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Ripon may move to end ‘on-street’ dining by Oct. 31
sidewalk deck
Ripon businesses taking the on-street / sidewalk dining survey, based on the early returns, favored the semi-permanent decks on the street parking stalls for downtown restaurants.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Ripon, in compliance with both the State and San Joaquin County Health Orders, allowed local businesses to continue operating under the “Emergency Services” ordinance.

Restaurants were allowed to set up outdoor operations, using tents, awnings and temporary structures in parking spaces including some on-street parking spaces.

The City waived the on-street downtown dining permit fee, allowing on-street outdoor dining facilities to remain year round.

In addition, the City allowed for certain downtown businesses with indoor operations being restricted by the State to install A-frame reserved parking spaces for customer / client drop-off and pick-up (car side) services.

All that could end on Oct. 31.

At today’s 6 p.m. open session, the Ripon City Council could direct staff to notify those businesses on the upcoming expiration of the temporary waiver.

“As a result of Gov. Newsom’s executive order that rescinded all restrictions on businesses and activities, including all aspects of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, this resolution finds that as of Oct. 31, 2021, the emergency functions of (the) Ripon Municipal Code ‘Emergency Services’ no longer are required to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart.

The monthly meeting will take place in the Council Chambers, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

In other agenda items:

  • Elected leaders are scheduled to recognize Stephanie Hobbs, who is president of the Ripon Community Athletic Foundation, with a proclamation for serving the City of Ripon as a member of the San Joaquin Council of Governments’ Citizens Advisory Committee since 2013.
  • They’re on tap to appoint Ripon Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kelly Donohue to SJCOG’s Citizens Advisory Committee.
  • Councilman Mike Restuccia has requested that his colleagues discuss sending a letter to Congressman Josh Harder to inquire about his plan of action regarding COVID-19 pandemic people entering the country.

More information on the meeting by logging on to www.cityofripon.org.