Howdy, Mendocino Coast News Subscribers,
Happy Spring! As we are experiencing this first quarter of 2026, our small coastal community has once again shown its resilience, spirit, and connection to the wild land and sea around us. From a peaceful political rally that drew hundreds, to a rare shark bite incident on the Big River beach, to delicious restaurants and food trucks caringly feeding all visitors, it’s been an eventful start to the year.
Here are the most popular and critical stories from January to March 2026 on Mendocino Coast News:
1. Shark Incident Closes Big River Beach (March 18)
Most urgent story of the quarter.
On Wednesday, March 18, at approximately 5:00 PM, teacher James Eastman was bitten by a shark while on Big River Beach. Authorities have not yet determined the size or species of the shark. Following the incident, California State Parks issued an immediate closure of Big River Beach. The victim is recovering, and the beach remains under monitoring.
2. “No Kings” Rally in Fort Bragg – Peaceful & Powerful
Most read political story.
The local “No Kings” movement held a major rally in Fort Bragg, drawing an estimated 900+ participants—peaceful, organized, and inspirational. Organizers noted that while this weekend’s crowd was slightly smaller than the previous event, the movement anticipates up to 100,000 people across the region in upcoming actions. We published a full video and photo adventure from the event. (Read: Resist and Unsubscribe No Kings was BIG)
3. Avian Flu Monitoring Update (March 25)
Top public health story.
Sonoma and Marin county health officials continue to monitor for additional cases of avian flu. As of late March, no new local human cases have been confirmed, but the situation remains under close watch.
4. Sergio & Bertha’s Food Truck Drama Resolved
Most-read human interest story.
One of our most-engaged stories this quarter followed the drama surrounding Sergio and Bertha’s food truck. We caught up with Sergio to get the latest on their permits, parking, and plans—good news for fans of their cooking.
5. Creepy Crime & Traffic Tie-Ups
- Accidental shooting: A 15-year-old boy accidentally shot himself while hunting on Robinson Creek Road (off Highway 253). He is expected to survive.
- Biggest traffic jam of the year: A crash caused one of the largest traffic tie-ups on the coast so far in 2026.
- Creepy crime roundup: Mendo Frank reported on several unsettling local incidents (everyone is innocent until proven guilty).
Bonus: Natural Beauty & Wildlife
On a lighter note, thanks to Dan Maxwell (biological observer for the Blues Beach construction project), Frank and Linda got to see Risso’s dolphins up close—a stunning reminder of why we live here.
What’s Next (Early Q2 Outlook)
- Big River Beach: Reopening date TBD, pending shark monitoring.
- No Kings movement: Organizers say this weekend could mark the largest turnout yet (100,000+ across sites).
- Food truck season: Sergio & Bertha plan to expand hours.
Coastal Weather Snapshot (Late March)
- Days: Mix of sun and marine layer, highs near 58-62°F.
- Nights: Chilly, lows 42-46°F.
- Swell: Moderate NW swell; always check conditions before entering the water.
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— The Mendocino Coast .News Team
Frank Hartzell, Linda Hartzell, Marty McGee
