Mendo Local Weekly News — October 26, 2025
A new county judge, a confirmed deportation at an asylum check-in, and much more.
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.
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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.
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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.
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$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Thursday that a $50 million modernization funding term sheet for Adventist Health Mendocino Coast Hospital has been withdrawn by the lender, leaving a $35 million funding gap.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.
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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.
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🚒 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.
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🌱 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.
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🌊 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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💊 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.
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🚑 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.
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⚖️ 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.
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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.
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💧 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.
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🪶 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.
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🚓 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.
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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.
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🎨 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.
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🦌 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.
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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.
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$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.
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📰 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%).
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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.
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