Public Safety · Mendocino County
The Cooley Fire, discovered at 5:05 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, along Elkhorn Road and Cooley Ranch Road west of Cloverdale in Mendocino County, California, had burned 558 acres by Saturday afternoon, Oct. 17. Cal Fire Mendocino Unit reported only 5% containment as of 1:15 p.m. Saturday, meaning approximately 95% of the fire perimeter remained uncontrolled. The cause of the fire was not yet determined at the time of publication.
Local Politics · Ukiah, CA
Seven of eight candidates for three Ukiah City Council seats participated in an Oct. 6 debate hosted by the Mendocino Women's Political Coalition, the League of Women Voters of Mendocino County, and the American Association of University Women. A central topic was the city's use of 16 Flock ALPR cameras that capture license plates of vehicles entering and exiting Ukiah. Incumbent Mayor Susan Sher reported a recent UPD policy change revoking Flock data sharing with all statewide law enforcement agencies except neighboring counties such as Sonoma and Napa, and an amended contract limiting data retention to 30 days. Multiple candidates called for a citizen oversight committee to review the camera program. The Nov. 3 election will determine which of the eight candidates—incumbents Juan Orozco, Mari Rodin, Susan Sher, and challengers Robert Bazzani, Matt Froneberger, John Strangio, Sean White, and Mia Uribe—fill the open seats.
Transportation · Mendocino County
Caltrans has published its weekly roadwork schedule for Mendocino County covering October 16–23, affecting Route 1 from Gualala to Westport, Route 20 near Fort Bragg and Willits, U.S. 101 from the Sonoma County line through Ukiah and Calpella to Bell Springs, Route 162 near Laytonville, and Route 175. New projects begin Monday, Oct. 19 at the Albion River Bridge (up to 20-minute delays), south of Hales Grove on Route 1, west of South Main Street in Willits, and tree work along Route 162; additional utility work starts Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Ryan Creek Road on U.S. 101. One-way traffic control is in effect at most sites during daytime hours, with overnight lane closures on several U.S. 101 segments. Motorists should expect delays ranging from minor slowdowns to up to 20 minutes depending on location.
Public Safety · Mendocino County
California Board of Forestry proposed Zone Zero regulations require property owners in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to reduce combustible materials within five feet of structures. Lake, Mendocino, Napa, and Sonoma Counties contain nearly 1.8 million acres designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity, representing about 10% of such acreage statewide. New construction must comply immediately, while existing properties phase in requirements over three to five years; some measures like clearing roofs, gutters, and dead branches take effect now. Local jurisdictions may adopt additional protocols or exemptions, and residents with property-specific questions are directed to the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority or the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council.
