THE CITY OF UKIAH HELD a public workshop Thursday evening to discuss a potential improvement project for downtown that has been opposed by several residents because it could lead to the removal of some Chinese pistache trees, which turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
In December 2024, the city of Ukiah received a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant in the amount of $228,400 to fund the School Street Multimodal Transportation Corridor Study. The study will analyze pathways along the School Street corridor from Clay Street to Henry Street.
According to the city’s website, this “planning effort will result in a final study that will be used to pursue funding to implement identified improvements along the School Street corridor.”
The possibility of removing Chinese pistache trees was recently contested by Ukiah residents through a Change.org petition started by local Dennis O’Brien. It requests that the city does not interfere with the beloved trees that many believe are the heart and soul of downtown Ukiah.
The workshop was held at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center on School Street. Inside one of the conference rooms, approximately 30 to 40 community members gathered to discuss how to maintain the charm of School Street while also improving its infrastructure.
Todd Tregenza, an outside consultant for GHD, an engineering and architecture firm hired by the city to help lead the workshop, talked about some of the aspects of School Street that could be improved to create a pleasant downtown experience.
Throughout the workshop, Tregenza and other presenters gave surveys asking attendees what they would like to see downtown, such as better parking, more bike racks, or increased shade and seating. They also handed out large sheets of poster paper and building blocks, asking attendees to outline their vision for the future of School Street.
One of the main topics discussed during the workshop was how the Chinese pistache trees have been invading the older infrastructure underneath the sidewalks, which has caused pipe damage and sewer blockages over the years. Presenters also spoke about the possibility of putting new infrastructure underneath the street pavement instead of beneath the sidewalk.
Paul Barth, a Ukiah resident, said he believes all the Chinese pistache trees should be pulled out and the infrastructure replaced to ensure a long and healthy future for School Street.
“I think all of the trees should be ripped up, and all of the utilities replaced,” Barth emphasized. “For the future, in five years, it will look great. People just have to wait.”
Nate Oakley, an arborist from GHD also hired by the city, said in an interview that Chinese pistache trees, which are required on School Street according to Ukiah city code, can damage infrastructure when there is not enough space for them to grow.
“When they are given proper space, correct planter, you don’t typically see damaged curbs. They are typically rated as low root hazard,” he explained.
Shannon Riley, deputy city manager for the city of Ukiah, said she was grateful to see so many community members engaged in the process and giving feedback on downtown Ukiah. She is hopeful that with feedback from the community, the city will be able to create a plan that is beneficial for this section of the city.
Riley also said that there will be no more meetings regarding the study. After soliciting feedback from the community several times in the last year, city staff will now bring a proposal to a Ukiah City Council meeting.
“City staff is always available. People can call or email us,” Riley explained. “We are nearing the end of this process. This is the final, formal community forum.”
The city of Ukiah will present its School Street research at an upcoming City Council meeting to further discuss a potential downtown improvement project. The date of that discussion has not been determined, but Riley estimates it will be in the spring.