The public comment portion of public meetings offers residents a chance to hold power to account, offering insight and perspective their fellow Mendocino residents will not find elsewhere. In this new Mendo Local feature, we provide a recap of public comments to the Mendocino Board of Supervisors and a link to a new Public Comment podcast.
Dee Pallesen, District 5
Board of Supes response to Grand Jury report violates state laws
Pallesen criticized the Board’s response to the Grand Jury report on Planning and Building Services, particularly regarding California Public Resources Code 4290 and Health and Safety code 17958.2. She argued the Board response appeared to have been written by the department under scrutiny, raising concerns of “fox in the henhouse.” She also cited inaccuracies in the Board’s statements about ordinances, possible Brown Act violations, and questioned whether policies and procedures were adequately reviewed by the ad hoc Board of Supervisor’s committee.
Gizmo, Redwood Valley
Siren money allocated to septic repairs
Gizmo objected to the reallocation of PG&E settlement funds originally earmarked for a Redwood Valley siren program promised after the 2017 fires. He said only one of four planned sirens has been tested, while most funds were diverted to other expenses. He declared “no confidence” in the fire board and chief, arguing that without a functional siren system, public safety is jeopardized. He urged the county to hold reimbursement funds until accountability is restored, stressing that sirens save lives in emergencies.
Dolly Riley, Redwood Valley Municipal Advisory Council Chair
Action needed on Community Action Plan
Riley echoed concerns about the unused siren and called for its operation. She also urged the Board to adopt Redwood Valley’s long-developed Community Action Plan into the County General Plan. Finally, she highlighted the community’s efforts to establish a Recreation Center at the former Redwood Valley School site but said funding remains a major barrier. She appealed for county and state assistance, noting the lack of activities for local youth.
Kevin Evans, Gualala
Deferred maintenance on high-risk roads endangers public safety
Evans raised urgent concerns about road safety after two girls were killed in a May 2025 crash on Ten-Mile Cut Off. He noted Iverson Road and Ten-Mile Cut Off have not been chip-sealed since 2000–01 and won’t be scheduled again until 2035–36, leaving a 34-year gap. He recommended reprioritizing deferred roads that exceed industry maintenance standards without diverting money from essential services. He urged immediate attention to high-risk roads, including Pacific Woods, Old Stage Road, and Little River Airport Road, citing public safety as the highest priority.
Phil Williams, Ukiah
A pestilence of misinformation is infecting the community
Williams defended Inland Water and Power Commission Chair Janet Pauli against criticisms from the group Mendo Matters, calling their attacks unfounded and personal. He praised Pauli’s leadership in negotiating agreements with Eel River stakeholders. Williams warned against misinformation, said “juveniles dressed up and purporting to serve as journalists” had amplified false claims, and pledged that many water professionals would support the IWPC position at the upcoming October 7 Board meeting.
Elise Cox, Mendo Local Public Media
County counsel denies public information request regarding allocation of public money
Cox urged transparency regarding county counsel’s guidance on asset forfeiture funds, noting her public records request was denied under attorney-client privilege. She said these legal opinions are central to the public’s understanding of present and past disputes, including a costly lawsuit and the DA recall effort. Cox called on the Board to place the matter on the agenda and release all counsel guidance on asset forfeiture spending since the program’s inception, stressing that secrecy blocks informed public debate.
David Gurney, Fort Bragg
Deferred maintenance on high-risk roads is endangering public safety
Gurney demanded immediate repairs to Little River Airport Road, describing it as dangerously narrow, potholed, and lacking shoulders. He linked poor road conditions to a September 1 car crash that left several critically injured, saying deferred maintenance likely caused the accident. He accused the Board of inaction despite repeated community warnings, calling the road an essential evacuation route and access point for seniors and emergency services. He urged the Board to act “now, as in a month ago” to prevent further deaths.
