Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup — September 13, 2025
A roundup of local news for the week ending August 29, 2025 from around Mendocino County.
Hello friends,
This week brought urgent warnings about health care cuts, discussion of “safe parking” in Point Arena, and a landmark development approval in Fort Bragg. Also, county supervisors met for the first time after a six-week break.
MENDOCINO COUNTY
🏥 Healthcare summit predicts grim future for Mendocino County residents
By Savana Robinson, Mendocino Voice
At the first Mendocino County Health Summit on Sept. 10, officials warned that federal Medicaid reductions under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and state Medi-Cal cuts could cost the county 600 health care jobs and reduce access for thousands of residents. Nearly 44% of residents rely on Medi-Cal, with upcoming changes including reinstated asset limits, enrollment freezes for undocumented immigrants, new work requirements, shorter retroactive coverage, and possible reductions in in-home supportive services.
⛺ County Weighs Rules for “Hip Camps” and Dude Ranches
By Sydney Fishman, Mendocino Voice
The Board of Supervisors continues to mull over an ordinance to regulate “low-intensity camping” on private land, such as hip camps and dude ranches. Supervisors debated state bill guidelines on acreage minimums, length of stay, and fire safety, with Supervisor Ted Williams urging strict campfire limits and Supervisor Maureen Mulheren pushing for allowing commercial camping on small residential parcels.
⚖️ Judge rejects Mendocino College professor’s request to delay sexual assault lawsuit
By Sydney Fishman, Mendocino Voice
A San Francisco Superior Court judge denied Mendocino College professor Jason Davis’s request to pause a civil lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted two underage students more than 20 years ago. Judge John True ruled that the plaintiffs have already waited decades and Davis failed to justify delaying the case, which is set for a case management conference Oct. 15.
FORT BRAGG
🏗️ Coastal Commission Upholds Fort Bragg’s Approval of 83-Unit Mixed-Use Development
By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News
The California Coastal Commission upheld Fort Bragg’s approval of an 83-unit mixed-use project at 1151 South Main Street, rejecting seven appeals over height, traffic, and environmental concerns. Developed by Kosh Petroleum, the project includes eight affordable apartments, retail space, four hotel suites, a public trail to Pomo Bluffs Park, and a 107-space parking lot — the city’s biggest new project of the 21st century.
💧 Default Notice Issued as Stormwater Contamination Battle with Fort Bragg Escalates
By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News
A federal court clerk entered a default notice in the lawsuit by Mendocino Railway and Sierra Northern Railway against the City of Fort Bragg, which alleges the city discharged toxic stormwater into Mill Pond 8 at the former Georgia-Pacific mill site. The railways are seeking $10–$50 million for cleanup of dioxin and furan contamination, even as the parties continue work on a master development plan.
GUALALA
🌳 County in Direct Negotiations with Contractors for Bower Park Improvements
By Susan Wolbarst
Mendocino County is negotiating with three contractors to complete Bower Park upgrades by June 2026. Funded by a $2.2 million state budget grant, the project will improve recreation facilities and remove hazardous trees.
LAYTONVILLE
📰 A Tribute to Jim Shields
By John Haschak, Willits Weekly
Laytonville community leader Jim Shields is remembered for his advocacy, sharp insight, and deep commitment to neighbors in need. Publisher of the Mendocino County Observer, host of a KPFN radio show, and longtime civic leader, Shields leaves a legacy of service and accountability.
POINT ARENA
🚗 Point Arena Says No — For Now — to “Safe Parking Site”
By Matt LaFever, Independent Coast Observer
The City Council declined to create a safe parking lot where people living in cars can legally sleep overnight. Officials cited the need for monitoring and services, while Councilmember Barbara Burkey pledged outreach to potential partners.
UKIAH
🏢 Ukiah to Convert Former BofA Building into City Annex
By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser
The city plans a $3.5 million remodel of the former downtown Bank of America branch to house water department offices six years after it purchased the building. The contract went to Santa Rosa–based DMR Construction instead of local firm Cupples, drawing criticism.
VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO
🚧 Overnight Closures at Jack Peters Creek Bridge Could Lead to Stranded Big Rigs
By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News
The Jack Peters Creek Bridge will close nightly Sept. 15–18 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Public Works Director Howard Dashiell warned that misleading GPS directions, poor cell service, and narrow forest roads could leave big rigs stranded; CHP will ticket truckers who attempt the detour.
WILLITS
🚂 Steam Festival
By Matthew Caine, Willits Weekly
Roots of Motive Power volunteers once again celebrated steam and diesel history at their Willits yard. The festival featured train rides, logging machinery, and access to a research library with more than 5,000 railroad and timber industry volumes.
CALMATTERS
⚡ Lawmakers send Newsom a high-stakes energy overhaul tied to wildfires, utilities and oil
By Alejandro Lazo and Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters
Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders advanced a six-bill package that ties climate policy to affordability measures, wildfire cost controls, and new oil permits. Supporters call it a balanced deal; critics say it undercuts climate goals in favor of utilities and oil companies.
🚐 New enforcement targets people living in cars, RVs on California streets
By Marisa Kendall, CalMatters
With tent encampments shrinking, cities are cracking down on people living in vehicles. San Jose is towing RVs, San Francisco is restricting large vehicles, and lawmakers are weighing AB 630 to expedite disposal of inoperable RVs — a move advocates say could strip people of their last refuge.
NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES
🌲 USDA Moves to Rescind Roadless Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened rulemaking to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 44.7 million acres of national forest land. Public comments are due Sept. 19, 2025.
🌾 Ag Education Grants Now Open
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is offering $200,000 in CalAgPlate license-plate funded grants for agricultural education and leadership. Applications are due Oct. 1, 2025.
🥕CDFA Awards $13.75M for Community Food Hubs
Twelve organizations will share $13.75 million to build and expand food hubs connecting local farmers with schools, Tribes, and food banks. More than $2.2 million is earmarked for Tribal-led projects.
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