Independent Coast Observer

12/18/2025

The Dec. 19 issue of the ICO is out now! It's packed with great stories about:

- The bomb that was found in Gualala last week
- The split between Coastal Seniors and the GCC over the rebuild
- The new south coast immigration Rapid Response Network
- The reappearance of Coho salmon in two local rivers
- The amount of restitution Rachel Carson must pay to Lisa Kritz
- The outcome of the last Point Arena City Council meeting..plus all the usual entertainment and sports news, weather, opinions, wildlife sightings, and more!

Find it on a local newsstand, or click here to subscribe and get the latest news sent every week to your mailbox or inbox: https://mendonoma.com/memberships.html

12/18/2025

Holiday deadline reminder: Since the ICO will be printed a day earlier next week, submission deadlines are a day earlier than normal.

12/04/2025

As of this week's issue, the ICO's newsstand price has increased to $3.00 per copy. The Board of the ICOCN made the decision to raise the price as a result of increased printing and delivery costs, as well as the general increase in expenses required to produce a high-quality newspaper. This is the first newsstand price increase since May 2019.

Readers who subscribe to the ICO by mail/online will not see a price increase. The annual membership rate will remain $100. To become a member, click here: https://mendonoma.com/memberships.html

12/02/2025

Flu vaccines today!

12/02/2025

A good cause for

We are Mendonoma Health Alliance, a local network of health care organizations focused on expanding access to healthcare services in our coastal community.

11/25/2025

Have YOU filled out the reader survey yet? There's less than one week to go, and we want your feedback! Click here to start: https://us13.list-manage.com/survey?u=df17e22214f95d15cd8f719e2&id=5a22795383&e=*%7CUNIQID%7C*

11/20/2025

Holiday deadline reminder: Since the ICO will be printed a day earlier next week, submission deadlines are also a day earlier. For the Nov. 28, 2025 issue, Splash, Mark Your Calendar, and Telescope items are due by noon on Friday, Nov. 21. Display ads and classified ads are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. Letters to the editor and routine news items are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24.

11/18/2025

Oops, we goofed! In this week‘s paper we printed the wrong date for November’s Gualala food bank distribution. It’s happening on Wednesday, November 19 at Gualala Baptist Church.

10/30/2025

Happening this Saturday at Point Arena Lighthouse!

10/30/2025

Something to consider this Sunday!

Feed a Giraffe, Feed the Hungry
https://www.bbryanpreserve.com/snap-sunday-giraffe-feedings
SNAP Sunday Giraffe Feedings to raise funds for Mendocino Health Alliance
Sunday, November 2, 2025 $5 per person (*including infants)
SNAP benefits expire at the end of this month, leaving a lot of people in our community without this important source of food security. We're offering discounted giraffe feedings on Sunday, November 2nd to raise much-needed funds for Mendocino Health Alliance, who is stepping up to support folks who are affected. All proceeds will go to Mendocino Health Alliance.
Feedings are 30 minutes of pure giraffe fun and education.
Reservations ARE REQUIRED and space is limited. No drop ins. Reservations are non refundable. Please no outside pets and carpool if possible.
We will also have a donation box where you can donate to Mendocino Health Alliance with a check or cash.

Book on our website: https://www.bbryanpreserve.com/snap-sunday-giraffe-feedings

10/28/2025

Donate what you can, through October 31!

COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE — SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES
With the government shutdown impacting CalFresh benefits, many of our neighbors are facing unexpected food insecurity. Mendonoma Health Alliance is organizing a Community Food Drive to help bridge the gap and ensure no one goes hungry.

Drop-off Locations: Food bins have been placed inside of Gualala Super & Surf Market. Both financial & food items can also be dropped off at our main office located in Sundstrom Mall.
Online Donations: Please specify “Food Drive” on your donation: https://mendonomahealth.org/donations-to-mendonoma-health-alliance/
Dates: Monday, October 27 - Friday, October 31
Most Needed Items: Non-perishable foods

Every donation—big or small—makes a difference. Together, we can keep our community nourished and supported during this difficult time.

(707) 412-3176 x102

10/28/2025

CORRECTION: In last week's ICO, the contact phone number was incorrect for the Trunk or Treat and Witches Dance event on October 31 at the Gualala Firehouse. Those wanting information or to participate as a vendor or volunteer should contact Deb Kessler at 707-684-0214.