’re first in line when we start connecting homes.” The city is holding a series of drop-in events this summer where residents can see the fiber-to-the-home equipment, ask questions, and sign up for priority placement in the first installation wave: - Thursday, July 30, 4 to 6 p.m. — Town Hall, 363 N. Main St. - Monday, Aug. 3, noon to 2 p.m. — C.V. Starr Community Center - Tuesday, Aug. 4, 5 to 8 p.m. — City Hall (National Night Out) - Monday, Aug. 24, 4 to 6 p.m. — C.V. Starr Community Center Residents who cannot attend can sign up anytime at mcn.org/signup or by calling 707-937-1444. ### K-9 Duke Helps Seize 70 Pounds of Meth in Mendocino URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/k-9-duke-helps-seize-70-pounds-of-meth/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T20:10:36.000Z A Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office narcotics investigation led to the seizure of approximately 70 pounds of suspected methamphetamine in Mendocino County earlier this month, with the help of the agency’s K-9 Duke. The search was part of an investigation that began in April into alleged methamphetamine trafficking by Bernabe Calderon-Nunez, 49, and Jonathan Perez Santos, 18, both of Redwood Valley. On July 21, detectives with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit served five search warrants tied to the investigation. During one of the searches in Mendocino County, Duke, a narcotics-detection dog, located about 70 pounds of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $1.5 million, along with 17 grams of cocaine, nearly $100,000 in cash, and evidence investigators said was related to narcotics sales and trafficking. According to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Nicholas Miller, Duke is a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix who joined the department in 2020\. He is trained as a dual-purpose K-9 for narcotics detection and suspect apprehension and assisted detectives by locating the drugs during the search. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/13e116b7-e621-4abf-bebe-bb7ec5d1e9c3_1170x851-jpeg.jpg) Calderon-Nunez was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale and sale of narcotics. Detectives obtained a bail enhancement, and he was initially held on $200,000 bail before later being released from custody. Perez Santos was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for sale and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. He was later released on zero bail. ### Goat, Pig, Horse or Turtle? Willits to Vote on New Playground Sculpture URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/goat-pig-horse-or-turtle-willits/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:19.000Z Willits is broke — the mayor will cheerfully tell you so — but the town may soon be one whimsical bronze animal richer, and for once the choice belongs to the public. At the City Council’s Wednesday, July 22 meeting, local artist Gary Martin clicked through a slideshow he billed as “the state of the arts in Willits” and landed on a modest proposal: he wants to donate a bronze sculpture for the children’s playground at Willits City Park. The only real question is which creature it should be. Four finalists are headed to the local media in the coming weeks for a public vote — a goat, a horse, a turtle and a pig. Martin, who also led the meeting’s Pledge of Allegiance, has a favorite, and he made no attempt to hide it. “My favorite, the pig,” he told the council — a preference that drew an unsolicited “I love the pig” from the dais. Before he got to the barnyard, Martin took the room on a tour of the public art Willits already has, arguing that a town signals what it values by what it puts in its shared spaces. He pointed to murals at JD Redhouse, St. Francis Episcopal Church, the Book Juggler and a string of local schools, plus one at NAPA Auto Parts he cheerfully named his favorite; Anna Judd’s mural on the back of the bandstand; and the windmill on Highway 20 that Jane Camp commissioned and gave to the city. He credited work around town by artist Laura Wieseck and touted the reach of the Willits Center for the Arts, which he said brings arts programming to thousands of students a month across Willits, Laytonville and Covelo, with a new branch in Gualala. The pitch itself drew on older civic tradition. Martin cited the century-old bronze goat that generations of children have clambered over at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia — a sculpture built not to be admired from a distance but to be climbed, ridden and loved into a shine. A durable bronze in Willits City Park, he argued, would do the same here: “spark curiosity and inspire wonder, especially in young minds.” He closed, as one does, with Dead Poets Society: “poetry, beauty, and love, these are what you stay alive for.” The sculpture would cost the city nothing, a point Mayor Tom Allman underscored with characteristic candor. “I really appreciate you not asking us for money,” Allman said, “because we’re still broke.” Public comment leaned firmly toward the whimsical. A resident read a letter from Jane Camp, who could not attend but wrote to strongly back the gift. A sculpture, Camp wrote, would “enliven children’s curiosity and interest in this form of art” and be “a lovely and whimsical sculpture for all to enjoy,” urging the council to “give this project the green light.” The reader added her own two cents: “I like pigs. I think it’s adorable.” Helen Sims had a friendly amendment. Whatever the town picks, she suggested, it ought to get a name — by public contest. “The tortoise, the pig, the little pork chop,” she offered, running through the possibilities. No vote was taken; the item was a presentation, not an action. ### Additional city council reports: **Council Member Gerardo “Gerry” Gonzalez** reported attending a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting July 6, where the board reviewed the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District’s municipal service review and sphere of influence. He also flagged ongoing bicycle and scooter traffic in front of downtown buildings as a safety concern and noted a rider had been redirected to the bike lane. **Council Member Matthew Alaniz** reported meeting July 15 with a field representative from U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff’s office to discuss transportation funding, rural hospital support, and forest management’s effect on fire insurance rates. Alaniz reminded residents that city council candidacy paperwork is available from the city clerk through Aug. 7 and that candidates must reside within city limits. He noted that a community gathering in support of injured student Zach Thompson is scheduled for July 26 at 11 a.m. at Willits High School, and he announced that First Friday returns Aug. 7\. Alaniz also disclosed that the Fair Political Practices Commission replied June 26 with a finding of no conflict of interest regarding his connection to the general manager of a trails organization involved in a prior council matter; he said he will post the full finding on his personal Facebook page. **Mayor Tom Allman** congratulated Frontier Days on its 100th annual celebration, crediting organizer Marcy Barry and her team, city staff, and the community. He acknowledged the recent earthquake, commending city employees across all departments for their response, and urged residents and businesses with damage to report it to the community development department so the city can assess whether a FEMA request is warranted. ### Department head reports: **Administrative Services Director Joseph Park** said the fiscal year transition to the Springbrook financial software went unnoticed — his benchmark for a clean rollover. The 2024-25 audit is underway; auditors are working virtually, with an on-site visit planned next month. Financial consultant Andy Heath is returning the following week to assist. Council Member Bruce Burton to add an accounts receivable column to the account balance reports, noting that reimbursements pending on capital projects such as the Rails with Trails work could ease concern over the fund balance trend. Park agreed. **Public Works Director Davey Bowles** confirmed the new solar array is operating, producing roughly 580 kilowatt-hours per day, near peak summer output. A monitoring link showing daily output, energy savings, and equivalent metrics will be posted to the city website. Bowles said the notice of completion for the solar project will likely come before the council at the second August meeting. He also acknowledged the City Park merry-go-round is damaged and under repair. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — July 25, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-july-25/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:23.000Z ### 🏛️ Mendocino County **Supervisors Reject Permanent Road Sales Tax in Split Vote** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 24* Mendocino County supervisors voted 3-2 on July 21 against placing a permanent 1% road-repair sales tax on the November ballot, one vote short of the four needed to advance it. The measure would have raised about $5.5 million a year — far below the $220 million officials estimate is needed over the next decade to restore county roads. **Read more:** https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supervisors-reject-permanent-road-tax **Grand Jury Faults County on Fire-Safe Rules** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 24* The Board of Supervisors appointed a two-member committee on July 21 to respond to a civil grand jury report criticizing its oversight of Planning and Building Services. A resident noted the county still has not fully implemented fire-safety regulations required under Public Resources Code Section 4290, an issue flagged in the prior year’s grand jury report. **Read more:** https://www.mendolocal.news/p/grand-jury-faults-county-on-fire-safety-rules **Sheriff Warns Vacancy Rate Is Near 45%** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 24* Sheriff Matt Kendall told supervisors on July 21 that his department’s effective vacancy rate approaches 45% once employees on leave are counted. The board responded by unanimously funding five previously unfunded positions at an estimated cost of just over $1 million a year from the general fund. **Read more:** https://www.mendolocal.news/p/sheriff-warns-vacancy-rate-is-near-45-percent **Mendocino County Missed $3 Billion in Taxable Property Value Over Five Years, Records Show** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 23* The county Assessor’s Office failed to timely assess roughly $3 billion in property value over tax years 2021 through 2025, delaying about $33 million a year in tax revenue, records show. Most was recovered through late corrections, but some assessments fell outside California’s four-year statute of limitations and could not be recouped. **Read more:** https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-missed-3-billion **District 3 Candidate Eric Hart Lives in a House in District 3** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 23* District 3 supervisor candidate Eric Hart moved his primary residence from a District 4 cabin to a home on Williams Ranch Road inside District 3 in 2025, making him eligible to represent District 3 on the board of supervisors. County counsel declined to pause certification of the June 2 Primary Election in response to a resident’s complaint about his residency status. **Read more:** https://www.mendolocal.news/p/d3-candidate-eric-hart-lives-in-d3 **Six Months After State Audit, County Departments Report Uneven Progress on Reforms** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 22* Six months after the December 2025 state audit, Mendocino County departments reported mixed progress on required reforms, with two department heads submitting written updates but the Assessor’s office missing the deadline entirely. The state auditor has yet to verify the responses. **Read more**: https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-offers-updates-six-months-after-audit ### 🚒 Boonville **PG&E Crew Sparks Gowan Fire in Anderson Valley; Volunteers Stop It Quick** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · July 20* A PG&E crew accidentally ignited a grass fire in Anderson Valley when a hot bolt they were cutting fell into dry grass across from Don Gowan’s farm. Volunteer firefighters, including a father-and-son team, contained the blaze in under an hour using water and retardant. **Read more:** https://mendocinocoast.news/your-monday-paper-7-20-26-willits-senior-housing-project-sells-for-10-8-million-what-happened-at-the-gowan-fire-stop-that-sticker-sticking/ ### 🌲 Caspar **Caspar Pond Trail opens Saturday with help from grant and landowner** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 21* The new Caspar Pond Trail opens to the public Saturday, July 25, made possible by a $55,000 grant from the Mendocino Coast Audubon Society and a public-access easement donated by landowner Michael St. John. The Mendocino Land Trust will maintain the birding trail, and a ribbon-cutting and informal bird walk are set for 11 a.m. **Read more:** https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/caspar-pond-trail-opens-saturday-with-help-from-grant-and-landowner/ ### ⛰️ Covelo **Father and Son Arrested in Killing of Covelo Mom; Teenage Brother Still Sought** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 24* Two brothers are accused of fatally shooting 31-year-old Covelo mother Josepha Littlewolf Basurto at an illegal marijuana grow on July 9, and their father allegedly helped them flee. Authorities are still searching for the 17-year-old, who was not with the others when they were taken into custody. **Read more:** https://www.mendolocal.news/p/father-and-son-arrested-in-covelo-homicide ### 🌊 Fort Bragg **Woman Swimming the Coast of California to Stop in Fort Bragg Sunday** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 24* Long-distance swimmer Catherine Breed, who set out July 1 to swim all 900 miles of California’s coastline, will make her second of 10 planned stops at the Noyo Center in Fort Bragg on Sunday, July 26, weather permitting. A support vessel backing her swim pulled into Noyo Harbor on Thursday. **Read more:** https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/24/woman-swimming-the-coast-of-california-to-stop-in-fort-bragg-sunday/ *(Subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required)* **What Will Tomorrow’s Redwood Forest Look Like?** *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice · July 19* CAL FIRE has launched the Coastal Adaptive Management Experiment at Jackson Demonstration State Forest to test three strategies — resistance, resilience and transition — for helping coast redwoods adapt to climate change. Run with the University of Nevada, Reno, the study will monitor 245 plots across about 500 acres for at least 20 years. **Read more:** https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/what-will-tomorrows-redwood-forest-look-like/ ### 🛼 Gualala **Long-distance Skater Stops in Gualala** *By David Torres, Independent Coast Observer · July 23* Eric Baldwin, 33, of Santee, is a little more than halfway through a journey from Vancouver to San Diego, having started skating on June 22\. Baldwin, a hockey coach, is raising money to purchase hockey equipment for under-privileged children. **Read more:** https://www.mendonoma.com (*Subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* ### 🦈 Mendocino **Mendocino Teacher Bitten by Shark Returns to Surf** B*y Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 19* Mendocino High School English teacher James Eastman, who survived shark attack at Big River Beach in March, returned to surf the same spot in July after two surgeries and four months of recovery. A GoFundMe for his care raised $13,806, with surplus funds going to a nonprofit he and his wife created to place bleeding-control kits at high-traffic beaches. **Read more:** https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/mendocino-teacher-bit-by-shark-returns-to-surf-same-spot-he-was-attacked/ ### 💡 Point Arena **The Point Arena City Council Approves Three Coastal Development Permits** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer · July 23* The Point Arena City Council approved three coastal development permits at its July 21 meeting, advancing upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment system, the Caltrans Main Street repaving and sidewalk replacement project, and the proposed Rockwall campground. **Read more:** https://www.mendonoma.com *(Subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* ### 💧 Potter Valley **Federal regulators extend Potter Valley comment deadline to September** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · July 24* The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission pushed back the public comment deadline on PG&E’s Potter Valley Project decommissioning plan from July 24 to September 18, adding nearly two months for input. **Read more:** https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/federal-regulators-extend-potter-valley-comment-deadline-to-september/ ### 🏙️ Ukiah **City of Ukiah Responds to Concerns Regarding Flock Safety Cameras** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 23* Ukiah residents have repeatedly pressed the City Council over its network of Flock Safety cameras that scan license plates at the city limits, with speakers at the July 15 meeting warning of mass surveillance. City officials have defended the cameras as a net public-safety benefit. **Read more:** https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/23/city-of-ukiah-responds-to-concerns-regarding-flock-safety-cameras/ *(Subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required)* **Ukiah Gigabit Fiber Project Progresses to Activation Phase** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 21* Ukiah’s high-speed fiber project began activating service in July, with crews having installed nearly 50,000 linear feet of fiber — about 45% of Phase 1 — and 85% of underground construction complete. The network aims to improve connectivity for city facilities and hundreds of previously “unserved” households. **Read more:** https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/21/ukiah-gigabit-fiber-project-progresses-to-activation-phase/ *(Subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required)* ### 🚂 Willits **Grocery Outlet Donates Food to Willits Community Services** *By Willits Weekly · July 23* Grocery Outlet donated nine pallets of food to the Willits Food Bank even as the store remained closed for repairs caused by the earthquake. “The good news is we’ve got a lot of good stuff going over to the Food Bank, the bad news is we’re still a few weeks away \[from reopening\],” said David McKinney of the Willits Grocery Outlet. **Read more:** https://www.willitsweekly.com **Willits Senior Housing project sells for $10.8 million** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · July 20* Redwood Meadows Senior Apartments, a roughly 140-resident complex for people over 55 at 1475 Baechtel Road in Willits, sold for $10.8 million on June 18, with the deal recorded the following week. Echelon Properties LLC bought the property from firms tied to Theodore Caldwell. **Read more:** https://mendocinocoast.news/your-monday-paper-7-20-26-willits-senior-housing-project-sells-for-10-8-million-what-happened-at-the-gowan-fire-stop-that-sticker-sticking/ ### 🐻 CalMatters **California Can’t Replant Its Forests as Fast as Wildfires Are Destroying Them** *By Rachel Becker, CalMatters · July 24* High-severity wildfires have burned 2.3 million acres of California forestland over the past 25 years, and projections show half the state’s forest area could disappear by 2071 as replanting falls behind. Closing the gap would require expanding seed-bank capacity by roughly 300% and rebuilding a badly depleted federal reforestation workforce. **Read more:** https://calmatters.org/environment/wildfires/2026/07/wildfires-california-forest-reforestation-seed/ **California weighs bringing back the grizzly bear, a century after it vanished** *By Ryan Sabalow, CalMatters · July 23* Democrats are advancing Senate Bill 1305 to study whether California should reintroduce grizzly bears, extinct in the state since the 1920s. At least 40 groups including tribes and environmental advocates back the measure, while ranchers, rural communities and Republicans oppose it, citing existing predator conflicts and the state’s capacity to manage another apex predator. **Read more**: https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/07/california-grizzly-bear-reintroduction-bill/ ### Father and Son Arrested in Killing of Covelo Mom; Teenage Brother Still Sought URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/father-and-son-arrested-in-covelo-homicide/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:23.000Z Three men are in custody and a teenage boy is being sought in the shooting death of a Covelo woman at an illegal marijuana cultivation site earlier this month, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said Friday. Josepha Littlewolf Basurto, 31, was found fatally shot the night of July 9 inside a pickup in the 22000 block of Rifle Range Road, northwest of Covelo, after a family member who had spent hours looking for her located her and called 911\. An autopsy on July 15 found she died of a gunshot wound to the torso, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide, the Sheriff’s Office said. In an updated account released Friday, the Sheriff’s Office said investigators identified two brothers who had been staying at the grow and who were reportedly involved in the shooting. The older brother was identified as Elias Garcia-Acosta, 22, of Adelanto; the younger is a 17-year-old boy whose name is being withheld because of his age. Both are wanted on warrants charging homicide, the agency said. The brothers left the scene and were not located during the initial investigation, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators determined that the boys’ father, Elias Juarez-Garcia, 44, of Porterville, had driven to the property the night of the killing, taken his two sons, and left Mendocino County. Investigators developed probable cause that Juarez-Garcia knew his sons were involved in killing Basurto and helped move them hundreds of miles away to avoid arrest, the agency said, and placed a stop-and-detain alert on his vehicle with the state Department of Justice. With help from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Juarez-Garcia and Garcia-Acosta were found together the evening of July 17 in Adelanto, in the vehicle investigators say the family used to leave the Covelo area, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Both were arrested without incident — Garcia-Acosta on a warrant charging homicide, and his father on a warrant charging accessory after the fact. The 17-year-old was not with them. The two men were driven to the Mendocino County Jail and booked July 21, jail records show. Garcia-Acosta is being held without bail and Juarez-Garcia in lieu of $350,000 bail. The third man, Jesus Hernandez Sosa, 35, of Covelo, had already been arrested in connection with the case. The Sheriff’s Office said Sosa was contacted in Sonoma County on July 10 and determined to be involved in the illegal cultivation operation. He was arrested on felony marijuana charges — including cultivation with illegal water diversion — but was released July 13 after the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office declined to file those charges, the agency said. Investigators later developed probable cause that Sosa was also involved in the shooting, and a Superior Court judge approved a warrant charging him with homicide and with personally using a firearm in a felony resulting in death, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Sosa was arrested July 23 at the Mendocino County Superior Courthouse in Ukiah, the agency said, after investigators learned a vehicle linked to him might be in the area and canvassed for it. He was booked into the county jail and is being held without bail. An arrest is not evidence of guilt, and prosecutors had not filed formal charges as of Friday. The warrants describe what investigators told a judge they believe; the men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Basurto was a mother of four children between the ages of 4 and 13\. Her family remembers her as a loving mother and friend, a skilled horse trainer, and a California Native and powwow dancer. A [GoFundMe organized by her mother and aunt ](https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-josepha-littlewolf-thunderhearts-family?ref=mendolocal.news)seeks to cover funeral costs, travel for relatives coming from Utah, and the family’s attendance at court proceedings. The scene where Basurto was found was a large illegal marijuana cultivation operation, which investigators examined as part of the homicide inquiry. The investigation has drawn in the Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force, the District Attorney’s Office, the county’s Marijuana Eradication Team, and criminalists from the California Department of Justice’s Eureka laboratory, along with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are continuing to work with authorities in San Bernardino County to arrest the 17-year-old still being sought on a homicide warrant, the Sheriff’s Office said. Anyone with information may call the Sheriff’s Office dispatch center at 707-463-4086, option 1, or the anonymous tip line at 707-234-2100. ### Supervisors Reject Permanent Road Sales Tax in Split Vote URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supervisors-reject-permanent-road-tax/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:24.000Z A proposed 1% sales tax to fund county road repairs will not reach the November ballot after the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors deadlocked 3-2 on July 21, with Supervisors Madeline Cline and Mo Mulheren dissenting. The measure drew majority support but fell short of the four votes necessary to place a tax before voters. The tax would have applied to purchases in the unincorporated county and raised an estimated $5.5 million a year for pavement work and crew positions. But even if the supervisors had decided to place the tax on the ballot, it would have fallen short of what was needed. Transportation Director Howard Dashiell told the board it would take roughly $220 million over 10 years to restore the county’s roads to “good” condition. He said that the tax would lift the average countywide pavement condition score from a projected 50 to about 64\. The measure carried no expiration date: had two-thirds of unincorporated-area voters approved it, the 1% tax would have taken effect in 2027 and stayed in force until voters chose to repeal it. ### Road Maintenance Costs More for Rural Counties Nephele Barrett, executive director of the Mendocino Council of Governments, told the board rural counties shoulder a heavier road burden per resident than urban ones: they have fewer people and fewer retail outlets to raise tax revenue, and “rural counties often lose some of their … sales tax to surrounding urban areas.” With less money to go around, Barrett said, “each person essentially has a higher responsibility in terms of costs of road maintenance.” An independent audit the department received just before the meeting largely validated how the county spends its road money. The review by Nichols Consulting Engineers, commissioned by the Mendocino Council of Governments, examined 144 road sections treated between 2019 and 2025 and found the county’s treatment choices performed well about 93 percent of the time, with only nine sections rated poor. It credited the county’s heavy reliance on in-place pavement recycling and chip seals as an efficient way to stretch limited dollars across a large rural road network. ### The “No” Votes Cline, who represents the First District, said her mind was made up long before the presentation. “My position hasn’t really changed on this since our discussion in March, where I did not support moving forward with it,” she said. “My constituents, frankly, are not interested in supporting it.” She said she understood the measure’s merits and thought it worth putting on the ballot, but could not back it “due to the conversations I’ve had with constituents, a lot of constituents,” even when she explained its benefits. Mulheren, whose Second District includes the city of Ukiah, credited county staff but said her reservations went beyond roads. “I think staff did a really good job at trying to answer some of the questions that I had,” she said, but “I still have concerns about the county’s overall fiscal transparency and taking a sales tax to the voters.” She noted that the department’s approach was “essentially … to bring more information back each year.” ### The Only Realistic Path Supervisor Ted Williams, who backed the tax, framed it as the county’s only realistic path. He said the state pegs the county’s road need at about $60 million a year, “putting inflation aside,” against current spending of about $16 million. “If we want better roads, we have to self-fund,” he said, adding that the state’s system for allocating road money “doesn’t seem quite fair” and that he was “not holding my breath for legislators in LA and San Francisco metros to decide to give Mendocino more.” Supervisor John Haschak, who also supported the measure, said the board constantly hears complaints about road conditions — “they’re coming to the board meetings from far away to complain about the roads,” he said. He acknowledged “the easy thing to do would be to just say, no, we’re going to lose,” but argued the county should let voters decide: “the longer we wait, the bigger the hole we’re digging for ourselves.” During public comment, Kevin Evans of Gualala, who chairs the community’s Municipal Advisory Council and lost to Williams in June’s race for the District 5 supervisor seat, offered qualified support, arguing the measure could win voters over only if paired with strong accountability. “A modest sales tax may be a reasonable investment,” he said, noting the cost of vehicle repairs from poor roads and that the tax would be “shared by visitors to the county,” not just residents. But “before voters are asked to pay more, they urgently need binding guarantees that every road repair dollar will be spent as promised.” He called for equitable district-by-district distribution and local input from municipal advisory councils, community services districts and town councils, concluding that “with transparency, fairness, and local control, this measure can earn the public support.” ### Ukiah Annexation Less Likely The vote also dimmed prospects for the proposed Ukiah annexation. Williams told the board he has been a proponent of an annexation “that strengthens the county and the city of Ukiah,” but “every time we chip away at funding, and this would be a big chip, $5.5 million, that possibility becomes more bleak.” In his report later in the meeting, he said that with the roads decision, annexation is “probably not likely to happen.” In his presentation, Dashiell said the county had been asked to analyze the proposed Ukiah annexation and found that transferring 19.65 miles of road to the city would free an estimated $410,000 to $455,000 a year over the county’s 20-year maintenance plan for use elsewhere. The board dissolved its roads ad hoc committee the same day. ### Grand Jury Faults County on Fire-Safe rules URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/grand-jury-faults-county-on-fire-safety-rules/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:24.000Z Supervisors appointed a two-member committee July 21 to respond to a civil grand jury report criticizing the Board of Supervisors’ oversight of Planning and Building Services, after a District 5 resident said a known fire-safety gap was still open. The 2025-26 report, “From Policy to Practice: Digging Deeper into the Board of Supervisors’ Oversight of Planning and Building Services,” was paired with a review of whether the county and other agencies properly responded to the previous year’s grand jury reports. Under state law, the board must respond to both. Dee Pallesen told supervisors the county still has not fully implemented Public Resources Code Section 4290 and the state’s minimum fire-safe regulations — the same concern she raised in 2025, and the first recommendation of a 2024-25 civil grand jury report titled “Planning and Building Department Structural Issues: Exposing the Cracks.” Pallesen said the board then directed the planning director to meet with CAL FIRE to resolve a discrepancy, and that the meeting never occurred. She said she contacted CAL FIRE herself and was told the agency cannot conduct a 4290 inspection without an application, and that the county is not referring all building permit applicants to the agency. The first recommendation from the 2024-25 grand jury was for the board “to give direction to the Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer to instruct Planning and Building Services to immediately enforce Public Resource Code 4290 for all new permits pertaining to preexisting and habitable structures, commercial and industrial buildings, by July 1, 2025.” The Board of Supervisors responded that “the recommendation will not be implemented as it is not warranted. PBS complies with its responsibilities as it pertains to PRC section 4290 and follows the established CALFIRE procedure as provided in Attachments A and B.” Supervisor Ted Williams, who served on last year’s grand jury ad hoc, said the process was frustrating. He described finding himself caught between a grand jury that believed one thing and county staff who maintained another. Supervisor Madeline Cline asked whether she could reach out and have a conversation with the grand jury. “I don’t really see a process for that,” Interim County Counsel Katharine Elliott said. She emphasized that supervisors needed to follow the grand jury’s policies and procedures, which are governed by state law. When pressed, however, Elliott said nothing prohibited Cline from reaching out. Mulheren moved to appoint Williams and Haschak. The vote was 5-0. --- *Read additional coverage:* [County Planning Director Resigns for New Job, as Grand Jury Report Faults Her Departmen](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-planning-director-resigns)t (July 8, 2026) ### Sheriff Warns Vacancy Rate Is Near 45% URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/sheriff-warns-vacancy-rate-is-near-45-percent/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:25.000Z The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is operating with an effective vacancy rate approaching 45%, Sheriff Matt Kendall told supervisors July 21\. When he finished his remarks, the board voted unanimously to fund five positions it had left unfunded as a cost-saving measure. The sheriff’s office reported a 33% vacancy rate to the board earlier this month. Administrative Capt. Jason Caudillo said that figure does not account for eight employees out on leave, which pushes the effective rate to 44% or 45%. Kendall said several of those employees are unlikely to return because of the severity of their injuries. The Ukiah sector, which generates half the county’s calls for service, is the hardest hit and has run shifts with a single deputy. Kendall said the department is simultaneously handling a rise in homicides and human trafficking, and illegal marijuana activity in the north county that he attributed to transnational drug trafficking organizations. Illicit cultivation, he said, “has gotten completely out of control.” Caudillo said relief is arriving: three deputies were sworn in July 20, and three more lateral hires are expected in August. Two of the five positions will be offset by roughly $500,000 in Proposition 64 funding over five years and will carry investigator assignments. Public agencies receive Prop. 64 funds to combat illegal cannabis cultivation, support youth education, and address public health and safety impacts tied to cannabis legalization. The full-year cost to the general fund is slightly over $1 million, though interim CEO Sara Pierce put the current-year figure closer to $500,000 given hiring timelines. She said the cost could to be covered by one-time funds this year while the county looks for ongoing revenue. Supervisor Bernie Norvell moved approval and Haschak seconded. Cline said the board is at a crossroads on priorities and that public safety is worth the cost. The vote was 5-0. ### D3 Candidate Eric Hart Lives in a House in District 3 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/d3-candidate-eric-hart-lives-in-d3/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:25.000Z When Eric Hart decided to run to represent District 3 on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors, he knew his housing situation would raise questions. That’s because the small one-bedroom cabin he and his wife bought outside Willits in 2019 on Northview Road is in District 4\. Last year, he and his wife moved to the larger, adjoining parcel, on Williams Ranch Road, which is in District 3\. They made Williams Ranch Road their primary residence. The parcels are contiguous, however, and make up a hilltop and hillside. Hart and his wife sometimes joke about the houses being “upstairs” and “downstairs,” with the extra space “upstairs” being used as an office, a workshop, or for visiting friends and relatives. Hart said in an interview that he and his wife are currently renting their primary residence on Williams Ranch Road with an option to purchase it. That explanation has satisfied most people, he said. But not everyone. At 6 p.m. Monday, Julie Golden, chair of the Hopland Municipal Advisory Council, sent an urgent letter to the board of supervisors. Golden requested that the board refrain from certifying the June primary election — an item on the consent calendar for the board’s meeting the next day. > “Supervisors, please PAUSE the Certification of the Election and pull it from the BOS Agenda until Eric Hart has the opportunity to confirm that his PRIMARY residence is in District 3,” Golden wrote. “It’s important for election integrity to allow Eric Hart the opportunity to publicly confirm that he has relocated and updated his State and Federal tax filings with his new PRIMARY Residence onto his neighbor’s property. This should be easy for him to provide tax filing documents and this issue can be closed and the election can be certified.” In her email, Golden included an essay titled “Two Homes, One Seat: Residency Questions Loom Over Leading District 3 Supervisor Candidate.” The essay purported to be written “By Mendo Confidential” on July 20, 2026. However, the essay was dotted with “mojibake” — corrupted characters that occur when copy is cut and pasted from large language models like Claude or ChatGPT — strongly suggesting it was produced by AI. The essay noted Hart’s former residence on Northview Road and his current home on Williams Ranch Road, where he is registered to vote. It also cited a complaint by Clay Romero, who competed unsuccessfully against Hart and Buffey Bourassa in the District 3 primary. “California law requires supervisor candidates to be domiciled in the district they seek to represent. Domicile is more than temporary residence or property ownership,” the essay stated, “it is the place a person considers their permanent home and intends to return to.” The essay suggested that “questions remain” about Hart’s Williams Ranch Road address “given public records showing strong ties to a Northview Road Property in the neighboring 4th District for many years.” At the board meeting on Tuesday, Supervisor Mo Mulheren pulled Item C9, the Certification of the June 2, 2026 Primary Election, for discussion. Mulheren asked Interim County Counsel Katharine L. Elliott to comment on the item, which she said was “related to an email that the board received because of one of the candidates.” Elliott told the board it had received a letter requesting that C9 be pulled, but said certifying the election was not really the board’s choice to make. “The certification of the election has to go through pursuant to state code,” Elliott said. “Whether the board approved it or not, it’s sort of irrelevant. It would go through as certified anyway.” The concern, Elliott said, “was related to the third district and whether there was residency there.” But the county registrar of voters has no role in vetting a candidate’s qualifications, Elliott said. The office is “not required to verify or determine if a candidate meets the qualifications” and is “by law, entitled to rely on that candidate’s declaration under penalty of perjury.” “If citizens have concerns in terms of residency, there are actions that citizens can take,” Elliott said, “but not that the county would take.” Hart wonders why no one took the trouble to call him to ask about the two properties before asking the board of supervisors not to certify the election. “My phone number is everywhere,” he said. “People are constantly calling.” He said he would have been happy to show Romero or Golden or anyone from the county the properties had they simply called and asked. “Northview Road and Williams Ranch Road are both on our property,” he said. “They are both easements. I can drive from one house to the other without ever leaving our property. that’s how ridiculous this whole thing is.” ### Mendocino County Missed $3 Billion in Taxable Property Value Over Five Years, Records Show URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-missed-3-billion/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T21:13:32.000Z Over the past five years, the Mendocino County Assessor’s Office has gone back and added more than $3 billion in property value to the tax rolls — value that existed all along but had escaped assessment — worth roughly $33 million a year in property taxes, a *MendoLocal.News* review of county records shows. *MendoLocal.News* requested public records of escape assessments in March. Last week, the county responded, sending us 101 files. We analyzed the files with Claude Code, an AI coding assistant. The $33 million figure revealed by our analysis is separate from the $30.6 million the California State Auditor flagged in December, and it points to a second, comparably sized gap in the county’s fiscal management. Together the two figures describe different failures at opposite ends of the property-tax system. The auditor’s $30.6 million is tax that was billed but never paid on defaulted properties. The $3 billion is value that was never billed on time in the first place — a recurring stream we estimate at about $33 million a year, using a 1.1% effective tax rate. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Our finding is drawn from five years of the county’s own escape-assessment records, tax years 2021 through 2025, released under the California Public Records Act. Most of the recovered value — about $2.9 billion — came from routine but late corrections: regular transfers between a buyer and seller or between a deceased owner and their heirs, as well as new construction the office enrolled years after the fact under a section of state law covering clerical roll fixes. A smaller share reflects enforcement — $78.9 million in “true escapes,” the omitted-property and business-audit cases the office is required to pursue, plus $7.4 million in penalties for concealment or late filing. The value did not come back in a single year. The assessor added it back across the five tax years, rising and falling as the office worked through its backlog — from about $395 million in tax year 2021 to a peak near $859 million in 2023, then tapering. At a 1.1% rate, that is the difference between roughly $4.4 million and $9.5 million in tax for a given year. (The 2025 figure is partial; the office is still processing that roll.) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/d8f797ff-1c5b-4bd5-ab12-7f2ee1f437a7_720x470.png) Our analysis puts precise numbers to a pattern described by the state auditor. Nearly 11,000 properties — about one in six on the secured roll — had at least one value-adding escape over the period. Among the cases we could date, the value sat off the rolls an average of 2.7 years, and in one Comptche case as long as nine. To guard against exactly this kind of revenue slippage, the audit directed the assessor to build “aging reports” by March 2026 to flag the properties at highest risk of going untaxed. In its 60-day response to the auditor, filed in February, the assessor-clerk-recorder’s office reported that it had built the tool for building permits but not yet for property transfers, which it called “a work in progress” because of a problem with the county’s property-tax software, Aumentum. Most of the escaped value was recovered — billed late rather than lost. Some slipped away for good. Of the delayed cases we could date, 10 parcels — about $9.6 million in value, or roughly $106,000 in tax — fell past California’s four-year statute of limitations on back-assessments and cannot be recovered. Because we could date only part of the caseload, that figure is a floor, not a full accounting. The $33 million found in our analysis and the auditor’s $30.6 million matters are distinct amounts. One thing they have in common is that only a fraction of the total goes to the general fund. The auditor’s $30.6 million has been widely read as a hole in the county budget. But that money is tied to the Teeter plan, Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison told the board of supervisors on July 21 — a state accounting method under which the county fronts cities, school districts, fire districts and other local agencies their share of unpaid taxes and recovers it later through collection or auction. If the county collects it all, she said, the amount that would actually reach the general fund “might be a couple million dollars, but it is not $30 million.” The $33 million our analysis found is likewise not a county windfall: once the escaped value is billed and paid, that tax is distributed among the same taxing agencies — schools, cities and special districts. Taken together, the two findings point to a county behind on both sides of the property-tax ledger — slow to put escaped value back on the rolls, and, by the auditor’s account, still owed tens of millions in uncollected bills. ### Adelanto Man Booked in Connection with Covelo Woman's Killing URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/adelanto-man-booked-in-connection-with-covelo-murder/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:26.000Z Two men have been booked into the Mendocino County Jail in connection with the fatal shooting of a Covelo woman earlier this month, one of them on suspicion of first-degree murder, according to jail records. Both men were booked July 21 by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and listed under the same court case number, jail records show. One, a 22-year-old, was booked on suspicion of first-degree murder and was being held without bail. The other, a 44-year-old, was booked on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact, with bail set at $350,000. Capt. Quincy Cromer of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrests are connected the killing of Josepha Littlewolf Thunderheart Basurto, 31. An arrest is not evidence of guilt. Being booked into jail means only that officers believed there was cause to make an arrest; it is not a criminal charge, a conviction, or a finding by any court. Both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, and prosecutors had not filed formal charges as of this writing. Booked into the Mendocino County Jail on July 21, according to jail records, were: - **Elias Juarez Rodriguez, 22,** on suspicion of first-degree murder. He was being held without bail. Records list him under the additional name Elias Atzael Garcia-Acosta. He was booked at 2:19 p.m., and his address is listed as Adelanto, California. - **Elias Juarezgarcia, 44,** on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact, with bail set at $350,000\. Records list him under the additional names Elias Atzael Garcia-Acosta and Elias Garcia Juarez. Booking records show he was booked at 2:55 p.m. and list his address as Porterville, California. Basurto was found shot to death about 9 p.m. July 9 inside a pickup in the 22000 block of Rifle Range Road, northwest of Covelo, after her sister found her and called 911\. The Sheriff’s Office described the location as a large illegal marijuana cultivation site and said at the time that multiple suspects appeared to have been involved. Basurto was not involved with illegal grow, but had gone to the location to help another person, according to her mother, Sharlisa Mountainlion Unca Sam. Basurto was a mother of four children between the ages of 4 and 13\. She is remembered by her family as a loving mother and friend, a skilled horse trainer, and a California Native and powwow dancer. [A GoFundMe launched by her mother and aunt ](https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-josepha-littlewolf-thunderhearts-family?ref=mendolocal.news)seeks to cover funeral costs and travel for relatives coming from Utah, and to allow the family to attend court proceedings. The July 21 arrests come after three other people were booked July 10 on illegal-marijuana charges during a warrant service in the same block of Rifle Range Road. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that those arrests were all related to the illicit marijuana cultivation operation that investigators located at the property in the 22000 block of Rifle Range Road where the homicide was reported on July 9. The homicide investigation involves the Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force, the District Attorney’s Office, the county’s Marijuana Eradication Team, and criminalists from the California Department of Justice’s Eureka laboratory. Anyone with information may call the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 707-234-2100. ### Six Months After State Audit, County Departments Report Uneven Progress on Reforms URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-offers-updates-six-months-after-audit/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:27.000Z Last December, when the state auditor ordered Mendocino County to clean up its management of public funds, it gave the county three deadlines. The offices with noted deficiencies were to report back on their progress at 60 days, six months and a year. The six-month deadline landed June 18. Three department heads appeared before the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on July 21 to provide their updates, but only two were able to point to written responses to the state auditor. Auditor-Controller Megan Hunter told the board her office had submitted its responses to the state’s recommendations on time in June. She then walked through the work behind them: a full policies-and-procedures manual she expects to finish in June 2027, a new electronic journal-entry workflow, completed countywide trainings and a continued contract with Regional Government Services on new accounting standards. A steering committee, Hunter added, is working with the CEO’s office and information services on a Munis finance-system overhaul she said would take three to four years. It was Hunter’s first appearance before the board since the county split the auditor-controller-treasurer-tax collector’s office in two on July 5 and she took the helm of the auditor-controller’s office. The office is on schedule to publish its annual financial report by Dec. 31, Hunter said. Chamise Cubbison, who ran both offices until the first week of July, marked the change as she introduced herself: “Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison,” she said. “First time I’ve had to leave the first part off. A little bit hard for me.” Cubbison addressed the auditor’s finding that the county had not collected some $30.6 million in taxes, penalties and interest owed on defaulted properties. The audit had told the county to resume auctioning those properties by October; instead, Cubbison said, the auction will not resume until the spring, “hopefully sometime between January and March.” In a memo four days before the meeting, her office had formally reported that the auditor’s recommendation was “not fully implemented,” with the auction now expected in March 2027 — about five months past the deadline. The remaining holdups, she said, are “personnel related, but they are not performance related.” Cubbison also said the $30 million is not headed to the county’s general fund. “It is money that is for the Teeter plan,” she said. Under the Teeter plan, a state-authorized accounting method, the county advances local schools, cities and special districts their full share of property taxes every year — including the taxes owners haven’t actually paid — and in exchange keeps the penalties and interest it later collects on those delinquent bills. The county covers the shortfall up front and recovers it over time, through payment or the eventual auction of a defaulted property. If the county recovers everything, Cubbison said, the amount that would reach the general fund “might be a couple million dollars, but it is not $30 million.” Separately, Cubbison said she was exploring whether to hand the county’s transient-occupancy-tax and business-improvement-district collections, and possibly business-license renewals, to an outside vendor. She said the change could require raising the county’s flat $40 business-license fee, which she called too low to be worth the staff time it consumes. There was no report from the assessor. “I do not have my state audit report done yet,” Assessor-Clerk-Recorder Katrina Bartolomie told the board, adding that she expected to submit it “within the next couple weeks.” She attributed the delay to a strained office: her assistant registrar of voters has been out on medical leave, and staff spent days preparing for a potential hand recount of the 61-candidate governor’s race — an effort estimated at roughly $3,250 a day for about 27 days. The recount was called off because the person who requested it never put up the money. The state auditor had directed Bartolomie to build “aging reports” by March to flag unassessed properties at highest risk of going untaxed, and to document formal assessment policies by June. No supervisor pressed her on the missed deadline; instead, they thanked her office for running the June primary. For now, the progress reports from the county’s department heads are unverified. The state auditor’s office has not yet reviewed the six-month responses. Its public recommendation tracker still reflects the earlier 60-day round, in which the auditor confirmed only one of the recommendations the county had reported as fully implemented — an elections contract with a ballot-printing vendor. Two other recommendations, out of the 18 recommendations the audit made, were downgraded to “partially implemented,” with the auditor rejecting the county’s “fully implemented” claim. The other recommendations are listed as “pending.” In one of the downgraded recommendations, the state auditor had told the county to produce a single document spelling out when a sole-source contract — one awarded without competitive bidding — is justified. The county reported the task complete. The auditor found that the county had circulated guidance to staff but “has not yet created the expectations document” the recommendation required. The other downgraded recommendation involved tracking contracts repeatedly awarded to the same vendor. The auditor said it wanted evidence that the county has fully implemented the necessary processes before crediting the change. The board accepted all of the reports as informational, without objection, on a motion by Supervisor Madeline Cline seconded by Supervisor John Haschak. There was no public comment. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — July 18, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-roundup-july-18/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:27.000Z ### 🏛️ Mendocino County **SEIU announces tentative deal with Mendocino County** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · July 16* SEIU Local 1021 has reached a tentative three-year contract with Mendocino County that includes 3% raises for all positions, up to 12% for the lowest-paid workers, free health care, and Juneteenth as a holiday. The agreement still needs ratification by union members and approval by the Board of Supervisors.[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/seiu-announces-tentative-deal-with-mendocino-county-county-confirms/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino County farmers were paid to grow produce for food banks** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · July 16* A federal program that paid Mendocino County farmers to grow produce for local food banks ended in May after the Trump administration canceled contracts. The program had distributed more than 70,000 pounds of local food annually through 39 farms.[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/mendocino-county-farmers-were-paid-to-grow-produce-for-food-banks/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### ⛰️ Covelo **Mother of Four Fatally Shot Near Covelo; Three Arrested on Cannabis Charges, Family Fundraiser Launched** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 12–13* Josepha Littlewolf Thunderheart Basurto, a 31-year-old mother of four, was found fatally shot with multiple gunshot wounds in a pickup truck at an illegal cannabis site near Covelo on July 10, and three people were arrested on marijuana-cultivation charges at the same location a day later — though authorities have not linked the arrests to the homicide. A GoFundMe campaign seeking $8,000 has since been launched to cover her funeral and travel for family members coming from Utah for services and future court proceedings.[ Read more: homicide & arrests](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/three-people-arrested-covelo-july-10-2026) ·[ Read more: fundraiser](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fundraiser-launched-to-support-murdered) --- ### 🦴 Dos Rios **Sheriff’s Office Identifies Remains of Hunter Who Vanished Near Dos Rios in 2021** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 15* The remains of John Thomas Davis III, a McKinleyville hunter missing since October 2021, have been identified through DNA from a bone found by a fisherman on the Eel River in February 2026\. Davis vanished during a flood while camping near Dos Rios, prompting nearly five years of search operations across Northern California.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/sheriffs-office-identifies-remains-missing-hunter) --- ### [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### 🏠 Fort Bragg **An ICE Arrest in Cleone** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 17* U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Juan Arenas-Cinega, 46, in Cleone on July 15 in a targeted operation; ICE says he has multiple DUI and spousal-abuse convictions and illegally re-entered the U.S. after a prior deportation.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/an-ice-arrest-in-cleone-ca) **Fort Bragg Police Told Joey Lara, “You’re Going to Jail,” Despite Breath Tests Below the Legal Limit** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 17* Fort Bragg police took Joey Lara, 67, into custody on suspicion of DUI after stopping him for a license-plate light, though he passed field sobriety tests. Held in the booking cell, he registered below the legal limit six times on a breathalyzer the officer called malfunctioning.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fbpd-joey-lara-arrest) **Fort Bragg Police Captain O’Neal Leaves;** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · July 16* Fort Bragg Police Captain Thomas O’Neal is no longer with the department. The city had no comment on his departure.[ Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/your-7-16-thursday-paper-everybody-mum-on-capt-oneal-grey-whale-owner-unearths-old-plaque-invites-native-daughters-rededication-wheelchairs-on-beach-federal-agents-in-fort-bragg/?ref=mendolocal.news) **DoorDash Lauds Fort Bragg’s Fee Waiver Program** *By Carole Brodsky, Fort Bragg Advocate-News · July 16* DoorDash has commended the Fort Bragg City Council for its new First-Year Fee Waiver Program, which waives certain administrative and permitting fees for independently owned businesses during their startup year. In a letter to Mayor Jason Godeke, DoorDash’s head of California public policy, Victor Ruiz-Cornejo, praised the city for reducing barriers to entrepreneurship while maintaining safety and code-compliance standards.[ Read more](https://www.advocate-news.com/2026/07/16/doordash-lauds-fort-braggs-fee-waiver-program/?ref=mendolocal.news) **An 81-Year-Old Faces Eviction as Affordable Senior Housing Waitlists Stretch for Years** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 14* An 81-year-old Mendocino Coast woman with Stage 4 cancer faces eviction from her $300-a-month trailer as affordable senior-housing waitlists in the county stretch for years. Despite social-services intervention after MendoLocal’s inquiry, she remains without permanent housing and her landlord has refused her July rent.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/an-81-year-old-faces-eviction) **First Building in 60 Years Rises on the Fort Bragg Mill Site** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · July 14* The Noyo Center for Marine Science is erecting the LeBONEatory, a two-story octagonal structure to display a 73-foot blue whale skeleton — the first new building on Fort Bragg’s former Georgia-Pacific mill site in six decades. Construction is paused awaiting window delivery, with a grand opening tentatively set for September 13.[ Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/your-tuesday-paper-thar-she-goes-up-first-building-on-old-millsite-in-60-years-music-festival-band-offers-famed-impromptu-vibe-caspar-break-in-update/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### 🌊 Gualala **CDFW Identifies Man Who Drove Truck Into Garcia River** *By Karen Elowitt, The Independent Coast Observer ·· July 16* A warden from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife identified the man who drove a truck into the Garcia River in June as Melvin Stewart King, 41, of Gualala. District Attorney David Eyster said a prosecutor has not yet been assigned, but that county courts have a track record of taking wildlife-related crimes seriously.[ Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to The Independent Coast Observer may be required) **GCC Rebuild Moving Forward** *By Kat Gleason, The Independent Coast Observer · · July 16* George Provencher, a board member of the Gualala Community Center, is heading the project to rebuild the center. Provencher has a background building nuclear facilities and other classified government buildings. [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to *The Independent Coast Observer* required) --- ### 📞 Hopland **AT&T can now hang up on Hopland** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · July 12* AT&T won federal permission on June 29 to end copper landline service for about 184,000 California customers, including in Hopland, with disconnections possible as early as June 1, 2027. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/att-can-now-hang-up-on-hopland/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚗 Little River **Car Goes Off the Highway 1 Cliff Onto Van Damme Beach** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · July 16* A car carrying three young men crashed through the Highway 1 guardrail at Little River late Wednesday and dropped roughly 30 feet onto Van Damme Beach. Witnesses said the vehicle had been driving erratically and crossing the center line beforehand; all three occupants were injured but were found sitting on a wall when responders arrived.[ Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/your-7-16-thursday-paper-everybody-mum-on-capt-oneal-grey-whale-owner-unearths-old-plaque-invites-native-daughters-rededication-wheelchairs-on-beach-federal-agents-in-fort-bragg/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🎨 Mendocino **Mendocino Art Center adds programs, honors legacy** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 16* The Mendocino Art Center has launched a “Summer Cultivating Abundance” campaign expanding its programming under executive director Dav Bell, who is reframing the center around community-building, reciprocity, and skill-sharing. About two years into the role, Bell says the goal is a more diverse slate of programs where participants “can be constantly learning and growing.”[ Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/16/mendocino-art-center-adds-programs-honors-legacy/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino teacher bit by shark returns to surf same spot he was attacked** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 16* James Eastman, a Mendocino High School English teacher bitten by a shark on both legs in March, has returned to surfing at Big River Beach — where the attack occurred — after four months of recovery. His GoFundMe raised $13,806, with the surplus seeding a new nonprofit, The Minutes Matter Project, to place bleeding-control kits at high-traffic Mendocino Coast beaches.[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/mendocino-teacher-bit-by-shark-returns-to-surf-same-spot-he-was-attacked/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🎵 Piercy **Music festival set to return to Cook’s Valley Campground in Piercy this weekend** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 14* The Dirtybird Campout and Northern Nights Music Festival returns to Cook’s Valley Campground in Piercy this weekend with four stages and more than 70 house, techno, bass, and dance acts. The three-day event offers camping, a silent disco, a cannabis lounge, yoga, and live art, with remaining tickets at northernnights.org.[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/music-festival-set-to-return-to-cooks-valley-campground-in-piercy-this-weekend/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 📍 Point Arena **South Coast’s Action Network closes its doors** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 16* The South Coast’s Action Network, a 20-year nonprofit providing youth and family services on the Mendocino and Sonoma coasts, ceased operations June 30 after failing to secure enough funding to continue. Interim director Miles Clark attributed the closure to shifts in health-care funding that steered dollars toward larger behavioral-health providers equipped for insurance and Medi-Cal billing.[ Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/16/south-coasts-action-network-closes-its-doors/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🏙️ Ukiah **Ukiah City Council to vote again on Downtown Zoning Code revisions** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 15* The Ukiah City Council this week is set to adopt revisions to the city’s Downtown Zoning Code, which officials say has acted as a barrier to development rather than encouraging it since its 2012 adoption. Community Development Director Craig Schlatter said the original form-based code “is really acting as a barrier to development,” and the changes aim to add flexibility for property owners.[ Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/15/ukiah-city-council-to-vote-again-on-downtown-zoning-code-revisions/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚂 Willits **The Mendocino County District Attorney Will Not File Criminal Charges in the Death of Nicholas Bakewell** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 14* The Mendocino County District Attorney declined to file charges against law-enforcement officers in the June 2025 death of Nicholas Bakewell, concluding the use of force was “objectively reasonable” even though a medical examiner ruled the death a homicide from restraint-associated asphyxiation. Bakewell’s family has filed a federal civil suit alleging excessive force.[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/the-mendocino-county-district-attorney) --- ### 🐻 CALMATTERS **Republicans Hold a Cash Edge in California’s Swing Congressional Races** *By Maya C. Miller, CalMatters · July 16* Republican candidates in California’s competitive congressional swing districts hold sizable cash advantages over Democrats heading into 2026, after costly Democratic primaries and a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing unlimited party spending coordinated with candidates. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/07/california-congressional-races-republican-fundraising/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California’s Secretive Jailhouse Sting Operations Draw Constitutional Challenges** *By Cayla Mihalovich, CalMatters · July 15* A CalMatters investigation of more than 5,000 pages of court records found that California police routinely use undercover jailhouse stings known as “Perkins operations” — often continuing after suspects invoke their Miranda rights — with at least 10 cases now challenging the resulting convictions. Critics say the practice is coercive and disproportionately targets Black and Latino defendants. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/07/perkins-investigation-takeaways/?ref=mendolocal.news) **CalPERS Posts Its Best Investment Return in Over a Decade** *By Adam Ashton, CalMatters · July 13* CalPERS, the nation's largest public pension fund, earned a 14.8% investment return in 2025–26 — more than double its 6.8% target and its best year since 2014 — pushing its portfolio to $637.1 billion. The gains lift the fund's financial health, with assets now covering 85% of what it owes members, up from 68% a decade ago. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/07/calpers-investment-return/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### An ICE Arrest in Cleone, CA URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/an-ice-arrest-in-cleone-ca/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:28.000Z U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a 46-year-old man in Cleone, just north of Fort Bragg, on Tuesday, July 15, in a targeted enforcement operation. Community members said the arrest took place in the trailer-park area. ICE’s San Francisco field office said it took Juan Arenas-Cinega, a Mexican national, into custody. According to the agency, Arenas-Cinega has multiple convictions for driving under the influence and for spousal abuse, had previously been deported, and illegally re-entered the United States — a federal felony. He is in ICE custody pending removal, the agency said. In a separate statement, the City of Fort Bragg said the Fort Bragg Police Department had informed it that ICE “conducted targeted enforcement operations within the community today involving individuals with criminal cases.” ICE later advised the department that the operation had concluded and that federal personnel had left the area, the City said. The City stressed that it “was not involved in directing or coordinating the federal enforcement activity” and reported “no reported impacts to City services or municipal operations.” Under California’s sanctuary law, the California Values Act (SB 54), state and local police are generally barred from using their resources to assist federal immigration enforcement, though the law carves out exceptions for people convicted of certain serious or violent crimes. *MendoLocal.News* has not independently verified ICE’s account of Arenas-Cinega’s criminal history or immigration status. ### Fort Bragg Police Told Joey Lara, “You’re Going to Jail,” Despite Breath Tests Below the Legal Limit URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fbpd-joey-lara-arrest/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:34.000Z Joey Lara had spent most of the day at a friend’s house — watching movies, doing laundry, eating pizza. He was almost home when a Fort Bragg police officer pulled him over for a flickering rear license-plate light on his truck and asked how much he’d had to drink. One beer, he told her. Eight hours earlier. What followed were roadside sobriety tests that he believes he passed and an order to get out of the truck, followed by several hours in the booking room at the Fort Bragg Police Department. At the station, the breathalyzer put his blood-alcohol level at .04, then .03 — under the legal limit — across six attempts the officer blamed on malfunctioning equipment. If the breathalyzer was working, Lara was below the legal limit. If it wasn't, the legality of his arrest depended on whether the officer had probable cause to believe he was impaired. The district attorney declined to file charges, and someone wrote the reason on Lara’s release paperwork by hand: “lacks jury appeal.” Nearly a year later, the City of Fort Bragg has settled the false-arrest claim Lara brought against it, paying him $2,950\. But Lara — 67, a [Mendocino Coast urchin-diving legend](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/they-survived-shark-attacks) who had only just gotten back on his feet — still hasn’t fully bounced back. The Fort Bragg Police Department did not respond to a request for comment about Lara’s arrest. It declined to release any records related to the case in response to multiple California Public Records Act requests. The department also did not respond to questions about whether patrol vehicles typically carry breathalyzers or how often they are calibrated. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations requires that instruments for testing breath alcohol “shall be checked for accuracy with reference samples” and that “records shall be kept for each instrument to show the frequency of determination of accuracy and the identity of any person performing a manual determination of accuracy.” *MendoLocal.News* has requested these records from the Fort Bragg Police Department under the California Public Records Act. ### Picking up the pieces Back in the nineties, when Lara owned a thriving urchin-diving business, Lara estimates he pulled more than three million dollars’ worth of the spiny invertebrates off the ocean floor. He had a family, a boat, a house. But even before the catastrophic decline of the red sea urchins that were his bread and butter, he saw the writing on the wall. “I told my wife, the future is not looking good in terms of urchin diving,” he recalled in an interview with *MendoLocal.News.* Lara started working to develop other forms of livelihood — logging, dredging, organic gardening, sport-fishing excursions. Nothing he tried was as lucrative as urchin diving. His income suffered, and along with it his marriage. He lost his house and fell behind on child support. In 2019 he found himself homeless — though for Lara, and for many other Mendocino locals, this doesn’t mean sleeping in the streets. It means couch surfing, living on a boat, camping out in a leaky RV. Five years passed. The death of Lara’s wife finally released him from the legal claims she had made against him. In October 2024, he rented a small studio apartment. “I felt like a real guy again,” he said. “It was getting old, being a couch surfer.” In May 2025, he got a new truck. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, he was driving it home after an afternoon and evening hanging out with a friend. Around 10:30 p.m., he headed back to his apartment off Airport Road, driving north on Franklin Street, then a left at Manzanita Road and a right onto Highway 1. That’s when he saw the Fort Bragg police car, parked and facing east. As Lara passed by, the car, driven by Officer Antoinette Moore, pulled in behind him. “As I turned on Airport Road, she turned her emergency lights on, and I pulled over on Burrows Ranch Road and Airport Road,” Lara wrote in the claim he submitted to the City of Fort Bragg. Moore approached Lara’s truck and told him she was stopping him for an intermittent rear license-plate light. This didn’t sound right to Lara. He had just replaced the bulbs a week before, and he told the officer that. “She immediately and persistently questioned if I was intoxicated, had I been drinking, how many drinks did I have,” Lara wrote. He told her the truth: he’d had one beer, at least eight hours earlier. “Officer Moore kept insisting that I was intoxicated, and she was going to do a visual Standard Field Sobriety Test,” he wrote. Moore did the test. Lara passed. Moore again said he was intoxicated. She administered a second test, which consisted of her moving her finger around erratically while asking Lara to follow it with his eyes. Afterward, Moore complained that she couldn’t see his eyes and asked him to step out of the vehicle. Lara let Moore know that he was partially disabled and had an uneven walking gait. “At that point in the investigation Officer Moore advised that if I didn’t get out of my vehicle I would be arrested for obstruction of justice.” A second officer arrived. They again told him to get out of the truck or be arrested. “I asked them to wait as I was in the process of calling my friend to come and pick up my dog as it was obvious where this was headed,” Lara recalled. Lara said the officers opened the truck door and dragged him out. He was handcuffed and placed in the back of Officer Moore’s police car. After arriving at the Fort Bragg Police Department, Officer Amanda Pacheco administered what Lara counted to be a minimum of six breathalyzer tests. The first test failed. The second test failed. Officer Pacheco asked Lara to blow into the device for a longer period of time. This time, the device registered .04%. The fourth test failed. The fifth test registered .03%, and the sixth test failed, according to Lara’s claim for damages. The problem was the equipment, Officer Pacheco told Lara. “It was malfunctioning.” The officers told Lara he was going to jail in Ukiah unless he could find someone to come and take responsibility for him. His friend, Sam Presswood, picked him up in the morning hours of July 27. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### How an arrest becomes a detention For weeks, Lara was under the impression he had been arrested. He hired an attorney to make sure he didn’t lose his license and to assist with a false-arrest claim. He doesn’t remember when he received a sheet of paper that converted what had appeared to be an arrest into a detention. He believes he learned he had been detained *after* he filed his claim in early September. So was Lara released free and clear? His release paperwork, reviewed by *MendoLocal.News*, states that he was “detained” — not arrested — and released on “written instructions from the District Attorney’s office.” The reason the DA gave for declining the case, written by hand by an unknown person is: “lacks jury appeal.” The paperwork itself carries no date. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/98a41722-4a68-4231-adea-7c64b12197d5_4284x5712-heic.jpg) Under California law, when a person is booked and then released without charges, the arrest is reclassified on paper as a detention. But Lara had been handcuffed, hauled to the station, held for hours, and told he was being sent over the hill to the jail in Ukiah. The district attorney also had options. The release form has boxes for “insufficient evidence” and “arrestee exonerated.” Neither was checked. And there are questions about the form itself. It is not signed by anyone from the releasing agency, and there is no printed name of the releasing person. According to California Penal Code 851.6, a person who is arrested and released “shall be issued a certificate, signed by the releasing officer or his superior officer, describing the action as a detention.” The impound paperwork also suggests that the “detention” label was applied after the fact. The paperwork lists California Vehicle Code 22651(h)(1) as the authority for towing Lara’s truck — a section that applies only when a driver has been arrested and taken into custody. The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. But the U.S. Supreme Court has held that a pretextual traffic stop — say, for a missing license-plate light — is lawful as long as police have probable cause that a violation occurred. So whether the stop was legal may come down to a single question: was the light actually on or off? The arrest is a separate matter. A lawful stop doesn’t authorize an arrest; that requires probable cause to believe a crime — here, driving under the influence — has been committed. Lara says he passed his field sobriety tests and blew under the legal limit six times. Federal appeals courts have held that signs a person has been drinking are not, by themselves, probable cause that the person is impaired. In a 2005 case, United States v. Brown, the Fourth Circuit found that probable cause for public intoxication could not be based solely on glassy, bloodshot eyes and the strong smell of alcohol. To Lara, the experience validated his feelings about the dishonesty and corruption of the system. In his view, all he had done was drive home from a friend’s house. The turnaround that had been so long in coming reversed. In addition to towing, impound, and attorney fees, a family member needed financial help. Lara let go of his apartment. He moved into a dilapidated trailer. It took him a while to stop being angry, he said. He talked to Council Member Marcia Rafanan, who promised she would look into the issue. He filed a claim against the city for false arrest, which the city paid to settle without admitting wrongdoing. He also filed an internal affairs complaint. Then he worked on letting go. But his bad luck stuck around. In October, Lara learned his identity had been stolen: someone had used his name and Social Security number to report $60,000 in income. He found out when the Social Security Administration began docking his monthly check for the back taxes. To make it stop, he needed to file a police report — but he was reluctant to ask the Fort Bragg Police Department for help. On April 6, 2026 Lara got a letter from Chief Eric Swift about his internal affairs complaint. It said his complaint against Officer Moore was “not sustained” — which is not the same as exonerating her; it means there wasn’t enough evidence to prove or disprove the complaint. His complaint against Officer Pacheco, who administered the breathalyzer tests, was “exonerated” — a finding that the conduct occurred but was deemed lawful. “He is standing by his officers rather than supporting the people,” Lara said. “I’m one of the most honest, hard-working guys in town. I didn’t deserve to be treated like that.” To settle the matter, *MendoLocal.News* asked Lara to request a copy of his police report and the body-camera footage under the California Public Records Act. It turned out he had already done so, and the police had denied the request stating “all investigative materials are exempt from disclosure.” At the behest of *MendoLocal.News*, Lara submitted a second request to review “all police documents” associated with his arrest/detention. This time, the police responded that they had no disclosable records — including, apparently, the release document that had already been provided to Lara, which *MendoLocal.News* reviewed. When *MendoLocal.News* filed a request to review Lara’s public records requests — which are themselves typically public, as the name implies — the department denied that, too. Lara says he’s doing better. He’s working a lot, and spending downtime in his organic garden. It’s looking to be a bountiful year. “I’ve got all kinds of herbs,” he said. “We are getting ready to harvest zucchini, tomatoes, turnips, Swiss chard, bunches of beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It’s looking good.” --- **MendoLocal.News’ previous coverage of allegations of constitutional rights violations:** [Mendocino County Butcher Says Fort Bragg Police Retaliated Against Him for Refusing to Share Phone Video](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-butcher-says-fort), August 28, 2025 ### Sheriff’s Office Identifies Remains of Hunter Who Vanished Near Dos Rios in 2021 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/sheriffs-office-identifies-remains-missing-hunter/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:35.000Z Nearly five years after a McKinleyville hunter disappeared during a rainstorm, a single bone found by a fisherman has led investigators to identify his remains, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office announced. John Thomas Davis III, 48, was reported missing on Oct. 25, 2021, after a hunting trip along Highway 162 near Dos Rios went wrong. On June 16, 2026, the California Department of Justice confirmed that a bone recovered by an Eel River fisherman earlier this year was a positive familial DNA match to Davis’ mother and father, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The identification brought closure to a search that had spanned nearly five years, a dozen operations, and hundreds of logged hours across Northern California. Davis and his son left McKinleyville around 4 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2021, to hunt bear and deer near Mile Marker 8 on Highway 162, the Sheriff’s Office said. The pair parked at the bridge, hiked roughly three miles southeast, and set up a tent along the Eel River. In the early hours of Oct. 24, they woke to floodwater pouring into the tent from an overnight rainstorm. Davis chose to stay in the area while his son walked back toward their vehicle. The son waited hours at the car, but his father never arrived. When he returned to the campsite, both his father and the tent were gone. Family members searched the area on Oct. 24 without success, and the following morning Davis’ son drove to Willits to report him missing. When deputies reached the area, the Eel River had risen high enough that searching its banks was considered dangerous, according to the Sheriff’s Office. That afternoon, roughly 12 Search and Rescue personnel, deputies, and detectives began combing the area with ATVs and a drone. The initial search turned up nothing. Over the following 10 weeks, the Sheriff’s Office logged seven operational periods and hundreds of hours with mutual-aid teams from across Northern California. In the years that followed, the effort grew to include National Guard overflights, California Highway Patrol search planes, and Butte County air assets. A 10th operation on July 8, 2022, again found nothing, and the search was suspended pending new leads. The break came by chance. On Feb. 1, 2026, a person fishing on the Eel River about two miles north of the Dos Rios Bridge found a long bone they believed to be human, marked its location by GPS, and turned it over to deputies. Chico State University’s Forensic Anthropology Department confirmed the bone was human, and detectives asked the state Department of Justice’s Missing Persons DNA Program to analyze it. A renewed search on Feb. 3, 2026, recovered personal items that Davis’ family later identified as possible matches for belongings he carried in 2021\. The DNA confirmation followed in June. The most recent operation, on July 11, 2026, drew more than 70 Search and Rescue volunteers from multiple counties, including a large contingent from the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. Searchers worked the Eel River from Davis’ last known location past the 8-Mile Bridge and the Dos Rios Bridge to the spot where the first bone was found. Additional bones were collected but determined to be non-human; they are being sent to Chico State for formal analysis. ### The Mendocino County District Attorney Will Not File Criminal Charges in the Death of Nicholas Bakewell URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/the-mendocino-county-district-attorney/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:35.000Z No criminal charges will be filed against the Mendocino County sheriff’s deputies and Willits police officers who restrained a 36-year-old man before he died in their custody last summer, the District Attorney’s Office concluded in a report released Monday, July 13, in response to a public records request submitted by *MendoLocal.News.* Nicholas Bakewell died the evening of June 5, 2025, about half an hour after Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Willits Police Department officers pinned him to the ground and handcuffed him at the end of a violent episode reported by a string of 911 callers. He was pronounced dead at 7:42 p.m. The autopsy report, authored by forensic pathologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu, classified the manner of death a homicide, listing the cause as restraint-associated asphyxiation and a heart-muscle injury, with contributing acute drug toxicity, an enlarged heart and severe obesity. The 34-page Officer-Involved Fatal Incident Report, dated June 25 and prepared by Senior Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey, was co-signed by District Attorney C. David Eyster. It found the officers’ use of force “objectively reasonable” and closed the criminal review. Three days earlier, Bakewell’s three young children and his mother had amended a federal lawsuit accusing the same officers of killing him through excessive force. The two documents describe much of the same body-camera footage and reach opposite conclusions. Between about 7 and 7:11 p.m. on June 5, callers reported a man running in and out of Hearst-Willits Road — jumping from a moving vehicle, choking a man off an ATV and punching the driver of an SUV. A sheriff’s deputy reached Bakewell at about 7:07 p.m. According to the report’s account of the body-camera video, Bakewell took a fighting stance, fled into brush and ignored commands. Officers used pepper spray and deployed a Taser twice before five officers — sheriff’s deputies and Willits police — brought him to the ground face-down and handcuffed him at about 7:11 p.m. Within moments of being cuffed, the report says, Bakewell went unresponsive. Officers removed the handcuffs, repositioned him and began chest compressions and administered Narcan. First responders arrived at 7:19 p.m. He was pronounced dead at 7:42 p.m. Asked about how the office reached its conclusion, Kelsey responded in writing on July 14, describing the review in detail. The report took time because it had to be thorough, she said. “The public nature of the report requires our office to make a careful and comprehensive review and determination and only then draft the report.” Investigators from the district attorney’s own bureau “conducted independent witness interviews,” she wrote, and the office completed “a full forensic and physical evidence review” and reviewed each agency’s policies and officer training, along with the relevant law. Kelsey drew a line around what her office decides. “Every law enforcement agency has an internal Use of Force policy and reviews each case for training purposes and policy compliance,” she wrote. “Our office is focused on criminal culpability, not policy or discipline. Those questions belong to each agency’s own internal process.” The involved officers were themselves interviewed as witnesses, she said, and their “specific actions and internal considerations are evidence and were evaluated.” The review raised no flags for either department: “No referrals or concerns were raised with either agency,” she said. The pathologist’s classification of the death as a homicide carries less weight than the word suggests. In death certification, “homicide” means death at the hands of another person, as distinct from natural, accidental, suicide or undetermined causes. It is not a finding of murder and not a legal determination of criminal wrongdoing. The report devotes several pages to that distinction, citing national medical examiners’ guidance and California case law to argue that Omalu’s classification describes how Bakewell died, not who is at fault. The federal suit brought by Bakewell’s mother and three minor children puts the blame on law enforcement. It alleges excessive force and positional asphyxia. The report and the lawsuit describe the same body-camera video and disagree most sharply over one officer. The report says Willits Officer Damian Angell “did not apply his full body weight and avoided Bakewell’s neck area,” concentrating the pressure on the shoulder blade. The complaint alleges Angell “placed a knee and significant body weight on the back of and neck of” Bakewell while he was handcuffed and face-down. They divide on the threat, too. Where the district attorney points to the reported assaults and Bakewell’s resistance before he was subdued, the family says he was unarmed, posed no danger, and that no crime was in progress. On June 1, U.S. District Judge William H. Orrick dismissed additional claims brought by the family against the city of Willits and two police chiefs, current Police Chief Brian Fay and former interim Police Chief Michael Parish as too thin. The family filed an amended complaint on June 22\. The core claims — against the individual officers, the city, and the county — remain. Asked about the litigation, Kelsey said the office is aware of it and pointed to the difference in roles. “Our report and the complaint describe many of the same underlying events,” she wrote. “They differ in characterization and in specifics. Our office has had the benefit of reviewing all the evidence. The civil case has only begun its discovery process.” Beyond that, she said, she would not comment on a pending civil case: “Our office serves a different role. We follow the evidence developed in our own investigation and apply it against the legal standards required to bring criminal charges.” The two proceedings answer different questions. A criminal charge requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that an officer committed a crime; a civil jury weighs whether the force was unreasonable under a lower standard. The two can reach different results on the same facts. Houman Sayaghi, an attorney with West Coast Trial Lawyers who is representing Bakewell’s three young children and his mother, did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. ### An 81-Year-Old Faces Eviction as Affordable Senior Housing Waitlists Stretch for Years URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/an-81-year-old-faces-eviction/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:37.000Z At 81, Jeannie Storm has her life in boxes. The knickknacks she loves are packed away. The pots and pans are next — as soon as she finds a place. She’s been searching for months. Then her timeline shrank. At the end of April her landlord told her she needed to be out of the trailer she lives in by July 1. Storm’s been in this leaking trailer on Franklin Road for two years. It holds everything she has after fifty years on the Mendocino Coast. She’d gladly fold everything up and carry it away, but her $300 a month housing budget has left her with few options. At first she was optimistic she’d find something as good — or better. But those hopes have faded away. It’s hard to live so long and have no place to call home. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/0a3ef6a9-ad1d-4593-8f76-f7a7b3bebd22_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) Jeannie Storm rents the trailer on Franklin Road for $300 a month. (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) Storm was born in Madera, in the flat heat of the San Joaquin Valley, in 1945\. She went to high school in Morro Bay where she met her first husband, Victor, during sophomore year. She got pregnant, they got married, and she had a little boy, Kurt. The marriage didn’t last. Storm went back to the valley and married again — a man twenty years older. That marriage lasted five years. She moved to Santa Cruz and made friends who became family. One of them moved north. Storm followed. That was 1976. There were good times in Fort Bragg followed by a gulf of grief that threatened to swallow her. Kurt died in a car wreck, ten days before his twentieth birthday. He would have turned 65 this year. “We were really close,” she says. She keeps letters he wrote her as a boy, telling her he loved her “a million, million, million times or more.” The wall of the trailer bears his pictures — it’s the main reason it feels like home. When Kurt was small he’d curl up beside Storm and suck his thumb. They’d trade the old refrain — *I love you more than the moon, I love you more than the stars* — and she’d ask him, who loves who the most? Sadness made time stand still. “When he died, I drank and cried for five years,” she said. “And then after five years of drinking and crying, I quit drinking and cried another five years. After ten years, I could make it through the day without breaking down.” Even now, she says, it doesn’t feel like forty-five years have passed. “It just seems like it was a couple of months ago that he died, no matter how many years it was.” Just before the new millennium, Wayne came into her life. They were together twenty-seven years. Wayne worked at Jack Smith Dodge and, on weekends, for Johnny Gray at her ranch out on Ten Mile. When Johnny Gray died and her daughter took over, Wayne went to work for her, and he and Jeannie moved to the foreman’s house on the ranch. They lived there around twenty years, with Jeannie driving down the hill to her work as a caregiver. Then Wayne got cancer. He had been sick for about a year when an infection turned into sepsis. He died Christmas Day 2023\. Three days later, the grief still raw, the ranch told her she had three months to move. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/9c7d87dd-e28c-40d9-8042-8e08b544549c_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) Jeannie Storm’s collection of photos of her and her son Kurt. (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) Ann Gittings says she did not want to rent the trailer to Storm and that she regrets it. The two women do not get along. Gittings confirmed that she asked Storm to leave. She said she needs to make repairs to the trailer and that she wants to rent it to the daughter of her caregiver. She said Storm has offered to share the trailer with the caregiver’s daughter until Storm finds a new place — the trailer has three bedrooms, so there is room to spare. Neither Gittings nor the caregiver think that is a good idea. The rancor between the women is palpable. Gittings said she recently paid $900 to fill the propane tank Storm uses, because an empty propane tank is dangerous. She says Storm didn’t reimburse her and that she didn’t ask for the money. Gittings also says that Storm agreed to pay $500 a month plus utilities and that Storm then decided she could only afford $300. The agreement, whatever it was, was not recorded in a lease. Storm contends she is paying plenty for a trailer that is falling apart around her. The roof leaks in almost every room, rats have chewed through a cupboard, and black mold blooms on a bedroom ceiling, conditions that may violate California habitability standards. But as bad as it is, Storm appreciated the trailer’s proximity to the doctors at Adventist, who have so far enabled her to continue to live independently despite having Stage 4 breast cancer, which has spread to her back and ribs. In addition to cancer, her hearing is shot in one ear, and she has macular degeneration that can make it dangerous to drive. She covers up her health challenges by taking care of her appearance. Her carefully styled blond wig is an older, subdued version of her natural hair, which she lost to chemotherapy. She bustles around, going from store to store to grocery shop, making her limited income stretch further. She’d like to move to town and stop driving. Her plan has been to land a spot in senior housing. But there are none. She has put in applications everywhere — Duncan Place, Cypress Ridge, Plateau, Moura — the waiting lists run for years. A friend, Melanie, just got into Cypress after waiting for six years. Cypress is where Storm hopes to go — she worked there for years. Then, on April 29, she got a message on her answering machine: “Hi Jeannie, it’s Anne. I just want to let you know for sure the house is spoken for as of June 1,” Gittings said. “Just giving you a heads-up.” “I already paid June,” Storm says, when she plays back the message for a reporter in mid June. Gittings then corrects herself on the answering machine. “July,” she says. And then she laughs. That stings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/57a11dd6-99a8-4917-b0ff-24145d6c7e3e_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) Jeannie Storm in her bathroom — she’s not quite ready to pack up these knickknacks — not without a place to go to. (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) An answering machine message is not an eviction notice. A social worker pointed this out to Jeannie, after *MendoLocal.New*s asked DeDe Parker, the Director of Social Services, what help was available for seniors like Storm. Parker directed *MendoLocal.News* to contact Deputy Director Jesse Van Voorhis. “I would also like to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our Adult & Aging Services team,” she wrote. “Every day, they serve some of the most vulnerable members of our community through programs that support older adults, dependent adults, veterans, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities.” Van Voorhis said in an email on June 12 that the standard response to a situation such as Storm is to interview the senior, conduct a risk assessment, and develop a service plan. “The standard time frame for completion of the investigation and referral to appropriate resources is 90 days, but we always prioritize those situations when timely action is necessary.” The social worker visited Storm around this time, shortly after *MendoLocal.News* reached out to the department heads. Separately, Supervisor Bernie Norvell also reached out after hearing about Storm’s case from her social worker at the Cancer Resource Center and *MendoLocal.News.* A month later, Storm says she’s received no further assistance. “One lady came by but nothing happened,” Storm said. Then, when Storm tried to pay July rent, Gittings refused. Reached by phone, Gittings confirmed she had not yet given Storm a written eviction notice, but she said she was planning to. And she said she was not going to accept any additional rent payments from Storm. “It’s my two houses, my two acres,” Gittings said. “She can find another place to live.” Storm’s belongings remain packed in boxes. They’re stacked high by the door of the trailer, waiting for an address. Storm is ready, too. “I just want to get out of here,” she says. *Addition: Jeannie Storm said Ann Gittings has never paid for propane since she moved in to the trailer on Franklin Road. (July 14, 2026 2:22 p.m.)* ### Three People Arrested on Illegal-Cannabis Charges in Covelo in the Area of a July 9 Fatal Shooting URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/three-people-arrested-covelo-july-10-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:38.000Z *Update: The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed The arrests of Jesus Hernandez Sosa, Franklin Ironbear Oliver, and Laura Gabriela Menta were all related to the illicit marijuana cultivation operation that investigators located at the property in the 22000 block of Rifle Range Road where the homicide was reported on 7/09/2026.(July 13, 2026 3:47 p.m.)* Three people were arrested on July 10 on suspicion of illegal marijuana cultivation on the 22000 block of Rifle Range Road on the outskirts of northwest Covelo. The night before a 31-year-old mother of four was found fatally wounded by multiple gunshots on the same block at what authorities described in a press release as “a large illicit marijuana cultivation.” The individuals were arrested on warrants signed by a judge on allegations that involved the unlicensed sale and cultivation of marijuana and illegal diversion of water. No one has been charged in the July 9 homicide, and authorities have not linked the arrests to the fatal shooting. An arrest is not evidence of guilt. Being booked into jail means only that officers believed there was cause to make an arrest. It is not a criminal charge, much less a conviction. All three individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. According to police records, the following individuals were booked into Mendocino County Jail on July 10: - Laura Gabriela Menta, 46, on suspicion of cultivating marijuana with an illegal water diversion, possession of marijuana for sale, renting or leasing a place to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance. - Franklin Ironbear Oliver, 36, on suspicion of cultivating marijuana with an illegal water diversion, possession of marijuana for sale, renting or leasing a place to distribute a controlled substance, and a felony probation violation. - Jesus Hernandez Sosa, 35, on suspicion of cultivating marijuana with an illegal water diversion, possession of marijuana for sale, and maintaining a place for selling or using drugs. Court records showed none of the three was listed for arraignment on July 13, and police records did not list a bail amount for any of the three people. A *MendoLocal.News* analysis of individuals recently arraigned in Mendocino County Superior Court found that the typical arrest-to-arraignment gap is \~3–5 weeks. The 22000 block of Rifle Range Road is a rural byway flanked by fields. According to Mendocino County assessor records, it contains nine parcels across seven addresses. The arrests occurred on 22550 Rifle Range Road. According to assessor records, the owner lives in residential home in Stockton, CA. The fatal shooting remains under investigation. According to a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 22000 block of Rifle Range Road after dispatchers received a 911 call from a woman who reported finding a deceased family member. Logs link an 8:58 p.m. 911 hangup call to 22550 Rifle Range Road. Deputies found the victim — identified by her family as Josepha Littlewolf Thunderheart Basurto, 31 — inside a silver 2007 Toyota Tacoma pickup with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. The sheriff’s office later stated in a press release that multiple suspects appear to have been involved. They are requesting people with information to call the tip line at 707-234-2100. Basurto was remembered by her family as a loving mother of four children between the ages of 4 and 13\. She was also a skilled horse trainer and a California Native and powwow dancer. The family has launched a [GoFundMe ](https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-josepha-littlewolf-thunderhearts-family?attribution%5Fid=sl%3A07dde476-c9cf-42df-8131-563c1e317b30&lang=en%5FUS&ts=1783787766&utm%5Fcampaign=man%5Factivity%5Ftopbar&utm%5Fcontent=amp20%5Ft1&utm%5Fmedium=customer&utm%5Fsource=copy%5Flink&fbclid=IwY2xjawTA0KNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJxZ1hWcXFKTWR1M3FxbVpnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtxx9Xh9Rv6CVAoFm%5Fj2lg6h1UUQ2azKW0rPvvujem2XB6YfmJaHz3lUOsP3%5Faem%5FxbYgN7tq%5F-M-izmM676jVQ&utm%5Fid=97758%5Fv0%5Fs00%5Fe227%5Ftv4%5Ftp1%5Fa1dennhb6lnxvd&chat%5Fid=IW1lbWJlcnMtSDk0M1dRbXBUT082WTZEUTE3aWJIZWxtMzM3TklXNDI5YVkxXzRtVTlVOA%3D%3D)to cover funeral costs and travel for family members coming from Utah, as well as other expenses associated with Basurto’s killing. ### Fundraiser Launched to Support Murdered Mother of Four URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fundraiser-launched-to-support-murdered/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T23:13:31.000Z A [GoFundMe campaign](https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-josepha-littlewolf-thunderhearts-family?attribution%5Fid=sl%3A07dde476-c9cf-42df-8131-563c1e317b30&lang=en%5FUS&ts=1783787766&utm%5Fcampaign=man%5Factivity%5Ftopbar&utm%5Fcontent=amp20%5Ft1&utm%5Fmedium=customer&utm%5Fsource=copy%5Flink&fbclid=IwY2xjawTA0KNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJxZ1hWcXFKTWR1M3FxbVpnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtxx9Xh9Rv6CVAoFm%5Fj2lg6h1UUQ2azKW0rPvvujem2XB6YfmJaHz3lUOsP3%5Faem%5FxbYgN7tq%5F-M-izmM676jVQ&utm%5Fid=97758%5Fv0%5Fs00%5Fe227%5Ftv4%5Ftp1%5Fa1dennhb6lnxvd&chat%5Fid=IW1lbWJlcnMtSDk0M1dRbXBUT082WTZEUTE3aWJIZWxtMzM3TklXNDI5YVkxXzRtVTlVOA%3D%3D) has been launched to help the family of 31-year-old Josepha Littlewolf Thunderheart Basurto, who was found dead July 10 in a pickup truck on Rifle Range Road northwest of Covelo in what authorities are investigating as a homicide. The fundraiser, organized by Basurto’s mother, Sharlisa Mountainlion Unca Sam and her aunt, Shelly Minthorn, seeks to raise $8,000 to help cover funeral expenses, travel, lodging and meals for family members traveling from Utah. The family also hopes to attend future court proceedings as the criminal case moves forward. Basurto leaves behind four children between the ages of 4 and 13\. She is survived by her mother and two sisters, Sadacia, 34, and Kashya, 27\. Her father Joseph Littlewolf Basurto was murdered in 1995. According to her mother, Basurto spent parts of her childhood in both Covelo and Utah, where she lived with her grandparents. She learned to shear sheep and helped to raise horses. She became known for her ability to train horses to bow. She also enjoyed basketball and was an accomplished powwow and California Native dancer. “She was so caring and giving,” her mother said. “Even in her hard times, she was always willing to help everyone.” Her mother said Basurto deeply loved her children, her sisters, and her extended family. “We didn’t have an easy life, but we made it happen with what we had,” she said. “We have big hearts, and we love each other.” The family said they are still searching for answers about the circumstances surrounding Basurto’s death. Donations to [the GoFundMe](https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-josepha-littlewolf-thunderhearts-family?attribution%5Fid=sl%3A07dde476-c9cf-42df-8131-563c1e317b30&lang=en%5FUS&ts=1783787766&utm%5Fcampaign=man%5Factivity%5Ftopbar&utm%5Fcontent=amp20%5Ft1&utm%5Fmedium=customer&utm%5Fsource=copy%5Flink&fbclid=IwY2xjawTA0KNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJxZ1hWcXFKTWR1M3FxbVpnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtxx9Xh9Rv6CVAoFm%5Fj2lg6h1UUQ2azKW0rPvvujem2XB6YfmJaHz3lUOsP3%5Faem%5FxbYgN7tq%5F-M-izmM676jVQ&utm%5Fid=97758%5Fv0%5Fs00%5Fe227%5Ftv4%5Ftp1%5Fa1dennhb6lnxvd&chat%5Fid=IW1lbWJlcnMtSDk0M1dRbXBUT082WTZEUTE3aWJIZWxtMzM3TklXNDI5YVkxXzRtVTlVOA%3D%3D) will help the family with funeral expenses and allow relatives to return to Mendocino County for future court hearings. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the homicide. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office. ### Woman Found Fatally Shot at Illegal Cannabis Grow on the Outskirts of Covelo Thursday URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/woman-found-fatally-shot-at-illegal/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:39.000Z A 31-year-old woman was found dead Thursday night inside a pickup truck at what authorities described as a large illegal marijuana cultivation site northwest of Covelo, prompting a multi-agency homicide investigation. According to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 22000 block of Rifle Range Road at approximately 9 p.m. on July 9 after receiving a 911 call from a woman who reported finding a deceased family member. The caller told dispatchers the victim was inside a vehicle. Deputies who were already in Covelo responded with emergency lights and sirens, arriving about 15 minutes later. They found the victim inside a silver 2007 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck and confirmed she was dead at approximately 9:17 p.m. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies observed what looked like numerous bullet holes in the pickup, and the victim appeared to have suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators said family members had been searching for the woman for several hours before learning she might be on Rifle Range Road. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release that multiple suspects appear to have been involved. They are releasing limited information to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The agencies involved in the investigation included the Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force, the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office, the County of Mendocino Marijuana Eradication Team, and criminalists from the California Department of Justice’s Eureka laboratory. Anyone with information related to the homicide is encouraged to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office by calling the non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — July 11, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-july-11/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:39.000Z ## 🏛️ Mendocino County **Supervisors Advance a Road Sales Tax After a Standoff Over Where All the Money Goes** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 10* The Board of Supervisors voted 4–0 on July 7 to advance a 1% sales tax proposal that is heading for the November ballot. The tax would double spending on county roads by raising about $5.5 million a year. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supervisors-advance-a-road-tax) **The predator we lost may return — and the kelp is betting on it** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · July 10*Sunflower sea stars — a key urchin predator wiped out by a marine epidemic starting in 2013 — are naturally reappearing in small numbers along the North Coast. Their return raises hope the ecosystem could recover without relying solely on labor-intensive culling of purple sea urchins. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/the-predator-we-lost-may-return-and-the-kelp-is-betting-on-it/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Visit Mendocino County’s contract has lapsed — and someone else wants in** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · July 9*Visit Mendocino County’s contract to run the county’s tourism marketing has expired, and the hoteliers that fund the organization through self-assessments are seeking to more fairly allocate the dollars — and are highlighting the differences between coastal and inland tourism. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/visit-mendocino-countys-contract-has-lapsed-and-someone-else-wants-in/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) **County Planning Director Resigns for New Job, as Grand Jury Report Faults Her Department** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 8*Planning and Building Services Director Julia Krog has tendered her resignation to take a job with Marin County, just as a civil grand jury report faulted her department for lacking written policies and failing to enforce fire-safety rules. Chief Building Official Richard Angley will serve as interim director while supervisors prepare a required 90-day response to the report. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-planning-director-resigns) **Mendocino County Moves to Block Data Centers Before They Arrive** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 8* The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously July 7 to have staff draft a temporary moratorium on data-center construction — a preemptive move made before any developer has applied. Commenters cited the heavy electricity and water demands of the AI-driven facilities. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-moves-to-block-data-centers) **Supervisor Mulheren’s Tax Sharing Agreement Is Just Another Bad County Idea Going Nowhere** *By Mark Scaramella, The Anderson Valley Advertiser* Columnist Mark Scaramella critiques Supervisor Maureen Mulheren’s Master Tax Sharing Agreement with the City of Ukiah, calling it yet another failed county initiative. The agreement, negotiated in secret without proper county staff input or public review, was approved by the Board of Supervisors in 2024 based on optimistic claims rather than financial analysis. Scaramella details how county staff later found the agreement confusing and nearly impossible to implement, while parcel owners in the proposed annexation area were never consulted. The piece argues the agreement exemplifies a decade-long pattern of mismanagement by county supervisors, citing numerous other failed initiatives including the mental health privatization debacle, the auditor-controller merger fiasco, and various other costly missteps. [Read more](http://www.theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(Subscription to the Anderson Valley Advertiser may be required)* --- ### 🍇 Anderson Valley **Twenty Years And Counting: Reflections on Community in Anderson Valley** *By Terry Sites, Anderson Valley Advertiser · July 10* After two decades in Anderson Valley, Terry Sites reflects on what defines community in this small valley of 3,000 residents. Sites explores how the intimate scale of the community allows neighbors to know one another deeply—from recognizing patients at the health clinic to greeting friends at local businesses. [Read mor](http://www.theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)e *(Subscription to the Anderson Valley Advertiser may be required)* --- ### 🚨 Covelo **Covelo Area Struck by Multiple Disasters in Five Days** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Covelo area experienced an extraordinary week of crises between July 7-10, including a wildfire, a fatal shooting, and an earthquake. The Agency Fire broke out Tuesday near Agency and Mina roads, threatening multiple structures before being contained to less than an acre. On Thursday, a woman was found shot to death in a vehicle off Rifle Range Road, with the Sheriff’s Office investigating as a homicide. The week culminated Friday evening with a magnitude 4.4 earthquake centered 7 miles north of Covelo on the Bartlett Springs fault, felt across Northern California. While the earthquake caused no reported damage, experts say larger quakes cannot be ruled out. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/covelo-earthquake-wildfire-homicide) --- ### ⚖️ Fort Bragg **A Federal Judge Ordered Fort Bragg to Hand Over a 2014 Mill Site Contamination Letter** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 10* A federal judge has ordered the City of Fort Bragg to turn over a September 2014 letter it sent to Georgia-Pacific about contamination at the former mill site — but under a protective order that keeps the letter confidential. This keeps it hidden from the public. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-hands-over-secret-letter) **Public Utilities Commission met in Fort Bragg to discuss affordability programs and access** *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice · July 10* The California Public Utilities Commission held a voting meeting July 2 at Fort Bragg Town Hall to take up utility affordability programs and access, part of its practice of rotating meetings around the state. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/public-utilities-commission-met-in-fort-bragg-to-discuss-affordability-programs-and-access/?ref=mendolocal.news) **CAL FIRE tour marks return of logging to Jackson Demonstration State Forest** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · July 10*Cal Fire is hosting a public tour Saturday, July 11, of the Camp 20 timber harvest plan in Jackson Demonstration State Forest, marking the resumption of logging after a four-year pause. The project would remove roughly 1,200 to 1,600 second-growth trees as part of a study comparing forest-management approaches. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/your-friday-paper-coast-leaders-and-coast-lovers-urged-to-attend-saturday-tour-on-restarting-logging-after-four-year-pause-whale-monitor-suzis-art-classes/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Pacific Textile Arts celebrates 30 years of fiber arts** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 9* The Fort Bragg City Council issued a proclamation last month honoring Pacific Textile Arts for 30 years of serving the local fiber-arts community. The all-volunteer nonprofit, which grew from a Berkeley weaving school and relocated to the coast beside the Krenov School for Fine Woodworking, raised about $70,000 in private donations to buy its building. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/09/pacific-textile-arts-celebrates-30-years-of-fiber-arts-weaving-and/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### 🤖 Hopland **Robots and drones audition for grape growers at Hopland center** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · July 6* UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) hosted a free agricultural-technology field day June 30 at the Hopland Research and Extension Center, where eight companies demonstrated robots and drones built to help grape growers with disease control and labor shortages. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/robots-and-drones-audition-for-grape-growers-at-hopland-center/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🐹 Point Arena **Students Embark on Summer ELOP Adventures** *By David Torres, Independent Coast Observer · July 9* Dozens of students enrolled in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program visited the Point Arena lighthouse. Other highlights this year included visits to the Noyo Marine Center and the Skunk Train. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(Subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* **The Point Arena mountain beaver is running out of fog** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · July 5* The Point Arena mountain beaver, an endangered rodent found only in coastal Mendocino County, is threatened by declining summer fog as the climate warms. The primitive animal has inefficient kidneys that demand near-constant water and depends on the cool, humid coastal fog belt to survive. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/the-point-arena-mountain-beaver-is-running-out-of-fog/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🏡 Town of Mendocino **In 1884, a Mendocino resident helped ensure today’s birthright citizenship** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 10* With the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling reaffirming birthright citizenship, *the Ukiah Daily Journal* revisits Look Tin Eli, a Mendocino-born resident whose 1884 court victory secured birthright citizenship for California-born Chinese Americans. His case helped pave the way for the precedent cited in last week’s decision. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/09/in-1884-a-mendocino-resident-helped-ensure-todays-birthright-citizenship/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏊 Ukiah **Ukiah City Council OKs fee hikes for some community services** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 9* The Ukiah City Council approved a slate of fee increases for community services, including higher room-rental rates at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center and future hikes to city pool admission. Community Services Director Jake Burgess said the fees, presented July 1, were set to cover equipment costs and keep staff pay competitive — though pool admission stays $10 this summer. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/09/ukiah-city-council-oks-fee-hikes-for-some-community-services/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Ukiah Daily Journal* may be required) --- ### 🎉 Willits **Chris Rogers Marched in Willits’ Parade** *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly· July 9* Assemblymember Chris Rogers chose to celebrate the nation’s 250th Independence Day in Willits, marching in the local Frontiers Day parade. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Willits City Council Passes 26-27 Budget** *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* *· July 9* The Willits City Council passed a $16,821,004 budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at their special meeting on June 29\. The vote was 4 to 1, with Councilmember Bruce Burton dissenting. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🏛️ CALMATTERS **Once-in-a-Lifetime Federal Housing Bill Becomes Law—Here’s What It Means for California** *By Ben Christopher, CalMatters · July 10* A major bipartisan federal housing bill is set to become law this weekend, marking the largest piece of housing legislation Congress has passed in a generation. Rather than one sweeping change, the bill includes 56 regulatory tweaks and pilot programs designed to boost housing construction nationwide. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/housing/2026/07/road-housing-california-federal/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Kaiser Nurses Say AI Surveillance Is Harming Patient Care** *By Khari Johnson, CalMatters* Kaiser Permanente call center nurses are raising alarm about workplace surveillance tools and AI systems that prioritize speed and cost savings over quality care. Seven current and former nurses told CalMatters that those spending more than 15 minutes on patient calls face criticism and performance evaluations, while AI systems rate their empathy and tone of voice. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/07/kaiser-nurses-workplace-surveillance-ai/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Covelo hit by earthquake, wildfire, and fatal shooting within one week URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/covelo-earthquake-wildfire-homicide/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:40.000Z A wildfire, a fatal shooting and a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the Covelo area within five days this week, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The earthquake was the most recent. A series of quakes struck north of Covelo on Friday, July 10, culminating in a magnitude 4.4 at 6:14 p.m., the USGS said. The agency initially reported the magnitude as 4.2 before revising it upward. The quake was centered about 7 miles north of Covelo at a depth of about 6 miles and was felt in Fort Bragg, Willits and Ukiah. The quake occurred on the Bartlett Springs fault, one of the least-studied fault systems in Northern California, retired Humboldt State University geologist Lori Dengler told the *Redheaded Blackbelt.* The fault runs near the Potter Valley dams that Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is working to remove. Dengler said the magnitude 4.4 was not strong enough to cause damage and would most likely subside, but that a larger quake could not be ruled out. The Agency Fire broke out Tuesday, July 7, in vegetation near Agency and Mina roads outside Covelo. The Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders as crews reported multiple structures threatened, and Cal Fire sent air tankers and helicopters, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Ground crews initially estimated the fire at up to 15 acres; after aircraft arrived, air attack put it at less than an acre. Firefighters stopped its forward progress by early evening. On Thursday, July 9, a woman was found shot to death in a vehicle off Rifle Range Road, northwest of Covelo. Family members found her about 9 p.m. in the 22500 block with apparent gunshot wounds, [according to ](https://kymkemp.com/2026/07/10/homicide-confirmed-near-covelo-doj-criminalists-called-to-scene/?ref=mendolocal.news)[*Redheaded Blackbelt*](https://kymkemp.com/2026/07/10/homicide-confirmed-near-covelo-doj-criminalists-called-to-scene/?ref=mendolocal.news). The Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death as a homicide, with assistance from the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office and criminalists from the California Department of Justice, Capt. Quincy Cromer said. The victim was identified only as an adult woman from Covelo. Her name has not been released, and no arrests have been reported. ### A Federal Judge Ordered Fort Bragg to Hand Over a 2014 Mill Site Contamination Letter URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-hands-over-secret-letter/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:40.000Z The City of Fort Bragg spent months trying to keep an eleven-year-old letter to Georgia-Pacific out of a federal toxics lawsuit, invoking a “mediation privilege.” A judge has now ordered it produced — and stamped confidential. On September 10, 2014, the City of Fort Bragg sent a letter to Georgia-Pacific, the company whose lumber mill left a legacy of contamination on the coastal bluffs at the edge of town. About a month later, the city and Georgia-Pacific settled a toxic-cleanup dispute, on terms that were never made public. Nearly twelve years later, that letter set off a tug-of-war in federal court between the city and Mendocino Railway, the new owner of the millsite, with the city spending months fighting to keep the letter out of public view. On July 6, U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar ordered Fort Bragg to turn the 2014 letter over to Mendocino Railway and Sierra Northern Railway — who are jointly suing the city. But Tigar let the city produce the letter under a protective order. That means the letter is stamped “confidential” and goes to the plaintiffs’ attorneys directly. Fort Bragg residents who want to know what’s in the letter can’t read it. **The lawsuit behind the letter** Mendocino Railway and Sierra Northern Railway sued the City of Fort Bragg in August 2024 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, invoking the federal Superfund law known as CERCLA or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. The law authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify hazardous waste sites, compel polluters to clean them up, and funds cleanups when no responsible party can be found. CERCLA also lets private parties who face cleanup costs sue to recover them — the basis for this lawsuit. According to the railways’ complaint, the case concerns dioxins and furans in the former mill site’s Mill Pond. The railways want the city to pay the cleanup costs; the city has denied liability and filed its own counterclaims. A trial is not expected until 2028. The tussle over the letter dates back to February 2026, when the railways subpoenaed Georgia-Pacific for a copy. Georgia-Pacific is not a party to the current lawsuit. The city objected, asserting that the letter is covered by a mediation privilege. Georgia-Pacific made no such assertion. The two sides spent months arguing about the letter. In a May 28 email later filed in court, Anna Marcroft, the railway’s attorney, called the city’s claim of a mediation privilege “completely unsubstantiated.” She wrote that “Georgia-Pacific does not even claim that the letter is privileged. The city “simply has no leg to stand on,” she wrote. Eventually, Fort Bragg agreed to produce the letter — but only if the railways first signed a protective order governing how confidential documents would be handled in the case. The railways agreed to a standard protective order, while expressly reserving the right to later challenge the city’s designation of the letter as confidential. What followed was a procedural brawl about the order’s fine print. The city’s attorney accused the railways’ attorney of adding her signature to a proposed order without her consent and demanded changes at the last minute. The railways’ attorney responded by threatening a sanctions motion. Judge Tigar cut through the back and forth on July 6\. He found that a May 28 email from the city’s lawyer stating “We will sign the PO and produce the letter after you sign” to be “dispositive.” That means it settled the issue. Notably, the changes the city was pushing for would have made the order more restrictive by making it harder to put sealed documents on the record. **Why the letter is still secret** The letter is covered by a protective order, which is different from an order to seal the document. A protective order is a discovery tool that governs how the parties can use the document in the lawsuit. But as a practical matter, its "confidential" designation keeps the letter out of the public court record: it passes only between the parties' attorneys, and if either side tried to file it, the designation would force a separate sealing motion before it could appear publicly — a request the judge could grant or deny. *MendoLocal.News* has requested the letter under the California Public Records Act. The city has ten days to respond. The period has not elapsed, and we have not yet heard back. The public began paying close attention to the case on June 22 — after the proposed protective order was filed just hours before a special closed session meeting of the Fort Bragg City Council. Jade Tippett, who maintains the [savenoyoheadlands.](http://savenoyoheadlands.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)org repository, and Jacob Patterson, an attorney, warned the council that the order, as written, would allow either party to stamp evidence as “confidential” and keep it from public view even after the case concluded. Fort Bragg City Manager Isaac Whippy responded to questions from *MendoLocal.News* on Friday. “Because this matter involves pending litigation, the city is necessarily limited in what it can discuss publicly,” he wrote. “The document at issue was created in 2014 as a confidential mediation and settlement communication in connection with prior litigation involving the former Georgia-Pacific mill site. It was expressly designated as confidential when it was created. “The city produced the document pursuant to a court order governing discovery in the current litigation and under a protective order that preserves its existing confidential status. The protective order does not create confidentiality, rather it allows the parties to comply with the court’s discovery process while maintaining the confidentiality protections that have existed since the document was created.” The matter is expected to be addressed at the next city council meeting on July 27. --- *Read our previous coverage of the former Georgia-Pacific mill site:* [Who Owns the Mill Site in Fort Bragg](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/who-owns-the-mill-site-in-fort-bragg) (April 24, 2026) [Private Equity Acquires Skunk Train Owner, Settlement Talks Continue with Fort Bragg ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/private-equity-acquires-skunk-train-owner)(April 8, 2026) [Federal Rail Rulings Stack up in Against State Regulators in Fort Bragg Mill Site Dispute](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-rail-rulings-stack-up) (March 23, 2026) [Federal Railroad Board Blocks Great Redwood Trail Abandonment Motion](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-board-blocks-grta) (February 20, 2026) [Skunk Train Chief Details Freight Operations, Federal Oversight Amid Eminent Domain Dispute](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-chief-details-freight-deliveries) (December 16, 2026) [California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-appeals-court-says-public) (December 16, 2026) [Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) (December 3, 2025) [California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) (December 1, 2025) [Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) (November 5, 2025) [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) (October 28, 2025) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) (October 13, 2025) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) (October 7, 2025) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) (September 27, 2025) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) (September 11, 2025) ### Supervisors Advance a Road Sales Tax — After a Standoff Over Where All the Money Goes URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supervisors-advance-a-road-tax/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:41.000Z Mendocino County took a first step toward a November ballot measure to fund county road repairs, but only after Supervisor Mo Mulheren withheld her vote until the board promised a better accounting of how the road money is currently being spent — and how the additional money will be allocated. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 on July 7 to introduce an ordinance that would ask voters in the unincorporated county to approve a 1% special sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot. The draft ordinance says the tax would generate about $5.5 million a year — roughly doubling the county’s current road spending — to fund corrective maintenance, pavement preservation, and additional road-crew positions. The tax would take effect in 2027 and would not expire. It would remain in place until voters chose to repeal it. The stakes are high because the county’s roads rank among the worst in the state. Transportation Director Howard Dashiell told the board that Mendocino County’s average pavement condition index is 47 out of 100\. Mendocino County has been in the bottom five of California’s 58 counties for 21 straight years. Roughly half of its 690 miles of roads are rated as poor or failed. Fully rebuilding the road network would cost an estimated $575 million. Dashiell noted that jurisdictions with dedicated road taxes have measurably better roads: Fort Bragg’s pavement index rose from 38 to 66 after voters approved a road tax in 2004, and neighboring Humboldt, Sonoma, and Marin counties all levy their own road tax. Supervisor Ted Williams pressed Dashiell on a complaint he hears frequently: the county’s pothole repairs don’t hold. Some county fixes, Williams said, resemble “a go-kart off-road derby course,” and he asked whether crews were being given the right tools and techniques. Dashiell said the issue is workload not skill or equipment. On roads that are in decent shape, crews have the time to complete repairs the right way — even drying out each pothole with a leaf blower first so the patch holds, he said. But on the county’s worst roads, where potholes multiply after big storms and each road worker is covering 25 miles, crew members are working too quickly to do careful repairs. Dashiell said a modest increase in staffing — one of the stated purposes of the tax — could help. In response, Williams asked if dedicating just 10% to increased staffing — which is the amount spelled out in the tax — is sufficient. For voters to pass the tax, they need to know what will be done and where it will be done, he said. People need to see “the quality of repairs increasing, the frequency of the repairs increasing — without that it’s a tough ask.” Dashiell agreed allocating 10% of the proposed tax to additional staffing was not enough for department staff to regain the level it had in 2019\. But he defended the allocation saying that doing otherwise would starve materials and equipment. The path to the ballot nearly stalled over limited financial transparency. The absence of Supervisor Madeline Cline from the meeting meant that advancing the special-tax motion required four votes. After learning that, Supervisor Mo Mulheren, who represents the City of Ukiah, which maintains its own roads, said she could not vote yes. “I don’t think we have enough information,” she said. “I have a lot of concerns, just in general, about the public understanding how the county’s budgeting system works.” Williams echoed Mulheren’s concerns about insufficient financial information reaching the board. “It doesn’t matter what’s in front of us, I can never really get the numbers I need to make a good decision,” he said. “So I’ve become accustomed to making decisions with really faulty information, which is not a good way to operate.” Supervisor John Haschak referenced Facebook comments along the lines of “why haven’t you used the $30 million you haven’t collected?” After further discussion, Mulheren agreed to vote for the measure to advance to the next step on the condition that she and Williams work with the Department of Transportation and executive staff to produce detailed fiscal and planning information before the ordinance returns. The ordinance is set for a second reading July 21. ### Potter Valley Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Acquaintance with Kitchen Knife URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/potter-valley-man-arrested-20260708/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:41.000Z *An arrest is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.* A Potter Valley man was arrested July 3 after allegedly threatening to kill an acquaintance with a kitchen knife following a fight at a residence on Hawn Creek Road in Potter Valley, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded at about 10:40 p.m. to the 12000 block of Hawn Creek Road after receiving a report of an ongoing fight involving a knife. The California Highway Patrol and Potter Valley Fire Department assisted with the response. When deputies arrived, they were directed to the residence where the suspect, identified as Samuel Romero-Gonzalez, was believed to be. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Romero-Gonzalez fled into a nearby vineyard after becoming aware of law enforcement’s presence but was located a short time later and taken into custody without incident. Investigators said Romero-Gonzalez and the 38-year-old victim, who knew each other, had been socializing with several other people before becoming involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical fight. Authorities said Romero-Gonzalez allegedly struck the victim, who defended himself, before other people separated the two men. According to witness statements, Romero-Gonzalez was then escorted into a nearby residence, where he allegedly armed himself with a fixed-blade kitchen knife and attempted to leave while threatening to kill the victim. Other people at the scene prevented him from leaving the residence, allowing the victim to leave the property and call law enforcement, the Sheriff’s Office said. The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Another person who intervened during the initial altercation also received treatment for minor injuries. Romero-Gonzalez was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail, where he is being held on $50,000 bail. ### County Planning Director Resigns for New Job, as Grand Jury Report Faults Her Department URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-planning-director-resigns/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:42.000Z Mendocino County’s director of Planning and Building Services has resigned to take a job elsewhere — a departure she says is unrelated to a civil grand jury report, published two weeks earlier, that accused her department of operating for more than a decade without adequate written policies and of failing to enforce state fire-safety rules on homes built in high fire-hazard areas. Julia Krog told MendoLocal.News her resignation is “completely unrelated” to the grand jury’s findings and is “the result of me accepting employment elsewhere.” At the board of supervisors meeting on Tuesday she said that she notified the CEO’s office in mid-June and that her last day will be July 17, 2026\. “I was offered an amazing opportunity to grow my knowledge and skill set with the county of Marin,” she said. Richard Angley, the county’s chief building official, will be filling the role in an interim capacity. The report, “From Policy to Practice: Digging Deeper into the Board of Supervisors Oversight of Planning and Building Services,” was published June 24\. It was the grand jury’s second look at the department in as many years, prompted after the Board of Supervisors rejected nearly all of the recommendations from the panel’s 2025 report, “Exposing the Cracks.” The grand jury found that Planning and Building Services — known as PBS — has lacked comprehensive written policies and procedures since its last thorough review in 2015, leaving day-to-day decisions to the “discretion” and “institutional knowledge” of individual staff members. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) The most serious concern the panel raised was wildfire safety. It said PBS has issued building permits for illegally constructed, post-1991 homes in the State Responsibility Area and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (SRA/VHFHSZ) without ensuring compliance with Public Resources Code section 4290 and related Title 14 fire-safe regulations — standards that govern road access, water supply and signage so fire crews can reach and defend properties. The grand jury also flagged an eight-foot-long plan-review workflow diagram, created after its earlier investigation began, that referenced no county policy and “gave the Grand Jury the impression that it was created to conceal the gaps” in the department’s rules. Notably, the panel aimed most of its criticism — and all of its recommendations — at the Board of Supervisors and the county’s chief executive, faulting them for failing to give the department clear direction. It praised PBS staff as “dedicated” and held up the county’s Cannabis Division as a model of the clear procedures the rest of the department lacks. Krog was appointed to lead PBS in March 2022, roughly seven years after the last comprehensive policy review the grand jury cited. Krog started working for the department in 2013 with the rank of “planner one.” The Board of Supervisors has strongly disputed the grand jury’s conclusions. In an August 2025 response, the board disagreed with all 15 findings of the earlier report and rejected every recommendation but one. It argued that responsibility for section 4290 compliance rests with CAL FIRE — not the county — through the agency’s Defensible Space Program, and that PBS requires a CAL FIRE inspection form before finalizing permits. The board also said the grand jury’s data was wrong, putting the share of “Class K” rural-dwelling permits at roughly 6 to 9 percent rather than the “record high of 44 percent” the panel reported, and it rebutted, point by point, five properties the grand jury cited as examples. The follow-up grand jury report concluded that the board’s response itself fell short of the law — that under Penal Code section 933.05 the board was required to explain its rejection of each recommendation and did not, and that no supervisor verified the response’s accuracy before approving it. At the center of the dispute is a technical but consequential question: whether a CAL FIRE defensible-space inspection satisfies section 4290’s separate development standards for roads, water and access. MendoLocal.News asked CAL FIRE’s Mendocino Unit who is responsible for section 4290 compliance on existing structures; the agency did not respond by press time Wednesday. Krog’s resignation and the grand jury report also came amid other scrutiny of the department. On June 22 — two days before the report was published — three Redwood Valley residents filed a lawsuit under the California Environmental Quality Act challenging the adequacy of the department’s environmental review of a proposed Faizan Corporation gas station that the Board of Supervisors approved in May. Interim Chief Executive Officer Sarah Pierce did not respond to questions about the resignation. The board now faces a deadline of its own: under state law, it must formally respond to the new grand jury report within 90 days. Whether it will revisit the recommendations it rejected a year ago — this time without the director who ran the department at the center of them — remains to be seen. ### Mendocino County Moves to Block Data Centers Before They Arrive URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-moves-to-block-data-centers/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:42.000Z The impact of artificial intelligence on electricity, water and land use reached Mendocino County on Tuesday as the Board of Supervisors considered declaring a temporary moratorium on new data center construction. Mendocino County has no data centers, and no applications have been submitted to build one. The proposed ordinance would be a preemptive measure. “This moratorium just provides us a tool to really explore what the issues are and come up with an ordinance that would be appropriate for what the people in Mendocino County want,” Supervisor John Haschak said. Haschak brought the item forward with Supervisor Ted Williams. Opposition to data centers has grown across the country as concerns mount that the pace of data center and AI deployment is outstripping the development of safeguards to ensure transparency and minimize environmental impacts. According to the [International Energy Agency](https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/dd7c2387-2f60-4b60-8c5f-6563b6aa1e4c/EnergyandAI.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news), data centers accounted for 1.5% of the world’s electricity consumption in 2024\. In the United States, they accounted for 4.4% of electricity use, or 176 terawatt-hours — about 45% of global data center electricity consumption that year. The agency estimates AI currently accounts for 5% to 15% of total data center power use, increasing to 35% to 50% by 2030\. “By the end of the decade, the country is set to consume more electricity for data centres than for the production of aluminium, steel, cement, chemicals and all other energy-intensive goods combined,” the agency wrote in its report [Energy and AI.](http://By the end of the decade, the country is set to consume more electricity for data centres than for the production of aluminium, steel, cement, chemicals and all other energy-intensive goods combined) In Virginia, which has between 600 and 750 data centers — about 35% of the world’s hyperscale data centers — residential electricity bills are projected to more than double over the next 13 years, increasing from $142.77 today to $315.25 by 2039, [according to Dominion Energy.](https://img.vasierra.club/UnconstrainedDemand%5FSinglePage.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) However, the impact of increased electricity demand extends far beyond higher utility bills, placing additional strain on the electrical grid and creating a range of indirect environmental and economic impacts. The International Energy Agency estimates the largest data centers consume as much electricity as 2 million households, while a typical hyperscale facility uses about as much electricity as 100,000 households. Data centers also consume large quantities of water. [According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute](https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/data-centers-and-water-consumption?ref=mendolocal.news), large hyperscale facilities can require up to 5 million gallons of water each day, primarily for cooling servers — roughly equivalent to the daily water use of a town with 10,000 to 50,000 residents. Other potential impacts include air and noise pollution, thermal and chemical pollution, and habitat loss from large-scale development. ### “We didn’t have anything on the books” Williams, who acknowledged that some data center applications — such as those supporting early cancer detection research — provide clear public benefits, said his primary concern was ensuring the county has regulations in place before a project is proposed. “What concerns me about this item is we’re putting more load on staff at a time that we have a transition in the planning department,” Williams said. “But we’ve seen other instances where something comes to the county and the public expects that we’re going to provide discretion and we say, ‘Well, we can’t. Our hands are tied. We didn’t have anything on the books to allow discretion.’ That’s really what we’re after here — we want some ability to ensure that we’re protecting our communities.” Public comment reflected sharply different views. Helen Sizemore, a Ukiah resident, urged the board to act quickly, warning that the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds could become a target for development. “The people running the fairgrounds need money and so they might — they’re being challenged all over the state of California, and those environmental effects would be devastating to us,” she said. Planning and Building Services Director Julia Krog noted, however, that the county has no authority over the state-owned fairgrounds, which are governed by their own board of directors. Janet Rosen, a longtime resident of unincorporated South Ukiah, argued the county should distinguish between beneficial technology and what she described as resource extraction by a “billionaire class.” A longtime computer user dating back to the era of DOS commands and Netscape Navigator, Rosen said cryptocurrency and AI “offer no benefits to average citizens” and urged the county to focus on industries “conducive to creating a middle class here.” Matthew Delbar opposed the moratorium, calling it “virtue signaling” and arguing the board was being inconsistent. He said “a single electric car takes the same amount of power as three to four houses while charging” and asked, “If the power is a concern, then where is a moratorium on electric vehicles?” ### Financial impacts could cut both ways The board also discussed the economic implications of data center development, reflecting a debate taking place in communities across the country. Board Chair Bernie Norvell requested that staff evaluate “fiscal impacts, both positive and negative,” and the board voted to establish an ad hoc committee consisting of Haschak and Williams to work with staff on the analysis. Krog said planning staff had already begun researching data center issues before any supervisor contacted her office. “Staff is poised and ready to continue forward with this item,” she said. Supervisor Maureen Mulheren said she was not concerned about the additional workload, noting that a temporary moratorium would give staff the ability to slow any proposal while permanent regulations are developed. “This item does allow staff the opportunity to slow down any kind of project that might come forward,” she said. The board voted 5-0 to direct staff to return with an urgency ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium. The ad hoc committee will work with staff to examine how other jurisdictions have addressed data center development and prepare an analysis of environmental, public health and fiscal impacts for the board’s consideration. If adopted, the moratorium would temporarily prohibit the processing and approval of new data center applications while the county develops permanent regulations, joining a growing number of jurisdictions seeking to establish rules before large-scale data center projects are proposed. *Correction: The spelling of “signaling” was corrected. (July 7, 2026 6:29 p.m.)* ### Agency Fire Burning in Covelo URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/agency-fire-burning-in-covelo/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:43.000Z *Update/Corrections: The size of the fire was reported to be just 2 acres, not 15 acres (July 7, 2026 4:49 p.m.) Forward progress stopped. (5:22 p.m.)* A 2-acre fire is reported at the 24200 block of Agency Road in Covelo. Watch duty reporter Danilla Sands said evacuations have been ordered for East of Mina Road, with Mina Road being the egress route to Highway 162 into Covelo. The fire was first reported by Miranda Schwegler, a regional captain for Watch Duty, at 3:33 p.m. Schwegler said resources are at the scene of vegetation fire “burning in light, flashy fuels at a moderate rate of speed.” As of 5 p.m. all air craft were released from the incident, according to a Watch Duty report by Danilla Sands. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — July 4, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-roundup-july-4/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:43.000Z *Additions: The story on the Civil Grand Jury report , the Point Arena Veterans’ Monument, the sentencing of Cayden Paul Craig, and additional CalFire protections for prescribed burns (July 4, 2026, 2:49 p.m.)* ## 🌲 Mendocino County **Fireworks and other Festivities** *By MendoLocal.News · July 4* A Fourth of July cheat sheet. Read more: **State Senate Panel Advances Forest Management Bill** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 3* A Senate committee passed AB 2494, a bill that shifts forest management priorities at state forests toward restoration, wildfire resilience, and tribal co-management. It affects Jackson Demonstration State Forest, the state’s largest demonstration forest, and now heads to Appropriations. Read more: **Grand Jury Report Takes Board of Supervisors to Task** *Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer · July 2* The Mendocino County Civil Grand Jury on June 24 released "From Policy to Practice: Digging Deeper into the Board of Supervisors Oversight of Planning and Building Services." The 71-page report concludes that insufficient oversight has left the department without the written policies, procedures, and accountability needed to consistently enforce state law, protect public safety, and maintain public confidence. Read more: [www.mendonoma.com](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required.) **CAL FIRE Increases Precautionary Measures Around Prescribed Burns in Wake of the Putah Fire** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 30* After the Putah Fire escaped a 45-acre prescribed burn near Napa on June 8 and grew to 860 acres, CAL FIRE brought extra resources to its own 400-acre roadside burn along Highway 101 south of Ukiah. The caution paid off June 25 when the Arrow Fire briefly slipped containment but was stopped at 1.7 acres in 40 minutes, with one firefighter suffering minor injuries. Read more: **Court commits sex offender to state hospital as Sexually Violent Predator** *Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office · June 26* A judge ruled Johnny Lee Rain, 51, a Sexually Violent Predator and ordered him to Coalinga State Hospital for indefinite commitment, just as he neared release from a 23-year sentence. Prosecutors cited a decade of escalating assaults from 1992 to 2002. Read more: --- ## 📍 Covelo **Covelo woman arrested after victim escapes alleged attempted robbery** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 1* A Covelo woman, Abigail Sanchez-Santos, 39, faces attempted murder, attempted robbery, kidnapping, and criminal threats after allegedly striking her roommate with a rifle and pulling the trigger, which failed when the weapon malfunctioned. Read more: [https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/covelo-woman-arrested-after-victim-escapes-alleged-attempted-robbery/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/covelo-woman-arrested-after-victim-escapes-alleged-attempted-robbery/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌊 Fort Bragg **Fort Bragg City Council Renews $180K Marketing Contract Despite Brouhaha Over AI-generated Fourth of July Flyer** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 3* The Fort Bragg City Council voted 5–0 to renew an $180,000 annual marketing contract despite public outcry over an AI-generated Fourth of July flyer with fabricated images and an incorrect date. Idea Cooperative President Tom Kavanaugh took “full responsibility” and noted the flyer ran only 2.5 hours before removal. Read more: **Investigation finds rodeo horse Caddy killed accidentally by pellet gun** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · July 1* Caddy, a championship rodeo horse belonging to 17-year-old rider Adeline Shattuck, died June 11 after being hit with a pellet from a pellet gun. Investigators found no malicious intent, and no charges were filed. Read more: [https://mendocinocoast.news/your-thursday-paper-circus-in-town-mystery-photo-our-investigation-determined-caddy-the-rodeo-horse-was-killed-by-pellet-gun-caltrans-struggles-with-blues-beach-shutdown/](https://mendocinocoast.news/your-thursday-paper-circus-in-town-mystery-photo-our-investigation-determined-caddy-the-rodeo-horse-was-killed-by-pellet-gun-caltrans-struggles-with-blues-beach-shutdown/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Floyd and Connie’s opens permanent Fort Bragg restaurant** *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice · July 1* After running a weekly pop-up out of Cafe Beaujolais since 2022, Stephanie Butler and Nick Dorgan are opening a permanent spot at Noyo Harbor serving updated American classics. Soft opening around July 9, full opening July 16. Read more: [https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/after-years-of-pop-ups-floyd-and-connies-opens-a-permanent-fort-bragg-restaurant/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/after-years-of-pop-ups-floyd-and-connies-opens-a-permanent-fort-bragg-restaurant/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Summer programs kick off at the C.V. Starr Center** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 2* The C.V. Starr Center has a full summer of youth programming — swim, camps, soccer, and a “Dive into Reading” partnership with the Fort Bragg Library — led by Recreation Coordinator Ann Leach. Read more: [https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/02/splash-into-summer-happenings-at-the-c-v-starr-center/](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/02/splash-into-summer-happenings-at-the-c-v-starr-center/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Fort Bragg Man Accused of Prowling Sentenced to Six Years for Sex Crime** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 30* Cayden Paul Craig, 24, was sentenced June 27 to six years under a plea deal after entering a Fort Bragg home through a bedroom window and sexually assaulting the resident — a crime DNA evidence tied him to. With credit for time served he's set for release in June 2030 and must register as a sex offender. Read more: --- ## 🌅 Point Arena **Veterans Monument in Point Arena Nears Completion** *Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer · July 2* The project’s six basalt columns were installed in April and concrete work is expected to be completed in early July. Read more: [www.mendonoma.com](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription to the *Independent Coast Observer* required) --- ## 🍇 Redwood Valley **$1.7 million farm sale closes in Redwood Valley** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 28* A 65-acre spread at 9550 N. Highway 101 — vineyard, open ground, and a home — sold for $1.7 million to two local couples, the Bowers and the Harringtons, from a Miami-based seller. Read more: [https://mendocinocoast.news/your-monday-paper-who-shot-the-horses-and-why-1-7-million-farm-sale-in-redwood-valley-salmon-fishing-still-stinks-and-there-is-still-time-to-get-a-better-albion-bridge/](https://mendocinocoast.news/your-monday-paper-who-shot-the-horses-and-why-1-7-million-farm-sale-in-redwood-valley-salmon-fishing-still-stinks-and-there-is-still-time-to-get-a-better-albion-bridge/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚴 Ukiah **Ukiah City Council OKs moving forward with downtown code changes** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 3* The Ukiah City Council approved moving forward with a two-part plan to revise the Downtown Zoning Code, extending the C-1 Commercial zone westward to encourage development along Perkins Street. Read more: [https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/03/ukiah-city-council-oks-moving-forward-with-downtown-code-changes/](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/03/ukiah-city-council-oks-moving-forward-with-downtown-code-changes/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah City Council green-lights increasing recreation program fees** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 2* The Ukiah City Council voted unanimously to raise fees for community services including youth sports, the Grace Hudson Museum, and the city pool, Low-income discounts for youth sports remain available. Read more: [https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/ukiah-city-council-green-lights-increasing-recreation-program-fees/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/ukiah-city-council-green-lights-increasing-recreation-program-fees/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌊 Westport **Blues Beach transfers to tribal nonprofit as Caltrans navigates July 4 closure** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · July 2, and Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · July 1* Caltrans is transferring the 136-acre Blues Beach coastal property, at no cost, to Kai Poma, a nonprofit organized by the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians. Meanwhile, an announced a July 4 vehicle closure was rolled back; pedestrian access remains throughout. Read more: [https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/blues-beach-near-westport-transfers-to-local-tribal-nonprofit/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/07/blues-beach-near-westport-transfers-to-local-tribal-nonprofit/?ref=mendolocal.news) [https://mendocinocoast.news/your-thursday-paper-circus-in-town-mystery-photo-our-investigation-determined-caddy-the-rodeo-horse-was-killed-by-pellet-gun-caltrans-struggles-with-blues-beach-shutdown/](https://mendocinocoast.news/your-thursday-paper-circus-in-town-mystery-photo-our-investigation-determined-caddy-the-rodeo-horse-was-killed-by-pellet-gun-caltrans-struggles-with-blues-beach-shutdown/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚂 Willits **Willits City Council Grapples with Looming General Fund Deficit** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 1* Under a fiscal emergency declared in April 2025, Willits will draw $484,000 from reserves in its 2026–27 budget, with $6.3 million in general fund expenses against $4.6 million in baseline revenue. Council member Bruce Burton pressed for 10% operating cuts. Read more: **Willits Grocery Outlet Gets Yellow Tagged Following Quake** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · July 1* An earthquake damaged a critical support column inside the Grocery Outlet at 1718 S. Main Street, prompting a yellow tag that bars public occupancy until repairs are made. Read more: **Mendocino County Museum expands access, celebrates successes** By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · July 2 The Mendocino County Museum in Willits has revitalized itself over the past decade, and now features a room of restored trains from Roots of Motive Power open daily. Administrator Karen Mattson and curator Lindsey Dick are working to raise the institution’s profile as the county’s museum, not just the “Willits Museum. Read more: [https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/02/mendocino-county-museum-expands-access-celebrates-successes/](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/07/02/mendocino-county-museum-expands-access-celebrates-successes/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS **Gas Prices are High for July 4\. Price-gouging Fixes Remain on the Shelf.** *By Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters · July 3* Feeling the pinch of high gas prices? The state’s petroleum watchdog has identified a problem that goes beyond refinery capacity: branded gas stations like Chevron are charging significantly more than unbranded competitors, with pricing shaped by algorithms, supplier contracts, and brand power. Meanwhile, California’s most aggressive price-control tools—including a refinery margin penalty—remain shelved after the state backed away from them last year. Read more: [https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/07/california-gas-prices-july-fourth/](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/07/california-gas-prices-july-fourth/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Shift Away from Permanent Homeless Housing** *By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters · July 2* A federal judge this week shot down the Trump administration’s attempt to steer billions in homeless funding away from permanent housing and toward temporary shelters and sobriety programs. The judge called the effort “the hallmark of unreasoned decision making.” Last year, California communities spent about 90% their share of federal HUD money on permanent housing. The fight is far from over. Last week, the administration moved to shift 2026 federal funding away from permanent housing and the housing first framework. Read more: [https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2026/07/trump-homeless-funding-judge/](https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2026/07/trump-homeless-funding-judge/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Fireworks and Festivities on the Fourth URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fireworks-and-festivities-on-the/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:44.000Z 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 Where: Fort Bragg Coastal Trail When: 9:30 p.m. 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Fourth of July Parade Where: Downtown Point Arena When: Sunday, July 5, Noon 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗕𝗤 Where: Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg When: Saturday, July 4, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Fourth of July Parade Where: Downtown Mendocino When: Noon 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 Where: Willits See: Willits Frontier Days for full schedule of events 𝗨𝗸𝗶𝗮𝗵 𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗻𝗶𝗰 Where: Todd Grove Park, Ukiah When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ### Fort Bragg City Council Renews $180K Marketing Contract Despite Brouhaha Over AI-generated Fourth of July Flyer URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-renews-marketing-contract/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:44.000Z The flyer promoting Fort Bragg’s Fourth of July weekend — the biggest tourism weekend of the year — got the date wrong. It also featured a trail that doesn’t exist in Fort Bragg, a barbecue that never happened, and fireworks bursting over a harbor that isn’t Noyo Harbor. Not a single image in the flyer was real. Every element was generated by artificial intelligence, and every person who reviewed it — at the city’s marketing firm and at City Hall — missed the errors before it was posted to Facebook. That flyer turned a routine consent-calendar contract renewal into more than 40 minutes of public criticism at the June 29 special City Council meeting. When it was over, the council voted 5–0 to renew Idea Cooperative’s marketing contract anyway — $180,000 a year through June 2027 — while pointing to a 10-day cancellation clause and a looming August decision about the future of the city’s entire tourism program. “Every single person who looked at the flyer presenting the biggest weekend of our year, the 4th of July weekend, missed everything — the date, everything,” online commenter Jay McMartin-Rosenquist told the council, recounting a morning phone call with Idea Cooperative president and creative director Tom Kavanaugh. “Not only his employees, but also those at City Hall.” McMartin-Rosenquist suggested the firm owed the city an apology and a month’s refund. The flyer was produced by a local subcontractor to the San Rafael-based firm — a woman who also sits on the Visit Fort Bragg committee and is paid $500 a month by Idea Cooperative, an arrangement Kavanaugh confirmed in an interview. Council Member Lindy Peters characterized the episode as “a human error” by someone who “knows a lot of people and does an excellent job typically at this particular task.” In an interview with MendoLocal.News, Kavanaugh pledged to do better. “It is a mistake on the agency’s part that we take full responsibility for,” he said, describing it as a single post that ran only on Facebook for a total of 2.5 hours before coming down. He said it was the firm’s first use of artificial intelligence on Fort Bragg’s behalf. “Because of that, we should have given it an extra round of proofing before it went live,” he said. Kavanaugh said the criticism has stung a little, and he defended his company’s four-year engagement with the city. He pointed to metrics showing that traffic to visitfortbraggca.com, the tourism website, has more than doubled, and that traffic during the winter shoulder season increased 135 percent. “We all work very hard for the city,” he said. Kavanaugh also pointed out that the vast majority of the city’s contract with his firm goes “not into our pockets but into paid media” — the paid advertising that drives visitors to town. And he said the firm would strive to improve as a result of the snafu. “We know we can always get better.” Residents were not easily mollified. “I don’t know why they would be using fake photos of a trail that doesn’t exist here,” Jenny Shattuck told the council, noting the image resembled Big Sur. “Posting fake fantasy images of places is false advertisement, in my opinion, and lying.” Shattuck urged the council to limit any renewal to two- to three-month terms. “Taxpayer dollars were spent on promotional materials that included irrelevant dates and images that weren’t even of the Fort Bragg community,” Rachelle Sutherland, a lifelong resident, told the council. “That kind of oversight is unacceptable.” Anthony Wells, who runs the Fort Bragg digital media agency Mendocino Drone, told the council the firm used to hire real local photographers — including him — before it turned to AI. “It’s hypocritical to say the talent isn’t here, but, hey, can we subcontract you?” he said. Marc Tager, a Fort Bragg resident and founder of the ClickEthos marketing agency who has separately pursued marketing contracts with the city, attacked the campaign’s search performance. He said typing “Skunk Train” into a search engine returns Visit California, Visit Mendocino County, even Visit Willits — “and not even a sniff of Visit Fort Bragg. And the Skunk Train’s our biggest draw.” The $180,000 comes from a 1% share of transient occupancy tax that voters dedicated to destination marketing in a 2016 advisory measure — roughly $240,000 to $250,000 a year, City Manager Isaac Whippy told the council, with the remainder funding events and shoulder-season programming. A 2024 request for proposals drew four submissions; a review panel that included Visit Fort Bragg committee members chose to continue with Idea Cooperative. The renewal’s timing drew as much concern as the flyer. The Visit Fort Bragg committee heard [a presentation from Jon Glidewell](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-weighs-new-tourism-organizations) on June 15 laying out three alternative models — keeping the current arrangement, hiring city staff to run marketing directly, or spinning off a private destination marketing organization, possibly in partnership with Visit Mendocino. The committee made no decision and will revisit the question in August. Council Member Tess Albin-Smith questioned approving a year-long contract in the middle of that reassessment. The 10-day termination clause — which lets the city exit with only that month’s costs — satisfied her and Mayor Jason Godeke. “It’s important that it be one that can be changed,” Godeke said. Shattuck returned to the podium during the item discussion to argue the problem predates the flyer: no vetting of members of the Visit Fort Bragg committee and no one accountable when misinformation posts. “They just delete it,” she said. Peters offered the night’s only levity: “We can only hope that a whole bunch of people saw that post and show up July 3rd and decide to stay an extra day in Fort Bragg, California, so they could see the fireworks on the fourth,” he said. Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan moved to approve the contract; Peters seconded. The vote was 5–0. ### State Senate Panel Advances Forest Management Bill URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/state-senate-panel-advances-forest-management-bill/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:45.000Z *Correction: The story was updated to reflect the fact that Assemblymembers Rodriquez and Muratsuchi were not present for the vote. We originally reported that they abstained, which was incorrect. (July 3, 2026, 3:23 p.m.)* A California Senate committee passed a bill Wednesday that would shift the primary management goal of state-owned forests from commercial logging to ecological restoration and climate resilience. The Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Water approved Assembly Bill 2494 in a 5–2 vote on July 1, 2026, over the objections of timber industry advocates and some researchers who warned it could impede their work. The legislation, targets the state’s 14 demonstration forests, which encompass approximately 85,000 acres. Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa) authored the bill. It was approved in the Assembly on May 26, 2026 in a 58-20 vote with Democratic support and all members voting along partisan lines. Two Democrats were not present: Celeste Rodriguez, from District 43, just north of Hollywood Studios, and Al Muratsuchi, from District 63, centered in Torrance, CA. If enacted, the bill would repeal a decades-old mandate requiring these lands to be managed for “maximum sustained production” of high-quality timber. Instead, the state would prioritize biodiversity conservation, wildfire resilience, and carbon sequestration. During the hearing, much of the discussion centered on whether the policy shift would harm private timber companies that rely on state research or local sawmills that purchase state timber. Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) pressed Rogers on the opposition from sustainable timber firms in his own district. Laird noted that while the bill applies only to public lands, companies like Big Creek Lumber remained concerned about the changes. “The sustainable ones seem to be opposed, which sort of implies that the sustainable ones are threatened by something in your bill,” Laird said in remarks captured by [CalMatters Digital Democracy database.](https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca%5F202520260ab2494?ref=mendolocal.news) Rogers responded that the bill was intended to ensure the public has a voice in managing public land, elevating values like recreation and conservation from “nice-to-haves” to legal mandates. He emphasized that the bill does not prohibit timber harvesting, but ensures that logging is a tool for ecological goals rather than a driver for revenue. Laird, who ultimately voted in favor of the bill, admitted he initially thought Rogers was “crazy” for tackling such a historically contentious issue in California’s “timber wars”. He urged Rogers to continue working with local stakeholders, particularly those near the Soquel Demonstration State Forest, who feared the bill was too tailored to the larger Jackson Demonstration State Forest in Mendocino County. The bill also introduces a framework for tribal co-management, authorizing the state to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into forest stewardship. Buffie Campbell, executive director of the InterTribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, testified that the bill represents a step toward reparations for the removal of Native people from their ancestral homelands. Opponents, including Matt Dias of Calforests, argued that the current management system has already achieved exemplary forest conditions through seven decades of sustained management. Other critics, such as forest researcher Sarah Bisbing, expressed concern that the new definitions would hinder critical research. “Experimenting with techniques to maintain forests requires us to cut some trees,” Bisbing said. The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Voting in favor were Democratic Senators Benjamin Allen, John Laird, Christopher Cabaldon, Henry Stern, and Josh Becker. Republican Senators Shannon Grove and Kelly Seyarto voted in opposition. ### Pedestrian Injured in Fort Bragg Collision on Tuesday URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/pedestrian-injured-in-fort-bragg/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:45.000Z A pedestrian was injured in a traffic collision June 30 around 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of Chestnut and S. Franklin streets, according to the Fort Bragg Police Department. One of the witnesses who reached out to MendoLocal.News said the injured person was a man in black and that he was not moving after the accident. Police said the incident remains under investigation as a traffic collision and is not being investigated as a hit-and-run. Officers contacted and interviewed the driver of the involved vehicle at the scene. The pedestrian was transported to Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Hospital for treatment and was last reported to be in stable condition, according to Fort Bragg Police Commander John McLaughlin. Police are not releasing the names of those involved or additional details while the investigation is ongoing and to protect the privacy of both parties. ### Willits Grocery Outlet Gets Yellow Tagged Following Quake URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-grocery-outlet-gets-yellow-tag/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:46.000Z The Grocery Outlet in Willits will remain closed for the foreseeable future after a recent earthquake caused major structural damage to a critical support column inside the building. Following the earthquake, Willits Building Official and Public Works Director Davey Bowles inspected the supermarket and identified damage to the column. Due to the severity of the damage and the safety risks it presents, city officials yellow-tagged the building and restricted occupancy. “The safety of the public and the store’s employees are going to remain our highest priority,” Dusty Duley, the city’s Community Development Director, said in an interview with MendoLocal.News. Before the popular supermarket can reopen, the property owner must hire an engineer to evaluate the building, develop engineering plans to repair the support column, and submit those plans to the city for review. While the building remains closed to the public, the property owner can bring structural engineers and contractors inside. City officials said they are prepared to expedite the plan review and permitting process once the paperwork is submitted to ensure the project moves forward as quickly as possible. However, there is currently no timeline for when the store might reopen. “Right now, all I can tell you is once we get plans, we’re prepared to make it a high priority,” Duley said, noting that the city has not yet received any building permit applications related to the repairs. Once the plans are approved and the repairs are complete, the city will conduct a final inspection. While Grocery Outlet remains closed, other local supermarkets have fared better. The nearby Mariposa Market—a newer building constructed to higher standards—sustained almost no damage other than stock falling off its shelves and has reopened. Safeway has also reopened after addressing cleanup, minor water leaks, and securing bent pipes in its fire suppression system. Local officials are urging residents and business owners who experienced earthquake damage to visit mendoready.org to complete a damage assessment form. While completing the form does not guarantee financial assistance, the data helps Mendocino County track the full impact of the earthquake to potentially qualify for state or federal disaster assistance. ### Willits City Council Grapples with Looming General Fund Deficit URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-city-council-june-24-2026j/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:46.000Z Mayor Tom Allman called the regular meeting of the Willits City Council on June 24, 2026 to order following the Pledge of Allegiance, with all five council members present. [The meeting ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUnDOquaZ3g&ref=mendolocal.news)is available for viewing on YouTube. #### Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items No speakers stepped forward. #### Consent Calendar Council members unanimously approved the minutes from the June 10 regular meeting and June 11 special meeting. A proposed three-year animal control contract was removed from the calendar for separate discussion. #### Council Member Reports - Council member Matthew Alaniz reported that the Mendocino Transit Authority met in Willits to pass its budget and expects new electric buses by the end of summer. - Council member Bruce Burton requested monthly fund balances, which Administrative Services Manager Joseph Park could not yet provide due to pending bank account access. - Mayor Tom Allman reported that State Senator Mike McGuire and Congressman Jared Huffman’s staff reached out to offer earthquake assistance. #### Item: County Animal Control Contract Chief of Police Brian Fay presented a proposed three-year agreement with Mendocino County for animal control services, capped at $24,732 annually for a total of $74,196. - Burton opposed the contract, arguing the council should not approve a multi-year deal without staff exploring cheaper alternatives, and noted that the expenditure constitutes deficit spending. - Council member Larry Stranske cited past frustrations with the county responses to dogs running wild early in the morning when he was walking his dog. - Council member Gerardo Gonzalez supported the agreement, stating the county shelter in Redwood Valley will not pick up animals or file required bite reports without a contract. - Council member Matthew Alaniz said the costs were already structured into the budget. The council voted 3-2 to adopt the agreement, with Burton and Stranske dissenting. The council directed Chief Fay to research alternative service options before the contract comes up for renewal. #### Item: Chamber of Commerce Leadership and Emergency Response Interim City Manager James Conner credited local first responders for managing the midday earthquake without direct oversight. He also reported that the local Chamber of Commerce has transitioned to new leadership. No citizens spoke on the matter. No formal vote was taken. Council members expressed skepticism, noting they had heard negative feedback regarding the Chamber’s past operations. #### Item: Looming General Fund Deficits and Measure K Depletion Administrative Services Manager Joseph Park presented a budget analysis from financial consultant Andy Heath, outlining the city’s ongoing fiscal emergency declared in April 2025\. While the current fiscal year expects a minor $36,740 surplus, the preliminary 2026-27 budget projects drawing $484,000 from reserves even after diverting the entirety of the city’s $1.2 million Measure K revenue into the general fund. > General fund expenses of $6.3 million outpace baseline revenues of $4.6 million, with healthcare costs alone jumping to $922,000—representing 19% of the general fund. Burton pushed for more aggressive fiscal action. He suggested staff find 10% operating cuts and asked for a direct comparison of current spending to the city’s last balanced budget around 2019-20\. Allman opposed the latter request calling it “academic,” saying “we need a budget for our citizens now.” Gonzalez said he agreed with Burton and attributed the deficit to payroll raises, rising costs, lower Measure K revenues, and nine positions added since Measure K passed. Alaniz characterized the requests as “micromanaging” financial experts. The council agreed unanimously to release the unadopted line-item budget to the public on Friday, ahead of a special budget adoption meeting scheduled for June 29 at 6:30 p.m. No citizens spoke during public comment. No formal vote was taken. #### Item: Earthquake Damage and Department Updates Public Works Director Davey Bowles, Community Development Director Dusty Duley and Police Chief Brian Fay delivered reports detailing city infrastructure and emergency inspections following a midday earthquake. Bowles reported that municipal crews and the fire department inspected buildings city wide, declaring all bridges safe by 3:00 p.m. except the East Valley Bridge, which is moving forward with a $690,000 Caltrans-funded replacement design. Commercial inspections revealed structural damage at the vacant Rite Aid and closed Grocery Outlet and Safeway. Mariposa Market reopened quickly with minor stock loss. - Bowles advised residents with brown tap water to run outdoor spigots until clear. He said the earthquake caused a handful of leaks. He also announced that the municipal solar park has gone online to reduce energy costs. - Duley reported that the city and the Mendocino Council of Governments had obtained a $188,000 planning grant from Caltrans for a multimodal study. He also urged citizen to report earthquake damage at mendoready.org — this can help Mendocino County qualify for state or federal disaster relief funding. And he said the city will help connect citizens with volunteer organizations to help with earthquake cleanup. - Chief Fay noted that National Night Out is scheduled for August 4, and warned of parking enforcement on newly installed no-parking signs. - City Clerk Delores Pedersen announced candidate nomination packets will be available starting July 13. #### Adjournment Mayor Tom Allman adjourned the meeting. ### Leggett Man Arrested After Alleged BB Gun Assault on Younger Brother URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/leggett-man-arrested-after-alleged/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:47.000Z A 25-year-old Leggett man was arrested Sunday following a family argument in which he allegedly shot his younger brother multiple times with a CO2-powered BB gun. The incident was reported around 7 p.m. at a residence in the 68000 block of North Highway 101 near Leggett, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Mendocino County sheriff’s deputies and officers with the California Highway Patrol responded. Brodie Cardoza, 25, of Leggett was identified as the suspect and arrested. Investigators recovered a black CO2 BB handgun they say was used in the assault. The 18-year-old victim suffered three red, swollen abrasions to his abdomen. He was treated at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Authorities said the BBs did not appear to have penetrated his skin. Cardoza was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm and booked into the Mendocino County Jail. Bail was set at $30,000. *Editor’s note: An arrest is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.* ### Fort Bragg Man Accused of Prowling Sentenced to Six Years for Sex Crime URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-prowler-sentenced/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:48.000Z Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Victoria Shanahan on Friday sentenced Cayden Paul Craig, 24, to six years in state prison in accordance with a plea agreement signed May 6. Craig was arrested June 28, 2025, after being accused of entering a home on South Harrison Street in Fort Bragg through a bedroom window and raping the resident. The victim initially believed her masked assailant was someone she knew. Craig was identified through DNA evidence. He admitted entering the home and having “rough” sex with the victim but maintained the encounter was consensual. Craig also faced charges of prowling outside a house on South Sanderson Street and stealing a video camera from the property. Additional charges filed by the district attorney were dismissed after individual victims identified a different person. Following a preliminary hearing, Judge Patrick Pekin ruled there was sufficient evidence for Craig to stand trial on charges of forcible rape, sexual penetration with a foreign object by force, prowling, and petty theft. Under the plea agreement, those charges were reduced to two felonies: sexual penetration of a person prevented from resisting because of intoxication and first-degree burglary. Although the combined sentences totaled 10 years, the six-year sentence for the sex offense and the four-year sentence for burglary will run concurrently — at the same time — for a six-year sentence. Craig also received nearly two years of credit for time served since his arrest, giving him a release date in June 2030\. He also must register as a sex offender. During the sentencing hearing, defense attorney Justin Pedersen argued that Craig lacked the ability to pay substantial state fines, noting that his client had been receiving CalFresh benefits. Citing Craig’s inability to pay, the court reduced his restitution fine to $300 and stayed several other fees. Craig waived his right to be personally present for future restitution hearings. Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey and Pedersen agreed to return to court July 2 at 10 a.m. to determine whether both sides can stipulate to the final victim restitution amounts. Craig has 60 days to file an appeal. --- ##### Read our coverage of this case: [*Judge Says Case Against Alleged Fort Bragg Prowler/Rapist Can Proceed to Trial* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-prowler-prelim)(November 6, 2025) [*Accused Fort Bragg Prowler Pleads Not Guilty, Trial Set for May*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/not-guilty-plea-fort-bragg-prowler) (January 30, 2026) . ### CAL FIRE Increases Precautionary Measures Around Prescribed Burns in Wake of the Putah Fire URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/cal-fire-increases-precautionary/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:48.000Z If there is one lesson CAL FIRE learned from the Putah Fire, which burned 860 acres east of Napa Valley earlier this month, it is not to skimp on resources. The Putah Fire broke out along Highway 128 on Monday, June 8, in the same area where firefighters had scheduled a 45-acre prescribed burn. A three- to four-acre wildfire uphill from the firefighting team was reported by the incident commander. It was later determined that the fire had escaped the prescribed burn, according to CAL FIRE. Less than three weeks later, on June 25, wind caused a prescribed burn along Highway 101 in Mendocino County to briefly spread beyond the containment area. According to CAL FIRE spokeswoman Sherri Wise, the Arrow Fire started between 8:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. One firefighter suffered minor injuries almost immediately and was taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released. Meanwhile, the fire was contained within 40 minutes. Firefighters limited the spread to just 1.7 acres. “We have gone above and beyond, bringing in extra resources,” Wise said. “We don’t want to lose the public’s trust. These projects are so important.” The prescribed burn along Highway 101 began June 22 and is continuing at various locations from the top of Ridgewood Grade to south of Ukiah at Nelson Ranch Road. The goal is to prevent fires from starting along the road. The total target area is 400 acres. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — June 28, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-roundup-june-28/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:49.000Z ## 🏛️ Mendocino County **Mendocino County Superior Court photo contest nears deadline** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 26* The Mendocino County Superior Court is accepting photography submissions in seven categories through July 31\. The top two photos in each category will be displayed in the county’s new courthouse when it opens in 2027, with winners announced in September. **Read more:** [https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/mendocino-county-superior-court-photo-contest-nears-deadline/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/mendocino-county-superior-court-photo-contest-nears-deadline/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Supervisors Give Ukiah Annexation Talks More Time** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 25* Supervisors voted 4-1 to preserve the Master Tax Sharing Agreement, allowing negotiations over Ukiah’s proposed annexation to continue despite opposition from county residents in the affected area. **Read more:** **Sara Pierce Elevated to Interim CEO** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 25* The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to appoint Assistant CEO Sara Pierce as interim chief executive officer, effective July 13, while the county continues its search for a permanent CEO. **Read more:** **As contract nears end, Mendocino County offers its workers 1%** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 24* County employees protested management’s offer of a 1% wage increase as negotiations continue ahead of their contract’s June 30 expiration. **Read more:** [https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/as-contract-nears-end-mendocino-county-offers-its-workers-1/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/as-contract-nears-end-mendocino-county-offers-its-workers-1/?ref=mendolocal.news) **North Coast Opportunities closed seven programs in two years** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 22* North Coast Opportunities has closed seven community programs over the past two years, citing funding shortfalls and a shift in organizational priorities. Programs included a community garden, soup kitchen, and food services. **Read more:** [https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/north-coast-opportunities-closed-seven-programs-in-two-years/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/north-coast-opportunities-closed-seven-programs-in-two-years/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏠 Fort Bragg **Affordable Workforce Housing Coming to South Franklin Street in Fort Bragg** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 26* The Fort Bragg City Council backed Housing Mendocino Coast’s proposal to build 12 to 13 affordable homes using a community land trust model to preserve long-term affordability. **Read more:** **Texas man uses two-way camera to scare off burglars from vacant oceanfront home** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 24* A Texas resident used a Ring camera to stop an attempted burglary at his parents’ home near Fort Bragg by speaking to the suspects remotely before deputies arrived. **Read more:** [https://mendocinocoast.news/texas-man-uses-two-way-camera-to-scare-off-burglars-from-vacant-oceanfront-home/](https://mendocinocoast.news/texas-man-uses-two-way-camera-to-scare-off-burglars-from-vacant-oceanfront-home/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌲 Navarro **Logging truck driver dies after rig hits tree near Navarro Store; community rallies to get his dog home** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 24* Ed Walker, 69, died after his logging truck overturned on Highway 128\. His dog Tommy was later reunited with family members. **Read more:** [https://mendocinocoast.news/logging-truck-driver-dies-after-rig-hits-tree-near-navarro-store-community-rallies-to-get-his-dog-home/](https://mendocinocoast.news/logging-truck-driver-dies-after-rig-hits-tree-near-navarro-store-community-rallies-to-get-his-dog-home/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🦒 Point Arena **Critically Endangered Antelope Species Arrives at B. Bryan Preserve** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* Three endangered addax antelope have arrived at B. Bryan Preserve, expanding the preserve’s conservation program. **Read more:** https://mendonoma.com *(Subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* --- ## 💧Potter Valley **Feds take Potter Valley dam “public” comments privately Tuesday evening** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 25* The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission held private, one-on-one scoping sessions on PG&E’s Potter Valley Project removal proposal. **Read more:** [https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/feds-take-potter-valley-dam-public-comments-privately-tuesday-evening/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/feds-take-potter-valley-dam-public-comments-privately-tuesday-evening/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌿 Redwood Valley **The Coyote Fire: A Frightening Fire Drill** *By Adam Gaska, MendoLocal.News · June 28* A fast-moving wildfire near the Coyote Valley Casino in Redwood Valley prompted a rapid evacuation order on June 25, 2026, giving residents and emergency responders a real-world test of their preparedness. One resident’s account details the frantic 10 minutes spent preparing their home—from changing clothes to staging valuables and laying out hoses—before fire crews stopped the forward progress of the blaze and the evacuation order was lifted. **Read more:** **Redwood Valley Residents File CEQA Lawsuit to Block Gas Station** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 25* Residents filed a lawsuit challenging the county’s approval of a proposed gas station, alleging officials failed to prepare an Environmental Impact Report. **Read more:** **Mendocino County monks mark 30 years on “Fearless Mountain”** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 23* Abhayagiri Monastery is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a Theravada Buddhist monastery in Redwood Valley. **Read more:** [https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/23/mendocino-county-monks-mark-30-years-on-fearless-mountain/](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/23/mendocino-county-monks-mark-30-years-on-fearless-mountain/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(Subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required.)* --- ## 🥾 Ukiah **New Ukiah trail celebrated Saturday** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 25* The Gateway Trail Loop has opened on Lookout Peak, becoming the first section of a planned 20-mile trail network. **Read more:** [https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/25/new-ukiah-trail-to-be-celebrated-saturday/](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/25/new-ukiah-trail-to-be-celebrated-saturday/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(Subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required.)* --- ## 🤠 Willits **Willits Frontier Days kicks off with plenty of fun ahead** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 26* The 100th annual Willits Frontier Days celebration continues through July 4 with rodeo events, truck pulls, art shows, and a centennial parade. **Read more:** [https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/willits-frontier-days-kicks-off-with-plenty-of-fun-ahead/](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/willits-frontier-days-kicks-off-with-plenty-of-fun-ahead/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Strikes Near Redwood Valley** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 24* A magnitude 5.6 earthquake shook much of Mendocino County, causing power outages, supermarket closures, and continuing damage assessments. **Read more:** [https://mendocinocoast.news/5-6-earthquake-rocks-redwood-valley/](https://mendocinocoast.news/5-6-earthquake-rocks-redwood-valley/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS **14 Measures on California’s November Ballot: Billionaire Tax, Housing Bond, and More** *By Yue Stella Yu and Kristen Hwang, CalMatters* California voters will decide on 14 statewide ballot measures this November, including a high-stakes 5% wealth tax on billionaires, an $11.25 billion affordable housing bond, and a $25 billion homebuying loan program. Other key proposals include making a temporary income tax on high earners permanent, expedited environmental review for development projects, voter ID requirements, and public campaign financing. The measures span taxation, housing, healthcare, elections, and environmental policy—with some facing competing ballot initiatives designed to undercut their impact. **Read more**: https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-ballot-measures-november-election/ **How a George Floyd-Inspired California Law Accidentally Weakened Police Accountability** *By Nigel Duara and Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett, CalMatters* In 2020, California transferred responsibility for investigating fatal police shootings from local authorities to the state attorney general, promising faster and more credible investigations. But the system has backfired. Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office now takes an average of nearly two years and five months to complete investigations—well beyond the statute of limitations for many charges and the three-year window for officer decertification. Not a single officer has been prosecuted under the law. **Read more:** https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/06/police-shootings-attorney-general/ ### The Coyote Fire: A Frightening Fire Drill URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/the-coyote-fire-a-frightening-fire/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T21:32:10.000Z *By Adam Gaska* *A fast-moving fire near the Coyote Valley Casino in Redwood Valley prompted the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office to issue an evacuation order at 1:02 p.m. on Thursday, June 25\. Fifteen minutes later, the order was lifted, giving residents and emergency responders a chance to assess how prepared they would all be if the fire had continued to spread.* After finishing my lunch, I received a Watch Duty alert about a fire in Coyote Valley. Shortly afterward, I got a Nixle alert saying the fire was on Vineyard Oaks and that an evacuation warning had been issued. I decided to head home immediately. Soon after I left, the warning was upgraded to an evacuation order. Driving home at 90 mph, I was passed by about 10 Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office vehicles traveling even faster. As I got closer to home, deputies were driving through the neighborhood with their lights and sirens on, using loudspeakers to tell residents to evacuate. I made it home and, within 10 minutes, had changed from business casual into clothes better suited for firefighting. The pets were gathered inside and ready to be loaded into their carriers. My fire box, valuables and go bags were staged by the door, and my car was backed up to the house, ready for a quick departure. I laid out hoses around the house, removed curtains and other flammable items from the windows, closed all the windows and doors, and moved anything combustible away from the house to clear the battlefield. I even thought through my contingency plan to kick down a section of the wooden fence if I needed another escape route. All the gates were open, and I was as ready as I could be. Then everything changed. Fire crews stopped the forward progress of the fire, and the evacuation order was downgraded to a warning, then to a situational awareness advisory. After waiting for a while to make sure things remained stable, I changed back into my office clothes, put everything back where it belonged, and headed back to work. ### Affordable Workforce Housing Coming to South Franklin Street in Fort Bragg URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/affordable-workforce-housing-coming-to-fort-bragg/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:50.000Z ## Fort Bragg City Council Meeting June 22, 2026 ### Public Comment on Special Closed Session A protective order was filed by the Sierra Northern Railway and Mendocino Railway in the environmental liability lawsuit they have brought against the City of Fort Bragg concerning contaminated stormwater runoff. The order was filed at 11:35 AM on June 22 — less than six hours before regular council meeting. A special closed session was put on the calendar for 4:30 p.m. Fort Bragg resident and retired teacher Jade Tippett told the council the order would allow any party to label evidence confidential simply by marking it so, blocking public access even after the case concludes. He called it “utterly unacceptable” and said the timing challenged “the spirit, if not the text of the Brown Act.” Tippett asked the council to reject the order or hold a public hearing before voting on it. The full text of the filing is available at [SaveNoyoHeadlands.org.](https://savenoyoheadlands.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Regular Open Session Mayor Jason Godeke called the regular meeting of the Fort Bragg City Council to order at 6 p.m. (The full meeting is available via the City of Fort Bragg’s Facebook page.) All council members were present with Tess Albin-Smith attending via Zoom. \--- ### Proclamations **Mendocino Cookie Company** - Council Member Lindy Peters read a proclamation honoring the Mendocino Cookie Company on its 42nd anniversary; daughter Wendy accepted on behalf of founder Beverlee Younger, 92, who remains active in the business. **Ocean Wave Quilters** - Mayor Godeke honored Ocean Wave Quilters on the 30th anniversary of the Fort Bragg Quilt Show, recognizing the group’s volunteer-run community programs including quilts for newborns, dementia patients, chemotherapy patients, foster children, and animal shelters, and more. \--- ### Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items - David Jensen marked the 25th anniversary of Cowlicks Ice Cream, which he and his wife Johanna opened July 5, 2001\. He credited a city CDBG loan — approved by the council after a lengthy late-night hearing — with making the business possible and urged the city to create a “CDBG Hall of Fame” to publicize the program’s impact and encourage future applicants. - Jacob Patterson, a local attorney, urged the council to treat two pending lawsuits involving the same parties as legally distinct, noting the city’s position differs significantly between the two cases. He complained about customer service he received from MCN regarding a router replacement, then criticizeed their marketing for municipal broadband as inadequate and the projected sign-up numbers unrealistic. Finally, he flagged rising CalPERS and health insurance costs as compounding the fiscal risk inherent in the broadband project. ### Public Comments on Consent Calendar - Dennis Miller, a local retiree, questioned why agenda items covering cost-of-living adjustments for city employees did not disclose the full cost of retiree benefits, including supplemental CalPERS contributions and retiree health and welfare payments. He argued that a 6% COLA negotiated at the executive level was inconsistent with the 2.8% federal CPI adjustment received by retirees, and called on the council to represent taxpayers by scrutinizing the full actuarial cost of city employment compensation. ### Consent Calendar No additional public comment was offered. Council Member Peters moved to adopt the consent calendar; Council Member Hockett seconded. The council voted 5–0 to approve. ### Noyo Center for Marine Science – Annual Update Lynne Sullivan, operations manager, presented the annual update in place of Executive Director Sheila Semens. Sullivan reported that the Whale House LaBONEatory on the Noyo Headlands is nearly complete on the exterior and will serve as the permanent home for a 73-foot blue whale skeleton. Active programs include a purple urchin aquaculture pilot project producing marketable uni, an upcoming red abalone broodstock program in partnership with the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, kelp forest restoration research, sea level rise vulnerability assessment for Noyo Harbor, and marine mammal necropsy and specimen preservation in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences. The center operates more than 100 volunteers and runs K–12 through adult education programs. \--- ### Staff Comments City Manager Isaac Whippy announced the following: \- A utility assistance program funded by CDBG offers up to $800 toward utilities; applications are available at the Community Development counter and on the city website. \- Fourth of July fireworks are set for Saturday, July 4 at 9 p.m. Parking at the South Coastal Trail/Cypress Street location will cost $20 per vehicle. Pomo Bluff parking on Ocean Drive will be open; Ocean View Drive will have no street parking. \- An in-house streets crew is expected to launch by late July or early August once personnel complete background checks and training; the remaining equipment, an asphalt truck, is scheduled for delivery in the first week of July. Broadband Director Sage Stathamprovided a construction update. Conduit and fiber have been pulled through Distribution Areas 1–4 and 8–14\. Areas 5, 6, and 7 have conduit in place and are awaiting final city inspection before fiber pull. Only Distribution Area 15 has an outstanding conduit segment along Highway 20, pending the middle-mile project. More than 270 people have signed up for service, including 29 multi-unit property inquiries and 19 businesses. The city is currently interviewing candidates for three technician positions; skilled installers are expected to complete roughly two installs per day once fully trained. ### Council Member Reports - Council Member Hockettreported that the Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee, and Fire Board all canceled their meetings. - Council Member Tess Albin-Smith noted a recent [Visit Fort Bragg committee meeting](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-weighs-new-tourism-organizations) focused on the committee’s future responsibilities, a topic likely to surface at the budget workshop. She also announced that MTA board member Jim Tarbell is retiring after a long tenure; an opening now exists and interested coastal residents can apply through the county website. - Council Member Petersreported on the [same Visit Fort Bragg committee meeting](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-weighs-new-tourism-organizations), describing discussion about the city’s tourism marketing strategy and a possible expanded scope for the committee. He raised the idea of a city ambassador program for summer weekends, floated at the promotions committee by a public attendee. He also asked for status updates on e-bike signage for the coastal trail (signs are in hand and expected to be posted shortly), solar lighting at the Fort Bragg welcome sign (replacement light on order after the wrong unit was initially received), and a future Caltrans briefing on ongoing road work ahead of the July 4 weekend. Peters confirmed the fireworks parking fees go entirely to the fireworks fund. He also noted the incoming community development director will soon relieve some of the workload currently carried by interim staff. - Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan announced that the California Public Utilities Commission will hold a meeting at Town Hall on Thursday, July 2 at 11 a.m. — a rare coast appearance — and encouraged residents to attend and speak about electricity bills. - Mayor Godekeannounced he will hold a constituent office hour at the Fort Bragg Farmers Market on Wednesday, July 1 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. \--- ### Item: Fire Protection Parcel Tax — November 2026 Ballot City Manager Whippy presented a proposed parcel tax. Whippy noted the city’s parcel tax for fire equipment was originally approved in 1983 and most recently set at $24 per parcel. The city’s 10-year fire equipment replacement schedule projects approximately $5.5 million in needs, with the city responsible for 50% under its JPA agreement with the county. A proposed $50 annual parcel tax applied to the city’s 2,478 parcels would generate approximately $123,900 per year, or roughly $1.24 million over 10 years. The general fund also contributes more than $500,000 annually to the fire and police departments through the JPA. The measure requires two-thirds voter approval as a special tax and includes annual audit and public reporting requirements. Three speakers addressed the item. - Jade Tippett, a retired firefighter, expressed general support but noted that the jump to $50 — more than doubling the prior rate — warrants groundwork with voters. - Dennis Miller, also a retired fire chief, supported the measure and recommended shortening the duration from 10 to 5 years, arguing that inflation would significantly erode the value of a flat $50 rate over a decade. He also urged the council to extend the public comment notification window from 10 days to 30 days and publish notices through local online outlets, citing inadequate notification during the county’s Measure A bond process. - Jacob Patterson supported the measure but recommended removing the sunset clause entirely, arguing that fire equipment replacement is a permanent need. He also suggested including a CPI escalator to preserve purchasing power, and said his personal approval threshold would extend up to $75 per parcel. Council members broadly supported the 10-year sunset and the $50 rate, with Council Member Albin-Smith expressing a preference for no sunset but deferring to colleagues. Council Member Peters emphasized that the fire chief — who is expected to retire — could lend credibility by signing the pro-ballot argument, and suggested community outreach through fire personnel and board members rather than paid consultants. Council Member Hockett noted the measure’s cost is modest relative to the alternative of a paid fire department. The council also corrected the word “reauthorize” to “authorize” in the resolution text, given the lapse. The council voted 5–0 to adopt the resolution placing the measure on the November 3, 2026 general municipal election ballot. \--- ### Item: Housing Mendocino Coast — ARPA Funds for Land Trust Housing The council was asked to provide direction to use unspent ARPA funds on an affordable housing project at 251 South Franklin Street. Council members voted unanimously to direct staff to proceed. City Manager Whippy provided background: the city has rededicated approximately $800,000 in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, including $800,000 for housing, with about $50,000 already spent on the city’s Pro Housing designation application. The remaining funds must be expended by December 31, 2026. Cynthia Sharon, chair of Housing Mendocino Coast and a general contractor, presented the proposal. The organization has entered escrow on 251 South Franklin Street, a roughly one-acre commercially zoned parcel two blocks south of the movie theater, with an estimated closing in October. The purchase price is approximately $663,500\. The site plan currently envisions 13 homes ranging from 950 to 1,200 square feet, two to three bedrooms, designed to match neighborhood styles including craftsman and farmhouse vernacular. All units would include solar panels. Parking would be accommodated along Franklin Street, Maple Street, and the rear alley. Under the community land trust model, Housing Mendocino Coast retains ownership of the land on a 99-year ground lease while homeowners purchase the structure, build equity, and receive standard mortgage tax benefits. Resale prices are restricted to preserve affordability for future buyers at or below 120% of area median income. Based on the staff report, the organization holds a committed federal appropriation of $840,000 from Congressman Huffman and approximately $550,000 in PLHA funds, both disbursed on a reimbursement basis. (PLHA or Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program funds is a state program run by the California Department of Housing and Community Development.) Housing Mendocino Coast currently holds roughly $4,000 in operating cash and cannot sign vendor contracts that require deposits without working capital. The request to the council was for direction to develop an MOU for release of ARPA funds — approximately $350,000 — to accelerate the project. With that funding, the organization projected 12 to 13 units completed within five years. Sharon also described a possible priority for city employees who meet income qualifications, and noted potential future partnerships with the hospital and school district, both of which hold vacant parcels. Disclosures: Housing Mendocino Coast board members include Mayor Jason Godeke’s wife, Cristina Mathews. Four speakers addressed the item. - Jade Tippett, who identified himself as a former member of a local land trust committee and expressed strong support. He asked specifically whether the lease agreement includes a primary residency requirement and prohibits owners from renting the home for profit — both of which he said were essential to prevent the property from becoming a vacation rental or investment vehicle. - Jacob Patterson supported the concept and suggested the city structure the transaction as a direct city land purchase with subsequent transfer to the trust, including a reversionary clause, as it did with the Noyo Center — a structure that would protect the city if the project does not proceed. He also suggested higher density townhouses and recommended the land trust seek a preliminary review from the planning commission. - Paul Clark, disclosing that a broker at his firm is involved in the transaction, asked for clarification on off-street parking provisions and whether the project would be subject to ministerial or discretionary planning review. Planning staff clarified that because the project includes mixed-use commercial components, it is not subject to ministerial approval under current state law and would proceed through standard discretionary review, including planning commission consideration. The council expressed unanimous support for proceeding. The council directed staff to incorporate the ARPA allocation into the proposed budget for adoption the following Monday and to prepare an MOU with Housing Mendocino Coast for future council approval. ### Item: Raw Water Line and Engineering Contracts Kevin McDannold, an engineering technician, reported that all obstacles to the raw water line replacement project are resolved and a $5.1 million DWR grant is reinstated. Council awarded: - Construction contract to Mercer Fraser Company — $4,614,581 (unanimous) - Construction management agreement with Alpha CM — $435,501 (unanimous) - Third amendment with Lumos & Associates for pump station redesign — $270,510 (unanimous) - Two‑year on‑call engineering services with Lumos & Associates — $110,000 total, $55,000/year (unanimous) Council member Albin-Smith expressed mild concern that Lumos is the only firm getting contracts, but acknowledged they are qualified and voted yes. All votes were 5‑0. ### Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 2:48 a.m. --- *An early version of this story contained some duplicative material from an earlier draft that was not deleted. That material, which included a typo misidentifying the gender of Jade Tippett, has been removed. (3:04 p.m. June 26, 2026)* ### Sara Pierce Elevated to Interim CEO URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/sara-pierce-elevated-to-interim-ceo/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:51.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors appointed Assistant Chief Executive Officer Sara Pierce to serve as the county’s interim chief executive officer following a failed initial search to fill the position permanently. The board voted 4-1 to approve the appointment, with Supervisor Mo Mulheren casting the lone “no” vote. Pierce will step into the interim role on July 13, 2026, the day after current CEO Darcie Antle’s contract expires. Antle had indicated she planned to retire. The interim appointment will last for up to six months or until a permanent chief executive officer is appointed. Pierce’s annual salary is set at $344,118, including benefits. Cherie Johnson, the county’s human resources director, confirmed that the first round of recruitment for a permanent CEO was not successful. The county has launched a second recruitment effort, with the first screening of applications scheduled for June 30, 2026. During the board’s discussion, Mulheren said she was voting “no” because she believed the county would benefit from bringing in an outside candidate to review operations for the next six months. “We’ve had success with Ben Rosenfeld,” she said, referring to the former San Francisco City and County controller who [recently consulted with the county ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-must-reimplement-financial-system)on overhauling its financial processes. “We’ve had success with the outside audit, and for the CEO’s position, I think that there’s an opportunity to have somebody with a different perspective come in and look at not only the executive office but the agency as a whole.” Supervisor Ted Williams said he was grateful to Pierce and would support her, and he also said he agreed with Mulheren that an outside consultant could provide value. Supervisor Cline said she was “more and more impressed with Sara Pierce every day,” and that it was “awkward” when the board agreed to one thing in closed session and the discussion then goes in a different direction. ### Evacuation Order: Fire in Redwood Valley URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/evacuation-order-fire-in-redwood/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:52.000Z *This story will be updated as more information becomes available* 1:02 p.m. Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has asked Redwood Valley residents to safely evacuate now. A wildfire that started in front of the Coyote Valley Casino is threatening other structures. The fire is being handled by the Redwood Valley - Calpella Volunteer Fire Department but a CAL FIRE engine and battalion chief are assisting. Residents are urged to check with their neighbors and leave in the safest possible manner. The sheriff’s office requests that the public keep roads clear for emergency response vehicles. 1:15 p.m. forward motion has been halted, according to the Watch Duty app. [The area of evacuation is Zone 3211-1782417827567 (shown below).](https://protect.genasys.com/location?search=true&z=14&latlon=39.25683110334961%2C-123.21551605455204&ref=mendolocal.news) 1:26 p.m. evacuation order is downgraded to situational awareness ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/20470bdf-65ec-4161-a95e-9224345e572b_1284x2778.png) ### Supervisors Give Ukiah Annexation Talks More Time URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supervisors-give-ukiah-annexation/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:52.000Z Several years ago, Mendocino County supervisors, elected officials and staff from the county and its four cities got together to figure out how the different jurisdictions could grow together. The biggest and most difficult issue was money: How would the county divvy up tax dollars with expanding cities? Money was tight throughout Mendocino County. The conversations were difficult. Still, people talked through their differences and came up with a dryly named bureaucratic document: the Master Tax Sharing Agreement, which the board of supervisors signed in 2024. Today, that agreement is in jeopardy. On Tuesday, supervisors discussed withdrawing from the agreement for the second time in two years. Ultimately, they voted 4-1 to give the city of Ukiah another chance — but it’s not clear the decision represented the will of their constituents. Supervisor Bernie Norvell, who represents District 4 and the northern coast, cast the sole dissenting vote. In his comments, he described how his position had changed. When the issue of terminating the agreement was raised in 2025, he had opposed it. “Supervisor Cline and I asked for an opportunity to meet and confer with the city of Ukiah, go through the process for one year,” he recalled. He said he was voting no because the discussions around the proposed Ukiah annexation made it clear that the county has no leverage — not just vis-à-vis Ukiah but in any proposed annexation. Withdrawing from the agreement would create a level playing field, he said. The county would be able to represent the interests of county residents if the terms of a proposed annexation were devastating to county finances. ## The built-in gotcha Norvell acknowledged the agreement requires five years’ notice to terminate. He said acting immediately allows the city of Ukiah to come up with a final map. “Then we can actually have something to study and analyze,” he said. Ukiah’s current position — that the map proposed in April is interim — renders further discussions meaningless. “The city of Ukiah has been very clear on this,” Norvell said. “Everything is a draft.” At the same time, he said Ukiah officials have been “adamant” that the current map is the smallest one they can accept. Norvell, who is a member of an ad hoc committee that has been meeting with the city, said he is not opposed to productive discussions once there is a final proposal. “We can sit in a joint meeting with the city of Ukiah and speculate until we all run out of breath, but we’re not going to accomplish anything until we know exactly what they are going to propose.” But other supervisors expressed concern that terminating the agreement would ensure that the proposed map — with its harmful impacts — would precipitate annexation. “I think it would force the city to complete the process within five years,” said Supervisor Ted Williams, who represents the southern coast and Anderson Valley. “Because they want these terms. I don’t know if we’re going to get as good an annexation if we try to rush it rather than if we try to work together.” Williams advocated for the solution ultimately accepted by the board — finding a consultant to help guide the city and county through negotiations. “Maybe it doesn’t go anywhere good, but at least there’s a chance and we’re doing it from the start,” he said. ## The lack of trust Williams’ proposal directly addresses a lack of trust and transparency widely noted by elected officials and by residents who would become city of Ukiah residents if the annexation proceeds as proposed. Supervisor Madeline Cline, who joined Norvell last year in asking for a chance to meet with Ukiah officials and discuss annexation, said those conversations had not been productive. “We have tried really hard,” she said. “I’m not confident that this tax-sharing agreement lays out a process that will ever be productive.” Auditor-Controller Chamise Cubbison noted the lack of information from the city regarding special districts. “We have asked the city to tell us what the plans are for the remaining districts that are in that annexation area, and no information has been forthcoming in terms of whether they will exist, whether they will be dissolved, whether they will be absorbed, whether they will become city-area districts.” That lack of information has made it harder for county staff to evaluate the full impact of the proposed annexation. Theresa McNerlin, a member of the board of the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District, stated flatly: “Nobody here really trusts the city, especially myself, because of those answers, because they don’t give you full answers.” She highlighted two specific examples: - **The SAFER grant and sheriff’s deputies.** She said the city manager stood before the board and failed to give transparent answers to direct questions about those topics. - **The Ukiah Valley Sanitation District lawsuit.** She recalled working with the sanitation district five to 10 years ago when officials discovered financial discrepancies and asked the city to reconcile them. According to McNerlin, the city replied, “Yeah, there are some discrepancies, but you’re never going to get that money from us,” forcing the district into a difficult five-year lawsuit to recover the funds. She noted that “the same players \[are\] sitting here today.” Dan Edwards, a District 1 resident, said, “I don’t trust the city of Ukiah.” He cited the historical example of when Masonite closed and a company wanted to build a Costco on the property. He said the city launched what he described as an “evil” campaign claiming Costco would ruin mom-and-pop businesses, successfully killed the county project, and then immediately purchased adjacent land to bring Costco into the city limits so the city could collect the tax revenue instead of the county. ## A supervisor who supports annexation Supervisor Mo Mulheren, who represents Ukiah, described her own frustration with the county’s analysis of annexation. “I already stated, I don’t think that it was transparent,” she said. “I don’t think it was honest about what it actually is going to look like and I don’t think that the county’s going to do anything different in that regard.” [In a memo to her colleagues,](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supervisor-mo-mulheren-notes-to-colleagues) Mulheren argued the analysis focuses heavily on projected revenue transfers while giving insufficient weight to future economic growth, housing development, increased assessed property values and other tax revenues that could result from annexation. She contended that a complete analysis should consider both costs and potential long-term revenue gains, as well as opportunities for housing and economic development that could be facilitated by city infrastructure and services. Mulheren also argued that the Local Agency Formation Commission process should be allowed to continue. She said the Master Tax Sharing Agreement was negotiated over several years by the county and its incorporated cities to provide a predictable framework for future annexations. Terminating the agreement before the current proposal receives a full public review, she said, would undermine the process established to evaluate questions about governance, infrastructure, public safety, housing and service delivery. Supervisor John Haschak said he agreed with Mulheren and many of the points she raised in her memo. “We do need to be thinking about how we are going to move this county forward,” he said. “Just saying no to this plan from the city of Ukiah is not going to help us.” Haschak moved the motion to table the question of terminating the tax-sharing agreement and to hold a joint meeting with the City of Ukiah, with an independent consultant reviewing the proposed annexation’s fiscal impacts to the county. The vote was taken and the motion carried with Norvell dissenting. ### Supervisor Mo Mulheren: Notes to Colleagues on Ukiah Annexation URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supervisor-mo-mulheren-notes-to-colleagues/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:53.000Z *Supervisor Mo Mulheren sent this letter to the board of supervisors early on June 23, 2026 to express her thoughts on annexation. We’re printing the letter in full.* Over the last several months, we have heard a lot about what the County may lose if the proposed Ukiah annexation moves forward. What I have not heard nearly enough about is what the County stands to gain. The Master Tax Sharing Agreement was not created overnight. It was negotiated over several years by representatives of the County and all four incorporated cities and approved by their elected officials. The purpose was simple: create a predictable framework for future annexations rather than starting from scratch every time a proposal comes forward. Now that we have the first major annexation proposal under that agreement, some are suggesting we terminate the entire framework before the public process has even been completed. I do not believe that is the right approach. The annexation proposal remains under review through the LAFCO process. Questions about roads, public safety, water, finances, governance, housing, and service delivery are exactly the issues LAFCO is designed to evaluate. Ending the MTSA now prevents those questions from being fully answered and short-circuits the process that was specifically designed to address them. The question before us is not whether every concern has been answered today. The question is whether we should allow the public process to continue and let the proposal be fully evaluated. I believe we should. The County’s presentation focuses heavily on projected revenue transfers over a sixteen-year period. That is an important part of the conversation, but it is not the whole conversation. The County’s own budget documents project continued revenue growth based on historical trends. The CEO Budget Team, under the guidance of Ben Rosenfield, recently updated its forecasting methodology to better reflect historical growth patterns and improve accuracy. Yet the annexation analysis largely evaluates revenue transfers without giving similar consideration to future revenue growth, housing development, economic expansion, increased assessed values, or additional taxable sales activity. If we are going to project costs and transfers sixteen years into the future, we should also project revenue growth sixteen years into the future. Using the County’s own non-departmental revenue projections as a starting point, even modest annual growth rates of 2.5%, 3%, and 4% generate substantial increases in County revenues over the same period being used to evaluate annexation impacts. The County’s analysis projects approximately $34.2 million in cumulative impact over sixteen years. At the same time, the County’s own forecasts show tens of millions of dollars in revenue growth over that same period. A balanced discussion should acknowledge both. I have attached three scenarios: one using the $92 million recently used in budget discussions, one using a $100 million starting point as a modest next-year estimate, and one using $247 million, which reflects the total County General Fund. I have not seen documentation from the Ad Hoc showing how revenue growth was incorporated into the annexation discussion. There is also a bigger question about how expenses are being compared. If we are using non-departmental revenue as the baseline, are we comparing only the expenses tied to that revenue? Or are we also counting broader County expenses, including roads and the Sheriff’s Office? Right now, the analysis appears to use a narrow revenue base while discussing broader County obligations. One thing that stood out to me is the focus on Bradley-Burns sales tax. There has been significant discussion about the loss of this revenue, but much less discussion about the other taxes that continue to come to the County through economic activity in the cities. Current allocations show that the City of Ukiah generates almost as much Bradley-Burns sales tax revenue as the entire unincorporated County. That should not surprise anyone. Cities are where people shop, stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, start businesses, and go to work. That is exactly how cities are supposed to function. The MTSA recognizes that reality while still protecting County revenues through a fifteen-year phase-down period. The agreement does not immediately eliminate County revenue. It provides a gradual transition over a decade and a half. That was intentionally built into the agreement. The MTSA also does not reduce the sales taxes that go directly to the County for Measure O, Measure B, and the 1991 and 2011 realignment dollars that support public safety, mental health, social services, and other County responsibilities. The County’s presentation also focuses on future property tax allocations but does not fully account for the possibility that annexation itself may increase the overall tax base. The annexation area contains significant opportunities for future housing and economic development. Projects that may be difficult to complete under current conditions could become more feasible with city infrastructure, city utilities, and city planning capacity. The question should not simply be who receives future property tax revenue. The question should also be whether annexation creates new property tax revenue that otherwise may never exist. Our communities must grow near the urban core if we want to be sustainable. I have raised many times the difficulty of completing the large-scale housing projects our community needs. Our residents need places to live, and we need to attract working professionals such as doctors, college professors, teachers, and public safety employees. One of the most significant omissions in the County’s analysis is the treatment of roads. The presentation assumes essentially no reduction in road-related obligations. However, County transportation documents identify approximately $15.2 million in programmed road work within the annexation area between fiscal years 2029–30 and 2033–34\. In addition, approximately 14.64 miles of roads currently included in the County’s twenty-year road plan would ultimately become the responsibility of the City. There are also approximately 22.3 additional miles of public roads within the annexation area that do not appear in the presentation. Those roads represent real future maintenance obligations that would no longer be the burden of the County. The County’s own transportation documents indicate that road maintenance remains one of its largest long-term challenges. If annexation transfers these responsibilities to the City, that is a real benefit to County taxpayers because resources can then be redirected to roads elsewhere in unincorporated Mendocino County. The question should not be whether the County loses roads. The question should be whether transferring road obligations creates opportunities to better maintain roads in the remainder of the County. The County presentation also assumes no reduction in public safety costs. However, calls for service within annexed urban areas would largely shift to the Ukiah Police Department. Areas such as Motel 6 North and Laws Avenue make up a meaningful share of dedicated Central District resources. As those calls shift to UPD, Sheriff’s resources can be redirected toward communities throughout the rest of Mendocino County. This does not eliminate the Sheriff’s responsibilities. It allows resources to be focused where they are needed most. For years we have discussed staffing challenges and limited law enforcement resources. We should at least acknowledge that reducing urban service demands on the Sheriff’s Office has value. The County would also continue receiving revenues associated with 1991 Realignment, 2011 Realignment, Public Safety Realignment, and Behavioral Health Realignment. Many of the services cited as concerns in the annexation discussion continue to be supported through these funding streams. A complete fiscal analysis should acknowledge those ongoing revenues. County residents have repeatedly raised concerns regarding water. However, the County of Mendocino does not operate municipal water systems. The City of Ukiah has significantly greater experience operating water infrastructure and pursuing utility-related grants and improvements. The annexation discussion should recognize that infrastructure investments are often easier to accomplish through entities that already have the necessary systems, staffing, and expertise. The annexation area presents opportunities for housing, infrastructure investment, and economic growth. Cities generally have greater access to infrastructure funding, utility financing, transportation grants, and housing programs. The current analysis evaluates annexation primarily through the lens of revenue transfers rather than long-term economic opportunity. That approach understates the potential benefits to the entire community. The question is not simply who gets a piece of today’s pie. The question is whether annexation helps create a larger pie in the future. This discussion is also about governance. Today, large portions of the First and Fifth Supervisorial Districts wrap around the City of Ukiah. Many residents living immediately outside city limits rely on the same businesses, schools, transportation systems, utilities, and services as residents who live inside the city. As urban development continues, it is reasonable to discuss whether governance boundaries should better reflect the realities of how people live and receive services. The MTSA was negotiated to create certainty. Developers, businesses, residents, cities, and the County all benefit when there is a predictable process for evaluating annexation proposals. Terminating the agreement before the first major proposal completes review sends the opposite message. For years this Board has discussed the importance of policy consistency and avoiding sudden changes in direction. The MTSA represents years of work by County and City representatives. Ending it now before the public process has run its course raises serious questions about predictability and long-term planning. LAFCO exists to evaluate proposals like this. Questions regarding service delivery, finances, governance, infrastructure, environmental review, protest proceedings, and public input are exactly what the LAFCO process is designed to address. The existence of unanswered questions is not evidence that the process should stop. It is evidence that the process should continue. The County’s presentation raises legitimate issues that deserve thoughtful review. However, it does not tell the entire story. A complete analysis should also consider revenue growth projections, property tax growth, housing opportunities, economic development, road maintenance savings, public safety efficiencies, continued realignment revenues, water and infrastructure benefits, representation and governance, and the phased protections built directly into the MTSA. The Master Tax Sharing Agreement was developed through years of collaboration between the County and all four incorporated cities and their elected officials and administrations. It was designed specifically to provide a framework for annexation discussions while protecting County interests during the transition. Rather than terminate the agreement now, we should allow the public review process to continue, allow LAFCO to complete its work, hear from the community, and make decisions based on the complete picture. ### Redwood Valley Residents File CEQA Lawsuit to Block Gas Station URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/redwood-valley-residents-file-ceqa-lawsuit/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:54.000Z Three Redwood Valley residents have filed a legal challenge against the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors’ May 19 approval of a new gas station proposed by Faizan Corporation. The petition, filed June 22 in Mendocino County Superior Court under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), raises four claims: that the county failed to prepare a required Environmental Impact Report; that the environmental review was inadequate; that required mitigation was improperly deferred; and that the mitigation measures adopted were not sufficiently specific and enforceable to satisfy the law. CEQA, California’s landmark environmental law, requires state and local agencies to identify significant environmental effects of proposed projects and adopt measures to reduce or avoid those impacts. **A decade of opposition** The petitioners — Christine Boyd, Frances Owen, and Patricia Ris-Yarbrough — are Redwood Valley residents who raised environmental concerns about the project during the county’s public review process. They filed without an attorney and said they are still searching for legal representation. They are asking a judge to set aside project approvals and require the county to comply with CEQA. The project is a 10-pump gas station and convenience store at 9621 North State Street proposed by Faizan Corporation and 898 Main Street LLC, both controlled by Mahmood Alam. State records show 898 Main Street LLC has been suspended by the California Franchise Tax Board since May 1, 2025 — more than a year before the board’s vote. A suspended business entity is not authorized to conduct business or enter into contracts in California. The board approved the project on a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Ted Williams casting the only no vote. Alam did not respond to a request for comment by the time the story was published. Redwood Valley residents have opposed the project for the last ten years. The Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council voted against the gas station five times, expressing their opposition to the BOS in a letter each time (2016, 2017, 2023, 2024, and 2026). The Mendocino County Planning Commission denied the permit in January 2024 before the board reversed that denial on appeal in May. “It felt like a fait accompli,” Ris-Yarbrough said about the May meeting. “We were given time to speak but the decision had already been made.” **Highway work unresolved at the time of approval** Central to the legal challenge is the claim that required highway improvements had not been designed — let alone approved — before the board voted. The project requires closing a median on Highway 101 and constructing acceleration and deceleration lanes, modifications that require a Caltrans encroachment permit that is granted through a process known as QMAP (Quality Management Assessment Process). The closure also requires modifications to the 1983 Freeway Agreement between Mendocino County and Caltrans. Jesse Robertson, a senior Caltrans transportation planner, said the next step is for Faizan Corp. to apply for an encroachment permit. As part of the application, Faizan will have to certify they have undergone an environmental review. If the encroachment permit is beyond the scope of the area studied in the environmental document, a Caltrans environmental team can determine if further CEQA analysis is needed, including a supplemental study. If required, the additional review would be done by the Mendocino County, Robertson said. Williams, who said he supports the decision of the majority of the board of supervisors, said the sequencing of reviews concerns him. [CEQA prohibits piecemealing a project](https://www.bhfs.com/insight/ceqa-news-you-can-use-volume-10-issue-4-january-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news) — breaking it up into smaller pieces or segments — to minimize environmental impacts. Williams raised concerns about piecemealing during the May meeting but in a different context. At the time, he was concerned that the applicant was getting around the county’s formula store ordinance by not identifying who would run the convenience store adjacent to the gas station. “We’re seeing an application that is piece meal,” Williams said at the time. “We’re being asked to approve a project without the pertinent information.” **What’s at stake** Faizan Corporation and Mahmood Alam have a documented history of environmental enforcement actions at gas stations the company operates across California. In January 2023, a court entered a $500,000 judgment against Alam and Faizan Corporation in a civil enforcement case brought by seven California district attorneys — including Mendocino County DA C. David Eyster — over violations at stations the company operates in six counties. The judgment includes a permanent statewide injunction requiring independent environmental oversight of the company’s operations. In February 2019, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board issued a cleanup and abatement order against Alam after workers at station he owned at 390 East Gobbi Street in Ukiah discharged contaminated groundwater into an open excavation during underground storage tank removal, according to the order. Both the 2019 order and the 2023 judgment were submitted to county planning staff before the December 2023 Planning Commission hearing. County planning staff said it did not consider the enforcement history in its recommendation, noting that a conditional use permit “regulates land, not individuals.” “Here we are at the north headwaters of the Russian River and they could be polluting it for the next 40 years,” said petitioner Christine Boyd. MendoLocal.News has requested comment from all five members of the Board of Supervisors, county planning staff, District Attorney Eyster and Mahmood Alam. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. --- *Read our coverage of the proposed Chevron gas station in Redwood Valley:* [*Seven California DAs Sued a Gas Station Operator, Including Mendocino County’s David Eyster. Then County Supervisors Approved His Next Station*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/seven-california-das-sued-a-gas-station) *(June 16, 2026)* ### Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Strikes Near Redwood Valley, Leads to Power Outages URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/magnitude-56-earthquake-strikes-redwood-valley/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T21:35:32.000Z *This story will be updated as more information is available* A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Redwood Valley at 8:10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the [U.S. Geological Survey.](https://earthquake.usgs.gov/?ref=mendolocal.news) ## Updates: - According to the National Tsunami Warning Center no Tsunami is expected (9:58 a.m.) - Long Valley Health Center In Laytonville is running on backup generators (9:32 a.m., source MCSO) - The Round Valley Indian Health Center in Covelo is running on backup generators (9:33 a.m., source MCSO) - Readers are reminded to check their own infrastructure for damage to water or gas lines (10:09 a.m.) The quake occurred at a depth of approximately 5 miles and was followed by aftershocks in the area that ranged from magnitudes of 1 to about 2.7 at depths that varied from 1 to 5 miles. Reports of shaking were received throughout Mendocino County, with officials beginning damage assessments shortly after the earthquake. There are no early reports of major infrastructure damage. Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall said authorities are responding to sporadic power outages in and around Willits and Laytonville. PG&E is [reporting outages affecting](https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outage-tools/outage-map/?ref=mendolocal.news) more than 500 people in five areas. At Adventist Health Howard Memorial Hospital in Willits, items were reportedly knocked over during the quake. Hospital staff are conducting damage assessments to determine whether any structural or operational impacts occurred. Kendall said city public works crews in Willits are also inspecting infrastructure and checking for damage. Officials are urging residents to monitor emergency information sources for updates. “We want everyone to pay attention to [Mendoready.org](https://mendoready.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) for further updates,” Kendall said. Authorities are also asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel while crews assess conditions. “Please stay off the highways at this point in time,” Kendall said. As of Wednesday morning, no injuries had been reported. Officials said damage assessments were ongoing and additional information would be released as it becomes available. Residents who experienced damage are encouraged to report it to local authorities and remain alert for possible aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey asks residents to participate in earthquake early warning research by sharing their experiences at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/nc75382936/tellus. ### Fort Bragg Weighs New Tourism Marketing Model With $680,000 Budget URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-weighs-new-tourism-organizations/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:58.000Z Local officials and business leaders are weighing a significant overhaul of how Fort Bragg promotes itself to the world, debating a transition from a city-led advisory model to an independent Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). John Glidewell, regional manager of Beachcomber Hotel Group and a board member of Visit Mendocino County, said the new organization would be headed by an executive director with a budget of $680,000\. “We’ll have an accountable owner in a single professional who is responsible for Fort Bragg’s visitor economy rather than priorities spread across committees, consultants, and part-time staff,” Glidewell said during a June 15 presentation to the Visit Fort Bragg Committee. The DMO would receive $380,000 from the City of Fort Bragg — a $35,000 increase over the city’s current tourism budget — with the balance coming from Visit Mendocino County, the county’s official tourism organization. The expanded budget would prioritize paid media as the primary engine for driving overnight stays, alongside significant investments in visitor experience. “I think that there’s a lot more potential for visitation, for the economy, for jobs,” said Scott Schneider, interim executive director of Visit Mendocino County and general manager of the Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg. “Our occupancy is not nearly where we want it to be annually. I know retail stores aren’t as busy as they want to be. Restaurants aren’t as busy as they want to be. There’s a lot of potential to bring in visitors, especially in the shoulder season.” The proposal comes as the travel industry faces steep hurdles in tracking the effectiveness of digital spending. Industry data indicates that while travelers visit an average of 38 websites before booking, linking a “digital click” to a physical hotel check-in remains structurally difficult. Furthermore, customer acquisition costs in the travel sector rose approximately 35 percent between 2022 and 2025, far outpacing the growth in visitor lifetime value. To address these challenges, Glidewell proposed anchoring success on measurable metrics such as occupancy data, Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) growth, and visitor satisfaction. Currently, Fort Bragg’s TOT revenue has surpassed sales tax as the largest general fund source, reaching over $3.2 million. While business leaders like Schneider emphasized that tourism investments could “work harder and smarter,” Councilmember Lindy Peters urged the committee not to lose focus on the residents. Peters highlighted the historical reason for the committee’s creation: to ensure funds were spent specifically on promoting Fort Bragg rather than being absorbed by broader regional efforts. “Have we promoted CV Star to its fullest potential?” he asked. “I do not think so. Have we promoted the guest house to its potential? I do not think so. The Noyo Center? I do not think so.” Committee member Barb Bruce noted that the current contract with the city’s marketing firm, The Idea Cooperative, was set to end in just two weeks. She felt it was risky to decide on a new organizational structure so close to that deadline, noting that a similar situation the previous year had been “messy.” The committee reached a consensus to delay a formal recommendation to the City Council. Instead, staff will conduct a survey of committee members to refine long-term goals and return for a dedicated meeting to finalize a strategic direction. In the interim, the city plans to move forward with a projected $20,000 increase to the existing “Visit Fort Bragg” budget for the upcoming fiscal year. ### Fort Bragg Driver Escapes Injury in Highway 1 Rollover URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-driver-escapes-injury/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:59.000Z A Honda Fit rollover blocked the southbound lane of California State Route 1 south of the roundabout for about an hour Sunday evening. According to CHP spokesperson Officer Olegario Marin, a Honda Fit driven by David Flaim of Fort Bragg overturned after striking an embankment. The vehicle’s airbags deployed, and the 67-year-old driver became trapped inside. Rescuers extricated Flaim from the vehicle, and the ambulance dispatched to the scene was later canceled. Marin said the crash was reported at 5:25 p.m., and the roadway was cleared in less than an hour. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — June 21, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-june-21/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:54:59.000Z ## 🏛️ Mendocino County .[**Cubbison Settlement Provokes Strong Reactions**](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*Mark Scaramella, The Anderson Valley Advertiser June 18* News that Mendocino County paid Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison $1.5 million to settle claims of malicious prosecution provoked speculation and anger. Last week, *Anderson Valley Advertiser* Editor Mark Scaramella wrote a column “DA Eyster’s ‘Get Cubbison’ Project Backfires.” *The Mendocino Voice*, based in Berkeley, CA, described the timing of the news — which was prompted by the fulfillment of a public records request from retired journalist Mike Geniella — as a mystery. [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Anderson Valley Advertiser may be required)* [**Seven California DAs Sued a Gas Station Operator, Including Mendocino County’s David Eyster. Then County Supervisors Approved His Next Station.**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/seven-california-das-sued-a-gas-station)*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 17* Mendocino County’s Board of Supervisors approved a Chevron gas station permit for Faizan Corporation in May 2026, despite the company having been sued by seven California district attorneys — including Mendocino County’s own DA — for systemic environmental violations, and having a prior state cleanup order for benzene contamination at a Ukiah station. The county’s environmental review omitted the enforcement history, and the adopted mitigation plan contains no hazardous materials conditions. [Read more](http://www.mendolocal.news/p/seven-california-das-sued-a-gas-station/) [**Real Estate Roundup: $3.75M Ukiah strip mall sale; Laytonville ranch donated; Albion coastal parcels gifted to nonprofit**](https://mendocinocoast.news/real-estate-roundup-3-75m-ukiah-strip-mall-sale-late-laytonville-professors-160-acre-ranch-donated-to-conservative-christian-land-trust-spectacular-albion-coastal-parcels-gifted-t/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 17* A Ukiah strip mall sells for $3.75 million, a 160-acre Laytonville ranch is donated to Colorado-based Christian nonprofit, and oceanfront parcels in Albion are gifted to nonprofits including Planned Parenthood and the Mendocino Land Trust. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/real-estate-roundup-3-75m-ukiah-strip-mall-sale-late-laytonville-professors-160-acre-ranch-donated-to-conservative-christian-land-trust-spectacular-albion-coastal-parcels-gifted-t/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### 💧Covelo [**Tribe with senior Eel River water rights shut out of White House meeting**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/tribe-with-senior-eel-river-water-rights-shut-out-of-white-house-meeting/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 17* Federal officials met at the White House with PG&E and the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District to discuss the Potter Valley Project’s future, excluding the Round Valley Indian Tribes. [Read more](http://www.mendovoice.com/2026/06/tribe-with-senior-eel-river-water-rights-shut-out-of-white-house-meeting/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Green Bridge: $7.5 million, 2–3 years, and a 2024 inspection that rated it “intolerable”**](https://mendocinocoast.news/7-5-million-pricetag-and-2-3-years-for-new-covelo-bridge-check-out-our-exclusive-inspection-report-let-us-check-on-other-county-bridges-for-you/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 15 & 17* Covelo’s collapsed Green Bridge will cost $7.5 million to replace and take two to three years to rebuild; a 2024 inspection rated it “intolerable — needs replacement” with a score of 29 out of 100, identifying 23 girders needing replacement and missing load-path redundancies. No temporary crossing is planned, forcing residents to add[ a 6.5 mile detour.](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/covelos-green-bridge-is-down-for-two-to-three-years-with-no-stopgap/?ref=mendolocal.news) The driver injured in the June 12 collapse, Jimmy Sausedo, remained hospitalized five days later, while county officials say an unknown external factor likely triggered the sudden failure despite no visible signs of deterioration beforehand. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/7-5-million-pricetag-and-2-3-years-for-new-covelo-bridge-check-out-our-exclusive-inspection-report-let-us-check-on-other-county-bridges-for-you/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌵Fort Bragg [**Giant Agave begins “Death Bloom” at Botanical Gardens**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/18/giant-agave-begins-death-bloom-at-botanical-gardens/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 19* The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is hosting a rare “death bloom” event as its giant Agave salmiana var. ferox sends up a 20-foot flowering spike — a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that occurs only at the end of the plant’s decades-long life. The spike began growing in November and is expected to flower soon before the plant dies. [Read more](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/18/giant-agave-begins-death-bloom-at-botanical-gardens/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* [**Child at center of major search found safe; media urged to pull identifying information**](https://mendocinocoast.news/located-hes-ok-huge-search-ends-missing-non-verbal-10-year-old-we-encourage-other-news-sources-to-remove-his-name-and-pic-now/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News · June 18* A non-verbal 10-year-old boy missing in Fort Bragg was found safe, ending a major multi-agency search. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/located-hes-ok-huge-search-ends-missing-non-verbal-10-year-old-we-encourage-other-news-sources-to-remove-his-name-and-pic-now/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Fort Bragg municipal fiber project makes headway**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/fort-bragg-municipal-fiber-project-makes-headway/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice · June 18* Fort Bragg’s municipal fiber broadband project has completed its main infrastructure installation, with the final conduit placed in the ground this week. Residential connections are expected in late summer or early fall. [Read more](http://www.mendovoice.com/2026/06/fort-bragg-municipal-fiber-project-makes-headway/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Fort Bragg City Council Nixes Contract for Fire Tax Consultants**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/city-council-nixes-consultants-fire-department-parcel-tax)*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 16* The Fort Bragg City Council rejected a $60,000 consulting contract for voter polling on a proposed fire-equipment parcel tax. [Read more](http://www.mendolocal.news/p/city-council-nixes-consultants-fire-department-parcel-tax) [**New Fort Bragg mural celebrates the coast’s slimiest hero**](https://mendocinocoast.news/new-fort-bragg-mural-celebrates-the-coasts-slimiest-hero-and-guess-who-else-plus-roofer-rat-tat-tat-art-and-a-look-at-whats-coming-soon/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News · June 16* A new downtown mural featuring a giant banana slug and local landmarks is taking shape across from Fort Bragg City Hall. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/new-fort-bragg-mural-celebrates-the-coasts-slimiest-hero-and-guess-who-else-plus-roofer-rat-tat-tat-art-and-a-look-at-whats-coming-soon/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Art Explorers welcomes Disability Pride Month this July**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/14/art-explorers-welcomes-disability-pride-month-this-july/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 16* Art Explorers has planned a full month of activities celebrating Disability Pride Month and the artists served by the program. [Read more](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/14/art-explorers-welcomes-disability-pride-month-this-july/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* [**Salmon Season’s First Catch**](https://mendocinocoast.news/super-low-tides-salmon-seasons-first-catch-judge-pekins-impressive-tally-buffy-watch-begins-why-the-college-bond-is-failing/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News · June 14* Recreational ocean salmon fishing reopened June 13 after a three-year closure, with anglers permitted to keep only Chinook (king) salmon. Keeping endangered coho salmon remains illegal. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/super-low-tides-salmon-seasons-first-catch-judge-pekins-impressive-tally-buffy-watch-begins-why-the-college-bond-is-failing/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**300 turn out for Pride March; International Peace Run passes through**](https://mendocinocoast.news/300-turn-out-for-pride-march-separately-mendoland-greets-peace-run-join-the-fun-and-run-on-sunday/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News · June 13* Fort Bragg’s second annual Pride March drew approximately 300 participants in a festive celebration of LGBTQ+ community visibility. Separately, the International Peace Run passed through the Mendocino Coast with 10 runners from 8 countries. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/300-turn-out-for-pride-march-separately-mendoland-greets-peace-run-join-the-fun-and-run-on-sunday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚗 Gualala [**Highway 1 Traffic Study Forecasts Slight, Manageable Increase in Traffic**](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer · June 18* The SR-1 Highway Traffic Capacity Analysis Report, released May 8, concluded the coastal highway has ample capacity to handle projected traffic growth through 2025\. The report recommend a new traffic circle for Gualala. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* --- ### 📬 Leggett [**Leggett’s post office is back**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/leggetts-post-office-is-back-and-the-building-beats-low-expectations-by-a-long-shot/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 16* The Leggett Post Office reopened June 15, more than two years after it was destroyed by fire in March 2024. [Read more](http://www.mendovoice.com/2026/06/leggetts-post-office-is-back-and-the-building-beats-low-expectations-by-a-long-shot/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚙 Point Arena [**Abandoned Vehicle Found in Garcia River**](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer · June 18* Authorities are investigating a damaged pickup truck found partially submerged in a shallow section of the Garcia River near Voorhees Memorial Grove. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* [**Point Arena City Council Raises Sewer Rates**](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer · June 18* The Point Arena City Council voted to increase sewer rates after a Proposition 218 hearing. The council also discussed a November ballot measure to increase the transient occupancy tax. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* --- ### 🥾Ukiah [**New 3.5-mile trail loop in Ukiah set for grand opening Saturday**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/new-3-5-mile-trail-loop-in-ukiah-set-for-grand-opening-saturday/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 20* The Gateway Trail Loop, a new 3.5-mile hiking and biking trail in Ukiah, opens Saturday as part of the larger 22-mile Lookout Peak trail network. [Read more](http://www.mendovoice.com/2026/06/new-3-5-mile-trail-loop-in-ukiah-set-for-grand-opening-saturday/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Cirque-A-Palooza brings world-class performers to Ukiah**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/17/cirque-a-palooza-brings-world-class-performers-to-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 18* SPACE Performing Arts Center is hosting the first annual Cirque-A-Palooza this Sunday to Pomo Summer Arts and Circus Camp and the SPACE Scholarship Program featuring world-class circus artists, musicians, and Joan Baez. [Read more](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/17/cirque-a-palooza-brings-world-class-performers-to-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* [**New ballot measures likely needed to fund fire services, officials report**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/17/new-ballot-measures-likely-needed-to-fund-fire-services-officials-report/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 17* Local officials warned that new ballot measures asking residents to fund the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority may be necessary as critical funding is set to sunset in 2030, with gaps in equipment, personnel, and facilities. [Read more](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/17/new-ballot-measures-likely-needed-to-fund-fire-services-officials-report/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* --- ### 🤠 Willits [**Wilma Statue Arrives at Willits Frontier Days Grounds**](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Maureen Dennison, Willits Weekly · June 18* A new fiberglass statue named "Wilma" has arrived to complement "Willy," the longtime mascot of Willits Frontier Days. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Brooktrails Township Raises Salaries, Cuts Expenses**](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Barbara O’Reardon, Willits Weekly · June 18* Brooktrails officials approved employee raises while balancing the budget through spending reductions. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Willits City Council — June 10, 2026**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-city-council-june-10-2026)*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 16* The council appointed James Connor interim city manager and proclaimed 2026 "The Year of the Sweetheart" in honor of Frontier Days' 100th anniversary. [Read more](http://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-city-council-june-10-2026) --- ### 🗳️ CALMATTERS [**Why California Won’t Speed Up Its Election Results**](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-slow-vote-counting-fix/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Maya C. Miller, CalMatters · June 20* California’s notoriously slow vote-counting process is back in the spotlight. But state Democratic leaders are refusing to make changes that would restrict voter access — such as earlier mail-in ballot deadlines — to speed up results. The real issue? Counting mail-in ballots takes longer. [Read More](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-slow-vote-counting-fix/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**California’s New Health Insurance Tax Could Raise Premiums by $400 a Year**](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/06/california-health-tax-medi-cal-premiums/?ref=mendolocal.news)By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters *· June 18* California legislators approved a redesigned health insurance tax this week to preserve billions in federal Medi-Cal funding. The new plan would raise taxes on private health insurance plans to match those on Medicaid plans, a shift required by new federal rules. If health plans pass the full cost to consumers, a family of four could pay about $400 more annually in premiums. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/06/california-health-tax-medi-cal-premiums/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**California’s Job Training Programs Face Funding Cliff**](https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2026/06/workforce-funding/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Adam Echelman, CalMatters · June 18* The California Workforce Development Board faces a potential 20% staff cut, and flagship programs like “high road training partnerships” could receive little or no new funding—threatening to shut them down within years. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2026/06/workforce-funding/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Missing 10-Year-Old Found Safe After Overnight Search in Fort Bragg Area URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/missing-10-year-old-found-safe/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:00.000Z A 10-year-old boy reported missing Wednesday afternoon was found safe Thursday morning after an extensive overnight search involving multiple agencies, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched at approximately 3:23 p.m. on June 17, 2026, to a residence in the 30500 block of Highway 20 in the Fort Bragg area after family members reported the child missing. According to a sheriff’s office press release, investigators learned the boy had last been seen running toward a heavily wooded area north of the home. Given the circumstances and the child’s individual needs, deputies determined he was at risk and immediately launched a search of the surrounding terrain. Family members assisted deputies during the initial response, along with the Fort Bragg Fire Department. The Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team deployed roughly 16 volunteers who searched throughout the night. Crews identified several clues that helped narrow search areas, though the child was not located before daylight, the press release stated. As the search continued, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services coordinated mutual aid requests, bringing in additional search-and-rescue teams from outside the county. By early morning, approximately 75 additional personnel had joined the operation. At about 8:35 a.m. on June 18, a SAR team using electric mountain bikes located the boy sleeping inside a small, abandoned structure roughly one mile from his home. He was found uninjured and reunited with his family at the scene. He was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital for a precautionary medical evaluation. The Sheriff’s Office thanked participating agencies and volunteers for their efforts in safely resolving the search. ### Seven California DAs Sued a Gas Station Operator, Including Mendocino County's David Eyster. Then County Supervisors Approved His Next Station URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/seven-california-das-sued-a-gas-station/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:00.000Z When Mendocino County planning staff completed their environmental review of a proposed 10-pump Chevron gas station on North State Street last spring, they reached a straightforward conclusion: with standard mitigation measures in place, the project would have no significant effect on the environment. What the review did not mention was that the company seeking the permit, Faizan Corporation, had been the subject of a $500,000 court judgment entered against it following a civil enforcement action brought in part by Mendocino County’s own district attorney — or that state environmental records showed benzene in the groundwater beneath one of the company’s Ukiah stations, prompting an urgent cleanup and abatement order from the state water board and a hazardous materials spill report from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The Mendocino County Planning Commission had denied the project in January 2024, citing unresolved traffic safety concerns at the US 101 median. The applicant appealed, and over the following two years revised the project design and dropped his legal objections to the traffic mitigation conditions. County planning staff concluded the outstanding concerns had been resolved and recommended the Board reverse the denial. On May 19, 2026, the Board of Supervisors followed that recommendation, approving Permit U\_2021-0016 and Variance V\_2021-0005 and allowing Faizan Corporation and its CEO, Mahmood Alam, to build the station at 9621 and 9601 North State Street in Redwood Valley. Supervisor Ted Williams of District 5 was the only “no” vote. A Notice of Determination was filed with the state on May 21, starting a 30-day window for legal challenges under the California Environmental Quality Act that closes June 20. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## Seven district attorneys from seven California counties On December 2, 2022, the People of the State of California filed a civil enforcement complaint against Faizan Corporation and Alam in Alameda County Superior Court. The action was brought jointly by the district attorneys of seven counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Sonoma, Yolo — and Mendocino. Mendocino County District Attorney C. David Eyster was among the seven co-plaintiff prosecutors who signed onto the complaint, Case No. 22CV023017. The complaint named 12 Faizan-operated retail fuel facilities across Northern California. Five of them were in Mendocino County: stations at 390 East Gobbi Street, 998 South State Street, 615 Talmage Road, and 1460 North Lovers Lane — all in Ukiah — and a station at 1004 South Main Street in Fort Bragg. The complaint alleged systemic failures across Faizan’s operations: failure to install, maintain, and calibrate underground storage tank leak detection equipment; failure to conduct required secondary containment testing; failure to maintain functioning line leak detectors; failure to conduct enhanced leak detection testing at stations within 1,000 feet of public drinking water wells; hazardous waste violations including illegal disposal; and fuel fraud — selling lower-octane gasoline labeled as higher-octane. On January 5, 2023, Alameda County Superior Court entered a stipulated judgment requiring Faizan Corporation and Alam to pay $500,000 — $327,000 in civil penalties and $123,000 in enforcement costs — and permanently enjoining them to retain an independent environmental consultant. The Mendocino County Planning Department’s Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration, dated April 8, 2026, does not mention the complaint, the judgment, or the permanent injunction. ## Documents delivered to Mendocino County The county’s silence on the enforcement record is not attributable to lack of notice. On November 20, 2023 — 17 days before the Planning Commission’s public hearing on the Redwood Valley project — Dolly Riley, chair of the Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council, emailed the Planning and Building Services department directly. The subject line read: “Fwd: Documents from Sonoma County DA’s office on Faizan Corp.” Attached were two PDFs: the filed complaint and the final judgment. “I have attached to judgments against Faizan corporation,” Riley wrote in her email to the department. “Please do not approve this project.” Riley said in an interview she was corresponding as a private individual. In Riley’s email, she forwarded a message from Don Hess of the GrassRoots Institute of Mendocino County, who had obtained the documents from the Sonoma County District Attorney’s office. The email was received by Planning and Building Services on November 20, 2023, more than two and a half years before the MND was adopted. The adopted environmental review contains no reference to either document. Riley said she forwarded the documents because the Planning Commission needed to understand who it was dealing with. “They needed to know the background of the operator they were considering — their credibility,” she said. The complaint’s allegations included fuel fraud: selling lower-octane gasoline labeled as higher octane. “Mislabeling octane readings so people pay more for supreme when they are getting regular,” Riley said. “That’s a con.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## A well is proactively shut down The enforcement action was not the first time Faizan Corporation had drawn regulatory scrutiny in Mendocino County. On February 5, 2019, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board issued Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) No. R1-2019-0014 against Alam and his co-owner Farah Alam for a release of gasoline at Faizan’s Express Mart station at 390 East Gobbi Street in Ukiah — the same address listed as Faizan Corporation’s principal business address in the 2022 complaint. The contamination occurred during underground storage tank removal and installation work that, according to regulators, had not been fully permitted. The order documented gasoline contamination in groundwater: benzene at 8.9 micrograms per liter — nine times California’s drinking water maximum contaminant level of 1 microgram per liter — along with total petroleum hydrocarbons, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. The site sits within 300 feet of Gibson Creek, a tributary of the Russian River. On January 29, 2019, the City of Ukiah temporarily removed a public water supply well from service. The well was located approximately 500 feet from the Gobbi Street station. A hazardous materials spill report filed with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services on January 26, 2019 — the same day city staff notified regulators — described the operator pumping contaminated excavation water into holding tanks and then back into the excavation hole rather than properly disposing of it. The report noted potential impacts to a storm drain flowing to Gibson Creek and flagged the nearby drinking water well as potentially being impacted. The cause was listed as human error. The CAO also documented improper handling of contaminated soil: excavated material was loaded onto trucks operated by A to Z Construction and transported first to 1460 North Lovers Lane in Ukiah — another address later named in the 2022 multi-county complaint as a Faizan facility — and then to 4300 North State Street, where it was stockpiled without proper environmental controls. Mendocino County Environmental Health Division was directly involved in the 2019 investigation. The same agency serves as the county’s Certified Unified Program Agency — the primary regulatory body that would oversee underground storage tank operations at the proposed Redwood Valley station. The Mendocino County Planning Department’s environmental review of the Redwood Valley project does not mention the 2019 Cleanup and Abatement Order. ## Benzene in the groundwater — and what regulators found When crews removed the underground storage tanks at the Gobbi Street station in early 2019, water in the excavation tested positive for gasoline contamination — including benzene at 8.9 micrograms per liter, nine times California’s drinking water maximum contaminant level, along with toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, and naphthalene. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board issued Cleanup and Abatement Order No. R1-2019-0014 and required the Alams to conduct further soil and groundwater investigation. That investigation, according to regulators, found no ongoing contamination. In a May 2021 Notice of Proposed No Further Action, the Regional Water Board stated that “excavation water was pumped out, and a soil and groundwater investigation was conducted. No additional contamination was detected, and groundwater located downgradient of the underground storage tank location was found to be uncontaminated.” The agency proposed closure under the State Water Resources Control Board’s “Low-Threat Underground Storage Tank Case Closure Policy.” The case — RB Case No. 1NMC640 — was subsequently closed. In his response to questions from *MendoLocal.News*, Alam said the case had been resolved with no financial penalty and that testing found “no contamination in the soil or groundwater attributable to the property.” The regulators’ NFA notice is consistent with that account. Benzene is a known human carcinogen with no established safe level of exposure. California sets its drinking water limit at 1 microgram per liter because even low concentrations carry cancer risk — the state’s public health goal for benzene is zero. The regulatory closure of the Gobbi Street case reflects a determination that contamination risk at that site is no longer significant. The proposed Redwood Valley station would involve the installation of new underground storage tanks by the same operator at a site 1.6 miles from Forsythe Creek, a tributary of the Russian River, which provides drinking water to communities in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. ## The applicant’s response Responding to written questions from this reporter, Alam — who signs his name as Haji M. Alam — provided a detailed account of his environmental compliance record and his plans for the Redwood Valley project. On the 2023 judgment, Alam wrote: “While Faizan Corporation and I entered into a stipulated agreement in Alameda County that included monetary penalties, those penalties were not the result of any release of gasoline or diesel fuel, nor were they based on contamination of soil or groundwater at those sites. The issues involved regulatory compliance matters, including paperwork, reporting, and testing deadlines.” The complaint’s allegations included failure to maintain leak detection equipment capable of detecting releases, failure to conduct required secondary containment testing, and failure to perform enhanced leak detection testing at stations near public water wells — violations prosecutors characterized as strict liability public welfare offenses under California Health and Safety Code. A strict liability public welfare offense is a regulatory crime where the government does not need to prove the defendant intended to commit the act or knew it was wrong — merely committing the forbidden action is enough to establish liability. Alam said Faizan Corporation has retained the independent environmental consultant required by the judgment and that if the company elects to operate the Redwood Valley station rather than lease it to a third party, the consultant would be involved in compliance oversight. Alam also described remediation work he said he funded at other Mendocino County sites. At a former Jensen’s Truck Stop — now a Chevron station — he said thousands of tons of impacted soil were removed and the site has achieved regulatory closure. At 898 North State Street in Willits, he said more than 100 truckloads of contaminated soil were removed from a former 76 station he redeveloped into an ARCO AM/PM; that site has also received a no-further-action designation from regulators. “My objective is not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to develop a safe, modern facility that serves the community while protecting public health and the environment,” Alam wrote. ## Community opposition The Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council voted unanimously to recommend denial of the project in January 2022 and again in November 2023\. Dolly Riley, the council’s chair, has been among the most active opponents, forwarding court documents to county planning staff and attending Planning Commission hearings. The council’s opposition has centered on the applicant's environmental compliance record and proximity to the Deep Valley Christian School, traffic safety, the risk of fuel runoff into Forsythe Creek, public health, lighting impacts, overnight truck parking, and the project's consistency with Redwood Valley's commercial character. Deb Hughes, a council member, said she is not opposed to gas stations in principle. “Personally I am neutral about a gas station,” Hughes said. “However I am definitely against Faizan due to its record of non-compliance and disregard for environmental issues.” Hughes also said she is not aware of the Planning Department having contacted the RVMAC during the environmental review process. “Planning did not contact the RVMAC, to the best of my knowledge,” she said. The RVMAC is an official county advisory body whose recommendations are submitted to the Planning Commission as part of the permit review process. At the December 7, 2023 Planning Commission hearing, the GrassRoots Institute of Mendocino County submitted a 12-page letter stating that the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration contained “not a single word” about the 2019 Cleanup and Abatement Order or the 2023 judgment. The letter raised direct questions about why Planning and Building Services had not included the enforcement record in materials provided to the public and the Commission. Sandy Turner, facilitator of GrassRoots Institute’s Climate Crisis Workgroup and a former Redwood Valley resident who lived about a mile from the proposed site for nearly 30 years, said the group became involved in opposing the project about two years ago after member Don Hess alerted them to it. “Members of our Climate Crisis work group and others in the broader Grass Roots Institute are sad that the owner of the proposed gas station has not been blocked,” Turner said. The Coalition Opposing New Gas Stations submitted a separate letter explicitly naming the $500,000 judgment and identifying Mendocino County Environmental Health as one of the participating enforcement agencies. ## CEQA questions The MND’s analysis of hazardous materials impacts found conditions “less than significant” based on anticipated compliance with Mendocino County Environmental Health’s oversight of underground storage tank installation and operation. The MND’s own hazardous materials discussion states that the analysis should include the State Water Board’s “List of active CDO and CAO” — a database that would have surfaced the 2019 Cleanup and Abatement Order against Faizan Corporation’s CEO at the agency’s Ukiah station. That order is not mentioned in the document. The staff memorandum recommending approval offers an explanation for why the enforcement record was excluded. Planning and Building Services stated that “a conditional use permit regulates land, not individuals,” and advised against basing any conditions of approval or reasons for denial on “the nature of the applicant as opposed to the use of the property.” Critics of the approval argue that framing does not resolve the CEQA problem. The question, they say, is not whether the county can penalize an applicant for past conduct — it is whether the environmental review was required to analyze whether Faizan Corporation’s documented pattern of UST mismanagement at other facilities — systemic enough to produce a seven-county prosecution — bears on the foreseeable environmental risk of new UST installation in Redwood Valley. California’s environmental review law requires that an Initial Study be grounded in factual data, and the operator’s documented track record, they argue, is factual data. The California Supreme Court addressed the issue directly in 1988\. “A project proponent’s prior environmental record is properly a subject of close consideration in determining the sufficiency of the proponent’s promises,” the court wrote in Laurel Heights Improvement Assoc. v. Regents of the University of California, 47 Cal.3d 376 (1988). Richard Drury, whose Oakland-based environmental law firm frequently represents nonprofits and community groups in CEQA challenges, cited the ruling in response to questions from *MendoLocal.News.* The county’s adopted Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program — the document that translates the MND’s findings into enforceable conditions — contains no hazardous materials mitigation measures of any kind. For a 10-pump gas station with new underground storage tanks, proposed by an operator with a documented history of UST violations, a state cleanup and abatement order, and a seven-county enforcement action, the MMRP imposes no UST-specific conditions, no groundwater monitoring requirements, no spill response plan, and no requirement for coordination with Mendocino County Environmental Health in its role as the county’s Certified Unified Program Agency. The Notice of Determination filed with the state likewise lists “Waterways: N/A” — despite the project site’s proximity to Forsythe Creek, a tributary of the Russian River. The MND also faces questions on transportation grounds. Caltrans formally disputed the project’s traffic analysis on multiple occasions between 2022 and 2024, stating it “cannot support the conclusions and recommendations” of the revised traffic study. A key mitigation measure requires closing the US 101 median at North State Street before building permits can be issued — a process Caltrans estimates normally takes 18 months and requires amendment of a 1983 Freeway Agreement. The MND was adopted, and the permit granted, before that process had begun. ## The dissent District 5 Supervisor Ted Williams was the sole dissenting vote — and notably, his district, which covers the southern coast and inland sections of Mendocino County, contains none of the Faizan Corporation stations named in the 2022 complaint. At a March 2024 hearing on the appeal, Williams stated his position plainly. “Their community is not in favor of it,” he said of Redwood Valley. “It doesn’t matter if anyone else thinks it’s a good idea. They don’t want it. And I would feel outraged if the county were pushing a project in my district if it were going — a gas station of this scale — were going in Comptche or Mendocino or Gualala or Point Arena or Boonville. I would feel the same thing, that we’re exploiting those communities.” Faizan’s attorney subsequently asked Williams to recuse himself from the proceedings. He did not. At the May 19, 2026 hearing, Williams argued that the Mitigated Negative Declaration was environmentally inadequate and that substantial evidence on multiple fronts — traffic safety, aesthetics, and stormwater pollutants — warranted a full Environmental Impact Report. He specifically cited the MND’s failure to study 6PPD-quinone, a toxic chemical derived from tire wear that can leach into waterways during storm runoff and has been linked to mass die-offs of coho salmon. The proposed project includes a roadway expansion within 1.6 miles of Forsythe Creek. Williams also raised procedural concerns. He argued the project was being “piecemealed” — evaluated in separate components to avoid triggering the county’s Formula Business Ordinance — when the fueling station and convenience store are functionally a single integrated development and should have been reviewed as such. And he warned that granting a zero-foot setback variance because of a private easement on the property could set a precedent allowing other developers to use similar encumbrances to bypass county setback requirements. ## A community left out The Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council — the official county advisory body for the community where the station would be built — had formally opposed the project five times over nearly a decade, submitting letters of opposition in September 2016, January 2017, November 2023, March 2024, and May 2026. When the Board of Supervisors took up the permit appeal on May 19, the council was not notified. Members learned the hearing was scheduled only because a member of the public who had seen the public notice alerted them. The council submitted a letter of opposition the day of the hearing. Christine Boyd, a founding member and Vice Chair of the RVMAC, said the agency that would oversee underground storage tank operations at the proposed station never engaged with the council during the review process. “Environmental Health — the CUPA — has never reached out to us about the project,” Boyd said. Council member Patricia Ris independently confirmed the account. “To the best of my knowledge, the RVMAC was not consulted by PBS or Environmental Health to discuss the applicant’s compliance history during the environmental review, despite the years-long opposition of the RVMAC to this project,” she said. Ris said the community will pay a price for the board’s approval. “This project sacrifices the health and well being of residents and their fragile environment, for tax revenue,” she said. “The community has stated repeatedly that the project is not wanted or needed,” the council wrote. In its letter to the Board, the council made a direct appeal. “As County Supervisors, you hold the authority for discretionary review and to consider full impacts to the Redwood Valley community,” it wrote. “Despite Faizan Corp’s reversal and agreement to fund closure of the Hwy 101 median, the project remains problematic. Please join the earlier Planning Commission decision and deny it.” The Board voted four to one to approve it later that day. *Mendocino County Planning and Building Services Department Director Julia Krog did not respond to requests for comment submitted June 13, 2026\. Mendocino County District Attorney C. David Eyster's office did not respond to a request for comment submitted June 14, 2026\. Planner Liam Crowley responded via an automated message that he was returning to the office today, June 16.* ### The "Timber Fire" Outside Covelo Reaches Twenty Acres URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/the-timber-fire-outside-covelo-reaches/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:01.000Z Last update: 8:24 p.m. A wildfire burning on a wooded slope southwest of Covelo has grown to 20 acres, according to a CAL FIRE spokesperson. The blaze has been named the Timber Fire. Several dozen firefighters responded, including personnel from CalGuard and wildland fire crews based at the California Conservation Corps Mendocino Center in Willits. By early evening, forward motion of the fire was halted, with containment estimated at 15 percent. The fire was first registered by wildfire detection cameras and is visible [on the Anthony Peak Lookout 2 camera.](https://ops.alertcalifornia.org/cam-console/2745?ref=mendolocal.news) It located near Eel River Ranch Road and Judge Webber Lane. An air attack plane coordinated the response, leading three air tankers and a two helicopters. Dispatched ground resources include three bulldozers, two water tenders and nine fire engines. No evacuation orders were issued. Sherri Wise, the CAL FIRE spokesperson, said the fire did involve some structures, but that the risk to additional structures was low due to the remote location. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. ### Fort Bragg City Council Nixes Contract for Fire Tax Consultants URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/city-council-nixes-consultants-fire-department-parcel-tax/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:02.000Z *Correction: Council Member Tess Albin-Smith pulled item 5D from the consent calendar for discussion. Council member Lindy Peters moved for approval of the calendar, and Albin-Smith seconded the motion.* Mayor Jason Godeke called the regular meeting to order at exactly 6:00 p.m. (A video recording of the meeting can be [viewed on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/CityFortBraggCA/videos/1309101047500607).) ### Proclamations **National Pollinator Week** Council Member Lindy Peters read a proclamation declaring the week of June 22–28, 2026, as National Pollinator Week in Fort Bragg, noting the city was among the first in California to earn “bee-friendly city” designation. The proclamation urges residents to plant pollinator-friendly species to support declining bee populations. **Juneteenth Freedom Day** Mayor Godeke read a proclamation recognizing June 19 as Juneteenth Day in Fort Bragg, honoring the date in 1865 when the last enslaved Americans were freed in Galveston, Texas. ### Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items Four speakers addressed the council. - Marc Tager, a director of ClickEthos, a digital marketing company, noted unanswered emails to council members in response to proposals for marketing services for off-season events. - Evan Dick, a Fort Bragg resident, expressed distrust in city government, criticized past spending such as a former police chief’s severance package, and demanded an oversight committee. - Jacob Patterson, a Fort Bragg resident, warned that the city’s broadband project faces financial risk due to competitive gigabit service pricing from Further Reach Internet, construction problems, and funding shortages. ### Consent Calendar Council Member Tess Albin-Smith pulled item 5D for separate discussion, and item 5E was struck from the agenda before the meeting. The calendar was then adopted unanimously. ### Item 5D – Garden Club MOU This agreement transfers management of the public gardens at the C.V. Starr Center to the Garden Club, replacing North Coast Opportunities due to federal funding cuts. Jacob Patterson praised the Garden Club’s work, and City Manager Isaac Whippy noted the group will provide an update in late summer. Peters moved for approval, Council Member Albin-Smith seconded, and the motion passed 5-0. ### Council Member Reports - Peters announced the promotions committee meeting and reported the fire board canceled its meeting because its budget already passed. - Hockett reported the cancellation of the public works committee meeting and declared the Friday entertainment zone debut a success. - Albin-Smith highlighted Sonoma Clean Power Board rebates of up to $2,500 for heat-pump water heaters through March 2027 and reported the finance committee meeting was canceled. - Rafanan and Godeke had no reports. ### Item: Staff Updates and Election Deadlines City Manager Isaac Whippy announced the launch of Accela permitting software, new utility rates effective July 1, and said a new community development director would start in July. The City Clerk announced three council seats—currently held by Godeke, Rafanan, and Albin-Smith—will be up for election on November 3, with nomination papers issued July 13 through August 7. A candidate information night co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters is set for Thursday, June 25, at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall. No public comments were made on these updates. The council took no formal votes on these informational items. ### Item: City Vacancy Report Human resources manager Juli Mortensen presented the AB 2561 vacancy report, highlighting a drop in the citywide vacancy rate from 13% to 8%. Executive management vacancies fell from 33% to 14% after filling IT and broadband positions, while the Police Association vacancy rate rose from 2% to 14% following the police chief transition. The city employs an estimated 132 people, and recruitment times average 109 days. No citizens spoke during the hearing. The council accepted the report without a formal vote. ### Item: Fire Protection Funding City Manager Isaac Whippy and Fire Chief Steve Orsi presented a proposal to hire the Lew Edwards Group and FM3 Research for $6,000 monthly to conduct community polling on a potential fire-equipment parcel tax. Orsi emphasized rising equipment costs, including $1 million fire engines, and noted the city needs roughly $100,000 annually to cover half of its 10-year, $5.5 million equipment replacement plan. Consultants Catherine Lew and Curtis Below explained their voter-file survey methodology to test the measure’s viability. Two citizens opposed the contract. Jacob Patterson argued that residents would support a reasonable tax without expensive consultants, and an unnamed telephone caller agreed, criticizing the city’s shift from volunteer roles to staffed positions. The council declined to approve the contracts, saving the $30,000 budgeted amount. Peters refused to spend $60,000 on consultants while telling employees there is no money for raises, Albin-Smith asserted the measure would pass without polling, and Hockett and Rafanan agreed that the community already supports the fire department. Several members pledged to help draft the ballot language in-house. No formal vote was taken. ### Adjournment Mayor Jason Godeke adjourned at approximately 7:21 p.m. ### Willits City Council — Full Report — June 10, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-city-council-june-10-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T21:47:54.000Z Mayor Tom Allman gaveled the regular meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Before public comment, Mayor Allman introduced James Connor as the city’s new interim city manager, noting that Connor previously served the city as interim police chief in 2023 and 2024 and brings 25 years of public service experience from Sonoma County. > “My primary goal here is to help the council find a city manager that will fit the community’s needs, the city staff, and the council’s needs,” James Connor said. “My CalPERS pension allows me to work as a retired annuitant for 960 hours — about five and a half months of full-time — and my commitment to the council is that I will be here for that entire time, provided they need me.” **Proclamations** The council handled one ceremonial item. Mayor Tom Allman read a proclamation celebrating the 100th anniversary of Willits Frontier Days, designating June 22 through July 4, 2026, as “Western Wear Days” and naming 2026 “The Year of the Sweetheart” to honor past Frontier Days Sweethearts in attendance. The proclamation recognized Frontier Days as California’s longest continuously running rodeo, founded in 1926, and honored the volunteers, sponsors, contestants, and community partners who have sustained the event for a century. **Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items** - Gary Martin requested 10 to 15 minutes on the July 22 agenda to present on Willits arts programs and a proposed public sculpture. - Nici Caldwell criticized police inaction regarding neighborhood juvenile vandals who damaged Brookside Middle School and harassed a Walnut Street neighbor. Caldwell said that in the early morning hours of January 3, she witnessed her neighbors’ children and their friends vandalize Bechtel Grove Middle School. She said a neighbor on Walnut Street had his door kicked in and property damaged by the same group. She said both she and her neighbor called police that night but were told officers faced limitations in acting against minors. > “It’s been going on for 10-plus years,” Caldwell said. “We’ve sat down with the last four police chiefs and nothing happens.” **Consent Calendar** No public comments were received. The council unanimously adopted the May 27 meeting minutes. **Council Member Reports** - Vice Mayor Matthew Alaniz promoted the Willits Community Theatre gala and noted his Fair Political Practices Commission matter has expanded under Government Code 1090. - Council Member Gerardo Gonzalez warned residents of new no-parking notices distributed with water bills and highlighted Police Chief Brian Fay’s goal to minimize vehicle towing during the upcoming parade. - Council Member Larry Stranske offered up a history trivia item regarding Samuel Wilson. - Mayor Tom Allman announced a June 11 closed session to interview city manager applicants and upcoming summer meetings on June 24 and July 22. **Item: Accounts Payable Review** Administrative Services Manager Joseph Park and Interim City Manager James Connor presented the financial warrants. Council Member Burton reviewed several expenditures, including a $215 Data Ticket Inc. fee, a $4,387 USGS creek-flow station contract, a $10,000 monthly IT charge to Apex Technology, a $36,000 wastewater fund charge for an East Hill Road leak, and a $22,278 county tax administration charge for collecting city assessments through through property tax bills. No citizens spoke on this item. Council Member Matthew Alaniz criticized the Chamber of Commerce’s failure to provide agreed-upon annual budgets despite receiving Transient Occupancy Tax payments. > “We kind of skipped over the conversation about whether they're actually meeting their end of the agreement or whether anybody on the council would like to see them held accountable,” Alaniz said. “Because we'd like to see where they're spending that money — they are receiving public money.” Connor noted the chamber is collaborating with a CPA to finalize its budget. No formal vote was taken. **Item: Infrastructure Updates** Mayor Tom Allman highlighted reports of brown water, broken pipes, and downtown water surges. > “I appreciate our city residents’ understanding that when these things happen, we try to take care of them as quickly as possible.” Mayor Tom Allman No citizens spoke on this item. Mayor Allman urged residents to report water issues directly to city staff. The council took no formal vote. **Item: Budget Timeline and Audit Scope** \*\*Presentation:\*\* Administrative Services Manager Joseph Park presented an updated budget timeline targeting potential adoption of the 2026-27 budget at a June 29 special meeting. Park confirmed that the 2024-25 audit has not begun due to incomplete journal entries and bank reconciliations, but staff will establish the audit scope directly after budget adoption. No citizens spoke on this item. Council members praised staff for progress toward securing the city’s first on-time budget in three years. > “If we could get a budget adopted by June 29th, it would be the first time I think in three years that this council has done finalized a budget before July 1,” Allman said. **Adjournment** Mayor Tom Allman adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:26 p.m. ### Supervisor Ted Williams Wins Another Term URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supervisor-ted-williams-wins/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:03.000Z *Update: Lake County has issued a new report and has just 188 unprocessed ballots and 108 ballots left to cure. (June 16, 2026, 1:20 p.m.) We have adjusted the section of this article that addresses Measure A, which now has no possibility of passing. We also added in the number of uncured ballots for Mendocino County.* The Mendocino County Registrar of Voters released an updated vote tally Monday afternoon and reported that just 580 ballots remain to be counted and 208 have signature issues that must be cured in order for them to be counted. District 5 Supervisor Ted Williams leads with 55% of the vote — enough to avoid a runoff election. Even if every remaining ballot were cast for Kevan Evans, Williams’ closest opponent, Williams would still finish with just over 50% of the vote and secure another term. In District 4, front-runner Buffey Wright Bourassa held a 51-vote lead over Eric Hart. Even if Bourassa received all 580 outstanding ballots, she would finish with only about 41% of the vote — not enough to avoid a runoff against Hart in the November election. Meanwhile, the Measure A bond is failing. Community college bond measures are decided by the combined vote of all voters within the district. Currently “yes” notes for Measure A make up 52% of all votes cast for that measure in Mendocino and Lake counties. Even if every single ballot that is not processed, including the uncured ballots, contains a “yes” vote for Measure A, it will still fail with less than 54% of the vote. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — June 13, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-june-13/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:03.000Z ## 🏛️ Mendocino County **CAL FIRE Suspends Burn Permits in Mendocino County** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 13* CAL FIRE will suspend all residential burn permits in Mendocino County beginning June 15 as fire danger rises. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/13/cal-fire-suspends-burn-permits-in-mendocino-county-2/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* **New Book Chronicles Mendocino County’s Cannabis Boom and Bust** *By Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice · June 12* British historian Charlie Harris has published *Mendo: How an Unlikely Group of Rebels Turned Cannabis into California’s Cash Crop*, a history of Mendocino County’s cannabis industry from the back-to-the-land movement to legalization. The book traces the rise of the county’s marijuana economy and the dramatic collapse in prices that followed. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/charlie-harris-book-mendo-explores-mendocino-countys-pot-boom-and-bust/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Youth Turnout Surges as Ballot Count Continues** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 12* Youth voter participation nearly doubled statewide compared to the 2022 primary, with ballots cast by voters ages 18–34 up 96%. In Mendocino County, Buffy Wright Bourassa maintained a narrow lead in the District 3 supervisor race while the community college bond measure remained below the 55% threshold needed to pass. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/election-update-shows-increased-turnout) **Residents Face $600 Fines for Missing Jury Duty Hearings** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 10* About 25 Mendocino County residents will be fined $600 for failing to appear at court-ordered hearings after missing jury duty. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/600-fines-for-dozens-of-mendocino-county-residents-who-didnt-explain-why-they-missed-jury-duty/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Fire Safe Council Awards $122,000 for Wildfire Projects** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 10* The Mendocino County Fire Safe Council awarded $122,000 to 14 neighborhood groups, firewise communities, and fire agencies. Grants will fund emergency water supplies, communications equipment, and other wildfire-prevention projects. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/10/mendocino-county-fire-safe-council-awards-122000-for-local-wildfire-safety-projects/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* **Invasive Pikeminnow Continue to Threaten Eel River Salmon** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 9* Millions of Sacramento pikeminnow now inhabit the upper Eel River watershed, where they prey heavily on young salmon and steelhead. Researchers say long-term recovery depends on restoring colder river conditions rather than fish-removal efforts alone. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/on-the-eel-river-the-most-hated-fish-is-a-california-native-but-a-stranger-nonetheless/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Supervisors Approve Budget Despite Deficit Warnings** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 9* The Board of Supervisors approved a $95 million General Fund budget that relies on $2.6 million in one-time funding to balance. Staff warned the county could face a $2.2 million deficit next year, along with rising health care costs tied to federal policy changes. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supervisors-adopt-balanced-budget) **No Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Confirmed in Ukiah Samples** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 9* Testing has not confirmed the presence of the destructive glassy-winged sharpshooter in grapevine samples collected from the Ukiah Costco. County agricultural officials say additional testing is underway and monitoring will continue. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/09/still-no-gwss-confirmed-in-local-samples-county-ag-official-reports/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* **Museum Seeks Submissions for Cannabis History Exhibit** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 6* The Mendocino County Museum is seeking stories, photos, and artwork for a traveling exhibit on local cannabis history. Submissions are due June 27, and the exhibit is scheduled to open in Willits this October. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/mendocino-county-museum-seeks-submissions-on-marijuana-history/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚧 Covelo **Covelo’s Green Bridge Collapses Into Mill Creek** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 13* Covelo’s 101-year-old Green Bridge collapsed Friday evening while a vehicle was crossing it, sending the driver into Mill Creek with only minor injuries. Mendocino County had been working to replace the aging structure since 2012 but had not yet begun construction. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/mendocino-county-was-racing-to-replace-covelos-failing-green-bridge-when-it-collapsed-into-the-eel-river-on-friday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🔭 FORT BRAGG **Fort Bragg Installs Scenic Viewing Binoculars Along Coastal Trail** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 9* Fort Bragg has installed two free binocular stations near Glass Beach, giving visitors a closer look at whales, seabirds, marine life, and coastal scenery. Funded by the Blue Zones Project, the stations offer 10x and 20x magnification and are located south of the Glass Beach on the North Coastal Trail and on the South Coastal Trail near the parking lot. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/fort-bragg-installs-two-sets-of-scenic-viewing-binoculars-along-coastal-trail/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Harbor Seal Pups Need Space at Noyo Beach** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 7* Visitors are asked to avoid the north end of Noyo Beach during harbor seal pupping season, which runs through August. Wildlife officials warn that dogs and people can cause mothers to abandon their pups permanently. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/why-you-need-to-stay-away-from-the-north-end-of-noyo-beach-enjoy-our-photo-story-on-noyo-harbors-treats-and-eats-plus-pause-in-local-crime-and-the-beat-cop-from-the-haight-in-trouble-rate-our-dai/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Free Driftwood Collection Allowed Through June 30** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 6* Fort Bragg is allowing residents to collect up to 50 pounds of driftwood per day from Noyo Beach through June 30\. Collection must be done by hand during daylight hours, and officials caution against burning salt-soaked driftwood because it releases toxic compounds. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/where-did-that-driftwood-come-from-take-home-world-traveling-wood-and-help-the-city/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚔 LITTLE RIVER **Little River Man Arrested With Stolen Gun, Drugs** *By Katy St. Clair, The Mendocino Voice · June 9* Deputies arrested a Little River man on a felony warrant after finding a stolen handgun and suspected methamphetamine during a stop in Fort Bragg. A vehicle search uncovered a loaded shotgun and additional narcotics, leading to multiple felony weapons and drug charges. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/convicted-felon-from-little-river-arrested-over-stolen-gun-narcotics/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌊 POINT ARENA **Point Arena Surf Legend Featured in Telluride Film Festival** *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* A short documentary about Point Arena artist and surf legend Lester DaGradi screened at the prestigious Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride. The film, “Lester,” was directed by Point Arena restaurateur and filmmaker Paul Collins, marking his second appearance at the festival. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* **Vandalism Forces Closure of Downtown Restrooms** *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* Point Arena temporarily closed its public restrooms after a string of vandalism incidents. City officials reported extensive damage, including broken fixtures, plumbing repairs, and repeated acts of vandalism inside the facility. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* --- ### 🏢 UKIAH **Residents Pack Annexation Workshop** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 11* More than 60 residents attended a city workshop on Ukiah’s proposed annexation of surrounding unincorporated areas. City officials said property taxes would not increase and noted residents could halt the proposal through a successful protest process. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/more-than-60-ukiah-valley-residents-pack-meeting-to-learn-about-annexation-proposal/?ref=mendolocal.news) **North Coast Opportunities Shutters Programs** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 10* North Coast Opportunities has eliminated roughly seven programs over the past two years, including food delivery, community leadership and cancer support services. Local officials say the cuts represent a significant shift for one of Mendocino County’s largest nonprofits. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/ukiahs-north-coast-opportunities-is-letting-go-of-program-after-program/?ref=mendolocal.news) **400-Acre Burn Planned Along Highway 101** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 9* Cal Fire plans to burn about 400 acres of grassland along Highway 101 between Ukiah and Willits later this month. The project is intended to reduce roadside fuel loads and improve firefighter safety. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/09/cal-fire-hundreds-of-acres-to-be-burned-this-month-along-highway-101/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* **Deputy Breaks Arm During Arrest** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 9* A Mendocino County sheriff’s deputy suffered a broken arm while pursuing a wanted man through a cluttered North State Street property. The suspect, Diego Vallejo, was captured with assistance from Ukiah police and booked on multiple warrants. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/deputy-suffers-broken-arm-during-arrest) **No Invasive Sharpshooter Confirmed** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 9* Testing has not confirmed the presence of the destructive glassy-winged sharpshooter in grapevine samples collected near the Ukiah Costco. County agriculture officials say surveillance remains active while additional laboratory results are pending. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/09/still-no-gwss-confirmed-in-local-samples-county-ag-official-reports/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* --- ### 🎓 WILLITS **State Funds Highway 20 Corridor Study** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 10* MCOG has received nearly $188,000 to study traffic flow, pedestrian access and intersection improvements along Highway 20 through Willits. The grant revives discussion of road-diet concepts that predate completion of the Willits Bypass. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/10/state-funds-study-on-willits-corridor-lake-county-ferry/?ref=mendolocal.news) **🎓 Rotary Club Awards 12 Student Scholarships** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly · June 12* The Willits Rotary Club awarded 12 scholarships to graduating students, including ten academic awards and two vocational scholarships. Recipients were honored at the Little Lake Firehouse. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### 🏛️ CALMATTERS **Democrats Use Budget Leverage in Climate Spending Fight** *By Alejandro Lazo and Yue Stella Yu · June 12* California Senate Democrats are blocking several of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s budget priorities to force him to honor a climate funding deal reached last year. At stake are billions of dollars for transit, affordable housing and clean water programs that could be cut in half under proposed changes to the state’s carbon market system. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/newsom-climate-rules-budget-fight-senate-democrats/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Lawmakers Block DMV Funding Over Immigrant Data Concerns** *By Khari Johnson and Wendy Fry · June 12* California lawmakers are withholding $55 million from the DMV to prevent driver license information from being shared through a nationwide database. Critics warn the system could expose data tied to more than 1 million undocumented Californians and increase the risk of federal immigration enforcement. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/06/dmv-data-sharing-california-budget/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Election Update Shows Increased Turnout Across California URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/election-update-shows-increased-turnout/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:07.000Z *Clarification: We added added information about the regular and special election for District 1, clarifying that two winners are James Gallagher and Mike McGuire. (June 12, 2026, 1:50 p.m.)* The latest analysis of ballots returned in the June 2 election shows that the number of ballots submitted by voters ages 18 to 34 increased 96% compared to the June 2022 primary, [according to data released Thursday by PDI](https://tracker.politicaldata.com/?type=statewide&tab=3&ref=mendolocal.news), a campaign software provider. Across all age groups, 8,475,572 ballots have been tabulated, compared to 6,832,625 in the June 2022 primary at a similar point in time, according to PDI. The figures are not final and are likely to change as additional ballots are processed. The total number of voters in the June 2022 primary was [7,285,230 according to the Secretary of State](https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2022-primary/sov/complete.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news). Registered Democrats made up the largest share of voters in the 2026 primary. The number of registered Democrats receiving ballots increased 5.5% compared to 2022 data, while the number who returned those ballots rose 6%, growing to 4,248,511 voters so far, according to PDI. The number of registered Republicans receiving ballots increased 13% compared to 2022 data, while the number who returned ballots increased 3%, growing to 2,435,946 voters so far. Registration and turnout also increased among Latino and Black voters. Voters identifying as Black returned 37% of their ballots so far, matching the overall turnout rate. Voters identifying as Latino returned 26% of their ballots, up from 19% in 2022\. While the number of registered voters identifying as Asian increased by 702,072 thousand, the percent of those who returned their ballots dropped to 28%, compared to 30% in 2022. [The AP estimates that 96% of votes have been counted statewide. ](https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/california-primary-results/?ref=mendolocal.news)Fifty-one out of the state’s 58 counties have counted more than 90% of their ballots. Out of the seven slowest counties, Mendocino County ranks last, with just 61 percent of the votes counted. (*MendoLocal.News* has asked the elections office why the vote count in Mendocino lags its peers, and we will write a second article based on that response.) According to [the latest count released by the Mendocino County Elections Office](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/government/assessor-county-clerk-recorder-elections/current-election-results?ref=mendolocal.news) on Thursday, Supervisor Ted Williams is leading the race for the District 5 Board of Supervisors seat by a wide margin. Williams has received 1,795 votes, or 60% of ballots cast. Kevin Evans, his closest challenger, has received 659 votes, or 22%, while Todd Lyly has received 535 votes, or 18%. The race for the District 3 Board of Supervisors seat remains closely contested, with Buffy Wright Bourassa holding a 53-vote lead over Eric Hart. So far, Bourassa has received 32% of the vote, Hart 31%, Clay Romero 24%, and Russell Green 13%. The proposed bond measure for Mendocino-Lake Community College has not reached the 55% approval threshold required for passage. So far, 8,135 voters have supported the measure, while 7,022 have voted against it. In congressional races, roughly 81% of ballots have been counted. In California’s 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Jared Huffman, a Democrat, is projected to face Republican Robin Littau in November, according to The Associated Press. In the 1st Congressional District, Republican James Gallagher has received 62% of the vote with 93% of ballots counted in the special election to finish late Doug LaMalfa's term. In that election, Democrat Audrey Denney holds a 2,522-vote lead over Mike McGuire for second place. In a second election,to represent the district at the expiration of LaMalfa’s term this year, Gallagher received 82,893 votes or 44% and McGuire received 74, 462 or 40%. In that race, Denny received only 26,887 votes or 14.3%. The AP has called the race with Gallagher and McGuire as the winners. In the statewide race for governor, Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton are projected to advance to the November general election, according to The Associated Press. In the race for attorney general, incumbent Rob Bonta, a Democrat, is projected to face Republican Michael Gates in November. The Mendocino County Elections Office is expected to release its next update by Monday, June 15 at 5 p.m. ### Deputy Suffers Broken Arm Answering a Call for Service in Ukiah URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/deputy-suffers-broken-arm-during-arrest/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:07.000Z A Mendocino County sheriff’s deputy suffered a broken arm while pursuing a Ukiah man wanted on multiple outstanding warrants Friday night, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were first dispatched at approximately 8:27 p.m. June 5 to a residence in the 3900 block of North State Street after receiving a report of a man causing a disturbance. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies found no evidence of a disturbance and were unable to locate anyone involved after speaking with a neighbor and checking the area. About an hour later, at approximately 9:50 p.m., deputies were called back to the same address for another report of a disturbance. The Sheriff’s Office said deputies knew that 31-year-old Diego Vallejo lived at the residence and that he had multiple outstanding arrest warrants, including a felony warrant alleging reckless evasion of a peace officer. After receiving no response at the front door, a deputy reportedly observed Vallejo in the backyard and told him that he was under arrest on the outstanding warrants. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Vallejo fled on foot rather than surrendering. The deputy pursued Vallejo a cluttered backyard that authorities described as containing aggressive dogs, patio furniture, makeshift fencing, disabled vehicles and landscaping materials. During the chase, the deputy fell and suffered a fractured right humerus, the bone of the upper arm, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The deputy was transported to a local hospital, where the injury was determined to be a serious bodily injury. Officers from the Ukiah Police Department responded to assist and ultimately took Vallejo into custody. In addition to the outstanding warrants, Vallejo was arrested on suspicion of violating California Penal Code section 148.10, which makes it a felony to resist or obstruct a peace officer when that conduct proximately causes serious bodily injury to the officer. Vallejo was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held on $51,500 bail, according to the Sheriff’s Office. ### Supervisors Approve Balanced Budget Proposal While Staff Warns of Future Deficits, Federal Cuts URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supervisors-adopt-balanced-budget/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:08.000Z *Updated: Information about the date the board will vote on the final resolution was added to the bottom of the story, and additional clarification was added to the opening paragraph and headline, June 9, 2025 (8:19 a.m.)* The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a balanced budget proposal last week that relies on a one-time cash infusion to close an ongoing structural deficit and does not account for potential costs associated with recent federal policy changes or the City of Ukiah’s proposed annexation plans. The county’s $95 million General Fund budget relies on $2.6 million in one-time funding, much of it generated through [a recent accounting change ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/accounting-shift-balances-mendo-budget)that allowed the county to capture an additional month of state and federal reimbursements. If the county does not identify new revenue sources or reduce expenditures, the projected shortfall for fiscal year 2027-28 is expected to reach $2.2 million. The budget discussion followed roughly 30 minutes of impassioned public comment from county employees, many of whom criticized ongoing contract negotiations and proposed reductions to employee compensation. Megan Wolf, a library assistant and secretary of the union’s executive board, called the proposed elimination of longevity pay “a slap in the face,” noting that employees receive just a 1% increase after 10 years of service. “Right now you are saying we can’t even have that?” Wolf said. “It was already low and embarrassing.” Rebecca Britton described commuting from Lake County because she cannot afford housing in Ukiah. “Now it’s $20 more every time I fill up my gas tank,” Britton said, describing the financial pressures that have led her to consider seeking work closer to home. Tracy Wright, a county employee of 26 years, got straight to the point. “We have workers coming in getting trained, and leaving our county,” she said. “What is that saying about our county?” “Shame on all of you,” Wright told the board. “We are barely surviving.” Later, during public comment on the budget itself, Patrick Hickey, a field representative for SEIU Local 1021, questioned whether the county’s structural deficit reflects a spending problem or a revenue collection problem. Hickey noted that the county’s total fund balance has increased from $29.5 million to $80.5 million over the past seven years. “The county has acknowledged that there are roughly $30 million in uncollected property taxes and has recently decided to stop pursuing some delinquent cannabis tax revenue,” Hickey said. “It’s not a revenue problem. It’s a collection problem.” Deputy CEO Tony Rakes directed the board’s attention to changes resulting from HR 1, which was enacted last year. County officials said the measure is expected to increase demand for indigent health care services, which require a county match, as its provisions are phased in. In addition, a proposed asset test could reduce the number of people who qualify for in-home supportive services, which could also mean less federal and state funding, Rakes said. “It’s very worrisome, all these changes that are happening at once,” CEO Darcie Antle said. Antle noted that California’s Welfare and Institutions Code Section 17000 requires counties to provide basic relief and support to indigent residents who have no other means of support and do not qualify for other assistance programs. During public comment, Sheriff Matt Kendall raised concerns about the financial impact of the City of Ukiah’s proposed annexation of county territory, costs that are not reflected in the 2026-27 budget. “I’d like to know how much that is going to cost us,” Kendall said, citing one estimate that projected a first-year cost of $150,000. “That’s a deputy sheriff that we will lose in the first year,” Kendall said. “What’s it going to look like in the second year? What will it look like in the third year? I think that we need to take a good hard look at this and make a decision: Can we make this net zero?” Supervisor Mo Mulheren, whose district includes the City of Ukiah, questioned whether the county’s analysis of the annexation could be technically accurate while still failing to capture the full picture. Mulheren argued that annexation would shift law enforcement responsibilities in high-call-volume areas from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office to the Ukiah Police Department, potentially allowing sheriff’s deputies to focus on underserved areas elsewhere in the county. She also noted that annexation could reduce county obligations for road maintenance and other infrastructure costs. “I’ve spent the last six years trying to improve transparency and change the culture around how information is shared,” Mulheren said. “I’ve advocated for more context, more collaboration, and more open discussion. I thought we were making headway with that in this budget.” Assistant CEO Sara Pierce said the county’s analysis to date has focused primarily on the loss of sales tax and transient occupancy tax revenue associated with annexation. “We would welcome an independent consultant to vet it on both sides,” Pierce said. Following the discussion the supervisors voted unanimously to directo the auditor-controller to prepare a final budget resolution for adoption by the board on June 23, 2026. --- *Read our coverage of the county budget:* [Understanding the Accounting Shift That is Balancing the County Budget for the Next Six Months](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/accounting-shift-balances-mendo-budget) (March 5, 2026) [Mendocino County Overhauls Reserve Policy ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-overhauls-reserve-policy)(March 30, 2026) [Proposed Ukiah Annexation Could Cost Mendocino County as Much as $27 Million Over 16 Years](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost) (May 6, 2026) [Former San Francisco Controller Says Mendocino County Must Overhaul Financial System](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-must-reimplement-financial-system) (June 5, 2026) ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — June 7, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-june-7/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:08.000Z ## 💰 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Former San Francisco Controller Says Mendocino County Must Overhaul Financial System** *Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 5* Former San Francisco Controller Ben Rosenfield told county supervisors that Mendocino County’s outdated MUNIS financial system requires a complete overhaul estimated at three to five years and $3–5 million. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-must-reimplement-financial-system) **How Many Ballots Are Left to Count? 16,572** *Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 5* Mendocino County election officials reported 16,572 ballots remained unprocessed following the June 2 primary. The next vote tally is expected at 4 p.m. on June 11. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/how-many-ballots-are-left-to-count) **400-Acre Prescribed Burn Planned Along Highway 101 from Ukiah to Willits** *Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 5* CAL FIRE will conduct a 400-acre prescribed burn along U.S. Highway 101 from south of Ukiah to south of Willits between June 22 and July 9, 2026. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/400-acre-prescribed-burn-planned-later-this-month-along-highway-101-from-ukiah-to-willits/?ref=mendolocal.news) **County Pays $1.5 Million to Settle Cubbison Civil Case** *Mike Geniella, MendoLocal.News · June 4* Mendocino County supervisors settled civil litigation with former Auditor Chamise Cubbison for $1.5 million, with the agreement signed in mid-February 2026 but kept confidential until disclosure through a Public Records Act request that was fulfilled after the election. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-pays-15-million-to-settle-cubbison-case) **Ballot Printer Sues Mendocino County Over Unpaid Election Bills** *Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 4* Integrated Voting Systems sued Mendocino County seeking nearly $98,000 for unpaid invoices stemming from a ballot printing error in the March 2024 presidential primary. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ballot-printer-sues-mendocino-county) **Preliminary Election Results for Mendocino County** *Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 3* With approximately 17% of votes counted in the June 2 primary, incumbent Superior Court Judge Patrick Pekin led in the contested judicial race while the Mendocino-Lake Community College District’s bond measure fell short of the required 55% threshold. In District 5, Supervisor Ted Williams led with 53% of the vote. In the District 3 Supervisors race, Eric Hart held a narrow five-vote lead over Buffey Wright Bourassa in early returns. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/preliminary-election-results) **Reports of Dead, Malnourished Sea Lions Are Increasing Along Mendocino Coast** *Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 3* Dead and malnourished sea lions are being reported in unusually high numbers along the Mendocino Coast, with the Marine Mammal Center sometimes receiving multiple calls a day. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/dead-malnourished-sea-lions-on-the-mendo-coast) **Mendocino County’s Animal Care Services Took in 294 Animals in the Last Six Months** *Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 3* Mendocino County’s Animal Care Services[ ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/dead-malnourished-sea-lions-on-the-mendo-coast)(ACS) reported to the Board of Supervisors that it took in 294 animals between Jan. 1 and May 29 with the following outcomes: 115 adopted, 34 returned to their owners, 52 transferred to rescues or the humane societies, and 44 euthanized. ACS received $1,225,106 in the 2026-27 budget and was not asked to make any cuts. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/mendocino-countys-animal-care-services-dodges-budget-cuts/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Drug Store Robber Sentenced After Years as a Fugitive** *By the Mendocino County District Attorney · June 4* A man involved in the 2019 armed robbery of a Willits Rite Aid pharmacy was sentenced Wednesday to five years in state prison after years of probation violations, missed court appearances and arrests in multiple states. The robbery involved the theft of more than 4,000 narcotic pills valued at over $30,000. [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/MendoDA) **One in Three Residential Parcels in Mendocino County Has No Home on It** *Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 2* Analysis of Mendocino County assessor data reveals that nearly 30% of residential parcels — more than 10,000 lots — lack homes, with 72% owned by absentee investors. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/saving-a-fentanyal-overdoser-can-be-dangerous-for-first-responsders-this-is-what-happened-when-they-tried-in-boonville-on-friday/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Your Friendly, Neighborhood Spider-Stuntman** *Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 2* Ukiah native Solomon Brende, who served as Nicolas Cage’s body double on Amazon Prime’s Spider-Noir and appeared Captain America, The Mandalorian, and Westworld, has recently purchased a home in Mendocino County. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/02/your-friendly-neighborhood-spider-stuntman/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* --- ## 🚒 BOONVILLE **Saving a Fentanyl Overdoser Can Be Dangerous for First Responders — What Happened in Boonville** *Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 2* A 31-year-old Boonville resident overdosed on fentanyl on May 29\. First responders revived Jack Hayward with Narcan. Hayward then became combative and fled. A Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputy required hospitalization and surgery following the pursuit. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/saving-a-fentanyal-overdoser-can-be-dangerous-for-first-responsders-this-is-what-happened-when-they-tried-in-boonville-on-friday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🍺 FORT BRAGG **Overtime Brewing’s Future Loomed Over Fort Bragg City Council Meeting** *Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 4* The Fort Bragg City Council heard from co-founder Stephen Duerr and residents urging the city to support Overtime Brewing as its lease on Elm Street nears expiration. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/overtime-brewings-future-looms-over-council-meeting) **What a Million-Dollar Home Sale Means for All of Us — and What the Company Store Actually Sold For** *Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 4* A home in the cypress tree tunnel north of Seaside Beach on State Route 1 near Fort Bragg, listed at $1.595 million, is pending sale — representing a roughly 2,085% increase from its $73,000 purchase price in 1996\. The Union Lumber Company Store also sold, for $2 million to Sierra Railroad Holdings. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/what-a-million-dollar-home-sale-means-for-all-of-us-and-what-the-company-store-actually-sold-for/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Fort Bragg City Hall Ballot Drop Box Overstuffed and Unusable Sunday Afternoon** *Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 2* The ballot drop box at Fort Bragg City Hall was stuffed on Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m., preventing voters from depositing ballots until city staff emptied it at approximately 7:10 p.m. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/we-now-have-two-separate-reports-ballot-box-outside-fort-bragg-city-hall-overstuffed-and-unuseable-on-sunday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌲 REDWOOD VALLEY **Redwood Valley Community Rallies Behind Recreation Center Project** *By Monica Huettl, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Redwood Valley residents gathered at the Grange Hall on June 2, 2026 to support efforts to transform the abandoned Redwood Valley School campus into a community recreation center. The RVRC Steering Committee is pursuing state grant funding and has modeled their vision after the successful Jefferson Community Center in Eureka. [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(a subscription to the AVA may be required)* ## 🌊 POINT ARENA **PA Residents Question Proposed Sewer Rate Increases** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* Point Arena residents are facing rising sewer charges—the average customer currently pays about $69 per month, this will rise to $92 per month the first year the proposed increase is implemented and reach $146 per month over a five-year rate plan. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(a subscription to the Independent Coast Observer is required)* **Trespassing Incident Reported at B. Bryan Preserve** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* A known transient was observed trespassing on the B. Bryan Preserve in Point Arena on May 29\. The incident was reported to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, however deputies were not able to locate the trespasser. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(a subscription to the Independent Coast Observer is required)* --- ## 🎭 UKIAH **One Heart Institute Presents the 4th Concert Series, Musicians Retreat** *Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 6* The One Heart Institute is hosting its fourth annual Mindfulness for Musicians Retreat June 21–28 at the Sudhana Center in Ukiah, featuring master classes with cellist Barbara Bogatin, jazz pianist Elio Villafranca, guitarist Alex de Grassi, and saxophonist Wenbo Yin. Three public concerts follow June 26–28, featuring world-class performers across classical, jazz, and contemporary genres. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/06/one-heart-institute-presents-the-4th-concert-series-musicians-retreat/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(a subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* **Punk Rock Archive in the Making: Community Input Needed** *Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 5* Alyssa Ballard, archivist for the Historical Society of Mendocino County, is building an archive of the county’s alternative music scene from the late 1970s through 2010, seeking recordings, zines, flyers, photos, and interviews from punk, metal, and hardcore participants countywide. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/05/punk-rock-archive-in-the-making-community-input-needed/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(a subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* **Two Creative Ukiah Summer Camps Opening in June** *Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 4 (Ukiah, Willits)* Ukiah Players Theatre is running concurrent summer camps beginning June 8 — a teen comedy session and a series of outdoor skills camps teaching bow-making, fire-starting, and tracking for youth and teens. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/04/two-creative-ukiah-summer-camps-opening-in-june/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* **Ukiah Holds Annexation Scoping Meeting to Gauge Environmental Impact** *Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 4* About 20 community members attended the recent scoping meeting, many opposing the proposed annexation. Rincon Consultants is preparing a supplemental environmental impact report. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/ukiah-holds-annexation-scoping-meeting-to-gauge-environmental-impact/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💧 WILLITS **Brooktrails Board Hears About Water Issues** *Barbara O’Reardon, Willits Weekly · June 4* At the May 26 board meeting, General Manager Tamara Alaniz said Lake Emily has recently stopped spilling and residents will have to be diligent about water use restrictions. Customers who use more than 9,000 gallons per month will receive restrictor notices. Alaniz noted there have been taste and smell issues but assured residents “the water has been safe and treated.” [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Trivia Takeover** *Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly · June 4* Northspur Brewing, The Munchery, and Flying Dog Pizza are all hosting trivia nights on the following days: Northspur — first and third Wednesdays starting at 6:30 p.m.; The Munchery — second and fourth Thursdays; and Flying Dog Pizza — second and fourth Mondays starting at 6 p.m. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS & STATE NEWS **Democrat Xavier Becerra Advances to November Race for California Governor** *Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters · June 5* Xavier Becerra, California’s former attorney general and health secretary, has secured nearly 27% of the vote in the June 2 primary and will advance to the November gubernatorial election. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-primary-governor-becerra/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Trump Administration’s New Green Card Policy: 5 Things to Know** *Wendy Fry, CalMatters · June 4* The Trump administration issued a sweeping policy directive requiring most temporary visa holders and humanitarian parolees to return to their home countries while awaiting green cards—a dramatic shift from decades of established practice. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/06/green-cards-what-to-know/?ref=mendolocal.news) **How a California tribal college is opening doors for Native students** *Ella Carter-Klauschie, CalMatters · June 4* California is home to over 700,000 residents of tribal ancestry but there is only one confirmed tribal college. Two proposed Assembly bills aim to officially recognize tribal colleges in the state’s education code and ensure student credits transfer seamlessly to other universities—potentially opening the door for consistent state and federal funding. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/education/2026/06/california-indian-nations-college-tribal-colleges/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Cannabis Sales Generate $248 Million in Tax Revenue for Q1 2026** *By California Department of Tax and Fee Administration* California’s legal cannabis retailers generated approximately $248 million in tax revenue during the first quarter of 2026\. Since legalization in January 2018, cannabis sales have contributed more than $8.1 billion to the state, with excise tax revenue supporting childcare, early childhood development, medical research, youth substance abuse prevention, and environmental recovery programs. [Read more](https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Former San Francisco Controller Says Mendocino County Must Overhaul Financial System URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-must-reimplement-financial-system/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T22:01:12.000Z Ben Rosenfield, a widely respected budget professional who served as controller for the City and County of San Francisco from 2008 to 2023, delivered a message of tough love to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday about its financial processes. Mendocino County is struggling with a financial system so outdated and inefficient that it is hindering basic operations, consuming valuable staff time and potentially leaving millions of dollars in property tax revenue uncollected, he said. “The root of these challenges are in large part due to a long-ago and incomplete implementation of the financial system that the county uses to perform the vast majority of this work,” Rosenfield said. He noted that the Board of Supervisors has been informed of the issue before, including during a 2025 presentation by the Regional Government Services organization. The county’s financial system is MUNIS, an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, a type of software used to automate and manage day-to-day operations. While ERP systems can be invaluable, they are also notoriously difficult to implement. Rosenfield said other counties have successfully implemented MUNIS, but Mendocino County did not do so in a way that made the system fully usable. “This results in a whole host of financial activities that require extensive staff time to navigate what should be more routine transactions, things like processing journal entries, preparing a budget, preparing financial tracking reports,” Rosenfield said. “In other cases, it leads to gaps that make it very challenging for the county to perform some of these tasks, things like bank reconciliation and others.” ## A Three-Year Roadmap The county hired Rosenfield in December following a scathing state audit that documented Mendocino County’s declining financial health. Dubbed the “Clark Kent of City Hall” by *The New York Times*, Rosenfield was tasked with providing the county a roadmap for modernizing and stabilizing its finances. Rosenfield said Mendocino County needs to reimplement its ERP system, whether it decides to continue using MUNIS or chooses another provider. He estimated the project will take three years, cost between $3 million and $5 million, and require a dedicated staff of three to five employees, along with outside consultants. The first year will focus on documenting existing processes and determining how they can be improved. “We don’t want to too quickly jump to simply implementing the financial system without asking ourselves first, what do we want it to do for us and what do we want those processes to look like,” Rosenfield said. “That’s a mistake that often happens, and the result is that you end up with financial systems that embed the way you’re doing things today. The goal here is to imagine that we can do things in a more standard way that’s in place in many other places.” The primary deliverable from the first phase will be a detailed work plan presented to the Board of Supervisors for approval. Rosenfield suggested the board receive quarterly or semiannual updates on implementation. ## Uncollected Property Taxes Turning to uncollected property taxes, which the California State Auditor estimated exceed $30 million, Rosenfield said the county is now able to produce reports of unpaid bills, known as aging reports. The backlog is substantial. The county has records of more than 5,000 property ownership changes and building permits that still need to be evaluated for reassessment. The backlog, which dates to 2008, has a cascading effect: It reduces revenue available for local services, creates significant additional work for employees in the assessor’s, auditor-controller’s and treasurer-tax collector’s offices, and creates uncertainty and “unfortunate surprises” for taxpayers. Rosenfield pointed to high turnover in the assessor’s office as one of the most significant contributing factors. Since 2022, 24 staff members have left and 23 have been hired. The office averages 4.8 departures annually, meaning roughly one-quarter of the workforce turns over each year. “That means they’ve lost institutional knowledge necessary to do work,” Rosenfield said. “It means they’re pulling people off the floor to train a never-ending chain of new people coming in the door.” Rosenfield said it is important to interrupt what he described as a “negative workload cycle.” He recommended stabilizing staffing levels and developing a clear, measurable and public plan to eliminate the backlog. He warned that clearing it could take two years. ## Accurate Budget Forecasts One area where Mendocino County has made progress during the past 18 months is financial forecasting and reporting. Rosenfield said the county’s budget forecasting compares favorably with that of its peers, with less than a 1% variance between original forecasts and actual results over the past four years. However, he recommended improvements in summarizing key trends in quarterly reports and providing executive summaries that preview year-end results to minimize surprises. Rosenfield also praised the county’s updated reserve policy. “That has the potential to put the county in a much better place in the future to navigate multi-year financial cycles,” he said. ## A Commitment to Move Forward Supervisors expressed agreement with Rosenfield’s assessment and said they were prepared to approve the funding needed to implement the recommendations. Supervisor Ted Williams described the roadmap as “shovel-ready” and asked CEO Darcie Antle what she needed from the board. Supervisor Mo Mulheren said she would support additional staffing or consultants as necessary. “I do know that it is having a lasting impact on our community to be so far behind in the property tax assessments,” Mulheren said. Supervisor Madeline Cline described the roadmap as “the biggest opportunity for improvement for the county.” She said the next step is “investing the resources, the staff, the money to set the county up for success moving forward.” CEO Antle said she would huddle with her team and return to the board with a staffing request. ### How Many Ballots Are Left to Count? 16,572 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/how-many-ballots-are-left-to-count/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:08.000Z Mendocino County election officials estimate that 16,572 ballots remain to be processed following the June 2 primary election. According to the county’s initial unprocessed ballot report, 9,177 ballots had been counted as of Thursday afternoon. The largest share of outstanding ballots consists of 15,148 vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day. Election officials also reported 862 vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day, four ballots forwarded by other counties, and 558 provisional ballots awaiting processing. An additional 233 ballots remain in the curing process because of missing or nonmatching signatures. The county expects to release its next vote count update by 4 p.m. on June 11. ### County Pays $1.5 Million to Settle Cubbison Civil Case URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-pays-15-million-to-settle-cubbison-case/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:09.000Z Mendocino County supervisors are paying $1.5 million to settle civil litigation with former county Auditor Chamise Cubbison, according to newly obtained documents. The board’s agreement was reached weeks ago but kept concealed until disclosure of the settlement was obtained this week under a Public Records Act request. A key document bearing the signature of chair Bernie Norvell of the Board of Supervisors is dated Feb. 16, according to the records disclosed. Earlier, on Feb. 10, Cubbison attorney Therese Cannata and Morin Jacob, the county’s lawyer, signed a document approving the form of the agreement. Why the settlement has been kept secret so long remains a mystery. No one at the county level, including Norvell, or the county’s outside attorney involved in the Cubbison case, responded to requests Thursday for comment. Nor did District Attorney David Eyster who was a key participant in events that led to the Cubbison civil litigation after his disputed efforts to criminally prosecute Cubbison collapsed on Feb. 25, 2025, when his felony case accusing her of misuse of public funds was dismissed in Superior Court. The settlement represents about half of the potential monetary damage that Cubbison might have obtained had she continued her legal challenge, according to knowledgeable civil attorneys. Cubbison reportedly agreed to settle because she is ready to move onto to her new job as newly elected county Treasurer / Tax Collector, and end years of upheaval in her career after being targeted by Eyster. Cubbison attorney Therese Cannata said Thursday that Cubbison is “pleased and grateful to have reached a settlement with Mendocino County and conclude this long and difficult chapter in her life.” “Speaking for her entire legal team, we were honored for the opportunity to serve Ms. Cubbison,” said Cannata. She is a noted lawyer who has obtained statewide recognition for representing management-level public employees. Morin Jacob, the managing partner of the San Francisco law firm of Liebert Cassidy Whitmore retained by the county as an outside attorney, did not return written requests for comment. Jacob was instrumental in advising the board in 2023 that it could suspend Cubbison as auditor without pay or benefits based on DA Eyster’s move to criminally charge her. Eyster’s action, laced with backroom political intrigue, stemmed from a hotly disputed case involving overtime pay in the Auditor’s Office during the Covid pandemic. At issue then was $68,000 paid to former county Payroll Manager Paula June Kennedy for extra hours. Eyster claimed Cubbison had authorized use of a “secret pay code” but testimony during a criminal preliminary hearing revealed the payments were not hidden, and that current and past county officials knew about them. Judge Ann Moorman, who presided over the criminal case, found that there was no criminal intent on the part of Kennedy or Cubbison. Court records show that on April 17 the Cubbison civil case was formally dismissed by Moorman at the request of attorneys on both sides. Earlier, on Jan. 9, a trial date was vacated because the case had been ‘settled,’ according to court documents. County officials still have not publicly acknowledged the outcome of a contentious case that rocked the county administrative center and triggered a political brouhaha that engulfed the county board. Cubbison in October 2023 was abruptly suspended without pay from office and had to hire a noted Sonoma County defense attorney to defend her against Eyster’s criminal allegations. The DA later hired an outside prosecutor at a cost to local taxpayers of about $200,000 to take the case to court. The county board meanwhile authorized about $400,000 to cover its defense costs stemming from the subsequent civil litigation. In total, the Cubbison affair has publicly cost $2 million or more. The $1.5 million settlement “is intended as a full and final resolution by the parties to this agreement of the claims and the action,” according to the newly released documents. A significant portion of the Cubbison settlement will go towards covering 17 months of missed retirement contributions when she was suspended from her job as elected Auditor. It provides that $143,573 be directly paid by the county to the Mendocino County Employees Retirement Association to be credited to Cubbison’s retirement account to ensure she received full credit for the pay periods falling between Oct. 14, 2023, and Feb. 25, 2025, when she was suspended without pay. The remaining $1,356,426 will be considered settlement of alleged personal damages and reimbursement of her attorney fees and costs, according to the document. The settlement was entered “with the understanding that it is the result of a compromise of disputed claims and shall never at any time for any purpose be considered an admission of the truth of any of the allegations, claims, or contributions made by any party against any of the other parties.” Cubbison returned to work in February 2025 in the Auditor’s Office the day after criminal charges were dismissed against her. Cubbison pushed for a return of independent offices for Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector, which had been forcibly combined by the Board of Supervisors over public objections. In the background, some county supervisors and DA Eyster, were advocating eliminating the two offices overseen by elected officials and creating a new Department of Finance instead. Board advocates wanted control of the two key county financial offices. Eyster resisted challenges by Cubbison and past auditors over his office spending practices, including hosting annual staff parties at a local steak house. County policies ban such gatherings. The Board of Supervisors this past Tuesday approved making the two key county financial offices officially separate again as of July 5. Cubbison, a veteran county employee, that same day was elected by voters to become the county’s new Treasurer /Tax Collector. The board appointed her as interim head until she is formally sworn in next January. Megan Hunter, a Cubbison assistant in the Auditor’s Office, has been appointed interim Auditor/Controller until January, when she assumes leadership of that office after running unopposed in Tuesday’s primary election. ### Ballot Printer Sues Mendocino County Over Unpaid Election Bills dating back to March 2024 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ballot-printer-sues-mendocino-county/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:09.000Z Integrated Voting Systems (IVS), the company that printed and mailed ballots for Mendocino County’s March 5, 2024 presidential primary election, has filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $98,000 in unpaid invoices. The dispute stems from a ballot-printing error discovered shortly before the election. According to a complaint filed April 23, 2026 in Mendocino County Superior Court, the county notified IVS on February 7, 2024, that Republican ballots had been mailed every voter, regardless of their party affiliation. IVS acknowledged responsibility the following day, attributing the mistake to an incorrect data file provided by a third-party vendor hired by the company. IVS CEO Eric Kozlowski described the error in detail to the Secretary of State on February 9, 2024: “The issue was created by a third-party vendor that sent us incorrect ballot images. These ballot images were created from a test file produced by the vendor for converting the black print from CMYK to Black only using a static republican ballot image. The vendor created the correct file also. When the images were posted to our FTP site, the vendor posted the test file instead of the correct live file. When we looked at the file for our internal QC (quality control), the header fields, watermark, and barcodes were all correct.” IVS says it immediately reprinted corrected ballots and mailed them at its own expense. The complaint stated replacement ballots were delivered to the U.S. Postal Service by February 13, allowing the election to proceed as scheduled. After completing its work, IVS issued three invoices to the county on March 27, 2024: - Invoice 13340: $22,515.89 - Invoice 13341: $29,241.37 - Invoice 13343: $45,999.80 The invoices totaled $97,756.06. The county did not pay the invoices. Instead, on July 25, 2024, Deputy County Counsel Brina Blanton sent IVS a settlement proposal alleging that the ballot error had cost the county approximately $107,705.93 in additional expenses. According to the proposal, those costs consisted primarily of staff time, including 675.5 hours of regular employee labor and 403 hours of additional staffing needed to provide extra help. The county proposed that IVS waive the unpaid invoices and pay the county an additional $9,948.87. In a September 24, 2024 response, attorneys Elizabeth Skane and William Mullins, representing IVS, requested documentation supporting the county’s claimed damages. The attorneys sought payroll records, timekeeping records, employment agreements, wage information, and election budgets from 2020 through 2024. According to the lawsuit, communications continued throughout 2024 and 2025, but IVS contends the county was slow to respond and failed to provide sufficient documentation to justify its claimed losses. The complaint states that the county eventually produced approximately 400 pages of records, including voter emails sent to the Elections Office and election timesheets. IVS argues that the records did not include hourly wage information or documentation showing actual labor costs, making it impossible to verify the county’s estimate of damages. The lawsuit asserts five causes of action: - **Breach of Contract** — IVS argues that it fulfilled its obligations under its agreement with the county and that the county breached the contract by refusing to pay for services received. - **Quantum Meruit** — IVS claims the county accepted and benefited from election printing and mailing services and must pay their reasonable value. - **Common Counts – Services Rendered** — IVS alleges it provided election-related services for which payment remains due. - **Account Stated** — IVS argues that the county received and retained the invoices without timely objection, creating an obligation to pay the stated amount. - **Declaratory Relief** — IVS seeks a court ruling establishing the county’s obligation to pay for services rendered and accepted, and determining that the county cannot withhold payment solely on the basis of internally generated labor estimates. IVS is seeking $97,756.06 in damages, plus pre-judgment interest, attorneys’ fees where authorized, and court costs. The company is also asking the court to declare that Mendocino County remains obligated to pay for services it accepted and used during the 2024 primary election. IVS did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement to MendoLocal.News, Mendocino County said it is currently unable to discuss the pending litigation but expects to be able to respond to questions at a later date. ### Overtime Brewing's Future Looms Over the Fort Bragg City Council Meeting URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/overtime-brewings-future-looms-over-council-meeting/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:10.000Z *Correction: We misspelled the name of Isaac Whippy, the Fort Bragg city manager, in an initial draft of the story. We regret the error. (June 4, 2026, 2:45 p.m.)* Mayor Jason Godeke called the regular meeting of the Fort Bragg City Council to order at 6 p.m. on May 26. ### Proclamations The council recognized June 2026 as LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month. Representatives from Spectrum and the Safe Space Project announced plans for a Pride parade on June 13. The council also celebrated the 30th anniversary of Pacific Textile Arts, honoring the Alder Street organization for three decades of contributions to the local arts community. ### Public Comment Several speakers focused on the future of Overtime Brewing, a downtown brewpub that may be forced to close when its lease expires. - Jenny Shattuck urged the council to help struggling businesses like Overtime Brewing and criticized the practice of levying fees, such as mandatory fire sprinklers and high capacity rates, on some businesses and not others. - Overtime Brewing co-founder Stephen Duerr asked the council to reconsider its approach to retaining businesses such as Overtime. - Jacob Patterson and Jay McMartin-Rosenquist also expressed concern about the brewery’s future, arguing that the city should do more to support locally owned businesses. - Two residents revisited a long-running neighborhood dispute involving Evan Dick, who accused a city official of failing to address complaints related to his property. Patterson disputed Dick’s characterization of the situation. ### Consent Calendar The council approved the consent calendar unanimously, with the exception of Item 5C, regarding the Fourth of July fireworks display, which was pulled for separate discussion. ### Council Reports - Councilmember Lindy Peters highlighted the installation of binocular viewing stations along the Coastal Trail and raised concerns about speeding and RV parking near the fire station. - Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith announced an upcoming Mendocino Transit Authority meeting and noted a vacant public representative seat for the coast. - Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan reported on an upcoming Parks and Recreation District ad hoc committee meeting and asked staff to explore ways the city might assist Overtime Brewing. - Mayor Godeke announced plans to host a “Meet the Mayor” session at the Fort Bragg Farmers Market. ## Fourth of July Fireworks Approved The council unanimously approved a $50,000 contract for the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display. Godeke said the item was pulled from the consent calendar because some residents had expressed interest in replacing fireworks with a drone show. He said a drone display would face logistical challenges and potential permitting hurdles, including issues involving the California Coastal Commission. Public speakers largely favored keeping the traditional fireworks show. Paul Clark said the event remains popular and suggested reviving community fundraising efforts to offset costs. McMartin-Rosenquist also supported continuing the annual tradition. City Manager Isaac Whippy said sufficient funding was available in the current budget to cover the higher cost of a Saturday night show. ## Retail Recruitment Proposal Draws Skepticism The council expressed reservations about a proposal to hire a retail recruitment consultant to help fill vacant commercial properties, including the former Rite Aid building. Whippy presented results from a community survey of 386 respondents showing that while most residents shop locally, many leave the area for clothing, veterinary services and indoor family entertainment. Charles Parker of The Retail Coach proposed a $27,000 contract to conduct market analysis and recruit retailers. Public commenters questioned whether recruiting national chains was compatible with Fort Bragg’s existing formula business restrictions. Others suggested the city focus on local businesses or negotiate a more limited contract. Council members were similarly cautious. Peters and Albin-Smith said residents had repeatedly identified healthcare services, urgent care and veterinary care as higher priorities than attracting national retail brands. Godeke suggested referring the city’s formula business ordinance to the Community Development Committee for further review. The council took no formal action and directed staff to continue studying the issue. ## Police Report Shows Drop in Violent Crime, Rise in Domestic Violence Police Chief Eric Swift presented the department’s 2025 annual report. The department responded to more than 10,000 calls for service, issued 305 traffic citations, seized 24 pounds of illegal drugs and recovered 18 firearms. While assaults declined by 30 percent and DUI arrests fell by 27 percent, reported domestic violence incidents increased by 61 percent. Gang-related graffiti also rose sharply. Swift reported that the department’s Care Response Unit helped reduce arrests involving unhoused residents by 28 percent and connected 71 people with rehabilitation services. During council discussion, members focused on the increase in domestic violence and discussed potential partnerships with community organizations, including Project Sanctuary. No action was required. ## Blues Festival Seeks Long-Term Commitment Event producer Pam Bell reported that the second annual Fort Bragg Blues Festival generated approximately $132,000 in revenue, a nearly 70 percent increase from the previous year. Bell said the event generated 793 hotel room nights and raised $10,700 for local nonprofit organizations. Seeking greater certainty for sponsors and performers, Bell asked the city to commit to supporting the festival for five years and to designate the first weekend in May as Fort Bragg Blues Festival Weekend. Council members praised the event’s growth and its economic impact. Staff was directed to return with a resolution formally designating the first weekend in May for the festival. ## New Music Festival Delayed Until 2027 Whippy and Tom Kavanaugh of the Idea Cooperative presented a proposal for a new fall music festival called Tide & Timber, aimed at attracting visitors in their 30s and 40s. The proposed pilot event would cost between $60,000 and $80,000 and was initially envisioned for September 2026. Several speakers questioned whether the city should be directly involved in organizing events and whether enough time remained to launch a successful festival this year. Council members shared concerns about venue availability, staffing capacity and the compressed timeline. The council directed staff to postpone the concept until 2027 to allow additional planning and coordination. ### Adjournment The meeting adjourned following completion of the agenda. ### Reports of Dead, Malnourished Sea Lions Are Increasing Along Mendocino Coast URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/dead-malnourished-sea-lions-on-the-mendo-coast/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:11.000Z Dead and malnourished sea lions are being reported along the Mendocino Coast in unusually high numbers, according to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito. Giancarlo Rulli, a spokesperson for the center, said staff have been receiving reports from the Mendocino Coast as often as several times a day over the past two to three weeks. While that is a significant increase for the area, it remains far below the numbers seen elsewhere in California. In Santa Cruz County, for example, more than 300 dead sea lions were reported last year. Rulli said the overall number of dead and stranded marine mammals reported along California’s 600-mile coastline remains within historical norms. However, scientists are concerned about [a persistent marine heatwave](https://www.integratedecosystemassessment.noaa.gov/regions/california-current/california-current-marine-heatwave-tracker-blobtracker?ref=mendolocal.news) affecting coastal waters. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coastal sea surface temperatures off California are among the warmest ever recorded for this time of year, rivaled only by conditions observed during the powerful 1997–98 El Niño and the “Warm Blob” marine heatwave of 2014–15. Young, recently weaned sea lions are particularly vulnerable, Rulli said. Changes in ocean conditions can affect the availability of traditional prey species at a time when juvenile animals are still developing the skills needed to forage successfully on their own. Stranded animals can suffer other ailments such as pneumonia. The Noyo Center for Marine Science did not respond to a request for information about local reports of dead or stranded sea lions, making it difficult to quantify the extent of the problem on the Mendocino Coast. Sarah Grimes, the stranding coordinator for the Noyo Center, said in an email that a cause of death had not yet been established for the young grey whale that was found dead at Virgin Creek Beach at the end of April. NOAA Fisheries cautions that the presence of a seal or sea lion on the beach does not necessarily mean the animal is sick or injured. Marine mammals [commonly come ashore](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-life-distress/how-tell-when-seal-sea-lion-or-fur-seal-needs-help?ref=mendolocal.news#:~:text=A%20common%20misconception%20is%20that,on%20land%20or%20ice%20to%3A) for a variety of reasons including to rest, breed, molt, and avoid predators. Signs that an animal may be in distress include severe injuries such as excessive bleeding or open wounds, extreme emaciation, or unusual behaviors including persistent head shaking, seizures, disorientation, foaming at the mouth, or eating rocks or sand. Animals displaying these symptoms should be reported to the National Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network. In Mendocino County, reports can be made to the Marine Mammal Center at (415) 289-7350. Members of the public can also help by keeping their distance from marine mammals and ensuring that pets, especially dogs, remain leashed on beaches. This precaution is particularly important from late May through October during pupping season. ### Preliminary Election Results for Mendocino County Only URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/preliminary-election-results/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:13.000Z *For county results for all the races on the ballot* [*see here*](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/government/assessor-county-clerk-recorder-elections/current-election-results?ref=mendolocal.news)*.* *For state-wide results* [*see here.*](https://calmatters.org/politics/elections/2026/06/california-primary-election-results-june-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news) The Mendocino County Registrar of Voters reported preliminary election results on Tuesday after the polls closed at 8 p.m. The numbers printed below were produced at 12:00 a.m. The final vote count is not expected for several weeks. After the November 2024 election, the final official results were run on December 3, 2024. This morning’s count, which is largely based on absentee ballots mailed before June 2, reflected the vote of roughly one in six registered voters. Few voters cast ballots in every race. The governor’s race drew the greatest participation, with 9,035 ballots cast out of 9,177 counted so far #### Governor’s Race ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/c84afd8a-5dd4-496c-8a84-cea5fddbb1f5_1182x390.png) Voters also participated heavily in the election for the California Senate — 8,625 were ballots cast — and State Assembly — 8,669 ballots were cast. #### State Senator (2nd District) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/f500bd26-d8f3-42fb-a7c6-aad7f5411556_1174x240.png) #### State Assembly (2nd District) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/3b9767d0-3531-4d96-bfc2-418af34ce14e_1182x210.png) #### Measure A A bond measure for the Mendocino-Lake Community College District did not reach the required 55% threshold needed to pass in early voting — 8,056 voters cast ballots. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/fc3187fe-5d5d-4d10-8549-028b1a3d04d1_1176x194.png) #### Superior Court Judge A contested race for superior court judge revealed strong support for the incumbent, Judge Patrick Pekin. The 5,760 votes received by Pekin in early voting exceeded the 5,697 votes received by Judge FredRicco McCurry who ran unopposed after being appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year. Pekin also received the highest percent of the vote of any candidate in any race in early voting ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/c7f9bc91-a1d4-4a5b-adb0-e61268617af9_1172x196.png) #### Mendocino County Board of Supervisors — District 3 The District 3 Board of Supervisors race proved to be the most highly contest race in the primary election, with Eric Hart leading Buffey Wright Bourassa by five votes in early voting — 1,499 ballots were cast in early voting, or about 14% of registered District 3 voters. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/0d4fbddb-7a3f-4c31-b917-f8f9adcefefe_1180x282.png) #### Mendocino County Board of Supervisors — District 5 Supervisor Ted Williams, the incumbent, appeared to have a decisive edge in the District 5 race. Turnout for early voting was strong with 1,946 ballots cast, or 17% of the registered vote ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/17502e0e-9d29-4121-81bb-af269914d04a_1186x254.png) . ## ### One in Three Residential Parcels in Mendocino County Has No Home on It URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/one-in-three-residential-parcels-has-no-home/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:14.000Z In a county where teachers sometimes sleep in cars, nurses sometimes have to choose between a campsite and a hotel room, and families spill over into aging RVs and converted sheds, an analysis of parcel data reveals an uncomfortable reality: nearly 30 percent of parcels classified as residential have no homes on them. The analysis, conducted by MendoLocal.News, examined county assessor data and identified more than 10,000 parcels classified as vacant residential — land designated for housing but lacking a residential structure. The finding is striking in a county that continues to struggle with housing affordability and availability. For context, the California Department of Housing and Community Development last year determined that Mendocino County must plan for 6,456 housing units between June 30, 2027, and August 15, 2035\. The figure reflects projected household growth, vacancy rates, overcrowding, affordability challenges, homelessness, and housing lost in emergencies. ## The analysis The gap between land designated for housing and actual housing production raises a fundamental question: what is really driving Mendocino County’s housing shortage? During election forums, several Board of Supervisors candidates pointed to permitting and regulatory processes as significant obstacles. District 3 candidate Russ Green said the core problem is permitting. District 5 candidate Kevin Evans suggested streamlining approvals for workforce housing and long-term rentals. District 3 candidate Eric Hart emphasized government efficiency and the need to work with homeowners whose residences are not compliant with building codes. Yet the large number of vacant residential parcels suggests the issue may be more complex. The MendoLocal.News analysis found that 72 percent of vacant residential parcels are owned by individuals, trusts, or other entities with mailing addresses outside Mendocino County. The finding raises questions about the extent to which vacant land is being held as a long-term investment rather than being developed for housing. However, county officials, real estate agents, and contractors caution that ownership patterns alone do not explain why so many residential parcels remain undeveloped. ## Buildable lots that are impossible to build on Supervisor Ted Williams, who represents the central and southern coast as well as portions of inland Mendocino County, warned that a parcel’s mailing address may have little to do with whether housing is ultimately built there. Williams cited a long list of factors that can make a residential parcel difficult or impossible to develop, including lack of road access, insufficient water supplies, steep or unstable terrain, high fire hazard severity zones, wetlands, environmental restrictions, septic limitations, and unresolved title or estate issues. Parcels located in the Coastal Zone face additional regulatory requirements. As a coastal supervisor, Williams is familiar with those challenges. Communities such as Little River, Manchester, Gualala, and Elk have some of the county’s highest rates of absentee ownership among vacant residential parcels, and they also face some of the most significant barriers to development. ## No water, no house The challenges are not confined to the coast. Brooktrails, outside Willits in District Three, illustrates how infrastructure limitations can prevent housing from being built even when land is designated for residential use. Brooktrails alone accounts for roughly 40 percent of all vacant residential parcels in Mendocino County. Water availability remains a major constraint. As of January 2025, the Brooktrails Township Community Services District reported that only 19 new water connections were available for prospective homebuilders. Existing customers are limited to 9,000 gallons of water per month. Brooktrails highlights a broader issue: in many parts of Mendocino County, infrastructure has not kept pace with the land designated for residential development. “Some parcels may lack water, sewer, septic suitability, road access, fire-safe access, utilities, or may face environmental, topographic, coastal, subdivision, or General Plan constraints,” said District 3 candidate Buffey Bourassa. “That distinction matters. A parcel may be classified for residential use, but still not be realistically buildable without major infrastructure or policy work.” ## Worthless lots that seem like bargains Brooktrails originated as a massive subdivision project in the 1960s and 1970s. Thousands of lots were sold, but many were never developed. Today, many remain low-value parcels with limited development potential. The average assessed land value of a vacant Brooktrails parcel is approximately $5,645, compared with about $29,000 countywide. “Unfortunately, some parcels cycle repeatedly through tax auction,” Williams said. “Buyers unfamiliar with local conditions purchase lots believing they can build, later discover the water limitations or infrastructure costs, stop paying taxes, and the parcels eventually return to auction again.” Outside Mendocino County’s cities and community services districts like Brooktrails many vacant residential parcels lack access to public water and sewer systems. Property owners must install wells and septic systems at their own expense while navigating increasingly stringent state and local regulations. In some locations, site conditions make either a well or septic system impractical or impossible. Even where infrastructure is available, economics can present another barrier. “Today, residential construction commonly costs roughly $400 to $500 per square foot once materials, labor, utilities, road improvements, engineering, and compliance costs are included,” Williams said. “In many parts of Mendocino County, the cost to build exceeds likely resale value or rental return.” ## A call for better data Both Williams and Bourassa said the findings highlight the need for a more detailed inventory of vacant residential land. Williams said he believes the long-term solution lies in updating the General Plan and defining where future development makes sense. “Housing is most feasible where infrastructure already exists or can realistically be supported, particularly water, sewer, roads, and emergency services,” he said. Bourassa suggested a detailed inventory could become the foundation of a countywide housing strategy. “I would support a coordinated review between the Assessor’s Office, Planning and Building, MCOG, special districts, and community partners so we can separate data issues from real housing opportunities and focus on solutions that actually move housing forward,” she said. “Are we making the best use of land that is already designated for housing? Before asking communities to absorb new development pressures, we need a clearer understanding of where the real opportunities are and what barriers are standing in the way.” ### Palmer Fire East of Boonville URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/palmer-fire-east-of-boonville/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:14.000Z Forward motion of a 10-acre vegetation fire at the 12000 block of State Road 253 has been halted, according to a spokesperson for CAL FIRE. Firefighters from CAL FIRE and the local Anderson Valley Fire Department continue to battle the blaze, assisted by multiple engines, a dozers, and a water tender. Fire fighting air craft have been released. The Palmer Fire reported by Watch Duty around 1:45 p.m. on June 1. View the fire live at: [https://cameras.alertcalifornia.org/?pos=38.8376\_-123.3512\_10&id=Axis-GrizzlyPeak1](https://cameras.alertcalifornia.org/?pos=38.8376%5F-123.3512%5F10&id=Axis-GrizzlyPeak1&ref=mendolocal.news) *MendoLocal.News will update this story as more information becomes available.* ### Crime News from the Ukiah Police Department — June 1, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/crime-news-from-the-ukiah-police/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:14.000Z A 22-year-old man was arrested Sunday following a Ukiah Police Department investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving a teenage girl and the possession of child sexual abuse material. According to Sgt. August Kinney, the investigation began in April after the father of a 16-year-old girl reported that his daughter had been sexually assaulted by an adult male. Police said detectives determined that the girl had engaged in sexual activity with Giovanni Buriel, 22, and that she alleged some encounters were nonconsensual. During the investigation, detectives learned Buriel possessed child sexual abuse material on his cellphone and in cloud-based storage accounts. Detectives obtained search warrants for those accounts and reported finding more than 600 images depicting child sexual abuse material. On May 29, detectives obtained a no-bail Ramey warrant for Buriel’s arrest. He was taken into custody without incident in Patterson, CA on May 31 and booked into the Mendocino County Jail. Buriel was arrested on suspicion of rape by force, oral copulation with a minor, possession of child sexual abuse material, and possession of more than 600 images depicting child sexual abuse material. ### Ukiah Police Arrest Man in Stabbing Case Ukiah police arrested a man Saturday in connection with a stabbing that occurred earlier this year in the 100 block of Luce Avenue. According to Sgt. August Kinney of the Ukiah Police Department, Bobby Roston is accused of stabbing an adult man in the torso following a verbal altercation. The victim suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and was treated and released from a local hospital. Police said they were unable to locate Roston immediately after the incident. When officers contacted him on May 31, investigators determined that he had also failed to comply with sex offender registration requirements within the City of Ukiah. Roston was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and failure to register as a sex offender. He was booked into custody pending prosecution. Charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. ### Mendo Local Weekly Roundup — May 31, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-may-31/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:15.000Z ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Mendocino College Owes $204 Million in Bond Interest from Measure W, Which Was Approved in 2006 *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · May 29* Mendocino-Lake Community College District is asking voters to approve a $98 million bond while carrying $203.9 million in existing debt from a 2006 measure, with repayment extending to 2052\. One 2022 Capital Appreciation Bond received $17.8 million but will require $87.26 million at maturity. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-college-owes-204-milliion) ## Check out all our election coverage before you vote: ## ### Measure A Flyers Suggest Bond Would Fund Fire Academy Already Paid for by State *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · May 27* Campaign flyers for Measure A, sponsored by the Mendocino College Foundation, claim the bond will fund a fire academy, but California already announced $20 million in state funding for that facility in March 2026\. The measure would authorize $98 million in bonds requiring property owners to repay approximately $210 million total over 35 years, with more than half going to financing costs and interest. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/measure-a-flyers-mislead-critics-say) ### A New Vision for Mendocino College Gets Lost in the Fine Print *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · May 29* Mendocino-Lake Community College District is promoting Measure A to fund new facilities in nursing, fire science, and trades across three campuses, but voter materials obscure those specific projects behind lengthy legal language required by California law. District officials acknowledge a communication gap between the visionary master plan driving the initiative and the dense laundry list of approved spending items voters actually see. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-new-vision-for-mendocino-college) ### Ballot Measure A: Fort Bragg Resident Questions True Costs to Homeowners *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · May 26* Fort Bragg resident Dennis Miller has presented to local city councils and Democratic clubs arguing that the Mendocino-Lake Community College District’s $98 million Measure A bond conceals its true cost through what he calls “misinformation by omission.” Miller contends the bond could cost property owners up to $400 million in principal and interest, and advocates for a limited-time assessment with a sunset clause as a less expensive alternative. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/26/ballot-measure-a-fort-bragg-resident-questions-true-costs-to-homeowners/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) ### Four Candidates Claim ‘No Reportable Interests’ *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · May 30* Four candidates in Mendocino County’s upcoming primary election filed Form 700 disclosure statements reporting no disclosable interests, raising questions about compliance with California’s conflict-of-interest reporting requirements. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/four-candidates-claim-no-reportable-interests) ## Check out all our election coverage before you vote: ### Supervisors Approve Changes in the Business Improvement District for Lodging *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · May 26* The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved governance changes for the county’s tourism organization and directed staff to investigate eliminating a 3% administrative fee. Board Chair Cally Dym said spending would be directed toward areas where the marketing dollars are generated. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supervisors-approve-changes-in-the) ### Complaints Mount Over Neglected Vineyards as Mendocino Wine Industry Faces Intensifying Economic Pressure *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · May 26* The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors directed its agricultural commissioner to enforce minimum maintenance standards for vineyards after receiving complaints that neglected properties are spreading pests and disease to neighboring farms. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/complaints-mount-over-neglected-vineyards) ### Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Pests Not Found in Nymph Tests on Grapevines, But Vigilance Is Urged *Mendocino County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office* The Mendocino County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office has completed inspections of grapevine plants shipped from Burchell Nursery in Fresno County to the Ukiah Costco Wholesale store. While initial laboratory testing by the California Department of Food and Agriculture confirmed that nymph samples were not glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), the department continues heightened surveillance to protect local vineyards. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7567/626?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Kittens Are in Season Across Mendocino County *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · May 31* The Mendocino County Animal Shelter expects a seasonal influx of kittens driven by unspayed cats. Despite having funds available for spay and neuter services, a critical shortage of veterinarians is leaving contracts unfulfilled. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7567/626?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Mendocino County Budget Hearings on Tuesday *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · May 30* County supervisors will hold budget hearings Tuesday and Wednesday on a $106.7 million spending plan that relies on $2.6 million in carryover funds to achieve a legally required balanced budget, masking what officials call a structural deficit. The board will also consider an urgency ordinance to accelerate splitting the combined Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector position into two offices by June, rather than January 2027. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/mendocino-supervisors-to-open-two-days-of-budget-hearings-tuesday/?ref=mendolocal.news) ## Check out all our election coverage before you vote: ## --- ## 🚤 FORT BRAGG ### Longhorn Ranchers Buy Old Thanksgiving Coffee Site *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · May 28* Longhorn ranchers Evan “Mac” Siller and Andrea Siller purchased the historic Thanksgiving Coffee building at 19350 South Harbor Drive in Fort Bragg for $240,000, with plans to demolish it and build an upscale charter boat operation. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://mendocinocoast.news/longhorn-ranchers-buy-old-thanksgiving-coffee-site-plan-upscale-charter-boat-business-as-noyo-harbor-shifts-again-what-else-is-changing-on-the-waterfront/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🇺🇸 Mendocino Coast Communities Mark Memorial Day *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · May 25–26* Memorial Day services were held in Mendocino at Zenith Hill and in Fort Bragg at Rose Memorial Park, where American Legion Post Sequoia 96 drew more than 70 attendees and unveiled a new veterans memorial honoring all six branches of the U.S. armed forces. The observances also recognized local fallen: Clyde Lucas, a Mendocino High graduate killed by a land mine in Vietnam whose name was recently restored to the school’s football scoreboard, and the Iversen brothers — two Mendocino Coast natives killed aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor — whose names appear among 45 Mendocino Coast servicemen on bronze plaques at Fort Bragg Veterans Hall. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://mendocinocoast.news/full-video-memorial-day-on-the-coast-with-honors-led-by-the-american-legion-and-coast-guard/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Driftwood Collection Allowed at Noyo Beach Until June 30 *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · May 29* Fort Bragg is permitting residents to collect driftwood from Noyo Beach through June 30 to reduce fire hazards ahead of the Fourth of July fireworks. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/driftwood-collection-allowed-at-noyo-beach-until-june-30/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## Check out all our election coverage before you vote: ## 📱 GUALALA ### From Private Posts to Federal Raids: The Growing Government Dragnet Targeting Online Dissent *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · May 26* Federal agencies are using administrative subpoenas under a 96-year-old customs law to compel tech companies to reveal the identities of anonymous social media users who criticize government officials or monitor enforcement activities. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/from-private-posts-to-federal-raids) --- ### Escrow Closes on Gualala Hotel *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer · May 28* Amar Ventures, based in San Jose, has closed escrow on the Gualala Hotel, according to real estate broker Jared Herschler. 🔗 [**Read more**](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paid subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* --- ## 📮 LEGGETT ### Leggett Post Office Reopens June 15 After Fire Damage *United States Postal Service* The Leggett Post Office will reopen Monday, June 15, 2026, at its original location at 67674 Drive Thru Tree Road following repairs from fire damage. The updated facility will offer full retail and PO Box services during regular business hours, with 24-hour access to the PO Box lobby. Customers should retrieve any remaining mail from the temporary Garberville location by June 12\. PO Box customers will need to present photo identification to receive new key assignments beginning June 15. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://about.usps.com/newsroom/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💧 POTTER VALLEY ### FERC Opens Public Comment Period on Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project Surrender and Decommissioning *Federal Energy Regulatory Commission* The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has initiated the environmental review process for the proposed surrender and decommissioning of PG&E’s Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project. The agency will prepare an environmental impact document and is seeking public input on environmental effects and possible alternatives. Two public scoping meetings are scheduled in Ukiah on June 23 and 24\. Written comments must be submitted by July 24, 2026. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/29/2026-10658/pacific-gas-and-electric-company-notice-of-scoping-meetings-and-request-for-comments-on-proposed?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏫 POINT ARENA ### Kashia Elementary School to Merge with Horicon *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* The Sonoma County Committee on School District Organization voted on May 22 to permanently close Kashia Elementary School and merge the district into neighboring Horicon School District. Enrollment has remained in the single digits since the 2021–22 school year. Students from Kashia Elementary in the past have attended Point Arena High School. 🔗 [**Read more**](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paid subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* ## Check out all our election coverage before you vote: --- ## 🥕 UKIAH ### Ukiah’s State Street Garden Closes June 30 *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · May 28* A nearly 20-year-old community garden in Ukiah operated by North Coast Opportunities is closing June 30 after the property owner terminated the lease with only 15 days’ notice — far short of the 90-day clause intended to allow gardeners time to harvest crops. Gardeners with spring plantings still in the ground say they received no advance warning and are scrambling to find alternative plots. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/ukiahs-state-street-garden-closes-june-30/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Redwood Credit Union Offers Community Financial Counseling *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · May 24* Redwood Credit Union has opened a remodeled Ukiah branch offering free financial coaching to members and non-members alike, with five coaches on staff locally and more than 100 across all locations. Programs include a Down Payment Assistance Program with forgivable grants of up to $25,000 for first-time homebuyers and savings tools that helped members save more than $5 million during their first year. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/24/a-deeper-why-redwood-credit-union-offers-community-financial-counseling/?ref=mendolocal.news)*(paid subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required)* ### City of Ukiah to Collect Comments on Annexation Plan Monday *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · May 29* The City of Ukiah will hold a public scoping meeting June 1 at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center to gather comments on the environmental impacts of its proposed annexation plan, which would incorporate unincorporated territories currently served by two county water districts. Written comments will be accepted through June 8. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/29/city-of-ukiah-to-collect-comments-on-annexation-plan-monday/?ref=mendolocal.news)*(paid subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required)* ### Forgotten Women Revered at Grace Hudson Museum Exhibit *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · May 31* Grace Hudson Museum’s *Look Again: Portraits of Daring Women* features woodcut and collage portraits of overlooked historical women by artist Julie Lapping Rivera, inspired by The New York Times’ *Overlooked* obituary series. The exhibit opens June 5 during First Friday, runs through August 16, and includes work from 15 Mendocino County artists. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/31/forgotten-women-revered-at-grace-hudson-museum-exhibit/?ref=mendolocal.news)*(paid subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required)* ### Mendocino College Holds 53rd Annual Commencement *By Maureen Jennison, Willits Weekly · May 28* Mendocino College celebrated its 53rd commencement ceremony on May 22, awarding degrees and certificates to 527 students. Student Trustee Sara Munoz delivered the keynote address, and Abigail Strock performed the national anthem. 🔗 [**Read more**](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Redwood MetalFest Celebrating 10th Year *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · May 28* Redwood MetalFest Chapter X returns to Alex Thomas Plaza in Ukiah on June 13 from noon to 10 p.m., featuring 21 performances and more than 100 musicians. The free, family-friendly event is headlined by Holy Divers, a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, and has grown from roughly 150 attendees at its 2012 debut to about 3,000 attendees last year. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/28/redwood-metalfest-celebrating-10th-year/?ref=mendolocal.news)*(paid subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal required)* --- ## 🚂 WILLITS ### Skunk Train Expands Offerings on Their Willits Line *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · May 27* The Skunk Train is launching Railcoaster pedal-powered railbikes on a 15-mile round-trip route through the Noyo River Canyon from Willits, along with a new mid-century-styled Presidential Class railcar called *The Noyo*. This fall, the railroad will also partner with Flynn Creek Circus for performances deep in the redwood forest accessible only by rail. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/27/skunk-train-expands-offerings-on-their-willits-line/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Willits Car and Bike Show Draws Hundreds *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly · May 28* At least 193 cars and motorcycles participated in the 44th annual Willits Car and Bike Show, held last Sunday along Commercial and Main streets. The event was dedicated to John Yde. 🔗 [**Read more**](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### Homelessness Declines in California and Across the Country, New Federal Report Shows *By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters · May 30* **Summary:** California and the nation saw homelessness decrease for the first time in years, according to a federal report released Friday. California’s homeless population dropped 2.8% to 181,934 people, while the country overall saw a 3.3% decline. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2026/05/point-in-time-homelessness-report/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### California Overhauls Carbon Market — Critics Say It’s a Giveaway to Oil *By Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters · May 29* **Summary:** California regulators approved a controversial overhaul of the state’s carbon market on Friday that could direct billions of dollars in free pollution permits to oil refineries and other major polluters. The changes, backed by Gov. Newsom’s administration amid rising gas prices and refinery closures, are expected to reduce state climate program funding from $4 billion to $2 billion annually. 🔗 [**Read more**](https://calmatters.org/environment/climate-change/2026/05/cap-and-invest-amendment-affordability/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Four Candidates Claim “No Reportable Interests” URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/four-candidates-claim-no-reportable-interests/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:16.000Z It’s Form 700 season — the time when candidates for elected office publicly disclose their economic interests, including sources of income, investments, business positions, gifts, and real property holdings. --- ### For all our election coverage, see https://www.mendolocal.news/s/elections --- The disclosures serve an important purpose. California’s Political Reform Act requires public officials to identify financial interests that could create conflicts of interest and, in some circumstances, disqualify themselves from participating in governmental decisions that may have a material financial effect on those interests or those of their immediate family members. Failure to make required disclosures can result in administrative, civil, and, in some cases, criminal penalties. The Fair Political Practices Commission has repeatedly emphasized that omissions attributed to oversight or misunderstanding do not necessarily excuse reporting violations. Form 700 statements are public records. Agencies are generally required to make them available promptly upon request and no later than the second business day after receiving a filed statement. However, a coastal resident who requested copies of candidates’ Form 700 filings waited approximately six weeks for scanned copies from the Mendocino County Elections Office. When the documents were eventually provided, they did not initially include a filing for judicial candidate Colby Friend, who is running for Superior Court judge. The Registrar of Voters subsequently followed up with a cover page that stated that Colby was attaching disclosures for investments and real property, but these were not provided to the resident. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/474e5f78-5aab-4ce8-83d8-73aef34396df_1200x813.png) Among the candidates whose filings were provided, four reported no disclosable interests: - Todd Lyly, candidate for Fifth District supervisor - Kevin Evans, candidate for Fifth District supervisor - Clay Romero, candidate for Third District supervisor - Megan Hunter, candidate for Auditor-Controller, who is running unopposed Neither Lyly nor Hunter checked the form’s “No Reportable Interests” box, although both signed their statements under penalty of perjury. When contacted by MendoLocal.News, Lyly and Romero said they would review their filings for accuracy and amend them if necessary. In addition to a single family residence, which Lyly is not required to disclose, Lyly owns 2621 N. State Street, which is zoned commercial. Evans said his filing was accurate. Hunter did not respond to a request for comment. Among the remaining candidates, Russell Green, a candidate for Third District supervisor, filed one of the most extensive disclosures, listing investments, business interests, and real property holdings. Fifth District Supervisor Ted Williams disclosed a technology consulting company and his position on the Golden State Connect Authority board. County Superintendent of Schools Nicole Glentzer disclosed a partnership interest in Circle X Cattle Company. Assessor-Clerk-Recorder candidate Tonya Mounts disclosed her role as chief executive officer of Mounts Family LLC, which she described as a mechanical shop located at 359 N. School Street in Ukiah. Superior Court Judge Patrick Pekin disclosed the law office where his wife, an attorney, is employed, as well as rental property income. Superior Court Judge Fredric McCurry disclosed income received by his spouse, as well as individual stock holdings in Amazon and GameStop. Green also reported multiple stock investments. Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison disclosed her position as a trustee of the Mendocino County Employees Retirement Commission and reported an investment, her husband’s business entity, and a personal loan from Lorie Leaf. Buffey Bourassa, a candidate for Third District supervisor, disclosed income of less than $2,000 from Buffey Bourassa Consulting, described on the form as “tribal consulting liaison.” Eric Hart, also a candidate for Third District supervisor, reported less than $500 in income from property located in Willits. --- ## Required disclosures Required disclosures can range from relatively minor gifts to ownership interests in multimillion-dollar businesses. Form 700 disclosures generally fall into several categories: 1. **Gifts.** Gifts valued at $50 or more from a single source during the reporting period must generally be disclosed. For example, a dinner at a restaurant that costs more than $50 and is paid for by someone else may be a reportable gift. Transportation provided without charge may also be reportable under certain circumstances, depending on who provided it and the purpose of the trip. 2. **Income.** Sources of income totaling $500 or more generally must be disclosed. Candidates must also report certain economic interests held by a spouse or registered domestic partner. If a spouse or domestic partner is self-employed, the business entity may also be reportable. 3. **Business ownership.** Candidates must disclose business entities in which they hold ownership interests that meet reporting thresholds. 4. **Loans.** Certain personal loans must be disclosed. Additional restrictions apply to loans received from public officials, employees, consultants, contractors, or others connected to the agency associated with the office sought. Under some circumstances, a loan that is not repaid may be treated as a gift. 5. **Real property.** Real property interests valued at $2,000 or more generally must be disclosed. 6. **Investments.** Investments worth $2,000 or more in business entities doing business in, planning to do business in, or otherwise affected by the jurisdiction must generally be disclosed. Diversified mutual funds and similar investment vehicles are typically exempt from disclosure. 7. **Business and nonprofit positions.** Candidates must disclose positions such as director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or management roles in business entities and nonprofit organizations, even when those positions are unpaid. In addition to disclosure requirements, California law limits the value of gifts that many public officials may receive from a single source during a calendar year. For 2025–26, that limit is $630. ### Mendocino College Wants Voters to Pass a $98 Million Bond; Records Show the District Already Owes $204 Million URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-college-owes-204-milliion/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:17.000Z *Clarifications: This story is available to be republished under the Creative Commons 4.0 license. (CC BY 4.0) by an media organization operating in Mendocino County.* *We added a statement from Mr. Karas that the district is not operating in the red. (May 29, 2026)* Mendocino-Lake Community College District is asking voters to approve a $98 million general obligation bond to renovate and expand its campuses across two counties. What the district is not telling voters is that it already owes **$203.9 million on bonds from a measure passed nearly two decades ago** — and that local property owners are responsible for every dollar. Measure A, which will appear on the June 2 ballot, would fund new and renovated facilities at the district’s main campus in Ukiah and centers in Willits, Fort Bragg, and Lakeport, as well as the Coastal Field Station, just north of Point Arena. If approved, the measure would roughly double the district’s total outstanding bond obligations. The district’s existing debt stems from Measure W, a $67.5 million general obligation bond that voters in Mendocino and Lake counties approved in November 2006 with [62.4% of the vote.](https://www.californiacityfinance.com/Votes0611final.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) Nineteen years later, records show the district has issued 90 individual bonds across seven separate sales — and the final payment will not be made until 2052, nearly a half-century after voters went to the polls. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## A Debt That Grew Mendocino College issued its first bonds under Measure W in March 2007\. It issued a second and final authorized series in August 2011\. Then it refinanced — twice. A September 2015 refunding restructured $48.6 million in outstanding bonds. A March 2022 refunding restructured an additional $62 million. Each refinancing extended the district’s obligations further into the future. The district’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 — prepared by San Diego-based certified public accounting firm CWDL and issued December 8, 2025 — show the district carries $99.4 million in bond liabilities on its books. When all future principal, interest, and accreted growth on those bonds is counted through their final maturity, the total obligation reaches $203.9 million, according to the statements and *MendoLocal.News* research. That figure is nearly three times the $67.5 million voters authorized in 2006. ## The Bonds Voters Don’t Know About The most consequential piece of the district’s debt is largely invisible to the public. Buried in the district’s bond history is a class of securities called Capital Appreciation Bonds, or CABs. Unlike conventional bonds that pay interest every six months, CABs pay nothing until maturity. The debt simply grows — year after year, silently — until a lump-sum payment comes due. The district issued CABs as part of both its 2011 bond series and its 2022 refinancing. The largest single bond in the district’s portfolio is a 2022 CAB that matures in 2050\. Records filed with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board show the district received approximately $17.8 million when it sold that bond. Taxpayers will owe $87.26 million when it comes due — a ratio of nearly five to one. More striking: a separate set of CABs issued in the district’s 2011 bond series were never retired in the 2022 refinancing. Because CABs typically cannot be called before maturity, those bonds are still accreting on the district’s books. As of June 30, 2025, the remaining 2011 series carries $23.5 million in carrying value, with future obligations totaling $62.4 million extending through 2052 — the last payment date for any Mendocino College bond. The district’s own audited statements describe annual CAB accretion — the year-over-year growth of unpaid interest — as interest expense. That figure totaled $4.6 million in fiscal year 2025 alone. ## Taxpayers Are Already Paying General obligation bonds are backed by local property taxes, not tuition or state funds. Every dollar the district borrows under Measure W must be repaid by property owners in Mendocino and Lake counties. In fiscal year 2025, the district collected $4.1 million in local property tax revenue specifically designated for bond capital repayment, according to its audited financial statements. That levy will continue each year — the the amount can vary — until the final bond matures in 2052. Measure A, if approved, would authorize the district to levy additional property taxes to service the new debt — on top of the existing levy. Because taxes are levied according to assessed value — which has little or no relationship to a property owner’s ability to pay — residents who bought property in the last six years after the pandemic run-up in prices are required to contribute significantly more than their neighbors — on top of their higher baseline taxes. The district’s audited financial statements also show it ended fiscal year 2025 with a negative net position of $20.8 million, meaning its total liabilities exceed its total assets by that amount. In 2024, the district ended the fiscal with a negative net position of $20.9 million ## The District’s Response Mendocino-Lake Community College District officials responded to a request for comment on the district’s existing bond obligations with a link to the most recent audited financial statements. The district did not comment on the relationship between that debt and Measure A. Mr. Karas took issue with a statement that the district has been operating in the red for the last two years, as reflected in its negative net position. “[We have a balanced budget and reserves meeting State guidance,](https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/mendocino/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DKPKT9532973&ref=mendolocal.news)” he said in an email. The district’s bond oversight committee, a citizen panel required by California law, reviews expenditures under Measure W. [The committee’s most recent public report is dated 2015.](https://www.mendocino.edu/sites/default/files/2023-05/final%5Freport%5Fto%5Fthe%5Fcommunity%5Fspring%5F2015%5F2.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) It did not contain any information about continuing taxpayer indebtedness. California law enacted in 2013 restricted school districts from issuing new CABs after concerns about the instruments. Whether Measure A bonds could be structured as CABs, and under what restrictions, was not addressed in the district’s public ballot materials. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## A Pattern Statewide Mendocino College’s bond history is not unique in California. Community college districts statewide have used CABs to lower near-term debt service costs while pushing large obligations decades into the future — a practice that drew scrutiny from state legislators and the California State Auditor beginning in the early 2010s. What distinguishes Mendocino College’s situation is that its oldest CABs — issued in 2011 and still outstanding — survived a 2022 refinancing that was designed in part to reduce the district’s long-term costs. Because CABs cannot be called early, those bonds will continue growing for nearly three more decades regardless of what voters decide on Measure A. Measure W was approved in 2006 for $67.5 million. Nearly two decades of borrowing, refinancing and compounding interest later, the total bill has grown to $203.9 million. Local property owners are currently paying $4.1 million per year toward that debt and will be doing so until 2052. Measure A would start the clock again. --- *Read our previous stories:* [*A New Vision for Mendocino College Gets Lost in the Fine Print* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-new-vision-for-mendocino-college)*(May 28, 2026)* [*Measure A Fliers Suggest Bond Would Fund Fire Academy Already Paid for by the Stat*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/measure-a-flyers-mislead-critics-say)*e (May 27, 2026)* ### A New Vision for Mendocino College Gets Lost in the Fine Print URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-new-vision-for-mendocino-college/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:18.000Z Tim Karas has spent six years watching young people leave Mendocino County They drive north to Humboldt County or south to Sonoma, chasing nursing degrees and other certifications that Mendocino College does not offer. “Everyone wants us to expand nursing,” said Karas, the superintendent/president of the Mendocino-Lake Community College District. “Fire, marine science, the trades. That’s what people ask me about when I go around the community. Why don’t we have more nurses? Why don’t we have more paramedics? Why don’t we have more plumbers?” The answer, he has concluded, is concrete and steel, as well as up-to-date laboratories and electronic infrastructure — or rather, their absence. Now, Karas has pinned his hopes on Measure A, a $98 million bond measure on the June primary ballot that would fund new and renovated facilities at the district’s campuses in Ukiah, Fort Bragg, and Willits. If approved by 55 percent of voters, the measure would authorize the district to borrow from bond investors, with taxpayers repaying the principal and interest — a total of roughly $210 million — over the life of the bonds. The vision is straightforward: build the specialized facilities that would allow Mendocino and Lake County residents to train for well-paying careers without leaving home. A new Allied Health and Career Technical Education Complex in Ukiah. A rebuilt Mendocino Coast College Center outside Fort Bragg. An expanded North County Center in Willits, housing programs in Fire Science, Sustainable Construction and Lab Science. But there is a problem. Almost none of that appears in the materials voters are actually reading. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## Lost in the boilerplate The full text of Measure A, as it appears in the voter guide, reads less like a mindful plan to steward public monies for the greatest impact and more like a laundry list of projects drafted by a committee determined to spend tens of millions of dollars because they can. The money, it states, can be used to build or renovate “science buildings, advanced technology buildings, wellness/allied health facilities, culinary arts facilities, arts and woodworking buildings and facilities, nursing and physical therapy facilities, agricultural facilities and buildings, early childhood education center ... student services and welcome centers, bookstore, dining, food services, physical education facilities, visual and performing arts facilities including theaters and galleries, classrooms, and buildings, bus stops, parking lots ... affordable student and workforce housing units ... the construction and installation of on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid data center and related infrastructure.” The list runs to well over one hundred items. “Why are you going to fund a parking lot?” Karas acknowledged voters have asked. “We’re not. But that’s where the hard part is — the list is like a legal form. You have to put all the stuff there as boilerplate.” The language is standard practice for California community college bonds, which are governed by strict constitutional requirements. Bond attorneys routinely include exhaustive lists of permissible expenditures to protect districts from legal challenges. But the effect, in a rural county with few reporters and a skeptical electorate, has been to obscure the very projects the measure was designed to fund. “The ballot language doesn’t say ‘Willits Center’ or ‘Ukiah Allied Health Building,’” Karas conceded. “It highlighted programs more than places. And I know what that means because I’m in the weeds. But voters aren’t.” ## Three campuses, one chance The district’s case for Measure A is rooted in a [Comprehensive Facilities Master Plan covering 2025 to 2035](https://www.mendocino.edu/sites/default/files/2026-01/FINAL%5FMLCCD%5FCFMP%5F12%5F1%5F2025.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) — a 250-plus page document that lays out, in granular detail, what the bond money would actually build. In Ukiah, the centerpiece is a new 17,800-square-foot Allied Health and Career Education Complex designed to replace a cluster of aging temporary buildings and consolidate signature programs — nursing, culinary arts, middle college — into the heart of campus. Several of the district’s main buildings, including MacMillan Hall and Lowery Hall, are candidates for deep renovation or outright replacement. The campus’s original structures date to the 1970s, built for an era when nursing shortages and fire science academies were not among the college’s central missions. “Those programs didn’t even exist when the campuses were built,” Karas said. “They were all added in the 2000s.” The buildings, he added, were never designed for them. On the Mendocino Coast, the plan calls for demolishing the existing main and art buildings at the Fort Bragg center and replacing them with a single, consolidated 28,750-square-foot facility housing academic, scientific and arts programs, including a dedicated Environmental and Biological Sciences Center. The Krenov School for Fine Woodworking — a program with a national reputation — would be relocated and expanded on the same campus. In Willits, the situation carries particular urgency. The district has already secured approximately $20 million in grants for the North County Center expansion — $12 million from California’s Proposition 2, roughly $4 million from a federal Economic Development Administration grant, and $4 million in non-reimbursable funds. The planned 18,500-square-foot building would house career technical education programs in Fire Science, Sustainable Construction and Lab Science. But nearly all of those grants are reimbursement-based: the district must spend the money before it can recover it. The bond money will provide the initial cash flow to pay construction workers and contractors. It’s critical to moving forward. The federal portion carries additional uncertainty. With the current administration’s posture toward federal spending in flux, Karas said he feels pressure to break ground before the political climate shifts further. “Our project somehow made its way through both administrations,” he said. “Both lenses still found value in it. Maybe we have a unicorn. But the best thing I can do once we have money is to actually do the construction.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## A communication gap The disconnect between Measure A’s ambitions and its public presentation has not gone unnoticed. Critics have focused on the bond mechanism itself — pointing out that of the roughly $210 million voters would ultimately pay, more than half represents financing charges and interest to bond investors. The cost of the bond are also not equally distributed. Newcomers who purchased properties following the run-up in values during the pandemic will pay multiples more than their neighbors, compounding gross inequalities in public services funding created by Proposition 13. Karas does not dispute the math. But he argues the framing misses the point. Community colleges in California have no general fund allocation for capital construction. Bonds are not merely the conventional path — they are, under the state constitution, essentially the only path. “I do not know an example of a community college district in California that used something other than bonds for facility construction,” he said. What he acknowledges more readily is that the case for those bonds was never clearly made to the public. The district’s voter outreach materials — mailers, a website, a FAQ page — describe the bond in general terms but fail to connect the dots between upgraded classrooms and a 35-year tax on property owners. “The ballot language maybe could have had a better pointer to the facility master plan, which is the driver,” Karas said. The Mendocino College Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, has funded the campaign in favor of Measure A. The district, as a public agency, is legally constrained in its campaign activities — a distinction that has contributed to fragmented messaging. ## A vote that comes down to trust Measure A needs 55 percent approval to pass — the threshold California sets for local school and community college bonds. Karas said that if the measure fails in June, the district is unlikely to return to voters with another attempt anytime soon. A $120 million bond measure proposed in Humboldt County in 2024 underscores the stakes — the bond fell short of the required threshold with just 52.6% support. Julie McGovern, executive director of the Mendocino College Foundation, wants voters to understand the level of accountability that is baked into Measure A. She pointed to the district’s last bond measure, Measure W, passed in 2006, as a model of what rigorous stewardship looks like in practice. A report to the community, published in 2015 after all Measure W funds had been expended, documented spending down to the cent. An independent citizens’ oversight committee — composed not of college employees but of community members with an interest in responsible use of public funds — reviewed the books annually throughout the life of the bond. “I don’t think anybody wakes up in the morning and says, ‘Yay, I want to pay more taxes,’” McGovern said. “But we do have to see the long-term picture. If every other college district in California is putting out a bond measure to improve their facilities and we are not, then our students and our community will be left behind.” It is, she acknowledged, an argument that depends on trust — trust that the specific projects described in the facilities master plan will actually be built and that the oversight mechanisms will function as designed. Whether voters in Mendocino and Lake counties are prepared to extend that trust, at a cost of roughly $210 million over the life of the bonds, is a question the June ballot will answer. ### Measure A Flyers Suggest Bond Would Fund Fire Academy Already Paid for by State URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/measure-a-flyers-mislead-critics-say/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:19.000Z *Editorial Note: We are adding links to the bottom of this article to provide additional information about this measure.* *Correction: An article published in the Mendocino Voice, and quoted below, misstated permissible spending under Measure A. The district clarified in interviews that staff training and employee salaries would not be covered, though the Voter Guide does list staff training as one of the allowable expenditures. (May 28, 2026 3:36 p.m.)* A series of political flyers about Measure A — a 35-year levy on property owners — has raised concerns among voters about claims and costs. The most recent flyer arrived Tuesday, claiming that Measure A “will expand safe, modern classrooms and labs to train the firefighters we desperately need — people who will live and serve right here in our communities, including wildfire training and making the updated Firefighting Academy a reality.” However, in March, the state of California announced a $20 million investment to fund a new 19,000-square-foot building on the Mendocino College Willits campus specifically for a new fire academy. According to state Sen. Mike McGuire, who spoke at the funding announcement ceremony, the building will house training programs in fire science, construction and energy technology, laboratory services, and healthcare workforce development. “I couldn’t be more excited that we are building the newest Fire Academy on the North Coast right here in Willits,” McGuire said. > Measure A would authorize the sale of $98 million in general obligation bonds and **obligate Mendocino County property owners to repay approximately $210 million in principal and interest** — roughly $3,800 per assessor parcel over three and a half decades. However, because of the structure of the tax, people who purchased property within the last six years could pay substantially more. The voter information guide also notes that the total cost of the bond **could exceed current estimates.** [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) “The foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only,” the guide states. Amounts such as the estimated $210 million debt service “are not maximum amounts and durations and are not binding on the district.” Dennis Miller, a Fort Bragg retiree, has been speaking out about the cost of the bond at public meetings. “There’s not a lot of information about how much bonds cost, and to me it is unbelievable,” Miller recently told the Willits City Council. Miller said he is not opposed to funding education but would prefer a parcel tax, which would directly fund the college. According to the voter guide**, more than half of taxes levied on property owners would go toward financing fees and interest paid to bondholders.** Despite the much higher long-term cost to taxpayers, government entities sometimes favor general obligation bonds because they can pass with 55 percent voter approval, compared with the 66.66 percent threshold generally required for parcel taxes. In a letter to the editor published by *The Mendocino Voic*e, B.B. Kamoroff of Willits noted that while the flyers portray Measure A as supporting “affordable education,” the voter guide lists more than 100 potential projects eligible for bond funding. Kamoroff cited projects including dining facilities, bookstores, theaters, galleries, athletic and wellness facilities, performing arts spaces, a data center, land acquisition, demolition work, roads, parking lots, irrigation systems, vehicles, furniture, elevators, generators, and administrative costs. “The funds will also go to pay assessment reviews, planning costs, staff training, and to the district for employee salaries,” Kamoroff wrote. Kamoroff described it as “regrettable” that the flyers misrepresent how the money would be spent. --- Additional stories: [Ballot Measure A: Fort Bragg resident questions true costs to homeowners](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/26/ballot-measure-a-fort-bragg-resident-questions-true-costs-to-homeowners/?ref=mendolocal.news), *Ukiah Daily Journal*, May 26, 2026 [A New Vision for Mendocino College Gets Lost in the Fine Print,](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-new-vision-for-mendocino-college) *MendoLocal.News*, May 28, 2026 ### From Private Posts to Federal Raids: The Growing Government Dragnet Targeting Online Dissent URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/from-private-posts-to-federal-raids/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:19.000Z Across social media and digital platforms, federal surveillance is expanding, as government agencies increasingly use obscure administrative powers to strip away the anonymity of internet users who criticize or monitor official activity. In the battle over online speech, the federal weapon of choice is an administrative subpoena. Unlike traditional warrants, these demands for information do not require a judge’s approval before they are issued. While federal law enforcement has long had the power to issue these subpoenas, civil liberties advocates warn that agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are now using them to “unmask” individuals engaged in lawful, First Amendment-protected expression. “It’s an unchecked power,” said Aaron Mackey, an attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), which recently filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit to uncover the scale of this activity. “There’s no neutral magistrate that’s actually determining whether the request is lawful”. The government is reportedly leveraging Section 1509 of the Tariff Act of 1930—a law originally intended to investigate unpaid customs duties and import fees—to compel tech giants like Google, Meta, and Reddit to hand over the names, IP addresses, and device identifiers of anonymous account holders. According to the EFF, the targets often include social media users who track ICE activity or individuals who have directly criticized government officials. ### The Knock at the Door in Gualala In the coastal town of Gualala, California, the reality of the online dragnet reached [Kevin Krause, a 64-year-old retiree,](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fbi-raid-in-gualala-leads-to-retiree-arrest) on a quiet morning this past March. A swarm of FBI agents descended on Krause’s home on Robinson Reef Road, an operation federal authorities described only as “court-authorized law enforcement activity”. The raid was the result of a months-long investigation into a private social media interaction. While visiting Michigan in September 2025, Krause had shared a criticism of Montana State Representative Lukas Schubert with his friends on Facebook. Schubert had previously posted on X that the “LGBTQ movement needs to be classified as a terrorist organization”. Federal authorities alleged that Krause’s defense of his friends crossed into a criminal threat. He was indicted by a grand jury in February on a charge of transmitting an interstate threat, a felony that carries up to five years in prison. Krause, who has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting an August trial, is now a living example of what critics call the “chilling effect” of aggressive digital monitoring. ### A “Chilling Effect” on Free Speech The legal threshold for what constitutes a “true threat” is high. Under the Supreme Court’s ruling in *Counterman v. Colorado*, the government must prove a speaker acted with “reckless intent”—meaning they knew their words would be perceived as a threat and disregarded that risk. Protected speech, by contrast, can be “caustic or biting” without being criminal. However, the EFF argues that by the time a case reaches a courtroom, the damage to free expression has often already been done. “People see this behavior by the government and they worry that they themselves would be targeted,” Mackey said, noting that such tactics deter others from speaking their minds. Furthermore, the government has been accused of evading judicial review by withdrawing subpoenas whenever a user attempts to challenge them in court, preventing judges from ever ruling on the legality of using the Tariff Act in this way. In some instances, tech companies have provided “contemporaneous notice,” informing users their data was handed over only *after* the fact, leaving them with no opportunity to seek legal counsel or quash the request. ## How Many Are Targeted Currently, there is no way to tally how many Americans have been targeted by these administrative tools. [Google’s transparency](https://transparencyreport.google.com/user-data/overview?hl=en&user%5Frequests%5Freport%5Fperiod=series:requests,accounts;authority:US;time:&lu=user%5Frequests%5Freport%5Fperiod&ref=mendolocal.news) report shows that requests for user data increased during the first six months of the Trump administration — the most recent data available. Specifically, the number of accounts affected by requests from the U.S. government increased 9 percent compared with 2023 and 4 percent compared with 2024\. Google categorizes the requests as subpoenas, preservation requests, emergency disclosure, other court orders, and search warrants, but it doesn’t breakout how many administrative subpoenas it receives. Meta[’s transparency report ](https://transparency.meta.com/reports/government-data-requests/country/US/?ref=mendolocal.news)shows a 20 percent increase in accounts affected by requests from the U.S. government during the first six months of the Trump administration compared with 2023, but 1 percent decrease compared with 2024\. Meta’s data categories are slightly broader than Google — Meta differentiates between requests for emergency disclosure and requests that were made as part of a legal process. Meta also separates out preservation requests. Like Google, Meta does not break out how many administrative subpoenas it receives. By seeking disclosure of how many Americans have been targeted with administrative subpoenas, EFF’s suit could help quantify the extent of federal action. ### Supervisors Approve Changes in the Business Improvement District for Lodging, as Innkeepers Address the “Baby Elephant” in the Room URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supervisors-approve-changes-in-the/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:20.