FORT BRAGG, CA., 11/14/25 — Mendocino County Court Executive Kim Turner announced Thursday that temporary changes are coming to the Ten Mile Courthouse in Fort Bragg, following weeks of rumors about the potential closure of the courthouse altogether.
“There are no plans to close the Ten Mile courthouse — none,” Turner said.
The temporary changes come following the retirement of Judge Clayton Brennan in October, which created logistical problems covering criminal and civil matters in western Mendocino County.
Court schedule shifts
Fort Bragg will continue handling criminal cases, domestic violence matters and evictions, with Judge Patrick Pekin hearing those cases Monday through Wednesday. Civil and small claims cases, as well as Adult Drug Court and Behavioral Health Court, will instead be scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays in Ukiah.
The Fort Bragg clerk’s office will still be open Monday through Friday to help people file paperwork, access self-help resources, pay traffic and criminal fines, and search court records. Larger civil cases, probate matters and some family law cases from the court’s coverage area are already being handled at the Ukiah courthouse.
Turner added that jury duty will depend on where a trial is set. Over the last five years, there have only been 10 jury trials at Ten Mile, none running more than three days.
“There’s also a long-standing policy that any long trials or serious felony cases, such as sex crimes, homicide or aggravated assault, are automatically transferred to the Ukiah courthouse,” Turner said. “The Ten Mile courthouse simply does not have the resources or staff to handle major felony trials, so most cases heard there are misdemeanors, many of them DUIs or domestic-related.”
By comparison, Ukiah has handled 134 jury trials over the past five years, so the majority of trials in Mendocino County take place there. If a resident is summoned for jury duty, they should check the location listed and then follow the usual protocol to confirm if they are called on the day of the summons, whether that’s through a phone call or the Mendocino County Superior Court’s website.
Staffing challenges and community concerns
“This is a dynamic situation, and some elements of a complete answer are still being discussed,” said Presiding Judge Keith Faulder. “We remain committed to ensuring that both coastal and inland communities continue to receive judicial services. However, the reality is we cannot fully staff courtrooms without sufficient staff. All of us — your judges and court staff — have taken on additional calendars and responsibilities to meet the need.”
On Monday night, the Fort Bragg City Council approved a letter to Turner’s office, expressing its concern about the temporary changes and seeking to work toward a more permanent solution.
Mayor Jason Godeke and Councilmember Lindy Peters expressed concern about the undue burden being put on some Fort Bragg residents, who will have to drive more than 90 minutes to Ukiah for their court matters. “Residents already have to drive to Ukiah to have a baby,” Peters said, referencing that the nearest hospital with child delivery services is Adventist Health Ukiah Valley.
Turner encouraged residents to make use of remote hearings when possible.
“The use of remote hearings, where feasible, makes it easier for the public to attend their proceedings and fully participate in their cases,” she said. “Remote proceedings have radically changed the way courts operate. They have become commonplace now that Zoom and other video software have improved these courtroom experiences.”
Judicial vacancies and a new courthouse on the way
In the last 16 months, two judicial vacancies have been filled through appointments by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Judge FredRicco McCurry joined the bench in early October, and County Counsel Charlotte Scott will be sworn in on Dec. 8. Judge Ann Moorman is on special assignment to the First Appellate District until at least Dec. 31. Judge Brennan’s retirement created a new vacancy that can be filled either by gubernatorial appointment during the remaining years of Brennan’s term or through an open election in 2030.
Turner says whatever happens, the judicial appointment would be to the Mendocino County Superior Court, with the presiding judge deciding who would serve at Fort Bragg from the pool of eight judges. “There were many rumors after Judge Brennan left,” she said. “I think that’s why there was so much concern that if he’s gone, then we’ll just close the courthouse. No — Ten Mile is extremely important to us because we want our coastal communities to have access to their justice system.”
Construction is also underway in Ukiah for a new courthouse to replace the current facility.
“The new courthouse is designed for seven courtrooms, but we’ll still have eight judges,” she explained. “One will be selected to preside at Fort Bragg.”