We’ve got a new neighbor. Hobby Lobby is taking over the JC Penney building on North Orchard Avenue. Jesse Davis, Ukiah’s chief planning manager, confirms that Hobby Lobby submitted a building permit application in mid-February to renovate the property. Mendofever says the proposed plans won’t expand the building’s footprint, but will include minor modifications to the storefront entry and signage. As for when the craft lover’s paradise is set to open? Hobby Lobby officials are not yet saying.
The Ukiah Senior Center (USC) invites the public to an evening of dinner and dancing during its second annual “An Affair to Remember” fundraiser on Saturday, April 12 at Carl Purdy Hall-Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. The event enables the USC to sustain programs and services that support local seniors, their families, and their caregivers. This year’s theme is Singin’ in the Rain. Unlike many non-profit organizations, the senior center does not receive state or federal monies, making fundraisers crucial to its operations, especially as the need for senior services grows. For details, visit ukiahseniorcenter.org/events/an-affair-to-remember. Tickets are $95 and are available at the USC Bartlett Event Center, the Mendocino Book Company, and online.
A California lawmaker is looking to end forced prison labor. Assemblymember Lori Wilson introduced a bill that would prevent the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation from requiring incarcerated individuals to work, with some exceptions. Under AB 475, local governments would be required to create wages for city and county jail work programs through local ordinances. A similar measure was rejected by voters during the 2024 election.
Cal Fire’s recently released fire hazard severity zone maps could force residents in parts of Ukiah and other areas of Mendocino County to modify their homes to comply with new fire mitigation rules. The Mendocino Voice says according to the updated maps in Mendocino County, most of the western side of Ukiah is now classified as a very high fire severity zone. The order also asked that the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, adopt regulations such as the “Zone 0” regulation, which requires an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of buildings. Fire Chief Sascha Kissell says a lot of people who have decks would be in trouble with the Zone 0 requirement, including the rural areas where homes are more spread out. Kissel adds that many homeowners who have lived in Mendocino County for decades could have a tough time trying to change their homes to meet these new requirements. By the way, Fort Bragg and Point Arena have no areas categorized as very high severity zones while Willits has 122 acres in the very high category. To find out which zone you’re in, go to osfm.fire.ca.gov/FHSZ.
Steve Mietz is the new chief executive officer of Save the Redwoods League. You should know that the San Francisco-based nonprofit protects and restores redwood forests throughout Northern California, including right here in Mendocino County. The Mendocino Voices says prior to accepting this position, Mietz worked at National Park Service, where he was superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks for almost eight years. He also helped lead the Redwood Rising project, which helped to restore 70,000 acres of forest damaged by logging and helped establish Indigenous land management projects with the parks, League and Yurok Tribe. Mietz takes over for current Redwoods League CEO and president Sam Hodder April 28.
