September is Suicide Prevention Month | | |
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) recognizes:
World Suicide Prevention Day: September 10
Suicide Prevention Week: September 13-19
Suicide Prevention Month: All of September
BHRS honors these observances each year through a proclamation and community awareness efforts. This month is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention, whether through education, offering support, or simply starting a conversation. BHRS is committed to raising awareness, sharing life-saving resources, reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations, and supporting individuals and families affected by suicide. The official Suicide Prevention Awareness Ribbon is purple and teal, symbolizing hope and remembrance.
5 Steps You Can Take to Help:
-
ASK - Don’t be afraid to ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Research shows that asking this question does not increase risk; it can save lives.
-
BE THERE - Be present and listen without judgment. Showing you care can make a difference.
-
KEEP THEM SAFE - Help reduce access to lethal means. Ask if they have a plan and help them develop a safety strategy with support.
-
HELP THEM CONNECT - Encourage connection to friends, family, mental health services, and community resources. Save the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988.
-
FOLLOW UP - Stay connected. Ongoing support, especially after a crisis or discharge from care, can be crucial.
You are not alone. Help is here. Hope is real.
24/7 Crisis Line: 855-838-0404
Warm Line for Non-Crisis Emotional Support: 707- 472-2311 or Toll-Free: 833-955-2510
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat online at chat.988lifeline.org
| | 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 | |
|
The Mendocino County Department of Agriculture plays an important role in protecting the County’s agricultural resources, supporting local growers and agricultural businesses, and promoting safe and resilient agricultural operations. This month’s report highlights several ongoing efforts, including emergency access through the Ag Pass Program, pesticide license and certificate renewals, and proactive strategies for addressing neglected and abandoned agricultural properties. Together, these efforts support the continuity of agricultural operations, reduce potential wildfire and pest-related risks, and contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of Mendocino County’s agricultural economy.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Animal Care Services successfully completed our third and final Animal Balance high-volume spay and neuter clinic of the 2026 series, held July 31, August 1, and August 2. This clinic altered 211 animals, bringing our three-clinic total to 621, that is, 21 animals above our original goal.
We are deeply grateful to Animal Balance for bringing their high-volume expertise to Mendocino County, Dogwood Animal Rescue for sponsoring the first two clinics and Margery Pfund for her generous spay/neuter donation that made it possible for Animal Care to fund the third clinic. Our thanks also go to For the Animals of the Ukiah Shelter for their ongoing support and to all our incredible volunteers who dedicated long, demanding days to each clinic.
A special thank-you to Perkins Family Law for providing meals for all three clinics and to the many animal owners who waited patiently in long lines and trusted us with the care of their pets. It truly takes a village, and Mendocino County showed up.
We are already planning our next high-volume clinic in 2027 in coordination with Inland Humane, who has generously committed to sponsoring the event.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) continues to support the health and well-being of Mendocino County residents through prevention, treatment, education, and community outreach. This month, BHRS highlights Suicide Prevention Month while continuing efforts to expand substance use disorder services, overdose prevention, and access to behavioral health resources throughout the County.
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.
| | | |
|
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 2,050 contract items, including over 1,100 items with effective dates on or after July 1, 2025. Since January 1 of 2026, the Contract Unit has administered review processes for over 680 contract items, including over 275 items with effective dates on or after July 1, 2026. Some additional tasks undertaken by the Contract Unit include:
- Continuing 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.
- Developing an automated report of contracts that are anticipated to repeat annually, including contracts with auto-renew clauses. Presentation of this report to the Board of Supervisors is required in Policy 1 and is one of the expectations of the State’s fiscal audit.
- Drafting and routing contracts for Q3 of Fiscal Year 2025-26 for all fire districts/agencies that receive funding from Proposition 172, Measure D, and Measure P.
- Working with Information Services to plan an upgrade to Cobblestone that will bring User Interface improvements and additional functionality.
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
| | | |
|
Staff continued to advance economic development projects. This report presents Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project highlights, Business Disaster Response to the July 2024 Earthquake and Mendocino County Labor Force and Industry Employment Estimates.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
The Mendocino County Office of Emergency Services (OES) serves as the lead agency for coordinating preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts across the Mendocino County Operational Area (OA). The OA includes the County, its cities and towns, and special districts, and works in partnership with Tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and community-based organizations.
OES’s primary role is coordination, ensuring that agencies across the OA are aligned, informed, and ready to act together during emergencies. This includes developing comprehensive plans, facilitating communication, integrating partner capabilities, and maintaining situational awareness across jurisdictions. 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.
In the last month, OES focused on strengthening coordination through collaborative planning, specialized training, regional information sharing, and communications exercises. These efforts directly support Mendocino County’s strategic goal of building a prepared and resilient county by improving readiness for flooding, enhancing response capabilities for complex incidents, incorporating long-term environmental risks into emergency planning, and strengthening reliable emergency communications systems.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
The Prevention, Recovery, Resiliency, and Mitigation (PRRM) Division continues to advance 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 maintains vital infrastructure and related services that enable County employees to serve the citizens of Mendocino County.