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors moved forward with proposed changes to the county’s Lodging Business Improvement District ordinance, including a request from Visit Mendocino County, also known as the Mendocino County Tourism Commission, to reduce or eliminate a longstanding 3% county administrative fee charged against tourism assessment revenues. At the most recent May 19 meeting, the board unanimously approved the commission’s annual report, set a June 23 public hearing on next year’s assessment, and directed staff to begin work on ordinance revisions that would shift more operational authority from the county back to the tourism organization itself. Interim executive director Scott Schneider told supervisors the organization wants county officials to relinquish several governance functions currently embedded in county ordinance. Those proposed changes include allowing the tourism organization to control its own board elections and internal board composition, rather than relying on county-administered processes handled through the auditor-controller’s office. ## Existing Structure Has Contributed to Board Vacancies Schneider argued the current structure has made it difficult to fill vacancies and maintain quorums. “We are asking the supervisors to consider changing the BID ordinance … to give those powers and rights back to the organization itself,” Schneider said. The organization also renewed its annual request for relief from the county’s 3% administrative fee, which is deducted from the tourism assessment collected from hotels, motels and short-term rentals countywide**.** The amount is roughly $36,000. Visit Mendocino representatives argued the county already benefits from approximately $9 million annually in transient occupancy tax revenue while reinvesting “nothing” directly into tourism promotion. “This organization now without the match is up to $1.2 million,” Schneider said, referring to the assessment-funded tourism budget. “The county brings in $9 million a year in transient occupancy tax, of which the county reinvests nothing into tourism.” ## County Says Actual Administrative Costs Are Nearly Double the Fee But Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison pushed back against eliminating the fee, warning supervisors that the county’s actual costs already exceed the amount being recovered. Cubbison told the board that administering the tourism district — including elections, collections, quarterly reporting and accounting — currently costs closer to 6% annually, leaving county taxpayers effectively subsidizing the tourism district. “Even though we are getting 3% back, there is still an additional minimum of about $30,000 that the county is contributing,” Cubbison said. Supervisors ultimately stopped short of eliminating the fee immediately, instead approving a modified report that keeps the 3% charge in place for now while county staff investigates the cost of outsourcing collections and administration to a third-party vendor. ## Inland Communities Again Raise Concerns About Tourism Inequity The meeting also addressed long-running tensions between coastal and inland tourism interests. Visit Mendocino board chair Cally Dym, owner and operator of the Little River Inn, addressed what she called “the baby elephant” in the room — a plan to direct marketing dollars to the areas where they are collected. Dym said marketing Mendocino County as a destination for personal enjoyment, relaxation, or vacation is not driving visitors to inland hotel rooms. “The leisure market just does not move the needle for inland anymore,” Dym told supervisors. Dym said newly available tourism spending data by ZIP code had revealed the need for a substantially different inland marketing strategy, though few specifics were presented Tuesday. Supervisors repeatedly requested more detail about what that inland strategy would actually look like. Supervisor Madeline Cline, whose inland district spans Redwood Valley, Potter Valley, and Hopland said she remained unconvinced the organization had presented a concrete plan for inland communities. “I just feel unsatisfied at this point that the true investment — not the dollar amount but the actual strategy — will happen for inland,” Cline said. ### Complaints Mount Over Neglected Vineyards as Mendocino Wine Industry Faces Intensifying Economic Pressure URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/complaints-mount-over-neglected-vineyards/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:20.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday directed the county agricultural commissioner to begin enforcing minimum maintenance standards for vineyards following growing concerns that neglected and abandoned properties are spreading pests and disease to neighboring farms. During a presentation to the board, Mendocino County Agricultural Commissioner Angela Godwin told supervisors her office has received at least 10 complaints in recent months involving vineyards that are no longer being adequately maintained. While she characterized complaints as informal, Godwin said the problem appears to be worsening as the California wine industry contracts and grape prices continue to fall. “Despite having high-quality grapes this last harvest, many were left on the vines because there just wasn’t a market for them,” Godwin told the board. “Depending on what happens with the market this next season we may see even more neglected vineyards.” Godwin said abandoned or poorly maintained vineyards can quickly become reservoirs for pests and diseases that threaten neighboring vineyards still attempting to remain economically viable. Among the primary concerns are powdery mildew, botrytis rot, grapevine viruses, mealybugs, leafhoppers and sharpshooters capable of spreading Pierce’s disease. “These diseases can spread rapidly from neglected blocks to productive vineyards,” she said. “They impact yield, grape quality and even neighboring growers’ ability to obtain crop insurance.” The discussion highlighted the increasing economic strain facing Mendocino County’s wine industry, Growers described an industry squeezed by declining wine consumption, oversupply, rising production costs, and shrinking markets. Several speakers warned supervisors that growers still operating profitably are under mounting pressure from neighboring vineyards that have effectively been abandoned. “This is definitely a dire situation,” said local grape grower Stephen Amato during public comment. “We’re dealing with an industry that’s becoming like a falling knife that no one wants to grab while it’s going down like this.” Amato said he has spent years increasing pesticide applications and taking additional precautions because an adjacent vineyard has not been maintained. “I’ve had to go for extra sprays, always taking extra precautions,” he said. “But some of these folks just don’t have the funds to do this anymore. They’re going bankrupt.” Lorenzo Pacini, who works in vinyard management, urged the county to move quickly, arguing that other wine-producing counties have already implemented enforcement procedures tied to Assembly Bill 732, a state law that took effect in January. The legislation was originally developed in response to abandoned almond orchards in the Central Valley but also applies to vineyards. It authorizes agricultural commissioners to levy civil penalties of up to $500 per acre — increasing to $1,000 per acre after 45 days without good-faith efforts to address problems — when neglected agricultural land creates pest risks for neighboring farms. Pacini said Mendocino County risks harming one of its last major economic sectors if it delays enforcement. “For us to look a gift horse in the mouth and say this is not the overwhelming priority from a GDP standpoint in the county is dangerous,” he said. Godwin emphasized repeatedly that her department hopes to rely primarily on education, outreach and voluntary compliance rather than penalties. “I really don’t want to use enforcement unless we have to,” she said. “The last thing — it’s a difficult situation. I’m not looking forward to really being in the middle of it.” The commissioner said some vineyard owners have already begun maintenance work or removed vines after learning the county was considering enforcement action. Godwin also noted that Mendocino County already possesses nuisance-abatement authority through existing county code provisions and may use a combination of local enforcement tools alongside AB 732. The board ultimately voted unanimously to direct Godwin to enforce minimum vineyard maintenance and pest-control standards using existing legal authority and available staffing resources, while working with the county executive office to develop procedures. Supervisor Ted Williams said the county should align itself with practices already being used elsewhere in California wine country. “I haven’t heard any industry objection,” Williams said. “I’ve only heard people in the industry saying this needs to happen in order to protect those that are still operating.” Godwin warned supervisors the issue is unlikely to disappear soon. “It is becoming a bigger issue,” she said. “And it’s not going away.” ### Mendo Local Weekly News — May 23, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-may-23-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:21.000Z ## 🌱 MENDOCINO COUNTY **A Meadow Beneath the Water Vanishes, and With It, the Foundation of an Ecosystem** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The eelgrass beds of the Albion River Estuary have mysteriously disappeared, signaling a potential larger crisis along the Northern California coast. These underwater meadows—which serve as nurseries for salmon and crab, buffer against ocean acidification, and sequester carbon 40 times faster than forests—have been vanishing worldwide at an alarming rate. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-meadow-beneath-the-water-vanishes) **29-Year-Old Arson Suspect Arrested in Cloverdale After Setting Fire While Fleeing Police** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Luke Deramo, 29, was arrested Tuesday in Cloverdale on multiple felony arson-related charges after allegedly setting a series of small fires in the area. The transient suspect, who has a prior 2025 arson conviction in Mendocino County, was apprehended following a large-scale search after he allegedly climbed into a woman’s truck, vandalized it with a rock, and fled into nearby brush. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendocinocoast.news/29-year-old-under-arson-investigation-allegedly-sets-new-fire-while-fleeing-in-cloverdale-he-was-convicted-of-arson-in-2025-in-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚔 COVELO **Arrest Made in Hit-and-Run Death of Former Covelo Fire Chief Bill Baker** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* A 21-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run death of former Covelo Fire Chief Bill Baker, who was struck and killed last fall after being dropped off by a hospital transport service. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendocinocoast.news/arrest-made-in-hit-and-run-death-of-former-covelo-fire-chief/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏡 ELK **Sacred Rock Inn Enters Escrow** *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* The Sacred Rock Inn in Elk, which abruptly closed a year ago, is in escrow. Brendan Carlin of Ascendant Hospitality Ventures is the potential new owner. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required. Single copies available for purchase in Elk and Gualala or for free at the library.) --- ## 💰 FORT BRAGG **Fort Bragg’s Real Estate Boom: $13.1 Million Boatyard Center Sale Signals New Investment Wave** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Fort Bragg is experiencing a rare surge of private investment as iconic businesses and properties change hands. The Boatyard Center sold for $13.1 million to Argonaut Investments, while other major sales include the Grey Whale Inn, Chapel by the Sea, and the historic Well House West. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendocinocoast.news/boatyard-center-sells-for-13-1-million-to-larkspur-firm-one-of-many-ownership-and-property-upgrades-underway-in-fort-bragg/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Fort Bragg Launches First-Year Business Fee Waiver Program** *City of Fort Bragg* The City Council approved a new program waiving fees for new businesses during their first year of operation in an effort to fill vacant commercial spaces and encourage entrepreneurship. 🔗 [Read More](https://city.fortbragg.com/news%5Fdetail%5FT5%5FR113.php?ref=mendolocal.news) **City of Fort Bragg Launches Summer Internship Program for Youth** *City of Fort Bragg* The City of Fort Bragg is seeking 5 to 7 paid interns, ages 15 and older, to work in various city departments from June 15 through August 7\. Interns will earn $17 per hour during the eight-week program. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.city.fortbragg.com/news%5Fdetail%5FT5%5FR109.php?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💵 GUALALA **GCC May Have to Turn Down Million-Dollar Grant** *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* Prevailing wage requirements attached to a million-dollar USDA grant could increase the cost of rebuilding the Gualala Community Center by 16 percent. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required. Single copies available for purchase in Elk and Gualala or for free at your local library.) --- ## 🚗 LAYTONVILLE **Driver Sentenced to 76 Months for Cannabis-Impaired Crash Killing Laytonville Woman** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* Justino Faenzi-Glass, 44, of Santa Rosa, was sentenced to 76 months in state prison for causing a head-on collision that killed Sally Teegarden in 2025 while impaired by cannabis. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/driver-responsible-for-crash-that-killed-laytonville-woman-sentenced-to-state-prison/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎶 NAVARRO **Second Annual Navarro-by-the-Sea Day Celebrates Historic Inn and Coastal Community** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* MendoParks is hosting the Second Annual Navarro-by-the-Sea Day on June 6 at the restored Captain Fletcher’s Inn in Navarro River Redwoods State Park. The free event will feature live music, tours, food, and raffles supporting continued restoration work. Organizers also announced plans to reopen Captain Fletcher’s as a state park visitor center and coffeehouse. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/21/second-annual-navarro-by-the-sea-day-announced/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚧 POINT ARENA **Point Arena Seeks to Coordinate Sewer Replacement and Caltrans Projects** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* The Point Arena City Council voted to delay a decision on a Caltrans project for 60 days while engineers continue work on the city’s sewer system replacement plans. Caltrans warned additional delays could jeopardize the project timeline. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💧 POTTER VALLEY **Southern California Water Agency Confirms It’s Exploring Potter Valley Project Acquisition** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District confirmed it is evaluating a possible acquisition of the Potter Valley Project, the century-old infrastructure system diverting water from the Eel River into the Russian River watershed. The agency said no decisions have been made but acknowledged ongoing discussions and information gathering. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/huffman-inquiry-confirms-potter-valley-interest) --- ## 📊 UKIAH **Ukiah City Council Discusses Annexation Challenges as County Releases Financial Impact Analysis** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Ukiah officials continue grappling with the city’s proposed annexation plan as Mendocino County released a preliminary financial analysis projecting rising long-term costs tied to staffing, road funding losses, and tax changes. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/20/ukiah-city-council-discusses-annexation-challenges-county-releases-data/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required) **Ukiah City Council Takes Aim at ‘Nuisance’ Parking Lots** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* The Ukiah City Council unanimously adopted a new ordinance reforming off-street parking requirements and targeting vacant parking lots considered public nuisances. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/ukiah-city-council-takes-aim-at-nuisance-parking-lots/?ref=mendolocal.news) **One Drunk Encounter, One Broken System — The Politics and NIMBY Pressure Keeping Treatment Centers Out** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* A recent Ukiah arrest serves as the backdrop for a broader look at California’s failure to replace shuttered mental hospitals with local treatment centers, leaving police, emergency rooms, and jails to manage addiction and mental illness crises. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendocinocoast.news/one-drunk-encounter-one-broken-system-and-the-politics-and-nimby-pressure-that-keep-treatment-centers-out/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Fire Crews Quickly Contain Ukiah Wildfire Sparked by Mobile Home** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Firefighters stopped a wildfire west of Ukiah Tuesday night after a burning house trailer ignited nearby vegetation along Low Gap Road. Crews contained the fire to less than 0.2 acre. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendocinocoast.news/fire-crews-stop-late-tuesday-wildfire-that-spread-from-burning-mobile-home/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op Board Issues Statement** *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice* The Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op board issued its first public statement after a worker walkout disrupted operations. The board declined to discuss personnel matters but affirmed its “determination to move this organization forward and create something strong enough to serve this community for decades to come.” 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/ukiah-natural-foods-co-op-board-cites-personnel-law/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Medium Art Center Celebrates Five Years of Community Connection** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* Medium Art Center is celebrating five years of arts programming, youth exhibits, workshops, and community events in Mendocino County. The organization has grown from a pandemic-era idea into a major local cultural hub. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/05/17/medium-art-center-celebrates-five-year-anniversary/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required) --- ## 🎬 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **The 19th Annual Mendocino Film Festival Returns** *By Alessandra Rizzo, The Mendocino Voice* The Mendocino Film Festival returns May 28–31 with 80 films from 35 countries, including environmental documentaries, Sundance selections, and local productions focused on kelp forest decline. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/the-19th-annual-mendocino-film-festival-last-weekend-of-may/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🍻 WILLITS **Willits City Council Approves Downtown Entertainment Zone, Rejects Catastrophic Leave Policy** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Willits City Council approved a new downtown entertainment zone allowing alcoholic beverages during permitted events in designated downtown areas between noon and 9 p.m. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-city-council-may-13-2026) **Ex-Willits Hospital Worker Found Guilty of Spiking Drink, Sex Assault Charges** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A Mendocino County jury convicted former respiratory therapist Matthew Ryan Mayo of sexually assaulting a colleague after secretly drugging her beer with zolpidem in 2020. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ex-willits-hospital-worker-guilty-rape) **Brooktrails Fire Fundraiser** By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly Thirty-two golfers gathered for a fundraiser benefiting the Brooktrails Fire Department. Proceeds will help purchase a new rescue tool used to free crash victims from vehicles. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALIFORNIA **Newsom Signs AI Executive Order to Study Worker Protections Amid Tech Layoffs** *By Khari Johnson, CalMatters* Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies to study ways to reduce job losses caused by artificial intelligence, including retraining programs and severance protections. 🔗 [Read More](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/05/california-ai-layoffs-order/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Moves to Make Cheaper E85 Fuel More Accessible to Drivers** *By Alejandro Lazo and Yue Stella Yu, CalMatters* California lawmakers advanced legislation making it easier for drivers to convert vehicles to run on E85 ethanol fuel, potentially lowering fuel costs amid high gas prices. 🔗 [Read More](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/05/gas-prices-e85-conversion-kits/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California to Share Immigrant Driver Data with National Database** *By Khari Johnson and Wendy Fry, CalMatters* California is preparing to share detailed driver’s license information—including data on more than 1 million unauthorized immigrants—with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators to comply with the Real ID Act. 🔗 [Read More](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/05/gas-prices-e85-conversion-kits/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Willits City Council — Full Report — May 13, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-city-council-may-13-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T21:46:30.000Z *MendoLocal.News is experimenting with a new, more programmatic format for reporting on recurring government meetings to provide broader and more consistent coverage. Let us know what you think.* Mayor Tom Allman gaveled the regular meeting of the Willits City Council to order at 6:30 p.m. (The full meeting is available on [YouTube.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kppv6Mt01bE&ref=mendolocal.news)) Long-time Willits employee Dan Curtis led the Pledge of Allegiance. **Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items** Six speakers addressed the council on non-agenda matters. - Barbara Plaza urged Mayor Allman and Councilmember Bruce Burton to help her recover identity documents — including Social Security records, medical files, and Cherokee Nation documents — that she says are locked inside a shipping container on property controlled by John McKee following a foreclosure and eviction from her home at 143 Franklin Avenue. - Danielle Barry, a 2022 Frontier Days past sweetheart, announced ticket sales for the upcoming Nedloo concert on May 20 and promoted the sale of limited-edition 100th anniversary Frontier Days commemorative coins, directing the public to contact Marcy Berry at 707-272-5395. - Dennis Miller, a Fort Bragg resident, warned against a $98 million school bond on the June 2 ballot, citing state data showing the Fort Bragg Unified School District has already paid $93 million in interest alone on three prior bonds — a burden spread across roughly 7,000 taxpayers. He advocated for a savings-based assessment model with a sunset clause as an alternative. - Karen Mattson, Mendocino County Museum director, invited the public to a free exhibit titled “Road Trip: Discover Mendocino County by Way of the Redwood Highway,” which features an expanded section celebrating the 100th anniversary of Frontier Days. - A citizen raised concerns about a letter from the chief of police confirming that no-parking zones would again be enforced on West Valley, Pine, North, and West Commercial streets during the Fourth of July parade — a policy that resulted in costly tows for residents last year. Police Chief Brian Fay said the city would improve signage and outreach but noted safety requirements may still necessitate towing. - Another citizen echoed Miller’s bond concerns, noting the $98 million Mendocino College bond would cost taxpayers a total of $210 million over 35 years and listed dozens of funded items — from sculpture gardens to parking lots — arguing voters should read the full bond text before deciding. - Helen Simms announced that Sunday’s performance of Four Dogs and a Bone at the Willits Community Theatre is a Rotary Club buyout, with door tickets available and proceeds benefiting the theater. Free beer and wine will be served. - Caroline Rehberger, the new owner of Flying Dog Pizza, expressed support for the downtown entertainment zone agenda item, noting that First Fridays had already driven above-average business even without her participation. “Any activity that we can bring to downtown Willits is what’s good for us,” she said. **Consent Calendar** Nici Caldwell flagged a clerical error on Item D, noting the contract listed an end date of “Sept. 31, 2026” — a date that does not exist — and confirmed the correct date is Dec. 31, 2026\. Items B and C were pulled for separate discussion by Councilmembers Bruce Burton and Matthew Alaniz, respectively. **Council Member Reports** Councilmember Burton flagged constituent concerns about construction activity behind the dog park, which Public Works Director Davey Bowles confirmed is the wetland mitigation component of the rail trail project. Councilmember Gonzalez reported that LAFCO passed its budget and handled a City of Ukiah annexation of its corporation yard and noted an upcoming solid waste meeting via Zoom on May 15\. Vice Mayor Alaniz highlighted a May 2 Skunk Train influencer event that promoted Willits to thousands of followers on social media. He also reported that MCOG Executive Director Barrett informed him the city has approximately $790,000 in unspent MCOG road funding available — with roughly five years of unclaimed reimbursements. Alaniz announced the next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for May 20\. Allman also noted that he and Councilmember Burton are forming an ad hoc committee on downtown parking. **City Manager Reports** Mayor Allman reported the interim city manager Bob Richardson had used up all the allotted hours in his contract and said that Dusty Duley, the city development director, was acting as the interim city manager. **Item: Catastrophic Leave Bank Policy (Consent Item B)** Human Resources Advisor Deborah Muchmore presented the proposed policy, explaining it would bring the city’s existing catastrophic leave donation program into compliance with IRS constructive receipt doctrine. “This is really about taxes,” she said. Under current practice, donors may owe taxes on donated leave; the new policy shifts tax liability to the recipient and removes a direct donor-to-recipient designation — a structure required for IRS compliance. Public commenters were largely supportive of the concept. Nici Caldwell raised concerns about potential abuse of the system and noted that the agenda report’s “alternative impact” and “fiscal impact” sections appeared to be identical — a likely copy-and-paste error. Davey Bowles offered personal testimony, recalling that city staff donated leave to support him during a family emergency in 2019 when he had little accrued time. Buffey Bourassa, a county employee running for the Board of Supervisors, endorsed the bank model based on her experience during the 2017 fires. Eric Hart, who is also running for the Board of Supervisors, supported the idea but stressed the need for a clear, fair selection process regarding who would receive leave bank awards. The council debated at length. Councilmember Bruce Burton questioned the policy’s necessity and pointed to the nearly $879,000 in current accrued leave liability. He also questioned how much staff time would be required to manage a leave bank benefit. Burton said he believed employees should either use their leave or receive compensation for it in the year it is earned. Mayor Allman noted he had personally witnessed the value of catastrophic leave banks during his time at the county, recounting instances where employees donated up to 80 hours to colleagues facing serious illness. Vice Mayor Alaniz expressed support for the concept but objected to addressing policy updates piecemeal rather than comprehensively. Councilmember Gonzalez moved to approve the resolution with direction for clearer selection criteria; Stranske seconded. The motion failed 2-3, with Burton, Stranske, and Alaniz voting no. **Item: Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Amendments (Consent Item C)** Vice Mayor Alaniz pulled this item to reiterate his concern about updating the 141-page policy manual incrementally rather than comprehensively. Public commenter Tamara Alaniz, who is also the wife of the vice mayor, agreed, arguing the document is “riddled with mistakes” and that piecemeal updates risk contradictions and confusion for staff who rely on it as their primary workplace reference. Following discussion, the council agreed to defer a vote and form an ad hoc committee comprising Vice Mayor Alaniz and Councilmember Gonzalez to review the full manual. Mayor Allman noted that no final decisions would be made until a permanent city manager is in place. **Item: Downtown Entertainment Zone – Final Resolution** City Planner Connor Stack presented the resolution establishing rules for Willits’ proposed downtown entertainment zone, the second step in a three-part approval process. The zone covers portions of Main Street, East Commercial Street, State Street, and nearby public spaces, including Bud Snider Park. Stack clarified that the full zone boundary is not activated for every event — each use requires a management plan approved administratively by the Community Development Department and the chief of police and is not subject to individual council votes unless appealed. Key parameters in the resolution include event hours of noon to 9 p.m., allowance for beer, wine, and distilled spirits tied to existing ABC-licensed businesses within the zone, and a mandatory two-year review cycle. Stack noted the zone was originally proposed by the Chamber of Commerce and has been supported throughout the process. Eric Hart asked whether the city’s level of security enforcement could affect its liability exposure and sought clarification on whether nonprofits with temporary ABC licenses could serve alcohol in the park independent of the entertainment zone, which Stack confirmed is already permissible under existing law. Councilmember Gonzalez moved to adopt the resolution as presented; Mayor Allman seconded. Councilmember Burton expressed ambivalence and suggested that restoring parking on Main Street — removed for a bike lane — would do more for downtown businesses. Councilmember Stranske voted no. The motion passed 3-2, with Burton and Stranske dissenting. **Item: Monthly Activity Reports** Councilmember Burton questioned three Alpha Analytical invoices totaling approximately $25,000 for water and wastewater testing. Nici Caldwell and Davey Bowles confirmed all testing is mandated by state and federal discharge permits, with an annual budget of approximately $130,000 to $140,000\. Burton also asked about a $10,000 invoice to receivership attorney Cole Huber. Bowles confirmed it relates to ongoing litigation against the Van Hotel, where the city filed a complaint for appointment of a receiver following unresolved public safety conditions — a direction given by a prior council. **Closed Session** Mayor Allman briefly reconvened the council meeting after a closed session to discuss the possible appointment of an interim city manager. The mayor adjourned the regular meeting at approximately 8:15 p.m. ### Ex-Willits Hospital Worker Found Guilty of Spiking Drink, Sex Assault Charges URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ex-willits-hospital-worker-guilty-rape/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:21.000Z A Mendocino County jury on Wednesday convicted former respiratory therapist Matthew Ryan Mayo of sexually assaulting a colleague whom was first secretly drugged with zolpidem, the sedative commonly marketed as Ambien, according to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office. Mayo, 45, formerly of Hopland and Sonoma County, was found guilty of rape of an intoxicated or incapacitated person, administering a controlled substance to commit a sex felony, and distributing a photograph of an intimate body part without consent, prosecutors said. According to prosecutors, the crimes occurred in May 2020, when Mayo was employed at Howard Hospital in Willits. Authorities said Mayo invited a female co-worker to his home after work for drinks and movies, then secretly added zolpidem to a beer he gave her. Prosecutors said the sedative, particularly when combined with alcohol, can rapidly impair judgment, coordination and memory, leaving victims unable to resist or fully understand what is happening. The drug is associated with anterograde amnesia, a condition that can prevent victims from forming memories while under its influence. The victim later reported partial recollections of the assault to law enforcement after her memory began returning once she was home, according to the district attorney’s office. The jury returned its verdict after a seven-day trial before Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Victoria Shanahan. Following the verdict, Shanahan ordered Mayo remanded into custody without bail pending further proceedings. A hearing is scheduled for May 28 to determine whether aggravating circumstances apply in the case. Mayo will later be referred to the Mendocino County Adult Probation Department for a sentencing recommendation before sentencing is scheduled. In 2023, the Respiratory Care Board of California obtained a court order restricting Mayo’s professional license pending resolution of the criminal case, prosecutors said. The investigation involved the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Justice DNA laboratory in Redding and the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations. Expert testimony during the trial came from medical, forensic and toxicology specialists, including Dr. Kristen Marin of Adventist Health Ukiah Valley and toxicology expert Dr. Marc LeBeau of Missouri. District Attorney David Eyster prosecuted the case. ### Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Candidates Share Wildfire Preparedness Positions URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fire-safe-council-electionquestionnaire-/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:22.000Z Ahead of the June 2 primary election, six candidates running for Mendocino County Board of Supervisors in Districts 3 and 5 answered questions about wildfire preparedness and emergency services funding. The candidates addressed critical issues including their commitment to allocating Measure P sales tax revenues for fire protection, support for renewing the quarter-cent sales tax when it sunsets in 2033, and their vision for sustainable funding of local fire and EMS services. [View questionnaire](https://www.firesafemendocino.org/bos-candidate-questionnaire?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Huffman Inquiry Confirms Southern California Agency Exploring Potter Valley Project Options URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/huffman-inquiry-confirms-potter-valley-interest/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:22.000Z The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District confirmed in a letter to Congressman Jared Huffman that it is evaluating an acquisition of the Potter Valley Project but cautioned that only limited information regarding the potential acquisition could be shared publicly. In a May 8 letter to Jared Huffman, obtained MendoLocal.News on May 19, the Southern California water agency acknowledged it has responsive records related to Huffman’s inquiry into the project and expects to begin releasing non-exempt documents by May 29. The letter, signed by EVMWD Board President Andy Morris, marks one of the clearest public acknowledgements yet that the district is actively exploring possible involvement in the future of the Potter Valley Project, which diverts water from the Eel River into the Russian River watershed through a pair of dams and a century-old tunnel system. “Staff is gathering information and coordinating with partner agencies and stakeholders to better understand potential opportunities, challenges, and impacts,” Morris wrote. “No decisions have been made regarding acquisition, ownership, operations, financing, or any future use connected to the Potter Valley Project or related infrastructure.” The letter was sent in response to an April 28 inquiry from Huffman, whose district includes communities affected by the Potter Valley Project and the future of the Eel River, including users of water diverted from the Eel River to the Russian River by the project. Huffman requested records related to any potential acquisition, transfer or operation of project infrastructure — including Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam — as well as any plans involving the storage, diversion, transfer or sale of Eel River water outside the Eel or Russian River watersheds. The possibility that a Southern California water district could become involved in the Potter Valley Project has alarmed many North Coast residents, tribal nations and environmental advocates, who fear it could lead to expensive litigation and complicate long-running efforts to remove Scott Dam, restore fish passage and continue providing water to Potter Valley and Sonoma County. In the letter, EVMWD acknowledged those concerns directly, stating that the district recognizes the project’s importance to “local communities, Tribal Nations, agricultural interests, environmental organizations, and water users throughout the Eel and Russian River watersheds.” The district also said it understands “the history and sensitivities tied to water management discussions in Northern California.” At the same time, the district indicated it intends to limit public disclosures during the early stages of its review process, citing the sensitive nature of potential infrastructure and water supply acquisitions. The agency said it is reviewing responsive records with legal counsel to determine what information can legally be withheld under exemptions to the California Public Records Act. *You can support MendoLocal.News’ reporting on the Potter Valley Project by sharing our stories and by contributing to our* [*Go Fund Me.*](https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-hidden-agendas-behind-the-plan-to-save-potter-valley?ref=mendolocal.news) ### A Meadow Beneath the Water Vanishes, and With It, the Foundation of an Ecosystem URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-meadow-beneath-the-water-vanishes/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:23.000Z Gabrielle Levine was not particularly alarmed when she first noticed the eelgrass beds in the Albion River estuary were getting smaller. Eelgrass beds typically expand and contract from year to year in response to water temperature, sediment, nutrient availability and a whole host of factors. But the beds kept shrinking. And this year, they were gone entirely. Levine, a retired physician who has spent years tending the river and donating land along this stretch of the Mendocino County coast to a local conservancy, had watched over the estuary long enough to know the difference between a bad season and something more serious. What she was seeing, she believed, was something more serious. She was right to worry. Marine ecologists from Sonoma State University who stay regularly at the nearby Albion Field Station — and who have maintained an informal watch over the estuary for years — confirmed this spring that the eelgrass beds were no longer there. Field crews who visited the site recently observed the loss themselves and also received corroboration from locals. “Anytime you see a decline that’s rapid and substantial, it’s a big concern,” said Brent Hughes, an associate professor of marine ecology at Sonoma State University whose research lab monitors estuaries throughout Northern California. What caused the disappearance is not yet known. But the list of possibilities — green crabs, sedimentation, disease, pollution, warming waters, ocean acidification, sea level rise, excess nutrients — reflects a broader crisis unfolding in coastal waters up and down the West Coast, where eelgrass meadows that have anchored marine ecosystems for thousands of years are vanishing faster than scientists can study them. ## ‘The Canary in the Coal Mine’ To understand why the disappearance of eelgrass from a small estuary on the Northern California coast matters, it helps to understand what eelgrass actually does. Zostera marina, the species of seagrass that grows along the Pacific Coast of the United States, is not seaweed. It is a flowering plant — one of the few that can live entirely submerged in saltwater. Its dense underwater meadows function as one of the most productive and ecologically complex habitats in the marine world, providing services that scientists say are difficult to overstate and nearly impossible to replace. Juvenile salmon and Dungeness crab use eelgrass beds as nurseries, sheltering among the blades during the most vulnerable stages of their lives. Migratory waterfowl and shorebirds forage in and around eelgrass flats. Pacific herring spawn directly on eelgrass leaves. The meadows slow currents and absorb wave energy, protecting shorelines from erosion. They filter contaminants and trap sediments, improving water quality for everything that lives nearby. Perhaps most remarkably, eelgrass sequesters carbon at a rate researchers estimate is 40 times faster than terrestrial forests. The plants can actually raise the pH of surrounding water, because they are so efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. This makes them a buffer against ocean acidification. In Tomales Bay, researchers have found that eelgrass beds provide measurable benefits to oyster aquaculture by moderating the acidity of the water. Economists have estimated that seagrass meadows can provide [roughly $29,000 per hectare](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10282569/?ref=mendolocal.news) per year in ecosystem services — a figure that includes fishery support, food production, carbon storage, and recreation. The Dungeness crab fishery alone can generate [$30 to $90 million in California alone](https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-huffman-votes-for-permanent-sustainable-management-of-dungeness-crab-fishery?ref=mendolocal.news), and eelgrass is foundational to that fishery’s survival. “You could go on and on about the ecosystem services that seagrasses provide,” Hughes said. “When you lose them, it’s kind of like the canary in the coal mine that there’s probably a larger issue going on.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/b685f305-1fd7-43d3-bf4e-e7088958e618_3024x2829-jpeg.jpg) A lone strand of eelgrass on the bottom of the Albion River Estuary (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) ## A Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight The decline of seagrass worldwide has been underway for more than a century, but it has received a fraction of the public attention devoted to coral reefs or, in California, kelp forests. Since 1900, an estimated 5,602 square kilometers of known and surveyed seagrass meadows have been lost globally, according to research cited in a 2024 restoration handbook funded by The Anthropocene Institute and authored by Hughes and colleagues from the University of California Santa Barbara, San Francisco State University and UC Davis. Only approximately 554 square kilometers have recovered during that same period.. [According to one study](https://www.popsci.com/oceans-losing-seagrass-carbon-sink/?ref=mendolocal.news), oceans are losing a football-field sized meadow of seagrass every thirty minutes. The causes are varied and often compounding. Coastal development has directly destroyed seagrass habitat by paving over it, shading it with docks and piers, or burying it under sediment stirred up by construction. Agricultural runoff delivers excess nutrients to estuaries, fueling algal blooms that form dense mats over seagrass beds and cut off the sunlight the plants need to survive. Motorized boats scar seagrass beds with their propellers and disturb sediment with their anchors. Climate change is warming the water, stressing the plants and potentially pushing the range of viable seagrass habitat northward. “Seagrass ecosystems are among the most threatened on our planet,” the handbook states. NOAA Fisheries has designated eelgrass a Habitat Area of Particular Concern for Pacific Coast groundfish and salmon, noting that it “is subject to adverse effects from development, reductions in water quality, and vessel activity.” The agency published the California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy in 2014, establishing a goal of no net loss of eelgrass habitat function throughout the state and requiring developers whose projects affect eelgrass beds to restore 1.2 times the affected area elsewhere. But the policy has been inconsistently applied. A NOAA Fisheries review of surveys submitted between 2014 and 2021 found that only 1.7 percent of 120 survey and monitoring reports fully followed all recommended guidelines. Approximately 44.6 percent failed to follow the guidelines in ways that made it difficult to meaningfully assess eelgrass impacts at all. “The uncertainty associated with reporting and survey compliance suggests the potential for additional impacts that are not being explicitly and/or accurately accounted for,” the agency stated in its review. ## What Happened at Albion? The Albion River estuary cuts through a fold in the coastal hills of Mendocino County before emptying into the Pacific Ocean, its mouth sheltered from the open sea by rocky cliffs and offshore reefs. It is a small system by the standards of California’s major estuaries — nothing like San Francisco Bay or Humboldt Bay — but it has historically supported one of the larger eelgrass beds in the county. “For Mendocino County, it’s a concern for the region for sure,” Hughes said. “There are only a handful of estuaries in Mendocino County that actually have eelgrass.” The estuary is not a marine protected area, and it is not currently part of any formal monitoring program. The Sonoma State research team’s awareness of conditions there comes largely from their proximity: they use the Albion Field Station as a base for fieldwork in the region and have maintained informal contact with Sheldon Schultz, the station’s caretaker, who has served as their eyes and ears on the ground. What caused the eelgrass to disappear remains an open question. Hughes said the investigation would need to work through a list of potential culprits before any conclusions could be drawn. Wasting disease — a pathogen that causes dark lesions on eelgrass leaves and can trigger rapid dieback, particularly in warmer water — is one possibility. A major wasting disease event in the 1930s is believed to have wiped out large swaths of eelgrass along the East Coast. Researchers at UC Davis’s Bodega Marine Laboratory have been studying wasting disease in Northern California seagrass, and Hughes said it would be relatively straightforward to check the remaining eelgrass patches at Albion River for the telltale signs. Sedimentation is another possibility. The Albion River carries sediment from its watershed, and if that load has increased — due to land use changes, storm events or altered hydrology — it could bury eelgrass beds or reduce the water clarity the plants need for photosynthesis. A similar dynamic played out at Morro Bay, on the Central California coast, where eelgrass largely disappeared in the mid-2010s before recovering after land use restrictions reduced sediment loads in the watershed. Nutrient enrichment, algal blooms, changes in water temperature and disruptions to the local food web are also on the list. So is simple bad luck — a confluence of stressors that individually might not have been fatal but together proved too much for the meadow to withstand. “Seagrasses, when they’re not stressed out, they’re pretty stable ecosystems,” Hughes said. “Some of the oldest organisms on the planet are clonal seagrasses — they can be 10,000 years old. But they can be very sensitive to environmental change.” ## The Monitoring Gap One of the most significant obstacles to understanding what happened at the Albion River — and to protecting eelgrass across California more broadly — is the absence of consistent, systematic monitoring. Hughes said the state lacks the kind of year-by-year acreage data that would allow scientists to track changes in eelgrass beds over time and identify declines before they become catastrophic. The most recent comprehensive survey of eelgrass in Mendocino County, he said, was conducted roughly a decade ago. “That’s critical information that we just don’t have,” he said. “The surveys are sporadic. They’re not very frequent.” Mapping eelgrass has become significantly more accessible in recent years. Drone technology, satellite imagery and aerial photography can all be used to identify eelgrass beds, particularly at low tide when the shallow-growing plants are most visible. Commercial satellite services like PlanetScope offer high-resolution imagery that can detect changes in eelgrass coverage over time, and free satellite data from programs like Landsat, while lower in resolution, can provide a rough baseline. NOAA Fisheries directs the public to a web-based mapping tool called EcoAtlas for spatial data on eelgrass distribution in California, but cautions that “the data for this website are not comprehensive.” The California Department of Fish and Wildlife included the Albion River Estuary and the eelgrass there in a 2022 survey and a visual representation of the data is available through the [Biogeographic Information and Observation System (BIOS)](https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/bios6/?al=ds1503&ref=mendolocal.news). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/4c3dbc4d-57ea-4b33-a6f2-04e97376fb78_1560x962.png) A map of eelgrass in the Albion River Estuary from BIOS (Biogeographic Information and Observation System), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s primary spacial data catalogue and web-mapping tool. ## ‘There is So Much Less Life’ Checking in on that survey and looking back through her own old photos, Levine is struck by how different the river looks today. Gone is the vibrant palette of blue, green, and turquoise created by the meadow that seemed to change by the minute. In its place are dull brown mud flats. The rainbow colors used to make her heart sing, Levine said. Today, the muddy water makes her want to weep. “We used to see a whole flocks of birds, a mixed flock of herons, cormorants, and egrets all together, “ she says. Today, ‘there is so much less life here.” With her background in medical science, Levine is better equipped than most to observe the changes. She has some ideas about who and what may be behind the eelgrass’ disappearance. While the sea level is rising, the additional water is not enough to make up for the added load of sediment. “More and more, I have noticed the mud flats exposed at low tide, baking in the sun,” she said. There was a time when the meadow could sustain countless life forms — including invasive green crabs that slice and uproot eelgrass when they are foraging.[ Recent research indicates the juvenile crabs also eat eelgrass.](https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/68/9/1852/670391?ref=mendolocal.news) As the eelgrass beds retreated in recent years, the crabs multiplied. “The green crabs eat eelgrass like the purple urchin eats kelp,” Levine said. Levine believes the introduction of sea otters, which feed on the crabs, could help. The otters have helped eelgrass recover elsewhere. ## What Recovery Looks Like Elkhorn Slough, an estuary in Monterey Bay that once supported 26 hectares of eelgrass, had declined to [\~15 hectares by the early 1980s](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9285811/?ref=mendolocal.news#:~:text=1%29%2C%20within%20the%20first%203,2019%29.), driven by agricultural runoff and nutrient pollution. Beginning in 2015, Hughes and his colleagues undertook a restoration project that, by 2018, had expanded planted eelgrass plots from 29 square meters to more than 2,500 square meters — an increase of approximately 8,500 percent. The key, Hughes said, was not just the planting itself but understanding the conditions that allowed the plants to thrive. The recovery of sea otter populations in Elkhorn Slough turned out to be crucial: the otters controlled crab populations that would otherwise have disturbed newly planted shoots before they could take root. A 5 mph speed limit for all watercraft in the estuary protected the transplants from propeller damage. And researchers learned, through a painful first-year failure in which algal blooms smothered their plantings, that timing mattered enormously — planting in February and March, rather than later in the spring, gave the eelgrass a two-month head start before the algae arrived. “These systems can recover, as long as you figure out what those stressors are,” Hughes said. “But I probably wouldn’t go just trying to plant a bunch of seagrass without knowing exactly what’s going on.” Morro Bay offers another example. After its eelgrass largely disappeared, restrictions on sediment loads in the watershed allowed the beds to begin recovering on their own, with only modest intervention from restoration crews. The lesson from both cases, Hughes said, is that eelgrass is resilient — but only if the underlying stressors are addressed. Planting into a system that is still being degraded by pollution, warming water or disease is unlikely to succeed. ## What Comes Next For now, the immediate priority at Albion is diagnosis. Hughes said the next steps should include alerting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries to the observed decline, asking both agencies whether they have conducted any monitoring of the site and what it would take for them to do so. A field survey to check remaining eelgrass patches for signs of wasting disease could begin ruling out — or confirming — one of the most likely culprits. Water temperature data, if available, could shed light on whether warming is a factor. Who will do the alerting? Hughes said that’s up to the residents of Mendocino County. The NOAA Fisheries goal of “no net loss” is designed to be applied in the context of development. “So if somebody wants to build a dock or build a bridge, for example, and there’s a seagrass bed in that footprint, then they need to find another area that doesn’t have seagrass.” Assuming the area is a suitable habitat, they have to plant 1.2 times the amount that they are affecting to ensure that direct human development is fully mitigated.” But in the case of the Albion River, where the destroyer of sea grass could be green crabs, sedimentation, or multiple factors, there’s no such mandate. “That’s really a society-driven, community-driven kind of thing,” Hughes said. The rescuers of sea grass, those who are sounding the alarm, could be anyone who cares to look and, ideally, take a measurement. Hughes described the role citizen scientists can play by simply documenting changes in the temperature or the river bottom. And then, Hughes, said it’s critical to communicate with agencies like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries. “There are certain legal frameworks that do mandate restoration or mitigation in this case,” he said. MendoLocal.News’ initial contact with the agencies was not encouraging, however. A spokesperson for NOAA responded with a two-line note: “We do not have regional monitoring for eelgrass so this is not something we would report on. Eelgrass can decline in response to ocean conditions, in which case the mitigation policy would not apply.” Peter Tira, a spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said he reached out to half a dozen CDFW biologists, and none could recall an eelgrass survey. “It’s not clear what role, if any, CDFW has with the California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy,” he wrote in an email. Tira encouraged community members interested in eelgrass restoration to look into [available grants.](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Grants?ref=mendolocal.news) Closer to home, Sheila Semans, the executive director of the Noyo Center for Marine Science said she’d like to work in one of Mendocino County’s estuaries one day. What Levine and others who care about the Albion River estuary are up against is a system of protection that, by federal regulators’ own accounting, is being overwhelmed. Federal and state monitoring infrastructure has left one of the county’s most significant marine habitats essentially unwatched for a decade. Meanwhile, a set of unrelenting environmental pressures — warming oceans, altered watersheds, increasing coastal development — are intensifying. Hughes, who is simultaneously working on kelp forest restoration in Mendocino County and monitoring estuaries across Northern California, said he is holding out hope for eelgrass restoration in the Albion River — but his hope is qualified by how much support local people will give to the river. “This will probably be a story that continues,” he said. “This is just the beginning.” For Levine, standing at the edge of an estuary that no longer holds the meadow she has spent years watching over, the beginning goes back a little further. She and her partner, Dan Gates, have been working tirelessly on restoration projects aimed at giving the river back to itself for years. But she’s ready for a new chapter that will bring more attention and additional resources. She directs her gaze to the few strands of eelgrass that are left at the bottom of river, just an arms’ length away. “It’s still trying,” she said. “So it could be saved.” [To fund restoration work, including efforts to restore eelgrass, readers can donate to the Albion River Fund managed by the Mendocino Land Trust.](https://www.mendocinolandtrust.org/about-mlt/contact-us/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### The Mendo Local Weekly News Report Will Resume May 23, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/the-mendo-local-weekly-news-report/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T04:37:28.000Z _No content available._ ### Visit Fort Bragg Committee Member Convicted by Jury of Drug-Related DUI URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/visit-fort-bragg-committee-member-convicted/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:24.000Z Ryan Ballou, a member of the Visit Fort Bragg Committee, was convicted by a jury on May 13 of driving under the influence, a misdemeanor. A prominent local Facebook influencer, Ballou is known for producing upbeat videos about things to do in Mendocino County. According to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office, Ballou, 50, was arrested in December 2025 on charges of driving under the combined influence of clonazepam and THC. The agencies involved in the investigation included the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Justice forensic crime laboratory. After receiving communications from *MendoLocal.New*s, Ballou posted a statement on Facebook describing his version of events surrounding the arrest. He labeled his post “press release!” And he stated he would not be “accepting interviews at this time.” “December 3rd after years of a silent divorce my marriage ended suddenly in one night,” Ballou wrote. “I wrecked my car after packing and leaving. Brought it home haphazardly at best.” Ballou said law enforcement officers initially responded believing the incident may have involved domestic violence, but “quickly realized it was not.” He described the subsequent investigation as shifting toward a suspected drug DUI. Ballou wrote that he agreed to perform field sobriety tests and later submitted to a blood test. He stated that he contested the charge at trial but was ultimately convicted. “I do not condone my behavior, but it’s not illegal to be upset, wreck a car or be in duress with your partner,” Ballou wrote. “Was a crazy night, my life as well as my families \[sic\] life forever changed that day.” According to the District Attorney’s Office, clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that depresses the central nervous system and may cause drowsiness, impaired thinking, impaired coordination, and vision problems, even when taken as prescribed. The DA’s Office stated that tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can impair driving by slowing reaction times, decreasing coordination, and distorting judgment. ### Fire on Eunice Ct. in Ukiah URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fire-on-eunice-ct-in-ukiah/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:24.000Z A wind-driven vegetation fire was reported by the Watch Duty app at 10:05 a.m. on May 16. “Resources are on the scene of a wind-driven vegetation fire with one structure immediately threatened,” wrote Dan Husum. The size of the fire was estimated at 100 x 50 feet. This article with be updated as more information is available. ### Fort Bragg City Council – May 11, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-may-11-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:24.000Z *MendoLocal.News is experimenting with a new, more programmatic format for reporting on recurring government meetings to provide broader and more consistent coverage. Let us know what you think.* Mayor Jason Godeke gaveled the regular meeting to order at 6:00 PM. (View the entire meeting on the city’s Facebook page.) **Proclamations** The council rolled through four ceremonial items. Commander Jonathan McLaughlin was honored for 20 years with the Fort Bragg Police Department. He said he hopes to serve at least 10 more years. Councilmember Lindy Peters read a National Police Week proclamation, noting the local loss of Deputy Ricky Del Fiorentino. Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan proclaimed National Public Works Week; Assistant Public Works Director John Smith thanked his crew. Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith read a proclamation for Water Safety Month proclamation **Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items** Three speakers stepped up. - Dennis Miller criticized the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District’s (MCRPD) proposal to buy the former Rite Aid site, arguing it would remove property from tax rolls. He also criticized the district using taxpayer money to compete with private businesses. Miller separately took issue with the city’s purchase of street paving equipment. - Jenny Shattuck disagreed sharply, backing the rec district and the city’s street equipment purchases. - Simon Smith, who owns a business on North Main Street defended food trucks as vital for downtown vibrancy and complained about shoddy pavement repairs from fiber installation. **Consent Calendar** No public comments. Councilmember Peters moved to adopt, seconded by Hockett. The clerk called roll: all five councilmembers voted yes. **Council Member Reports** Peters recapped the second annual Blues Festival as a success and reported the Fort Bragg Fire Protection Authority passed its budget and is solvent, noting Chief Steve Orsi plans to retire. Hockett invited the public to the Public Works Committee meeting Thursday. Albin-Smith suggested free MTA buses for next year’s Blues Festival and announced Sonoma Clean Power rates will drop in tandem with a PG&E reduction to compensate for overcharging. Vice Mayor Rafanan said Parks and Rec will meet on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Mayor Godeke praised Bainbridge Park’s heavy use. **Item: Two New Downtown Parks?** City Manager Isaac Whippy presented AI renderings of two vacant lots—300 and 435 North Franklin Street—transformed into plazas with a small stage, murals, bathrooms, and greenery. Grants could cover acquisition and construction; the city would need to launch public scoping. Councilmember Peters asked if both lots could be developed simultaneously; Whippy said yes. Public comment: Dennis Miller again raised the prospect of tax loss. Jenny Shattuck supported bathrooms and urged cameras. An adjacent property owner welcomed the plan: “This is not in my backyard, this is in my side yard,” and he asked the city to engage with the neighbors. Mary Rose Kaczorowski called it “a brilliant idea.” Gabriel Quinn Maroney suggested a gazebo. Jacob Patterson suggested 435 North Franklin could host food trucks. The council unanimously supported moving forward with community engagement and grant applications. Albin-Smith wanted natural elements; Hockett emphasized downtown bathrooms; Peters envisioned game tables and a botanical garden feel at 435 North Franklin; Rafanan and Godeke voiced support. No formal vote was taken. **Item: Mill-Site Community Engagement Findings** Whippy presented results from a 60-day survey that was included in utility bills and available online. The survey drew 365 responses. Key findings: 60% rate the economy as fair; top needs are healthcare and housing; 60% said developing the mill site would have a positive impact; nearly 80% wanted public trails and open space, 45% want an outdoor event space; over 50% opposed an electric trolley; concerns include traffic, contamination, and loss of small-town character. Chris Hart of the Skunk Train commended the survey and highlighted a 30% gap between how residents rate Fort Bragg as a place to live (almost 60%) vs. a place to do business (25%). Jacob Patterson said he couldn’t find the survey and worried the sample was “skewed.” Councilmember Peters said the community wants to “take it slow” and preserve open space. Albin-Smith said she’s “anxious to get going” but acknowledged the call for a deliberate pace. Albin-Smith noted that any housing on the mill site will not be affordable: “Those aren’t going to be low-income homes out there.” The council agreed to continue planning with the survey as guidance. No vote. **Item: Code Enforcement Policy** Whippy introduced the topic, noting that 79% of budget survey respondents find code enforcement important. Part-time officer Valerie Stump and Pete Roque of 4LEAF Inc. presented three models: complaint-driven (current), hybrid (complaint plus targeted proactive enforcement in the Central Business District, vacation rentals, and vacant property registry), and fully proactive. Roque recommended the hybrid. *“Code enforcement’s goal is not simply to increase enforcement, but to create a more consistent, fair and strategic program that uses limited resources wisely.” — *Pete Roque*,* 4LEAF Inc. Public comment: Simon Smith supported hybrid and software for equity; Jacob Patterson backed hybrid, urged focus on commercial corridors and cost recovery via fees; Gabriel Quinn Maroney called for “significant investment” given the backlog. Council debate was brief. Peters argued code enforcement is integral to public safety. Hockett agreed but cautioned to “keep your eye on it.” Albin-Smith asked Stump directly if she needs more staff; Stump answered: “I would prefer that we had someone full time to do code enforcement and I could assist maybe in an administrative way.” The council nonetheless directed staff to proceed with the hybrid model using existing resources and SOPs. Lindy Peters summed up: “ The hybrid is the way to go.” Mayor Godeke adjourned at approximately 10:10 PM. ### Hill Sentenced to Maximum Term for Assault, Kidnapping With Intent to Commit Rape URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/hill-sentenced-to-maximum-term/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:25.000Z *Editor’s Note: We added Judge Victoria Shanahan’s comments to the defendant and would like to thank the court-reporter Christine Jones for double checking the transcript for MendoLocal.News. Also see correction below. (May 15, 2026 11:01 a.m.)* Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Victoria Shanahan sentenced William Larry Hill on Wednesday to the maximum term of seven years to life with the possibility of parole for kidnapping with the intent to commit rape and six years, served consecutively, for assault with intent to commit rape. Taking into consideration the time Hill has spent in jail since his arrest, Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey said it will be at least 10 years before Hill faces a parole board. “I think that at least for the moment we are done with Mr. Hill,” she said. In handing down the sentence, Judge Victoria Shanahan delivered a blistering rebuke of the defendant, describing the conduct revealed during trial as “horrendous” and “nightmare material for most women.” Addressing Mr. Hill directly from the bench, Shanahan characterized him as exactly the sort of predator women are taught to fear and guard against in everyday life. “You’re the type of person that parents have to warn their daughters about,” Shanahan said. “You’re the type of person that women have to walk with their keys and weapons in their hands when they go to their car at night.” She continued by describing Hill as a predator who “take\[s\] advantage of women when they’re most vulnerable,” tying his conduct to the broader fears many women navigate routinely in public spaces. Although Shanahan said she intended to follow the sentence recommended in the probation report, she made clear she viewed the punishment as insufficient given the gravity of the crimes. “I do wish that you had more time hanging over your head because you deserve it,” the judge told Hill before imposing sentence. Hill, 42, of Fort Bragg, was convicted by a Mendocino County jury in February. The case stemmed from a 2019 attack on a woman Hill encountered at a Ukiah bar. Prosecutors alleged that Hill followed the woman as she walked home, overpowered her, dragged her into a secluded area and attempted to rape her. DNA evidence collected by a forensic nurse on the night of the attack was not linked to a suspect until years later, when Hill’s DNA was entered into a law enforcement database following a separate conviction. Hill was convicted in 2022 of two sex offenses involving different victims — assault with intent to commit rape and attempted penetration by force with a foreign object — and received a three-year sentence in that case. The DNA comparison that cracked the 2019 cold case was ordered as part of the sentencing process in the earlier conviction. During the trial, jurors heard testimony from three additional women who described similar alleged conduct by Hill. California law permits such prior-act evidence in sexual assault cases under certain circumstances. Hill took the stand in his own defense and denied the allegations, offering alternative explanations for how his DNA came to be on the victim. Hill did not express remorse during his testimony or at sentencing, according to prosecutors. The jury deliberated for less than two days before returning guilty verdicts on both counts. Later, in a separate March 24 bench trial, the court found Hill guilty of five alleged aggravating circumstances, including that the crime involved great violence, great bodily harm or threat of great bodily harm, or other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness, or callousness. The court found that the victim was particularly vulnerable, that the manner in which the crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism and that the defendant had engaged in violent conduct that indicated a serious danger to society. The final aggravator was Hill’s previous prison sentence. The case was investigated by the Ukiah Police Department and the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office and prosecuted by Kelsey. Defense attorney Justin Petersen represented Hill at trial. *Correction: The sentencing took play on Wednesday, May 13, not Thursday as originally reported. (May 15, 2026, 11:19 a.m.)* ### After Two Years of Hauling Rock, Caltrans Completes $85 Million Emergency Seawall on Blues Beach URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/caltrans-completes-blues-beach-seawall/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:26.000Z For the past two years, a steady procession of trucks hauling massive boulders across Highway 20 through the mountains and up the Mendocino Coast has become a familiar sight. The trucks — and the enormous loads they carried — sparked curiosity among locals and visitors alike. Where where they going? And why? Now, the mystery has an answer. Caltrans has completed its emergency stabilization project at Blues Beach, part of the larger Westport landslide complex south of Westport. The work included transporting approximately 190,000 tons of rock to reinforce the rapidly eroding coastline beneath Highway 1. The project, originally budgeted at $110 million, was completed ahead of schedule and under budget at a final cost of approximately $85 million, according to Caltrans spokesperson Manny Machado. The first campers returned to Blues Beach last weekend following the completion of the revetment work. “Caltrans and Myers and Sons Construction finished revetment work for the Westport Landslide Emergency project ahead of schedule,” Machado said. The emergency repairs were launched following severe winter storms in 2022 and 2023 that accelerated movement within the Westport landslide complex — a long-unstable section of coastline roughly 1.3 miles south of Westport where Highway 1 sits approximately 250 feet above the ocean. The site has a long history of landslides and roadway damage. According to Caltrans, wave action and coastal erosion are continuing to destabilize the bluff beneath the highway, threatening to cut off one of the Mendocino Coast’s principal transportation corridors. The completed project includes a large coastal rock revetment — the seawall — designed to reduce erosion at the base of the slope, expansion of an existing soldier pile ground anchor wall to stabilize the roadway foundation, and installation of horizontal drains intended to reduce groundwater pressure inside the landslide. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/3b9713a5-558e-4aab-bf9d-e3698d178532_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) The new seawall at Blues Beach (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) Caltrans officials say the improvements are intended to improve long-term resiliency and head off future road maintenance emergencies. The agency also announced that it signed a property transfer agreement in March with Kai Poma, nonprofit organization founded by representatives of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, Round Valley Indian Tribes, and Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians, which is expected to take ownership of Blues Beach early this summer. The agreement is expected to go before the California Transportation Commission for final approval in June. According to Machado, the public entrance to Blues Beach will look much as it did before construction began. A paved turnout east of the construction gate will remain available for public parking. During construction, the project caused frequent delays along Highway 1, including around-the-clock one-way traffic control and waits of up to 30 minutes for motorists traveling south of Westport. Although the work on the seawall is complete, Caltrans says additional stabilization measures could still be considered in the future depending on ongoing geotechnical monitoring of the landslide complex. ### Ukiah Parolee Accused of Repeatedly Annoying or Molesting a Minor URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-parolee-accused-of-annoying-minor/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:27.000Z Ukiah police have arrested a 36-year-old parolee who engaged in sexually explicit conversations with an undercover agent whom he believed was a 13-year-old boy. Christopher G. Purtill, lives in Ukiah and is on active parole for committing lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14, according to a press release from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. The undercover operation took place in April in partnership with the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The arrest, a coordinated effort led by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, occurred on May 7\. Purtill was initially arrested on charges of violating the conditions of his parole and booked into the Mendocino County Jail. Based on evidence collected by law enforcement, Purtill is also accused of being a repeat violator of the law that prohibits annoying or molesting a minor. ### Fort Bragg Expansion Proposal Sparks Broader Questions About Recreation Services URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mcrpd-looks-to-invest-in-property/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:27.000Z *Editor’s note: The story has been updated to provide contextual information about the district’s financial status and typos were fixed, including a misspelling of Craig Comen’s name. (May 13, 2026, 8:35 a.m.)* The Mendocino County Recreation and Park District is a small agency that rarely attracts attention outside of periodic financial crises. But on Tuesday morning, when the district’s capital building ad hoc committee met to discuss acquiring the former Rite Aid building in Fort Bragg for a second recreation center, every seat was full. Kimberly Ramey was one of the first members of the public to speak. She said her concern was not just how the district’s actions could impact C.V. Starr, the existing recreation center that is struggling to stay afloat, but also other small health- and exercise-oriented businesses. “We all have to be very mindful when we’re getting government monies, how we’re going to allocate those funds because those are private businesses,” she said. “They don’t have that luxury of getting those tax dollars as we do.” Michelle Blackwell, another resident, urged the district to invest in the south county, which board members have repeatedly described as underserved. “I’d rather have my money go to Point Arena and Gualala than be wasted on a deteriorated building here in Fort Bragg that is not necessary,” she said. After hearing the comments, the two members of the ad hoc committee, Angela Dominguez and Craig Comen, accepted the recommendation of General Manager Kylie Felicich not to move forward with the acquisition. Felicich said monthly operating expenses for the building would range from $15,000 to $30,000 — more than half of the district’s current monthly expenses of approximately $56,000. Felicich she added that the district is continuing to explore capital investments. “Expansion of services for the youth is high on our priority list,” Felicich said. The district currently spends 64% of its budgeted expenses on the district office and admin expenses and 31% on recreation and sports programs for youth and adults. Felicich said the district had also considered, but ultimately rejected, a building on West Fir Street in Fort Bragg. She added that a deal to purchase a 13-acre property in Gualala had fallen through. But she said the district is currently in talks to acquire property adjacent to the Caspar Transfer Station from a corporate buyer who needs to mitigate a complaint from the California Coastal Commission. In response to questions about how the acquisition would address the need for services in the southern part of the 77-mile-long district, Felicich said the south coast has a different demographic and that investing in open space better meets community needs than offering classes. “Outside of Fort Bragg, what seems to really work is a place people can come any time that they want, and maybe there’s a use fee, maybe there’s not depending on what ends up happening,” she said. “This is just a general idea of open space.” The property in Caspar, if acquired, would be about 75 minutes from Gualala, one of the main population centers in the south county. The district would not have to pay a purchase price but would be responsible for ongoing maintenance and upkeep. Felicich confirmed that the search for capital investments is not currently guided by a strategic plan or needs assessment. Felicich said she plans to present a strategic plan to the board at its June meeting, followed by community outreach. The district has also been asking LAFCO, the Local Agency Formation Commission, to conduct a municipal service review to help guide strategic decisions about resource allocation and service delivery across the district. The district is currently profitable, with revenues from property taxes and program fees outpacing program expenses. See graphic below for a high-level breakout and the [annual budget report for additional details.](https://www.mendocoastrec.org/mcrpd-budget-financials?ref=mendolocal.news#docaccess-9d045ba57f7a6dc203c3c691cbaf74292496191c45fe037865511ab53374615c) Some notes: The district changed its accounting method for fiscal year 2024-25 so that it no longer discloses wages separately, in fiscal year 2023-24, wages accounted for 38% of revenues. This percent is included in the graphic below. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/010a1922-fb45-417e-a013-b67b5d226c05_591x439.png) According to the budget, skate night and adult sports are profitable, earning a combined income of $29,000. Dominguez described the process of looking for buildings with Felicich as “really fun,” and said, “I trust her. I think staff trust her.” She added, “I think it’s going to be really cool to explore further expansion.” Comen’s comment during the meeting was that he cared deeply about the youth and “wanted to see every everyone thrive and do the best they can.” Both Dominguez and Comen’s elected terms expire this year. --- Read our previous reporting on the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District: [*Can Mendocino County Afford Two Recreation Centers in Fort Bragg?*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/can-the-coast-afford-two-rec-centers-in-fort-bragg) *(May 11, 2026)* ### Fair Political Practices Commission Targets Water Treatment Expert in Response to Anonymous Complaint URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fair-political-practices-commission-mendo-fine/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:28.000Z Donna Feiner, owner of Feiner Fixings, thought she was doing the right thing when she agreed to serve on the board of the Mendocino City Community Services District. A licensed contractor who specializes in operating small community water systems, Feiner said she believed she could contribute. “I thought I could help,” she said. The district is responsible for wastewater collections and treatment in the town of Mendocino, groundwater management, and street lighting. In the wake of the severe droughts of 2020-2022, the community services district began working with the school district on the need for improved water security. This is about the time that Feiner joined the board. Like other appointed officials and candidates for office, Feiner was required to disclose her financial interests on a Form 700. According to an enforcement order submitted to the California Fair Political Practices Commission one year ago, Feiner filed her Statement of Economic Interests on time on Aug. 11, 2022\. She disclosed sources of income to her company, Feiner Fixings, including payments from the Mendocino Unified School District. She also disclosed income from the school district in 2023 and 2024, along with her ownership interest in Feiner Fixings. But there was an issue with her initial filing. While she disclosed the income received by Feiner Fixings, she did not specifically disclose her ownership interest in the business. Feiner said she made a mistake and corrected it, which is reflected in her annual paperwork for 2022 and for the following years. Then, on Aug. 29 — about three weeks after she was appointed to the district board — she made another error. The board of the Mendocino City Community Services District was asked to approve a memorandum of understanding between the district and the school district. The memo outlined a joint project to improve water security and storage, including by drilling up to ten new groundwater wells. Feiner joined the other four directors in unanimously approving the MOU. District Superintendent Ryan Rhoades said the project alarmed some of the neighbors who were concerned by how it might affect the wells they relied upon. Their opposition to the project included filing an appeal with the California Coastal Commission, which was effectively denied after the staff found “no substantial issue.” The California Fair Political Practices Commission came to a different conclusion when Feiner’s August 29 vote on the MOU was brought to their attention by an anonymous complaint, along with additional MOU-related votes on October 3, 2024\. The complainant pointed out that Feiner held a water treatment contract with the school district. According to the California Fair Political Practices Commission, Feiner should have recused herself. “The MOU was in regards to ‘a project involving the planning, design and construction of new potable water wells, a water storage tank and water system interconnection on the MUSD property for the benefit of the village of Mendocino,’” the order states. “It was reasonably foreseeable that the approval of an MOU with MUSD would have a financial effect on MUSD.” Because the school district employed Feiner, the commission concluded the MOU had a “unique effect” on her that was “disproportionate to the effect on the public generally.” Feiner said it never crossed her mind that approving the MOU would benefit her financially. “I’m trying to retire,” she said. “I’m not looking for more work.” She also noted that she did not participate in negotiations surrounding the agreement. Feiner’s oversight was costly. The commission fined her $4,000\. Feiner said there was no hearing where she could have asked for leniency. Although an appeals process existed, she said pursuing it would have cost more than paying the fine itself. Rhoades said the penalty seemed high for what he believes was an innocent mistake — the responsibility for which was shared by district staff and their legal counsel. “I don't think Donna was aware of any potential conflict,” he said. “I don't think staff was aware, and I don't think board members at that time were aware, nor our legal counsel. “Once we realized that there was a potential conflict or mistake, the situation was remedied. She recused herself of of any further discussion that had relations with the school.” The FPPC’s explanation of its zealousness is contained in the enforcement order itself, which points to The Political Reform Act, which was passed by California voters in 1974 and created the California Fair Political Practices Commission. “When enacting the Act, California voters specifically found and declared that previous laws regulating political practices had suffered from inadequate enforcement, and it was their purpose to ensure that the Act be vigorously enforced,” the order states. “For this reason, the Act is to be construed liberally to accomplish its purposes.” Feiner later left the board, stopped working for the school district, and moved to Fort Bragg. The experience, she said, left her disillusioned. “I don’t volunteer for boards anymore,” Feiner said. She now cautions anyone serving on a public board to make sure someone familiar with conflict-of-interest rules carefully reviews their financial disclosure forms. ### Scammers Target Elderly Couple in Brooktrails URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/scammers-target-elderly-couple-in-brooktrails/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T22:27:14.000Z An elderly couple in the Brooktrails area of Willits initially lost approximately $100,000 in an elaborate scam that involved fraudsters posing as representatives of Microsoft, the Federal Trade Commission, and Chase Bank, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s deputies began investigating the case on May 8 after being dispatched to a Brooktrails residence around 11:43 p.m. The victims, an 86-year-old man and a 73-year-old woman, told deputies they believed their electronic devices had been compromised and that they were under surveillances by unknown individuals. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the scam began after one of the victims received a notification on their computer directing them to contact Microsoft technical support about alleged security problems with a laptop. > Investigators say the suspects persuaded the victims to grant remote access to their computer, then falsely claimed the device contained viruses, illegal material, and evidence tied to criminal activity. The callers reportedly told the couple they were part of a federal investigation and threatened them with arrest if they failed to cooperate. Over several days, the victims were allegedly instructed to withdraw and transfer large sums of money. They were told they were assisting authorities. Deputies learned that approximately $23,000 in cash was packaged and handed to an unidentified male “runner” who met the victims in the Brooktrails area. Investigators also determined the victims had been instructed to obtain and mail a cashier’s check for roughly $73,000 to an address in Brooklyn. The Sheriff’s Office said coordinated efforts with local businesses and financial institutions allowed deputies to intercept the cashier’s check before it was cashed, returning those funds to the victims’ bank account. The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100. ### Can Mendocino County Afford Two Recreation Centers in Fort Bragg? URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/can-the-coast-afford-two-rec-centers-in-fort-bragg/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:28.000Z *Editor’s Note: We’ve clarified that the location of the proposed second recreational setting is the former Rite Aid building (May 11, 2026, 12:48 p.m.)* An effort by the Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District to build a second recreation center in Fort Bragg is raising concerns among some residents and taxpayers about duplication of services and the future of the city-owned C.V. Starr Community Center. According to the agenda for a May 12 meeting of the district’s Capital Building Ad-Hoc Committee, the district is in preliminary discussions regarding property located at 490 S. Main Street in Fort Bragg — the location of the former Rite Aid. The agenda packet includes a conceptual rendering labeled “Mendocino Coast Recreation Center.” The proposed facility comes as the district pursues a broader review of its operations and funding structure through a municipal service review (MSR) and sphere of influence (SOI) study being conducted through the Mendocino Local Agency Formation Commission. At a May 4 LAFCO meeting, district board chair David Shpak asked commissioners to expand the scope of the review to include property tax allocation data. Shpak said the district needs a better understanding of where property tax revenues originate across its 77-mile service area in order to make long-term decisions about recreation services and potential capital investments. “The more we can learn about how funds move through our landscape, the better we can understand how to actively serve that landscape,” Shpak told commissioners. “Right now, we’re really flying blind.” The request prompted questions from commissioners and public commenters alike, particularly regarding whether the district’s interest in tax allocation data and how that might eventually affect the longstanding tax-sharing agreement that helps fund the C.V. Starr center. Fort Bragg resident Dennis Miller urged greater transparency from the district and reminded commissioners that voters have stipulated that a portion of included tax revenues collected to support the special district be directed to supporting C.V. Starr. “My wife and I moved here from Reno because of CV Starr,” Miller said. “That’s my concern and my neighbors’ concern.” Jacob Patterson, another public commenter, argued that confusion in the community has blurred the distinction between the district-wide MSR process and the contractual agreement supporting C.V. Starr. “People have suggested that MCRPD wants to cancel that agreement or alter it to keep more of the money, which would have a very detrimental impact on CV Starr, probably forcing it to close,” Patterson said. “There shouldn’t be any impact on how much money the district contractually has to support the CV Starr center with.” Shpak responded directly to those concerns during the meeting, stating that the district is not seeking to alter its agreement with the city of Fort Bragg. “The district’s commitment to the city of Fort Bragg’s park and recreation program is stipulated in an agreement,” Shpak said. “The district is not seeking, either through a sphere of influence adjustment or some other kind of action, any adjustment of that agreement.” Instead, Shpak described the district’s interest in understanding how revenues correlate geographically with recreation needs and service delivery costs across the sprawling district. He said some remote areas may ultimately be better served through fixed recreational assets, such as parks or facilities, rather than traveling programming staff. He cited Bower Park in Gualala as an example. “It’s very expensive for district to provide personnel \[and\] active programming in that geography,” Shpak said. Commissioners expressed confusion about the need for property tax allocation data. “Frankly, where your revenues come from seem irrelevant to me,” said Commissioner Mari Rodin, who serves on the Ukiah City Council Rodin suggested the district would be better served by surveying residents across the district to determine recreational needs and priorities, rather than focusing on tax geography. “It’s really about what the needs are and what people want and then how you’re going to allocate, how you’re going to meet the needs with the funding that you have, no matter where the funding’s from,” she said. She also pointed out that population centers naturally generate more tax revenue than sparsely populated areas, but argued that services should still be distributed based on community need and equity rather than revenue contribution. “You’re probably not \[going to\] distribute your services based on revenue. You want to do it equitably to where the population centers are and where the kids are or the needs.” Commissioners, including Rodin, ultimately voted 6-1 to direct staff to incorporate available property tax allocation summaries into the MSR and SOI process and return with a draft report, potentially as early as June. The district’s Capital Building Ad-Hoc Committee meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on May 12 at 579 S. Franklin Street in Fort Bragg. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — May 10, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-may-10-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:29.000Z ## 💰 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### County Projects Balanced Budget with Reduced Reliance on One-Time Funds *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Mendocino County’s fiscal outlook has improved significantly, with the general fund now projected at $100 million — roughly $5.4 million higher than anticipated. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-projects-balanced-budget?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Proposed Ukiah Annexation Could Cost County Up to $27 Million *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A preliminary analysis estimates the proposed City of Ukiah annexation could reduce county revenues by as much as $27 million over 16 years, largely through lost sales tax revenue. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### County Overhauls Cannabis Tax System *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Supervisors voted 3-2 to forgive millions in delinquent cannabis taxes and eliminate controversial “true-up” minimum payments that growers argued created crushing tax rates of 50 to 100% of revenue. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-to-overhaul-cannabis-taxes?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Sheriff Warns of Staffing Shortages and Safety Risks *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Sheriff Matt Kendall warned that severe staffing shortages are creating dangerous working conditions and reducing backup coverage for deputies in the field. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/sheriff-warns-of-safety-risks?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Supervisors Cancel Solar Project After Financial Review *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Board of Supervisors unanimously canceled a solar contract with Ameresco after concluding the project would lose money instead of generating savings. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supes-votes-to-cancel-solar?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) --- ## 🌱 ANDERSON VALLEY ### Human Trafficking Arrest Linked to Illegal Cannabis Operation *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A Navarro man is under investigation after deputies uncovered an alleged forced-labor trafficking operation tied to an illegal cannabis grow on Sea Biscuit Drive. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/arrest-in-alleged-human-trafficking-navarro?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) --- ## 🕊️ CASPAR ### Memorial Planned for Norm de Vall *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Community members will gather May 22 at the Caspar Community Center to remember former Supervisor Norman de Vall, a longtime advocate for worker rights, environmental protections, and public participation in county government. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/memorial-planned-for-normdevall?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) --- ## 🌋 COVELO ### 3.5-Magnitude Earthquake Recorded Near Covelo *The Mendocino Voice* A shallow 3.5 earthquake struck east-northeast of Covelo on May 8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/3-5-magnitude-quake-strikes-near-covelo/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Deputies Arrest Covelo Man for Alleged Arson *By Katy St. Clair, The Mendocino Voice* A Covelo resident was arrested on suspicion of felony arson after allegedly setting a vehicle on fire near Highway 162. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/deputies-arrest-covelo-man-for-allegedly-lighting-car-on-fire/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) --- ## ☣️ FORT BRAGG ### How Toxic Is the Fort Bragg Mill Site? *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A new review of the former Georgia-Pacific mill site identified significant unanswered environmental questions despite regulators granting large portions of the property “No Further Action” status. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/how-toxic-is-the-fort-bragg-millsite-mill?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Fort Bragg Police Settle Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The Fort Bragg Police Department settled a federal lawsuit while also facing staffing changes and a legal claim from former Police Chief John Naulty. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendocinocoast.news/fbpd-federal-case-ends-with-12500-settlement-in-separate-developments-two-sargeants-depart-and-former-chief-naulty-files-a-claim-against-the-city/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Stanley Creek Renamed to Honor Tribal Leader and WWII Veteran *The Anderson Valley Advertiser* A stream south of Fort Bragg will officially be renamed Stanley Creek in honor of Clyde Stanley, a Pomo tribal leader, WWII veteran, and longtime mill worker. 🔗 [Read more](https://theava.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) (subscription to the AVA required) --- ## 🌼 LAYTONVILLE ### Second Sunday Market Celebrates Mother’s Day *By Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice* Laytonville’s community market returns with local vendors offering handmade crafts, practical goods, and budget-friendly finds. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/laytonvilles-second-sunday-market-celebrates-mothers-day/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### 🚓 Break-In Leads to Arrest *By Gabe Agcaoili, Bay City News/The Mendocino Voice* Deputies arrested a Willits man after responding to a reported burglary at a commercial property along Highway 101. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/from-break-in-to-arrest-laytonville-suspect-nabbed-after-failed-escape/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) --- ## 📚 POINT ARENA ### Kashia Elementary Likely to Shut Down *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* The California Department of Education is expected to close Kashia Elementary this fall due to declining enrollment. The school primarily serves Pomo children in Stewarts Point Rancheria. It is a feeder to Point Arena High School. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) (subscription to the ICO required) ### Commercial Salmon Fishing Reopens *By Alessandra Rizzo, The Mendocino Voice* Commercial salmon fishing has resumed from San Francisco to Point Arena for the first time since 2022, though Fort Bragg’s fishery remains closed. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendocinovoice.com/commercial-salmon-fishing-resumes-on-the-mendocino-coast/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) --- ## 🏡 THE SEA RANCH ### Remembering Architect Donlyn Lyndon *By Andrea Lunsford and Christine Kreyling, Independent Coast Observer* Donlyn Lyndon, one of the founding architects of The Sea Ranch, died April 5 at age 90\. His work helped define the iconic coastal development’s design philosophy. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) (subscription to the ICO required) --- ## 🥬 UKIAH ### Missing Ukiah Man Found Dead Near Low Gap Park *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Joshua W. Retallick, a Ukiah resident reported missing in April, has been found dead near Low Gap Park. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/missing-ukiah-man-found-dead-near?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Ukiah Co-op Faces Questions Over Hiring Practices *By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice* A controversy surrounding the hiring of a former Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op manager has sparked broader questions about oversight. 🔗 [Read More](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/crisis-at-the-ukiah-natural-foods-co-op-leaves-unanswered-questions/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) --- ## 🛂 WILLITS ### Federal Immigration Dragnet Expands *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A Willits soccer coach with protected immigration status was arrested by federal agents, raising concerns among advocates and community members. 🔗 [Read More](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-immigration-dragnet-expands?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Railcoasters and Highball Express Debut *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Mendocino Railway launched new railbike experiences and a seasonal “bar train” departing from Willits. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### First Friday Concert Series Begins *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Willits kicked off its summer concert series with live music downtown, with additional performances planned throughout the season. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### Did California’s Hotels-to-Housing Program Work? *By Lauren Hepler and Marisa Kendall, CalMatters* A major investigation found California’s Homekey program housed thousands but also left many promised housing units unfinished or still temporary. 🔗 [Read More](https://calmatters.org/housing/2026/05/newsom-homekey-records/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### How California’s Next Governor Plans to Address Homelessness *By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters* Leading gubernatorial candidates outlined competing approaches to homelessness, mental health, and housing policy. 🔗 [Read More](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/05/ca-governor-candidates-homelessness/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Transfer Taxes Face Statewide Ballot Challenge *By Ben Christopher, CalMatters* A new statewide initiative would limit local real estate transfer taxes, targeting Los Angeles’ controversial “mansion tax.” 🔗 [Read More](https://calmatters.org/housing/2026/04/proposition-realty-mansion-tax-jarvis/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### Memorial Planned for Former Supervisor Norman de Vall URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/memorial-planned-for-normdevall/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:29.000Z Friends, family, and community members will gather May 22 in Caspar to remember former Mendocino County Supervisor Norman de Vall, a longtime North Coast political figure whose advocacy helped reshape local politics during a pivotal era of environmental and social activism. De Vall, who died April 16 at age 86 following a long illness, served 16 years on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors after first winning office in 1978\. Supporters remembered him as a fierce advocate for “the Commons,” championing worker rights, Class K housing, sustained-yield logging, environmental protections, and public participation in county government. Born in Hollywood in 1940, de Vall arrived in Caspar in 1962 as part of a generation seeking an alternative to urban life. He built a home in the redwoods, became active in local politics during the 1970s, and helped open county government to new voices and grassroots organizing. A public memorial service will be held May 22 at noon at the Caspar Community Center. Organizers are asking attendees to RSVP in advance [here.](https://everloved.com/life-of/norman-de-vall/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRsajRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJHUU56WUtlQWYzdjRVZktVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu7DTxaRebLR1N3NWflGzyZnhFx6ipJ0WeL2OnKk570BXxtHLDvZyYkcmeNr%5Faem%5FfqOiMn3Qlr4PdLOuLTJ8SA&ref=mendolocal.news) ### How Toxic is the Fort Bragg Mill Site? URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/how-toxic-is-the-fort-bragg-millsite-mill/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:30.000Z *Editor’s note: See corrections and clarifications below (May 9, 2026 7:22 a.m.)* Fort Bragg residents packed Town Hall on Thursday evening to confront a question that has lingered for decades: How toxic is the former Georgia-Pacific mill site? Steffany Aguilar, a technical consultant hired by the community-led [Project HERE,](https://www.project-here.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) presented a comprehensive review of the 420-acre property’s environmental history, identifying critical “data gaps” and revealing new findings from a citizen science study on local marine life. While much of the site has been granted “No Further Action” status by regulators, Aguilar warned that the picture remains incomplete. “My main goal is ... to provide education on the site,” Aguilar told the crowd, noting that her work was funded by a technical assistance grant (TAG) from the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) specifically to benefit the public rather than the landowner, city or other municipal jurisdiction. ### A century of contamination The mill site operated from 1885 until 2002, a period spanning over a century with little to no environmental regulation for the first 90 years. Aguilar detailed how decades of industrial use—including sawmills, a power plant, and wastewater ponds—left behind a legacy of petroleum, heavy metals like lead and arsenic, and “forever chemicals” such as dioxins and PCBs. She said these contaminants are particularly “sticky,” meaning they cling to soil and sediment rather than breaking down in water. In humans, the half-life of dioxins can range from 7 to 15 years, while in oxygen-deprived sediments, they can persist for nearly a century. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/b62b0254-25a8-468a-a13a-f2c570dd7ae3_3024x2746-jpeg.jpg) Technical Consultant Steffany Aguilar and Councilmember Lindy Peters at the presentation of the Aguilar’s review of testing and remediation data from the former Georgia Pacific mill site in Fort Bragg (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) ### Cleanup vs. restriction Aguilar clarified what “cleanup” actually looks like at the site. While over 4,000 tons of contaminated soil have been excavated and hauled away, significant portions of the site are managed through Land Use Covenants (LUCs) that govern how areas that cannot be cleaned up to threshold levels can be safely used. These legal restrictions stay with the property deed and limit how the land can be used. For example, Operational Unit A—where the coastal trail is located—is restricted to recreational use only. Aguilar noted that “unrestricted use” (soil clean enough for any purpose, including gardening) is often not feasible for industrial sites of this scale. In some areas, groundwater remains contaminated, meaning any future gardening would likely have to be done in containers to prevent roots from reaching toxic plumes. ### Critical data gaps A significant portion of the presentation focused on what is not known. Aguilar identified several “data gaps,” including: - **Dam Stability:** The dam at Pond 8, constructed in 1885, may undergo “large deformations” during a major earthquake. - **Testing Equipment:** The equipment used in 2007 was not sensitive enough to detect low concentrations of toxins. These “non-detects” were recorded as zero, which Aguilar argued was misleading. - **Averaging” of Hotspots in Pond 8:** During the Town Hall, it was noted that findings from highly toxic “hotspots” in Pond 8 (Operational Unit E) were averaged with samples from cleaner areas. This statistical averaging may have resulted in an overall toxicity level that appears lower than the actual risk posed by the most contaminated sections of the pond. - **Climate Risks:** Future sea level rise and tsunami hazards could potentially reach contaminated areas like Operational Unit E which remains the last unit without a final cleanup certification. - **Offshore Sediment Sampling Limitations:** A major gap was identified in the data used to determine if toxins had migrated into the ocean. Only one offshore sediment sampling event has occurred, back in 2007 - **Historical Limits:** Because the site is so old, there are no records or living witnesses for the first several decades of operation, leaving potential “hotspots” uninvestigated. ### Mussels show elevated toxin levels Perhaps the most striking part of the evening were the results of “citizen science” testing conducted on local mussels. Project HERE collected mussels from Soldier Bay, adjacent to the mill site, and compared them to a reference point at Bruhel Point, 11 miles north. The results showed that mussels near the mill site contained three to four times the concentration of PCBs found at the reference site. Some samples exceeded EPA screening levels for monthly fish consumption. While Aguilar acknowledged that these findings do not prove the mill site is the sole source of the toxins—noting the proximity of the Noyo Harbor—the data suggests that toxins can accumulate in the local food chain through biomagnification and that more research is desirable. ### The “most dangerous” area Mayor Jason Godeke and Councilmember Lindy Peters attended the talk. Peters, especially, engaged the consultant with questions and observations. Peters acknowledged that the remediation work done so far has produced “good results” in certain areas. But he also noted the “irony” that the community had once dreamed of turning the specific area of Pond 8 into a “gem” of a park with wildlife, only to discover it is likely the most dangerous part of the site. For those wishing to see the site firsthand, a public site walk is scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 p.m., beginning at the Alder Street entrance to the coastal trail. --- *Corrections and Clarifications:* *Mussels were collected at Bruhel Point, also known as The Fingers, not Bell Point as originally reported. Also the story has been edited to make it clear that Technical Assistance Grants are designed to support projects that are independent of landowners or controlling governments. The story was also edited to better explain Land Use Covenants, which govern how parts of the site that can not be cleaned up to threshold levels of safety can be safely used for certain purposes. Finally, the findings from the mussel tests were adjusted to reflect the group’s perspective that additional research is desirable to determine the levels of contamination. While it is technically accurate that the mussels “biomagnify” PCBs as they are filter-feeding phytoplankton and zooplankton, it is not responsible to extrapolate findings from the limited testing of a single organism up the food chain.* --- *Read MendoLocal.News’ coverage of Mendocino Railway and the mill site dispute:* [Federal Rail Rulings Stack Up Against State Regulators in Fort Bragg Mill Site Dispute](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-rail-rulings-stack-up) [Federal Railroad Board Blocks Great Redwood Trail Abandonment Motion](https://www.mendolocal.news/publish/post/188672363) [Skunk Train Chief Details Freight Operations, Federal Oversight Amid Eminent Domain Dispute](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-chief-details-freight-deliveries) [California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-appeals-court-says-public) [Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) [California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) [Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Deputies Make Arrest in Alleged Human Trafficking Case in Navarro URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/arrest-in-alleged-human-trafficking-navarro/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:31.000Z *Editor’s note: we’ve added additional information about the MendoLocal.News’ investigation into vacant residential properties. (May 8, 2026 2:25 p.m.)* A 43-year-old Navarro man is under investigation in Mendocino County after sheriff’s deputies uncovered what authorities describe as a forced-labor human trafficking operation tied to an illegal cannabis cultivation site on Sea Biscuit Drive. According to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, investigators served a search warrant May 4 at a property in the 3000 block of Sea Biscuit Road and located an adult victim who reported being forced to live and work at the site for approximately two years under “inhumane and deplorable conditions.” Authorities identified the suspect as Jesse Upton. There are four recorded parcels on the 3000 block of Sea Biscuit Road, which is reached via Masonite Industrial Road at the turn off for the Camp Navarro wedding and festival venue. Three of the parcels are zoned “rural residential” and their assessed value ranges from $353,888 to $810,337\. The mailing address for these properties is Oakland, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. One parcel is zoned “range” and is assessed at $244,901\. The owners of that parcel have a local P.O. Box. MendoLocal.News will be expanding a recently launched investigation into vacant residential parcels to determine how often they are used for criminal activity, including illegal cannabis grows. And, we’ll be asking questions about what the county does to hold property owners accountable after criminal activity is uncovered. How common is this? And what does it cost Mendocino County taxpayers? --- ## Can you support [MendoLocal.News’ investigation](https://gofund.me/8392c8764?ref=mendolocal.news) into vacant residential land in Mendocino County? We know nearly 1 in 3 parcels zoned for residential use are vacant. Two of our questions are: How many have been linked to illegal cannabis grows? And how many have been linked to human trafficking? And what actions is the county taking against property owners? Please follow the link to our [GoFundme](https://www.gofundme.com/manage/investigating-mendocinos-vacant-homes?ref=mendolocal.news). --- The victim told investigators they were housed without pay, sufficient food, bathroom access or humane living conditions while being compelled to work at the cannabis site, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators allege Upton used force, fear, coercion and physical abuse — including assaults involving weapons — to prevent the victim from leaving the property. The sheriff’s office said evidence supporting the allegations has been collected and charges are being sought through the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office. During the search, deputies reportedly discovered more than 300 cannabis plants, over 600 pounds of processed cannabis allegedly intended for unlawful sales, and a butane honey-oil extraction laboratory containing more than 240 gallons of butane. Investigators also documented what they described as significant environmental damage at the property, including fuel and oil products, fertilizers, foreign soil and chemical additives associated with cannabis cultivation. Authorities said the steep terrain and visible runoff pathways raised concerns that contaminants could reach Flynn Creek and the broader Navarro River watershed. The victim was connected with services through the Northern California Coalition to Safeguard Communities, which provides support for human trafficking victims and other survivors of crime. The sheriff’s office said Upton is being investigated for alleged violations including human trafficking for forced labor, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal cannabis cultivation with an aggravating environmental factor, manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of cannabis for sale. The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 707-463-4086, option 1, or provide anonymous tips through the non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100. ### Missing Ukiah Man Found Dead Near Low Gap Park, Authorities Say URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/missing-ukiah-man-found-dead-near/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:31.000Z *Story updated with comment from Josh Retallick’s family (May 7, 2026 11:58 a.m.)* Human remains discovered near the western edge of Low Gap Park on Monday have been identified as 51-year-old Ukiah resident Joshua W. Retallick, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Retallick’s parents Anne and Bill Retallick addressed the community in a post on Facebook Wednesday morning. > *To all the good people of Mendocino county.* > > *Josh’s dad and I wish to thank everyone of you who reached out and went above and beyond to search for our son, Josh.* > > *We live in a community filled with compassionate, kind and very caring people, and we will be forever grateful.* > > *Our hope is that Josh’s journey with serious Mental Illness, so publicly played out in the past three weeks, and for the past 31 years before this, might raise awareness and open hearts and minds.* > > *Please think of this when you see others struggling with the torture that Serious Mental Illnesses can bring.* > > *Please, remember Josh, as he was, a kind, gentle man who loved nature, animals, golf and giving back to his community by picking up refuse thrown away by others.* > > *There is an emptiness that his passing leaves but his loving spirit will live on in our minds and hearts forever.* Retallick had been reported missing after he was last seen April 16 in the Maple Avenue area of west Ukiah, authorities said. The Ukiah Police Department began investigating the case as an at-risk missing person on April 17. According to the sheriff’s office, Retallick was known to frequent areas near the Ukiah Valley Golf Course and west Ukiah. The Ukiah Police Department requested assistance from the sheriff’s Search and Rescue team on April 27\. A large-scale search operation involving about 60 volunteers and law enforcement personnel from Mendocino and Marin counties was conducted April 30 in west Ukiah, but investigators said no significant leads were found during the search. On May 4 at about 11:10 a.m., a citizen reported finding possible human remains near the archery range area along the western border of Low Gap Park. Responding officers confirmed the discovery and contacted the sheriff’s office to conduct a coroner’s investigation. Sheriff’s deputies and detectives assisted in recovering the remains, which were later identified as Retallick. Authorities said his next of kin was notified the same day. Investigators said criminal conduct is not currently suspected. An autopsy was completed May 6, but officials said the preliminary cause and manner of death will not yet be released pending additional reports, including toxicology analysis. The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086, option 1, or leave an anonymous tip at 707-234-2100. ### County to Overhaul Cannabis Taxes URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-to-overhaul-cannabis-taxes/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:32.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a sweeping plan to restructure the county’s cannabis tax system, voting to write off millions of dollars in delinquent debt and eliminate controversial “true-up” minimum payments. The 3-2 decision followed a heated debate over fiscal responsibility and the survival of the county’s legal cannabis industry. The board authorized writing off all cannabis business taxes from the 2018-19 cycle as uncollectible, as well as delinquent taxes owed from 2020 through 2024 by cultivators who have since left the program. Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison told the board that while the total amount of delinquent taxes from inactive participants is unknown, it could exceed $2 million. Cubbison argued that pursuing the debt is not a “viable option” because the tax collection system was never equipped for standard debt collection, lacking social security numbers and dates of birth for many permit holders who do not own the property where they cultivated. The system also has not been tracking the total amount owed. A central pillar of the reform is the immediate cancellation of the “true-up” minimum tax for the 2026 tax year. Under the previous system, cultivators were required to pay a minimum tax regardless of their actual harvest or income. Supervisor Ted Williams, a proponent of the change, characterized the minimum tax as an unfair burden on growers that could reach effective tax rates of 50% to 100% of their yield. Critics of the move, including Supervisors Bernie Norvell and Madeline Cline, expressed concern over the message the amnesty sends to the public. Cline argued the county was creating a culture where “it’s okay to not follow the rules” and “not pay your taxes”. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Following the vote, Norvell said he wanted to clarify that he wasn’t against the amnesty but that there were too many unknowns about its impact on the budget. The fiscal impact of the decision is significant. CEO Darcie Antle estimated that the county could lose between $900,000 and $1 million in budgeted revenue by forgiving the 2026 true-up, which historically accounts for roughly 65% of the county’s cannabis tax receipts. Despite the revenue loss, the majority of the board viewed the move as a necessary step to align the cannabis industry with standard business taxation practices. Starting in 2027, all cultivators will move to a flat tax rate of 2.5% based on gross sales. To bring the industry into compliance, the board also approved a new enforcement mechanism: starting in 2028, all cannabis business taxes must be paid in full to qualify for license renewals. “We’re trying to clean that up and set the program off into a very clear direction,” said Supervisor John Haschak, who moved the recommendation. The board’s action also includes an amnesty period for interest and penalties on existing delinquent taxes for those still active in the program, provided they are paid current by January 31, 2028. --- Read additional coverage of the May 5 Board of Supervisors Meeting: [*Mendocino County Projects Balanced Budget with Reduced Reliance on One-Time Funds*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-projects-balanced-budget) [*Proposed Ukiah Annexation Could Cost Mendocino County as Much as $27 Million Over 16 Years*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost) [*Mendocino County Supes Votes to Cancel Solar Project*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supes-votes-to-cancel-solar) [*Mendocino County Sheriff Warns of Staffing Shortages, Safety Risks*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/sheriff-warns-of-safety-risks) ### Mendocino County Projects Balanced Budget with Reduced Reliance on One-Time Funds URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-projects-balanced-budget/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:32.000Z Mendocino County’s fiscal outlook has improved significantly, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tony Rakes told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. Rakes reported the county is on track to end the fiscal year with a balanced budget while relying far less on one-time funds than initially expected. During a third-quarter budget update, Tony Rakes reported that non-departmental revenue is now projected at $100 million, about $5.4 million higher than anticipated in the adopted budget. The increase in revenue, combined with savings from unfilled positions across departments, is expected to reduce the county’s use of one-time funds to about $700,000, down from the $6.15 million originally budgeted. The improved outlook prompted questions from supervisors about the county’s forecasting practices. “The county’s projections seem to always be really conservative, underestimating revenue,” Supervisor Ted Williams said, adding that the public may perceive the difference as “found money” at the end of the fiscal year. Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison defended the approach, saying revenue estimates are intentionally cautious due to uncertainty in key sources such as interest earnings and property tax adjustments, as well as fluctuations in department budgets. “We can’t predict to an exact science how much interest is going to be available,” Cubbison said. “We would rather not have the general fund depend on more revenue than we’re likely going to receive.” She added that while property tax revenues have recently trended upward, delays in assessments and changing market conditions make those increases difficult to forecast in advance. Dee Pallesen, a resident of the county’s Fifth District urged officials to avoid using the term “found money,” saying it could create confusion. “The money isn’t found; that suggests that we lost it and then all of a sudden found it,” Pallesen said. She encouraged the board to better explain the uncertainty inherent in revenue projections. Supervisors approved several actions related to the improved fiscal position, including a $2.8 million transfer to the county’s health insurance fund to support cash flow and offset costs using remaining federal pandemic relief funds. The board also adopted a policy directing that any unused one-time funds at the end of the fiscal year be placed into reserves, with half allocated to a “rainy day” fund and the other half to infrastructure and systems reserves. The move reflects [the new reserve polic](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-overhauls-reserve-policy)y approved in March. Supervisors said the policy could help address long-delayed capital needs, including building maintenance and repairs. Final budget hearings for the 2026-27 fiscal year are scheduled for early June. --- Read additional coverage of the May 5 Board of Supervisors Meeting: [*Proposed Ukiah Annexation Could Cost Mendocino County as Much as $27 Million Over 16 Years*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost) [*Mendocino County Sheriff Warns of Staffing Shortages, Safety Risks*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost) [*Mendocino County Supes Vote to Cancel Solar Project*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supes-votes-to-cancel-solar) ### Mendocino County Supes Vote to Cancel Solar Project URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supes-votes-to-cancel-solar/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:32.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to cancel a long-stalled solar energy contract with Ameresco after new financial projections revealed the project would lose money rather than save it. The decision to abandon the energy-saving performance project followed a review by a county ad hoc committee, which found that the proposal no longer met the board’s two primary requirements: reducing the county’s carbon footprint and lowering ongoing energy costs. “This is a project where we’re going to lose money,” said Supervisor Ted Williams. He noted that the project violated the core fiscal requirements set at its inception. A primary factor in the project’s collapse was a dispute over “energy escalation” rates. Ameresco’s cash flow models assumed energy costs would rise by 6.5% annually over 25 years. However, data from the city of Ukiah showed actual growth rates closer to 2.85% over the last 30 years. “We’re not going to beat them installing solar within their service area,” Williams added, pointing out that the city of Ukiah does not offer net metering, meaning the county would receive no credit for power generated on weekends when office buildings are closed. Additional hurdles included price increases for modules and inverters that comply with “foreign entity of concern” regulations, and staff concerns that the county could not meet the strict deadlines required to secure a 30% investment tax credit. During public comment, environmental advocates expressed deep frustration over the years of delays that led to the current financial impasse. “It’s very frustrating that we have not seen the county in the last five years be able to move forward on a project,” said Peter McNamee. “We don’t dispute the numbers that are being presented here today, but we think there also what’s not being presented here are the lost opportunities that delay has cost the county.” McNamee encouraged the board to continue seeking a path forward, noting that solar is no longer a “bleeding edge technology” but an industry standard. While the Ameresco contract is effectively “dead,” the board voted to appoint a new ad hoc committee to analyze alternative locations outside of Ukiah city limits, such as Fort Bragg or Willits, where the county would face higher PG&E rates and benefit from net metering. The new committee will also work with Sonoma Clean Power to evaluate the financial feasibility of solar installations on other county-owned parcels. --- Read more stories from the May 5 Board of Supervisors: [*Mendocino County Sheriff Warns of Staffing Shortages, Safety Risks*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/sheriff-warns-of-safety-risks) [*Proposed Ukiah Annexation Could Cost Mendocino County as Much as $27 Million Over 16 Years*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost) ### Mendocino County Sheriff Warns of Staffing Shortages, Safety Risks URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/sheriff-warns-of-safety-risks/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:33.000Z Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall warned Tuesday that severe staffing shortages in his department are straining operations and creating safety risks for deputies, and he cautioned about the impact [a proposed annexation of county land by the city of Ukiah](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost) could have on his department. Speaking during a county budget meeting, Kendall said patrol coverage is also significantly understaffed. Kendall said the department has four patrol beats that require 24-hour coverage, totaling more than 700 hours per week, but only has enough personnel to cover about 280 hours. The remaining shifts are filled through overtime. Kendall said the shortages have increased workloads for deputies and forced many to work without backup. “We’re beginning to create a working environment that’s a little more dangerous,” he told the Board of Supervisors. In some cases, deputies may wait an hour or more for backup to arrive, compared with a desired response times of a few minutes, he said. Despite the conditions, Kendall said morale remains strong among current staff, whom he described as “the best of the best,” even as they continue to operate with reduced numbers. Read additional coverage of the May 5 Board of Supervisors Meeting: [*Proposed Ukiah Annexation Could Cost Mendocino County as Much as $27 Million Over 16 Years*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost) [*Mendocino County Supes Votes to Cancel Solar Project*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supes-votes-to-cancel-solar) ### Proposed Ukiah Annexation Could Cost Mendocino County as Much as $27 Million Over 16 Years URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/proposed-ukiah-annexation-could-cost/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:33.000Z Mendocino County officials say a proposed annexation of county land and businesses into the city of Ukiah could reduce county revenue by as much as $27 million over time, though the estimate is preliminary and does not yet include the impact of the shift in property taxes. Chief Executive Officer Darcy Antle told the Board of Supervisors this week that the county’s analysis is still in early stages, as officials have not received parcel-level data needed to evaluate changes to property tax revenue. “We need a clear map or APNs before we can really understand the property tax impact,” Antle said. Early estimates instead focus on sales tax losses. Antle said 15 of the county’s top 25 sales tax generators are located within the proposed annexation area, representing about $3 million in annual revenue that would gradually shift to the city over a 15-year period under an existing tax-sharing agreement. At current inflation rates, that could total roughly $27 million over 16 years, she said, though the losses would phase in gradually, beginning with smaller reductions in the early years. Assistant CEO Sarah Pierce said the county is also evaluating other fiscal effects, including changes to road maintenance responsibilities, public safety service demands and permitting activity. She noted that while annexation could reduce the county’s obligation to maintain certain roads, it may also lower state gas tax allocations tied to road mileage under Senate Bill 1, offsetting some of those savings. Staff is also reviewing potential impacts on business licensing revenue, which Pierce said are expected to be minimal. Supervisor Mo Mulheren, who represents the city of Ukiah on the board, emphasized that the estimates remain subject to change and should be considered alongside potential cost reductions. Antle said the county is taking the proposal seriously but will need more detailed information before completing a full fiscal analysis, particularly regarding property taxes. --- Read more stories from the May 5 Board of Supervisors: [*Mendocino County Supes Votes to Cancel Solar Project*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supes-votes-to-cancel-solar) [*Mendocino County Sheriff Warns of Staffing Shortages, Safety Risks*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/sheriff-warns-of-safety-risks) ### Federal Immigration Dragnet Expands, Snares Willits Soccer Coach URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/federal-immigration-dragnet-expands/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:33.000Z [*This story has been updated with reporting by our partner Redheaded Blackbelt*](https://kymkemp.com/2026/05/05/retired-footballer-detained-by-ice-in-willits-released-by-federal-court-order-after-one-day/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRm7pRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ3eDF3S0lTdHh1MDRrbW5ic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm%5FO2ChTfj%5FlrXz6Aho7soJ3f9iZK8g57AU3jScChvuDFckdaoyhVVC6GEqc%5Faem%5F-xodNQbD65CvgsEoc3ecNg&ref=mendolocal.news) *and with additional information about the “withholding of removal” status (May 5, 2026, 11:26 a.m.)* Otis Ffriend was at Willits Charter School on Friday, where he coaches soccer, when he received a call that federal immigration agents wanted to conduct a compliance check. Ffriend, 39, had undergone similar checks since receiving permission to remain in the United States in 2024, when he came to live with his cousin. Although it was unusual for agents to show up in Willits, he was not initially concerned. His immigration status — known as “withholding of removal,” including protections under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) — is a form of relief granted to individuals who can demonstrate it is more likely than not they would face persecution or torture if returned to their home country, which in Ffriend’s case is Jamaica. “It’s a higher standard than asylum,” said his cousin, Colby Friend, an attorney and candidate for Superior Court judge in the June primary. ### The limits of protection However, individuals with withholding status can still be deported to a third country willing to accept them, according to the American Immigration Council. In Ffriend’s case, a family member said, federal authorities identified St. Kitts as a potential destination. Kilmer Armando Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, received “withholding of removal” status in 2019 due to his testimony about being a victim of gang violence. In March 2025, Abrego Garcia deported to his native El Salvador, in violation of his protected status, where he was initially held in the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). The Trump administration later described the deportation as an administrative error. Abrego Garcia was returned to the United States, where he was charged with human trafficking. The administration has also sought to deport him to Liberia. The case is ongoing. After receiving the call, Ffriend left campus and headed to his cousin’s home, where he has been staying. Before he arrived, he was stopped by federal agents. ### Allegations of abuse of force According to Colby Friend, agents tackled Ffriend and slammed him into a fence during the arrest. Ffriend called out for his cousin, who came outside and witnessed the encounter. Friend said he repeatedly asked agents what Ffriend had done wrong and requested to see a warrant. He said he was eventually shown an administrative warrant after Ffriend had already been taken into custody. “He hadn’t done anything wrong,” Friend said he was told. “It was just a piece of paper.” The paper lacked the accompanying affidavit that would normally accompany an arrest warrant. In response to questions from [*Redheaded Blackbelt*](https://kymkemp.com/2026/05/05/retired-footballer-detained-by-ice-in-willits-released-by-federal-court-order-after-one-day/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRm7pRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ3eDF3S0lTdHh1MDRrbW5ic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm%5FO2ChTfj%5FlrXz6Aho7soJ3f9iZK8g57AU3jScChvuDFckdaoyhVVC6GEqc%5Faem%5F-xodNQbD65CvgsEoc3ecNg&ref=mendolocal.news), ICE issued a statement: “Ffriend entered the United States illegally at an unknown time and place and has a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge in 2024.” Colby Friend disputes this account. Colby told [*Redheaded Blackbelt*](https://kymkemp.com/2026/05/05/retired-footballer-detained-by-ice-in-willits-released-by-federal-court-order-after-one-day/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRm7pRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ3eDF3S0lTdHh1MDRrbW5ic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm%5FO2ChTfj%5FlrXz6Aho7soJ3f9iZK8g57AU3jScChvuDFckdaoyhVVC6GEqc%5Faem%5F-xodNQbD65CvgsEoc3ecNg&ref=mendolocal.news) ICE’s claim that Ffriend’s entry time and place are unknown is inaccurate. “They know, because he walked in, they put him on a bus and drove him to a detention center,” Colby said. “That’s all part of his paperwork.” Colby said that Ffriend crossed the southern border without prior authorization in 2022 to seek asylum — as allowed by U.S. and international law. He was detained by border authorities, held in a detention facility in Arizona, bonded out for $10,000 by his family, and began immigration court proceedings while living in the U.S. A year and a half later, he was granted the cumbersomely-named legal status — “withholding of removal.” Ffriend got a job at a local charter school in Willits, where he coaches youth soccer, referees matches at multiple levels, and plays in the Mendocino County men’s league. Colby said he has won the MVP award every year since he arrived. There was no reason to be concerned when he received the call from immigration in the morning of May 1, until he was roughly confronted by a group of agents. ## Confusion and fear The confrontation was videotaped, and word spread quickly through Willits. An informal group of citizens that call themselves the Rapid Response Network began releasing updates that withheld basic information, including who was arrested, where they were arrested, and why. Willits Unified and Willits Elementary Charter School sent tersely word messages to parents that ICE has been reported to be in the area. The schools also did not issue any official statements. Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall tried to reassure people — he told MendoLocal.News that he had no confirmation that the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency was in the county. A local personality would later accuse the sheriff of spreading misinformation, which is information that is spread to deliberately mislead. Kendall says when it comes to informing people about ICE activity, his hands are tied. In an interview Monday, he pointed to [California’s SB 54](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill%5Fid=201720180SB54&ref=mendolocal.news), the California Values Act, which prohibits local law enforcement agencies from using their resources to investigate, detain, or arrest people for immigration enforcement purposes. He said that has shut down federal and local interagency coordination. Kendall says that he has urged ICE to make a PIO available to field calls from the public. ## The fog of immigration enforcement Working quickly and with support from members of the Rapid Response Network, Friend contacted an immigration attorney, who filed a writ of habeas corpus that same afternoon, challenging the legality of Ffriend’s detention in federal court. Such filings have become increasingly common; 18 habeas petitions were filed in California federal courts on May 1 alone, including Ffriend’s case. Ffriend’s attorney, Nicole Gorney, also filed a request for a temporary restraining order. The order was granted Saturday by U.S. District Judge William H. Orrick. Friend said that without intervention, his cousin likely would have been deported. “He would be in St. Kitts with no money, no phone, no change of clothing,” Friend said. Ffriend has since been released and has returned to Willits. A federal court hearing is scheduled for May 14. The incident appears to be Willits’ first high-profile encounter with the expanded federal immigration enforcement efforts under President Donald Trump’s current policy framework. Friend also addressed reports circulating on social media that Ffriend may have been targeted based on his last name. “We were told that,” Friend said, referring to a claim that agents were working alphabetically. “But I don’t literally believe that’s true. Wouldn’t ICE be working on A, B, C in Mendocino County?” Court filings from May 1 show habeas petitions filed on behalf of immigrants with last names spanning the alphabet. What does appear clear is that federal enforcement priorities have broadened beyond individuals with criminal convictions to include immigrants who may be vulnerable to removal for technical or administrative reasons — including those from mixed-status families, like Ffriend, who is the son of an American citizen, but born outside the country. *Correction: Typo fixed in headline, “snars” changed to “snares” (May 4, 2026, 9:29 p.m.)* *…* ### Mendo Local Weekly News — May 3, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-may-3-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:34.000Z ## 🗳️ MENDOCINO COUNTY **Mail Ballots to Reach Mendocino County Voters Starting May 4** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Official ballots for California’s June 2, 2026 primary will be mailed beginning May 4\. Delivery is expected within 5–7 days, with in-person ballots available in Ukiah. The voter registration deadline is May 18\. Poll workers are still needed, with stipends of $70–$80. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mail-ballots-to-reach-voters-next-week) **Hundreds of Mendocino Coast Homes Face Sea Level Rise Threat, Study Finds** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A new study projects vulnerable coastal residences could jump from 55 today to 710 by 2100\. Bluff erosion—exceeding 10 feet per year in some areas—is the primary threat. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-coast-homes-at-risk-of-sea-level-rise) **Hung Jury in Mendocino DUI Trial** *Mendocino County District Attorney* A mistrial was declared after jurors failed to reach a verdict in a DUI case against an Orange County man. A retrial is set for May 18 in Ukiah. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/MendoDA) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## --- ## 🔥 COVELO **3.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Covelo** *Pete Young, The Mendocino Voice* A minor quake hit east of Covelo on May 2 at a shallow depth of 3.5 miles. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/3-3-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-near-covelo/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Four CAL FIRE Firefighters Injured in Prescribed Burn** *Kym Kemp, Redheaded Blackbelt* Four firefighters suffered burns during a proactive vegetation burn. All were treated and released with non-serious injuries. 🔗 [Read more](https://kymkemp.com/2026/05/02/four-cal-fire-firefighters-burned-during-covelo-prescribed-burn-all-released/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚂 FORT BRAGG **Skunk Train Eyes Company Store Purchase** *Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The historic Union Lumber Company Store may soon be acquired by the Skunk Train operator. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/union-lumber-company-store-slated-for-skunk-train-ticketing-and-more-vistors-for-tenants-steakhouse-to-follow-on-its-own-track/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Water Main Break Disrupts Businesses** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A break behind the Company Store briefly cut water service to nearby businesses. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/water-main-break-behind-company-store) **Grocery Outlet Construction Resumes** *Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Work is back underway on Fort Bragg’s Grocery Outlet, with an April 2027 opening target. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/grocery-outlet-is-on-the-go-work-has-finally-resumed-on-preparations-for-the-store/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Gray Whale Die-Off Continues** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A dead gray whale found near Virgin Creek marks the county’s first recorded death this year amid ongoing West Coast die-offs linked to food shortages. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/another-casualty-gray-whale-virgin-creek-beach) --- ## 🚨 GUALALA **FBI Raid Leads to Federal Charge Over Online Threat** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A Gualala retiree faces federal charges tied to a private Facebook post criticizing a state legislator. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fbi-raid-in-gualala-leads-to-retiree-arrest) **Deadline Looming for GCC Board Candidates** *Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer (ICO subscription required)* Candidates for the Gualala Community Center board must file by May 5; eligibility requires 90 days of membership. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌿 LAYTONVILLE **District 3 Supervisor Candidates Debate in Laytonville** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Candidates Eric Hart, Clay Romero, and Buffy Wright Bourassa addressed economic decline, infrastructure, and taxes at an April 29 forum. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/district-three-candidates-for-the) **Weathertop Nursery Reopens Under New Ownership** *Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice* The longtime nursery returns as Weathertop Farmstead, offering plants, soil, and locally grown produce. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/laytonvilles-weathertop-nursery-reopens-under-new-ownership/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## --- ## 📷 POINT ARENA **FLOCK Camera Raises Privacy Questions** *Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer (ICO subscription required)* A new license plate reader installed by the Sheriff’s Office is prompting concerns over surveillance and data use. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscripton required) --- ## 💧 POTTER VALLEY **Speculation Over SoCal Interest in Potter Valley Project** *Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice* Could a Southern California water district may be eyeing the project for pumped hydroelectric storage? 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/the-potter-valley-dams-are-coming-down/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Huffman Demands Answers on Water Transfer Plans** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Rep. Jared Huffman is seeking clarification on a proposal that could divert water from the Eel River to SoCal. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/huffman-demands-information-from-socal) --- ## 🚒 REDWOOD VALLEY **Tomki Road Clearing Aims to Prevent Evacuation Disasters** *Sarah Reith, The Mendocino Voice* A new Fire Safe Council is working to improve evacuation routes nearly a decade after the Redwood Complex Fire. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/ukiah-high-teacher-enters-not-guilty-plea-to-misdemeanor-charge/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚴 UKIAH **Former Ukiah High Teacher Pleads Not Guilty** *Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* Matt LaFever, a former high school teacher and journalist, faces a misdemeanor charge involving a minor. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/ukiah-high-teacher-enters-not-guilty-plea-to-misdemeanor-charge/?ref=mendolocal.news) **New Great Redwood Trail Segment Opens** *Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* A 3.3-mile trail extension now connects neighborhoods across Ukiah. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/ukiah-celebrates-opening-a-new-segment-of-the-great-redwood-trail/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah Co-op Walkout Signals Staff–Board Rift** *John Sakowicz, Anderson Valley Advertiser (AVA subscription required)* Workers staged a walkout over concerns about the hiring process for a new general manager. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Teen’s 911 Call Leads to Arrest in Domestic Violence Case** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A Ukiah man faces multiple felony charges after a domestic violence incident witnessed by children. 🔗 [Reaad more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/teens-911-call-leads-to-arrest) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🥁 WILLITS **Federal Arrest Triggers Community Response** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A federal arrest prompted rapid mobilization by local advocates; details remain limited. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ice-arrest-in-willits-triggers-response) **Willits Delays Consultant Vote, Approves HR Contract** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The council postponed one contract amid conflict concerns but approved another despite objections. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-postpones-consultant-vote) **Senegalese Drum Gifted to Mendocino Art Center** *Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* A traditional drum crafted at Ridgewood Ranch was presented following a cultural workshop. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/senegalese-goat-skin-drum-to-be-gifted-to-mendocino-art-center/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Grateful Sundae Honors Conservation Corps** *Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Volunteers were recognized for 1,800 hours of service with a community ice cream social. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALIFORNIA **Congressional Races Could Decide House Control** *Maya C. Miller, CalMatters* California’s districts are emerging as key battlegrounds in the fight for control of the U.S. House. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/05/california-congressional-races-watch/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Hospice Fraud Schemes Target California Seniors** *Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters* A growing wave of fraudulent hospice providers is costing millions and endangering vulnerable patients. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/04/hospice-fraud-california-license-medicare/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### District Three Candidates for the Board of Supervisors Offer Solutions to County Problems in Laytonville Forum URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/district-three-candidates-for-the/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:35.000Z Candidates for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors squared April 29 in Laytonville. Eric Hart, Clay Romero, and Buffey Wright-Bourassa discussed Mendocino County’s post-cannabis economic slump, permits and code enforcement, and escape assessments. The three pointed to their varied backgrounds — working within county government, engineering and the private sector—as they pitched solutions. Key themes included fixing slow permitting systems, stabilizing funding for emergency medical services, and exploring new tools, including AI, to improve county operations. Russell Green did not participate. [Watch the forum on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScjqfjxN160&ref=mendolocal.news) ### Question 1: The Laytonville area as defined by the Laytonville Unified School District, the Long Valley Fire Protection District as well as the Laytonville Area MAC boundaries is split between the third and the fourth districts. As county supervisor, how do you plan to represent Lakeville’s needs across two districts? - **Eric Hart** proposes both a long-term and a short-term strategy. **Long-term**, he advocates for **redistricting in 2030** to unify communities based on where residents actually live, work, and socialize, rather than splitting them down the middle. **Short-term**, he believes the solution lies in **collaboration with the other four supervisors**. He notes that while he may not agree with the District 4 supervisor on everything, they share a common responsibility to the county as a whole and must work together to take care of residents regardless of district boundaries. - **Clay Romero** emphasizes that he views the residents as people rather than statistics divided by district lines. He believes that when essential services like **emergency medical services and ambulances** are at stake, jurisdictional boundaries should be secondary to ensuring the public’s safety. His approach is to treat the entire county as one unit, stating that “this is all the same county” and that representation should not be difficult if the focus remains on the needs of the people. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** cites her experience serving three terms on the Tribal Council as evidence of her ability to work across different governmental systems. She highlights the fact that current District Three Supervisor John Haschak encouraged her to run and her relationships with other members of the board of supervisors. ### Question 2: What are the top three issues you have seen or heard about in the Laytonville area? - **Eric Hart** identifies the **struggling economy** following the cannabis “crash” and COVID-19, the **lack of housing** caused by sewer infrastructure limits and county planning barriers, and the need for better **basic daily services**, such as reliable cell service. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** focuses on the **lack of sewer and water infrastructure** hindering growth, the **difficult permitting process** (specifically mentioning high costs for water testing), and the **inadequacy of transportation**, noting that Mendocino Transit Authority does not serve Laytonville. - **Clay Romero** points to the **failing economy**, what he calls the “very bad policy” of the **current cannabis ordinance**, and the critical need for a **wastewater system** to handle drainage and runoff in the town area. ### Question 3: What is your track record in working for the public’s best interest and what qualifies you for this office? - **Eric Hart** points to **25 years of experience in operations optimization** for large corporations like AT&T, including as a **technical director** supporting thousands of AT&T employees. Locally, he served on the **Civil Grand Jury** investigating county accountability and has led both local and county-wide **fire safe councils**. - **Clay Romero** emphasizes his perspective as a **self-employed machinist** who has not worked in government. He also cites 15 years spent studying **healthcare funding systems**, claiming he has designed a system that could significantly reduce county costs. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** highlights nearly **12 years of experience within county government**, including as a human resources technician and **substance Use disorder prevention specialist**, and **three terms on a tribal council**. As the **Restorative Justice Program Manager** for the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, she currently manages the inmate welfare fund budget and coordinates over 60 volunteers. ### Question 4: What do you see as the biggest weakness and the biggest strength in Mendocino County? - **Eric Hart** sees the **strength** in the **creative and unique character** of the residents. He identifies the **weakness** as a historical **dependence on “boom-bust” economies** (timber and cannabis) rather than building a stable baseline of small businesses. - **Clay Romero** believes in the **strength** is the county’s **brilliant and hard-working people**, while the **weakness** is the **geographic isolation** that makes it expensive and difficult for outlying areas to obtain specialty materials for business. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** finds **strength** in how the **community unites** during crises like fires or the opioid epidemic. The **weakness** is the **internal “silos”** within county government and organizations that prevent effective collaboration. ### Question 5: What is the biggest reason people are disillusioned with the Board of Supervisors, and what is your vision for working with them? - **Eric Hart** argues that the Board has failed to **implement its vision** and has essentially allowed the **CEO to run the county**. His vision is for the Board to reclaim its leadership role and fix internal departmental inefficiencies. - **Clay Romero** criticizes the Board for **ignoring public input** at meetings. He views county residents as **“customers”** who deserve better service and wants the Board to focus more on how property tax money is actually spent. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** believes disillusionment comes from the public only seeing the **“show” of board meetings**. She advocates for more **accountability and town halls** to facilitate face-to-face conversations with residents. ### Question 6: What is the primary role of the Planning and Building Services department, and what is your view on complaint-driven inspections? - **Eric Hart** believes the department should be a **partner in building safety**, but is currently hindered by outdated systems, a lack of IT support, and a negative culture. He wants to **track complaints to prevent “weaponization”** and shift the department toward a “find a way to yes” mentality. - **Clay Romero** views the current system as “maddening” and advocates for **simplification and common sense.** - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** finds the neighbor-on-neighbor complaint system difficult, she notes that professional code enforcement would **require additional funding**. She noted that she lived on tribal land and they also were required to tell on each other. ### Question 7: How are escape assessments being handled, and what is the impact on residents? - **Eric Hart** attributes the problem to **disorganization and poor structure** within the assessment department. He emphasizes the need for **predictable billing** and a “humane” approach when the county has “dropped the ball”. - **Clay Romero** calls massive, unexpected tax bills **“completely unreasonable.”** He argues that if the county missed assessments for seven years, the resident should be given **seven years to pay it back** without penalties. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** notes that these assessments are tied to cleaning up records following a state audit. She advocates for **better communication and processing** rather than simply sending residents a bill for tens of thousands of dollars. ### Question 8: How would you go about balancing the budget after the state audit? - **Eric Hart** proposes a **three-step approach**: 1) collect money left on the table (like **unpaid TOT from Airbnbs**); 2) eliminate **internal waste and inefficiencies**; and 3) pursue **state and federal grants**. - **Clay Romero** believes the budget should be balanced by **growing the physical economy** (manufacturing and agriculture) rather than treating residents like a “cash cow” or relying on government jobs. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** opposes using reserves for structural deficits and advocates for **upgrading the county’s accounting infrastructure** (noting that staff currently rely on Excel spreadsheets) to ensure stronger financial discipline. ### Question 9: Do you see a role for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government? - **Eric Hart** sees AI as a **tool for efficiency** (like summarizing text) but warns that it is not yet ready to **replace human thinking** or core government responsibilities. - **Clay Romero** views AI as a useful tool for **sorting vast amounts of information**. He suggests its dangers are exaggerated and that if it creates a problem, one can simply **“unplug it”**. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** cites the county’s new **disclosure policy** and expresses concerns about **cybersecurity risks** and the high **environmental cost** (water and electricity) of AI data centers. ### Question 10: What are your thoughts on improving animal care and animal control services? - **Eric Hart** frames the issue as **public safety**, focusing on aggressive dogs and nuisance wildlife. He advocates for **better-funded spay and neuter services** to address the problem at its root. - **Clay Romero** initially admitted he was **unaware of major problems** in this area but stated he is a “reasonable guy” open to learning more and supporting necessary improvements. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** attributes current issues to a **lack of funding and staffing** compared to the 1970s. ### Question 11: What are your personal limits on free speech and conduct toward protected groups? - **Eric Hart** states that while free speech is protected, it has limits regarding **threats to life and safety**. He notes that attacks on public figures should be focused on **criticizing issues and actions** rather than attacking protected characteristics like race. - **Clay Romero** describes himself as a **“very tolerant man”** who will defend the right of others to say whatever they want, even if he dislikes it, until those words lead to **harmful actions**. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** highlights her background as an **equity officer** and emphasizes the importance of **treating all people with respect**, regardless of their point of view, political standing or pronouns. ### Question 12: What are your thoughts on funding for public ambulances staffed by fire departments? - **Eric Hart** notes that depending on the part of the county, **80-90% of fire calls are medical**. He supports creating a steady funding stream and states he would **personally support a tax** for these essential services. - **Clay Romero** views emergency medical services as a **matter of life and death**. He pledges to ensure these services are funded because “the equipment is just simply not there to help people” currently. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** strongly supports ensuring fire districts receive **predictable, transparent funding** from sources like **Measure P and Prop 172**. ### Question 13: What are your plans to assist small cannabis growers? - **Eric Hart** argues the county failed by treating growers as a **“cash cow.”** He wants to support existing small **“mom and pop” high-quality organic cannabis growers** and proposes a **graduated process** for new businesses to get established. He said the county needs to push for better state regulation. - **Clay Romero** advocates for **simplifying the ordinance** and treating cannabis like any other **regular agricultural product** to help revitalize the local economy. He said regulation boils down to: “when you are growing cannabis, don’t irritate your neighbor.” - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** supports a **one-time amnesty for penalties and interest** to help growers get into compliance, but does not support forgiving the base taxes already paid by others. She said people who did the right thing should be protected. ### Question 14: What will be done, if anything, about mental health in our county? - **Eric Hart** considers mental health a **core county responsibility**. He advocates for supporting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and working with the state to **secure better funding**. - **Clay Romero** expresses a personal passion for the issue due to the impact of mental illness on the community. He pledges to use his **position on the board** to make mental health funding a priority. - **Buffey Wright Bourassa** identifies **“huge gaps”** in current crisis response programs. She calls for **stronger coordination** between law enforcement, EMS, and behavioral health to ensure patients and their families aren’t left without options. Other Resources: [Mendo Local Candidate Forum — District Three](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/candidates-forum-district-three) [Mendocino Voice Coverage of District Three Laytonville Forum](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/laytonvilles-board-of-supervisors-candidate-forum-tackles-hard-questions/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Mendocino Voice Coverage of District Three Willits Forum](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/mendocino-county-district-3-board-of-supervisors-candidates-participate-in-packed-forum/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### FBI raid in Gualala leads to federal charge over alleged online threat URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fbi-raid-in-gualala-leads-to-retiree-arrest/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:35.000Z A crowd of FBI agents swarmed a home on Robinson Reef Road in Gualala on the morning of March 10, drawing the attention—and concern—of onlookers at a Mexican restaurant across the street. But who was arrested, and why? Unlike the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and local police agencies, federal authorities often keep arrest details confidential. “We are not providing any additional information other than we conducted court-authorized law enforcement activity at the location yesterday,” FBI spokesperson Cameron Polan told MendoLocal.News in mid-March. MendoLocal.News has since learned the target of the operation was Kevin Krause, a 64-year-old retiree who purchased his Gualala home seven years ago. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) The case stems from a private social media post Krause made on September 2, 2025, to his curated group of friends. In the post, Krause criticized remarks made days earlier by Montana State Representative Lukas Schubert. At the time, Krause was in Michigan. Schubert had written on X that “the LGBTQ movement needs to be classified as a terrorist organization,” referencing a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis in August. According to federal authorities, Krause’s defense of his gay and lesbian friends crossed a legal line. A grand jury indicted him on February 25, 2026, on a charge of transmitting an interstate threat via the internet. The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Krause was arraigned March 31 in federal court in Michigan before Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris and entered a plea of not guilty. Prosecutors did not seek his detention, and both the government and defense agreed he could remain free pending trial. The judge ordered Krause released on a $10,000 unsecured bond with a series of conditions. He must report to pretrial services, surrender any passport, and is prohibited from obtaining new international travel documents. His travel is restricted to California, the Eastern District of Michigan, and routes between the two, unless he receives prior approval. Krause was also ordered to have no contact—direct or indirect—with Schubert, and to refrain from possessing firearms or other weapons. Additional conditions prohibit excessive alcohol use and any use of controlled substances, including marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law. The court also barred Krause from engaging in any threatening or intimidating behavior and required him to comply with drug testing or treatment if directed by pretrial services. Because Krause has ties to both California and Michigan, the court addressed how his supervision would be handled. His primary supervision will remain in California, but if he stays in Michigan for more than two weeks, he must notify pretrial authorities, who may transfer supervision between districts during that period. An in-person jury trial is scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before District Judge David M. Lawson in Bay City, Michigan. Krause remains out of custody as the case proceeds. *Change log* *Story edited to clarify that the comment was made to a private group of friends, which is slightly different from a private group, which we originally reported. May 2, 2026* ### Mail ballots to reach Mendocino County voters starting May 4 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mail-ballots-to-reach-voters-next-week/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:35.000Z Official ballots for the June 2, 2026 statewide primary election will be mailed to all active registered voters in Mendocino County by Monday, May 4, according to Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder Katrina Bartolomie. Ballots will also be available beginning May 4 at the County Clerk’s Office, located in Room 1020 of the County Administration Building at 501 Low Gap Road in Ukiah. Voters should expect delivery within five to seven days, though officials say it could take up to 10 days. Anyone who has not received a ballot by May 14 is encouraged to contact the office to request a replacement. Each mailing will include two large ballots, with contests printed on both sides of the first page and the front of the second. Sample ballots and local voter information booklets have already been mailed and should arrive in the coming days. Voters who do not receive one can request a copy from the elections office. Officials also reminded residents to update their registration if they have moved. The deadline to register to vote and receive a regular ballot by mail is May 18. The elections office will offer in-person assistance on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mendocino County continues to seek poll workers for election day. Workers receive a stipend ranging from $70 for judges and clerks to $80 for inspectors. Each polling location has a precinct board comprised of one (1) inspector, (1) judge and two (2) to (4) four clerks. More information, including local candidate statements, is available on the county’s elections website or by calling the Clerk’s Office at 707-234-6819. ### Federal Arrest in Willits Triggers Community Response URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ice-arrest-in-willits-triggers-response/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:36.000Z *Editor’s note: we will update this report as more information becomes available. Please see the bottom of the article for a list of changes.* The confirmed arrest of a Willits resident by a federal agency has mobilized a network of rapid responders that has grown in the wake of ICE operations in Los Angeles in 2025, as well as the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to that city. Concern about ICE activity in Mendocino County has also intensified following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year. While the arrest was initially reported by Willits schools as being made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (IC), retired sheriff Tom Allman, a Willits resident, said his law enforcement contacts have confirmed that ICE was not active in Mendocino County on Friday. Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall said he had received reports from citizens of an alleged ICE arrest but that he was unable to confirm any ICE activity. He said the last time similar reports had circulated they were triggered by an arrest conducted by the Department of Homeland Security as part of an investigation into child abuse. In March,[ FBI agents arrested a 64-year-old resident of Gualala in connection with private comments the man had made on social media.](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fbi-raid-in-gualala-leads-to-retiree-arrest) At 5 p.m., the Mendocino Rapid Response Network confirmed that the man was arrested outside his residence on Friday morning on a document issued by an immigration court. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/5f05b415-b848-4a53-98dd-1716969dd3d3_746x1326.png) Earlier in the day, Willits Charter School sent a notice to its “school family” warning that ICE agents may be in the vicinity, according to Director Erin Vaccaro, who declined to provide additional details. According to a note posted on Facebook, ICE did not come to the school’s campus, but the school did take the precaution of locking their gate. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/9cfede42-b65d-4068-a06e-4f0095807273_261x199.png) MendoLocal.News also received a screenshot circulating on social media that purported to be a notice from the Willits Unified School District. When contacted, the district said it had no knowledge of any incident and referred inquiries to Willits Charter School. Following a record 76-day shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, the House of Representatives voted Thursday to approve a funding bill for the agency. The vote excluded funding for ICE and certain Border Patrol operations. Senate Republicans have also initiated a budget reconciliation process to fund the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The process would allow legislation to pass with a simple majority, bypassing the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold. *Change log:* *Story updated with comment from Sheriff Matt Kendall, May 1, 12:47 p.m.* *Story updated with comment from Tom Allman, May 1, 12:37 p.m.* *Story updated with information from the Mendocino Rapid Response Network at May 1, 5:07 p.m.* *Story rewritten to remove the confusion created by the addition of new information. The age of the man arrested in Gualala was updated from 65 to 64\. May 2, 12:13 p.m.* ### Willits Postpones Consultant Vote Over Conflict Questions, Approves HR Contract Despite Concerns URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-postpones-consultant-vote/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:37.000Z The Willits City Council voted last week on two consultant contracts—one to retain former interim City Manager Rod Wilburn, and another to retain Deborah Muchmore, a human resources consultant who worked on the recent layoffs of seven city employees. Both contracts drew controversy. Vice Mayor Matthew Alaniz raised significant objections to Wilburn’s contract, citing a clause in Wilburn’s agreement as interim city manager that prohibited him from soliciting or participating in city business for six months after leaving the position. City Attorney Jim Lance defended the proposed contract, which would engage Wilburn as a negotiator for a wastewater agreement with the Brooktrails Township Community Services District. “I’m familiar with the Section 3D paragraph that Councilmember Alaniz referred to—I drafted it,” Lance said. He explained that the clause was intended to prevent conflicts of interest during Wilburn’s tenure, specifically by stopping him from steering public works and engineering contracts to his firm, LACO Associates. “That would look bad,” Lance said. “We wanted to make sure that while he was working as interim city manager, his focus was entirely on fulfilling those duties.” While acknowledging that the prohibition on “any and all contracts” language in the clause was broad, Lance argued that the clause was meant to narrowly apply to public works and engineering services, not to negotiating a wastewater agreement. Lance added that there also had been concern Wilburn could gain inside knowledge unavailable to other firms. For that reason, he said, the contract included a six-month restriction. “It is like five months past his termination,” Lance said. “One month from now, that six-month window will be over.” Lance said Wilburn is “the most qualified person to represent the city” in negotiations with Brooktrails, citing his experience as a former city engineer and his role in similar negotiations five years ago. Alaniz did not challenge Wilburn’s qualifications but questioned why the contract did not explicitly name him. “For those of you who had a chance to read through the packet, the proposal promoted by RW Consulting does not specify his name at all,” Alaniz said. “Why wouldn’t the name Rod Wilburn be anywhere in the several-page contract proposal?” Alaniz also disclosed a potential conflict of interest: his wife, Tamara Alaniz, is the general manager of the Brooktrails district. Alaniz said he had contacted the state Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for guidance on whether he should recuse himself, and he proposed postponing the vote until a response was received. Mayor Tom Allman, speaking after Alaniz, focused on the procedural aspects of the request and suggested the council wait for a formal written advisory opinion from the FPPC. The council voted unanimously to postpone approval of the RW Consulting contract pending that response. Lance noted that by then, the six-month restriction on Wilburn working for the City of Willits would likely have expired. --- Alaniz also raised concerns about a second contract with Muchmore Than Consulting, a payroll and human resources firm owned by Deborah Muchmore. Based in Rohnert Park, CA, the firm has a staff of 12, including Muchmore, who is one of two full-time employees. The city hired Muchmore Than Consulting in September 2025 to provide “strategic human resources” support. In January, the total amount of the contract was increased to $85,900 for the six-month term. Alaniz said he was troubled that only two bids were received and that the process could create the perception that Muchmore had an inside advantage. Willits resident Nici Caldwell illustrated this concern when she asked during public comment whether Muchmore herself had handled the request for proposals. Interim City Manager Bob Richardson said he personally handled the RFP. “I did 100% of the work, and there is a digital trail of everything that occurred that is available to all,” Richardson said. MendoLocal.News submitted a public records request Tuesday, April 28, seeking that documentation. Later, in an interview with MendoLocal.News, Muchmore said she was not involved in the development of the RFP. She said prior to the RFP being created she and Richardson had a conversation about it, and she laid out two options: she could help with the RFP but in that case she could not respond. Or her firm would be excluded from all aspects of the RFP, including discussions, planning, creation and selection process — and in that case they could respond. After the RFP was created, Muchmore said she received an email from Richardson that said “please see attached RFP.” Alaniz argued the city should not “force” a decision from such a limited pool and suggested re-advertising the position. He said the process “smells fishy” and questioned whether the public could trust a decision when it was unclear “who hired who when” and whether the process was “legit.” During a recent public comment period, an employee questioned a statement by Muchmore that she had worked for the city for free prior to the contract taking effect. Muchmore confirmed to MendoLocal.News that she had done some pro bono work. Allman noted that some employees have also raised concerns about potential breaches of confidentiality during the restructuring process. During public comment, Caldwell said “confidential compensation information was shared inappropriately between employees,” adding that there was a lack of trust and confidence in the consultant among staff. “I’m not going to agree or disagree with that,” Allman said. “I wasn’t there. I don’t know.” He expressed confidence in the firm’s ability to maintain privacy. In correspondence with MendoLocal.News, Muchmore said: “I did make an unfortunate mistake during a meeting where we were providing layoff and transfer offers to a few employees. I unintentionally handed the wrong folder to one of the employees in a small group meeting. As soon as the employee let me know, I replaced the folder with their correct folder. I am and was very sorry that happened and apologized at the time and again now for my error.” At Allman’s suggestion, the council amended the contract to require a survey of city employees at the 10-month mark to evaluate the effectiveness of the services and address concerns about trust and confidentiality. Muchmore said she welcomed the amendment and described it as a best practice. The council approved the contract with Muchmore Than Consulting in a 4–1 vote, with Alaniz dissenting. ### Another Casualty: Gray Whale Die-Off Continues on the Mendocino Coast URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/another-casualty-gray-whale-virgin-creek-beach/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:37.000Z A female gray whale was found dead on the beach near Virgin Creek in Mendocino County around mid-morning on April 29. Sarah Grimes, marine mammal stranding coordinator and educator for the Noyo Center for Marine Science, said the death is part of a troubling trend. An increasing number of gray whales are appearing undernourished and dying along the West Coast. Last year, 21 gray whales were found dead in San Francisco Bay; so far this year, seven have been reported there. The whale found near Virgin Creek is the first recorded dead in Mendocino County this year. Grimes was on the beach Wednesday afternoon with an intern and another scientist taking measurements. If the whale remains accessible, the team plans to conduct a full necropsy. She said the whale was a subadult — close to full size but not yet sexually mature. Gray whales are baleen whales, meaning they have flexible plates of keratin hanging from their upper jaws that act like a sieve to filter small fish and krill. They undertake the longest migration of any mammal, traveling up to 14,000 miles round trip between feeding grounds in the Arctic and breeding grounds in Mexico. Gray whales in the Atlantic Ocean went extinct in the 1700s. They are considered critically endangered in the western North Pacific, but until recently, the eastern North Pacific population was regarded as a conservation success. Although hunted to near extinction in the 19th and early 20th centuries, gray whales were protected by the International Whaling Commission in 1946\. By the mid-1990s, they were removed from endangered species lists under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. But an “unusual mortality event” from 2019 to 2023 has raised alarm among whale biologists, who say the population may no longer be sustainable. “The gray whales are in precipitous decline, with significant range-wide die-offs, malnourished ‘skinny’ individuals, and reduced reproductive rates,” scientists James Darling, Jorge Urban Ramirez and Steven Swartz wrote in [an open letter](https://whaletrust.org/gray-whales/?ref=mendolocal.news) published by the Whale Trust. “The best available analysis suggests a decrease in critical food species resulting from large-scale ecological changes in traditional Arctic feeding grounds.” Unable to consume enough food during the summer feeding season, whales — which fast during the winter — may not have the energy reserves needed to reproduce. The scientists are calling for an international review and reassessment of the whales’ protection status. ### Huffman Demands Information About Plans to Divert or Transfer Eel River Water to SoCal URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/huffman-demands-information-from-socal/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:38.000Z Rep. Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, is demanding answers about why Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is supporting a Southern California water agency’s interest in acquiring the Potter Valley Project — a defunct hydroelectric and water diversion system that serves the small community of Potter Valley and supplies downstream users along the Russian River. On Tuesday, Huffman sent formal information requests to Rollins, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and Andrew Morris, president of the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. If you value independent reporting, please consider donating to our [Go Fund Me](https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-hidden-agendas-behind-the-plan-to-save-potter-valley?ref=mendolocal.news) for investigative journalism or [our campaign to cover operational costs](https://mendo-local-public-media.monkeypod.io/give/support-mendo-local-public-media?ref=mendolocal.news). “The communities and Tribal Nations I represent would be directly impacted by the proposal Secretary Rollins and the District have described,” Huffman wrote to the secretaries. “Yet your agencies have thus far provided no information to explain why a Southern California water district would seek to acquire water rights and infrastructure on the Eel River, hundreds of miles north of its service area — or why the Departments of Agriculture and Interior would be encouraging, facilitating, funding, or otherwise supporting such a scheme.” Huffman requested “a clear and complete accounting” of any discussions or plans by May 12. Huffman represents about 1,147 voters in Potter Valley, as well as many thousands more who rely on water diverted from the Eel River through the project to Lake Mendocino — the primary water source for the Russian River. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which owns the Potter Valley Project, is moving to decommission its dams and related infrastructure due to their deteriorating condition and new information about a seismic fault beneath Lake Pillsbury, the reservoir formed by Scott Dam. Removing Scott Dam and the smaller Cape Horn Dam could help restore a once-abundant salmon fishery and reduce the risk of catastrophic dam failure. But doing so would also raise water costs for local farmers and ranchers and could force the roughly 254 single-family homes in Potter Valley that rely on well water to form a water district. Rollins entered the process in December 2025, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reject PG&E’s application to surrender its license for the project. On April 21, Rollins posted on X that she had heard from “a legitimate buyer.” “I heard from the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District,” she wrote. “A legitimate buyer who expressed strong interest in purchasing the project from PG&E. This would allow @POTUS and @SecretaryBurgum to restart or expand reliable hydroelectric generation while keeping both dams in place. I hope @PGE4Me is taking them seriously.” The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District serves about 48,500 water customers and 38,500 wastewater customers in southwestern Riverside County. It operates on an annual budget of $227 million and is undertaking more than $500 million in capital improvements — roughly $5,700 per customer. > The district relies heavily on imported water, with about 75% of its supply coming from the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project. > > The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District currently pays between $1,700 and $1,800 per acre-foot for treated water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, according to Darcy Burke, a district vice president — that’s six times more than the $300 per acre-foot that Potter Valley farmers and ranchers say would put them out of business. “My constituents and I are acutely interested in all of the details surrounding your efforts related to a potential purchase of the Potter Valley Project,” Huffman wrote to Morris. “Even the limited information released to date raises serious environmental, legal, economic, and water supply concerns for vulnerable communities in the Eel and Russian River basins.” Huffman said the proposal echoes a long and contentious history. In 1967, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Water Resources proposed the Dos Rios Dam on the Middle Fork of the Eel River — a project that would have flooded the Round Valley Indian Reservation and the town of Covelo. Huffman’s request seeks detailed records related to any discussions, proposals, or agreements involving the Potter Valley Project, including ownership structure, financing, operations, and potential impacts on water rights and tribal consultation. He also requested information on any plans to store, divert, transfer, or sell Eel River water outside the Eel or Russian River watersheds, including whether such proposals revive or incorporate elements of past projects like the Dos Rios Dam or other large-scale water transfer systems. --- Our coverage of the Potter Valley Project: [*Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Vice President Explains Interest in Potter Valley Project* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/elsinore-valley-water-district-and-potter-valley)(April 23, 2026) [*Federal Officials Cite Potential Buyer for Potter Valley Project as Local Stakeholders Raise Questions*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-officials-cite-potential)(April 23, 2026) [*USDA to PG&E: Mitigation is Required for Potter Valley Decommissioning* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-to-pge-mitigation-is-required)(December 22, 2025) [*USDA Steps Into Potter Valley Decommissioning Fight* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-steps-into-potter-valley-project)(December 22, 2025) ### Water Main Break Behind Company Store Briefly Disrupts Fort Bragg Businesses URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/water-main-break-behind-company-store/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:38.000Z A water main break behind Fort Bragg’s Company Store temporarily cut service to nearby businesses Tuesday afternoon, prompting a rapid response from city crews and drawing conflicting accounts about what caused the damage. City Manager Isaac Whippy said the city received a call at approximately 12:30 p.m. reporting the break and immediately dispatched its public works team. Crews identified a damaged connection in the water line, completed repairs, and restored full service by about 1:30 p.m. A few businesses in the area experienced a brief loss of water during the repair, according to Whippy. “Based on our initial assessment, the damage to the water line was caused by work being conducted by Mendocino Railway in the area,” Whippy said. He added that the City did not receive an Underground Service Alert (USA) ticket for excavation activity at that location. Robert Pinoli, president of Mendocino Railway, disputed key elements of the City’s assessment. He said the water line was not known to the railway and appeared to be unusually shallow. “The water line was unbeknownst to us. It was about 12 inches down from the edge of the ties, surely not deep enough for a city utility,” Pinoli said, adding that regulations typically require utilities along rail corridors to be buried three to four feet deep. Pinoli also said no permit was required because the work involved track construction rather than excavation, arguing that tie replacement does not trigger Underground Service Alert requirements. “Changing ties is not digging or trenching,” he said. “A railroad tie is eight inches thick. A water line that sits four-ish inches below is a real issue.” Despite the disagreement over cause and compliance, Pinoli said City staff responded quickly and worked with railway crews to restore service. Whippy said the water line involved is an older piece of infrastructure, likely dating back to the 1950s or 1960s when the area was owned and operated by the Union Lumber Company. In coastal communities, he noted, legacy infrastructure does not always conform to modern installation standards. However, Whippy emphasized that state law still requires contractors to notify Underground Service Alert before disturbing the ground so that utilities can be located and marked. “Regardless of the age or depth of a utility, state law requires that any excavation activity include proper Underground Service Alert notification,” he said. The question of whether local permitting or notification requirements apply to railroad work can depend on the scope of federal preemption, an issue that has been the subject of ongoing legal disputes involving Mendocino Railway. Whippy said the city is continuing to review the incident to determine next steps. ### Teen’s 911 Call Leads to Arrest in Ukiah Domestic Violence, Kidnapping Case URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/teens-911-call-leads-to-arrest/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:39.000Z A 34-year-old Ukiah man was arrested last week on multiple felony charges following a domestic violence incident in which several children were present, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched around 9:40 p.m. on April 23 to a residence in the 600 block of Third Street in Ukiah after a 16-year-old boy called to report a disturbance involving his mother and her boyfriend. When deputies arrived, they determined that a 39-year-old woman had been physically assaulted by her partner, identified as Eleuterio Montalvo-Perez. Authorities said the couple lived together along with their children. According to investigators, what began as a verbal argument escalated into violence. Montalvo-Perez allegedly forced the woman onto a bed, pulled her to the floor, and dragged her approximately 15 feet through the living room. The woman struck him with a glass object in self-defense, ending the altercation, officials said. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and treated those involved. Four juveniles — ages 7, 8, 13, and 16 — were present during the incident and later interviewed by deputies. Following their investigation, deputies said they found physical evidence consistent with the victim’s account and established probable cause to arrest Montalvo-Perez on charges of domestic battery causing injury, kidnapping, and child endangerment. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held on $100,000 bail. The case remains under investigation. ### Hundreds of Mendocino Coast Homes Face Sea Level Rise Threat, Study Finds URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-coast-homes-at-risk-of-sea-level-rise/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:40.000Z A new county-commissioned study projects that the number of coastal residential buildings vulnerable to sea level rise will increase more than tenfold by the end of the century, with bluff erosion posing the greatest threat to homes perched along Mendocino’s rugged shoreline. The Sea Level Rise Resilience Strategy for Mendocino County, prepared by environmental consulting firms ESA and ARUP and funded by the California Coastal Commission, found that 55 residential buildings along the county’s coast face exposure to coastal hazards today. That number is projected to climb to 286 by mid-century and reach 710 by 2100 under the scenario of a 6 feet increase in sea level. The 286 figure is roughly equivalent to the 254 single-family homes in Potter Valley, an inland agricultural community in Mendocino County that is facing a dramatic increase in the cost of water due to the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project and removal of Scott Dam. The comparison underscores the rising risk of displacement and its spread around the county, with the impact from climate change particularly acute on the coast. “Across all asset categories, the vulnerability and risk assessment highlights that Mendocino County’s exposure to coastal hazards is widespread and diverse,” the report states. **Bluff Erosion is the Primary Threat** The study, released in April 2026 as a preliminary draft, divides the county’s 100-plus miles of coastline into 12 planning zones stretching from the remote Lost Coast in the north to Anchor Bay and Gualala near the Sonoma County line. By the end of the century, the communities of Anchor Bay and Gualala and the Elk area face the highest residential exposure, with 112 and 111 residential buildings at risk, respectively. Coastal bluff erosion is identified as the primary driver of residential exposure across most of the county. The report notes that bluffs along the Mendocino coast erode at an average rate of 1.3 feet per year, with some hotspots like Rockport Bay experiencing losses as high as 10.2 feet per year. “Residential buildings show increasing vulnerability driven primarily by bluff erosion, particularly in Fort Bragg, Mendocino Town, Albion, and Gualala, where homes are located near retreating cliff edges or low-lying floodplains,” the report states. **Mid-Century Jump Draws Concern** Researchers flagged a projected jump between present-day and mid-century conditions as particularly significant. Even in a fairly conservative (not worst-case) scenario, scientists expect about 1 foot of sea level rise by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions remain moderate to high. With that rise, the number of exposed residential buildings is projected more than quintuples, from 55 to 286. One foot of sea level rise may sound modest, but its effects are amplified by storm surge and wave runup, which can push water far beyond what tidal flooding alone would suggest. In lower-lying areas such as the Manchester coastal plain and around Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg, tidal inundation and storm flooding — rather than bluff erosion — are the dominant hazard drivers. **Broader Risks Beyond Housing** The residential exposure figures represent only one dimension of a broader coastal risk picture. The study assessed vulnerability across four asset categories: critical infrastructure, public access and recreation, habitat and agricultural resources, as well as the built environment, which includes residential buildings. Wastewater treatment facilities, sections of State Route 1, the California Coastal Trail, and historic landmarks including the Point Cabrillo and Point Arena lighthouses all face increasing exposure under future scenarios. The report assigned wastewater treatment facilities and public facilities such as schools and government buildings the highest possible risk score, citing their critical function, low adaptive capacity, and fixed locations in low-lying coastal areas. **Demographic Factors** The report notes that Mendocino County’s coastal population includes a disproportionately high share of older adults and lower-income households compared to statewide averages. Median household income in the county is approximately $67,000, well below California’s median of $96,000. Those demographic factors limit the financial resources many residents would need to adapt to or relocate from hazard areas — a challenge the report acknowledges has no simple solution in a rural coastal county with limited housing alternatives. “In general, strategies that avoid hazards related to sea level rise, such as relocation or elevation, shall be prioritized,” the report states. **Policy Framework Taking Shape** The study is intended to serve as the technical foundation for developing resilience strategies and updating Mendocino County’s Local Coastal Program, the land use document that governs coastal development and must be certified by the California Coastal Commission. The analysis is also a warning — it describes the magnitude of what can happen if no action is taken. The study offers draft baseline policies drawing from the Coastal Commission’s 2021 sea level rise guidance for critical infrastructure and from Sonoma County’s recently updated Local Coastal Program, which was unanimously adopted by its Board of Supervisors in February 2025. Those model policies include requirements for site-specific hazard assessments, mandatory setbacks from coastal bluffs, restrictions on things like sea walls and deed restrictions notifying future property owners of hazard risks. The report emphasizes that hard shoreline protection such as seawalls can worsen beach erosion and is not a long-term solution for most residential properties. Mendocino County has not yet adopted updated coastal hazard policies. The resilience strategy, including community engagement and adaptation planning, is ongoing. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — April 25, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-april-25-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:40.000Z ## 🏠 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Judicial Race: Pekin vs. Friend for Superior Court Seat** *By Linda Little, MendocinoCoast.News* Voters will decide a rare contested judicial race June 2 between Judge Patrick M. Pekin and attorney Colby J. Friend. Candidate responses highlight issues including jury shortages, courthouse access, and transparency. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/in-their-own-words-two-attorneys-tell-their-stories-and-why-they-want-to-be-your-judge-in-a-rare-contested-race/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Short-Term Rental Permit Denied** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Mendocino County Planning Commission unanimously denied a permit near Ukiah over septic and safety concerns, despite staff recommending approval. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/short-term-rental-permit-rejected) **Redwood Forest Expansion Announced** *By Save the Redwoods League* A 453-acre donation will expand Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve by 16%, protecting habitat for endangered salmon. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.savetheredwoods.org/press-releases/453-acres-of-redwood-forest-to-expand-montgomery-woods/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Journalist Recalls FBI Scrutiny** *By Mike Geniella, AVA & MendoLocal.News* A veteran reporter recounts a secret FBI memo targeting his work during the timber wars, drawing parallels to current concerns about press freedom. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-close-to-home-experience-with-the) **Free Water Tanks Distributed** *By Mendocino County Fire Safe Council* Nearly 200 water tanks are being distributed countywide as part of a state drought relief effort to boost rural fire preparedness. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.firesafemendocino.org/the-latest/free-water-tanks-distributed-throughout-mendocino-county?ref=mendolocal.news) **Firewood Permits on Sale** *By U.S. Forest Service* Permits for personal-use firewood are now available in the Mendocino National Forest, with restrictions on collection and transport. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/mendocino/newsroom/releases/personal-use-firewood-permits-sale-0?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🥖 CASPAR **Caspar Inn Reimagined** *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* The historic Caspar Inn reopens as a bakery and wine bar under new ownership, blending sourdough and natural wine culture. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/longtime-caspar-institution-begins-new-chapter/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🐓 BOONVILLE **Barn Sale Beckons with Bargains & Community** *By Terry Sites, Anderson Valley Advertiser* A monthly sale offers affordable goods and vintage finds, with proceeds supporting construction of a new church in Elk. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚔 COVELO **Teen Charged in Covelo Homicide** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A 16-year-old suspect has been extradited in connection with the killing of Audrey Card, 38. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/slain-covelo-woman-identified) **License Plate Tech Leads to Arrest** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Police used automated license plate readers to locate and arrest the suspect in Oroville. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/license-plate-reader-hit-led-oroville-police-to-16-year-old-homicide-suspect-who-was-unarmed-at-the-time-of-arrest/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌳 FORT BRAGG **Who Owns the Mill Site?** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Records show that the ownership of the former Georgia-Pacific mill site is tied to Mendocino Railway and Sierra Railroad Holdings, a newly formed LLC. Parcels along Pudding Creek continue to belong to Sierra Northern, which is now owned by a private equity firm. Sierra Northern appears to remain a subsidiary of the Sierra Railroad Company, a holding company that previously owned the Mendocino Railway. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/who-owns-the-mill-site-in-fort-bragg) **Bainbridge Park Reopens** *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice* The park reopened after a $2M renovation, after city council declined to address [community concerns over environmentally hazardous materials and CEQA compliance](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/turf-war-in-fort-bragg-ca-residents). 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/fort-bragg-celebrates-bainbridge-park-reopening-with-food-and-fun/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💰 POINT ARENA **City Stabilizes Finances** *By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer* The city manager said the bankruptcy risk has passed, though a sewer deficit necessitated a rate increase. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## 💧 POTTER VALLEY **No Formal Offer for Potter Valley Project** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Pacific Gas and Electric Company says no formal offer has been made to take over the Potter Valley hydroelectric and water diversion project by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/22/pge-reports-receiving-no-new-proposal-to-buy-the-potter-valley-project/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Southern California District Shows Interest** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District vice president said the utility is exploring acquiring the Potter Valley Project as part of its long-term water strategy. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/elsinore-valley-water-district-and-potter-valley) **Federal Official Cites Potential Buyer of Potter Valley Project, Sparking Local Concerns** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Report of a potential buyer drew backlash from Jared Huffman and local stakeholders. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-officials-cite-potential) --- ## 🐍 REDWOOD VALLEY **Fatal Snakebite Confirmed** *By Katy St. Clair, The Mendocino Voice* A 78-year-old woman died after multiple snake bites; the death was ruled accidental. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/sheriffs-office-confirms-redwood-valley-woman-died-from-snakebite/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎨 UKIAH **City Releases New Annexation Map** *By City of Ukiah* A revised “Sapling” annexation proposal updates city boundaries; a public workshop is set for April 30. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/city-of-ukiah-releases-revised-annexation-map) **Student Art Show Explores AI** *By Laura Fogg, Ukiah Daily Journal* Ukiah students blend photography and AI in a new exhibit at Art Center Ukiah. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/25/convergence-show-blends-photography-and-ai-at-art-center-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## 🎬 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **Film Festival Breaks Records** The Mendocino Film Festival returns May 28–31 with 80 films, including a record number directed by women and multiple Sundance selections. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendofilm.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🗳️ WILLITS **Supervisor Forum Draws Crowd** *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* An estimated 160 residents attended a District 3 candidate forum. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Town Hall with Mike McGuire** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* About 170 residents gathered for a town hall with State Senator Mike McGuire, who is running to represent voters in the new congressional district created by redistricting. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALIFORNIA **Voter ID Measure Heads to Ballot** *By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters* A GOP-backed initiative requiring proof of citizenship has qualified for the November ballot. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/voter-id-initiative-qualifies/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Pension Outlook Improves** *By Adam Ashton, CalMatters* California’s pension burden shows early signs of easing after years of rising costs. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/04/calpers-chp-pensions/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Slain Covelo Woman Identified URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/slain-covelo-woman-identified/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:40.000Z The woman fatally shot on a rural Mendocino County road last weekend has been identified as Audrey Card, 38, of Covelo, and the teenage suspect in her killing was extradited from Butte County to face murder charges, authorities said Wednesday. Funeral services will be held Wednesday April 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Covelo, according to a note posted by Ann Warden, Card’s sister, on Facebook. Card was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 23000 block of Charlie Hurt Highway shortly after 6 a.m. Sunday. Despite CPR administered by sheriff’s deputies and Round Valley Tribal Police officers, she was pronounced dead at 6:55 a.m. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office identified Card after investigators located and notified her next of kin. A forensic autopsy performed Tuesday confirmed she died from multiple gunshot wounds, and her death was ruled a homicide, according to a news release from Capt. Quincy Cromer. A 16-year-old boy from Covelo was arrested Tuesday in Oroville after a brief foot chase. He was subsequently extradited to Mendocino County, where he was booked into Mendocino County Juvenile Hall. He is awaiting criminal proceedings on charges that include first-degree murder and personal use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Investigators said Card was shot while speaking by phone with a 15-year-old female relative who had just been assaulted by the suspect. Authorities allege the boy had been following and shooting at the girl’s car earlier that morning. The suspect also faces charges of stalking, criminal threats and domestic battery related to the assault on the teenage girl. Because both the suspect and the assault victim are minors, their names are not being released under California law. The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 or the anonymous tip line at 707-234-2100. Mendo Local’s previous coverage: [*Woman Gunned Down While Speaking with Terrified Female Relative, Boy Arrested* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/16-year-old-covelo-boy-arrested)(April 21, 2026) [*Woman Killed in Early Morning Shooting Near Covelo*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/woman-killed-in-early-morning-shooting) (April 20, 2026) ### City of Ukiah Releases Revised Annexation Map URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/city-of-ukiah-releases-revised-annexation-map/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:41.000Z The City of Ukiah has unveiled a revised annexation proposal—dubbed the “Sapling” footprint—reflecting updated boundaries shaped by community feedback, technical analysis, and financial planning. The new draft adjusts the original 2025 proposal, with changes intended to better align city services, infrastructure, and long-term growth goals. In the updated map, the original annexation area is shown in white, while the revised proposal appears in dark orange. City officials say the updated version incorporates stakeholder input and offers a more refined approach to future expansion. An interactive map is available to help residents determine whether specific properties fall within the proposed annexation area. The city will host a workshop on annexation on Thursday, April 30th at 5:30 p.m. at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center. ### A Close to Home Experience with the FBI URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-close-to-home-experience-with-the/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T22:50:35.000Z By Mike Geniella FBI Director Kash Patel is rekindling a dangerous and ugly history surrounding the nation’s top law enforcement agency. It is outrageous that Patel is using the agency to intimidate a reporter for *The Atlantic* magazine who reported earlier this week on his behavior on and off the job. I find it chilling to read how the FBI, under Trump, has returned to the days of agents harassing the press, infiltrating any group that questions government policies, and tracking the private lives of critics everywhere. Years ago, I had an up-close brush with that FBI mentality. In my case, I learned about a secret FBI memo that was distributed in 1990, targeting my role as a journalist. It had been circulated among top brass, including former FBI Director William Sessions. The memo was written by the FBI’s Richard Held, who oversaw its San Francisco office. The Bay Area was a hotbed of protests, activists, and political groups, and Held had people everywhere as informants. A *Washington Post* article once cited Held’s use of “dirty tricks” and spying against alleged political radicals in the 1960s and early seventies. In the memo, Held’s office wanted to know whether it should take their concerns about “Subject: Mike Geniella” to the *New York Times*, then the owner of *The Press Democrat*, or to the local publisher. Their concerns included the reporter’s alleged attempt to cast the agency in a bad light in reporting on Earth First! related prosecutions in Arizona and Montana. The FBI memo was circulated 35 days before I was accused by local PD editors of creating “the possibility of a perceived bias” after I agreed to an interview by a freelance writer who, in turn, allowed the *Anderson Valley Advertiser* to publish her article. The AVA was at the time held in contempt by the editors, who did not consider the Boonville weekly “responsible journalism.” I was removed from the timber beat at a time when logging-related issues were coming to a head. It was an action that drew immediate attention locally, and from outside news media and the *Columbia Journalism Review.* At the time, I did not know of the secret FBI memo or its role in my banishment from covering timber issues. With the help of the San Francisco Newspaper Guild, I challenged my removal. I had refused to sign a statement written by the editors that I acknowledged creating the “possibility of a perceived bias.” Three months later, after the statewide initiative Forest Forever was defeated at the polls, the editors relented, and I returned to writing about contentious logging practices on the North Coast. Four years passed before I learned of the secret FBI memo that took issue with my reporting. It was written in August 1990 and distributed to the chain in the agency’s Washington, D.C. Headquarters to Sessions. The document was uncovered during legal depositions in a civil rights violation lawsuit filed against the FBI by Earth First! Activists Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney. A federal jury on June 11, 2002, returned a verdict of $4.5 million at the end of a six-week trial in a federal court in Oakland. The jury found that six of the seven FBI and Oakland Police defendants framed the two activists. The jury declared 80 percent of the damage was for violation of their First Amendment rights to speak out and organize politically in defense of the environment. For my part, I filed repeated Freedom of Information Act requests about the memo once it was uncovered. I tracked an FBI official in Washington, D.C. who managed such matters. He declared that the memo I described did not exist. I recall scoffing and telling him that while we were talking on the telephone, I held a copy of the official memo in my hand. Editors, when confronted with that copy, contended that they were unaware of it, and that to their knowledge, no one at the *Press Democrat* or the *NYT* ever had been contacted by the FBI. A supervising editor suggested that the FBI was only looking for a ‘correction.’ I accepted the editors’ assurances despite misgivings. I had a mortgage payment to make and a family to support. My experience, however, lingers because I felt intimidation and the threat to my family’s well-being. Lellani Clark, a writer for The Bohemian, a Sonoma County publication, addressed the issue in a 2012 article. https://bohemian.com/judi-bari-the-fbi-and-the-press-democrat-reporter-mike-geniella-on-an-unsolved-case-1/ ### Looking into Hidden Agendas Behind the Proposed Plan to Save the Potter Valley Project URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/hidden-agendas-and-potter-valley/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T22:53:33.000Z MendoLocal.News is launching its first Go Fund Me for an investigative project. ## [The link to our Go Fund Me](https://www.gofundme.com/manage/the-hidden-agendas-behind-the-plan-to-save-potter-valley?ref=mendolocal.news) Who is the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and what do they want with water from Northern California — and Potter Valley specifically? Why have they suddenly expressed interest in buying the Potter Valley Project from PG&E? Are they really interested in helping out local farmers in Mendocino County? Or do they have a hidden agenda/s? Some questions worth pursuing include who is paying for EVMWD’s planned expansion? Separate from the costs of taking control of the Potter Valley Project, EVMWD is already pursuing $500 million in new projects, including an estimated $102 million treatment facility for PFAS contamination in Riverside County. Rates for their customers are being raised dramatically. How would taking over the Potter Valley Project affect existing customers in Southern California and how would the existing infrastructure projects affect the cost of water to Potter Valley farmers should the project become part of EVMWD? #### With your support, we’ll launch an investigative project to find answers. The reporting will produce a focused, multi-part series examining: - The financial structure behind EVMWD’s expansion plans - The potential impact on water rates in both Southern California and Potter Valley - Whether the Potter Valley Project proposal serves local communities—or outside interests #### We’re asking for $4,500 to begin this work. Investigative reporting takes time and experience. Our editor, Elise Cox, began working on investigative journalism projects 30 years ago for small newspapers and national publications. Before putting together the founding board of *Mendo Local Public Media* in August 2025, she did investigative reporting for organizations like [U.S. News & World Report](https://www.google.com/search?q=elise+ackerman+monica+lewinsky+the+other+tapes&rlz=1C5OZZY%5FenUS1128US1128&oq=elise+ackerman+monica+lewinsky+the+other+tapes&gs%5Flcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDcxNjlqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&ref=mendolocal.news), [Knight Ridder](https://countercurrents.org/iraq-ackerman270804.htm?ref=mendolocal.news), and the [San Jose Mercury News](https://www.eff.org/files/filenode/gusciora%5Famicus.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news). . #### *At Mendo Local Public Media* we do things differently. We try to be rigorously nonpartisan. Our local news is not for sale to anonymous donors. We pledge to disclose all grants and gifts above $5,000\. We do this so that you can hold us accountable for our coverage — or lack of coverage — of the donor and the donor’s favorite issues. #### Please consider contributing. We cannot do this investigation without your support. We are still short more than $3,000 of our goal of $10,000 for the [campaign for help with operational expenses that we launched in February.](https://mendo-local-public-media.monkeypod.io/give/support-mendo-local-public-media?ref=mendolocal.news) If you’d like to help but don’t have funds to spare, please share this campaign with others. We can also talk about creative fundraising — bake sales, dog washes, ice water challenges, and more. Local investigative reporting doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because readers decide it matters. **Links to our coverage of the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project are below.