> ## 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€” November 16, 2025 - URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-news-november-16/ - Published: 2025-11-17T04:30:01.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-13T20:15:40.000Z - Description: A surprise budget surplus. A desalination buoy. New candidates for Congress. - Author: Elise Cox - Tags: Weekly News --- ## πŸ’° MENDOCINO COUNTY ### Mendocino County Discovers Surprise $12 Million Budget Surplus *By Mark Scaramella , Anderson Valley Advertiser* County supervisors learned of an estimated $12 million unaudited General Fund carryforward from the last fiscal year. The unexpected windfall comes from stronger-than-expected property taxes, vehicle license fees, and investment income. Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison cautioned the surplus is largely one-time money. πŸ”— [Read more](http://theava.com/archives/276096?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Food Insecurity Rises as SNAP Uncertainty Looms *By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal* Food insecurity is prevalent, with 37.7% of Mendocino County residents living below 200% of the federal poverty level. The Mendo Food Network distributed 3.6 million pounds of food in 2024 to more than 14,500 people, but SNAP disruptions pose challenges even as the aid resumes. The organization has launched its annual Turkey Challenge as holiday need increases. πŸ”— [Read more](http://ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/07/supplemental-food-groups-struggle-to-meet-obligations-in-uncertain-times/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### State Senate Leader Mike McGuire Announces Congressional Bid *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* State Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire announced his 2026 campaign for California’s 1st Congressional District, challenging Rep. Doug LaMalfa. A redrawn district map may give Democrats an opening to flip the seat. πŸ”— [Read more](http://mendovoice.com/2025/11/state-senate-leader-mcguire-launches-big-for-congress-challenging-lamalfa/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Humboldt Educator Colby Smart Enters Race for Huffman’s Seat *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* Humboldt County educator Colby Smart has launched an independent bid for California’s 2nd Congressional District, challenging Rep. Jared Huffman. Smart’s campaign focuses on rural economic development, education, natural resources, and government accountability. πŸ”— [Read more](http://mendovoice.com/2025/11/humboldt-county-educator-colby-smart-announces-2026-run-for-huffmans-seat/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Mulheren Steps Up to Address Volunteer Ambulance Funding *By Mark Scaramella, Anderson Valley Advertiser* Supervisor Maureen Mulheren volunteered to put together an agenda item to support volunteer ambulance services in communities such as Covelo, Laytonville, and Anderson Valley. The board agreed to revisit the issue next year. πŸ”— [Read more](http://theava.com/archives/276123?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸŒ„ COVELO ### Northern California Tribes Unite to Restore the Eel River *By Sarah Stierch, The Mendocino Voice* The Round Valley Indian Tribes and Yurok Tribe signed a historic Treaty of Friendship, pledging joint leadership in restoring the Eel River ecosystem and rebuilding salmon runs ahead of PG&E’s planned 2028 dam removals. πŸ”— [Read more](https://mendovoice.com/2025/11/northern-california-tribes-join-forces-to-restore-eel-river-in-response-to-anticipated-pge-dam-removal/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸ„ FORT BRAGG ### Ten Mile Courthouse Will Stay Open, Superior Court Confirms *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* Despite the sudden retirement of Judge Clayton Brennan and a shortage of judicial officers, the court executive officer say the Ten Mile courthouse is not closing. Remote hearings, calendar reassignments, and cross-county coordination will help address staffing challenges. Reporting by [Frank Hartzell looked at the possible role of District Attorney David Eyster](https://mendocinocoast.news/we-requested-and-received-judge-brennans-retirement-notice-we-didnt-expect-this/?ref=mendolocal.news) in Brennan’s resignation. πŸ”— [Read more](http://mendolocal.news/p/ten-mile-branch-remains-open?