The City of Fort Bragg is marking its first official Pride Month with a proclamation and plans for its inaugural Pride March on June 21. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Jason Godeke declared June 2025 as LGBTQI+ Pride Month, affirming the city’s commitment to inclusion, equality, and the rights of all residents regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Godeke’s proclamation recognized the ongoing discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ individuals—particularly transgender people and people of color—and emphasized the distinction between tolerance and full acceptance. He called on the community to reaffirm its values of mutual respect and inclusion.“This month, we reconfirm our commitment to do more to support LGBTQI+ rights,” Godeke said.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Councilmember Lindy Peters presented a proclamation recognizing Harvest Market’s 40th anniversary. Opened in 1985, the grocery store was praised for its community support, emergency response efforts, and dedication to sustainability.“Harvest Market has been an exceptional community partner,” Peters said. “Its values and spirit reflect the heart of Fort Bragg.”
Tim Bosma accepted the proclamation on behalf of founder Tom Honer, noting Honer’s vision for a market that supports and represents the local community.
City Manager Isaac Whippy announced the finalized $300,000 purchase of the Mendocino Community Network broadband utility from the school district and said the city is recruiting a director for the broadband operation. He also promoted two upcoming events: the Noyo Harbor Blue Economy Open House on June 7 and a budget workshop scheduled for June 11.
Public Works Director John Smith shared that the city is issuing a survey on a proposed reservoir project off Highway 20 and inviting public participation in testing outdoor fitness equipment on the Noyo Headlands Trail on May 30 from 4–6 p.m. He also acknowledged trash overflow on the trail during the holiday weekend, saying staff were overwhelmed by the volume.
During council member reports, Peters said a potential microgrid project could be located west of the hospital near the police station. The microgrid, potentially funded by PG&E, would provide emergency power to critical facilities during outages.
Peters also called attention to a city council pay raise that was approved over a year ago but never enacted due to a missed agenda item. Councilmember Tess Albin-Smith supported bringing the item back, saying a modest increase to the current $500 monthly stipend would help encourage broader participation in city leadership.
Albin-Smith also reminded residents about the Fort Bragg Film Festival and noted that puppies will be available for adoption during First Friday on June 6 at Laurel and Franklin streets.
Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan raised concerns about a $34,076 change order invoice from B.T. Mancini Co. for flooring upgrades at City Hall, which included $5,268 for hotel and travel costs. Rafanan requested confirmation that the expenses align with the city’s contract.
Members of the public echoed concerns about contract compliance and urged the city to verify invoices before issuing payment.
