July 7, 2025 - Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week that "Task Force Rattlesnake," a specialized unit of over 300 National Guard members trained to assist the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), is now operating at only 40% of its normal strength. This leaves just six crews available for statewide fire prevention and emergency response, a reduction from nine crews the previous week.

July 3, 2025 - The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office has issued a public alert following a surge in reports from residents targeted by fraudulent phone calls and emails. According to officials, the scams are particularly aimed at senior citizens.

July 2, 2025 – California's legal cannabis industry awoke on July 1st to a significant shift, as the state's cannabis excise tax officially increased from 15% to 19% of gross receipts from retail sales. This 4% hike, mandated by a 2022 law (AB 195) that eliminated the cultivation tax, is already sparking widespread concern among consumers and industry stakeholders alike.

July 1, 2025 - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued guidance to help California's immigrant communities avoid immigration scams by those seeking to take advantage of fear and uncertainty resulting from President Trump’s cruel mass detention and deportation campaign. The alert released today provides tools for people looking to hire free or low-cost legal help and for those looking to locate loved ones who are detained.

June 30, 2025 - Summer is here, and wildfire danger is high in Mendocino County. CAL FIRE says conditions are unusually dry right now. Even though some controlled burns have taken place (like near Lake Mendocino) to clear out brush, officials say it's crucial for everyone to be ready. Starting today, the outdoor burning ban is now in full effect across the county. No outdoor fires!

June 27, 2025 — As food banks across the country grapple with steep federal funding cuts, a Mendocino County nonprofit is responding with expansion. The Mendo Food Network will open a new food distribution warehouse in Willits on Saturday, a move leaders say will vastly improve local food security at a time of growing need.

June 26, 2025 — It's a bustling morning at Camp Flockworks in Fort Bragg as parents say their goodbyes, and children reconnect with friends. The newly launched 9-to-5 summer camp is already making its mark as a vital resource for working families in the small coastal city.

June 26, 2025 - In the ongoing debate over federal funding for public broadcasting, a less-discussed but potentially profound impact looms large for local radio stations: the future of their music. A proposed clawback of already allotted funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) not only threatens direct grants but could dismantle the very mechanism that allows public radio stations across the country to play music at all.

June 24, 2025 — The Fort Bragg City Council on Monday unanimously approved the allocation of $58,000 in emergency funding to the Fort Bragg Food Bank, addressing growing concerns over the impact of federal cuts to food programs in the community. The funds, drawn from the 2024-25 budget surplus, were made possible by unfilled city positions.

June 25, 2025 - The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday and discussed a Grand Jury report that found the County Department of Planning and Building Services was not adhering to state law or local ordinances with regard to permits for limited density rural dwellings. The Supervisors also discussed withdrawing from a master tax sharing agreement in response to Ukiah's proposed annexation of county land.