John Pinches, a legendary Mendocino County rancher, budget hawk, and three-term county supervisor remembered for his folksy wisdom and fierce advocacy for rural residents, has died. He was 73.
The news of Pinches’ passing was first shared by his longtime friend Jim Shields, editor and publisher of the Mendocino County Observer, who called him “a good, good, good man who always cared about and represented the best interests of working people and salt-of-the-earth ordinary folks who had no one fighting for them.”
A fourth-generation rancher from northeastern Mendocino County, Pinches served on the Board of Supervisors for a total of 12 years, first from 1995 to 1998, and again from 2007 to 2014. Clad in his signature cowboy shirt and jeans, he became a trusted figure in county politics and chaired the board three times.
Former Sheriff Tom Allman remembered him as “a leader who will be quoted in the boardroom for the next 50 years.” He praised Pinches’ down-to-earth pragmatism, especially during difficult budget years. “He had the ability to be the ‘closer’ at budget time to make sure things worked,” Allman said. “Good roads were very important to Johnny.”
Pinches was known for a grassroots campaign style that reflected his rural roots. “He painted ‘Pinches for Supervisor’ on old tires and they were hung up on fences throughout the north part of the county,” said Allman. “It was a brilliant marketing idea and certainly assisted him in winning his first and continuing elections.”
“He made government work better,” Allman added. “I will miss him personally, because of his laughter and his warm greeting.”
Pinches was especially revered for his mastery of the county budget. “Johnny carried a tabbed budget book, marked with points of interest,” said current Fifth District Supervisor Ted Williams. “He understood the critical importance of tracking public funds and recognized that road infrastructure is one of the few investments that benefits everyone.”
Third District Supervisor John Haschak, who now represents Pinches’ former district, called him “personable, smart, and caring.” Haschak said, “Supervisor Pinches had a deep love for our county. He always had ideas about water security and the county’s budget. I very much appreciated him on a personal level.”
When Pinches stepped away from public office in 2014 to focus on family and ranch life, the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution in his honor. It recognized his contributions across transportation, mental health, and law enforcement committees, and praised the “Pinchesisms” that brought levity to tense meetings:
- “Whiskey’s for drinkin’ and water’s for fightin’.”
- “Why can’t we keep not doin’ what we haven’t been doin’?”
- “We’re not gonna catch up with the Joneses. We’re gonna meet them on the way back.”
- “The Russians ain’t doing it to us, we’re doin’ it to ourselves!”
The resolution also celebrated his signature optimism, he always carried a comb in his pocket, and his belief that public service was about building the county up, not tearing it down.
Now, as the county reflects on the life and legacy of Johnny Pinches, many agree with what Jim Shields wrote: “We won’t see another Johnny Pinches in our lifetimes.”
My deepest condolences to John’s Family and friends. I will miss this man who cared allot for the people of Mendocino County and how we were represented in each of the districts. I worked in the same Department many years ago with John’s Dad Sully when he was one of the County Trappers. John Pinches and his Dad Sully were what Mendocino County once was, Cattle and Sheep Ranchers and Farmers, logging and loggers. John and his Dad raised some very fine working stock dogs. The Pinches family cared a great deal for the district John represented and so did John. Unfortunately Mendocino County did loose a man who use to show up at the board meetings with his rifle in his gun rack in his pick up, something we don’t enjoy anymore. I always liked that about him, he was real. He didn’t care what anyone said about his down to earth ways or his lifestyle or what he had to say. He was one of us who worked the land in honest way conserved the water and was a good steward of the land. John Pinches tried to saved our water and ranching. He had a great sense humor and would return your calls made to him concerning his district anytime of the day or night. He simply took time to talk to the County Employees if someone needed help, he listen and took time to understand the background of the problem. His down to earth common sense regarding what Mendocino County needed to preserve and protect was always on his mind. I will miss you my friend, until we meet again. Keeping your family in my prayers, Rest in Peace John and thank you for everything
Thank You ?
Worked for Animal Control back in the day when Sully was a County Trapper, I had different last name back then. I was one of the Officers. I was very sadden to hear of his passing, we are the same age. Worked in four different Departments and finally Social Services before I retired out. Johnny did allot for this County and the employees, I am very sorry for your loss.
Johnnie loved our County and pursued what he felt was best without worrying about political implications. He will be missed by all no matter our station in life. Truly a man of the people.
May you rest in peace Johnny. You always had a story to tell along with a great joke and a laugh, Brandings and BBq’s on The mountain were amazing. Helping to bring in cattle was the hardest and most fun work on horseback I have ever had. I am a better person to have just known you. God Bless you and may the Lord be with your family and especially Debbie in this time of your passing.
Love u
John or Johnny as I knew him was always a kind man! I knew him from my time in laytonville. I’m sorry to hear of his passing! Prayers and hugs to his loved ones.
A great guy who dared to bring common sense to government politics.
He sure had a way of cutting through the BS. We probably won’t see another Johnny Pinches in our lifetimes, though we could use five more of him right now.
“Johnny carried a tabbed budget book, marked with points of interest,” said current Fifth District Supervisor Ted Williams. “He understood the critical importance of tracking public funds…”
Wouldn’t it be great if our current supervisors paid attention to where public funds are being allocated? Instead we have a bunch of bumbling, crooked, lying idiots who can’t even track their own email activity. At least Cubbison tried to keep Eyster in check but look what that got her… How many readers here would sign a petition to recall Eyster the Sheister? He is a cancer to this county and I think it’s about time we start fighting the disease.
That’s a fact, John knew the budget backwards and forwards. He did carry the budget in his truck. I didn’t know John as well as others. I met him officially as I was walking neighborhoods for my wife when she was running for Treasurer/Tax Collector. He introduced himself and spoke very highly of my wife, which I appreciated. We talked for about 20 minutes, at one point he showed me the budget which he retrieved from his truck. a pleasant conversation that covered a lot of ground. What I took away from his words, common sense and he truly cared about his district. Refreshing considering the climate today. I would see John from time to time at county events, and he always acknowledged me with a smile and hello. We need more John PInches in this world.
I will never forget Johnny asking me when I was about 10 years old… “Erik, do you know how to make a small fortune in cattle”?
“No”, I responded curiously.
“Start with a BIG one”!
Prayers to the family and those he held closest.
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My condolences to the family. Thank you for the quotes from him. And yes, common sense is a rare commodity these days. He had it.