> ## 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 — February 15, 2026 - URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-february-15-2026/ - Published: 2026-02-16T03:03:41.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-05T19:56:21.000Z - Description: Young artists challenge the status quo in Fort Bragg and a jury convicts a serial rapist in Ukiah - Author: Elise Cox - Tags: Newsletter, #Migrated-1785959471687, #Import 2026-08-05 12:53 ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Court Docket Unsealed in Journalist Arrest Case *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A previously inaccessible court docket related to journalist Matthew LaFever’s misdemeanor arrest last year has been made public following a motion to intervene filed by the editor of MendoLocal.News. LaFever, a working journalist and high school teacher, was arrested in November 2025 on a misdemeanor charge of annoying or molesting a minor. The case has been marked by an unusual leak to a Youtuber who, by his own account, is on friendly terms with the command staff at the Ukiah Police Department. The Youtuber produced a 44-minute segment on the day of LaFever’s arrest based on the confidential police investigation. No charges have been filed to date. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/an-inaccessible-docket-matthew-lafever) --- ### LaFever Special Master Request in Limbo *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* An order approving the appointment of a special master to oversee an investigation into the devices and data seized from journalist and teacher Matthew LaFever has not been signed, according to the newly accessible court docket. Meanwhile, a Fort Bragg police department law enforcement employee who was the target of a confidential memo sought by LaFever says he was cleared by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). A POST spokeswoman said the law authorizing POST does not define off-duty acts as “serious misconduct.” 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrants-shield-laws-and-a) --- ### Mendocino College Professor Faces Child Sexual Abuse Charges *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* Jason Davis, a 54-year-old English professor at Mendocino College, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 18, facing six felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. Prosecutors allege the abuse began when the victim was 13 years old, and said additional charges may be forthcoming. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/mendocino-college-professor-facing-six-felonies-to-appear-in-court-next-week/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Federal Proposal Aims to Reduce Whale Entanglements in West Coast Fishing *By Sarah Stierch , The Mendocino Voice* NOAA Fisheries is proposing new gear-marking requirements for commercial fishermen in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery to reduce whale entanglements. The proposed rules would allow pot gear operators to mark only one end of a line instead of both, potentially reducing the amount of line in the water. Public comments are being accepted through March 9, 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/federal-officials-propose-new-fishing-gear-rules-to-reduce-whale-entanglements/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Ambulance Service Remains Fragile in Mendocino County *By John Haschak, The Mendocino Voice* Mendocino County 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak discusses the ongoing challenges with ambulance services in rural areas, highlighting efforts to address EMT shortages. A recent EMT class in Covelo will graduate nine students, and the Round Valley Health Clinic is now receiving low-acuity ambulance patients, offering hope for improved emergency medical services in outlying regions. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/haschak-mendocino-county-ambulances-are-on-shaky-ground-but-multi-agency-collaboration-is-making-headway/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### $2.4 Million Allocated for Highway Improvements in Mendocino County *By Caltrans* Caltrans has announced a $2.4 million investment in state highway improvements, including $1.3 million for road and guardrail upgrades along Highway 1 from Rockport to DeHaven, and $1.1 million for road and drainage improvements along Highway 271 near Leggett. The funding comes from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act, which has supported transportation improvements statewide since 2017. 🔗 [Read more](https://dot.ca.gov/news-releases/news-release-2026-003?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### State Report Reveals Thousands of Cannabis-Related Environmental Violations in 2025 *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* The California Department of Fish and Wildlife documented over 2,100 cannabis-related environmental violations across 27 counties in 2025, highlighting significant impacts on waterways, wildlife habitat, and public lands. The report emphasizes illegal cultivation’s role in unauthorized water use, banned pesticide application, and abandoned infrastructure, with a specific example from Mendocino County showing water diversion affecting critical habitat for foothill yellow-legged frogs and winter steelhead. