> ## 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 — May 3, 2026
- URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-may-3-2026/
- Published: 2026-05-03T21:37:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-13T19:51:14.000Z
- Description: Whale die-off hits home and federal agents make arrests in Willits and Gualala
- Author: Elise Cox
- Tags: Weekly News

## 🗳️ MENDOCINO COUNTY

**Mail Ballots to Reach Mendocino County Voters Starting May 4**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
Official ballots for California’s June 2, 2026 primary will be mailed beginning May 4\. Delivery is expected within 5–7 days, with in-person ballots available in Ukiah. The voter registration deadline is May 18\. Poll workers are still needed, with stipends of $70–$80.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mail-ballots-to-reach-voters-next-week)

**Hundreds of Mendocino Coast Homes Face Sea Level Rise Threat, Study Finds**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
A new study projects vulnerable coastal residences could jump from 55 today to 710 by 2100\. Bluff erosion—exceeding 10 feet per year in some areas—is the primary threat.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/mendocino-coast-homes-at-risk-of-sea-level-rise)

**Hung Jury in Mendocino DUI Trial**  
*Mendocino County District Attorney*  
A mistrial was declared after jurors failed to reach a verdict in a DUI case against an Orange County man. A retrial is set for May 18 in Ukiah.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.facebook.com/MendoDA)

---

## 

[Subscribe](#/portal/signup)

## 

---

## 🔥 COVELO

**3.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Covelo**  
*Pete Young, The Mendocino Voice*  
A minor quake hit east of Covelo on May 2 at a shallow depth of 3.5 miles.  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/3-3-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-near-covelo/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**Four CAL FIRE Firefighters Injured in Prescribed Burn**  
*Kym Kemp, Redheaded Blackbelt*  
Four firefighters suffered burns during a proactive vegetation burn. All were treated and released with non-serious injuries.  
🔗 [Read more](https://kymkemp.com/2026/05/02/four-cal-fire-firefighters-burned-during-covelo-prescribed-burn-all-released/?ref=mendolocal.news)

---

## 🚂 FORT BRAGG

**Skunk Train Eyes Company Store Purchase**  
*Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News*  
The historic Union Lumber Company Store may soon be acquired by the Skunk Train operator.  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/union-lumber-company-store-slated-for-skunk-train-ticketing-and-more-vistors-for-tenants-steakhouse-to-follow-on-its-own-track/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**Water Main Break Disrupts Businesses**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
A break behind the Company Store briefly cut water service to nearby businesses.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/water-main-break-behind-company-store)

**Grocery Outlet Construction Resumes**  
*Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News*  
Work is back underway on Fort Bragg’s Grocery Outlet, with an April 2027 opening target.  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/grocery-outlet-is-on-the-go-work-has-finally-resumed-on-preparations-for-the-store/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**Gray Whale Die-Off Continues**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
A dead gray whale found near Virgin Creek marks the county’s first recorded death this year amid ongoing West Coast die-offs linked to food shortages.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/another-casualty-gray-whale-virgin-creek-beach)

---

## 🚨 GUALALA

**FBI Raid Leads to Federal Charge Over Online Threat**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
A Gualala retiree faces federal charges tied to a private Facebook post criticizing a state legislator.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fbi-raid-in-gualala-leads-to-retiree-arrest)

**Deadline Looming for GCC Board Candidates**  
*Kat Gleason, Independent Coast Observer (ICO subscription required)*  
Candidates for the Gualala Community Center board must file by May 5; eligibility requires 90 days of membership.  
🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)

---

## 🌿 LAYTONVILLE

**District 3 Supervisor Candidates Debate in Laytonville**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
Candidates Eric Hart, Clay Romero, and Buffy Wright Bourassa addressed economic decline, infrastructure, and taxes at an April 29 forum.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/district-three-candidates-for-the)

