Community News
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will open the recreational Dungeness crab season on Nov. 7, 2026, but restricts crab traps from the California/Oregon border to Point Conception until at least Jan. 1, 2027, due to humpback whale entanglements. Recreational fishing is additionally delayed in state waters from Cape Mendocino (40°10' N) to Ten Mile State Marine Reserve (39°33.3' N) in southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino counties because of elevated domoic acid levels, a neurotoxin that can cause nausea, seizures, and memory loss. The commercial Dungeness crab fishery is also postponed from the California/Oregon border to Point Conception until at least Jan. 1, 2027. Hoop nets and crab snares remain permitted but must be serviced every two hours. CDFW anticipates a mid-December risk assessment to determine whether restrictions can be lifted around the new year.
Public Safety
The National Weather Service in Eureka issued a beach hazards statement valid from Sunday at 6 p.m. until Monday at 10 p.m. The alert covers Coastal Del Norte, Northern Coastal Humboldt, Southwestern Humboldt, and Coastal Mendocino counties. Officials warn of an increased threat of sneaker waves that can unexpectedly sweep people into the sea or crush them with large objects. Residents are advised to avoid rocks, jetties, and steep beaches, and to stay far back from the water.
Education · Mendocino County
Students, parents, faculty, and community members gathered Friday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of Noyo High School's new campus in Mendocino County. The bond-funded project followed more than a year of construction and ended a longer period during which students attended classes in portable buildings. The new campus includes a central building with counseling rooms and conference spaces, four classrooms using natural light, all-gender restrooms with full-length privacy doors, and a separate building housing maker and art spaces. Local contractors Fort Bragg Electric, Frank Rigello Construction, and Akeff Construction contributed to the build. The first full day of classes on the new campus took place Monday.
Public Safety · Mendocino County
A wildfire named the Maize Fire was first discovered at 3:22 p.m. on October 30 in Mendocino County, California. The fire is burning on private land. Containment status and cause remain undetermined as of the report.
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Community brief · Mendocino, CA
Kelley House Board Member Rob Hawthorn leads the Haunted Mendocino Walking Tour through Mendocino's historic district, sharing ghost stories tied to local homes, inns, and landmarks. The tour meets at the Kelley House Museum at 7 p.m. on Halloween, with tickets available on the Kelley House website. The Kelley House Museum is open Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Community brief · Mendocino, CA
The Mendocino Theatre Company will stage "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" at its venue at 45200 Little Lake St. in Mendocino, running November 5 through December 13. Previews are Thursday, November 5 and Friday, November 6, with the gala opening Saturday, November 7. Performances take place Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a "Pay What You Will" performance on November 12. The production is adapted by…
Community brief · Ukiah, CA
A free family-friendly Christmas CarolSing is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m., at Crossroads Christian Church, 900 So. Dora Street, Ukiah. The event features a duo—Smoak and keyboardist Roberts—in its third consecutive year in Ukiah. No musical knowledge is required; attendees are invited to sing along. For more information, contact Carole Hester at (707) 972-2795 or musicmaker.carole@gmail.com.
