Ted Williams

County Supervisor, Mendocino County, District 5

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

Animal-proof trash receptacles are being installed in the town of Mendocino. My hope is that they will help reduce litter on our streets, much of which is spread by raccoons, birds, and other wildlife.

Thank you to Deirdre Lamb for the photo, DOT Deputy Amber Fisette for seeing the project through to completion, the MHRB for its thoughtful approval, Penny and other community members for their continued support, and my colleagues for saying yes.

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

One of the most important discussions we’ve had in years.

At the June 2 budget hearing, former SF Controller Ben Rosenfield presented a roadmap to strengthen Mendocino County’s financial management and reporting. Better financial systems support better decisions about services, infrastructure, staffing, and public resources.

https://t.co/rA7ynoSJxk

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

Societal challenge

https://t.co/FUlDYwdJ0M

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

For the Hopland Sidewalk Project, Caltrans has distributed a flyer with a QR code that links to the project website, where traffic updates and project information are being posted regularly. Caltrans will also be sending out messages through social media, keeping QuickMap updated, and maintaining the weekly District 1 Road Information Bulletin.

Caltrans construction staff are establishing a landline phone number to receive and track comments, concerns, or complaints, and they will continue providing updates at the monthly HMAC meetings. In addition, the contractor, O.C. Jones & Sons, Inc., will designate a public coordination contact who will conduct door-to-door outreach to communicate construction schedules, dates, and impacted areas with the community at least one week in advance of work.

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

Discussion and possible action by Mendocino County to formally support Assemblymember Chris Rogers’ AB 2494, which would modernize the operations of the demonstration state forest system, will be heard at the Tuesday, March 24 Board of Supervisors meeting. The agenda, including Zoom and phone participation details, is expected to be published by Thursday evening, March 19.

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

Pomo).

"EPIC thanks Assemblymember Rogers for his leadership on helping California reach its 30x30 goals by modernizing how we manage our own forests. California’s state-owned forests should be managed for all of its people. Under state law, however, these lands are directed to be cut and sold by private timber companies. AB 2494 would enable CalFire to manage our forests to help meet California’s 21st Century priorities by redirecting management towards objectives that benefit all—protecting wildlife, sequestering and storing carbon, and providing recreational opportunities—while still allowing for timber production that is a byproduct of forest restoration activities. This legislation would also open the door for state demonstration forests to count towards 30x30 —which Gov Newsom has championed on the global stage and is more important now than ever before as we continue to grapple with the climate crisis. As long-time supporters of 30x30 and forest protection, we are proud to support this bill,” said Melodie Meyer, Conservation Attorney, EPIC.

###

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa) introduced AB 2494 to modernize the operations of the demonstration state forest system. In California, there are 14 demonstration forests managed by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, including two within Assembly District 2. The management principles for the demonstration state forest system have not been modified in decades and current regulations do not reflect the state’s climate resiliency goals.

The updated management principles in this bill align with Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-82-20 and help meet California’s 30x30 initiative by encouraging ecological restoration and building resilience to climate change and wildfires within demonstration state forests. This bill ensures that the protection of ecological conditions within demonstration state forest lands are prioritized by declaring that these lands be used primarily for research, recreation, and demonstration purposes. The updates under this bill are critical to support rural economies in transitioning away from dwindling extractive economies and instead enhancing ecotourism in these communities.

“Our demonstration state forest system contains precious old growth redwoods and allows for innovative research around wildfire resiliency and watershed restoration,” said Assemblymember Rogers. “This bill aligns with Governor Newsom’s 30x30 conservation framework and prioritizes the environment, recreation, scientific research and addressing climate change as the main focuses for the state to manage our public lands.”

AB 2494 moves the state away from relying solely on timber harvesting to manage the demonstration state forest system. Under AB 2494, the sale of timber and other forest products will still be allowed, but as a biproduct of ecological restoration or research projects. This bill will also allow funds from the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund to be used to maintain demonstration state forests.

“I commend Assemblymember Rogers leadership in aligning California’s management of its demonstration forests with the priorities shared by the state and Mendocino County,” said Supervisor Ted Williams, Fifth District Supervisor for Mendocino County. “Like many rural communities, Mendocino County is struggling. As we transition away from an economy that relies primarily on extractive industries, which no longer provide sustainable support for our residents, we must expand opportunities for revenue and job creation. By directing the state to manage demonstration forests for public access, tribal co-management, climate resilience, and biodiversity, we can attract additional user groups such as mountain bikers, mushroom foragers, hikers, birdwatchers, and others to help steward our public lands and support resilient rural economies.”

