> ## 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 Roundup — June 21, 2026 - URL: https://www.mendolocal.news/weekly-roundup-june-21/ - Published: 2026-06-21T17:12:02.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-13T19:46:57.000Z - Description: Approval of a new Redwood Valley gas station was based on a questionable CEQA process and rebuilding Covelo's Green Bridge could take as long as three years - Author: Elise Cox - Tags: Weekly News ## 🏛️ Mendocino County .[**Cubbison Settlement Provokes Strong Reactions**](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*Mark Scaramella, The Anderson Valley Advertiser June 18* News that Mendocino County paid Treasurer-Tax Collector Chamise Cubbison $1.5 million to settle claims of malicious prosecution provoked speculation and anger. Last week, *Anderson Valley Advertiser* Editor Mark Scaramella wrote a column “DA Eyster’s ‘Get Cubbison’ Project Backfires.” *The Mendocino Voice*, based in Berkeley, CA, described the timing of the news — which was prompted by the fulfillment of a public records request from retired journalist Mike Geniella — as a mystery. [Read more](http://theava.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Anderson Valley Advertiser may be required)* [**Seven California DAs Sued a Gas Station Operator, Including Mendocino County’s David Eyster. Then County Supervisors Approved His Next Station.**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/seven-california-das-sued-a-gas-station)*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 17* Mendocino County’s Board of Supervisors approved a Chevron gas station permit for Faizan Corporation in May 2026, despite the company having been sued by seven California district attorneys — including Mendocino County’s own DA — for systemic environmental violations, and having a prior state cleanup order for benzene contamination at a Ukiah station. The county’s environmental review omitted the enforcement history, and the adopted mitigation plan contains no hazardous materials conditions. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/seven-california-das-sued-a-gas-station/) [**Real Estate Roundup: $3.75M Ukiah strip mall sale; Laytonville ranch donated; Albion coastal parcels gifted to nonprofit**](https://mendocinocoast.news/real-estate-roundup-3-75m-ukiah-strip-mall-sale-late-laytonville-professors-160-acre-ranch-donated-to-conservative-christian-land-trust-spectacular-albion-coastal-parcels-gifted-t/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 17* A Ukiah strip mall sells for $3.75 million, a 160-acre Laytonville ranch is donated to Colorado-based Christian nonprofit, and oceanfront parcels in Albion are gifted to nonprofits including Planned Parenthood and the Mendocino Land Trust. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/real-estate-roundup-3-75m-ukiah-strip-mall-sale-late-laytonville-professors-160-acre-ranch-donated-to-conservative-christian-land-trust-spectacular-albion-coastal-parcels-gifted-t/?ref=mendolocal.news) ### 💧Covelo [**Tribe with senior Eel River water rights shut out of White House meeting**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/tribe-with-senior-eel-river-water-rights-shut-out-of-white-house-meeting/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 17* Federal officials met at the White House with PG&E and the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District to discuss the Potter Valley Project’s future, excluding the Round Valley Indian Tribes. [Read more](http://www.mendovoice.com/2026/06/tribe-with-senior-eel-river-water-rights-shut-out-of-white-house-meeting/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Green Bridge: $7.5 million, 2–3 years, and a 2024 inspection that rated it “intolerable”**](https://mendocinocoast.news/7-5-million-pricetag-and-2-3-years-for-new-covelo-bridge-check-out-our-exclusive-inspection-report-let-us-check-on-other-county-bridges-for-you/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, Mendocino Coast News · June 15 & 17* Covelo’s collapsed Green Bridge will cost $7.5 million to replace and take two to three years to rebuild; a 2024 inspection rated it “intolerable — needs replacement” with a score of 29 out of 100, identifying 23 girders needing replacement and missing load-path redundancies. No temporary crossing is planned, forcing residents to add[ a 6.5 mile detour.](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/covelos-green-bridge-is-down-for-two-to-three-years-with-no-stopgap/?ref=mendolocal.news) The driver injured in the June 12 collapse, Jimmy Sausedo, remained hospitalized five days later, while county officials say an unknown external factor likely triggered the sudden failure despite no visible signs of deterioration beforehand. [Read more](https://mendocinocoast.news/7-5-million-pricetag-and-2-3-years-for-new-covelo-bridge-check-out-our-exclusive-inspection-report-let-us-check-on-other-county-bridges-for-you/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🌵Fort Bragg [**Giant Agave begins “Death Bloom” at Botanical Gardens**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/18/giant-agave-begins-death-bloom-at-botanical-gardens/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 19* The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens is hosting a rare “death bloom” event as its giant Agave salmiana var. ferox sends up a 20-foot flowering spike — a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that occurs only at the end of the plant’s decades-long life. The spike began growing in November and is expected to flower soon before the plant dies. [Read more](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/18/giant-agave-begins-death-bloom-at-botanical-gardens/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* [**Child at center of major search found safe; media urged to pull identifying information**](https://mendocinocoast.news/located-hes-ok-huge-search-ends-missing-non-verbal-10-year-old-we-encourage-other-news-sources-to-remove-his-name-and-pic-now/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News · June 18* A non-verbal 10-year-old boy missing in Fort Bragg was found safe, ending a major multi-agency search. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/located-hes-ok-huge-search-ends-missing-non-verbal-10-year-old-we-encourage-other-news-sources-to-remove-his-name-and-pic-now/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Fort Bragg municipal fiber project makes headway**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/fort-bragg-municipal-fiber-project-makes-headway/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Mary Rose Kaczorowski, The Mendocino Voice · June 18* Fort Bragg’s municipal fiber broadband project has completed its main infrastructure installation, with the final conduit placed in the ground this week. Residential connections are expected in late summer or early fall. [Read more](http://www.mendovoice.com/2026/06/fort-bragg-municipal-fiber-project-makes-headway/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Fort Bragg City Council Nixes Contract for Fire Tax Consultants**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/city-council-nixes-consultants-fire-department-parcel-tax)*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 16* The Fort Bragg City Council rejected a $60,000 consulting contract for voter polling on a proposed fire-equipment parcel tax. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/city-council-nixes-consultants-fire-department-parcel-tax) [**New Fort Bragg mural celebrates the coast’s slimiest hero**](https://mendocinocoast.news/new-fort-bragg-mural-celebrates-the-coasts-slimiest-hero-and-guess-who-else-plus-roofer-rat-tat-tat-art-and-a-look-at-whats-coming-soon/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News · June 16* A new downtown mural featuring a giant banana slug and local landmarks is taking shape across from Fort Bragg City Hall. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/new-fort-bragg-mural-celebrates-the-coasts-slimiest-hero-and-guess-who-else-plus-roofer-rat-tat-tat-art-and-a-look-at-whats-coming-soon/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Art Explorers welcomes Disability Pride Month this July**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/14/art-explorers-welcomes-disability-pride-month-this-july/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 16* Art Explorers has planned a full month of activities celebrating Disability Pride Month and the artists served by the program. [Read more](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/14/art-explorers-welcomes-disability-pride-month-this-july/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* [**Salmon Season’s First Catch**](https://mendocinocoast.news/super-low-tides-salmon-seasons-first-catch-judge-pekins-impressive-tally-buffy-watch-begins-why-the-college-bond-is-failing/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News · June 14* Recreational ocean salmon fishing reopened June 13 after a three-year closure, with anglers permitted to keep only Chinook (king) salmon. Keeping endangered coho salmon remains illegal. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/super-low-tides-salmon-seasons-first-catch-judge-pekins-impressive-tally-buffy-watch-begins-why-the-college-bond-is-failing/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**300 turn out for Pride March; International Peace Run passes through**](https://mendocinocoast.news/300-turn-out-for-pride-march-separately-mendoland-greets-peace-run-join-the-fun-and-run-on-sunday/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Frank Hartzell, MendocinoCoast.News · June 13* Fort Bragg’s second annual Pride March drew approximately 300 participants in a festive celebration of LGBTQ+ community visibility. Separately, the International Peace Run passed through the Mendocino Coast with 10 runners from 8 countries. [Read more](http://www.mendocinocoast.news/300-turn-out-for-pride-march-separately-mendoland-greets-peace-run-join-the-fun-and-run-on-sunday/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚗 Gualala [**Highway 1 Traffic Study Forecasts Slight, Manageable Increase in Traffic**](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer · June 18* The SR-1 Highway Traffic Capacity Analysis Report, released May 8, concluded the coastal highway has ample capacity to handle projected traffic growth through 2025\. The report recommend a new traffic circle for Gualala. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* --- ### 📬 Leggett [**Leggett’s post office is back**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/leggetts-post-office-is-back-and-the-building-beats-low-expectations-by-a-long-shot/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Roger Coryell, The Mendocino Voice · June 16* The Leggett Post Office reopened June 15, more than two years after it was destroyed by fire in March 2024. [Read more](http://www.mendovoice.com/2026/06/leggetts-post-office-is-back-and-the-building-beats-low-expectations-by-a-long-shot/?ref=mendolocal.news) --- ### 🚙 Point Arena [**Abandoned Vehicle Found in Garcia River**](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Karen Elowitt, Independent Coast Observer · June 18* Authorities are investigating a damaged pickup truck found partially submerged in a shallow section of the Garcia River near Voorhees Memorial Grove. