The Mendocino Voice

Willits Community Theatre announces 2026 season lineup featuring classic and contemporary works  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA The nonprofit enters its 49th year with a slate of comedies, dramas and a musical retelling of the World War I Christmas truce.

🎭 The Willits Community Theatre has announced its 2026 season lineup, featuring classics, comedies, and new works.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #willits #california #theater

California crime victims to get paid first under new restitution law • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA The Restitution First Act shifts payment priorities, directing funds to victims before fines or fees tied to convictions.

💰 A new California law signed by Gov. Newsom ensures victims are first in line to receive restitution before other court fines or fees.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #california

Redwood Forest Foundation awarded $2.8 million for wildfire mitigation near Leggett  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA The Fort Bragg nonprofit will expand and maintain fuel breaks along Highway 1 and fund community prescribed fire trainings as part of a USDA wildfire resilience grant.

👨‍🚒 The USDA announced more than $200 million in grants for wildlife resilience projects nationwide last week – $2.8 million of which will be awarded to a nonprofit project set for Leggett.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #california #leggett

Letter to the editor: Hopland residents question accuracy of utility district rate study • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA The group believes the numbers are inflated and that Hopland can’t afford the scheduled increases through 2029.

✍️ In a new letter to the editor, Hopland resident Vernon Budinger questions the findings behind the Public Utility District’s rate study.

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#mendocinocounty #hopland #mendocino #california #water

Willits farmer and chef shares small farm story at global climate summit  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Caroline Radice of Black Dog Farm and Catering discussed local food systems and her work with the Good Farm Fund.

👩‍🌾 A Willits farmer and chef joined global leaders at Climate Week NYC to discuss small farms and sustainable food systems.

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #willits #california #agriculture #farming

The Latest: Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the 'first phase' of his peace plan • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan to pause fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners. Here's the latest...

🇮🇱🇵🇸 President Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to the “first phase” of his peace plan — including a pause in fighting, hostage releases, and an Israeli troop withdrawal to an agreed line.

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What to do if your flight is delayed or canceled during the US government shutdown • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA The federal government shutdown has entered its second week, and already shortages of air traffic controllers have strained operations and disrupted flights at some U.S. airports.

✈️ As the U.S. government shutdown drags on, air traffic controller shortages are causing flight delays and cancellations nationwide. Here’s what travelers need to know about refunds, rebooking, and their rights.

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #travel #california

Mendocino County residents receiving healthcare insurance via Covered California may see premiums rise sharply • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Medi-Cal recipients are not the only ones at risk for losing coverage. Federal cuts may make the state’s program unaffordable for workers not insured by their employers.

📈 Covered California premiums could nearly double if federal tax credits expire — impacting up to 5,000 Mendocino County residents. Clinics warn that rising costs could lead to fewer services or closures.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #healthcare #california

Featured Pet: Nala • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Snuggler who enjoys spa days in the mud.

🐱 This week's featured adoptable pet is Nala, a beautiful adult Tabby who dreams of a quiet, calm home where she can be surrounded by love. Can you help her find it?

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #ukiah #adoptdontshop #cats

Opinion: Mendocino County benefits from residency programs for doctors-in-training • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA In rural counties, these programs are vital—and some physicians may choose to stay.

👩‍⚕️ In an opinion piece, local nurse practitioner Jenna Breton writes that Ukiah Valley’s doctor training program is vital to strengthening rural healthcare — and keeping new physicians in Mendocino County.

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #healthcare #california

New exhibit at Gualala Arts captures the beauty of Mendocino, Sonoma coasts  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA The exhibit, featuring the paintings of Sergio Lopez and Vanessa Walsh, runs Oct. 10 through Nov. 16.

🎨 A new exhibit, “Radiant Seascapes,” at the Gualala Arts Center celebrates the beauty and emotion of the Mendocino and Sonoma coasts through the paintings of Sergio Lopez and Vanessa Walsh.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #gualala #california #art

Public hearing set Thursday in Hopland on proposed water rate increase  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Residents can attend the hearing at Brutocao Cellars to learn about the proposed 40% increase in water and wastewater rates.

💧 A proposed 40% increase in water and wastewater rates will go before Hopland residents Thursday. The district says the hike would address inflation and aging infrastructure.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #hopland #water #california

UC’s Hopland center celebrates California’s oaks Saturday • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Free event includes guided walks, career talks, birds of the oak woodlands, art and poetry.

🌳 From guided hikes to oak-inspired art, UC Hopland’s Oak Discovery Day invites the community to explore local woodlands this Saturday.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #hopland #california

Mendocino County homeowners, landlords eligible for up to $10k in earthquake retrofit aid • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Funding is available for pre-1980 wood-frame homes in Mendocino and across Northern California; applications due Oct. 17.

🏠 A state grant program offering funds to retrofit older homes against earthquakes has extended its deadline to Oct. 17 — and now includes rental properties.

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #california #earthquakes

The Mendocino Setlist: October 6-12, 2025   • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Your weekly guide to upcoming music events in Mendocino County.

🎵 It's another great week for live music in Mendocino County –– here is this week's Setlist!

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #ukiah #pointarena #willits #fortbraggca

State funds playground upgrades at Ukiah’s Grace Hudson Language Academy  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Senate leader Mike McGuire helped secure $250,000 in the state budget for the Ukiah elementary school serving mostly low-income students.

