Opponents of President Donald Trump are urging a collective “spend nothing” protest on Friday, Feb. 28, calling the administration’s moves tantamount to a coup. Historian Heather Cox Richardson criticized Trump’s executive order that grants him direct control over regulatory agencies meant to be independent and argues he is undermining Congress’s constitutional lawmaking power. A Washington Post poll released Thursday showed 45% of respondents approve of Trump’s performance, 53% disapprove, and 57% say he has exceeded his authority. The poll also found 57% oppose deporting those not accused of crimes.
AREA SENIORS CALL FOR OLDER AMERICANS ACT REAUTHORIZATION
Area seniors mobilized this weekend to demand reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, which funds critical services at the Fort Bragg Senior Center. The center serves 55,000 meals annually at a cost of about $500,000, with roughly half coming from federal funding provided by the act, according to center official Zomala Abell. A congressional source told KZYX News that although the program’s authorization has lapsed, it is common for programs to operate while reauthorization is pending.
UKIAH CITY COUNCIL OKAYS AIRPORT RUNWAY EXTENSION
The Ukiah City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to include a runway extension project in its capital improvements plan. The project will extend the current 4,400‑foot runway by about 600 feet to reach 5,000 feet. Vice Chairman Mark Ashiku said a longer runway is critical for public safety, enabling larger firefighting aircraft and improving emergency response amid rising fire threats. Recreational pilot Eric Crane noted that a previous runway reduction—made to accommodate Hastings Road—now necessitates the extension. The longer runway will also make the Ukiah Airport more attractive to business jets and reduce risks for recreational pilots and others in the event of engine trouble during takeoff.
FORT BRAGG VISIONING WORKSHOP ANNOUNCED
Residents of Fort Bragg are invited to attend a visioning workshop for the mill site at Town Hall on Main Street. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m., where local officials say they hope to gather community input.