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* [**Point Arena City Council Raises Sewer Rates**](https://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Chelsea Randall, The Independent Coast Observer · June 18* The Point Arena City Council voted to increase sewer rates after a Proposition 218 hearing. The council also discussed a November ballot measure to increase the transient occupancy tax. [Read more](http://www.mendonoma.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Independent Coast Observer required)* --- ### 🥾Ukiah [**New 3.5-mile trail loop in Ukiah set for grand opening Saturday**](https://mendovoice.com/2026/06/new-3-5-mile-trail-loop-in-ukiah-set-for-grand-opening-saturday/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Savana Robinson, The Mendocino Voice · June 20* The Gateway Trail Loop, a new 3.5-mile hiking and biking trail in Ukiah, opens Saturday as part of the larger 22-mile Lookout Peak trail network. [Read more](http://www.mendovoice.com/2026/06/new-3-5-mile-trail-loop-in-ukiah-set-for-grand-opening-saturday/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Cirque-A-Palooza brings world-class performers to Ukiah**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/17/cirque-a-palooza-brings-world-class-performers-to-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Carole Brodsky, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 18* SPACE Performing Arts Center is hosting the first annual Cirque-A-Palooza this Sunday to Pomo Summer Arts and Circus Camp and the SPACE Scholarship Program featuring world-class circus artists, musicians, and Joan Baez. [Read more](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/17/cirque-a-palooza-brings-world-class-performers-to-ukiah/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* [**New ballot measures likely needed to fund fire services, officials report**](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/17/new-ballot-measures-likely-needed-to-fund-fire-services-officials-report/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Justine Frederiksen, Ukiah Daily Journal · June 17* Local officials warned that new ballot measures asking residents to fund the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority may be necessary as critical funding is set to sunset in 2030, with gaps in equipment, personnel, and facilities. [Read more](http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2026/06/17/new-ballot-measures-likely-needed-to-fund-fire-services-officials-report/?ref=mendolocal.news) *(subscription to the Ukiah Daily Journal may be required)* --- ### 🤠 Willits [**Wilma Statue Arrives at Willits Frontier Days Grounds**](http://willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Maureen Dennison, Willits Weekly · June 18* A new fiberglass statue named "Wilma" has arrived to complement "Willy," the longtime mascot of Willits Frontier Days. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Brooktrails Township Raises Salaries, Cuts Expenses**](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Barbara O’Reardon, Willits Weekly · June 18* Brooktrails officials approved employee raises while balancing the budget through spending reductions. [Read more](http://www.willitsweekly.com/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**Willits City Council — June 10, 2026**](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-city-council-june-10-2026)*By Elise Cox, MendoLocal.News · June 16* The council appointed James Connor interim city manager and proclaimed 2026 "The Year of the Sweetheart" in honor of Frontier Days' 100th anniversary. [Read more](https://www.mendolocal.news/p/willits-city-council-june-10-2026) --- ### 🗳️ CALMATTERS [**Why California Won’t Speed Up Its Election Results**](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-slow-vote-counting-fix/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Maya C. Miller, CalMatters · June 20* California’s notoriously slow vote-counting process is back in the spotlight. But state Democratic leaders are refusing to make changes that would restrict voter access — such as earlier mail-in ballot deadlines — to speed up results. The real issue? Counting mail-in ballots takes longer. [Read More](https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/06/california-slow-vote-counting-fix/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**California’s New Health Insurance Tax Could Raise Premiums by $400 a Year**](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/06/california-health-tax-medi-cal-premiums/?ref=mendolocal.news)By Ana B. Ibarra, CalMatters *· June 18* California legislators approved a redesigned health insurance tax this week to preserve billions in federal Medi-Cal funding. The new plan would raise taxes on private health insurance plans to match those on Medicaid plans, a shift required by new federal rules. If health plans pass the full cost to consumers, a family of four could pay about $400 more annually in premiums. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/health/2026/06/california-health-tax-medi-cal-premiums/?ref=mendolocal.news) [**California’s Job Training Programs Face Funding Cliff**](https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2026/06/workforce-funding/?ref=mendolocal.news)*By Adam Echelman, CalMatters · June 18* The California Workforce Development Board faces a potential 20% staff cut, and flagship programs like “high road training partnerships” could receive little or no new funding—threatening to shut them down within years. [Read more](https://calmatters.org/education/higher-education/2026/06/workforce-funding/?ref=mendolocal.news)