🛝 A Ukiah school is set for campus improvements with help from new state funding.

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #ukiah #education #schools #california

Public invited to tour new Noyo Harbor icehouse before it opens • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Tuesday's tour offers a rare glimpse into the 20-ton facility built to preserve fresh catches.

❄️ The public is invited Tuesday to tour Noyo Harbor’s new 20-ton icehouse before it opens. The facility will help preserve catches from Fort Bragg’s commercial fishing fleet.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #fortbraggca #fishing #california

Mendocino artists and writers merge their creative talents at annual ‘Ekphrasis’ exhibit • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA The 14th annual exhibit features side-by-side works from 20 artists and 20 writers, with special events taking place Oct. 11 and 12.

🎨✍️ Mendocino artists and writers merge their creative talents for the 14th annual Ekphrasis exhibit — opening Oct. 8 at the Artists’ Co-op of Mendocino.

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #art #california

O’Neill: Soreness is part of laboring on a farm • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA But when soreness migrates into pain, the farmer must adopt and accept new strategies.

🌱 “Soreness is part of laboring on a farm,” writes Laytonville farmer Casey O’Neill, reflecting on the physical toll — and deep rewards — of working the land through harvest season.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #laytonville #farming #agriculture #cannabis

Mendocino County ballots go out Monday for statewide special election on Proposition 50  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Mendocino County voters will help decide whether to suspend California’s independent redistricting commission and redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

🗳️ Mendocino County voters will begin receiving ballots Monday for the statewide special election on Proposition 50.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #fortbraggca #willits #ukiah #pointarena #election #politics #prop50

Little River Inn Restaurant welcomes dogs for dining with new cabanas  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Dog treats, ocean views and cozy cabanas make dining at Little River Inn a special experience for pups and their people.

🐾 Looking to enjoy brunch with your pup or enjoy dinner with your doggo? The Little River Inn has launched a new dining experience exclusively for dogs and their human companions.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #california #fortbraggca #ukiah #dogs #pointarena #willits

Opinion: As checks and balances fade, Prop. 50 gives Californians a chance to hold the line • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA A former redistricting commissioner argues California must approve Proposition 50 to counter partisan gerrymanders in other states and defend democracy, despite the cost of a special election.

🗳️ Opinion: “Democracy is never free.” Trena Turner, a former redistricting commissioner, urges Californians to vote Yes on Prop. 50 to defend fair maps and representation.

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#mendocinocounty #prop50 #mendocino #fortbraggca #ukiah #willits #pointarena #california

Free wildfire and insurance forum set for Thursday in Willits  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Experts will discuss home hardening, defensible space, and navigating insurance rate hikes; the event includes info booths and free pizza.

🔥 A free Wildfire & Insurance Forum will be held Thursday in Willits to help residents prepare for wildfire risks and navigate insurance challenges.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #willits #ukiah #fortbraggca #wildfires #california

Opinion: The Democratic Party has abandoned Mendocino County’s working class • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Removing dams creates water scarcity and deepens poverty. People must come first.

🗣️ in an opinion piece, Redwood Valley resident Kahli Johnson writes that the Democratic Party has “abandoned Mendocino County’s working class,” criticizing local water policy and dam removals.

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #politics #california

Ukiah will offer affordable and high-speed internet through new grant • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA The fiber-optic infrastructure will be owned by the city of Ukiah and leased by Vero Fiber Networks for a 35-year term.

💻 Starting in 2026, the city of Ukiah will expand affordable, high-speed internet access in underserved areas through a $5.6M state grant.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #ukiah #broadband #california

Haschak: Impacts of federal cuts to healthcare will be significant in Mendocino County • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Speakers at the Board of Supervisors workshop warned of a spectrum of social ills, including drug use, suicide, homelessness and more.

🩺 In a new column, Supervisor John Haschak outlines how federal healthcare cuts could affect Medi-Cal, local clinics, and rural services in Mendocino County.

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#mendocino #mendocinocounty #willits #california #politics

Controversial Fort Bragg Grocery Outlet slated for spring groundbreaking • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA City officials say the grocery store will be a much-needed affordable grocery option for residents.

🏗️ After nearly six years of litigation, Fort Bragg’s planned Grocery Outlet is moving forward.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #fortbraggca #california

Willits Center for the Arts seeks vendors for 38th Annual Holiday Craft Fair  • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA Applications are open until booths are filled; event features handmade goods, local food and live entertainment.

🎨 Willits Center for the Arts is seeking vendors for its 38th Annual Holiday Craft Fair.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #willits #california #fortbraggca #ukiah #pointarena #art

Letter to the editor: Prop. 50 lets voters have a voice—Yes on 50 • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA A temporary measure ensures fairness now, while preserving California’s independent redistricting commission for the future.

✉️ In a letter to the editor, Val Muchowski urges a "Yes" vote on Prop. 50, calling it a way to ensure voters — not politicians — have the power to decide.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #prop50 #politics #elections #california

Nonprofits to receive millions in USDA grants to promote, research California grown crops • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA A federal program aimed at boosting the competitiveness of specialty crops will award $24.2 million in grants to projects across California.

🌿 The USDA awarded $24.2M in specialty crop grants statewide — including one in Mendocino County to expand sustainable farm practices.

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#mendocinocounty #mendocino #agriculture #farming #california #ukiah #fortbraggca #pointarena #willits