The issues relating to the 6th St Cinema have been resolved to some
extent. Further activities related to the restoration of the
building, the old Masonic Temple, will proceed with the full interest
of the community thanks to misguided publicity that was presented in
an attempt to challenge the existence of the project. None the less
it is apparent that a majority of the Board of Supervisors (4), knows
the value of our limited cultural resources, both considering a venue
to show films for the communities enjoyment, and to preserve a
historic building. The selection of the l990 Italian film
"Paridiso", the story of a little theater in Sicily following WWII,
and those who lives were interconnected, was brilliant. (English
subtitles-great program)
It is apparent we have not done a very good job on preservation
downtown. I will admit that by the time we took a genuine interest
in the Trabucco Warehouse it was too late. In fact, I had been
directed by the Historic Site Commission to review the ability to
restore and preserve the building just prior to the collapse. My
recommendation to the Commission, based on studies from Historic
Engineers and construction experts, was that the building had been
neglected for so long that it was no longer economically feasible to
save the structure. That is, I would have, had not the building
fallen down first.
What I have learned about the construction of these brick buildings
is there is no mortar in the joints, only sand and lime. Thus the
constructors built these buildings with thick three foot or more
walls to give structural integrity. In the case of this building
there had been no steel re-enforcement and little foundation. The
one consistent cause of deterioration of this building, and buildings
like it, was a lack of a plaster cover to the building which would
restrict the moisture from leeching the lime-sand mixture.
Originally this building and those like it probably had sod roofs,
primarily intended to prevent fire from destroying the structure.
Evidence of this was the soldered tin plates under the roof which
would keep the sod where it belonged. This l858 building survived
the major fires in town because of the construction features
including the iron doors, brick structure and sod or fire proof roof.
Any fire downtown in those years was devastating. Only those
buildings that were constructed with fire proof materials, iron
shutters, sod roofs and adobe walls acting as fire walls, served to
preserve buildings. Fires at such times as the Gold Coin Fire in
l949 did not spread because of the thick adobe and brick structure...
This building constructed beginning in 1849, had a core of adobe,
with brick added after the l863 fire weakened the adobe but did not
destroy the building.
The application of modern building codes and use of better materials
and skill of installation has helped to preserve most of our historic
structures. The Historic District in Mariposa is on the National
Register of Historic Sites, with some individual buildings on the
list as individual sites. There will be a number of candidates for
individual designation after we complete the Certification of our
Historic Districts County wide. This process is proceeding slowly
but deliberately at this time. The Certification of these Districts
and Structures opens further opportunities for grants assisting in
the preservation of these structures. The new General Plan calls for
such action and the Mariposa Historic Sites Commission will proceed
with the process. The point of all this labor is to preserve our
heritage, and secondarily, give us a base upon which to create a form
of Heritage Tourism.
I have spent the last 14 months working to improve the economic
climate in Mariposa County. The first goal, and the one achievable
in the shortest time, was to increase Bed Tax revenue. Return to the
County in the form of revenue increases has been significant. Enough
so as to warrant an attempt to significantly increase investment in
that industry by both the county and the industry. The lodging
industry in Mariposa County has a gross revenue value to Mariposa
County residents and investors of approximately $400 million, based
on economic studies by the Park Service. In l984 it was estimated
that the gross county product was $300 from all sources, not just
tourism. That survey showed that at least half of that revenue was
spent outside Mariposa County. For one industry to grow so
significantly in twenty two years is of great interest and it
demonstrates that this county need not always be either a poor county
or one with no resources. In spite of this $400 million in gross
revenue, there is a great deal of room for growth of the
recreation/tourism/lodging industries already significant value.
What are the pluses if we are able to make this happen? Mariposa
County government will be able, through enlightened management of
their resources, to not only meet previously agreed upon obligations
in wage, retirement and health care benefits, but to increases
services to the counties citizens.
