> ## 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 — March 21, 2026 - URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-march-21/ - Published: 2026-03-22T01:29:46.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-13T19:56:32.000Z - Description: A shark attack in Big River, a fire in Manchester, and a lost hiker is rescued in Jackson Demonstration State Forest - Author: Elise Cox - Tags: News ## 🏛️ MENDOCINO COUNTY **What’s Going On With the DA’s Office Relo?** *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)* Supervisor Maureen Mulheren is reportedly holding closed-door talks with Ukiah officials about relocating both the county library and District Attorney’s office near the new courthouse. The lack of transparency—and whether key department heads are even involved—raises concerns about potential high-cost real estate decisions. 🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Six Years Later: What Has Actually Changed?** *By Mazie Malone, Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)* A local mother reflects on navigating psychiatric crisis care from 2020 to 2026\. Despite new programs and funding, she says the system remains deeply broken for families in crisis. 🔗[Read more](https://theava.com/archives/282443?ref=mendolocal.news) **Scam Targets Families of Jail Inmates, Sheriff Warns** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Authorities warn of a scam in which a caller posing as “Deputy Green” demands thousands of dollars in exchange for the release of an incarcerated relative. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/scam-targets-families-of-jail-inmates) --- ## 🍺 BOONVILLE **There’s a New Beer in Boonville** *By Terry Sites , Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)* Anderson Valley Brewing debuts “Koji Lager,” a sake-inspired beer brewed with koji mold. The brewery is also rolling out deep-dish pizza, and a slate of events including a May 2 Brew Fest. 🔗[Read more](https://theava.com/archives/282441?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚴 FORT BRAGG **Railbike Guides Help Rescue Missing 71-Year-Old Woman** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Railbike tour guides helped locate and rescue a missing Upper Lake woman in a remote area near Chamberlain Creek after her vehicle was found parked for several days. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/railbike-guides-help-rescue-71-year-old) **Missing Man’s Truck Found in San Francisco** *By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News* The truck belonging to missing Fort Bragg resident Lane Rider has been recovered in San Francisco, but the search for him continues. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. 🔗[Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/family-reports-fort-bragg-musician-carpenter-missing-seeks-help-from-the-public/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 🔥 MANCHESTER **Fire Destroys Home of Local Postmistress** *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* A Sunday morning fire destroyed the home of Manchester’s postmistress, leaving her injured and homeless. Community members are also helping search for her missing dogs. 🔗[Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🦓 POINT ARENA **B. Bryan Preserve Ranked Top Safari Destination** *By Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* The Point Arena preserve ranked No. 7 in USA Today’s 2026 safari park list and welcomed a Somali wild ass—one of the rarest equids on Earth. 🔗[Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Juveniles Caught on Camera in Dispensary Break-In** *By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)* Two juveniles were recorded on video smashing the window of a Point Arena dispensary and stealing thousands in merchandise. One suspect has been arrested. 🔗[Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🚒 REDWOOD VALLEY **Fire Chief Departs After Five Months** *Ukiah Daily Journal (subscription required)* The Redwood Valley–Calpella Fire District’s chief is out after a short tenure, citing management differences. An interim chief has been appointed as a search begins. 🔗[Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/20/chief-creel-out-at-rv-calpella-fire-district-officials-announce/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🎓 UKIAH **Ukiah High to Search for New Principal** *Ukiah Daily Journal* The high school will begin a leadership search as its current principal departs for opportunities in Southern California. 🔗[Read more](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/03/19/ukiah-high-to-begin-search-for-new-principal-officials-announce/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🦈 VILLAGE OF MENDOCINO **Shark Attack at Big River Beach** *By Linda Little, MendocinoCoast.News* A local teacher suffered ankle injuries in a shark bite incident Wednesday afternoon. Bystanders provided immediate aid at the scene. 🔗[Read mor](https://mendocinocoast.news/surfers-with-medical-training-rush-to-aid-shark-bite-victim-at-big-river-beach-mendocino/?ref=mendolocal.news)e --- [Subscribe](#/portal/signup) ## 💰WILLITS **Finance Director Details Years of Fiscal Chaos** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Willits’ finance director describes years of accounting failures, outdated systems, and workplace dysfunction that led to a fiscal emergency. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-finance-director-outlines) **Woman Jumps From Window to Escape Alleged Attack** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* A 72-year-old woman escaped a violent assault by jumping from a window and crawling to safety. A Willits man faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/72-year-old-woman-escapes-attacker) **Two Arrested After Gunfire and Standoff Near Willits** *By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News* Deputies responding to reports of gunfire and a man yelling threats engaged in a two-hour standoff before arresting two suspects. 🔗[Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/man-says-did-i-kill-you) **Willits Man Gets 10½ Years in Federal Case** *By Sarah Stierch, Mendocino Voice* A Willits man was sentenced to more than a decade in prison for attempting to arrange sex with a child and distributing explicit material. 🔗[Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/03/willits-man-sentenced-to-10%c2%bd-years-for-trying-to-meet-child-for-sex/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Mendo College Mixer Raises $15K** *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* A local fundraiser will support a dual-enrollment summer program, helping high school students earn college credit. 🔗 [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## ⛽ CALIFORNIA **Gas Prices Surge as Democrats Pitch Relief Plans** *By Jeanne Kuang & Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters* With gas prices topping $5.99, California Democrats are proposing tax and regulatory relief as part of the governor’s race debate. 🔗[Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/03/california-governors-race-gas-taxes/?ref=mendolocal.news) **Farmworker Pay Fight Highlights Labor Shortage** *By Sergio Olmos & Wendy Fry, CalMatters* Federal officials acknowledged a shortage of domestic farm labor while defending a proposal to cut wages for H-2A workers. The United Farm Workers has filed suit. 🔗[Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/03/trump-h2a-wage-cuts-farmworkers/?ref=mendolocal.news)