> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.mendolocal.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Mendo Local Weekly News — November 9, 2025 - URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-20251109/ - Published: 2025-11-09T01:53:55.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-05T19:57:02.000Z - Description: Jury duty woes. A reduction in homelessness. Ukiah teacher arrested. - Author: Elise Cox - Tags: Newsletter, #Migrated-1785959471687, #Import 2026-08-05 12:53 ## 🐻 MENDOCINO COUNTY ### California Voters Approve Redistricting Measure for Congressional Districts *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* California voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to redraw state Congressional districts, with 65% support statewide and in Mendocino County. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/california-voters-approve-new-congressional) --- ### Supervisors Narrowly Approve PG&E Dam Decommissioning Plan *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Supervisors voted 3–2 to support PG&E’s plan to decommission the Potter Valley Project’s dams, a move with major implications for Eel River and Russian River water users. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/mendocino-county-supervisors-narrowly-back-pges-potter-valley-dam-decommissioning-plan/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Public Access Denied: County Officials Dodge Citizen Interactions *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* County Counsel Charlotte Scott and District Attorney David Eyster were criticized for refusing public meetings. Supervisor John Haschak reminded colleagues the DA “answers to the public.” 🔗 [Read more →](https://theava.com/archives/275432?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Supervisors Approve Separation of Auditor and Treasurer Offices *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* The Board unanimously approved splitting the combined fiscal office into two separate departments to increase efficiency and accountability. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/mendocino-county-supervisors-unanimously-approve-separation-of-auditor-and-treasurer-offices/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### 2025 Point-in-Time Count Shows Decline in Unsheltered Homelessness *Editorial Staff, Anderson Valley Advertiser* The 2025 homeless count found 636 people countywide, a 23% decline in unsheltered homelessness since 2021\. Officials credit new housing and shelter programs. 🔗 [Read more →](https://theava.com/archives/275880?ref=mendolocal.news) [Pit Count Report](https://mendocinococ.org/pit-counts?ref=mendolocal.news)[→](https://theava.com/archives/275880?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Jury Duty Frustrations: A Local’s Perspective on Mendocino County Court System *By Erin Wellington, MendocinoCoast.News* A coastal resident describes her frustrating jury duty experience in Ukiah, citing long waits, limited seating, and poor communication from court staff. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendocinocoast.news/letter-to-the-editor-wellington-i-want-to-serve-but-mendo-courts-make-it-much-harder-for-jurors-than-need-be?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Reach Air Helicopter Crash *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* The NTSB’s early findings on the October 6 Reach Air crash detail a sudden power loss before impact. Fort Bragg’s Lions Club is organizing a Thanksgiving CARE package to honor the crew. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendocinocoast.news/ntsb-issues-report-on-reach-crash-fort-bragg-lions-club-plans-a-thanksgiving-love-package-from-the-coast/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## ⚖️ FORT BRAGG ### Civil Court in Fort Bragg Eliminated Without Public Notice *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Civil court services in Fort Bragg end Nov. 14 without prior notice—continuing a year of quiet cuts to courthouse access, jury trials, and translation services. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendocinocoast.news/mendocino-county-eliminates-civil-court-in-fort-bragg-without-telling-the-public-fort-bragg-courthouse-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Alleged Fort Bragg Prowler/Rapist Headed for Trial *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Judge Patrick Pekin ruled that Cayden Paul Craig, 23, will stand trial for forcible rape and related charges. Craig admits to the encounter but claims consent. 🗓 Hearing: November 24 🔗 [Read more ](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-prowler-prelim)→ --- ### Mendocino Railway Rejects Fort Bragg’s Bid for Litigation Pause *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Mendocino Railway refused Fort Bragg’s request for a 12-month litigation pause over the mill site, calling delays “unreasonable.” 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-railway-rejects-litigation-pause) --- ### District Attorney Drops Charges Against Fort Bragg Butcher *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Charges were dropped against Zander Kain Garay, arrested after refusing to hand over his phone without a warrant. The DA declined prosecution. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/district-attorney-drops-charges-against) --- ## 🚰 HOPLAND ### Hopland Public Utility District Faces Legal Challenge Over Rate Hikes *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* Ratepayers led by Vernon Budinger are challenging steep water and sewer rate hikes, citing Brown Act and Proposition 218 violations. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/hopland-public-utility-district-faces) --- ## 🍎 PHILO ### Gowan’s Heirloom Cider Named 2025 Cider Maker of the Year *By Sarah Doyle, The Press Democrat* Anderson Valley’s Gowan’s Heirloom Cider took home gold medals and the title “Cider Maker of the Year” at the Great American Beer Festival. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendocinobeacon.com/2025/10/28/gowans-heirloom-cider-named-cider-maker-of-the-year/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🥕 POINT ARENA ### Local Organizations Mobilize to Help Fill SNAP Gaps *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* Franny’s Cup & Saucer, Revival Community Church, and Redwood Credit Union are working together to feed families affected by SNAP disruptions. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Point Arena Library Hosts Teen ‘Lock-In’ *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* A murder mystery game brought 22 teens to the Coast Community Library for a night of sleuthing fun. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏫 UKIAH ### Ukiah High School Teacher Arrested on Charges of Annoying a Minor *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* Teacher and journalist Matt LaFever was arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate social media contact with a student. He remains on leave. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ukiah-high-school-teacher-and-journalist) --- ### Ukiah Considers 3% Water Rate Increase Starting March 2026 *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* City officials propose gradual 3% annual increases through 2029 to maintain infrastructure and prevent larger jumps later. 🔗 [Read more →](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/ukiah-plans-water-rate-increases-public-hearing-expected-in-february/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Ukiah City Council Allocates $300,000 to Ford Street Project Expansion *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* The council approved $300,000 in opioid settlement funds to expand treatment and sober living programs at the Ford Street Project. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/07/city-of-ukiah-allocates-opioid-settlement-funds-to-ford-street-project/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌲 WILLITS ### Local Filmmaker Screens “Wrecker” at Noyo Theatre *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Willits filmmaker Bryan Brooks screened his 2022 action film “Wrecker” on Halloween night at the Noyo Theatre in Willits. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Farmer Mike Adams Grows Extra Potatoes for Willits Food Bank *By Karen Gridley, Willits Weekly* With help from the Grateful Gleaners, farmer Mike Adams planted an extra potato crop for Willits Community Services—donating over 160 pounds so far. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Leak Repaired in Brooktrails; Work Needed on Parcourse Parking Lot *By Barbara O’Reardon, Willits Weekly* A water leak on Tuck Road has been repaired, though residents voiced concerns about maintenance of the parcourse parking lot. 🔗 [Read more →](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🍄 NOTABLE PRESS RELEASES ### Discover the Hidden World of Mushrooms at Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens *Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Newsletter* Join renowned naturalist Mario Abreu for guided mushroom walks every Monday, Nov. 17–Dec. 22\. Each session begins with a 45-minute introduction followed by a 2-hour exploration of the Gardens’ 160+ mushroom species. Limited registration; proceeds support the nonprofit botanical gardens. 🔗 [Register →](https://www.gardenbythesea.org/mushroom-walks?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Tragedy and Joy: A Musical Journey with Soprano Laura Bohn *By Symphony of the Redwoods* Join Symphony of the Redwoods for an extraordinary concert featuring soprano Laura Bohn performing Poulenc’s *La Voix Humaine* alongside Canteloube’s *Chants d’Auvergne* and Richard Bennett’s *Serenade*. Experience a musical journey from tragic intimacy to joyous celebration. Pre-concert lectures available. 📅 **November 15 & 16** 📍 **Cotton Auditorium, Fort Bragg** 🕢 **Saturday 7:30 PM | Sunday 2:00 PM** 🔗 [Learn more →](https://www.symphonyoftheredwoods.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Monthly Knit & Crochet Group at Ukiah Library *Mendocino County Library Staff* Join the free drop-in fiber arts group every second Thursday at the Ukiah Branch Library, 5:30–7 p.m. All ages welcome. 🔗 [Read more →](https://www.mendocinocounty.org/community/events/knit-crochet-group?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📰 CALMATTERS ### Lawmakers Slip Millions in Pet Projects into Tight Budget *By Ryan Sabalow, CalMatters* Despite a $12 billion deficit, legislators added $415 million in earmarks for local projects, raising concerns over transparency and spending priorities. 🔗 [Read more →](https://calmatters.org/politics/2025/11/california-budget-earmarks-2025/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Golden Mussels Invade California’s Delta *By Rachel Becker, CalMatters* Invasive golden mussels are spreading rapidly through the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, clogging infrastructure and threatening agriculture. 🔗 [Read more →](https://calmatters.org/environment/water/2025/11/tiny-invaders-golden-mussels-delta/?ref=mendolocal.news)