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Fungi Festival Spotlights Truffle Dog and Mycologist *By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News* Caspar hosted the second annual Mendocino Coast Mushroom Festival, featuring truffle dog Rye and handler Heather Dawson, alongside sensory-science insights from mycologist Gordon Walker. Visitors enjoyed forest forays, vendor booths, and scientific presentations. πŸ”— [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/fungi-face%e2%80%91off-truffle-dog-and-scientist-show-what-they-nose-at-mendocino-coast-fungi-festival-in-caspar/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Wave-Powered Desalination Buoy Arrives in Fort Bragg *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News & Mendocino Coast News* Fort Bragg has received its first wave-powered desalination buoy, an Oneka Technologies system capable of producing 13,000 gallons of fresh water per day using wave energy alone. The buoy pilot will launch in 2026 β€” the first of its kind in California. πŸ”— [Read more](http://mendocinocoast.news/the-wave-energy-desalinization-buoy-arrives-as-first-city-in-california-to-try-wave-energy-fort-bragg-about-to-step-into-role-as-world-leader-in-ocean-technology/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Fort Bragg Launches Vacant Building Ordinance *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* The City Council unanimously approved a vacant commercial property registry, requiring owners of storefronts empty for 90+ days to maintain and register their buildings. Enforcement will begin in the Central Business District, with a future vacancy tax under possible consideration. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/fort-bragg-creates-vacant-building) --- ## 🏑 GUALALA ### GMAC Reviews Eco-Friendly Modular Housing Proposal *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer* A proposal before the Gualala Municipal Advisory Council would add a cluster of affordable, eco-friendly modular homes in central Gualala. Developer *Magdalena* has built similar communities in Anderson Valley and Blues Lake Village. πŸ”— [Read more](http://mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸ›οΈ POTTER VALLEY ### Workshop Planned on Potter Valley Project’s Water Future *By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal* A November 24 community workshop will update residents on the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project, including water supply planning and infrastructure needs for the region. πŸ”— [Read more](http://ukiahdailyjournal.com/2025/11/15/workshop-planned-in-ukiah-to-update-community-on-potter-valley-project/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸŽ“ UKIAH ### Search Warrant Sheds Light on Allegations Against Ukiah High Teacher *By Elise Cox, Mendo Local News* A search warrant alleges part-time Ukiah High journalism teacher Matthew LaFever sent shirtless selfies and made inappropriate comments to a 17-year-old student in one of his classes via Snapchat after she connected with him using an alias. Police seized multiple devices and are reviewing contacts with minors in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. πŸ”— [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/search-warrant-released-in-minor-molestation-case) --- ## 🌊 WESTPORT ### Dramatic Hoist Rescue at Blues Beach *CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit* A coordinated rescue involving CAL FIRE Copter 601, State Parks, and the Westport Volunteer Fire Department safely extracted a person who fell 10–15 feet among boulders at Blues Beach. πŸ”— [Read more](http://mendolocal.news/p/hoist-rescue-at-blues-beach?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## πŸͺ΅ WILLITS ### Thanksgiving Dinner Returns to Willits Senior Center *By Maureen Jennison, Willits Weekly* Willits Community Services and the Food Bank will host their annual Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 27, sponsored by Sherwood Valley Casino and the Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Indians. πŸ”— [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Mattress by Appointment Opens New Willits Location *By Mathew Caine, Willits Weekly* Jeff Yokum’s new mattress shop offers deep discounts β€” 50% to 80% off retail β€” to a customer base looking to upgrade their bedrooms. πŸ”— [Read more](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ## 🐻 CALIFORNIA (CALMATTERS) ### AT&T Lobbying Could Take Landlines Away *By Yue Stella Yu & Malena Carollo, CalMatters* AT&T’s legislative push to reduce copper landline service shows no sign of stopping, despite a setback this year. πŸ”— [Read more](https://calmatters.org/economy/2025/11/att-landline-california-legislative-fight/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Coastal Commission Shifts Toward Housing Development *By Nadia Lathan, CalMatters* The California Coastal Commission is moving toward a more housing-friendly posture, bolstered by three new pro-development appointees. The agency recently extended affordable housing permit timelines from two to five years. πŸ”— [Read more](http://calmatters.org/politics/2025/11/coastal-commission-housing/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Outline Health-Care Plans *By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters* At a UC Riverside forum, four Democratic contenders β€” Xavier Becerra, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee β€” discussed their ideas for addressing affordability, mental-health access, and potential federal cuts. πŸ”— [Read more](http://calmatters.org/health/2025/11/gubernatorial-health-care-california-2026/?ref=mendolocal.news)