Mendo Local Weekly News Roundup - August 8, 2025
A weekly compilation of local news from around Mendocino County
Whistleblowing Nun Sister Jane Kelly Remembered for Her Faith, Fierce Advocacy
Sister Jane Kelly, a fearless nun who became a local icon after exposing misconduct in the Catholic Church, was honored Wednesday with a memorial Mass at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church. The Rev. Gary Lombardi, a retired priest who previously served as pastor at St. Mary during Sister
Mendocino County Superior Court Restricts Public Access to Records Concerning Criminal Cases
The Mendocino County Superior Court this week implemented changes to its online records system that significantly limit public access to criminal court documents. Until Aug. 1, the public could search criminal cases online and view the first page of filings. Full documents were available upon request for a fee. Subscribe
Willits Grapples with Fallout from Scathing Grand Jury Report
The Mendocino County Grand Jury report finding “a toxic and intimidating workplace culture at the City of Willits” is prompting calls for reform by former employees, even as a former mayor and council member dismissed the findings as politically motivated. The report, titled Healing the Toxic Culture in the City
Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka to Retire in October
Updates: Quotes from Shaun Rundle, Jesse Martin, Tim Bosma and Jennifer Bosma were added after initial publication. The story was finalized August 11, 2025 10:50 a.m. Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka confirmed to Mendo Local on Monday that he has submitted his retirement paperwork, effective Oct. 1.
Turf War in Fort Bragg, CA: Residents Question Safety of Artificial Fields
A long-awaited improvement project to revitalize a community park in the coastal town of Fort Bragg has become a new flashpoint in the national debate over artificial turf and its potential environmental hazards. Bainbridge Park is a grassy expanse four blocks from city hall long favored by dog owners