Eureka Mayors Unite for Christmas light initiative

Five of Eureka’s former mayors came together in Old Town Eureka on Wednesday, September 4th, in anticipation of a new holiday lighting project. 

“We want to show that we’re more than just one idea. 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. Lighting was identified as something important to the city, so we asked them to create a menu of projects,” says Susan Seman, former mayor. 

“Together we built a vision to start this year with putting together a display here at the gazebo and over the intersection here at S and second Street,” says Sarah West of Eureka’s economic development department. 

The Mayors agreed that they needed to do something during this heated election year. 

“You know, we live in really tough political times. I’m getting tired of it. You know, everybody’s yelling at each other as there’s nothing simple and I think this is a good time to kind of counter that. I’m a fan of city centers where people hang out, and I think this is going to help that,” says Peter Lavallee, former Eureka mayor. 

The former mayors are raising money for the holiday light displays around town. 

“I’m going to start the ball rolling by buying and sponsoring one of the lighted balls that will be up in the trees there. I’m very excited about that. Years ago, when I was mayor here, we did install on all of the blue light poles electrical plugs, so we can do the lighting and, to finally get it rolling is really important,” says Nancy Flemming, former Eureka Mayor. 

The Mayors set a goal of 20 thousand dollars for the project and fundraising begins now. 

Story by Abraham Navarro