One very large issue looming on the horizon is Fire Service. A very
competent Fire Chief has given the Board a program, which in the
beginning will require significant investment. Probably more than
the county is willing to commit to at this point. Personal costs are
rising along with retirement and health care benefits both currently
and in the future. Other services that the public feels entitled to
add up to a very large but attainable goal. The growing of our main
industry can provide a large share of the future needs. It only
takes the will and understanding of the issues involved to make it
all happen.
How can this happen? Within a few months, the private Tourism
Bureau will introduce a Business Improvement District which is a form
of special revenue enhancement district which assess a small fee on
the lodging industry. This fee, formed under statutes of California
Law and already in effect in many jurisdictions, will be collected by
the lodging industry expressly for the purpose of an expanded
marketing of that industry. Only the lodging industry will be
assessed this fee which will accrue to the District to support the
efforts of the Tourism Bureau and Industry and allow significant
expansion of the marketing program. How will this help the economic
situation in Mariposa County?
At the present time the yearly occupancy rate or percentage of
occupancy of our more than 3000 hotel, motel, Bed and Breakfast and
Vacation rentals, is about 50%. An increase of just 10% in off
season occupancy will result in a significant gain for the county in
revenues from TOT, Sales Tax, wages and other sources.
Interestingly, areas in California which have similar industries are
already at 60% occupancy, with many above that average. The
opportunities are many. Mariposa County should continue to
participate in the marketing effort as the major benefactor. It has
been the goal for decades to enhance the shoulder seasons of tourism
in Mariposa County, with limited effect. We are engaged in that
effort currently with a sweepstakes promotion which is gaining more
interest than we ran last spring. And that promotion did increase
visitation and business in Mariposa County significantly. Bed Tax
returns last fiscal year amounted to over $9.2 million as opposed to
$8.7 million the previous fiscal year. Most of that increase came in
the fourth quarter of the fiscal year in concert with the marketing
effort.
What else is going to be required to support the goal of a healthy
economy in Mariposa County? It is not enough to just put guests in
Motel rooms based on current attractions. But opportunity knocks.
Sometime this coming spring the Don Pedro Golf Club will open with a
large number of new Transient Occupancy rentals, a very significant
development in North County which continues to need strong economic
development. An economic development strategy will be released which
will call for support of the Tourism and Historical segment of our
market economy. In concert with that plan will be a call for various
long term goals. One significant one will be the eventual
development of a Performing Arts Center in or near Mariposa that will
accommodate at least 600 guests, and perhaps more. Add to that a
general cleaning of the towns of Mariposa and Coulterville to make
them the most inviting destinations outside of Yosemite which will
stimulate the off season travel to our county. Preservation of our
historic resources will be imperative as well as full support for
arts, education and health care.
I have a great deal of trouble understanding the attitude that
results in attempts to destroy our community. When we have problems
then the answer is to get together and find solutions. There is no
gain for our community by constant negativism. I am now really
close to end of my service. But I do hear folks talking about things
like a spruced up town, or good jobs for our young people, or
adequate housing for the workers in our main industry, or a
performance center and many other desirable, positive outcomes. And
yet, those who want to have the most influence operate only in their
self interest. If we are not going to be serious about a strong
economy, good jobs, great education and fire protection then we
should stop the pandering. This sets the agenda for next spring's
elections.
Leroy Radanovich
Leroy Radanovich Email:
Leroy Radanovich
To Read More By Leroy Radanovich:
Leroy Radanovich's Mariposa Life Archives
To learn much more about Mariposa County along with
historical photos:
A signed copy of "Images of America" - Mariposa County,
By Leroy Radanovich can be purchased at his web site:
Radanovich Galleria & Books
This is a early day photo of the Mariposa Mine in
Mariposa County
that is mentioned in the article to
the left by Mr. Radanovich.
This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a
warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books
Mariposa in 1920
This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a
warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books
Mariposa County Courthouse written by Leroy Radanovich and
Scott Pinkerton is a book about the oldest courthouse in California that is still in use today.
The book is signed by Leroy Radanovich.
To purchase the book:
Radanovich Galleria & Books
Mariposa in 1860
This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a
warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books