> ## 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 β€” April 25, 2026 - URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-april-25-2026/ - Published: 2026-04-26T05:54:39.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-13T19:52:02.000Z - Description: A potential buyer appears for the Potter Valley Project, Montgomery Woods expands with donated land, and a woman is slain in Covelo, - Author: Elise Cox - Tags: Weekly News ## 🏠 MENDOCINO COUNTY **Judicial Race: Pekin vs. Friend for Superior Court Seat** *By Linda Little, MendocinoCoast.News* Voters will decide a rare contested judicial race June 2 between Judge Patrick M. Pekin and attorney Colby J. Friend. Candidate responses highlight issues including jury shortages, courthouse access, and transparency. πŸ”— [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/in-their-own-words-two-attorneys-tell-their-stories-and-why-they-want-to-be-your-judge-in-a-rare-contested-race/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Short-Term Rental Permit Denied** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* The Mendocino County Planning Commission unanimously denied a permit near Ukiah over septic and safety concerns, despite staff recommending approval. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/short-term-rental-permit-rejected) **Redwood Forest Expansion Announced** *By Save the Redwoods League* A 453-acre donation will expand Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve by 16%, protecting habitat for endangered salmon. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.savetheredwoods.org/press-releases/453-acres-of-redwood-forest-to-expand-montgomery-woods/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Journalist Recalls FBI Scrutiny** *By Mike Geniella, AVA & MendoLocal.News* A veteran reporter recounts a secret FBI memo targeting his work during the timber wars, drawing parallels to current concerns about press freedom. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/a-close-to-home-experience-with-the) **Free Water Tanks Distributed** *By Mendocino County Fire Safe Council* Nearly 200 water tanks are being distributed countywide as part of a state drought relief effort to boost rural fire preparedness. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.firesafemendocino.org/the-latest/free-water-tanks-distributed-throughout-mendocino-county?ref=mendolocal.news) **Firewood Permits on Sale** *By U.S. Forest Service* Permits for personal-use firewood are now available in the Mendocino National Forest, with restrictions on collection and transport. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/mendocino/newsroom/releases/personal-use-firewood-permits-sale-0?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸ₯– CASPAR **Caspar Inn Reimagined** *By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice* The historic Caspar Inn reopens as a bakery and wine bar under new ownership, blending sourdough and natural wine culture. πŸ”— [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/longtime-caspar-institution-begins-new-chapter/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸ“ BOONVILLE **Barn Sale Beckons with Bargains & Community** *By Terry Sites, Anderson Valley Advertiser* A monthly sale offers affordable goods and vintage finds, with proceeds supporting construction of a new church in Elk. πŸ”— [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸš” COVELO **Teen Charged in Covelo Homicide** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A 16-year-old suspect has been extradited in connection with the killing of Audrey Card, 38. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/slain-covelo-woman-identified) **License Plate Tech Leads to Arrest** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Police used automated license plate readers to locate and arrest the suspect in Oroville. πŸ”— [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/license-plate-reader-hit-led-oroville-police-to-16-year-old-homicide-suspect-who-was-unarmed-at-the-time-of-arrest/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌳 FORT BRAGG **Who Owns the Mill Site?** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Records show that the ownership of the former Georgia-Pacific mill site is tied to Mendocino Railway and Sierra Railroad Holdings, a newly formed LLC. Parcels along Pudding Creek continue to belong to Sierra Northern, which is now owned by a private equity firm. Sierra Northern appears to remain a subsidiary of the Sierra Railroad Company, a holding company that previously owned the Mendocino Railway. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/who-owns-the-mill-site-in-fort-bragg) **Bainbridge Park Reopens** *By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice* The park reopened after a $2M renovation, after city council declined to address [community concerns over environmentally hazardous materials and CEQA compliance](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/turf-war-in-fort-bragg-ca-residents). πŸ”— [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/fort-bragg-celebrates-bainbridge-park-reopening-with-food-and-fun/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸ’° POINT ARENA **City Stabilizes Finances** *By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer* The city manager said the bankruptcy risk has passed, though a sewer deficit necessitated a rate increase. πŸ”— [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## πŸ’§ POTTER VALLEY **No Formal Offer for Potter Valley Project** *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* Pacific Gas and Electric Company says no formal offer has been made to take over the Potter Valley hydroelectric and water diversion project by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/22/pge-reports-receiving-no-new-proposal-to-buy-the-potter-valley-project/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Southern California District Shows Interest** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District vice president said the utility is exploring acquiring the Potter Valley Project as part of its long-term water strategy. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/elsinore-valley-water-district-and-potter-valley) **Federal Official Cites Potential Buyer of Potter Valley Project, Sparking Local Concerns** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Report of a potential buyer drew backlash from Jared Huffman and local stakeholders. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/federal-officials-cite-potential) --- ## 🐍 REDWOOD VALLEY **Fatal Snakebite Confirmed** *By Katy St. Clair, The Mendocino Voice* A 78-year-old woman died after multiple snake bites; the death was ruled accidental. πŸ”— [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/sheriffs-office-confirms-redwood-valley-woman-died-from-snakebite/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎨 UKIAH **City Releases New Annexation Map** *By City of Ukiah* A revised β€œSapling” annexation proposal updates city boundaries; a public workshop is set for April 30. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/city-of-ukiah-releases-revised-annexation-map) **Student Art Show Explores AI** *By Laura Fogg, Ukiah Daily Journal* Ukiah students blend photography and AI in a new exhibit at Art Center Ukiah. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/04/25/convergence-show-blends-photography-and-ai-at-art-center-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news) (subscription required) --- ## 🎬 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **Film Festival Breaks Records** The Mendocino Film Festival returns May 28–31 with 80 films, including a record number directed by women and multiple Sundance selections. πŸ”— [Read more](https://mendofilm.org/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸ—³οΈ WILLITS **Supervisor Forum Draws Crowd** *By Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* An estimated 160 residents attended a District 3 candidate forum. πŸ”— [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Town Hall with Mike McGuire** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* About 170 residents gathered for a town hall with State Senator Mike McGuire, who is running to represent voters in the new congressional district created by redistricting. πŸ”— [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸ›οΈ CALIFORNIA **Voter ID Measure Heads to Ballot** *By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters* A GOP-backed initiative requiring proof of citizenship has qualified for the November ballot. πŸ”— [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/04/voter-id-initiative-qualifies/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Pension Outlook Improves** *By Adam Ashton, CalMatters* California’s pension burden shows early signs of easing after years of rising costs. πŸ”— [Read more](https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/04/calpers-chp-pensions/?ref=mendolocal.news)