Ukiah is getting a major internet upgrade thanks to a $5.6 million state grant and a new partnership with Vero Fiber Networks. The city’s Gigabit Fiber Project will bring high-speed fiber connections to around 1,700 locations by late 2026. The plan also includes free service for 14 city buildings and discounted rates starting at $39.95 a month for low-income residents. City officials say it’s a big step toward bridging the digital divide in the community.
There’s more time for Mendocino County homeowners and landlords to apply for up to $10,000 in earthquake retrofit grants. The state’s Earthquake Brace and Bolt program, which helps secure older homes to their foundations, has extended its deadline to Oct. 17. It’s the first year landlords can apply, widening eligibility beyond just owner-occupied homes. Properties built before 1980 can apply online at earthquakebracebolt.com.
Detectives are investigating after human remains were discovered over the weekend near Whitethorn and Briceland, west of Redway. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office says the remains appear to have been disturbed by animals, and the death may have happened recently. Major Crimes and coroner investigators spent the day at the scene collecting evidence. Authorities say it’s still too soon to know what happened, but an update is expected in the coming days.
Frontline workers at Sutter Lakeside Hospital and seven other Sutter facilities have voted to strike, saying they’re fed up with short staffing and stalled contract talks. Their union, SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, says 96 percent of members backed the move, accusing Sutter executives of dragging their feet at the bargaining table. The union represents a wide range of hospital staff, from nursing assistants to technicians. They’ll meet again with Sutter this week, but for now, no strike dates been announced.
Mendocino County voters will start receiving ballots soon after officials say ballots are being mailed out today for California’s special election on congressional redistricting. Proposition 50 asks voters whether to pause the state’s independent redistricting process and draw new maps aimed at helping Democrats ahead of next year’s midterms. The county’s in-person voting center in Ukiah also opens today, with polls across the county set to operate on Election Day, Nov. 4. Ballots can be dropped off anytime between now and 8 pm on Election Day.
After nearly six years of lawsuits and delays, Fort Bragg’s new Grocery Outlet is almost ready to break ground. City officials say developers have just one permit left to resolve, dealing with stormwater drainage, before construction can start next April. The project survived multiple legal challenges before a judge cleared it earlier this year. Once open, the store will add 35 full and part time jobs to the local economy.
Governor Gavin Newsom is taking President Trump to court over his decision to send California National Guard troops into Oregon. Newsom blasted the move as an abuse of power and a threat to the rule of law. The lawsuit comes just one day after a judge temporarily stopped the deployment, saying Trump may have overstepped his authority. It’s the latest clash in an escalating fight between California and the White House.
