The following is a column submitted by Mendocino County 3rd District Supervisor John Haschak. The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the Mendocino Voice.
The county’s budget looks better than previously expected. Instead of $16 or $10 or $5 million in the red, the county is looking at a $3-4 million budget gap for next fiscal year. The budget will be discussed now until June when a balanced budget will be adopted.
Candidate forums are coming up for the 3rd District supervisorial race. These debates are useful ways to see and get to know the candidates, hear why they want the job, and what their vision is for the district and the county. The first one in Willits is on April 19 from 4-6 at the Grange. Much appreciation to all the groups that are helping put this together. Stay tuned in for other forums in the district.
The board passed the first reading of a noise ordinance to limit excessive and disturbing noise. It was brought forward originally by Supervisor Glenn McGourty in September, 2024. After the ordinance passes, it will give law enforcement a tool to deal with some of the egregious, unpermitted concerts, raves, amplified music into the wee hours that disrupt the well-being of communities. Code enforcement and the Sheriff’s Office will be able to issue infraction citations, impose administrative penalties, or take other enforcement action.
Several years ago, the board passed a resolution to modernize the mission of the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. It became part of our legislative platform. Assemblymember Chris Rogers introduced AB 2494, which is in alignment with our platform. It will redefine management of forest lands to include maximizing the promotion of climate resiliency goals, enhanced outdoor access, protecting biodiversity and compatible research efforts. This was debated by the board, and a letter of support was approved.
There will be a Talk with the Supervisor on Thursday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Brickhouse Coffee in Willits. You can always contact me at haschakj@mendocinocounty.gov or call 707-972-4214.
There is nothing “modern” about taking a working demonstration forest that paid its own bills and making it a welfare forest putting it’s cost onto taxpayers. As for all the other fluff, these state demonstration forests lands already provide carbon sequestration for the climate change fretful, already is open to all people for multiple uses, already sustainably managed, already has diverse research happening. Nothing really is going to change except taxpayers will foot the bill to maintain these lands and the counties they are in including Mendocino will get less revenue from timber yield taxes and less employment. Great job short sighted supervisors.