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Newscast: Fort Bragg Pushes Grocery Project Forward, Declares Support for Immigrants

A gray two-story building with long windows.
City of Fort Bragg website.
Fort Bragg City Hall

Typos fix. January 14, 11:48 PM

The lawsuit filed by Fort Bragg Local Business Matters against the proposed Grocery Outlet store at the southern end of the city will be heard on February 3 at 9:30 a.m. in San Francisco’s Superior Court. The group argues that the store’s permit violates local coastal program plan policies, citing safety hazards and substantial changes to coastal land use. The store’s proximity to a Pacific Ocean bluff and anticipated increases in traffic are key concerns.
The California Coastal Commission reviewed the appeal in September 2023 and sided with the city, finding no substantial issue. At the same hearing, Commissioner Mike Wilson highlighted safety challenges in the area that echo some of the plaintiff's concerns. “It’s designed completely dangerously at every intersection," he said. "There’s a four-lane highway...North Harbor Drive is totally dangerous to walk down.”
Councilperson Lindy Peters emphasized the city’s readiness to move forward pending a court decision. “Our planning department...has continued to administrate those permits and move them forward so we can expedite the process once the court renders its decision,” Peters said.

Council Declares Support for Immigrants

The council also passed a resolution reaffirming the Fort Bragg Police Department’s commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status. This follows the department’s earlier efforts to inform immigrant families of their rights under California law.
While public feedback was largely supportive, some residents criticized the measure as “virtue signaling” and questioned its relevance to broader border issues. “What is going to be served by this resolution?” one resident asked, arguing it did not represent all community members.
Mayor Jason Godeke defended the resolution as a reaffirmation of the city’s values. “This is our job...to create a safe place for all members of our community,” he said.

Other Council Actions:

  • Approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow the city manager to appoint the city clerk.
  • Directed staff to establish Visit Fort Bragg as a stand-alone committee, with Tess Albin-Smith and Lindy Peters appointed to serve.
  • Mayor Godeke announced committee appointments:
    • Public Works: Jason Godeke, Scott Hockett
    • Public Safety: Lindy Peters, Scott Hockett
    • Community Development: Jason Godeke, Marcia Rafanan
    • Finance and Administration: Marcia Rafanan, Tess Albin-Smith
    • Visit Fort Bragg: Tess Albin-Smith, Lindy Peters

Ad-Hoc Committees:

  • Broadband: Tess Albin-Smith, Marcia Rafanan
  • Culture and Education: Jason Godeke, Marcia Rafanan
  • Mill Site: Jason Godeke, Lindy Peters

Regional Appointments:

  • Economic Development Financing Council: Tess Albin-Smith
  • Fire Protection Board: Lindy Peters, Scott Hockett
  • League of California Cities Voting Delegates: Lindy Peters (primary), Tess Albin-Smith (alternate)
  • Mendocino Council of Governments: Marcia Rafanan
  • Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority: Jason Godeke
  • Mendocino Transit Authority: Tess Albin-Smith
  • Sonoma Clean Power: Lindy Peters
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Local News City of Fort Bragg