Public Safety · Mendocino County
The National Weather Service in Eureka issued a freeze warning on Tuesday at 12:13 p.m. for Northwestern Interior Mendocino, Northeastern Interior Mendocino, and Lake County, valid from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday. Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 degrees are expected. The NWS warns that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, damage sensitive vegetation, and harm unprotected outdoor plumbing. Residents are advised to move tender plants indoors and wrap, drain, or allow pipes to drip slowly.
Local Politics · Fort Bragg, CA
Blue Shield notified customers it is cutting off Mendocino Coast Pharmacy, affecting healthcare access for residents who use the insurer in the area. At Monday's Oct. 26 Fort Bragg City Council meeting, multiple presentations raised allegations of anonymous political attacks, harassment of city employees, and improper use of voter registration information. Dentist Alan Limbird alleged Vice Mayor Marcia Rafanan purchased a voter roll on Aug. 10 and posted it on social media, resulting in false voter-fraud accusations against him; the Mendocino County Registrar confirmed the purchase date. The meeting also included questions about whether city employee Laura Bianchi Limbird engaged in political activity during work hours, which she denies.
Community brief · Fort Bragg, CA
The historic Skunk Train in Mendocino County, California, has added adults-only cocktail railcars offering excursions through redwood forests from stations in Fort Bragg and Willits. The Noyo car, a former U.S. Army railcar seating up to 22 guests, began service from Willits in September, joining the Redwood car operating from Fort Bragg. Trips cost approximately $200 per passenger and include charcuterie snacks and two cocktails on routes of 7…