"Tribal nations and Indigenous communities have long faced barriers to caring for their ancestral homelands since colonization—including being shut out of true co-management and limited in bringing Traditional Ecological Knowledge into California’s State Demonstration Forests. Updating the State Demonstration Forests Act is a major step toward changing that. I’m thrilled to see Assemblymember Rogers push for greater inclusion of tribal sovereignty in how our state forests are managed. This is an impactful step towards educating the public regarding Tribal Sovereignty and historical trauma and its effects today, as well as providing acknowledgement of those Tribes and once known villages impacted by antiquated laws. Inviting and including Native voices through partnership and co-management is how we will make systemic changes in land management,” stated Buffie Campbell (enrolled member Sherwood Valley, descendant of Noyo Reservation and Yokayo Rancheria; Northern

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

This is a thoughtful and overdue modernization of forest policy. By aligning state forest management with climate goals and Mendocino County’s legislative platform, AB 2494 positions Jackson Demonstration State Forest not only as an ecological asset, but as a long-term economic driver for our county through recreation, restoration, and sustainable resource management.

I want to thank Assemblymember Chris Rogers for coming through for Mendocino County by advancing legislation that reflects our local priorities and long-term economic interests.

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

https://t.co/hweB4kEPQ2

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

The County received notice today that the US Census Bureau has created the Gualala Census Designated Place and it will be included in partnership shapefiles released in January 2026. (Thank you Mendocino County staff for following through on my Feb 27, 2024 agenda item: Direction to Staff to Complete Process to Initiate an Update of Boundaries, Features, and Landmarks for Census Designated Places in Relation to Gualala)

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

Discussion and Presentation Regarding the Mendocino County Health Summit - Part 1 of Health Summit Series Discussing State and Federal Policy Changes to Health Programs and Services

LIVE NOW

https://t.co/HTHILOfVmw

[Governor Newsom Press Office @GovPressOffice]

WOW! TOMORROW HISTORY WILL BE MADE. KaroLYIN LEAVITT WILL HAVE NO ANSWERS FOR THE SUPPOSED “FAKE MEDIA” ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S BEAUTIFUL MAPS. PEOPLE ARE SAYING THEY ARE THE GREATEST MAPS EVER CREATED — EVEN BETTER THAN CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS'. DONALD “THE FAILURE” TRUMP BE WARNED, TOMORROW MAY BE THE WORST DAY OF YOUR LIFE. ALL BECAUSE YOU “MISSED THE DEADLINE.” LIBERATION DAY FOR AMERICA!!! — GCN

[Governor Newsom Press Office @GovPressOffice]

AS MANY KNOW, DONALD “TACO” TRUMP — AUTHOR OF THE ART OF THE "DEAL" (A BOOK HE SHOULD RETURN TO THE LIBRARY) — JUST MISSED THE BEST DEAL IN HISTORY. HE ALWAYS “CHICKENS OUT” (TARIFFS, CHINA) — BUT EVEN A “CHICKEN” SHOULD KNOW A GOOD “DEAL” WHEN HE SEES ONE. I, YOUR FAVORITE GOVERNOR, GAVIN CHRISTOPHER NEWSOM, OFFERED THE BEST, MOST “AMAZING DEAL” IN HISTORY: STOP RIGGING TEXAS MAPS AND CALIFORNIA WON’T MAKE OURS MORE “BEAUTIFUL.” SADLY — BUT NO SURPRISE — DONALD WAS TOO WEAK (LITTLE HANDS) TO EVEN WRITE ME BACK. NO DEAL! AND NO DEAL = PERFECT, BEAUTIFUL MAPS THAT WILL “END” HIS PRESIDENCY. SOON HE WILL NOT BE “47.” PATRIOTS WILL TAKE BACK CONGRESS. MANY SAY I SHOULD RUN FOR SPEAKER (I WON’T!!!). MAKE THE MAPS GREAT AGAIN! LIBERATION DAY TOMORROW!!! THANK YOU! — GCN

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

MendoParks and State Parks Present the 2025 Coastal Cleanup Day!

MendoParks and State Parks are thrilled to present this year’s California Coastal Cleanup Day – Saturday, September 20, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

First organized by the Coastal Commission, California hosted its first cleanup day in 1985. Close to 2,500 Californians participated in the initial Cleanup, and the program has been growing by leaps and bounds ever since. Since its inception, more than 1.8 million volunteers have removed over 27 million pounds of trash from beaches and inland waterways across California.

In 1993, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized the California Coastal Cleanup Day as the “largest garbage collection” ever organized. This incredible day is a way for people to get together both to pick up trash from Mendocino’s coastline, but also to contribute data to science, creating awareness about the dangers of marine debris.

This year, California Coastal Cleanup Day will also become the world's largest scavenger hunt. Special "trash" items will be hidden at cleanup sites all across the state. If you find one of them, you can redeem it for valuable prizes!

The Coastal Cleanup will take place at multiple sites along the Mendocino Coast, each with its own Site Captain. For more information and to register, visit https://t.co/OGYdOKy44N.

As a 501c3 non-profit organization (EIN#68-0049014), MendoParks receives no government funding or tax dollars for operations. Since 2004, MendoParks has donated over $1.4 million dollars in support of State Parks in Mendocino County - all of which remains local.

