Mendo Local Weekly News — April 25, 2026
A potential buyer appears for the Potter Valley Project, Montgomery Woods expands with donated land, and a woman is slain in Covelo,
🏠 MENDOCINO COUNTY
Judicial Race: Pekin vs. Friend for Superior Court Seat
By Linda Little, MendocinoCoast.News
Voters will decide a rare contested judicial race June 2 between Judge Patrick M. Pekin and attorney Colby J. Friend. Candidate responses highlight issues including jury shortages, courthouse access, and transparency.
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Short-Term Rental Permit Denied
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
The Mendocino County Planning Commission unanimously denied a permit near Ukiah over septic and safety concerns, despite staff recommending approval.
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Redwood Forest Expansion Announced
By Save the Redwoods League
A 453-acre donation will expand Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve by 16%, protecting habitat for endangered salmon.
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Journalist Recalls FBI Scrutiny
By Mike Geniella, AVA & MendoLocal.News
A veteran reporter recounts a secret FBI memo targeting his work during the timber wars, drawing parallels to current concerns about press freedom.
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Free Water Tanks Distributed
By Mendocino County Fire Safe Council
Nearly 200 water tanks are being distributed countywide as part of a state drought relief effort to boost rural fire preparedness.
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Firewood Permits on Sale
By U.S. Forest Service
Permits for personal-use firewood are now available in the Mendocino National Forest, with restrictions on collection and transport.
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🥖 CASPAR
Caspar Inn Reimagined
By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice
The historic Caspar Inn reopens as a bakery and wine bar under new ownership, blending sourdough and natural wine culture.
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🐓 BOONVILLE
Barn Sale Beckons with Bargains & Community
By Terry Sites, Anderson Valley Advertiser
A monthly sale offers affordable goods and vintage finds, with proceeds supporting construction of a new church in Elk.
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🚔 COVELO
Teen Charged in Covelo Homicide
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A 16-year-old suspect has been extradited in connection with the killing of Audrey Card, 38.
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License Plate Tech Leads to Arrest
By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News
Police used automated license plate readers to locate and arrest the suspect in Oroville.
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🌳 FORT BRAGG
Who Owns the Mill Site?
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Records show that the ownership of the former Georgia-Pacific mill site is tied to Mendocino Railway and Sierra Railroad Holdings, a newly formed LLC. Parcels along Pudding Creek continue to belong to Sierra Northern, which is now owned by a private equity firm. Sierra Northern appears to remain a subsidiary of the Sierra Railroad Company, a holding company that previously owned the Mendocino Railway.
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Bainbridge Park Reopens
By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice
The park reopened after a $2M renovation, after city council declined to address community concerns over environmentally hazardous materials and CEQA compliance.
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💰 POINT ARENA
City Stabilizes Finances
By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer
The city manager said the bankruptcy risk has passed, though a sewer deficit necessitated a rate increase.
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💧 POTTER VALLEY
No Formal Offer for Potter Valley Project
By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal
Pacific Gas and Electric Company says no formal offer has been made to take over the Potter Valley hydroelectric and water diversion project by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District.
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Southern California District Shows Interest
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District vice president said the utility is exploring acquiring the Potter Valley Project as part of its long-term water strategy.
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Federal Official Cites Potential Buyer of Potter Valley Project, Sparking Local Concerns
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Report of a potential buyer drew backlash from Jared Huffman and local stakeholders.
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🐍 REDWOOD VALLEY
Fatal Snakebite Confirmed
By Katy St. Clair, The Mendocino Voice
A 78-year-old woman died after multiple snake bites; the death was ruled accidental.
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🎨 UKIAH
City Releases New Annexation Map
By City of Ukiah
A revised “Sapling” annexation proposal updates city boundaries; a public workshop is set for April 30.
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Student Art Show Explores AI
By Laura Fogg, Ukiah Daily Journal
Ukiah students blend photography and AI in a new exhibit at Art Center Ukiah.
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🎬 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO
Film Festival Breaks Records
The Mendocino Film Festival returns May 28–31 with 80 films, including a record number directed by women and multiple Sundance selections.
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🗳️ WILLITS
Supervisor Forum Draws Crowd
By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly
An estimated 160 residents attended a District 3 candidate forum.
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Town Hall with Mike McGuire
By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly
About 170 residents gathered for a town hall with State Senator Mike McGuire, who is running to represent voters in the new congressional district created by redistricting.
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🏛️ CALIFORNIA
Voter ID Measure Heads to Ballot
By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters
A GOP-backed initiative requiring proof of citizenship has qualified for the November ballot.
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Pension Outlook Improves
By Adam Ashton, CalMatters
California’s pension burden shows early signs of easing after years of rising costs.
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