**Weathertop Nursery Reopens Under New Ownership**  
*Lin Due, The Mendocino Voice*  
The longtime nursery returns as Weathertop Farmstead, offering plants, soil, and locally grown produce.  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/laytonvilles-weathertop-nursery-reopens-under-new-ownership/?ref=mendolocal.news)

---

## 

[Subscribe](#/portal/signup)

## 

---

## 📷 POINT ARENA

**FLOCK Camera Raises Privacy Questions**  
*Chelsea Randall, Independent Coast Observer (ICO subscription required)*  
A new license plate reader installed by the Sheriff’s Office is prompting concerns over surveillance and data use.  
🔗 [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) (Subscripton required)

---

## 💧 POTTER VALLEY

**Speculation Over SoCal Interest in Potter Valley Project**  
*Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice*  
Could a Southern California water district may be eyeing the project for pumped hydroelectric storage?  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/05/the-potter-valley-dams-are-coming-down/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**Huffman Demands Answers on Water Transfer Plans**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
Rep. Jared Huffman is seeking clarification on a proposal that could divert water from the Eel River to SoCal.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/huffman-demands-information-from-socal)

---

## 🚒 REDWOOD VALLEY

**Tomki Road Clearing Aims to Prevent Evacuation Disasters**  
*Sarah Reith, The Mendocino Voice*  
A new Fire Safe Council is working to improve evacuation routes nearly a decade after the Redwood Complex Fire.  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/ukiah-high-teacher-enters-not-guilty-plea-to-misdemeanor-charge/?ref=mendolocal.news)

---

## 🚴 UKIAH

**Former Ukiah High Teacher Pleads Not Guilty**  
*Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice*  
Matt LaFever, a former high school teacher and journalist, faces a misdemeanor charge involving a minor.  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/ukiah-high-teacher-enters-not-guilty-plea-to-misdemeanor-charge/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**New Great Redwood Trail Segment Opens**  
*Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice*  
A 3.3-mile trail extension now connects neighborhoods across Ukiah.  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/ukiah-celebrates-opening-a-new-segment-of-the-great-redwood-trail/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**Ukiah Co-op Walkout Signals Staff–Board Rift**  
*John Sakowicz, Anderson Valley Advertiser (AVA subscription required)*  
Workers staged a walkout over concerns about the hiring process for a new general manager.  
🔗 [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**Teen’s 911 Call Leads to Arrest in Domestic Violence Case**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
A Ukiah man faces multiple felony charges after a domestic violence incident witnessed by children.  
🔗 [Reaad more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/teens-911-call-leads-to-arrest)

---

[Subscribe](#/portal/signup)

---

## 🥁 WILLITS

**Federal Arrest Triggers Community Response**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
A federal arrest prompted rapid mobilization by local advocates; details remain limited.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/ice-arrest-in-willits-triggers-response)

**Willits Delays Consultant Vote, Approves HR Contract**  
*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News*  
The council postponed one contract amid conflict concerns but approved another despite objections.  
🔗 [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-postpones-consultant-vote)

**Senegalese Drum Gifted to Mendocino Art Center**  
*Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice*  
A traditional drum crafted at Ridgewood Ranch was presented following a cultural workshop.  
🔗 [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/senegalese-goat-skin-drum-to-be-gifted-to-mendocino-art-center/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**Grateful Sundae Honors Conservation Corps**  
*Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly*  
Volunteers were recognized for 1,800 hours of service with a community ice cream social.  
🔗 [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)

---

## 🏛️ CALIFORNIA

**Congressional Races Could Decide House Control**  
*Maya C. Miller, CalMatters*  
California’s districts are emerging as key battlegrounds in the fight for control of the U.S. House.  
🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/05/california-congressional-races-watch/?ref=mendolocal.news)

**Hospice Fraud Schemes Target California Seniors**  
*Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters*  
A growing wave of fraudulent hospice providers is costing millions and endangering vulnerable patients.  
🔗 [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/04/hospice-fraud-california-license-medicare/?ref=mendolocal.news)