Public Safety · Mendocino County
Cal Fire Mendocino Unit Chief Brandon Gunn formally canceled the county-wide burn permit suspension as of Sunday morning, allowing holders of valid agriculture and residential burn permits to resume burning on permissible days. Agriculture burns must be inspected by Cal Fire prior to burning until the end of peak fire season, and landowners are responsible for checking with local fire agencies for additional permits or restrictions. Separately, Cal Fire scheduled a prescribed burn in South Covelo beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, treating approximately 300 acres of chaparral and understory vegetation within oak woodlands and mixed conifer habitats. Daily burning will run from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Nov. 5, 2026, as favorable weather conditions allow.
Local Politics · Ukiah, CA
All three incumbents in the Ukiah City Council race led eight candidates after the first results were posted at 8:07 p.m. Nov. 3 by the Mendocino County Elections Office. Council members Juan Orozco, Susan Sher, and Mari Rodin held the top three vote totals, with challengers John Strangio and Robert Bazzani close behind. The top three vote-getters will earn or keep their seats on the City Council.
Local Politics · Ukiah, CA
The Ukiah City Council will discuss the status of the long-vacant Palace Hotel at its regular meeting Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 5:15 p.m. In November 2023, the city's Building Official deemed the downtown building "an imminent risk to people and property" due to advanced deterioration. Owner Tom Carter previously told the council he expected a letter from a local architect declaring the building structurally sound, but as of the Nov. 4 agenda publication, no such letter had been received. Staff confirmed the building has neither been fully stabilized nor demolished. The meeting is at 300 Seminary Avenue or via Zoom.