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/state-report-outlines-cannabis-related-environmental-enforcement-in-2025/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🍷 ANDERSON VALLEY ### Anderson Valley Wine Shop Debuts New Tasting Experience **By Sarah Stierch | The Mendocino Voice** Disco Ranch will offer guided flights spotlighting limited-production wines from boutique wineries without public tasting rooms. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/disco-ranch-debuts-boutique-winery-tasting-experience-in-boonville/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Crowd Turns Out to Learn About Beneficial Burns Inland and on the Coast *By Sarah Reith, The Mendocino Voice* The Mendocino County Prescribed Burn Association hosted a Q&A at Anderson Valley Brewing Company on beneficial burns on Feb. 7, 2026. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/crowd-turns-out-to-learn-about-beneficial-burns-inland-and-on-the-coast/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🌲 CASPAR ### Trash Dumping Prompts Closure of Jackson Demonstration State Forest Road *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* CAL FIRE has closed Road 500 in Jackson Demonstration State Forest due to extensive illegal dumping, including sulphuric acid barrels and massive amounts of household trash. The closure affects motorized vehicles and is intended to prevent further environmental damage. Local activists are calling for community involvement to identify and stop the polluters responsible for ongoing environmental vandalism. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/somebody-dumped-sulphuric-acid-barrels-in-jackson-forest-who-wants-to-help-us-to-catch-some-forest-polluters-calfire-closed-main-road-500-past-caspar-scales-because-of-all-the-trash-dumping-if-w/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎨 FORT BRAGG ### Fort Bragg Man Convicted of Assault and Kidnapping with Intent to Commit Rape *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local* A Mendocino County jury found Willy Hill — described by District Attorney David Eyster as a “serial rapist” — guilty of assault with intent to commit rape and kidnapping with the intent to commit rape. The verdict came after jurors heard forensic evidence, including Hill’s DNA found on the victim, and testimony from other women describing similar alleged conduct. Hill will return to court on March 20 for trial on aggravators, including prior sex offense convictions. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-man-convicted-of-sexual-assault) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ### Noyo High Students Unleash Raw Creativity in “Word Vomit” Art Show *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* Noyo High School students shattered artistic boundaries with their provocative “Word Vomit” exhibition at Cobalt Gallery. Twenty-five students created approximately 60 pieces exploring themes of generational frustration, women’s experiences, and societal challenges. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/noyo-high-artists-break-out-with-a-truly-kid-created-show-a-dance-of-words-and-images-no-ai-allowed-all-heart-now-at-cobalt-gallery/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🥏 GUALALA ### CCC Rejects Streetscape Permit Appeals *By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer* The California Coastal Commission voted unanimously at a February 4 hearing to uphold the Coastal Development Permit for the Gualala Downtown Streetscape Project. Bower Limited Partnership and Save Gualala had appealed. The project will add sidewalks and bike lanes to an approximately half-mile stretch of Highway 1. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Wetland Restoration Underway at China Gulch *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer* The Gualala River Estuary Habitat Enhancement Planning Project has gained momentum as culvert repairs at Highway 1 and Old Stage Road align with long-planned wetland restoration work. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Professional Disc Golf Competition Raises Funds and Heart Rates *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer* An Ice Bowl Disc Golf Competition at Ocean Ridge Park attracted 70 golfers and netted $3,600 for the Redwood Coast Recreation District. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚓 LAYTONVILLE ### Arrest for Attempted Murder in Rural Mendocino County Shooting Incident *By the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office* A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly shooting at a 68-year-old man on Branscomb Road. Brandon Lee Langenderfer was booked into county jail on multiple charges, including attempted murder and parole violations. A female companion, Miranda Marie Mullins, was also arrested on related charges. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/laytonville-shooter-arrested) --- ## 💧POTTER VALLEY ### Water Storage Options to Be Discussed at IWPC Meeting *By Justine Frederiksen, The Ukiah Daily Journal* The Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission will meet Feb. 19 to discuss potential water storage options following the planned removal of the Potter Valley Project dams. The meeting follows controversy surrounding First District Supervisor Madeline Cline’s representation on the board. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/02/12/water-storage-options-to-be-discussed-at-iwpc-meeting-thursday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🏫 REDWOOD VALLEY ### Redwood Valley Seeks to Transform Closed School into Youth Recreation Center *By Sydney Fishman ,The Mendocino Voice* A volunteer group is proposing to lease and eventually purchase the closed Redwood Valley Elementary School campus to create a youth recreation center offering exercise, classes, gardening, and cooking programs. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/redwood-valley-group-wants-to-revive-school-campus-into-recreation-center-for-kids/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🫖 UKIAH ### Downtown Ukiah’s Hometown Store and Kitchen Gifts to Close After 25 Years *By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice* After 25 years in business, Hometown Store and Kitchen Gifts will close by the end of March 2026\. The family-owned store plans a closing sale with discounts up to 60%. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/downtown-ukiahs-hometown-store-and-kitchen-gifts-to-close/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### New CNA Training Program Launches in Mendocino County *By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice* The Mendocino County Office of Education has opened a new medical training center featuring the county’s first Certified Nursing Assistant program in a decade. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/new-cna-program-in-ukiah-offers-training-to-adults-and-high-schoolers/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Oakland Man Arrested in Ukiah for Alleged Attempted Murder of Elderly Friends *By the Ukiah Police Department* Ukiah police arrested Clarence Wells, 37, on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly attacked two elderly friends with a skateboard at their North Oak Street home. Both victims were hospitalized with serious head wounds. Bail was set at $1 million. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1314074444089701&set=a.218878760275947) --- ### New Family Doctor Joins Adventist Health Ukiah Valley *By The Mendocino Voice* Dr. Holly Astin will see patients in the clinic and hospital and teach in the Family Medicine Residency Program. 🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/02/new-family-doctor-joins-adventist-health-ukiah-valley/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🦀 WILLITS ### Third District Supervisors Race Off and Running *Jennifer Poole, Willits Weekly* Four candidates — Buffey Wright Bourassa, Russell Green, Eric Hart, and Clay Romero — have announced campaigns for Third District supervisor ahead of the June 2 election. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Crab Sale for the Rotary Club **Mathew Caine | Willits Weekly** The Willits Rotary sold 2,000 crabs during its popular two-day crab sale earlier this month. 🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Lake County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputy Arrested Following Sexual Assault Investigation *By the Lake County Sheriff’s Office* Deputies arrested Daniel Constancio Jr., 35, of Willits on Feb. 12\. He is alleged to have sexually assaulted an inmate at the Hill Road Correctional Facility in 2024. 🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/lakesheriff/posts/pfbid0YaWq1Gu7CSC85mgzuQATbeBSfFFCmG6bn1aJyH5Yp2RhfjesB7icG4DKVEYnNjVQl) --- ## 🏛️ CALMATTERS ### Newsom’s Spending Surge Creates Chronic California Budget Deficit *By Dan Walters, CalMatters* Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration has created a multibillion-dollar structural budget deficit, with spending increasing 72% over seven budgets. The Legislative Analyst’s Office warns of annual deficits ranging from $20 billion to $35 billion. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/commentary/2026/02/newsom-spending-california-chronic-deficit/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Glenn Medical Center Gets Congressional Lifeline, Still Needs Millions to Reopen *By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters* Congress restored critical access status for Glenn Medical Center, but the shuttered hospital still needs $40–50 million to reopen. A proposed state bill could help fund distressed hospitals. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/02/glenn-county-comeback-soria-funding/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Factory-Built Housing: California’s Next Big Housing Solution? *By Ben Christopher, CalMatters* Lawmakers are exploring factory-built housing as a potential solution to California’s housing crisis, with proposals that could cut costs by up to 25% and reduce construction timelines. 🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/housing/2026/02/factory-built-housing-california-wicks/?ref=mendolocal.news)