Red Abalone Diving Ban Extended

Northern California’s red abalone diving ban, implemented in 2018 following an 80% population decline, is extended until at least 2036. The collapse was caused by red tide, a marine heat wave, and sea urchins destroying kelp. Due to the lack of population recovery, poaching issues, and over $550,000 in lost survey revenue, the CDFW continues … Read more

Lake and Mendo County Road Projects Receive State Funding

The California Transportation Commission approved $1.1 billion for zero-emission buses, charging stations, infrastructure, bridge restoration, highway safety, and local street mobility in the state. The funds support Gov. Newsom’s infrastructure agenda, enhancing safety and climate resilience for a modern, sustainable transportation system. The investment includes $340,000 for slide removal on Route 175 in Lake County. … Read more

Coho Salmon Return To Some Area Waterways

Coho salmon have naturally reproduced in the upper Russian River basin, traveling over 90 miles upstream for the first time in more than 30 years. The sighting of juvenile salmon in Ackerman Creek near Ukiah is promising, attributed to habitat improvements, favorable ocean conditions, and recent wet years. Despite declines since the 1940s, current effortssuggest … Read more

New Fire Equipment Funded for Northshore Fire Protection District

The Northshore Fire Protection District has received a $160,000 grant, part of nearly $3 million allocated statewide, from the California Office of Traffic Safety for new “jaws of life” rescue equipment and training. Fire Chief Shannon Banks emphasized that modern, hydraulic tools are vital for improved crash response and victim care. The grant addresses the … Read more

Man Responsible For Death of Mendocino County Woman in 2024 Gets 16 Year Sentence

Michael Andrew Coleman, 42, pleaded no contest this past September for the 2024 death of 77-year-old Roberta Ann McNeil-Wood in June of 2024, in Mendocino County. The plea, replacing a murder charge, was for voluntary manslaughter, first-degree burglary, and a weapon enhancement, resulting in a maximum 16-year sentence. Coleman began his sentence at the California … Read more

Ukiah’s Tapestry Family Services Receives Grant

Tapestry Family Services in Ukiah has secured a $1 million, three-year grant from the Tow Foundation’s 2025 Innovation Fund to enhance youth mental health services and expand parent-child interaction therapy in remote Mendocino County. The funds will allow therapists, utilizing a new Sprinter van to visit rural families. 

Lake County Probation Officer Receives Award

Roberto Morfin, Lake County’s Supervising Deputy Probation Officer, won North Region Probation Employee of the Year at the 2025 Annual CPOC Awards. The award was presented by CPOC, an association of all 58 county law enforcement leaders.