Mendo Local Weekly News — February 7, 2026
Broiler dinners for prosecutors, youth poets, poached abalone and hipcamp permits
🏛️ 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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🌾 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.
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🌊 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.
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🌾 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.
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“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.
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🏙️ 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.
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💧 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.
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🐚 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.
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🌲 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.
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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.
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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.
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🏛️ 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.
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California’s Population Plateau and Political Clout
By Dan Walters, CalMatters
Stagnant population growth could cost California congressional seats after the 2030 census.
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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.
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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.
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