August 27, 2024 — A new prescribed burn association has formed in Round Valley, with the goal of helping landowners and the valley at large conduct prescribed burns and prepare for fire season. Coordinator Lourance Hall describes the group's efforts.

August 23. 224 — A new deal between California lawmakers and tech giants, aimed at supporting local journalism, is stirring controversy among journalists and advocates who claim it may do more harm than good. The agreement, championed by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks of Oakland, promises to funnel an average of $25 million a year from Google and the State of California over five years to aid struggling newsrooms. However, critics argue the funding is inadequate and could accelerate the decline of independent journalism.

August 22, 2024 — As pink ladies bloomed in gardens, along roadways, and on the wild coastline, Mendocino winemakers gathered in Hopland on Saturday for the annual Mendocino County Fair Wine Competition, which determines whose wine will be poured at the fair.For the first time, the Mendocino Winegrowers did not invite wine experts but instead held a “people’s choice” competition. "It's great to have consumers, the people who buy the wine, judge the competition," said Executive Director Bonnie Butcher.

August 21, 2024 — The Planning Commission met August 15 and, citing the need for more public input, rejected controversial changes to the zoning ordinance that would legalize small commercial campgrounds on residential, agricultural, and rural land, as well as range land, forest land and timber land, and community, commercial, open space and public facilities.. People who are concerned by this issue should keep an eye out for the next round of public hearings, which could be scheduled for next year, or later this year.

August 20, 2024 — This past weekend, theBlackberry Festival took place in Round Valley, as it has been on the 3rd weekend in August since 1983, folks gathered at the festival grounds in the center of town to listen to live music, shop from the vendors and enjoy blackberry desserts and of course blackberry wine.

August 19. 2024 -- Fort Bragg City Council heard plans for an upcoming Pomo “Biggest Time” event on the Noyo Headlands, explained the three confusing sales tax items on the consent calendar, adopted a draft strategic plan, received a report on the financial status of the employee retirement plan, approved new firearms for the police department, and hired consultants and engineers for three new water reservoirs at the August 12th City Council meeting.City Clerk Diana Sanchez updated the council on applications for the two open council seats that are up for election in 2024. As of the initial deadline of August 9th, the City received three applications, however, as Mayor Norvell is not seeking reelection the deadline was extended to August 14th, and Sanchez expected additional applicants.

August 16, 2024 —1 - Albion residents responded to a Caltrans call for community comment on a draft environmental impact report at a meeting Tuesday night at the Whitesboro Grange in Albion with a demand that Caltrans include the rehabilitation option in the EIR. “For a good ten years plus, Caltrans has been talking about this being a rehabilitation or a replacement program,” said Jim Heid, a member of Albion Bridge Stewards, a local group that has carried out its own studies of the bridge’s structural integrity. “All of a sudden the words rehab, rehabilitate, and rehabilitation disappeared from the project description.” 2 -What does a white male folk singer born in 1912 in Oklahoma have in common with a 23-year-old Mexican American female educator born in 2001 in Fort Bragg? Only the things that matter most: resilience, respect, the ability to remember, and a steadfast belief in the power of song. Listen to our interview with Maria Ramos, who plays multiple roles in Woody Guthrie’s American Song, playing at the Mendocino Theater Company through August 25.

August 15, 2024 — The Anderson Valley Fire Department is asking Mendocino County residents to consider signing up for the fire department’s volunteer training programs. As Northern California continues to fight a long-winded fire season, the Anderson Valley Fire Chief, Andres Avila, says it’s more important than ever for locals to get involved in their community.

August 14, 2024 — Jenn Procacci interviews Patricia Mera, Project Manager for the Round Valley Skate Park Project, about the endeavor to bring a concrete skate park to the rural community of Round Valley.

August 9, 2024 — Last week, the Mendocino County Planning Commission tackled a controversial proposal to amend zoning regulations related to camping. Local fire chiefs, residents, and neighbors ofexisting campgrounds that are currently operating without a permit in residential areas said the amended rules are at best a work in progress and should not be passed. The public will have another chance to comment on August 15, when the commission meets again.