Mendo Local Weekly News — March 8, 2026
Crops that adapt to microclimates, a Ukiah florist with an exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco and the Fort Bragg Timberwolves head to Oracle Park
🏛️ Mendocino County
Accounting Shift Balances Budget
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Mendocino County closed a $2.8M shortfall with a temporary accounting maneuver, counting late state and federal reimbursements as last year’s revenue, but the move borrows from next year’s budget and does not address the county’s structural deficit.
Fire Safe Council Opens 5th Annual Micro-Grant Program
By Mendocino County Fire Safe Council
$100,000+ in grants are available to support community wildfire preparedness projects, from neighborhood vegetation management to evacuation planning. Grants range $2,000–$12,500.
🌱 Caspar
Farmers Grow Crops That Adapt to Local Conditions
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Local farmers pioneer “adaptation gardening,” growing freely pollinating crops that evolve to thrive in Mendocino’s climate. These plants are resilient, nutrient-dense, and not controlled by corporate patents.
⚾ Fort Bragg
Timberwolves Baseball Team Earns Oracle Park Spotlight
By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News
Fort Bragg High’s team will face Napa-based Justin-Siena at Oracle Park on April 11 after a thrilling comeback win, scoring 6 runs in 2 innings to take the opener 7–5.
Taqueria La Oaxaqueña Finds Permanent Home
By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News
The popular food truck run by Sergio Lopez & Bertha Calleja now has a stable spot in Purity Market’s parking lot, securing Oaxacan-inspired cuisine for Fort Bragg residents.
Boy Scout’s Navarro–Noyo Trail: Lost Adventure
By Katy Tahja, Anderson Valley Advertiser (subscription required)
From the 1950s–1995, Scouts hiked 50+ miles across timberlands from Camp Navarro to Camp Noyo, earning prestigious badges on this legendary 7-day trek.
West Business Development Center Opens Fort Bragg Office
West Business Development Center
The Ukiah-based nonprofit now has a new office at 335 N. Franklin Street, supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Asphalt Patches on Sidewalks? They’re Temporary
By Mandela Linder, The Mendocino Voice
Fort Bragg sidewalks show uneven asphalt patches, but the city says they’re part of early fiber-optic broadband installation and will be replaced.
🕊️ Gualala
Susan Quinn: Sherpa for Life’s Final Chapter
By Susan Wolbarst, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)
Susan Quinn, of Gualala and Anchor Bay, guides families through the emotional, logical, and financial challenges of dying.
🎭 Point Arena
Psychic Comedian Packs Arena Theater
By Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)
Peter Antoniou drew a full house with an interactive show, attracting audiences from across the Mendonoma Coast & Northern California.
📡 The Sea Ranch
Sea Ranch Cell Tower Moves Forward Despite Opposition
By George Calys, Independent Coast Observer (subscription required)
Board plans to seek bids for a new tower near Deer Trail dog park. Opponents say they have retained legal counsel.
🌞 Ukiah
City Council Cuts Credits for Some Solar Users
By Sydney Fishman, The Mendocino Voice
Solar users installed before July 2021 will now receive 6.75¢/kWh “avoided cost” rate, down from full retail credits.
Ukiah Florist Featured at de Young Museum
By Monica Huettl, Medium
Wil Gonzalez, owner of W/E Flowers, will showcase a design inspired by Bierstadt’s “The Arch of Octavius” at Bouquets to Art.
Two New Roads Planned for Ukiah’s Eastern Hills
By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal
- East Hills Evacuation Route (north-south, Cal Fire funded)
- Redemeyer Road Extension (east-west, $40M grant, construction years away)
County Halts Ukiah Library Feasibility Study
By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal
Ukiah Library expansion/relocation study paused due to funding. Supervisor Maureen Mulheren, who represents Ukiah, plans to continue discussions.
Ukiah Man Held for Sword Attack Over Pit Bull
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
A 23-year-old man stabbed a 33-year-old while attempting to reclaim a pit bull he said was his dog.
🚓 Willits
Willits Man Convicted of 11 Child Sexual Abuse Charges
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Christopher Neil Kiger, 42, found guilty of 11 felonies for abuse of a child (2020–2023). Sentencing: March 25.
Driver Rescued After SUV Plunge
By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News
Bette Loflin, 73, rescued after her Honda Pilot left Highway 101 near Howard Forest CAL FIRE and plunged down a steep embankment.
Two Rock Lookout Tower Returns With Fire-Detection Cameras
By Sarah Reith, Mendocino County Fire Safe Council
A historic tower near Willits will host 2 wildfire cameras, funded by PG&E. Completion before 2026 fire season.
🏛️ California
Who Pays for AI’s Power?
By Alejandro Lazo, CalMatters
Report warns AI data centers could spike household electricity bills. Little Hoover Commission wants tech companies to fund grid upgrades.
Single-Payer Health Care Returns to Governor’s Race
By Jeanne Kuang, CalMatters
Candidates, including Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, revive “Medicare for All” pledges, facing major federal and state hurdles.
Lawmakers Push to Make Lobbyist Letters Public
By Ryan Sabalow, CalMatters
Two bills would require all lobbying letters to be posted online, improving transparency in California lawmaking.