> ## 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 — April 11, 2026 - URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-april-11-2026/ - Published: 2026-04-12T00:51:11.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-05T19:55:50.000Z - Description: Tragedy at Todd Point, a private equity firm acquires Skunk Train holding company, and sexual harassment allegations are made in the District Three Board of Supervisors race - Author: Elise Cox - Tags: Weekly News, #Migrated-1785959471687, #Import 2026-08-05 12:53 ## 🥕 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Mendo Food Network Launches Search for New Executive Director** *By Mendo Food Network* The Mendo Food Network has launched a search for a new executive director to lead efforts to expand equitable access to healthy food across the county. Officials say they are seeking a strategic, mission-driven leader to build on existing partnerships and guide the organization’s next phase of growth. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/mendo-food-networks-amanda-friscia-steps-down-as-executive-director/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendocino County Voter Rolls Show Shift Toward Conservative Parties** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* An analysis of voter registration data shows a shift in Mendocino County’s political landscape between 2020 and 2024\. Republican registration rose 12% to 12,561 voters, while Democratic registration declined 4% to 25,338\. The American Independent Party saw a 36% increase, contributing to an overall 4% shift toward more conservative affiliations. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/voter-rolls-show-shifting-party-affiliation) **Mendocino County Advances Plans for Eastern Ukiah Evacuation Route** *By Mendocino County Fire Safe Council* Plans are moving forward for a new evacuation route serving more than 300 homes in eastern Ukiah, including Deerwood Estates, El Dorado Estates, Vichy Springs, and Guidiville Rancheria. Officials recently presented initial concepts for the proposed 4.5-mile route. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.firesafemendocino.org/the-latest/planning-for-evacuation-route-in-eastern-ukiah-begins?ref=mendolocal.news) **MendoParks Awarded $30,000 Grant for Beach and Trail Accessibility Equipment** *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* MendoParks received funding to purchase accessibility equipment, including motorized track systems and portable access mats, to help people with mobility challenges safely reach beaches and trails. *(subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/09/mendoparks-awarded-funds-for-accessibility-equipment/?ref=mendolocal.news) **AIM 500 Miles Spirit Runners Head to Jackson Forest Sunday** *Mendo Voice Staff, The Mendocino Voice* The public is invited to join the AIM 500 Mile Spirit Runners on April 12 at Camp One in Jackson Demonstration State Forest. The annual event supports tribal efforts to protect the forest’s ecosystem. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/aim-500-miles-spirit-runners-head-for-jackson-sunday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 🍇 ANDERSON VALLEY **Concerns Raised Over Understanding of Fairgrounds Board** *The Anderson Valley Advertiser* CSD board members expressed concern that the Fairgrounds Board may lack complete information regarding a proposed water project, particularly costs and infrastructure responsibilities. A revised letter will be sent encouraging more collaborative decision-making. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 📡 ELK **Fiber Optic Cable Installation Proceeds on Philo Greenwood Road** *By Susan Wolbarst, The Independent Coast Observer* Work tied to the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative has reached Philo Greenwood Road. The project will proceed in two phases: design and installation. *(subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ⚠️ FORT BRAGG **Body Found at Todd Point** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* A man’s body was discovered April 11 at Todd Point by a tourist and his son who were fishing nearby. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/man-dies-when-vehicle-goes-off-end-of-road-on-todd-point-bayview-drive-in-fort-bragg/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Two Arrested in Fort Bragg Motel Drug, Weapons Bust** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* Two men were arrested after a probation check at a Fort Bragg motel uncovered a loaded firearm, suspected narcotics, and evidence of drug sales. A third individual was released without charges. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) **Private Equity Firm Acquires Sierra Railroad Company, Owner of Mendocino Railway** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A New York-based infrastructure investment firm has acquired the Sierra Railroad Company, owner of the Skunk Train. The deal brings new leadership and converts the company to a Delaware corporation. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/private-equity-acquires-skunk-train-owner) **Coast Guard Cutter Alder Completes Buoy Maintenance in Noyo Harbor** *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* The Coast Guard Cutter Alder completed maintenance on navigation buoys in Noyo Harbor, helping ensure maritime safety by marking hazardous underwater areas. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/hurrrrah-coast-guard-crew-gives-cheer-after-success-with-noyo-harbor-buoy-fix-check-out-our-video-coast-guard-pay-in-peril-from-dhs-shutdown/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) --- ## 📄 MANCHESTER **Irish Beach Improvement Club Responds to Coastal Commission Violations** *By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer* The club outlined a plan toward compliance that includes public beach access and a consolidated coastal development permit, which could retroactively address violations. *(subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Man Arrested After Alleged Window-Smashing Spree** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 34-year-old man from Point Arena was arrested April 2 after deputies responded to reports of vehicle windows being smashed with a metal pipe on Rancheria Road. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) --- ## 🗑️ UKIAH **Ukiah Man Arrested After Failing to Clear Illegal Encampment** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 33-year-old man was arrested after failing to remove an illegal encampment and accumulated trash despite repeated warnings. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) **Ukiah Man Arrested for Violating Gang-Related Parole Restrictions** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly violating parole conditions prohibiting gang affiliation during a compliance search tied to an assault investigation. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) **Ukiah Man Arrested After Failing to Clear Illegal Encampment** *Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 33-year-old man was arrested after failing to remove an illegal encampment and accumulated trash despite repeated warnings. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/police-blotter-april-6-2026) **⚖️ LaFever Arraigned on Misdemeanor Charge** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Journalist and high school teacher Matthew LaFever was arraigned April 9 on a misdemeanor charge involving alleged inappropriate communications with a minor. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/lafever-arraigned-on-misdemeanor) **🏗️ Supervisors Form Committee to Shape Downtown Ukiah’s Future** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* County supervisors created an ad hoc committee to explore redevelopment opportunities tied to a new courthouse, including possible relocation of county departments. *(subscription required)* 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/09/changes-to-downtown-ukiah-create-opportunities-for-county-supes-argue/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌄 WILLITS **District Three Supervisor Candidate Sued for Sexual Harassment, Retaliation** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Candidate Russell Green is facing a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and whistleblower violations tied to his cannabis business. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/district-three-candidate-sued-sexual-harassment) **Flock Together Festival Returns to Ridgewood Ranch** *Mendo Voice Staff, The Mendocino Voice* The annual festival celebrating sheep, farming, and rural life returns April 25 to Ridgewood Ranch. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/ridgewood-ranch-celebrates-sheep-and-agrarian-culture-at-willits-flock-together-festival/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Seasonal Firefighters Return to Mendocino** *CAL FIRE, Willits Weekly* CAL FIRE marked the start of peak fire preparedness season with the return of 176 seasonal workers. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/reel/1861900571191074) --- ## ✈️ CALMATTERS **California’s Green Jet Fuel Plan Could Drain Road Repair Funds** *By Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters* Economists warn a proposal to fund sustainable aviation fuel could divert road repair money and raise gas prices while offering limited climate benefits. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/04/newsom-aviation-fuel-credit-refinery/?ref=mendolocal.news) **California Salmon Fishing Set to Reopen After Three-Year Closure** *By Rachel Becker, CalMatters* Commercial salmon fishing may resume this spring with strict limits, though long-term threats to fish populations remain. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/04/california-salmon-season-reopen-closure/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Trump’s Endorsement Disrupts California GOP Convention Strategy** *By Nadia Lathan and Maya C. Miller, CalMatters* Donald Trump’s endorsement in the governor’s race has complicated Republican Party strategy amid concerns about his popularity with California voters. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/california-republican-convention-setup/?ref=mendolocal.news) *Correction: The subheading to this article and the photo caption originally referred to Todd Point as Todd’s Point. In addition, we have corrected a headline to reflect the fact that a Point Arena man was arrested for a crime in Manchester. The headline originally referred to the perpetrator as “Manchester Man.” We regret the errors.*