** [*Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Vice President Explains Interest in Potter Valley Project*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/elsinore-valley-water-district-and-potter-valley)[ ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/elsinore-valley-water-district-and-potter-valley)(April 23, 2026) [*Federal officials cite potential buyer for Potter Valley Project as local stakeholders raise question*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-officials-cite-potential) (April 23, 2026) [*USDA Steps Into Potter Valley Decommissioning Fight* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-steps-into-potter-valley-project)(December 22, 2025) [*USDA to PG&E: Mitigation is Required for Potter Valley Decommissioning* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-to-pge-mitigation-is-required)(December 22, 2025) **Our coverage of local water rate increases may also be relevant.** [*Water Bills Set to Climb 60% Over Five Years for Ukiah Valley Resident*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ratepayers-rue-consolidation-of-water)*s (December 22, 2025)* ### Who Owns the Mill Site in Fort Bragg? URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/who-owns-the-mill-site-in-fort-bragg/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:42.000Z *Editor’s Note: Mike Hart’s connection with the Sierra Railroad Holdings has been added. (April 24, 2026, 3:19 p.m.)* News that a private equity firm had [acquired the Sierra Railroad Company](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/private-equity-acquires-skunk-train-owner) — owner of Mendocino Railway and the Skunk Train — raised concerns in Mendocino County. Among the questions people asked: What did it mean for the ongoing controversy over Mendocino Railway’s efforts to develop the former Georgia-Pacific mill site? And what impact would the sale have on the Skunk Train, as well as the jobs — and tourists — it brings to Fort Bragg and Willits? A statement from Mendocino Railway President and CEO Robert Pinoli offered room for interpretation. “Mendocino Railway’s officers, directors, and ultimate shareholders remain the same as what they were,” Pinoli said. MendoLocal.News research into deed transfers confirmed that Mendocino Railway remains the primary owner of the mill site, which appears to have been excluded from the acquisition. According to that research, ownership of mill site parcels transferred to Sierra Northern Railroad on December 23, 2022, was transferred again to a new holding company, Sierra Railroad Holdings, LLC, on January 29, 2026\. In addition to those parcels, which total 121 acres, Sierra Railroad Holdings, LLC also reportedly owns Mendocino Railway, along with mill site acreage to which it holds direct title. According to documents filed with the Secretary of State, Sierra Railroad Holdings is controlled by Mike Hart, the long-time CEO and previous owner of the Sierra Railroad Company. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/1236244a-6c8c-4104-bde6-9f45f6173f02_1024x1536-jpeg.jpg) Mill site properties that were sold to Sierra Northern Railroad in 2022 and transferred to Sierra Railroad Holdings on January 29, 2026\. (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) However, Ridgewood Infrastructure — the private equity firm that owns Sierra Northern via the Sierra Railroad Company — retains a foothold in Fort Bragg, according to MendoLocal.News research. Three parcels totaling nearly 60 acres that were transferred to Sierra Northern in 2022 were not transferred back to Mendocino Railway. These parcels run alongside Pudding Creek. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/9469a333-c939-4d57-a686-2ad78a9a5209_1536x1024-webp.png) According to the Mendocino County Assessor’s Office, these parcels continue to be owned by Sierra Northern Railway. (MendoLocal.News CC BY 4.0) When asked specifically about these properties, Pinoli responded via email: “I think it’s sufficient to say that some of the paperwork has not found its way through the system. As I’ve indicated before, Ridgewood has nothing to do with Mendocino Railway or the property in Fort Bragg.” --- *Read our reporting on Mendocino Railway and the mill site:* [*Private Equity Acquires Skunk Train Owner, Settlement Talks Continue with Fort Bragg*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/private-equity-acquires-skunk-train-owner) [*Federal Rail Rulings Stack up in Against State Regulators in Fort Bragg Mill Site Dispute*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-rail-rulings-stack-up) [*Federal Railroad Board Blocks Great Redwood Trail Abandonment Motion*](https://www.mendolocal.news/publish/post/188672363) [*Skunk Train Chief Details Freight Operations, Federal Oversight Amid Eminent Domain Dispute*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-chief-details-freight-deliveries) [*California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-appeals-court-says-public) [*Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) [*California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) [*Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) [*Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [*Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [*U.S. Supreme Court Denies Skunk Train Appeal*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [*Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [*Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Vice President Explains Interest in Potter Valley Project URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/elsinore-valley-water-district-and-potter-valley/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:43.000Z The Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District is exploring a potential purchase of the Potter Valley Project in alignment with the district’s long-term strategy to secure water reliability, according to Darcy Burke, a district vice president and host of the *We Grow California* podcast. Burke made her remarks in an [April 23 interview](https://www.americaunwon.com/p/who-would-want-the-potter-valley?ref=mendolocal.news) with writer Keely Covello, who publishes the [*America Unwon*](https://www.americaunwon.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)[ Substack](https://www.americaunwon.com/?ref=mendolocal.news). Burke said the district’s interest is driven by an effort to identify new water sources and invest in infrastructure that could broadly benefit California. “We wanted to explore new water sources and go big and bold,” she said, referencing the district’s strategic plan. She pointed to the high cost of alternative supplies, including ocean desalination, which she said could cost about $8,300 per acre-foot to deliver to the Inland Empire. By comparison, she said the district currently pays between $1,700 and $1,800 per acre-foot for treated water from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Burke also cited the district’s history of acquiring water systems outside its service area in Southwestern Riverside County. She noted that the district holds a controlling interest in the Meeks and Daley Water Company, a groundwater system outside district boundaries, where water is managed locally and sold to nearby users, generating revenue that can help offset rates for customers. Burke suggested that acquisition could illustrate a broader strategy that could be applied to the Potter Valley Project, with water continuing to serve local users rather than being exported. She emphasized the economic pressures facing agriculture, saying high water costs can make farming unsustainable. She noted that vineyard operators in the Temecula area pay between $1,300 and $1,400 per acre-foot for water. In addition to water supply, Burke said the district is evaluating potential energy benefits, noting that water and wastewater operations are among utilities’ largest power users. Adding generation capacity could reduce costs for customers, she said. The powerhouse in Power Valley once had the capacity to generate 9.4 megawatts of electricity. It was shut down in 2021 after a transformer failed, and PG&E decided to decommission the facility. Burke rejected the idea that the district’s interest amounts to a “water grab,” describing it instead as part of a broader approach to water security. “In California, getting water supply anywhere is like a tide that lifts all boats,” she said. *Read our previous coverage:* [*Federal Officials Cite Potential Buyer for Potter Valley Project as Local Stakeholders Raise Questions*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-officials-cite-potential)(April 23, 2026) [*USDA Steps Into Potter Valley Decommissioning Fight* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-steps-into-potter-valley-project)(December 22, 2025) ### Federal officials cite potential buyer for Potter Valley Project as local stakeholders raise questions URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/federal-officials-cite-potential/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:43.000Z Federal officials say a Southern California water district has expressed interest in acquiring the Potter Valley Project, a hydroelectric and water diversion system that Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is in the process of decommissioning, according to reporting by [The Press Democrat](https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/04/22/trumps-agriculture-secretary-touts-southern-california-water-district-as-potential-buyer-for-potter-valley-project/?utm%5Femail=A4E5E4E434C9855464EF15F2E1&lctg=A4E5E4E434C9855464EF15F2E1&utm%5Fsource=listrak&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fterm=https%3a%2f%2fwww.pressdemocrat.com%2f2026%2f04%2f22%2ftrumps-agriculture-secretary-touts-southern-california-water-district-as-potential-buyer-for-potter-valley-project%2f&utm%5Fcampaign=sonoma-press%5Fdemocrat-evening-report-nl&utm%5Fcontent=curated) and the[ Times Standard.](https://www.times-standard.com/2026/04/22/huffman-federal-potter-valley-intervention-could-be-catastrophic-for-northern-california-water/?ref=mendolocal.news) [U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said on X](https://x.com/SecRollins/status/2046619629359882713?ref=mendolocal.news) that the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District has indicated it may seek to purchase the project. The district serves customers in Riverside County and relies heavily on imported water. No formal proposal has been submitted, according to PG&E. The Potter Valley Project includes Scott Dam, which forms Lake Pillsbury, and Cape Horn Dam on the Eel River. PG&E has pursued decommissioning after years of financial losses and unsuccessful efforts to transfer ownership. A plan filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) calls for removing the dams and allowing a new, locally managed water diversion system to be developed by a coalition of regional agencies and tribes. Under current regulatory conditions, the project’s hydropower license cannot be transferred. However, another entity could potentially acquire and operate portions of the infrastructure, subject to federal approval and additional permitting requirements. The announcement of a potential outside buyer prompted a range of responses from North Coast stakeholders. Jared Huffman condemned the plans and said he is seeking more information from federal agencies and the water district about the scope of any proposal. Local agencies and tribal representatives emphasized the importance of maintaining regional involvement in decisions about the project and water supply. Representatives of the Round Valley Indian Tribes and the Mendocino Inland Water and Power Commission reiterated support for the current plan to remove the dams and develop a “two-basin” solution that balances water supply needs with river restoration. Environmental groups and project partners noted that the facilities are more than a century old, face regulatory and seismic challenges, and would require significant investment to continue operating. Some also questioned the feasibility of transferring water from the project to Southern California, given existing infrastructure constraints. PG&E said it remains open to reviewing any proposals but confirmed that, to date, it has received only one formal plan—from a coalition of local and regional stakeholders working on the decommissioning and replacement strategy. Federal regulators have not received any new filings related to a potential transfer. Any changes to the current decommissioning plan would require review and approval by FERC. ### Primary Election: The Race for County Judgeship URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/primary-election-the-race-for-county/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:45.000Z MendocinoCoast.news sent the same set of written questions to both campaigns to help Mendocino County voters get to know the two candidates vying to serve as Superior Court Judge. The questionnaire focuses on judicial experience, approach to the work of the court, and the responsibilities of the bench. Judge Patrick M. Pekin returned his answers by the initial deadline. Attorney Colby J. Friend requested a short extension while on vacation and submitted his responses soon after. The outcome will shape Mendocino County court operations, access to justice, and judicial culture through 2032. Please visit [MendocinoCoast.news](https://mendocinocoast.news/in-their-own-words-two-attorneys-tell-their-stories-and-why-they-want-to-be-your-judge-in-a-rare-contested-race/?ref=mendolocal.news) to read the responses in full and view a side-by-side comparison. ## The Candidates #### Judge Patrick M. Pekin (Incumbent) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/04f99ae7-545c-4d49-b429-f60a353a496b_1440x1800-jpeg.jpg) - Background: Age 51, lives in Mendocino, elected 2020, practicing law since 2003 - Experience: Extensive criminal defense background, presided over criminal, civil, family law, Behavioral Health Court, and Adult Drug Court - Community ties: Volunteer firefighter, ocean rescue team member, Mock Trial coach, Save Our Coast Court advocate - Endorsements: Every sitting and retired Mendocino County judge from last 15 years, DA, Public Defender, 4 county supervisors, law enforcement - Campaign spending: \~$3,000 #### Attorney Colby J. Friend (Challenger) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/cfeb4762-2768-4c89-bba9-294be487d596_1274x1536-jpeg.jpg) - Background: Age 52, lives in Willits, practicing law since 2004 - Experience: Family law practice, no judicial experience, diverse work history (construction, restaurants, business owner) - Community ties: Youth sports coach, community garden founder, theater participant, radio host, pro bono work - Endorsements: Declines attorney/judge endorsements on ethical grounds; seeks community-based endorsements - Campaign spending: Under $1,000 spent, up to $10,000 anticipated ### Key Issues in the Race #### Juror Shortage Crisis > **Pekin’s** view: County holds many jury trials; need for judicial districts; low turnout reflects civic disengagement > > **Friend**’s view: Compensation is inadequate; expand juror pool; create voluntary recall list of individuals willing to serve as jurors; improve experience #### Coast Courthouse Access > **Pekin**’s position: Deep Coast ties; commuted to Ukiah for years; supports technology solutions (remote interpreters, court reporters) > > **Friend**’s position: Supports satellite courts in every district; compares county size to Jamaica/Hawaii; funding is the core issue “California Governmental Code Section 69640 permits the County of Los Angeles to create superior court districts, but does not extend that same authority to any other county. It would be helpful to have judicial districts in Mendocino County, but that is a question for the California Legislature.” — Patrick Pekin “It is reasonable and wise for a county of this scale to have multiple, accessible court locations.” — Colby J. Friend #### Public Access to Court Records > **Pekin’**s stance: Must follow California Rules of Court requiring in-person access; encourages working with court clerks > > **Friend**’s stance: Strongly supports transparency; criticizes charging for digital copies; wants user-friendly searchable portals #### Judicial Philosophy Differences **Pekin** emphasizes: - Following law and facts regardless of personal belief - Experience with difficult cases (gang homicides, prison crimes) - Patience combined with firmness - Speaking in plain language to aid understanding **Friend** emphasizes: - Court prioritizes process over truth too often - Every case deserves care and attention - Broader life experience informs empathy - Commitment to ensuring people feel heard #### Significant Contrasts **Endorsements** > **Pekin:** Embraces establishment support from entire judicial community > > **Friend:** Rejects attorney/judge endorsements as ethically problematic, questions their appropriateness **Experience** > **Pekin:** 5 years as sitting judge, extensive criminal trial experience > > **Friend:** No judicial experience, family law focus, diverse non-legal work background **Judicial Temperament** > **Pekin**: Emphasizes empathy alongside fair an equal application of the law and communicating in plain language > > **Friend:** Emphasizes empathy from varied life experiences (cancer survivor, single parent, multiple careers) **Court Culture** > **Pekin:** Works within existing system, advocates for practical solutions > > **Friend:** Challenges court dress codes as First Amendment violations, questions judicial traditions #### Systemic Issues - **Geographic challenges:** County size (larger than Delaware, similar to Jamaica) creates access problems - **Resource shortages:** Statewide lack of court reporters and certified interpreters - **Consolidation trend:** Court operations centralizing in Ukiah, reducing Coast access - **Technology gaps:** Odyssey system has problems; remote appearance pilot program expiring June 2026 - **Election timing:** June 2 election gives candidates only 4 months vs. November general election - **Transparency limits:** California keeps judicial evaluations confidential; limited public records #### Notable Details - 2016 race was razor-thin: Pekin lost to Faulder by just 154 votes (49.51% vs 50.13%) - If Friend wins: All 8 judges would live inland; no Coast-based judge - Judge salary: \~$240,000 first year - Pekin’s unique experience: Represented prisoners in Salinas Valley and Soledad State Prisons - Friend’s creative compensation: Accepted figs, fish, books, tacos, paddleboard lessons for legal work - Background checks: Friend has multiple minor traffic violations across states, he is currently a party in a family law case that is presided over by Judge FredRicco McCurry; Pekin’s records restricted ### ### Woman Gunned Down While Speaking with Terrified Female Relative, Boy Arrested URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/16-year-old-covelo-boy-arrested/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:45.000Z The sun was just rising above the hills in the northeast corner of Mendocino County when blasts of gunfire overpowered the ordinary sounds of a rural community rousing itself on a Sunday morning in spring. The noise heralded a harrowing series of events — a fifteen-year-old girl fleeing a 16-year-old boy with a weapon, an assault, and then the murder of the girl’s relative. At approximately 6:13 a.m., dispatchers at the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office received an urgent call: a woman had been shot, and a Good Samaritan was rushing her to the Covelo Volunteer Fire Department on Highway 162. When the driver arrived at the fire station, however, they could not get anyone to come to the door. Desperate for help, the driver took the wounded woman to a residence on South Airport Road. By the time sheriff’s deputies arrived, it was too late. Neighbors and bystanders were gathered around a 38-year-old woman suffering from what authorities described as “numerous suspected gunshot wounds.” She was unconscious, and her heart was faltering. Working alongside members of the Round Valley Tribal Police, deputies began administering CPR. They continued until emergency medical personnel arrived. Despite every effort, the woman could not be saved. She was pronounced dead at 6:55 a.m. **A Morning of Terror** In the hours that followed, detectives from the Sheriff’s Investigations Bureau pieced together a disturbing picture of domestic violence among juveniles who were just barely old enough to drive. The fifteen-year-old girl was on the road early, driving through Covelo, when she realized she was being followed. According to authorities, the driver of the car that was pursuing her was a 16-year-old boy. The girl and the boy had been dating. But the relationship had turned sour. It included at least one incident of domestic violence that had not been reported, authorities said. As the girl drove, the boy took out a gun and began shooting at her car. He followed her, firing, as she drove to multiple locations. Finally, she stopped. The boy forced the girl out of her car at gunpoint and assaulted her. After the attack, he let her leave. **A Phone Call and a Manhunt** The girl was on the phone, telling a female relative what had happened, when she heard the shots. Authorities believe the shooter was the 16-year-old boy. Arrest warrants were issued charging the boy with stalking, criminal threats, and domestic battery in connection with the assault on the girl. Additional charges related to the murder — including first-degree murder and personal use of a firearm during the commission of a felony — are being sought through the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office. By the time authorities had the paperwork necessary to arrest the boy, he was gone. Investigators received information he had fled Covelo and was believed to be somewhere near Oroville in Butte County, about 100 miles to the northeast. Investigators coordinated with local law enforcement there, but for two days, the boy evaded arrest. The break investigators needed came in the morning of Tuesday, April ~~August~~ 21, when Oroville police located the 16 year old at a local restaurant. When officers moved in to make the arrest, he ran, but he didn’t get far. After a brief foot pursuit, he was taken into custody. **Names Will Not Be Released** As of the writing of this article, the 16-year-old suspect is being held at a juvenile detention facility in Butte County. Authorities said they are working to extradite him to Mendocino County, where he will be booked into the Mendocino County Juvenile Hall. Because all parties directly involved in the domestic violence incident are minors, their names will not be released. Juvenile records are also protected from public disclosure under California law. The name of the 38-year-old victim is also being withheld pending the completion of a forensic autopsy and notification of her family. Captain Quincy Cromer of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information, including the victim’s identity, is expected to be released as the case progresses. ### Mendocino County Planning Commission Rejects Short-Term Rental Permit Due to Septic, Safety Concerns URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/short-term-rental-permit-rejected/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:46.000Z The Mendocino County Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to move toward denying a use permit for a short-term rental southwest of Ukiah, overriding a staff recommendation for approval after a neighbor described the property as an unlicensed “party house” operating in a high-fire-danger zone. The 4-0 vote directed county staff to draft a formal resolution for denial of Use Permit U-2025-0006, which would have allowed property owners Chaitanya Kadiyala and Ravali Devarapalli to operate a short-term rental at 2401 Boonville Road. The commission continued the item to its June 4 meeting, when it is expected to formally adopt the denial. Senior Planner Russ Ford had recommended approval of the permit with conditions, telling commissioners the project was consistent with rural residential zoning and that outstanding issues, including years of unpermitted construction, could be resolved through conditions of approval. The commission rejected that reasoning after hearing testimony from Matthew Tollini, a neighbor whose property provides the only easement access to the site. ### Neighbor Describes Issues with Noise, Sewage, and Fire Tollini told commissioners the owners had been advertising and renting the property on Airbnb since December 2024 — the month they purchased it — without ever obtaining a permit. “We lived there for 14 years,” Tollini said. “It’s been very peaceful in our neighborhood and now they’re bringing a party house right next door.” Tollini described a series of incidents he said had occurred over the preceding 16 months, including open fire pits burning during dry summer months in what state fire officials have designated a Very High Fire Hazard Area. He said guests had repeatedly trespassed on his property, driven recklessly on the shared private road and generated noise loud enough to wake his family through closed windows and doors in February. “There’s been probably half a dozen times where they’ve been keeping us up late at night,” Tollini said, adding that he had observed as many as 20 vehicles at the property at one time, suggesting gatherings of 40 to 50 people. The property’s Airbnb listing advertises accommodations for up to 20 guests at a rate of approximately $7,000 per week, he said. Tollini also raised concerns about the property’s septic system, telling commissioners that a plumbing service had been called to the site on multiple occasions because the system appeared unable to handle the volume of guests. He said the septic overflow was occurring near a creek on or adjacent to the property. He submitted a printout of the Airbnb listing as evidence. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/d9a11f0b-3301-4046-88fc-0070269291af_2040x1154-jpeg.jpg) An aerial view of 2401 Boonville Road included in the agenda packet. The original house was expanded from about 1700 square feet to near 5,000 square feet. ### Staff Had Recommended Approval With Conditions Ford’s staff report acknowledged two significant complications with the application. First, Mendocino County’s inland zoning code contains no specific use classification for short-term rentals. The county has relied since 2010 on a planning director’s interpretation that classifies short-term rentals as an accessory form of “room and board” use, a regulatory framework Ford described as an imperfect but functional permitting pathway while a formal short-term rental ordinance remains under development. Second, the 15.2-acre property has grown substantially through what Ford described as unpermitted additions and improvements made over the past 15 to 20 years. The main residence has expanded from around 1700 square feet, permitted in the 1970s, to approximately 5,000 square feet. The property now includes an attached garage, enclosed decks, a pool, pool house, outdoor kitchen, putting green, bocce court and detached shop. Ford said staff had recommended a condition requiring the owners to obtain all necessary after-the-fact building permits before a business license could be issued to operate the rental. The owners, appearing via Zoom from their San Jose home, told commissioners they had purchased the property in December 2024 and planned to use it as both a personal vacation home and a short-term rental. They said they intended to hire a property manager located within a 10-minute drive of the property and planned to install exterior surveillance cameras to monitor noise and occupancy. “We’ll make sure that all of the rules that a typical short-term rental will enforce — like no parties, no excess noise — are clearly laid out,” one of the owners said. ### Commissioners Cite Bad Faith, Unresolved Concerns The owners’ assurances did not satisfy the commission. Commissioner Diane Wiedemann, who represents the district where the property is located, moved immediately after public comment to deny the permit, characterizing the applicants as bad-faith actors for renting their property as an Airbnb before acquiring a permit. Tollini said the owners began renting the property almost immediately after they purchased it. “I feel like I would be negligent as a planning commissioner to put this back and say maybe we could write better ordinances,” Wiedemann said. “We have too many red flags here.” Commissioner Michelle Johnson, who seconded the motion, said the required findings for approval could not be made given the record before the commission. “I don’t believe that the findings can be made,” Johnson said. “Without additional information, I believe that we can’t demonstrate that this won’t constitute a nuisance or be detrimental to the public health, safety, or general welfare.” Commissioner Richards noted that the owners had been given an opportunity during the hearing to rebut Tollini’s specific allegations and had not done so. “We had very credible evidence of already existing nuisances,” Richards said. “The owner was given an opportunity to respond and rebut, and there was nothing.” Deputy County Counsel Matthew Thomas Kiedrowsk**i** advised commissioners that drafting a legally defensible denial resolution on the fly carried risks and recommended allowing staff time to prepare a thorough written document. Chair Clifford Paulin agreed, saying a more carefully drafted denial would better withstand a potential appeal to the Board of Supervisors. The commission ultimately amended the motion to continue the item to June 4 with explicit direction to staff to prepare a resolution for denial, incorporating concerns about septic capacity, fire safety, and the documented nuisance complaints into the findings. ### Permitting History Adds Complexity An additional complication involves the property’s building permit history. Commissioners raised questions about whether some of the structure’s construction was completed under a “Class K” designation, a county permit category intended for owner-built rural dwellings. Under that classification, a property typically cannot be rented for at least one year following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Planning and Building Services Director Julia Krog confirmed that Class K permits carry owner-occupancy restrictions but said the specifics of how those restrictions would apply to the current structure — given the extent of unpermitted additions — would need to be resolved by the building division. Ford said no currently valid permit covers the structure as it exists today. Kudrowski noted that even if the commission were to approve the use permit, the owners could face a lengthy and potentially expensive process to bring the structure into full compliance before any business license could be issued. Caltrans separately flagged that no encroachment permit exists on record for the driveway connection to State Route 253 and requested that the owners obtain an after-the-fact permit. The June 4 hearing will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 501 Low Gap Road in Ukiah. The public may also attend virtually via Zoom. ### Ukiah Gas Station Robbed Sunday Afternoon URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-gas-station-robbed-sunday-afternoon/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:46.000Z A Ukiah man allegedly threatened to shoot a gas station employee during a Sunday afternoon incident on Lovers Lane, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the suspect entered the Chevron Gas Station around 1:30 p.m. on April 19 and became involved in a verbal altercation with a store employee. During the confrontation, the man allegedly made threats to shoot the employee while keeping his hand near his waist, implying he may have been armed. The employee, a 37-year-old Ukiah resident, told deputies he feared for his safety as the suspect took merchandise from the store. Based on those circumstances, investigators determined the theft was carried out through threats and intimidation. After reviewing surveillance footage, deputies identified the suspect as Joseph Mendoza, 37, of Ukiah. Officials said Mendoza was on active probation at the time of the incident. Deputies initially searched for Mendoza at his residence in the 1600 block of Lovers Lane but did not locate him. When they returned later that afternoon, around 4:40 p.m., they detained him without incident. According to the sheriff’s office, Mendoza made statements that corroborated the employee’s account. Deputies also recovered many of the stolen items after Mendoza consented to a search of his residence. Mendoza was arrested on suspicion of robbery, second-degree burglary, and violating probation. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held on $100,000 bail. ### Covelo Man Awaiting Trial Arrested on Robbery and Burglary Charges URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/covelo-man-awaiting-trial-arrested/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:47.000Z A 28-year-old man from Covelo was arrested Friday following an early morning incident initially reported as a possible kidnapping, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched around 2:43 a.m. on April 17 to a residence in the 76000 block of Henderson Lane after a caller reported that a woman had been forcibly taken from the home. When deputies arrived, they determined the reporting party had not personally witnessed the incidence. As the investigation continued, deputies contacted a 27-year-old Covelo man who was identified as the victim of an assault. According to authorities, the victim reported that Raymond Bowes entered his residence, physically assaulted him, and stole personal property. A 21-year-old woman who had been inside the home left the residence with Bowes. Deputies observed that the male victim had injuries consistent with an assault and located evidence at the scene supporting his account. Further investigation led deputies to locate the woman later that day at a residence on Biggar Lane. She told authorities the initial kidnapping report was inaccurate and said she had not been injured. Bowes was also located at the residence. According to the sheriff’s office, he gave a statement that conflicted with witness accounts and evidence collected during the investigation. Deputies also noted that Bowes had injuries consistent with being the primary aggressor in a physical altercation. Raymond Bowes has multiple charges pending, including one felony charge for driving the wrong way on a highway while evading a peace officer on June 24, 2025, resisting or obstructing an officer on November 9, 2025, and resisting or deterring an officer on February 22, 2026\. A trial on these charges is scheduled for June 8, 2026. Based on the findings, deputies arrested Bowes on suspicion of robbery, burglary, and committing a felony while released on bail in an unrelated case. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held on $125,000 bail. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 or submit an anonymous tip to 707-234-2100. ### Woman Killed in Early Morning Shooting Near Covelo URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/woman-killed-in-early-morning-shooting/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:47.000Z A 38-year-old woman from Covelo was killed Sunday morning after being shot on a remote dirt road, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said the incident was reported around 6:13 a.m. on April 19, when dispatchers received word that a gunshot victim was en route to the Covelo Volunteer Fire Department along Highway 162\. The shooting reportedly occurred on a dirt road near Charlie Hurt Highway. According to the sheriff’s office, the driver of the vehicle was unable to locate emergency personnel at the fire station and instead transported the woman to a nearby residence on South Airport Road in an effort to get help. When deputies arrived at that location, they found multiple individuals attempting to assist the victim, who was unconscious and suffering from what authorities described as numerous suspected gunshot wounds. Deputies, along with officers from the Round Valley Tribal Police, began CPR and called for medical assistance. Emergency responders continued life-saving efforts after arriving on scene, but the woman was pronounced dead at approximately 6:55 a.m. Sheriff’s officials said a homicide investigation was immediately launched, with detectives from the agency’s investigations bureau taking over the case. Authorities have conducted multiple interviews and served search warrants as part of the ongoing investigation. No additional information has been released, and officials said details are being withheld to preserve the integrity of the case. ### The Mendo Local Weekly News Report Will Resume April 25, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-will-resume/ Last updated: 2026-04-19T05:01:17.000Z _No content available._ ### Mendo Local Candidates Forum: Board of Supervisors District Five URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/candidates-forum-district-five/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T23:06:10.000Z Three candidates vying to represent District 5 on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors — Kevin Evans, Ted Williams, and Todd Lyly — participated in an election forum Monday, April 6, sponsored by Mendo Local Public Media and the Independent Coast Observer. The candidates addressed issues ranging from economic development and how to generate more and better-paying jobs to housing, public safety, and equitable uses of taxpayer funds. --- ### INTRODUCTIONS The forum opened with each candidate giving a brief statement about their background and their motivation for running for office. Each candidate was given two minutes for introductions and two minutes to answer each question that followed. **Kevin Evans** Kevin Evans said he is running out of concern for the county’s financial future following a recent state audit, emphasizing the need for better tracking of revenue sources to ensure sustainable funding for essential services like housing, roads, and public safety. **Ted Williams** Incumbent Ted Williams highlighted his experience and institutional knowledge, arguing that effective leadership requires understanding the limits of the Board of Supervisors’ authority and building relationships across independently elected departments to achieve progress. **Todd Lyly** Todd Lyly emphasized his lifelong local roots and business experience, saying he entered the race in response to community frustration with high permitting costs, slow processes, and concerns about water and development policies driving residents and businesses out of the county. --- ### QUESTION ONE **What specific actions would you, as the District 5 supervisor, take to bring more jobs to the district, and which sectors would you prioritize?** **Kevin Evans** Kevin Evans said he would prioritize sectors like agriculture, tourism, and healthcare while advocating for reduced permit fees and a streamlined process for workforce housing. **Todd Lyly** Todd Lyly called for the revitalization of traditional industries, such as timber harvesting and manufacturing, to create a stable tax base for the county. **Ted Williams** Ted Williams emphasized the opportunity created by the General Plan update to create conditions where people are willing to invest, hire, and build. He spoke about aligning zoning, reducing uncertainty, and allowing the public to shape growth in order to preserve the character of the coast. He said one practical step forward would be to allow licensed professionals to self-certify certain permits like other counties do. --- ### QUESTION TWO **What’s your thinking on balancing the development of more affordable housing for locals versus preserving a robust visitor housing supply?** **Ted Williams** Ted Williams argued that the visitor economy and affordable housing must be viewed together as balanced needs and suggested that investing in infrastructure like water and sewer systems is the best way to lower development costs. **Kevin Evans** Kevin Evans supported existing short-term rentals but expressed concern about an influx of outside investors. He warned that existing short-term rental operations could become oversaturated while the cost of affordable housing increases, and he noted the impact on emergency and healthcare facilities. He proposed a formula to prioritize long-term workforce housing development. **Todd Lyly** Todd Lyly contended that a stable base of year-round jobs is the most important factor, as tourism alone cannot sustain the services the county requires. --- ### QUESTION THREE **What is your position on low-impact camping and short-term rentals?** **Todd Lyly** Todd Lyly declined to take a specific position on these ordinances, stating that he had not yet had the opportunity to research their actual impact on the local economy. **Ted Williams** Ted Williams supported a regulated, legally defensible approach that protects neighborhoods while recognizing that tax revenue from these activities currently funds volunteer fire districts. He noted the difference between local residents renting part of their home for extra income and large-scale commercial operators. **Kevin Evans** Kevin Evans said he supported the rights of property owners to develop their properties as they see fit. At the same time, he said he opposed uses that negatively affect the quality of life for neighborhood residents or place an undue burden on emergency services or county staff responsible for enforcement. --- ### QUESTION FOUR **A lot of attention is paid to the Potter Valley dam decommissioning, but District 5 has its own challenges with water. Should the county pay more attention to water scarcity in District 5, and if so, what would you suggest as solutions?** **Todd Lyly** Todd Lyly suggested that the county explore the use of desalination plants and increased storage capacity to meet future water needs. **Kevin Evans** Kevin Evans noted that District 5 is facing significant water issues along both its coast and inland areas, primarily due to drought and resource management challenges. He recommended that the county act as a “pipeline” for state and federal funding to assist independent local water districts with infrastructure projects. **Ted Williams** Ted Williams said District 5 water needs deserve more attention given limited storage, aging systems, and seasonal variability. He added that the most effective solutions will require local leadership. He noted there has been discussion about countywide taxes to support needs related to the Potter Valley Project but said it would not be appropriate for coastal communities to subsidize commercial agricultural water use elsewhere when they have their own unmet needs. --- ### QUESTION FIVE **Healthcare policy is determined primarily by the California Legislature and the federal government and often doesn’t reflect the needs of rural counties. What can the Board of Supervisors do, if anything, to change that?** **Kevin Evans** Kevin Evans advocated for the county to fund its share of social programs like SNAP and IHSS while acting as a local advocate within the framework of state and federal regulations. **Ted Williams** Ted Williams noted that the county can improve care by ensuring county policies do not make it more difficult to deliver services and by coordinating with providers to avoid duplicating services. He also said health care access follows economic stability, so improving local health care means strengthening the local economy. **Todd Lyly** Todd Lyly argued that building a stronger local tax base is the best way for the county to address healthcare needs. --- ### QUESTION SIX **Mendocino County spends a disproportionate amount of resources on public safety, addressing activity that tends to be concentrated in discrete areas geographically remote from District 5\. Is there a way to reallocate resources so that District 5’s property taxes are spent proportionately on the district’s actual needs?** **Ted Williams** Ted Williams contended that public safety resources must be allocated based on countywide need. He noted that even if resources were distributed disproportionately, other supervisors would be unlikely to support reducing funding in their own districts. **Todd Lyly** Todd Lyly reiterated the need for a strong economy and the importance of helping the hamlet of Potter Valley (District 1) address the consequences of the Potter Valley Project decommissioning. **Kevin Evans** Kevin Evans argued that District 5 disproportionately funds the county through taxes and called for a more proportional distribution of funds, specifically mentioning the need to support rural fire districts. --- ### CLOSING STATEMENTS **Todd Lyly** Todd Lyly called for a collaborative approach in which the unique benefits and resources of each district are developed to support the county as a whole, specifically highlighting tourism, water, and timber harvesting. **Ted Williams** Ted Williams said there are easy answers that sound good, but governing requires understanding constraints, building consensus, and delivering results. He advocated for surfacing the truth, even when it is unsettling. **Kevin Evans** Kevin Evans highlighted his 30 years of municipal government experience and pledged to bring transparency and professional management to the supervisor’s office. ### Frustrations Over Trash Pickup, Parking Enforcement Come to a Head in Fort Bragg URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/frustrations-over-trash-pickup-parking/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:47.000Z The Fort Bragg Police arrested a local personality and business owner on Sunday after he dumped a load of debris on the steps of City Hall and nailed a board across the entrance. According to a press release, Nicolas Kerttula, 27, was arrested on a felony charge of vandalism in excess of $400. In an interview, Commander Jonathan McLaughlin said the public’s delayed response in reporting the incident may have contributed to the higher charge, which was based solely on the cost of cleanup and repair. According to an eyewitness, the vandalism was viewed as a performance piece by passersby and patrons of Tall Guy, the popular brewery located across from City Hall on Franklin Street. To the entertainment of local and visiting beer drinkers, Kerttula, who operates the Treasure Room consignment store on Franklin Street, returned to the scene repeatedly to add more trash to a growing debris pile. The “performance” reached its climax when Kerttula nailed a board across the entrance to the building. In an interview with [MendocinoCoast.News](https://mendocinocoast.news/man-who-dumped-trash-at-fort-bragg-city-hall-says-absurdity-is-the-best-art-medium-of-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news), Kerttula is quoted as saying that he didn’t deny what he’d done. According to MendocinoCoast.News, Kerttula said: “When I was taking the trash down to City Hall, I cut myself on something and the blood ran onto my hands. When the police came, I said, ‘Look — I meant for you to catch me red-handed.’” When asked about his motivation, Kerttula reportedly told MendocinoCoast.News that he has repeatedly complained about broken glass and garbage being left to sit and felt those concerns went unanswered. In an interview with Mendo Local, McLaughlin said Kerttula did not turn himself in and did not voluntarily admit to the crime when an officer approached him in an alley behind the store. McLaughlin said the public is not obligated to report the crime, but doing so in this case could have allowed police to de-escalate the situation before it rose to the level of a misdemeanor or a felony. He said police do not typically arrest a person for littering. Particularly when an incident may involve a mental health crisis, McLaughlin said, “it’s always better to call early.” The goal of a 911 call would be to give a professionally trained responder the opportunity to de-escalate before a person causes harm to themselves or others. Joe Wagner, a local business owner and volunteer at KNYO, the beloved community radio station on Franklin Street, said Kerttula, who is known as Phoenix, is well liked by the business community. Wagner said he hopes the court shows leniency and understanding. “If his store closes, it will be just another empty storefront on Franklin Street,” Wagner pointed out. Without condoning the vandalism, Wagner acknowledged that there are multiple reasons why a business owner may feel frustrated with the City of Fort Bragg. Indeed, at Monday’s council meeting, a resident and a councilmember both expressed frustration with the city’s unwillingness to enforce parking laws that would allow a licensed food truck owner to operate out of their permitted spot. The Community Development Commission will hold a special meeting addressing the food truck issue tonight at Town Hall at 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Lindy Peters noted that the food truck operator has gone through the required process to obtain a parking spot “and now they’re unable to use it.” Peters accused the city of “selective enforcement” and said the city has the tools to ensure the operator can access their spot. “And my understanding is there’s language within that general law that basically we’re under that would provide us the opportunity to do something about this, even though we don’t have, right now, parking enforcement going around marking tires.” ### Staffing Shortages Deepen in Mendocino County as Mandated Activities Hold Steady URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-staffing-shortages-deepen/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:48.000Z Not quite a year has passed since Mendocino County offered employees $25,000 to voluntarily resign in order to help close a budget gap. Since then, employees have continued to depart. The result is a staffing crisis, SEIU 1021 Chapter President A’Kesh Eidi told the Board of Supervisors last week. Since the start of 2025, 185 union-represented employees have left, with 103 departing for personal reasons and 62 citing work or operational decisions. The net loss of personnel translates to a deficit of 4,966 work hours every week across county operations since 2023, Eidi said. “Numbers themselves don’t reference anything; they need context,” Eidi said during public comment. And he noted that despite the staff reduction, there has been a “zero percent decrease” in the workload constituents expect the county to handle. Eidi’s remarks came as contract negotiations continue between the county and the union. The current three-year contract expires at the end of June. Union representatives and employees attribute the loss of staff to an “affordability crisis” and wages that have failed to keep pace with inflation. Patrick Hickey, an SEIU representative, argued that even after recent negotiations, county workers remain three years behind current market rates. Nathan Maxman, an employee in the Assessor’s Office, warned that the county is losing specialized talent to neighboring jurisdictions like Sonoma, Solano, and Marin. The impact of the vacancies is being felt across nearly every department: - **Health Services:** The department has reduced its staff by 54 positions over the last two fiscal years due to streamlining, leading to significant “staff overload and staff burnout,” according to Health Services Director Dr. Jenine Miller. Last week, Miller asked for permission to hire 18 staffers, bringing the total number of Health Services employees to 158\. Without these hires, Miller warned, the county could face “fines, fees, and sanctions” from the state. - **Public Defender:** The office remains understaffed by five attorneys; even as it prepared to welcome one new hire, it lost two more experienced lawyers. - **Sheriff’s Office:** Captain Jason Caudillo reported that the office is “a good eight weeks behind” in filling critical roles, including a corrections sergeant and a fiscal manager. - **Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector:** The office recently lost an assistant treasurer-tax collector with 24 years of experience to a more “attractive” employment offer from the Superior Court and is also losing another staffer to a promotion. - **Planning and Building:** Director Julia Krog noted the department is “really thin” at its front counters, causing direct “service impacts” to the public. Beyond the loss of labor, Dr. Miller warned that vacancies can represent “revenue left on the table” because Health Services relies heavily on state and federal grants and Medi-Cal dollars. The Board of Supervisors has attempted to address the issue through a strategic hiring process, requiring departments to prove their budgets can sustain new hires. However, the reality of uncollected taxes and a stagnant revenue stream continues to loom over recruitment efforts. The Board of Supervisors approved all requests for new hires made in March and April. Supervisor Ted Williams said he would support the hires but added that he “had the sense we may be following in the footsteps of Willits. We have to have a serious talk about living within our means.” Williams remark was met with silence from the other supervisors. His comments echoed those made by a union representative to the board in March. Patrick Hickey urged the board to “clearly spell out what the county can afford to do and what it can’t” and to be clear about “what activities and services will be eliminated or put on hold.” So far, that guidance has not been forthcoming. ### Fort Bragg City Council Expresses Support and Skepticism About State Forest Modernization Bill URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-city-council-and-ab-2494/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:48.000Z *Clarification: We’ve added a paragraph detailing the work Tess Albin-Smith did for CAL FIRE, and we’ve included the fact that supporters of AB 2494 made up the majority of public comment. (April 15, 2026, 9:13 a.m.)* The Fort Bragg City Council narrowly rejected a proposal Monday night to formally support Assembly Bill 2494, a measure designed to modernize management practices within the state’s demonstration forest system. In a 3–2 vote, the council declined to send a letter of support to the legislature for the bill, which has sparked intense local debate over the future of the 49,000-acre Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Councilmembers Tess Albin-Smith, Scott Hockett, and Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan voted against the motion, while Mayor Jason Godeke and Councilmember Lindy Peters were in favor. ### The Case for Modernization Councilmember Lindy Peters, who brought the item forward at the request of supporters of the bill, argued that the legislation is necessary to shift the forest’s focus toward what he called the “three Rs”: restoration, research, and recreation. Peters emphasized that the current management framework was established decades ago and fails to address modern challenges such as carbon sequestration and the inclusion of Native American tribes, who were historically left out of forest planning. “Let’s bring us into the modern age of managing and sustaining our forests,” Peters said, noting the bill would prioritize ecological health over maximum timber yield. ### The Case Against NIMBYism Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith led the opposition, characterizing the bill as “naive, ill-conceived, redundant, \[and\] damaging.” Contrasting her position on the bill with what she described as her history of staunch support for environmental issues, Albin-Smith argued that the bill’s primary objectives—including tribal co-management and increased environmental sensitivity—are already being addressed in the recently revised Jackson Demonstration State Forest Management Plan. Albin-Smith, who once worked for CAL FIRE, noted that timber is a renewable resource that, when used for construction, is more environmentally friendly than other building materials. She also pointed out that wood continues to sequester carbon when used in construction, and she criticized people who advocate for the use of wood but oppose timber harvesting in California’s 14 demonstration state forests. Albin-Smith provided details about her role at CAL FIRE in her comments. She highlighted that she was the first person hired for the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP), which was funded by timber sale revenues from Jackson State Forest. “We restored something like tens of thousands of uh, land in forest, reforesting, putting fish habitat in, fixing roads so that they weren't damaging fish habitat, doing fire uh mitigation um with private small private land owners.” “This is a case, in my opinion, of ‘not in my backyard,’” Albin-Smith said. “I want wood. I want to build a house, but I don’t want those trees to come from my backyard.” She expressed concern that the bill could lead to a loss of timber tax revenue for the county and feared that, if the state determines the forest is no longer intended for timber production, it might eventually be sold. “Don’t mess with a good thing,” she warned. ### A Moving Target A significant point of contention during public comment was the fact that the bill is undergoing constant revision. Opponents, such as resident Jenny Shattuck, pointed out that the bill has been heavily redlined and is no longer what many supporters believe it to be. “Why would you support something that you don’t know what you’re supporting yet?” Shattuck asked, suggesting the council wait until the final language is settled. Shattuck also noted that consultation with local interests is not required by the bill. “Does this mean we are going to lose the Jackson Demonstration State Forest Advisory Group?” she asked, referring to a 13-member citizens advisory body that currently works directly with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on forest management policy and implementation. The current version of the bill states that state policy will seek integration of local Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge in forest management but does not recognize any other sources of local input. ### Economic and Safety Concerns The council heard from several residents who feared the bill would devastate multigenerational logging families. Opponents argued that the timber industry remains a “backbone” of the community and that current management has successfully prevented catastrophic wildfires for decades through byproduct fire reduction. Conversely, supporters of the bill who made up the majority of people providing public comment, cited an alliance with the Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council, and argued that a “restorative economy” would create more jobs in forestry and tourism while protecting the oldest standing redwoods. ### Response from Sacramento Assemblymember Chris Rogers, the bill’s sponsor, joined the meeting via Zoom to address the council. He clarified that AB 2494 does not ban timber harvesting but instead creates a “new lens” through which to view forest management. Rogers noted that the state has not updated its forest management laws in 50 years and argued that the bill is a necessary response to community concerns and the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors’ request for updated legislative platforms. He also said the bill opens up opportunities for additional funding for restorative work. Despite Rogers’ plea and the support of Mayor Godeke, the majority of the council remained unconvinced that a formal city endorsement was appropriate at this time. --- *Read our coverage of AB 2494:* [*A Different Kind of Harvest: Can California’s Forests Grow Jobs Too?*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-different-kind-of-harvest-in-jackson) *(March 24, 2026)* ### Man Found Dead at Base of Cliff in Fort Bragg URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/man-found-dead-at-base-of-cliff-in/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:49.000Z . According to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 8:30 a.m. on April 11, 2026, following reports of a body near the 31000 block of Bay View Avenue. With assistance from the Fort Bragg Fire Department, responders recovered the remains of an adult male from rocks near the waterline, approximately 70 feet below a steep cliff along the Pacific Ocean. Officials said the man sustained injuries consistent with a significant fall. Investigators have not identified any suspicious circumstances, and criminal activity is not suspected at this stage. The man’s vehicle was located near the cliff and has been secured as part of the coroner’s investigation. The decedent has been identified as a 37-year-old man from Yukon, Oklahoma though his name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause and manner of death. The case remains under active investigation. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — April 11, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-april-11-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:50.000Z ## 🥕 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Mendo Food Network Launches Search for New Executive Director** *By Mendo Food Network* The Mendo Food Network has launched a search for a new executive director to lead efforts to expand equitable access to healthy food across the county. Officials say they are seeking a strategic, mission-driven leader to build on existing partnerships and guide the organization’s next phase of growth. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/mendo-food-networks-amanda-friscia-steps-down-as-executive-director/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino County Voter Rolls Show Shift Toward Conservative Parties** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* An analysis of voter registration data shows a shift in Mendocino County’s political landscape between 2020 and 2024\. Republican registration rose 12% to 12,561 voters, while Democratic registration declined 4% to 25,338\. The American Independent Party saw a 36% increase, contributing to an overall 4% shift toward more conservative affiliations. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/voter-rolls-show-shifting-party-affiliation) **Mendocino County Advances Plans for Eastern Ukiah Evacuation Route** *By Mendocino County Fire Safe Council* Plans are moving forward for a new evacuation route serving more than 300 homes in eastern Ukiah, including Deerwood Estates, El Dorado Estates, Vichy Springs, and Guidiville Rancheria. Officials recently presented initial concepts for the proposed 4.5-mile route. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.firesafemendocino.org/the-latest/planning-for-evacuation-route-in-eastern-ukiah-begins?ref=mendolocal.news) **MendoParks Awarded $30,000 Grant for Beach and Trail Accessibility Equipment** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* MendoParks received funding to purchase accessibility equipment, including motorized track systems and portable access mats, to help people with mobility challenges safely reach beaches and trails. *(subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/09/mendoparks-awarded-funds-for-accessibility-equipment/?ref=mendolocal.news) **AIM 500 Miles Spirit Runners Head to Jackson Forest Sunday** *Mendo Voice Staff, The Mendocino Voice* The public is invited to join the AIM 500 Mile Spirit Runners on April 12 at Camp One in Jackson Demonstration State Forest. The annual event supports tribal efforts to protect the forest’s ecosystem. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/aim-500-miles-spirit-runners-head-for-jackson-sunday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🍇 ANDERSON VALLEY **Concerns Raised Over Understanding of Fairgrounds Board** *The Anderson Valley Advertiser* CSD board members expressed concern that the Fairgrounds Board may lack complete information regarding a proposed water project, particularly costs and infrastructure responsibilities. A revised letter will be sent encouraging more collaborative decision-making. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📡 ELK **Fiber Optic Cable Installation Proceeds on Philo Greenwood Road** *By Susan Wolbarst, The Independent Coast Observer* Work tied to the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative has reached Philo Greenwood Road. The project will proceed in two phases: design and installation. *(subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ⚠️ FORT BRAGG **Body Found at Todd Point** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* A man’s body was discovered April 11 at Todd Point by a tourist and his son who were fishing nearby. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/man-dies-when-vehicle-goes-off-end-of-road-on-todd-point-bayview-drive-in-fort-bragg/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Two Arrested in Fort Bragg Motel Drug, Weapons Bust** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* Two men were arrested after a probation check at a Fort Bragg motel uncovered a loaded firearm, suspected narcotics, and evidence of drug sales. A third individual was released without charges. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) **Private Equity Firm Acquires Sierra Railroad Company, Owner of Mendocino Railway** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A New York-based infrastructure investment firm has acquired the Sierra Railroad Company, owner of the Skunk Train. The deal brings new leadership and converts the company to a Delaware corporation. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/private-equity-acquires-skunk-train-owner) **Coast Guard Cutter Alder Completes Buoy Maintenance in Noyo Harbor** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* The Coast Guard Cutter Alder completed maintenance on navigation buoys in Noyo Harbor, helping ensure maritime safety by marking hazardous underwater areas. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/hurrrrah-coast-guard-crew-gives-cheer-after-success-with-noyo-harbor-buoy-fix-check-out-our-video-coast-guard-pay-in-peril-from-dhs-shutdown/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 📄 MANCHESTER **Irish Beach Improvement Club Responds to Coastal Commission Violations** *By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer* The club outlined a plan toward compliance that includes public beach access and a consolidated coastal development permit, which could retroactively address violations. *(subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Man Arrested After Alleged Window-Smashing Spree** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 34-year-old man from Point Arena was arrested April 2 after deputies responded to reports of vehicle windows being smashed with a metal pipe on Rancheria Road. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) --- ## 🗑️ UKIAH **Ukiah Man Arrested After Failing to Clear Illegal Encampment** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 33-year-old man was arrested after failing to remove an illegal encampment and accumulated trash despite repeated warnings. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) **Ukiah Man Arrested for Violating Gang-Related Parole Restrictions** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly violating parole conditions prohibiting gang affiliation during a compliance search tied to an assault investigation. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) **Ukiah Man Arrested After Failing to Clear Illegal Encampment** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 33-year-old man was arrested after failing to remove an illegal encampment and accumulated trash despite repeated warnings. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) **⚖️ LaFever Arraigned on Misdemeanor Charge** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Journalist and high school teacher Matthew LaFever was arraigned April 9 on a misdemeanor charge involving alleged inappropriate communications with a minor. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/lafever-arraigned-on-misdemeanor) **🏗️ Supervisors Form Committee to Shape Downtown Ukiah’s Future** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* County supervisors created an ad hoc committee to explore redevelopment opportunities tied to a new courthouse, including possible relocation of county departments. *(subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/09/changes-to-downtown-ukiah-create-opportunities-for-county-supes-argue/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌄 WILLITS **District Three Supervisor Candidate Sued for Sexual Harassment, Retaliation** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Candidate Russell Green is facing a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and whistleblower violations tied to his cannabis business. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/district-three-candidate-sued-sexual-harassment) **Flock Together Festival Returns to Ridgewood Ranch** *Mendo Voice Staff, The Mendocino Voice* The annual festival celebrating sheep, farming, and rural life returns April 25 to Ridgewood Ranch. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/ridgewood-ranch-celebrates-sheep-and-agrarian-culture-at-willits-flock-together-festival/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Seasonal Firefighters Return to Mendocino** *CAL FIRE, Willits Weekly* CAL FIRE marked the start of peak fire preparedness season with the return of 176 seasonal workers. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1861900571191074) --- ## ✈️ CALMATTERS **California’s Green Jet Fuel Plan Could Drain Road Repair Funds** *By Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters* Economists warn a proposal to fund sustainable aviation fuel could divert road repair money and raise gas prices while offering limited climate benefits. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/04/newsom-aviation-fuel-credit-refinery/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Salmon Fishing Set to Reopen After Three-Year Closure** *By Rachel Becker, CalMatters* Commercial salmon fishing may resume this spring with strict limits, though long-term threats to fish populations remain. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/04/california-salmon-season-reopen-closure/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Trump’s Endorsement Disrupts California GOP Convention Strategy** *By Nadia Lathan and Maya C. Miller, CalMatters* Donald Trump’s endorsement in the governor’s race has complicated Republican Party strategy amid concerns about his popularity with California voters. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/california-republican-convention-setup/?ref=mendolocal.news) *Correction: The subheading to this article and the photo caption originally referred to Todd Point as Todd’s Point. In addition, we have corrected a headline to reflect the fact that a Point Arena man was arrested for a crime in Manchester. The headline originally referred to the perpetrator as “Manchester Man.” We regret the errors.* ### LaFever Arraigned on Misdemeanor Charge URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/lafever-arraigned-on-misdemeanor/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:50.000Z Journalist and high school teacher Matthew LaFever was arraigned Thursday, April 9, on a misdemeanor charge of allegedly annoying or molesting a minor. LaFever, 37, of Hopland, is accused of engaging in inappropriate communications with a 17-year-old, including allegedly soliciting images from the teen and sending photos of himself, according to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office. The charge stems from a 2025 investigation that led to his arrest in November of that year. The arraignment took place in Mendocino County Superior Court, where LaFever was formally advised of the charge. The proceeding lasted just a few minutes. LaFever’s next hearing is scheduled for April 27. --- *Corrections and clarifications:* *Typo fixed in headline: LaFever Arraigned on Misdemeanor Charge (April 13, 2026, 11:43 a.m.)* --- *Read Mendo Local’s previous coverage:* [An Inaccessible Docket in Case Involving Journalist is Made Public After Editor Files a Motion to Intervene](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/an-inaccessible-docket-matthew-lafever) (Feb. 11, 2026) [Search Warrants, Shield Laws, and a Working Journalist](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrants-shield-laws-and-a) (Feb. 11, 2026) [Judge Exonerates Bond for Ukiah Journalist, But Documents Remain Sealed](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/judge-exonerates-bond-for-ukiah-journalist) (January 5, 2026) [Ukiah Journalist Arrest Highlights Tensions Between Criminal Investigations and Press Protections](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/court-appoints-special-master) (January 3, 2025) [LaFever Invokes Shield Law](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/lafever-invokes-shield-law) (January 2, 2025) [Ukiah Journalism Student Accuses Teacher of Sending Inappropriate Snapchat Messages](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrant-released-in-minor-molestation-case) (November 14, 2025) [Ukiah High School Teacher and Journalist in the Midst of Police Misconduct Investigation in Fort Bragg is Arrested on Charges of Annoying a Minor](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-high-school-teacher-and-journalist) (November 3, 2025) ### Let's Celebrate Local News Day Together URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/llocal-news-day-april-9-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:50.000Z You’ve heard the stories — local news is collapsing. Newsrooms are shrinking and shutting down. Reporters are being laid off. That’s real. But something else is happening too. Local news isn’t disappearing — it’s changing. In some cases, when older systems fall away, it creates space for something more responsive, more transparent, and closer to the people it serves. > Today is Local News Day. We’re not asking you for money. We’re asking you to pay attention. That’s part of what’s happening here in Mendocino County. The cost of publishing news has dropped. It’s now possible to run a small newsroom on a few thousand dollars a year, if you’re willing to do the work (and forego a paycheck for a period of time). MendoLocal.News grew out of that reality. We started doing this because there were things we needed to know — about local government, about decisions being made — and no clear way to find out. So we started reporting because we had the skills and professional experience — and because we are deeply invested in this community. That’s still the job: gather information, verify it, and share it so people can make better decisions about their own lives. We do that online, and we do it in person — at farmers’ markets, in line at the store, at community events. People stop us, tell us things, challenge us, correct us. That back-and-forth is part of the reporting. > Today is Local News Day. We’re not asking you for money. We’re asking you to pay attention. If you want to understand what we do and how we are different look at the work. [Yesterday’s story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/private-equity-acquires-skunk-train-owner) on the private equity firm acquiring the Sierra Railroad Company didn’t come out of nowhere. It came from months of asking questions and connecting dots. We link that history in the story so you can see it for yourself. Same with election coverage. We recorded and posted the [District Three Board of Supervisors forum](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/candidates-forum-district-three). We’re continuing to follow those races, and we’re getting the District Five forum online as soon as it’s ready. We also work with other outlets whenever we can. KMUD will broadcast the District Three forum next week. KGUA will broadcast the District Five forum. We share content with the Anderson Valley Advertiser, the Independent Coast Observer, and Redheaded Blackbelt. They extend our reach, and we support each other where possible. We’ve reached out to other organizations, too. The reality is competition is costly, especially when it results in redundant reporting — or less reporting on issues that matter. The county is better off when more people are paying attention and sharing what they believe to be true. So today, if you want to support local news, do something simple. In the words of the American poet Mary Oliver: > Pay attention. > Be astonished. > Tell someone about it. That’s where it starts. ### Private Equity Acquires Skunk Train Owner, Settlement Talks Continue with Fort Bragg URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/private-equity-acquires-skunk-train-owner/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:51.000Z A private equity firm specializing in infrastructure investment has acquired the Sierra Railroad Company, owner of the Mendocino Railway, in a multistep transaction that transfers control of the company to new management and converts the company from a California entity to a Delaware Corporation. Ridgewood Infrastructure, a prominent private asset management firm headquartered in New York City, completed the transaction on March 6\. Ryan Stewart, a partner at Ridgewood Infrastructure, replaced Michael Hart as CEO of the Sierra Railroad Company. Two other Ridgewood Infrastructure partners, Douglas Boyd and Ross Posner, replaced Torgny Nilsson and David Macaw as secretary and chief financial officer. An employee of Ridgewood Infrastructure reached by phone said Stewart was on vacation. Stewart did not respond to an email sent to his work address requesting comment on the transaction. In response to questions from MendoLocal.News, Robert Pinoli, president and CEO of Mendocino Railway, said in an email that ownership change will have no impact on Mendocino Railway. “Mendocino Railway’s officers, directors, and ultimate shareholders remain the same as what they were,” he wrote. Isaac Whippy, the Fort Bragg city manager, said in an email, “The ownership shift does not impact our current settlement discussions. We continue to stay focused on our path forward and maintaining open lines of communication as we work toward a broader resolution.” The City of Fort Bragg, Mendocino Railway, and the Coastal Commission all agreed on March 27 to a 90 day “stay of action” to continue settlement talks. A mandatory settlement conference set for April 15 was rescheduled for June 26. “The parties agree that continued settlement discussions could still prove fruitful, and could dispose entirely of this action, or significantly narrow down the issues for trial,” the joint stipulation agreement states. ### From Humble Beginnings The company now known as Sierra Railroad Company was incorporated in California on May 2, 1994, under the name Coast Enterprises Inc., with a modest authorization of just 100,000 shares of common stock. Its initial registered agent was Walter Hoefler, listed at a San Jose address. Within two years, the company had grown sufficiently to warrant a 9-for-1 stock split, expanding its authorized shares to 1.5 million, according to a 1995 amendment to its articles of incorporation signed by Walter Hoefler as president and Mary R. Hoefler as secretary. Then, in January 1997, the company shed its generic corporate identity entirely. With the written consent of a similarly named firm, Sierra Railcar Inc. of Rancho Cordova, Coast Enterprises Inc. renamed itself Sierra Railroad Company — a name it retains today. Michael G. Hart was listed as president at the time of that filing, with Mary R. Hoefler continuing as secretary. ### A Merger and a New Leadership Team A Statement of Information filed the same day as the merger documents listed an entirely new set of officers: Ryan Stewart as chief executive officer, Douglas Boyd as secretary and vice president, and Ross Posner as chief financial officer and vice president. The new board of directors consisted solely of Stewart, Boyd, and Posner — with none of the previous directors remaining. The mechanism for the transition was a merger with RW Whitney Merger Sub Inc., a newly formed California corporation with entity number B20260071701, which was merged into Sierra Railroad Company, with Sierra surviving. Under the terms of the agreement of merger, each share of RW Whitney Merger Sub was converted into one share of Sierra Railroad common stock. Critically, existing Sierra Railroad shareholders saw 66.8% of their shares canceled in exchange for cash, while the remaining 33.2% of their holdings were preserved. The merger was approved by holders of 67.52% of Sierra Railroad’s outstanding shares — 878,699 shares of common stock — and by 100% of RW Whitney Merger Sub’s 586,970.93 outstanding shares. Michael Hart and Torgny Nilsson signed the merger approval certificate on behalf of Sierra Railroad, representing what appears to be their final official act for the company. ### Reincorporating in Delaware Simultaneously with the merger, Sierra Railroad filed a certificate of conversion with the California Secretary of State, converting the corporation from a California entity to a Delaware corporation — a common move for companies seeking more flexible corporate governance frameworks or preparing for outside investment. The conversion was authorized by a vote of Sierra Railroad’s common stockholders, with 50.1% approval required. The agent for service of process in California was changed to Corporation Service Company, doing business as CSC – Lawyers Incorporating Service, replacing the longtime individual agent Torgny Nilsson. The amended and restated articles of incorporation, attached to the merger agreement, expanded the company’s authorized share count to 5,000,000 shares of common stock and added provisions consistent with a company anticipating future equity activity, including a clause allowing stock repurchases from employees and consultants even if the company owes dividends to preferred shareholders. ### The Motivation for the Deal Ridgewood Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Ridgewood Companies, describes itself as a manager of “lower middle-market essential infrastructure” — water, energy, transportation, and utilities. According to SEC filings, the firm has $1.8 billion regulatory assets under management. Ridgewood Infrastructure explained its interest in the Sierra Railroad Company and its subsidiaries in a March 10 press release. As part of the transaction, the release stated, Sierra Railroad will acquire Central Valley Ag Transport, a facility operator that provides transloading services for agricultural products along the rail network. The deal is intended to integrate rail and agricultural logistics operations more closely, particularly in support of California’s dairy and farming industries. Sierra’s primary operating subsidiary, Sierra Northern Railway, manages about 130 miles of track and provides freight, switching, storage and transloading services. Its network connects agricultural regions with major West Coast ports and industrial centers, and links to national rail systems through interchanges with Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway. The acquisition also includes Railpower Inc., a Sierra subsidiary that operates what the company describes as the only hydrogen-powered locomotive approved by the Federal Railroad Administration, highlighting a focus on lower-emissions rail technology. Ridgewood said the investment will support growth in freight volumes, expansion of transloading capacity and further development of rail innovations. Company executives described the deal as positioning Sierra to expand service to existing customers while attracting new business across industrial and agricultural supply chains. “In selecting a partner for Sierra, it was critical to find an investor with the sector expertise, aligned strategic perspective and financial capacity to support the company’s next phase of growth,” said Mike Hart. “Sierra had reached a point where meaningful near-term investment was required to pursue identified opportunities.” Mendocino Railway was not mentioned in the release. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. *Read MendoLocal.News’ coverage of Mendocino Railway and the mill site dispute:* [Federal Rail Rulings Stack up in Against State Regulators in Fort Bragg Mill Site Dispute](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-rail-rulings-stack-up) [Federal Railroad Board Blocks Great Redwood Trail Abandonment Motion](https://www.mendolocal.news/publish/post/188672363) [Skunk Train Chief Details Freight Operations, Federal Oversight Amid Eminent Domain Dispute](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-chief-details-freight-deliveries) [California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-appeals-court-says-public) [Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) [California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) [Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### District Three Candidate for Board of Supervisors Sued for Sexual Harassment, Retaliation URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/district-three-candidate-sued-sexual-harassment/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:51.000Z The owner of a chain of cannabis dispensaries and a candidate for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors is facing a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, retaliation and whistleblower violations, according to a complaint filed in Superior Court on March 24. The suit was brought by Alyson Swartz, a former employee who was terminated almost immediately after submitting a written complaint of sexual harassment on Jan. 10, 2026, according to her attorney, Oscar Ramirez. Russell Green, the founder, CEO and owner of Kure Wellness, acknowledged the suit in an email to MendoLocal.News. “We strongly deny the claims set forth in the complaint and believe them to be without merit,” he wrote. “We have full confidence in the judicial system and look forward to defending ourselves through the appropriate legal channels, where the facts will speak for themselves.” Ramirez, a principal at Los Angeles-based firm Blair & Ramirez, said the complaint was filed after Swartz completed the mandatory administrative process required under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act and received a right-to-sue notice. “The process, not any external event, governed the timing of this filing,” Ramirez wrote in an email to MendoLocal.News. According to the complaint, Swartz was hired by Kure in 2023 and maintained a record free of disciplinary warnings, reprimands, or corrective actions. The suit alleges Swartz’s claims arose after Green, who served as her direct supervisor, began sending degrading and sexually charged text messages to her personal phone. > Among the messages allegedly written by Green and quoted in the complaint: “\[A\]s a guy who loves women lol, \[y\]ou look trashy af.” > He also allegedly asked, “\[D\]on’t you have a boyfriend or someone \[sic\] to argue with?” > After Swartz characterized the messages as sexual harassment, Green allegedly responded, “it’s sexual harassment if you are retarded / I am married and have hot women, any jury will see that / sleep it off bebe.” The suit states the messages referenced and disparaged Swartz’s appearance and were rife with disability-related slurs. On Jan. 10, 2026, Swartz filed a written complaint with the company’s human resources contact, whom the suit identifies as Green’s mother. According to the complaint, Kure acknowledged receipt of the complaint and, on the same day, informed Swartz it was “reviewing significant compliance irregularities regarding the Metrc system that occurred under your supervision.” Metrc is a state-mandated software platform used to track cannabis products through the supply chain. Within days, the suit says, Swartz was suspended and effectively terminated, with an offer of severance, which she rejected. “A company whose sole HR contact is the accused harasser’s mother is a company with no meaningful complaint process at all,” Ramirez wrote. Swartz is seeking $10 million in damages on three causes of action, as well as punitive damages and attorney’s fees. --- *More election-related stories:* [Mendo Local Candidates Forum — Board of Supervisors District Three](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/candidates-forum-district-three) [Mendocino County Voter Rolls Show Shift Toward Conservative Parties](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/voter-rolls-show-shifting-party-affiliation) --- #### About Mendo Local Mendo Local is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit publication that is funded by monetary donations from our readers and in-kind donations from our volunteer editor. Similar to nonprofit newsrooms like [CalMatters](https://calmatters.org/?ref=mendolocal.news), we believe that for nonprofit news to be trusted, the public must know who is paying for it. Transparency distinguishes legitimate, objective journalism from propaganda or advocacy funded by hidden interests. We disclose supporters who donate more than $5,000 and we do not accept anonymous contributions. As of April 8, 2027, Mendo Local has currently received $6,137 in donations toward $10,000 in annual operating costs from nearly 100 donors whose giving ranges from $4 to $500\. We are also seeking to separately raise $400 to update [our voter registration analysis ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/voter-rolls-show-shifting-party-affiliation)with current data following the June election. You can help by subscribing for pre-set amounts on Substack or donating any amount to our [current effort to raise operational funds](https://mendo-local-public-media.monkeypod.io/give/support-mendo-local-public-media?ref=mendolocal.news). Or, you can send a check made out to our fiscal sponsor, The Tiny News Collective, to P.O. Box 362, Mendocino, CA 95460\. Please note that we will need your email, along with your check, for compliance purposes. The Tiny News Collective is a registered 501c3. ### Mendocino County Voter Rolls Show Shift Toward Conservative Parties URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/voter-rolls-show-shifting-party-affiliation/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:51.000Z An analysis of voter registration data by MendoLocal.News shows a recent shift in Mendocino County toward parties typically associated with more conservative political views. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of registered Democrats declined by 4% to 25,338 voters. Green Party registration fell 6% to 753 voters. Registration in the Peace and Freedom Party, a small socialist party, increased 27% to 375 voters. Over the same period, Republican registration rose 12% to 12,561 voters. The American Independent Party, often associated with conservative positions, increased 36% to 2,650 voters. Libertarian registration rose 14% to 740 voters. Voters registered with no party preference declined 7% to 11,196. Overall, the county’s registered voter population grew slightly, increasing by 201 voters to a total of 53,898\. The net shift toward more conservative parties represents about 4% of the electorate. National research suggests that party switching remains relatively limited but has, in recent years, slightly favored Republicans. [A 2022 analysis by The Messina Group](https://themessinagroup.com/alarm-optimism-in-key-states-for-party-switchers/?ref=mendolocal.news) found that from 2018 to 2020, about 1.3 million Democrats switched to the Republican Party, compared with 1.0 million Republicans who became Democrats. From 2020 to 2022, roughly 673,000 Democrats switched to Republican, while about 570,000 Republicans switched to Democrat. Overall, the net advantage in party switching favored Republicans by about 267,000 voters from 2018 to 2020 and about 103,000 voters from 2020 to mid-2022\. Still, party switchers represent a small share of the electorate. Between 2016 and 2022, about 3.3% of registered voters in the states studied changed party affiliation. Other research has found similar levels of voter movement between parties. A 2020 analysis by the [Pew Research Center found that 9% of voters who identified as or leaned Republican in 2018](https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2020/08/04/voters-rarely-switch-parties-but-recent-shifts-further-educational-racial-divergence/?ref=mendolocal.news) identified as or leaned Democratic two years later. A similar share of Democratic-leaning voters shifted toward the Republican Party during the same period. However, local data diverges from the national trends. According to[ a January report from Gallup](https://news.gallup.com/poll/700499/new-high-identify-political-independents.aspx?ref=mendolocal.news), 45% of U.S. adults identify as political independents. In Mendocino County, that figure is about 30%. The analysis is based on a snapshot of registration data from February 2025\. With reader support, Mendo Local will update the analysis following the June primary election. --- Mendo Local is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit publication that is funded by donations from our readers. Similar to nonprofit newsrooms like CalMatters and the Independent News Network we believe that for nonprofit news to be trusted, the public must know who is paying for it. Transparency distinguishes legitimate, objective journalism from propaganda or advocacy funded by hidden interests. We disclose supporters who donate more than $5,000 and we do not accept anonymous contributions. Mendo Local has currently received $6,017 in donations toward $10,000 in annual operating costs from nearly 100 donors whose giving ranges from $4 to $500\. You can support the acquisition of updated voter registration data by subscribing here or donating any amount to our [current effort to raise operational funds](https://mendo-local-public-media.monkeypod.io/give/support-mendo-local-public-media?ref=mendolocal.news). Or, you can send a check made out to our fiscal sponsor, The Tiny News Collective, to P.O. Box 362, Mendocino, CA 95460\. Please note that we will need your email for compliance purposes. The Tiny News Collective is a registered 501c3. The cost of the voter registration database in 2025 was $393. ### Crime News — April 6, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/police-blotter-april-6-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:52.000Z **Two men arrested at Fort Bragg motel on weapons, drug sales charges** Two Mendocino County men were arrested late Saturday following a compliance check at a Fort Bragg motel that uncovered a loaded firearm, suspected narcotics and items associated with drug sales, authorities said. Deputies with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Fort Bragg Police Department conducted a Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) compliance check around 10:42 p.m. April 4 on Charles Gielow III, 49, of Albion, who was reported to be staying at the Oceanside Inn on North Main Street. When law enforcement arrived, they found the motel room door ajar. They detained Gielow, Charles Blunt, 39, of Fort Bragg, and a third person without incident. The third person was later released without charges. Authorities determined Blunt was on probation in Mendocino County. During the contact, deputies said Gielow removed his shorts and kicked them aside. A search of the clothing revealed a loaded pistol. According to investigators, Gielow is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions. A search of the room uncovered items commonly associated with narcotics sales, including a digital scale, plastic baggies, fentanyl test strips, Narcan and drug paraphernalia. Deputies also located approximately 76 grams of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin, based on initial testing. Authorities said metal knuckles found in the room belonged to Blunt. Gielow was arrested on suspicion of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, violating PRCS, possession of controlled substances for sale, possession of drugs while armed, and conspiracy. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held without bail. Blunt was arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled substances for sale, violation of probation, possession of metal knuckles, possession of drug paraphernalia and conspiracy. He was also booked into the county jail and is being held without bail. The investigation is ongoing. **Ukiah Man Arrested for Illegal Encampment, Trash** A Ukiah man was arrested Saturday after authorities said he failed to clear a large illegal encampment and accumulation of trash that created health and safety hazards along North State Street, according to a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports on March 26 of a sizable encampment in the 2000 block of North State Street, prompted by a nearby resident who said the site and its waste were visible from her property. Following additional complaints, deputies contacted the occupants over several days, including 33-year-old Michael Menke of Ukiah. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Menke acknowledged he was on the property without permission and was given repeated warnings and instructions to remove his belongings and properly dispose of the trash. Authorities said he did not comply. Deputies estimated the site contained more than 10 cubic yards of personal property and garbage, producing a foul odor and posing potential health and safety risks. Items observed included soiled bedding, clothing, food waste, plastic garbage bags, aerosol cans, lighter fluid labeled as extremely flammable, and a methamphetamine smoking device. On April 2, deputies issued a final notice requiring the area be cleared by April 4\. When they returned that day, authorities said the items remained and had been moved in a way that obstructed a public walkway along North State Street. Menke was arrested on an unrelated warrant and, during an interview, admitted the items belonged to him. He said he had not removed them despite prior notice, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators determined the situation constituted unlawful accumulation and disposal of waste and maintaining a public nuisance under California law. Menke was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on those charges, along with the outstanding warrant for allegedly possessing a controlled substance with two or more prior convictions. Bail was set at $15,000. The Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority was contacted to assist with removing the debris. Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100. **Ukiah man arrested for parole violation tied to gang-related restrictions** A Ukiah man on state parole was arrested April 4 after Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies said he violated conditions related to gang affiliation during a compliance search. Deputies contacted Alexis Navarrete, 24, around 7:40 p.m. in the 2000 block of South State Street while conducting a parole search connected to a recent assault investigation, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said Navarrete is on active parole through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for a prior conviction of shooting at an inhabited dwelling. As part of his parole terms, Navarrete is prohibited from possessing clothing or items associated with gang affiliation and is classified as a gang offender. During the search, deputies reported finding items consistent with gang-related paraphernalia in areas under Navarrete’s control. Based on those findings, deputies determined Navarrete was in violation of his parole conditions. Navarrete was arrested without incident and booked into the Mendocino County Jail. His parole agent authorized a hold, and he is being held without bail. **Man on Post Release Community Supervision arrested after reported window-smashing spree** A Point Arena man was arrested April 2 after Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a person breaking vehicle windows with a metal pipe on Rancheria Road. Deputies were dispatched around 7:24 p.m. to the 21400 block of Rancheria Road after a caller reported a man, identified only as “Randy,” was actively smashing windows. The suspect was also reported to be associated with a black vehicle. When deputies arrived at the scene, they were flagged down and directed to an unmarked driveway. There, they observed a man walking away from a black sedan and later found him hiding in nearby bushes. Authorities identified him as Randy Pike Jr., 34, of Point Arena, who is on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). Because Pike had been reported to be armed with a metal pipe and was also attempting to hide, deputies drew their Tasers and ordered him to the ground. He was detained without further incident. A search of the vehicle Pike was seen leaving uncovered drug paraphernalia used to ingest methamphetamine, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies also reported finding numerous beer cans in and around the vehicle. Pike admitted to drinking alcohol throughout the day, a violation of his PRCS terms. While being transported to the Mendocino County Jail, Pike began to lose consciousness and told deputies he had ingested an unknown substance. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital and later medically cleared before being booked into jail. Pike was booked on suspicion of violating PRCS and possession of drug paraphernalia. The reported vandalism remains under investigation. *Corrections and Clarifications: This article was edited to reflect the fact that a Point Arena man was arrested for smashing windows in Manchester. A subhead referred to the accused as “Manchester Man.” (April 13, 2026)* ### Mendo Local Weekly News — April 4, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-april-4-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:52.000Z ## 🗳️ Mendocino County **Four Candidates Vie for District 3 Supervisor Seat** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Four candidates—Eric Hart, Buffy Wright Bourassa, Clay Romero, and Russell Green—outlined positions on economic development, roads, county finances, and public safety during a March 26 forum. The forum will be broadcast on KMUD Tuesday, April 7, at 5:30 p.m. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/candidates-forum-district-three) **County Overhauls Reserve Policy** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Supervisors approved a new reserve structure dividing funds into contingency (5%), rainy day (up to 15%), and infrastructure reserves. About $14 million was reallocated without new spending. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-overhauls-reserve-policy) **Great Redwood Trail Master Plan Approved** *Great Redwood Trail Agency, Willits Weekly* After three years of planning, officials approved a roadmap for designing, building, and managing the regional trail project. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Courts Launch Juror Compliance Program** *Mendocino County Superior Court,* *Willits Weekly* Starting April 10, residents who ignore jury summons may be required to appear before a judge under a new enforcement calendar. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Forest Bill Raises Concerns as JAG Leader Resigns** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The resignation of Amy Wynn coincides with a proposed state bill that expands forest use but lacks local oversight provisions. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/amy-wynn-steps-down-as-jag-chair-john-anderson-also-planning-to-leave-the-crucial-local-forest-organization-as-new-proposal-nears-vote/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Opinion: Sales Tax for Roads Criticized** *By Alan Stein, The Mendocino Voice* A resident argues new road taxes are unnecessary, citing high gas taxes and flaws in state funding formulas. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/letter-to-the-editor-voting-for-a-county-tax-on-gas-is-dumb/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Roadwork to Cause Delays Through April 9** *Caltrans* Motorists should expect 5–30 minute delays on Highway 1, Route 20, and U.S. 101, especially near Elk and Westport. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/roadwork-through-april-9) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🚗 Boonville **Fatal Crash Leads to Manslaughter Arrest** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* An 18-year-old passenger died in a suspected DUI crash; the teen driver was arrested and faces manslaughter charges. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/we-have-confirmed-it-was-18-year-old-who-died-in-boonville-crash-alcohol-was-involved-driver-was-also-18/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌊 Fort Bragg **Stories of Shark Attack Survivors** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Following a recent Fort Bragg attack, survivors describe tactics that helped them live through encounters. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/they-survived-shark-attacks) **Sea Level Rise Threatens Coastal Roads** *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* Residents are helping prioritize which vulnerable road segments should be studied as climate risks grow. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/mendocino-coast-residents-discuss-roads-at-risk-from-sea-level-rise/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📶 Gualala **Cellphone Service Outages Grow** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* Residents along the Mendocino Coast report increasingly unreliable cellphone service, with some attributing the issues to T-Mobile’s acquisition of USCellular last August. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* **Bottle Redemption Kiosk Sees Heavy Use** *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* A new Bottlebank kiosk in Gualala is processing about 150 bags of CRV containers daily—roughly ten times the volume reported in Santa Rosa, according to staff. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* --- ## 🏫 Manchester **119-Year-Old Schoolhouse Gets a Second Chance** *By Alessandra Rizzo, The Mendocino Voice* After nearly 50 years vacant, the historic Manchester Schoolhouse—built in 1907 from old-growth redwood and listed on the National Register of Historic Places—has a new owner. This news was originally reported by *The Independent Coast Observer*. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/119-year-old-manchester-schoolhouse-gets-a-second-chance/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎨 Point Arena **Community Honors Slain Pomo Woman with Mural** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* Family and community members gathered March 28 to unveil a mural honoring Nicole Florencia Smith, a member of the Manchester-Point Arena Band of Pomo Indians who was murdered in 2017\. The case remains unsolved. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* --- ## 🌾 Potter Valley **Rogers Addresses Dam Removal Concerns** *By Monica Huettl, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Residents voiced concerns about PG&E’s plan to decommission Scott Dam at a packed town hall. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🔥 Ukiah **Ukiah Man Arrested After Late-Night Fire** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A man faces arson and prowling charges after a fire near a business; he is scheduled to appear in court Monday on unrelated an misdemeanor charge for another fire. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-man-arrested-on-arson-prowling) **Redwood Credit Union Opening New Branch** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* A new branch will open April 20 in a renovated former bank building on Perkins Street. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/02/new-rcu-branch-to-open-this-month-in-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* **The Lot on Main Returns for the Season** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* The popular downtown market resumes April 3 with vendors, music, and community events. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/the-lot-on-main-returns-with-vendors-and-music-in-downtown-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Courts Seek Local Photographers for New Courthouse** *Mendocino County Superior Court* Residents can submit photos for display in the new Ukiah courthouse; deadline is July 31. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendocino.courts.ca.gov/new-ukiah-courthouse-photography-contest?ref=mendolocal.news) ## 🌊 Westport **Seawall Nears Completion, Land Transfer Advances** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* A major seawall project at Blues Beach is wrapping up as a long-delayed land transfer to a tribal nonprofit moves forward. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/the-stories-beneath-the-stories-blues-beach-the-redwood-trail-and-the-rogers-jdsf-bill-take-sharp-unseen-turns-behind-the-public-narrative/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🌲 Willits **Willits Man Arrested After Allegedly Attempting to Meet Teenage Girl** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A 38-year-old man was arrested after allegedly attempting to meet someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-man-arrested-after-setting-meeting-with-14-year-old) --- ## 🐟 California **State Ends Salmon Restoration Partnership** *By Rachel Becker, CalMatters* Funding cuts halt a major tribal-led effort to restore Chinook salmon to the McCloud River. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2026/04/salmon-shasta-dam-mccloud-newsom/?ref=mendolocal.news) **State Considers Insurance for Factory-Built Housing** *By Ben Christopher, CalMatters* A proposed bill would have California backstop insurance for modular housing to boost construction. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/housing/2026/03/factory-built-housing-insurance/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Green-card Holders Lose Access to SBA Loans** *By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters* Green-card holders are no longer eligible for SBA loans, impacting a large share of California entrepreneurs. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/03/sba-loans-green-card-holders/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Mendocino County Roadwork — week of April 3, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/roadwork-through-april-9/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:52.000Z Major roadwork continues throughout Mendocino County through Thursday, April 9, with emergency repairs and utility work affecting multiple routes. Motorists should expect delays on Highway 1 (particularly south of Elk and near Westport with up to 30-minute delays), Route 20, and U.S. 101\. One-way traffic control and lane closures will be in effect at various times throughout the week, with most work occurring during daytime hours. Delays ranging from 5 to 30 minutes are anticipated depending on location. - **Route 1** (30.6/31.3) – Emergency work south of Elk continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#T1BA - Route 1 (37/38) – Utility work will occur south of Navarro Bluff Road on Wednesday, April 8\. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1DA - Route 1 (60.2/62.2) – Utility work in Fort Bragg at various locations from the Noyo River Bridge 10-176 to Pudding Creek Road will begin on Monday, April 6\. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1PA - Route 1 (62.3/62.8) – Utility work in Fort Bragg from the Pudding Creek Beach Access to Airport Road will occur on Friday, April 3\. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P1DA - **Route 1** (75.9/76.2) – Emergency work south of Westport from the Blues Beach Trailhead to the Overlook will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 30-minute delays. LC#C1TA - **Route 1** (78.1/78.4) – Emergency work in Westport at Wages Creek Road continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C1BB - **Route 1** (82.5/82.9) – Culvert work from north of Hillshore Drive to the Juan Creek Bridge 10-140 continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C1CB - Route 20 (1.1/1.3) – Utility work in Fort Bragg from Noyo Acres Drive to Veronica Lane will occur on Wednesday, April 8\. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P20DA - Route 20 (13.2/20) – Utility work at various locations from west of Three Chop Road to the James Creek Bridge 10-102 will begin on Monday, April 6\. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20UA - Route 20 (30/31.1) – Utility work in Willits west of the Broaddus Creek Bridge 10-104 will begin on Monday, April 6\. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C20UA - Route 20 (33.1/33.2) – Culvert work in Willits from South Street to Walnut Street will continue. Westbound lane closures will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#P20DA - U.S. 101 (10.6/11) – Utility work in Hopland from the Feliz Creek Bridge 10-3 to First Street continues. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorists should anticipate up to 10-minute delays. LC#C101JD - U.S. 101 (10.6/10.8) – Utility work in Hopland from the Feliz Creek Bridge 10-3 to Mountain House Road will begin on Monday, March 23\. Southbound lane closures will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns in the area. LC#P101IA - U.S. 101 (13.7/59.5) – Utility work at various locations from north of the Crawford Creek Bridge 10-168 to Route 162 continues with lane closures and minor slowdowns. Weeknight northbound ramp closures will occur in Ukiah at Talmage Road and Rivino Ranch Road. Motorists should use an alternate route. LC#C101KE - U.S. 101 (41.3/43.7) – Road work from the Cal Fire Howard Forest Station to the U.S. 101/Route 20 Separation 10-0128L will begin on Tuesday, April 7\. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101DA - U.S. 101 (50.8/51.5) – Construction work near Schow Road continues. Lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101GA - U.S. 101 (55.4/61.9) – Culvert work will occur at various locations from north of Big Trails Drive to north of the Irvine Lodge Rest Area on Friday, April 3\. Lane closures will be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Motorists should expect minor slowdowns. LC#C101GA - U.S. 101 (72.1/72.7) – Emergency work north of Laytonville at Woodruff Drive continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should anticipate up to 15-minute delays. LC#T101GA - U.S. 101 (86.5/87.5) – Emergency work south of Leggett continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#T101GA - Route 162 (7.9/8.4) – Bridge work at the Eel River Bridge 10-236 continues. Lane closures will be in effect and motorists should expect up to 10-minute delays. LC#C162HA - Route 162 (15.2/16.4) – Emergency work from Laytonville Dos Rios Road to Covelo Road will begin on Tuesday, April 7\. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#P162DA - Route 162 (21.1/21.2) – Emergency work west of Sand Bank Creek will begin on Monday, April 6\. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Motorists should expect up to 5-minute delays. LC#C162NA See the Caltrans website for [major roadwork ](https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-1/d1-popular-links/roadinformationbulletin?ref=mendolocal.news)in neighboring counties ### Ukiah man arrested on arson, prowling charges after late-night fire near business URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-man-arrested-on-arson-prowling/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:53.000Z A 40-year-old Ukiah man was arrested this week on suspicion of arson and prowling after deputies say he set a small fire behind a commercial building late Tuesday night. According to a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy was dispatched around 11:07 p.m. April 1 to the 1400 block of Lovers Lane for a reported disturbance. At the scene, the deputy learned a man had been seen behind a business causing a disturbance. The deputy discovered evidence of a recently ignited fire near an electrical box. The fire was out before the deputy arrived. Surveillance footage reviewed during the investigation showed an adult male gathering combustible materials, igniting a fire, and adding to the flames before leaving the area on a bicycle while the fire remained burning, authorities said. The fire was set close to a commercial structure and electrical equipment, posing a potential risk to property and public safety. The suspect was identified as Shane King, 40, of Ukiah. Based on the investigation, deputies determined there was probable cause to arrest King on suspicion of arson and prowling. Authorities also said King was in violation of the terms of his pretrial release in a separate case involving fire-related activity. According to court records, Shane is scheduled to appear before Judge Charlotte Scott on April 6 to enter a plea in connection with a misdemeanor charge of using an outdoor fire for disposal on January 31 and petty theft from a merchant on February 24. Deputies located King around 10:20 a.m. April 2 in the 1400 block of North State Street and arrested him without incident. During the arrest, King made a spontaneous statement indicating possible involvement in the incident, and a lighter believed to be connected to the fire was recovered, according to the sheriff’s office, according to the sheriff’s office press release. King was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of arson, prowling and violation of a court order. He was also found to have two outstanding Mendocino County warrants for failure to appear, as well as two warrants out of Sacramento County for possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing. He is being held in lieu of $65,000 bail. ### They Survived Shark Attacks on the Northern California Coast — Here’s How URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/they-survived-shark-attacks/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T23:18:06.000Z *Correction: James Eastman, is a teacher at Mendocino High School, not Fort Bragg High School as originally reported. Eastman also does not live in Fort Bragg, as implied by the sentence structure. (April 5, 2026, 7:13 a.m.)* Shark attacks on humans along the Northern California coast are rare — especially compared with the number of people in boats, kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, and other craft who intentionally enter their habitat. But as today’s surfers, or the urchin divers of yore, will tell you, attacks are not unexpected. So if someone yells “shark,” get out of the water. That’s the advice of Joey Lara, a famed urchin diver and surfer from Fort Bragg, who made his living underwater on the Northern California coast for close to 25 years. Lara said surfers need to be aware of their surroundings and listen to their intuition. At the end of the day, he says “you can’t really protect yourself,” but, as his story and the stories from other shark encounters show, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of survival. MendoLocal.News tracked down Lara after James Eastman, 39, a ~~Fort Bragg~~ high school teacher at Mendocino High School, sustained injuries from a bite to his legs while surfing in Big River in early March. Eastman told ABC News he fought back by hitting the shark on the nose. Other survivors, like Tommy Civik, 26, who was attacked while surfing at the mouth of the Gualala River in early January, escaped by swimming for shore as fast as he could. “I didn’t know where the shark was, so I just focused on getting away. After a minute I realized that if the shark \[had\] wanted to bite me again, it would’ve,” Civik told the *Los Angeles Times*. In contrast, David Alexander, superintendent at Bellevue Union School District in southern Santa Rosa, survived by doing nothing. Alexander was returning from a day of fishing in Shelter Cove six years ago when a white shark bit down on the front of his kayak, throwing him into the water. “I was probably about 4 feet from the shark,” he told the *Redheaded Blackbelt*. “I could see both eyes — one side more than the other … I could see his teeth and his gums. You see those rows of teeth … that’s something else.” Alexander tried to mentally prepare himself to be torn apart, but the shark let go of the kayak and swam away. For Lara, who lives in Fort Bragg and knows many of the surfers here, Eastman’s attack evoked concern — and also brought up an old memory. It was 1991\. Lara had a flourishing urchin-harvesting business based in Fort Bragg. The desirable red urchins carpeted the seafloor from San Diego to Crescent City. It was spring. Lara was diving in the thick kelp of Shelter Cove. He remembers that the water was very murky, which was typical for that spot. “That place has never got any visibility,” Lara said. “If you get 10 feet of visibility in Shelter Cove, you’re pretty lucky.” But Lara had figured out how to work in those conditions. He had filled up his urchin bag when he saw something out of the corner of his eye. “It was really super slow, barely moving, and I look over at it. God dang, it’s a tail. Yeah, about 7 feet from tip to tip.” The tail belonged to a shark that Lara estimated was about 10 feet long. “I backed myself up against the reef, got my bag in front of me. I didn’t know what the hell I was going to do. So I started pulling all the urchins out of the bag. I got inside it, cut a whole bunch of kelp, wrapped it around me, and went to the surface and got on the boat.” Lara said his boat tender never saw the shark, and he didn’t think much about it until he returned to the spot six months later with his friend Dave Abernathy. They dove for hours in calm water that sparkled with sunlight. “We’re getting ready to load up our last couple bags and go home,” Lara recalled. He watched Abernathy moving between two reefs. Then he surfaced and raised his arm — as if to say, “I’m done.” “A 16-footer came up right behind him and grabbed his dive hose right off the bat.” Lara watched as the shark spun Abernathy around — but the hose was too short. “It’s trying to flip around to get him.” But Abernathy was flipping with the shark. Lara had turned the boat around and cut the engine. He froze as man and shark flip-flopped on the surface of the water. “He’s so close that he’s bouncing up the shark’s belly.” “Don’t just stand there, do something!” Dave yelled. Lara got the engine started and was able to position the boat between man and shark just as the dive hose broke. They were able to yank Abernathy on board, but in doing so, the dive hose got wrapped around the propeller. The boat was dead in the water, and the shark was circling. Lara knew he had to clear the propeller, so with his buddies keeping an eye on the shark, he jumped back in and quickly cut the hose when the shark appeared to be furthest from the boat. He jumped in and quicklynclimbed out three times before the propeller was clear. “I mean, this is when my whole philosophy about the white shark changed. I had swum around thousands of sharks. I had punched a couple of sharks in their faces,” he recalled. But he never felt like he was being intentionally hunted. Now he did. “This shark, it knew that we weren’t seals,” Lara said. His conclusion: some sharks may have figured out that humans are food too. “Humans have entered the food chain for predators, and there’s no distinction,” Lara said. “I’ve got a feeling that that’s happening.” John Ugoretz, a program manager at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, puts the danger more mildly. “I like to tell people the ocean is a wilderness, just like any other, and just as you might encounter a bear if you go into the forest or a mountain lion if you go walking in the hills, you might encounter a shark if you go into the ocean.” Ugoretz said the data does not indicate sharks are intentionally hunting people. “We’ve only seen 234 shark incidents in California since 1950,” he said. “And the number of people going into the ocean continues to increase, and you don’t see an associated increase in bites that would show that more people equals more bites or more sharks equals more bites.” For scientists, the cluster of three shark attacks documented on the California coast this year does not raise alarm. Events can cluster together randomly and still reflect an overall random pattern. For Lara, who continues to surf into his sixth decade, enjoying the sport he loves is a calculated risk. “You’re diving into their ocean,” he says. Respecting the wildlife that lives there, he adds, is the best way to stay alive. ### Willits man arrested on suspicion of arranging meeting with 14-year-old girl URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-man-arrested-after-setting-meeting-with-14-year-old/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:54.000Z A Willits man was arrested Tuesday after investigators say he attempted to arrange a meeting with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Christopher Sironi, 38, was taken into custody March 31 following an investigation that began with a tip from a Pennsylvania man who told authorities he had uncovered possible online sexual exploitation involving a minor in Brooktrails. The caller, who said he was in the early stages of forming a nonprofit focused on child protection, reported that he had created a fake online profile posing as a 14-year-old girl named “Rosie.” On March 19, an adult male later identified as Sironi contacted the profile on a social media platform, authorities said. During their exchanges, Sironi acknowledged he believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old and initiated sexually explicit conversations, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators said Sironi also sent a photograph of himself, which helped confirm his identity through prior law enforcement contacts and publicly available information. The Pennsylvania caller later arranged for a woman to speak with Sironi by phone while posing as the juvenile. During those conversations, Sironi allegedly agreed to meet “Rosie” in person. On March 31, sheriff’s detectives and deputies set up surveillance of Sironi’s residence in the 1200 block of Tuck Road in Brooktrails after learning he was attempting to meet the girl, authorities said. While under surveillance, Sironi spoke by phone with “Rosie,” who told him she was at the Brooktrails Airport and needed help finding his home. Deputies observed Sironi leave his residence and walk toward the airport, where he was arrested without incident, the sheriff’s office said. Sironi was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of sending explicit photographs to a minor and arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd purposes. Bail was set at $25,000. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. ### Mendo Local Candidates Forum: Board of Supervisors District Three URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/candidates-forum-district-three/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:55.000Z Four candidates vying for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors District 3 position — Eric Hart, Buffy Wright Bourassa, Clay Romero, and Russell Green — participated in an election forum Thursday, March 26, sponsored by Mendocino Local Public Media, addressing critical issues facing the county including economic development, road maintenance funding, financial oversight, and public safety spending. ## INTRODUCTIONS The forum began with each candidate introducing themselves and outlining their qualifications and priorities. Each candidate was given a time limit of two minutes. #### Buffey Wright Bourassa > Buffey Wright Bourassa, born and raised in Mendocino County, highlighted her Native American family's deep roots in the area and her decade of experience in county government across human services, public health, behavioral health, and the sheriff's office. She emphasized her commitment to public service and bringing the voice of District 3 to the table, focusing on improving infrastructure, supporting local economic development, ensuring responsible use of public funds, and strengthening public safety by addressing root causes. #### Clay Romero > Clay Romero, a 51-year resident of District Three and a graduate of Laytonville High School (Class of ‘78) , stressed the importance of community and working together despite differing backgrounds. He outlined five core priorities: safety, economic stability, a clean environment, freedom, and basic fairness. Romero also noted his 31 years of experience running his own business and his extensive knowledge of the county and board of supervisors. #### Eric Hart > Eric Hart, a California native who grew up on a horse ranch in Illinois, shared his 25-year career experience in California improving operations and fixing organizations, from AT&T to local nonprofits. Living off-grid outside Willits, he has been involved with groups like the Fire Safe Council and Mendocino County Community Foundation. Hart aims to bring his problem-solving skills to the county, focusing on transparency, improving government efficiency, and strengthening community health through healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, economy, housing, and stable county operations. #### Russell Green > Russell Green, a lifelong Willits resident and Willits High School graduate, emphasized his business background, including founding Cure Wellness and having the first micro-business in the county. He expressed a desire to reduce government interference and taxes, advocating for efficiency and a "win for once" for the people. Green highlighted his skills in managing money and his use of advanced AI technologies for analysis. --- ## QUESTION ONE ### What specific actions can a District 3 supervisor take to support economic development, and which sectors would you prioritize? #### Buffey Wright Bourassa > Bourassa advocated for focusing on "basics" like reliable roads, predictable permitting, workforce development, and rural coordination between the county, cities, schools, and tribes. She prioritized small businesses, local entrepreneurs, agriculture, value-added food production, tourism, workforce training, and public sector-adjacent industries like healthcare, education, and skilled trades. #### Clay Romero > Romero championed industries that produce physical products, such as machining, fabrication, manufacturing, construction, and energy, believing these are essential for long-term economic support, unlike service jobs alone. He cited the difficulties faced by Laytonville and the need for efficient permitting processes, referencing a cannabis grower who found it easier to get permits in Nevada County. #### Eric Hart > Hart called for moving away from a "boom-bust" extractive economy by encouraging stable, long-term industries that bring money into the county and promote local ownership. He suggested value-added and vertically integrated industries, such as milling local wood products, and leveraging rural expertise for technologies like tank monitoring and fire hardening products. He also proposed supporting agrotourism and positive branding around "healthy living, organic farming, food combined with the W's: wine, weed, wilderness, waves and wellness." #### Russell Green > Green's primary focus was on streamlining planning and building processes, stating, "quit king making with planning and building." He argued for easy, over-the-counter permits with clear pricing to encourage business creation. While open to all sectors, he specifically mentioned artificial intelligence and medical technology as priorities, alongside supporting logging and grazing. --- ## QUESTION TWO ### Would you support a 20-year sales tax on county businesses to fund road maintenance? Why or why not, and what alternatives would you consider? #### Eric Hart > Hart stated he would support a tax only after exhausting other options, such as collecting uncollected assessments, selling unused county properties, and addressing internal inefficiencies. He also suggested examining gas tax allocations and electric vehicle contributions. #### Russell Green > Green firmly opposed any new taxes, arguing that residents are "taxed to death." He called for greater efficiency from the current tax base and a "fair shake" from the state. He also criticized the county for blocking projects like asphalt plants, which increase the cost of road paving efforts. #### Clay Romero > Romero also opposed adding to the existing sales tax, which he noted is already very high in Mendocino County. He suggested exploring alternative healthcare funding systems to reduce county insurance costs and free up funds for other needs. #### Buffey Wright Bourassa > Bourassa said she could support a road measure if it were "transparent, accountable, time limited, and tied to a very clear project list in annual public reporting." She emphasized the need for voter trust and independent oversight, while also advocating for aggressively pursuing state and federal transportation dollars and prioritizing critical roads. --- ## QUESTION THREE ### Do you feel qualified to provide financial oversight at the county level? As part of your answer, and as a resident of Willits, can you please address the fiscal challenges facing the City of Willits and what role, if any, the county should play? #### Clay Romero > Romero, drawing on 31 years of business experience and a dozen years of studying county information, felt well-qualified. He acknowledged Willits' challenges, including software issues, a "toxic culture" noted in a grand jury report, and questionable use of federal pandemic funds. He believed the current city council members are "good people" but noted a lack of experience. #### Russell Green > Green asserted his strong qualifications, citing his family's century-long business history in Mendocino County and his personal training in finance. He highlighted his use of advanced AI technologies for budget analysis and his commitment to efficiency. Regarding Willits, he believed the council "wasn't paying enough attention to their manager and their numbers," overhired, and failed to react quickly to financial downturns. He stated the city is an independent entity but the county should act as a supportive partner. #### Buffey Wright Bourassa > Bourassa affirmed her qualifications, citing her background in government program management, contracts, budgets, compliance, and administrative oversight. She pointed to a California State Auditor report highlighting Mendocino County's persistent deficits and weaknesses in financial reporting. For Willits, she acknowledged the fiscal emergency and layoffs, emphasizing the county's role as a "stable partner" in areas like economic development, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness, while respecting local control. #### Eric Hart > Hart referenced his extensive background in operations, budgeting, and accountability. He stressed that financial oversight involves more than just approving line items, but also ensuring realistic assumptions, protecting reserves, and transparent reporting. He described Willits’ situation as a reminder of what happens when financial discipline slips, advocating for earlier action and transparency from the city council. He believed the county should advocate for the city with state and federal governments and provide resources where interests align, but not take over. --- ## QUESTION FOUR ### If you had been serving as an elected official in Willits during its current fiscal crisis, what would you have done differently? #### Russell Green > Green, drawing on his business experience, stated he would have immediately recognized that the numbers “didn’t add up” and would have deployed AI agents to analyze the budget and identify the problem. He would have been more inquisitive with staff, not trusted anyone to tell him what he could afford, and avoided overhiring. He would have planned for tough times rather than taking good times for granted. He also would have pushed the county to ensure fair property tax revenue. He largely agreed with the actions the city council ultimately took but would have taken them sooner. He suspected that Bruce Burden, with his private business acumen, was instrumental in recognizing the financial issues. #### Eric Hart > Hart acknowledged that hindsight is 20/20 but stated that with the information available, he would have acted earlier and more transparently. He noted that the crisis was a long-term structural gap where expenses outpaced revenue, and relying on reserves and one-time transfers was a warning sign that should have been addressed sooner. He would have pushed for clearer, more consistent financial reporting, including monthly actuals versus budget and reserve levels, to ensure the council and public understood the situation. Hart said he also would have started the adjustment process earlier, which might have saved some jobs, by looking at staffing and service priorities before layoffs became the only option. He emphasized that it's an elected official's job to recognize trends early and make corrections before a crisis. #### Buffey Wright Bourassa > Bourassa stated that accountability is about building systems where warning signs are visible and acted upon early. If she had been an elected official in Willits, she would have pushed for much earlier and clearer financial reporting, early public disclosures of the problem's seriousness, and a review of all plans before the emergency level was reached. She would have asked for regular public budget updates, multi-year forecasting, outside reviews when needed, and a clear explanation to the public about what was structural versus one-time. She also would have wanted the city to be more proactive in identifying cost pressures, staffing liabilities, and operational inefficiencies. Most importantly, she said she would have treated transparency as part of the solution, ensuring honesty with the public and fostering a culture where staff could raise red flags early. #### Clay Romero > Romero identified the primary missing element as the complete disregard for the finance director's warnings. He also noted a problem with the city being two years behind on verifiable audits, which hindered finding the right solutions. He believed that some council members "just didn't know" due to this lack of transparency, which led Willits to a "terrible situation." He stated that these would be "red flags" he would actively look for at the county level and would speak up about them. --- ## QUESTION FIVE ### County officials have said that roughly 70% of general fund spending goes toward public safety. How would you evaluate whether that money is being spent effectively, and what additional data or metrics would you need to make that assessment? #### Clay Romero > Romero acknowledged the complexity of evaluating public safety spending, stating it would require his "own knowledge of what things cost" and what to expect. He mentioned an anecdote about the cost of a child psychologist hired by the county as an example of potential inefficiencies. #### Eric Hart > Hart proposed evaluating public safety spending by looking at outcomes, such as trends in crime, response times, and recidivism. He also suggested assessing system performance, including staffing levels and bottlenecks between departments, and cost-effectiveness compared to similar rural counties. He called for better, more consistent data and multi-year trends to ensure accountability. #### Buffey Wright Bourassa > Bourassa emphasized the responsibility to evaluate not just the amount spent but also the outcomes. She highlighted the challenges of covering a vast territory with limited staff, leading to long response times. She questioned whether current spending makes people safer, reduces repeat calls, or provides value from prevention and diversion efforts. She called for data on response times by geography, vacancy rates, recidivism, and the effectiveness of alternative programs. #### Russell Green > Green echoed concerns about potential "bloat" in contracts and salaries, referencing past county compensation packages. He found the 70% allocation "staggering" and questioned its necessity. He proposed a detailed analysis of expenses and income using AI technology for real-time reports and anomaly detection. He also suggested exploring public self-regulation, such as supporting CCW holders, and investing in logging and grazing to mitigate fire risk. --- ## CLOSING STATEMENTS #### Russell Green > Green emphasized that he is running for the "right reasons," stating he doesn't need a job and is not beholden to special interests or parties. He wants the people to "get a win for once" and believes "taxation is a form of theft," advocating for more careful government spending. He expressed concern about a Sheriff's Department employee voting on the sheriff’s department’s budget. (This was reference to Bourassa, who would presumably recuse herself from these votes if elected.) He also highlighted the damage done by partisan alliances that lead to a "status quo of placate and then do nothing," and elected officials lacking the "backbone to bring about change." He invited interested individuals to reach out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/russgreen707/ or visit his website, [green4mendo.com](https://www.green4mendo.com/?ref=mendolocal.news). #### Eric Hart > Hart expressed his eagerness to continue problem-solving and helping people, which he sees as his core motivation and something he has done for years in the community. He views the supervisor role as an opportunity to "step that up a level and increase the impact." He announced upcoming "meet and greet" events at Flying Dog Pizza on April 8th at 5:30 p.m., and in Laytonville and Covelo in the coming weeks, which will be posted on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/erichartforsupervisor and website, [erichartforsupervisor.com](https://erichartforsupervisor.com/?ref=mendolocal.news). He also mentioned holding office hours at Brickhouse (first and third Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and Northspur Brewing (fourth Thursday evenings around 5 p.m.). #### Clay Romero > Romero highlighted his personal approach to campaigning, which involves talking to people directly, and expressed his passion for the role. He emphasized his interest in helping people and treating them fairly, drawing a parallel to a child's sense of fairness. He noted his concern for individuals who start businesses but die before obtaining permits, advocating for reduced permit fees to build the tax base. He also voiced strong opposition to the Potter Valley Project decommissioning, calling it "reprehensible" to dynamite a valuable piece of infrastructure and environmentally wrong, especially given the 600,000 people downstream who rely on the water. He mentioned his website, [clayformendocino.org](https://www.clayformendocino.org/?ref=mendolocal.news). #### Buffey Wright Bourassa > Bourassa thanked the forum organizers and fellow candidates, acknowledging Mendocino County's challenges with its budget, roads, and the need for stronger, more stable services. She stressed the county's "strong communities and people who care deeply about where we live." She reiterated her commitment to bringing the "voice of our communities forward." She said she believes progress is made by "working together, focusing on practical solutions and following through." She committed to "showing up, listening, and doing the work." She listed upcoming engagements including a radio interview at KLLG, a chili cookoff at the Willits Senior Center, neighborhood meet and greets, and attending the Round Valley tribal council and MAC meetings. She referred voters to her website [teambuffey.com](https://teambuffey.com/?ref=mendolocal.news). ### Mendocino County Overhauls Reserve Policy URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-overhauls-reserve-policy/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:55.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a major restructuring of its reserves and a rewrite of its reserve policy aimed at simplifying implementation of the policy and strengthening the county’s financial position. Financial advisor Ben Rosenfield presented the proposed changes to the Board of Supervisors last week. The overhaul responds directly to criticism from the California State Auditor, whose recent report described the county’s reserve policy as obsolete and inadequate. “Mendocino’s reserve policy is outdated and is not effective for guiding the county in its future consideration of how much to keep in reserve for unexpected circumstances,” the report found. Rosenfield echoed that assessment, telling supervisors the policy suffers from “critical weaknesses.” “The targets that are established in that reserve policy are well below recommended industry standards and those of peer counties,” he said. “This leaves the county severely exposed to negative shocks. We don’t know when those shocks will occur or what they will look like, but we know they will occur.” Shocks could include recessions, natural disasters, or other emergencies. Some may be short-term disruptions affecting a single fiscal year, while others could take years to resolve. Rosenfield also pointed to the current policy’s “administrative complexity,” saying it makes implementation difficult for the CEO’s office, the Auditor-Controller, and other staff. “It also makes it very hard for the public to understand what the county’s current reserve position even is,” he said, “and what that means for the county’s finances.” By one measure, the county lags behind its peers. Mendocino’s total fund balance ranks 10th out of 14 comparable counties and is roughly 30 percent below the average, an indicator of a relatively weak financial position. The county’s reserve targets are also less than half the level recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association, which advises maintaining at least two months of operating expenditures in reserve. Current reserves fall short even of the county’s own existing targets. To address these issues, Rosenfield proposed dividing reserves into three categories, each designed to manage a different type of financial risk: **Contingency Reserve** A short-term reserve to manage mid-year budget disruptions and prevent sudden service cuts. The recommended target is 5 percent of general fund expenditures. The Auditor-Controller would maintain the fund, with quarterly reporting from the CEO. **Rainy Day Emergency Reserve** A longer-term reserve intended to absorb the impacts of recessions, natural disasters, and other major events. It would grow during strong economic periods, receiving 50 percent of better-than-expected year-end balances when those existed. The fund would have no minimum balance — allowing it to be fully drawn down in emergencies — and a target of up to 15 percent during strong fiscal periods. That target is calibrated to cover about half the revenue losses seen in a moderate recession, rather than a severe downturn like the 2008 financial crisis, which would require significantly higher reserves. The Auditor-Controller would maintain the fund, with quarterly reporting from the CEO. **Infrastructure and Systems Reserve** This reserve would address deferred maintenance and long-term capital needs. The remaining 50 percent of year-end surpluses would flow into this fund. Unlike the rainy day reserve, these funds would be appropriated in the following year’s budget for priority projects, creating a more consistent funding stream for infrastructure and systems needs. The reserve is intended to replace the county’s current Policy 33. Rosenfield said the restructuring would not require setting aside new money immediately. Instead, existing reserves would be reallocated. Under the proposal, $8 million from current general reserves would be directed into the contingency reserve. The remaining $6 million would be split evenly between the infrastructure and systems reserve and the rainy day emergency reserve. The CEO’s office has also recommended transferring a portion of the remaining 2024–25 fund balance into the infrastructure and systems reserve for use in the following fiscal year. The goal is to fully fund the contingency reserve while allowing the rainy day reserve to build gradually over time. Supervisor Bernie Norvell asked a clarifying question about a reserve currently maintained under the now defunct Policy 33\. Supervisor Madeline Cline expressed surprise that Lake County’s total fund balance, which ranked number one, was so much higher than that of Mendocino County. Supervisor John Haschak expressed support for the recommendations. There was no public comment. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — March 28, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-march-28/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:55.000Z ## 🌲 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### A Different Kind of Harvest: Can California’s Forests Grow Jobs, Too? *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* California Assemblymember Chris Rogers’ AB 2494 would shift state forest management toward biodiversity, fire resilience, and climate goals—away from traditional timber extraction. The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors backed the bill in a 3–2 vote, with Supervisors Bernie Norvell and Madeline Cline dissenting. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-different-kind-of-harvest-in-jackson) ### County Moves Forward With New Noise Rules *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Supervisors unanimously advanced a new ordinance setting decibel limits for nighttime noise in unincorporated areas, aiming to give enforcement “teeth.” 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-moves-forward-with-noise-rules) ### County Adopts First Air Toxics Report *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Officials approved the county’s first state-mandated Air Toxics “Hot Spots” report under AB 2588\. The analysis found no areas with high health risks. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-adopts-first-air-toxics-report) ### New Financing Tools Approved for Infrastructure *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The county joined a statewide financing program allowing developers to fund roads, sewer systems, and fees through tax-exempt bonds. Property owners repay via assessments, with limited county risk. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-approves-new-financing-tools) ### Roads Crumbling Amid Funding Gap *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* With just $5–10 million annually for road maintenance, the county lags far behind urban counterparts. Supervisors are now advancing a proposed 1-cent sales tax for the November ballot. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/how-funding-gaps-leave-mendocino-county-roads-in-rough-shape/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Russell Green Enters District 3 Race *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Dispensary owner and software developer Russell Green has announced a run for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors District 3 seat. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/russell-green-runs-for-district-3-seat-on-mendocino-county-board-of-supervisors/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### DUI Conviction in Mill Creek Crash *Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office* A Ukiah man was convicted of misdemeanor DUI following a 2024 crash on Mill Creek Road in Talmage. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/MendoDA) --- ## ✊ FORT BRAGG ### No Kings Day Draws Large Crowd *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* An estimated 1,500 people gathered in Fort Bragg for a peaceful protest organized by Indivisible Mendocino Coast—equal to roughly 20% of the city’s population. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/no-kings-day-on-the-mendocino-coast) ### Rail Rulings Weaken State Oversight *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Federal decisions are undercutting California’s regulatory authority over Mendocino Railway at the former Georgia-Pacific mill site ahead of an April 15 settlement conference. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-rail-rulings-stack-up) ### Grey Whale Inn Reopens *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* A historic Fort Bragg landmark has reopened following renovations, with more restoration still underway. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/fort-braggs-grey-whale-inn-reopens-its-doors/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Avian Flu Detected at Point Reyes *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A dead murre tested positive for avian flu, raising concerns as migratory birds move north. Officials say no spread has been detected in nearby marine mammal populations. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/avian-flu-reaches-point-reyes-virus-may-be-moving-north-as-trump-era-budget-cuts-weaken-cdc-fda-warning-network/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🪖 POINT ARENA ### Veterans Monument Installation Begins **By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer** Six basalt columns have arrived for installation at the Point Arena Lighthouse as part of a new coastal veterans monument. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(Subscription required)* ### 🐎 Healing Through Horses **By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer** A Point Arena practitioner is using hippotherapy to support patients with neurological and physical challenges.🔗 [Read more](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(Subscription required)* --- ## 🌄 UKIAH ### Rangeland Rezoned Near Ukiah *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Supervisors approved rezoning 160+ acres east of Ukiah to allow limited residential division for estate planning by longtime owner Jared Carter. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supervisors-rezone-former-rangeland) ### Teen Hunter Injured in Accident *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* A 15-year-old was airlifted after accidentally shooting himself while hunting west of Ukiah. He is reported in stable condition. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/teen-hunter-shot-in-leg-in-accidental-shooting-transported-out-of-county-in-stable-condition/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Carousel Lane Parcel Back for Review *Ukiah Daily Journal* The City Council will revisit a tax-sharing agreement tied to annexation of a city-owned parcel at a special meet amid conflict-of-interest concerns. *(Subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/25/ukiah-city-council-to-discuss-carousel-lane-parcel-at-special-meeting/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Dragon’s Lair Demolition Planned *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Mendocino College will demolish the former Dragon’s Lair building next month to make way for student housing. *(Subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/24/demolition-of-former-dragons-lair-planned-for-next-month/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Police Warn of Phone System Delays *Ukiah Police Department* Ukiah police warned system upgrade could cause intermittent outages and delays. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/ukiahpolice) ### DUI Conviction in Mill Creek Crash *Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office* A Ukiah man was convicted of misdemeanor DUI following a 2024 crash on Mill Creek Road in Talmage. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/MendoDA) --- ## 🚰 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO ### Water Project Faces Delays, Scrutiny *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* A long-planned water storage project has grown increasingly complex, drawing concerns about transparency and governance. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(Subscription required)* ### Dog “Mayor” Campaign Raises Funds *By Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice* A 120-pound malamute named Bodhi is “running for mayor” in a playful fundraiser for local dog parks and the community center. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/mendocino-dog-park-sheriff-retires-in-order-to-swing-for-the-mayors-seat/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🥃 WILLITS ### Spirits Fundraiser Supports the Arts *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Mendocino Spirits supported a fundraiser benefiting the Willits Center for the Arts. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALIFORNIA ### Lawmakers Move to Fix Environmental Loophole *By Alejandra Reyes-Velarde, CalMatters* A budget deal inadvertently exempted some industrial facilities from environmental review. Legislators are now working to close the gap. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/advanced-manufacturing-ceqa-reform-blakespear/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Tech Giants Spend Big on Politics *By Jeremia Kimelman, CalMatters* Major tech firms spent over $39 million influencing California politics ahead of the 2026 election cycle, with Meta leading the way. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/meta-google-ai-regulation-elections/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### No Kings Day on the Mendocino Coast URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/no-kings-day-on-the-mendocino-coast/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:02.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/c69a8846-8fcd-4c2c-8c41-4c1ae344a284_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/294392b1-c428-4478-a3fe-a66d707f6591_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/9895efbe-2279-4817-9d65-1eefdd54d5f9_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/a5575401-cafd-437c-bf91-bd95a4eda39a_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/582b9fa6-42e0-4af4-94ec-54451b0d10ae_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/853a524a-c07d-4f1c-895a-4a1f6fad4452_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/f3bf653d-67b4-4ad6-bcc0-d8bbd4af63eb_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/1c34eb87-4564-4419-bd21-4ce930062b4a_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/7d8d9037-a047-447b-b44d-e1116726c22a_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) No Kings Day — Fort Bragg, CA — March 28, 2026 *Typos fixed. March 28, 2026, 4:12 p.m. Count updated March 29, 2026 10:34 a.m.* Indivisible Mendocino Coast held a peaceful, well-organized, and well-attended protest in Fort Bragg, CA on Saturday, with organizers estimating the crowd at 1,700 in Fort Bragg— or roughly 20 percent the population of this small coastal city. The crowd was estimated at 200 in the Village of Mendocino — equal to about half the population of the enclave. As with past events, it was a day for reconnecting with old friends and making a few new ones. While the crowd reflected [the ongoing, global demographic shift](https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/dependency-and-depopulation-confronting-the-consequences-of-a-new-demographic-reality?ref=mendolocal.news), Saturday’s protest featured more young people than have participated in No Kings’ Days in the past. Protests were also planned for the Village of Mendocino, Boonville, Point Arena, Gualala, Willits, and Ukiah. ### County Moves Forward With New Noise Rules for Unincorporated Areas URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-moves-forward-with-noise-rules/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:02.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to introduce a new noise ordinance aimed at giving law enforcement clearer authority to address loud late-night parties and other disturbances in unincorporated areas. The proposed law would add Chapter 8.100 to the Mendocino County Code and establish decibel limits for nighttime noise. Under the ordinance, sound from radios, amplifiers or machinery could not exceed 60 decibels for continuous noise or 75 decibels for intermittent noise when measured from an adjacent residential property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Deputy County Counsel Brina Blandon said violations would be treated as infractions. Repeat violations could trigger a public nuisance designation if three disturbances occur within a set timeframe, opening the door to civil enforcement. Barking dogs, in most cases, will be referred to animal control. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Supervisors said the ordinance is intended to address a long-standing enforcement gap. Previously, sheriff’s deputies relied on state law that required a specific complainant, which officials said discouraged residents from reporting disturbances for fear of retaliation. Supervisor Maureen Mulheren said the issue has been under discussion for years, while Supervisor John Haschak and others pointed to recurring problem areas such as Redwood Valley, where large gatherings have generated repeated complaints. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said the ordinance would help deputies more effectively respond to citizen complaints. However, a representative for Sheriff Matt Kendall raised concerns about the cost and practicality of enforcement. He said the department does not currently have the decibel meters needed to support citations in court. The devices cost between $500 and $800 each, and multiple units would be needed to cover the county’s geographic regions. He also cautioned that noise complaints will remain a lower priority than emergency calls. Supervisors also raised questions about how the ordinance would be applied. Supervisor Ted Williams, who said he supports the ordinance, also pointed out that the terms such as “continuous” and “intermittent” noise lack clear definitions for duration and measurement, which could present challenges if the ordinance is contested. Deputy County Counsel Matthew Kiedrowski said staff would work to refine those definitions, potentially drawing from standards already used in the county’s inland zoning code. The ordinance includes exemptions for school activities, public agency work, emergency operations, and activities protected under the county’s right-to-farm and right-to-industry provisions. Tuesday’s vote introduced the ordinance and waived the first reading. A second reading and final adoption are required before it takes effect. **Read our additional coverage of the March 24, 2026 Board of Supervisor’s meeting:** [*County Adopts First Air Toxics Report: No High Health Risks Identified*](http://County Adopts First Air Toxics Report; No High Health Risks Identified) [*Supervisors Re-zone Former Rangeland for Limited Residential Use Near Ukiah*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/supervisors-rezone-former-rangeland) [*County Approves Financing Tools for Roads, Sewer, and Development Infrastructure*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-approves-new-financing-tools) ### County Approves Financing Tools for Roads, Sewer, and Development Infrastructure URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-approves-new-financing-tools/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:03.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to join a statewide financing program aimed at helping developers and property owners pay for public infrastructure and development impact fees through tax-exempt bonds. By opting into the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program, the county authorizes the California Statewide Communities Development Authority to accept applications from local property owners to form special assessment districts. The program, created in 2002, allows financing for public improvements such as roads and sewer systems, as well as county-imposed development impact fees. Planning and Building Services Director Julia Krog told the board the resolution was required for the county to “opt into that type of financing option” for local property owners. Under the program, CSCDA issues tax-exempt bonds to cover eligible costs. Property owners who participate repay the debt through special assessments or taxes levied on their parcels.. Developer Doug Guillon, who is developing the Bella Vista subdivision project just south of Ukiah, told supervisors the program could reduce borrowing costs by securing interest rates of about 4.5 percent, compared with roughly 6 percent for conventional financing. “It’s a great financing tool to help keep the cost of home ownership down,” Guillon said, noting the program could help finance a planned $1.5 million roundabout for the project. Krog said the program presents minimal financial risk to the county. Impact fees can be paid upfront and reimbursed through bond proceeds or funded directly through the bonds, with the county able to request funds for approved expenses. Any infrastructure financed through the program must be publicly owned upon completion and built using prevailing wages. The vote followed a preliminary discussion at the board’s March 10 meeting. Supervisor Ted Williams made the motion to join the program, seconded by Supervisor Maureen Mulheren. The board approved the measure on a 5-0 vote. While the county has authorized participation, individual developers must still apply to the CSCDA for project-specific financing. ### Supervisors Rezone Former Rangeland for Limited Residential Use Near Ukiah URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/supervisors-rezone-former-rangeland/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:03.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to rezone 160+ acres of rangeland east of Ukiah, allowing a longtime property owner to divide the land among his children. The decision changes the general plan designation of the parcel at 1961 Vichy Springs Road from rangeland to remote residential, with a corresponding zoning change to upland residential. The new designation requires a 40-acre minimum lot size, meaning the 160-acre parcel could eventually be subdivided into up to four lots. The applicant, 91-year-old Jared Carter, told supervisors the request is intended for estate planning. Carter, who has owned the property for 25 years, said he does not plan to develop the land during his lifetime. “I’m not going to be developing it,” Carter said. “It’s primarily an estate planning step.” Senior Planner Russ Ford said the rezoning increases potential density but reduces the number of allowed uses on the property. Six uses that are currently permitted with a use permit under rangeland zoning would be prohibited under the new residential designation. The property was previously enrolled in a Williamson Act contract for grazing, but the contract was not renewed more than a decade ago. County staff concluded the land is no longer viable for commercial agriculture, citing soil studies from nearby developments that found insufficient forage for large-scale grazing. The parcel is bordered by ridgelines and sits near existing residential development, including the Regina Heights and Vichy Springs subdivisions. The property is within the Regina Water Company service area and immediately adjacent to the Ukiah Valley Sanitation District and so staff found the change would not contribute to premature urban sprawl and is consistent with county development policies. Supervisor Ted Williams, who supported the proposal, noted the applicant had initially requested a different zoning designation but revised it to the Upland Residential 40-acre (UR40) standard to better align with county policy. The board also adopted a negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act, finding the rezoning would not result in immediate environmental impacts. Any future subdivision of the property would require additional review and environmental analysis. ### County Adopts First Air Toxics Report; No High Health Risks Identified URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-adopts-first-air-toxics-report/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:04.000Z *Updated with informational links. Friday, March 27, 2026, 2:33 p.m.* Mendocino County officials took a step Tuesday toward tracking local air pollution, adopting the region’s first [Air Toxics “Hot Spots” report](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/government/affiliated-agencies/air-quality-management-district?ref=mendolocal.news) — a state-mandated analysis that found no facilities posing a high risk to public health. Meeting as the Air Quality Management District, the Board of Supervisors accepted the findings of the AB 2588 program, which inventories toxic air contaminants and evaluates community exposure. The program requires regulators to collect data on the location, type and volume of emissions from every permitted source in the county and assess both cancer and non-cancer health risks. Of the 280 facilities surveyed, 231 were classified as low risk and 49 as medium risk. Air Quality Management District staff said none met the threshold for high risk. The board also adopted thresholds for ranking facilities, including a cancer risk level of 25 and a hazard index of 1 for both chronic and acute non-cancer impacts. Glen Stephens of the Air Quality Management District explained that acute risks refer to short-term exposures — such as carbon monoxide, which can be immediately dangerous — while chronic risks stem from long-term exposure to pollutants like toluene, a component of gasoline. Supervisor Ted Williams questioned why the report did not account for radon, noting that it is a leading cause of lung cancer and occurs naturally in parts of the county. Stephens said radon is not currently regulated under the district’s authority for this program and would more likely fall under the jurisdiction of the California Air Resources Board. In an interview following the meeting, Stephens directed MendoLocal.News readers who are interested in more information on radon gas and indoor air quality to the California Department of Public Health's website here: [https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/Pages/EMB/Radon/Radon.aspx](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DRSEM/Pages/EMB/Radon/Radon.aspx?ref=mendolocal.news) Public comment focused on localized concerns, including emissions from a wood pellet plant in Redwood Valley. A resident who goes by the name of Gizmo also raised concerns about illegal idling by PG&E contractors who are keeping their engines running to charge drones and other equipment instead of using solar panels. Gizmo said prolonged engine use in residential areas is both expensive for the contractors and poses a health risk for the broader community. “We need to stop idling because it’s killing our kids,” Gizmo said. Officials said the 11-page report will be made available to the public for review. Before the vote, Supervisor Maureen Mulheren disclosed that she is a corporate officer of a business listed in the report. Because the business received a risk score of zero, she did not recuse herself. The board voted unanimously to adopt the findings. ### A Different Kind of Harvest: Can California’s Forests Grow Jobs, Too? URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-different-kind-of-harvest-in-jackson/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:05.000Z *Correction: An early version of the story reported that Supervisors John Haschak and Mo Mulheren were the dissenting votes. The dissenting votes were Supervisors Bernie Norvell and Madeline Cline. March 24, 2025 11:26 p.m.* *California Assembly member Chris Rogers introduced AB 2494 in the Standing Committee on Natural Resources on Monday, March 23\. The committee voted 10-4 along party lines to advance the legislation. The bill redefines management of state forests to promote biodiversity conservation and fire resilience, while maximizing the promotion of durable onsite carbon storage and sequestration, climate resiliency goals, equitable forest access, wildlife and recreation opportunities, and compatible research efforts.* *According to* [*CalMatters’ Digital Democracy* ](https://ai4reporters.org/CA%5F202520260AB2494%5F278952%5F230969%5FT1?ref=mendolocal.news)*Database, there is unusually high organizational interest in the bill, with farming and timber interests opposing it, along with the Rural Counties Representatives of California.* *On Tuesday, March 24, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to support the bill with Supervisors Bernie Norvell and Madeline Cline dissenting.* At dawn, the forest sounds the same as it always has: the low churn of truck engines, the whine of saws, the crack of timber under pressure. But on a narrow ridge above the Pacific, a different kind of work is underway. A crew in hard hats moves slowly through a stand of second-growth redwoods, cutting only the smaller trees. Behind them, other workers scatter branches, stabilize a dirt road that is no longer used, and check a stream where salmonids are hatching. This is not logging as Mendocino County has long known it. It is something closer to what foresters and economists are beginning to call “a restoration economy”— and its promise is not just ecological revival, but jobs. For decades, timber has been treated as a pillar of the North Coast economy. Yet in reality, its footprint has shrunk to a fraction of what many imagine. In the region’s four major timber-producing counties, logging accounts for about 0.3 percent of all jobs, according to an analysis presented by the Pacific Coast Science Symposium in 2016. Even in the heavily forested lands of Jackson Demonstration State Forest, where residents have been debating logging practices for decades, timber work represents a sliver of the broader economy. Tourism alone supports roughly 20 times as many jobs in Mendocino County as logging, according to environmental analyst Evan Mills. What has changed is not just the number of trees, but the idea of what forests are for. --- #### From Extraction to Restoration Traditional industrial logging is designed for efficiency: fewer workers, larger trees, faster output. Restoration forestry, by contrast, is labor-intensive by design. Instead of removing the biggest trees, crews thin dense stands of smaller ones to reduce wildfire risk. They stabilize former logging roads, restore fish habitat, clear invasive species, and conduct controlled burns. The work extends beyond the forest floor into mills and workshops that turn small-diameter wood into furniture, poles, composite materials, and biochar. All of this requires more hands — and more human workers. A restoration-based approach can generate more than five times as many direct jobs as conventional logging, according to Mill’s analysis, while producing more than three times as many jobs overall when indirect and induced employment are included. In one case study of a 533-acre timber plan, a conventional harvest would have created about 12 jobs. A restoration-focused alternative — cutting smaller trees and leaving larger ones standing — would have created about 20. “Restoration logging of this kind \~3% of forest acreage each year would net enough money to cover the 14 Demonstration State Forests’ entire budget,” Mills writes. --- #### A More Stable Economy? Timber jobs have long been volatile, rising and falling with global markets, litigation, and fire. In the early 2000s, logging in state forests slowed significantly due to intense environmental litigation, public protest over habitat loss, and shifting management priorities away from maximum timber production towards conservation and restoration. Restoration work, proponents argue, is less tied to boom-and-bust cycles. It is driven instead by long-term ecological goals: reducing fire risk, improving watershed health, and adapting forests to climate change. A large-scale restoration effort known as “Redwoods Rising” has offered a glimpse of what that could look like. Over its first three years, the project created roughly 300 direct jobs and 475 total jobs — far more employment per dollar than traditional forest management. The work is also different in character. Logging remains one of the most dangerous professions in the United States, with fatality rates far above the national average. Restoration projects, which involve a broader mix of tasks and smaller trees, may reduce some of that risk while offering more diverse roles. --- #### Beyond Timber There is another shift underway, one harder to quantify but increasingly visible on the ground. One weekends, mountain bikers thread through forest trails. Families congregate in picnic areas. Foragers search for mushrooms in the damp understory. Campgrounds — when they are open — fill with visitors drawn by the smell of the trees, the gurgle of a stream, and the expansiveness of the night sky. Recreation, long secondary to timber production, is emerging as a parallel engine of job creation. In places like Wyoming and British Columbia, mountain biking alone has generated millions of dollars in local economic activity, according to researchers. In Mendocino County, where tourism already outpaces timber by a wide margin, some see restoration as a way to align the forest with the economy that surrounds it. But that transition is far from complete. In parts of the state forest, signage is sparse, trails are degraded, access is limited, and vandals have free reign — a legacy, critics say, of managing public lands primarily for timber. --- #### A Debate Rooted in Identity For old-time residents, the question is not just economic. It’s also cultural. Logging built towns along the North Coast, shaping identities that persist even as the industry has faded. Any shift away from traditional practices can feel threatening, particularly to families that continue to rely on the logging economy. “I think it’s short-sighted. I think it’s a terrible mistake,” Bruce Burton, owner of the Willits Redwood Company, told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. Willits Redwood Company processes about 10 million board feet of timber from Jackson Demonstration State Forest every year, Burton said. “I’m not going to belabor it, but I’m happy to answer questions — especially about the economic impact. We employ about to 30 families in Willits, along with the truckers and loggers who work with us during the season,” Burton said. Yet others argue that restoration is not an abandonment of forestry, but its evolution — one that could sustain both forests and communities in a warming, fire-prone future. “We’re not pushing loggers out of the forest,” said Melody Myer, conservation attorney at the Environmental Protection and Information Center, EPIC, which is one of the bill’s sponsors. “We need them to do this management, this important management to keep our community safe and to make sure our forests are healthy.” Advocates for the billl, like Myer, are painting a picture of an alternative future, where one day soon, on a hillside above Caspar Creek, a worker will pause as a small tree falls, its branches catching briefly in the canopy before settling to the ground. Around her, the larger redwoods stand tall. In the quiet that follows, the difference is almost imperceptible. The forest is still being used. It is still being logged. But the goal, increasingly, is not just what can be taken from from the forest —but what can be reclaimed, and who might find work to support themselves and their families in the process. *This story is available for distribution under CC BY 4.0* ### Federal Rail Rulings Stack Up Against State Regulators in Fort Bragg Mill Site Dispute URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/federal-rail-rulings-stack-up/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:06.000Z A pair of federal decisions issued over the past year have steadily eroded the legal foundation on which California state and local regulators had hoped to assert authority over Mendocino Railway’s operations at the former Georgia-Pacific mill site in Fort Bragg, culminating last week in the California Coastal Commission’s decision to drop its appeal before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The most recent and consequential blow came Feb. 19, when the U.S. Surface Transportation Board issued a ruling in a separate proceeding involving the Great Redwood Trail Agency. The decision addressed a question at the center of the Coastal Commission’s federal appeal. ## The Question That Unraveled the Appeal When the Coastal Commission filed its petition for review in the Ninth Circuit, its primary argument was straightforward: the STB had failed to consider whether Mendocino Railway actually provides transportation “as part of the interstate rail network.” That question mattered as a legal threshold. Under federal law, railroads that are part of the interstate rail network fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the STB and are broadly exempt from conflicting state and local regulations. If Mendocino Railway could be shown to operate only as a local, intrastate carrier disconnected from the national rail system, state and local regulators might have had a stronger argument for asserting permitting authority over the mill site. The Coastal Commission was betting the STB had never adequately addressed that question — and that the Ninth Circuit might agree. The February GRTA decision closed that opening. In that ruling, the STB directly analyzed Mendocino Railway’s connection to the broader rail network and found that the railway’s line is connected to the interstate rail network through its link to the embargoed GRTA line, according to court filings by the Coastal Commission’s own attorneys describing the decision. “The Coastal Commission is evaluating whether the STB’s analysis sufficiently addresses its contentions on appeal,” Deputy Attorney General Patrick Tuck wrote in a March 5 court filing. Two weeks later, the Commission filed a stipulated voluntary dismissal of its appeal, signed by all parties. ## What the Rulings Establish — and What Remains Unsettled Taken together, the STB’s declaratory order — which confirmed Mendocino Railway’s status as a Class III common carrier under federal jurisdiction — and the February GRTA decision have now established two critical legal facts. First, Mendocino Railway is a federally regulated common carrier railroad. The STB found the railway acquired that status when it took over the California Western Railroad in 2004, and that a railroad does not forfeit its federal status simply because it is not actively hauling freight. Second, the railway is connected to the interstate rail network —absent formal abandonment. This is the finding that directly undercut the Coastal Commission’s appellate argument. Together, those findings mean that state and local regulations that conflict with federal laws governing rail operations or track construction do not apply to the railway’s federally jurisdictional activities at the site. What the rulings do not resolve — and what remains the central battleground — is precisely where the line falls between railroad activities that are federally preempted and non-railroad activities on the 400-plus-acre property that remain subject to city and state oversight. That boundary question is the core issue in ongoing litigation, which began when the City of Fort Bragg sued Mendocino Railway in 2021\. The Coastal Commission joined that case, and a settlement conference is scheduled for April 15. ## The Preemption Problem for Local Regulators Federal preemption of state and local rail regulation flows from the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act, which gives the STB broad authority over rail transportation and generally bars states from regulating matters the STB oversees. With the STB having now confirmed both Mendocino Railway’s carrier status and its interstate connectivity, the railway can point to a robust body of federal authority when resisting permitting requirements from the Coastal Commission or the City of Fort Bragg for activities it characterizes as railroad operations. Railway President Robert Jason Pinoli has not been subtle about the implications. “This order reaffirms our long-held position,” Pinoli said following the STB’s declaratory order. “We’re committed to working with the City and the CCC on the MDA and CatEx. We’re also committed to having this litigation carry on — it’s really that simple.” ## Negotiated Framework Remains the Path Forward Despite the railway’s strengthened legal position, the dispute is not simply a matter of federal preemption sweeping away all local authority. The proposed Master Developer Agreement — which the parties have been negotiating for months — is designed to map out which activities on the site are railroad-related and thus federally preempted, and which fall under local or state jurisdiction. That agreement, if finalized, would give the city and the Coastal Commission a defined role in overseeing non-railroad development on the property, including environmental cleanup and broader redevelopment. Mendocino Railway is also separately pursuing a Categorical Exclusion Zone application with the Coastal Commission for rail-related portions of the site — a process that requires a two-thirds Commission vote and is expected to take approximately a year. That process, notably, involves the Commission exercising a role the railway has accepted rather than contested. The April 15 settlement conference will test whether the parties can reach agreement on those frameworks without going to trial. If no settlement is reached, the case is expected to proceed to trial in June 2026. *Read MendoLocal.News’ coverage of Mendocino Railway and the mill site dispute:* [Federal Railroad Board Blocks Great Redwood Trail Abandonment Motion](https://www.mendolocal.news/publish/post/188672363) [Skunk Train Chief Details Freight Operations, Federal Oversight Amid Eminent Domain Dispute](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-chief-details-freight-deliveries) [California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-appeals-court-says-public) [Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) [California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) [Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Mendo Local Weekly News — March 21, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-march-21/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:06.000Z ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY **What’s Going On With the DA’s Office Relo?** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)* Supervisor Maureen Mulheren is reportedly holding closed-door talks with Ukiah officials about relocating both the county library and District Attorney’s office near the new courthouse. The lack of transparency—and whether key department heads are even involved—raises concerns about potential high-cost real estate decisions. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Six Years Later: What Has Actually Changed?** *By Mazie Malone, Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)* A local mother reflects on navigating psychiatric crisis care from 2020 to 2026\. Despite new programs and funding, she says the system remains deeply broken for families in crisis. 🔗[Read more](https://theava.com/archives/282443?ref=mendolocal.news) **Scam Targets Families of Jail Inmates, Sheriff Warns** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Authorities warn of a scam in which a caller posing as “Deputy Green” demands thousands of dollars in exchange for the release of an incarcerated relative. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/scam-targets-families-of-jail-inmates) --- ## 🍺 BOONVILLE **There’s a New Beer in Boonville** *By Terry Sites , Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)* Anderson Valley Brewing debuts “Koji Lager,” a sake-inspired beer brewed with koji mold. The brewery is also rolling out deep-dish pizza, and a slate of events including a May 2 Brew Fest. 🔗[Read more](https://theava.com/archives/282441?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚴 FORT BRAGG **Railbike Guides Help Rescue Missing 71-Year-Old Woman** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Railbike tour guides helped locate and rescue a missing Upper Lake woman in a remote area near Chamberlain Creek after her vehicle was found parked for several days. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/railbike-guides-help-rescue-71-year-old) **Missing Man’s Truck Found in San Francisco** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The truck belonging to missing Fort Bragg resident Lane Rider has been recovered in San Francisco, but the search for him continues. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. 🔗[Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/family-reports-fort-bragg-musician-carpenter-missing-seeks-help-from-the-public/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🔥 MANCHESTER **Fire Destroys Home of Local Postmistress** *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* A Sunday morning fire destroyed the home of Manchester’s postmistress, leaving her injured and homeless. Community members are also helping search for her missing dogs. 🔗[Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🦓 POINT ARENA **B. Bryan Preserve Ranked Top Safari Destination** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* The Point Arena preserve ranked No. 7 in USA Today’s 2026 safari park list and welcomed a Somali wild ass—one of the rarest equids on Earth. 🔗[Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Juveniles Caught on Camera in Dispensary Break-In** *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* Two juveniles were recorded on video smashing the window of a Point Arena dispensary and stealing thousands in merchandise. One suspect has been arrested. 🔗[Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚒 REDWOOD VALLEY **Fire Chief Departs After Five Months** *Ukiah Daily Journal (subscription required)* The Redwood Valley–Calpella Fire District’s chief is out after a short tenure, citing management differences. An interim chief has been appointed as a search begins. 🔗[Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/20/chief-creel-out-at-rv-calpella-fire-district-officials-announce/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎓 UKIAH **Ukiah High to Search for New Principal** *Ukiah Daily Journal* The high school will begin a leadership search as its current principal departs for opportunities in Southern California. 🔗[Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/19/ukiah-high-to-begin-search-for-new-principal-officials-announce/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🦈 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **Shark Attack at Big River Beach** *By Linda Little, MendocinoCoast.News* A local teacher suffered ankle injuries in a shark bite incident Wednesday afternoon. Bystanders provided immediate aid at the scene. 🔗[Read mor](https://mendocinocoast.news/surfers-with-medical-training-rush-to-aid-shark-bite-victim-at-big-river-beach-mendocino/?ref=mendolocal.news)e --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 💰WILLITS **Finance Director Details Years of Fiscal Chaos** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Willits’ finance director describes years of accounting failures, outdated systems, and workplace dysfunction that led to a fiscal emergency. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-finance-director-outlines) **Woman Jumps From Window to Escape Alleged Attack** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A 72-year-old woman escaped a violent assault by jumping from a window and crawling to safety. A Willits man faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/72-year-old-woman-escapes-attacker) **Two Arrested After Gunfire and Standoff Near Willits** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Deputies responding to reports of gunfire and a man yelling threats engaged in a two-hour standoff before arresting two suspects. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/man-says-did-i-kill-you) **Willits Man Gets 10½ Years in Federal Case** *By Sarah Stierch, Mendocino Voice* A Willits man was sentenced to more than a decade in prison for attempting to arrange sex with a child and distributing explicit material. 🔗[Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/willits-man-sentenced-to-10%c2%bd-years-for-trying-to-meet-child-for-sex/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendo College Mixer Raises $15K** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* A local fundraiser will support a dual-enrollment summer program, helping high school students earn college credit. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ⛽ CALIFORNIA **Gas Prices Surge as Democrats Pitch Relief Plans** *By Jeanne Kuang & Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters* With gas prices topping $5.99, California Democrats are proposing tax and regulatory relief as part of the governor’s race debate. 🔗[Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-governors-race-gas-taxes/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Farmworker Pay Fight Highlights Labor Shortage** *By Sergio Olmos & Wendy Fry, CalMatters* Federal officials acknowledged a shortage of domestic farm labor while defending a proposal to cut wages for H-2A workers. The United Farm Workers has filed suit. 🔗[Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/03/trump-h2a-wage-cuts-farmworkers/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Man arrested after two-hour standoff near Willits following reports of gunfire URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/man-says-did-i-kill-you/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:07.000Z Deputies with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched around 8:36 p.m. to the 36000 block of Highway 162 after a caller reported hearing gunshots and a man yelling, “Did I kill you?” followed by an unidentified female response, according to the sheriff’s office. When deputies arrived, they were unable to reach the property owner by phone and received no response after announcing their presence. They then searched the approximately 15-acre property. At the north end of the property, deputies located a fifth-wheel travel trailer and observed movement inside. A man later identified as Justin Greer, 43, exited the trailer holding a shotgun, then dropped the weapon and retreated inside after seeing deputies, authorities said. A woman, identified as Annette Pastrana, 43, was also inside. Additional personnel, including fire and medical crews and a representative from Redwood Community Services, were staged nearby as deputies began negotiating with the occupants. Members of the Mendocino-Lake Regional SWAT team assisted during the roughly two-hour standoff. Authorities said Greer at one point threatened to release dogs on deputies if they did not leave the property. Deputies used de-escalation techniques throughout the incident, the sheriff’s office said. A records check showed Greer is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, authorities said. Deputies obtained a search warrant during the standoff. Greer and Pastrana eventually exited the trailer and were taken into custody without further incident. A search of the property turned up three firearms and multiple rounds of live and spent ammunition inside and outside the trailer, according to the sheriff’s office. Greer was arrested on suspicion of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, resisting or threatening a peace officer, and obstructing or delaying an officer. Pastrana was arrested on suspicion of criminal storage of a firearm. Greer was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held on $500,000 bail after a judge approved an increase, authorities said. Pastrana was also booked into the jail but was later released on a promise to appear. The California Highway Patrol assisted at the scene, while the Ukiah Police Department and Willits Police Department handled other calls for service during the incident. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. ### Railbike Guides Help Rescue a Missing 71-year-old Woman near Camp Noyo URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/railbike-guides-help-rescue-71-year-old/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:07.000Z Railbike guides on a scenic Mendocino County excursion helped rescue a 71-year-old woman who had been missing for several days in a remote redwood forest, authorities said. The woman, from Upper Lake, was reported missing around 11:12 a.m. March 18 after a CAL FIRE prevention officer found her locked, undamaged vehicle parked for about three days near the Chamberlain Creek Waterfall trailhead in Jackson State Forest, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Around the same time, authorities received an emergency SOS activation from a Garmin satellite device initiated by the railbike tour operators near Camp Noyo, investigators said. Officials determined the signal was connected to the missing woman. Railbike guides encountered the woman during a scheduled stop at Camp Noyo, a remote site located at mile marker 16.4 on the Mendocino Railway line just a few miles from the trailhead. Sheriff’s Capt. Quincy Cromer said deputies coordinated with CAL FIRE personnel already in the area. The woman was located in good spirits and was able to leave the area on her own accord. No formal search teams had been deployed before the woman was found. Cromer said the woman appeared to have survived several days in the forest. She was not believed to have suffered serious injuries, though officials noted she had insect bites. Officials did not release her name. Cromer said people regularly get lost in Mendocino County, with volunteer search and rescue teams mobilizing around 60 times each year. ### Scam Targets Families of Jail Inmates in Mendocino County, Sheriff Says URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/scam-targets-families-of-jail-inmates/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:08.000Z Authorities in Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office are warning residents about a scam targeting families of people in custody after a caller posing as a deputy sought thousands of dollars for a relative’s release. The incident was reported March 17 when a member of the public went to the Mendocino County Jail to arrange the release of a family member using an ankle monitor, according to the sheriff’s office. The individual told jail staff they had received a call from someone identifying himself as “Deputy Green,” who claimed the relative had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and could be released for $3,200 with future court appearances held over Zoom. The caller directed the individual to send payment and used a phone number with a 580 area code. The person became suspicious, ended the call without paying and reported it to authorities. Investigators later confirmed the family member was in custody but not for a DUI offense. Officials believe the scammer may have used publicly available information from the sheriff’s online booking log to make the scheme appear legitimate. The sheriff’s office said it does not employ anyone by the name provided and does not request payment by phone for inmate release or related services. Authorities urged anyone who receives similar calls not to send money or share personal information and to report the incident to local law enforcement. ### Willits Man Arrested for Selling THC-Laced Popcorn to Kids URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/thc-laced-popcorn-sold-to-kids-in-fort-bragg/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:08.000Z *Editor’s note: We added more information about the prohibition on selling edibles to minors. March 20, 2026, 8:21 a.m. and typo corrected at 4:39 p.m.* A 55-year-old Willits man was arrested Wednesday in connection with an investigation into THC-laced popcorn allegedly distributed to minors from a mobile stand in Fort Bragg, authorities said. Officers with the Fort Bragg Police Department, assisted by the Willits Police Department and other agencies, arrested Michael James Fraser on March 18 after serving a search and arrest warrant at a warehouse in the 100 block of South Street in Willits. Fraser was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Mendocino County Jail on a warrant issued by the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office. He faces charges including furnishing cannabis to minors and child endangerment. The investigation began in July 2025 after police received a report that an unidentified man had provided popcorn suspected of being laced with THC — the psychoactive compound in cannabis — to minors from a mobile popcorn stand operating in Fort Bragg. THC-laced popcorn is a cannabis edible made by coating popped popcorn with butter or oil infused with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Unlike smoked cannabis, edibles are processed through the digestive system, which can delay the onset of effects and prolong intoxication. In California, edibles cannot be sold to minors. Dispensaries are required to verify a customer is of legal age at the door. In 2024, [Governor Gavin Newsom announced emergency regulations](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/09/06/governor-newsom-issues-regulations-to-protect-kids-from-dangerous-and-intoxicating-hemp-products/?ref=mendolocal.news#:~:text=Governor%20Newsom%20issues%20regulations%20to,products%20to%20five%20per%20package.) that banned any detectable amout of THC from consumables sold to minors.' “Our cannabis and tobacco inspectors are out in the field every day so that consumers can know that the items on store shelves are legal in California, properly tested, labeled, and taxed,” Nick Maduros, director of CDTFA, said at the time.“We will continue working with our colleagues at the state and local levels to educate retailers and enforce California law.” Authorities said samples of popcorn allegedly sold by Fraser were collected and tested, and laboratory results confirmed the presence of THC. Investigators later identified Fraser as the suspect, alleging he operated under the business name “The Popcorn Connection.” During the March 18 search, officers seized evidence related to the case, police said. [Link to CC by-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Popcorn photo license) ### Big River Beach Shark Attack URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/big-river-beach-shark-attack/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:08.000Z *updated 9:40 p.m.* Bystanders rushed to aid a man bitten by a shark Wednesday afternoon off Big River Beach, helping stabilize him before emergency crews arrived. The man was reported in stable condition, according to early accounts from the scene. The attack occurred around 5:15 p.m. at the beach just south of Mendocino. The victim made it to shore on his own and was located at the far north end of the beach, where responders requested an all-terrain vehicle to reach him. Witnesses told [Linda Little of MendocinoCoast.News ](https://mendocinocoast.news/surfers-with-medical-training-rush-to-aid-shark-bite-victim-at-big-river-beach-mendocino/?ref=mendolocal.news)that the shark as “gigantic,” visible from shore “as if it was a whale.” Several said the animal struck the man multiple times and then circled him and the surfers who entered the water to help. Daniel O’Connor, a tourist visiting Mendocino, told Linda Little he watched from bluffs near Mendocino Presbyterian Church and could see the shark circling the rescuers. He said those in the water appeared unaware, and he and others shouted warnings from shore. Emergency radio traffic indicated the injuries were serious but did not involve arterial bleeding. A paramedic advised that a helicopter might not be necessary, though an air ambulance was already en route at the time. Agencies responding included California State Parks and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Worldwide, there were a total of 65 confirmed cases of unprovoked shark bits in 2025\. This is in line with the five-year average of 61 annual incidents between 2020 and 2024, according to the Florida Museum. The United States led the world in 2025 with 25 unprovoked shark bites, which are defined as a bite that happens when a human is in a shark’s natural habitat and is not trying to touch, feed, or harass the shark. In the United States, Florida recorded 11 unprovoked shark bites — the highest recorded number. California ranked second with five unprovoked bites. [Read more on MendocinoCoast.news](https://mendocinocoast.news/surfers-with-medical-training-rush-to-aid-shark-bite-victim-at-big-river-beach-mendocino/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Willits Finance Director Outlines Years of Financial Turmoil as the City Declares a Fiscal Emergency URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-finance-director-outlines/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:09.000Z The Willits City Council voted unanimously last week to declare a fiscal emergency that includes laying off seven employees, cutting eleven open positions, and consolidating building, planning, public works, water, and waste water management into one department. But first, Manuel Orozco, the finance director who was tasked with bringing order to the city’s disjointed accounting and payroll data broke his silence. For four years, Orozco said, he operated under what he described as a strict policy of working behind the scenes to reconcile the books of a city whose financial records were in such disarray they resembled a “disaster.” **A City Run on Small Business Software** When Orozco arrived in January 2022, the City Manager Brian Bender welcomed him “as a wonderful asset to the organization.” What Orozco found was chaos. He testified at the March 9 meeting that Willits had no formal finance department. The city was two years behind on its audit books and was utilizing payroll software designed for small businesses rather than a municipality. “The ACS system held no payroll expenses,” Orozco said, describing the manual effort he undertook to rebuild the city’s financial history from scratch. To align the city’s old records with its new financial software, Springbrook, Orozco said he had to replicate daily utility billing and cash receipting through more than 3,500 separate journal entries. Despite the backlog, he completed five audits during his tenure. **The Hidden Hole in the Budget** In January 2022, the city had a $1.9 million surplus, thanks to an influx in funding from the federal CARES Act money that was supposed to be used for pandemic-related expenses. The surplus made Willits feel flush. At the same city council meeting where Bender welcomed Orozco, he also announced new positions in community development, dispatch, and public works. By the next year, the surplus had dwindled to just $400,000. Financial consultant Andy Heath noted that once this federal aid stopped, the underlying structural deficit became visible. **Retaliating Against a Voice of Concern** For Orozco, the turning point came in late summer 2023 when he raised alarms over the city’s spending. He specifically challenged a plan to pay $800,000 for outside engineering services to avoid a single $200,000 in-house hire—a decision he cited as emblematic of the era’s financial thinking. Orozco claimed the response to his concerns was swift and punitive: the finance department was split in two. The “front-end” operations were placed under the assistant city manager, while Orozco was relegated to the “back-half”. From that point on, Orozco testified that his efforts to implement internal controls were systematically dismantled. He told the council he was overruled on critical utility billing procedures and watched as documentation for cash receipting was “tossed away” over his objections. He was also placed on administrative leave for several months. The failure of oversight, Orozco claimed, led directly to the city receiving a “qualified” audit opinion — a red flag to lenders and the public that a city’s financial statements may not be fully accurate. **A Culture of Fear** Orozco’s testimony painted a picture of a workplace defined by professional and personal strain. He claimed he was forced to follow the city manager’s lead regardless of his professional disagreement and faced attacks from a past council member on social media. “I’ve heard of a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking” on what people would have done differently, Orozco said. “It’s easy to state these things in the comfort of a protected space. But I had no such luxury.” Even within the council chambers, Orozco said he was recently “stared down” by the former council member in an attempt to intimidate him. **A Toxic Culture Documented by a Civil Grand Jury** Orozco’s account is backed up by testimony gathered by the Mendocino County Civil Grand Jury and published in a report last year “Healing the Toxic Culture in the City of Willits Workplace.” The grand jury found that “top management ignored the policy in the City of Willits Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual regarding harassment, discrimination and retaliation” according to the employees they spoke with. The grand jury reported cited multiple examples of employee testimony, including: - Top management placed themselves as acting Finance Director and Human Resources Director positions for which employees believed they had no experience or qualifications to do the jobs responsibly. - Complaints were “squashed” instead of heard, investigated, and addressed. - Employees state that the leadership is fear-based. This causes disruptions and frustrations, taking away the ability to perform duties to the fullest. **The Final Word** Orosco’s experience mirrors the challenges described by financial expert Mark Moses, who notes in *The Municipal Financial Crisis* that finance directors are often relegated to subordinate roles, tasked with “making the budget work” for predetermined political spending rather than acting as a true fiscal safety net. As he prepares to leave the city, Orozco said he is finalizing the last of the bank reconciliations and cleaning up the final issues carried over from the previous administration. “I leave it better than I had when I arrived,” Orozco told the council as they prepared to vote on a radical reorganization plan that included his own layoff. “That’s why you have numbers now.” *Read our previous stories about Willits’ financial challenges:* [*Willits Faces Night of Reckoning as City Council Considers Declaring a Financial Emergency*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-faces-night-of-reckoning) [*Willits Braces for Layoffs as Consultant Prepares a Strategic Plan to Reorganize the City, January 24, 2026*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/consultant-plans-for-willits-layoffs) [*Toxic Workplace Report, $2M Deficit Dominate Willits City Council Meeting, September 30, 2025*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/toxic-workplace-report-2m-deficit) [*Willits Grapples with Fallout from Scathing Grand Jury Report, August 6, 2025*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-grapples-with-fallout-from) ### 72-year-old Woman Jumps Out of Window, Crawls to Neighbor's House to Escape Attacker URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/72-year-old-woman-escapes-attacker/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:09.000Z *Update: The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office has released an update. Don Wiltse, the alleged attacker, is not related to the victim as previously stated. However, the victim told investigators that the two were close and that she considered Wiltse her “grandson.” (*March 17, 2026, 1:54 p.m.) A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after authorities say he strangled and severely injured a 72-year-old roommate during an early morning assault Friday, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were dispatched around 12:20 a.m. to the 27000 block of Hawk Drive, north of Willits, after a neighbor reported that the woman had crawled to their home seeking help following the attack. Officers with the Willits Police Department arrived first and provided aid until medical personnel took over. The woman was found with facial injuries consistent with strangulation and broken bones in her lower extremities. She was initially taken to a local hospital and later transferred out of the county for further treatment. Sheriff’s deputies launched an attempted murder investigation after interviewing the victim at the hospital. Meanwhile, Willits police officers remained near the Brooktrails residence and saw the suspect, identified as Don Wiltse, in the driveway of the home, where he also lives. Officers detained him pending further investigation. Authorities said Wiltse made threats against law enforcement officers while being detained. Investigators determined that the assault followed an argument inside the home. Wiltse allegedly chased the woman into a bedroom, strangled her and threatened to kill her. When she tried to call 911, deputies said, he took her phone. The woman escaped by jumping from a window about nine feet off the ground, then crawled to a neighbor’s home to get help. Deputies later obtained a search warrant for the residence and collected evidence related to the assault. Wiltse was arrested on multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault causing great bodily injury, criminal threats, elder abuse and resisting a peace officer. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held on $1,205,000 bail. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — March 16, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-march-18-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:10.000Z # 🗳️ Mendocino County ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/57aa2cf4-0ff9-4e59-a6eb-e546b95ee995_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) Looking down on the culvert connecting China Gulch and the Gualala River (Photo by Elise Cox) **Local Office Candidate Update: June 2026 Ballot Shaping Up** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* The June 2026 ballot is taking shape with several notable developments. Assistant Assessor Tonya Mounts is running unopposed to replace retiring Assessor-Clerk-Recorder Katrina Bartolomie. The county has also completed the “deconsolidation” of the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector office. Megan Hunter is the sole candidate for Auditor-Controller, while current officeholder Chamise Cubbison is running for the newly recreated Treasurer-Tax Collector position. The Third District Supervisor race includes Russell Green, Buffey Wright-Bourassa, Clay Romero, and Eric Hart. In the Fifth District, incumbent Ted Williams faces Kevin Evans and Todd Lyly. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- **💰 Proposed Sales Tax Pits County Residents and Businesses Against Residents of Incorporated Cities** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.news* The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted to place a 1-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot that would generate an estimated $5–6 million annually for road maintenance in unincorporated areas of the county. The measure is sparking debates over fairness and which roads get repaired. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/proposed-sales-tax-approved-by-supes) --- **🌲 California Attorney General Challenges Federal Forest Plan; Local Panel Planned** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.news* California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined eight other states opposing a federal proposal that would cut public comment periods by more than half and eliminate neutral review of national forest decisions. The coalition argues the rule would weaken transparency in the management of California’s 20 million acres of national forests. Locally, the Mendocino County Vision Workgroup and the League of Women Voters will host a March 19 panel on Assembly Bill 2494 and the future of Jackson Demonstration State Forest. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/bonta-challenges-forest-rule) --- # 🌉 Caspar **🚗 Three-Vehicle Collision Closes Caspar Creek Bridge for Hours** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* A three-vehicle crash on Highway 1 at Caspar Creek Bridge shut down traffic Monday afternoon. Authorities say a white sedan attempting to pass traffic struck a pickup truck before colliding with a Pacific Towing tow truck. The sedan and tow truck remained stuck together for several hours, leaving the highway blocked during the response. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/caspar-creek-bridge-closed-for-three-car-crash-more-details-coming-many-crashes-recently/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🐟 Gualala **New Culvert Could Reopen China Gulch Salmon Habitat** *By Elise Cox, Independent Coast Observer* The Gualala Municipal Advisory Council unanimously recommended approval of a coastal permit for the China Gulch emergency culvert replacement project. Caltrans says the project would restore fish passage that has been blocked for decades, reopening upstream spawning habitat for salmon. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🚧 Hopland **Hopland ADA Improvement Project Begins** *Caltrans* Caltrans has begun work on an $11.2 million project to upgrade curb ramps, sidewalks, and driveways in Hopland to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Hopland Public Utilities District cited the project when it voted last year to triple water rates. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-faces) --- # 🏫 Point Arena **Point Arena Advances Windy Hollow Road Rehabilitation** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* The Point Arena City Council approved a professional services agreement with engineering firm Lumos & Associates to complete design work for the long-delayed Windy Hollow Road Rehabilitation Project. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- **Kashia Elementary Faces Closure as Enrollment Collapses** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The one-room Kashia Elementary School District, serving the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, could be ordered to shut its doors after enrollment fell from 15 students to just 6 in seven years. During the same period, operating costs climbed from $340,000 to nearly $1 million annually. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/kashia-elementary-a-feeder-to-point) --- # 🎓 Willits **Willits Declares Fiscal Emergency, Lays Off Seven Workers** *By B.B. Kamonoff, Willits Weekly* The City of Willits declared a fiscal emergency and permanently laid off seven employees during a special meeting Monday. Workers were released without severance. 🔗 [Read this](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- **$20 Million Plan Would Turn Mendocino College Willits Campus Into Career Training Hub** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Nearly $20 million in state and federal funding will support construction of a new 18,843-square-foot career training facility at the Mendocino College Willits campus, expected to open in spring 2029\. Programs will include construction trades, lab service technology, and fire science, including a new Fire Academy. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/12/plans-for-career-training-hub-in-willits-announced-tuesday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- **Willits Indivisible Prepares for “No Kings” Protest** *By Savana Robinson , The Mendocino Voice* More than 20 members of Willits Indivisible took part in a nonviolence training workshop Saturday in preparation for the group’s planned “No Kings” protest on March 28. 🔗 [Read this](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/willits-indivisible-hosts-nonviolence-training-ahead-of-march-protest/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🔥 CalMatters **State Farm Settlement Could Save California Policyholders $530 Million** *By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters* A settlement between State Farm, the California Department of Insurance, and Consumer Watchdog could save policyholders roughly $530 million following emergency rate hikes tied to the Los Angeles County fires. The agreement lowers proposed increases for condo and rental property owners and temporarily prevents certain wildfire-area policy cancellations. A decision from an administrative law judge is expected April 7. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/03/state-farm-insurance-rate-settlement/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- **San Diego County Sues Trump Administration Over ICE Facility Inspection** *By Wendy Fry, CalMatters* San Diego County has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the Trump administration illegally blocked a public health inspection of the Otay Mesa Detention Center, a privately operated ICE facility. County officials say inspectors were initially cleared to enter but were turned away upon arrival. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/03/san-diego-otay-mesa-lawsuit/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### California Attorney General Challenges Federal Forest Plan; Local Panel to Discuss Jackson Demonstration State Forest March 19 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/bonta-challenges-forest-rule/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:11.000Z California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined attorneys general from eight other states [in opposing a federal proposal that would limit public participation in national forest decisions.](https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/only-you-can-prevent-forest-mismanagement-attorney-general-bonta-opposes?ref=mendolocal.news) The coalition argues the plan would shorten public comment periods and eliminate neutral review of objections to projects such as timber sales and road construction, potentially reducing transparency for communities, tribes, and environmental groups involved in managing California’s roughly 20 million acres of national forest land, including the Mendocino National Forest. Locally, the Mendocino County Vision Workgroup and the League of Women Voters Mendocino County will host a public panel on Thursday, March 19, from 3–5 p.m. examining proposed legislation—Assembly Bill 2494—that could significantly change the mandate and management of Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Panelists include Scott Alonso from Assemblymember Chris Rogers’ office, Amy Wynn, and J. P. O’Brien, who will discuss the bill’s potential impacts and take questions from the public. More information available [here](http://grassroots-institute.org/vision?ref=mendolocal.news). ### Proposed Sales Tax Targets County-based Businesses URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/proposed-sales-tax-approved-by-supes/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:11.000Z The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to move forward with plans to place a 1-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would generate an estimated $5 million to $6 million annually for maintenance of county roads. Revenue would be legally restricted to road maintenance, and the tax would sunset after 20 years. The proposal would apply only in the county’s unincorporated areas and would not apply within incorporated cities such as Ukiah and Fort Bragg. County officials said the tax would fund maintenance of county-maintained collectors and connectors, which are used by residents and visitors throughout the county, including city residents. The board approved moving forward with the measure on a 4-1 vote. Supervisors did not discuss how or whether the measure would address maintenance needs for residential roads in unincorporated areas that are privately maintained by residents — in contrast to city residents who enjoy roads that are maintained by their municipality. Supervisor Madeline Cline, the lone dissenting vote, questioned whether voters in unincorporated areas would support the tax. “There has not been any track record of improving their roads,” Cline said of her constituents. “So for them, they’re not invested and bought into an idea like this.” Supervisor Ted Williams, who represents the 5th District, said his district “wants better roads.” But many residents in rural parts of the county maintain private roads at their own expense, sometimes trading off poor road conditions for increased vehicle repair costs. The measure does not address these residential roads, though it targets the unincorporated parts of the county. Polling conducted by the Oakland-based consulting firm FM3 was cited in support of the proposal. According to the survey of 660 people, about two-thirds of likely voters said they would support a tax to improve unspecified local roads in the county. The poll did not distinguish between the roughly 337 miles of roads that would be maintained by the county as a result of the tax, minor county roads whose maintenance is not addressed by the tax, and other roads that are privately maintained by residents. Survey language presented to voters described the measure as one that would “maintain and improve deteriorating roads, permanently resurface potholes, and improve safety on local roads in the unincorporated areas of the county.” During the public comment period, Dave Shpak, a member of the Gualala Municipal Advisory Council, raised questions about how the revenue would be allocated. Shpak asked whether the funding would address differences in road maintenance needs across geographic areas and whether voters would see improvements on roads they regularly use. He said rural areas with limited road networks often concentrate traffic on a small number of routes, which can accelerate wear and shorten road life cycles. “If you really want taxpayers throughout the county to support this measure, then please consider a more thoughtful, realistic, and equitable allocation of revenues contributed by those taxpayers,” Shpak said. ### Kashia Elementary, a Feeder to Point Arena High School, Faces Possible Closure as Enrollment Falls URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/kashia-elementary-a-feeder-to-point/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:11.000Z In a somber board meeting Wednesday, trustees of the Kashia Elementary School District voted two to one to eliminate three instructional positions assigned to the one-room schoolhouse on the Stewarts Point Rancheria serving the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians. “Who will be left to educate our children?” asked trustee Coleen McCloud, who voted no. Though heartfelt, McCloud’s protest was largely symbolic. Attendance at the tiny district — a feeder to Point Arena High School — is projected to fall below the minimum required to maintain state funding. There are currently just six students. California education law provides for the dissolution of a school district if its average daily attendance falls below six in grades K-8\. The process, known as lapsation, allows the district’s territory to be annexed to a neighboring district. Kashia’s ADA is projected to fall to 5.81\. The education code also requires the district to notify staff within a certain timeframe if their positions are going to be terminated. Greg Medici, a deputy superintendent for the Sonoma County Office of Education, said Kashia Elementary could be incorporated into the nearby Horicon Elementary School District, which serves about 75 students from Sea Ranch, Stewarts Point and Annapolis. The school is roughly 10 miles from the Kashia campus. Community members attending the meeting urged the board to take steps to avoid lapsation, including offering Saturday academies and independent study contracts to boost attendance. “Kashia Elementary is not just a building,” said Leah Wilder, a grandmother who attended the school herself, whose children attended Kashia, and whose grandson is now a student there. “It is where our children learn, where our families come together, and where our culture and history stay connected to the next generation.” One parent, who asked not to be identified, said she would not send her children to Horicon because of her own experience with discrimination while attending local schools. She recounted getting into a fight after being called a “squaw” and said her grandson, who now attends high school in Point Arena, has also faced harassment. Community member Shawn Marrufo questioned whether adequate steps had been taken to stabilize enrollment and asked about the creation of a parent advisory committee. “Parent participation in these decisions is not optional,” Marrufo wrote in comments to the board. “It is required by law, and it is also just good practice when the future of a school is being discussed.” Katrina Azbill noted that some community members have begun a formal effort to recall the board. But time may be running short. Medici said the state ultimately determines which districts receive funding through its annual budget process. State funding for school districts under California’s Local Control Funding Formula typically begins flowing in July. Kashia Elementary has been at risk for at least a year due to declining enrollment. There were eight students enrolled during the 2024–25 school year: three first graders, three fifth graders and two eighth graders, who have since graduated. Average daily attendance that year was 6.45 due to absences. Without additional enrollment, the district could end up with just four students within three years. Meanwhile, costs continue to climb. According to an update presented to the board on Dec. 10, the school’s operating expenses totaled $935,000, with salaries and benefits accounting for about 80% of the general fund budget. Staff included a full-time principal and lead teacher, a full-time classroom teacher, an instructional aide who also served as custodian, a part-time administrator, a part-time business manager and several contractors. Expenses have more than doubled since the 2018–19 school year, when the school served 15 students on a $340,000 budget. On Wednesday, business manager Christine Fears reported that expenses had risen to $999,000\. Meanwhile, the district has developed a growing operating deficit within the general fund. The general fund deficit was originally projected at $191,000 for the 2025–26 school year, increasing to $205,000 the following year and $234,000 in 2026–27. Other districts in Sonoma County are also struggling. Last week, the Press Democrat reported that six Sonoma County school districts have certified that their budgets are in poor standing with the state, largely due to declining enrollment. In contrast, Fears told the board Wednesday that Kashia can reasonably expect to meet its financial obligations this year and for the next two years while maintaining the required reserves. She recommended issuing a positive budget certification. Fears declined to answer questions about the budget when contacted by MendoLocal.news. Acknowledging pressure for consolidation, one parent expressed fear for the future. “I don’t want this school to close,” she said. “And I don’t know what to do.” ### Willits Faces Night of Reckoning as City Council Considers Declaring a Financial Emergency URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-faces-night-of-reckoning/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:12.000Z A pivotal moment for the city of Willits may arrive Monday night, when elected officials are preparing to preside over what one council member described as the most consequential meeting in the city’s history. Vice Mayor Matthew Alaniz said the City Council will consider declaring a financial emergency when it meets March 9, a move he said could be necessary to stabilize the city’s troubled finances and allow officials to restructure operations. “This Monday … we will be having a very special and important City Council meeting — maybe the most important this city has ever had,” Alaniz wrote in a public statement posted to social media. The meeting is expected to begin with a closed session at 6:30 p.m., followed by a public presentation from interim City Manager Robert Richardson outlining the results of months of financial review and a proposed plan for reorganizing city staff. Alaniz said the council may need to declare a financial emergency to “make the needed changes to keep us functioning as a city.” The council will also debate a staff reorganization intended to keep the city’s general fund solvent as it prepares its fiscal year 2026–27 budget, which begins in July. Alaniz said officials will consider limiting how much accumulated leave employees can cash out after the city paid more than $500,000 in such costs over the past two years, according to Alaniz. “This City Council has taken on the difficult (and sometimes unpopular) task of finding a way out of our current financial issues,” Alaniz wrote. “Putting the people of Willits first means putting the financial sustainability center stage.” ### Financial crisis months in the making The looming decisions come after months of warnings that the small Mendocino County city faces deep structural budget problems. [Shortly before Christmas](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/consultant-plans-for-willits-layoffs), Richardson gathered city employees and told them layoffs were likely as the city scrambled to close a widening budget gap. Richardson had been on the job just over two weeks at the time. “I don’t want to sugarcoat this,” he told employees. “There are those of us who will not be here in the future.” Richardson said he planned to spend January studying how the city operates and identifying positions that could be consolidated or eliminated before presenting a strategic reorganization plan to the council. City employees have said the situation is the result of years of management decisions that left Willits spending far more than it takes in. The city employs roughly four dozen workers. ### Employees express anger and frustration As Monday’s meeting approaches, some employees say the coming decisions will punish workers who were not responsible for the financial problems. City employee Nici Caldwell wrote in a social media comment that employees have endured years of instability and fear while leadership avoided accountability. “The current employees are the ones that have to take the heat … while the ones responsible for this mess have not only received huge separation packages, but also won’t take any responsibility at all,” Caldwell wrote. Caldwell said employees have spent years worried about losing their jobs while dealing with what she described as harassment and a lack of transparency in decision-making. “Most employees have lived a nightmare over the last five years,” she wrote. ### Tough decisions ahead City leaders have acknowledged the severity of the financial situation. Mayor Tom Allman warned earlier this year that the council would soon face difficult choices. “In the next 90 to 120 days, this council is going to make some really tough decisions,” Allman said at a January meeting. Monday’s meeting could mark the moment when those decisions begin. *Mendo Local’s previous reporting on Willits’ financial and governance challenges:* [*Willits Braces for Layoffs as Consultant Prepares a Strategic Plan to Reorganize the City, January 24, 2026*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/consultant-plans-for-willits-layoffs) [*Toxic Workplace Report, $2M Deficit Dominate Willits City Council Meeting, September 30, 2025*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/toxic-workplace-report-2m-deficit) [*Willits Grapples with Fallout from Scathing Grand Jury Report, August 6, 2025*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-grapples-with-fallout-from) ### Mendo Local Weekly News — March 8, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-march-8-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:12.000Z ## 🏛️ Mendocino County ### Accounting Shift Balances Budget *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Mendocino County closed a **$2.8M shortfall** with a temporary accounting maneuver, counting late state and federal reimbursements as last year’s revenue, but the move borrows from next year’s budget and does not address the county’s structural deficit. [**Read more →**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/accounting-shift-balances-mendo-budget) ### Fire Safe Council Opens 5th Annual Micro-Grant Program *By Mendocino County Fire Safe Council* **$100,000+ in grants** are available to support community wildfire preparedness **projects**, from neighborhood vegetation management to evacuation planning. Grants range **$2,000–$12,500**. [**Learn more →**](https://www.firesafemendocino.org/the-latest/another-round-of-micro-grant-funding?ref=mendolocal.news) ## 🌱 Caspar ### Farmers Grow Crops That Adapt to Local Conditions *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Local farmers pioneer **“adaptation gardening,”** growing **freely pollinating crops** that evolve to thrive in Mendocino’s climate. These plants are **resilient, nutrient-dense**, and not controlled by corporate patents. [**Read more →**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/seeds-of-change-mendocino-coast-farmers) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## ⚾ Fort Bragg ### Timberwolves Baseball Team Earns Oracle Park Spotlight *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Fort Bragg High’s team will face Napa-based **Justin-Siena at Oracle Park on April 11** after a thrilling comeback win, scoring 6 runs in 2 innings to take the opener 7–5. [**Read more →**](https://mendocinocoast.news/fort-bragg-high-baseball-mounts-big-comeback-against-eureka-to-avenge-shutout-and-this-year-they-will-play-at-oracle-if-you-help/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Taqueria La Oaxaqueña Finds Permanent Home *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The popular food truck run by **Sergio Lopez & Bertha Calleja** now has a **stable spot in Purity Market’s parking lot**, securing Oaxacan-inspired cuisine for Fort Bragg residents. [**Read more →**](https://mendocinocoast.news/good-news-sergio-and-berthas-fort-bragg-food-truck-finds-home-thanks-purity/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Boy Scout’s Navarro–Noyo Trail: Lost Adventure *By Katy Tahja, Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)* From the 1950s–1995, Scouts hiked **50+ miles across timberlands** from Camp Navarro to Camp Noyo, earning prestigious badges on this legendary 7-day trek. [**Read more →**](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### West Business Development Center Opens Fort Bragg Office *West Business Development Center* The Ukiah-based nonprofit now has a new office at 335 N. Franklin Street, supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses. [**Read more →**](https://www.facebook.com/events/1687748562604712?acontext=%7B%22event%5Faction%5Fhistory%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22external%5Fsearch%5Fengine%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref%5Fnotif%5Ftype%22%3Anull%7D) ### Asphalt Patches on Sidewalks? They’re Temporary *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* Fort Bragg sidewalks show uneven asphalt patches, but the city says they’re part of early fiber-optic broadband installation and will be replaced. [**Read more →**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/those-weird-asphalt-patches-on-fort-bragg-sidewalks-theyre-temporary/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🕊️ Gualala ### Susan Quinn: Sherpa for Life’s Final Chapter *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* Susan Quinn, of Gualala and Anchor Bay, guides families through the emotional, logical, and financial challenges of dying. [**Read more →**](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎭 Point Arena ### Psychic Comedian Packs Arena Theater *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* Peter Antoniou drew a full house with an interactive show, attracting audiences from across the Mendonoma Coast & Northern California. [**Read more →**](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📡 The Sea Ranch ### Sea Ranch Cell Tower Moves Forward Despite Opposition *By George Calys, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* Board plans to seek bids for a new tower near Deer Trail dog park. Opponents say they have retained legal counsel. [**Read more →**](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🌞 Ukiah ### City Council Cuts Credits for Some Solar Users *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Solar users installed **before July 2021** will now receive **6.75¢/kWh “avoided cost” rate**, down from full retail credits. [**Read more →**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/ukiah-city-council-reduces-credits-for-some-solar-users/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Ukiah Florist Featured at de Young Museum *By Monica Huettl, Medium* Wil Gonzalez, owner of W/E Flowers, will showcase a design inspired by Bierstadt’s “The Arch of Octavius” at [Bouquets to Art.](https://www.famsf.org/exhibitions/bouquets-to-art-2026?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Read more →**](https://medium.com/@monicahuettl/local-floral-designer-featured-in-bouquets-to-art-exhibit-at-san-franciscos-deyoung-museum-ff2afeffcd94?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Two New Roads Planned for Ukiah’s Eastern Hills *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* - **East Hills Evacuation Route** (north-south, Cal Fire funded) - **Redemeyer Road Extension** (east-west, $40M grant, construction years away) [**Read more →**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/07/two-new-routes-being-planned-for-ukiahs-eastern-hills/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### County Halts Ukiah Library Feasibility Study *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Ukiah Library expansion/relocation study paused due to funding. Supervisor Maureen Mulheren, who represents Ukiah, plans to continue discussions. [**Read more →**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/05/county-halts-study-on-possible-move-expansion-of-ukiah-library/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Ukiah Man Held for Sword Attack Over Pit Bull *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A 23-year-old man stabbed a 33-year-old while attempting to reclaim a pit bull he said was his dog. [**Read more →**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/sword-attack-over-pit-bull) --- ## 🚓 Willits ### Willits Man Convicted of 11 Child Sexual Abuse Charges *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Christopher Neil Kiger, 42, found guilty of 11 felonies for abuse of a child (2020–2023). Sentencing: March 25. [**Read more →**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-man-found-guilty-of-11-child) ### Driver Rescued After SUV Plunge *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Bette Loflin, 73, rescued after her Honda Pilot left Highway 101 near Howard Forest CAL FIRE and plunged down a steep embankment. [**Read more →**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/suv-plunges-down-embankmenthttps://www.mendolocal.news/p/suv-plunges-down-embankment)[](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/suv-plunges-down-embankment) ### Two Rock Lookout Tower Returns With Fire-Detection Cameras *By Sarah Reith, Mendocino County Fire Safe Council* A historic tower near Willits will host 2 wildfire cameras, funded by PG&E. Completion before 2026 fire season. [**Read more →**](https://www.firesafemendocino.org/the-latest/lookout-cameras-going-in-at-two-rock-lookout?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ California ### Who Pays for AI’s Power? *By Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters* Report warns AI data centers could spike household electricity bills. Little Hoover Commission wants tech companies to fund grid upgrades. [**Read more →**](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/little-hoover-data-center-electricity/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Single-Payer Health Care Returns to Governor’s Race *By Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters* Candidates, including Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, revive “Medicare for All” pledges, facing major federal and state hurdles. [**Read more →**](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-governor-single-payer-health-care/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Lawmakers Push to Make Lobbyist Letters Public *By Ryan Sabalow, CalMatters* Two bills would require all lobbying letters to be posted online, improving transparency in California lawmaking. [**Read more →**](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-lobbying-letters-public-access/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Willits Man Found Guilty of 11 Child Sexual Abuse Charges After Two-Week Trial URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-man-found-guilty-of-11-child/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:12.000Z A Mendocino County jury on Friday convicted a 42-year-old man on 11 felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a child over a period of several years in Willits. Jurors found Christopher Neil Kiger — who also used the names Chris King and Jesse Goff — guilty on all counts following a two-week trial in Mendocino County Superior Court. The charges included three counts of lewd acts with a child under 14, two counts of penetration with a foreign object involving a child under 14, and six counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child. Prosecutors said the crimes occurred in and around Willits between the summer of 2020 and June 16, 2023. According to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office, the victim was between 10 and 13 years old during the period of abuse. Under California law, continuous sexual abuse of a child involves at least three acts of substantial sexual conduct with a child under 14 over a period of three months or longer by someone who resides with or has recurring access to the child. Kiger had previously lived in Willits, Ukiah and Lake County and at one point traveled to Florida while investigators were attempting to locate him, prosecutors said. The investigation involved the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the Sacramento County SAFE Center, which provides forensic and advocacy services for victims of sexual assault and abuse. The Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation and Victim/Witness Unit also assisted with the case. District Attorney David Eyster prosecuted the case at trial. “"I commend the young girl — she was victimized between the ages of 10 and 13 by a step father figure who groomed her not to question his motives and lust — for her courage in coming forward,” Eyster said in a statement following the verdict. Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder presided over the trial. A bench trial to consider factors that could increase the sentence is scheduled for March 25. Following that hearing, the case will be referred to the Mendocino County Adult Probation Department for a report and sentencing recommendation. Because of the nature of the convictions, Kiger is not eligible for probation and will be required to serve a state prison sentence, prosecutors said. Judge Faulder also ordered Kiger held without bail following Friday’s verdict. ### Seeds of Change: Mendocino Coast Farmers Cultivate Crops That Adapt to Their Environment URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/seeds-of-change-mendocino-coast-farmers/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:14.000Z *The next seed exchange in Mendocino County will be held Saturday, March 14, at the Anderson Valley Grange. See the Mendocino County Seed Libraries Facebook page for more details.* *There will also be a community seed swap in Fort Bragg on Saturday March 28, at the Fort Bragg Library, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.* Imagine a garden where plants thrive not because of careful breeding or advanced fertilizers, but because they’ve learned to adapt to their environment. Now imagine these plants growing from seeds that are entirely natural. They aren’t carefully bred hybrids controlled by corporate patents. They are strong, wild, and free — and packed with nutrients, far more than the vegetables sold at the supermarket. This isn’t a futuristic fantasy. It’s the result of applying the principles of adaptation gardening, a movement spreading around the world thanks to pioneers like Julia Dakin, a farmer in Caspar, CA, and Joseph Lofthouse, a farmer from Utah. Their approach — also known as landrace gardening — focuses on cultivating crops that are genetically diverse and freely pollinating, allowing them to evolve and adapt to local conditions. #### A WORKING MEADOW Julia Dakin moves slowly through a field of fava beans, her hands brushing through white and purple flowers and tender green leaves. It’s early March on the Mendocino Coast, in farm in Caspar known as the Field of Dreams, and the plants are months away from harvest. Dakin planted fava to give the earth and herself a rest. Favas are a winter crop — rich in protein for humans, nitrogen-fixing for the soil. As they grow, their long taproots will break up the ground and improve water filtration, readying the field for spring planing. Later in the summer, Dakin — and a team of volunteers led by Matilda Hernandez-Miyares — will grow food crops here. The seeds from successful plants will be harvested and shared at seed exchanges, where gardeners across the county, country, and the world will continue the process of adapting them to their own fields and gardens. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/e0a4e7c9-3563-432a-bd5d-cb86b3bc6370_2120x1590-jpeg.jpg) Matilda Hernandez-Miyares manages the Field of Dreams farm. (Photo courtesy of Julia Dakin) #### PLANT BY PLANT Two rows of tables line a narrow room in Fort Bragg. Gardeners move slowly from table to table, browsing neat stacks of manila packets of seed — celery, beets, carrots, radishes, corn, melons, herbs and more. From time to time, someone stops to talk to Dakin or another volunteer about their garden. They describe how much sun it receives, whether it sits in the fog belt, or if the soil is rocky or acidic. They want to know what plants are most likely to flourish. There isn’t time today to explain the full principles of adaptation gardening — or how, with patience, gardeners can dramatically expand the diversity of their crops. For now, it is enough to encourage people to plant something — to take that first step toward helping reverse the worldwide decline in the nutritional quality of food crops. #### HIGHER YIELDS, LOWER LEVELS OF NUTRIENTS Scientists around the world have documented an alarming decrease in essential minerals and nutraceutical compounds in fruits, vegetables, and other crops, with troubling consequences for global health. Leslie Amoroso, a nutritionist at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations counted more than 2 billion people suffering from micronutrient deficiencies. Since Amoroso’s article was published in 2014, the decline in nutritional value has continued. A review of scientific literature published ten years later attributed the decline to the so-called green revolution in agriculture. “Since the 1940s, crop yield and the per-capita availability of foods have been continuously increasing due to intensive farming techniques, artificial fertilization, pesticides, irrigation, growing high-yielding varieties … whereas malnutrition tends to increase incessantly due to disrupting the fine balance of soil life and decreasing the nutritional density and quality of the food crops,” the authors wrote in “[An Alarming Decline in the Nutritional Quality of Foods: The Biggest Challenge for Future Generations’ Health](https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/6/877?ref=mendolocal.news),” published by MDPI. The crisis hit home for Dakin in 2020\. She was working in regenerative agriculture focused on soil health. It was — and still is — widely accepted that fertile soil will produce crops with higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. But the relationship is far from straightforward. Indeed, [a 2018 report](https://our-sci.gitlab.io/bionutrient-institute/bi-docs/2018%5Freport/?ref=mendolocal.news#summary) from [the Bionutrient Institute](https://our-sci.gitlab.io/bionutrient-institute/bi-docs/2018%5Freport/?ref=mendolocal.news#summary) found “no obvious relationship between the relatively simple measurement of soil biological activity and any of the food quality measures.” #### SOWING SEEDS OF POOR HEALTH More important than the soil were the seeds that are planted in it. And there was a problem with the seeds. For decades, food crops had been bred to optimize for specific traits — like size or yield. During that time, nutrient density had fallen by the wayside. Meanwhile, the market for seeds had consolidated. [According to ETC group](https://www.etcgroup.org/content/top-10-agribusiness-giants?ref=mendolocal.news), a research collective, four companies — Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, and BASF control 56% of the global commercial seeds market. “We don’t see it,” Dakin said. “We see a lot of smaller seed companies in this country, but the thing is that those smaller seed companies are often buying from the big ones.” By focusing on soil, Dakin had thought she had found a way to have an impact, despite global seed oligopolies. It was painful to learn that she was wrong. “It blew my world apart,” she said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/4d927f95-1f25-497d-bd26-371230d2e78c_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) Fava beans growing in the Field of Dreams farm in Caspar (Photo by Elise Cox) #### PLANTS THAT BREED THEMSELVES Meanwhile, in the high desert in Utah, a farmer named Joseph Lofthouse was having a different sort of epiphany. Lofthouse had struggled to grow food crops. He had tried heirlooms — varieties preserved from “far away and long ago,” as he puts it — but they weren’t suited to his conditions. He tried modern hybrids, but they required fertilizers and chemicals he didn’t want to use or pay for. Nothing seemed to fit. Then he made a decision to plant sweet corn that was primarily determined by aesthetics. He could have made a choice between red, yellow, white, and purple cultivars. Instead, Lofthouse decided to plant them all. “It just thrived for me better than any corn I’d ever grown before because it was genetically diverse and could adapt to my garden.” Lofthouse decided to convert his entire farm to crops that “basically breed themselves.” The next crop he tried were muskmelons. He planted 30 varieties. “The first year I didn’t harvest a single ripe fruit,” he said. But then the second year he identified two plants that produced more fruit than a couple hundred others plants. “And then the third year I was harvesting bushels and bushels and bushels of melons because they were finally locally adapted.” #### MELONS ON THE MENDOCINO COAST Lofthouse began blogging about what was happening on his farm. He shared his experience with other farmers in online forums. He gave away seeds. And then, during the pandemic, he wrote a book:[*Landrace Gardening*](https://lofthouse.com/books.phtml?ref=mendolocal.news). The title refers to an academic term that differentiates “farmer varieties” of plants, or “local varieties” of plants, from genetically uniform, commercially bred cultivars. Lofthouse said the second edition, due out later this year, will be called *Adaptation Gardening.* Dakin came across the book shortly afterwards. Lofthouse’s philosophy resonated with her deeply. She decided to put the principles of adaptation gardening to the test on the Mendocino coast by planting melons, which don’t typically thrive there, on her farm in Caspar. She got some seeds from Lofthouse and from a bunch of other sources to ensure diversity. The first year, she harvested 13 melons from three 350-foot long rows. “It was total crop failure as far as an organic farmer would be concerned,” Dakin said. “But I was excited because I knew that some could survive.” She saved the seeds and planted them the following year. This time, nearly half the crop produced fruit. She saved the seeds and planted them, as well, the following year. It was a cold summer, but that didn’t matter to the melons. “I grew a lot of melons and they were good,” Dakin said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/9c889489-1603-44b0-b45c-a882da804931_2757x2070-jpeg.jpg) Julia Dakin talks seeds and gardening at a recent seed exchange in Fort Bragg (Photo by Elise Cox) #### GOING TO SEED Dakin and Lofthouse put together an online course,[*Going to Seed*](https://goingtoseed.org/?ref=mendolocal.news), a companion to his book. Since then, thousands of people have taken the class and begun adaptation gardening on their own. “It’s a really easy way to learn the basics about what landrace seeds are,” said Sakina Bush, a gardener and educator in Fort Bragg. Bush and Dakin together launched the Mendocino Coastal Seed Exchange, which is dedicated to developing varieties that normally need more summer warmth like corn, melons, and squash. The energy around adaptation gardening has spread to local seed libraries in Mendocino County and the seed exchanges they host, including an upcoming March 14th event at the Anderson Valley Grange that is put on by the Mendocino County Seed Libraries and sponsored by the Anderson Valley Foodshed and Cloud Forest Institute. Dakin is also helping launch a broader [Local Seeds Coalition](https://goingtoseed.org/pages/the-local-seeds-coalition-launches-and-join-us-for-a-free-webinar?ref=mendolocal.news), connecting regional seed groups across the country and internationally. After attending conferences in the U.S. and Europe, she realized many organizations working in parallel were under-resourced and largely unaware of one another. “How do we work together more,” she asks, “to actually change agriculture?” #### A CROP THAT REJUVENATES In the field, the fava beans sway in the coastal wind. As a cover crop, their main purpose is to rejuvenate and protect the soil. Dakin grows them cyclically, in between more intensive farming efforts. It is a rhythm that dates back millennia. “It’s what our great-grandparents did,” she says. “What indigenous farmers around the world still do.” Dakin’s work is patient. It unfolds over seasons, not headlines. But for Dakin and the growing number of farmers and gardeners inspired by adaptation gardening, each saved seed is a step toward recovering what has been lost. Every round of planting is a small act of sovereignty. And every harvest is an opportunity to absorb knowledge and nutrients, so the cycle can begin again. ### Driver Rescued After SUV Plunges Off Highway 101 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/suv-plunges-down-embankment/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:15.000Z A 73-year-old woman was rescued Thursday after her SUV plunged down an embankment along Highway 101 near the Howard Forest CAL FIRE station, according to the California Highway Patrol. CHP officials said Bette Loflin was driving a silver Honda Pilot northbound when the vehicle left the roadway shortly after passing the station and careened down the steep roadside slope. Emergency responders located the vehicle and pulled Loflin from the wreckage. She was taken to a hospital for treatment. A CHP officer who later attempted to speak with Loflin said she was unconscious and unable to provide a statement about what caused the crash. A spokesperson for Adventist Health told Mendo Local on Friday morning that Loflin was not listed as a patient. Depending on her condition, the spokesperson said, she may have been stabilized and transferred out of the county for additional care. ### Understanding the Accounting Shift That is Balancing the County Budget for the Next Six Months URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/accounting-shift-balances-mendo-budget/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:15.000Z Mendocino County reviews its budget every six months to ensure projected expenses are tracking with expected revenue. This year’s midyear review showed the county facing trouble. The fiscal year 2025-26 budget assumed department heads would carry out required cost-cutting measures. Some did. Some did not. The result was a shortfall of about $2.8 million — the gap between what the county expected to spend and what it expected to bring in. With expenses continuing to outpace revenue, officials needed a way to bring the budget closer to balance, at least on paper. Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison proposed extending the county’s revenue recognition period — the window after the June 30 fiscal year end during which incoming money can still be counted as revenue for the year just closed. The county had been using a 60-day window. Cubbison recommended extending it to 90 days, through the end of September, to capture state and federal reimbursements that often arrive late but are tied to services delivered in the previous fiscal year. The change allowed the county to move $2,039,746.61 from the “unavailable” revenue column into fiscal year 2024-25, narrowing the shortfall forecast for 2025-2026\. An increase in property taxes and in transient occupancy taxes paid by lodging providers also helped close the gap. Cubbison told the Board of Supervisors the benefit from the change in the revenue recognition period is strictly one-time. “As we go forward, if we consistently use the end of September as our cutoff for revenue recognition, we won’t have that kind of shift again,” she said. The adjustment effectively gives the county six months of breathing room and passes the buck to next year’s budget. By counting September reimbursements in fiscal year 2024-25, the county has effectively borrowed from its own future. Those extra dollars will not be available to provide a boost in fiscal year 2026-27. Public finance expert Mark Moses said the move is technically permissible but does not solve the underlying problem. “There’s nothing nefarious about this from an accounting point of view,” Moses said. “It’s within the authority of the agency to decide whether it wants to do a 60-day or 90-day accrual.” But he said the accounting change provides only a temporary benefit. “If you’re not addressing the structural deficit, it’s a desperate move that leaves some people with the impression that something really positive has been done,” he said. “But with respect to the structural deficit, nothing positive has been done.” Moses said the pattern is common across California governments. When expenses consistently exceed revenue and one-time fixes are used to close the gap, the underlying problem grows. Deferred road maintenance, aging public buildings and vacant positions used to generate savings are common warning signs, he said. “You let road repair go another year, and then another year, and eventually it costs more to rebuild that road than if you had done the proper maintenance all along,” he said. According to Moses, governments facing structural deficits ultimately have three choices: reduce costs, reduce services or raise taxes. Finding efficiencies is often discussed but rarely defined, he said. “Everyone understands there must be efficiencies out there,” Moses said. “But when agencies say they’re going to use efficiencies to cover the gap, they’re rarely specific about how or when.” Labor contracts and interagency agreements often limit how much managers can change how work is done, he said. Reducing services is politically difficult and often avoided, even though it may reveal programs that are no longer essential or no longer match community needs. “The mantra seems to be, ‘We’re going to make cuts, but not at the expense of service,’” Moses said. Tax increases are the option most often pursued across California, he said, including parcel taxes and sales-tax measures. But those typically provide only temporary relief. “They’re usually passed in the name of curing budget problems,” Moses said. “But all they really do is get the agency by another two or three years before it’s back looking at revenue again.” “The problem isn’t that taxes are too high,” he said. “It’s that under the way these agencies operate, they will always have to go higher.” *Read our recent coverage of Mendocino County government finances:* [*Money for Lobbyists and Lawyers or for Fixing County Roads?*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/money-for-lobbyists-and-lawyers)(February 25, 2026) [*Mendocino County’s Structural Deficit Continues to Widen*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-structural-deficit) (February 25, 2026) [*Mendocino County Faces Worsening Statewide Liability Climate, but Limited Local Data Show a Mixed Picture*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/payouts-rise-as-insurance-market-shrinks)(January 14, 2026) [*Fewer Homicides, Harder Math for Mendocino County Public Safety*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fewer-homicides-harder-math-for-mendocino)(January 14, 2026) ### Ukiah Man Held to Answer in Sword Attack Over Pit Bull URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/sword-attack-over-pit-bull/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:15.000Z A 23-year-old Ukiah man has been ordered to stand trial after authorities say he stabbed a man while trying to reclaim a dog he believed was his. Adam Smith is charged with attempted murder and other felonies stemming from a Dec. 31 confrontation that left a 33-year-old man hospitalized, according to testimony at a preliminary hearing Feb. 26 in Mendocino County Superior Court. Detectives testified that Smith and a friend, Pete Gonzales, arranged to meet Scott Wells at 995 South State Street in Ukiah. The meeting had been set up by Gonzales, who knew Wells. The three men walked together to a trash enclosure behind the building. According to Detective Saul Perez, Smith later said he brought a sword for self-defense. “Mr. Smith believed that having the weapons present would deter a smart man from an altercation with them,” Perez said. Detective Sgt. Jay Vanoven testified Gonzales had invited Wells to smoke methamphetamine. “At some point Mr. Smith advised that he was armed with the sword and Mr. Gonzalez was armed with the blue machete,” Smith was holding the sword “up tight towards his chest with the blade pointed outwards” when he lunged and stabbed Wells in the chest, Perez said. Vaonven testified Wells told investigators he grabbed the sword, wounding his hands, and struggled with Smith. During the struggle, Gonzales hit Wells in the back of the head with a machete. Perez testified Smith said Gonzales then grabbed the pit bull, Blue, and the two men left the scene. Police later located Smith at his home on East Gobbi Street. Perez described Smith as cooperative and said he agreed to return with him to the police station, where he gave a statement and was booked into jail. “He informed me that he wanted to help law enforcement solve the incident that occurred the day prior,” Perez said. Vanoven also testified that investigators determined the dog Blue had been given to Wells by its previous owner, a woman Smith identified as his fiance. After hearing the testimony, Judge Victoria Shanahan said there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — March 1, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-march-1-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:16.000Z # 🌲 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Mendocino County’s Structural Deficit Continues to Widen *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Mendocino County faces a deepening structural deficit with expenses projected to outpace revenues through at least 2030\. The county begins fiscal year 2026–27 with a $4.5–$5 million budget hole before new departmental requests, driven largely by rising salary and benefit costs ($93.5 million projected) and increased public safety spending. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-structural-deficit) --- ### Money for Lobbyists and Lawyers or for Fixing County Roads? *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* County supervisors unanimously approved a $500,000 allocation to the Inland Water and Power Commission for legal and lobbying expenses related to the Potter Valley Project decommissioning, despite limited details about how the funds would be spent. The decision came amid a projected budget deficit of at least $4.5 million and pushback from Supervisor Ted Williams, who proposed redirecting $450,000 of the allocation to road repairs. Supervisor Mo Mulheren argued the expense was necessary for the county to continue participating in ongoing water management conversations. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/money-for-lobbyists-and-lawyers) --- ### Donation Letters Returned After Post Office Deactivates PO Box Without Notice *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Mendo Local Public Media’s fundraising campaign was disrupted after its Mendocino post office box was deactivated without prior notice. Supporters whose contributions were returned are encouraged to resend them. The episode raises broader concerns about communication practices and customer service at the local post office in the Village of Mendocino, particularly for small organizations and individuals that rely on mail for essential operations. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/donations-returned-to-sender) --- ### Good Farm Fund Opens 2026 Farm Grant Applications for Mendocino and Lake County Farmers *By Good Farm Fund* The Good Farm Fund is now accepting applications for its 2026 Farm Grant Program, which supports economic development and food security in Mendocino and Lake Counties. Small farms can apply for capacity-building grants in three tiers: • Up to $3,000 (Tier 1) • $3,000–$5,000 (Tier 2) • $5,000–$10,000 for collaborative multi-farm projects (Tier 3) 🔗 [Read this](https://www.goodfarmfund.org/farm-grant-program/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Mendocino County Opens Fish and Wildlife Propagation Grant Cycle *By Mendocino County Department of Planning and Building Services* The Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission is now accepting applications for the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund, opening March 1, 2026\. Eligible projects include wildlife education programs, habitat improvement, hatchery operations, wildlife research, and emergency animal care. Applications are due by Friday, April 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7513/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🍇 ANDERSON VALLEY ### Pioneers of Anderson Valley Wine: Allan Green Shares Winery History *By Terry Sites, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Allan Green, founder of Greenwood Ridge Winery, has published *Pioneers of Anderson Valley Wine*, a documentary book chronicling the early days of commercial winegrowing in Mendocino County. The book features interviews with pioneering winemakers and archival family photos. 🔗 [Read this](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required) --- ### An Hour of Nothing But Smiles and Laughter: Donkey Basketball Comes to Boonville *By Antoinette von Grone, Anderson Valley Advertiser* The Boonville High School gym hosted an unforgettable evening of community fun as local high schoolers challenged the Anderson Valley Fire Department to a game of donkey basketball — players competing while mounted on live donkeys outfitted with protective “shoes” for the gym floor. 🔗 [Read this](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required) --- # 🌄 COVELO ### Covelo Man on Felony Probation Held Without Bail After Crash, Weapons Charges *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A 26-year-old Covelo man was arrested after fleeing a traffic stop, crashing into a tree, and being found hiding in a field with a loaded stolen handgun. Oscar Lil Bear Martinez, on felony probation for assault with a deadly weapon, was prohibited from possessing firearms. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/covelo-man-on-felony-probation-held) --- ### Drug-Impaired Driver Convicted at Trial *By Mendocino County District Attorney* A Mendocino County Superior Court jury convicted a Covelo man of driving under the influence of drugs following a three-day trial. Jurors found 46-year-old Alexander Jacob Aaron guilty of a misdemeanor charge stemming from a February 28, 2025 traffic stop in Willits. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.facebook.com/MendoDA) --- ### Round Valley Library Receives Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant *By Round Valley Branch Library* The Round Valley Branch Library has been awarded the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant. The library will celebrate Eisner Week with a March 7 graphic novel open house featuring a comic-making station, scavenger hunt, bilingual crafts, and book recommendations. 🔗 [Read this](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🌊 ELK ### Caltrans Clears Massive Highway 1 Slide in Hours; All Roads Open After Days of Storm Damage *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* After days of severe weather, Caltrans crews worked through the night to clear a massive landslide that had blocked Highway 1 south of Elk, reopening the critical coastal route by early Thursday morning. 🔗 [Read this](https://mendocinocoast.news/stay-home-in-the-rain-be-courteous-if-you-must-go-respect-our-public-servants-and-heads-up-highway-128-is-closed-for-high-water/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🌸 FORT BRAGG ### Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Named Among Nation’s Best *By Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens* Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens has once again earned national recognition. A panel of experts in American public gardens, working alongside editors at *USA TODAY*, selected the top 20 botanical gardens in the country — and MCBG was named a finalist in the annual *USA TODAY* 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 🔗You can cast your vote [here](https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/mendocino-coast-botanical-gardens-fort-bragg-california/?ref=mendolocal.news): --- # 🌊 GUALALA ### Regional Water Board Approves Gualala River Sediment Action Plan *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* The North Coast Regional Water Board expanded a Roads Permit to encompass the entire north coast region, aiming to reduce sediment pollution and aid in the resurgence of coho salmon in the Gualala River watershed. 🔗 [Read this](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required) --- # 🏙️ UKIAH ### Ukiah Unified Approves Staff Cuts Amid Funding Losses, Enrollment Shifts *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Ukiah Unified approved layoffs of nearly 20 teaching and counseling positions for 2026–27, along with six non-teaching roles. Officials cited declining enrollment and the loss of federal grants. 🔗 [Read this](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/ukiah-unified-approves-staff-cuts-amid-funding-losses-enrollment-shifts/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### “Don’t Disturb This Groove” Exhibition Opens at Mendocino College *By Laura Fogg, The Ukiah Daily Journal* Cal Poly Humboldt art professors Eliseo Casiano and Gina Tuzzi bring their creative vision and 15 painting alumni to Mendocino College in an exhibition celebrating 15 years of artistic collaboration rooted in color and the north coast landscape. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.mendocino.edu/art-gallery?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Women’s History Gala Honors Four County Leaders Shaping a Sustainable Future *By Carole Brodsky, The Ukiah Daily Journal* The 42nd annual Women’s History Gala on March 1 will honor four Mendocino County women for their decades of service across food systems, healthcare, arts, and community building. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/02/24/womens-history-gala-honors-four-county-leaders/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Mendocino County Shelter Launches Major Spay/Neuter Initiative with Animal Balance *By Carole Brodsky, The Ukiah Daily Journal* Mendocino County Animal Care Services is partnering with Animal Balance, an international nonprofit organization, to perform 600 affordable spay and neuter surgeries across three separate three-day clinics in 2026\. The events are scheduled for March 6-8, May 1-3, and July 31-August 2, with services costing just $122 per animal—a package that includes microchipping and vaccinations. 🔗 [Read this](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/02/25/county-shelter-dedicated-to-spaying-neutering-600-animals/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # ⛳ WILLITS ### Brooktrails Golf Course Under New Management *By Mathew Caine, The Willits Weekly* Brooktrails Golf Course is under new management, with plans for monthly tournaments (including disc golf), live music, and a bistro. 🔗[ ](http://www.willitsweek/?ref=mendolocal.news)[Read this](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### Californians Staying Insured—But at What Cost? *By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters* California’s health insurance marketplace proved more resilient than expected after the loss of enhanced federal subsidies, but many residents are making painful trade-offs to remain covered. 🔗 [Read this](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/02/covered-california-health-bronze-plan/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### California’s Heat Pump Conundrum: Climate Goals Meet High Electricity Bills *By Ben Christopher and Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters* California aims to install six million heat pumps by 2030, but the state’s high electricity rates are making the switch financially difficult for many homeowners. 🔗 [Read this](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/02/heat-pumps-ca-electricity/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Hidden Cameras on California’s Border: What You Need to Know About License Plate Readers *By Wendy Fry and Khari Johnson, CalMatters* Federal agencies have installed dozens of hidden license plate readers along California’s southern border, raising serious privacy concerns about widespread vehicle tracking. 🔗 [Read this](https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/02/alpr-border-patrol-caltrans/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### MendoLocal.News and the U.S. Post Office in the Village of Mendocino URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/donations-returned-to-sender/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:16.000Z I want to thank everyone who responded to my call for help funding our operational expenses for 2026\. I know there are many worthy causes asking for donations, and it is deeply gratifying to see how many people in our community value and support local reporting. This week, however, several supporters contacted me after receiving “Return to Sender” notices — even though they had addressed their envelopes correctly. If you were one of them, I hope you’ll consider resending your contribution. Here’s what happened. On Sunday, February 21, I went to pick up our February mail, which included responses to the fundraising campaign announced on February 1\. When I arrived, I discovered that our post office box key no longer worked. Mendo Local Public Media formally incorporated in late August, and I believed the box was paid through the end of February. We had not received any renewal notice from the post office, despite providing multiple methods of contact when we registered the box. I also acknowledge that I failed to add the renewal date to my calendar. I returned the next day to clarify the situation and learned that the Mendocino post office does not send renewal reminders. Instead, it follows a U.S. Postal Service policy under which renewal dates are calculated from the first day of the month — even if a box is rented mid-month, as ours was on August 14\. Under that policy, our renewal date was January 30, approximately five and a half months after we opened the box and rented it for six months. At the counter, a clerk informed us that the box was overdue and advised us to return the following day with both keys to complete the renewal. However, before we returned with the paperwork and keys on February 24, the contents of the box — including donation letters — appear to have been removed and returned to senders (as seen in the image of a returned letter above). When we visited the post office again on Saturday, February 28, we spoke with the same clerk and asked when the letters had been returned. She first said they were sent back on February 10 or 11 — roughly three days before the rent on our box expired. When we noted that our rental period would have extended through February 13 based on our August 14 start date, she later stated the mail had been sent to Sacramento on February 14, which was a Saturday. When we asked why the post office had not attempted to contact Mendo Local Public Media using the email address provided on our registration form, the clerk said she manages approximately 1,800 boxes and could not email customers individually. She then threatened to call the sheriff and did so. The interaction felt unusual and disproportionate response to a calm inquiry about returned mail. I am sharing this account, along with a recording of the exchange, in case others have had similar experiences at the Mendocino Village Post Office and would like to share them. And again, if your donation was returned, please know how much your support means — and that we would be grateful if you chose to resend it. The address for is: Mendo Local Public Media PO Box 362 Mendocino, CA 95460 ### Money for Lobbyists and Lawyers or for Fixing County Roads? URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/money-for-lobbyists-and-lawyers/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:17.000Z *Clarification/Correction: Text was added clarifying that IWPC is a member of Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA). February 26, 2026, 3:41 p.m.* Should Mendocino County spend $500,000 on legal and lobbying work tied to the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project — or put that money toward repairing roads? Supervisors wrestled with that question at Tuesday’s board meeting after CEO Darcie Antle asked them to approve the expenditure with few details about how the funds, requested by the Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC), which is a member of the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA), would be used. Antle’s recommendation came on the heels of a budget report showing the county will begin fiscal year 2026–27 with a deficit of at least $4.5 million. “I would just like to know what the IWPC and ERPA want to do with that money before signing off on it,” Supervisor John Haschak said. “I hadn’t heard about this before.” Supervisor Ted Williams said constituents have been urging the county to prioritize road repairs. He described the proposed allocation to the joint powers authority formed to manage Eel River water diversions after the Potter Valley Project’s decommissioning as unexpected. “We don’t even know what it’s for at this point,” Williams said. He proposed reducing the allocation to $50,000 and directing the remaining $450,000 to roads. Supervisor Mo Mulheren countered that the expense should not come as a surprise. “If you look at any ERPA or IWPC meeting, you can see that legal expenses and future planning costs are mounting,” she said. “If the County of Mendocino wants to continue participating in those conversations, it needs to set money aside.” In her report to the board on a recent Inland Water & Power Commission meeting, Supervisor Madeline Cline included a slide titled “Potential Prioritization for Future Work,” that mentioned funding lawyers and lobbying. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/dcc1ed00-297f-46fb-90fe-f7d206b2591b_1156x656-jpeg.jpg) Slide originally provided to the Board of Supervisors by Madeline Cline Haschak noted that the county is current on its $84,000 in dues to the commission, whose members include the City of Ukiah, the Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control and Water Conservation Improvement District, the Potter Valley Irrigation District and the Redwood Valley County Water District. Despite the limited information about how the $500,000 would be spent, the board voted unanimously to approve the allocation. Supervisors also approved an additional $2.5 million for “risk,” $360,000 for Little River Airport, $300,000 for capital improvements, $250,000 for the Low Gap Landfill project and $100,000 for architectural design work on a new courthouse. *Read our recent county budget coverage:* [*Mendocino County’s Structural Deficit Continues to Widen*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-structural-deficit) (February 25, 2026) [*Mendocino County Faces Worsening Statewide Liability Climate, but Limited Local Data Show a Mixed Picture*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/payouts-rise-as-insurance-market-shrinks)(January 14, 2026) [*Fewer Homicides, Harder Math for Mendocino County Public Safety*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fewer-homicides-harder-math-for-mendocino)(January 14, 2026) [*State Audit of Mendocino County Finds Strained Finances and Fraying Systems* ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/state-audit-mendocino-county-2025)(December 18, 2025) ### Mendocino County’s Structural Deficit Continues to Widen URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-structural-deficit/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:17.000Z Mendocino County is facing a deepening structural deficit, with projected expenses continuing to outpace revenues through at least 2030, according to a recent mid-year budget review and preliminary forecasts for fiscal year 2026–27. County officials warned that while this year’s books may technically balance, that balance depends on one-time revenue, optimistic assumptions and ongoing deferral of long-term obligations — particularly road maintenance and capital improvements. Mendocino County has operated under a structural deficit for many years,” County CEO Darcie Antle said, addressing the board of supervisors on Tuesday. “Long-term sustainability will require a deliberate and disciplined reset of county finances.” ## A $4.5–$5 Million Starting Hole Looking ahead to 2026–27, the executive office estimates the county will begin the budget cycle with a deficit between $4.5 million and $5 million — before factoring in any new departmental requests. Salary and benefit costs alone are projected to climb from $90.9 million this year to roughly $93.5 million next year, an increase of $2.5 to $2.6 million. That figure includes: - Step increases and new retirement rates - A projected 10% increase in health plan costs - $1.8 million for new jail staffing - The cost of adding a newly elected position Notably, the projection does **not** include potential cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), meaning the final number could climb higher. Operating expenses are also trending upward. The county anticipates nearly $2 million in additional ongoing costs next year, including: - A $19,000 to $20,000 increase in the CalFire dispatch contract - An estimated $500,000 increase in CMSP/indigent care costs - A 7% factor applied to utilities - A 10% projected increase in jail medical services While average revenue growth is estimated at approximately 4.8%, the current budget model assumes only a 3% annual growth in expenses — a figure Supervisor Ted Williams called unrealistic. He asked the staff to come back with best estimates for inflation. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## Public Safety Drives Spending Growth Over the past several decades, spending on the Sheriff’s Office and jail has grown far faster than property tax revenue, which makes up the bulk of the county’s discretionary income. During the meeting, supervisors reviewed historical charts showing jail and sheriff spending rising steeply since Proposition 13 limited property tax growth in 1978, while road funding steadily declined. “We’ve defunded roads in our county pretty much on a consistent path since 1978,” Williams said. The District Attorney’s Office is currently projected to exceed its budget by approximately $1.25 million this year. Supervisors acknowledged that reductions tied to a decrease in collection of the sales tax that helps fund the office, combined with salary increases under existing labor agreements, have compounded the problem. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking outside funding sources to offset future jail staffing costs, including negotiations with the Department of State Hospitals and the Community Corrections Partnership. Without outside support, those costs would fall directly on the General Fund. ## A $14 Million Reserve — Well Below Recommended Levels The county’s General Fund reserve currently stands at approximately $14 million. That figure falls significantly short of state audit and Government Finance Officers Association recommendations, which suggest unrestricted reserves between $25 million and $40 million for a county of Mendocino’s size. County officials acknowledged that relying on one-time windfalls to balance budgets creates risk. This year, an unexpected $2.8 million infusion — largely from a change in the accounting period and additional property tax revenue — helped close the gap. But supervisors cautioned that the county should not assume similar surprises in the future. “If we didn’t have that, we’d be creating more of a structural mess,” Supervisor John Haschak noted. ### Deferred Maintenance: The Hidden Deficit Perhaps the most sobering discussion centered on deferred maintenance. Supervisors acknowledged that “balanced” budgets often come at the expense of long-term infrastructure needs. Road maintenance has been chronically underfunded for decades. At least $8 million in deferred capital facility maintenance has been identified, and the total need for roads and county facilities may reach into the hundreds of millions. “We say we have a balanced budget because we can make payroll,” Williams said. “But we’re hiding the discrepancy somewhere. We’re waiting for the crisis.” The board recently allocated $1 million toward road work, though debate continues over whether those funds should support the county’s 20-year rehabilitation plan or be used for smaller, more geographically dispersed repairs. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## Revenue Options on the Table Staff presented preliminary estimates for a potential half-cent sales tax measure: - Approximately $9.6 million annually if countywide - Approximately $3.8 million if limited to unincorporated areas Any countywide tax would require lifting sales tax caps in two cities that are already at the state maximum. Supervisors emphasized that no decision has been made, but acknowledged that new revenue may be necessary if the county hopes to stabilize finances without further cutting services. ## Structural Gap Through 2030 Even under conservative growth assumptions, projections show expenses outpacing revenue through at least 2030. Board members directed staff to return with department-by-department growth projections using three- to five-year historical averages, rather than applying a flat 3% inflator across all costs. The goal, they said, is to create a more realistic model of the county’s financial trajectory. For now, the message from the dais was clear: The structural deficit is widening and without new revenue, significant spending restraint, or both, the gap between what the county promises and what it can sustainably afford will continue to grow. *Read our recent county budget coverage:* [*Mendocino County Faces Worsening Statewide Liability Climate, but Limited Local Data Show a Mixed Picture*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/payouts-rise-as-insurance-market-shrinks)(January 14, 2026) [*Fewer Homicides, Harder Math for Mendocino County Public Safety*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fewer-homicides-harder-math-for-mendocino)(January 14, 2026) [State Audit of Mendocino County Finds Strained Finances and Fraying Systems ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/state-audit-mendocino-county-2025)(December 18, 2025) ### Covelo Man on felony probation held without bail after crash, weapons charges URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/covelo-man-on-felony-probation-held/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:18.000Z A 26-year-old Covelo man was arrested late Thursday after deputies say he fled a traffic stop, crashed into a tree and was found hiding in a field with a loaded handgun reported stolen. Deputies with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office were patrolling the Henderson Lane area about 10:50 p.m. Feb. 19 when they spotted a vehicle with inoperable brake lights, according to a sheriff’s statement. As a deputy moved to initiate a traffic stop, the driver — identified as Oscar Lil Bear Martinez, 26, of Covelo — accelerated and passed other vehicles while driving on the wrong side of the road, authorities said. The vehicle came to a sudden stop in the 23700 block of Biggar Lane after colliding with a tree, the sheriff’s office said. Martinez allegedly fled on foot toward an open field containing abandoned cannabis greenhouses. Deputies, who recognized Martinez and were aware of two active Mendocino County arrest warrants, searched the area and found him lying on the ground attempting to hide, according to the statement. He was detained without incident. Medical personnel were requested to treat Martinez for minor injuries related to the crash. A search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded handgun, which authorities said Martinez was prohibited from possessing because he is on formal probation for assault with a deadly weapon and has prior criminal convictions. A records check determined the firearm had been reported stolen, deputies said. Martinez was arrested on suspicion of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm as a prohibited person, grand theft of a firearm, violating felony probation and on two felony warrants. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held without bail due to the alleged probation violations. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center at 707-463-4086 or the nonemergency tip line at 707-234-2100. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — February 22, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-february-22-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:18.000Z ## 🌲 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Bill Would Shift Focus of State Demonstration Forests from Logging to Restoration *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* Assembly Bill 2494, introduced by Assemblymember Chris Rogers and co-authored by state Senator Mike McGuire, would redefine the mission of California’s 14 state demonstration forests — including Jackson Demonstration State Forest — prioritizing research, restoration and recreation over logging. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/bill-would-shift-focus-of-state-demonstration-forests-from-logging-to-restoration/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### James Schnitzius to Lead Mendocino County DA’s Bureau of Investigations *By Mendocino County District Attorney*Senior Investigator James Schnitzius has been selected to lead the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations, succeeding retiring Chief Investigator Andrew Alvarado on March 1. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/MendoDA) --- ### Mendo Spends $160K on County Counsel “Assessment” *By Mark Scaramella, The Anderson Valley Advertiser* Approved without discussion on the December consent calendar, Mendocino County authorized a $160,000 contract for “management and County Counsel assessment services.” South Lake Tahoe attorney Charles J. McKee will bill $325 per hour (plus $100/hour travel) to evaluate the office and assist with leadership transition. The move comes amid tight budgets and recent State Auditor guidance recommending competitive bids for high-value contracts. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required) --- ### Mendocino College Bond Approved for June 2 Election *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* Trustees voted unanimously to place a $98 million bond on the June 2 ballot. The measure would fund repairs to classrooms and labs, address mold and lead paint, maintain drinking water systems, and expand career training programs. Property owners would pay $24 annually per $100,000 of assessed value. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌳 ANCHOR BAY ### 44-Year-Old Man Dies in Car Accident Near Anchor Bay *By David Torres, Independent Coast Observer* David Alexander Printz died February 16 when his GMC Sierra left Highway 1 and struck a tree near mile marker 8.5\. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚓 FORT BRAGG ### Fort Bragg Police Chief Eric Swift Responds to Questions About ICE *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice* At a recent meet-and-greet, Police Chief Eric Swift and City Manager Isaac Whippy fielded questions about youth programs, housing, racism, and immigration enforcement. Swift said if ICE were involved in a local matter, the department would have the legal authority to investigate. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/wednesdays-fort-bragg-meet-greet-focused-on-conversation-not-speeches/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### What’s Next for The Wharf at Noyo Harbor? *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Under new ownership by Bob Hunt and Pamela Amante, The Wharf — a Fort Bragg institution for more than 70 years — is undergoing renovations. The owners are inviting community input on everything from menu ideas to preserving long-standing traditions like dog-friendly dining. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/whats-next-for-the-wharf-at-noyo-harbor-as-it-reinvents-itself-the-harbor-wants-to-hear-your-wishes/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏥 GUALALA ### South Coast Becomes a ‘Pharmacy Desert’ After Fourth Closure in 12 Years *By Alessandra Rizzo, The Mendocino Voice* The November closure of Genoa Healthcare in Gualala leaves a 60-mile stretch of the South Coast without a pharmacy. Residents must now travel more than 90 minutes for prescriptions. The closure reflects a nationwide trend: nearly 30% of U.S. pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/mendocinos-south-coast-has-become-a-pharmacy-desert-2/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌱 HOPLAND ### GrizzlyCorps Returns After Federal Cuts *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice* After abrupt termination due to federal cuts, GrizzlyCorps has resumed operations at reduced capacity. Fellows are now serving at the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center and the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council, supporting wildfire prevention and environmental projects. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/grizzlycorps-fellows-are-back-serving-mendocino-county-after-funding-reinstated/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚗 LAYTONVILLE ### One Person Found in Vehicle Pulled from Eel River *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* A vehicle that drove off Highway 162 into the Eel River east of Laytonville was recovered Tuesday morning. The victim was identified as Gary Niesen of Covelo. His wife, Yvonne Niesen, was reported missing. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/one-person-found-in-vehicle-pulled-from-eel-river/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏫 MANCHESTER ### Historic Manchester Schoolhouse Has a New Owner *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* The 1907 Manchester schoolhouse has been purchased for $275,000 by Lauren Dowling. The building requires extensive renovation, including plumbing and electrical upgrades. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Internet Outages Caused by Vandals *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* Thousands of AT&T customers from Manchester to Gualala lost service after vandals cut a fiber optic cable February 13\. Connectivity was restored early February 16. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌊 POINT ARENA ### Sea Level Rise Polices Before Point Arena City Council *By Katy St. Clair, The Mendocino Voice* The Point Arena City Council is considering amendments adding sea level rise policies to its General Plan, following a $100,000 Coastal Commission grant that funded a vulnerability study of Arena Cove. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/point-arena-city-council-weighs-general-plan-changes-tuesday-over-sea-level-rise/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🔥 REDWOOD VALLEY ### Homebuyer Program Offers Funding for 2017 Fire Survivors *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* The ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program is offering support to low-income Redwood Valley residents impacted by the 2017 fires, helping eligible buyers secure stable housing. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.gsfahome.org/programs/ReCoverCA/fire/2017/overview.shtml?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💧 UKIAH ### Water Bills Set to Climb 60% Over Five Years *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Ukiah Valley Water Authority approved rate increases exceeding 60% over five years, despite more than 200 protest letters. Some residents will see hikes as high as 30% this year. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ratepayers-rue-consolidation-of-water) ### Ukiah Planting 700 New Trees in Urban Forest Initiative *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Backed by a $1.4 million Cal Fire grant received in 2024, the City of Ukiah to plant more than 700 trees as part of a climate resilience effort. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/02/20/new-city-staff-share-plans-for-growing-maintaining-ukiahs-urban-forest/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription required) ### Ukiah Man Charged with Human Trafficking After Oakland Incident *By Nate Gartrell, Bay Area News Group* Alexander Barger, a 22-year-old Ukiah man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly holding a woman hostage in Oakland and forcing her into sex work. He remains in Santa Rita Jail without bail. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/02/19/police-ukiah-man-kept-woman-hostage-at-oakland-hotel-to-force-her-into-servitude/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscription requird) --- ## 🚂 WILLITS ### Federal Railroad Board Blocks Great Redwood Trail Abandonment *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Surface Transportation Board denied the Great Redwood Trail Agency’s request to abandon a 40-mile rail line between Fort Bragg and Willits, preserving the corridor’s freight potential. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-board-blocks-grta) ### Dispute Over Century-Old Alley Heads to April Hearing *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Willits City Council is moving toward resolving a dispute over a back alley that dates to 1902, while also debating public art relocation and community concerns about ICE enforcement. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/century-old-alley-dispute-in-willits) ### Willits Man Arrested After Allegedly Posing as Uber Driver *By Ukiah Police Department* Police arrested a Willits man accused of posing as an Uber driver to lure a woman into his vehicle. Additional allegations involve secretly recorded videos of a minor. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=ukiah%20police%20department) --- ## 🏛️ CALIFORNIA ### Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs *By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters* In a 6–3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Trump lacked authority to impose sweeping tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act — a decision with significant implications for California’s economy. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/02/trump-tariffs-supreme-court/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### California Mountain Lions Get Protected Status—But Only in Certain Regions *By Rachel Becker, CalMatters* California’s Fish and Game Commission voted unanimously to list mountain lion populations in the Central Coast and Southern California as threatened under the state’s endangered species act. The move protects about one-third of California’s estimated 4,200 mountain lions, which face threats from habitat fragmentation, vehicle strikes, rat poison, and inbreeding. Scientists warn that isolated populations show alarming signs of genetic decline, including kinked tails and reproductive defects. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/02/facing-extinction-vortex-california-grants-new-protections-to-more-mountain-lions/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Senior Centers Becoming Lifelines Against Isolation *By Joe Garcia, CalMatters* As California’s population ages, senior centers are emerging as essential community hubs, offering recreation, meals and vital social connection to combat isolation. 🔗[Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/mental-health/2026/02/senior-centers-aging-health/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Federal Railroad Board Blocks Great Redwood Trail Abandonment Petition URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/federal-railroad-board-blocks-grta/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:19.000Z The Surface Transportation Board on Thursday denied a petition to abandon a 40-mile railroad line in Mendocino County, ruling that the corridor retains potential for freight service and must remain part of the nation’s interstate rail network. The decision is a victory for the Mendocino Railway, which owns the line, and marks a departure from earlier rulings that allowed the former North Coast Railroad Authority — now the Great Redwood Trail Agency — to convert portions of its rail line into a trail. The North Coast Railroad Authority first signaled its intent to abandon its 145-mile line from Willits to Eureka nearly five years ago. Rail service north of Schellville and Napa Junction had already been under a federal emergency embargo for two decades. “There has thus been no freight rail traffic on any portion of the Line at issue in this proceeding since at least 1998,” the agency wrote in a 2021 filing, arguing that retaining the corridor for nonexistent freight service imposed unsustainable costs. Rehabilitating the line, it estimated, would cost between $100 million and $600 million, while landslides and washouts continued to damage the route. In 2022, the board allowed abandonment to proceed after determining that Mendocino Railway lacked the roughly $12.7 million it said it would need to acquire and rehabilitate a 13-mile segment. The dispute resurfaced in April 2024, when the Great Redwood Trail Agency sought approval to abandon 40 miles of track between Fort Bragg and Willits owned by Mendocino Railway. GRTA argued that no interstate freight shipments have originated or terminated on the line since Mendocino Railway acquired it in 2004 and that market studies show insufficient demand to justify full restoration. Abandonment, GRTA said, was necessary to advance the 316-mile Great Redwood Trail along the Northwestern Pacific Railroad corridor, as required by state law. The board disagreed. “GRTA has not satisfied the heavy burden to justify removing the MRY Line from the interstate rail network against the carrier’s wishes,” the decision states. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) “This corridor remains a vital public asset for Mendocino County,” said Robert Jason Pinoli, President and CEO of Mendocino Railway. “We appreciate the Board’s thoughtful review. Our focus now is simple: protect the corridor, continue investing in it, and work constructively with regional partners on long-term solutions.” Caryl Hart, a member of the board of directors of the Great Redwood Trail Agency, said the agency recognizes the efforts that Mendocino Railway has been making to establish themselves as a true rail carrier. She said the agency plans to move forward with a “rail with trail” experience and to work together with the Mendocino Railway to achieve their legislative mandate. --- ## Board’s Rationale The board rejected GRTA’s argument that the adjacent federal embargo effectively strips the line of interstate status. An embargo temporarily relieves a railroad of service obligations, the board wrote, but does not sever a line from the national rail network absent formal abandonment. It also found that Mendocino Railway had taken concrete steps toward restoring service, including securing a $31.4 million federal loan to rehabilitate a collapsed tunnel east of Fort Bragg, investing more than $30 million over two decades, and reaching a preliminary agreement with Grist Creek Aggregates to ship at least 400 annual carloads of aggregate once repairs are complete. That future potential, the board concluded, outweighs GRTA’s trail objectives. The decision also emphasized that a recreational trail does not necessarily require eliminating rail service. A “rails-with-trails” arrangement could allow both uses within the same right-of-way, so long as train operations are not impeded. --- ## What Comes Next Rail industry groups backed Mendocino Railway, while the Pacific Legal Foundation argued the board lacks authority to grant abandonment applications filed by non-carriers. The board declined to resolve that question, denying the petition on substantive grounds instead. In separate statements, two board members suggested possible regulatory changes that could provide an alternative path for trail preservation. A pending rulemaking petition filed by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Interior in December 2024 would allow railbanking through the board’s discontinuance authority rather than requiring full abandonment. For now, however, the Mendocino Railway line remains part of the interstate rail system — and the Great Redwood Trail faces a significant federal obstacle. *Read MendoLocal.News’ coverage of Mendocino Railway and the battle over its status:* [Skunk Train Chief Details Freight Operations, Federal Oversight Amid Eminent Domain Dispute](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-chief-details-freight-deliveries) [California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-appeals-court-says-public) [Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) [California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) [Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Water Bills Set to Climb 60% Over Five Years for Ukiah Valley Residents URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ratepayers-rue-consolidation-of-water/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:20.000Z On a February evening in Ukiah, inland residents turned out to protest proposed water rate increases reaching as high as 30 percent this year, with additional double-digit hikes scheduled annually through 2029\. For the Millview, Willow, and Redwood Valley water districts, the cumulative increases over the next five years will top 64 percent. The increases were approved by the board of directors of the Ukiah Valley Water Authority on February 9, after more than 200 protest letters failed to meet the legal threshold required to block them. Officials said the additional revenue is needed for long-deferred infrastructure repairs and to stabilize shrinking reserves across Millview, Redwood Valley, Willow, and the City of Ukiah. But for ratepayers, the increases felt abrupt and destabilizing. “I understand that rates do go up,” Millview resident Jenny Richards told the board. “But the amount of the rate going up at one time is excessive, and I think it’s going to cause hardship for a lot of people.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## Playing Catch-Up Mark Hildebrand, a Bay Area rate consultant hired by the authority, told protesters that most of the increases stem from deferred capital improvements. “Every year that you don’t raise rates, you dig yourself into a hole,” he said, noting that Millview had not raised rates in 14 years. Under the proposal: - Millview customers will see a 15 percent increase beginning March 1, followed by 14 percent annual increases in subsequent years. - Redwood Valley customers will face a 30 percent increase this spring and another 12 percent three months later, with smaller increases thereafter. - Willow customers will see a 19 percent increase, followed by annual 12 percent adjustments. - Ukiah’s increases will be more modest — roughly 6 percent initially — reflecting what officials described as more consistent past investment, as well as a 22 percent rate hike last September, and 14 percent increase in 2024. Officials say the money will fund stepped-up capital reinvestment — replacing pipes before they rupture, upgrading reservoirs and treatment facilities, and stabilizing reserves that in some districts are projected to fall close to zero. General Manager Jared Walker described the system in Redwood Valley as uniquely expensive to maintain: a dual plumbing network that provides both treated domestic water and untreated irrigation water, effectively doubling infrastructure across a sprawling rural footprint. “We’ve got twice as much infrastructure,” he said. “Per capita, it’s very spread out.” ## Anxiety Over Affordability But for many residents, the numbers were disproportionate to the need — and to retired ratepayers’ ability to pay. Kenneth Boudreau, a retired city employee in Millview, said the cumulative increases would outpace anything residents could realistically absorb. “I receive a pension increase of 2 percent a year,” he said. “Not 57 percent.” In a formal protest letter, Stephanie Yeh, a customer of the Redwood Valley County Water District, noted that the authority had not provided parcel- or district-specific cost-of-service data sufficient for ratepayers to evaluate whether the proposed rates exceed the actual cost of providing service. Yeh said the mailed notice did not include “underlying cost allocations, assumptions, project lists, time frames, or district-level revenue and expense details necessary to validate the size and structure of the increases for Redwood Valley ratepayers.” ## Remorse Over Consolidation Others questioned whether consolidation under the new joint powers authority structure — which shifted operations to the City of Ukiah — had triggered rising administrative costs. “Willow functioned for a long time without raising rates significantly,” said Steve Miller, a longtime Willow customer. “I’m very concerned that all of this extra money is going to projects other than serving water to us.” Jim Donnelly, another Willow customer, noted that the 2021 Water Rate Study being used to justify the increase is not available on the Ukiah Valley Water Authority website. “I am pretty sure the 2021 water rate study didn’t take into consideration the inclusion of three additional water districts,” he wrote. The Ukiah Valley Water Authority, a joint powers agency, was formed in early 2024\. The initial agreement was between the City of Ukiah, the Redwood Valley County Water District, and the Millview County Water District. The agreement was amended on October 1, 2024, to include the Willow County Water District and the Calpella Water District. In a press release, city officials said the establishment of the joint powers authority would lead to “more efficient and reliable water services for the Ukiah Valley region.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## Learning from Hopland The Hopland Public Utility District is not part of the joint powers agency, but it has service agreements in place with the Willow County Water District. In October 2025, the Hopland Public Utility District voted to raise water rates by 40 percent and wastewater rates by 25 percent — part of a decade-long schedule that would ultimately triple water costs for roughly 330 customers. Many residents crowded into a tense public hearing to challenge the hikes, questioning inconsistent financial figures, missing documentation, and what they saw as unclear justification for the new charges. Vernon Budinger, a Hopland ratepayer, criticized the process as a “smokescreen” masking rising administrative costs following consolidation under the regional water authority. After a third of Hopland ratepayers submitted protest letters, a protest hearing was held on October 9\. At that hearing, the board of directors of the Hopland Public Utility District restricted public comment to a total of ten minutes, appearing to violate the Brown Act. No such limit was imposed at the February 9 hearing. ## Board Issues “Determinations” In contrast to the Hopland Public Utility District board of directors, which discouraged extended ratepayer comment, the executive committee of the Ukiah Valley Water Authority published its rebuttal to ratepayer protests in the meeting agenda. The executive committee stated that the proposed rates were supported by financial plans and asserted that a reasonable relationship exists between the rates and the cost of service. In addition, the committee said there is no cross-subsidization of one district by another. The executive committee claimed the state’s noticing requirements were followed. “Sufficient materials were made publicly available, and the record contains sufficient information to proceed,” the determinations stated. Regarding the financial hardship the increases will create for seniors on fixed incomes, the executive committee “acknowledged affordability concerns, but finds that applicable law requires rates to be based on cost of service rather than individual ability to pay.” ## “It Shouldn’t Be a Surprise” When a member of the public requested a 10-day extension for further review, Tom Schoeneman, chair of the executive committee, declined, stating it was the board’s “responsibility to move this along.” Schoeneman pushed back against public claims that the rate increases were a “surprise” or handled “underhandedly.” He said the board had been discussing the issue for months on Zoom and in person, asserting that the information “was available to you” as citizens and that “this shouldn’t be a surprise.” In California, there is no regulatory body that directly oversees rates for most public water utilities. The primary requirement, established by Proposition 218, is that fees not exceed the cost of providing service. Proposition 218, which passed in 1996, also mandates public notice of rate increases and allows a majority of ratepayers to block a proposed increase. *Read our coverage of water rate increases in Hopland and Ukiah:* [*Ready to Go to Court*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ready-to-go-to-court-hopland-residents) *December 5, 2025* [*One Brown Act Violation after Another*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/one-brown-act-violation-after-another) *November 24, 2025* *H*[*opland Public Utility District Faces Brown Act Challenge*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-faces) *November 7, 2025* [*Hopland Public Utility District Board Limits Public Comment, Votes to Triple Water Rates*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-board) *October 10, 2025* [*Ukiah Sewer Rates Poised for Huge Jump After One-Minute Protest Hearing*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-sewer-rates-poised-for-huge) *September 19, 2025* ### Century-Old Alley Dispute Heads to April Hearing in Willits URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/century-old-alley-dispute-in-willits/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:20.000Z The Willits City Council edged toward a final resolution of a century-old dispute over a back alley, debated the relocation of folk art, and listened to emotional appeals to council members to take a stand against federal immigration enforcement at the council meeting on February 11. The alley in question runs east and west, just south of Oak Street, between 21 single-family homes. It was created in 1902 to enable horse-drawn garbage service, and is currently maintained by the city. William Harris, the property owner who has asked the city to abandon its right of way, cited concerns about illegal camping and fire. If the city goes along with the request, Harris and other properties will be able to extend existing property lines to the center line of the alley. Ken Sisemore, owner of Earth’s Treasures, which abuts the alley, said he agrees with Harris. “The alley serves no use to the city,” Sisemore said. He said the liability the alley creates for the city is “not defensible.” Opponents, however, argued the alley provides essential backyard access for property maintenance and firewood delivery. Resident Amy Grooms urged the council to listen to the “overwhelming majority” of neighbors who want the alley to stay open, noting that many homes were designed with alley access in mind. “The alley is not a problem in any way shape or form unless you want to increase your lot size,” she said. The council directed staff to schedule a formal public hearing for April 8, 2026, where a final decision will be made based on whether the easement still serves a “prospective public use”. Councilmember Bruce Burton abstained from the discussion due to owning property within 500 feet of the site. ### Mark Walker Sculptures The council supported exploring a “collaboration” with the Mendocino County Museum to relocate seven sculptures created by folk artist Mark Walker. The sculptures were donated to the county in 1988\. They are currently located just off Highway 101 on the grade south of Willits. According to museum staff, the sculptures cannot be fully appreciated by the community nor easily maintained at their current location, which offers limited visibility and is difficult to access. The plan involves moving several large pieces, including an ox cart and mule, to a public park along Highway 20, while smaller pieces would go to the museum. Council members expressed concerns about liability and public safety. Councilmember Gerry Gonzalez and others questioned if a fence would be necessary to prevent children from climbing the art or to stop motorists from pulling over dangerously on the highway shoulder to view the pieces. Funding for the relocation is expected to come from the museum and private donations rather than the city’s general fund. ### Defending friends and neighbors from deportation During public comment, residents Melinda Clark and Steve Adams called on city leaders to take a public stand regarding the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the community. Adams, representing a Gold Star family, spoke eloquently about patriotism and the “seriousness of assaults on our rights”. “As you know, many people in Willits — across the whole Willits area, white and brown — are deeply anxious about the possibility of ICE arriving,” Clark said. “As our elected leaders, you have undoubtedly discussed this at length and understand that their presence in our beloved town would have serious consequences for all of us. We could lose friends, neighbors, employees, employers, and students. We need the five of you to tell us clearly where you stand. Will you stand up for the people of this community — documented or not — or will you stand with federal immigration enforcement?” City Manager Richardson provided a “surprisingly” positive mid-year budget update, noting the city’s financial outlook was better than originally feared. Additionally, officials announced that a Clean California grant will fully fund improvements at the city park, including a new pavilion, bathroom remodels, and playground improvements, with completion expected by late 2026. The council is expected to begin the recruitment process for a permanent city manager next week. ### DHS Monitoring Social Media for Anti-ICE Statements URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/dhs-monitoring-social-media-for-anti/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:21.000Z *Editor’s note: We don’t typically cover national news, but more than half our readers find us through Facebook, and it’s important for them to understand the rules are changing.* The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has stepped up efforts to monitor social media posts about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, issuing hundreds of administrative subpoenas to major technology companies in recent months in an attempt to identify the people behind anonymous accounts. According to an article published Friday in[ ](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/technology/dhs-anti-ice-social-media.html?ref=mendolocal.news)[*The New York Times*](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/technology/dhs-anti-ice-social-media.html?ref=mendolocal.news)[,](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/13/technology/dhs-anti-ice-social-media.html?ref=mendolocal.news) the department sent subpoenas to Meta, Google, Reddit and Discord seeking names, email addresses, phone numbers and IP data for users who posted about ICE operations or shared the locations of agents in the field. The Times reported that it reviewed two subpoenas sent to Meta. The article cited four anonymous sources described as former government officials and tech employees who were not authorized to speak publicly. The sources told the Times that Meta, Google and Reddit complied with some of the requests. Unlike traditional search warrants, administrative subpoenas do not require approval from a judge. They are issued directly by federal agencies under authority granted by Congress. In the past, their use was often associated with investigations involving serious crimes. Administrative subpoenas are not self-enforcing. A company that receives one can challenge it in court by moving to quash the subpoena or by responding to an agency’s motion to compel, [according to Jackson Lewis](https://www.acc.com/sites/default/files/resources/upload/Litigating%20Against%20the%20Government.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news), a San Francisco–based employment law firm. If challenged, the agency must show that the subpoena was issued in good faith and for purposes authorized by law. Earlier this month, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the ACLU of Northern California [sent a letter](https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/02/open-letter-tech-companies-protect-your-users-lawless-dhs-subpoenas?ref=mendolocal.news) to Meta, Google, Amazon, Apple, Discord, Microsoft and Reddit urging the companies to challenge the subpoenas in court and to notify affected users. “We urge you to use your immense resources to defend user privacy in court, if necessary,” the letter stated. “These steps are not only the right thing to do, they are in line with the existing promises you have made to defend user privacy.” The use of administrative subpoenas more broadly has increased in recent years. During the first six months of 2025, [Google received ](https://transparencyreport.google.com/user-data/overview?dlr%5Frequests=authority:;assisting%5Fcountry:US;time:&lu=user%5Frequests%5Freport%5Fperiod&hl=en&user%5Frequests%5Freport%5Fperiod=series:requests,accounts;authority:US;time:&ref=mendolocal.news)28,622 subpoenas, an 84 percent increase from five years earlier. [Meta received](https://transparency.meta.com/reports/government-data-requests/country/US/?ref=mendolocal.news) 14,520 subpoenas, up 42 percent over the same period. In a statement on its website, [Google said](https://transparencyreport.google.com/user-data/overview?dlr%5Frequests=authority:;assisting%5Fcountry:US;time:&lu=user%5Frequests%5Freport%5Fperiod&hl=en&user%5Frequests%5Freport%5Fperiod=series:requests,accounts;authority:US;time:&ref=mendolocal.news) it “carefully review\[s\] each request to make sure it satisfies applicable laws. If a request asks for too much information, we try to narrow it, and in some cases we object to producing any information at all.” Meta [said](https://transparency.meta.com/reports/government-data-requests/further-asked-questions/?ref=mendolocal.news) it maintains a dedicated Law Enforcement Response Team that “reviews and evaluates every government request for user data individually, whether the request was submitted related to an emergency or through legal process obtained by law enforcement or national security authorities,” and ensures that requests are consistent with applicable law and company policies. DHS officials have defended the use of administrative subpoenas as a lawful tool necessary to protect ICE personnel and prevent interference with enforcement operations. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — February 15, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-february-15-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:21.000Z ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Court Docket Unsealed in Journalist Arrest Case *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A previously inaccessible court docket related to journalist Matthew LaFever’s misdemeanor arrest last year has been made public following a motion to intervene filed by the editor of MendoLocal.News. LaFever, a working journalist and high school teacher, was arrested in November 2025 on a misdemeanor charge of annoying or molesting a minor. The case has been marked by an unusual leak to a Youtuber who, by his own account, is on friendly terms with the command staff at the Ukiah Police Department. The Youtuber produced a 44-minute segment on the day of LaFever’s arrest based on the confidential police investigation. No charges have been filed to date. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/an-inaccessible-docket-matthew-lafever) --- ### LaFever Special Master Request in Limbo *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* An order approving the appointment of a special master to oversee an investigation into the devices and data seized from journalist and teacher Matthew LaFever has not been signed, according to the newly accessible court docket. Meanwhile, a Fort Bragg police department law enforcement employee who was the target of a confidential memo sought by LaFever says he was cleared by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). A POST spokeswoman said the law authorizing POST does not define off-duty acts as “serious misconduct.” 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrants-shield-laws-and-a) --- ### Mendocino College Professor Faces Child Sexual Abuse Charges *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Jason Davis, a 54-year-old English professor at Mendocino College, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 18, facing six felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. Prosecutors allege the abuse began when the victim was 13 years old, and said additional charges may be forthcoming. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/mendocino-college-professor-facing-six-felonies-to-appear-in-court-next-week/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Federal Proposal Aims to Reduce Whale Entanglements in West Coast Fishing *By Sarah Stierch , The Mendocino Voice* NOAA Fisheries is proposing new gear-marking requirements for commercial fishermen in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery to reduce whale entanglements. The proposed rules would allow pot gear operators to mark only one end of a line instead of both, potentially reducing the amount of line in the water. Public comments are being accepted through March 9, 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/federal-officials-propose-new-fishing-gear-rules-to-reduce-whale-entanglements/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Ambulance Service Remains Fragile in Mendocino County *By John Haschak, The Mendocino Voice* Mendocino County 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak discusses the ongoing challenges with ambulance services in rural areas, highlighting efforts to address EMT shortages. A recent EMT class in Covelo will graduate nine students, and the Round Valley Health Clinic is now receiving low-acuity ambulance patients, offering hope for improved emergency medical services in outlying regions. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/haschak-mendocino-county-ambulances-are-on-shaky-ground-but-multi-agency-collaboration-is-making-headway/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### $2.4 Million Allocated for Highway Improvements in Mendocino County *By Caltrans* Caltrans has announced a $2.4 million investment in state highway improvements, including $1.3 million for road and guardrail upgrades along Highway 1 from Rockport to DeHaven, and $1.1 million for road and drainage improvements along Highway 271 near Leggett. The funding comes from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act, which has supported transportation improvements statewide since 2017. 🔗 [Read more](https://dot.ca.gov/news-releases/news-release-2026-003?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### State Report Reveals Thousands of Cannabis-Related Environmental Violations in 2025 *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* The California Department of Fish and Wildlife documented over 2,100 cannabis-related environmental violations across 27 counties in 2025, highlighting significant impacts on waterways, wildlife habitat, and public lands. The report emphasizes illegal cultivation’s role in unauthorized water use, banned pesticide application, and abandoned infrastructure, with a specific example from Mendocino County showing water diversion affecting critical habitat for foothill yellow-legged frogs and winter steelhead. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/state-report-outlines-cannabis-related-environmental-enforcement-in-2025/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🍷 ANDERSON VALLEY ### Anderson Valley Wine Shop Debuts New Tasting Experience **By Sarah Stierch | The Mendocino Voice** Disco Ranch will offer guided flights spotlighting limited-production wines from boutique wineries without public tasting rooms. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/disco-ranch-debuts-boutique-winery-tasting-experience-in-boonville/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Crowd Turns Out to Learn About Beneficial Burns Inland and on the Coast *By Sarah Reith, The Mendocino Voice* The Mendocino County Prescribed Burn Association hosted a Q&A at Anderson Valley Brewing Company on beneficial burns on Feb. 7, 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/crowd-turns-out-to-learn-about-beneficial-burns-inland-and-on-the-coast/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌲 CASPAR ### Trash Dumping Prompts Closure of Jackson Demonstration State Forest Road *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* CAL FIRE has closed Road 500 in Jackson Demonstration State Forest due to extensive illegal dumping, including sulphuric acid barrels and massive amounts of household trash. The closure affects motorized vehicles and is intended to prevent further environmental damage. Local activists are calling for community involvement to identify and stop the polluters responsible for ongoing environmental vandalism. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/somebody-dumped-sulphuric-acid-barrels-in-jackson-forest-who-wants-to-help-us-to-catch-some-forest-polluters-calfire-closed-main-road-500-past-caspar-scales-because-of-all-the-trash-dumping-if-w/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎨 FORT BRAGG ### Fort Bragg Man Convicted of Assault and Kidnapping with Intent to Commit Rape *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* A Mendocino County jury found Willy Hill — described by District Attorney David Eyster as a “serial rapist” — guilty of assault with intent to commit rape and kidnapping with the intent to commit rape. The verdict came after jurors heard forensic evidence, including Hill’s DNA found on the victim, and testimony from other women describing similar alleged conduct. Hill will return to court on March 20 for trial on aggravators, including prior sex offense convictions. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-man-convicted-of-sexual-assault) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Noyo High Students Unleash Raw Creativity in “Word Vomit” Art Show *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Noyo High School students shattered artistic boundaries with their provocative “Word Vomit” exhibition at Cobalt Gallery. Twenty-five students created approximately 60 pieces exploring themes of generational frustration, women’s experiences, and societal challenges. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/noyo-high-artists-break-out-with-a-truly-kid-created-show-a-dance-of-words-and-images-no-ai-allowed-all-heart-now-at-cobalt-gallery/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🥏 GUALALA ### CCC Rejects Streetscape Permit Appeals *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously at a February 4 hearing to uphold the Coastal Development Permit for the Gualala Downtown Streetscape Project. Bower Limited Partnership and Save Gualala had appealed. The project will add sidewalks and bike lanes to an approximately half-mile stretch of Highway 1. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Wetland Restoration Underway at China Gulch *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* The Gualala River Estuary Habitat Enhancement Planning Project has gained momentum as culvert repairs at Highway 1 and Old Stage Road align with long-planned wetland restoration work. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Professional Disc Golf Competition Raises Funds and Heart Rates *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* An Ice Bowl Disc Golf Competition at Ocean Ridge Park attracted 70 golfers and netted $3,600 for the Redwood Coast Recreation District. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚓 LAYTONVILLE ### Arrest for Attempted Murder in Rural Mendocino County Shooting Incident *By the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly shooting at a 68-year-old man on Branscomb Road. Brandon Lee Langenderfer was booked into county jail on multiple charges, including attempted murder and parole violations. A female companion, Miranda Marie Mullins, was also arrested on related charges. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/laytonville-shooter-arrested) --- ## 💧POTTER VALLEY ### Water Storage Options to Be Discussed at IWPC Meeting *By Justine Frederiksen, The Ukiah Daily Journal* The Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission will meet Feb. 19 to discuss potential water storage options following the planned removal of the Potter Valley Project dams. The meeting follows controversy surrounding First District Supervisor Madeline Cline’s representation on the board. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/02/12/water-storage-options-to-be-discussed-at-iwpc-meeting-thursday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏫 REDWOOD VALLEY ### Redwood Valley Seeks to Transform Closed School into Youth Recreation Center *By Sydney Fishman ,The Mendocino Voice* A volunteer group is proposing to lease and eventually purchase the closed Redwood Valley Elementary School campus to create a youth recreation center offering exercise, classes, gardening, and cooking programs. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/redwood-valley-group-wants-to-revive-school-campus-into-recreation-center-for-kids/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🫖 UKIAH ### Downtown Ukiah’s Hometown Store and Kitchen Gifts to Close After 25 Years *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* After 25 years in business, Hometown Store and Kitchen Gifts will close by the end of March 2026\. The family-owned store plans a closing sale with discounts up to 60%. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/downtown-ukiahs-hometown-store-and-kitchen-gifts-to-close/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### New CNA Training Program Launches in Mendocino County *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* The Mendocino County Office of Education has opened a new medical training center featuring the county’s first Certified Nursing Assistant program in a decade. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/new-cna-program-in-ukiah-offers-training-to-adults-and-high-schoolers/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Oakland Man Arrested in Ukiah for Alleged Attempted Murder of Elderly Friends *By the Ukiah Police Department* Ukiah police arrested Clarence Wells, 37, on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly attacked two elderly friends with a skateboard at their North Oak Street home. Both victims were hospitalized with serious head wounds. Bail was set at $1 million. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1314074444089701&set=a.218878760275947) --- ### New Family Doctor Joins Adventist Health Ukiah Valley *By The Mendocino Voice* Dr. Holly Astin will see patients in the clinic and hospital and teach in the Family Medicine Residency Program. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/new-family-doctor-joins-adventist-health-ukiah-valley/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🦀 WILLITS ### Third District Supervisors Race Off and Running *Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* Four candidates — Buffey Wright Bourassa, Russell Green, Eric Hart, and Clay Romero — have announced campaigns for Third District supervisor ahead of the June 2 election. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Crab Sale for the Rotary Club **Mathew Caine | Willits Weekly** The Willits Rotary sold 2,000 crabs during its popular two-day crab sale earlier this month. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Lake County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputy Arrested Following Sexual Assault Investigation *By the Lake County Sheriff’s Office* Deputies arrested Daniel Constancio Jr., 35, of Willits on Feb. 12\. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted an inmate at the Hill Road Correctional Facility in 2024. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/lakesheriff/posts/pfbid0YaWq1Gu7CSC85mgzuQATbeBSfFFCmG6bn1aJyH5Yp2RhfjesB7icG4DKVEYnNjVQl) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### Newsom’s Spending Surge Creates Chronic California Budget Deficit *By Dan Walters, CalMatters* Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration has created a multibillion-dollar structural budget deficit, with spending increasing 72% over seven budgets. The Legislative Analyst’s Office warns of annual deficits ranging from $20 billion to $35 billion. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/commentary/2026/02/newsom-spending-california-chronic-deficit/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Glenn Medical Center Gets Congressional Lifeline, Still Needs Millions to Reopen *By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters* Congress restored critical access status for Glenn Medical Center, but the shuttered hospital still needs $40–50 million to reopen. A proposed state bill could help fund distressed hospitals. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/02/glenn-county-comeback-soria-funding/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Factory-Built Housing: California’s Next Big Housing Solution? *By Ben Christopher, CalMatters* Lawmakers are exploring factory-built housing as a potential solution to California’s housing crisis, with proposals that could cut costs by up to 25% and reduce construction timelines. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/housing/2026/02/factory-built-housing-california-wicks/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Man Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder after Laytonville Shooting URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/laytonville-shooter-arrested/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:21.000Z *The following information comes from a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A man was arrested Friday on suspicion of attempted murder after authorities say he shot at a 68-year-old man in rural Mendocino County, grazing the victim’s head before fleeing into a wooded area. Mendocino County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched around noon to the 11700 block of Branscomb Road after receiving a report of shots fired, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The caller reported that Brandon Lee Langenderfer, 32, had fired at the victim and then fled the scene. Medical personnel treated the victim at the scene for what authorities described as a superficial wound. Deputies have launched an attempted murder investigation. Investigators said Langenderfer approached the victim while the man was outside his residence, produced a firearm and discharged it in his direction. The victim ran for safety as the suspect fled on foot into nearby woods. At about 4 p.m., a CAL FIRE prevention law enforcement officer spotted the vehicle in the 6900 block of Branscomb Road. Deputies responded, secured the area and called for Langenderfer to surrender, authorities said. Using an unmanned aerial vehicle and ground search teams, deputies found Langenderfer hiding in brush along with Miranda Marie Mullins, 31, of Willits. Both were detained without injury. Langenderfer was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, possession of a controlled substance with prior convictions, violation of parole, resisting or obstructing a peace officer and on a felony parole warrant. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail and is being held without bail due to the parole violations. Mullins was arrested on suspicion of resisting or obstructing a peace officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and on an out-of-state warrant. She was also booked into the county jail and is also being held without bail, authorities said. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center at 707-463-4086 or the sheriff’s non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100. ### An Inaccessible Docket in Case Involving Journalist Is Made Public After Editor Files Motion to Intervene URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/an-inaccessible-docket-matthew-lafever/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:22.000Z *Update: The Ukiah city clerk has confirmed that the Ukiah Police Department did not hire an outside investigator to look into the source of the leak of graphic details from LaFever’s data/devices on the day of his arrest to an influencer who boasted of his friendly ties to the department while expressing animosity toward the accused. February 13, 2026 9:26 a.m.* A previously inaccessible court docket and related records in a case involving journalist Matthew LaFever were made public on February 2. Included in the records was a request for a special master and a transcript of a discussion relating to “an agreement in principle” between Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster and LaFever’s defense attorney, Orchid Vaghti. Six weeks later, no order appointing the special master appears in the court file. Neither Vaghti nor District Attorney David Eyster responded to a request for comment. The records were released after Elise Cox, editor of *MendoLocal.News*, filed a motion to intervene seeking access as a member of the press. Although Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder stated during a Friday hearing that “nothing has been sealed” in *The People of the State of California v. Matthew LaFever*, the case had remained entirely inaccessible to the public since it was filed on Dec. 2, 2025\. The docket, case number, and filings were visible only to a limited group of courthouse personnel. Even after the hearing, members of the public were unable to locate the case. A clerk assisting visitors at the Ukiah courthouse searched using both the case number and LaFever’s name and found no record. It was not until Monday afternoon that Court Executive Officer Kim Turner confirmed the file could be accessed from a public terminal. “I wish I had a good explanation for the confusion around whether the file was sealed, confidential or public, but I do not,” Turner wrote in an email to *MendoLocal.News*. ### Background of the case LaFever, a working journalist and part-time high school teacher, was arrested by the Ukiah Police Department three months ago for allegedly annoying or molesting a minor (PC 647.6) The charges followed an investigation, documented in a search warrant and [Ramey arrest warrant](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/court-appoints-special-master), into Snapchat messages LaFever allegedly exchanged with a 17-year-old girl he met through the platform. LaFever has not been charged with a crime, and [his bail was exonerated last month](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/judge-exonerates-bond-for-ukiah-journalist). LaFever’s lawyer has repeatedly communicated to MendoLocal.News that she and her client will not be commenting on the case. The case is listed in the court’s online system as a miscellaneous criminal petition. While the caption now reads *The People of the State of California v. Matthew LaFever*, a Dec. 2 motion seeking appointment of a special master retains its original styling: *Matthew LaFever v. the People of the State of California and the Ukiah Police Department* — as originally reported by MendoLocal.News. **The motion to intervene** Cox’s motion argued that the U.S. Constitution does not permit criminal proceedings to be closed by default, by custom, or for administrative convenience. “Any closure — particularly one occurring before charges are filed — requires strict, on-the-record justification,” the motion stated. The filing further asserted that no such justification appeared in the record. There was no written order authorizing closure and no findings showing that constitutional requirements for sealing the case had been met. ### Search warrants and journalist protections LaFever’s motion to appoint a special master, revealed in the newly disclosed documents, cites the California Electronic Communications Privacy Act, California’s shield laws enshrined in the state Constitution, and Evidence Code Section 1070, which protect journalists’ unpublished materials and confidential sources. Special master requirements are rooted in Penal Code §1524 and related case law and enshrined in the rules of the State Bar of California, Under those rules, when law enforcement serves a search warrant on certain professionals — including attorneys, psychotherapists, and clergy — a special master must be appointed to oversee the search and prevent privileged information from being improperly accessed. The special master is required to accompany officers serving the warrant and is prohibited from allowing law enforcement to participate in the search itself. Those procedures do not appear to have been followed when Ukiah police seized LaFever’s electronic devices on Oct. 17, 2025, or when he was arrested on a Ramey warrant on Nov. 3, 2025. Ukiah Police Chief Tom Corning and Ukiah City Manager Sage Sangiacomo declined to comment on whether a special master participated in the LaFever investigation. ### The investigation and seizure of devices According to the Ramey arrest warrant application signed by a Ukiah police detective, police received a complaint from the mother of one of LaFever’s journalism students, who reported that LaFever had said “Oh, damn” while standing behind her daughter with his phone in his hand. When police interviewed the teen, she allegedly told them about a friend who had engaged in Snapchat conversations with LaFever over the summer using an alias. As alleged in the Ramey warrant, the friend later disclosed her real age and reported that LaFever continued the conversation, made comments about her appearance, and sent shirtless photos of himself while requesting a photo of her in return. Based on those messages, the detective told Judge Patrick Pekin there was probable cause to believe LaFever had committed the misdemeanor offense of annoying or molesting a minor, which does not require physical contact but does require conduct that would disturb or offend a reasonable person. The Ukiah detective requested and received a search warrant authorizing seizure of LaFever’s iPhone, Apple Watch, router, SD card, and three laptops. The 33-page warrant included a request for a “digital forensic search order” and proposed searching devices at the scene to avoid seizing irrelevant equipment. At the same time, the detective sought authorization to transport devices to “a secure location like a forensic lab or the Ukiah Police Department.” Over the following 16 days, police conducted an extensive forensic examination of LaFever’s digital activity across multiple platforms, based on the press release announcing LaFever’s arrest. ### The Ramey warrant and arrest On Nov. 2, the detective appeared before Judge Faulder and requested a Ramey arrest warrant — a procedure typically used for expediency, often in serious felony cases. Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall said such warrants are most commonly sought in homicide investigations. Misdemeanor suspects are typically sent a letter and asked to surrender voluntarily. LaFever was arrested the next day at his home on the misdemeanor charge. ### Leak allegations and a narrow circle That same day, former sheriff’s deputy and former Willits police officer Trent James posted a 44-minute YouTube video describing graphic details allegedly drawn from LaFever’s digital devices, including information contained in the then-confidential Ramey arrest warrant. “There is enough evidence at this point, these cops have this guy dead to rights,” James said in the video, asserting additional allegations not included in court filings or forwarded to prosecutors. To date, LaFever has not been charged with any crime, and pending the appointment of a special master, the case appears to be stalled. Ukiah Police Chief Tom Corning said the department conducted an internal affairs investigation after the video was published but “did not identify an individual responsible for leaking information.” Corning did not respond to questions about whether a special master oversaw the search of LaFever’s devices or whether an outside investigator reviewed the leak. Citing the California Public Records law, MendoLocal.News has asked to review the contract with an outside investigator to conduct the leak investigation, ~~if it exists.~~ Kristine Lawler, city clerk of Ukiah, responded on February 12, 2026: “After a reasonable inquiry and diligent search, no responsive documents to your request were found.” In the video, James described friendly relationships with members of the Ukiah Police Department command staff. “I always knew him to be a really good dude,” James said about Chief Tom Corning. “I mean I remember Corn Dog is working on the coast as a deputy. He started about the same time I did. Yeah. And um working with him he was a fantastic deputy so I yeah I have nothing bad to say about Tom Corning.” In his email to MendoLocal.News, James expressed his longstanding animosity toward LaFever, whom he has publicly accused of biased reporting dating back to the 2022 sheriff’s race. He also objected to a question from MendoLocal.News about any discussions he had regarding the Ukiah Police investigation with a law enforcement colleague he worked with at a previous department. **A festering news article** James ran for sheriff of Mendocino county in 2022 as a write-in candidate. During his campaign, he gave an extensive interview to LaFever. In LaFever’s article, published on May 26, 2022, the journalist questioned James’ residency status, noting that James had told viewers he was in Florida, Texas and on the East Coast, while also claiming to maintain a permanent residence in Mendocino County at a friend’s home, where he rented a room for two months. James lost the election but received 2,488 votes, equal to 15 percent of the vote for that particular race. Under California law, knowingly filing a false or forged document with a public office is a felony punishable by up to three years in state prison and fines of up to $10,000\. There is no indication James was charged with such an offense. James declined to provide specific examples from LaFever’s article that were inaccurate, or one-sided, or to name statements that he wasn’t given a chance to address. James has previously cited the article in a YouTube video as an example of LaFever’s allegedly one-sided and biased reporting. ### Instruction to restrict access During a Dec. 17 hearing on appointing a special master, Deputy District Attorney Robert J. Waner told the court that prosecutors and defense counsel had reached an agreement in principle. “Law enforcement has already been instructed not to access LaFever’s devices pending further court order,” Waner said. He added that prosecutors would submit a revised warrant incorporating the appointment of a special master. “We’ll submit the order, you’ll sign it, and we’ll get to work,” Waner said. *Previous articles published by Mendo Local* [Search Warrants, Shield Laws, and a Working Journalist ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrants-shield-laws-and-a)(February 11, 2026) [Judge Exonerates Bond for Ukiah Journalist, But Documents Remain Sealed](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/judge-exonerates-bond-for-ukiah-journalist) (January 5, 2026) [Ukiah Journalist Arrest Highlights Tensions Between Criminal Investigations and Press Protections](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/court-appoints-special-master) (January 3, 2025) [LaFever Invokes Shield Law](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/lafever-invokes-shield-law) (January 2, 2025) [Ukiah Journalism Student Accuses Teacher of Sending Inappropriate Snapchat Messages](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrant-released-in-minor-molestation-case) (November 14, 2025) [Ukiah High School Teacher and Journalist in the Midst of Police Misconduct Investigation in Fort Bragg is Arrested on Charges of Annoying a Minor](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-high-school-teacher-and-journalist) (November 3, 2025) ### Search Warrants, Shield Laws, and a Working Journalist URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/search-warrants-shield-laws-and-a/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:22.000Z At the time of his arrest, Matthew LaFever was 37 years old and working multiple jobs, including part-time as a journalism teacher at Ukiah High School, freelancing for SFGATE and the *Independent Coast Observer*, and publishing the local news site MendoFever.com. After learning of the police investigation, the Ukiah Unified School District placed LaFever on paid administrative leave. In court filings, LaFever’s attorney cited Penal Code Section 1524(g), which prohibits the issuance of search warrants for unpublished journalistic work product and confidential source information protected under Evidence Code Section 1070. According to his motion requesting the appointment of a special master, LaFever’s electronic devices contained information unrelated to the criminal investigation, including reporting materials and communications with sources. “This is particularly important given California’s interest in protecting a free press,” the motion stated, “especially since MendoFever.com critically reported on local law enforcement and governmental activities.” Among the stories that LaFever was actively pursuing prior to being served with a search warrant from the Ukiah Police Department was a confidential personnel memorandum authored by former Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka. The memorandum, which was obtained by MendoLocal.News, contained sustained findings of sexual misconduct against a Fort Bragg police department law enforcement employee related to alleged off-duty conduct at a party in 2022\. LaFever’s correspondence with a source and a colleague regarding that memorandum is among the materials his attorneys argue police had no right to review. The former employee, who no longer works for the Fort Bragg Police Department, later contacted MendoLocal.News and disputed the chief’s findings. The employee said the allegations had been reported to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training but were not sustained, though he did not provide documentation to MendoLocal.news to support that claim. In a Nov. 7 video, Trent James, a former deputy for the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, displayed an October 2025 letter from a state official that declared that the allegations against the police department employee did not meet the statutory definition of “serious misconduct.” The video names the police department employee with his consent. The letter came from Robert P. Guyton Jr., a bureau chief at the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training (POST). POST spokesperson Meagan Poulos said in an email that the commission does not authenticate documents in closed cases and does not sustain sexual misconduct allegations arising from off-duty conduct. “An act that would not meet the definition of serious misconduct under Penal Code §13510.8 specifically related to sexual assault,” Poulos wrote, “would be those that occur off duty.” In LaFever’s motion requesting a special master, LaFever’s attorney has asked the court to ensure “only information relevant to the target of the search warrant and investigation is accessible.” The motion quotes Penal Code 1524(g): “No warrant shall issue for an item or items described in Section 1070 of the Evidence Code.” “Therefore,” LaFever’s attorney wrote, “a search warrant should never be issued for the ‘some of any information procured’ by a reporter while newsgathering, or ‘for any unpublished information obtained or prepared in gathering, receiving or processing of information for communication to the public.’” The motion notes that because of LaFever’s reporting activities, “there is information on the devices that is irrelevant to the target of the investigation, but moreover, is privileged and should be protected from unfettered access by law enforcement,” The motion acknowledges that the search and seizure by the Ukiah Police Department has already occurred. Despite that, the court can still appoint a special master “to review the contents of the electronic devices to ensure that no privileged and protected materials are accessed by law enforcement.” The warrant notes that the court has discretion in two areas: 1. To appoint a special master who is charged with ensuring that only information necessary to achieve the objective of the warrant is produced or accessed. 2. To require that any information obtained through the execution of the warrant or order that is unrelated to the objective of the warrant be destroyed as soon as feasible after the termination of the current investigation and any related court proceedings. More than six weeks after the prosecution and defense told the court they agreed “in principle” on the appointment of a special master, no order has been filed. The delay leaves open questions not only about what safeguards, if any, are in place to protect confidential reporting materials, but also about how promptly courts will act when the state’s investigative powers intersect with California’s shield law. ### Fort Bragg Man is Convicted of Assault, Kidnapping with Intent to Commit Rape URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-man-convicted-of-sexual-assault/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:23.000Z A Mendocino County jury has found a Fort Bragg man guilty of assault with intent to commit rape and kidnapping with the intent to commit rape in connection with an attack on a local woman in Ukiah in 2019. The jury returned its verdict against Willy Hill on Tuesday after deliberating for an Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Hill had pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors alleged that Hill assaulted and forcibly moved the victim with the intent to sexually assault her. During the trial, jurors heard testimony that Hill’s DNA was found in multiple locations on the victim’s body. The prosecution argued the forensic evidence, along with the victim’s account, established that Hill intended to commit rape and that he committed kidnapping in moving the victim away from a sidewalk. Defense attorneys sought to raise doubt about how Hill’s DNA came to be on the woman, suggesting it could have been transferred indirectly. They argued the prosecution had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Hill committed the rape. They also argued that the distance the victim was moved was not far enough to warrant the kidnapping charge. Jurors also heard testimony from other women who described similar alleged conduct by Hill. Such prior-act evidence is permitted in sexual assault cases under certain circumstances. Hill will continue to stand trial on aggravators, such as his prior conviction for two sex offenses. His next court date is March 20. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey of the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office. ### Hill Case Goes to the Jury URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/hill-case-goes-to-the-jury/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:23.000Z A man on trial for attempted rape and kidnapping is implicated by DNA found in multiple places on the victim’s body. To avoid conviction, the defense must persuade jurors that the man’s DNA ended up there some other way — for example, through indirect transfer, such as the woman touching an object that had the man’s DNA on it and then touching herself. Is that a reasonable explanation? That is the question facing the jury in the case against Willy Hill, a 42-year-old Fort Bragg man. Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey and defense attorney Justin Petersen delivered closing arguments Tuesday. In her statement, Kelsey described Hill’s account of the evening as “lies spun from whole cloth.” She noted that Hill told one story to detectives in 2023 after his DNA was matched to samples taken from the victim’s body on the night of the attack, and later offered a different version at trial. She argued that Hill’s new story — that he had spent extended time with the woman the same evening as the attack — was crafted after he had heard testimony from the victim and other witnesses. “He knows what the evidence is,” Kelsey said. “He’s got an answer for you for everything.” Hill has prior convictions for sexual assault. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to assaulting the wife of a close friend in Fort Bragg. He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a woman he knew through his girlfriend after meeting her at a Fort Bragg bar while out on bail for the prior offense. Kelsey argued that Hill had a pattern of targeting women in local bars, waiting until they had been drinking and were walking home alone. “The defendant has a proven pattern of conduct,” she said. “He is that compulsive that he does this even to those who are close to him.” According to testimony, the woman at the center of the case was walking home from the Pub Sports Bar in Ukiah on October 27, 2019, when she noticed a man following her. When she confronted him, she testified, he rushed at her, overpowered her, and dragged her from the sidewalk to the ground near some trash cans. The woman fought back. During the struggle, she testified, her assailant put his hands inside her shirt and down her pants. He also appeared to ejaculate against her leg, she said. She eventually broke free and called the police. Officers responded. After giving a statement, the woman agreed to undergo a forensic examination at a hospital. A sexual assault nurse examiner collected DNA samples from the woman’s lips, breasts, abdomen, and other areas. Four years later, DNA from the woman’s lips, breasts, and abdomen was matched to Hill. Petersen told jurors the DNA could have been transferred indirectly. Hill testified that he and the woman were at the Pub Sports Bar together that evening. He said they played pool using the same cue, interacted with a pet parrot, and that the woman used the same toilet seat after Hill to avoid waiting in line for the women’s restroom. The woman testified that she does not recall meeting Hill at the bar. Petersen also pointed to what he described as investigative shortcomings. The woman initially suspected that the assailant might have been a friend of a neighbor who had reason to be angry with her. Petersen argued that police did not obtain a DNA sample from that person. He also noted that investigators did not ensure DNA was retrieved from the victim’s pant leg, which had a wet spot she believed to be semen. > “They didn’t do their work, and because they didn’t do their work, they couldn’t prove it,” Petersen told jurors. He reminded jurors of the standard for beyond reasonable doubt: “If you can draw two or more reasonable conclusions from the circumstantial evidence, and one of those reasonable conclusions points toward innocence and the other to guilt, you must accept the one that points to innocence.” Even if the conclusion pointing toward innocence seems less probable, he said, jurors must acquit. “That’s the law,” Kelsey acknowledged in rebuttal. But she emphasized that the prosecution is not required to eliminate all possible doubt. “Everything in life is open to some possible or imaginary doubt,” she said. Kelsey pointed out that the DNA analysis did not turn up additional unknown third-party DNA, which would have been expected if there was another attacker. The question for jurors, she argued, is whether they have an “abiding conviction” that the charges are true. “Believe the victim, believe the science, use your common sense,” Kelsey told the jury. ### Women Relive the Experience of Sexual Assault While Facing Their Alleged Attacker in a Ukiah Courthouse URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/women-testify-against-willy-hill/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:23.000Z For the past week, Willy Hill, a former volunteer firefighter and tree worker from Fort Bragg, has faced an uncomfortable reckoning in a Ukiah courtroom. Four women have taken the stand to accuse Hill of raping or attempting to rape them, describing their assaults in detail while persevering through tears under repeated questioning by defense attorney Justin Petersen. Hill, 42, previously pleaded guilty to attacking two women in 2021\. When he took the stand on Monday, Hill said he agreed to the plea to avoid going to trial on a kidnapping charge, which he said could have carried a life sentence. He did not express remorse during his testimony. Because of the plea, neither of the two women was given the opportunity to testify at the time. The plea also resulted in Hill’s DNA being entered into a database, allowing it to be compared against evidence from cold cases. That process led investigators to re-examine evidence and resulted in Hill’s return to court in February 2026. Although Hill is charged in this case with felony assault and kidnapping involving one woman, the court permitted testimony from other alleged victims under California law allowing evidence of prior sexual assaults to be considered for limited purposes. The first allegation referenced in court dates back more than 13 years. Hill was questioned about an allegation from more than 13 years ago involving a teenage girl, in which he was accused of inappropriate conduct. Hill denied the allegation. Hill also disputed testimony from a woman who described a harrowing encounter in 2018\. The woman said she met Hill at a local bar, where he introduced himself as “Tucker.” She was a forester new to the area, and the two spoke briefly about their work — she marked trees for cutting, and Hill cut them. When the woman left the bar, she testified, “Tucker” followed her and asked if she would see him again. “He said we should go back to my place or go back to his,” she said. “I said no, I’m going home. He started following me to the extent that I started running.” The man stopped being friendly, she said. “He came up behind me and pushed me against a fence on the side of the sidewalk.” The woman testified she could not remember what he said next. “All I can remember is me saying, ‘Please, please stop. Leave me alone.’” She testified that he pulled down her pants and raped her. Afterward, the woman testified she was disoriented and traumatized. New to town, she knocked on two doors asking for help before giving up. After wandering for more than an hour, she eventually found the police station. She was able to identify Hill from a photo lineup. “I gave them a description, and they almost immediately knew who he was,” she testified. However, she said the officer she spoke with appeared not to believe her. When the officer asked her to go to Willits for a forensic exam by a trained nurse, she declined. She said she handed over her pants and left. She never heard from the Fort Bragg Police Department again. On the stand, Hill testified the encounter was consensual. “She told me I could pull her pants down, and I was not convicted of anything in that situation,” he said. Another allegation stems from October 2019, when Hill met a woman at the Pub Sports Bar in Ukiah. On Monday, Hill testified that the two hung out and played pool. He suggested multiple explanations for how his DNA could have ended up on the woman, including that she may have used the men’s restroom after him because the women’s restroom was crowded. He also claimed a pet parrot moved between them while they were together. However, when questioned by detectives in 2023, Hill initially said he remembered nothing about the encounter. After detectives informed him that his DNA had been found in samples collected by a forensic nurse following an attempted rape near the bar that night, Hill said the DNA could have come from a glass of beer. He told police all they could prove was that he had been at the bar. Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey pointed out that Hill did not provide a detailed account of the evening until his testimony on Monday — after reviewing police reports, body-camera footage, and listening to his accuser testify under questioning from both sides. According to the Ukiah woman’s testimony, she went to the bar, had drinks, and began walking home. A man followed her. As she neared her apartment, she confronted him and told him to go home. She testified that he overpowered her, dragged her into a secluded area, and struggled to pull down her pants while pinning her to the ground. A blackout that night left the area in darkness, but the woman said she remembers her attacker’s face. She reported the attack later that evening and was examined that same night by a forensic nurse, who collected DNA samples. The evidence was not immediately connected to a suspect, and the woman went on with her life. About a year and a half later, Hill was at a friend’s home in Fort Bragg playing poker. The host and his wife had known Hill for eight years. When Hill’s ride home did not arrive, the wife offered to drive him. “We got into my truck and drove up our dirt road, and when I turned, he started putting his hands down my shirt,” the woman testified. “He grabbed my nipples.” The two were on a private road about six minutes outside of town. The woman said all she could do was keep driving. “I started covering my chest,” she testified. “He was grabbing my arm and pulling it away so he could grab my breasts with his other hand. He went down my shirt, down my bra, continued grabbing my breasts. Then he shoved his hand down my pants and was sticking his fingers inside of me.” That incident occurred in April 2021. Four months later, Hill was at the Welcome Inn bar in Fort Bragg. He was out on bail following his arrest related to the alleged assault on his friend’s wife. A woman at the bar testified that she knew Hill’s girlfriend, the mother of his child. Hill tried to put his arm around her when he saw her in the bar, she said, and she pushed him away. When she left the bar, Hill followed her, she testified. He came up behind her and pulled her into an alley. “He was trying to pull my pants off, and I was on the ground,” she said. “I pushed him in the face, and he ran off. I ran to my boyfriend’s house.” Hill was present in the courtroom as each woman testified last week and again on Monday. Monday afternoon, Hill took the stand in his own defense. Hill described negotiating his plea deal, saying prosecutors initially sought a 10-year sentence. He ultimately agreed to a three-year sentence instead for felony attempted sexual penetration with a foreign object and assault with intent to commit rape. “Would you do the same thing today?” Petersen asked. “Yes,” Hill replied. Petersen and Deputy District Attorney Kelsey are expected to deliver closing arguments starting on Tuesday. The case will then be submitted to the jury. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — February 7, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/february-7-weekly-news/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:24.000Z ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Board of Supes Advances Hipcamp Ordinance *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted to forward a proposal that could legalize up to 900 individual commercial camping areas on 100 properties countywide. Inspired by Assembly Bill 518, the ordinance would allow up to nine campsites per property and could generate an estimated $75,000 in transient occupancy tax revenue. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/100-hipcamp-permits-for-mendocino-county) --- ### County Moves Forward With Short-Term Rental Ordinance *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Supervisors directed staff to draft a new countywide short-term rental ordinance, rejecting most proposed limits on the industry. The board agreed to cap enforcement at three verified violations within a 12-month period and create a streamlined permitting process. Despite ongoing concerns about housing availability and community impacts, the ordinance allows continued expansion of short-term rentals, most of them concentrated in coastal areas. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/board-directs-staff-to-draft-airbnb-ordinance) --- ### The Broiler Dinners, Part 2 *By Mark Scaramella, The Anderson Valley Advertiser* Questions surrounding the District Attorney’s use of asset forfeiture funds resurfaced after Auditor-Controller/Treasure-Tax Collector Director Chamise Cubbison said she could not approve certain expenses — including the so-called “Broiler Dinners” — without an independent legal review. Cubbison warned that relying solely on the DA’s interpretation could expose her to personal liability. DA David Eyster pushed back, arguing state law preempts county oversight and defending more than $1.2 million in forfeiture spending. County Counsel says further review is needed. 🔒 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ### What’s Behind the Cline Appointment Flap? *By Mark Scaramella, The Anderson Valley Advertiser* A dispute over whether First District Supervisor Madeline Cline should represent Mendocino County on the Inland Water and Power Commission has drawn sharp political and regional divisions. At stake are competing priorities: water security for Potter Valley farmers, downstream safety risks for Eel River communities, and PG&E’s likely dam removal plans. 🔒 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## 🌾 ANDERSON VALLEY ### Boonville Farm Tour & Olive Oil Tasting *The Anderson Valley Advertiser* Starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, this guided walk at Filigreen Farm explores biodynamic farming practices, water revitalization, soil-building techniques, and on-farm biodiversity. Stops include flow-forms, orchards, gardens, and the vineyard, concluding with a tasting of olio nuovo from Filigreen’s 2025 olive harvest. 🔒 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## 🌊 FORT BRAGG ### Silent Protest: Coasties Speak Volumes Across Noyo Bridge *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Masked protesters lined the Noyo Bridge in Fort Bragg on Saturday, standing silently every 20 feet in a striking demonstration against fascism and growing police-state concerns. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/silent-line-of-masked-coasties-stretches-across-noyo-bridge-delivering-a-message-louder-than-crowds-see-their-message-in-our-video/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌾 POINT ARENA ### Point Arena High School Junior Named Youth Poet Laureate *Independent Coast Observer* Aubrey Rose Mchone of Point Arena High School was named one of two Mendocino County Youth Poet Laureates, alongside Iris Wager of Ukiah High School. Her term runs through June 2028. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ### “Chef to the Stars” Creates Interactive Culinary Program at High School *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* Celebrity chef and Sea Ranch resident Elizabeth Clune has launched a new culinary arts program at Point Arena High School, featuring monthly cooking competitions and hands-on instruction. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## 🏙️ UKIAH ### Native Children in Foster Care Face High Trafficking Risk *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* Advocates warn Native American children — 24% of Mendocino County’s foster population — face disproportionate trafficking risk due to placement instability, social media exposure, and systemic vulnerabilities. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/native-children-in-foster-care-in-mendocino-county-are-at-high-risk-of-being-trafficked/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💧 POTTER VALLEY ### Water Commission to Discuss Storage Options Ahead of Project Closure *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* The Inland Water and Power Commission will meet Thursday to explore water storage options as PG&E prepares to decommission the Potter Valley Project by 2028. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/water-commission-to-discuss-storage-options-thursday-ahead-of-potter-valley-project-shuttering/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🐚 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO ### Woman Cited After Allegedly Stashing Abalone in Her Pants *By Kym Kemp, Redheaded Blackbelt* Wildlife officers say a woman was cited after allegedly concealing two illegally taken abalone during a tidepool outing at Van Damme State Park. 🔗 [Read more](https://kymkemp.com/2026/02/06/fishy-woman-cited-after-allegedly-stashing-abalone-in-her-pants-at-mendocino-beach/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌲 WILLITS ### Mendocino Land Trust Protects 219 Acres Along the Eel River *Mendocino Land Trust Newsletter* A new conservation easement preserves 219 acres of forestland with nearly three-quarters of a mile of Eel River frontage, protecting critical fish habitat and wildlife corridors. 🔗 [Read more](https://myemail.constantcontact.com/MLT-News---Winter-2026.html?soid=1116179665721&aid=qtar3%5FmKGmk&ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Bakewell Family Files Wrongful Death Suit *Willits Weekly* The family of Nicholas Bakewell filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit alleging excessive force and failure to provide medical care during a police encounter. 🔗 [Read more](http://willetsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Brooktrails Board Reviews Water Reuse Study *By Barbara O’Reardon, Willits Weekly* Brooktrails is weighing two wastewater reuse options, with a projected treatment facility cost of $45.1 million. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### CalMatters Co-Founder Dave Lesher Retires *By Ryan Sabalow, CalMatters* Lesher retires after leading CalMatters from a startup into a major nonprofit newsroom and launching the Digital Democracy transparency platform. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/inside-the-newsroom/2026/02/calmatters-dave-lesher-retires/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### California’s Population Plateau and Political Clout *By Dan Walters, CalMatters* Stagnant population growth could cost California congressional seats after the 2030 census. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/commentary/2026/02/california-population-plateau-national-clout/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Republican Steve Hilton Leads Governor Fundraising Race *By Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters* Hilton leads most Democratic contenders in fundraising as the 2026 governor’s race heats up. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/02/governors-race-fundraising-reports/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Union Leaders Pressure Newsom on AI Regulation *By Khari Johnson, CalMatters* Labor leaders warn that worker protections around AI may determine support for Governor Newsom’s national ambitions. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/02/newsom-needs-more-ai-regulation-to-be-president-say-unions/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Board of Supes Sends Proposal to Approve 100 Hipcamps to the Planning Commission URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/100-hipcamp-permits-for-mendocino-county/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:24.000Z *Takeaway: County could gain $75,000 in transient occupancy taxes, while incurring additional administrative, enforcement and infrastructure costs.* *Editor’s note: Two typos were fixed on February 11, 2026 at 2:57 p.m.* Ten months after quietly lobbying state lawmakers to make it easier to approve small commercial campgrounds regardless of existing zoning, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to advance a proposal that could legalize up to 900 individual commercial camping areas on 100 properties countywide. Supervisors did not discuss whether the placement of campsites could be optimized to reduce infrastructure costs, minimize wear and tear on county roads, or ensure adequate access to emergency services. Nor did they debate restrictions that might address concerns repeatedly raised by residents in prior public comment, including heightened wildfire risk, increased insurance premiums, potential groundwater contamination, impacts to sensitive habitats, and late-night noise and traffic on rural roads. Supervisor John Haschak, who has communicated directly with Hipcamp representatives, estimated there are roughly 80 small commercial campgrounds operating without permits in Mendocino County. That estimate aligns with material Hipcamp provided to this reporter in 2024, when the company said its Mendocino County hosts earned an average of $7,500 annually — or roughly $600,000 total. Extending the county’s Transient Occupancy Tax to those operations would generate approximately $60,000, an amount unlikely to meaningfully offset road maintenance costs or fund enforcement of a new ordinance. Haschak placed a letter supporting Assembly Bill 518 on the consent calendar on April 22, 2025\. Despite strong public interest in the issue, the letter received no public comment, suggesting many residents were unaware of the proposed action. Items on the consent calendar are supposed to be routine and noncontroversial. Haschak’s letter did not cite any shortage of available campsites in Mendocino County. However, it did repeat Hipcamp-approved talking points: “In 2022, outdoor recreation reached a record high, with more than 19 million Californians enjoying the outdoors. California’s outdoor recreation economy, one of the state’s largest economic sectors, is valued at an estimated $73.8 billion. However, nearly half of all campers report difficulty finding and booking available campsites across the state.” The language echoes the statements [San Diego Assemblyperson Chris Ward made when he introduced the A.B. 518 on April 9, 2025 ](https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca%5F202520260ab518?ref=mendolocal.news)with “two of our co-sponsors, Hip Camp Head of Government and Community Relations Mitra Rosener and Lexi Gritlefeld, the Director of California Outdoor Recreation Partnership.” At the hearing Ward said: “Outdoor recreation hit a record high post pandemic in 2022 with more than 19 million Californians getting outside. They provided an estimated $74 billion for our state’s outdoor recreation. However, nearly half of all campers reported difficulty finding and booking available campsites statewide.” Ward also asserted that it cost nearly $100,000 for a landowner to set up their property and share it with the public. Chris Rogers, a Democrat who represents Mendocino County, Liz Ortega, a Democrat from Hayward, and Damon Connolly, a Democrat from San Rafael, joined Ward in co-sponsoring the bill. The bill passed the state Senate on Sept. 9, 2025 with 35 votes. Four Democrats — Ben Allen from El Segundo, John Laird from Santa Cruz, Akilah Weber Pierson from San Diego, and Angelique Ashby from Sacramento — voted no. The Assembly approved the bill the following day 67 – 13 with eleven Republicans and two Democrats opposed. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 518 on Oct. 1, 2025. The legislation marked a significant victory for Hipcamp and its investors, who have poured [more than $100 million ](https://www.theinformation.com/articles/hipcamp-airbnb-of-the-outdoors-raises-57-million?ref=mendolocal.news)into the San Francisco startup. According to CJ Gustafson of *Mostly Metrics*,[ the company would need to generate roughly $500 million](https://www.mostlymetrics.com/p/how-much-revenue-do-you-need-to-ipo-3af?email=editor%40mendolocal.news&ref=mendolocal.news) in revenue to support a successful initial public offering for institutional investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, who contributed $25 million to the company in 2019, or Index Ventures and Bond Capital, which led a $57 million fundraising round in 2021. Introducing the local proposal Tuesday, Haschak said AB 518 allows counties to opt in and adopt their own ordinances without going through “the state bureaucracy.” “This is our opportunity to streamline the process and move it forward,” Haschak said. “We’ve been dealing with this for the last four years.” Haschak said that he and Supervisor Ted Williams had met with planning department staff and wanted to propose limiting permits to seven campsites per property — fewer than the nine allowed by the state law — and capping the initial rollout to 100 permits. Supervisor Madeline Cline questioned how that limit was determined. “What kind of engagement did you do with property owners who may be interested in low-impact campsites, particularly around the difference between seven and nine sites?” she asked. Supervisor Mo Mulheren opposed reducing the number of sites. “I don’t know why we would reduce it to seven,” he said. “I’m fine with a cap of 100 to see how it goes.” Supervisor Bernie Norvell raised concerns about existing unpermited camps. “What does this do to hipcamps that are already operating illegally, particularly in residential neighborhoods?” he asked, citing a problematic site in his coastal district. Planning and Building Services Director Julia Krog said properties located in areas designated as urban clusters by the U.S. Census would not qualify under AB 518\. Sites surrounded by at least 75% urban uses are excluded from the program. These include three areas in Mendocino County: Fort Bragg, Willits, and Ukiah. Williams argued for lower permit fees, a move that could further limit the county’s ability to recover costs associated with increased enforcement and infrastructure impacts. Public comment highlighted additional concerns. Dee Pallesen, speaking from District 5, warned that allowing campsites on private roads with multiple owners and easements could create “a mess of problems.” Jenny Shattuck of Fort Bragg raised safety concerns, citing limited cell service in rural areas and the possibility that emergency responders might be unable to reach campsites. She also objected to allowing commercial campgrounds outside commercial zones. “If we wanted to live next to a campground or a commercial area, we would have bought or rented there,” Shattuck said. “This is a disservice to residents.” After discussion, the board voted to forward the proposal — amended to allow up to nine campsites per permit and incorporating AB 518 standards — to the Planning Commission for review, bypassing additional board hearings. Supervisors said the goal was to expedite implementation and begin collecting the approximately $75,000 in transient occupancy taxes sooner. *Data on urban clusters: https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Urban/MapServer* ### Staff to Draft New Short-Term Rental Ordinance URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/board-directs-staff-to-draft-airbnb-ordinance/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:24.000Z After years of debate over how to regulate short-term rentals such as Airbnbs, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday directed staff to prepare a new, countywide ordinance while rejecting nearly all proposed limits on the industry. The board also agreed to cap enforcement at three verified violations within a 12-month period. Multiple violations in one visit by county staff would count as a single violation. The direction clears the way for continued expansion of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, despite concerns raised about impacts on housing availability, community stability, the additional load on emergency services, and fire risk. “I think something we need to recognize is that the incentives for property owners to convert from long-term rentals to short-term rentals are extremely high,” said Patrick Hickey, a local representative of the SEIU. “You can make a lot more money renting a place through short-term rentals in most jurisdictions than you can with long-term rentals.” During the meeting, Planning and Building Services staff described the proposed ordinance as applying to “inland” areas — meaning unincorporated areas outside city limits and the coastal zone. This extends the definition of “inland” to neighborhoods within two miles of the coast. A map presented by staff showed that the vast majority of existing short-term rentals are located in these coastal communities. According to county data, the distribution of short-term rentals is as follows: - Fort Bragg/Mendocino: 279 - South County: 184 - Anderson Valley: 112 - Westport/Laytonville: 41 - Ukiah area: 15 - Hopland: 8 - Potter Valley: 6 - Redwood Valley: 2 - Covelo: 1 - Willits: 1 Based on stakeholder meetings held throughout the county — including Fort Bragg, Anderson Valley, Ukiah, Willits and Covelo — staff asked the board for direction on a range of potential policy options. Among them was a proposed “Good Neighbor Policy,” which would require short-term rental operators to provide guests and nearby residents with information addressing noise, trash, parking, pets, emergency contacts, behavioral expectations, and how to file complaints with the county. There was consensus among the board that this was a good idea. Staff also proposed a series of potential limits, including restrictions on corporate ownership, caps in areas with high concentrations of short-term rentals, protections for workforce housing near major employers, and limits in neighborhoods with smaller parcel sizes. These were rejected. Additional recommendations addressed permit terms and enforcement, including 10-year permit lengths, renewals based on complaint and violation history, discretionary reviews for unhosted rentals or properties on private roads, graduated fines, safety requirements, and the creation of a housing offset fund supported by short-term rental revenue. Supervisor Madeline Cline, who represents District One — which includes Potter Valley and Hopland, which together have just 14 short-term rentals — was the only supervisor to offer detailed feedback. She rejected all proposed limits on short-term rentals and opposed conditioning permit renewals on complaint or violation history. She supported discretionary review for private roads and a narrowly defined three-strikes enforcement policy. Supervisors Maureen Mulheren (District Two, including Ukiah) said they agreed with Cline’s position. Supervisor Bernie Norvell (District Four, centered on Fort Bragg) initially offered no comments. Ted Williams (District Five, the coastal district with the highest concentration of short-term rentals) spoke generally about the need for additional housing for both working residents and visitors and he offered a short comment in favor of three strikes. He later clarified that he supported limiting enforcement to three verified violations within a 12-month period. Following public comment, Supervisor John Haschak (District Three) asked for clearer direction from his colleagues. “I think there is agreement, but there are also some points where we want more clarification,” he said. As the board worked through the recommendations, supervisors formally rejected limits on the number or location of short-term rentals, rejected a housing offset fund, and rejected any owner-occupancy requirement. They agreed that short-term rental permits should be transferable to new owners and that properties on private roads should be subject to discretionary review. Supervisors agreed that renewals should consider complaint and violation history but did not set a specific permit term. They also directed staff to design a simple, over-the-counter administrative permitting process. On enforcement, the board agreed that violations would not transfer to a new owner if a property changed hands and that the three-strikes policy would apply only to three verified violations within a 12-month period. Haschak expressed concern that operators could be penalized for the behavior of guests during a single weekend. Planning Director Julia Krog noted that if staff responded to a property and found multiple issues at the same time, “that would count as one verified violation consisting of multiple issues.” Krog also noted that staff would only be available to verify violations on a weekday. Norvell briefly raised the possibility of limiting short-term rentals in areas with high concentrations, citing complaints from residents who live near multiple rentals. The idea was quickly dismissed. “I wouldn’t want to limit people that have existing businesses with a new policy,” Mulheren said. Cline also opposed the idea. “I guess it sounds like we have three your way,” Norvell said, before dropping the issue. Williams raised concerns about noise enforcement, noting that the county lacks a noise ordinance and that Sheriff Matt Kendall has told the board he does not have sufficient staffing to enforce one. Williams suggested routing noise complaints directly to property owners. “If that doesn’t solve it, then it becomes a strike and law enforcement has to handle it,” he said, without addressing how enforcement would occur without additional resources. Krog said beyond routing complaints to platform operators like Airbnb – enforcement remains unresolved. “We would have to have a pretty detailed conversation with the sheriff’s office surrounding this topic and enforcement in general,” she said. Williams also questioned whether short-term rentals should be allowed in locations that have not undergone CAL FIRE inspections. Staff responded that fire safety requirements are reviewed when structures are built, not when they are later used as lodging. During public comment, a longtime resident and business owner identified as “Spencer” described the Airbnb he operates on his property as a financial lifeline. “Over the past 15 years, hosting has allowed us to remain financially stable while contributing directly to the local economy,” he said, urging the county to avoid adopting costly regulations. Dee Pallesen urged supervisors to proceed cautiously and ensure adequate enforcement resources. “Our code enforcement division has made it very clear that they do not have the resources to address the workload they already have,” she said. “Now we’re going to add this to their responsibilities and expect they’ll be able to address additional complaints in a timely and thorough manner? The last time we heard from them, they told you their workload can’t even handle anonymous complaints.” Pallesen pointed out that the proposed approach would disproportionately benefit a small group. “This is another instance where it benefits a few instead of the many,” she said. “The industry should shoulder the burden of implementation and enforcement.” ### An Editor's Appeal URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/an-editors-appeal/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:25.000Z Dear fellow Mendo fan, Thank you for subscribing to MendoLocal.News and for sharing our news with your friends and neighbors. In just five months, you’ve helped MendoLocal.News become one of the most-read news sources in Mendocino County. Your trust powers our work. Thank you for joining us — and me, Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News’s volunteer editor and lead reporter — in our mission to deepen local news reporting in Mendocino County and ensure it is built on a solid financial foundation. I want to give a special thanks to those of you who have also pledged financial support for our nonprofit organization. To date, pledges total $4,170, which is almost 30 percent of our estimated annual operating costs. (Mendo Local Public Media, which operates MendoLocal.News is a thoughtfully managed operation with that avoids unnecessary expenses.) > A quick note for current donors: We’ll begin collecting pledges this week. **Charges will appear on your credit card from our fiscal sponsor, the Tiny News Collective**. This ensures your donation is tax deductible. > > Your support means we can obtain media liability insurance, pay for professional services like accounting, access court transcripts, acquire software subscriptions needed to produce our publication, and reimburse volunteers for their mileage expenses. These are essential ingredients that make strong local reporting possible. But 30% is still a long way from 100%. And while we continue to actively seek grants and sponsorships from local businesses, we also rely on people like you — dedicated readers who support our mission of providing honest, fact-based reporting on interests vital to the well being of Mendocino County residents. If you haven’t given yet, would you consider a gift today? While larger gifts ($100 and above) help us grow faster, we encourage small donations. Even amounts as small as $3 can bring us closer to achieving our fundraising goals and continuing our mission. The fact is everyone who read MendoLocal.news gave us a quarter just once a year, our operational costs would be covered. For now, we are asking you to please give at a level that’s right for you. If you give more, we can do more. You can pledge here on Substack or [donate here on Monkeypod,](https://mendo-local-public-media.monkeypod.io/give/support-mendo-local-public-media?ref=mendolocal.news) an encrypted fundraising platform. Or you can also mail us a check via the address below — this saves costs on donation processing. **Charitable donations via check should be payable to “Tiny News Collective Inc,” with “Mendo Local Public Media” in the check memo or description line.** You may send donations to > Mendo Local Public Media > PO Box 362 > Mendocino, CA 95460 Or > Tiny News Collective > #3868 > 111 North Wabash Ave. Ste.100 > The Garland Building > Chicago, IL 60602 With gratitude, Elise Cox, ### Mendo Local Weekly News — February 1, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-february-1/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:25.000Z ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY **Federal Court Upholds Sheriff’s Authority in Cannabis Raids on Tribal Land** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A federal judge ruled that Mendocino County sheriff’s deputies may enforce criminal laws against large-scale cannabis cultivation on tribal land, while allowing claims of unlawful searches and discriminatory enforcement to proceed. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-court-upholds-sheriffs-authority) **Mendocino County’s Tax Collection Crisis** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* More than $30.6 million in unpaid property taxes reveal deep systemic problems in the county’s tax collection system, raising concerns about impacts on schools and public services. 🔒[Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) **Prop 36 and Measure B — No More Excuses** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Despite collecting over $51 million in Measure B revenue, the county still lacks a clear plan for delivering the mental health and substance use services voters approved. 🔒[Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) **‘Super Flu’ Bug Causing Suffering This Winter** *By Susan Wolbarst, The Independent Coast Observer* A severe influenza strain has hospitalized an estimated 120,000 people nationwide, though no flu-related deaths have been reported locally. 🔒 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) **Local Artists Fund Environmental Scholarships** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Mendocino Eco Artists are donating artwork proceeds to fund scholarships for local students pursuing environmental studies. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/local-artists-help-fund-environmental-scholarships-for-mendocino-county-students/?ref=mendolocal.news) **PG&E Employees Raise $300,000+ for Scholarships** *PG&E News & Events* Employee-led fundraising will provide college scholarships of up to $6,000 for students across Northern and Central California. 🔗 [Read more](https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2026/More-Than-300000-in-College-Scholarships-Funded-by-PGE-Coworkers-Now-Available-for-Students-in-Northern-and-Central-California/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Public Hearing on Unmet Transit Needs** *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* A public hearing Monday will gather input on transportation gaps affecting seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/public-hearing-set-monday-on-transit-needs-in-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Wildfire Mitigation Grants Available** *North Bay Forest Improvement Program* Landowners can apply for up to 80% reimbursement for forest health projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk. Applications due Feb. 13. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.northbayforestimprovementprogram.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏘️ CASPAR **Residents Unite to Shape County’s Future** *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice* Community members met to develop a shared platform addressing housing, climate change, economic sustainability, and social justice. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/mendocino-coast-residents-met-sunday-to-prioritize-a-platform-of-shared-goals/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚓 COVELO **Covelo Man Arrested for November Shooting** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* A 45-year-old man was arrested on attempted murder charges related to a November shooting. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/covelo-man-arrested-in-connection-with-november-shooting/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📶 FORT BRAGG **Broadband Project Faces Major Cost Overruns** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Fort Bragg’s municipal broadband project has grown by nearly $3 million over initial estimates. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-broadband-overruns) **Grocery Outlet Construction Delayed** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Construction on Fort Bragg’s long-awaited Grocery Outlet is now expected to begin in May. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-grocery-outlet-construction-may) **Prowler Pleads Not Guilty to Rape Charges** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A 23-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony sexual assault charges. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/not-guilty-plea-fort-bragg-prowler) **Teen Arrested in New Year’s Eve Drive-By Shooting** *Fort Bragg Police Press Release* Police recovered a loaded ghost gun during the arrest of a teenage suspect. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/arrest-in-new-years-eve-driveby) --- ## 🚧 LAYTONVILLE **Fatal Highway 101 Crash Claims One Life** *By Dan McMenamin, The Mendocino Voice* A head-on collision south of Rattlesnake Summit left one person dead and another injured. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/1-dead-1-injured-in-highway-101-crash-near-laytonville-monday-night/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ⚓ POINT ARENA **Point Arena Pier Gets New Hoist** *By Alessandra Rizzo, The Mendocino Voice* A delayed hoist replacement is complete, allowing fishermen to resume pier operations. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/after-3-months-the-point-arena-pier-finally-gets-a-new-hoist/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏡 SEA RANCH **Affordable Homes Offered to First-Time Buyers** *By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer* A February 5 webinar will outline opportunities for first-time buyers in The Sea Ranch. 🔒 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) **Swim Lessons Canceled Amid Rules Dispute** *By Kat Gleason, The Independent Coast Observer* A conflict between association rules and state law has led to the cancellation of free swim lessons. 🔒 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## 🏙️ UKIAH **City Council Approves Demolition for Student Housing** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Historic buildings will be demolished to make way for affordable student housing. 🔒 [Read more](http://ukiahdailyjournal.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) **Bobby Cochran Exhibit Opens Feb. 6** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* A new exhibit highlights the work of Mendocino County photographer Bobby Cochran. 🔒 [Read more](http://ukiahdailyjournal.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## 🌱 WILLITS **Residents Map Out Food Security Solutions** *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* Community members developed a year-long action plan focused on food access and resilience. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/willits-residents-map-out-food-security-solutions-for-an-equitable-future/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📰 CALMATTERS **Social Media Giants Face Youth Mental Health Lawsuits** *By Colin Lecher, CalMatters* Major tech companies are facing lawsuits alleging they knowingly designed addictive platforms for young users. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/01/social-media-addiction-suits-in-california/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Cities See Steep Drop in Homicides** *By Nigel Duara, CalMatters* Homicide rates dropped sharply in 2025 across major California cities. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/10/proposition-36-treatment-study/?ref=mendolocal.news) **State Health Workers Required to Use E-Verify** *By Khari Johnson, CalMatters* Unions are raising concerns over privacy and data security as thousands of state health workers are required to use E-Verify. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2026/01/california-state-workers-must-use-citizenship-e-verify/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Arrest Made in New Year’s Eve Drive-By Shooting in Fort Bragg URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/arrest-in-new-years-eve-driveby/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:26.000Z Fort Bragg police have arrested a 16-year-old from Fort Bragg in connection with a New Year’s Eve drive-by shooting that targeted a residence on West Spruce Street, authorities said in a press release on Saturday. Officers responded at about 2:17 a.m. Dec. 31, 2025, to the 200 block of West Spruce Street after an unknown person fired multiple rounds into a home. No injuries were reported. Investigators interviewed victims and witnesses, canvassed the neighborhood, collected physical evidence and reviewed surveillance video. They determined the shooter fled the scene in a gray SUV and identified the suspected shooter as a juvenile from Fort Bragg. As the investigation progressed, officers served multiple warrants and worked with the Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force to conduct surveillance at locations around the Fort Bragg area. On Jan. 28, at about 3 p.m., officers received information that the suspect was at a location in the 23000 block of state Route 1\. Fort Bragg police and the Major Crimes Task Force responded and began surveillance. At about 5:10 p.m., officers observed the juvenile attempting to flee on foot and arrested the suspect without incident, police said. During the arrest, officers recovered a loaded 9mm “ghost gun” and a second loaded magazine from the juvenile, along with additional ammunition and suspected controlled substances, according to police. The juvenile was booked into Mendocino County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm, possession of a ghost gun, being a minor in possession of a handgun, felony juvenile warrant violations, and possession of a controlled substance. A second suspect, identified as 40-year-old Marvin Aldanacisnero, was also arrested and booked into the Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact, police said. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said they are continuing to identify additional suspects and evidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Beak of the Fort Bragg Police Department at (707) 961-2800, ext. 224. ### Federal Court Upholds Sheriff's Authority in Cannabis Raids in Indian Country URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/federal-court-upholds-sheriffs-authority/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:26.000Z *Editor’s Note: We added a clarifying sentence regarding the use of the term “Indian country,” which is a legal reference to tribal land. February 1, 2026, 8:33 p.m. Also, a misspelling of Judge Illman’s name was corrected.* A federal judge in the Northern District of California on Thursday affirmed the authority of sheriff’s deputies to enforce criminal laws prohibiting large-scale cannabis cultivation on tribal land. The ruling marked a victory for Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall, who has repeatedly warned about cartel activity in the northeastern part of the county. U.S. District Judge Robert Illman issued the decision in a civil lawsuit brought by the Round Valley Indian Tribes against Kendall, Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal and California Highway Patrol Commissioner Sean Duryee. The lawsuit stems from law enforcement raids conducted in the Covelo area on July 22 and 23, 2024. The tribes alleged the raids violated federal common law, which generally prohibits the enforcement of state regulatory laws on Indian reservations, and infringed on tribal sovereignty. In an order responding to motions to dismiss filed by the defendants, Illman rejected those claims, but allowed allegations of unlawful searches and discriminatory enforcement to proceed. The lawsuit was brought by three tribal members whose properties were targeted in the raids. Two of the plaintiffs, Eunice Swearinger, 86, and April James, 48, are grandmothers who use medicinal cannabis to treat conditions including arthritis, injuries from a traffic accident, and a degenerative disc disorder. Swearinger cultivated cannabis alongside onions, watermelons, and zucchinis on her 2.3-acre trust allotment. James similarly grew cannabis on her 1.25-acre allotment and used it to make medicinal cream. The third plaintiff, Steve Britton, a rancher, cultivated cannabis on five acres owned by his granddaughter, Mary Mae Azbill McKenna. No criminal charges have been filed against any of the plaintiffs. The lawsuit asserts that all three properties qualify as Indian country, where cannabis cultivation is permitted under the tribe’s Compassionate Use Ordinance, enacted by the Tribal Council on August 8, 2006\. (Note that when using the term “Indian country” we are using the legal reference to the land.) The properties are trust allotments — parcels of land that were typically carved out of communal reservation land in the 1887 General Allotment Act and assigned to individuals. Both tribal trust lands and individual trust allotments are considered to be Indian country under federal law. According to the 85-page complaint filed April 29, 2025, the plaintiffs sought “to protect the civil right of Indians to be free from state regulation and control while engaging in activities on their reservations authorized and licensed by their tribal government.” States may enforce criminal laws in Indian country only if Congress has allowed it, including under Public Law 280, which authorized states such as Alaska, California, and Oregon to to prosecute most crimes committed in Indian Country. The tribes argued Public Law 280 does not apply to the cannabis raids because cannabis has been decriminalized in California and enforcement should be treated as regulatory, not criminal. The complaint also alleges the raids were conducted without probable cause and without search warrants, violating the Fourth Amendment. Plaintiffs said hundreds of cannabis plants were destroyed and that the raids caused extensive property damage and “terrorized the community.” In his ruling, Judge Illman acknowledged that “there is no bright-line rule for distinguishing between criminal and regulatory statutes.” Courts instead apply what he described as “a shorthand test” examining whether the conduct at issue violates state public policy. Illman concluded that while California has legalized and regulated certain cannabis activities, state public policy still “strictly limits and generally prohibits the large-scale cultivation and possession for sale of cannabis.” He wrote that the intent of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act was to eliminate the illegal market, which the state has deemed dangerous. “The medical exception for some of the limitations on cannabis possession and cultivation does not render the statutes regulatory in nature,” Illman wrote. “This is a narrow exception to limits on possession and cultivation that does not undermine the public policy of eradicating illegal marijuana operations.” The ruling allows the lawsuit to proceed on the remaining claims and clarifies that while Public Law does not permit the enforcement of state regulatory laws on tribal land, it does allow enforcement of criminal provisions of California’s Health and Safety Code. ### Accused Fort Bragg Prowler Pleads Not Guilty, Trial Set for May URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/not-guilty-plea-fort-bragg-prowler/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:26.000Z Cayden Paul Craig appeared in court Thursday and entered a plea of not guilty to charges that he raped a Fort Bragg woman on June 21, 2025, after she mistook him for a friend knocking on her window. Craig, 23, is charged with three felonies: forcible rape, sexual penetration with a foreign object, and sexual penetration with a foreign object of an intoxicated person. He is also charged with misdemeanor petty theft. A trial is scheduled for May 18. In an interview, Craig’s attorney, Justin Petersen, said he continues to seek a resolution that would avoid a jury trial. In court, Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey told Judge Victoria Shanahan that the defense and prosecution “are in active negotiations.” Petersen also informed the judge that Craig has waived his right to a speedy trial. Under the U.S. Constitution, people facing criminal charges have the right to a speedy trial. In California, criminal defendants have the right to a preliminary hearing within 10 days of arraignment and the right to a jury trial within 60 calendar days. Craig was arrested June 28, 2025\. His preliminary hearing was held over several days in September, October, and November. Craig has admitted entering the home of the alleged victim through the window and having “rough” sex with her. In his defense, Craig has asserted the sex was consensual. *Our previous coverage:* [*Judge Says Case Against Alleged Fort Bragg Prowler/Rapist Can Proceed to Trial*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-prowler-prelim)*,* November 6, 2025 ### Groundbreaking Date for Fort Bragg Grocery Outlet Slips URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-grocery-outlet-construction-may/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:27.000Z Construction of a new Grocery Outlet on South Franklin Street in Fort Bragg has been pushed back to May, council member Lindy Peters said. “I know a lot of people are concerned about grocery outlet,” Peters said at the City Council meeting Monday. “I understand they have now selected a contractor that they are moving forward with their business license application, and they hope to break ground in May.” Construction of the store on the site of the old Mendocino County Social Services building has been held up for more than four years. Originally proposed in 2019, the project was delayed after local business group Fort Bragg Local Business Matters challenged a mitigated negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act in July 2021. After three and a half years of legal battles, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Christine Van Aken in February dismissed a lawsuit brought by Fort Bragg Local Business Matters against the California Coastal Commission, the city of Fort Bragg and Best Development Group. The suit claimed the commission failed to follow its own rules on community impact, citing traffic concerns and the loss of views. According to documents filed with the commission, the new store will be on the far north side of the site. When it opens, the store will employ 25 full-time employees and 10 part-time employees. The owners plan to include a 53-space parking lot with parking for recreational vehicles, electric vehicles and priority spots for clean-air vehicles. Other improvements include internal walkways and crosswalks, perimeter sidewalks, utility infrastructure and stormwater drainage. In addition to the 16,157-square-foot store, the site will include 19,265 square feet of landscaping that will leave the site permeable to stormwater. ### Fort Bragg Faces an Escalating Price Tag for New Municipal Broadband Network URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-broadband-overruns/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:27.000Z What began as an ambitious vision to bridge the digital divide and invigorate Fort Bragg’s economy with a municipal fiber-optic broadband network is becoming a morass of construction challenges and public scrutiny. Sarah McCormick, the city’s economic development manager, delivered a candid account of construction management failures and poor project scoping to the Fort Bragg City Council on Monday night. McCormick requested and received approval to shift $1.97 million to construction activities from the operations of Mendocino Community Network, an internet service provider purchased by Fort Bragg from the Mendocino Unified School District in May. She also cautioned that “the problem isn’t solved.” “It’s looking closer to $3 million,” she said. A cornerstone of the city council’s 2024-2028 strategic plan, the Fort Bragg Municipal Utility Broadband Project aims to provide affordable, reliable high-speed internet to all residents, connecting them with online educational and employment opportunities. By offering assured and redundant connectivity, the city also hopes to attract diverse new businesses to the coast. The initiative has its roots in 2019, when councilmembers began discussing the idea. It gained significant momentum in 2021 when the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) awarded Fort Bragg $479,000 to develop a business plan, a financing strategy, and a construction bid packet. The CPUC then came through with an additional $10.3 million to support construction. The initial cost estimate was $14.7 million. That ballooned to $17.3 last year and is now estimated at $18.9 million. Construction began last spring — and so did the problems, as the work collided with the city’s underground infrastructure leading to sewer backups and at least one broken water main. “In July or June, it became obvious that the level of restoration in the streets was going to far exceed what we could afford,” McCormick said. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) In response, the city began looking at investing in additional public works equipment and building up its own street crew. “Another thing that happened that was a big deal was that in September I was told by the construction manager that the project was over budget in boring,” McCormick said. Boring is the most expensive part of the project. “Being over budget is a real big deal,” she added. McCormick said the construction manager from GHD, which was awarded the $1.4 million contract to oversee the project, could not explain where the project deviated from plan. “We quickly terminated that part of the contract because that was his job — to track the project.” McCormick said the increase appears to be related to a design change regarding the placement of “flower pots” — in-ground enclosures that provide access so that a main fiber optic trunk line can be spliced and extended to individual residences. “When they made that change, they didn’t change the bill of materials for boring,” McCormick said. “That would have been like a real no-brainer thing to see if you were the construction manager and tracking the project.” She said the installation of conduit also exceeded design expectations. City staff has since begun managing the project more directly. McCormick said that the simple move of replacing a GHD inspector with city personnel is saving the city an estimated $40,000 a month. The city also decreased the original scope of the project by $698,000, including $490,750 in ADA curb ramp improvements that won’t be needed. Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith asked if any insurance exists to cover this kind of error. McCormick said that the problem is that the city revised the design after the bid package was sent out. “It happened very quickly,” she said. “And I would say the city has just as much “at play” in how those numbers weren’t vetted.” Councilmember Lindy Peters pressed McCormick for an additional explanation. “It just seems like a lot of money for a small town to be that far off,” he said. “It was really just an oversight,” McCormick said. After the bid package was sent out, city staff realized that the flower pots were going to be placed on private property, and they pulled them back to the edge of the sidewalks in the public right of way, she explained. This meant fiber had to be installed under the sidewalk. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Public reaction was mixed. Residents expressed concern about the budget overruns, the quality of the current construction work, the lack of clear communication, and ongoing liability issues. “There’s subsidence everywhere,” Jacob Patterson said. “I’ve tripped myself. … this could easily be a class action lawsuit based on how poorly this project has been managed.” “I believe that I’m speaking for many members of our community, when I say that I’m confused, concerned, and frustrated by this issue,” David Jensen said. “I feel like we’re headed for another C.V. Starr and that’s what makes me really nervous. We had a lot of money to build it. Went over, we covered the costs and now we’re living with a constant drain on the city budget.” Councilmember Scott Hockett asked McCormick to begin providing regular updates on the project. “We are going to have to see this through,” he said. “But this is out of control. Let’s reel it in.” ### Mendo Local Weekly News — January 25, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-january-25/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:27.000Z ## 🐟 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Mendocino County Courts to Handle Juvenile Infractions Starting Feb. 1 *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Starting Feb. 1, Mendocino County will shift minor juvenile infractions — including speeding tickets and noise disturbances — from the Probation Department to Superior Court. Chief Probation Officer Izen Locatelli said the change is required under new state law, Assembly Bill 2746. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/mendocino-county-courts-will-now-process-minor-juvenile-offenses/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Restoration Efforts Support Return of Coho Salmon on Mendocino Coast *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* Endangered coho salmon are starting to make a comeback along the Mendocino Coast after decades of decline. Habitat restoration by multiple conservation groups helped boost local counts to more than 30,000 coho during the 2024–25 winter season — over six times the statewide population recorded in 2008. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/last-winters-mendocino-coast-coho-salmon-count-astounded-and-delighted-conservationists/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### NOAA Raises Canary Rockfish Catch Limits for 2026 *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* Federal fishery managers have increased canary rockfish catch limits for 2026 after updated data showed the population is larger than previously estimated. The emergency rule applies to West Coast fisheries, including off the Mendocino Coast, giving commercial and non-trawl fishermen greater flexibility. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/noaa-raises-canary-rockfish-catch-limits-for-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Former Rohnert Park Officer Granted Sentencing Reprieve in Federal Court *By Colin Atagi, The Press Democrat* Joseph Huffaker, a former Rohnert Park police officer convicted of impersonating a federal agent and robbing drivers of cannabis and cash, will be sentenced Feb. 4 after a federal judge granted a delay to allow him to secure new legal counsel. Prosecutors are seeking a 63-month prison sentence, while the defense is requesting home confinement. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/01/21/rohnert-park-offier-huffaker-federal-court/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* --- ## 🚓 COVELO ### Covelo Man Arrested on Burglary Charges, Multiple Felony Warrants *By Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 21-year-old Covelo man, Kory Ryan Whipple, was arrested Jan. 21 following a reported burglary earlier in the week. Deputies served a high-risk search warrant on Biggar Lane, recovering a large amount of stolen property. Whipple was booked into Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property and multiple felony warrants. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/covelo-man-arrested-on-burglary-felony-warrants) --- ## 🚧 FORT BRAGG ### Fort Bragg City Council Delays Street Project Approval Amid Quality Concerns *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Fort Bragg City Council delayed formal acceptance of recent street projects at its Jan. 12 meeting after residents raised concerns about road conditions and construction quality. Several speakers urged the council to hold off on approvals, citing visible defects on streets including North Harbor Drive. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-delays-signoff-on-street-projects) --- ### Wilderness First Aid Training Held in Fort Bragg Park *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Paramedic Laurie Starr led an intensive CPR and first aid training at Otis Johnson Wilderness Park, teaching local forest workers critical wilderness response skills. The hands-on workshop covered patient assessment, safe transport, and updated CPR techniques. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/could-you-save-someones-life-in-the-wilderness-all-cpr-first-aid-is-not-created-equal-see-the-difference-here/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🛣️ GUALALA ### Coastal Commission Seeks Public Comment on Gualala Streetscape Appeals *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* The California Coastal Commission will meet Feb. 4 to consider appeals related to the Caltrans District 1 Gualala Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Project. The project would reconfigure about half a mile of Highway 1 in central Gualala, removing on-highway parking and adding bike lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian safety features and other infrastructure improvements. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* --- ## ✉️ LAYTONVILLE ### A Small-Town Moment of Grace, Found in a Planter *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Laytonville High School culinary arts teacher Lindsay Hansen stumbled upon an envelope containing an uplifting message and a $20 bill while running errands. The anonymous note encouraged her to do something special for herself — and to pass the kindness along. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/an-envelope-left-behind-in-laytonville) --- ### Buffey Wright Bourassa Enters Race for District 3 Supervisor *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Willits resident Buffey Wright Bourassa, a member of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, has announced her candidacy for the District 3 seat on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors. Bourassa currently serves as restorative justice program manager at the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/willits-resident-buffey-wright-bourassa-enters-race-for-district-3-supervisor/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌊 POINT ARENA ### Zoom Disruption Briefly Halts Point Arena City Council Meeting *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* Point Arena City Council briefly paused its first meeting of the year after a “Zoom-bombing” incident disrupted proceedings. Earlier in the meeting, councilmembers received updates on the pier hoist installation and approved a sewer services agreement. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* --- ### A Pub — and a Love Story — in Point Arena *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* The Record in Point Arena is more than a neighborhood pub — it’s a celebration of place, history and community. Housed in the former home of the *Point Arena Record*, the space features local artifacts, regional farm-fresh ingredients and beverages from Point Arena Brewers and local wineries. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* --- ## 📣 UKIAH ### Ukiah High Varsity Cheer Team Wins State Title, Advances to Nationals *The Ukiah Daily Journal* The Ukiah High School varsity cheer team earned first place at the JAMZ Cheer and Dance California Championship, also taking home the Grand Champion title with a 95% score. The team will compete at School Cheer Nationals in Las Vegas in February 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/01/22/ukiah-cheer-team-honored-at-state-championship-heads-to-nationals/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription required)* --- ## 🌱 WILLITS ### Willits Braces for Layoffs as City Reorganization Looms *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Interim City Manager Robert Richardson warned city employees that layoffs will occur as part of a major reorganization effort. Financial pressures are driving the plan, with potential job cuts expected as early as the end of February. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/consultant-plans-for-willits-layoffs) --- ### School of Adaptive Agriculture Opens Applications for 2026 Farm School *By Monica Huettl, Medium* The School of Adaptive Agriculture is now accepting applications for its 13-week Farm School program at Ridgewood Ranch in Mendocino County. The immersive program combines classroom learning, farm visits, and paid work experience. Tuition is $4,500, with scholarships available. 🔗 [Read more](https://medium.com/@monicahuettl/the-school-of-adaptive-agricultures-2026-farm-school-program-eee6becb11ee?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### Lawmakers Move to Accelerate Climate Bond Spending *By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters* Assembly Bill 35 would speed distribution of $10 billion in voter-approved Proposition 4 climate funding by removing regulatory bottlenecks. Supporters say the measure could accelerate environmental and infrastructure projects by up to 18 months. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/proposition-4-funding-expedited/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Newsom Proposes Overhaul of California School Governance *By Dan Walters, CalMatters* Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing a sweeping shift in education oversight that would move authority from the elected state superintendent to the governor-appointed State Board of Education. Critics warn the change could weaken accountability. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/commentary/2026/01/school-management-overhaul-newsom-budget/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Commentary: ICE Ignores LAPD’s Hard-Learned Lessons on Reform *By Jim Newton, CalMatters* Veteran journalist Jim Newton examines a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, arguing federal immigration enforcement has failed to adopt critical policing reforms developed after the Rodney King era — risking repeated systemic failures. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/commentary/2026/01/ice-hard-lessons-lapd/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### An Envelope Left Behind and a Small Town Moment of Grace URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/an-envelope-left-behind-in-laytonville/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:28.000Z On a weekday morning in Laytonville, Calif., Lindsay Hansen was doing what she usually does: dropping her kids off at school and running a quick errand before heading to her job at the local high school, where she teaches culinary arts. As she parked outside Geiger’s Long Valley Market, she noticed an envelope face down in a planter box beside her car. It had writing all over it. “I thought, ‘That seems a little sketchy,’” Hansen said later. She left the envelope alone and went inside to shop, ignoring the small tug of curiosity. When she came out, the envelope was still there. She read the message: “*Do not throw away. Read the fron*t.” Hansen flipped the envelope over. There were notes all over the front of it. “*It’s okay to do something special for yourself*,” it said. “*Get something that will make you happy. Today you get to feel special. Smile at a stranger*.” There was also a request to post on the Laytonville-Branscomb community Facebook page, so the author would know where the envelope had been found. Inside was another small note — *Good vibes* — and a $20 bill. For Ms. Hansen, a lifelong Laytonville resident and a mother of four, the moment landed with unexpected force. “You hear about things like this happening to other people,” she said. “I never imagined I’d be the one.” She drove to the high school and showed the envelope to the staff in the front office. Word spread quickly. People smiled. “It just made my day,” Hansen said. “It felt really good to see kindness in the world.” Later, at home, she shared the story with her husband and children. The note had suggested doing something nice for herself, and she thought about what that might mean. Ice cream came to mind — not just any ice cream, but a trip with all four kids to Nat’s Retro Wagon, a food truck near Albert’s gift shop that serves scoops of Cowlicks ice cream alongside hot dogs and sandwiches. It’s the kind of small treat she usually talks herself out of: too busy, too much of an indulgence, another time. But this time, she thought, maybe yes. Hansen posted about the envelope on Facebook, as instructed. The response was immediate and warm. At least one more envelope had been found, by someone not even on social media. Hansen said she doesn’t post often, and watching the comments roll in — messages of surprise, gratitude, and joy — felt a little surreal amid so much heaviness in the national news. But maybe acts of kindness like this will catch on. And maybe more of us will start leaving envelopes for each other, tucked into planters or other unobtrusive places, containing messages of encouragement and care. ### Willits Braces for Layoffs as Consultant Prepares a Strategic Plan to Reorganize the City URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/consultant-plans-for-willits-layoffs/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:28.000Z *Editor’s note: Information for this story has been provided by whistleblowers who have reported misuse of public funds, abuse of authority and gross mismanagement. MendoLocal.News has checked the information they provided that is used in this story with original source material. We will not be identifying these individuals further.* A week before Christmas, interim City Manager Robert Richardson called an all-hands meeting of city employees. “I don’t want to sugarcoat this,” Richardson told them. “There are those of us who will not be here in the future.” Richardson, who had himself been hired just 16 days earlier, said he wanted to set expectations about potential layoffs and explain why cuts were coming. After months of warnings about the city’s financial woes, change was coming quickly for the roughly four dozen people employed by the city. Employees took the news quietly, asking few questions. Richardson said he planned to spend January learning how the city operates — who does what, and why — and identifying positions that could be consolidated or reimagined. In February, he said, he would present a proposed strategic plan to the City Council. Once the plan is approved, Richardson said he would meet with the bargaining units that represent city employees. Employees whose jobs are targeted in the reorganization would receive 21 days’ notice. If Richardson’s timeline holds, notices would go out by the end of February. Employees who receive notices and qualify for another position within the city would have five days to decide whether to accept the job. In response to questions, Richardson assured employees that the city would not contest unemployment claims, as it has done in the past. “The council is pretty much mortified by this,” he said. “They have a lot of personal relationships here. They like you. I don’t see them taking any punitive action against the personnel going through this.” At the same time, Richardson indicated that employees who had spoken up in the past, may have reason to be worried. “Reorganizations can be fun,” he said. “But they’re really for people who like to work a lot differently than we do. Differently than most cities work. But people have to be very flexible. They have to be incredible team-oriented. They cannot be people who have difficulty with others.” In private conversations, employees pointed to long-standing management issues and a lack of accountability for decisions that transformed Willits from a city with a balanced budget into one that routinely spends about 50% more than it takes in. Employees also noted the complexity of the financial picture Richardson described. His framing assumes that the city’s general fund pays 100% of salaries for employees outside public safety. In reality, about 56% of non-public-safety salaries are paid through fees collected by the city’s water and wastewater services and taxes allocated to those divisions. Water, wastewater and public safety are the three core government functions the city provides. According to budget documents, the Water Enterprise Fund is projected to bring in $3.58 million in revenue this fiscal year while incurring $2.59 million in expenses — including salaries, benefits, insurance, rent and debt service — leaving nearly $1 million. The Wastewater Enterprise Fund is projected to take in $5 million in revenue and incur $4.54 million in expenses, leaving about $462,000. The apparent surplus in the Wastewater Enterprise Fund, however, disappears when transfers for capital improvements are taken into account. The largest is a $3.7 million transfer from the Wastewater Enterprise Fund in the current fiscal year to pay for a solar project approved by the City Council in June 2024. At the time, council members were told the water and wastewater funds held about $5.7 million and $5 million in cash, respectively. The solar project was projected to generate $5 million to $7 million in savings over 20 years — assuming annual PG&E rate increases of 2% to 5% — and to qualify for about $1.8 million in Inflation Reduction Act incentives. Under state law, utility service fees must bear a reasonable relationship to the cost of providing service. Cities may not charge rates simply to generate surplus revenue unrelated to costs. A year and a half later, an employee said that investment — which could eventually reduce wastewater rates in the late 2030s — appears to now be coming at the expense of jobs. A $203,492.85 change order for the solar project, approved by the council at its Jan. 14 meeting, prompted comparisons of the amount to the cost of salaries. “I went through all our current openings,” employee Nici Caldwell told the council. “We’re looking for a city manager paying between $137,000 and $176,000\. A police officer position pays between $43,000 and $59,000\. A community service officer position pays between $53,000 and $64,000.” She added that the city’s lowest-paid employees — operators-in-training hired with no prior experience — earn about $39,000 a year. Caldwell also criticized the city for preparing to lay off modestly paid workers while hiring consultants whose hourly rates equate to annual salaries of roughly $145,600 to $364,000. Mayor Tom Allman responded that the consultant’s role was to ensure employee rights were respected and to protect the city from legal claims that could result from the re-organization. Earlier in the meeting, Allman accepted a nomination to continue serving as mayor. He comments reflected the gravity of the city’s current financial situation. “In the next 90 to 120 days, this council is going to make some really tough decisions,” Allman said. “Those decisions will be made as a team, with as much input from the public and from employees as possible. I appreciate the trust you’re placing in me — but this is not a banner year to be on the council, or to be mayor. We are not flush.” ### Sheriff’s Office Arrests Covelo Man on Burglary Charge, Multiple Felony Warrants URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/covelo-man-arrested-on-burglary-felony-warrants/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:28.000Z A 21-year-old Covelo man was arrested this week following a multi-agency operation tied to a reported burglary and multiple outstanding felony warrants, authorities said. The burglary was reported Jan. 18 in the 77000 block of Logan Lane in Covelo, according to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded and identified a suspect as Kory Ryan Whipple, 21, of Covelo. The investigation was later transferred to the sheriff’s office investigations bureau. Authorities said Whipple had six outstanding felony warrants and was also under investigation by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force at the time. On Jan. 21, a multi-jurisdictional operation involving the Mendocino-Lake County Regional SWAT Team, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, and detectives and deputies with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office served a high-risk search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Biggar Lane in Covelo, authorities said. Whipple was located on the property and taken into custody without incident. A large amount of stolen property was recovered during the search, according to the sheriff’s office. Whipple was arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of stolen property and booked into the Mendocino County Jail on multiple felony warrants. Charges include burglary, possession of stolen property, four felony warrants for violation of formal probation, one felony warrant for vandalism causing damage of $400 or more, and one felony warrant for evading law enforcement. Whipple is being held without bail. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center at 707-463-4086, option 1, or the non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100. ### Fort Bragg City Council Delays Street Project Sign-Off Amid Bond and Road Quality Concerns URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-delays-signoff-on-street-projects/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:29.000Z The Fort Bragg City Council postponed formal acceptance of several recent street projects during their Jan. 12 meeting, following public complaints about road conditions, project oversight, and the release of contractor bonds. Several residents urged the council to delay approving consent calendar items related to public works projects, citing visible defects and inadequate preparation work on streets including North Harbor Drive and Laurel Street. (See a video of North Harbor Drive below.) One major concern was that declaring the projects complete could reduce the city’s leverage to require repairs at no additional cost. City staff recommended proceeding with notices of completion, saying inspections conducted in November found the work met contract specifications. Assistant Director of Engineering Chantell O’Neal said any defects identified later would be addressed under a one-year warranty period. O’Neal told the council that slurry seal performance is highly weather-dependent and that known problem areas have already been placed on a “watch list” for corrective work during the summer construction season. O’Neal also cautioned that withholding completion could unfairly restrict contractors’ ability to bid on other public projects by impacting their financial position. Councilmembers questioned whether approving completion during winter condition was necessary, given ongoing public concerns. Resident Jacob Patterson argued that releasing bonds could weaken protections intended for the city and argued that project management failures — not contractor workmanship alone — contributed to the problems. ”Those bonds were there to protect us,” Patterson said. “And we’re giving away our leverage — basically our insurance — once we release that obligation.” After discussion, the council voted to pull the notice of completion for the 2025 Streets and Stop Gap Projects from the consent calendar and to hold a change order for the 2025 Pavement Preservation and Stop Gap Paving projects for further review. Council members agreed to revisit both items with additional information at a future meeting. The remainder of the consent calendar was approved. ## Costs Increase for New Reservoirs Later in the meeting, the council approved a $200,000 budget amendment to cover increased design and environmental costs for the construction of three raw water reservoirs at the end of Summers Lane. A change order from Waterworks Engineers raises the city’s total engineering contract with the firm for the project to more than $909,000. The original design contract, approved in August 2024, totaled $705,385\. O’Neal explained that additional costs had emerged as the project advanced and site conditions became better understood, including the need to redesign pipeline routes to avoid sensitive habitat and accommodate changes in reservoir placement. “The more we’ve learned about the site and the further we’ve advanced the design, we’ve realized that revisions were needed from the original assumptions,” O’Neal said. The reservoirs are intended to improve long-term water supply reliability. In other action, the council approved moving forward with a 2025 application for a federal Community Development Block Grant for a project focused on sidewalk rehabilitation. They also reached a consensus on a proposed restructuring of water and sewer rates aimed at improving fairness and complying with recent court rulings. Staff and councilmember reports included plans to reopen the CV-STARR Community Center pool later this month, upcoming meetings on the possible creation of a parks and recreation department, a proposal to invest in public works equipment and a street crew; and new community outreach efforts by the Fort Bragg Police Department, including a citizens academy and gang-awareness training. ### Did You Catch the Northern Light Show? URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/the-northern-lights-over-mendocino/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:29.000Z Early morning risers across Mendocino County who looked skyward Tuesday were treated to an unusual and colorful display as the northern lights became visible far south of their typical range. A coronal mass ejection from the sun sent charged particles toward Earth, painting the night with faint bands of purple, pink and green. The display occurred as those particles passed through Earth’s magnetic field and collided with gases in the upper atmosphere, producing the aurora borealis. Clear skies and minimal moonlight helped make the phenomenon visible to the naked eye in Northern California, forecasters said, though the colors could be made more vivid using long-exposure photography techniques. Auroras are normally seen at much higher latitudes, but an unusually strong geomagnetic storm created a rare spectacle for local stargazers. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned the storm could continue into Tuesday night, with potential impacts on power grids and satellites — and the chance of another light show if conditions remain favorable. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — January 18, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-january-18-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:29.000Z ## 🌲 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Mendocino County CEO Darcie Antle Announces Her Retirement *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Darcie Antle, who has served as Mendocino County’s chief executive officer and assistant CEO through years marked by drought, floods, wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent financial strain, announced last week that she will retire at the end of June 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ceo-darcie-antle-announces-retirement) ### Fewer Homicides, Harder Math for Mendocino County Public Safety *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office investigated just two homicides in 2025, a sharp reduction from prior years. But the rising costs of dealing with homelessness, substance use disorders, thefts and other crimes continue to outpace tax revenues. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fewer-homicides-harder-math-for-mendocino) ### No Action on $30.6 Million in Delinquent Taxes *By Mark Scaramella, The Anderson Valley Advertiser* Mendocino County faces a severe budget crisis and criticism from the state auditor over its approach to financial management. Despite more than $30.5 million in uncollected delinquent taxes, the county continues to rely on hiring freezes, resignation incentives and deferred maintenance — measures the auditor warned could ultimately cost more and undermine operations. 🔗 [Read more](https://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription needed) --- ### New Reservoir Technology Creates ‘Another Lake Mendocino’ *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* New management technology known as Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) saved an additional 30,000 acre-feet of water in the Russian River watershed over the past three years. By using 10-day weather forecasts to guide release and storage decisions, water managers may effectively be creating the equivalent of an extra Lake Mendocino. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/doubling-lake-mendocino-capacity) --- ## 🦀 FORT BRAGG ### Crab Season Opens in Fort Bragg *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The commercial Dungeness crab season opened Thursday at 12:01 a.m. in Noyo Harbor, with boats launching under new gear restrictions designed to protect humpback whales. Prices are up to $4.35 per pound, with fishermen hoping for further gains during the crucial first month of the season. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/noyo-harbor-is-alive-tonight-strike-done-boats-out-crab-season-on-and-fort-bragg-waiting-for-the-big-economic-boost/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Appeals Court Declines to Reconsider Ruling Favoring Mendocino Railway *By Joe Dworetzky, Bay City News / The Mendocino Voice* A California appeals court has denied a landowner’s request to reconsider its ruling that the owner of the Skunk Train has the authority to condemn private property in Mendocino County. The opinion was certified for publication Jan. 7, 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/california-appeals-court-rules-skunk-train-operator-is-public-utility-can-condemn-private-property/?ref=mendolocal.news) *Original reporting on the December appellate ruling first appeared in the MendocinoCoast.News:* [Read the story](https://mendocinocoast.news/breaking-news-appeals-court-grants-skunk-train-eminent-domain-victory-more-details-emerging/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏄 GUALALA ### Surfer Injured by Shark at Gualala Point *By Karen Elowitt and David Torres, Independent Coast Observer* Tommy Civik, 26, was about 150 feet offshore near the mouth of the Gualala River when a shark grabbed his surfboard, briefly dragging him underwater. The force of the bite snapped the board in two. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription needed) --- ### Tree Crushes Home, Woman Seriously Injured *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* A powerful storm early Dec. 24 brought tragedy to a family in Gualala’s Moonrise area when a falling tree crashed through a rental home, seriously injuring a local mother of three. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription needed) --- ## ⚡ UKIAH ### Good News for Mendonoma EV Drivers Visiting Ukiah *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* Mendocino County has installed 24 new electric vehicle charging stations in Ukiah — 12 at the County Administrative Center at 501 Low Gap Road and 12 at the Department of Social Services office at 727 S. State St. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription needed) --- ### DUI Conviction in Head-On Crash Case in Hopland *By the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office* A Mendocino County jury convicted David Lee Roy McCarty, 39, of Redwood Valley, on two felony DUI charges after a head-on collision on the Green Bridge south of Hopland in September 2023 that seriously injured the other driver and two passengers. McCarty is scheduled to return to court Jan. 23, when prosecutors may present additional evidence ahead of sentencing. ## 🏊 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO ## Swimming in the Wild: Big River Swim Team’s Pandemic-Born Community *By Justine Frederiksen, The Ukiah Daily Journal* Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Big River Swim Team found friendship and support in a bracing daily ritual. What began with 25 swimmers has evolved into a tight-knit group of four women who swim two to three miles each day in the cold waters of the Big River. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/01/15/big-river-swim-team/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription needed) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### California Tightens Requirements for Homelessness Funding *By Marisa Kendall and Ben Christopher, CalMatters* Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is imposing stricter conditions on counties seeking homelessness funding, including encampment regulations, pro-housing designations and measurable progress toward reducing homelessness. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2026/01/homelessness-funding-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Medi-Cal Funding Fight Puts Pressure on Newsom *By Maya C. Miller and Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters* Health care advocates and labor unions are urging Gov. Newsom to find new funding for Medi-Cal amid potential federal cuts. Proposals include a controversial wealth tax on billionaires, which Newsom opposes, and alternative revenue sources now under discussion by lawmakers. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/01/billionaires-tax-health-funding/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Mendocino County CEO Darcie Antle Announces Retirement URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ceo-darcie-antle-announces-retirement/ Last updated: 2026-01-15T19:36:38.000Z *Edits: Comments from Supervisors John Haschak and Ted Williams were added (January 15,2025, 12 p.m.)* Darcie Antle, who has served as Mendocino County’s chief executive officer and assistant CEO through years marked by drought, floods, wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent financial strain, announced Tuesday that she will retire at the end of June 2026. Antle made the announcement Jan. 14 at the conclusion of a two-day Mendocino County Board of Supervisors workshop focused on setting county priorities for 2026, calling her four-year tenure “a wild ride” and one that included challenges few county executives encounter in an entire career. “I came to the county after 22 years in health care thinking I was going to slow down,” Antle told supervisors. “That didn’t happen.” Her remarks capped a workshop that spotlighted the need for better fiscal oversight, improved public confidence and the need for clearer, more accessible financial reporting — issues that have persisted throughout Antle’s tenure and remain unresolved as the county plans for the coming years. “Ms. Antle worked very hard and was able to move the County in many positive directions,” Supervisor John Haschak said in an email to *Mendo Local.* “She stepped up and confidently guided the County through several difficult challenges. Her leadership will be missed.” Supervisor Ted Williams said the announcement was not unexpected given that Antle’s contract will expire this summer. Antle cited a range of accomplishments, including securing funding for a behavioral health wing at the county jail, relocating evidence storage to a county-owned facility, purchasing properties during the pandemic for mental health and housing uses, modernizing the county’s long-outdated financial and payroll systems, and creating a centralized grants division to improve oversight of external funding. She also pointed to efforts to normalize cannabis permitting within planning and building services, renegotiate long-stalled memorandums of understanding with partner agencies, outsource fleet maintenance to private vendors, and expand emergency preparedness through updated mitigation and operations plans. Several of those initiatives were framed as steps toward improving accountability, including audits by the state auditor and state controller, rescinding outdated policies and expanding internal financial training. Antle acknowledged, however, that the county still faces work ahead on transparency. “Yes, Supervisor Williams, we’ve got a long way to go on that,” she said. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Concerns about public trust were underscored by a survey released in December by FM3 Research, which found that 52% of respondents held an unfavorable view of Mendocino County government. During the workshop, supervisors also expressed a lack of confidence in the county’s current cost allocation plan — a long-standing methodology for allocating indirect costs tied to central services such as accounting, human resources, information technology and legal support to the departments that use them. Antle has also come under fire for her handling of a disputed pay transaction involving Mendocino County’s former payroll auditor and Antle’s testimony in a subsequent criminal case. Auditor-Controller/Treasuer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison was charged and exonerated of felony misappropriation of funds. Cubbison is currently suing the county for backpay after being relieved of her duties for 17 months. Antle said she plans to spend the next six months supporting department leadership and ensuring continuity as the county prepares for a transition. “There’s never enough. There’s always more to do,” she said. “But it’s been a joy.” Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Bernie Norvell thanked Antle for her service following the announcement. ### Mendocino County Faces Worsening Statewide Liability Climate, but Limited Local Data Show a Mixed Picture URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/payouts-rise-as-insurance-market-shrinks/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:30.000Z Mendocino County’s risk manager warned supervisors this week that California’s liability environment is deteriorating rapidly, driving up insurance costs for public agencies statewide — but data presented alongside that warning showed the county has so far avoided the worst financial impacts. “Everything is bad,” said Heather Correll Rose, summarizing trends that include rising lawsuit frequency, escalating jury awards, and a new acceptance of decades old claims of sexual abuse. Insurance markets across California are also shrinking. Claims filed against public entities statewide have increased 23% over the past decade, Rose said, while so-called “nuclear verdicts” — awards exceeding $10 million — have become increasingly common. Although large claims of $1 million or more represent less than 1% of total filings, they represent roughly 61% of all taxpayer dollars paid out, she said. Those pressures affect Mendocino County because it shares insurers with cities and counties throughout California, Rose told the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors during a two-day workshop to discuss 2026 priorities. But while Rose emphasized that statewide conditions are worsening, the limited county-specific data presented by Rose painted a more nuanced picture. Workers’ compensation premiums for Mendocino County have declined “rather drastically,” she said, attributing the decrease to changes in claims handling and favorable claims development. New workers’ compensation claims so far this fiscal year are at a record low, she said, though she cautioned the year is only at its midpoint. Liability claims also tend to unfold over long time horizons, Rose said, with cases often taking four to five years to resolve — and some lasting a decade. As a result, annual snapshots can exaggerate volatility, since insurance reimbursements typically arrive only after claims close. Only about 45% of claims filed in 2023 and 2024 have been resolved, she said, meaning the county is still carrying costs that may later be reimbursed. Much of the growing risk exposure, Rose said, stems from forces largely outside local control. Those include inflation in medical costs, increased litigation financing by outside investors, expanded liability tied to childhood sexual abuse claims under Assembly Bill 218, and escalating cyber threats targeting public agencies. Los Angeles County alone has set aside $4 billion to settle AB 218 claims, Rose said — a figure she said reverberates across California’s insurance market. “ If you think that’s not going to impact the insurance market, boy is it,” she said. [The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the $4 billion settlement](https://lacounty.gov/2025/04/04/la-county-reaches-4-billion-tentative-settlement-in-thousands-of-sexual-abuse-cases/?ref=mendolocal.news) of nearly 7,000 claims of “horrific” sexual abuse last spring. The majority of the claims are alleged to have taken place at the MacLaren Children's Center and Probation Department facilities in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, with the alleged abuse stretching back to 1959. AB 218, also known as the California Child Victims Act, dramatically extended the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases and expanded the definition to childhood sexual assault. The law extended the filing deadline from age 26 to age 40 and created a five-year “discovery window” allowing plaintiffs to file suit within five years of discovering that a psychological injury suffered in adulthood was caused by childhood sexual assault. The law also established a three-year “look back” period (Jan 1,2020 — December 31, 2022) for all past survivors to file claims, regardless of age or when the abuse occurred. Older claims can be particularly difficult for public agencies to defend, Rose said “Folks don’t work here anymore,” she said. “You might have a lack of documentation.” To reduce future risk exposure, Rose proposed several policy approaches, including expanded use of virtual meetings to to limit exposure to travel-related injuries, updates existing policies and procedures, and closer coordination with neighboring counties and public entities “to make sure we are handling sensitive matters consistently.” Supervisor Ted Williams questioned whether rising risk costs could eventually outpace county revenue growth and force budget cuts elsewhere. Rose said the trend bears monitoring and that she is working daily with county department to reduce exposure. “Prevention costs way less than response,” she said. ### Fewer Homicides, Harder Math for Mendocino County Public Safety URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fewer-homicides-harder-math-for-mendocino/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:30.000Z *Story was cleaned up Jan. 15, 2026, 1:25 a.m. to remove duplicate graphs* Addressing the board of supervisors on Tuesday, a panel of county public safety leaders said the challenges they face are increasingly driven by state policy decisions that shift responsibility to counties without adequate funding. From Proposition 36 to juvenile justice reforms and pretrial requirements, officials said Mendocino County is absorbing new duties and liabilities while operating with flat staffing levels and uncertain revenue, complicating efforts to reduce crime and recidivism. Sheriff Matt Kendall said his office investigated two homicides last year, a sharp reduction compared with prior years. Kendall cautioned, however, that violent crime figures can mask close calls, noting several shooting victims survived due to advances in emergency medicine. “We still struggle with homelessness, drug addiction and street-level crime,” Kendall said, adding that thefts, organized burglaries and fraud schemes remain prevalent across the county. Kendall told supervisors that each homicide costs the county roughly $100,000 to $150,000 in investigative, forensic and overtime expenses, much of which falls on the Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office. Cannabis enforcement funds secured through state allocations were largely consumed by homicide investigations this year, he said, and those funds are expected to expire. Public Defender Mick Hill said untreated mental illness and substance use disorders remain the dominant drivers of repeat contact with the justice system. “People who are medicated, but they don’t like how their medication makes them feel, often times they will resort to street drugs because they think that makes them feel better and that helps them deal with issues a little bit,” Hill said. “That creates a vicious loop, and they are in and out of jail.” He credited closer coordination between his office, probation and prosecutors for streamlining diversion programs, including mental health diversion and treatment programs under Proposition 36. District Attorney David Eyster said Proposition 36 — approved by voters statewide in 2024 — is successful in addressing repeat drug and theft offenses, but he criticized the state for failing to fund the treatment and rehabilitation components required by the law. Since the law took effect in December 2024, Eyster said his office has filed cases against 134 defendants for repeat drug offenses and about 80 defendants for serial theft. “This passed in all 58 counties,” Eyster said. “Yet the state is refusing to fund the rehabilitation side. That’s a serious problem.” Eyster also reported that his office reviewed more than 2,500 crime reports in the first half of 2025, a 10% increase from the prior year, while securing an 86% conviction rate in jury trials. He said staffing levels in his office have remained unchanged since 2011. Chief Probation Officer Izen Locatelli described mounting impacts from state reforms affecting juvenile justice, probation supervision, and pretrial services. Locatelli said probation has conducted more than 100 assessments under Proposition 36 but emphasized the lack of funding and accountability mechanisms. The purpose of the assessments is to determine whether a person convicted of drug possession is eligible for mandatory drug or mental health treatment instead of incarceration, with successful completion of treatment leading to a dismissal of the case. “This was an unfunded mandate with no implementation plan,” Locatelli said. He also warned that recent state laws limiting probation terms and closing state youth facilities have shifted costs and responsibility to counties without adequate reimbursement. “Essentially no youth can be on probation for longer than 12 months,” Locatelli explained. “Doesn’t matter what the crime is. The only way to do that is to have a judge make a finding that it’s in the best interest of the public and the youth to continue after a year.” Locatelli reported that the county’s pretrial monitoring program continues to show positive outcomes, with about 80% of monitored individuals appearing for court and 70% avoiding new criminal charges while awaiting trial. Supervisor Ted Williams raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of public safety funding, noting that public safety consumes more than 70% of the county’s discretionary budget while revenues remain largely flat. Panel members agreed that without changes at the state level, counties will face increasingly difficult choices between maintaining public safety services and funding other essential programs. ### New Reservoir Technology Creates "Another Lake Mendocino" URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/doubling-lake-mendocino-capacity/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:30.000Z Modern forecasting technology saved an additional 30,000 acre-feet of water in the Russian River watershed over the last three years, a volume nearly equivalent to the total capacity of Lake Mendocino, officials said during a regional water wrap-up webinar last month. The inaugural[ "Rainfall and Reservoirs" event](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSWk2ikgA9g&ref=mendolocal.news), hosted by Sonoma Water, marked the close of Water Year 2025 on September 30\. The 2026 cycle began on Oct. 1\. The Russian River system provides drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in Sonoma and Marin counties. Experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sonoma Water, and the California Department of Water Resources discussed how dynamic management strategies are helping the region navigate climate change. ### Improved Reservoir Management A new management strategy known as Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) is responsible for the increase in water availability. Unlike traditional methods that only consider water already on the ground, FIRO allows managers to use 10-day weather forecasts to make proactive decisions. Nick Malasavage, chief of the operations and readiness division for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, explained that FIRO enables "pre-releases," where water is discharged before a storm hits to create "flood control airspace." Conversely, if a dry forecast is predicted, operators can "let it ride" and hold water above traditional limits to bolster the regional supply. "We are informed by the forecast, not controlled by it," Malasavage said, noting that the technology leads to less frequent and less intense flood control releases. ### Highlights from Water Year 2025 October marked the end of the third consecutive "above normal" wet year for Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Rainfall was well-distributed, beginning in mid-November and continuing through April. While the city of Ukiah met its 30-year average, the Santa Rosa area saw rainfall 23% to 24% higher than the average. Don Seymour, Sonoma Water’s deputy director of engineering, highlighted the importance of these conditions given the decline of the Potter Valley Project. Historically, that project transferred an average of 150,000 acre-feet of water from the Eel River into the Russian River system annually, but infrastructure and licensing issues have reduced that flow to roughly 39,000 to 40,000 acre-feet. The increased efficiency from FIRO has helped offset these losses, ending the year with deep pools at Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma. This results in higher water quality and colder temperatures, which are critical for local fisheries and hatchery programs. > “It’s like over the last three years, we created another Lake Mendocino,” Seymour said. ### Forecasters Struggle with Complex Weather Patterns Despite local successes, which hinge on more accurate, short-term forecasts, reliable mid-to-longer-range weather prediction remains a challenge. Jeanine Jones, interstate resources manager for the California Department of Water Resources, stated that current Sub-seasonal to Seasonal (S2S) NOAA forecasts—which look six weeks to several months ahead—currently have "no skill" in predicting California's complex weather patterns. “In particular, we can look at past water years, like 2023, and see that they got it completely wrong,” Jones said. “This is why you really don’t take the NOAA outlooks seriously, because they are simply not accurate.” More accurate longer-term forecasts would enable better long-term planning for water storage. Jones said that the state has entered a La Niña pattern, which typically suggests drier conditions for Southern California but offers no reliable signal for the North Coast. To address this, [state officials are advocating for federal legislation](http://www.s2sforecasting.org/?ref=mendolocal.news), which would fund pilot projects to improve S2S forecasting for western water management. "California has the largest variability in average annual precipitation of any state," Jones said. "Plan for the worst, but hope for the best." *Mendo Local’s previous coverage of the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project:* [USDA Steps Into Potter Valley Project Decommissioning Fight](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-steps-into-potter-valley-project) (12/23/2025) [USDA to PG&E: Mitigation is Required for Potter Valley Decommissioning ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-to-pge-mitigation-is-required)(12/23/2025) [PG&E Statement on USDA Intervention](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/pge-statement-on-usda-intervention) (12/23/2025) ### A Plan to Take a Dog Ends in Near-Fatal Stabbing in Ukiah, Police Say URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-plan-to-take-a-dog-ends-in-near/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:31.000Z *Typo corrected in Pete Gonzales’ name. (January 20, 2025)* *Update: Police have confirmed that the victim is doing better and that their condition is listed as non-life-threatening. Also, the victim’s dog is in good hands with an individual who is taking care of the canine. The dog was not injured in the incident. The police also said that the assailants did not know the victim personally, but that Pete Gonzales knew the victim had this dog. (Update: 3:24 p.m. January 6, 2025)* *The following account is taken directly from a Ukiah Police Department press release. All factual information was provided by the police and the online court docket.* What police say began as a plan to steal a black-and-white dog spiraled into a brutal attack that left a Ukiah man fighting for his life on New Year’s Eve. According to the Ukiah Police Department, two 23-year-old men lured a 33-year-old Ukiah resident behind a South State Street building on December 31 with the intent of taking his black and white canine — then allegedly attacked him with a sword and a machete when he resisted. Officers were dispatched at approximately 3:45 p.m. to 995 South State Street in Ukiah for a reported stabbing. When patrol officers arrived, they found the victim bleeding heavily from from his neck, chest, and hand. He was incoherent and unable to explain what happened, police said. The victim was transported to Adventist Health of Ukiah in extremely critical condition, with concerns he might not survive. Police initially had few leads. The attack occurred behind a building, and officers were unable to locate any witnesses. Detectives were called to the scene while patrol officers canvassed nearby businesses for surveillance footage. Security video from surrounding properties showed the victim walking behind the building with two men and his dog shortly before the attack. Minutes later, the footage shows the victim staggering back towards the roadway, motioning for help. The assailants fled in different directions, one carrying the victims dog over his shoulder. Detectives used the video to identify one suspect as Adam Monte Smith, a 23-year-old Ukiah resident. Investigators said Smith appeared to have shaved his head in an attempt to alter his appearance. When contacted at his resident, Smith admitted that he and another man had planned to take the dog and give it to his girlfriend. The second man was later identified as Pete Matthew Gonzales, also 23 and a Ukiah resident. During the confrontation, Smith allegedly drew a large sword while Gonzales pulled out a machete. Police say Smith stabbed the victim in the chest, and as the men struggled over the sword, Gonzales struck the victim in the neck with the machete. The suspects then took the victim’s backpack and dog and fled. Gonzales was later located and arrested without incident. Police said he was found in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest. Detectives executed a search warrant at a downtown Ukiah residence, where they recovered the stolen dog and clothing police say Smith was wearing during the attack, which was stained with blood. Both men were booked into the Mendocino County Jail and police said the investigation is ongoing. Police said the investigation is ongoing. Smith and Gonzales were arraigned today. Smith was charged with six felonies: attempted murder, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, second degree robbery, and use of a weapon/controlled substance in commission of a felony (three counts). Gonzales was charged with seven felonies: attempted murder, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, second degree robbery, transportation of a controlled substance, and use of a weapon/controlled substance in commission of a felony (three counts). ### Judge Exonerates Bond for Ukiah Journalist, But Documents Remain Sealed URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/judge-exonerates-bond-for-ukiah-journalist/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:31.000Z Matthew LaFever’s $10,000 bond was exonerated on Monday by Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder, two months after LaFever was arrested by the Ukiah Police Department on suspicion of misdemeanor child annoyance or molestation stemming from alleged Snapchat communications. LaFever has not been charged with any crime. Bonds are typically “exonerated” or cancelled after a defendant has filled all their obligations to the court. In this case, the exoneration signals the court’s confidence that LaFever will show up in court if he is later charged by the district attorney. The brief hearing came after the court’s December 22 appointment of a special master to oversee the handling of materials seized from LaFever and to ensure compliance with protections provided by the California Constitution and state law. Those protections are intended to prevent law enforcement from conducting overly broad digital searches and, in LaFever’s case, to protect unpublished interviews, notes, and other material from his work as a journalist from disclosure. Judge Faulder, who presided Monday, had previously approved a Ramey warrant sought by Ukiah police on November 2, one day before LaFever’s arrest. The arrest, which was preceded by the seizure of LaFever’s electronic devices two weeks earlier drew scrutiny from First Amendment attorneys, particularly because LaFever is a working journalist. David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, said California law places strict limits on the scope of digital searches conducted by law enforcement. “The California Electronic Communications Privacy Act explains that any warrant for digital devices or searches of digital data must be strictly limited to the precise contours of what’s under investigation,” Loy said. For example, if an allegation involves inappropriate contact with minors, he said, any search should be confined to material directly relevant to that allegation. “It should not cover anything else,” Loy said. Loy also pointed to California’s Shield Law, which prohibits the government from compelling the disclosure of journalistic materials. “That could include notes, drafts, or unpublished photographs,” he said. Loy sent a letter to Ukiah Police Chief Tom Corning on November 7 recapping the relevant laws. In the letter, Loy emphasized that he assumed “the warrant was supported by probable cause that evidence relevant to that charge would be found \[on\] Mr. LaFever’s devices or accounts.” Loy said he took no position on the merits of any charges against LaFever. “However, because any search of a journalist’s devices, accounts or property raises significant concerns, I write to confirm that relevant legal protections for press freedom and independence were followed,” he wrote. The request for a special master was submitted under seal by Orchid Vaghti, LaFever’s attorney. All sealed filings appear under a case styled *Matthew LaFever v. State of California and the Ukiah Police Department,* case number 25CR09419, according to a courthouse source who viewed the case while describing it to *Mendo Local.* None of the sealed motions or scheduled hearings — including Monday’s bond hearing — are visible through the court’s public online portal. In response to a California Public Records Act request, the Ukiah Police Department stated that it has not received any legal complaint or other formal legal notice from LaFever. Vaghti declined to comment last week and did not respond to a renewed request for comment on Monday. *Mendo Local* on Monday filed a “Motion by Intervenor,” seeking access to court proceedings and records in the case. A hearing date has not yet been announced. Faulder is expected to sign a joint order drafted by the defense and prosecution related to the special master. If the prosecution decides to move forward with charges, LaFever’s attorney will be contacted directly. Separately, Ukiah Police Chief Tom Corning on Monday responded to questions *Mendo Local* sent on December 16 regarding the department’s decision to seek a Ramey warrant rather than working directly with the District Attorney’s Office prior to LaFever’s arrest. Corning also addressed allegations that an employee of the Ukiah police department disclosed confidential details of the LaFever investigation to an online personality, allegedly for the purpose of defaming a journalist. Some of the information described by the online personality referred to sexual intercourse between two adults and the photo of a body part. Other information was taken directly from the search warrant and Ramey warrant —weeks before the police department filed those documents with the court. This meant that police department employees were the only ones with access to the information, increasing the seriousness of a malicious leak. “We take very seriously the need for confidentiality and integrity in our investigations,” Corning said. He acknowledged being aware of a YouTube video discussing the case and said the department conducted an internal investigation but did not identify the source of the leak. Corning said the department used the incident to remind personnel of their obligations regarding sensitive information and confidentiality. Addressing the use of a Ramey warrant, Corning said detectives believed it was the most appropriate and lawful tool to take LaFever into custody based on information available at the time. “While Ramey warrants are often associated with exigent circumstances, their use is not limited to any single type of offense,” Corning said. “In this instance, detectives determined that a judicially reviewed arrest warrant was the most appropriate course of action to ensure a lawful and orderly custody process.” He added that because the case involved alleged crimes affecting minors, the department “moved quickly to issue a press release with information about the arrest including the suspect’s photos and screen name in order to ask any additional victims to contact law enforcement. “As with all investigations, the Ukiah Police Department acts in good faith, reliance on applicable law, prosecutorial guidance, and judicial oversight,” Corning said. “We remain confident that the actions taken were consistent with legal standards and department policy.” *Mendo Local’s previous coverage:* [Ukiah Journalist Arrest Highlights Tensions Between Criminal Investigations and Press Protections](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/court-appoints-special-master) (January 3, 2025) [LaFever Invokes Shield Law](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/lafever-invokes-shield-law) (January 2, 2025) [Ukiah Journalism Student Accuses Teacher of Sending Inappropriate Snapchat Messages](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrant-released-in-minor-molestation-case) (November 14, 2025) [Ukiah High School Teacher and Journalist in the Midst of Police Misconduct Investigation in Fort Bragg is Arrested on Charges of Annoying a Minor](http://Ukiah High School Teacher and Journalist in Midst of Police Misconduct Investigation in Fort Bragg is Arrested on Charges of Annoying a Minor) (November 3, 2025) ### Mendo Local Weekly News — January 4, 2026 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-january-4/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:31.000Z ## *Please note: There will be no weekly roundup for the week ending January 11, 2026.* --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/672ea4bf-b7b6-40ea-95ef-970b759bb760_640x382-jpeg.jpg) Black-tailed deer in Point Reyes National Seashore, California, United States (Photo by Frank Schulenburg) ## 🌲 Mendocino County ### New Hotline Launches to Report ICE Activity in Mendocino County *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* A new rapid-response network has launched in Mendocino County, providing a hotline — (707) 621-8220 — for community members to report U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. The volunteer-led network aims to verify ICE sightings, educate immigrants about their rights, and support local immigrant communities by quickly sharing verified information. 🔗[Read this](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/new-hotline-launches-to-report-ice-activity-in-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Commitments of Mendocino County Defendants to State Prison Rose in 2025 *By the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office* Mendocino County courts sentenced 118 defendants to state prison in 2025, up from 94 in 2024, a 25% increase, according to year-end figures from the District Attorney’s Office. Of those committed in 2025, 8% were convicted of violent felonies as defined by state law, while 38% had one or more prior Strike convictions used to enhance their sentences under California’s Three Strikes law. Women accounted for 6% of those sent to state prison during the year. In addition, twenty-nine jury trials went to final verdict during calendar year 2025, including 9 felony trials, with an overall prosecution success rate of 86% ### CDFW Continues Public Outreach for Statewide Deer Conservation Plan *By California Department of Fish and Wildlife* The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is continuing a series of regional meetings to gather public input on its draft Statewide Deer Conservation and Management Plan, focused on black-tailed and mule deer. 🔗[Read this](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/cdfw-to-continue-outreach-on-deer) ### PG&E Lowers Rates, Extends My Match Subsidies *By PG&E External Communications* Pacific Gas and Electric Co. lowered electric rates by 5% on Jan. 1, 2026 — the fourth rate reduction since 2024\. Typical residential customers will see monthly electric bills decrease by about $7, for a cumulative 11% reduction since January 2024\. PG&E also extended My Match payments for customers with past-due balances of at least $100 who meet income criteria, offering up to $1,000 in assistance. 🔗[Read this](https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/match-my-payment-program.html?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to Host Two-Part Seed-Saving Workshop *By the Independent Coast Observer* Victory Gardens for Peace Seed Bank Director Matt Drewno will lead an intensive four-day seed-saving workshop on Jan. 10–11 and Jan. 17–18, covering planning, propagation, selection, harvesting, and preservation of common and endangered varieties. Registration is $107 for Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens members and $117 for nonmembers. 🔒[Read this](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paywall)* --- ## 🐦 Fort Bragg ### Albatross From Hawaii Mysteriously Appears in Fort Bragg *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* A roughly 19-year-old black-footed albatross was found near Fort Bragg by Fish and Wildlife Warden Don Powers. The bird was triaged at the Bird Rescue Center in Sonoma County, where staff discovered it had been banded in Honolulu in June 2007, shortly after hatching. 🔒[Read this](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paywall)* ### Marine Mammal Stranding Report Reveals Insights Into Coastal Ecosystem Health *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* The Noyo Center for Marine Science’s annual *What Washed Ashore?* presentation highlighted 65 marine mammal strandings in 2025, including 49 sea lions amid a significant leptospirosis outbreak. Staff also investigated a juvenile humpback whale showing evidence of a killer whale attack and continued documenting marine ecosystem health from Gualala to Westport. 🔗[Read this](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/01/02/what-washed-ashore/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paywall)* --- ## 🚑 Laytonville ### Laytonville Woman Found Dead in SUV After Leaving Roadway *By Elise Cox,* *MendoLocal.News* A 74-year-old Laytonville woman, Colette Secher, was found dead in her Toyota SUV after the vehicle left Woodman Peak Road and entered a nearby field. First responders located the vehicle shortly before 1 p.m. on Dec. 27, with Secher still in the driver’s seat. Authorities believe the incident was a medical emergency and say no foul play is suspected. Secher was a nationally known French bulldog breeder. 🔗[Read this](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/laytonville-woman-found-dead-in-field) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🏫 Point Arena ### South Coast Daycare Expanding Options in 2026 *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* South Coast Daycare Center, the only licensed nonprofit childcare center on the Mendonoma Coast, plans to expand services in 2026, including additional toddler care options. 🔒[Read this](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paywall)* --- ## ⚖️ Ukiah ### Judge Appoints Special Master to Review Search of Matthew LaFever’s Data and Devices *By Elise Cox,* *MendoLocal.News* Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder appointed a special master to ensure required procedures under California law and the state Constitution are followed as the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office decides whether to file misdemeanor charges against Matthew LaFever, a journalist and high school teacher. LaFever is accused of one misdemeanor count of annoying or molesting a 17-year-old girl on Snapchat. 🔗[Read this](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/court-appoints-special-master) --- ### Community Call: Native Americans and the News *By Sydney Fishman,* *The Mendocino Voice* The Mendocino Voice, in partnership with Mendocino College and the North Far North Regional Consortium, will host a community listening session on Jan. 13, 2026 to better understand the news coverage needs of Mendocino County’s Native American communities and to help develop a journalism training program. 🔗[Read this](https://mendovoice.com/2026/01/the-mendocino-voice-to-host-native-american-community-listening-session-at-mendocino-college/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Assignment: Ukiah – Promises, Promises *By Tommy Wayne Kramer, Anderson Valley Advertiser* While politicians have long promised to bring good jobs to Ukiah and Mendocino County, real economic development has taken shape through private investment. Kramer highlights Ross Liberty, who transformed the former Masonite mill site north of Ukiah into a growing employment hub now hosting operations by Amazon, U-Haul, Rhys Vineyards, Reuser, and Liberty’s own Factory Pipe. 🔗[Read this](https://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ CalMatters ### California Launches Safe Homes Grants for Wildfire Mitigation *By Levi Sumagaysay,* *CalMatters* California homeowners in high-risk wildfire areas may soon qualify for grants to improve fire safety under the new Safe Homes program, effective Jan. 1, 2026\. The grants will help low- and middle-income homeowners create ember-resistant zones and upgrade roofs, with an application portal expected to launch by March. 🔗[Read this](https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/01/california-safe-homes-grants/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### New California Laws Set to Change Lives in 2026 *CalMatters Staff* As of Jan. 1, 2026, California is implementing major new laws affecting residents statewide, including expanded IVF coverage, new AI regulations, enhanced renter protections, and automatic CSU admissions for eligible students. The changes stem from hundreds of bills signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2025. 🔗[Read this](https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/12/new-california-laws-for-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### CDFW to Continue Outreach on Deer Management Plan URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/cdfw-to-continue-outreach-on-deer/ Last updated: 2026-01-04T21:15:58.000Z The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will continue public outreach in the new year as it develops a Statewide Deer Conservation and Management Plan, hosting a new round of regional, informal meetings to gather input from stakeholders, Tribes, and the general public. The sessions follow earlier virtual and in-person meetings held in Sacramento in September and in Bishop, Redding, Weed, and Eureka in December. At upcoming meetings, CDFW biologists will walk through the goals and content of the draft plan, share region-specific deer information, and answer questions from attendees. The agency says the meetings are intended to encourage open dialogue and give the public a chance to meet local biologists, wildlife officers, and staff. **Upcoming scoping sessions include:** - **Jan. 12, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m.** — Richard C. Trudeau Conference Center, Oakland - **Jan. 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m.** — Del Norte County (location TBD) - **Jan. 15, 2026, 7 p.m.** — Lassen County Offices, Susanville - **Jan. 21, 2026, 6–8 p.m.** — Valley Hi–North Laguna Library, Sacramento More information about the plan is available by emailing **BigGame@wildlife.ca.gov.** ### Ukiah Journalist Arrest Highlights Tensions Between Criminal Investigations and Press Protections URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/court-appoints-special-master/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:32.000Z It has been two months since Ukiah police officers arrested Matt LaFever, a high school teacher and journalist, on suspicion of misdemeanor child annoyance or molestation. No criminal charges have been filed. The delay in filing charges has prompted scrutiny of the Ukiah Police Department, including its decision to seek a Ramey warrant rather than work directly with prosecutors. Meanwhile, the court has appointed a special master to ensure that materials seized under a search warrant — including laptops and other digital devices — did not include any unpublished information obtained or prepared for communication to the public. Such a search could violate the California Constitution, the California Penal Code, and the California Evidence Code. Beyond the unresolved criminal allegations, the case has become a test of how California’s legal system balances law-enforcement investigations against protections for journalists. Police bypassed prosecutors to obtain a pre-charging arrest warrant, seized multiple digital devices from a working reporter, and triggered court oversight to prevent the disclosure of unpublished reporting materials — a rare convergence of criminal procedure and press-freedom safeguards. The court is expected to hear an update from the special master on Monday. ## A Gap Between Police and the Prosecution In most cases, police and prosecutors work in tandem, said Beth Colgan, a professor at UCLA School of Law. Typically, she said, “the prosecutor asks for an arrest warrant at the same time that they are filing a complaint against a person.” That did not happen in LaFever’s case. Instead, according to court records, Detective Zhonghao Chen of the Ukiah Police Department went directly to a judge on Sunday, Nov. 2, seeking what is known as a Ramey warrant — an arrest warrant issued before formal charges are filed. The warrant was approved by Judge Keith Faulder. “That’s typically done for expediency,” Colgan said. “They want to go directly to the judge without taking the time to go through the prosecutor.” In some cases, she added, police may proceed this way if they believe a prosecutor is reluctant to file charges and hope that an arrest will help generate additional evidence. Two weeks earlier, Ukiah police had executed a search warrant at LaFever’s home in Hopland, seizing his cellphone, Apple Watch, three laptops, a router and an SD card, according to court records. The search warrant was based on information provided by a former student in LaFever’s journalism class, who told police she had inappropriate interactions with her teacher on Snapchat during the summer of 2025. What follows is drawn directly from Detective Chen’s sworn declaration in support of the arrest warrant. The allegations have not been tested in court, and LaFever has not been charged with a crime. LaFever did not respond to a detailed request for comment sent to his personal Gmail address and by mail to his home. ## A Secondary Snapchat Account According to the warrant, the student said she left Mr. LaFever’s class because of “weird comments” he had made about her to others, as well as “racist and sexual comments that she believed to be inappropriate for the classroom.” The warrant states that the student later created a Snapchat account under an alias “to test her boyfriend.” While using that account, she was contacted by a user with the screen name “LaFever,” which police said corresponded with the fact that she had her teacher’s name and phone number saved in her contacts. The student told investigators she initially believed the messages concerned schoolwork, the warrant said, but quickly realized she was using her secondary account — one that was not linked to her real email address, phone number or name. Snapchat is designed so that photos or videos disappear after they are viewed; however, the student told police she recorded her screen using another device, the warrant stated. Detective Chen wrote that the person using the “LaFever” account introduced himself by saying, “Hey there, I’m \[REDACTED\] in California. How are you?” The warrant alleges the account then sent a topless photo of an adult male. When the student replied, “I’m good,” the account asked, “Where you from baby” and “Age.” The student responded that she was 17. According to the warrant, she told the account multiple times that she was 17 years old and a junior in high school. The account then sent another selfie and asked her about her “height and cup size,” Chen wrote. When the account asked for a photo, the student sent an image she had found online. The warrant states that the person depicted was fully clothed and that the image was not obscene. The account responded with a hot-face emoji and the message “Goddam gir,” then asked, “How old are you again?” The student again replied, “17.” “Well you must be the sexiest woman at your high school,” the account responded, according to the warrant. The exchange continued, with the account asking whether the student played sports. When she said she played volleyball, the account asked whether she had photos in volleyball shorts and whether “your butt and thighs look sexy in them.” The student declined to send photos, the warrant said. The arrest warrant also included records obtained from Snapchat showing that the account linked to LaFever’s phone number was active on July 4, 2025, and deactivated on Aug. 7, 2025, according to Chen. Two months later, another student at Ukiah High School reported LaFever for making what she perceived to be an inappropriate comment, the search warrant stated. That student, a friend of the first, told police she heard him say “Oh damn” while standing behind her holding his phone. The student “immediately suspected that he might have taken a photograph of her buttocks,” the warrant stated. Mr. LaFever was arrested and released the same day after posting $10,000 bail. ## An Uncertain Outcome Police did not immediately submit the case to prosecutors. When the case was eventually forwarded, the outcome became uncertain. In California, prosecutors have full discretion to decide whether to bring charges — or not. In an interview with Mendo Local, District Attorney David Eyster said he recused himself from charging decisions related to LaFever to avoid any perception that charges could be influenced by LaFever’s coverage of Eyster and his office. Legal experts say the delay in charging is not unusual in cases involving a Ramey warrant. “There’s a big difference between probable cause and proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Jo-Anna Nieves, a criminal defense attorney based in Oakland. “Probable cause is enough to justify an arrest, but it does not mean the evidence is sufficient to convict someone at trial.” Under California law, misdemeanor child annoyance or molestation does not require physical contact, Nieves said, but it does require conduct motivated by sexual interest that a reasonable minor would find disturbing, irritating or offensive. “At the same time,” she said, “not every inappropriate or immature comment rises to the level of criminal conduct.” Eyster said the Ukiah Police Department’s decision to seek a Ramey warrant under the circumstances was atypical, but he said it would have no bearing on the charging decision. He confirmed that his office has not rejected the case forwarded by the Ukiah Police Department and has not sent it back for further investigation. A charging decision, he said, will be based on materials approved by the special master as “relevant to the prosecution.” ### LaFever Invokes Shield Law URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/lafever-invokes-shield-law/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:32.000Z *Clarification: Sentences were added describing the role of a special master. (January 2, 2026 7:30 p.m.)* Journalist and high school teacher Matt LaFever has filed a lawsuit against the State of California and the Ukiah Police Department, according to court sources familiar with the filing. LaFever was arrested on a misdemeanor allegation of annoying or molesting a minor, a charge defined under California law. He is represented by Sonoma County defense attorney Orchid Vaghti. The Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office has not filed criminal charges in the case. District Attorney David Eyster said in an interview that a report published Friday by the Berkeley-based *Mendocino Voice* stating that he planned to hold a closed-to-the-public arraignment on Monday was inaccurate. Eyster said he is not personally handling the LaFever matter, having assigned it to another prosecutor, but said he believes a closed arraignment would likely not be lawful. U.S. Supreme Court precedent establishes a strong presumption of public access to criminal proceedings. In the 1980 case *Richmond Newspapers v. Virginia*, Chief Justice Warren Burger wrote that, “Absent an overriding interest articulated in findings, the trial of a criminal case must be open to the public.” Court records show that on Dec. 2, Vaghti filed a motion seeking the appointment of a special master. The motion was approved on Dec. 17 by Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder. A special master is a neutral court appointee who independently reviews disputed materials and reports to the judge, a safeguard commonly used in cases involving reporter’s shield law concerns to protect unpublished journalistic work while a legal dispute is resolved. Vaghti declined to comment for this story. The California Shield Law, which is codified in the state constitution, protects journalists from being compelled to disclose confidential sources or unpublished materials, including notes, photographs, and digital communications such as messages exchanged on platforms like Snapchat. While the shield law most commonly arises when a reporter is covering a case, courts have recognized that shield law protections may still apply when law enforcement seeks access to a journalist’s unpublished materials, even when the journalist is the subject of an investigation or a party to a case. According to attorneys for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the California Supreme Court has held that prosecutors in criminal cases do not possess constitutional or statutory rights sufficient to override the reporter’s privilege. In a 2000 decision, the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Two described the shield law’s protection as “virtually absolute,” ruling that it “need never yield to any superior constitutional right of the People.” The case involved a Marin Independent Journal reporter held in contempt for refusing to disclose unpublished interview material in a homicide investigation. Eyster said any potential charging decision in the LaFever matter will be deferred until the special master completes and submits a report. ### Ukiah Police Dispatch Responds to Criticism from Fort Bragg Citizens URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-police-dispatch-responds-to-fort-bragg-complaints/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:32.000Z *Correction: An initial version of this story incorrectly referred to Fort Bragg Police Chief Eric Swift as Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO (12/30/2025 13:17 p.m.)* The City of Fort Bragg first contracted with the Ukiah Police Department for dispatch services in 2009\. Since then, the initial five-year contract has been renewed three times, most recently in July 2024. Officials say the contract saves the city money and makes good economic sense. But over the past year, citizens have questioned whether performance safeguards are strong enough, citing delays in officer notification and dispatcher conduct. Marla Swan, a communications and records manager for the Ukiah Police Department, defended the Ukiah dispatchers to the Fort Bragg Public Safety committee at its most recent meeting on December 17, noting that close to 100% of all calls were handled with 15 seconds or better, based on the most recent numbers submitted to the state of California by the Ukiah Police Department This exceeds a state requirement that 90% of 911 calls be handled within 15 seconds and 95% within 20 seconds, she said. “We were well above answering 90% of 911 calls in 10 seconds,” she said. “So that’s pretty amazing.” Swan told the committee that dispatchers are “passionate” about their performance, and she pointed out that a failure to meet state standards could result in lost funding or city fines. The meeting turned tense during public comment when citizens shared personal experiences and described alarming failures of the dispatch system. Jenny Shattuck recounted a June incident involving an armed suspect who had jumped bail and was facing a felony warrant. She said that when she called to report the suspect’s location, the dispatcher asked,“Is this a joke?” The dispatcher did not dispatch officers, Shattuck said. While Shattuck was waiting, a Fort Bragg Police Officer David Franco drove by. Shattuck flagged him down. “ I asked Franco, ‘Did you get dispatched out?’ And he said, “No.” According to Shattuck, Officer Franco asked her to call again. “There’s somebody still at the station. They can dispatch this out right now.’ “So I called her,” Shattuck continued. She recalled the conversation: “I have an officer here. He’s asking me to call you to please dispatch somebody out.” According to the Shattuck, the dispatcher said: “I don’t believe you.” Shattuck went on to cite several additional examples. “The issue hasn’t been not answering the phone. The is issue has been sometimes our officers are not dispatched,” she said. The owner of the Headlands Cafe reported a frightening delay after an employee called 911 regarding a threat made by an anonymous caller to “shoot the place up” in September. He stated that his staff was “freaked out” and had to call multiple times before an officer arrived. Swan addressed the complaints directly, explaining that in the case of the “joke” comment, the dispatcher was struggling to understand a unique name. She said the dispatched had actually entered the call for service within one minute. Regarding the threat to the Headlands Cafe, Swan said officers were dispatched within 17 minutes. She said that while the delay may have felt long to the callers, the call was prioritized based on whether the threat was “in progress” or if someone was in “physical peril.” “It might feel like it took a long time, but they actually were on scene within 20, 25 minutes,” Swan said. To address ongoing community concerns, Swan invited residents to participate in “sit-alongs” at the Ukiah dispatch center. Fort Bragg Police Chief Eric Swift urged residents to take Swan up on her invitation. He also invited anyone with questions or concerns about dispatch to bring them forward. The committee also received an update on the implementation of a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system, which launched in September. Swan said the system significantly improves officer safety and increases transparency by allowing officers to view call details on mobile data terminals in their vehicles. The system also enables dispatchers to map the real-time location of police vehicles. “Before this, we couldn’t map our Fort Bragg units,” Swan said. “If an officer requested Code 3 cover from another unit, we had to rely on verbal communication to determine their location. If an officer was unable to speak and activated their emergency alert, we had no way to map where they were.” The briefing on the new CAD system underscored the broader public safety concerns that were the focus of the meeting: how information moves from callers to dispatchers to officers in the field, the need for professional, unbiased handling and the difference that updated training and equipment can make. ### Laytonville Woman Found Dead After SUV Enters Field URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/laytonville-woman-found-dead-in-field/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:33.000Z A 74-year-old woman was found dead in her vehicle on Saturday after her SUV left a rural road near a curve and entered a field in Laytonville, authorities said. Local fire personnel responded to the scene at approximately 12:55 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, along with the California Highway Patrol, according to a firefighter who answered the phone at the Laytonville Fire Station. Sheriff’s deputies arrived shortly afterwards. A CHP spokesperson said the incident was initially dispatched as a traffic collision. After examining the scene, however, officers determined the driver, identified as Colette Secher, had left the roadway near a curve and entered a field near 5,000 Woodman Peak Road. The vehicle was found mired in muddy terrain. The spokesperson said the incident was ultimately classified as a medical emergency. The firefighter said first responders believed the vehicle left the roadway hours before it was discovered. A neighbor told responders she noticed the vehicle in the field around 9 a.m. Saturday but did not realize anyone was inside. Capt. Quincy Cromer of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said Secher was found deceased in the driver’s seat of her vehicle, a 2001 Toyota SUV. The vehicle was located approximately 13 yards from the roadway. Cromer confirmed that Secher’s next of kin had been notified. Secher was nationally known for her work as a French bulldog breeder. Friends and colleagues who wish to contribute memories or information for an obituary may contact editor@mendolocal.news. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — December 28, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-december-28/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:33.000Z ## 🏛️ Mendocino County ### Hundreds of Households Remain Without Power in Mendocino County *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* **Summary:** PG&E reports ongoing power outages affecting more than 500 customers in Mendocino County on Sunday morning due to heavy rain and strong winds earlier in the week. The utility has mobilized approximately 8,000 employees and contractors to restore power, with rural access and scattered outages presenting significant challenges. **URL:** [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/nearly-2000-households-without-power) --- ### Application Period Opens for Mendocino College Foundation Scholarships *By the Mendocino College Foundation* **Summary:** The application period is now open for scholarships through the Mendocino College Foundation, with more than $200,000 available for students planning to attend Mendocino College. Hour-long workshops are being held every Friday from Jan. 9 through Feb. 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Workshops are held via Zoom (ID: 853 1609 8768). Questions can be directed to scholarship@mendocino.edu. --- ### Road Tax Accountability: A Proposed Framework for Mendocino County *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* **Summary:** A detailed proposal outlines accountability guardrails for a future road tax measure in Mendocino County. The plan recommends creating an independent citizen oversight committee, establishing strict project review processes, requiring detailed annual reporting, and implementing rigorous contract approval mechanisms to ensure effective road maintenance and repair. **URL:** [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### California Extends Recreational Red Abalone Fishing Closure Through 2036 *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* **Summary:** The California Fish and Game Commission has voted to keep the recreational red abalone fishery closed through April 1, 2036\. Red abalone populations have declined by about 85% since 2014 due to marine heat waves and purple sea urchin invasions that have devastated kelp forests, the species’ primary food source. **URL:** [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/california-extends-recreational-red-abalone-fishing-closure-through-2036/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### $800,000 for This? *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* **Summary:** Despite an $800,000 price tag, a recent state audit of Mendocino County’s financial practices largely confirmed what local observers already knew. County officials have promised to address the audit’s recommendations, though critics note little concrete commitment to meaningful reform. **URL:** [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ### CAL FIRE Closes Forest Road to Prevent Illegal Dumping *CAL FIRE media release, MendoLocal.News* **Summary:** CAL FIRE has closed Road 500 in Jackson Demonstration State Forest due to increased illegal trash dumping and concerns about infrastructure damage during wet weather. The road remains open to hikers, bikers and mushroom foragers, but motorized vehicles are prohibited while forest staff work on cleanup and long-term prevention strategies. **URL:** [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/caspar-forest-road-closed-due-to-dumping) --- ### Lions Club Continues Cherished Christmas Tradition, Serving Over 400 Seniors *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* **Summary:** The Fort Bragg Lions Club continued its 25-year tradition of providing free Christmas dinners to seniors, delivering more than 400 complete meals featuring homemade stuffing and carefully prepared dishes. **URL:** [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/holiday-tradition-continues-lions-club-turkeys-capt-tims-famous-stuffing-served-christmas-morning-free-take%e2%80%91out-at-130-while-supplies-last/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚑 Fort Bragg ### Heroic Rescue: Local Youth Pull Woman From Deadly Riptide at MacKerricher Beach *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* **Summary:** In a dramatic rescue at MacKerricher Beach, a group of young strangers put their own safety aside in an effort to save a 77-year-old Fort Bragg resident caught in a dangerous riptide. A young man swam into the freezing water while others worked together on shore to provide aid as firefighters and emergency responders were en route; the woman died despite their efforts. **URL:** [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mackerricher-rescuers-describe-effort) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### Fort Bragg Seeks Community Input on Fourth of July Celebration *City of Fort Bragg Communications, City of Fort Bragg newsletter* **Summary:** The City of Fort Bragg is inviting residents to complete a survey to help determine the format of this year’s Fourth of July celebration. Participants can choose between traditional fireworks or a modern drone light show by completing either an English or Spanish survey. **URL:** [Read more](https://www.city.fortbragg.com/news%5Fdetail%5FT5%5FR57.php?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## Laytonville ### 💊 Laytonville Gets New Medication Disposal Drop Box *Mendo Voice staff, The Mendocino Voice* **Summary:** A new MED-Project medication disposal drop box has been installed at Branscomb Pharmacy, 51 Branscomb Road, in Laytonville, offering a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications. The installation is part of a broader initiative to add 15 new drop boxes across Northern California to reduce water pollution and protect wildlife. **URL:** [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/laytonville-gets-new-medication-disposal-drop-box/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌊 Point Arena ### Coastal Seniors Abruptly Changes Leadership *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* **Summary:** Coastal Seniors has appointed a new executive director following an abrupt leadership transition. Brian Flinn, a former driver for the organization, replaces Rebecca Stewart, who served as executive director for four years. Flinn is an experienced project manager who also served 10 years on a Navy submarine. Board Treasurer Robert Ramers said the board is seeking stronger emphasis on fundraising and public outreach. **URL:** [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ### A Tiny California Coastal Town’s Culinary Renaissance *By Anh-Minh Le, freelance writer, SFGATE* **Summary:** This feature explores Point Arena’s growing food scene, highlighting innovative restaurants such as Izakaya Gama and The Record. From Japanese-inspired cuisine to craft beer and artisan bakeries, the article celebrates dining experiences that belie the town’s small size. **URL:** [Read more](https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/remote-coastal-calif-town-must-eat-destination-21250588.php?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ## 💧 Potter Valley ### USDA Intervenes in Potter Valley Project Decommissioning Dispute *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* **Summary:** U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has filed a notice to intervene in federal proceedings involving the proposed decommissioning of the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project. The move follows concerns from hundreds of elected officials, tribal leaders and residents who warn that dam removal could jeopardize water supplies, wildfire response, and regional economies. **URL:** [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-steps-into-potter-valley-project) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🚰 Ukiah ### Ukiah Valley Water Authority Proposes Sharp Rate Increases Across Districts *By Ukiah Valley Water Authority* **Summary:** The Ukiah Valley Water Authority is proposing water rate increases across multiple districts, to fund infrastructure maintenance and system reliability. The increases would take effect in March 2026, with annual adjustments planned through 2029\. Total planned increases are as follows: - Millview: 57% - Redwood Valley: 51% - Willow: 45% - Ukiah: 18% Residents may protest through a Proposition 218 process ahead of a public hearing scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026. **URL:** [Read more](https://cityofukiah.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Final-press-release%5FUVWA-rate-increases-%5F12-16-25.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) ## 🏕️ Westport ### Usal Beach Road Closure Cuts Off Access to Remote Coastal Campground *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* **Summary:** Mendocino County has completely closed Usal Road (County Road 431), eliminating all vehicle access to Usal Beach and its campground within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. No estimated reopening date has been provided, and travelers are advised to seek alternative destinations. **URL:** [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/county-closes-road-to-usal-beach) --- ## 🗳️ Willits ### Eric Hart Enters Race for Mendocino County District 3 Supervisor *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* **Summary:** Willits resident Eric Hart has announced his candidacy for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors’ District 3 seat. Hart, who is active in several local organizations, says he hopes to strengthen community connections and protect county assets ahead of the June 2, 2026, election. Anchor Bay resident Kevin Evans entered the race for District 5 earlier this month. **URL:** [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/eric-hart-enters-race-for-mendocino-county-district-3-supervisor-seat/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📊 CalMatters ### Remembering Papa: Northern California’s Hidden Epidemic of Gun Suicides Among the Elderly *By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters* **Summary:** Between 2009 and 2023, 5,825 Californians age 70 or older died by gun suicide, according to CDC mortality data compiled by the Gun Violence Data Hub. Rates are especially high among older white men in small rural counties — including Trinity, Tehama, Plumas, Lassen, Glenn, Calaveras and Amador — where the rate reaches 35.6 deaths per 100,000, more than triple the statewide average. **URL:** [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2025/12/trinity-county-gun-suicide-rural/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### California Implements New Measures to Prevent Sex Abuse in Schools *By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters* **Summary:** A new California law, Senate Bill 848, will require schools to adopt comprehensive measures to prevent sexual abuse, including a database of credibly accused teachers, expanded reporting requirements and mandatory staff training. The legislation follows more than 1,000 lawsuits against school districts statewide and takes effect Jan. 1, with full implementation required by July. **URL:** [Read more](https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2025/12/sex-abuse-california/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### ### County Closes Road to Usal Beach URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/county-closes-road-to-usal-beach/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:34.000Z The Mendocino County Department of Transportation has closed Usal Road, cutting off all public access to Usal Beach and its campground until further notice. In a notice posted Saturday morning, the department said County Road 431 is closed in its entirety. “There is NO estimated date of opening,” the post stated. “There is NO access to the beach or campground.” The closure makes Usal Beach — one of the most remote and rugged camping destinations on California’s North Coast — completely inaccessible by vehicle. Located within Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, Usal Beach has long drawn visitors seeking solitude, dramatic coastal scenery, and opportunities to encounter wildlife, including Roosevelt elk. Travel writer Stuart Thornton once described Usal Beach as “everything a Northern California beach should be: wild, powerful, and mysterious.” The campground is intentionally primitive, with no hookups, no potable water, and no cell service. Even under normal conditions, reaching it requires navigating Usal Road, a narrow, steep, and often rutted route that can be challenging for high-clearance vehicles and impassable for low-clearance cars or RVs. For hikers and backpackers, that remoteness is part of the appeal. Usal serves as a southern access point for the Lost Coast Trail, a backcountry route through Sinkyone Wilderness featuring lush forests, coastal bluffs and black sand beaches. Despite its isolation, the area has faced ongoing issues with trash and illegal dumping, particularly during peak visitation periods when weekend warriors have been known to throw multiday raves, building bonfires and setting off fireworks. The road closure halts all vehicle access to the beach and campground, with county officials offering no timeline for reopening. Travelers are advised to monitor county updates and plan alternate destinations while the closure remains in effect. ### Rescuers Describe Doing Everything They Could to Save Woman Caught by Rip Tide at MacKerricher State Park URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mackerricher-rescuers-describe-effort/ Last updated: 2025-12-27T02:38:18.000Z Marianne Black and her two daughters were just leaving the beach when they heard someone scream for help. They’d been coming to this beach for years, driving over from Ukiah to visit the tide pools near Laguna Point. It was a holiday tradition. They loved the ocean here, and they also knew when it couldn’t be trusted. **Natasha Black:** We noticed that the tide was in, but the riptide was really bad. **Elise Cox:** Natasha Black is 21\. She says you can see the danger in the sand itself. **Natasha Black:** You could just tell the way the sand goes all the way down, so it’s like when the waves pull out, it almost looks like it’s going downhill. You would get sucked under, or it pulls out really quick. Also, when there’s waves crossing square ways almost, it ooked just very bad, riptide-wise. You didn’t see anybody surfing out there. Sometimes you’ll see people in wetsuits surfing out there. I saw no one out there **Elise Cox:** The three women had been walking the beach near the parking lot for about half an hour. They were headed toward the boardwalk, to the tide pools, when Gianna, Natasha’s younger sister, turned to say something. That’s when she saw the tragedy unfold. **Gianna Black:** So I saw the whole thing. We were walking towards our car. We had just come off of the dunes. We were walking up. We were going to, like, brush up our feet, change our shoes. **Elise Cox:** An older woman was standing on the beach near some rocks. A wave knocked her down. And before anyone could react, she was pulled into deeper water. **Gianna Black:** Before I could even blink, the out and she was screaming. **Elise Cox:** Gianna yelled to her mom and sister. Everyone moved at once. **Gianna Black:** My mom started yelling, “Call 911.” But there was another lady there who wasn’t reacting, so I told my mom to call 911 while I went down. But by the time I got down, she was already too far away for me to go swim out and grab her safely. **Elise Cox:** Between the women and the victim was a river channel, fast and deep. Gianna ran back toward parking lot, flagging people down, asking if anyone had something that floated. No one did. Natasha stayed closer to the water, shouting to the woman that help was coming. **Natasha Black:** I know how to swim, but not very well. And same with my sister. **Elise Cox:** That’s when they got the attention of a group of young men who, like Natasha and her sister, appeared to be in their early 20s. **Natasha Black:** The one guy that we met, I didn’t get his name, but he ran down there and jumped in. **Elise Cox:** The risk was enormous. Not just the riptide, but the cold, cold water. **Natasha Black:** You put foot in there and it goes numb right away. It was absolutely freezing cold water. **Elise Cox:** As the swimmer fought his way out, people on shore scrambled. Someone handed Natasha a blanket. **Natasha Black:** I put that on my shoulder and we crossed the river about, probably almost up to our stomach. It was pretty deep at that point. We were just trying to cross it and everyone ran after the guy that jumped in. That way we were just prepared by the time he got her out to have the blanket ready for her. **Elise Cox:** The swimmer swam quickly, efficiently, like a pro. He reached the woman and towed her back. On the beach, his friends helped him pull her from the water. Natasha and Gianna were right behind them. **Gianna Black:** It took three of them to pull her out of the water and then me and my sister made it there and we wrapped her and we tried to turn on her side to make sure all the water was leaving her body. **Elise Cox:** The woman drifted in and out of consciousness. She vomited seawater. She shivered violently. **Natasha Black:** We sat her up because like I said, she was nodding in and out. We thought maybe if we sat her up straight, she would kind of gain some consciousness back, but that wasn’t working. Yeah. So we just tried to warm her up, sit with her. You know, we kept checking her pulse. I was checking her pulse on her right arm and behind her everybody. You know, we took turns holding her up. It was like me and one of the guys that we kind of switched off. And like I said, we just started noticing her pulse became slower and slower. We were just trying to get her name, calm her down. But she was in shock and I believe she was, you know, got hypothermia because she was shivering. She was so cold. **Elise Cox** Natasha estimates the woman had been in the water for about 10 minutes. Another 10 minutes passed before firefighters and rescue crews arrived. The young swimmer and his friends never gave their names. The Mendocino voice has identified the woman as a 77 year old Fort Bragg resident. That information not yet been independently confirmed. What is certain is this: on a dangerous day, young strangers ran toward the water, knowing the risks and did everything they could to save a life. ### Nearly 2,000 Households Still Lack Power URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/nearly-2000-households-without-power/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:34.000Z At the height of the current outage, more than one in five homes in the county had lost power. The number of households without power is creeping down slowly, but as of 6 p.m. on Friday, more than 1,800 PG&E customers were making do with candles, wood stoves, and generators — if they had them. PG&E said a combination of heavy rain and strong winds brought down trees across the county, triggering hundreds of small outages that quickly added up. Mendocino County was among the hardest-hit areas in Northern California, said PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian. “At this time, Mendocino County is the fourth most impacted county throughout our service area,” Sarkissian said. “We saw significant impacts across the North Coast during this storm.” She said PG&E mobilized about 8,000 workers across Northern and Central California, including contractors, with many crews reassigned from less-affected regions. “It’s all hands on deck,” Sarkissian said. “Our crews have been working around the clock and through the holidays to restore power safely and as quickly as possible.” According to PG&E, one of the biggest challenges in Mendocino County has been access, as fallen trees and debris blocked roads and delayed repairs. Restoration times vary widely because many outages affect small clusters of homes scattered across rural areas, the utility said. When estimated restoration times are unavailable online, Sarkissian said crews are often still assessing damage in the field. Hospitals, fire stations and other critical facilities are restored first, followed by residential customers. Residents without power are encouraged to call 2-1-1, for updates and assistance. ### CAL FIRE Closes Forest Road in Caspar to Prevent Dumping URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/caspar-forest-road-closed-due-to-dumping/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:35.000Z CAL FIRE has closed Road 500 in Jackson Demonstration State Forest effective immediately, citing an increase in illegal trash dumping and concerns about damage to forest infrastructure during wet weather. The closure affects Road 500 between County Road 408 and JDSF Road 600. JDSF Road 500, also known as Caspar 500 Logging Road, can be accessed via Caspar Orchard Road and Highway 20. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/b517b081-ab06-4b6f-a7f9-616af246c2df_296x640.png) According to CAL FIRE, dumping has intensified along Road 500, County Road 408, and other forest roads, prompting the decision to restrict access while cleanup and evaluation efforts continue. During the closure, all motorized vehicles — including motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles — are prohibited, in accordance with state regulations. The road remains open to non-motorized uses such as walking, biking, and horseback riding. Forest staff will continue removing illegally dumped materials and assessing long-term solutions to prevent future dumping. CAL FIRE said Road 500 will reopen once conditions improve and the dumping issue has been addressed. Visitors are encouraged to help protect the forest by packing out trash and reporting illegal dumping. More information, including a map of the forest, is available by contacting the Jackson Demonstration State Forest office at (707) 964-5674 or through its website. ### In Search of the Young Rescuers at MacKerricher State Park on Monday URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/in-search-of-the-young-rescuers-at/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:36.000Z Monday was a beautiful day. A pause between storms. The kind of day that pulls people out of their houses and down to the water’s edge. A group of friends went to MacKerricher State Park up the coast from Fort Bragg. The air was clear. The ocean restless but dazzling. There was a feeling of relief that follows pounding rain and wind — a sense that the worst had passed. Then they saw the wave. And the woman on the rock. She was swept into the sea. They did not stop to think. They did not wait for instructions. They ran into the water. Others on the beach were calling for help. The friends swam out through the cold, into the surge, against a strong undertow. About 50 yards. They pulled the woman back to shore. Later, Steve Orsi, chief of the Fort Bragg Fire Department, said no one took their names. In the chaos, there was no clipboard. No introductions. No one was looking for credit. The young rescuers did everything they could. So did the fire and medical personnel who arrived soon after. The woman — a white woman in her 70s — could not be revived. Chief Orsi said the rescuers appeared focused on only one thing: helping a stranger. They asked for nothing in return. And then they were gone. We do not know if they were locals, or visitors in Fort Bragg for the holiday. We do know this: when the ocean took someone, they answered without hesitation. If you were among those who ran into the water Monday — or if you know who they were — we hope you will come forward. So the community can say thank you. ### Sheriff Seeks Identity of Drowned Woman URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/sheriff-seeks-identity-of-drowning-victim/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:36.000Z The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help to identify a woman in her 70s who drowned Monday after being swept into the ocean by a large wave at MacKerricher State Park. The Mendocino Coast is known for unpredictable surf, strong currents and so-called sneaker waves that can surge suddenly far beyond the normal waterline. Authorities routinely warn visitors to remain well back from rocky shorelines, avoid turning their backs on the ocean, and heed posted warnings, particularly during periods of high surf. According to a sheriff’s office press release, deputies were dispatched to a beach just north of Laguna Point at about 2 p.m. after the CAL FIRE Howard Forest Dispatch Center requested help for an emergency involving California State Parks personnel. Investigators said the woman, described as a white female adult in her 70s, was knocked off a rock by a large wave and swept into the ocean. One or more bystanders who witnessed the incident entered the water and brought her back to shore, where she lost consciousness. Advanced life-saving measures were performed on the beach, but fire and medical personnel were unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Responding deputies determined that no one at the beach knew the woman and that she did not appear to be visiting the park with anyone else. Investigators reported no suspicious circumstances and found no evidence of foul play. Additional investigative efforts included checking unattended vehicles in the park’s parking areas and contacting local and regional law enforcement agencies to determine whether any missing persons reports matched the woman’s description. The woman had no identifying documents and no distinctive features such as scars or tattoos, authorities said. The sheriff’s office said it is continuing efforts to positively identify the woman and will release additional information once she has been identified and her next of kin notified. A post-mortem examination by a forensic pathologist is scheduled for next week. The official cause and manner of death will not be released until that examination and related investigative reports are complete. Anyone with information that could help identify the woman is asked to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086, option 1. ### Woman Drowns Off MacKerricher State Park on Monday URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-woman-drowns-off-mackerricher/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:36.000Z A woman died after being pulled into the ocean by waves Monday afternoon near MacKerricher State Park, according to California State Parks. Park officials said they received a call at about 1:33 p.m. reporting that a woman had been swept into the water roughly 50 yards offshore on a beach just north of Laguna Point. A bystander witnessed the incident and was able to bring the woman back to shore. The woman was initially conscious and had a pulse, but she later weakened and lost consciousness, officials said. Lifeguards with California State Parks and the Fort Bragg Fire Department arrived on scene and began CPR. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency investigating the death ### USDA Steps Into Potter Valley Project Decommissioning Fight URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/usda-steps-into-potter-valley-project/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:37.000Z *Typo fixed (12/22/2025 4:13 p.m.)* U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on Friday [filed a notice to intervene ](https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-potter-valley-comments-project-no-77-332.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news)in federal proceedings over the proposed decommissioning of the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project, responding to [a letter from hundreds of elected officials, tribal leaders, ranchers and residents](https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/potter-valley-community-letter.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) warning that dam removal could threaten water supplies, wildfire response and regional economies in Northern California. The intervention comes amid growing opposition to Pacific Gas & Electric Co.’s plan to surrender and decommission the century-old Potter Valley Project, which diverts water from the Eel River watershed into the Russian River system. The project includes Cape Horn Dam and Scott Dam, which forms Lake Pillsbury. In a Sept. 29 letter addressed to Rollins and leaders of multiple federal agencies, the signatories urged regulators to halt or significantly revise PG&E’s plan, calling it legally deficient and environmentally risky. The letter argues that removing the dams would sharply reduce summer water diversions to the Russian River, raise water temperatures, release sediment downstream and undermine agricultural production, hydropower generation and wildfire suppression capabilities across Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake and Marin counties. “The proposed dam removals threaten our region’s water supply, economic stability, and even our environment,” the letter states, while acknowledging support for environmental protection if paired with preservation of critical water infrastructure. Rollins’ notice to intervene signals that the U.S. Department of Agriculture intends to participate formally in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission process reviewing PG&E’s July 25 surrender application. The Potter Valley Project has long been intertwined with USDA-supported agricultural operations in the Russian River basin, where vineyards, ranches and family farms depend on imported Eel River water during dry months. The letter asserts that PG&E’s plan identifies “unavoidable adverse effects” yet lacks transparency, meaningful tribal consultation and adequate mitigation. It claims that some tribes, including the Potter Valley Tribe, were excluded from discussions and that agencies responsible for protecting river resources were not fully engaged. Signatories also raised concerns about endangered species, including Chinook salmon, steelhead and Pacific lamprey, arguing that sediment releases and altered flows could damage habitat for years. They contend the project requires a full environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act, along with additional federal permits under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. Wildfire response featured prominently in the letter, which describes Lake Pillsbury and related water storage as “critical” water sources for firefighting. The authors warned that eliminating the reservoirs could hamper suppression efforts in an era of increasingly severe fires. Among the signers are elected officials, fire chiefs, tribal members, business owners and hundreds of residents from communities throughout the Eel and Russian river watersheds. They urged FERC and cooperating agencies to reject PG&E’s plan “in its current form” and pursue a more transparent, science-based alternative. USDA Secretary Brooke L.Rollins said she was concerned about “a profoundly negative and irreversible impact on local farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers.” Rollins noted that the counties of Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, Humboldt, and Marin together accounted or $1.4 billion in sales of agricultural products, according to the last census. [According to the USDA,](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/12/19/secretary-rollins-intervenes-protect-potter-valleys-water-supply?ref=mendolocal.news) “That’s well over $4.2 billion in extra economic activity due to agriculture if you assume a standard multiplier of $3 to $1 which is standard in the nearby Central Valley.” USDA’s comments, directed to Ms. Debbie-Anne Reese, Acting Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, require specific mitigations, which are laid out in the article: [USDA to PG&E: Mitigation is Required for Potter Valley Decommissioning.](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/usda-to-pge-mitigation-is-required) “Unless and until PG&E addresses the aforementioned issues included in these comments,” said Tucker Stewart, senior USDA adviser, “the Department respectfully requests that the Commission reject PG&E’s application to surrender its FERC license for Potter Valley Project dam because of the profoundly negative and irreversible impact on local farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, communities, and USDA equities.” PG&E has said it is pursuing decommissioning because the project no longer meets modern safety, environmental and economic standards, though opponents argue the utility has not adequately explored options to modernize or transfer ownership of the facility. FERC has not yet issued a final decision on the surrender application. Rollins’ intervention ensures the Agriculture Department will have a direct role as the review moves forward. ### USDA to PG&E: Mitigation is Required for Potter Valley Decommissioning URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/usda-to-pge-mitigation-is-required/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:37.000Z The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Pacific Gas & Electric must fund extensive mitigation measures before federal regulators consider approving the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project, warning that dam removal would otherwise leave Northern California communities without adequate water, wildfire protection, or viable agricultural alternatives. [In formal comments filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission](https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-potter-valley-comments-project-no-77-332.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news), USDA said PG&E’s plan lacks enforceable mitigation for the loss of Lake Pillsbury and the associated Potter Valley Irrigation District diversion. The department urged regulators to reject the surrender application unless specific, binding requirements are imposed. PG&E provided MendoLocal.News a statement in response to a request for comment. The utility says it expects to see multiple intervenors in the surrender process, and that USDA is among them. The full statement has been published in the [public comment section](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/pge-statement-on-usda-intervention). Congressman Jared Huffman, who has championed a “two-basin solution” to address concerns surrounding the project’s decommissioning, was not available for comment. ## USDA Mitigation Requirements USDA said PG&E must identify and construct **off-channel water storage** or equivalent infrastructure to replace Lake Pillsbury as a firefighting resource, calling the utility’s fire-risk analysis incomplete and insufficient. The agency also said road systems must be improved and properly maintained to ensure safe egress and ingress for emergency responders and residents during wildfires. The agency further demanded **detailed land-management plans** to stabilize the exposed lakebed and streambanks of Lake Pillsbury and its tributaries, prevent landslides, restore riparian habitat and protect National Forest grazing allotments. General references to future “restoration,” USDA said, are inadequate without site-specific, enforceable plans. **Groundwater impacts** must also be addressed, the agency said, warning that draining the Lake Pillsbury reservoir would likely lower water tables and threaten wells relied upon by fire stations, ranchers and wetlands. PG&E must analyze surface- and groundwater interactions and propose concrete mitigation, including replacement or deepening of affected wells, the comments stated. USDA also called for mitigation to replace **lost recreational opportunities**, including maintaining water availability for campgrounds and day-use areas on Forest Service lands. In support of its intervention, USDA cited FERC regulation 18 CFR 6.2, which requires a licensee to restore lands to a condition satisfactory to the supervising department. ## Impact on the National Forest System The agency said decommissioning would cause direct and indirect harm to National Forest System lands under its oversight. USDA demanded that PG&E complete a comprehensive analysis of affected resources, evaluate impacts to wildfire suppression in the wildland-urban interface, and resolve outstanding issues related to the project’s land trust conservation easement. ## Impact on the Natural Resources Conversation Service USDA also said the project’s removal would undermine the mission of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which supports farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners through conservation investments in working lands. NRCS currently has $100.2 million invested in the affected area in Lake, Sonoma, Mendocino, Mann and Humboldt Counties, according to USDA. ## Impact on Insurance and Rural Development Loans The department further warned that decommissioning would affect crop insurance policies that require access to irrigation. “Removing access to irrigation will increase the cost to protect farmers from the inherent risk of farming,” USDA said noting that $559.9 million in agricultural products are currently insured in the affected counties. Finally, USDA asserted that decommissioning would jeopardize $317 million in federal loans tied to 980 projects, including business programs, community facilities, rural electric systems, housing, and water and environmental infrastructure. “Without a plan to mitigate loan repayments, accepting the surrender application could leave hundreds of projects and tens of millions of dollars in default,” wrote Tucker Stewart, a USDA senior advisor. “Unless and until PG&E addresses the aforementioned issues included in these comments,” Stewart concluded, “the Department respectfully requests that the Commission reject PG&E’s application to surrender its FERC license for Potter Valley Project dam because of the profoundly negative and irreversible impact on local farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers, communities, and USDA equities.” *\**[*A version of this story was reported by the Ukiah Daily Journal on December 19\. It is available behind a paywall.*](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/12/19/usda-intervenes-in-decommissioning-of-potter-valley-project/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### PG&E Statement on USDA Intervention URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/pge-statement-on-usda-intervention/ Last updated: 2025-12-22T22:00:23.000Z The following statement was sent to us by PG&E in response to our request for a comment on USDA’s intervention in the Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project decommissioning proceedings being considered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: > PG&E is actively supporting the Eel-Russian Project Authority’s effort to build a water diversion facility which would divert water from the Eel River to the East Branch Russian River, allowing flows to continue after PG&E decommissions the project. PG&E worked for years to find a new owner for the project, but ultimately no third party stepped forward to execute a transaction. PG&E made the difficult decision to stop our relicensing effort of the project, as it was not economical for our customers to continue operating the project. No entity applied to take over the relicensing of the Potter Valley Project during FERC’s window period after PG&E announced it would not relicense the project. The surrender process is lengthy and stakeholders will continue to have an opportunity to engage in the FERC proceeding. > > Recognizing that the removal of both Scott and Cape Horn dams is a significant change, as PG&E moves forward with the decommissioning process, the company remains focused on safe operation of the dams, careful planning for their removal, and clear and consistent communication. We will continue to engage with interested stakeholders, including the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, Tribal communities, State and County Farm Bureaus, elected officials and many others. > > PG&E expects to see intervenors in the Surrender process. The USDA is often one of the interveners in projects that affect or are on USFS properties. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — December 21, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-december-21/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:37.000Z ## 🗞️ MENDOCINO COUNTY ### State Audit Reveals Mendocino County’s Financial Fragility and Systemic Weaknesses *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A sweeping state audit exposes Mendocino County’s shaky financial condition, highlighting critical deficiencies in core systems. The 97-page report identifies stagnant tax revenues, delayed financial reporting, problematic property tax collection, and questionable expenditures — including a District Attorney’s steakhouse dinner paid for with asset forfeiture funds. Auditors warn that without corrective action, the county remains exposed to waste, fraud, and abuse. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/state-audit-mendocino-county-2025) --- ### State Audit of Mendocino County Cites Improper Spending of Asset Forfeiture Funds *By Mike Geniella, MendoLocal.News* The state audit released Thursday highlights improper use of asset forfeiture funds, including a $3,600 staff dinner hosted by the District Attorney’s Office at a local steakhouse. Auditors deemed the expense an unlawful “gift of public funds” and called for stronger oversight and accountability, particularly regarding forfeiture spending. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/state-cites-das-gift-of-public-funds) --- ### D.A. Defies State Audit, Challenges Findings on Asset Forfeiture Spending *By Mike Geniella, MendoLocal.News* District Attorney David Eyster has submitted a defiant 27-page response to the California State Auditor, disputing findings that he improperly used criminal asset forfeiture funds. The audit criticized annual staff dinners and a $5,000 donation to a religious school as violations of state and federal rules. Eyster argues his spending complies with the law and falls within his office’s discretionary authority. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/david-eysters-defiant-27-page-response) --- ### Does Mendo Dare Utter the Words “Climate Change” to the Trump Administration? *By Mark Scaramella* A routine update to Mendocino County’s 2026 legislative platform sparked an unusual debate over whether using the words “climate change” could jeopardize federal grant funding. Supervisor Ted Williams proposed renaming a section from “Climate Resilience & Renewable Energy” to “Climate Change,” prompting concerns from his fellow supervisors about using “trigger words” in grant applications. The board postponed action, setting the stage for the debate to return. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paywall)* [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### Deadly Death Cap Mushrooms Claim One Life, Sicken 21 in California *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* California health authorities are warning the public to avoid foraging wild mushrooms after a fatal poisoning and 21 reported illnesses caused by death cap mushrooms. Reporter Frank Hartzell urges foragers to know their mushrooms. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/death-cap-mushrooms-kill-one-sicken-21-in-san-francisco-and-across-northern-california-only-forage-mushrooms-you-know-are-safe/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Rob Reiner’s Lasting Legacy: Transforming Early Childhood Support in Mendocino County *By Megan Carson, First 5 Mendocino — The Mendocino Voice* Hollywood legend Rob Reiner’s legacy extends well beyond film, through Proposition 10 and the creation of First 5 California and First 5 Mendocino. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/opinion-rob-reiner-made-an-enormous-impact-on-mendocino-countys-children/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎣 ALBION ### Local Fisherman Lands Potential Record-Breaking Canary Rockfish *By Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice* Albion fisherman Brendan Walsh landed a 10.25-pound canary rockfish that could set a new California state record. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/mendocino-fisherman-lands-10-25-pound-canary-rockfish-likely-setting-state-record/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌊 ANCHOR BAY ### Anchor Bay Resident Kevin Evans Launches Campaign for County Supervisor *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* Community volunteer Kevin Evans has announced his candidacy for Mendocino County’s 5th District supervisor in 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/anchor-bay-resident-kevin-evans-enters-race-for-mendocino-county-5th-district-supervisor/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚆 FORT BRAGG ### Skunk Train Defends Freight Operations Amid Eminent Domain Dispute *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Mendocino Railway CEO Robert Pinoli details freight operations and federal oversight amid an eminent domain case involving a Willits property owner. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-chief-details-freight-deliveries) --- ## 🌲 GUALALA ### WWII-Era Practice Bomb Unearthed During Gardening *By David Torres and Karen Elowitt* A World War II–era practice bomb was uncovered by a Gualala resident digging in his garden on Sedalia Drive. The unexploded bomb is thought to have been dropped during wartime training runs along the California coast. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paywall)* --- ### Coastal Seniors No Longer Part of GCC Rebuild Plan *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* Plans to include Coastal Seniors in the Gualala Community Center rebuild have collapsed over concerns about permanence and governance. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paywall)* --- ### Rapid Response Network Mobilized to Monitor Local ICE Activity *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* A South Coast rapid response network is mobilizing volunteers to monitor and document Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(paywall)* --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🍇 HOPLAND ### California Vineyard Achieves 100% Solar Power With Floating System *By Kelly Pickerel, Solar Power World* Nelson Family Vineyards has installed a floating solar array, making the estate fully renewable while preserving farmland. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2025/12/california-vineyard-goes-100-solar-with-floating-pv-system/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚔 UKIAH ### Oakland Man Sentenced for Sophisticated Identity Theft Operation *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* An Oakland man was sentenced to four years in prison for running an identity theft operation out of a Ukiah hotel room. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/identify-theft-factory-kiah-hotelu) --- ### Ukiah Police to Upgrade License Plate Reader System *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Ukiah police plan to replace an aging license plate reader system with a new $53,000 upgrade funded by parking fees. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/ukiah-police-to-buy-53000-license-plate-reader-for-parking-enforcement/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Water Rate Increases Proposed for Ukiah Valley Districts *By Ukiah Daily Journal Staff* Multiple Ukiah Valley water districts are can expect rate hikes to address aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/12/19/water-rate-increases-proposed-for-inland-mendocino-county-districts/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ## 🪵 WILLITS ### Haschak Won’t Run for a Third Term *By John Haschak, The Willits Weekly* District 3 Supervisor John Haschak announced he will not seek reelection after seven years in office. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Brooktrails Board OKs Garbage Rate Increase *By Barbara O’Reardon, The Willits Weekly* Brooktrails residents will see a 1.27% solid waste rate increase in 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Shelter Action Group Launches Annual Appeal *The Willits Shelter Action Group, The Willits Weekly* The Willits Shelter Action Group is raising funds to support unhoused residents in north-inland Mendocino County. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Attempted Killer Convicted in Casino Stabbing Case *Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office* A jury found Jason Ryan Omholt guilty on all counts stemming from a stabbing outside Sherwood Valley Casino. --- ### California Appeals Court Expands Public Utility Eminent Domain Powers *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A California appeals court ruled that a public utility may exercise eminent domain even without actively serving customers. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-appeals-court-says-public) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### Trump Administration Threatens Crucial Climate Research Center *By Rachel Becker, CalMatters* Scientists warn that dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research will undermine wildfire and weather forecasting. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/12/trump-dismantles-ncar-crowfoot-california-impacts/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### CARE Court Struggles to Help Homeless Californians With Mental Illness *By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters* Data shows California’s CARE Court program is falling short in helping unhoused people with serious mental illness. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2025/12/care-court-homeless/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested After Fort Bragg Gas Station Holdup URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/sinclair-gas-station-fort-bragg-robbed/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:38.000Z A Nevada man was arrested Friday evening after police say he robbed a Fort Bragg gas station at gunpoint and was later found in a nearby motel room. According to the Fort Bragg Police Department, officers were dispatched at about 6:19 p.m. on Dec. 20 to an armed robbery reported at the Sinclair Gas Station at 863 N. Main St.. Investigators said a man entered the business, displayed a firearm, and took approximately $200 in cash before fleeing. Officers secured the scene and began an investigation, collecting physical evidence and reviewing surveillance video. An area search was conducted with assistance from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. During the investigation, officers learned the suspect—identified as Titan Greene—had rented a room for the night at Motel 6 in Fort Bragg. Police established a perimeter, contacted Greene by phone, and safely directed him to exit the room. He was taken into custody without incident. A search of the motel room reportedly uncovered a loaded .22-caliber Ruger Wrangler revolver and additional items Greene was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of robbery (Penal Code 211) and carrying a concealed firearm in public (Penal Code 25850). ### Oakland Man Sentenced to Four Years for Running Identity Theft Operation Out of Ukiah Hotel URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/identify-theft-factory-kiah-hotelu/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:38.000Z An Oakland man who investigators say operated a sophisticated identity theft “factory” out of a Ukiah hotel room was sentenced last week to four years in state prison by Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder. According to according to the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office, James Robert Arias, 42, was sentenced Thursday to 48 months in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation after pleading guilty in mid-November to felony identity theft. Arias also admitted a prior felony identity theft conviction out of El Dorado County, as well as a prior Strike conviction. The case began in late January 2025, when the Ukiah Police Department was contacted by Los Angeles-based private investigator reporting that his credit card information was being used in Ukiah to pay for a local hotel room. According to prosecutors, hotel staff identified Arias as the individual who had checked in using the victim’s stolen credit card number and associated personal information. After Arias was arrested, investigators searched his hotel room and found what prosecutors described as an extensive identity theft operation. Items seized included printers, laptops, tablets, credit card processing devices, and both dark-web data and stolen mail containing personal identifying information. Authorities said the equipment and data would have allowed Arias to manufacture counterfeit credit and debit cards, counterfeit checks, and digital payment wallets using stolen Social Security numbers and other identifiers. Investigators determined he possessed personal information tied to at least 47 potential victims, many of whom live and work in Sonoma County. The District Attorney’s Office said Arias had been targeting unlocked residential mailboxes to obtain personal information, while also harvesting data from the dark web. Prosecutors noted that Arias has a significant criminal history. In addition to his 2021 identity theft conviction in El Dorado County, he previously served a lengthy federal prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute hard drugs. His prior Strike conviction stems from a 2020 Yuba County case involving the furnishing of hard drugs to a minor. The investigation was conducted by the Ukiah Police Department and the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigations. The case was prosecuted by District Attorney David Eyster. --- ### Identity Theft Prevention: What Officials Recommend The District Attorney’s Office reminds residents that identity theft remains widespread but says several basic steps can significantly reduce risk. Those include freezing your credit with the major bureaus, monitoring financial statements and credit reports regularly, securing mailboxes, shredding sensitive documents, and using strong passwords with multi-factor authentication. Residents who suspect identity theft are encouraged to report it promptly to law enforcement and their financial institutions. ### David Eyster's Defiant 27-Page Response to State Audit URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/david-eysters-defiant-27-page-response/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:39.000Z Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster for two years has refused to publicly address his controversial practice of using public criminal asset forfeiture funds to pay for a series of annual year-end staff dinners under the guise of ‘training.” However, a defiant Eyster privately offered up a detailed 27-page written response to the California State Auditor. Dated Dec. 5, the document was obtained from the state agency via the California Public Records Act. DA Eyster wrote his response before the state officially released its report, contending that it was unclear to him whether “state auditors have gone rogue” and seek to limit “the discretionary authority and/or the constitutional independence of the Office of the District Attorney.” State Auditor Grant Parker’s audit team replied that “To provide clarity and perspective, we are commenting on the excerpt of the District Attorney’s Office response to our audit report.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) The state office believes Eyster’s use of asset forfeiture funding has violated state and federal prohibitions, that his office “has not accurately summarized our findings regarding the presence of waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement with respect to the office’s expenditures,” and that its recommendations for corrective measures was made not to him but to the Board of Supervisors and county executives. Eyster’s combative response is aimed at state auditors’ conclusions that his string of annual steakhouse dinners, launched after he took office in 2011, is a “gift of public funds.” The annual dinners, attended by 75 or more people, fail to meet the standard for legitimate training expenses because staff guests, including spouses and friends, are not public employees, state auditors determined at the end of a year-long probe of county fiscal practices that cost taxpayers statewide $800,000 under terms of special legislation. The state findings specifically cite $3,600 that Eyster spent earlier this year to cover the cost of his latest “End of the Year Debriefing and Training” at a local steakhouse. Similar amounts have been spent since 2011, when Eyster launched his annual events. The findings support the questioning of the annual dinners in recent years by elected County Auditor Chamise Cubbison, whose challenge of the DA’s internal spending practices ended in a bitter political brouhaha. In October 2023, Eyster attempted to criminally prosecute Cubbison on a felony charge of misuse of public funds relating to an unrelated pay issue in her office. The case was tossed before going to trial, and Cubbison returned to her elected position as the Auditor-Controller. Eyster’s failed prosecution has cost county taxpayers at least $400,000 in outside legal fees for an outside special prosecutor, and for a San Francisco law firm hired to defend the county in a subsequent civil lawsuit Cubbison filed for damages and compensation for the 18 months she was suspended by the Board of Supervisors before the criminal case was dropped. Eyster has repeatedly refused to publicly comment on his dinner practices or his failed bid to criminally prosecute the county auditor. The high-profile battle between the two elected officials ensnared key county executives and members of the Board of Supervisors. It also led to the forced merger of the county’s two key fiscal offices, which is now being undone. Eyster lectured state auditors in his Dec. 5 objection to their draft report. The DA reminded them that he, as the county’s “chief law enforcement officer,” serves as “the de facto head of the executive branch” of county government. Eyster contended that he relies on a “highly qualified” in-house financial team, which had to “interact with the time-consuming information requests and remote conferencing discussions with the state Auditor.” Eyster said his internal financial team handles, on average, more than 1,200 financial transactions annually and that “no secret payroll codes were found to have been used in DA transactions, no DA financial hanky-panky was uncovered, and, most importantly, neither the District Attorney nor any DA employee was found by the state auditors to have been personally enriched through misappropriation or hidden financial manipulation.” The DA complained that state auditors did not have a qualified representative “with prosecutorial experience that would allow the Sacramento team to understand the long-standing public safety mission — and discretion — afforded all elected California district attorneys.” He alleged that state auditors created “unnecessary stress on the local team by creating unrealistic and arbitrary deadlines.” Eyster argued that his office is following guidelines assuring financial safeguards in relation to asset forfeiture spending. No corroborating data was provided in the 2024 state report on the amount of asset forfeiture funds managed in Mendocino County, according to state records. The DA went on at length defending use of asset forfeiture funds to spend $572 for personal water bottles for DA employees because of questionable water supplies in the downtown county courthouse. He also defended the $70 purchase of an antique Lake County evidence collection kit from a Sonoma County store and its eventual return to the DA’s office in Lakeport, citing “mutual aid to a neighboring and allied law enforcement agency.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Eyster defended his $5,000 contribution from his state asset forfeiture account to the church-operated St. Mary of the Angels School in Ukiah. “Apparently relying on discriminatory misinterpretations of the U.S. Constitution and California state law, the state auditor wrongly opined that a donation of $5,000 … was constitutionally defective and constitutes a prohibited gift of public funds to, in their pointed description, a local ‘religiously affiliated school.’” Eyster concluded that his asset forfeiture spending complies with state guidelines. The state auditing team, in response, took exception to Eyster’s allegations. “The District Attorney’s Office assures that its use of asset forfeiture funding has been lawful. However, as our report notes on pages 30 and 31, the office’s use of asset forfeiture funding has violated state and federal constitutional prohibitions on direct funding for religiously affiliated schools, as well as the California Constitution’s prohibitions on gifts of public funds.” Also, “The District Attorney’s Office has not accurately summarized our findings regarding the presence of waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement with respect to the office’s expenditures.” ### State Cites DA’s ‘Gift of Public Funds,’ Asset Forfeiture Spending URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/state-cites-das-gift-of-public-funds/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:39.000Z In a sprawling report critical of how Mendocino County manages its finances, the California State Auditor accuses District Attorney David Eyster of wrongly using public funds to host annual steakhouse dinners. It specifically cited Eyster’s use earlier this year of $3,600 in drug asset forfeiture funds to pay for room space and dinner for staff and their guests, which he described as a “continuing legal education and team building business meeting.” State auditors found that it was, in fact, a “gift of public funds.” Eyster has been holding the controversial annual dinners for years, racking up expenses totaling thousands of dollars since taking office in 2011\. He has repeatedly shrugged off criticism and ignored questioning by county Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison. Her questions, in fact, triggered a bitter feud between the two independently elected county officials and led the district attorney to make a failed effort earlier this year to criminally prosecute Cubbison for unrelated pay issues within her office. The felony case was tossed by Judge Ann Moorman, and Cubbison returned to office. Cubbison supporters on Thursday noted the irony of state auditors accusing Eyster of a gift of public funds — the same allegation he attempted to criminally prosecute her for. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) To date, local taxpayers have paid in excess of $400,000 in outside legal fees for a special prosecutor hired by Eyster to attempt to try Cubbison on a felony criminal charge, and to defend the county in a civil lawsuit subsequently filed seeking damages and compensation for loss of salary and benefits during an 18-month suspension ordered by the county Board of Supervisors. That lawsuit is still pending and is likely to cost the county hundreds of thousands of dollars more. Conclusions of the exhaustive special state review, authorized by the Legislature at a cost of $800,000, were released Thursday. The scope of the 97-page state report is sweeping, focusing on the county’s declining financial condition and the need for corrective action. It examined a variety of issues, including an election snafu and questionable sole-source agreements, as well as the splitting of contracts with outside vendors. State auditors concluded the county’s current procurement and financial reporting practices “leave it vulnerable to waste, fraud, and abuse of public funds.” They reviewed 30 expenditures across three county departments and found problems with documentation or justification in half. “For example, staff purchased items — a $1,000 wide-screen television for the district attorney’s office — without documenting the reasons why, and did not reconcile advance payments to staff for travel with the actual costs of those trips,” according to the state report. Beyond Eyster’s “gift of public funds” for annual dinners for staff and their guests, the state report also focused on how the district attorney’s office and the Sheriff’s Office spend asset forfeiture funds — money or property seized during law enforcement criminal investigations. State auditors concluded that the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors and the executive office have not “sufficiently overseen the use of the asset forfeiture funds spent by the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office.” State auditors said county management must beef up its oversight efforts. “We recommend that the county establish greater oversight over spending and create accountability for the use of asset forfeiture funds by having offices or departments that spend those funds report to the board annually about their use,” the state urged. “As a result, we found that these offices were making donations of these funds without adequate safeguards against improper spending,” according to state auditors. They cited a Sheriff’s Office donation to a “religiously affiliated school that violates state and federal constitutional provisions.” State auditors said the District Attorney’s Office in February made a gift of public funds when it used asset forfeiture money to cover $3,600 for an end-of-year gathering and dinner for staff and guests. The steakhouse dinners have been a regular practice of Eyster since he took office in 2011. Eyster did not respond Thursday to requests for comment on the state auditor’s findings. However, in an earlier response to state auditors, the district attorney asserted in a concluding statement that “no improper payroll practices, financial irregularities or personal enrichment by District Attorney staff were uncovered, and all transactions were supported by at least some degree of documentation.” In rebuttal, state auditors replied, “to provide clarity and perspective.” “The District Attorney’s Office asserts that its use of asset forfeiture funding has been lawful. However, as our report notes on pages 30 and 31, the office’s use of asset funding has violated state and federal constitutional prohibitions on direct funding for religiously affiliated schools, as well as the California Constitution’s prohibition on gifts of public funds.” State auditors also said the District Attorney’s Office “has not accurately summarized our findings regarding the presence of waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement with respect to the office’s expenditures.” “We noted that some of the District Attorney’s Office documentation — such as undocumented justification for its purchase of a $1,000 wide-screen television for the conference room — was insufficient,” the auditors wrote. “These issues place Mendocino and the District Attorney’s Office at greater risk for waste, fraud and abuse,” state auditors concluded. Sheriff Matt Kendall discussed the state’s findings Thursday, particularly as they related to asset forfeiture funding. “All in all, I think the recommendations are valid, and we will implement changes as recommended,” Kendall said. Kendall noted that federal guidelines governing how asset forfeiture funds may be spent by local law enforcement changed in 2024. “Many of the areas brought forward in the audit are no longer of concern,” Kendall said. The state report cited a $5,000 Sheriff’s Office contribution to St. Mary’s School for an athletics-related program as violating the doctrine of separation of church and state. Kendall said the state “found no pattern of donations to religious organizations” and noted that he has donated funding on several occasions for sober graduations and various school equipment drives. Cubbison declined to comment Thursday on the state’s findings. However, in a letter to the state, she said her office “accepts the California State Auditor’s recommendation.” “We would like to thank the audit team for their professionalism, thorough review, and willingness to discuss their observations and recommendations with our team,” Cubbison wrote. ### State Audit of Mendocino County Finds Strained Finances and Fraying Systems URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/state-audit-mendocino-county-2025/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:39.000Z *Typo fixed (December 18, 2025, 6:11 p.m.)* For years, Mendocino County’s financial troubles surfaced in fragments: late reports, concerns about property tax collection expressed at public meetings, a costly and ongoing court battle over the use of asset forfeiture funds, and a 2024 primary election marred by ballot errors. This week,[ a sweeping state audit brought all those fragments together into a single, unsettling picture](https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2025-049/?ref=mendolocal.news). In a 97-page report released this morning, the California State Auditor concluded that Mendocino County’s financial condition is “gradually declining” and that key administrative systems — from accounting and procurement to elections oversight — are vulnerable to “waste, ~~error~~ fraud and abuse”. Without corrective action, the report warned, those weaknesses are likely to persist. The audit was ordered by the Legislature and the governor after a convergence of red flags: delayed financial statements, public confusion among county supervisors about the county’s overall fiscal health, ballot mistakes during the 2024 presidential primary, and a criminal indictment — later dismissed — of the elected auditor-controller–treasurer-tax collector. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) At the center of the report is a long-term imbalance. From fiscal year 2019–20 through 2023–24, county expenditures rose more than 30 percent while tax revenues stagnated. During that same period, the county’s general fund reserve fell slightly below the minimum level recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association — a threshold meant to cushion governments against emergencies and economic shocks. Property taxes, one of the county’s largest revenue sources, played a significant role. Auditors found that problems with Mendocino’s property tax system contributed to delayed assessments and growing unpaid balances. As of the audit period, the county had $30.6 million in unpaid property taxes, interest, penalties and fees — more than half of it tied to the three most recent tax years. The county’s tax collection rate has also slipped. While Mendocino once collected nearly 98 percent of property taxes within the year they were billed, that figure dropped to just over 94 percent by 2023–24\. Auditors said the trend points to increasing delays, even as county officials attributed the figures to backlogged bills, staffing shortages and disruptions caused by software upgrades. Financial reporting delays compounded the problem. The Auditor-Controller–Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office, responsible for producing the county’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, missed recommended deadlines in multiple recent years. Those delays, auditors said, limit the ability of supervisors — and the public — to understand the county’s true financial position in real time. The report also flagged weaknesses in procurement and contracting practices. Nearly half of the 30 expenditures reviewed lacked sufficient documentation or justification, according to auditors. “We noted that county departments did not consistently obtain required approvals for purchases, such as purchases from online retailers, or document the reasons for purchases, such as for a television, making it unclear if they were made for justifiable reasons,” the report stated. Some expenditures violated constitutional prohibitions on gifts of public funds, including payments connected to religiously affiliated organizations. Others reflected weak oversight, such as poorly justified sole-source contracts and agreements split across fiscal years to avoid approval thresholds. The state auditor singled out a $3,600 end-of-year staff gathering at a steakhouse hosted by the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office as an example of a prohibited “gift of public funds.” The dinner was paid for using asset forfeiture funds. “The office paid based on the number of individuals in attendance, and its records indicate — and the District Attorney’s Office acknowledges — that attendees included both its office’s staff and their guests,” the report noted. The District Attorney’s Office shared its perspective that including spouses and significant others at the event fostered a more inclusive and positive work environment. It also stated that the county’s chief executive officer had preapproved the expenditure, although auditors said they saw no independent evidence of that approval. The auditors warned that current practices leave the county exposed to waste, fraud and abuse, even in the absence of proven misconduct. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) Election administration was another area of concern. While the county’s Elections Office was not responsible for a vendor error that sent incorrect ballots to most voters in the 2024 primary, auditors found that the office itself assigned some voters to the wrong precincts — leading to a second round of incorrect ballots. More troubling, the report said, was that those assignment errors had not been fully corrected by the time of the audit, raising the risk of repeat mistakes. Mendocino County officials offered varied responses to the report. The Board of Supervisors and the county’s chief executive officer generally agreed with the findings, while responses from independently elected officials were more mixed. **County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder Katrina Bartolomie** said her office is working with the county’s Information Technology Division and evaluating tools used by other counties to create an “aging” or “workflow” report by March 2026\. The tool would help staff sort properties by change-of-ownership dates or permit issuance dates, improving workload management and identifying properties at risk of lost property tax revenue. **Registrar of Voters Katrina Bartolomie** said the Elections Office agreed that a contract with its ballot printer would be beneficial. A contract with a ballot-printing vendor is currently being processed and is expected to include performance standards and remedies for errors. **Auditor-Controller–Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison** said she largely agreed with the draft report sections provided to her and accepted the recommendations directed to her office. Those include continuing efforts to hold regular default tax property auctions by October 2026; revising timelines for completing policies and procedures related to key responsibilities such as bank reconciliations and journal entries by March 2026; and working with the CEO’s office to make greater use of the county’s accounting system by September 2026, including increased automation. **District Attorney David Eyster** disagreed with the auditor’s conclusions about his office’s operations and submitted a lengthy response defending its use of asset forfeiture funds. **Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall** agreed with the report’s conclusions and said his office removed donations from its list of allowable asset forfeiture expenditures in mid-2024 in response to changes in U.S. Department of Justice guidelines. Auditors, however, noted that the Sheriff’s Office made a donation using asset forfeiture funds in November 2024. The California State Auditor’s Office said it expects to receive updates on specific recommendations as part of its formal follow-up process. ### Skunk Train Chief Details Freight Operations, Federal Oversight Amid Eminent Domain Dispute URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/skunk-train-chief-details-freight-deliveries/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:40.000Z *Editor’s Note: We fixed a typo and also added a sentence clarifying that Mendo Local was able to examine railway records. (December 16, 2025 10:32 p.m. )* The president and CEO of the Mendocino Railway says freight service — though limited — remains a real and documented part of the Skunk Train’s operations, a point at the center of a recently decided eminent domain case involving a Willits property owner. In an interview last Friday, Robert Pinoli walked through federal railroad regulations, internal records, and specific examples of freight and passenger service that he says establish the railroad’s status as a common carrier under federal law. Pinoli also provided the records to Mendo Local to examine at the railway’s office. The eminent domain case stemmed from Mendocino Railway’s effort to acquire 20 acres of land in Willits owned by John Meyer, a move initially blocked by a trial court but later revived by a state appellate ruling that held the railroad qualifies as a public utility with eminent domain authority. ### Federal rules and railroad operations Pinoli emphasized that railroad operations are governed first by federal law — specifically Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations — and then by the General Code of Operating Rules, a nationally adopted rulebook originally developed by Union Pacific and used by hundreds of railroads across the country. While federal regulations cannot be altered by individual railroads, Pinoli said operating rules may be modified through a railroad’s timetable, special instructions, or temporary “general orders” used to address conditions such as construction or speed restrictions. “These are the documents that govern how trains actually run,” Pinoli said. ### FRA inspection found no violations Pinoli said the Federal Railroad Administration conducted a records inspection in 2025 covering the period from January 2020 through April 2025\. The inspection focused on required monthly reports tracking train miles, employee hours of service, and injuries or illnesses. According to Pinoli, the FRA identified a clerical reporting error involving how freight and work-train miles were categorized on Form 55 but recommended no violations. “They ordered us to correct how the miles were allocated going forward,” Pinoli said. “There were no violations, and we’ve never had a records’ violation.” Pinoli said the FRA’s request for correction occurred because the railway did haul freight during the period in question but did not account for the miles correctly. The railroad was also asked to provide its internal control plan under 49 CFR Part 225, which Pinoli said existed at the time of the inspection but was not immediately available to inspectors. ### Freight service examples Although freight is not a major revenue source, Pinoli said it has been — and remains — part of the railroad’s operations and that it is reflected in the company’s documentation. In 2022, he said, the railroad carried approximately 150 to 160 carloads of aggregate for a neighboring property owner near Willits. It has also transported steel bridge components manufactured in Texas and transloaded onto railcars in Willits for delivery to a site near milepost 26, as well as concrete footings for construction projects at Camp Noyo and Camp Mendocino. “At present, freight is not a big part of our business,” Pinoli said. “But it is part of the business, and people have taken us up on it.” Pinoli said freight operations have at times required the railroad to cancel passenger excursion runs to meet construction deadlines, citing internal emails directing staff to prioritize rock hauling over tourist service. ### Passenger service as transportation Pinoli also provided an example of point-to-point passenger service — Camp Noyo, a privately owned retreat facility located about 16 rail miles east of Fort Bragg. While the camp has road access, Pinoli said winter conditions often make the road impassable, leaving rail as the only reliable transportation option. “In the wintertime, if they’re hosting a retreat, they absolutely depend on the train to get in and out,” he said. ### Acknowledging public reaction Pinoli acknowledged that eminent domain cases often provoke strong reactions and said he understands why the dispute has drawn public scrutiny. “There are few things in this country that make people angrier than eminent domain,” he said. “It’s not something I take lightly.” *Read Mendo Local News’ coverage of Mendocino Railway and the battle over its status:* [California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-appeals-court-says-public) [Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) [California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) [Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### California Appeals Court Says Public Utilities Need Not Serve Active Customers URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/california-appeals-court-says-public/ Last updated: 2025-12-17T02:33:47.000Z A California appeals court has ruled that a company can qualify as a public utility — and seize property by eminent domain — even if it does not actively serve customers. The court also determined that the stated intent of such a public utility to use land acquired through eminent domain for public purpose is enough — it doesn’t matter if the public utility is primarily engaged in private business. The case before the court, which was decided December 9, concerned Mendocino Railway v. John Meyer et al. Mendocino Railway is operator of the Skunk Train, a beloved excursion train and a significant local employer. Meyer owns a 20-acre parcel in Willits. Mendocino Railway began seeking to acquire the parcel five years ago, but the railway and landowner could not agree on a price. On December 22, 2020, Mendocino Railway filed a complaint against Meyer in Superior Court to take the parcel by eminent domain for an appraised value of $350,000. In 2023, Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Jeanine Nadel halted the effort, ruling that Mendocino Railway did not qualify as a public utility — a prerequisite for exercising eminent domain — and that the proposed taking was not supported by the state or federal constitution. The railway appealed. During oral arguments heard Nov. 10, Mendocino Railway attorney Paul Beard pointed to a September ruling by the federal Surface Transportation Board affirming the company’s status as a common carrier. The board found that once an entity becomes a rail carrier, that status does not end simply because the carrier was not carrying passengers or freight. Instead, the board stated explicitly that common carrier obligations cannot be terminated without federal authorization . Beard argued that under California law, common carriers are public utilities by definition. He cited the California Constitution, which states that “common carriers are public utilities,” and contended that the defining feature of a public utility is whether it dedicates its property to public use — not how many customers it serves or how frequently the service is used . During the state trial, Meyer’s attorney had drawn attention to the railway’s revenue sources, noting that roughly 90% of its income comes from excursion train rides and about 10% from property leases and easements, rather than from transporting freight or passengers from one point to another. Meyer’s attorney, Stephen Johnson, also argued that the railway’s early plans for the property — which included a campground and RV park — reflected a private, not public, purpose. The appellate court rejected that reasoning. In a detailed opinion, the panel held that Mendocino Railway met its burden of proof that it is a common carrier and therefore a public utility under California law. The court emphasized that the key question is whether an entity has dedicated its property to public use, not the number or type of customers it serves. During oral arguments, justices pressed the railway on whether there are limits on how long a public utility could hold property acquired through eminent domain without actively using it for a public purpose. Beard acknowledged uncertainty on that point but noted that public utility status can be challenged through other mechanisms, including complaints filed with the California Public Utilities Commission. The opinion, written by Justine Langhorne Wilson, addresses the issue of what recourse Meyer would have if Mendocino Railway does not dedicate the 20-acre parcel it is acquiring to a public purpose — namely to further a freight and passenger service that today is largely aspirational. “Should the proposed development violate any provisions of the law or of the Constitution by furthering a purely private endeavor—i.e., campgrounds, retail spaces, etc.—Meyer’s remedy is in an action attacking that future development and not in in an attempt to defeat a proper acquisition of property for a valid purpose,” Langhorne Wilson wrote. The appellate ruling does not end the dispute. Instead, it sends the case back to trial court, where the remaining issue will be how much compensation Meyer should receive for his property. *Photo by Thomas Hawk* *Read Mendo Local News’ coverage of Mendocino Railway and the battle over its status:* [Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan?](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) [California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) [Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Mendo Local Weekly News — December 14, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-december-14-2025/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:40.000Z ## 🐟 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### California’s Salmon Comeback: Restoring Habitat and Reviving Populations *By Governor Newsom’s Press Office* **Summary:** California is making significant strides in salmon restoration, completing major projects in the Central Valley and along the Klamath River. This summer, juvenile coho salmon were spotted in the upper Russian River basin for the first time in more than 30 years. The state has approved seven new salmon restoration projects totaling more than $70 million, removed historic dam barriers, and completed the Big Notch Project, creating critical floodplain habitat. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/11/26/forget-turkey-were-thankful-about-salmon-how-california-is-helping-salmon-bounce-back/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### $20+ Million Approved for Mendocino County Highway Repairs *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* **Summary:** The California Transportation Commission has approved more than $20 million in funding for highway repairs in Mendocino County. The emergency funding, sourced from the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 and the 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) will address drainage, erosion, and ground movement at three key locations: Highway 1 near Rockport ($16.5 million), U.S. Highway 101 near Leggett ($3.3 million), and Route 253 near Ukiah ($500,000). 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/20-million-for-road-repairs-in-mendocino) --- ### New MCOG Survey: Which Roads Will Be Most Affected by Sea Level Rise *By Mendocino Council of Governments* **Summary:** The Mendocino Council of Governments is soliciting community input on 15 local road segments and asking residents to help prioritize which should receive the highest level of planning attention as sea levels rise. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCOG-SLR?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎶 FORT BRAGG ### Fort Bragg Releases Blues Fest Lineup *By City of Fort Bragg* **Summary:** The City of Fort Bragg announced the lineup for the second annual Fort Bragg Blues Festival and a limited number of early-access tickets priced at $250, available through Jan. 4\. Regularly priced $295 all-access tickets will go on sale Feb. 1\. The lineup includes Tia Carroll, Grammy-nominated slide guitarist Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings, the Blackhorse Blues Band, Aki Kumar — “the only Bombay Blues Man” — and more. 🔗 [Read more](https://fortbraggblues.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Fort Bragg Never Disappoints *By Terry Sites, Anderson Valley Advertiser* **Summary:** What happens when a local writer spends Black Friday in Fort Bragg? Instead of a frantic shopping spree, the day becomes a celebration of local character and community. “No danger of being homogenized or cookie-cuttered in Fort Bragg, where the only ‘big box’ store is Safeway,” Sites writes. 🔗 [Read more in the Anderson Valley Advertiser](https://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ### Skunk Train Wins Eminent Domain Appeal, Affirms Freight Carrier Status *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.news* **Summary:** The California Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Mendocino Railway, reversing a lower-court decision and affirming the Skunk Train’s status as a public utility with eminent-domain authority. The ruling allows the railway to proceed with acquiring property in Willits for rail facilities, overturning previous limitations that classified it as solely an excursion service. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/breaking-news-appeals-court-grants-skunk-train-eminent-domain-victory-more-details-emerging/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Haywire Western Wear Store Closes After 107 Years of Local Retail History *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.news* **Summary:** Haywire, a longtime Fort Bragg clothing and western wear store, will close at the end of January, marking the end of more than a century of local retail tradition. The Anderson family, which purchased the store from the Makela family in 2013, cited challenging business conditions. A 30% storewide sale is underway ahead of the closure. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/haywire-fort-braggs-western-wear-store-is-closing-at-the-end-of-january-they-will-be-missed-big-sale-underway/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Kidnapping Case Reveals Alleged Ambush Plot in Fort Bragg *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* **Summary:** A Fort Bragg kidnapping case took an unexpected turn when prosecutors uncovered a potential plot to ambush the alleged perpetrators. Initially reported as a kidnapping and sexual battery, the case ultimately resulted in two men pleading no contest to weapons- and drug-related charges. Jose Francisco Plascencia will serve two years in state prison, while Douglas Kenneth Hance received two years of probation. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/kidnapping-case-unravels-fort-bragg) --- ### Bar Fight at Welcome Inn Leads to Reduced Charges and Informal Probation *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* **Summary:** A night out at the Welcome Inn escalated into arrests for four friends, three of whom initially faced felony charges for resisting arrest. The district attorney later offered plea bargains of 50 hours of community service and 12 months of summary probation to three defendants and declined to file charges against a fourth. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/welcome-inn-bar-fight-ends-in-informal-probation-community-service) --- ## 🌊 GUALALA ### World War II-Era Practice Bomb Safely Detonated *By David Torres, Independent Coast Observer* **Summary:** A World War II AN-MK 23 practice bomb discovered near Sedalia Drive in Gualala was safely removed by the Beale Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and destroyed in a controlled detonation at Ocean Ridge Airport. No damage was reported. 🔗 [Read more on the ICO](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) [Read more on Mendo Local](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/practice-bomb-found-in-gualala) --- ## 🎁 LAYTONVILLE ### Pam & Susan’s North Pole Toy Express *By Jayma Shields, The Mendocino Observer* **Summary:** Volunteers are busy wrapping gifts for Pam & Susan’s North Pole Toy Express, the longtime Laytonville toy drive serving more than 100 children each holiday season. The effort began with Pam Tucker (Cornell), Laytonville Unified’s longtime lunch lady, and later grew into a nonprofit with the help of Susan Shields. The tradition continues in both women’s memory. 🔗 [Read more in the Anderson Valley Advertiser](https://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ## ⛳ SEA RANCH ### Homeowner Group Opposes New Cell Tower in Sea Ranch *By George Calys, Independent Coast Observer* **Summary:** A group of Sea Ranch residents have organized in response to a proposed cell tower planned for the north end of the community. Concerns include the severity of service gaps, the tower’s location, the expected return on an $800,000 investment, and board accountability and transparency. 🔗 [Read more in the Independent Coast Observer](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ### Sea Ranch Golf Links Packed on Official Opening Weekend *By David Torres, Independent Coast Observer* **Summary:** The Sea Ranch Golf Links officially reopened Thanksgiving weekend to a large and enthusiastic crowd. “We ran out of golf carts,” said Superintendent Jason McDonald. More than 120 rounds were played on Friday alone. 🔗 [Read more in the Independent Coast Observer](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🚲 UKIAH ### Newest Section of Great Redwood Trail Doubles Length in Ukiah *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* **Summary:** The City of Ukiah completed Phase 4 of the Great Redwood Trail, adding 1.9 miles and bringing the total trail length to nearly four miles. The new section includes bridges, picnic areas, bicycle repair stations, and more than 200 newly planted trees. 🔗 [Read more in the Ukiah Daily Journal](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/12/12/newest-section-of-ukiah-rail-trail-proving-popular-city-officials-report/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ### Urgent Care Facility Planned for Airport Park Boulevard *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* **Summary:** The Ukiah Planning Commission will consider a proposal to convert the former Mendocino Animal Hospital into a 14,144-square-foot urgent care clinic with exam rooms, imaging services, solar-covered parking, and improved emergency access. 🔗 [Read more in the Ukiah Daily Journal](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/12/10/urgent-care-facility-on-planning-commission-agenda/?ref=mendolocal.news) (paywall) --- ### Ukiah Weighs Downtown Improvements Amid Pistache Tree Controversy *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* **Summary:** Ukiah officials held a public workshop to discuss proposed downtown improvements along School Street, including the possible removal of Chinese pistache trees — a move that has sparked public debate. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/ukiah-workshop-weighs-downtown-improvements-amid-pistache-tree-concerns/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏘️ VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO ### Jack Peters Creek Bridge Reopens with Two Lanes and Pedestrian Walkway *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* **Summary:** After a 1.5-year, $15.5 million construction project, the Jack Peters Creek Bridge on Highway 1 reopened Friday night. The temporary traffic signal was removed, marking the completion of the long-anticipated infrastructure upgrade. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/jack-peters-creek-bridge-to-open-tonight) --- ## 🌬️ WESTPORT ### Caltrans Battles Nature to Save Highway 1 *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.news* **Summary:** In a $110 million emergency project at Blues Beach, Caltrans and Myers & Sons Construction are racing to stabilize a collapsing mountainside threatening Highway 1, using thousands of massive boulders and advanced drainage systems. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/saving-highway-one-100-boulders-at-a-time-plumbers-and-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars-at-work-to-stop-it-from-mfalling-into-the-sea/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎨 WILLITS ### Willits Kids Corner Opens in Former Rexall Building *By Mathew Caine, The Willits Weekly* **Summary:** After two years of anticipation, the former Rexall building reopened as Willits Kids Corner, billed as the largest indoor playground and family fun center in Mendocino County, featuring inclusive play spaces and amenities for families. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Willits City Council Approves New Street Vending Ordinance *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* **Summary:** The Willits City Council unanimously approved a new street vending ordinance aligned with SB 946, clarifying permitted locations, operating hours, and restrictions. The new rules take effect Jan. 9, 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/willits-city-council-approves-ordinance-clarifying-street-vending-rules/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📊 CALMATTERS ### Rural California Schools Receive Funding Lifeline *By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters* **Summary:** Congress restored the Secure Rural Schools Act, unlocking $471 million nationwide — including more than $40 million for California counties — to support schools, roads, and public services in rural communities. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2025/12/rural-schools-california-2/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### California’s Deadly Roads: 40,000 Lives Lost as Leaders Look Away *By Robert Lewis and Lauren Hepler, CalMatters* **Summary:** A CalMatters investigation finds nearly 40,000 people have died on California roads over the past decade, as state leaders repeatedly failed to take meaningful action to curb rising traffic fatalities. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/investigation/2025/12/california-roadway-deaths-inaction/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### World War II-Era Practice Bomb Found by Gualala Resident URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/practice-bomb-found-in-gualala/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:40.000Z Residents of Old Stage Road in Gualala got a first-hand lesson in military history on Tuesday, December 9, when a World War II–era practice bomb exploded at Ocean Ridge Airport. The device was detonated by the Beale Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which responded after a possible explosive device was reported near 38000 Sedalia Drive. According to [an account published by Beale Air Force Base](https://www.beale.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4358079/beale-eod-team-safely-disposes-of-military-ordnance-found-in-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news), the object was identified as a World War II AN-MK 23 practice bomb containing explosive material. [A document published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers](https://www.swf.usace.army.mil/portals/47/docs/environmental/fuds/5points/specs/anmk.PDF?ref=mendolocal.news) states that these bombs were used for low-altitude horizontal or dive-bombing practice. The EOD team removed the device to a “remote location,” identified as Ocean Ridge Airport, where it was destroyed in a controlled detonation using C-4 explosives. The *Independent Coast Observer* said the detonation was heard and felt on neighboring Old Stage Road. South Coast Fire Protection District Chief Jason Warner told the *Independent Coast Observer* that the explosion caused no damage to buildings or property. ### $20+ Million for Road Repairs in Mendocino County URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/20-million-for-road-repairs-in-mendocino/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:41.000Z The[ California Transportation Commission last week ](https://dot.ca.gov/news-releases/news-release-2025-018-0?ref=mendolocal.news)approved more than $20 million in funding for highway repairs at three locations in Mendocino County, according to a state announcement. The funding comes from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and is intended to address damage and safety concerns caused by storms, erosion and ground movement. A total of $1.1 billion was allocated by the CTC. In Mendocino, the largest allocation — about $16.5 million — will go toward emergency roadway repairs, drainage improvements and construction of a retaining wall on Highway 1 near Rockport. An additional approximately $3.3 million has been approved for U.S. Highway 101 near Leggett, where crews will install ground-movement tracking devices, improve drainage and repair the roadway in an area prone to landslides. A third allocation of about $500,000 will fund construction of a retaining wall, guardrail and pavement repairs, along with erosion control, on Route 253 near Ukiah. State officials said the projects are part of a broader package of emergency transportation investments approved statewide to improve safety and protect critical infrastructure. ### Jack Peters Creek Bridge to Open to Two-Lane Traffic Friday Night URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/jack-peters-creek-bridge-to-open-tonight/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:42.000Z A year and a half after Caltrans launched a $15.5 million project to widen the Jack Peters Creek Bridge on Highway 1, the project is complete, barring a handful of finishing touches. Geoff Wright, an area construction engineer, said the temporary traffic signal is set to be removed Friday evening. Mendocino Coast reporter Frank Hartzell has been [covering the story ](https://mendocinocoast.news/still-waiting-for-light-to-be-yanked-at-jack-peters-creek-but-nothing-could-emerge-from-the-fog-on-wednesday/?ref=mendolocal.news)after a projected opening date proved overly optimistic. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/d9f51d15-aba2-4eae-8800-68dcd2250041_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/4ada5409-cb77-4a45-bb96-692674b5435b_300x250-jpeg.jpg) “We were optimistic that we were going to be wrapped up a little bit sooner, but because of scheduling delays, subcontractor availability, materials availability, and some last-minute revisions to the final plans for the sidewalk, that did delay the completion,” Wright said. The project included widening the bridge to accommodate two 12-foot-wide lanes, two 6-foot-wide shoulders, and a 6-foot-wide separated pedestrian walkway, as well as upgraded railings. The walkway links the California Coastal Trail from County Road 5000 to Lansing Drive. Since the project began in May 2024, coastal travelers have endured delays, along with periodic nightly closures that led some to take backroad detours and others to adjust their travel plans. Wright said the new project will improve safety for drivers and pedestrians. “We think we have a great project that has improved pedestrian mobility and made it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists to get across the bridge,” Wright said. “I know it’s been a little bit of a challenge for those who have had to negotiate the signal.” With the signal gone as of Saturday and the days of the warning sign for a narrow bridge up ahead numbered, the drive to Mendocino can unfurl without warnings or interruptions along this stretch of coast. ### Public Comment on the Draft Forest Management Plan Closes on Saturday URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/kmud-story-jackson-draft-plan/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:42.000Z With public comment set to close at the end of the week, CAL FIRE is facing renewed pressure from Mendocino Coast residents who say the state’s draft management plan for Jackson Demonstration State Forest still fails to meet the moment. Every ten years, CAL FIRE is required to update the forest management plan for Jackson, the 48,652-acre working redwood forest between Fort Bragg and Willits. And every decade, longstanding tensions resurface — between timber harvesting, ecological restoration, climate strategy, and the well-being of surrounding communities. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/76473d23-3588-4c73-922a-b76e07853a34_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/47a5cd41-b52a-475f-ba89-e1d72f94721f_300x250-jpeg.jpg) This year’s draft introduces two new stated priorities: improving relationships with local tribes and aligning the forest with California’s climate-mitigation goals. ### State Highlights Tribal Co-Management and Climate Strategy At an October meeting in Caspar, State Forest Programs Manager Kevin Conway told attendees that a series of statewide policy shifts is reshaping how Jackson is managed. “There’s also been some significant public policy changes that have given us additional tools for managing our natural and wildlands,” Conway said. “Some of the significant items I’d like to draw your attention to… Our first: tribal co-management.” He outlined more than a decade of state actions — including Governor Brown’s 2011 executive order on tribal consultation, the creation of the Truth and Healing Council under Governor Newsom, and the 2020 Native American Ancestral Lands policy. “This directed state landowners… to provide access and co-management opportunities to local tribes,” Conway said. “And in 2022, CAL FIRE… had our Jackson Advisory Group do a deep dive into the policies and our existing management plan to review it and provide recommendations.” Conway said JDSF has begun incorporating those recommendations and that tribal input is now embedded in everything from historical interpretation to project design. “We feel very privileged with the amount of time that local tribal leaders have devoted to working with JDSF staff on co-creating projects, with a specific goal of providing tribal benefits,” he said. He also emphasized the forest’s role in meeting California’s climate goals — citing carbon storage, beneficial fire, biodiversity protection, and wildfire resilience. “There’s recognition that redwood forests can play a leading role in climate-change mitigation… We’ve been challenged to reintroduce beneficial fire into all of our forest… And then there are other goals — biodiversity, recreation, wildfire resilience,” Conway said. ### Community Members Say the Plan Lacks Specifics Despite those commitments, many residents say the draft remains too vague and continues to justify commercial timber harvesting under the banner of research. Scientist Evan Mills urged the state to tighten the plan. “We see considerable potential to improve the draft plan’s rigor and its clarity,” he said. Resident Ellen Beekner was more pointed, arguing that the document still reflects an outdated model for forest management. “We don’t have time for that anymore,” she said. “Anyone who walks in the forest can feel it and know it.” ### What’s Next The public comment period closes **December 12**. CAL FIRE expects to release a revised draft of the management plan in **March**. ### “Bar Fight” at the Welcome Inn Ends in Informal Probation and Community Service URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/welcome-inn-bar-fight-ends-in-informal-probation-community-service/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:42.000Z It started as a routine evening out at a neighborhood bar. It ended with four friends booked into jail in Ukiah — three of them facing felony charges and lives that suddenly seemed just a thread away from unraveling. But as the cases wound their way through court, they took an unexpected turn. The one friend arrested on a misdemeanor was never formally charged. The three who faced felonies had their charges reduced. Then the district attorney offered all three a plea bargain: 50 hours of community service and 12 months of summary probation, on the condition that they would not consume alcohol to excess in public. It was a Friday in late August when the group gathered for drinks at the Welcome Inn on East Redwood Avenue in Fort Bragg. As closing time approached, the bartender asked them to leave. They did. But as they drifted outside into the night air, something seemed off. Security footage from the bar shows 25-year-old Shanna Ray Bayless tugging on her boyfriend, 29-year-old Arion Donn Eagle Kelsey, trying to urge him away from the entrance. Inside, a woman — presumably a bartender — called the police. She told dispatch she wanted to report a fight. When the dispatcher pressed for more details, she admitted she didn’t know any: she hadn’t seen a fight herself, she said. The bar’s security guard had asked her to make the call. Two officers arrived moments later. What happened next is only partly captured on video. Off camera, two separate struggles unfolded as Sergeant Jarod Frank arrested Kelsey while Officer Antoinette Moore arrested Bayless. Later that night, in the back of the police vehicle, Kelsey told Zander Garay he reacted instinctively when Frank came up behind him. He said he didn’t realize at first who was grabbing him. They fell to the ground. Frank hit his head. He pulled out his Taser and fired it. Kelsey said he apologized once he recognized the sergeant. Garay wasn’t around for the arrests — he ended up in the paddy wagon because he stepped outside after hearing the commotion. Standing off to the side, he took out his cellphone and began filming the scene. Officer Moore asked him to hand over the phone. When he refused, officers arrested him, took the phone, and put him in the police vehicle. The district attorney later declined to file charges against him. Another friend, Jason Fullbright, was also taken into custody. His arrest was captured on video. In the footage, Fullbright is standing and talking to the officers. He appears to comply as they lead him away. Still, he was arrested on two felonies — resisting arrest and conspiracy to commit a crime — along with a misdemeanor count of drunk and disorderly conduct. Bayless faced similar charges before both her and Fullbright’s cases were reduced to misdemeanors. At first, all three wanted to fight the charges. But the plea bargain offered them a chance to get their lives back on track. They won’t get a chance to tell their stories from that night to a jury. The footage from the police bodycams will never be shown in a courtroom. But once their probation ends, the friends will be able to expunge the misdemeanor convictions from their records. And the memory of a night when everything went wrong may eventually turn into an example of how even really bad nights can turn out alright in the end. *Mendo Local’s coverage of the Welcome Inn arrests:* [District Attorney Drops Charges Against Fort Bragg Butcher](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/district-attorney-drops-charges-against) [Mendocino County Butcher Say Fort Bragg Police Retaliated Against Him for Refusing to Share Phone Video](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-butcher-says-fort) ### Kidnapping Case Unravels as DA Finds Alleged Plot to Ambush Suspects URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/kidnapping-case-unravels-fort-bragg/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:43.000Z *Editors note: we updated the story to reflect Plascencia’s sentence including the violation of probation on prior cases. December 8, 2025 10:06 p.m.* An alleged kidnapping and sexual battery reported in October in Fort Bragg unraveled into something entirely different when the Mendocino County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case ahead of a preliminary hearing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/fdb34317-e484-4af8-9ba5-9f21a7ed2092_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/848bcc24-678b-4dc4-a2a0-6d9ded726b96_300x250-jpeg.jpg) Instead of a kidnapping, prosecutors say they uncovered a plot to lure the alleged perpetrators to a location with the intention of assaulting them. “There were figures with weapons approaching them. They fled the area in fear of their lives,” Assistant District Attorney Eloise Kelsey told the judge at a hearing Monday as she explained why the DA’s office was dismissing kidnapping and battery charges against Jose Francisco Plascencia, 25, and Douglas Kenneth Hance, 45\. Kelsey also dropped a charge of preventing or dissuading a witness by force or threat. The DA’s account stands in dramatic contrast to a press release issued by the Fort Bragg Police Department on Oct. 21, 2025\. According to the release, the kidnapping was reported at 11:04 p.m. Police said two men forced a woman into a white sedan near the 700 block of North Main Street and fled the area. Officers located the vehicle nine minutes later. Plascencia and Hance were detained and “the victim was rescued and taken to a safe location,” police said. Investigators determined the woman “had been forcibly pulled into the vehicle, threatened at gunpoint, and sexually assaulted,” according to the release. Both Plascencia and Hance were on probation. Plascencia had been charged with misdemeanor domestic battery on June 28, 2025, and with attempting to purchase a firearm on May 20, 2023, while prohibited from doing so due to a temporary restraining order. Hance had been charged with assaulting a man on Aug. 10, 2024, with a specialized paintball gun used for law enforcement training. A search warrant executed Oct. 22 at Hance’s residence in the 900 block of John Cimolino Way yielded a large quantity of marijuana, controlled substances, a short-barrel rifle, ammunition, and drug-sales paraphernalia, according to court records. Officers also found a 10-year-old child with access to the drugs and firearms. The child was released to Child Protective Services. A second search warrant served on a storage unit in the 18000 block of State Route 1 turned up an improvised “zip gun” shotgun, a modified .22-caliber firearm, ammunition and an improvised suppressor. Plascencia pleaded no contest to possession of a firearm by a felon. Hance pleaded no contest to possessing oxycodone — or counterfeit oxycodone — for sale, possessing a short-barrel shotgun, and possession of a firearm by a felon. As part of the plea deal, Plascencia will serve two years in state prison. Other charges in the case will be dismissed. Hance agreed to two years of probation, with execution of a five-year sentence suspended, provided he complies with probation terms. Formal sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 5. Neither Fort Bragg Police Chief Eric Swift nor Commander Jon McLaughlin were available for comment. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — December 6, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-december-6/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:44.000Z ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Mendocino County Supervisors Hit Rock Bottom in Voter Approval *By Elise Cox*, *Mendo Local News* A new survey of 660 likely voters shows a steep 50% disapproval rating for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors, with only 4% of respondents saying they hold a “very favorable” opinion. Despite poor confidence in county leadership, respondents showed potential support for a proposed 20-year, 1-cent sales tax—particularly if revenue is earmarked for road repairs and includes strict accountability measures. 🔗[ Read now](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-bos-approval-stinks) --- ### CAL FIRE Seeks Public Input on Jackson Demonstration State Forest Management Plan *By Elise Cox*, *Mendo Local News* CAL FIRE is accepting comments on its proposed 2026 Forest Management Plan for Jackson Demonstration State Forest, the state’s largest demonstration forest. The draft plan expands commitments to tribal co-management and climate resilience, but many community members argue it does not go far enough in restricting commercial logging or improving transparency. Public comments close **December 12**; a revised draft is expected March 2026. 🔗[Read now](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/draft-forest-management-plan-jackson-demonstration-state-forest) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/15916665-6448-408e-8007-b93355751762_300x250-jpeg.jpg) --- ### From Cannabis to Campgrounds: Private Camping Law Offers Rural Lifeline *By Petra Buchanan*, *Mendo Local News* Assembly Bill 518 allows rural landowners to establish small campsites, glamping sites, and eco-lodges with simplified permitting—creating new economic opportunities for former cannabis properties hit hard by market collapse. Buchanan argues the law could spur rural revitalization throughout Mendocino County. 🔗 [Read now](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/from-cannabis-to-campgrounds) --- ### California AG Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status *By Elise Cox*, *Mendo Local News* California Attorney General Rob Bonta has petitioned the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a ruling affirming Mendocino Railway as a federally regulated Class III rail carrier. The California Coastal Commission contends the Surface Transportation Board erred in granting preemption given that the railway has not conducted interstate commerce for more than two decades. 🔗 [Read now](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge) --- ### Skunk Train’s Role Debated in Regional Transportation Plan *By Elise Cox*, *Mendo Local News* A routine update to the Mendocino Council of Governments’ regional transportation plan sparked heated discussion over whether the historic Skunk Train should be included as a transportation asset. Critics argue the privately owned excursion train is economically unviable, while supporters view it as cultural infrastructure worth preserving. 🔗 [Read now](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of) --- ### 🧀 Shredded Cheese Recall Affects Mendocino County Groceries *By Sarah Stierch & Michelle Chapman*, *The Mendocino Voice* Great Lakes Cheese Co. has recalled more than 260,000 cases of shredded cheese—sold at Safeway, Walmart, Grocery Outlet, and other retailers—due to possible contamination with metal fragments. Consumers are urged to review product lists and discard affected items. 🔗 [Read now](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/shredded-cheese-sold-in-mendocino-county-recalled-due-to-potential-for-metal-fragment-contamination/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) # 🍇 ANDERSON VALLEY ### Boonville: Bookmobile Dave Retires *Anderson Valley Advertiser* Dave Frick retired December 5 after 18.3 years and around 300,000 miles on the Bookmobile. “It’s been a blast,” he wrote, adding he’ll still be cruising the valley on his Harley and will stop to greet Bookmobile visitors whenever he sees the van. 🔗 [Read now](https://theava.com/archives/277114?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Elk: Elk Creek Bridge Work Nearly Complete *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer* Construction on the Elk Creek Bridge replacement is nearly done. Temporary signals have been removed and both lanes are open; only minor paint touch-ups remain. 🔗 [Read now](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🏓 FORT BRAGG ### Graffiti, Hate Crime, and Digital Vigilantism Near Fort Bragg Middle School *By Frank Hartzell*, *MendocinoCoast.News* Fort Bragg police are seeking information in a suspected hate-crime graffiti incident. Amid intense online speculation, Police Commander Jonathan McLaughlin warned the public to avoid naming suspects on social media, urging respect for due process. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/graffiti-hate-crime-and-the-digital-lynch-mob-youths-target-homes-near-middle-school-online-mob-reacts/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Outdoor Ping-Pong Tables Proposed for Bainbridge Park *By David Gurney*, *Anderson Valley Advocate* Fort Bragg’s Community Development Committee discussed adding steel or concrete outdoor ping-pong tables with permanent metal nets. The design eliminates “net balls,” a feature of the traditionally indoor sport, but also prevents homeless individuals from sleeping on the tables. A final decision is pending. 🔗[ Read more](https://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- # 💧 HOPLAND ### Hopland Residents Prepare Legal Challenge Over Public Meeting Violations *By Elise Cox*, *Mendo Local News* HPUD customers say the district violated the Brown Act by limiting public comment to 10 minutes at a meeting granting dramatic rate hikes for water and sewer services,. District attorney Colin Pearce disputes the allegation, while resident Vernon Budinger says he is prepared to take the matter to court within the statutory 15-day window. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ready-to-go-to-court-hopland-residents) --- # 🌲 SEA RANCH ### TSRA to Remove Remaining Cypress Trees at Del Mar Center *By Kat Gleason*, *Independent Coast Observer* The Sea Ranch Association plans to remove another dozen aging cypress trees next week, following the removal of 20 trees in September. Some residents oppose the project, saying it conflicts with Sea Ranch’s “living lightly on the land” ethos. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Starcross Completes Annual Olive Harvest *By Mia Martins*, *Independent Coast Observer* With volunteer support from across the U.S., Starcross Monastic Community harvested enough olives this year to produce 113 gallons of fresh “olio nuovo.” 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) # 🏫 UKIAH ### City Council Appoints New Mayor and Vice Mayor *By Sydney Fishman*, *The Mendocino Voice* Susan Sher will serve as Ukiah’s next mayor, with Juan Orozco appointed vice mayor. Their terms begin December 17 as part of the city’s annual rotation. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/ukiah-city-council-appoints-susan-sher-mayor-and-juan-orozco-vice-mayor/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Meeting Thursday on Project That Could Remove Beloved Pistache Trees *By Sydney Fishman*, *The Mendocino Voice* Ukiah will hold a public forum on a multimodal corridor project that may require the removal of cherished downtown Chinese pistache trees. Nearly 3,000 residents have signed a petition urging the city to preserve them. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/ukiah-hosts-meeting-thursday-on-downtown-project-that-could-remove-pistache-trees/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Sixteen Ukiah High Football Players Earn All-League Honors *By Sarah Stierch*, *The Mendocino Voice* Ukiah High dominated all-league selections, with Beau David named Offensive Player of the Year and Jordan Schwarm earning Defensive Player of the Year. Six players made First Team honors. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendovoice.com/2025/12/04/sixteen-ukiah-high-football-players-earn-all-league-honors/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Letter: Ukiah’s Ice Rink Comes With Big Consequences *By Bruni Kobbe*, *The Mendocino Voice* A local resident questions the environmental impacts, cost, and disruption caused by Ukiah’s seasonal ice rink, raising concerns about energy use and farmers market displacement. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/letter-to-the-editor-ukiahs-ice-rink-comes-with-big-consequences/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Ukiah Man Arrested for Alleged Assault With Vehicle *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* Authorities arrested 26-year-old Eloy Lopez Jr. for allegedly pointing a replica gun at a man and ramming the victim’s vehicle as he was leaving. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/12/02/mcso-ukiah-man-arrested-for-alleged-assault-with-vehicle/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🌿 WILLITS ### Commonwealth Garden Delivers Fresh Produce to Food Bank *By Karen Gridley*, *Willits Weekly* A micro-grant from GROW funded new seeds and garden beds at Commonwealth Garden, enabling production of carrots, radishes, beets, and hardy greens for Willits Food Bank shelves. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Thank You for Thanksgiving Dinner *By Wendy Copperfield*, *Willits Weekly* More than 500 meals were served at the annual Willits Community Thanksgiving Dinner, thanks to volunteers from CAL FIRE, CCC, Chamberlain Creek Fire Camp, local schools, and numerous community partners. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) # 🏛️ CALMATTERS (STATE) ### Governor’s Race Centers on Health Care *By Ana B. Ibarra*, *CalMatters* Four Democratic candidates—Xavier Becerra, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee—outlined their visions for addressing California’s mental health crisis, funding gaps, and single payer insurance during a UC Riverside forum. 🔗[ https://calmatters.org/health/2025/11/gubernatorial-health-care-california-2026/](https://calmatters.org/health/2025/11/gubernatorial-health-care-california-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Californians Support Due Process in Immigration Enforcement *By Wendy Fry*, *CalMatters* A new survey shows broad bipartisan support for ensuring immigrants with criminal records still receive a hearing before deportation—84% of Democrats, 61% of independents, and 54% of Republicans agree. 🔗[ https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/12/immigration-poll-criminal-record/](https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/12/immigration-poll-criminal-record/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Half a Million Young Californians Are Neither Working Nor in School *By Adam Echelman*, *CalMatters* Nearly 500,000 Californians ages 16–24 are disconnected from both school and employment—a trend Gov. Newsom calls a “crisis” with deep social and economic implications. 🔗[ https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/10/men-in-crisis-california/](https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/10/men-in-crisis-california/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### As CAL FIRE Seeks Public Comment on Forest Plan, Community Demands Stronger Protections and Accountability URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/draft-forest-management-plan-jackson-demonstration-state-forest/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:45.000Z There are just days left before the public comment period closes on the state’s proposed [2026 Forest Management Plan for Jackson Demonstration State Forest.](https://www.fire.ca.gov/jdsfplan?ref=mendolocal.news) For many residents, this remaining window represents one of the last chances to influence how the 48,652-acre public forest will be managed for the next decade. Whether CAL FIRE’s revisions narrow the divide with the community — or deepen long-standing disagreements over logging and land stewardship — remains an open question. Jackson, the largest of California’s public demonstration state forests, operates under a contradictory statutory mandate: The Public Resources Code requires “maximum sustained production of high-quality forest products,” while state policy also calls for compatibility with recreation, wildlife, watershed health, cultural values, and aesthetics. Each 10-year forest plan attempts to reconcile those competing directives, and each has sparked conflict on the Mendocino Coast, where many residents oppose commercial logging on public land. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/db55ac13-52f2-4b89-b748-1a6b8e280f32_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/a8956bc0-6090-4f9e-a746-83b4e3db68bb_300x250-jpeg.jpg) Work on the new plan began in late 2024, with CAL FIRE hosting public meetings on the coast and inland, posting agendas, presentations, and consolidated input online, and engaging tribal nations separately. A workshop was also held with the Jackson Advisory Group, created under the 2008 plan to advise the Board of Forestry and CAL FIRE leadership. [The draft plan](https://www.fire.ca.gov/jdsfplan?ref=mendolocal.news), released in October 2025, drew comments from tribal representatives, scientists, and residents. CAL FIRE announced the comment period in local outlets, including *Mendo Local* (see above). ### A Plan Aiming to Modernize — and a Community Wanting More CAL FIRE officials describe [the draft 2026 plan a](https://www.fire.ca.gov/jdsfplan?ref=mendolocal.news)s a “goals-based” overhaul grounded in updated science, legal requirements, and evolving social priorities. A central change, they said, is an expanded commitment to tribal co-management. “In 2019, Governor Newsom apologized for over a century of poor treatment of our Native American communities,” State Forests Program Manager Kevin Conway said at an October meeting in Caspar, noting that CAL FIRE now brings proposed actions “first to our tribal communities, then to the public through the Jackson Advisory Group before we decide what actions we’re going to take.” Conway added that “climate change has come to the forefront of forest management,” and that the agency is “challenged to reintroduce beneficial fire” through cultural and prescribed burning. But those updates did little to reassure critics, including scientists who said the plan lacks clarity and financially literate stakeholders who called for more budgetary detail and data to support economic claims. “We see considerable potential to improve the draft plan’s rigor and its clarity,” said environmental scientist Evan Mills, arguing that the public cannot fully evaluate the plan without the context of what has been learned over the past decade. He also called for more transparency around spending: “For example, the costs associated with generating timber revenues should be separated from those that are legitimate costs for demonstration, for recreation, and for research.” A resident named Fairyann asked CAL FIRE to open its books and share accounting that supported claims from earlier plans such as the forest generated $4.3 million in local wages or that eight jobs were created for every million board feet (MMBF) of harvest. “Are those books open to the public?” she asked. ### CAL FIRE’s Balancing Act CAL FIRE officials did not say whether the agency intends to scale back timber production at Jackson in response to community input. Instead, they emphasized process — public meetings, tribal consultations, and assurances that all comments, including those delivered at the Caspar forum, will be transcribed and addressed in the next draft. But many residents remain unconvinced that process alone can shift a management model built on commercial harvest. “I really appreciate CAL FIRE for saving us from wild fires,” said a resident who identified himself as Sequoia. “But I do not appreciate CAL FIRE for approving sales of our timber.” He described the forest as a healthy, breathing organism and questioned the morality of cutting centuries-old trees to build “decks in Tennessee.” Another resident, Ellen Buechner, echoed appreciation for CAL FIRE’s firefighting role but questioned the economic and ecological logic of continued logging. She urged the agency to conduct a cost-benefit analysis comparing who profits from timber removal to the benefits the living forest provides. “We have learned enough to know that there is a heart and spirit to that forest,” she said, “and that all species who live here should be interacting with it in vastly different ways than exploiting it, conquering it, extracting its very life blood.” Buechner said the paradigm that guides the forest management plan — that timber sales will pay for research into forest management — is outdated. “We don’t have time for that anymore,” she said. “And anyone who walks in the forest can feel it and know it.” The debate underscores a fundamental tension: CAL FIRE is updating a management plan built on statutory timber production requirements that many residents no longer accept. ### Next Steps Public comments on the draft 2026 Forest Management Plan are due December 12 via [CAL FIRE’s website](https://www.fire.ca.gov/jdsfplan?ref=mendolocal.news). The agency says it will release a revised draft in March 2026, followed by another comment period. The final plan is expected in May 2026. ### ‘Ready to Go to Court’: Hopland Residents Fight Water and Sewer Rate Hikes URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ready-to-go-to-court-hopland-residents/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:46.000Z Colin Pearce, an attorney at Duane Morris, a full-service international law firm, responded to the Cure and Correct letter sent by Hopland ratepayer Vernon Budinger on Thursday, December 4. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/a48d23e9-329a-4cb9-95d3-e4d659c3e592_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/7504bc96-608c-4a9c-b3be-869812f4a9f8_300x250-jpeg.jpg) Pearce denied all Budinger’s claims, including his assertion that the ten-minute limitation on public comment on the rate increase imposed at the October 9 meeting was not compliant with the act. Instead Pearce suggested it was a policy that the board of directors for the Hopland Public Utility District had previously adopted. Budinger said he is unaware of any such policy, and he noted that the policy was not enforced at a previous meeting he attended in August. Neither Joan Norry, president of the Board of Director of the Hopland Public Utility District, nor Jared Walker, the deputy director of water resources for the Ukiah Valley Water Authority, which provides operations services to Hopland responded to a request for comment on Thursday. Norry had previously responded herself to a Cure and Correct letter sent by Hopland ratepayer Matthew LaFever on October 12\. She stated in the response that “the 10-minute time limit referenced applies only to non-agendized items, as clearly noted on the agenda.” This was only partially true. In fact, Norry gave specific instructions to the public about the time limit for commenting on the the large rate increase: “For the timing, for the Brown Act, for speakers on a particular item, the maximum amount of time to speak on an item is 10 minutes, and you’re allowed three minutes each. And so use your time wisely around questions and answers so that everybody can get some questions answered, because we will take questions and answers for 10 minutes.” Board member Carol Gunter-Hall interjects: “A total of 10 minutes per topic. Per topic. Are we clear on that?” Ratepayer Vernon Budinger says, “No. So per topic, that means when we get to the issue, the rate increase, that there’s only 10 minutes of discussion?” Gunter-Hall: “Total, total. So if you divide it, if 15 of you want to speak, you better not repeat yourself. “ Budinger confirmed in an interview he is ready to go to court to enforce the Brown Act. Under the law, he will have 15 days to [“commence an action.”](https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/media/the-brown-act.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) *Read our Brown Act coverage:* 1. [One Brown Act violation after another](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/one-brown-act-violation-after-another) 2. H[opland Public Utility District Faces Brown Act Challenge](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-faces) 3. [Hopland Public Utility District Board Limits Public Comment, Votes to Triple Water Rates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-board) 4. [Fort Bragg, CA City Council Cancels Discussion of “Anticipated Litigation” After Citizens Raise Brown Act Concerns](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-cancels-discussion-of) ### From Cannabis to Campgrounds: How California’s New Private Camping Law Can Revive Mendocino’s Land Market URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/from-cannabis-to-campgrounds/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:47.000Z California is quietly rewriting the rules for how rural property can be used — and for many in Mendocino County, it’s a long-awaited second chance. A new state law and proposed changes to county code will allow private landowners to host low-impact camping, glamping, and RV accommodations with fewer barriers than before. For a region still reeling from the collapse of the cannabis economy, this shift is nothing short of transformative. Former cultivation sites — many with road access, water systems, solar infrastructure, and flat clearings — are suddenly being reimagined not as failed farms, but as future destinations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/ae0930e1-3d26-4f99-b29d-d5a8399191fb_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/b85e443c-18c1-4862-b28f-5f94ced2dc26_300x250-jpeg.jpg) ## The Post-Cannabis Landscape Mendocino County is full of former cannabis properties selling for 50–80% below their 2019 values. Once-thriving farms in places like Laytonville, Covelo, and Willits are now quiet, overgrown, and listed for a fraction of their former worth. But while the cannabis dream faded, these properties still have something priceless: acreage, privacy, and proximity to California’s natural beauty. A new “camping on private lands” ordinance will make it possible to legally invite guests to share that beauty — without the exhaustive commercial campground permitting once required. ## What the New Law Allows Assembly Bill 518, signed into law on October 1, 2025 by Governor Gavin Newsom, is designed to support rural tourism and economic recovery. It will soon to be reflected in Mendocino County’s evolving land use code. While details will vary by parcel and zoning, new rules generally allow: - Small-scale campgrounds on qualifying parcels, often with simplified or ministerial permits. - Temporary and semi-permanent structures, including yurts, canvas tents, and tiny cabins. - Eco-friendly “glamping” operations with renewable energy and low-impact infrastructure. - Farm stays and recreation-based lodging that complement existing agricultural uses. The state’s goal is to boost outdoor recreation access while giving rural landowners a viable alternative income source. For many, that means the chance to turn financial hardship into hospitality success. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/8a038602-df57-4b5d-ad87-9d76eec0510d_1536x2048-jpeg.jpg) A well-maintained dirt road in Covelo leads to what could be a lovely camping getaway (Photo by Petra Buchanan) ## Why County-Maintained Dirt Roads Matter One of the most important details in Mendocino County’s evolving camping ordinance is where these new uses will be allowed. Many rural properties — especially former cannabis farms — are located on county-maintained dirt roads, not paved ones. These roads have historically served residential, agricultural, and commercial uses, and they provide safe, reliable access for emergency services, utility vehicles, school buses, and year-round residents. Restricting private camping operations only to paved roads would exclude the majority of eligible parcels in areas like Laytonville, Leggett, Covelo, and Branscomb. It would also undermine the very purpose of the ordinance: revitalizing rural land and supporting economic recovery. Including county-maintained dirt roads ensures fairness, accessibility, and a realistic pathway for struggling landowners to convert failed cannabis properties into legitimate, regulated, revenue-generating businesses. Allowing camping on these county-maintained dirt roads aligns with California’s rural tourism goals while still protecting safety and environmental standards. ## From Farmers to Hosts The same qualities that once made a property perfect for cannabis — remoteness, water access, sunlight, and cleared pads — make it ideal for camping and retreats. Former growers are now exploring conversions like: - Wellness retreats with yoga, sound baths, or forest bathing. - Boutique campgrounds that cater to Bay Area visitors seeking weekend escapes. - Event and festival grounds using existing roads and clearings. - Educational farm stays that reconnect visitors with the land. - Off-grid ecolodges powered by solar and rainwater catchment. And with property prices still deeply discounted, new buyers are snapping up land with built-in infrastructure and turning it into revenue-generating escapes. ## Navigating the Transition Of course, these opportunities come with red tape. Old abatements, liens, and unpermitted work still follow many properties from their cannabis pasts. Before launching any new venture, it’s critical to: - Research the property’s regulatory history. Know what violations or liens exist. - Consult Mendocino County Planning & Building on new camping allowances and parcel eligibility. - Develop a compliance and permit strategy that aligns with the latest ordinances. - Budget realistically for cleanup, upgrades, and environmental review if needed. ## Once-in-a-Generation Opening The cannabis era transformed Mendocino County’s landscape — but now, a new chapter is unfolding. The combination of low land prices and favorable camping ordinances means rural California is poised for revival through recreation and restoration. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a retreat center, nature resort, or boutique campground, there has never been a better time. ### Fort Bragg Police Investigating Hate Crime Near Cotton Auditorium URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-police-investigating-hate/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:48.000Z *Updated December 6, 2025 1:51 p.m. with additional incident details.* On December 2, 2025, around 7:09 p.m., Fort Bragg police officers responded to a report of a hate crime in the 600 block of North Harold Street involving ~~a~~ three graffiti-covered pride flags that were placed on a car. The graffiti included “rude comments”. Officers are also aware of photos and posts circulating on social media, but at this point they do not have any identified suspects. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/e63c986d-9b62-45ab-9387-0dd1f87c4947_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/cf1cfcd6-909a-4f1e-b057-62ecd21ef3d8_300x250-jpeg.jpg) Police are asking for the community’s help. If you or someone you know has any digital evidence — like doorbell-cam footage, surveillance video, or cellphone recordings — that could support the investigation, the department has set up a secure evidence-submission portal through Evidence.com. They’re specifically looking for any video showing suspicious people or activity between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the following areas: • the 500 and 600 blocks of N. Harold Street • the 500 and 600 blocks of E. Fir Street • the 500 block of N. Corry Street • the 100 block of Brandon Way • nearby alleys You can submit footage through the portal anonymously if you prefer. A link and QR code are provided below. The Fort Bragg Police Department emphasizes that it takes all reports of hate crimes seriously. If you or someone you know has been a victim, please report it. Additional resources for victims can be found on the California Department of Justice’s website: [https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/victims](https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes/victims?ref=mendolocal.news) If you have any information about this incident, contact Officer Moore at (707) 961-2800, ext. 225, or email amoore@fortbraggca.gov. ### Should the Skunk Train be Part of the Regional Transporation Plan? URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/should-the-skunk-train-be-part-of/ Last updated: 2025-12-03T20:03:12.000Z At a Mendocino Council of Governments hearing this week, a routine update to the regional long-term transportation plan mentioning the Skunk Train drew unusually sharp debate. This story first aired on KMUD on December 2\. We thank KMUD for helping to fund this podcast. ### Mendocino County Supervisors' Approval Rating Stinks — New Survey Shows URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-bos-approval-stinks/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:49.000Z While President Donald Trump’s[ low approval ratings](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/donald-trump-approval-rating-polls.html?ref=mendolocal.news) have recently made national headlines, his worst polling numbers still exceed the approval rating Mendocino County voters give their own Board of Supervisors. That’s according to[ a new survey of 660 likely voters](https://www.mendocinocog.org/2025-12-01-board-of-directors-presentation-and-public-hearings?ref=mendolocal.news#docaccess-bd1133e762f93e20e5d2ccc74fe07ea0167bd886207d011c7ea6425cef086519) living in unincorporated Mendocino County. The poll was conducted by FM3 Research on behalf of the Mendocino Council of Governments and presented at Monday’s meeting. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/b601bdf0-2081-4b04-ab87-ca4b289e193a_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/87900be9-c209-4d8a-bf3a-118a7e8fb059_300x250-jpeg.jpg) Asked whether they held a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the board, only 4% of respondents said their view was “very favorable,” and 26% said “favorable.” Half of respondents — 50% — reported an unfavorable opinion, including 23% “very unfavorable” and 27% “somewhat unfavorable.” Mendocino County government as a whole scored slightly worse, with 52% holding an unfavorable view. But it also had a slightly higher favorable rating than the board, at 31%. Respondents identified homelessness and a lack of good-paying jobs as the top issues facing the county, followed by the condition of local streets and roads, and waste and inefficiency in government. One goal of the survey was to gauge support for a proposed 1-cent sales tax that would last 20 years. Exactly 66% of respondents said they were likely to support it, with 39% saying they would “definitely” vote yes. However, the results also show voters are easily swayed by both positive and negative messages about the tax. Support rose to 69% after respondents heard positive arguments, then fell to 61% after hearing arguments against it. Support increased among voters who were told the tax would qualify the county for millions of dollars in state and federal matching funds. Support also rose when respondents were informed the measure would include accountability provisions. Ninety percent said they would be more likely to vote for the tax if funds were legally required to be spent on local roads and not diverted to other uses. Eighty-eight percent said they would be more likely to support the measure if it required public disclosure of spending. Opponents cited high existing taxes and concerns about wasteful government spending as their primary reasons for voting no. Past MCOG polling showing support for transportation-specific sales taxes has led to voter-approved measures in Willits, Fort Bragg, Point Arena and Ukiah. That leaves the county as the only jurisdiction without such a measure, according to Michael Villa, regional project coordinator for the Mendocino Council of Governments. Supervisor Madeline Cline, who serves on the council, said the results did not surprise her. “I think it’s pretty clear that people want to see improvements in the roads,” she said. Supervisor John Haschak asked whether the survey distinguished among county, state and city roads. A representative from FM3 confirmed it did not. Respondents were contacted by email, text and telephone and completed the survey either by phone interview or online. The survey results will be presented to the Board of Supervisors at a future meeting. The supervisors are then expected to discuss moving forward with a ballot measure. ### Eric Swift is Sworn in as Fort Bragg's New Police Chief URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/chief-eric-swift-is-sworn-in-fort-braggs/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:49.000Z The swearing of Fort Bragg’s newest police chief opens a new chapter for this coastal town, whose innovative homeless program was praised in a recent grand jury report. Residents said they are hopeful the new chief will continue retired Chief Neil Cervenka’s community-forward activities while increasing transparency around dispatch services, Flock camera use, and more. ### California AG Bonta Challenges Mendocino Railway’s Federal Carrier Status URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/california-ag-bonta-skunk-train-challenge/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:50.000Z *Editor’s note: Typo fixed December 1, 2025 9:49 p.m.* California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a petition asking the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a federal ruling affirming Mendocino Railway as a Class III rail carrier under exclusive federal jurisdiction. Mendocino Railway President Robert Pinoli did not respond to a request for comment. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/deab8a32-a162-4f5b-9763-2f400e6f10cc_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/14f5b184-608e-403b-9c96-adae3025e371_300x250-jpeg.jpg) The petition, filed Nov. 25 on behalf of the California Coastal Commission, seeks review of a Sept. 26 Surface Transportation Board decision confirming the railway’s carrier status and extending to it the protections of federal preemption. Those protections can limit the ability of state and local governments to enforce requirements that conflict with federal rules on rail operations or track construction. The appeal names the Surface Transportation Board and the United States as respondents. It argues the STB’s ruling was unlawful and should be set aside. ### Dispute centers on interstate commerce At the heart of the commission’s challenge is whether Mendocino Railway provides transportation “as part of the interstate rail network.” The commission argues the STB failed to adequately address that question. The commission contends Mendocino Railway’s operations are confined to Mendocino County and that its only physical connection to the interstate rail system has been inactive for more than 25 years. The commission has previously argued the company has not shown evidence of hauling freight or carrying non-excursion or non-local passengers in the two decades since it acquired the line. Even if some freight movements occurred, the commission says, they were too minimal to constitute interstate commerce. ### Federal authority vs. state regulation Mendocino Railway sought the STB’s declaratory ruling in July, saying it needed confirmation of its status due to “recent legal challenges by local municipalities and state agencies” that it said threatened its financial stability. The STB sided with the railway, ruling that Mendocino Railway became a rail carrier with a common-carrier obligation when it purchased the assets of the California Western Railroad in 2004\. The Board rejected the commission’s argument that a failure to provide freight service could negate the company’s carrier status. “A rail carrier does not lose its status as a common carrier by not providing freight rail service,” the STB wrote, adding that the obligation cannot be terminated without formal abandonment or discontinuance authorization from the Board. The agency also noted that once an entity becomes a rail carrier, its status is not affected by periods of inactivity. The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, a national trade group, supported the STB’s decision, arguing that a ruling against Mendocino Railway could have sweeping implications for small railroads nationwide. The state’s petition was filed by Deputy Attorney General Patrick Tuck, under the supervision of Bonta, Senior Assistant Attorney General Daniel A. Olivas and Supervising Deputy Attorney General David G. Alderson. The filing met the 60-day deadline to challenge the Sept. 26 decision. *Read Mendo Local’s coverage of the mill site issue:* [Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause?utm%5Fsource=publication-search) [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Mendo Local Weekly News — November 30, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-nov-30/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:51.000Z ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY ### California Pushes Back Against Trump Administration’s New Offshore Drilling Plan *By Chelsea Randall*, *Independent Coast Observer* Attorney General Rob Bonta, Rep. Jared Huffman, and Sen. Alex Padilla are opposing the Trump administration’s new draft plan to expand offshore oil drilling along the California coast. The 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program was released on Nov. 20. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/c6678fcc-fd6e-4f3d-8227-b118a7a5f24f_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/40e03c2d-0d99-45aa-bd00-9838fece40aa_300x250-jpeg.jpg) ## 🌲 ANDERSON VALLEY ### Anderson Valley High School Celebrates New Track and Field Facility *By Terry Sites*, *Anderson Valley Advertiser* Anderson Valley High School cut the ribbon on a new $4.7 million track and field complex funded by a CalTrans Clean California grant. Former Superintendent Louise Simson and grant writer Chris Vetrano led the effort to create a multi-use athletic space designed for students and the broader community. 🔗 [Read more](https://theava.com/archives/276932?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🍽️ ELK ### Mendocino Coast Chef Spotlighted in Apple TV Cooking Series *By Karen Elowitt*, *Independent Coast Observer* Matthew Kammerer of Elk’s Harbor House Inn — a two-Michelin-starred venue known for hyper-local cuisine and a silent kitchen — is featured in Apple TV’s new series *Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars*, produced by Gordon Ramsay. Kammerer is one of three California chefs highlighted. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚓 FORT BRAGG ### Small Town, Big Scrutiny — Fort Bragg’s Path to Selecting a New Police Chief *By Elise Cox*, *Mendo Local News* Fort Bragg adopted a multi-stage, community-centered process to select a new police chief, including three interview panels, standardized questions, and a public meet-and-greet. Interim Chief Eric Swift was ultimately chosen from a strong local pool. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/small-town-big-scrutiny-fort-bragg) ### Fort Bragg City Council Approves Councilmember Pay Raise *By Elise Cox*, *Mendo Local News* The City Council voted to raise its monthly stipend from $510 to $950, effective December 2026\. Supporters said the increase will reduce barriers for younger candidates and those with caregiving responsibilities. Councilmembers emphasized the significant workload, which often exceeds 20 hours a week. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-council-votes-to-boost) ### Model Trains Bring Mendocino Coast History to Life *By Carole Brodsky*, *Ukiah Daily Journal* The Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society’s G-scale layout near the Skunk Train Depot offers a detailed recreation of local logging history from 1885–1950, featuring handcrafted trains, landscapes, and historic buildings. 🔗 [Read more](https://mcmrhs.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Running for Tradition, Feeding for Tomorrow *By Frank Hartzell*, *Mendocino Coast News* Fort Bragg’s Thanksgiving festivities included a 200-person Turkey Trot and a community dinner serving more than 1,300 meals. Volunteers prepared and delivered more than 1,000 meals from Westport to Albion. