WILLITS, CA., 7/1/26 — The Grocery Outlet in Willits remains closed following the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that struck nearby last week, and Mendocino County is looking to assess all possible damage for disaster relief funding efforts.
Connor Stack, Willits city planner, said the Grocery Outlet in town sustained damage and won’t reopen until it is safe for the public.
“We’re being extra careful,” Stack said. He also said that the building wouldn’t reopen until it’s “double or triple checked,” but it is unclear when that will be.
Stack said other businesses that had to close but have reopened, like Safeway, have been inspected and are safe, otherwise they “wouldn’t be open,” but the county is not yet sure of the total scope of damage to other buildings.
The building department for the city of Willits is working with the county to assess all damage caused by the earthquake, Stack said.
Stack encourages folks to fill out the county’s damage assessment form, which he said will help document overall impact and determine whether the county qualifies for state or federal assistance programs.