Facilities continues to make strides regarding the testing and acceptance of two new County buildings and the completion of major park improvements. These major capital efforts include the SB 844 Jail Project, Psychiatric Health Facility, and Bower Park. Coordination is also in progress with the Fire Safe Council and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority to clean up and remove fire fuels at Faulkner Park.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
The Health Plan Open Enrollment period will be October 19 through November 6, 2026, with all elections and changes effective January 1, 2027. Keep an eye on your all-employee email for additional reminders, resources, and important updates.
IMPORTANT: Effective January 1, 2027, GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss (non-diabetic GLP-1s) will no longer be covered by the County health plan.
For more information on these upcoming benefit changes and how to register for the upcoming Benefits Training, click HERE.
| | | |
|
LEADERSHIP BOOK CLUB ENGAGES EMPLOYEES ACROSS 15 DEPARTMENTS
The Spring Leadership Book Club engaged 78 employees across 15 County departments in a shared learning experience focused on recognition, appreciation, connection, and workplace engagement.
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: DEVELOPING LEADERS AT EVERY LEVEL
The County recognized 33 Leadership Academy graduates in July and will launch the 2026–2027 Academy in September, continuing its investment in developing leaders, strengthening organizational effectiveness and building leadership capacity at every level.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Mendocino County Working on Wellness (MCWOW) supports the wellbeing of our public servants by providing engaging programs and valuable resources. Upcoming opportunities include:
MCWOW Flu Shot Clinics: Vaccinations for County employees and covered spouses or domestic partners begin September 23 and 24 for Sheriff’s Office and DOT personnel, followed by clinics in Ukiah, Willits, and Fort Bragg from October 1 through October 29. Registration is now open!
County-wide Fall Wellness Challenge: The four-week Work of Art wellness challenge runs October 5 through November 1. Employees are invited to join the challenge to strengthen resilience, boost happiness, and support their overall wellbeing. It’s also a great way to connect with colleagues across departments, earn Wellness Incentive Points, and have some fun! Registration is open now!
County Benefits Training: MCWOW, the County Health Benefits team and MCERA collaborate bi-annually to help employees make the most of their County benefits. As a well-known County employee once said, “it’s not a benefit if you don’t know you have it.” This is an opportunity for newly hired employees to learn more about their benefits, as well as for long-time employees to learn what’s new. The next virtual training will be held September 17 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and registration is open now.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Library
September is Library Card Sign-up Month. An initiative of the American Library Association, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September since 1987 to mark the beginning of the school year, combat illiteracy, and encourage communities everywhere to explore all the offerings that having a library card unlocks. Today, thousands of public libraries and schools nationwide participate in the month-long celebration each fall. This year’s theme, “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes,” is a reminder that libraries offer something for everyone—no matter your age, background, or goals.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
The Department of Planning and Building Services (“PBS”) is undergoing a period of organizational transition and modernization while maintaining forward momentum on key County priorities. Major areas of progress include strengthening staffing and permitting operations, launching a new permitting technology platform, and advancing coastal and sea-level-rise resilience initiatives.
PBS is navigating recent leadership transitions, with Richard Angley serving as Interim Director following the departure of the former director. Staffing has also been strengthened through new hires and promotions, bringing all front counter staff to Permit Technician I level or above.
PBS continues to advance its mission of delivering effective, transparent, and responsive service to the Mendocino County community by maintaining transparency with monthly performance metrics. It is also progressing in the implementation of Accela, the County’s new cloud-based permitting system. The project is on schedule, with a formal kickoff expected in September and implementation is anticipated to take approximately twelve (12) months. In addition, Canna Business Services continues to provide direct support to participants in the Local Equity Entrepreneurial Program (LEEP).
PBS is actively addressing a fraudulent email scam targeting applicants and impersonating Interim Director Richard Angley. The Department is urging applicants to verify suspicious payment requests directly with County offices and avoid opening attachments or responding to potential fraudulent messages.
Mendocino County continues to make progress on coastal planning and sea-level-rise preparedness. Updates to the Local Coastal Program are advancing from technical studies toward policy development, while the Sea Level Rise Resiliency Strategy remains on track for completion by December 31, 2026. The Planning Commission recently unanimously recommended approval of proposed sea-level-rise baseline policies, which are expected to go before the Board of Supervisors in September or October. In addition, California Fish and Wildlife approved approximately $82,521 in propagation grants for five (5) local organizations, subject to final Board of Supervisors approval.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
Mendocino County Public Health continues to promote healthy communities through prevention, education, outreach, and essential public health services. This month, Public Health highlights child passenger safety, food safety, immunizations, maternal and child health, and substance use prevention while continuing to strengthen services and partnerships that support the health and well-being of residents throughout the County.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
|
We are pleased to share this month’s report, highlighting the ATLAS Telehealth ribbon-cutting event at the Fort Bragg Veterans Memorial Building, the Housing & Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP), upcoming changes to Medi-Cal, and quarterly reporting from Family & Children’s Services and the Special Investigations Unit.
Click HERE to read more...
| | | |
COME & VISIT
Main Ukiah Campus:
501 Low Gap Road
Ukiah, CA 95482
| |
|
| | | |