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/running-for-tradition-feeding-for-tomorrow-turkey-trot-presbyterian-feast/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🎻 GUALALA ### Grammy-Winning Violinist Mads Tolling Performs at Gualala Arts Center *Gualala Arts Press Release* Mads Tolling will headline the Whale & Jazz Series on Dec. 6, joined by musicians Adam Klipple, Gary Brown, and Eric Garland. The performance will include a recreation of “Cristo Redentor” and possibly a new piece titled “Coastal Explorations.” 🔗 [Read more](https://gualalaarts.org/2025/12/mads-tolling-friends/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 💧 HOPLAND ### HPUD Declines to Acknowledge Cure & Correct Letters, Raising Transparency Concerns *By Elise Cox*, *Mendo Local News* After approving steep rate increases — 40% for water and 25% for wastewater — the Hopland Public Utility District received multiple “Cure and Correct” letters alleging Brown Act violations. Issues raised include restricted public comment, unavailable protest letters, unclear closed-session reporting, and procedural irregularities. The board failed to acknowledge the letters, potentially violating state law. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/one-brown-act-violation-after-another) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🐚 POINT ARENA ### Reading Program Introduces Students to *Pearl the Seal* *By Karen Elowitt*, *Independent Coast Observer* Fourth graders at Arena Elementary received copies of *Pearl*, a coming-of-age story about a baby harbor seal, after hearing the 35-page book read aloud by author Deirdre Harrison. The program was supported by the ICO Children’s Reading Program. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏫 UKIAH ### Residents Discuss Potter Valley Project Decommissioning *By Sydney Fishman*, *The Mendocino Voice* More than 100 people attended a workshop to discuss PG&E’s plan to dismantle two Potter Valley Project dams. Speakers highlighted concerns over water security, environmental impacts, and the economic effects of ending a century-old water diversion. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/residents-pack-ukiah-workshop-on-potter-valley-project-decommissioning/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Mendocino College Professor Arraigned on Child Sexual Abuse Charges *By Dan McMenamin & Sydney Fishman*, *The Mendocino Voice* Jason Davis, a 54-year-old Mendocino College English professor, was arraigned on six felony counts including sexual intercourse with a minor and possession of child pornography. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 8. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/mendocino-college-professor-charged-in-child-sexual-abuse-case/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Ukiah Police Bust Fentanyl Operation, Arrest Four *Ukiah Police Department Press Release* A coordinated Nov. 18 operation led to the arrest of four Ukiah residents and the seizure of fentanyl, methamphetamine, firearms, and cash. All suspects were booked on multiple felony charges. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/ukiah-police-arrest-four-in-fentanyl-meth-sales-investigation/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Local Woman Crashes Into School Gymnasium *Ukiah Police Department Press Release* Alexa Harz, 47, was arrested for DUI after crashing her Mini Cooper into a school building on Nov. 22\. No injuries were reported. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/ukiah-woman-arrested-on-suspicion-of-dui-after-crashing-into-school/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### New Storm Drain Tackles Flooding on Perkins Street *By Justine Frederiksen*, *Ukiah Daily Journal* Ukiah is completing installation of a new storm drain to address chronic flooding near the Pear Tree Shopping Center. Paving is expected to begin in early December. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/26/new-storm-drain-installed-on-perkins-street/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🚂 WILLITS ### Brooktrails Board Hears Brown Act Update *By Barbara O’Reardon, Willits Weekly*The Brooktrails Township CSD Board heard an update on changes to the Brown Act taking effect next year and reviewed its annual fire inspection report required by SB 1205. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### ‘Train’ber Mixer Brings Community Aboard *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly*The Willits Chamber of Commerce hosted a mixer aboard the Skunk Train, featuring entertainment from Mayor Tom Allman and singer Malakai Schindel. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ⚡ CALMATTERS — STATEWIDE ### California Utilities Facing Historic Low Profit Margins *By Malena Carollo, CalMatters*The CPUC is set to reduce profit margins for PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E to below 10%, a historic low. Despite the cut, analysts say customers may not see bill reductions. Utilities warn the change could hamper infrastructure investments. 🔗 [Read](https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/11/electric-bills-will-not-reflect-historically-low-profit-margins/?ref=mendolocal.news) CalMatters ### Rural California Hospitals Revive Maternity Care with New Model *By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters*A new state law is enabling a pilot project that allows selected rural hospitals to reopen maternity units by shifting to flexible “standby” models and birth centers, addressing long-standing gaps that forced rural families to travel hours for care. 🔗 [Read ](https://calmatters.org/health/2025/11/plumas-maternity-birth-center/?ref=mendolocal.news)CalMatters or [Read Mendo Local’s original story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/newsom-signs-bills-to-ease-barriers) ### The Brown Act Sets a Minimum Threshold. Good Government Exceeds It. URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/good-government-exceeds-the-brown-act/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:51.000Z *Jon Kennedy, founder and CEO of CivAssist, is an influential local government advocate with experience as a county supervisor, city manager, non-profit director and serial entrepreneur. He’s assisted dozens of small agencies with Brown Act and Public Records Request guidance. (Photo: Chris Pugh - Ukiah Daily Journal)* Anyone who has ever read the Brown Act — California’s 70-year-old love letter to local government transparency — knows it’s a strange beast. Half of it is common sense, and the other half reads like the final exam from a community-college class called *Advanced Bureaucracy: Theory and Practice.* So it’s no surprise when agencies technically follow the law but still leave the public feeling like something is being hidden behind a velvet curtain. Take the recent Hopland Public Utility District situation. Their closed session was properly agendized under Government Code §54956.9(d)(2). On paper, that’s the correct citation for discussing anticipated litigation. Strictly by statute, the board met the legal threshold. But here’s the rub: Complying with the law and practicing good transparency are not the same thing. The law says that when a board goes into closed session under (d)(2), they don’t have to identify the claimant, the letter, the dispute, or the triggering event. They don’t have to say it was about a Cure and Correct letter. They don’t have to say much at all unless they take formal action. “Direction given to staff” is legally sufficient. But legal sufficiency is the floor, not the ceiling. And for the public — the people paying the bills, attending meetings, and showing up with pitchforks (or at least the modern equivalent: Facebook comments) — the floor often feels like a trapdoor. There’s nothing in the Brown Act that prevents a board from voluntarily saying something like: “Tonight’s closed session involved reviewing a Cure and Correct letter regarding our October 9 meeting. The board discussed the matter with legal counsel and provided direction to staff to prepare a response.” That is perfectly legal. It doesn’t give away attorney-client privilege. It doesn’t undermine the agency’s position. And it gives the public what they always want: context. Good transparency isn’t about spilling secrets — it’s about reducing the mystery so people don’t assume the worst. Most frustration in local government doesn’t come from wrongdoing; it comes from silence that looks like wrongdoing. Some boards understand this instinctively. Others cling so tightly to the minimum requirements that the public ends up imagining conspiracies where none exist. And that gap — between bare compliance and good behavior — is where trust erodes. Ironically, misunderstandings like these are what pushed me to build CivAssist, the agenda and minute platform I created years ago. I watched agencies get beat up for sloppy agenda language, vague closed session descriptions, and accidental omissions. Not malicious — just avoidable. CivAssist forces clean noticing because it takes human error and accidental ambiguity out of the equation. But software aside, the real solution is cultural: Read the room. If half the audience shows up asking about a Cure and Correct letter, and everyone knows that’s why closed session exists that night, then giving the bare-minimum statutory report isn’t caution — it’s gasoline on a fire. Transparency isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a behavior. And the truth is: 95% of the time, boards can safely be more open than they think they can. The Brown Act protects attorney-client privilege and strategic discussions — not the secrecy of the topic itself. Agencies can be clearer, calmer, and more communicative without crossing any legal line. If boards offered even a little more voluntary clarity, the public would be calmer, meetings would be shorter, and reporters wouldn’t have to play forensic detective with partial information. Everyone wins. Because at the end of the day, the Brown Act isn’t supposed to be a mystery thriller. If your residents have to hire a lawyer, a journalist, and a bloodhound just to figure out what happened in closed session, something has gone off the rails. ### Small Town, Big Scrutiny — Fort Bragg’s Process for Selecting a New Police Chief URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/small-town-big-scrutiny-fort-bragg/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:52.000Z For small, rural communities, hiring for high-profile positions of trust—like police chief—presents unique challenges. Information — confirmed or not — can race through coffee shops, supermarket lines, farmers’ markets and Facebook groups outpacing official announcements. That dynamic, City Councilmember Lindy Peters said, came into play when Police Chief Neil Cervenka announced his retirement in August. “The city manager wanted to make sure we had a completely transparent policy to select the new chief,” Peters said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/763a3fab-6266-4dbf-9ac6-cbe66c5b8f70_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/78a29c16-d860-4635-abeb-bfd6ac06a48e_300x250-jpeg.jpg) Fort Bragg, a general law city, shifted the authority to appoint its police chief from the city council to the city manager years ago, Peters said. “A prospective police chief would probably rather work for one person than five people on a council that rotates every two years,” he said. But that made it even more important to have a clear, public-facing process. In response, City Manager Isaac Whippy adopted an expanded, multi-panel vetting model. Peters said Whippy designed the structure to counter “charges whether they’re erroneous or not that the police department hasn’t been that transparent.” **A three-panel review and a structured scoring system** Six finalists — narrowed down by a professional recruiter — met with three separate interview panels of at least seven members each. The panels included community members, public safety committee members, the fire chief and police chiefs brought in from outside the region. Questions were standardized to ensure legal compliance and consistency. “We have to be careful in the interview process,” Peters said. “We stuck to basic police policy and experience.” Peters and fellow councilmember Scott Hockett served on the community panel. “We started at eight in the morning and didn’t finish until close to five,” he said. After the interviews, each panelist ranked the candidates one through six. The full group later convened to discuss their reasoning, and Whippy took notes and compiled the ratings to compare overall scores. Notably, the three highest-scoring candidates were all local: interim Chief Eric Swift, Capt. Thomas O’Neal and Cmdr. John McLaughlin. “That wasn’t because people wanted a local,” Peters said. “The local candidates happened to have the highest scores.” **Community access added a new layer** With recognition that building trust requires broad input, Whippy also hosted a public gathering where residents could meet the finalists and submit optional surveys. Peters added that Whippy personally called each council member before issuing a press release. “He told us how he came to the decision and then told us who his selection was so that we didn’t have to read about it on social media.” **A difficult job to fill — and an unusually strong field** Peters, who has participated in police chief and city manager searches over his 22 years on the council, said rural recruitment is often difficult. “It’s not that easy to get a qualified candidate who wants to live in a remote area,” he said. “Sometimes the spouse or kids don’t want to live somewhere without big-city amenities.” But this cycle was different, he said. “I really felt we couldn’t lose with the three finalists. Any one of them would have been fine.” Peters described O’Neal as someone who “handles the homeless and transient population with the utmost care and respect,” and praised McLaughlin as “the guy who knows people by first name and can calm situations down.” But Swift’s experience, leadership style and work ethic stood out. **A interim chief who worked shoulder-to-shoulder with patrol officers** Peters said that Swift regularly shows up for work at 6:30 a.m. for the shift change. “He actually came in at one or two in the morning to help with a jail transport because the officers were tied up,” Peters said. “That’s pretty rare for a police chief.” Swift’s résumé includes experience in Santa Rosa, Napa County and Georgia, along with SWAT and military service. Since becoming interim chief earlier this year, Peters said Swift has “really done a good job of providing transparency for the press and the public.” Mayor Jason Godeke also praised the broad-based process. “It brought a lot of different ways for people to interact with the process and give some input,” he said. “And that just seemed like a really healthy, important way to do something like this.” ### Fort Bragg Council Votes to Boost Pay to $950 a Month URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-council-votes-to-boost/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:53.000Z *11/27/2025 9:16 a.m. — typos corrected* The Fort Bragg City Council voted Monday to raise councilmember monthly pay from $510 to $950 per month after the 2026 general election, adopting the maximum allowed under state law and drawing broad support from residents who said higher compensation would help attract working parents and other prospective candidates. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/19dead36-e9ff-4dd4-ba90-636f230e46ab_320x100.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/895e2828-11ab-40c4-9280-799f21caef85_300x250-jpeg.jpg) City Clerk Diana Paoli said the increase will take effect when the new term begins in December 2026\. The council last reviewed its compensation structure in 2024, when a scheduled 5% cost-of-living increase was not implemented due to an administrative error. California Government Code §36516 — updated by a 2023 Senate bill — sets the allowable salary cap for a city of Fort Bragg’s size at $950 per month or $11,400 a year. Paoli said councilmembers had the option to leave salaries unchanged, apply a smaller 5% increase, or adopt the full amount. In addition to the monthly stipend, councilmembers receive health care and retirement benefits ranging from zero to more than [$38,000 depending on individual circumstances](https://publicpay.ca.gov/Reports/PositionRpts.aspx?rpt=3&entityid=259&ref=mendolocal.news). Public comment strongly favored the raise. Several speakers argued that the modest stipend deters younger people, caregivers, or those without financial flexibility from seeking office. Jacob Patterson told the council that without the ability to extend dependent-care reimbursements to all city employees — which the city cannot afford — increasing council salaries was the only feasible way to offset caregiving costs for potential candidates. Other residents noted the time demands of committee work, meetings outside Fort Bragg, and long closed sessions. Councilmember Lindy Peters, who has served more than two decades, delivered the most pointed defense of the increase, pointing to persistent misconceptions about what council service requires. Peters said he routinely puts in at least 20 hours a week, often more, and receives “about $5.35 an hour” once his current stipend is divided across the workload. He emphasized that councilmembers receive no pay for committee meetings, including regional boards that require unpaid travel. “People don’t realize that closed session often goes three or four hours before a public meeting that goes another four,” Peters said. And then there are uncounted hours of informal service. “If I started a timer every time someone stopped me in Safeway or at the farmers market to talk about city business, I’d be putting in a lot more than 20 hours a week.” He added that online criticism from residents unfamiliar with the workload overlooks the challenges of balancing public service with family and employment responsibilities. Peters cited former Vice Mayor Jessica Morsell-Hay, who did not run for reelection because she could not manage council duties while raising two young children and operating a family business. “To get some good quality candidates, this is also a little carrot on a stick,” Peters said. “Maybe younger candidates with young children, or people caring for a parent, will feel they can give it a shot.” Other councilmembers echoed his concerns. Councilmember Albin-Smith noted she serves on about ten committees, some of which require extensive preparation or travel. Vice Mayor Marsha Rafanan said $950 a month could open the door for residents who otherwise could not afford to participate. “Anybody that complains about this raise, which really isn’t all that much, obviously doesn’t know the work that goes into a meeting behind the scenes,” Judy Valadao said. Gabriel Quinn Maroney urged the councilmembers “not to mess around” with smaller amounts. “Your constituents want you guys to be availabe,” he noted. “Although it’s not a lot of money, this helps you to be more available and to do your job better.” ### One Brown Act Violation After Another URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/one-brown-act-violation-after-another/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:54.000Z *This story was updated at 4:01 p.m. on November 25 with quotes from Jon Kennedy* The board of directors of the Hopland Public Utility District met on Nov. 13, three weeks after receiving two formal complaints from ratepayers alleging the board violated the Brown Act during its October meeting. At that meeting, the board voted to raise water service rates by 40% and wastewater rates by 25%, effective Nov. 1\. Both the October and and November meetings were held at Brutocao Cellars. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/f891b449-de58-44ad-a6f3-170ed23e2ac3_320x100.png) The agenda posted at the Hopland Post Office listed a closed-session item: *Anticipated Exposure to Litigation, Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2).* It did not identify the title or specific nature of the potential litigation, nor did the board later state on the record that such disclosure would jeopardize service of process on unserved parties or HPUD’s ability to conclude existing settlement negotiations—such statements are required when an agency withholds information. After the closed session, public comment began. > A reporter asked, “Is there going to be a report back from closed session?” > > A board member replied, “Information received and direction given to staff.” > > The reporter followed up: “Are you taking any action on the Cure and Correct letter? Are you going to re-notice the meeting as requested, as required by the act?” > > “We are going to send that up for discussion with legal,” Board President Joan Norry responded. > > “What was the last half hour?” asked Vernon Budinger, author of the Cure and Correct letter. > > “Closed session,” Norry said. > > “I thought that was litigation,” Budinger replied. > > “No, it was legal counsel,” Norry said. Jared Walker, deputy director of the Ukiah Valley Water Authority—which provides management services to HPUD—interjected: “It was a conference with legal counsel in closed session for anticipated exposure to litigation, so there was an item discussed there in closed session. But the report out was literally just information received and direction given to staff.” Neither Norry nor Walker asserted that further disclosure would jeopardize service of process or settlement negotiations, as required by the state law. Attorney Jonathan [Weissglass, who recently won a Brown Act judgment against the City of Berkeley](https://berkeleyhighjacket.com/2025/news/berkeley-city-council-protests?ref=mendolocal.news) on appeal, said that if the closed session was held in response to Budinger’s letter, the Act requires that the letter be made available for public inspection 72 hours before the meeting. [A similar issue unfolded in Fort Bragg in August](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-cancels-discussion-of?utm%5Fsource=publication-search), when the city attorney advised the mayor not to hold a closed session after an agenda referenced anticipated litigation with an undisclosed party. Three residents objected, and the item was withdrawn. Jon Kennedy is founder of CivAssist, which offers software that helps governmental organizations comply with the Brown Act. He reviewed the Cure and Correct letters sent to HPUD and also a recording and reports of the two meetings. > “The frustration \[at the meeting on Nov. 13\] seems to center on two things: the closed session and the way public comment was described. A lot of people believe the closed session was about one of the Cure and Correct letters, and maybe it was, but the district never actually said so,” Kennedy observed. “If it was the basis, then the letter should be available for public inspection; if it wasn’t, the Brown Act doesn’t require that disclosure.” Kennedy said a more clear-cut issue was the statement made by HPUD Board President Joan Norry that public comment was capped at ‘10 minutes total per item’ because it’s a ‘Brown Act rule.’ > “That’s simply not accurate,” Kennedy said. “The Brown Act allows reasonable limits per speaker, not a rigid ceiling that prevents participation. > > When agencies are already under scrutiny, accuracy and clarity matter as much as strict legal compliance. A quick correction and a little more explanation would have saved everyone a lot of frustration.” During [a presentation to the Arcata City Council ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wxk%5FzYXuvw&ref=mendolocal.news)two years ago, attorney Nubia Goldstein noted that Brown Act violations are effectively judged in two courts: state court and the court of public opinion. Goldstein said agencies can be required to pay attorney’s fees if they are found in violation. “From a criminal standpoint, there’s a provision that can charge an elected member with a misdemeanor,” Goldstein said. She noted that a misdemeanor requires intent: “The district attorney would have to prove you violated the Brown Act intentionally,” she said. The HPUD board of directors received their first “Cure and Correct” letter from ratepayer Matthew LaFever on October 12. > “California’s Proposition 218 and Ralph M. Brown Act exist to make sure local governments like HPUD act transparently and fairly when raising rates or making major financial decisions. These laws aren’t just guidelines — they’re the foundation of how local government is supposed to work: publicly, accountably, and with respect for the people who pay the bills,” LaFever wrote. “At the October 9 meeting, those standards weren’t met.” Vernon Budinger sent a separate “Cure and Correct” letter on November 6\. Budinger’s letter contained allegations of procedural misconduct. He also asserted that that the board had offered a faulty financial justification for raising water rates by 40% and wastewater rates by 25%. The alleged procedural misconduct included unreasonable limitation on public comment and the late release of financial statements. In terms of the financial basis of the rate increases, Budinger cited the absence of a cost-of-service analysis, reliance on speculative costs, and a disputed estimate for the Caltrans ADA project. The law gives legislative bodies 30 days to respond to cure and correct notices and inform the person who wrote the letter of its decision. If the legislative body does not remedy the violation, a challenger must commence an action within 15 days of receipt of the legislative body’s written decision, or if there is no written decision, within 15 days of the expiration of the 30-day window. The tone of the Nov. 13 HPUD meeting grew less contentious when the board shifted to a discussion of proposed Caltrans work on Highway 101 to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Both board members and ratepayers expressed concern that the project could divert traffic away from downtown Hopland for as long as three years. They also shared frustration over the lack of clarity about the project’s scope, financing and timeline, and agreed on the need to bring all involved agencies together. The next meeting of the HPUD will be on December 11, 2025\. If at that point the HPUD board has not indicated that it will re-do the meeting on the rate increase, ratepayers will have just days to decide whether to go forward with a lawsuit. Mendocino County David Eyster did not respond on Monday to a request for comment on when repeated violations of the Brown Act rise to the level of misdemeanor charges. *Read our Brown Act coverage:* [Hopland Public Utility District Faces Brown Act Challenge](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-faces) [Hopland Public Utility District Board Limits Public Comment, Votes to Triple Water Rates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-board) [Fort Bragg, CA City Council Cancels Discussion of “Anticipated Litigation” After Citizens Raise Brown Act Concerns](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-cancels-discussion-of) ### Mendo Local Weekly News — November 23, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-week-of-nov-23/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:54.000Z ## 💰 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Following the Bouncing Budget** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* At the Nov. 18 Board of Supervisors meeting, CEO Darcie Antle reiterated that last year’s $11–$16 million carryover was one-time money and cannot be used to address current-year deficits. Meanwhile, new projections show vacancy savings rising by nearly $2 million, but first-quarter data suggests major salary overruns: roughly $2 million in the District Attorney’s Office and nearly $3.8 million in the Sheriff’s Office. Supervisor Ted Williams urged prioritizing fixes to the county’s financial reporting system. But no action was taken. [Read more](https://theava.com/archives/276466?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino County Halts Poetry in Schools Program** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* The Mendocino County Office of Education has paused the long-running Poets in the Schools program, active since 1974\. Program director Blake More is calling for community support, including a petition and emails to education officials urging the program’s reinstatement. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/blake-more-please-help-save-mendocino-poetry-in-the-schools-program-sign-petition-below/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Residents Debate Role of Excursion Train in Regional Transportation** *Mendo Local, Public Comment Section* Two opinion pieces present contrasting visions of rail in long-range regional planning. Mendocino Railway president Robert Pinoli argues the Skunk Train deserves a place in the Regional Transportation Plan, while Peter McNamee says restoring freight or passenger rail would be prohibitively expensive and functionally ineffective. Read more: [Robert Pinole](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/the-place-of-railroads-in-the-countys) and [Peter McNamee](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/excursion-train-cost-of-transportation) --- ## 👮 FORT BRAGG **Fort Bragg Launches Long-Promised Flock Transparency Portal** *By Frank Hartzell , Mendocino Coast News* Fort Bragg has launched a public transparency portal for its Flock license-plate reader system. Interim Police Chief Eric Swift emphasized the ALPR cameras are not real-time surveillance tools: they capture still images of vehicles, retain data for 30 days, and cannot (in theory) be shared with ICE or out-of-state agencies. Each investigative search now generates a public audit trail. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/big-shakes-at-fort-bragg-pd-new-chief-today-grand-jury-response-transparency-portal/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Elderly Woman Found Safe After Getting Lost Near Humane Society** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* An elderly woman who became lost near Summers Lane and Highway 20 was located by deputies around 10 p.m. She was able to contact 911 using her phone’s emergency function despite low battery and limited cell reception. She was cold but unharmed. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/woman-gets-lost-near-humane-society-on-summers-lane-in-fort-bragg-search-on-after-dark/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🌊 GUALALA **Streetscape Plan Adjusted to Address Toxic Tire Chemical** *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer* A toxic compound called 6PPD-Q, formed when tire particles break down, is prompting revisions to Gualala’s streetscape plan. The chemical washes into stormwater that reaches the Gualala River, where extremely small concentrations can kill coho salmon within hours. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Gualala Community Center Grant in Question** *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* The Gualala Community Center’s $1 million federal Community Project Grant may be in jeopardy. The grant application, filed earlier this year, was based on an older version of the rebuild plan. Substantial changes since then are raising concerns about whether the funds can still be used. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏖️ IRISH BEACH **Irish Beach Improvement Club Cited for Unpermitted Coastal Development** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The California Coastal Commission has issued a Notice of Violation to the Irish Beach Improvement Club and three property owners for unpermitted development along a beach access road. Alleged violations include gate installation, road grading, vegetation removal, signage, and other work requiring coastal development permits. Penalties could reach into the millions. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/coastal-commission-cites-irish-beach) --- ## 🌅 POINT ARENA **Point Arena Appoints New Mayor Barbara Burkey** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* Barbara Burkey was unanimously appointed mayor following the resignation of Anna Dobbins. Burkey, who previously served as mayor, will hold the position through December 2026. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏫 UKIAH **Ukiah Considers New Street Vending Rules** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* The Ukiah City Council is working on a new ordinance regulating street vendors through business licenses, location standards, and health-and-safety permits intended to balance public needs with support for small vendors. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/ukiah-considers-new-rules-for-street-vendors-amid-community-concerns/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Palace Hotel Owner Updates Ukiah City Council on Progress** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Owner Tom Carter reported ongoing progress to clean and stabilize the historic Palace Hotel. Council members praised the improvements made since Carter took ownership last year. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/21/palace-hotel/?ref=mendolocal.news) **More Parks for Humans and Dogs** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* City officials sought public input on potential grant-funded recreation improvements. Residents called for additional sports fields, more dog parks, and expanded access to outdoor space. [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/20/outdoor-wishlist-more-fields-more-dog-parks-more-everything/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah Police Arrest Mendocino College Professor on Child Sex Abuse Charges** *Source: Ukiah Police Department* Jason Davis, a 54-year-old Mendocino College English professor, was arrested on allegations of an unlawful sexual relationship with a minor beginning when she was 13\. Search warrants reportedly uncovered evidence the two later lived together. [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1251042627059550&set=a.218878760275947) **DA Eyster Recuses Himself from Case of Former Ukiah High Journalism Teacher** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* District Attorney David Eyster recused himself from evaluating charges against former Ukiah High journalism teacher and MendoFever publisher Matt LaFever, who was arrested for allegedly sending explicit images and messages to a 17-year-old student. Eyster said he wished to avoid any appearance of conflict. [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/da-eyster-recuses-himself-from-case-of-former-ukiah-high-journalism-teacher-mendofever-publisher/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## ♖ VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **Main Street Water Tower Demolition Challenge Moves Forward** *By Scott Roat* A CEQA challenge to the proposed demolition of Mendocino’s Main Street water tower advanced during a Case Management Conference on Nov. 21\. The County’s response is due in early February. Roat noted the water towers are central to the town’s historic identity and said he will continue sharing updates. [Follow Scott on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/worldmind) --- ## 🎁 WILLITS **Operation Christmas Child** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Calvary Chapel volunteers spent November 15 packing donation boxes for children in more than 160 countries as part of Samaritan’s Purse’s annual holiday outreach effort. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📰 CALMATTERS **California’s Sky-High Living Costs: A Deepening Economic Challenge** *By Dan Walters — CalMatters* New studies highlight the severe economic pressures facing Californians, with home prices more than twice the national median, mortgage qualification often requiring over $220,000 in annual income, and household debt rising sharply. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/commentary/2025/11/california-high-living-costs-studies/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Expands Civil Rights Protections in K–12 Schools** *By Carolyn Jones — CalMatters* The state has created a new Office of Civil Rights within the Department of Education to investigate discrimination complaints, train staff, and enforce anti-discrimination laws, responding to a rise in antisemitic incidents and decreased federal enforcement. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2025/11/antisemitism-california/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### New Mendo Local Podcast: All aboard the Desalination Buoy URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/all-aboard-the-desalination-buoy/ Last updated: 2025-11-22T18:03:59.000Z The Mendo Local newscast was made possible with the support of KMUD (Garberville 91.1 | Eureka 88.1 | Laytonville 90.3 | Shelter Cove 99.5). This story aired on November 21, 2025. ### The Place of Mendocino Railway in Regional Transportation Plans URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/excursion-train-cost-of-transportation/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:54.000Z *This letter was originally sent to the Mendocino Council of Governments on August 22, 2025\.* [*Mendocino Railway President and CEO Robert Pinoli responds in the post below.*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/the-place-of-railroads-in-the-countys) In past transportation plans the Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) included the Mendocino Railway (also know as the Skunk Train) as a rail transportation option for commuting and freight hauling within Mendocino County’s transportation planning portfolio. As MCOG prepares to update the County’s transportation plan, it is inappropriate to continue characterizing the Skunk train as a public transportation and/or freight hauling service for the following reasons. The Skunk Train is not a transportation provider, it is a private out-and-back entertainment excursion train experience for tourists visiting Mendocino County. It is no more a form of transportation than a merry-go-round ride at the county fair or group boats offering a fishing & whale watching experience along the coast. Unlike legitimate public rail transportation which provide the public with passenger and/or freight transportation between communities and cities, Mendocino Railway’s Skunk Train does neither. Since the last update to the County transportation plan, Mendocino Railway’s Skunk Train services have been reviewed and assessed both by federal, state, and local agencies as well as by the courts. In each of these reviews and court proceedings, Mendocino Railway has failed to present a compelling case that it provides anything more than an excursion train entertainment experience for its customers. The California Public Utilities Commission has repeatedly reviewed the Skunk Train’s operations and determined Mendocino Railway is an excursion train: In 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission’s Assistant General Counsel clarified the Skunk Trains status as a regulated excursion train: > “The status of Mendocino Railway, has previously been determined by the Commission. In 1977, the California Western Railroad (CWRR) - which was the company operating the excursion service commonly known as the “Skunk Train” at the time - applied to the Commission for status to reduce its commuter passenger services. In the course of this proceeding, the Commission determined (in 1998) that CWRR did not constitute a public utility to the extent it provides excursion rail service, which constituted 90% of its overall business.”\* > “The Commission is not aware of any changes to the excursion services provided by Mendocino Railway that would cause a change to its 1998 determination”\* Similarly, the Great Redwood Trail Agency petitioned the federal government to formally abandon the Skunk Train connection to the federal interstate rail system because the Skunk Train has not operated as a interstate passenger train or freight service for more than twenty years. In its petition, the Agency clearly articulated why Mendocino Railway’s Skunk Train does not and can not provide passenger and freight transportation: > “No freight movements have originated on, terminated on, or otherwise traversed the MR Line since MR purchased it out of bankruptcy in 2004, and no shippers that have been served in the past on the MR Line have a current need for rail service. > > Moreover, there are no reasonable prospect of future rail service needs along the MR Line. The MR Line has only been operated for intrastate tourist excursion rail service, called the “Skunk Train,” since its acquisition by MR in 2004. > > And the MR Line itself is not even fully traversable from beginning to end due to a tunnel collapse. Moreover, the MR Line will require significant rehabilitation to bring it in line with FRA Class I track standards, (rehabilitation cost estimate is $31,598,000 for MR Line).”\*\* Likewise, the issue of Mendocino Railway’s status as an excursion train rather than a transportation provider has been adjudicated by the courts. In a 2023 ruling in a lawsuit over the inappropriate use of eminent domain authority by Mendocino Railway, Mendocino County Superior Court Justice Nadel, found Mendocino Railway unable to show sufficient evidence it provides freight service or provides meaningful passenger transportation service to meet the requirements of being a transportation public utility with eminent domain authority. In explaining the decision, the court based its determination upon a series of undisputed relevant facts.\*\*\* • Mendocino Railway’s Articles of Incorporation do not reflect the intent to operate as a railroad. • There was no designation of Mendocino Railway’s status by the (federal) Surface Transportation Board offered byMendocino Railway. • In 2015, there was a landslide in “Tunnel No.1” preventing the train from running the full length of the line since that date. No **transportation** between Fort Bragg and Willits has occurred since the tunnel was closed. • Mendocino Railway conceded that currently its main function is the operation of a popular **excursion train** know as the Skunk Train for sightseeing purposes on the line through the redwoods. • The Skunk Train’s operation is limited to traveling from the Willits station west approximately 7.5 miles before turning around and traveling back to Willits. From Ff. Bragg, due to the tunnel collapse, the train can only travel east for 3.5 miles before it turns around and returns to Ft. Bragg. • The excursion service generates ninety percent of Mendocino Railway’s income. The other ten percent of Mendocino Railway’s income is from leases and easement revenue. In making its determination that Mendocino Railway is not a public utility, the court cited California Public Utilities Code section 229, which provides that a “railroad” includes every commercial, interurban, and other railway...owned, controlled, operated, or managed for the public use in the transportation of persons or property. The court further noted that Mendocino Railway did not dispute that “transportation” in the public utility context means “the taking up of persons or property at some point and putting them down at another.” The court also noted, round trip excursions do not qualify as “transportation” under Section 211 of the Public Utilities Code. Most importantly, Mendocino Railway conceded that the term “transportation” excludes excursion services for the purposes of being a public utility.\*\*\*\* The court’s ruling in the Mendocino Railway v John Meyer case is important to MCOG in deciding whether to include or exclude the railway in the county transportation plan. Since the law dictates that excursion services are not transportation, inclusion of such excursion services in a transportation plan is inappropriate. The court’s ruling demonstrates clearly, Mendocino Railway does not qualify in any significant way as a transportation service. The purpose of the County plan is to provide the county’s best assessment of its transportation needs. Federal and State transportation partners use the plan to assist them planning transportation efforts they hope to accomplish within the county. It is important that the plan reflects true “transportation” needs. Inclusion of efforts or initiatives that are not transportation, undermine the integrity of the plan and hinder Federal and State partners in their deliberations about how to assist county transportation agencies. Lastly, MCOG should keep in mind that the purpose of the county transportation plan is to assist public agencies setting priorities for the use of public resources to successfully attain transportation outcomes that further the public interest. In setting priorities, planners must consider the economic viability of transportation initiatives incorporated in transportation plans. A 2023 assessment of the economic market feasibility of rail service in Mendocino County raised serious questions about the financial viability of Mendocino Railway (or any other rail company) to provide rail transportation service in the county. The assessment prepared by Marie Jones Consulting provided significant evidence that the costs of operating city to city rail service in Mendocino County exceed potential revenues. Further, the assessment determined that truck freight services were more cost effective and provided better service than any possible rail freight service could provide between Fort Bragg, Willits and Cloverdale. The assessment highlighted several realities that make rail economically un-feasible as a transportation option in Mendocino County: • The estimated capital investment costs of fully restoring the Fort Bragg to Willits rail line are more than $30 million. Additionally, the estimated on-going annual operation costs are approximately $2.5 million. Total annual estimated rail costs would be over $5.7 million per year. • The estimated capital investment costs of fully restoring the Willits to Cloverdale rail line are more than $56 million. Additionally, the estimated on-going annual operation costs are approximately $5 million. Total annual estimated rail costs would be over $11 million per year. • The cost of hauling freight by rail is not competitive compared to the cost of hauling by truck. The cost to transport freight by rail (assuming rail service was available) from Coverdale to Willits would be $458 per ton by rail, vs $29 per ton by truck. The cost to transport freight by rail between Willits and Fort Bragg would be $608 per ton compared to $38 per ton by truck.\*\*\*\*\* • Similarly, there is no evidence that restoring train service between the cities of Fort Bragg, Willits, and Cloverdale would result in sufficient rail passenger and/or freight hauling revenues to offset the full costs of restoring the lines to service. • In Mendocino County, trucks and autos are more efficient than rail for transporting people and freight in terms of time as well as cost. For example, the average drive time by auto or truck between Coverdale and Fort Bragg is 1 hour and 50 minutes, compared to an estimated 10 hours by rail. The average drive time from Fort Bragg to Willits is 50 minutes compared to an estimated 6 hours by rail.\*\*\*\*\*\* • Transportation by auto and truck allows consumers to schedule transportation around their needs and schedule. Rail transportation is scheduled around the needs of the railway to manage its locomotives & rail-cars in order to balance demands from passengers and freight haulers. • Further, autos and trucks can use alternate routes when roads are closed due to weather or land slides, all rail service is halted when rail tracks are closed due to weather or land slides. Auto and trucks can use roads 24/7 to transport people and freight, trains operate on fixed schedules or when demand is sufficient to justify the costs of a train trip. • Demand for rail passenger/freight service between cities is entirely theoretical, since neither the Fort Bragg to Willits or the Willits to Cloverdale line are presently in a condition that would allow passenger/freight hauling by rail. Currently, all passenger and freight needs between the communities of Fort Bragg, Willits and Cloverdale are being met by autos and trucks. In summation, the Mendocino County Regional Transportation Plan and Active Transportation Plan (RTP/ATP) is intended to be a long-range planning document covering a 20-year time span, which includes short and long range transportation projects across all modes of transportation, including motorized, non-motorized, and public transit. It promotes a safe and efficient transportation system, and establishes regional goals that support mobility, economic, and health aims of the region. As the facts previously cited show, Mendocino County has not had a functioning rail service providing community to community passenger or freight transportation for more than a decade, and no functioning rail connectivity to the interstate system for more than two decades. Its time to recognize those facts and amend the County’s transportation planning to reflect the realities. Rail passenger and freight transportation is not cost competitive compared to auto and truck transportation. Federal and state goals are not aligned with reestablishing interstate or intrastate rail transportation in Mendocino County. Mendocino Railway, the sole remaining train line operating in the county, functions as an out and back excursion and entertainment train serving the tourist industry. For all these reasons, rail is no longer a viable component of the Mendocino RTP/ATP plan. Rather, if included in the RTP/ATP, Mendocino Railway’s excursion operations should be deemed part of the multi-modal planning like the Coastal Trail and the Great Redwood Regional Trail, which it most closely resembles. Sincerely, Peter McNamee Fort Bragg, California *Citations* \*Letter to Michael Hart, CEO Sierra Railroad Company, from Jonathan C. Kotzot, Assistant 1 General Counsel, Legal Division, Public Utilities Commission August 12, 2022 \*\*Great Redwood Trail Agency - Adverse Abandonment - Mendocino Railway in Mendocino County, California Surface Transportation Board Docket No. AB-1305 (Sub-No. 1) \*\*\*Decision After Trial, April 19, 2023, Mendocino Railway v John Meyer Case # SCUK- 4 CVED-2020-74939 \*\*\*\*City of St. Helena v Public Utilities Com (2004) 119 Cal. App. 4th 793,902 (Quoting Golden Date Scenic S.S. Lines, Inc. v Public Utilities Com. (1962) 57 Cal. 2d 373 \*\*\*\*\*Mendocino railway’s advertises a cost of $33 per ton for hauling freight, but according to the cost assessment prepared by Marie Jones Consulting, that is “a fiction” since the actual amount to recover all capitalize rail costs and operating expenses is $608 per ton. \*\*\*\*\*\*The assessment estimated rail transportation times based on national rail industry operational standards assuming the rail lines between Fort Bragg, Willits and Coverdale were renovated to federal and state rail requirement standards. ### The Place of Railroads in the Regional Transportation Plan URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/the-place-of-railroads-in-the-countys/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:55.000Z Peter McNamee recently [submitted a letter to the Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) regarding the draft Regional Transportation Plan](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/excursion-train-cost-of-transportation) (RTP). While Mr. McNamee raises concerns about the inclusion of rail, his conclusions overlook key facts, mischaracterize the role of Mendocino Railway, and risk narrowing the county’s transportation vision at a time when flexibility, sustainability, and long-term resilience are more important than ever. 1. **Mendocino Railway is a federally recognized Class III common carrier.** MCOG’s RTP continues to mischaracterize Mendocino Railway and its operations. Since 2004, Mendocino Railway has operated under Surface Transportation Board (STB) jurisdiction as a legitimate Class III common carrier railroad. A recent STB Declaratory Order reaffirmed this status, underscoring its legal standing and potential to serve public transportation and freight needs—not merely as an “amusement ride,” as Mr. McNamee suggests. 1. **Rail is among the most environmentally efficient modes of land transport.** Mr. McNamee’s dismissal of rail’s environmental value is at odds with decades of data. Freight rail emits up to 75% less greenhouse gas per ton-mile than trucks. Mr. McNamee’s narrowly focused “point-to-point” fixation is the exact type of thinking that has caused our world’s emission problems. 1. **Low-emission Mendocino Railway locomotives.** Mr. McNamee wrote regarding Mendocino Railway’s Skunk Train, “The Skunk train relies upon the worst-polluting, most industry-inefficient fossil fueled locomotives in the rail industry.“ Mr. McNamee seems focused on our efforts to preserve historic steam locomotives. Had he researched this topic, he would have learned that we only use historic steam locomotives, however, on approximately 3% of our trips! And while our other locomotives are superior to most other forms of transportation, Mendocino Railway is now upgrading our three primary locomotives to Tier IV – the lowest emission in the nation for fuel-based locomotives! Rather than Mr. McNamee’s naïve characterization, Mendocino Railway is at our industry’s forefront of mixing economic efficiency with environmental sensitivity. 2. **Rail supports economic diversification and rural resilience.** While current ridership and freight volumes may be modest, the infrastructure itself is a long-term asset. Rail corridors can support commerce, tourism, emergency logistics, and future opportunities—especially as fuel prices, climate mandates, and supply chain vulnerabilities evolve. Dismissing rail in a 20-year long-range planning document based on present-day usage ignores its strategic potential and speaks to Mr. McNamee’s agenda-driven shortsightedness 1. **Environmental concerns are being addressed through modernization.** The Skunk Train’s legacy equipment is being phased out in favor of cleaner, more efficient technology. Moreover, railroads are subject to federal environmental oversight, and Mendocino Railway has initiated remediation and infrastructure upgrades to address any past impacts. These efforts deserve recognition, not blanket condemnation. 1. **Multimodal planning is not contradictory, it’s essential.** The draft plan’s inclusion of rail does not undermine its broader goals. On the contrary, a resilient transportation network must include multiple modes—especially in a geographically diverse county like Mendocino. Railway, walking, biking, buses, and cars each serve different needs. Mendocino Railway is working to provide transloads facilities that would facilitate the exchange of goods between trucks and trains, achieving the best advantages of each type of transportation. Excluding rail would artificially constrain future options and contradict the plan’s stated commitment to equity, sustainability, and access. 1. **Road Crossings.** Mr. McNamee complains about railroad crossing delays. Is he concerned that the daily fleet of Amazon delivery trucks will be delayed getting to his house on the coast? He also writes about life threatening delays, but doesn’t substantiate this claim. Our trains do not simultaneously shut down all crossings in town at the same time and we are not aware of any noteworthy delays. 2. **Economic Benefit of the Skunk Train.** Mendocino Railway’s Skunk Train is one of the region’s top economic drivers. While Mr. McNamee may be irritated at being delayed occasionally by one of our trains, please know that on average, that train delaying him is bringing $63,000 in local spending to our community. 3. **Regional Success of Railroads.** It does not require much effort to see the potential benefits of railroads. The Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) railroad in neighboring Sonoma offers freight service and passenger service with record ridership. The demand for their service has motivated them to extend to Healdsburg in 2028 and then to Cloverdale, on the doorstep of Mendocino County. While our county has challenges, we hope regional success of railroads show MCOG the potential for rail in Mendocino County. In closing, I urge MCOG to maintain a balanced, forward-looking approach. Mendocino County deserves a transportation plan that accurately reflects both current realities and future possibilities. MCOG’s Vision states, “Effective regional governance is about helping every community become more prosperous, equitable, and environmentally sustainable.” We believe Mendocino Railway is at the forefront on delivering on your vision. Rail is part of that vision—not as a nostalgic relic, but as a strategic tool for environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and regional connectivity. ### California Coastal Commission Cites Irish Beach Improvement Club for Unpermitted Development URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/coastal-commission-cites-irish-beach/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:55.000Z *This story was jointly reported by Elise Cox and Karen Elowitt and appears in today’s issue of the Independent Coast Observer.* Irish Beach, a coastal subdivision in southern Mendocino County, is home to a mix of vacation houses and year-round residences perched on ocean bluffs with expansive views of the Pacific. For decades, the community has promoted its private beach access road as a key amenity. But last month, that road became the center of an acrimonious dispute. According to California Coastal Commission staff, public access along the road to the beach predates the creation of subdivision. The issue was raised during the permitting process and, the commission asserts, public access continued until an unpermitted gate was erected to block it. On October 23, 2025, the California Coastal Commission issued a Notice of Violation to the Irish Beach Improvement Club and three property owners whose land contains the road through longstanding easements. The immediate issue is unpermitted development. The underlying issue is public access to the road and the beach. The Irish Beach Improvement Club — a voluntary homeowners association — maintains the road and the easement areas. Its work has included installing asphalt and a retaining wall, adding a solar-powered gate system and new signs, reinstalling traffic spikes, grading the beach to expand a parking area, and removing vegetation. The problem: none of the work was permitted. Those improvements now threaten to cost the community millions of dollars in coastal commission penalties. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) “Members of the public have reported, and commission staff has confirmed, that development has occurred on the above-described properties without the required CDP, constituting ‘unpermitted development’ and a violation of the Coastal Act and LCP,” the notice states, referring to a coastal development permit and Mendocino County’s Local Coastal Program. The commission also asserts that the new gate and signage on Upper Beach Drive, along with signage and traffic spikes on Lower Beach Drive, restrict public access. “Furthermore, it appears that restrictions to public access have been installed and maintained in this area for many years,” the notice states. Emily Thorne, president of the Irish Beach Improvement Club board, declined to comment ahead of the club’s November 22 meeting. In a private Facebook post to members, she said the board had met and developed an action plan. “We want to assure all members that the organization is fully prepared to address these matters in a timely and cooperative manner,” she wrote. Thorne added that the electric gate on Beach Road must remain open. “Although the coastal commission was informed that Beach Road is a private road and that a gate has been in place since the development of the community, they are requiring proof of this,” she wrote. Under the Coastal Act, the commission may impose penalties of up to $30,000 per violation and up to $11,250 per day for obstructing public access. The violations cited in the notice allegedly occurred between March 4, 2016, and March 4, 2019\. The notice also emphasizes that the list of violations is not exhaustive. In addition to the Improvement Club, the notice was sent to the three property owners affected by the road. Although the violations relate to activities “overseen by \[the Irish Beach Improvement Club\],” the commission notes that “violations run with the land, and each individual property owner here is also liable for violations on their property.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) One of the owners, Mark Rapelje, said the experience has pushed him to abandon the idea of building a home on the lot he purchased 27 years ago. “It took us five years to get a coastal development permit,” he said in an interview. He described facing opposition from the club and then losing a mortgage guarantee when the Great Recession hit. Rapelje said he reported the unpermitted development by the club on his land years ago — first to the county, then to the coastal commission. He added that although his deed identifies the easement road as private, he has found documents suggesting the developers agreed to provide public access to the road and the beach it leads to. He believes that agreement lowers the value of his property, which he now hopes to sell, ideally to a conservation group. To resolve the violations, the commission is requiring the Irish Beach Improvement Club and the property owners to submit a report by December 4, 2025, identifying all areas affected by the unpermitted development and including a forensic biological assessment by a licensed biologist. They must also submit a complete coastal development permit application for the corrective work by December 18, 2025. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — November 16, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-november-16/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:57.000Z --- ## 💰 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Mendocino County Discovers Surprise $12 Million Budget Surplus *By Mark Scaramella , Anderson Valley Advertiser* County supervisors learned of an estimated $12 million unaudited General Fund carryforward from the last fiscal year. The unexpected windfall comes from stronger-than-expected property taxes, vehicle license fees, and investment income. Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison cautioned the surplus is largely one-time money. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/archives/276096?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Food Insecurity Rises as SNAP Uncertainty Looms *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* Food insecurity is prevalent, with 37.7% of Mendocino County residents living below 200% of the federal poverty level. The Mendo Food Network distributed 3.6 million pounds of food in 2024 to more than 14,500 people, but SNAP disruptions pose challenges even as the aid resumes. The organization has launched its annual Turkey Challenge as holiday need increases. 🔗 [Read more](http://ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/07/supplemental-food-groups-struggle-to-meet-obligations-in-uncertain-times/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### State Senate Leader Mike McGuire Announces Congressional Bid *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire announced his 2026 campaign for California’s 1st Congressional District, challenging Rep. Doug LaMalfa. A redrawn district map may give Democrats an opening to flip the seat. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendovoice.com/2025/11/state-senate-leader-mcguire-launches-big-for-congress-challenging-lamalfa/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Humboldt Educator Colby Smart Enters Race for Huffman’s Seat *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* Humboldt County educator Colby Smart has launched an independent bid for California’s 2nd Congressional District, challenging Rep. Jared Huffman. Smart’s campaign focuses on rural economic development, education, natural resources, and government accountability. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendovoice.com/2025/11/humboldt-county-educator-colby-smart-announces-2026-run-for-huffmans-seat/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Mulheren Steps Up to Address Volunteer Ambulance Funding *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Supervisor Maureen Mulheren volunteered to put together an agenda item to support volunteer ambulance services in communities such as Covelo, Laytonville, and Anderson Valley. The board agreed to revisit the issue next year. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/archives/276123?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌄 COVELO ### Northern California Tribes Unite to Restore the Eel River *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* The Round Valley Indian Tribes and Yurok Tribe signed a historic Treaty of Friendship, pledging joint leadership in restoring the Eel River ecosystem and rebuilding salmon runs ahead of PG&E’s planned 2028 dam removals. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/northern-california-tribes-join-forces-to-restore-eel-river-in-response-to-anticipated-pge-dam-removal/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🍄 FORT BRAGG ### Ten Mile Courthouse Will Stay Open, Superior Court Confirms *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Despite the sudden retirement of Judge Clayton Brennan and a shortage of judicial officers, the court executive officer say the Ten Mile courthouse is not closing. Remote hearings, calendar reassignments, and cross-county coordination will help address staffing challenges. Reporting by [Frank Hartzell looked at the possible role of District Attorney David Eyster](https://mendocinocoast.news/we-requested-and-received-judge-brennans-retirement-notice-we-didnt-expect-this/?ref=mendolocal.news) in Brennan’s resignation. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendolocal.news/p/ten-mile-branch-remains-open?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Fungi Festival Spotlights Truffle Dog and Mycologist *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Caspar hosted the second annual Mendocino Coast Mushroom Festival, featuring truffle dog Rye and handler Heather Dawson, alongside sensory-science insights from mycologist Gordon Walker. Visitors enjoyed forest forays, vendor booths, and scientific presentations. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/fungi-face%e2%80%91off-truffle-dog-and-scientist-show-what-they-nose-at-mendocino-coast-fungi-festival-in-caspar/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Wave-Powered Desalination Buoy Arrives in Fort Bragg *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News & Mendocino Coast News* Fort Bragg has received its first wave-powered desalination buoy, an Oneka Technologies system capable of producing 13,000 gallons of fresh water per day using wave energy alone. The buoy pilot will launch in 2026 — the first of its kind in California. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendocinocoast.news/the-wave-energy-desalinization-buoy-arrives-as-first-city-in-california-to-try-wave-energy-fort-bragg-about-to-step-into-role-as-world-leader-in-ocean-technology/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Fort Bragg Launches Vacant Building Ordinance *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The City Council unanimously approved a vacant commercial property registry, requiring owners of storefronts empty for 90+ days to maintain and register their buildings. Enforcement will begin in the Central Business District, with a future vacancy tax under possible consideration. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-creates-vacant-building) --- ## 🏡 GUALALA ### GMAC Reviews Eco-Friendly Modular Housing Proposal *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer* A proposal before the Gualala Municipal Advisory Council would add a cluster of affordable, eco-friendly modular homes in central Gualala. Developer *Magdalena* has built similar communities in Anderson Valley and Blues Lake Village. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛️ POTTER VALLEY ### Workshop Planned on Potter Valley Project’s Water Future *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* A November 24 community workshop will update residents on the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project, including water supply planning and infrastructure needs for the region. 🔗 [Read more](http://ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/15/workshop-planned-in-ukiah-to-update-community-on-potter-valley-project/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎓 UKIAH ### Search Warrant Sheds Light on Allegations Against Ukiah High Teacher *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* A search warrant alleges part-time Ukiah High journalism teacher Matthew LaFever sent shirtless selfies and made inappropriate comments to a 17-year-old student in one of his classes via Snapchat after she connected with him using an alias. Police seized multiple devices and are reviewing contacts with minors in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrant-released-in-minor-molestation-case) --- ## 🌊 WESTPORT ### Dramatic Hoist Rescue at Blues Beach *CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit* A coordinated rescue involving CAL FIRE Copter 601, State Parks, and the Westport Volunteer Fire Department safely extracted a person who fell 10–15 feet among boulders at Blues Beach. 🔗 [Read more](http://mendolocal.news/p/hoist-rescue-at-blues-beach?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🪵 WILLITS ### Thanksgiving Dinner Returns to Willits Senior Center *By Maureen Jennison, Willits Weekly* Willits Community Services and the Food Bank will host their annual Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 27, sponsored by Sherwood Valley Casino and the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Mattress by Appointment Opens New Willits Location *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Jeff Yokum’s new mattress shop offers deep discounts — 50% to 80% off retail — to a customer base looking to upgrade their bedrooms. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🐻 CALIFORNIA (CALMATTERS) ### AT&T Lobbying Could Take Landlines Away *By Yue Stella Yu & Malena Carollo, CalMatters* AT&T’s legislative push to reduce copper landline service shows no sign of stopping, despite a setback this year. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/11/att-landline-california-legislative-fight/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Coastal Commission Shifts Toward Housing Development *By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters* The California Coastal Commission is moving toward a more housing-friendly posture, bolstered by three new pro-development appointees. The agency recently extended affordable housing permit timelines from two to five years. 🔗 [Read more](http://calmatters.org/politics/2025/11/coastal-commission-housing/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Outline Health-Care Plans *By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters* At a UC Riverside forum, four Democratic contenders — Xavier Becerra, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee — discussed their ideas for addressing affordability, mental-health access, and potential federal cuts. 🔗 [Read more](http://calmatters.org/health/2025/11/gubernatorial-health-care-california-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Hoist Rescue at Blues Beach URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/hoist-rescue-at-blues-beach/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:57.000Z CalFire Mendocino Unit successfully extracted a seriously injured person from Blues Beach near Westport on Friday morning. After slipping on boulders, the victim fell a 10-15 feet, sustaining major injuries. The crew of CalFire Copter 601 carefully stabilized the victim and hoisted them to safety. The coordinated effort involved CalFire, California State Parks, and Westport Volunteer Fire Department. ### Highly Anticipated Wave-Powered Desalination Buoy Arrives in Fort Bragg URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/desalination-buoy-arrives-fort-bragg/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:58.000Z Oneka Technologies, a Canadian startup focused on addressing water scarcity, unveiled its desalination buoy on Friday in Fort Bragg. The arrival of the floating system marks the final phase of preparation before the launch of a yearlong pilot project aimed at determining whether wave-powered desalination is economically and environmentally viable. The project represents the first time Oneka’s technology will operate in California. The system harnesses the natural motion of the ocean—using waves as both its energy source and its raw material—to turn seawater into fresh water. Fort Bragg began seeking alternative water supplies after a severe drought in 2021\. The city later secured state funding for a pilot program through the California Department of Water Resources. Dragan Tutic, Oneka’s CEO and founder, said the buoy is nearly ready for installation. The company has previously deployed units in Chile and tested prototypes in eastern Canada. Three units are currently installed and operating in Florida. ### Deployment and Production If permitting and weather conditions align, the buoy could be deployed by mid-2026\. The permitting effort has taken roughly two years and remains underway, with approvals pending from the California Coastal Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Coast Guard. Once in operation, a single buoy is expected to generate about 13,000 gallons of fresh water per day, though output will vary with wave conditions. The system needs waves only about one meter high to function. Its modular design allows multiple buoys to be anchored together to increase production capacity. ### How the Technology Works The system operates without electricity and relies entirely on mechanical power. It uses reverse osmosis, a membrane-based desalination process. Tutic described the mechanism: A buoy on the surface is tethered by a rope to a heavy anchor. As waves move the buoy up and down in an elliptical pattern, the motion drives a pumping action similar to a bicycle pump. Seawater is drawn in and pressurized through reverse-osmosis membranes, separating out fresh water—known as permeate. That water is then delivered to shore through an underwater pipe. ### Environmental Considerations The buoy will be positioned about a half-mile offshore, in a sandy-bottom area selected to minimize impacts to marine life. Desalination creates brine, a saltier byproduct of the process. Oneka’s system dilutes this brine by mixing it with the seawater that is drawn in but not pushed through the membranes, resulting in a discharge only about 25% saltier than the surrounding ocean—far less concentrated than that produced by conventional desalination plants. The brine is released just beneath the buoy. Modeling by a Spanish firm indicates that required dilution levels are met within 10 feet of the discharge point. Throughout the 12-month pilot period, sensors will track brine output and ocean salinity to ensure environmental compliance. Interest in the technology has grown sharply. In the past 18 months, Oneka has received roughly 250 inquiries from resorts, industrial operators, municipalities and agricultural users worldwide, Tutic said. Eight communities in California have also contacted the company as they grapple with shrinking water supplies and seek to diversify their water portfolios. ### Ukiah Journalism Student Accuses Teacher of Sending Inappropriate Snapchat Messages URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/search-warrant-released-in-minor-molestation-case/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:59.000Z The teenager whose interview with Ukiah police led to the arrest of Ukiah High School teacher Matthew LaFever on November 3 was a student in his journalism class, according to a search warrant submitted by Detective Zhonghao Chen and approved by Superior Court Judge Patrick Pekin at 6:54 p.m. Oct. 16, 2025. LaFever was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of knowingly annoying and/or molesting a minor. Ukiah police also said they collected evidence suggesting LaFever was reaching out to other minors in Mendocino and Sonoma counties using various social media platforms. LaFever has not responded to repeated attempts by Mendo Local to contact him. Dan Dougherty, **c**ommunications and community engagement officer at the Ukiah Unified School District, said LaFever was working part-time and teaching three classes: work experience, journalism and advanced journalism. The 33-page search warrant was filed in Superior Court this week and released in redacted form on Wednesday. Mendo Local reviewed the warrant at the Ukiah courthouse. According to the warrant, the teenager told officers she created a Snapchat account under an alias and was added by LaFever, whose phone number she had saved in her contacts. During their chats, she received multiple shirtless selfies from LaFever. He also made two sexual comments quoted in the warrant: “Does your butt and thighs look sexy in them?” and “You must be the sexiest woman at your high school.” During their exchange, the teen told LaFever multiple times that she was 17 — her actual age. The warrant does not state that she told LaFever she was a Ukiah High School student, nor does it claim that LaFever knew he was communicating with one of his own students. The warrant describes Snapchat as a platform known for “disappearing images,” which notify senders when recipients view or attempt to screenshot the ephemeral data. “Screenshots can indeed be captured if a user does it quickly, and the sender is always notified about it right away,” the warrant states. “Despite this notification feature, there exist several methods and apps capable of covertly saving snaps and bypassing this feature.” The warrant asserts probable cause that the items to be searched and seized (1) were used as the means of committing a felony; (2) tend to show that a felony has been committed or that a particular person committed a felony; and (3) tend to show sexual exploitation of a child or the depiction of sexual conduct involving a person under age 18. In addition to searching LaFever’s Hopland home and seizing his electronics, the warrant authorized officers to take “photographs or videos … of LaFever’s upper body, unclothed.” Based on the warrant, officers on Oct. 17 seized a cellphone/iPhone, an Apple Watch, three laptops, a router and an SD card. Police also requested that Snap Inc. turn over LaFever’s “My AI” records, including all recorded interactions and stored conversations with the My AI service. My AI is a chatbot designed to answer trivia questions, offer shopping advice or suggest dinner ideas. It is not supposed to be used for political, sexual, harassing or deceptive content; spam; malware; content promoting violence, self-harm or human trafficking; or anything violating Snapchat’s Community Guidelines. In addition to seeking My AI conversations, police requested records of LaFever’s communications with other Snapchat users, including full message content, usernames, timestamps and any interactions involving LaFever’s account, “johnnyender25.” “Such messages shall include deleted messages, if available,” the warrant states. It is unclear how long the student and LaFever were in contact. The warrant does not include a timeline. It says detectives were unable to review LaFever’s Snapchat account because “the victim stated she was either blocked or deleted by LaFever as she was no longer able to find him.” As of Nov. 14, the district attorney had not filed either misdemeanor or felony charges against LaFever. The statute of limitations for felony sex crimes in California depends on the specific offense and the victim’s age, but recent laws have significantly broadened the time window. [Serious sex crimes such as continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 have no statute of limitations](https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/blog/statute-of-limitations-on-child-molestation/?ref=mendolocal.news). The arrest warrant has not been released, and Ukiah Police Chief Tom Corning has not responded to an email seeking confirmation that LaFever was arrested on a Ramey warrant. [Ramey warrants](https://www.californiacriminaldefenselawyerblog.com/what%5Fis%5Fa%5Framey%5Fwarrant%5Fand%5Fho/?ref=mendolocal.news) enable police to bypass the more typical procedure of presenting evidence to the district attorney before an arrest. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### Apps Frequently Used by Predators to Target Minors **Kik** An anonymous messaging app. **Omegle** Matches users with strangers for text or video chats. **Snapchat** Widely used by teens. Features like disappearing messages and Snap Map location sharing can expose young users to risk. **Roblox** A gaming platform popular with children under 13\. The in-game chat can expose minors inappropriate interactions. **Discord** Hosts thousands of private or lightly moderated servers, including adult-oriented spaces where minors may encounter explicit content or strangers. --- ### Other High-Risk Apps **Yubo** A social app for meeting new people with limited identity verification. **Holla** And other video-chat apps that pair users with strangers. **Hidden “Vault” Apps** Tools disguised as calculators or utilities (e.g., “Calculator%”) that can store hidden photos or videos. --- ### How Parents Can Help Protect Their Kids - **Talk openly** about the apps they use, who they communicate with, and how they share content. Make sure they feel safe asking questions. - **Review device settings:** Turn off location sharing and “add by proximity” features. Limit messaging to known contacts. - **Use parental controls:** Require approval for new apps and check installed apps regularly. - **Teach digital boundaries:** Remind them that online content can be instantly shared and saved forever. - **Monitor usage:** Keep devices in shared family spaces and set reasonable time limits. - **Encourage reporting:** Ensure they know to tell a trusted adult if someone asks for explicit photos, pressures them to meet, or makes them uncomfortable. ### Mendocino County Court Issues Statement on Ten Mile Courthouse URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ten-mile-branch-remains-open/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:00.000Z The following is a statement issued by the Mendocino County Court: ### The sudden retirement of Judge Clayton Brennan on October 31st has created legitimate concerns in the coastal communities about the future of the Ten Mile courthouse in Fort Bragg. ### The Mendocino County Superior Court will remain open and operational in both Ukiah and Fort Bragg. Court Executive Officer Kim Turner emphasizes, “There is no plan to close the Ten Mile courthouse - none.” ### Presiding Judge Keith Faulder acknowledges that losing the judicial officer at the coast has created logistical problems for covering all matters assigned to the Ten Mile courthouse. He states, “This is a dynamic situation, and some elements of a complete answer are still evolving. We remain committed to ensuring that both coastal and inland communities continue to receive judicial services. However, the reality is that we cannot fully staff courtrooms without sufficient judicial officers. ### All of us—your judges and court staff—have taken on additional calendars and responsibilities to meet the need.” ### The Mendocino County bench is authorized by statute to have eight judges. Ms. Turner states that the new courthouse, currently under construction in Ukiah, is designed for seven courtrooms only. “The new courthouse is designed to house seven judicial officers. The Mendocino bench has eight judges. This should assure the coastal community that the branch courthouse in Fort Bragg will not close with the completion of the new courthouse in Ukiah.” ### In the last sixteen months, the court had two judicial vacancies which were finally filled by Governor Newsom. Judge FredRicco McCurry joined the bench in early October. County Counsel Charlotte Scott will be sworn in as the court’s newest judge on December 8th. In addition, Judge Ann Moorman is on special assignment to the First Appellate District until at least December 31st. ### Judge Brennan’s decision to retire on October 31st created a new judicial vacancy which can only be filled in one of two ways – by Governor’s appointment in the remaining years of Judge Brennan’s term or through an open election in 2030. ### With the workload and judicial resource challenges facing the court, temporary measures have been put in place to keep the Ten Mile courthouse open to fulfill its public service obligations. ### The court clerk’s office in Fort Bragg remains open Monday through Friday to accept filings in all matters, criminal and civil, and to offer self-help services, accept criminal and traffic fine payments and assist the public with court record searches. ### Certain case types—such as criminal, domestic violence, and unlawful detainers—have statutory or constitutional priority and often require in-person appearances. Other matters, such as civil and small claims cases, may be handled remotely. ### Judge Patrick Pekin will preside over criminal, domestic violence and civil restraining order cases in the Ten Mile Court Mondays through Wednesdays. On Thursdays and Fridays, Judge Pekin will preside over civil, small claims, and unlawful detainer matters, Adult Drug Court and Behavioral Health Court in the Ukiah courthouse. The Ten Mile court’s unlimited civil and probate cases and some family law matters are currently reassigned to the Ukiah court. ### Kim Turner notes that the court intends to take advantage of remote proceedings for litigants that cannot appear in court in person. “The use of remote hearings, where feasible, makes it easier for the public to attend their proceedings and fully participate in their cases. Remote proceedings have radically changed the way courts operate. They have become commonplace now that Zoom and other video software have improved these courtroom experiences.” ### Judge Faulder and incoming Presiding Judge Carly Dolan have been working closely to make sure all courtrooms are adequately covered with available resources. Ms. Turner states, “We will use this time to review filing data and other workload measures to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of work in the clerk’s offices and among our judges.” While there may be additional caseload adjustments as the new judicial officers take on their assignments, the change in court leadership will not radically affect the decisions already being made. ### Judge Faulder adds, “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we all work to maintain essential judicial services during this period of transition.” ### Fort Bragg Creates Vacant-Building Program URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-creates-vacant-building/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:00.000Z *The Fort Bragg City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday to introduce an ordinance creating a registry and upkeep standards for long-empty commercial properties, a step city leaders said is aimed at curbing blight and boosting the downtown business district.* The Fort Bragg City Council voted 5-0 Tuesday to introduce an ordinance creating a registry and upkeep standards for long-empty commercial properties, a step city leaders said is aimed at curbing blight and boosting the downtown business district. Staff is directed to add Chapter 6.30, “Vacant Buildings and Lots,” to the municipal code. This requires commercial units that sit vacant or abandoned for 90 consecutive days — or show clear neglect such as broken windows, graffiti or disconnected utilities — to register with the city, maintain the premises and provide a 24-hour local contact posted on the property. Staff said enforcement will focus first on buildings in the Central Business District. Although the ordinance text also references vacant lots, staff and council members said immediate enforcement is aimed at buildings; some well-kept lots are in active community use. A proposed “no trespassing” posting will not be part of the ordinance; required signage is limited to management and contact information and must be at least 18 by 24 inches, staff clarified after questions from the dais. Mayor Jason Godeke and multiple council members framed the step as part of a multi-year push to revitalize Main and Franklin streets, citing recent cleanliness efforts, lighting and special events. “We spent some time, some money, and I think it’s paying off,” Councilmember Lindy Peters said. “And this is kind of the final piece.” Public comment reflected both support and skepticism. A property manager said “the people we deal with, they like to have their properties rented.” And he referred to a vote earlier in the meeting to amend the requirements of the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in new buildings and in any remodel of buildings larger than 5,000 square feet.. “If somebody wants to fix up those buildings, they’re going to now have to sprinkle them,” he said, noting the additional cost was not an incentive. The council did not adopt related fees Tuesday. On the advice of the city attorney, members directed staff to return with a properly noticed fee resolution at the next meeting. Separately, the council authorized staff to research a vacancy tax — a long-term policy tool respondents to a summer survey ranked among preferred actions — and to bring the issue to committee in the second or third quarter of 2026\. Mayor Jason Godeke noted that San Francisco’s “Empty Homes” tax has faced significant legal hurdles. --- ### Lessons from San Francisco’s Vacancy Tax Challenge San Francisco voters approved Proposition M in 2022, establishing a tax on residential units left vacant for more than 182 days in buildings with three or more units. The measure was intended to address the city’s housing shortage by pushing owners to rent unused apartments. However, in October 2024, a San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled the “Empty Homes Tax” unconstitutional, agreeing with landlords and property groups who argued that the measure violated state and federal law. The plaintiffs — including the San Francisco Apartment Association, the Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute, and the San Francisco Association of Realtors — contended that the law unlawfully compelled property owners to rent out their units, amounting to a taking of property without just compensation. The court also found the tax preempted by California’s Ellis Act, which bars local governments from forcing landlords to rent or lease property they wish to withdraw from the rental market. Additional claims cited violations of due process, equal protection, and privacy rights, and alleged that the measure’s exemptions unfairly favored some types of property owners over others. San Francisco has appealed the ruling, and enforcement of the tax is suspended pending the outcome. The case is expected to set precedent for other jurisdictions considering similar measures, including Fort Bragg. City staff said Fort Bragg’s review will include a detailed legal analysis of the San Francisco case to avoid potential pitfalls. --- Next steps include rolling out the vacant-building registry, beginning proactive code enforcement on nuisance conditions downtown, and developing incentives and temporary-use options to help activate empty storefronts. A staff survey found 95% of respondents view vacant storefronts as a concern and want the city to act within the next 12 to 18 months. ### Fort Bragg Mayor Jason Godeke Rallies Residents to Defend Court Services URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/coast-courthouse-in-jeopardy/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:01.000Z November 12, 2025, 1:08 p.m.: Update from Kim Turner, Court Executive Officer for Mendocino County Courts. “The court is committed to keeping the Ten Mile courthouse open and accessible to coastal residents. Court leadership and judges have not yet made final decisions about what types of proceedings will be heard in this courthouse. This picture will become clearer in the near future but planning is still in process.” --- Fort Bragg Mayor Jason Godeke warned Monday of potential cuts to courthouse services on the Mendocino Coast, following the transfer of civil cases and criminal cases requiring juries to Ukiah. The Mendocino County Court has not put out any official statement about the reduction in services. Mendocino County Court Executive Officer ~~Administrator~~ Kim Turner was not immediately available for comment. The reduction in services was first reported by Frank Hartzell of [MendocinoCoast.News.](https://mendocinocoast.news/unintentional-and-intentional-justice-in-the-shadows-from-mendocino-countys-judges/?ref=mendolocal.news) Godeke said the reductions could have a “devastating impact.” Speaking at the Nov. 10 City Council meeting, Godeke said recent developments suggest the Fort Bragg courthouse may soon be limited to criminal proceedings only. “If we really did lose all other procedures besides criminal hearings, it would be an enormous hit to our courthouse,” Godeke said. “We’re talking about domestic violence, restraining orders, family law — those are all things that people would then have to start traveling to Ukiah for.” Godeke called on supervisors and constituents alike to speak up. He proposed drafting a letter from the City Council supporting the continuation of full court services on the coast — a move his fellow councilmember appeared to endorse. Under [Government Code section 68106](https://courts.ca.gov/courts/superior-courts/reduced-court-services?ref=mendolocal.news), courts must notify the public and the Judicial Council at least 60 days before closing courtrooms or clerks’ offices or reducing clerks’ office hours, but smaller cuts can have a significant impact. “Our courthouse serves the entire coast,” Godeke said. “Just imagine all those people having to drive to Ukiah for pretty much anything. It’s the health-care analog of having to drive to Ukiah to have a baby — and it’s going to be a real problem for us.” ### Hopland Water and Sewer Ratepayers Will See Increase in December URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/hopland-december-rate-rise/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:01.000Z Following a contentious Oct. 9 meeting of the Hopland Public Utility District board of directors, ratepayers were expecting to see a sharp 40 percent increase in this month’s water bills. But the rate remained unchanged. Jared Walker, the district’s deputy director of water resources, said the new rates took effect Nov. 1, so they will not be reflected on bills until the next billing cycle. Roughly one in three ratepayers protested the increase using the process set forth by Proposition 218\. Under the 1996 state law, residents have the right to challenge local fee hikes before they take effect. If more than half of property owners file written protests with the district — by mail or during a public hearing — the proposed rate increase must be withdrawn. After the meeting, a group of ratepayers led by Vernon Budinger requested that the district revisit votes taken to raise water and sewer rates, citing violations of the Brown Act and Proposition 218, which mandates rate justification and public transparency. Budinger said he has not yet received a response from the district to his Oct. 26 “cure and correct” letter. The next Hopland Public Utility District meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Brutocao Cellars in Hopland. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — November 9, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-20251109/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:02.000Z ## 🐻 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### California Voters Approve Redistricting Measure for Congressional Districts *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* California voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to redraw state Congressional districts, with 65% support statewide and in Mendocino County. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-voters-approve-new-congressional) --- ### Supervisors Narrowly Approve PG&E Dam Decommissioning Plan *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Supervisors voted 3–2 to support PG&E’s plan to decommission the Potter Valley Project’s dams, a move with major implications for Eel River and Russian River water users. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/mendocino-county-supervisors-narrowly-back-pges-potter-valley-dam-decommissioning-plan/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Public Access Denied: County Officials Dodge Citizen Interactions *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* County Counsel Charlotte Scott and District Attorney David Eyster were criticized for refusing public meetings. Supervisor John Haschak reminded colleagues the DA “answers to the public.” 🔗 [Read more →](https://theava.com/archives/275432?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Supervisors Approve Separation of Auditor and Treasurer Offices *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* The Board unanimously approved splitting the combined fiscal office into two separate departments to increase efficiency and accountability. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/mendocino-county-supervisors-unanimously-approve-separation-of-auditor-and-treasurer-offices/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### 2025 Point-in-Time Count Shows Decline in Unsheltered Homelessness *Editorial Staff, Anderson Valley Advertiser* The 2025 homeless count found 636 people countywide, a 23% decline in unsheltered homelessness since 2021\. Officials credit new housing and shelter programs. 🔗 [Read more →](https://theava.com/archives/275880?ref=mendolocal.news) [Pit Count Report](https://mendocinococ.org/pit-counts?ref=mendolocal.news)[→](https://theava.com/archives/275880?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Jury Duty Frustrations: A Local’s Perspective on Mendocino County Court System *By Erin Wellington, MendocinoCoast.News* A coastal resident describes her frustrating jury duty experience in Ukiah, citing long waits, limited seating, and poor communication from court staff. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendocinocoast.news/letter-to-the-editor-wellington-i-want-to-serve-but-mendo-courts-make-it-much-harder-for-jurors-than-need-be?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Reach Air Helicopter Crash *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* The NTSB’s early findings on the October 6 Reach Air crash detail a sudden power loss before impact. Fort Bragg’s Lions Club is organizing a Thanksgiving CARE package to honor the crew. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendocinocoast.news/ntsb-issues-report-on-reach-crash-fort-bragg-lions-club-plans-a-thanksgiving-love-package-from-the-coast/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## ⚖️ FORT BRAGG ### Civil Court in Fort Bragg Eliminated Without Public Notice *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Civil court services in Fort Bragg end Nov. 14 without prior notice—continuing a year of quiet cuts to courthouse access, jury trials, and translation services. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendocinocoast.news/mendocino-county-eliminates-civil-court-in-fort-bragg-without-telling-the-public-fort-bragg-courthouse-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Alleged Fort Bragg Prowler/Rapist Headed for Trial *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Judge Patrick Pekin ruled that Cayden Paul Craig, 23, will stand trial for forcible rape and related charges. Craig admits to the encounter but claims consent. 🗓 Hearing: November 24 🔗 [Read more ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-prowler-prelim)→ --- ### Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Litigation Pause *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Mendocino Railway refused Fort Bragg’s request for a 12-month litigation pause over the mill site, calling delays “unreasonable.” 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause) --- ### District Attorney Drops Charges Against Fort Bragg Butcher *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Charges were dropped against Zander Kain Garay, arrested after refusing to hand over his phone without a warrant. The DA declined prosecution. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/district-attorney-drops-charges-against) --- ## 🚰 HOPLAND ### Hopland Public Utility District Faces Legal Challenge Over Rate Hikes *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* Ratepayers led by Vernon Budinger are challenging steep water and sewer rate hikes, citing Brown Act and Proposition 218 violations. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-faces) --- ## 🍎 PHILO ### Gowan’s Heirloom Cider Named 2025 Cider Maker of the Year *By Sarah Doyle, The Press Democrat* Anderson Valley’s Gowan’s Heirloom Cider took home gold medals and the title “Cider Maker of the Year” at the Great American Beer Festival. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendocinobeacon.com/2025/10/28/gowans-heirloom-cider-named-cider-maker-of-the-year/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🥕 POINT ARENA ### Local Organizations Mobilize to Help Fill SNAP Gaps *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* Franny’s Cup & Saucer, Revival Community Church, and Redwood Credit Union are working together to feed families affected by SNAP disruptions. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Point Arena Library Hosts Teen ‘Lock-In’ *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* A murder mystery game brought 22 teens to the Coast Community Library for a night of sleuthing fun. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏫 UKIAH ### Ukiah High School Teacher Arrested on Charges of Annoying a Minor *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* Teacher and journalist Matt LaFever was arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate social media contact with a student. He remains on leave. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-high-school-teacher-and-journalist) --- ### Ukiah Considers 3% Water Rate Increase Starting March 2026 *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* City officials propose gradual 3% annual increases through 2029 to maintain infrastructure and prevent larger jumps later. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/ukiah-plans-water-rate-increases-public-hearing-expected-in-february/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Ukiah City Council Allocates $300,000 to Ford Street Project Expansion *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* The council approved $300,000 in opioid settlement funds to expand treatment and sober living programs at the Ford Street Project. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/07/city-of-ukiah-allocates-opioid-settlement-funds-to-ford-street-project/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌲 WILLITS ### Local Filmmaker Screens “Wrecker” at Noyo Theatre *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Willits filmmaker Bryan Brooks screened his 2022 action film “Wrecker” on Halloween night at the Noyo Theatre in Willits. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Farmer Mike Adams Grows Extra Potatoes for Willits Food Bank *By Karen Gridley, Willits Weekly* With help from the Grateful Gleaners, farmer Mike Adams planted an extra potato crop for Willits Community Services—donating over 160 pounds so far. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Leak Repaired in Brooktrails; Work Needed on Parcourse Parking Lot *By Barbara O’Reardon, Willits Weekly* A water leak on Tuck Road has been repaired, though residents voiced concerns about maintenance of the parcourse parking lot. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🍄 NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES ### Discover the Hidden World of Mushrooms at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens *Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Newsletter* Join renowned naturalist Mario Abreu for guided mushroom walks every Monday, Nov. 17–Dec. 22\. Each session begins with a 45-minute introduction followed by a 2-hour exploration of the Gardens’ 160+ mushroom species. Limited registration; proceeds support the nonprofit botanical gardens. 🔗 [Register →](https://www.gardenbythesea.org/mushroom-walks?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Tragedy and Joy: A Musical Journey with Soprano Laura Bohn *By Symphony of the Redwoods* Join Symphony of the Redwoods for an extraordinary concert featuring soprano Laura Bohn performing Poulenc’s *La Voix Humaine* alongside Canteloube’s *Chants d’Auvergne* and Richard Bennett’s *Serenade*. Experience a musical journey from tragic intimacy to joyous celebration. Pre-concert lectures available. 📅 **November 15 & 16** 📍 **Cotton Auditorium, Fort Bragg** 🕢 **Saturday 7:30 PM | Sunday 2:00 PM** 🔗 [Learn more →](https://www.symphonyoftheredwoods.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Monthly Knit & Crochet Group at Ukiah Library *Mendocino County Library Staff* Join the free drop-in fiber arts group every second Thursday at the Ukiah Branch Library, 5:30–7 p.m. All ages welcome. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendocinocounty.org/community/events/knit-crochet-group?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📰 CALMATTERS ### Lawmakers Slip Millions in Pet Projects into Tight Budget *By Ryan Sabalow, CalMatters* Despite a $12 billion deficit, legislators added $415 million in earmarks for local projects, raising concerns over transparency and spending priorities. 🔗 [Read more →](https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/11/california-budget-earmarks-2025/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Golden Mussels Invade California’s Delta *By Rachel Becker, CalMatters* Invasive golden mussels are spreading rapidly through the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, clogging infrastructure and threatening agriculture. 🔗 [Read more →](https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2025/11/tiny-invaders-golden-mussels-delta/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Hopland Public Utility District Faces Brown Act Challenge URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/hopland-public-utility-district-faces/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:03.000Z Hopland ratepayers have formally requested that the Hopland Public Utility District (HPUD) rescind steep increases in water and sewer rates that took effect on Nov. 1 or face immediate litigation. Vernon Budinger, the leader of a group of concerned HPUD customers, issued a formal legal challenge in a “Cure and Correct” letter dated October 26, 2025\. The letter describes widespread violations of California’s open meeting laws and financial transparency mandates. The HPUD board approved the rate hikes on October 9, 2025, following a contentious public hearing at Brutocao Cellars. Under the new structure, the cost of water is set to triple over 10 years, while sewer service will rise by at least 68 percent. The first round of increases includes a 40 percent hike for water and a 25 percent increase for wastewater. Ratepayers contend that the HPUD’s process violated both the Ralph M. Brown Act, which governs open meetings, and Proposition 218, which mandates rate justification and public transparency. Budinger said Government Code §54960.1 “authorizes any person to require a legislative body to cure and correct violations of the Ralph M. Brown Act.” Jared Walker, deputy director of water resources for the Ukiah Valley Water Authority, which provides administrative services to the HPUD, said he could not comment in view of possible litigation. Joan Norry, president of the board of HPUD, did not respond to a request for comment. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Allegations of Procedural Misconduct The demand letter asserts that the HPUD Board unlawfully curtailed the public’s opportunity to speak and deliberate on the matter. Specific violations cited include: - **Unreasonable Limitation on Public Comment:** The Board limited the total public comment portion of the meeting to about 10 minutes, with individual speakers limited to three minutes each. During the meeting, Norry stated this limitation was required by the Brown Act—a procedural misrepresentation, the petitioners contend, since the Brown Act sets no such limit. - **Premature Interruption:** The public comment period was interrupted after roughly 10 minutes when Norry declared the “limit had been reached.” After closing public comment, an informal “back-and-forth” exchange occurred between board members and attendees that was not part of the official public comment segment. - **Late Release of Financial Statements:** Fiscal year 2024–25 financial statements were not made available to the public in advance of the hearing, which the petitioner argues violates the Brown Act and Proposition 218 requirements that supporting materials be made available sufficiently in advance. The letter argues that the board’s actions unlawfully limited public participation, which is mandated “before or during the legislative body’s consideration of each item of business”. ### Debate Over $5 Million Debt The HPUD justified the steep increases by citing years of underinvestment and the looming expense of an anticipated Caltrans Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) project on Highway 101, which officials claimed would require the district to assume $5 million in new debt for utility relocation. However, the petitioner’s letter and ratepayers at the hearing challenged this financial basis: - **Absence of Cost-of-Service Analysis (COSA):** Ratepayers argue the HPUD failed to conduct a full COSA or proportional cost allocation required by Proposition 218 before or during the hearing. Ratepayer Vernon Budinger called the hike a “smokescreen” for an unjustified increase in administrative costs and questioned the absence of standard engineering estimates. - **Reliance on Speculative Costs:** The public presentation relied on a summary table of rate increases and the consultant’s unverified opinion, with the justification for the rate hikes hinging almost entirely on the projected pipeline relocation. The letter states that the HPUD has offered no engineering plans, no scope definition, and no third-party validation for the costs. - **Disputed Estimate:** While the HPUD consultant, Mark Hildebrand, pegged the amount attributable to HPUD ratepayers at $5 million, Assemblymember Chris Rogers, who represents the region, previously estimated the Hopland portion of the Caltrans project to be “about $1 to about $2 million”. The demand letter emphasizes that HPUD’s reliance on the estimated $5 million future debt—despite lacking a proper COSA—violates Proposition 218, which requires that revenues “not exceed the funds required to provide the property-related service” and must be “proportional to the cost of service”. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Political Backlash and State Funding Workaround The funding issue [drew attention from state legislators ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/assemblymember-rogers-confident-state)who acknowledged that state law often burdens small districts like HPUD with utility relocation costs for Caltrans projects. Assemblymember Chris Rogers introduced a bill earlier in 2025 that would have allowed Caltrans to cover these relocation costs. Although Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill on October 3, 2025, Rogers maintains that $1.5 million was secured and earmarked for the Hopland project in the state budget. Rogers said the governor was concerned about setting a precedent for other public utility districts. He added that the project can be funded by reallocating the $1.5 million from Caltrans to the HPUD or to Mendocino County to implement the project. ### The Call to Action The formal demand letter stipulates that HPUD must take immediate steps to cure the violations, including: 1. Rescinding the Oct. 9, 2025 rate-increase resolution. 2. Re-noticing and re-holding the Proposition 218 hearing with adequate advance posting of all supporting materials. 3. Performing and publishing a complete Cost-of-Service and Capital Needs Analysis consistent with industry standards (AWWA M1 and AACE Class 5). Budinger said if the district does not correct the violations, ratepayers are prepared to seek a court order. “Legal counsel has already been engaged,” he said. The next meeting of the HPUD board will be on November 13 at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are held monthly and can be attended via Zoom or in person at Brutocao Cellars, located at 3500 S. HWY 101 in Hopland, CA. *Read additional Mendo Local stories on this issue:* [Assemblymember Rogers Confident State Funds Will Cover Hopland Utility Costs After Veto](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/assemblymember-rogers-confident-state) [Hopland Public Utility District Board Limits Public Comment, Votes to Triple Water Rates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-board) ### Public Comment: Prop 50 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/public-comment-prop-50/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:03.000Z If you’d like to submit a public comment on a local issue, please email it to editor@mendolocal.news for consideration. ### Judge Says Case Against Alleged Fort Bragg Prowler/Rapist Can Proceed to Trial URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-prowler-prelim/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:04.000Z Following a preliminary hearing held Monday and Tuesday, Judge Patrick Pekin ruled there was sufficient evidence for Cayden Paul Craig to stand trial on charges of forcible rape, sexual penetration with a foreign object with force, prowling and petty theft. Craig, 23, is accused of entering a Fort Bragg home on S. Harrison Street through the bedroom window on June 21, 2025 and raping the woman who lived there. According to testimony by Officers Antoinette Moore and Gadge Farris, the victim at first thought she knew the person tapping at the window. By the time she realized she was mistaken it was too late. Craig has admitted entering the home through the window and having “rough” sex with the victim. In his defense, Craig has asserted the sex was consensual. In addition to forcible rape, Craig will stand trial for prowling outside a house on South Sanderson Street and stealing a video camera from the premises. Some additional charges initially brought by the district attorney were dropped due to the fact that individual victims initially identified a different person. The alleged rape victim also initially believed her masked assailant was someone she knew, but DNA confirmed that she had had sexual intercourse with Craig. The defense also raised the question whether it is possible to identify a person based on their eyes alone — videos of the alleged prowler played in court show a masked man in a light-colored sweatshirt outside the home of the alleged rape victim. The current charges are based on Craig’s admission that he had sexual intercourse with the alleged rape victim — as well as the DNA evidence — and by stolen objects found at his home, as well as by video footage. Pekin praised Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey and Defense Attorney Justin Pedersen for their lucid and straightforward presentation of a complex case. He noted the purpose of the preliminary hearing is simply to establish if there is sufficient evidence that a crime (or crimes) has been committed. The next hearing in the case will be held on November 24. ### Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Yearlong Pause in Litigation URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:04.000Z **The railway, recently affirmed as a federal carrier, called continued legal delays “unreasonable,” saying the parties must now either finalize a development agreement or proceed to trial.** Mendocino Railway says it will not support a request for a 12-month stay in ongoing litigation over the future of Fort Bragg’s former Georgia-Pacific mill site, calling further delays in the years-long regulatory dispute “unreasonable.” The City of Fort Bragg had asked the railway to co-sign a letter to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) supporting the proposed stay. The pause was intended to give all three parties—the city, the railway, and the CCC—more time to negotiate a settlement. > “Either we need to get on with the MDA/CatEx document that my colleague Chris Hart has been working on so diligently with the city, or we’re going to get on with the litigation,” > — **Robert Jason Pinoli, president, Mendocino Railway** Pinoli said that “kicking the can down the road continues to cost us all a lot of time and money for nothing.” ### Core of the Conflict The dispute dates back to 2021, when the City of Fort Bragg sued Mendocino Railway, challenging its claim to be a public utility and arguing that the city—not federal regulators—holds permitting authority over the mill site. The city later invited the Coastal Commission to join the case. At stake is a fundamental question: who controls development on the 400-plus-acre property—local and state agencies, or the federally regulated railroad? Over the past year, the three parties have sought to resolve the case through negotiation. The court has already granted multiple stays to allow settlement talks aimed at facilitating cleanup, redevelopment, and renewed commercial use. A key focus of those talks is the proposed Master Developer Agreement (MDA), which would delineate which activities on the site are railroad-related (and thus federally preempted) and which fall under local or state oversight. As of late 2025, however, Pinoli said the city had not yet produced a draft of the agreement. The city’s latest request for a 12-month stay was intended to allow continued coordination with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and other agencies on environmental planning. Meanwhile, Mendocino Railway is pursuing a Categorical Exclusion Zone (CatEx) application with the Coastal Commission for rail-related areas of the site—a process expected to take about a year and requiring a two-thirds CCC vote. ### Federal Ruling Bolsters Railway’s Position The railway’s firm stance follows a recent legal victory that significantly strengthens its hand. In a Declaratory Order issued by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), Mendocino Railway was confirmed as a Class III common carrier railroad under exclusive federal jurisdiction. The ruling means the company is exempt from state and local regulations that conflict with federal laws governing rail operations or track construction. “This order reaffirms our long-held position,” Pinoli said. The STB found that Mendocino Railway became a carrier when it acquired the California Western Railroad in 2004 and that a railroad does not lose its federal status simply because it is not currently hauling freight. With that ruling in place, Pinoli said the company is ready to move forward. > “We’re committed to working with the City and the CCC on the MDA and CatEx,” he said. > “We’re also committed to having this litigation carry on—it’s really that simple.” If no settlement is reached, the case is expected to go to trial in June 2026. *Read Mendo Local’s coverage of the mill site issue:* [Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Public Comment: Yesterday's Election Biggest Takeaway URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/public-comment-yesterdays-election/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:04.000Z The biggest and most profound lesson from the Prop 50 election is the large number of rural counties that voted for Trump in 2024, but rejected Trump in this election. None of the urban counties that voted for Harris in 2024 voted no on prop 50. It is this shift in conservative mostly rural counties - Lake, Imperial, Merced, Fresno, San Bernardino, Jan Joaquin, and Riverside - and the reduction in Trumps support in the rest of the counties, that speaks volumes that this is a rejection of failed Trump Republican promises. Frankly, Dems didn’t need to reapportion the congressional districts - given these numbers they could beat Republicans in the current districts; if they prove they can deliver real improvements to voters not just make vague promises. The real message is - now is the time to earn voter support by improving their lives. Gimmicks like gerrymandering, don’t make voters lives better. *If you’d like to submit a public comment on a local issue, please email it to editor@mendolocal.news for consideration.* ### District Attorney Drops Charges Against Fort Bragg Butcher URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/district-attorney-drops-charges-against/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:05.000Z *Note: An early version of the photo accompanying the story showed a different location on Redwood Avenue. We apologize for the error. November 5, 2025 7:35 p.m.* The Mendocino County District Attorney has declined to prosecute Zander Kain Garay, a 24-year-old Fort Bragg meat clerk who was arrested after refusing to hand over his cellphone to police without a warrant. Garay was taken into custody early on August 23, 2025, after stepping outside a downtown bar amid a late-night commotion. #### The Call At 1:24 a.m**.**, a woman called 911 from the Welcome Inn. “Hey, this is \[blank\] from Welcome Inn. I have a fight, uh, outside my bar, can you come pick it up?” she said. Dispatcher Tiffany asked, “Is it physical or verbal?” Caller: “Uh, physical.” Tiffany: “How many people are involved?” Caller: “Uh, just a few. Honestly, my security is outside and they told me to call the police.” Tiffany: “I need to know how many people are involved. Is it two people? Ten people?” Caller: “I don’t know. I’m in the back because I had to call you guys. I’m not outside.” Tiffany: “I’ll have an officer respond. Thank you.” #### At the Scene Sergeant Jarod Frank and Officer Antoinette Moore arrived within three minutes. Surveillance video shows them talking with a small group of people. Garay is not visible in the footage. He later told Mendo Local he had briefly gone outside and then returned inside; video evidence confirms this. By his own account, he and his friends were intoxicated. Frank will later testify that he offered members of the group a ride home. The next video from the Welcome Inn starts at 1:33 p.m. By this point there have been two scuffles. Sergeant Frank has fallen to the ground with Arion Donn Eagle Kelsey, 29\. Frank has hit his head and has tased Kelsey. Separately, Officer Moore has fallen to the ground with Shanna Ray Bayless, 28\. These interactions were not captured on camera, and the level of intoxication will make it hard for anyone to remember exactly what happened, leaving the police body-camera footage as the most reliable record. #### Arrests and Charges Kelsey and Bayless were arrested and booked on multiple felonies, including resisting or deterring an officer and conspiracy. Kelsey faced two additional misdemeanors; Bayless faced an added felony count of being an accessory after the fact and another misdemeanor. The District Attorney’s Office later rejected most of the charges. Kelsey was arraigned on a single felony count of resisting an officer. Bayless faced one misdemeanor count of obstructing a peace officer. A third friend, Jason Lee Fullbright, was charged with two misdemeanors: disorderly conduct and obstructing an officer. #### Garay’s Arrest Hearing the commotion, Garay stepped outside and began recording the scene on his phone. Video reviewed by Mendo Local shows him weaving slightly but otherwise calm. When Officer Moore asked for his phone, he refused to hand it over. Moore instructed him to step aside and sit on the curb, which he did. Moments later, Frank and Moore arrested him for disorderly conduct. Garay was booked into the Mendocino County Jail in Ukiah, and his phone was confiscated. #### Aftermath Garay later accused police of violating his First and Fourth Amendment rights and filed a complaint with the City of Fort Bragg. At his first court appearance, on October 21, he learned the charges had been dismissed. > “I was told I was getting credit for time served,” Garay said, referring to the night he spent being held in county jail. A preliminary hearing, where a judge will decide if there is sufficient evidence to continue the case against Kelsey will be held on December 3. Garay was separately arrested on October 5 in a domestic dispute and charged with two felonies: corporal injury to a spouse and vandalism. *Read Mendo Local’s previous coverage:* [Mendocino County Butcher Say Fort Bragg Police Retaliated Against Him for Refusing to Share Phone Video](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-butcher-says-fort) ### California Voters Approve New Congressional Districts URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/california-voters-approve-new-congressional/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:05.000Z California voters today approved a ballot measure that redraws state Congressional districts until after the 2030 census. The Associated Press called the election soon after the polls closed at 8 p.m. According to the AP, early returns favored the measure decisively, as did preliminary results from the AP Voter Poll, an expansive survey of more than 4,000 voters in California. CalMatters reported the measure captured 65 percent of early returns. In Mendocino County, the measure lead with 65 percent of early returns, mirroring state results. As of 8:11 p.m. 19,828 ballots had been counted, or roughly 37 percent of all registered voters. ### Ukiah High School Teacher and Journalist in Midst of Police Misconduct Investigation in Fort Bragg is Arrested on Charges of Annoying a Minor URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-high-school-teacher-and-journalist/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:06.000Z *Update: This article was updated with information provided by POST to MendoLocal.News, which was published on* [*February 11, 2026*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/an-inaccessible-docket-matthew-lafever)*. We’ve also further anonymized information about the Fort Bragg Police Department law enforcement employee who was accused of sexual misconduct.* (February 13, 2026) *Editor’s note: This article was edited at 7:37 a.m. on Nov 4, 2025 to fix a broken link, correct a typo, and add a Ukiah police request for information.* Journalist and high school teacher Matt LaFever was arrested Monday morning by the Ukiah Police Department on charges of *knowingly annoying a minor.* He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail on $10,000 bail. *MendoLocal.News* emailed LaFever for comment but has not received a response. --- ### A Complaint, an Investigation, and an Arrest According to a Ukiah Police Department press release, a parent reported on October 16 that LaFever made an inappropriate sexual comment toward her daughter. That same day, Ukiah High School placed him on administrative leave and referred the matter to police. The parental complaint and police investigation coincided with LaFever’s energetic efforts to track down a document mentioned during the public comment session of the Fort Bragg City Council on October 13. As detectives investigated, another student came forward describing inappropriate social-media exchanges with LaFever. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for LaFever’s cell phone, computers, and home. Police allege that LaFever sent a student “scantily clad” photos of himself and asked the teen to send explicit pictures in return. The press release included a picture of LaFever in white tee shirt and black shorts. There is weight-lifting equipment in the background of the photo. The next day, detectives located LaFever on the Ukiah High School campus, seizing his phone and multiple laptops. They said they confirmed the interaction described by the student and found evidence that LaFever had reached out to other minors in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. LaFever was arrested at his Hopland home around 7 a.m. Monday. > “Everything we do is about keeping the safety of the students our first priority,” > — Dan Dougherty, Communications and Community Engagement Officer, Ukiah Unified School District to [Mendocino Coast News.](https://mendocinocoast.news/ukiah-high-teacher-leading-local-journalist-arrested-this-morning-on-charge-of-annoying-or-molesting-a-high-school-student-placed-on-leave-oct-16-when-charges-were-made/?ref=mendolocal.news) LaFever taught English and journalism at Ukiah High School. --- ### A Journalist with Deep Local Roots In addition to running the independent news site *MendoFever*, LaFever serves as North Coast editor for SFGATE ~~the San Francisco Chronicle~~ and recently worked part-time for the *Independent Coast Observer.* Karen Elowitt, publisher and editor in chief of the Independent Coast Observer said, “The news of Matt’s arrest was very shocking, and the nature of his alleged crime is upsetting. But he is innocent until proven guilty.” Known for offbeat stories highlighting the quirks of Mendocino and neighboring counties and for chronicling police misconduct, LaFever was, at the time of his arrest, reportedly pursuing a story about confirmed allegations of sexual battery involving a Fort Bragg Police Department law enforcement employee in 2022\. The employee no longer works for the department. --- ### The Fort Bragg Police Misconduct File Two days before being placed on leave, LaFever had been actively seeking a copy of a confidential personnel memorandum dated May 30, 2023, written by former Police Chief Neil Cervenka to the employee. That document reportedly sustained allegations under: - California Penal Code § 243.4(e)(1) — *sexual battery* - California Penal Code § 289(a)(1) — *unlawful sexual penetration with a foreign object* The memo detailed an assault on a fellow officer, unwelcome physical contact with the officer’s wife, and a suggest to a civilian employee that she enter into a “sister —wife relationship” with him. *MendoLocal.News* has requested a redacted version of the memorandum under the California Public Records Act and asked current Fort Bragg Police Chief Eric Swift whether the case was referred to the District Attorney or to the Commission on Peace ~~Police~~ Officer Standards and Training (POST) as required by law. The city has declined to release the document and Swift has not responded to repeated requests about whether the department and the city followed the law except to tell *MendoLocal.News* that we seem to have all the information we need. While California law allows agencies to shield misconduct files involving a supervisor’s attack on a rank-and-file officer (or an officer’s attacks on another officer), however it requires disclosure when there is a confirmed finding of excessive force, sexual assault, or dishonesty involving a civilian who is not a police department employee. According to Chief Cervenka’s summary, the employee’s actions included lewd comments about a woman’s body, slapping her buttocks twice—leaving his hand there the second time—and later pulling her hair while making a remark about “the kind of hair one has if they like rough sex.” Cervenka found that the employee engaged in “criminal, dishonest, or disgraceful conduct, whether on or off duty, that adversely affects the member’s relationship with this department,” citing multiple violations of the Fort Bragg Police Department Policy Manual and Personnel Rules and Regulations. Cervenka specifically criticized the employee for dishonesty. “You were interviewed twice as part of the investigation of all these events,” he wrote. “During each of those interviews, you were under the duty obligation to completely and truthfully respond to all questions put to you. You were dishonest in many respects with the interviewer as explained below.” --- ### Broader Context: A Pattern of Police Settlements It’s not clear whether LaFever ever obtained the Fort Bragg memorandum, but his reporting has frequently examined misconduct within Mendocino County law enforcement, including: - A $450,000 settlement involving sexual-assault allegations against a former Ukiah police chief [link](https://kymkemp.com/2025/10/06/ukiah-quietly-pays-450k-in-suit-alleging-ex-chiefs-sexual-assault/?ref=mendolocal.news) - A $1 million default judgement to a woman who said a former Ukiah sergeant raped her twice [link](https://kymkemp.com/2024/07/19/disgraced-ukiah-police-sergeant-kevin-murray-faces-1m-judgment-in-rape-case/?ref=mendolocal.news) - A $2.25 million settlement to a former Willits police officer in a sexual-harassment lawsuit [link](https://kymkemp.com/2024/04/27/ex-willits-police-officer-awarded-2-25-million-in-sexual-harassment-lawsuit-tied-to-disgraced-cop-derek-hendry/?ref=mendolocal.news) The MendoFever website is not operating, and *MendoLocal.News* is unable to provide links to LaFever’s coverafge of these cases. Summary information based on his reporting is available from Large Language Models such as ChatGPT. *Editor’s Note: links to LaFever’s articles hosted on Red Headed Blackbelt have been added. 20251103 8:32 p.m.* --- ### Continuing Coverage *MendoLocal.News* will continue to pursue public-records requests related to the Fort Bragg case and report developments in LaFever’s criminal case as court filings become available. *Editor’s Note: As reported in MendoLocal.News on February 11, 2026:* The former employee, who no longer works for the Fort Bragg Police Department, later contacted *MendoLocal.News* and disputed the chief’s findings. The employee said the allegations had been reported to the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training but were not sustained, though he did not provide documentation to *MendoLocal.News* to support that claim. In a Nov. 7 video, Trent James, a former deputy for the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, displayed an October 2025 letter from a state official that declared that the allegations against the police department employee did not meet the statutory definition of “serious misconduct.” The video names the police department employee with his consent. The letter came from Robert P. Guyton Jr., a bureau chief at the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training (POST). POST spokesperson Meagan Poulos said in an email that the commission does not authenticate documents in closed cases and does not sustain sexual misconduct allegations arising from off-duty conduct. “An act that would not meet the definition of serious misconduct under Penal Code §13510.8 specifically related to sexual assault,” Poulos wrote, “would be those that occur off duty.” --- Ukiah police are seeking information regarding inappropriate social media interactions with a minor and “Johhnyender” (707) 463-6242. ### Mendo Local Weekly News — November 2, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-news-week-of-20251102/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:06.000Z Hello friends, From the courthouse to the coast, this week brought a judicial retirement, concerns about food security, and a reminder that the only constant is change. Judge Clayton Brennan closes out two decades on the bench, Albion activists take Caltrans to court, and the federal shutdown’s effects are starting to hit home. Plus: Fort Bragg’s surveillance cameras stir debate, Hopland’s water woes may get relief, and Point Arena weighs a pier fee hike. --- ## 🥕 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Longtime Mendocino County Judge Clayton Brennan Retires After Nearly 20 Years of Service** *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Clayton Brennan retired October 31, concluding nearly two decades on the bench. A former private attorney and deputy district attorney, Brennan oversaw criminal, civil, family, and probate cases — including the county’s Behavioral Health Court. He is the third county judge to retire in recent years, following Judges Jeannie Nadel and Cindee Mayfield. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/longtime-mendocino-county-judge-clayton-brennan-to-retire-friday/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Leaked Trump Administration Plans Threaten California Coastal Drilling Protections** *By Austin Murphy, The Press Democrat* A leaked document reveals plans to open portions of the California coast to offshore oil drilling, potentially undoing decades of environmental safeguards. Lease auctions could expose pristine coastal zones to oil exploration, despite many existing unused leases. Coastal leaders and environmental advocates are mobilizing in response. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/10/31/fight-over-california-coast-and-offshore-oil-drilling-rekindled-by-leaked-trump-administration-plans/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Federal Shutdown Threatens Food Aid in Mendocino County** *By Mary Tinder, Mendo Food Network via The Mendocino Voice* The ongoing federal government shutdown is leaving thousands of Mendocino County households at risk of food insecurity. While partial SNAP benefits continue, delays are expected. The Mendo Food Network is coordinating with 30+ local partners and urging donations through its Turkey Challenge campaign. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/opinion-federal-shutdown-threatens-food-aid-mendo-food-network-urges-local-support/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Election Glitch Resolved Quickly** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* An email glitch briefly disrupted preparations for Tuesday’s one-issue special election, but county staff moved quickly to fix it. County Clerk-Recorder Katrina Bartolomie said all inspectors were contacted individually after an internal delay.. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/surfwood-fire-all-residents-safely-evacuated-bottom-floor-of-home-remains-intact-county-elections-office-follows-up-with-calls-after-email-delay-short-staffing-cited-as-cause/?ref=mendolocal.news) **New California Law Shields Street Vendors’ Personal Data** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 635, the *Street Vendor Business Protection Act*, limiting how local governments collect or share vendors’ personal information. The law prevents data sharing with law enforcement without a subpoena and protects immigrant-owned businesses from immigration enforcement. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/new-law-protects-mendocino-county-street-vendors-personal-data-from-law-enforcement/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🌉 ALBION **Albion Bridge Stewards Sue Caltrans Over Environmental Review Violations** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The Albion Bridge Stewards have filed suit against Caltrans, alleging CEQA violations in the environmental review for replacing the historic 1944 wooden Albion River Bridge. The $126–$155 million project, opponents say, lacks a stable project description and defers crucial analyses. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/albion-bridge-stewards-sues-caltrans-over-albion-river-bridge-project-alleging-violations-of-ceqa/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Albion’s $600 Fire Measure Could Save Lives and Lower Insurance Premiums** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A proposed $600 annual property tax would fund two full-time firefighters for the Albion Little River Fire Department. Rising call volumes and volunteer shortages have prompted calls for a sustainable funding model. Supporters say the measure could also reduce insurance costs. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/no-its-not-just-a-tax-albions-600-fire-measure-could-save-lives-would-guarantee-two-responders-per-call-and-lower-your-insurance-premiums/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚲 ELK **Elk Creek Bridge Replacement Nears Completion** *By Caltrans District 1 Communications* Caltrans reports the new Route 1 Elk Creek Bridge is open to motorists, with final work underway on railings and erosion control. Built in 1938, the old bridge was demolished for a safer, modern design featuring wider lanes and a pedestrian/bike walkway. 🔗 [Read more](https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-1/d1-projects/elk-creek-bridge?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎥 FORT BRAGG **Fort Bragg Residents Raise Concerns Over Flock AI Cameras** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Seven Flock AI license plate cameras have been installed in Fort Bragg, igniting debate over surveillance and privacy. Police Chief Eric Swift says data are vehicle-specific and deleted after 30 days, though critics note a promised public-access portal is still missing. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-flock-alpr-cameras) | [More from Mendocino Coast News](https://mendocinocoast.news/no-public-portal-flock-system-lacks-promised-access-by-fort-bragg-police/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Fort Bragg Seeks 12-Month Litigation Stay to Support Mill Site Development** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Mayor Jason Godeke announced the city’s request for a 12-month litigation stay and plans for a December public study session on the mill site. The move aims to support remediation and planning with more community involvement. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/study-session-planned-for-mill-site) **Historic Grey Whale Inn in Fort Bragg to Become Community Gathering Space** *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* A local family has purchased the historic Grey Whale Inn and plans to restore it as a community hub for events and gatherings while preserving its unique history as a former hospital. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/historic-grey-whale-inn-prepares-for-its-next-chapter-as-downtown-fort-bragg-gathering-spac/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 💧 HOPLAND **Assemblymember Rogers Confident State Funds Will Cover Hopland Utility Costs After Veto** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Assemblymember Chris Rogers says $1.5 million in state funds will help Hopland Public Utility District offset ADA-related water and sewer relocation costs triggered by a Caltrans project, despite the governor’s veto of direct funding. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/assemblymember-rogers-confident-state) --- ## ⚓ POINT ARENA **Point Arena Considers Fee Hike at Arena Cove Pier** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* City Manager Molly Haviland said fees for pier services must better cover operations. Billy Arana of Arena Cove Stewards suggested boosting revenue by increasing use: “We have some of the best fishing on the coast.” The City Council requested a detailed profit-and-loss review before deciding. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌳 UKIAH **Ukiah’s School Street Trees Not Imperiled — Yet** *By Mike Geniella, Ukiah Daily Journal* A petition with over 2,300 signatures opposes potential removal of 60-year-old Chinese Pistache trees on School Street. Officials say no removal is imminent, but root damage could force replacements. A final public meeting is set for December 11. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/31/school-street-trees-not-imperiled-yet/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Urgent Care Facility Planned for Former Animal Hospital Site** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Mendocino Community Health Clinics plans to convert the former Mendocino Animal Hospital on Airport Park Boulevard into a 14,000-sq-ft Urgent Care facility with exam rooms, imaging services, and bike trail connections to the Great Redwood Trail. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/31/permit-requested-for-urgent-care-facility-on-airport-park-boulevard/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Remembering Rhonda: A Tribute to Plowshares’ Heart and Soul** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* Plowshares Community Dining Room honored Rhonda De Los Santos, its beloved administrator of nearly 30 years. She helped launch Meals on Wheels and was remembered as the organization’s heart and soul. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/29/community-gathers-to-celebrate-life-of-longtime-plowshares-administrator/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah’s Urban Core Project Progresses with Infrastructure Improvements** *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* Work continues on Perkins Street as Ukiah’s Urban Core Rehabilitation Project adds bike lanes, ADA ramps, traffic signals, and storm drains to 4.8 miles of roadway. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/ukiahs-urban-core-project-nears-next-phase-as-perkins-street-work-continues/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚒 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **Surfwood Fire: Swift Evacuation Saves Lives, Community Resilience Shines** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A late-night fire on Leafwood Drive in Surfwood led to a successful evacuation of all residents and their dog. Quick action by volunteer firefighters contained the blaze to the first floor, though smoke damage may render the home a total loss. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/surfwood-fire-all-residents-safely-evacuated-bottom-floor-of-home-remains-intact-county-elections-office-follows-up-with-calls-after-email-delay-short-staffing-cited-as-cause/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🪵 WILLITS **Willits Hires Next Interim City Manager, Starts Search** *By B.B. Kamoroff, Willits Weekly* Robert Richardson will succeed Rod Wilburn as interim city manager starting November 12\. A retired manager from Grass Valley and Auburn, he’ll serve for six months or until a permanent hire is made. Consultant Deborah Muchmore outlined the executive search process at the October 22, 2025 city council meeting. 🔗 [Read more](https://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📰 CALMATTERS **Millions of Californians Face Food Aid Uncertainty as Federal Benefits Stall** *By Ana B. Ibarra, Deborah Brennan, Phoebe Huss & Chrissa Olson, CalMatters* Over 5.5 million Californians lost CalFresh benefits as the federal shutdown continues. The state is deploying $80 million in emergency aid and the National Guard to help distribute food while suing to reinstate federal support. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/10/cal-fresh-snap-november-cliff/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Head Start Programs Shut Down Across California Due to Federal Funding Crisis** *By Carolyn Jones, CalMatters* Head Start closures are spreading across California as federal funding dries up, impacting about 1,000 low-income children and 270 teachers. One Santa Cruz County program has already closed 11 centers. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/education/2025/10/california-head-start/?ref=mendolocal.news) **License to Kill: California DUI Laws Are Lax** *CalMatters Investigative Team* A CalMatters investigation finds California’s failure to prevent repeat DUI offenders has led to 20,000 deaths since 2019\. Alcohol-related fatalities are up 50% in a decade, far outpacing national trends. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/series/license-to-kill/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Fort Bragg Plans Public Study Session, Website to Boost Transparency on Mill Site Development URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/study-session-planned-for-mill-site/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:06.000Z City officials say planning for the redevelopment of the former Georgia-Pacific mill site is advancing on several fronts, with new efforts underway to increase transparency and public engagement. Mayor Jason Godeke reported that the city’s mill site ad hoc committee, which includes Councilmember Lindy Peters, met last week to discuss progress on a *categorical exclusion zone* application to the California Coastal Commission. The exclusion would apply specifically to rail-related areas and activities on the site. “That is a process that will take quite a while,” Godeke said. “It will take approximately a year to work that application up, and it is specific to the rail-related areas and activities of the mill site.” Next steps include a series of archaeological, botanical, and visual studies, according to Godeke. The city also recently requested a 12-month stay in its ongoing litigation with Mendocino Railway to allow continued planning and environmental work in coordination with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and other agencies, Godeke said. “We expect to be holding a study session on that whole process in early December,” Godeke said. “That will be an opportunity to hear more about all of these various processes that’ll be working in parallel and to get input from the public on this very important topic.” To improve communication, the city will also launch a dedicated web page with documents and updates related to mill site activities and planning. “There’s a lot going on,” Godeke said. “We’re going to have a web page dedicated specifically to mill site activity so the public can go to one space, get updates, see documents, and try to make that as easy as possible for folks to access.” Councilmember Peters said the December study session will be open to the public and intended as an “information exchange.” “I know the public has not had a chance to comment on things that are going on — a lot of it has to do with closed session and lawsuits,” Peters said. “But I want the public to know we’re not trying to hide anything. We’re really going to try and make an effort now with the web page and a series of public meetings to get the information out there and start drawing the public into this process as much as we can going forward.” *Read Mendo Local’s continuing coverage of ongoing mill site development efforts:* [Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Fort Bragg Residents Alarmed by “Flock AI Cameras” Posters URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-flock-alpr-cameras/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:07.000Z **Summary:** Posters claiming “Flock AI Cameras Track Your Every Move” have appeared around Fort Bragg, sparking public concern over the city’s use of automated license plate readers. Police Chief Eric Swift says the seven Flock cameras installed in the city are used only to identify vehicles connected to crimes and that the data is deleted after 30 days. Posters with the headline “Flock AI Cameras Track Your Every Move” are plastered around Fort Bragg, prompting alarmed residents to contact the Fort Bragg Police Department for information about the city’s use of automated license plate readers. Interim Police Chief Eric Swift confirmed that the city has installed seven Flock cameras, but he said they are not typical surveillance devices. > “The Flock cameras we have are specifically tied to a crime — so it’s tied to the vehicle itself or the description of the vehicle,” he said. “The cameras are not just taking pictures or videos of people.” According to Flock Safety, the company that sells the cameras, the system automatically captures license plates of passing vehicles, along with other unique characteristics such as color, make, model, and even bumper stickers or visible damage. This data is compared to police “hot sheets” — lists of vehicles that have been reported stolen or are wanted in connection with a crime. When a match is found, the system alerts local law enforcement. Swift clarified that the data is owned by the city and deleted after 30 days. > “It’s illegal for us to share that data with the federal government or other federal agencies or out of state,” Swift said. Swift also promised to address concerns about transparency raised in a recent [*Mendocino Coast News*](https://mendocinocoast.news/no-public-portal-flock-system-lacks-promised-access-by-fort-bragg-police/?ref=mendolocal.news)[ article that highlighted the absence of a promised data portal](https://mendocinocoast.news/no-public-portal-flock-system-lacks-promised-access-by-fort-bragg-police/?ref=mendolocal.news) allowing the public to verify how the cameras are being used. Councilmember Lindy Peters noted that the cameras will not be used by ICE and said he hoped Swift’s explanation would help alleviate anxiety that has been expressed, particularly on the MCN listserv. He described the cameras as a tool in the city’s “public safety tool belt” that helps keep citizens safe and their vehicles in their driveways. Peters also noted that the cameras were acquired using asset forfeiture funds and grant funding, not general fund money. Asset forfeiture funds are money and property seized by law enforcement and forfeited through civil or criminal proceedings. Their use is restricted by law: they cannot be used to supplant routine agency budgets or replace general operating expenses, but they can support task forces or joint operations. --- ### Statewide ALPR Misuse Fuels Local Fears Community concerns about ALPR privacy are exacerbated by ongoing reports of data misuse and illegal sharing throughout California. [As reported by ](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2025/06/california-police-sharing-license-plate-reader-data/?ref=mendolocal.news)[*CalMatters*](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2025/06/california-police-sharing-license-plate-reader-data/?ref=mendolocal.news)[,](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2025/06/california-police-sharing-license-plate-reader-data/?ref=mendolocal.news) agencies across Southern California — including the Los Angeles Police Department and sheriff’s departments in San Diego and Orange counties — violated state law more than 100 times in a single month in 2025 by sharing license plate reader data with federal agents, including ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Subsequent investigations by [*Palo Alto Online*](https://www.paloaltoonline.com/investigative-story/2025/07/30/hundreds-of-agencies-tap-athertons-surveillance-system-for-feds-town-fails-to-follow-own-rules/?ref=mendolocal.news) and [the ](https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/?ref=mendolocal.news)[*San Francisco Standard*](https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/?ref=mendolocal.news) found that police departments in Atherton, Menlo Park, and San Francisco also violated state law. The [*Lost Coast Outpost*](https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2025/oct/23/sheriffs-office-appears-be-violating-its-own-polic/?ref=mendolocal.news)[ recently reported that the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office appears to be routinely violating its own policy ](https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2025/oct/23/sheriffs-office-appears-be-violating-its-own-polic/?ref=mendolocal.news)and state law by allowing outside agencies access to its ALPR data, often without obtaining legally required information such as the reason for the search or the identity of the officer conducting it. [Senate Bill 34, which passed in 2015, restricts how data collected by automated license plate recognition systems can be shared.](http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/15-16/bill/sen/sb%5F0001-0050/sb%5F34%5Fbill%5F20151006%5Fchaptered.html?ref=mendolocal.news) [Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the city of El Cajon earlier this month for violating SB 34 and sharing license plate data with federal and out-of-state entities.](https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out?ref=mendolocal.news) The suit was filed two days after Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed SB 274, which would have imposed additional restrictions on data collected by automated license plate readers — specifically, a default 60-day data deletion requirement. [Newsom said the bill did not strike the right balance between protecting individual privacy and ensuring public safety,](https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SB-274-Veto.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) and that it created enforcement costs not accounted for in the current budget. ### Assemblymember Rogers Confident State Funds Will Cover Hopland Utility Costs After Veto URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/assemblymember-rogers-confident-state/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:07.000Z It’s an unfair burden that’s well known to state legislators who represent rural districts in California. When a Caltrans project affects water or sewer lines, it’s the responsibility of the local water district to pay to move the lines — whether the move is temporary or permanent, and regardless of whether the project delivers any benefit to the utility itself. That requirement recently was cited to justify a 40% rate increase for customers of the Hopland Public Utility District — an increase that takes effect Nov. 1 and that one out of three ratepayers oppose. The small district, which serves about 330 customers, was told it would have to contribute more than a million dollars to cover the cost of relocating underground utilities as part of a Caltrans Americans with Disabilities Act project through downtown Hopland. (Mark Hildebrand, a consultant for the Ukiah Valley Water Authority, pegged the amount attributable to Hopland PUD ratepayers at $5 million. Ratepayers said the estimate was exaggerated and pointed to the lack of standard estimates) Assemblymember Chris Rogers, who represents Mendocino County and the North Coast, said the situation in Hopland highlights how state law can penalize struggling rural communities. “I think that this is a really good example of one of the areas where one-size-fits-all approaches to policy are a challenge across California, but specifically in our district being as large as it is,” he said. Rogers represents California’s 2nd Assembly District, which stretches from the Oregon border to northern Sonoma County and includes Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, and part of Sonoma County. Roger explained that current state law limits what Caltrans can fund in a project. “There are certain parts of projects that Caltrans is able to actually fund and parts that they are not,” he said. “And there is a portion as it pertains to the projects that they are doing in Hopland — specifically the relocation of the utilities that is associated with the ADA work — that state law does not allow Caltrans to actually do.” The result, Rogers said, was that Caltrans “basically had to split the project into two components. Phase one is the section they are able to actually fund and do the work for. Phase two is the section they are not able to do the work for, and that falls on the public utility district.” For Hopland, that meant the costs of the state-mandated project would fall on roughly 330 ratepayers. “The fact that they are having the secondary aspect of this project that isn’t even their project but it’s a Caltrans project fall on so few people at such a high cost — it really would be a challenge for that district,” Rogers said. Rogers estimated the Hopland portion of the project at “about $1 to about $2 million depending on materials, labor, and especially depending on how long it actually takes for this project to get off the ground.” To address the issue, Rogers introduced a bill earlier this year that would have allowed Caltrans to cover the cost of utility relocations for small districts like Hopland. “We also worked very closely with Senator McGuire’s office and made sure that we secured some funding that was directly earmarked for this project in the state’s budget,” he said. About $1.5 million was allocated to the Hopland project. While Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill that would have allowed Caltrans to fund the Hopland project, Rogers said he remains confident the allocated funding will still reach Hopland. “The governor was very concerned about the precedent that it would set for other public utility districts or community service districts across the state,” Rogers said. “But because we have that funding still secured, there still is going to be the ability for the second portion of this project to move forward. We just have to make sure that the money gets allocated that originally was designed to be allocated to Caltrans for the project.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) “The workaround is going to be that it’ll be reallocated to the public utility district or to the county to actually be the impletor of the project,” Rogers said. He said the commitment from both the legislature and the governor remains strong. “The project will still get done,” he said. “We just need to make sure that we, you know, dot the tees, cross the eyes to make sure that it all works correctly, but that commitment does remain.” Rogers said he was especially proud that the legislation drew bipartisan support. “It was a bipartisan bill and in fact when we sent the final version to the governor I even had a member of the Republican Party who represents a rural community stand up and speak in support of it on the floor,” he said. He also credited local officials for their work. “We were very happy to work on the bill. We worked very closely with Supervisor Madeline Cline. She’s been nothing but the biggest champion,” Rogers said. “We talked with the former supervisor Glenn McGourty about it and he’s been a huge champion. And then obviously the work that Senator McGuire has done to be able to help secure that funding just can’t be understated.” *Read additional Mendo Local stories on this issue:* [Hopland Public Utility District Board Limits Public Comment, Votes to Triple Water Rates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-board) ### Mendo Local Weekly News — October 26, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-october-26/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:08.000Z Hello friends, From a new county judge to the confirmed deportation of a local immigrant in Point Arena, along with haunted houses in Fort Bragg and a crackdown on unleashed dogs in Brooktrails, there’s a lot to catch up on! --- ### 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY **Mendocino County to Consider Separating Fiscal Offices** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Mendocino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison is urging the Board of Supervisors to separate the two fiscal offices, which were merged in 2021\. Supported by the Mendocino County Farm Bureau and other civic organizations, the proposal aims to restore two independent elected positions to improve accountability and transparency. If approved, the separation could take effect in time for the 2026 election. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-board-of-supervisors-e04) **Recreational Dungeness Crab Fishing Begins Nov. 1 with Limitations** *CDFW Communications Team, CDFW News Releases* The recreational Dungeness crab season opens Nov. 1 with local restrictions due to a public health hazard. Crabbing in Northern California waters from the Oregon border to the Sonoma/Mendocino line is considered unsafe due to high domoic acid levels. In additional, the commercial season was delayed until the start of the new year due numerous entanglements with marine mammals. 🔗[ Read more](https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Recreational-Dungeness-Crab-Fishing-Begins-Nov-1-with-Limitations?ref=mendolocal.news) **Charlotte Scott Appointed Mendocino County Superior Court Judge** *Governor Gavin Newsom Press Office* Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Charlotte Scott to the Mendocino County Superior Court, filling the vacancy left by retiring Judge Cindee F. Mayfield. Scott has served in the Mendocino County Counsel’s Office since 2016 and became County Counsel in 2024. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/22/governor-newsom-announces-judicial-appointments-2/?ref=mendolocal.news) **$50 Million Hospital Modernization Deal Collapses for Mendocino Coast District** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The Mendocino Coast Health Care District learned Thursday that a $50 million modernization funding term sheet for Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Hospital has been withdrawn by the lender, leaving a $35 million funding gap. Officials are exploring alternatives including FEMA and USDA Rural Development programs. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/50-million-hospital-modernization) **Local Officials Seek to Prepare for Looming Health Care Crisis** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* California faces a health care crisis in 2026, with Covered California premiums projected to rise up to 388%. Local leaders are meeting to plan support for residents at risk of losing coverage amid Medi-Cal restrictions and statewide affordability challenges. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/26/health-care-leaders-gather-to-address-impending-insurance-crisis/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### 🚒 ANDERSON VALLEY **Anderson Valley Fire Department Celebrates 70 Years of Community Service** *By Terry Sites, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Nearly 300 community members gathered to celebrate 70 years of volunteer service by the Anderson Valley Fire Department and Ambulance Service, with BBQ, live music, and a REACH helicopter display. 🔗[ Read more](https://theava.com/archives/275101?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌱 BOONVILLE **Mendo/Lake Food Hub: Connecting Small Farmers to Local Communities** *By Nikki Auschnitt & Steve Krieg, Anderson Valley Advertiser* The Mendo/Lake Food Hub helps small farmers sell produce directly to local consumers through an online marketplace. Supported by CDFA funding, it strengthens farm economies and food access across Mendocino and Lake counties. 🔗[ Read more](https://theava.com/archives/275092?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌊 FORT BRAGG **The Lions Haunted House is so scary … there’s a special less-scary show for youngsters** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The Fort Bragg Lions Club’s Haunted Toy Shop returns for two nights of fright and fundraising, with a milder version for kids. Proceeds benefit seniors, children, and local scholarships. 🔗[ Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/lions-haunted-house-too-scary-to-show-photos-but-its-charities-make-kids-seniors-smile-thousands-of-times/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Fort Bragg Police Seize Illegal Firearms in Storage Unit Raid** *Fort Bragg Police Department Media Release* A joint operation on Oct. 23 led to the seizure of an improvised “Zip Gun,” ammunition, and a homemade suppressor. Multiple weapons-related charges are pending. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1084678670216876) **Fort Bragg Police Seize Assault Weapon and Drugs; Child Protection Concerns Raised** *Fort Bragg Police Department Media Release* A search of a John Cimolino Way residence uncovered controlled substances, weapons, and a short-barrel rifle accessible to a 10-year-old child. Charges include child endangerment, weapons, and drug offenses. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1979661146223214) **Two Arrested in Reported Kidnapping and Sexual Assault in Fort Bragg** *Fort Bragg Police Department Media Release* Two suspects were arrested after allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a victim at gunpoint. Both were on probation. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1966077591458657) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### 💊 GUALALA **Prescription Options for Genoa Pharmacy Customers** *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* Genoa Pharmacy will close Nov. 7, transferring prescriptions to its Santa Rosa branch for mail delivery. Medi-Cal patients must arrange physical delivery via FedEx or UPS. 🔗[ Read more](http://hhttps//www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚑 LAYTONVILLE **Victim of Harrowing Car Crash Shares Story, Gratitude** *By Steph (Yin) Zhao, The Mendocino Voice* After a crash sent her car 50 feet down a ravine near Laytonville, an Oakland resident reflects on the kindness of Mendocino County rescuers and strangers who helped her recover. 🔗[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/25/opinion-oakland-resident-saved-by-many-mendocino-county-good-samaritans/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### ⚖️ POINT ARENA **Point Arena Asylum Seeker Arrested at Immigration Court** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* A Point Arena father was detained by ICE during an asylum check-in, prompting his family to self deport. According to a local activist, the family is originally from Michoacan and has lived in the United States for about a year and a half. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Point Arena General Store Building in Bankruptcy** *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* A property tied to Councilmember Jeffrey Hansen has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Hansen, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, hopes to refinance and avoid foreclosure. 🔗[ Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 💧 POTTER VALLEY **Mendocino County Considers Dueling Resolutions on Potter Valley Project** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Supervisors rejected one resolution urging PG&E to reconsider decommissioning the Potter Valley Project, favoring another that reaffirms support while calling for acknowledgment of community concerns. 🔗[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/mendocino-county-board-of-supervisors-advance-resolution-on-potter-valley-project-decommissioning/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🪶 SEA RANCH **Sea Ranch Teen Becomes Youngest Writer in Redwood Writers Poetry Anthology History** *By Matthew LaFever, Independent Coast Observer* Lee Riggs, an eighth-grader at Horicon Elementary, was among 110 poets selected for the Redwood Writers anthology — the youngest contributor in the group’s history. 🔗[ Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚓 UKIAH **Bay Area Trio Arrested in $100,000 ATM Theft at Ukiah Bank** *Ukiah Police Department Press Release* Three suspects from the Bay Area were arrested for an ATM “jackpotting” scheme that stole over $100,000 from Savings Bank of Mendocino County. Authorities suspect ties to South American Theft Groups. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1226407502856396&set=a.218878760275947) **Officials Celebrate New Approach to Water Management** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* A new forecast-informed reservoir operation system for Lake Mendocino uses advanced weather models to optimize storage and flood control, saving nearly 30,000 acre-feet of water since 2022. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🎨 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **Native Arts Expo Celebrates Indigenous Art and Culture on Mendocino Coast** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* The ninth-annual Native Arts Expo brought Indigenous artists, dancers, and storytellers to the Mendocino Art Center, celebrating cultural heritage from across the Americas. 🔗[ Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/native-arts-expo-2025-post/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🦌 WILLITS **Brooktrails CSD Report** *By Barbara O’Reardon, Willits Weekly* Brooktrails CSD discussed a water reuse study and new fire safety requirements. Supervisor John Haschak noted stricter leash enforcement by county animal control. 🔗[ Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Willits Senior Center Deficit** *By Richard Baker, Willits Weekly* The Willits Senior Center reported significant program deficits—$54,219 for Meals on Wheels and $30,208 for Congregate Dining. Donations can be made at[ willitsseniorcenter.com](http://www.willitsseniorcenter.com/?ref=mendolocal.news). 🔗[ Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **$8.8 Million Wildlife Fencing Project Underway on U.S. 101** *Caltrans Media Team, Caltrans News Release* Caltrans is installing 8-foot wildlife fencing and escape ramps along U.S. 101 south of Willits to reduce animal collisions and guide deer toward an existing undercrossing. 🔗[ Read more](https://www.facebook.com/CaltransHQ/posts/1286112086893322/) --- ### 📰 CALMATTERS **California Unions Propose “Billionaires Tax” to Fund Healthcare and Education** *By Kristen Hwang, CalMatters* A proposed ballot measure would levy a one-time 5% tax on about 200 billionaires to raise $100 billion for healthcare (90%) and K-12 education (10%). 🔗[ Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2025/10/billionaire-tax-initiative/?ref=mendolocal.news) **LA County Moves to Limit License Plate Tracking** *By Phoebe Huss and Khari Johnson, CalMatters* Los Angeles County supervisors voted to curb license-plate data sharing with immigration authorities and limit data retention to 60 days following privacy concerns. 🔗[Read more](https://calmatters.org/technology/2025/10/la-county-license-plate-tracking/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### $50 Million Hospital Modernization Deal Falls Through for Mendocino Coast District URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/50-million-hospital-modernization/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:08.000Z The Mendocino Coast Health Care District Board learned Thursday that a term sheet for $50 million in modernization funding for Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Hospital has been withdrawn by the lender. Board Chair Paul Garza told the board the lender cited “several opt-out opportunities in the lease agreement with Adventist Health” as the reason for backing out. He said the district still expects to qualify for about $15 million in revenue-bond financing, leaving “roughly a $35 million gap” to be filled from other sources. Garza noted that Adventist Health (AH) is reluctant to modify these opt-out clauses because such an adjustment would be carried as a long-term debit on its balance sheet, potentially affecting its credit rating. AH is already managing approximately $1.7 billion in existing loans, according to District Administrator Kathy Wylie. Adventist Health will help the district assemble a team to seek additional funding from federal or state programs, Garza said. He identified the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Agency (RDA) as likely sources. “This is hardly an ideal situation because of the shutdown of the federal government and the inconsistency of the current administration,” Garza said. “Nonetheless, I hope my fellow board members will agree that while seismic retrofit is our immediate priority, modernization is essential to our hospital’s future success.” Despite the setback, Garza reported progress on several fronts. Audits for fiscal years 2021 through 2024-25 are nearly complete — a crucial step that will bring the district into compliance with state requirements and allow reimbursement from the California Health Care Access and Information Agency, the grant fund for mandated seismic-retrofit equipment costs. “It’s very, very good news,” Garza said. Garza also reported that facility-maintenance estimates were revised downward from about $22 million to approximately $10 million after a continuing review by District Administrator Kathy Wiley, District CFO Wayne Allen, and Adventist Health CFO Richard Ritter. The estimate aligns with earlier expectations of roughly $12 million in maintenance. ### Seismic Upgrade Efforts Continue Donna Huntingdale, president/CEO of Building Rx Construction, reported the draft budget for the state-mandated seismic retrofit projects is currently tracking around $18 million to $19 million. The board approved an expenditure of $4,000 to update the 2018 geohazards report to meet current code requirements, as mandated by the state. Huntingdale noted that the finalized design bid from the Devenny Group for nonstructural performance work was $561,311, below the maximum value of $571,943 previously approved by the board. Board Member Jan McGourty said the consultant’s detailed presentation made it difficult for the public to understand how the money would be spent and noted the lack of an executive summary. “I wouldn’t accept this report if it were up for acceptance without a written narrative or at least an executive summary of its contents,” McGourty said. “I don’t think this request is unrealistic, considering the cost of this contract. Public funds are being used, and the public should be able to understand the work being done.” ### Capital and Maintenance Plan Reduced The board approved a revised Capital Expenditure Plan for calendar years 2025 through 2027, totaling $9,959,528\. The revised plan postpones several projects, including the parking lot and a new MRI machine. CFO Wayne Allen confirmed that the revised expenditure plan aligns with the funds the district is required to deposit into the AH improvement fund, which totals $18,441,000 through December 2027 (adjusted for CPI). Annual facility-maintenance costs were scaled back from roughly $500,000 to about $200,000 per year. McGourty noted that the requested capital expenditures were $1 million a year over budget. A discussion ensued around deferred maintenance and requirements of licensure. ### Federal Rural-Health Funding Potential The board also received an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, a federal initiative funded by a $50 billion allocation to be distributed over five years ($10 billion annually). Approximately half of the total ($25 billion) will be divided equally among states that apply by the Nov. 5 deadline. If all 50 states apply, California would receive about $100 million per year for five years. The remainder will be distributed based on a formula determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator. ### Financial and Administrative Actions The board approved a proposal to surplus 10 obsolete Hill-Rom hospital beds, valued at $100 each. Five of the beds were approved for donation to Care B&B Inc., a new nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between acute medical care and home recovery. In other financial matters, staff reported September investment income of $93,472\. Total cash equivalents for the district are $16.41 million. The district settled the McDaniel v. Mendocino Coast Health Care District litigation for $100,000\. The settlement was fully covered by Beta Insurance, leaving the district responsible only for a $1,000 deductible. The board is seeking applications to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Director Paul Katzeff in September. Applications are due Nov. 1, 2025, at 5 p.m., and the board will consider an appointment at its Nov. 13 meeting. ### Board of Supes to Consider Separating Fiscal Offices of Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-board-of-supervisors-e04/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:08.000Z Mendocino County’s top fiscal officer, Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison, urged the Board of Supervisors Tuesday to undo a 2021 ordinance that merged her office’s functions and called for both positions to once again be independently elected. “It remains my professional opinion that the offices of the Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector should be independent offices elected by the people,” Cubbison told the board. “It is also the professional opinion of my colleagues throughout the state.” Cubbison said her request reflects the consensus of members of the California State Association of County Auditors and the California Association of Treasurer-Tax Collectors, both of which favor keeping the fiscal offices separate. She noted that Lassen County recently reversed a similar merger, passing an ordinance in April 2024 to restore separate elected offices starting in 2026. The Lassen County ordinance followed [a 2023-24 report by the Lassen County Civil Grand Jury,](https://www.lassennews.com/grand-jurys-audit-and-finance-committee-investigates-lassen-county-auditor-controller?ref=mendolocal.news) which criticized the consolidation of the Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector offices, citing significant administrative and oversight problems after the merger. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) “I fully support and request this board take the necessary steps to repeal the ordinance that was enacted in 2021,” Cubbison said. “I implore you to please take this action as soon as possible and have an item come back before you in November and December.” Supervisor Ted Williams asked whether anyone was already working on the proposal. “Yes,” Cubbison replied. Cubbison advised the board to direct staff to bring an item forward. “It does not appear to be very complicated,” she said. “But it does need to happen either at the November 18 and December meetings or some other combination of two meetings.” Supervisor Bernie Norvell said he supported that idea. “My only concern is the timeline. I believe when the offices were consolidated, the board didn’t take the necessary steps of … a risk analysis… I think it would be prudent to try and get that done instead of making the same mistake twice.” Norvell volunteered to serve on an ad hoc committee to complete that work. Chair John Haschak agreed, noting he had already been in communication with Cubbison. “If you want to work with me on it, that’s great,” he told Norvell. The ad hoc committee was formally created with the expectation it would report back to the board on November 18. ## Public calls for accountability, transparency During public comment, speakers overwhelmingly supported restoring the two elected offices. “It was a mistake,” said Theresa McNerlin. “I think it’s okay to accept that a mistake was made in consolidating them, and I think we should just own up to it and fix that mistake.” McNerlin said the Mendocino County Republican Central Committee, Democratic Central Committee, and Farm Bureau all back separating the positions. “Every organization wants these to be two separate offices with two separate elected officials for the utmost accountability,” she said. Kerri Vau, chair of Mendo Matters cited outside findings. “You also have had the State of California Comptroller’s Office that did an audit that suggested that this happen,” she said. “You’ve had the grand jury that has also suggested that this could help you … including the transparency that’s needed.” Julie Golden, who serves as chair of the Hopland Municipal Advisory Council, urged quick action before the next election cycle. “The elected officials like the treasurer-tax collector and auditor provide a layer of independence and direct public accountability that we deserve,” she said. “I strongly encourage you … to not just think about this, but to take action immediately.” Estelle Clifton, president of the board of directors of the Mendocino County Farm Bureau, echoed that sentiment. “You lose checks and balances,” she said. “So it’s even more important … that you take the timeline seriously and do your work.” Online, Adam Gaska of the Mendocino County Farm Bureau also voiced support. “I just wanted to reiterate Mendocino County Farm Bureau’s support of separating the two offices back into two elected offices,” he said. “We urge you to move forward … as soon as is legally possible.” ### Next steps Chair John Haschak said an agenda item could come to the board as soon as November 18, depending on scheduling. “We do understand that there are time considerations,” he said. “To get it on the ballot and everything.” If the board acts before the end of the year, the separation could take effect in time for the 2026 election. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — October 19, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-october-993/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:09.000Z **Hello friends,** In Mendocino County and across the country, “No Kings” protests are growing. In Ukiah, a new courthouse rises; in Fort Bragg, the Skunk Train and the city strike a procedural agreement; and in Willits, a timber company wins a zoning amendment. ### 🚑 MENDOCINO COUNTY **County Mulls Funding Fix for Struggling Volunteer Ambulances** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Mendocino County’s volunteer ambulance services — in Round Valley, Laytonville, and Anderson Valley — are teetering financially, with Round Valley in the most precarious position. At the October 7 Board of Supervisors meeting, officials debated whether to pursue a new tax to stabilize the county’s emergency medical response. The board floated a range of ideas — from a countywide sales tax similar to 2017’s Measure B to more limited property or sales taxes in unincorporated areas — but took no clear action. CEO Darcie Antle was directed to return November 4 with potential funding models. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://theava.com/archives/274648?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino County Sees 25% Jump in State Prison Sentences** *By Editorial Staff, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Mendocino County has seen a sharp increase in state prison sentences this year, according to new data from District Attorney David Eyster’s office. From January through October 10, 2025, 98 defendants were sentenced to state prison, up from 74 during the same period in 2024 — a 25% increase. In the courtroom, 24 jury trials have gone to verdict this year, with 20 resulting in guilty findings — an 83% conviction rate. 🔗 [Read more](https://theava.com/my-membership-options-page?%5Fs2member%5Fvars=ptag..level..1..post..274648..L2FyY2hpdmVzLzI3NDY0OA%3D%3D&%5Fs2member%5Fsig=1760934436-de3a3059974e51537ffb374d7d136c46&ref=mendolocal.news) **California Takes Steps to Improve Rural Maternity Care Access** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills (AB 55 and SB 669) to address maternity care challenges in rural California. The legislation will make it easier to open birth centers and create a flexible hospital staffing model. With 11 California counties classified as “maternity care deserts” and more than 50 hospital maternity wards closed since 2012, these bills aim to improve healthcare access for rural communities. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/newsom-signs-bills-to-ease-barriers) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### 🔥 COVELO **Covelo Mourns Beloved Former Fire Chief Killed in Hit-and-Run** *By Matt LaFever, MendoFever* Bill Baker, a beloved former Covelo Fire Department chief known for his lifelong commitment to community service, was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident on Highway 162\. A 20-year-old local driver allegedly struck Baker while he was walking and fled the scene. The California Highway Patrol is investigating. Baker is remembered as someone who was “always the first to help” and who dedicated his life to serving his community. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://mendofever.com/2025/10/13/always-the-first-to-help-covelo-remembers-former-fire-chief-killed-in-hit-and-run/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌊 FORT BRAGG **“No Kings” Protest Returns as a Lovefest Among Thousands—Now, the Path Forward** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* The “No Kings” protest in Fort Bragg drew an estimated 1,500–2,500 participants in a peaceful and spirited show of community solidarity. Featuring colorful costumes, inflatable characters, and a diverse crowd, the event emphasized unity, humor, and civic engagement. The protest was part of a nationwide movement, with over 2,600 similar events across the country. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://mendocinocoast.news/no-kings-protest-returns-as-a-lovefest-among-thousands-now-the-path-forward/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Skunk Train and Fort Bragg Agree to Resolve Stormwater Contamination Procedural Dispute** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* The Sierra Northern Railway, Mendocino Railway, and the City of Fort Bragg have jointly agreed to set aside a court default in a lawsuit regarding stormwater contamination at the former Georgia-Pacific mill site. The parties have asked Judge John S. Tigar to approve an agreement allowing Fort Bragg to respond to the railways’ complaint and proceed with the case on its merits. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree) --- ### 🌲 GUALALA **Bower Park Closed as Contractor Mobilizes for Repairs, Improvements** *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* Bower Park was closed and fenced off on October 10 to prevent public entry while restoration work is underway. Doug Anderson, the county’s capital improvements manager, said the park could remain closed into the spring. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### ⚓ POINT ARENA **County Approves Major Roadwork Improvement Project for Highway 1 North of Point Arena** *By Matthew LaFever, Independent Coast Observer* A major Caltrans project to resurface and upgrade nearly 20 miles of Highway 1 between Point Arena and Elk has cleared the final phase of approval, setting the stage for construction to begin in 2027 and continue into 2028. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🏛️ UKIAH **Ukiah High School Security Guard Arrested for Alleged Student Assault** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice (a project of the Bay City News Foundation)* A 39-year-old Ukiah High School security guard, Julian Williams, was arrested on suspicion of child abuse and battery after allegedly assaulting a 15-year-old student in a locked classroom. The district has placed Williams on administrative leave and is cooperating with police. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/ukiah-high-school-security-guard-arrested-after-allegedly-assaulting-a-student/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah City Council Approves New Homeless Encampment Ordinance** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice (a project of the Bay City News Foundation)* The Ukiah City Council has passed an ordinance modifying homeless encampment regulations, removing the requirement that shelter space be available before law enforcement can intervene. The new ordinance aligns with the 2024 Supreme Court ruling in *City of Grants Pass v. Johnson.* 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/homeless-woman-and-advocates-address-ukiah-city-council-after-encampment-ordinance-passes/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Ukiah Planning Commission Receives Updates on Multiple City Projects** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal (California Newspaper Partnership/Media News)* The Ukiah Planning Commission received updates on development projects including a dual-branded Applebee’s/IHOP, a potential MCHC urgent care facility, and site development proposals at several locations. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **“Big Love” Brings Ancient Play to Modern Stage at Mendocino College** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal (California Newspaper Partnership/Media News)* Mendocino College’s Theatre Department presents *Big Love*, a modern reimagining of Aeschylus’s ancient play exploring gender, asylum, and violence. Performances run October 16–26 at Mendocino College Center Theatre. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/16/mendocino-college-production-shows-off-new-theatre-directors-prowess/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino Courthouse Reaches Structural Steel Milestone** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal (California Newspaper Partnership/Media News)* The new Mendocino County Courthouse celebrated its “Topping Out” ceremony on October 15, marking completion of the structural steel phase. The 81,000-square-foot facility, with seven courtrooms, is expected to open in late summer 2027. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/17/mendocino-courthouse-topping-out-ceremony-celebrates-milestone/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ### 🎨 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **A Conversation with Mendocino Arts Center Executive Director** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal (Owned by: (California Newspaper Partnership/Media News)* Mendocino Arts Center Executive Director Dav Bell reflected on his first year leading the center, noting record fundraising and a new generation of local arts leaders stepping forward. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/18/a-conversation-with-mendocino-art-centers-executive-director/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Naked Man in a Cave: Should I Be Concerned?** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A mysterious naked man was discovered living in a remote coastal cave surrounded by empty cans and signs of long-term habitation. Hartzell reflects on the unsettling encounter and what it reveals about rural isolation. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://mendocinocoast.news/naked-man-in-a-cave-should-i-be-concerned-woolly-worms-say-winters-coming-more/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mobile Sauna Sparks Controversy at Big River Beach** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A mobile sauna business, MendoSauna, was forced to cease operations at Big River Beach following complaints and environmental concerns. The case underscores the tension between local entrepreneurship and coastal conservation. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://mendocinocoast.news/complaints-nix-sauna-in-a-trailer-on-big-river-beach-parking-lot-we-need-to-create-a-blue-economy-which-has-a-coherent-and-much-more-local-process/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌲 WILLITS **Over 800 Protesters Gather in Willits for National “No Kings” Demonstration** *By Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice (a project of the Bay City News Foundation)* More than 800 people joined Willits’ “No Kings” protest on October 18, part of a nationwide movement denouncing authoritarianism. Demonstrators highlighted concerns over immigration raids, National Guard deployments, and social service cuts. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/willits-no-kings-protest-saturday-attracts-about-800-demonstrators/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Willits City Council Approves Zoning Changes for Future Expansion of Sanhedrin Log Deck** *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* The Willits City Council voted 3–0 to approve zoning amendments allowing Sanhedrin Timber Company to expand its log deck. Councilmember Bruce Burton recused himself due to a business relationship with the company. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 📢 NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES **Mendocino County Scenic Views Questionnaire** *By Mendocino County* The county is updating its Local Coastal Program, which guides how coastal lands are used and developed. Residents are invited to share feedback via a brief survey. 🔗 [*Take the survey*](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QP2V2SN?ref=mendolocal.news) **Pier Closure for Hoist Repair: Oct. 18 – End of November** *By City of Point Arena Staff* The Point Arena Pier will be closed to all commercial and sport vessels through November for hoist bonnet repairs. Public restrooms, showers, and the fishing area will remain open. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://pointarena.ca.gov/2025/10/pier-closure-for-hoist-repair-oct-18-end-of-november/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 📰 CALMATTERS **New Law Requires California Lawmakers to Disclose Job Offers** *By Ryan Sabalow, CalMatters* A new law requires California officials to disclose job offers on conflict-of-interest forms, increasing transparency around post-government employment and reducing potential ethical conflicts. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://calmatters.org/politics/2024/08/california-legislators-job-hunt-conflicts-ethics/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Rolls Back Broad Data Sharing for Food Stamps** *By Phoebe Huss, CalMatters* Governor Newsom signed a bill limiting government data sharing intended to increase CalFresh enrollment, citing privacy concerns over potential federal access to personal information. 🔗 [*Read more*](https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/10/calfresh-data-privacy-california-law/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### "No Kings" protest in Fort Bragg on October 18, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/no-kings-protest-in-fort-bragg-on/ Last updated: 2025-10-20T04:11:17.000Z _No content available._ ### Newsom Signs Bills to Ease Barriers to Rural Maternity Care URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/newsom-signs-bills-to-ease-barriers/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:09.000Z *Editor’s Note: We changed the term “transfer agreement” below to “transfer policy” after a reader pointed out a legal difference in the meaning of the terms. 10/15/2025* Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed two bills aimed at removing regulatory barriers to lower-cost, community-based maternity care — a move providers say is especially critical in rural areas where access has dwindled. Across California, 11 counties have no hospital or birth center, meeting the definition of a “maternity care desert.” Nationally, 36% of U.S. counties fall into that category, according to a [2022 March of Dimes report](https://www.marchofdimes.org/peristats/data?top=23&lev=1&stop=644®=99&sreg=06&obj=9&slev=4&ref=mendolocal.news). Mendocino County appears relatively better off, with more than two hospitals or birth centers. But for residents on the coast, in Covelo or other remote areas, the nearest hospital with a licensed labor and delivery unit is Adventist Health Ukiah Valley — often more than a hour’s drive. In neighboring Humboldt County, the situation is much the same. St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka is the only facility offering delivery services. Bethany Sasaki, a nurse practitioner and midwife in Sacramento, said Assembly Bill 55, authored by Assembly member Mia Bonta and co-sponsored by Sen. Mike McGuire, will make it easier to open new birth centers in rural areas. The bill passed the Assembly without opposition and cleared the Senate with only one dissenting vote. Sasaki said the law eliminates arbitrary rules that made it impossible to license birth centers in rural areas. Previously, birth centers were required to be within 30 minutes of a hospital with an obstetric unit. “That was completely arbitrary,” she said. “It wasn’t based in any science.” The bill replaces the rule with one requiring a written hospital transfer policy ~~agreement~~. AB 55 also removes what Sasaki called a “de facto ban” on licensed midwives owning and operating birth centers. Under previous regulations, centers had to meet Medi-Cal’s definition for comprehensive perinatal services — a requirement that excluded many licensed midwives. Licensing is key for insurance coverage, said Laura Doyle, owner of Moonstone Midwives Birth Center in Arcata. “In California they said you need to be licensed,” Doyle said, “but they have not given out licenses for years. And then insurance companies were saying they’re not going to reimburse you if you’re not licensed.” Since 2012, [more than 50 hospital maternity wards have shut down in California. Since 2020 19 licensed birth centers have closed, according to CalMatters](https://calmatters.org/series/no-deliveries-maternity-care/?ref=mendolocal.news). [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) The second measure, Senate Bill 669, authored by McGuire, establishes a five-year pilot project to test a more flexible model for rural hospitals that can’t sustain full delivery units. The program allows “standby perinatal medical services,” ensuring emergency readiness and hospital oversight while relaxing rigid staffing requirements. Senate Bill 669 passed the Senate and Assembly unanimously with no abstentions. The model was pioneered by Plumas District Hospital, after the hospital suspended labor and delivery services in 2022 due to low birth volume, finances, and staffing shortages. The new approach allows critical-access hospitals, birth centers, and rural health clinics to collaborate on coverage and patient transfers. Lisa Rawson, a licensed midwife who has attended hundreds of births in Mendocino County, said Adventist Health Ukiah Valley already uses a version of that model. Like the Plumas District Hospital, Adventist Health in Ukiah has a low birth volume. Countywide there were just [769 births in 2023](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/surveillance/Pages/Births.aspx?ref=mendolocal.news), an average of just over 60 a month. Adventist Health Ukiah Valley currently maintains a Level II neonatal intensive care unit — the unit can care for moderately ill newborns born after 32 weeks of gestation. Higher-risk infants need to be transferred to Santa Rosa’s Sutter Hospital. Rawson said both bills make long-needed changes and acknowledge the central role of licensed midwives in rural maternity care. Doyle agreed, noting Humboldt County’s collaborative system between midwives and OB-GYNs as a model. “We have all these systems in place so we have really great, safe outcomes,” she said. Newsom also signed two other midwife related bills: [SB 520](https://legiscan.com/CA/bill/SB520/2025?ref=mendolocal.news) creates a California Nurse-Midwifery Education Fund within the Department of Health Care Access and Information for the purpose of establishing California-based, master’s level, nurse-midwifery education programs within the California State University, the University of California, or both; and [AB 836](https://legiscan.com/CA/bill/AB836/2025?ref=mendolocal.news), which commissions a statewide study on midwife education. ### Skunk Train, Fort Bragg Jointly Agree to Set Aside Default in Mill Site Suit URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/skunk-train-fort-bragg-jointly-agree/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:10.000Z The Sierra Northern Railway, the Mendocino Railway and the city of Fort Bragg have jointly agreed to set aside a court default in one of two ongoing lawsuits about the former Georgia-Pacific mill site. In a stipulation filed Oct. 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the parties asked Judge John S. Tigar to approve an agreement restoring Fort Bragg’s right to respond to the railways’ lawsuit over stormwater contamination of Mill Pond 8\. The agreement allows the dispute to proceed on the merits. The railways filed their third amended complaint Aug. 4\. A default was entered Sept. 9 after the city missed the deadline to respond. The stipulation says the lapse was inadvertent, caused by the departure of the attorney handling day-to-day matters from the law firm Edlin Gallagher Huie + Blum. Both sides agreed that setting aside the default would not prejudice the plaintiffs and would allow the case to be decided on its merits. Fort Bragg must file an answer within 10 court days of Tigar’s order approving the stipulation. Once filed, the case will move forward toward discovery and pre-trial motions. The agreement on procedural cooperation signals the city and the railways may be making progress in settling their long-running dispute around local and state jurisdiction of the mill site as well as cleanup of hazardous substances. *Read additional coverage of the mill site dispute:* [U.S. Supreme Court denies Skunk Train appeal](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) [Federal Railway Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — October 12, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-october-4d2/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:10.000Z Hello friends, Another week and another story about the lack of clarity around Mendocino County finances. Plus a stalled District Attorney recall effort, polling place confusion, and an LLC called “Paradisiacal Properties” purchases 47 acres outside Elk. # 🗞️ MENDOCINO COUNTY **Supervisors stymied by missing budget data** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Supervisors debated hiring requests without basic budget data from CEO Darcie Antle, postponing the DA’s staffing ask amid a countywide 6% cut target. Assessor-Clerk-Recorder Katrina Bartolomie, whose office ran its own numbers, called the discussion “kind of a waste of time.” Modest hires in her office, plus library and public-health positions funded outside the General Fund, were approved. Antle promised full details Nov. 4. [read the full story](https://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Recall effort against Mendocino County DA stalls due to paperwork errors** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The Registrar of Voters rejected a citizen-led recall of DA David Eyster after errors in the published Notice of Intent in the Anderson Valley Advertiser. If resubmitted and accepted, organizers would have 160 days to collect 8,200 valid signatures. A countywide election could cost $300,000–$350,000. [read the full story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/district-attorney-recall-effort-rejected) **Polling places and drop box info contained in ballot packets** *By Matt LaFever, Independent Coast Observer* After some postcards omitted polling-place details, Registrar Katrina Bartolomie urged voters to use official drop boxes and vote early; corrected postcards are being mailed. Full ballot packets with polling places and drop boxes went out last week. [read the full story](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Paradise in transition: land sales and monastic expansions** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A conservation group sold 47 acres in Elk for $1.5M to a new LLC, while Ukrainian Catholic Monks of Mount Tabor bought 51.5 acres in Redwood Valley for $712K, expanding their monastic footprint. [read the full story](https://mendocinocoast.news/paradise-in-transition-vegan-canadians-ukrainian-monks-and-a-look-at-mendocinos-rarely-seen-heavens/?ref=mendolocal.news) **REACH crew nurse dies** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A REACH Air Medical Services helicopter crashed on Highway 50 near Sacramento, resulting in the tragic death of Nurse Suzie Smith. Two other crew members remain hospitalized. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from UC Davis Trauma Center, with pilot Chad Millward making a miraculous landing that avoided highway vehicles. Frank Hartzell and the Fort Bragg LIONS club are organizing a community gratitude effort. To contribute, email [frankhartzell@gmail.com](mailto:frankhartzell@gmail.com) with subject “I want to help Reach.” [read the full story](https://mendocinocoast.news/community-update-sending-reach-a-care-package-ai-misreporting-deepened-the-trauma/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) # ❄️ FORT BRAGG **Supreme Court denies “Skunk Train” railway’s appeal in regulation dispute** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review Mendocino Railway’s federal case over local/state regulation of rail activities tied to the former GP mill site. The dispute now proceeds in California state court as settlement talks continue. [read the full story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train) **New icehouse in Noyo Harbor** *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* Noyo Harbor will get a state-of-the-art icehouse built from three stacked shipping containers, capable of producing and storing up to 20 tons of flake ice for commercial and recreational fishing. Tours of the facility were offered to the public last week. [read the full story](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/new-noyo-harbor-icehouse-poised-to-support-the-north-coast-fishing-industry/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 💧 HOPLAND **Hopland PUD votes to triple water rates, sparking community outrage** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The board approved rate hikes that will triple water costs over 10 years for 330+ customers. First increases—40% for water, 25% for wastewater—take effect Nov. 1\. Residents blasted transparency, projections, and justifications tied to potential projects and rising admin costs. [read the full story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-board) --- # ⚓ POINT ARENA 🌧️ **Mendonoma residents want Caltrans to address flooding** *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* As rains return, residents near Gualala and Point Arena brace for seasonal closures when rivers overtop. Locals say long-discussed fixes—like a Windy Hollow Road bridge—keep slipping in regional priorities. [read the full story](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🏞️ UKIAH ⚖️ **Ukiah pays $450K in settlement over former police chief’s alleged sexual assault** *By Matt LaFever, MendoFever* The city settled a federal lawsuit alleging former Police Chief Noble Waidelich sexually assaulted a woman in uniform. Ukiah admits no liability, calling the settlement a fiscal decision amid criticism of earlier warnings that went unheeded. [read the full story](https://mendofever.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- # 🌙 WILLITS 🎉 **Harvest Moon celebrated with pie-eating contest, tree giveaway** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Main Street filled with families, food, and games at the annual Harvest Moon Hometown Celebration. PG&E’s vegetation team gave away 100 small trees in under an hour. [read the full story](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 📰 CALMATTERS **‘No tax on tips’ offers limited benefits for California workers** *By Levi Sumagaysay, CalMatters* A new federal deduction allowing up to $25,000 in tips to be deducted from taxable income may offer uneven relief for service workers and could carry unintended consequences, experts say. [read the full story](https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/10/no-tax-on-tips-california/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Judge shuts down California tribes’ gambling lawsuit** *By Ryan Sabalow, CalMatters* A Sacramento Superior Court judge dismissed tribes’ suit aimed at forcing card rooms out of the market, citing federal gambling law. Card rooms praised the decision; tribes plan to appeal. [read the full story](https://calmatters.org/digital-democracy/2025/10/california-gambling-casinos-cardrooms/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- # 🗂️ NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS **City of Ukiah Moves Ahead with Annexation** *City of Ukiah* The City of Ukiah met on October 8 with Mendocino County Farm Bureau, Mendo Matters, and the No Ukiah Annexation group. The city said the purpose of the meeting was to exchange information, address misconceptions, and gather feedback on specific ideas that could inform revisions to the City’s potential annexation maps. [Read the announcement](https://cityofukiah.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PR%5FCommunity-Discussions-re-Annexation%5F100925.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) or [listen to KZYX GM Andre De Channes read a version of the announcement during NPR news programming breaks on October 10](https://jukebox.kzyx.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California launches Cannabis Equity Grants Program for local jurisdictions** *By GO-Biz Newsletter* The state opened FY 2025–26 applications to support local cannabis equity: reducing entry barriers and boosting participation in the legal market. Deadline: **Dec. 8, 2025, 11:59 p.m.** [read the Mendocino Voice story](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/mendocino-county-eyes-new-cannabis-equity-grant-to-boost-local-growers/?ref=mendolocal.news) or [read the announcement](https://business.ca.gov/cannabis-equity-grants-program?ref=mendolocal.news) **Redwood Forest Foundation receives $2.8M for wildfire mitigation** *By USDA* A USDA grant will expand and maintain fuel breaks along Hwy 1 near Leggett (about 579 acres) and fund community prescribed-fire training. [read the Mendocino Voice stor](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/redwood-forest-foundation-awarded-2-8-million-for-wildfire-mitigation-near-leggett/?ref=mendolocal.news)y or [read the announcement](https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire/grants/cwdg?ref=mendolocal.news) *Editor’s note: The item about the City of Ukiah moving forward on annexation was added at 11:21 a.m. on October 12, 2025* ### Hopland Public Utility District Board Limits Public Comment, Votes to Triple Water Rates URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/hopland-public-utility-district-board/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:12.000Z *Editor’s Note: The story was updated with a link to the Water Measurement and Reporting Regulation, passed in June 2015, that authorizes the State Water Board to order the consolidation of water systems lacking adequate drinking water, particularly in disadvantaged communities. October 13, 2025* The Hopland Public Utility District board voted Thursday to sharply raise water and wastewater rates over the next decade, triggering confusion and anger among residents who questioned the accuracy of the district’s financial projections and the transparency of its process. Under the new rates, the cost of water for roughly 330 customers will triple over 10 years, while the cost of sewer service will rise by at least 68 percent. The first round of increases — 40 percent for water and 25 percent for wastewater — will take effect Nov. 1\. Additional hikes are scheduled for July 2026. The board approved the increases after a contentious public hearing at Brutocao Cellars, where dozens of residents crowded into the room to demand explanations for the steep rate hikes. Many said they were frustrated by inconsistent figures, missing documentation and what they described as shifting justifications for the new charges. Ratepayer Vernon Budinger called the hike “a smokescreen” to hide escalating administrative costs following a consolidation of outlying county water districts and the City of Ukiah. Budinger questioned the absence of standard cost estimates and requested a Class 3 or Class 5 engineering estimate — standardized estimate classifications defined by the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE International). **Board disputes level of opposition** At least one in three ratepayers submitted letters opposing the increases. Opponents argued they had reached the 50 percent protest threshold needed to block the hike under state law. The board disputed that claim, saying it found more than a score of duplicates. An on-the-spot count during the meeting yielded 119 valid protest letters, or about 36 percent of ratepayers. But attendees contended that letters were not verified against the district’s official roster, and officials offered conflicting totals for the number of accounts — 330, according to Jared Walker, deputy director for water resources at the Ukiah Valley Water Authority, and 342, according to board members. **Cost Drivers in Dispute** Officials attributed the increases to years of underinvestment in the water system and to an anticipated Caltrans project on Highway 101 that could require the district to assume $5 million in new debt. No documentation for the Caltrans project was provided to the public at the meeting. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/f0acfaf7-f005-4a81-aa59-b094b0e39d52_1972x1116-jpeg.jpg) Earlier this year, Assemblymember Chris Rogers, who represents Mendocino County, introduced legislation that would have exempted the Hopland district from paying for utility line relocations tied to the project. The bill, AB 830, passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support but was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 3\. (Two Democrats voted against the bill: Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen from Elk Grove and Senator Eloise Gomez Reyes from San Bernardino.) The project’s estimated cost, when discussed in the legislature was just $1 million — versus the $5 million that is being cited as required to relocate the water and sewer lines. **Limits on Public Comment** At the meeting, frustration over the lack of specifics about the CalTrans project and how utility line relocation could be required by the installation of flashing lights and culvert rehabilitation combined questionable limits placed on public comment. Board member Joan Norry told the audience that the Brown Act — California’s open-meetings law — limited public comment to 10 minutes in total. In fact, the Brown Act imposes no such limit; local agencies may set reasonable time limits but generally must do so through publicly adopted policies versus ad hoc declarations. **Investing in Future Indebtedness** Financial consultant Mark Hildebrand, who was hired by the district to prepare the rate study, said the increases were needed to build a reserve of $100,000 a year for capital improvements and to support future borrowing. Without the Caltrans-related debt, he said, the 10-year compounded increase would have been about 167 percent. “You have to establish a revenue base that can support the utility into the future,” Hildebrand said. **Consolidation and Administrative Costs** The Hopland district contracts with the Ukiah Valley Water Authority for management and operations. That relationship stems from the 2024 creation of the Ukiah Valley Water Authority, a joint powers authority formed by the consolidation of the Willow County Water District and other county water districts — a move that critics say has inflated administrative overhead. Ukiah’s public employee salaries are high by Mendocino County standards, with department heads earning between $180,810 and $225,271 annually, according to city records. That’s between five and seven times the median income of Mendocino County. Walker said the city provided a new service agreement in August 2025 that included an 11 percent increase in costs, after two years without rate adjustments. The agreement also built-in annual 7.5 percent cost escalations for services, effectively tying increases in administrative expenses to rate increases rather than actual inflation, which has risen by 7.5 percent only once in the last ten years [(in 2022).](https://www.bls.gov/charts/consumer-price-index/consumer-price-index-by-category-line-chart.htm?ref=mendolocal.news) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/764453b3-7905-4d8b-8683-2ab07ea032e4_1448x1028-jpeg.jpg) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) **Unanswered Questions About Projects** When pressed for specifics on capital projects, Walker cited several priorities: lining a wastewater pond with concrete, repairing two leaking steel tanks, addressing groundwater intrusion that triples winter wastewater flows, and installing five new monitoring wells required by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. “Those are four projects that we absolutely have to get done,” Walker said. Still, residents said they were unconvinced that the such large increases were justified. “We’re not Sebastopol or Healdsburg,” said ratepayer Tina Moody. “The income isn’t here, the employers aren’t here, the money’s not here. Are you just willing to put everybody in the red?” Hildebrand acknowledged that the Caltrans project might not proceed, but said the district was planning prudently. He said if the CalTrans project doesn’t happen — or if a new governor supports a bipartisan bill — Hildebrand maintained the rate increase could be reversed. Residents audibly expressed their doubt that would happen. **Budget Breakdown and Inflation Dispute** Administrative costs from Ukiah account for 29 percent of Hopland’s $276,000 water operating budget and 44 percent of its $181,000 wastewater budget. Existing debt service represents another third of the water budget. Hildebrand told the audience that the Consumer Price Index had risen by 40 percent over the past decade, citing inflation as a key driver of costs. [According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,](https://www.in2013dollars.com/us/inflation/2015?amount=2711&ref=mendolocal.news) the actual increase for U.S. cities over that period was closer to 37 percent and averaged about 3 percent a year. Hildebrand also displayed a chart comparing Hopland’s rates with those in Ukiah, Fort Bragg and Willits — the same presentation he used to justify [a 36 percent increase in Ukiah’s rates earlier last month ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-sewer-rates-poised-for-huge)— that time, Ukiah was presented as having the lowest rates. This time Hopland ranked at the bottom. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/f092d897-7e3b-4acf-9b53-061dfdff1946_1884x1102-jpeg.jpg) “The Caltrans project will eventually become a one-time expense that hurt for a second,” Hildebrand said, before correcting himself. “It could hurt for a number of years.” **A Third Option** One resident suggested the district and resident compromise on a smaller rate increase. “I understand the need to raise rates,” said ratepayer Wendy Morelli. “But does it have to be a zero-sum game? Can’t we come up with something reasonable that everybody can live with?” Walker said the Hopland Public Utility District could contract for a lower level of service with the Ukiah Valley Power Authority, but warned that if Hopland failed to maintain its system, the state could force a consolidation under [SB 88, a water measurement and recording regulation that was passed in June 2015](https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water%5Fissues/programs/diversion%5Fuse/water%5Fmeasurement.html?ref=mendolocal.news). “I don’t think the community of Hopland wants to be governed by the state of California,” he said painting a picture of some might view as the worst-case scenario. *Read Mendo Local’s coverage of utility rate increases:* - [Ukiah Sewer Rates Poised for Huge Jump After One-Minute Protest Hearing](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-sewer-rates-poised-for-huge) [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### District Attorney Recall Effort Rejected URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/district-attorney-recall-effort-rejected/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:16.000Z *Editor’s note: typo corrected October 13, 2025 8:19 p.m.* A citizen-led effort to recall Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster will have to start over after the county registrar of voters rejected its paperwork. “The published Notice of Intent to Recall had several errors and did not match what was served to Mr. Eyster,” Mendocino County Registrar of Voters, Assessor, Clerk and Recorder Katrina Bartolomie said in an email to *Mendo Local News*. Helen Sizemore, the recall’s lead organizer, did not respond to requests for comment. If the group resubmits its paperwork and it is accepted, organizers will have 160 calendar days to collect 8,200 valid signatures to qualify the recall for the ballot. Bartolomie said the cost of a countywide election could be as high as $300,000 to $350,000 — more than ~~twice~~ the amount the group alleges was misspent prosecuting elected Auditor-Controller Chamise Cubbison and defending the county against her ongoing civil suit. A[ Change.org petition calling for Eyster’s recall](https://www.change.org/p/recall-mendocino-county-s-district-attorney-david-eyster?ref=mendolocal.news), posted at least seven months ago, has received fewer than 350 signatures, suggesting the effort may not have broad voter support. The errors found by the Registrar’s office are highlighted in the images below. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/c85b158a-793c-41ef-a3a8-0f008ec4f7a5_794x724.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/5e7ed5ab-d7be-47a8-ae83-9090f4965995_696x804.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/d290a69b-d85c-4d61-a03b-211e6ea58e16_716x500.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/76ea26e7-445a-4b0d-9a02-480bf35cb481_686x670.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/937b0625-0bb6-441c-89a5-d964a7f6bcd7_674x732.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/5686011d-7ad8-475f-bc93-3446c5283433_732x564.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/1912c7dc-9b53-4b44-8b74-b62351e13b48_1524x810.