Mendo Local Weekly News — November 2, 2025
Federal food stamp pause. Leaked off-shore drilling plans. An election glitch.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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..
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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.
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🌉 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.
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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.
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🚲 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.
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🎥 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.
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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.
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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.
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💧 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.
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⚓ 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.
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🌳 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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🚒 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.
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🪵 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.
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📰 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.
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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.
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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.
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