Deadline Extended for Mendocino County 'Hometown Heroes' Nominations

The Daily Journal seeks reader submissions to honor local community champions

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Ukiah Daily Journal, in partnership with other northern California newspapers, has extended the deadline to March 14 for readers to nominate local 'Hometown Heroes' - individuals who perform extraordinary acts of service or kindness in the Mendocino County community. The overall winner will receive a cash prize and be recognized across the newspaper group's publications.

Why it matters

The 'Hometown Heroes' program aims to shine a light on the unsung community members whose everyday acts of heroism and volunteerism make Mendocino County a better place to live. By extending the nomination deadline, the Daily Journal hopes to receive more submissions that capture the spirit of local altruism and civic pride.

The details

Readers can submit nominations for 'Hometown Heroes' by emailing stravis@ukiahdj.com with the nominee's name and a description of why they are deserving of the honor. A panel will review the entries and select five finalists, with the overall winner to be announced on April 26, 2026. The winning 'Hometown Hero' will receive a cash prize, and their story will be shared across the California Newspaper Partnership's publications from Monterey to Eureka.

  • The original deadline for nominations was Saturday, March 14, 2026 at noon.
  • The new deadline for nominations is Saturday, March 14, 2026 at noon.
  • The five finalists will be announced at the end of March 2026.
  • The overall 'Hometown Hero' winner will be announced on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

The players

Ukiah Daily Journal

A northern California newspaper that is leading a regional 'Hometown Heroes' recognition program in partnership with other California Newspaper Partnership publications.

California Newspaper Partnership

A group of over a dozen northern California newspapers, including the Ukiah Daily Journal, that are jointly running the 'Hometown Heroes' program to honor local community champions.

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What’s next

The five finalists for the 'Hometown Heroes' award will be announced at the end of March 2026, with the overall winner revealed on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The extended deadline for the 'Hometown Heroes' program demonstrates the Ukiah Daily Journal's and California Newspaper Partnership's commitment to celebrating the unsung community members whose selfless acts of service make Mendocino County a better place. This initiative underscores the power of grassroots recognition to inspire more acts of local volunteerism and civic pride.