North Coast’s most memorable residents

Maybe it’s the sense of freedom one gets when communing with nature or the anonymity one can achieve by hiding out in a rural setting, but the North Coast has attracted its share of free spirits and colorful characters over the years.

We’ve picked through our archives and come up with a list of some of the region’s most memorable residents, everyone from the loud and boisterous to the criminal.

Did you know the area has had three “unofficial” mayors? Santa Rosa’s Pepper Dardon and Occidental’s Ranger Rick were given the title by their towns, but comedian and winemaker Pat Paulson just bestowed the title on himself!

Click through our list of some of the fascinating residents who make the North Coast a little more colorful!