Mendo Local Weekly News — March 21, 2026
A shark attack in Big River, a fire in Manchester, and a lost hiker is rescued in Jackson State Demonstration Forest
🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY
What’s Going On With the DA’s Office Relo?
By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)
Supervisor Maureen Mulheren is reportedly holding closed-door talks with Ukiah officials about relocating both the county library and District Attorney’s office near the new courthouse. The lack of transparency—and whether key department heads are even involved—raises concerns about potential high-cost real estate decisions.
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Six Years Later: What Has Actually Changed?
By Mazie Malone, Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)
A local mother reflects on navigating psychiatric crisis care from 2020 to 2026. Despite new programs and funding, she says the system remains deeply broken for families in crisis.
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Scam Targets Families of Jail Inmates, Sheriff Warns
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Authorities warn of a scam in which a caller posing as “Deputy Green” demands thousands of dollars in exchange for the release of an incarcerated relative.
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🍺 BOONVILLE
There’s a New Beer in Boonville
By Terry Sites , Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)
Anderson Valley Brewing debuts “Koji Lager,” a sake-inspired beer brewed with koji mold. The brewery is also rolling out deep-dish pizza, and a slate of events including a May 2 Brew Fest.
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🚴 FORT BRAGG
Railbike Guides Help Rescue Missing 71-Year-Old Woman
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Railbike tour guides helped locate and rescue a missing Upper Lake woman in a remote area near Chamberlain Creek after her vehicle was found parked for several days.
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Missing Man’s Truck Found in San Francisco
By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News
The truck belonging to missing Fort Bragg resident Lane Rider has been recovered in San Francisco, but the search for him continues. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
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🔥 MANCHESTER
Fire Destroys Home of Local Postmistress
By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)
A Sunday morning fire destroyed the home of Manchester’s postmistress, leaving her injured and homeless. Community members are also helping search for her missing dogs.
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🦓 POINT ARENA
B. Bryan Preserve Ranked Top Safari Destination
By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)
The Point Arena preserve ranked No. 7 in USA Today’s 2026 safari park list and welcomed a Somali wild ass—one of the rarest equids on Earth.
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Juveniles Caught on Camera in Dispensary Break-In
By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)
Two juveniles were recorded on video smashing the window of a Point Arena dispensary and stealing thousands in merchandise. One suspect has been arrested.
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🚒 REDWOOD VALLEY
Fire Chief Departs After Five Months
Ukiah Daily Journal (subscription required)
The Redwood Valley–Calpella Fire District’s chief is out after a short tenure, citing management differences. An interim chief has been appointed as a search begins.
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🎓 UKIAH
Ukiah High to Search for New Principal
Ukiah Daily Journal
The high school will begin a leadership search as its current principal departs for opportunities in Southern California.
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🦈 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO
Shark Attack at Big River Beach
By Linda Little, MendocinoCoast.News
A local teacher suffered ankle injuries in a shark bite incident Wednesday afternoon. Bystanders provided immediate aid at the scene.
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💰WILLITS
Finance Director Details Years of Fiscal Chaos
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Willits’ finance director describes years of accounting failures, outdated systems, and workplace dysfunction that led to a fiscal emergency.
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Woman Jumps From Window to Escape Alleged Attack
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A 72-year-old woman escaped a violent assault by jumping from a window and crawling to safety. A Willits man faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder.
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Two Arrested After Gunfire and Standoff Near Willits
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Deputies responding to reports of gunfire and a man yelling threats engaged in a two-hour standoff before arresting two suspects.
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Willits Man Gets 10½ Years in Federal Case
By Sarah Stierch, Mendocino Voice
A Willits man was sentenced to more than a decade in prison for attempting to arrange sex with a child and distributing explicit material.
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Mendo College Mixer Raises $15K
By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly
A local fundraiser will support a dual-enrollment summer program, helping high school students earn college credit.
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⛽ CALIFORNIA
Gas Prices Surge as Democrats Pitch Relief Plans
By Jeanne Kuang & Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters
With gas prices topping $5.99, California Democrats are proposing tax and regulatory relief as part of the governor’s race debate.
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Farmworker Pay Fight Highlights Labor Shortage
By Sergio Olmos & Wendy Fry, CalMatters
Federal officials acknowledged a shortage of domestic farm labor while defending a proposal to cut wages for H-2A workers. The United Farm Workers has filed suit.
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