April is Alcohol Awareness Month | | |
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) recognizes:
Alcohol Awareness Month: All of April
April is recognized as Alcohol Awareness Month, established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence to raise awareness about alcohol use and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
BHRS is raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol use, misuse, and abuse. Alcohol misuse contributes to a variety of health and social concerns and remains the leading preventable cause of illness and death in the United States. Alcohol contributes to over 95,000 deaths annually including deaths related to heart disease, liver disease and several cancers. Alcohol use can increase the risk of esophagus, colon, rectum, liver, breast, and throat cancer. Cancer is a leading cause of death in Mendocino County. Mendocino County experiences a chronic liver disease mortality rate of 24.8 deaths per 100,000 residents, almost double the California average.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol misuse, help is available.
Substance Use Disorder Treatment (SUDT) Services: 800-765-9703 or TTY: 800-735-2929 or 711
Learn more at :
www.mendocinocounty.gov/departments/behavioral-health-and-recovery-services/substance-use
| | Mendocino County Strategic Plan | | |
In May 2022, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved the first five-year strategic plan that will help guide the critical decisions the Board of Supervisors will face over the next five years with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for County residents. Departmental reporting will align with the strategic plan.
Click HERE to download the Strategic Plan.
| | Departments and Divisions | |
|
Every once in a while, a dog comes along who reminds you what resilience looks like, and that’s Cricket. This young Lab mix may have started life on the streets, but you’d never know it from the way her tail wags when she sees a friendly face. Cricket’s past is a mystery, but her future is full of promise. Cricket adores toys, lights up around other dogs, and melts into people she trusts. Every day, she gets a little braver, a little sillier, and a lot more loving.
Read more about Cricket and her friends at mendoanimalshelter.com.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
This report highlights key initiatives, community outreach efforts, and program updates from Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) for April 2026. In alignment with national awareness campaigns, BHRS is recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month and Stress Awareness Month while continuing to provide critical services, strengthen community partnerships, and support the health and well-being of Mendocino County residents.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Click HERE to view the Board of Supervisors Priorities for 2026.
| | | |
|
Click HERE to view the District Attorney’s Office filing statistics.
| | | |
|
To address the budget deficit as part of the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget, County General Fund departments were required to take a reduction to their Salary and Benefits (1000 Series) based on a 6% attrition factor, which totaled $5,246,657 across departments. This factor was calculated based on a historical average County-wide attrition rate. The 6% rate was conservatively adjusted to account for a degree of staffing variability throughout the fiscal year.
Based on year-to-date payroll actuals through April 15, 2026, pay date, plus utilizing the most recent payroll to annualize the remaining fiscal year payroll expenses, the County is anticipating realizing $5,373,000 or a little over 102.4% of the total $5,246,657. This has increased by 8% from 94.4% to 102.4% from the prior report. The increase is largely due to budget adjustments approved at Mid-Year on March 10, 2026. The total salary and benefit budget adjustments year to date equal an increase to department’s budget authority by $1,358,244. The increase is offset by the additional revenue brought forward by the Auditor/Controller at Mid-Year.
Click HERE to view the Year-To-Date Budget Report.
| | | |
|
The Contract Unit works directly with departments Countywide to execute contracts and amendments to ensure alignment with County Policy. Since January of 2025, the Contract Unit has administered review processes for over 1,400 contract items, including over 700 items with effective dates on or after July 1, 2025. Since January 1 of 2026, the Contract Unit has administered review processes for over 180 contract items, including over 40 items with effective dates on or after July 1, 2026. Additionally, the Contract Unit has continued to work with departments to train staff and answer questions related to the County’s newly revised Leasing and Contracting Policy (Policy No. 1) approved by the Board of Supervisors in December 2025.
Contract Review Times
For items routed since July 1, 2025, the average review time as processed through Cobblestone was approximately eleven (11) working days (not counting weekends or holidays). This timeframe is from the day the Department Head electronically approves execution of a contract to the day it’s released from Cobblestone with County Counsel, Risk, and Executive Office signatures. It does not include any additional time required for departmental processes either before or after routing through Cobblestone (e.g., RFP administration, contract negotiation, vendor pre-approval and signing, or the time required to submit a contract to the Board of Supervisors for approval).
