On Tuesday, November 12, a bomb threat disrupted operations at the Mendocino County Registrar of Voters’ office, prompting an evacuation at 4 p.m. as the Mendocino County Sheriff's Department responded. Captain Quincy Cromer confirmed that the sheriff’s office coordinated a thorough assessment with specialized canine units trained in explosive detection.
The threat, received via email, was directed to the county’s general registrar email address, Cromer told KMUD’s Lauren Schmitt. Sheriff Matt Kendall was informed immediately, and CEO Darcie Antle ordered the building at 501 Low Gap Road cleared of staff.
"We conducted a very comprehensive and thorough sweep of the administration building and did not locate any evidence to substantiate the claim," Cromer stated. Following clearance, employees returned to work on Wednesday. According to Cromer, 17 other California counties received similar, reportedly baseless, threats.
City of Ukiah Advances Western Hills Annexation
Separately, the Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission approved Ukiah’s application to annex the Western Hills. Chief Planning Manager Jesse Davis explained that finalizing maps and completing the application to the State Board of Equalization are next steps. The annexation paves the way for residential development and public access components.
State Fire Hazard Severity Zone Update Affects Ukiah
In other local news, the state is revising Ukiah’s fire hazard severity zones, which could expand. Community Development Director Craig Schlatter said residents could face additional defensible space requirements and wildland-urban interface building codes. New maps are expected in January 2025, with the city given four months to adopt necessary ordinances.
Ukiah City Council Updates
During its November 6 meeting, the Ukiah City Council approved various measures, including authorizing the city manager to apply for a $5.6 million California Public Utilities Commission grant for a last-mile gigabit fiber project. The council also authorized lease negotiations with FedEx for airport hangar space and passed a resolution to adjust parking time limits.
Additionally, the council approved a fee increase for ambulance transport provided by the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority to a bundled base rate of $3,000, reflecting rising operational costs. Fire Chief Doug Hutchison cited increases in personnel, material, and vehicle expenses as reasons for the adjustment.