***

Media contact: Sid Garza-Hillman, MendoParks Executive Director, 707-972-5028

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

You should have received a County alert, below. It is not known precisely how much impact our coast will receive, but it may come abruptly. The county has held op area calls with public safety and will continue to keep fire departments apprised. Stay safe.

Situational Awareness: Tsunami Advisory for all coastal areas, stay out of low-lying coastal areas and stay out of the water.

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

Fort Bragg 2350 PDT Jul 29 9 hrs 0.8- 1.4 ft

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

Mendocino County Public Safety and Services at Risk: Speak Now or Lose County Services Later

Tuesday, June 24, approximately 10:15am

Meeting Location(s): 501 Low Gap Road, Room 1070, Ukiah, CA. 95482 (Board Chambers)

Zoom Link: https://t.co/jAktxRw0GU

Zoom Phone Number (if joining via telephone): 1 669 900 9128 ; Zoom Webinar ID: 850 6531 9342

Discussion and Possible Action Including Adoption of a Resolution Terminate BOS Agreement No. 24-085 (Master Tax Sharing Agreement) Between the County of Mendocino and the Cities of Ukiah, Willits, Fort Bragg, and Point Arena, due to Fiscal and Operational Impacts Arising from the First Proposed Annexation Under the Agreement; Authorize Notification of the Signatory Cities and Mendocino LAFCo; and Direction to Staff to Notify Mendocino Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) that the County Anticipates the Proposed Annexation would Create a Substantial Risk to the Provision of Mandated Public Protection Services, Consistent with the Framework Established by Mendocino County Policy #13 (Annexations)
(Sponsor: Supervisor Williams)

Recommended Action/Motion:

Adopt Resolution to terminate BOS Agreement No. 24-085 (Master Tax Sharing Agreement) between the County of Mendocino and the Cities of Ukiah, Willits, Fort Bragg, and Point Arena, due to fiscal and operational impacts arising from the first proposed annexation under the Agreement; Authorize notification of the signatory cities and Mendocino LAFCo; direct the Executive Office to notify Mendocino Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) that the County anticipates the proposed annexation would create a substantial risk to the provision of mandated public protection services, consistent with the framework established by Mendocino County Policy #13 (Annexations); and authorize Chair to sign same.

Summary of Request:
In June 2024, the County of Mendocino entered into a Master Tax Sharing Agreement (MTSA) with its four cities to facilitate annexations through a standardized tax exchange framework. However, the first proposed annexation by the City of Ukiah has highlighted the scale and complexity of implementing the agreement and raises concerns about the County’s fiscal sustainability and ability to fulfill its state and constitutional obligations.

Although the County retains responsibility for countywide services following annexation, the demands of evaluating and processing this annexation are substantial and highlight existing shortfalls in County capacity and systems. If carried out under the MTSA’s current formula, the annexation would result in a significant revenue transfer at a time when the County is facing substantial structural funding gaps.

The projected outcome would materially impair the County’s ability to adequately staff the Sheriff’s Office and fulfill other state-mandated duties, including welfare, public safety, and emergency response functions. Article XI of the California Constitution and relevant statutory provisions require the County to ensure the general welfare and basic governance for its unincorporated areas and all residents.

This recommendation is consistent with Mendocino County Policy #13 (Annexations), which states that annexations will not be favored until a formula is developed to fund the County’s continuing obligations from public revenues generated in annexed areas. The current agreement does not sufficiently ensure such obligations can be met and instead risks impairing core County services.

This action seeks termination of the MTSA to avoid breaching the County’s public duties and ensure that annexations moving forward do not undermine core public safety and service delivery.

https://t.co/SyU8eRdxB4

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

At a recent BOS meeting, in response to my question about how homebuyers could avoid surprise supplemental tax bills, the County’s IT team developed a web-based estimator. It lets buyers enter a sale date and price to estimate what they'll owe—bringing more clarity to property taxes.

https://t.co/27krwkvTpt

[Ted Williams @teddotnet]

🚛 Hazardous Waste Drop-Off on the Coast – Community Update ♻️

Thank you to those who’ve shared positive feedback about the recent hazardous waste (HHW) collection event in Caspar—and your request for more regular coastal HHW drop-offs is heard.

🔄 Who sets the schedule?
Hazardous waste events on the coast are scheduled by the Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority (MSWMA), where Supervisors Mulheren and Norvell currently represent the County. While these events are costly, the recent increase in the disposal surcharge may help fund more frequent remote events in the coming year.

🗓️ Next MSWMA Meeting:
July 10 at 9:00 AM – Ukiah City Council Chambers (with a virtual option).
📍 Meeting agendas and sign-ups: https://t.co/cKYvD8kswb

🗣️ Get involved: Public participation is encouraged. Attend and advocate for coastal service!

🧴 Ongoing HHW Drop-Off Options:
Some hazardous items (e.g., batteries, fluorescent bulbs, motor oil) can be dropped off at Caspar and South Coast Transfer Stations during normal business hours—even outside of HHW events. Check the attached flyers for accepted items.