Letter from our readers

Thank you

When I was a little girl my mom used to say “cooperation makes it happen”. Over the summer, that quote became a reality in Downtown Ukiah.

In July, an updated SIP order took our businesses backwards by restricting restaurants to only serving guests outdoors. Local restauranteurs shared with me that they faced difficult challenges under “normal” circumstances. However, with the onset of COVID 19, these community members have struggled under the overwhelming and rapidly changing regulations along with public health concerns.

I wanted to help.

I studied what other cities were doing with Al Fresco dining and thought about how I could implement something similar for our downtown. Using the City of Ukiah emergency permit process, I was able to secure a permit and utilized the block of School Street behind the courthouse. I wanted to set an example of thinking outside the box and taking a chance on something new.

I named this pilot project the “Streeterie” — a designated eating space, on the street. Beginning in July and continuing through September (except during weekends with poor air quality), it was a fun place that gave people a place to socially distance safely while enjoying a meal.

Guests of the Streeterie enjoyed their take- out meals from our local restaurants under the twinkling lights that hang in the downtown trees. It was great!

I volunteered to create this space each weekend. I helped make sure that the tables were set up, I greeted guests with masks for safety, and sanitized and cleaned the tables between guests. I looked forward to the experience and the stories that were shared. Our guests ranged from out of town fire evacuees, locals who wanted to get out of the house, and a 91-year- old gentleman that hadn’t been out since the beginning of the SIP in March.

Often people ask me if it was crowded. There were never many people that were there at one time. For me, it wasn’t about how many guests were there. My reward was knowing that I was doing something to help our businesses and also offering an experience that someone could enjoy.

Success can be measured in a variety of ways. For me, the Streeterie project was a success because of the collaboration with others. I couldn’t have done this project alone. It takes a team to bring a vision to life! Thank you to my partners ( listed below) and all of their cooperative efforts. We did it!

Thank you to all of the guests that visited the Streeterie and helped bring something new to Ukiah.

Also, I extend my sincere thank you to Patrona, Cultivo, Ukiah Brewing Company, Oco Time, Eddie’s Cocina, and Villa Del Mar for participating.

Special Acknowledgement of Thanks:

Shannon Riley, Deputy City Manager, City of Ukiah

Travis Scott, Executive Director, Visit Mendocino

Katrina Kessen, Executive Director, The Greater Ukiah Business and Tourism Alliance (GUBTA)

My daughter, Andie for her infinite patience with Mom’s volunteer efforts and for her hard work

Most of all, thank you to everyone that worked together to safely support our local businesses with the Streeterie. The experiment worked.

— Mo Mulheren, President Ukiah Valley

Networking Agency

Editor’s note: Ms. Mulheren, sent this letter to us during the election season and we held it until the election was over rather than print it as a political letter.