Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — October 19, 2025
"No Kings", a mobile sauna brouhaha, and a naked man in a cave
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.
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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.
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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.
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🔥 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.
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🌊 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.
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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.
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🌲 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.
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⚓ 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.
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🏛️ 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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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🎨 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.
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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.
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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
🌲 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.
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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.
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📢 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
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.
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📰 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.
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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.
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