mastodon 4.8.0-alpha.3+pr-41085-a68fedb📰 An Independent, nonprofit news site serving all of Mendocino County, California. Part of the BCN Foundation family. TIPS 👉 info@mendovoice.com.
Behind the headlines: Our nonprofit newsroom produces investigative and community-focused stories for everyone, from Monterey to Mendocino to Marin and everywhere in between. #StartLocal today by reading, sharing or supporting local journalism: https://baycitynews.org/donate/ @LocalNewsDay
Nine years into her tenure, Mendo Food Network’s executive director Amanda Friscia steps down September 30. Friscia guided the food distribution and networking nonprofit through the COVID-19 pandemic and led a team that expanded food access countywide.
https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/mendo-food-networks-amanda-friscia-steps-down-as-executive-director/
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Support the work that keeps communities connected: baycitynews.org/donate/ @LocalNewsDay
Ukiah can boast a new partner in healthcare as of last week, one of few such technologies in Northern California. The da Vinci 5® robotic surgical system, the most advanced robotic-assisted surgical technology available today, is now in use at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley.
Looking for live music this week in Mendocino County?
The Mendocino Setlist for this week is packed with everything from jazz to classical to folk- and even karaoke and open mics for those inspired to perform themselves!
https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/the-mendocino-setlist-april-13-19-2026/
Pet-friendly Little River Inn hosts its second annual Pup Palooza on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organized in partnership with Dog Trekker, this free, canine-centered celebration will include contests, activities, demonstrations, treats and more.
https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/candidate-for-mendocino-mayor-bodhi-to-appear-at-pup-palooza/
Larry Silverman, a retired TV producer, writer and director who lives in Willits, filmed the No Kings 3 protest in the town of 5,000 on Saturday, March 28, with the help of a few others. He released a video on YouTube Wednesday.
https://mendovoice.com/2026/04/video-of-willits-no-kings-3-protest-now-on-youtube/
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The arraignment for Matthew LaFever, arrested in November 2025 for allegedly annoying or molesting a child under 18, has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Superior Court of Mendocino County.
🚨 Do you know your evacuation zone?
Mendocino County officials are urging residents to find their zone now — before the next emergency.
Evacuations aren’t just for wildfires. They can happen during floods, earthquakes, or hazardous incidents, and knowing your zone can help you get out faster and safer.
Find your zone and stay prepared.
🌊 A tsunami drill is set for the Mendocino Coast this Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Residents in coastal hazard zones are encouraged to walk to higher ground as part of the annual North Coast Tsunami Drill, which helps communities prepare for a major earthquake and tsunami.
Officials say practicing evacuation routes now can save lives in a real emergency.
🚨 Two people were arrested after a reported shooting and nearly two-hour standoff near Willits.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire Thursday night on Highway 162. Authorities say a man exited a trailer with a shotgun before retreating inside, leading to a standoff with law enforcement.
Both individuals were eventually taken into custody.
🎨 Three new art exhibitions are now open at Dharma Realm Buddhist University in Ukiah, featuring photography, Buddhist art and community works.
🚨 A Feather Alert has been issued for a missing at-risk man in Mendocino County.
Samuel Sierra, 36, was last seen in Ukiah and is believed to be on foot. Authorities say he may be in Mendocino or Alameda counties.
Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911.
#MendocinoCounty #FeatherAlert #IndianCountry #MissingPerson #MMIP
🚔 A Willits man was arrested after allegedly giving THC-laced popcorn to minors at a Fort Bragg community movie night last summer, police said.
Authorities say two minors became ill after eating the popcorn. The suspect was arrested this week and booked on suspicion of furnishing cannabis to minors and child endangerment.
🎓 Ukiah High School’s principal will step down at the end of the school year.
Dr. Analese Alvarez plans to leave the district after the 2025–26 school year to pursue opportunities in Southern California. District officials say she will remain through the end of the year and help support the transition.
🍔 How should food trucks operate in Fort Bragg?
City officials are asking for public input as they consider possible updates to local rules — including where trucks can operate, how many should be allowed and potential impacts on neighborhoods and businesses.
The survey is open through March 31.
🎶 Looking for live music this weekend?
The Mendocino Setlist has performances across the county Friday–Sunday.
🚨 A Willits man was sentenced to 10½ years in federal prison for attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with a child and for distributing and possessing child porn, authorities said.
