Mendo Local Weekly News — February 1, 2026
Affordable homes at The Sea Ranch, a grassroots vision for the future in Caspar, and scholarship opportunities for college-bound kids
🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY
Federal Court Upholds Sheriff’s Authority in Cannabis Raids on Tribal Land
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A federal judge ruled that Mendocino County sheriff’s deputies may enforce criminal laws against large-scale cannabis cultivation on tribal land, while allowing claims of unlawful searches and discriminatory enforcement to proceed.
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Mendocino County’s Tax Collection Crisis
By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser
More than $30.6 million in unpaid property taxes reveal deep systemic problems in the county’s tax collection system, raising concerns about impacts on schools and public services.
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Prop 36 and Measure B — No More Excuses
By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser
Despite collecting over $51 million in Measure B revenue, the county still lacks a clear plan for delivering the mental health and substance use services voters approved.
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‘Super Flu’ Bug Causing Suffering This Winter
By Susan Wolbarst, The Independent Coast Observer
A severe influenza strain has hospitalized an estimated 120,000 people nationwide, though no flu-related deaths have been reported locally.
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Local Artists Fund Environmental Scholarships
By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice
Mendocino Eco Artists are donating artwork proceeds to fund scholarships for local students pursuing environmental studies.
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PG&E Employees Raise $300,000+ for Scholarships
PG&E News & Events
Employee-led fundraising will provide college scholarships of up to $6,000 for students across Northern and Central California.
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Public Hearing on Unmet Transit Needs
By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice
A public hearing Monday will gather input on transportation gaps affecting seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents.
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Wildfire Mitigation Grants Available
North Bay Forest Improvement Program
Landowners can apply for up to 80% reimbursement for forest health projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk. Applications due Feb. 13.
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🏘️ CASPAR
Residents Unite to Shape County’s Future
By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice
Community members met to develop a shared platform addressing housing, climate change, economic sustainability, and social justice.
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🚓 COVELO
Covelo Man Arrested for November Shooting
By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice
A 45-year-old man was arrested on attempted murder charges related to a November shooting.
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📶 FORT BRAGG
Broadband Project Faces Major Cost Overruns
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Fort Bragg’s municipal broadband project has grown by nearly $3 million over initial estimates.
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Grocery Outlet Construction Delayed
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Construction on Fort Bragg’s long-awaited Grocery Outlet is now expected to begin in May.
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Prowler Pleads Not Guilty to Rape Charges
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A 23-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony sexual assault charges.
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Teen Arrested in New Year’s Eve Drive-By Shooting
Fort Bragg Police Press Release
Police recovered a loaded ghost gun during the arrest of a teenage suspect.
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🚧 LAYTONVILLE
Fatal Highway 101 Crash Claims One Life
By Dan McMenamin, The Mendocino Voice
A head-on collision south of Rattlesnake Summit left one person dead and another injured.
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⚓ POINT ARENA
Point Arena Pier Gets New Hoist
By Alessandra Rizzo, The Mendocino Voice
A delayed hoist replacement is complete, allowing fishermen to resume pier operations.
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🏡 SEA RANCH
Affordable Homes Offered to First-Time Buyers
By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer
A February 5 webinar will outline opportunities for first-time buyers in The Sea Ranch.
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Swim Lessons Canceled Amid Rules Dispute
By Kat Gleason, The Independent Coast Observer
A conflict between association rules and state law has led to the cancellation of free swim lessons.
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🏙️ UKIAH
City Council Approves Demolition for Student Housing
By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal
Historic buildings will be demolished to make way for affordable student housing.
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Bobby Cochran Exhibit Opens Feb. 6
By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal
A new exhibit highlights the work of Mendocino County photographer Bobby Cochran.
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🌱 WILLITS
Residents Map Out Food Security Solutions
By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice
Community members developed a year-long action plan focused on food access and resilience.
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📰 CALMATTERS
Social Media Giants Face Youth Mental Health Lawsuits
By Colin Lecher, CalMatters
Major tech companies are facing lawsuits alleging they knowingly designed addictive platforms for young users.
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California Cities See Steep Drop in Homicides
By Nigel Duara, CalMatters
Homicide rates dropped sharply in 2025 across major California cities.
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State Health Workers Required to Use E-Verify
By Khari Johnson, CalMatters
Unions are raising concerns over privacy and data security as thousands of state health workers are required to use E-Verify.
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Solid roundup of whats happening locally. The Sea Ranch affordable housing initative is kinda interesting because that community has always been pretty exclusive. I tried looking at property there a few years back and everything was out of reach, so seeing first-time buyer opportunities is a real shift in access.