> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.mendolocal.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — September 28, 2025 - URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/mendo-local-weekly-news-roundup-september-507/ - Published: 2025-09-29T00:11:29.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:19.000Z - Description: An incoming storm, a recall effort, a federal agency ruling, a new ice-house, and a mural - Author: Elise Cox - Tags: Weekly News, Newsletter, #Migrated-1785959471687, #Import 2026-08-05 12:53 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)