Public Resources
Mendocino County maintains a publicly accessible portal where fully executed contracts can be viewed. The initial search screen of the portal allows users to search all County contracts by Department, Contract Number, Approving Authority, Contractor, and/or Keyword. The list generated by the initial search request can be further refined if needed.
https://contracts.mendocinocounty.org
| | | |
|
In the month of March, staff participated in a government contracting workshop and continued to advance economic development projects, such as business loan program, business technical assistance program, and Covelo Clean Up Project.
The County regularly contracts for services that support county operations and projects. On April 3, 2026, County staff participated in the West Business Development Center’s How to Do Business with the State of CA Workshop in Fort Bragg. Staff discussed opportunities for businesses to work with the County through the competitive bidding process. Local businesses are encouraged to bids on County projects. Open RFPs/RFBs can be found HERE.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
To register for the upcoming Health, Wellness, and Retirement virtual training "Making the Most of Your Benefits", click HERE. Learn how to access and use your health, wellness, and retirement benefits smarter!
If you have questions about your pharmacy benefits or experience any issues picking up your medications, please contact Navitus Health Solutions at 855-847-1035.
For additional information on troubleshooting medications or details regarding the end of the weight management GLP-1 grandfathering period, please click HERE.
| | | |
|
For the month of March, staff hosted the stakeholder meeting for the Covelo Fire Hydrant Project, continued to work with departments to utilize the Euna Grants Management System, and continued supporting departments with grants seeking.
Covelo Fire Hydrant Project
County staff hosted a stakeholder meeting to launch the Covelo Fire Hydrant Feasibility Project on March 20, 2026. This $150,000 project is a state allocation provided to the community of Covelo by Senator McGuire. Attendees included Supervisor Haschak, CAL FIRE, Covelo Fire, Round Valley Tribe, Covelo Community Services District, Covelo community members, and County staff. The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the planning and engineering consultant will be issued in May 2026.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
The Mendocino County Office of Emergency Services (OES) serves as the primary local coordination agency for emergencies and disasters affecting residents, public infrastructure, and government operations within the Mendocino County Operational Area (OA). This area includes the county, its cities, towns, special districts, and operates in cooperation with tribal partners. OES works to ensure that the county is prepared to respond efficiently and effectively to all hazards, from wildfires and earthquakes to winter storms and floods.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Year to date in 2026, the Prevention, Recovery, Resiliency, and Mitigation (PRRM) Division continued advancing wildfire mitigation, evacuation planning, and disaster preparedness initiatives across Mendocino County. Current efforts focus on moving major grant-funded projects into implementation phases, completing environmental and engineering work, and coordinating with state and federal partners to ensure continued funding for resilience projects.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Facilities and Fleet Mission: To provide an accessible, efficient, safe, clean and comfortable working environment for all employees and the general public who use our buildings and properties.
Facilities and Fleet maintain vital infrastructure and related services that enable County employees to serve the residents of Mendocino County.
Facilities are advancing key projects, including Little River Airport hangar repairs, Child Support Services office modifications, and installation of a new emergency generator to strengthen communications during severe weather. Major capital efforts are nearing completion, including the SB 844 Jail Project, progress on the Psychiatric Health Facility, and improvements at Bower Park.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
The Human Resources Department is pleased to provide this update for the CEO Report, highlighting key contributions and accomplishments from January through March 2026. During this period, HR has continued to support organizational priorities by recognizing exceptional employee performance, strengthening employee engagement, and promoting a culture of appreciation and service.
In addition, HR is proud to highlight Volunteer Appreciation Week, which celebrates the invaluable contributions of our volunteers by recognizing the total hours served throughout 2025. This annual recognition provides an opportunity to honor those who generously give their time and talents in support of our organization and the communities we serve. Their efforts play a vital role in enhancing services and extending our reach, and we are grateful for their continued partnership.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
2025 Employee Engagement Survey Results
The County has completed an initial review of the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey and is using employee feedback to guide ongoing efforts to strengthen workplace culture and employee engagement.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
MCWOW continues to support employee wellbeing through a range of activities and resources. For the month of April, we would like to highlight the following:
Biometric health screening registration opens in April, offering County employees the opportunity to earn wellness incentive points, including additional incentives through spouse or domestic partner participation. These screenings also provide a convenient way for staff to receive preventive care during the workday and are approved for County time.