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/013382bf-7576-4a4d-8d03-c2031ce0aae3_1628x1116.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/8cfd5d93-4de0-44a8-a285-eedf75c253d6_1714x1158.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/7ef15275-95be-4397-9d57-1cc906dc9fcf_1630x1090.png) ### U.S. Supreme Court Denies “Skunk Train” Appeal URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/us-supreme-court-denies-skunk-train/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:16.000Z The Supreme Court on Monday denied a petition for a writ of certiorari filed by the Mendocino Railway, ensuring the dismissal of the company’s federal lawsuit challenging local and state regulation of its rail activities in Northern California. Mendocino Railway CEO Robert Pinoli said he was disappointed the Supreme Court declined review of the federal court’s dismissal of the railway’s federal-preemption claims. “Now, it will be the California state court’s job to decide the claims,” he noted. “But with the Surface Transportation Board’s recent declaration that Mendocino is, in fact, a common carrier railroad within the Board’s exclusive jurisdiction and entitled to federal preemption, we trust the state court will do the right thing and make clear, once and for all, that the City and Coastal Commission have no regulatory authority over Mendocino’s railroad development and operations.” Mendocino Railway and the City of Fort Bragg are currently engaged in settlement discussions. A trial is expected in June 2026 if a settlement is not reached. Fort Bragg City Manager Isaac Whippy said he “respects” the Supreme Court decision. “This ruling provides further clarity on the path forward,” he said. “As we have consistently emphasized, the City remains committed to working in good faith with Mendocino Railway to resolve outstanding issues and to facilitate the responsible redevelopment of the Mill Site in a way that serves the best interests of our community.” The City of Fort Bragg filed suit against the Mendocino Railway in October 2021 in state court after the train company used the power of eminent domain to acquire around 300 acres of land belonging to the former Georgia Pacific mill site. In its lawsuit, Fort Bragg sought a judicial declaration that Mendocino Railway was subject to state and local regulation, as well as civil penalties and an injunction obligating it to comply with applicable laws. The California Coastal Commission later intervened in the state lawsuit, seeking a declaration that its permitting authority under the Coastal Act and the City’s Local Coastal Program (“LCP”**)** is not preempted. The Commission also sought an injunction requiring the railway to cease “all actions taken by the Railway without a coastal development permit” and to obtain authorization before commencing or resuming “any such development.” The railway challenged the legal basis of the city’s suit and argued it was subject only to regulation by the Interstate Commerce Commission Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA). The trial court ruled against the railway, which sought a review by the California Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court. The railway also moved to disqualify the judge who ruled against it. That motion was denied. In June 2022, the railway asserted federal preemption as a defense against the city’s complaint in state court. In August, the railway filed a federal lawsuit seeking declaratory and injunctive relief concerning federal preemption rights under the ICCTA. Federal preemption is a legal doctrine asserting that when a conflict exists between federal and state laws, federal law takes precedence and overrides the state law. In October 2022 Mendocino Railway removed the state case to federal district court. Fort Bragg and the commission requested the case be remanded back to state court, and the district court granted that motion on May 11, 2023. The following day, May 12, 2023, the district court granted a motion to dismiss the railway’s original federal cause using the *Colorado River* abstention doctrine. This doctrine allows federal courts to relinquish jurisdiction in favor of parallel state-court proceedings only in “exceptional circumstances.” “Such exceptional circumstances are present here,” the district court wrote in its opinion, noting that the issue of federal preemption under the ICCTA is squarely before the state court. Indeed, the court pointed out that “federal preemption is the sole issue raised in Mendocino Railway’s complaint in this action, and for the Court to adjudicate that claim would necessarily duplicate the state court’s efforts and risk the possibility of this Court and the state court reaching different results.” The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal, issuing its decision on August 28, 2024, and its order denying rehearing on December 10, 2024. Both the Pacific Legal Foundation and the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association supported the railway’s request for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The Pacific Legal Foundation said the case dealt with “an exceptionally important question regarding the ability of private citizens to vindicate their federal rights in federal court.” The foundation said it “has seen time and again how governments wield doctrines like Colorado River to shield themselves from federal court scrutiny.” The mobile home park owners wrote that application of the Colorado River doctrine “has been a story of confusion and unpredictability” and argued that “the court should stop the creep of improper circumlocution of jurisdiction and resolve the manifest confusion about concurrent jurisdiction.” The denial was issued on Monday without explanation or comment. The California Coastal Commission declined to comment on the denial. *Read more Mendo Local stories about the mill site:* [Federal Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — October 5, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-october/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:17.000Z Hello friends, You can look for your ballots in the mail next week — and if they’re slow to arrive, it could be because of the U.S. Post Office’s new “Regional Transportation Optimization Plan.” Also in the news, Ukiah is set to get 22 miles in new trails, Point Arena has secured money to make needed repairs in Arena Cove, and “functionally extinct” sunflower sea stars have been spotted on the Mendocino coast. ## 📰 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Mendocino County ballots go out Monday for statewide special election on Proposition 50** *By Bay City News, The Mendocino Voice* Mendocino County voters will receive ballots starting Monday for a statewide special election on Proposition 50, which proposes suspending current congressional district maps and creating new ones potentially favoring Democrats. The Registrar of Voters will open its in-person voting center in Ukiah on Monday, offering weekday hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Oct. 13 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day). In-person voting will also be available on Election Day, Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at more than 20 polling sites across the county. [read the full story](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/mendocino-county-ballots-go-out-monday-for-statewide-special-election-on-proposition-50/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Postal Service changes cause delays at rural post offices** *By Matthew LaFever, Independent Coast Observer* Residents along the Mendonoma Coast are reporting worsening mail delays and missing deliveries following Postal Service changes tied to a 10-year “Regional Transportation Optimization” plan. Outgoing mail pickups at Gualala Post Office have dropped from twice daily to once at 10:30 a.m. without public notice. Critics, including the Postal Regulatory Commission, say the plan harms rural communities that were already underserved. [read the full story](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Paul Katzeff resigns from Mendocino Coast Hospital Board** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Thanksgiving Coffee co-founder Paul Katzeff has resigned from the Mendocino Coast Hospital District Board ~~after just months on the job~~, citing frustration over what he described as the board’s “lack of vision” and narrow focus on the district’s duties as landlord to Adventist Health rather than improving community health. Katzeff plans to launch a speaking tour to explain his decision. [read the full story](https://mendocinocoast.news/paul-katzeff-resigns-from-mendocino-coast-district-hospital-board/?ref=mendolocal.news) *Editor’s Note: Paul Katzeff was appointed to the Mendocino Coast Health Care District Board in 2023\. He was elected as an incumbent in November 2024\. Altogether, he served for a total of 31 months before resigning. (10/6/2025 8:27 p.m.)* **County pays $200K for little to show in lobbying contract** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Despite a $6 million deficit, Mendocino County continues to pay $42,000 annually to Sacramento lobbyists Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange — totaling more than $200,000 over five years. Scaramella says the firm’s reported “accomplishments” are trivial or unrelated to county interests, such as supporting bills already in effect or opposing Los Angeles–specific legislation. [read the full story](https://theava.com/archives/274068?ref=mendolocal.news) **Sneaker waves strike: nature’s unpredictable ocean hazard** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Sneaker waves up to 15 feet hit the Mendocino Coast this week, creating life-threatening beach conditions. The National Weather Service warns that sneaker waves arrive without warning, urging beachgoers to stay off coastal rocks and away from the surf during advisories. [read the full story](https://mendocinocoast.news/first-sneaker-waves-since-spring-they-dont-sneak-they-strike-know-the-risk-skip-the-beach/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Sunflower sea stars sighted on the Mendocino Coast** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* A Sonoma State University researcher and two recreational divers confirmed sightings of sunflower sea stars, thought by some to be functionally extinct. The rare sightings come amid North Coast KelpFest celebrations in Fort Bragg, offering new hope for recovery of the region’s kelp forests. [read the full story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/sunflower-sea-star-sightings-bring) **Member of Mendocino County Bikers Against Child Abuse accused of child sex crime** *By Matt LaFever, MendoFever* John Conant, 66, a Sebastopol man and former Bikers Against Child Abuse executive, was arrested in Sonoma County on suspicion of lewd acts with a child under 14\. B.A.C.A. leaders condemned the alleged conduct and emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for abuse. [read the full story](https://mendofever.com/2025/09/30/member-of-mendocino-county-bikers-against-child-abuse-accused-of-child-sex-crime/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌉 ALBION **Caltrans finalizes environmental review for Albion River Bridge replacement** *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* Caltrans has released the final Environmental Impact Report for the Albion River Bridge project, clearing the way for construction starting in 2028\. The agency selected a reinforced concrete arch design, citing broad public support and fewer environmental impacts. [read the full story](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏙️ FORT BRAGG **Hundreds attend Mendocino County’s first “Longest Table” event** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The table — or more accurately “tables” — were set up on on North Franklin Street in two rows to accommodate more than 400 people. While the event was free, it quickly reached capacity. [read the full story.](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/the-longest-table-comes-to-mendocino) **Fort Bragg Grocery Outlet groundbreaking slated for spring 2026** *By Devon Dean, The Mendocino Voice* After years of litigation, Fort Bragg’s long-debated Grocery Outlet is set to break ground next spring. The project was delayed by legal challenges from a local business coalition but has cleared its final court hurdle. [read the full story](https://mendovoice.com/2025/10/controversial-fort-bragg-grocery-outlet-slated-for-spring-groundbreaking/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Judge allows murder case against alleged fentanyl dealer to proceed** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* A Mendocino County judge has ruled that Kailand Ignacio Garcia must stand trial for second-degree murder in the fentanyl overdose death of Fort Bragg teen Alyson Sanchezllanes, citing sufficient evidence of implied malice. [read the full story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/judge-allows-murder-case-against) --- ## 📬 GUALALA **Postal Service changes cause delays at rural post offices** *By Matthew LaFever, Independent Coast Observer* Mail pickups and deliveries have been sharply reduced in Gualala under new USPS “optimization” plans, leaving residents frustrated over returned mail and late bills. [read the full story](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌲 NAVARRO **Camp Navarro’s “Deep End” closes festival season in the redwoods** *By Terry Sites, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Hundreds gathered at Camp Navarro for The Deep End, the final “family music campout” of the season. Bands including ALO, Hot Buttered Rum, and Everyone Orchestra performed amid rain fall in a joyful, creative celebration. [read the full story](https://theava.com/archives/274068?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🍇 PHILO **Philo man pleads guilty to two felony sex charges, highlighting court transparency crisis** *By Linda Little, Mendocino Coast News* Ryan Clayton Davis, 42, pleaded guilty to two felony sex charges involving a minor. His case underscores California’s recent decision to restrict public online access to court records, limiting press oversight and transparency. [read the full story](https://mendocinocoast.news/philo-man-pleads-guilty-to-two-felony-sex-charges-in-plea-bargain-but-thanks-to-states-court-fathers-forcing-the-county-to-stop-offering-online-criminal-files-we-wont-be-able-to-keep-reporting-f/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ⚓ POINT ARENA **Arena Cove Boating Access Project receives $224K grant** *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer* Point Arena has secured $224,000 from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to replace the aging boat hoist and gangway at Arena Cove. Construction will temporarily close the pier to vessels through late November. [read the full story](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌄 UKIAH **Ukiah approves new 22-mile trail system in western hills** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* The Ukiah City Council unanimously approved the Lookout Peak Trail Project, creating 22 miles of new trails for hiking, biking, and running. The Ukiah Valley Trail Group donated $50,000 and will help build and maintain the system. [read the full story](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/02/ukiah-city-council-approves-plan-for-new-trails/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🪨 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **New Deal–era bridge cornerstone seeks museum home** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Caltrans is offering a historic corner post from the 1930s Jack Peters Creek Bridge to a local museum, calling it a “heavyweight piece of Mendocino and American history.” [read the full story](https://mendocinocoast.news/help-us-find-a-museum-for-a-heavyweight-piece-of-priceless-mendocino-coast-and-american-history-calling-all-curators-mendocinos-historic-heavyweight-needs-a-stage/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚦 WILLITS **Toxic workplace report, $2M deficit dominate Willits City Council meeting** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The Willits City Council accepted a grand jury finding that the city had a toxic workplace culture and approved a 2025–26 budget using $2.1 million in local tax revenue and $73,000 in reserves to balance the general fund. [read the full story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/toxic-workplace-report-2m-deficit) **California Conservation Corps opens new Mendocino Center in Willits** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* The CCC celebrated the grand opening of its new Mendocino Residential Center in Willits, home to 80–100 corps members who will live, train, and volunteer throughout the region. [read the full story](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📰 CALMATTERS **Newsom vetoes license plate reader regulation bill, raising privacy concerns** *By Khari Johnson and Mohamed Al Elew, CalMatters* Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have tightened oversight of automated license plate readers, saying the rules would hinder investigations despite privacy concerns over data misuse. [read the full story](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2025/10/newsom-vetoes-license-plate-reader-regulations/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California sues El Cajon over controversial license plate data sharing** *By Wendy Fry, CalMatters* Attorney General Rob Bonta has sued the City of El Cajon, accusing police of illegally sharing license plate reader data with agencies in over two dozen states — raising privacy concerns for immigrants and those seeking reproductive care. [read the full story](https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/10/el-cajon-police-license-plate-data/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🩺 NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES **Adventist Health names new North Coast Network president** *By Adventist Health* Parker Pridgen has been appointed president of Adventist Health’s North Coast Network, overseeing six hospitals and more than 90 clinics across Mendocino County. [read the full story](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/10/02/adventist-health-appoints-new-north-coast-president/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### The "Longest Table" Comes to Mendocino County URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/the-longest-table-comes-to-mendocino/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:18.000Z *10/6/2025 12:08 p.m. Update from the organizer: A decision to allow attendees to bring their own beverage meant that the event did not receive a permit from ABC and the Humane Society did not sell wine and alcohol as originally planned.* More than 400 people turned out for Mendocino County’s inaugural “Longest Table” event on Sunday afternoon. The table — or rather, tables — were arranged in two long rows along North Franklin Street between East Laurel Street and East Redwood Avenue. The event began at 1 p.m., and by 1:30 the tables had become groaning boards, laden with salads, sandwiches, casseroles, cookies, cakes and every kind of dish in overwhelming abundance. The idea of hosting a massive community potluck began during the pandemic in Chelsea, New York, when Maryam Banikarim joined an outdoor dinner party and decided to organize her own. About 500 people showed up, later telling her the event made them feel less lonely. Local organizer Pam Bell brought the concept to the Fort Bragg City Council in August. “I feel like our town would benefit so much from giving people a chance to eat, be seen, share a meal, break bread and just get to know their neighbors,” Bell said. The event was free, but there was a seating limit. The city provided tables, portable restroom and street closure, while participants brought their own meals and beverages — even something as simple as a tuna sandwich. Food trucks lined the street, and groups such as the Soroptimists and Mendocino Railway organized full potluck tables. ~~The Mendocino Coast Humane Society partnered as the nonprofit beneficiary, raising funds through beer and wine sales.~~ As attendees ate and socialized, they were entertained by musicians Lincoln Thomas and Carlos Hernandez, as well as the North Coast Tsunami Cheer team. City Manager Isaac Whippy said the “Longest Table” was a great fit for Fort Bragg, giving residents a chance to “break bread” and build community. While the city was the host and undewriter, providing between $7,300-$8,000 from the 2025-26 events budget, the event was promoted up and down the coast, from Westport to Point Arena. Although the event reached capacity quickly, space was made for drop-ins, and no one went away hungry. Food was shared among tables, and when the event was over, leftovers were packed up and distributed to friends, family and neighbors. ### Sunflower Sea Star Sightings Bring Hope to Mendocino Coast Kelp Restoration Efforts URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/sunflower-sea-star-sightings-bring/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:18.000Z *Correction 10/6/2025 12:07 p.m.: Pike Spector’s first name has been corrected.* Rachel Karm was diving in July, the day after her birthday, when she saw her first sunflower sea star. “I moved a piece of algae to the side and I could see all of the arms,” she recalled. Karm, a research technician at Sonoma State University who works on kelp restoration projects in Mendocino County, has been diving off the Mendocino Coast for the past five years. Seeing a sunflower sea star had always been in the back of her mind. But it wasn’t until this year, while working on kelp restoration efforts funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as part of the Pacific Coast Ocean Restoration Initiative (PCOR), that she finally saw the marine animal in local waters. Sunflower sea stars are considered among the largest and fastest sea stars in the world. “It was a really humbling moment and just thrilling seeing one of those in our restoration site,” she said. A month later, she spotted another. Recreational divers also reported two additional sightings this year. The return of sunflower sea stars is one of several rays of hope being celebrated this weekend at the annual North Coast KelpFest in Fort Bragg. The festival—which features an art walk, parade, film screenings, urchin harvest, scientific lectures and project updates—aims to foster community appreciation and stewardship of kelp forests. Tristin McHugh, kelp project director for The Nature Conservancy, describes kelp as “our coral reef,” calling it the equivalent of California’s Great Barrier Reef. “Let’s start appreciating this very important vegetative community that supports the very air we breathe and the food that we eat,” she said. Kelp forests are self-sustaining ecosystems, similar to terrestrial forests, providing shelter and nourishment to hundreds of marine species, including abalone, mussels and sea urchins, which also eat kelp itself. Sunflower sea stars prey on urchins, keeping the ecosystem in balance. That balance was disrupted 12 years ago by a marine heatwave that weakened the kelp and exacerbated the spread of a pathogen causing sea star wasting syndrome. The disease decimated sea star populations and contributed to a 96% decline in bull kelp forests, with ripple effects throughout the marine food chain. Sunflower sea stars are considered[ “functionally extinct,”](http://David Sinn, Wildlife instructor and Cal Poly Humboldt) according to David Sinn, a wildlife instructor at Cal Poly Humboldt who is working on an effort to reintroduce the animals. Kelp forests are imperiled all along the California coast, but the situation in Mendocino County is particularly severe. “Mendocino is the epicenter of the kelp catastrophe in California,” said Pike Spector, biodiversity program manager for the California Ocean Protection Council, speaking Friday at Fort Bragg Town Hall. In response, federal and state agencies, along with private donors, have funded a surge of restoration work and innovative research, showcased this weekend at town hall exhibits. Restoration efforts rely on a range of strategies. One of the most promising involves the physical removal of purple sea urchins, which have proliferated in the absence of their main predator, the sunflower sea star. Researchers are also scaling up kelp reintroduction. At the Big River site, they deployed 50 kelp restoration units in late April. In Del Norte County, restoration efforts are being tied to tribal stewardship. The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, whose ancestral territory stretches from Wilson Creek near Klamath north to Port Orford, Oregon, is leading the “Kelp Guardians” project. The initiative focuses on building capacity and education, allowing the Nation to train and certify tribal members as scientific divers to monitor their ancestral waters. “We didn’t really have the tools to do our own kelp research, so this project is providing that for us,” said Rosa Laucci, marine division manager and marine biologist for the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation. Laucci attended KelpFest Saturday. The Tolowa Aboriginal Territory encompasses more than 100 miles of coastline and roughly 2.87 million acres of land, plus an undefined expanse of marine waters in Northern California and Southern Oregon. The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation is a founding member of the Tribal Marine Stewards Network, an alliance of California tribal nations working together to reclaim and revitalize stewardship of their ancestral ocean and coastal resources. ### Judge Allows Murder Case Against Alleged Fentanyl Dealer to Proceed URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/judge-allows-murder-case-against/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:18.000Z Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Clayton Brennan ruled Wednesday that Kailand Ignacio Garcia should be held to answer to charges of second-degree murder and unlawful possession for sale of a controlled substance. Garcia is charged in the Jan. 17, 2024, death of Fort Bragg teenager Alyson Sanchezllanes, who died of a fentanyl overdose. Prosecutors allege Garcia sold drugs to her dealer, Elohi Triplet. The ruling followed a drawn-out preliminary hearing that began March 10, 2025, according to court records. During the hearing, defense attorney Justin Pedersen questioned whether the pills that killed Sanchezllanes came from the same batch as pills later seized from Garcia’s girlfriend’s home. He also pointed to the teen’s social media posts, where she expressed sadness and remorse about the end of a romantic relationship, as evidence she may have been suicidal. Deputy District Attorney Eloise Kelsey said claims that Sanchezllanes was suicidal should be viewed with skepticism. David Rowan, the investigator who reviewed Sanchezllanes’ social media posts, noted that she was making plans for the future the night that she died, including participation in the Upward Bound college-prep program. Indeed, just before she overdosed she contacted a colleague who worked with her at Harvest Market about the schedule, and she asked her colleague to text her in the morning. Brennan appeared to agree with the prosecution, noting that the teen’s expressions of depression did not prove she was suicidal, adding that “she didn’t leave a note.” On the question of whether Sanchezllanes may have obtained fentanyl from another source, Brennan cited a toxicology report showing a tablet from Sanchezllanes’ room was “very, very similar” to tablets seized from Garcia’s girlfriend’s house. The judge said the defense would have the opportunity to present its case to a jury. Meanwhile, he said, “it was abundantly clear Kailand Garcia supplied fentanyl” knowing how dangerous the drug was, and that Garcia was in a position to know it would be passed along. “It’s clear to the court that the element of implied malice is sufficiently demonstrated for the purposes of the preliminary hearing,” Brennan said. Implied malice is significant because murder is defined as the unlawful killing of a human being “with malice aforethought,” under federal law. *Mendo Local’s previous coverage:* [A Fort Bragg Murder Trial Shows the Limits of Snapchat Evidence](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-fort-bragg-murder-trial-shows-the) [Fort Bragg Girl’s Fentanyl Death Tied to Snapchat Drug Deals, Prosecutors Say](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-girls-fentanyl-death-tied) ### Toxic Workplace Report, $2M Deficit Dominate Willits City Council Meeting URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/toxic-workplace-report-2m-deficit/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:19.000Z The Willits City Council unanimously approved a formal response to a Mendocino County Civil Grand Jury investigation and adopted a budget for fiscal 2025-26 at its Sept. 24 meeting. The grand jury report found that Willits had a toxic workplace culture that drove away highly qualified employees. The council accepted the finding but noted it did not know who had left or why. “In essence we did not interview said employees because it was confidential,” Councilmember Gerry Gonzalez said. “In places we had to agree the grand jury found what they found because we didn’t interview these employees ourselves.” The report also said employees lacked an effective way to bring complaints to management, in part because the city has no human resources director. Employees who spoke confidentially to Mendo Local said a senior manager who might have served as an alternative was also accused of toxic behavior. City employee Nici Caldwell asked where staff can turn today. “Where can the employees now go to talk to who and where do we go with issues … so all the stuff that happened over the last four years is not happening again?” she said. Mayor Tom Allman acknowledged the gap had not been filled. “Right now the city does not have a personnel director,” he said. “A person working in the personnel department or the city manager would be the correct person to talk to, unless one of those two people is the issue. And if that’s the issue, you talk to the other.” He also volunteered to help find the appropriate person. “If any city employee wants to discuss a situation with me, I will direct them to someone they can talk to.” Allman added that senior managers referenced in the report had already left the city. “It’s rectifying a situation which appears to be rectified,” he said. “It’s a moot subject.” Later, the council voted 4-1 to pass the budget, with Councilmember Bruce Burton opposed. To balance the budget, the $7 million general fund will receive $2.1 million in Measure K sales tax revenue and draw $73,000 from reserves. The general fund’s projected balance at the end of the year will be under $400,000. Other city funds showed strain. The airport fund is projected to end the fiscal year $430,000 in the red, and the water enterprise fund faces a shortfall with $3.3 million in revenue against $3.5 million in expenses. Financial consultant Andy Heath warned of an ongoing structural deficit in the general fund. “The city’s general fund has a $2.4 million annual issue which is just not sustainable,” he said. Salaries and benefits for the city’s 63 employees make up 80% of general fund costs, he added, while most cities of Willits’ size spend closer to 60% to 65%. Gonzalez said he voted for the budget reluctantly, with the understanding that the city manager will propose cost reductions and a reorganization plan. “We can’t continue this way,” he said. Former Mayor Madge Strong criticized past financial reporting. “If I had known the city was basically driving down a railroad track that was going to go over the cliff, I would have been very alarmed,” she said. Burton objected to balancing the budget with Measure K funds. “I don’t like approving a $2 million deficit budget,” he said. “The decisions aren’t going to get easier.” Burton blamed staff for not recommending cuts. Councilmember Matthew Alaniz defended staff, saying the city had made progress. “This is the first budget I’ve seen that we are in the black with accurate numbers, and I think that counts for something,” he said. He added that fixing the city’s financial issues will take time. “It’s not going to get done in one year,” he said. In other action, the council voted 4-0 to create new mixed-use zoning districts, revise off-street parking standards and allow franchise businesses to operate without a use permit. Burton abstained because he owns parcels affected by the changes. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — September 28, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-september-507/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:19.000Z Hello friends, In the county, the effort to recall District Attorney David Eyster moves forward as supervisors grapple with a new $3 million shortfall. In Noyo Harbor, a new icehouse is opening and in Willits more than 180 people are helping create a mural. Meanwhile, federal transportation regulators ruled the Mendocino Railway is a “common carrier.” Here’s the scoop: --- ## 🌦 WEATHER **Mendocino County Braces for Season’s First Major Fall Storm** *By Matt LaFever, MendoFever* Mendocino County is preparing for its first significant autumn storm, expected to arrive Monday morning with steady rain, potential thunderstorms, and hazardous sea conditions. The National Weather Service forecasts showers beginning early Monday, with heaviest rainfall in the afternoon and evening. Small craft advisories and a potential gale watch are in effect. Showers likely continue through Thursday. 👉 [Read more](https://mendofever.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Smoke from Oregon Wildfires Drifts into Mendocino County** *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* Smoke from the Moon Complex wildfire in Oregon’s Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest has drifted into Mendocino County, creating hazy skies. The fire has burned 12,650 acres and is 10% contained. Southerly winds are expected to clear the smoke on Sunday. 👉 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/27/smoke-from-oregon-wildfires-drifts-into-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📰 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Mendocino County DA Threatens Lawsuit Over Hiring Restrictions** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* Assistant DA Scott S. McMenomey warned supervisors that eliminating vacancies could compromise public safety and potentially trigger litigation. The DA’s office currently has 10 deputy district attorneys and five vacancies. 👉 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-da-threatens-lawsuit) **Recall Effort Ramps Up to Remove DA David Eyster** *By Matthew LaFever, MendoFever* Organizers seek 8,200 signatures to recall DA David Eyster, citing his prosecution of Chamise Cubbison and broader criticism of his policies. Eyster calls the campaign partisan and vows to serve his term through 2028. 👉 [Read more](https://mendofever.com/2025/09/27/mendocino-county-da-fights-back-as-recall-campaign-intensifies/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Eyster’s Pot Policy vs. Cubbison Case** *By The Anderson Valley Advertiser* Eyster’s recall defense claims the Sheriff’s Office led the failed Cubbison prosecution, but court testimony indicts his involvement. Judge Ann Moorman rejected the case, calling the investigation “defying common sense.” 👉 [Read more](https://theava.com/archives/273860/comment-page-1?ref=mendolocal.news#comment-1780324) **Mendo Supervisors Decline to Take Position on Prop 50** *By Matthew LaFever, Independent Coast Observer* Supervisors sidestepped taking a position on Prop. 50 after debate and public comment, with Supervisor Haschak noting he didn’t have the votes. 👉 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino County Takes First Step to Restrict Nitrous Oxide Sales** *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Supervisors approved a resolution to draft rules restricting nitrous oxide sales, citing youth health risks. Possible measures include age verification and retailer education. 👉 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/mendocino-county-board-of-supervisors-pass-resolution-on-nitrous-oxide/?ref=mendolocal.news) **New Judge Joins Mendocino County Superior Court** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Governor Gavin Newsom appointed FredRicco McCurry, a longtime public defender and Army officer, to the Superior Court bench. 👉 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/justice-and-firepower-mendocinos-new-judge-and-the-emergency-response-you-are-not-hearing-about/?ref=mendolocal.news) **The Manson Family’s Forgotten Northern California Connections** *By Matt LaFever, SF Gate* Before the infamous Hollywood murders, the Manson Family sought a foothold in Mendocino County, leaving behind unsolved crimes and chilling rumors. 👉 [Read more](https://www.sfgate.com/northcoast/article/manson-northern-california-cold-case-21021177.php?ref=mendolocal.news) **Starbucks Shake-Up: Local Stores Await Closure Announcement** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Starbucks will close 100+ stores nationwide, but local closures are unlikely. Independent roasters remain strong in Mendocino. 👉 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/starbucks-responds-to-rumors-of-county-store-closures-could-starbucks-close-local-store/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Starlink Satellite Spectacle Raises Concerns** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A Starlink satellite explosion dazzled skies across California but sparked questions about the environmental impact of falling space debris. 👉 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/starlink-lights-up-cleones-night-sky-did-you-catch-the-show-locals-marvel-while-questions-swirl-about-heavy-metals-overhead-and-the-risk-of-getting-bonked-by-falling-space-junk/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Memorials for Charlie Kirk Held in Ukiah and Willits** *By Matt LaFever, MendoFever and Damian Sebouhian, Mendo Local* Hundreds gathered in Ukiah and Willits for candlelight memorials honoring Charlie Kirk, with messages of forgiveness and unity. 👉 [Read more](https://mendofever.com/2025/09/22/hundreds-gather-in-ukiah-to-honor-charlie-kirk/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚂 FORT BRAGG **Federal Railroad Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status** *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* The STB declared Mendocino Railway a federally regulated Class III rail carrier, shielding it from some state and local requirements. 👉 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) **Fort Bragg Approves Pilot ‘Entertainment Zone’** *By Devon Dean, The Mendocino Voice* A new entertainment zone downtown will allow open alcohol carry during select events, pending state approval. 👉 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/fort-bragg-approves-pilot-entertainment-zone-to-invigorate-downtown/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Noyo Harbor Opens Icehouse Project for Public Tour** *By Matt LaFever, MendoFever* The new 20-ton flake ice facility will support local fishermen and the seafood economy. Community tour set for Oct. 7. 👉 [Read more](https://mendofever.com/noyo-harbor-icehouse-project-public-tour?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🐟 GUALALA **Community Invited to Help Shape Salmon Restoration Plan** *By Matt LaFever, Independent Coast Observer* Scientists will present restoration plans for the Gualala River at the Gualala Arts Center on Oct. 11. 👉 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **China Gulch Tunnel Complete, Other Repairs Progressing** *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer* Emergency repairs on the China Gulch sinkhole reached a milestone with tunnel and culvert installation. 👉 [Read more](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏞 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **MendoParks Director Sid Garza-Hillman: Connecting People to Nature** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* Sid Garza-Hillman, executive director of MendoParks, draws on his background as an actor, musician, author, and wellness expert to expand access to 10 Mendocino Coast state parks. His work emphasizes education, accessibility, and reconnecting people with nature. 👉 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/09/24/for-mendoparks-director-his-job-is-personal/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏠 UKIAH **The Missing Piece: Addressing Housing Insecurity** *By Community Foundation of Mendocino County* The Fund for Housing Stability, which aims to support at-risk families and individuals on the Mendocino Coast, announces its first grant to the Mendonoma Health Alliance. 👉 [Read more](https://communityfound.org/giving-back/housing-security-mendocino-coast/?ref=mendolocal.news#:~:text=Featured%2C%20Giving%20Back-,The%20Missing%20Piece%3A%20Filling%20the%20Gaps%20in,Security%20on%20the%20Mendocino%20Coast&text=In%202023%2C%20Linda%20Jo%20Stern,to%20a%20growing%20local%20crisis.) --- ## 🎶 WILLITS **Hog Farm In Open Celebration** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Camp Winnarainbow hosted a festival with mellow, communal vibes reminiscent of the Grateful Dead and Burning Man. 👉 [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Community Poppies: Willits Mural Project** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* A new six-panel mural at Recreational Grove Park will showcase community contributions and local art. 👉 [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Homicide Ruling in Willits Man’s In-Custody Death Awaits Charging Decision** *By Madison Smalstig, The Press Democrat* The coroner ruled the in-custody death of Nicholas Bakewell, 36, a homicide caused by restraint-associated asphyxiation. The June 5 incident involved Sheriff’s deputies Jesus Lopez and Sam Logan, with contributing factors including medical conditions and drug intoxication. The District Attorney’s Office has not yet made a charging decision. Body camera footage shows a struggle ending with Bakewell becoming unresponsive within moments of being restrained. 👉 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/09/24/willits-mans-in-custody-death-ruled-a-homicide-coroner-says/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📢 NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES **Marijuana Enforcement Team Eradicates Thousands of Illegal Plants** *By Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office* Authorities seized over 6,000 plants and 612 pounds of cannabis in a tri-county operation. 👉 [Read more](https://humboldtgov.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5991&ref=mendolocal.news) **Hammerhorn Campground Reopens After Restoration** *By Laura Leidner, U.S. Forest Service* Hammerhorn Campground reopens after fire and storm repairs, with new amenities in place. 👉 [Read more](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/mendocino?ref=mendolocal.news) **Quillback Rockfish Fishing Restrictions Lifted After New Data Collection** *By NOAA Fisheries West Coast Regional Office, NOAA Fisheries News* New population data gathered with the help of California fishermen revealed healthier quillback rockfish stocks than previously thought. NOAA Fisheries has lifted restrictions in federal waters off California, allowing commercial and recreational fishing to resume. The study highlights the value of collaboration between scientists and fishermen in managing marine resources. 👉 [Read more](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/new-data-shows-healthy-numbers-quillback-rockfish-california-fishing-resume?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏛 CALMATTERS **California Rolls Back Cannabis Tax to Support Legal Market** *By Nadia Lathan* The excise tax drops from 19% to 15% until 2028 to help licensed dispensaries compete with the illicit market. 👉 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/californias-marijuana-industry-gets-a-break-under-new-law-suspending-tax-hike/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Shrinks Prisons with Sentencing Changes** *By Cayla Mihalovich* A new study shows recent sentencing reforms reduced prison populations and lowered recidivism among older, long-serving inmates. 👉 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/justice/2025/09/california-prisons-recidivism-study/?ref=mendolocal.news) **How Bad is California’s Housing Shortage?** *By Ben Christopher* Estimates of missing housing units vary from 56,000 to 2.7 million, reflecting major data discrepancies. 👉 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/newsletter/california-housing-shortage-newsletter/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Federal Railroad Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:19.000Z *9/28/2025: We updated the story to include the appeal process to the U.S. Court of Appeals, the names of board members who ruled on the decisions, and who nominated them to the board.* The Surface Transportation Board (STB) on Friday issued a definitive ruling, declaring the Mendocino Railway a Class III rail carrier subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction. The STB is an independent federal agency that regulates railroads. The ruling means that the railway can avoid liability or compliance with state and/or local requirements that conflict with federal rules with regard to rail operations, track construction, or service levels. “This does not change our enthusiasm and willingness to work with the City \[of Fort Bragg\] to revitalize the mill site to benefit all parties,” Chris Hart, vice president of business development for the Sierra Railroad Company, owner of the Mendocino Railway,, said in a Facebook post. The railway petitioned the Surface Transportation Board in July, saying that it sought “confirmation of its status due to recent legal challenges by local municipalities and state agencies.” Those ongoing legal battles “are proving to be debilitating and pose a risk of potential financial ruin for the company,” the petition stated. The California Coastal Commission filed a reply to the petition, asking the board to deny it. The commission argued that the operations of the Mendocino Railway were limited to Mendocino and tha*t* there was no evidence it trains had carried any freight over its lines or transported any non-excursion or non-local passengers in more than 20 years of ownership. The commission also noted that Mendocino Railway’s single connection to another railroad and to the interstate rail network has been inoperative for more than 25 years. In its decision, the board responded that a “rail carrier does not lose its status as a common carrier by not providing freight rail service,” and it confirmed that the Mendocino Railway became a carrier when it bought the railway assets of California Western Railroad out of bankruptcy in 2004. The board clarified that “once an entity becomes a rail carrier, it does not matter whether the line has been inactive for a time, or even if it remains inactive after it is acquired.” And it stated that the “common carrier obligation cannot be terminated or relieved without abandonment or discontinuance authorization from the Board.” The decision was strongly supported by the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), which filed comments arguing that an adverse decision against MRY could negatively affect other similarly situated carriers across the country. ASLRRA members, often possessing limited resources, expressed concern that courts and other non-specialized legal bodies frequently misunderstand the STB’s licensing process for common carriers. Three members of the Surface Transportation Board participated in the decision: current chair Patrick Fuchs and vice-chair Michelle Schultz who are Republicans who were nominated by President Trump and Karen Hedlund, a Democrat who was nominated by President Biden. Decisions by the Surface Transportation Board can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals, in this case the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The petition for review must be filed within 60 days. The California Coastal Commission, the Mendocino Railway and the City of Fort Bragg were not immediately available for a comment. *Read more stories related to the legal battles over the former Georgia-Pacific mill site:* - [Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination with Fort Bragg Escalates](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment) ### Mendocino County DA Threatens Lawsuit Over Hiring Restrictions URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-da-threatens-lawsuit/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:20.000Z After struggling for months to close a $17 million deficit through a flexible hiring freeze and other “creative solutions,” the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors learned Tuesday that the county is still projected to be $3 million in the red by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the district attorney’s office warned supervisors that eliminating long-standing vacancies could jeopardize public safety and trigger litigation. Assistant District Attorney Scott S. McMenomey called the county’s six-month cutoff for removing vacancies “completely arbitrary,” arguing that specialized posts such as chief deputy district attorney and senior deputy attorneys require years of legal education and experience and cannot be filled locally. He said the county saves money by hiring from outside the area, since it does not bear the cost of candidates’ education. McMenomey also pointed to what he described as a “handshake agreement” with county leadership that vacant positions would remain available to fill even if unfunded. He noted the office is already short-staffed: there are 10 deputy district attorneys on staff and five vacancies, along with three “special” deputies who handle murder and asset forfeiture cases. “Our office is already understaffed. I don’t know any other county in this state where the district attorney has fewer deputy DAs than the public defender’s office,” McMenomey said, adding that the workload threatens the physical and mental health of existing staff. He emphasized that District Attorney C. David Eyster personally tried 10 cases last year — a number he called “unheard of” for an elected DA. Citing Government Code 25303, McMenomey said the board cannot obstruct the district attorney’s independent investigative and prosecutorial functions, though it retains budget authority. “We don’t want to go down that path, but we will if we have to,” he said, warning the office could seek help from the state attorney general or pursue reimbursement through litigation if necessary. Supervisor Ted Williams said the board does not want conflict with the district attorney’s office but acknowledged “a fundamental lack of funds.” He presented a chart showing that expenses for the sheriff’s office and the jail are rising faster than revenues, particularly property taxes. “The county basically spends its discretionary dollars on public safety,” Williams said, noting that about 34 percent of overall funding is allocated to public safety, with the rest going to departments that support that work, such as the assessor, tax collector and auditor. “It’s bare bones today and it’s about to get worse. And so the hope is we can have some collaboration between the board, the district attorney, the sheriff.” ### Public Comment – Board of Supervisors 9/23/2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-board-of-supervisors/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:20.000Z Public Comment – Board of Supervisors 9/23/2025 0:00 /200 1× *The public comment portion of public meetings offers residents a chance to hold power to account, offering insight and perspective their fellow Mendocino residents will not find elsewhere. In this new Mendo Local feature, we provide a recap of public comments to the Mendocino Board of Supervisors and a link to a new Public Comment podcast.* ### Dee Pallesen, *District 5* *Board of Supes response to Grand Jury report violates state laws* Pallesen criticized the Board’s response to the Grand Jury report on Planning and Building Services, particularly regarding California Public Resources Code 4290 and Health and Safety code 17958.2\. She argued the Board response appeared to have been written by the department under scrutiny, raising concerns of “fox in the henhouse.” She also cited inaccuracies in the Board’s statements about ordinances, possible Brown Act violations, and questioned whether policies and procedures were adequately reviewed by the ad hoc Board of Supervisor’s committee. --- ### Gizmo, *Redwood Valley* *Siren money allocated to septic repairs* Gizmo objected to the reallocation of PG&E settlement funds originally earmarked for a Redwood Valley siren program promised after the 2017 fires. He said only one of four planned sirens has been tested, while most funds were diverted to other expenses. He declared “no confidence” in the fire board and chief, arguing that without a functional siren system, public safety is jeopardized. He urged the county to hold reimbursement funds until accountability is restored, stressing that sirens save lives in emergencies. --- ### Dolly Riley, *Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council Chair* *Action needed on Community Action Pla*n Riley echoed concerns about the unused siren and called for its operation. She also urged the Board to adopt Redwood Valley’s long-developed Community Action Plan into the County General Plan. Finally, she highlighted the community’s efforts to establish a Recreation Center at the former Redwood Valley School site but said funding remains a major barrier. She appealed for county and state assistance, noting the lack of activities for local youth. --- ### Kevin Evans, *Gualala* *Deferred maintenance on high-risk roads endangers public safety* Evans raised urgent concerns about road safety after two girls were killed in a May 2025 crash on Ten-Mile Cut Off. He noted Iverson Road and Ten-Mile Cut Off have not been chip-sealed since 2000–01 and won’t be scheduled again until 2035–36, leaving a 34-year gap. He recommended reprioritizing deferred roads that exceed industry maintenance standards without diverting money from essential services. He urged immediate attention to high-risk roads, including Pacific Woods, Old Stage Road, and Little River Airport Road, citing public safety as the highest priority. --- ### Phil Williams, *Ukiah* *A pestilence of misinformation is infecting the community* Williams defended Inland Water and Power Commission Chair Janet Pauli against criticisms from the group Mendo Matters, calling their attacks unfounded and personal. He praised Pauli’s leadership in negotiating agreements with Eel River stakeholders. Williams warned against misinformation, said “juveniles dressed up and purporting to serve as journalists” had amplified false claims, and pledged that many water professionals would support the IWPC position at the upcoming October 7 Board meeting. --- ### Elise Cox, *Mendo Local Public Media* *County counsel denies public information request regarding allocation of public money* Cox urged transparency regarding county counsel’s guidance on asset forfeiture funds, noting her public records request was denied under attorney-client privilege. She said these legal opinions are central to the public’s understanding of present and past disputes, including a costly lawsuit and the DA recall effort. Cox called on the Board to place the matter on the agenda and release all counsel guidance on asset forfeiture spending since the program’s inception, stressing that secrecy blocks informed public debate. --- ### David Gurney, *Fort Bragg* *Deferred maintenance on high-risk roads is endangering public safety* Gurney demanded immediate repairs to Little River Airport Road, describing it as dangerously narrow, potholed, and lacking shoulders. He linked poor road conditions to a September 1 car crash that left several critically injured, saying deferred maintenance likely caused the accident. He accused the Board of inaction despite repeated community warnings, calling the road an essential evacuation route and access point for seniors and emergency services. He urged the Board to act “now, as in a month ago” to prevent further deaths. ### Mendocino News Network URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-news-network/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:21.000Z Mendocino News Network 0:00 /200 1× ### Willits Residents Hold Candlelight Vigil for Charlie Kirk URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-residents-hold-candlelight/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:21.000Z *This story aired on the Mendocino News Network on September 19, 2025 it was reported by Damian Sebouhian.* About 175 residents gathered Monday night for a candlelight vigil honoring Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed last week at Utah Valley University. The vigil, held at Babcock Park at 7:30 p.m., was titled *A Moment for Charlie, A Moment for Peace, A Moment for Unity*. It was organized by Rebecca King, a Willits resident, who opened the evening by explaining her motivation. “God put this on my heart and Charlie would have wanted us to be bold in our faith, so here we are,” King told the crowd. She said she had sought advice from her pastor, who encouraged her to simply quote Kirk. King shared one of Kirk’s most personal reflections: “The most important thing is my faith in my life.” Deacon Adam Thrift from Calvary Chapel Willits offered a prayer over the gathering, which maintained a consistently solemn and Christ-centered tone. King spoke about Kirk not primarily as a political figure, but as a man of faith. “Charlie Kirk is the founder and president of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government,” she said, adding that his values were rooted in biblical truth and resonated with young people “seeking clarity, direction, and meaning.” Several attendees were visibly moved to tears as King described Kirk’s role as a husband and father of two young children, saying he exemplified “what their futures could look like.” Quoting Kirk, King said: “All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus. We all know he has now heard the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” King also noted a surge of interest in Kirk’s work since his death, citing spikes in social media followers, podcast rankings, and preorders for his upcoming book, *Stop in the Name of God: Why Honoring the Sabbath Will Transform Your Life*, scheduled for release in December. “This is revival. This is the Charlie effect,” King said, describing what she saw as a spiritual awakening. The vigil concluded with participants sharing personal reflections, biblical passages, and words of support for Kirk’s family. As attendees slowly departed into the night, many continued quiet conversations about faith, loss, and hope for the future. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — September 20, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-f81/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:21.000Z Hello friends, This week brings urgent warnings about child welfare in Mendocino County, new FEMA flood maps in Ukiah, Native storytelling on the Coast, and pirates in Noyo Harbor. Also, the coroner ruled Nicholas Bakewell’s death a homicide. Here’s the scoop: --- ## MENDOCINO COUNTY 👶 **Major Crisis in Family and Children’s Services** By Mark Scaramella, *Anderson Valley Advertiser* Thirty-six social workers have signed a petition warning that a planned restructuring of Mendocino County’s Family & Children’s Services will endanger children, erode morale, and repeat past failures. A Grand Jury complaint from inside the department surfaced as well, echoing concerns about chronic staffing problems. [read the full story](https://theava.com/archives/273269?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## CASPAR 🔥 **Sacred Flame storytelling series brings Native American voices to Mendocino Coast** By Mandela Linder, *Mendocino Voice* The Sacred Flame storytelling series continues Sept. 28 at Jug Handle Creek Nature Center. Launched last fall with nonprofit Xa Kako Dile, the series features Indigenous storytellers sharing history and culture around a campfire. This month, Eric Wilder of the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians will present interactive stories and songs. [read the full story](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/fireside-stories-bring-indigenous-voices-to-mendocino-coast/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## FORT BRAGG ⚖️ **A Fort Bragg murder trial shows the limits of Snapchat evidence** By Elise Cox, *Mendo Local* Prosecutors are pursuing second-degree murder charges against a drug dealer linked to the fentanyl overdose death of a 17-year-old college-bound student. The case relies on Snapchat records — including location data and messages — to trace the drug transaction. [read the full story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-fort-bragg-murder-trial-shows-the) 🏴‍☠️ **Ahoy, Fort Bragg! Get ready for the Noyo Harbor Festival this weekend** By Frank Hartzell, *Mendocino Coast News* The third annual Noyo Harbor Festival wraps up Sunday with pirate-themed fun, from treasure hunts and sandcastles to live music and a kayak cleanup. The highlight: a fish filleting contest featuring Chili Pepper Rockfish, once the top commercial catch out of Noyo Harbor. [read the full story](https://mendocinocoast.news/ahoy-matey-fish-filleting-fishing-pole-casting-fish-eating-treasure-hunt-fish-taco-making-contests-at-this-weekends-noyo-harbor-festival-in-south-noyo-harbor/?ref=mendolocal.news) 🐟 **Mendocino Coast fishermen hook a win with a new seafood label** By Matt LaFever, *MendoFever* The county’s fishing fleet now has its own brand: North Coast Catch. The bright orange label marks local seafood from salmon and sole to Dungeness crab, now sold at seven regional markets including Harvest Market, Surf Market and Princess Seafood. [read the full story](https://mendofever.com/2025/09/16/mendocino-coast-fishermen-hook-a-win-with-new-local-seafood-label/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## HOPLAND 🍺 \*\*This Mendocino County town just got a national shout-out on *Jeopardy!* \*\* By Matt LaFever, *MendoFever* On Sept. 8, *Jeopardy!* featured a clue about Hopland: “This type of place that makes & serves beer foamed up in the ’80s, with California’s first being fittingly in Hopland.” The answer: What is a brewpub? The clue spotlighted the historic Mendocino Brewing Company, California’s first brewpub, which opened in 1983. [read the full story](https://mendofever.com/2025/09/18/this-mendocino-county-town-just-got-a-national-shout-out-on-jeopardy/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## MANCHESTER 🔥 **Case against Manchester arson suspect fizzles** By Matthew LaFever, *Independent Coast Observer* The Mendocino County D.A. declined to file charges against Steven Ronald Harper, 41, who was arrested last week for allegedly starting a fire that destroyed structures on Manchester Rancheria. Harper had faced arson, vandalism, and probation violation charges. [read the full story](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## POINT ARENA 🌊 **“The Power of Public Lands” lecture this Saturday at the Point Arena Lighthouse** By Editorial Staff, *Independent Coast Observer* The Point Arena Lecture Series continues Sept. 20 with a talk by Jora Fogg of the Conservation Lands Foundation and Leisyka Parrott, California Coastal National Monument Manager for the Bureau of Land Management. [read the full story](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ROUND VALLEY 🚶 **March to Round Valley honors survivors of 1863 forced relocation** By Matt LaFever, *MendoFever* The 30th annual Nome Cult Walk retraced the 100-mile trek that forced 461 Native Americans from Chico to Round Valley in 1863 — only 277 survived. Descendants from many tribes walked through Mendocino National Forest toward Covelo this week, honoring those who endured. [read the full story](https://mendofever.com/2025/09/13/march-to-round-valley-honors-survivors-of-1863-forced-relocation/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## UKIAH 💧 **Ukiah sewer rates poised for huge jump after one-minute protest hearing** By Elise Cox, *Mendo Local* Ukiah sewer service rates are set to rise 22% by 2030, after a nearly 14% increase last year. Together, the hikes total a 36% jump — sparking concern among fixed-income residents already struggling with costs. [read the full story](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-sewer-rates-poised-for-huge) 🌊 **New FEMA flood maps expand risk zones in Ukiah** By Sydney Fishman, *Mendocino Voice* FEMA’s new maps, effective Sept. 19, expand flood risk areas in Ukiah, potentially requiring many homeowners to buy flood insurance. City officials argue the maps are inaccurate and could disproportionately impact middle-class and low-income residents. [read the full story](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/new-fema-flood-maps-expand-risk-zones-in-ukiah-could-raise-costs-for-homeowners/?ref=mendolocal.news) ☕ **Assemblymember Chris Rogers talks Proposition 50 and more at Ukiah event** By Savana Robinson, *Mendocino Voice* About a dozen residents joined Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D–Santa Rosa) for coffee on Sept. 17 at Black Oak Coffee Roasters. Rogers discussed Proposition 50, wildfire insurance, education access for rural families, and rising nitrous oxide abuse among minors. [read the full story](https://mendovoice.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## WILLITS 🏛️ **City announces retirement of Cathy Moorhead** By B.B. Kamoroff, *Willits Weekly* Assistant City Manager Cathy Moorhead retired Sept. 15 after 20 years of service. She began as an office assistant in 2005 and rose to become Willits’ first assistant city manager in 2022\. Her departure follows former City Manager Brian Bender’s exit and a Grand Jury report citing a toxic work environment. [read the full story](www.willitsweekly.com) 🏈 **Student athletes show courage and kindness** By Carole Hester, *Ukiah Daily Journal* Willits High team manager Ep Beltran collapsed during a football game accident last week and was twice resuscitated before being airlifted to Santa Rosa Sutter Hospital. Remarkably, he recovered and returned to the field days later, inspiring players and community alike. [read the full story](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/09/16/student-athletes-show-courage-and-kindness/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES ⚠️ **Death of Willits man shot with Taser ruled a homicide** By *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* The Sheriff-Coroner ruled the June death of Nicholas Bakewell, 36, a homicide caused by restraint-associated asphyxiation and a heart injury, with drugs and obesity as contributing factors. The findings were forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office. [read the full story](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/willits-man-died-of-asphyxiation-cardiac-event-after-being-tased-restrained-during-june-arrest/?ref=mendolocal.news) 🚓 **Serial car thief sentenced in Mendocino County** By *Mendocino County District Attorney* Peng Yang, 46, of Rancho Cordova, was sentenced to four years in prison for stealing a Toyota Camry from a Sacramento mother. Yang’s record includes four prior auto theft convictions plus burglary and theft crimes dating back to the 1990s. [read the full story](https://www.facebook.com/MendoDA) --- ## CALMATTERS 💉 **California releases its own vaccine recommendations as RFK shifts federal policy** By Ana B. Ibarra and Kristen Hwang, *CalMatters* California issued independent COVID-19 vaccine guidance to counter federal restrictions, requiring insurers to cover the shots. Officials said the move ensures broader access and protects public health. [read the full story](https://calmatters.org/health/2025/09/covid-vaccine-western-alliance/?ref=mendolocal.news) 🤖 **Why California backed off again from ambitious AI regulation** By Khari Johnson, *CalMatters* Assembly Bill 1018, which would have required disclosure of AI-driven decisions in housing, jobs, and healthcare, has been delayed until next year. Lawmakers plan more consultation with Gov. Gavin Newsom before moving forward. [read the full story](https://calmatters.org/economy/technology/2025/09/ai-regulation-on-hold-again/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### Fort Bragg to Appoint Interim Police Chief URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-to-appoint-interim-police/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:22.000Z *Editor’s Note: The story was updated 9/20/2025 at 10:02 to clarify Clarke County is in Georgia.* The Fort Bragg City Council is expected to appoint a major with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office as interim police chief at its meeting Monday. Eric Swift, a former Marine, has an extensive background in law enforcement. He most recently served as a major with the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia and as a regional advisor and performance coach for Performance Protocol, a human capital management firm focused on law enforcement. The resolution to approve Swift’s contract as interim chief is on the consent calendar. According to the resolution, City Manager Isaac Whippy is recommending Swift’s appointment to ensure consistent leadership and the smooth operation of the Police Department during the transition. If approved, Swift’s at-will employment would begin Oct. 1, 2025\. His contract is set to terminate after he has performed 960 hours of service, though either party can end the agreement with 14 days’ written notice. In a public comment, resident Jacob Patterson expressed support for the appointment. “I reviewed the proposed employment agreement for our new interim chief, Eric Swift—he sounds very qualified based on my preliminary internet research into his background—and I see nothing to be concerned about in the agreement,” Patterson wrote. He also praised the city manager’s selection, calling the choice of a police chief “one of the most important duties and significant decisions a city manager can make.” Swift joined the Santa Rosa Police Department in 2002 after leaving the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent seven years there as a gang detective, including three years working with the FBI Regional North Bay Gang Task Force. He later served more than eight years at the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, rising to the rank of administrative lieutenant. He worked as a major at the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia through the end of July, according to his LinkedIn profile. In Clarke County, he ran [the Explorers Program](https://cedarblueprints.com/2025/04/23/exploring-the-badge/?ref=mendolocal.news) to expose teens to law enforcement, among other duties. As interim chief, Swift’s responsibilities will include: - Providing daily administrative oversight of the Police Department and dispatch functions. - Overseeing the department’s response to critical incidents. - Managing personnel functions, including employee evaluations and hiring recommendations. - Overseeing the department’s budget. - Attending City Council meetings and reporting directly to the city manager. ### Ukiah Sewer Rates Poised for Huge Jump After One-Minute Protest Hearing URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-sewer-rates-poised-for-huge/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:22.000Z The Ukiah City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to increase sewer service rates by 22 percent after a one-minute “protest hearing.” Combined with last year’s approval of a 14 percent increase, the total sewer rate hike from 2024 through 2030 is 36 percent. The increase was discussed at the July 16, 2025, council meeting. No public comment was received then, and there was no media coverage of the proposal. (See note to readers at the end of this article.) The July meeting launched a legal process allowing ratepayers to negate the increase if enough ratepayers protested. On Tuesday, city staff suggested 1,766 active accounts as the threshold for preventing the increase, though this figure was not mentioned in the notice sent to ratepayers. The notice described how to submit a written protest but did not encourage residents to comment publicly. Twelve people submitted written protests. Here is a sampling of their comments: - “It is just so difficult to manage increasing expenses from every direction while finding no way to earn enough to cover it all,” one ratepayer wrote. - A 30-year resident who has made it a point to pay all her bills on time described the impact on her budget. “I’m now a senior citizen living on a fixed income,” she wrote. “My Social Security payments are less than $1,000 per month. My property taxes are over $500 per month. I feel like I’m being forced out of my house. I can barely afford to make ends meet. After contributing financially to this community for more than 30 years, I feel I am being punished with ever-increasing bills.” - An 81-year-old resident wrote that if the increase took effect, “I would probably find a way to reduce my bills so I can stay in my home. But it will be difficult.” - A 75-year-old resident wrote: “I’m on a budget that keeps getting smaller. … My health care just went up $35, which means I’m paying $300 a month for that. I’ve learned to live without air conditioning. I don’t flush my toilet every time I use it. I budget everything I possibly can.” At the July 16 meeting, consultant Mark Hildebrand and City Finance Director Dan Buffalo described the decisions that made the rate hike inevitable, starting with grant applications for road projects. “The success of these road grants necessitated a faster-than-anticipated capital improvement replacement program for underlying infrastructure, including sewer lines,” Buffalo said, adding that it was “appropriate and advisable” to do the sewer projects alongside the road work. From fiscal year 2020-21 through 2024-25, Ukiah spent an average of $2.8 million a year on capital projects to rehabilitate or improve the sewer system. Forecasted spending from fiscal 2025-26 through 2028-29 averages about $1.2 million. The capital projects, combined with a 4.5 percent decrease in rate revenue in 2023-24, drained the city’s sewer enterprise funds. At the start of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the balance of those funds for operations and rate stabilization was $584,000. Other factors include rising insurance costs, projected to increase 7 percent annually, and a policy shift allocating some recycled water costs—previously paid entirely by the water utility—to the sewer fund. Altogether, the rate increase is intended to rebuild depleted reserves, with a target of $1.8 million (25 percent of annual operating costs), and to create a new $1.3 million capital reserve. This additional $3.1 million will be raised over the next five years. In the short term, the city plans to fund the depleted operating fund with a $2 million internal loan. Hildebrand told the council July 17 that even with the increase, Ukiah’s rates are relatively low. A regional comparison of typical monthly sewer bills for single-family homes showed Ukiah with the third-lowest rate. (See above chart.) “It’s not a good thing to be at the bottom necessarily,” Hildebrand said. “Whereas people might want to indicate that that shows efficiency, lots of times being at the very bottom might be an indication that there’s a lack of reinvestment in infrastructure.” Councilmember Mari Rodin said it was “a consolation” that Ukiah’s rates remain comparatively low. She also noted that because the increase applies to both the fixed monthly charge and the usage-based rate, residents who consume less will see a smaller hike. “I just want to emphasize, and I think I can speak for all of us, that we’re very sympathetic to the concerns of residents, particularly those on fixed incomes, for whom this increase poses a big hardship,” Vice Mayor Susan Sher said. “It gives us no pleasure to raise these rates. But the city has to deal with inflation, and the inflation is caused by circumstances beyond our control.” The staff report listed several options for residents struggling with the higher bills: - **United Way, Catholic Charities and other nonprofits** can provide emergency utility bill assistance to qualifying households. - **County and local social services agencies,** including Mendocino County Health and Human Services Agency, can connect residents with financial support. - **Payment arrangements** may be available through the city to help customers manage balances over time. Read more of our reporting on public utilities: - [Hopland Public Utility District Board Limits Public Comment, Votes to Triple Water Rates](https://www.mendolocal.news/hopland-public-utility-district-board/) ### A Fort Bragg Murder Trial Shows the Limits of Snapchat Evidence URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/a-fort-bragg-murder-trial-shows-the/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:23.000Z FORT BRAGG, Calif. — A 17-year-old college-bound girl overdosed on fentanyl and died. Now, her dealer’s dealer is charged with second-degree murder. The evidence includes an unused fentanyl-laced tablet found in the girl’s bedroom, bags of fentanyl confiscated from the dealer’s home, statements by the girl’s friends and her dealer, and Snapchat photos, videos, chats and location data. Two investigators with the Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force testified Wednesday at the Ten Mile Branch of Mendocino County Superior Court about both the evidence — and its limits — during a preliminary hearing that has stretched across multiple dates since May. At a preliminary hearing, prosecutors present their main evidence and witnesses to a judge, who decides whether the case should proceed to trial. The defense may cross-examine witnesses and suggest alternative interpretations. Defense attorney Justin Petersen highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, beginning with the fentanyl tablet found in the bedroom of Alyson Sanchezllanes, who died Jan. 17, 2024\. Investigators testified the pill was “extremely similar” to tablets seized from Kailand Ignacio Garcia, accused of supplying the pill to Sanchezllanes’ dealer, Elohi Triplett. But Petersen pointed out the pill found in Sanchezllanes’ room contained 37% more norfentanyl — a chemical precursor used in clandestine labs — than those from Garcia’s house. It also tested positive for trace amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and acetaminophen. No such substances were found in the pills linked to Garcia, Petersen said, pressing investigator Alex Johnston on whether he knew how many fentanyl dealers were operating in Fort Bragg. Johnston said he did not know. Petersen also raised the possibility that Sanchezllanes’ death was a suicide, citing testimony from a friend who said she tried to protect herself by taking only part of a pill at a time. Another friend described her as trying to quit fentanyl and even taking meth as a substitute. Investigator David Rowan, who reviewed Sanchezllanes’ social media posts, disputed that theory, saying several people described her as upbeat. Sanchezllanes was participating in the Upward Bound college prep program, had asked for her weekly work schedule at Harvest Market the night she died, and told a co-worker to message her in the morning. That same night, she shared a picture of the moon with the caption: “I forgot that it felt like this.” To make the murder case, prosecutors leaned heavily on Snapchat data supporting testimony from Triplett and an associate that he had bought the pills from Garcia earlier that night and sold them to Sanchezllanes at a friend’s home near the Wiggly Giggly playground in Fort Bragg. While Snapchat photos, videos and chats disappear after being viewed, they remain temporarily on the company’s servers until all recipients open them or they expire, allowing some content to be retrieved by law enforcement. The app also collects geolocation data, though it is less precise than services such as Google or Facebook. Rowan said he compiled videos tracing the movements of Sanchezllanes, Triplett, Garcia and another friend, which corroborated Triplett’s account. Testimony ended Wednesday before Petersen could cross-examine Rowan. The preliminary hearing is scheduled to resume Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — September 13, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-september-766/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:24.000Z Hello friends, This week brought urgent warnings about health care cuts, discussion of “safe parking” in Point Arena, and a landmark development approval in Fort Bragg. Also, county supervisors met for the first time after a six-week break. --- ## MENDOCINO COUNTY 🏥[ Healthcare summit predicts grim future for Mendocino County residents ](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/healthcare-summit-predicts-grim-future-for-mendocino-county-residents/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Savana Robinson, Mendocino Voice* At the first Mendocino County Health Summit on Sept. 10, officials warned that federal Medicaid reductions under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and state Medi-Cal cuts could cost the county 600 health care jobs and reduce access for thousands of residents. Nearly 44% of residents rely on Medi-Cal, with upcoming changes including reinstated asset limits, enrollment freezes for undocumented immigrants, new work requirements, shorter retroactive coverage, and possible reductions in in-home supportive services. ⛺[ County Weighs Rules for “Hip Camps” and Dude Ranches ](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/mendocino-county-supervisors-explore-regulations-for-hip-camps-and-dude-ranch-rentals/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Sydney Fishman, Mendocino Voice* The Board of Supervisors continues to mull over an ordinance to regulate “low-intensity camping” on private land, such as hip camps and dude ranches. Supervisors debated state bill guidelines on acreage minimums, length of stay, and fire safety, with Supervisor Ted Williams urging strict campfire limits and Supervisor Maureen Mulheren pushing for allowing commercial camping on small residential parcels. ⚖️[ Judge rejects Mendocino College professor’s request to delay sexual assault lawsuit ](https://mendovoice.com/2025/09/judge-rejects-mendocino-college-professors-request-to-delay-sexual-assault-lawsuit/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Sydney Fishman, Mendocino Voice* A San Francisco Superior Court judge denied Mendocino College professor Jason Davis’s request to pause a civil lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted two underage students more than 20 years ago. Judge John True ruled that the plaintiffs have already waited decades and Davis failed to justify delaying the case, which is set for a case management conference Oct. 15. --- ## FORT BRAGG 🏗️[ Coastal Commission Upholds Fort Bragg’s Approval of 83-Unit Mixed-Use Development ](https://www.mendolocal.news/coastal-commission-upholds-fort-braggs/)*By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The California Coastal Commission upheld Fort Bragg’s approval of an 83-unit mixed-use project at 1151 South Main Street, rejecting seven appeals over height, traffic, and environmental concerns. Developed by Kosh Petroleum, the project includes eight affordable apartments, retail space, four hotel suites, a public trail to Pomo Bluffs Park, and a 107-space parking lot — the city’s biggest new project of the 21st century. 💧[ Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates ](https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment/)*By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* A federal court clerk entered a default notice in the lawsuit by Mendocino Railway and Sierra Northern Railway against the City of Fort Bragg, which alleges the city discharged toxic stormwater into Mill Pond 8 at the former Georgia-Pacific mill site. The railways are seeking $10–$50 million for cleanup of dioxin and furan contamination, even as the parties continue work on a master development plan. --- ## GUALALA 🌳[ County in Direct Negotiations with Contractors for Bower Park Improvements ](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Susan Wolbarst* Mendocino County is negotiating with three contractors to complete Bower Park upgrades by June 2026\. Funded by a $2.2 million state budget grant, the project will improve recreation facilities and remove hazardous trees. --- ## LAYTONVILLE 📰[ A Tribute to Jim Shields ](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By John Haschak, Willits Weekly* Laytonville community leader Jim Shields is remembered for his advocacy, sharp insight, and deep commitment to neighbors in need. Publisher of the *Mendocino County Observer*, host of a KPFN radio show, and longtime civic leader, Shields leaves a legacy of service and accountability. --- ## POINT ARENA 🚗[ Point Arena Says No — For Now — to “Safe Parking Site” ](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Matt LaFever, Independent Coast Observer* The City Council declined to create a safe parking lot where people living in cars can legally sleep overnight. Officials cited the need for monitoring and services, while Councilmember Barbara Burkey pledged outreach to potential partners. --- ## UKIAH 🏢[ Ukiah to Convert Former BofA Building into City Annex ](https://theava.com/archives/272887?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* The city plans a $3.5 million remodel of the former downtown Bank of America branch to house water department offices six years after it purchased the building. The contract went to Santa Rosa–based DMR Construction instead of local firm Cupples, drawing criticism. --- ## VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO 🚧 Overnight Closures at Jack Peters Creek Bridge Could Lead to Stranded Big Rigs *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* The Jack Peters Creek Bridge will close nightly Sept. 15–18 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Public Works Director Howard Dashiell warned that misleading GPS directions, poor cell service, and narrow forest roads could leave big rigs stranded; CHP will ticket truckers who attempt the detour. --- ## WILLITS 🚂[ Steam Festival ](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Matthew Caine, Willits Weekly* Roots of Motive Power volunteers once again celebrated steam and diesel history at their Willits yard. The festival featured train rides, logging machinery, and access to a research library with more than 5,000 railroad and timber industry volumes. --- ## CALMATTERS ⚡[ Lawmakers send Newsom a high-stakes energy overhaul tied to wildfires, utilities and oil ](https://calmatters.org/environment/2025/09/climate-change-package-legislature/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Alejandro Lazo and Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters* Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders advanced a six-bill package that ties climate policy to affordability measures, wildfire cost controls, and new oil permits. Supporters call it a balanced deal; critics say it undercuts climate goals in favor of utilities and oil companies. 🚐[ New enforcement targets people living in cars, RVs on California streets ](https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2025/09/homeless-enforcement-cars-rvs/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters* With tent encampments shrinking, cities are cracking down on people living in vehicles. San Jose is towing RVs, San Francisco is restricting large vehicles, and lawmakers are weighing AB 630 to expedite disposal of inoperable RVs — a move advocates say could strip people of their last refuge. --- ## NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES 🌲[ USDA Moves to Rescind Roadless Rule ](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-lands?ref=mendolocal.news)The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened rulemaking to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 44.7 million acres of national forest land. Public comments are due Sept. 19, 2025. 🌾[ Ag Education Grants Now Open ](https://pressreleases.cdfa.ca.gov/Home/PressRelease/66120179?ref=mendolocal.news)The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering $200,000 in CalAgPlate license-plate funded grants for agricultural education and leadership. Applications are due Oct. 1, 2025. 🥕[CDFA Awards $13.75M for Community Food Hubs ](https://pressreleases.cdfa.ca.gov/Home/PressRelease/66128675?ref=mendolocal.news)Twelve organizations will share $13.75 million to build and expand food hubs connecting local farmers with schools, Tribes, and food banks. More than $2.2 million is earmarked for Tribal-led projects. ### Coastal Commission Upholds Fort Bragg’s Approval of 83-Unit Mixed-Use Development URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/coastal-commission-upholds-fort-braggs/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:24.000Z The California Coastal Commission on Wednesday approved a new 83-unit mixed-use development on Main Street in Fort Bragg, affirming the City Council’s decision despite multiple appeals citing concerns about the project’s scale, environmental impact and consistency with local coastal plans. The Commission issued a “no substantial issue determination” on the appeals, meaning Fort Bragg’s amended permit for the project at 1151 South Main St. is now final and effective. The project, developed by Akoshdeep “Kosh” Grewal of Kosh Petroleum, sits on a 2.6-acre vacant lot on the west side of State Highway 1, just south of the Noyo River Bridge. Initially approved for 87 units, the plan was reduced to 83 residential units across seven apartment buildings ranging from 32 to 38 feet tall. Eight of the units are designated as affordable housing for very low-income households. To meet mixed-use requirements in the Highway Visitor Commercial (CH) zone, the development also includes a 1,000-square-foot commercial/retail space and four visitor-serving hotel suites without kitchens. One suite will be offered at a low-cost rate and managed by Grewal’s adjacent Emerald Dolphin Inn. Additional features include a 107-space parking lot, an outdoor play area, landscaping, a 5-foot sound wall along Harbor Avenue, and a public access path with signage to Pomo Bluffs Park. ### Controversy and Appeals The development has been described as Fort Bragg’s “biggest new project of the 21st century.” The City Council first approved it on March 24, 2025, subject to 37 special conditions. Councilmember Scott Hockett recused himself due to a financial interest in nearby property. Seven appeals were filed with the Coastal Commission by individuals and groups, including Paul Clark, Judy Mashhour-Azad, Guy R. Burnett, Mary Chamberlin, Teresa and David Skarr, Annemarie Weibel and Hamid Zarrabi. The appeals prompted the council to issue an amended permit on July 14, 2025, intended to address some of the concerns. Key issues raised included: - **Visual resources:** Residents argued the 38-foot height was inconsistent with Fort Bragg’s rural character and obstructed public views. Some criticized the city for not requiring story poles to help the public understand the project’s actual size. - **Traffic and public access:** Appellants cited inadequate mitigation, an outdated traffic study and risks to coastal access. - **Water quality and hydrology:** Concerns included unsealed bore holes from past site investigations and reliance on an outdated groundwater report, an unknown impact on the Todd Point aquifer. - **Land-use and zoning:** Opponents said the project puts private residential units over visitor-serving uses in a zone where the latter are prioritized. - **Process and transparency:** Critics alleged a flawed noise study, poor noticing of hearings and improper CEQA exemptions. The Commission deemed these “invalid contentions” because they did not directly allege inconsistencies with the Local Coastal Program (LCP). ### Commission’s Findings Despite the breadth of the appeals, Coastal Commission staff recommended a no substantial issue determination, finding “a high degree of legal and factual support” for the city’s approval. Their reasoning emphasized: - **Affordable housing:** Eight affordable units qualified the project for state density bonuses, allowing increased building height and reduced requirements for ground-floor visitor-serving uses. - **Visitor-serving balance:** The inclusion of retail space, four hotel suites (including one low-cost unit) and a public path to Pomo Bluffs Park aligned with the intent of the CH zone. - **Visual resources:** The site is not designated as a potential scenic view area. Existing development and vegetation already limit ocean views, and landscaping was found to minimize visual impacts. - **Traffic mitigation:** The project’s traffic was deemed insufficient to reduce service levels below acceptable thresholds. Caltrans did not require a new study. Conditions included signage, street improvements and a possible transit or school bus stop. - **Water quality protections:** Conditions required stormwater capture in cisterns, bioswales and underground pipes to reduce runoff, as well as a Water Quality Management Plan, trash capture devices and infrastructure upgrades to offset demand. ### Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-railway-wins-default-judgment/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:24.000Z *1:53 p.m. Sept. 12, we fact-checked the story at the request of Mendocino Railway and added specific details around how Mendocino Railway became owner of the mill site and what was known about the presence of dioxins in the pond sediment at the time the property purchased through a so-called “friendly eminent domain” transaction. We also clarified that Scott Hockett was the only new councilperson elected in 2024.* *Sept. 11 our story was edited to clarify that the railways acquired the majority of the mill site in a friendly eminent domain transaction and to clarify that the default was entered by a clerk, not a judge. The spelling of Robert Pinoli’s name was also corrected.* A court clerk on Tuesday entered a default notice in response to a request by the Sierra Northern Railway and Mendocino Railway in a case they filed against the city of Fort Bragg. The railways sued the city in federal court in August 2024 over ongoing contamination of Mill Pond 8, located on the site of the former Georgia-Pacific lumber mill, by hazardous substances including dioxins and furans. (Both Mendocino Railway and Sierra Northern Railway are subsidiaries of the Sierra Railroad. Mendocino Railway transferred the area of the mill site containing Pond 8 to Sierra Northern Railway three years ago.) According to the railways, the city discharged untreated, hazardous stormwater onto their private property for years, effectively transforming the eight-acre pond into an unlicensed toxic waste dump. The companies are seeking between $10 million and $50 million for investigation, remediation and cleanup. The judgment comes amid a long pause in litigation between the city and the railways. The lawsuits date back more than four years, when the Mendocino Railway and Georgia-Pacific first agreed to a transaction that transferred 292 acres of the mill site owned by Georgia-Pacific to the railway. The lumber company had previously sold 77 acres to the railway to Mendocino Railway in 2019\. The operator of the famous heritage train known as the “Skunk Train,” Mendocino Railway purchased the railroad’s assets out of bankruptcy in 2004. On August 11, 2021, Mendocino Railway filed a complaint for eminent domain for an additional 292 acres of the mill site owned by Georgia Pacific. Eminent domain is the government's power to take private property for public use. It is governed by the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which establishes a constitutional responsibility that the government must provide "just compensation" when it takes private property for "public use." A public utility that maintains infrastructure for an essential public service can also use eminent domain. The [eminent domain process](https://eminentdomainlawcalifornia.com/process/?ref=mendolocal.news) typically involves an appraisal and an offer. If the offer is not accepted, the government or public utility can file a lawsuit. In its August 11, 2021 eminent domain lawsuit, Mendocino Railway said it required the land in order to construct and maintain railroad facilities necessary for its “ongoing and future freight and passenger rail operations.” Georgia Pacific responded on September 9, 2021\. The lumber company challenged Mendocino Railway’s attempt to condemn its property and asserted the the project described by the railway was “not a public use.” The lumber company alleged that the railway’s use of eminent domain violated Article 1, Section 19 of the California Constitution and Section 1240.010 of the Code of Civil Procedure. On October 28, 2021, Fort Bragg filed its own lawsuit. The city sought a ruling on a single question: could the Skunk Train operator be considered a public utility? The city also asked a judge to require the railway to comply with municipal ordinances and regulations. On November 17, 2021, Mendocino Railway and Georgia Pacific ended their dispute with a stipulated agreement that provided Georgia Pacific with $1.2 million from Mendocino Railway. In the agreement, Georgia Pacific stipulated that Mendocino Railway’s proposed project was a “public use” and that the railway was entitled to use eminent domain to condemn its property. The agreement cited a state remediation order (California Department of Toxic Substances Control Site Investigation and Remediation Order HAS-RAO 06-07-150) as justification for the “fair market value” of the mill site “in its environmental and physical condition as of said date.” The order, dated 2007, notes the presence of dioxins in pond sediment (1730 pg/g — a very high level, hundreds of times above natural background levels and likely to pose ecological and possibly human health risks). The report also noted that Pond 8 “receives stormwater from the City of Fort Bragg.” The California Coastal Commission joined the city’s case against Mendocino Railway on Oct. 27, 2022\. Mendocino Railway responded by suing the city and the commission in federal court, requesting an injunction to prevent interference in its operations. A federal judge dismissed that lawsuit, and a federal appeals court upheld the dismissal on Aug. 29, 2024\. The decision is on appeal to the Supreme Court. On Nov. 25, 2024, following the election of a new councilmember — Scott Hockett — the city and the railway jointly asked for a 90-day stay in litigation to explore settlement terms. The stay, which did not apply to the stormwater runoff case that had been filed four months earlier, has since been repeatedly extended while the two sides negotiate a master development agreement. Meanwhile, the lawsuit over the stormwater has continued. The railways filed their first complaint in August 2024, then filed amended complaints in November and December. Fort Bragg responded in February 2025, arguing that the railways had no cause of action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. The city said the claim was not tied to actual remedial action and that the railways themselves were potentially responsible parties, further disqualifying their claim. Because the railways had already amended their pleadings twice, the city argued that further amendments would be “futile.” The railways went ahead and filed a third amended complaint on Aug. 4, 2025\. When the city did not respond, the railways filed a motion for default judgment, which was entered into the record on Tuesday. On Wednesday, city officials joined the public and the Coastal Commission on a mill site tour offered by the railways to coincide with the commission’s September meeting, being held this week in Fort Bragg. A Mendo Local editor informed City Manager Isaac Whippy of the default during the tour. We will add the city’s statement when it is available. Robert Pinoli, president and CEO of Mendocino Railway, acknowledged the ongoing cooperative efforts between the city and the railways in an interview with Mendo Local during the tour, but he says the railways believe the city should pay. “The fact of the matter is that there continues to be a discharge of stormwater into the very ponds and area that people want remediated,” he said. “It’s one thing to say, ‘OK, landowner, go remediate the property,’ but if the very next day more pollutants are coming out, then the remediation is for nothing.” Read more stories related to the legal battles over the former Georgia-Pacific mill site: [Federal Railroad Agency Affirms Mendocino Railway’s Carrier Status](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-railroad-agency-affirms-mendocino) ### Coastal Commission to Weigh 83-Unit Fort Bragg Development: Views, Water Traffic at Issue URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/coastal-commission-to-weigh-83-unit/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:25.000Z *5:39 p.m. September 9\. We updated the story to include written comments from Teresa Skarr.* The fate of a proposed 83-unit mixed-use development in Fort Bragg hangs in the balance as state regulators weigh whether it complies with the city’s Local Coastal Program and the California Coastal Act. The California Coastal Commission is scheduled to meet Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, to consider seven appeals filed by residents challenging the City of Fort Bragg’s approval of the project at 1151 S. Main St. Applicant Kosh Grewal proposes seven apartment buildings ranging from 32 to 38 feet tall with 86 residential units, including eight designated as affordable for very low-income households. The plan also includes a 1,000-square-foot commercial/retail space and four visitor-serving hotel suites on the ground floors of buildings facing Highway 1, with one suite offered at a low-cost rate. Other features include a 107-space parking lot, an outdoor play area, landscaping, a 5-foot-high sound wall, and a public access path with signage to Pomo Bluffs Park. The Fort Bragg City Council approved the project in March amid significant neighborhood opposition focused on the project’s scale and the city’s approval process. At Monday’s council meeting, appellant Paul Clark criticized the city for not using story poles—temporary framing that shows a project’s height and massing—before approval. Neighbors erected their own poles over the weekend to illustrate the scale, which Clark said drew strong reactions from passersby. The appeals raise four main issues: **Land use and zoning.** Appellants argue the project does not conform to requirements for the Highway Visitor Commercial (CH) district, which restricts residential uses to upper floors and to the rear of buildings for ground floor apartments They contend the project prioritizes private residential uses over visitor-serving uses, designated as priority uses in the CH district, and exceeds the allowed residential density of 24 dwelling units per acre. The site is a 2.6-acre vacant lot. **Water quality and hydrology.** Appellants cite concerns about potential contamination and impacts on local water sources. They say the city did not address 10 bore holes drilled on the site about five years ago and provided no evidence they were properly sealed or decommissioned. They also argue the city relied on an outdated groundwater report for an adjacent site and did not require a project-specific hydrologic analysis, leaving potential effects on the Todd Point aquifer unknown. **Visual resources.** Opponents say the buildings would obstruct public views from Highway 1 to the coastline and could undermine the “small-town” character that draws visitors. **Traffic and public access.** Residents, including Kathleen Zarrabi, questioned whether added traffic would overwhelm local roads and discourage visitors. “Do they really want to be stuck at Ocean Drive and Highway 1 for 20 minutes?” she asked. Coastal Commission staff recommended a “no substantial issue” determination on the seven appeals, which would allow the project to proceed. The staff report noted several issues raised by appellants that are outside the Commission’s purview because they do not allege inconsistencies with the certified Local Coastal Program or the Coastal Act’s public access policies. Those excluded topics include a flawed noise study and noise levels, inadequate public hearing notices, and failure to conduct meaningful environmental review under CEQA. Staff also did not consider alleged inaccurate statement made by planner Marie Jones to the city council or the city’s initial failure to make scientific reports relevant to their review available to the public. ”There are significant problems with every report relied upon by the city,” Teresa Skarr wrote in written comments. “All City statements and City Staff resolutions are not supported by valid, scientific evidence.'“ Despite the staff recommendation, appellants urged council members to attend Wednesday’s hearing, expressing hope the Commission will take a closer look. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — September 5, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-september/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:25.000Z ## MENDOCINO COUNTY ### 🔨 Planning and Building Code Enforcement Sweeping County [Read more →](https://theava.com/archives/272506?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Jim Shields, Anderson Valley Advertiser* At its Aug. 27 meeting, the Laytonville Area Municipal Advisory Council discussed a surge of more than 100 anonymous code enforcement complaints filed countywide in July—far above the usual monthly average of two dozen. Local business owner Meadow Shere of Long Valley Feed called the costly permitting process a threat to her family’s 78-year-old operation, urging reform of what she described as a system that punishes small businesses. Supervisor John Haschak confirmed the spike and said the issue will come before the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9. ### 🌊 Army Corps of Engineers Warns of Harmful Algae in Lake Mendocino [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/army-corps-of-engineers-warns-of-harmful-algae-detected-in-lake-mendocino/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Lin Due and Sarah Stierch, Mendocino Voice* Low concentrations of cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have been detected in Lake Mendocino. While not currently a health threat, officials advise avoiding visible scum and keeping pets out of the water. Algal mats have also been spotted in the East Fork of the Russian River and Navarro River at Hendy Woods State Park. ### ⚖️ What’s Dave’s Side of the Story? [Read more →](https://theava.com/archives/272102?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Tommy Wayne Kramer, Anderson Valley Advertiser* As District Attorney David Eyster faces a threatened recall, some wonder how he’ll defend his decision to prosecute then-Auditor Chamise Cubbison—who was later exonerated. “There’s talk of the county being on the hook for hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in legal fees,” Kramer writes. “But Dave, a master of Opening Statements and Closing Arguments, could explain things in public.” --- ## FORT BRAGG ### 🚗 Paul Bunyan Days Parade Highlights [Read more →](https://mendocinocoast.news/incredible-all-original-1909-reo-driven-through-paul-bunyan-days-parade-and-other-amazing-shots-and-tales-others-missed/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Frank Hartzell* Photographers Frank Hartzell and Bob Dominy showcased standout images from this year’s parade, including a rare fully restored 1909 REO automobile tied to Fort Bragg’s Weller family. ### 🥫 City of Fort Bragg Donates $58k to Food Bank Amid Federal Cuts [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/city-of-fort-bragg-donates-58k-to-food-bank-amid-federal-funding-cuts/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Sarah Stierch, Mendocino Voice* The city donated $58,000 to the Mendo Food Network, which supports 15,000 residents through 30 partners. Federal cuts have already slashed USDA funding and reduced state-supplied food by $400,000. ### 🍹 No New Road for Noyo Harbor; Fort Bragg OKs Downtown Drinks *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* A draft plan for Noyo Harbor calls for new signage, walkways, parking management, and even water taxis — but stops short of extending North Harbor Drive to Highway 1\. Meanwhile, the City Council approved a downtown pilot “entertainment zone” allowing alcohol in designated areas during limited weekend hours. --- ## LAYTONVILLE ### ⛸️ Skate Night Returns [Read more →](https://www.willitsweekly.com/documents/WillitsWeekly%5F09042025%5FAPages.pdf?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* The first Skate Night of the season at Harwood Hall began slowly, but soon filled with kids and adults alike. Admission is $1, and skate rentals are $2—keeping the decades-old tradition affordable for all. --- ## MANCHESTER ### 🌱 Wetland Habitat Restoration Project Proposed [Read more →](https://www.mendonoma.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Matt LaFever* Manchester could host Mendocino County’s first “mitigation bank,” a project designed to restore wetlands and protect species like steelhead, salmon, and red-legged frogs, while offsetting environmental impacts of future development. --- ## SEA RANCH ### 📡 North Cell Tower Approved Despite Opposition [Read more →](https://www.mendonoma.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By George Calys, Independent Coast Observer* On Aug. 23, the Sea Ranch Board voted 5-2 to approve a site for a new cell tower on the community’s north end, despite opposition from most attendees. --- ## WILLITS ### 💸 City Prepares for Layoffs as Bankruptcy Looms [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/city-of-willits-prepares-for-layoffs?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The City of Willits faces a $2.23 million deficit, with layoffs on the table as the council meets Sept. 10\. Salary costs have jumped 55% since 2019, while general fund spending far exceeds revenue. ### 🏙️ Proposed Zoning Changes Aim to Revive Main Street [Read more →](https://www.willitsweekly.com/documents/WillitsWeekly%5F09042025%5FAPages.pdf?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By B.B. Kamoroff, Willits Weekly* With 27 downtown storefronts vacant, city leaders are considering a “Main Street Mixed Use Zone” to attract businesses and apartments. Ideas include reduced parking requirements and space for nano-breweries. ### 🍷 Willits Considers Downtown Entertainment Zone [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/willits-considers-downtown-entertainment-zone-allowing-open-container-alcohol-at-events/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Sydney Fishman, Mendocino Voice* A draft ordinance would allow open-container alcohol at permitted downtown events, aligning with a new state law. Supporters say it could boost business and cultural activity. --- ## FROM CALMATTERS ### 🧠 CARE Court Falls Short of Early Promises [Read more →](https://calmatters.org/health/mental-health/2025/09/care-court-2025-data/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Marisa Kendall, Jocelyn Wiener & Erica Yee* Two years in, Gov. Newsom’s CARE Court has reached only a few hundred people statewide—far below the 7,000–12,000 projected. Mendocino County has logged zero petitions to date. ### 💰 Covered California Premiums to Jump 10.3% in 2026 [Read more →](https://calmatters.org/health/2025/08/covered-california-2026-rate-increase/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) *By Kristen Hwang* Covered California premiums will rise by double digits for the first time since 2018\. Officials blame rising health care costs, inflation, and the possible expiration of enhanced federal subsidies. --- ### City of Willits Prepares for Layoffs as Bankruptcy Looms URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/city-of-willits-prepares-for-layoffs/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:25.000Z Confronted with a $2.23 million deficit, the Willits City Council will consider proposed budget scenarios at its Sept. 10 meeting, including options that involve staff cuts. “If we continued the city of Willits budget the way we’ve done it for the past five years, in less than two years the city would file for bankruptcy,” Mayor Tom Allman warned at a council meeting last week. Councilmember Gerry Gonzalez pointed out that staffing is the biggest cost driver. “We can sit there and say we’re going to cut cell phones, we’re going to cut paper clips, but the reality is the biggest cost is staffing,” he said. ### Rising payroll, new positions At a budget workshop last month, discussion focused on the rapid expansion of staff, significant payroll increases, and past financial maneuvers that have left the general fund in a precarious position. The proposed general fund budget stands at $6.8 million in expenditures against $4.6 million in revenues. The city already logged a $2.2 million deficit in 2023-24. City salaries have grown from $2.9 million five years ago to an estimated $4.5 million in 2025-26 — a 55% increase. Between 2019 and 2025, the city created nine to ten new positions, including an assistant city manager, additional planning staff, administrative positions in the police department, facilities and parks staff, and multiple streets maintenance positions. ### Contentious budget talks At an Aug. 20 budget meeting, councilmembers debated freezing noncritical vacancies, limiting training, travel and capital improvements, imposing wage cuts on nonunion staff, and halting pay raises. Councilmember Bruce Burton suggested cutting the council’s $49,000 health insurance benefit, outsourcing police dispatch, and eliminating specific positions. He called the council’s health insurance coverage “a big ticket item.” Allman disagreed, calling it “a pittance” and an important incentive for serving on the council. The proposal to outsource police dispatch, currently budgeted at $851,000, drew more serious discussion. Fort Bragg contracts with Ukiah for dispatch for roughly half that amount. Gonzalez, a former Willits police chief, warned that Willits dispatchers also provide records management services. ### Enterprise funds under strain Enterprise funds, particularly water, wastewater and the airport, also came under scrutiny. Previous councils reassigned salary costs to those funds, masking the depth of the general fund deficit. “Without casting stones, it appears as if people have been trying to justify positions by reallocating their responsibilities to funds that had more money,” Allman said. The wastewater fund became a flashpoint due to the need for a $3.7 million one-time transfer for a solar project at City Hall and the sports park. Councilmembers expressed concern about draining the fund’s $4.2 million working capital and directed staff to pursue a loan. The airport fund also raised alarms when it appeared $700,000 in the red. Allman pressed Interim City Manager Rod Wilburn for clarity. Wilburn acknowledged that much of the expense “didn’t go up there and work on the runway,” and should have been general fund costs. “In essence, we’re just digging a deeper hole,” Gonzalez added. ### Limited options ahead The $2.2 million deficit discussed Aug. 27 reflects staff reallocations back to the general fund. Some had pinned hopes on Measure K, a 0.75% sales tax passed in 2020 to support essential services. After a $2 million transfer, the fund holds about $1.7 million. Gonzalez dismissed it as a long-term solution. “I don’t think that’s realistic. I think we need to make some cuts,” he said. Allman floated tapping roughly $1 million from a defunct successor agency fund. Burton opposed using either Measure K or successor agency dollars. Wilburn warned that continuing to operate with a deficit leaves the city unable to handle emergencies or economic downturns. He cautioned against relying on Measure K to preserve staffing, noting the tax sunsets in 2031. He urged the council to set a goal of building a $2.5 million general fund balance within five years. “For that to happen, there has to be a $500,000 average annual surplus,” Wilburn said. “This is a very, very difficult situation to manage with not very much money to manage it,” he added. ### No New Road for Noyo Harbor; Fort Bragg Oks Downtown Drinks URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/no-new-road-for-noyo-harbor-but-fort/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:26.000Z *This story was corrected on 8/30/2025 at 4:01 PM to reflect the council’s direction for the number of viewing stations for the coastal trail.* Entering Noyo Harbor can feel like stepping into another era. North Harbor Drive is steep and narrow before it drops into the crowded bustle of fishing charters, seafood restaurants and shops ranging from a regionally renowned fish market to a whiskey distillery. Drivers quickly realize there’s only one way out — back the way they came — a feature that fuels both a sense of adventure and concern for public safety. That concern helped push Noyo Harbor to the top of the Mendocino Council of Governments’ project list. “We’re waiting for a disaster,” Councilmember Lindy Peters told colleagues at a recent meeting, warning that a tsunami or major storm could trap residents and visitors. Peters pointed to the devastation in Fort Bragg’s sister city, Otsuchi, Japan, from a 2011 tsunami. In 2022, MCOG received $181,823 in federal transit funds to study circulation improvements, specifically extending North Harbor Drive to Highway 1. Last week, consultant Kelly Bond of Fehr & Peers presented a draft plan to the Fort Bragg City Council recommending an emergency access road, rather than an extension, which she said was unpopular with some neighbors. The plan also recommended additional signage, rerouting an existing bus route to the harbor, walkways, parking management, a staircase under Highway 1 and water taxis. In response, Peters urged upgrading a dirt road near North Cliff to create a true northern exit. “It would solve everything,” Peters said. “You would go to the harbor from the north side. You would go right before the bridge or right turn lane only and you would go down, and if you wanted to go back into town you could come out and you turn right and go back into town on the existing road. And if you wanted to leave the harbor to Mendocino, you would go out that way and you get up there. Right turn only.” Resident Peter McNamee cautioned that the draft ignored sea level rise and erosion identified in the city’s coastal program update. “The harbor, which is essentially at sea level, is subject to significant flooding,” he said. The plan will next go to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors and the Noyo Harbor District for review before being finalized. --- ### Other Council Action The Fort Bragg City Council also agreed to try out an “entertainment zone” and provided direction to the staff on two viewing stations with scenic tower binoculars on the coastal trail. The council awarded a contract of up to $973,999.60 to FRC Inc. for construction of a biosolids material storage building at the wastewater treatment plant and approved a contract of up to $85,000 with planner Marie Jones. In a presentation to the council, City Manager Isaac Whippy said the purpose of an entertainment zone was to create a more open and festive atmosphere downtown by allowing businesses with existing ABC licenses to sell alcohol in non-glass, non-metal containers within the designated zone. When activated for an event, an entertainment zone would operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m. Wristbands would be used for age verification. Whippy said a survey of business owners found that 55% supported the proposal, while 15% opposed it due to concerns about public safety, maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere, litter, loitering and intoxicated customers. Police said they supported trying out the idea as a pilot. Resident Ray Alarcon, who sits on the board of the Mendocino Coast Humane Society, asked the council to delay action. “There’s way too many questions to start implementing this,” he said. Alarcon said state alcohol regulations would prevent people from carrying drinks between licensed businesses, meaning a customer could walk the street with a beer but could not take it from one bar or restaurant into another. He also cautioned that the entertainment zone could jeopardize existing community events. Conversations with the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control suggested that one-day alcohol permits would not be allowed inside an entertainment zone. If so, long-standing gatherings such as the Whale Festival could no longer be held downtown. He stressed that the regulations are still unclear, noting that entertainment zones are new in California outside San Francisco. Until ABC provides definitive guidance, Alarcon said it would be risky to move forward. “I think it’s a wonderful idea,” he said, “but there needs to be a little pause to get all the information.” After listening, the council voted 4-1 to approve the legal framework, with Peters dissenting. --- ### Public Comment Public comment included concerns about 911 dispatch and the use of toxic materials in the Bainbridge Park enhancement project. Allegations around 911 dispatch, which is handled by Ukiah Police Department dispatchers for Fort Bragg, included instances where emergency calls were not properly relayed to local officers, including a business threat and a home invasion with a person at knifepoint. Peters committed to convening the public safety committee next month to address the issue. A speaker who identified himself as “Dave” and “a local nobody” advised the council that the Bainbridge Park enhancement project was a mistake. “You are in the process of ruining and destroying our once simple and beautiful little park,” he said. He cited concerns about pollution of the town’s shallow groundwater and threats to the health and safety of young soccer players from ingesting microplastics and skin contact with artificial turf. “All they might really want to do is play a game of soccer on the natural earth,” he said. He also criticized the city’s piecemeal presentation of the project, which he said prevented residents from understanding the extent to which the plan included toxic materials. “You violated both the words and the intent of Proposition 68 that helped fund this atrocity,” he said. “This is fraud, and since Bainbridge Park is a public space that does not belong to you but to the taxpayers, you should be ashamed.” So far, 322 people have signed[ a change.org petition](https://www.change.org/p/make-bainbridge-park-safe-and-healthy-for-kids-and-the-environment?ref=mendolocal.news) calling on the city to stop the planned use of an artificial rubber surface for the soccer field and playground. ### Fishermen Rescued Off Mendocino Coast URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fishermen-rescued-off-mendocino-coast/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:26.000Z *This story was updated on Friday, August 29, 1:52 p.m. with additional details from the U.S. coast guard.* An exceptional morning of albacore fishing turned into a rescue mission Thursday morning when Captain Tim Gillespie, owner of [All Aboard Adventures](https://www.allaboardadventures.com/?ref=mendolocal.news), spotted an overturned boat about 28 miles offshore. Gillespie was fishing with six others aboard his vessel. The ocean was flat, the sun was shining, and the fishing was good. Around 10:45 a.m., Gillespie noticed the small craft with two men clinging to the hull. “Man, that boat is awful small… that boat’s upside down,” he recalled saying to the crew. The fishermen quickly pulled in their gear and maneuvered alongside the stranded men. The 24-foot Marlin had reportedly taken a few waves over the bow and the two crew men couldn’t keep up with bailing, eventually capsizing. Gillespie said he offered to bring the men to shore, but they preferred to wait for the Coast Guard on Gillespie’s boat. About 45 minutes later, a patrol boat arrived and safely transferred the two men back to Noyo Harbor. “I’ve been doing this for 49 years and this is the first time I ever rescued anybody from sea,” Gillespie said. “You never pass up a boat that’s sunk when people are waving at you.” U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist Petty Officer Kenneth Wise said the Marlin was still out there and that the coast guard had issued an advisory of a navigation hazard and asked people to steer clear. Wise also shared information about another vessel that got stranded on Monday afternoon, August 25, just off the coast of the village of Mendocino. A 33-foot commercial fishing boat, the *Miss Michelle* (CF 7223SG), was reported to have starting issues at 2:47 p.m. Coast Guard personnel stationed at Little River retrieved the vessel and towed it to Noyo Harbor. Wise said the vessel’s three crew members, who had been diving for sea urchins, were not injured. The Coast Guard also reported no pollution concerns. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — August 29, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-newsletter-august/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:27.000Z Hello friends, Here’s your roundup of Mendocino County news from this past week, featuring redistricting costs, a call-for-service for a reported bar fight in Fort Bragg the ended badly with two officers down and a patron complaining of constitutional rights violations, plus the golf course in Sea Ranch is re-opening. Let’s get into it! --- ## MENDOCINO COUNTY ### 📊 How Much Will Newsom’s Big Anti-Trump Redistricting Plan Cost Mendocino County? By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Observer [Read the full story →](https://theava.com/archives/272106?ref=mendolocal.news) State Appropriations Chair Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, said California taxpayers will soon get an official cost estimate of the proposed redistricting before the special election. Mendocino County Registrar of Voters Katrina Bartolomie warned it could cost the county more than $400,000, primarily related to the expense of holding a special election. State costs could top $230 million. The Legislature has yet to earmark funds, leaving uncertainty over who will pay. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/8900a36a-cfd2-4bdc-a3a1-741560f1dfa5_1024x972-jpeg.jpg) A screenshot of an interactive map prepared by the California State Assembly. See: https://aelc.assembly.ca.gov/proposed-congressional-map ### 🌋 Bills Advancing in Sacramento Could Spark Geothermal Boom in Mendocino County By Aly Brown, Bay City News / Mendocino Voice [Read the full story →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/bills-advancing-in-sacramento-could-spark-geothermal-boom-in-mendocino-county/?ref=mendolocal.news) State lawmakers are pushing legislation to expand geothermal development, potentially unlocking new energy projects in Mendocino County. Advocates say geothermal power could provide clean energy and jobs, while opponents raise environmental concerns about land use and water. --- ## FORT BRAGG ### ⚽ Worried About Plastic Turf and Playground Fill? Volunteers Needed for Research By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News [Read the full story →](https://mendocinocoast.news/worried-about-plastic-turf-and-plastic-playground-fill-we-would-love-your-help-doing-research/?ref=mendolocal.news) Local residents are raising concerns over widespread plastic use at Bainbridge Park and Wiggly Giggly Campground, from synthetic turf to plastic playground fill. Community members are invited to help [MendocinoCoast.News](https://mendocinocoast.news/?ref=mendolocal.news) investigate the environmental and health impacts. ### 🛡️ Be Careful What You Wish For By Bernie Norvell, Anderson Valley Advertiser [Read the full story →](https://theava.com/archives/271874?ref=mendolocal.news#1) District 4 Supervisor and former Fort Bragg Mayor Bernie Norvell reflects on the retirement of Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka. He warns that finding the right successor is crucial to preserving morale, retaining officers, and continuing community programs. ### 🎨 Newest Fort Bragg Mural Celebrates Kelp Forests and Whale Migrations By Sarah Stierch, Mendocino Voice [Read the full story →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/newest-fort-bragg-mural-celebrates-kelp-forests-and-whale-migrations/?ref=mendolocal.news) A massive new mural titled *The Gray Whale in Kelp* will soon adorn the facade of North Coast Brewing Company. Created by Larry Foster and painted by Marta Alonso Canillar, the mural will debut during KelpFest, celebrating Fort Bragg’s kelp forests and whale migration. ### 🚔 Fort Bragg Sergeant Injured While Breaking Up Bar Fight By Elise Cox, Mendo Local [Read the full story →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-sergeant-injured-while) Sgt. Jarod Frank suffered a head injury while responding to a fight at the Welcome Inn. After being knocked into a car during the scuffle, he was treated for a cut to the head and has since returned to duty. ### 📱 Mendocino County Butcher Says Fort Bragg Police Retaliated Against Him By Elise Cox, Mendo Local [Read the full story →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-county-butcher-says-fort) Zander Kain Garay, a 24-year-old butcher at a local supermarket, says his constitutional rights were violated when he was arrested at the Welcome Inn after refusing to hand over cell phone video to police. He has filed a claim against the City of Fort Bragg. --- ## POINT ARENA ### 🎖️ Veterans Monument Breaks Ground By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer [Read the full story →](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) Construction is officially underway at the Point Arena Lighthouse for the long-planned Northern California Coastal Veterans Monument. Completion could come this year, pending additional fundraising. --- ## SEA RANCH ### ⛳ Nonprofit Leaseholder to Reopen Sea Ranch Golf Links By David Torres, Independent Coast Observer [Read the full story →](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) North Coast Golf Links LLC has signed a $1-per-year, five-year lease with Sea Ranch Lodge to reopen the Robert Muir Graves–designed course, which closed six months ago due to financial losses. --- ## UKIAH ### 🔌 Vandalism of Internet Cable Causes Slowdown for Further Reach Customers By Susan Wolbarst & Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer [Read the full story →](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) Service disruptions hit Further Reach users after a cable was cut near Ukiah on Saturday, Aug. 23\. Connectivity was restored the following afternoon. --- ## VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO ### 🚺 Women’s Equality Day Parade and Celebration By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, Mendocino Voice [Read the full story →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/womens-equality-day-2025/?ref=mendolocal.news) More than 100 gathered at the Kelley House lawn to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. The event featured a parade led by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, suffrage songs, period costumes, proclamations, and tributes to longtime local activists. --- ## WILLITS ### 🏫 School Board Discusses Maintenance, Security Upgrades By Addison Alvarado, Willits Weekly [Read the full story →](https://www.willitsweekly.com/documents/WillitsWeekly%5F08282025%5FAPages.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) At its first meeting of the new school year, the Willits Unified School Board heard updates from Superintendent John Baker and staff on summer projects, including the installation of new security cameras. ### 🛒 Mariposa Market Celebrates 46th Anniversary By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly [Read the full story →](https://www.willitsweekly.com/documents/WillitsWeekly%5F08282025%5FAPages.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) Owner Mary Anne Trevey credited loyal customers, dedicated staff, and fresh organic products for helping the natural foods store survive recessions, COVID, and the bypass. Local vendors offered samples at the anniversary party. ### 🛫 FAA Directs City of Willits to Change Airport Rules or Lose Funding By Elise Cox, Mendo Local [Read the full story →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/faa-directs-city-of-willits-to-change) The FAA faulted the city for failing to enforce safety rules at the municipal airport, citing more than 100 complaints from one tenant. Officials are weighing limited code changes to meet federal requirements. --- ## PRESS RELEASES ### 🧀 CDFA Recalls Raw Goat Milk Cheddar Cheese by Sierra Nevada Cheese Company [Read the full release →](https://pressreleases.cdfa.ca.gov/Home/PressRelease/66054324?ref=mendolocal.news) State regulators recalled raw goat milk cheddar after detecting listeria. The cheese was sold in Mendocino County and across California. ### 🦀 California Fish and Game Commission Revokes Commercial Fishing Licenses [Read the full release →](https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDFW) Two fishermen lost licenses following repeated violations in the lobster and Dungeness crab fisheries, including abandoned traps that harmed marine life. ### 🌲 Mendocino Land Trust Adds Two New Conservation Easements [Read the full release →](https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoLandTrust) New easements protect a 30-acre grassland near Point Arena and a 2.3-acre redwood property near Fort Bragg, including the “Grandmother Tree.” Thank you for reading. If you enjoy golfing, we hope you get a chance to visit one of the area’s most spectacular golf courses. See you next week. ### Mendocino County Butcher Says Fort Bragg Police Retaliated Against Him for Refusing to Share Phone Video URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-butcher-says-fort/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:27.000Z *Clarification 2025-09-04\. Story was clarified to reflect a reader’s request to describe Garay’s employment.* Zander Kain Garay, a 24-year-old who works at the meat counter at a local supermarket in Fort Bragg, says his constitutional rights were violated after he was arrested at the Welcome Inn bar early Saturday morning on August 23, 2025 when he refused to share video footage from his phone with Fort Bragg police officers who had responded to a call. Garay was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct and booked into the Mendocino County Jail on Saturday morning. He was released that evening on a promise to appear in court. Garay has since filed a claim against the city of Fort Bragg. The district attorney has not yet filed formal charges. Garay acknowledges that he had been drinking and admits he may have slurred his words when speaking with officers, but he says he was not “hindering the public” by blocking the right of way nor was he “inebriated to the point that I couldn’t take care of myself.” He also said he was under no obligation to hand over footage from his phone just because police requested it. He said he wants people to know “it’s OK to say no to the police without fear of being arrested.” Fort Bragg Police Capt. Thomas O’Neal confirmed the city received Garay’s complaint and that the department had opened an internal investigation. Here’s what happened from Garay’s perspective, partly corroborated by surveillance footage reviewed by Mendo Local. Garay joined friends at the Welcome Inn on Friday night after finishing his shift. At 1:21 a.m. he exited the bar to join friends gathered on the sidewalk. The video shows five people talking. At one point, a man in a red shirt pats a man in a black shirt on the back as if to console him. They walk out of frame, then return. A woman is shown trying to draw the man in the black shirt down the street. Garay can be seen standing to one side holding a glass. He hands the glass to a man in a red-checkered shirt, who takes a sip and hands it back. The woman faces the man in the black shirt, her hands on his arms. There is no sound in the three-minute video, and nothing suggests the group was doing anything other than saying their goodbyes at the end of the night. The next video begins at 1:27 a.m. Sgt. Jarod Frank and Officer Antoinette Moore have arrived and talk to people standing outside. At 1:28 a.m., they cuff the man in the red-checkered shirt. He complies, and Moore leads him away. Frank continues speaking with others. Garay is not shown in this footage; he says he had returned inside the bar. The third video starts at 1:33 a.m. A man in a white shirt and a man in a black vest are shown smoking. A woman with long blond hair appears in the frame, her hands cuffed behind her. Moore catches up and escorts her down the street and out of frame toward a police vehicle. Garay is not in this video either. Garay said he was not present for any of the arrests but came outside after hearing a commotion. He walked to the end of the block, past the Golden West Saloon, and took out his phone. At that point, Moore approached and asked him to send her the footage. He refused. She then asked him to sit on the curb, and he complied. While he was seated, Frank approached. The two officers discussed the fact that Garay had been filming and was refusing to share the footage. Frank told Moore she could arrest him for public intoxication. “I believe my First and Fourth Amendment rights were violated,” Garay said in an interview with Mendo Local. He described the scene in front of the bar as “drunken business.” A friend, Arion Donn Eagle Kelsey, 29, was tased during a physical altercation with Frank. The sergeant suffered a head injury. Kelsey was booked on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime (felony), resisting or deterring an officer (felony), battery against a peace officer (misdemeanor), and disorderly conduct (misdemeanor). Another friend, Shanna Ray Bayless, 28, was arrested on charges of accessory after the fact (felony), resisting or deterring an officer (felony), conspiracy to commit a crime (felony), and disorderly conduct (misdemeanor). Jason Lee Fullbright, 35, was also arrested on conspiracy to commit a crime (felony), resisting or deterring an officer (felony), and disorderly conduct (misdemeanor). Garay said the First Amendment protects his right to record police performing their official duties. California Penal Code Section 148(g) clarifies that recording an officer in a public place does not, by itself, constitute resisting arrest or provide reasonable suspicion for detention. He also cited the Fort Bragg Police Department’s policy manual, which states in Section 428.2: “The Fort Bragg Police Department recognizes the right of persons to lawfully record members of this department who are performing their official duties. Members of this department will not prohibit or intentionally interfere with such lawful recordings. Any recordings that are deemed to be evidence of a crime or relevant to an investigation will only be collected or seized lawfully.” Garay said he is speaking out because, from his perspective, the conduct of the Fort Bragg Police Department at the Welcome Inn on Friday night deserves public discussion. He said he did not take part in any altercation with the police, nor did he film the arrests — if he had, the police would have had the right to seize the phone. By the time he began filming, his friends had already been arrested. But he also admits that he did not tell the police that there was no evidence on his phone, he simply refused to cooperate — as was his right. “It’s not against the law to have a few drinks,” he said. ### FAA Directs City of Willits to Change Airport Rules or Lose Funding URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/faa-directs-city-of-willits-to-change/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:28.000Z The Willits Municipal Airport, nestled against the Brooktrails subdivision and surrounded by wild land, is in the crosshairs of the Federal Aviation Administration as the result of a complaint by one of the airport’s tenants. The tenant alleged the airport violated rules around operations and maintenance that accompany FAA grants to Willits, citing more than 100 instances of unauthorized access and unsafe conditions. For years, the FAA has provided grants to the city for airport projects under the condition that Willits enforce specific rules, such as preventing unauthorized public access to runways. However, according to an FAA determination, the city has not been adequately enforcing these rules. The director's decision, issued in a June 30, 2025, letter, cited photographs of children riding bikes on the runway and people walking dogs on airport grounds as evidence of unsafe conditions, along with allegations of tenants sharing gate codes. The city administration submitted a corrective action plan to the FAA on May 9, 2025, outlining steps to develop, implement and enforce new airport rules. However, the proposed modifications to Chapter 2.40 of the Willits Municipal Code have sparked considerable discussion and concern among city officials and the public. --- ### A “Masterwork of Complaints” from a Single Tenant City Councilmember Bruce Burton said the FAA seemed to be asking the city to put in place a solution when there was no problem, especially since all the complaints have been made by one individual. Burton maintained that the risk to aviation from deer on the runway was greater than from children on bicycles or people walking their dogs. “Would it be worthwhile to have a conversation with this guy?” he said, referring to Michael Helvey, director of the Office of Airport Compliance for the FAA. Other airport tenants and city staff described the situation as “blown out of proportion,” with photos often being “manipulative.” “His reality ... is different than most anyone I know,” said Mike Smith, a longtime airport tenant, during the Aug. 13 City Council meeting. He emphasized that in 61 years of the airport’s operation, there had been “not a single complaint about safety until this one individual came along.” Another tenant, who did not give his name, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We haven’t had any safety incidents up there, and there really hasn’t been anybody to tell the FAA when these complaints come in that they are simply not valid.” After a brief discussion, the city council decided not to include the letters written by Paul Trexel in defense of his complaint in the meeting notes. Although, Kenan O’Shea, the city’s street and parks superintendent, who addressed the council on behalf of Assistant City Manager Cathy Moorhead, noted Trexel had provided more than 100 examples. A small sample of those, included in correspondence dated June 17, 2024: - **Jan. 27, 2024** — Children were observed riding bicycles on the ramp - **March 30, 2024** — A pedestrian was observed walking a dog - **May 1, 2024** — A pedestrian was observed obtaining fuel from an avgas pump using a jerry can - **June 4, 2024** — A pedestrian was observed on the runway “If a person from the public wants their comments to be heard by the public they should come down here, and, I mean, they can distribute that to the council, but I don’t know that we have an obligation to be their voice to the community,” Burton said. “They can send a letter to the editor of the paper or they can stand on the street corner, but I don’t think we have an obligation to distribute that letter to the constituency of the town.” (Note to reader: Mendo Local requested Trexel’s public comments under the California Public Records Act, but these were not made available to us by the time of publiccation.) --- ### Balancing Safety, Community Culture and Cost The proposed changes to the Willits Municipal Code aim to align Willits’ ordinances with “industry standards” and those of other regional airports, clearly defining who and how the facility should be used, with potential for criminal charges and penalties for trespassers. The penalties, aligning with county ordinances, could be up to $500. However, council members expressed reservations: - **Extreme Penalties:** Council members found the proposed $500 fine “kind of extreme” and urged the inclusion of warnings and educational measures before imposing criminal charges. - **Lack of Actual Incidents:** It was highlighted that there has never been an incident of a pedestrian-versus-airplane at the airport. - **Cost and Overreach:** While city staff noted that updating the ordinance is “financially ... not a real heavy lift,” concerns were raised about the potential for the FAA’s demands to lead to costly measures like extensive fencing or additional consultants. - **Lack of Fairness:** Mayor Tom Allman noted that Shelter Cove has a golf course adjoining its airport with no fence, and that “a brewery is attached to the airport.” - **Minimal Compliance:** A strong sentiment emerged among council members to limit the city’s response to what was strictly necessary to comply with the directive. “We need to do the minimal possible of changing our ordinance — that includes warnings — so we comply with the FAA and we don’t infringe upon the freedom that our citizens might have,” Allman said. --- ### Next Steps: Discussion and Possible Action The City Council plans to re-agendize the proposed ordinance modifications for a discussion-only meeting on Sept. 10, with potential action to follow at a subsequent meeting. This delay is intended to allow for further public input, particularly from airport tenants, and to consider the suggestion of consulting the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) for their expertise. However, it remains unclear whether Willits can satisfy the FAA by modifying its ordinance alone. In a letter dated June 30, 2025, Helvey said the FAA could not approve the city’s corrective action plan without “a detailed plan of action that the city will undertake resulting from Council approvals, product deliverables, and the timeframe for which the actions will be developed and implemented.” ### Fort Bragg Sergeant Injured While Breaking Up Bar Fight URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-sergeant-injured-while/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:28.000Z A Fort Bragg police sergeant was injured Friday night while responding to a fight at the Welcome Inn, according to the department. Officers were dispatched to the downtown bar, where they encountered several people involved in a disturbance fueled by heavy drinking. Sgt. Jarod Frank attempted to detain one of the individuals, and the situation escalated into a scuffle, police said. During the altercation, the individual’s girlfriend became involved, leading to another struggle with a second officer. In the melee, Sgt. Frank was thrown backward, striking his head on the rim of a car and suffering a cut to his head. He has since returned to duty. The man Frank attempted to detain was subdued after an officer deployed a Taser. He was medically evaluated for minor injuries, including scratches to his elbows, before being booked into jail. Several people were arrested in connection with the fight. Police Captain Tom O’Neal said the department plans to meet with City Hall and bar owners to discuss ways to prevent future alcohol-related disturbances. “Our goal is to make sure downtown is a safe and economically viable place,” O’Neal said. “This was a drunk fight, the officers did their job, and unfortunately one of them was injured in the process.” The names of those arrested are expected to be released once police complete their reports. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — August 22, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-august/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:29.000Z Hello friends — From new food truck rules in Willits to butterflies in Point Arena, and a fiber optic project in Ukiah, there’s a lot of local news to catch up on. ## FORT BRAGG **🐕 Noyo Dog Park Gets an Upgrade** By Frank Hartzell, *Mendocino Coast News* [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/local-news-roundup-schools-reroute-controversial-path-jack-peters-creek-bridge-has-new-railings-danco-gets-millions-for-project-in-oakland-needs-to-fix-fence-here-new-housing-on-sale-at-round/?ref=mendolocal.news) The Noyo Headlands dog park has been steadily improving this year with new upgrades. Advocates say the site has the potential to be one of the premier dog parks anywhere on the North Coast. **📡 Customer Opinion Split on MCN Acquisition by City of Fort Bragg** By Matt LaFever, *Independent Coast Observer* [Read more](https://icoonline.mendonoma.com/Independent-Coast-Observer-08222025-e-Edition/1/?ref=mendolocal.news) The City of Fort Bragg finalized its acquisition of the MCN Internet provider last month. Some residents praise the council for preserving local jobs, while others worry the city is not up to the task. “I am concerned the new owners may be more profit-oriented, have grander ideas that make services more expensive,” resident Sakina Bush told the ICO. --- ## MANCHESTER **📶 Manchester Cell Tower Gets Final Approval From County** By Chelsea Randall, *Independent Coast Observer* [Read more](https://icoonline.mendonoma.com/Independent-Coast-Observer-08222025-e-Edition/1/?ref=mendolocal.news) A new 100-foot “faux eucalyptus” tower near mile marker 23 has cleared final inspection, improving cell service for Manchester, Irish Beach and Elk. County building inspectors signed off last week, ending a year-long approval process. --- ## POINT ARENA **🦋 Butterfly Conservation Takes Flight in Point Arena** *Independent Coast Observer* [Read more](https://icoonline.mendonoma.com/Independent-Coast-Observer-08222025-e-Edition/1/?ref=mendolocal.news) The Behrens Silverspot Butterfly is at the center of a conservation program at the B. Bryan Preserve, where biologists and advocates are working to restore the species’ habitat. --- ## UKIAH **🐇 Ukiah City Council Moves Forward on Proposal Simplifying Backyard Animal Rules** By Sydney Fishman, *Mendocino Voice* [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/ukiah-city-council-moves-forward-on-proposal-simplifying-backyard-animal-rules/?ref=mendolocal.news) Ukiah is close to easing restrictions on backyard hens, rabbits and beehives. The City Council gave initial approval to an ordinance amendment that would eliminate the $1,000 minor use permit and streamline the process for residents. Final passage is expected Sept. 3. **🌐 Ukiah City Council Greenlights $3.3 Million Fiber Optic Project** By Elise Cox, *Mendo Local* [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-moves-forward-with-33-million/) The Ukiah City Council unanimously approved a city-owned broadband project that will deliver speeds up to 10 gigabits per second. Funded through a $5 million CPUC grant and a $1 million private partnership with Vero Fiber Networks, the project must be finished by Oct. 2026 or the city risks losing funding. --- ## WILLITS **🚚 Willits City Council Solicits Opinion on Amended Mobile Vending Ordinance** By B.B. Kamoroff, *Willits Weekly* [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/documents/WillitsWeekly%5F08212025%5FAPages.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) City officials are weighing changes to restrictions on food trucks and other mobile vendors. Current rules prohibit vendors on Main or Commercial streets and limit operations to 28 days per year. Residents debated the issue at an Aug. 12 meeting. **🍰 Great Cake Soiree** By Mathew Caine, *Willits Weekly* [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/documents/WillitsWeekly%5F08212025%5FAPages.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) Thirteen bakers showcased blackberry and chocolate creations at the Great Cake Soiree hosted at Willits Elementary Charter School. Both amateurs and professionals participated in the sweet community event. **🤠 Bringing Wilma to Willits** By Maureen Jennison, *Willits Weekly* [Read more](https://www.willitsweekly.com/documents/WillitsWeekly%5F08212025%5FAPages.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news) Cowboy Willy Willits, the giant rodeo statue, will soon have a companion. Citizens have raised over $31,000 toward creating “Wilma,” with a deposit already delivered to the manufacturer. --- ## MENDOCINO COUNTY **💧 Who Has the Rights to Our Local Rivers and Streams?** By Frank Hartzell, *Mendocino Coast News* [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/who-has-the-rights-to-our-local-rivers-and-streams-cal-fire-water-rights-canceled-in-the-jdsfs-where-they-will-use-other-sources-when-and-if-logging-resumes/?ref=mendolocal.news) The State Water Board canceled CAL FIRE’s application for water rights in Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Groups like EPIC and Save Jackson Coalition had opposed the proposal, but CAL FIRE said the decision was made for other reasons. **⚖️ Mendocino County Opinion Divided on DA Recall Effort** *Anderson Valley Advertiser* [Read more](https://theava.com/archives/271701?ref=mendolocal.news) Residents remain split over whether DA David Eyster should be recalled. Critics cite his prosecution of exonerated Auditor-Controller Chamise Cubbison, while supporters argue he has been an effective prosecutor and department leader. --- ## NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES **🏠 Radon Detectors Offered at the Library** *Mendocino County Library* [Read more](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7415/626?ref=mendolocal.news) Residents can now check out free radon detectors from county libraries to test their homes for the radioactive gas, a leading cause of lung cancer. **🌿 Department of Fish and Wildlife Joins Fight Against Illegal Cannabis Cultivation** *California DFW* [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDFW) A weeklong enforcement sweep in Mendocino and Lake counties resulted in 21 search warrants, more than 46,000 plants eradicated, 13,600 pounds of processed cannabis destroyed, 213 code violations and seven people detained. Sensitive species and archaeological sites were also impacted. **🚧 State Allocates Nearly $40 Million to Mendocino County Road Projects** *Caltrans* [Read more](https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-1/d1-news/d1-news-release-2025-08-18?ref=mendolocal.news) The California Transportation Commission approved $3 billion in statewide allocations, including nearly $40 million for Mendocino County. Projects include upgrades on U.S. 101 near Hopland, fish-passage improvements and drainage along Route 128, and emergency culvert and roadway repairs near Laytonville. --- 💡 Thanks for reading this week’s roundup. We’ll be back next Friday with more stories from across Mendocino County — until then, take care and stay cool. --- ### Ukiah moves forward with $3.3 million fiber optic project URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/ukiah-moves-forward-with-33-million/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:29.000Z The Ukiah City Council voted unanimously this week to move forward with a $3.3 million public-private partnership to build a city-owned fiber optic network, despite the risk that construction delays could force Ukiah to cover the entire cost. The 23-mile project includes 17 miles of aerial installation of fiber optic cable on utility poles and six miles in underground conduit. It is expected to deliver upload and download speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second. Ukiah received a $5 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission last September through the agency’s [last-mile grant program](https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/industries-and-topics/documents/telecommunications/broadband--fact-sheet%5F083021.pdf?ref=mendolocal.news). Of that amount, $3 million will fund the broadband project, $1.7 million will replace aging utility poles, and the remainder will support construction management and grant administration, according to Andrea Trincado, the city’s project and grants administrator. Vero Fiber Networks LLC, the city’s private partner, has committed $1 million in matching funds for the project, designated for installing customer drops and equipment. Jim Robbins, the city’s housing and grants manager, warned the council Wednesday night that the rules for this program allow the CPUC to refuse to disburse funds or to seek to recover funds if the project is not completed by Oct. 28, 2026. “It’s important for the council to understand that,” Robbins said. “There was an effort to get the PUC to acknowledge that if it’s a true force majeure event — if it’s something that the parties can’t control and it’s not their fault — that they should allow for an extension of that deadline. And they’re saying no. They expressly said no, they weren’t doing that,” Robbins explained. He noted that the original source of funding stemmed from the federal COVID stimulus. Robbins added that if the contractor failed to perform, they would bear some responsibility. Councilmember Susan Sher asked Evan Biaghi, chief revenue officer of Vero Fiber Networks, which will design, build, operate and maintain the project for 35 years, whether he was comfortable with the timeline. “Normally I would say I’d have a pretty good deal of hesitation,” Biaghi said. In this case, however, he noted that the timeline will be jointly controlled by the city and Vero. “We’re going to have to work together to accomplish this in that time,” he said. Biaghi added that the company did not foresee issues obtaining materials and was committed to bringing construction teams to Ukiah. “It’s more often the permitting and licensing and things like that, that could delay a project like this,” he said. City staff estimates Ukiah will save $55,000 a year on internet services. Vero will also pay the city an annual fee, starting at $12,000 once it has signed up 800 subscribers. After that, Vero will pay $1,500 for each additional block of 100 subscribers — or $15 per subscriber. If 5,000 of Ukiah’s 6,067 households subscribe, the city would collect an additional $84,000 a year. The hub of the network will be at the Civic Center/Central Fire Station, with distribution to 13 other city facilities, including the airport, Civic Center Annex, Ukiah Valley Conference Center, Corporation Yard, Electric Service Center, Fire Stations North and South, Grace Hudson Museum, Low Gap Electrical Switch Yard, Customer Service Center Building (formerly the Bank of America Building), Orchard Electrical Substation, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Water Treatment Plant. The fiber network will consist of 288 strands. The city will lease out 240 strands and retain 48 for its own use. While the explicit goal of the last-mile program is to close the digital divide, Biaghi said this will be accomplished by ensuring the network passes 375 households currently receiving service at speeds between 25 megabits per second download/3 Mbps upload and 100 Mbps download/25 Mbps upload. “What does that look like?” he asked rhetorically. “It’s going down the street on those poles where those homes are. That is considered passing.” Service plans for residential customers will start at $39.99 a month for qualifying low-income households. Tiered plans will begin at $49.99 a month for 100 Mbps, increasing to $129.95 a month for 2.3 Gbps. “This project will expand access to remote work, online education and telehealth, and help close the digital divide,” Trincado said. “It also strengthens our economic development opportunities and positions Ukiah for Smart City initiatives.” Separately, the council also voted unanimously to approve a sole source contract with Utility Design Services, LLC, for construction engineering and inspection services for the broadband project, with a not-to-exceed amount of $337,275. ### Fort Bragg Girl’s Fentanyl Death Tied to Snapchat Drug Deals, Prosecutors Say URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-girls-fentanyl-death-tied/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:29.000Z President Donald Trump has [pledged to win a war against fentany](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/09/world/americas/fentanyl-us-mexico-route-cartel-smuggling.html?ref=mendolocal.news)l, using military force if necessary. In Fort Bragg, Mendocino County District Attorney David Eyster is using all the tools at his disposal to try to curb fentanyl overdose deaths. That includes applying a theory of “implied malice” to the case of Kailand Ignacio Garcia, who is accused of second-degree murder in the death of a 17-year-old Fort Bragg girl who died of fentanyl poisoning on Jan. 17, 2024. According to a brief prepared by the prosecution for Judge Clayton Brennan, Alyson Sanchezllanes is portrayed as a regular customer of Elohi Triplett, then a juvenile, who sold her counterfeit oxycodone pills known as M-30s or “blues.” Prosecutors allege that Triplett was supplied by Garcia. “Bruh, these perks finna kill me no joke,” Sanchezllanes wrote in a Dec. 8, 2023, Snapchat message to Triplett. The message included a photo of a small plastic baggie containing two M-30 pills. Four days later, she posted a digital photo with the caption: “my dealer and I are each others best friends on snap. We’re giving each other affirmation rn. Might fall in love w this one too idk yet.” On the night of her death, Sanchezllanes also engaged in Snapchat conversations with Garcia, who used the username “cashkai100k,” from 7:46 p.m. until about a half-hour after midnight. In an interview with an investigator, a friend of Sanchezllanes said she had seen both Triplett and Garcia sell pills to Sanchezllanes. According to the prosecution, the friend indicated that Triplett was Sanchezllanes’ primary supplier because he charged $20 per pill, while Garcia charged $30\. She said Sanchezllanes would often meet Garcia at the skate park on Willow Street. Another witness, Emmanuel Tiscareno, told investigators he had confronted Triplett and Garcia, warning them: “Do you want a murder case? You’re going to kill someone one of these days, and it’s gonna go straight to your fuckin name.” Tiscareno said Sanchezllanes gave him a ride on Jan. 16 and told him she had purchased pills from Triplett that night. Snapchat data confirmed the purchase, prosecutors alleged. According to the brief, Snapchat GPS data show Garcia and Triplett meeting at Garcia’s house at 7:47 p.m. Jan. 16\. Triplett and Sanchezllanes met at 8:13 p.m. At that time, Triplett sent a message to Emma Vanhorn instructing her: “get two perks from my jacket and give it to Allison chck outside please. She should give you money.” Vanhorn told investigators she was in the bathroom when Sanchezllanes arrived and that Triplett went outside to meet her. Garcia was interviewed by investigators following Sanchezllanes’ death. According to the brief, he said he did not know her and refused to answer questions about $8,563 found in his jacket, along with pills, on Feb. 5, 2024\. He admitted using drugs but denied selling them and refused to identify his supplier. He also claimed he did not really know Triplett. After being confronted with his Snapchat account information, Garcia invoked his right to an attorney. To convict Garcia of second-degree murder, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he committed an act that caused Sanchezllanes’ death, and that he did so intentionally and with knowledge that the act was dangerous to human life. Prosecutors must also prove he acted with conscious disregard for human life. In the brief, prosecutors argue that Garcia was “well aware of the dangerous and lethal nature of fentanyl” and that he knew the “juvenile male who he was supplying M-30s to was in turn selling those pills for profit to other minors.” They also alleged Garcia was “well aware” of Sanchezllanes’ drug dependency. “The People contend that the defendant knew that the act of furnishing fentanyl was dangerous to others, but did so anyway, not caring if someone was hurt or killed from it,” the brief concluded. A preliminary hearing in *People of the State of California v. Kailand Ignacio Garcia* is scheduled for Sept. 17, 2025. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — August 15, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:30.000Z *This roundup was updated on August 15, 2025 at 12:57 p.m. to include the Willits Weekly and the Independent Coast Observer.* Hello friends, In the last week, we learned about progress on the Great Redwood Trail, a volunteer effort to restore Caspar Headlands Trails, and new owners for the Coast Cinemas. Reporters spotlighted concerns about murdered and missing indigenous people and toxic chemicals in artificial turf in local soccer fields. We read about new rules for vineyard runoff, a plan to address jury duty noshows, policy shifts that will dramatically affect health care, and more. Thank you for caring about our county. Let’s get into it. --- ### [🦓 ](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)[B. Bryan Preserve Welcomes Grevy’s Zebra Foal](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* (Paywall) A Grevy’s zebra foal named Kira, born July 24, is thriving at the B. Bryan Preserve. Animal care specialist Mackenzie Spencer said Kira has inherited the personality of her mother, Karen, an opinionated zebra mare. “She is such a sassafras, it’s crazy,” Spencer said, explaining that Grevy’s zebras often communicate with their tails and ears. --- ### 🚴[ Great Redwood Trail Officials Report Progress, Field Questions at Town Hall](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/08/13/whats-next-for-the-great-redwood-trail-officials-field-questions-in-town-hall/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Sage Alexander, Ukiah Daily Journal* Four years after the Great Redwood Trail Act became law, state and local officials updated residents on the 320-mile project at a town hall hosted by Sen. Mike McGuire. One-third of the trail is completed, under construction or in final planning, with recent segments added in Humboldt, Willits and Ukiah. Officials emphasized environmental cleanup of the former rail corridor, plans to address homelessness along undeveloped sections, and the absence of a completion date. --- ### 🪶[ Advocates Urge Sheriff to Add Tribal Liaison in Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Cases](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/unsolved-mmip-tribal-liasion/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* At an Aug. 2 Fort Bragg conference, Pinoleville Pomo Nation MMIP program director Tatiana Cantrell called for a dedicated tribal liaison in the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office to address longstanding distrust between law enforcement and Native communities. Cantrell cited more than 160 unsolved cases in three counties and said better relationships could improve response times and outcomes. Sheriff Matt Kendall said resources are limited but acknowledged the need for trust-building. --- ### ⚖️[ Mendocino County to Issue Warrants for Repeat Jury Duty No-Shows](https://mendocinocoast.news/shrugging-off-jury-duty-county-to-issue-warrants-and-make-arrests-for-repeat-offenders-california-judicial-council-may-respond-mendocinocoast-newss-criticisms/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Citing high no-show rates since the pandemic, Mendocino County courts will begin issuing warrants for residents who repeatedly skip jury duty, Court Executive Kim Turner said. The court has also merged its coastal and inland jury pools, meaning more residents will travel across the county to serve. Turner hopes the policy change will boost appearance rates, though it comes amid broader criticism of state court policies limiting public access to records of criminal cases. --- ### 🌊[ Las Vegas Woman Dies After Fall From Mendocino Cliffs](https://mendofever.com/2025/08/13/las-vegas-woman-dies-after-fall-from-mendocino-cliffs/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Matt LaFever, MendoFever* A 66-year-old Las Vegas woman died Tuesday after falling from the cliffs above Portuguese Beach in Mendocino, the sheriff’s office confirmed. Investigators believe she intended to end her life, and no foul play is suspected. The remote beach is known for its dramatic scenery but also poses hazards with steep, unstable bluffs. --- ### 🛒[ Cyberattack on Major Distributor Empties Shelves in Remote Grocery Stores](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/cyberattack-on-major-distributor-leaves-remote-mendocino-county-grocery-stores-scrambling/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Jenn Procacci, The Mendocino Voice* A June cyberattack on United Natural Foods, Inc. disrupted deliveries to rural Mendocino County markets, leaving shelves bare for weeks in Round Valley and Point Arena. Store managers described poor communication from the distributor and resorted to hauling supplies from distant warehouse stores to keep communities fed. Larger markets with diversified suppliers saw little impact, highlighting the vulnerability of remote areas to supply chain disruptions. --- ### 🏥[ Five Policy Shifts Could Reshape Mendocino County Health Care](https://www.mendolocal.news/five-policy-changes-poised-to-up/) *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* Mendocino Coast Clinics Executive Director Lucresha Renteria warned Fort Bragg city officials of five looming federal and state policy changes that could restrict Medicare and Medi-Cal eligibility, impose work requirements, add co-pays, cut provider tax revenue, and alter immigrant coverage rules. She said the changes threaten access to care in rural areas, though a new $50 billion Rural Health Fund could offer partial relief. --- ### 👮[ Supervisor Praises Fort Bragg Police Chief’s Tenure Ahead of Departure](https://mendofever.com/2025/08/13/letter-to-the-editor-why-i-changed-my-mind-about-chief-cervenka-and-why-fort-bragg-benefited/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Bernie Norvell, Letter to the Editor, MendoFever* In a letter, Mendocino County Supervisor Bernie Norvell credited retiring Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka with building programs for homelessness, mental health and community safety while reshaping the department. Norvell said his initial doubts gave way to support after seeing Cervenka’s collaborative approach and commitment to long-term change. The city now faces a months-long search for his replacement. --- ### 🌲[ Volunteer Effort Launches to Restore Caspar Headlands Trails](https://mendocinocoast.news/wow-new-state-parks-sponsored-group-launches-volunteer-effort-at-the-mostly-unseen-spectacular-and-bizarre-caspar-headlands-trail-complex/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* A new State Parks-sponsored program, Caspar Cares Trail Stewards, began work Wednesday to clear and maintain the little-known Caspar Headlands trail system north of Caspar Beach. The area, rich in natural beauty and historic artifacts, has seen significant invasive plant removal and restoration in recent years. Trained volunteers can help maintain the network, which offers sweeping ocean views and glimpses of the region’s logging past. --- ### 🦭[ Sick Sea Lion at Noyo Beach](https://mendocinocoast.news/breaking-news-avoid-noyo-beach-keep-the-dogs-away/?ref=mendolocal.news) Raises Alarm *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Visitors and dog owners were urged to avoid Noyo Beach Wednesday after a lethargic California sea lion came ashore, possibly infected with leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmissible to dogs and humans. The Marine Mammal Center reported an ongoing outbreak among sea lions and advised staying at least 50 yards away. The animal’s unusual behavior and injuries are also being investigated. --- ### ⚽[ Resident Opposes Artificial Turf Soccer Fields in Bainbridge Park](https://theava.com/archives/271335?ref=mendolocal.news) *By David Gurney, Anderson Valley Advertiser* In a letter to the Fort Bragg City Council, resident David Gurney objected to plans for two artificial turf soccer fields in Bainbridge Park, citing environmental hazards from toxic materials, groundwater contamination risks and the absence of an environmental impact report. Gurney urged the city to preserve the park’s natural open space. --- ### 🤠[ Rodeo Queen Contestant Seeks Community Support for September Event](https://theava.com/archives/271335?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Abigail Jones, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Fort Bragg’s Shoreline Riders Rodeo returns Sept. 6–7, and contestant Abigail Jones is seeking sponsorships in her bid for the 2025 Miss SRI Rodeo Queen title. Jones said proceeds from ticket and raffle sales will help ensure the event’s future after its revival last year through local fundraising. --- ### 📜[ Letter Calls for ADA Lawsuit Reform to Protect Small Businesses](https://theava.com/archives/271286?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Jacob S. Brown, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Mendocino County Republican Party Chair Jacob S. Brown urged state lawmakers to rein in what he described as abusive Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits that exploit minor violations for large settlements. Brown called for a correction period before litigation and reduced fines to balance accessibility needs with small business survival. --- ### 🏛[ Fort Bragg Council Cancels Closed Session After Brown Act Questions](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-cancels-discussion-of/) *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* Public concerns over a vague “anticipated litigation” item prompted the Fort Bragg City Council to cancel a planned closed session on Aug. 11\. Legal experts said the Brown Act generally requires naming the parties in such cases unless disclosure would harm settlement prospects. The meeting also included community updates, infrastructure news and public debate over artificial turf at Bainbridge Park. --- ### 🍇[ New Rules Limit Vineyard Runoff to Protect Mendocino Waterways](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/new-rules-limit-vineyard-runoff-in-mendocino-county-to-protect-waterways/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board has adopted new rules restricting sediment and nutrient runoff from vineyards in Mendocino County to safeguard salmon-bearing streams and other waterways. The regulations require growers to implement erosion control measures, monitor water quality, and report compliance. Supporters say the rules will help restore aquatic habitat, while some vineyard owners raised concerns about costs and feasibility. --- ### 🎥[ Fort Bragg’s Coast Cinemas Saved from Closure Under New Owners](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/fort-braggs-coast-cinemas-saved-from-closure-under-new-owners/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* Fort Bragg’s Coast Cinemas, the last movie theater on the Mendocino Coast, will remain open after new owners stepped in to buy the business from the family that has operated it for decades. The deal comes just months after rumors of a shutdown fueled community concern over losing a key cultural venue. The new owners plan upgrades to the facilities while maintaining its role as a gathering place for first-run films and community events. --- ### 🏫 [North County Center Expansion](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* State Sen. Mike McGuire recently visited Mendocino College’s North County Center in Willits to discuss the planned Phase 2 expansion of the campus. Funded by the 2024 school facilities bond measure (Proposition 2), the $28.6 million project will add an 18,800-square-foot instructional building with classrooms and labs for Construction Craft, Fire Technology and Lab Service Technology programs. The state will provide $14.6 million, while the Mendo-Lake Community College District will cover $14 million. --- ### 📚 [New Library Roof Project to Start Monday](https://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* Demolition of the leaky roof of the Willits Library is set to begin Monday April 18\. “We are finally getting the new metal roof after too long with blue and white tarps and buckets to collect drips,” Supervisor John Haschak said. He noted the project has been a long time coming, but the new roof should last for many years. The $271,945 contract was awarded to Solano County Roofing. Haschak added that the county will next pursue solar panels and battery backup for the library. --- ### 🧓 [Coastal Seniors Dealt Another Blow as Federal Cuts Eliminate Grant Funds](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer (*Paywall*)* Plans by Coastal Seniors to offer line dancing and “Bingocize” — programs designed to help older adults stay active and healthy — have been halted after federal budget cuts eliminated funding. Coastal Seniors had submitted the proposal in response to an RFP for CalFresh healthy living programs through the Area Agency on Aging for Lake and Mendocino Counties. On Aug. 6, Executive Director Rebecca Stewart was informed by email that the RFP was canceled due to the elimination of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) funding, known in California as CalFresh. --- ### 🐋 [Dead Whale Attracts Scientists, Vultures and Looky-loos](https://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* **(**Paywall**)** A dead female humpback whale that had been drifting offshore near The Sea Ranch since Aug. 1 finally washed ashore on Dune Drift Beach on Aug. 12\. Scientists and onlookers gathered as vultures descended on the carcass. The cause of death has not yet been determined. ### Fort Bragg, CA City Council Cancels Discussion of “Anticipated Litigation” After Citizens Raise Brown Act Concerns URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-cancels-discussion-of/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:30.000Z During the Aug. 11 Fort Bragg City Council meeting, Mayor Jason Godeke called for public comment on the closed session listed on the agenda. Three citizens responded to the item, which referenced “anticipated litigation” with an undisclosed party. Marcy Snyder questioned whether the litigation involved Mendocino Railway or another party. “The public does not have that information in order to actually make an informed or any kind of public comment,” she said. Jacob Patterson recommended that the city “list everything you are going to talk about” to avoid violating the Brown Act. Andrew Jordan also requested that the city be as transparent as possible. According to David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, the Brown Act’s requirement to disclose the identities of the parties depends on the nature of the litigation and specific circumstances. “If we're talking about a lawsuit that's already on file, the agenda has to state the name of the case or otherwise identify the case, or they have to say \[the names of the parties\] in the meeting itself,” Loy said. There is an exception: The city council can withhold the name if they make a finding—stated in the agenda or in the meeting—that disclosing it would “jeopardize its ability to settle the case to its advantage.” Neither the city attorney nor the mayor made such a finding in the meeting. Instead, Godeke announced: “We actually will not be—on the advice of our attorney—holding a closed session this evening.” **Other announcements and actions at the meeting included:** - **Expanded City Hall Hours:** City Hall will remain open through lunch. - **CV Starr Center Attendance:** The CV Starr Center reported an increase of more than 4,000 admissions in June and July. The second annual Oktoberfest is scheduled for Oct. 4 at the center. - **Construction Updates:** The playground at Bainbridge Park was scheduled to close Aug. 13 for drainage improvements, repainting, and installation of surfacing compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A soft reopening is anticipated in mid-September. Concrete work for 17 new ADA curb ramps around town is nearing completion. - **Council Member Reports:** - *Grocery Outlet:* Interior design permits are under review at the county. - *Tribute to Terry Vaughn:* Lindy Peters and Tess Albin-Smith honored the late Terry Vaughn, founder of Mendocino TV, recognizing his role in bringing transparency to council meetings through televised coverage when other options were unavailable. - *New Vehicles:* The city has received new fire and police trucks. - *Sonoma Clean Power:* Tess Albin-Smith described Sonoma Clean Power’s engagement with 20 tribes on clean energy initiatives. - *Community Engagement and Cultural Initiatives:* The council noted participation in National Night Out and ongoing community outreach. - *Ad Hoc Culture and Education Committee:* An art sign and interpretive panel at the Fort Building detail the history of the Mendocino Reservation. A meeting is set for Sept. 5 to gather input on future interpretive panels. - **Consent Calendar:** Approved unanimously. - **“The Longest Table” Event:** The council endorsed a plan to host Fort Bragg’s first “Longest Table” event on Oct. 5, 2025, on Franklin Street. The event aims to build community connections by inviting residents to share a meal at a long table provided by the city. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food. The Mendocino Coast Humane Society will sell beverages as the nonprofit partner. The event is free, open to all ages, and intended as an inclusive community gathering. --- **Public Comment:** Several speakers addressed the installation of artificial turf on two small pickup soccer fields in Bainbridge Park, citing concerns about environmental impacts, toxic chemicals (PFAS) from ground-up tires, potential groundwater contamination, and the absence of a required Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Speakers also commented on the retirement of Police Chief Neil Cervenka. Supporters praised his accomplishments, including the care response unit, mental health support for officers, community engagement, drug treatment programs, electric fleet vehicles, and the fentanyl task force. Critics cited a perceived increase in violent crime and questioned his leadership. ### Five Policy Changes Poised to Up-end Health Care in Mendocino County URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/five-policy-changes-poised-to-up/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:31.000Z Significant federal and state policy shifts are poised to reshape how health care is delivered nationwide, with a particularly acute impact in lower-income, rural areas like Mendocino County. Lucresha Renteria, executive director of Mendocino Coast Clinics (MCC), outlined a series of looming changes Monday night in a presentation to the Fort Bragg City Council. She warned the new policies could profoundly affect patient eligibility, funding streams, and even the very mission of community health centers. “I'm sorry, I come with mostly bad news today,” Renteria said, setting a sober tone before detailing five major changes that tighten eligibility for Medicare and Medi-Cal eligibility and could reduce access to the services. #### Redefining “Federal Public Benefits” The first change is a technical update to the definition of “federal public benefits” published in the Federal Register on July 14\. According to the [Kaiser Family Foundation](https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/new-policy-bars-many-lawfully-present-and-undocumented-immigrants-from-a-broad-range-of-federal-health-and-social-supports/?ref=mendolocal.news), the revision bars many groups of lawfully present immigrants as well as undocumented immigrants from accessing many health care, educational, and other social services. The group warned of “negative impacts on the health and well-being of immigrant families due to more limited access to services as well as confusion and fear about using services.” “What this really means,” Renteria said, is that if a person does not have “satisfactory” immigration status — a new way of describing people without legal papers to be present in the United States — “then you wouldn't be able to use a health center” like the Mendocino Health Clinics. She noted the change is being challenged in court. The Kaiser Family Foundation said the updated list of covered programs is not exhaustive and could expand. “Is school lunch a federal public benefit?” Renteria asked rhetorically. #### New Work Requirements for Medi-Cal The second change adds new hurdles for Medi-Cal eligibility, regardless of immigration status. Able-bodied adults aged 19 to 64 without dependents will soon be required to document at least 80 hours of work per month, community volunteer service, or school enrollment. States must implement the requirement by January 1, 2027\. Renteria said the new rule applies to adults who make about $1,300 to $1,800 per month. The new rule will require county agencies to conduct “look back” checks — to ensure compliance during the three months before an application — and then to recheck every six months thereafter. Renteria said Mendocino County’s existing delays in processing Medi-Cal applications, sometimes as long as six months, are likely to worsen. Another hurdle is a new federal mandate for co-pays beginning Oct. 1, 2028\. Patients will be responsible for up to $35 per health care item or service, though primary care, emergency and pregnancy services will be exempt. #### Narrowing the Definition of “Qualified Immigrant” The third change narrows the definition of “a qualified immigrant” to lawfully permitted residents, certain refugees (Cubans and Haitians) and specific migrants from Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau. “So DACA, unfortunately, looks like it's going to sunset,” Renteria said. “We all are going to suffer.” While many of the changes Renteria discussed are happening at the federal level, policy is also shifting at the state level. California, which has historically offered Medi-Cal coverage to undocumented immigrants, will stop enrolling undocumented individuals in full-scope Medi-Cal after January 1, 2026, Renteria said. #### Reductions in Provider Tax Revenue The fourth change involves a decades-old financing mechanism that states have been using to pay their share of Medicaid, known in California as Medi-Cal. These “provider taxes” have been criticized by organizations like the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget as a way for states to “reduce state general fund financing, inflate federal spending and increase health care costs.” In November 2024, California voters approved Proposition 35, which earmarked managed care organization taxes specifically for Medi-Cal. KFF Health News, published by the Kaiser Family Foundation, called such provider taxes[ “the tax hospitals love to pay.”](https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/medicaid-provider-tax-hospitals-gop-spending-cuts-budget/?ref=mendolocal.news) With the passage of Proposition 35, the taxes paid by Kaiser and other managed care organizations — estimated at $9 billion for the 2024-25 fiscal year — cannot replace existing Medi-Cal funding. These taxes are intended to bolster Medicare’s low reimbursement rates, not backfill existing spending. The new federal budget freezes the threshold for provider taxes for all states for two years. It then gradually reduces the tax rate for states like California who have adopted Medicaid expansion. California will have to lower provider taxes by .5% each year, until the threshold of 3.5% is reached in 2032\. This reduction will be phased in starting in fiscal year 2028. “So unfortunately, programs that were built on the amount of revenue that we're getting from \[provider taxes\] are going to be virtually cut in half,” Renteria said. #### A New $50 Billion Rural Health Fund The fifth change, unlike the others, offers some relief: a $50 billion Rural Health Fund. But Renteria cautioned that the structure of the program could disadvantage California. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the fund represents just 37 percent of the estimated federal Medicaid losses in rural areas. Half will be distributed equally among states with approved applications, regardless of rural population size. “There is no difference between what Tennessee is going to get versus Alaska, versus California,” Ms. Renteria said. The Kaiser Family Foundation raised [additional questions and concerns:](https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/a-closer-look-at-the-50-billion-rural-health-fund-in-the-new-reconciliation-law/?ref=mendolocal.news) How will the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decide which applications to approve? What proportion of the fund will go to rural areas, and to which types of hospitals? Will the agency make distribution decisions public? Despite those concerns, Ms. Renteria said the fund is “good news” in the context of the other changes. Applications are due in December 2025, and she assured council members that Mendocino Coast Clinics would pursue its share. ### Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup - August 8, 2025 URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-roundup-august-8-2025/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:32.000Z ## 🩺 Local Health Professionals Warn of Federal Cuts to Care by John Glyer [https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/letter-to-the-editor-mendocino-county-health-professionals-sound-the-alarm-about-federal-cuts/](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/letter-to-the-editor-mendocino-county-health-professionals-sound-the-alarm-about-federal-cuts/?ref=mendolocal.news) Local doctors, nurses, and other health professionals are sounding the alarm over deep federal cuts to health care and public health programs, warning these reductions could leave rural communities like Mendocino County without access to basic care. In a letter to the Mendocino Voice, they say slashed funding for Medicaid, vaccines, and research will strain local clinics, endanger vulnerable populations, and cost lives. ## ⚖️ Mendocino Court Restricts Public Access to Criminal Records by Frank Hartzell [https://mendocinocoast.news/justice-in-the-shadows-mendocino-court-ruling-threatens-public-access-and-constitutional-rights/](https://mendocinocoast.news/justice-in-the-shadows-mendocino-court-ruling-threatens-public-access-and-constitutional-rights/?ref=mendolocal.news) On August 1, the Mendocino County Superior Court quietly implemented a rule that eliminates online access to criminal case documents. Members of the public must now travel to courthouses in Ukiah or Fort Bragg and pay multiple fees to view and copy files, a process critics say effectively creates a closed court system for criminal cases. The rule change stems from a 2019 statewide judicial council directive and has prompted concern about the erosion of constitutional rights and the movement to opaque government. Other coverage: [Mendo Local](https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-superior-court-restricts/) ## 👮 Fort Bragg Police Chief to Retire in October by Elise Cox [https://mendolocal.substack.com/p/fort-bragg-police-chief-neil-cervenka](https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-police-chief-neil-cervenka/) Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka announced he will retire on October 1 after a 25-year law enforcement career, citing pride in his department’s progress on training, community outreach, and internal reforms. Since arriving in 2022, Cervenka brought the department into compliance with state standards, added electric vehicles, and emphasized organizational wellness. He also cleared the way for the creation of a social services unit to address homelessness and mental health issues. He was praised by colleagues and community leaders for leadership on both policy and compassion. Other coverage: [MendocinoCoast.News](https://mendocinocoast.news/fort-bragg-police-chief-announces-retirement/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Mendofever](https://mendofever.com/2025/08/04/three-years-in-fort-bragg-police-chief-steps-down/?ref=mendolocal.news) [Mendocino Voice](https://mendovoice.com/2025/08/fort-bragg-police-chief-announces-plan-to-retire/?ref=mendolocal.news) ## 🚧 Ukiah Officials Address Gas Line Ruptures, Plan Better Alerts Amid Ongoing Roadwork by Justine Frederiksen [https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/08/06/ukiah-officials-discuss-gas-line-ruptures-changes-to-future-alerts/](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/08/06/ukiah-officials-discuss-gas-line-ruptures-changes-to-future-alerts/?ref=mendolocal.news) With road construction intensifying in Ukiah, city officials are exploring ways to improve public communication after two unmarked PG&E gas lines were ruptured on Main Street in July. Public Works Director Tim Eriksen told the City Council the incidents were not the city’s fault, noting that PG&E has taken responsibility for the old, unmarked laterals. Council members discussed enhancing Nixle emergency alerts—potentially linking them to city Facebook posts and improving Spanish translations—to keep residents better informed. Paving on Main Street begins Friday, Aug. 8, with closures and limited access expected through mid-month. ## 🪡 County Expands Needle Exchange Amid Criticism Over Missing Syringes by Matt LaFever [https://mendofever.com/2025/08/04/mendocino-county-expands-syringe-program-despite-45800-missing-needles/](https://mendofever.com/2025/08/04/mendocino-county-expands-syringe-program-despite-45800-missing-needles/?ref=mendolocal.news) Mendocino County supervisors approved a $100,000 expansion of its syringe exchange program despite reports that more than 45,000 needles remain unreturned. Fourth District Supervisor Bernie Norvell raised concerns about drug normalization and environmental harm, while public health leaders defended the harm-reduction model as life-saving and cost-effective. Officials say they’re working on improved tracking and cleanup protocols, but debate continues over how best to balance addiction treatment, community safety, and environmental protection. ## 🚑 Volunteers Slammed by County for “Fiscal Assessment” of EMS Funds by Mark Scaramella [https://theava.com/archives/271047](https://theava.com/archives/271047?ref=mendolocal.news) Volunteer ambulance crews in Covelo, Laytonville, and Anderson Valley are crying foul after Mendocino County launched a formal financial review of the small stipends they receive for providing 24/7 emergency services. Mark Scaramella writes that the so-called “fiscal assessment” is insulting and hypocritical, especially given the lack of oversight applied to large mental health contracts. Volunteers say the review overlooks the critical role they play and ignores years of chronic underfunding in rural emergency medical services. ## 🤠 Community Gathers to Honor Late Supervisor John Pinches by Jim Shields [https://theava.com/archives/271045](https://theava.com/archives/271045?ref=mendolocal.news) Friends, family, and constituents gathered at the Laytonville Rodeo Grounds on July 26 to celebrate the life and legacy of former Mendocino County Supervisor John Pinches. Shields praised Pinchas as a down-to-earth problem solver and advocate for rural residents, who fought bureaucratic waste, fixed roads, protected libraries, and held department heads accountable. ## 🚓 Ukiah Manhunt Ends in Vineyard, Two Patrol Cars Disabled by Error by Matt LaFever [https://mendofever.com/2025/08/05/ukiah-manhunt-ends-in-vineyard-two-patrol-cars-spike-stripped-by-mistake/](https://mendofever.com/2025/08/05/ukiah-manhunt-ends-in-vineyard-two-patrol-cars-spike-stripped-by-mistake/?ref=mendolocal.news) A dramatic police chase through Ukiah ended in a vineyard Saturday night after the suspect, 34-year-old Kolton Lindecarnes, fled on foot and was captured by drone-assisted officers. The chase began after he sped away from a traffic stop and involved multiple agencies. In a twist, two Ukiah Police patrol cars accidentally hit spike strips meant for the suspect and were disabled. Lindecarnes now faces multiple charges including felony evasion and DUI. ## ⚖️ Philo Man Faces Seven Felony Sex Charges Involving Minor by Frank Hartzell [https://mendocinocoast.news/philo-man-facing-7-felony-sex-charges-alleging-sex-with-a-underage-girl-appears-in-fort-bragg-courthouse-monday-case-was-filed-march-27/](https://mendocinocoast.news/philo-man-facing-7-felony-sex-charges-alleging-sex-with-a-underage-girl-appears-in-fort-bragg-courthouse-monday-case-was-filed-march-27/?ref=mendolocal.news) Ryan Clayton Davis, 41, of Philo, appeared in Fort Bragg court last week to face seven felony charges related to alleged sexual contact with an underage girl over a 18-month period. Prosecutors cited “position of trust” and “vulnerable victim” as aggravating factors that could influence sentencing. Davis is currently out on his own recognizance with protective orders in place. A preliminary hearing was postponed at the request of his attorney, who declined to comment. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Whistleblowing Nun Sister Jane Kelly Remembered for Her Faith, Fierce Advocacy URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/whistleblowing-nun-sister-jane-kelly/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:32.000Z Sister Jane Kelly, a fearless nun who became a local icon after exposing misconduct in the Catholic Church, was honored Wednesday with a memorial Mass at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church. The Rev. Gary Lombardi, a retired priest who previously served as pastor at St. Mary during Sister Jane’s tenure, officiated the Aug. 6 service. Sister Jane died June 7 at AlmaVia of San Francisco. She was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. Known for her courage and compassion, Sister Jane left a lasting mark on Mendocino County through her activism, humor and deep faith. Friends remembered her as both fierce and funny — a woman who never wavered in her commitment to justice. “She could talk to anybody, anywhere, about anything,” said Debra Meek, who co-founded Plowshares Peace and Justice Center and dining room for the homeless with Sister Jane, Martin Bradley and Susan Crane. Sister Jane arrived in Ukiah in the 1970s to serve as Director of Religious Education at St. Mary. Her community work quickly expanded. She built close ties with local Native American communities, served on the board of the Senior Indian Nutrition Center, and even took a seat on the Ukiah City Planning Commission, where she prioritized community needs over profit. The idea for Plowshares was born out of a countywide anti-nuclear organization called the Coalition for Peace on Earth, and Sister Jane’s literal reading of the Beatitudes — especially Matthew 25, which urges followers to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. “Martin got the building, Susan got the food, I got the money, and Jane ran the kitchen,” Meek said. “We all had our roles from the beginning.” Plowshares became a place where a free noon meal was served “with no questions asked.” The name came from Isaiah 2:4 — turning swords into plowshares — a nod to the relationship between war and hunger, and to Sister Jane’s unwavering commitment to peace. Sister Jane’s plainspoken practicality helped Plowshares thrive. “She used to say, ‘We can ask anybody for anything. They’ll either say yes or they’ll say no,’” Meek said. She saw fundraising as an invitation for others to serve. When some conservative churches hesitated to support Plowshares because of its peace-and-justice focus — and because meals were served without obligatory prayer — Sister Jane pushed back, saying guests shouldn’t be “held hostage by their bellies.” “She had a total, unwavering commitment to what is right,” said Bradley, who recalled her agreeing to supply meals for a homeless shelter even when Plowshares didn’t have a kitchen. Sister Jane became nationally known when she exposed misconduct within the Diocese of Santa Rosa. Appointed by Bishop G. Patrick Ziemann as a spiritual adviser to the Rev. Jorge Hume Salas, she soon became suspicious of his credentials. Independent journalist Mike Geniella said Sister Jane grew alarmed when Spanish-speaking parishioners told her Hume Salas was charging fees for confirmations. When police documented that Hume Salas had been skimming from the collection plate, Bishop Ziemann struck a secret deal with the Ukiah police chief and parish council, asking them not to pursue charges, promising the church would “take care of it.” Sister Jane was further disturbed to learn that Hume Salas had been reassigned to a parish in Napa. She alerted church officials — unaware that Hume Salas had entered into a sexual relationship with Bishop Ziemann, who allegedly demanded sex in exchange for protection. The scandal later exploded. Sister Jane’s role in exposing it was featured in the *National Catholic Reporter* and on NBC News. “She was basically shunned by the institution of the Church,” Bradley said. “Some of the priests she was closest to wouldn’t talk to her anymore. That was very hard for her.” Her order, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, tried to transfer her out of Ukiah. “She said, ‘No. I’m called to be here,’” Bradley recalled. In her final years, bedbound and living in San Francisco, Sister Jane embraced what she called a “ministry of prayer,” praying for global crises and naming those she loved. “She taught me how the sacred and secular gospel of peace and justice could be brought together to do good things in Ukiah,” Bradley said. “She was a cracker,” said longtime Plowshares volunteer Lloyd Gerboth. “She started this, and she saw it through.” The photo of Sister Jane Kelly published above is from this Plowshares video: ### Mendocino County Superior Court Restricts Public Access to Records Concerning Criminal Cases URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendocino-county-superior-court-restricts/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:33.000Z The Mendocino County Superior Court this week implemented changes to its online records system that significantly limit public access to criminal court documents. Until Aug. 1, the public could search criminal cases online and view the first page of filings. Full documents were available upon request for a fee. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) As of Aug. 1, criminal case documents are no longer accessible online. The only way to view them is through public access kiosks located at the courthouses in Ukiah and Fort Bragg. Users must pay a fee to view documents at the kiosks and a second fee to obtain copies. In Fort Bragg, the kiosk is located in a locked room; courthouse personnel provide access upon request. Kim Turner, the court’s executive officer, said she would be available for an interview next Wednesday. Access to court records is governed by the California Constitution, which states: “The people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business, and, therefore, the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny... ” However, the procedures governing that access are established by the California Rules of Court, which are adopted by the Judicial Council of California—a volunteer body composed of judicial officers, court executives, attorneys and legislators. These rules must comply with the state constitution. On Jan. 1, 2019, Rule 2.503 was amended to prohibit remote access to criminal filings and certain other court documents. A comment from the advisory committee accompanying the rule change stated: “The rule allows a level of access by the public to all electronic records that is at least equivalent to the access that is available for paper records and, for some types of records, is much greater. At the same time, it seeks to protect legitimate privacy concerns.” Frank Hartzell, publisher of MendocinoCoast.News, strongly disagreed. He called the change “a direct attack on taxpayers.” “It effectively excludes journalists who wish to look through all the files or follow up on reports by confidential sources that their rights have been violated by the legal system,” Hartzell said. “For all practical purposes, it creates a closed court system, where facts are very expensive to verify and where research into the way justice is being administered is totally impractical.” *(Read Hartzell’s* [*full comments*](https://mendocinocoast.news/justice-in-the-shadows-mendocino-court-ruling-threatens-public-access-and-constitutional-rights/?ref=mendolocal.news) *here.)* Local news in Mendocino County was already under pressure before the change in records access. Currently, no full-time local reporters are employed by any locally owned publication. A Colorado-based media company employs one reporter covering Mendocino County, and the University of California at Berkeley funds another through the Berkeley-based Mendocino Voice. In June, Mendocino County Public Broadcasting shut down its local news department in anticipation of a rescission of federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, expected to take effect in October 2025. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Willits Grapples with Fallout from Scathing Grand Jury Report URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/willits-grapples-with-fallout-from/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:33.000Z The Mendocino County Grand Jury report finding “a toxic and intimidating workplace culture at the City of Willits” is prompting calls for reform by former employees, even as a former mayor and council member dismissed the findings as politically motivated. The report, titled *Healing the Toxic Culture in the City of Willits Workplace*, was released June 30\. It is based on interviews with 15 city employees, department heads and top managers, along with three members of the City Council. [The Mendocino County Grand Jury](https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/government/grand-jury?ref=mendolocal.news) serves as an independent watch dog of government agencies. Comprised of 19 community volunteers, the civil grand jury investigate government entities and officials, including city councils, law enforcement agencies, and school districts. In contrast, criminal grand juries investigate individuals or organizations suspected of criminal misconduct. A civil grand jury operates independently, under the guidance of a judge and county counsel. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) The grand jury cited troubling conduct by members of the city’s management team, including threats, bullying, disparaging remarks and unprofessional language. Such behavior may constitute illegal harassment if based on protected characteristics under federal law, such as race, religion, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. However, the examples cited by two former employees during public comment were more than six years old — exceeding time limits for filing a claim under California or federal law. In addition to finding a toxic workplace culture, the report criticized the City Council for failing to adequately oversee top management. It stated the council had not completed performance reviews of the city manager by April 30 of each year, as required. Former Mayor Saprina Rodriguez, who left the council in 2024, said in a Facebook post that the grand jury interviewed only male councilmembers, including “one who didn’t even serve during the time in question.” Rodriguez disputed the report’s claim about city manager evaluations, saying the council completed “all three manager evaluations on time in February and March of each year.” Three former city employees spoke during public comment at the July 23 council meeting, sharing personal accounts that echoed and, in some cases, went beyond the report’s findings. Debra Huddle, who worked for the city from 2012 to 2018, said she left due to “ongoing harassment.” She said a judge initially ruled in her favor when she applied for unemployment benefits, but the city appealed the decision. “Instead of resolving this matter fairly, the city hired two private attorneys from San Francisco to fight me — a single former employee,” Huddle said. The city won the appeal, and she was forced to repay the benefits. “I want to be clear — this felt retaliatory. The city used public funds to silence and penalize me instead of addressing the original harm.” Karen Stevenson, who worked as the city’s human resources manager, said the report “did not go far enough.” “It was a toxic environment on both sides of the house — leadership as well as nonmanagement,” she said. Stevenson described a workplace where employees were afraid to say no. “You give somebody what they want, and you’re their best friend. You don’t, and you’re the bad guy.” Cathrine Masiello, who worked in the city’s finance department from 2008 to 2019, said she “absolutely did not want to retire,” but felt forced to leave after the hiring of a new finance director. Masiello described a hostile work environment dominated by a “controlling person” who was not her supervisor but maintained power over staff. “It was very clear who was in control, and that control continues to this day,” she said. Masiello alleged that discriminatory comments about her age and salary were made in front of HR staff, and claimed the department failed to protect employees due to a conflict of interest: the finance director and HR officer were living together. She also criticized the creation of an assistant city manager position, calling it financially irresponsible. “We never needed that position before, and more importantly, didn’t have the money for it,” she said. “This has been going on too long,” Masiello said. “I am begging and pleading with you all to return the City of Willits to the government office it should be — for the people, the employees, and especially for the good people of this town.” The grand jury has requested that the Willits City Council respond to the report’s findings within 90 days. The council is also required to respond to each recommendation by either implementing it, providing a timeline for implementation, conducting further study, or explaining why it will not be adopted. The report issued four recommendations: 1. Direct the city manager to comply with the City of Willits Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual by July 31, 2025. 2. Create a mechanism to ensure oversight and compliance with all personnel policies by Jan. 1, 2026. 3. Restore and fill the position of human resources director by Jan. 1, 2026. 4. Conduct annual performance reviews of the city manager by April 30 of each year. *This story was updated August 8, to correct spelling of Cathrine Masiello’s name and on August 7, 2025 with explanation about the function of a civil grand jury.* [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka to Retire in October URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/fort-bragg-police-chief-neil-cervenka/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:33.000Z *Updates: Quotes from Shaun Rundle, Jesse Martin, Tim Bosma and Jennifer Bosma were added after initial publication. The story was finalized August 11, 2025 10:50 a.m.* Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka confirmed to *Mendo Local* on Monday that he has submitted his retirement paperwork, effective Oct. 1. Cervenka said he is proud of the state of the Fort Bragg Police Department and wants to retire on a high note. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) “When everyone wants you to stay, that is the time to go,” he said, noting that he has spent 25 years in law enforcement and 35 years in uniform, including a stint in the U.S. Air Force. The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) allows members in law enforcement and public safety to retire at age 50, though doing so can result in a reduced retirement benefit. The city of Fort Bragg is expected to release a formal statement later Monday. Cervenka, 50, came to Fort Bragg from Turlock, Calif., where he served for 22 years and gained experience in internal affairs investigations, public relations, as a SWAT commander and a lieutenant. Cervenka also holds a Master in Business Administration from California State University, Stanislaus and is president of the California Peace Officers’ Association. Shaun Rundle, who served as executive director at the California Peace Officer’s Association for the last three years, said he first met Cervenka when he was a lieutenant in Turlock, Calif. Rundle said Cervenka has had “an incredible impact” as a volunteer for the association, which focuses on training and leadership development of peace officers. “What stood out to me was that he was a go-getter,” Rundle said After arriving in Fort Bragg in 2022, Cervenka prioritized organizational wellness. “That was my area of research during Command College,” he said. “At Fort Bragg, I implemented many of the things I learned there to create a more stable and wholesome environment.” This included an emphasis on training and technology. When Cervenka took over, the department was not in compliance with the minimum standards set by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), putting it at risk of decertification. The department now has a five-year training plan in place and is exceeding the POST threshold, he said. One area of emphasis has been search warrant training. In Fort Bragg, obtaining search warrants is now part of the field training process, ensuring that every officer is comfortable writing a warrant and presenting probable cause to a judge. “By getting search warrants on everything, it eliminates a lot of problems down the line,” Cervenka said. An investment in electric police vehicles has also put Fort Bragg on the map for climate-conscious policing. The department acquired[ four 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Special Service Vehicle ](https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2024/northern-california-police-department-shares-lessons-in-ev-charg?ref=mendolocal.news)police trucks using grants and its vehicle replacement budget. Cervenka implemented a formal process for handling citizen complaints against officers. The process follows the California Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights, which allows officers to file written rebuttals to unfounded complaints and ensures those complaints cannot be used as the basis for discipline. Cervenka said the new process may have helped improve the department’s retention rate. “I’m proud of the fact that, going back 20 years, we were losing one or more officers to neighboring agencies every year, and in the last two years we’ve lost none,” he said. He concedes, however, that it can be frustrating for members of the public, especially when their complaints are not sustained. Cervenka said he’s also proud of his departments involvement in the community, which has included rescuing kittens, escorting the 2025 Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” and appearing in Art Explorer’s upcoming film, "Bragging Rites," among the most recent activities. Jesse Martin, chief executive officer of Parents and Friends, said he particularly appreciated Cervenka’s support for the Blue Envelope program. The Blue Envelope program is an outreach initiative designed to help improve interactions between law enforcement and individuals with disabilities or communication challenges, by providing them a way to self identify. Martin said Cervenka was enthusiastic about bringing the program to the Mendocino Coast — in contrast to some other departments in the region who did not respond at all. “He was amazing and very proactive in making a better and stronger community,” Martin said. Tim Bosma, who runs the family-owned Harvest Market supermarkets in Fort Bragg and the Village of Mendocino, praised the Care Response Unit — an innovative way of handling homelessness and mental health issues — that was proposed and implemented by Captain Tom O’Neal with Cervenka’s full support. Bosma said the cycle of shoplift, arrest —repeat has been broken for some struggling members of the community. “People that need help are getting help, Bosma said. “And I think the officers feel better, too, because it’s not just a revolving a door. The officers are part of a real solution.” Bosma said people he has had to ban for their behavior are now allowed back in the store. He cited one particularly gratifying example of a shopper who can return as a result of the work done with by members of the Care Response Unit and a police officer, who sponsored that person. Jennifer Bosma praised Chief Cervenka for jumping in and helping direct traffic in and out of the store when an enterprising member of a road crew shut down the two roads that lead into and out of the store two years ago. “I know in my heart I have given my full measure,” Cervenka said. “I have helped set up this department with leadership, succession planning, stability, technology, training—and I feel like they are in a better place than they ever have been.” [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Turf War in Fort Bragg, CA: Residents Question Safety of Artificial Fields URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/turf-war-in-fort-bragg-ca-residents/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:35.000Z A long-awaited improvement project to revitalize a community park in the coastal town of Fort Bragg has become a new flashpoint in the national debate over artificial turf and its potential environmental hazards. Bainbridge Park is a grassy expanse four blocks from city hall long favored by dog owners and vagrants. It is slated for a transformation into a family-friendly destination, complete with a multiuse pavilion and two small playing fields. But concerns over toxic chemicals in synthetic surfaces have cast a shadow over the project, drawing vocal opposition from residents and scrutiny from state and federal agencies. [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) The project has been in development for a decade, according to Chantell O’Neal, assistant director of public works for Fort Bragg. “Community discussions date back to 2015, when we started the draft of the Bainbridge Park master plan,” she said. “In 2023, the project gained new momentum when the city was awarded a $2 million Prop. 68 State Parks grant. The project’s purpose is to provide much-needed recreational amenities for youth and families, improve accessibility, and create a safe, inclusive community space.” Instead, the initiative has ignited alarm over artificial turf and other synthetic materials used in playground surfaces — materials that some residents argue are unsafe and environmentally damaging. “This is our land, our children, our water, and we are paying for it to be polluted,” said Chris Cisper, a ceramic artist who lives a block from the park, at a City Council meeting earlier this month. Cisper and others point to mounting concerns over so-called “forever chemicals” — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS — which are commonly found in artificial turf and are resistant to environmental degradation as well as the crumb rubber, pictured below in a photo taken at Bainbridge Park. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/6fe8fadc-9414-47e7-b9e0-e80da16a57b3_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) A [change.org](https://www.change.org/p/make-bainbridge-park-safe-and-healthy-for-kids-and-the-environment?ref=mendolocal.news) petition requesting the city halt the project had gathered 241 signatures as of Saturday morning, August 2, 2025. Tamara Baxman, a longtime resident, noted that the California Legislature voted overwhelmingly in 2024 to prohibit cities, counties, and schools from purchasing or installing synthetic turf that contain PFAS. “It’s a no-brainer to just put in natural grass,” she said. “Let people go to the park like they always did.” Although Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the PFAS ban approved by the state legislature last year, he signed a companion bill allowing municipalities to impose their own restrictions. Other residents expressed concern about health warnings on the specific materials slated for use in Bainbridge Park. Louise Mariana, who plays tennis in the park, said she was troubled by labeling that warned of respiratory and skin risks ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/65/2b/652bc5ac-05cb-46a1-8194-e7dee6ac7adf/content/images/2026/08/e2a2be1c-111b-4a23-9874-c7f38494798f_4032x3024-jpeg.jpg) . “If you read the warning labels, you’ll see there is off-gassing that can cause asthmatic reactions,” she said. “Children fall. Their faces will be in that turf. They’ll be breathing this stuff. It’s all over their hands. This isn’t environmental. It’s detrimental to our children, and you’ve destroyed a beautiful park.” City officials insist the material is safe. O’Neal, who also serves as project manager, said the surface selected is a bonded, poured-in-place rubber rather than loose crumb rubber. “We prioritized safety, durability, and environmental responsibility,” [she said ](https://www.facebook.com/CityFortBraggCA/videos/1432932098045209)at the city council meeting on July 21, 2025. But Cisper and others remain unconvinced. He argues that the city should have conducted a full Environmental Impact Report under the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA. He also noted the presence of bags of loose crumb rubber stacked up at the site. The presence of these bags was confirmed by this reporter. According to *Environmental Health Review*, a journal published by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, individual components of poured-in-place surfaces can pose inhalation risks before they cure. [A 2018 article in the journal](https://pubs.ciphi.ca/doi/full/10.5864/d2018-001?ref=mendolocal.news) noted that further research is needed to assess whether those risks increase as the material ages and degrades. In Korea, cancer risk was found to be[ approximately ten times higher ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31134396/?ref=mendolocal.news)in poured rubber surfaced playgrounds than in dirt playgrounds. While Fort Bragg has not been sued over the turf plan, other municipalities have faced legal challenges. Cities such as Boston; Millbrae in San Mateo County; and San Marino in Los Angeles County have banned synthetic turf installations. In Rye, N.Y., residents sued their local government over health concerns related to artificial turf. A judge subsequently dismissed the case which claimed that the city of Rye had improperly declared itself the lead agency and ignored data from opponents of the project. Cisper said he has filed complaints with the California Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Inspector General, the Mendocino County District Attorney, and the FBI Environmental Crimes Unit. He alleges that the city fraudulently claimed CEQA exemptions and misrepresented the park’s condition — stating in grant applications that the turf would replace “existing” soccer fields, when in fact it would replace a multiuse grassy area frequented by both dogs and families. Fort Bragg Mayor Jason Godeke said the City Council made the appropriate exemption determination for CEQA after a staff presentation and public input. “The CEQA evaluation was conducted for the project as a whole, not for each individual amenity in isolation,” Godeke said in an email. “Multiple CEQA exemptions were determined to apply. All aspects of the project were properly reviewed and documented.” Godeke said he has done his own research and concluded: “The park is going to be safe for those of us who use it, and that the renovated park will offer many new public benefits, including a playground that is more accessible, and soccer courts that will serve the hundreds of kids and adults who need a good place to play the sport in our town.” In future stories Mendo Local will look at: 1. A draft study conducted by the state of California into the risks of crumb rubber referenced by Mayor Jason Godeke in his defense of the Bainbridge Park Project 2. The stance taken by the California Coastal Commission on poured-in-place rubber playground surfaces 3. The point of view of advocates for youth soccer 4. The legislative debate over synthetic turf and PFAs 5. How other California cities are responding to the risks of artificial turf 6. The response of the artificial turf industry [Subscribe](#/portal/signup)