Independent Coast Observer

06/01/2026

Oops, we goofed! In the Civic Meetings section of the current issue (May 29, 2026), we listed the incorrect date for the next GMAC meeting. It takes place on Thursday, June 4, at 6:00 p.m., (not on Wednesday).

05/22/2026

Destination Mendonoma is now in over 85 locations from Jenner to Elk! Thank you to all the local advertisers who participated.

If you don't already have a copy, make sure you pick one up while you're out and about this Memorial Day weekend! You can find it at most hotels, restaurants, and markets, as well as art galleries, vacation rental offices, clothing stores, gas stations, visitor centers, state and county parks, libraries, museums, chambers of commerce, coffee shops, wineries, campgrounds, and shopping centers.

05/21/2026

Holiday deadline reminder: Since the ICO office will be closed on Monday for Memorial Day, submission deadlines are a day earlier than normal.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Destination Mendonoma photo contest winners Katlyn Eagleton, Allen Vinson, David Bradbrook, Gail Jackson, Shari Goforth, and Celeste Linker! Their photos appear in the guide, which is out TODAY! We've also posted their stunning images here. ICO subscribers will receive the refreshed and updated guide with their newspaper this week. Non-subscribers can pick up a copy at a local newsstand (it's inserted into the paper). Over Memorial Day weekend, it will also be available for free at dozens of hotels, restaurants, community centers, and shops, from Elk to Jenner.

05/04/2026

There was a slight error in this week's ICO: The date of the next GCC board meeting is May 13 at 2:30 p.m., not May 6.

Home Pay 'N' Take Rebuilding News

04/24/2026

We have EXTENDED the deadline to enter the Destination Mendonoma photo contest!! You now have until Monday, April 27 at 5:00 p.m. to submit up to three images that capture the essence of the Mendonoma coast! Your photo could appear on the cover of this special May 15 insert, which will also be distributed this summer at hotels, motels, restaurants, campgrounds, and other spots on the Mendonoma Coast. Send photos to [email protected]. More details are in the flyer below.

04/20/2026

Only four days left to enter the Destination Mendonoma photo contest! Your photo could appear on the cover of this special May 15 insert, which will also be distributed this summer at hotels, motels, restaurants, campgrounds, and other spots on the Mendonoma Coast. The deadline to enter is April 23 at 5:00 pm -- send your best work to [email protected]. More details are in the flyer below.

04/17/2026

Read part 1 of our forum with the three District 5 Supervisor candidates in the latest issue of the ICO, out now on newsstands and in mailboxes! We partnered with Mendo Local News for the live forum, where we asked each candidate six questions related to pressing issues facing the county. You can read their responses to the first three questions this week, and other three next week. You can also watch the video and/or hear the audio at Mendo Local News. To susbscribe to the paper or make a donation, click here: https://mendonoma.com/memberships.html

03/30/2026

Has anyone from Gualala to Elk received an "escape" property tax assessment (a very large new tax bill that reflects the county's recent reassessment efforts). If so, and you don't mind being quoted in the ICO, please reach out to [email protected] for inclusion in a possible upcoming article.

03/27/2026

*UPDATED to correct the email address!*

The Point Arena polling place is in desperate need of workers for upcoming elections. If no one is found, it may have to close!

If you are interested in working at the polling place, please call the Elections Office at 707-234-6808 or email [email protected].

They would love to speak with you and send you some additional information. The county pays a small stipend to election day workers.