In recognition of Earth Day, we are focusing on “ Wellness in Action.” County employees are encouraged to engage in activities that support both personal wellbeing and community health. Through Personify Health, employees can earn Wellness Incentive Points for volunteerism, community service, and supporting local healthy eating—such as shopping at farmers’ markets or growing their own produce.
Additionally, in observance of Autism Acceptance Month, resources from Magellan Health are being shared to promote awareness, inclusivity, and support for neurodiversity in the workplace, while also highlighting the services available through the Employee Assistance Program.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
The Executive Office issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for State Legislative Advocacy Services in December 2025. A contract award will be presented to the Board for approval at the April 21, 2026 meeting.
Click HERE to view the status of legislation for bills the Board supports or opposes.
| | | |
|
Library
Mendocino County Library is participating in One Book, One Coast (OBOC) in April and May. Created by L.A. County Library, OBOC is a multi-state community reading initiative that invites readers to engage with a shared text through discussion, programs, and reflection. Our inaugural selection is "They Called Us Enemy" (2019), a graphic memoir by George Takei that recounts his childhood experience of incarceration alongside more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent, most of whom were U.S. citizens, following Executive Order 9066 in 1942. Takei will be participating in an Author Talk Viewing Party on May 31 on Zoom. More information is available on the library’s website, mendolibrary.org.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Mendocino County Sales Tax Update
Click HERE to view Quarter 4 Sales Tax Update for Mendocino County.
| | | |
|
Museum
The Mendocino County Museum is pleased to report that the murals located in the Ukiah Courthouse have been successfully documented.
To read more about the murals and other activities at the Museum, click HERE.
| | | |
|
The Department of Planning and Building Services (“Department” or “PBS”) continues to advance its mission of delivering effective, transparent, and responsive service to the Mendocino County community.
Over the last month, PBS made progress across major operational, regulatory, and strategic initiatives.
PBS continued its emphasis on transparency through ongoing publication of monthly performance metrics and advanced several key procurements, including the Accela Software Implementation RFP and the Code Enforcement Collections Services RFP. The Department also sought Board of Supervisors approval during the April 7, 2026, meeting to fill critical front‑counter positions and completed the close‑out of the Local Jurisdiction Assistance Grant Program following timely remittance of required funds.
Several planning and public‑safety initiatives advanced, including active RFPs for Abandoned Vehicle Abatement, the Resource Management Element update, and progress on the Housing and Environmental Justice Elements. The Department also continued long‑term coastal resilience efforts and facilitated community engagement to support the Local Coastal Program update.
Economic development and cannabis‑related efforts progressed as well, highlighted by the award of a $750,000 Cannabis Equity Grant to support eligible local operators. Staff development efforts also advanced, including the launch of a new collaboration with Mendocino Community College to strengthen Code Enforcement Officer training.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
This report highlights key initiatives, community outreach efforts, and program updates from Public Health for April 2026. To recognize national observances, Public Health is promoting awareness during National Public Health Week, Home Visiting Week, and World Immunization Week, and we continue to support the health, safety, and well-being of Mendocino County residents through essential services and community partnerships.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
The Mendocino County Department of Social Services Public Guardian Program Spotlight highlights the vital work being done to support adults with developmental disabilities who require conservatorship. In collaboration with regional centers, care providers, medical professionals, and community partners, the program works to balance protective oversight with person-centered advocacy.
As upcoming changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh approach, our Employment & Family Assistance Services division has been actively sharing information to help customers understand what to expect. This month, outreach has focused on updates to dental benefits for immigrants, which will take effect July 1, 2026.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | | Administrative Professionals Day - April 22, 2026 | | |
In recognition of Administrative Professionals Day, Mendocino County extends its sincere appreciation to the dedicated administrative staff who play a vital role in supporting County operations. From coordinating critical communications and managing complex workflows to providing exceptional customer service, these professionals are the backbone of our organization. Their attention to detail, adaptability, and commitment to public service help ensure that departments run efficiently and effectively every day. The County of Mendocino proudly acknowledges and thanks our administrative professionals for their invaluable contributions to serving our community.
| |
COME & VISIT
Main Ukiah Campus:
501 Low Gap Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
| |
|
| | | |
