Mendo Local Weekly News — November 16, 2025
A surprise budget surplus. A desalination buoy. New candidates for Congress.
💰 MENDOCINO COUNTY
Mendocino County Discovers Surprise $12 Million Budget Surplus
By Mark Scaramella , Anderson Valley Advertiser
County supervisors learned of an estimated $12 million unaudited General Fund carryforward from the last fiscal year. The unexpected windfall comes from stronger-than-expected property taxes, vehicle license fees, and investment income. Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison cautioned the surplus is largely one-time money.
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Food Insecurity Rises as SNAP Uncertainty Looms
By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal
Food insecurity is prevalent, with 37.7% of Mendocino County residents living below 200% of the federal poverty level. The Mendo Food Network distributed 3.6 million pounds of food in 2024 to more than 14,500 people, but SNAP disruptions pose challenges even as the aid resumes. The organization has launched its annual Turkey Challenge as holiday need increases.
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State Senate Leader Mike McGuire Announces Congressional Bid
By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice
State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire announced his 2026 campaign for California’s 1st Congressional District, challenging Rep. Doug LaMalfa. A redrawn district map may give Democrats an opening to flip the seat.
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Humboldt Educator Colby Smart Enters Race for Huffman’s Seat
By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice
Humboldt County educator Colby Smart has launched an independent bid for California’s 2nd Congressional District, challenging Rep. Jared Huffman. Smart’s campaign focuses on rural economic development, education, natural resources, and government accountability.
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Mulheren Steps Up to Address Volunteer Ambulance Funding
By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser
Supervisor Maureen Mulheren volunteered to put together an agenda item to support volunteer ambulance services in communities such as Covelo, Laytonville, and Anderson Valley. The board agreed to revisit the issue next year.
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🌄 COVELO
Northern California Tribes Unite to Restore the Eel River
By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice
The Round Valley Indian Tribes and Yurok Tribe signed a historic Treaty of Friendship, pledging joint leadership in restoring the Eel River ecosystem and rebuilding salmon runs ahead of PG&E’s planned 2028 dam removals.
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🍄 FORT BRAGG
Ten Mile Courthouse Will Stay Open, Superior Court Confirms
By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News
Despite the sudden retirement of Judge Clayton Brennan and a shortage of judicial officers, the court executive officer say the Ten Mile courthouse is not closing. Remote hearings, calendar reassignments, and cross-county coordination will help address staffing challenges. Reporting by Frank Hartzell looked at the possible role of District Attorney David Eyster in Brennan’s resignation.
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Fungi Festival Spotlights Truffle Dog and Mycologist
By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News
Caspar hosted the second annual Mendocino Coast Mushroom Festival, featuring truffle dog Rye and handler Heather Dawson, alongside sensory-science insights from mycologist Gordon Walker. Visitors enjoyed forest forays, vendor booths, and scientific presentations.
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Wave-Powered Desalination Buoy Arrives in Fort Bragg
By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News & Mendocino Coast News
Fort Bragg has received its first wave-powered desalination buoy, an Oneka Technologies system capable of producing 13,000 gallons of fresh water per day using wave energy alone. The buoy pilot will launch in 2026 — the first of its kind in California.
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Fort Bragg Launches Vacant Building Ordinance
By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News
The City Council unanimously approved a vacant commercial property registry, requiring owners of storefronts empty for 90+ days to maintain and register their buildings. Enforcement will begin in the Central Business District, with a future vacancy tax under possible consideration.
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🏡 GUALALA
GMAC Reviews Eco-Friendly Modular Housing Proposal
By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer
A proposal before the Gualala Municipal Advisory Council would add a cluster of affordable, eco-friendly modular homes in central Gualala. Developer Magdalena has built similar communities in Anderson Valley and Blues Lake Village.
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🏛️ POTTER VALLEY
Workshop Planned on Potter Valley Project’s Water Future
By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal
A November 24 community workshop will update residents on the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project, including water supply planning and infrastructure needs for the region.
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🎓 UKIAH
Search Warrant Sheds Light on Allegations Against Ukiah High Teacher
By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News
A search warrant alleges part-time Ukiah High journalism teacher Matthew LaFever sent shirtless selfies and made inappropriate comments to a 17-year-old student in one of his classes via Snapchat after she connected with him using an alias. Police seized multiple devices and are reviewing contacts with minors in Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
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🌊 WESTPORT
Dramatic Hoist Rescue at Blues Beach
CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit
A coordinated rescue involving CAL FIRE Copter 601, State Parks, and the Westport Volunteer Fire Department safely extracted a person who fell 10–15 feet among boulders at Blues Beach.
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🪵 WILLITS
Thanksgiving Dinner Returns to Willits Senior Center
By Maureen Jennison, Willits Weekly
Willits Community Services and the Food Bank will host their annual Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 27, sponsored by Sherwood Valley Casino and the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians.
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Mattress by Appointment Opens New Willits Location
By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly
Jeff Yokum’s new mattress shop offers deep discounts — 50% to 80% off retail — to a customer base looking to upgrade their bedrooms.
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🐻 CALIFORNIA (CALMATTERS)
AT&T Lobbying Could Take Landlines Away
By Yue Stella Yu & Malena Carollo, CalMatters
AT&T’s legislative push to reduce copper landline service shows no sign of stopping, despite a setback this year.
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Coastal Commission Shifts Toward Housing Development
By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters
The California Coastal Commission is moving toward a more housing-friendly posture, bolstered by three new pro-development appointees. The agency recently extended affordable housing permit timelines from two to five years.
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Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Outline Health-Care Plans
By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters
At a UC Riverside forum, four Democratic contenders — Xavier Becerra, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee — discussed their ideas for addressing affordability, mental-health access, and potential federal cuts.
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