Century-Old Alley Dispute Heads to April Hearing in Willits
Mark Walker sculptures to be moved to a new location
The Willits City Council edged toward a final resolution of a century-old dispute over a back alley, debated the relocation of folk art, and listened to emotional appeals to council members to take a stand against federal immigration enforcement at the council meeting on February 11.
The alley in question runs east and west, just south of Oak Street, between 21 single-family homes. It was created in 1902 to enable horse-drawn garbage service, and is currently maintained by the city.
William Harris, the property owner who has asked the city to abandon its right of way, cited concerns about illegal camping and fire. If the city goes along with the request, Harris and other properties will be able to extend existing property lines to the center line of the alley.
Ken Sisemore, owner of Earth’s Treasures, which abuts the alley, said he agrees with Harris.
“The alley serves no use to the city,” Sisemore said. He said the liability the alley creates for the city is “not defensible.”
Opponents, however, argued the alley provides essential backyard access for property maintenance and firewood delivery. Resident Amy Grooms urged the council to listen to the “overwhelming majority” of neighbors who want the alley to stay open, noting that many homes were designed with alley access in mind. “The alley is not a problem in any way shape or form unless you want to increase your lot size,” she said.
The council directed staff to schedule a formal public hearing for April 8, 2026, where a final decision will be made based on whether the easement still serves a “prospective public use”. Councilmember Bruce Burton abstained from the discussion due to owning property within 500 feet of the site.
Mark Walker Sculptures
The council supported exploring a “collaboration” with the Mendocino County Museum to relocate seven sculptures created by folk artist Mark Walker. The sculptures were donated to the county in 1988. They are currently located just off Highway 101 on the grade south of Willits.
According to museum staff, the sculptures cannot be fully appreciated by the community nor easily maintained at their current location, which offers limited visibility and is difficult to access.
The plan involves moving several large pieces, including an ox cart and mule, to a public park along Highway 20, while smaller pieces would go to the museum.
Council members expressed concerns about liability and public safety. Councilmember Gerry Gonzalez and others questioned if a fence would be necessary to prevent children from climbing the art or to stop motorists from pulling over dangerously on the highway shoulder to view the pieces.
Funding for the relocation is expected to come from the museum and private donations rather than the city’s general fund.
Defending friends and neighbors from deportation
During public comment, residents Melinda Clark and Steve Adams called on city leaders to take a public stand regarding the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the community. Adams, representing a Gold Star family, spoke eloquently about patriotism and the “seriousness of assaults on our rights”.
“As you know, many people in Willits — across the whole Willits area, white and brown — are deeply anxious about the possibility of ICE arriving,” Clark said. “As our elected leaders, you have undoubtedly discussed this at length and understand that their presence in our beloved town would have serious consequences for all of us. We could lose friends, neighbors, employees, employers, and students. We need the five of you to tell us clearly where you stand. Will you stand up for the people of this community — documented or not — or will you stand with federal immigration enforcement?”
City Manager Richardson provided a “surprisingly” positive mid-year budget update, noting the city’s financial outlook was better than originally feared. Additionally, officials announced that a Clean California grant will fully fund improvements at the city park, including a new pavilion, bathroom remodels, and playground improvements, with completion expected by late 2026.
The council is expected to begin the recruitment process for a permanent city manager next week.