Mendo Local Weekly News — January 25, 2026
A Ukiah cheer team wins the state title and a mystery letter lightens hearts in Laytonville
🐟 MENDOCINO COUNTY
Mendocino County Courts to Handle Juvenile Infractions Starting Feb. 1
By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice
Starting Feb. 1, Mendocino County will shift minor juvenile infractions — including speeding tickets and noise disturbances — from the Probation Department to Superior Court. Chief Probation Officer Izen Locatelli said the change is required under new state law, Assembly Bill 2746.
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Restoration Efforts Support Return of Coho Salmon on Mendocino Coast
By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice
Endangered coho salmon are starting to make a comeback along the Mendocino Coast after decades of decline. Habitat restoration by multiple conservation groups helped boost local counts to more than 30,000 coho during the 2024–25 winter season — over six times the statewide population recorded in 2008.
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NOAA Raises Canary Rockfish Catch Limits for 2026
By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice
Federal fishery managers have increased canary rockfish catch limits for 2026 after updated data showed the population is larger than previously estimated. The emergency rule applies to West Coast fisheries, including off the Mendocino Coast, giving commercial and non-trawl fishermen greater flexibility.
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Former Rohnert Park Officer Granted Sentencing Reprieve in Federal Court
By Colin Atagi, The Press Democrat
Joseph Huffaker, a former Rohnert Park police officer convicted of impersonating a federal agent and robbing drivers of cannabis and cash, will be sentenced Feb. 4 after a federal judge granted a delay to allow him to secure new legal counsel. Prosecutors are seeking a 63-month prison sentence, while the defense is requesting home confinement.
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🚓 COVELO
Covelo Man Arrested on Burglary Charges, Multiple Felony Warrants
By Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office
A 21-year-old Covelo man, Kory Ryan Whipple, was arrested Jan. 21 following a reported burglary earlier in the week. Deputies served a high-risk search warrant on Biggar Lane, recovering a large amount of stolen property. Whipple was booked into Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of burglary, possession of stolen property and multiple felony warrants.
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🚧 FORT BRAGG
Fort Bragg City Council Delays Street Project Approval Amid Quality Concerns
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
The Fort Bragg City Council delayed formal acceptance of recent street projects at its Jan. 12 meeting after residents raised concerns about road conditions and construction quality. Several speakers urged the council to hold off on approvals, citing visible defects on streets including North Harbor Drive.
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Wilderness First Aid Training Held in Fort Bragg Park
By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News
Paramedic Laurie Starr led an intensive CPR and first aid training at Otis Johnson Wilderness Park, teaching local forest workers critical wilderness response skills. The hands-on workshop covered patient assessment, safe transport, and updated CPR techniques.
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🛣️ GUALALA
Coastal Commission Seeks Public Comment on Gualala Streetscape Appeals
By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer
The California Coastal Commission will meet Feb. 4 to consider appeals related to the Caltrans District 1 Gualala Downtown Streetscape Enhancement Project. The project would reconfigure about half a mile of Highway 1 in central Gualala, removing on-highway parking and adding bike lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian safety features and other infrastructure improvements.
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✉️ LAYTONVILLE
A Small-Town Moment of Grace, Found in a Planter
By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News
Laytonville High School culinary arts teacher Lindsay Hansen stumbled upon an envelope containing an uplifting message and a $20 bill while running errands. The anonymous note encouraged her to do something special for herself — and to pass the kindness along.
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Buffey Wright Bourassa Enters Race for District 3 Supervisor
By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice
Willits resident Buffey Wright Bourassa, a member of the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians, has announced her candidacy for the District 3 seat on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors. Bourassa currently serves as restorative justice program manager at the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
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🌊 POINT ARENA
Zoom Disruption Briefly Halts Point Arena City Council Meeting
By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer
Point Arena City Council briefly paused its first meeting of the year after a “Zoom-bombing” incident disrupted proceedings. Earlier in the meeting, councilmembers received updates on the pier hoist installation and approved a sewer services agreement.
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A Pub — and a Love Story — in Point Arena
By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer
The Record in Point Arena is more than a neighborhood pub — it’s a celebration of place, history and community. Housed in the former home of the Point Arena Record, the space features local artifacts, regional farm-fresh ingredients and beverages from Point Arena Brewers and local wineries.
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📣 UKIAH
Ukiah High Varsity Cheer Team Wins State Title, Advances to Nationals
The Ukiah Daily Journal
The Ukiah High School varsity cheer team earned first place at the JAMZ Cheer and Dance California Championship, also taking home the Grand Champion title with a 95% score. The team will compete at School Cheer Nationals in Las Vegas in February 2026.
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🌱 WILLITS
Willits Braces for Layoffs as City Reorganization Looms
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Interim City Manager Robert Richardson warned city employees that layoffs will occur as part of a major reorganization effort. Financial pressures are driving the plan, with potential job cuts expected as early as the end of February.
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School of Adaptive Agriculture Opens Applications for 2026 Farm School
By Monica Huettl, Medium
The School of Adaptive Agriculture is now accepting applications for its 13-week Farm School program at Ridgewood Ranch in Mendocino County. The immersive program combines classroom learning, farm visits, and paid work experience. Tuition is $4,500, with scholarships available.
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🏛️ CALMATTERS
Lawmakers Move to Accelerate Climate Bond Spending
By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters
Assembly Bill 35 would speed distribution of $10 billion in voter-approved Proposition 4 climate funding by removing regulatory bottlenecks. Supporters say the measure could accelerate environmental and infrastructure projects by up to 18 months.
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Newsom Proposes Overhaul of California School Governance
By Dan Walters, CalMatters
Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing a sweeping shift in education oversight that would move authority from the elected state superintendent to the governor-appointed State Board of Education. Critics warn the change could weaken accountability.
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Commentary: ICE Ignores LAPD’s Hard-Learned Lessons on Reform
By Jim Newton, CalMatters
Veteran journalist Jim Newton examines a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, arguing federal immigration enforcement has failed to adopt critical policing reforms developed after the Rodney King era — risking repeated systemic failures.
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