Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — September 28, 2025
An incoming storm, a recall effort, a federal agency ruling, a new ice-house, and a mural
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.
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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.
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📰 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.
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Recall Effort Ramps Up to Remove DA David Eyster
By Matt 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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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🚂 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.
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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.
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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.
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🐟 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.
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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.
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🏠 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.
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🎶 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.
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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.
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📢 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.
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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.
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🏛 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.
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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.
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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.
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