Mendo Local Weekly News — May 3, 2026
Whale die-off hits home and federal agents make arrests in Willits and Gualala
🗳️ MENDOCINO COUNTY
Mail Ballots to Reach Mendocino County Voters Starting May 4
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Official ballots for California’s June 2, 2026 primary will be mailed beginning May 4. Delivery is expected within 5–7 days, with in-person ballots available in Ukiah. The voter registration deadline is May 18. Poll workers are still needed, with stipends of $70–$80.
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Hundreds of Mendocino Coast Homes Face Sea Level Rise Threat, Study Finds
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A new study projects vulnerable coastal residences could jump from 55 today to 710 by 2100. Bluff erosion—exceeding 10 feet per year in some areas—is the primary threat.
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Hung Jury in Mendocino DUI Trial
Mendocino County District Attorney
A mistrial was declared after jurors failed to reach a verdict in a DUI case against an Orange County man. A retrial is set for May 18 in Ukiah.
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🔥 COVELO
3.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Covelo
Pete Young, The Mendocino Voice
A minor quake hit east of Covelo on May 2 at a shallow depth of 3.5 miles.
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Four CAL FIRE Firefighters Injured in Prescribed Burn
Kym Kemp, Redheaded Blackbelt
Four firefighters suffered burns during a proactive vegetation burn. All were treated and released with non-serious injuries.
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🚂 FORT BRAGG
Skunk Train Eyes Company Store Purchase
Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News
The historic Union Lumber Company Store may soon be acquired by the Skunk Train operator.
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Water Main Break Disrupts Businesses
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A break behind the Company Store briefly cut water service to nearby businesses.
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Grocery Outlet Construction Resumes
Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News
Work is back underway on Fort Bragg’s Grocery Outlet, with an April 2027 opening target.
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Gray Whale Die-Off Continues
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A dead gray whale found near Virgin Creek marks the county’s first recorded death this year amid ongoing West Coast die-offs linked to food shortages.
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🚨 GUALALA
FBI Raid Leads to Federal Charge Over Online Threat
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A Gualala retiree faces federal charges tied to a private Facebook post criticizing a state legislator.
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Deadline Looming for GCC Board Candidates
Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer (ICO subscription required)
Candidates for the Gualala Community Center board must file by May 5; eligibility requires 90 days of membership.
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🌿 LAYTONVILLE
District 3 Supervisor Candidates Debate in Laytonville
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Candidates Eric Hart, Clay Romero, and Buffy Wright Bourassa addressed economic decline, infrastructure, and taxes at an April 29 forum.
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Weathertop Nursery Reopens Under New Ownership
Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice
The longtime nursery returns as Weathertop Farmstead, offering plants, soil, and locally grown produce.
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📷 POINT ARENA
FLOCK Camera Raises Privacy Questions
Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer (ICO subscription required)
A new license plate reader installed by the Sheriff’s Office is prompting concerns over surveillance and data use.
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💧 POTTER VALLEY
Speculation Over SoCal Interest in Potter Valley Project
Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice
Could a Southern California water district may be eyeing the project for pumped hydroelectric storage?
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Huffman Demands Answers on Water Transfer Plans
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Rep. Jared Huffman is seeking clarification on a proposal that could divert water from the Eel River to SoCal.
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🚒 REDWOOD VALLEY
Tomki Road Clearing Aims to Prevent Evacuation Disasters
Sarah Reith, The Mendocino Voice
A new Fire Safe Council is working to improve evacuation routes nearly a decade after the Redwood Complex Fire.
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🚴 UKIAH
Former Ukiah High Teacher Pleads Not Guilty
Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice
Matt LaFever, a former high school teacher and journalist, faces a misdemeanor charge involving a minor.
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New Great Redwood Trail Segment Opens
Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice
A 3.3-mile trail extension now connects neighborhoods across Ukiah.
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Ukiah Co-op Walkout Signals Staff–Board Rift
John Sakowicz, Anderson Valley Advertiser (AVA subscription required)
Workers staged a walkout over concerns about the hiring process for a new general manager.
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Teen’s 911 Call Leads to Arrest in Domestic Violence Case
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A Ukiah man faces multiple felony charges after a domestic violence incident witnessed by children.
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🥁 WILLITS
Federal Arrest Triggers Community Response
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A federal arrest prompted rapid mobilization by local advocates; details remain limited.
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Willits Delays Consultant Vote, Approves HR Contract
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
The council postponed one contract amid conflict concerns but approved another despite objections.
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Senegalese Drum Gifted to Mendocino Art Center
Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice
A traditional drum crafted at Ridgewood Ranch was presented following a cultural workshop.
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Grateful Sundae Honors Conservation Corps
Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly
Volunteers were recognized for 1,800 hours of service with a community ice cream social.
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🏛️ CALIFORNIA
Congressional Races Could Decide House Control
Maya C. Miller, CalMatters
California’s districts are emerging as key battlegrounds in the fight for control of the U.S. House.
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Hospice Fraud Schemes Target California Seniors
Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters
A growing wave of fraudulent hospice providers is costing millions and endangering vulnerable patients.
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