Local Politics · Mendocino County
At its Tuesday, October 20, 2026 meeting, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors appointed Michael Rossi as County Counsel with total compensation of $461,000 per year and confirmed Sara Pierce as permanent CEO at a base salary of $275,000 with estimated total compensation of $481,000 per year. The combined cost of the two appointments is approximately $950,000 annually. Rossi transferred from a mid-level attorney position in the Santa Clara County Counsel's office. Supervisor Ted Williams stated he would seek at least $1 million more for road repairs in the next budget but acknowledged uncertainty about funding sources. The article questions whether the compensation figures are fully itemized in the county's approved 2026/27 budget.
Public Safety
The NWS Eureka office issued a beach hazards statement at 10:05 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, valid from Sunday 6 p.m. through Monday 10 p.m. for Coastal Del Norte, Northern Coastal Humboldt, Southwestern Humboldt, and Coastal Mendocino zones. The alert warns of an increased threat of sneaker waves—large, unexpected waves that can sweep people into the sea from rocks, jetties, and beaches without warning. The NWS advises avoiding rocks, jetties, and steep beaches, staying far back from the water, and never turning one's back on the ocean.
Public Safety · Lake County
The National Weather Service in Eureka issued a frost advisory Sunday at 3:36 p.m. for Southeastern Interior Humboldt, Northwestern and Northeastern Interior Mendocino, and Lake County, valid Monday from midnight through 8 a.m. Temperatures as low as 34 degrees are expected, which could harm or kill sensitive outdoor vegetation. The NWS advises residents to cover tender plants before sunset or move them indoors for the night.
Public Safety · Mendocino County
A wildfire named the Logan Fire was first discovered at 9:53 p.m. on October 31 in Mendocino County, California. The fire is burning on federal land managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Containment status and cause remain undetermined as of publication.
