I headed to Whispering Pines in Grass Valley for some fresh salmon from a favorite merchant, Nevada City Seafood, and noticed that the sandwich-board signs pointing to their business, as well as other signs, were up again.
I also noticed a sandwich board in front of Foothill Florist in downtown Grass Valley advertising “Valentine’s Day” flowers. (In a small town, you dig up news just by driving around, observing things and talking to your friends — a nod to “citizen journalism.” )
I wonder if GVPD had a change of heart after the controversy was publicized in The Union. I assigned the story 1/13 after hearing Nevada City Seafood and other merchants question the aggressive enforcement of the ordinance during a recession. (Again, just tooling around town and listening).
Except for getting wet in the weekend rain, the signs were out — rather unobtrusive, I would say.
Grass Valley has the reputation for being pro business, but Nevada City has been stealing its thunder lately.
I was glad to see Nevada City cutting rents for its tenants, and some private landlords have followed suit. High rents are one of the biggest bugaboos for local merchants.
If I owned a building around here, I’d cut the rent and keep my tenant rather than hold a mortgage on a empty space.
The “for lease” sign in front of the Stonehouse in Nevada City is a glaring reminder of the bleak economy. (We got a postcard in the mail, saying the owner would consider a partnership or sale too).
It will take a village to dig us out of the recession, and cutting some slack to our local merchants is a step in the right direction.
