###

Eureka’s former mayors are setting aside political differences to combat divisiveness and unite the community. And what better way to do that than with twinkle lights and a little holiday cheer?

At a press conference at the Old Town Gazebo this morning, the league of ex-mayors – Nancy Flemming (1990-2002), Peter LaVallee (2002-2006), Virginia Bass (2006-2010), Frank Jager (2010-2018) and Susan Seaman (2018-2022) – announced a fundraising campaign for the Holiday Lighting Project, which aims to “create a warm and inviting atmosphere” in Old Town that will bring folks together during the holiday season. 

The initiative came about “in response to divisiveness in our community,” including political division over Measure F, the controversial “Eureka Housing for All and Downtown Vitality” initiative. The ballot measure has garnered enthusiastic support from Flemming and Jager, as well as staunch opposition from LaVallee and Seaman.

Seaman

“When we reached out about this [project] and called all the mayors to participate, every one of them signed on immediately because they liked the idea of identifying a project that we could work on together to demonstrate solidarity and continued love for our city,” Seaman said at today’s press conference. “Even now, several of us are working on opposite sides of current [ballot] measures. … We recognize that we can advocate for what we believe in, and also continue to find ways to work with anyone who wants to make our community better.”

Bass, who also served as the Fourth District representative on the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors for 12 years, acknowledged how politics have changed over the years, noting that campaigns were “actually friendly back in the day.” 

“When Peter and I were running for [Eureka] City Council … it was such a different time,” she said. “We were just two people with diverse views, offering our views to the community. Fast forward several years to now, whether it was the advent of the internet and social media, I saw more division come out of that. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because by division I mean groups of people banding together [over] similar philosophies, but those groups were able to work together.”

Bass

The shift from division to divisiveness “will destroy our community if we don’t do something to change it,” Bass continued. “And is lighting going to fix that? No, but it shows that five different mayors … are working together because we believe that we need to do something to help turn things around.”

The mayors hope to raise $20,000 by the end of September. If they can meet that goal, city staff will deck out the Old Town Gazebo and nearby trees with strings of white twinkle lights, garlands, wreaths and “giant” light-up ornaments. The string lights will stay up year-round. 

Jager emphasized his support for the project as well, adding that “anything we can do to help our downtown and Old Town area and the business people here to thrive is really important.”

Jager

“I just want to really thank Susan for getting us all together,” he added. “It’s described as ‘like herding cats’ because we’ve all got different things going on, and it’s difficult to get everybody together but you’ve managed to do it, Susan, and I’m really proud of you.”

LaVallee also shared his love for Eureka. “This is just a wonderful city,” he said. “I just love being here. … To me, to have the former mayors supporting this project in our city is just what we need to do.”

Flemming added that the lighting “will be visible all the way up to Highway 101,” inviting locals and visitors to Old Town and downtown businesses. “We’ll have music, I’m sure, and [it will] very much help our small merchants and the small shops here to be successful during the holidays,” she said.

There is a tiered list of sponsorship opportunities – linked here – for people interested in donating, ranging from “Elf Level” to “Santa Level” sponsorships.

Check out the press release below for more information from the City of Eureka:

As a response to the divisiveness in our community and nation, Eureka’s former Mayors are coming together in a show of solidarity and love for the city they served. Nancy Flemming (1990-2002) Peter LaVallee (2002-2006); Virginia Bass (2006-2010); Frank Jager (2010 – 2018) and Susan Seaman (2018-2022), five politicians with clear differences in the visions we have for Humboldt’s County Seat, have set aside those differences to focus on demonstrating that we can work together to continue to support our hometown. This initiative is being approached in partnership with the City of Eureka. Eureka’s Economic Development department, Eureka Main Street, Public Works and Humboldt Bay Fire are underway to prepare for the displays while the mayor’s group is working on fundraising, with a goal of raising $20,000 in 2024.

Our goal is to unite the community, fostering a sense of connection and pride in our shared spaces. By enhancing the charm of Eureka’s Old Town with twinkle lights and dazzling displays, we aim to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that draws people together. This project will inspire gathering, support for local businesses, and showcase the power of community spirit.

Join us in making this vision a reality!

Please make checks payable to Eureka Main Street, nonprofit ID #95-4705180, and mail them to the Main Street office at 108 F Street, Eureka, CA 95501, Attn: Main Street. Reach out with questions to lightupeureka@gmail.com or (707) 441-4178.