Illegal Encampment in Ukiah Cleared Due to Environmental Hazard, Man Arrested
UKIAH, CA — “On 03/26/2026, Deputies from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office began receiving reports of a significant illegal encampment and accumulation of waste in the 2000 block of North State Street in Ukiah, CA. The initial caller was a nearby resident who reported the encampment and waste was visible from her property which prompted the initial response.
This initial response was followed up with additional complaints regarding the encampment and waste. Over the following days, Deputies contacted the occupants of the encampment, which included Michael Menke (33-year-old male from Ukiah, CA). Menke acknowledged he was at the location without permission and he received repeated warnings and clear instructions to remove his belongings and properly dispose of the trash. Menke did not comply with the warnings and instructions to remove and dispose of the trash.
Deputies estimated the accumulation included over 10-cubic-yards of personal items and trash, creating a foul odor and presenting a health and safety hazard. Items observed included soiled bedding, clothing, food, plastic garbage bags, aerosol cans, lighter fluid labeled as extremely flammable, and a methamphetamine smoking device.
On 04/02/2026, Deputies provided final notice that the area must be cleared by 04/04/2026, or enforcement action would commence. On 04/04/2026, Deputies returned to the location and found the items remained but had been moved to an area that obstructed the public walkway along North State Street. Menke was arrested on an unrelated warrant, pending additional investigation. During an interview, Menke acknowledged ownership of the items and admitted that he failed to remove the items despite ample prior notice.
Deputies determined that the actions of Menke constituted a violation of California Penal Code 374.8(b) for unlawful accumulation and disposal of waste and maintaining a public nuisance under Penal Code 372. This determination was made due to the obstruction, unsanitary conditions, and hazards to public health and safety.
Menke was booked into the Mendocino County Jail for 374.8(b) PC and 372 PC in addition to the arrest warrant issued in Mendocino County for 11395(b)(1) PC – Possessing a controlled substance with two or more prior convictions. Menke is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail.
Mendocino Solid Waste Management Authority was contacted to assist with the removal of the waste which was the focus of this investigation.
Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
