The Mendocino Voice

12/15/2025

✍️ In in his latest column, Laytonville farmer Casey O’Neill reflects on how a stretch of balmy winter weather allowed time for rebuilding terraces, installing new planting beds and preparing Happy Day Farms for the months ahead.

We are fully planted and buttoned up. Now comes the rain.

12/15/2025

🏫 From our nonprofit partners at CalMatters: Rural California schools are set to receive a funding boost after Congress restored the Secure Rural Schools Act, a long-standing program that supports schools, roads, fire prevention and public safety in counties with large amounts of federal land.

In California, 39 counties are expected to share more than $40 million, helping rural districts stabilize budgets and maintain essential services.

https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/rural-california-gets-a-lifeline-in-school-funding-as-congress-restores-money-it-cut/?utm_campaign=calmatters&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

A century-old program pays for schools, roads and other services in 39 California counties.

12/14/2025

✉️ In a letter to the editor, members of the Willits Shelter Action Group describe their grassroots efforts to address homelessness in north inland Mendocino County, including emergency shelter programs and health and dignity services. The letter also calls for broader community participation and support.

The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of The Mendocino Voice.

https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/letter-to-the-editor-citizens-action-group-in-willits-tackles-homelessness/?utm_campaign=letters&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

Donations to the new nonprofit help with motel programs and more in a county with fewer than 300 shelter beds.

12/14/2025

🐾 A mountain lion was captured on a security camera walking past a home about a mile from the town of Mendocino, surprising a local family and offering a rare glimpse of the elusive cat.

A driveway camera captured a video of the large mountain lion early Thursday morning.

12/14/2025

🩰 Mendocino Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" returns to the stage Dec. 19–21 at the Mendocino College Center Theater in Ukiah, featuring performances by local dancers and marking four decades of the production in Mendocino County.

https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/mendocino-ballets-the-nutcracker-returns-for-its-40th-anniversary-this-holiday-season/?utm_campaign=breaking&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

Mendocino Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” returns for its 40th anniversary this holiday season.

12/13/2025

🌊 Which Mendocino Coast roads flood most?

The Mendocino Council of Governments is asking residents to share their observations about coastal roads affected by flooding, erosion and storm impacts as part of a countywide sea level rise study.

The information will help regional planners identify priority road segments and plan future transportation improvements to protect access along the Mendocino Coast.

Residents are invited to take an online survey by Feb. 16 to help identify the county’s most flood-prone coastal routes for future fixes.

12/13/2025

🦋 The Trump administration has delayed a decision on whether to grant federal protections to monarch butterflies, pushing a potential Endangered Species Act listing into an indefinite timeline despite warnings that populations are declining.

https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/trump-administration-delays-decision-on-federal-protections-for-monarch-butterflies/?utm_campaign=ap&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

The move places the long-awaited Endangered Species Act listing for the iconic pollinator in limbo as populations continue to decline.

12/13/2025

🌳 Ukiah officials held a public workshop this week to gather input on proposed downtown School Street improvements, as some residents raised concerns about the potential removal of Chinese pistache trees tied to infrastructure upgrades.

https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/ukiah-workshop-weighs-downtown-improvements-amid-pistache-tree-concerns/?utm_campaign=breaking&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

On Thursday, residents discussed infrastructure upgrades, parking, walkability and the future of Chinese pistache trees along School Street.

12/13/2025

🗳️ Democracy starts with informed residents.

The Mendocino Voice provides in-depth, independent coverage of local elections, campaigns and public policy — work that helps keep local government transparent and accountable.

When you donate during NewsMatch, your gift is tripled — and tax-deductible — making a real impact on local journalism in Mendocino County.
👉 Donate here: https://bit.ly/TMV-NewsMatch2025

12/13/2025

✉️ In a letter to The Mendocino Voice, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins argues that proposed decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project would threaten water access for farmers and rural communities.

Rollins writes that the Trump administration opposes the plan and says it is committed to protecting agricultural water supplies in the region.

The letter reflects the author’s views and does not necessarily represent those of The Mendocino Voice. Letters can be send to [email protected].

👉 Read the full letter here:

In a letter to the editor, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins shares "why we must stop the destruction of Potter Valley's farms."

12/12/2025

🎸 Grammy-winning blues guitarist Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings will headline the Fort Bragg Blues Festival, set for May. The citywide event will feature national, regional and local acts at venues throughout Fort Bragg.

The three-day festival returns May 1–3 with citywide performances and a lineup of national and local blues artists.

12/12/2025

💣 A U.S. Air Force explosives team safely destroyed a World War II–era practice bomb found on private property near Gualala this week, after the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance.

https://mendovoice.com/2025/12/military-explosives-team-destroys-world-war-ii-era-bomb-found-near-gualala/?utm_campaign=breaking&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

The practice bomb was found on private property and removed after the sheriff’s office contacted the Air Force.