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Local News

Newscast: Former Employee Testifies in Support of Cubbison, a Hail of Bullets in Redwood Valley, & Point Arena Demands Code Enforcement

Main Street in Point Arena
Sarah Stierch
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Highway 1 and Point Arena

Editorial Note: This story was corrected 1/30/2025 at 3:10 p.m. to clarify that the court room procedure is a "preliminary hearing" and not a trial as was incorrectly stated in an earlier drafat.

Preliminary Hearing Continues for Former Mendocino County Officials

The preliminary hearing of charges against former Mendocino County Auditor-Controller Chamise Cubbison and payroll manager Paula Kennedy continued Wednesday, with testimony from Lieutenant Andrew Porter and former county employee Danielle Grilli. Porter testified about his investigation, which focused on Cubbison despite conflicting accounts and potential evidence. He also confirmed that while the county could have authorized Kennedy’s overtime through a side letter, no such authorization was issued.

Grilli testified about her concerns regarding Kennedy’s use of the 470 pay code for overtime payments. She said she raised the issue with Cubbison, who appeared unaware of the situation. The hearing is set to resume on Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. with testimony from Mendocino County CEO Darcie Antle.

Hail of Gunfire in Redwood Valley; No Injuries Reported

Authorities responded to an early morning shooting Wednesday in Redwood Valley, where more than 50 shell casings were found scattered across a roadway near Eagle Peak Middle School.

Mendocino County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers arrived at the 400 block of Ellen Lynn Road around 4:36 a.m., discovering multiple homes and vehicles struck by bullets. No injuries were reported.

Detectives canvassed the area, but no suspects have been identified. The sheriff’s office issued emergency alerts, and school operations resumed after officials confirmed no ongoing threat.

Point Arena Council Focuses on Vacant, Blighted Properties

The Point Arena City Council on Tuesday discussed addressing vacant and deteriorating buildings through code enforcement and a potential vacancy ordinance.

Nicole Ponsler of the group Point Arena Forward urged the council to enforce the city’s nuisance ordinance, which prohibits abandoned structures, accumulated debris, and hazardous conditions that lower property values.

City Manager Peggy Ducey said she would return in 60 days with a comprehensive enforcement plan and research a vacancy ordinance.

In financial news, Doocey reported that the city’s bank balance has grown to more than $400,000, a significant improvement from the $28,000 it had at the start of 2024. However, she cautioned that budget constraints remain, citing a recent street repair project that went $300,000 over budget.

“We’re on our way up, but it’s going to take a little time,” Ducey said.

Local News
Elise Cox worked as an editor and reporter for the San Jose Mercury News, Knight Ridder, U.S. News & World Report and other publications prior to moving to the Mendocino coast in 2022. She began reporting stories for KZYX in August 2024 and became news director in December 2024.